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You may copy it, + give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project + Gutenberg License <a href="#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this + eBook</a> or online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class="tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a></p></div><pre class="pre tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em">Title: The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland + + + +Release Date: May 24, 2009 [Ebook #28957] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND*** +</pre></div> + </div> + <div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + + </div> + + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Acts</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Of The</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"><span style="font-size: 173%">General Assemblies</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Of The</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.73em"><span style="font-size: 173%">Church of Scotland</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.44em"><span style="font-size: 144%">From The Year 1638 to the Year 1649.</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Inclusive.</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Printed in the Year 1682.</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">To which are now added</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">The Index of the Unprinted Acts of these Assemblies;</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.20em"><span style="font-size: 120%">and the Acts of the General Assembly 1690.</span></p> + <p class="tei tei-p" style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">Printed in the year 1691.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">Contents</span></h1> + <ul class="tei tei-index tei-index-toc"><li><a href="#toc1">To The Reader.</a></li><li><a href="#toc3">The General Assembly, At Glasgow.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc5">Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc7">Act. Sess 7. November 28.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc9"><span style="font-style: italic">Act. approving the Registers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc10">Act. Sess. 12. December fourth.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc12"><span style="font-style: italic">The six late pretended Assemblies condemned.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc13"><span style="font-style: italic">Reasons annulling the pretended +Assembly, holden at</span> Linlithgow, 1606.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc14"><span style="font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly at</span> Linlithgow, 1608.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc15"><span style="font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly at</span> Glasgow, 1610.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc16"><span style="font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly at</span> Aberdene, 1616.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc17"><span style="font-style: italic">The nullitie of the pretended Assembly +at</span> Saint Andrews, 1617.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc18"><span style="font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly, holden at</span> Perth, 1618.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc19">Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc21"><span style="font-style: italic">Against the unlawfull oaths of intrants.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc22">Act. Sess. 14. December 6. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc24"><span style="font-style: italic">Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, +Book of Ordination, and the high +Commission.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc25"><span style="font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition and excommunication +against Mr.</span> John Spottiswood, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Archbishop +of St.</span> Andrews; <span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> Patrik Lindsay, +<span style="font-style: italic">pretended Archbishop of</span> Glasgow: +<span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> David Lindsay, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended +Bishop of</span> Edinburgh: <span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> Thomas Sidserfe, +<span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Galloway: <span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> +John Maxwell, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Rosse: +<span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> Walter Whyt-foord, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop +of</span> Brechen.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc26"><span style="font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition and excommunication, +against</span> Mr. Adam Ballantyne, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> +Aberdeen, <span style="font-style: italic">and Mr. James Wedderburn +pretended Bishop of</span> Dumblane.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc27"><span style="font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition against Master</span> John +Guthry, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Murray: +<span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> John Grahame, +<span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Orknay, <span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> James +Fairlie, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Lismoir: +<span style="font-style: italic">Mr.</span> +Neil Cambell, <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop +of</span> Isles.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc28"><span style="font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition against Maister</span> Alexander +Lindsay <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Dunkell.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc29"><span style="font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition against Master</span> John +Abernethie <span style="font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span> Cathnes.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc30">Act of the Assembly at <span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span>, Sess. 16. +December 8. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc32"><span style="font-style: italic">Declaring Episcopacie to have been abjured by the Confession +of Faith</span>, 1580. <span style="font-style: italic">And to be +removed out of this Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc33">Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc35"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly at</span> Glasgow, +<span style="font-style: italic">declaring the five Articles of</span> +Perth <span style="font-style: italic">to have been abjured and +to bee removed.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc36">Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc38">Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc40">Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc42">Act. Sess. 25. December 19. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc44"><span style="font-style: italic">Against the civil places and power of Kirk-men.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc45">Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc47">Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc49">Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc51">Act Sess. 26. December 20.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc53">Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc55"><span style="font-style: italic">Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately +subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner, and +urged to be subscribed by others.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc56">Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc58"><span style="font-style: italic">Concerning yearly generall Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc59"><span style="font-style: italic">Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the +Kings Majestie.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc60">The General Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc62">Sess. 8. August 17. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc64"><span style="font-style: italic">Master</span> George Grahame <span style="font-style: italic">his renouncing and +abjuring of Episcopacie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc65">Sess. 8. August 17. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc67"><span style="font-style: italic">Act containing the Causes and Remedie of the +by-gone Evils of this Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc68">Sess. 18. Aug. 26. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc70"><span style="font-style: italic">Act approving an old Register of the +Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc71">Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc73"><span style="font-style: italic">Act approving the deposition of the Ministers +by the Committees.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc74">Act Sess. 20. Aug. 28. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc76"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc77">Act Sess. 21. August 29. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc79"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc80">Act Sess. 22. Aug. 29. 1639. <span style="font-style: italic">a Meridie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc82"><span style="font-style: italic">Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc83">Sess. 23. August 30. 1639.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc85"><span style="font-style: italic">The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings +Majesties Commissioner, concerning the Book, +called</span>, The large Declaration.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc86"><span style="font-style: italic">The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties +High Commissioner, and the Lords +of secret Councell.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc87"><span style="font-style: italic">The Act of the Lords of Councel at</span> Edinburgh, +August 30. 1639. <span style="font-style: italic">containing the</span> Answer <span style="font-style: italic">of the +preceding</span> Supplication.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc88"><span style="font-style: italic">The Kings Majesties Commissioners +Declarations.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc89"><span style="font-style: italic">Like as his Majesties Commissioner, read and +gave in the Declaration following, of his consent +to the Act of the Assembly</span> 17. August, <span style="font-style: italic">anent +the causes of our by gone evils.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc90"><span style="font-style: italic">Like as His Majesties Commissioner, read +and gave in the Declaration following:</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc91"><span style="font-style: italic">Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession +of Faith and Covenant, with the +Assemblies Declaration.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc92"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent Appellations.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc93"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries +before determination in Novations.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc94"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent Ministers Catechising, and +Family Exercises.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc95">Sess. 24. Aug. 30. <span style="font-style: italic">a meride.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc97"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Supplication to the</span> +KINGS MAJESTIE.</a></li><li><a href="#toc98">The Generall Assembly, Conveened at Aberdene, July 28. 1640.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc100">Sess. 2. July 29. 1640.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc102"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures given in by the Committee appointed +by the last Assembly, anent the ordering of the Assembly-house: +Which being read in audience of the Assembly +they approved the same.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc103"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the demolishing of Idolatrous +Monuments.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc105"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Witches and Charmers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc106">Sess. 5. Aug. 1. 1640.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc108"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for censuring speakers against the +Covenant.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc109">Sess. 10. Aug. 5. 1640.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc111"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe +the Covenant.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc112">The Generall Assembly, Holden at St. Andrews, and Edinburgh. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc114">Sess. 1. July 20. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc116">Sess. 3. July 28. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc118">Sess. 5. July 30. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc120"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent old Ministers bruiking their Benefices.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc121">Sess. 8. Aug. 2. 1641. a meridie.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc123"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against sudden receiving Ministers deposed.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc124">Sess. 9. Aug. 3. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc126">Sess. 10. August 4. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc128"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Impiety and Schisme.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc129">Sess. 14. August 6. 1641. a Meridie.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc131">Act <span style="font-style: italic">anent Novations</span>.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc132">Act. Sess. 15. August 7. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc134"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures anent Bursars, and Expectants.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc135">Act Sess. 17. August 9. 1641.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc137"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against unlawfull Bands.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc138">Sess. 18. August 9. 1641. a meridie.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc140"><span style="font-style: italic">A Letter from some Ministers in</span> England +<span style="font-style: italic">to the Assemblie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc141"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the English +Ministers Letter.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc142"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the Kings +Majesties Letter.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc143"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the Kirk of</span> Campheir.</a></li><li><a href="#toc144">The Generall Assembly, Conveened at S. Andrews, July 27. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc146">Act Sess. 1. July 27. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc148"><span style="font-style: italic">The Kings Letter to the Generall Assembly, presented +by His Majesties Commissioner, the Earle of</span> +Dumfermling, <span style="font-style: italic">July 27. 1642.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc149">Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc151"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for bringing in of the Synode Books yeerly +to the General Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc152">Act Sess 5. August 1. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc154"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc155">Sess 6. August 2. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc157"><span style="font-style: italic">The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at</span> +Edinburgh, <span style="font-style: italic">anent tryal of Ministers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc158">Act Sess. 7. August 3. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc160"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the order for making Lists to His Majestie, +and other Patrons for Presentations; The +order of tryal of Expectants, and for +trying the quality of Kirks.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc161"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the +High-lands.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc162"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, +and profaners of the Sabbath.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc163"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the joyning of the Presbyterie of</span> +Sky <span style="font-style: italic">to the Synode of</span> Argyle.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc164">Sess. 8. August 3. post Meridiem.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc166">The Supplication of this Assembly to the +KINGS MAJESTIE.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc167"><span style="font-style: italic">The Declaration of the Parliament of</span> England, +<span style="font-style: italic">sent to the Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc168"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of +the Parliament of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc169">Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc171">Act Sess. 11. <span style="font-style: italic">Edinb.</span> August 5. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc173">Sess. 11. August 5. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc175"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent contrary Oaths.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc176"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, +keeping of Synods and Presbyteries, and restraint +of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and other +grosse sins.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc177">Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc179"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in +name of Ministers, without their knowledge +and consents.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc180">Sess 11. Aug. 5. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc182"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of +Counsell, and Conservators of Peace.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc183">Sess. 11. Aug 5. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc185"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Majestie for +the Signator of 500 l. Sterling and recommendation +thereof to the Kings Commissioner.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc186">Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc188"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this +Kingdom at</span> London.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc189"><span style="font-style: italic">A Letter from some Ministers of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc190"><span style="font-style: italic">Answer to the Ministers Letter.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc191"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for the Lord</span> Maitlands <span style="font-style: italic">presenting the +Assemblies Supplication to His Majestie, and for +going to the Commissioners at</span> London, <span style="font-style: italic">with +the Answer to the Parliament of</span> +Englands <span style="font-style: italic">Declaration</span>.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc192">Sess. 11. August 5. post meridiem.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc194"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting +the desires of this Assembly to His +Majestie, and the Parliament +of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc195">Sess. 13. Aug. 6. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc197"><span style="font-style: italic">A Petition from some distressed Professors +in</span> Ireland.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc198"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission to some Ministers to go to</span> +Ireland.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc199">Sess. 13. August 6. 1642.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc201"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against slandering of Ministers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc202"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent ordering of the Assembly House.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc203"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for remembring in publike Prayers the +desires of the Assembly to the King and Parliament, +and indiction of a publike Fast.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc204"><span style="font-style: italic">Reference from the Presbyterie of</span> Kirkcaldie.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc205"><span style="font-style: italic">Reference frrom the Synode of</span> Fyffe.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc206"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries +against the next Assembly.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc207">The Generall Assembly at <span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc209">Sess. 1. August 2. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc211">The Kings Letter to the General Assembly.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc212">Sess. 2. August 3. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc214"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures anent Bills, References, and Appeales.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc215">Sess. 3. August 4. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc217"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for election of Professours to be Commissioners +to Assemblies by Presbyteries.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc218">Sess. 4. Aug. 5. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc220">The Petition of the distressed Professours in +Ireland for Ministers.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc221">Sess. 6. August 8, 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc223"><span style="font-style: italic">Acts for subscribing the Covenant.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc224">Sess. 7. August 9. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc226"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for searching Books tending to +Separation.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc227"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the proceedings of the +Commissioners of the last Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc228">Sess. 8. August 10. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc230"><span style="font-style: italic">Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament +of England to a Committee, to be presented +by them to the Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc231"><span style="font-style: italic">A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in +the Parliament of England, to the Generall +Assembly of the Church of +Scotland.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc232"><span style="font-style: italic">A Letter from some Brethren of the +Ministerie in the Kirk of</span> England, +<span style="font-style: italic">to the Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc233">Sess. 9. August 11. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc235"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Burials and hinging of Honours, &c. +in Kirks.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc236">Sess. 10. August 12. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc238"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by +Superiour Judicatories.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc239">Sess. 11. Aug. 14. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc241"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane +the Lords day.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc242">Sess. 12. Aug. 15. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc244"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for preparing the Directorie for the +worship of God</span>.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc245"><span style="font-style: italic">Propositions from the English Commissioners +presented this day to the Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc246"><span style="font-style: italic">The Paper before-mentioned, delivered +August 12. to the Convention, and this day +to the Assembly</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc247">Sess. 13. Aug. 16. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc249"><span style="font-style: italic">Recommendation to the Presbyteries and Universities +anent Students that have the +Irish language.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc250">Sess. 14. August 17. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc252">The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in +the Kingdome of England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc253"><span style="font-style: italic">The Result of the Debates and Consultations of +the Committees of the Convention of Estates and +General Assembly, appointed to meet +with the Commissioners of the Parliament +of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc254"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the League and Covenant +above mentioned.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc255">Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc257"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies humble desires to his Majestie anent the +Lists for Presentations: With a Recommendation +to Presbyteries.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc258"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures anent Witch-craft, and +Charming, &c.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc259"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission for Ministers to go to</span> +Ireland.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc260"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate +persons.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc261"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent an order for using civil Execution +against Excommunicate Persons.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc262">TO THE KINGS MOST +EXCELLENT MAJESTIE,</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc263"><span style="font-style: italic">The Answer of the General Assembly of the +Church of Scotland, to the Declaration of +the honourable Houses of the Parliament +of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc264"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the right reverend +the Assembly of Divines in the Church +of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc265"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the Reverend +their beloved Brethren, Ministers in the +Church of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc266"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission of the Generall Assembly, for +these that repair to the Kingdome of +England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc267"><span style="font-style: italic">Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons +designed to repair to the the Kingdome +of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc268"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission for the Publick Affairs +of this Kirk.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc269">The Generall Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1644.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc271">Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc273"><span style="font-style: italic">The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the +Army in</span> England, <span style="font-style: italic">to the Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc274"><span style="font-style: italic">The Petition from the distressed Christians in +the North of</span> Ireland.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc275">3. <span style="font-style: italic">Junii 1644. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 5.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc277"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for the present Entrie of the new erected +Presbyterie at</span> Biggar.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc278"><span style="font-style: italic">Junii</span> 3. 1644 Sess.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc280"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish +Lords at</span> Oxford.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc281"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against the Rebells in the +North and South.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc282"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against secret disaffecters +of the Covenant</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc283"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for sending Ministers to the Armie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc284"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the +Publick affairs of the Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc285"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission granted to the +Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdome +of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc286"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies answer to the Presbyterie +with the Armie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc287">4. <span style="font-style: italic">June</span> 1644. Sess 7.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc289"><span style="font-style: italic">The Letter from the Commissioners at</span> +London <span style="font-style: italic">to the General Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc290"><span style="font-style: italic">The Letter from the Synod of Divines +in the Kirk of</span> England, <span style="font-style: italic">to the +Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc291"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assemblies Answer to the right +Reverend the Assembly of Divines +in the Kirk of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc292"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners +at</span> London.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc293"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in +the</span> Netherlands.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc294"><span style="font-style: italic">Ordinance concerning Bursars.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc295"><span style="font-style: italic">Ordinance for up lifting and imploying +Penalties contained in Acts of Parliament, +upon pious uses.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc296"><span style="font-style: italic">An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage +made by Minors, to those with whom they +have committed Fornication.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc297"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning dissenting voices in +Presbyteries and Synods.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc298"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the Election of a Moderator +in Provinciall Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc299"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations +in the Towne where the +Assembly holds.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc300">Meeting announcement.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc301">Letter.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc302"><span style="font-style: italic">The Letter from the Synode of Divines in</span> +England, <span style="font-style: italic">to the Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc303"><span style="font-style: italic">28 Jan. 1645. Post meridiem. Die Martis.</span> Sess. 5.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc305"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the Proceedings of the +Commission of the two preceding +Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc306"><span style="font-style: italic">3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunæ, Post meridiem.</span> Sess. 10.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc308"><span style="font-style: italic">Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of +Scotland, for the establishing and putting in +execution of the</span> Directory <span style="font-style: italic">for the publick +Worship of GOD.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc309"><span style="font-style: italic">7. February, 1645. Post meridiem.</span> Sess. 14.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc311"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures for advancement of Learning +and good Order in Grammar Schools +and Colledges.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc312"><span style="font-style: italic">The Humble Petition the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of</span> Scotland.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc313"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures propounded by the Committee, appointed +by this venerable Assembly, for ordering +of the Bursars of Theologie, and maintaining +of them at Schools of Divinitie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc314"><span style="font-style: italic">The opinion of the Committee for keeping the +greater Uniformitie in this Kirk, in the practice +and observation of the Directory in some +points of publick Worship.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc315"><span style="font-style: italic">10. February, 1645. Postmeridiem</span> Sess. 16.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc317"><span style="font-style: italic">Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of</span> +Scotland, <span style="font-style: italic">Approving the Propositions concerning +Kirk government and Ordination +of Ministers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc318"><span style="font-style: italic">12. Feb. 1645. Post meridiem</span> Sess. 18.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc320"><span style="font-style: italic">A Solemne and Seasonable Warning To the +Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, +and Commons of</span> Scotland; <span style="font-style: italic">As +also to our ARMIES without and +within this Kingdom.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc321"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against Lykwakes.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc322"><span style="font-style: italic">Act recommending to Sessions To have the +Printed Acts of Assemblie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc323">13. <span style="font-style: italic">Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. Ult.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc325"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, +and other superstitious dayes, especially if +they be Schollars.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc326"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions +in Schooles.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc327"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for restraining Abuses at +Pennie Brydals.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc328"><span style="font-style: italic">Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be +reponed to their former Places.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc329"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the publick +Affairs of the Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc330"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission to the Persons +appointed to repair to the Kingdom, of</span> England, +<span style="font-style: italic">for prosecuting the Treaty of +Uniformitie in Religion.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc331"><span style="font-style: italic">The General Assemblies Answer to the Right +Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk +of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc332"><span style="font-style: italic">The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of</span> Scotland, <span style="font-style: italic">met at Edinburgh +the 13. day of February, 1645.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc333"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners +at</span> London.</a></li><li><a href="#toc334">The Generall Assembly Met at <span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span> Junii 3. 1646.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc336">Edinb. 4. Junii 1646. Sess. 2.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc338"><span style="font-style: italic">The Kings Letter to the Assembly, +presented by M.</span> Robert Douglas +<span style="font-style: italic">Minister at Edinburgh.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc339"><span style="font-style: italic">6. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 4.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc341"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the Registers and Acts of +Provinciall Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc342">11. <span style="font-style: italic">Junii 1646. Antemeridiem</span> Sess. 7.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc344"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the publike satisfaction of +Married persons, for Fornication committed +before Marriage.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc345"><span style="font-style: italic">13. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 10.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc347"><span style="font-style: italic">Ordinance for Excommunication of the +Earle of Seafort.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc348"><span style="font-style: italic">Enormities and Corruptions observed to be in +the Ministery, with the Remedies thereof.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc349"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission of the +Approbation of the proceedings of the +preceding Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc350"><span style="font-style: italic">15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 11.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc352"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for joyning of the Presbyteries in</span> Orkney +<span style="font-style: italic">and</span> Zetland <span style="font-style: italic">to the Provincial of</span> +Cathnes.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc353"><span style="font-style: italic">17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 14.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc355"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning Expectants Preaching +in Publike.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc356"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for censuring the Complyers with the +publike Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc357"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning</span> James Grahams +<span style="font-style: italic">Proclamation.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc358"><span style="font-style: italic">18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem.</span> Sess. Ult.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc360"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon +the Lords Day.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc361"><span style="font-style: italic">Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc362"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures presented to the Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc363"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the publike +affairs of the Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc364"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting +the Treaty for Uniformity in</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc365">The Assemblies Answer +To +The Kings Maiestie.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc366"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable +the Lords and Commons in the +Parliament of</span> England <span style="font-style: italic">Assembled +at</span> Westminster.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc367"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable +the Lord</span> Major Aldermen, <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> Common-Councel +<span style="font-style: italic">of the City of</span> London.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc368"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend +the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of</span> England +<span style="font-style: italic">assembled at</span> Westminster.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc369"><span style="font-style: italic">Recommendation to Presbyteries and +Provincial Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc370"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for a publike Fast before the next +Assembly.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc371">The Generall Assembly, At <span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span> 4. August. 1647.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc373">August. 16. 1647 Postmeridiem. Sess. 2.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc375"><span style="font-style: italic">Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the +Presbyterie of</span> Zetland <span style="font-style: italic">only, with their Ruling +Elders, to keep the Provincial Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc376"><span style="font-style: italic">20. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 15.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc378"><span style="font-style: italic">A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation +of the General Assembly of the +Church of</span> Scotland, <span style="font-style: italic">to their +Brethren of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc379"><span style="font-style: italic">24. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 19.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc381"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for observing the Directions of the Generall +Assembly for Secret and Private Worship, and +mutuall edification, and censuring such as +neglect Familie Worship.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc382"><span style="font-style: italic">The Directions of the Generall Assembly, for +Secret and Private Worship & mutuall edification, +for cherishing Piety, for maintaining Unitie, +and avoiding Schisme and Division.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc383"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against such as withdraw themselves +from the publike Worship in their own Congregation.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc384"><span style="font-style: italic">26. August 1647. Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 22.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc386"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the preceedings of the Commission +of the preceeding Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc387"><span style="font-style: italic">27. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 23.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc389"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the Confession of Faith.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc390"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 28. August 1647. Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 25.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc392"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for revising the Paraphrase of the Psalmes +brought from</span> England, <span style="font-style: italic">with a recommendation +for Translating the other Scriptuall +Songs in Meeter.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc393"><span style="font-style: italic">Act recommending the execution of the Act of +Parliament at Perth, for uplifting pecuniall paines to +bee imployed upon pious uses, and of all Acts of Parliament +made against excommunicate Persons.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc394"><span style="font-style: italic">Ult. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 26.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc396"><span style="font-style: italic">Act discharging the importing, venting or +spreading of erronious Books or Papers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc397"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for debarring of Complyers in the first +Classe from Ecclesiastick office.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc398"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for pressing and furthering the +plantation of Kirks.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc399"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for censuring absents from the +Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc400"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for +Triall and Admission of Expectants +to the Ministrie.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc401"><span style="font-style: italic">Eodem die</span>, Sess. 28. +<span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc403"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting +the Treaty for Uniformity in</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc404"><span style="font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the publike +affaires of the Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc405"><span style="font-style: italic">Desires and Overtures from the Commissioners +of Universities, and the Assemblies +answer thereto.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc406"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 1. September 1647.</span> Sess. Ult.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc408"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to their Countreymen +in</span> Poleland, Swedland, Denmarke, +<span style="font-style: italic">and</span> Hungarie.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc409"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions +therein mentioned.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc410"><span style="font-style: italic">Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries +and Synods, with the Assemblies +answer thereunto.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc411">The Generall Assembly, At <span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span>.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc413">Iuly 12. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Post meridiem,</span> Sess. 1.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc415"><span style="font-style: italic">The Letter from the Synod of Divines in</span> England +<span style="font-style: italic">to the Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc416">Iuly 15 <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem</span>, Sess. 4.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc418"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning Commissions from Burghs.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc419">Iuly 18. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem.</span> Sess 6.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc421"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the examining of the proceedings +of the Commissioners of Assemblies.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc422">Iuly 18. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 7.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc424"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission +of the preceeding Assembly,</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc425">July 20. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. 10.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc427"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the larger Catechisme.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc428"><span style="font-style: italic">July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 11.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc430"><span style="font-style: italic">Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers +to particular Congregations.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc431">July 25. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 14.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc433"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from +the Committee of Estates of the 24. July.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc434">July 28. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 18.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc436"><span style="font-style: italic">Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament +& Committee of Estates ordained to be subscribed +the 10. and 12. of June, and against all new Oathes +or Bands in the common Cause imposed without +consent of the Church.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc437"><span style="font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 19.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc439"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the shorter Catechisme.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc440"><span style="font-style: italic">Act discharging a little Catechisme printed +at</span> Edinburgh, 1647.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc441"><span style="font-style: italic">Ult.</span> Iuly 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. +21.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc443"><span style="font-style: italic">A Declaration of the Generall Assembly concerning +the present dangers of Religion, and especially +the unlawfull engagement in War, against the Kingdom +of</span> England; <span style="font-style: italic">Together, with many necessary exhortations +and directions to all the Members +of the Kirk of Scotland.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc444"><span style="font-style: italic">August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 22.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc446"><span style="font-style: italic">The General Assemblies Answer to the Paper +presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates +of the Date</span> Iuly 28. 1648.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc447"><span style="font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. 23.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc449"><span style="font-style: italic">A Declaration and Exhortation of the Generall +Assembly of the Church of</span> Scotland, <span style="font-style: italic">to their +Brethren of</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc450">August. 2. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 26.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc452"><span style="font-style: italic">Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly +of Divines in</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc453"><span style="font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem</span>, Sess. 25.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc455"><span style="font-style: italic">The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly, +To the Right Honourable the Committee +of Estates.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc456">August 3. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem</span>, Sess. 26.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc458"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, +and not speaking to the corruptions of the time.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc459">August 4. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem</span>, Sess. 21.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc461"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures concerning the education of the Hie-land +Boys in the Province of</span> Argyle.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc462">August 5. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 30.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc464"><span style="font-style: italic">Explanation of the fifth Article of the Overtures +concerning Appeals past in the Assembly, 1643.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc465"><span style="font-style: italic">Eodem die 1648. Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 30.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc467"><span style="font-style: italic">Act discharging deposed or suspended Ministers +from any exercise of the Ministery, or +medling with the stipend.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc468">August 7. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem.</span> Sess 31.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc470"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Declaration of the falsehood +and forgerie of a lying scandalous Pamphlet put forth +under the name of their Reverend Brother Mastr</span> +Alexander Henderson <span style="font-style: italic">after hes death.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc471"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving +of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, & +for the receiving of it also by all Students at +their first entry to Colledges.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc472"><span style="font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. 32.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc474"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of</span> +Bursars.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc475">August 9. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem</span> Sess. 25.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc477"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for dis-joyning the Presbyteries of</span> Zetland, +<span style="font-style: italic">from the Provinciall Synod of</span> +Orkney <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> Cathnes.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc478">Aug. 10. 1648. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. 38.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc480"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures for the Remedies of the grievous +and common Sins of the Land in this +present time.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc481"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for examining the Paraphrase of the +Psalms and other Scripturall Songs.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc482"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures concerning Papists, their children, +and Excommunicate Persons.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc483">Aug. 11. 1648 <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 39.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc485"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for prosecuting the Treaty for the Uniformity +in Religion in the Kingdom of England.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc486"><span style="font-style: italic">Act Renewing the Commission for the publick +Affairs of this Kirk.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc487">August 11. 1643. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. 40.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc489"><span style="font-style: italic">Exemption of</span> Murray, Rosse, <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> +Caithnesse <span style="font-style: italic">from the contribution granted to the boyes of</span> Argyle, +<span style="font-style: italic">with a Recommendation to Presbyteries, +to make up what is taken of them +by that exemption.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc490"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning Collection for the Poor.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc491"><span style="font-style: italic">Recommendation for securing provisions to +Ministers in Burghs.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc492"><span style="font-style: italic">The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of</span> Scotland, <span style="font-style: italic">met at</span> Edinburg +August 12 <span style="font-style: italic">unto the Kings Most +Excellent Majeste.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc493">August. 12. 1648, Sess. <span style="font-style: italic">Ult.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc495"><span style="font-style: italic">Act discharging Duels.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc496"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning deposed Ministers.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc497">The Generall Assembly, Holden at <span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh, +July 7. 1649.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc499">July 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess 4.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc501"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners +of the Generall Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc502">July 10. 1649. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 6.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc504"><span style="font-style: italic">Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his +Majesty.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc505">July 19. 1649 <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span> Sess. 18.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc507"><span style="font-style: italic">Act discharging promiscuous Dancing.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc508">July 20. 1649. <span style="font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. 19.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc510"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in +the late unlawfull War against</span> England, <span style="font-style: italic">to publick +Satisfaction, Together with the Declaration +and Acknowledgement to be subscribed +by them.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc511"><span style="font-style: italic">The Declaration and Acknowledgement +before mentioned.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc512">July 24. 1649. <span style="font-style: italic">Postmeridiem.</span> Sess. 23.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc514"><span style="font-style: italic">Letter to the High & Honourable Court of +Parliament.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc515"><span style="font-style: italic">27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem.</span> Sess. 27.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc517"><span style="font-style: italic">A seasonable and necessary Warning and +Declaration, concerning Present and Imminent dangers, +and concerning duties relating thereto, +from the Generall Assembly of this Kirk, +unto all the Members thereof.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc518"><span style="font-style: italic">30. July 1649. Antemeridiem</span> Sess. 30.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc520"><span style="font-style: italic">Act concerning Catechising.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc521"><span style="font-style: italic">4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem</span> Sess. 40.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc523"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission for publick Affaires.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc524"><span style="font-style: italic">Directorie for Election of Ministers.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc525"><span style="font-style: italic">6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem,</span> Sess. Ult.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc527"><span style="font-style: italic">A Brotherly Exhortation from the General +Assembly of the Church of</span> Scotland, <span style="font-style: italic">to their +Brethren in</span> England.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc528"><span style="font-style: italic">Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland +Boyes at Schooles.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc529"><span style="font-style: italic">Commission for a conference of Ministers, +Lawyers and Physitians, Concerning the tryal +and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming +and Consulting.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc530"><span style="font-style: italic">Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters +and Precenters.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc531"><span style="font-style: italic">Acts concerning Persons to be admitted +Bursars.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc532"><span style="font-style: italic">Reference to the Commission for publick affaires +for re-examining the Paraphrase, of the Psalmes +and the emitting the same for publicke use.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc533">Letter to the Kings Majestie.</a></li><li><a href="#toc534">The Principal Acts of the General Assembly of the Church of +<span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span> holden at <span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span> +the 16th day of <span style="font-style: italic">October</span> 1690.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc536">Edinburgh <span style="font-style: italic">16 of October 1690. Post Meridiem.</span> Sess. +1.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc538">I. <span style="font-style: italic">The Meeting of the</span> General Assembly, <span style="font-style: italic">and +the Recording of Their Majesties</span> Commission, <span style="font-style: italic">to</span> John +<span style="font-style: italic">Lord</span> Carmichael, <span style="font-style: italic">for Representing Their +Majesties therein.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc539">Edinburgh 17 October 1690. <span style="font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem</span> Sess. 2.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc541">II. <span style="font-style: italic">His</span> MAJESTIES <span style="font-style: italic">Gracious Letter to the +Assembly.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc542">Edinburgh <span style="font-style: italic">18th.</span> October 1690. +<span style="font-style: italic">Post Meridiem</span> Sess. 4.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc544">III. <span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to His Majesties Gracious +Letter.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc545">IV. <span style="font-style: italic">Appointment of a Diet, to be kept by the Assembly for +Prayer.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc546">Edinburgh <span style="font-style: italic">25th.</span> October 1690. <span style="font-style: italic">Ante +Meridiem.</span> Sess. 9.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc548">V. <span style="font-style: italic">The proceedings of the Assembly, anent Mr.</span> Thomas Lining +<span style="font-style: italic">and Others.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc549">Act <span style="font-style: italic">anent Mr.</span> Thomas Lining +<span style="font-style: italic">and Others.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc550">Edinburgh 28 of October 1690. <span style="font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem,</span> Sess. +11.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc552">VI. <span style="font-style: italic">Act anent Ministers that observe not the publick Orders of +the Church.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc553">Edinburgh 29 October 1690. <span style="font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem,</span> Sess. +12.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc555">VII. <span style="font-style: italic">Act approving several Overtures.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc556">VIII. <span style="font-style: italic">Act approving the Associations of Presbyteries.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc557">Edinburgh 31 October 1690, <span style="font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem</span> Sess. 15.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc559">IX. <span style="font-style: italic">Act against Ministers Removing out of this Church.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc560">X. <span style="font-style: italic">Act anent the Administration of the Sacraments.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc561">Edinburgh 11 November 1690. <span style="font-style: italic">Post Meridiem</span> Sess. +24.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc563">XI. <span style="font-style: italic">Act approving Overtures anent the</span> Irish +<span style="font-style: italic">Bibles, &c.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc564"><span style="font-style: italic">At</span> Edinburgh, November 12. 1690. +<span style="font-style: italic">Post Meridiem.</span> Sess. 25.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc566">XII. <span style="font-style: italic">Act anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation, with +the Causes thereof.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc567">XIII. <span style="font-style: italic">Act anent Sentences past against Ministers from the +Year 1650. &c.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 2em"><a href="#toc568">Edinburgh 13 of November 1690. <span style="font-style: italic">Post Meridiem.</span> +Sess. 26.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc570">XIV. <span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc571">XV. <span style="font-style: italic">Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South +and North sides of Tay.</span></a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc572">XVI. <span style="font-style: italic">Commission for Visitations on the South side of</span> +Tay.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc573">XVII. <span style="font-style: italic">Commission for Visitations on the North side of</span> +Tay.</a></li><li style="margin-left: 4em"><a href="#toc574">XVIII. <span style="font-style: italic">Commission for</span> Mr. Gilbert Rule +<span style="font-style: italic">and</span> Mr. David Blair, +<span style="font-style: italic">to wait upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc575"><span style="font-style: italic">INDEX of the Unprinted Acts, &c. Of the General +Assembly, 1690.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc576">An INDEX Of the Principal unprinted Acts of the Assembly +at <span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span>, 1638.</a></li><li><a href="#toc578"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at</span> +Edinburgh, 1639, <span style="font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc580"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at</span> +Aberdene, 1640, <span style="font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc582"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly +holden at</span> St. Andrews, <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> Edinburgh 1641. +<span style="font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc584"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly +holden at</span> St. Andrews, 27. <span style="font-style: italic">July</span>, 1642. +<span style="font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc586"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at</span> +Edinburgh, 1643, <span style="font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc588"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at</span> +Edinburgh, 1644, <span style="font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></a></li><li><a href="#toc590"><span style="font-style: italic">INDEX of the ACTS of this Assembly +holden at</span> Edinburgh 1645. <span style="font-style: italic">not Printed</span>.</a></li><li><a href="#toc592"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the General Assembly +not Printed 1646</span>.</a></li><li><a href="#toc594"><span style="font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the General Assembly +holden at</span> Edinburgh, 1647, <span style="font-style: italic">not printed</span>.</a></li><li><a href="#toc596"><span style="font-style: italic">INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the +General Assembly held at</span> Edinburgh. 1648.</a></li><li><a href="#toc598"><span style="font-style: italic">INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the +Assembly.</span> 1649.</a></li><li><a href="#toc600">Footnotes</a></li></ul> + </div> + + </div> +<div class="tei tei-body" style="margin-bottom: 6.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagei">[pg i]</span><a name="Pgi" id="Pgi" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc1" id="toc1"></a> +<a name="pdf2" id="pdf2"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">To The Reader.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +[Transcriber's Note: This 17th-century book was printed in the +typographical conventions and spelling of that time; for instance, +the printed book used the long <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">f</span></em>-shaped glyph for the letter <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">s</span></em>, +it included old spellings such as <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Kingdome</span></em>, <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">civill</span></em>, +and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">publick</span></em>, and old words such as <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">hes</span></em>, +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">samine</span></em>, and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">welas</span></em>, +and numbers generally are ended with a period. +In this transcription, archaic printing is replaced with modern characters, so +the letter <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">s</span></em> appears as <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">s</span></em>, with the effect that what in +the original book would look like <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Minifters</span></em> is here transcribed +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Ministers</span></em>, but archaic spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and usage are +transcribed as they appeared in the printed book.] +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It were long, neither do we +now intend, to represent, +what in the beginning, by +the Mercies of our <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">God</span></em> and +Ministry of his faithful +Servants, was the reformation +of this Kirk: what +purity of Doctrine and +Worship, what Order, what Authority, and +what Unity continued for many years, by the +Prayers and Labours of Ministers and Professors, +what Novations and Corruptions have +been introduced upon us of late, in the time of our +Division and Detection, by such as have ever +been enemies to the Cross of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Christ</span></em>, and who have +minded earthly things: How manifold and how +comfortable experience we have at this time of +the care and compassions of our <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Lord</span></em> and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Saviour</span></em> +preventing the utter ruine of Religion, and the +horrible vastation of this Kirk, by looking upon the +afflictions of his people, by hearing their groans, +mocked by the World: And by moving the Heart +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="pageii">[pg ii]</span><a name="Pgii" id="Pgii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of our gracious and dread Soveraign the Kings +Majesty to conveen a free national Assembly for +redressing the wrongs done to Religion, and what +undeniable testimonies, and notable manifestations +of the divine presence and assistance of +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Christ</span></em>, have accompanied this meeting and whole +work. <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Who so is wise and observeth these things +will see the loving kindness of the Lord</span></em>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +For the present it seemed necessary that such of +the Acts and Constitutions of the Assembly as are +of most general concernment should be published in +print; the correct writing of so many Copies as +were called for, not being possible to be exped in due +time, and the Kirk having resolved upon this +course in former times, which, had it been keeped, +our defection through the almost invincible ignorance +of the proceedings of the Kirk, had not proven +so dangerous and deplorable. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In these Acts and Constitutions special regard +was had to our <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">National Confession of Faith</span></span>, as +it was at first and diverse times after professed +and is now of late sworn and subscribed, that all +mens minds, who delight not to cavil, might rest +satisfied in the true meaning thereof, found out by +the diligent search of the Ecclesiastick Registers. +Our care was also rather at this time to revive +and bring to light, former laudable Acts, than to +make any new ones, reflecting as little as might +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="pageiii">[pg iii]</span><a name="Pgiii" id="Pgiii" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +be upon the reformation of other Kirks, and +choosing to receive our directions from our own +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Reformation</span></em>, approven by the ample testimony +of so many <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Forreign Divines</span></em>: according to +the example of the venerable Assembly at <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Dort</span></em>, +where special caution was, that the 30. and +31. article of the Confession of the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Belgick</span></em> Kirks +touching <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Ecclesiastick Order</span></em> should not be examined +by <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Strangers</span></em>, there being a <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Difference</span></em> +touching that point amongst <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Reformed Kirks</span></em>, +So many as were present can bear witness +that all the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Members of the Assembly</span></em> were +many times called on, and required to propone +their <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Doubts</span></em>, and to give their <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Judgments</span></em> of every +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Article</span></em>, before it was Enacted, that every +one might receive <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Satisfaction</span></em>, and from the full +perswasion of his mind might give his <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Voice</span></em>: +Wherin the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Unanimity</span></em> and <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Harmony</span></em> was the +more admirable, that many parting from their +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">preconceived Opinions</span></em>, which had possessed their +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Minds</span></em>, did most willingly receive the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Light</span></em>, which +did now unexpectedly appear from the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Records</span></em> +of the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirk</span></em>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That this <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Extract</span></em> shall stop the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Mouthes</span></em> of the +malicious, is more than we can promise, or should +be expected, We know there be some Incendiaries +who would with great joy and content of mind, +seek their lost penny in the ashes of this poor Kirk +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="pageiv">[pg iv]</span><a name="Pgiv" id="Pgiv" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Kingdom: And we have already found, that +our <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Laboures</span></em> and the grounds whereupon we +have proceeded, before they be seen, are misconstrued +by so many as finds their hopes blasted, and are +come short of their earthly projects: but our comfort +is that we have walked in the truth of our +hearts as in the sight of God, That the Adversaries +of the Kirk have not transformed themselves +into Angels of light, nor can say they are doing +<em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">God</span></em> service, but are seen in their colours, and +do seek themselves, and that so many as have erred +before, not knowing the order and constitutions of +this Kirk, will as absent Children to +their mother speaking plainly and powerfully of +old and now after long silence opening her mouth +again, and uttering her mind in a free Assembly, +hear her voice, and with that reverence that +beseemeth under the supreme Majesty of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Christ</span></em>, +obey her directions, that being all of one mind, +peace may be upon us, and upon the Kirk of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">God</span></em>; +and the <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">God</span></em> of peace, and love may be with us. +1639. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page001">[pg 001]</span><a name="Pg001" id="Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc3" id="toc3"></a> +<a name="pdf4" id="pdf4"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The General Assembly, At Glasgow.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc5" id="toc5"></a> +<a name="pdf6" id="pdf6"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The testimony of the Committy +for tryall of the Registers, +subscribed with +their hands, being produced, +with some reasons +thereof in another paper, +and publickly read; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">My +Lord Commissioner</span></span> professed +that it had resolved him of +sundry doubts, but desired +a time to be more fully +resolved. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Moderatour desired that if any of the Assembly had +any thing to say against the said testimonie for the books, +that they would declare it, and finding none to oppon, yet +be appointed the day following, to any to object any thing +they could say; and if then none could object the Assembly +would hold the Registers as sufficient approven. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page002">[pg 002]</span><a name="Pg002" id="Pg002" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc7" id="toc7"></a> +<a name="pdf8" id="pdf8"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess 7. November 28.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc9" id="toc9"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act. approving the Registers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the report of the Assemblies judgement of the authority +of the books of Assembly; The Moderatour having +desired that if any of the Assembly had any thing to say, +they would now declare it, otherwise they would hold all approved +by the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Commissioner his Grace protested that the Assemblies +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">approving these books, or any thing contained in them</span></span> be no wayes +prejudicial to his Majestie, nor to the Archbishops, and +Bishops of this Kingdome, or any of their adherents; because +he had some exceptions against these books. My +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rothes</span></span> desired these exceptions to be condescended on, +and they should be preferably cleared, and protested that +these books should be claimed authentick and obligatorie +hereafter. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The whole Assembly all in one voice approved these +books, and ordained the same to make faith in judgement, +and out with, in all time commitit, as the true and authentick +Registers of the Kirk of Scotland, conform to the testimonie +subscribed by the Committie, to be insert with the +reasons thereof in the books of Assembly: Whereof the tenour +followeth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We under-subscribers, having power and commission +from the generall Assembly now presently convened, +and sitting at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, to peruse, examine and cognosce +upon the validity, faith and strength of the books and registers +of the Assembly under-written, to wit: A register +beginning at the Assembly holden the twentie day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December</span></span> +1566. and ending at the fourth session of the Assembly +held in the 28 of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December</span></span> 1566. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Item another register beginning at the generall Assembly, +holden the second day of June 1567. and ending at the +fourth session of the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> the ninth day +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 1572, which register is imperfect, and mutilate +in the end, and containeth are no leaf nor page after that +page which containeth the said inscription of the said fourth +session, which two registers bears to be subscribed by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Gray</span></span> scribe. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page003">[pg 003]</span><a name="Pg003" id="Pg003" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Item a register of the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the +seventh day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 1574, and ending with the twelfth +session, being the last session of the Assembly 1579. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Item another register beginning at the Assembly holden +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the tenth of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> 1586. and +ending in the seventeenth +session of the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span>, 1589. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Item another register being the fifth book, and greatest +volume, beginning at the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1560, +and ending in the year 1590. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Having carefully viewed, perused and considered the +first registers, and every one of them, and being deeply and +maturely advised, as in a matter of greatest weight and consequence, +do attest before God, and upon our conscience declare +to the world and this present Assembly, that the saids +foure registers above expressed, and every one of them, are +famous, authentick and good registers: which ought to be +so reputed and have publick faith in judgement and out with +ad validem it the records in all things, and that the said fifth & +greatest book, beginning at the Assembly 1560. and ending +1590. being by the hand writs of the Clerk, +cognosced, and tryed, and agreeable +to the other four registers, in what is extant in them, +ought be free of all prejudice and suspicion, and received +with them. And in testimonie of our solemne affirmation, +we have made these presents with our hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribitur,<br /> +Master Andrew Ramsay.<br /> +Master John Adamson.<br /> +Master John Row.<br /> +Master Rohre Murray.<br /> +Master Alexander Gibson.<br /> +Master James Boner.<br /> +Master Alexander Peerson.<br /> +Master Alexander Wedderburn. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page004">[pg 004]</span><a name="Pg004" id="Pg004" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reasons prooving the five Books and Registers +produced before the Assembly to be authentick</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The books now exhibited unto us underscribers, which +we have revised and perused by commission from the +generall Assembly, are true registers of the Kirk: to wit, +Five Volumes, whereof the first two contain the acts of the +Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1572. +all subscribed by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Gray</span></span> Clerk. The third from the year +of God 1574. to the year 1579. The fourth from the year +of God 1586. to the year 1589. At which time <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +James Richie</span></span> was Clerk, who hath frequently written upon +the margine of the saids two last books, and subscribed the +said margine with his hand-writing. And the fifth book +being the greatest Volume, containing the acts of the generall +Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1590. +which agreeth with the foresaids other foure books and registers, +in so far as is extant in them, and further recordeth, +what is wanting by them, passing by what is mutilate +in them, and which with the two Volumes produced by +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Sandilands</span></span> from the year 1590. to this present, +maketh up a perfect register. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. For the first two Volumes subscribed by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ionn Gray</span></span>, albeit +it be not necessar in such antiquietie to proove that he +was Clerk, seeing he designes himself so by his subscription, +yet the same is manifest by an act mentioned in the third +book, in the time of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richie</span></span>, who succeeded +him in the said office, and his hand-writ was acknowledged +by sundry old men in the ministery. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. The uniformitie of his subscriptions through both +Volumes, evident by ocular inspection above the ordinarie +custome of most famous Notars, delivers the same from all +suspicion <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in facto tam antiquo</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. There be many coppies, specially of general acts, +yet extant, which do not debord from the saids registers, but +are altogether agreeable thereto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. It is constant by the universal custome of this Kingdome, +that all registers are transmitted from one keeper to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page005">[pg 005]</span><a name="Pg005" id="Pg005" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +his successour; and so comming by progresse and succession +from the first incumbent to the last possessour, are never +doubted to be the registers of that judicatorie, whereof the +last haver was Clerk; and therefore it is evident, that these +books comming successfulie from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Gray</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richie</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Nicolson</span></span>, who were all Clerks to +the Assembly, into the hands of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Robert Winrame</span></span>, +who was constitute Clerk depute by the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Robert +Nicolson</span></span> (as his deputation here present to show, will testifie) +are the undoubted registers of the Assembly: like as +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Blair</span></span> succeeded the said +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Robert</span></span> in his place of +Clerkship to the assignations and modifications of Ministers +stipends; and during <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Robert</span></span> his life-time, was his +actual servant, and so had the said books by progresse from +him, which the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span>'s readie presently to testifie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. The two registers of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richie</span></span>, albeit not +under his own hand, yet are frequently margined with his +own hand-writ, and the same marginal additions subscribed +by him, which hand-writ is seen and cognosced by famous +men, who knoweth the same, and it is evident, being +compared with his several writings and subscriptions yet +extant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. The said registers are more perfect, lesse vitiated, +scored, and interlined, then any other authentick and famous +registers of the most prime judicatories within this +Kingdom: +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Sandilands</span></span>, in name of his father, who +was late Clerk by dimution of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Nicolson</span></span>, hath +produced a Volume, which proveth the saids two registers +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richie</span></span> to be sufficient records; because that +same Volume is begun by that same hand, whereby the said +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richie</span></span> his registers are written, and is subscribed +once in the margine by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richie</span></span> his hand, and +followed forth, and continued in the same book by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +Thomas Nicolson</span></span>, who succeeded him in the place, and was +known by most men here present to be of such approven +worth and credit, that he would never have accomplished +a register which had not been famous and true: and whereof +the hand-write, had not then been known to him sufficiently. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page006">[pg 006]</span><a name="Pg006" id="Pg006" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. That register produced by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Sandilands</span></span>, +and prosecuted by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Nicolson</span></span>, proves +the first part of that register to be true and famous, and that +first part being by ocular inspection of the same hand writ, +with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Richies</span></span> registers, and subscribed in the +margine with the same hand writ, proveth <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richies</span></span> two +books to be good records, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richies</span></span> registers doth approve +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grays</span></span> books by the act of Assembly before written: specially +considering the same hath come by progresse and succession +of Clerks, in the hands of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Blair</span></span>, now living, and +here present. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. The compts anent the thirds of benefices between the +Regent for the time, and the Assembly, in the second volume, +pag. 147. are subscribed by the Lord Regents own +hand, as appeareth: for it is a royall-like subscription, and +there is no hand writ in all the book like unto it, and beareth +not <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sic subscribitur</span></span>, which undoubtedly it would do, +if it were a coppie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +X. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Iames Carmichell</span></span> was commanded by the generall +Assembly 1595, Sess. 9, in the book produced by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +Thomas Sandilands</span></span>, to extract the generall acts forth of +their books; and it is evident that these books are the same +which he perused for that effect, because he hath marked +therein the generall acts with a crosse, and hath designed the +act by some short expression upon the margine, which is +cognosed and known to be his hand writ, by famous and +worthy persons: which is also manifest by the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +James</span></span> his hand and subscription, written with his own hand +in the last leafe of the said books; as also acknowledged in +the said book, produced by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Thomas Sandilands</span></span>, wherein +the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Carmichell</span></span> granteth the receipt of +these, with some other books of the Assemblies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XI. The registers produced, are the registers of the Assembly, +because in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1586, the Assembly complaineth that +their registers are mutilate: which hath relation to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richies</span></span> +third book, which is lacerat and mutilate in divers places +without any interveening of blank paper, or any mention of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">hic deese</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XII. If these were not principall registers, the enemies of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page007">[pg 007]</span><a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the puritie of Gods worship, would never have laboured to +destroy the same which notwithstanding they have done; as +appeareth by the affixing and battering of a piece of paper +upon the margine, anent a condition of the commission not +to exceed the established discipline of this Kirk; subscribed +by the Clerk, book 3, pag. 147, and the blotting out the certification +of the excommunication against Bishop <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adamson</span></span>, +book 4, pag. 30, who in his Recantation generally acknowledgeth +the same: but which, without that recantation, +cannot be presupposed to have been done, but by corrupt +men of intention to corrupt the books, which were not +necessary, if they were not principall registers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIII. In the Assembly 1596, the Church complained +upon the Chancelour his retention of their registers, & desired +they might be delivered to their Clerk, which accordingly +was done; as a memorandum before the beginning of the first +book, bearing the redeliverie of these foure books to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +James Richie</span></span>, clerk proporteth; which clearly evinceth +that those foure books are the registers of the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIV. The said fifth book and greatest Volume, is also +marked on the margine, with the hand-writ of the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +James Carmichell</span></span>; (which is cognosced) who was appointed to +peruse the books of the Assembly as said is, and would not +have margined the same by vertue of that command, nor +extracted the general acts out of it, if it were not an approbation +therof, as an authentick and famous book. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XV. The said fifth Volume doth agree with the other +foure books; in all which is extant in them, and marketh +the blanks, which are lacerate and riven out of the same; +and compleateth all what is lacking in them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XVI. In the book of Discipline pertaining to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master +James Carmichel</span></span>, superscribed by himself, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James +Richie</span></span>, there are sundry acts and passages quoted out of the +said fifth great Volume, saying, It is written in such a page +of the book of the Assembly, which agreeth in subject and +quotation with the said fifth book, and cannot agree with +any other; so that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Carmichel</span></span> reviser of the Assembly +books, by their command, would not alledge that +book, nor denominate the same a book of the Assembly, if +it were not an authentick famous book. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page008">[pg 008]</span><a name="Pg008" id="Pg008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XVII. Though the corrupt nature of man hath been +tempted to falsifie particular evidents, yet it hath never been +heard that any whole register hath ever been counterfeited; +neither can it bee presupposed that any will attempt that high +wickednesse, seeing the inducements anwerable to that +crime, can hardly be presupposed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XVIII. It is certain, and notour to all these who are +intrusted with the keeping of the publick records of the +Kingdome, that the same are never subscribed by the +Clerk, but only written and filled up by servants, and +most frequently by unknown hands, yet they and the extracts +thereof make publick faith, and the same are uncontrovertedly +authentick registers; and when the most publick +registers of the Kingdom shall be seen, and compared with +these registers of the Assembly, it shall be found that these +other registers of the most soveraigne judicatories ever unsubscribed +are more incorrect, oftner margined, scored, +and interlined, made up by greater diversitie of unknown +hand writs, than these books of the Assembly, which by +special providence are preserved so intire, that in the +judgement of any man acquainted with registers, they will +manifestly appear at the very sight to be true, famous, and +authentick. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIX. The fame and credit of ancient registers in this +Kingdome, is so much reverenced that if any extract be +different or discontinuous from the register, that extract albeit +subscribed by the person who for the time had been of +greatest eminence in the trust of registers, will be rectified, +conform to the register, and have no force, so far as it debordeth +therefrom; although the registers be written with +an obscure, unknown hand, and unsubscribed. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc10" id="toc10"></a> +<a name="pdf11" id="pdf11"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 12. December fourth.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc12" id="toc12"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The six late pretended Assemblies condemned.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the report of the Committie, for trying the six last +pretended Assemblies: They produced in writ sundrie +reasons, clearing the unlawfulnesse and nullitie of these Assemblies; +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page009">[pg 009]</span><a name="Pg009" id="Pg009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +which were confirmed by the registers of the Assembly, +the books of Presbyteries, the Kings Majesties +own letters, and by the testimonie of divers old reverend +Ministers, standing up in the Assembly, and verifying +the truth thereof. The Assembly with the universall consent +of all, after the serious examination of the reasons against every +one of these six pretended Assemblies apart, being often +urged by the Moderatour, to informe themselves thoroughly, +that without doubting, and with a full perswasion of minde, +they might give their voices, declared all these six Assemblies +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> 1606. and 1608, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1610, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> +1616, St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> 1617, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> 1618. And every one of them +to have been from the beginning unfree, unlawfull, and +null Assemblies, and never to have had, nor hereafter to +have any Ecclesiasticall authoritie, and their conclusions to +have been, and to bee of no force, vigour, nor efficacie: +Prohibited all defence and observance of them, and ordained +the reasons of their nullitie to be insert in the books of the +Assembly: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Whereof the tennour followeth.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc13" id="toc13"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reasons annulling the pretended +Assembly, holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Linlithgow, 1606.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. From the indiction of it. It was indicted the third of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December</span></span> to bee kept the tenth +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December</span></span>. And so +there was no time given to the Presbyteries, far distant, +neither for election of Commissioners nor for preparation +to those who were to be sent in Commission. The shortnesse +of the time of the indiction is proved by the Presbyterie +books of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtonn</span></span>, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. From the want of a lawfull calling, to these who went +to the meeting, seeing they were not at all elected by their +Presbyteries, but were injoyned to come by the Kings letters. +This also is proved by the foresaids books of the Presbyteries, +and by his Majesties letters. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. From the nature of that meeting, which was only a +private meeting, or convention, for consultation to be +taken by some persons of sundry estates written for, as the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page010">[pg 010]</span><a name="Pg010" id="Pg010" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Kings letters and the Presbyterie books do acknowledge. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. From the power of those ministers who were present. +Their Presbyteries did limitate them: First, That they +should give no suffrages in that meeting as a generall Assembly. +Secondly, That they agree to nothing that may any +wayes be prejudiciall to the acts of the generall Assemblies, +or to the established discipline of the Kirk. Thirdly, That +they should not agree to resolve or conclude any question, +article, or mater whatsoever, the decision whereof is pertinent, +and proper to a free generall Assembly. Fourthly, +If any thing be concluded contrary thereunto, that they protest +against it. These limitations are clear by the Presbyterie +books. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. The acts of this meeting were not insert in the book +of Assemblies, as is evident by the register. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. The next pretended Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, 1608, +doth acknowledge the Assembly, Whereof <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Patrick +Galloway</span></span> was Moderatour, to have been the last immediate +Assembly, preceding it selfe: and that Assembly whereof +he was moderatour, was the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Halyroodhouse</span></span>, +1602. So they did not acknowledge that meeting at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, 1606. for any Assembly at all. This is clear +by the registers of the Assembly, 1608, in the entrie +thereof. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc14" id="toc14"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Linlithgow, 1608.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. Manie of the voters in that pretended Assembly had +no lawfull commission from the Kirk, to wit, 42 +Noble men, officers of state, councellours, and Barrons, +also the Bishops, contrare to the act of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, 1597. And +one of their caveats, the Noble men, were as commissioners +from the King, the Bishops had no commission at all +from the Presbyterie, for every Presbyterie out of which +they came, had their full number of Commissioners beside +them, as the register of the Assembly beareth. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page011">[pg 011]</span><a name="Pg011" id="Pg011" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. In a lawfull Assembly there should be none but Commissioners +from Presbyteries, Burghs, and Universities, +and but three ministers at most, with one Elder, Commissioners +from every Presbyterie, according to the act made +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, 1597. But in that pretended Assembly, there +were foure ministers from the severall Presbyteries, of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper</span></span>, five from the +Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arbroth</span></span>, +as the roll of the said pretended Assembly beareth, whereas +there were no ruling Elders sent from Presbyteries, according +to the book of policie and act of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc15" id="toc15"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Glasgow, 1610.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. The Commission of the pretended Commissioners to +the meeting was null. 1. Because the election of them +was not free, seeing they were nominate by the Kings Letters, +as the Presbyterie books of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh, Perth</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span> declare. +And the Bishop of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> in his +letter to some Presbyteries required them to send such +commissioners as the King had nominate: assuring them, +that none other would be accepted. This the Bishops letter +registered in the Presbyterie books of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span> doth +cleare. 2. And whereas there were no ruling Elders sent +from the Presbyteries to that pretended Assembly, as the +roll of Commissioners sheweth; yet there were moe ministers +from undue severall Presbyteries then three, as five +from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brechen</span></span>, five from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arbroth</span></span>, five from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkenbright</span></span>, +seven from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyl</span></span>, foure from the Presbyterie +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper</span></span>, foure from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, foure from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pasley</span></span>, +foure from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hammilton</span></span>, foure from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis</span></span>, foure from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkell</span></span>: as the register of that Assembly beareth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. There where thirtie voters of Noble men and Barrons, +beside the pretended Bishops, who had no commission from +any Presbyterie. In the fourth Session of this pretended Assembly +it is plainly said, That the Noble men and Barrons +came to it by the Kings direction. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page012">[pg 012]</span><a name="Pg012" id="Pg012" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. The voting of the commissioners was not free: for +by the Kings Letter to the Assembly they were threatned, +and it was declared that their content was not needfull to any +act to be made there: The King might doe it by his own +power, yet they were allured to vote by a promise that their +good service in so doing should be remembred and rewarded +thereafter. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. The principall acts which were made, were set down +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">verbatim</span></span> in the privie conference, which chiefly consisted of +the Kings Commissioners and pretended Bishops, and only +read to be ratified in the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. Sundrie ministers then present, doe now declare, that +they knew the ministers who voted the wrong way, to have +received their present reward, and that money was largely +dealt unto them. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc16" id="toc16"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Aberdene, 1616.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. There was no election of a Moderatour: but that place +usurped by the pretended Bishop of Saint <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, as +the Register beareth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. The indiction of that pretended Assembly was but +twentie dayes before the holding of it: so that the Presbyteries +and burghes could not be prepared for sending their +commissioners: which caused the absence of many Presbyteries +and fourtie foure Burghes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. There were twentie five noble-men, and gentle-men +voters without commission from the Kirk. Ma. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Struthers</span></span> voted for the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, yet had no +commission there-from. The commission being given by +that Presbyterie to other three, as the said Commission registrar +in the books of the Presbytery beareth. And whereas +there should be but one Commissioner from every burgh, +except <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, to the Assembly; at this pretended Assembly, +there were two Commissioners from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, two +from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper</span></span>, two from St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>: whereas there were no +ruling Elders having commission from their Presbyteries at +that Assembly. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page013">[pg 013]</span><a name="Pg013" id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. When the acts of that pretended assembly were written, +the Bishop of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> with his own hand did interline, +adde, change, vitiate, direct to be extracted or not +extracted, as he pleased: as the scrolls themselves seen, doe +show; wherefore the Clerk did not registrat the acts of that +Assembly, in the books of Assemblies, as may be easily seen +by the blank in the register left for them remaining +unfilled. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc17" id="toc17"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The nullitie of the pretended Assembly +at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Saint Andrews, 1617.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. There is no mention of it in the register of the Assemblies, +and so no warrand for their commissions, their +Moderatour or Clerk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. The indiction of it was so unformall, that as the scroll +declareth, a great part of the Commissioners from Synods, +Burrows, and gentle-men, would not be present. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. The Kings Majestie in his letter to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perths</span></span> Assembly, +acknowledged it was but a meeting, wherein disgrace was +offered to his Majestie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. The former corruptions of the foure preceding Assemblies +had their confluence in this and the subsequent Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc18" id="toc18"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reasons for annulling the pretended +Assembly, holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Perth, 1618.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. The Assembly was indicted but twentie dayes before +the holding of it: and all parties requisit received +not advertisement, as appeareth by their absence. The +untimous indicting of it, is cleared by Presbyterie +books. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. There was no election of the Moderatour, as was +accustomed to be in lawfull Assemblies; The register cleareth +this. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page014">[pg 014]</span><a name="Pg014" id="Pg014" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. No formall election of their new Clerk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IIII. There were five whole Dioces absent, viz. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyll</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Isles</span></span>: and many Presbyteries +had no Commissioners there, as the register of that +pretended Assembly beareth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. There were nineteen noblemen and Barrons, eleven +Bishops that had no Commission from the Kirk. Whereas +the act for constitution of Assemblies, ordaineth every +Burgh to have but one Commissioner, except <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +which may have two (Act at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span> 1597) yet in that pretended +Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> had three Commissioners, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, had two, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> had two, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews</span></span> had two: Of +the Burghes, there were there six absent: And for ruling +Elders, there were none at all with commission from their +Presbyteries. All these things are cleared by the records of +that pretended Assemblie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. The Commissioners from some Presbyteries exceeded +their numbers prescribed in the act at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, 1597, +for the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arbroth</span></span> were foure Commissioners and +three for the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aughterardour</span></span>: Beside these that +were heard to vote, having no commission at all, and some +who had commission were rejected, and were not enrolled, +but others put in their place without commission. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. The pretended Bishops did practice foure of the articles +to be concluded there, before the pretended Assembly, +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews</span></span>, +and other cathedral Churches, +by keeping festival dayes, kneeling at ye Communion. Thus +their voices were prejudged by their practice of these services +before condemned by the Kirk, and therefore they should +have been secluded from voicing. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. In all lawfull Assemblies, the voicing should be +free: But in this pretended Assembly there were no free +voicing; for the voicers were threatned to voice <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">affirmative</span></span>, +under no lesse pain nor the wrath of authoritie, imprisonment, +banishemnt, deprivation of ministers, and utter +subversion of the state: Yea, it was plainly professed, that +neither reasoning nor the number of voices should carie +the matter away: Which is qualified by the declaration +of many honest old reverend Brethren of the ministery now +present. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page015">[pg 015]</span><a name="Pg015" id="Pg015" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. In all lawful Assemblies, the grounds of proceeding +were, and used to be, the word of God, the confession of +Faith, and acts of former general Assemblies. But in this +pretended Assembly, the ground of their proceeding in +voicing was the Kings commandment only: For so the question +was stated: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Whether the five articles, in respect of his Majesties +commandement, should passe in act, or not</span></span>: As the records +of that pretended Assembly beareth. Where it is declared, +that for the reverence and respect which they bear +unto his Majesties Royal commandements, they did agree +to the foresaids articles. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +X. Many other reasons verifying the nullitie of all these +Assemblies, were showen and proven before the Assembly, +which needeth not here to be insert. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc19" id="toc19"></a> +<a name="pdf20" id="pdf20"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc21" id="toc21"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Against the unlawfull oaths of intrants.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The six Assemblies immediately preceeding, for most +just and weightie reasons above-specified, being found to +be unlawful, and null from the beginning: The Assembly +declareth the oathes and subscriptions exacted by the Prelates +of the intrants in the ministerie all this time by past +(as without any pretext of warrand from the Kirk, so for +obedience of the acts of these null Assemblies, and contrare +to the ancient and laudable constitutions of this Kirk, which +never have been nor can be lawfully repealled, but must +stand in force) to be unlawful, and no way obligatorie. +And in like manner declareth, that the power of Presbyteries, +and of provincial and general Assemblies, hath been +unjustly surpressed, but never lawfully abrogate. And therefore +that it hath been most lawful unto them, not withstanding +any point unjustly objected by the Prelats to the contrare, +to admit, suspend, or deprive ministers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span> within their +bounds, upon relevant complaints sufficiently proven; to +choose their own Moderatours, and to execute all the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page016">[pg 016]</span><a name="Pg016" id="Pg016" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +parts of ecclesiastical jurisdiction according to their own limits +appointed them by the Kirk. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc22" id="toc22"></a> +<a name="pdf23" id="pdf23"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 14. December 6. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc24" id="toc24"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, +Book of Ordination, and the high +Commission.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. The Assembly having diligently considered the Book of +common prayer, lately obtruded upon the reformed +Kirk within this Realme, both in respect of the manner of +the introducing thereof, and in respect of the matter which +it containeth, findeth that it hath been devised and brought +in by the pretended Prelats, without direction from the +Kirk, and pressed upon ministers without warrand from the +Kirk, to be universally received as the only forme of divine +service under all highest paines, both civill and ecclesiasticall, +and the book it self, beside the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">popish</span></span> frame and +forms in divine worship, to containe many <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">popish</span></span> errours and +ceremonies, and the seeds of manifold and grosse superstition +and idolatrie. The Assembly therefore all in one voice, +hath rejected, and condemned and by these presents doth reject +and condemne the said book, not only as illegally introduced, +but also as repugnant to the doctrine, discipline +and order of this reformed Kirk, to the Confession of +Faith, constitutions of generall Assemblies, and acts of Parliament +establishing the true Religion; and doth prohibite +the use and practice thereof: and ordaine Presbyteries to +proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all such as shall +transgresse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. The Assembly also, taking to their consideration the +book of Canons, and the manner how it hath been introduced, +findeth that it hath been devised by the pretended +Prelats, without warrand or direction from the generall +Assembly; and to establish a tyrannicall power in the +persons of the pretended Bishops, over the worship of +God, mens consciences, liberties and goods, and to +overthrow the whole discipline and government of the generall +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page017">[pg 017]</span><a name="Pg017" id="Pg017" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Synodall Assemblies, Presbyteries, and Sessions +formerly established in our Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Therefore the Assembly all in one voice hath rejected and +condemned, and by these presents doth reject and condemne +the said book, as contrare to the confession of our Faith, +and repugnant to the established government, the book of +Discipline, and the acts and constitutions of our Kirk: prohibits +the use and practise of the same; and ordains Presbyteries +to proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all +such as shall transgresse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. The Assembly having considered the book of consecration +and ordination, findeth it to have been framed by +the Prelats, to have been introduced and practised without +warrand of authority, either civill or ecclesiasticall: and +that it establisheth offices in Gods house, which are not warranded +by the word of God, and are repugnant to the Discipline, +and constitutions of our Kirk, that it is an impediment +to the entrie of fit and worthie men to the ministery, and to +the discharge of their dutie after their entrie, conforme to +the discipline of our Kirk. Therefore the Assembly all +in one voice hath rejected and condemned, and by these +presents doe reject and condemne the said book; and prohibits +the use and practise of the same: And ordaines Presbyteries +to proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all +such as shall transgresse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. The generall Assembly, after due tryall, having +found that the Court of high Commission, hath been erected +without the consent or procurement of the Kirk, or consent +of the Estates in Parliament, that it subverteth the jurisdiction +and ordinarie judicatories and Assemblies of the Kirk-Sessions, +Presbyteries, provinciall and nationall Assemblies, +that it is not regulate by lawes civill or ecclesiasticall, +but at the discretion and arbitrement of the Commissioners; +that it giveth to ecclesiasticall persons, the power of both +the swords, and to persons meerly civill, the power of the +keys and Kirk censures: Therefore the Assembly all in one +voice, hath disallowed and condemned, and by these presents +doth disallow and condemne the said court, as unlawfull +in it selfe, and prejudiciall to the liberties of Christ—Kirk +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page018">[pg 018]</span><a name="Pg018" id="Pg018" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Kingdome, the Kings honour in maintaining the +established lawes and judicatories of the Kirk; and prohibits +the use and practise of the same; and ordaines Presbyteries +to proceed with the censures of the Kirk, against all such +as shall transgresse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +After the serious discussing of the several Processes, in many Sessions, +from Sess. 14. (which are in the Clerks hands, and +needeth not here to be insert) the following sentences were solemnly +pronounced after Sermon by the Moderatour, in the Assembly +of <em class="tei tei-emph"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></em>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 20 December 13, 1638.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc25" id="toc25"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition and excommunication +against Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> John Spottiswood, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Archbishop +of St.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Andrews; </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Patrik Lindsay, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Archbishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Glasgow: +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> David Lindsay, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended +Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Edinburgh: </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Thomas Sidserfe, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Galloway: </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +John Maxwell, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Rosse: +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Walter Whyt-foord, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop +of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Brechen.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The general Assembly, having heard the libels and complaints, +given in against the foresaids pretended Bishops +to the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and sundry other Presbyteries +within their pretended Dyocies, and by the saids +Presbyteries referred to the Assembly, to be tryed: The +saids pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, often-times +called, and their Procutour <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Doctour Robert Hammiltoun</span></span>, and +not compearing, but declining and protesting against this +Assembly, as is evident by their declinatour, and protestation +given in by the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Doctour Robert Hammiltoun</span></span> minister +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasfoord</span></span>, which by the acts of Assembly is censurable +with summar excommunication: Entered in consideration +of the said declinatour, and finding the same not to be relevant, +but on the contrare to be a displayed banner against +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page019">[pg 019]</span><a name="Pg019" id="Pg019" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the setled order and government of this Kirk, to be fraughted +with insolent and disdainful speeches, lies and calumnies +against the lawful members of this Assembly, proceeded +to the cognition of the saids complaints, and libels +against them; and finding them guiltie of the breach of the +cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1600. for restricting of the minister voter in Parliament, +from incroaching upon the liberties and jurisdiction +of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, +infamie, and excommunication, specially for +receiving of consecration to the office of Episcopacie, condemned +by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as +having no warrand, nor foundament in the word of God, +and by vertue of this usurped power, and power of the high +Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship +of God, and for sundrie other haynous offences, and +enormities, at length expressed, and clearly proven in +their processe, and for their refusal to underly the tryal of +the reigning slander of sundrie other grosse transgressions +and crymes laid to their charge: Therefore the Assembly +moved with zeal to the glorie of God, and purging of his +Kirk, hath ordained the saids pretended Bishops to be deposed, +and by these presents doth depose them, not only +of the office of Commissionaire to vote in Parliament, Councel, +or Convention in name of the Kirk, but also of all +functions whether of pretended Episcopal or ministerial calling, +declareth them infamous. And likewise ordaineth +the saids pretended Bishops to be excommunicate, and declared +to be of these whom Christ commandeth to be holden +by all and every one of the faithful as ethnicks, and publicanes; +and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced +by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Moderatour in face of +the Assembly in the high Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>; and the execution +of the sentence to bee intimat in all the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> by +the Pastours of every particular congregation, as they will +be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next +general Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries +and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page020">[pg 020]</span><a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc26" id="toc26"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition and excommunication, +against</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Mr. Adam Ballantyne, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Aberdeen, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and Mr. James Wedderburn +pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Dumblane.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The generall Assembly, having heard the lybels and complaints +given in against the foresaids pretended Bishops, +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumblane</span></span>, to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +and sundry Presbyteries within their pretended Dioceses, +and by the saids Presbyteries referred to this Assembly to be +tryed: The saids pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, +often-times called, and not compearing, proceeded to the +cognition of the complaints and lybels against them, and finding +them guilte of the breach of the cautions, agreed upon +in the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, Anno 1600 for restricting +the minister voter in Parliament, from encroaching upon +the liberties and jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set +down with certification of deposition, infamie and excommunication, +specially for receiving of consecration to the office +of Episcopacie, condemned by the confession of Faith, and +acts of this Kirk, as having no warrand nor foundament in +the word of God, and by vertue of this usurped power, and +power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations +in the worship of God, and for sundry other haynous +offences and enormities, and length expressed, and clearly +proven in their Processe, and for their refusall to underly +the tryall of the reigning slander of sundry other grosse transgressions +and offences laid to their charge: Therefore the +assembly moved with zeal to the glorie of God, and purging +of the Kirk, hath ordained the saids pretended Bishops to be +deposed, and by these presents doth depose them, not only +of the office of Commissionary to vote in Parliament, Councell, +or Convention, in name of the Kirk, but also of all +functions, whether of pretended Episcopall or ministeriall +calling, declareth them infamous: and likewise ordains the +saids pretended Bishops to be excommunicate, and declared +to be of these whom Christ commanded to be holden by all +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page021">[pg 021]</span><a name="Pg021" id="Pg021" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and every one of the faithfull as Ethnicks and Publicans; and +the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced by Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span> Moderatour, in face of the Assembly +after Sermon, in the high Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>: and that the execution +of the sentence be intimat in all the Kirks within this +Realme, by the Pastours of every particular congregation, +as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, +or the next generall Assembly, in case of the negligence of +Presbyteries and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc27" id="toc27"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition against Master</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> John +Guthry, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Murray: +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> John Grahame, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Orknay, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> James +Fairlie, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Lismoir: +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Neil Cambell, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop +of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Isles.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The generall Assembly having heard the lybels and complaints +given in against the foresaids pretended Bishops, +to the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and sundrie Presbyteries +within their Dyocies, and by the saids Presbyteries referred +to this Assembly to bee tryed: the saids pretended Bishops +being lawfully cited, often-times called, and not compearing, +proceeded to the cognition of the complaints and lybels +against them; and finding them guiltie of the breach of +the cautions agreed upon in the Assembly at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> +1600. for restricting of the minister, voter in Parliament, +from incroaching upon the liberties and Jurisdictions of this +Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, +infamie and excommunication; and especially for receiving +consecration to the office or Episcopacie condemned by the +confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no +warrand nor foundament in the word of God, and by vertue +of this usurped power, and power of the high commission, +pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God; +and for their refusall to underly the tryall of the reigning +slander of sundrie other grosse transgressions and offences, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page022">[pg 022]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +laid to their charge: Therefore the Assembly, moved with +zeal to the glorie of God, and purging of this Kirk, ordaines +the saids pretended Bishops, to bee deposed, and by +these presents doth depose them, not only of the office of +commissionarie, to vote in Parliament, Councel, or convention +in name of the Kirk: but also of all functions, +whether of pretended Episcopall, or ministeriall calling: +And likewise in case they acknowledge not this Assembly, +reverence not the constitutions thereof, and obey +not the sentence, and make not their repentance, conforme +to the order prescribed by this Assembly, ordaines +them to be excommunicated, and declared to bee of +these whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and +every one of the faithfull as Ethnicks and Publicanes: and +the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced upon +their refusall, in the Kirks appointed, by any of those who +are particularly named, to have the charge of trying their +repentance or impenitencie, and that the execution of this +sentence bee intimate in all the Kirks within this Realme by +the Pastours of every particular Congregation, as they will +be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next +generall Assembly, in case of negligence of the Presbyteries +and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc28" id="toc28"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition against Maister</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Alexander +Lindsay </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Dunkell.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The generall Assembly having heard the complaint and +lybel given in against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Lindesay</span></span> pretended +Bishop of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkell</span></span>, +to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and sundry +Presbyteries of his pretended Dyocie, and by the Presbyteries +referred to this Assembly to be tryed: The said +pretended Bishop being lawfully cited, often-times called, +& not compearing, but by a letter of excuse submitting himself +to the Assembly, proceeded to the cognition of the +complaint and lybell itselfe against him, and finding him +guiltie of the breach of the cautions agreed upon in the Assembly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page023">[pg 023]</span><a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1600 for restricting the +minister voter in parliament, from encroaching upon the +liberties and jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down +with certification of deposition, infamie and excommunication, +especially for receiving consecration to the office of +Episcopacie condemned by the confession of Faith, and +acts of this Kirk, as having no warrand nor foundament in +the word of God, and by vertue of this usurped power, and +power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations +in the worship of God: Therefore the Assembly +moved with zeal to the glory of God, and purging of this +Kirk, hath ordained the said Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> to bee deposed, +and by these presents deposeth him, from the pretended +Episcopall function, and from the office of commissionarie +to vote in Parliament, Councel or Convention in name of the +Kirk, and doth suspend him from all ministeriall function, +and providing he acknowledge this Assembly, reverence +the constitutions of it, and obey this sentence, and make +his repentance conforme to the order prescribed, continueth +him in the ministrie of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Madoze</span></span>; And likewise, if he +acknowledge not this Assembly, reverence not the constitutions +of it, and obey not the sentence, and make his repentance, +conforme to the order prescribed by this Assembly, +ordains him to be excommunicat, and declared to bee +one of those whom Christ commandeth to bee holden by all +and every one of the faithfull, as an Ethnick and Publicane, +and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced +upon his refusall, in the Kirks appointed, by one of these +who are particularly named, to have the charge of trying his +repentance or impenitencie, and that the execution of this +sentence be intimate in all the Kirks within this Realme, by +the Pastours of every particular congregation, as they will +be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next +generall Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries, +and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page024">[pg 024]</span><a name="Pg024" id="Pg024" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc29" id="toc29"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Sentence of deposition against Master</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> John +Abernethie </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">pretended Bishop of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Cathnes.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The generall Assembly having heard the lybell and complaint +given in against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Abernethie</span></span> pretended Bishop +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span> +to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and sundry +Presbyteries within his Dyocie: And by the saids Presbyteries, +referred to this Assembly to be tryed: The said +pretended Bishop being lawfully cited, often-times called, +and not compearing, but by his letter of excuse upon his +sicknesse, proceeded to the cognition of the complaint and +lybell it selfe against him, and finding him guiltie of the +breach of the cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1600. for restricting the minister voter in +Parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurisdictions +of this Kirk, which was set down with certification +of deposition, infamie, and excommunication, specially +for receiving consecration to the office of Episcopacie, +condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk +as having no warrand nor foundament in the word of God, +and by vertue of the usurped power, and power of the high +Commission pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship +of God: Therefore the assembly moved with zeal to the +glorie of God, and purging of this Kirk, hath ordaineth the +said Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> to be deposed, and by these presents deposeth +him from the pretended Episcopall function, and from the +office of Commissionary to vote in Parliament, Councel, or +convention, in name of the Kirk, and doth suspend him +from the ministeriall function. And providing he acknowledge +this Assembly, reverence the constitutions of it, and +obey the sentence, and make his repentance conforme +to the order prescribed by this Assembly, will admit him +to the ministerie of a particular flok: and likewise, in case +he acknowledge not this Assembly, reverence not +the constitutions of it, and make his repentance conforme +to the order prescribed by this Assembly, ordains him +to be excommunicate, and declared to be one of these whom +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page025">[pg 025]</span><a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Christ commandeth to be holden by all and everyone of +the faithfull as an Ethnick and Publicane: and the sentence +of excommunication to be pronounced upon his +refusall in the Kirks appointed, by one of these who +are particularly named to have this charge of trying his repentance +or impenitencie, and that the execution of this sentence +be intimat in all the Kirks within this Realme, by the +Pastours of every particular Congregation, as they will be +answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next generall +Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries +and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc30" id="toc30"></a> +<a name="pdf31" id="pdf31"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act of the Assembly at </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%">, Sess. 16. +December 8. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc32" id="toc32"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Declaring Episcopacie to have been abjured by the Confession +of Faith</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">, 1580. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">And to be +removed out of this Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly taking to their most grave and serious consideration, +first the unspeakable goodnesse, and great +mercy of God, manifested to this Nation, in that so necessarie, +so difficult, and so excelent and divine work of reformation, +which was at last brought to such perfection, +that this Kirk was reformed, not only in doctrine and worship, +but also after many conferences and publick reasonings +in divers nationall Assemblies, joyned with solemne humiliations +and prayers to God, the discipline and government +of the Kirk, as the hedge and guard of the doctrine and worship, +was prescribed according to the rule of Gods word, +in the book of Policie and Discipline, agreed upon in the +Assembly 1578. and insert in the register 1581. established +by the Acts of Assemblies, by the confession of Faith, sworn +and subscribed, at the direction of the Assembly, and by +continuall practise of this Kirk: Secondly, that by mens +seeking their own things: and not the things of Jesus Christ; +divers novations have been introduced to the great disturbance +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page026">[pg 026]</span><a name="Pg026" id="Pg026" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of this Kirk, so firmly once compacted, and to the +endangering of Religion, and many grosse evils obtruded, +to the utter undoing of the work of reformation, and change +of the whole forme of worship and face of this Kirk; Thirdly, +that all his Majesties Subjects both Ecclesiasticall and civil, +being without consent of the Kirk, commanded to receive +with reverence a new book of common prayer, as the +only forme to be used in Gods publick worship, and the contraveeners +to be condignely censured, and punished, and +after many supplications and complaints, knowing no other +way for the preservation of Religion; were moved by God, +and drawn by necessitie, to renew the nationall <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Covenant</span></span> +of this Kirk, and Kingdome, which the Lord since hath +blessed from heaven, and to subscribe the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Confession of Faith</span></span>, +with an application thereof, abjuring the great evils wherewith +they were now pressed, and suspending the practise of +all novations formerly introduced, till they should bee tryed +in a free generall Assembly, Lastly, that some of his Majesties +Subjects of sundrie ranks, have by his Majesties commandement +subscribed and renewed the confession of Faith, +without the former application, and that both the one and +the other subscribers have subscribed the said Confession of +Faith in this year, as it was professed and according to the +meaning that it had in this Kingdome, when it was first subscribed +1581. and afterward the Assembly therefore, both +by the subscription of his Majesties high <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Commissioner</span></span>, and of +the Lords of secret Councel, Septem. 22. 1638. And by +the acts of Councel, of the date foresaid, bearing that they +subscribed the said Confession, and ordaining all his Majesties +Liedges to subscribe the same, according to the foresaid +date and tennour, and as it was then professed within +this Kingdome, as likewise by the Protestation of some of +the Senatours of the Colledge of justice, when they were required +to subscribe, and by the many doubtings of his Majesties +good Subjects, especially because the subscribers of +the Confession in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">February</span></span> 1635. are bound to suspend the +approbation of the corruptions of the government of the +Kirk, till they be tryed in a free generall Assembly; finding +it proper for them, and most necessary and incumbent +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page027">[pg 027]</span><a name="Pg027" id="Pg027" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to them, to give out the true meaning thereof as it was at +first professed. That all his Majesties Subjects in a matter so +important; as is the publik Confession of Faith, so solemnely +sworn and subscribed, may be of one minde, and one heart, +and have full satisfaction to all their doubts, and that the +posteritie afterward may be fully perswaded of the true meaning +thereof, after earnest calling upon the name of God, +so religiously attested in the said Confession; have entered +into a diligent search of the registers of the Kirk, and books +of the generall Assembly, which the greatest part of the Assembly +had not seen before; and which by the speciall providence +of God were preserved, brought to their hands, and +publicly acknowledged to bee authentick, and have found +that in the latter confession of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>: We profess, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that we deteste all traditions brought into the Kirk without, or +against the word of God, and doctrine of this reformed Kirk</span></span>: Next, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">we abhorre and deteste all contrarie religion and doctrine</span></span>, but +chiefly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">All kinds of papistry in generall & particular heads, as +they were then damned & confuted by the word of God, and Kirk of</span></span> Scotland, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">when the said Confession was sworn and subscribed</span></span>, An. 1580. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> 1581, 1590, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> 1591. Thirdly, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that we deteste the Romane Antichrist, +his worldly monarchie, and wicked hierarchie</span></span>: Fourthly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that we +joyn our selves to this reformed Kirk in doctrine, Faith, Religion, & discipline, +promising and swearing by the great name of</span></span> GOD, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that we shall +continue in the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk, and defend the +same according to our vocation and power all the dayes of our life</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But so it is that Episcopall government is abhorred and detested, +and the government by Ministers and Elders, in +Assemblies generall and provinciall, and Presbyteries was +sworn to, and subscribed in subscribing that Confession, +and ought to be holden by us, if we adhere to the meaning +of the Kirk, when that Confession was framed, +sworn to, and subscribed; unto which we are obliged by +the nationall oath and subscription of this Kirk, as is evident +by the acts of generall Assemblies, agreed upon both before, +at, and after the swearing and subscribing of the said +Confession, in the years above-mentioned, and the book +of policie agreed upon in the Assembly which was holden at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the twentie foure of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>, and twentie foure of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page028">[pg 028]</span><a name="Pg028" id="Pg028" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> +1578. Insert in the register of the Kirk, by +ordinance of the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1581 and to +be subscribed by all Ministers, that then did bear, or thereafter +were to bear office in this Kirk, by ordinance of the +Assembly holden the fourth of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> 1590. +And at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the second +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span> 1591. but specially in the +2. 3. 4. 6. 7. and 11, chapters of the said book. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Bishops being tollerat from the year 1572, till the +Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 1575. And all this time the Assembly +being wearied with complaints made against them, +did enter in search of the office it selfe, and did agree in this +that the name of a Bishop is common to every one of them +that hath a particular flock, over which he hath a particular +charge, as well to preach the word, as to minister the Sacraments. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +At the next Assembly which was holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span> 1576. +Such Bishops were censured as had not taken them to a particular +flock. In the generall Assembly conveened in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span> +the year of God 1578. Sess. 4. Intimation was made as followeth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For so much as the heads of the policie being concluded and agreed +upon in the last Assembly, by the most part of the brethren: certain +of the brethren had some difficultie in the head</span></span> de diaconatu, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">whereupon farther reasoning was reserved to this Assembly: It is +therefore required, if any of the brethren have any reasonable doubt or +argument to propone, that he be ready the morow, and then shall be +heard and resolved</span></span>. In the 6. Sess. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span> 26. According to +the ordinance made the day before; all persons that had any +doubt or argument to propone, were required to propone +the same; but none offered to propone any argument on the +contrare. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> 1578. It +was showen by the Moderatour thereof to the noble-men, +who were present, viz. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">My Lord Chancelour</span></span>, the Earle of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seaton</span></span>, +and my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lindsay</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">What care +and study the Assembly had taken to entertain and keep the puritie of +the sincere word of God, unmixed with the inventions of their own heads, +and to preserve it to the posteritie hereafter, and seeing that +the true Religion is not able to continue nor endure long without a good +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page029">[pg 029]</span><a name="Pg029" id="Pg029" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +Discipline and policie, in that part also have they imployed their wit +and studie, and drawen forth out of the pure fountain of Gods word, +to bee a Discipline as is meet to remain in the Kirk</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the same Assembly, the speciall corruptions were set +down, which they craved such of the Bishops as would +submit themselves to the Assembly to remove, with promise, +that if the generall Assembly, hereafter shall +finde further corruptions in the said estate, then hitherto +are expressed that they be content to be reformed by the +said Assembly according to the word of God, when they +shall be required thereto. First, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That they be content to bee +Pastours and Ministers of one flock: That they usurpe no criminall +jurisdiction, that they vote not in Parliament in name of the Kirk, +without Commission from the Kirk: That they take not up for the +maintenance of their ambition and rictousnesse, the emoluments of the +Kirk, which may sustain many Pastours, the Schools, and the +poore; but be content with reasonable livings according to their office: +That they claime not to themselves the titles of Lords temporall, neither +usurpe temporall jurisdictions, whereby they are abstracted from their +office: That they empyre not above the particular Elderships, but +be subject to the same: That they usurpe not the power of the Presbyteries.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The question being proponed by the Synod at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Loutbian</span></span> in +the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span> 1579. anent a generall order +to be taken for erecting of Presbyteries in places where publick +exercise is used, untill the time the policie of the Kirk +be established by a law: It is answered, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The exercise may be judged +to be a Presbyterie.</span></span> In the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span> in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span> 1580. Sess. 4, The office of a Bishop was abolished by a +particular act; as appeareth by the tennour of the act following. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">For so much as the office of a Bishop, as it is now used and commonly +taken withen this Realme, hath no sure warrand authoritie, +nor good ground in the Scriptures, but is brought in by the +foly and corruption of mans inventions, to the great overthrow of +the Kirk of God, the whole Assembly of the Kirk in one voice after +libertie given to all men to reason in the matter, none opponing +himself in defending the said pretended office, findeth and declareth +the said pretended office, used and termed, as is above said, +unlawfull in the selfe, as having neither foundament, ground, +nor warrand in the word of God, and ordaineth that all such persons, +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page030">[pg 030]</span><a name="Pg030" id="Pg030" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic"> +as brook or shall brook hereafter the said office, shall be +charged simply to dimit, quite, and leave off the same, as an +office whereunto they are not called of God: and suchlike, to desist +and cease from all preaching, ministration of the Sacraments, +or using any way the office of pastours, while they receive</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> de novo, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">admission from the generall Assembly, under the pain of excommunication +to be used against them, wherein if they be found disobedient, +or contradict this act in any point, the sentence of excommunication, +after due admonition, to be execute against +them.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the same Assembly holden <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> +1580. Sess. 10. This +article was appointed to be proponed to the King and Councel, +that the book of policie might be established by an act of +privie Councel, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">while a Parliament be holden, at which it might +be confirmed by a law</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The extent of the act made at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, was interpreted and +explained in the Assembly, holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>, 1581. +Sess. 6. as followeth. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Anent the Act made in the Assembly +holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Dundie </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">against +Bishops, because some difficultie appeareth to some brethren +to arise out of the word</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> (office) </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">contained in the said act, +what should be meaned thereby, The Assembly consisting for the +most part of such as voted, and were present in the Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> +Dundie, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">to take away the said difficultie, resolving upon the +true meaning and understanding of the said act, declare that they +meaned wholly to condemne the whole estate of Bishops, as they +are now in</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">and that the same was the determination +and conclusion of the Assembly at this time, because some brethren +doubted, whether the former act was to be understood of the</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> spiritual +function </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">only, and others alledged, that the</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> whole office +of a Bishop </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">as it was used, was damnable, and that by the +said act, the Bishops should be charged to dimit the same: This +Assembly declareth that they meaned wholly to condemne the whole +estate of Bishops, as they were then in</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">and that this +was the meaning of the Assembly, at that time</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">. +</span></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Kings <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Commissioner</span></span> presented to this Assembly the +Confession of Faith, subscribed by the King, and his houshold, +not long before, together with a plot of the Presbyteries +to be erected, which is registrate in the books of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page031">[pg 031]</span><a name="Pg031" id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Assembly, with a letter to be directed from his Majestie to +the noble-men and gentle-men of the Countrey, for the +erection of Presbyteries, consisting of Pastours, and Elders, +and dissolution of Prelacies, and with an offer to set forward +the Policie untill it were established by Parliament. +The Kings letter subscribed by his hand, to the Noble-men, +and Gentle-men, was read in open audience of the whole +Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This Assembly ordained the book of Policie to be insert +in the register by the act following. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">For as much as travels have been taken in the framing of the Policie +of the Kirk, and diverse suits have been made to the Magistrat +for approbation thereof, which yet have not taken the happie +effect, which good men would wish, yet that the posteritie +may judge well of the present age; and of the meaning of the Kirk; +The Assembly hath concluded, that the book of Policie agreed to +in diverse Assemblies before, should be registrat in the acts of the +Kirk, and remaine therein</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> ad perpetuam rei memoriam: +</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">and the coppies thereof to be taken to every Presbyterie: of which +book the tennour followeth, &c.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Immediatly after the inserting of the book of Policie, called +there the book of Discipline, the Assembly ordained +that the confession of Faith be subscribed as followeth. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Anent the confession of Faith lately set forth by the Kings Majestie, +and subscribed by his highnesse. The Assembly in one +voice, acknowledgeth the said Confession to be a true, Christian, +and faithful confession, to be eagreed unto by such as truly professe +Christ, and have a care of Religion, and the tennour thereof +to be followed out efoldly as the samine is laid out in the said Proclamation</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">, +wherein that Discipline is sworn to. +</span></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the general Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> +1581. Sess. 10. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Montgomery</span></span> is accused for teaching +that Discipline is a thing indifferent. Sess. 23. The +Assembly gave commission to the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, to +charge Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Montgomerie</span></span>, to continue in the ministerie +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, and not to medle with any other office or function +of the Kirk, namely in aspyring to the Bishoprick of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, +against the word of God, and acts of the Kirk, under +the pain of excommunication. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page032">[pg 032]</span><a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the same Assembly it is acknowledged that the estate of +Bishops is condemned by the Kirk, a commission for erection +of moe Presbyteries was renewed: and a new ordinance +made for subscribing the confession of Faith, and to proceed +against whatsoever persons that would not acknowledge and +subscribe the same. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span> 1582. there was a new +commission for erection of Presbyteries, where none was as +yet erected, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Montgomerie</span></span>, pretending to be Bishop +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, was ordained to be deposed and excommunicat, +except hee gave evident tokens of repentance, and +promise to superseed, which he did not: and therefore he +was excommunicat shortly after, according to the ordinance +of this Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the generall Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, 1582. The +generall Assembly gave commission to some Presbyteries, to +try and censure such as were called Bishops, for the great +slander arising by their impunitie. Commission was given +at this Assembly to present some articles to the Councel and +Estates, for approving and establishing by their authoritie +the Presbyteries, the Synodall, and generall Assemblies. +In the 19. Sess. The Assembly declared, that no Bishop +may sit upon the Councell in name of the Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly holden <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1586. These two articles +were agreed upon. First <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It is found that all such as the Scripture +appointeth governours of the Kirk, to wit Pastours, Doctours, and +Elders, may conveen to the generall Assemblies, and vote in Ecclesiasticall +matters.</span></span> Secondly: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">There are foure office bearers set down +to us by the Scriptures, to wit Pastours, Doctours, Elders, and +Deacons, and the name of Bishop ought not to be taken as it hath been +in time of Papistrie, but is common to all Pastours, and Ministers.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly holden <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1587. Sess. 8. It was ordained +that the admission of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Montgomerie</span></span> by the +Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, suppose to the temporalitie of the +Bishoprick only, be undone and annulled with all possible +diligence, to the effect slander might be removed from the +Kirk. In Sess. 15. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Pont</span></span> shewed the Kings presentation +to the Bishoprick of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span>, & desidered the judgement +of the Assembly. The Assembly in their letter to the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page033">[pg 033]</span><a name="Pg033" id="Pg033" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Kings Majestie, declared that they judged the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Robert</span></span> +to be a Bishop already according to the Doctrine of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Paul</span></span>: +But as to that corrupt estate or office, of these who have +been termed Bishops heretofore, they found it not agreable +to the word of God, and that it hath been damned in diverse +Assemblies before. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the instructions given to such as were appointed to wait +upon the Parliament, it was ordained in the same Assembly +Sess. 17. That they be careful that nothing be admitted prejudicial +to the liberties of this Kirk, as it was concluded +according to the word of God in the general Assemblies, +preceeding the year 1584. but precisely to seek the same +to be ratified in the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> 1589. +where the articles were made for subscribing the confession +of Faith with the generall band, it was ordained as +followeth. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">For so much as the neighbour Kirk in</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> +England, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">is understood +to bee heavily troubled, for maintaining of the true Discipline and +government: whose grieves ought to move us. Therefore the +Presbytery of</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Edinburgh </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">was ordained to comfort the said Kirk in +the said matter.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly holden 1590. when the confession of +Faith was subscribed universally <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">de novo</span></span>, a ratification of the +liberties of the Kirk, in her jurisdiction, discipline, Presbyteries, +Synods, and generall Assemblies, and an abrogation +of all things contrarie thereunto; was ordained to +be sought both of the Councel and Parliament. In the next +Session it was ordained that the book of Discipline, specially +the controverted heads, should be subscribed by all Ministers +that bear, or hereafter was to bear office in this Kirk, +and that they be charged by the Presbyteries, under the +pain of excommunication: Seeing the word of God cannot +bee keeped in sincerity, unlesse the holy Discipline +be preserved. The Presbyteries were ordained to get a coppie +under the Clerks hand; there were sundrie coppies subscribed +by the Ministers in the Presbyteries yet extant, +as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermling</span></span>, +&c. produced before the +Assembly. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page034">[pg 034]</span><a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly 1591. Sess. 4. The former act anent the +subscription to the book of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Policie</span></span> is renewed, and a penaltie +imposed upon the Moderatour, in case it be not put in +execution. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Assembly <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">22. May 1592.</span></span> Sess. 2. These articles +were drawn up. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That the acts of Parliament made 1584. against +the Discipline, libertie and authoritie of the Kirk be annulled, and +the samine discipline, whereof the Kirk hath been in practise, precisely +ratified. That Abbots, Priors, and other Prelats pretending +the title of the Kirk, be not suffered in time coming.</span></span> In the 11. +Session the number of the Presbyteries were given up, and +insert in the Parliament immediatly following. The fifth +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span> 1592. The libertie, discipline, and jurisdiction of +the true Kirk, in her Sessions, Presbyteries, Synodal and +general Assemblies, is largely ratified, as the samine was +used, and exercised within this Realme, and all the acts +contrary thereto abrogat: The Kings prerogative declared +not to be prejudicial to the same priviledges grounded upon +the word of God, the former commissions to Bishops 1584. +rescinded, and all Ecclesiastical matters, subjected to Presbyteries, +according to the discipline of this Kirk. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1595. +The book of Policie with other acts is ratified and ordained +to be printed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It was also cleared that Episcopacie was condemned in +these words of the Confession, HIS WICKED HEIRARCHIE. +For the Popish <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span> doth consist of Bishops, +Presbyters, and Deacons, that is baptizing and preaching +Deacons: For so it is determined in the councel of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trent</span></span>, in +the 4. chap. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">De Sacramento ordinis, can. 6</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span style="font-size: 80%">Censura propositionum +quarundam ex +Hibernia delatarum +per sacram Facultatem +Theologiæ Parisiensis +facta.</span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Si quis dixerît in ecclesia Catholica non esse +heirarchiam divina ordinatione institutam, quæ +constat ex Episcopis. Presbyteris & ministris, +anathema sit.</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bellarmine</span></span> likewise in his +book <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">De Clericis.</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">cap.</span></span> +11. saith, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That there +are three Hierarchies in the militant Kirk: The first of Bishops, +the second of Priests, the third of Deacons, and that the Deacons are +also Princes, if they be compared with the people:</span></span> This proposition +following; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchia ecclesiastica constat ex Pontifice, +Cardinalibus, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis & Regularibus</span></span>, was +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page035">[pg 035]</span><a name="Pg035" id="Pg035" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +censured by the Facultie of Theologie in the Universitie at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Paris</span></span>, as followeth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Inicta +prima propositione enumeratio membrorum +hierarchiæ ecclesiasticæ sen sacri principatus, divina ordinatione +instituti est manca & redundaus atque, inducens in errorem +contrarium determinationi sacræ Sinodi Tridentinæ</span></span>: The proposition +was defective, because it pretermitted the Presbyters +and Deacons; it was censured as redundant, because it +made the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span> to consist of the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pope</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cardinals</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbishops</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Regulars</span></span>; the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pope</span></span> +is not within the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie of Primats</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Metropolitanes</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbishops</span></span>, but as they are Bishops. +Furthermore, this <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span> is distinguished in the confession +from the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Popes monarchie</span></span>. +And howbeit this <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span> +be called the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Antichrists Hierarchie</span></span>, yet it is not to distinguish +betwixt the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span> in the Popish Kirk, and any other as +lawful: But the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span>, wheresoever it is, is called +his, as the rest of the Popish corruptions are called his: To +wit, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Invocation of Saints</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">canonisation of Saints</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">dedication of +Altars</span></span>, &c. +are called his, not that there is another lawfull +canonization, invocation, or dedication of altars: whatsoever +corruption was in the Kirk, either in doctrine, worship, +or government since the ministry of iniquitie began +to work, and is retained, and maintained, by the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pope</span></span>, +and obtruded upon the Kirk by his authority, are his. A +passage also out of the history of the councell of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trent</span></span> +was alledged, where it is related, that the Councell +would not define the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span> +by the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">seven orders</span></span>: we have +in our confession of Faith the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">manifold +orders</span></span> set apart and distinguished +from the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hierarchie</span></span>, but as it is set down in the +cannon above cited: We have in the book of Policie or second +booke of Discipline, in the end of the second chapter, +this conclusion agreed upon. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Therefore all the ambitious titles +invented in the kingdome of Antichrist, and in his usurped HIERARCHIE +which are not of one of these four sorts, To wit, +Pastours, Doctours, Elders, and Deacons, together with offices +depending thereupon, in one word ought to be rejected.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All which and many other warrands being publickly read, +and particularly at great length examined, and all objections +answered in face of the Assembly, all the members of the +Assembly being many times desired and required to propone +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page036">[pg 036]</span><a name="Pg036" id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +their doubts, and scruples, and every one being heard to +the full, and after much agitation as fully satisfied; the +Moderatour at last exhorting every one to declare his minde, +did put the matter to voicing in these termes: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Whether according +to the confession of faith, as it was professed in the year</span></span> 1580. +1581. and 1590. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">There be any other Bishop, but a Pastour of a +particular flock, having no preheminence nor power over his brethren, +and whether by that Confession, as it was then professed, all other episcopacie +is abjured, and ought to bee removed out of this Kirk.</span></span> The +whole Assembly most unanimously, without contradiction +of any one (and with the hesitation of one allanerly) professing +full perswasion of minde, did voice, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that all Episcopacie +different from that of a Pastour over, a particular flock, was abjured +in this Kirk, and to be removed out of it</span></span>. And therefore Prohibites +underr ecclesiasticall censure any to usurpe accept, defend, +or obey the pretended authoritie thereof in time coming. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc33" id="toc33"></a> +<a name="pdf34" id="pdf34"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc35" id="toc35"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Glasgow, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">declaring the five Articles of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Perth </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to have been abjured and +to bee removed.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly remembring the uniformity of worship +which was in this Kirk, before the articles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, the +great rent which entered at that time, and hath continued +since, with the lamentable effects, that it hath produced +both against Pastours, and professours, the unlawfulnesse +and nullitie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> Assembly already declared by this Assembly, +and that in the necessarie renewing of the confession +of Faith in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">February</span></span> 1638. the practice of novations introduced +in the worship of God, was suspended, till they should +be determined in a free generall Assembly: and that in the +same year at his Majesties command some had subscribed the +confession of Faith, as it was professed when it was first subscribed: +For these causes the Assembly entered into a diligent +tryall of the foresaid articles, whether they be constant +to the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and professed in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page037">[pg 037]</span><a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the year 1580. 1581. 1590. and 1591. And findeth that first +in generall: In the confession of Faith we professe, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We willingly +agree in our consciences to the forme of Religion, of a long time +openly professed by the Kings Majestie, and Whole body of this +Realme in all points, as unto Gods undoubted truth and verity, +grounded only upon his written word, and therefore abhor and deteste +all contrary Religion and Doctrine, but chiefly, all kinde of papistrie +in generall and partrcular heads, even as they were then +damned and confuted by the Word of God and Kirk of</span></span> Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and +in speciall the Romane Antichrist his five bastard sacraments, +with all rites, ceremonies and false doctrine, added to the ministration +of the true Sacraments, without the word of God, his cruell +judgement against Infants departing without the Sacrament, his absolute +necessitie of baptisme, and finally, we deteste all his vain allegories, +rites, signes, and traditions brought into the Kirk without, +or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk, +to the which we joyne our selves willingly in Doctrine, Faith, Religion, +Discipline, and use of the holy Sacraments, as lively members +of the same in Christ our Head; promising and swearing, &c.</span></span> +And that these five articles are contrarie to the Religion then +professed, were confuted by the word of God, and Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, or are rites, +and ceremonies, added to the ministration, +of the true Sacraments, without the word God, +or nourish the popish judgement against Infants departing +without the Sacrament, or absolute necessitie, of Baptisme +or rites, signes, and traditions brought in to the Kirk, with +out or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed +Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And next in particular, concerning festivall dayes, findeth, +that in the explication of the first head, of the first +book of Discipline, it was thought good that the feasts of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Christmas</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Circumcision</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Epiphanie</span></span>, with the feasts of the Apostles, +Martyres, and Virgine <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mary</span></span>, bee utterly abolished, +because they are neither commanded nor warranded by +Scripture, and that such as observe them be punished by civill +Magistrats. Here utter abolition is craved, and not reformation +of abuses only, and that because the observation +of such feasts hath no warrand from the word of God. In +the generall Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1556. the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page038">[pg 038]</span><a name="Pg038" id="Pg038" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +large confession of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Helvetia</span></span> was approved, but with speciall +exception against the same five dayes, which are now urged +upon us. It was not then the Popish observation only, +with the Popish opinion of worship and merit, which was +disallowed; (for so the reformed Kirk in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Helvetia</span></span> did not +observe them) but <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">simpliciter</span></span> all observation. For this end +was read a letter in Latine, sent at that time by some of our +divines to certaine divines in these parts to this purpose. In +the Assembly holden 1575. in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span>, complaint was made +against the Ministers and Readers beside <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>; because +they assembled the people to preaching and prayers upon +certane festival dayes: So that preaching and prayers upon +festival dayes was judged rebukable. It was ordained likewise, +that complaint be made to the Regent, upon the +town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis</span></span>, for urging and convoying a Reader to +the Kirk with Tabret and Whistle, to read Prayers, all +the holy dayes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Christmas</span></span>, upon the refusal of their own +Reader. Among the articles directed by this Assembly to +the Regent: It was craved that all holy dayes hereto-fore +keeped holy, beside the Lords day, such a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Yooleday</span></span>, and +Saints dayes, and such others may bee abolished, and a +certain penaltie appointed for banqueting, playing, feasting +upon these dayes. In the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1577. It was ordained that the visitors with the advice +of the Synodal Assembly, should admonish Ministers, +preaching or ministrating the Communion at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Easter</span></span>, or +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Christmas</span></span>, or other like superstitious times, or Readers +reading, to desist, under the paine of deprivation. In the +ninth head of the first book of Discipline, the reason is set +down against <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Easter</span></span> Communion. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your honours are +not ignorant how superstitiously the people run to that action at Pascheven; +as if the time gave vertue to the Sacrament, and how the rest of the +whole year, they are carelesse and negligent, as if it appartained +not to them, but at that time only. And for this reason, other times +were appointed by that book, for that holy action.</span></span> In the Assembly +holden 1596. begun in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> 1595. at which time the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Covenant</span></span> was renewed, superstition and idolatrie breaking +forth in observing festival dayes; setting out of bone-fires, +singing Carols, are reakoned amongst the corruptions which +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page039">[pg 039]</span><a name="Pg039" id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +were to be amended: And the Pulpits did sound from time +to time, against all shew of observing any festival day whatsoever, +except the Lords day. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning kneeling at the Communion, findeth that in +the confession of Faith prefixed before the Psalmes, and approved +by our Kirk in the very beginning of the reformation, +we have these words, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Neither in the ministration of the Sacraments, +must we follow men: but as Christ himself hath ordained, +so must they be ministred.</span></span> In the large confession of Faith +chap. 23. It is required as necessary, for the right ministration +of the Sacraments, that they bee ministred in such elements, +and in such sort, as God hath appointed, and that +men have adulterate the Sacraments with their own inventions: +So that no part of Christs action abideth in the originall +puritie. The judgement of our reformers, who drew up +the large Confession, was by cleare evidents shewed to be +contrary to this gesture in the act of receiving the Sacrament. +In the order of celebrating the Lords Supper, prefixed before +the Psalmes in meeter, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">sitting +and distributing by the Communicants</span></span>, +are joined: as likewise by the second head of the +first book of Discipline, as nearest to Christs own action, and +to his perfect practise, and most convenient to that holy action, +and all inventions devised by man are condemned, as alterations +and accusations of Christs perfect ordinance: Ministers +were enjoyned by act of Assembly in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December 1562.</span></span> +To observe the order of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geneva</span></span>: that is the English Kirk at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geneva</span></span>: where Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Knox</span></span> had been +sometime Minister, in the ministration of the Sacraments. This act was renewed +in the Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December 1564.</span></span> where Ministers +are referred to the order set down before the Psalmes, +for ministration of the Sacraments; which is all one with +the former: for that was the order of the English Kirk +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geneva</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the Parliament holden <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1567. It was declared that +whosoever did not participate of the Sacraments, as they +were then publickly administrat in this reformed Kirk ought +not to be reputed members of this Kirk. The act for the +Kings oath at his coronation, to maintain the due administration +of the Sacraments, as they were then ministred, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page040">[pg 040]</span><a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1567. Was ratified +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1581. At which time the short +Confession, adhering to the use of the Sacraments, in the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, was subscribed: +as also <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1592. after the second +Subscription to the confession of Faith. In the Parliament +1572. an act was made against such as did not participat +of the Sacraments as they were then rightly ministered: +But the gesture of kneeling, in the act of receiving, putteth +the ministration of the Sacraments used in this Kirk out of +frame: whereby it is clear that whatsoever gesture or rite, +cannot stand with the administration of the Sacraments as +they were then ministred and were ministred ever since the +reformation, till the year 1618. must bee condemned by our +Kirk as a rite added to the true ministration of the Sacraments +without the word of God, and as rite or tradition brought +in without, or against the word of God, or doctrine of this +reformed Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. Concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Confirmation</span></span>; The Assembly findeth it to +be comprehended in the clause of the Confession, where +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">five bastard Sacraments</span></span> +are condemned. And seeing <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Episcopacie</span></span> +is condemned, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">imposition of hands</span></span> by Bishops falleth to +the ground. And in all the acts for catechising or examination +before admission to the communion, no inkling of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">imposition +of hands</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IIII. Concerning the administration of the Sacraments +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in private places</span></span>, or private baptisme, and communion; +findeth that in the book of common order, set down before +the Psalmes, it is said, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That the Sacraments art not ordained of +God to be used in private corners, as charmers and sorcerers use to doe, +but left to the Congregation.</span></span> In the Assembly +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October Anno 1581.</span></span> the same year and Assembly, that +the confession of Faith was subscribed: It was ordained, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that the Sacraments be not administred in private houses, but solemnly +according to good order hither to observed</span></span>. The Minister of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tranent</span></span> was suspended at that time, for baptizing an infant in a +private house: but confessing his offence, he was ordained +to make his publick repentance in the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tranent</span></span>, before +he be released. Another Minister was to be tried, and +censured, for baptizing privately, and celebrating the +Communion upon <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pasch-day</span></span>, at the +Assembly holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page041">[pg 041]</span><a name="Pg041" id="Pg041" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +1580.</span></span> Which acts and censures make manifest, that our +Kirk abhorred whatsoever fostered the opinion of the necessitie +of Baptisme, and giving of the Sacrament, as a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viaticum</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All which, and many other acts, grounds, and reasons, +being at length agitated, and with mature deliberation pondered, +and libertie granted to every man to speak his minde; +what could be said further, for the full satisfaction of all +men. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The matter was put to voicing, in these words: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Whether +the five articles of</span></span> Perth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">by the confession of Faith, as it was +meaned and professed in the year 1580. 1581. 1590. 1591. ought to be +removed out of this Kirk:</span></span> The whole Assembly all in one consent, +one onely excepted, did voice that the five articles above +specified were abjured by this Kirk, in that Confession, +and so ought to be removed out of it: And therefore prohibiteth +and dischargeth all disputing for them, or observing +of them, or any of them, in all time comming, and ordains +Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against +all transgressours. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc36" id="toc36"></a> +<a name="pdf37" id="pdf37"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirk Sessions, provinciall</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">nationall Assemblies</span></span>, +the generall Assembly considering the great defection +of this Kirk, and decay of Religion, by the usurpation +of the Prelates, and their suppressing of ordinaire judicatories +of the Kirk, and clearly preceiving the benefit which +will redound to the Religion by the restitution of the said judicatories, +remembring also that they stand obliged by their +solemne oath, and covenant with God, to return to the doctrine +and discipline of this Kirk; as it was profest 1580, +1581, 1590, 1591. which in the book of Policie, registrat +in the books of the Assembly 1581. and ordained to be subscribed, +1590, 1591. is particularly exprest both touching +the constitution of the Assemblies, of their members, +Ministers, and Elders, and touching the number, power, +and authority of these members, in all matters ecclesiastical. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page042">[pg 042]</span><a name="Pg042" id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly findeth it necessar to restore, and by these +presents restoreth all these Assemblies unto their full integritie +in their members, priviledges, liberties, powers, and +jurisdictions; as they were constitute by the foresaid book +of Policie. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc38" id="toc38"></a> +<a name="pdf39" id="pdf39"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the report of the Committie, appointed for considering +what constitutions were to be revived, or made +of new, they proponed the overtures following: which +were read and allowed by the whole Assembly, or by them +referred to the consideration of the severall Presbyteries. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Presbyteries</span></span> which have been erected since the year +1586. It seemeth needfull, that they bee ratified by an act +of this generall Assembly, and that other Presbyteries shall +be erected, where they shall be found needfull, and especially +now in the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lismore</span></span>, according to the particular +note given there anent. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly ratifieth these Presbyteries since 1486. and +erected those in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lismore</span></span>, conforme to the note registrat in +the books of Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the keeping of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Presbyteriall meetings</span></span>; It is thought +fit that they be weekly, both in Sommer and Winter, except +in places farre distant, who during the winter season, +(that is between the first of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> +and the first of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>) shall +be dispensed with for meeting once in the fourteen dayes, +and that all absents be censured, especially those who should +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">exercise</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">adde</span></span>, according to the Act of Assembly 1582. +at St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April 24. Sess. 12.</span></span> and that some controverted +head of doctrine bee handled in the presbyterie publikly, +and disputed among the brethren, every first Presbyterie +of the Moneth, according to the act of Assembly holden at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span> 1598. Sess. 12. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this Article.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">visitation of particular Kirks</span></span> within Presbyteries; +It is thought expedient that it be once every year, wherein a +care is to be had, among other things necessary, that it bee +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page043">[pg 043]</span><a name="Pg043" id="Pg043" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +tryed, how domestick exercises of Religion be exercised in +particular families, and to see what means there is in every +Parish in Landward, for catechising and instructing the +youth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">visitation of Kirks, Schooles, and Colledges</span></span>: +It is thought meet that the acts of Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +the 25. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Junie</span></span> 1565. Sess. 2. be put in execution: that +the Ministers of the parochin, the Principall, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Regents</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">professours</span></span> within Colledges, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Masters</span></span>, +and Doctors of Schooles, be tryed concerning the soundnesse of their judgement +in matters of Religion, their abilitie, for discharge +of their calling, and the honesty of their conversation: as +the act of Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Juni 21. 1567.</span></span> Sess. 3. And +the act of the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>. 1595. Sess. 9. +do import: and this visitation of Colledges to be by way of +commission from the generall Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The generall Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">none residents</span></span>: It is thought necessary, that every +Minister be oblished to reside in his own Parochin at his +ordinarie Manse, for the better attending of the duties of his +calling, conforme to the Acts of Assemblies, viz. act of +Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March 24. 1595.</span></span> Sess. 7. as also act +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December +25. 1563.</span></span> Sess. 5. and Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December 25. 1565.</span></span> Sess. 4. Assembly at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March 6. 1572.</span></span> Sess. 3. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">planting of Schools in Landward</span></span>, the want +whereof doth greatly prejudge the grouth of the Gospel and +procure the decay of Religion: The Assembly giveth direction +to several Presbyteries for the setling of Schooles in +every Landward Parochin, and providing of men able for +the charge of teaching of the youth, publick reading and precenting +of the Psalme, and the catechising of the common +people, and that means be provided for their intertainment, +in the most convenient manner that may be had, according +to the abilitie of the Parochin. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page044">[pg 044]</span><a name="Pg044" id="Pg044" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth; and referreth the particular course +unto the severall Presbyteries.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. Anent the late <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">admission of Ministers by Presbyteries</span></span>, +and the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">choise of Moderatours</span></span>, according to the ancient power +of the said Presbyteries: The Assembly declareth they had +power to doe the same, and ratifieth that what hath been done +of late of that kinde upon warrantable grounds, that here +after it be not called in question. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">competencie of Presbyteries and parochins</span></span>, +that some proportion may be keeped, both anent the number +and distance of place: It would seem expedient that this +generall Assembly should appoint a Commission for every +Shyre, where there is such necessitie, that the particular +Parochins and Presbyteries within the bounds be duely considered, +and overtures be these of the same commission given +in to the provinciall Synods, and by them to the generall +Assembly, that there they may be advised, and ratified. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth this to the care of the particular +presbyteries.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">entrie and conversation of Ministers</span></span>: It is +expedient that the act of Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March 24. 1595.</span></span> Sess. 7. be ratified, and put in execution +in every Presbyterie, and to that end, that they get a coppie +thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the tennour +followeth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Sess. 7. March 26. of the Assembly at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> 1596. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Concerning the</span></span> defections in the ministerie, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the same being +at length read out, reasoned, and considered; The brethren +concluded the same, agreeing there-with: and in respect +that by Gods grace, they intend reformation, and to see the Kirk +and ministery purged; to the effect the worke may have better successe, +they think it necessar that this Assembly be humbled, for +wanting such care as became in such points, as is set down; and +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page045">[pg 045]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +some zealous and godly brethren in doctrine, lay them out for their +better humiliation; and that they make solemne promise before the +Majestie of God; and make new covenant with him for a more +carefull and reverent discharge of their ministerie. To the which +effect was chosen</span></span> Mr. John Davidson; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and Twesday next at +nine houres in the morning appointed, in the new Kirk, for that effect: +whereunto none is to resort, but the ministrie: the forme to +bee advised the morne in privie conference.</span></span>”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The tennour of the advise of the brethren; depute for +penning the enormities and corruptions in the ministerie, +and remead thereof, allowed by the generall +Assembly here conveened. 1596. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Corruptions in the office.</span></span> +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">For as much as by +the too sudden admission and light tryall of +persons to the ministrie, cometh to passe that many scandals +fall out in the persons of ministers: it would be ordained in time +comming, that more diligent inquisition and triall be used of all +such persons as shall enter into the ministrie.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">As specially these points. +That the intrant shall be posed upon +his conscience, before the great God, (and that in most grave +manner) what moveth him to accept the office and charge of the +ministrie upon him.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That it be inquired, if +any by solistation, or moyen, directly or +indirectly, prease to enter in the said office: And, if it bee found, +that the solister be repelled; and that the Presbyterie repell all +such of their number from voting in the election or admission as +shall bee found moyeners for the soliciter, and posed upon their +conscience to declare the truth to that effect.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Thirdly, because by +presentations, many forcibly are thrust +into the ministery, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter +that they were not called by God: It would bee provided that none +seeke presentations to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie +within the bounds whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the +contrarie, they to be repelled as</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> rei ambitus.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That the triall of +persons to be admitted to the ministrie hereafter, +consist not only in their learning and abilitie to preach, but +also in conscience, and feeling, and spiritual wisedome, and namely +in the knowledge of the bounds of their calling in doctrine, +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page046">[pg 046]</span><a name="Pg046" id="Pg046" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic"> +discipline, and wisedome, to behave himselfe accordingly with +the diverse ranks of persons within his flock, as namely with +Atheists, rebellious, weak consciences, and such other, wherein +the pastoral charge is most suited, and that he be meet to +stop the mouthes of the adversaries; and such as are not qualified +in these points to be delayed to further tryal; and while they be +found qualified. And because men may be found meet for some +places who are not meet for other, it would be considered, that the +principall places of the Realme be provided by men of most worthie +gifts, wisedome and experience, and that none take the charge +of greater number of people nor they are able to discharge: And the +Assembly to take order herewith, and the act of the provinciall of +Louthain, made at</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Linlithgow, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">to be urged.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That such as shall bee +found not given to their book and studie +of Scriptures, not Carefull to have books, not given to sancification +and prayer, that studie not to bee powerful and spiritual, +not applying the doctrine to corruptions, which is the pastorall +gift, obscure and too scholastick before the people, cold, and wanting +of spiritual zeal, negligent in visiting of the sick, and caring +for the poore; or indifferent in chosing of parts of the word not meetest +for the flock, flatterers and dissembling at publick sins, and +specially of great personages in their congregations, for flattery, +or for fear, that all such persons bee censured, according to the +degree of their faults, and continuing therein, bee deprived.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That such as be slothfull +in the ministration of the Sacraments +and irreverent, as prophaners receiving the cleane and uncleane, +ignorants and senselesse prophane, and making no conscience +of their profession in their calling and families, omitting due +tryall or using none, or light tryall, having respect in their tryall +to persons, wherein there is manifest corruption; that all such +bee sharply rebuked, and if they continue therein, that they be +deposed.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">And if any be found a seller +of the Sacraments, that hee bee +deposed</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> simpliciter: </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">and such as collude with slanderous persons +in dispensing and over-seeing them for money, incurre the +like punishment. That every Minister be charged to have a Session +established of the meettest men in his Congregation, and that +Discipline strike not only upon grosse sins, as whoredome, +blood-shed, &c. but upon sins repugnant to the word of God, +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page047">[pg 047]</span><a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic"> +as blasphemie of God, banning, profaning of the Sabbath, disobedient +to parents, idle, unruly ones without calling, drunkards, +and such like deboshed men, as make not conscience of +their life and ruling of their families, and specially of education +of their children, lying, slandering, and backbiting and breaking +of promises: and this to be an universal order throughout the +Realme, &c. and such like as are negligent herein, and continue +therein after admonition, be deposed.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That none falling in +publick slanders, be received in the fellowship +of the Kirk, except his Minister have some appearance +and warrand in conscience, that hee hath both a feeling of sin, +and apprehension of mercie, and for this effect, that the Minister +travell with him, by doctrine, and private instruction to +bring him here-to, and specially in the doctrine of repentance, +which being neglected, the publick place of repentance is turned +in a mocking.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Dilapidation of benefices, dimitting of them for favour, or +money, that they become laick patronages, without advise of the +Kirk, and such like interchanging of benefices, by transaction +and transporting of themselves by that occasion, without the +knowledge of the Kirk, precisely to be punished: Such like, that +setting of acts without the consent of the Assembly, be punished +according to the acts: and that the dimitters in favours for money, +or otherwise to the effect above-writen: bee punished as the</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> dilapidators.</span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Corruptions in their persons and lives. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That such as are light +and wanton in their behaviour, as in +gorgeous and light apparell; in speech, in using light and +prophane companie, unlawfull gaming, as dancing, carding, +dycing and such like; not beseeming the gravitie of a Pastour, bee +sharply and gravely reproved by the Presbyterie, according to the +degree thereof: and continuing therein after due admonition, that +hee bee depryved, as slanderous to the Gospel.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That Ministers being found +swearers, or banners, prophaners; +of the Sabbath, drunkards, fighters, guiltie of all these +or any of them, be deposed simpliciter; and suchlike, lyars, detracters, +flatterers, breakers of promise, brawlers, and quarrellers, +after admonition continuing therein, incurre the same +punishment.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page048">[pg 048]</span><a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That Ministers given to +unlawful and incompetent trades and +occupations for filthie gain, as holding of ostleries, taking of +ocker beside conscience and good lawes, and bearing worldly offices +in noblemen and gentlements houses, marchandise, and such +like, buying of victuals, and keeping to the dearth, and all such +worldly occupations, as may distract them from their charge, and +may be slanderous to the pastorall calling, be admonished and +brought to the acknowledging of their sins, and if they continue +therein, to be deposed.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That Ministers not resident +at their flocks, be deposed according +to the acts of the generall Assembly, and laws of the Realme: +otherwise the burthren to be laid on the Presbyteries, and they to +be censured therefore.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That the Assembly command +all their members, that none of +them await on the court and afairs thereof without the advice +and allowance of their Presbyterie. Item, that they intend no +action civill without the said advice; except in small maters: and +for remeding of the necessitie, that some Ministers hath to enter +in plea of law, that remedie bee craved, that short processe bee +devised, to bee used in Ministers actions.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That Ministers +take speciall care in using godly excercises in +their families, in teaching of their wives, children, and servants, +in using ordinarie prayers and reading of Scriptures, +in removing of offensive persons out of their families, and such like +other points of godly conversation, and good example, & that they +at the visitation of their Kirks, try the Ministers families in these +points foresaid, and such as are found negligent in these points, +foresaid after due admonition, shall be adjudged unmeet to govern +the house of God, according to the rule of the Apostle.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That Ministers in +all companies strive to bee spirituall and profitable, +and to talke of things pertaining to godlinesse, as namely +of such as may strengthen us in Christ, instruct us in our calling, of +the means how to have Christs Kingdome better established in our +Congregations, and to know how the Gospel flourisheth in our +flocks, and such like others the hinderances, and the remeeds that we +finde, &c. wherein there is manifold corruptions, both in our companying +with our selves, and with others: and that the contraveeners +thereof be tryed, and sharply be rebuked.</span></span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page049">[pg 049]</span><a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">That no Minister be found to contenance, procure, or assist a +publick offender challenged by his own Ministers, for his publick +offence, or to bear with him, as though his Minister, were too +severe upon him, under pain of admonition and rebuking.</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent generall Assemblies. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">To urge the keeping of the Acts anent the keeping of the Assembly, +that it may have the own reverence and majestie—</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly having heard the whole act read, most unanimously +alloweth and approveth this article.</span></span> +</p> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +X. Anent the defraying of the expenses of the Commissioners +to the generall Assembly, referreth and recommendeth +the same unto the particular Presbyterie, and especially +to the ruling Elders therein, that they may take such +courses whereby, according to reason and former acts of +Assemblies, the Commissioners expenses to this Assembly, +and to the subsequent, may be born by the particular parochins +of every Presbyterie, who sendeth them in their name, +and to their behalf, and for that effect, that all sort of persons +able in land or moneys proportionally, may bear a part +of the burthen, as they reap the benefit of their paines. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth this +unto the care of the particular Presbyteries.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XI. Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">repressing of poperie and superstition</span></span>; It seemeth +expedient that the number and names of all the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Papists</span></span> in +this Kingdome be taken up at this Assembly, if it may be +conveniently done, and if not, that it be remitted to the +next provincial Assemblies, that it may appear what grouth +poperie hath had, and now hath through this Kingdome, +what <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">popish priests</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesuit</span></span> there be in the land; and that all +persons of whatsoever state and condition, be obliged to +swear and subscribe the confession of Faith, as it is now condescended +upon by this general Assembly, that they frequent +the word and Sacraments in the ordinar dyets and places, +otherwise to proceed against them with the censures of the +Kirk, and that children be not sent out of the countrey without +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page050">[pg 050]</span><a name="Pg050" id="Pg050" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +license of the Presbyteries or provinciall Synods of the +bounds where they dwell. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth this article to the severall Presbyteries.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XII. Anent order to be taken that the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lords Supper be +more frequently administrat</span></span> both in burgh and landward, then +it hath been in the year by gone: It were expedient that +the act at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December 25. +1562.</span></span> Sess. 5. bee renewed, +and some course bee taken for furnishing of the elements, +where the Minister of the Parish hath allowance only for +once in the year. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth this to the consideration of Presbyteries, +and declareth that the charges be rather payed out +of that dayes collection, then that the Congregation want +the more frequent use of the sacrament.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIII. Anent the entrie of Ministers to the ministrie: +The Assembly thinks expedient that the act holden at St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April 24. +1582.</span></span> Sess. 7. Touching the age of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">twenty five years</span></span> be renewed, and none to be admitted before +that time, except such as for rare and singular qualities shall +be judged by the general or provincial Assembly to be meet +and worthie thereof. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly approveth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIV. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mercats on Monday and Saturday</span></span> within Burghs, +causing intollerable profanation of the Lords Day, by carying +of loads, bearing of Burthens; and other work of that +kinde: It were expedient for the redresse thereof, that the +care for restraining of this abuse be recommended by the Assembly +unto the severall Burghs, and they to bee earnestly +entreated to finde out some way for the repressing of this +evill, and changing of the day; and to report their diligence +there anent to the next generall Assembly. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth this article to the consideration of the +Burrows.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XV. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the profanation of the Sabbath day in Landward</span></span>, +especially for want of divine service in the afternoone: The +Assembly ordaineth the act of Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie, +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page051">[pg 051]</span><a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +July 12. 1580.</span></span> Sess. 10. for keeping both dyets, to be put +in execution. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XVI. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">frequenting with excommunicat persons</span></span>: The +Assembly ordaineth that the act at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March 5. 1569.</span></span> +Sess. 10. to wit, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That these who will not forbear the companie of +excommunicat persons after due admonition, be excommunicat themselves, +except they forbear</span></span>, to be put in execution. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XVII. Whereas the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">confession of the Faith</span></span> of this Kirk, +concerning both Doctrine and Discipline, so often called +in question by the corrupt judgement and tyrannous authoritie +of the pretended Prelats, is now clearly explained, and +by this whole Kirk represented by this generall Assembly +concluded, ordained also to bee subscribed by all sorts of +persons within the said Kirk and Kingdome: The Assembly +constitutes, and ordaines, that from henceforth no sort of +person, of whatsoever quality and degree, be permitted to +speak, or write against the said Confession, this Assembly, +or any act of this Assembly, and that under the paine of incurring +the censures of this Kirk. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this Article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XVIII. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">voicing in Kirk Sessions</span></span>: It is thought +expedient that no Minister moderating his Session, shall usurpe +a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">negative</span></span> voice over the members of his Session, and +where there is two or moe Ministers in one Congregation, +that they have equall power in voicing, that one of them +hinder not the reasoning or voicing of any thing, whereunto +the other Minister or Ministers, with a great part of the +Session inclineth, being agreeable to the acts and practise +of the Kirk, and that one of the Ministers without advice of +his colleague appoint not dyets of Communion nor examination, +neither hinder his colleague from catechising and using +other religious exercises as oft as he pleaseth. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth this article to +the care of the Presbyteries.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XX. Since the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">office of Diocesane</span></span>, or lordly Bishop, is utterly +abjured, and removed out of this Kirk: It is +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page052">[pg 052]</span><a name="Pg052" id="Pg052" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +thought fit that all titles of dignitie, favouring more of poperie +than of Christian libertie, as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chapters</span></span> with their elections +and consecrations, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abbots</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Priors</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Deans</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arch-deacons</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Preaching-deacons</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chanters</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subchanters</span></span>, and others having +the like title, flowing from the Pope and canon law only, as +testifieth the second book of Discipline, bee also banished +out of this reformed Kirk, and not to bee usurped or used +hereafter under ecclesiastical censure. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this Article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XX. Anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">presenting either of Pastours +or Readers and School-masters</span></span>, +to particular Congregations, that there be a respect +had to the Congregation, & that no person be intruded in any +office of the Kirke, contrare to the will of the congregation +to which they are appointed. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XXI. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mariage without proclamation of bans</span></span>, which +being in use these years by-gone hath produced many dangerous +effects: The Assembly would discharge the same, +conforme to the former acts, except the Presbyterie in +some necessarie exigents dispense therewith. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XXII. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the buriall in Kirks</span></span>, the Assembly would +be pleased to consider anent the act of Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +1588. Sess. 5. if it shall be put in execution, and to discharge +funeral sermons, as favouring of superstition. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly referreth the former part of this article anent +buriall in Kirks to the care of Presbyteries, and dischargeth +all funerall sermons.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XXIII. Anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the tryall of Expectants</span></span> before their entrie +to the ministrie, it being notour that they have subscribed +the confession of Faith now declared in this Assembly, and +that they have exercised often privatly, and publickly, +with approbation of the Presbyterie, they shall first adde +and make the exercise publickly, and make a discourse of +some common head in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Latine</span></span>, and give propositions thereupon +for dispute, and thereafter be questioned by the Presbyterie +upon questions of controversie, and chronologie, +anent particular texts of Scripture how they may be interpreted +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page053">[pg 053]</span><a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +according to the analogie of Faith, and reconciled, and +that they be examined upon their skill of the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Greek</span></span> & <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hebrew</span></span>, +that they bring a testificat of their life and conversation from +either Colledge or Presbyterie, where they reside. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XXIV. The Assembly having considered the order of +the provincial Assembly, given in by the most ancient of +the Ministrie within every Province, as the ancient plate-forme +thereof, ordained the same to be observed, conforme +to the roll, registrat in the books of Assembly, whereof +the tennour followeth. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The order of the Provincial Assemblies in</span></span> +Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">according to the Presbyteries +therein contained.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Assembly of</span></span> Mers +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> Tividail. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunce.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kelso.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ersliltoun.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fedburgh.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Melros.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mers.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tividail.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Forrest.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lauderdail.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fedburgh</span></span>, +the third Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial of</span></span> Louthian. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumbar.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalkeeth.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +east <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthian.</span></span><br /> +w. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthian.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tweeddail.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +the third Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial of</span></span> Perth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkel.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aughterardor.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Striviling.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumblane.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> and +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Striviling Shire</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, +the second Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page054">[pg 054]</span><a name="Pg054" id="Pg054" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Province of</span></span> Drumfrees. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfrees.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Penpont.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochmabane.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Middilbee.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Niddisdaill.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Annandaill.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ewsdaill.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eskdail.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wachopdaill.</span></span><br /> +& a part of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfrees</span></span>, +the second Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial of</span></span> Galloway. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wightoun.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkubright.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stanraver.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wigtoun</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stemartie of Kirkubright</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wigtoun</span></span>, +third Twedsay of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Synod of</span></span> Aire <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">or</span></span> Irwing. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aire.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irwing.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds. +The Shyresdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aire</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet with the Provincial Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro hac vice</span></span>, the first Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Synod of</span></span> Glasgow. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pasley.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumbartane.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hammiltoun.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanerik.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyr. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lennox</span></span>, the Barrony of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Renfrow</span></span>, the Shy. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Clydsdail</span></span> over and +nether. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet with the Provinciall Synod Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aire</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irwing</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro hac vice</span></span>. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page055">[pg 055]</span><a name="Pg055" id="Pg055" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +7. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Synod of</span></span> Argyl, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">desired to bee +erected in several Presbyteries, according +to the note given in.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunune.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kinloch.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Inneraray.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilmoir.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Skye.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyrisdomes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argil</span></span> & <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Boot</span></span>, +with a part <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of Loohabar</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innereray</span></span>, +the fourth Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +8. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Synod of</span></span> Fife. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkadie.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermling.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fife.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper</span></span> in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fife</span></span> the first Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +9. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Synod of</span></span> Angus <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> Merns. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Meegle.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arbroth.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forfair Brechen Merns.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdomes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forfair</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, the third Twesday of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +10. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provincial Synod of</span></span> Aberdene. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kincairdin.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">All-foord.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Garioch.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ellan Deer.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Turreffe.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fordyce.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdomes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bamfe</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">new Aberdene</span></span> the 3 Twesday +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +11. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The provincial Synod of</span></span> Murray. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innernes.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forresse.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Elgin.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strabogie.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abernethie.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberlower.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdomes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innernes</span></span> in part, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nairn</span></span> in part, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray Bamf</span></span> in part, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberden</span></span> in part. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forresse</span></span> the last +Twesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page056">[pg 056]</span><a name="Pg056" id="Pg056" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +12. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The provincial Synod of</span></span> Rosse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chanrie.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Taine.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dingwall.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The bounds.<br /> +The Shyresdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innernes</span></span> in part. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chanrie</span></span>, the second Twesday of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +13. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The provincial Synod of</span></span> Cathnes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dornoch.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Weeke.</span></span> or<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thurso.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Bounds:<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dornoch</span></span>, the third Twesday of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +14. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The provincial Synod of</span></span> Orkney +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> Zetland. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Presbyteries of<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scalloway.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Bounds:<br /> +The Shyresdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkney</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To meet the first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall</span></span>, the second Twesday of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +15. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Provinciall Synod of the Isles</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All the Kirks of the North-west Isles, viz. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lewes</span></span>, +and the rest of the Isles, which were lyable to the Diocie +of the Isles, except the South-west isles which are joyned to +the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyll</span></span>, To meet the +first time at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Skye</span></span> the +second Twesday of May. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That the Minister of the place where the Synodall Assembly +meets shall preach the first day of their meeting, and +give timouse advertisement to the rest of the Presbyteries. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is remembred that of old the Synodall Assemblies that +were nearest to others, had correspondence among themselves, +by sending one or two Commissioners mutually from +one to another, which course is thought fit to bee keeped in +time comming: viz. The Provincials of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthian</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mers</span></span>, &c. The Provincials of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyll</span></span>, +The Provincials of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fyfe</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, &c. The Provincials of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdein</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span>. The Provincials +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page057">[pg 057]</span><a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span>. The Commissioners for +correspondence amongst the Synodals to be a Minister and a +ruling Elder. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly recommendeth to the severall Presbyteries +the execution of the old acts of Assemblies, against the +break of the Sabbath-day, by the going of Milles, Salt-pans, +Salmond-fishing, or any such-like labour, and to +this end revives and renews the act of the Assembly, holden +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Halyrudehouse</span></span> 1602. Sess. 5 whereof the tennor followeth. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-q"><span style="font-size: 90%">“</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assemblie considering that the conventions of the people, +specially on the Sabbath-day, are verie rare in manie places, by +distraction of labour, not only in Harvest and Seed-time, but +also every Sabbath by fishing both of whyte fish and Salmond fishing, +and in going of Milles; Therefore the Assemblie, dischargeth +and inhibiteth, all such labour of fishing as-well whyte fish +as Salmond fish, and going of Miles of all sorts upon the Sabbath-day, +under the paine of incurring the censures of the Kirk. +And ordains the Commmissioners of this Assemblie to meane the +same to his Majestie, and to desire that a pecuniall paine may be +injoyned upon the contraveeners of this present act.</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">”</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc40" id="toc40"></a> +<a name="pdf41" id="pdf41"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering the great necessity of purging +this land from bygone corruptions, and of preserving +her from the like in time coming, ordaineth the Presbyteries +to proceed with the censures of the Kirk, to excommunication, +against those Ministers who being deposed by +this Assembly acquiesces not to their sentences, but exercise +some part of their Ministerial function, refuseth themselves, +and with-draw others from the obedience of the +acts of the Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page058">[pg 058]</span><a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc42" id="toc42"></a> +<a name="pdf43" id="pdf43"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 25. December 19. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc44" id="toc44"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Against the civil places and power of Kirk-men.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The generall Assembly, remembering that among other +causes of the application of the confession of Faith to the +present time, which was subscribed in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">February</span></span> 1638. The +clause touching the civill places and power of Kirk-men, was +referred unto the tryal of this Assembly; entered into a serious +search thereof, especially of their sitting on the bench, +as Justices of peace, their sitting in Session and Councel, +their riding and voting in Parlament: and considering how +this vote in Parliament, was not at first sought nor requyred +by this Kirk, or worthy men of the Ministerie, but being +obtruded upon them, was disallowed for such reasons as +could not well be answered (as appeareth by the conference, +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Halyrude-house</span></span> 1599. which with the reasons +therein contained was read in the face of the Assembly) & +by plurality of voices nor being able to resist that enforced +favour, they foreseeing the dangerous consequences thereof, +in the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span> did limitate the same by +many necessare cautions: Considering also the protestation +made in the Parliament 1606 by Commissioners from Presbyteries, +and provincial Assemblies, against this restitution +of Bishops to vote in Parliament, and against all civil offices +in the persons of Pastors, separate unto the Gospel, as incompatible +with their spiritual function; with the manifold +reasons of that Protestation from the word of God, ancient +Councels, ancient and moderne Divines, from the Doctrine, +discipline and Confession of Faith of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, +which are extant in print, and were read in the audience of +the Assembly: Considering also from their own experience +the bad fruits and great evils, which have been the inseparable +consequents of these offices, and that power in the +persons of Pastors separate to the Gospel, to the great prejudice +of the freedome and libertie of the Kirk, the jurisdiction +of her Assemblies, and the powerful fruits of their +spiritual Ministerie; The Assembly most unanimously in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page059">[pg 059]</span><a name="Pg059" id="Pg059" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +one voice, with the hesitation of two allanerly, declared, +that as on the one part the Kirk and the Ministers thereof are +oblidged to give their advise and good counsel in matters +concerning the Kirk or the Conscience of any whatsomever, +to his Majestie, to the Parliament, to the Councel, or to +any members thereof, for their resolutions from the word +of God, So on the other part, that it is both in-expedient, +and unlawful in this Kirk, for Pastors separate unto the +Gospel to brook civil places, and offices, as to be Justices +of peace; sit and decerne in Councel, Session, or Exchecker; +to ride or vote in Parliament, to be Judges or Assessors +in any Civil Judicatorie: and therefore rescinds and +annuls, all contrarie acts of Assembly, namely of the Assembly +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span> 1600. which being prest by authority, +did rather for an <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">interim</span></span> tolerat the same, and that +limitate by many cautions; for the breach whereof the Prelats +have been justly censured, then in freedome of judgement +allow thereof, and ordaineth the Presbyteries to +proceed with the Censures of the Kirk, against such as shall +transgresse herein in time coming. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc45" id="toc45"></a> +<a name="pdf46" id="pdf46"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering the great prejudice which +Gods Kirk in this land, hath sustained these years by-past, +by the unwarranted printing of lybels, pamphlets, +and polemicks; to the disgrace of Religion, slander of +the Gospel, infecting and disquyeting the mindes of Gods +people, and disturbance of the peace of the Kirk, and remembring +the former acts, and custome of this Kirk, as of +all other Kirks, made for restraining these and the like abuses, +and that nothing be printed concerning the Kirk, +and Religion, except it be allowed by these whom the +Kirk intrusts with that charge: The Assembly <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">unanimously</span></span>, +by vertue of their ecclesiastical authority, dischargeth and +inhibiteth all printers within this Kingdome, to print any +act of the former Assemblies, any of the acts or proceedings +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page060">[pg 060]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of this Assembly, any confession of Faith, any Protestations, +any reasons <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro</span></span> or +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">contra</span></span>, anent the present divisions and contraversies +of this time, or any other treatise whatsoever which +may concerne the Kirk of Scotland, or Gods cause in hand, +without warrand subscribed by Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Johnston</span></span>, as +Clerk to the Assembly, and Advocate for the Kirk; or to +reprint without his warrand, any acts or treatises foresaids, +which he hath caused any other to print, under the paine of +Ecclesiastical censures to be execute against the transgressours +by the several Presbyteries, and in case of their refusal, +by the several Commissioners from this Assembly: Whereunto +also we are confident, the honourable Judges of this +land will contribute their civill authority: and this to be +intimat publickly in pulpit, with the other generall acts of +this Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc47" id="toc47"></a> +<a name="pdf48" id="pdf48"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The generall Assembly ordaineth all Presbyteries and +Provinciall Assemblies to conveen before them, such as +are scandalous and malicious, and will not acknowledge this +Assembly, nor acquiesce unto the acts thereof: And to censure +them according to their malice and contempt, and acts +of this Kirk: and where Presbyteries are refractarie, granteth +power unto the severall Commissions to summond them +to compear before the next generall Assembly to be holden +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, the third Wedinsday of Julie, to abide their +tryall and censure. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc49" id="toc49"></a> +<a name="pdf50" id="pdf50"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering the acts and practise of this +Kirke in her purest times, that the Commissioners of every +Presbyterie, Burgh, and Universitie, were both ordained +to take, and really did take from the Clerk; the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page061">[pg 061]</span><a name="Pg061" id="Pg061" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +whole generall acts of the Assembly, subscribed by the +Clerk: Whereby they might rule and conforme their judicatorie +themselves, and all persons within their jurisdictions, +unto the obedience thereof: Considering the great +prejudices we have lately felt out of ignorance of the acts of +Assembly, Considering also the great necessity in this time +of reformation, beyond any other ordinarie time, to have +an extract thereof: The Assembly ordaineth be this present +act, that all Commissioners from Presbyteries, Burghes +and Universities, presently get under the Clerks hand an Index +of the acts, till the acts themselves be extracted, and +thereafter to get the full extract of the whole generall acts, +to be insert in their Presbyterie books, whereby all their +proceedings may be regulate in time coming. Likeas the +Assembly recommendeth unto every Kirk Session, for the +preservation of their particular Paroch from the reentrie of +the corruptions now discharged, and for their continuance +in the Covenant, anent doctrine, worship and discipline +now declared, to obtain an extract of these acts: especially +if they be printed: Seeing their pryce will no wayes then be +considerable: as the benefite both of the particular Parish, +and the interest of the whole Kirk, in the preservation thereof +from defection is undenyable: seeing Presbyteries are +composed of sundry Parochins, and so must be affected, or +infected as they are, as Provinciall and generall Assemblies +are composed of Presbyteries, and so must be diposed +as they are. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc51" id="toc51"></a> +<a name="pdf52" id="pdf52"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 26. December 20.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In the Assembly at</span></span> Glasgow 1638. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">concerning the confession +of Faith renewed in Februar, 1638.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering that for the purging and preservation +of religion, for the Kings Majesties honour, and +for the publick peace of the Kirk and Kingdome, the renewing +of that nationall Covenant and oath of this Kirk and +Kingdome, in Februar 1638. was most necessare, likeas +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page062">[pg 062]</span><a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Lord hath blessed the same from Heaven with a wonderfull +successe for the good of religion, that the said Covenant +suspendeth the practise of novations already introduced, and +the approbation of the corruptions of the present governement +of the Kirk, with the civill places, and power of Kirk-men, +till they be tryed in a free general Assembly, and that +now after long and serious examination, it is found that by +the confession of Faith, the five articles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, and Episcopall +governement are abjured and to be removed out of +this Kirk, and the civill places and power of Kirk-men are +declared to be unlawfull; The Assembly alloweth and approveth +the same in all the heads and articles thereof, And +ordaineth that all Ministers, Masters of Universities, Colledges, +and Schooles and all others who have not already +subscribed the said Confession and Covenant, shall subscribe +the same with these words prefixed to the subscription +viz., The article of this Covenant which was at the +first subscription referred to the determination of the general +Assembly being now determined at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, in December +1638. and thereby the five articles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, and the governement +of the Kirk by Bishops, being declared to be abjured +and removed, the civill places and power of Kirk-men declared +to be unlawful; We subscrive according to the determination, +of the said free and lawfull generall Assembly +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>: and +ordaineth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad perpetuam rei memoriam</span></span>, +the said Covenant with this declaration to be insert in the +registers of the Assemblies of this Kirk; generall, Provinciall +and Presbyteriall. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc53" id="toc53"></a> +<a name="pdf54" id="pdf54"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc55" id="toc55"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately +subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner, and +urged to be subscribed by others.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Seeing the generall Assembly, to whom belongeth properly +the publick and judiciall interpretation of the confession +of Faith, hath now after accurat tryall, and mature +deliberation clearly found, that the five articles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page063">[pg 063]</span><a name="Pg063" id="Pg063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and the governement of the Kirk by Bishops, are abjured +by the confession of Faith, as the same was professed in the +year 1580. and was renewed in this instant year 1638. And +that the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Marques</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hammiltoun</span></span> his Majesties Commissioner, +hath caused print a Declaration, bearing that his Majesties +intention and his own, in causing subscribe the confession +of Faith, is no wayes to abjure, but to defend Episcopall +governement, and that by the oath and explanation set +down in the act of Councel, it neither was nor possibly +could be abjured, requiring that none take the said oath, +or any other oath in any sense, which may not consist +with Episcopall governement: which is in-directly repugnant +to the genuine and true meaning of the foresaid Confession +as it was professed in the year 1580. as is clearly now +found and declared by the generall Assembly: Therefore +the generall Assembly: Doth humbly supplicate, that +his Majestie may be graciously pleased, to acknowledge +and approve the foresaid true interpretation, and meaning +of the generall Assembly, by his Royall warrand +to his Majesties Commissioner, Councel, and Subjects, +to be put in record for that effect, whereof we are confident, +after his Majesty, hath received true information +from this Kirk, honoured with his Majesties birth and +baptisme, which will be a royal testimonie of his Majesties +piety and justice, and a powerfull meane to procure +the heartie affection and obedience of all his Majesties +loyall Subjects: And in the meane time, least any should +fall under the danger of a contradictorie oath, and bring the +wrath of God upon themselves and the land, for the abuse +of his Name and Covenant; The Assembly by their Ecclesiastical +authority, prohibiteth and dischargeth, that no +member or this Kirk swear or subscribe the said Confession, +so far wreasted to a contrary meaning, under paine of all +Ecclesiastical censure: but that they subscribe the confession +of Faith, renewed in Februar, with the Declaration of the +Assembly set down in the former act. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page064">[pg 064]</span><a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc56" id="toc56"></a> +<a name="pdf57" id="pdf57"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc58" id="toc58"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Concerning yearly generall Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having considered the reasons lately printed +for holding of general Assemblies, which are taken +from the light of nature, the promise of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span>, the +practise of the holy Apostles, the doctrine and custome of +other reformed Kirks, and the liberty of this national Kirk, +as it is expressed in the book of Policie, and acknowledged +in the act of Parlament 1592, and from recent and present +experience; comparing the lamentable prejudices done to +religion, through the former want of free and lawful Assemblies, +and the great benefite arysing to the Kirk, from this +one free and lawful Assembly; finde it necessary to declare, +and hereby declares, that by Divine, Ecclesiasticall, and +Civill warrands, this national Kirk hath power and liberty +to Assemble and conveen in her year-ly generall Assemblies, +and oftner, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>, as occasion and necessity +shall require. Appointeth the next Generall Assembly +to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the third Weddinsday of Julie 1639. +And warneth all Presbyteries, Universities, and Burghes, +to send their Commissioners for keeping the same. Giving +power also to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>: +and upon any urgent extraordinarie necessity (if any +shall happen before the diet appointed in Julie) to give advertisement +to all the Presbyteries, Universities, and Burghes, +to send their Commissioners for holding an occasionall Assembly. +And if in the meane time it shall please the Kings +Majestie to indict a generall Assembly, ordaineth all Presbyteries; +Universities, and Burghes, to send their Commissioners +for keeping the time and place which shall be appointed +by his Majesties Proclamation. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page065">[pg 065]</span><a name="Pg065" id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc59" id="toc59"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the +Kings Majestie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly, from the sense of his Majesties pietie and +justice, manifested in the publick indiction of their solemne +meeting, for the purging and preservation of Religion, +in so great an exigent of the extreame danger of both, +from their fears arising out of experience of the craftie and +malicious dealing of their adversaries in giving sinistrous +informations against the most religious and loyall designes +and doings of his Majesties good Subjects, and from their +earnest desire to have his Majestie truely informed of their +intentions and proceedings, from themselves: who know +them best, (which they are confident, will be better beleeved: +and finde more credite with his Majestie, than any +secret surmisse or private suggestion to the contrarie) +that they may gaine his Majesties princely approbation and +ratification in the ensuing Parliament to their constitutions: +Hath thought meet and ordaineth, that an humble supplication +be directed to his Majestie, testifying their most +heartie thankfulnesse for so Royal a favour, as at this time +hath refreshed the whole Kirk and Kingdome, stopping the +way of calumnie, and humbly supplicating for the approbation, +and ratification foresaid: That truth and peace +may dwell together in this Land, to the increase of his +Majesties glory, and the comfort of quietness of his Majesties +good People: This the Assembly hath committed, +according to the Articles foresaid, to be subscribed by +their Moderatour and Clerk, in their name. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The tennour +whereof followeth.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page066">[pg 066]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To The Kings Most +Excellent Majestie: +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The humble Supplication of the general Assembly +of the Kirk of</span></span> Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">conveened at</span></span> +Glasgow, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November 21. 1638.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Most gracious Soveraigne, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We your Majesties most humble and loyal Subjects, +The Commissioners from all the parts of this your +Majesties ancient and native Kingdome, and members of +the National Assembly, conveened at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, by your +Majesties special indiction, considering the great happinesse +which ariseth both to Kirk and Common-wealth, by the +mutual embracements of Religion and Justice, of truth +and peace, when it pleaseth the Supreame Providence so to +dispose, that princely power and ecclesiastical authoritie +joyne in one, do with all thankfulnesse, of heart acknowledge, +with our mouthes doe confesse, and not only with +our pennes, but with all our power are readie to witnesse +unto the world, to your Majesties never dying glorie, how +much the whole Kingdome is affected, and not only refreshed, +but revived, with the comfortable sense of your Majesties +pietie, justice, and goodnesse, in hearing our humble +supplications, for a full and free general Assembly: and +remembring that for the present, a more true and real testimonie +of our unfained acknowledgement, could not proceed +from us your Majesties duetyful Subjects, then to +walke worthie of so royal a favour: It hath been our greatest +care and serious endevour, next unto the will of JESUS +CHRIST, the great King of his Kirk redeemed by his own +bloud, in all our proceedings, joyned with our hearty +prayers to GOD, for a blessing from heaven upon your +Majesties Person and government, from the first houre of +our meeting, to carie our selves in such moderation, order +and loyaltie, as beseemed the subjects of so just and gracious +a King, lacking nothing so much as your Majesties personal +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page067">[pg 067]</span><a name="Pg067" id="Pg067" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +presence: With which had we been honoured and +made happie, we were confident to have gained your Majesties +Royall approbation to our ecclesiastick constitutions, +and conclusions, knowing that a truly Christian minde and +royall heart inclined from above, to religion and piety, will +at the first discern, and discerning be deeply possessed with +the love of the ravishing beautie, and heavenly order of the +house of God; they both proceeding from the same Spirit. +But as the joy was unspeakable, and the hopes lively, which +from the fountaines of your Majesties favour did fill our +hearts, so were we not a little troubled, when wee did +perceive that your Majesties Commissioner, as before our +meeting, he did endevour a prelimitation of the Assembly +in the necessarie Members thereof, and the matters to bee +treated therein, contrarie to the intention of your Majesties +Proclamation indicting a free Assembly according to the +order of this Kirk, and laws of the Kingdome: So from +the first beginnings of our sitting (as if his Lordship had +come rather to crosse, nor to countenance our lawful proceedings, +or as we had intended any prejudice to the good +of Religion), or to your Majesties honour (which GOD +knoweth was far from our thoughts) did suffer nothing, although +most necessarie, most ordinarie, and most undenyable, +to passe without some censure, contradiction, or +protestation: And after some dayes debating of this kinde, +farre against our expectation, and to our great griefe, did +arise himself, commanded us, who had laboured in every +thing to approve our selves to GOD, and to his +Lordship, as representing your Majesties Person, to arise +also, and prohibited our further meeting by such a +proclamation, as will be found to have proceeded, rather +from an unwillingnesse that we should any longer sit, then +from any ground or reason, which may endure the tryal +either of your Majesties Parliament, or of your own royall +Judgement, unto which if (being conveened by indiction +from your Majestie, and sitting now in a constitute Assembly) +we should have given place, This Kirk and Kingdome, +contrare to your Majesties most laudable intentions manifested +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page068">[pg 068]</span><a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +in former proclamations, and contrarie to the desires and +expectation of all your Majesties good people, had been in +an instant precipitate in such a world of confusions, and such +depths of miserie, as afterward could not easily have been +cured. In this extreamitie we made choise rather of that +course which was most agreeable to your Majesties Will revealed +unto us, after so many fervent Supplications, and +did most conduce for the good of Religion, your Majesties +honour, and the well of your Majesties Kingdome; then to +give way to any sudden motion, tending to the ruin of all: +wherein wee are so far from fearing the light, least our +deeds should be reproved, that the more accuratly that we +are tryed, and the more impartially our using of that power, +which God Almighty, and your sacred Majestie, his Vicegerent +had put in our hands, for so good and necessarie ends, +is examined, we have the greater confidence, of your Majesties +allowance and ratihabition: and so much the rather, +that being in a manner inhibited to proceed in so good a +work, we doubled our diligence, and endevoured more +carefully then before, when your Majesties <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Commissioner</span></span> was +present, in every point, falling under our consideration, to +walke circumspectly, and without offence, as in the sight +of God, and as if your Majesties eyes had been looking upon +us, labouring to proceed according to the word of God, +our confession of Faith, and nationall oath, and the laudable +constitutions of the lawfull Assemblies of this Kirk; and +studying rather to renew, and revive old acts made for the +reformation of Religion, in the time of your Majesties Father, +of happie memorie, and extant in the records of the +Kirk, which divine providence hath preserved, and at this +time brought to our hands; then either to allow of such novations, +as the avarice and ambition of men, abusing authoritie +for their own ends, had without order introduced; +or to appoint any new order, which had not been formerly +received, and sworn to be reteined, in this Kirk. In all +which the members of the Assembly, found so clear and +convincing light, to their full satisfaction, against all their +doubts and difficulties, that the harmonie and unanimitie +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page069">[pg 069]</span><a name="Pg069" id="Pg069" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +was rare and wonderfull, and that we could not have agreed +upon other constitutions, except wee would have been +found fighting against GOD. Your Majesties wise and +princely minde knoweth, that nothing is more ordinary +then for men, when they doe well, to bee evil spoken of, +and that the best actions of men are many times misconstrued, +and mis-reported. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balaam</span></span>, although a false Prophet, +was wronged: for in place of that which hee said, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The +Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you:</span></span> the princes of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Moab</span></span> reported unto +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balack</span></span>, that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balaam</span></span> refused to goe +with them. But our comfort is, That Truth is the daughter +of time, and although calumnie often starteth first, and +runneth before, yet Veritie followeth her at the heels, and +possesseth her self in noble and royall hearts: where base calumnie +cannot long finde place. And our confidence is, +that your Majestie with that worthie King, will keep one +eare shut against all the obloquies of men; and with that +more wise King, who when he gave a proofe that the wisedome +of GOD was in him to doe judgement, would have +both parties to stand before him at once: that hearing them +equally, they might speed best, and go out most chearfully +from his Majesties face, who had the best cause. When +your Majesties wisedome hath searched all the secrets of this +Assembly, let us be reputed the worst of all men, according +to the aspersions whith partialitie would put upon us, let us +be the most miserable of all men to the full satisfaction of the +vindictive malice of our adversaries, let us by the whole +world bee judged of all men the most unworthie to breath +any more in this your Majesties Kingdome, if the cause that +we maintaine, and have been prosecuting, shall be found any +other, but that we desire that the Majestie of GOD, who is +our fear and our dread, be served, and his house ruled, according to +his owne will; if we have not carried along with us in +all Sessions of our Assemblie, a most humble and loyall respect +to your Majesties honour, which next unto the honour +of the living GOD, lyeth nearest our hearts; if we have not +keeped our selves within the limits of our reformation, +without debording or reflecting upon the constitution of other +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page070">[pg 070]</span><a name="Pg070" id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +reformed Kirks, unto which wee heartily wish all truth +and peace, and by whose sound judgement and Christian affection +we certainly look to be approven; if we have not failed +rather by lenitie then by rigour in censuring of delinquents, +never exceeding the rules and lines prescribed, +and observed by this Kirk, and if (whatsoever men minding +themselves, suggest to the contrary) the government +and discipline of this Kirk, subscribed and sworn before, and +now acknowledged by the unanimous consent of this Assembly, +shall not bee found to serve for the advancement of +the Kindome of CHRIST, for procuring all duetifull +obedience to your Majestie, in this your Kingdome, and +great riches and glorie to your Crown, for peace to us, +your Majesties loyall subjects, and for terrour to all the +enemies of your Majesties honour and our happinesse: and +if any act hath proceeded from us, so farre as our understanding +could reach, and humane infirmitie would suffer +which being duely examined according to the grounds laid +by your Majesties Father, of everlasting memory, and our +religious Progenitours, and which Religion did forbid us +to infringe, shall merit the anger and indignation, wherewith +wee are so often threatned: But on the contrare, having +sincerely sought the glorie of GOD, the good of Religion, +your Majesties honour, the censure of impietie, and of +men who had sold themselves to wickednesse, and the reestablishment +of the right constitution and government of +this Kirk, farre from the smallest appearance of wronging +any other reformed Kirk, we humbly beg, and certainly +expect, that from the bright beames of your Majesties +countenance shining on this your Majesties own Kingdome +and people, all our stormes shall bee changed in a comfortable +calme, and sweet Sun-shine, and that your Majesties +ratification in the ensuing Parliament, graciously indicted +by your Majesties Proclamation to bee keeped in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span>, shall +setle us in such a firmnesse, and stabilitie in our Religion, +as shall adde a further lustre unto your Majesties glorious +Diadem, and make us a blessed people under your Majesties +long and prosperous reigne; which we beseech him who +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page071">[pg 071]</span><a name="Pg071" id="Pg071" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hath directed us in our affaires, and by whom Kings reigne, +to grant unto your Majestie, to the admiration of all the +world, the astonishment of your enemies, and comfort of +the godly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Collected, visied, and extracted forth of the Register +of the acts of the Assembly by me</span></span> Mr A. Jhonston +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Clerk thereto, under my signe and subscription +manuall.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh, the 12. +of Jan. 1639.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page072">[pg 072]</span><a name="Pg072" id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc60" id="toc60"></a> +<a name="pdf61" id="pdf61"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The General Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1639.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc62" id="toc62"></a> +<a name="pdf63" id="pdf63"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 8. August 17. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc64" id="toc64"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Master</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> George Grahame </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">his renouncing and +abjuring of Episcopacie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The which day was given into the Assembly, direct from</span></span> Master +George Grahame, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">sometimes pretended Bishop of</span></span> Orknay, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">an abjuration of Episcopacie, subscribed with his hand, which +was publickly read in audience of the Assembly; and thereafter +they ordained the same to be registrat in the assembly Books</span></span> ad +perpetuam rei memoriam, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">whereof the tenor follows.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To all and sundry whom it effects, to whose +knowledge these presents shall come, specially +to the reverend and honourable Members of the +future Assembly to be holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, the +twelfth day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 1639. years: Me Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Graham</span></span>, sometime +pretended bishop of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span>, being +sorry and grieved at my heart that I should ever for any +wordly respect have embraced the order of Episcopacie, +the same having no warrand from the Word of God, and +being such an order, as hath had sensibly many fearful and +evill consequences in many parts of Christendome, and particularly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page073">[pg 073]</span><a name="Pg073" id="Pg073" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +within the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, as by doleful and deplorable +experience this day is manifest, to have disclaimed, +like as I by the tenor hereof doe altogether disclaime and +abjure all Episcopal power and jurisdiction, with the whole +corruptions thereof, condemned by lawful Assemblies +within the said Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, in regard the same is such +an order as is also abjured within the said Kirk, by vertue +of that National Oath with was made in the years 1580. and +1581. promising and swearing by the great Name of the +Lord our God, That I shall never whiles I live, directly +or indirectly, exerce any such power within the Kirk, +neyther yet shall I ever approve or allow the same, not so +much as in my private or publike discourse: But on the +contrary, shall stand and adhere to all the Acts and Constitutions +of the late Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, the 21. of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Novemb.</span></span> 1638. last by-past, and shall concurre to the uttermost +of my power, sincerely and faithfully, as occasion +shall offer, in execution the said Acts, and in advancing +the Work of Reformation within this Land, to the glory +of God, the peace of the Countrey, and the comfort and +and contentment of all good Christians, as God shall be +my help. In testimony of the which premisses, I have +subscribed thir presents with my hand at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Breeknes</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stronnes</span></span>, +the eleventh day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">February</span></span>, the year of God 1639. +years, before thir witnesses Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Stuart</span></span>, Minister +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Shoutronnaldsay</span></span>, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Heynd</span></span>, Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall</span></span>, +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Peirson</span></span>, Minister +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Firth</span></span>, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick +Grahame</span></span>, Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Holme</span></span>, my Son. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc65" id="toc65"></a> +<a name="pdf66" id="pdf66"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 8. August 17. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc67" id="toc67"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act containing the Causes and Remedie of the +by-gone Evils of this Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Kings Majestie having graciously declared, That it +is His Royal will and pleasure, that all questions about +Religion, and matters Ecclesiastical be determined by Assemblies +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page074">[pg 074]</span><a name="Pg074" id="Pg074" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the Kirk, having also by publike Proclamation +indicted this free national Assembly, for setling the present +distraction of this Kirk, and for establishing a perfect peace, +against such divisions and disordres as have been sore displeasing +to his Majestie, and grievous to all his good Subjects. +And now his Majesties Commissioner <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Traquair</span></span>, +intrusted and authorized with a full Commission, being present, +and sitting in this Assembly, now fully conveened +and orderly constitute in all the members thereof, according +to the order of this Kirk, having at large declared His +Majesties zeal to the reformed Religion, and His Royal +care and tender affection to this Kirk, where His Majestie +had both His Birth and Baptisme, His great displeasure at +the manifold distractions and divisions of this Kirk and +Kingdome, and His desires to have all our wounds perfectly +cured with a fair and fatherly hand: And although in the +way approven by this Kirk, tryal hath been taken in former +Assemblies before from the Kirk registers, to our full satisfaction, +yet the Commissioners Grace making particular +enquiry from the members of the Assembly, now solemnly +conveened, concerning the real and true causes of so many & +great evils as this time past had so sore troubled the peace of +this Kirk and Kingdome, It was represented to his Majesties +Commissioner by this Assembly, That beside many other, +the maine and most material causes were, First, The pressing +of this Kirk, by the Prelates with a Service Book, or Book of +Common Prayer, without warrand or direction from the +Kirk, and containing beside the Popish frame thereof, diverse +Popish errors and ceremonies, & the seeds of manifold grosse +Superstitions and Idolatry, with a Book of Canons, without +warrand or direction from the general Assembly, establishing +tyrannicall power over the Kirk in the person of Bishops, +and overthrowing the whole discipline & government of the +Kirk by Assemblies, with a Book of Consecration and Ordination, +without warrand of Authoritie, Civill or Ecclesiasticall, +appointing offices in the house of God, which are not +warranted by the word of God, and repugnant to the discipline +and Acts of our Kirk, and with the high Commission, +erected without the consent of the Kirk, subverting the jurisdiction +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page075">[pg 075]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and ordinary Judicatories of this Kirk, and giving +to persons meerely Ecclesiasticall, the power of both swords, +and to persons meerly Civill, the power of the Keys +and Kirk-sensures. A second cause was the Articles of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> +the observation of Festivall dayes, kneeling at +the Communion, Confirmation, Administration of the +Sacraments in private places, which are brought in by a null +Assembly and are contrary to the Confession of Faith, as it +was meant and subscribed <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> 1580, and divers times since +and to the order and constitutions of this Kirk. Thirdly, +the changing of the government of the Kirk, from the Assemblies +of the Kirk to the persons of some Kirkmen, usurping +prioritie and power over their Brethren by the way, +and under the name of Episcopall government against the +Confession of Faith, 1580 against the order set downe in the +Book of Policy, and against the intention & constitution +of this Kirk from the beginning. Fourthly the Civill places +and power of Kirkmen, their sitting in Session, Councell +and Exchequer, their Riding, Sitting, and voting in Parliament, +and their sitting in the Bench as Justices of peace, +which according to the constitutions of this Kirk are incompatible +with their spiritual function, lifting them up above +their Brethren in worldly pomp, and do tend to the hinderance +of the Ministrie. Fiftly the keeping and authorizing +corrupt Assemblies at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, 1606. and 1608. At +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, 1610. At <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, +1616. At S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, 1617. At +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, 1618. which ar null and unlawful, as being called +and constitute quite contrary to the order and constitutions +of this Kirk received and practised ever since the reformation +of Religion, and withal laboring to introduce novations +into this Kirk, against the order and religion established. +A sixth cause is the want of lawful & free General Assemblies, +rightly constitute of Pastors, Doctors, and Elders yearly, +or oftner <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>, according to the libertie of this Kirk, +expressed in the Book of Policy: and acknowledged in the +Act of Parliament, 1592. After which the whole Assembly +in one heart and voyce did declare, that these and such +other, proceeding from the neglect and breach of the Nationall +Covenant of this Kirk and Kingdome, made in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page076">[pg 076]</span><a name="Pg076" id="Pg076" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +1580. have been indeed the true and maine causes of all +our evills and distractions. And therefore ordain, according +to the constitutions of the Generall Assemblies of +this Kirk: And upon the grounds <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span> above-specified, +That the foresaid Service-Book, Books of Cannons, +and Ordinaination, and the high Commission, be +still rejected: that the Articles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, be no more practised: +That Episcopall Government, and the Civill places +and power of Kirk-men be holden still as unlawfull in this +Kirk: That the above named pretended Assemblies, At +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> 1606. and 1608. +At <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1610. At <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span> +1616. At S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> 1617. +At <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> 1618. be hereafter +accounted as null, and of none effect. And that for preservation +of Religion, and preventing all such evill in time-coming, +Generall Assemblies rightly constitute, as the proper +and competent judge of all matters Ecclesiasticall, heereafter +be kept yearly and oftner, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>, as occasion and +necessity shall require; The necessity of these occasionall +Assemblies being first remonstrate to His Majestie by humble +supplication: As also that Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries +and Synodall Assemblies, be constitute and observed, according +to the order of this Kirk. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">After the voycing of the Act (anent the causes of our by gone evills) +His Majesties Commissioner consented verbally to the said Act, +and promised to give into the Clerk in writ, the Declaration of +His consent, and that he should ratifie this Act in the ensuing +Parliament.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc68" id="toc68"></a> +<a name="pdf69" id="pdf69"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 18. Aug. 26. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc70" id="toc70"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act approving an old Register of the +Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The whole Assembly (upon the report made to them anent the old +Register of the Assembly, gotten from Master</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> John Rig) </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">all +in one voice approved the said Register, And ordained the same +to make faith in judgement, and outwith in all time coming: as a +true and authentick Register of the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">conforme +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page077">[pg 077]</span><a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic"> +to the testimonie subscribed by the Committee, to be insert in the +Books of Assembly: whereof the tenor followeth:</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We under subscribers, Forsameikle as the late Generall +Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, gave power and Commission +to us, To peruse, examine, and cognosce upon the +validity, faith, and strength of the books and Registers of +the Assembly, particularly set down in the Commission +given to us thereanent: According whereunto we did carefully +view, peruse, and consider the saids Registers, and +gave our testimony thereof under our hands, of the validity +and sufficience of the samine, to the said Generall Assembly. +And now having a new Commission given to us from the +Generall Assembly now presently conveened and sitting at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. To peruse, examine, and cognosce upon the +validity, faith and strength of another Register of the Assembly, +which was not set down and recommended to us +by the said former Commission, which Register beginneth +at the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +the sixt day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> +1572. and endeth at the Assembly likewise holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +1573. we have carefully viewed, perused, and considered +the said Register: And being deeply and maturely advised, +as in a matter of greatest weight and consequence, +do attest before God, and upon our consciences declare to +the world, and this present Assembly, That the said Register +above exprest, is a famous, authentick, and good Register, +which ought to be so reputed, and have publike +faith in judgement and outwith, as a valid and true Record +in all things, And finds the same to be of the same handwrit, +and subscribed by the same Clerk of the Generall Assembly +as divers of the said other Registers (formerly perused by +us) are. And in testimonie of our solemne affirmation we +have subscribed these presents with our hand, at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the +14. day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 1639. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page078">[pg 078]</span><a name="Pg078" id="Pg078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc71" id="toc71"></a> +<a name="pdf72" id="pdf72"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc73" id="toc73"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act approving the deposition of the Ministers +by the Committees.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly, after the receiving of the whole reports +from the Committees, appointed for revising of the +processes and sentences, led, deduced, and pronounced +before, and by the several Commissions granted by the Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, All in one voice approved the saids +whole Processes as orderly proceeded, and the whole sentences +pronounced therein till, as just and lawful decrees, +without prejudice of any favour that can be showne to any +person or persons, against whom the said sentences are pronounced +upon their supplications, or of Justice to such as +complain of their processe, and offers to reduce the same +upon whatsoever reason competent, by the Constitutions +of this Kirk and Kingdome, before the General Assembly +and the Commissioners thereof, they being appointed for +that effect. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc74" id="toc74"></a> +<a name="pdf75" id="pdf75"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 20. Aug. 28. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc76" id="toc76"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The which day the General Assembly upon the report of +the Committees anent these who are deposed by Synods, +Doe make this General Act, recommending to the +Synods all these who are deposed befor them for subscribing +of the Declinator, & reading of the Service book and for no +other grosse cause, That upon their true repentance & submission +to the Constitutions of this Kirk & upon their purgation +and clearnesse from any grosse Faults laid to their charge in +any new processe against them, they may be found by the +Synod as capable of the Ministrie, when God grants them an +ordinary and lawful calling by admission from the Presbyterie, +either in the Church they served in before, or in any +other Church. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page079">[pg 079]</span><a name="Pg079" id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc77" id="toc77"></a> +<a name="pdf78" id="pdf78"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 21. August 29. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc79" id="toc79"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day.</span></span></h3> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The General Assembly recommendeth to the several Presbyteries +the execution of the old acts of Assembly, against the breach +of the Sabbath Day, by going of Mylnes, Salt-Pannes, +Salmond-fishing, or any such like labour; and to this end revives +and renues the act of the Assembly holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Haly-rude-house, +1602. </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Sess. 5. whereof the tenor follows.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering that the conventions of the +People, specially on the Sabbath Day are very rare in +many places, by distraction of labour not only in harvest and +seed-time, but also every Sabbath, by fishing both of the +white fish, and Salmond-fishing, and in going of Mylnes. +Therefore the Assembly dischargeth and inhibiteth all such +labour of fishing, as well white fish and Salmond-fish, and +going of Mylnes of all sorts upon the Sabbath, under the +pain of incurring the censures of the Kirk: And ordaines +the Commissioners of this Assembly, to mean the same to +His Majestie, and to desire that a pecunial paine may be injoyned +upon the contraveeners of this present Act. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc80" id="toc80"></a> +<a name="pdf81" id="pdf81"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 22. Aug. 29. 1639. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">a Meridie.</span></span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc82" id="toc82"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That some Commissioners be appointed to visit and peruse +the whole Acts of General Assemblies, and to marke +such Acts as are for the use of the Kirk in General, To extract +the same out of the Registers, to the effect that after they be +tryed, they may be printed according to the old Acts of the +Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March 7. 1574.</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 9. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly appoints the Presbyterie of</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> +Edinburgh, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">to have a +care of this article, and to report their diligence to the next +Assembly.</span></span> +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page080">[pg 080]</span><a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That course may be taken for restraining of people from +passing to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to marry, which is the occasion of great +in conveniences. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article, and recommends to the Parliament, +that they would appoint a pecuniall summe to be payed +by the contraveeners.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That the Acts for furnishing expences to Commissioners, +sent by the Presbyteries to the General Assembly, and sent in +Commission by Generall Assemblies, may be explained; +And it be declared that all such Commissioners whatsoever, +by their stipends may be furnished by the Kirks of the Presbyterie, +according to the order, set down in the Act of the +last Assembly, since the errand is common, and the benefit +concerneth all: and that order may be taken, how that +an expedient voluntarie course, thought fit by the Assembly, +shall by advise of Parliament, have the force of a law, for +compelling these to pay who are stented, both for the last +and this Assembly and in time to come. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly allowes this article, and referres the same to the +Parliament.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That the Session-books of every Paroche be presented once +a year to the Presbyteries, that they may be tryed by them. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That the Act of the 38. Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October 24, +1578.</span></span> Sess. 8. ordaining Ministers who are deposed, to be +charged under the pain of excommunication, to dimit their +places, that they may be unquestionably vacand, may now +be renewed. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article, and remits the same to the +Parliament.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly would revive or renew all former Acts of +Assembly against Papists, and excommunicate persons, against +haunters with them and receivers of them. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That an uniforme Catechisme may be appointed to be used +throughout this whole Kingdome in the examinations before +the Communion. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page081">[pg 081]</span><a name="Pg081" id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That all Ministers or Intrants presented to Kirks, be tryed +before their admission, if they be qualified for the places to +which they are presented, besides the ordinary tryalls of Expectants +before their entrie to the Ministerie. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly alloweth this article.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc83" id="toc83"></a> +<a name="pdf84" id="pdf84"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 23. August 30. 1639.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc85" id="toc85"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings +Majesties Commissioner, concerning the Book, +called</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">, The large Declaration.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We the Members of this present Assembly, for our selves, +and in name of the severall Presbyteries, Burghs, +and Universities, for which we are Commissioners resenting +the great dishonour done to God, our King, this Kirk, and +whole Kingdome, by the Book called, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A large Declaration</span></span>, +have here represented the same to your Grace, and have collected +some amongst many of false grosse and absurd passages; +That from the consideration thereof, your Grace, perceiving +the intolerable evills foresaids contained therein, may +be pleased to represent the same to our gracious Soveraigne, +and in our behalfs humbly to beseech his Majestie, so much +wronged by the many foul and false relations, suggested +and perswaded to him as trueths, and by stealing the protection +of His Royal Name and Authoritie to the patrocinie +of such a Book: To be pleased first to call in the said +Book: and thereby to shew his dislike thereof: Next +to give Commission and warrant, To cite all such parties +as are either knowne or suspect to have hand in it, and +to appoint such as His Majestie knowes to be either authors, +informers, or any wayes accessarie, being Natives of this +Kingdome, To be sent hither to abide their tryall and +censure before the Judge Ordinary, and in speciall Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Balcanquell</span></span>, now Deane +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Durham</span></span>, who is +known and hath professed to be the author, at least a vower +and maintainer of a great part thereof; that by their examplar +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page082">[pg 082]</span><a name="Pg082" id="Pg082" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +punishment, others may be deterred from such dangerous +courses, as in such a way to raise sedition betwixt the King +and His Subjects, Gods honour may be vindicate from so +high contempt, His Majesties justice may appear, not only +in cutting away such Malefactors, but in discouraging all +such under-miners of His throne, His loyall and loving Subjects +shall be infinitly contented to be cleared before the +world of so false and unjust imputations, and will live hereafter +in the greater securitie, when so dangerous a course of +sedition is prevented, and so will have the greater and greater +cause to pray for His Majesties long & prosperous Reigne. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">His Majesties Commissioner in Councell having received the said +supplication, promised to impart the same to His Majesty, and +to report his diligence therein.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc86" id="toc86"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties +High Commissioner, and the Lords +of secret Councell.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wee the Generall Assembly, considering with all humble +and thankful acknowledgement, the many recent +favours bestowed upon us by His Majestie, and that there +resteth nothing for crowning of His Majesties incomparable +goodnesse towards us, but that all the members of this Kirk +and Kingdom be joyned in one and the same Confession and +Covenant with God, with the Kings Majestie, and amongst +ourselves: And conceiving the main lett and impediment +to this so good a work, and so much wished by all, to have +been the Informations made to his Majestie, of our intentions +to shake off Civil and dutiful obedience due to Soveraignity, +and to diminish the Kings greatnesse and authoritie, +and being most willing and desirous to remove this and +all such impediments which may hinder and impede so full +and perfect an Union, and for clearing of our loyaltie, +WEE in our own names, and in name of all the rest of the +Subjects and Congregations whom we represent, do now +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page083">[pg 083]</span><a name="Pg083" id="Pg083" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +in all humility represent to your Grace, His Majesties Commissioner, +and the Lords of His Majesties most honourable +privie Councel, and declares before God and the World, +that we never had nor have any thought of with-drawing +our selves from that humble and dutiful obedience to His +Majestie, and to his Government, which by the descent +& under the reign of 107 Kings is most chearfully acknowledged +by us and our predecessors: And that we never had, +nor have any intention nor desire to attempt any thing that +may tend to dishonour of God, or the diminution of the +Kings greatnesse and authoritie: But on the contrary, acknowledging +our quietnesse, stabilitie and happinesse to +depend upon the safety of the Kings Maj. Person, & maintenance +of His greatnesse and Royal authority who is Gods +Vice-gerent set over us, for the maintenance of Religion +and ministration of Justice, We have solemnly sworn and +do sweare, not only our mutual concurrence and assistance +for the cause of Religion, and to the uttermost of our power, +with our means and lives, to stand to the defence of our +dread Soveraigne, his Person and authority, in preservation +and defence of the true Religion, Liberties and Lawes +of this Kirk and Kingdome, but also in every cause which +may concerne His Majesties honour, shall according to the +Lawes of this Kingdome, and the duties of good Subjects +concurre with our friends and followers in quiet manner, +or in armes, as we shall be required of His Majestie, His +Councel, or any having his Authority. And therefore +being most desirous to cleare our selves of all imputation +of this kinde, and following the laudable example of our +predecessors, 1589. do most humble supplicate your Grace, +His Majesties Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties +most honourable privie Councell, to enjoyn by Act +of a Councel, that this Confession and Covenant, which, +as a testimony of our fidelity to God, and loyaltie to our King, +we have subscribed, be subscribed by all His Majesties Subjects, +of what rank and quality soever. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page084">[pg 084]</span><a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc87" id="toc87"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Act of the Lords of Councel at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Edinburgh, +August 30. 1639. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">containing the</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Answer </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">of the +preceding</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Supplication.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The which day in presence of the Lord Commissioner and +the Lords of privie Councel, compeired personally +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rothes</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lowdoun</span></span>, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Stirling</span></span> of Keir Knight, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Douglas</span></span> of Cavers Knight, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Wood</span></span> of Bonytoun Knight, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smyth</span></span> Burgesse of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Barclay</span></span> +Provest of Irwing, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span> Minister +at Edinburgh, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Johnstoun</span></span> Clerk to the +General Assembly, and in the name of the present sitting +General Assembly, gave in to the Lord Commissioner, +and Lords of privie Councel, the Petition above written; +which being read, heard, and considered by the saids Lords, +they have ordained, and ordain the same to be insert and registrate +in the books of Privie Councel, and according to +the desire thereof, ordaines the said Confession and Covenant +to be subscribed in time coming by all His Majesties +Subjects of this Kingdome, of what ranke and quality +soever. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc88" id="toc88"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Kings Majesties Commissioners +Declarations.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The which day His Majesties Commissioner, and Lords +of Councel, after the receiving of the Supplication +of the General Assembly, anent the subscribing of the Covenant, +having returned to the Assembly, His Majesties +Commissioner in name of the Councel, declared; That he +had received the Supplication of the Assembly, desiring that +the Covenant might receive the force of an Act of Councel, +to be subscribed by all His Majesties Subjects, that they +had found the desire so fair and reasonable, that they conceived +themselves bound in duety to grant the same; and +thereupon have made an Act of Councel to that effect: And +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page085">[pg 085]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that there rested now the Act of Assembly. And that he +himself was so fully satisfied, that he came now as his Majesties +Commissioner to consent fully unto it: And that he +was most willing that it should be enacted here in this Assembly, +to oblige all his Majesties Subjects to subscribe the said +Covenant, with the Assemblies explanation. And because +there was a third thing desired, His subscription as the Kings +Commissioner, unto the Covenant, which he behoved to +do, with a Declaration in writ, and he declared as a Subject, +he should subscribe the Covenant as strictly as any, +with the Assemblies Declaration; but as His Majesties Commissioner +in his name behoved to prefix to his subscription, +the Declaration following, which no <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scots</span></span> Subjects should +subscribe, or have the benefit of, no not himself as Earle of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Traquair</span></span>. The tenor whereof follows: +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Seeing this Assembly, according to the laudable form and +custome heretofore kept in the like cases, have in an +humble and dutiful way, supplicate to us His Majesties +Commissioner, and the Lords of His most honourable +Privie Councel, That the Covenant, with the explanation +of this Assembly, might be subscribed: And to that effect +that all the Subjects of this Kingdome by Act of Councel be +required to doe the same: And that therein for vindicating +themselves from all suspitions of disloyaltie, or derogating +from the greatnesse and authoritie of our dread Soveraigne, +have therewith added a Clause, whereby this Covenant is +declared one in substance with that which was subscribed +by His Majesties Father of blessed memory 1580, 1581, +1590. and oftner since renewed. Therefore I as His Majesties +Commissioner, for the full satisfaction of the Subjects, +and for settling a perfect Peace in Church and Kingdome, +doe according to my foresaids Declaration and Subscription, +subjoyned to the Act of this Assembly of the date +the 17 this instant, allow and consent that the Covenant be +subscribed throughout all this Kingdome. In witnes whereof +I have subscribed the premisses. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page086">[pg 086]</span><a name="Pg086" id="Pg086" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc89" id="toc89"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Like as his Majesties Commissioner, read and +gave in the Declaration following, of his consent +to the Act of the Assembly</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> 17. August, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">anent +the causes of our by gone evils.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Traquair</span></span>, +His Majesties Commissioner +this present Assembly, doe in His Majesties Name declare, +that nothwithstanding of His Majesties own inclination, +and many other grave and weightie consideration +yet such is His Majesties incomparable goodnesse, that for +settling the present distractions, and giving full satisfaction +to the Subject, He doth allow, like as I His Majesties +Commissioner do consent to the foresaid Act, and have subscribed +the premisses. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc90" id="toc90"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Like as His Majesties Commissioner, read +and gave in the Declaration following:</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is alwayes hereby declared by me His Majesties Commissioner, +That the practise of the premisses, prohibited +within this Kirk and Kingdome, outwith the Kingdome of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> shall never bind nor +inferre censure against the practises +outwith the Kingdome; which when the Commissioner +required to be insert in the Register of the Kirk, and +the Moderator in name of the Assembly, refused to give +warrant for such practise, as not agreeable with a good conscience +His Grace urged, that it should be recorded, at least +that he made such a Declaration, whatsoever was the Assemblies +Judgement in the contrair: And so it is to be understood +to be insert here onely <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">recitative</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc91" id="toc91"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession +of Faith and Covenant, with the +Assemblies Declaration.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering the great happiness +which may flow from a full and perfect Union of this +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page087">[pg 087]</span><a name="Pg087" id="Pg087" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Kirk and Kingdome, by joyning of all in one and the same +Covenant with God, with the Kings Majestie, and amongst +our selves, having by our great Oath declared the uprightnesse +and loyaltie of our intentions in all our proceedings, and +having withall supplicated His Majesties high Commissioner, +and the Lords of His Majesties honorable Privie Councell, +to injoyn by Act of Councell, all the Lieges in time coming +to subscribe the Confession of faith and Covenant, which +as a testimony of our fidelity to God and loyaltie to our King +we have subscribed; And seeing His Majesties high Commissioner, +and the Lords of His Majesties honorable Privie +Councell, have granted the desire of our Supplication, ordaining +by Civill authority, all His Majesties Lieges in time +comming, to subscribe the foresaid Covenant, that our Union +may be the more full and perfect, We by our Act and +Constitution Ecclesiasticall, do approove the foresaid Covenant, +in all the Heads and Clauses thereof and ordains of +new, under all Ecclesiasticall censure, that all the Masters +of Universities, Colledges, and Schooles, all Schollers at +the passing of their degrees, all persons suspect of Papistry, or +any other errour; and finally all the members of this Kirk & +Kingdome, subscribe the same with these words prefixed to +their subscription: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Article of this Covenant, which was at the +first subscription referred to the determination of the General Assembly, +being determined. And thereby the five Articles of</span></span> +Perth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the government +of the Kirk by Bishops, the civill places and power of Kirkmen, +upon the reasons and grounds contained in the Acts of the Generall +Assembly declared to be unlawfull within this Kirk: we subscribe +according to the determination foresaid.</span></span> And ordains the Covenant, +with this Declaration, to be insert in the Registers +of the Assemblies of this Kirk, Generall, Provinciall, and +Presbyteriall, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad perpetuam rei memoriam</span></span>; and in all humility +supplicates His Majesties high Commissioner, and the +honourable Estates of Parliament, by their authority, to +ratifie and injoyne the same, under all civill paines, which +will tend to the glory of God, preservation of Religion, the +Kings Majesties honour, and perfect peace of this Kirk and +Kingdome. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page088">[pg 088]</span><a name="Pg088" id="Pg088" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc92" id="toc92"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent Appellations.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly appointed that in all time hereafter, no +Appellations should be leaping over either Presbyterie +or Synod, but to ascend by degrees as from the Kirk Session +to the Presbytry, or from the Presbyterie to the Synod, +and from the Synod to the Generall Assembly, except it be +after the Synod be past, and immediatly before the Generall +Assembly, or in the time thereof, and renews all former +Acts made to this effect. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc93" id="toc93"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries +before determination in Novations.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly desiring that the intended Reformation +being recovered, may be established, Ordains, +that no Novation which may disturbe the peace of the +Church, and make division, be suddenly proponed and +enacted: But so as the motion be first communicate to the +severall Synods, Presbyteries and Kirks, that the matter may +be approved by all at home, and Commissioners may come +well prepared, unanimously to conclude a solide deliberation +upon these points in the Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc94" id="toc94"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent Ministers Catechising, and +Family Exercises.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering that the long waited-for fruits +of the Gospel, so mercifully planted and preserved in +this Land, and Reformation of ourselves, and Families, +so solemnly vowed to God of late in our Covenant, cannot +take effect, except the knowledge and worship of God be +caried from the Pulpit to every family within each Parish, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page089">[pg 089]</span><a name="Pg089" id="Pg089" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hath therefore appointed that every Minister, besides his +paines on the Lords day, shall have weekly catechising of +some part of the Paroch, and not altogether cast over the +examination of the people, till a litle before the Communion. +Also that in every Familie the worship of God be +erected, where it is not both Morning and Evening, and +that the Children & Servants be catechised at home, by the +Masters of the Families, whereof account shall be taken by +the Minister, and Elders assisting him in the visitation of +every Family: And lest they fail, that visitation of the severall +Kirks be seriously followed by every Presbyterie, for +this end among others. The execution and successe whereof, +being tried by the Synods, let it be represented to the +next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc95" id="toc95"></a> +<a name="pdf96" id="pdf96"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 24. Aug. 30. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">a meride.</span></span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc97" id="toc97"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Supplication to the</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +KINGS MAJESTIE.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Most Gracious Souveraigne. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wee Your Majesties most humble and loyall Subjects, +the Commissioners from all the parts of this your Majesties +ancient & native Kingdome, and members of the Nationall +Assembly, conveened at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> by your Majesties +speciall indiction, and honoured with the presence of Your +Majesties high Commissioner, have been waiting for a day +of rejoycing, and of solemne thanksgiving to be rendred to +God by this whole Kirk and Kingdome, for giving us a +King so just and religious, that it is not only lawfull for us +to be Christians under Your Majesties government, which +sometime hath been the greatest praise of great Princes, but +also that it hath pleased Your gracious Maj. to make known +that it is Your Royall will and pleasure, that all matters Ecclesiasticall +be determined in free Nationall Assemblies, and +matters civill in Parliaments; which is a most noble and +ample expression of Your Majesties justice, and we trust +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page090">[pg 090]</span><a name="Pg090" id="Pg090" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +shall be a powerful mean of our common happinesse under +your Majesties most blessed Reign. In the mean while we +do most humbly, upon the knees of our hearts, blesse your +Majesty for that happinesse already begun in the late Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>; in the proceedings whereof, next under +God, we have laboured to approve our selves unto Your +Majesties Vice-gerent, as if Your Majesties eyes had been +upon us, which was the desire of our souls, and would have +beene the matter of our full rejoycing, and doe still continue +Your Majesties most humble supplicants for Your Majesties +civill sanction and ratification of the constitutions of the +Assembly in Parliament; That your Majesties Princely +power, and the Ecclesiasticall Authority joyning in one, +the mutuall embracements of religion and justice, of truth +and peace may be seen in this Land, which shall be to us as +a resurrection from the dead, and shall make us, being not +only so farre recovered, but also revived, to fill Heaven and +Earth with our praises, and to pray that King CHARLES +may be more and more blessed, and His throne established +before the Lord for ever. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly appoints the next Generall Assembly, to sit at</span></span> +Aberdene <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the last Tuesday of</span></span> July <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">next,</span></span> +1640. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">years. And +warneth all Presbyteries, Universities and Burrows, to send their +Commissioners, for keeping the same. And thereafter the Assembly +was concluded by giving of thanks by the Moderator, and singing +of a Psalme, according to the custome.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page091">[pg 091]</span><a name="Pg091" id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc98" id="toc98"></a> +<a name="pdf99" id="pdf99"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, Conveened at Aberdene, July 28. 1640.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc100" id="toc100"></a> +<a name="pdf101" id="pdf101"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 2. July 29. 1640.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having past the first day before +they would make any Act in attending of His +Majesties Commissioner. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This day the Moderator openly asked in face +of the Assembly, if there was any Commissioner +come from His Majestie: And finding there was none, +the Assembly proceeded according to their Liberties. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc102" id="toc102"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures given in by the Committee appointed +by the last Assembly, anent the ordering of the Assembly-house: +Which being read in audience of the Assembly +they approved the same.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. The Assembly finds it expedient for the ordering of +the House in all time coming, that the Commissioners +sit together unmixt, and that the places where they sit be +railed about, or some other way divided from the seats of +others, and that places be provided without the bounds of +the Commissioners seats to persons of respect, who are not +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page092">[pg 092]</span><a name="Pg092" id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Commissioners, and others according to their qualities, as +the Magistrates of the Town shall find most convenient. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. Also that the Commissioners, having received tickets +from the Magistrates of the Burgh, at the delivery of their +Commissions, whereby they may have ready accesse to the +Assemblie-House and place appointed for them, do keep +the hour of meeting precisely, and whosoever comes after +the time, or shall be found absent at the calling of the Rols, +to be censured as the Assemblie sees fitting: And whatsoever +Presbyterie, Burgh, or Universitie, shall not send +Commissioners, or Commissioners sent from them doe not +come at all to the Assembly, be summond unto the next +Assembly, and censured as the Assembly shall find reasonable. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That foure persons of respect have warrant from the +Assembly to injoyne that there be no standing, no din, nor +disorderly behaviour; And if any shall disobey them, or direct +his speech to any, except to the Moderator, and that +one at once with leave at first asked and given, to be rebuked +publikely by the Moderator: And if he desist not be removed +out of the Assembly for that Session. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That no motion come in unto the Assembly but by +the Committee appointed for matters of that nature: And +if the Committee refused to answer the same, let it be proponed +to the Assembly with the reasons thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That the minutes of ilk Session be read before their rising, +and if the matter concerne the whole Kirk, let it be +drawn up in forme and read in the beginning of the next ensuing +Session, that the Assembly may judge whether or not +it bee according to their minde. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc103" id="toc103"></a> +<a name="pdf104" id="pdf104"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the demolishing of Idolatrous +Monuments.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Forasmuch as the Assembly is informed, that in divers +places of this Kingdome, and specially in the North +parts of the same, many Idolatrous Monuments, erected +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page093">[pg 093]</span><a name="Pg093" id="Pg093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and made for Religious worship, are yet extant, Such as +Crucifixes, Images of Christ, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mary</span></span>, and Saints departed, +ordaines the saids Monuments to be taken down, +demolished, and destroyed, and that with all convenient +diligence: And that the care of this work shall be incumbent +to the Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies within +this Kingdome, and their Commissioners to report their +diligence herein to the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc105" id="toc105"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Witches and Charmers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly ordaines all Ministers within the Kingdome, +carefully to take notice of Charmers, Witches, and +all such abusers of the people, and to urge the Acts of Parliament, +to be execute against them: And that the Commissioners +from the Assembly to the Parliament, shall recommend +to the said supreme judicatory, the care of the +execution of the Lawes against such persons in the most behoovefull way. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc106" id="toc106"></a> +<a name="pdf107" id="pdf107"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 5. Aug. 1. 1640.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc108" id="toc108"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for censuring speakers against the +Covenant.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly ordaines, that such as have subscribed the +Covenant and speakes against the same, if he be a Minister, +shall be deprived: And if he continue so, being deprived, +shall be excommunicate: And if he be any other +man, shall be dealt with as perjured, and satisfie publikely +for his perjury. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page094">[pg 094]</span><a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc109" id="toc109"></a> +<a name="pdf110" id="pdf110"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 10. Aug. 5. 1640.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc111" id="toc111"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe +the Covenant.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly ordaines, that if any Expectant shall refuse +to subscribe the Covenant, he shall be declared uncapable +of a Pedagogie, teaching of a School, reading at a Kirk, Preaching +within a Presbyterie, and shall not have libertie of +residing within a Burgh, Universitie or Colledge: And if +they continue obstinate, to be processed. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly appoints the next Assembly, to be in</span></span> St. +Andrews <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the third Tuesday of</span></span> July 1641. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">And +that the Moderator in a convenient way, by the secret Councell—or otherwise as +may best serve, request the Kings Majestie to send his Commissioner to the said +Assembly. And if any exigent fall out, that the Presbyterie of</span></span> Edinburgh +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">give advertisement for an Assembly</span></span> pro re nata. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page095">[pg 095]</span><a name="Pg095" id="Pg095" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc112" id="toc112"></a> +<a name="pdf113" id="pdf113"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, Holden at St. Andrews, and Edinburgh. 1641.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc114" id="toc114"></a> +<a name="pdf115" id="pdf115"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 1. July 20. 1641.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +John <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Earle of</span></span> Weymes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">His Majesties Commissioner, +presented His Majesties Letter to the Assembly, +whereof the tenor followeth.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Charles R.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Trustie and welbeloved, Wee greet you +well. It is no small part of Our Royall +care and desires, that the true Reformed +Religion, wherein by the grace of God, +We resolve to live and dye, be settled +peaceably in that Our ancient and native +Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, and that the same +be truly taught, and universally received and professed by +Our Subjects there, of all degrees. For preventing of all +division and trouble hereafter, We did intend in Our Own +Royall Person, to have been present at this Assembly; but +conceiving it to be unfitting, to detaine the Ministers from +their particular charges, till the time of Our coming to the +Parliament. We have resolved to make knowne unto you +by these, and by Our Commissioner, That in the approaching +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page096">[pg 096]</span><a name="Pg096" id="Pg096" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Parliament, it is Our intention by Our authority, to +ratifie and confirm the Constitutions of the late Assembly at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, that they may be obeyed by all Our Subjects +living in that Our Kingdome. And that We will take into +Our Royall consideration, by what meanes the Churches +belonging to Our presentation, when any of them shall happen +to need, may be best provided with well qualified Preachers: +Like as We are not unwilling, to grant presentations +unto such as in these times of trouble have entred into +the Ministerie, providing they have been examined by the +Presbyteries, and approved by them: Because We want not +Our own feares of the decay of Learning in that Church and +Kingdome, We intend also to consider of the best meanes +for helping the Scooles and Colledges of Learning especially +of Divinity, that there may be such a number of Preachers +there, as that each Parish having a Minister, and the +Gospel being preached in the most remote parts of the Kingdome, +all Our Subjects may taste of Our care in that kinde, +and have more and more cause to blesse God that we are set +over them. And finally, so tender is Our care, that it shall +not be Our fault if the Churches and Colledges there flourish +not in Learning and Religion: For which Royall testimonie +of Our goodnesse, We require nothing upon your part, but +that which God hath bound you unto, even that you be +faithfull in the charge committed unto you, and care for +the soules of the people: That you study Peace and Unity +amongst your selves, and amongst the people, against all +Schisme and Faction; and that you not only pray for Us, +but that you teach the People, which We trust are not unwilling +to pay that honour and obedience which they owe +unto Us, as his Vicegerent set over them, for their good; +wherein We expect you will by your good example goe before +them. Which hoping you will doe, We bid you farewell. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">From Our Court at</span></span> Whitehall, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the 10. day of July 1641.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page097">[pg 097]</span><a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc116" id="toc116"></a> +<a name="pdf117" id="pdf117"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 3. July 28. 1641.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Act approving the Overtures of the Assembly at</span></span> Aberdene, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for ordering the Assembly-House</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Overtures for ordering the Assembly-House, given +in to, and approved by the Assembly of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span> +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">29. +July 1640.</span></span> Act Sess. 2 were openly read, and again approved +by this Assembly, and ordained to be kept the whole +time thereof. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc118" id="toc118"></a> +<a name="pdf119" id="pdf119"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 5. July 30. 1641.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc120" id="toc120"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent old Ministers bruiking their Benefices.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having considered the Supplication given in +by Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Howie</span></span>, Provest of the new Colledge of +S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, whereby he craved, that (notwithstanding +of his admission of his charge) he should not be prejudged of +his full provision and maintenance during his life time: The +Assembly thinks it fit and necessary, that his provision and +maintenance should not be diminished, but that he should +injoy the same fully, as before during all the dayes of +his life time, and craveth his dismission to be only but a cessation +from his charge, because of his age and inability: And +declares, that old Ministers and professors of Divinitie, +shall not by their cessation from their charge, through age +and inabilitie, be put from injoing their old maintenance & +dignity. And recommends this and others the like things, +concerning the estate of that Universitie of S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, to +the Parliament, and the Visitation to be appointed from the +Assembly & Parliament. And likewise the Assembly being +informed, that the said Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Howie</span></span> hath been very painfull +in his charge, and that he hath divers papers which would be +very profitable for the Kirk: Therefore they think fit, that +the said doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Howie</span></span> be desired to collect these papers, +which doeth concerne, & may be profitable for the use of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page098">[pg 098]</span><a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Kirk, that the samine may be showne to the Visitors of the +said Universitie. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc121" id="toc121"></a> +<a name="pdf122" id="pdf122"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 8. Aug. 2. 1641. a meridie.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc123" id="toc123"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against sudden receiving Ministers deposed.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly ordaines, that Ministers who are deposed either +by Presbyteries, Synods, or Generall Assemblies, or +Committees from Assemblies for the publike cause of the +Reformation and order of this Kirk, shall not be suddenly received +againe to the Ministerie, till they first evidence their +repentance both before the Presbyterie and Synod, within +the bounds where they were deposed, and thereafter the samine +reported to the next ensuing Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc124" id="toc124"></a> +<a name="pdf125" id="pdf125"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 9. Aug. 3. 1641.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Overtures under-written, concerning the Universities and +Colledges of this Kingdome to be represented by the Generall Assembly, +to the Kings Majesty and Parliament, being openly read, +the Assembly approved the saids Overtures, and ordained them +to be recommended to the Parliament.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +First, because the good estate both of the Kirk and Commonwealth, +dependeth mainly upon the flourishing of +Universities and Colledges, as the Seminaries of both, +which cannot be expected, unlesse the poore meanes which +they have, be helped, and sufficient revenues be provided +for them and the same well imployed: Therefore that out +of the rents of prelacies; Collegiat or Chapter-Kirks, or +such like, a sufficient maintenance be provided for a competent +number of Professors, Teachers, and Bursers in all +faculties, and especially in Divinitie, and for upholding, +repairing, and enlarging the Fabrick of the Colledges, +furnishing Libraries, and suchlike good uses in every Universitie +and Colledge. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page099">[pg 099]</span><a name="Pg099" id="Pg099" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. Next for keeping of good order, preveening and removing +of abuses, and promoving of pietie and learning, it is +very needfull & expedient, that there be a communion and +correspondencie kept betwixt all the Universities and Colledges. +And therefore that it be ordained, that there be +a meeting once every year at such times and places as shall be +agreed upon, of Commissioners from every University and +Colledge to consult and determine upon the common affairs, +and whatsoever may concerne them, for the ends above-specified, +and who also, or some of their number may represent +what shall be needfull and expedient for the same effect, +to Parliaments and Generall Assemblies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Item</span></span>, That special care be had that the places of the +Professors, especially of Professors of Divinity in every University +and Colledge. Be filled with the ablest men, and +best affected to the Reformation and order of this Kirk. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc126" id="toc126"></a> +<a name="pdf127" id="pdf127"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 10. August 4. 1641.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc128" id="toc128"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Impiety and Schisme.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly seriously considering the present case and +condition of this Kirk and Kingdome, what great +things the Lord hath done for us, especially since the renewing +of our Covenant, notwithstanding our former backsliding +and desertion; and if we shall either become remisse +in the dueties of Piety, or shall not constantly hold and +keep our Religion, unto which we have bound ourselves so +straitly and solemnly, what dishonour we doe unto the +Name of God before men, who have their eyes upon us, +and how great judgements we bring upon our selves, upon +these and the like considerations, The Assembly doth finde +it most necessary to stirre up themselves, and to provoke all +others both Ministers and people of all degrees, not only to +the religious exercises of publike worship in the Congregation, +and of private worship in their families, and of every +one by themselves apart, but also to the duteies of mutual +edification, by instruction, admonition, exhorting one +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page100">[pg 100]</span><a name="Pg100" id="Pg100" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +another to fordwardnesse in Religion, and comforting one +another in whatsoever distresse; and that in all their meetings, +whither in the way of civill conversation, or by reason +of their particular callings, or any other occasion offered by +divine providence, no corrupt communication proceed out +of their mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, +that it may minister grace unto the hearers: And because +the best means have been, and may still be despised or +abused, and particularly the duetie of mutual edification, +which hath been so little in use, and so few know how to +practise in the right manner, may be upon the one part subject +to the mocking of ungodly and worldly men, who cannot +endure that in others, which they are not willing to practise +themselves, and upon the other part, to many errors +and abuses, to which the godly through their weaknes may +fall, or by the craftinesse of others may be drawn into, +such as are Error, Heresie, Schisme, Scandal, Self-conceit, +and despising of others, pressing above the common +calling of Christians, and usurping that which is proper to +the Pastoral Vocation, contempt or misregard of the publike +means idle and unprofitable questions which edifie not, +uncharitable censurings, neglect of duties in particular callings, +businesse in other mens Matters and Callings, and +many such others in doctrine, charity, and manners, which +have dolefully rent the bowels of other Kirks, to the great +prejudice of the Gospel. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Therefore the Assembly, moved with the zeal of God against +all abuses and corruptions, and according to their +manifold obligations, most earnestly desiring and thirsting +to promove the work of Reformation, and to have the comfort +and power of true godlinesse sensible to every soul, +and Religion to be universally practised in every Family, and +by every person at all occasions, Doth charge all the Ministers +and Members of this Kirk whom they doe represent, +that according to their several places and vocations, they +endeavour to suppresse all impiety and mocking of religious +exercises, especially of such as put foule aspersions, and +factious or odious names upon the godly. And upon the +other part, that in the fear of God they be aware and spiritually +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg 101]</span><a name="Pg101" id="Pg101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +wise, that under the name and pretext of religious +exercises, otherwayes lawful and necessary, they fall not +into the aforesaid abuses; especially, that they eschew all +meetings which are apt to breed Error, Scandall, Schisme, +neglect of dueties and particular callings, and such other +evils as are the works, not of the spirit, but of the flesh, +and are contrary to truth and peace; and that the Presbyteries +and Synods have a care to take order with such as transgresse +the one way or the other. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc129" id="toc129"></a> +<a name="pdf130" id="pdf130"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 14. August 6. 1641. a Meridie.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc131" id="toc131"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Act </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">anent Novations</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Since it hath pleased God to vouchsafe us the libertie of +yearly General Assemblies, It is ordained according to +the Acts of the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +1639. and at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span> +1640. that no Novation in Doctrine, Worship, or +Government, be brought in, or practised in this Kirk, unlesse +it be first propounded, examined, and allowed in the +General Assembly, and that transgressors in this kinde be +censured by Presbyteries and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc132" id="toc132"></a> +<a name="pdf133" id="pdf133"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act. Sess. 15. August 7. 1641.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc134" id="toc134"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures anent Bursars, and Expectants.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Overtures under-written being openly read in audience of the +Assembly, were approved, and declared by them to be Acts +of the Assembly, in all time coming, to be observed</span></span> respective, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">as the samine bears.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly thinks meet for maintaining of Bursars +of Divinitie, that every Presbyterie that consists of +twelve Ministers shall maintain a Bursar, and where the +number is fewer nor twelve, shall be joyned with these out +of another Presbyterie where their number exceeds; where +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" id="Pg102" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +this course is not already kept, it is to be begun without +longer delay, and every Provincial is ordained to give an accompt +of their number of Bursars, that is constantly to be +entertained by their Province, at the next ensuing General +Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. No expectant shall be permitted to preach in publike +before a Congregation, till first he be tryed after the same +manner, howbeit not altogether with that accuracie which +is injoyned by the act of the Assembly of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1638. which +prescribes the order and manner of tryall that is to be kept +with these who are to be admitted to the holy Ministrie: and +none so tryed shall preach in publike, without the bounds +of the University or Presbyterie where he past his tryalls, till +he first make it known to the other Presbyteries, where he +desires to be heard, by a testimoniall from the Universitie +or Presbyterie where he lived, that he hath bin of an honest +conversation, and past his tryalls conform to the order here +prescribed: Which being done in the meeting of the Province +or Presbyterie, where he desires to be heard; he is to +be allowed by them to preach within the bounds of that Province +or Presbyterie, without any further tryall to be taken +of him. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. Expectants being educate in a Colledge that was corrupt, +or under a corrupt Minister, if they themselves have +been known to have been tainted with error, or opposite to +our Covenant, and the blessed Work of Reformation within +this Kirk, the same order is to be kept in admitting them to +the holy Ministrie, or to any place in the Colledges or +Schooles of this Kingdome, that was ordained to be kept in +admission of these Ministers who fled out of the Countrey, +and shew themselves opposite to our Covenant and Reformation. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page103">[pg 103]</span><a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc135" id="toc135"></a> +<a name="pdf136" id="pdf136"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 17. August 9. 1641.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc137" id="toc137"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against unlawfull Bands.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly taking to their consideration the question +proponed unto them concerning the Band, the +copy whereof was presented before them from the Parliament, +doth find and declare that Bands of this and the like +nature, may not lawfully be made: By which Declaration +the Assembly doth not intend to bring any censure for what +is past, and by the wisedome and care of the Committee of the +Parliament is taken away, upon any person, who being required +by the Moderator and the Clerk, shall under his +hand declare before them, That as the Assembly doth finde +that the subscribers are not astricted by their Oath to the tenor +of the said Band, so he findeth himself not to be astricted +by his Oath to the tenor thereof; but the intention of the +Assembly is meerly to prevent the like in time coming. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc138" id="toc138"></a> +<a name="pdf139" id="pdf139"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 18. August 9. 1641. a meridie.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc140" id="toc140"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Letter from some Ministers in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Assemblie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Reverend and dear Brethren, now conveened in this +Generall Assembly,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wee most heartily salute you in the Lord, rejoycing +with you in his unspeakable goodnesse, so miraculously +prospering your late endeavours, both for the restoring +and settling of your own Liberties and Priviledges, in +Church and common wealth (which we heare and hope he +is now about to accomplish) as also for the occasioning and +advancing of the Worke of Reformation among our selves; +for which as we daily blesse the highest Lord, sole Author +of all one good, so doe we acknowledge your selves worthy +Instruments thereof. And for that (besides all other respects) +doe, and ever shall (by the help of God) hold +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span><a name="Pg104" id="Pg104" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +you deare unto us, as our own bowels, and our selves obliged +to tender unto you all due correspondence according to +our power, upon all good occasions. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now (dear Brethren) forasmuch as the Church of +Christ is but one body, each part whereof cannot but partake +in the weale and woe of the whole, and of Each other part; +and these Churches of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, +may seem both to be imbarqued in the same bottome, to sink and swim together, +and are so near conjoyned by many strong tyes, not +only as fellow members under the same Head Christ, and +fellow-subjects under the same King; but also by such +neighbour-hood and vicinity of place, that if any evil shall +much infest the one, the other cannot bee altogether free: +Or if for the present it should, yet in processe of time it +would sensibly suffer also. And forasmuch as evils are better +remedied in their first beginning, then after they have +once taken deep root; therefore we whose names are here +under-written, in the behalf of our selves, and of many +others, Ministers of the Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> be bold to commend +to your consideration; (being met together in this venerable +Assembly) a difference of great concernment, +which you may please (in brief) thus to understand. Almighty +God having now of his infinite goodnesse raised up +our hopes of removing the yoke of Episcopacie (under +which we have so long groaned) sundry other forms of +Church-government are by sundry sorts of men projected, +to be set up in the roome thereof: One of which (amongst +others) is of some Brethren that hold the whole power of +Church-government, & all Acts thereunto appertaining (as +Election, Ordination, and Deposition of Officers, with Admission, +Excommunication & Absolution of Members) are +by divine Ordinance <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in foro externo</span></span>, to be decreed by the most +voices, in, and of every particular Congregation, which +(say they) is the utmost bound of a particular Church: endued +with power of Government, & only some Formalities +of solemne execution to be reserved to the Officers (as servants +of the saids Church) if they have any, or if none, then +to be performed by some other members, not in office, +whom the said Church shal appoint thereunto, And that +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page105">[pg 105]</span><a name="Pg105" id="Pg105" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +every of the said particular Congregations (whether they +consists of few or many Members, and be furnished with +Offices or not) lawfull: may & ought to transact, determine +& execute all matters pertaining to the government of themselves +amongst & within themselves without any authoritative +(though not consulatory) concurrence or interposition of any +other persons or Churches whatsoever, condemning all imperative +and decisive power of Classes, or compound Presbyteries +and Synods, as a meere usurpation. Now because +we conceive that your judgement in this case may conduce +much by the blessing of God, to the settling of this question +amongst us; Therefore we doe earnestly intreat the same at +your hands, and that so much the rather, because we sometimes +hear from those of the aforesaid judgement, that some +famous and eminent Brethren, even amongst your selves, +doe somewhat encline unto an approbation of that way of +government. Thus humbly craving pardon for our boldnesse, +leaving the matter to your grave considerations, and +expecting answer at your convenient leasure, We commit +you, and the successe of this your meeting, to the blessing +of the Almighty, in whom we shall ever remain. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London, 12 Ju'y. 1641.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your faithfull Brethren to serve +you in all offices of love.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc141" id="toc141"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the English +Ministers Letter.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right reverend and dearly beloved Brethren in our Lord and +common Saviour Jesus Christ.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wee the Ministers and Elders met together in this Nationall +Assembly, were not a little refreshed and comforted +by the good report which we heard of you, and others +of our Brethren of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, by some of our Ministers, +who by the good providence of our Lord had seen +your faces, and conversed with you. But now yet more +comforted by your Letters which we received, and which +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page106">[pg 106]</span><a name="Pg106" id="Pg106" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +were read in the face of the Assembly, witnessing your +Christian love, and rejoycing with us in God for his great +and wonderfull Work in the Reformation of this Kirk, and +in the beginning of a blessed Reformation amongst your selves, +and that you are so sensible of your communion and +fellowship with us, and to desire to know our minde and judgement +of that which some Brethren amongst you hold, +concerning Kirk-government. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We doe with our hearts acknowledge and wonder at the +great and unspeakable wisedome, mercie, and power of our +God, in restoring unto us the truth and puritie of Religion, +after many Back-slidings and defection of some in this Kirk, +& desire not only to confesse the same before the world, and +all other Christian Kirks, but also doe pray for grace to walk +worthy of so wonderful a love: We have been helped by your +prayers, in our weak endeavours, & you have mourned with +us, (we know) in the dayes of our mourning; and therefore +is it that you doe now rejoyce and praise God with us. +Neither are we out of hope, but the same God shall speedily +perfect that which he hath begun amongst you, that your +joy may be full, which is the desire of our soule, and for +which we doe now pray, and in our severall Congregations +will be instant at the throne of grace, for this and all +other spirituall and temporall blessings upon the Kirk and +Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, by name, expecting the like performance +of mutuall love from you and others equally minded +with you, for your parts, till a common consent may be +obtained, even that you will recommend the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> +by name in your prayers to God. Thus shall we be as one +people, mourning and rejoycing, praying and praising together; +which may be one meane of the preservation of Unity, +and of many other blessings to us both. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have learned by long experience, ever since the time +of the Reformation, and specially after the two Kingdomes have +been (in the great goodnesse of God to both) united +under one Head and Monarch, but most of all of late, +which is not unknown to you, what danger and contagion +in matters of Kirk-government, of divine worship, and of +doctrine, may come from the one Kirk to the other, which +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span><a name="Pg107" id="Pg107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +beside all other reasons make us to pray to God, and to desire +you, and all that love the honour of Christ, and the peace +of these Kirks and Kingdomes, heartily to endeavour, +that there might be in both Kirks, one Confession, one +Directory for publicke worship, one Catechisme, and one +Forme of Kirk-government. And if the Lord who hath +done great things for us, shall be pleased to hearken unto our +desires, and to accept of our endeavours, we shall not only +have a sure foundation for a durable Peace, but shall be +strong in God, against the rising or spreading of Heresie +and Schisme amongst our selves, and of invasion from forraine +enemies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning the different Formes of Kirk-government, +projected by sundrie sorts of men, to be set up in place of +Episcopall Hierarchie, which we trust is brought near unto +its period, we must confesse, that we are not a little grieved +that any godly Ministers and Brethren should be found, who +doe not agree with other Reformed Kirks in the point of government +as well as in the matter of Doctrine and worship; +and that we want not our own feares, that where the hedge +of Discipline and Government is different, the Doctrine and +Worship shall not long continue the same without change: +yet doe not marvell much, that particular Kirks and Congregations +which live in such places, as that they can conveniently +have no dependencie upon superiour Assemblies, +should stand for a kind of independencie and supremacie in +themselves, they not considering that in a nation or Kingdome, +professing the same Religion, the government of the +Kirk by compound Presbyteries and Synods is a help and +strength, and not a hinderance or prejudice to particular +Congregations and Elderships, in all the parts of Kirk-government; +and that Presbyteries and Synods are not an extrinsecall +power set over particular Kirks, like unto Episcopal +dominion, they being no more to be reputed extrinsecal +unto the particular Kirks, nor the power of a Parliament, +or Convention of Estates, where the Shires and Cities have +their own Delegates, is to be held extrinsecal to any particular +Shire or City. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg 108]</span><a name="Pg108" id="Pg108" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our unanimous judgement and uniforme practice, is, +that according to the order of the Reformed Kirks, and +the ordinance of God in his Word, not onely the solemne +execution of Ecclesiastical power and authoritie, but the +whole acts and exercise thereof, do properly belong unto +the Officers of the Kirk; yet so that in matters of chiefest +importance, the tacite consent of the Congregation be had, +before their decrees and sentences receive final execution, +and that the Officers of a particular Congregation, may not +exercise this power independently, but with subordination +unto greater Presbyteries and Synods, Provincial and National: +Which as they are representative of the particular +Kirks conjoyned together in one under their government; +so their determination, when they proceed orderly, whether +in causes common to all, or many of the Kirks, or in +causes brought before them by appellations or references +from the inferiour, in the case of aberation of the inferiour, +is to the several Congregations authoritative and obligatorie +and not consultatory only: And this dependencie and subordination, +we conceive not only to be warranted by the +light of nature, which doth direct the Kirk in such things +as are common to other societies, or to be a prudential way +for Reformation, and for the preservation of Truth and +Peace, against Schisme, Heresie, and Tyranny, which is +the sweet fruits of this government wheresoever hath +place, and which we have found in ancient and late experience; +but also to be grounded upon the Word of God, +and to be conforme to the paterne of the Primitive and Apostolical +Kirks: And without which, neither could the +Kirks in this Kingdome have been reformed, nor were we +able for any time to preserve Truth and Unity amongst us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In this forme of Kirk-government, our unanimity and +harmony by the mercy of God, is so full and perfect, that +all the Members of this Assembly have declared themselves +to be of one heart, and of one soule, and to be no lesse +perswaded, that it is of God, then that Episcopal government +is of men; resolving by the grace of God, to hold +the same constantly all the dayes of our life, and heartily +wishing that God would blesse all the Christians Kirks, especially +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page109">[pg 109]</span><a name="Pg109" id="Pg109" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the famous Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, unto which in all other +respects we are so nearly joyned with this divine Forme of +government. Thus having briefly and plainly given our +judgement for your satisfaction, and desiring and hoping +that ye will beleeve against all mis-reports, that we know not +so much as one man, more or lesse eminent amongst us, of a +different judgement, we commend you unto the riches of +the grace of Christ, who will perfect that which he had begun +amongst you, to your unspeakable comfort. +Subscribed by our Moderator and Clerk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 9. August, 1641.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc142" id="toc142"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the Kings +Majesties Letter.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Most gracious Soveraign, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Beside the conscience of that duetie which we owe to supreme +Authority, we are not only encouraged, but +confirmed by the Royal favour and Princely munificence, +expressed in Your gracious Majesties Letters, which filled +our hearts with joy, and our mouths with praise, to offer +up our prayers with the greater fervencie to God Almightie +for your Majesties happinesse, our selves for our own parts, +and for the whole Kirks of this your Majesties Kingdome, +which we doe represent, to serve Your Majestie in all +humble obedience, our faithful labours for preserving +Trueth and Peace amongst all Your Majesties Subjects, and +our example (according to Your Majesties just commandments +laid upon us) to be a presedent to others in paying +that honour, which by all Lawes divine and humane, is due +unto Your sacred Majestie, being confident that your Majestie +shall finde at your coming hither much more satisfaction +and content then can be expressed by +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your Majesties most humble Subjects and faithful +Servants, the Ministers and Elders met together +in the vonerable Assembly at</span></span> St. Andrews, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July 20, and</span></span> Edinburgh, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July 27. 1641.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page110">[pg 110]</span><a name="Pg110" id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc143" id="toc143"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Campheir.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The which day a motion was made in the Assembly, that +it seemed expedient for correspondencie that might be +had from forraigne parts, for the weal of this Kirk, That +the Scots Kirk at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Campheir</span></span> +were joyned to the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, +as a Member thereof: Which being seriously +thought upon and considered by the Assembly, they approved +the motion, and ordained Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span> Minister +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cilwinning</span></span>, to write to +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Spang</span></span> Minister +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Campheir</span></span>, and Kirk-Session thereof, willing them to +send their Minister, and a ruling Elder, instructed with a +Commission to the next General Assembly to be holden at St +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, the last Wednesday of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July 1642.</span></span> at which time +they should be inrolled in the Books of the General Assembly, +as the Commissioners of the General Assembly of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, +from the Scots Kirk at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Campheir</span></span>. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly appoints the next General Assembly to +be holden at</span></span> St. Andrews, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the last Wednesday of</span></span> +July <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">next</span></span>, 1642. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page111">[pg 111]</span><a name="Pg111" id="Pg111" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc144" id="toc144"></a> +<a name="pdf145" id="pdf145"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, Conveened at S. Andrews, July 27. 1642.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc146" id="toc146"></a> +<a name="pdf147" id="pdf147"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 1. July 27. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc148" id="toc148"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Kings Letter to the Generall Assembly, presented +by His Majesties Commissioner, the Earle of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Dumfermling, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">July 27. 1642.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Charles R.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the midst of Our great and weighty affaires of +Our other kingdoms, which God Almighty, who +is privie to Our Intentions, and in whom We +trust, will in his own time bring to a wished and +peaceable conclusion, We are not unmindfull of +that duetie which we owe to that Our ancient and native Kingdome, +and to the Kirks there, now met together by their +Commissioners in a Nationall Assembly. God whose Vice-gerent +We are, hath made Us a King over divers Kingdomes, +and We have no other desire, nor designe, but to +govern them by their own Lawes, and the Kirks in them by +their own Canons and Constitutions. Where any thing is +found to be amisse, We will endeavour a Reformation in a +fair and orderly way; and where a Reformation is settled, +We resolve, with that authoritie where with God hath in vested +Us, to maintain and defend it in peace and libertie, against +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page112">[pg 112]</span><a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +all trouble that can come from without, and against all Heresies, +Sects, and Schismes which may arise from within. +Nor do We desire any thing more in that Kingdom (and +when We shall hear of it, it shall be a delight and matter of +gladnesse unto Us) then that the Gospel be faithfully preached +throughout the whole Kingdom, to the outmost skirts +and borders thereof. Knowing that to be the mean of honour +to God, of happinesse to the people, and of true obedience +to Us. And for this effect, that holy and able men +be put in places of the Ministery, and that Schooles and Colledges +may flourish in Learning and true Pietie. Some +things for advancing of those ends, We did of Our own accord +promise in Our Letters to the last Assembly, and +We make your selves Judges, who were witnesses to +Our Actions, while We were there in Person, whether +we did not perform them both in the point of presentations +which are in our hands, and in the liberall provision of +all the Universities and Colledges of the Kingdome, not +only above that which any of Our Progenitors had done +before Us, but also above your owne hopes and expectation. +We doe not make commemoration of this Our Beneficence, +either to please Ourselves, or to stop the influence +of Our Royal goodnesse and Bountie for afterward, but that +by these reall demonstrations of Our unfained desires and delight +to do good, you may be the more confident to expect +from Us, whatsoever in Justice We can grant, or what may +be expedient for you to obtaine. We have given expresse +charge to Our Commissioner, to see that all things be done +there orderly and peaceably, as if We were present in Our +Own Person; not doubting but in thankfulnesse for your +present estate and condition, you will abstaine from every +thing that may make any new disturbance, and that you will +be more wise then to be the enemies of your own peace, +which would but stumble others, and ruine your selves. +We have also commanded Our Commissioner to receive +from you your just and reasonable desires, for what may +further serve for the good of Religion, that taking them to +Our consideration, We may omit nothing which may witnesse +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page113">[pg 113]</span><a name="Pg113" id="Pg113" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Us to be indeed a nursing Father of that Kirk, wherein +We were born and baptized, and that if ye be not happy, +you may blame not Us, but your selves. And now +what doe We again require of you, but that which otherwise +you owe to Us as your Soveraigne Lord and King, even +that ye pray for Our prosperitie and the peace of Our Kingdomes, +that ye use the best meanes to keep Our People in +obedience to Us and Our Lawes, which doth very much +in Our personall absence from that Our Kingdom depend +upon your preaching, and your owne exemplary loyaltie +and faithfulnesse, and that against all such jealousies, suspitions, +and sinister rumors as are too frequent in these times, +and have been often falsified in time past, by the reality +of the contrary events: Ye judge Us and Our professions +by Our actions, which we trust through God in despight of +malice shall ever go on in a constant way for the good of +Religion, and the weal of Our People, which is the +Chiefest of Our intentions and desires. And thus We bid +you farewell. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Given at Our Court at</span></span> Leicester, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the 23. of</span></span> +July, 1642. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To Our trusty and wel beloved the Generall +Assembly in our Kingdom of</span></span> Scotland +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">conveened at</span></span> S. Andrews. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc149" id="toc149"></a> +<a name="pdf150" id="pdf150"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc151" id="toc151"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for bringing in of the Synode Books yeerly +to the General Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Moderator calling to minde that which was forgotten +in the preceeding Sessions, the examination of the +Provincial Books, caused call the Roll of the Provinciall +Assemblies, And the Assembly finding very few Provinces +to have sent their Books to this Assembly, notwithstanding +of the ordinance of the former Assembly thereanent, for +the more exact obedience of that ordinance hereafter, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page114">[pg 114]</span><a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Assembly in one voyce ordaines, That the Books of every +Provincial Assembly shall be brought and produced to +every General Assembly: And that this may be performed, +ordaines that every Clerk of the Provincials, either bring +or send the said Books yearly to the General Assemblies, by +the Commissioners sent to the Assemblies, from these Presbyteries +where the Clerks reside. Which charge the Assembly +also layes upon the said Commissioners, sent from the +saids Presbyteries where the Clerks reside, may and while +some meanes be provided, whereby the Clerks charges may +be sustained for coming with the saids Books themselves: +And that under the pain of deprivation of the Clerk, in +case of his neglect, and of such censure of the saids Commissioners, +in case of their neglect as the Assembly shall +think convenient. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc152" id="toc152"></a> +<a name="pdf153" id="pdf153"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess 5. August 1. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc154" id="toc154"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the question moved to the Assembly, concerning +the election of Kirk Sessions, The Assembly ordaines +the old Session to elect the new Session both in Burgh and +Land. And that if any place shall vaik in the Session chosen, +by death or otherwise, the present Session shall have +the election of the person to fill the vacand roome. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc155" id="toc155"></a> +<a name="pdf156" id="pdf156"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess 6. August 2. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc157" id="toc157"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Edinburgh, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">anent tryal of Ministers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The meaning of the foresaid Act, is not that an actual +Minister to be transported, shall be tried again by the +tryals appointed for trying of Expectants, at their entry to +the Ministery, according to the Acts of the Kirk; but only +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page115">[pg 115]</span><a name="Pg115" id="Pg115" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that he bringing a Testimonial of his former tryals, and +of his abilities, and conversation, from the Presbyterie +from whence he comes, and giving such satisfaction to the +Parochiners Presbyterie whereto he comes in preaching, as +the Presbyterie finds his gifts fit and answerable for the +condition and disposition of the Congregation, whereto +he is presented. Because, according to the Act of the Assembly +1596. renewed at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, some that are meet for +the Ministery in some places, are not meet for all alike: +And Universities, Towns and Burghs, and places of Noblemens +residence, or frequencie of Papists, and other +great and eminent Congregations, and in sundry other cases, +require men of greater abilities, nor will be required +necessarily in the planting of all private small Paroches, the +leaving of the consideration of these cases unto the judgement +and consideration of the Presbyterie, was the only +intention of the Act. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly approves the meaning and interpretation foresaid: +And appoints the said Act, according to this interpretation, +to stand in force, and to have the strength of an Act +and ordinance of Assembly in all time coming.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc158" id="toc158"></a> +<a name="pdf159" id="pdf159"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 7. August 3. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc160" id="toc160"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the order for making Lists to His Majestie, +and other Patrons for Presentations; The +order of tryal of Expectants, and for +trying the quality of Kirks.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Forsameikle as His Majestie was graciously pleased in His +Answer to the Petition, tendred by the Commissioners +of the late Assembly to His Majestie, to declare and promise, +for the better providing of vaiking Kirks at His Majesties +Presentation with qualified Ministers, to present one +out of a list of six persons, sent to His Majestie from the +Presbyteries wherein the vaiking Kirk lyeth, as His Majesties +Declaration, signed with his Royal hand at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">White-hall</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span><a name="Pg116" id="Pg116" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the 3. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span> last, registrate in the books of Assembly, +this day at length beares. And suchlike whereas the Lords +of Exchequer upon a Petition presented to them by the +Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, and the Procurator +and Agent for the Kirk representing two Prejudices; +one, that gifts obtained from His Majestie of Patronages of +Kirks, at His Presentation were passing the Exchequer, +without the qualification and provision of a List, wherewith +His Majestie was pleased to restrict himself; and the other, +that some were seeking gifts of patronage of Bishop-Kirks, +which we declared to belong to Presbyteries, to be planted +by two Acts of the late Parliament, The saids Lords have +ordained that no signatory containing gifts of patronages +from His Majestie, shall passe hereafter, but with a speciall +provision that the same shall be lyable to the tenor of His Majesties +said Declaration. Ordaining also the Procurator & Agent +of the Kirk to be advertised, & to have place to see all signaters +whatsoever, containing any patronage, to the effect +they may represent the interest of the Kirk therein; as the said +Act of the date the 27 of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span> last, registrate also in the Books +of Assembly, this day at length beares. Therefore that the saids +Kirks which now are, or which were at his Majesties presentation +the sayd third day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span> last, may be the better +provided with able Ministers, when the samine shall vaik, +The Assembly ordaines that hereafter every Presbyterie +shall give up yearly a Roll of the ablest of their Expectants, +to their Synods; and that the Synods select out of these Rolls +such persons whom they in certain knowledge judge most fit +for the Ministrie and worthiest of the first place, With Power +to the Synods to adde or alter these Rolls given by the +Presbyteries, as they thinke reasonable: And that the Synods +shall send the Rolls made by them in this manner, to the next +Generall Assembly, who shall also examine the Rolls of the +Synods, and adde or alter the same as shall be thought expedient. +Which Roll made by the Generall Assembly, shall be +sent to every Presbyterie & that the Presbyterie, with consent +of the most or best part of the Congregation, shall make a +List of six persons willing to accept of the presentation out of +that Roll of the Assembly, upon every occasion of vacation of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span><a name="Pg117" id="Pg117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +any Kirk within their bounds, and shall send the samine together +with a blank presentation: The which (if His Majesty +be Patron to the vacant Kirk) shall be sent by the said Procurator +and Agent, to such as the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly, or in their absence the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>: +shall direct and think at that time most able and willing +to obtain the presentation, to be signed and filled up by His +Maj. choise of one of the List. And if the vacant Kirk be of a +Patronage disponed by His Majesty since the 3. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span>, +in that case either the Presbyteries themselves shall send a +List of six persons in maner aforesaid, with a blank presentation +to the Patron, to be filled up by his choise, & subscribed +or send the samine to the saids Officers of the Kirk, to be conveyed +by them to the Patron of the vaiking Kirk, as the Presbyterie +shall think most expedient. It is always declared, +that this order shall be without prejudice to the Presbyteries, +with consent foresaid, to put actual Ministers upon the said +List of six persons, to be sent to the Patron of the said vaiking +Kirks, if they please. And least that the nomination of Expectants +by Presbyteries, Synods, or Assemblies, in their Rolls +or Lists foresaid, be mis-interpreted, as though the Expectants +nominated in these Rolls and Lists, were thereby holden & +acknowledged to be qualified, which is not the intention of +the Assembly, who rather think, that in respect of this Order, +there should be a more exact tryal of Expectants then before: +Therefore the Assembly ordaines, that no Expectants shall be +put on the Rolls or Lists above-mentioned, but such as have +been upon the publike exercise, at the least by the space of half +a year, or longer, as the Presbyterie shall finde necessary. And +suchlike ordaines, that hereafter none be admitted to the publike +exercise, before they be tried according to the tryal appointed +for Expectants, at their entrie to the Ministerie in the +late Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, in the 24. Article of the Act of the 23. +Session thereof: which tryall of the Assembly appoints to be +taken of every Expectant, before his admission to the publike +exercise. And suchlike ordaines, That the samine tryall +shall be again taken immediatly before their admission to the +Ministerie, together with their triall mentioned in the advice +of some Brethren deputed for penning the corruptions of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page118">[pg 118]</span><a name="Pg118" id="Pg118" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Ministery, approven in the said Act of the Generall Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. And because that Kirks of the patronages +foresaids, will vaik before the Rolls and Lists be made +up by the Presbyteries, Synods, and General Assemblies, +in manner foresaid: Therefore in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">interim</span></span> the Assembly +ordains the Commissioners of every Presbyterie here present, +to give in a List of the ablest Expectants within their bounds, +the morn, to the Clerk of the Assembly, that the Assembly +may out of these Rolls, make a List to be sent to every +Presbyterie: Out of which the Presbyteries shall make a List +of six persons, with consent foresaid, and send the samine upon +vacancie of any Church within their bounds, together with a +presentation to His Majestie, or any other patron, in manner +foresaid. And because the Procurator and Agent of the +Kirk cannot get sufficient information to the Lords of Exchequer +anent the Right and Interest of the Kirk, and Presbyteries +in Kirks, whereof gifts of patronages may be presented +to the Exchequer: Therefore the Assembly ordaines for their +better information hereanent, that every Presbyterie, with +all diligence, use all meanes of exact tryall of the nature and +qualitie of all Kirks within their bounds, as what Kirks belong +to the Kings Majesties patronage, what to other Laick patronages, +what Kirks of old were planted by the Presbyteries, +and what by Prelates, and Bishops, before the Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1638. what hath been the way and time of +the change of the planting and providing of the Kirks, if any +have been changed or any other thing concerning the nature +and qualitie of every Kirk within their bounds, and to send +the same to the Procurator of the Kirk with all diligence. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc161" id="toc161"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the +High-lands.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering that in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, and in other places +of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> language, there will not be gotten six expectants +able to speak that language, And therfore the Assembly +is hopefull, that in these singular cases, His Majestie +will be pleased for Kirks vacand in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, to accept +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page119">[pg 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of a List of so many expectants as can be had, able to speak +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> language. And the Commissioners Grace promiseth +to recommend it to His Majestie. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc162" id="toc162"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, +and profaners of the Sabbath.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly would draw up a Supplication to be presented +by the Commissioners of the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +to the Councell at their first meeting, for the due execution +of the Acts of Parliament and Councell against Papists, wherein +it will be specially craved, that the Exchequer should +be the Intromettors with the Rents of these who are excommunicate, +and that from the Exchequer the Presbyterie may +receive that portion of the confiscate goods, which the Law +appoints to be imployed <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ad pios usus</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. Every Presbyterie would conveen at their first meeting, +all known Papists in their bounds, and require them +to put out of their company, all friends and servants who +are Popish within one moneth: Also within that same +space, to give their children, sons and daughters, who are +above seven yeers old, to be educate at their charges, by +such of their Protestant friends, as the Presbyterie shall approve, +and finde sufficient caution for bringing home within +three moneths such of their children who are without +the Kingdom, to be educate in Schooles and Colledges at +the Presbyteries sight; to finde caution likewise of their +abstinence from Masse, and the company of all Jesuits and +Priests. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That all, of whatsoever rank or degree, who refuse +to give satisfaction in every one of the foresaid Articles, +shall be processed without any delay; but those who give +satisfaction shall be dealt with in all meeknesse, after this +manner: The Presbyteries shall appoint such of their number +as they shall find fittest to confer with them so frequently +as the Brethren are able to attend, until the midst of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> +next, against which time, if they be not willing to go to +Church, they shall give assurance to go and dwell in the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page120">[pg 120]</span><a name="Pg120" id="Pg120" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +next adjacent University Town, whether <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews</span></span>, or +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November 1.</span></span> to the +last of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span>, where they shall attend all the diets of conference +which the Professor and Ministers of the bounds shall +appoint to them: By which, if they be not converted, their +obstinacy shall be declared in the Provincial Synods of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>, +and from thence their Processe shall go on to the very closure +without any farther delay. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That every Presbyterie, as they will be answerable +to the next General Assembly, be careful to do their dutie +in all the premisses. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That there be given presently by the Members of this +present Assembly unto the Commissioners of the Presbyterie +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, a List of all excommunicate Papists +they know, and of all Papists who have children educate +abroad, that they may be presented, together with our Supplication +to the Councel, at their first sitting. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. That the Councel may be supplicate for an Act, that +in no Regiment which goes out of the Kingdom, any Papists +bear office, and that the Colonel be required to finde caution +for this effect, before he receive the Councels warrant for +levying any Souldiers: Also that he finde caution for the +maintaining of a Minister, and keeping of a Session in his Regiment. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Item</span></span>, The Assembly would enjoyn every Presbyterie to +proceed against Non-communicants, whether Papists or +others, according to the Act of Parliament made thereanent. +And suchlike, that Acts of Parliament against prophaners +of the Sabbath be put to execution. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaid, and ordains +Presbyteries to put the samine to execution with all diligence: +And that the Commissioners of every Presbyterie give in a +List of the excommunicate Papists within their bounds, and +of Papists children out of the countrey to the Clerk, that the +same may be presented to the Councel by the Commissioners of +this Assembly.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page121">[pg 121]</span><a name="Pg121" id="Pg121" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc163" id="toc163"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the joyning of the Presbyterie of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Sky </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Synode of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Argyle.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having considered the whole proceedings +of the Commissioners of the late General Assembly +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, anent the reference made to +them concerning the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, together with the +whole reasons <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro & contra</span></span> in the said matter, after mature +deliberation have ratified and approved, and by these presents +ratifie and approve the Sentence of the saids Commissioners +thereintil. And further ordains the said Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, and all the Ministers and Elders thereof, to keep the +meetings of the Provincial Assembly of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, where they +shall happen to be appointed in all time coming, suchlike as +any other Presbyterie within the bounds of the said Province +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> uses to do: And that the samine Presbyterie +be in all time hereafter within the Jurisdiction of the said +Provincial Assembly, without any further question to be +made thereanent. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc164" id="toc164"></a> +<a name="pdf165" id="pdf165"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 8. August 3. post Meridiem.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc166" id="toc166"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">The Supplication of this Assembly to the +KINGS MAJESTIE.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the Kings most Excellent Maj. the hearty +Thanksgiving, and humble Petition of the General +Assembly of the Kirk of</span></span> Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">met at</span></span> +St. Andrews, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July 27. 1642.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our hearts were filled with great joy and gladnesse at the +hearing of Your Majesties Letter, which was read +once and again in face of the Assembly, every line thereof +almost either expressing such affection to the Reformed Religion, +and such Royal care of us, as we could require +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page122">[pg 122]</span><a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +from a Christian Prince; or requiring such necessary duties +from us, as we are bound to performe as Ministers of the +Gospel, and Christian Subjects: For which, as solemne +thanks were given by the Moderator of the Assembly, so +do we all with one voice in all humility, present unto +Your Majestie the thankfulnesse of our hearts, with our earnest +prayers to God for your Majesties prosperity, and the +peace of Your Kingdoms, that Your Majestie may be indeed +a nursing Father to all the Kirks of Christ in Your Maj. Dominions; +& especially to the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> honoured with +Your Birth and Baptisme: Promising our most serious indeavours +by doctrine and life, to advance the Gospel of Christ, & +and to keep the people in our charge in Unity and Peace, +and in all loyalty and obedience to Your Majestie and Your +Laws. Your Majesties commands to Your Commissioner, +the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermling</span></span>, to receive from us our just and +reasonable desires for what may further serve for the good of +Religion here, the favours which we have received already, +and Your Maj. desires and delight to do good, expressed in +Your Letter, are as many encouragements to us, to take the boldnesse +in all humility to present unto Your Majestie (beside +the particulars recommended to Your Majesties Commissioner) +one thing, which for the present is the chiefest of all +Our desires, as serving most for the glory of Christ, for Your +Majesties Honour and Comfort; and not onely for the good +of Religion here, but for the true happinesse and peace of +all Your Majesties Dominions; which is no new motion, +but the prosecution of that same by the Commissioners of +this Your Majesties Kingdom in the late Treatie, and which +Your Majestie, with advice of both houses of Parliament, +did approve in these words: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To their desire concerning unitie in +Religion and uniformitie of Church government, as a speciall meanes +of conserving of Peace betwixt the two Kingdoms, upon the grounds +and reasons contained in the Paper of the 10 of</span></span> March, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">given in to +the Treaty and Parliament of</span></span> England: It is answered upon the +15 of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June, That his Majestie, with +advice of both Houses of Parliament, +doth approve of the affection of His Subjects of</span></span> Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in +their desire of having the conformity of Church-government, betwixt +the two Nations, and as the Parliament hath already taken into consideration +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page123">[pg 123]</span><a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +the reformation of Church government, so they will proceed +therein in due time, as shall best conduce to the glory of God, the +Peace of the Church, and of both Kingdoms, 11 of</span></span> June 1641. +In Our answer to a Declaration sent by the now Commissioners +of this Kingdom from both Houses of Parliament, we +have not onely pressed this point of unity in Religion and +Uniformity of Church government, as a meane of a firme +and durable union betwixt the two Kingdomes, and without +which former experiences put us out of hope long to enjoy +the puritie of the Gospel with Peace, but also have rendred +the reasons of our hopes and confidence, as from other +considerations, so from Your Majesties late Letter to this +Assembly, that Your Majestie in a happy conjunction with +the Houses of Parliament, will be pleased to settle this blessed +Reformation, with so earnestly desired a Peace in all +Your Dominions. And therfore we Your Majesties most loving Subjects, +in name of the whole Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, represented +by us, upon the knees of our hearts, do most +humbly and earnestly beg, that Your Majesty in the deep of +Your Royall Wisdom, and from Your affection to the true +Religion, and the Peace of Your Kingdoms, may be moved +to consider, that the God of Heaven and Earth is calling +for this Reformation at Your hands, and that as you are his +Vice-gerent, so You may be his prime Instrument in it. If it +shall please the Lord (which is our desire and hope) that +this blessed unitie in Religion and Uniformity in Government +shall be brought about; Your Majesties Conscience, in +performing of so great a dutie: shall be a well-spring of comfort +to Your Self, Your memory shall be a sweet favour, and +Your name renowned to all following generations. And if +these unhappy commotions and divisions shall end in this +peace and unity; then it shall appeare in the Providence of +God, they were but the noyse of many waters, and the voyce +of a great thunder before the voyce of harpers harping with +their harps, which shall fill this whole Iland with melodie +and mirth, and the name of it shall be, THE LORD +IS THERE. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg 124]</span><a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc167" id="toc167"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Declaration of the Parliament of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">sent to the Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, +finding to their great grief, that the distractions +of this Kingdome dayly increase, and that the wicked +Counsels and practises of a malignent party amongst us (if +God prevent them not) are like to cast this nation into bloud +and confusion, To testifie to all the World how earnestly +they desire to avoid a Civill Warre, they have addressed +themselves in an humble Supplication to His Majestie, for +the prevention thereof. A Copy of which their petition, +they have thought fit to send at this time to the National Assembly +of the Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, to the intent that that +Church and Kingdome (whereunto they are united by so +many and so near bounds and tyes, as well Spiritual as Civil) +may see that the like minde is now in them, that formerly +appeared to be in that Nation. And that they are as tender +of the effusion of Christian bloud on the one side, as they are +zealous on the other side of a due Reformation both in +Church and State. In which work, whilest they were labouring, +they have been interrupted by the plots and practises +of a malignant party of Papists, and ill affected persons, +especially of the corrupt and dissolute Clergy, by +the incitement and instigation of Bishops and others, +whose avarice and ambition being not able to bear the Reformation +endeavoured by the Parliament, they have laboured +(as we can expect little better fruit from such +trees) to kindle a flame, and raise a combustion within +the bowels of this Kingdom: Which if by our humble +supplication to His Majesty it may be prevented, and +that according to our earnest desire therein, all Force and +Warlike preparations being laid aside, we may returne to a +peaceable parliamentary proceeding, We do not doubt, +but that by the blessing of Almighty God upon our endeavours, +we shall settle the matters both in Church and State, +to the encrease of His Majesties honour and State, the peace +and prosperitie of this Kingdome, and especially to the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page125">[pg 125]</span><a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +glory of God, by the advancement of the true Religion, +and such a Reformation of the Church, as shall be most agreeable +to Gods Word. Out of all which, there will also most +undoubtedly result a most firme & stable Union between the +two Kingdomes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, which according +to our Protestation, we shall by all good wayes and meanes, +upon all occasions, labour to preserve and maintain. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribitur</span></span><br /> +John Brown, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cler. Parl.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc168" id="toc168"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of +the Parliament of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> having received +a Declaration sent unto them by the Commissioners +of this Kingdome, now at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, from the Honourable +Houses of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> expressing their +care to prevent the effusion of Christian bloud in that Kingdome, +and their affections to Reformation both in Kirk and +State, and having taken the same to such consideration as the +importance of so weighty matters, and the high estimation +they have of so wise and honourable a meeting as is the Parliament +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, did require; have with universall consent +resolved upon this following Answer. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. That from the recent sense of the goodnesse of God, +in their own late deliverance, and from their earnest desire +of all happinesse to our native King and that Kingdome, they +blesse the Lord for preserving them in the midst of so many +unhappy divisions and troubles from a bloudy Intestine War, +which is from God the greatest Judgement, and to such a +nation the compend of all calamities. They also give God +thanks for their former and present desires of a Reformation, +especially of Religion, which is the glory and strength of a +Kingdome, and bringeth with it all temporall blessings of +prosperity and peace. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That the hearts of all the Members of this Assembly, +and of all the wel-affected within this Kingdome, are exceedingly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page126">[pg 126]</span><a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +grieved and made heavy, that in so long a time, +against the professions both of King and Parliament, and +contrary to the joynt desires and prayers of the godly in both +Kingdomes, to whom it is more deare and precious then +what is dearest to them in the world, the Reformation of +Religion hath moved so slowly, and suffered so great interruption. +They consider that not only Prelates, formall +Professours, profane and worldly men, and all that are Popishly +affected, are bad councellours and workers, and do +abuse their power, and bend all their strength and policies +against the Work of God; but the God of this world also, +with Principalities and powers, the rulers of the darknesse +of this world, and spiritual wickednesse in high places, are +working with all their force and fraud in the same opposition, +not without hope of successe, they having prevailed so +farre from the beginning, That in the times of the best +Kings of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Juda</span></span> of old, and the most part of the Reformed +Kirks of late, a through and perfect Reformation of Religion +hath been a work full of difficulties, Yet doe they +conceive, that as it ought first of all to be intended so +should it be above all other things, with confidence in God, +who is greater then the World, and he who is in the World, +most seriously endeavoured. And that when the supream providence +giveth opportunity of the accepted time & day of salvation, +no other work can prosper in the hands of his servants, +if it be not apprehended, & with all reverence & faithfulnesse +improved. This Kirk and Nation, when the Lord gave them +the calling, considered not their own deadnesse, nor staggered +at the promise through unbelief, but gave glory to God. +And who knoweth (we speak it in humility and love, and +from no other mind then from a desire of the blessing of God +upon our King and that Kingdome) but the Lord hath now +some controversie with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, which will not be removed, +till first and before all, the worship of his name and the government +of his house be settled according to his own will? +When this desire shall come, it shall be to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> after so +long deferred hopes, a tree of life, which shall not only +yeeld temporell blessings unto themselves, but also shall +spread the branches so far, that both this nation and other reformed +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg 127]</span><a name="Pg127" id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Kirks shall finde the fruits thereof to their great satisfaction. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. The Commissioners of this Kingdome in the late +Treaty of peace, considering that Religion is not only the +meane of the service of God and saving of Souls, but is also +the base and foundation of Kingdomes and Estates, and the +strongest band to tye Subjects to their Prince in true loyaltie, +and to knit the hearts of one to another in true unity and +love, They did with preface of all due respect and reverence, +far from arrogancy or presumption, represent in +name of this Kingdome, their serious thoughts and earnest +desires for unity of Religion, That in all His Majesties Dominions, +there might be one Confession of Faith, one directory +of worship, one publike Catechisme, and one form of +Kirk Government. This they conceived to be acceptable to +God Almighty, who delighteth to see his People walking +in truth and unity, to be a speciall meanes for conserving of +peace betwixt the Kingdomes, of easing the Kings Majesty, +and the publike government of much trouble, which ariseth +from differences of Religion, very grievous to Kings +and Estates, of great content to the King himself, to his +Nobles, his Court, and all his people, when (occasioned +to be abroad) without scruple to themselves, or scandal to +others; all may resort to the same publike worship, as if +they were at their own dwellings; of suppressing the names +of Heresies, and Sects, Puritans, Conformists, Separatists, +Anabaptists, &c. Which do rent asunder the bowels +both of Kirk and Kingdome, of despaire of successe to Papists +and Recusants, to have their profession, which is inconsistent +with the true Protestant Religion, and authority +of Princes, setup again, and of drawing the hearts and +hands of Ministers, from unpleasant and unprofitable Controversies, +to the pressing of mortification, and to Treatises +of true pietie, and practical Divinity. The Assembly doth +now enter upon the labour of the Commissioners, unto +which they are encouraged, not only by their faithfulnesse +in the late Treaty, but also by the zeale and example of the +Generall Assemblies of this Kirk in former times, as may +appeare by the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Decemb. 25.</span></span> in the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page128">[pg 128]</span><a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +year 1566. which ordained a Letter to be sent to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +against the Surplice, Tippet, Cornercap, and such other +Ceremonies as then troubled that Kirk, that they might be +removed. By the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April 24. 1583.</span></span> +humbly desiring the Kings Majesty to command his Ambassadour, +then going to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, to deale with the Queen, +that there might be an Union and Band betwixt them & other +Christian Princes & Realmes, professing the true Religion for +defence and protection of the Word of God, and Professors +thereof, against the persecution of Papists and confederates +joyned and united together by the bloudy league of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trent</span></span>: as +also that his Majesty would disburden their brethren of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +of the yoke of Ceremonies, imposed upon them, against +the liberty of the Word: And by the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March 3. 1589.</span></span> ordaining the +Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> to +use all good and possible means for the relief and comfort +of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, then heavily troubled for the maintaining +the true discipline and government of the Kirk, and +that the Brethren in their private and publike prayers, recommend +the estate of the afflicted Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to God, +While now by the mercy of God the conjunction of the two +Kingdomes is many wayes increased, the zeale of the Generall +Assembly towards their happinesse ought to be no lesse. +But besides these, the Assembly is much encouraged unto +this duetie, both from the Kings Majesty and his Parliament, +joyntly, in their Answer to the proposition, made by the late +Commissioners of the Treaty, in these words: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To their desire +concerning unity of Religion, and uniformity of Kirk government as +a speciall meanes for conserving of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes, +upon the grounds and reasons contained in the paper of the</span></span> +10 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of</span></span> +March, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and given in to the treatie and Parliament of</span></span> England: +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It is answered upon the</span></span> 15. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of</span></span> June, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That his Majestie with advise, +of both Houses of Parliament doth approve of the affection of His Subjects +of</span></span> Scotland <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in their desire of having conformitie of Kirk +government between the two Nations, and as the Parliament hath already +taken into consideration the Reformation of Kirk government, so +they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best conduce to the glory of +God, the peace of the Kirk, and of both Kingdomes.</span></span> And also severally: +for His Majestie knoweth that the custodie and vindication, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page129">[pg 129]</span><a name="Pg129" id="Pg129" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the conservation and purgation of Religion, are a +great part of the duetie of Civill authority and power. His +Majesties late practise while he was here in person, in resorting +frequently to the exercises of publike worship, His +Royall actions, in establishing the worship and government +of this Kirk in Parliament, and in giving order for a competent +maintenance to the Ministery and Seminaries of the +Kirk, and His Majesties gracious Letter to the Assembly (seconded +by the speech of His Majesties Commissioner) which +containes this religious expression: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Where any thing is amisse, +we will endeavour a Reformation in a fair and orderly way, +and where Reformation is settled, we resolve with that authority +wherewith God hath vested us, to maintain and defend it in peace +and liberty, against all trouble that can come from without, and +against all Heresies, Sects, and Schismes, wich may arise from +within.</span></span> All these doe make us hopeful that His Majestie +will not oppose, but advance the work of Reformation. In +like manner the Honourable Houses of Parliament, as they +have many times before witnessed their zeale, so now also +in their Declaration sent to the Assembly, which not only +sheweth the constancy of their zeale, but their great grief +that the worke hath been interrupted by a malignant party +of Papists and evill affected persons, especially of the corrupt +and dissolute Clergie, by the incitement and instigation +of Bishops and others, their hope according to their earnest +desire, when they shall returne to a peaceable and Parliamentary +proceding, by the blessing of God, to settle such a +Reformation in the Church, as shall be agreeable to Gods +word, and that the result shall be a most firm and stable union +between the two Kingdoms of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, &c. The +Assembly also is not a little encouraged by a Letter sent from +many reverend Brethren of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, expressing +their prayers and endeavours against every thing which shall +be found prejudiciall to the establishment of the Kingdome +of Christ, and the Peace of their Soveraigne. Upon these +encouragements, and having so patent a doore of hope, the +Assembly doth confidently expect, that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> will now +bestirre themselves in the best way for a Reformation of Religion, +and do most willingly offer their prayers and utter-endeavours +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page130">[pg 130]</span><a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +for furthering so great a Work, wherein Christ +is so much concerned in his glory, the King in his honour, +the Kirk and Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> in their happinesse, and +this Kirk and Kingdome in the purity and peace of the +Gospel. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That the Assembly also from so many reall invitations, +are heartened to renew the Proposition made by the +aforenamed Commissioners of this Kingdome, for beginning +the Work of Reformation, at the uniformity of Kirk-government. +For what hope can there be of Unity in Religion, +of one Confession of Faith, one Form of Worship, +& one Catechisme, till there be first one Forme of Ecclesiasticall +Government? Yea, what hope can the Kingdome and +Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> have of a firme and durable Peace, till Prelacie, +which hath been the main cause of their miseries and +troubles, first and last, be plucked up, root and branch, as +a plant which God hath not planted, and from which, no +better fruits can be expected then such sower grapes, as this +day set on edge the Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>? +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. The Prelaticall Hierarchie being put out of the way, +the Work will be easie, without forcing of any conscience, +to settle in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> the government of the Reformed Kirks +by Assemblies. For although the Reformed Kirks do hold, +without doubting, their Kirk Officers, and Kirk government +by Assemblies higher and lower, in their strong and +beautifull subordination, to be <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">jure divinio</span></span>, and perpetuall: yet +Prelacie, as it differeth from the Office of a Pastor, is almost +universally acknowledged by the Prelates themselves, and +their adherents, to be but an humane ordinance, introduced +by humane reason, and settled by humane Law and Custome +for supposed convenience: which therefore by humane +authority, without wronging any mans conscience, may +be altred and abolished upon so great a necessity, as is a hearty +conjunction with all the Reformed Kirks, a firm and well +grounded Peace betwixt the two Kingdomes, formerly divided +in themselves, and betwixt themselves by this partition +wall and a perfect Union of the Kirks in the two Nations: +which although by the providence of God in one Hand, & +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" id="Pg131" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +under one Monarch, yet ever since the Reformation, and +for the present also, are at greater difference in the point of +Kirk-government, which in all places hath a more powerfull influence +upon all the parts of Religion, then any other Reformed +Kirks, although in Nations at greatest distance, and under +divers Princes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. What may be required of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> for +furthering the Work of Uniformitie of Government, or for +agreeing upon a common Confession of Faith, Catechisme, +and directory for Worship, shall according to the order given +by this Assembly, be most willingly performed by Us, +who long extreamly for the day when King and Parliament +shall joyn for bringing to passe so great, so good a Work, +That all Warres and Commotions ceasing, all Superstition, +Idolatry, Heresie, Sects, and Schismes being removed, as +the Lord is one, so his name may be one amongst us; and +mercy and truth, righteousnesse and peace meeting together, +and kissing one another, may dwell in this Iland. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc169" id="toc169"></a> +<a name="pdf170" id="pdf170"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Overtures for transplantation of Ministers; and provision +of Schools, ordained by the late Assembly at</span></span> +Edinburgh <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to be sent to Synods, and +reported to this Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc171" id="toc171"></a> +<a name="pdf172" id="pdf172"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Act Sess. 11. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Edinb.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> August 5. 1642.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">These Overtures underwritten, anent the transporting of Ministers +and Professors to Kirks and Colledges, being read in audience of the +Assembly, and thereafter revised by a Committee appointed for that effect, +The Assembly appoints them to be sent to the severall Synods, +to be considered by them, and they to report their judgements +thereof to the next Generall Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. No transportation would be granted hereafter without +citation of parties having interest (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> the Minister +who is sought and his Parish) to hear what they can oppose, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page132">[pg 132]</span><a name="Pg132" id="Pg132" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and the matter is to come first to both the Presbyteries (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> +that wherein the Minister dwels, whose transportation is +sought, and the other Presbyterie to which he is sought +if the Kirks lye in several Presbyteries) and if the Presbyteries +agree not, then the matter is to be brought to the +Synod, or Generall Assembly (which of them shall first +occure after such transportation is sought) and if the Synod +(occurring first) agree not; or if there be appeale +made from it, then the matter is to come to the Generall +Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. A Minister may be transplanted from a particular +Congregation (where he can onely doe good to a part) to +such a place, where he may benefit the whole Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> +because, in reason the whole is to be preferred to a +part, such as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. Because all the great Justice Courts sit there, as Councell, +Session, Justice Generall, Exchequer, &c. and it +concerns the whole Kirk, that these Fountains of Justice be +kept clean, both in the point of Faith, and Manners. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Because there is great confluence to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, from +time to time, of many of the chief Members of the whole +Kingdome, and it concerns the whole Kirk to have these +well seasoned, who (apparantly) are to be the Instruments +of keeping this Kirk and Kingdome in good temper. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That this may be the more easily done, the Assembly +first recommends to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, that some young men of excellent +spirits may be (upon the charges of the said Town) +trained up, at home or abroad, toward the Ministery from +time to time. Secondly we meane not, that all the places +of the Ministrie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> be filled with Ministers to be +transported by Authority of this Act, but only till they be +provided of one Minister (transplanted by the Authority of +the Assembly) for every Kirk in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and that the +rest of the places be filled either according to the Generall +Rules of transportation for the whole Kingdome, or by +agreement with actuall Ministers, and their Parishes, with +consent of the Presbyterie or Synod, to the which they +belong. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. In the next roome, we finde, that it is a transporting of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page133">[pg 133]</span><a name="Pg133" id="Pg133" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Ministers for publike good, that Colledges, (having the +profession of Divinitie) be wel provided of professors. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wherin the Colledge of Divinitie in S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> is first +to be served without taking any Professors or Ministers +out of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburg</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, +or <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, and then the rest of +the Colledges, would be provided for, as their necessity +shal require: yet (in respect of the present scarcity) it were +good for the Universities to send abroad for able and approved +men, to be Professors of Divinitie, that our Ministers +may be kept in their pastoriall charge as much as may be. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Towns also wherein Colledges are, are very considerable +in the matter of transportation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. Also Congregations, where Noblemen have chief +residence are to be regarded, whether planted or unplanted, +and a care is to be had, that none be admitted Ministers +where Popish Noblemen reside, but such as are able men +(especially for controversies) by sight of the Presbyterie: +and moreover it is necessary, that such Minesters as dwell +where Popish Noblemen are, and are not able for controversies, +that they be transported. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. They who desire the transportation of a Minister +should be obliged to give reasons for their desire: Neither +should any Presbyterie or Assembly, passe a sentence for transportation +of any Minister, till they give reasons for the expediencie +of the same, both to him and his Congregation, &c. +to the Presbyterie whereof he is a member. If they acquiesce +to the reasons given, it is so much the better: if they +doe not acquiesce, yet the Presbyterie, or Assembly, (by +giving such reasons before the passing of their sentence) shal +make it manifest, that what they doe is not <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro arbritratu, vel +imperio</span></span> onely, but upon grounds of reason. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. Because there is such scarcity of Ministers having the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Iris</span></span> tongue, necessity requires, that when they be found in +the Low-lands, they be transported to the High-lands: providing +their condition be not made worse, but rather better +by their transportation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. In the point of voluntary transportation, no Minister +shal transact and agree with any Parish, to be transsported +thereto, without a full hearing of him, and his Parish, before +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page134">[pg 134]</span><a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Presbyterie to which he belongs in his present +charge, or superiour Kirk judicatories, if need shall be. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. The planting of vacant Kirks, is not to be tyed to +any (either Ministers, or Expectants) within a Presbyterie: +but a free election is to be; according to the order of our +Kirk, and Lawes of our Kingdome. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. The chief Burghs of the Kingdome are to be desired +to traine up young men of excellent spirits for the ministery, +according to their power, as was recommended to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>: +Which course will in time (God willing) prevent many +transplantations. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Overtures under-written anent the +Schooles being likewise read in audience of the Assembly, +they recommend the particulars therein mentioned, anent +the providing of the maintenance for School-masters to +the Parliament: And ordaine the rest to be sent to the +Synods, to be considered by them, and they to report +their judgements thereof to the next General +Assembly, as said is.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. Every Parish would have a Reader and a Schoole, where +Children are to be bred, in reading, writing, and +grounds of Religion, according to the laudable Acts, both +of Kirk and Parliament, made before. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And where Grammar Schooles may be had, as in +Burghs, and other considerable places, (among which all +Presbyterial Seats are to be reputed) that they be erected, +and held hand to. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. Anent these Schooles, every Minister with his Elders +shall give accompt to the Presbyteries at the visitation +of the Kirk: The Presbyteries are to make report to the Synode, +and the Synode to the General Assembly, that Schools +are planted, as above said, and how they are provided with +men and means. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. And because this hath been most neglected in the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg 135]</span><a name="Pg135" id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +High-lands, Ilands, and borders. Therefore the Ministers +of every Parish are to instruct by their Commissioners, to the +next General Assembly, that this course is begun betwixt +and then: and they are further to certifie from one General +Assembly to another, whether this course is continued without +omission, or not. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. And because the means hitherto named or appointed +for Schooles of all sorts, hath been both little, and ill +payed, Therefore, beside former appointments, (the execution +whereof is humbly desired, and to be petitioned for +at the hands of His Majestie and the Parliament) the Assembly +would further supplicate this Parliament that they (in +their wisdome) would finde out how meanes shall be had +for so good an use, especially that the Children of poore +men, being very capable of learning, and of good engines, +may be trained up, according as the exigence and necessity +of every place shall require. And that the Commissioners, +who shall be named by this Assembly, to wait upon the Parliament +may be appointed to represent this to his Majestie, +and the Parliament, seeing His sacred Majestie, by his gracious +Letter hath put us in hope hereof, wherewith we have +been much refreshed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. The Assembly would supplicate the Parliament, that +for youths of the finest and best spirits of the High-lands, +and borders, maintenance may be allotted (as to Bursars) +to be bred in Universities. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. For the time and manner of visitation of Schooles, +and contriving the best and most compendious and orderly +course of teaching Grammar, we humbly desire the Assembly +to appoint a Committee for that effect, who may report +their diligence to the next General Assembly. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Overtures and Articles above-written being reported to this +Assembly, after reading and serious consideration thereof, +the Assembly approves the same, and ordaines them to have +the strength of an Act and ordinance of Assembly, in all +time-coming.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg 136]</span><a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc173" id="toc173"></a> +<a name="pdf174" id="pdf174"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 11. August 5. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc175" id="toc175"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent contrary Oaths.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly finding the inconvenience of +contrary Oaths in trying of Adulteries, Fornications, +and other faults and scandals, do therefore for eviting there +of, discharge Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions, to take +Oath of both parties in all time hereafter, Recommending +to them in the mean time all other order and wayes of tryall +used in such cases: And that there may be a common order +and course kept in this Kirk of trying of publike scandals, +The Assembly ordains the Presbyteries to advise upon some +common order hereintill, and to report their judgements to +the next Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc176" id="toc176"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, +keeping of Synods and Presbyteries, and restraint +of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and other +grosse sins.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Committee supplicates the Assembly</span></span>, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. To urge the severall Synods and Presbyteries, especially +these of the North, that Family Exercise in +Religion, visitation of the Churches, Catechising, keeping +of the Presbyteriall and Provinciall meetings (both by Preaching +and Ruling Elders) be more carefully observed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That the Clerk at least subscribe every Book before it +come to the Assembly, and that every Act be noted on the +Margent, for a directory of expedition. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That the Assembly would seriously studie by all meanes +and wayes how to procure the Magistrates concurrence +to curb and punish these notorious vices which abound in the +Land, especially in the Northern parts. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaids, and ordains them +to be observed: and for the last, the Assembly being confident of +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page137">[pg 137]</span><a name="Pg137" id="Pg137" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic"> +the readinesse of the Judge Ordinar to restrain and punish these +faults, Do therefore ordain all Presbyteries to give up to the +Justice, the names of the Adulterers, incestuous persons, +Witches and sorcerers and others guilty of such grosse and fearfull +sins within their bounds that they may be Processed and +punished according to the Laws of this Kingdom; and that the +Presbyteries and Synods be carefull herein, as they will answer +to the Generall Assemblies, And because that Witch craft, +Charming, and such like proceeds many times from ignorance, +Therefore the Assembly ordains all Ministers, especially in these +parts where these sins are frequent, to be diligently Preaching, +Cathichising, and conferring, to inform their people thereintill.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc177" id="toc177"></a> +<a name="pdf178" id="pdf178"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc179" id="toc179"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in +name of Ministers, without their knowledge +and consents.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly being informed, that after the Petition +presented to the Lords of His Majesties Privie +Councell by the Noblemen Burgesses, and Ministers, occasionally +met at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburg</span></span> the 31. +day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> last by-past, had +received a very gracious Answer, There was another Petition +given in to their Lordships upon the 2 day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span> +last, entituled, The Petition of the Nobilitie, Gentrie, Burrows, +Ministers, and Commons: which as it was not accompanied +with any one Minister to the Lords of Privie +Councell, so all the Ministers of this Assembly, disclaimes +and disavoweth any knowledge thereof, or accession thereto, +And the Assembly conceiving that the Kings Majestie Himself, +and all the Courts and Judicatories of this Kingdome +may be deluded and abused, and the Kirk in Generall, and +Ministers in particular injured and prejudged by the like +practises hereafter, Do therefore prohibite and discharge +all and every one to pretend or use the name of Ministers to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page138">[pg 138]</span><a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +any Petition, Declaration, or suchlike at any time hereafter, +without their knowledge consent and assistance: And +if any shal doe the contrary, ordaines Presbyteries and +Provinciall Assemblies to proceed against them with the +highest censures of the Kirk. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc180" id="toc180"></a> +<a name="pdf181" id="pdf181"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess 11. Aug. 5. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc182" id="toc182"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of +Counsell, and Conservators of Peace.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly being most desirous to use all, and to omit +no lawful meane or occasion to testifie their zeale by dealing +with God and man, for furtherance of their desires of +Unity in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-government, +And considering the great necessity, that the Kirk and State +contribute joyntly their best endeavours to this happy end: +Therefore enjoynes the Moderator, and the commissioners +from the Assembly, to supplicate with all earnestnesse and +respect, the Lords of his Majesties Honourable Privie +Councel, and likewise the Commissioners appointed by +His Majestie, and the Parliament, for conservation of the +Peace, that they may be pleased to concur with the Kirk in +the like desires to His Majesty and the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, +and in the like directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdome, +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> for the time, that by all possible means, +Civill, and Ecclesiastick, this blessed Worke may be advanced, +and a happy settling betwixt His Majestie and His +Parliament, may be endeavoured, and the common Peace +betwixt the Kingdomes continued and strengthened. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page139">[pg 139]</span><a name="Pg139" id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc183" id="toc183"></a> +<a name="pdf184" id="pdf184"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 11. Aug 5. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc185" id="toc185"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Majestie for +the Signator of 500 l. Sterling and recommendation +thereof to the Kings Commissioner.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having received the Report of +the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late Assembly, +and specially that His Majesty was graciously pleased, +upon their humble Petition, solemnly to promise and +declare under his Royall hand, his pious resolution and dedication +of 500. l. sterling, out of the readiest of his Rents +and revenues, to be imployed yearly on publike necessary +and pious uses of the Kirk, at the sight of the Generall Assembly, +as his Majestie gracious answer of the 3. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span>, +1642. registrate in their books at His Majesties own desire, +for their further assurance of his Majesties pious zeale, doth +more fully proport. Likeas being informed that His Majestie +was gratiously pleased to signe and send down to the Kirk +the Signator of the said 500. l. yearly to have past the Exchequer, +albeit the samine is not as yet delivered; And +considering His Majesties pious directions to them by his +Majesties Letter to plant and visit the utmost skirts and borders +of the Kingdome, as most necessary for the glory of +God, the good of the Kirk, and His Majesties honour, +and service, which is only stopped by the want of charges +for publike visitations, And withall to remonstrate to His +Majestie by His Commissioner, their just and necessary +desires for what may further serve to the good of Religion, +whereunto His Majesties Commissioner promised his best endeavours +and assistance. Therefore the Assembly doth +most earnestly recommend to His Majesties Commissioner +to represent to His Majestie, with his best assistance, the +humble and necessary desires of the whole Assembly, that +His Majestie will be graciously pleased to command that +Signator, already signed by His Royall hand (or to signe +another of the samine tenor, whereof they deliver the just +double to his Maj Commissioner for that effect) to be sent to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page140">[pg 140]</span><a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +this Kingdom, and delivered to the Commissioners from +this Assembly, who are to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, or to the Procurator +of the Kirk, whereby his Majestie shall more and more +oblige this whole Kirk to pray for a blessing from Heaven +upon His Royal Person and Government. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc186" id="toc186"></a> +<a name="pdf187" id="pdf187"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc188" id="toc188"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this +Kingdom at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> London.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable</span></span>, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have received your Lordships Letter, with the Declaration +of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and have sent +this Noble bearer to His Majesty with our humble Supplication, +and to your Lordships with our Answer earnestly +desiring Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, +to be presented by your Lordships, and this +Noble bearer to the Honourable Houses of Parliament. Your +Lordships will perceive by the inclosed Copies, and by +our desires to His Majesties honourable Privie Councel and +Commissioners for the conservation of the Peace, to joyn +their best endeavours with his Majestie and the Parliament, +and their directions to your Lordships, by our leaving a +Commission behinde us, to concur with them in all Ecclesiastick +wayes, and by our appointing publike Prayers, and +a solemn Fast through this Kirk, for the furtherance of this +great work of Reformation, and continuance of the common +Peace, that this Unity in Religion and uniformity of +Kirk-government is the chiefest of our desires, prayers and +cares: Where unto as we have been encouraged by the faithful +labors of the Commissioners of this Kingdom in the late +Treaty, and continued and renewed by your Lordships; +so we are assured, that your Lordships will omit no lawful +mean, argument, or occasion of seconding the same there, +And advertising our Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, wherein +they may further concur with your Lordships, for the furtherance +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page141">[pg 141]</span><a name="Pg141" id="Pg141" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the Work, which tends so much to the glory of +God, advancement of Christs Kingdom, increase of the honour +and happinesse of our Soveraign, and the peace and welfare +of these Kingdoms, whereby your Lordships will oblige +this Kirk more and more to pray for a blessing on your persons +and travels, and to rest. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Yours in the Lord</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Commissioners of the General Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +S. Andrews <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">5. Aug. 1642.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc189" id="toc189"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Letter from some Ministers of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend and wel-beloved in our Lord and Saviour.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We received with much joy and satisfaction the Answer +which your General Assembly vouchsafed us to our Letters +of the last yeer. Some of us in the name of our Brethren, +thought it then fit by Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span> (a Brother +so justly approved by you, and honoured by us) to return +our deserved thanks. And we now further think it equall +upon this occasion, to make a more publike acknowledgement +of such a publike favour. You were then pleased to +give us fair grounds, to expect that brotherly advice and +endeavours, which the common cause of Christ, and the mutual +interest of the united Nations, command us now again +to ask, if not to chalenge. We doubt not but your experience, +together with your intelligence, abundantly informes +you of our condition, what various administrations +of providence we have passed through and we still lye +betwixt hopes and feares, a fit temper for working; the +God of all grace enable us to improve it. As our hopes are +not such as may make us fear, so neither doe our Feares prevail, +to the casting away our confidence. Your own late condition, +together with this Declaration of ours present, may +acquaint you with the certain, though subtil, authors & fomentors +of these our confused conflicts: which we conceive +to be the Hierarchical faction, who have no way to peace & safety, +but through the trouble & danger of others. Our prayers +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page142">[pg 142]</span><a name="Pg142" id="Pg142" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and endeavours, according to our measure, have been and +shall be for the supplanting and rooting up whatsoever we +finde so prejudicial to the establishment of the Kingdome +of Christ, and the peace of our Soveraigne. And that this +Declaration of ourselves may not leave you unsatisfied, we +think it necessary further to expresse, That the desire of the +most godly and considerable part amongst us, is, That the +Presbyterian Government, which hath just and evident +Foundation both in the Word of God, and religious reason, +may be established amongst us, and that (according to your +intimation) we may agree in one confession of Faith, one +directorie of Worship, one publike Catechisme and form +of Governement: Which things, if they were accomplished, +we should much rejoyce in our happy subjection to +Christ our Head, and our desired association with you our +beloved brethren. For the better effecting whereof, we +thought it necessary, not only to acquaint you with what +our desires are in themselves, but likewise to you, that is, +That what way shall seem most fit to the wisedom of that +grave and religious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance +of our indeavours in this kind. We understand that +our Parliament hath been before hand with us in this intimation, +and it cannot but be our duty, who are so much concerned +in the businenesse, to adde what power the Lord hath +given us with you to the same purpose. This designe and +desire of ours hath enemies on the Left-hand; and dissenting +brethren on the Right; but we doubt not, that as our +hearts justifie us that our intentions are right, and such as +we conceive tend most to the glory of God, and the peace +of the Churches of the Saints; so (by your brotherly concurrence +in the most speedy and effectuall way you can find +out) the Work will in Gods due time receive a prayed for, +hoped for issue. We shall not need by many arguments +from mutuall Nationall interest (though we know you will +not overlook them) to inforce this request, the firme +bond wherewith we are all united in our Lord Jesus Christ, +we are assured will alone engage your faithfull endeavours +in this businesse. To him we commit you, with these +great and important affairs you have in hand. Be pleased to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg 143]</span><a name="Pg143" id="Pg143" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +accept of these as the expression of the mindes of our many +godly and faithfull Brethren, whose hearts we doubt not +of, neither need you, though their hands in regard of the +suddennesse of this opportunity could not be subscribed together +with ours, who are. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your most affectionate Friends and +Brethren in the work of the Lord.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +London, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">22. July, 1642.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc190" id="toc190"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Answer to the Ministers Letter.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Reverend and beloved in the Lord Jesus.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +By our Answer to the Declaration sent unto us from the +honourable Houses of Parliament, ye may perceive that +your Letter which came into our hands so seasonably, was +not only acceptable unto us, but hath also encouraged us to +renew both to the Kings Majestie and the Houses of Parliament, +The desires of the late Commissioners of this Kingdome +for Unity in Religion, in the four particulars remembred +by you, we cannot be ignorant but the opposition from +Satan and worldly men in Kirk and Policy, will still be vehement +as it hath been already, But we are confident +through our Lord Jesus Christ, that the prayers and indeavours +of the godly in both Kingdoms, will bring the work +to a wished, and blessed Issue. This whole national Kirk +is so much concerned in that Reformation and Unity of Religion +in both Kingdomes, that without it we cannot hope +for any long time to enjoy our puritie and peace, which +hath cost us so dear, and is now our chiefest comfort and +greatest treasure: Which one cause (beside the Honour of +God, and the happinesse of the People of God in that Kingdome, +more desired of us then Our lives) is more then +sufficient to move us, To contribute all that is in our power +for bringing it to passe. And since we have with so great liberty +made our desires and hopes known both to King and +Parliament, it is a duety incombent both to you and us, who +make mention of the Lord, and are Watch-men upon the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span><a name="Pg144" id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Walls of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jerusalem</span></span>, never more to keep silence nor to hold +our peace day nor night, till the Righteousnesse of Sion go +forth as brightnesse, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that +burneth. And if it shall please the Lord to move the hearts +of King and Parliament, to hearken unto the motion, for +which end we have resolved to keep a solemne Fast and Humiliation +in all the Kirks of this Kingdome, the mean by +which we have prevailed in times past, we wish that the Work +may be begun with speed, and prosecuted with diligence +by the joint labours of some Divines in both Kingdoms, +who may prepare the same for the view and examination of +a more frequent Ecclesiastick meeting of the best affected to +Reformation there, and of the Commissioners of the General +Assembly here, that in end it may have the approbation +of the Generall Assembly here, and of all the Kirks there, +in the best way that may be, we wish & hope at last in a nationall +Assembly; Our Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, shall in +our name receive and returne answers for promoving so +great a Work, which we with our heart and our soule +recommend to the blessing of God, we continue, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your loving brethren and +fellow-labourers.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc191" id="toc191"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for the Lord</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Maitlands </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">presenting the +Assemblies Supplication to His Majestie, and for +going to the Commissioners at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> London, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">with +the Answer to the Parliament of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Englands </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Declaration</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering the necessity of sending +some person of good worth & quality for to present +their humble Supplication to His Majestie, and to deliver +their directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdom, +now at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, with their Declaration to the Parliament of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and Answer to some wel-affected Ministers of that +Kirk: And having certain knowledge of the worth, ability, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and faithfulnesse of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maitland</span></span>, one of their number, +who being witnesse to all their intentions and proceedings, +can best relate their true loyaltie and respect to their +Soveraign, and brotherly affection to the Kirk and Kingdom +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> therein; Therefore do unanimously require +his Lordships pains, by repairing to Court and to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> +for the premisses, which hereby they commit to this diligence +and fidelity, willing his Lordship to make account of +his proceedings herein to their Commissioners appointed to +sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc192" id="toc192"></a> +<a name="pdf193" id="pdf193"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 11. August 5. post meridiem.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc194" id="toc194"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting +the desires of this Assembly to His +Majestie, and the Parliament +of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering the laudable custome +of this Kirk for to appoint some Commissioners in the +interim betwixt Assemblies, for presenting of Overtures and +prosecuting the other desires of the Kirk to His Majestie, the +Lords of His Councell, and the Estates of Parliament; And +taking to their consideration the present condition of the +Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, with the Declaration thereof sent down +from the Parliament, and some Reverend Brethren of the Ministery +there, with their own Answer to the Parliament and +Ministery, and their humble Supplication to His Majestie +for Unity of Religion and Uniformity of Kirk-government. +And withall remembring their desires to the Honourable +Lords of His Majesties secret Councell, and to +the Commissioners appointed by the King and Parliament, +for conservation of the common Peace, That they would +joyn their concourse in their desires to His Majestie and +Parliament, and directions to the Commissioners of this +Kingdom at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> for the time. And likewise considering +their good hopes from Gods gracious favour to this Island, +that by his good providence he will in his own way and time +settle this great Work through this whole Ile; And that it +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg 146]</span><a name="Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +is both our earnest desire and Christian duty to use all lawfull +means and Ecclesiastick wayes for furtherance of so +great a Work, continuance of the common peace betwixt +these nations, and keeping a brotherly correspondence +betwixt these Kirks. Therfore the Assembly thinks it necessary +before their dissolving, to appoint, and by these +Presents do nominate and appoint, Masters <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex Henderson</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Dowglas</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Bennet</span></span> Ministers at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. William Arthur</span></span> Minister +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Cuthbert</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. James Robertson</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Logan</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert +Lighton</span></span>, Commissioners from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalkeith</span></span> Assembly: +Masters, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Blackhall</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Fleeming</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Ker</span></span>, +Commissioners from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span> to the Assembly. Masters, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hamilton</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Clair</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Mortoun</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Dalgleish</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Bennet</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Greg</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Moncreff</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Row</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Duncan</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter +Bruce</span></span>, Commissioners for the Presbyteries within the Province +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fyffe</span></span>: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. David Calderwood</span></span> +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pencait</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. John Adamson</span></span> +Principall of the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. John Strang</span></span> Principall of the Colledge of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. +David Dikson</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. James Bonar</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Robert Bailie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. John +Bell</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr Robert Ramsay</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. +George Young</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr Henry Guthrie</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Samuel Oustein</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. John Robertson</span></span> +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Johnstoun</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. John +Robertson</span></span> Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. +John Hume</span></span> Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Heckills</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. +Andrew Cant</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr William Guild</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. +Samuel Rutherfurd</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. James Martin</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Alexander Monroe</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. +Robert Murray</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. John Maclellan</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Andrew Doncanson</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Silvester Lambie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Gilbert Ross</span></span>, +Ministers: Marquesse +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argile</span></span>, Earles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lauderdaile</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glencarne</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kingborne</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglintoun</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Weemes</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cassils</span></span>: Lords <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gordoun</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maitland</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balcarras</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hepburne</span></span> +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wauchtoun</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David +Hum</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wedderburne</span></span>, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Creightoun</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lugtoun</span></span>, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Barclay</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cullearnie</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Henderson</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fordell</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. George Winrame</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Libertoun</span></span>, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Drummond</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Carmichaell</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Binnie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas +Paterson</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Sempill</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Kennedy</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Leslie</span></span> from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Glendinning</span></span> Provest of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkubrigh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Colzear</span></span>, Ruling Elders with the concurse of the +Procurator of the Kirk: and grants to them full Power and Commission in this +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page147">[pg 147]</span><a name="Pg147" id="Pg147" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">interim</span></span>, betwixt and the next Assembly, for to meet and +conveen at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> upon the 17. day of this moneth of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span>, and upon any other day, or in any other place, as +they shall think convenient: And being met and conveened, +or any fifteen of them, there being alwayes twelve Ministers +present: With full power for to consider and performe +what they finde necessary for the Ministerie, by preaching, +supplicating, prepairing of draughts of one Confession, +one Cathechisme, one directory of publike Worship +(which are alwayes to be revised by the next Generall +Assembly) and by all other lawfull & Ecclesiastick wayes, +for furtherance of this great Work in the Union of this +Iland in Religion and Kirk-government, and for continuance +of our own peace at home, and of the common peace +betwixt the Nations, and keeping of good correspondence +betwixt the Kirks of this Iland. Like as if it shall please +God to blesse the prayers and endeavours of his Saints for +this blessed Union, and that if either the Lords of Councell, +or Commissioners for the Peace shall require their +concurse at home or abroad, by sending Commissioners +with theirs to His Majesty and Parliament for that effect, +or that they themselves shall finde it necessary; The Assembly +grants full power to them, not only to concurre by +all lawfull and Ecclesiastick wayes, with the Councell +and Conservators of the Peace at home, but also to send +some to present and prosecute their desires and humble +advice to His Majesty and the Parliament, and the Ministerie +there, for the furthering and perfecting of so good +and great a Worke. Like as, with power to them to promove +their other desires, overtures and recommendations +of this Assembly, to the Kings Majestie, Lords of Councell, +Session, Exchequer, and Commissioners of Parliament, +for plantation of Kirks, for common burdens, or +conservation of the common peace, and to the Parliament +of this Kingdom, in case it fall out <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span> before the +next Assembly. And such like, with as full power to +them to proceed, treat and determine in any other matters +to be committed to them by this Assembly, as if the samine +were herein particularly insert, and with as ample power to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page148">[pg 148]</span><a name="Pg148" id="Pg148" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +proceede in the matters particularly or generally above-mentioned, +as any Commissioners of Generall Assemblies +have had, and have been in use of before: They being +alwayes comptable to, and censurable by the next Generall +Assembly, for their proceedings thereanent. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc195" id="toc195"></a> +<a name="pdf196" id="pdf196"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 13. Aug. 6. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc197" id="toc197"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Petition from some distressed Professors +in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Ireland.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the reverend and right Honourable the +Moderator and remanent members +of the Generall Assembly of</span></span> +Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">conveened at S.</span></span> +Andrews, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July 1642</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The humble Petition of the most part of the Scottish +Nation in the North of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, in their own +names, and in name of the rest of the +Protestants there. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Humbly sheweth</span></span>, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That where your Petitioners, by the great blessing of the +Lord, enjoyed for a little while a peaceable and fruitfull +Ministerie of the Gospel, yet through our own abuse of +so rich a mercy, and through the tyrannie of the Prelates, +we have been a long time spoiled of our Ministers (a yoke +to many of us heavier then death) who being chased into +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, were not altogether un-usefull in the day of your +need; And we having been since oppressed and scattered, +as sheep who have no shepherd, now at last the wise and +righteous hand of the Lord, by the sword of the Rebels, +hath bereft us of our friends, and spoiled us of our goods, &c. +left us but a few, and that a poor handfull of many, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page149">[pg 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hath chased from us the rest that were called our Ministers; +the greatest part whereof we could scarce esteem such as +being rather Officers to put the Prelats Injunctions in execution, +then feeders of our souls: So that now being visited +with sword and sicknesse, and under some apprehension +of famine, if withall we shall taste of the sorest of all +plagues, to be altogether deprived of the Ministery of the +Word, we shall become in so much a worse condition +then any Pagans, as that once we enjoyed a better: Neither +know we what hand to turn us to for help, but to the +Land so far obliged by the Lords late rare mercies, and so +far enriched to furnish help of that kinde; a Land whence +many of us drew our blood and breath and where (pardon +the necessary boldnesse) some of our own Ministers now are, +who were so violently plucked from us, so sore against both +their own and our wills; yea, the Land that so tenderly +in their bosoms received our poor out-casts, and that hath +already sent us so rich a supply of able and prosperous Souldiers +to revenge our wrong. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Therefore, although we know that your zeale and brotherly +affection would urge you to take notice without our +advertisement, yet give us leave in the bowels of our Lord +Jesus Christ, to intreat, if there be any consolation in Christ, +if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any +bowels of mercy, that now in this nick of time, when the +sword of the Enemie making way for a more profitable entertaining +the Gospel, having also banished the Prelates, and +their followers, when our extremity of distreste, and the +fair hopes of speedy settling of peace, hath opened so fair a +doore to the Gospel, you would take the cause of your younger +sister, that hath no brests, to your serious consideration, +and pity poore <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Macedonians</span></span> crying to you that ye would come +over and help us, being the servants of the God of your Fathers, +and claiming interest with you in a common Covenant, +that according to the good hand of God upon us, ye +may send us Ministers for the house of our God. We do +not take upon us to prescribe to you the way or the number, +but in the view of all, the finger of the Lord points at these, +whom though persecution of the Prelats drew from us, yet +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg 150]</span><a name="Pg150" id="Pg150" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +our interest in them could not be taken away, wherein we +trust in regard of severall of them, called home by death, +your bounty will super-adde some able men of your own +that may help to lay the foundation of Gods house, according +to the Pattern. But for these so unjustly reft from us, +not only our necessity, but equity pleads, that either you +would send them all over, which were a Work to be parallelled +to the glories of the Primitive times, or at least that +ye would declare them transportable, that when Invitators +shall be sent to any of them, wherein they may discerne a +call from God, there may be no difficultie in their loosing +from thence, but they may come back to perfect what they +began, and may get praise and fame in the Land, where +they were put to shame. Neither are you to question your +power over us so to doe, or crave a president of your own +practise in that kind, for our extraordinary need calling on +you, furnisheth you with a power to make this a president +for the like cases hereafter: herein if you shall lay aside the +particular concernment of some few places, which you may +easily out of your rich Nurseries plant again, and make use +of your publike spirits, which are not spent, but increases +by your so many noble designes; you shall leave upon us and +our posteritie the stamp of an obligation that cannot be delete, +or that cannot be expressed; you should send to all the +neighbouring Churches a pattern, and erect for after-ages a +monument of self-denying tender zeale; you shall disburden +the Land of the many outcasts, who will follow over +their Ministers; and you shall make it appear, that the +churlish bounty of the Prelats, which at first cast some of +these men over to us, is not comparable with the cheerful liberalitie +of a rightly constitute General Assembly, to whom +we are perswaded, the Lord will give seed for the loane +which you bestow on the Lord; yea, the day may come, +when a General Assembly in this Land may returne to you +the first fruits of thanks, for the plants of your free gift. +And although you were scant of furniture of this kinde your +selves, or might apprehend more need then formerly, yet +doubtlesse, your bowels of compassion would make your +deep povertie even in a great tryal of affliction, abound to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg 151]</span><a name="Pg151" id="Pg151" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the riches of your liberalitie. But now seeing you abound +in all things, and have formerly given so ample a proof of +your large bestowing on Churches abroad in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Germanie</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">France</span></span>, knowing that you are not wearied in well-doing, +we confidently promise to our selves in your name, that we +will abound in this grace also, following the example of +our Lord and the Primitive Churches, who alwayes sent +out Disciples in paires. But if herein our hopes shall faile +us, we shall not know whether to wish that we had died +with our Brethren by the Enemies hand; for we shall be as +if it were said unto us, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Goe serve other Gods</span></span>; Yet looking for +another kinde of Answer at your hands, for in this you are +to us as an Angel of God, we have sent these bearers, M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Gordoun</span></span>, and M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Campbell</span></span> our brethren, who may more +particularly in-forme you of our case, and desire that at their +returne, they may refresh the bowels of +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your most instant and earnest Supplicants.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc198" id="toc198"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission to some Ministers to go to</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Ireland.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having received a Petition, subscribed by +a considerable number in the North of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, intimating +their deplorable condition, through want of the Ministerie +of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyrannie of the Prelats, +and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some +Ministers, especially such as had been chased from them, +by the persecution of the Prelats, and some others to be added, +either to be sent presently over to reside amongst them, +or declared transportable, that upon invitation from them +they might goe and settle there; together with some particular +Petitions, desiring the returne of some particular Ministers, +who had laboured there before: All which the +Assembly hath taken to their serious consideration, being +most heartily willing to sympathize with every member of +Christs Body, although never so remote; much more with +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg 152]</span><a name="Pg152" id="Pg152" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that Plantation there, which for the most part was a Branch +of the Lords Vine, planted in this Land. In which sollicitude, +as they would be loath to usurpe without their own +bounds or stretch themselves beyond their oun measure; so +they dare not be wanting, to the enlargement of Christs +Kingdome, where so loud a cry of so extreame neccesitie, +could not but stirre up the bowels of Christian compassion. +And although they conceive that the present unsettled +condition both of Church, and State, and Land, will +not suffer them as yet to loose any to make constant abode +there; yet they have resolved to send over some for the present +exigent till the next Gen. Assembly, by courses to stay +there four moneths allanerly: And therefore doe hereby +authorize and give Commission to the persons following, to +wit, M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Blair</span></span>, Minister at S. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, and M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Hamilton</span></span>, Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfreis</span></span> for the first four moneths: +M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Ramsay</span></span>, Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, +and M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mac'elland</span></span>, +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkudbright</span></span>, for the next four moneths: +And to M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span>, Professor of Divinitie +in the Universitie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, and M. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Levistoun</span></span>, Minister of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stranaire</span></span>, +for the last four moneths: To repair into the North +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, and there to visit, comfort, instruct and encourage +the scattered flocks of Christ, to employ to their uttermost +with all faithfulnesse and singlenesse of heart, in planting +and watering, according to the direction of Jesus +Christ, and according to the doctrine and discipline of this +Church in all things, And if need be (with concurrence +of such of the Ministers of the Army as are there) to try and +ordain such as shall be found qualified for the Ministerie, +Giving charge unto the persons foresaid in the sight of God, +that in Doctrine, in Worship, in Discipline, and in their +dayly conversation, they studie to approve themselves as +the Ministers of Jesus Christ, and that they be comptable +to the General Assembly of this Kirk, in all things. And in +case if any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by +sickness or otherwise necessarily detained from this service, +the Assembly ordaines the Commissioners residing at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +for the publike affairs of the Church, to nominate in +their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorized +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page153">[pg 153]</span><a name="Pg153" id="Pg153" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to undertake the foresaid imployment, as if they had been +expressely nominate in the face of the Assembly. And this, +although possibly it shall not fully satisfie the large expectation +of the Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, yet the Assembly is confident +they will take in good part at this time, that which is judged +most convenient for their present condition, even a lent mite +out of their own, not very great plenty, to supply the present +necessity; requiring of them no other recompence, but +that they in all cheerefulnesse may embrace and make use of +salvation, and promising to enlarge their indebted bounty +at the next Assembly, as they shall finde the Worke of the +Lord there to require. In the meane while, wishing that +these who are sent, may come with the full blessing of the +Gospel and peace, and recommending them, their labours, +and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing of the +great Shepherd of the flock. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc199" id="toc199"></a> +<a name="pdf200" id="pdf200"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 13. August 6. 1642.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc201" id="toc201"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against slandering of Ministers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering the malice of divers +Persons in raising calumnies and scandals against Ministers, +which is not onely injurious to their persons, and discreditable +to the holy calling of the Ministerie, but doth also +prove often a great prejudice and hinderance to the promoving +of the Gospel: Doe therefore ordain Presbyteries and +Synods to proceed diligently in processe against all persons, +that shall reproach or scandal Ministers, with the censures of +the Kirk, even to the highest, according as they shall finde +the degree or quality of the scandal deserve. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc202" id="toc202"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent ordering of the Assembly House.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly for better order in time coming ordains +the Act of the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span> for ordering the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page154">[pg 154]</span><a name="Pg154" id="Pg154" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +House of the Assembly to be kept hereafter punctually. And +for that effect, that the samine be reade the first Session of +every Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc203" id="toc203"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for remembring in publike Prayers the +desires of the Assembly to the King and Parliament, +and indiction of a publike Fast.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly being desirous to promove the +great work of Unity in Religion, and Uniformity in +Church government, in all thir three Dominions, for +which the Assembly hath humbly supplicate the Kings Majestie, +and remonstrate their desires to the Parliament of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, lest they should be wanting in any meane that may +further so glorious and so good a work: Doe ordain, that +not only the said Declaration to the Parliament, and supplication +to the Kings Majestie, shall be accompanied with +the earnest Petition, and prayers of the whole brethren in +private and publike, for the Lords blessing hereunto, according +to the laudable custome of our predecessors, who +in the year of God 1589. ordaines that the Brethren in their +private and publike prayers, recommend unto God the estate +of the afflicted Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: But having just cause of +fear, that the iniquities of the Land, which so much abount +may marre this so great a Work, doe also ordain a +solemne Fast to be kept on the second Lords Day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">September</span></span> +and the Wednesday following throughout the whole +Kingdome for the causes after specified. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. Grosse ignorance and all sort of wickedness among the +greater part, security, meer formality and unfruitfulnesse +among the best, and unthankfulnesse in all. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. The sword raging throughout all Christendome, but +most barbarously in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, and dayly more and more threatned +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, through the lamentable division betwixt the +King and the Parliament there, tending to the subversion of +Religion and Peace in all the three Kingdomes. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg 155]</span><a name="Pg155" id="Pg155" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That God may graciously blesse the Supplication of +the Assembly to the Kings Majesty, and their motion to the +Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, for Unitie in Religion, and Uniformity +of Kirk-government, and all other meanes which may +serve for the promoving of so great a Worke, and advancement +of the Kingdome of Christ every where. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That God may powerfully overturne all wicked plots +and designes of Antichrist and his followers, and all divisive +motions against the course of Reformation, and the so much +longed for Union of the King and Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That God may blesse the harvest. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc204" id="toc204"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reference from the Presbyterie of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Kirkcaldie.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent the Acts of Assemblies, for observation of the +Lords Day, profaned by going of salt-pannes, That +this Assembly would declare the limits of the Sabbath, +during which the pannes should stand. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly referres the Answer of this Question, to the Acts +of former Assemblies.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc205" id="toc205"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reference frrom the Synode of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Fyffe.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That the Provinciall of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> keep their meeting on the +same day with the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fyffe</span></span>, which breakes the +correspondence between them, appointed by the General +Assembly of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +ANSWER. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly ordaines the Provinciall Assembly of</span></span> Angus +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to keep +their first meeting upon the third Tuesday of</span></span> April, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">comforme to +the Act of the said Assembly of</span></span> Glasgow. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page156">[pg 156]</span><a name="Pg156" id="Pg156" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc206" id="toc206"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries +against the next Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +How Appeals shall be brought into the Generall Assemblies, +and by what sort of citation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +What shall be the prescription of scandalls, within what +space of time shall they be challenged, whether after three +years, the Minister having been allowed and approved in +life and doctrine by Synods, Presbyteries, and Visitations. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +What order shall be taken for keeping general Assemblies, +when Presbyteries send not the full number of Commissioners: +Or when the Commissioners abide not until the conclusion +and dissolving of the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order to be advised for Testimonials. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly appoints the next Generall Assembly +to hold at</span></span> Edinburgh, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the first Wednesday +of August, 1643.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg 157]</span><a name="Pg157" id="Pg157" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc207" id="toc207"></a> +<a name="pdf208" id="pdf208"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly at </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc209" id="toc209"></a> +<a name="pdf210" id="pdf210"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 1. August 2. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc211" id="toc211"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">The Kings Letter to the General Assembly.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Presented by his Majesties Commissioner +Sir</span></span> Thomas Hope <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of Craighall Knight, +His Majesties Advocate.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Charles R.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Trustie and welbeloved, We greet you well. +The time now approaching for the holding of +the Generall Assembly of Our Kirk of Scotland, +and We having appointed Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas +Hope</span></span> Our Advocate to be Our Commissioner +there; We thought good to present him there with these +Our Letters, and to take this occasion to minde you of the +duty which you owe to Us your Soveraigne, and to the +peace of that Our Native Kingdome. How far We have +lately extended Our grace and favour towards satisfaction +of your humble desires, there is not any amongst you but +may well remember: And therefore in this conjuncture +of Our affairs, it is but reasonable that We expect from you +such moderation in the dutifull proceedings of this Assembly, +as may concurre with our Princely inclinations and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page158">[pg 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +desires, to preserve that Kirk and that our Kingdome in +peace; having wel observed that alterations in points of +Religion, are often the inlets to civill dissentions, and the +hazard, if not overthrow of both Kirk and Kingdomes. +Therefore of Our great affection and speciall tendernesse +to your peace (who of all Our Dominions are yet happie +therein to the envy of others) We conjure and require you +in the fear of God, and obedience of Us his Vicegerent, +that your endeavours and consultations tend onely to preserve +peace and quietnesse among you. And so We bid +you farewell. Given at Our Court at Oxford the 22. day +of July, 1643. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsellour, Sir</span></span> Thomas +Hope <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Knight, our Advocate general, and Our Commissioner +at the generall assembly of the Kirk in Our Kingdome of Scotland, +and to the rest of the said Assembly now conveened.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc212" id="toc212"></a> +<a name="pdf213" id="pdf213"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 2. August 3. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc214" id="toc214"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures anent Bills, References, and Appeales.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. That all Bills whatsoever of particular concernments +whereunto all parties having interest are not cited, +should be rejected. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That all Bills be first presented to the inferiour Judicatories +of the Kirk, who may competently consider of them, +and from them be orderly and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">gradatim</span></span> brought to the Assembly, +according to the order prescribed for Appellations +in the Assembly of Edinburgh, 1639. in the 24. Sess. August +30. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That the said Act of Assembly 1639. anent Appelations, +be also extended to References. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. In Appellations and References of particular concernment, +if all parties having interest, have been present +in the inferiour Judicatorie when the Appeal and Reference +was made, then there is no necessitie of citation. But in +case of their absence, citation of parties is so necessar, that +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg 159]</span><a name="Pg159" id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +if it be wanting, Appellations and References should not +be received. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That conform to former Acts of Assemblies; Appellations +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">post sententiam</span></span> be made within ten dayes after the sentence, +and otherwise not to be respected. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly ordaines their Overtures to be given to the severall +Committees for their direction.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc215" id="toc215"></a> +<a name="pdf216" id="pdf216"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 3. August 4. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc217" id="toc217"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for election of Professours to be Commissioners +to Assemblies by Presbyteries.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly thinks, if Professours of Divinitie in +Universities be Ministers, that they may be chosen +Commissioners to the Generall Assembly, either by the +Presbyterie as Ministers or by the Universitie as Professours +of Divinitie. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc218" id="toc218"></a> +<a name="pdf219" id="pdf219"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 4. Aug. 5. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc220" id="toc220"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">The Petition of the distressed Professours in +Ireland for Ministers.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the reverend and honourable Moderatour and remanent +Members of the General Assembly of Scotland, +conveened at Edinburgh, Aug.</span></span> 1643. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The humble Petition of the distressed Christians +in the North of Ireland. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Humbly sheweth,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That whereas you were pleased the last Year to take notice +of our Petition, and conceived so favourable an act +in our behalf, from our hearts we blesse the Lord God of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page160">[pg 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +our Fathers, who put such a thing as this in your heart to +begin in any sort to beautifie the House of the Lord amongst +us: Doubtlesse you have brought upon your selves the blessing +of them who consider the poor; the Lord will certainly +deliver you in the time of trouble. We trust no distance of +place, no length of time, no pressure of affiction, yea, +nor smiling of prosperity, shall delete out of our thankfull +memories the humble acknowledgement of your so motherly +care: in drawing out your breasts, yea, your souls +to satisfie the hungrie: although we have been beaten with +the sword, bitten with famine, our own wickednes correcting +us, our back-slidings reproving us, yet we have +not so farre forgotten the Lords ancient love, but that our +hearts were brought to a little reviving in the midst of our +bondage, by the Ministery of these, who at your direction +made a short visit amongst us. We know you did not conceive +it expedient at that time, to loose any for full settling +here, till the waters of the bloudy inundation were +somewhat abated, and prohability might be of some comfortable +abode, which we through the Lords revenging +hand, pursuing our enemies, and the vigilancie of your +victorious Army, is in a great measure attained unto. Whatsoever +might have detained some of these whom ye directed +to us, whose stay made our expectation prove abortive, we +shall ascribe it to our own abuse of such treasure, and want +of spirituall hunger, occasioned justly through the want of +food; And yet that same dis-appointment, together with +your faithfull promise of inlarging your indebted bountie, +which is put upon record in all our hearts, hath made us conceive +the seed of a lively expectation, that you will now no +more put your bountie, and the means of our life, into the +hazard of such frustrations, but will once for all, bestow an +ample and enduring blessing. And of this we are so much +the more confident, because our former suit was not denyed +but delayed: only we fear, if a new delay be procured, +till all things be fully settled, that the observing of winde +and clouds, shall hinder both sowing and reaping. And in +the mean time, the Prelates and their Faction may step in +and invest themselves of their old tyrannie over our consciences, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name="Pg161" id="Pg161" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +who if they once shall see us possessed of our own +Inheritance, those <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Canaanites</span></span> dare not offer to thrust us out. +By all appearance, if the Jesuites had any hope to finde +welcome amongst us, they had provided us fully ere now +with their poysoned plants, Our hearts abhorre the checking +or suspecting of your proceedings, yet it is lawfull to +learn sometime from our enemie: But in this you have begun +before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year +ago, and thereby have ingaged your selves to perfect your +own beginnings, and bring us out of our orphan condition. +We are fallen in your lap, this ruine must be under your +hand; you cannot pretend want of bread or cloathing, you +must be healers: We have chosen you curators to your little +young sister that wants breasts; there is none in earth to take +her out of your hand, for we will not, nor cannot hide it +from your Honours and Wisedome, that we want bread, +and must not only, as before, have a bit for our present +need, but also seed to sow the Land. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is therefore our humble and earnest desire, that you +would yet again look on our former Petition, and your own +obligatorie Act, and at least declare your consent, that a competent +number of our own Ministers may be loosed to settle +here, and break bread to the children that lye fainting at the +head of all streets, which although it may be accounted but +a restoring of what we lost, and you have found, yet we +shall esteem it as the most precious gift that earth can affoord. +When they are so loosed, if they finde not all things concurring +to clear Gods calling, it will be in their hand to forbear +and you have testified your bountie. But oh for the Lords +sake, do not kill our dying souls, by denying these our +necessar desires. There are about twelve or fourteen waste +congregations on this nearest coast: let us have at least a +competent number that may erect Christs throne of discipline, +and may help to bring in others, and then shall we +sing, that the people who were left of the sword, have found +grace in the wildernesse. We have sent these our brethren, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Adair</span></span> of Kinhilt Knight, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Mackenna</span></span> of +Bel fast merchant, to attend an answer from you, who have +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page162">[pg 162]</span><a name="Pg162" id="Pg162" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +attained that happinesse to be lenders and not borrowers, +and to present the heartie longing affections of +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your most obliged and more expecting +brethren and servants.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed by very many hands.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc221" id="toc221"></a> +<a name="pdf222" id="pdf222"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 6. August 8, 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc223" id="toc223"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Acts for subscribing the Covenant.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering the good and pious advice +of the Commissioner of the last Assembly, upon +the 22 of September, 1642 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">post meridiem</span></span>, recommending +to Presbytries, to have Copies of the Covenant to be +subscribed by every Minister at his admission, doth therefore +ratifie and approve the samine. And further ordaines, +that the covenant be reprinted, with this Ordinance prefixed +thereto, and that every Synod, Presbyterie, and +Paroch, have one of them bound in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">quarto</span></span>, with some +blank paper, whereupon every person may be obliged to +subscribe: And that the Covenants of the Synod and Presbyterie +be keeped by their Moderatours <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span> of Universities +by their Principals, of Paroches by their Ministers, with +all carefulnesse. And that particular account of obedience to +this Act, be required hereafter in all visitations of Paroches, +Universities, and Presbyteries, and all trialls of Presbyteries +and Synod books. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering that the Act of the Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 1639. August 30.</span></span> injoyning all persons +to subscribe the Covenant, under all Ecclesiastical +censure, hath not been obeyed: Therefore ordaines all +Ministers to make intimation of the said Act in their Kirks, +and thereafter to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against +such as shall refuse to subscribe the Covenant. And +that exact account be taken of every Ministers diligence +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span><a name="Pg163" id="Pg163" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hereintil by their Presbyteries and Synods, as they will answer +to the General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc224" id="toc224"></a> +<a name="pdf225" id="pdf225"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 7. August 9. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc226" id="toc226"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for searching Books tending to +Separation.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering the recommendation +of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at +S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, upon the 12 of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> last, to every Minister +within their several bounds; especially to Ministers +upon the coasts, or where there is Harbourie and Ports, +to try and search for all books tending to Separation: +And finding the same most necessar, do therefore ordain +that recommendation to have the strength of an ordinary +Act of Assembly: And that every Minister be careful to try +and search if any such books be brought to this Countrey +from beyond seas, and if any shall be found, to present +the samine to Presbyteries, that some course may be taken +to hinder the dispersing thereof: And earnestly recommend +to the Civil Magistrates, to concurre with their authoritie +in all things, for effectual execution hereof. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc227" id="toc227"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the proceedings of the +Commissioners of the last Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having heard the report of the +Committee appointed to consider the proceedings of +the Commissioners of the late Assembly at S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>; +after mature deliberation, and serious consideration thereof, +findes the whole Acts, Conclusions and Proceedings +of the saids Commissioners, contained in a Book and Register +subscribed by Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ker</span></span> their Clerk, and by +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Lindsay</span></span> Moderatour, and +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamilton</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg 164]</span><a name="Pg164" id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Clerk to the said Committe, to declare much wisedome, +diligence, vigilancie, and every way commendable zeal and +fidelitie in doing and discharging every thing according to +their Commission. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc228" id="toc228"></a> +<a name="pdf229" id="pdf229"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 8. August 10. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc230" id="toc230"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament +of England to a Committee, to be presented +by them to the Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the +Parliament of England, desire your Lordships, and +the rest of this reverend Committee, to represent to the reverend +the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, +that we are commanded. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To acknowledge with all thankfulnesse to God, their +zeal for purging and reforming Religion, and care not only +to prevent the grouth, but utterly to extirpate the Reliques +of Popery: And also the great blessing of Almighty +God upon their so constant and faithful endeavours, thus +far establishing them in truth and peace, together with their +labour of love, to procure the like happinesse to our Church +and Nation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To give them an account of their earnest desire and endeavour +to see the same Work promoted and perfected among +our selves; which though it hath been opposed and retarded +by the industrious malice of the Popish, Prelaticall, and +malignant partie, yet through Gods goodnesse it hath so far +prevailed, as to produce the removeall of the High Commission, +the making void the coercive power of the Prelates +and their Courts, The ejection of the Bishops from the +House of Peers, the turning out of many scandalous Ministers, +Besides that they have passed and presented to his +Majestie diverse Bills, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> For the suppressing of Innovations, +For the more strict observation of the Lords Day, against +Pluralities and non-residencie, For the punishment of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg 165]</span><a name="Pg165" id="Pg165" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +scandalous Clergie, For the abolition of Episcopacie, and +the calling an Assembly: The true Copies of which, we +herewithall deliver. Which Bills, through the underminning +of the Papists, Prelates, and their party (the +constant enemies of Reformation) have not yet obtained +his Majesties Royall assent. And yet considering the urgent +necessity of purging and settling the Church (as hath been +often pressed and presented to the Parliament of England, +by pious and frequent exhortations and Declarations from +that reverent Assembly) they have been constrained by an +Ordinance of both Houses, to call an Assembly of Divines, +and others, now fitting, to consider and prepare +what may conduce thereunto, which by the assistance of +some godly and learned Divines sent from this Nation (as +is earnestly desired) we hope may through the blessing of +God, bring it to perfection. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And yet notwithstanding to let them know that by reason +of the prevailing of the Papists, Prelaticall Faction, and other +malignant enemies to this so much desired Reformation, +(all of them being now in arms against the Parliament) +these hopefull beginnings are likely, not onely to be rendred +ineffectuall, but all the former evils, superstitions, and +corruptions (which for the present, through the blessing +of God, are in a good measure removed) to be re-introduced +by strong hand which if once they should take root again +in the Church and Kingdome of England, will quickely +spread their venome & infection into the neighbour Church +and Kingdome of Scotland the quarrell of the enemies of +this Work being not so much against the persons of men, +as the power of Godlinesse, and purity of Gods worship, +wheresoever it is professed. Both Houses do therefore desire +that reverent Assembly to lay seriously to heart the state +and condition of their sister Church and Kingdome, and +not only by their prayers to assist in these straits, but also by +such seasonable and effectuall means as to them shall seem +meet, to further and expedite the present aid and assistance +demanded by both Houses. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And lastly, to make known unto them, that we are designed +and sent by both Houses of Parliament to the Generall +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page166">[pg 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to propound to them +and consult with them concerning such things as may conduce +to our own Reformation, and our so much desired +conjunction with this Church, which they have more fully +expressed in a Declaration of their own, which here withall +we present. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August 10. 1643</span></span>,<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Bond,</span></span><br /> +Secr. Commiss. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc231" id="toc231"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in +the Parliament of England, to the Generall +Assembly of the Church of +Scotland.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowledging +with humble thankfulnesse to Almighty God, +the disposer of hearts, the Christian zeal and love +which the Generall Assembly of the Churches of Scotland, +have manifested in their pious endeavours for the preservation +of the true reformed Protestant Religion, from the +subtle practices and attempts of the Popish and Prelaticall +party, to the necessary Reformation of Church discipline +and Government in this Kingdome, and the more near union +of both Churches, do earnestly desire that reverend +Assembly to take notice, that the two Houses of Parliament +fully concurring with them in these pious Intentions; for +the better accomplishment thereof, have called an Assembly +of diverse godly and learned Divines, and others of this +Kingdome, unto the City of Westminster, who are now +sitting and consulting about these matters, And likewise +have nominated and appointed <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Ruthland, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Armine</span></span> Baronet, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Vane</span></span> +the younger, Knight, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Hatcher</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Darley</span></span> Esquires. Committees and +Commissioners of both Houses, to the Kingdome and States +of Scotland, who beside their Instructions in matters +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page167">[pg 167]</span><a name="Pg167" id="Pg167" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +concerning the Peace and Common weal of both Kingdomes, +have received Directions to resort to the General Assembly +of the Church of Scotland, and propound and consult +with them, or any Commissioners deputed by them, in +all occasions which may further the so much desired Reformation +in Ecclesiastical matters in this Church and Kingdome, +and a nearer conjunction betwixt both Churches. In +performance whereof, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stephen Marshal</span></span>, and Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Philip Nye</span></span>, Ministers of Gods Word, and men of approved +faithfulnesse and abilities in their Function, both Members +of this Assembly of Divines here congregated, and +sitting, are appointed to assist and advise the same Committee +in such things as shall concerne this Church. And +the two Houses do hereby recommend the Commitees and +divines afore-mentioned, to the reverend Assembly of the +Church of Scotland, to be by them received with favour, +and credited in those things, which they, or any three, or +more of them shall propound to them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is likewise desired, that that reverend Assembly will +according to their former promise and resolution, send to +the Assembly here, such number of godly and learned Divines, +as in their wisedome they think most expedient for the +furtherance of this work, which so much concernes the honour +of God, the prosperity and peace of the two Churches +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>; and which must needs have a great +influence in procuring more safe and prosperous condition +to other reformed Churches abroad. And that their endeavours +may be more effectual, the two Houses do make this +request to them, with their authority, advice and exhortation, +so far as belongs to them, to stir up that Nation to +send some competent Forces in aid of this Parliament and +Kingdome, against the many Armies of the Popish and Prelatical +party, and their adherents, now in arms for the +ruine and destruction of the reformed Religion, and all the +Professours thereof. In all which they shall do that which +will be pleasing to God, whose cause it is, and likewise +safe and advantageous to their own Church and Kingdome, +who cannot securely enjoy the great blessings of Religion, +Peace, and Libertie in that Kingdome, if this Church and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page168">[pg 168]</span><a name="Pg168" id="Pg168" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Kingdome, by the prevailing violence of that partie, shall +bee brought to ruine and destruction. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jo. Browne</span></span>, Cleric. Parliamentorum.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henr. Elsynge</span></span>, Cler. Parliamentorum. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc232" id="toc232"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Letter from some Brethren of the +Ministerie in the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend and beloved;</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The experience which we have had of your forwardnesse +in receiving, and faithfulnesse in weighing our +former addresses, hath given us abundant encouragement +to take hold upon this present opportunitie of breathing out +something of our sorrowes, which your love and our necessity, +command us to represent to your consideration and +compassion. Much we know we may commit to the wisedome +and fidelity of our Brethren these messengers, to impart +unto you concerning our miserable condition, and unto +them shall leave the most. Your own Nationall, but specially +Christian interest, will not permit you to hide your +eyes from the bleeding condition of your poor distressed +Brethren in England, should neither Letters, nor Messengers +be sent unto you; But Messengers coming, we should at once +neglect our selves, should we not thus a little ease our burdened +hearts, by pouring them out into your bosomes, and +seem ungrateful to you, of whose readinesse to suffer with +us, and do for us, we have had so great & ample testimonies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Surely if ever a poor Nation were upon the edge of a most +desperate precipice, if ever a poor Church were ready to be +swallowed up by Satan and his Instruments, we are that +Nation, we are that Church. And in both respects by so +much the more miserable, by how much, we expected not +a Preservation onely, but an augmentation also, of happinesse +in the one, and glory in the other. We looked for +Peace, but no good came, and for a time of healing, and +behold trouble! Our GOD who in his former Judgements +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page169">[pg 169]</span><a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +was a moth & rottenesse (and yet had of late begun to +send us health and cure) is now turned into a Lion to us: +and threatens to rend the very cawle of our hearts: From +above he hath sent a fire into our bones, and it prevails against +us; From our own bowels he hath called forth, and +strengthened an adversarie against us, a generation of brutish +hellish men, the rod of his anger, and the staff of his +indignation, under whose cruelties we bleed, and if present +mercy step not in, we die. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Righteous art thou, O +LORD, and just are all thy Judgements!</span></span> But O the more +then barbarous carriages of our enemies, where ever GOD +gives any of his hidden ones up into their hands, we need +not expresse it unto you, who knows the inveterate and +deadly malice of the Antichristian faction against the Members +of our Lord Jesus. And it is well we need not expresse +it unto you, for in truth we cannot. Your own thoughts +may tell you better then any words of ours, what the mercie +of Papists is, toward the Ministers and Servants of our +Lord Jesus Christ. But the Lord knows we are not troubled +so much with their rage against us, or our own miseries +and dangers; but that which breaks our hearts is, the +danger we behold the Protestant Religion, and all the Reformed +Churches in at this time, through that too great and +formidable strength the Popish Faction is now arrived at. If +our GOD will lay our bodies as the ground, and as the +street under their foot, and poure out our bloud as dust before +their fury, the wil of the Lord be done, might our bloud +be a sacrifice to ransome the rest of the Saints or Church of +Christ from Antichristian fury, we would offer it up upon this +service gladly. But we know their rage is insatiable, and will +not be quenched with our blouds, immortall, and will not +die with us, armed against us, nor as men, but as Christians, +but as Protestants, but as men desiring to reform our +selves, and to draw our selves and others yet nearer unto +God. And if God gave us up to be devoured by this rage, +it will take the more strength and courage (at least) to attempt +the like against all the Protestant and Reformed +Churches. In a deeper sense of this extream danger, +threating us and you, and all the Churches then we can expresse, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg 170]</span><a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +we have made this addresse unto you; in the bowels +of our Lord Jesus Christ, humbly imploring your most +fervent Prayers to the GOD that hears Prayers; who +(should we judge by providences) seems to be angry with +our Prayers (though we trust he doth but seem so, and +though he kill us, yet will we trust in him) Oh, give us +the brotherly aide of your re-inforced tears and payers, +that the blessings of truth and peace which our prayers alone +have not obtained, yours combined, may. And give us +reverend and much honoured in our Lord your advices, +what remains for us further to doe, for the making of our +own and the Kingdomes peace with GOD. We have lien +in the dust before him; we have poured our hearts in humiliation +to him, we have in sincerity, endeavoured to reform +our selves, and no lesse sincerely desired, studied, laboured +the publick Reformation, Neverthelesse the Lord hath +not yet turned himself from the fiercenesse of his anger. +And be pleased to advise us further, what may be the happiest +course for the uniting of the Protestant partie more firmly? +That we may all serve GOD with one consent, and stand +up against Antichrist as one man, that our GOD who now +hides himself from his people may return unto us, delight +in us scatter and subdue his and our enemies, and cause his +face to shine upon us. The Lord prosper you and preserve +us for that the great work of these latter ages may be finished +to his honour, and our own and the Churches happinesse +through Christ Jesus. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed by very many hands.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc233" id="toc233"></a> +<a name="pdf234" id="pdf234"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 9. August 11. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc235" id="toc235"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Burials and hinging of Honours, &c. +in Kirks.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering the great abuse of +burying within Kirks, wherein GODS publick worship +is exercised, notwithstanding diverse Acts of this Kirk, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg 171]</span><a name="Pg171" id="Pg171" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +prohibiting the same. And that through toleration thereof, +other abuses in hinging of Pensils and Brods, affixing +of Honours and Arms, and such like scandalous Monuments +in the Kirk, hath crept in. Therefore for remedy +hereof, do hereby ratifie and approve the former Acts and +Constitutions made against burials in Kirks. And inhibites +and discharges all persons of whatsoever qualitie, to bury +any deceased person within the body of the Kirk, where +the people meet for hearing of the Word, and administration +of the Sacraments. And inhibites them to hing +Pensils or Brods, to affixe Honours or Arms, or to make +any such like Monuments, to the honour or remembrance +of any deceased person upon walls, or otherplaces within +the Kirk, where the publick worship of God is exercised, +as said is. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc236" id="toc236"></a> +<a name="pdf237" id="pdf237"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 10. August 12. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc238" id="toc238"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by +Superiour Judicatories.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering that sentences of +Superiour Judicatories of the Kirk should stand effectuall, +while they be taken away by themselves, and that +they should not be made void and ineffectuall by Inferiour +Judicatories: Therefore discharges all Provinciall Assemblies +to repone any Minister deposed by the Generall Assembly. +And all Presbyteries to repone any Ministers deposed +either by General or Provincial Assemblies; And declares +and ordains, that all such sentences of reposition by +these Inferiour Judicatories <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>, +shall be null in themselves; +And that the sentences of deposition by the Superiour +Judicatories <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivé</span></span> shall stand valid and effectual +notwithstanding thereof. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg 172]</span><a name="Pg172" id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc239" id="toc239"></a> +<a name="pdf240" id="pdf240"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 11. Aug. 14. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc241" id="toc241"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane +the Lords day.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly declares, that the Acts made +against Salmond fishing upon the Sabbath, or against +any other labour upon the Lords day, to be not only against +servants who actually work: But also that the samine +should be extended against masters, whose hired servants +they are. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc242" id="toc242"></a> +<a name="pdf243" id="pdf243"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 12. Aug. 15. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc244" id="toc244"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for preparing the Directorie for the +worship of God</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%">.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering how convenient it is, that all +the Ministers of the particular Kirks within this Kingdome, +in their administration, keep unity and uniformity +in the substance and right ordering of all the parts of the publick +worship of God, and that all the particular Kirks by +the same unity and uniformity, testifie their unanimous +consent against all schisme and division, unto which these times, +through the working of Satan and his instruments, against +the propagation of the Gospel of peace are so inclinable: +Doth ordain, that a Directorie for divine worship, +with all convenient diligence be framed and made ready in +all the parts thereof, against the next Generall Assembly, +to be held in the year 1644. And for this end that such as +shall be nominate by this Assembly, shall immediatly after +the rising of the Assembly, set themselves apart (so far as +may be) from their particular callings, and with all diligence +and speed, go about this so publick, so pious and so +profitable a work. And when they have brought their endeavours +and labours about this Directorie to an end, that +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page173">[pg 173]</span><a name="Pg173" id="Pg173" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +it be put into the hands of the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly, to be revised, and thereafter by them sent in +severall Copies to all the particular Synods to be held in +April and May, that the famine being reported with their +observations, notes, and animadversions to the Generall +Assembly, it may in end, after their full triall and approbation, +by order and authority from them be received, and +practiced by all the Ministers and particular Kirks. And for +preserving of peace and brotherly unity, in the mean while, +till the Directorie by universall consent of the whole Kirk +be framed, finished, and concluded, The Assembly forbiddeth +under the pain of the censures of the Kirk, all disputation +by word or writing, in private or publick, about +different practices in such things, as have not been formerly +determined by this Kirk, And all condemning one of another +in such lawfull things as have been universally received, +and by perpetuall custome practised by the most faithfull +Ministers of the Gospell, and opposers of corruptions +in this Kirk, since the first beginning of Reformation to +these times. And doth exhort and command that all +endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit, in the bond +of peace, that all beginnings of Separation, all scandall and +division, be by all means avoided; And that against envying, +and strife, and faction, and glorying in men, every +one go before another in the duties of love, and so fulfill the +Law of Christ; That continuing in one spirit and one minde, +& fighting together through the faith of the Gospel, we may +mutually aide, strengthen and comfort one another in all +Pastorall and Christian emploiments, better resist the common +adversaries, edifie one another in the knowledge and +fear of God, and the more acceptably, and with the greater +blessing serve the Lord who hath done so great things +for us. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page174">[pg 174]</span><a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc245" id="toc245"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Propositions from the English Commissioners +presented this day to the Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the +Parliament of England, being commanded by them +(as we have already declared) to desire the reverend Assembly +of Scotland, seriously to lay to heart the present Estate +of their Sister Church and Kingdome of England, and not +onely to assist with their Prayers in their straits, but also by +such reasonable and effectuall means as to themselves shall +seem meet to further and expedite the assistance now desired +by both Houses from the Kingdome of Scotland, and a +more strict union with them, Have thought fit in Pursuance +of the commands received from both Houses of Parliament, +to communicate to this Assembly the paper which to this purpose +we have lately delivered to the Honourable Convention +of Estates, in this Kingdome, that so this reverend +Assembly might be the better enabled, to contribute their +best assistance toward the furthering and expediting of the +same. Wherein we assure our selves of their ready and willing +affections, considering the great service they may do +to God, and the great honour may redound to themselves +in becoming the Instruments of a glorious Reformation, +not onely through this Iland, but from thence possibly to be +spread to other Churches now oppressed under the Antichristian +bondage, and tyrannie of the Popish and prelatical +Faction. We will not say there lies any obligation upon +this Church and Kingdome, to comply with the desires of +the two Houses of Parliament; though we might call to +minde that God by the hand of the Church and Kingdome +of England, did once reach forth assistance and aid unto +this Nation, and hath since used them as a help to that blessed +Reformation it now enjoyes. And who knoweth +whether the wise providence of God hath not suffered this +Church and Kingdome to be tempted thereby, to make +them the more feasible of the present miseries of their brethren, +and likewise given them a good issue, with the tentation, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page175">[pg 175]</span><a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that they might be made a means of our deliverance? +We shall not need to offer any grounds of prudence +to invite them hereunto, who have already prevented us in +the acknowledgement of what might be said of that kinde +in the advice presented by the Commissioners of the General +Assembly. July 6. 1643. unto the Convention of Estates, +expressing as one remedie of the present dangers of this +Church and Kingdome, their earnest desire of renewing the +league and association with England, for the defence of +Religion against the common enemie, and of further extending +the same against Prelacie, and Popish Ceremonies, +for Uniformity in externall worship and Church-government. +And we hope that the same God who hath put +these desires into the hearts of both Kingdomes, will make +use of this present opportunity to knit them both to himself, +and each other in a most strict and durable Union, +and thereby the more firmly to establish truth and peace in +both Nations. Howsoever this which we have done in +discharge of our duty, will afford the comfort of a good +conscience in our greatest distresses, and give us ground to +expect deliverance some way or other from the manifold +wisedome and power of God, who though men and means +fail, will not cast off his people, nor forsake his inheritance. +We have onely this to adde further, that we are +commanded by both Houses to let this reverend Assembly +know that it is their earnest desire, that what other Propositions +may be thought fit to be added and concluded by this +Assembly, whereby the assistance and Union betwixt the +two Nations, may be made more beneficiall and effectuall +for the securing of Religion and Libertie, should be offered +to us, and taken to our speedy consideration, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 15. 1643. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Bond.</span></span> Secr. Com. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name="Pg176" id="Pg176" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc246" id="toc246"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Paper before-mentioned, delivered +August 12. to the Convention, and this day +to the Assembly</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the +Parliament of England, are by our instructions commanded +to put their brethren of Scotland in minde, that +the Popish and prelaticall Faction that began with them, +about the year 1638. and 1639. and then intended to make +way to the ruine of the Kingdome of England by theirs, +have not abated any part of their malice toward the Nation +and Church of Scotland, nor are at all departed from their +designe of corrupting and altering Religion through the +whole Iland, though they have inverted the manner of +their proceeding, conceiving now that they have an easier +way to destroy them, if they may first prevail over the Parliament +and Kingdome of England. In which respect it is +the desire of both Houses, that the two Nations may be +strictly united, for their mutuall defence against the Papists +and prelaticall Faction, and their adherents in both Kingdomes, +and not to lay down arms till those their implacable +enemies shall be dis-armed, and subjected to the authority +and justice of Parliament in both Kingdomes respectively. +And as an effectual mean hereunto, they desire their +brethren of Scotland to raise a considerable force of Horse +and Foot, for their aide and assistance, to be forthwith +sent against the Papists, prelatical Faction, and malignants +now in arms in the Kingdome of England. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And for the better encouragement of the Kingdome of +Scotland to this necessary and so much desired Union, we +are by both Houses of Parliament authorized to assure their +brethren, that if they shall be annoyed or endangered by any +Force or Army, either from England or any other place, +the Lords and Commons of England will assist them with a +proportionable strength of Horse and Foot, to what their +Brethren shall now affoord them to be sent into Scotland +for the defence of that Kingdome. And they will maintain +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg 177]</span><a name="Pg177" id="Pg177" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +a guard of Ships at their own charge upon the coast of +Scotland for the securing of that Kingdome, from the invasion +of Irish Rebels or other enemies, during such time +as the Scotish Army shall be employed in the defence of the +Kingdome of England, And to the end that nothing might +be wanting in the Parliament and Kingdome of England to +facilitate this work (wherein the true reformed Religion, +not onely in these two Kingdomes, but throughout all Europe +is so highly concerned) We are farther authorized to +consider with their brethren the Estates and Kingdome of +Scotland, of what other Articles or propositions are fit to +be added and concluded, whereby this assistance and Union +betwixt the two Nations, may be made more beneficial +and effectual for the security of Religion and Libertie in +both Kingdomes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All which being taken into the serious and Christian consideration +of the right honourable the Lords and others of +the Convention of the Estates of Scotland, we hope there +will not need many arguments to perswade and excite them +to give their consent, and that with all convenient speed, +to these desires of both houses of the Parliament of England; +seeing now they have so fully declared, as by what +they have done already, so by what they are yet desirous to +do, that the true state of this cause and quarrel is Religion, +in the Reformation whereof they are, and have been so +forward and zealous, as that there is not any thing expressed +unto them by their brethren of Scotland, in their former or +latter Declarations, which they have not seriously taken +to heart, and seriously endeavoured to effect, (notwithstanding +the subtle malicious and industrious oppositions) +that so the two Kingdomes might be brought into a near +conjunction in one form of Church-government, one directorie +of worship, one Catechisme, &c. and the foundation +laid of the utter extirpation of Popery and prelacie out +of both Kingdomes. The most ready and effectual means +whereunto, is now conceived to be, that both Nations enter +into a strict Union and league, according to the desires of +the two Houses of Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And to induce the perswasion of this (if there were cause) +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg 178]</span><a name="Pg178" id="Pg178" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +we might observe, that, in the many Declarations made by +the General Assembly or States of Scotland, to their Brethren +of England, there have been sundry expressions, manifesting +the great necessitie that both Kingdomes for the securitie +of their Religion and Liberties, should joyn in this +strict Union against the Papists, Prelats, and their adherents: +As also in the endeavour of a near conjunction between the +Churches of both Nations. The apprehension and foresight +of which, hath caused the Popish and Prelatical Faction in +forreigne parts as well as in his Majesties Dominions, strictly +and powerfully to combine themselves to the hinderance +of this so necessary Work, and the universal suppression of +the true protestant Religion in Europe: A course not much +different from that which they took in the year 1585. when +the wisedome and zeal of this Nation to counter-myne so +wicked a conspiracie, and from the due sense of the mutual +interest of these two Kingdomes in Religion and Libertie, +found a necessity of entring into a league of this nature, as +well considering, that thereby no lesse safetie might be expected +to both Nations, then danger by forbearing the same. +And though we doubt not but in so necessary and so good a +Work, many difficulties may arise to interrupt and retard the +same; yet we are as confident, that the heartie and brotherly +affection of this Nation to the Parliament and Kingdome +of England, will easily break through them; and the rather +because in the like cases of difficultie and danger, not only +at the time of the league above-mentioned, but before, and +likewise since, when any opportunity hath offered it self +particularly, during the sitting of this present Parliament, the +Kingdome of England hath been very forward and ready to +lay to heart the dangers of the Kingdome of Scotland as their +own, and to decline no means within the reach of their power +for the redresse or prevention of the same. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 12. 1643. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Bond</span></span> Secr. Com. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page179">[pg 179]</span><a name="Pg179" id="Pg179" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc247" id="toc247"></a> +<a name="pdf248" id="pdf248"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 13. Aug. 16. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc249" id="toc249"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Recommendation to the Presbyteries and Universities +anent Students that have the +Irish language.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering the lamentable condition of +the people in the Highlands, where there are many that +gets not the benefite of the Word in respect there are very +few Preachers that can speak the Irish language, Do for remeid +thereof think good, that young Students who have +the Irish tongue, be trained up at Colledges in Letters, +especially in the studies of Divinitie, And to this effect +recommend to Presbyteries and Universities to preferre +any hopefull Students that have the language aforesaid, to +Bursaries, that they by their studies in processe of time attaining +to knowledge, and being enabled for the Ministerie, +may be sent forth for preaching the Gospel in these Highland +parts, as occasions shall require. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc250" id="toc250"></a> +<a name="pdf251" id="pdf251"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. 14. August 17. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc252" id="toc252"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in +the Kingdome of England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the right reverend the Generall Assembly +of the Church of Scotland.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right reverend and dearly beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We the Assembly of Divines and others, called and +now sitting by authority of both Houses of Parliament, +to be consulted by them in matters of Religion; +have received from the honourable Houses of Commons, a +speciall order (dated the 3. of this instant August) recommending +it to us to write a Letter to the Generall Assembly +of the Church of Scotland, taking notice of the pious and +good expeditions to this Church and State, certified in the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page180">[pg 180]</span><a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +late Answer of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of Scotland, from their meeting at Edinburgh +the 17. of July 1643. And further to desire them to possesse +the people of that Kingdome with our condition, and to +encourage them to our assistance in this cause of Religion. +And having with that order received and read the said Answer +directed to the honourable Houses of the Parliament of +England, we cannot sufficiently expresse the great content +and comfort, unto which it hath raised us in the midst of the +sad and calamitous condition under which we lie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is no small refreshing to our mourning spirits to finde, +that yet our God hath not left us wholly comfortlesse, nor +cast us so far out of his sight, as having made us sick with +smiting that should be verified of us, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lover and friend hast +thou put far from us</span></span>, and that no man should turn aside to ask +how we do: but that we finde so many of the Churches of +Christ, and above them all, our dearest Brethren of Scotland, +so far to take to heart our extremities, as to sit in the +dust with us, and so to look upon our adversities, as being +themselves also in the body. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And as we cannot render thanks sufficient unto our God +for remembring such mercie in the midst of so much +wrath; so we embrace with all chearfulnesse this opportunitie +of thankfull acknowledgement of the great +debt which your love doth continually lay upon, not us +alone, but upon this whole Kingdome, in the free and +full expressions of your care, piety and zeal, and of +like affections of that whole Nation, to assist and concurre +with the Parliament here, by all good and lawfull means, +for sending of Religion in godly unity and uniformitie +throughout all his Majesties Dominions, against all the +designes, power and malice of bloudie Papists, and +the Prelaticall Faction, with all their malignant adherents, +the common enemies of Reformation, truth and +peace. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We are likewise much ingadged to the great vigilancie +and travels of the honourable Convention of the Estates of +Scotland, in contributing their brotherly advice, and for +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page181">[pg 181]</span><a name="Pg181" id="Pg181" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +their readinesse to give assistance for recovering and settling +the peace of this Kingdome, against the devices, power and +practices of the enemies of Religion, and the publick +Good, whereof some hints are given in that Answer and +of which we doubt not but the honourable Houses or Parliament +will be so sensible as to give such a return as becomes +them: for they, better knowing then we do, the depth +of the evils under which this Nation now groaneth, and the +further dangers imminent, will be more able to value and +improve the great affection and wisedome of their Brethren, +in points of so high and generall concernement, for the safetie +and glory of the Kings Majestie, and of all his Kingdomes, +and are more fit to take notice of advices of that +kinde, in reference to the civil State, which therefore we +wholly leave with them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But as for the many prudent, pious, and reosonable admonitions +which concerne our Assembly, the good Lord reward +(for we cannot) seven fold into your bosomes all the +good, which you have laboured to procure unto the +House of our GOD, and blessed be his Name who hath +put such a thing as this into the hearts of our Parliament, +to cleanse the House of the Lord of all the uncleannesse +that is in it, by impure Doctrine, Worship, or Discipline. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Nor can we in the depth of all our sufferings and sorrows, +withhold our hearts from rejoycing in the wonderful goodnes +of God toward this Kingdome, in that he hath let us see +the gracious fruit of your effectuall prayers and teares, as +well as of our own endeavours this way: In bringing together +this Assembly, although in a very troublous time, +whereby we may have better opportunity more fully to +poure out our soules jointly and together to our GOD, +for healing of this now miserable Church and Nation: +To consider throughly, for what more especially the Land +mourneth, and how we may be most usefull to our great GOD +and Master JESUS CHRIST; In contributing +somewhat to the vindicating of his precious truth, many +wayes corrupted through the craft of men that have lyen in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg 182]</span><a name="Pg182" id="Pg182" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +wait to deceive: In the seeking out of a right way of worshipping +our GOD according to his own heart: In promoting +the power of Godlinesse: in the hearts and lives of +all his people, and in laying forth such a Discipline as may +be most agreeable to Gods holy Word, and most apt to procure +and preserve the peace of this Church at home, and +nearer agreement with the Church of Scotland (highly honoured +by us) and other the best reformed Churches abroad, +That so to the utmost of our power, we may exalt him that +is the only Lord over the Church, his own House, in all +his Offices, and present this Church as a chast virgin unto +Christ. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is a timely and savourie prayer which you have put up +at the throne of Grace, touching the due managing of the +proceedings in this Assembly, and that with straigth intentions +we may all seek the truth in every thing, which by the +blessing of God upon our labours, must needs produce all +those blessings which your worthie Commissioners mention. +And now, for your comfort as well as our own encouragement, +we desire you to take notice of the gracious +answer of the God that heareth prayer, unto your fervent +cryes. For beside our own particular addresses and secret +vows to our God to be faithful (with disdain of all baits of +avarice and ambition) it hath pleased the Divine Providence +so to direct both the honourable Houses of Parliament, to +take care of preventing all obliquitie in our proceedings, +and to stop the mouthes of all that watch for their and our +haltings, and are apt maliciously to traduce both, (as if +we were so restrained by them, in our votes and resolutions, +as to be bound up to the sense of others, and to carry +on private designes in a servile way) that the Houses have +tendered to us, and we have most readily taken a solemne +and serious Protestation in the presence of Almighty God, +to maintain nothing in this Assembly touching Doctrine, +but what we are perswaded in our consciences to be the +truth; nor in matters of Discipline, but what we conceive +to conduce most to the glory of God, and the good +and peace of his Church; which doth not only secure the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page183">[pg 183]</span><a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Members against fettering of their judgements or votes, +but engage them to the use of all freedome, becoming the +integrity of conscience, the weight of the Cause, the gravitie +and honour of such an Assembly. It is likewise a +great consolation, that our GOD hath put it into your +hearts to designe some godly and learned Brethren to put in +their sickles with us into this Harvest, which is so great, +and requires so many Labourers; for which, as we heartily +return thanks, so we earnestly pray the Lord to open a way +to their timely coming hitherto and do assure them of all testimonies +of respect, love, and the right hand of fellowship, +who shall under-take a journey so tedious, and now +so perillous, to joyne with us in the Work, when it shall +please the honourable Houses of Parliament to invite them +thereunto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It remaines that we should now spread before you our calamities, +dangers and fears of further evils, not only drawing +toward us, but even threatning you also; and crave +your passionate aids in all wayes becoming the Servants of +Jesus Christ. But your Commissioners have so fully declared +your certain knowledge and deep sense of them, that +they have left us no room for inlarging ourselves in this +particular, to Brethren so full of bowels and zeal. And +they have sufficiently intimated unto the honourable Houses, +that you are well aware how often the common enemies +of both Kingdomes have consulted together with one +consent to cut off both the one and the other from being a +Nation, and that the Tabernacles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edom</span></span>, +and the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ishmaelites</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Moab</span></span>, +and the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hagarens, Geball, Ammon,</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Amalek</span></span>, the cursed Papists, and their implacable and bloudy +Abettors here, do still retain the same malice, and carry +on the same designe against Religion, and perfect Reformation +even in your Kingdome, happily rescued from +their former tyrannies, as well as in this of scorched England, +now in the furnace: Only they have varied the +Scene, pouring out all their fury upon us at the present: +That so, having once troden us under as mire in the streets, +they may afterward more easily; (which God avert) set +their proud and impure feet upon your necks also. Wherefore +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page184">[pg 184]</span><a name="Pg184" id="Pg184" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the good leave and favour of the honourable Houses +of Parliament, we shall now spare the further exciting +of you to that which we doubt not of your forwardnesse by +all lawfull and meet means to promote with all your might; +namely, the possessing the good people of that Kingdome; +(of whose willing minde and readinesse you have already +given ample testimony) touching our condition, and to +encourage them to our assistance in this Cause of Religion. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now remembring without ceasing your work of +faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord +Jesus Christ, with all due acknowledgments of the precious +effects of your prayers; We most humbly and earnestly desire, +that the same breathings of the spirit in you may still +continue, and (if possible) more frequently and fervently +ascend to your God, and our God, not only for removall +of outward pressures, and the visitation of the sword, that +hath already learned to eat much of our flesh, but also for +the special assistance and protection of the Father of lights, +in this great Work unto which we are now called, and wherein +we already finde many and potent adversaries: that +seeing the plummet is now in the hands of our <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zerubbabels</span></span>, +all mountaines may become plains, and they may bring +forth <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the capstone of the Lords House with shoutings, crying, Grace, +grace unto it</span></span>: and that how weak and contemptible builders +soever we be, the Lord would enable us to build with +them, that none may have cause to despise the day of our +small beginnings, nor to stop our progresse in the work +which he hath given us to do, And as for us, who cannot +but take notice of the extraordinary employments unto which +you are called in your great Assembly, now also sitting: +God forbid that we should sin against the Lord, in ceasing +to pray for you, that the Lord may enable you to be wise +masterbuilders, preserve your peace alwayes by all means, +and make you stedfast, unmoveable, alwayes abounding in +the work of the Lord, to the praise of the glory of his grace, +and to the further benefit and comfort of the whole Church +of God, but more especially of this our afflicted Ark, now +wafted into the midst of a sea of miseries, and tossed with +tempests, untill our wise and gracious God, by the furtherance +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page185">[pg 185]</span><a name="Pg185" id="Pg185" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of your prayers and brotherly endeavours, shall cause +it to rest upon the mountains of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ararat</span></span>, which may take away +our fears, as well as put an end to our present sufferings +and give you to rejoyce with us, that now mourn for +us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster, August 4. 1643.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed by your most loving Brethren, highly prisyng the +graces of God in you, and that are your Servants for Jesus +sake, in the name of the whole Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Tuisse</span></span>, Prelocutor.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John White</span></span>, Assessor.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cornelius Burges</span></span>, Scribe of the Assembly.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Roborough</span></span>, Scribe of the Assembly.<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adonirum Byfield</span></span>, Scribe of the Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc253" id="toc253"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Result of the Debates and Consultations of +the Committees of the Convention of Estates and +General Assembly, appointed to meet +with the Commissioners of the Parliament +of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 17. 1643. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Committees of the Convention of Estates of Scotland, +and of the General Assembly, being appointed to +meet with the Commissioners of the two Houses of the +Parliament of England, upon the Papers delivered in by +the said Commissioners, unto the Convention of Estates, +and unto the General Assembly, upon the 12. and 15, of this +instant 1643. Concerning the desires of both Houses, for +a near and strict Union to be entered into by the two Kingdomes. +And it being declared at the said meeting, with +what sensible affections the General Assembly and Convention, +did receive the desires above-mentioned: And how +beneficial it would be for the more firme settlement of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page186">[pg 186]</span><a name="Pg186" id="Pg186" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +said union, that a Covenant should be entred into by both +Nations: And this forme thereof being by all the foresaid +persons taken into most serious debate and consideration, +and agreed unto: It was thereupon resolved by them, that +it should be presented to the General Assembly, to the Convention +of Estates of Scotland, and to the two Houses of +the Parliament of England, by their respective Committees +and Commissioners, that it might with all speed receive +their respective resolutions. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Primerose.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A. Ker.</span></span><br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Bond</span></span> Sec. Com. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The League and Covenant above-mentioned, being +sent with the Commissioners of this Assembly, to +the Parliament of England, and Assembly of +Divines in that Kingdome, to be received and +approven there, is to be printed at the return +thereof.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc254" id="toc254"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the League and Covenant +above mentioned.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having recommended unto a Committee, +appointed by them to joyne with the Committee of the +Honourable Convention of Estates, and the Commissioners +of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, +for bringing the Kingdomes to a more near conjunction +and Union, received from the aforesaid Committees, the +Covenant above mentioned, as the result of their consultations: +And having taken the same, as a matter of so publick +concernment, and of so deep importance doth require, +unto their gravest consideration, Did with all their hearts, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg 187]</span><a name="Pg187" id="Pg187" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and with the beginnings of the feelings of that joy which +they did finde in so great measure upon the renovation of +the National Covenant of this Kirk and Kingdome, All +with one voice approve and embrace the same, as the most +powerfull meane, by the blessing of GOD, for settling +and preserving the true Protestant Religion, with perfect +Peace in his Majesties Dominions, and propagating the +same to other Nations, and for establishing his Majesties +throne to all ages and generations. And therefore with their +best affections recommend the same to the Honourable +Convention of Estates, that being examined and approved +by them, it may be sent with all diligence to the Kingdome +of England: that being received and approven there, the +same may be with publick humiliation, and all Religious +and answerable solemnitie, sworn and subscribed by all true +Professours of the reformed Religion, and all his Majesties +good Subjects in both Kingdomes. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc255" id="toc255"></a> +<a name="pdf256" id="pdf256"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc257" id="toc257"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies humble desires to his Majestie anent the +Lists for Presentations: With a Recommendation +to Presbyteries.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering the difficultie of obtaining +six able and well qualified Persons to be put into a List +to his Majestie, for every vaiking Kirk at his Majesties Presentation: +Therefore do most earnestly recommend to +his Majesties Commissioner, to represent their humble desires +to his Majestie, that he would be pleased to accept of +a List of three: As also conform to the desire of the last +Assembly at S. Andrews, that his Majestie would be pleased +to accept of any one qualified man, who shall be able to +speak the Irish Language for Kirks vaiking in the Highlands: +Which the Commissioners Grace promised to do with the +first conveniencie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And with all his Grace representing to the Assembly, that +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page188">[pg 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +he conceived his Majestie had already done more, and yet +would do more for satisfaction to the desires of this Kirk, +anent Patronages, nor any other Patron: And therefore +that it were convenient that all other Patrons were earnestly +desired to follow his Majesties example; And the Assembly +thinking it very necessary that some General course were +set down for providing and planning of vaiking Kirks, +whereby all occasions of contests and differences amongst +Patrons, Presbyteries, and Paroches may be removed, Therefore +the Assembly recommend to every Presbyterie, to consult +and advise upon the best wayes and means for effectuating +hereof, And to report the results of their consultations +herein till to the next Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc258" id="toc258"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures anent Witch-craft, and +Charming, &c.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The abundance and increase of the sin of Witch-craft, +in all the sorts and degrees of it in this time of Reformation, +is to be taken to heart by this reverend Assembly, +who would to that end consider. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. Of the occasions thereof, which are found to be these +especially, extremity of grief, malice, passion, and desire +of revenge, pinching povertie, solicitation of other +Witches and Charmers; for in such eases the devill assails +them, offers aide, and much prevails. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. Of the reasons and causes of Satans prevailing; +which are grosse ignorance, infidelitie, want of the love +of the truth (which GOD hath made so long and clearly to +shine in our Land) and profanesse of life. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. Of the means and wayes to bring them to a confession +and censure, which we conceive to be, that a standing +Commission for a certain time be had from the Lords +of Secret Councel, or Justice Generall, to some understanding +Gentlemen and Magistrates within the bounds of +Presbyteries that shall crave it, giving them power to apprehend, +try, and execute justice against such personares +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page189">[pg 189]</span><a name="Pg189" id="Pg189" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +are guilty of Witch-craft within these Presbyteries; For +many Paroches want the concurrence of civill Magistrates. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. Of the grounds of apprehending them, Which +may be a reigning brute of Witch craft, backed with dilations +of confessing Witches, being confronted with them; +for it is found that the dilations of two or three confessing +Witches, hath ordinarily proved true: Also depositions +of honest persons, anent malefices committed, +or cures used by them, may be a ground of apprehending +them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. Being apprehended, there would be honest and discreet +persons appointed to watch them; for being left alone +they are in danger to be suborned and heardened by others, +or of destroying themselves. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. Ministers would be careful at all times, especially +Morning and Evening, to deal with them, by Prayer and +Conference, whiles they are in prison or restraint. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. The means to prevent the grouth of this wickednesse, +are: +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That Ministers be every way careful and painful in warning +people of the danger thereof, and of Satans temptations, +both privately and publickly, and to instruct them in +the knowledge of the Gospell, and grounds of Religion, +by plain cathechesing, to urge lively faith in Christ, which +faith Witches bestow otherwise; Also to presse holinesse of +life, and fervent prayes in private, and in Families, and +in publick, that they be not led into temptation; And to +use the censures of the Kirk against profane persons, such as +Cursers, Whoores, Drunkards, and such like, for over +such like, he gets great advantage. Finally, it is requisite +for preventing of this hainous sin, that people seek knowledge +studie to beleeve, walk in holinesse, and continue +constant and instant in prayer. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And because Charming is a sort and degree of Witch-craft, +and too ordinary in the Land; It would be injoyned +to all Ministers to take particular notice of them, to +search them out, and such as consult with them, and that the +Elders carefully concurre in such search; And this Assembly +would think on an uniforme way of censuring these +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Charmers, and such as employ them, or consult with them, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">primo quoque tempore</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly approves the articles and Overtures aforesaid, And +ordaines every Presbyterie to take to their further consideration +by what other wayes or means, the sins aforesaid of Witch craft, +Charming, and consulting with Witches, or Charmers, & +such like wickednes, may be tried, restrained, and condignely +censured and punished ecclesiastically and civilly: And +to report their judgementt herein to the next Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc259" id="toc259"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for Ministers to go to</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Ireland.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having received a Petition subscribed +by a very great number in the North of Ireland, +intimating their deplorable condition through +want of the Ministery of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyrannie +of the Prelats, and the sword of the Rebels, +and desiring some Ministers, especially such as had been +chased from them by the persecution of the Prelats, and +some others to be added, either to be sent presently over +to reside among them, or declared transportable, +that upon invitation from them, they might go and +settle there: Together with a Letter from the Vicount of +Airds to that same effect. All which the Assembly hath +taken to their serious consideration, being most heartily +willing to sympathize with every Member of Christ his +body, although never so remote, much more with that +plantation there, which for the most part was a branch +of the Lord his vine, planted in this Land. In which +solicitude, as they would be loath to usurpe without +their own bounds, or stretch themselves beyond their +own measure, so they dare not be wanting to the inlargement +of Christs Kingdome, where so loud a cry of so extreme +necessity, could not but stir up the bowels of Christian +compassion. And although they conceive, that the +present unsettled condition both of Church and State in that +Land, will not suffer them (as yet) to loose any, to make +any constant abode there; yet they have resolved to send over +some for the present exigent, till the next general Assembly, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page191">[pg 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +by courses, to stay three moneth allanerly. And +therefore do hereby authorize and give Commission to the +persons following, to wit, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cockburne</span></span> Minister +at Kirkmichell, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Matthew Mackaill</span></span> minister +at Carmanoch, for the first three moneths, beginning upon +the 8. of September next. Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hatchison</span></span> Minister +at Calmonell, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Henderson</span></span> Minister at Darly, +for the next three moneths, beginning the 8. of December. Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Adair</span></span> Minister at Air, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Weir</span></span> Minister at Dalserfe, for the third three moneths, beginning +the 8. of March, 1644. And Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamilton</span></span> +Minister at Drumfreis, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Macclellane</span></span> Minister +at Kirkubright for the last three montths, beginning +the 8. of June, the said year 1644. To repair unto the +North of Ireland, and there to visit, instruct, comfort, and +encourage the scattered flocks of Christ. To employ themselves +to their uttermost with all faithfulnesse and singlenesse +of heart in planting and watering, according to the +direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the Doctrine +and Discipline of this Kirk in all things. And if need be +(with the concurrence of such of the Ministers as are there) +to try and ordain such as shall be found qualified for the Ministery; +Giving charge unto the persons foresaids in the +sight of God, that in Doctrine, in Worship, in Discipline, +and in their daily conversation, they study to approve +themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ; And that +they be countable to the Gener. Ass. of this Kirk in all things. +And in case of any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded +by sicknes, or otherwayes necessarily detained from +this service; The Assembly ordains the Commissioners residing +at Edinb. for the publick affairs of the Kirk, to nominate +in their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorized +to underrake the forefaid imployment, as if they had been +expresly nominate in the face of the Assemb. And this although +possibly it shall not fully satisfie the large expectation of +their Brethren in Ireland: yet the Assembly is confident +they will take in good part at this time that which is judged +most convenient for the present condition, even a mite out +of their own, not very great plentie to supply the present +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page192">[pg 192]</span><a name="Pg192" id="Pg192" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +necessity: Requiring of them no other recompence, but that +they in all chearfulnesse may embrace and make use of the +Message of Salvation, and promising to inlargre their indebted +bountie at the next Assembly, as they shall finde the +Work of the Lord there to require, in the mean while +wishing that these who are sent, may come with the full +blessing of the Gospel of peace, recommends them, their labours, +and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing +of the great Sheepherd of the flock. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc260" id="toc260"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate +persons.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +If any Minister haunt the company of an excommunicate +person, contrair to the Lawes of this Kirk; The said Minister +for the first fault shall be suspended from his Ministerie +by his Presbyterie, during their pleasure: And for the +second fault be deprived. And in case the Presbyteries be +negligent herein, the Provincial Assembly shall censure the +Presbyterie thus negligent. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc261" id="toc261"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent an order for using civil Execution +against Excommunicate Persons.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly taking to their consideration an Article, +in the Heads and Propositions sent to the Assembly +held at Edinburgh, in August, 1573. by the Lord Regents +Grace, and allowed by that Assembly: Whereof the +tenour followes. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It is resolved that the Executions of the +sentence of Excommunication against Persons excommunicate; after +the space of fourtie dayes past, shall be presented to the Lord Thesaurer +or his Clerk, who thereupon shall raise Letters by deliverance +of the Lords of Session, to charge the Persons Excommunicate, to +satisfie the Kirk and obtain themselves absolved under the pain of +Rebellion: And in case they passe to the Horne, to cause their +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page193">[pg 193]</span><a name="Pg193" id="Pg193" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +Escheits be taken up; and also to raise and cause execute Letters of +Caption against them; And these to be done at the Kings Majesties +charges</span></span>: Do ratifie and approve the said Article, And +farther that the intention of the said Article may be the better +effectuate, doth also ordain, that every Presbyterie +cause send to the Procurator, or Agent of the Kirk, the +foresaid Execution, that is, an minute or note of the sentences +of Excommunication within their bounds, bearing +the time and cause thereof: And that under the hands of the +Moderatour or Clerk of the Presbyterie, or of the Minister +who pronounced the sentence; That the samine may +be delivered to his Majesties Thesaurer, Advocate, or Agent. +To cause Letters of Horning and Caption be raised +and execute, and other diligence to be used against the Excommunicat +Persons in manner foresaid. And that all other +civil action and diligence may be used against them, warranted +and provided by Acts of Parliament, or secret Counsel +made thereanent: And that particular account be craved +hereof in every General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc262" id="toc262"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">TO THE KINGS MOST +EXCELLENT MAJESTIE,</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The humble Answer of the National Assembly +of the Kirk of Scotland.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Although the many and ample testimonies of Your Majesties +Royal favour and bountie towards this Kirk and +Kingdome be living and lasting Monuments to hold all Your +Majesties good Subjects and us most of all, in remembrance +of that duty, which we owe to Your Majestie our great +Benefactour, never by any length of time to be deleted out +of our minds: Yet when we remember even of conscience +we owe honour and subjection unto Your Majestie +as our dread Soveraigne, as well in Your Majesties absence +as presence, We finde our obligation to be Religious, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page194">[pg 194]</span><a name="Pg194" id="Pg194" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +thereby much increased: And therefore have we at this +time in all our consultations and conclusions, of which some +have been of more then ordinary weight and concernment, +in answer to certain Propositions, made unto us by the +Commissioners of the Houses of Parliament of Your Majesties +Kingdome of England, and some Reverend Divines +assisting them, fixed our eyes and thoughts upon Your Majesties +honour and happinesse, with no other and with no +lesse intention, then if we had been honoured by Your +Majesties Royal Person in our Assembly. And in like +manner have given such Instructions to some Ministers and +others, to be sent unto the Assembly of Divines now in +England, as next unto the honour of God, and the good +of Religion, may most serve for Your Majesties preservation, +and the peace of Your Kingdomes: Concerning +which, the Commissioners of the last General Assembly have +so fully exprest their humble thoughts and desires in their +Supplication and Remonstrance sent unto Your Majestie, +that we need not adde any thing, and Your Majesties times +and affairs forbid all repetition. We do onely in all humilitie +beseech Your Majestie to judge of us and our proceedings, +by the nature and necessity of our vocation, and the rules +prescribed in the word of God for our direction, and not by +uncertain rumours, and ungrounded reports of such men +as have not the fear of God before their eyes. And do earnestly +pray to God Almighty, in whose hands are the hearts +of Kings, to incline Your Majesties heart to the counsels +of truth and peace, to direct Your Government for the +good of your People, the punishment of male-factours, +and praise of well-doers, that this fire of unnatural and unchristian +warre being extinguished, the People of God, Your +Majesties good Subjects may lead a quiet and peaceable life, +in all godlinesse and honestie. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page195">[pg 195]</span><a name="Pg195" id="Pg195" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc263" id="toc263"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Answer of the General Assembly of the +Church of Scotland, to the Declaration of +the honourable Houses of the Parliament +of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, having +received a Declaration from the honourable +Houses of the Parliament of England, by their Committees +and Commissioners now residing here; have thought +good to make knowne unto the Lords and Commons in +Parliament, that all the Members of this Assembly, and +others well-affected here, do with most thankful respects, +take special notice of the expressions which they have been +pleased to make in the afore-named Declaration, not only +concerning their approbation of the desires and endeavours +of the General Assembly of this Kirk, for the Reformation +of the Church of England, and the union of both +Churches in Religion and Church-government; but also +concerning the resolution of both Houses, fully to concurre +with them in these pious intentions. With the same +thankfulnesse and due reverence, they acknowledge the +high respects expressed towards them by both Houses, in +directing unto them their Committees and Commissioners, +assisted by two reverend Divines, and in desiring some of +the godly and learned of this Kirk to be sent unto the Assembly +sitting there. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly doth blesse the Lord, who hath not only +inspired the Houses of Parliament with desires and resolutions +of the Reformation of Religion, but hath advanced +by several steps and degrees that blessed Work; By which, +as they shall most approve themselves to the Reformed +Churches abroad, and to their Brethren of Scotland, so +shall they most powerfully draw even from Heaven the blessings +of prosperity and peace upon England. And as it is +the earnest wish of their Brethren here, that the true state +and ground of the present differences and controversies in +England may be more and more cleared to be concerning +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page196">[pg 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Religion, and that both Houses may uncessantly prosecute +that good Work first and above all other matters, giving no +sleep to their eyes, nor slumber to their eye-lids, until +they finde out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the +mighty GOD of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jacob</span></span>, whose favour alone can make their +mountain strong, and whose presence in his own ordinances +shall be their glory in the midst of them: So it is our confidence, +that the begun Reformation is of GOD, and not +of man, that it shall increase, and not decrease; and that he +to whom nothing is to hard, who can make mountaines, +valleyes, crooked things, straigth, and rough wayes, +smooth, shall lead along and make perfect this most wonderful +Work, which shall be remembred to his glory in the +Church throughout all generations. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And lest through any defect upon the General Assemblies +part, the Work of Reformation (which hitherto to +the great grief of all the Godly hath moved so slowly) should +be any more retarded or interrupted, they have according +to the renewed desires of both Houses of Parliament, and +their own former promises, nominated and elected Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherfoord</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Balzie</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, +Ministers of Gods Word; and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Cassels, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Maitland, +and Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Jonhstuon</span></span> of Warritoun, ruling Elders, +all of them men much approved here; With Commission +and power to them, or any three of them, whereof +two shall be Ministers, to repair unto the Assembly of +Divines, and other of the Church of England, now sitting +at Westminster, to propound, consult, treat, and conclude +with them, and with any Committees deputed by the +Houses of Parliament; (if it shall seeme good to the honourable +Houses in their wisedome to depute any for that end) +in all such things as may conduce to the utter extirpation of +Popery, Prelacie, Heresie, Schisme, Superstition and Idolatrie, +And for the feeling of the so much desired Union +of this whole island in one forme of Church government, +one Confession of Faith, one common Catechisme, and +one Directorie for the Worship of GOD, according to +the Instructions which they have received, or shall receive +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page197">[pg 197]</span><a name="Pg197" id="Pg197" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +from the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly appointed +to meet at Edinburgh from time to time, with the Assemblies +power for that end. And as the Generall Assembly +doth most gladly and affectionatly receive and fully trust +the Committees and Divines sent hither, so do they hereby +commend the afore-named Commissioners, not only to the +like affection and trust of the Assembly there, but also to +the favour and protection of both Houses of Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And for the further satisfaction and encouragement of +their Brethren of England, the whole Assembly in their own +name, and in name of all the particular Churches in this +Kingdome, whom they represent; Do hereby declare, that +from their zeal to the glory of GOD, and propagation of +the Gospell, from their affection to the happinesse of their +native King, and of the Kingdome of England, and from +the sense of their own interest in the common dangers of +Religion, Peace, and Libertie, They are most willing +and ready to be united and associated with their Brethren +in a nearer League and solemne Covenant for the maintenance +of the truly reformed Protestant Religion, against Popery +and Prelacie, and against all Popish and Prelatical corruptions, +in doctrine, discipline, worship, or Church-government, +and for the settling and holding fast of unity +and uniformity betwixt the Kirks of this Iland, and +with the best reformed Churches beyond sea. Which +Union and Covenant, shall with Gods assistance be seconded +by their cooperating with their Brethren in the use of the +best and most effectall meanes that may serve for so good +ends; For the more speedy effectuating whereof, to the +comfort and inlargement of their distressed Brethren (whose +hope deferred might make their hearts to faint) the whole +Assembly with great unanimity of judgement, and expressions +of much affection have approved (for their part) such +a draught and forme of a mutuall Leagu and Covenant betwixt +the Kingdomes, as was the result of the joint debates +and consultations of the Commissioners from both +Houses, assisted by the two reverend Divines, and of +the Committees deputed from the Convention of the Estates +of this Kingdome, and from the Genrall Assembly: +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page198">[pg 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Expecting and wishing the like approbation thereof by the +right honourable the Lords and Commons in Parliament, +and by the reverend Assembly there, That thereafter it may +be solemnely sworne and subscribed in both Kingdomes, as +the surest and straitest obligation to make both stand and fall +together in that cause of Religion and Libertie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As the Estates of this Kingdome have often professed in +their former Declarations, the integritie of their Intentions +against the common enemies of Religion and Libertie in +both Kingdomes, and their great affection to their Brethren +of England, by reason of so many and so near relations: +So doubtlesse now in this time of need they will +not fail to give reall proof of what before they professed. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversitie.</span></span> +Neither shall the Assembly, or their Commissioners be wanting +in exhorting all others to their duty, or in concurring so +far as belongeth to their place and vocation, with the Estates +now conveened, in any lawful and possible course which +may most conduce to the good of Religion and Reformation, +the honour and happinesse of the Kings Majestie, the +deliverance of their Brethren of England from their present +calamitous condition, and to the perpetuating of a firme and +happy peace betwixt the Kingdomes. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc264" id="toc264"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the right reverend +the Assembly of Divines in the Church +of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right reverend and dearly beloved,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As the sufferings of Christ abound in you, So our heartie +desire to God is, that your consolations may much more +abound by Christ. The perusing of your Letter, produced +in every one of us such a mixture of affections, as were +at the laying of the foundation of the second Temple, +where there was heard both shouting for joy, and weeping +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg 199]</span><a name="Pg199" id="Pg199" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +aloud; We rejoyced that Christ our Lord had at last in +that Land created a new thing, in calling together, not as +before of a Prelaticall Convocation to be task-masters over +the people of the Lord, but an Assembly of godly Divines, +minding the things of the Lord, whose hearts are set to +purge the defiled House of GOD in that Land: yet this +our joy was not a little allayed by the consideration of the +sad and deplorable condition of that Kingdome, where the +high provocations of so many years, the hellish plots of so +many enemies in a nick of time, have brought in an inundation +of over-flowing calamities: We know you are patiently +bearing the indignation of the Lord, because you have sinned +against him, till he throughly plead your cause, and +disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon, who now laugh among +themselves, while you are fed with the bread of +tears, and get tears to drink in great measure, being on the +mountains like the doves of the valleyes, all of you mourning +every one for his iniquitie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is now more nor evident to all the Kirks of Christ, with +what implacable fury and hellish rage, the bloud-thirstie +Papists, as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Babylon</span></span> without, and the Prelaticall Faction, +the children of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edom</span></span> within, having adjoyned to themselves +many malignant adherents, of time-serving Atheists, +haters of holinesse, rejecters of the yoke of Christ, (to +whom the morning light of Reformation is as the shadow of +death) have begun to swallow up the inheritance of the +Lord, and are not easily satisfied in making deep and long +furrowes on your backs. We cannot say that the loudnesse of +your cry surpasseth the heavinesse of your stroake; but +though <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Lord hath delivered the men, every one into his neigbours +hand, and into the hand of his King, and they have smitten the Land, +yet the rod of the wicked shall not not rest upon the lot of the righteous</span></span>: +This cloud shall speedily passe away, and a fair sun-shine +shall appear. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As for us, though your extreeme calamitie did not threaten +the ruine of our Religion, Peace, and Liberties, as +it doth most evidently, we would hate our selves, if we did +not finde our hearts within us melting with compassion over +you: You are engraven on the tables of our hearts to live and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page200">[pg 200]</span><a name="Pg200" id="Pg200" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +die with you: we could desire that our heads were waters, +and our eyes a fountain of tears, that we might weep day +and night for the slain of the daughter of the Lords people; +So calamitous a condition of any of the Kirks of Christ, +could not but be very grievous unto us; How much more +shall not we stoup and fall down in the dust to embrace our +dearest Brethren of England, to whom we are tied in to +near and tender relations. When we were but creeping +out of the deep darknesse and bondage of Popery, and were +almost crushed with the fury of Foreigne Invaders, joined +with intestine enemies, pretending the name and warrand +of authority, as now your oppressours do; Then did the +Lord by your Fathers send us seasonable assistance against +that intended and begun bondage both of soul and body: +The repayment of which debt, the Divine Providence +seemeth now to require at our hands. And whereas of late +through our security we had fallen into a wofull relapse, and +were compassed about with dreadfull dangers on all hands, +while we aymed at the recovery of our former puritie and +libertie: Then we wanted not the huge supply of your fervent +Prayers, and other brotherly assistance of that Nation, +while those who are now your malignant enemies, would +have swallowed us up. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These strait bonds of your ancient and late love, do so +possesse our hearts, that when the motions of the Commissioners +of honourable House of Parliament, and your +Letters did challenge our advice and aid for defence of Religion, +and advancement of Reformation, our +desires for a more strict Union and Uniformitie in Religion +betwixt both the Nations, did break forth into a vehement +flame, in such sort, as when the draugt of a League and +Covenant betwixt both Kingdoms for defence of Religion, +&c. was read in open audience, it was so unanimously +and heartily embraced, with such a torrent of most affectionate +expressions, as none but eye or ear witnesses can conceive +whereof the two reverend Divines sent from you to us +being then present, no doubt will give you an account. Neither +was it so onely with us, but also the honourable Convention +of Estates here, with the like harmony of affectionate +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page201">[pg 201]</span><a name="Pg201" id="Pg201" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +expressions, did entertain the same; So that we hope to be +reall and constant in prosecuting the contents of this Covenant. +When we in our straits fled to the Lord, and entred +in Covenant with him, he owned us and our Cause, rebuked +and dissipated our enemies, and hitherto hath helped us, and +blessed our entreprises with successe from heaven, notwithstanding +our great weaknesse and unworthinesse. We trust in +the Lord, that as once it was prophesied of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Israel</span></span> & <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Judah</span></span>, So +shall Scotland & England shall become one stick in the hand +of the Lord, they shall ask the way to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sion</span></span>, with their faces +thitherward, saying, Come, let us joyne our selves to the Lord +in a perpetual Covenant, that shall not be forgotten; And so +shall it come to passe, that the Lords Jerusalem in this Island, +shall be a cup of trembling, and a burthensome stone to all +their enemies roundabout. Though now it be the time of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jacobs</span></span> trouble, the Lord will deliver him out of it. Reverend +and dear Brethren, we conceive your case, and of all the +Faithful in that Land to be no other then of a woman crying, +travelling in birth, and pained till she be delivered. The +great red Dragon, (under whose standard the sons of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Belial</span></span> +are fighting) is your Arch enemy, This cannot but be a +time of fear and sorrow; But when the male childe shall +be brought forth, the pain shall cease, and the sorrow shall +be forgotten. We are very confident in the Lord, that you +will be faithful to Jesus Christ, in the work committed to +you by him in all his ordinances, and taking neither foundation, +corner stone, nor any part of the rubbish of Babel to +build the City that is called, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Lord is there</span></span>: But measuring +all with the golden reed of the Sanctuary, you may more closely +be united to the best Reformed Kirks, in Doctrine, +Worship, and Government, that you may grow up in him in +all things which is the head, even Christ. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now Reverend and dear Brethren, though we know +that you abound in all gifts and graces, the Spirit of Jesus +Christ being plentifully powred out upon you, yet according +to your desire and the motion made by the Commissioners of +the Honourable Houses of Parliament, to testifie our hearty +sympathie with you in the work of the Lord, We +have nominate and elected some Godly and learned of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg 202]</span><a name="Pg202" id="Pg202" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +this Church to repair to your Assembly. We doubt +nothing of your hearty embracing them in the Lord, +and their diligent concurrance with you in advancing that +great work. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Not onely the common danger we are under, but the conscience +of our duty to his suffering people, layeth bonds on +us frequently to present you, and that blessed Work of Reformation, +in your hands, to the throne of Grace, that +the GOD of all Grace, who will call you into his eternal +glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered and +a while may make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle +you. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Edinburgh, August 19. 1643. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in name of the Assembly of the Church Scotland, +by the Clerk, of the Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc265" id="toc265"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the Reverend +their beloved Brethren, Ministers in the +Church of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend and beloved,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We acknowledge with thankfulnesse to GOD, that this +is one of the good blessings bestowed upon our Kirk of +late, and a pleasant fruit of our free Assemblies, That a +way is opened for keeping communion with our sister Kirks +abroad, and correspondence with you our dear Brethren, +in whose joy and sorrow we have so near interest, +and whose cause and condition we desire to lay to heart as +our own. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All your former Letters were most acceptable, and full of +refreshment unto us, being taken as the earnest of a more +full and constant fellowship, longed after and hoped for: +And this your last, although full of sadnesse and sorrow, +yet accounted of us all most worthy of our tenderst affection +and best respects, both for your cause who sent it, and for +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page203">[pg 203]</span><a name="Pg203" id="Pg203" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +these worthy witnesses which did attest it: Wherein as you +have given unto us no small evidence, not only of your +love, but also of trust and friendly respect, by choosing +to poure out your grieved souls in our bosome; so we shall +with, and Godwilling endeavour, that you may really +finde some measure of brotherly compassion in our receiving +thereof. For these your sad expressions of deep sorrow, +being as you have given us to conceive but a part of +your complaint, and a lamentation lesse then the causes +doth require, cannot but melt every heart, wherein there +is any the least warmnesse of the love of Christ and his Saints: +And what Childe of the Bridegrooms chamber, can hear the +voice of so many friends of the Bridegroom, lamenting for +the evils which have befallen Christs Bride in England, in +the very night before her expected espousals, and not sit +down and mourn with them except his heart be fallen asleep +and frozen within him? This pitiful condition of our +sister Church in England hes matter enough we confesse to +move, yea, to rend our bowels. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +If we should weigh this your heavie grief in the scales of +common reason, we behoved either to stand aloof from +your plague as men astonished, or sink down in heavinesse +and be swallowed up of sorrow: but when we ponder your +sad condition in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, we finde that +nothing hath as yet befallen unto you, save that which +hath been the exercise of the Saints in former times, +who have been made to sit down for a while in the shadow +of death before the day of their deliverance. We +finde nothing but that which may be a fit Preparation +for a comfortable out-gate from all your troubles. What +if it was necessary in the wise dispensation of Almighty +GOD, that a People in great estimation for wisedome +and power, such as England, should be thus farre humbled, +as you declare, to the end that your deliverance +maybe seen hereafter to be of the Lord, and not of your +selves? What if the Lord would not draw back his hand +from the Wine-presse wherein you now lye, till he should +draw forth from you these pitiful expressions of your low estate, +and so provide himself witnesses against the day to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page204">[pg 204]</span><a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +come, that he may have the greater and purer glory in your +salvation, and your gloriation may be in the Lord alone! +Dear Brethren, comfort your selves in the Lord; this +sowing in tears, doth promise a reaping in joy, and who +knoweth how soon he will give to you who are mourners +in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oyle of joy for mourning, +the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse; That you +may be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the +Lord, that he may be glorified. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Though weeping be in the evening of this begun Reformation +and purging of the Lords House among you, +yet in the morning when the discovered filthinesse and +sweepings of the Temple shall be orderly cast out, joy +shall come with thanksgiving and praise. Though a fire +be kindled in the Land, yet it is not to consume any of the +mettal, for the Lord is sitting down as a Refiner amongst +you, and especially to purifie the sons of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Levi</span></span>, that he may +have a more pure oblation of spiritual worship and service in +all his holy ordinances throughout all the Land, which is +no token of wrath, but of loving kindnesse towards you. +No wonder that Satan doth thus rage, as you relate, foreseeing +his casting out: No wonder he stirre up all the +children of disobedience, and kindle their natural malice +against the children of God with the inspiration of hellish +fury: No wonder the spirit of Antichrist be mad, when +the morsel half swallowed down, is like to be pulled +out of his throat, the fat morsel of the rich Revenues of +England: No wonder he be cruell against you the servants +of Christ, who are consuming him by the breath of the +Lords mouth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +You do well to expect no mercy, if Papists and Prelats +prevail over you, neither desire we to deceive our selves +with hopes to be free from what the power and malice can +do against us; for they will not do to us if they get the +upper-hand, as we have done, and must do, if God bring +them low again under us; as they were before; for we and +they are led by the contrary spirits of Christ, and Anti-Christ: +We have laboured, and must labour for their conversion, +but they (except in so far as God shall bridle them) +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page205">[pg 205]</span><a name="Pg205" id="Pg205" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +will not rest without our destruction; for their fury against +our persons is much more fierie then our zeal is fervent against +their abominations: Let them follow the spirit of +lying and murthering, we must take us to our refuge, and +joyne our selves with all that are sensible of +the danger of the reformed Religion in prayer and supplication. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is +our refuge.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Now for advice, what can we say to you who are upon +your watch tower, wherein is the spirit of wisedome and +counsel; who lye thus as humble Disciples under the Lords +foot, who did never forsake them that sought him. Go on +in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, against all opposition, +without fear of whatsoever dangers, to purge the +House of the Lord, to repair the breaches thereof, to set +up all his Ordinances in their full beautie and perfection, to +the uttermost of your power, according to the pattern of +the Word of GOD, and zeal of the best reformed Kirks; +And let these two Kingdomes be knit together as one man +in maintaining and promoving the truth of the Gospel, Let +us enter in a perpetual Covenant for our selves and our posterity, +to endevour that all things may be done in the House +of GOD according to his own will, and let the Lord +do with us what seemeth good in his eyes. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Only wait +upon the lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen +your heart.</span></span> Let your hands be ever at your Masters Work, +and hold your faces resolutely to his Cause. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Watch ye, +stand fast in the faith, quite your selves like men, be strong, +for ye shall see the salvation of the Lord,</span></span> and your labour shall +not be in vain. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the +Church of Scotland, by the Clerk of the Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg 206]</span><a name="Pg206" id="Pg206" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc266" id="toc266"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission of the Generall Assembly, for +these that repair to the Kingdome of +England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, +finding it necessary to send some Godly and learned +of this Kirk to the Kingdome of England, to the effect +under-written. Therefore gives full Power and Commission +to Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span>, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherfoord</span></span>, +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bailzie</span></span>, and Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, Ministers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Earl of Cassills, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Lord Maitland, and Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Johnstoun</span></span> of Waristoun Elders, +or any three of them, whereof two shall be Ministers, +to repair to the Kingdome of England, and there to +deliver the Declaration sent unto the Parliament of England +and the Letter sent unto the Assembly of Divines now sitting +in that Kingdome. And to propone, consult, treat and +conclude with that Assembly or any Commissioners deputed +by them, or any Committees or Commissioners deputed +by the Houses of Parliament, in all matters which may +further the Union of this Island in one forme of Kirk-government, +one confession of Faith, one Catechisme, and +one Directorie for the Worship of GOD, according to the +Instructions which they have received from the Assembly, +or shall receive from time to time hereafter from the Commissioners +of the Assembly deputed for that effect. With +power also to them to convey to his Majestie, the humble +Answer sent from this Assembly to his Majesties Letter, by +such occasion as they shall think convenient; And suchlike +to deliver the Assemblies Answer to the Letter sent from +some wel-affected Brethren of the Ministry there. And +generally authorizes them to do all things which may further +the so much desired Union, and nearest conjunction of +the two Churches of Scotland and England, conform to +their Instructions aforesaid. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page207">[pg 207]</span><a name="Pg207" id="Pg207" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc267" id="toc267"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons +designed to repair to the the Kingdome +of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having this day approven the nomination +made by the Commissioners of the late Assembly, of +persons to repair to the Synod of Divines in England: And +having of new elected and nominated all the same Persons, +except Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eleazar Borthwick</span></span>, who is now with GOD. +Therefore gives power to the Commissioners to be appointed +by this Assembly for the publick affairs of this Kirk, to +nominate and appoint any other whom they shall think +meet in his place. And suchlike the Assembly refers to +the said Commission, to consider whether it be convenient +to send now at this present time to the Kingdome of England, +all the Persons appointed to go thither, and to designe +the Persons whom they think meet to go at this present +occasion, to determine the time of their dispatch, and +to give unto them their Instructions. And further in case of +sicknesse or death of any of the Persons appointed for that +employment, or in the case of any other necessary impediment +of their undertaking the samine; Gives power to the +said Commission, to nominate others in their place if the +Commission shall finde it convenient. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc268" id="toc268"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for the Publick Affairs +of this Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, considering the laudable costome +of this Kirk, in appointing Commissions betwixt Assemblies +for the publick affairs of the Kirk, and the commendable +practice of the late Assembly at Saint Andrews, +in appointing their Commission for prosecuting the blessed +Work, for uniting the Kirks of this Island in Religion and +Kirk-government, by all lawfull and Ecclesiastick wayes, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page208">[pg 208]</span><a name="Pg208" id="Pg208" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +for continuance of our own peace at home, and of the common +peace bytwixt the two Nations, and for other good +ends, as at length is exprest in that Commission: And finding +that the painful endevours and proceedings of that Commission, +unanimously approven in this Assembly, though +they have much advanced that glorious Work of Unity in +Religion and Government; Yet has not brought the samine +to full perfection and a finall accomplishment: And the +Assembly being now much animate and encouraged to prosecute +that Work by the Parliament of England their Bills +past against Episcopacie, and sundry other corruptions, +and the good hopes of a solemne Covenant betwixt the Nations, +And conceiving that in their times of danger there may +be some occasions for conveening the Assembly, before +the time indicted for their next meeting. Therefore the +Assembly finding it necessary to appoint a new Commission, +By these presents, nominates and appoints Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvil</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Bennet</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Adamson</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Sharpe</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Sharpe</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Dalgleish</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Blackhall</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Fleeming</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Ker</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Macghie</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Oliver Colt</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Campbell</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adam Penman</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richard Dickson</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Stevinson</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Lauder</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Blair</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherfoord</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Morton</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Traill</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Frederick Carmichell</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mungo Law</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Gillespie</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Duncan</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hume</span></span>, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Knox</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Jameson</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Mura</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Guthrie</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamilton</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bernard Sanderson</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Leviston</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Boner</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Evan Cameron</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Dickson</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bailzie</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Cunninghame</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Youngh</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Auchinleck</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Lindsay</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Cant</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Oiswald</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Douglas</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murdoc Mackenzie</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Coline Mackenzie</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Monroe</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Stuart</span></span>, +Ministers: Marquesse of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, +Earle <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Marshell</span></span>, Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglintoun</span></span>, Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cassils</span></span>, +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumsermling</span></span>, Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lawderdail</span></span>, +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lindsay</span></span>, Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Queensberrie</span></span>, +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalhouse</span></span>, Lord +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page209">[pg 209]</span><a name="Pg209" id="Pg209" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, Vicount of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dudhope</span></span>, +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maitland</span></span>, Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Elcho</span></span> +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balmarinoch</span></span>, Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper</span></span>, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hepburne</span></span> of Wauchtoun, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Johnstoun</span></span> of Waristoun, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Hume</span></span> of Wedderborne, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Areskine</span></span> of Duns, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cockburne</span></span> of Langtoun, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ruthven</span></span> of Frieland, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Arnos</span></span> of Fernie, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Riddell</span></span> of that Ilk., +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lodonick Houstoun</span></span> of that Ilk, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Carmichael</span></span> Fiar of that Ilk, +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bonjedburgh</span></span>, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Libbertoun</span></span>, +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brodie</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Dennistoun</span></span>, +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Barclay, John Rutherfoord</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Glendinning, John Sempill, John Kennedie</span></span>, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Douglas</span></span>, To meet at Edinburgh the 21. day +of August next, and upon any other day thereafter, +and in any other place they shall think good. And +gives and grants unto them, or any fifteen of them, +there being twelve Ministers present, full power and +Commission, to consider and performe what they finde +necessary by Praying and Preaching, by supplicating +his Majestie and all the Judicatories of this Kingdome, +by Declarations and Remonstrances to the Parliament +of England, to the Synod of Divines in that Kingdome, +by Informations, Directions, Instructions to, +and continual correspondence with the Commissioners, +now designed by this Assembly to go to the Synod +of Divines in England, or by any other lawful Ecclesiastick +wayes, for furtherance of this great Work, +in the Union of this Island in Religion and Kirk-goverment, +and for continuance of our own Peace at +home, and of the common Peace betwixt the Nations, +and keeping of good correspondence betwixt the +Kirks of this Island. With power also to them to concurre +with the Lords of Councel, Commissioners of +Peace, or with the Honourable Estates assembled in +Convention or Parliament, or with their Committees +and Commissioners, in prosecuting this good Work at +home or abroad by all Ecclesiastick wayes. And suchlike +with power to them to prevent the dangers conteined +in the Remonstrance, presented unto the Convention +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page210">[pg 210]</span><a name="Pg210" id="Pg210" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of Estates by the Commissioners of the late Assembly in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span> last, and to prosecute the remedies of these dangers +conteined in another Remonstrance, presented by the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">aids</span></span> +Commissioners to the Convention the 6. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span> +last by admonitions, directions, censures, and all +other Ecclesiastick wayes. And further in case their +Brethren of England shall agree to the Covenant betwixt +the Kingdomes, the draught and frame whereof +is now so unanimously approven in this Assembly +Gives also unto the Persons foresaid, or the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span> +above-written, full Power and Authoritie to command +and enjoyn the samine to be subscribed and sworn by +all the members of this Kirk: And that in such order +and manner, and with such solemnities as they shall +think convenient for so great and glorious a Work; +And to send their directions to Sessions, Presbyteries +and Synods, for execution of their orders thereanent. +And with power to proceed against any Person whatsoever, +that shall refuse to subscribe and swear the said +Covenant, with all the censures of the Kirk, or to refer +the tryall and censures of such delinquents to Presbyteries +or Synods as they shall think convenient. And +such like gives unto the persons foresaids power and libertie, +to call a General Assembly <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>, in case +they shall finde the necessity of the Kirk, and this great +Work to require the same: With full power also to +them to give Answers in name of the Assembly, to +all Letters sent to the Assembly from the Kirks of Holland, +Zealand, or any other forraigne Reformed Kirks. +And further gives power to them to promove the other +desires, Overtures and recommendations of this, +or of any former Assemblies to the Kings Majestie, +Parliament or Convention of Estates, to the Lords of +Councel, Session, Exchequer, Commissioners of Parliaments, +for plantation of Kirks, for the common burdens, +and for conserving the Peace. And suchlike +gives as full power and Commission to them to treat and +decerne in any other matters referred, or to be referred +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page211">[pg 211]</span><a name="Pg211" id="Pg211" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein +particalarly insert. And generally gives unto the Persons +foresaids, or the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span> abovementioned full power +and Authoritie, to do and performe all things which +may advance, accomplish, and perfect the great Work +of Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government +in all his Majesties Dominions, and which may be +necessary for good order in all the publick affairs of this +Kirk, untill the next Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ne quid detrimenti capiat +Ecclesia</span></span>. With als ample power in all matters particularly +or generally above-mentioned, as any other +Commission of General Assemblies, has had or been in +use of before; They being alwayes countable to, and +censurable by the next General Assembly, for their proceedings +thereintill. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The General Assembly appoints the meeting of +the next General Assembly, to be at Edinburgh +the last Wednesday of May, in the year 1644.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page212">[pg 212]</span><a name="Pg212" id="Pg212" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc269" id="toc269"></a> +<a name="pdf270" id="pdf270"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1644.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc271" id="toc271"></a> +<a name="pdf272" id="pdf272"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc273" id="toc273"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the +Army in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right reverend</span></span>, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Having the opportunity of the sitting of this Venerable +Assembly, we thought our selves obliged +to render some accompt of the state of our Affairs. +It hath pleased the Lord to exercise us +since our out-coming, with many straits and difficulties, +yet in the mids thereof he hath wonderfully upheld and +carried us through. The depth of his wisedome hath suspended +us for a time from any great action, to make us walk +humbly before him, and to keep us in a continual dependance +upon himself: And yet he hath by his own power +scattered before us the great Popish Army, and much diminished +the number thereof, so that they do not now appeare +against us in the Fields; That all may learne to trust in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page213">[pg 213]</span><a name="Pg213" id="Pg213" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +GOD, and not in Man. It was farre from our thoughts +and intentions to have come this length at that instant when +the course of Divine Providence pointed out our way unto +us, which led us on by some long and speedie marches +to joyne with my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fairfax</span></span> and his Sonne their Forces. +The City of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">York</span></span>, wherein a swarme of obstinate +Papists have taken sanctuary, is blocked up; Now and +then God favoureth us with successe in some enterprises about +it, and wee look for more if the time be come which +he hath appointed for the deliverance of this People. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our Soules do abhorre the treacherous attempts of our +disnatured Countrey-men, that have endeavoured to +make their native Kingdome a seat of Warre, and our +bowels within us are moved to think upon the maine mischiefs, +if not timeously prevented, that may follow upon +the unatural Warres there; Like unto these under which +this Kingdome hath groaned for a long time. We have +found none more malicous and cruel against us than these +of our own Nation, and we measure those at home, by +these here; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce, and their anger +for it is cruell.</span></span> The present danger calls upon all to lay +out of their hands what ever may hinder their haste, as one +Man to come together for saving the Vine-yeard that the +wilde Boares would lay waste, and taking the Foxes that +would destroy the Vines. You are, Right Reverend, +now set upon the highest Watch-tower, from whence +you may discover the dangers that threaten on all coasts, +and we need not put you in minde to give warning to the +Watch-men in their severall stations; To rouze up the +People from their too great security; To call them to +unfeigned Humiliation, and to stirre them up to wrestle +with GOD by prayer; that hee would preserve Truth +and Peace at home against the machinations of Malignants; +That hee would prepare the People here, and make them +more fit to embrace the intended Reformation; And +that hee would command these unnaturall and bloudy +Warres to cease, that Religion and Righteousnesse may +flourish through the three Dominions, Praying GOD to send +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page214">[pg 214]</span><a name="Pg214" id="Pg214" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +upon you the Spirit of truth, who may lead you in all truth. +We remaine +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Middle-thorp, 20. May, 1644.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your loving Brethren, The Presbyterie of the +Scottish Army in</span></span> England, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span>, Moderator in their name. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc274" id="toc274"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Petition from the distressed Christians in +the North of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Ireland.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator +and remanent Members of the Generall Assembly +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, conveened at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +in May 1644. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The humble Petition of the distressed Christians +in the North of</span></span> Ireland. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Humbly sheweth,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That whereas your former enlarged bounty, and our +present overflowing straits would require a gratefull +acknowledgement of the one, and a serious representation +of the other: Our case is such, as neither can be expected +at our hands, being stricken with astonishment, and full +of the furie of the Lord. We are these indeed who have +seen affliction by the rod of his wrath: So that it were more +fit, we had a Cottage in the Wildernesse amongst the Owles +to mourn out our imbittered Spirits, then that by word or +writ we should compeere before any of his People: Although +you cannot be wearied in wel-doing, yet we shall up +way think it strange, if now you shall give over any more +care of us; Seeing the Lord hath testified against us, and +the Almighty hath afflicted us. Your judgement is with the +Lord, and your reward is with God, not onely for your +two years visiting and watering a barren vineyard, but also +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page215">[pg 215]</span><a name="Pg215" id="Pg215" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +for your zeale and care to have your Reformation spred amongst +other opprest and borne-down Churches, whereof +you have given an ample and famous testimony in sending +hither that blessed League and Covenant which wee much +desired and longed for, as by our Petitions to the Church +& State of our Native Kingdome is knowne unto you; which +hath had a wished and gracious successe by the favour and +blessing of God, accompanying the pains of these to whom +the tendering thereof was intrusted by you. And we conceiving +a chief part of our miserie to consist in our want of +opportunitie to joyne our selves with the People of God in +the foresaid Leagues; Esteeming our selves rejected of God +and unfit to be joyned in any comfortable fellowship in the +Gospel with them, when the said League and Covenant +was presented to the Regiments; Wee made bold to lay +hold upon the opportunity (though aflicted abjects) and +cheerfully and unanimously joyned our selves thereunto: +That if wee peerish in our misery, wee may die a Covenanted +People: and, if our miserable life be prolonged, we +may finde shelter and refreshment under the shadow thereof +in our fierie trials, confidently expecting from the Lord by +our neerer conjunction with you than before, an accomplishment +of what is agreed into the Covenant, which ye bountifully +expressed before we were one with you, to your +never-dying-commendation. We are nothing shaken in our +minds with the odious aspersions of sedition, combination +against the King: and overthrow of Muncipal Laws, &c. +(wherewith our Covenant is branded) nor with the threats +of these who should be comfortable to us in our troubles: +But are the more encouraged to beleeve that God shall raise +up the Tabernacle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David</span></span> that is fallen, and repair the +breaches thereof: For since we Covenanted with God, and +united our selves together, our dying Spirits have revived, +and we sing like those who have come forth from their Graves, +for God hath had mercy on <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jacob</span></span>: In testimony whereof +he hath opened the bowels of the Churches of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Holland</span></span>, +who were strangers to us, and yet dear Brethren, and tender +Sympathizers with our afflictions and sorrows, who, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg 216]</span><a name="Pg216" id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +when these who were left of the Sword were in danger to +dye by famine, did plentifully relieve us in our straits, not +onely by comfortable encouragements to walk humbly with +God, and wait for him who hides his face from the house of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jacob</span></span> for a season; but also by their rich supply in Victuals +and others necessar for our relief and comfort, which we +humbly desire our Lord to repay seven-fold in their bosome, +and become your Supplicants to joyne with us in a +grateful acknowledgement of their singular favours: And +upon the heels of these favours you have continued your unparalled +compassions in keeping your forces and enabling +them, together with the other Forces, for avenging the cruel +murders, and effusion of Christian blood in this Land, notwithstanding +of your owne multiplied difficulties. The Lord +hath begun to delight into us, and in a day of salvation hath +helped us (So happy are the people who are in Covenant +with God.) We are these (indeed) who may justly be burnt +up for our unfruitfulnesse in the dayes of our plenty, & stubbornesse +in the dayes of our affliction, which has brought us +so low, that where we once enjoyed a blessed plenty, we +must now beg of the crumbs that fall from your Table: +We cannot dissemble, but so farre as we can discern our +owne hearts, we would preferre the joyful sound of the +Gospel to our much wished Peace and precious lives: But +it may be discerned, your Consultations of before have been +guided by the Spirit of the Lord; in that when wee twice +in our forward hasting desires begged the present loosing and +planting of some Ministers amongst us, you judged it more +convenient to supply us by turnes, as foreseeing that our +Captivity was likely to endure: Our hopes are so far revived, +that we trust to see the day when he shall take the Cup of +trembling out of our hands, and put it in the hands of them +that afflicted us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And therefore, if you account us fellow-partners of the +Purchased Inheritance, Yet again suffer our necessitie to +plead with you, that as it hath been by the Committee of +Bils already advised, that a competent number of Ministers +may be gifted to us by your Commission when they shall +set the Calling cleared, the same may be granted as a testimony +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page217">[pg 217]</span><a name="Pg217" id="Pg217" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of your confidence, and expectation of our delivery; +And in the meane time some others may be sent by turnes +to keep in the dying lives of above twenty foure desolate +Congregations, who are in danger to perish for want of +Vision: And although we do proteste, we count not our +selves worthy of such favours, yet as we have resolved to +dye with the cry of hope in our mouthes to the Lords +Throne; So in obedience of the use of the means by him appointed, +we stretch out our hearts and our hands to you for +help, and have sent our Brother <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Mackenna</span></span> Merchant +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Belfast</span></span>, to attend what answer it shall please the Lord by +you to returne unto +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your distressed Brethern and +Supplicants.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed by very many hands.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc275" id="toc275"></a> +<a name="pdf276" id="pdf276"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">3. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Junii 1644. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 5.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc277" id="toc277"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for the present Entrie of the new erected +Presbyterie at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Biggar.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The which day anent the Supplication subscribed and +given in to the General Assembly to the Ministers and +ruling Elders of the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar, Skirling, Brochton, +Glenquhome, Kelbocho, Culter, Lamyngtoun, Symontoun, Covingtoun +Quothquen, Welstonn</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dolphingtoun</span></span> making mention, +That the General Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> in August 1643. +years, by their Act of the date of the twelfth day of the samine +moneth and year, did upon good grounds, and after tryal and +hearing of all Parties to the full, erect a Presbyterie seat at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>, to consist of the Kirks above-written, And granted +to their Presbyterie full power of jurisdiction and exerceing +Discipline, with all other Liberties and Priviledges belonging +to any other Presbyterie; but suspended the +entrie and possession of this new erected Presbyterie, +during the pleasure of the Assembly; And therefore desiring +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page218">[pg 218]</span><a name="Pg218" id="Pg218" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the said Generall Assembly to ordaine and appoint the entrie +and possession of the foresaid Presbyterie at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span> now +presently; And to declare, that it is their pleasure, that the +entrie and possession thereof shall be no longer suspended, +as the Supplication proports. Which Supplication being +read in audience of the Generall Assembly, and thereafter +the Commissioners from the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanerk</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span>, and all others having entresse to oppose the desire +foresaid being publickly called, and the saids Commissioners +for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanerk</span></span> personally present, +being at length heard in what they could say or alledge therein: And the +said the Supplication and desire thereof, with the Alledgeances +and Objections made against the samine, being +taken to consideration by the Assembly, and they therewith +being fully and ripely advised: The Assembly after removing +of the Parties, and after consideration of the premisses +and voycing of the foresaid desire, Ordaines the entrie and +possession of the foresaid Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>, consisting of +the particular Kirks above-mentioned, to begin now presently; +And appoints and ordaines all the Ministers and +Ruling Elders of the foresaids Kirks above specified, whereof +the said Presbyterie consists, to meet and conveene as +a Presbyterie, with all convenience, at the said Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>, which is the Place and Seat of the samine Presbyterie. +And the Assembly refers to the Commissioners to +be appointed by them for the publick affairs of the Kirk, to +determinn to what Synod the said new erected Presbyterie +shall be subordinate; As also to prescribe the order +and solemnities that shall be necessar for entring and possessing +the Ministers and Elders in the said Presbyterie. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc278" id="toc278"></a> +<a name="pdf279" id="pdf279"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Junii</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> 3. 1644 Sess.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc280" id="toc280"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish +Lords at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Oxford.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having received a Copy of a +Declaration, made and subscribed at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Oxford</span></span>, sent unto +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page219">[pg 219]</span><a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +them from the honourable Convention of Estates, and having +seriously considered the tenour thereof, doth finde the same +to be a perfidious Band and unnaturall confederacy, to +bring this Kirk and Kingdome to confusion; and to be full +of blasphemies against the late solemne League and Covenant +of the three Kingdomes, of vile aspersions of Treason, +Rebellion and Sedition, most falsly and impudently imputed +to the Estates and the most faithfull and loyall Subjects of +these Kingdomes, And seeing it is incumbent to the Assembly +to take notice thereof, and to stop the course of +these malicious intentions, in so farre as concernes them, +Declare that the subscribers of this or the like Declaration +or Band, or any that have been accessory to the framing, +or that has been, or shall be accessory to the execution thereof, +deserve the highest censure of the Kirk: And therefore +gives power to the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed +for the publick affairs, to proceed against them to +the sentence of Excommunication, unlesse they make humble +confession of their offence publickly, in such manner, +and in such places as the Commission shall prescribe; Or +otherwise to refer the tryall and censure of such Delinquents +to Presbytereries or Synods as they shall think convenient. +And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, +discharges Presbyteries or Synods to relax any +from the sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, +or their Commissioners, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">nisi in extremis</span></span>. And +in respect of the atrocicite of this Fact, the Assembly in all +humility, do seriously recommend to the right honourable +the Estates of Parliament to take such course, as the persons +that shall be found guilty, may be exemplary punished, +according to the merit of so unnaturall and impious an offence: +And that some publick note of ignominie be put upon +the Declaration and Band it self, if their Honours shall +think it meet. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page220">[pg 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc281" id="toc281"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against the Rebells in the +North and South.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering the just sentence +pronounced against the principall Actors in that Rebellion +in the North and South, by ordinance of the Commissioners +of the late Assembly; And finding it most necessary, +that such as assisted or joyned with them in that impious and +unnaturall Fact, be likewise censured; Therefore ordains +Presbyteries and Synods <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>, to proceed against them +with the highest Censures of the Kirk, if they give not satisfaction +by publick repentance; And when the sentence +of Excommunication shall be pronounced, The Assembly +discharges the said Judicatories to relax any of them from +the sentence, without the advice of the Generall Assembly, +or their Commissioners, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">nisi in extremis</span></span>: To whom also the +saids Presbyteries and Synods, shall be answerable for their +diligence in the premisses as they shall be required. And +the Assembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable +Estates of Parliament, to take such course as the Persons +that shall be found guilty may be exemplarly punished according +to the merit and degree of their offence. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc282" id="toc282"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against secret disaffecters +of the Covenant</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly understanding that divers Persons +dis-affected to the Nationall Covenant of this Kirk, +and to the Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, +do escape their just censure, either by their private +and unconstant abode in any one Congregation, or by secret +conveyance of their malignant speeches and practises; Therefore +ordains all Ministers to take speciall notice when any +such Person shall come within their Paroches, and so soon +as they shall know the same, that without delay they cause +warn them to appear before the Presbyteries within which +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page221">[pg 221]</span><a name="Pg221" id="Pg221" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +their Paroches lyes, or before the Commissioners of this +Assembly appointed for publick affairs, as they shall finde +most convenient, which warning the Assembly declares +shall be a sufficient citation unto them: And als that all Ministers +and Elders declare to the saids Judicatories <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>, +every such disaffected person, although without their own +Paroch, so soon as they shall hear and be informed of them. +And the Assembly ordains the said Commissioners not only +to proceed to Tryal and Censure of such disaffected Persons, +but also take a special account of the diligence of Ministers, +Elders, and Presbyteries herein <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc283" id="toc283"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for sending Ministers to the Armie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly understanding that Ministers are not duly +sent forth to the Regiments of the Army, neither such as +are sent duly relieved, which neglect falleth out oftimes, by +reason of questions among Presbyteries interested in the Regiments: +Therefore for remedy hereof, thinks it convenient +that this order be keeped hereafter; That a List be +made of three Ministers by the Colonels, or in their absence +by the chief Officers of every Regiment, with advice +and consent of the Presbyterie at the Army, and sent to +Presbyteries here, or if the list be of Ministers in divers +Presbyteries to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, +that they may appoint one out of that list to be sent to the Regiment, +to attend them for performing Ministeriall duties +3 Moneths: And that the relief of Ministers already sent or +to be sent hereafter shall be in the same manner, And the +Assembly ordains Ministers who shall be thus appointed by +Presbyteries or the Commissioners of the Assembly <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>, +to repair to the Armie with all diligence, under the paine +of suspension: And humbly recommends to the Honourable +Estates of Parliament, to provide some way whereby these +Ministers may have due and ready payment of their allowance, +from the time of their going from their charges here. +And it is declared that this order shall be also keeped for sending +forth of Ministers to the Regiments in the second expedition. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page222">[pg 222]</span><a name="Pg222" id="Pg222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc284" id="toc284"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the +Publick affairs of the Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering that the Commissioners +appointed by the last Assembly upon the ninteenth +day of August 1643. years, the last Session thereof +to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for the Publick affairs of the Kirk, have +not yet fully perfected that great Work for Unity of Religion, +and Uniformitie of Kirk-government in his Majesties +Dominions; And that now in respect of the present condition +of affairs in this Kingdome, their proceedings cannot +be examined at this time: Therefore finding it necessar +that the said Commission be renewed unto the Commissioners +therein mentioned, and to the Persons afternamed +now thought, fit to be added for the better expediting of +the businesse, Do hereby appoint the Persons particularly +nominate in the said Commission, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> +Masters <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew +Ramsay, Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, William Colvill, +William Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oiswald, Mungo +Law, John Adamson, John Sharp, James Sharp, William +Dalgleish, David Calderwood, Andrew Blackball, James Fleeming, +Robert Ker, John Mackenzie, Oliver Cole, Hugh Campbell, Adam +Penman, Richard Dickson, Andrew Stevinson, John Lawder, +Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, Arthur Mortoun, Robert +Traill, Frederick Carmichael, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, +John Duncan, John Hume, Robert Knox, William Jameson, +Robert Murray, Henry Guthrie, James Hamilton,</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfreis, +Bernard Sanderson, John Levingstoun, James Bonar, Evan +Camron, David Dickson, Robort Bailzie, James Cuninghame, +George Youngh, Andrew Affleck, David Lindsay, Andrew Cant, +William Douglas, Murdo Mackenzie, Coline Mackenzie, John +Monroe, Walter Stuart</span></span> Ministers; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald</span></span> Marquesse of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle, William</span></span> Earle <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Marshall, John</span></span> +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland, Alexander</span></span> Earle of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglingtoun, John</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cassils, +Charles</span></span> Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermeling, +John</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lauderdale, John</span></span> Earle of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lindsay, James</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Queensberry, +William</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalhousie, Archbald</span></span> Lord +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus, James</span></span> Vicount of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dudhope, +John</span></span> Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maitland, David</span></span> Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Elcho, +John</span></span> Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bahnerinoch, James</span></span> Lord +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cowper</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hepburne</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg 223]</span><a name="Pg223" id="Pg223" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waughtoun</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Johnstoun</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Hume</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wedderburne</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Areskine</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dun</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cockburne</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Langtoun</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ruthven</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Frieland</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Arnot</span></span> of Fernie, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Riddall</span></span> of that Ilk, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ledovick Houstoun</span></span> of that Ilk, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Carmichael</span></span> Fiar of that Ilk, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Douglas</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bonjedburgh</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Winrame</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Libertoun</span></span>, +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brodie</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith, +James Dennistoun</span></span>, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Barclay, +John Rutherford, William Glendunning, John Sempill, John Kennedy</span></span> and Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Douglas</span></span> Elders: And also Masters, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Dalgleish, Andrew Bennet, John Moncreiff, Alexander Carse, +Thomas Wilkie, James Gushrie, Henry Levingstoun, David +Drummond at Creiff, John Hay at Renfrew, John Strang, Richard +Inglis, William Falconer, John Paterson, Gilbert Rosse, +Richard Maitiand, George Cumming, William Campbel</span></span> Ministers, +And <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glancairne, +William</span></span> Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthian, +James</span></span> Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gask, +John</span></span> Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Yester, +Robert Maitland, Frederick Lyon</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brigtoun, James Macdowell +of Garthland, David Beton of Creich</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Stuart</span></span> +Sheriff of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Buit</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Weemes</span></span> of Bogie, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Sandilands</span></span> +Tutor of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Torphichin, Archbald Sydserfe, Laurence Henderson, +James Stuart, Thomas Paterson</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Jaffrry</span></span> Elders +now added by this Assembly, to meet at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> upon the +fifth day of this instant moneth of June, and upon the last +Wednesday of August next, the last Wednesday of November +next, and upon the last Wednesday of February next; +and upon any other day, or in any other place they shall +think meet: Giving and granting unto them, or any fifteen +of them, there being twelve Minister present, full power +and commission to prosecute the said work of unitie in Religion, +and uniformitie of Kirk government in all his Majesties +Dominions, and to do and performe all things particularly +or generally contained in the said Commission of the +preceeding Assembly, or in an Act of the said Assembly upon +the said 19. day of August, intituled, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A Reference to the +Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdome of +England</span></span>, and to treat and determine therin, and in all other +matters referred unto them by this Assembly, siclike, +and as freely, as if all these were herein expressed, and as +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg 224]</span><a name="Pg224" id="Pg224" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the persons nominat in that said former Commission might +have done by vertue of the said Act and former Commission +at any time by-gone, and with as ample power as any +Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been +in use of before, they being alwayes comptable and censurable +for their whole proceedings hereintill by the next +General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc285" id="toc285"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission granted to the +Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdome +of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, finding that the great Work of +unity in Religion, and uniformity of Kirk-government +in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Do +therefore renew the Commission granted for that effect by +the preceeding Assembly, unto the Persons appointed to +repair to the Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> upon the 19. day of August +1643. in the last Session thereof, Giving and granting +to the Persons therin mentioned, the same power, to do all +and every thing particularly or generally contained in the +said Commission, in the same manner, and as fully, as +if the same were herein expressed, and as they might +have done at any time by gone by vertue of the former +Commission. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc286" id="toc286"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies answer to the Presbyterie +with the Armie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend and loving Brethren in the LORD,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We received yours of the 17 and 20 of May, and were +much refreshed with the knowledge you gave unto us +therein, of your sense of our condition here, and of the +Lords dealing with yourselves there in your straits and difficulties: +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page225">[pg 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +We rejoyce exceedingly to see you make such a +blessed use of the Lords delayes, for your further Humiliation +and Dependence upon him: That Sanctuary, your +Enemies, and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken, +shall not save them: You have found by experience in +your marches and maintenance, that events are not ordered +by the propositions of men, but by the Providence and purpose +of GOD. There is a time for every purpose under +Heaven, and the Cup of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Amorites</span></span> must be filled: Which +being now full of every abomination, yea of the blood of +the Saints, the cry whereof cannot but be heard in Heaven, +and answered on Earth, presageth no lesse to us, than that the +Lords time of his deliverance of his own, and destruction of +his Enemies draweth near. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We are not unsensible of your present estate, and by the +Lords grace shall be careful, both here and with our Congregations +at home, to make all take the same to heart. As +for our condition here remembred with such pious affection +by you, we doubt not but ye have heard what the Lord +hath done for us; these happy beginnings of the Lords +scattering our unnatural Enemies in the North, gives us confidence +of his assistance in the midst of difficulties against +these that assault us in the South: It is nothing with the +Lord to help whether with many, or with them that have no +power. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The security of this Nation indeed is great, it is our part +to blow the Trumpet to give warning to the People, and to +rouze them from that fearful condition which threatneth +so much desertion. And to this end we have injoyned a solemne +Fast, the causes whereof being more particularly considered +by our Commissioners here, will no question be sent +unto you, that if the Lord please, you may joyne with us +there in that Action. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have set down an order to be kept hereafter, for sending +Ministers unto the Armie, which the Clerk will send +herewith unto you. Now the Lord our GOD, in whose +Name his people go forth against his Enemies, help and assist +them, and cover their heads in the Day of Battel, and be +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page226">[pg 226]</span><a name="Pg226" id="Pg226" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +their Refuge; and blesse your travels and endeavours, for the +good of their souls and his own glory. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, 3. June 1644. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly by the +Moderator.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc287" id="toc287"></a> +<a name="pdf288" id="pdf288"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">4. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">June</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> 1644. Sess 7.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc289" id="toc289"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Letter from the Commissioners at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +London </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the General Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable, Reverend and beloved in the LORD,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It was the earnest desire of our hearts to have come unto +you at this time, and to have brought with us the desireable +fruits of our weighty imployments and labours, to our +common rejoycing in the mids of so many troubles both +here and there: but our Lord in his wisedome hath not +judged it fitting, that this should be the time of our joyful +harvest, and of bringing our sheaves, to be matter of sacrifice +to himself, and of shouting to us. Both Nations as yet +do but go forth weeping and bearing their precious seed; +yet are we confident through JESUS CHRIST, that +as it is a seed time, if the Labourers (although other men +before us have laboured and we are entred into their labours) +prove faithful unto the end, the harvest shall come in due +time, and in great plenty. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The common Directory for publick Worship in the Kirks +of the three Kingdomes is so begun (which we did make +known to the Commissioners of the General Assembly) that +we could not think upon any particular Directory for our +own Kirk, and yet is not so far perfected, that wee could +present any part thereof unto your view: for although wee +have exhibited unto the Grand Committee (which is composed +of some of the Members of both Houses, and of the +Assembly, with our selves) the materials of the publick +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page227">[pg 227]</span><a name="Pg227" id="Pg227" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +prayers of the Kirk, the method of Preaching, and the +order of administration of both Sacraments, and have the +Catechisme in hand; yet are they not throughly examined +by the Committee, nor at all by the Assembly or Parliament, +which we cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingnesse, +but to the multiplicity and weight of their affairs, +by which they are sore pressed, and above their power. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Directory for Ordination of Ministers (which upon +the extreme exigence of this Kirk was much pressed by the +Parliament) is agreed upon by the Committee and Assembly, +and some dayes past is presented to both Houses, but +hath not yet passed their Vote. The Assembly hath been +long in debate about the Officers and Government of the +Kirk (concerning which, we offered the two Papers +which wee drew up, according to the practice of our own, +and other Reformed Kirks, and so neere as we could conceive, +to the minde of the General Assembly, and did +send to the Commissioners of the General Assembly) and +hath passed many votes about the one and the other, but +hath turned their thoughts to such ripenesse and perfection, +that they could think upon the publishing of them, +or presenting them to your sight, nor is it in their power to +do so, without warrant of Parliament. Your wisedome +will consider that they are not a General Assembly, but +some select Persons, called by Authority to give their advice +in matters of Religion, that they walk in a way which +hath not been troden by this Nation before this time, that +many things seeme new unto them, and cannot obtain +their assent, till they see them clearly warranted by the Word +of GOD; That matters of the Government of the Kirk +have been much controverted here, and the prejudices against +Presbyteriall Government are many and great; That +the two extremes of Prelacie and Independencie, which +latter is the general claime of all Sects and Sectaries, have +prevailed most in this Kirk, and no other thing known by the +multitude but the one or the other; That such as look toward +the Government of the Reformed Kirks, finde a +mighty party within and without opposing them; And that +Reformation and Uniformitie must therefore be a work to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span><a name="Pg228" id="Pg228" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +full of difficulty, that the hand of the most high GOD, +which is now begun to be streched out in this Land, must +bring it to passe. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +There was also presented to the Assembly, a new Paraphrase +of the Psalmes in English Meeter, which was well +liked of, and commended by some of the Members of the +Assembly; But because we conceived that one Psalme Book +in all the three Kingdomes was a point of Uniformity much +to be desired, we took the boldnes (although we had no +such expresse and particular Commission) to oppose the +present allowing thereof, till the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> should be +acquainted with it; and therefore have we now sent an essay +thereof in some Psalmes. We have also sent another <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Specimen</span></span>, +in Print, done by some Ministers of the City. Your +wisedome has to consider, whether it be meet to examine +them by your Commissioners there, that their judgements +be sent up unto the Assembly here, both about the generall +of Uniformity in this point, and about the particular way +of effecting it, whether by either of these two, or by any other +Paraphrase, or by changing some expressions in the +Books now in use, which is aymed at by the first of these +two. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As we cannot but admire the good hand of GOD in the +great things done here already, particularly; That the Covenant +(the foundation of the whole Work) is taken, +Prelacie and the whole train thereof, extirpated; The +Service-Book in many places forsaken, plain and powerful +preaching set up; Many Colledges in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cambridge</span></span> provided +with such Ministers, as are most zealous of the best Reformation; +Altars removed; The Communion in some places +given at the Table with sitting; The great Organs at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pauls</span></span> and of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peters</span></span> +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span> taken down; Images and +many other Monuments of idolatry defaced and abolished; +The Chappel-royal at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Whitchal</span></span> purged and reformed; and +all by authority in a quiet manner at noon day, without tumult: +So have we from so notable experience, joyned +with the promises of the Word sufficient ground of confidence +that GOD will perfect this Work against all opposition, +and of encouragement for us all to be faithfull in the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg 229]</span><a name="Pg229" id="Pg229" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Work of God, which is carried on by his mighty Hand, +that no man can oppose it, but he must be seen fighting against +GOD, It is unto us no small matter of comfort, +that we have heard of no Minister of the Gospel (except +such as the Kirk hath rejected) joining with the Malignants +there, in their ungodly and unnaturall afflicting of that +Kingdome, while they are endeavouring the relief of the +afflicted in this Kingdome; and we pray and hope, that +they may carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond +of peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling, and +of the great Work, which the Lord is working by his own +weak servants in Kirk and Policy. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Be pleased to receive a Letter from the Assembly, unto +which you will return such an answer as shall seem good unto +your wisedome, and withall (which is our humble desire) +some word of your thankfull acknowledgement of the respect +and favours done by them unto us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have at all occasions since our coming hither, acquainted +the Commission with our proceedings, and by the +help of God, shall be industrious in obeying your directions +and theirs, during our abode here, which through the +power and blessing of God, bringing the affairs of his own +Church to a peaceable and blessed successe, wee wish may +be for a short time, and unto which your fervent prayers +through Christ maybe very effectuall, which therefore +is the humble and earnest desire of +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Worcester</span></span> house,<br /> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> May 20. +1644. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your affectionate fellow-labouring and +fellow feeling Brethren in the Work +of the Lord.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +JO. MAITLAND. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex Henderson. Sam. Rutherfurd. +Robert Baillie. George Gillespie.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page230">[pg 230]</span><a name="Pg230" id="Pg230" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc290" id="toc290"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Letter from the Synod of Divines +in the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the +Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved Brethren +in</span></span> Jesus Christ, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The blessing and comfort of that inviolable Union +which our gracious GOD hath vouchsafed to both +Churches and Nations, gave us opportunity the last +year, to breath out some of our sighs into your compassionate +bosomes; And such have been the soundings of your +bowels, as have offered violence to Heaven by your effectuall +fervent prayers, and brought many sweet refreshing +to our languishing spirits by your pious and comfortable +Letters, in answer to ours. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This makes us studious of all means of acknowledging +your tender Sympathie, and of laying held on all opportunities +of repaying again to the same streams of consolation: +for which end, as we canno but confesse, that in the midst +of those boysterous waves wherein we have been daily tossed, +wee have met with many gracious and unexpected encouragements, +so we must needs renew our former mournings, +and rend our hearts afresh unto you, with greatest +instance for all the assistance that your Prayers, Tears, +Learning, Piety, and Largenesse of heart can possibly +contribute to your poor afflicted and still-conflicting Brethren: +And this we the rather beg of you, who, having +bin first in the furnace of affliction, and are come out of +great tribulation, are meetest to commiserate, and best +able to comfort others in any trouble, by the comforts +wherewith you your selves have been comforted of +GOD. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It was in our desires to have presented to your Venerable +Assembly, some of our dearest respects in writing, by that +eminently learned and much honored Commissioner of +yours, the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span>: But his departure hence was +so sudden to us, and unexpected by us that we could not +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg 231]</span><a name="Pg231" id="Pg231" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +have time (as his Lordship can inform you) to tender by +him such a testimony of our Brotherly & intimate affections, +as may in some measure suite with your manifold and most +affectionate expressions toward us, when our sighings +were many, and our hearts faint: For such hath been +your love, that no waters can quench it, and such the undertakings +of the whole Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> through +your furtherance, that we already begin to reap the fruits +of all that Piety, Prudence, and Valour, which at this day +render your Nation worthily renowned in the Christian +World; and us, exceedingly straitned and restlesse in our +selves, untill God please to open a way for our endeavours, +to make some more answerable returns. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, +ere now, some proceedings of our Assembly legible in +yours, But such are the continued distractions which lye upon +our spirits, by means of the sad and bleeding condition of +this Kingdome, as have cast us much behinde our own expectations, +and hindred that expedition which the necessities +of this Nation, and the desires of our Brethren abroad, +do earnestly call for at our hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Sometimes through GODS goodnesse wee have a prosperious +Gale, Sometimes againe, we saile like <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Paul</span></span> and his +company, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">very slowly many dayes</span></span>. And even then, when +wee draw near <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the fair Havens</span></span>, some contrary Windes put us +out into the Deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto +been untrodden by any Assembly in this Church: We +therefore are inforced to spend more time in our inquiries, +and in seeking of GOD a right way for us, that at length we +may put into that high way, the way of holinesse, wherein +Wayfaring men, though fools, shall not erre: And we +will wait upon our GOD (before whom we have been this +Day humbling of our souls) untill he lead us into all these +Truths which we seek after; and we shall labour to be yet +more vile in our own eyes, as finding by experience that it +is not in man to direct his way. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Those Winds which for a while do trouble the Aire, do +withall purge and refine it: And our trust is that through +the most wise Providence and blessing of GOD, the Truth +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg 232]</span><a name="Pg232" id="Pg232" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +by our so long continued agitations, will be better cleared +among us, and so our service will prove more acceptable to +all the Churches of Christ, but more especially to you, while +we have an intentive eye to our peculiar Protestation, and +to that publick Sacred Covenant entred into by both the +Kingdomes, for Uniformity in all his Majesties Dominions. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Which Work we carry on (against what ever difficulties +are cast in our way) with more ease and comfort, by the +great sedulity and seasonable assistance wee daily receive +from your Noble and Reverend Commissioners sitting +among us: Their Prudence will (we doubt not) sufficiently +furnish you with more particular information touching +our affairs; And here, we cannot but acknowledge +that the assidious presence of these our learned and highly-esteemed +Brethren among us, and their free and faithfull +contributing of their counsels to us, doe oblige us much to +a double duty; the one of Thanks, which we now heartily +render to you, for sending to us such excellent Helpers; +the other of Request, which wee earnestly make +for their continuance with us, untill the Work bee brought +up to the finishing Cubite. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Now, the Great Master-Builder (without whose Almighty +concurrence, the Builders labour but in vain) accomplish +and perfect all his own glorious Work in your +hands, and in ours, also, to his own Glory, the peace and +edification of all the Churches, and the comfort of our selves +over all our travels and sufferings. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>, May 17. 1644. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your most affectionate Brethren and servants in the Lord, by the +direction, and in the Name of this whole Assembly,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +William Twiffe, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Prolocutor</span></span>.<br /> +Cornelius Burges, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Assessor</span></span>.<br /> +Henry Robrough, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scriba</span></span>.<br /> +Adoniram Byfield, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scriba</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page233">[pg 233]</span><a name="Pg233" id="Pg233" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc291" id="toc291"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Generall Assemblies Answer to the right +Reverend the Assembly of Divines +in the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable, right Reverend, and most dearly +beloved in our Lord,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We do thankfully acknowledge your respectfull remembrance +of us by your Letters at all occasions; and not +a little rejoyce to see that happie correspondence and Christian +communion so sweetly entertained amongst us, which +is so acceptable in the sight of the Lord, so pleasant and +profitable, especially when kept and entertained betwixt +Kirks and Kingdomes about affairs of highest and most publick +concernment and interest: We have nothing more in +our desires than to entertain that harmonious correspondence, +that Christian sympathie and compassion, that +sounding and resounding of bowels, which well beseemeth +Kirks and Nations, United by a solemn League & sacred Covenant, +for mutuall endeavours, by all lawfull means to a +further unitie in that Faith once delivered to the Saints, +and greater Uniformitie in Divine Worship, Discipline, +and Government, according to the Paterne. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The case and condition of your bleeding Kingdome +is no lesse sensible to us, than if our selves were in affliction +with you; but we trust all is working to your best, +and to our Lords glory: That some of you hes fallen, it +is to try you, purge you, and make you white: If +the Lord by those means be with that Reformation of +his Ordinances, bringing also alongst that other Reformation +of hearts and lives should it not be welcomed +with all joy, although it bee upon the expence of blood +and lives? The Lord will turn the bygone rage of Man to +his glory and your spiritual good the remnant of rage will +hee restraine. The Lord delivereth his owne by degrees, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">he is with them in trouble, and delivereth them, and honoureth +them</span></span>; He who hath been sensibly with you hitherto, +and upholden you in your trouble, will we trust, yet deliver +you, and honour you: The more ye sow in tears, the +greater shall be your harvest of peace and joy, when the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg 234]</span><a name="Pg234" id="Pg234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Lord according to the dayes wherein he hath afflicted you, +and the years wherein yee have seen evill, shall make you +glad, and his Work to appeare unto you, and his glory +unto your children, and the beautie of the Lord your God +to be upon you, and shall establish the work of your hands; +yea, even establish the work of your hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We should prove both unthankfull to God, and unfaithfull +to men, did wee not hold out unto you the Lords gracious +and powerfull dealing with us in the like condition, +and comfort you with the consolations wherewith wee our +selves have been comforted: We were involved in the like +difficulties; we had the strong opposition of highest Authoritie +set over two powerfull Kingdoms, beside this of ours; +and the unhappy providence of our wickedly wise and wary +Prelates, had done what in them lay, to make the Ministery +of this Land sworn Enemies to the intended Reformation: +So that we walked in a very wildernesse, in a labyrinth, +and as upon deep waters, wherein not onely did our +feet lose footing, but also our eyes all discovering or discerning +of any ground; yea; wee were ready to lose our +selves: Yet the Lord hath graciously rid us, and recovered +us out of all these difficulties, and set our feet upon a rock, +and ordered our goings. The experience wee have had in +our own persons, affoordeth us confidence and hope concerning +your affaires; and wee trust this hope shall not be +disappointed; it is our duety to hope upon experience, and +it is the Lords word and promise, that such an hope shall +not be ashamed. It cannot choose but beget confidence +in you, when ye shall consider, that ye have seen before your +eyes your neighboring Ship of this Kirk and Kingdome, +having (as it were) loosed from your side, in the like or +self-same storme, notwithstanding all tossing of windes and +waves, yet (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the +Lord of hosts</span></span>) to have arrived safe and sound to the Port and +Harberie; yea, and to have dared to put out again unto the +storm, to contribute her weak endeavours for your help. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We acknowledge your impediments to be great and many, +the sufferings of your Brethren, the People of GOD, +cannot choose but both damp your spirits, and divide your +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg 235]</span><a name="Pg235" id="Pg235" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +thoughts: Your walking in an untroden and unknown way, +must put you (though never so willing to go on speedily, +yet) to take time and leisure to ask for the right way, and +ye want nor the opposition of some amongst your selves, to +whom notwithstanding we trust the Lord will reveale his +truth in his own time. Never the lesse (much honoured +and dear Brethren) go on couragiously against the stream of +all opposition; every Mountain in the way of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zerubbabel</span></span>, +the Lord shall make plain; and as many of you as are perfect, +be thus minded, that forgetting the things that are +behinde, and looking to the things that are before, you +presse hard towards the mark, as having before you, not +onely the prize of the high calling and recompence of reward, +but also at the end of this race, these two precious +Pearls and inestimable Jewels of Truth and Unity, and all +the Reformed Churches beholding and looking on, not +onely as witnesses, but also being ready to congratulate +and embrace you. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We were greatly refreshed to hear by Letters from our +Commissioners there with you, and by a more particular +relation from the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span> now with us, of your +praise-worthy proceedings, and of the great good things the +Lord hath wrought among you and for you: Shall it seem a +small thing in our eyes, that the Covenant (the foundation +of the whole Work) is taken? That that Antichristian Prelacy +with all the traine thereof is extirpate? That the door +of a right entrie unto faithful Shepherds is opened; many +corruptions, as Altars, Images, and other Monuments +of Idolarry and Superstition removed, defaced and abolished; +the Service-book in many places forsaken, and plaine +and powerfull preaching set up; the great Organs at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pauls</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peters</span></span> taken down; That the Royal Chappell is purged +and reformed, Sacraments sincerely administrate, and according +to the paterne in the Mount, That your Colledges, +the Seminaries of your Kirk, are planted with able and sincere +Professors? That the good hand of GOD hath called +and kept together so many pious, grave, and learned Divines +for so long a time, and disposed their hearts to search +his Truth by their frequent Humiliations, continuall Prayers, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page236">[pg 236]</span><a name="Pg236" id="Pg236" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and learned and peaceable debates? Should not all and +each one of these stir up our souls to blesse the Lord, and +render both you and us confident, that he who hath begun +the good Work, will perfect it, and put the Copestone upon +it; That the beauty of a perfected Worke may shine to all +Nations, and we may say and shout, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grace, Grace, unto +it</span></span>; That the time may be when full liberty and leasure +shall be to all the Builders of the House of GOD, to +give themselves with both their hands to the building up +and edifying the People of GOD in these things that belong +to life and Godlinesse, to the making of them wise to +salvation, and throughly furnished to every good work, +and when the Lord shall delight to dwell more familiarly, +and to work more powerfully in, and by his throughly purified +Ordinances? That you afflicted and tossed with +tempests and not comforted, shall have your stones laid +with fair Colours, your foundation with Saphires, your +Children shall be taught of GOD, and shall have great +peace, and no Weapon framed against you shall prosper, and +every tongue that riseth against you in Judgement shall bee +condemned; That the Lord will awake as in the ancient +dayes, as in the generation of old; That the Redeemed of +the Lord shall come unto Zion with singing, and sorrow and +mourning shall flee away. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And as we are confident that the Lord who heareth Prayer, +and hath promised to guide his Servants in all truth, will +bring your labours to a comfortable Conclusion: So do +all the Reformed Kirks, and the Kirk of Scotland above +all others extreamly long for the taste of the fruits of their +pious labours and continual pains: And so much the more, +that we have suspended some material determinations amongst +our selves, upon expectation of Uniformity; And +that in the meane time so many scandalous Papers come to +our view, and to the hands of the People here, for libertie +of Conscience, toleration of Sects, and such Practices as +are contrary to the Doctrine, Goverment, and Peace of +all the Reformed Kirks. For stopping and suppressing +whereof, as wee doubt not, but your wisedome, and the +Authority of the honourable Houses of Parliament will use +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page237">[pg 237]</span><a name="Pg237" id="Pg237" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +some more effectual means; So do we hope that your Determinations +shall carry such evidence of Divine Truth, and +demonstration of the Spirit, that those unhappy Clouds of +darknesse shall be so scattered, that they shall be no more +gathered nor appear hereafter, to the dishonour of God, +the prejudice of his Truth, and the scandalizing of so many +Souls for which Christ hath dyed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We do with hearty thankfulnesse resent all the kindnesse +and respect you have shown to our Commissioners, and your +high esteeme of them in love for the Works sake; Although +their presence here would be very comfortable unto us, +very steedable to the publick, and necessar in respect of +their great and important particular charges and Stations; +yet do we willingly dispense with all, yea nothing shall be +too dear unto us, so that this Work be finished with joy, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jerusalem made the glory and praise of the whole Earth: Because +of the house of the Lord our God we will feel her good: For our Brethren +and Companions sake, we will now say, Peace be within her +Walls, prosperity within her Palaces.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 4 June 1644,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, by the Moderator of the Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc292" id="toc292"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners +at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> London.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend and Beloved Brethren,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It would have been the rejoycing of our hearts, and the +lightning of our countenances, to have seen your faces, +and injoyed your presence here with us, especially, should +yee have arrived unto us loaden with the spoils of Antichrist, +the Trophees of the Kirk of Christ, and the long +longed-for fruits of your painfull labours: But seeing +it hath pleased the Lord whose Interest in the businesse is +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg 238]</span><a name="Pg238" id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +main and principall otherwise to dispose, it doth become +us with all humility to submit to his good pleasure, with +faith & patience to attend his leasure, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for he that beleeveth maketh +not haste</span></span>, and with more frequency and fervencie in prayer +seek to him who will be sought for these things and having +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">begun the good work will perfect it</span></span>, and double the benefit +by bestowing it in a more seasonable time unto us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have not been a little refreshed with your Letters sent +unto us and the Commissioners of the preceeding Assembly, +and with these from the Reverend Synod of Divines, the +answer whereof you will be pleased to present unto them: +by all which and more particularly by a full Relation from +the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span> a faithfull witnesse and a fellow labourer +with you there, we see and acknowledge that by the Lords +blessing, the Progresse of the Work is already more, than +we can overtake in the course of our thankfulness; that +your labours are very great, your pains uncessant, your +thoughts of heart many, that ye endure the heat of the +day; but being confident of your patient continuance in +wel-doing, and that your labours shall not be in vaine in the +Lord, wee have renewed your Commission, and returned +the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span> unto you, according to your desire, +that ye may prosecute that great Work which the Lord hath +blessed so farre in your hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +When the Ordination and entry of Ministers shall be +conformable to the Ordinance of God, there is to be expected +a richer blessing shall be powred out from above, both +of furniture and assistance upon themselves, and of successe +upon their labours; for which end as our earnest desire is, +that the Directory for it may be established: so doe we exceedingly +long to see the common Directory for worship perfected, +which may prove an happy meane of that wished +for Uniformity in the Kirks of the three Kingdomes, shall +(we trust) direct by all Rocks of offence and occasions of +stumbling, and shall remove all these corruptions wherewith +the Lords sacrifice and service hath been defiled. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That point concerning a change of the Paraphrase of the +Psalmes in Meeter, we have referred to the Commissioners +here, whose power and Commission granted by the preceding +Assembly, we have renewed and continued. That +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +there be difficulties concerning Kirk-Government, +wee think it not strange for these reasons you lay our before +us; yet because the minds of men are still in suspense upon +the successe of the determination of that Reverend Assembly +on the one hand, and upon the successe of the Warre on the +other: which doth not a little faint their hearts and feeble +their hands, both you and we must be instant with God and +man for a finall determination of all these debates, and a +happy and speedy conclusion of this great affaire, so much +concerning his own glory and the good of his Kirk. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Now +the Lord lead you in all truth, and give you understanding in all +things.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Edinburgh 4. June 1644. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in name of the Generall +Assembly by the Moderator.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc293" id="toc293"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in +the</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Netherlands.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Fratres in Domino plurimum colendi. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quæ Anno superiore Ecclesiarum Zelandicarum nomine, missæ +sunt ad nos Literæ, ut eas communis totius Ecclesiæ vestræ +Religicæ voluntatis restes suisse interpretaremur, effecit benevolentia +vestra tot tantisque officiis nobis spectata: Quam sententiam +nobis confirmarunt ea quæ copiosè clarissimus Eques</span></span> D. Archibadus +Jonsto nus Varistonus <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in soro supremo Judex, à reliquis +tum Ordinum cum Ecclesiæ hujus Regni Delegate</span></span> Londine <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">nonita +pridem remissus, in hac ipsa Synodo Nationali de eximio vestro +erga nos syudio commemoravit: Præfertim quanta fid, quam solicita +diligentia nofsram, vel Domini potius nostri Jesu Christi causam, +quæ nunc</span></span> Londini <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">agitur & promoveriitis, & promovers +etiamnum fatagatis. Quo in negotio, ex iis, quorum ab eo resitata +audivimus nomina, de propensa reliquorum voluntate & cura, +ut conciliandæ Ecclesiarum Britannicarum unionis fæliciter +suscepta consilia, vestra ope & opera prosperum mature fortiantur +exitum, minime obscura fecimus indicia. Sunt hæc tam illuseria +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg 240]</span><a name="Pg240" id="Pg240" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +benevolentiæ vestræ testimonia, & in omnium bonorum oculis adeo +perspicua ut eorum memoriam nulla unquam delere potuerint oblivia. +Laboris autem & jam inpensi & porrò suscepti ad controversias +in Synodo</span></span> Londinensi <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">suborientes fœliciter expediendas & decidendas +nequando pœniteat ex eo quem per divinam jam benedictionem +fructum cepistis, optima quæque in posterum sperare consentaneum +est.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Huic tam honorifice beneficiorum vestrorum commemorationi à</span></span> +D. Varistonio <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">factæ supervenerunt ex partibus Hiberniæ aquilonaribus +Literæ multorum Chirographis subsignatæ; Qui singularis +gratiæ in illam Ecelesiam divinitus effusæ, ex quo tempore in societatem +fœderistrium unitorum sub Rege nostro Regnorum admissi sunt,</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">mentione facta, hujus inquiunt divinæ benedictionis amplissimum +nuper habuimus testimonium. Sanctorum in Belgio liberalitatem +eximiam; Qui nobis, ignotis licet & poregrinis, fratres se +nostri amantissimos, & malorum nostrorum sensu tenerrima +compunctos aperte demonstrârunt. Pauculos enim nos gladis +superstites, & fame propediem interituros, omnibus extremis +circumventos, in ipso articulo sublevarunt: Nec tantum oratione +ad consolationum composita nobis animos confirmârunt, hortantes +ut humiliter incedentes Deum liberatorem expectemus, +qui non nisi ad breve tempus aciem suam à domo</span></span> Jacob <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">abscondere +solet, sed subsidio insuper opulento cum annonæ tum aliarum +rerum ad nostram intantis angustis relaxationem & solatium +necessarium copiose nos refocillârunt. Tantum munificentiam +cum supplices a Deo contendimus, ut septuplam ipsis in +sinum rependat tum demisse vos etiam atque etiam rogamus ut +in tanti beneficii agnitione Ecclesiis Belgicis, nobi eum gratias +agatis. Hæc illi. In quo quidem officio si illis desimus, in nos +pariter & illos graviter peccemus.</span></span>”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Agnoscimus igitur illustrissimorum & potentissimorum</span></span> +Hollandiæ, Zelandiæ, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">aliorumque Ordinum</span></span> Belgicorum +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">tam eximiam beneficenciam: Quibus non conniventibus modo & +permittentibus (quod ipsum non vulgare beneficium habendum esset) sed +authoribus etiam modumque & rationem ræscribentibus, exemplo +qnoque præunitibus in subsidium fratrum nostrorum</span></span> Hiberne +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">collecta per Ecclesias facta ad ipsos mature deportata sit: +Agnoscimus piorum in iisdem Ecclesiis Belgicis tam expromptam: volantatem +& liberalitatem; tantum beneficium non in +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg 241]</span><a name="Pg241" id="Pg241" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +ipsos magis fratres nostres, quam in illorum persona in nosinet ipsos +esse collatum: Vosque (fratres Reverendi) obnixè rogatos volumus, +ut quemadmodum nos ad omnem grati animi significationem +prompti semper erimus, ita quâ potissimum ratione commodum +videbitur, illustrissimis & potentissimis Ordinibus nostre +nomine gratias agatis populo autem Christiano curæ vestræ commisso +tum publice universo, tum privatim singulis, ut occasio tulerit, +demonstretis quam honorifice de ipsis sentiamus, & quanti faciamus +tam eximiam benevolentiam & charitatem, quâ in Ecclesiarum</span></span> +Hibernicarum <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">consolatione viscera nostra refocillaverunt. Quæ +autem vestræ fuerint partes, fratres charissimi, quam pio studio +& labore, quam assidua diligentia tantæ charitatis semen in segetem +& maturam tandem messem provexeritis, cum nos libentes agnoscimus, +tum res ipsa loquitur, & fructus opimus abunde testatur. +Inprimis autem (quod caput est) tantæ gratiæ authorem +& largitorem nos una cum Ecclesiis</span></span> Hibernicis <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">laudamus & +celebramus: comprecantes ut in vos universos, in Ecclesias a Domino +vobis commissas, in illustrissimos</span></span> Belgii <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">vestri Ordines Spiritum +suum copiose effundat, ut quemadmodum in Rep. vestra adversus +hostem potentissimum defendenda, & inter tantas bellorum +moles indies amplificanda, in Evangelii luce & veritate incontaminatâ +contra inferorum portas in vestris Ecclesiis propugnandâ, +atque inde latius propagandâ, immensa Dei vobis excubantis potentia, +multiformis sapientia, & eximia beneficentia, per universum +terrarum orbem hactenus celebrata est; ita bonis omnibus +vos deinceps cumulare pergat idem fons omnis bonitatis, ut +frementibus religionis & libertatis vestræ hostibus, sapientiæ & +optimarum artium juxta ac armorum triumphorumque gloriâ inter +nobilissimas gentes Resp. vestra fœderata quotidie magis emineat, +Ecclesia sacrorum puritate, & cælestis veritatis splendore perspicua +refulgeat; eoque prosperè vobis cedant vestra prudentissima & +saluberrima consilia, quibus certissimum ad fælicitatem publicam +compendium vos capessure demonstratis, nec vobis tantum consulitis, +sed de vicinis etiam Ecclesiis soliciti, quâ operâ, quâ consilio +opibusque vestris eas sublevatis & confirmatis omnes, & quasi +de specula unversis prospicientes de periculis imminentibus commonefacitis, +& ad ruinam ab hostibus dolosè machinatam maturè +precavendam armatis.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page242">[pg 242]</span><a name="Pg242" id="Pg242" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ergo quod anno superiori, veluti signo dato, Reformatas omnes +Ecclesias, missis ex</span></span> Zelandia <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">literis commonuistis, ut cum +impostores</span></span>, Jesu <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">nomen impudenter ementiti, cæterique Antichristi +satellites, quo securius in populum erroribus Pontificiis fascinatum +grassari, & puriores Christi Ecclesias funditus extirpare queant, +arctissimâ conjuratione Sociati ad impia consilia patranda +sese accinxerunt, Ita Ecclesiæ quoque Reformatæ sine mora consilia +in medium alacriter conferant, & animos ac vires conjungant, +ut perniciem sibi omnibus intentatam in hostium capita retorqueant: +ni fecerint, tam pudendæ ignaviæ excusatione apud posteritatem +carituri: consilium non minus prudens & fidum, quam fælix & +salutare libenter & tum agnovimus & nunc ipso etiam eventu comprobamus.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Principio autem ad hoc consequendum necessarium videtur, ut +sine morâ convolemus omnes ad Deum nostrum clementissimum, +qui postquam Ecclesiarum Reformatarum mores minimè reformatos +multis annis longanimitate suâ pertulisset, ferulam primum, mox +etiam gladium vibratum interminata, tandem rubentem & madidum +suorumque sanguine calentem & spumantem per regiones +plurimas jam diu circumtulis; in nos denique reliquos nunc intentat, +nisi mature resipuerimus, & de domo ipsius amplius purgandâ, de +gratia Domini nostri</span></span> Jesu Christi<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic"> pluris facienda, de cultu Dei +ipsiusque institutis religiosius habendis, de Sabbatho ejus sanctificando, +a quo nimium oculos nostros avertimus, & de moribus ad +pietatis normam componendis magis serio quam hactenus a nobis +factum est, nobiscum statuentes cum populo Dei sub</span></span> Nehemia, +Josia, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">reliquisque piis Gubernatoribus, religioso fœdere percusso, +tanquam firmissimo vinculo Deo obstricti, nos internes arctius adversus +hostes univerimus, ut avertat Deus jam fumantem & capitibus +nostris imminentem iram, quam peccata nostra plurima & +maxima adversus nos prevocerunt & accenderunt.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Non tantum nobis deferimus, nondum eos renovato cum Deo +fœdere, & votis nuncupatis dignos edidimus fructus, ut nostrum +exemplum vobis proponere libeat: Quod tamen experti fumus, de +Dei erga nos gratia, quod gratitudo erga Deum, quod gloria ipsius +a nobis flagitat, celare non audemus. Quecunque nostra male merita +sunt in conspectu Dei & hominum; certe ex quo die nos de religìoso +fœdere cum Deo & inter nos ineundo cogitavimus, a portis +inferorum revocari, & res nostræ omnes in Deum nostrum necessario +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page243">[pg 243]</span><a name="Pg243" id="Pg243" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +conjectæ melius habere cæperunt, & fæliciore hactenus +successu processerunt. Quod si de fœderis huiusmodi religiosa societate +cocunda (quod rerum veltrarum & Religionis in</span></span> Britannia +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">nostra ex fœdere nuper inito perpurgandæ & stabilandæ commodo +fieri possit) vestræ prudentiæ visum fuerit cogitare, & ex consilio +eorum quorum interest statuere, ac eum aliis Reformatis Ecclesiis +agere (proea qua apud omnes valetis gratia) ut eandem +vobiscum ineant rationem, non dubium est, per Domini ac Dei +nostri benignissimi</span></span> Jesu Christi <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in Ecclesias suas gratiam, fore, +ut non modo, quod certissimum adversus impendentia mala persugium +anno superiore missis ex</span></span> Zelandia <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">literis denunciastis: Ecclesiæ +Reformatæ arctioris Societatis vinculo inter se unita ad hostium +conatus impetusque frangendos corroberentur & confirmantur; +sed disiecti etiam lapides Domus Dei per</span></span> Germaniam <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ex rudere & +cineribus ridevivi recolligantur, ac gloriosum Domini nostri Templum +ibidem instauretur: & purioris Religionis Professores in istis +Ecclesiis, per resipiscentiam ad eum qui percussit eos, reversi, & +quod nullis canescat sæculis fœdere, Domino nobiscum coadunati, +malis, sub quorum pondere tot annos gemiscunt, tandem subleventur. +Qui Dies longe optatissimus si per Dei gratiam semel illuxerit: +de consiliorum communione inter Reformatarum Ecclesiarum +Synodos per Legatos & Literas concilianda redivivi possit ratio, +per quam Ecclesiæ hostes compescantur, hæreses opprimantur, +& schismata retarciantur, pax cum Deo & inter Ecclesias firma +conservetur, & gloriosum Dei opus in Evangelio per orbem terrarum +propagando, & Antichristi regno abolendo promoveatur. +Quod ut optandum, & sperandum, piis & prudentibus vestris +meditationibus, ut bonnum semen fæcundissimo solo commendamus.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgi.</span></span> 4 Junii 1644. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Vestræ Dignitati & Fraternitati addictissimi, Pastores +& Seniores Nationalis Synodi Scoticanæ, &c. +nostro omnium nomine ac mandato. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +DIRECT. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ecclesiis Dei, qua sunt in unitis +Hollandiæ, Zelandiæ, aliisque +fœderati</span></span> Belgii <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Provinciis.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page244">[pg 244]</span><a name="Pg244" id="Pg244" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc294" id="toc294"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Ordinance concerning Bursars.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly understanding that the Overture for +maintaining Bursars, in the Assembly holden in the +year 1641. upon the 7. of August, Sess. 15 is never yet +put in practice: Do therefore Ordain Presbyteries to put +the same in practice with all diligence, and to make account +thereof to the next Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc295" id="toc295"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Ordinance for up lifting and imploying +Penalties contained in Acts of Parliament, +upon pious uses.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly understanding that the executing of +some laudable Acts of Parliament, made against +Non-Communicants and Excommunicate persons, +and of divers other Acts containing pecuniall pains for restraining +of Vice, and advancing Piety, is much neglected +by the slownesse of Presbyteries and Ministers, in seeking +Execution thereof: Therefore ordains Presbyteries and +Ministers <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>, to be diligent hereafter by all means, +in prosecuting full and exact Execution of all such Acts of +Parliament, for lifting the saids Penalties contained +in the same, and for faithfull imployment thereof, upon +pious uses, and that every Presbyterie report their diligence +herein yearly to Generall Assemblies. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc296" id="toc296"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage +made by Minors, to those with whom they +have committed Fornication.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Forsameikle as it is found by experience, that some young +men being put to Colledges by their wel-affected Parents, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg 245]</span><a name="Pg245" id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that they may be instructed in the knowledge of Arts +and Sciences, to the intent they may bee more able for publick +Imployments in the Ecclesiastick and Civill state, +that the said Children hes committed Fornication. And +the Woman and her friends hes seduced the foresaid Schollers +being Minors, to make promise of Marriage to the +party with whom they have committed Fornication; And +thereupon intends to get the benefite of Marriage with the +said young men, not onely without the consent of their +Parents, but to their great grief, and to the great appearance +of the ruine and overthrow of their estate: Which +may be the case of Noblemen and Gentlemens children, as +welas of these of other estates and degrees within the Kingdom. +Wherefore if the Assembly think it expedient, it +would be declared that all such promises be made null and +of none effect, especially where the maker of the promise +is Minor, and not willing to observe the samine; because +his Parents will not consent, but oppose and contradict, +threatning to make him lose not onely his favour but both +blessing and birth-right. This Ordinance shal not onely +be very expedient for many good civill causes, but is very +consonant and agreeable to the Word of God, and will be +very comfortable to many Godly Parents, who otherwise +may be disappointed of their pious intentions, and +have the comfort they expected, turned to an heavy and +grievous crosse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly thinks it convenient at this time to delay any +determination in the matter above-written untill the next assembly, +That in the meane time every Presbterie may take the +same to their serious consideration, and report their judgements +to the Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page246">[pg 246]</span><a name="Pg246" id="Pg246" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc297" id="toc297"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning dissenting voices in +Presbyteries and Synods.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly thinks it necessar, if any Member of +Presbyteries or Synods shall finde in matters depending +before them, that the Moderator shall refuse to put any +thing of importance to voices; Or if they finde any thing +carried by plurality of voices to any determination which +they conceive to be contrary to the Word of God, the Acts +of Assembly, or to the received order of this Kirk, That +in either of these cases they urge their dissent to be marked +in the Register; And if that be refused, that they protest +as they would desire to be free of common censure with +the rest: And the Assembly declares the dissenters to be +censurable, if their dissent shall be found otherwise nor +they conceived. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc298" id="toc298"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the Election of a Moderator +in Provinciall Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly understanding that some Provincial +Assemblies in choosing their Moderator, tye themselves +to these Persons who have been before named and designed +in particular Presbyteries, which is against the libertie +of the Provincial Assembly: Therefore discharges +Presbyteries to make any such nomination hereafter; And +ordain Provincials in their first meeting, to elect their Moderator, +and to make their own List for that effect without +any such prælimitation. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page247">[pg 247]</span><a name="Pg247" id="Pg247" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc299" id="toc299"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations +in the Towne where the +Assembly holds.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly judge it most necessar and comely, seeing +the first day of the meeting of Generall Assemblies, +is by the laudable practice of this Kirk a day of Fasting and +Humiliation, for craving the Lords blessing to that Meeting; +That not onely the Members of the Assembly, but +that all the Congregations also of the Town where the Assembly +holds bee so exercised: And that publick Worship +bee in all the Kirks thereof that day for that effect. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc300" id="toc300"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Meeting announcement.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly appoints the meeting of the +next Assembly, to be upon the last Thursday of May, +in the Yeer 1645. at</span></span> Edinburgh. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg 248]</span><a name="Pg248" id="Pg248" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc301" id="toc301"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Letter.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable, Reverend, and beloved in the Lord,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As we are not without the knowledge, so are we +not without the feeling of the distresses of our +Native Countrey, and of the troubles of our +dear Brethren, specially that the hand of the +Lord is stretched out against you, not only by Invasion +from without of the basest of the children of men, but also +by the unnatural treachery of some within; who have dealt +perfidiously in the Covenant and Cause of God: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">They hisse +and gnash the teeth; they say, Wee have swallowed her up: certainly +this is the day that wee looked for: Wee have found, wee +have seen it; the Lord hath caused thine Enemy to rejoice over +thee, he hath set up the horn of thine Adversaries:</span></span> Yet (saith +the Lord, who is thy Maker and thy Husband, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Lord of +hosts is his name, and thy Redeemer the holy One of Israel) for a +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page249">[pg 249]</span><a name="Pg249" id="Pg249" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I +gather thee. In a little wrath I hide my face from thee, for a +moment; but with everlasting kindnesse will I have mercy on thee: +For this is as the waters of Noah, the Covenant of my peace shall +not be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.</span></span> When +the foundation of the House of the Lord was laid, the +Priests and Levites sung together in praising and giving thanks +to the Lord; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Because he is good, for his mercy endureth for +ever,</span></span> And we hope at this time upon the coming of our reverend +Brethren, and the sight of that which they bring +with them, the noise of the shout of joy; shall be louder +then the noise of the weeping of the People. This we may +say, that not many years ago many of us would have been +content to have losed our lives, that we might have obtained +that which the Lord, if not in a miraculous, yet in a marvellous +and merciful providence, hath brought to passe in this +Iland, in these dayes, which many before us, have desired to +see, & have not seen. God forbid that it should seeme a small +thing in your eyes which is done here already, as it is expressed +in a Paper from the Parliament, and Letters from +the Assembly. Ye are best acquainted with the tentations +and difficulties which ye meet with there, which are also +very sensible unto us; And when we consider how the +Lord hath carried on his work here at the first taking of the +Covenant, and since, against much learning and contradiction, +against much Policie, power, and all sorts of opposition +(such as Reformation useth to encounter) we are +ravished with admiration of the right hand of the Almighty. +For our part, we may confidently avouch in the sight of +GOD and before you, whom next unto GOD we do +respect and reverence, and to whom as your servants we +are accomptable, that in all our proceedings we had first +of all the word of GOD before our eyes for the Rule; and +for our Patern the Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, so much as was possible; +and no lesse (if not more) then if all this time since +we parted from you, we had been sitting in a National Assembly +there, and debating matters with our Brethren at +home: Where we were not able to get every thing framed +to our minde, we have endeavoured as much as we could, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg 250]</span><a name="Pg250" id="Pg250" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to preserve our own Reformation and practice, of which +our Brethren will give you accompt in the particulars, we +hope, to your satisfaction. That an Uniformitie in every +thing is not obtained in the beginning, let it not seem +strange; The levelling of the high Mountain of Prelacie, +The laying aside of the Book of Common Prayer, The Directory +of Worship concluded in both Houses of Parliament, +and the principall Propositions of Church-government passed +in the Assembly, all of them according to the solemne +League and Covenant, the greatest of all, are three or foure +witnesses to prove, that the Lord hath done great things for +us, whereof we are glad, and which make us <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">like them that +dream</span></span>: And we are sure, that not onely the Reformed +Kirks, but the Papists will say, The Lord hath done great +things for them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All that we desire, is: 1. That the Directory of Worship +may be returned by our Brethren with all possible expedition, +that it may be published here, and put in practise, +as that which is extreamely longed for by the good People, +and will be a remedy of the many differences and divisions about +the Worship of God in this Kingdome, esspecially in +this place: If there be any thing in it that displeaseth, let it +be remonstrate upon irrefragable and convincing reason, otherwise +ye will in your wisedome give approbation to it. +2. If there be any particular differences among some Brethren; +which are not determined, but passed over in silence +in the Directory, and yet hinted at in the Letter from +the Assembly, we hope that in your wisedome ye will so +consider of them, that they may be layde aside in due time, +and that in the mean while, till the Directory be concluded +and put in practice, there be no trouble about them, for +that were as Snow in Summer, and as Rain in Harvest. We +know nothing of that kinde, that all of us who love Unitie, +Order, and Edification, may not perfectly agree in, without +scandall or disturbance: And we beseech the Lord to +keep that Kirk free of such Sects and Monsters of opinions, +as are daily set on foot and multiplied in this Kingdome, +through the want of that Church-government by Assemblies, +which hath preserved us, and we hope, through the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg 251]</span><a name="Pg251" id="Pg251" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +blessing of God, shall cure them. 3. Because Nationall +Assemblies cannot frequently conveene, we humbly desire, +that such a Commission may be settled as we may at all occasions +till the Work be finished, have our recourse unto, for +our direction and resolution: for we know both our own +weaknesse: and the greatnesse of the Work: wherein we +can promise no more but to be faithfull in obeying your +commandments, as in the sight of God, whom with our +Souls we pray, to grant you his Spirit, to guide you into +all truth, And thus continue. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Worcester house, Jan. 6. 1646.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your humble and faithfull Servants.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscrib.</span></span><br /> +Alex. Henderson.<br /> +Jo. Maitland.<br /> +Sam. Rutherfurd. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +DIRECT. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For the Right Reverend the Generall +Assembly of the Kirk +of</span></span> Scotland. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc302" id="toc302"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Letter from the Synode of Divines in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +England, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right honourable, right reverend, and dearly beloved +in the LORD JESUS,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far +Countrey.</span></span> +We your Brethren, yet remaining in the Furnace of affliction, +and still labouring in the very fire, Have at length, +by the good Hand of GOD upon us, attained so far toward +the Mark at which we all aime, that we shall now send +you, by two of your Reverend and Faithful Commissioners +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bailie</span></span>, and +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span> (our much honoured +Brethren) some good news of that great Work, after +which your zeal for Truth and Peace hath so much thirsted, +and for which you <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">have not loved your lives unto the death.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg 252]</span><a name="Pg252" id="Pg252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our progresse therein hath not been so expeditious as was +desired and expected. This, unto such as either know +not, or consider not, The weight and greatnesse of the +Work, nor The manifold difficulties which have occurred +to obstruct our proceedings in this day of darknesse and calamity +(too sad to be expressed) hath been like unto <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">hope +deferred</span></span>; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">which makes the</span></span> heart sick: Howbeit, we trust, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That when their desire</span></span> (namely that which we have prepared, +and are further in travell with) <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">shall come</span></span> +unto them, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It will +be</span></span>, through God, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">a Tree of life</span></span>, as to our great comfort +and encouragement, we already perceive it to be to both +the honourable Houses of Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Touching this severall Papers brought to us from your +Honourable and Reverend Commissioners, by the hands of +the Committee appointed to treat with them in matters of +Religion (one of the Papers, being given in the 10. of +November 1643. Concerneth the severall sorts of Church-officers +and Assemblies: Another, bearing date the 24. of +January 1643. Concerneth Congregationall Elderships, and +Classicall Presbyteries: The other, being presented the +15. of August last, representeth the necessity of making +greater speed in settling the intended Uniformity in Religion, +according to the late solemne Covenant:) We hold it our +duty, in regard both of the act and inseparable Union, +which the Lord hath happily and seasonably made between +you and us, and of your indefatigable and inestimable labour +of love to this afflicted Kingdom, to give your Lordships +and the rest of that Venerable Assembly, some brief +account. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, +we make no question of a blessed and perfect harmony +with you. The publick Doctrine, held out by our +Church to all the World (especially when it shall be reviewed, +which is in great part done) concurring so much +with yours, may assure you of your hearts desire in those +particulars, so soon as time and opportunity may give us +liberty to perfect what we have begun. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The chief reason of laying aside the review of our publick +Doctrine, after the happy and much desired arrivall of your +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page253">[pg 253]</span><a name="Pg253" id="Pg253" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Reverend Commissioners here, was, The drawing up and +accelerating of a Directory for Worship, and of a Forme +of Church-Government; in both of which we stood at a +greater distance from other Reformed Churches of Christ, +and particularly from yours (which we very much honour) +with whom our solemne sacred Nationall Covenant requireth +us to endeavour the nearest Conjunction and Uniformity, +that we and our posterity after us, may as Brethren live in +Faith and Love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the +midst of us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Nor have our labours there in been frustrate: For we +have perfected and transmitted a Directory for Worship, +to both Houses of Parliament; where it hath received such +acceptance, that it is now passed in both the Honourable +Houses of Parliament; which we hope will be to the joy +and comfort of all our godly and dear Brethren in all His +Majesties Kingdoms and Dominions. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have not advised any imposition which might make it +unlawfull to vary from it in any thing; Yet we hope, all +our Reverend Brethren in this Kingdom, and in yours also, +will so far value and reverence that which upon so long debate +and serious deliberation hath been agreed upon in this +Assembly (when it shall also passe with you, and be settled +as the common publick Directory for all the Churches in +the three Kingdomes) that it shall not be the lesse regarded +and observed. And albeit we have not expressed in the Directory +every minute particular, which is or might be either +laid aside or retained among us, as comely and usefull in +practice; yet we trust—that none will be so tenacious of +old customs not expressely forbidden, or so averse from +good examples although new, in matters of lesser consequence, +as to insist upon their liberty of retaining the one, +or refusing the other, because not specified in the Directory; +but be studious to please others rather then themselves. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We have likewise spent divers moneths in the search of +the Scriptures, to finde out the minde of Christ concerning +a Forme of Church-government, wherein we could not +but expect the greatest difficulty: For our better Progresse +herein, wee have with all respect considered the severall +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg 254]</span><a name="Pg254" id="Pg254" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Papers of your Honourable and Reverend Commissioners, +touching this Head; and do with all thankfulnesse, acknowledge +their great zeal, judgement, and wisdom expressed +therein (as also, the excellent assistance and great furtherance +of your Reverend Commissioners in this great +Work; which now, through GODS goodnesse, is very +near to a period also). +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In pursuit whereof, we made a strict survey and scrutinie +of every Proposition, that we might finde it agreeable to, +and warranted by the Word of God, in a method of our +own; without resting upon any particular modell or frame +whatsoever already constituted: What we have performed, +and how farre we have proceeded therein, we leave to the +information of your Reverend Commissioners, who have +been eye and ear witnesses of all that hath past, and we +doubt not but you will shortly receive a satisfactory answer +from hence, so soon as it shall be passed in the Honourable +Houses of Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now, Right Honourable, and right Reverend +Brethren, let it not seem grievous that we have this long delayed +the satisfying of your earnest and just expectation: It is the +Lot of Jerusalem, to have her Wals built in troublous +times, when there are many adversaries. Nor let it +offend, that (albeit we acknowledge the many, great, +and inestimable expressions of your love zeal, and helpfulnesse +unto us every way in the day of our distresse, to be +beyond all that we can in words acknowledge) we professe +plainly to you, That we do most unwillingly part with +those our Reverend and dear Fellow-labourers, your +Commissioners, whom now you have called home, to +render an account of their imployment here; which hath +been so managed both by them and the rest of their Honourable +and Reverend Colleagues, as deserveth many thanks, +and all Honourable acknowledgement, not onely from us, +but from you also. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Give us leave to adde, that the long experience we have +had of the great sufficiency, integrity, and usefulnesse of +them all, in the great Work of Christ our common Lord +and Master, inforceth us (next to our greatest sute, continuance +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page255">[pg 255]</span><a name="Pg255" id="Pg255" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of your fervent prayers) to be earnest suiters, not +onely for the continuance of these excellent helpers, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex Henderson</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sam. Rutherfurd</span></span>, +yet remaining with us, but also for the speedy return hither of our Reverend +Brethren that are now going hence, for the perfecting +of that Work which yet remains. And this sute we +trust, you will the rather grant, because of the great and +joint concernment of both Churches and Kingdoms in these +matters. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Now the spirit of wisdom and of all grace rest upon you +in all your great consultations, as at all times, so especially +now when you shall be gathered together in the Name of +the Lord Jesus, for the further building up and polishing +of his Church; and cause the fruit of all your labour to be +to the praise and glory of GOD, and the comfort and rejoycing +of the hearts of all <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Israel of God</span></span>: He reward all +our dear Brethren of that Sister Church and Nation manifold +into their bosome, all the labours, love, and sufferings +which they have afforded, and still do, cheerfully +continue, for our sakes and the Gospels, in this distracted +and bleeding Kingdom; suppresse all commotions and +bloody practices of the common Enemy, in both, yea in +all the three Kingdoms; set up the Throne of Jesus Christ, +and make all the Kingdoms to be the Lords, and our Jerusalem +to be a praise upon Earth, that all that love her and +mourn for her, may rejoyce for joy with her, and may suck +and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster, Jan 6. 1644.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your most loving Brethren, and fellow labourers +in the Work of the Lord, in the name of this whole Assembly,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +William Twisse, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Prolocutor</span></span>.<br /> +Cornelius Burges, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Assessor</span></span>.<br /> +John White, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Assessor</span></span>.<br /> +Henry Robrough, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scriba</span></span>.<br /> +Adoniram Byfield, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scriba</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +DIRECT. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the Right Honourable, and right Reverend, the Generall Assembly +of the Church of</span></span> Scotland, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">these presents</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg 256]</span><a name="Pg256" id="Pg256" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc303" id="toc303"></a> +<a name="pdf304" id="pdf304"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">28 Jan. 1645. Post meridiem. Die Martis.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 5.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc305" id="toc305"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the Proceedings of the +Commission of the two preceding +Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, having heard the report of the +Committee appointed to consider and examine the +Proceedings of the Commissioners of the two last Generall +Assemblies, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Of the Assemblies held in Edinburgh in +the yeers 1643 and 1644. And after mature deliberation, +and serious consideration thereof, Finding that the whole +Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions of the saids Commissioners +contained in a Book and Register, subscribed by +Mister <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ker</span></span> their Clerk, +and by Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Leslie</span></span> +Moderator, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Jaffray</span></span>, Clerk to the said +Committee; Declare much wisedome, diligence, vigilancie, +and commendable zeal; And that the saids Commissioners +have orderly and formally proceeded in every +thing according to their Commissions; Do therefore Ratifie +and Approve the said whole Acts, Proceedings, and +Conclusions of the Commissioners of the two Assemblies +aforesaid. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc306" id="toc306"></a> +<a name="pdf307" id="pdf307"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunæ, Post meridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 10.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc308" id="toc308"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of +Scotland, for the establishing and putting in +execution of the</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Directory </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">for the publick +Worship of GOD.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas an happy Unity and Uniformity in Religion amongst +the Kirks of Christ in these three Kingdoms; +united under one Soveraigne, hath been long and earnestly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page257">[pg 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +wished for by the godly and well-affected amongst us, was +propounded as a main Article of the large Treaty, without +which Band and Bulwark no safe well-grounded and +lasting Peace could be expected; And afterward with +greater strength and maturity, revived in the Solemne League +and Covenant of the three Kingdomes; whereby they +stand straitly obliged to endeavour the neerest Uniformity +in one forme of Church-government, Directory of Worship, +Confession of Faith, and forme of Catechising: +Which hath also before and since our entring into that Covenant, +been the matter of many Supplications and Remonstrances +and sending Commissioners to the Kings Majestie, +of Declarations to the Honourable Houses of the Parliament +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and of Letters to the Reverend Assembly +of Divines, and others of the Ministerie of the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, being also the end of our sending Commissioners, +as was desired from this Kirk, with Commission to +treat of Uniformitie in the foure particulars afore-mentioned, +with such Committees as should be appointed by +both Houses of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and by the Assembly +of Divines sitting at Westminster: And beside +all this, it being in point of conscience the chief motive and +end of our adventuring upon manifold and great hazards, +for quenching the devouring flame of the present unnaturall +and bloody Warre in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, though to the weakning of +this Kingdome within it self, and the advantage of the Enemy +which hath invaded it, accounting nothing too dear +to us, so that this our joy be fulfilled. And now this +great Work being so far advanced, that a Directory for the +publick Worship of GOD in all the three Kingdomes, +being agreed upon by the Honourable Houses of the Parliament +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, after consultation with the Divines of +both Kingdomes there assembled, and sent to us for our +Approbation, that being also agreed upon by this Kirk and +Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, it may be in the name of both +Kingdomes presented to the King, for his Royal consent +and Ratification. The General Assembly having most seriously +considered, revised, and examined the Directory afore +mentioned, after several publick readings of it, after much +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page258">[pg 258]</span><a name="Pg258" id="Pg258" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +deliberation, both publickly, and in private Committees, +after full liberty given to all to object against it, and earnest, +invitations of all who have any scruples about it to make +known the same; that they might be satisfied, Do unanimously, +and without a contrary Voice, Agree to, and +Approve the following directory, in all the Heads thereof, +together with the Preface set before it: And doth +require, decerne, and ordain, That according to the plain +tenour and meaning thereof, and the intent of the Preface, +it be carefully and uniformly observed and practised by all +the Ministers and others within this Kingdome, whom it +doth concerne; which practice shall be begun, upon Intimation +given to the several Presbyteries, from the Commissioners +of this General Assembly, who shall also take special +care for the timeous Printing of this Directory, that a +printed Copy of it, be provided and kept for the use of +every Kirk in this Kingdome; Also that each Presbyterie +have a printed Copy thereof for their use, and take special +notice of the Observation or neglect thereof in every Congregation +within their bounds, and make known the same +to the Provincial or General Assembly, as there shall be +cause. Provided alwayes, that the Clause in the Directory, +of the Administration of the Lords Supper, which +mentioneth the communicants sitting about the Table, or +at it, be not interpreted, as if in the judgement of this +Kirk, it were indifferent and free for any of the Communicants, +nor to come to, and receive at the Table; or as if +we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Minister +to each Communicant, and not by the Communicants +among themselves. It is also provided, That this +shall be no prejudice to the order and practice of this Kirk, +in such particulars as are appointed by the Books of Discipline, +and Acts of General Assemblies, and are not otherwise +ordered and appointed in the Directory, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Finally, the Assembly doth with much joy and thankfulnes +acknowledge the rich blessing and invaluable mercy of +God, in bringing the so much wished for uniformity in +Religion, to such a happy Period, that these Kingdoms +once at so great distance in the form of Worship, are now +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page259">[pg 259]</span><a name="Pg259" id="Pg259" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +by the blessing of GOD brought to a neerer Uniformity +than any other Reformed Kirks, which is unto us the return +of our Prayers, and a lightning of our Eyes, and reviving +of our hearts, in the midst of our many sorrows and +sufferings, a taking away in a great measure, the reproach +of the People of GOD, to the stopping of the mouthes of +Malignant and dis-affected persons, and an opening +unto us a door of hope, that GOD hath yet thoughts of +Peace towards us, and not of evil, to give us an expected +end: In the expectation and confidence whereof we do +rejoyce, beseeching the Lord to preserve these Kingdomes +from Heresies, Schismes, Offences, Prophanesse, and +whatsoever is contrary to sound Doctrine, and the power +of Godlinesse, and to continue with us and the generations +following, these his pure and purged Ordinances, together +with an increase of the power and life thereof, To the glory +of his great Name, the enlargement of the Kingdom of +his Son, the corroboration of Peace and Love between the +Kingdoms, the unity and content of all his People, and +our edifying one another in love. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-tb"><hr style="width: 50%" /></div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The</span></span> Directory <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for +Worship, mentioned in the preceeding +Act, needs not to be here printed, because +it is to be printed in a Book by it self.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc309" id="toc309"></a> +<a name="pdf310" id="pdf310"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">7. February, 1645. Post meridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 14.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc311" id="toc311"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures for advancement of Learning +and good Order in Grammar Schools +and Colledges.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. That every Grammar School be visited twice in the +year by Visitors, to be appointed by the Presbyterie +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page260">[pg 260]</span><a name="Pg260" id="Pg260" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Kirk-Session in Landward Parishes, and by the +Town-Councel in Burghs, with their Ministers; and +where Universities are, by the Universities, with consent +alwayes of the Patrons of the School, that both the fidelitie +and diligence of the Masters, and the proficiencie of the +Schollars in Pietie and Learning may appear, and deficiencie +censured as well; And that the Visitors see that the +Masters be not attracted by any other imployments, which +may divert them their diligent attendance. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That for the remedie of the great decay of Poesie, +and of abilitie to make Verse, and in respect of the common +ignorance of Prosodie, no School-master be admitted +to teach a Grammar School, in Burghs, or other considerable +Paroches, but such as after examination, shall +be found skilfull in the Latine Tongue, not only for Prose, +but also for Verse; And that after other trials to be made +by the Ministers, and others depute by the Session, Town, +and Paroch for this effect, that he be also approven by the +Presbyterie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That neither the Greek Language, nor Logick, +nor any part of Philosophie be taught in any Grammar +School, or private place within this Kingdom, to young +Schollers, who thereafter are to enter to any Colledge, +unlesse it be for a preparation to their entrie there: And +notwitstanding of any progresse, any may pretend to have +made privately in these studies, yet in the Colledge hee shall +not enter to any higher Classe, then that wherein the Greek +Language is taught, and being entred, shall proceed orderly +through the rest of the Classes, until he finish the +Ordinary course of four years: Unlesse after due triall and +examination, he be found equall in Learning, to the best or +most part of that classe, to which he desires to ascend, by +over-leaping a mid-Classe, or to the best or most part of +those who are to be graduat, if he supplicate to obtain any +degree before the ordinary time. And also, That there be +found other pregnant reasons to move the faculty of Arts to +condescend thereto; And otherwise that he be not admitted +to the Degree of Master of Arts. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page261">[pg 261]</span><a name="Pg261" id="Pg261" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That none be admitted to enter a Student of the Greek +tongue in any Colledge, unlesse after triall he be found able +to make a congruous Theame in Latine, or at least, being +admonished of his errour, can readily shew how to correct +the same. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That none be promoved from an inferiour Class of +the ordinary course to a superiour, unlesse he be found +worthy, and to have sufficiently profited: otherwise, that +he be ordained not to ascend with his con-disciples, and if +he be a Burser, that he lose his Burse. And namely, it is +to be required, That those who are taught in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aristotle</span></span>, be +found well instructed in his Text, and be able to report in +Greek, and understand his whole definitions, divisions, +and principall precepts, so far as they have proceeded. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. Because it is a disgrace to Learning, and hinderance +to Trades and other Callings, and an abuse hurtfull to +the Publick, that such as are ignorant and unworthy, be +honoured with a Degree or publick Testimony of Learning; +That therefore such triall be taken of Students, specially +of Magistrands, that those who are found unworthy, +be not admitted to the Degree and honour of Masters. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. That none who have entred to one Colledge for +triall or studie, be admitted to another Colledge, without +the Testimonial of the Masters of that Colledge wherein he +entred first, both concerning his Literature, and dutifull +behaviour, so long as he remained there: at least, untill +the Masters of that Colledge from whence he cometh, be +timely advertised, that they may declare if they have any +thing lawfully to be objected in the contrary. And that +none be admitted, promoved, or receive Degree in any +Colledge, who was rejected in another Colledge for his unfitnesse +and unworthinesse, or any other cause repugnant +to good Order, who leaves the Colledge where he was for +eschewing of Censure, or chastising for any fault committed +by him; or who leaves the Colledge because he was chastised, +or for any other grudge or injust Quarrell against his +Masters. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. That none of those who may be lawfully received +in one Colledge, after he was in another, be admitted +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page262">[pg 262]</span><a name="Pg262" id="Pg262" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to any other Classe, but to that wherein he was or should +have been in the Colledge from whence he came, except +upon reasons mentioned in the third Article preceding. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. That at the time of every Generall Assembly, the +Commissioners directed thereto, from all the Universities +of this Kingdom, Meet and consult together, for the establishment +and advancement of Pietie, Learning, and good +Order in the Schools and Universities, and be carefull +that a correspondence be kept among the Universities, and +so farre as is possible, an Uniformitie in Doctrine and good +Order. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly, after serious consideration of the +Overtures and Articles above written, Approves the +same, and ordains them to be observed, and to have the +strength of an Act and Ordinance of Assembly in all time-coming.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc312" id="toc312"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Humble Petition the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To the Honourable and High Court +of Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +According to the constant and commendable practice of +the Generall Assemblies of this Kirk, Wee judge it incumbent +to us, Right Honourable, when the displeasure +of the Almighty, and the extream danger of this Kirk and +Kingdome is so undenyably demonstrate to the eyes of the +whole World, by the Invasion, Increase, and Successe +of these Barbarous Irishes, and treacherous Countrey-men +joyned with them (Not onely out of conscience of the trust +committed unto us), To proceed with the censures of the +Kirk, against these who have joyned, or shall happen to +joyne themselves with these Enemies of GOD and his +Cause, To appoint a Solemne Fast and Humiliation through +the Kingdom, and to give Warning to all the Ministers and +Members of this Kirk of the dangers and duties of the time; +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg 263]</span><a name="Pg263" id="Pg263" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +But also, out of respect to your Honours, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">who judge not for +man, but for the Lord: Who is with you in the Judgement: and +standeth in the Congregation of the mighty</span></span>: Humbly to present +your Honours with our thoughts and desires concerning the +duties which the exigency of this time expecteth from your +hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The impunity of known Incendiaries and Malignants, as +by the course of Divine providence (permitting those who +have formerly escaped the hand of Justice to be the prime +instruments of our present Troubles) it is held forth for a +cause of the Wrath which yet burneth more and more; So +hath it been acknowledged before GOD in our publick +Humiliations, to be a maine cause of GODS Controversie +with the Land, and an accession to the guiltinesse of +the cruelty, villainy, and other mischiefs committed by +them and their followers: And to lye still under the guilt +after solemne Confession, were an high provocation of +GOD, and an heavy aggravation of our sinne; And on +the one part, doth grieve the Godly, discourage their +hearts, and weaken their hands, On the other part, doth +harden them who are already engaged, to persist in their +unnaturall and bloudy practices, heartneth others, who +have not hitherto avowed their Malignancy, openly to declare +themselves, and is laid hold upon by the disaffected, +who lye in wait to finde occasions, as fitting to work the People +to an unwillingnesse of undergoing necessary Burthens +imposed for publick good. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +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 +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page264">[pg 264]</span><a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to hasten and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">help the Lord against the mighty</span></span>. 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 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that Name which is above all names</span></span> from the +daily <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">reproach of the foolish</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +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. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">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.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page265">[pg 265]</span><a name="Pg265" id="Pg265" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc313" id="toc313"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures propounded by the Committee, appointed +by this venerable Assembly, for ordering +of the Bursars of Theologie, and maintaining +of them at Schools of Divinitie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. That every Bursar have yearly payed him for his maintenance +100. l. at the least. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That the said maintenance be taken forth of the +Kirk penalties, according to the intention of the first Act +for maintaining of Bursars. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That every Presbyterie consisting of twelve Kirks +in number, maintain a Bursar yearly at the University. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. And where the Presbyteries are fewer in number, +that they joyne with other Presbyteries to make up their +number: And the superplus of the number to be ordered +and disposed by the Presbyteries and Synods: And that +their Books bear Records thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That the Kirks of these Presbyteries be proportionally +stented according to the number of the communicants +in each Parochin. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. That the said maintenance be collected by the Moderatour +of every Presbyterie, by equall divided portions, +and the one half to be brought in to the Winter Synod, and +given to the said Bursars, and the other half at the Summer +Synod, to be sent unto them: And that the severall Synods +take an exact compt hereof, and see that all be rightly done, +and that their Books bear the report hereof to the Generall +Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. That the time of Bursars abode at the Schools of +Divinity exceed not foure years: which being expired, or +in case before the expiring of the said time, any be removed +either by death, or by some Calling to a particular +Charge, another be presented to the said Benefit. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. That in case any prove deficient in payment of +the said maintenance for the time to come, That it shall be +carefully exacted by the Synods, and sent over to the General +Assembly, to be disposed upon by them, as they shall finde +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266">[pg 266]</span><a name="Pg266" id="Pg266" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +expedient; that no Person may have benefit in their slacknesse +and neglect. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. That all Bursars of Theologie bring sufficient Testimonies +yearly from the Universities where they are bred, +of their proficiencie and good behaviour: And that they be +also ready to give a proof of their labours at the severall +Synods, if it shall be required. And if they be found deficient, +that they be denuded of the said benefit, and others +more hopefull placed in their rooms. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The General Assembly approves these Overtures above-written, +And Ordains the same to be observed in all time coming. And +that Presbyteries (who have not already done it) begin and enter +to the maintaining of their Bursars, in manner foresaid, in +this present year 1645. And recommends to Presbyteries, to +make choice of such for the Burse, as are of good report, inclined +to Learning, and have past their course of Philosophie, And +to try their qualifications before they send them to Universities.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc314" id="toc314"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The opinion of the Committee for keeping the +greater Uniformitie in this Kirk, in the practice +and observation of the Directory in some +points of publick Worship.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. It is the Humble Opinion of the Committee for regulating +that Excercise of reading and expounding the +Scriptures read upon the Lords Day, mentioned in the Directory, +That the Minister and People repair to the Kirk, +half an hour before that time at which ordinarily the Minister +now entreth to the publick Worship; And that, that +Exercise of reading and expounding, together with the ordinary +Exercise of Preaching, be perfected and ended at the +time which formerly closed the Exercise of publick Worship. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. In the Administration of Baptisme, it will be convenient, +That, that Sacrament be administred in face of the +Congregation, that what is spoken and done, may be heard +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page267">[pg 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and seen of all, and that it be administred after the Sermon, +before the Blessing. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. In the Administration of the Lords Supper, it is the +judgement of the Committee. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. That Congregations be still tried and examined before +the Communion, according to the bygone practice of this +Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. That there be no reading in the time of communicating; +but the Minister making a short Exhortation at +every Table, that thereafter there be silence during the time +of the Communicants receiving, except onely when the +Minister expresseth some few more sentences, sutable to the +present condition of the Communicants in the receiving, +that they may be incited and quikned in their Meditations +in the Action. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. That distribution of the Elements among the Communicants +be universally used: And for that effect, that the +Bread be so prepared, that the Communicants may divide +it amongst themselves, after the Minister hath broken, and +delivered it to the nearest. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. That while the Tables are dissolving, and filling, +there be alwayes singing of some portion of a Psalme, according +to the custome. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. That the Communicants both before their going to, +and after their coming from the Table, shall only joyne +themselves to the present publick Excercise then in hand. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. That when the Communion is to be celebrate in a Paroch, +one Minister may be imployed for assisting the Minister +of the Paroch, or at the most two. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +7. That there be one Sermon of Preparation delivered in +the ordinary Place of publick Worship, upon the day immediatly +preceeding. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +8. That before the serving of the Tables, there be +onely one Sermon delivered to those who are to communicate, +and that in the Kirk where the Service is to be performed. +And that in the same Kirk there be one Sermon of +Thanksgiving, after the Communion is ended. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +9. When the Parochiners are so numerous, that their +Paroch Kirk cannot contain them, so that there is a necessity +to keep out such of the Paroch as cannot conveniently +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page268">[pg 268]</span><a name="Pg268" id="Pg268" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +have place, That in that case the Brother who assists the +Minister of the Paroch, may be ready, if need be, to give a +word of Exhortation in some convenient place appointed for +that purpose, to those of that Paroch, who that day are not to +Communicate; which must not be begun until the Sermon +delivered in the Kirk be concluded. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +10. That of those who are present in the Kirk where the +Communion is celebrate, none be permitted to go forth +while the whole Tables be served, and the blessing pronounced, +unlesse it be for more commodious order, and in other +cases of necessity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +11. That the Minister who cometh to assist, have a special +care to provide his own Paroch, lest otherwise while he is +about to Minister comfort to others, his own Flock be left +destitute of preaching. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +12. That none coming from another Paroch, shall be +admitted to the Communion, without a Testimonial from +their own Minister: And no Minister shall refuse a Testimonial +to any of his Paroch, who communicates ordinarily +at their own Paroch Kirk, and are without scandal in their +life for the time. And this is no wayes to prejudge any honest +Person, who occasionally is in the place where the +Communion is celebrate; or such as by death, or absence +of their own Minister, could not have a Testimonial. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. It is also the judgement of the Committee, That +the Ministers bowing in the Pulpit; though a lawful custome +in this Kirk, be hereafter laid aside, for satisfaction of +the desires of the reverend Divines in the Synod of England, +and uniformity with that Kirk so much endeared to us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly having considered seriously the judgement of the +Committee above-written, Doeth approve the same in all +the Articles thereof, and Ordains them to be observed in +all time hereafter.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page269">[pg 269]</span><a name="Pg269" id="Pg269" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc315" id="toc315"></a> +<a name="pdf316" id="pdf316"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">10. February, 1645. Postmeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 16.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc317" id="toc317"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approving the Propositions concerning +Kirk government and Ordination +of Ministers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, being most desirous and solicitous, +not onely of the establishment and preservation +of the Form of Kirk-government in this Kingdome, according +to the Word of GOD, Books of Discipline, Acts +of Generall Assemblies, and Nationall Covenant; But +also of an Uniformity in Kirk-government betwixt these +Kingdomes now more straitly and strongly united by the +late Solemne League and Covenant: And considering, +That as in former times there did, so hereafter there may +arise through the neernesse of Contagion, manifold mischiefs +to this Kirk from a corrupt Form of Government in +the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: Like as the precious opportunity of +bringing the Kirks of Christ in all the three Kingdoms, to +an Uniformity in Kirk-government, being the happinesse +of the present times above the former; which may also by the +blessing of God, prove an effectuall meane, and a good foundation +to prepare for a safe and well-grounded Pacification, +by removing the cause from which the present Pressures and +bloodie Wars did originally proceed: And now the Assembly +having thrice read, and diligently examined the +Propositions (hereunto annexed) concerning the officers, +Assemblies, and Government of the Kirk; and +concerning the Ordination of Ministers, brought unto us +as the results of the long and learned Debates of the Assembly +of Divines sitting at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>, and of the Treaty +of Uniformity with the Commissioners of this Kirk there +residing; After mature deliberation, and after tymous +calling upon and warning of all who have any exceptions +against the same, to make them known, that they might +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page270">[pg 270]</span><a name="Pg270" id="Pg270" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +receive satisfaction, Doth Agree to, and Approve the +Propositions aforementioned touching Kirk-government +and Ordination, and doth hereby Authorize the Commissioners +of this Assembly who are to meet at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, to +agree to, and conclude in the name of this Assembly, an +Uniformitie betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms in the +aforementioned particulars, so soon as the same shall be ratified, +without any substantiall alteration, by an Ordinance +of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: +Which Ratification shall be timely intimate and made +known by the Commissioners of this Kirk residing at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. +Provided alwayes, That this Act shall be no wayes prejudiciall +to the further discussion and examination of that Article, +which holds forth, that the Doctor or Teacher, +hath power of the administration of the Sacraments as well +as the Pastor; As also of the distinct Rights and Interests of +Presbyteries and People in the calling of Ministers: But +that it shall be free to debate and discusse these points as +GOD shall be pleased to give further light. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Propositions of Government, and Ordination +mentioned in the preceding Act, are not +to be here Printed: but after the Ratification +thereof by the Parliament of</span></span> England, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">they are to be Printed by warrant of the Commissioners +of this Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc318" id="toc318"></a> +<a name="pdf319" id="pdf319"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">12. Feb. 1645. Post meridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 18.</span></h2> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, after mature deliberation, +having found it most necessary that this whole Nation +be timely Warned, and duly Informed of their present +Dangers, and the Remedies to be used, and Duties +to be done for preventing and removing thereof, Doth ordain +this Warning to be forth with Printed and Published, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page271">[pg 271]</span><a name="Pg271" id="Pg271" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and sent to all the Presbyteries in this Kingdom, as also to +the Presbyteries that are with our Armies. And that each +Presbyterie immediately after the receipt hereof, take speedy +course for the Reading of it in every Congregation within +their bounds, upon the Lords day after the forenoons +Sermon, and before the blessing: and that they give account +of their diligence herein to the Commissioners of the +Generall Assembly; Who have hereby Power and Warrand +to try and censure such as shall contemne or slight the said +Warning, or shall refuse or neglect to obey this Ordinance. +</p> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc320" id="toc320"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Solemne and Seasonable Warning To the +Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, +and Commons of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland; </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">As +also to our ARMIES without and +within this Kingdom.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Cause of GOD in this Kingdom, both in the beginnings +and Progresse of it, hath been carried, +through much craft and mighty opposition of Enemies, +and through other perplexities and dangers; GOD +so disposing, for the greater glory of his manifold and marvellous +Wisedome and his invincible Power, and for our +greater tryall. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These dangers both from without and from within, together +with the remedies thereof, have been from time to +time represented and held forth, in the many publick Supplications +of this Kirk and Kingdom to the King, and in +their many Declarations, Remonstrances, Letters, Acts, +and other publick Intimations: Particularly by a necessary +Warning published by the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly in January 1643; And by the Remonstrance of +the same Comissioners to the Convention of Estates in July +thereafter concerning the Dangers of Religion, and Remedies +of these Dangers: which Warning and Remonstrance +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page272">[pg 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +at that time had, by the blessing of GOD, very good and +comfortable effects. And now the General Assembly itself, +being by a speciall Providence, and upon extraordinary +occasions called together, while GOD is writing +bitter things against this Land in great Letters, which he +that runs may read: and knowing that we cannot be answerable +to GOD, nor our own consciences, nor the expectation +of others, if from this chief Watch Tower we should +give no Seasonable Warning to the City of GOD: While +we think of these things, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For Sions sake we will not hold our peace, +and for Jerusalems sake we will not rest:</span></span> trusting that +GOD will give, though nor to all, yet to many, a seeing +Eye, a hearing Ear, and an understanding Heart: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For who +is wise and he shall understand these things, prudent and he shall +know them; For the Waves of the Lord are right, and the just shall +walk in them, but the transgressors shall fall therein, and the wicked +shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That which we principally intend, is to hold forth (so +farre as the Lord gives us light) how this Nation ought to +be affected with the present Mercies and Judgements; +What use is to be made of the Lords dealings: And, what +is required of a people so dealt with. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Had we been timely awaked, and taken warning, either +from the exemplary judgement of other Nations; or from +Gods threatnings by the mouths of his servants amongst our +selves; or from our owne former visitations, and namely, +The Sword, threatned and drawn against us, both at home +and from abroad, but at that time through the forbearance +of GOD, put up in the Sheath again, wee might have +prevented the miseries under which now we groane. But +the Cup of trembling, before taken out of our hands, is +again come about to us, that wee may drink deeper of it: +And although when these bloody Monsters, the Irish Rebels, +together with some degenerate, unnaturall, and +perfidious Countreymen of our own, did first lift up their +heads, and enter this Kingdome in a hostile way, it was +looked upon as a light matter, and the great judgement +which hath since appeared in it, not apprehended: yet now +wee are made more sensible, that they are <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The rod of Gods +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page273">[pg 273]</span><a name="Pg273" id="Pg273" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +wrath, and the staffe in their hand</span></span>, which hath stricken us +these three times, is <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">his indignation. He hath shewed his people +hard things, and made us to drink the wine of astonishment</span></span>. Take +we therefore notice of the hand that smiteth us, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for affliction +cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the +ground. There is no evill in the City</span></span> nor Countrey <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">which the Lord +hath not done.</span></span> He it is <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that formeth the light, and createth +darknesse; Who maketh peace, and createth evill</span></span>: He it is that hath +given a charge to the Sword, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">so that it cannot be still</span></span>: He it +is that hath his other <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arrows ready upon the string to shoot at us</span></span>, +the Pestilence and Famine. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In the next place let us apply our hearts to know, and to +search, and to seek out wisdome, and the reason of things, +and to understand the language of this present judgment, +and Gods meaning in it, For though <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Almighty giveth not +an accompt of any of his matters, and hath his way in the sea, and +his path in the deep waters which cannot be traced</span></span>; Yet he is pleased +by the light of his Word and Spirit, by the voice of our +own consciences, and by that which is written and ingraven +upon our judgement, as with the point of a Diamond +and a Pen of iron, to make known in some measure his +meaning unto his servants. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">God hath spoken once, yea twice, +yet man perceiveth not</span></span>; Therefore now hath he made this rod +to speak aloud the third time, that we may <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">hear the voice of +the rod, and who hath appointed it</span></span>. That which the rod pointeth +at, is not any guilt of Rebellion or disloyaltie in us, as +the Sons of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Belial</span></span> do slander and belye the Solemne League +and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, which we are so +farre from repenting of, that we cannot remember or mention +it without great joy and thankfulnesse to God, as that +which hath drawn many blessings after it, and unto which +God hath given manifold and evident testimonies, for no +sooner was the Covenant begun to bee taken in England; +but sensibly the condition of affairs there was changed to the +better; and though a little before the Enemy was coming +in like a Flood, yet as soon as the Spirit of the Lord did +lift up the Standard against him, from that day forward the +Waters of their Deluge did decrease. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And for our part, our Forces sent into that Kingdom, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page274">[pg 274]</span><a name="Pg274" id="Pg274" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +in pursuance of that Covenant, have been so mercifully and +manifestly assisted, and blessed from Heaven (though in +the mids of many dangers and distresses, and much want and +hardship) and have been so farre instrumentall to the foyling +and scattering of two principal Armies; First, the +Marquesse of Newcastle his Army, And afterward, Prince +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ruperts</span></span> and his together; And to the reducing of two strong +Cities, York and Newcastle, that we have what to answer +the Enemy that reproacheth us concerning that businesse, +and that which may make iniquitie it self to stop her mouth. +But which is more unto us than all Victories, or whatsomever +temporal Blessing, the Reformation of Religion in +England, and Uniformity therein between both Kingdoms +(a principal end of that Covenant) is so far advanced, +that the English Service-Book, with the Holy-dayes, +and many other Ceremonies contained in it, together with +the Prelacy, the fountain of all these, are abolished and +taken away by Ordinance of Parliament; and a Directory +for the Worship of God in all the three Kingdoms, agreed +upon in the Assemblies and in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, +without a contrary voice in either; the Government +of the Kirk by Congregational Elderships, Classical Presbyteries, +Provincial and National Assemblies, is agreed +upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, which +is also voted and concluded in both Houses of the Parliament +of England: And what is yet remaining of the intended +Uniformitie is in a good way; So that let our Lot fal in +other things, as it may, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Will of the Lord be done</span></span>; In this we +rejoyce, and will rejoyce, that our Lord Jesus Christ is +no loser, but a Conquerour, that his Ordinances take +place, that his Cause prevaileth, and the work of purging +and building his Temple goeth forward, and not backward. +Neither yet are we so to understand <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the voice of the rod</span></span> which +lyeth heavy upon us, as if the Lords meining were to pluck +up what he hath planted, and to pull down what he hath +builded in this Kingdom, to have no more pleasure in us, +to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">remove our Candlestick, and to take his Kingdom from us</span></span>: nay, +before that our God cast us off, and the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">glory depart from Israel</span></span>, +let him rather consume us by the Sword, and the Famine, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg 275]</span><a name="Pg275" id="Pg275" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and the Pestilence, so that he will but keep his own great +Name from reproach and blasphemy, and own us as his +people in Covenant with him. But <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">now there is hope in Israel +concerning this thing</span></span>, we will beleeve <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that we shall yet see the +goodnesse of the Lord in the Land of the living:</span></span> We will not cast +away our confidence of a blessed peace, and of the removing +of the scourge and casting it in the Fire, when the Lord, +hath by it performed <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">his whole Work upon mount Sion and Jerusalem</span></span>, +much more will wee be confident of the continuance +of the blessings of the Gospel, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">that glory may dwell in our Land. +This is the day of Jacobs trouble, but he shall be saved out of it:</span></span> And +the time is comming, when a new Song shall be put in our +mouths, and we shall say, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">This is our God, we have waited +for him, and he hath saved us.</span></span> Though the Lord smite us, it +is the hand of a Father, not of an Enemy, he is not consuming +us, but refining us, that we may come forth as Gold +out of the Fire. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We are troubled on every side; yet not distressed; +we are perplexed, but not in despaire; persecuted, but not +forsaken; cast downe, but not destroyed.</span></span> We know assuredly +there is more mercy in emptying us from Vessell to +Vessell, then in suffering us to settle on our Lees, whereby +our taste should remain in us, and our scent not be +changed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These things premised, we come to the true language of +this heavy judgement, and to the reall procuring causes thereof. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of +the house of Israel.</span></span> God is hereby shewing to great and smal +in this Land their work and their transgression, that they +have exceeded. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">He openeth also their eare to discipline, and commandeth +that they return from iniquity.</span></span> We leave every Congregation +in the Land, every Family in every Congregation, +& every Person in every Family to examine their own hearts +and wayes, & to mourn for Congregationall, Domesticall, +and Personall sinnes: Cursed shall they be who have added +fuell to the fire, and now bring no water to extinguish it, +who had a great hand in the provocation, and bear no part +in the humiliation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let every one commune with his own conscience, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page276">[pg 276]</span><a name="Pg276" id="Pg276" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +repent of his own wickednesse, and say, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">What have I +done</span></span>? Wee shall here touch onely the Nationall sinnes, or +at least more publick ones, then those of a Family or Congregation, +which we also intend for chief causes of a publick +Fast and Humiliation. If among our Nobles, Gentrie +and Barons, there have been some studying their own private +interests more then the publick, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seeking their own things +more then the things of Christ, or oppressing and defrauding the poore +sort and the needie, because it was in the power of their hand</span></span>: and +if among our Ministrie there have been divers Time-servers, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Who have not renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, whose hearts +have not been right before God, nor stedfast in his Covenant,</span></span> who +have been secretly haters of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Power of Godlinesse</span></span>, and of +Mortification; shall not GOD search all this out? <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">who will bring to +light the hidden things of darknesse, and will make manifest the counsels of the +hearts.</span></span> In these also leaving all men to a judging and searching of +themselves, there are many other provocations which are apparent in all or many +of this Nation, from which, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">though they wash with nitre, and take much +sope</span></span>, yet they cannot make themselves clean: Because of these <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the +Land mourneth</span></span>, and at these the Sword striketh. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As first, the contempt, neglect, and dis-esteem of the glorious Gospel; our +unbelief, unfruitfulnesse, luke-warmnesse, formality, and hardnesse of heart, +under all the means of Grace; our not receiving of Christ in our hearts, nor +seeking to know him, and glorifie him in all his Offices. The power of +Godlinesse is hated and mocked by many to this day, and by the better sort too +much neglected, and many Christian duties are not minded: as, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The not +speaking of our own words, nor finding of our own pleasure upon the Lords +day</span></span>: Holy and edifying conference both on that day, and at other occasions: +The instructing, admonishing, comforting, and rebuking one another, as Divine +Providence ministreth occasion. In many Families almost no knowledge nor +worship of GOD to be found: yea, there are among the Ministers who have +strenghtened the hearts and hands of the profane more then of the godly, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page277">[pg 277]</span><a name="Pg277" id="Pg277" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and have not taken <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">heed to the ministrie which they have received +of the Lord to fulfill it.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Next, GOD hath sent the Sword to avenge the quarrel +of his broken Covenant: For besides the defection of many +of this Nation under the Prelats from our first Nationall Covenant, +a sinne not forgotten by GOD, if not repented +by men as well as forsaken, our latter Vows and Covenants +have been also foully violated, by not contributing our +uttermost assistance to this Cause, with our Estates and Lives; +by not endeavouring with all faithfulnesse, the discovery, +triall, and condigne punishment of Malignants, +and evil Instruments; yea, by complying too much with +those, who have not onely born Armes, and given their +personall presence and assistance, but also drawn and led on +others after them in the shedding of our Brethrens blood: +Therefore is our sinne made our punishment, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We are +filled with the fruit of our own wayes. These horns now push the sides +of Judah and Jerusalem, because the Carpenters when they ought +and might, did not cut them off</span></span>: And yet so this day the +course of Justice is obstructed: The Lord himself will execute +justice if men will not. But above all, let it bee deeply +and seriously thought of, that our Covenant is broken by +the neglect of a reall Reformation of our selves and others +under our power: let every one ask his own heart what +lust is mortified in him, or what change wrought in his life +since, more then before the Covenant? Swearing, Cursing, +Profanation of the Lords day, Fornication, and +other uncleannesse, Drunkennesse, Injustice, Lying, +Oppression, Murmuring, Repining, and other sorts of +Prophanenesse still abound too much both in the Countrey +& in our Armies: yea, there is no Reformation of some +Members of publick Judicatories, which is a great dishonour +to God, and foul scandall to the whole Nation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Thirdly, we have not glorified God according to the +great things which he hath done for us, nor made the right +use of former mercies: Since he loved us (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">a Nation not +worthy to be beloved</span></span>) he hath made us precious and honourable, +but we have not walked worthy of this love: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We +waxed fat and kicked, forsaking God who made us, and lightly +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page278">[pg 278]</span><a name="Pg278" id="Pg278" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +esteeming the Rock of our salvation.</span></span> And this great unthankfulnesse +filleth up our Cup. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Forthly, Notwithstanding of so much guiltinesse, we +did send forth our Armies, and undertake great services +presumptuously, without repentance, and making our +peace with God, like the Children of Israel, who trusting +to the goodnesse of their cause, minded no more, but <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Which +of us shall goe up first.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is now high time, under the feeling of so great a burden +both of sinne and wrath to humble our uncircumcised +heart, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to put our mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope, to +wallow our selves in ashes, to clothe our selves with our shame as +with a garment</span></span>, to justifie Gods righteous judgements, to acknowledge +our iniquitie, to make our supplication to our Judge, and to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">seek his face</span></span>, that he may <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pardon our sinne, and +heal our Land</span></span>. The Lord roareth, and shall not his children +tremble? The God of glory thundereth, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Highest +uttereth his voice, hailstones and coales of fire</span></span>, who will not fall +down and fear before him? The fire waxeth hot, and burneth +round about us, and shall any sit still and be secure? The +storm bloweth hard, & shall any sluggard be still asleep? This +is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy; who +will not take up a lamentation? Let the Watchmen rouze up +themselves and others, and strive to get their own, and their +peoples hearts deeply affected, and even melted before +the Lord: Let every one turn from his evill way, and +cry mightily to God, and give him no rest till he repent of +the evill, and smell a savour of rest, and say, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It is enough.</span></span> +He hath not said to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wee do not mourne as they that have no hope, but we will bear the +indignation of the Lord, because wee have sinned against him, untill +he plead our cause, and execute judgement for us.</span></span> And what +though our Candles be put out? So that our Sun shine: +What though our honour be laid in the dust? So that +GOD work out his own honour, yea, our happinesse +out of our shame. In vain have we trusted to the arm of +flesh: In the Lord our GOD is the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Salvation of Israel.</span></span> +No flesh must glory before him, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">but he that glorieth, must glory +in the Lord.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg 279]</span><a name="Pg279" id="Pg279" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These duties of Humiliation, Repentance, Faith, Amendment +of life, and Fervent Prayer, though the principal, +yet are not all which are required at the hands of this +Nation, but men of all sorts and degrees, must timely apply +themselves to such other Resolutions and Actions as are +most suteable and necessary at this time: Which that all +may the better understand, and bee excited and encouraged +to act accordingly, let it be well observed, that the +present state of the Controversie and Cause is no other but +what hath been formerly professed before GOD and the +world, that is, The Reformation and Preservation of Religion, +The Defence of the Honour and Happinesse of the +King, and of the authority of the Parliament, together +with the maintenance of our Lawes, Liberties, Lives, +and Estates. We are not changed from our former principles +and intentions, but these who did fall off from us to +the contrary party, have now made it manifest, that these +were not their ends when they seemed to joyn with us: +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Therefore are they gone out from us, because they were not of us.</span></span> +And as our Cause is the fame, so the danger thereof is not +lesse, but greater then before, and that from two sorts of Enemies. +First, from open Enemies, we mean those of the +Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant Faction, who have displayed +a Banner against the Lord, and against his Christ, in +all the three Kingdoms, being <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">set on fire of Hell</span></span>, and by the +special inspiration of Satan, who is full of fury; because he +knowes he hath but a short time to reigne. The Cockatrice +before hatched, is now broken forth into a Viper. The +danger was before feared, now it is felt; before imminent, +now incumbent; before our division, now our destruction +is endeavoured; before the Sword was fourbished +and made ready; now the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sword is made fat with Flesh, and +drunk with Bloud</span></span>, and yet it hungreth and thirsteth for more. +The Queen is most active abroad, using all means for +strengthening the Popish, and suppressing the Protestant +party; insomuch that Malignants have insolently expressed +their confidence, that her journey to France shall prove a +successeful Counsel, and that this Island, and particularly +this Kingdome, shall have a greater power to grapple with +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page280">[pg 280]</span><a name="Pg280" id="Pg280" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +before the next Summer, then any which yet we have encountred +with. The Irish Rebels have offered to the King to fend +over a greater number into both the Kingdomes: The hostile +intentions of the King of Denmark, if God be not pleased still +to divert and disable him, do plainly enough appear from +his own Letters, sent not long since to the Estates of this +Kingdome. In the mean time, the hellish crue under the +conduct of the excommunicate and forefaulted <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Earle of Montrose</span></span>, +and of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alaster Mac-Donald</span></span>, a Papist and an Outlaw, +doth exercise such barbarous, unnaturall, horrid, and unheard +of cruelty, as is above expression: And (if not repressed) +what better usage can others not yet touched expect +from them, being now hardened and animated by the successe +which God hath for our humiliation and correction, +permitted unto them: and if they shall now get leave to +secure the High-Lands for themselves, they will not onely +from thence infest the rest of this Countrey, but endeavour +a diversion of our Forces in England, from the prosecution +of the ends expressed in the Covenant of the three Kingdoms, +toward which ends, as their service hath already advantageous, +so their continuance is most necessary. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The second sort of Enemies, from which our present +dangers arise, are secret Malignants and Dis-covenanters, +who may be known by these and the like Characters: Their +slighting or censuring of the publick Resolutions of this +Kirk and State: Their consulting and labouring to raise +Jealousies and Divisions, to retard or hinder the execution +of what is ordered by the publick Judicatories: Their +slandering of the Covenant of the three Kingdomes and expedition +into England, as not necessary for the good of +Religion, or safety of this Kingdome, or as tending to +the diminution of the Kings just power and greatnesse: +Their confounding of the Kings Honour and Authority, +with the abuse and pretense thereof, and with Commissions, +Warrants, and Letters, procured from the King, +by the Enemies of this Cause and Covenant, as if we could +not oppose the latter, without encroaching upon the former: +Their whetting of their tongues, to censure and +slander those whom GOD hath honoured as his chief Instruments +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page281">[pg 281]</span><a name="Pg281" id="Pg281" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +in this Work: Their commending, justifying, or +excusing the proceedings of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahame</span></span>, +sometime <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Earle +of Montrose</span></span>, and his Complices: Their conversing or intercommuning +by word of writ, with him, or other excommunicate +Lords, contrary to the nature of that Ordinance of +Christ, and to the old Acts of General Assemblies: Their +making merry, and their insolent carriage, at the News of +any prosperous successe of the Popish and Malignant Armies +in any of these Kingdomes: Their drawing of Parties +and Factions, to the weakning of the common Union: Their +spreading of Informations, That Uniformitie in Religion, +and the Presbyterial Government, is not intended by the +Parliament of England: Their Endeavours, Informations, & +Sollicitations, tending to weaken the hearts & hands of others +and to make them withold their assistance from this Work. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let this sort of bosome Enemies, and dis-affected Persons, +be well marked, timely discovered, and carefully +avoided, lest they infuse the poison of their seducing counsels +into the mindes of others: Wherein let Ministers be +faithful, and Presbyteries vigilant and unpartial, as they +will answer the contrary to GOD, and to the General Assembly, +or their Commissioners. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The cause and the dangers thereof being thus evidenced, +unlesse men will blot out of their hearts the love of Religion, +and the Cause of GOD, and cast of all care of their Countrey, +Lawes, Liberties, and Estates, yea, all naturall +affection to the preservation of themselves, their Wives, +Children, and Friends, and whosoever is dearest to them +under the Sun (all these being in the visible danger of a present +ruine and destruction) they must now or never appear +actively, each one stretching himself to, yea beyond his +power. It is not time to dally, nor go about the businesse +by halfes, nor by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">almost</span></span>, +but <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">altogether</span></span> zealous: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cursed +be he that doth the Work of the Lord negligently, or dealeth +falsly in the Covenant of God.</span></span> If we have been so forward to +assist our Neighbour Kingdomes, shall we neglect to defend +our own? Or shall the Enemies of GOD be more active +against his Cause: than his People for it? GOD forbid. +If the Work being so far carried on, shall now mis-carry, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page282">[pg 282]</span><a name="Pg282" id="Pg282" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and fail in our hands, our own consciences shall condemne +us, and posterity shall curse us: But if wee stand stoutly +and stedfastly to it, the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in our +hands, and all Generations shall call us blessed.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let Ministers stir up others by free and faithful preaching, +and by admonishing every one of his duty, as there shall be +occasion: And if it shall be the lot of any of them to fall +under the power of the Enemy, let them through the +strength of Christ, persevere in their integrity, choosing affliction +rather then sin, glorifying GOD, and not fearing +what Flesh can do unto them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let our Armies beware of ungodlinesse, and worldly +lusts, living godly, soberly, and righteously, avoiding +all scandalous carriage, which may give occasion to others +to think the worse of their Cause and Covenant, and remembring +that the eyes of GOD, Angels, and Men are upon +them: Finally, renouncing all confidence in their own +strength, skill, valour, and number, and trusting only to the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">God of the Armies of Israel</span></span>, who hath fought, and will fight +for them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let all sorts both of high and low degree in this Kingdome, +call to minde their Solemne Covenants, and pay +their vows to the most High; and namely, that Article of +our first Covenant, which obligeth us not to stay nor hinder +any such Resolution, as by common consent shall be found +to conduce for the ends of the Covenant, but by all lawfull +means to further and promove the same; Which lyeth as a +Bond upon peoples consciences, readily to obey such orders, +and willingly to under go such burdens, as by the +publick and common resolution of the Estates of Parliament, +are found necessary for the prosecution of the War; +considering that the Enemy cannot bee suppressed without +a competent number of Forces, and Forces cannot be kept +together without maintenance, and maintenance cannot +be had without such publick Burdens; Which however +for the present, not joyous, but grievous, yet it shall be +no grief of heart afterwards, even unto the common fort, +that they have given some part of their necessary livelyhood, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page283">[pg 283]</span><a name="Pg283" id="Pg283" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +for assisting so good a work. It is far from our thoughts, +that the pinching of some, should make others superfluously +to abound: It is rather to bee expected of the richer +sort, that they will spare and defalk, not onely the pride +and superfluity, both of apparel and diet, but also a part +of their lawful allowance in these things, to contribute the +same as a free will offering, beside what they are obliged +to, by Law or publick Order, after the example of godly +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nehemiah</span></span>, who for the space of twelve years, while the +walls of Jerusalem were a building, did not eat the bread of +the Governour, that hee might ease by so much the Peoples +Burthens and Bondage. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In our last Covenant, there is another Article which +(without the oblivion or neglect of any of the rest) we +wish may be well remembred at this time; namely, That +we shall assist and defend all that enter into this League and +Covenant, in the maintaining and pursuing thereof and +shall not suffer our selves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever +Combination, Perswasion, or Terror, to be divided +and withdrawne from this blessed Union and Conjunction, +whether to make defection to the contrary part, or +to give our selves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality +in this Cause: According to which Article, mens Reality +and integrity in the Covenant, will be manifest and demonstrable +as well by their omissions, as by their commissions; +as well by their not doing good, as by their doing of evil; +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">He that is not with us, is against us, and he that gathereth not with +us, scattereth.</span></span> Whoever he be that will not, according to publick +order and appointment, adventure his person, or send +out these that are under his power, or pay the Contributions +imposed for the maintenance of the Forces, must be taken +for an Enemie, Malignant, and Covenant-breaker, and +so involved both into the displeasure of GOD, and Censures +of the Kirk, and no doubt into civil punishments also +to be inflicted by the State. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And if any shall prove so untoward and perfidious, their +iniquitie shall be upon themselves, and they <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">shall bear their +punishment</span></span>: Deliverance and good successe shall follow +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page284">[pg 284]</span><a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +those who with purpose of heart cleave unto the Lord, and +whose hearts are upright toward his glory. When wee look +back upon the great things which GOD hath done for us, +and our former deliverances out of several dangers and difficulties +which appeared to us insuperable, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">experience breeds +hope</span></span>: And when we consider how in the midst of all our +sorrows and pressures, the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lord our God hath given us a naile in +his holy place</span></span>, and hath lightned our eyes with the desireable +and beautiful sight of his own glory in his Temple, we take +it for an argument that he hath yet <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">thoughts of peace</span></span>, and a +purpose of mercy toward us; <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Though for a small moment he hath +forsaken us, yet with great mercies he will gather us</span></span> as Hee hath +lifted up our Enemies, that their fall may be the greater, +and that he may cast them downe into desolation for ever. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arise, +and let us be doing; The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob +is our Refuge.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc321" id="toc321"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Lykwakes.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas the corrupt Custome of Lykwakes hath fostered +both Superstition and Profanitie through the Land, +This present Assembly Discharges the same intime comming, +And appoints Presbyteries To take speciall care for +trying and censuring the Transgressors of this Act within +their several Bounds. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc322" id="toc322"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act recommending to Sessions To have the +Printed Acts of Assemblie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, considering how necessar it is, +That every Session in a Parish have the Acts of the Assembly +for their use, Doth therefore seriously recommend +to every Parish and Session To buy the Printed Acts of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page285">[pg 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Assembly; and Ordains Presbyteries To crave account hereof +from every Minister, before their going to Provinciall +Assemblies: And likewise, That every Provinciall +Assembly, crave account from Presbyteries in their +trials, if every Session be so provided, and that they try +the diligence, of Presbyteries and Ministers used for that +effect. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc323" id="toc323"></a> +<a name="pdf324" id="pdf324"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">13. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. Ult.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc325" id="toc325"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, +and other superstitious dayes, especially if +they be Schollars.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly taking to their consideration, +The manifold Abuses, Profanitie, and Superstitions, +committed on Yule-day and some other superstitions dayes +following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby Ordains, +That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall +be found guilty in keeping of the foresaid superstitious +dayes, shall be proceeded against by Kirk Censures, and +shall make their publick Repentance therefore in the face +of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And +that Presbyteries and Provinciall Synods Take particular +notice how Ministers try and censure Delinquents of this +kinde, within the severall Parochines. And because Schollars +and Students give great scandal and offence in this, That +they (being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised +therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of +Schools or Colledges be accessorie to the said superstitious +profanitie, by their connivence, granting of liberty +of Vacance to their Schollars at that time, or any time +thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be +summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compeir before +the next ensuing Generall Assembly, there to be +censured according to their trespasse; And if Schollars +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page286">[pg 286]</span><a name="Pg286" id="Pg286" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +(being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, +or be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be +not received in any other Schoole or Colledge within the +Kingdom. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc326" id="toc326"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions +in Schooles.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In respect of the paucitie of men, fit and willing to professe +Divinitie in the Schooles, by reason that few frame +their studies that way, The Generall Assembly thinks it fit, +That the Provincials diligently consider and try who within +their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in the +Schooles, And report their names to the following Generall +Assembly, that such may be stirred up and encouraged +by the General Assembly, to compose and frame their studies, +that they may be fit for such places. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc327" id="toc327"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for restraining Abuses at +Pennie Brydals.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, considering the great profanitie +and severall Abuses which usually fal forth at Pennie-Brydals +proving fruitful Seminaries of all lasciviousnesse +and debausherie, as well by the excessive number of people +conveened thereto, as by the extortion of them therein, +and licentiousnesse thereat, To the great dishonour of +God, the scandall of our Christian Profession, and prejudice +of the Countreys welfare; Therefore they Ordain +every Presbyterie in this Kingdome, To take such special +care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes +foresaid, as they shall think fit in their severall bounds +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>: +And to take a strict accompt of every Minister and +Session of their obedience to the Ordinance of the Presbyteria +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg 287]</span><a name="Pg287" id="Pg287" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +theyeanent, at the Visitation of every Parish Kirk in +their Bounds. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc328" id="toc328"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be +reponed to their former Places.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, considering the manifold prejudices +redounding to the Kirk in Generall, and private +Congregations in particnlar; through the restoring of Ministers +once deposed to the same places wherein formerly +they served: As also, how derogatorie it would prove to the +weight of that sentence of Deposition; Do therefore ordain, +that no Minister deposed, shall be restored again into that +place where formerly he served. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc329" id="toc329"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the publick +Affairs of the Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly taking to their consideration, That +in respect the great Work of Uniformitie in Religion in +all his Majesties dominions, is not yet perfected, (though +by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the +same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions +granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great +Work; Doe therefore Renew the Power and Commission +granted for the publick Affairs of the Kirk by the Generall +Assembly, held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. upon the +fifth day of August <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">post meridiem</span></span>, Sess, 12. And by the Generall +Assembly held in Edinburgh in the year 1643 upon the +19. day of August, Sess. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ult.</span></span> And by the late Generall Assembly +held at Edinburgh in the year 1644. upon the third +of June, Sess. 6. to the Persons afternamed, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz. Mr Andrew +Ramsay, Mr Alexan. Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr +William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, +Mr John Oswald, Mr Mungo Law, Mr Robert Lawrie, +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg 288]</span><a name="Pg288" id="Pg288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +Mr John Adamson, D. John Sharp, Mr George Leslie, Mr +Andrew Fairfowle, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, +Mr James Fleeming, Mr Robert Ker, Mr John Macghie, +Mr John Dalyell, Mr Andrew Stevenson, Mr Robert +Lander, Mr James Robertson, Mr Patrick Sibbald, Mr Robert +Carson, Mr Alex. Spittall, Mr Alex. Dickison, Mr James Smith, Mr +John Gibbison, Mr James Symton, Mr Ephraim Melvill, Mr +Alex. Somervell, Mr Robert Eliot, Mr George Bennet, Mr Robert +Blair, Mr David Forret, Mr Arthur Mortoun, Mr Samuel Rutherfurd, +D. Alex. Colvill, Mr Andrew Bennet, Mr James Wedderburn, +Mr Walter Greg, Mr John Moncreiff, Mr John Smith, Mr +Frederick Carmichaell, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, +Mr James Sibbald, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Hume at Eccles, +Mr Mungo Dalyell, Mr Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr +William Turnbull, Mr James Guthrie, Mr Thomas Donaldson, Mr +William Jameson, Mr David Fletcher, Mr Andrew Dunkison, Mr +Robert Murray, Mr David Weemes, Mr John Hall, Mr John +Freebairn, Mr David Drummond at Creist, Mr George Murray, Mr +Henry Guthrie, Mr Robert Wright, Mr Andrew Jaffray, Mr Bernard +Sanderson, Mr Alex. Iran, Mr Thomas Chalmers, Mr Andrew +Lawder, Mr Hugh Henderson, Mr John Levingstoun, Mr +James Blair, Mr James Bonar, Mr John Burne, Mr John Bell, Mr +Hugh Mackale, Mr Matthew Birsbane, Mr David Elphingstoun, +Mr David Dickson, Mr George Young, D. John Strang, Mr +Robert Baillie, Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr +Evan Camron, Mr George Symmer at Megle, Mr Andrew +Fleck, Mr Patrick Lyon, Mr John Lindsay, Mr Sylvester +Lammie, Mr George Fogo, Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew +Cant, Mr William More, Mr William Davidson, Mr John +Paterson, Mr William Jaffray, Mr Thomas Mitchell, Mr George +Cummin, Mr Joseph Brodie, Mr William Lawder, Mr David +Rosse, Mr Ferquhard Mackleman,</span></span> Ministers; And <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald</span></span> +Marquesse of Argyle, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> Earle of Eglintoun, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> +Earle of Glencarne, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Cassils, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Charles</span></span> Earle of Dumfermling, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> +Earle of Tullibarein, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Lauderdale, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> Earle of Annandale, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> +Earle of Lothian, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> Earle of +Queenesberry, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Earle of Dalhousie, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Earle of Lanerick, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald</span></span> Lord Angus, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page289">[pg 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Vicount of Arbuthnet, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> Vicount of Frendraught, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> Lord Carleys, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> +Lord Johnstoun, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Yester, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Lord Balmerino, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> Lord Balcarras, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Loure, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Barganie, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hepburn</span></span> of Wauchtoun, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hope</span></span> of Craighall, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald +Johnstoun</span></span> of Waristoun, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Hume</span></span> of Wedderburn, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Frederick Lyon</span></span> of Brigtoun, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Areskine</span></span> of +Dun, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Fraser</span></span> of Phillorth, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sir William Baillie</span></span> of Lammingroun, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadding</span></span> of Glennegies, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ruthven</span></span> of Freeland, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Macdougall</span></span> of Garthland, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Murray</span></span> of Blackbarronie, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Drummond</span></span> of Rickartoun, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Scot</span></span> of Hardin, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ker</span></span> of Greenhead, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Stuart</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Schaw</span></span> +of Sauchie, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Brodie</span></span> of that Ilk, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hume</span></span> of Kimmerjame, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Colvill</span></span> Justice Depute, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Binnie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Sydsers</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Laurence Henderson</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Stuart +Gilbert Sommernell</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Semple,</span></span> +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Barclay, Patrick Leslie</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Law</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Cuninghame</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gardin</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Glendunning</span></span> Elders. +And for discharging the said Commission, Appoints +the persons aforesaid, or any ninteene of them, whereof +fifteen shall be Ministers, to meet at Edinburgh upon the +14. of this moneth of February and upon the second Wednesday +of May, August, November, and of February +next to come, and upon any other day, or in any other +Place they shall think meet. Giving unto them full power +and Commission to do all and every thing for prosecuting, +advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of Uniformity +in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to an +happy conclusion, conforme to the former Commissions +granted by the saids Assemblies thereanent: And further, +Renewes to the Persons afore-named, the power contained +in the Act of the said Assembly, 1643 Intituled, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A reference to +the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the +Kingdom of England</span></span>, As also the power contained in two +several Acts of the said late Assembly 1644. Sess. 16. made <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Against +secret dis-affecters of the Covenant</span></span>, and, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For sending Ministers +to the Army</span></span>. With full power to them, to treat and +determine in the matters aforesaid, & in all other matters referred +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page290">[pg 290]</span><a name="Pg290" id="Pg290" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely, as if +the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample +power as any Commission of former General Assemblies +hath had, or been in use of before; They being alwayes for +their whole proceedings countable to, and censurable by the +next General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc330" id="toc330"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission to the Persons +appointed to repair to the Kingdom, of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">for prosecuting the Treaty of +Uniformitie in Religion.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration, +that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties +Dominions is not yet perfected, though by the +Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same, +Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted +to the Persons formerly nominate by the two preceding +Assemblies, and by their Commissioners sitting at Edinburgh, +for prosecuting the said Treatie of Uniformitie with +the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and +the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees +appointed by them. Giving unto them full power +to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, +and bring the said Treatie to an happy conclusion conforme +to the former Commissions granted to them thereanent. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc331" id="toc331"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The General Assemblies Answer to the Right +Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk +of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Reverend and welbeloved in the Lord Jesus,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Amidst the manifold troubles in which this Kingdome +hath been involved, and under which it still laboureth, +we greatly rejoyced when it was testified unto by us +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page291">[pg 291]</span><a name="Pg291" id="Pg291" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +our reverend Brethren, and under your hands in your Letter, +and these Papers by them presented to us from you, +what progresse you had made in the much desired Work of +Uniformities and acknowledge that the same hath <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">comforted +us concerning our work and toile of our hands</span></span>, and seemeth to us as +an olive branch, to prognosticate the abating of the waters, +which overflow the face of the Earth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +When we consider, that you have walked in pathes unusuall, +which have not been haunted by Travellers there, +as the publick way, though pointed out as the good old way +by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder that you have +carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure ground; +When we behold that strong and high tree of Episcopacie +so deeply rooted by continuance of time not loosed of the +Branches, and the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">stumpe of the root left in the Earth, with a +band of iron and brasse</span></span>, but pluckt up by the roots; We do +confesse that the Carpenters, though prepared have a hard +task, requiring time to hew it down, and root it up: And +when we call to minde how much the Service-Book hath +been cryed up as the only way of GODS Worship, how +many thereby have had their wealth, and how difficult it is +to forgoe the accustomed way; We admire the power and +wisdom of the good GOD who hath prospered you in +your way, and led you this length, through so many +straits, and over so many difficulties in so troublous a +time. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most +heartily and gladly embrace the Directory of Worship, as a +common Rule for the Kirks of GOD in the three Kingdoms, +now more straitly and firmly united by the solemne +League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice blesse +the Lord, who hath put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, +Learned, and Pious Assembly of Divines and +then, of the Honourable Houses of Parliament. To agree +upon such a Directory as doth remove what is none of +Christs, and preserve the purity of all his Ordinances, together +with Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we +have thought necessary, to declare and make known, That +the Clause in the Directory for the administration of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page292">[pg 292]</span><a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Lords Supper, which appointeth the Table to be so placed +that the Communicants may orderly sit about it, or at it, is +not to be interpreted as if in the judgement of this Kirk it +were indifferent for any of the Communicants not to come +to and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing +of the Elements by the Ministers to each Communicant, +& not by the Communicants among themselves: In +which particulars, we still conceive and believe the order & +practice of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable & sutable to +the Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, +and the nature of that Heavenly Feast and Table. Neverthelesse, +in other particulars we have resolved, and do +agree, to do as ye have desired us in your Letter, That is, +not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawfull in themselves, +and not condemned in this Directory, but to lay +them aside for the nearer Uniformitie with the Kirk of England, +now nearer and dearer to us than ever before; A +Blessing so much esteemed, and so earnestly longed for among +us, that rather than it faile on our part, we do most +willingly part with such practices and customs of our own, +as may be parted with safely, and without the violation of +any of Christs Ordinances, or trespassing against Scripturall +Rules, or our solemne Covenants. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Proportions +touching Kirk-government and Ordination; and +have given power to our Commissioners who are to meet in +Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an +Uniformitie therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, +so soon as the same shall be without any substantiall alteration +Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses +of the Parliament of England according to our Act of +Approbation sent to our Commissioners with you. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the +counsel and assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of +good use to us in these difficult times, and their particular +stations and imployments importune the stay of these who +are come unto us, and the returne of these who stay with +you, yet preferring the publick good, and looking upon +the profit may redound unto all by their continuing with +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg 293]</span><a name="Pg293" id="Pg293" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +you, we have satisfied your desire, & renewed their Commission; +Praying GOD they may (as we are confident they shall) +prove answerable to our trust, and to your expectation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of +Catechisme, we apprehend no great difficultie: And to +that which remains to be perfected in the matter of Kirk-government, +we do believe, and both you and we know by +experience, that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">there is no +word impossible with</span></span> our <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">God. He +that hath begun a good work among you, will also perform it</span></span> of his +good pleasure. Go on in the Lord your strength, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the +Spirit of truth lead you in all truth: The God of all grace and peace +that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd +of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant</span></span>, & by him +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">hath called us unto his eternall glory, make you perfect in every good +work to do his will, working in you, and by you, and among you, that +which is well pleasing in his fight, stablish, strengthen, settle you, +through Jesus Christ our Lord.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 13. Feb. +1645.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in name of the Generall +Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, +by the Moderator of the +Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc332" id="toc332"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">met at Edinburgh +the 13. day of February, 1645.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT +MAJESTIE. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As our Record is on high, and our conferences within us +bear us witnesse, so the many former Supplications and +Remonstrances to your Majestie, from this Kirk and Kingdome, +our solemne Covenants, and the whole course of +our proceedings from time to time in the prosecution +of this Cause; Do make known to the World, and we trust +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page294">[pg 294]</span><a name="Pg294" id="Pg294" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +also to your own consience, our loyaltie and faithful subjection, +and how far our intentions are from the diminution +of your Majesties just Power and Greatnesse; And although +the successe of many of our humble addresses to your Majesty, +hath been such as did frustrate our desires and hopes, +yet this hath not blotted our of our hearts our loyaltie, so +often professed before God and the World; but it is still our +Souls desire, and our Prayer to God for you, that your +Self and your Posterity may prosperously reigne over this +your antient and Native Kingdome, and over your other +Dominions. And now as we have published a solemn and +free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, +Burrons, Ministers, and Commons of this Kingdome, +concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their +sins procuring the same; So when we call to minde, that +God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the greatest +are not to be winked at in their sins; We assure our selves, +that the best and most reall testimony which we can +give at this present of the tendernesse and uprightnesse of +our affection to your Majesties true Happinesse is this our +humble and faithfull Representation of your Majesties great +and growing dangers, and the causes thereof. Of which, +if we should be silent, our consciences would condemne +us, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the stones themselves would immediatly cry out</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, & our fear increased +in your Majesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience +is above measure tempted, & is like a cart prest down +with sheaves, and ready to break, while as beside many +former designes and endeavours to bring desolation and destruction +upon us, (which were (and we trust all of that +kinde shall be) by the marvellous and mercifull providence +of God discovered and disappointed). Our Countrey is now +infested, the blood of divers of our Brethern spilt, and +other acts of most barbarous and horrid cruelty exercised, +by the cursed crew of the Irish Rebels and their Complices +in the Kingdome, under the conduct of such as have +Commission and Warrant from your Majestie. And +unless we prove unfaithfull both to God and to your +Majestie, we cannot conceale another danger which is infinitely +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page295">[pg 295]</span><a name="Pg295" id="Pg295" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +greater than that of your Peoples displeasure: Therefore +we the servants of the most high GOD, and your +Majesties most loyall Subjects in the humility and grief of +our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the +Name of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST, +who shall judge the world in righteousnesse, both great +and small, and in the Name of this whole Nationall Kirk, +which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty +freely, that the guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty +and to your Throne, is such, as (whatsoever flattering +preachers, or unfaithfull counsellours may say to the contrary) +if not timely repented, cannot but involve your +Self and your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living +GOD, For your being guiltie of the shedding of the blood +of many thousands of your Majesties best Subjects; For +your permitting the Masse, and other Idolatry, both in +your own Family and in your Dominions; For your authorizing +by the Book of Sports the profanation of the Lords +Day; For your not punishing of publick scandals, and +much profanenesse in, & about your Court; For the shutting +of your eare, from the humble and just desires of your +faithfull Subjects; For your complying too much with the +Popish party in many wayes, and namely, by concluding +the Cessation of Armes in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, and your embracing the +counsels of those who have not set GOD nor your good +before their eyes; For your resisting and opposing this +Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of GOD, +your own honour and happinesse, and the peace and safetie +of your Kingdomes; and for what other causes your Majesty +is most conscious, and may best judge and search your +own conscience (nor would we have mentioned any particulars, +if they had not been publike and knowne.) For +all which it is high time for your Majesty to fall down at the +footstool of the King of Glory, to acknowledge your offence +to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through +JESUS CHRIST, (whose blood is able to wash away +your great sinne) and to be no longer unwilling that the Son +of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms in his pure +Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296">[pg 296]</span><a name="Pg296" id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +things if your Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto +you afterward; a blessing is reserved for you, and you +shall finde favour with GOD, and with your People, +and with all the Churches of Christ; But if your Majesty +refuse to hearken to this wholsome counsell (which the +Lord forbid) we have discharged our own consciences, +we take GOD and Men to witnesse That we are blamelesse +of the sad Consequences which may follow, and we +shall wait upon the Lord, who, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">when he maketh inquisition +for blood, will not forget the cry of the humble</span></span>. In the mean while, +beseeching your Majesty to take notice That we are not +staggering or fainting through diffidence of the successe of +this Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto +which, as GOD hath already given manifold Testimonies +of his favour and blessing; so it is our stedfast and unshaken +confidence, that this is the Work and Cause of GOD, +which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and +from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, +we shall never suffer our selves to be divided or withdrawn, +but shall zealously and constantly in our severall Vocations, +endeavour with our Estates and Lives, the pursuing and +promoving thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity +in Religion between both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered +to your Majestie from the Commissioners of this +Kingdom, for your Royall Consent and Ratification. Although +your Majestie was not pleased to vouchsafe us the +presence of your Commissioner, according to the supplication +of the Commissioners or the preceeding Generall Assembly, +yet we have proceeded with as much respect to +your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance of our +duty, as if your Royall Person had been present in the mids +of us: And we shall still continue our Prayers for you, +that GOD would graciously incline your heart to the +counsels of Truth and Peace, and grant unto your Majestie +a long and happy Raign, that we may live under you a peaceable +and quiet life, in all Godlinesse and Honestie. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page297">[pg 297]</span><a name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc333" id="toc333"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners +at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> London.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend and beloved Brethren,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in +the Work of the Lord entrusted to you, brought to +us at this time by these two of your number, whom you +were pleased to send, were received by us with no small joy +and rejoycing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of +our Souls desire, in that so much longed for, so much prayed +for happy Uniformity of these Kirks and Kingdoms: +And an evident Demonstration to us, that the Lord hath +not, even in this time of his seen and felt displeasure, so +covered himself with the cloud of his anger, that our Prayers +should not passe through. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The great and main difficulties through which the Lord +hath carried this Work, as we do acknowledge, ought +mainly to be made use of, for the praise and glory of his +power, who is the great Worker of all our works for us; +So your overcoming of them is to us no small Demonstration +of your zeal, wisdom, and faithfulnesse, which without +great Injurie both to the Lord the prime Worker, and +to you his instruments, we cannot but acknowledge, hath +been much manifested in the whole managing of this work +in your hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The full answer to all the particulars you write of in your +Letters, we leave to the Relation of those that come from +you, and are now appointed to return to you: And as with +much thankfulnesse we acknowledge your fidelity in what +ye have done already; so we have again renewed your Commission +for the continuance of your Imployment there, for +the perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the furthering +whereof, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers +to GOD for his blessing upon your labours, so for your +help and assistance, we have appointed a commission to sit +at Edinburgh, to which at all occasions you may have your +recourse, as the exigence of the Work shall require. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page298">[pg 298]</span><a name="Pg298" id="Pg298" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to +us by our Brethren from you, was to us, we leave it rather +to their relation at their return; being ear and eye witnesses +to the manifold expressions of our joy and gladnesse, +then offer to represent it to you in a Letter: The Act herewith +sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Directory, +will sufficiently declare our hearty approbation of it: Our +judgement also concerning the proportions of Government +and Ordination, and our earnest desire to have the Work of +Uniformity promoved and perfected in that particular also, +will appear to you by the other Act which herewith you will +receive: Our zeal and desire to have that Work fully closed +with so much harmonie as becometh the work of GOD, +will appear to you in our resolution and answer to that particular +in the point of Excommunication, concerning which +you write. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These particular differences hinted in the Assemblies +Letter, for uniformitie with that Kirk so much endeared to +us, we have resolved to lay aside, and have taken course +for preserving harmonie amongst our selves, whereof our +Brethren will give you more particular account. Anent +your desire of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr Alexander Henderson</span></span> his attending the Treatie, +we are confident ere this you have received our resolution. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Amidst the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the +Lord to presse us, as we thought it necessar to publish and +send forth a Warning to all sorts of Persons in this Kirk and +Kingdom, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, +and their sins procuring the same; So we thought it incumbent +to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can give +at this present to his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him +faithfully The great and growing dangers his Majesty is now +under, and the causes thereof. This Remonstrance we +have sent to you, to be presented to his Majesty, by such +means, and at such time, as you who are there upon the +place shall judge fittest. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now dear Brethren go on with cheerfulnesse in the +Work of the Lord: Let no discouragement or opposition +make your heart to faint, or your hands wax feeble: Perswade +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page299">[pg 299]</span><a name="Pg299" id="Pg299" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +your self the Lords hand shall still be made known toward +his servants, and his indignation against his Enemies. +Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but +also to make and end, and is abundantly able to supply all +your need according to the riches of his glory. Be confident +therefore of this thing, that he who hath begun this good +Work by you, will also in due time accomplish it to his +own praise. To his gracious assistance we heartily recommend +you. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Postscript. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is earnestly desired That the Directorie for +Worship be sent to Ireland, and that you recommend +to the honourable Houses of the +Parliament, To think upon the best way for +the establishment & practice of it in that Kingdom. +And that the like course may be taken +with the government, and other parts of the +Uniformity, so soon as they shall be agreed +upon. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of +Scotland by the Moderator of the Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, +To consider these matters referred to their +consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to report +their judgement therein to the next Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly Appoints the meeting of the +next Assembly to be at Edinburgh the first Wednesday +of June, in the yeer 1646.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg 300]</span><a name="Pg300" id="Pg300" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc334" id="toc334"></a> +<a name="pdf335" id="pdf335"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly Met at </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> Junii 3. 1646.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc336" id="toc336"></a> +<a name="pdf337" id="pdf337"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinb. 4. Junii 1646. Sess. 2.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc338" id="toc338"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Kings Letter to the Assembly, +presented by M.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Robert Douglas +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Minister at Edinburgh.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Charles R.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Right trustly and welbeloved, We greet you +well. Having lately written to Our Houses of +Parliament at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>, and the Commissioners +from Our Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, +and likewise to the Committees of Estates of +that our Kingdom; Shewing Our great sense and grief for +the sad effects have flowed from the unhappy differences +betwixt Us and Our Subjects; with Our reall resolutions +to comply with the desires of Our Parliaments of both Kingdoms, +and those entrusted by them for settling of Trueth +and Peace in all Our Dominions: And now being informed +of your meeting, We have thought fit hereby (since We +could not conveniently send a Commissioner) to give you +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page301">[pg 301]</span><a name="Pg301" id="Pg301" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the same assurances; And withall, that it shall be Our constant +endeavour to maintain Religion there, as it is established, +in Doctrine, Worship, and Church-government, +and leave no good means unassayed for setling an +universall Peace in that our native and ancient Kingdom, +with the Reformation and Religion, and settling Peace in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>: +And after the return of an answer to +Our late Message to Our Houses of Parliament heer, We +shall more particularly acquaint you, or your Commissioners, +with Our further resolutions. In the mean time, +We seriously recommend Our selves and distracted condition +of Our Kingdoms, to your most earnest Prayers to God +in our behalf, expecting from you faithfulnesse in your severall +Charges and Callings, with that Loyaltie and obedience +which becometh the Ministers of the Gospel. We +bid you very heartily farewell, from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">New-castle</span></span>, the 28, of +May 1646, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +DIRECT. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +For Our right trustie and welbeloved, The Moderatour +and other Members of the Generall Assembly of the +Kirk of Our Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc339" id="toc339"></a> +<a name="pdf340" id="pdf340"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">6. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 4.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc341" id="toc341"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the Registers and Acts of +Provinciall Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly recommends to Provinciall Assemblies, +that hereafter they cause read all their Acts, +before the dissolving of every Assembly; And that +their Registers be written formally, and in a good hand +writing, with the severall Leafes or Pages thereof marked +by ciphers according to their number. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page302">[pg 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc342" id="toc342"></a> +<a name="pdf343" id="pdf343"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">11. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Junii 1646. Antemeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 7.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc344" id="toc344"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the publike satisfaction of +Married persons, for Fornication committed +before Marriage.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly understanding that in many +places the publike scandals of Fornication committed +before Marriage, are not taken notice of and removed +by publike confession according to the order of this +Kirk; Therefore for remedie thereof do Ordain, That +all Married persons under publike scandall of Fornication, +committed before their Marriage (although the scandall +thereof hath not appeared before the Marriage) shall satisfie +publikely for that sin committed before their Marriage, +their being in the estate of Marriage notwithstanding, And +that in the same manner as they should have done if they +were not Maried. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc345" id="toc345"></a> +<a name="pdf346" id="pdf346"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">13. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 10.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc347" id="toc347"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Ordinance for Excommunication of the +Earle of Seafort.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having taken to their serious +consideration, that perfidious Band made and contrived +lately in the North, under the name of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">An humble Remonstrance</span></span>, +against our Nationall Covenant, and the League +and Covenant of the three Kingdoms; Which tendeth +to the making of division and fomenting of Jealousie +within this and between both Kingdoms, to the prolonging +of these unnaturall Warrs, to the impeding of the intended +Uniformity in Religion, and to the subversion of +all the happie ends of our covenants: And finding that +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George</span></span> Earle of Seafort hes not only most perfidiously himself +subscribed the said wicked Band, contrary to his solemne +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page303">[pg 303]</span><a name="Pg303" id="Pg303" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Oaths in the Covenants aforesaid, and most arrogantly, +owned the same under his owne hand writing in his letters +to the Committee of Estates, and to the Commissioners of +the preceding Assemblie; But also hes seduced and threatned +others to subscribe that divisive Band, and to joyne +with him in prosecution of his treacherous and wicked designes, +therein masked with the pretences of Religion and libertie; +boasting also the pursuance of that his Remonstrance +against all deadly the opposers thereof, whether King or Parliament. +And having also considered another wicked and +treacherous Band of Union which the said Earle formerly +entred into with that excommunicate Rebell <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahame</span></span>, +after the sentence of forfalture and the dreadfull sentence of +excommunication were pronounced against him, Oblieging +himself therein under solomne Oaths to joyne with that +forfaulted Rebell against this Kirk and Kingdome, and to +oppose all their publike resolutions for pursuance of the +happie ends of our said Covenants. All which, with his +vile reproachfull aspersions and most false calumnies against +this Kirk and State, and their publike and lawfull endeavours +and resolutions, with his other wicked and perfidious +practises at length discovered in the Proclamation of the +Committee of Estates, and the Declaration of the Commission +of the Assembly against the said perfidious Band and +Remonstrance, being gravely pondered and considered; +Together with his base treachery to the Estates, being intrusted +by them with ample Comission, and encouraged and +enabled for discharging thereof, with Mony Ammunition +and Arms in a good measure; Notwithstanding whereof contrary +to that great trust reposed in him. It is notour that not +only he did not joyne with the Forces raised for the defence +of this Kingdome, But rather on the contrary, actually +joining himself and his Forces with that excommunicate +Rebel <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahame</span></span>, and these unnatural bloody Rebels +his followers, did beleager Invernesse, a Towne Garrisoned +by the Estates for the Defence of that part of the Country. +And the Assembly, having also found that fair +means have been used for reclaiming of the said Earle +from that wicked and perfidious course, by publike Declarations +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page304">[pg 304]</span><a name="Pg304" id="Pg304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Proclamations, and particular Letters sent to himself +from those that had power in that behalf, And that notwithstanding +thereof and of Summonds direct against him +to answer to the premisses, often called, he doth not appear, +but still remains obstinate in his wicked courses. And after +mature deliberation having found his frequent fearful and +grosse perjuries, his perfidious and wicked conspiracies by +Band and Oath, with the publike Enemies of this Kirk and +Kingdom, and his other treacherous and wicked practises +contemptuously and pertinaciously persisted into, To be +heinous offences against God, and high contempt of all +Ecclesiastical and Civil authority. Therefore the Assembly +moved with the Zeal of God, do without a contrary +voice Decerne and Ordain the said <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George</span></span> Earle of Seafort +to be summarly excommunicate, and declared to be one +whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every +one of the Faithful as an Ethnik and Publicane, and appoints +the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced by +Matter <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Blair</span></span> Moderator in the east Kirk of this Citie, +upon the next Lords day, being the 14 of this Moneth; +And that thereafter publike intimation be made thereof +upon a Sabbath day before noone in all the Kirks of +this Kingdom so soon as advertisement shall come unto +them. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc348" id="toc348"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Enormities and Corruptions observed to be in +the Ministery, with the Remedies thereof.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +ENORMITIES. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The first and main sin, reaching both to our personall +carriage and callings, we judge to be, Not studying +how to keep Communion and Fellowship with God in +Christ, but walking in a naturall way without imploying of +Christ, or drawing vertue from him, to inable us unto +sanctification, and Preaching in spirit and power. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page305">[pg 305]</span><a name="Pg305" id="Pg305" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In our Lives.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. Much fruitlesse conversing in companie, and complying +with the sins of all sorts, not behaving our +selves as becomes the men of God. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Great worldlinesse is to be found amongst us, minding +and speaking most about things of this life, being busied +about many things, but forgetting the main. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. Slighting of Gods worship in their families, and therefore +no cordiall urging of it upon others: yea, altogether +a wanting of it in some, if it be credible. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. Want of gravity in carriage and apparell, dissolutenesse +in haire, and shaking about the knees, lightnesse in +the apparrell of their wives and children. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. Tippling and bearing companie in untimous drinking +inn Tavernes and Ale houses, or any where else, whereby +the Ministerie is made vile and contemptible. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. Discountenancing of the godly; speaking ill of +them, because of some that are unanswerable to their profession. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +7. The Sabbath not sanctified after Sermons, which +maketh people think that the Sabbath is ended with the +Sermon. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +8. There are also to be found amongst us, who use +small and minced oaths. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +9. Some so great strangers to Scripture, that except in +their publike Ministerie, though they read many things, +yet they are little conversant in the Scripture, and in meditation +thereof. A dutie incumbent to all the people of God. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In our Callings.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. Corrupt entry into the Ministrie in former times, and +following the course of defection, though forsaken, +yet never seriously repented: as also present entring into +the Ministery, as to a way of living in the world, and not +as to a spirituall calling. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page306">[pg 306]</span><a name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Helping in, and holding in of insufficient and suspected +men, who favour the things of this life and keeping +the door straiter on them whom God hath sealed, then upon +these who have lesse evidence of the power of grace and +holinesse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. Partiality in favouring, and speaking for the scandalous, +whether Ministers or other persons, teaching them +how to shift and delay censures. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. Silence in the publike cause, not labouring to cure +the disaffection of people, not urging them to constancie +and patience in bearing of publike burdens, nor to forwardnesse +in the publike Cause; whereby Malignants are multiplied: +yea some are so grosse herein, that even in publike +Fasts little or nothing is to be heard from them sounding +this way. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. Some account it a point of wisdome to speak ambiguously: +some incline to justifie the wicked cause, uttering +words which favour of disaffection: and all their complaining +of the times, is in such a way as may steal the hearts of +people from liking of good Instruments in this work, and +consequently from Gods Cause: yea, some reading publike +Orders, are ready to speak against them in their private +conferences. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. Idlenesse, either in seldome Preaching, as once on +The Lords day, or in preparation for publike duties, not +being given to reading and meditation: others have but fits +of paines, not like other Tradesmen continually at their +work. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +7. Want of zeal, and love to the conversion of souls, +not being weighted with the want of successe in reclaiming +of sinners, nor searching in themselves the cause of not +profiting, preaching <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ex officio</span></span>; +nor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ex conscientia officii</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +8. Self-seeking in preaching, and a venting rather of +their wit and skill, then a Shewing foorth of the wisdome +and power of God. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +9. Lifelesnesse in preaching, not studying to be furnished +by Christ with power; and so the ordinance of God teacheth +not to the conscience: and thereto belongeth the not +applying of the doctrine unto the auditory and times. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307">[pg 307]</span><a name="Pg307" id="Pg307" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +10. The indiscreet curing of the indiscretion of pious +people and Ministers, whereby godlinesse hath gotten a +deep wound, and profanitie hath lifted up the head, contrary +to that wise and gracious order set foorth in the Generall +Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, 1641. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +11. Little care to furnish our Armie, either abroad or at +home with Ministers; One of our grievous sins and causes +of our calamity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +12. Last, it is to be feared that Ministers in secret are +negligent to wrestle in Prayer, for a blessing to be poured +out upon their labours, contenting themselves with their +publike performances. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Remedies.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. First, That Presbyteries make great conscience to +have all vacant places within their several bounds filled +with godly and able men, where ever they be to be found: +and that under pretence of being a helper, or second to another, +none be taken in, but such as are able for the +same charge. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Whereas it is known, that private tryall in Presbyteries +are for the most part perfunctorious, the Brethren are +hereby exhorted to be more serious, and faithfull herein, +as they will be answerable to Christ, the Chief Shepherd: +and in a way previous thereto, that Brethren be free, in +loving admonition one of another secretly, from time to +time; and that whosoever keeps not the Presbyterie or Synod, +after grave admonitions may come under further +censures. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. That accuracie be used as visitation of Kirks, and that +the Elders one by one (the rest being removed) be called +in, and examined upon oath upon the Ministers behaviour +in his calling and conversation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. That course be taken to divide Congregations in parts, +and by the help not only of Elders in their severall parts, +but of neighbors also, the evils, and neglect of persons +and families, may be found out and remedied. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page308">[pg 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. That every Minister be humbled for his former failings, +and make his peace with God, that the more effectually he +may preach repentance, and may stand in the gap, to turne +away the Lords wrath: runing between the Porch and the +Altar, fighing and crying for all the abominations of the +land. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. Speciall care would be had, that Ministers have their +conversation in heaven, mainly minding the things of God, +and exercising faith for drawing life out of Jesus Christ the +fountain of life, arming themselves thereby with power against +the contagion and wickednesse of the world. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +7. Care would be had of godly conference in Presbyteries, +even in time of their refreshment, and the +Moderator is to look to it, that good matter be furnished +thereto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +8. It is also very necessary for every Minister that would +be fruitfull in the work of the Lord, to bring home the +Word of God to his own heart and conscience, by Prayer +and Meditation, both before and after the publike ordinance. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +9. Use would be made of the roll of the Parish, not onely +for examination, but also for considering the severall +conditions and dispositions of the people, that accordingly +they may be admonished, and particularly prayed for by the +Ministers in secret. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +10. It is very expedient that Ministers have more communion +among themselves for their mutuall stirring up, and +strengthening of their hands in the Lords work, and rectifying +of these who are not incorrigible. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +11. That Ministers in all sorts of companie labour to bee +fruitfull, as the Salt of the earth, seasoning them they meet +with, not only forbearing to drink healths (Satans snare, +leading to excesse) but reproving it in others. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +12. All Ministers would be carefull to cherish the smoaking +flax of weak beginnings in the wayes of God, and +ought couragiously to oppose all mockers and revilers of the +godly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +13. As at all times, so specially now when the Lord +is calling us all to an account; it becomes the Ministers of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page309">[pg 309]</span><a name="Pg309" id="Pg309" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Christ, with all diligence and faithfulnesse, to improve +their Ministerie to the utmost, to be instant in season and +out of season; yea, even singally to imploy their time in +private, in reading of, and meditating on Scripture, that +the word of God may dwell plentifullie in them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +14. That the providing the Armies with Ministers be preferred +to any congregation, and these who are appointed to +attend the same, and are deficient, be without delay severelie +censured according to the Act of the General Assembly; +And that all Ministers not only in publike, pray for +our Armies, specially these that are to incounter with the +bloody enemie within the land, but also continually bear +them up before the Lord, that their lives being reformed, +their hearts and hands may be strengthned, and their undertaking +at last blessed of GOD; with successe. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +15. That beside all other scandals, silence or ambiguous +speaking in the publike cause, much more detracting +and disaffected speaches be seasonablie censured; and +to this effect, all honest hearted Brethren would firmlie unite +themselves in the Lord, the younger honouring the +elder, and the elder not despising the younger. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +16. And finallie, both for the corruption of the Ministerie +and remedies thereof, we refer the brethren to the +Act of the Generall Assemblie at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> 1596. revived +in the late Assemblie at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1638. to bee found in +the printed Act concerning the same. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly Ordains the Enormities above specified +to be tryed and restrained, and that the Remedies thereof +for that purpose be seriously observed and practised: +Recommending especially to Presbyteries and Provinciall +Assemblies, that use be made of the same in visitation of +Kirks and tryall of Presbyteries.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page310">[pg 310]</span><a name="Pg310" id="Pg310" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc349" id="toc349"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission of the +Approbation of the proceedings of the +preceding Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having heard the report of the +Committee appointed to consider and examine the proceedings +of the Commissioners of the late General Assembly +holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> in the yeer 1646. And after serious +consideration thereof, finding that the whole Acts, Proceedings, +and Conclusions of the saids Commissioners, contained +in the Register subscribed by Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ker</span></span> their +Klerk, and by Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Ramsay</span></span> Moderator to the said Committee, +do declare much Wisdom, Diligence, Vigilancie, +and commendable Zeal; And that the said Commissioners +have orderly and formally proceeded in every thing, +according to their Commission: Do therefore ratifie and approve +the said whole Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions +of the Commissioners of the said Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc350" id="toc350"></a> +<a name="pdf351" id="pdf351"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 11.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc352" id="toc352"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for joyning of the Presbyteries in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Orkney +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Zetland </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Provincial of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Cathnes.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, considering that the Presbyterie +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkney</span></span> +and the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Schalloway</span></span> in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span> have never met in any Provincial Assembly, where +through great abuses and disordres are there committed, +Therefore the Assembly hereby joyns the said two Presbyteries +to the Provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Suterland</span></span>, And appoints +all the Ministers and Elders of the said Presbyteries +hereafter, to meet at the said Provincial Assembly, and +to have place to reason and vote therein as Members of +the said Provincial. And suchlike ordains the saids two +Presbyteries to be of subordinate Jurisdiction to the said +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg 311]</span><a name="Pg311" id="Pg311" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Provincial Assembly, Declaring hereby, that the said Provincial +shall consist of the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes, Sutherland, +Orknay</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span> in all time coming. And appoints +them to meet onely once in the yeer, in respect of their great +distance and interjection of seas; And that the first meeting +be at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thurso</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span> +upon the third Tuesday of August next, +and thereafter as shall be appointed by the said Provinciall +Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc353" id="toc353"></a> +<a name="pdf354" id="pdf354"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 14.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc355" id="toc355"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning Expectants Preaching +in Publike.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly discharges any Person to preach +in publike under the name and notion of an Expectant +or under any other pretence whatsoever, except +such as shall be tryed and found qualified according to the +Acts of the General Assembly; Recommending to Presbyteries +and Provincials to take special notice thereof, and to +censure the Transgressors accordingly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc356" id="toc356"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for censuring the Complyers with the +publike Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly taking to their serious consideration +the great and scandalous provocation and grievous +defection from the publike Cause, which some +have beene guiltie of, by complying with the Rebels the +publike Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom: And judging +it a dutie incumbent to them to bring such notorious +Offenders to publike satisfaction, that the Wrath of God +may be averted, and the publike scandal removed; Do therefore +Require, Decern, and Ordain, that such as after +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page312">[pg 312]</span><a name="Pg312" id="Pg312" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +lawfull tryall shall be found to have been in actuall Rebellion +and to have carried charge with the Rebels, To have accepted +Commissions for raising Horse or Foot unto them, +To have been seducers of others to joyn in that Rebellion, +To be the Penners or contrivers of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahames</span></span> Proclamation +for indicting a pretended Parliament, or of any other +his Proclamations or Declarations, To have beene prime +Instruments in causing publish the said Proclamations and +Declarations; That all and every one of such offenders shal +humbly acknowledge their offence upon their knees, first +before the Presbyterie, and thereafter before the Congregation +upon a Sabbath, in some place before the Pulpit; +And in the mean time that they be suspended from the Lords +Supper: And in case they do not satisfie in manner foresaid, +that they be processed with Excommunication. And likewise +Ordains; that such as shall be found to have procured +Protections from the Rebels, To have execute their orders, +To have invited them to their houses, To have given +them intelligence, To have drunk <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahames</span></span> health +or to be guilty of any other such grose degrees of complyance, +shall acknowledge their offences publikely before +the Congregation, and be suspended from the Communion, +and while they doe the same. And further Decernes +and Ordains, that all persons in any Ecclesiastick office +guilty of any degrees of complyance before mentioned, shall +be suspended from their office & all exercise thereof, for such +time as the quality of the offence and condition of the offenders +shall be found to deserve; And the Assembly hereby +declares than Presbyteries have a latitude and liberty to +agreadge the censures above specified, according to the degrees +and circumstances of the offences; And gives in like +maner the same latitude and liberty to the Commissioners of +this Assembly for publike affairs, who have also power to +try and censure the offenders in manner above exprest, +and to take account of the diligence of Presbyteries thereintill. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page313">[pg 313]</span><a name="Pg313" id="Pg313" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc357" id="toc357"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> James Grahams +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Proclamation.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having considered a copie of a +Proclamation published by order of that excommunicat +Traitor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Graham</span></span>, for indicting of a pretended +Parliament, and finding the same to be full of Blasphemies +against the solemn League and Covenant of the +three Kingdoms, and of vile aspersions of Treason, Rebellion, +and Sedition most falsly and impudently imputed +to the Estates, and most faithfull and loyall Subjects of this +Kingdome: Doe therfore declare, That such as have bin +prim Instruments of the publishing of that or the Proclamation +and Declaration, deserve the highest censures of +the Kirks, unlesse they make humble confession of their offence +publickely, in such manner as is prescribed by this +Assembly; And humbly Recommends to the Committee +of Estates to take some course for their exemplary civill punishment, +and that some publike note of ignominie be +put upon that Proclamation as their Honors shall think meet. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc358" id="toc358"></a> +<a name="pdf359" id="pdf359"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. Ult.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc360" id="toc360"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon +the Lords Day.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly understanding how much the +Lords day is profaned by Skippers and other Seafaring +men, Do therefore discharge and inhibite all Skippers and +Sailers to begin any voyage on the Lords day, or to loose +any Ships, Barks or Boats out of Harbery or Road upon +that day, And who shall do in the contrary hereof, shall +be censured as profaners of the Sabbath: Recommending +to Presbyteries and others whom it may concerne to see +both of the Acts of Assembly and Parliament made for censuring +and punishing profanation of the Lords day, to be put +in execution against them. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page314">[pg 314]</span><a name="Pg314" id="Pg314" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc361" id="toc361"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas divers Children have been sent without the +Kingdom to be bred abrord, and have been or in time +coming may be exposed to the temptations of seducers, and +drawn away from the Trueth established and professed within +this Church to errour of Poperie, or other Sects and +Heresies: Therefore the Assembly Ordains, that the Parents +or Friends of Children and Minors, shall before they +send them without the Kingdom, first acquaint the Presbytery +where they reside, that they may have their Testimoniall +directed to the Presbytery or Classe within the Kingdom +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">France</span></span>, or <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, +or <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, and at the time of +these Childrens return from any of the saids Kingdoms, +to report ane Testimoniall from the Presbytery or Synode +where they lived without the Kingdom of their breeding +there (and to shew the same to the Presbytery within the +Kingdom who gave them a Testimoniall at their way going). +Likeas the Assembly Ordains all Presbyteries to try if any +Children have been sent to Popish Schooles or Colledges +Without the Kingdom; And if any be found, that their +names be given to the Presbytery or Commissioners of the +Assembly, that the same may be presented to the Honourable +Lords of Secret Councell, or Committee of Estates, +that their Lordships may be humbly desired by their authority +to recal them, that after return to this Kingdom course +may be taken according to the former Ordinances of Generall +Assemblies, for their breeding in the true Religion. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc362" id="toc362"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures presented to the Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That correspondence be keeped among Presbyteries constantly +by letter without prejudice of personall correspondence +when need requires, whereby one Presbyterie may +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page315">[pg 315]</span><a name="Pg315" id="Pg315" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +understand what many are doing, and they may be mutually +assisting each to other. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That for the better breeding of young men to the +Ministerie who are not able to furnish themselves in charges +to attend in the Universities, that the Presbyteries where +they reside appoint some to direct their studies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That it be recommended to all the Universities to +condiscend upon the best Overtures for the most profitable +teaching of Grammar and Phylosophy, and as they may +meet at the Commission of the Generall Assembly to make +the matter ripe for the next Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly approves these Overtures, and recommends accordingly.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Christ +may be spread through the Highlands and Islands (for in +lack whereof the land hath smarted in the late troubles) +these courses be taken: 1. Let an order be procured, +that all Gentlemen who are able, at least send their eldest +sons to be bred in the Inland. 2. That a Ministerie be +planted amongst them, and for that effect that Ministers +and expectants who can speak the Irish language be sen to +imploy their talents in these parts, and that the Kirks there +be provided as other Kirks in this Kingdome. 3. That +Scots Schools be erected in all Parishes there, according +to the Act of Parliament, where conveniently they can be +had. 4. That Ministers and ruling Elders that have the +Irish language be appointed to visit these parts. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends +this purpose to further consideration, that more +Overtures may be prepared thereanent against the next +Assembly.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That for keeping the Universities pure, and provoking +the Professors of Divinitie to great diligence, each Professor +in the Universities of this Church and Kingdom, +bring with him or send with the Commissioner who comes +to the General Assembly, ane perfit and well written copie +of his Dictates, to be revised by the General Assembly, +or such as they shall appoint for that work ilk year. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page316">[pg 316]</span><a name="Pg316" id="Pg316" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly continues the determination of a constant and +perpetuall order herein untill the next Assembly, but +in the mean time desires the professors of Divinity to +present to the next Assembly their Dictates of Divinity +whereof the professors present are to give intimation to +the professors absent.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they +enter the Ministery, which holds many of them long at under, +would crave the Assemblies judgement and authority, +that Ministers Manses and Stipends may be all made free to +the Intrant. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Assembly refers and recommends to the Commissioners for +publike affairs to seek redresse in this matter from the +Honorable Houses of Parliament, and to consider of +some fitting Overtures to be presented to their Honours +for that effect.</span></span> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc363" id="toc363"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the publike +affairs of the Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly taking to their consideration that +in respect the great work of Uniformity in Religion in +all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfited, (though +by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the +same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions +granted formerly for prosecuting and perfiting that great +work, doe therefore renew the power and Commission +granted for the publike affairs of the Kirk by the Generall +Assemblies held in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">S. Andrews</span></span> in +the year 1642. and in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +1643. 1644. and 1645. unto the persons following, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Masters <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Henderson, Robert Douglas, Willliam +Colvil, William Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oswald, +John Adamson, William Dalgleish, David Calderwood, James +Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Dalyell, James Wright, +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page317">[pg 317]</span><a name="Pg317" id="Pg317" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +John Knox, Adam Penman, Robert Lightoun, Alexander Dickeson, +Patrick Fleeming, John Hay, Richard Dickeson, Thomas +Vasse, David Drummund, Alexander Somervill, Robert Eliot, +Robert Blair, James Bruce, Robert Traile, Samuel Rutherfurd, +Alexander Colvall, Walter Greg, Alexander Balfour, George +Thomson, John Mencreiff, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, +John Duncan, James Sibbald, Alexander Casse, John Hume, +Alexander Kinneir, Walter Swintoun, Robert Knox, +William Penan, James Guthrie, Thomas Donaldson, William +Jameton, Thomas Wilkie, John Knox, Robert Murray, John +Freebairn, Robert Wright, David Auchterlonie, William Maior, +Samuel Justein, John Leirmont, Andrew Lauder, James Irving, +Alexander Turnbull, James Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, +Patrik Colvil, Matthew Birsbane, John Hamiltoun, Allan +Ferguson, Robert Ramsay, Geo. Young, David Dickson, Robert +Bailie, James Nasmith, John Lindsay, John Weir, Evan +Cameron, James Affleck, John Robison, Andrew Eliot, Silvester +Lambie, Lawrence Skinner, William Rate, David Campbel, +Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindsay, Gilbert Anderson, +Alexander Garrioch, William Jaffray, Thomas Caw, William +Campbell, Walte Stewart</span></span> Ministers; And <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald</span></span> +Marquesse of Argle, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Eearle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Earle Marshall, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> +Earle of Glencairn, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Cassils, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Charles</span></span> Earle of Dumfermling, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> +Earle of Tullibardine, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis</span></span> Earle of Bacleugh, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Lauderdale, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> +Earle of Lothian, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Earle of Lanerk, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald</span></span> Lord Angus, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Balmerino, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert</span></span> Lord Burleigh, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Master of Yesteir, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hepburn</span></span> of Waughtoun, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hope</span></span> of Craighall, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Johnston</span></span> of Wariston, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Hume</span></span> of Wedderburn, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Innes</span></span> of that ilk, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Baily</span></span> of Lemington, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Muncreiffe</span></span> of that ilk, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Macdougal</span></span> of Garthland, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Cockburn</span></span> of Clarkington, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Campbel</span></span> of Cesnock, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cunningham</span></span> of Cunninghamhead, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hume</span></span> of Blackader, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Dundas</span></span> +of Arniston, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex Forbes</span></span> Tutor of Pitsligo, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr Geo. Winrham</span></span> of Libberton, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Weemes</span></span> +of Fingask, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis Hay</span></span> of Balhousie, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Brodie</span></span> of that ilk, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr Alex. Colvill</span></span> of Blair, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geo. Dundas</span></span> of Dudiston, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Moor</span></span> of Glanderston, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page318">[pg 318]</span><a name="Pg318" id="Pg318" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Nicolson</span></span> of Colbrandspaith, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Edgar</span></span> of Wedderlie, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Hume</span></span> of Lenthill, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Ruchhead, Laurence Henderson</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Stuart</span></span> Bailes of Edinburgh, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Porterfield</span></span> +Provest of Glasgow, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wil. Hume</span></span> there, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ro. Arnot</span></span> Provest of Perth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Semple</span></span> +Provest of Dumbarton, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Kennedie</span></span> Provest of Air, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr David Weems, Geo. Gardine, +John Johnstoun, Tho. Paterson, Tho. White, John Sleigh</span></span> Elders. +Giving unto them full power and Commission To +do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, +and bringing the said work of Uniformity in Religion +in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, conform +to the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies +thereanent. And to that effect appoints them, or +any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen shall be Ministers, +To meet at Edinburgh the 19 of this Moneth, and +thereafter upon the second Wednesdais of August, November, +Februar and May next to come, and upon any other +day and in any other place they shall think meet. And further, +renews to the persons before named, the power contained +in the Act of the said Assembly 1643. Intituled, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A reference +to the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the +Kingdom of</span></span> England; As also the power contained in two several +Acts of the said Assembly 1644. Sess. 6 made <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">against secret +disaffecters of the Covenant</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for sending Ministers to the +Armie</span></span>, with full power to them to treat and determine in the matter +aforesaid, and in all others matters referred unto them by this +Assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here particularly +expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission +of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; +They being alwayes for their whole proceedings +comptable to, and censurable by the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc364" id="toc364"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting +the Treaty for Uniformity in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration +that the Treatie of Uniformity in Religion in all His +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page319">[pg 319]</span><a name="Pg319" id="Pg319" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Therefore renews +the power & Commission granted by preceding Assemblies +for prosecuting that Treatie, unto these persons after +named, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherfurd</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bailie</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geo. Gillespie</span></span> +Ministers; And <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Lauderdale, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Balmerino, +and Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Johnston</span></span> of Wariston Elders; +Authorising them with full power to prosecute the said Treatie +of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines +there, or any Committees appointed by them: And to do +all and every thing which may advance, perfect and bring +that Treatie to an happy conclusion, conform to the former +Commissions given thereanent. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc365" id="toc365"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">The Assemblies Answer +To +The Kings Maiestie.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May it please your Majestie,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Having received your Majesties Letter with thankfulnesse, +we thought it our dutie to send some of our +number to wait upon your Majestie and present our humble +desires more particularly then at this time could be expressed +by writ; And we are confident your Majestie will interprete +our freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a reall testimonie +of our unfained affection, who have constantly laboured +to approve our selves in all fidelity to our Lord and +Master Jesus Christ, and in all loyaltie to your Majestie; +And are resolved to walk still after the same rule in our severall +stations and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you, +that God may multiply all sorts of Mercies upon your Royall +Person and Posterity, and more and more incline your +heart to the speedie following of the Counsels of Trueth +and Peace and grant unto your Majestie along and happy +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page320">[pg 320]</span><a name="Pg320" id="Pg320" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Reign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet +life, in all godlinesse and honesty. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh, 18. Junii 1646.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in name of the Nationall +Assembly of the Kirk of</span></span> Scotland +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">by the Moderator.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc366" id="toc366"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable +the Lords and Commons in the +Parliament of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Assembled +at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Westminster.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The report of the great things which the Lord hath done +for your Honours, hath gone forth into many Lands, +and it becometh us least of any either to smother or extenuate +the same; We desire to be enlarged in the admiration +of the Power & Mercie of God the Author, & to diminish +nothing of that praise that is due unto you as Instruments. +When the Lord set your Honours upon the Bench of +Judgment, both the Kirk and Common wealth of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +were afflicted with intestine and bosome evills, the cure +whereof could not but be very difficult; because they were +not only many, but for the most part Universall and deeply +rooted, sheltred under the shadow of Custome and Law, +and supported with all the wisdom and strength of the Malignant +and Prelatical partie; who rather chose to involve +the Land in an unnatural and bloody Warre, then to fail +of their ambitious and treacherous designes, against Religion, +the priviledges of Parliament, and the Lawes and +Liberties of the Kingdom: Neither hath that miserable crew +been wanting to their owne ends but for many years together +hath desperatly pursued their resolutions in Arms; And +was likely to have prevailed, if the Lord had not put himself +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page321">[pg 321]</span><a name="Pg321" id="Pg321" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +in the breach, and furnished you with much Patience, +Wisdom, Courage, and Constancy, in the midst of many +difficulties and distresses; and at last with so glorious and +triumphing a successe, that the Enemy hath fallen every +where before you, and there is none left to appear against +you. These things as they be the matter of our refreshment +and of your glory, so doe they lay a strong obligation upon +your Honours to walke humbly with your God, and to +improve the power he hath put into your hands for the advancement +of the Kingdom of his Son, and bringing +forth of the head-Stone of his House. The slow progresse +of the work of God hath alwaies been the matter of our +sorrow, which is now increased by the multiplication of the +spirits of errour and delusion, that drowne many souls into +perdition, and so strengthen themselves that they shall afterward +be laboured against, with more pains then successe, +if a speedy and effectuall remedie be not provided. And +therefore as the servants of the living God, who not onely +send up our supplications daily for you, but have hazarded +our selves in your defence, We do earnestly beseech your +Honors in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to give unto him +the glory that is due unto his Name, by a timous establishing +all his Ordinances in the full integritie and power +thereof, according to the League and Covenant. As long +as the Assembly of Divines was in debate, & an enemy in the +fields, we conceived that these might be probable grounds +of delay, which being now removed out of the way, we +do promise to our selves from your Wisdom, Faithfulnesse, +and Zeale, the perfiting of that which was the main +ground of our engagement, and a chief matter of consolation +unto us in all our sad and heavy sufferings, from the +hand of a most cruell Enemy. We know that there is a +generation of men who retard the work of Uniformity, and +foment jealousies betwixt the Nations, studying if it were +possible, to break our bands asunder; But we trust, that +he that sits in the Heaven will Laugh, and that the Lord +shall have them in derision, that he shall speak to them in +his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure, and notwithstanding +of all that they can do, set his King upon his holy +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page322">[pg 322]</span><a name="Pg322" id="Pg322" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hill of Sion, and make these Nations happy in the sweet +fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The searcher of hearts +knows that we desire to hold fast the band of our Covenant, +as sacred and inviolable; being perswaded that the breach of +so solemne a tye could not but hasten down upon our heads a +curse and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the world, +and involve these Kingdoms in sader calamities then they +have yet seen, And we abhor to entertain any other thought +of you: Nay we are confident that your Honours will seriously +indeavour the prosecution of all these ends designed in +the Covenant, and the bringing these Nations unto the +neerest conjunction both in judgement and affection, especially +in these things that concern Religion, which with +out all controversie, is the readiest and surest way of attaining +and securing the Peace and Prosperity of both Kingdoms. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 18 Junii 1646.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in name of the Generall +Assembly by the Moderator. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc367" id="toc367"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable +the Lord</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Major Aldermen, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Common-Councel +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">of the City of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> London.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Your late and seasonable testimony given to the Truth +of the Gospel, and your affection to the Peace of the +Kingdoms, manifested in your humble Remonstrance and +Petition to the Honorable Houses of Parliament, hath so +revived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, +and proclaimed you the worthy seed of so noble ancestors in +that famous City, As we cannot but acknowledge with all +thankfulnesse the grace of God bestowed on you, and stirre +you up to take notice, how since you were precious in the +Lords sight, you have been ever Honurable, The Lord +hath loved you, given men for you, and people for your +life: What an honour was it in the dayes of old, when the +fire of the Lord was in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zion</span></span>, and +his furnace in your <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jerusalem</span></span> +(even in Queen <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maries</span></span> dayes) that there were found in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page323">[pg 323]</span><a name="Pg323" id="Pg323" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +you men that loved not their lives unto the death? What +a glory in after time, when Satan had his Throne and +Antichrist his Seat in the midst of you, that there were +still found not a few that kept their Garments clean? +But the greatest praise of the good hand of God upon +you hath been in this, That amidst the many Mists of +Errour and Heresie which have risen from the bottomlesse +pit, to bespot the face and darken the glory of the Church, +(while the Bride is a making ready for the Lamb) you have +held the Trueth, and most piously endeavoured the setling +of Christ upon his Throne. We need not remember how +zealous you have been in the Cause of God, nor how you +have laid out your selves and estates in the maintenance thereof, +nor how many acknowledgements of the same you +have had from the Honourable Houses, nor how precious +a remembrance will be had of you in after ages for your selling +of all to buy the Pearl of price: We only at this time do +admire, and in the inward of our hearts do blesse the Lord +for your right and deep apprehensions of the great and important +matters of Christ in his Royall Crown; and of the +Kingdoms in their Union, while the Lord maketh offers to +bring our Ship (so much afflicted and tolled with tempest) +to the safe Harbour of Trueth and Peace. Right memorable +is your Zeal against Sects and Sectaries; your care of +Reformation, according to the word of God, and the example +of the best Reformed Churches; your earnest endeavours +and noble adventures, for preserving of the rights and +priviledges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Kingdomes, +Together with his Majesties just power and greatnesse; and +your high profession, that it is not in the power of any humane +authority to discharge or absolve you from adhearing +unto that our (so solemnly sworn) League and Covenant, +or to enforce upon you any sense contrary to the letter of the +same, Besides your other good services done unto the Lord +and to us, in the strengthening of the hands of the reverend +Assembly of Divines, and of our Commissioners in their +asserting of the government of Christ, (which the more it +be tried will be ever found the more precious Truth), and +vindicating of the same from the usurpation of man, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page324">[pg 324]</span><a name="Pg324" id="Pg324" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +contempt of the wicked. These all as they are so many testimonies +of your Pietie, Loyaltie, and undaunted resolution +to stand for Christ; So are they and shall ever be so many +obligations upon us your Brethren, to esteem highly of +you in the Lord, to bear you on our brests before him night +and day, and to contribute our best endeavours, and to improve +all opportunities for your encouragement. And now +we beseech you in the Lord, Honorable and welbeloved, +go on in this your strength, and in the power of his might +who hath honoured you to be faithful, stand fast in that liberty +wherewith Christ hath made you free; And in the +pursuance of this truth, we are confident, as you have, so +you will never cease to study the Peace and neerer conjunction +of the Kingdoms, knowing that a threefold cord is not +easily broken. Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and +God even our Father, which hath loved and honoured you, +and given you everlasting consolation, & good help through +grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good +word and work. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 18 Iunii +1646.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in name of the +General Assembly by +the Moderator. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc368" id="toc368"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend +the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">assembled at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Westminster.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Much Honoured and right Reverend.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Amongst other fruits of this our precious liberty, after +such dissipation by Sword and Pestilence, to meet again, +we account it not the least, to have the opportunity of making +a publike Declaration of our earnest affection to all our +brethren of that Nation, and especially your selves of the +Reverend Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>. When we were lately +in a very low condition, we may say that our own sufferings +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page325">[pg 325]</span><a name="Pg325" id="Pg325" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and fears, although imbittered with the sense of the Lords +displeasure against our luke warmneese and unfaithfulnesse; +yet they did not so take up our heart, but that room was +left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all their +successes, and to condole with them in all their dangers; +And if at any time any here seemed to be more jealous then +godly jealousie would allow, we know not how it can be +imputed to any thing else, but to the vehemencie of ardent +affection, and impatient desire to have our brethren there +and us joyned neerer to Christ, and neerer to one another in +all his Ordinances; and especially is Presbyterial Government, +so well warranted by the Word, and approven by +experience of our own and other reformed Churches; +Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have been +blessed with a large increase, which yet hath proved still +a seed unto a further and more glorious expected harvest. +There could not be wished by mortal men a fairer opportunity +then is cast in your laps, being invited and charged by +so high an authority, to give so free and publike a testimony +to those truths, which formerly many of the Lords precious +ones by tongue and pen, by tears and blood have more +privately asserted; The smallest of Christs truths (if it be +lawful to call any of them small) is of greater moment, +then all the other businesses that ever have been debated +since the beginning of the world to this day; But the highest +of honours and heaviest of burdens is put upon you, to +declare out of the sacred records of Divine Truth, what is +the prerogitive of the Crown and extent of the Scepter of +Jesus Christ, what bounds are to be set between Him ruling +in his House, and powers established by God on Earth, +how and by whom his House is to be governed, and by +what wayes a restraint is to be put on those who would pervert +his Truth, and subvert the faith of many. No doubt +mountains of oppositions arise, and gulfs of difficulties +open up themselves in this your way; But you have found +it is God that girdeth you with strength and maketh your +way perfect and plain before you, who hath delivered, and +doth deliver, and will yet deliver. We need not put you +in minde that as there lyeth at this time a strict eye on all, so +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page326">[pg 326]</span><a name="Pg326" id="Pg326" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +in a special manner both you and we are ingaged to interpose +our selves between God and these Kingdomes; between +the two Nations, between the King and the People, for +averting of deserved wrath, for continuing and increasing +of a well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us +lyeth a right settling of Religion and Church-Government; +That when we shall sleep with our fathers the Posterity +here and abroad may be reaping the fruits of our labours. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We are fully assured of your constant and sedulous promoving +of this blessed Work, and of the Lords assisting and +carrying you on therein: And are confident that your late +experience and present sense of the great danger and fearfull +confusion flowing from the rife and grouth of Sects and +Sectaries not suppressed, hath stirred up in your hearts most +fervent desires, and careful endeavours for remedying the +same, wherein we exhort you to continue and abound; +knowing that your labours shall not be in vain in the Lord, +to whose rich grace we commend you, and the work in +your hands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 18 Juny 1646.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in name of the +General Assembly by +the Moderator. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc369" id="toc369"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Recommendation to Presbyteries and +Provincial Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. The Assembly recommends to the several Presbyteries +and Provincial Assemblies, to consider the interests +of particular congregations, in the calling, +and admission of Ministers, with all these questions that usually +fall out upon that occasion; And to report their opinions +to the next Assembly, with some fit Overtures for preventing +all contests in that matter. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. The Assembly recommends to Presbyteries and Provincial +Assemblies to consider all the matters referred by +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page327">[pg 327]</span><a name="Pg3327" id="Pg3327" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +preceding Assemblies to the consideration of Presbyteries, +And to report their opinions therein to the next Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc370" id="toc370"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for a publike Fast before the next +Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having considered an Act of the Assembly +1644. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. Ult.</span></span> enjoyning a publike Fast to be keeped +in all the Kirks of the City where the General Assembly +holds upon the first day of the meeting of the Assembly; +And finding some inconveniencies therein, Therefore at +this time until the matter be further considered, Appoints +a publike Fast and Humiliation for the Lords blessing to the +meeting of the next Assembly, to be universally observed +in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the Sabbath next +except one preceeding the said next Assembly; The exercises +for the members of the Assembly at their first meeting, +being still observed according to the ancient and laudable +practise of this Kirk, This appointment not withstanding. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General +Assembly to be at Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday +of August 1647.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page328">[pg 328]</span><a name="Pg328" id="Pg328" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc371" id="toc371"></a> +<a name="pdf372" id="pdf372"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, At </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> 4. August. 1647.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc373" id="toc373"></a> +<a name="pdf374" id="pdf374"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August. 16. 1647 Postmeridiem. Sess. 2.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc375" id="toc375"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the +Presbyterie of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Zetland </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">only, with their Ruling +Elders, to keep the Provincial Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, Understanding that the +whole Members of the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>, +joyned to the Provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span> +upon weighty considerations by the preceeding +Assembly, cannot be by present at the +meetings of that Provincial, without great prejudice to the +particular Congregations within that Presbyterie, and +many other inconveniences; That Isle being of great distance +from Land, and the passage from and to the same +being uncertain and dangerous: Doe therefore Declare and +Ordaine, That the whole Ministers and Elders of the Presbyterie +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span> shall not be tyed hereafter to come to +meetings of their said Provincial; But that the half of +the number of the Ministers with their Ruling Elders, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page329">[pg 329]</span><a name="Pg329" id="Pg329" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +shall be onely oblieged to keep the meetings of the said Provincial +Assembly in time coming. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc376" id="toc376"></a> +<a name="pdf377" id="pdf377"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">20. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 15.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc378" id="toc378"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation +of the General Assembly of the +Church of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to their +Brethren of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The conscience of our dutie to God obliging us to give a +testimony to his Truth, and to the Kingdom of his +Sonne Jesus Christ, now so much resisted and opposed by +many, and so little owned by others: The laudable custome +and example of correspondency between Neighbouring +Churches, exhorting, encouraging, and (in case of +publike scandal) admonishing in love one another, as +well as single Brethren ought to admonish one another in +love, in the case of private offence: Our neerer relation and +more special affection to our Brethren of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, making +us to sympathize with them in their danger and affliction as +our own, both Kingdomes being united as one entire Body +in one Covenant, for pursuing the common cause and ends +therein expressed: Yea, common reason and experience it +self teaching us that we have no cause to conceive our Religion, +the liberties of this Church, or our selves to be in a +condition of safety, when ever the enemies of our Religion +and Liberties are growing to a prevalency in the Neighbour +Kingdom. Any one of these considerations, much more +all of them together, cry aloud upon us to break our silence +in this present Juncture of Affaires; yet we hope to expresse +our selves both concerning the present Dangers and present +Duties, as in a conscionable and Brotherly freedome, so in, +a fair and in offensive way; for we have no pleasure nor purpose +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page330">[pg 330]</span><a name="Pg330" id="Pg330" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to provoke any Person or Party whatsoever, not to encrease, +but to endeavour the allaying and composing of the +present unhappy differences. If any shall offend at our discharging +our conscience & doing our duty, yet we shall rather +chose to take our hazard of that, then of displeasing God +by neglect of duty. But we hope better things, then to be +mis-understood, or mis-interpreted by such as desire a candide +interpretation of their own actions or expressions. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +First of all, whatsoever the present discouragements, +difficulties or dangers are, or whatsoever for the future they +may be, we cannot but commemorate to the glory of God, +and we doubt not it shall be remembred to his glory in the +Church throughout all ages, How great a salvation his +Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arme hath wrought for +these three Kingdomes; How he stirred up the Spirits of his +People in this Kingdome ten yeares agoe, to begin to shake +off the Yoke of Prelatical tyrannie, and of Popish Ceremonies +obtruded upon us, contrary to the Lawes of God and +Men; How he led us on from so small beginnings, & from +one degree to another, till we were United in a National +Covenant; How he gave us a Banner to be displayed for the +Truth, and so blessed us in the prosecution of that Covenant, +that the Kings Majesty was graciously pleased upon +the humble Petitions of his Loyal Subjects in this Nation, +to indict a General Assembly and Parliament for healing the +grievances of Church and State respectively, As likewise to +grant his Royal consent for Confirming and Ratifying by +Acts of Parliament our National Covenant, & the Government +and Liberties of this Church. After which the new +Troubles raised against us by the malice and treachery of our +enemies, did occasion the first expedition of this Nation into +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, (upon which followed the calling of the Parliament +there, and the large Treaty) and in the issue, the return +of that Army was with an Olive branch of Peace, +and not without the beginnings of a Reformation in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: +In which work while the Parliament was interrupted and opposed, +and a bloody War begun with great successe on that +side which opposed the Parliament and the begun Reformation, +from whence also did accrew great advantage to the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page331">[pg 331]</span><a name="Pg331" id="Pg331" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Popish Party (whereof the Cessation of Arms concluded in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> may be in stead of many testimonies;) Commissioners +were sent hither from both Houses, earnestly inviting and +perswading to a nearer Union of the Kingdomes, and desiring +Assistance from this Nation to their Brethren in that +their great distresse; And this by the good Hand of God +produced the solemne League and Covenant of the three +Kingdomes, to the terrour of the Popish and Prelatical party +our common Enemies, and to the great comfort of such as +were wishing and waiting for the Reformation of Religion; +and the recovery of just Liberties. And although for +the conjunction of the Kingdomes in Covenant, and +Armes (being a speciall means tending to the extirpation +of Popery) and strengthening the true Reformed Religion; +this Kingdome hath been invaded and infested by the bloody +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> Rebels aided and strengthened by some degenerate +and perfidious Countrey-men of our owne: Although also +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> there were not wanting incendiaries, who hating +and envying nothing more then the Union of the Kingdomes +in such a Covenant, were very vigilant to catch, and +active to improve all occasions of making divisive motions, +and creating Nationall Differences; Yet God hath been +graciously pleased to break our Enemies strength at Home +when it was greatest, and to guide us through these Jealousies +and Differences fomented by disaffected Persons between +the Kingdomes; So that in stead of a splitting upon +these Rocks (the thing hoped for by our Enemies) there +was a peaceable and friendly parting: Since which time +God hath further blessed our Army at Home, to the +expelling of the Enemie out of our own Borders. Nor +can we passe in silence the happy progresse which hath been +made in the Reformation of the Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>; He +that hath brought the Children to the birth, can also give +strength to come forth; And hee whose hand did cast out +Prelacie and the Book of Common Prayer (although +strongly rooted in standing Lawes;) and who enclined +the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to owne no other Church Government +but the Presbyterial, (Though it bee not yet +fully settled according to the Word of God, and the example +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page332">[pg 332]</span><a name="Pg332" id="Pg332" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the best Reformed Churches) can as easily encline +when hee thinks good both the King and them, and +the body of that Kingdome to a thorow and perfect Reformation. +He that made the Assemblies and Parliaments of +both Kingdomes to agree upon one directory for the Publike +Worship of God, can also when he will make an agreement +in the other Parts of Uniformitie, Confession +of Faith, form of Church Government, and Catechisme; +In all which there hath beene also a good progresse made in +the Reverend and Learned Assemblie of Divines through +the good hand of God so long upon them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Having now seen so much of God both in the beginning +and progresse of this his great Work, And his Hand having +done so wondrous things for his People in their greatest +extremities of danger, and having discovered and defeated +the plots of Enemies, making them fall even by their own +Counsels; These things wee resolve to keep still fixed in +our hearts, and as memorials before our eyes, that remembring +the Works of the Lord, and the Years of the Right +Hand of the most High, wee may neither want matter of +Praies and thanksgivings, nor experience to breed hope. +Although the building of the House of the Lord in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +be not yet, after so long expectation, finished, and now +also the work ceaseth, Yet wee doe from our hearts blesse +the Lord for the laying of the Foundation, and for so much +progresse as hath been made in the Work; Having still confidence +in the Almighty, to whom nothing is impossible or +too hard, that every Mountaine which doeth or shall stand +in the way shall become a plaine, and that the Head-stone +shall bee brought forth with shoutings of Joy, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grace, Grace +unto it.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Neverthelesse, we are also very sensible of the great and +imminent dangers into which this Common Cause of Religion +is now brought by the growing and spreading of most +dangerous errours in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, to the obstructing & hindering +of the begun Reformation, as namely (beside many others) +Socinianisme, Arminianisme, Anabaptisme, Antinomianisme, +Brownisme, Erastianisme, Independency, and that which +is called (by abuse of the word) Liberty of Conscience, being +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page333">[pg 333]</span><a name="Pg333" id="Pg333" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +indeed Liberty of Errour, Scandall, Schisme, heresie, +dishonouring God, opposing the Truth, hindering Reformation; +and seducing others; Whereunto we adde those +Nullifidians, or men of no Religion, commonly called +Seekers: Yea, wee cannot but look upon the Dangers of +the true Reformed Religion in this Island, as greater now +then before; Not onely for that those very principles & fundamentals +of Faith which under Prelacy, yea, under Popery +it self, were generally received as uncontroverted, are +now by the Scepticisme of many Sectaries of this time either +oppugned, or called in question; But also, because in +stead of carrying on the Reformation towards perfection, +that which hath beene already built is in part cast down, +and in danger to be wholly overthrowne through the endeavours +of Sectaries to comply with many of the Prelaticall +and Malignant, and even the Popish party; and their joyning +hand in hand, and casting in their lots, and interweaving +their interests together in way of Combination, against +the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government; Yea, +the unclean spirit which was cast out, is about to enter againe +with seven other spirits worse then himselfe, and so +the latter end like to be worse then the beginning. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We are extremely sorry that we have cause to aggravate +these evils from the crying sin of breach of Covenant, Whereof +if we should hold our peace, yet according to the +Word of the Lord; other Nations will say, and many +among them do say, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus +unto this People? and what meaneth the heat of this great +anger? And they answer one another, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Because they have forsaken +the Covenant of the Lord their God.</span></span> We would not be +understood as if we meant either to Justifie this Nation, or +to charge such a sin upon all in that Nation. We know the +Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in +both Kingdomes, the Lord pardon it, and accept a Sacrifice; +And wee doe not doubt but there are many seven +thousands in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> who have not onely kept themselves +unspotted, and retained their integrity in that businesse, +but doe also mourne and groane before the Lord for that sin +of others. Yet we should but deny our own sence and betray +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page334">[pg 334]</span><a name="Pg334" id="Pg334" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Truth, if we should not resent so great a sinne and +danger, as is the breach of a solemne Covenant, sworn +with hands lifted up to the most High God: Which breach +however varnished over with some colourable and handsome +pretexts, one whereof is the Liberty & Common Right of +the free People of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, +as once <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Saul</span></span> brake a Covenant +with the Gibeonites, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In his Zeal to +the Children of Israel and Iudah</span></span>: +Yet God could not then, and cannot now be mocked; +Yea, it is too apparent and undeniable, that among those +who did take the Covenant of the three Kingdomes, as +there are many who have given themselves to a detestable +indifferency or neutralitie, so there is a Generation +which hath made defection to the contrary Part; Persecuting +as far as they could that true Reformed Religion, in +Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, which +by the Covenant they ought to preserve against the common +Enemies; hindering and resisting the Reformation and +Uniformity, which by the Covenant ought to bee endeavoured; +preserving and tolerating those cursed things which +by the Covenant ought to be extirpate, especially Heresie and Schisme, +encroaching upon, yea offering violence unto the +Rights, Priviledges, and Authority of Magistracie, Protecting +and assisting such as by the Covenant ought to have +been brought to condigne triall and punishment, and persecuting +those who by the Covenant ought to be assisted and +defended; Endeavouring also a breach in stead of a firme +Peace and Union between the Kingdomes: So that there is +not any one Article of the Solemne League and Covenant +which hath not been sinfully and dangerously violated before +God, Angels, and Men. Now if a Covenant for +the preservation and Reformation of Religion, the Maintenance +and Defence of Liberties was justly thought a +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">fit and excellent mean</span></span>, not +only to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">strengthen and fortifie</span></span> the +Kingdomes against the common Enemie of the true Reformed +Religion, publike Peace and Prosperity; But also +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to acquire the favour of Almightie GOD towards the three +Kingdomes, of England, Scotland, and Ireland,</span></span> as is expressed +in the Ordinance of the Lords and Commons +for the taking of the Covenant, dated <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">February 2. 1643</span></span>. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page335">[pg 335]</span><a name="Pg335" id="Pg335" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Surely then the Authors and chief Instruments of the breach +of that Covenant, are to be looked upon as those who +strengthen the hands of the common Enemie, and provoke +the wrath of Almighty God against these Kingdomes. Yea, +if this Covenant was the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Soveraigne +and onely meanes of the recovery</span></span> +of these embroiled bleeding Kingdoms, as is expressed in +the exhortation of the Assembly of Divines to the taking of +the Covenant, approved and ordered to be Printed by the +House of Commons; The despising, refusing, and casting +aside of that remedy, must needs render the disease much +more desperate. And if by the Declaration of both Kingdomes +joined in Arms, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno 1643.</span></span> such as would not take +the Covenant, were declared <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to be publike Enemies to their +Religion and Countrey, and that they are to be censured and punished as +professed Adversaries and Malignants.</span></span> Who seeth not now a +strange falling away from these first Principles and Professions, +among these who either magnifie and cry up, or at least +connive at and comply with such as have not taken the Covenant, +yea, are known Enemies to it, and cry down such +as are most zealous for it? +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In this case, while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the staves +of Beauty and Bands, Covenant & Brother-hood are broken +by many, the home of Malignants and Sectaries exalted, +the best affected born down, Reformation ebbing, Heresie +and Schisme flowing; It can hardly be marvelled at by any +Person of prudence and discretion, if we be full of such +feares and apprehensions as use to be in those who dwell near +a House set on fire, or a Family infected, especially being +taught by the sad experience of these Prelatical times, how +easily a Gangrene in the one half of this Island may spread +through the whole; Knowing also the inveterate and insatiable +malice of the Enemies of this Cause and Covenant +against this Church and Kingdome; which we cannot be +ignorant of, unlesse we would shut our eyes & stop our ears. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our present purpose leadeth us to touch somewhat of the +proceedings of the Army in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> this Summer, so far as +Religion is therein concerned; As we are confident, divers +have gone a long with them in the simplicity of their +hearts, & we presume not to judge the thoughts & intentions +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page336">[pg 336]</span><a name="Pg336" id="Pg336" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of any, it being Gods owne prerogative, to bring to +light the hidden things of darknes, and to make manifest the +counsels of the hearts; So it cannot be denied, that upon +these passages and proceedings hath followed the interrupting +of the so much longed for Reformation of Religion, of +the setling of Presbyteriall government, and of the suppressing +of heresies and dangerous errors, (which works the +Parliament had taken in hand) the retarding and delaying +the relief of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, the sowing of the seeds of another War +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, the strengthning of the hand of the Malignant & +Episcopall party, the weakning and wounding both of +Magistracy and Ministery: In all which, whether the Army +bee blamelesse and innocent, from ministring occasion +to so great evils, or whether there be not cause for them to +repent and do the first works, and to practise more of that +love, moderation, and meeknesse of Spirit, and of that +zeal against Malignants and Prelaticall persons, which they +have from the beginning professed, and the want whereof +(when suspected in others) they did so much censure; or +whether there be such a thing among them, as adjoyning +with those against whom, and against whose with whom +the Covenant was taken; We leave them in all these to the +search and examination of their own consciences, that they +may stand or fall unto God. For our part, we cannot conceive +how the Proposals of that Army for setling of a Peace, +do in point of Religion consist with the solemn League and +Covenant, or with the Propositions of peace, formerly +agreed upon by both Kingdomes; there being so considerable +omission of divers materiall desires contained in +those former Propositions, concerning the abolition of +Prelacy; concerning the injoyning of the taking of the +Covenant by all his Majesties Subjects, under such penalties +as the Parliaments should agree upon; concerning +the setling of Religion in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, according +to the Covenant, in such manner as both Houses of +Parliament shall agree on, after advice had with the +Assembly of Divines, concerning the setling of uniformity +between the Churches of God in both Kingdomes, according +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page337">[pg 337]</span><a name="Pg337" id="Pg337" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to the Covenant, in such manner as shall be agreed +on by both Houses of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and by the +Church, and Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, after advice had with +the Divines of both Kingdomes; Also concerning an Act +of Parliament to confirm the calling and sitting of the Assembly +of Divines: All which, with some other particulars +concerning Religion, expressed in the former Propositions, +if they should now be omitted in the setling of a +Peace, the progresse already made, not only in the Assembly +of Divines, but in the Houses of Parliament, in setling +Presbyteriall Government, with the Confession of +Faith, yea the Directory of publike Worship (though +agreed upon by the Assemblies and Parliaments of both +Kingdomes) shall bee but so much lost labour. But beside +these omissions it may be justly doubted whether there be +not in the Proposals of the Army, somewhat for Episcopocy, +and against the Covenant; For wee cannot understand +the eleventh Proposall, in any other sense, but that it +supposeth the continuance of the Ecclesiastical office of Bishops +or Prelats, as well as of any other Church Officers, and +taketh no more from the Prelats, but coercive power or jurisdiction +extending to civil penalties, which indeed belongeth +to no Ecclesisticall Officers. In the twelfth Proposall, wee +do not see, how it can avoid or shun the toleration of Popery, +Superstition, Heresie, Schisme, Profannesse, or whatsoever +works of darknesse shall be practised by such as dispise the +publicke Worship of God in the Church, & have the most unlawful +and wicked meetings else where under a profession of +Religious duties, exercises or ordinances. From the thirteenth +Proposall, we can make no other result, but that in stead +of enjoyning the taking of the Covenant, under such penalties +as the Parliaments in their wisdome shall agree upon, +the former ordinance of Parliament enjoyning the taking of +it, is desired to be repealed: and then what may bee the danger +of those that have taken, or shall take an oath of that kinde, not +enjoyned nor ratified by authority, wee leave it to be judged +by those who know best the Lawes of that Kingdome. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +One thing more wee Cannot passe, that whereas in the +Armies Declaration, or Representation to the Parliament, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page338">[pg 338]</span><a name="Pg338" id="Pg338" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +dated June 14 1647. they mention their Brethren of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> +as having proceeded in the vindication and defence of their +just rights and liberties, much higher then that Army hath +done; Wee are necessitated to say this much for clearing of +these proceedings in this Nation reflected upon: They of +this Church and Kingdom who joyned together and associated +themselves in this Cause, first by humble Petitions, and +afterwards by Covenant, were so far from slighting or breaking +that Covenant which was taken, that it was the special +visible character by which the friends of the Cause were +distinguished from the enemies thereof and they were so +far from crying down the Ministery and Ecclesiasticall Assemblies, +or from disobeying any Orders or Commands of +Parliament, that a Generall Assembly of the Church, and +a Parliament, were two chief Heads of their Petitions and +desires, at that time when they had neither; And when +they had obtained a Generall Assembly and Parliament, +they chearfully submitted to both respectively. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now the dangers of Religion in this Illand being so +great, as there hath been lately a Solemne Humilitation +throughout this Land, upon occasion of these great and +growing dangers; so we cannot but still look upon them as +matters of frequent Prayer and Humiliation to our selves, +as well as our Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, there being much +sin in both Kingdomes procuring all this evill, and justly +deserving these, and heavier judgements. And as wee +desire in the first place to be humbled for our own sins, +and the sins of this Nation, so we trust, our Brethren will +bee willing to be put in minde of the necessity of their Humiliation +and Repentance for the Nationall sins of the +Kingdome; which wee shall wish rather to be sadly considered +by them, then expressed by us. One thing wee +are confident of, that God hath had a speciall controversie +against his People of old for the sin of a broken Covenant, +and unwillingnesse to bee Reformed and Purged +according to the Word of the Lord; and that till their +sinnes were acknowledged and repented, his controversie +did not take an end. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page340">[pg 340]</span><a name="Pg340" id="Pg340" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And here is the wisdome and patience of the Saints, +to choose affliction rather then iniquity, to do duety in the +worst of times, and to trust God with events and in so doing, +to hope to the end and wait upon the Lord, untill hee plead +their cause and execute judgement for them: So shall +they bee more purified and not made blacker (as, alas, +some are) but whiter in times of tryall. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +More particularly, wee do desire that Presbyteriall Government +may be setled and put in practice through out that +Kingdom, according to the Word of God, and example +of the best Reformed Churches: for without this wee know +no other proper and effectuall remedy against the present +dangers of Religion there, or for purging the Church from +scandals, which are destructive either to sound Doctrine, +or to Godlinesse: And herein we are confident, the experience +of all the Reformed Churches will bear witnesse with +us. Nor do we doubt but in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> also, time and experience +will more and more commend, not only the beautifull +order, but the great utility, yea, necessity of this Government, +and dispell all the clouds of aspersions and prejudices +which it lieth under among such as know it not, who +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page341">[pg 341]</span><a name="Pg341" id="Pg341" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +ought therefore to beware of speaking evill of the things +they understand not. Yet we would not have our zeal for +Presbyteriall Government mis-understood, as if it tended +to any rigour or domineering over the flock, or to hinder +and exclude that instructing in meeknesse them that oppose +themselves, which the Apostolicall rule holds forth; or +as if wee would have any such to bee intrusted with that +Government, as are found not yet purged, either from +their old profannesse, or from the Prelaticall principles +and practices which were but to put a piece of new cloath +unto an old garment, and so to make the rent worse; or +to put new wine into old bottles, and so to lose both wine +and bottles. Yea who knows whether this may not be one +of the causes, (and not the least) why the present Reformation +succeeds the worse, even because of so little repentance, +either for the profannesse, or Prelaticall errours +and corruptions of divers who have acted in it: Neverthelesse, +the right hand of fellowship is to bee given to all such +as bring forth fruits meet for repentance, whatsoever their +former errours of failings were. And to our great joy, we +understand that there are many learned, able, godly, and +prudent ministers in that Kingdome, fit to be imployed in +that government, together with such able and pious men, +as are to be joyned with them in the capacity of ruling Elders. +It shall be a part of our prayers, that the Lord of +the Harvest may send forth many more labourers in that +Kingdome, where the Harvest is so great and the Labourers +so few proportionably; and in the meane while, that such +as he hath already thrust out, may not be unemployed, as to +the point of discipline and Government. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Nor lastly, doth our zeal for the Covenant and Presbyteriall +Government abate or diminish any thing at all from +our Loyalty and Duety to the Kings Majesty, although +Incendiaries and Enemies spare not to reproach this Church +and Kingdome with Disloyaltie: Yet such calumnies will +easily be repudiate by all who will examine the whole +course of the publike proceedings in this Nation, in reference +to the King, and particularly the Declaration of the +Parliament of this Kingdome, dated <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January 16. 1647</span></span>. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page342">[pg 342]</span><a name="Pg342" id="Pg342" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wherefore passing all such calumnies, whiche cannot but be +hatefull to God and good Men, wee do clearly and candidly +professe, That the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government +are so far from hindering or excluding our duety to the +King, that it is thereby very much strengthened and supported; +for our giving to God what is Gods doth not +hinder us, but help us, to give unto Cæsar what is Cæsars. +And wee earnestly wish his Majesties Royall Heart may bee +graciously inclined to the just desires of his good Subjects in +both Kingdomes, and to that happy settlement of Truth and +Peace, Religion and Righteousnesse, which may be as +well for the establishment of his own Throne, as for the +good of his people. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Now the Prince of Peace Himself, grant his afflicted +People, tossed with tempests and not comforted, a safe +and wel-grounded Peace, bring light out of the present +darknesse, and order out of all these confusions, give +unto all who are waiting for the consolation of Israel <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">good +hope through grace, comfort their hearts, stablish them in every good +word and work</span></span>, make his Cause to triumph at last over all opposition, +and the enemies foot to slide in due time, and so +put a new Song of praise in the mouths of his people. Amen. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc379" id="toc379"></a> +<a name="pdf380" id="pdf380"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">24. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 19.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc381" id="toc381"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for observing the Directions of the Generall +Assembly for Secret and Private Worship, and +mutuall edification, and censuring such as +neglect Familie Worship.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, after mature deliberation, doth +approve the following Rules and Directions, for cherishing +Piety and preventing Division and Schisme, and +doth appoint Ministers and Ruling Elders in each Congregation +to take speciall care that these directions be observed +and followed; As likewise that Presbyteries and Provincial +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page343">[pg 343]</span><a name="Pg343" id="Pg343" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Synods enquire and make tryall whether the saids Directions +bee duely observed in their bounds, and to reprove or +censure (according to the quality of the offence) such as +shall bee found to be reproveable or censurable therein. And +to the end that these Directions may not be rendred ineffectuall +and unprofitable among some through the usuall neglect +of the very substance of the duty of Family Worship, +The Assembly doth further require and appoint Ministers +and Ruling Elders, to make diligent search and enquiry in +the Congregations committed to their charge respectively, +whether there bee among them any Family or Families +which use to neglect this necessary duty; And if any such +Family be found, the head of that Family is to be first admonished +privately to amend this fault; And in case of his +continuing therein, he is to be gravely and sadly reproved +by the Session. After which reproof, if he be found still +to neglect Familie Worship, Let him be for his obstinacy, +in such an offence, suspended and debarred from the Lords +Supper, as being justly esteemed unworthy to communicate +therein till he amend. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc382" id="toc382"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Directions of the Generall Assembly, for +Secret and Private Worship & mutuall edification, +for cherishing Piety, for maintaining Unitie, +and avoiding Schisme and Division.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Besides the publike Worship in Congregations, mercifully +established in this Land, in great purity; It is expedient +and necessary, that Secret Worship of each person +alone, and Private Worship of Families be pressed and set +up: That with Nationall Reformation the profession and +power of Godlinesse both Personall and Domestick bee advanced. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. And first for Secret Worship; It is most necessar, that +every one apart and by themselves be given to Prayer and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page344">[pg 344]</span><a name="Pg344" id="Pg344" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Meditation, The unspeakable benefit whereof is best known +to them who are most exercised therein: This being the +meane whereby in a special way communion with God is entertained, +and right preparation for all other duties obtained; +And therefore it becometh not onely Pastors, within +their severall Charges, to presse Persons of all sorts to performe +this dutie Morning and Evening, and at other occasions, +but also it is incumbent to the head of every Family, +to have a care that both themselves & all within their charge +be daily diligent herein. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. The ordinar duties comprehended under the exercise +of Pietie, which should be in Families when they are conveened +to that effect, are these: First, Prayer and Praises +performed, with a speciall reference as well to the publike +condition of the Kirk of God and this Kingdome, as to the +present case of the Familie, and every member thereof. +Next, Reading of Scriptures with Catechizing in a plaine +way, that the understandings of the simpler may be the beter +enabled to profit under the publike Ordinances, and they +made more capable to understand the Scriptures when they +are read? Together with godly conferences tending to the +edification of all the members in the most holy faith: As also, +admonition and rebuke upon just reasons from these who +have Authority in the Familie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. As the Charge and Office of interpreting the holy +Scriptures, is a part of the Ministeriall calling, which none +(howsoever otherwise qualified) should take upon him in +any place, but he that is duely called thereunto by God and +his Kirk: So in every Familie where there is any that can +read, The holy Scriptures should be read ordinarily to the +Familie; And it is commendable that thereafter they confer, +and by way of conference make some good use of what hath +beene read and heard: As for example, if any sin be reproved +in the Word read, use may bee made thereof, to make all the +Familie circumspect and watchfull against the same; Or, if any +judgement be threatned or mentioned to have beene inflicted +in that Portion of Scripture which is read, use may bee +made to make all the Familie fear, lest the same or a worse +judgement befall them, unlesse they beware of the sin that +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page345">[pg 345]</span><a name="Pg345" id="Pg345" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +procured it: And finally, if any duety be required, or comfort +held forth in a promise, use may bee made to stirre up +themselves to imploy Christ for strength to enable them for +doing the commanded duty, and to apply the offered comfort; +In all which the Master of the Familie is to have the +chief hand, And any member of the Familie may propone +ane question or doubt for resolution. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. The head of the Family is to take care that none of +the Familie withdraw himself from any part of Familie +Worship: And seeing the ordinar performance of all the +parts of Family worship belongeth properly to the head of +the Family, The Minister is to stirre up such as are lasie, +and traine up such as are weak to a fitnesse for these exercises. +It being alwayes free to persons of qualitie to entertain +one approven by the Presbyterie for performing Familie +Exercise; And in other families where the head of the +Familie is unfit, that another constantly residing in +the Familie approven by the Minister and Session, may be +imployed in that service; Wherein the Minister and Session +are to be countable to the Presbyterie. And if a +Minister by divine providence bee brought to any Familie, +It is requisite, that at no time he conveen a part +of the Familie for Worship secluding the rest; Except +in singular cases, specially concerning these parties, which +(in Christian prudence) need not, or ought not to bee +imparted to others. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. Let no Idler who hath no particular calling, or +vagrant Person under pretence of a calling, be suffered +to perform worship in Families, to or for the same: Seeing +persons tainted with errours or aiming at division, may +be ready (after that manner) to creep into houses +and lead captive silly and unstable souls. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. At Family Worship a speciall care is to be had, +that each Familie keep by themselves: Neither requiring, +inviting, nor admitting persons from divers Families; +Unlesse it be these who are lodged with them or at +meal, or otherwise with them upon some lawfull occasion. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page346">[pg 346]</span><a name="Pg346" id="Pg346" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. Whatsoever hath been the effects and fruits of +meetings of persons of divers Families in the times of +corruption or trouble (in which cases many things are commendable, +which otherwise are not tolerable), Yet when +God hath blessed us with Peace and the purity of the +Gospel, such meetings of persons of divers Families +(except in the cases mentioned in these Directions) are +to be disapproved, as tending to the hinderance of the +Religious exercise of each Familie by it self, to the prejudice +of the publike Ministery, to the renting of the Families +of particular Congregations, and (in progresse of +time) of the whole Kirk: besides many offences which may +come thereby, to the hardning of the hearts of carnall men, +and grief of the godly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. On the Lords Day, after every one of the Family +apart, and the whole Family together have sought the +Lord (in whose hands the preparation of mens hearts are) +to fit them for the publicke Worship, and to blesse to them +the publike Ordinances; The Master of the Familie ought +to take care that all within his charge repair to the publike +Worship, that he and they may joyne with the rest of the +Congregation; And, the publike Worship being finished, +after prayer, he should take an account what they have heard, +And thereafter to spend the rest of the time which they +may spare, in Catechising and in spirituall conferences upon +the Word of God; Or else (going apart) they ought to +apply themselves to reading, meditation, and secret prayer, +that they may confirme and increase their Communion with +God; That so the profit which they found in the publike +Ordinances may bee cherished and promoved, and they +more edified unto eternall life. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. So many as can conceive prayer; ought to make use +of that gift of God: Albeit these who are rude and weaker +may begin at a set form of prayer; But so, as they bee not +sluggish in stirring up in themselves (according to their +daily necessities) the spirit of prayer, which is given to all +the children of God in some measure. To which effect, +they ought to bee the more fervent and frequent in secret +prayer to God, for enabling of their hearts to conceive, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page347">[pg 347]</span><a name="Pg347" id="Pg347" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and their tongues to expresse convenient desires to God for +their Familie. And in the mean time, for their greater encouragement, +let these materialls of prayer be meditated +upon, and made use of, as followeth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let them confesse to God how unworthy they are to come +in his presence, and unfit to worship his Majesty; And +therefore earnestly ask of God the spirit of prayer. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +They are to confesse their sins, and the sins of the Family +accusing, judging, and condemning themselves for them, +till they bring their souls to some measure of true humiliation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +They are to pour out their souls to God, in the Name of +Christ, by the spirit, for forgivinesse of sins, for Grace to +repent, to believe, and to live soberly, righteously, and +godly, and that they may serve God with joy and delight in +walking before him. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +They are to give thanks to God for his many mercies to +his people, and to themselves, and especially for his love +in Christ, and for the light of the Gospel. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +They are to pray for such particular benefits, Spirituall +and Temporall, as they stand in need of for the time, (whether +it be Morning or Evening) as health or sicknesse, prosperitie +or adversitie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +They ought to pray for the Kirk of Christ in general, for +all the Reformed Kirks, and for this Kirk in particular, and +for all that suffer for the Name of Christ for all our Superiours, +The Kings Majesty, the Queene, and their Children, +for the Magistrates, Ministers, and whole body of +the Congregation whereof they are members, as well for +their Neighbours absent in their lawfull affaires, as for those +that are at home. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The prayer may be closed with an earnest desire, that God +may be glorified in the comming of the Kingdome of his +Son, and in the doing of his wil; And with assurance that +themselves are accepted, and what they have asked according +to his will shall be done. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +X. These exercises ought to be performed in great sinceritie +without delay, laying aside all Exercises of worldly +businesse or hinderances, Notwithstanding the mockings of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page348">[pg 348]</span><a name="Pg348" id="Pg348" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Atheists, and profane men; In respect of the great mercies +of God to this Land, and of his severe Corections wherewith +lately he hath exercised us. And to this effect, +persons of eminency (and all Elders of the Kirk) not onely +ought to stir up themselves and their Families to diligence +herein; But also to concurre effectually, that in all other +Families, where they have Power and Charge, the said +exercises be conscionably performed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XI. Besides the ordinary duties in Families which are +abovementioned, extraordinary duties both of humiliation +and thanksgiving are to bee carefully performed in Families, +when the Lord by extraordinary occasions (private or +publike) calleth for them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XII. Seeing the Word of God requireth, That wee +should consider one another to provoke unto love and good +works, Therefore, at all times, and specially in this time +wherein profanitie abounds, and mockers walking after +their own lusts think it strange that others run not with them +to the same excesse of riot, Every member of this Kirk ought to +stir up themselves and one another to the duties of mutuall +Edification, by instruction, admonition, rebuke, exhorting +one another to manifest the Grace of God, in denying +ungodlinesse and worldly lusts, and in living godly, soberly, +and righteously in this present world, by comforting the +the feeble minded, and praying with, or, for one another; +Which duties respectively are to be performed upon speciall +occasions offered by divine providence; As namely, when +under any calamity, crosse, or great difficultie, counsel or +comfort is sought, Or when an offender is to bee reclaimed +by private admonition, and if that bee not effectuall, by joyning +one or two more in the admonition, according to the rule +of Christ; that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every +word may be established. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIII. And because it is not given to every one to speak +a word in season to a wearied or distressed conscience, It is +expedint, that a person (in that case) finding no ease +after the use of all ordinary means private and publike, have +their addresse to their own Pastour, or some experienced +Christian, But, if the person troubled in conscience be of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page349">[pg 349]</span><a name="Pg349" id="Pg349" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that condition, or of that sex, that discretion, modestie +of fear of scandall, requireth a godly grave and secret friend +to be present with them in their said addresse, It is expedient +that such a friend be present. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +XIV. When persons of divers Families are brought together +by divine providence, being abroad upon their particular +Vocations, or any necessary occasions, As they would +have the Lord their God with them whithersoever they go, +they ought to walk with God, and not neglect the duties of +Prayer and Thanksgiving, but take care that the same be +performed by such as the company shall judge fittest: And +that they likewise take heed that no corrupt communication +proceed out of their mouth, but that which is good, to the +use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The drift and scope of all these Directions is no other, but +that upon the one part, the power and practice of godlinesse +among all the Ministers and Members of this Kirk, according +to their severall places and vocations, may be cherished +and advanced, and all impietie and mocking of Religious +Exercises suppressed; And upon the other part, that under +the name and pretext of Religious Exercises; no such +meetings or practices be allowed, as are apt to breed Error, +Scandall, Schisme, contempt or mis-regard of the +publike Ordinances and Ministers, or neglect of the duties +of particular Callings, or such other evils as are the works +not of the Spirit but of the Flesh, and are contrary to Truth +and Peace. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc383" id="toc383"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against such as withdraw themselves +from the publike Worship in their own Congregation.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Since it hath pleased God of his infinite goodnesse to blesse +his Kirk within this Nation, with the riches of the Gospel, +in giving to us his Ordinances in great purity, liberty, +and withall, a comely and well-established order: The +Assembly, in the zeal of God, for preserving Order, Unitie +and Peace in the Kirk, for maintaining the respect which +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page350">[pg 350]</span><a name="Pg350" id="Pg350" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +is due to the Ordinances and Ministers of Jesus Christ, for +preventing Schisme, noisome Errours, and all unlawfull +Practices, which may follow on the Peoples withdrawing +themselves from their own Congregations, Doth charge every +Minister to bee diligent in fulfilling his Ministerie, to be +holy and grave in his conversation, to be faithfull in Preaching, +declaring the whole counsell of God, and as he hath occasion +from the Text of Scripture to reprove the sins and errours, +and presse the duties of the time; and in all those, to +observe the rules prescribed by the Acts of Assembly; wherein +if he be negligent, he is to be censured by his own Presbytery. +As also Ordains every Member in every Congregation +to keep their own Paroch Kirk, to communicate there +in the Word and Sacraments; And if any person or Persons +shall hereafter usually absent themselves from their own Congregations, +except in urgent cases made known to, and approven +by the Presbytery, The Ministers of these Congregations +whereto they resort, shall both in publike by Preching, +and in private admonition, shew their dislike of their +withdrawing from their own Minister; That in so doing, +they may witnesse to all that heare them, their due care to +Strengthen the hands of their fellow labourers in the work +of the Lord, and their detestation of any thing that may tend +to separation, or any of the abovementioned evils; Hereby +their own Flock will be confirmed in their stedfastnesse, and +the unstable spirits of others will be rectified. Likeas the +Minister of that Congregation from which they do withdraw, +shall labour first by private admonition to reclaim +them; And if any after private admonition given by their +own Pastour do not amend, in that case the Pastour shall delate +the foresaid persons to the Session, who shall cite and +censure them as contemners of the comely order of the +Kirk; And if the matter be not taken order with there, It is +to bee brought to the Presbytery: For the better observing +whereof, the Presbyteries at the Visitation of their severall +Kirks, and Provincial Assemblies, in their censure of the several +Presbyteries, shall enquire hereanent: Which inquirie +and report shall be registrate in the Provincial Books, that +their diligence may be seen in the General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page351">[pg 351]</span><a name="Pg351" id="Pg351" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc384" id="toc384"></a> +<a name="pdf385" id="pdf385"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">26. August 1647. Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 22.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc386" id="toc386"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the preceedings of the Commission +of the preceeding Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly after mature deliberation do +ratifie and approve the whole Acts and Conclusions +of the Commissionners of the preceeding Assembly +for publike affaires now tryed and examined; Declaring +that they have proceeded therein with much +zeal, wisdome, vigilance, and according to ther Commission. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc387" id="toc387"></a> +<a name="pdf388" id="pdf388"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">27. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 23.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc389" id="toc389"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the Confession of Faith.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Confession of Faith for the Kirks of God in the three +Kingdomes, being the chiefest part of that Uniformity +in Religion which by the solemne League and Covenant we +are bound to endeavour; And there being accordingly a +Confession of Faith agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines +sitting at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>, with the assistance of Commissioners +from the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>; Which Confession was +sent from our Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> to the Commissioners +of the Kirk met at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span> last, hath been in +this Assembly twice publikely read over, examined and +considered; Copies thereof being also Printed, that it +might be particularly perused by all the Members of this +Assembly, unto whom frequent intimation was publikely +made, to put in their doubts and objections if they +had any; And the said Confession being upon due examination +thereof found by the Assembly to bee most agreable +to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary +to the received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government +of this Kirk. And lastly, it being so necesary +and so much longed for, That the said Confession be +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page352">[pg 352]</span><a name="Pg352" id="Pg352" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +with all possible diligence and expedition approved and established +in both Kingdoms, as a principal part of the intended +Uniformity in Religion, and as a special means for +the more effectual suppressing of the many dangerous errours +and heresies of these times; The General Assembly doth +therefore after mature diliberation agree unto and approve +the said Confession as to the truth of the matter (judging it +to be most orthodox and grounded upon the Word of God) +and also as to the point of Uniformity. Agreeing for our +part that it be a common Confession of Faith for the three +Kingdomes. The Assembly doth also blesse the Lord; and +thankfully acknowledge his great mercy, in that so excellent +a Confession of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed +upon in both Kingdomes; which we look upon as a great +strengthning of the true Reformed Religion against the common +enemies thereof. But lest our intention and meaning +be in some particulars misunderstood, It is hereby expresly +Declared and Provided, that the not mentioning in this +Confession the several sort of Ecclesiastical Officers and Assemblies, +shall be no prejudice to the Truth of Christ in +these particulars to be expressed fully in the Directory of +Government. It is further Declared, that the Assembly understandeth +some parts of the second Article of the thirty one +Chapter, only of Kirks not settled or constituted in point +of Government, And that although in such Kirks, a Synod +of Ministerrs and other fit persons may be called by the Magistrates +authority and nomination without any other Call, +to consult and advise with about matters of Religion; And +although likewise the Ministers of Christ without delegation +from their Churches, may of themselves, and by vertue +of their Office meet together Synodically in such Kirks +not yet constituted; Yet neither of these ought to be done +in Kirks constituted and setled: It being always free to the +Magistrate to advise with Synods of Ministers and ruling Elders +meeting upon delegation from their Churches, either +ordinarly, or being indicted by his Authority occasionally +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>; It being also free to assemble together +Synodically, as well <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>, as at the ordinary times upon +delegation from the Churches, by the intrinsical power received +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page353">[pg 353]</span><a name="Pg353" id="Pg353" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +from Christ, as often as it is necessary for the good of the +Church so to assemble, in case the Magistrate to the detriment +of the Church withhold or deny his consent, the necessity +of occasionall Assemblies being first remonstrate unto +him by humble supplication. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc390" id="toc390"></a> +<a name="pdf391" id="pdf391"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh 28. August 1647. Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 25.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc392" id="toc392"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for revising the Paraphrase of the Psalmes +brought from</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">with a recommendation +for Translating the other Scriptuall +Songs in Meeter.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having considered the report of the +Committee, concerning the Paraphrase of the Psalmes +sent from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: And finding that it is very necessary, that +the said Paraphrase be yet revised; Therefore doth appoint +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Adamson</span></span> to examine the first fourty Psalmes, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Craufurd</span></span> the second fourty, +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Row</span></span> the +third fourty, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Nevey</span></span> the last thirty Psalms of +that Paraphrase; and in their Examination they shall not +only observe what they think needs to be amended, but also +to set downe their own essay for correcting thereof; And for +this purpose recommends to them, to make use of the travels +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rowallen</span></span>, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zachary Boyd</span></span>, or of any other on +that subject, but especially of our own Paraphrase, that what +they find better in any of these Works may be chosen: and +likewise they shall make use of the animadversions sent from +Presbyteries, who for this cause are hereby desired to hasten +their observations unto them; And they are to make report +of their labours herein to the Commission of the Assembly +for publike affaires against their first meeting in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">February</span></span> +next: And the Commission after revising thereof, shall +send the same to Provincial Assemblies, to bee transmitted +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page354">[pg 354]</span><a name="Pg354" id="Pg354" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to Presbyteries, that by their further consideration, the +matter may be fully prepared to the next Assembly: And +because some Psalmes in that Paraphrasie sent from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +are composed in verses which do not agree with the Common-tunes, +Therefore it is also recommended that these +Psalms be likewise turned in other verses which may agree +to the Common-tunes, that is, having the first line of eight +syllabs, and the second line of six, that so both versions +being together, use may bee made of either of them in Congregations +as shall bee found convenient: And the Assembly +doth further recommend, That M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zachary Boyd</span></span> be at +the paines to translate the other Scriptural Songs in meeter, +and to report his travels also to the Commission of Assembly, +that after their Examination thereof, they may send +the same to Presbyteries to be there considered untill the +next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc393" id="toc393"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act recommending the execution of the Act of +Parliament at Perth, for uplifting pecuniall paines to +bee imployed upon pious uses, and of all Acts of Parliament +made against excommunicate Persons.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly doth seriously Recommend and +Ordain That Presbyteries diligently endeavour, +that the ninth Act of the Parliament holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth, Anno +1645.</span></span> Concerning the uplifting of pecunial paines to bee +imployed upon pious uses, may bee put to due execution +within their several bounds; And also that the Acts of +Parliament against excommunicate Persons, especially the +twentieth Act of Parliament in March last, be also carefully +execute: And that they cause use all diligence to +that effect, and account hereof shall be required in Provinciall +and Generall Assemblies. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page355">[pg 355]</span><a name="Pg355" id="Pg355" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc394" id="toc394"></a> +<a name="pdf395" id="pdf395"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ult. August 1647. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 26.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc396" id="toc396"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act discharging the importing, venting or +spreading of erronious Books or Papers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering how the errours of +Independency and Separation (have in our Neighbour +Kingdome of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>) spread as a Gangræn, +and do daily eat as a Canker; In so much that exceeding +many Errours. Heresies, Schismes, and Blaspemies, have +issued therefrom, and sheltered thereby; And how possible +it is, for the same evils to invade, and overspread +this Kirk and Kingdome, (lying within the same Island) +by the spreading of their erronious Books, Pamphlets, +Lybels, and Letters, and by conversing with them that +are infected with these errours, except the same bee timeously +prevented; Doe therefore, in the Name of God, +Inhibit and Discharge all Members of this Kirk and Kingdome, +to converse with Persons tainted with such errours; +Or to import, sell, spread, vent, or disperse such erronious +Books or Papers: But that they beware of, and abstain +from Books maintaineing Independencie or Separation, +and from all Antinomian, Anabaptisticall, and other erronious +Books, and Papers; Requiring all Ministers to +warne their flocks against such Bookes in generall, and particularly +such as are most plausible, insinuating, and dangerous: +And to try carefully from time to time if any such +Bookes be brought into this Countrey from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, or +from byond Seas (which is especially recommended to Ministers +on Sea Coasts, or Towns where any Stationers are) +and if any shall be found, to present the same to the Presbyterie, +that some course may be taken to hinder the dispersing +thereof: And hereby all Presbyteries, and Synods, +are ordained to try and Processe such as shall transgresse against +the premisses or any part of the same. And the Assembly +also doth seriously recommend to Civill Magistrates, +that they may be pleased to be assisting to Ministers and Presbyteries +in execution of this Act, and to concurre with +their authority in every thing to that effect. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page356">[pg 356]</span><a name="Pg356" id="Pg356" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc397" id="toc397"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for debarring of Complyers in the first +Classe from Ecclesiastick office.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly Declares and Ordaines, That +no Person who is guilty of Compliance in the first +Classe mentioned in the Act of the preceeding Assembly, +shall bee received in any Ecclesiasticall charge, untill +the evidence of his repentance before the Presbyterie and +Congregation be reported to the Synode to which he belongs, +and to the Generall Assembly, and their consent +obtained for his bearing office. And if any such Person be +already received unto the Eldership of any particular Congregation, +yet he shall not be admitted to be a Member of +any Presbyterie, Synode, or Generall Assemblie, untill +(upon the evidence of his repentance) the consent and +approbation of these judicatories respectively bee obtained +thereto. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc398" id="toc398"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for pressing and furthering the +plantation of Kirks.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering how the Work of +Provision, Plantation, convenient Dividing, Dismembring, +better uniting or enlarging of Parish +Kirks is hitherto foreslowed, to the great prejudice of many +Ministers, many good People, and hinderance of the Work +of Reformation; Doth therefore Ordaine, That all Presbyteries +have speciall care that the present opportunity bee +diligently improved by all their Members, as need is, before +the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, as they would +not be found censurable for neglect. And that every Presbytery +send in to the next Generall Assembly the names of +all their Parishes, with declaration which of them have Ministers, +which not, what is the largenesse of the bounds, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page357">[pg 357]</span><a name="Pg357" id="Pg357" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +commodious or incommodious situation of each Parish +Kirk, what is the number of Communicants, what Kirks +are under Patrons, what not, who are the severall Patrons, +what is the nature and quantitie of the present provision, or +possible ground of further provision for competent Maintence, +where the same is not sufficiently provided already: As +also, what Parishes are united or disunited or bettered already, +and in what measure by the said Commission, that the +Generall Assembly being acquaint therewith, may doe accordingly +both for censuring Neglecters, and finding out +Overtures for better furtherance of the Work for time +to come. Moreover it is hereby Ordained, That the +next ensuing Provinciall Synodes, crave account of the severall +Presbyteries their diligence, And presse that they +have it ready in writ to present to the Provinciall Synodes in +April next to come, that so all may be in readinesse and the +full account made at the next General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc399" id="toc399"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for censuring absents from the +Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering the absence of many +Commissioners in this and other preceeding Assemblies, +and that many of those present have gone from the Assembly +before the dissolving thereof: Therefore, for remedie +hereof in time coming Doth Ordaine, that hereafter Every +Commissioner from Presbyteries and Universities who shall +be absent from the Assembly without a reasonable excuse +notified to the Assembly, Or who being present shall goe +from the Assembly before the dissolving thereof without a +licence, shall be suspended by the Assembly untill the Provinciall +Synode next thereafter following. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page358">[pg 358]</span><a name="Pg358" id="Pg358" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc400" id="toc400"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for +Triall and Admission of Expectants +to the Ministrie.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, doth hereby renew and confirme +all former Acts and Ordinances for triall and admission +of Expectants to the Ministery; Especially the Articles +thereanentt allowed by the Generall Assembly 1596, +and approven in the Assemblie at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1638. The thirteenth +Article concerning the age of intrants to the Ministery +and the twentie fourth Article concerning the triall of +Expectants, Of an Act of the said Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Sess. 23 +And the Act of the Assembly at St <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> 1642. Sess. 7, +concerning Lists for presentations from the King, and the +trial of Expectants, &c. Ordaining Presbyteries to observe +the same carefully in all time coming. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc401" id="toc401"></a> +<a name="pdf402" id="pdf402"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Eodem die</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%">, Sess. 28. +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem.</span></span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc403" id="toc403"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting +the Treaty for Uniformity in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration +that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties +Dominions is not yet perfected; Therefore, Renews +the Power and Commission granted by preceeding Assemblies +for prosecuting that Treaty, unto the Persons afternamed, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span> Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherford</span></span>, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span>, +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, Ministers: And +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Lauderdaill, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord +Balmerino, and Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Johnstoun</span></span> of Waristoun Elders; +Authorizing them +with full Power to prosecute the said Treaty of Uniformity +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page359">[pg 359]</span><a name="Pg359" id="Pg359" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, +and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any +Committees appointed by them: And to doe all and every +thing which may advance, perfit, and bring that Treaty +to an happy conclusion, conforme to the Commissions +given thereanent. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc404" id="toc404"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Renovation of the Commission for the publike +affaires of the Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly taking to their consideration, +that in respect the great Work of Uniformity in Religion +in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, +(though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made +in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions +granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that +great Work; Doe therefore renew the Power and Commission +granted for the publike Affaires of the Kirk by the Generall +Assmblies held in St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> 1642. +and at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +1643. 1644. 1645. and 1646. unto the Persons following, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Masters, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Casse, +Samuel Douglas, Robert Knox, +William Penman, James Guthrie, Robert Cuninghame, David +Fletcher, Robert Lawder, Andrew Stevenson, Robert Davidson, +David Calderwood, James Fleming, Robert Ker, James Fairlie, +Oliver Colt, Patrick Sibbald, Andrew Ramsay, John Adamson, +Robert Douglas, William Colvill, George Gillespe, Mungo Law, +Andrew Fairfoul, George Lesly, Robert Lawrie, Alexander +Spittle, Alexander Dickson, John Hay, Thomas Vassie, Ephraim +Melvill, Patick Scheill, Alexander Simmervail, George Bennet, +Alexander Levingstoun, Robert Murray, Alexander Rollock, +William Menzies, Alexander Ireland, John Friebairn, George +Murray, Henrie Guthrie, William Justice, Robert Wright, Henrie +Livingstoun, James Hammiltoun, George Gladstanes, Bernard +Sanderson, Andrew Lawder, George Rutherfurd, John Levingston, +George Hutheson, John Bell, Heugh Mackaile, John Nevey, +Matthew Brisbane, John Hammiltoun, Allan Ferguson, David +Dickson, Zachary Boyd, Robert Ramsay, Robert Bailie, James +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page360">[pg 360]</span><a name="Pg360" id="Pg360" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +Nesmith, Francis Aird, Robert Birnie, Thomas Kirkaldie, +Evan Cameron, Robert Blair, Coline Adam, George Hammiltoun, +Samuel Rutherford, Alexander Colvill, John Ramsay, James Martein, +William Levingstoun, Thomas Melvill, John Smith, Fredrick +Carmichaell, Patrick Gillespie, Alexander Moncreif, John +Duncan, James Sibbald, Walter Bruce, George Pittillo, Andrew +Affleck, John Barclay, Thomas Peirson, William Rait, David +Srachan, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, John Forbes, George +Sharp, William Chalmer, Joseph Brodie, Alexander Simmer, +Gillbert Anderson, William Smith</span></span> Ministers; And <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald</span></span> +Marques of Argile, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of Crawford, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> E. of Eglintoun, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> E. of +Glencairne, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> E. of Cassils, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> E. +of Home, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> E. of Tullibairdine, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis</span></span> +E. of Bukeleuch, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> E. of Lawderdaill, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> E. of Lothian, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> E. of +Finlatour, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> E. of Lanerk, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> +Earle of Callendar, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald</span></span> Lord Angus, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George</span></span> L. Brichen, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> L. Yester, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> L. Balmerino, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> L. Cowper, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Bargenie, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald +Johnstoun</span></span> of Waristoun, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hope</span></span> of Craighall, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Areskine</span></span> of Scotiscraig, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Fraser</span></span> of Phillorth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Frederick Lyon</span></span> of Brigtoun, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Mackdougall</span></span> of Garthland, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Cockburne</span></span> of Langton, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ker</span></span> of Greinheid, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Heugh Campbell</span></span> of Cesnock, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Levingstoun</span></span> of Kilsyth, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ruthven</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Freeland</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Ramsay</span></span> of Balmayne, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Henderson</span></span> of Fordell, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Dundas</span></span> +younger of that ilk, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Scot</span></span> +younger of Harden, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lodovick Gordoun</span></span>, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Winthame</span></span> of Libertoun, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Levingstoun</span></span> of Saltcoats, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Birsbane</span></span> of Bishoptoun, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span> of Tilliquhillie, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Pringle</span></span> of Torwoodlie, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Iames +Nicolsone</span></span> of Colbrandspath, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Ker</span></span> of Newtoun, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Forbes</span></span> younger of Lesly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Kennedy</span></span> of Carmucks, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Arburthnot</span></span> +of Findowrie, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Brodie</span></span> of Letham, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Narne</span></span> younger of Strathurd, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Schoneir</span></span> of Caskeberrie, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Ruchheid, Lawrence Hendersone, +James Stewart, David Douglas, John Jaffray, George Porterfield, +John Semple, John Kennedy, William Glendinning</span></span>, Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Cowan, John Mill</span></span> Elders: Giving unto them full Power and +Commission, to doe all and every thing for prosecuting, +advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page361">[pg 361]</span><a name="Pg361" id="Pg361" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to a +happy conclusion, conform to the former Commissions granted +by preceding Assemblies thereanent. And to that effect, +Appoints them or any seventeene of them, whereof thirteene +shall bee Ministers, to meet heer in this City in the +afternoone at four hours, and thereafter upon the last Wednesdayes +of November, February, and May next, and +upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think +fit. Renewing also to the Persons before named, the Power +contained in the Act of the Assembly 1643. intituled, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repaire to +the Kingdome of England</span></span>; As likewise the Power contained in +the Act of Assemblie 1644. Sess. 6. for sending Ministers to +the Armie. And further, in case Dilinquents have no constant +residence in any one Presbyterie; Or if Presbyteries be +negligent or overawed, in these cases, The Assemblie +gives to the Persons before named, full power of censuring +Complyers and Persons disaffected to the Covenant according +to the Acts of Assemblie; Declaring always and Providing, +that Ministers shall not bee deposed but in one of the +Quarterly meetings of this Commission; With full power to +them to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, and in +all other matters referred unto them by this Assemblie, as +fully and freely as if the same were here particularly expressed, +and with as ample power as any Commission of any former +Generall Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; +They being alwayes for their whole proceedings countable +to, and censurable by the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc405" id="toc405"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Desires and Overtures from the Commissioners +of Universities, and the Assemblies +answer thereto.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. The Commissioners of Universities represents to the +Assembly: First, That the Overtures of the Assembly +1643. for the visitation of Schools and advancement of +Learning are very much neglected. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page362">[pg 362]</span><a name="Pg362" id="Pg362" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly recommends to Synodes to take account of the observation +of these Overtures.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. That it were good to exhort all the Universities, to +be careful to take account of all their Schollers on the Sabbathday +of the Sermons, and of their lessons or the Catechisme. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends accordingly.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. That all the Universities bee exhorted to send their commissioners +instructed with answers to the Overtures agreed +upon by the Commissioners of Universities, and which +from this meeting or their Commissioners shall bee communicate +to them, and this to bee when their Commissioners +come in Februar or March to the Commission of the +Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assemblie reccommends to Universities to bee carefull +hereof.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. That the Overtures concerning the providing of +Bursars for Divinity be recommended to Presbyteries and +Synodes, and that they report their diligence to the next +Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly allowes this Article, and recommends accordingly.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc406" id="toc406"></a> +<a name="pdf407" id="pdf407"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh 1. September 1647.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. Ult.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc408" id="toc408"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to their Countreymen +in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Poleland, Swedland, Denmarke, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Hungarie.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Unto the Scots Merchants and others our Countrey People scattered +in</span></span> Poleland, Swedland, Denmark, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and</span></span> Hungary; +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The General Assembly of the Kirk of</span></span> Scotland +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">wisheth Grace Mercy & +Peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Although this Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, whiles spoiled of her Liberties +under the Prelatical tyrannie, had much difficultie +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page363">[pg 363]</span><a name="Pg363" id="Pg363" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and wrestling to preserve the true reformed Religion +from being quite extinguished among ourselves; yet since +the mighty & out-stretched arme of the Lord our God hath +brought us out of that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Egypt</span></span>, and hath restored to us well +constituted and free national Synods, It hath been our desire +and endeavour to set forward the Kingdom of our Lord +Jesus Christ and the purity of his Ordinances, not only +throughout this Nation, but in other parts also so far as God +gave us a call and opportunity and opened a way unto us. And +among other things of this nature we have more particularly +taken into our serious thoughts the sad and lamentable +condition of many thousands of you our Country-men who +are scattered abroad as sheepe having no shepherd, and are +through the want of the meanes of knowledge grace and +salvation, exposed to the greatest spirituall dangers, whether +through ignorance or through manifold tentations to errors +and false Religions, or through the occasions and snares of +sinne. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wee have therefore thought it incumbent to us to put you +in minde of the one thing necessary, while you are so carefull +and troubled about the things of the world. And although +we do not disallow your going abroad to follow any +lawfull calling or way of lively hood, yet seeing it cannot +profit a man although he should gain the whole world and +lose his own soul, and seeing you have travelled so farre, +and taken so much pains to get uncertain riches which cannot +deliver in the day of the wrath of the Lord, and which men +know not who shall inherit; We doe from our affection +to the salvation of your immortall souls most earnestly beseech +and warn you to cry after knowledge and lift up your +voyce for understanding, seeking her as silver, and searching +for her as for hid treasures, and so play the wise Merchants +in purchasing the Pearl of Price, and in laying up a sure +foundation for the time to come, by acquainting your souls +with Jesus Christ, and by faith taking hold of him whose +free grace is now offered and held out to sinners, excluding +none among all the kindreds of the earth who will +come unto him. God forbid that you should let slip the time +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page364">[pg 364]</span><a name="Pg364" id="Pg364" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and offers of grace, or neglect any warning of this kinde sent +to you in the name of the Lord. We shall hope better things +of you, and that knowing the acceptable time and the day +of salvation will not alwayes last, but the Lord Jesus is to +be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels, in flaming +fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and +obey not the Gospel, you will the rather bestirre your selves +timely and with all diligence to seek the Lord while +he may bee found, to endeavour that you may have among +you the ordinary means of grace and salvation, to pray that +God would give you Pastors according to his heart, who +shall feede you with knowledge and understanding, to consult +also and agree among your selves with consent of your +Superiors under whom you live (whose favour and good +will we trust will not be wanting to you in so good and necessary +a work) for setting up the worship of God and Ecclesiasticall +Discipline among you according to the form +established and received in this your mother Kirk, and for a +way of settled maintenance to Pastors and Teachers, Which +if you do, our Commissioners appointed to meet from time +to time in the intervall betwixt this and the next Nationall +Assembly, will bee ready (upon your desire made known +to them) to provide some able and godly Ministers for you, +as likewise to communicate to you our Directory for the +publike worship of God, and our form of Ecclesiastical Government +and Discipline; together with the Confession of +Faith and Catechisme. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And in the meane time we exhort you that you neglect not +the Worship of God in secret and in your families, and that +ye continue stedfast in the Profession of that faith in which +yee were baptised, and by a godly, righteous, and sober +conversation adorn the Gospel; and with all, that distance +of place make you not the lesse sensible of your Countries +sufferings, both in respect of the just judgements of God for +the sinnes of the land, and in respect of the malice of Enemies +for the Common Cause & Covenant of the three Kingdoms, +of which happie conjunction, notwithstanding we +do not repent us, but by the grace of God shall continue +faithful and steadfast therein. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page365">[pg 365]</span><a name="Pg365" id="Pg365" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This Letter wee have thought fit to bee Printed and published, +that it may be with the greater ease and conveniency +conveyed to the many several places of your habitation or +traffique. Consider what we have said, and the Lord give +you understanding in all things. The grace of our Lord Jesus +Christ be with you all, Amen. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh, August 31. 1647.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in name of the Generall +Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr Robert Douglasse</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc409" id="toc409"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions +therein mentioned.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Being tender of so great an ingagement by Solemn +Covenant, sincerely, really, and constantly to endeavour +in our Place, and Callings, the preservation +of the Reformed Religion in this Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, in Doctrine, +Worship, Discipline, and Government, the Reformation +of Religion in the Kingdomes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, +according to the Word of God, and the example of +the best Reformed Kirks, and to endeavour the nearest Conjunction +and Uniformity in all these, together with the +extirpation of Heresie, Schisme, and whatsoever shall +bee found contrary to sound Doctrine: And considering +withall that one of the speciall meanes which it becometh +us in our Places and Callings to use in pursuance of +these ends, is in zeal for the true Reformed Religion, to give +our publike testimony against the dangerous Tenents of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Erastianisme</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Independencie</span></span>, +and which is falsely called <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Liberty +of Conscience</span></span>, which are not only contrary to sound Doctrine, +but more speciall lets and hinderances, as well to the preservation +of our own received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, +and Government, as to the Work of Reformation and Uniformity +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. +The Generall Assembly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page366">[pg 366]</span><a name="Pg366" id="Pg366" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span style="font-size: 80%">Not that they are +to be heer Printed, but because they +being to be Printed severally, this Act is +to be prefixed to them.</span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +upon these considerations, having heard publikely read +the CXI following Propositions exhibited +and tendered by some Brethren, who were +appointed to prepare Articles or Propositions +for the vindication of the Trueth in these +particulars, Doth unanimously approve & +agree unto these eight generall Heads of Doctrine +therein contained and asserted, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> 1. That the Ministery +of the Word and the Administration of the Sacraments +of the New Testament, Baptisme and the Lords Supper, +are standing Ordinances instituted by God himself to +continue in the Church to the end of the World. 2. That +such as Administer the Word and Sacraments, ought to be +duely called and ordained thereunto. 3. That some Ecclesiasticall +censures are proper and peculiar to be inflicted onely +upon such as bear Office in the Kirk; Other censures are +common and may bee inflicted both on Ministers and other +Members of the Kirk. 4. That the censure of suspension +from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, inflicted because +of grosse ignorance, or because of a scandalous life and conversation, +As likewise the censure of Excommunication or +calling out of the Kirk flagitious or contumacious offenders, +both the one censure and the other is warranteble by and +grounded upon the Word of God, and is necessary (in respect +of divine institution) to be in the Kirk. 5. That as +the Rights, Power, and Authority of the Civill Magistrate +are to bee maintained according to the Word of God, and +the Confessions of the Faith of the Reformed Kirks; So it +is no lesse true and certaine, that Jesus Christ, the onely +Head and onely King of the Kirk, hath instituted and appointed +a Kirk Government distinct from the Civill Government +or Magistracie. 6: That the Ecclesiastical Government +is committed and intrusted by Christ to the Assemblies of +the Kirk, made up of the Ministers of the Word and Ruling +Elders. 7. That the lesser and inferiour Ecclesiasticall +Assemblies, ought to bee subordinate and subject unto the +greater and superiour Assemblies. 8. That notwithstanding +hereof, the Civill Magistrate may and ought to +suppresse by corporall or Civill punishments, such as +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page367">[pg 367]</span><a name="Pg367" id="Pg367" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +by spreading Errour or Heresie, or by fomenting Schisme +greatly dishonour God, dangerously hurt Religeon and disturbe +the Peace of the Kirk. Which Heads of Doctrine +(howsoever opposed by the authors and fomenters of the +foresaid errours respectively) the Generall Assembly doth +firmely beleeve, own, maintaine, and commend unto +others, as Solide, True, Orthodoxe, grounded upon the +Word of God, consonant to the judgement both of the ancient +and the best Reformed Kirk; And because this Assembly +(through the multitude of other necessary and pressing +bussinesse) cannot now have so much leisure, as to examine +and consider particularly the foresaid CXI. Propositions; +Therefore, a more particular examination thereof +is committed and referred to the Theologicall faculties in +the four Universities of this Kingdome, and the judgement +of each of these faculties concerning the same, is appointed +to bee reported to the next Generall Assembly. In the +meane while, these Propositions shall bee Printed, both +that Copies thereof may bee sent to Presbyteries, and that +it may be free for any that pleaseth to peruse them, and to +make known or send their judgement concerning the same to +the said next Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc410" id="toc410"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries +and Synods, with the Assemblies +answer thereunto.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is humbly presented to the Assembly, that the children +of many of the ordinary beggars want baptisme, +Themselves also living in great vilenesse, and therefore +desire that some remedie may be provided for these abuses. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly doth seriously recommend to Presbyteries to consider +of the best remedies, and to report their opinions to the +next Assembly.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page368">[pg 368]</span><a name="Pg368" id="Pg368" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That all Students of Philosophie at their entry and at their +Lawreation, bee holden to subscribe the League and Covenant +and be urged thereto, and all other Persons as they come +to age and discretion before their first receiving the Sacrament +of the Lords Supper. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly approves this Overture.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas divers Ministers want Mansses and Gleebs, and +others have their Gleeb so divided in parcells, or lying so +Farre from their Charges the Ministers are thereby much +prejudged; We desire that this Generall Assembly will recommend +it to bee helped by the Parliament, or Committee +for planting of Kirks, in the best manner that their Lordships +can advise. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas divers Kirks were incommodiously united in +corrupt times, we desire that the same be now dismembered +and adjoyned to other Kirks, or erected in Kirks by +themselves alone, and when the present incumbents agrees +thereto, we desire the same to bee recommend to the Parliament +and Committee for plantation of Kirks, Provided +alwayes, that the present Ministers who have laboured and +indured the heat of day, may enjoy the benefit of such parcells +as are taken from them during their life. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Assembly doth approve these two Articles, and Recommends +to the Commissioners for publike Affaires to assist +any interested in the particulars for prosecuting the same before +the Honourable Estates of Parliament, or the Commission +appointed by them for plantation of Kirks.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, Doe yet againe recommend to +Presbyteries and Provinciall Assemblies, to consider all +matters formerly referred unto them by preceding Assemblies, +and desires that their opinions concerning the same, +be reported in writ to the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It is this day appointed, that the next Generall Assembly shall meet +at</span></span> Edinburgh <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the second Wednesday of July 1648.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A. Ker. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page369">[pg 369]</span><a name="Pg369" id="Pg369" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc411" id="toc411"></a> +<a name="pdf412" id="pdf412"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, At </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%">.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc413" id="toc413"></a> +<a name="pdf414" id="pdf414"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Iuly 12. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Post meridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 1.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc415" id="toc415"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Letter from the Synod of Divines in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to the Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved +brethen in</span></span> JESUS CHRIST, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As we have great cause to blesse God for the brotherly +Union of these two Nations in the common +Cause of Religion and Liberty, and for that good +hand of blessing which hath accompanied the +joynt endeavours of both, in the prosecution thereof: So +we cannot but be sadly and deeply sensible of those many +obstructions and difficulties, wherewith God in his wisdom +hath seen good to exercise his Servants in both Kingdoms +in the carrying on of that work, wherein they stand so +much ingaged. Herein he hath clearly manifested his own +power, wisdom, and goodnesse for our encouragement +to trust him in the managing of his own Work, and our utter +inability to effect it of our selves, thereby to train us up +to a more humble and faithfull dependency upon him to +do all, when we by our own wisdom and strength +can do nothing. Our perplexities we must confesse, are +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page370">[pg 370]</span><a name="Pg370" id="Pg370" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and have been many, and yet in the midst of them all we cannot +but thankfully acknowledge it is a token for good, and +that which hath bin and still is a great comfort and refreshing +to our hearts, that God hath given you wisdom timely to +foresee approaching dangers, but especially to behold, as +the stedfastnesse of your Faith, in that both formerly you +have been and at present are able to trust God in straits and +to appear for him in greatest dangers, so your eminent faithfulnesse +and integrity in your firm adhering to your first principles, +and chiefly in your constancy and zeal for the preservation +and prosecution of the Solemn League and Covenant, +so Religiously ingaged in by both Kingdoms: In +your vigorous pursuance whereof, with much thankfulnesse +to God, We are very sensible more particularly of your +steering so steady, and even a course between the dangerous +rocks of Prophanesse and Malignancie on the one hand, and +of Errour, Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other +hand; as also of your constant desires and endeavours to preserve +the Peace and Union between the two Nations so +nearly and so many wayes United. In all which we humbly +acknowledge the mercy and faithfulnesse of God in guiding +you so graciously hitherto; and through his assistance we shall +still be ready to afford you the best help & incouragement of +our prayers and praises to God on your behalf; having this +confidence that he who hath already vouchsafed you and us +so many blessed pledges of his favour, will in his own time +and way accomplish his own Work, which so much concerneth +his own Glory and his Peoples good. To his most +gracious protection & guidance in these doubtfull and dangerous +times we humbly commend you and all your holy endeavours, +and rest. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span> June 7. 1648. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Subscribed in the name and by the apointment +of the whole Assembly by us.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Direct</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To the Right Honourable, +Right Reverend, the +Generall Assembly of the +Church of Scotland, +or their Commissioners. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Charles Harle, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Prolocutor.</span></span><br /> +William Gouge, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Assessor.</span></span><br /> +Henry Robrough, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scribe.</span></span><br /> +Adoniram Byfield, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scribe.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page371">[pg 371]</span><a name="Pg371" id="Pg371" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc416" id="toc416"></a> +<a name="pdf417" id="pdf417"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Iuly 15 </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%">, Sess. 4.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc418" id="toc418"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning Commissions from Burghs.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is resolved by the Generall Assembly, untill the matter +concerning Commissioners from Burghs be further +thought upon, that in the mean time according to the ordinary +practice no Commission to the Generall Assembly be +admitted from Burghs, but such as shall be consented to, +and approven by the Ministry and Sessions thereof, the persons +elected being always Elders. +</p> + +</div> +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc419" id="toc419"></a> +<a name="pdf420" id="pdf420"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Iuly 18. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess 6.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc421" id="toc421"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the examining of the proceedings +of the Commissioners of Assemblies.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly renews and revives the Act of +the Assembly holden at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bruntiland Anno 1601.</span></span> concerning +the examination of the proceedings of the Commission +of the Generall Assembly, tenour whereof follows. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The +Assembly hath Ordained that in every Assembly to be conveened in all +time coming such as shall happen to be appointed Commissioners from +the Generall Assembly, to endure while the Assembly next thereafter, +shall give an account of their proceedings during the whole time of +their Commission in the beginning of the Assembly, before any other +cause or matter be handled and their proceedings to be allowed or disallowed +as the Assembly shall think expedient.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc422" id="toc422"></a> +<a name="pdf423" id="pdf423"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Iuly 18. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 7.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc424" id="toc424"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission +of the preceeding Assembly,</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having examined the proceedings +of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly, especially +their Declarations, Remonstrances, Representations, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page372">[pg 372]</span><a name="Pg372" id="Pg372" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Petitions, Vindication, and other Papers relating +to the present Engagement in War, Do unanimously finde +that in all their proceedings, they have been zealous, +diligent and Faithfull in discharge of the trust committed to +them; And therefore ratifie and approve the whole proceedings, +Acts and conclusions of the said Commission: and +particularly their Papers relating to the said Engagement, +and their judgement of the unlawfulnesse thereof, Appointing +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Moncreiff</span></span> Moderator +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro tempore</span></span> to return them +hearty thanks in name of the Assembly for their great pains, +travells & fidelity in matters of so great concernment to the +Cause of God and to this Kirk, admidst so great and many +difficulties. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc425" id="toc425"></a> +<a name="pdf426" id="pdf426"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 20. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 10.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc427" id="toc427"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the larger Catechisme.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having exactly examined and +seriously considered, the larger Catechisme agreed upon +by the Assembly of Divines sitting at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span> with assistance +of Commissioners from this Kirk, Copies thereof +being Printed, and sent to Presbyteries for the more exact +tryall thereof, and publick intimation being frequently +made in this Assembly, that every one that had any doubts +or objections upon it, might put them in; Do finde upon +due examination thereof, That the said Catechisme is +agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to +the received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government +of this Kirk, a necessary part of the intended Uniformity +in Religion, and a rich treasure for increasing knowledge +among the People of God, and therefore the Assembly, +as they blesse the Lord that so excellent a Catechisme +is prepared, so they Approve the same as a part of Uniformity; +Agreeing for their part, that it be a common Catechisme +for the three Kingdoms, and a Directory for Catechising +such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge +of the grounds of Religion. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page373">[pg 373]</span><a name="Pg373" id="Pg373" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc428" id="toc428"></a> +<a name="pdf429" id="pdf429"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 11.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc430" id="toc430"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers +to particular Congregations.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering the danger of sudden +receiving of deposed Ministers at this time when Malignancy +is likely to spread; Therefore finding it necessary +untill the ends of the Solemn League and Covenant be setled +and secured to restrain the suddenness of admitting deposed +Ministers to particular charges, Do Ordain that notwithstanding +any License to be granted for opening the mouths +of deposed Ministers yet they shall not be actually admitted +to any particular Congregations without consent of the Generall +Assembly, Declaring for such as have already their +mouths opened before the time, that if any calling to a +particular charge offer unto them before the next Assembly, +it shall be sufficient for them to have the consent of the +Commissioners of this Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc431" id="toc431"></a> +<a name="pdf432" id="pdf432"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 25. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 14.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc433" id="toc433"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from +the Committee of Estates of the 24. July.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having considered the Paper of +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">24. July</span></span> delivered to them from the conference, and +having compared it with the other Paper of the 17. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span> +presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates whereunto +it relates, and with the Declaration lately emitted +by the Committee to the Parliament and Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, +finde that it is supposed by their Lordships, that we +may be satisfied in point of the security of Religion according +to the Covenant; notwithstanding of the present engagement +in war; The Assembly do therefore in answer to the +said Paper declare, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page374">[pg 374]</span><a name="Pg374" id="Pg374" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +That we see no possibility of securing Religion, as long as +this unlawfull Engagement is carried on, Religion being +thereby greatly endangered, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. Because none of the just and necessary desires of the +Commission of the late General Assembly for securing Religion +have been granted or satisfied; More particularly it was +represented to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament, +that for securing of Religion, it was necessary that +the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant party, be declared +Enemies to the Cause upon the one hand, as well as Sectaries +upon the other, and that all Associations, either in +Forces or Councels with the former as well as the latter be +avoided. That his Majesties Concessions and offers concerning +Religion, sent home from the Isle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wight</span></span>, be declared +by the Parliament to be unsatisfactory, That before his +Majesties restitution to the exercise of his Royall power assurance +be had from his Majesty by his solemn Oath under his +hand and Seal for settling Religion according to the Covenant, +That their Lordships should keep themselves from +owning any quarrel concerning his Majesties Negative voice, +That the managing of the publike affairs, might be intrusted +onely to such persons as have given constant proof of their +integrity, and against whom there is no just cause of exception +or jealousie, and that there might be no Engagement +without a solemn Oath, wherein the Kirk ought to hand +the same interest they had in the solemn League and Covenant; +All which are more particularly expressed in the Papers +given in by the Commission of the late Assembly to the +Parliament; notwithstanding the Engagement hath been +carried on without satisfaction to these and the like desires, +and so without giving security in the point of Religion, but +with great and manifest danger to the same. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. As the happy Union of the Kingdoms, by the solemn +League and Covenant hath been justly looked upon as a speciall +means for preserving and strengthening the true Reformed +Religion in this Island, So it is no lesse weakened & +hurt by endeavouring a breach between these Kingdoms; +Which howsoever disclaimed, is yet manifest from the reality +of the publike proceedings in this Engagement, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page375">[pg 375]</span><a name="Pg375" id="Pg375" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +namely from the neglect of endeavouring a Treaty between +the Kingdoms for preventing of War and bloodshed as was +earnestly desired, from their associating and joyning with +known Malignants and Incendiaries, and such as have been +declared Enemies to this Cause, from their entring the Kingdom +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> with an Army, upon the grounds of the Declaration +of the Parliament, which cannot but infer a National +quarrel against the Parliament and Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and +from their garrisoning the frontire Towns of that Kingdom. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. The Engagement is carried on by such means and +ways, as tend to the destroying of Religion, by ensnaring +and forcing the consciences of the people of God with unlawfull +Bands and Oathes, and oppressing the Persons and +Estates of such as have been most active and zealous for Religion +and the Covenant. All which is strengthened and authorized +by Acts of Parliament, appointing that all that do +not obey, or perswade others not to obey the Resolutions +of Parliament and Committee anent this Engagement, or +who shall not subscribe the Act and Declaration of the 10. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span>, 1648. imposed upon all the Subjects, shall be holden +as enemies to the Cause and to Religion, and have their +persons secured, and their Estates intromitted with. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. The Engagement is carried on, not without great encroachments +upon the Liberties of the Kirk, as we are ready +to clear in many particulars. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wherefore the security of Religion, and carrying on of +the present Engagement being inconsistent, We do propose +for the necessary security and safety of Religion, that +all the dangers thereof may be taken to consideration, and +amongst the rest the said Engagement as one of the greatest +which yet being established and authorized by Act of Parliament, +we leave it to their Lordships to think of what +remedies may be provided for redressing grievances which +flow from such Acts and Ordinances. This we are sure of, +the publike desires of the Kirk will abundantly witnesse +for us, that such things as were necessary for the security +of Religion, were in due season represented, & yet not +granted by them that had greater power & authority at that +time when it was much more easie to give satisfaction therein +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page376">[pg 376]</span><a name="Pg376" id="Pg376" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +then now; So that the blame cannot lye upon the General +Assembly or their Commissioners that Religion is not secured. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc434" id="toc434"></a> +<a name="pdf435" id="pdf435"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 28. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 18.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc436" id="toc436"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament +& Committee of Estates ordained to be subscribed +the 10. and 12. of June, and against all new Oathes +or Bands in the common Cause imposed without +consent of the Church.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly taking to consideration a Declaration +and Act of Parliament, of the date 10. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span>, +1648. highly concerning Religion, and the consciences of +the People of God in the Land, and one Act of the Committee +of Estates, of the date 12. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span>, 1648. both published +in Print, whereby all Subjects are Ordained by subscription +to acknowledge as just, and oblige themselves to +adhere unto the said Act and Declaration, containing an +obligation upon their honours and credits, and as they desire +to be, and to be holden, as lovers of their Country, +Religion, Laws and Liberties, to joyn and concur with +their Persons and Estates in the assistance of the execution, +and observation of the Acts and Constitutions of this Parliament, +as the most fit and necessary remedies of the by-gone +and present evils and distractions of this Kirk and Kingdom, +and for the preservation of Religion, Laws and Liberties +and of his Majesties authority, with certification that such +as refuse or delay to subscribe the same, shall be holden as +Enemies and Opposites to the Common Cause, consisting +in the maintenance of the true reformed Religion, of the +Laws and Liberties of the Kingdom and of his Majesties authority. +Which subscription the Assembly cannot otherwise +look upon, then as a snare for the People of God to +involve them in guiltinesse, and to draw them from their +former Principles and Vows in the solemn League and Covenant. +For that subscription were an approving of some +Acts of Parliament, which they have never yet seen nor +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page377">[pg 377]</span><a name="Pg377" id="Pg377" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +known, they not being all published, were an agreeing to +Acts of Parliament, highly concerning Religion and the +Covenant, made not onely without, but expresly against the +advise of the Kirk, were an acknowledging of this present +Engagement in War, in all the means and ways for promoving +the same, to be the most fit and necessary remedies of +the by-gone and present evils, whereas so many Petitions to +the Parliament, from Committees of War, Synods, Presbyteries +and Paroches have made it appear, that they are no +way satisfied therewith in point of conscience; were an +ascribing of a power to the Parliament, to declare these to +be enemies to the true Religion, whom the Kirk hath not +declared to be such but rather friends; were an approving +of an Act made for the restraining the liberty of printing +from the Kirk, yea and of all the Acts of the Committee of +Estates, to be made in time coming, till <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> 1650. which +by Act of Parliament are ordained to be obeyed; were an +allowing of Acts for securing of the persons, and intrometting +with the Estates of such as themselves shall not obey, or +perswade others not to obey resolutions concerning this Engagement, +and for protecting persons under Kirk Censures, +and so an infringing and violating of the Liberties and Discipline +of the Kirk established by the Laws of the Land, +and sworn to in the Nationall Covenant to be defended, +under the pains contained in the Law of God, And in all +these, such as do subscribe, do binde themselves not only +to active obedience in their own persons, but to the urging +of active obedience upon all others, and so draw upon +themselves all the guiltinesse and sad consequences of the +present engagement; Yea, such as are Members of Parliament, +and have in the Oath of Parliament sworn not to Vote +or consent to any thing, but what to their best knowledge +is most expedient for Religion, Kirk and Kingdom, and +accordingly have reasoned against, and dissented from divers +Acts of this Parliament, These by the subscription of this +Act, cannot eschew the danger of perjury, in obliging +themselves to active obedience to these Acts, which according +to their Oath, they did judge unlawfull. Neither can +the 38. Act of the Parliament 1640. wherein such a kinde of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page378">[pg 378]</span><a name="Pg378" id="Pg378" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Band was enacted to be subscribed by any precedent or Warrant +for subscribing of this Act; For it plainly appears by the +narrative of that Act omitted in this Band, how great a difference +there is between the condition of affairs then & now. +Then the Kings Commissioner had left and discharged the sitting +of the Parl. then the Parl. for sitting was declared Traitors, +and Armies in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> prepared against them, +then not only the Act, but the very authority of Parliament +was called in question, then Kirk and State were united in +the Cause against the Malignant party, then nothing was +determined in Parliament in matters of Religion without, +much lesse against the advice of the Kirk; But beside that, it +was not thought expedient by the State, that that Band should +be pressed through the Kingdom. The case now not onely +differs from what was then, But is in many things just contrary, +as is evident to all who will compare the two together. +And therefore the Generall Assembly professing in all tender +respect to the high and Honourable Court of Parliament and +Committee of Estates, but finding a straiter tye of God lying +upon their Consciences, that they be not found unfaithfull +watchmen, and betrayers of the souls of these committed to +their charge, Do unanimously Declare the foresaid subscription +to be unlawfull and sinfull. And do warn, and In the +Name of the Lord Charge all the members of this Kirk, to +forbear the subscribing of the said Act and Declaration, much +more the urging of the subscription thereof, as they would +not incur the wrath of God, and the Censures of the Kirk. +And considering how necessary it is that according to the +desire of the Commissioners of the Assembly to the +Parliament, the Kirk might have the same interest in +any new Oathes in this Cause, as they had in the solemn +League and Covenant, and what dangers of contradictory +Oathes, perjuries and snares to mens consciences +may fall out otherwise: Therefore they likewise enjoyn +all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the swearing, subscribing +or pressing of any new Oathes or Bands in this Cause, +without advice and concurrence of the Kirk, especially +to in any way limit or +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page379">[pg 379]</span><a name="Pg379" id="Pg379" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +restrain them in the duties whereunto they are obliged, by +nationall or solemn League and Covenant, and that with +certification as aforesaid. And such as have already pressed +or subscribed the foresaid Act and Declaration, The Generall +Assembly doth hereby exhort them most earnestly in the +bowels of Christ, to repent of that their defection. And +Ordains that Presbyteries, or in case of their negligence, +or being overawed the provinciall Synods or the Commission +of the Assembly, which of them shall first occur, and +in case of the Synods negligence, that the said Commission +be carefull to proceed against, and censure the contraveeners +of the Act according to the quality and degree of their offences +as they will be answerable to the Generall Assembly; +and that therefore this Act be sent to Presbyteries to be +republished in the several Kirks of their bounds. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc437" id="toc437"></a> +<a name="pdf438" id="pdf438"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 19.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc439" id="toc439"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the shorter Catechisme.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having seriously considered +the shorter Catechisme, agreed upon by the Assembly +of Divines sitting at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>, with assistance +of Commissioners from this Kirk. Doe finde upon due examination +thereof, That the said Catechisme is agreeable +to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received, +Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government +of this Kirk, And therefore Approve the said shorter Catechisme +as a part of the intended Uniformity, to be a Directory +for Catechising such as are of weaker capacitie. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page380">[pg 380]</span><a name="Pg380" id="Pg380" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc440" id="toc440"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act discharging a little Catechisme printed +at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Edinburgh, 1647.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having found in a little Catechisme, +printed at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, entituled, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The +A. B. C. with the Catechisme, That is to say, an instruction +to be taught and learned of young children</span></span>, very grosse errours +in the point of Universall Redemption, and in the number +of the Sacraments, Therefore doe discharge the venting +or selling of the said Catechisme of the foresaid impression, +or of whatsoever other impression the same be of, and all +use thereof in Schools or Families, Inhibiting also all Printers +to reprint the same, And recommends to Presbyteries +to take speciall care that this Act be obeyed. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc441" id="toc441"></a> +<a name="pdf442" id="pdf442"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ult.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Iuly 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. +21.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc443" id="toc443"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Declaration of the Generall Assembly concerning +the present dangers of Religion, and especially +the unlawfull engagement in War, against the Kingdom +of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England; </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Together, with many necessary exhortations +and directions to all the Members +of the Kirk of Scotland.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It cannot seem strange to any that considereth the great +trust that lyeth on us, comparing the same with the +eminent dangers wherewith the Cause of God is invironed +in this Land, if at this time We declare our sense +thereof, and warn the people of God from this watch-tower +of the present duties incombent to them; Our witnesse +is in heaven, and our record on high, that we doe not +this from any disrespect to the Parliament whom we have +honoured and will ever honour and also obey in all things +which are agreeable to the Word of God, to our Solemn +Covenants: And to the duties of our Callings, Not +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page381">[pg 381]</span><a name="Pg381" id="Pg381" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +from any disloyalty or undutifulnesse to the Kings Majestie +to whom we heartily wish, and to his posterity after him, +a happy Reigne over these Dominions, Nor from any factious +disposition or siding with this or that party whatsoever, +Nor from any contentious humour about light or small matters, +Nor from any favour to or complyance with Sectaries, +against whose cursed opinions and ungodly practises, we have +heretofore given ample testimony, and are still obliged by +Solemn Covenant to endeavour the extirpation of Heresie +and Schism; But from the Conscience or our duty when +the glory of God, the Kingdom of his Son, his Word, +Ordinances, Government, Covenant, Ministery, Consciences +of People, Peace and Liberties of the Kirk are incompassed +and almost overwhelmed with great and growing +dangers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +How freely and faithfully the servants of God of old have +rebuked sin in persons of all ranks, not sparing Kings, States +nor Kingdoms, the Scripture maketh it most plain to all +that looks thereon; Neither want we domestick examples, +if we look back a little upon the behaviour of our zealous +Ancestours in this Kirk, who not only in their Sermons severally +with great gravity and freedom reproved the sins of +the time, But more especially in the Kirk Judicatories plain +and downright dealing was most frequent and familiar, as +appears in the Assemblies holden in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span> +and in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> 1582. +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> 1583. in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> +1592. in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> 1594. and in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> +1595. And not only the Generall Assembly by themselves, +but also by their Commissioners faithfully and freely laboured +to oppose all the steps of defection; as at other times, +so in the yeer 1596. wherein four or five severall times they +gave most free admonitions to the King, Parliament and +Councell, with a Protestation at the last before God, that +they were free of their blood, and of whatsoever judgement +should fall upon the Realm, and that they durst not for +fear of committing High Treason against Jesus Christ the +onely Monarch of his Kirk, abstain any longer from fighting +against their proceedings with the spiritual armour granted +to them of God, and mighty in him for overthrowing +all these bulwarks set up against his Kingdom; And in their +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page382">[pg 382]</span><a name="Pg382" id="Pg382" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Declaration then emitted to the Kingdom, they shew that +it was a main design to have the freedom of the Spirit of God +in the rebuke of Sin by the mouthe of his Servants restrained +and therefore they warne all Pastours of their duty in applying +Doctrine and free preaching. Like as the Assembly, +24. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> 1596, reckons up amongst the corruptions of the +Ministery to be censured with deprivation, if continued in, +the not applying their Doctrine against the corruptions of +the time, which was renewed in our late Assembly at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> 1638. What hath been done since that Assembly is +in recent memory; and the Papers to that purpose have been +published in Print, and are in the hands of all, Therefore +being warranted by the Word of God, and encouraged by +the forementioned examples, as after exact examination, +we have approven the proceedings of the Commissioners of +the last Generall Assembly, and specially their Declarations, +Desires, Representatations, Remonstrances, Supplications, +Vindication and other Papers relating to the present +engagment in War, wherein they have given good proof of +their fidelity, wisdom and zeal in the cause of God, So we +finde our selves necessitate to make known unto all the People +of God in this Nation our sense concerning the dangers +and duties or this present time. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The cry of the insolencies of this present Army from almost +all the parts of this Kingdom, hath been so great that +it hath gone up to heaven, and if we should be silent, we +could not be reputed faithfull in the performance of our +duty. We do acknowledge that it is incident unto all Armies +to be subject unto some disorders, and the Ministers of +the Kingdom have not been deficient in former times to represent +the same as they come unto their knowledge, calling +for the redresse of them at their hands who had power: But +the Commissioners of this present Assembly from the severall +Provinces have exhibited great variety or abominable scandals +and heinous impieties and insolencies committed by +persons imployed in this service, whereof we think fitting +here to give you a touch. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As if liberty had been proclaimed to the lusts of lewd men, +These that have been imployed in very many places of Land +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page383">[pg 383]</span><a name="Pg383" id="Pg383" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +have used horrible extortion of Moneys at their pleasure, +and beside the taking of victuals as they would for their +own use, they have in severall places wilfully destroyed +the same, and have plundred many houses, taking all away +they could and destroying what they could not carry away; in +this great oppression & spoil of goods as the sufferers were many +so choise hath been made of those who Petitioned the High +and Honourable Court of Parliament for satisfaction to their +Consciences before the Engagement, or who were known +to make conscience of the worship of God in their families, +on whom they might exercise their raging wrath and unsatiable +convetousnesse; Nor stayed their rage here, but as +though the war had been against God, publick Fasts have +not only been neglected, but profaned by riotous spending +and making merry, Divine Worship have been in many +parts disturbed, some Ministers and people impeded from +coming together, others scattered when they were met, +some taken out of Kirks in time of worship, others apprehended +at their coming out at the Kirk doors and carryed +away; Besides these Ministers in performing the worship of +God have been menaced, contradicted, not without blasphemous +Oathes, yea their persons in Pulpit assaulted, not +to speak of the spoiling of their goods, taking, beating, +carrying away their persons and detaining them for a time. +And finally that which excedes all the rest and is more immediately +and directly against God, there hath also been many +cruell mockings of his Worship, and horrid blasphemies; +And it is not to be marvelled that such insolencies have been +committed, since there hath been admitied upon this service +some Papists, some bloody Irish Rebels, some non Covenanters, +and very many fugitives from Kirk Discipline, +Finally, even those who have been upon the late Rebellion, +and these not onely common Souldiers but Commanders, beside +many voluntiers who have no speciall command & trust. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Besides all these, the Liberties of the Kirk have been grievously +encroached upon; 1. By emitting Declarations from +the Parliament and Committee of Estates, containing +severall things highly concerning Religion without the advice +or consent of the Generall Assembly or their Commissioners, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page384">[pg 384]</span><a name="Pg384" id="Pg384" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +which was a ground of protestation to divers Members +of Parliament who have been most zealous and active in +the Cause. 2. The Article of Religion as expressed in the +Declaration of Parliament hath in it many dangerous expressions, +which are particularly instanced in the Representation +of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly; And the +same Article of Religion in the late Declaration of the +Committee of Estates to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> is more unsatisfactory then +the former: Like as in the said late Declaration there is a +totall omission of some most materiall things pretended to in +the Declaration of Parliament as satisfactory in point of securing +Religion, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> the clause concerning security to be +had from his Majesty by his solemn Oath under his hand and +Seal, that he shall for himself and his Successors give his +Royall assent, and agree to such Act or Acts of Parliament, +and Bills as shall be presented to him by his Parliaments of +both and either Kingdoms respectively for enjoyning Presbyteriall +Government, Directory of Worship and Confession +of Faith in all his Majesties Dominions, and that his +Majestie shall never make opposition to any of those, nor +endeavour any change thereof; also the clause against association +with any that refuse to take the Covenant is omitted: +From all which it may appear in how great danger the liberties +of the Kirk and even Religion it self are left. 3. In the +close of the Declaration of Parliament, there is a new and +unsound glosse put upon the Covenant and Acts of General +Assembly, contrary to the sense of the General Assembly +itself, as is more fully expressed in the Representation of +the late Commission. 4. No redresse by the Parliament of +certain injuries complained of to their Lordships by the +Commissioners of the preceeding Generall Assembly. +5. Endeavours to weaken and frustrate Kirk-Censures by +making provisions for securing the stipends of such as shall +be censured for their concurring in, or preaching for this +present Engagement. 6. A misrepresentation of the proceedings +of the Commission of the Generall Assembly by +the Parliaments Letter of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> 11. to the severall Presbyteries, +endeavouring to incense them against the Commission +of the late Assembly and to pre-ocupie their Commissioners +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page385">[pg 385]</span><a name="Pg385" id="Pg385" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to this Assembly. 7. Whereas there were many +Petitions presented to the High and Honourable Court +of Parliament from the Commissioners of the General Assembly, +Synods & Presbyteries against the present Engagement +as stated in the Parliaments Declaration, yet notwithstanding +of the said Petitions, and notwithstanding of many +free & frequent warnings given by faithful Ministers in their +Sermons, notwithstanding also that it was not unknown +how much the generality of the wel affected in the Kingdom +were unsatisfied in their consciences with the grounds and +way of the said Engagement, yet good people are not onely +left unsatisfied in their and our desires, but compelled and +forced either to sin against their consciences or to be under +heavy pressures & burdens. 8. Yea in the late Band injoyned +to be subscribed by all the Subjects of this Kingdom, men are +put to it to joyn and concur with their Persons & Estates, in +the advancement, furtherance and assistance of the execution +obedience & observation of the Acts and constitutions of the +late Parliament; & consequently, as many as think the Engagement +unlawful shall bind themselves not onely for their +own part against their consciences, but to inforce the same +upon others who refuse, and so not onely be oppressed, +but turn oppressours of others. 9. This all the subjects +are required by the Act and Declaration of Parliament to +subscribe, as they desire to be holden true lovers of Religion; +It being further affirmed in the said Act and Declaration, +that the Acts and Constitutions of the late Parliament, +are the most fit and necessary remedies for preservation +of Religion; Where the Parliament assume to themselves, +without the advice and consent of the Assemblies +of the Kirk, to judge and determine such things wherein, +(if in any thing) the ecclesiastical Assemblies have undoubtedly +a special interest, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> who are to be holden lovers +of Religion, and what are the most fit and necessary +remedies for preservation of Religion: Yea it is ordained +by the fourth Act of Parliament, 1640. that for preservation +of Religion, G. Assemblies rightly constitute, as the +proper & competent judge of all matters Ecclesiastical, be +keeped yearly and oftner <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">pro re nata</span></span>. The Coronation Oath +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page386">[pg 386]</span><a name="Pg386" id="Pg386" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +doth also suppose the antecedent Judgement of the Kirk, as +the proper and competent judge who are enemies to true +Religion & who not; for his Majesty obliged himself by that +Oath, that he should be carefull to root out all Hereticks +and enemies to the true Worship of God, who shall be +convict by the true Kirk of God, of the aforesaid crimes. +10. The General Assembly and their Commissioners are now +deprived of their liberty of Printing, confirmed and ratified +by Act of Parliament, there being an inhibition to the contrary +upon the PRINTER, under the pain of Death +by the Committee of Estates. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas the desires of the Commissioners of the last Assembly, +for the safety and security of Religion, and the +right manner of proceeding to war, together with the supplications +of Provinciall Assemblies and Presbyteries, all +tending to the composing of the present unhappy differences, +and to the begetting of a right understanding, have +not produced the desired and wished-for effect; but on the +contrary our just grievances being still more and more +heightned, iniquity established by a law; and that law put +in execution; We cannot chuse but declare and give warning +to all the people of GOD in this land, concerning the +sinfulnesse and unlawfulnesse of the present Engagement: +which may be demonstrate by many reasons, as namely. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. The Wars of GODS people, are called the Wars of +the LORD, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Numb.</span></span> 21, +14. 2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chron</span></span> 20. 15. and if our +eating and drinking, much more our engaging in war must +be for God and for his glory; 1 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cor.</span></span> 10. 31. whatsoever we +do in word or deed, we are commanded to do all in the name +of the Lord Jesus, and so for his glory, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Col.</span></span> 3. 17. The +Kingdom of GOD and the righteousnesse thereof is to +be sought in the first place and before all other things, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Matth.</span></span> 6. 33. It was the best flower and garland in the +former expeditions of this Nation, that they were for God +and for Religion principally and mainly. But if the principal +end of this present Engagement were for the glory of +GOD, How comes it to passe that not so much as one of the +desires of the Kirk, for the safety and security of Religion in +the said Engagement, is to this day satisfied or granted; But +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page387">[pg 387]</span><a name="Pg387" id="Pg387" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +on the contrary such courses taken as are destructive to Religion. +And if Gods glory be intended what meaneth the +employing and protecting in this Army so many blasphemers +persecutors of Piety, disturbers of divine worship, and +others guilty of notorious and crying sins. Again, how +can it be pretended that the good of Religion is principally +aimed at, when it is proposed and declared that the Kings +Majestie shall be brought to some of his houses in or near <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, +with Honour, Freedom and Safety, before ever +there be any security had from him, or so much as any application +made to him for the good of Religion. What is +this but to postpone the honour of God, the liberties of the +Gospel, the safety of Gods people to an humane interest, +and to leave Religion in a condition of uncertainty, unsetlednesse +and hazard, while it is strongly endeavoured to settle +and make sure somewhat else. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Suppose the ends of this Engagement to be good +(which they are not) yet the meanes and ways of prosecution +are unlawfull, because there is no ane equall avoiding +of rocks on both hands, but a joyning with malignants to +suppresse Sectaries, a joyning hands with a black devill to +beat a white devil; They are bad Physicians who would so +cure one disease as to breed another as evil; or worse. That +there is in the present Engagement a confederacy and association +in war with such of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">English</span></span> who according to the +solemn League and Covenant and Declarations of both +Kingdoms, 1643. can be no otherwise looked upon but +as Malignants and enemies of Reformation and the Cause +of God, is now made so manifest before Sun and Moon, +that we suppose none will deny it; And tis no lesse undeniable, +that not only many known Malignants, but diverse +who joyned in the late rebellion within this Kingdom are +employed, yea, put into places of trust; All which how contrary +tis to the Word of God, no man can be ignorant who +will attentively search the Scriptures, for we finde therein +condemned confederacies and associations with the enemies +of true Religion, whether <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Canaanites</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Exod.</span></span> 23. 32. and 24. 12. 15. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Deut.</span></span> 7. 2. or other heathens 1 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">King</span></span> +11. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">v.</span></span> 1, 2. such was <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Asa</span></span> +his Covenant with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Benhadad</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page388">[pg 388]</span><a name="Pg388" id="Pg388" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chron.</span></span> 16. to v. 10. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ahaz</span></span> his confederacy with the King +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Assyria</span></span> 2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">King.</span></span> +16. 7. 10. 2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chron.</span></span> 28. 16. to v. 23. or whither +the association was with wicked men of the seed of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abraham</span></span>, as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jehoshaphats</span></span> +with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Achab</span></span> 2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chron.</span></span> +18. 2. compared with chap. 19. 2. also his association with +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ahaziah</span></span> 2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chron</span></span>, 20. 35. +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Amaziachs</span></span> associating to himself 100000. +of the ten Tribes when GOD was not with them, 2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chron.</span></span> +25. 7, 8, 9, 10. The sin and danger of such associations +may further appear from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Isaiah</span></span> 8. 12. 15. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jer.</span></span>. 2. 18. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Psal.</span></span> +106. 35. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hos.</span></span> 5. 13. and 7. 8, +11. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cor.</span></span> 6. 14, 15. and if +we should esteem Gods enemies, to be our enemies and hate +them with perfect hatred, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Psal.</span></span> 139. 21 how can we then joyn +with them as confederates and associates, especially in a +cause where Religion is so highly concerned; and seeing +they have been formerly in actuall opposition to the same +cause. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. We are commanded if it be possible and as much as +lieth in us to have peace with all men, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rom.</span></span> 12. 18, to seek +peace and pursue it, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Psal.</span></span> 34. 14. war and bloodshed is the +last remedy after all the wayes and means of peace have been +used in vain. The intended war of the nine Tribes and a +half against the two Tribes and half was prevented by a +Message and Treaty of Peace <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Josh.</span></span> 22; The like means +was used by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jepthah</span></span> (though not with the like success) +for the preventing of war with the King of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ammon</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Judg.</span></span> 11. +The very light of nature hath taught Heathens not to make +war till first all amicable wayes of preventing bloodshed +were tried; yet this war hath been driven on without observing +any such method of proceeding except by a message +wherein not so much as one breach was represented. Yea +though these two Kingdoms are straitly united in Covenant, +yet these who have carried on this war did not only neglect +to desire a Treaty, but also slight an offer of a Treaty made +from the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> upon the Propositions of +both Kingdoms. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. There are many clear and ful testimonies of Scriptures +against the breach and violation of Covenants, although +but between man and man, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Psal.</span></span> +55. 20. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rom.</span></span> 1, 31. +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page389">[pg 389]</span><a name="Pg389" id="Pg389" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +2 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tim.</span></span> 3. 3, Especially where the name of God was interposed +in Covenants by any of his people, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jer.</span></span> 34. 8, 10, +11, 18. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ezek.</span></span> 17. 18. 19. How much more the violation of +a Solemn Covenant between God and his people. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lev.</span></span> 26. +15. 25. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Deut.</span></span> 17. 2. and 29. 21, 14, +25. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jer.</span></span> 22. 8, 9. 1 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">King.</span></span> +19. 10. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dan.</span></span> 11. 32. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hos.</span></span> 6. 7. If +therefore the present Engagement be a breach of our solemn League and Covenant, +then they who have before taken the Covenant, +and have now joyned in this Engagement, must grant by +necessary and infailible consequence, either that the Covenant +it self which they took was unlawful, and such as they +cannot perform without sin (which yet they cannot professe) +or otherwise, that the Engagement is unlawfull and +sinfull, as being a breach of Covenant, and so contrary to +the Word of God; that the present Engagement is a breach +of Covenant may appear by comparing it with each of the +Articles, for it is against all the six Articles of the Covenant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Against the first, because in stead of the preservation of +the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this +Kirk; there is not onely a great quarelling by those that do +Engage, at the present doctrine, and free preaching, a +disturbing of and withdrawing from the Worship, and namely +from the late solemn humiliation: But also a refusall +of such things as were desired by the Commission of the +late Assembly and Provincial Synods, as necessary to the preservation +of the true Reformed Religion: And we have just +cause of fear that the Reformation of Religion in Doctrine, +Worship, Discipline and Government is not intended +to be sufficiently maintained and preserved, when we +finde such a limitation and restriction in the late Declaration +of the Committee of Estates to the Parliament and Kingdom +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England, That they will maintain and preserve the +Reformation of Religion, Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government, +as is by the mercy of GOD, and his Majesties goodnesse +established by Law among us</span></span>; but as there is no such +limitation in the Covenant, so we have not had such proof +of his Majesties goodnesse as to establish by Law all that +hath been by the mercies of God inacted in Generall +Assemblies. As to the rest of the first Article, concerning +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page390">[pg 390]</span><a name="Pg390" id="Pg390" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Reformation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, and the Uniformity, +as there was some hopefull beginnings thereof, and +a good foundation laid, during the late War against the Popish +Prelaticall and Malignant party, so the state and ground +of the War being now altered, and these chosen for confederates, +and associates in the War, who are known enemies +to that Reformation, and Uniformity, how can the Covenant +be keeped in that point as long as such a War is carried +on. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The second Article is violated because in stead of indeavouring +to extirpate Popery and Superstition without respect +of persons (as is exprest in the Covenant) there is in the +late Declaration of the Committee of Estates a desire of the +Queens return, without any condition tending to the restraint +of her Masse or exercise of Popery; We do also conceive +there is a tacit condescending to the toleration of Superstition +and the Book of Common prayer in His Majesties +family, because as it was reserved by himself in his concession, +brought home by the Commissioners of this Kingdom, +So these concessions were never plainly declared by the Parliament +to be unsatisfactory to their Lordships, howbeit it +hath been often and earnestly desired: neither can we conceive +how the clause concerning the extirpation of Prelacy, +can consist with indeavouring to bring His Majesty with +Honour, Freedom and Safety to one of his Houses in or +about LONDON, without any security had from him, +for the abolition of Prelacy; it being his known principle +(and publickly declared by himself shortly after he +went to the Isle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wight</span></span>) that he holds himself obliged +in conscience, and by his Coronation Oath to maintain +Archbishops, Bishops, &c. Can it be said that they are endeavouring +to extirpate Prelacy, who after such a Declaration +would put in His Majesties hand an opportunity to restore +it? +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As for the third Article we cannot conceive how the preserving +of the Priviledges of Parliament, and asserting the +Kings negative voice can consist; And we are sorrowfull +that under the colour, of the Priviledges of Parliament, +the liberties of the Subjects are overthrown, and the persons +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page391">[pg 391]</span><a name="Pg391" id="Pg391" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Estates of such as have been best affected to the Cause and +Covenant are exposed to most grievous injuries, crying oppressions: +And whereas the duty in preserving and defending +his Majesties Person and Authority, is by the third +Article of the Covenant qualified with, and subordinate +unto the preservation and defence of the true Religion and +Liberties of the Kingdoms, There is no such qualification, +nor subordination observed in the present Engagement, but +on the contrary, it is so carried on, as to make duties to +God and Religion conditionall, qualified, limited; and +duties to the King absolute and unlimited. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The fourth Article of the Covenant is so foully broken, +that they who were by that Article declared Enemies, Incendiaries, +Malignants, and therefore to be brought to +condigne tryall and punishment, are now looked upon as +friends and associates, and are the men who get most favour +and protection, and sundry of them imployed in places +of trust, in the Army and Committees. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +For the fifth Article, instead of endeavouring to preserve +Peace and Union, a breach is endeavoured between the +Kingdoms, not only by taking in and garrisoning their +frontire Towns, but also entering the Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +with an Army, and joyning with the common enemies of +both Kingdoms, notwithstanding of an offer of a Treaty +upon the Propositions of both Kingdoms made by the Parliament +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to the Parliament of this Kingdom. And +whether the way of this Engagement can consist with the +large Treaty between the Kingdoms, we shall with the Honourable +Committee of Estates may yet take it into their +serious second thoughts. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The sixth is also manifestly broken, for we are thereby +obliged to assist and defend all those that entered into this +League and Covenant, in maintaining and pursuing thereof: +Whereas the Army now entered into <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, is +to assist and defend many who have not entered into that League +and Covenant: And for those who took the Covenant +in that Nation. and continue faithfull in it, what they may +expect from this Army, may be collected not onely from +their carriage towards their Brethren at home; but also +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page392">[pg 392]</span><a name="Pg392" id="Pg392" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +from that clause toward the close of the late Declaration of +the Committee of Estates, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">And that we will do prejudice or use +violence to none (as far as we are able) but to such as oppose us, or +such ends above mentioned.</span></span> It cannot be unknown that many +of the English Nation who are firm and faithfull to the Covenant, +and Presbyteriall Government do, and will according +to their places and callings oppose some of those ends +above mentioned in that Declaration, as namely, the restoring +both of King and Queen without any condition +or security first had from them; And so by that rule in the +Declaration they must expect to be used as enemies, not +as friends. That sixth Article is also broken by a departing +from the first principles and resolutions: and by dividing, +and withdrawing from those that adhere thereunto, which +hath been before cleared by the Commission of the late Generall +Assembly in their Declaration in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span>, Representation, +and other Papers published in Print. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. We leave it to be seriously pondered by every one who +is truely conscientious, whether it be any ways credible +or probable, or agreeable to Scripture rules, that the generality +of all that have been most faithfull and cordiall to the +Covenant and cause of God should be deceived, deluded +and darkened in this businesse, and that they who for the +most part were enemies to the work of God in the beginning, +and have never brought forth fruits meet for Repentance, +should now finde out the will of God more than his +most faithfull Servants in the Land, and who, that fears +God, will believe that Malignants are for the ends of the +Covenant and that they who are most instrumental in the +Reformation, are against the ends of the Covenant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All which considered, as we could not, without involving +our selves in the guiltinesse of so unlawfull an Engagement, +yeeld to the desire of the Army for Ministers to be +sent by us to attend them; So we do earnestly exhort, and +in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, charge and require +all and every one of the Members of this Reformed +Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. That they search narrowly into the sins which have +Procured so great judgements and so sad an interruption +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page393">[pg 393]</span><a name="Pg393" id="Pg393" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the work of God, that they examine themselves, consider +their wayes, be much in humiliation and prayer, study +a reall and practicall Reformation, That they also mourn +and sigh for the abominations of the Land, and stand in +the gap to turn away the wrath, Among all these fearfull +sins, the violation of the Solemn League and Covenant, +would not be forgotten but seriously laid to heart, as that +which eminently provoketh the Lord and procureth his +judgements to be powred forth not onely upon persons and +families, but also upon States and Kingdoms. Covenant-breakers +through in common things, are reckoned by +the Apostle in that Catalogue of the abominations of the +Gentiles: But among the people of God, where his great +name is interposed, the breach of Covenant even in meaner +matters, such as the setting of servants at liberty provoketh +the Lord to say, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Behold I proclaim a liberty for you (saith +the Lord) to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine, and +I will give the men that hath transgressed my Covenant,</span></span> and +(not excepting, but expressly mentioning Princes) he +addes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">I will give them into the hands of their enemies,</span></span> The +History of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gibeonites</span></span>, who surreptitiously procured the +Covenant made to spare them, and whom <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Saul</span></span> some ages thereafter +in his zeal to the children of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Israel</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Judah</span></span> sought to +slay, as being cursed <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Canaanites</span></span>, evidenceth with what +vengeance, the LORD followeth Covenant-breakers, +whereof there wants not in prophane History also both forreign +and domestick examples: Therefore let all the inhabytants +of the Land of whatsoever rank, seriously ponder how +terrible judgements the violation of a Covenant so recently, +so advisedly, so solemnly made, and in so weighty matters, +may draw on, if not timously prevented by speedy repentance. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That they so respect and honour Authority, as that +they be not the servants of men, nor give obedience to the +will and authority of Rulers in any thing which may not +consist with the word of God, but stand fast in the liberty +wherewith Christ hath made them free, and obey God rather +then men. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That they carefully avoid the dangerous rocks and +snares of this time, whereby so many are taken and broken. +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page394">[pg 394]</span><a name="Pg394" id="Pg394" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Upon the one hand the sowre leaven of Malignancy where +ever it enters, spoileth and corrupteth the whole lump, postponing +Religion, and the Cause of God to humane interest, +what ever be pretended to the contrary, and obstructing +the work of Reformation, and propagation of Religion out +of false respects and creature interest. As this hath formerly +abounded in the land, to the prejudice of the Cause and +Work of God, so of late it is revived, spreading with specious +pretences of vindicating wrongs done to his Majesty. +We desire not to be mistaken, as if respect and love to his +Majesty were branded with the infamous mark of Malignancy; +But hereby we warn all who would not come under +this soul stain, not onely in their speech and profession, +but really & in their whole carriage not to prefer their own, +and the interest of any creature whatsoever, before the +interest of CHRIST and Religion. The characters of +these have been fully given in former Declarations, specially +in the Declaration of the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> last, which we hold as here repeated; +onely adding this, that they ordinarily traduce Kirk Judicatures, +as medling with civill affairs, which as it is no +new calumny, but such as hath been cast upon the servants +of GOD in former times; so the whole course of proceedings +doth manifestly confute the same. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Upon the other hand Sectarisme hath no lesse hindered +the blessed and glorious work of Reformation in our neighbour +Kingdom, against the venome whereof, lest it approach +and infect this Kirk, we have need to watch diligently +to avoid all the beginnings and dangerous appearances thereof. +The many faithfull testimonies from godly Ministers +in severall parts of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, against the vile errours, and +abominable blasphemies abounding there, as they are to us +matter of rejoicing before the Lord; so they ought to be looked +on as warnings to all sorts of people, especially that regard +Religion, to beware of Sathans snares, craftily set to +catch their souls. And because such gangreens creep insensibly, +all that love the Honour of GOD, and welfare of +Religion, would seriously consider the following points, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page395">[pg 395]</span><a name="Pg395" id="Pg395" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +both by way of marks to discern; and meanes to escape the +danger of this infection. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. Whosoever are misprises of the blessed work of Reformation +established within this Land, and do not shew +themselves grieved for the impediments and obstructions +it hath met with in our neighbour Kingdom, these are +even on the brink of this precipice, ready to tumble down +in this gulf whensoever occasion is offered: All therefore +that love the Lord Jesus, would stir up their hearts in the +light and strength of the Lord highly to prize, and thankfully +to acknowledge what the right hand of the most High +hath done among us, as also to thirst fervently after the advancing +and perfecting of the LORD's work among our +neighbours. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Disrespect to the publick Ministery and Ordinances is +a symptome of a dangerous inclination to that disease: And +therefore as all Christs Ministers ought to stir up themselves, +to walk as becometh their high and holy calling lest they be +stumbling blocks to the people of God; so all the people of +God ought most carefully to stir up themselves unto a precious +estimation of the Ordinances of God, & highly to esteem +the Stewards thereof for their works sake. A duty at all times +needful but now especially, when Sathan by all means endevours +the contrary. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. Indifferency in points of Religien, and pleading for +Toleration to themselves or others how far soever different +among themselves, is not to be forgotten among the characters +of Sectaries, and therefore ought the more carefully to be +avoided and opposed by all who desire to hold fast the profession +of their faith without wavering. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. They who are glorying in, and seeking after new lights, +or under the pretext of them are self-conceited in singular opinions, +or who affect new and strange expressions, are entring +into the snare ready to be carried about with every +winde of Doctrine. And therefore albeit we ought always as +Disciples of the Lord to set ourselves as in his sight to be +taught by his Spirit according to his Word, yet in this time so +fertil of errours; it becommeth all the lovers of truth to hold +fast what they have received, that no man take their Crown. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page396">[pg 396]</span><a name="Pg396" id="Pg396" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. Whosoever brings in any opinion or practise in this +Kirk contrary to the confession of Faith, Directory of Worship +or Presbyterian Government may be justly esteemed to +be opening the door to Schisme and Sects: And therefore +all depravers or misconstructers of the proceedings of Kirk-Judicatories, +especially the Generall Assembly would take +heed least by making a breach upon the walls of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jerusalem</span></span> +they make a patent way for Sectaries to enter. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. They who separate the Spirit from the Word, and +pretend the Spirit, when they have no ground or warrant +from the Word, are already taken in an evill snare, And +therefore tis necessary to try the Spirits whither they are of +God, for many false Prophets are gone out into the world, +if they speak not according to the word it is because there is +no light in them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Besides the former, these are also marks of a Sectary; If +any commend, and recommend to others, or spread and divulge +the erroneous books of Sectaries, If any allow, avow, +or use Conventicles or private meetings forbidden by the +Acts of the Generall Assembly 1641. and 1647. last past, +If any be unwilling, and decline to reckon Sectaries among +the enemies of the Covenant, from whom danger is to be +apprehended, And (though we disallow the abusing and +Idolizing of learning to the patrocinie of Errour or prejudice +of piety) if any contemn literature as needlesse at best, +if not also hurtfull to a Minister. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +When we thus expreste our selves for preventing the +dangers of Sects and Schismes, it is far from our intention +to discourage any from the duties of piety, and mutuall +edification, according to the directions of the last Assembly +published in Print, and seriously recommended by them, +or to give any advantage to Malignants and Prophane persons, +with whom it is frequent to cast upon all those who +adhere to former principles, and cannot approve the present +Engagement, the odious nick-names of Sectaries and Independents. +For the beter discovery of such prophane mockers, +we give these markes and characters. 1. They do prophanely +and tauntingly abuse the name of the Spirit, under +that name deriding the work of Grace and sanctification. +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page397">[pg 397]</span><a name="Pg397" id="Pg397" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +2. They esteem and speak of exercises of conscience, as +fancies, or fits of melancholy. 3. They mock at Family-worship +and the means of mutuall edification so much recommended +by the last Assembly in their directions. 4. They +do usually calumniate godly Ministers, and professors who +follow holinesse, with the names of Sectaries, or the like +odious names, without any just cause: As we account all +such to be enemies to the practise and power of godlinesse; +So we do exhort all the lovers of truth to hold on in the way +of holinesse through good report and ill report, being stedfast, +immovable, alwayes abounding in the work of the +Lord, forasmuch as they know their labour is not in vain in +the Lord. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That they do not concur in, nor any way assist this +present Engagement, as they would not partake in other +mens sins, and so receive of their plagues, but that by the +grace and assistance of Christ they stedfastly resolve to suffer +the rod of the wicked, and the utmost which wicked mens +malice can afflict them with, rather then to put forth their +hand to iniquity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That they suffer not themselves to be abused with fair +pretences and professions usuall in the mouths of those that +carry on this designe, and often published in their Papers, +But remember that the foulest actions have not wanted +specious pretences; And if they who killed the Apostles +did both pretend and intend to do God good service, what +marvell that they who engage against the Covenant pretend +to engage for it. Neither is it to be forgotten, That +after the first subscription of our Nationall Covenant, these +who had the chief hand in managing publick affairs, and had +subscribed the Covenant, especially the Duke of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lenox</span></span>, +and Captain James then Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arran</span></span>, in the years 1581, +1582, 1583, 1584. when their designe was to subvert both +the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk, yet gave great +assurances by promises and Oaths to the contrary. At +the Assemblies 1598, 1599, 1600. It was declared with +many vows and attestations by the King, Statesmen, and +these Ministers who were aspiring to Prelacy, That +they intended no such thing as a change of the Government +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page398">[pg 398]</span><a name="Pg398" id="Pg398" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the Kirk, or an introducing of Episcopacy, yet they +were really doing what they disclaimed and professed not to +do. And suppose that some who have an active hand in carrying +on the present publick affairs, have no design either +to destroy Religion, or utterly to sleight it: yet the way +they are on, and work they are about as it is contrived, +doth of its self, and in its own nature tend to the endangering, +if not to the utter subversion of Religion, for it cannot +be denyed, but the very undertaking of this War, sets +the once suppressed Malignants on work again, and successe +therein puts them in a capacity to set up according to their +principles abolished and abjured corruptions; which will +be the more hardly hindered, considering his Majesties propension, +and professed resolution that way, Especially seeing +His Majesties concessions (though it hath been often +desired) have never been plainly declared unsatisfactore by +the Parliament. And who in reason can think that any more +then His Majesties concessions sent from the Isle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wight</span></span> +will be required of him, by them who thereupon have proceeded +to this Engagement. The Kings negative voice (asserted +in the Papers of the Commissioners of this Kingdom +unto <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, which are owned in the late Declaration to the +Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, as the sense of this Kingdom) considered +in relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater +and more palpable, yea, may reach further to shake +and unsettle Religion established in this Land; If to the premises +this be added which is not only often declared, but +also demanded, That his Majestie be brought to one of his +houses in Honour, Freedom and Safety, which may infer the +admitting of his Maj. to the free exercise of his Royall power +before security had from him for Reeligion, or Application +made to him for the same, who sees not now what hazard Religion +runs, certainly greater then a good intention can salve, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. That they do not mistake, or misunderstand the nature +of the true Reformed Religion and of the Government +of JESUS CHRIST, as if thereby either the Prerogative +of Kings, Privileges of Parliaments or Liberties of +Burghs, and other Corporations were any wayes hurt or +weakened: whereas indeed Religion is the main pillar and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page399">[pg 399]</span><a name="Pg399" id="Pg399" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +upholder of civill authority, or Magistracie, and it is the +resisting, and not the receiving of the Government of +CHRIST, which hath overturned civill powers. If the +Throne be established by righteousnesse (as we are plainly +taught by the Word of God) then it is overthrowne by unrighteousnesse +and iniquity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VII. That they beware of all things which may ensnare +their consciences, as evill councell, evill company, +false informations, rash promises, and especially that they +beware of taking any Oathes, subscribing any Bonds, which +may relate to the Covenant and Cause of God, unlesse such +Oaths or Bonds be approved by the General Assembly or +their Commissioners for the publique affairs of the Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VIII. That they do not cast away their confidence, nor +sink into despair, because of the present dangers and difficulties, +but live by faith, waite for better times, and continue +stedfast as seeing him who is invisible, firmly beleeving +that such a course as is not of God but against him, will come +to naught. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IX. To remember, that as the violation of the Covenant +by some in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> doth not set us free from the observation +thereof, and as no laws nor authority on earth can +absolve us from so solemn an obligation to the most High +God (which not onely hath been professed by this Kirk +but in a Petition of the City of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, and in publique +Testimonies of many of the Ministery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>). So we are +not acquited and assoiled from the obligation of our solemn +Covenant, because of the troubles and confusions of the times; +But that in the worst of times all those duties, whereunto +by Covenant we oblige ourselves, do still lie upon us, +for we have sworn (and must perform it) concerning that +Cause and Covenant wherein we solemnly Engaged, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That +we shall all the dayes of our lives zealously and constantly continue +therein against all opposition, and promove the same according to our +power against all lets and Impediments whatsoever.</span></span> And if against +all lets and impediments whatsoever, then the altering of +the way of opposition, or of the kinde of impediments doth +not alter the nature, or the Joye of the Covenant, but we are +obliged to all the duties therein contained. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page400">[pg 400]</span><a name="Pg400" id="Pg400" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We doe also exhort and charge in CHRISTS Name +the Prince of Pastors, all the Ministers within this Kirk, +that in no wayes they be accessary to this sinful Engagement, +but in all their conferences and reasoning especially, in +their publick Doctrine, they declare themselves freely, and +faithfully, as they would eschew the wrath of GOD, due +for a violated Covenant, and as they would escape the censures +of the Kirk; and let all Presbyteries be watchful within +their bounds, and carefully, wisely, and zealously to inflict +Ecclesiastick censures. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Finally, we exhort all civil Iudicatories, and every one +intrusted with power to manage the present affairs, That +they would seriously remember the strict account they are +to give before the Iudge of the quick and the dead, Considering +deeply how fearful a thing it is to oppresse the consciences +of their Brethren, either by pressing them to act +where they finde no satisfactory warrant or by putting heavy +pressures upon them for not acting according to their injunctions, +and especially that they offer not to insnare by +new Oaths, or Bonds those that make conscience of the +great Oath of their Solemn Covenant, and hitherto have +proven faithful and constant in promoving joyntly all the +ends thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +If this our faithful warning finde favourable acceptance, +so that the grievous things already enacted, be no more prosecuted +and pressed, we shall blesse God who reigns in the +Kingdoms and Councels of men: But if it fall out otherwise +(as God forbid) we have liberate our souls of the guiltinesse +of this sinful way of Engagement, and of all the miseries +that shall ensue thereby upon this Kirk and Kingdom, +And shall lament before the Lord that our labours have not +as yet had the desired successe. In the meantime, we dare +not cast away our confidence, but trusting in the name of the +Lord, and staying upon our God, shall by his grace and assistance +continue stedfast in our Solemn Covenants, and +faithful in all the duties of our Calling. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page401">[pg 401]</span><a name="Pg401" id="Pg401" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc444" id="toc444"></a> +<a name="pdf445" id="pdf445"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 22.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc446" id="toc446"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The General Assemblies Answer to the Paper +presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates +of the Date</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Iuly 28. 1648.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having considered the Paper of +the 28. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span>, delivered to them from the Honourable +Committee of Estates, Do finde that the first part thereof +concerning the great Offers made by the Parliament +and Committee of Estates for the security of Religion, is +no other but what was fully answered in our last Paper of +the 25. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span>, delivered to their Lordships, wherein +it was plainly demonstrat by Theologicall reasons (though +their Lordships are pleased to call them Politick) that the +present Engagement is inconsistent with the safety and security +of Religion. Next whereas it is affirmed in their Lordships +Paper, that the grounds and reasons are the same which +were fully answered before, we wish it had been instanced +when and where they were answered, for we know no such +thing. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another reflection upon that former Paper of ours is thus +expressed, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That the Generall Assembly hath proceeded to such a +Declaration before they had in an Ecclesiaslick way from clear testimonies +out of the Word of God or convencing of our consciences, demonstrate +the unlawfulnesse of the undertaking</span></span>: Where we can see +no reason why it should seem so very strange to the Honourable +Committee that the Generall Assembly hath so proceeded +to a Declaration of their judgement concerning this +businesse, For as it hath been no unusuall thing, but very +ordinary that approved Synods, both Provinciall, Nationall, +and Oecumeniall have declared their judgement +without publishing the particular grounds & reasons thereof +from Scripture (a work more proper for full Tractates then +for Synodicall Decrees or Cannons.) So if their Lordships +had been pleased to attend (for many attended not) the +late Parliament-Sermons mainly intended for their Lordships +information, and had with mindes unprejudiced, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page402">[pg 402]</span><a name="Pg402" id="Pg402" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hearkened thereunto, and searched in to all the Papers lately +published in Print by the Commission of the last Assembly, +they might have been by the blessing of God convinced +from the Word of God of the unlawfulnesse of the present +Engagement. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +There are three things which may justly seem to us more +strange: One is, That the Declaration of Parliament having +given assurance in this manner, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We are resolved not to ingage in +any War before the necessity and lawfulnesse thereof be cleared, so as +all who are wel-affected may be satisfied therewith</span></span>, yet now they +have ingaged in War without any such clearing of the necessity +and lawfulnesse thereof, or satisfaction given to the +wel-affected. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another is, that although there are so great professions +and offers in the generall to satisfie what can be desired for +the security of Religion, yet none of those particulars desired +by the late Commission of the Kirk for the security of +Religion have been granted. We shall here onely give instance +in one of those desires, which was, that his Majesties +concessions and offers concerning Religion, sent home +from the Isle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wight</span></span>, having been found by the said +Commission unsatisfactory and destructive to the Covenant, +might be by the Parliament declared unsatisfactory to their +Lordships. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In this great point there hath been no satisfaction given, +onely it was lightly touched in one clause of the Parliaments +Declaration, and so ambiguously expressed, as might suffer +many interpretations, and although this ambiguity was +clearly laid open by the Commissioners of the last Generall +Assembly in their Representation; yet to this day there hath +been nothing published neither by the Parliament nor Committee +of Estates to give any clearer satisfaction, by disclaiming +those offers and concessions as unsatisfactory to the parliament: +So that this (if there were no more) gives us +great cause to apprehend that there is a greater mystery latent +in that businesse then yet appeareth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A third thing which seemeth strange to us is, That their +Lordships desire of arguments from Scripture to prove the +unlawfulnesse of this Engagement was not propounded to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page403">[pg 403]</span><a name="Pg403" id="Pg403" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Commissioners of the last Assembly, before the emitting of +the Declaration of Parliament, and before the Levies (when +it had been most orderly & seasonable) but is now propounded +after publick resolutions and Declarations, yea not till +those resolutions are put in actuall execution. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +However seeing their Lordships do now desire proofs +from Scripture for the unlawfulnesse of the Engagement. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We answer, That as joyning and concurring in this Engagement +is unlawfull to all the wel-affected in this Kingdom, +their consciences being altogether unsatisfied in the +lawfulnesse thereof; and as it is unlawfull in the manner of +putting it in execution, being accompanied with so many +injuries, oppressions, and crying abominations, and with +so much persecution of piety; so it is unlawfull in the own +nature of it, and as it is stated upon the grounds of the Declarations +of Parliament, and Committee of Estates. And +this unlawfulnesse of the Engagement in it self, we have +demonstrate in the Declaration herewith communicate to +their Lordships, unto which we remit them for satisfaction +in that point, and do nor doubt but their Lordships may be +convinced thereby of the evill of their way, and that it is so +far from being a pious and necessary Engagement (as their +Lordships are pleased to call it) that it is a most unlawfull and +sinfull Engagement to be repented of, and forsaken by all +that have any hand in it, as they desire to make their peace +with God, And we heartily wish that their Lordships subsequent +proceedings may be reall testimonies, that their +calling for Scripture proofs was from a reall desire to be informed +and edified. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As to their Lordships other desire of our demonstrating +from the Word of God, that the Kirk hath interest in the +undertakings and Engagements in War, and what that +interest is, We had thought this point to be without controversie +in this Kingdom, not onely in respect of Kirk and +State, their joyning and co-operating (each in their proper +sphere,) in the former Expeditions of this Kingdom into +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, but also because the very Conferences which +have been between Committees of Kirk and State concerning +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page404">[pg 404]</span><a name="Pg404" id="Pg404" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +this undertaking and Engagement, doth plainly suppose +an interest of the Kirk in such affairs. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +If their Lordships mean any politick interest in such undertakings, +we claim no such thing, if the meaning be of a +Spirituall interest and so far as concerneth the point of Conscience, +there can be no doubt thereof made by such as do +with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David</span></span> make the testimonies of the Lord their Counsellers, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Psalm</span></span> 119. 24. And consult with God as he used to do +in undertaking War: It is also to be remembred that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Joshua</span></span> +and all the Congregation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Israel</span></span> were commanded to go out +and in at the word of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eliazer</span></span> the priest, who was to aske councell +of the Lord for them, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Numb.</span></span> 27. 28. Hath not the +Word of God prescribed to the Christian Magistrate the Rules +of a Lawfull War, And doth it not belong, to particular +Ministers, much more to the Assemblies of the Kirk, to +declare the minde of God from Scripture, for all sorts of duties, +and against all sorts of sins. And if the present War be +a case of conscience, and alledged to be the most fit and necessary +means for preservation of Religion, who seeth not +that the Kirk hath an undoubted interest in resolving and +determining such a case of Conscience from the word of God. +This we shall onely adde, that whereas in the Parliaments +Letter to the Presbyteries there instances were adduced by +way of reflection upon the proceedings of the late Commission, +as medling with Civill matters in which they had no +Interest, The Commission did in their Printed Vindication +so clear from Scripturall grounds their Interest in such +things as their Lordships might have been easily satisfied in +that point. We shall here onely mention one passage containing +a good and safe rule for such Cases, The Duties of +the second Table, as well as of the first, as namely, The +Duties between King and Subject, Parents and Children, +Husbands and Wives, Masters and Servants, and the like +being contained in, and to be taught and cleared from the +Word of God, are in that respect, and so far as concerneth +the point of Conscience, a subject of Ministeriall Doctrine, +and in difficult cases a subject of cognizance and Judgement, +to the Assemblies of the Kirk. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page405">[pg 405]</span><a name="Pg405" id="Pg405" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc447" id="toc447"></a> +<a name="pdf448" id="pdf448"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 23.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc449" id="toc449"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Declaration and Exhortation of the Generall +Assembly of the Church of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to their +Brethren of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As the necessity of preserving a right understanding and +mutuall confidence betwixt the Churches of Christ in +both Kingdoms constrain us, so the good acceptance and +the suitable affections that the Declaration of the last Generall +Assembly met with in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> from the Lovers of the +Covenant and present Reformation, together with the many +Testimonies that have of late been given unto the Truth in +that Land, invites and incourages us to make known unto +our Brethren there, our sense of the present condition of +publick affairs, so far as concerns <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Religion</span></span> and the point of +Conscience. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The dispensation of God in ruling of the Nations, and in +the revolutions of his Providence towards them, is full of +wonder in all the earth; And we, who live in this Island, +have cause to look upon it with speciall observation, in regard +of that which concerns our selves. For many generations +these two Kingdoms stood at odds and were the instruments +of many sufferings and calamities one to another, untill +at last the Lord having compassion upon both, did unite +them under one King; which great and long desired Blessing +hath received such increase from our being united together +in one League and Covenant as doth adde much to the +good and happinesse of both Nations: Therefore is it to be +looked upon by all the Lovers of Truth and Peace in these +Lands as a just ground of much thanksgiving & many praises +unto GOD, even in the day of our greatest calamity +and affliction what ever befall, as we know no cause why +we should forget so a great a mercy or repent of so good a +work. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But as the common Enemies of these Kingdoms studied +by all means to keep them from entring into that Covenant, +so hath all their power and Policy, now, for five years past, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page406">[pg 406]</span><a name="Pg406" id="Pg406" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +been imployed to bring it to nought. As soon as it had being +the Popish, Prelaticall and Malignant Party did bend all +their forces against it; and when by the mighty hand of +GOD they were scattered and brought to confusion, in +their stead stood up in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> a generation who have perverted +the Truth, and by turning aside into Errour have obstructed +the work of Reformation; and by forsaking of the +Covenant, and forgetting of the Oath of GOD, have +brought a great reproach upon his Name, and made the +Enemy to blaspheme; whose unthankfulnesse and unstedfastnesse, +with the many provocations of these Lands, hath provoked +the Lord again to raise out of the dust the horn of +Malignants, and to arm them with such power as is terrible +to his People, and threatenes his Work with ruine. And +albeit, we acknowledge our selves bound and are still resolved +to preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority +in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties +of the Kingdoms: Yet it is unto us matter of very +great sorrow and grief that so many in our Land should so +far joyn in Malignant Designes, and that there should be +found amongst us who have undertaken and are now putting +in execution an unlawfull War promoving their ends and +opposing and making void (so far as in them lies) the Ends +of the Covenant: Neverthelesse in this we cannot but rejoyce +that they went not without a Witnesse and a Warning +disswading them to go. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And we desire our Brethren of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to know, that as a +very considerable number of the Members of the Parliament +did dissent from and protest against the proceedings of +the major part in reference to this Engagement so all the +particular Synods and Presbyteries in this Kingdom, excepting +some few, who by reason of their remotenesse and +shortenesse of time had not the opportunity, have most +harmoniously joyned with and seconded the Desires of the +Commissioners of the General Assembly for preventing so +unlawful a War: And now the Commissioners out of all +the Provinces conveened in this National Assembly, as +after an exact examination they have unanimously approved +the proceedings of the Commissioners of the former Assembly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page407">[pg 407]</span><a name="Pg407" id="Pg407" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +against that Engagement; so have they emitted a Declaration +to all the People of GOD in this Land, shewing +it to be contrary to GODS Word and to the solemn League +and Covenant. Neither have Ministers onely by their +preaching, and Kirk Iudicatories by their Petitions and +Declarations given testimony against it; but many others +in this Land also by supplicating the High and Honourable +Court of Parliament for satisfaction to their Conscience +thereanent: And when it could not be obtained many +have chosen rather to suffer the spoiling of their goods with +joy, then to sin against GOD by complying with an evil +course. And many of the Officers of our former +Army, who are of special note for their good carriage and +deserving in the Cause of GOD, have rather choosed to +quit their charges then to joyn in it: Nay, the well-affected, +both Ministers and People, as they do bear testimony +against it before men, so groan under it before +GOD. So that this character may justly be put upon it by +all who shall speak of it now or in after Ages, That as it is +a foul breach of the Covenant under a pretence and profession +of being for the ends of the Covenant, so being carried +on against the Consciences of the people, and contrary +to the most harmonious and universal Testimonies of many +Presbyteries and Synods that have been given against it, it is +a sinning with many witnesses. A paralel will hardly be +found in this or in any other Land wherein a publick sinful +course hath been carried on with so high a hand against the +Consciences of the People of GOD, and against so many +Warnings of the Servants of GOD, and general opposition +from the Judicatories of the Kirk; which yet is the +less to be wondred at, because the greatest part of those +who have been most active in contriving and carrying on of +the fame, were either once open Enemies, or alwayes +secret underminers, or indifferent and neutral in the Cause +of GOD. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But whatsoever be the falling away of such, we shall desire +and do expect that our Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, who continue +faithful, may rest confident of the generality of all +such of this Kingdom as were at first active in promoting +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page408">[pg 408]</span><a name="Pg408" id="Pg408" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Covenant and Work of Reformation, that they are also +still faithful in adhering thereunto, and walking after their +former principles do resolve to abide stedfast and to hold +fast the bands of Brotherhood and union between these +Kingdoms: Neither are we lesse confident of the like Resolutions +and Affections of our Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: The +many Testimonies which the Truth and Cause of +CHRIST, the Covenant and Presbyterial Government +have lately received from that cloud of Witnesses of the +Ministery in several Provinces and Countries of that Kingdom, +after the example of the worthy Ministery of the City of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, against the Errours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Independency, +Anabaptism, Antinomianisin, Arminianism, Socinianism, Faminism, +Libertinism, Sceptism, Erastianism,</span></span> and other new +and dangerous Doctrines spred and received amongst many +in that Nation; As they are unto us matter of great praise +and hearty thanksgiving unto GOD, so also an evidence +of the stedfastness of many in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and a token for good, +and a wide door of hope that the Lord will perfect his Work +and bring forth the headstone of his House in that Land. +It shall be the wisdom of each Nation to keep the golden +path of truth and righteousnesse betwixt the crooked +wayes of Malignants upon the one hand and Secteries upon +the other, and for each of the Nations so to look upon another, +as to distinguish betwixt the prevalent part and the +better part, and betwixt friends and foes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We conceive it to be high time for both Nations to search +and try their ways and turn again to the LORD, that he who +hath wounded us may heal us, and he who hath broken us +may binde us up. The sin of both hath been the departing +from the rule of the Covenant, and that we did not trust +God for the prefecting of his Work, walking by the rule +of piety, but took ourselves to humane polices, and endeavoured +to carry it on by carnal and worldly means. For +as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> did to much connive at and comply with Malignants, +which is the immediate and neerest cause of all our +present troubles and distractions; so <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> neglecting to +hold fast the truth and to submit themselves to the Government +of Jesus Christ, so clearly held forth by the pious and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page409">[pg 409]</span><a name="Pg409" id="Pg409" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +learned Assembly of Divines, did connive at many abominable +Blasphemies and Errors, and complying with Sectaries, +gave way to their wicked Toleration. Neither is it +the least part of the sin of both Lands, that they have more +minded the outward then the inward Reformation, the erecting +of the outward Fabrick of GODS House, then +the providing furniture for it by advancing the power of the +Gospel, that his glory may be seen in his Temple. Because +of these things is there great wrath from the LORD against +these Kingdoms, and this controversie shall be continued +until we really turn away from our crooked paths. +Therefore as we wish that none of this Land may flatter +themselves in their evil wayes, but repent and amend, so +we desire our Brethren of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to consider what hath been +the bitter fruits of their slow progresse in and neglect of the +Work of Reformation, and of their connivance at and complying +with Sectaries, and to do no more so, but that whatsoever +is commanded by the God of Heaven, it be diligently +done for the House of the God of Heaven. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We trust that the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> will be wise to +remember and consider the great mercies of GOD towards +them in delivering them from all their Enemies, & the many +opportunities put into their hands for advancing and establishing +the work of Reformation; for neglect whereof +God hath now again threatned to lift up their Enemies above +them, that he may once more prove what they will do for +his Name, and for setling the order of his House. God +forbid that they should run from one extream to another, +from compliance with Sectaries to compliance with Malignants, +and hearken to terms of an unsafe and sinful Peace, +We cannot but abhor the purposes of any who minde the +subversion of Monarchical Government, which we heartily +wish to be preserved and continued in his Majesties Person, +and Posterity; and we do no lesse dislike the Practises of +those who deal so hardly with his Majesties Person, earnestly +desiring that he were in the condition he was into by the advice +of both Kingdoms before he was taken away by a party +of Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Fairfax</span></span> Army; Nor are we against the restoring +of the King to the exercise of his power in aright order +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page410">[pg 410]</span><a name="Pg410" id="Pg410" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and way. Yet considering what great expence of blood +and pains these Kingdoms have been at for maintaining their +just liberties and bringing the Work of Reformation this +length; And considering his Majesties great aversnesse from +setling Reformation of Religion, and his adhering still to +Episcopacy; We trust that security will be demanded and +had from his Majesty for Religion, before he be brought +to one of his Houses in or neer about <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, with honour, +freedom and safety. And considering of what importance +the solemne League and Covenant is unto all the interests of +both Kingdoms concerning their Religion, Liberties and +Peace, to make an agreement without establishing of it, +were not only to rob these Nations of the blessings they have +already attained by it, but to open a door to let in all the corruptions +that have been formerly in the Kirks of God in these +lands, & all the abuses and usurpations that have been in the +civil government, & again to divide these two Kingdoms that +are now so happily united and conjoyned: & therefore as we +wish that all mis-understanding betwixt the Nations, & betwixt +the King & People may be removed, that there may be +a happy & lasting Peace, so that there may be no agreement +without establishing and enjoyning the Covenant in all these +three Kingdoms; and that for this end God would give +wisdom to all that are intrusted in the managing of publick +Affairs that they may seasonably discover and carefully avoid +all snares which may be laid either by Sectaries, or Malignants, +or both, under colour of a Treaty of Peace. And +we are confident, through the Lord, that all the obstructions +and oppositions, by which his work has been retarded +and interrupted in this Island, shall not onely be taken +out of the way, but shall turn to the advantage and furtherance +of it at last. The onely wise God can and will bring +about his holy purposes by unlikely, yea by contrary means: +And God forbid that either our Brethren in England +or our selves should give way to despondency of Spirit, and +cast away the hopes of that so much prayed for and so much +wished for Reformation of Religion, and Uniformity in +all the parts thereof according to the Covenant: And now +it is our hearts desire and prayer to God, that amidst the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page411">[pg 411]</span><a name="Pg411" id="Pg411" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +many tryals and tentations of these times, none of the Servants +of God and witnesses of Jesus Christ may be deserted, +or left to themselves to comply either with the Malignant +party upon the one hand, or with Sectaries upon the other. +Brethren pray for us, and the God of all grace, who hath +called us unto his eternal glory, after that ye have suffered a +while, make you perfect, stablish strengthen and settle you. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc450" id="toc450"></a> +<a name="pdf451" id="pdf451"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August. 2. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 26.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc452" id="toc452"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly +of Divines in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Honourable, Right Reverend and Wel beloved in +our LORD,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We cease not to give thanks to the Father of our Lord +Jesus, by whose strength you keep the Word of his patience +now in these times, when many depart from the Faith, +giving heed to seducing Spirits; As also, that he who hath +founded <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zion</span></span>, hath been pleased, by our Covenant sworn +to the most high God, to lay the hopefull foundation of a +glorious Work in these three Kingdoms, to unite his People +therein, as one stick in the hand of the LORD. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We cannot but acknowledge to the Honour and Glory of +the Lord, Wonderfull in counsell and excellent in working, +that hee hath strongly united the spirits of all the godly in +this Kingdom, and of his Servants in the Ministery, first in +the severall Presbyteries and Synods, and now in this Nationall +Assembly, in an unanimous and constant adhering to +our first Principles and the Solemn League and Covenant, +And particularly in giving a testimony against the present +unlawfull Engagement in War: Yet it semeth good to the LORD who hath +his Fire in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zion</span></span> and Furnace in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jerusalem</span></span>, +for the purging of the vessels of his house to suffer many adversaries +to arise with violence to obstruct and stop this great +and effectuall door, which the Lord hath opened unto us. +But we know that he openeth, and no man shutteth, and +shutteth, and no man openeth: yea, he will cause them +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page412">[pg 412]</span><a name="Pg412" id="Pg412" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +who say they are for the Covenant and are not, but are Enemies +thereto, and do associate with Malignants or Sectaries, +to acknowledge that God hath loved us, and that his truth +is in us and with us. And now dearly beloved, seeing the +Lord hath kept you together so many years, when the battel +of the Warriour hath been with confused noise, and garments +rolled in blood, the Lord also sitting as a refiner to purifie +the Sons of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Levi</span></span>, and blessing you with unity and soundnesse +in the Faith, we are confident you will not cease to +give a publick testimony for Christ, both against Sectaries +and all Seducers, who prophecie lies in the name of the +LORD, and against Malignants and Incendiaries (the +Prelaticall and Popish Faction) who now again bestir themselves +to hold up the rotten and tottering throne of Antichrist, +and are (whatever they pretend) the reall enemies +of Reformation: As also, that as the Embassadors of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span> and his Watchmen, you will give seasonable warning +to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, that now +(after the losse of the opportunity of so many years) they +would, in their places, repair the Houses of the LORD, +that lyeth so long desolate, and promove the work of Reformation +and Uniformity according to the Covenant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +For if the Honourable Houses of Parliament had timely +made use of that power, which God hath put in their hands +for suppressing of Sectaries, and had taken a speedy course +for setling of Presbyterial Government, (a speciall and effectuall +means appointed by God to purge his Church from +all scandals in Doctrine and Practise) Then had not the insolencie +of that party arisen to such a height, as to give occasion +to the Malignants of both Kingdoms to justifie and +blesse themselves in their old opposition to the work of Reformation, +and to encourage one another, to new and more +dangerous attempts; Neither had the Malignant party ever +grown so strong in this Kingdom, if the Sectaries had not +been connived at in ENGLAND; For their prime +pretence (for their present rising in Armes) is, that they +may suppress the Sectaries, and vindicate the King from +that base condition, unto which he is brought by that party: +Yet these do not wisely, nor well, who avoiding or opposing +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page413">[pg 413]</span><a name="Pg413" id="Pg413" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Sectarisme, split themselves upon the rock of Malignancy, +and by taking that party by the hand how, do own +all the cruelty, bloodshed and other ungodly and unjust Acts, +which they have done since the beginning of this Reformation. +And as we take thankfully your testimony of your steering +so steady & even a course between the dangerous rocks +of Prophanesse and Malignancy on the one hand, and of +Errours, Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other hand; +So we trust ye will not cease to give testimony against both +these evils, and represent the same to the Honourable Houses +of Parliament, as you shall have fit occasion; And that you +will gravely warne your dissenting Brethren what a door +they keep open for Errors, and Heresies, by their tenet of +Independency; Whereby they leave no means of Authoritative +Ecclesiastick Suppression of Errours; If an <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Independent</span></span> +Congregation will please to own them. We also are confident +that you will be remembrancers to that famous City +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, and the whole Kingdom, of their Engagement +to the LORD, in the solemn League and Covenant: +Nor will we suffer our selves to believe that the wel-affected +in the Houses of Parliament, In the City of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, and +throughout that whole Kingdom will agree or harken to the +motions of any such Treaty of Peace, as leaves out the best +security for Religion, the Cause of GOD, and the solemn +League and Covenant. Thus desiring the continuance +of your Prayers to God for us, in this hour of temptation; +and promising (through his grace and strength) to continue +in prayers for you, We commit you to the infinite Wisdom, +Power, Goodnesse, and Faithfulnesse of our blessed God +and Father in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Christ</span></span>, in whom we are, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">2. August 1648.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your very loving and affectionate +Brethren to serve you</span></span>, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +DIRECT +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +To the Right Honourable, +And Right Reverend the +Assembly of Divines in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> now assembled +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Ministers and Elders +conveened in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Generall +Assembly</span></span> of the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page414">[pg 414]</span><a name="Pg414" id="Pg414" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc453" id="toc453"></a> +<a name="pdf454" id="pdf454"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%">, Sess. 25.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc455" id="toc455"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly, +To the Right Honourable the Committee +of Estates.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas the High and Honourable Court of Parliament +and your Lordships were pleased to injoyn the subscription +of a Declaration and Band of the date <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June 10. +1648.</span></span> And we having found after such examination and tryal, +as is competent to the Servants of God in an Ecclesiastick +way, that the same is a snare to the Consciences of the People +of GOD in this Land to involve them in guiltinesse, +and to draw them from their former principles and Vows in +the solemn League and Covenant, as doth more fully appear +in our Act concerning the same herewith presented unto +your Lordships. Therefore from our zeal to the glory of +GOD and tender care of the souls committed unto us; and +for our exonoration, As we do seriously exhort that your +Lordships would be sensible of the guilt that you have already +brought upon your selves and others, by injoyning +and urging that subscription, So we do earnestly and in the +bowels of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span> intreat, That your Lordships would +take such order and course as that it may be no further +pressed upon the people of GOD throughout the +Land. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And because the people groan under the violence and +oppression of Officers and Souldiers in their Quarterings of +otherwise throughout all the corners of the Countrey (which +as it hath ascended into the ears of the Lord of Hosts, so we +doubt not but it is come to your knowledge) We conceive +it to be incumbent to us to represent the same to your Lordships, +beseeching and obtesting you that as you would not +desire that the Lord should visit because of these things, +you would think upon an effectuall remedy for punishing +and redressing what is past, and preventing the like in time +coming. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page415">[pg 415]</span><a name="Pg415" id="Pg415" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And whereas by an Act and inhibition of your Lordships +The Liberty of Printing being one of the Kirks Priviledges +confirmed by Parliament is restrained, Therefore we intreat +that the inhibition upon the Printers may be taken off. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And now having condiscended upon a Declaration to all +the Members of this Kirk concerning present dangers & duties, +We do in all humility offer the same to your Lordships +(together with our Answer to the Paper last sent to us from +your Lordships) professing in the sight of GOD (whose +Servants we are) that we have walked herein according to +the rule of his Word, and have nothing before our eyes but +his Glory, and the well of his People, And therefore intreats +your Lordships, that you would seriously ponder +the same without prejudice, and as you desire to be comforted +in the day of your accompts, to make right use of the +light that is holden forth therein from Gods Word. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc456" id="toc456"></a> +<a name="pdf457" id="pdf457"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August 3. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%">, Sess. 26.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc458" id="toc458"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, +and not speaking to the corruptions of the time.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, taking to their serious consideration, +the great scandals which have lately encreased, +partly through some Ministers their reserving and not +declaring of themselves against the prevalent sins of the +times, partly through the spite, Malignity, and insolency +of others against such Ministers as have faithfully and freely +reproved the Sins of the times without respect of persons, +Do therefore for preventing and removing such scandals +hereafter, Appoint and Ordain, that every Minister do by +the word of Wisdom apply his Doctrine faithfully against +the publick Sins and Corruptions of these times, and particularly +against the Sins and Scandals in that Congregation +wherein he lives, according to the Act of the Generall Assembly +1596. revived by the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, 1638. +Appointing that such as shall be found not applying their +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page416">[pg 416]</span><a name="Pg416" id="Pg416" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Doctrine to corruptions, which is the Pastorall gift, cold, +and wanting of Spirituall zeal, flatters and dissembling of +publick sins, and especially of great Personages in their +Congregations, that all such persons be censured according +to the degree of their faults and continuing therein be deprived; +And according to the Act of the Generall Assembly +1646. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 10. That beside all other scandals, silence, or +ambiguous speaking in the publike Cause much more detracting +and disaffected speeches be seasonably censured; As +therefore the Errours and exorbitancies of Sectaries in England +are not to be passed in silence, but plain warning to be +given of the danger of so near a contagion, that people +may beware of it, and such as neglect this duty to be Censured +by their Presbyteries, So it is thought fit and Appointted +by the Assembly, conform to the foresaid Acts. That +the main current of applications in Sermons may run along +against the evils that prevail at home, and namely against +the contempt of the Word, against all profanesse, against +the present defection from the League and Covenant, against +the unlawful Engagement in War, against the unlawful +Band and Declaration of the Date of the 10. of June ordained +to be subscribed by all the Subjects, and other unjust +Decrees established by Law, against the Plots and Practises +of Malignants, and against the Principles and Tenents of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Erastianism</span></span>, which spread among divers in this Kingdom; +For the better confutation whereof, it is hereby Recommended +to the Ministery to study that point of controversie +well, that they may be the more able to stop the mouths of +gainsayers: Tis also hereby Recommended to the several +Presbyteries and Provincial Synods, that they make special +enquiry and trial concerning all the Ministery in their +bounds, And if any be found too sparing general, or ambiguous +in the foresaid applications and reproofs that they +be sharply rebuked, dealt with, and warned to amend +under the pain of suspension from their Ministery; And if +after such warning given they amend not, that such be suspended +by Presbyteries, and in case of their negligence by +the Synods till the next General Assembly; But if there be +any, who do neglect and omit such applications and reproofs, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page417">[pg 417]</span><a name="Pg417" id="Pg417" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and continue in such negligence after admonition +and dealing with them, they are to be cited, and after due +triall of the offence to be deposed, for being pleasers of +men rather then servants of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Christ</span></span>, for giving themselves to +a detestable indifferency or neutrality in the Cause of God, &c. +for defrauding the souls of people, yea for being highly +guilty of the blood of souls in not giving them warning: +Much more are such Ministers to be censured with Deposition +from their Ministry who preach for the lawfulnes or +pray for the success of the present unlawfull Engagement, +or that go along with the Army themselves, or who subscribe +any Bands or take any Oaths not approved by the +General Assembly or their Commissioners, or by their counsel, +countenance or approbation make themselves accessory +to the taking of such Bands and Oaths by others: It is to be +understood that if any Minister preach in defence of or pray +for the successe of the Sectaries in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, he is likewayes +to be censured by deposition. And this we adde as a generall +rule to be observed on both hands, but not as if we had +found any of the Ministery of this Kingdom to be favourers +of the Sectaries in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And in case any Minister for his freedom in preaching, +and faithfull discharge of his conscience shall be in the face +of the Congregation or elsewhere upbraided, railed at, +mocked, or threatened, or if any injury or violence be done +to his person, or any stop and disturbance made to him in +the exercise of his Ministeriall calling, The Presbyterie of +the bounds shall forthwith enter in processe with the offender, +and whoever he be Charge him to satisfie the Discipline +of the Kirk by publick Repentance, which if any do +not, or refuse to do, That then the Presbyterie proceed +to Excommunication against him; In all which Presbyteries +and Synods are to give an account of their diligence: +And the Assembly Appoints this Act to be intimate in the +several Congregations of this Kirk. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page418">[pg 418]</span><a name="Pg418" id="Pg418" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc459" id="toc459"></a> +<a name="pdf460" id="pdf460"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August 4. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%">, Sess. 21.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc461" id="toc461"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures concerning the education of the Hie-land +Boys in the Province of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Argyle.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This day the report following being made from the Committee +concerning the education of Hie-land Boys in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, viz. +</p> + +<div class="block tei tei-quote" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">The Committee considering the Bill remitted by the Generall Assembly +to us concerning the Hie-land Boys</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> (</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">who are given up +to be fourty in number of good spirits and approven by the +Province of</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Argyle) </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">Do humbly think, that four of them who +are ready for the Colledge should be recommended to the Universities +to get Burses on in every Colledge. As for the rest of the 40, +who are to be brought up at Grammar Schools, The Committee +thinks that if the said Boys should be scattered through the +Kingdom they should lose the Irish Language, and so the Assembly +shall fail of their purpose to make them usefull for the +Hie-lands: And therefore do humbly conceive that it were +fitting that every Congregation pay yearly fourty Shillings Scots +for maintaining the said Boys at Schools in</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%"> Glasgow, </span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 90%; font-style: italic">or in +other places where many of them may be together accepted of, +and that the money be brought in yearly to the General Assembly +by the Commissioners of Presbyteries, and that Presbyteries augment +or diminish the said proportion according to the ability of +every Congregation.</span></span> +</div> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having considered the foresaid Report, +Approves the first Overture, And recommends <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Colin Campbell</span></span> +to the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Duncan +Campbell</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick +Campbell</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zachary +Maccullum</span></span> to St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leonards</span></span> Colledge in St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>: As also Approve the +second Overture, seriously Recommending to Presbyteries, +That the said fourty shillings be collected carefully and sent to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, And the Ministers of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> +shall appoint some sufficient man in that Town to receive the said Collection +from Presbyteries, And to take charge of the boording +and entertainment of the saids Boys in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> at Schooles, +and they shall send in the names of the Boys with a Certificate +of their proficiency yearly to the Generall Assembly: +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page419">[pg 419]</span><a name="Pg419" id="Pg419" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +And this Collection shall onely endure for the space of +twelve years. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc462" id="toc462"></a> +<a name="pdf463" id="pdf463"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August 5. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 30.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc464" id="toc464"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Explanation of the fifth Article of the Overtures +concerning Appeals past in the Assembly, 1643.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly for clearing the sense of the +fifth Article of the Overtures concerning Appeals in +the Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">1643. Sess. 2</span></span> Declare, that if Appellations, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Post latam sententiam</span></span> be not presented to the Judicatory +when the sentence is pronounced: The party shall then +immediately after the sentence protest for liberty of Appeal, +as he shall see cause; And accordingly within ten +dayes shall give in his Appeal in writ under his hand, either +to the Judicatory or the Moderator thereof, otherwise the +Appeal is not to be respected. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc465" id="toc465"></a> +<a name="pdf466" id="pdf466"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Eodem die 1648. Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 30.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc467" id="toc467"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act discharging deposed or suspended Ministers +from any exercise of the Ministery, or +medling with the stipend.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering that according +to the ancient practise and order of this Kirk, the +Censure of Suspension and Deposition of Ministers +is both <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ab officio</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">â beuoficio</span></span>, as is +also acknowledged by the 20. Act of the Parliament, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno 1644.</span></span> +And that the continuance of suspended or deposed Ministers in the exercise +of the Ministery or in the possession of their stipend hath +been & ought to be accompted and censured as a great contempt +of the Authority and Censures of the Kirk, Considering +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page420">[pg 420]</span><a name="Pg420" id="Pg420" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +also that the continuance of deposed Ministers in the +possession of the stipend, is a great prejudice and obstruction +to the planting of the vaiking Kirk, and to the service of +God there. Therefore do declare and Ordain, That whosoever +after the sentence of Deposition pronounced against +them, Do either exercise any part of the Ministeriall calling +in the places they formerly served in; or elsewhere, or +do possesse, meddle, or intromet with the stipend or other +benefits whatsoever belonging to these Kirks they served +at, They shall be proceeded against with Excommunication; +And if any suspended Minister during his suspension, either +exercise any part of the Ministeriall Calling, or intromet +with the Stipend, That he be Deposed, And after deposition, +continuing in either of these faults, That he be +processed with Excommunication; But prejudice always to +them of their stipend resting for by-gone service and of any +recompence due for building or repairing of the Manse according +to the ordinary practise. And the Assembly recommends +to Presbyteries seriously to be carefull of the putting +of this Act in execution. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc468" id="toc468"></a> +<a name="pdf469" id="pdf469"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August 7. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess 31.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc470" id="toc470"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Declaration of the falsehood +and forgerie of a lying scandalous Pamphlet put forth +under the name of their Reverend Brother Mastr</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Alexander Henderson </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">after hes death.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly of this Kirk having seen a Printed +Paper, Intituled, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Declaration of</span></span> Mr. Alexander +Henderson <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">principall Minister of the Word of GOD at</span></span> Edinburgh +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and chief Commissioner from the Kirk of</span></span> Scotland +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to the Parliament and Synod of</span></span> England <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">made +upon his death-bed.</span></span> And taking into +their serious consideration how many grosse lies and impudent +calumnies are therein contained; Out of the tender respect +which they do bear to his name (which ought to be +very precious to them and all posterity, for his faithfull +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page421">[pg 421]</span><a name="Pg421" id="Pg421" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +service in the great Work of Reformation in these Kingdoms, +wherein the Lord was pleased to make him eminently +instrumentall) and lest through the malice of some, and +ignorance of others the said Pamphlet should gain belief +among the weaker sort, They have thought fit to make +known and declare concerning the same as followeth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That after due search and tryall they do finde that their +worthy brother Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span> did from the time +of his coming from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newcastle</span></span> til +the last moment of his departure out of this life upon all occasions manifest +the constancy of his judgement touching the Work of Reformation +in these Kingdoms; Namely, in all his discourses +and conferences with his Majesty, and with his Brethren +who were employed with him in the same Trust at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newcastle</span></span>, +In his Letters to the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, and particularly +in his last discourse to his Majestie at his departing +from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newcastle</span></span>, being very weak and greatly decayed in his +Naturall strength. When he was come from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newcastle</span></span> by +sea to this Kingdom, he was in such a weak worn and +failed condition, as it was evident to all who saw him, that +he was not able to frame any such Declaration, for he was +so spent that he died within eight dayes after his arrivall; +And all that he was able to speak in that time did clearly +shew his judgement of, and affection to the Work of Reformation +and Cause of God to be every way the same then, +that it was in the beginning and progresse thereof, as divers +Reverend Brethren who visited him have declared to this +Assembly, and particularly two Brethren, who constantly +attended him from the time he came home till his breath +expired. A further testimony may be brought from a short +Confession of Faith under his hand found amongst his Papers, +which is expressed as his last Words, wherein among +other mercies he declareth himself <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">most of all obliged to the +grace and goodnesse of God for calling him to believe the Promises of +the Gospel, and for exalting him to be a Preacher of them to others, +and to be a willing though weak instrument in this great and wonderful +work of Reformation, which he earnestly beseecheth the Lord to +bring to a happy conclusion.</span></span> Other reasons may be added from +the levity of the stile and manifest absurdities contained in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page422">[pg 422]</span><a name="Pg422" id="Pg422" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +that Paper. Upon confederation of all which this Assembly +doth condemn the said Pamphlet as forged, scandalous, +and false, And further Declare the author and contriver of +the same void of charity and a good conscience, and a grosse +lyar and calumniator led by the Spirit of the accuser of the +Brethren. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc471" id="toc471"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving +of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, & +for the receiving of it also by all Students at +their first entry to Colledges.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly according to former recommendations, +Doth Ordain that all young Students take +the Covenant at their first entry to Colledges; And that +hereafter all Persons whatsoever take the Covenant at their +first receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: Requiring +hereby Provinciall Assemblies, Presbyteries and Universities +to be carefull that this Act be observed, and accompt +thereof taken in the visitation of and particular +Kirks, and in the tryall of Presbyteries. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc472" id="toc472"></a> +<a name="pdf473" id="pdf473"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Eodem die Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 32.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc474" id="toc474"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Bursars.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly Understanding that the frequent +Recommendation of preceding Assemblies for +maintaining Bursars, is by many Presbyteries neglected, +Do therefore Ordain Synods to crave accompt thereof from +Presbyteries at every Provinciall meeting, Which with +the Presbyteries answer, shall be put upon record, That +so the part both of Presbyteries and Synods and their negligance +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page423">[pg 423]</span><a name="Pg423" id="Pg423" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +or diligence in so pious a work may be known by the +examination of the Provinciall books to each Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc475" id="toc475"></a> +<a name="pdf476" id="pdf476"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August 9. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 25.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc477" id="toc477"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for dis-joyning the Presbyteries of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Zetland, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">from the Provinciall Synod of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Orkney </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Cathnes.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly now after exact tryall, finding +that the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span> cannot meet with the Provinciall +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span> to which it was +adjoyned by an Act of the Assembly 1646. Sess. 11. And that the allowance +and dispensation granted in the preceding Assembly for the +halfe of their number to keep the meetings of the said Provinciall +cannot be observed in respect of the great distance +of that Isle by sea from the land, and the dangerousness of +the seas there, and of the passage through them, Therefore +after hearing the parties interested and serious deliberation +of the matter, The Assembly doth hereby Dis-joyn the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span> from the Provinciall of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span>, And declares for these reasons, That the said +Presbytery is to be hereafter subordinate immediately to the +Generall Assembly, For which cause, their Commissioners +are to be sent to each Generall Assembly the more carefully, +And it is hereby recommended to them that they send to +the next Assembly a particular information of the quality +and condition of all their Kirks according to the direction +of the act of the preceding Assembly Sess. 27. Entituled +an act for pressing and furthering the planting of Kirks. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page424">[pg 424]</span><a name="Pg424" id="Pg424" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc478" id="toc478"></a> +<a name="pdf479" id="pdf479"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Aug. 10. 1648. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 38.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc480" id="toc480"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures for the Remedies of the grievous +and common Sins of the Land in this +present time.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Sins of the Land and the Causes and occasions thereof +being considered, The following Remedies of these +Sins were propounded. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Civill Remedies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For the present, untill the Overtures prepared to be presented +to the Parliament, It is to be Recommended to every Congregation +to make use of the 9. Act of the Parliament 1645. at</span></span> +Perth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">for having Magistrates and Justices in every Congregation, +and of the 8. Act of the said Parliament against Swearing, +Drinking and mocking of Piety, and all other Acts +of Parliament for restraining or punishing of Vice; particularly +for the better restraining of the sin of Whoredom that each +Magistrate in every Congregation exact and make compt to +the Session of fourty Pounds for each Fornicatour and Fornicatrix, +of an hundred Merks for each one of their relapse in +Fornication, of an hundreth Pounds for each Adulterer and +Adulteress according to express Acts of Parliament which is +to be exacted of these who may pay it, and the discretion of the +Magistrate is to modifie it according to the ability or inability +of each Delinquent.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Domestick Remedies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">1. Let care be taken of concionable receiving of Servants, +that they have testimonials of their honest behaviour: And +let all such as give testimonials take heed that these to whom they +give them, be free of scolding, swearing, lying and such +like more common sins, as well as fornication, adultery, drunkenesse, +and other grosse and hainous evils; Let the ordinary +time of giving Testimonials be in face of Session: And if an +extraordinary exigent be: Let it be given by the Minister with +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page425">[pg 425]</span><a name="Pg425" id="Pg425" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +consent of the elder of the bounds, wherein the person craving +the Testimonial hath resided; If they have fallen or relapsed +in scandalous sins, let their Testimonial bear both their fall +and Repentance.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">2. Let care be had that the Worship of God be practised, +and Discipline exercised in Families, according to the Directory +for Family Worship in all things as was appointed in the General +Assembly 1647. especially in the Ministers constant Catechizing +of the Family, and in the performance of the Duties +of the Sabbath by all the Members thereof.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">3. Let Persons to be married, and who have Children to be +baptized, who are very rude and ignorant, be stirred up and +exhorted, as at all times, so especially at that time, to attain +some measure of Christian knowledge in the grounds of Religion, +that they may give to the Minister, before the Elder of +the Bounds wherein they live, some accompt of their knowledge +that so they may the better teach their family and train up their +Children.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">4. Let every Family that hath any in it than can read, have +a Bible and a Psalm-book, and make use of them; and where +none can read, let them be stirred up to traine up their children +in reading, and use any other good remedie the Minister and +Session can fall on.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +General Ecclesiastick Remedies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">1. Let the Remedies which were given at Perth 1645. +and are mentioned in the General Assembly 1646. anent the +Sins of Ministers be put in execution.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">2. Let suspension from the Lords Sacrament be more carefully +executed.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">3. Let Persons relapse in Adultery (or above) quadrilapse +in fornication (or above) or often guilty of other grosser scandals, +be Excommunicat somewhat more summarly nor in +an ordinary processe (except there be more nor ordinary signes, +and an eminent measure of Repentance made known to the +Session and Presbyterie) both for the hainousness of the sins and +continuance therein, and also for terrour to others; And +these not to be relaxed from the sentence of Excommunication +without evidence, and undeniable signes of Repentance.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page426">[pg 426]</span><a name="Pg426" id="Pg426" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">4. Let unpartial proceeding be used against men of all quality, +for their scandalous walking, and in particular for +drunkenesse, swearing, and other scandalous sins. And +this to be tryed at the Visitation of Kirk.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Particular Ecclesiastick Remedies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And 1. against ignorance. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">1. Let Ministers Catechise one day every week (whereon +also they may Baptise and Lecture or Preach) and let them +preach every Lords Day both before and after noon, according +to former Acts of General Assemblies, Let Presbyteries +and Synods be very careful of this; And let every Provincial +Book, contain an exact accompt thereof.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">2. Let Ministers examine all of every quality of whose +knowledge they have no certain notice.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">3. Let young Persons be Catechized by the Minister from +the time they are capable of instruction, and let them not be +delayed till they be of age to Communicat.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">4. Let Persons grossly ignorant be debarred from the Communion; +for the first and second time, let them be debarred, +suppressing their names; for the third time, expressing their +names; for the fourth time, bring them to publick repentance; +all this is to be understood of those that profit nothing, and +labours not for knowledge: But if they be profiting in any +measure, or labouring that they may profit, their case is +very considerable, they ought to have more forbearance.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Ecclesiastick Remedies against Prophanesse. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">1. Let ignorant and scandalous Persons be put off, and +kept off Kirk Sessions.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">2. Let every Elder have a certain bounds assigned to him +that he may visit the same every moneth at least, and report to +the Session what scandals and abuses are therein, or what +persons have entered without Testimonials.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">3. Let all scandalous persons be suspended from the Lords +Supper.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">4. Let the Minister deal in private with them that are professing +publick Repentance before the Elder of the bounds, thus +to try the evidence of their Repentance.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page427">[pg 427]</span><a name="Pg427" id="Pg427" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">5. Let these who have fallen in Fornication make publick +profession of Repentance three several Sabbaths, who is guilty +of relapse in Fornication six Sabbaths, who is guilty of relapse +in Fornication, or hath once fallen in Adultery, 26. Sabbaths, +and these sins to be confessed both in one</span></span> viz. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in Sackcloth, +Quadrilapse in Fornication and relapse in Adultery, +three quarters of a Year, Incest or Murder a Year, or 52. +Sabbaths, in case the Magistrate do not his duty in punishing +such crimes capitally; They that fall in Fornication or relapses +therein, are first to confesse their Sin before the Session, +and thereafter before the Congregation; They that are guilty +of greater degrees of that Sin and of the other Sins mentioned in +this Article, are to confess their Sin both before the Session & +Presbyterie, and there to shew some signes of Repentance before +they be brought to the Congregation.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">6. Some are to be rebuked at the time of Catechising, who +deserve more nor a privase reproof, and yet needs not to be +brought to publick Repentance.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">7. It will be a good remedie against Sabbath-breaking by +Carriers and Travellers, That the Ministers where they dwell +cause them to bring Testimonials from the place where they +rested on these Lords dayes wherein they were from home.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">8. Let all Persons who flit from one Paroch to another have +sufficient Testimonials, This is to be extended to all Gentlemen +and Persons of quality and all their followers, who come +to reside with their Families at</span></span> Edinburgh, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">or elswhere, and let +the Minister from whom they flit, advertise the Minister to whom +they flit, if (to his knowledge) they be lying under any scandal.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">9. Let Ministers be free with Persons of quality for amendment +of their faults, and (if need shall be) let them take help +thereto of some of the Brethren of the Presbyterie.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">10. Let the Presbyteries take special notice of Ministers +who do converse frequently and familiarly with Malignants, +and with scandalous and prophane Persons, especially such as +belongs to other Paroches.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">11. Let privie Censures of Presbyteries and Synods be performed +with more Accuracie, Diligence and Zeal.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">12. For better keeping of the Sabbath, let every Elder take +notice of such as are within his bounds, how they keep the +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page428">[pg 428]</span><a name="Pg428" id="Pg428" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +Kirk, how the time is spent before, betwixt, and after the +time of publick Worship.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">13. Let no Minister resort to any Excommunicate person +without licence from the Presbyterie</span></span> nisi in extremis, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and let +Ministers take special notice of such persons as haunt with Excommunicants, +and processe them.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">14. Frequent correspondence betwixt presbyteries is a good +remedie.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">15. At the visitation of each Congregation, let the Session +Book be well visited, and for that effect, let it be delivered +to two or three Brethren seven or eight dayes before the visitation, +that their report of it may be in readinesse against the +Day of Visitation.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly allows of all these Overtures and Remedies +of the Sins of the Land; And Ordains all of them to be carefully +and conscionably put in practise. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc481" id="toc481"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for examining the Paraphrase of the +Psalms and other Scripturall Songs.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly Appoints <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rouse</span></span> Paraphrase +of the Psalms, with the corrections thereof now given +in by the persons appointed by the last Assembly for +that purpose, to be sent to Presbyteries, That they may +carefully revise and examine the same, and thereafter send +them with their corrections to the Commission of this Assembly +to be appointed for publick affairs, Who are to have +a care to cause reexamine the Animadversions of Presbyteries, +and prepare a report to the next Generall Assembly; +Intimating hereby, That if Presbyteries be negligent hereof +the next General Assembly is to go on & take the same Paraphrase +to their consideration without more delay: And the +Assembly Recommends to Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Adamson</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Crafurd</span></span> to revise the Labours of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zachary Boyd</span></span> upon +the other Scripturall Songs, and to prepare a report thereof +to the said Commission for publick affairs, That after their +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page429">[pg 429]</span><a name="Pg429" id="Pg429" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +examination, the same may be also reported to the next +Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc482" id="toc482"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Overtures concerning Papists, their children, +and Excommunicate Persons.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering the manifold inconveniences +that follow upon the sending of the children +of Noblemen and others of quality to Forraign Countries +wherein Popery is professed, especially that thereby such +children are in perill to be corrupted with Popery, and so +corrupt these Families and Persons to which they belong, +whereby that wicked root of damnable Idolatry, Errour and +Heresie may again be occasioned to spring up and trouble +many, and provoke the most High GOD to wrath, and +to cause his Majestie leave this Land to strong delusions to +believe lies; Therefore They Do in the name of GOD, +Charge and Require all the Presbyteries of this Kingdom to +observe and practice the Rules and Directions which are +made in former Generall Assemblies for preventing of the +said fearfull inconveniences, and namely the Overtures against +Papists, non-Communicants, and Profaners of the +Sabbath approven in the Generall Assembly held at St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> +in the year of God, 1642. and the Act anent children +sent without the Kingdom made in the Generall Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh, Anno 1646.</span></span> And that they use all diligence +for putting in execution the Acts of Parliament and secret +Councell made against Papists & Excommunicate Persons; +And that they register their diligences thereanent in their +Presbyterie Booke which are summarily to be recorded in +the Synod Books from time to time, That the Generall +Assembly may see how these laudable Acts are put in execution, +which here are presented with some necessary additions +in one view. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. That every Presbyterie give a List of all Excommunicate +Papists they know to be within their bounds to the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page430">[pg 430]</span><a name="Pg430" id="Pg430" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, and of all Papists; +yea of them also who professe to have renounced Popery, +but yet have their children educated abroad, with the +names of these children that are abroad, according to the +fifth Overture of the Generall Assembly, 1642. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. That every Presbyterie conveen at their first meeting +all known Papists within their bounds, and such as having +professed to renounce Popery have their children abroad, +and cause them finde sufficient caution for bringing home +within three moneths such of their children as are without +the Kingdom; to be educated in Schools and Colledges at +the Presbyteries sight if they be Minors; and to be wrought +upon by gracious conference, & other means of instruction +to be reclaimed from Popery if they be come to perfect +age. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. The Parents, Tutors or Frinds of Children and +Minors shall, before they send them without the Kingdom, +first acquaint the Presbyterie where they reside, that they +may have their Testimoniall directed to the Presbyterie or +Classe within the Kingdom or Dominion beyond Seas +whither they intend to send their Children; And at the time +of these Childrens return, that they report a Testimoniall +from the Presbyterie or Synod where they lived without the +Kingdom, to the Presbyterie who gave them a Testimonial +at their going away, according to the Act anent Children sent +without the Kingdom <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno 1646.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. That all Presbyteries give the names of such Pædagogs +as were abroad with the children of Noblemen within there +bounds, and diligently enquire whether these Pædagogs do +continue stedfast in the true Religion, and continue in their +service, or whither these Pædagogs do either become +corrupt in Religion, or (continuing constant) are removed +from their charge and by whom they are removed, and that +they signifie these things to the Generall Assembly from +time to time or their Commissioners, That they may represent +the same to the High Court of Parliament, Lords of +secret Counsell or Committe of Estates, for such remedie +as shall seem expedient to their Honours, for preventing of +and purging the land from the plague of Idolatrie. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page431">[pg 431]</span><a name="Pg431" id="Pg431" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. That such Parents, Tutors or Friends as either send +away Children to forraign parts infected with Idolatry without +such Testimonialls as aforesaid, or do not recall them +who are already abroad within such time as is above prefixed, +or do remove from them their Protestant Pædagogs (that +they may the more easily be infected with Popery) be processed +and in case of not amending these things, be Excommunicated. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. That the names of such as are Excommunicated for +these or any other causes, be sent in to the Generall Assembly +from year to year, that (from thence) their names may +be notified in all the Kingdom, and that the Acts of Parliament +and secret Counsell may be put to execution against +them, and all diligence used for that effect; and that by the +effectuall dealing of the Generall Assembly, with the Parliament, +Lords of secret Counsell, or Committee of Estates, +their Lordships may Enact such further, just and severe +civill Punishment on such Excommunicants for Terror to +others, as shall be found necessary for purging this Covenanted +Land from all Abominations. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Because persons addicted to Idolatry will use all means +for their own hardening in their Superstitious and Idolatrous +way, even within the Countrey; Therefore all known +Papists, or persons suspect of Poperie upon probable grounds +are to finde Caution before their Presbyteries, for their abstinence +from Masse, and from the Company of all Jesuits, +and Priests according to the second Overture against Papists, +made <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno 1642.</span></span> Also Presbyteries are to presse them to +finde such Caution; And to observe what persons put their +Sons or Daughters to such Families as are tainted with Popery +within the Land, the same being a speciall mean to +corrupt them with Idolatry, And to cause such Parents +recall their Children, or else proceed with the Censures of +the Kirk against them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +All which Overtures, Presbyteries are seriously required +and Ordained to observe diligently with Certification, +That they shall be severely censured, If they shall be found +remisse or negligent in any of these points, which are so +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page432">[pg 432]</span><a name="Pg432" id="Pg432" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +necessary for keeping of the Lords House and People unpoluted +with Error, Idolatry, or Superstition. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc483" id="toc483"></a> +<a name="pdf484" id="pdf484"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Aug. 11. 1648 </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 39.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc485" id="toc485"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for prosecuting the Treaty for the Uniformity +in Religion in the Kingdom of England.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration +that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties +Dominions is not yet perfected; Therefore, Renews +the power and Commission granted by preceeding Assemblies +for prosecuting that Treaty unto these Persons after-named +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span>, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherford</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span>, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, Ministers. And <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Earle of</span></span> Cassils, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Lord Balmerinoch</span></span>, and Sir. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arch. Johnston +of Wariston</span></span> Elders; Authorizing them with full power to +prosecute the said Treaty of Uniformity with the Honourable +Houses of the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and the Reverend +Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees Appointed +by them: And to do all and every thing which may advance, +perfect, and bring that Treaty to an happie conclusion, +conform to the Commissions given thereanent. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc486" id="toc486"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act Renewing the Commission for the publick +Affairs of this Kirk.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly Taking to their consideration, +that in respect the great work of Uniformity in Religion +in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected (though +by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made in the +same) There is a necessity of renewing the Commissions +granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting +that great Work; Do therefore Renew the Power and +Commission granted for the Publick Affairs of the Kirk by +the Generall Assemblies held at Saint <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, 1642. and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page433">[pg 433]</span><a name="Pg433" id="Pg433" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> 1643. 1644. 1645. 1646. and 1647. unto the +persons following <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz</span></span> Masters, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Lawder, +Andrew Wood, David Calderwood, Robert Ker, John Mackghie, John Knox, +John Sinclar, John Adamson, Robert Dowglas, George Gillespie, +James Hamiltoun, Mungo Law, John Smith, Robert Lawrie, +George Lesly, John Weir, Robert Eliot, Alexander Dickson, +Patrick Fleeming, Thomas Vassie, Ephraim Melvil, Hew Kennedie, +Kenneth Logie, Alexander Levistoun, George Bennet, +David Weems, William Row, Robert Young, William Menzies, +John Friebaine, John Givan, Harie Guthrie, Andrew +Rind, David Auchterlony, Samuel Ousteen, Thomas Henderson, +Charles Archibald, Andrew Lawder, John Leviston, John Macklellan, +Alexander Turnbull, William Fullerton, George Hutcheson, John +Genell, Patrick Colvill, James Ferguson, Hew Peebles, John +Hamiltoun, Alexander Dunlope, David Elphiston, David Dickson, +Robert Baillie, Robert Ramsay, Patrick Gillespie, Patrick +Sharpe, James Nasunth, John Home, Evan Camron, Robert +Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, David Forret, Robert Traill, Andrew +Bennett, Walter Greg, John Macgill younger, John Moncreiff, +Fredrick Carmichael, John Chalmers, John Duncan, +Andrew Donaldson, Will Oliphant, George Simmer, Andrew +Affleck, Arthur Granger, David Strachen, Andrew Cant, John +Rex, John Paterson, Alexander Cant, John Young, John Seaton, +David Lindsay</span></span> at Bethelvie, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nothaniel Martine, John +Annand, William Falconer, Joseph Brodie, Alexander Summer, +William Chalmer, Gilbert Anderson, David Rosse, George Gray, +Robert Knox, William Penman, James Guthrie, Thomas Donaldson, +William Jameson, Thomas Wilkie, James Ker, John Knox, +Andrew Dunkanson</span></span> Ministers: <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald</span></span> Marques of Argyle, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> Earle of Eglintoun, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of +Cassils. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Earle of Lothian, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald</span></span> Lord Angus, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> Lord +Borthwick, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord Torphichen, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Lord +Balmerino, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert</span></span> Lord Burly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> Lord +Couper, Lord Kilcudbright, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander</span></span> Lord Elcho, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Johnstoun</span></span> of Wariston. Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Hope</span></span> of Craighall, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Erskin</span></span> +of Scotskraig, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Moncreiff</span></span> of that Ilk, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Boaton</span></span> of Creigh, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Wauchhope</span></span> of +Midrie, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ruthven</span></span> of Frieland, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Maxwell</span></span> of Netherpollock, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Fraser</span></span> of Brae, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hackact</span></span> of Pitfirn, Sir +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page434">[pg 434]</span><a name="Pg434" id="Pg434" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Carmichaell</span></span> younger of that ilk, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter +Dundas</span></span> younger of that ilk, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Craig</span></span> of Ricarton, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Winrain</span></span> of Liberton, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Ingils</span></span> of Ingilston, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Brodie</span></span> of that ilk, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forbes</span></span> of Eight, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Will. More</span></span> of Glanderston, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Ker</span></span> of Lochtour, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex Pringill</span></span> of +Whitbanck, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Scot</span></span> of Whitstyid, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Crafurd</span></span> of Crafurdland, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Chisly</span></span> of Carswell, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Monroe</span></span> of Obsteall, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cornwall</span></span> of +Bonhard, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Dundas</span></span> of Dudingston, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Stewart</span></span> of Kirkfield, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Colvil</span></span> of the Blair, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Petrson</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Burnet</span></span> younger, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Murray, George Potterfield,</span></span> Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Campbell, James Hamilton, Lawrence Henderson,</span></span> Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert +Barcclay</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William More, William Glendoning</span></span> Doctor, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Douglas, James Sword, Gideon Lack</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dongall +Campbell, John Besrall, John Brown, William +Brown, Robert Brown</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Russel</span></span>, Elders: +Giving unto them full Power and Commission, to do all +and every thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, +Discipline, Worship and Government of this Kirk, against +all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrary +thereunto, and for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting & +bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all His +Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, conform to the +former Commissions granted by proceeding Assemblies thereanent, +And to that effect Appoints them, or any seventeen +of them, whereof thirteen shall be Ministers to meet +here in this City to morrow the 12. of this Moneth, And +thereafter upon the last Wednesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November, February</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> next, and upon any other day, and in any other +place they shall think fit. Renewing also to the persons before +named the power contained in the Act of the Assembly +1643. Intituled, A <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reference to the Commission anent the +Persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England.</span></span> And further, +incase Delinquents have no constant residence in any +one Presbyterie, or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, +in these cases, The Assembly gives to the persons +before named, such power of censuring complyers and +persons disaffected to the Covenant according to the Acts of +the Assembly, declaring alwayes and providing, that +Ministers shall not be deposed, but in one of the quarterly +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page435">[pg 435]</span><a name="Pg435" id="Pg435" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +meetings of this Commission, And further Authorises +them as formerly with full power to make Supplications, +Remonstrances, Declarations & Warnings to Indict Fasts & +Thanksgivings as there shall be cause to Protest against all +encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to censure +all such as interupt this Commission or any other Church +Judicatory, or the execution of their Censures or of any +other Sentences or Acts, issuing from them, And with full +power to them to treat and determine in the matters referred +unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the +same were here fully expressed, and with as ample power +as any Commission of any former Generall Assemblies hath +had or been in use of before: Declaring also that all opposers +of the authority of this Commission in matters intrusted +to them shall be holden as opposers of the authority of the +Generall Assembly, And this Commission in their whole +proceedings are comptable to, and censurable by the next +General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc487" id="toc487"></a> +<a name="pdf488" id="pdf488"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August 11. 1643. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 40.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc489" id="toc489"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Exemption of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Murray, Rosse, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Caithnesse </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">from the contribution granted to the boyes of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Argyle, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">with a Recommendation to Presbyteries, +to make up what is taken of them +by that exemption.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning the overtture and desire of the Commissioners +of the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnesse</span></span> for +an exemption from that contribution of fourty shillings +recommended for entertainment of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> boyes in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>; +The Assembly having considered thereof, and of their +offer in the the name of the said Presbyteries, if that exemption +be granted, Do Approve their offer, And Therefore +hereby Exoners the said Presbyteries of the said contribution +of fourty shillings toward the entertainment of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page436">[pg 436]</span><a name="Pg436" id="Pg436" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the boyes in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, And Ordains for that exemption according +to the offer of their said Commissioners, that each +Presbyterie of the said Provinces entertaine one of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> +language at Schooles, and if any be found already fit for +Colledges, they shall maintain them at Philosophie, and so +forward, untill they be fit for the Ministery: And Because +by this exemption the contribution for the boyes in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> +will be so much lessened. Therefore the Assembly Recommends +to all other Presbyteries to think upon some way +how by the charitable Supply that may be made up unto +them. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc490" id="toc490"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning Collection for the Poor.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly Understanding that the collection +for the poor in some Kirks in the Countrey, are taken +in the time of Divine Service, which being, a +very great and unseemly disturbance of Divine Worship +Do therefore hereby Inhibit and discharge the same. And ordains +that the Minister and Session appoint some other way +and time for receiving the said Collections. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc491" id="toc491"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Recommendation for securing provisions to +Ministers in Burghs.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +In regard that the stipends of many Ministers in Burghs are +not secured unto them and their successors; Therefore +the Assembly Do seriously Recommend to the Honourable +Commission of Parliament for planting of Kirks, to provide +reall and valide security of competent and honest meanes +to the present Ministers of Burghs and their successors; +where they are not sufficiently provided or secured already; +Ordaining Presbyteries to use all necessary diligence for +prosecuting thereof before the said Commission for planting +Kirks. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page437">[pg 437]</span><a name="Pg437" id="Pg437" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc492" id="toc492"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly +of the Kirk of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">met at</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Edinburg +August 12 </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">unto the Kings Most +Excellent Majeste.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Albeit your Majestie through the suggestions of evil men, +may haply entertain hard thoughts of us and our Proceedings, +yet the Searcher of hearts knowes, and our consciences +bear record unto us, that we bear in our spirits these +humble and duitifull respects to your Majestie, that loyall +subjects owe to their native Soveraigne, and that it would +be one of our greatest contentments upon earth, to see your +Majestie reigning for the LORD, in Righteousnesse and +Peace over these Nations: And therefore as we do bow our +knees daily before the Throne of Grace on your behalf, and +the behalf of your Posterity; So we finde our selves as heretofore, +obliged faithfully and freely to warn your Majestie of +your danger and dutie; Wishing, and hoping that the Lord +will incline your Royall heart, from the sence of the evil +which hath befallen You, through the slighting of former +Warning, to be more attentive unto this. We are very +sensible of your Majesties suffering, and low condition, +and do not in the least measure approve but from our hearts +abhorre any thing that hath been done to your Majesties +Person, contrary to the common resolutions of both Kingdoms: +Yet it shall be your Majesties wisdom, in this as in +all that hath befallen you these years past, to read the righteous +hand of the Lord, writing bitter things against you, +as for all your Provocations, so especially for resisting his +Work, and authorising by your Commissions the shedding +of the blood of his People, for which it is high time to +repent, that there be no more wrath against you and your +Realms. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Commission of the preceding Assembly, whose +proceedings are unanimously approven by this Assembly, +Having read your Majesties Letter of the date at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carisbrook</span></span> +Castle, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December 27.</span></span> And perused your Concessions, did +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page438">[pg 438]</span><a name="Pg438" id="Pg438" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +finde some of these Concessions destructive to the Covenant, +and all or them unsatisfactorie, and did therefore emit a +Declaration concerning the same, least your Majesties Subjects +in this Kingdom should have unawares imbarked +themselves in an Engagement upon grounds not consisting +with the good of Religion, and the Solemn League and +Covenant. For preventing whereof, they did also present +most just and necessary desires unto the high and Honourable +Court of Parliament of this Kingdom; which, if they +had been granted, might have through the Blessing of God, +either procured (upon Treaty) your Majesties re-establishment, +and a solide Peace, or laid open the expedience and +necessity of a lawfull War, and have united this Kingdom +therein for the good of Religion, of your Majestie, and of +your Kingdoms. When the Parliament was pleased without +satisfaction to any of these desires, to go on towards +the determining of a War upon the grounds contained in their +Declaration, As many of their own Members who have +been faithfull in the Cause of GOD from the beginning, +did dissent from their preceedings, so most of all the Presbyteries +and Synods of this Kingdom, and the Committees +of War in severall Shires did by humble Supplication represent +to the Parliament, how unsatisfied they were in their +consciences concerning the present Engagement: Notwithstanding +of all which, the Engagement hath been carried +on without clearing either of the lawfulnesse or necessity +thereof. Therefore, We having now examined the same +by the Rule of Gods Word, and having found it unlawfull, +as we have warned the whole Kingdom of the danger thereof, +So we hold it our Duty also to warne your Majestie as +the Servants of the most High GOD, and in Name of the +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span>, who must Judge the quick and dead, Earnestly +beseeching your Majestie that as ye would not draw +new guilt upon your Majesties Throne, and make these +Kingdoms again a field of Blood, you would be far from owning +or having any hand in this so unlawfull an Engagement; +Which as it hath already been the cause of so much sorrow +and many sufferings to the People of God in this Land, who +choose affliction rather then sin, So it tendeth to the undoing +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page439">[pg 439]</span><a name="Pg439" id="Pg439" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the Covenant and Work of Reformation: As we do +not oppose the restitution of your Majestie to the exercise of +your Royall Power; So we must needs desire that that +which is GODS be given unto Him in the first place, and +that Religion may be secured before the setling of any humane +interest; Being confident that this way is not only +most for the Honour of GOD, but also for your Majesties +Honor and Safety. And therefore as it was one of our Desires +to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament that +they would solicitie your Majestie for securing of Religion, +and establishing the Solemn League and Covenant in all your +Dominions, that your Majestie might know what they +intend on your behalf was with a subordination to Religion; +So we do now from our selves make this humble address +unto your Majestie, intreating your Majestie as you tender +Truth and Peace, you would be pleased to suffer your self +to be possessed with right thoughts of the League and Covenant, +and of the proceedings of your Majesties loyall +Subjects in relation thereunto, and give your Royall assent +for injoyning of it in all your Dominions. If your Majestie +had been pleased to hearken to our Counsell heranent some +years ago, the blood of many thousands, which now lyes +upon your Majesties Throne, might have been spared, +Popery, Prelacy, Idolatry, Superstition, Profanesse, +Heresie, Error, Sects, and Schismes which are now grown +to so great a height in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, might have been extirpate, +and your Majestie sitting in Peace in your own House, Reigning +over your Subjects with much mutuall contentment +and confidence. And if your Majestie shall yet search out +and repent of all your secret and open Sins, And after so +many dear-bought experiences of the danger of evill Counsell, +be now so wise as to avoid it, and to hearken to us +speaking unto you in the Name of the Lord, We are confident +by this means your Majestie may yet be restored, and +a sure and firme peace procured. We take it as a great +mercy, and as a door of hope, that God still inclines the +hearts of all his Servants to pray for your Majestie; And we +would not have your Majestie to look upon it as a light +thing, that you have been preserved alive, when many +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page440">[pg 440]</span><a name="Pg440" id="Pg440" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +thousands have by your means and procurement fallen on +your right hand and on +your left hand. God forbid that your Majestie should any +longer dispise the word of exhortation, the riches of his +goodnesse, forbearance and long suffering, not knowing +that the goodnesse of God leads you unto Repentance; +For if your Majestie do so, As we are afraid, all +Counsels and Endeavours for your Majesties re-establishment +shall be in vain and without successe, because of the +Wrath of the Lord of Hosts, who brings down the mighty +from his Throne, and scatters the proud in the imaginations +of their hearts; So we shall mourn in secret for it, and for +all the miseries that are like to come upon your Throne and +your Dominions, and comfort our selves, in this, that +we have delivered our own souls. But we desire to hope +better things, and that your Majestie will humble your self +under the mighty hand of God, and be inclined to hearken +to the faithfull advise of his Servants, be willing to secure +Religion, and imploy your Royall Power for advancing +the Kingdom of the Son of God, which will turn as +well to the Honour and Happinesse of your Majesties as to +the Peace and Safety of your Subjects. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc493" id="toc493"></a> +<a name="pdf494" id="pdf494"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">August. 12. 1648, Sess. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ult.</span></span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc495" id="toc495"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act discharging Duels.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly taking in consideration the +many Duels and combats that have been fought, and +Challenges that have been made, and carried, and received +in this Land of late. And being sensible of the exceeding +great offence that comes by so horrible and hainous a sin; +which is a grosse preferring of the supposed credit of the +Creature unto the Honour of the most High God, and an +usurpation upon the office of the Magistrate by private mens +taking of the Sword, And a High degree of murther both +of body and soul, by shedding the blood of the one, and +cutting of the other from time of repenting; And which +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page441">[pg 441]</span><a name="Pg441" id="Pg441" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +doth ordinarily produce many wofull consequents, Therefore +doth enact And Ordain that all Persons of whatsoever +quality who shall either fight Duels, or make, or write, or +receive, or with their knowledge carry Challenges, or go +to the fields, either as Principals, or as Seconds to fight +Duels and Combats, that they shall without respect of Persons +be processed with the Censures of the Kirk and brought +before the Congregation two severall Lords-dayes; In the +first whereof they are sharply to be rebuked and convinced +of the hainousnesse of their sin and offence, and on the next +to make a solemn publick Confession thereof, and profession +of their unfained Humiliation and Repentance for the same. +And if the Person guilty of any of the former offences be an +Elder or Deacon, he is to be removed from his office, and +whatsoever person guilty of any of these offences, shall refuse +to give obedience according to the tenour of this Act, shall +be processed to Excommunication: Declaring always, that +if any be killed at such Duels, the killer shall be proceeded +against by the Kirk as other murtherers. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc496" id="toc496"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning deposed Ministers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly considering that divers Ministers deposed +for Malignancy, and complying with the Enemies +of this Kirk and Cause of God, may be suited +by, and hope to get entry in some Congregation where a +Minister deposed for Malignancy hath been, and may be +supposed to have put on the people a stamp and impression of +Malignancie, and being by the Act of the Generall Assembly +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anno 1645.</span></span> Past all hope of being restored to the +place out of the whilk he was cast: Now also Ordains and +enacts that no Minister deposed for Malignancy and compliance +foresaid (when it shall fall out that he be put in a +capacity of admission to the Ministry) shall enter into the +Congregation of any other Minister who also hath been deposed +for Malignancy and complyance, as said is. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page442">[pg 442]</span><a name="Pg442" id="Pg442" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider +the References of the preceeding Assemblies, and +the most part of Presbyteries not having lent their opinions +in Writ, Therefore do yet again Recommend to Presbyteries +and Provinciall Assemblies to consider all matters +referred by this or by any former Assemblies, and to send +their opinions therein in writ to the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The meeting of the next Generall Assembly is +hereby Appointed to be at</span></span> Edinburgh <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the first</span></span> Wednesday +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of</span></span> Iuly, 1649. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">A. Ker.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page443">[pg 443]</span><a name="Pg443" id="Pg443" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc497" id="toc497"></a> +<a name="pdf498" id="pdf498"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Generall Assembly, Holden at </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh, +July 7. 1649.</span></span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc499" id="toc499"></a> +<a name="pdf500" id="pdf500"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess 4.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc501" id="toc501"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners +of the Generall Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having heard the report +of the Committe appointed for revising the proceedings +of the Commissioners of the preceding +Assembly; And finding thereby, that in all +their proceedings they have been zealous, diligent +and faithfull, in the discharge of the trust committed +to them, do therefore unanimously Approve and Ratify the +the whole proceedings, Acts and Conclusions of the said +Commission; Appointing Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Bell</span></span> +Moderator <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">protempore</span></span>, +to return them hearty thanks in the name the Assembly, for +their great pains, travel and fidelity. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page444">[pg 444]</span><a name="Pg444" id="Pg444" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc502" id="toc502"></a> +<a name="pdf503" id="pdf503"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 10. 1649. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 6.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc504" id="toc504"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his +Majesty.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly having taken in serious consideration +the Report of the Travels and proceedings +of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty presented by +them this day, Together with the Commission and Instructions +which were given unto them; Do finde by the Report, +that they have been very diligent and faithfull in the discharge +of the Trust committed to then. And therefore +doe unanimously Approve of their Carriage and return them +hearty thanks for their great Pains and Travails in that Employment. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc505" id="toc505"></a> +<a name="pdf506" id="pdf506"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 19. 1649 </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 18.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc507" id="toc507"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act discharging promiscuous Dancing.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly finding the scandall and abuse that arises +through promiscuous Dancing: Do therefore inhibite +and discharge the same, and do referre the Censure +thereof to the severall Presbyteries, recommending it to +their care and diligence. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc508" id="toc508"></a> +<a name="pdf509" id="pdf509"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 20. 1649. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 19.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc510" id="toc510"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in +the late unlawfull War against</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to publick +Satisfaction, Together with the Declaration +and Acknowledgement to be subscribed +by them.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly considering what great offence +against God, and Scandall to his People at home and abroad, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page445">[pg 445]</span><a name="Pg445" id="Pg445" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +hath arisen from the late unlawfull Engagement in +War against <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>; whereby, contrary to the Law of God +and of Nations, contrary to the Solemn League and Covenant, +contrary to the Petitions of almost the whole Kingdom, +contrary to the Declarations of the Judicatories of +this Kirk, contrary to the Protestations of a considerable +part of the Parliament, contrary to the frequent and clear +Warnings of the Servants of God in his name, not only an +Association in Counsels and Arms was made with Malignant +Persons, who had formerly shewn their disaffection to the +Covenant in and Cause, but are Invasion of the Neighbour +Nation was prosecuted; from whence flowed the oppression +of the Persons, Estates and consciences of many of the people +of God in this Land, the shedding of the blood of some, +the losse and dishonour of this Nation, and severall other +Inconveniences: and considering that the Commissioners +of the last Generall Assembly, have acquit themselves +faithfully in ordaining to be suspended from the renewing of +the Covenant, and from the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, +such as are designed in their Acts of date the 6. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> & +4 of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December</span></span> last; referring the further consideration and +censure of the Persons foresaid to this present Generall Assembly: +Therefore the Generall Assembly, for removing +of such Offences, and for prevention of the like in time coming, +and for restoring of such as are truely humbled, do +Declare and Appoint. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I. That all those who have been guilty and censured as +aforesaid, and withall do not by their addresses to Kirk Judicatories +testify their dislike thereof, and give evidences of +their Repentance therefore, That these be processed and +continuing obstinate, be excommunicated; But if withall +they go on in premoving Malignant Designes, that they be +forthwith Excommunicated: As also that all such persons +guilty as aforesaid, who after Profession of their Repentance +shall yet again hereafter relapse to the promoting any Malignant +Designe, that these be likewise forth with excommunicated. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +II. That all these who have been guilty and censured as +aforesaid, and desire to testifie their Repentance, and to be +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page446">[pg 446]</span><a name="Pg446" id="Pg446" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +admitted to the Covenant and Communion, shall besides +any Confession in publick before the Congregation subscribe +the Declaration herto sub-joyned, of their unfained detestation +and renunciation of that Engagement, and all other +Malignant courses contrary to the Covenant and Cause, +Promising to keep themselves from such ways in time coming, +and acknowledging that if they shall again fall into +such defection thereafter, they may justly be accounted perfidious +backsliders, and breakers of the Covenant and Oath +of God, and proceeded against with the highest Censures of +the Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +III. That of these who have been guilty and censured as +aforesaid, and desire now to testifie their Repentance, +Whosoever were formerly joyned in Arms or Counsell with +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Graham</span></span> in his Rebellion, or who were Generall persons +or Colonels in the late unlawfull Engagement, Or +who went to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> to bring over Forces for that effect, +Or who have been eminently active in contriving of or seducing +unto the said Engagement, or whosoever above the +degree of a Leutenant Commanded these parties, that in +promoving of the ends of the said Engagement shed blood +within the Kingdom, either before that Army of Engagers +went to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, or after their return, Or who above the +degree foresaid Commanded in the late Rebellion in the +North; That none of these be admitted or received to give +satisfaction, but by the Generall Assembly or their Commissioners. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IV. That all the rest of these who have been guilty, or +censured as aforesaid may be received by the Presbyteries +where they reside. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +V. That all who have been guilty as aforsaid, before +their receiving to the Covenant, shall make a Solemn publick +Acknowledgement in such matter, and before such Congregations +as the Commission of the Generall Assembly or +Presbyteries <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span> shall prescribe, according to the degree +of their offence and scandall given. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +VI. That none of the foresaid Persons be admitted, or +received as Elders in any Judicatories of the Kirk, but according +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page447">[pg 447]</span><a name="Pg447" id="Pg447" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to the Act of the Generall Assembly of the last of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August 1647.</span></span> against complyers of the first Classe. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And because many have heretofore made shew and profession +of their Repentance, who were not convinced of +their guiltinesse nor humbled for the same, but did thereafter +return with the dog to the vomit, and with the sow to +the puddle, unto the mocking of God, and the exceeding +great reproach and detriment of his Cause: Therefore, for +the better determining the Truth and sincerity of the Repentance +of those who desire to be admitted to the Covenant +and Communion: It is appointed and Ordained that none +of those persons who are debarred from the Covenant and +Communion shall be admitted and received thereto, but +such as after exact triall, shall be found for some competent +time before or after the offer of their Repentance, according +to the discretion of the respective Judicatories, to have +in their ordinary conversatione given real Testimony of their +dislike of the late unlawfull Engagement, and of the courses +and wayes of Malignants, and of their sorrow for their +accession to the same; & to live soberly, righteously & godly; +& if any shall be found, who after the defeating of the Engagers +have uttered any Malignant speeches, tending to the +approbation of the late unlawful Engagement, or the blood-shed +within the Kingdome for promoving of the ends of the +said Engagement, or any other projects or practices within +or without the Kingdome; prejudiciall to Religion and the +Covenant, or tending to the reproach of the Ministry, or +the civill Government of the Kingdom, or who have unnecessarily +or ordinarily conversed with Malignant and disaffected +persons, Or who have had hand in, or accession to, +or compliance with or have any wayes countenanced or promoved +any Malignant Design, prejudiciall to Religion and +the Covenant; That these, notwithstanding their profession +of Repentance be not suddenly received, but a competent +time, according to the discretion of the Judicatory, be +assigned to them for tryall of the evidence of their Repentance, +according to the qualifications above mentioned. +And the Generall Assembly Ordains Presbyteries to make +intimation of this Act in the severall Kirks of their bounds so +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page448">[pg 448]</span><a name="Pg448" id="Pg448" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +soon as they can, after the rising of the General Assembly, +that none pretend ignorance; And that Presbyteries +make accompt of their diligence in prosecuting of this Act +to the Quarterly meetings of the Commission of this Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc511" id="toc511"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Declaration and Acknowledgement +before mentioned.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +I, after due consideration +of the late Warre against the Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>; And +having also considered the course pursued and promoted by +the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanerk</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Monro</span></span> and +their Adherents in and about <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, and by others in the late +Rebellion in the North, against all which not only eminent Testimonies of +Gods Wrath have been given in defeating of them, but +they were in themselves sinfull breaches of Covenant, and +preferring the interest of man unto God; I doe herefore in +Gods sight professe, that I am convinced of the unlawfulnesse +of all these ways, as contrary to the Word of God, +and to the Solemn League and Covenant, not only in regard +of the miscarriages of these that were imployed therein, +but also in respect of the nature of these courses themselves; +And therefore professing my unfained sorrow for my +guiltinesse by my accession to the same, doe renounce and +disclaim the foresaid Engagement and all the courses that +were used for carrying on the same, either before or after the +defeat of the Engagers, as contrary to the Word of GOD +and Solemn League and Covenant, and destructive to Religion +and the work of Reformation; And I doe promise +in the power of the Lords strength, never again to own any +of these or the like courses. And if hereafter at any time, I +shall be found to promote any Malignant Design or course, +that I shall justly be accompted a perfidious Covenant breaker +and despiser of God, and be proceeded against with the +highest Censures of the Kirk: Likeas I doe hereby promise +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page449">[pg 449]</span><a name="Pg449" id="Pg449" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to adhere to the Nationall Covenant of this Kingdome +and to the Solemn League and Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, +and to be honest and zealous for promoving all the +ends thereof, as I shall be called thereunto of God, and to +flee all occasions and temptations that may lead me into +any the like snares against the same. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc512" id="toc512"></a> +<a name="pdf513" id="pdf513"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">July 24. 1649. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Postmeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 23.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc514" id="toc514"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Letter to the High & Honourable Court of +Parliament.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Generall Assembly, Humbly Sheweth,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That whereas we have seen & considered the Act of Parliament +abolishing Patronages, and doe highly commend +the piety and zeal of the Estates of Parliament in promoving +so necessary a point of Reformation, The Generall Assembly +do humbly supplicate, that beside the setling of the +Ministers stipends, that the Tythes mentioned in the said +Act, may be affected with the burthen of pious uses, within +the respective Paroches, conform to a draught of an Act +seen by the Commissioners of the late Generall Assembly +before it pasted in Parliament, And that the foresaid Act, +may be made effectuall for the setling of Ministers Stipends +in Kirks erected, and necessary to be erected according to +the Tenour of the Act of Parliament, And for this effect, +that your Lordships will hasten the sitting of the Commission +for Plantation of Kirks, with all convenient diligence, +and your Lordships Answer. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page450">[pg 450]</span><a name="Pg450" id="Pg450" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc515" id="toc515"></a> +<a name="pdf516" id="pdf516"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 27.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc517" id="toc517"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A seasonable and necessary Warning and +Declaration, concerning Present and Imminent dangers, +and concerning duties relating thereto, +from the Generall Assembly of this Kirk, +unto all the Members thereof.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Lord who chooses Jerusalem in a furnace of Affliction, +hath been pleased since the beginning of the work +of Reformation in this Land, to exercise his People with +many trials; all that desired to keep a good conscience, +were not long agoe under many heavy and sad pressures +from the insolency and oppression of a prevailing party of +dis-affected and Malignant men, who under a pretext of +bringing the King to a condition of Honour, Freedom and +Safety, did carry on an unlawfull Engagement against the +Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>: and if the Lord had not been mercifull +unto his people, they were like either to have been banished +out of the Land, or to have been kept in a perpetuall bondage +in their consciences, persons and estates: But he whose +Messengers those men had mocked, and whose word they +had despised, did bring them down suddenly in a day, +and restored liberty and peace unto his people: A mercy +and deliverance, which as it ought to be remembred with +thankfulnesse and praise, so may it engage our hearts not to +faint in troubles and straites that do yet abide us but to trust +in the name of the Lord, who both can and will deliver us +still out of all our afflictions. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Albeit, wee do now enjoy many rich and precious blessing +wherin wee have reason to be comforted, and to rejoyce; +yet it were to shut our own eyes if we should not see our selves +involved in, and threatned with many and great dangers +at home and from abroad, it is matter of exceeding great +sorrow to think upon the ignorance and profanity, the impenitencie +and security that abounds still in the Land, notwithstanding +all the gracious dispensation of the Gospel, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page451">[pg 451]</span><a name="Pg451" id="Pg451" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +means of grace in such purity and plenty, that none of the +Nations round about us can boast of the like, and of all his +sharp rods wherewith he hath afflicted us from year to year, +and of all the mercies and deliverances wherewith he hath +visited us, and of our late solemn confession of sinnes, and +engagement unto duties, sealed with the renewing of the +Covenant and the Oath of God; Which some men have so +far already forgotten, as to return with the dogge to the +vomit, and with the sow to the puddle: And many signes +of inconstancy and levity do appear among all sorts and +ranks of persons, who seem to want nothing but a sutable +tentation to draw them away from their stedfastnesse; Our +Army is not yet sufficiently purged, but there be still in it +Malignant and scandalous men, whose fidelity and constancy, +as it is much to be doubted, so is the wrath of the +Lord to be feared, upon their proceedings and undertakings, +without a speedy and effectuall remedy. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +That prevailing party of Sectaries in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, who have +broken the Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, corrupted +the truth, subverted the fundamentall Government, +and taken away the Kings life look upon us with an evill +eye, as upon these who stand in the way of their monstruous +and new fangled devices in Religion and Government; +And though there were no cause to fear any thing from that +party but the Gangrene and infection of those many damnable +and abominable errours which have taken hold on them +yet our vicinity unto and daily commerce with that Nation, +may justly make us afraid that the Lord may give up many in +this Land unto a spirit of delusion to beleeve lies, because +they have not received the love of the truth. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Neither is the Malignant party so far broken and brought +low, as that they have abandoned all hopes of carrying on +their former designs against the Covenant and work of Reformation: +Beside many of them in this Kingdom, who +are as Foxes tied in chains, keeping their evill nature, and +waiting an opportuny to break their cords, and again to +prey upon the Lords people, there be standing Armies in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, under the command of the Marquesse of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ormond</span></span>, The Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Inchqueen</span></span>, the Lord of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Airds</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Munro</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page452">[pg 452]</span><a name="Pg452" id="Pg452" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +who forgetting all the horrible cruelty that was exercised +by the Irish Rebels, upon many thousands of the English +and Scottish Nations in that land, have entred into a +Peace and Association with them, that they may the more +easily carry on the old designes of the Popish, Prelaticall +and Malignant party, And the Lord of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Airds</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Monro</span></span>, have by treachery and oppression brought the +Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ulster</span></span>, and Garrisons therein, under their power +and Command, and have redacted our country-men, and +such as adhere unto the Covenant, and cause of God in that +Province, unto many miseries and straits, and are like to +banish the Ministers of the Gospell, and to overturn these +faire beginnings of the work of God, which were unto many +a branch of hope, that the Lord meant to make <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> a +pleasant land. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But which is more grievous unto us then all these, our +King notwithstanding of the Lords hand against his Fathers +opposition to the work of God, and of the many sad and +dolefull consequences followed thereupon, in reference to +Religion and his Sebjects, and to his person, and Government, +doth hearken unto the councels of these who were +Authors of these miseries to his Royall Father and his Kingdoms: +By which it hath come to passe, that his Majesty +hath hitherto refused to grant the just and necessary desires +of this Kirk and Kingdom, which were tendred unto him +from the Commissioners of both for securing of Religion, +the Liberties of the Subject, his Majesties Government, +and the Peace of the Kingdome; And it is much to be +feared that those wicked Counsellours may so farre prevaile +upon him in his tender yeers, as to engage him in a warre, +for overturning (if it be possible) of the work of God, +and bearing down all those in the three Kingdoms that adhere +thereto: Which if he shall doe, cannot but bring +great wrath from the Lord upon himselfe and his Throne, +and must be the cause of many new, and great miseries, and +calamities to these Lands. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It concerns a Nation thus sinfull and loaden with iniquity +and involved in so many difficulties and dangers, by timous +repentance and unfained humiliation to draw near to God, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page453">[pg 453]</span><a name="Pg453" id="Pg453" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and to wrastle with him in Prayer and Supplication, that +our sin may be pardoned, and our iniquity done away, and +that he would establish the Land in the love of the truth +and inable every one in their station to do their duty boldly +and without fear, and in humble dependance upon the +Lord, in whom alone is the salvation of his people; Every +man ought with all faithfulnesse and diligence, to make use +of all these means that are approven and allowed of God, +for preserving and carrying on of his work, and for securing +and guarding the Land against all enemies whatsomever, +both upon the right hand and upon the left. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Spirit of errour and delusion in our Neighbour Land, +in the policy of Satan hath vailed it self in many, under the +mask of holinesse and is in the righteous and wise dispensation +of God, armed with power, and attended with successe: +Therefore all the Inhabitants of this land would labour +for more knowledge, and more love of the truth, +without which they may easily be deceived, audled into +tentation, and would learn to distinguish betwixt the shew +and power of godlinesse. We know that there be many in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> who be truly godly, and mourn with us for all the +errours and abominations that are in that land, But it is +without controversie, that that Spirit which hath acted in +the Courses and Counsels of these, who have retarded and +obstructed the work of God, dispised the Covenant, forced +the Parliament, murthered the King, changed the civill +Government, and established so vast a Toleration in Religion, +cannot be the Spirit of Righteousnesse and Holinesse, +because it teaches not men to live godly and righteously, but +drawes them aside into errour and make them to bring forth +the bitter fruits of impiety and iniquity and therefore ought +to be avoyded. And not only are such of our Nation as +travaile in our Neighbour-land, to take heed unto themselves +that they receive not infection from such as are leavened +with Errour, but these also who live at home, especially +in those places where Sectaries, upon pretext of +merchandise, and other civill imployments, ordinarily +traffique and converse. Neither needs any man to be afraid +of the power and successe of that party, Neither needs any +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page454">[pg 454]</span><a name="Pg454" id="Pg454" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +man to be afraid of the power and successe of that party, they +who have gadded about so much to change their way, shall +ere long be ashamed; The Lord hath rejected their confidences, +and they shall not prosper in them; How farre they +may proceed in their Resolutions and Actings against this +Kingdome, is in the hand of the most high; If the Lord +shall suffer that party to invade this land, it may be the comfort +and incouragement of all the inhabitints thereof, that +not only hath that unlawfull engagement against the Kingdom +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> been declared against, and condemned both +by Kirk and State; but also that these men can pretend no +quarrell against us, unlesse it be, that we have adhered unto +the Solemn League and Covenant, from which they have +so foully revolted and backslidden; and that we have borne +testimony against Toleration, and their proceedings in reference +to Religion and Government, and the taking away of +the Kings life: And therefore we trust that in such a case +none will be so farre deficient in their duty as not to defend +themselves against such injust violence, and in the strength +of the Lord to adhere unto their former principles, with +much boldnes of spirit, and willingnesse of heart; In this +certainly we shall have a good conscience and the Lord shall +be with us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We are not so, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, +as not to hold the other upon the Malignants, they +being an enemy more numerous, and no lesse subtile and +powerfull nor the other, and at this time more dangerous +unto us, not onely because experience hath proven that +there is a greater aptitude and inclination in these of our +Land, to complie with Malignants then Sectaries in that +they carry on their wicked designes under a pretext of being +for the King; But also because there be many of them in our +own bowels, and for that they doe pretend to be for maintenance +of the Kings Person and Authority, and (which is +the matter of our grife) because the King ownes their principles +and wayes; which if it be not taken heed unto, may +prove a great snare, and dangerous tentation to many as +side with them against the Lords people, and his cause. +The constant tenour of the carriage of these in this land, who +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page455">[pg 455]</span><a name="Pg455" id="Pg455" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +stand for the Cause of God; are undeniable arguments of +their affection to Monarchy, and to that Royall Family and +Line wich hath sweyed the Scepter of this Kingdom for many +hundreds of yeers past. Albeit his Majestie who lately +reigned, refused to harken to their just desires, yet did they +with much patience and Moderation of mind, supplicate +and solicite his Majesty for satisfaction in these things that +concern Religion and the Covenant, and were still willing, +that upon satisfaction given, he should be admitted to the +exercise of his power; and whatsoever envie and malice objects +to the contrary, were carefull to get assurance concerning +the safety of His Majesties Person, when they brought +their Army out of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>; and when notwithstanding of that +assurance, the prevailing party of Sectaries were acting for +his life, did to the utmost of their power, endeavour by +their Commissioners that there might have been no such proceeding, +And when their desires and endeavours were not +successfull, did protest and bear testimony against the same. +And, as both Kirk and State had testified their tender respect +to his Majesty who now reigns, by their Letters written +to him whilst his Father was yet living, So no sooner did the +Parliament heare of his Fathers death, but they did with +all solemnity proclaim him King of these Kingdoms; And +after they had acquainted his Majesty by Messages with their +proceedings herein, Commissioners were sent both from +State and Kirk instructed with power and Commission to +expresse the affection of this Kingdome to Monarchy, and +his Majesties Person and Goverment, together with their +desires concerning the security of Religion, and the Peace +of those Kingdoms. And albeit the desires of both which +are now published to the world, with his Majesties answers +thereto, are such as are most just and necessary; yet the +Counsels of the malignant party had so great influence upon +his Majesty, that his answers are not only not satisfactory, +but short of that which was many times granted by his Royal +Father, and cannot be acquiesced unto, unlesse we would +abandon the League and Covenant, and betray Religion, +and the cause of God. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page456">[pg 456]</span><a name="Pg456" id="Pg456" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We hold it the duty of all who live in this Land, to wrestle +with God in the behalfe of the King, that he may be recovered +out of the snare of evill Counsell, and brought to give +satisfaction to the publick desires of Kirk and State; and in +their places and stations to use all endeavours with himselfe +and others for that effect, and to be willing, upon satisfaction +given, to admit him to the exercise of his power, and cheerfully +to obey him in all things according to the will of God, +and the lawes of the Kingdom, and to do every thing that +tends to the preservation of his Majesties Person, and just +greatnesse and Authority, in the defence and preservation +of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But if his Majesty, or any having, or pretending power +and Commission from him, shall invade this Kingdom, +upon pretext of establishing him in the exercise of his Royal +power, as it will be an high provocation against GOD to be +accessory or assisting thereto, so will it be a necessary duty +to resist and oppose the same, We know that men are so +forgetfull of the oath of God, and ignorant of +the interest of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, and doe so little +tender that which concerns his Kingdom and the Privileges +thereof, and do so much dote upon absolute and Arbitrary +Government for gaining their own ends, and so much maligne +the Instruments of the work of Reformation, that they +would admit his Majesty to the exercise of his Royal power +upon any termes whatsoever, though with never so much prejudice +to Religion, and the Liberties of these Kingdomes, +and would think it quarrell enough to make War upon all +those who for consciences sake cannot condescend thereto. +But We desire all these who fear the Lord, and mind to keep +their Covenant impartially to consider these things which +followes. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. That as Magistrates and their power is ordained of God, +so are they in the exercise thereof, not to walk according to +their owne will, but according to the Law of equity and +righteousnesse, as being the Ministers of GOD for the +safety of his People; Therefore a boundles and illimitted +power is to be acknowledged in no King nor Magistrate; +Neither is Our King to be admitted to the exercise of his +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page457">[pg 457]</span><a name="Pg457" id="Pg457" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +power as long as he refuses to walk in the Administration +of the same according to this rule, and the established +Laws of the Kingdom, that his Subjects may live under +him a quiet and and peaceable life in all Godlinesse and +honestie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. There is ane mutuall Obligation and Stipulation betwixt +the King and his People; As both of them are tied to +GOD, so each of them are tied one to another for the performance +of mutuall and reciprocall duties: According to +this, It is Satute and Ordained in the 8. Act of the 1. Parliament +of King <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> the 6. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That all Kings, Princes or +Magistrates whatsoever, halding their place, which hereafter shall happen +in any time to Raign and beare rale over this Realm, at the time +of their Coronation and receipt of their Princely Authority, make +their faithfull promise by Oath in the presence of the Eternall GOD +that during the whole course of their lives, they shall serve the same +Eternall GOD to the utmost of their power, according as he hath +required in his most Holy Word contained in the Old and New Testament +and according to the same Word, shall maintain the true Religion +of</span></span> Christ Jesus, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the Preaching of His most Holy Word, and due and +right ministration of His Sacraments now received and Preached +within this Realm, and shall abolish and work against all false religion +contrary to the same, And shall rale the peeple committed to their +charge according to the Will and Command of GOD revealed in his +Word and according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received +within this Realm, And shall procure to the utmost of their power to +the Kirk of God and the whole Christian People, true and perfect +peace in all time comming. And that Justice and Equity be keeped +to all creatures without exception.</span></span> Which Oath was sworn, +first by King <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Iames</span></span> the 6, and afterwards by King +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Charles</span></span> at +his Coronation, and is inferred in our Nationall Covenant, +which was approven by the King who lately Reigned, As +long therefore as his Majesty who now Reignes, refuses to +hearken to the just and necessary desires of State and Kirk, +propounded to his Majesty for the Security of Religion, +and safety of his People, and to engage and oblige himself, +for the performance of his Duty to his People, It is consonant +to Scripture and reason and the Laws of the Kingdom, +that they should refuse to admit him to the exercise +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page458">[pg 458]</span><a name="Pg458" id="Pg458" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of his Government, untill he give satisfaction in these +things. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. In the League and Covenant which hath been so solemly +sworne and renewed by this Kingdom, the Dutie of defending +and preserving the Kings Majesties Person and Authority +is joyned with, and subordinat unto the dutie of +preserving and defending the true Religion and Liberties of +the Kingdoms: And therefore his Majestie standing in opposition +to the just and necessary publick desires concerning +Religion and Liberties, it were a manifest Breach of Covenant, +and a preferring of the Kings interest to the interest +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span>, to bring him to the exercise of his Royal power, +which he, walking in a contrary way, and being compassed +about with Malignant Counsels, cannot but employ +unto the prejudice and ruin of both. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. Was not an Arbitrary Government and unlimited power, +the fountain of most of all the Corruptions both in +Kirk and State? And was it not for restraint of this, and for +their own just defence against Tyranny and injust violence, +which ordinarily is the fruit and effect of such a power, that +the Lords People did joyn in Covenant, and have been at +the expense of so much blood, pains and treasure these yeers +past? And if his Majestie should be admitted to the exercise +of his Government before satisfaction given, were it not +to put in his hand that Arbitrary Power, which we have +upon just and necessary grounds been so long withstanding, +and so to abandon our former Principles, and betrary our +Cause? +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. The King being averse from the Work of Reformation +and the instruments thereof, and compassed about with Malignant +and disaffected men, whom he hearkens unto as his +most faithfull Counsellers, and looks upon as his best and +most Loyall Subjects, We leave it to all indifferent men to +judge, whether his Majestie, being admitted to the exercise +of his Power before satisfaction given, would not +by such Counsells endeavour an overturning of the things +which GOD hath wrought amongst us, and labour to +draw publick administrations concerning Religion and the +liberties of the Subject, unto that course and channall in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page459">[pg 459]</span><a name="Pg459" id="Pg459" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +which they did run under Prelacie, and before the Work of +Reformation: Which we have the more cause to fear, because +his Royall Father did so often declare, that he conceived +himself bound to employ all the power that GOD +should put in his hands to the utmost for these ends; and +that he adheres as yet to his Fathers Principles, and walkes +in his way, and hath made a Peace with the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> Rebels, +by which is granted unto them the full liberty of Popery. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. It is no strange nor new thing for Kingdoms to preserve +Religion of themselves from ruine, by putting restraint +upon the exercise of the power and Government of those +who have refused to grant those things that were necessary +for the good of Religion, and the Peoples safety; There +have bin many precedents of it in this and other nations of +old, and of late. Upon these and other important considerations, +It shall be the wisdom of every one who dwell in the +Land, to take heed of such a temptation & snare, that they be +not accessory to any such designes or endeavours, as they +would not bring upon themselves, and upon their families, +the guilt of all the detriment that will undoubtedly follow +thereupon to Religion and the Covenant, and of all the +miseries and calamities that it will bring upon his Majesties +Person and Throne, and upon these Kingdoms; Such a +thing would in all appearance be the undermining and shaking—if +not the overthrowing and destroying of the work +of Reformation: And therefore whosoever attempt the same, +oppose themselves to the Cause of GOD, and will at last +dash against the Rock of the LORDS Power, which +hath broken in pieces many high and lofty ones since the beginning +of this work in these Kingdoms: And it is unto +us a sure Word of Promise, That whosoever shall associate +themselves, or take counsel together, or gird themselves +against GOD and His Work, shall be broken in pieces. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is not onely joyning in Arms with the Malignant partie, +that all these who would keep their integritie hath need +to beware of, but also subtil devices and designes, that are +promoted by fair pretexts and perswasions to draw men to +dispense at least with some part of these necessarie desires, +that are propounded to his Majestie for securing of Religion, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page460">[pg 460]</span><a name="Pg460" id="Pg460" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +After many turnings and devises the foundation of the unlawful +Engagement was at last laid by his Majesties Concessions +in the year 1648. Wherein though many things seemed +to be granted, yet that was denyed, without which Religion +and the Union betwixt the Kingdoms could not have +been secured: And it is probable, that such a way may be +assayed again, and prosecuted with very much cunning and +skill to deceive and insnare the simple. It doth therefore +concerne all ranks and conditions of persons to be the more +warie and circumspect, especially in that which concerns +the National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, +that before his Majestie be admitted to the exercise +of his Royal Power, that by and aftour the Oath of Coronation, +he shall assure and declare by his Solemn Oath under +his hand and seal his allowance of the National Covenant, +and of the Solemn League and Covenant, and obligation +to prosecute the ends thereof in his Station and Calling, +and that he shall for himself and his successours, consent +and agree to Acts of Parliament, injoyning the Solemn +League and Covenant, and fully Establishing Presbyterial +Government, the Directory of Worship, the Confession +of Faith and Catechisme, as they are approven by the General +Assembly of this Kirk and Parliament of this Kingdom, +in all his Majesties Dominions, and that he shall observe +these in his own Practice and Familie, and that he shall never +make opposition to any of these, nor endeavour any +change thereof. Albeit the League and Covenant be despised +by that prevailing party in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and the Work of +Uniformity, thorow the retardements and obstructions that +have come in the way, be almost forgotten by these Kingdoms, +yet the obligation of that Covenant is perpetual, and +all the duties contained therein are constantly to be minded, +and prosecute by every one of us and our posterity, according +to their place and stations: And therefore we are no +lesse zealously to endeavour, that his Majestie may Establish, +and swear, and subscribe the same, then if it were +unanimously regarded and stuck unto by all the Kingdom of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, for his Majestie swearing and subscribing the League +and Covenant, will much contribute for the Security of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page461">[pg 461]</span><a name="Pg461" id="Pg461" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Religion, his Majesties happinesse, and the Peace of his +Kingdoms. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As it is incumbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom +to be watchful and circumspect, so it concerns these of +the High and Honourable Court of Parliament & their Committees, +in a speciall way to see to their duty, & to be straight +& resolute in the performance of the same; Their former proceedings +is unto us a sufficient evidence and ground of hope, +that they will not be wanting in any necessary testimony of +dutie and Loyalty that they owe to the King, by using all +just and seasonable endeavoures for obtaining satisfaction of +his Majestie, that so he may be established upon his Thrones; +And we trust, that upon the other hand, the sense of +their obligations to God, and his Oath that is upon them, +will make them constantly to adhere to their former principles +resolutions, and desires concerning Religion and the Covenant, +that real satisfaction may be had thereanent, before +the King be put in the exercise of his power; And that +they will carefully provide for the safety of the Kingdom, +both in regard of the intestine dangers, and in regard of invasion +from without; It is not long since they together with the +rest of the Land, made solemn publick Confession of Compliance +with Malignants, carnal confidence, following +of self interests, and hearkening to the Counsels of flesh and +blood, and did in a special way engage themselves to comply, +and seek themselves and their own things no more, +to abandon the counsels of their own hearts, and not to rely +upon the Arm of flesh, and to purge Judicatories and Armies +from Profane and scandalous persons; And God forbid that +they should so soon forget, or neglect so necessary duties +and fall again unto so great and grievous transgressions. We +trust that they will seek the things of CHRIST, and not +their own things, that they will hearken to His Word, and +not walk in the imaginations of their own hearts, that they +will relie upon the Arm of the LORD, and not upon the +arm of flesh, that they will bewary and circumspect in +discerning the dispositions and affections of those whom +they put in trust, and that, seeing this Kingdom hath so much +smarted, & been so often deceived by complyance with Malignants +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page462">[pg 462]</span><a name="Pg462" id="Pg462" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +they will carefully avoid this snare, inregard of those +who were upon the former unlawful Engagement & be tender +in bringing in of such; And wee cannot but exhort them +in the Name of the LORD, to take notice of the Oppression +of the People and Commons in the Land, by the lawlesse +exactions of Land-Lords, Collectours and Souldiers. We do +not justifie the murmurings and grudgings of those, who, +preferring the things of the world to the Gospel and things +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span> repine at necessary burthens, without which +it is not possible that the Land can be secured from invasion +without and insurrection within, or the Cause and People +of GOD be defended from enemies: It is the duty +of every one who hath taken the Covenant, willingly and +with a cheerfull minde to bestow their means and their pains +as they shall be called thereunto, in an orderly way: Yet +should these to whom God hath committed the Government, +take carre that they be not needlessely burthened, +and that none grind their faces by oppression, not only by +making of Lawes against the same, but by searching out of +the cause of the poor, and by executing these Lawes timously +upon these that oppresse them, that they may find +real redresse of their just grievances and complaints, and be +encouraged to bear those burthens which cannot be avoyded. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As the Parliament have begun, so we hope they will +continue, to purge out all these from trust, that are not of +known integrity and affection to the cause of God, and of +a blamelesse and Christian conversation, and that they and +the officers of the Army in their respective places, will +seriously mind, and speedily and resolutely goe about the +removing from the Army all malignant scandalous persons, +and also the removing of Sectaries when any shall be found +therein, that they may give real evidence that they did not +deal deceitfully with God, in the day that they engaged +themselves thereto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Albeit we hope and pray that those who beare charge in +our Army, will from the remembrance of the Lords goodnesse +to them, and the honour that he hath put upon them, +endeavour to carry themselves faithfully, and straightly, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page463">[pg 463]</span><a name="Pg463" id="Pg463" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Yet it cannot be unseasonable to warn them to take heed of +tentations, and to beware of snares that they be not drawn +to indifference or neutrality in the cause of God, much lesse +unto connivance at, or compliance with the courses and +designes of malignants or Sectaries, but to stick closely by +the same, and to be zealous against all the enemies and adversaries +thereof: And it concerns souldiers to be content +with their wages, and to doe violence to no man, but as +they are called unto the defence of the cause and people of +God, so to behave themselves in such a blamlesse and Christian +way, that their carriage may be a testimony to his +cause, and a comfort to his people; So shall our Armies +prosper, and the Lord shall goe out with them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But most of all it concerns the Ministers of the Gospel +whom God hath called to give warning to his people to look +to their duty; It is undeniably true, that many of the evils +wherewith this Kirk and Kingdome hath been afflicted in +our age, have come to passe because of the negligence of +some, and corruptions of others of the Ministry; Whilest +some fell asleep, and were carelesse, and others were covetous +and ambitious, the evil man brought in Prelacy, and +the Ceremonies, & had farre promoted the Service-Book, +and the Book of Cannons; and the course of backsliding and +revolting was carried on, untill it pleased God to stirre up +the spirits of these few, who stood in the gap to oppose and +resist the same, and to begin the work of Reformation in +the Land; Since which time; the silence of some Ministers, +and compliance of others, hath had great influence +upon the backsliding of many amongst the people, who upon +the discovery of the evill of their way, complain that +they got not warning, or that if they were warned by some, +others held their Peace, or did justifie them in the course +of their backsliding; We can look upon such Ministers no +otherwise then upon those that are guilty of the blood of the +Lords people, and with whom the Lord will reckon for all +the breach of Covenant, and defection that hath been in the +Land. The Priests lips should preserve knowledge, and +they should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the messenger +of the Lord of Hosts; But such are departed out of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page464">[pg 464]</span><a name="Pg464" id="Pg464" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +way, and hath caused many to stumble at the Law, therefore +hath the Lord made them contemtible and base before +all the people; acccording as they have not kept his wayes, +but have been partiall in his law; because they have lost +their savour, he hath cast out many of them as unsavoury +salt: But such as have been faithfull, as he hath preserved +from the violence and fury of men, so hath he verified his +word in their mouths, both against his enemies, and concerning +his people and his work; And makes them see, +though not all their desires concerning the Gospel, and the +work of God in the land yet very much of the fruit of their +labour, by preserving the doctrine and all the ordinances of +Jesus Christ in their purity, and adding in some measure +thereto the power and life thereof. We doe therefore +charge all the Ministers of the land, before God and the +Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead +at his appearing in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be ensamples +of a good conversation, and to walk without offence, +that the ministry be not blamed; So to take heed +unto the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them +overseers, to declare unto them all the Counsell of God, +and to give them timous warning concerning every danger +and duty, and to hold forth unto them the solid grounds of +reall consolation, by which they may be encouraged and +comforted in all their trials and afflictions; that they may +be free of the blood of all men, and have this as a ground of +rejoycing, even the testimony of their consciences, +that in simplicity and godly purenesse, not with fleshly +wisdome, but by the grace of God they have had their conversation +in the world, and have exhorted and comforted +and charged every one committed unto them as a Father +doth his childrren. Especially, Ministers are +to be careful to be much indiscovering the temptations, +and pressing the duties of the times that these who are +under their charge may know what to avoid, and what +to embrace and pursue: If all the Watchmen in the Land +shall give warning, and blow the Trumpet at once, it shall +not be easie for enemies to prey upon the people of God. +Wee know no cause why any whom God hath called to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page465">[pg 465]</span><a name="Pg465" id="Pg465" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +preach the Gospel, should be afraid to speak boldly in the +Name of the Lord; since God hath given so manifest a testimony +of his care and protection, in preserving them, these +yeers past, who have striven to be faithfull to him who hath +called them from all the fury and malice of haters of the +work of God and of the Kingdom or of his Sonne Jesus Christ, +who hath promised to be with his servants unto the end of +the world. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and +compassed about with great and iminent dangers, yet there +is hope and ground of consolation concerning this thing. +The Lord is in the midst of us, and we are called by his +name, our eares hear the joyfull sound of the Gospel, and +and our eyes see our Teachers; We behold the arms of the +Lord stretched out daily in working salvation for his people, +and answering their desires upon their enemies by terrible +things in righteousnesse; Although we be but few in number, +yet the Lord of Hosts is with us, and in the power of +his strenth we shall be able to prevaile. Although our land be +filled with sin, yet we have not been forsaken of the Lord +our God, but he hath alwayes had compassion upon us, and +delivered us in all our distresses; Although some of understanding +fall, it is but to try, and to purge and to make +white even to the end, because it is yet for a time appointed; +Although many cleave to us by flatteries, yet there be a +remnant who keep their integrity, and the Lord shall doe +good to these that be good, but such as turn aside to crooked +wayes, shall be led forth with the workers of iniquity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Lords people in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, who adhere to +the cause and Covenant, may be perplexed, but shall not +despair; they may be persecuted, but shall not be forsaken; +they may be cast down, but shall not be destroyed: And +although uniformity, and the work of Reformation in these +lands, seem not only to be retarded, but almost pluckt up +by the roots, and the foundation thereof razed; Yet the +seed which the Lord hath sowen there, shall again take +root downward, and bear fruit upward, The zeal of the +Lord of Hosts shall performe this. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page466">[pg 466]</span><a name="Pg466" id="Pg466" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc518" id="toc518"></a> +<a name="pdf519" id="pdf519"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">30. July 1649. Antemeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 30.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc520" id="toc520"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act concerning Catechising.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly taking to their serious Consideration +the great darknesse and Ignorance, wherein a +great part of this Kingdom lyeth, together with the late +Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy thereof, +doe ordaine every Minister with assistance of the Elders of +their severall Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house +where there is any who can read, there be at least one Copie +of the Shorter and Larger Catechisme, Confession of Faith +and Directorie for Familie worship. And doe renew the +Act of the Assemblie <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August 30. 1639.</span></span> for a day of weeklie +Catechising, to be constantly observed in every Kirk, And +that every Minister so Order their Catethetick Questions, +as thereby the People, (who doe not conveen all at one +time but by turns unto that exercise) may at every dyet +have the chief heads of saving knowledge in a short view +presented unto them, And the Assembly considering that +notwithstanding of their former Act, these dyets of weekly +Catechising are much slighted and neglected by many Ministers +throughout this Kingdome, Doe therefore Appoint +and Ordaine every Presbytery, to take triall of all the ministers +within their bounds once at least in the halfe year, +whither they be carefull to keep weekly dyets of Catechising; +And if they shall finde any of their number negligent +herein they shall admonish for the first fault, and if after +such admonition they shall not amend, The Presbyterie +for the second fault shall rebuke them sharply, and if +after such rebuke they doe not yet amend, they shall be +suspended. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page467">[pg 467]</span><a name="Pg467" id="Pg467" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc521" id="toc521"></a> +<a name="pdf522" id="pdf522"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 40.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc523" id="toc523"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for publick Affaires.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assemblie Considering how necessary it is +for preservation of Religion in this Kingdom, and +prosecution of the work of uniformity in all his Majesties +dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted to +that effect be renewed: Therefore they doe renew the +power and Commission granted for the Publick affairs of the +Kirk by the Generall Assemblies held at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Saint Andros</span></span> 1642. +and at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1647. and +1648, unto the Persons following, viz. Masters <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Rollock, +John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo. Murray, +Harie Livingston, William Macjore, Hew Henderson, Samuel +Austine, Gavin Young, David Laing, William Maxwell, John +Macleland, James Irving, Robert Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas +Wylie, Hew. Eccles, John Bell, John Nevoy, William Gutherie, +John Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles, Alex. Dunlope, Harie Semple, +David Dickson, Patrick Gillespie, James Durham, Robert Baillie, +William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, James Nasmith, Richard +Inglis, William Summervail, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair, +Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, John Macgill Elder, Alex. +Balfoure, William Row, John Moncriefe, Fredrick Carmichaell, +Herie Wilke, William Oliphant, George Pitillo, John Robison, James +Thomsone, William Rate, Da. Campbell, Andro Cant, Io. Menzes, +Andro Abercromby, Robert Sheyn, William Forbes, John +Paterson, Duncan Forbes, Will. Chalmers, John Annand, Will. +Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert Jameson, Gilbert Marshell, +Jo. Dallase, Wil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho. Suintoun, +James Strateum, Jo. Douglass, James Guthrie, Tho. Donaldson, +Will Jameson, John Livingstoun, John Scot, Andro. Dunkeson, +John Dalzell, Arthur Forbes, James Fleming, James Robison, +Hew Campbel, Robert Douglasse, Mungo Law, George Leslie, +John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, John Smyth, Hew Mackell, +Geo: Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim Melvill, +Iohn Low, Gilbert Hall, George Bennet, Kenneth Logie, John +Crafurd</span></span> Ministers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Marquesse of Argyle</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page468">[pg 468]</span><a name="Pg468" id="Pg468" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of Sutherland, Alex.</span></span> E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of Eglintoun, +John</span></span> E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of Cassills, Wil.</span></span> E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">of +Lothian</span></span>, the Viscount of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arbuthnet, Da. L. Elcho</span></span> +Lo. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Briehen, Rob.</span></span> Lo. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Burly, James Lo. +Couper</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archald Johnstoun of Waristoun</span></span> Clerk Register, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sir Daniel Carmichael</span></span> Thesaurer Depute, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sir +John Hope</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Craighall, Mr George Winraham</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Southhal, Alex. +Brodie</span></span> of that ilk, four of the ordinary Lords of the Session, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Ersken of Scotscrage</span></span>, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wauchtoun, +Sir David Hume</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wedderburne, Laird</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edzell</span></span>, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nidrie, Sir +William Scot</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Harden</span></span>, Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Greenheid</span></span>, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Freeland</span></span>, +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cesnock</span></span>, Sr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Stewart</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirk field</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Suintoun</span></span> younger, +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eight</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Fraser</span></span>, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ker</span></span>, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fernie</span></span>, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rob. Adair</span></span>, Sheriff of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tiviotdail</span></span> +younger, Tutor of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pitsligo</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Chiesly</span></span>, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Englistoun</span></span>, Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leslie</span></span> younger, Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunbeth</span></span>, La. +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wetertoun</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jo. Smyth</span></span>, Mr +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Colvill</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Blair, Whitbank</span></span> +younger, La. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grenock, Galloshiels</span></span> younger, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Buchchantie, +Grachlaw, Cloberhil, Dalserf</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Burnet</span></span> +younger, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tho. Murray, James Eleis, David Kennedie, +Alex Jaffray, James Sword, George Porterfield, Mr Rob. Barclay, +Hew Kennedey, Will. Glendoning, Thomas Machirnie, +Rob. Lockhart</span></span>, Er <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Campbel, John Carsane, John Boswel.</span></span> +D. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Donglasse, Mr Alex. Skeen, William Broun Elders</span></span>, +Giving unto them full Power and Commission to do all and +every thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, +Discipline, Worship and Government in this Kirk, against +all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrarie +thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting +and bringing the works of uniformitie in Religion in all his +Majesties dominions to a happy conclusion conform to the +former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them +whereof 13. shall be Ministers, to meet in this Citie to morrow +the 7. of this instant, and thereafter upon the second +Wednesday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Novemb. February</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May</span></span> next, +and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit: +Giving also unto them full power, to send Commissioners +to the Kingdom of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, for prosecuting the Treatie of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page469">[pg 469]</span><a name="Pg469" id="Pg469" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Uniformitie as they shall find conveniencie, and to give +Instructions and Commissions to that effect conform to former +Commissiones granted thereanent: And Likewise in +case delinquents have no constant residence in any one Presbyterie, +or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these +cases The Assembly gives to the persons before named +power of censuring Compliers & persons disaffected to the +Covenant, according to the Acts of the Assembly, Declaring +alwayes and providing, that Ministers shall not be Deposed, +but in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Commission; +And further authorizes them as formerlie, with +full power to make Supplications, Remonstrances; Declarations +and Warnings, to Indict Fasts and Thanksgivings +as there shal be cause, to protest against all encroachments +upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to Censure all such as +Interrupt this Commission or any other Church Judicatorie, +or the execution of their Censures, or of any of her sentences +or Acts Issuing from them; And with full power to them +to treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto them by +this Assemblie, as fullie and freelie as if the same were here +fully expressed, and with as ample power as anie Commission +of anie former Generall Assemblies hath had or been in +use of before: Declaring also that all opposers of the Authoritie +of this Commission in matters intrusted to them, +shall beholden as opposers of the Authoritie of the Generall +Assemblie, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings +are Comptable to, and Censurable by the next Generall +Assemblie. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc524" id="toc524"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Directorie for Election of Ministers.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +When any Place of the Ministrie in a congregation is +vacant, it is Incumbent to the Presbyterie with all +diligence to send one of their number to Preach to that +Congregation who in his doctrine is to represent to them +the necessitie of providing the place with a qualified pastor, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page470">[pg 470]</span><a name="Pg470" id="Pg470" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and to exhort them to fervent prayer and supplication to the +Lord that he would send them a Pastor according to his own +heart: As also he is to signifie that the Presbyterie out of +their care of that Flock will send unto them Preachers, +whom they may hear, and if they have a desire to hear any +other, they will endeavour to procure them an hearing of +that person or persones upon the sute of the Elders to the +Presbyterie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. Within some competent time thereafter, the Presbyterie +is again to send one or more of their number to the +said vacant Congregation, on a certain day appoynted before +for that effect, who are to conveen and hear sermon the +foresaid day, which being ended, and intimation being +made by the Minister, that they are to goe about the Election +of a pastor for that Congregation, the Session of the +Congregation shall meet and proceed to the Election, the +action being moderated by him that Preached, And if the +people shall upon the intimation of the Person agreed upon +by the Session acquiesce and consent to the said person, +Then the matter being reported to the Presbyterie by +Commissioners sent from the session, they are to proceed +to the triall of the person thus Elected, And finding him +qualified, to admit him to the Ministry in the said Congregation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. But if it happen that the Major part of the Congregation +dissent from the person agreed upon by the Session, In that +case the matter shall be brought unto the Presbyterie, who +shall Judge of the same; And if they doe not find their Dissent +to be grounded on Causlesse prejudices, they are to appoynt +a new Election in manner above specified. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. But if a lesser party of the Session or Congregation shew +their dissent from the Election without exceptions relevant +and verified to the Presbyterie, Notwithstanding thereof +the Presbyterie shall go on to the trials and ordination of +the person elected; Yet all possible diligence and tendernesse +must be used to bring all parties to an harmonious +agreement. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page471">[pg 471]</span><a name="Pg471" id="Pg471" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. It is to be understood that no person under the Censure +of the Kirk because of any scandalous offence is to be admitted +to have hand in the election of a Minister. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, +in that case the Presbyterie is to provide them with a +Minister. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc525" id="toc525"></a> +<a name="pdf526" id="pdf526"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. Ult.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc527" id="toc527"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">A Brotherly Exhortation from the General +Assembly of the Church of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Scotland, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to their +Brethren in</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> England.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The many and great obligations which lie upon us in reference +to our Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, who hold fast their +integrity, and adhere to the Solemn League and Covenant, +together with the desire which we have to rectifie our Sympathie +with them in their afflictions, and to preserve so far +as in us lieth that fellowship and correspondence that hath +been entertained betwixt the Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +these years past, do call upon us and constrain us not to be +silent in this day of their trouble and distress. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Albeit the Lord (who hath his fire in Zion, and his furnace +in Ierusalem) hath now for a long time past, afflicted +these Kingdoms with many & sharp rods, and that his wrath +seems not yet to be turned away, but his hand stretched out +still; yet in all this, it becomes us who live in these lands +to stop our mouthes, neither can any impute iniquity to the +most High. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is rather a wonder, that any mercy should be continued, +and that <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> are not cut off from being +Nations, seeing the back-slidings and provocations of both +has been so many and so grosse, Although the Solemn League +and Covenant was sworne and subscribed by both, yet +have many in both despised the Oath of GOD, as appears +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page472">[pg 472]</span><a name="Pg472" id="Pg472" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +by the late unlawfull Engagement against the Kingdom of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, contrived and carried on by a prevailing party of +Malignants in this Land, and by the proceedings of the +Sectaries in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, in reference to Religion and Government. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We shall not insist upon what hath been the condition and +carriage of the Lords People in this Land in reference to the +late unlawfull Engagement: As we desire to magnifie the +power and loveing kindenesse of the Lord, who enabled all +the Judicatures of this Church, and a considerable part of +the Parliament, and the body of the Land, to dissent from, +and bear Testimony against the same, which made the House +of Commons in their Letter directed to the last Generall +Assembly or their Commissioners, to declare, that that +Engagement could not be looked on as a Nationall breach, +So we look upon it as a wonder of his Wisdom and Mercy, +that he hath disposed and directed the same for the furtherance +of his Work in our hand, and purging his House amongst +us. All this cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, +who is wonderfull in Counsel and Excellent in Working. +Neither was it the least part of the lords goodnesse to us, +in that day of our strait that we were led in a plain path, +and kept from complyance with Sectaries on the one hand, +no less then with Malignants on the other. We have obtained +this mercy to be steadfast to our old principles, in +bearing free and faithfull Testimony against their proceedings, +both in reference to Toleration and Government, +and the taking away of the Kings life. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And as the danger and judgement which threatens the +Authors and Abettors of these things, doth affect our Spirits +with horrour, and maketh us desire that it may be given +to them of God to repent: So we should conceive our selves +void of Christian affection and compassion toward those +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, who suffer for the truth and Cause of God, if +we were not very sensible of all their present troubles and +calamities. It is no small grief to us, that the Gospel and +Government of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jesus Christ</span></span> are so despised in that Land that +faithfull Preachers are persecuted and cryed down, that +Toleration is established by pretext of Law, and maintained +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page473">[pg 473]</span><a name="Pg473" id="Pg473" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Military power, and that the Covenant is abolished and buried +in oblivion. All which proceedings, cannot but be +looked upon as directly contrary to the Oath of God lying +upon us, and therefore cannot eschew his Wrath when he +shall come in Judgement, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">to be a swift witnesse against those that +swear falsly by his Name.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +These things are the more grievous to us, because (beside +many other wofull evils brought forth by them) they +have interrupted the building of the Lords House in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>; +the foundation whereof was laid by Oath and Covenant +with the most High God, and followed for some years +with many Declarations and Protestations of Faithfull adhering +thereto, and with great expense of blood and Treasure: +Which things were to all the godly in these Nations a +branch of hope, that the Lord would bring to perfection +the Work of Uniformity (so far advanced in all the parts +thereof) in these three Kingdoms. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +But the great obstructions and sad interruptions that have +been made therein, by the strange and unexpected practises +of many now in place and power in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, are to all the +welaffected in both Kingdoms, and in all the Churches abroad, +the mater of their sorrow and humiliation. And if +there be any place left for admonition, we Warn such as +have forgotten the Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, +and turned aside to lies and errour, to consider whence they +are fallen, and to repent. Prosperity and success for a time +are no warrantable evidences of a good Cause, nor sufficient +guards against the wrath of God; It is no good use of +the Lords mercy for such men under pretext of Liberty to +make both themselves and others slaves to corruption, and +to make all men both in Church and State like the fishes of +the Sea, or the creeping things that have no ruler over them. +Are these things according to the Word of God, and the +pattern of the best Reformed Churches? Or is that the endeavour +to bring the three Kingdoms to the nearest uniformity +that may be in Doctrine, Worship, Government, and +Discipline; Or is that the maintaining of the union betwixt +the three Kingdomes, when the straitest bond thereof is utterly +dissolved and quite taken away, and the fundamentall +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page474">[pg 474]</span><a name="Pg474" id="Pg474" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Government by King and Parliament wholly overturned; +The just God who is of pure eyes beholds these things, and +shall with no lesse fury and indignation break the horn of +these men, then he hath broken the power, and brought +down the pride of Malignants before them, if repentance +prevent not. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Amidst these sors and griefes it is unto us matter of rejoycing, +that there be many in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> who mourn for all +these abominations, and labour to keep their garments pure +by refusing to comply with that course of backsliding, and +by bearing testimony against the same. And we hope the +expectation of such, shall not be disappointed, but that the +Lord will open to them a doore for carrying on of +his work, and making the lying spirit to passe out of that +land. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And albeit many think no otherwise of the Covenant and +work of Reformation, then as a mean to further their own +ends; yet we are confident, that none who holds fast their +integrity, have so learned Christ, but are carefull to make +conscience of the oath of God lying on them; And we are +sure (whatever be the base thoughts and expressions of backsliders +from the Covenant) it wants not many to own it in +those Kingdomes, who (being called thereto) would seale +the same with their blood. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Although there were none in the one Kingdome who did +adhere to the Covenant, yet thereby were not the other +Kingdom nor any person in either of them absolved from +the bond thereof, since in it we have not only sworne by the +Lord, but also covenanted with him. It is not the failing +of one or more that can absolve others from their duty or tye +to him; Besides, the duties therein contained, being in +themselves lawfull, and the grounds of our tye thereunto +moral, though others do forget their duty, yet doth not +their defection free us from that obligation which lyes upon +us by the Covenant in our places and stations. And the +Covenant being intended and entred into by these Kingdoms, +as one of the best means of stedfastnesse, for guarding +against declining times; It were strange to say that the +back-sliding of any should absolve others from the tye thereof, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page475">[pg 475]</span><a name="Pg475" id="Pg475" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +especially seeing our engagement therein is not only +nationall, but also personall, every one with uplifted +hands swearing by himselfe, as it is evident by the tennor of +the Covenant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +From these and other important reasons, it may appear +that all these Kingdomes joyning together to abolish that oath +by law, yet could they not dispense therewith; Much lesse +can any one of them, or any part in either of them doe the +same. The dispensing with oathes hath hitherto been abhorred +as Antichristian, and never practised and avowed +by any, but by that man of sin; therefore those who take +the same upon them, as they joyn with him in his sin, so +must they expect to partake of his plagues. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +As we shall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to +the faithfull that adhere to the Covenant in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, having +them alwayes in our hearts before the Lord, so we desire to +be refreshed with their singlesse and boldnesse in the cause of +God, according to their places. This is the time of their +triall, and the houre of tentation among them; blessed shall +they be who shall be found following the Lamb, and shall +not be ashamed of his testimony. We know in such dark houres, +many are drawne away with the multitude, whom the +Lord will again purge and make white; And we doubt not +but many such are in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, whom the bold clear preaching +of Christ may reclaim; Much therefore lieth upon the +Watch-men all this time, that their Trumpet may give a certain +and distinct sound, warning and exhorting every one, as +those that must give account; And blessed shall those servants +be, who shall be found faithfull in their Lords house, distributing +to his houshold what is meet for this season, and can +say they are free of the blood of all men, having shewen them +the whole Counsell of God, being in nothing terrified of +the threats of their adversaries; And blessed & happy shall that +people be, that walk in the light holden forth by them, and +staye upon the Lord in this dark time, harkning to the voyce +of his servants, & walking in the light of his word & not in +the sparks of their owne kindlings, which will end in sorrow. +How inexcusable will <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> be, having so foulie revolted +against so many faire testimionies, which the Lord Christ hath +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page476">[pg 476]</span><a name="Pg476" id="Pg476" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +entred as Protestations to preserve his right, in these ends +of the earth long since given unto him for his possession, and +of late confirmed by Solemne Covenant. Christs right to +these Kingdomes is surer then that he should be pleaded out +of it by pretended liberty of Conscience, and his begun possession +is more precious to him, then to be satisfied with a +dishonourable toleration. All that yet we have seen, doth +not weaken our confidence of the Lords glorifying the house +of his glory in these lands, and of his sonnes taking unto +him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power +of his Ordinances in this Island. His name is wonderfull, +and so also are his workes, we ought not therefore to square +them according to our line, but leave them to +him, who hath the government laid upon his shoulder, all +whose wayes are judgement, & whose ruling these Kingdoms +had never yet reason to decline. It is good for us to be stedfast +in our duty, and therein quietly to wait and hope for the salvation +of God. The word of promise is sure, (and hath an +appointed time) that he that will come shall come and will +not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords +word to his people; It hath often to our experience been +tryed in the fire, and hath ever come forth with a more glorious +lustre. Let not therefore these that suffer in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> +cast away their confidence, they are not the first who have +needed patience after that they had done the Lords will. But +let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble +knees, and say to the fearfull in heart, be strong, fear not, +behold your God will come with vengeance, even God +with a recompence, he will come and save you. Now the +just shall live by faith, whereas these that draw back, or +become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul shall abhorre +them, and he shall spue them out of his mouth, But +we perswade our selves of better things of these our brethren +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and prayeth that the God of Peace who brought +again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepheard +of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, +may make them perfect in every good work to doe +his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page477">[pg 477]</span><a name="Pg477" id="Pg477" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +fight through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever. +AMEN. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc528" id="toc528"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland +Boyes at Schooles.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly Considering that the contribution +of fourty shillings for entertaining of Highland +boyes at Schools, in respect of the penury and great indigence +of those parts hath not taken the intended effect. Therefore +in respect of the necessity and profitablenesse of so +pious a work The Assembly in lieu of the said fourty shillings +Do Appoint and Ordain that there be an extraordinary +Collection at the Kirk doors for that use one Sabbath in the +year: And to that effect, that a certain Sabbath yearly be +appointed and designed whereupon that collection shall be +gathered, intimation being made by the Minister the Sabbath +before to prepare for such a collection, and the necessity and +usefulnesse thereof being laid out to the people for that end. +And if the collection in any little private Congregation shall +be lesse then fourty shillings, The Session shall make up what +wants of fourty shillings; And where the collection is more, +it is hereby specially inhibited and discharged that any part +thereof be retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever; +and these Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly +appointed to receive the fourty shillings, that they +may see the right distribution and employment thereof; Recommending +the Presbyteries see this punctually performed. +And accompt thereof shall be craved at Synods +and Generall Assemblies. It is alwayes to be remembred +that the Congregations exeemed from the fourty shillings +are also exeemed from this Collection. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page478">[pg 478]</span><a name="Pg478" id="Pg478" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc529" id="toc529"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for a conference of Ministers, +Lawyers and Physitians, Concerning the tryal +and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming +and Consulting.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly Taking to their serious consideration +the growth of the sins of Witchcraft, Charming and +Consulting, notwithstanding the frequent Recommendations +for restraining thereof; And remembring that the Generall +Assembly 1647. did propose a good way for the tryal +and punishment of these sinnes, by appointing conferences +with some Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians in that matter +which hath never yet taken effect; Therefore the Assembly +doth appoint Masters, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Dowglas, Robert Blair, +Mungo Law, James Hammilton, John Smith, Robert Traill, +George Leslie, John Hamilton, Iohn Duncan, Samuel Rutherfoord, +James Wood, Iohn Leviston, Iames Guthrie, Andro +Cant, David Calderwood, Iohn Moncreiff, Frederick Carmichael, +Iames Durhame, Patrick Gillespie, Robert Ker, Ephraim +Melvil</span></span>, Ministers, To consider seriously of that matter, +and to consult and advise therein amongst themselves, +As also with Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Iohnston</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wariston</span></span>, +Clerk Register, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Nicolson</span></span> his Majesties Advocate, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Peirson</span></span>, one of the ordinary Lords +of Session, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lewes Stewart</span></span>, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Colvil</span></span>, and Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Iames Robertson</span></span> Iustice Deputes, Masters +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rodger Mowit, John Gilmoir</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Iohn +Nisbet</span></span>, Laweers; and with Doctors <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sibbald, Cunninghame</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Purves</span></span>, Physitians severally +or together as occasion shall offer; And the Assembly +earnestly requests & confidently expects from their learned +and Iudicious Lawyres and Physitians beforenamed, their +best endeavours and concurrence with their brethren of the +Ministrie for advise and counsell herein, and for conference +in the said matter; And Ordaine the said brethren to make +report of the result of their consultations and conferences +from time to time as they make any considerable progresse to +the Commission for publick affaires, And the said Commission +shall make report to the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page479">[pg 479]</span><a name="Pg479" id="Pg479" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc530" id="toc530"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters +and Precenters.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly do humbly Recommend to the +Parliament or Committee for plantation of Churches, +that whatever either in Paroches of Burghs or Landwart, +was formerly given to the maintenance of these who were readers +precentors in Congregations, and teachers of Schooles +before the establishing of the Directory for publick Worship, +may not be in whole or in part alienat or taken away, but +reserved for the maintenance of sufficient schoolmasters +and precentors who are to be approven by the Presbyterie; +And Presbyteries are hereby required to see that none of that +maintenance given to the foresaid uses or in use to be payed +thereunto before the establishing of the Directory of Worship, +to be drawn away from the Church. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc531" id="toc531"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Acts concerning Persons to be admitted +Bursars.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly doe hereby Ordaine That none be sent to +Universities from Presbyteries, nor be admitted as +Bursers of divinitie, but pious youths, and such as are +known to be of Good expectation and approven abilities. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc532" id="toc532"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Reference to the Commission for publick affaires +for re-examining the Paraphrase, of the Psalmes +and the emitting the same for publicke use.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly having taken some view of the +new Paraphrase of the Psalmes in meeter with the corrections +and animadversions thereupon sent from several +Persons and Presbyteries, and finding that they cannot overtake +the review and examination of the whole in this +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page480">[pg 480]</span><a name="Pg480" id="Pg480" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Assembly; Therefore now after so much time and so great +paines about the correcting, and examining thereof from +time to time some yeares bygone, that the worke may come +now to some conclusion, They do ordain the Brethren appointed +for perusing the same during the meeting of this Assembly, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Masters <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hammilton, Iohn Smith, Hew +Mackall, Robert Traill, George Hutcheson</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Lawrie</span></span>, +after the dissolving of this Assembly to goe on in that worke +carefully, And to report their travels to the Commission of +the Generall Assembly for publick affaires at ther meeting at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November</span></span>; And the said +Commission after perusall and re-examination thereof, is hereby authorised +with full power to conclude and establish the Paraphrase, +and to publish and emit the same for publick use. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc533" id="toc533"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Letter to the Kings Majestie.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Most gracious Soveraigne,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Wee your Majesties most humble and Loyall Subjects, +the Commissioners from all the Presbyteries in this +your Majesties ancient Kingdome, and members of this +present Nationall Assembly, Having expected to finde at +our meeting, a gracious and Satisfactory returne to those +humble representations made to your Majestie at the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hague</span></span>, +by the Commissioners of this Kirk, cannot but expresse +our great sorrow and griefe, that your Majesties +goodnes has been so far abused, As that not only the just +and necessary desires presented by them to your Majestie, +which so much concerne the glory of God, your owne +honour and happinesse, the peace and safety of your Kingdomes, +are utterly frustrated, as wee perceive by the paper +delivered in answer to them; but also this Assembly +hath not received so much as any signification by letter +of your Majesties minde: Which princely condescension +had not wont to be wanting in your Royall Father, to former +Generall Assemblyes, even in times of greatest distance. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page481">[pg 481]</span><a name="Pg481" id="Pg481" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our witnesse is in heaven, and record on high, that wee +are not conscious to our Selves of any undutifull thought or +disloyall affection, that might have procured this at your +Majesties hands; And that, as wee doe from our hearts +abominate and detest that horrid fact of the Sectaryes against +the life of your Royall Father our late Soveraigne, So it is +the unfained and earnest desire of our soules, that the Ancient +Monarchicall government of these Kingdoms, may +be established and flourish in your Majesties person all the +dayes of your life, and be continued in your royall Family +which by divine providence hath without interruption +raigned over us and our predecessors for so many Generations +since the time that we were a Kingdom, And that +there is nothing under the glory of God, and cause of our +Lord Jesus Christ, for which wee doe more heartily solicit +the throne of grace, Or would more readily expose +unto hazard all that is deare to us in the world, then for +this. And now though this very great discouragement +might incline us to hold our peace at this time, Yet the +tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection and Love to +your Majesties happinesse (which many waters cannot +quench) together with the Conscience of our duty which +Our Lord and Master has laid upon us, in this our place +and station, constraineth us, yea, and your Majesties owne +goodnesse and gracious disposition, whereof the late Commissioners +have given us so Large a testimony, Doth much +encourage us, to renew our addresses to your Majestie in +this humble faithfull representation, both of the great and +growing dangers to your Royall person and Throne, and +of these duties, which the Lord of Lords and King +of Kings, call for from you, as you would look to finde +favour in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your deepe +distresses. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your +Majesties behalf, when we look upon the sad calamities +which have been already produced by such wayes and courses, +as we perceive your Majestie is entred, and in danger +to be further led away into, by the prevalency of evill Councell +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page482">[pg 482]</span><a name="Pg482" id="Pg482" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +upon your tender age: Particalarly, Your refusing to +give satisfaction to the just and necessary desires of the people +of God, for advancing the work of Reformation of +Religion, and establishing and securing the same in your +Majesties Dominions, which is nothing else, but to oppose +the Kingdome of the Sonne of God, by whom Kings +doe raigne, and to refuse that he should raigne over you and +your Kingdomes in his pure Ordinances of Church government +and Worship; Your cleaving unto these men as your +trustiest Counsellors, who, as they never had the glory of +God, nor good of his people before their eyes, so now in all +their wayes and Counsels, are seeking nothing but their owne +interests, to the hazard of the utter subversion of your +Throne, the ruine of your Royall Family, and the desolation +of your Kingdomes; Your owning the practises, +and intertaining the Person of that flagicious man, and most +justly excommunicate Rebell, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Graham</span></span>, who has exercised +such horrid cruelty upon your best Subjects in this +Kingdom, which cannot but bring upon your Throne, the +guiltinesse of all the innocent blood shed by him and his +Complices; and above all, that, which we cannot think +upon without trembling of heart and horrour of spirit, +Your setling of late such a Peace with the Irish Papists the +Murderers of so many thousands of your Protestant Subjects, +whereby not only they are owned as your good Loyall +Subjects, but also there is granted unto them (contrary +to the Standing Lawes of your Royall Progenitors, contrary +to the commandment of the most high God, and to +the high contempt and dishonor of his Majestie, and evident +danger of the Protestant Religion) a full liberty of their +abominable Idolatry; which cannot be otherwise judged, +but a giving of your Royal power and strength unto the +beast, and an accession to all that blood of your good Subjects, +wherewith those Sonnes of Babell have made that +Land to swim. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +We do in all humility beseech your Majestie to consider & +lay to heart what the mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken +of all the accompts of People, Nations, Kings, and Rulers against +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page483">[pg 483]</span><a name="Pg483" id="Pg483" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Kingdom of his Son, that they imagine a vaine thing +and that he that sitteth in heaven will have them in dirision +and vex them in his sore displeasure. Consider, how he hath +blasted and turned upside downe these yeares by past, all the +devices and plots of those men that now beare the Swey in +your Majesties Counsels: Consider, how the anger of God has +been kindled, even against his dearest Saints, when they have +joyned themselves to such men as he hateth and has cursed: +Consider, how severely hee hath threatned and punished +such Kings as have associate with Idolaters, and leaned unto +their helps. Surely, great is the wrath of God, whereof you +are in danger; And yet the Lord in the riches of his goodnesse, +forbearance and long suffering, is waiting to be gracious +to your Majestie; To day if ye will hear his voice, harden +not your heart, but humble your self under the mighty +hand of God, lamenting after him as, for the iniquities of +your Fathers house, especially the opposition against the reformation +of Religion and Cause of God, the permitting +and practising Antichristian Idolatry in the Royall Family +it self, and the shedding of so much blood of the people of +God, so also, for your owne entering to walke in the like +courses in the beginning of your raign. It is high time to +fall downe before the Throne of grace, seeking to get your +peace made with God through Jesus Christ whose blood is +able to wash away all your sins, To walk no longer in the +Councel of the ungodly, nor cleave to such as seeke their +own things and not the things of Jesus Christ, nor the welfare +of your Subjects and Government, but to set your eyes +upon the faithfull in your dominions, that such may dwell +with you, & be the men of your Councells, To serve the Lord +in feare, and kisse the Sonne of God, by a sincere and cordiall +contributing your Royall allowance and authority, for +establishing in all your dominions the reformation of Religion, +in Doctrine, Worship, and Government as it is now agreed +upon according to the cleare & evident warrant of the +word of God, by the Assembly of Divines at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Westminster</span></span>, and +the Generall Assemblies of this Church; And also, laying +aside that service book, which is so stuffed with Romish +corruptions, And conforming your owne practise and the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page484">[pg 484]</span><a name="Pg484" id="Pg484" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +worship of God in your Royall Family, to that Gospell +simplicity and purity which is holden forth from the word +of God, in the Directory of worship, and not only to grant +your Royall approbation to the Covenant of these three +Kingdomes (without which, your people can never have +from you sufficient security, either for Religion, or their +just liberties) but also your selfe to joyne with your people +therein as the greatest security under Heaven for your person +and just greatness, and to cause all of them stand to it by +your Royall Command, according to the practise of that +gracious King <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Josiah</span></span>, to whom, wee wish your Majestie +in these your younger yeares, and this beginning of your +raigne, to look as to an ensample and Kingly portract approven +of God. These things if your Majestie do; As wee +are well assured, that the hearts of all your good Subjects in +these Kingdomes will be enlarged with all cheerfulnesse to +imbrace your person, and submit unto your Royall Government, +so wee darre promise in the Name of our Lord, that +you shall finde favour with God, peace and joy unspeakable +and full of glory to your Soule, and deliverance out of your +sad afflictions and deep distresses in due time: But if your +Majestie shall go on in refusing to hearken to wholesome +Councels; We must for the discharge of our Conscience +tell your Majestie in the humility and griefe of our hearts, +that the Lords anger is not turned away, but his hand +stretched out still against you and your Family. But we hope +and shall with all earnestnesse and constancy pray for better +things from, and to your Majestie: And whatsoever misconstruction +(by the malice of those that desire not a right +understanding and cordiall conjunction between your Majestie +and this Kirk and Kingdome) may be put upon our +declaration; Yet wee have the Lord to be our witnesse, +that our purpose and intention therein is no other, but to +warne and keepe the people of God committed to our care, +that they runne not to any course which would bring upon +themselves the guilt of highest perjury and breach of Covenant +with God, and could not but prove most dangerous +to your Majestie and your Government, and involve you in +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page485">[pg 485]</span><a name="Pg485" id="Pg485" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +shedding the blood of those who are most desirous to preserve +your Majesties Person, and just right in all your dominions. +And now wee doe with all earnestnes beseech +your Majestie, that you will follow the courses of truth and +peace; And that when there is a doore opened for your +Majestie to enter to your Royall Government over us, in +peace, with the favour of God, and cordiall Love and +imbracings of all your good Subjects, You will not suffer +your selfe to be so farre abused and misled by the Councels +of men, who delight in war, as to take away of violence +and blood, which cannot but provoke the most high against +your Majestie, and alienat from you the hearts of your +best Subjects, who desire nothing more, than that your +Majestie may have a long and happy raign over them, And +that they may live under you, a peaceable and quiet life, in +all Godlinesse and honesty. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh 6 August, +1649.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects and +humble servants the Ministers and +Elders conveened in this Nationall +Assembly of the Kirk of</span></span> Scotland. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Generall Assembly not having now time to consider +the Reference of preceeding Assemblies, and the +most part of Presbyteries not having sent their opinions +in writ; Thefore do yet againe recommend to Presbyteries +and Provinciall Assemblies to consider all matters +referred by this or by any former Assemblies, And to send +their opinions therein in writ to the next Generall Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The meeting of the next Generall Assembly is hereby appointed +to be at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, the second wednesday of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span>, 1650. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">A. Ker</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +FINIS +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page499">[pg 499]</span><a name="Pg499" id="Pg499" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<hr class="page" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc534" id="toc534"></a> +<a name="pdf535" id="pdf535"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">The Principal Acts of the General Assembly of the Church of +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> holden at </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> +the 16th day of </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">October</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> 1690.</span></h1> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc536" id="toc536"></a> +<a name="pdf537" id="pdf537"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">16 of October 1690. Post Meridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. +1.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc538" id="toc538"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">I. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Meeting of the</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> General Assembly, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and +the Recording of Their Majesties</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Commission, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> John +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Lord</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Carmichael, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">for Representing Their +Majesties therein.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This day, being a day of Solemn Fasting +and Humiliation, the General +Assembly of the Ministers and Elders +of this Church; did after Sermons +(in the Forenoon by Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gabriel Cunningham</span></span> Moderator of the +last General Meeting, and in the Afternoon by Mr. +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page500">[pg 500]</span><a name="Pg500" id="Pg500" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Sympson</span></span> Moderator of the preceding General +Meeting) Conveen in the Assembly-House at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +according to the Indiction of an Act of the current +Parliament, dated the 7 day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span> last, and Directions +given by the late General Meeting of the Ministers +and Elders of this Church: And after Prayer, +there was produced to them, by an Noble Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carmichael</span></span>, Their Majesties Commission, for +his being Their Majesties High Commissioner and +Representative to this General Assembly, Dated at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kensingtoun</span></span> the 10 day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> 1690. +Which was with all due Respect publickly read: And Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gabriel +Cuningham</span></span>, Moderator for the time, did in the Assemblies +Name, Represent to his Grace, how Great a +Mercy it was, to this Church and Kingdom, that Their +Majesties had Countenanced this Assembly, with Their +Authority, and Honoured it with a Representative of +Their Royal Persons: And the Assemblies great Satisfaction, +with Their Majesties choice of a person so well +Qualified, and so Acceptable to this Assembly, to Represent +Their Majesties therein. To whom His Grace +was pleased to give this return, That it was his firm +Resolution, in the Capacity, wherein Their Majesties +had now put him, to lay out himself for their Majesties +Service, and the good of the Church. The Assembly +appointed the said Commission to be Recorded +in Their Books, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ad futuram res Memoriam</span></span>: The Tenour +whereof follows. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page501">[pg 501]</span><a name="Pg501" id="Pg501" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">GULIELMUS & MARIA</span></span>, Dei Gratia, Magnæ +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Britannia, Francia & Hibernia</span></span>, Rex & Regina, +Fideique Defensores, Omnibus probis Hominibus, ad +quos præsentes Literæ; Nostræ pervenerint, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Salutem</span></span>. +Quandoquidem per actum, in secundâ Sessione Currentis +hujus nostri Parliamenti, Expeditum, De stabiliendo +Ecclesiæ Regimine, in antiquiori hoc nostro Scotiæ +Regno; Primum Ecclesiæíllius Generalem Conventum, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburghi</span></span>, +Tertio die Jovis, Mensis <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Octobris</span></span> Instantis, +teneri Ordinavimus: Nosautem (Rebus magni +Momenti alio vocantíbus) In dicto Conventu interesse +nequimus: Abunde vero Cupidi, ut Idem Generalis +Conventus, ad Religionem veram Reformatam +melius firmandam, Pietatem & Sanctitatem Propagandam, +Pacem itaque & Unitatem, in dictâ Ecclesiâ, & +hoc nostro antiquiore Regno acquirendam; methodo +debitâ & Regulari, Observetur: Cumque Testimoniis +perplurimis & probatis, nobis abunde satisfactum +sit, de Præclaris animi dotibus, & fide eximiâ, fidelisslimi +& dilectissimi nostri Consiliarii. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Joannis</span></span> Domini +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carmichael</span></span>, quibus ad summæ fiduciæ Munus infra expressum, +debite & exacte obeundum & excercendum, +usque quaque est adaptatus: Noverítis igítur nos Nominasse +& Constituisse, sicuti per hasce nostras Patentes +Literas, Nominamus & Constituimus Eundem <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Joannem</span></span> +Dominum <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carmichael</span></span>, Supremum nostrum Commissionarium, +quoad effectum intra expressum: Damus +pariter & concedimus illi, sacram Nostram Personam +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page502">[pg 502]</span><a name="Pg502" id="Pg502" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +& Authoritatem Regiam Repræsentandi, ac pro +nobis præsentiam faciendi, locumque nostrum in subsequenti +Generali Conventu, Tanquam Commissionario +nostro, in hunc effectum specialiter Constitute, +tenendi: Omniaque alia ad Imperium & Munus Commissionarii, +pro Generali Ecclesiæ conventu peragendi, +tam plene, adeoque libere, in quovis Respectu, +quam Quilibet alius ejusdem Muneris & Characteris, +fecerat, seu quovis tempore retroacto facere potuerat, +atque adeo sicuti Nosmet ipsi personaliter præsentes +Possemus. Plenissimam & amplissimam Nostram +Potestatem & Commissionem. Quæquidem omnia & +singula, a dicto <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Joanne</span></span> +Domino <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carmichael</span></span>, In hac +nostra Commissione prolequendâ, legitime facienda, +Nos firmiter approbamus, Rata habemus, & habituri +sùmus. Omnibus & singulis insuper antedicti Conventus, +& Ecclesiæ Pastoribus & Presbyteris, ac Cæterii +quibuscumque hujus Nostri Regni Subditis, cujuscunque +ordinis seu conditionis, ut eundem <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Joannem</span></span> +Dominum <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carmichael</span></span>, tanquam Supremum Nostrum +Commissionarium, quoad effectum & modum supra +mentionatum, agnoscant, Colant, & dicto ipsius audientes +se præbeant, stricte Mandamus & Imperamus. +Et denique hanc Nostram Commissionem, a die quo +Magnum hujus Regni Nostri Sigillum, Presentibus est +appensum, ac durante Primâ dicti Generalis Conventus +Sessione, aut usque donec hæc Nostra Commissio +per nos Revocetur, Continuare Declaravimus, ac per +Præsentes Declaramus. In cujus rei Testimonium, Præsentibus +Magnum Sigillum Nostrum appendi Mandavimus, +Apud aulam Nostram de <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kensingtoun</span></span>, decimo +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page503">[pg 503]</span><a name="Pg503" id="Pg503" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +die mensis <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Octobris</span></span>, Anno Domini 1690. Regnique +nostri, Anno secundo. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Per signaturam manu S.D.N. Regis supra Signatam. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +(locus figilli appensi) +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +IN DORSO: +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sealed at</span></span> Edinburgh <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">the +16th of</span></span> October 1690. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Inglis.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Written to the Great Seal, and +Registr at the 16 day of</span></span> October +1690. Dun. Ronald <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dpt.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc539" id="toc539"></a> +<a name="pdf540" id="pdf540"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh 17 October 1690. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 2.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc541" id="toc541"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">II. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">His</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> MAJESTIES </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Gracious Letter to the +Assembly.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This Session, His Majesties Gracious Letter Direct +to this General Assembly, was publickly +Read and Heard with great Respect; and appointed +to be Recorded in the Books of the Assembly, The +Tenour whereof follows. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">William R.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Reverend, Trusty and Well Beloved,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our Concern for the Good of Our Ancient Kingdom, +hath been such, That We have left nothing +undone, that might Contribute to the making of it +Happy: And therefore having been informed, that +Differences as to the Government of the Church have +caused greatest Confusions in that Nation; We did +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page504">[pg 504]</span><a name="Pg504" id="Pg504" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +willingly concurre with Our Parliament, in In-acting +such a Frame of it, as was judged to be most agreeable +to the Inclinations of Our Good Subjects: To which +as We have had a particular Regard, in Countenanceing +this Assembly, With Our Authority, and a Representative +of Our Royall Person; So We expect, that +Your Managment shall be such, as We shall have no +reason, to Repent of what we have done. A Calm and +Peaceable Procedure, will be no less pleasing to Us, +than it becometh You. We never could be of the +Mind, that Violence was suited to the advancing of +True Religion; Nor do We intend, that Our Authority +shall ever be a Tool, to the irregular Passions of +any Party. Moderation is what Religion enjoynes, +Neighbouring Churches expect from You, and We +Recommend to You. And We assure You of Our constant +Favour and Protection, in Your following of +these Methods, which shall be for the real advantage +of True Piety, and the Peace of Our Kingdoms. Given +under our Royal Hand, At our Court at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kensingtoun</span></span>, +the 10 day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> 1690. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">By His Majesties Command,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +MELVIL. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Direct, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For the Reverend, Trusty and Wel-Beloved, +Ministers and Elders, +met in the General Assembly of the +Church of</span></span> Scotland. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">At</span></span> Edinburgh. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page505">[pg 505]</span><a name="Pg505" id="Pg505" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc542" id="toc542"></a> +<a name="pdf543" id="pdf543"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">18th.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> October 1690. +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Post Meridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 4.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc544" id="toc544"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">III. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Answer to His Majesties Gracious +Letter.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May it please your Majesty,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Your Gracious Letter, Direct to the Ministers and +Elders met here, in the General Assembly of the +Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span> was Read and Heard among Us, +with all Joy and Thankfulness, that the Rising and +Shining again of the Royal Favour, upon this long +Afflicted and distressed Church, could possibly Inspire: +For as Your Majesties Concern for the Good of this +Your Ancient Kingdom, hath indeed been such, as +nothing can impair the Happy State whereunto You +have Restored it, save the want of the due sense and +understanding of so great a Mercy; So We doe most +heartily acknowledge, that through Your Majesties +Care and Kindness, the Church of Christ therein, doth +equally partake of the same Blessing. It was the sad Confusions, +that differences as to the Government of the +Church, had caused in this Nation, that according to +Your Majesties first Declaration, for our Relief, moved +our Gracious God, to Raise up and Prosper You, to +Be our Glorious Deliverer, for Effectuating the Reestablishment +that we now enjoy: So that we are perswaded, +that it is not more Agreeable, to the Inclinations +and Conscientious Perswasions of all within this +Kingdom, who are best Affected to Your Majesties +Person and Government, than it is acceptable to God, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page506">[pg 506]</span><a name="Pg506" id="Pg506" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and will be Your Majesties perpetual Peace and Satisfaction. +Nor are we less Sensible of the particular Regard, +Your Majestie professeth towards us, on this occasion, +in Countenancing this Assembly, with Your +Authority, and a Representative of Your Royal Person; +for which we most humbly acknowledge Your +Gracious Favour; especially that it hath pleased Your +Majesty, to fix Your Choice, upon a Person so well +Qualified, and so acceptable to Us. And now, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Great +Sir</span></span>, after so many and so great Mercies and Favours, +Received from God and Your Majesty; We Hope we +may with Confidence assure You, that our Managment +shall be such, as Your Majesty hath so just Reason +to expect, and shall never give you cause to Repent +of what You have done for Us. The God of Love, the +Prince of Peace, with all the Providences that have +gone over Us, and Circumstances that We are under, +as well as Your Majesties most obliging Pleasure, Require +of Us a Calme and Peaceable Procedure, And if +after the Violence for Conscience sake, that We have +Suffered, and so much Detested, and these Grievious +Abuses of Authority, in the late Reigns, Whereby +through some Mens Irregular Passions, We have so +sadly Smarted; We our selves, should Lapse into the +same Errours, We should certainly prove the most +Unjust towards God, Foolish towards our Selves, and +Ungrate towards Your Majesty, of all Men on earth. +Great Revolutions of this nature, must be attended, +with Occasions of Complaint: And even the worst of +Men, are Ready to cry out of Wrong, for their justest +Deservings: But as Your Majesty Knows these things +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page507">[pg 507]</span><a name="Pg507" id="Pg507" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +too well, to give us the least Apprehension of any impressions +evil Report can make; So We assure Your +Majesty, as in the Presence of God, and in expectation +of his dreadfull Appearance, that We shall Study +that Moderation, which Your Majesty Recommends, +as being convinced, that it is the Duty that Religion +enjoyns, and Neighbouring Churches doe most justly +expect from Us: Desiring in all things, to Approve +our selves unto God, as the true Disciples of Jesus +Christ, who, though most Zealous, against all Corruptions +in his Church, was most Gentle towards the +Persons of Men: And to maintain as much as in us lyes, +Peace and Concord with all the Reformed Churches: +As likewise to comply in all obsequious Duty, with all +that Your Majesty enjoynes, for the Real Advantage +of true Piety, and the Peace or all Your Kingdoms. +Heartily wishing, that God, who hath Graciously +brought back Your Majesties Person, in Safety, from +Your Late, no less Generous, than Dangerous Expedition, +for his Cause and Truth, with joyfull Success; +May still preserve Your Majesty, and Our most Gracious +Queen; Granting You long Life, Health, and +Prosperity, And may Establish Your Throne, and +Bless Your Government, to the Glory of His Great +Name, the Good of all his Churches, and the welfare +of all Your People. Which shall ever be the earnest +Prayer of, +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May it please Your Majesty,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +Your Majesties most Faithful,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +most Obedient and most Humble Subjects.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Signed in our Presence, in our Name,<br /> +and at our Appointment, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">By</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +HU. KENNEDIE</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page508">[pg 508]</span><a name="Pg508" id="Pg508" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc545" id="toc545"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">IV. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Appointment of a Diet, to be kept by the Assembly for +Prayer.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly Appoints <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Monday</span></span> next, betwixt +Eight and Twelve a Clock in the Forenoon, +to be set a part for Prayer, by the Members of +this Assembly: And Recommends to all the Members, +to meet in the Assembly-House for that end, at Eight a +Clock in the Morning. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc546" id="toc546"></a> +<a name="pdf547" id="pdf547"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">25th.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> October 1690. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ante +Meridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 9.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc548" id="toc548"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">V. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The proceedings of the Assembly, anent Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Thomas Lining +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and Others.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, having received a Report, +from the Committee of Overtures, anent two +Papers given in to the said Committee, and Subscribed +by Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Lining</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Shields</span></span> and +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Boyd</span></span>, who had followed some Courses +contrary to the Order of this Church; whereby, <span class="tei tei-q">“The +said Committee out of their ardent Desire of Union +in the Church, Recommend to the Assembly, the +Reading of the Shorter of these two Papers: In +which the fore-named Persons Oblige themselves +after the exhibiting of the larger Paper (which they +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page509">[pg 509]</span><a name="Pg509" id="Pg509" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +offer, as they profess, for the Exoneration of their +Consciences) and laying it down at the Assemblies +feet, to be Disposed upon as the Assembly should +think fit: That they shall in all required Submission, +subject Themselves, their Lives and Doctrine, to +the Cognizance of the Respective Judicatories of +this Church, and equally to Oppose Schism and Defection, +in any Capacity, that they should be capable +of. But the said Committee, Judgeth, the Reading +of the larger of the saids two Papers, in full Assembly, +to be Inconvenient: In regard, That +though there be several good Things in it, yet the +same doth also contain, several Peremptory and gross +Mistakes, Unseasonable and Impracticable Proposals, +and Uncharitable and Injurious Reflections, tending +rather to kindle Contentions, than to compose +Divisions: Nevertheless, the said Committee, gives it +as their Opinion, That the foresaid Offer of the above +named Persons their Subjection and Obedience, to +the Authority of this Church, in her Respective Judicatories, +contained in the said Shorter Paper; +should be Entertained and Accepted of, by the Assembly, +and they Received into Communion with +this Church, according to their several Capacities.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Likeas the above named persons, having Compeared, +in presence of the Assembly, and Judicially Owned +and Adhered unto their said Shorter Paper: And the +Assembly having heard the above-written Report, of +the Committee of Overtures concerning both the saids +Papers; As also the said shorter Paper, Read in their +Presence; The General Assembly, after mature Deliberation, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page510">[pg 510]</span><a name="Pg510" id="Pg510" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +did Unanimously, and without a contrary +Vote, Approve the above written Report and Opinion +of the Committee of Overtures, in the hail Heads +thereof. Which being Intimate to the fore-named Persons, +they Acquiesced thereto. Upon all which the +following Act was made. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc549" id="toc549"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">Act </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">anent Mr.</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Thomas Lining +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and Others.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Whereas Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Lining</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Schields</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Boyd</span></span>, have presented +to this Assembly two Papers: One containing the +Expressions of their Purpose and Promise, of being +subject to the Authority of this Church, as formerly +Constituted, and now Restored, in its several Judicatories: +The other Offered for the Exoneration of their +Consciences. Which Paper, containing their Submission +and Subjection, did after the exhibition of the other +to the Assembly, Become Binding upon them, according +to the Promise therein made. Likeas, after that +other and longer Paper had been Read, before the +Committee of Overtures, It was exhibite to and received +by the Assembly; together with the Reasons +from the said Committee why it should not be Publickly +read in full Assembly. Which Reasons being duely +considered, and the said other Paper of Submission +and Subjection publickly Read, and Judicially Owned +by the forenamed Persons, in presence of the Assembly: +The Assembly did conclude by one single +Vote, that the foresaid longer Paper should not be +Read: And that the above named Persons should be +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page511">[pg 511]</span><a name="Pg511" id="Pg511" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Received into the Fellowship of this Church, on the +Terms of Submission and Subjection contained in the +Shorter Paper: And after passing of the said Vote, and +that they were gravely Admonished by the Moderator +to walk Orderly in time coming, in Opposition to all +Schisme and Division; It was declared to them, by the +Moderator, in the Name of the Assembly, That the +Assembly did receive them into the Fellowship of this +Church, to enjoy the priviledges thereof, and Perform +the Duties therein, whereof they are, or shall be found +Capable. Whereupon, and at their desire, it was ordained +that this Act should be made; and an Extract +thereof given to them in good Form. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Follows the Tenour +of the said shorter Paper.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To the</span></span> Moderator <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">and Remanent Members of the +General Assembly of the Church of</span></span> Scotland. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Right Reverend and Honourable,</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“With the greatest Earnestness of longing we +have desired, and yet with a Patience perhaps +to excess, we have waited, for an Opportunity, +to bring our unhappy Differences (of which, all +Parties concerned are weary) to a Happy and Holy +close; And for this end to have access to apply our +selves to a full and free General Assembly of this +Church, invested with Authority and Power, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">in +foro Divino & Humano,</span></span> to Determine and Cognosce +upon them. The want of which an Assembly constitute +in that vigour, to which through the Mercy +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page512">[pg 512]</span><a name="Pg512" id="Pg512" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of God, This Venerable National Synod hath arrived, +hath been the greatest let and impediment of +our composing these Differences, in a way, wherein +not only we, but all of the same Sentiments would +acquiesce. Now having obtained this much longed, +and long Prayed for priviledge; We cannot forbear +any longer, humbly, to Accost and Address this +Venerable Assembly, with a free and Ingenuous Representation +of our Minds and Desires. The scope of +which is, to Represent these things, which have been +most stumbling to us, for the exoneration of our +Consciences; and to declare our Design, after we +have exhibited our Testimony against these Courses, +which we understand to have been Corruptions and +Defections in this Church, And laid it down at the +Assemblies feet, to be disposed of, as their Wisdoms +shall think fit: That we shall in all Required Submission, +Subject our Selves, our Lives and +Doctrine, to the Cognizance of the Judicatories of +this Church, and shall equally oppose Schism and +Defection, in any Capacity, that we shall be found +Capable of. And here by these presents, we bind and +oblige our selves Faithfully, to live in Union, Communion +and intire Subjection, and due Obedience +in the Lord, to the Authority of this Church in her +Respective Judicatories: As witness our Hands at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the 22 day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span> 1690.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Lining.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +Alexander Shields,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +William Boyd.</span></span> +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page513">[pg 513]</span><a name="Pg513" id="Pg513" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc550" id="toc550"></a> +<a name="pdf551" id="pdf551"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh 28 of October 1690. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. +11.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc552" id="toc552"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">VI. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent Ministers that observe not the publick Orders of +the Church.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly Recommends it to Presbyteries, to +take Notice of all Ministers, within their Bounds, +whether the late Conforming Incumbents, or others, +who shall not observe Fasts and Thanksgivings, Indicted +by the Church: Or who shall be found Guilty, +of any other Irregular Carriage, in administrating the +Sacraments in private, or Celebrating Clandestine +Marriages, without due Proclamation of Bans: And +to censure them accordingly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc553" id="toc553"></a> +<a name="pdf554" id="pdf554"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh 29 October 1690. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem,</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. +12.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc555" id="toc555"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">VII. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act approving several Overtures.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This day the Overtures following were Read in +Presence of the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Anent subscribing the Confession of +Faith.</span></span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. <span class="tei tei-q">“For retaining soundness, and unity of Doctrine, +It is judged necessary, that all Probationers Licensed +to Preach, all Intrants into the Ministry, and all other +Ministers and Elders Received into Communion +with us, in Church Government, be obliged, to +Subscribe their Approbation of the Confession of +Faith, approven by former General Assemblies of +this Church, and Ratified in the second Session of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page514">[pg 514]</span><a name="Pg514" id="Pg514" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Current Parliament: And that this be Recommended +to the Diligence of the several Presbyteries, +and they appointed to Record their Diligence thereanent +in their respective Registers.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Anent Papists.</span></span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. <span class="tei tei-q">“That it be Recommended to Presbyteries, to +take special Notice, what Papists are in their Bounds, +and that they take pains to Re-claim them, and to +Advert how their Children are Educat: and if need +be, to make Application to the Civil Authority concerning +them.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Anent Celebration of Marriage.</span></span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. <span class="tei tei-q">“That the Celebration of Marriage, without +due Proclamation of Bans, according to Order, three +several Sabbaths in the respective Parishes, be discharged: +And that it be recommended to Presbyteries, +to Censure the Contraveeners.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Against profanation of the Sabbath.</span></span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. <span class="tei tei-q">“That it be recommended to Kirk-Sessions and +Presbyteries, carefully to put in Execution, the Acts +of former General Assemblies against Profanation of +the Lords-day, and particularly by unnecessary Sailing +and Travelling.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +</p><div class="tei tei-marginnote tei-marginnote-margin"><div class="tei tei-marginnotetext"><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">Anent Mercats on</span></span><span style="font-size: 80%"> Saturdays +</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 80%"> Mondays.</span></div></div><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. <span class="tei tei-q">“That Application be made to the Parliament: +for alerting all Mercats in Royal Burghs and other +places, on <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Saturdays</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mondays</span></span>.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly after mature Deliberation, +approves of these Overtures, and Recommends and +Appoints accordingly: And ordains the same to be +observed, and to have the Force and Strength of an Act +and Ordinance of Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page515">[pg 515]</span><a name="Pg515" id="Pg515" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc556" id="toc556"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">VIII. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act approving the Associations of Presbyteries.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, allows and approves of the +Ministers of different Presbyteries, their Associating +in Presbyteries; ay and while the Vacancies of +the saids Presbyteries be filled: And declares them to +have the Authority and Power of Presbyteries Respectively: +And that notwithstanding, that according +to the old Platform, the saids Ministers do reside in +the Bounds of different Presbyteries. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc557" id="toc557"></a> +<a name="pdf558" id="pdf558"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh 31 October 1690, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Ante Meridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 15.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc559" id="toc559"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">IX. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act against Ministers Removing out of this Church.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly does hereby appoint, that +no Ministers, who have actual standing and absolute +Relations, to any Charge in the Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, +shall remove out of the Kingdom, without the +Consent of the Respective Judicatories of this Church. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page516">[pg 516]</span><a name="Pg516" id="Pg516" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc560" id="toc560"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">X. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent the Administration of the Sacraments.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly considering, that the two +Sacraments, that Christ hath appointed under +the New Testament, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz. Baptism and the Lords Supper</span></span>, +are his Solemn Ordinances, and Seals of the Covenant +of Grace (which is held forth in the Preaching of the +Gospel). And that in the use of them, the Parties receiving +them, are solemnly devoted and engaged to +God, before Angels and men; and are solemnly received, +as Members of the Church, and do entertain +Communion with her: And that by the Authority of +this Church in her former Assemblies. The private use +of them hath been condemned: As also, that by allowing +the private use of the same, in pretended Cases of Necessity; +The Superstitious opinion is nourished, that +they are necessary to Salvation, not only as commanded +Duties, but as means, without which Salvation cannot +be attained. Therefore, The Assembly hereby +discharges, the Administration of the Lords Supper, to +Sick Persons in their Houses, and all other use of the +same, except in the publick Assemblies of the Church. +And also doth discharge the Administration of Baptism +in private, That is, in any place, or at any time, when +the Congregation is not orderly called together, to wait +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page517">[pg 517]</span><a name="Pg517" id="Pg517" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +on the Dispensing of the Word. And appoints that +this be carefully observed, when and where ever the +Lord giveth his people Peace, Liberty and Opportunity +for their publick Assemblies. And ordains this present +Act to be publickly Intimate in all the Churches. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc561" id="toc561"></a> +<a name="pdf562" id="pdf562"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh 11 November 1690. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Post Meridiem</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. +24.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc563" id="toc563"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XI. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act approving Overtures anent the</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Irish +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Bibles, &c.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This day the Overtures following anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish +Bibles, New Testaments</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Catechisms</span></span>, were read +in presence of the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +1. That a Letter of Thanks be written to these +concerned, whether in this, or our Neighbour Nation, +for their Care of, and Liberal Charity towards +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlanders</span></span> of this Kingdom, in their so Liberally +Contributing, for the saids <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish Bibles</span></span>, &c. +And that Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Blair</span></span> be appointed to write the +said Letter in the Name of this Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +2. The whole Money so Charitably contributed, +being expended, Therefore, and for making up of +the same, and for Defraying of the necessary Charges +of Transporting the saids Bibles, &c. to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>; It +is thought most needful, that there be an advance of +One thousand Pounds <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scots</span></span>, and that Their Majesties +Privy Council be supplicat, for as much of some +Vacant Stipends of Parishes, where the King is Patron, +as will make up the said sum for the ends foresaid. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page518">[pg 518]</span><a name="Pg518" id="Pg518" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +3. That it be Recommended to the Kirk Sessions, +Heretors and others concerned in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, to +see the Act of Parliament anent Erecting of Schools +in every Parish, duely Execute, and the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fonds</span></span> established +by Law, for the same, made effectual. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +4. That it be Recommended to the Agent for the +Kirk, to Receive the foresaid sum, and to Deburse +the same at the sight of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Law</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Blair</span></span>, for the said use: And also to receive the +Books above-mentioned, being three Thousand <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bibles</span></span>, +one Thousand <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">New Testaments</span></span>, and three +Thousand <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Catechisms</span></span>, from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +5. That the several Synods, who have <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highland +Parishes</span></span> in their bounds, appoint one of their Number, +to receive their proportion, of the saids <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bibles</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">New Testaments</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Catechisms</span></span>: And that +in order thereto, the Ministers and Elders having Interest in +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, present in this Assembly, shall meet +and appoint some to receive these <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bibles</span></span>, &c. And +proportion the number that each Parish shall have +thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +6. That it be Recommended to the Ministers, +concerned in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, to dispatch the whole +Paraphrase of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish Psalms</span></span>, to the Press. And if +the Principal Copy can be Recovered, to expede the +same; But that any other Copy they have, be Revised +by the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, and being approven by +them; That the same be Printed. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assembly having considered these Overtures, +they approve thereof, and Recommend and Appoint +accordingly. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page519">[pg 519]</span><a name="Pg519" id="Pg519" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc564" id="toc564"></a> +<a name="pdf565" id="pdf565"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">At</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Edinburgh, November 12. 1690. +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Post Meridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> Sess. 25.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc566" id="toc566"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XII. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation, with +the Causes thereof.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly, Having taken into their +most serious Consideration, the late great and +general Defection of this Church and Kingdom; Have +though fit to Appoint a Day of Solemn Humiliation +and Fasting, for Confession of Sins, and making Supplication +to Our Gracious GOD, to Forgive and Remove +the guilt thereof; In order whereunto, they have +Ordained the Confession of Sins, and Causes of Fasting +following, to be duely Intimate and Published; Recommending +it most earnestly to all persons, both Ministers +and Others, That every One of us may not only +search and try our own Hearts and Wayes, and stir up +Ourselves to seek the Lord; But also in our Stations, +and as we have access, Deal with one another, in all +Love and Tenderness, to prepare for so great and necessary +a Duty, that we may find mercy in God's sight, +and He may be graciously Reconciled to our Land in +the Lord Jesus, and take delight to dwell among us. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Although our gracious God hath of late, for His +own Name sake wrought great and wonderful things, +for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Britain</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, +and for this Church and Nation +in particular; Yet the Inhabitants thereof have cause +to remember their own evil wayes, and to loath themselves +in their own sight for their Iniquities. Alas! +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page520">[pg 520]</span><a name="Pg520" id="Pg520" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Alas! We and our Fathers, our Princes, our Pastors, +and People of all Ranks have sinned, and have been under +great Transgression to this day: For though our +gracious God shewed early kindness to this Land, in +sending the Gospel among us, and afterward in our Reformation +from Popish Superstition and Idolatry; and +It had the Honour, beyond many Nations of being +after our first Reformation, Solemnly devoted unto +God, both Prince and People; yet we have dealt treacherously +with the Lord, and been unstedfast in His Covenant, +and have not walked suitably to our Mercies +received from Him, nor obligations to Him. Through +the mercy of God this Church had attained to a great +purity of Doctrine, Worship and Government, but +this was not accompanied with suitable personal Reformation, +neither was our Fruit answerable to the pains +taken on us by Word and Work; We had much Gospel-preaching, +but too little Gospel-practice, too many +went on in open wickedness, and some had but a form +of Godliness, denying the power thereof: Many also +who had the Grace of God in truth fell from their first +love, and fell under sad languishings and decays; and +when for our sins the Anger of the Lord had divided us, +and we were brought under the feet of strangers, and +many of our brethren killed, and others taken captive +and sold as slaves; yet we sinned still, and after we +were freed from the yoak of strangers, instead of returning +to the Lord, and being led to Repentance by +His Goodness, the Land made open Defection from +the good ways of the Lord: Many behaved as if they +had been delivered to work abomination, the flood-gates +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page521">[pg 521]</span><a name="Pg521" id="Pg521" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of Impiety were opened, and a deluge of wickednese +did overspread the Land. Who can without grief +and shame remember the shameful debauchery and +drunkenness that then was? And this accompanied +with horrid and hellish cursing and swearing, and followed +with frequent Filthiness, Adulteries and other +Abominations, and the Reprover was hated, and he +that departed from Iniquity made himself a Reproach +of Prey. And when by these, and such like corrupt +practices, mens Consciences were debauched, they proceeded +to sacrifice the Interest of the Lord Jesus Christ, +and priviledges of his Church to the lusts and will of +Men; The Supremacy was advanced in such a way, +and to such an height, as never any Christian Church +acknowledged; The Government of the Church was +altered, and Prelacie (which hath been always grievous +to this Nation) introduced, without the Churches +consent, and contrary to the standing Acts of our National +Assemblies, both which the present Parliament +hath (blessed be God) lately found; And yet nevertheless, +of the then standing Ministry of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, many +did suddenly and readily comply with that alteration of +the Government, some out of Pride and Covetousness, +or Man-pleasing, some through infirmity or weakness, +or fear of Man, and want of Courage and Zeal for God; +many faithful Ministers were thereupon cast out, and +many Insufficient and Scandalous Men thrust in on +their Charges, and many Families ruined, because they +would not own them as their Pastors. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And alas! It is undenyable, there hath been under +the late Prelacie, a great decay of Piety, so that it was +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page522">[pg 522]</span><a name="Pg522" id="Pg522" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +enough to make a man be nicknam'd a Phanatick, if he +did not run to the same excess of Riot with others. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And should it not be lamented, for it cannot be denied, +that there hath been in some a dreadful Atheistical +Boldness against God, some have disputed the Beeing of +GOD, and His Providence, the Divine Authority of +the Scriptures, the Life to come, and Immortality of +the Soul, yes and scoffed at these things. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +There hath been also an Horrid Prophanation of the +Holy and Dreadful Name of GOD, by cursing and +swearing: Ah! there hath been so much Swearing +and Forswearing amongst us, that no Nation under +Heaven hath been more guilty in this than we; some +by swearing rashly or ignorantly, some falsly, by breaking +their Oaths. And imposing and taking ungodly unlawful +Oaths and Bonds, whereby the Consciences of +many have been polluted and seared, and many ruined +and oppressed for refusing and not taking them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +There hath also been a great neglect of the worship +of God, too much in publick, but especially in Families +and in secret. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The wonted care of Religious sanctifying the Lord's +Day is gone, and in many places the Sabbath hath been +and is shamefully prophaned. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Land also hath been, full of bloody Crimes, +and Cities full of Violence, and much innocent Blood +shed, so that Blood touched Blood, yea, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sodoms</span></span> sins +have abounded amongst us. Pride, fulness of Bread, +Idleness, Vanities of Apparel, and shameful sensuality +filled the Land. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And Alas! how great hath been the Cry of Oppression +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page523">[pg 523]</span><a name="Pg523" id="Pg523" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Unrighteousness, Iniquity hath been established +by a Law, there hath been a great perverting +of Justice, by making and executing unrighteous Statutes +and Acts, and sad persecutions of many for +their Conscience towards God. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is also matter of Lamentation, that under this +great Defection, there hath been too general a fainting +not only amongst Professours of the Gospel, but also +amongst Ministers; yea, even amongst such, who in +the main things did endeavour to maintain their Integrity, +in not giving seasonable and necessary Testimony +against the Defections and Evils of the Time, and +keeping a due distance from them, and some on the +other hand managed their Zeal with too little Discretion +and Meekness. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +It is also matter of Humiliation, that when Differences +fell out amongst these, who did own Truth, and bear +witness against the Course of Defection, they were +not managed with due Charity and Love, but with too +much heat and bitterness, injurious Reflections used +against Pious and Worthy men on all hands, and scandalous +Divisions occasioned, and the Success of the +Gospel greatly obstructed thereby, and some dangerous +Principles drunk in: And after all this, there were +shameful advances towards Popery, the abomination +of the Mass was set up in many places, and Popish +Schools erected, and severals fell to Idolatry. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And though the Lord hath put a stop to the Course +of Defection, and of his great mercy given us some +reviving from our Bondage; yet we have sad cause to +regrate and bemoan, that few have a due sense of our +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page524">[pg 524]</span><a name="Pg524" id="Pg524" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +mercy, or walk answerable thereto; Few are turned to +the Lord in truth, but the wicked go on to do wickedly; +And there is found amongst us to this day, shameful +ingratitude for our mercies, Horrid impenitency under +our sins, yea, even among those, who stand most +up for the defence of the Truth: And amongst many +in our Armies, there is woful Prophanness and Debauchery. +And though we profess to acknowledge, there +can be no Pardon of Sins, no Peace and Reconciliation +with God, but by the Blood of Jesus Christ; Yet few +know Him, or see the Necessity and Excellency of the +Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; few see their need +of him, or esteem, desire, or receive him as he is offered in +the Gospel; few are acquainted with Faith in Jesus +Christ, and living by Faith in Him, as made of the Father +unto us, wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and +Redemption; And few walk as becometh the Gospel, and +imitate our Holy Lord in Humility, Meekness, Self-denial, +Heavenly mindedness, Zeal for GOD, and Charity +towards Men: But as there is even untill now, a great +contempt of the Gospel, a great Barrenness under it; So +a deep Security under our sin and Danger, a great want +of Piety toward God, and Love towards Men, with a +woful Selfishness, every one seeking their own things, +few the things of Christ, or the publick Good, or one +anothers welfare: And finally, the most part more ready +to Censure the sins of others, than to Repent of their own. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Our Iniquities are increased over our Heads, and +our Trespasses are grown up unto the Heavens, they +are many in number, and hainous in their nature, and +grievously aggravated, as having been contrary to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page525">[pg 525]</span><a name="Pg525" id="Pg525" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +great Light and Love, under signal Mercies and Judgments, +after Confession and Supplication, and notwithstanding +of our Profession, Promises and solemn Vowing, +and Covenanting with God to the contrary. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Have we not then sad cause of deep Sorrow and Humiliation? +And may we not fear, if we do not repent, +and turn from the evil of our wayes, and return to the +Lord with all our hearts, that he return to do us evil, +after He hath done us good, and be angry with us, +until he hath consumed us? +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Let us therefore humble our selves by fasting and +Praying, let us search out our sins, and consider +our wayes, and confess these, and other our sins, with +Sorrow and Detestation; Let us Turn unto the Lord +with fasting and weeping, and with mourning; Let +us firmly resolve and sincerely Engage to amend our +wayes and doings, and return unto the Lord our God, +with all our hearts, and earnestly pray, that for the +Blood of the Lamb of God, our sins may be forgiven, +and our back slidings healed, and we may yet become +a Righteous Nation, keeping the Truth, that Religion +and Righteousness may flourish, and Love and +Charity abound, and all the Lords People may be of +one mind in the Lord: And in order to all these, that +the word of the Lord may have free course, and be +glorified, and that the Preaching of the Word, and +Dispensing of the Sacraments, may be accompanied +with the wonted Presence, Power and Blessing of the +Spirit of the Lord, That the Lord would Preserve and +bless our gracious <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">King</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Queen</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mary</span></span>, +and establish their Throne by Righteousness and Religion, +and grant to these Nations, Peace and Truth +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page526">[pg 526]</span><a name="Pg526" id="Pg526" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +together; And for that End, bless and prosper His +Majesties Councils, and Forces by Sea and Land, and +these of the Princes and States his Allies, for God and +his Truth; That inferior Rulers may Rule in the fear +of God and Judges be cloathed with Righteousness, +and that many faithful Labourers may be sent out into +the Lord's Vineyard, and they who are sent, may find +mercy to be Faithful, and be blest with Success; That +Families may be as little Churches of Christ, and that +the Lord would pour out His Spirit on all Ranks of +People, that they may be Holy in all manner of Conversation, +and God may delight to dwell amongst us +and to do us good. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +And while we pray for our selves, let us not forget +our Brethren in Foreign Churches, with whom, alas! +we had too little Sympathy; Nay let us pray, that all +the Ends of the Earth, may see the Salvation of God; +And that he would bring His ancient people of the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jews</span></span> to the Acknowledgment of Jesus Christ; And +that he would hasten the Ruine of Romish Babylon +and advance the Reformation in Christendome, and +preserve and bless the Reformed Churches; That he +would pitie His oppressed People, the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">French Protestants</span></span>, +and gather them out of all places, whither they +have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day; And +that He would be the Defence, Strength and Salvation +of any of His People, who are in War or Danger by +Infidel or Popish adversaries, in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Europe</span></span> or +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">America:</span></span> And +in particular, that the Lord would be Gracious to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, +and sanctifie to His People there, both their distress +and Deliverance, and perfect what concerneth +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page527">[pg 527]</span><a name="Pg527" id="Pg527" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +them, that he would Convert the Natives there to the +Truth, Reduce that Land to Peace; And appoint Salvation +for Walls and Bulwarks to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brittain</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +For all these Causes and Reasons, The General +Assembly hath Appointed the Second Thursday of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span> +next, to be Observed in all the Congregations +of this Church and Nation, as a day of Solemn Fasting +and Humiliation, and Prayer; Beseeching and Obtesting +all, both Pastors and People, of all Ranks to be +sincere and serious, in Humiliation and Supplication, +and universal Reformation, as they would wish to find +mercy of the Lord and have deserved wrath averted, +and would obtain the Blessing of the Lord upon themselves +and Posterity after them; And that the Lord may +delight in us, and our Land may be as Married to Him. +And Ordains all Ministers, either in Kirks or Meeting +houses, to Read this present Act publickly from the +Pulpit, a Sabbath or two before the said Day of Humiliation: +and that the several Presbyteries take care, +that it be carefully observed in their Respective bounds. +And where, in regard of Vacancies, the Day hereby +appointed, cannot be observed; The Assembly appoints +the said Humiliation to be kept some other Day +with the first convenient opportunity. And Appoints +the Commission for Visitation, to apply to the Council +for their Civil Sanction to the Observation thereof. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page528">[pg 528]</span><a name="Pg528" id="Pg528" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc567" id="toc567"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XIII. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Act anent Sentences past against Ministers from the +Year 1650. &c.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly does hereby declare, all +Sentences, past against any Ministers <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hinc Inde</span></span>, +by any Church Judicatory, upon the Account of the +late Differences among Presbyterians, from the Year +1650. Till the Re-introduction of Prelacy, to be of +themselves void and null, to all Effects and Intents. +And Siclike the General Assembly hereby Recommends, +to the Respective Presbyteries, to take care, +that such of these Ministers, as are not otherways disposed +of by the Church, Return to the exercise of their +Ministry, in their Respective Congregations. And +also hereby Recommends to the Civil Magistrate, that +the saids Ministers may have the Lega Maintainances +and Stipends where they served. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page529">[pg 529]</span><a name="Pg529" id="Pg529" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> +<a name="toc568" id="toc568"></a> +<a name="pdf569" id="pdf569"></a> +<h2 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.88em; margin-top: 2.88em"><span style="font-size: 144%">Edinburgh 13 of November 1690. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 144%; font-style: italic">Post Meridiem.</span></span><span style="font-size: 144%"> +Sess. 26.</span></h2> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc570" id="toc570"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XIV. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May it please Your Majesty.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Happiness we have had by Your Majesties +influence, as an Instrument in the Hand of God, +towards us for good, and the Countenance You have +given us in Holding this National Assembly of the +Church of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland</span></span>, Doth Encourage us to make Application +again to Your Majesty; That as in our Answer +to Your Gracious Letter direct to us in the Entrance +of this Assembly, we Engaged to Your Majesty +that in all things that should come before us, we would +carry with that Calmnes and Moderation, which becometh +the Ministers of the Gospel of Peace, and which +Your Majesty did so effectually Recommend to us; So +now in the Close of this our Assembly, we presume to +acquaint Your Majesty, That through the good Hand +of God upon us, we have in a great measure performed +accordingly: Having applied our selves, mostly and +especially, to what concerned this whole Church, and +endeavoured by all means Ecclesiastical, and proper for +us, to promote the Good thereof, together with the +Quiet of the Kingdom, and Your Majesties Satisfaction +and Contentment. And God hath been pleased to +Bless our Endeavours, in our Receiving to the Unity +and Order of this Church, some who had withdrawn, +and now have joyned with us, and promised Subjection: +And in providing for the Propagation of Religion, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page530">[pg 530]</span><a name="Pg530" id="Pg530" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and the Knowledge of God, in the most Barbarous +places of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, which may be the surest +way of Reducing these people also unto Your Majesties +Obedience: And especially in Regulating the Ministers +of this Church, after so great Revolutions and +Alterations: For we have according to the use and +practice of this Church, ever since the first Reformation +from Popery, appointed Visitations both for the +Southern and Northern parts of this Kingdom, Consisting +of the Gravest and most Experienced Ministers +and Elders: To whom we have given Instructions about +the late Conformists, that none of them shall be +Removed from their Places, but such as are either Insufficient, +or Scandalous, or Erroneous, or Supinely Negligent: +And that these of them be admitted to Ministerial +Communion with us, who upon due Trial, and +in a Competent Time for that Trial, shall be found +to be Orthodox in Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, +of a Godly, Peaceable, and Loyal Conversation, and +who shall be judged Faithfull to God and to the Government: +And who shall likewayes Promise to own, +Submit unto, and Concurre with it. We have also +taken Care, that all persons, who shall be found to +have received wrong, in any Inferior Judicatory of this +Church, shall be duly Redressed: Other things which +are not of so Universal a Concern, we have delayed +till the next General Assembly. This Account Great +SIR, we look upon our selves as Obliged to give unto +Your Majesty, for that great Goodness, You have +been pleased to express, in giving such Countenance +to this Assembly, and in appointing such Commissioner +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page531">[pg 531]</span><a name="Pg531" id="Pg531" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +to Represent Your Royal Person, who hath +been in all his Conduct in this Affair, most acceptable +unto us. That God may Bless Your Majesty, and our +most Gracious Queen, with all Blessings, which concern +both this Life, and the Life to come, is the earnest +Prayer of. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">May it please your Majesty,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +Your Majesties most Faithful,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +Most Humble and most Obedient,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic"> +Subjects and Servants.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Subscribed in Name, and at the Appointment +of the General Assembly, by +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">HU. KENNEDIE.</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc571" id="toc571"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XV. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South +and North sides of Tay.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The following Instructions to the Commission for +Visitations on this side of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>, were Read in presence +of the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“1. That there be appointed by the Assembly, a +Delegate number of the most experienced Ministers +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page532">[pg 532]</span><a name="Pg532" id="Pg532" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +and Elders. This number to be Forty Ministers, +and Twenty Ruling Elders, fifteen of them to a +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span>, ten of these being alwayes Ministers; And +that they at their first Session, Choose their Moderator +and Clerk; And for the Sub-committe betwixt +the Quarterly Meetings, nine to be the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span>, +six of these being alwayes Ministers.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“2. That the Work of this Commission for Visitations +be, to take to their Cognizance all References, +and Appeals, and other things, which being +stated before this Assembly, shall by them be specially +Referred to the said Commission, to determine +the same.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“3. That the Commission give their Opinion to all +Presbyteries and Synods, who shall apply to them +for the same, in difficult Cases: and though Presbyteries +shall not apply, yet if the Commission shall +be informed of any Precipitant, or unwarrantable +procedure of Presbyteries, in Processes, which +may prove of ill Consequence to the Church, The +Commission shall interpose their Advice, to such +Presbyteries, to sift such procedure, till either the +Synod, or next General Assembly take Cognizance +of it; if the said Commission shall not find a present +fit Expedient, to direct them, for bringing the +matter sooner to a Right Conclusion.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“4. That in discussing References, Appeals and +Bills, They take care to purge out all, who upon +due Tryal shall be found to be Insufficient, +supinely Negligent, Scandalous or Erroneous.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“5. That this Commission shall have Power of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page533">[pg 533]</span><a name="Pg533" id="Pg533" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Visiting any Ministers within the Bounds of any +Presbyteries, on this side of the Water of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>, as +they shall find need: And that this Power Reach +Presbyterians as well as others.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“6. That they shall be Careful, that none shall be +admitted by them to Ministerial Communion, or +to a share of the Government; but such as upon +due Tryal (for which the Commission is to take a +competent time) shall be found to be Orthodox in +their Doctrine, of Competent Abilities, having a +Pious, Godly, Loyal 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 True and Faithful to +God and the Government, and diligent in their Ministerial +Duties. And that all who shall be admitted +to the Ministry, or shall be received to a share in the +Government, shall be obliged to Own and Subscribe +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Confession of Faith</span></span>, and profess their Submission +to, and willingness to Joyn and Concur with +the Presbyterian Church-Government.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“7. That they be very Cautions of receiving Informations, +against the late Conformists, and that +they proceed in the matter of Censure, very Deliberatly, +so as none may have just cause to complain +of their Rigiditie: Yet so as to omit no means of Information. +And that they shall not proceed to censure, +but upon Relevant Libels and sufficient Probation.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“8. That this Commission do not take on them, to +meddle with any thing, not expressed in their Commission: +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page534">[pg 534]</span><a name="Pg534" id="Pg534" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +And that it be declared, that this Commission +is only given, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ad hunc effectum & pro præsenti +Ecclesiæ statu</span></span>.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“9. That this commission be in all their actings, +Countable to, and Censurable by the next Ensuing +General Assembly.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-q">“10. That this commission continue till the first of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November</span></span> next: and in case the General Assembly +Interveen; Then this Commission is to Terminate +at the meetting of the said Assembly.”</span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly approves these Instructions, +for the said Commission for Visitations on the South-side +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>: And ordains the same also to serve for the +Visitors that are to be appointed for the North. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc572" id="toc572"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XVI. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for Visitations on the South side of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Tay.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly Considering, that there are +many Important and weighty Affairs, Processes, +Appeals, and References, Tabled before this Assembly, +which the Assembly could not overtake, for want of +time to consider them naturely; Does therefore Nominate +and Authorize a Commission of Ministers and +Elders, for Visitation of the whole Presbyteries, on +the South-side of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Kennedy</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Vetch</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Law</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gabriel Semple</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Rule</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Kirtoun</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Areskyne</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page535">[pg 535]</span><a name="Pg535" id="Pg535" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Weir</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Crichtoun</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Anderson</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Pitcairn</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richard +Howison</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">, Mr. </span></span><span style="font-style: italic">George Campbel</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Lawrie</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Hamiltoun</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Peacock</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Spalding</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Michael Bruce</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gabriel Cuningham</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Warner</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Forbes</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hutcheson</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Eccles</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Vetch</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Simpson</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Matthew Crawford</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Legat</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Neil Gillies</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas +Forrester</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Mortoun</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert +Duncanson</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Bannatyne</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Ker</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Vilant</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert +Rule</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Frazer</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George +Meldrum</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilnining</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Blair</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Nairn</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edward +Jamieson</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Rymer</span></span> Ministers: and the Earl +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Crawford</span></span>, the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, the +Viscount of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arburthnet</span></span>, the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Halcraig</span></span>, +the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberuchil</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cimistoun</span></span>, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hall</span></span> Provest of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Riddel</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Greenknows</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Muir</span></span> late Baylie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James M</span><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic; vertical-align: super">c</span></span><span style="font-style: italic">lurgh</span></span> Dean of +Gild, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Stirling</span></span> Deacon Conveener, the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Naughtoun</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Meggans</span></span>, the Laird +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leuquhat</span></span>, Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Stewart</span></span>, the Laird +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glanderstoun</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lamingtoun</span></span>, +Provest <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Muir</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>, and the +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grange Hamiltoun</span></span> Ruling Elders: To meet +for their first Diet at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the fourteenth day of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November</span></span> Instant, Fifteen of them being a +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span>, whereof Ten are to be alwayes Ministers: And of +their Sub-Committee in the Interval of their Quarterly +Meetings, Nine to be a <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span>, Six of these being +always Ministers, who only are to Rippen and prepare +Matters for the Quarterly Meetings. And their next +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page536">[pg 536]</span><a name="Pg536" id="Pg536" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Quarterly Meeting to be at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the Third +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wednesday</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span> thereafter. And their +next Quarterly Meeting to be on the Third <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wednesday</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">April</span></span>. And +if afterwards the said Commission shall think fit, to appoint +other Quarterly Meetings, they may do as they +see Expedient With full Power to them and their Sub-Commission +foresaid, to give Warrand for Citing Parties +upon Fifteen free dayes. And the said Commission, +being only appointed, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ad hunc effectum & pro prasentes +Ecclesia Statu</span></span>, Therefore, The Assembly Recommends +particularly to the said Commission, to take +Cognizance of, and finally determine in the particulars +following, specially Committed and Referred to them, +by this Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> The Purging and Planting of +the City and Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>: The transportation +of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Wyse</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span>: The +Proces of the Heretors and People of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span>: The Processes, +of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Wood</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumbar</span></span>, of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Spotswood</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abbotsrule</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Bowes</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abbotshail</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lyon</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kinghorm</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Symon Compar</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermling</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Crawford</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lady-Kirk</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Orr</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Huttoun</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adam Peacock</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Morbassie</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Daniel Urquhart</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Clackmannan</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Monro</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dollar</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Shaw</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Logie</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Ireland</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fossoway</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tilliboal</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Sharp</span></span> at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Muckart</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahame</span></span> at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermling</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gray</span></span> +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Beath</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Monro</span></span> at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Skinner</span></span> +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bathkenner</span></span>: The Petition of the Magistrates of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, and Reference anent Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Anderson</span></span> there: The Processes of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Alison</span></span> at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilboche</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Cowper</span></span> at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Humbie</span></span>: Some Reference of the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page537">[pg 537]</span><a name="Pg537" id="Pg537" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Teviotdial</span></span> to the +Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">viz.</span></span> One anent Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Canaries</span></span>, +and another anent Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirktoun</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jameson's</span></span> returning to their Charges, +or else to Dimit; And a third anent Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Crawfurd</span></span> +Deposed, to procure him some Lively hood, because +of his Age and Infirmity, and some others given +in to the Clerk therewith from the said Synod: The +Affair anent Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Duncan Campbel</span></span> and the Parishes of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dinnoon</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilmorn</span></span>: The Process of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Glasford</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Auchterderen</span></span>: The +Reference from the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, for advice anent Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Cowpar</span></span>: The Petitions of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Hamiltoun</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Nisbet</span></span>: The Petition of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Strang</span></span>, +anent his Clerks Fies. This Commission is also to Correspond +with the State, anent Fasts and Thanksgivings, +and their Causes, if the Occasions thereof fall out during +the time of their sitting: Also to take the Monitory +paper to consideration, and see what use is to be made +of it: To consider what Acts of Assembly are fit to +be Printed together, and order the same. To consider +the form of process, being first Revised by the Lord +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberuchil</span></span> and the Lord +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Halcraig</span></span>. And to apply to the +Privy Council for their Civil Sanction to the observation +of the Fast. And this Commission is to walk in +all things, according to the particular Instructions given +unto them by this Assembly. And in all their Actings +they shall be countable to and Censurable by the +next General Assembly. And this Commission to Continue +till the first of November next, or the diet, that +shall be appointed for the next General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page538">[pg 538]</span><a name="Pg538" id="Pg538" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc573" id="toc573"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XVII. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for Visitations on the North side of</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> +Tay.</span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly taking to their Consideration +the necessity of Purging and Planting of the +Churches on the North side of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>, do by their Ecclesiastical +Authority, Nominat, Appoint and Authorize +their Reverend Brethren Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Kennedy</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Law</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Crichtoun</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edward Jamieson</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Rule</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Rymer</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Frazer</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Forbes</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Anderson</span></span> at +Perth, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Meldrum</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kitwining</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsay</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Bowie</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Young</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Legat</span></span>, and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Mackie</span></span>, Ministers: And +the Lord Viscount of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arbuthnet</span></span>, the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Meggins</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Naughtoun</span></span>, the Laird +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leuquhat</span></span>, and the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Greenknows</span></span>, +Ruling Elders: To joyn with the Ministers and Elders in the North after-mentioned; +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Viz.</span></span> Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Stewart</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Urquhart</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander +Dumbar</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Frazer</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas +Hogg</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Henryson</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Mackay</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Dinnoon</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George +Meldrum</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glass</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Mitchel</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Ramsay</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis +Melvil</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mculloch</span></span>, Ministers: together +With the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brodie</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grant</span></span>, the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grange Dumbar</span></span>, the +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page539">[pg 539]</span><a name="Pg539" id="Pg539" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eight</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Culloden</span></span>, the +Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Darfolly</span></span>, the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Parkhay</span></span>, +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Monro</span></span>, Sir. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Monro</span></span>, Sir +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Gordon</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Embo</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Frazer</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maine</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Campbel</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Moy</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hector Monro</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drummond</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Duff</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Martyne</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Burnbrae</span></span>, Ruling Elders: To +be a Commission for Visiting the whole Presbyteries on +the North-side of the Water of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>, In Planting Vacant +Churches Constituting Elderships in Congregations, +Trying & Purging out of Insufficient, Negligent, Scandalous +and Erroneous Ministers, by due course of Ecclesiastical +Process and Censures, according to the Particular +Instructions, given them thereanent, and for that +effect, to have their first Dyet of meeting, at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, +the Second <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wednesday</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span> next, and +thereafter to appoint the own Dyets and Places of meeting, as they +see Expedient, with full Power to them, or their +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quorum</span></span> being seven Ministers and three Ruling Elders, +to Issue out Warrants for Citing of Parties upon fifteen +Free dayes, to Cognosce, Determine and finally decide, +in planting of Vacant Churches, Constituting +Elderships, and Trying and Purging out, all Insufficient, +Negligent, Scandalous and Erroneous Ministers, +conforme to the particular Instructions given +them thereanent. They being alwayes Countable to, +and Censurable by the next General Assembly of this +Church: And this Commission to continue till the +first of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November</span></span> next, or the Dyet that shall be appointed +for the next General Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page540">[pg 540]</span><a name="Pg540" id="Pg540" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +<a name="toc574" id="toc574"></a> +<h3 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 2.40em; margin-top: 2.40em"><span style="font-size: 120%">XVIII. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">Commission for</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Mr. Gilbert Rule +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 120%"> Mr. David Blair, +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 120%; font-style: italic">to wait upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church.</span></span></h3> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The General Assembly judging it Expedient, to +send two of their Number to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, to attend +his Majesty, anent the Affairs of this Church; Does +therefore Nominate and Appoint their Reverend Brethren, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Gilbert Rule</span></span>, one of the Ministers of the +City of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and Principal of the Colledge thereof, +and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Blair</span></span> another of the Ministers of the +said City; with all convenient speed to Repair to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, +to attend His Majesty for the end foresaid: And +Refers the Instructions to be given them, and what other +things Concern their Journey, to the Commission +for Visitations on the South side of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span> appointed by +this Assembly. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +This Assembly being Dissolved, and the next General +Assemly appointed to be held at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> the +first day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">November</span></span> next to come; the Members +were dismissed with Prayer, Singing of the 133 Psalm, +and pronouncing of the Blessing. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Collected, Visied and Extracted, from the +Records of the said Assembly by Me</span></span> +JOHN SPALDING <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cls. Syn: National.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +FINIS. +</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page541">[pg 541]</span><a name="Pg541" id="Pg541" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc575" id="toc575"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">INDEX of the Unprinted Acts, &c. Of the General +Assembly, 1690.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Kennedy</span></span> to be Moderator. +Sess. 1. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Spalding</span></span>, Clerk to the late +General Meeting, to be Clerk to this Assembly for +the time. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Revising the Commissions of the Members +of this Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Overture, References, and Appeals, +Sess. 2. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee For Synod-Books, and for Bills. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Supplying the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, during +this Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference anent the Purging and Planting of the City +and Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, to the Commission to +be appointed for Visitations, Sess. 5. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration by the Moderator, that this Assembly +would Despose no Incumbents, simply for their Judgment, +anent the Government of the Church, nor +urge Re-ordination upon them, Sess. 6. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Opinion of the Assembly, declining to send any +Ministers to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Northumberland</span></span>, upon a Petition of +some in that Country, is respect these People do not +belong to this Church. Sess. 8. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act discharging Mr. Andrew <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sliry</span></span> the exercise of the +Ministry, at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Falkirk</span></span>, and appointing the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> to declare the said Kirk Vacant: As also +discharging him the exercise of the Ministry, within +the bounds of that Presbytery, without the said +Presbyteries allowances. Sess. 9. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page542">[pg 542]</span><a name="Pg542" id="Pg542" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the call given to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Anderson</span></span> +by the Parish of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leuquhars. Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act declaring Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Mitchell</span></span> Rightful +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Turreff</span></span> Sess. 10. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Transporting Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Campbel</span></span>, to the +Profession of Divinity in the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +and to the Ministrie in that City. Sess. 11. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundie</span></span>, Sess. 12. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act transporting Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gabriel Semple</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jedburgh. Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Letters to several Ministers and Preachers Now +abroad, belonging to this Church, for their Returning Home. Sess. 13. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Reviving the Overtures of the Assembly. 1649. +Sess. 2. Anent the ordering of the Assembly House <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mckenzie</span></span>, declaring +the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Karklistoun</span></span> Vacant, with +a Recommendation to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, +to see the same planted. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Overture anent planting of the North. Sess. 14. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Ministers to repair to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, +with a Recommendation to the privy Council thereanent. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Spalding</span></span>, to be +Clerk of this Assembly, till further Consideration. Sess. 15. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Park</span></span> late Incumbent +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carriden</span></span>, finding that he had fallen from +his appeal, from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, +by his non compeatance <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Blair</span></span> to be Agent for this Church. Sess. 16. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page543">[pg 543]</span><a name="Pg543" id="Pg543" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Heriot</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalkeith</span></span> +to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Loathian</span></span>. +Sess. 17. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Ratifiying the Sentence of deposition, past by the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span> against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Forsyth</span></span> +Elder late Incumbent +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Ninians</span></span>, for Celebrating an Incestuous Marriage. +Sess. 18. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Couper</span></span> Incumbent at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Humbie</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation +of Kirks &c. in favours of the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyl</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission to be appointed for Visitations on +the South side of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tay</span></span>, in favours of the +Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, with +an Approbation of the Presbytries procedure, in constituting +a Kirk Session there. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commission of Parliament for Plantation +of Kirks. &c. In Favours of the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfries</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Mosman</span></span> to be Printer to the Assemly, Sess. 21. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to his Majesty, the Parliament, and Commission +for plantation of Kirks &c. in favours, of the Laird and +Lady <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hoptoun</span></span> for Erecting the Lead Mynes +in a Parish. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dambarten</span></span> and Synod +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, in favours of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Mitchell</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c +For Re-erecting the Kirk and Parish of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">New-Cumnock</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference in favours of the Burgh and Parish of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stanrawer</span></span>, and +the Parishes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anwith</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Borgh</span></span>, +to the several Presbyteries, for applying to the Meetings in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, to louse the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> Ministers +now serving in these Parishes to the end they may +continue their setled Ministers. Sess. 22. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanerk</span></span>, in Favours +of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Mowat</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commission for plantation of Kirks &c. +For Re-erecting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robertoun</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Impowering the Ministers and Elders in the North who are +to joyn with the Visitation for that Countrey, to take Informations, +and to cause Cite Parties and witnesses against the +first Diet of the said Visitation. Sess. 24 +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forsyth</span></span> Younger to the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in the Petition +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page544">[pg 544]</span><a name="Pg544" id="Pg544" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of the Lord and Lady <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Crichtoun</span></span>, as being a +matter Civil, and so not comepetent to the Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference in Favours of the Parish of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Genluce</span></span> to +the Presbytery of the bounds, to apply for lousing some +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> Ministers, as in the case of the +Burgh of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stranrawer.</span></span>, &c. Ibid. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Opinion of the Assembly declining to meddle in a Petition of the +Heretors of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Collingtoun</span></span>, as being a matter Civil +and Incompetent to them. Sess. 25. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation in Favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Mosman</span></span> +anent some Books. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Rule</span></span>, to Writt an +answer to some Pamphlets. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for supplying the Charges of Ministers appointed for Visitations +in the North. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Ministers to Repair to the bounds of the +Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochmahan Middlebee, &c.</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act declaring the Sentence of Deposition and Excommunication past +by the late pretended Bishop of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumblane</span></span>, +against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Spence</span></span> to be void and Null. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter from the Assembly to the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Melvill</span></span> +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Secretary</span></span> of State for +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scotland.</span></span> Sess. 26. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Ministers and Probationers to Repair to the +North. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Ministers to the like effect with the former. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Revising the Acts of Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the privy Council, for some Charity to Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cameron</span></span> one of the late Conformists, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and the Synod of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthian</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fife</span></span>, +in Favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mary Aresyne.</span></span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing the Synod Books to be sent in to the next General +Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +FINIS. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page545">[pg 545]</span><a name="Pg545" id="Pg545" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc576" id="toc576"></a> +<a name="pdf577" id="pdf577"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">An INDEX Of the Principal unprinted Acts of the Assembly +at </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%">, 1638.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act containing sundry protestations between the Commissioners +Grace and the members of the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act of Election of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Alexander Henderson</span></span> to be Moderatour. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Archibald Johnstoun</span></span> his admission to +be Clerk and his production of the Registers of the Kirk, which +were preserved by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gods</span></span> wonderful providence. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +An act disallowing any private conference and constant Assessours to the Moderatour. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Act Registrating his Majesties will given in by his Commissioner. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Act bearing the Assemblies Protestation against the dissolution thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the Presbitery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Auchterardors</span></span> +present seat at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberuthven</span></span> for a time. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the order of receiving the repentance of any penitent +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Prelate</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the admission of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Archibald Johnstoun</span></span> +to be Advocate and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Robert Dalgleish</span></span> to be Agent +for the Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the transporting of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Alexander Henderson</span></span> from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leuchars</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act containing a Commission to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> December, 26. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another Commission to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jedburgh</span></span> Ian, 22. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another Commission to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irwin</span></span> Ian, 15. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another Commission to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunde</span></span> Feb, 5. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another Commission to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chantrie</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Forres</span></span>, March, 19. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another Commission to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkubright</span></span>, Feb. 6. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Commission for visitation of the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Commission for visitation of the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing the Commissioners to attend the Parliament, and the Articles which +they are to represent in name of the Kirk to the Estates. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act ordaining the Presbyteries to intimate in their several Pulpites the +Assemblies explanation of Confession of Faith. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Act against <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Episcopacy</span></span>. The Act against the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Five Articles</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The act against the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Service Book</span></span>. The +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Book of Cannons</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Book of Ordination</span></span>. The +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">High Commission</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act of Excommunication and deposition against some <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Prelates</span></span>, +and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page546">[pg 546]</span><a name="Pg546" id="Pg546" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of deposition only against some of them. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act ordaining all Presbyteries to keep a solemn thanksgiving in all Parishes, +for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gods</span></span> Blessing and good success to this Assembly, +upon the first convenient Sabbath. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act warranding the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Moderator</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Clerk</span></span> +to give out summonds upon relevant complaints, against parties to compear +before the next Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act that none be chosen as <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ruling Elders</span></span> to sit +in Presbyteries, Provincial, or General Assemblies, but those who +subscribes the Covenant as it is now declared, and acknowledges the +constitutions of this Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for representing to the Parliament the necessity of the +standing of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Procurators</span></span> place for the Kirk. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc578" id="toc578"></a> +<a name="pdf579" id="pdf579"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> +Edinburgh, 1639, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Kings Majesties Commission to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Traquair</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Dickson</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Kings Majesties Commissioners, and the Assemblies Declarations anent +the Assembly of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renounciation of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Lindsay</span></span> pretended +Bishop of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>, of Episcopacy. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act reviving former Acts against going of Salt-pans on the Sabbath day. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for drawing up of a Catechisme. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Articles and overtures to be presented to the ensuing Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The report of the Committee appointed for examination of the Book called +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Kings Manifesto</span></span>, or <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Declaration</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Covenant or Confession of Faith. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the adjoining of some Kirks in the Ile of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Boes</span></span> +to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Denune</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act adjoyning some Kirks in the Iles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Coill</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tyrie</span></span>, to the Provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilmoire</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc580" id="toc580"></a> +<a name="pdf581" id="pdf581"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> +Aberdene, 1640, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act against Prophaning of the Sabbath. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Charmers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act renewing of a former Act made against Priors and Abbots. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page547">[pg 547]</span><a name="Pg547" id="Pg547" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for attending the Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission anent the Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ross</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission anent the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the Presbytery-seat of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Selkirk.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Visitors of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, +and a new Commission of Visitation of that University. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the carriage of Ministers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the ordering of Family exercise. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Ruling Elders keeping of Presbyteries. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Magistrates being Members of Kirk Session. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed to attend the +preceeding Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent abolishing of Idolatrous Monuments. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent abolishing of idolatrous monuments in and about +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The report of the Visitors of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visiting the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc582" id="toc582"></a> +<a name="pdf583" id="pdf583"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly +holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> St. Andrews, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">and</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> Edinburgh 1641. +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +His Majesties Commission to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Earle of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Woems</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Letter from the Parliament to the General Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the continuation of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +His Majesties Letter to the Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the translation of the Assembly from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. +Andrews</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration of the Assembly anent the translation thereof to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for drawing up one Catechisme one Confession of Faith directory +of publick worship and form of Kirk-government. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay's</span></span> delivery to +the Clerk the Books, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Warnesius</span></span> Book, and +others which he received at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Overtures anent transportation of Ministers, and plantation of Schooles, +recommended to be advised by Synods. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Parliament anent the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission anent erecting of a Presbytery in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent bringing of the Synod books to the Assemblies. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference from the Parliament anent a Band and a Paper called a +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Manifesto</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the deleting of the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Traquairs</span></span> +Declaration out of the Books of secret Councel. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of Overtures made anent the Plantation of Kirks in the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">High-lands</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission to attend the Parliament. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to that Commission anent the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page548">[pg 548]</span><a name="Pg548" id="Pg548" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc584" id="toc584"></a> +<a name="pdf585" id="pdf585"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly +holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> St. Andrews, 27. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">July</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%">, 1642. +</span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +His Majesties Commission granted to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Charles Earle</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfermling</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span> Moderator. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Acceptation of the Commission from the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scottish</span></span> +Kirk at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Camphire</span></span>, granted to Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William +Spong</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act renewing the Commissions for Visitation of the Universities of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews,</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent delivery of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> contribution +to the receivers appointed by the secret Council. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Idolatrous monuments in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ruthwill</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the Books of the Presbyteries in our Army that went to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the planting of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilwinning</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission anent the erecting of a Presbytery in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act repealing the Act of the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway</span></span> +concerning the tryal of Actual Ministers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Kings Declaration anent the gift of 500. Lib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for sending of Expectants to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, +and for a Commission to be drawn up to some Ministers to go there. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Marques of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> anent +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Egertie</span></span> Priest, and all other Priests, +or sayers of Masse in the North Iles, or within the bounds of his Justiciarie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the reponing of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Power</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for putting the Overtures anent maintaining of Bursars in every +Presbytery in practice. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Commission for revising of some Synod Books, and +the Assemblies approbation. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act forgiving transumpts of the Covenant and Band. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for sending of General Acts of Assemblies to Synods. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Murray</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee of reports of the proceedings of the Commissioners +of the last Assembly appointed to attend the Parliament, with certain +overtures of the Assemblies approbation thereof, with the double of +the Signator of 500 lib sent to his Majesty. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation or <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetand.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly, anent the choice of +any Minister to go to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, in place of +any of the six appointed by this Assembly to that effect, in case +they or any of them be impeded by sickness or death. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Iles, Anandail, Esadail, Liddedail,</span></span> +&c for want of Kirks and Schooles; of the Presbyteries of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochmaben</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nowhie</span></span>, for want +of a Civil Magistrate, to the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, and +secret Councill, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Respectivè</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly for planting of the +Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Colvils</span></span> invitation to St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission anent the planting of the Landwart Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. +Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +References and Overtures, and the Assemblies answer thereto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission of +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page549">[pg 549]</span><a name="Pg549" id="Pg549" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +this Assembly anent Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Fairlie</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the commission of this Assembly anent the planting of the Kirk of Dundie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Overtures anent the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirk of Camphire</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Magistrates of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> anent +mundays market. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent giving in to the Clerk the list of Expectants. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act giving power and liberty to Sir. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Johnstoun</span></span> +Procurator for the Kirk, and Clerk to the General Assembly, to adjoyne +any to himself, or to depute in these Offices whom he shall think fit. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc586" id="toc586"></a> +<a name="pdf587" id="pdf587"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> +Edinburgh, 1643, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Kings Majesties Commission to Sir. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Hope</span></span> +of Craighall Knight, His Majesties Advocate. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Moderatour. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Scot</span></span>, who was sent from +the Presbyterie in the Scottish Army in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, +to be present in the Assembly every session. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Questions propounded by the moderatour, to some brethren in the North, +anent some Papists there, and their answers thereunto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letters from Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Spang</span></span>, Minister of +the Scot's Kirk at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Camphire</span></span>, with attestations +of some Dutch Kirks, anent hanging of Pensils in Kirks, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Summar Excommunication of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adam Abercrombie</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the deposition of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Forbes</span></span>, +With an ordinance for his Subscribing the Covenant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Questions from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span>, with +the Assemblies resolution thereof, anent Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Seatan</span></span>, +and his Daughter. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the advice of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at +St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, for not Printing two Acts of the +last Assembly held at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maitland</span></span> his Faithful +discharging the Commission given to him by the late Assembly at St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> for repairing to the Kings Majesty +and Parliament of England, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to meet with the English Commissioners. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Power of Collectory to Master Robert <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalgliesh</span></span>, +of the annuity of 500. lib, Sterling granted by his Majesty to the Kirk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Lord Marquesse of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> +his apprehending <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ronald Mackronald</span></span> Priest. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Birtenboge</span></span>, for +apprehending <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Robeson</span></span> Priest. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renounciation of the unlawful Band, conforme to the ordinance of the +Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, 1641. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation anent the captives in Argiers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of Master Alexander Henderson his Faithful and wise +carriage in discharging of the Commissions given to him by +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page550">[pg 550]</span><a name="Pg550" id="Pg550" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Commissioners of the late Assembly, forgoing to his Majestie, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee appointed to meet with the English Commissioners. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee appointed for trying the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Auchterarder</span></span>, the Assemblies approbation, admonition and publick +rebuke of the several brethren of that Presbytery <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span> +according to their behaviours. An Suspension of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Graham</span></span>, With the ordinance for debarring the Ministers who are Commissioners +of that Presbyterie from this Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> for reconciling the +differences amongst the brethren of that Presbytery. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Publick rebuke of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Futhie</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the desire of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sir John Crawford</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilburnie</span></span> Knight, to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumbartan</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Anent Doctour <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Howies</span></span> papers. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the desire of the Letters sent from the Minister of the Scottish Kirk +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Camphire</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to him, to urge the subscribing of the Covenant. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Logie</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Erection of a presbytery at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>, with a suspension +of entry thereunto. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference of the matter betwixt the Parishoners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Closburn</span></span> +&c. and the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Penpont</span></span>, to the Synod of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference of the Petition of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunscoir</span></span> to the Commiss. +Parl. for Plantation of Kirks. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation anent the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carwhit</span></span>, to the Presbytery +of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remitt. anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trastat</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drungey</span></span>, +to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfriess</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Roger Lindsay</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maine</span></span> +his Excommunication, with a Recommendation to the Convention of Estates Concerning him. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Convention of Estates, anent Persons Excommunicate. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkney, Zetland</span></span>, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act anent the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stracathro</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation anent Erecting a Kirk at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seatoun</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission to be appointed by this Assembly, for the publick +affairs of this Kirk, for providing the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span> +with a Professour of Divinity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the said Commiss. for providing a Professour of Divinity to the +University of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to conferre with the English Commissioners upon the papers +presented by them to the Assembly upon the 15. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to conferre also with the Committee of the Convention of Estates thereanent. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance that Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span>, and Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Dickson</span></span>, +make some draught and forme of the Publick Directory for Worship. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for proceeding with Ecclesiastick Censures against the Murtherers +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Crichtoun</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission appointed to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span> for the +particulars concerning the Parochiners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stainiskirk</span></span>, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Tryal of the Synod Books. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Act of the last Assembly, concerning the power granted to +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Johnstoun</span></span>, Procurator for the Kirk, and Clerk +to the Assembly. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page551">[pg 551]</span><a name="Pg551" id="Pg551" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the matter concerning a Collegue to the Minister of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfries</span></span>, to the Commissioners of Parliament for Plantation +of Kirks. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lewishsam</span></span> to try the +proceedings of the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span>, in admission of +Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hay</span></span> to the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mackeinzie</span></span> to the Commission of the +General Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for proceeding against the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, for not +keeping the Synod. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Lord Marquess of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, to move the ruling +Elders in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, to be more observant of Presbyteries and Synods. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Lord Marquesse <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> for planting +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Loquhaber</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for supressing of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sub-Synods</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for deleting an Act of the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference anent the order of Tryal of Synods, Presbyteries, and Kirks, with a +recommendation for using the orders set down in the Assemblies 1638. and 1602. in +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">interim</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for planting the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit to the Presbytery of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, anent the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Largo</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Fairlie</span></span>, to the Commission +of this Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation anent the Bill given in by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Janson</span></span> +Printer in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Amsterdam</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference anent Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Fleming</span></span> to the Commission appointed +to sit at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report and approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of visitation for the +University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visitation of that Universitie. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee anent the distressed People in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, to sit at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> anent Expectants to go to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Acts anent <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Murray</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Robert Brown</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for his admission +to the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irwines</span></span> Regiment. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee anent the receiving and dispensing of his receipts of the +annuitie of five hundred pounds sterling, &c. And approbation thereof. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee appointed to consider the References from the Commission of +the late Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master Andrew Murray</span></span>, Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ebdie</span></span>, his exercise of his calling of the Ministerie, and +for rejecting honours, &c. Incompatible with that calling. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master William Bennet</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ancrum</span></span>, to abstain from civil Courts and Meetings, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commissioners of the Assembly for tryal if any Excommunicate +Papists be in the Scottish Regiments in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">France</span></span>, &c. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Master James Johnstoun</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tillifrusbie</span></span> to the Presbyterie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation anent Laird <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gagies</span></span> mortification. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Trotter</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation anent the dismembering some parts of the Paroch of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span>, to be a several Parochine. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page552">[pg 552]</span><a name="Pg552" id="Pg552" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc588" id="toc588"></a> +<a name="pdf589" id="pdf589"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> +Edinburgh, 1644, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed.</span></span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Bonar</span></span> Moderator. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. I.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the decision in the question concerning the Commission from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Crail</span></span>, untill the appellation be discussed. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of Committees for Bills, Reports, &c, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. II.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Letter from the Presbytery at the Armie concerning sending Ministers unto them. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Letter from the Presbyterie in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies thankful resentment of the E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthians</span></span> +sufferings, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The desire of the Convention of Estates, to quicken the proceedings of the Assembly, +and the Assemblies Resolutions thereinto. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. III.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission to be appointed by the Assembly, for presenting +Overtures, Acts, &c. to the Parliament. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Act of the preceeding Assembly, for planting the new Colledge +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews, Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Denmures</span></span> Bill. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aytouns</span></span> Bill. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to consider some Overtures concerning Universities and Schooles. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. IV.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission granted to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cockburn</span></span>, & Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Mackel</span></span> for the first 3. Moneths beginning the 1. +of Aug. next; to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Dick</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Dick</span></span>, the next 3. Moneths, and to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Livingstoun</span></span>, +and Mrs. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Wylie</span></span> for the Last 3. Moneths, to repair to the +North of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, bearing the same power granted to the +Persons appointed for that imployment by the preceeding Assembly. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission for sending Expectants to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Weemes</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bagie</span></span>, +his Bill. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkney, Zetland, Caithness, +Sutherland</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, to Masters +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Falconer</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murdo Mackeinzie</span></span>, +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Brodie</span></span> of that Ilk. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for, M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Halyburtouns</span></span> going to the Army. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Lords of Exchequer their promise concerning payment of some of the +arrears of the Annuitie of 500. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lib. Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act and Reference concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Wood, Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission of this Assembly concerning the Papers presented by my +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span>, which were directed to the Commissioners of +the proceeding Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. V.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for planting the New Colledge of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen. Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Leslie</span></span> to the Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leslie. Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the planting of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Syres, Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Countess of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kinnowles</span></span> Bill to the +Commission. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Murray</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ebdie, Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act and Ref. concerning the planting of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lamingtoun. Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission of the Assembly concerning Overtures for Universities and +Schooles, &c. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. VI.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page553">[pg 553]</span><a name="Pg553" id="Pg553" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Indiction of a Fast, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the appointment of the preceeding Assembly for framing a Directory +for Worship, and for Tryal of Synods, Presbyteries, and Kirks, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for the Clerks subscribing the deliverance of the Committee of Bills for Charity +to the distressed People of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for considering the formes and draughts of Commissions for +Visitation of Universities. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act recalling two Acts of Commission for Visitation of the University of S. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the said Commission concerning confirmation of Ministers Books in their Wives +Testaments. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the said Commission concerning Witches and Charmers. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Overtures of the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span> to the said +Commission. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of D. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adam Stuart</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Act concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Murray</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. ult.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly appointed to sit at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Peirson</span></span> Minister in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkney</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gasks</span></span> Bill. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberchirdour</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ennerkethenne</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Petries</span></span> Letter to the Commission of +Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the reposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Maxwel</span></span> sometime +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, with an Ordinance for his subscribing +a particular Declaration of the unlawfulness of Episcopacy. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seatons</span></span> Bill to the Commission of Assembly. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter from the Presbytery at the Army, with a Reference to the Commission concerning +the restraint of transporting Women to the Army. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission of Assembly concerning the Letters from the Commissioners at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, &c. and concerning the Paraphrase of the Psalmes +in Meeter. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tester's</span></span> Bill to the said Commission. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Trotter</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margaret Thomsons</span></span> Bill to the Commission of +Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. of the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Achterardour</span></span> concerning the matter of +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cook</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transplantation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Rait</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brachen</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for the Ministers of the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span> their +acknowledgment of their disobedience to the Acts both of the General and Provincial +Assemblies, in admitting Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hay</span></span>, upon their knees before +the Provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Louthian</span></span>; And approbation of the Dissenters; +with Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hayes</span></span> Declaration, and the Assemblies Ordinance +for his subscribing a particular Declaration, concerning the unlawfulness of +Episcopacy, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lesmahago</span></span> to their Provincial. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ratification of the Contract betwixt <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Maxwel</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Imnorweeke</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Macghie</span></span>, +concerning the augmentation of the Ministers Provision at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dirletoun</span></span>, and of the Acts of Presbytery and Synod +thereanent. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span>, and the +Assemblies Answers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ersiltoune</span></span> furnishing of Ministers +to the Master of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cranstons</span></span> Regiment, and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page554">[pg 554]</span><a name="Pg554" id="Pg554" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +for sending forth presently Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Donaldson</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for the Presb. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalkeith</span></span> sending a Minister to La. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nidires</span></span> Regiment. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission of Assembly of the desires and Overtures of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> + +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc590" id="toc590"></a> +<a name="pdf591" id="pdf591"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">INDEX of the ACTS of this Assembly +holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> Edinburgh 1645. </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not Printed</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%">.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Remonstrance sent to the Kings Majesty from the Commissioners of the preceding +Assembly, concerning the Dyet and occasion of the meeting of this Assembly. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span> Moderator. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span>, and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geo. Gillespie</span></span>, of the progress of the Treaty for +Uniformity, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 2.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of Committees for the Directory, and for Bills, Appeals, &c. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Petitions from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> to the Committee of +Bills, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 3</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Martin</span></span> for intimating the +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Barclay</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Acts appointing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Nasmith</span></span> to attend the Lord +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montgomeries</span></span> Regiment; Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arthur Granger</span></span>, +Lieutenant General <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Baillie</span></span> his Regiment; and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Wilkie</span></span> to the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lothians</span></span> +Regiment. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Lord General's Letter to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Petition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamilton's</span></span> Wife to +the Committee for the Directory. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Parliament for Ministers losses, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 4</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning Bursars, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to confer with the lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ogilvie</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 5</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act ordaining the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span> to proceed against +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rae</span></span> for refusing the Covenant. With an Ordinance for +giving in to the Clerk the report of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hamiltouns</span></span> +subscribing the Covenant, and of the Excommunication of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">D. +Hamiltoun</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act discharging the relaxation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nash Gordoun</span></span>, with +a reference concerning the same to the Commissioners of this Assembly. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ibid.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining the witnesses against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Robertson</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Fife</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, (which is not here printed, +because already printed by Ordinance of the Commission of Assembly 1643. and +universally subscribed) with an Approbation of the Ordinances, and the diligence of the +Commissioners of Assembly for receiving thereof, &c. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning Col. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arcskines</span></span> Regiment. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 6.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to speak with Col. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Munro</span></span>, concerning +Letters sent from the Officers of the Army of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>; +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining witnesses against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Oliphant</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Invitation of all who had scruples +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page555">[pg 555]</span><a name="Pg555" id="Pg555" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +concerning the Directory, to address themselves to that Committee, with a reference to +the said Committee concerning uniformity of practice of the Directory in this Kirk. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to conferre with the young Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drum</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mr. Hugh Henderson</span></span> to Col. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stuarts</span></span> Regiment. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 7.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for hearing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Wood</span></span>, and the Commissioners +from S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Barbara Meins</span></span> Petition to the Parliament. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Parliament concerning the Army in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Invitation again of all that had scruples or doubts concerning the Directory, +to address themselves to the Committee for resolution. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Parliament of the Petition of the Hospital of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leith</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 8</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Parliament of the Petition of the Kirk +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drummen</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refer. of the Petition from the Northwest parts of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> +to the Committee of Bills. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for a charitable supply to the people in and about +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Borrowstounness</span></span>, visited with the plague. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Wood</span></span> to S. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Masters <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Blair</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galstoun</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Hamiltoun</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ballentrae</span></span>, to go to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> for the +first three Months, beginning the first day of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span>. Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Row</span></span> Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkmabrek</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Levingstoun</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carmichael</span></span> for the next three Months, beginning the first day of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span>: and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Colwart</span></span> +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pasley</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Semple</span></span> +Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Killcarne</span></span>, beginning the first of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">January</span></span> next. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 9.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Ministers to the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanericks</span></span> Regiment of +Horse, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Sentence absolvitour of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Lichtoun</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Ministers to the L. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balgonie</span></span> and L. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkcudbrights</span></span> Regiments. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Colon. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arcskines</span></span> Regiment. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conferring with the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drums</span></span> second +Son, and their report. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 10.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Directory for publick Worship in the three Kingdoms. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for presenting the Directory to the Parliament. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tarbes</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to assist the Petition given into the Parliament, for trying +and executing some Witches. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 11.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to visit young <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drum</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refer. to the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for planting the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Exemption of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Balnaves</span></span>, from going to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkcudbrights</span></span> Regiment. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refer. to the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for planting the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mauchline</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed for considering the best means for planting the Kirk and new +Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +My Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, and the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lammingtouns</span></span> submission to the Assembly, with the Assemblies +determination, concerning the planting of the Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lammingtoun</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Macghie</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page556">[pg 556]</span><a name="Pg556" id="Pg556" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun. Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Young</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow; Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the new Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carfarne</span></span> to the +Parliament. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to consider of the way for Printing Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rob. Boyd</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trochrigs</span></span> Works. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for revising the Labours +of a Brother, upon the continuation of the History of this Kirk, and thereafter to +cause Print them with consent of the Author. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Report, concerning the injuries done to Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Burne</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London Derie</span></span>, with a +Recom. thereof to the Parliament, and a Letter to the Commissioners at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 12.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Two Acts concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Murray</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of the Commissioners of Presbyteries, to give in a list of the +Excommunicate persons within their bounds to the Clerk. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for assisting the Petion. to the Parliament, for the necessities of +the Army in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Williamson</span></span> to the Presbytery of St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Tryal of the Books of the Synods of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lothian, Dumfreit, Glasgow, +Aberden</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ross</span></span>, which were only produced. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Admission of the Excuses for non production of the Books of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fife, +Angus</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hopes</span></span> Petition to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanrick</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament, concerning Suspensions against Ministers and Universities. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Boyd</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Bruce</span></span> to the Parliament and Commission, +for Plantation of Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway</span></span> to the +Parliament, concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tho. Mackee</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of the Inhabitants of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chanrie of +Ross</span></span> to the Parliament, and to the Commission for planting of Kirks. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archbald Maccorquodill</span></span> Student +in S. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, to D. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Colvill</span></span> +Professor of Divinity there. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of the Parochiners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pasley</span></span> to the +Commis. of Parl. for planting of Kirks. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Torres</span></span> to the Commission of Parliament, for +Plantation of Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament of the Petition of the Ministers upon the Borders, concerning +the insolence of Moss Troopers. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Petition</span></span> of the unprovided Ministers within the +Provinces of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene, Murray</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ross</span></span> to the Parliament, and Commission of Parliament for +plantation of Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament for changing the Fairs upon +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mondays</span></span> to some other day. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochmaben</span></span>, for going on in +the process against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geo. Bryde</span></span>. With a Recom. to +the E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hartfell</span></span>, to possess the Minister to the Kirk, +and concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Chambers</span></span> Gleib. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Two Letters from the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 13.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act authorizing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span> to assist the +Commissioners of Parliament in the Treaty at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Uxbridge</span></span>, in +matters concerning Religion. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Proposition concerning Excommunication to the Committee for the Directory. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Propositions concerning +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page557">[pg 557]</span><a name="Pg557" id="Pg557" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Government to the Committee for the Directory. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Halyburtoun</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission, for trying and censuring the Ryot at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stanikirk</span></span>, Sess. 14. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission, for visiting the University of St. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission, for visiting the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Indiction of a Fast. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for presenting the Petition to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for a Minister to Preach to the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Uchiltrie</span></span> +in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Blackness</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Campbell</span></span>, his attending +my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Coupers</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Invitation of any that had doubts concerning the Propositions of Government, +&c. to come to the Committee for Resolution. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Govans</span></span> repairing to +my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kircudbrights</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, for a voluntar Contribution of Clothes to the +Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Calenders</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for admitting Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Livingstoun</span></span> Minister to the +Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Calenders</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hoomes</span></span> attendance for the E. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanricks</span></span> Regiment of Foot. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span>, to consider Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Scots</span></span> Bill, and to appoint another of their number +to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balgonies</span></span> Regiment, in case his reasons be found good. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 15.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Robertson</span></span> to the Commission at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the admission of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Houstoun</span></span> to +the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tyrie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Grahame</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Logie Montrose</span></span> +to the Parliament, of their Commission for the plantation of Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamiltoun</span></span> his relief to the +Parliament. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 16.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Propositions of Government and Ordination. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Printing of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Boyds</span></span> +Commentar upon the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ephesians</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act discharging the Printing or Reprinting of the said Commentary, and of the +continuation of the History of the Kirk, and of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David +Dicksons</span></span> short Explication of the Apostolical Epistles, without the consent +of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Boyd</span></span>, and of the Authors of the other +works <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">respectivè</span></span>. With a Recommendation to the Parliament +for their Authority to that effect. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrant for printing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Boyds</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Opuscula</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Calder</span></span> to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the Petition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Trotter</span></span> to +the Commission of Parliament for plantation of Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference to the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for petitioning +the Parliament, That Commissions may be granted for Visitation of Hospitals +in every Province. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, to crave account of +the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drum</span></span> his Bursers, and of any others +in that Province. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Sentence absolvitour of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Oliphant</span></span>, with a rebuke +and admonition of the particulars proven. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Weirs</span></span> Wifes Bill to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act giving Warrant to the Commissioners +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page558">[pg 558]</span><a name="Pg558" id="Pg558" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, to agree to the clause +concerning Excommunication. Sess. 17. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Athols</span></span> right +of presenting to the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Blair</span></span> in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Athol</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference of a Bigamist to the Justice, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act giving power to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Stuart</span></span> to preach +at the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dungorth</span></span>, as an Expectant, while the +Presbytery or Synod sit. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Parliament concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Mackie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for intimating Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Halyburtouns Deposition</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the planting of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdour</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspension of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Robertson</span></span>. With a Reference to +the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for his farther tryal and censure. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Fyfe</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rows</span></span> petition to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for changing the Presbytery seat of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, from the +old Town, to the new Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommen. and Reference to the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for +planting the Kirk and Colledge Of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reference of the petition given in by Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Mitchel</span></span>, from +the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Turreff</span></span>, and the Viscount of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Frendraught</span></span> for himself, and in the name of the +Parishoners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberchirdour</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innerkething</span></span>, to the Commission appointed for visitation of the +University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. Sess. 18. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the petition of the Commissioners of the presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strabogie</span></span> to the said Commission for visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Wisharts</span></span> Bill +for his maintenance, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for planting the +Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> with three Ministers out of the +Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lothian</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, for tryal and +censure of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hannah</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Moncreiffs</span></span> repairing to my +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balcarras</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for presenting the Propositions of Government, and of the +solemn Warning, to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Isabel Peebles</span></span> Bill to the Parliament, and +the Committee of losses. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Strauchan</span></span> to the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Deere</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Row</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration in favours of Ministers that cannot keep their houses +in thir times of troubles. Sess. 19. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission of the Kirk of the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ogilvies</span></span> +Bill, with a Reference to the Parliament of the latter part of it. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lamingtouns</span></span> Bill to the Province of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Col. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Areskines</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the petition of the Parishoners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Larbar</span></span>, +to the Commission for plantation of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the Hospitals of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation of the education of the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Semples</span></span> children +to the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglingtoun</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Turress</span></span>, for Excommunicating +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Forbes</span></span>, sometime Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Auchinles</span></span>, and of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Lowman</span></span>, +sometime Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cromartie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Sibbald</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page559">[pg 559]</span><a name="Pg559" id="Pg559" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Robertson</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kincardin</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the tryal and censure of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Cheyne</span></span> to +the Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Bill concerning the Theeves in the Borders to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the Hospitals, and mortified moneys, within the +Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the Hospitals within the Province of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of the deposed Minister referred unto the Commission of the Assembly +at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Parliament for punishing the murther of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lindsay</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the Commission of the Assembly at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, to +present the Propositions of Government to the Parliament, and to receive their answer +thereunto. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to the said Commission to urge all means for Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamiltouns</span></span> relief. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to the Brethren of the Ministery in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to Gen. Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Monro</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hugh Kennedie</span></span> for the first three moneths, +beginning the first of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew +Lawder</span></span> for the second three moneths, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hutchisone</span></span> +for the last three months to repair to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London Derry</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter in favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margaret Thomson</span></span> to the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkcudbright</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission of the Assembly sitting at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +to present Overtures to the Parliament for the good of the Kirk, and advancement +of piety, and to prosecute these presented to the preceding Sessions of Parliam. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission to present an Overture to the Parliament, that +Presbyteries may plant the Kirks which are of the patronage of the forfaulted +and Excommunicate Persons. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission, To present an Overture for restraining of printing +without License. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Woods</span></span> entry to S. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> To be the first <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tuesday</span></span> +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">June</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission for presenting some Overtures to the Parliament for +restraining the education of Youth in the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Doway</span></span>, +or any other corrupt Colledge. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Summonds against those that joyned with +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Montrose</span></span> to the said Commission at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commis. concerning Witches and Charmers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission, To revise the Paraphrase of the Psalms. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commis. concerning the transplanting of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jam. +Nasmith</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Geo. +Gillespie</span></span>, and the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Waristoun</span></span>, To repair to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> with all diligence. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Summonds against the Subscribers of the Declaration at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Oxford</span></span> to the said Commis. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of some distressed persons to the charity of Presbyteries and Synods. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page560">[pg 560]</span><a name="Pg560" id="Pg560" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc592" id="toc592"></a> +<a name="pdf593" id="pdf593"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the General Assembly +not Printed 1646</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%">.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Blair</span></span> Moderator +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 1. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for tryal of the Commissions questioned. Sess. 2. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for References, Reports, and Appeals. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Bills and Overtures. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining the proceeding of the Commissioners of the preceding Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for revising the provincial Books. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> for representing the condition of +the Kirk there. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letters from the Committee at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newcastle</span></span>, the General, +and the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the printed Papers sent from the Commissioners at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> to the Commis. Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Thanks to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span>, with a recommendation to +him concerning the History of the Kirk. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the charitable contribution for the distressed Brethren in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for re-printing the Answer of the House of Lords to the City of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Londons</span></span> Remonstrance. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commis. Assem. concerning absents from this Assembly. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 3. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report concerning the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Levingstoun</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Slamanna</span></span> approven. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. sent by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Hume</span></span> to the Earl of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wintoun</span></span>, concerning the L. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Semples</span></span> +education. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 4. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merss</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tivotdale</span></span>, for abolishing Festival and Patron dayes in +these bounds, and to report their diligence to the next Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the Querees from the Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merss</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the Petitions from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Case</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to confer with Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Kennedy</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commis. Assem. for planting the South Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leith</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Spittle-Lands</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Garvock</span></span> to the Commission of Parliament for plantation of Kirks. +Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for the supply of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margaret Rind</span></span> relict of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Lindsay</span></span> Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Couper</span></span> in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, murdered by the Rebels. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Petition from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Doun</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Antrim</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, to the +Commission of Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 5. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the Petition of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Brysons</span></span> relict. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for delating the Querees of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merss</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tiviotdale</span></span> out of the Provincial Book. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Presb. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall</span></span>, and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Morison</span></span> their rebuke, with the reposition of the +said Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report from the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wintoun</span></span>, concerning the +Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sempils</span></span> education in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter from the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, with a Committee +to consider the same. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 6. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to that same Committee concerning Delinquents. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Concerning the relict of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rob. Lindsay</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page561">[pg 561]</span><a name="Pg561" id="Pg561" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Michael Watson</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Agnes +Ritchie</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Isabel Adam</span></span>, to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Rec. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Bannerman</span></span> to the Magistrate. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Boyd</span></span> for some supply to the Presbytery +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ratif. of the Act made concerning the printing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Boyd</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trochrigs</span></span> Book, in favours of the Relick and Successors of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bryson</span></span> Printer. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the matter concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glenluce</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for Ministers to imploy their Talents in writing. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hay</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span> going +to the Master of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Testers</span></span> Regiment. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 7.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for conveening the Commission of Parl. for plantation of Kirks, and concerning +the disorders in the Borders, to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glencorce</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tweedmore</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kailzie</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bath</span></span>, to Commis. for +planting Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the answer of the Committee of Estates, to the particulars +recommended to them. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to consult upon the remedies of the disorders in the south borders. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Claude Hamiltouns</span></span> relaxation. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peter Inglis</span></span> and his Tenents to the Commis. +Assem. for publick affairs. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refer. concerning idle and sturdy beggars, especially these called +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gipsies</span></span>, concerning concealers and destroyers of conception, +adulterers, and incestuous persons to Commis. Assem. for presenting Overtures +thereanent to Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arch. Douglas</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margaret +Smith</span></span> for charity. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Thanks to the E. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bacleugh</span></span>. Sess. 8. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seafort</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the present election of the Magistrates and Counsel of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> to the Com. of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rob Ker</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span> to the Presbytery and others adjoyned. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gordoun</span></span> to the Commis. of Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrant for examination of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Daes</span></span> as a witness in +the matter concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gordoun</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fothringhame</span></span> Bigamist to the justice. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>. Sess. 9. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commis. for visitation of the Universitie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commis. for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeene</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Kennedie</span></span> +excommunicate. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Maccorne</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Ministers to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> to the Commis. Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the Petitions of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London-derry</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newtoun</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Killeleauch</span></span>, to the Commis. +Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Cunneson</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas +Ireland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrant for citing witnesses in the particulars of the Paper given in by +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Halyburton</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mackenzie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eliz. Borthwick</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jam. Murrays</span></span> business. Sess. 10. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renounciation Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mackenzie</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seaforts</span></span> Band. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presbyteries that they admit not Expectants to be actual Ministers to +Regiments. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to Commis. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis Comerie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with the Committee of Estates upon +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page562">[pg 562]</span><a name="Pg562" id="Pg562" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +the answer to the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Rec. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Al. Petrie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Lang</span></span> to the Commission for publick Affairs. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rouse's paraphrase</span></span> of the Psalms to the Commis. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span> to consider the order of the +visitation of Kirks and tryal of Presbyteries, and to report to the next Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Wyllies</span></span> removing to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mauchlen</span></span> conform to the Act of transportation. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presb. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> concerning the planting of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Falkirk</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for intimation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Seaforts</span></span> excommunication. Sess. 11. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter from the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">9 Junii</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemb. Answer to the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scottistarbets</span></span> delivery of the +authentick Confession of Faith, subscribed by King <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James</span></span> and +his Houshold, with an order for Thanks to him therefore. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburghs</span></span> Bill for three Ministers laid aside. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberchirdor</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innerkething</span></span> to the Commis. for visitation of the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margary Fraiser</span></span>, relick of Mr. D. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Houston</span></span> to the Committee of losses. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Forrester</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margaret Campbel</span></span> to the Committee of Estates. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Agnes Halyburton</span></span> to the Presb. of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merss</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tiviotdale</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Acts concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Murray</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commis. Ass. to consider the Interests of the Kirk in planting +Universities and the chief Masters thereof. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the publick passages of thir times, to be collected in several +Presbyteries, and sent to the Com. Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jean Alexander</span></span> to the Presb. of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, and the Presbyteries in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Dick</span></span> to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Levingston</span></span> to the General +Artilleries Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Crawfoord</span></span> to revise Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Boyds</span></span> Works. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presb. to put in execution on the former Acts concerning Bursars, +and to make account of their diligence to the next Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Admonition Presb. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span> for proceeding against +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Taes</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Relaxation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hay</span></span> from the sentence of suspension. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to represent the Bill concerning the insolencies in the Borders, +to the Councill and Committee. Sess. 12. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Ministers of Argyle to the Committees. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commiss. concerning the particulars betwixt <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Wilkie</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fouldoum</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsay</span></span> +Minister there. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Advice concerning the division of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Basinden</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to urge an answer to the desires of the Assem. concerning the +election of the Magistrates of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commiss. of Assem. to insist upon all occasions for an answer thereunto. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the said Commission of Assem. for planting vaking places in the Kirk and +Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letters to the Committee of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Newcastle</span></span>, the General, Lieut. +General <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lesly</span></span>, and General Major +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Middletoun</span></span>. Sess. 13. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page563">[pg 563]</span><a name="Pg563" id="Pg563" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edward Wright</span></span> to the Commiss. of Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Witches to the Commission of Assemb. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Printer in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Amsterdam</span></span> his Bill concerning the +Charts of this Kingdom. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspension of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Wilkie</span></span> with a reference to +the Commis. of Assem. concerning his relaxation. Sess. 14. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Commis. Assem. concerning Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Balcanquals</span></span> Letters. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Petitions of the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Traquair</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis</span></span> to the Commis. Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Barbara Mein</span></span>, relick of umwhile +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Will. Home</span></span> Minister. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for a Minister to Col. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Montgomeries</span></span> Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span> to Commis. Assem. for publick affairs. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Petition of the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for +two Ministers to the Commis. Assem. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glenluce</span></span>, +and the Assem. approbation thereof. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning such as are absolved by civil Judicatories. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration concerning an Act in the Provincial Book of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, touching Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nathaniel Martin</span></span>, +Sess. ult. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the vaking stipends of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, in favours +of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Nathaniel Martin</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the mortifications by the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drum</span></span> +to the Commis. for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the distribution of the contribution for the distressed Ministers in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tho. Ireland</span></span>, and +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Cunneson</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee concerning the Insolencies in the Borders, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refer. Commis. concerning the planting the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the correspondence with the Protestants in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Holland</span></span> and elsewhere. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eleazer Gilbert</span></span> to +a Regiment. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gawin Forsythe</span></span> for maintenance to the Presb. +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> and Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of that part without the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> called +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bristo</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lothian</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Teviotdale</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Three Acts concerning D. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strang</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act ratifying Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Innes</span></span> his deposition, with an +Ordinance to the Presb. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> to proceed farther +against him. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for presenting the Assemblies Thanks to the General Artillery. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commis. Assem. for trying of the murther committed within the +Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnsyde</span></span>, and the Presbyteries carriage +thereanent. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Robertson</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Cheine</span></span>, to the Commis. for visitation of the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for Presb. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span> to proceed against Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rae</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for laying aside some old customes and practises. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Indiction of a Fast. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dougal Daroch</span></span> to the Committee of Estates +and the Committee of money. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commis. of Assem. concerning the tryal of persons of Quality Members of +the Colledge of Justice, or others who have their residence in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for their complyance with the Rebels. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for these that are to repair to the King. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies Letter to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Henderson</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page564">[pg 564]</span><a name="Pg564" id="Pg564" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span> and other Gentlemen in the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">North</span></span> Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Commis. for dispensing the annuity of 500 £. Sterling upon publick affairs of +the Kirk, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act to provide for the charges and all necessaries for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David +Calderwood</span></span> in his publick imployments; And likewise for the great pains and +charges of the Clerk. Ib +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Strachan</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission to consider of Overtures for restraining any youths to go +to the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Doway</span></span>, or other corrupt Colledges Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commis. for presenting Overtures to the Parliament. Ib. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc594" id="toc594"></a> +<a name="pdf595" id="pdf595"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">Index of the Acts of the General Assembly +holden at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> Edinburgh, 1647, </span><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">not printed</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%">.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglass</span></span> Moderator. Sess. 1. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the controverted Commissions, Sess. 2. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee of Reports, References and Appeals, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commit. of Bills and Overtures. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly +for publick Affairs. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining the Synod Books. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission from the Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> with the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scots</span></span> Army there. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for appointing Ministers to Preach. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Papers produced by Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Baillie</span></span>, and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>. Sess. 3. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning their Report and Approbation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining the Confession of Faith, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rouse</span></span> +Paraphrase, Catechisme, &c. and to receive any scruples and objections, and +to report. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Brethren to present to the Committee of Estates, the +progress of Uniformity. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Invitation of all that had objections against any thing in the Confession, to +repair to the Committee. Sess. 4. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Latine Letter from the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Helvetian</span></span> Churches to the Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Printing 300. Copies of the advice of the Assembly of Divines in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Engl.</span></span> Concerning a Confession of Faith, for the use +of the Members of the Assembly, Sess. 5. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, for a provision to another +Minister in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aire</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to appoint Ministers to the Army, with +addition of others to that Committee, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Young</span></span> for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lodevick +Leslies</span></span> Regiment. Sess. 6. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the dangers that are either from within or without this +Kirk, and the best remedies for preventing the same, and to report. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Wilkie</span></span> and Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tho. Ramsay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remitt. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Johnstouns</span></span> desire of relaxation from Excommunication +to the provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page565">[pg 565]</span><a name="Pg565" id="Pg565" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the vaking Stipends in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Marjory Smith</span></span> for charity, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remitt. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Rosse</span></span> a deposed Minister to +Presbytery and Synod, Sess. 7. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Nasmith</span></span> to the Committee for appointing +Ministers to the Army, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering a Process in dependence before the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span>, concerning a scandal upon the relick of +umwhile <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mark Hamiltoun</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburghs</span></span> Bill for Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span>, till <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Saturday</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Advice and Ordinance for prosecuting the Process against <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Agnes +Stewart</span></span>, relick of Umwhile <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mark Hamiltoun</span></span>. Sess. 8. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Claghorne</span></span> that he suffer no prejudice +in his old Age, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Scot</span></span> from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Schottis</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glenluce</span></span>, Sess. 9. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Honymans</span></span> transportation to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Craill</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamiltoun</span></span> from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfreis</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the planting of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eymonth</span></span> Kirk upon the +Submission of Earl <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Home</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wedderburne</span></span>, Sess. 10. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the tryal of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Home</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span> from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bruntiland</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for providing a Collegue to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Wyllie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thom. Burnet</span></span> to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Martine Mackferson</span></span> to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Neill Mackinnan</span></span> to the Committee of Estates. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kailzae</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lyne</span></span>, Sess. 11. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Houstouns</span></span> Petition to the Commission for +planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Excommunicating of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Forbes</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Skelleier</span></span>, his committing a late murther +being sufficiently evidenced. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Comrie</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for conference with <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Urquhart</span></span> of old +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Craige</span></span>, desiring to be relaxed from Excommunication, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Lothian</span></span> to be +relaxed from the sentence of Suspension. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Petition of the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wigtoun</span></span>, for +erecting a Kirk for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Penningham</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Monigafe</span></span>, To the Commission of Parliament for planting +of Kirks. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the matter betwixt <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Wilkie</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Foulden</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing the Committee of Bills, to divide the Petitions for charity +amongst Presbyteries and Provinces, Sess. 12. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing the Committee concerning Dr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strang</span></span> to meet. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Levingstouns</span></span> transportation to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refer. to the Committee of dangers, to give opinion in the question concerning +the carriages of our Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span> in the +case propounded. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the committee of dangers, concerning choosing a Moderator, and censure +of absents from the Assembly, Sess. 13. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Urquhart</span></span> of old <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Craige</span></span>, +concerning his relaxation from Excommunication, to the Provincial of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee appointed to confer in some particulars, concerning Ministers +provisions with my Lord Advocate, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning the particulars +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page566">[pg 566]</span><a name="Pg566" id="Pg566" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eleazer Gilberts</span></span> petition, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Ogilvie</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Craige</span></span>, +Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Ogilvie</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Ogilvie</span></span> +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brigend</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lentrathane</span></span>, to the +Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Macgill</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Instruction with a Letter to the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of some to speak Earl <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bacleuch</span></span> concerning the +Kirk at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Borthwick</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zachary Boyds</span></span> labours to the Committee +for the Confession of Faith. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to consider of Ministers for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act continuing the Declaration for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, to +be again read and farther considered. Sess. 14. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for hearing the Objections of the persons appointed for +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presbyteries for encouraging Expectants to embrace a calling from +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to hear the reasons alledged by some +Ministers why they should not go to the Army. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Robertsons</span></span> Petition for opening +his mouth. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Declaration for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>. Sess. 15. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for authorizing the Commissioners at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, to present +the Declaration to the Parliament of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, City of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">London</span></span>, and Synode of Divines, and to crave an answer to +the Paper of the 25 <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">December</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some Brethren to present the Declaration for +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> to the Committee of Estates, and to crave their +Lordships concurrance in the like desires. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act continuing the Directions for Private and Family Worship, to be farther Considered +and again read, with an Invitation to all that had any scruples to propone them to +the Committee of dangers <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for joyning the Committee for the Confession of Faith, to the Committee for +dangers together to be one Committee, and their place of meeting to be the old +Session-house, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Invitation of all that had any scruples or objections concerning any Article in +the Confession, to propone the same to the Committee. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Committee touching the particulars in Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilberts</span></span> Petition, with an appointment for drawing a Letter +to those of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scottish</span></span> Nation in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Poland</span></span>, +&c. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appoint. for drawing a Letter to Lieutenant General <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Lesly</span></span>. +Sess. 16. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appoint. of Ministers for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to Major General <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Monro</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the Directions for Worship, to be again read and considered upon +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tuesday</span></span>, and all invited to address themselves to the +Committee who had doubts or objections. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for thinking on Overtures for planting the Kirks in the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, and advancing Piety and Learning there. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Ministers of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for their assistance to +Ministers before the Commission for planting of Kirks. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to confer with the Lord Treasurer, concerning the Kings gift of Patronage +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lanerk</span></span>, and to advise with the Committee for dangers upon the +Kirks interest therein. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Deir</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ellon</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Turres</span></span>, to the Commission for +planting of Kirks, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Neil Mackinnan</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page567">[pg 567]</span><a name="Pg567" id="Pg567" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Martin Mackferson</span></span>, to be supported out of the vaking +Stipends in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for the planting of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfreis.</span></span> with a recommendation to the Treasurer for +a presentation. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission of Estates, concerning the house of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalgetie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gabriel Maxwell</span></span> for the Lieutenant +General, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Nasmith</span></span> for General Major +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Holburns</span></span> Regiment, Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Pittillo</span></span> +for the General Artilleries Regiment. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Bonnet</span></span> for +the Troups of Horse with the General Lieutenant, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Lothian</span></span> for the Squadron of Horse with General Major +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Middletoun</span></span>. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis Orney</span></span> to the Presbytery and Synode, Sess. 17. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for admission of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Baillie</span></span> to the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cambuslang</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to confer with Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglingtoun</span></span>, concerning his +petition touching planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglisham</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Committee of Estates, of the petition of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> +concerning a Jesuit there, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Matthew Ramsay</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamiltoun</span></span> for opening his mouth, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. and Commission concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lyndean</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for revising the Collectors counts, and to report, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the Brethren sent to the Committee of Estates, concerning the house of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dalgety</span></span>, and the Jesuit in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Advice to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stranrauer</span></span>, concerning their +proceeding in the trial of the scandal upon <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ardwell</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee of dangers, to think upon some Overtures for commodious planting, +dividing, and uniting of Kirks, and to report. Sess. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of some Persons for charity to Presb. and Provinces, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the petition concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glencorse</span></span> to the Lord +Tresaurer, and the Lords of Exchequer, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lauchlen Macklen</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Committee of Estates, of the petition of Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Adam Barcley</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patick Lindsay</span></span> to the Committee +of Estates, and to the charity of the Presbyteries within the Province of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene.</span></span> Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stranrauer</span></span> and the Lord +Advocate, concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glenluce</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Addition of the Lord Marquess of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argile</span></span> to the Commitee for +the dangers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of the Committee concerning Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strang</span></span>, to +make report and to receive any objections that any had against his dictates, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrand for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherfords</span></span> return, Sess. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +A Letter to General Lieutenant <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Leslie</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Invitation of all to propone their doubts or objections against any head or +Article in the Confession of Faith, to the Committee, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission, for visitation of the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">St. Andrews</span></span>, for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Rutherford</span></span> +to be Principal of the new Colledge there, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the report concerning planting of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eglishame</span></span>, +Sess. 20. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Lindsayes</span></span> wife, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jam. +Kirk</span></span> to Provinces <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of some Brethren to visit the Idolatrous Monuments +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page568">[pg 568]</span><a name="Pg568" id="Pg568" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +brought from the late Marquess of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Huntlies</span></span> house, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing the petition for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Annans</span></span> transportation +to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Dyet of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamiltoun</span></span> and +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smiths</span></span> coming to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> to plant all their Kirks with +two Ministers with diligence, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Quere proponed by the Commissioners of the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, with the Assemblies advice thereanent, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of petitions for charity, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appoint. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Forbes</span></span> for Collonel +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scots</span></span> Regiment, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ro. Cowdoun</span></span> +to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pitscotties</span></span>. Sess. 21. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Nominatien of a list for a Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gordon</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Leith</span></span> Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the conttribution for the distressed people in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the report of the Committee for the vaking Stipends in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>, Sess. 22. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Brounlies</span></span> wife to the Commit. of +Estates. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration that some votes of the Commission of the preceding Assembly upon the 21 +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">August</span></span> 1646. and an Act of the 22. of the same month, are +not to be examined by the Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the trial of some speeches spoken by some of the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span> concerning the Commission, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Will. Hay</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the committing of the plantation of the Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick Affairs of the Earl of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Callenders</span></span> petition, concerning the adjoyning +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Falkirk, Slammane</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Morreningside</span></span> +to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sterling</span></span>, with power to hear parties +visit, and report, Sess. 23. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Conference appointed with the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abercorne</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs, for planting in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Airea</span></span> Collegue to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Adair</span></span>, Ib +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report concerning Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strangs</span></span> dictats, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing the Clerk to redeliver Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strangs</span></span> dictats +unto him, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Mackenzie</span></span>, Sess. 24. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Collectors accounts, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Ministers of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, to take course with the +Monuments of Idolatry brought from the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">North</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the petition for a Minister to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chanrie</span></span> of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span> to the Commis. for planting or Kirks, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Petrie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eleazar Gilbert</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Douglas</span></span> to the Committee of Estates, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Sharpe</span></span> to the Committee of Estates for +reparation of his losses, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. complyers in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span> to the Provincial, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, concerning provisions to Ministers in +the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkendbright</span></span>, Sess. 25. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing conference with Earl <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abercorne</span></span>, until the last +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span> of the petition of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Badinoch</span></span>, concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Dollar</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the Minister of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Corrie</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hutton</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission for planting of Kirks, concerning the adjoyning some lands +to the Parish of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Monswall</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for Printing the Directory for +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page569">[pg 569]</span><a name="Pg569" id="Pg569" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Church Government, to be examined by Presbyteries against the next Assembly, and for +Printing the Catechism also when it shall be perfected, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the contribution for the distressed people in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Committee for dangers, to consider of a Letter for the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scots</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Poland</span></span>, &c. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee appointed for tryal of proceedings of the Commission of Assembly, +to consider of the process of Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rosse</span></span>, and to +report, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the tryal of the payment of the contribution for distressed people +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Murray</span></span> Sess. 26. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for collecting the contribution for the Province of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, +in these parts that have not yet contributed, and sending it to the receivers. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, concerning a second Minister +to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumbarton</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Lords of Privy Council for punishing an injury done to a Presbytery +about burying in a Kirk. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing a conference with some Divines, Lawyers, and Physitians, concerning +witchcraft and charming, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report of the tryal of the Synods Books with the Assemblies censure, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of some to salute the Lieutenant General now in Town and General Major +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Middletoun</span></span> when he comes, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 27.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs to endeavour for obtaining from the +Parliament, some restraint of Burials in Kirks, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochaber, Badenoch</span></span>, and the +Isles, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission of Parliament for planting of Kirks, for providing some +course for the payment of the charges of Commissioners to the General Assembly, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs, for Printing of some Papers concerning the +Treaty of Uniformity, and matters handled in the Synod of Divines in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. and warrand to the Commission for publick affairs, to give license +for Printing, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Lords of the Exchequer, concerning the passing of gifts of the +Prebendaries, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bryson's</span></span> Relick, concerning the Printing of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trochrigs</span></span> Works, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrand given to the Moderator and Clerk, and some others, to agree with +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Evan Tayler</span></span> for Printing the Works of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Trochrig</span></span> upon the condition promised to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Bryson</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Wilkie</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Foulden</span></span> and +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsay</span></span> to the Commission for publick affairs. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the choosing of the Moderator of the General Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for changing every Assembly the rolls of the Commissioners by courses, according to +the order of Provinces. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visiting the University of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visiting the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visiting <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkney</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of some Brethren to speak to the Lord Treasurer, concerning passing of +gifts of Patronage, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rosse</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lunfannan</span></span> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. 28.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the report concerning +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page570">[pg 570]</span><a name="Pg570" id="Pg570" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +planting of Kirks in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Gillon</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for private tryal, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission for publick affairs, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrand for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Gordon</span></span> to come to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sterling-shire</span></span>, for drawing the Mappe thereof, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. ult.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gorthie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Inchbrakie</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lindsay</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mans</span></span>, their Petitions for +relaxation from the sentence of Excommunication, to the Commission for publick +affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. in favours of Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Dick</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Row</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs concerning the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Scots</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Poland</span></span>, &c. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk and Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> to the +Commission for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Douglas</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Logie</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hanney</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richard +Maitland</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Coline Mackenzie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. and Commission concerning the tryalof Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murdo Mackenzie</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Duncane</span></span>, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cowper</span></span>, +Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Chalmers</span></span> to Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Grahame</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Claypots</span></span> to +the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dundee</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of some persons for charity, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bruntiland</span></span> to the Commission for +publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the planting of the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Prestoun</span></span> to the +Commission for publick Affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the vaking Kirk in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> to the Commission +for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ray</span></span> his Son and some of his Friends to the +Comission for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Gordon</span></span> to the Commission for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hannayes</span></span> wife and children, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for presenting the Confession of Faith to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Translators of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dutch</span></span> Notes, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. and Ref. concerning the collecting of the passages and Occurrances of these late +times, to the Commis. for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ancrum</span></span>, to the +Commission for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission for visitation of the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rosse</span></span> at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Birse</span></span>, to +the Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsey</span></span> younger, his petition to +the Commission for publick affairs. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Indiction of a Thansgiving and of a Fast. Ib. +</p> + +</div> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc596" id="toc596"></a> +<a name="pdf597" id="pdf597"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the +General Assembly held at</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> Edinburgh. 1648.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Gillespie</span></span>, Moderator, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 1. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom to the Magistrates of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, for accomodating the +Assembly-house for the Members thereof, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 2. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the controvered Commissions, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for References and Appeals, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Bills and Overtures, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page571">[pg 571]</span><a name="Pg571" id="Pg571" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committe for trial of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for revising the Provincial Books, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for appointing Ministers to Preach during the Sitting of the Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to consider the present dangers and duties of these times, and other publick +matters, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee to consider of the said Elections of Commissioners from +Burghs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Commission from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act rejecting the Commission from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, +Sess. 3. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Blacader</span></span>, Elder in the said +Commission, to clear the Assemblies respects to him. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing the Commission from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Meeting of the Commissioners from several Provinces to try the blasphemies and +insolences of the Army, now forth in the late Engagement against +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, and to report, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Aitkin</span></span>, Sess. 4. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visitation of the Presbyteries of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for hearing the report concerning the Paraphrase of the Psalms in Meetter, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee for publick matters, to take in the reports concerning the +Directory of Government, Catechisme, and CXI. Propositions. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. in favours of the relicks of Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sharpe</span></span>, and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">R. Brounlies</span></span> to the Commit. of Estates <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Petition from the Army lately gone to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span>, Sess. 5. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The offers and desires of the Committee of Estates of the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">17 July</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Quere to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Lord Theasurer for the Arrears of the annuity of 500l. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sterl.</span></span> Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Answer to the Quere from the Committee of Estates <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">17 July</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Return to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Petitions from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> for Ministers to a Committee. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Modification to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span> for his publick +imployments, Sess. 6. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Modification to the Clerk of the Assembly for his service, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">18 July</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies return to the said Paper, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Committee of Estates answer to the said return, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies Return to the said answer, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Another Paper from the Committee of Estates of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">18. +July</span></span>. Sess. 7. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Answer to the Paper last sent from the Committee of Estates, bearing a power to +certain Members of the Assembly to confer with their Lordships, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Answer to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hamiltoun</span></span>, denying his desire for +opening his mouth, with a Recommendation in his favours, Sess. 8. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Rosse</span></span> to Presbytery and Synod. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span> concerning vaking Stipends, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Act of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly concerning the +Collecting of the History of the time. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Clerk for Printing the publick Papers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Clerk for re-printing the Confession of Faith with the Assemblies +Approbation. Sess. 9. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Dowglas</span></span> for printing two of his Sermons, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page572">[pg 572]</span><a name="Pg572" id="Pg572" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> concerning the +Service-books and Idolatrous Monuments, now lying in the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">High-School yard</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Murrays</span></span> business, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">20 July</span></span>, Sess. 10. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies Answer thereto with an appointment for conference, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for citing <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lesly</span></span> Provost of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Committee of Estates concerning his miscariage. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning insolences and blasphemies of the Souldiers to the Commission for +publick affairs, Sess. 11. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">22 July</span></span> concerning the +conference, and concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lesly</span></span>, Sess. 12. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies answer to the said Paper, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Clerk</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hutchesons</span></span> transportation to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Motion verbally from the Committee for Ministers to the Army, with the Assemblies +answer thereunto. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Leslies</span></span> answers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">24 July</span></span>. Sess. 13. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the said paper to the Committee for publick business to consider of an +answer, and report their opinions, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lesly</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of a letter to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hew Henderson</span></span> for setling in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumfries</span></span> according to the sentence of transportation, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting a Collegue in Air to the Commission for publick affairs, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the remedies of the sins of the times to the Committee which was appointed for +trial of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Comries</span></span> transportation to the Committee of +bills, and they to report, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment that all bills, appeals, references, reports, &c. be given in before +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wednesday</span></span> next, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Paper from the Committee concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lesly</span></span>, Sess. 14. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies answer thereunto, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lesly</span></span> to a Committee for conference, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspens. Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Harie Cockburn</span></span>, Sess. 15. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Vote sustaining the summons concerning the transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Levingstoun</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ancrum</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Durie</span></span> to the Earl of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadingtoun</span></span>, Sess. 16. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Samuel Douglas</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. the dissent of the Brethren in the Provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merse</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tiviotdale</span></span> to the said visitation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Ministers to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> to the Commission +to be appointed for publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Advice concerning discipline to be used, with the Garisons and Regiments in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to General Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Monro</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bruntiland</span></span> to the Commission to +be appointed for publick affairs, Sess. 17. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Murrayes</span></span> children, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission of Parliament for planting of Kirks the adjoyning +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherlandhall</span></span>, &c. +to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lindean</span></span> and making it a distinct Parish, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page573">[pg 573]</span><a name="Pg573" id="Pg573" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for keeping in the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">interim</span></span> the Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galowsheils</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. in favours of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Morison</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Erne</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Randell</span></span>, or his executors +for the payment of a sum of money by the next Intrant, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for planting Kirks in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Badinach</span></span> to the Commission for +planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission for publick affairs to think upon and prosecute some wayes +for planting a Ministry in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochaber</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presbyteries to send a more particular information of the insolencies +and miscarriages of the souldiers and the evidences thereof to the Commission for +publick affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commit. of Bills to distribute the petitions for charity. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Lindsayes</span></span> relick and Children, Sess. 18. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Lindsayes</span></span> children, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Paper from the Committee of Estates of the 28 of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">July</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Presbyteries to supply the places of the Brethren sent in Commission to +the General Assembly, or that attend the meetings of the Commission of +the Assembly, Sess. 19. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for conference with E of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abercorne</span></span> until first of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">March</span></span>, Sess. 20. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the Hospitals, and to report their condition, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visiting, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cathnes</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>, with a +Reference concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Johnston</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunblane</span></span> Presbyteries, with a Reference for the particular +concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Jaffray</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for the trial of the Provincial Book +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing the Clerk to print the Declaration with the first conveniency, and +to send it to Presbyteries, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 22. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Vote for removing the Commissioners in the Province of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway</span></span> in the matter concerning Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Levingstons</span></span> transportation to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ancrum</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration in favours of the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jedburgh</span></span>, for +preserving their right and Interest in planting +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ancrum proprio Jure</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Leviston</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ancrum</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for some Brethrens presenting the Declaration to the Committee of Estates, Sess. 23. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee appointed for publick matters to consider of the materials and +draught of a Petition to the Committee of Estates, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkcaldie</span></span> to the Commission for +publick affairs, Sess. 24. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the manner and order of the calling and setling a Collegue +in the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Culrosse</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Row</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining Witnesses upon the injury done to Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Melvill</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining a scandalous Pamphlet fastly put forth under the name +of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Henderson</span></span>, Sess. 25. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies Answer Refusing the desire of the Isle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Makghie</span></span> +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Dick</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrant for citing the persons that injured Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Melvill</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Vote concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Leslie</span></span>, Sess. 27. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Excambion mentioned in the contract betwixt +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page574">[pg 574]</span><a name="Pg574" id="Pg574" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Scot</span></span> and the Minister of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mertoun</span></span> consented to by the Presbytery, and approven by +the Synod, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Home</span></span> to the Visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Liberty for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Gillan</span></span> to preach until the next +Assembly for exercise of his gift, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the Quere from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, +touching the marriage of a young Gentlewoman minor without consent of her Tutors, to +a Committee, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing the desire of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Row</span></span> for opening his mouth. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. the appeal of the Parishioners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Schots</span></span>, concerning the +admission or Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis Kincaid</span></span> to the Presbytery and Synod +respectively of consent, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing the transporting of Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Colvill</span></span> to the Colledge +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 29. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Sanders</span></span> to the Commission for planting of +Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. dissent in the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span> to the visitation +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, Sess. 30. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for conference with the Lady <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mordington</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> for tryal of that murther +committed in the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mordingtons</span></span> house. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Levingston</span></span> to go to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> first, next Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Henry Semple</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Lawder</span></span> in the third place, and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John +Dick</span></span> the last three Months, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Some Brethren to speak again the Lord Theasurer for payment of by gones of +the annuity of 500 l. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sterling</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Vote for laying aside the question concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Lawes</span></span> +appeal. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to a Committee to consider of some Overtures concerning Papists, and their +Children and Excommunicate persons and to report, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, concerning +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mordingtons</span></span> Family. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Leslies</span></span> acknowledgement and promise +of better behaviour, with a Reference to the Commission for publick affairs if +he keep not his promise, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 31 +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the Petition of the great Session of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> for Ministers, and to report. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the examination of the Directory of Government, and the CXI. +Propositions until the next Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 32. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Universities to bring to the next Assembly the grounds and +evidences of their Commissions to Assemblies, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to the Officers of the Army now in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">England</span></span> in Answer +to their Letter and Petition to the Assembly for Ministers, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act reponing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Dowglas</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act reponing Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Logie</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. certain persons for charity. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for delaying the communion, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for repairing of Kirks, and founding of Schools in the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, Sess. 33. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span>, until the morne, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspension of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span>, until the next General +Assembly. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 34. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page575">[pg 575]</span><a name="Pg575" id="Pg575" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span> to a conference, and they to report. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Citation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill apud acta</span></span> to answer for +not reading the Causes of the late Fast, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Baron</span></span> to a conference, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Clerk</span></span> to the Presbyteries within +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fife</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span> Sess. 35. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for Visitation of the University of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for visiting Hospitals and Mortifications, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Provincial of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> to visit the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Advise to the Presbyterie to depose Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Edmiston</span></span> with +a Recommendation to the Justice to proceed against him for Adultery. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span> to censure Profanation of +the Sabbath. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the report for planting of the Kirks of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> XXXVI. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for naming a List of six Ministers for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Vote concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span>, answering presently for not +reading the Causes of the Fast. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvils</span></span> untill the morn, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Baron</span></span> untill the morn, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the 20. S. payed out of every Kirk for dispatches. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspension of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span>. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> XXXVII. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspension of Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Baron</span></span> with a Reference to the Visitation +of the Universitie of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> and Commission for +publick affairs respectively. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Minister of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cameron</span></span> to the Commission of +Parliament for planting of Kirks. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> XXXVIII. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation to Master <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Hamiltoun</span></span> and Master +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Guthrie</span></span> to draw in Articles the duties of Elders, and +a forme of Visitation of Families, and to prepare a report to the next Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Calderwood</span></span> to draw a draught of a +form of visitation of particular Congregations, and to prepare a report to the +next Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span> and the Clerk, to draw out all the +Acts of Parliament and Assembly, for Kirk discipline and Penalties for scandalous Sins, +and to report to the next Assembly. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +List of six Ministers to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs to plant four Ministers out of the said +List in the Kirks of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration of the unsatisfactoriness of the Observations of the Committee of Estates +upon the Assemblies Declaration, with a Reference to the Commission for publick affairs, +to put forth an Answer thereto. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 39. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Appointment of the first dyet of Citations in the matter of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">transportations</span></span> not to be before the last +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wednesday</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">October</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies Answer to a Quere from the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Elgin</span></span>, +concerning the transporting from the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Highlands</span></span> a Minister to +the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Low lands</span></span>, Sess. 40. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to their Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to the Lord Chancellor, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Indiction of a Fast on the second Sabbath of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">September</span></span>, with +the causes thereof. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hew Henderson</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for the people in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Libberton</span></span> to repair to the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quodquen</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page576">[pg 576]</span><a name="Pg576" id="Pg576" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament for dissolution of the benefice of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kinkell</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for proceeding against Captain <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Maxwell</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Somervail</span></span> and Coronet <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Weir</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for planting in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innerness</span></span> another Minister that hath the +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Irish</span></span> tongue, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for planting a Kirk in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gladsmore</span></span>, and that some +Brethren speak to the E. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hadington</span></span> that by his pretence to the +Patronage he do not obstruct so good a work, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remit. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Law</span></span> to the Provincial of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Aitkin</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ross</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span>, &c. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Donald Ross</span></span> Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochbroom</span></span> +to the said visitation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Duncan</span></span> to the said Visitation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dingwall</span></span> concerning Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murdo Mackenzie</span></span> late Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Suddie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act declaring Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murdo Mackenzie</span></span> late Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dingwall</span></span> uncapable for ever of the Ministry with a Recommendation +to the Presbytery to proceed against him with Excommunication, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Couper</span></span> School-master at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chanrie</span></span> from that charge, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the matter concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rosse</span></span> at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lunsaman</span></span>, to the next Assembly, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess. Ult.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Ordaining the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Elgin</span></span> to proceed against Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Gilzean</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Gordon</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Francis Omey</span></span> to the Provincial of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Refusal of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hannays</span></span> desire, and his censure for his +miscarriage. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. in favours of his wife and children. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mordington</span></span>, to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Provinces of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Murray</span></span> to supply the vaking +Kirks in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Badenoch</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lochaber</span></span>, &c. +respectively in their own bounds, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lachlan Mackean</span></span> to the Commission for publick affairs, +Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ordinance for the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sky</span></span> to proceed with +Excommunication against Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lachlane Fraser</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Concerning the particulars given in by Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Moreson</span></span> +against the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkwall</span></span> to the visitation +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission of the preceeding Assembly in +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sess.</span></span> 26 concerning Witchcraft. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Mackean</span></span> to Presbyteries and +Universities for a Bursar and particularly to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the tryal of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Home</span></span> and Citing +of Witnesses, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Pringill</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Strachan</span></span> to examine Witnesses in that matter, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commissioners of the Presbytery of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> for +sending to the Clerk an exact report of the condition of their Kirks, with their +provisions, the extent of Parishes, and number of Parishoners, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ib.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for intimating the Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recommendation Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Douglas</span></span> to the Committee of Estates. Ib. +</p> + +</div> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page577">[pg 577]</span><a name="Pg577" id="Pg577" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> +<a name="toc598" id="toc598"></a> +<a name="pdf599" id="pdf599"></a> +<h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 173%; font-style: italic">INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the +Assembly.</span></span><span style="font-size: 173%"> 1649.</span></h1> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Election of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Douglas</span></span> Moderator, Sess. 1. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the Commission from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Ibid. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Refers and Appeals, Sess. 2. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for Bills and Overtures, Ibid. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for publick business, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for tryall of the Synod Books, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the tryall of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Generall +Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Renovation of the Commission for visiting the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Saint Andrews</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gedeon Morise</span></span> to the Committee of Estates. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for speaking the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abercorne</span></span> for payment of +the begone stipends of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kilpatrick</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. business of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> to the Committee for publick +business, Sess. 3. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Generall Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Midleton</span></span> to the 9 of July, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the Psalmes, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Protestation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Morison</span></span> to the +Committee of Refers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act Concerning the papers comitted by the Parliament for correspondence, Sess. 4. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of particular References from the Commission of the General Assembly +until the report thereof be brought in from the Committee of Refers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Egligtouns</span></span> Bill +concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Ferguson</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Comittee for conference with the Committee of dispatches, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Comrie</span></span> to satisfie +him in his transportation to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Inneraray</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ogilvy</span></span> to the 17 of that instant, Sess. 5. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of G. M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Midleton</span></span> untill fryday next, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to the Brethren of the Presbytrie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Carrickfergus</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the Commission for visitation of the University of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ratification of the act of the Presbytery of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> +concerning the agreement betwixt the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Anstruther</span></span> +and the Parochiners, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act recommending to the Brethren to make out the descriptions of these parts +of the Kingdom not yet described. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remitt. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Elizabeth Armestrange</span></span> to the Province of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Drumfries</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for a Minister to Colonel <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Ker</span></span> his Regiment, Sess. 6. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Jamesone</span></span> to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rivet</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for presenting to the Parliament the report of the Commissioners sent +to his Majestie, and for printing thereof, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for revising a Tract of Chronologie, Sess. 7. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the Petition of the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> +for Ministers and Professors, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the act of transportation concerning Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Comrie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for corecting the paraphrase the Psalmes, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page578">[pg 578]</span><a name="Pg578" id="Pg578" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Committee of publick business to consider the petitions given in +by the Engagers, and report, Sess. 8. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for appointing Ministers to preach, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the Minister of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Giencorse</span></span> to the +parliament and Exchequer, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the sentence of decision against M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Harie +Guthrie</span></span> notwithstanding of his appeal, Sess. 9. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Depositions of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Allane</span></span>, +Mr <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Jeffrey</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Harie Schaw</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the depositions of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Monroe</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Menroe</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ross</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Suspensions of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Donald Ross</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Willam Rosse</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hosack</span></span>: with +the Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Ross</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Williamson</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Sewart</span></span>, +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Monroe</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Anderson</span></span> +to the next visitation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Graham</span></span> somtime Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Holme</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with the Officers that were upon the Engagement, Sess. 10. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Smith</span></span> for stipend to the Parliament, Sess. 11. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Aitkin</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Admonition to the visitation of Ross, Sess. 12. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for laying aside the Commission from the Presbytrie +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orknay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for General Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Midleton</span></span> appearing with certification, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for citation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span>, Ses. 13. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edward Wright</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andre Keir</span></span> +to their Presbytries, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Haliburton</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Archibald Drumond</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumblane</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the providing a Collegue to +the Minister of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Air</span></span>, Ses. 14. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for citing the witnesses in the matter of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsay</span></span> +elder, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Cowper</span></span> to the office of Schoolmaster +in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Channerie</span></span>, Ses. 15. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Lundie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act and Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Walter Swinton</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Smith</span></span>, and approbation of +his suspension, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act and Ref. concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Home</span></span> for the farther tryall, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the suspension concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja. Edgar</span></span> and +Ref. concerning him, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andro Rollock</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Sinclair</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Home</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the diligence of the visiters of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirneside</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to meet with the committee of Parliament for considering and revising the +proceedings of the visitation of Saint <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the business concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Durhames</span></span> +transportation till the morne, Ses. 16. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for incarcerating one delated for witchcraft, Sess. 17. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with the Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ogilby</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page579">[pg 579]</span><a name="Pg579" id="Pg579" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. officers come from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Helen Gordoun</span></span> to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Answer to the Petition given in for the Earles of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Damfermling</span></span> +and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lauderdalie</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Relick of umquhile Dr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sharpe</span></span> to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Logie</span></span> to the Synod, Ses. 18. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for presenting overtures and desires to the Parliament, concerning the +Moss troopers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Smiths</span></span> condition, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Liev. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Col. Ker</span></span> to his Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pitfoddells</span></span> younger, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Urquhart</span></span> of Old Craig and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Menzies</span></span> +to the visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Weyme</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bogie</span></span> to his +Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Sir <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Makenzie</span></span> and Lieutenant Collonel +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Weymes</span></span> to their Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Rutherfurd</span></span> to his Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Liev. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Will. Sutherland</span></span> to his Presbytery, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Wardlaw</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kirkcadie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. certain persons accessory to the late unlawful engagment to their Presbytries. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argustine Hofeman</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hary Stuart</span></span> to the Presb. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinb.</span></span> +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edward Wright</span></span> M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Keir</span></span> +and M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Keyte</span></span> to the Presbyterie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Guthrie</span></span> in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thos. Paterson</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Silvester Lamie</span></span> +to the visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Halyburton</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arch. +Drummond</span></span> to the visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumblane</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. the division of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Libberton</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Quodqhen</span></span> to the Presbytrie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Biggar</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Crichton</span></span> to the Presbyterie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glasgow</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Paislay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kelhead</span></span> to his Presbyterie, Sess. 19. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. the Laird of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Innes</span></span> younger to the Presbytrie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Taine</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission to the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kelso</span></span> for examining +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Margery Ker</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament of the Petition of the Commissioners of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> Ses. 20. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing some brethren to assist <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Greirson</span></span> in +discussing his suspension, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +The Assemblies addition and their judgement concerning the Petitions which were +to have been presented to the last G. Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act declaring Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Smith</span></span> to be transportable, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for the collectors accompts and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex Blairs</span></span> bill, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refuting the transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Durham</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinb.</span></span> Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. E. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Galloway</span></span> to his Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Forbes</span></span> to the Presbyterie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kincardin</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Col. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Barklay</span></span> to the Commission for +publick affairs. Sess. 21. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the matter concerning the transportation of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Neill Cameron</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Report from the Committee of appeals concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Hay</span></span> +his taking up of his appellation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Keyth</span></span>. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. E. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Queensberie</span></span> to his Presbytrie, Ses. 22. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee to confer with Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick +</span><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page580">[pg 580]</span><a name="Pg580" id="Pg580" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span style="font-style: italic"> +Hamiltoun</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Patrick Hamiltoun</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for assisting the petition of the people of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Athbole</span></span> +for dividing Paroches and planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for preparing a report in the matter concerning G. M. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Midleton</span></span>, Ses. 23. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for citing the E. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abercorne</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hary Guthrie</span></span>, Ses. 25. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the report of the Committee appointed to revise the proceedings of +the visitation of the university of Saint <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. D. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Barron</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Glaggé</span></span> +to the Presbyterie of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ross</span></span> to the Presb. of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dingwall</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Warrand for printing a Tract of Chronologie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition to the Parliament for erecting the Kirks of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fairnie</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the Petition of D. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sharps</span></span> Relick to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Harie Cockburne</span></span> to his Presbyterie. Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order from citing of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span> and Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for visiting the Hospitalls and Mortifications, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the petition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Scot</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ettleston</span></span> to the Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the disuniting of the paroch of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abirchirdar</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for the matter concerning the transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Neill +Cameron</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act sustaining the Appeal of the Parochiners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Northberwick</span></span> +with an order for citing the Minister and parochiners of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Baro</span></span> +to answer in the cause, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Abercorne</span></span> to the Presbyterie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Paislay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the matter concerning Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span> till the +morne, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvil</span></span> till the Morn. ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of the petition of the town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Couper</span></span> to +the Commission for planting of Kirks. Sess. 26. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. the Officers come from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span> to the honorable +Estates of Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Graham</span></span> sometime Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Auchterardor</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the sentence of Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David Drummond</span></span> +sometime Minister at <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lithgow</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Nairne</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for giving in the appeals and References to the Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the report concerning the Collectors accompts, Ses. 27. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alex. Blaire</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for giving up Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hary Guthries</span></span> appeal upon his +desire to cancel the same, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsayes</span></span> business till the morne, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvill</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Intimation if any doubt upon the Declaration, to come to the committee, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for Writing a letter to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Theodor Haack</span></span> for hasting +forth the Dutch Annotations upon the Bible, Sess. 28. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Deposition Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrew Ramsay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the University of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, Sess. 29. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Gilbert Mershel</span></span> for a competent maintenance, to +the Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page581">[pg 581]</span><a name="Pg581" id="Pg581" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Clerk</span></span> for a charitable supplie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the university of Saint <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affairs for planting the place of the provest +of the old colledge of Saint <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for examining witnesses in the matter concerning Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tho: Ramsay</span></span>, with an order for citing witnesses not appearing, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Dowglas</span></span>, Sess. 30. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act appointing Ministers to preach in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> during +the sitting of the Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Affleck</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for considering the petition of the Town of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ireland</span></span> Minister at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Weyme</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act permitting <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Gillan</span></span> to exercise his gift publickly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visiting the Colledge of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Parliament for reparation of the losses of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Ferreis</span></span>, Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Jameson</span></span> +and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Keyth</span></span>, Sess. 31. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richard Maitland</span></span> to the visitation of the +universitie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeene</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in the matter concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dairsoy</span></span>, Sess. 32. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Remitt. the matter concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Ross Banneil</span></span> to the +Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act exeeming the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span> from payment of the +fortie shillings for the highland boyes, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Maxwell</span></span> younger of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Calderwood</span></span> +to the Presb. of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hamilton</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Athols</span></span> bill for planting the Kirk +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span> to the visitation of the Presbyterie of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ross</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dumblane</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnsyde</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Continuation of the matter concerning the transportation of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Stirling</span></span> to <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Northberwick</span></span> till +the morne, Sess. 33. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Approbation of the sentence of deposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Wilkie</span></span>, +Sess. 34 +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Suspension of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Balcanquel</span></span> with Ref. to the Commiss. +for publick affaires, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Helene Ersken</span></span> to the Parliament for charitable supplie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Reposition of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Marten Makilwrae</span></span>, with a Recommendation to the +Synod of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> to settle him in some charge in the Ministery, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. my Lord <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cochrane</span></span> to the Commission for publick affairs, +Sess. 35. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the petition of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James Sanders</span></span> to the visitation of +hospitals, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Violet Dauling</span></span> spouse to +Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hannay</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act refusing the transportation of Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Stirling</span></span> to +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Northberwick</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires for planting the Kirk of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Northberwick</span></span> Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with the Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span>, Sess. 36. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the Articles of election of Ministers to the Committee for publick business with +intimation to all that have objection, to come there, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act in favours of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mary Hay</span></span> spouse to Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richard Maitland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Monroe</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ross</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page582">[pg 582]</span><a name="Pg582" id="Pg582" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Monroe</span></span> his three hundred marks of +augmentation, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Thomas Ramsay</span></span> to the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Chirnside</span></span>, with continuation of +his suspension in the meane time, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of the Kirks in the Highland, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recomen. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Janet Andrew</span></span> to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Rosse</span></span> to the Presbytery of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kincardin</span></span> for supplie out of the vacand stipends, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Order for presenting the Declaration to the Parliament and for desiring that the +Acts given in may be passed, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kircurds</span></span> passing from his appeal, and a +recommendation to the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Peebles</span></span> for farther +dealing with him, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Petition to the Parliament in favours of the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glenurghae</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Petition in behalfe of Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sharps</span></span> Relick to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Letter to their Brethren in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ireland</span></span>, Sess. 37. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Committee for conference with General Major <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Midleton</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. certain persons accessory to the late unlawful engagment to the +Commission for publick Affairs, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Urquhart</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Craighouse</span></span> +to the visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Agnes Maxwell</span></span> for a charitable supplie to the Parliament, +Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kircaldie</span></span>, Sess. 28. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Earl of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> to his Presbyterie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Linlithgow</span></span> to the Commission +for publick affaires, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stirling</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunse</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the vaiking Kirkes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span> and +the vaiking places of the Professors of divinitie there, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for planting the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the education of the +Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Athole</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Colin Mackenzie</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">David +Monroe</span></span> to the Visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for collecting the history of these latter times, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. of persons for charitie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Julian Wilkie</span></span> for charitie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the Kirk of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bervie</span></span> to the +Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for writing to Universities for prosecuting the course of Philosophie, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Robert Jamesone</span></span> for some supplie out +of the vaiking stipends, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the adjoining the paroch of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Mouthhill</span></span> to the +parish of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Slasse</span></span> to the Presbyteries of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strabogy</span></span> & <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fordice</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. concerning the dividing of the paroch of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Turro</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lewis Gordon</span></span> to the Commission for publick affairs, Sess. 39. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Innes</span></span> of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tippertae</span></span> to the +Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Allane</span></span> to be relaxed, ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Petition to the Parliament concerning exacting Oathes in the cases of custome +& excise, Sess. 40. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rosse</span></span>, ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Orkneay</span></span>, +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zetland</span></span>, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Southerland</span></span>, and +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Caithnes</span></span>, ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act concerning the payment of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ja: Murrays</span></span> dues, ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Smith</span></span> and Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">James +Hammilton</span></span> to draw some + +<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page583">[pg 583]</span><a name="Pg583" id="Pg583" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> +articles concerning the duties of Elders, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Viscount of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kenmure</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Doctor <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strange</span></span>. Sess. 41. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning the modification of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Alexander Gutherie</span></span> to +the visitation of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Angus</span></span> and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Merns</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act and Recom. to the Magistrates of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinb.</span></span> for repairing +of the Assembly house, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the Commission for publick affaires to provide some way for +Ministers to say prayers to the Lords of Session, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to Commission for publick affaires for providing a Minister to the Castell +of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Edinburgh</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Directory for election of Ministers, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">George Hannay</span></span> to the Commission for publick affaires, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. and Recom. to the Commission for satisfying the paines of the writer, of +the paraphrase of the Psalms, Sess. 42. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. concerning G. M. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Midleton</span></span> to the commission +for publick affaires, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act. concerning the University of St. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Andrews</span></span> during +the vacation of the Provests place of the old Colledge, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Presbyteries in the North to count with the Laird of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Eight</span></span> upon the fines of excommunicate persons to be +applyed to pious uses and to report to the next Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. appointing Ministers for the Army, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Rorie Mackenzie</span></span> the visitation of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Roffe</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Colvills</span></span> paper to the commission for +publick affaires, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Presbyteries and Synods to send any informations they can give +concerning the passages of these times to the Moderator, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for sending the contribution of 40 S. for the Highland boyes to the Collectors, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. to the visitors of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span> for distribution of the money +formerly collected, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Exemption of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dunkeld</span></span> of the Collection for +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Argyle</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Act for continuation of the allowance for dispatches to the next Assembly, with a +Recom. for confering with my Lord Register and the Clerk about the person to be +employed in that charge, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the Commission for publick affaires concerning the setling of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John Menzies</span></span> in the profession of Divinity at +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdene</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. for appointing a second Minister in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Perth</span></span> to the +Commission for publick affaires, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. and Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">William Chalmers</span></span> to the Synod of +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Aberdeen</span></span>, concerning the supply of his necessities, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Declaration concerning the Act granted in favours of Mr. +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Richard Maitlands</span></span> wife, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Ref. of the petition of the Earle of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span> in the name +of the Presbyterie of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sutherland</span></span>, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. Mr. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">John</span></span> Keyth to the Parliament, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. for dividing the paroch of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ferne</span></span> to the +Commission for planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. the disjoyning of the lands of over and nether +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dysert</span></span> from <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Brichen</span></span> to the Comission for +planting of Kirks, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Causes of a publick fast, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Commission for considering the obstructions of pietie and the remedies for removing +thereof, &c to report to the next Assembly, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +Recom. to the parliament for punishing counterfeit Testimonials, Ib. +</p> + +<p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"> +<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">FINIS.</span></span> +</p> +</div> +</div> +<hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-back" style="margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc600" id="toc600"></a> + <a name="pdf601" id="pdf601"></a> + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> + + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"><pre class="pre tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em">***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND*** +</pre><hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"><a name="rightpageheader602" id="rightpageheader602"></a><a name="pgtoc603" id="pgtoc603"></a><a name="pdf604" id="pdf604"></a><h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">Credits</span></h1><table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"><tbody><tr><th class="tei tei-label tei-label-gloss">May 24, 2009 </th></tr><tr><td class="tei tei-item"><table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"><tbody><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item">Project Gutenberg TEI edition 1</td></tr><tr class="tei tei-labelitem"><th class="tei tei-label"></th><td class="tei tei-item"><span class="tei tei-respStmt"> + <span class="tei tei-name"> + Produced by Jordan, David King, and the Online + Distributed Proofreading Team at <http://www.pgdp.net/>. + </span> + </span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div><hr class="doublepage" /><div class="tei tei-div" style="margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"><a name="rightpageheader605" id="rightpageheader605"></a><a name="pgtoc606" id="pgtoc606"></a><a name="pdf607" id="pdf607"></a><h1 class="tei tei-head" style="text-align: left; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"><span style="font-size: 173%">A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h1><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This file should be named + 28957-h.html or + 28957-h.zip.</p><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This and all associated files of various formats will be found + in: + + <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/9/5/28957/" class="block tei tei-xref" style="margin-bottom: 1.80em; margin-left: 3.60em; margin-top: 1.80em; margin-right: 3.60em"><span style="font-size: 90%">http://www.gutenberg.org</span><span style="font-size: 90%">/dirs/2/8/9/5/28957/</span></a></p><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Updated editions will replace the previous one — the old + editions will be renamed.</p><p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Creating the works from public domain print editions means that + no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the + Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United + States without permission and without paying copyright royalties. + Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this + license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works + to protect the Project Gutenberg™ concept and trademark. 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