Digitized by the Internet Archive 'in 2018 with funding from ;Princeton Theological Seminary Library httpb:'j(/archive.org/details/trudcopyofwholepOOchur_0 A True Copy Of the whole printed ACT Of the Generali Aflemblies Of the CHURCH oF SCOTLAND’ Beginning at the A0embly holden at Glafgow thezy. day of 1638 j and ending ac the Affembly , holden at Edinburgh the iHge7ttly compared j and exaflly reprinted conforme to the fore faid printed Aci s, ByaWelwishcr of the Church of who (ifhe hnd encouragement by what is now done ) intends to publiih the reft of the Adhs not heretofore printed , a part of which he hath by him. Psalm XLVIII. Ver. I ^ . Walk About Sion , andg oe round about her: tell the tourr thereof. V. 1 3. Markeye iff ell her BuUwarkt , confider her palace! : that ye may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this God is our Godfor ever and ever : He will be our ptijd even unto death, ’ ^ Printed in the Year 168:^. s $®i®M©®SS6fi@if©@^ «o^7”7TT'irTT*7 ‘?’'?7’r^’'?’T'?’7TTrTT5o» THE generall s S E M B L Glafgo'w. A Y, AitScfT. l^ovemher 2J» I^^38. He teftimony of the Com- mitty, for tryall of the ReJ gihers 5 fubferibed with their hands, being produ¬ ced , \vith feme reafons thereof in another paper, ^and publickly read; My ^ Lsr^ Cmmijfioner profefied ^ that it had lefolved him of fundry doubts, but deh- red a time to be more ful- i.j I..1 . m 1, i.,j. [I - -.1 The Modcra'tour defired that if any of the AfTembly had tofayagainft die faid teftimonic for the books, that they would declare it , and finding none to oppon , yet appointed the day following , toany to objed any tiling they could fayj and ifthen none could objciS the Affembly iwould hold theRcgifters fufficiently approven. The Generali Ir A it. S e (T 7. November x 8 . df proving the Regijlers, ANenf tlie report of the Aflemblies judgement of the au¬ thority of the books of AlTembly j The Moderatour ha¬ ving delired that if any of the Afferablv had any thing to fay , they would now declare ir,otherwife they would hold all ap- proven by the Asfembly. Th- Commiiiioner his Grace protefted ^hat the ATemblies approving thefe books , or atiy thing contained in tioem he no wayes prejudicial! to his Majeftic , nor to the Archbifliops j and B.fliops of this Kingdome , or any of their adherents j be- caufe he had feme exceptions againif thefe books. My Lord R^thts dehred thefe exceptions to be condefeended on , and they iliould be prefently cleared , and protefted that thefe hooks fhould beefteemed authentick and obligatoric hereaf cr. The whole Aflembly all in one voice approved thefe booksi and ordained the fame to make faith in judgement, andoutwith, inalltime commirg, as the true and authen¬ tick Regifters ofthe Kirk of Scotland , conform to the t?fti- monie fihfcribed by thcCommittic, to be infertwith the reafons th -reof in the books of Aflembly ; Whereof the ten- our followeth. 'tx/E under-fubferibers , having power and commiflion from the genrrall Aflembly now prefently convecned , and fitting at Glajgoiv , to perufe, examine and cognofee upon the validity , faith and ftrength of the books and regi- I ftersof the Aflembly under- written , to wit: A regifter ' beginning at the Aflembly holdcn the twentie day ofDeccm‘ - her i5/5in Clerk. The third from the year ofGodi574- to che year 1579. The fourrfi from the year ©f God to the year i5?p. At which time Majltr James Rfcbie w:ss Clerk i who hath frequently written upon the margine of the fai ds two laft books , and fubfc! ibed the faid margine with his Itand-writing. And the fifth book being the Ujreateft V olume , containing the adts of the gcnc- rall Afiembly, from the year of God 1 5 and MaJlerThomat Nicolfon , who wereali Clerks to the Afrembly> into the iiands of I^afteer Robert Winrame, who was conftiture Clerk depute by tne faid M^Jle Robert f^fcolfin ( as his deputation here prefent to fhow, willrefti- fe ) are the undoubted legifters of the Aflembly: like as Alexander Blair lucceeded the faid Majler Robert in his place of Clerk/hip to cJieafllgnations and modiheations of Minillers ftipends; and during R^ajlcr Robert his life time, was his adtual fervanr , and fo hati the iaid books by progrefle from him, which the laid Alexander is readie prefently to teftifie. V' The tworegifters ot A pag. i47- arc fubfiibed by the Lord Regents own hand> as appearerh: for it is a royall-like fubfciiption, and thereisno hand writ in all the book like unto it, andbea- leth not Sic fuhjcrihitur , which undoubtedly it would do , if it were a coppie. X. Majler lames Carmichell was commanded by the gene¬ ral! Affembly is;Q5- Self 9. inrhebock producedby Jier Thomas Sandilands> tocxtiadtthe generalladfs forth of their books j anditis evident that thefe booksare thefame which he pern fed for that effedt, bccaufe he ha"h marked therein thegenerall ad'ts with a crolTc , and hath defigncd the *61 1 by fome fhort exprclfion upon the margine , which is cognofed andknown to be his hand writ , by famous and worthy perlons : which is aUo manifeft by thefaid Majler his hand and fubfeription > written with his own hand in the laftlcafe of the fa d books; asalfo acknowledged in thefaid book, producedby MaflcrThomasSandslands, whe¬ rein the faid Majler Xamzs Carmichell granteth the receipt of thefe > with fome other books of the Affemblies, X I- The regifters produced , are the regifters of the Af¬ fembly, becaufe in Anno i s 8(5. the Affembly complaineth that theirl regifters arc mutilate: which hath relation to Ejehies third book, which is laccrat and mutilate in divers places without any intervecning of blank paper, or any mention of hfc deefi. X 1 1* If thefe were not principall regifters 3 the enemies of the ^fembly j 1^)38. 7 hepuriticofGods vvorfiiip , would never have laboured to deftroy the fame: which notwif hllanding they have done; as appearcthby the affixing and battering of'a piece of paper upon themargine , anent a condition of the comn'iflion not to exceed the elbblilbcd difciplineofchi.*^ Kirk fubfcribed by the Clerk, book ,?-pag. 147. and the blotting ont the cer¬ tification ofoftheexcommunicationagainft Bilhop /idamfon^ book4. pag. 30. who in his Recantation generally acknow- ledgeth the fame : but which, without that recantation, cannot be prefupponed to have been done , but by corrupt men of intenfion to corrupt the books , which M'erenot necefiary , if they were notprincipall regifiers- XIII* In the A'lTembly 15S6. The Church complained upon theChancelour his retention oftheir regifterSj&defired they might be delivered to their Clerk , which accordingly was done; as a memorandum before the beginning of tlie.fird book , bearing the redeliverie of thefe foure books to h ajlet fames Re chis , Clerk, proporteth ; which clcarlv cvincetb that thefe foure books are the legifteis of the Affembly. X 1 V. Tne laid fifth book and greated Volume } iialfo marked on the marginc,with the hand- writ of the faid h'^ajler fames Carmichell ( which is cognofeed) who M^as appointed to I perufe the books of the Aflen^bly as faid is, and would not I have margined the fame by vertuc of that command nor ■ excraded the general ads out of It , if it were nor an appro¬ bation thereof , as an authentick and famous book. XV. The laid fifth Volume doth agree with the other foure books 5 in all vthich is extant in them , andrnarketh the blanks , which are lacerate and riven out of the fame; and compleateth all what is lacking in them. XV I. In the book of Di cipline pertaining to J^aJIer fames Carmichcl, fubfcribed by himfelf, znd Majler lames Bjehse ythcie are fundryadsand pafiagcsquoited out of the faid fifth great Volume, faying, It is written in fuch a page ®f the book of Afiembly , which agrceth in fubjed and quottations with the faid fif h bonk , and cannot agree with any other ; fo that h/lajler 'ames Carmichel 1 evifer of the Af¬ fembly books , by their command , would not alledge that book, nor denominate the fame a book of the Alfembb if it not an wthentick book* XVII* S The Generali X Vn. Though the corrupt nature of man hath been tempted to falfifie particular evidents, yet it hath never been heard that an / whole regifter hath ever been counterfeited j neither can it bee prefupponed that any will attempt that high wickednefiTe , feeing the inducements anfwerable to thac crime , can hardly be prefuppofed. X V I H It is certain , and notour to all thefe who are intrufted with the keeping of the publick records of the Kingdome, that the fame are never fubferibed by the Cleric , but only written and filled up by fervants; and moft frequently by unkno'vn hands, yet they and the ex- irafts thereof make publick frith , and the fame are uncon- trovertedly authentick regiftersj and when the molt publick regifters ofthe Kingdome fhall be feen, and compared with thefe regilters of the Aflembly , it fhall be found that thefe other regilters of the moft foveraigne judicatories ever un- fubicribed are more incorredl, ofener margined , fcored, and interlined , made up by greater divcrfitie of unknowi^ band-WMts, than thefe books of the Aflembly, which by fpecial providence are preferved fo intire , thac in the judgement of any man acquainted with regifters . they will manifeftly appear at the very fight to be true, famous, and authentick. XIX. The fame and credit of ancient regifters in this Kingdome* isfo much reverenced > that if anycxtradtbe different ordifeonforme from the regifter, that ext ra clearing the unlawfulneflc and nuUiiic of.thcfc Af- ‘ * femWies 1638. 9 femblies : which were confirmed by the regifters of the Af^ fcmbly, the books of Presbyteries , the Kings Majeliies own letters , and by the teftintonic of divers old reverend Minifters , {landing up in the AfTembly , and verifying the truth thereof. The AlTembly with the univerl'all confenc of alljafcer the ferious examination of the rcafons againil eve¬ ry one ofthcrefixpretaaded Alfemblies apart, being often urgedby the Moderatourjto in forme themfelves throughly, that without doubting, and with a full perfwafion of minde> they might give their voices , declared all thefc fix Affem- h\\cs oi Linlithgaiv i6o6-and 160S. G/afgoaf Aberdeen 161 6*Sz. Andretvs X61'; • Perth. i<5iS. Ana every oneof them to have been from the beginning unfree, unlawfull, and null Afiemblics, and never to have had, nor hereafter to have any Ecclefiafticallauthoritie, and their conclufions to have been > and to bee of no force, vigour, nor efficacie; Prohibited all defence and obfei'vance ol them, and ordain¬ ed the reafons of iheir nullitie to be infert in the books of the Alfembly : Whereofthetennonrfollowetb. Reafons annulling the pretended AjJembljf Linlithgow. 1606. I. 'IP Rom the indifiion of it. It was indidled the third of Jl December , to bee kept the tenth ol Decemb r> And fo there was no time given to the Presbyteries, far ditlanc, neither for|cJc6tion of Commilfioners nor for preparation to thole who were to be fenr in Commuiion. The fliort- nelTeofthc timeoftheindicflionis proved by the Presbyte- ric books of Perth ^ and Hadingtonn > See. II. From the want ofa la wfull calling, totliefe whowent tp that meeting, iecing they were not at all eledled by their Presbyteries, but were injoyned to come by the Kings let¬ ters. This alibis proved by the forefaids books of the Pres¬ byteries, and by his Majeliies letters^ > III. From the nature of that meeting, which was only a private meeting, or convention, for confultation to be taken by fomc perfons of fundry eftates written for , as the A 5 Kings lo The Generali Kings letters and the Presbyterie books do acknowledge. IV. F rom the power of thefe minilfers who were prefent Their (Presbyteries did limitate them: Firit, That they Ihould give no fuffrages in that meeting as a generall AfTem- bly. Secondly 5 That they agree to nothing that may any wayes be prejudicial! to the adls of the generall Aflemblies , ortotheeftablilheddifciplineofthe Kirk. Thirdly, That th^fliould not agree to refolve or conclude anv,queiHon, article, or matter wlaatfoever , the decifion whereof is pei- tinent > and proper to a free generall AfTembly. Fon rthly , I f any thing be concluded contrary thcreun to, that they pro- teft againft it. Thefe limitations are clear by the Presby- terie books. V* The adtsof this meeting were not infertin the book of Affemblies , as is evident by the regiifer. VI. The next pretended Affembly at Linlithgow , t6oS. doth acknowledge the Affembly, Whereof ^ajier Patncl^ Galloway wasMod^utour , to have been the laff immediate Allembly, preceding it felfe : and that Alfembl/ whereof he was moderatour , was the Aflembly holden at Halyrood- houfci 1602. So they did not acknowledge that meeting at Linlithgow , i97. Butin that pretended Afi'embly , there were fouremmifteis. from the fcvcrall Presb; teries , of E- dinburoh, and Cotrper, five from the Presbyterie of -dr/'rot/j , as theroll of the laid pretended AlTembly beareth , whereas there were no ruling Elders fent from Presbyteries, ac¬ cording to the book of policie and adl of Dundie. Reafons for annulling the pretended ^fembly at Glalgo w. 16 1 c. I. »^Hc Commifiion of the pretended Commidioners to X that meeting was null, i . Becaufc the elcdlion of them was not free, feeing they were nominate by the Kings Let¬ ters, as the Presbyterie books of Edinburgh, Perth, and Hadingtoun declare. And the Bifhop of St. Jndretrs in his letter to feme Presbyteries, required them to fend fuch commiilioners as the King had nominate : affuring them , that none other would be accepted. This the Bishops let¬ ter regillrat in the Presbyterie books of Hadinghtoun doth cleare. 2. And whereas there were no ruling elders fent from the Presbyreries to that pretended AlTembly , as the roll of Commiilioners Iheweth ; yet there were moe mini- ftersfrom fundricfeverall Presbyteries then three, as five from Brechen , five from Arhroxh , five from Kjiksubright , feven from the Presbytery of Argyl , foure from the' Presby¬ terie of Ceivper , foure from Linlithgow , foure from Pajlcy , foure from Hammilton, foure from Drumfreis , foure from Dunkcll : as the regilter of that Affembly beareth. 11. fhere where thirtic voters of Noble men and Barrens, befide the pretended Bilhops , who had no commilTion from any Presbyterie. In the fourth Sesfion of this pretended Af- fcmbly it is plainly faid ) That the Nobk men and Barrens Qme to it by the Kings diredion, IIT ( The Generali III. The voting of the comntisfioners was not free: for by the Kings Letter to the Affembly they were threatned , and it was declared that their confent was not needfull to any ait to be mads there: The King might doe it by his own power , yet they were allured to voceby a promifethattheir good fervice in fo doing Ihould be remembred and rewarded thereafter. i V. The principall afts which were made, were fet down virbatim in the priuie conference , which chiefly confided of the Kings Commisfioners and pretended BilliopS) and only lead to be ratified in the AflTembly. V. Stindrieminillsrs then preifent, doe now declare > that they knew the minifters who vo' ed the wrong way , to have received their prefent reward , and that money was largely dealt unto them. ' Reajons for annulling the pretended hfembly at Aberdene. i6i 6. '■^here was no cleftion of a Moderarour : but that place X ufurped by the pretended Bilhop of Saint Andrews^ as the Kcgifter beareth. II. The indiftion of that pretended Aflftmbly was but tvvemiedayes before the holdmgofit : fo that the Presbyte¬ ries and burghes could not be prepared for fending their commisfioners whfth caufed the abfence of many Presby¬ teries and foiirtie foure Bmghcs. III, There were twentic five noble-men » and gentle¬ men voters without commisfion from the Kirk. Ma. Willkm voted £ot the ?teshyteiico( Edinburgh , yet had no commisfion there-from . The commisfion oeing gwen by that Prcsbyteric to other three, as the faid Commisfion re- giftrat in the books of the Presbytery beareth. And whereas there fhouldbe but one Commisfioner from every burgh, except Edinburgh , to the Aflcmbly 5 at this pretended Af-- fcmbly* there were two Commisfioners fiom GUjgottf itwo fromCotvper* two from St. Andrea*! : whereas there were no lulifigTlders having commisfion from their Presbyteries ac that Afiembly. * ' 1585. 13 I V. When the afts of rbatprerencJed aflembly v'crcwrit’ ten , theBilhop of St. Andrews wvh his own hand did inter" line, adde , change, vitiate, divcfito be extraiiled or not extradied, ashepleafed: asthefcrolls themrelvcsfccnjdoe Iho w ; wherefore the Clei k did not regiftrat the adls of that Affembly, in the booksof Affemblies , as may be eaflly feen by the blank in the regifter left for them remaining unfilled. The nullitie of the pretended AJ^em-^ Saint Andrews y 1617. \ I. '"T^hereis no mention of it in the regifter of the AfTem- X blies, and fo no warrand for their commisfionsj their JVlodcratour or Clerk. II. Theindidtionofit wasfounformalhthatasthefcroU dcclareth , a great part of the Commisfioners from Synods » Burrows , and gentle- men , would not be prefent. III. The Kings Majeftie in his letter to Verths Aflcmbly, acknowlcdgeth it was buta meeting, wherein difgrace was offered to his Majeftie. I V. The former corruptions of th* foure preceding Af¬ femblies had their confluence in this and the fubfequent Af- fembly. Keafonsfor annulling the pretended Ii£emhlyy holden 1618. I. Aflcmbly was indi(fted but twcntic dayet before X the holding of it : and all parties requifit rcccivcdl BOt advertifement , as appearcth bv their abfcnce . The untimous indidiing of ic » is cleared by presbytcric • books. ‘ II. There WM no clc(ftion of the Moderatour » tswa»»^ ) ) ,t cuftomed to be in iawfidi AdcwtlifNli The regifter clcareib 14 The Generali III. No formal! eledlion of their new Clerk.’ nil. There were five whcle Dvocies abfentj viz. Or- i Cathnes, RoJJe, Argyll, and /y?er : and many Presby- tciiejhad no Commiffioners there, as the regilter of that pretended Afiembly beareth. V. There w'ere nineteen noblemen and Barrens , eleven Bilhopj > that had no Commiflion from the Kirk, Vi' here as the adf for conftitution of Aflemblies , ordaineth every Burgh to have but one Commiffioner > except Edinburg, which mav have two ( A6t at Dundie yetinthatpre- tended Afembly , had three Commiff oners , Dundie, had two, Glafgotv had two , and St. Andrews had two : Of the Burghes there M'ere thirtie fixabfcnt: And for ruling Tlders j there were noneat all with commidlon from th'ir Presbyteries. All thefe things arc cleared by the records of that pretended Affemblic. VI. The Commiffioners from forne Presby'eries excee¬ ded their number j preferibed in the a6latDH«d;e, 1^07. for the Presbytericcf.dr^’miEt were foure Commiffioners , and foure for the Presbytei ie of Aughter ardour : Befitie thefe that were heard to vot, having no commifficnatall , and fome ■vt'ho had cemmiffion v'ere rejefted , and were not enrolled, but others put in their place without commiffion. VI I. The pretended Bilhops didpradiife fome of the ar- ticlesto be roncluded there, before the pretended Aflem- Edinburgh. St. Andretvs, and other cathedral Churches, by keep ngfeftival dayes, kneeling at the Communion. Thus their voices were prejudged by thtir pradife of thefe articl- s before condemned by the Kirk, and therefore iheyfhould have been fecluded from voicing. VIII. In all lawful Affemblies , the voicing fhould be free: But in this pretended Afiembly .there were no free voicing; for the voicers were tKreatncd to voice under no leffe pain nor the wrath of authoritie , imprifon- ' ment , banifhment , deprivation of miniftcrs'l and utter fubverfion of the ftate : Yea, it was plainly profefled , that neither reafoning , nor the] number ofj voices fhould carie . the matter away : Which is qualified by the declaration ) many hon«ft old j:«vercnd Brethren of the miniftery now ~ : _ j ^Jfemb^ , 1638. 1$ I X. In all lawful Aflemblies . the grounds of proceeding Were, anduredtobc> the word of God . the confetTion of Faith , anda^sof former general A fcmblies. Butin this pretended AlTeirbly, the ground |of their proceeding iti voiciug.was theKino-*; commandment only: Forfo the que¬ ll i^n wa": fo flared: Whether the five articles .in nfyeB of his IWrf- jefiies commmiement , should pafie in aEi , or not ; As the re¬ cord.-' of chat pretended Aflcmbly bcareth. Where it is de¬ clared , that for the reverence and rcfpedl: which they bear unto his Maieftics Royal commandements , they did agree to the f refaids article^. X. Many other reaf«ns verifying the nullitie of all thefe Aflemblies , were Ihowen and proven before the Aflembly, which needeth not here to be infer t. Adt. Self. 1 3 . T^ec ember f . 1 6 ] 8. hgnin^ the unlaw full aaths of intrants* THe fix ALflemblies immediately preceeding, for mol!: juft and weightie reafons above-fpecificdjbeing found to be unlawful , and null from the beginning : The A flcmbly declareth theoathes and fubferiptions exacted by the Pre¬ lates of the intrants in the miniftcrie all this time by pall ( as without any pretext of warrand from the Kirk , fofor obedience of the adfg of thefe null Aflemblies , ^nd contrare to the ancient and laudable conftitutions of this Kirk, which never have been nor can be lawfully repealled > but mull ftand in force) to be unlawful, and no way obligatorie. And in like manner declareth, that the power of Presby¬ teries, and ofprovincial and general Aflemblies, hath been unjuftly fupprefled, but never lawfully abrogate. And there- fpre that it hath been moft lawful unto them, not withftand- ihg any point unjuftlyobjedfed by thcPrelats tothe contrare, to admit, fiifpend , or deprive minifters, within their bounds, upon relevant complaints fufficicntly proven 5 to ehoofe their owti MoJeratours , and to execute all tke parts j6 The Generali parts of ecclcfiaftical jurisdidion according to rheir own li¬ mits appointed them by rhe Kirk. AO: SeflT. 1 4. T)ecember 6. 1638. Condemnwg the Service - hooky Book of Cations , - Book of Ordination t and the high CommiJJion . 'J'Hc AfiTembly having diligently cofifidered thcBookof common prayer, lately obtruded upon the reformed Kirk within this Realinc, both in refped of the manner of the introducing thereof, and in rerped of the matter which it containeth , findeth that it hath been devifed and brought in by the pretended Prelafs, without diredion from the Kiik> and pre.sled upon rainiders without warrand from the Kirk, tobc univeifally received as the only forme of divine fervice under jail highefl paines , both civi'l and eccleha- fiicall , and the book it felf, befide the fofiih frame and forms infdivinc worihip, to containe mzny fopishenours and ceremonies, and the feeds of manifold and giosfefuperlliti- onandidalatrie. The Asfembly therefore a!J in one voice > hath rcjedcd, and condemned and by thefe prefents doth re- jed and condemne the faid book ,■* not only as illegally in¬ troduced, but alfo as repugnant to the dodi:rine, difeipline and order of this reformed Kirk , to the Confesfion of Faith, CQnffitutionsofgenerall Affemblies, and ads of Par¬ liament eftablifhing the true Religions and doth prohibite the ufe and pradife thereof*, and ordaine-Prcsbytcrics to proceed with the cenfure of the Kiik againfi. all fuch as fhall wanfgreffe. II. The Aflcmbly alfo , taking to their confidcration the book of Canons , and the manner how it hath been intro- * duced, findeth that it hath been devifed by the pretended Prelats, without warrand or diredion from the gene- rall Alfembly 5 andito eftablifba tyrannicall power in the perfons of the pretended Bifhops , over the worlbip of God, mens confcicnces , liberties and goods , and t# 1‘ycrthrow tbc whole difeipline and ggyernment gf iJhegcnc- 1638. 17 rail indSynodall Asremblies, Presbyteries , and Sesfionje formerly eftablifhed in our Kirk. Therefore the AlTembly all in one voice hath rcjedledanci condemned^and by thefe prefents doth reieft and cendemne the faidbookj ascontrare rorhe confedidn of our Faith, .and repugnant to the eftablilhed government, the book of Difcipline, and the ads andconftitutionsof our Kirk; pro- • hibits the ufe and pradife of the fame ; and ordains Presby¬ teries to proceed with thecenfure of the Kirk againd all fuch as fhall tranTgrcfle. I I I. 'I'heAlTcmbly having confideredthebookofeonfe- cration and ordination, findethit to havebeen franaed by thePrelats, to have been introduced and pradifed without: ' •vvarrand of authority, cither civill or ccciefiailicall : and that it eftablifhcth offices in Gods houfs) which are not war-' randed by the word of God , and are repugijanr to the Difci- pline, and conflitutionsof our Kiik, thatu is an impediment to theennie offitahd worthie mento therniniftery , and to the difcliarge of their dutie after their cntric, conforms the difcipline of our Kirk. Therefore the Affembly all ,in one voice liath rejeded and condemned, and by thefe fprefents doe rejedand condemne the laid book ; and pro- diibits the ufe and pradife of the fame : And ordaines Pres¬ byteries to proceed with the cenfure of the Kh k agaiiift all fuch as lhall transgrelie; IV. The generall Affembly, after due tryall, having found that the Court of high Com rnislion , hath been cred- cd without the confent or procurement of the Kirk , or con fent of the Eftates in Parliament, that it fubverteth the juris’' didion and ordinarie judicatories and Alfcmblies of theKirk" Sesfrons , Prctbyterics , provincial! and nationall Aflem-* blies , that it is not regtlate by lawes civill or ecclefialficall j but at the diferetion and arbitrement of the Commisfioners j thatitgivcch to cccleliafticall perfons, the power of both thefwords> andtopetfons mcerly civill, the power of the keys and Kirk cenfurcs : Therefore the All’embly all in one: voice, hath difallowcdand condemned, andby thefe p e- Tents doth difaliow and condemne the laid court , as unlaw ITuU in it fclfe> and prejudicial! to the libe;ties of ChriR;- i B Kii' The generall Kirk and Kingdome , the Kings honour in maintainligthe cftablifhed lawes and judicatories of the Kirk j and prohi¬ bits the ufe and praiHfe of the fame j and ordaines Presbyte¬ ries to proceed with the ceafurcs of theKirkj againft all fuch as fliall tranfgresfc. After the ferious difeufing of the feverallProceffet , in many S ejjt^ ons, from Seff. 14. ( ivhicb are in the Clerks hands , and needeth not here tohe infirt) the following fentencenvere fo- letnnly pronounced after Sermon by the Moderatour , in the fimblyofGhigo^i Seff.lo. December 1638. Sentence of defojition and excommunication figatnfi Mr. John Spottiswood , pretended Archbishop ^St. Andrews*, Mr. Patrik Lindfay, pretended Arch- hishop of Glafgow : Mr, David Lindlay , pretended Bishop 0/ Edinburgh: Mr. Thomas Sidferfe , pre, tended Bishop o/’Galloway : A/r. John Maxwell • pretended Bishop of Rofle : Mr. Walter Whyt-foord , pretended Bishop of Brcchcn* general Aflembly , having heard the libel $ and com- •** plaints, given in againft the forefaids pretended Biihops to the Presby terie of ^inburgh , and fundry other Presby¬ teries M'ithin their pretended Dyocies , and by the faids Presbyteries referred to the Aflembly , tobetryed: The faids pretended Rilhops being lawfully cited, often-time* called, and their Procutour DoBeur Rj)bert Hammiltoun, and not compcaring , but declining and protefting againft this AlTembly , as is evident by their declinatour, and protc- ftation given in by the faid DoBour Ik^bert HAmmiltounmimR.eT at Glasfoord , which by the adts of Aflembly is ccnfurable with fummar excommunication : Entered in conflderation of the faid declinatour , and finding the fame not to be re- kvanc » but on the contrare to be a difplayed banner againft * government of this Kirk, to tje fraught- cd with infoicnt and difdainfuj fpecchcs, lies and calum- nies agaiflft the lawful members of cbis Asfcmbly pro- cecd<^ to the cognition of the faids complaints , and libels againltthemj and finding them guiltie of the breach of the cautions , agreed upon in the Asfcmbly holden at Momrofa Jinno 1600. for relfriaing of the minifter voter in Parlia- ' encroaching upon the liberties and jurifdiaioo o this Kirk, which was fet down with ccitification of dc«. pontion , infamic , and excommunication , fpecially foo receiving of conlecration to the office of Epifcopacie , con« demnedbytheconfeffionofFaith, and adfs of this Kirk, as nawng no warrand , nor foUndament in the word of God - ^ of this ufurped power i and power of the high Kirk with novations in the wor- Ihipot Ood, and for fundrie other haynous offences, and enormities , at length expresfed , and clearly proven in their procesfc , and for their rcfufal tounderly thetryal of the reigning flander of fimdrie other grosfe tranfgreffions and cymes laid to their charge: Therefore the A sfemblv mo\ e wiy zeal to thegloric of God , and purging of his Kirk , hath ordained the faids pretended Bifhops to be de- pofy, andbythefc prefents dothdepofe them, not only tile office of Commiffionarie to vote in Parliament, Coun- yi, or Convention in name of the Kirk, butalfoofall "^pretended Epifcopal orminifterial caK ll infamous . And Jikewife ordaineth I ^ j pietended Bifhops to be excommunicate , and de¬ clared to be of ihefe v-hom ChrifV commandeth to be holden by all and yeryoneof the faithful as ethnicks,’ andpubli- canes5 and the fentence of excommunication to be pro- nounced hy^r Alexander Henderfin , Moderatoutinfacc of the Asfembly m the high K irk of Glajgow.- and the execu'ion u *"v”^®"^^fo^ccintimatin all the Kirks of Scotland by the Pallours of every particular congregation, as they will e anfwcrable w their Presbyteries and Syfiodf > or the next 1 ncs a^ S a W Cafe of the negligence of Presbyte# A 2 Scfites The Generali Sentence of defojitlon and excommunication j againjl Mr, Adam 'S^zXhniyne^'pretencled Bishop of Aberdeen, and Mr. lames Wedderhuyn pretended Bishop of Dumblane. ^^Heg^nerr.ll Asftmblv, having heard the lybels and com- ■* plaints given it! agai I ft the forefaids pretended Bi-i ons, J.h rdecn, and to the Presbyteiy of td;wi’«r_g&, and fandiy Presbyteries within their pretended D'oe es, and by the faids Presbyteries referred.to this Asfcmbjytobe • tryed : The faids pret^erded Bilhops being lawfully cited, often-times called , and not compearing , proceeded to the cognition of the complaints and lybels againft them , and fin¬ ding them guilte of the breach of the cautions j agreed upon in the Asfcmbly holdcn at l^^ontrofi, Anno t 600. for reftri^t- ing the rninifter voter in Parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurifdidlions of this Kirks which was fet doMmwith cerdficaiionofdepoficion, infamic and excom¬ munication, fpcciallyfor receiving of confecrationro theofficc ©f Epifcopacie , condemned by the confesfion of Faiih, and ads of'this Kirk , as having no wai rand nor foundament in the word of God , and by vcrtuc of this ufurped power,and power of the high Coinmisfion , presfing the Kiik with no¬ vations in the worship of God, and for fundry other baynous offences and enormities , and length expresfed , andclear’y proven in their Procesfe, and for their refufall to underlv the tryall of the re gning flander of fundry other grosfe tranf- gresfions and offences laid to their charge: Therefore the asCembly moved with zeal to the glorie of God , and purging of the Kirk, hath ordained the faids pretended Sifhops to be depofed , and by ihefcprefents doth depofe thenis not only ofthe officeofCommisfionary rovot in Parliament , Coun¬ cell , or Convention's in name of the Kirk , butalfo of all functions , whether of pretended Epifcopall or minifteriaU calling, declareth them infamous : and likevidfe ordains the faids pretended Bifhops to be excommunicate, and declared to be of thefc whom Cjifijft comaunded to be holdca by all aad xyij^emhly ^ 1638. ii and every one of the faithfullasEthnkksandPubllcanSj* and the fentence of" excommunication to be pronounced by Mr. u-.lexander ^endirfonModcxitoUi: , in face of the Asfembly. after bewr.on , in the high Kirk o^-Glafgotv : and that the ex¬ ecution of the fentencebe iniim.at in ail the Kirks within this Realme, by the Paftours of every particular congregation ^ as they w illbeanfwerable to their Fresbyteries and Synods , orthc next gcnctall Asfembly, in cafe of the negligence of Pi csbyteiies and Synods. Sentence of depofition agamft Matter John Guihry retended Bishop of Mnrxz'f ' lohnGra- \\sTC\t pretended , Bts hop of Orkney > A/r. lames tairlic, pretended Bishop of Liivnoir : isjeii Cambell, pretended Bishop of llles. *^He generall Alletnbly having heard the lybels and com-* ^ plamts given in a ainfl the'forcfaids pretended F'ifhops, to tire Presbyterie of Edinburgh) and fundrie Presbyteries wiihin their Uyocies, and by the faids Presbyteries referred to this AlTcmbly to bee tryed : the faids pretended Bifliops being lawfully cited , of en-times called < and not compea¬ ring, proceeded to the cognition of the complaints and ly¬ bels againU them s and finding them guiltie of the breach of the cautions agreed upon in the Afi'embly iiMontrofe ^ Jnn9 j^oo.for reftridling of the miniller , voter in Parliament, from introaching upon the liberties and J irifdidionsof this Ruk, which was letdown with certification of depofition* infamie awd excommunication ; and efpecially for receiving confcciation to the ofriceof Epifcopaciccondcmnedby the confesfionof Faith , and adts of this Kirk , as having no warrand nor foundament in the word of God , and by vertuc of this ufurped power , and power of th- high commisfion , presfing theKnk with novations in the worship of God; and for their refufall to underly the tryall of the reigning ilandcrof fuedrie other eroffe tranfgresfions and offences , - - - ■ 3 laid The Generali laid to their charge ; Therefore the Asfembljr^ moved with 2eal to the glorie of God, and pu’ging of this Kirk, ordaines the faid? pretended Bishops , to bee derpofed > and by thefeprefcntsdoih depofe them , not only of the office of commisfionarie , to vote in Parlisment Councel • or con¬ vention in name of the Kirk: butalfo of all fundfions, whehter of pretended Epifcopall, or minifteriall calling: And likewife in cafe they acknowledge not this Asfem- bly j reverence not the conftitutions thereof, and obey not the fcntence, and make not their repentance, con- forme to the order preferibedby this Asfembly , ordaines them to be excommunica ed , and declared to bee of thefc whom Chrift commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithful! as Ethnicks and Publicanes : and the fentcnce of excommunicaion to be pronounced upon their refufall , in the Kirks appointed , by any of thefc who are particularly named » to have the charge of trying their repentance or impenitencie, and that the execution of this, fcntence bee intimate in all the Kirks within this Realme by the Paftoursof every particular Congregation, as they will beanfwerDble to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next generall Asfembly* in cafe of negligence of the Presbyteries and Synods, Sentence of depojition again f Maifler A lexan** der pretended Bishop ^/Dunkell. generall Asfembly having heard the complaint and lybel given in againft Mr. ^dextmder Lindefiy pretended BifhopofDa«J^e//, to the Presbytery of and fun- dry Presbyteries of his pretended I)yocie, and by the Pres¬ byteries referred to this Asfembly to be tryed : The faid pretended Bishop being lawfully cited > often-times called, aot compearing; but by a letter of excufe fubmitting him- felf to the Asfemelv, proceeded to the cognition of the complaint and lybell it felfe againft him , aad finding him tuilrie pf the breach of the cautions agreed upon in the Af- %^{fembly ^ 1638- %% fembly holdenat I^omrofe, Anno 1 600. for reftrifting the minifter[voter in parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurifdidtionsofthisKirk, which was fct dovi^n with certification ofdepofition, infamie and excomaauni- cation , efpecially for receiving confecration to the office of Epifcopacie condemned by the confefsion of Faith , and of this Kirk , as having no warrand nor foundamcnt ia the word of God, and by vertue of this ufurped power, and powerofthc highCommisfion , presfingthe Kirk with no¬ vations in the worihip of God : Therefore the Asferobly moved with zeal to the glory ofGod, and purgingof this Kirk, hath ordained the laid Mi Alexander to bee depofed, and by thefe prefents dcpofeth" him , from the pretended Epifcopallfundtion , and from the office of commisfionarie to vote in Parliament, Counccl or Convention in name of the Kirk and doth fulpend him from all minifteridll fun6lion> and providing he acknowledge this Asfembly, reverence the conftitutions of it , and obey this fentence , and make his repentance conformetothc order preferibed , continu- cthhim in the miniftrie of St. Mado^f, Andlikewife , if he acknowledge not this Asfembly , reverence not the confti¬ tutions of It > and obey not the fentence , and make his re¬ pentance , conforme to the order preferibed by thisAslem- bly, ordains him to be excommunicat, and declared to bee one of thofe whom Chrift commandeth to bee holden by all and every one of the faithfull » as an Ethnick and Publicane, and the fentence of excommunication to be pronounced upon hisrefufall, in the Kirks appointed, by one of thefe who are particularly named , to have the charge of trying his repentance or impenitencicf and that the execution ofthis fentence be intimate in all the Kirks within this K' almcir by the Paftours of every particular congregation , as they will be anfwcrable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next generall Asfembly, in cafe of the negligence of Presbyteriesi and Synods IB thcdifciplinc and government of the Kirk, as the hedge and guard of the dodtiine and wor- fhip , was prelcribed according to the rule of Gods wmrd, in the book ofPolicie and Difciphnc, agreed upon in the Asfembly 1 578. and infert in the regilfer 158'. chabhlhed by the Acls of Asfemblies, by the confeffion of Faith, fworn and fublcribcd , at the diredfion of the Asiembly, and by . contlnuall pradife of this Kirk: Secondly, that, by mens , feeking their own things : and not the things of jelus Chrift; j divers novations have been intioduced to the great diftur- I j '■■ ■ ' ~ ^ B S bauce ' i !' ■ ^6 The Generali i bance of this Kirk, fo firmly once compa(5i:edj and to the . endangering of Religion , and many grosfe evils obtruded , to the utter undoing of the work of reformation, and change . of the whole forme of worlhip and face of this Kirk : Third- ' ly, that all his Majeifies Subjeds both Ecclefiafticall and ci¬ vil , being without confent of the Kirk, commanded to re¬ ceive with reverence a new book of common prayer » as the only forme to be ufed in Gods publickworfhip, and the con- , travecners to be condignely cenfured , and punilhed . and i afler many fupplications and complaints , knowing no ocher ' way for the. preferva tion of Religion i were moved by God, and drawne by necesfitie , to renew the nationall Covenant ofthisdCirks and Kingdomc, which the Lord fince hath blcsfed from heaven , and to fubferibe the CenfeJJion of Faith , with an application thereof, abjuilng the great evils where¬ with they were now presfed , andfufpending the pradtife of : all novations formerly introduced, till they fhould bee tryed in a ftee generall Asfemply , Lalfly, thatfomeof his Maie- || flies Subjects of fundrie ranks , have by his Majefties com- ■ mandement fubferibed and renewed the confesfion of Faith , ; without the former application , and that both the one and the other fubferiber* have fubferibed the faid Confesfion of Faith in this year > as it was profesfed and according to the |j meaning that it had in this Kingdome. whenit wasfirftfub- . feribed 1581. and afterward the Asfembly therefore , both by the fubfeription of his Majefties high Cemmiffoner , and of ' the Lords of fecretCouncel, Septem«t2. 163S And hy the aifts of Councel , of the date forefaid , bearing that they fubferibed the faid Confesfion , and ordaining, all his Maje- llies Liedges to fubferibe the fame , according to the fore¬ faid date and tennour , and as it was then profesfed within this Kingdomc , aslikewifeby the Proteftation of fomc of the Senatours of the Colledge of juftice , when they were re- sipprobation of the coiruptions of the government of the ; Kirk j till they be tryed in a free gcncrall Asfembly 5 fin- y ding it proper for thenia and moft nccesfary and incuiabcne i; to ' \ I I 1 I e if f ! a )f if iC 1; 1' It [• to them , to give out the true meaning thereof as it was at firit profes ed . Thatallhis Majcfties Subjects in a matter fo important; as is the publikConfesfion of Faith, fo folemnely fworn and fubCcribed , maybeofoneminde, and one heart, and have full fatisfaftion to all their doubts, and that the poftcritie afterward maybe fully perfvvaded of the true mea¬ ning thereof, after earnell calling upon the name of God, foreligioufly attelfed in the faid Confcsiioii; have entered into a diligent fearch of he regifters i f theKn k , and books of the geneiall A ff mbly> which the greatelt part of the Af- fembly had not feen before ; and which by the fpeci: 1! pro¬ vidence of God were preferved , brought to their hands, and publickly acknowledged to bee authentick and have found that in the la t ' ''onfeshonoftheKirk ofS’eot/^wd: Wepro- fesfe, that ve detejie all traditioti! rou^t into the K}rl^tvithout \ or agaiufl the word of God. and doinne of this reformed : Next, ive ahhorre and detefe allcontrarterelioionand doctrine, ut chiefly. All kjnde ofpaptftry tn general! particularhead^i.as they Wert tlxn damned confuted h the word of God, and Kjrkjof cotlard, wheyi the faid Confeffionwas jworn andfubferibed , A » 580. rf »?<{ i yS U 1590. rhvd\ \thatwedetellethe RomaneAnttchriffy his worldly monarchic, and wicked hier archie: Fourthly, that we joyn ovr felves to tins reformed Ki^ktn doBrine, faith l{eligion, dtfci~ ■pline , promifmg and fwearmg by the great name of SOD, that we shall continue in the Dofirine a nd Dtfeipline of this Kyrk . and defend the fame and then (loall be"*.' beard and refAved, In rhe then hither¬ to are expresfed that they be content to be reformed by the faidAsfembly according to the word of God, when*they ihall be reouired thereto- Firft, TW they be content to bee l\tf ours and Minifersof onefock • That theyufurpe no criminall jurijdiHion, that they vote not in Parliament in name of the t^rkt fVithoit Commiffion from the Ktrli_: That they take not up for the maintenance of their ambition and rictoufnejfe , the emoluments of the Kitk^t which may fuflain many Pa ours, the Schools, and the poorc i /but be content with rcafonable livings according to their office: That they claimenot to themfelvcs the titles of Lords temper all, neither ufurpe temporall jtirifdiFlions , whereby they are abJlraEledfrom their ojfia : That they empyre not above the particular Elderships ^ but be jiibjeSitto the fameiThat they ufurpe not the power of the ! ’resbyteries- 1 he queftion being proponed by the byuod of the Asfembly holdenin fuly 1579. anentageneralloider 'to be taken forerefting of Presbyteries in places wherepti- blickexercifeis ufed , untill the time the policie of the Kuk beeftablilbek by alaw; Itisanfwci'ed, Thcexercifemay be jud¬ ged to be a Preshy ter ie. In the Asfembly holdenat Dundiein luly 58o.be$r.4* 1 he office ofaBifhop was abolihed by a par¬ ticular ad^as appeaierh by thetenaour of the ad following. , For [$ much as the offieeoj a Bifhop, as it is now ufed and corn'd ,monlj ti^ktn witben th's Rjalme, hathnojure warrand authorl-m ,f/r, nor good ground in the Scriptures , but is brought in by the jfoly and corrupt in of mans inventions , to the gnat overthrow of tthe KJrk^ of Cod, the whole Jffemhly of the Kir k.in one voice afm ,terH^ertie given to all men to reafon in the matter, none oppewng j himfelfin defendingthe [aid pretended office , finde! hand deela^ I , rttb the [aid pretended office , ufidani termed , as is above faid, I yMnlawfullintbe felfe , as hivengne'tther foundament , ground, [ 9 nor warrant in the tvord of God , ^nd ordainttfi t fin all fueh per- 3^ TheGeneraU ^fons , ashrool^or (hall hrool^ hereafter the faid office 3. fhall it • ^charged {imply to dimit ^ quite , and leave the fume 3 as an ^office whereunto they are not called of God : and fuchltl^e ■> to de- : and ceafe from all preaching, minijlration of theSacrament/f - 3 or ufing any way the office ofpafiours, while they receive de novo, ^adrniffion from the gener all ^fjembly , under the pain ef excom-‘ ^municationtobe ufed againfi them, whertinif they be found difo- 3 obedient 3 or contradiB this aS in any point , thejentence of ex^ 3 communication , after due admonition , to be execute againft 3 them. Inthefame Asfembly holdctt yinw 1^80. Sfisf. lo. This article was appointed to be proponed ro rtie King and Coun- cel, that the book of oolide mijht be cftabli died bv an a(S of privieCounce) , while a Parliament beholden, at which it mi Jit he confirmed by a taw. The extent oftheadt made at Dttwd;>, was interpreted and- explained in th ‘ Asfembly , holden a. Glasgow, in April, 1 5 8i* Sesf. 6. as followeth. |l , .Anent the AH made in the Afjembly holden at Dundic 4- : 3gain(l Bifhops , becaufc Jome di$cultie appeareth to fome bre- I 3 thren to arife out of the word ( office ) contai ed in the faid aH, ’ 3 what fjiould be meaned thereby , The Afiembly eon/i fling forthi j mo(i part of Jueh as voted , attlwoe prefentin he Affemhly at ‘ f Dimdie, to take away the faid difiic hie, refolving upon the j ytrue mtaningand underfiandingof the fa'd aH . declare that they '! 3 mtaned wholly to condemne tht whole ejiate of Si [hops , as they 3 are now in Scotland > and that the fame w^s the determination ** 3and conclufionof the ^ffembly at thisttme 3 bee auf fome brethren 3 doubted > whether the former aH was to be under flood of the rpiri- ■ ,tuai fundlionowZy, and others alltdged 3 that the vt'hole of- , fice of a Bifhop as it was ufed , war damnable, and that by the 3 faid aH , the Bifjnnps fhould be charged to dimit the fame J Thit •' j Afiembly declartph that they meaned wholly to condemne the whole ]! 3 e (late of Bi [hops 3 as they were then in Scotlsttid 3 and that this y was the meaning of the Affembly, at that time. The Kings Commiffioner prefen red to this Asfembly the Confeflion of Faith, iubferibedby the King , and his hous- hold , not long before , together with a plot of the Presby-- ’ icries to be eredted , which is rcgiftratc in the books of the Aifcmbl/ ^Jfemhly, 163S. 51 Asiembly , with a letter to be direfted from his'Majeftie to the noble-men and gentle- men of the Countrey, forthe creation of Presbyteries, confiding of Paftours, and Elders, and disfolution of Prelacies , and with an offer to fet for¬ ward the Policie untill it were eftablifhed by Parliament. The Kings letter fubferibed by his hand, to the Noble- men, and Gentle -men , was read in open audience of the whole Asfembly . This Asfembly ordained the book of Policie to be infert in the regifter by the adt following. , Fer as much as travels have been takfn in the framing of the Po» 3 lieie of the Kjrk.3 and a penal- |; tie imp. ifed upon the Moderatour , in cafe it be not put in | execution* In the AflTemblv 22- SefT.a* Thefe articlesj: V’cre drawn up. That the atis of Parliament made 1584 Difeipline lihertie and authoritie'of the Kirk, he annulled , and,-^ fimine dtjcipltne , whereof the KjrkJjat h been in praBiJe , prem eifely ratified That Abbots Priorr, and other Prelats pretending^ the title of thelQrk, benotfuffered in time coming, in the 1 1. j Seifion the niunbe! of the Piesbyteries weie given up, and infertin the Parliament immcdiatly following, ^he fiftlij i')92. The libertie , difeipline , and juris didiion o the true Kirk , in her Seflions , Presbyteries 5 Synodal and general Afiemblies , is largely ratified , as the famine was ufed, and exercifed within this Realme , a.ndallthe adls. contrary thereto abrogat : The Kings prerogative declared not robe prejudicial to the fame priviledges grounded upon the word of God, the former commiflions to Rifhops i <; 84^ relc-inded , and all Ecclefiaf ical matters, fub)edtedtoPres:j byreries? according to the difeipline of this Kirk. Anno 9^4 The book of Policie wichothcrafts is ratified andordainec to be printed. I: was alfo cleared that Epifcopacie was condemned ir thefe wordsoftheConfefiion, HlS WICKED HIERAR- CKIE, For the Popifb doth confifl: ofBifliopSj Presbyters, and Dercons , thaMs baptizing and preaching Deacons : For <0 iris determined in the co inccl of Trent fin rte4.thaD, peSmmmtowim! , cr,n ^ .ce„ru„p„poCti4 ^Si quit dixeri! tn ecc'.cfiaCatbohca non cj]e quamndam cx^ hierarchiamdivinaordinationein>littitam, qua Hibernia delatarum confiat ex h'ptfcopis Presbyteris & imntjt is per facram Facnltatcm anathema fit. Bcllarmine l.ki-vj'.c in his Theologia tanfiedi* book DeC/mc/r C4p. IT- faith That there ‘j atr three Idter archies in the militant Kir !(_■. The f-r ft ofBi’hops, the ficend ofPrift s the third of Deacons , and that the Deacons are alfo Prmces , if they be compared with the people: i his pro^ofi-! lion ''-lovtnng ; the^archia ecclefiafica confiat x Pontifice , UrdmAhhus ArcUefifiopiSt Bp:Jcopis ^ cenfuredbvthc B^aciikieof I hcoloeie m the Univerfitieac Parity is followcth , In iHa prima props fitmie enimeratio r»em~ brorumhierarchia ecclefiaftica fiu [acrifrincipatus , dtvinaordinai none m[tituti efi tnanca Qf redundans atque , inducens in errorem comrarium deter minatiom Jdcrts SinodiTridemina ’ i he propo- lition was defecti ve , becaufe it preterir.irted the Pre.' bycers and Deacons ; it was cenfined as redundant, beraufe ic made the HierarcUe to confill of the Pope, Car dmah. Archbishops and lieg/dars j the ,-,pj- within the Hierarchie , Primats ^ JAetropo/itanes , and Arebbiohops , but as thev are Bifhops. Furthermore, this diftinguifl-.ed in the confef* non ^somthtp opes monarchies And howbeitthis Plieraychis be called ihe Antkhrt(is Hierarchie, vet it is ncttodiilin<’'uiih betwixt the Hierarchie in the PopiUi Kirk , and any oth'^cr as lawful: But the Hierarchie, wherefoever it is, is called his> as the reft of the F opi jh corruptions arc called h s : To wit, Invocation of Saints , canonis{ation of Saints , dedication of Altars , f£c. are called his , not that thereis another lawfull • canonization , invocation , or dedication of altars : what- foever corruption was in the Kirk, cither in doan'ne, wor- imip, or government fince the mifiery of iniquitie began to work, and is retained, and maintained , by the Pope and obtruded upon the Kirk by his authority » arc his A pahage alfo out of the hiflorv of the councell of Irene ,was alledged , where it n related , that the Coimceil jM^ould not define the bv the feven orders i we have; jin our confellion of h airh the manifold orders fet apart and;di** ftinguifhed from the Hierarchic, but as it is fet down in the •Cfttincn above cited: We have m thebook of Poiicie or fe- jcond booke of Oifcipline , infthe end of the fecond chapter,' jthis co^lnfion agreed upon. Therefore all the ambitints titles invented in the kingdorne of Antichrijl , and inks ufurped PI7E-« t{A f{C HIE which are not of one of thefefourc forts , To tvit^ Pafiours , OoEhurs , Elders , and Deacons , together with ces depending thereupon , in one word ought to be rejeded. All which and many ocher warrants being publit kly re-d, .indparticulady at great length examined, and all objedlions infwered in face of the Afiembly , all the membeis of the Aeffmbly being many times deiired and required to propone C z ■ ihei; The Generali their doubts 5 andfcruples, and every one being beard to the full, and after much aftication as fully fatlificdj ti e Mo- dcratour at laft exhorting every one to dcda e hi' mmde, did ou' h" nr’tter to voicing in rhe^ctermes : T^^hether accor-* dim totheconjejjioi of faith, as it tv at profefed in the year is^o* I. anniS'^o, T here be any other Bsshp ■, buta Paifour of a f articular flock - having no prehemmence nor potVer over hts brethren , find tvhetherby that Confejjion, as it was then ••ro fefled, allother epif- CDpacse is ah} tired , and ought to bee removed out of this fQr 4- _ i he ■Whole A-licmbly mo't unammoidlv , without conciadiction of any one { and with the helitption of on- allanei Iv) profef- fing'u’l i.)erf'va^.on of mind; , did voice . that all Eprfcopacie different from that of a Paftour over , a particular flocks 'i as ao- urea ■ 1 inthisKjrk_, and to be removed out of tt. And cncreforL i-’rohi- « bites unUerr ccclenatbcall cenlure anv ro ufurpe accept j de- ; fend , or obey the pretended aurhoririe thereof in tiiue 1 roming. A^lSefiT t j^^ecember \ 0‘ * 638. 7k /Sfemhly at Glafgow , declaring the five Articles of] ^cTth to have beefi abjured and to bee remove d> THc Aflcmbly remsmbring the uniformity of worfhip, ^ which was inthis Kirk, before the a; ti- Ics of Perth, the; great rmt which eniet-ed at that time , and hath continued hnce , with the lamentanleeff efts* that it iiath produced , ^ both agamftPa^f ours , and profef^onrs , the unlawfulnelic , and nallitie oiPerth AfTemblv already dec.ar d bv this Al- 4 ( femblv, and th I' m the neceilarie reneanngof the conrcm-| on of Faith in February i a S . the praftife of novations intro- ^ ducedin the worfhi[>ot-(lGd, was lufp- nded, till they Ihou be determined in a fre" generall AfTcmblv : and that in rhejy^ fame year at his Majeftics command Tome had fubtcrioed tn l -n -i and infpcctall the Romane Anticbrift his five baftard facraments , With all rites ceremonies and falfe docirine , added to the mini- ftrationo the true Sacraments . without the word of God , his cruell judgement agaiUjt Infants departing e'tthout the Sacrament , hisab^ folutenecesfitiecfbaptifme, and finally . wedetefieall his vainaU legories , rites fignes, and traditions brought into the f\!rl{^without, or againft the Wordof God . and doBrine ef this true refo rmed ffirl^^ to the which tvejoyne our f elves willingly in Docirtae Faith Reli- fion , Discipline., and tijc of the holy Sacraments , asltvelymcm- ersofthefimeinChriftour tlead ■ promifing and , wearing , (^c. And flat Ciicle five ai tides ai c contJ aric ' o ti.e <\eligion then profe^ed were confuted by the word of God , and Kiik of Scofland , or arc rites , and ceremonies , added to the mi- niftraiion T of the true Sacraments , wi houtthe word God, or nourifli the popifn judgement agriiltt Infants depar ing without the Sacrament , or abroliitc necesfitie, of fiapdfme or rites , fignes, and traditions brought in to the Kuk^wirh outoragainftthewordof Godjanddoftrineof this true re¬ fer medKik. And next in particular , concerning feftivall dayes , fin- deth , that in the expli acion of the lirft head , of the firft book ofDifcipl ne , it was thought good ih u the feafts of Omftmas, Circumcifion, Epiphanie, m ith the feafts of the A- poltJes , Martyres ; and V'lrguie bee utterly abolifli- cd , becaufj ^hey are neither commanded nor warrandeu by [Scripture, and thatluch asobferve them be punifhed by ci¬ vil! Magiffrats. Here u ter abolt on IS craved , andnotre- formation ofabufes only , and that b eaufe the obfcrvatioti offuch feafts hath no warrand from the word of God. Iri j^cgenerrll Affembly holden At Edinburgh Amo the 9i larga 3 8 The Generali large confesfion of Helvetia was approved > but with fpeciali exception againlf the fame five dayes , which arc now urged upon us . ft was not then the Popifh obfervation only , with the Popifh opinion of worlbhip and merit, which was difallowed ; ( for fo the reformed Kiik jn Helvetia did not obiervethem) but all obfervation. For this end was read a letter in L.thic , (cnta'that time by fonie of our divines to certaine divines in theF parts to this purpofe. In the Affembly holden 1575. in Auguji, complaint was aaade againft the Minilters and Readers bciid^ Aber dene, becaufe they affemblcd the people to preaching and prayers upon c^rtane fellival dayes : So that preaching and prayers upon ftftival dayes was judged rebukabJe. lywas ordained like- wife, that complaint be made to the Regent, upon the town of Dnimfreis ^ for urging and convoying a Reader to the Kirk vnth rabrer and Whillic, to read Prayers, all the holy dayes of Chrijlmas, upon the refufal of their own Header. Among rhe articles diredfed bv thi ; Affembly to theRegent: it was craved that all holy dayes hereto -fore keepedholy, befide theLoirlsday , fuch a Yookday , and Saints dayes , and fuch others may bee aboHfhed, and a certain pcnaltie appointed for banqueting, playing, feaft- ing upon thefe dayes. ' fn the ■sficmbly holden in April , Anno i‘^77. It was ordained that the vifitors with the ad¬ vice of the Synodal AfTembly , ftiouldadmonifh Minifters , preaching or miniflrating the Communion at Eajler,, or Chrijl^nas , or other like fuperfliticiis times, or Readers reading » to defilf, under the paine of deprivat'on. Inthe' ninth head of the firft bookof Difcipline, the rcafon is fet •down againrt E4j?cr Communion. Your honours are not igno¬ rant hotv fuperjlinotifly the people runto that aElion at Pafeheveni as if the time gave vertue to the 'Sacrament , and hoW the reft of the ipholcycar, they arc carclejfe and negligent . as if it appartained not to them 1 but at that time only* And for this reafin , other times ivereappointedby that beo^y for that holy aEiion* In the AfTcm-’ bly holden begun in arch 7=^. 'at which time the Covenant \v2l% renewed , fuperftition and idolatrie breakings forth in obferving feflivaldayesi fetting out of bone -fires ringing Carols^ are reakoned amoHgft the corruptipns which-: ■ were' lAfcmUyj 15S5. 35 to be amended : And the Pulpits did found from time to time , againft all ihew ofobfervirg any feilival day what- foever , except the Lords day. Concerning kneeling at the Communion i fndeth that in the confes.Uon of Faiih prefixed before the Pfalmes , and ap¬ proved by our Kii kin the very beginning of the refoimad- on, we have thefe words, Neither in theminijlration ojthe Sacra- muftive follow menl but at C hnjl himjdf hath ordamed , jo mujt they he minijired. In the large confesfion of Faith chap, 23. lus required asneceflary, for the right mi nilbii- tjon of cne Sacraments , that they bee miniffred in fuch ele¬ ments , and in fuch fort , as God hath appointed » and that men hpe adulterate the ^ acraraents with their own inventi¬ ons: 00 that no part of Chrifts aftion abideth in the oripinall purine. Ihc judgement of our reformers , who drew up tne large Confeii on, was by cleare cvidents fhewed to be contrary to this gelture in the aff of receiving the Sacrament. Inthe orderofccFbiatingtde Lords Supper , prefixed be¬ fore the Fialn.es in mecter , fttiyig and dijiributing by the Com- tnumcantt , are joined : as likcvviLe bv thefecond hea., of the firlt book of Difqphne, as neareft to Clr ; sown aiiion , and to his perfect pradtif ^and moft convenient to that holy aefi- t'n - and all inventions devifed by men are condemned, as al- terations and accuiatious of Chrifts perfedl ordinance ; Mi- niitej^ were cn;Oyned byacl of AFcmblyin December looblervc the order of Geneva: thatisthe Lnglilh Kirk at Geneva', where j^nox had been fomeiime Minifter , inthe mi niftrdtion of the Sacraments. This adl was rene¬ wed m the Afiembly holden in December 1 5 64. where Mini- Iters are referred to the order fet down before the Pfalmes or miniftracion of the Sacraments ; which is all one with ithe former : for that was the order of the Englilh Kirk Jat Geneva In Che Parliament holden Anmx‘j67. It was declared that wo oever ciid not parncipare of the Sacraments , as they re then publickly adminiftrat in this reformed Kiik^oiight notto be reputed membersof this Kirk. Theadt for the ings oath at his coronation j to maintain the due admini- mtion. ot the Sacraments, as they were then miniftred , C 4 Anm The Generali V'^as ratified 15 ?i. At which time the fliorC Confc,sfion,adhering to the ufe of the ^cramcnts,in the K irk of Scotland > was fubferibed : asalfo I592- after the fc- cond Subfeription to the confesfion of Faith- Ij? the Parlia¬ ment 1572- an a6t wasmadeagainft fuchas did not partid- |)at of the Sacramets as they were then rightly miniftered : But the gefture of kneeling in the ad of receiving, putteth the minilf ration of the Sacraments ufed in this Kirk out of frame whereby it is clear that whatfoever geftiireor rite , cannot ftand with the adffliniftration of the Sacraments as they v’^erethen miniftredand wereminiftred ever fince the jeformatiom till cheyear 1618. muft bee condemned by our Kirk asa rite added to the truc’rainiftration of theSacraments without the word of God , and as rite or tradition brought: inwiihout, or againftthe word ofGod , or dodrine of thi^ . lefoimedKirk. JJl. L oncQrningC enfimation', The Aflemblyfindethitto • be enraprehended in the eJaufe of the Confesfion , where theyi-ii^ hajlard Sacraments are condemned. A nd feeing E/’tp coptfcieiscondemned , impofition by Biihops falleth to theground. And inall theads for catechifing or examina¬ tion before admisfion to the communion , no inkling of?>M« ■fi^tionoj hands, ~ 1111. Concerning the adminiftration of the Sacraments in private places, or private baptafme, and communion ;v findeth that in the book of common order , fet down before * the Pfalmes , it is faid > I'hat the Sacraments art not ordained of God to be ufed m private corners , as charmers and forcerers ufe to docy but left to the Congregation. InthcAflerably holdcnatfidrn- hmgh 'mOBohcr Annoi^^i. the fame year and Affcmblyj that the confesfion of Faith was fubferibed : It was ordained, that the Sacraments be not adminijlred in private hoifes, butf dcmnlp according to good order hither too&ferved. The Muaifter of Tr^n- c?zfwas fulpendedat that time, for baptizing an infant in a private houfe : but confesfing his oflence , he was ordained to make his publick repentance in the Kirk oiTranent , befo- tehebe releafed. Another Miniftcr was to be tried, and ccnlurcd , fbt baptizing privately , and celebrating the iConifniinion wf f At AfeWy holdcp in 'Ajfemby^ 1638. 41 Which adlsandcenfures make manifeft, that our Kirk abhorred whatfoever foftcred the opinion of the ncccf- fiue of Baptifmc, and giving of the Sacrament, zs^vimemi. All which , and many other adts = grounds , and reafons, being at length agitated , and with mature deliberation pon¬ dered , and libertie granted to every man to fpeak his mindcs what could be faid further , for the full fatisfadion of all men. The matter was put to voicing , in thefe words : Whethet the five art' des of I'erth , by thecorfesJjonofVaith , as it was mm- tied and profejfed in the year ifSo. 1581.1590. 1591- ought to be removed out of this Kjrk^: The whole Allcmbly all in one coa- fent j one onely excepted , did voice that the five articles a- bovc fpecified were abjured by this Kirk> in that Confeflion, and To ought to be removed out of it : And therefore prohi- biteth anddifchargcthalldirputingfor them» or obferving of them, or any of them, inalltime comming, and ordains Presbyteries to proceed with the ccnfurcs of the Kirk againft all tranfgreffours. A6tSe^E^I. December 17, 1638. COnctrr\\n<^Kjrk_Se(fions y prov’nciall and natimall Afau- blies , the gencrall Aflcmbly confidering the great de- fe6f ion of this Kirk , and decay of Religion , by the ufurpa- tion of the Prelates > and their fupprefling of ordinaire Judi¬ catories of the Kirkj and clearly preceiving the benefit which will redound to the Religion by the reftitution of the faid ju¬ dicatories, rcmembringaltb that they Hand obliged by their folsmneoath, and covenant with God, to return to the do- drinc and difcipline of thisKiiki as it wasprofeft I58«, 1581, 1590, 1591. which in the book of Policic, regiftrat in the books of the Affembly 1581. and ordained to be fub- feribed, 1590, 1591. is particularly expreft both touch¬ ing the conftitutionof the Alfemblics, of their members , Minifters, and Elders, and touching the number, pow¬ er and authority of thefe members, in all matters ccclc' fiafiicajf ■ ■ £s m 4^ The Generali The AfTemhly findeth it neceflar to restore , and by thefc prefentsrcHoreth ^11 thefe AHemblies unto their fiill integri- tic in their members , priviledges » liberties, powers , and jurifdiftions i as they were conUirutc by the forefaid bools: ofPolicie AOi Self. 23. X4. Tyecemher 17. i8* ANcnt the report of the Committie , appointed for con- fidcring what cpnftitutions were to be revived , or made of new, they proponed ti'^e overtures following: which were read and allowed by the whole Afl'cmbly , or by them referred to the conlidcration of the feverall Presbyteries. An ent Pi esoteries which have been eredfd fince the year It feemeth Dcedfull , that they bee ratified by an ail of this general! Aflcmbly , and that other Presbyteries Ihall be credted , where they fhall be found ncedfnll, and efpe.ci- ally nowin the Synod of Ltjmore, according to the particu¬ lar note given there anent. The Alfembly ratifieth thefe Presbyteries fince and credted thofe in izjwore, conforme to the noteregiftrat in the books of Afiembly^ ' Anent the keeping of Presl/ytmall weet/ngs ; It is thought fit that they be weekly , both in Sommer and W inter , ex¬ cept in places farrediltant, who during the winter feafon < that is between the firft of OElober and th e firft of April ) Ihall be ddpcnled with for meeting cncc in the fourteen dayes , and that ail abfents be cenfured, clpecially thofe who Ihould exercife ind addo , accoidingto the Adt of Affembly lySz. at Sr. Andrews , April 24. Sejl. 1 1. and that fome controvert¬ ed head of dodtrinc bee handled in the presbyterie publikly , and difputcd among the brethren , every firft Presbytereric of the Moneth , according to the aSc of Affembly holden at THindte f 5 9 S . Self. 1 2. The ^JJemby allow eththif Article. Anent the vi^tatien of particular t^Jr/^s within Presbyteries 5 It is thought expedient that it be once every year, wherein a Care is to be had , among other things neceffary > that it bee 163 S. 4^ tryed, how domelHck exercifes of Religion be excrcifed in particn’ar famiaesj Snd to fee what mo«ns there is in every Paridi m Landward , lor catecb.ifing and inftrudling the youth. The I^JJembly allow eth tins article. IV. Ancnc ihiivifito-tion of Ktrlit , Schooles , and CoUedges]i Iris thought meet t^at the adls of Alfetnbly holdenat hdin^ burghthe 2^. of lunie I 6 Seff. 2. be put in execution: that the iVlinifters ofciie parochin, theP incipall. Regent t ^ and frofefour; within Colledges , and Majien j and Doctors of Schooles, be tryed conenningthefoundneffeoftheirjud- gementin matters of Religion , their abilitie , fordifeharge of their calling, and the honefty of their converfation : as theadtof A0emblyatEd/w6«r^/> luni ^I. Self. 3* And the adfof the A flembly holdenat Montrofe. iS^95- Self. 9. doimport: and this vditationof Colledgestobc by way of commiflion from the gcnerall Asfembly. The generall Affembly alloiveth this article^ j V. Anen - none re/idents : It is thought neceffary, that eve¬ ry Minilfer be obJiihed to refde in his own Parochinathis |ordinarie Msnfe, for the better attending of the duties of his jcallmg, conforme tn the Ails of Afl'emblies j viz. adlof ' Alfem^Ay it Edinburgh f March 24> 1^9“). SefT. 7. asalfoadt 2t tdmburght December 156^. Self. 5. and Affembly at Edinburgh , December 25. 15^5. Self. 4, Affcniblc at Edm- burgb , March 6. 1 5 7 2 . Se ff. 3 . : The hjjembl^ allow eth this articled I VI. Ancntthc planting of Schools in Landward, the want 'whereof doth greatly prejudge the grouth of the Gofpcl, and procure the decay of Religion : The Afiembly ^iveth dire¬ ction to feveral Presbyteries for the fetlingof Schooles m every Landward Parochin, and providing of men able for ithe charge of teaching of the youth, publick reading and pre- centingof thePfalmcj and thccatechifingof the common people , and that means be provided for their intertainment, in the mofl: convenient manner that may be had, according to the abilitie of the Parochin , 44 The Generali The \fjcmhly aUotveth -j and referrcth the particular unto the fiver all Fr sbytenet. VJI. Ancnt rhr late aimiffion of Minifie sby Pretbyterier ^ and ihtehoifi oJModeratourt , according to the ancient v osis^er of the faid drcibytei les : The Asfembly dccla eth they had power to doe the jamejind ratifieth that M^hathath been done of late of thatlcirtde upon M'arrantable grounds, that here after it be no" called in queftion. The A ^emhly alloweth this article VIII. Alien: tiie compstencie of Presbyteries and parochins , thatfome proportion may be keeped , both arient the num¬ ber and dilbnce of place : It would feem expedient that this gcnerall Aflembly fliould appoint a Commiflion for every bhyre , where there is fuch necefutie, that the particular Parochmsand Presbyteries within the bounds be duely con- fidered, and overtures be 'hefe of the fame commiHion given into the provincial! Synods, and by them to thcg°D£rall Aflembly , that there they may be advifed , and ra’’ified. The ffcmbly referreth this to the care of the particular pres¬ hy cries. IX. Anent the entrie and converjation of Minifiers: It is expedient that the ait of Affembiy holdcn at Vdinburph^ March 14- l^9S- Self. 7. be ratified, andpu' in execution in every dresbyterie , and to that end , that they get a cop- pic thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the tennour followerh. Seflf. 7. March X 6. of the Aflfembly at Edinburgh i ^^Oncerning the defections in the'minifterie, the fame being j, \ ^ It length read out reafoned , and confidered ; Thbre- thren concluded thef-mCy agr eingthere-tvhh : and in refpeSb that by Gods grace y they intend reftrfnathnt and to fie the Kjrl^ ,, and mini fiery purged , to the ejfeB the tvorke may have better fuca s, cefe , they th nll it necefiar that this ciffembly bthumlled , fo* H (gaming [mb cm as bteam in[ucb point t 45 :(taloiiS Anig^dl^ brethren tn doBr.ne , lay them eui for thet^ ,y better humiliation i a>,d that they maks folemne fromije I tore th^ t) Majeftie of God j and makereiP covenant with him for a more ,•> c<’r«jul I and reverent dtfeharge of fhiir minifierre. To tht tvkicb effect was chojen Mr lohn Davidfon ; and Twefday next ae 3» nine ht ms in the morning appointed ^ n the new KJrkt for that ef- i,fe8 : whtreunto none is to ref on , but the minijiris : theformet* ij^bee advifei thf morne in-privie conjerence* The 'cnnour of the advife of the brethren > depute fof penniiig the enormities and corruptions in the mini- fterie, and remead thereof , allowed by the generall Afl'embly here conveened. I S 9 Corruptions in the office. Or as much as by the too fudden admifjion andltght try all of X/ ptrfons to the mini frit , cometh to pajje that many fcanddi i'.jd^oui in the per fans of mini fiers I it would be ordaimd in time )y camming , that -nnre diligent inquifition and mail be ufed of » fuch perjons as [i^all enter into the minijirie, „ /is Jp- Ctally theje points. That the intrant jhall be pofed upon 3, his conjcience , bejorethe great God , ( and that in moji grave, ty manner ) what movethhim to accept the office and charge op the 3. minijirie upon hinty y, That it be inquired , if any by foliflation , or wioyew, UnBlj ef, yyii.direBly t preafe to enter in the faid office: Andy if it bee found,, fihat the folifier be repelled j and that the Presbyterie reptU all j> fuch of their number from voting in the ehBion or admijjion as 3i jhall bee found moyenersfor the foliciter , and pofed upon thetf, a> confcience to declare the truth to that ejftB yyl hirdly y becaufe ly prefentatiens , many fercibly are tbru^ 0 into th miniHetj, ani upon Congregations y that utter thereafter 5» that they were not called by God : It would bee provided that none sifeeke prefentations to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie 3. within the bounds whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the iicontraricy they to be repelled as xe\ 3» That the triall of ptrfons to be admitiedto theminifrie hereof^ 3>ttr y eonfifi not only in their learning and abilitieto preachy hut ft alfo in confcience 1 and feeling, andfpiritualwifedomfy at.dnx* 3*mtlyin thekyiowledge of the boifndsof /Wf cdltngindoBrine y ft difetplnUff '46 Generali \^Jifcif>llne , andwife^ome, to beh aw him felfe accordingly with- \ the diverfe ranks of pcrjbns within his as namely with A yyAtheiJiSy rebdlious ^ wea\cond , \^ashlafphmieof God i banning, profiningcf the Sabbath , dif- ,y obedient to parents » idle^ unruly ones ttfithout calling, drunle^ y,ards , and fuch like debofjicd men, as make not confeience of 3, their life and ruling oj their families , and fpecially of education „ of their children, lying, flanderingt and backbiting and breaking „ of promifes : and this to be an univerf tl order throughout tbs' „l{ealme , (^c. and fuch like as are negligent herein , aud contim t, nue therein after admonition , be depofed. ,,T hat none falling in publick.flanders , be received in the f elm ,5 lotnfhip of the KJrk 3 except his Minifler have fame appearance 3, and warrand in confeience , that hee hath both a feeling of fin , , , and apprehenfion of mercie > and for this ejfeB , that the Mini- j, fier travell with h'm , by doBrint , and piivate injlruBion to 3, bring him here - to , and fpecially in the doctrine of repentance , 3,which being neglect ed ^ the puHick, place of repentance is turned „in amockjng, i ,3 Dilapidation of benefices , dimittir-gof them fiy favour , or 3, money , iha: they become laickpatronages , without advife of the i3 Kj^k- and fuch like interchanging of benefices , by tranfac- 3, tian and tranfporting ofthernfehts by that occ^pon , witheu* the j, knowledge of the I\irk , precifely tobe punijhed; Such life, that 33^1 tingof takes without the cotifntof the ^ffemhly 3 be punifioed 33 according to the aBs: and that the di nitters in javeurs for money, 33 or otherwife to the eifeB above-writen : bee punijl'^ed as the dila- pidators. Corruptions!!) their perfons and lives. >j *~W^Hat fuch as are light and wanton in their behaviour > as in t3 X gorgeous and light apparell ^ in fpiech , in ufing light and 3,prophanecompanie , unlnwfull gaming , as dancing 3 carding, 33 dycingand fuchlikei not befeemingthegruvitie of a Pajlour, bee 33f\’>arply and gravely reproved by the Presby terse, according tothe ,3 degree thereof: and continuing therein after due admonition , th»t ,3 hee bee ,, depry ved , as flanderous to the Gofpd, 3, That Minifiers being found Jwearers , a banners * prophan- of the Sabbath 3 drunkards, fighters, guiltieofalltbefe ,3 or any oft hem 3 be depofed fimpliciten and fuel} like, lyars, de* yytraBers 3 flatterers , breakers »f promt fe , brawlers, andquar^ ,3 tellers , after admonithn continuing tUnin ^ mum the ,3pumjhment. ' ^ *' 4? The Generali Th/it 'M.inijlm given to unlawful and i incompetent trade t and octupations far filthie gain , as holding of ojllereest tafmg of 3, ocftr hefideieonfcience and good lawes^ and bearing wordly offices I,, in noblemen and gcntlemerts houjes , marchandefe , and fuch stHkfy buying of vittuals , and keeping to the dearth , and all fuch ^^worldty occupations, as may difiraH them from thetr charge, and ^,may he flanderirus to the pafiorall calliag, be admont filed and 3> brought to the acknowledging of their fins , and if fhej continue 3* therein , tobe depefed, j, Ihat Mfnifiers not refidentat their flock/, he depofed accord- 3, ing to the aBs of thegenerall fjembly, and laws of the Rjalmes j, otherwife the burtbren t$ be laid on t he Presbyteries , and they to 8, be cenfured therefore. ^That the xAfiembly command all their members , that none of ^sithtm await on the court and afairs thereof- without the advice •3, and allowance of their Presbyterie. Item, that they intend no aBion civill without the faii advice, except infmall maters : and 9ifor remedingof the necesfitie , that fame Miniflers hath to enter •as in plea of law , that remediebee craved, that fhort procespebec 33 devife d, tobte ufedin Miniflers aBions. ^yPkat Miniflers take fpcciall care inufing gsdly excercifesin ^^tlxir families , in teaching of their wives , children , and fer- ^yVants , inufing ordinark prayers and reading of Scriptures, 3, in removing ofojfenfiveperfans out of their families , and Juch life ,, other points of godly comer fation, and good example, that they ,, at the vifltation ofthdr K’^'k/ ■> ^^5' ihe Miniflers families in thefe ^,points forefaid , and fuch as are lound negligent in thefe points , ,ffarefaid after due admonition, fiall be adjudgtd unmeet togo- g,fVern the houfeofGod, ecc^rdirgto the ruleof the .^ipoflle. „ThatMinifters in all companies flrhe to hce fpirituali andprs^ fltable , and to talfe of things pertaining to godlinejje , as namely j, of fuch as may flrengthen us in Chrifl, inftruB us in our calling, of 3, the means how to have Chrtfls Kjngdome better eflablifhed in our ' Congregations , and to know how the Gofpelflaurifie-hin our' »3 flocks, and fuch It'k/ others the hinder ances, and the remeeds that we ,3 finde,(^c. wherein tbtreis manifold corruptions, both in our com* ay panying with our Jelves , and with others : and that the contra¬ il vteners thereof ke tryed j andflmply be rebuked. That ^Jfembly j 1 6 3 8 • 4^ ,yhatttoMintJlerl>e found to contenance , procure ^ oyapfta y,puhUcf offender challenged by ys own Minifters , for his publicly yy offence i or tobearwith him , asthoughhis Iriintjle , were too 3 > fever e upon him , under to pain of admonition and rebuking^ Anent gcBferail AUcmbiiesr urge the keepingof the ABs anent the keeping of the Affern^ .5 JL y ’’ntty have the own reverence and majcflk- Ihe ^Afemhlvhavingheard the whole aBread ^ mofurf animoufly alloweth and approvetb this article* y. Anent the defraying of the expenfes ofthe Commif* fioners to the gencrall Afiembly , rcferreth and recommen- deth the fame unto the particular Presbyterie, and efpeci- ally to the ruling Elders therein , that they may take fuch courfcs whereby, according toreafon and former a(51s o£ AflTemblies, the Commiflioners expenfes to this Afiembly,' and to the fubfequent , may bebdrnby the particular paro- chins of every Presbyterie, who fendeth them in their name,' and to their behalf, and for that effedt , that all fort of per-* fons able in land or moneys proportionally , may bear a pare of the burthen > as they reap the benefit of their paines. The Pi ffeinhlf^eferreth this unto the care of the particular Presby^ reries. X I. Anent the re pr effing of proprieand fuperfiitiom It feem^ ith expedient that the number and names of all the Papijls in rhisKingdomc be taken up at this Afiembly., if it may be conveniently done , andif nor, that it be remitted to the ; lext provincial Aflemblies , that it may appear what gr-outh ^ jopcric^iath had , and now hath through this Kingdomc* vhzi popish prie ft s y and there in the land 3 and that all )erfons of whatfoever Itatc and condition , be obliged to f wear and fubferibe the confcITion of Faith, as itis now con-' iji lefccndcd upon by this general Afiembly,that they frequent j^ihe word and Sacraments in the ordinar dyets and places , i^jOtherwifc the proceed againfi: them with the cenfurcs of the ^irk , and children be not fent out of the countrey withouc. D licence The Generali licence of the Presbvr'’rics or provincial! Synods of the bounds where they dwell, T/je -^J^emhly referreth this avticle to the Jeverdll terie:- , X T T. Anen^ o^der robe taken that ^he Lordr Suffer be fnore frequently (tdminijtr at both in burgh and land • nr ’ dien itharhbcenin rh''"' - enr' by gone: It were exaedient rhac the S'" ^ dinhurgh Decemher 2^ i!;bi Sef. <5. b?e r newed, and Tonne courre bee taken for furn filing of the elements^ v^herethe Minifier of theParifii hath allowance only for once in the year. The ^flemhly refetreth this to the crivjidcration of ^reshyte^ ties and declaretb that the charges be rather foqed out of that dares coIhSiion , then that the Congregattun tvant themorefrequent tifiof theti acrament. X II 1. Anent the enttie of Minifters to the miniftrie : The Afiemblv thinks expet ient that the a£l holdcn at St. ^ndr'-irs . Apr.l 14. i<582, SeTT. 7. Touching the age of tu'entty fiveyears be renewed, and none to bead: itted before th :c ti're, except fnch as for rare and lingular qualities lhall be judged by the general or provincial Asfetnbly to be meet and vt'orthie thereof. The /^JJemhly approveth this article. X T V. Arcnt mercats sn!^' onday atid withinBurghs* caufing intollcrable prof .nation of rhe L< ris DaVjby carying of loads, bearing of Burdiens; and r'ther work of that kindc: It were-exp^dienr for the rcdrefT thereof, that the ca '' for reftraining of th's abiife be i ecommended by the Af- feirblv unto the fevei all Ruvghs , and they to bee earneffly entreated to findeonr Ton e woy for the repreffing of this cvill , and chang ngofthe dar ; and to report their diligence therc-anenr ro the nextgenerall AsTemblv. The Affemhly referreth this article to the conjideration of the Burrows. XV. A \ cm the profanation of the Sabbath ■ day in Landward » efpei 'al for wane of di-vinef«ivi ein th afterroone i'he Afiembiv ordaineth the aiH: of Affembly holdea at Dundie, %uh ^Jlfemhly ^ 1 6 8 3 » ^ i fuly 11- 1580. Sell. lo. for keeping both dyetsj (obepuc in execution. The /if^e 'lly alloweth this article- XVI. A.r\evit frequenting with excominMnicatperpinsl The AflembJy ordaincch chat the act at Edinburgh, March i 9* Self. lo. to wit , That thefe who will not ferbear the companie of excommunicat -perfons after due admonition , be cxcommunicat them- felves ) except they forbear , to be but in execution. The Afjemhly aHoWeth this articU. XVn. Whereas the confejfienof the Faith of this Kirk^ concerning both Dodlrinc and ’itciplinc, fo often called in queftion by the corrupt judgement and tyrannous autho- ritie of the pretended Prelars j i now clearly explained, and by this whole Kirk reprefented by this generall Afsembly concluded > ordained alfo to bee iubferibed by all forts of perfons within the faid Kirk and Kingdome: The Asfemblf conft tute# , andordaines, that from henceforth no fort of perfon , ofwhatfoever quality and degree , be permitted to fpeak, or write againff the faid Confcilion , this Asfembly* or any 3(51 of this Afsembly , and that under the painc of in-< curring the cenfurcs of this Kirk. The A jfetnhly alloweth this article. X V i 1 1. Anenc voicing in KJrl{ Sefions : It is thought expedient that no Minifter moderating his SefTion , fhall u- {viX'pQZ negative voice over the members of his S«(hon , and ! where there is two or moe Minifters in one Congregation, ' that they have equall power invoicing that one of them ^ hinder not the reafoning or voicing ofany thing , whereun- I to the other Miniher or Minifters , with a great partofthe , Seflion inciineth , being agreeable to theadfs and pradfife ’ of'heKi’k, and '■hat one of the Minifters without advice of his colleague appoiii' not dvets of Communion nor exaniina- tion neither hinder his colleague from catechifingaadufing ! other rc’’gioiis exerriies sof ashe pleaferh. The Aflemhly referreth this article to the care of the Fref- ' > byteries X X. Since the office ofDiaccfane, or lordly Biihop, is all- )' utterly abjured > and reomoved out of this Kirk : Ujis ) . D 2 thought 5^ The GeneraU thought fit that all titles of dignitie , favouring more of po- periethan of Chriftianlibertie , as with their eledli- onsandconfecrations, yihbofy. Priors, Deans, Arch- deacons, preaching - deacons. Chanters , Subchanters , and others having the like title, {lowing from the Pope and canon law onlyjas teftifieth the fecond book of Dilcipline, beealfobanifhed out of this reformed Kirk, and not to bee ufurpedor ufed hereafter under ecclcfiallical cenfure. The lA JJemblj allow eih this Article. XX Anent the pefentingetther of Pajlours or Readers andSchool- 'mafers, to particular Congregations, that there bea rciped had to the Congregation, that no perfon be intruded in any office of the Kirke , contrare to the will of the congregati- pn to which they areappointeth T he Affembly allow eth this article • XXL Anent Mariage without proclamation of bans , which being in life thefe years by 'gone hath produced many dan¬ gerous effe<5ls : The Affembly would difeharge the fame , conforme to the former afts , except the Presbyteric in fomeneceffarie exigents difpenfe therewith. The Affembly allow eth this article. -X X IT. Anent the \burialt in ^rl{s , the Affembly would be pleafed to conhder anent the adl of Asfembly at Edmburgb 1515s. Sefs. 5. if it (hall be put in execution , and to dil- charge funeral fermons , as favouring of fuperftition* The Affembly referreth the former part of this article anent buriall in l^rl^s to the care of Presbyteries, and difchargetb all finer all fermons. XXI il. Ancm the tryall of ExpeBantshefore thciT enme to the miniftrie , it being notour that they have fubferibed the confeffion of Faith now declared in this Affembly , and that they have exercifed often privatly , and publickly , with approbation of the Presbyteric j thcylhall firftadde and make the exercife publickly , and make a diefourfe of fome common head in Latine , and give prepofitions there¬ upon for difputc , and thereafter be queftioned by the Pres- byteria upon queftions of controvcrfic , and chronologic > anent particular textsof Scripture how they may be interpre¬ ted i^Jfembly, 163 H. fed according to the analogic of Faith, and reconciled, and that they be examined upon their skill of the Greek^EeheiVy that they bring a teftificat of their life and converlation from either Colledgc or Pres by tcrie , where they relide. The Pijfemhly allow eth this article, XXIV. The Asfembly having confidered theordcrof the provincial Asfembly , given in by the moft ancient of the Miniftrie within every Province , as the ancient plate* forme thereof , ordained the fame tobeobferved conforme to the roll , regiftrat in the books of Asfembly , whereof the tennour folio weth. The order of the Provincial AJ^emblies in Scotland y according to the Tresbyteries therein contained. I. T'he ? rovincial Afemblj Mers And Tividail. t Dunce. ^Qhirnfde. '^^Mers To meectbefirlt The P resby- ^ f^a/o. g JTividail. time at feSuroh tcriesof Erjliltoun. '^jThe Forreji the third Tw^fl !>ledbiirgh. C Lauder dail. dayof^pr/'/. iMelros. ^ a. 7he Provincial of Louthlan. C Duwbar. •< Eadingtoun, IhcVrtshy- I Dalkeeth. ^ teries of C Edinburgh. •s Peebles. ^ iL Linlithgow.^ The Provincial u . ^ Dumhartane. § f i^arrony of all Synod of ThePreslpr- / j? I{enfroarrbe Aire and Ir- ' series of \jyammilmm*^ C Sh'/.oi C^^/- tvingzt I Lamik^; H < d< which were lyable to the Diocie of the Ifie? , except the South- weft illes which arc joyned to the Presbyteries of Argyll, To meet the firft time at Skye the fecond Twefday of May . That the Miniftcr of the place where the Syhodali Affem^ bly meets lhall preach the firft day of their meeting , and give timouTcadvertifement to the reft of the Presbyteries. Itisrcmembrcdthacofold the Synodall Affemblics that v^ere neareft to others, had corrclpondencc among them- rdves, by fending one or two Commiflloncrs mutually from one to another , which courfe is thought fit to bee kceped in time comming : vir. The Provincials of Louthian, and Aierr» Zsc. ThcProvinrials of Drlimfreis , Galloway, Glajgmv y and Jirgylly The Provincials of Pm6, Pyfc , and .Angus y &c. Tlw Provincials of Akrdein anft Murray, The Provincials ly^fiembly ^ 1^38. 5:7 of I{pfe, Caithness 2Lnd Ork^ay. The Commiffioncrs for corieipondence amon^lt the Synodals to be a Minilter and a ruling Elder. The Afsembly rccommendeth to the feverall Presbyteries the execution of the old adts of Aisemblics , againll the break of the Sabbath-day 5 by the going of Mi Ilea , Salt¬ pans, Salmond-filhmg > or any fuch-like labour, and to this end revives and renews the adl of the Afsembly, hol- denati7as Salmond fifl') , and going of Miles of all forts upon the Sab- 3, bath-day , under the fame of incurring the cenfures of the K^irk. ,, And ordains the Commiffoners of this Ajjemkie to meane the 3, fame to his Majeflie , and to defirethat a pecuniall paine may be ,1 injoyned upon the coritraviiners of this prefent act. A^tSefl] 14. ‘DecemberiS. 1638. THe Asfembly confidcring the great necesfity of purging this land from bygone corruptions , and of preferving her from the like in time coming, ordaineth the Presbyte¬ ries to proceed Mdth the cenfures of the Kirk > to excom¬ munication , againfl; thofe Minifters who being depofed by thiSjAsfembly acquiefccs not to their fentenccs, butexer- cifefome part of their Minilterialfun(9:ion, refufeth them- felves , and with - draw others from the obedience of the adts of the Asfembly. PS A-* I- I j8 TheCjenerall SpflT 25* T)ecemher 19. 1^38. jlgainH the civil places and power of Ktrk^meni 'J'He generall Asfembly, remembering that among other caufes of the applcation of the confelilon of Faith to the prefen^t time , which vVms fubferibeti in February 1638- The claufe touching checivill places and power of Knk men, was referred unto the trval of this Asfemblv i entered into a fe- rious fearch thereof, efpeciallyof their fitting on the bench, as Juftices of peace, their fitting in Sefiion and Counccl , their riding and voting inParlamcnt : andconfideringhow this vote in Parliament, was not at firft fought nor requyred by this Kirk, or worthy men of the Minifterie , but being obtruded upon them , Mias difallowed for fuch reafons as could not Well be anfwercd ( as appeareth by the conference, holden at Halyrude - houfe 1599. which with the reafons therein contained was read in the face of thefe Affembly) Sc by plurabty of voices not being able to refill that enforced favour? they forefeeing the dangerous confequences there¬ of , in the Asfembly at Montrofe did limitatc the fame by ina'ny necesfare cautions : Conlidering alfo the protelfation made in the Parliament 1 606. by Cc-mmiflionersfrom Pref- byteries, and provincial Asfemblies, againft thisreflitution ofBilhops to vote in Parliament, and againft all civil offices in the perfons ol Paftors , feparate unto the Gofpel , as in¬ compatible with their fpiritualfumftion ; with the manifold reafonsof that Proteftation from the word of God , ancient Councelssancient and rhoderne Divines, from the Doftrine? difc^ipline and Confeffion of Faith of the Kirk of Scotland » which are extant in print , and M^ere read in the audience of the Asfembly : Confidering alfb from their own experience the bad fruits and great evils, M'hich have been the infepa- rablc confequents of thefe offices , and that poM^er in the perfonsof Paftors feparate to the Gofpel , to the great pre- . judiceofthefreedomeandlibertieoftheKirk, thejurifdi- tlion of her Asfemblies > and the powerful fruits of their ipifitwal The AsfeKibly moft unanimoufly ia . . ' pa? .i ^yljfembly j 163 8« 59 one voice, with the hciitatio-i of twoaUanerly, declared, that as Oi '. the one |:arc the Ku k and the Minihers thereof are oblidgea to give tneir aavife anu good couniel in matters concei ning tne Kirk or the Confcience of any whatComever, to his JViajciUfj to the Parliament to the Councel, or to any nienib rs thereof, for their re folunoBS from the word of God, bo on UK other part, that is both in expedient , and unlawful in tins Kirk, for Pallors feparatc unto the GolpeUo brook civil places, and offices- as to be Juilices of peace 5 lit and decerne in Councel, Seffion, orExchec- kcr j to ride or vote in Parliament, to be Judges or Af- fesfoi s in any ^^ivil Judicatorie : and therefore refcinds and annuls, all contra n adts of Aslembly , namely of the AP fcmbiy holden at Mentrofe 1600. which being preft by au» thorn V > didrathci foii,ii interim toierat the fame , and that limitare by many cautions for the breach whereof the Prc- lats have been ^ullly cemured, then infreedonie of judge* mcnt allow thereof , and ordainech the Presbyteries to proceed with the Cenures of the Kirk, agamll fuch as lhall tranfgresfe herein in -ime coming. A6t SeCr. x6. December %o» 1638. THc Asfembly confidering the great prejudice which Gods Kirk in this land, hath fuUained thefeycarsb y- pall , by the unwarranted printing oflybels , pamphlets , and polemieks , to the difgracc of Religion , Hander of theGofpel, infedingand difquyeting tbemindes of Gods • people, and dillurbance of the peace of the Kirk, and re- membring the former adts , and cullomc of this Kirk , as of all other Ku ks, made for rcllraining thefe and the like a- bufes, and that nothing be printed concerning the Kirk, and Religion , except it be allowed by thefe whom the Kirk intrulls with that charge : The Asfembly manimoufly , by vertue of their ccclefialticnl authority , difchargeth and snhibiteth all, printers within this Kingdome, to print any ^61 of the former Asfcmbljesj any Qf the afts or proceedings^ ^ The Generali of this Asrembly^any confesfion of Faith^any Proteftations, any teafons/^ro or co«?r4, anenttheprefentdivifionsand con- traverhes of this timCjOr any other treatife whatfoever which may concerne the Kirk of Scotland , or Gods caufe in hand, without warrand fubfcribed by Mr. Archhali lohnHoriy as Clerk to the Asfembly , and Advocate for the Kirk i or to reprint without his warrand, any'aecember 20. 1(^3 8. *^*^He generall Afsembly ordaineth all Presbyteries and * Provincial! Asfemblies to conveen before them , fuch as arc fcandalous and malicious , and vdll not acknowledge this Asfembly, nor acquiefee unto the adfs thereof; And to cen- fure them accordingto their malice and contempt , andaifls of this Kirk ♦ and where Presbyteries are refradtarie , granc- eth power unto the feverallCommisfions to fummond them to compear before the next generall Afsembly to be holdcn ^thdinburgh, the third Wedmfday of Julie? to abide their tryall and cenfure. Ad Seff. 16. December 20. 1633. THc Asfembly confideriug the afts and praifife of this Kirke in her pureft times , that the Commisfionets of e- very Presbyteric , Burgh, and Uniyerfitic, were both or- daia,cd to take > and really did take from the Clerk j the V'hpic Ajfembh^ 1^38. ■whole generall afts of the Asfcmbly , fubferibed by the Clerk : Whereby they might rule and conforme their judi- catorie themfelves , and all perfons within their jurifdiiSi- ' ons , unto the obedience thereof : Confidering the ereac prejudices vve have lately felt out of ignorance of theadbs of Afscmbly , Confidering alfo the great necesfity in this time of reformation , beyond any other ordinarie time , to have ' an extradf thereof : The Asfcmbly ordaincth be this prefenc aft, that; all Commisfioners from Presbyteries, Burghes and Univerlitics , prcfently get under the Clerks hand an In¬ dex of the afts, till the afts themfelVes be extracted, and thereafter to get the full extraft of the whole generall acts , to be infert in their Prcsb'ytcrie books , whereby all their proceedings may be regulate in time coming. Likeas the Affemhly recommendeth unto every Kirk Sesfion , for the prefervation oftheir particular Paroch from the reentrieof the corruptions now difebarged , and for their continuaacc in the Covenant , anent doftrine j worfhip and difcipline now declared , to obtain an extraft of thefe afts’: eCpecially if they be printed : Seeing their pryce will no waves then be confiderable : asthc benefite both of theparticular Paris’h, and theintereft of the whole Kirk , in the prefervation the¬ reof from defeftion is undenyable: feeing Presbyteries are compofedoffundry Parochins , andfomuftbeaffefted, or infefted as they arc , as Provincial! and generall Afleroblies arc compofed of Presbyteries , and lo mull be dipofed as they are. AdtSeflT. ^6. T>ecemberxo. In theAjfemhly ^rGlafgow 1 6^ 8. concerning thecon* feljion of Faith renew ed in February 1638. THc AlTembly confiderig that for the purgingand prefer¬ vation of religion, for the Kings Majefties honoui', and for the publick peace of the Kirk and Kingdome, the renew¬ ing of that nationall Covenant and oath of this Kirk and Kingdome, inPebruar was moft iieceffare , like^^s 6% The Generali the Lord hath blefTed '^he lame from Heaven wi^h a wonder¬ ful! fucccfle for the good of religion , that the faid Covenant fiifpendethtne p a6iifc of novations Iready introduced* and the approbation of the corruption' of the prefcnc governe- incnt of the Kirk, with the ci vill places, and power of Kirk- tnen, till they be trycd in afree generall Affetnbly, and that now after long and fcrious examination , it s found that by the cofcflion of Faith , the five articles of and'Epif- copall governement are abjured and to be lemoved out of this Kirk * and the civill places and power of Kirk-men are declared to beunlawfulli The Afiembly alloweth and ap- proveth the fame in all the heads and articles. thereof. And ordaincth that all Minifte'-s, Mailers of Univerfities , Col- ledges, andSchoolcs and all or' crs who have not already fubfcribed the faid Confesfion and Covenant, lhall fub- I’cribe the fartid tvirh rhefe voids prefixed to the fub- fcription viz. The articleofrhisCovemnr ’ hich u'asatthc firft fubfcriprion icferredtothc dsterm n tior: --vf rhe general Afiembly being now determined at GUsmv , n December 15^8. and thereby the five arriclesotPfrr)^'’, nd rheooveme- mentofthc Kiiicby Bilhops, being dedaied to beabjured and removed* the civill places and pow“' of Kiik-men de* cl red to be unlawful; We fubfcrive according to the deter: mination, of the laid frte and la'o^ul' ^ ne ad A'T mbly hold en ar Glafgoiv : and ordaineth , ad perpetuam rei m^monam the laid Covenan'- with this declaration to be mfei r i h: regifters of he Asfemblies of this Kirk ; generall > Provin¬ cial! and Presbyterian. AdV Seflf z6. 7)ecemher zo. ^ Concerftingthc fuhfcrihing the confejjion of Faith (ubfcribed by his tjMapdies Commifjionrr > iind urged to be jiibjcribed by others. SEeingthc generall Asf mbly , to whom'^elc ngeth oro- perlv rhe publick and ]u 'iciallinterprer.ition ofthevon- fedion of aith hath now after a'curat tr .’ad ■ :iiui m tare deliberation clearly found , that the five articles of rerthj. and Affembly ^ 1638. 6^ and thegovernement ofiheKirk byBiiliopsi are abjured by the ccnfeflion of Faith j as the F me was profesfed in the , year 1 5 So. and was renewed in this fnftantyear i hounoured with his Majefties birth and baptifme > which M'ill be a royal teftimonie of his Maje- ftics piety and jufticCj and a powe full meane to pro¬ cure thcheaitieaffedlion and obedience of all his Majefties loyall Sub;e(fls : And in the meane time, Icaft anyftiould fall under thc danger of a contradiftoric oath , andb ingthe wrath of God upon themfclvesand the land , for theabufe of his Name and Covenant i The Asfcmbly by their Eccle- fiaftical authoritv , pro!'ibitcth and difehargeth , that no member of this Kirk fwear or fubferibe the faid Confesfion, fo far wreafted toatonrrare meaning, under paine of all • Ecclcfiailical cenfurc: but that they fubferibe the confrsfion ofFaidu renewed in Februar, v'lth the Declaration of the * Asfembly fct down in the former 06I. 54 The Generali Adi. Sefl* x6. T>ecember 'Lo» i()38. Cone ernitigy early gener all Ajjemhlies, THe Aflcmbly having confidered the reafons lately print* edfor hoi ding of general Asfctnblies, which arc taken from the light of nature , the promife of lefus Chujl , the pradiifeof the holy Apoftlcs , thedodfrine and cuhome of other reformed Kirks, and the liberty of this national Kirk, as it is expresfed in the book of Policie , and acknowledged in theadl ofParlanient 15913 and fromrcccritand prefent experience > comparing the lamentable prejudices done to 3 eligion, through the former wan t of freeland lawful Asfem- P>lics » andthegreatbenefitearyfingto theKiik, from this one free and lawful Asfembly s findc it necesfary to declare* ;\nd hereby declares , that by Divine , Eccleliafticall, -and this national Kirkhath power and liberty to Asfcmble and cohveen in her ycar-ly generall Asfem- Idies , and ofener , fro re ndta , as occafionand necefil-*# ty lhall require. Appointeth the next Generali Asfembly TO-fit at Edinburgh - the third Weddinfday ofjulic 1(539, And warncth all presbyteries, Univerfitics, andBurghes, to fend their Commisfioners for keeping thefamc. Giving power alfo to the Presbyteries (of Edinburgh ,pro re mta : and upon any urgent extraordinarie neceslity ( if any ihall happen before the diet appoi nted i n Julie) to give adver- tifement to all the Presbyteries, Univeriities, and Burghes„ to fend their Commishoners for holding an occafionall As- fenably. And if in the meanc time it ihall pleafe the Kings Majeftieto indidt a generall Asfembly, ordainerh all Pres¬ byteries ; Univerlities , and Burghes, to fend their Com¬ misfioners for keeping the time and place which fhall be ap-; pointed'by hisMajcfiies Proclamation* lyijfembly, 1^38; A(^l: SeOr. 5. T^ecember lo. Ordaining an humble fifpplication ta be fefit'toths Kings tj^ajejlie. ^T*He Aflembly , from the fenfe of his Majefties pietieatici jultice, manifeftfd inthepublick indiftion oftficir fo- lemne meeting, for the purging and prcfervation of Religi¬ on , in lo great an exigent of the extreame danger of both , from their fearsarifing out of experience of the craftie and malicious dealing of their adverfaries in giving finiftroua informations againftthemoft religious and JoyaJl defignea and doings of his Majefties good Subjedfs , and from their I earneff defirc to have his Majeftie trucly informed of their intentionsand proceedings, from themfelves ; who know them beft , ( which they are confident , will be better be- leeved : andfinde more credite with his Majcftie, then a- ny fccret furmiffe or private fuggeftion to the contrarie ) that they may game his Majeftics princely approbation and ratification in the enfumg Parliament to their conftitutions; Hath thought meet and ordaineth, that an humble fuppli-. cation be direded to his Majeftie , teftifying their moft heartie thankfulnelfe for fo Royal a favour, as at this time hath rfifrefhed the whole Kirk and Kingdome , flopping the way of calumnie , and humbly fupplicating for the apW- bation , and ratification forefaid That truth and peaefl may dwell together in this Land, to the increafe of his Majefbes glorie , and the comfort of quietnelfe of his Maie-» flies good People : This the ^ffembly hath committed > a^coi-ding to the Articles forefaid , to be fubfcribed by ir ^ _oderatour and Cleik, in their name. The tenmm tvbereoj f\>uoiveth ^ I B TO 'The Generali 6^ TO THE kings MOST EXCELLENT MAjESTlE: The humble Supplication of the general Af^em- bly of the Kirk of Scoiland , conveencd at vjLilgow, November 21. 1638. 'Oft gracious Soveraignc, ]«;■ We your '^'’ajeflics mod humble and loyal Sub- /« - ;e Commililorc'S from all the part"; of this your’ ■ Mjjelfies 'incicnr and native Kmgdome, md 'members of-, tiic JNarional Affcmblv, conv'*'=‘ned at Glajgotv , by your ' Majedies fperial indidlt '*n , conud 'rine; the . • eat happineffe *. which arifeth both to Kiik and ommon-wealth , by ehe- : nuitu 1 embracemen s of Religion and juilice, of tru'h .• and peace 5 whenit plcarcth the Supreamc Providence o to •• dilpofc, that princelv power and ccclefaibcal au horitic ' joynein one » do with all rhankfalnesfe, ol heart acknowlcd- • ^ ge. With our moiulics doc cor.fesfe, and not only with . ©ur pennes, bu: with all our pow er are rcadie towitnesfe unto the world, to your Majedie.s never dyinggloric, howr ’ much 'he whole Kingdome is afftdtfd.Jand not only refi cfli- cd , but revived , widi the comforraMe fenfe of your Maje- ftiespietic, juflice , andgoodnesfe, in hearing our humble lupplKa’ions , for a full and free general Aslembly : and rernembring that for the prerent , a more true and real tefti- inonisof ourunfained acknowledgement, could not pro¬ ceed from us your Ma)efties duct.ful Subjects, then to walke worthic of io toval i iavour : it hath been our great- eft care and iefiousendevoiir , next unto the will of ]ESUS CHIRIST, the great King of his Kirk redeemed by his owii ^ b’'^ud, in all OlT proceedings , joyned with enr hearty prayers to GOD for a blcliing from heaven upon your Aia.eiries Perfon and govermnont , from the firfl hourc of our ineedngj to carie our felves in fuch moderation , order ;ind lo/alcic , as befeemcdrlie fubjects ®f fo juft and graci¬ ous a King , Jacking nothing fo much as your JVlajefties per- fonal fonal prefence: U ifh u^hich had we been honoured and i^ade happie , wc wc’ e confident to have gai n rd your Maje- Ities Koval] approbation to our ecclcfiafiiGk conftjtutions and conclufions , knowing that a truly Chriftian m ndcand royal] h^rnnclined from above, to religion and piety , wiH atthefirltdifccrn , anddifeerningbe deeply posfc.sfed with melove ofrheravjlhinKbeautie , and heavenly ordei of the houleofGed; they both proceeding from the fame Spirit. u ^ , and the hopes lively, which ^om the fountaines of your Mrijefties favour did fill our hearts , fo v/ere we not a little troubled, when wee did ..perceive that your Majcftics Commiflioncr, as before our .mectin? , he did endevour a prelimitation of the Asfcmbly in the necesfarie Members thereof 1 and the matters to bee ^cated therein, contrarie to the intention of your Vajefiies rroclama'ion indidling a free Asrembly according to the theKingdome : So from the firft beginnings of our fitting .(as if bis Lordlhip had conie rather to crosfe , nor to countenance our lawful pro- "r intended any prejudice to the good ot K.eJigion> or to your Majefties honour (which GOD kneweth was far from our thoughts) did fuffer notning. al¬ though moft ncccsfarie, moft ordinarie, and moft unde- nyable, to pasfe without feme cenfure , contradidtion, or •proteftation : And after fomedayes debating of this kinde, tarre againft our expeftation , and to our great gnefe , did ante himfelf, commanded us , who had laboured in eve-' ry thing to approve our fclves to GO D , and to hi» i.ord hip , as reprefenting your Majcilics Perfon , to a- rile alio , and prohibited our further meering by fuch a proclamation j as will be found to have proceeded , rather irom an unwillingnesfe that we Ihotild any longer fir then rom ai^ gronnd or rcafon , which may endure thetryal either of your Majefties Parliament, or of your ovm royall Judgement, unto which if ( being conveened byindifiioti Irom yow Majeftic , and fitting now in a conftitutc Aftem- biy) we ftiould have given place. This Kirk and Kingdome, wontrareto yourMajeftiesmofl Jaut^ble imentionsmanife- £ 3 fted The Generali fted in former proclamations, and contrarie to the defires and cxpeiiationofall yourMajeliies good'peoplc had been in an inftant precipitate in fuch a world ofconfufions, andluch depths ol miferie, as afterward could not cafily have been • cured. In this extreamitie we made choife rather of that courfe which was moft agreeable to your Majefiies will re¬ vealed unto us, after io many fervent Supplications, and. did moft conduce for the good of Religion , your Iviajefties honour, and the well ofyour JVlajeftiesKingdome i then to. give way to any fudden motion, tendiniito the mine of all J wherein wee arc fo far from fearing the light , leaft our deeds Ihould be reproved, that the more accuratly that we arc try ed, and the more impartially ourufingofthat powcr> which God Almighty , and your facred JVlajeftie , his Vice- • gerenthad put in cur hands, forfo good and necefiarie ends, is examined, wc have the greater confidence , of your Ida- • jellies aliowanceand ratihabition: and fo much the rather, that being in a manner inhibited to proceed in fo good a , v^ork, we doubled onr diligence, and endevoured more j carefully then before , when yourMajefties Comtntffioner was ' prefent, inevery point, falling under our confideration , to- walkc circumfpedtly , and without offence, as in the fight of God, and as if your Majefties eyes had been looking upon- us, labouring to proceed according to the word of God, our confeflion of Faith , and nationall oath , and the lauda¬ ble conftitutions of thelawfull Afiembhes of this Ki'rl^ and , ftudying rather to renevv , and revive old adis made for the ^ reformation ofR eligion , in the time of yourMajefties Fa- ^ ther , of happie mcmoric, and extant in the records of the ^ Kirk, which divine providence hath preferved , and at this time brought to our hands 5 then either to all«w of fuch nov vations , as the avarice and ambition of men , abufing au-j thoritic for their own ends , had without order introduced j • j- - or to appoint any new order, which had not bcenformerlyijp^^ received, andfwornto be reteined , in this Kirk. Inall which the members of the Affcmbly, found fo clear and l | convincing light, to their full facisfadtion > againft all theiiiJ doubts and difficulties, that the harmonic and unaninutk| waj j^Jfembly j 1638# 6g was rare and wonderfull , and that we could not have greedupon other conftitutions , except wee would have been found lighting againlt GOD. "Vour Msjcfties wife and . princely minde knoweth , that nothing is more ordinary then for men, when they doe well > to bee evil fpoken of» andthatthc bcftadtions of men are many times mifconftra- ed , and mis-reported- Balaam, although a falf* Prophet , was wronged : for in place of that which hec faid , Ths Lord refufetb to give me leave to go withyeti: the princes of Moab reported unto Balac!^ > that Balaam refufed to goe ,with them. But our comfort is. That Truth is thedaugh- .ter of time , and although calumnic often ftarteth firft , and runneth before } yet Veritiefollowcth her at the heels , and poffefleth her felf in noble and royall hearts : where bafe ca- Jumnic cannot long finde place. And our confidence is» that your Majcftie with that worihie King , will keep one care ihut againft all the obloquies of mens and vvith that more wife King, who when he gaveaproofe that the wi- fedome of GOD was in him to doc judgeir.ent , would have both parries to ftand before him at once: that hearing them equally, they might fpeedbeft, and gooutmoft chearfully from his Majcftics face, who had the beft caufe.. When yoiuMajeflies wifedoire hath fearched all the fecrcts ofthis Affembly, let us be reputed the worfl of all mfcn , according to the afperfions whith partialitie would put upon us , let us be the moft miferable of all men»to the full fatisfaftion of the vin^jdt'iv’e malice of our adverfaries, let us by the whole world bee judged ofallmenthe moll.unworthie to breath any more in this your Majefties Kingdome , if the caufe that we maintaine> and have been profccuting, fliall be foundjany other, but that we defire chat the MajeftieofGOD, who is our fear and our dread, be fervedjand his houfc ruled, accord- ' ingto his owne M'illj ifwchavenot carried along with us in ail the Sesfions of our Affemblie,a molt humble and loyall rc- fpedl to your Majefties honour , which next unto the hononr of the Jiving God , lyeth neareft our hearts j ifwchavenot keeped our felves within the limits of our reformation , without debording or rcfle(fting upon the conftitution ofo- £ i she? The Generali ther reformedKivks , unto which wee heartily wifh all tru th and peace , and by vn hoie lound,uugement andChrilHan af¬ fection we cenainly look to be approven i if vve havi not fai¬ led 1 ather by lemtic then by rigour in cenfuring of delin¬ quents , never exceeding the rules and lines preicnbed , and obfervedby this Kirk, and if ( whatsoever men mind¬ ing ihemfelves j fuggefttothe contrary) the government and difophne of this Kitk, fubferibed and fworn before, and now acknov'kdged by the unanimous confentof this Affem- bly lhall not bee found to ferve for the advancement of the Kindome of C H R I ST, for procuring all duetifull obedience toyour Majeftie , in rhisyour Kingdomc > and great riches and gloiie to your Crown , for peace to us , your Majefties loyall fubjcCfs , and for terrour to all the enemies of your Majefties honour and our happineffe : and if any aCfhath proceeded fiom us, fo farre as our undcr- Ifanding could reach , and humane infirmitie would fuffer , which beingduely examined according to the grounds laid byyour Wajefties Father, ofevcrlafting memory , and our religious Progenitours < and which Religion did foibidns to infringe, lhall merit the anger and indignation, where¬ with wee arc lb often chrea ned: But on the conrrare,ihaviRg lincerely fought the g brie of GOD , the good of Religion , your Majeffies honour > the cenfure of impietie , and of men V ho hadfold thcmlelvcsto uickcdncfle, and the re- eftabjilhmcrt of the right conftuution and government of this Kirk, farre from the Imalkft appearance of wronging any other reforn eo Knk, w? humbly beg', and certainly expeCt , that fiom the bright beames of youi Majefties countenance ftiiniug on thisyour Majeftiesown K'ngdome and people, all our ftoimesftiall bcc changed in a comfor¬ table calme, andfvvtect S'un-lhine , and that your Majefties •ratification in the enfuing Parliament, gracioufly indiiftcd bv your Majefties Proclamarion to bee keeped in jvi4y ^ lhall fer’eusin fuch a firmneftc > and ftabilitie in our Religion, as fhall adde a further luftre unto your Majefties glorious Diamdee, and m^-ke usa blefledpcople undcryour Majefties Jong and prefperous reigne ; which we befeech him who hath \Ajfembly^ 1638. hath dJredled us in our affaires , and by v^hom Kings reifrne to grant unto your Majelbc, to the admiration of all the of your enemies^ and comfort of ColleBed , gifted , and extraEled forth of the Remhr ofthe aBiof the Afembly by me Mr A. honftoii and fubferi^tton ■Edinburgh, the 12, E 4 :riiE 7t ^c0STTTTr7’J^‘V77'rT7^'^TTTTTSo» THE G ENERALL ASSEMBLY, Edinburgh j 1639. Seff'S. AuguHiy. 1639. tJfd^dj^er George Grahamc his rmomcing and abjuring of Epifcopacie. 'The which day was given into the AJJemhly , direB from Mafter George Grahame, fometimes pretended Bishop of Orknay, an abjuration of Epifcopacie, fubferibed with his hand, which tv as p ublic lily read in audience of theAffembly, and thereafter they ordained the fametoberegtjirat in the- /if embly Books a.d perpetuam rei memoriam , whereof the tenor follows. O all and" fundry whom ic effeirs , to whole knovvledge thefe prefentsfhall come , fpecially to the reverend and honourable Members of the future Affembly to be holdcn at Edinburgh , the twelfth day of Augufl 16^9. years : Me Mafter GeorgeiGraham, fome time pretended bifhop of pr/;«<9') being lorry and grieved at my heart that I fhould'ever for any \i^ordly refpedt have embraced the order of Epifcopacie , ehe fame having no warrand from the Word of God , and Ijeing fuch an order , as hath had fenfibly many fearful and evil! cenfequcflccs in many parts of Chriftendome, and par^, ‘ . . . ■ ■ ticularly ^Jfembly i 1638. 73 ticularly within the Kirk o£ Scotland, as by doleful and de¬ plorable experience this day ismanifeft, to have difclaimed, like as 1 by the tenor hereof doe altogether difclaime and abjure all Epifcopal power and jurifdidion , with the whole corruptions thereof, condemned by lawful Aflemblies Within the faid Kirk o{ Scotland, in regard the fame is fuch an order as isaUo abjured within the (aid Kirk, by vertue of that National Oath with was made in the years 15 8o. and 1581. promifing and fwearing by the great Name of the LordourGod, fhat I fhall never whiles I live, diiedtly or indirectly, exerce any fuch power within the Kirk , neytheryctihalll ever approve or allow the fame, not fa much as in my private or publike difeourfe : But on the contrary , fliall hand and adhere to all the Adis and Confti- tiuions of the late Aflcrnbly holden atG/<*/^oflt, thezi. of Kovetnlf. 1638. laftby-paft, and ihall concttrre to the utter- moll of my power, finccrcly and faithfully, as occafion ihall offer, in execution the faid ACts , and in advancing the Work of Reformation within this Land , to thegloiy of God, the peace of the Countrey, and the comfort and and contentment of all good, Chriftians, as God lhall be my help. In teftimony of the whidi premifTes . i have fubferibed thir prefents w ith my hand at Breek^es inStron- nes , the eleventh day of February , the yc^r of God 16^9. years, before thir wltnc(^es*^iatter , Minifter at Shoutronnaldjdy , Mailer \ames U^nd , Minifter at Kirkwall , Mafter Hubert Peirfin , Miniltcr 2^1 Firth, and MaftcrPawcl; Crahame, Mmftter at HJ/ne , my Son, SeflT. 8. 17* Atigujl 1639. AB containifigthe Cau Jes and Remedie of the hy-gone Evils of this Kirk* THe Kings Majeftie having gracioufiy declared , That it is His Royal will and pkalurc, that all queftions abouc- Religionl andmattcrsEcclcliafticalbcdeteruiined by Al- ^ ' E I fcuibl 74 Generali fcm’^Itcs of the Kirk . having af'q by publike Pr^yclimation indi'^tcd this free na-ional A.'^vmMy , for fethngrbe prefcnc diiiraition ofthis Kirk , and for eftabhfh ng a oei fedt peace, aeainftfuch -i ifion^ and difo- dres as have been 'b edi.plea- fing his Majeftie and grievous to a’! his good Sn^ efts . And now his Majeftics Gommi{rion'’’'^(;6u '-sarie o^Traquair, intnifted and authorized w rh a fu’i C m.ni'Tion, being p.e- fent, and fitting in this Afiembly, no v fully conveened and orderly conftirute in all rhe members thereof, accord¬ ing to the order of this Kirk, having at large declared His Ivlajefties zeal to toe refoimed Religion , and His Royal care and render affecfl'onto this Kiik , where His ^■’a)eltic had both His Birth and Baprifmc , His great difpicafuie at the manifold diftradtions and divifioii' of this K'rk and Kingdome , and His defines ro have all our wounds pcrfedl- ly cured wkh a fair and fatherly hand : And althru'.h in the . wayapproven by thi . Kuk , tryal hath been taken lnfo^•ner Affemblies before from the Kirk rcgificis , to our full latis- fadlion , yet the Commiifion r, Grace making particular enquiry from the members of the Afiembly , novV folcmnly Conveened, concerning the real and true caufes of fo many & great evils as this rime pafl had fo fore troubled the peace of this Kirk and Kingdome,It was reprelented to His MajCdies Comtrdfiioncr by this Aficmbly, Tharbefide manv ocher* the maine and moll material c^ul'es were, Firfi-, The nrdling of this Kirk, by thePrelates with a Set'dre Rook, or Bov k of Common Prayer > vd’hout wanand or dirwiion from the Kirkland containing befide the Porilh frame thereofjdb erfe Popifh errors and ceremonies, the feeds cf manifold grofife Superftitions and Idolatry, W'ch a Book of Canons, without warrand or direction from the general Aflembly, efiabldbing tyrannicall power over the Kirk in the perfon of Hifiaops , j and overthrowing the whole difcipline & government ot the Kirkby Alleinblies, witha Bookof Goi.fecration and’ 'Ordi¬ nation, withoutwarrandof Authoritte, livillor Ecclefiafti- call , appointing offices in the houf; «f God , which are not warranted by the word of God, and repugnant to the dif- ciplineand Adis of our Kirk , and with the high Commiifion, credled without iheconfcntofthe Kiik, fub verting theju- 1^39- 7 s lifdiftion and ordinary judicatories of this Kirk , and giving to per'onsmeerely Ecclefiafticalljthe power of both (words, and to perfons meerly Civill , the power ot the Keys and irk fenfures. A fccond caufe was the Articles of Pm/t, the obfervation ofFelHvall daycs, kneeling at the Communion j Confirmation, Adminiftration of the Sacr ments in private places, which are brought in by a null AfTeniblyand are contrary to the Confeffion of Faith , as it' was meant and fubfciibed Annoi’y^o- and divers times fince and to the order and conftitucions of this Kirk. Thirdly, the changing of the government of the Kirk ,from the A»- •ferablcsofthe Kirk to the perfons of feme Kirkmen , ufurp- ing prioritie and power over their Brethren by the way, ami under the name of Epifcopall government againft the Confeliion of Faith , 5,8 o agamft the order fet downe in the Book of Policy , nnd agaiuit tbo intention & conftitiuion of thi.s Kirk fiom the beginning. Fourtly the Civill places and power of Kirkmen , their littingin Sesfion , CoubccII and Excficquer , their Riding, Sitting, and voting in Par¬ liament , and their fitting in the Bench as Jufticcs of peace* vi'hich according to the conftiturons of this Kirk are incom¬ patible V ith their fpirirual fanflion , lifting them up above their Brethren in worldly pomp . and do tend to the hinder- anceof the Miniftrie. Fiftly the keeping and authorizing corrupt Aftem' lies at , \6o6. and I60S. At Glaf^oiVj 1610, h^hherdens. ifaid. AtS. Andrew^, i6\j. At Perth ^ iro re iiata , according to the libertie of this Kirk > exprelTedin the Book of Policy : and acknowledged in the Aift of Parliament, *59-2. Afterwhich the whole Aflem- blyinone hearfand voycedid declare, thatthefe andfuch other , proceeding from the negledt and breach of the Nati- ^ onall Covenant of this Kirk and Kingdom? , made in Anns y 6 'The Generali 3 5 So. have been indeed the true and maine c^ufes of all our evills and diftradions . And therefore ordain , ac¬ cording to the conftitutionsof the Generali Aflcmblies of this Kirk: And upon the grounds refpeSive above -fpeci- fied , That the forefaid Service -Book, Books of Can¬ nons, and Ordinaination , and the high Commisfion , be ftill rcjcdcd : that the Articles of be no more praCti- fed : That Epifcopall Government, and the Civill places and power of Kirk- men be holdenftill asunlawfnllin this Kirk: That the above named pretended Alfemblies, Ac J^inlithgow t and good Re¬ gifter, which ought to be fo reputed , and have publike faith in judgement and outwith , as a valid and true Record in all things. And finds the fameto be of the fame kandwrir, and fubfcribed by the fame Clerk of the Generali AlTembly as divers of the laid ocher Regifters ( formerlvperufed by us ) are- And in teftimonie of our folemoe affi'-mation we have fubfcribed thefe prefents with our hand,atE(/j«^«r^6 the day ol 7^ The Generali AdVSeff. 19 Augtifl ij. ^^39. AU approving the depofityn of the MiniHers by the Committees^ THe Al(rcmbl7 , after the receiving of the whole reports from the Committees* appointed for reviling of the proccfTcs and fen ences, led, deduced’ and prono^.nced befo-e, andbvthefcveral Cominiiilons granted by the Af- fembly 2.tGlafg9K> , All in one voice approved tne laids whole Procc'-i s as orderly proceeded , and the whole i en¬ tentes pronoun'' ed therein till, as juft and lawful decrees, without prejud’ce of any favour chat can be fho'^me to any perfon or perfons 1 againft w'honi the (aid fenten. es are pro¬ nounced upon dieir fupplications , or of fuftice to I'uchas complain of their procefle , and offers to reduce the fame upon whatfoever reafon competent , by the Conftitutions of. this Kirk andKingdome, before the General Aflembly and the Comm:ftioners thereof, they being appointed for that effeCt . A(StSe(r. xo. x8. AB anent receiving of dtp 0 fed Minifers, THe which day the General Aflembly upon the report of the Committees anent thefe who are depofed by Sy¬ nods, Doe make this General Adi , recommending to the Synods all thele who ate depofed befor them for fubferibing of the Declinator, & reading of the Service book and for no other groftecaufc,Ttiat upon rheir true repentance Scrubmif- iion to theConftitutiens of this Kirk &upon th. ir purgation and clcarntn'c from any grofle Faults laid to their charge in any newprocefte againft them, they may be found by the Synods capable of the Miniftrie, when God grants them an ordinary and lawful calling by admiffion from thePresbyte- rie, cither i.i the Church they ferved in before* or in any other Chnrchf 79 i_AJ^embly y 1639. A(^ SeOr. XI. 29. Aitgufl ^3 9. tincnt the kecftng of the l ords Day- "The Ganeral Afjembly recemmcndcth to the fveral Presbyteries ti e execution of the oid aBs of Afjembly , againflthe breach of the Sabbath Day by going of Mylnes , Salt Pannes > S almond- fishing , or any juch hk^ laUour j and to this end re¬ vives and renues the ati ej the Ajfimbh holden at Hdly-rude- hoiife j iCoz.Scfi.). whereof the tenorfoHoiVs. AlTcmbly confidering that the conventions of the **' People ; fpecially on the Sabbath D .y are vei y rare in man;' pLxes, bydidraftion ollabour not only in harveftand feed- rime j bntalfo every eabbatli , by fifliingbo'h of the V'hiteffh, and S-dmond-fifhing . and in i;oiiig of Mylres, Therefire the Asfcmbly dneharge h and inhibiteth all f.ich laboar olfilhing , as well white fifh and Salirond-flli - and going of Mylncs of all forts upon the Sabbath , under the pain of incurring the cenfures of the Kirk : And ordaines the Commillioners of this A' f-mbly , to mean the fame to His iVlajeftie , and to defre that a pecunial paine may be in- joyned upon the contraveeners of this prefent A£t. AdbSefT. xa. Aug. 1629- hMeridie- Articles and Overtures apgroveti by the Afembly . Hat feme Commiflioners be appointed to vide and perufe the whole Ads of General Asfembhes , and tomarke fuchAds as are for the uleof the Kiik in General, To extrdd the fame out of the Regillers , to the efted that af er they be tryed , they may be printed according to the old Ads of the Asrembiy at March 7 • IS74. SeJJ.^. The Afi'Vib’y appoints the Presbyterie of ^An^'>u y!,h , to h -ve a care of this article , ani ta report their diligence to the next AJJemblj, Thac 8o The Generali ' Thatcourfe maybe taken for redraining of people from pasfing to England to marry , which is the occafion of great in conveniencies- Tbe Ajjembly allotveth this artidct and recommends to the Parlia - rnenti that they tvottld appoint apecuniall jumme to be fayed by thecontravecners. That the Afts forfurn'ihingexpences to Commislioners , fent bv the Presbyteries to the'General AiTembly^and fent in Commislion by Generali Aflcmblies , maybe explained; And It be declared that all fuch Commislioners whatfoevcr, by their ftipends may be furniflied by the Kirks of the Prcs- byterie> according to the order fctdownin the A dt of the lad Afifcmbly , (incc the errand is common, and the bene¬ fit conccrneth all : and that order may be taken , how that an expedient voluntarie courfe, thought fit by the Afiembly, lhall by advile of Parliament, have the force ofalaw, for compelling thefeto pay who are ftented j both for the lad and this Afi''’mbly and in time to come- L The Ajjembly all owes this article > and referres the fame to the t ar I lament- That the Sefiion books of every Parochebe prefented once a year to the Presbytei ies , rhat they may be tryed by them* T he A jfembly alloweth this article. That the Ad of the ^8. /K{{trr^Av Edinburgh, OEloberh^. 1^78. SefiT. 8. ordaining Miniltcrs v'ho are cepoied , tobe charged under the pain of excommunication . to dimit their places , that theym ty be unqucftionably vacand 3 may now be renewed. The [fembly alloweth this article . and remits the fame to the Parliament. The Alfembly would revive or renew all former Adsof AfiTembly again!! Papifts , and excomainnicatc perlbns, a- gai nil haunters with them and receivers of them. 1 he A IJembly alloweth this article. That an umloi meCatechii me may be appointed to be ufed throughout this whole Kingdome in the examinations fore the Communion. TheAfeiriily nhmth this ArticU.] ^Jfemblyj 1689. That all Miniftcrs or intrants prefcnred to Kirks, be trvei before their admsfion, ifthcvbc qualified for the places to which they are piefented, befides the ordinary tryalls of Ex» peCtants before their chtiic ro the Minifterie. The Ajfembly alkweththu article^ SefT. x3 . 30. Augufl 1639. *The Supplicatiisn of the General ^l^embly t» theKirtgi tjMajt files Commifiioner , concerning the Beok^ called , The large Declaration. WE the Members of this prefent Afembly , for ourfcl- ves » and in name of the feverali Presbyteries, Burghs, and Univerfities . for which we arc CcminilTioners refenting the great difhoDour done to God . our King, thi' Kirk, and whole Kingdomc , by the Book called , Alarg^ Declaration , have here reprefenred the fame to your Grace, and have col- le£led fome amongft many of falfc groffc and abfurd paffages; That from the confiderarion thereof, your Grace, percei¬ ving the intolerable erills forefaids contained therein , may be pleafed to reprefent ;he fame to our gracious Soveraigne, and in our behalf humbly to bsfcech his Majefiie, fomii 'k wronged bv the many foul and falfe relations, fuggefted and pei-fwaded to him astrucths, and by dealing thepw)- tedfion of His Royal Name and Authoritiero thepatrocinic of Inch a Book : To b« pleafed firlt to call in the faid Book : and thereby to Ihevv his diBike thereof : Nexc I togive Commiliion and warrant, To ccteall fuch parties as are cither knowne or fiifpca to have h ind inf it , and to appoint fuch as His Majcftie knowes to be either authors informers, or any wayes accefiarie , being Natives of this Kingdonie , To be lent hither to abide their tryal) and cenfwre before the Judge Ordinary , and in foeciall Ma¬ tter Walter BalcanqueU , now Deane of Durham . who is known and hath profeffed robe the author, atlcaftavowes Jfld Bjaiowiner ofagrcat part.thereofj by their exatnplac Si, The Generali puniflinacnt , others may de dctcvred from fuch dangerous coarfes , as in fuch a way toraifefedition betwixc the King and His Subjects , Gods honour may be viniicate from o high contempt , ilis Majeilies jnftice may appear , nor on y in fU'ting away fuch Malefaftors , butin difcouraging a fjch under-roiners of His throne, His loyall and lovmg Su - jedts fhall be infinirly contested to be cleared before the world of fo falfe and un:a I imptitations , and will live here* after in the greater fecuriri " , whenfo dangerous a courle o fedition ispieven'ed ,ard o will have the greater and great¬ er caufe to prav for His M 'eftieslong & profperous rveigne. ak ^aje^ies Cm^nifjioner in ComceU having received the fai(^ Juf plication prormfed to rnipart the fame t» His Maejiy , ana to report hk diligence therein. The Supplication of the f^ffemhly to Hts OVLa. jejiies High CemmiJJimer . oni the Lords of fecret CopinceU- W! T.e the Generali AfT mbly, confidering withallhum- T * bleandthanlcfull ackhowledgement _, the many recent favours beftowed upon us by His Ma’cftie , and that refteth nothing forcrottmiogof His Maicfties incomparable goodneffc towards us , but that aU the members of this Kirk and Kingdom be joyned in one and the fsme Contelsion ana Couciunt with God, with the Kings Majeftic, and amongit ourfclves: And conceiving the main lett and impediment to this fo good a work, and fo much wifhed by all , to lave been the Informations made to his Majcaie, of our inten¬ tions to fhakeoft' Civil and dutiful obedience due to bove- raignity, and to diminifh the Kings greatnefie andautnori- tic , and being moft willing and defirous to remove this and all fuch impediments which may hinder and impede fo full and perfefl an Union, and for clearing of our loyaliie> WEE iu our own names , and in name of all the reft of the Subjeds and Congregations, whom, wc reprefent »^do aow Jpmbly^ i^3g. gj in all humility reprefent to your Grace , His Majeflies Com- miffiencr , and the Lord •, of His MajelHes mod: honourable privic Counccl , and declares before God and the World, that we never had nor have any thought of vvirh-djavtdng ourfclves from that hntnble and dutiful obedience to His Ma;cftie, and to his Government , which by the defeent & under the reign of i'o7 Kings is iroft ciiearfully acknow¬ ledged by ir and our predeceffors: And that we nevei'had, nor have any intention nor dcfire toattempt anything that may tend to difhonour of God, or the diminution of the greatnefle and authoritie: But on the contrary, ac- kno^/lcdging our cuiernefie , ftabilitie and happinef’e to depend upon the fafety of the KingsMa). Perfon, & maiarc- Bance of His great nelTe and Royal authority who is Gods Vicc-gerenc fet over us » for the maintenance of Religion and miniftration of Juftice, Vv'^c have folemnly fworn and dofwearc, not only our mutual concurrence and afiiftance for the caufe of Re’igion, and to the uttermoft of our power*, with our means and lives > to Hand to the defence of our dread Soveraigne, his Perfon aud authority , in preferva- tion and defence of the true Religion > Liberties and Lawes of this Kirk and Kingdomc, but alfo in every caufe which may concerne His Majefties honour , lhall according to the Lawes of this Kingdomc » and the diicties of good SubjedlS' concurre with our friends and followers in ouict manner, or in armes , as we fliall be required of His Majeftic , His Councel , or any having his Authoeity. And therefore being raoft dcfirours to clearc our felves of all imputation of this kinde , and following the laudable example of our predeccHbrs, i<;S9. do moft humble fupplicateyour Grace, His Majefties Coramiffioner , and the Lords of His Maje- {Hesmofl honourable privie Councell, to enmyn by*A6l of a Counccl , that this Confeffion and Covenant , which , IS a teftimony ofour fidelity to God, and Ibvaltie to our King, we havefubfcjibcd, be fubferibedby allHis MajofticsSub* edts , of what rank and quality foever. 84 ^The Generali The A61 of the Lords of Council at Edinburgh, Auguft 30. 1659. containing the Anfwer of the preceding Supplication. which da' inprcfcnce of the Lord Commiifioner and the Lords of privic Councel , compeired perfonall^ yohn Earle ofRor/w, Earle of Montrofe j John Lord Loivdoun^ Sir George Stirling of Keir Kii'^hr, Sii Vf^iUtam Douglas of Cavers Knight , Sir It^ enij PTood of Eonytoua Knij^hcj y ohn Smyth ffc of Edinburgh , Mr. Robert BaV'^ > Provcftof Irwing, Mr. ,Alexander Henderfon Minifter 1 at Edinburgh , and Mr. Archhald ^ohnfeun Clerk to the j General AfTembly, and in t c name of rhe prsfent fitting Cjeneral AflEmbly, gave in to the Lord’.Commilfioner , , and Lords of piivie CounccU the Petition above written; which being read , heard, and confidcred by the faids Lords* | they have ordained , and ordain the fame to be infcit and rc- 1 giftrarc in the books of Privic Councel* and according to thedcfire thereof, ordaines the faid Confefllon and Cove- 1 nant to be fubferibed in time coming by according to the laudable form and cuftome heretofore kept in the like cafes , have in an humble and dutiful mmv , fupplicate to us His Mo.jefties Commiilioner . and the Lords ot His moft Maj. honourabls PrivieCouncel, That the Covenant , with the explanation of this Aftembly , might be fubferibed : And to thateffea that all the Subjeas ot this Kingdome by A a ofCouncelbc required to doe the fame : And that therein for vindicating themfelves from all fufpitionsofdifloyaltie, or derogating froiri the greatnefte and authoritie of our dread Soveraigne > have therewith added aClaufc , whereby this Covenant is declared one in fubftance with that which « as fubferibed by His Majefties Father of bkfled memory 1580 , 15S1 , 1590* and oftnerfince Renewed* Therefore 1 as His Maje- jefiies Commiflioner * for the full fatisfaaion of the Sub¬ jeas , and for fettling a pcrfta Peace in Church and King- dome , doc according ro my forefaids Declaration and Siib- Icription, fubjoynedtothe Aaof this Aflcmbiy ofthc date the 17 thisinftanc, allow and confent that the Covenant be fubferibed throuejiout all this Kingdome. In vvitnes whe¬ reof Ihavc lubfcribed thepremifles. 26 The Generali JJthe as his Maje flies Commijfloner ^ read and gave tn the Declaration follotving , of his confent to the Ati of the Ajjembly 1 7. A uguft , anent the cmfes of mr hy gone evils, IfohiKztlco'iTraqn.tir, His Majcftics Commiflioncr in tins prclent AtTeu.bly , doe in His Majcitics Name de¬ clare , thatnotkwithft.mdin'^ of His Majellics own inclina¬ tion, and manv o'.h:: gia^e and weigbtie confderations, yet tuch is His Majciiies incomparable goodneffe , that for fettling the prefcntdiftrailions 5 and giving full fatisfaeffion to the Subjcdl , He doth allow, like as i His Majellies Cooimisfioner do confenc to the forefaid Att , and have ftib- fcribcd the premifles. hike as His Majefties CommiJJioner , read and gave in the Declaration following : IT is alwayes hereby declared by me flis Jviajellies Com- mislioner. That thepra'51ifc of the premifles, prohibited within this Kirk andKmgdome, outwirh theKingdome of ^co^/rftHfhan. never bind nor inferre cenfure againll the pra* dtifes oucwkh the Kingdomc : which when the Cemmis- •lioner required to be inlert in the Regilfer of the Kitk , and the Moderator in name of the Aflcmbly , refufed to give warrant for fuch pradife , as notagrecablcwith agoodcon- fcicnce His Grace urged, that it iliould be recorded, acleaft that he madefuch aDeclaiacion, whatfoever wasthe Affem- blies fudgement in the contrail' : And fo it is to be under¬ flood to beinferthere onel re itative. All ordaining the Jnbfcripion of theCon- fejjion of faith and Covenant y with the Ajfemhlies Declaration. THsGescrall Aflembly confideiingthe great happincfTc ^fhich inav fr(/|^^iuUan?i pwfeit Union i^Jffemblyj 1^39. Sr Kirk and Kingdome , byjoyningofallinoneand the fame Covenant with God, with the Kings Maicftie , andamOEgft ourfelves, ha\ing by our great Oath declared rhe upright- neffs and loyaJtie of our inteiuions in all our proccedings^and having vicballfupplicatcdHis Majefti' sh'ghCommisfioncr, and. the Lords of His Maiefties honorable Privie Councell, toinjoyn by AiStof Councell, all the Lieges in time coming to fubienbe the Confesfion of futh and Covenant, which as a teftimony of oar fidelity to God and loyalfie to eur King we have fublcribcd 5 And feeing H:s Majedics high Cern- niisfioner , and the Lords of His M^j .ifie.? honorable Privie Counccll, have granted the defire of our Supplication., or¬ daining by CiviUauchoritv, all CiisMajefl-es Lieges in time commmg , to fubferibe ;hc forefaid Covenant , that our U- nion may be the more full andperfedf. We by our Aft and Conftitution Lccleliafcicallj doapproove the forefaid Cove¬ nant , in all the Heads and Claufes thereof and ordains of new, under all Ecclehflicall'ccnrnre , that all 'he Matters ofUniverfities, ColL’dgcs, andSchooles, allSchollersat the pasting of their deg'ecs, all perfonsrurpeft: of Papiftry, or any other errours and finally all the members of this Kirk & Kingdomc, fubferibe the l ame with rhefe words prefixed tor their Uibrcciption; The Article of this Govenant, whiehiVas at the firfi fubfiription referred to the determination of th General yJJfemblyy being determined. And thereby the jive ^'^rticles of Perth, thegp- ’vermnentofthe the civillp laces andpotver ofl\irl{- men, upon there afons and grounds centained in the Eisefthe Gene*. rail A IJembly declared te be unlawful! tvithin this Kjrlp : we fubferibe aecordingto the determinatisn forefaid. And ordains the Cove¬ nant, with this Declraradon , to be inferc in the Regitters ofthe Aflemblies of this Kirk , Generali, Provincial], and . Presbyterian , ad perfetuamrei memonam 5 and in all humi- lirv fupplicates His M,. jetties high Commisfioaer , and the honourable Ettates of Parliament , by their authority , to ratifie and injoyne the fame, under all civill paines, which w ill tend to the glory of God , prefervation of Religion, the , Kings Majefties honour, andperfc* peace of this Kirkaad ® Ringdomc. _ F4 88 Thegenerall Aug 30. 1^39, hB anent h^^elUtions. THc Asfembly appointed that in all time hereafter, nq Appellations fliould be . leaping over cither Presbytene ©r Synod , but to afeend by degrees as fiom ;hc KirkSesfion to thePresbytry, otfromthe Presbyterie totheSynod, and andfroni the Synod to thejGcneiall Asfembly , except it be after the Synod be paft^ and immediatly before the Gene- jail Asfembly , orin ‘the timcthsieof, and renews all for- incr made to this efFc(fl:. • ‘ ' A^ anent advijlng with Synods and TreshytCr rtes before determination in Novations. THc Generali Asfembly defring that the intended Refor¬ mation being recovered, maybe eftablifhed , Ordains, that no Novation which may diftuibe the peace of the Church , and make divifion , be fuddenly proponed and thaftedr But foas the motion befirft communicate to the fcvcrall Synods, Presbyteries and Kirks, that thematter may , be approved by all at home , and Commiflloncrs may come well prepared, unanimoully to conclude a folide deliberation upon thefe poiuts in the Generali Asfembly. ‘•M ' Aff anent tMinifters Cate chijings and ' Family Exercifes, THc Aflembly confdering that the long waited-for fruits ' of the Gofpel , fo mercifully planted and preferved in ?his Land, and Reformation or oiirfelvcs, and Families, fofolemnly vowed toGodoflatein our Covenant, cannot take effeif, except the knowledge and worfliipof God be i bried from the Pulpit to every family within each Parifh . . , --w - . - • - . ^ tyfJTemhly j 1^40^ B9 hath therefore appointed that every Minifter, befdes his paines on the Lords day, lhall have weekly catechihng of lome partof iheparoch, and not altogether call over the examination of the people, till a litlebefore the Commu¬ nion. AliO that in every P'amilie the worfhip of God be ereacd, whereitis not both Morningand Evening, and that the Children & Servants be catcthiled at home , by the Mailers of the Families, whereof account Iha'lbetaken by the Minider, and Elders adiftiHg him in the vifiration of e\ evy Family; And left they faih .that viftration of the fever- ali Kirks beLrioufty fol’-ovved by every Presbvtcne , for this end among others. The execution and fucce''''e where¬ of, being tried by the Synods, let itbe rcprclented to the next Genelaii Aflcaobly. SeflT. x4. 30. Aug. a meride. "The Ayemhlics Supplication to the KINGS M A J E S T i E. Mod Gracious Souveraigne. WFc Your Majeftiesmoft humbleand lovall Subjefls, the Commrniflioncrs from all the parts ofthisyour Ma- jefties ancient 5c native Kingdome , and membersofthe Na¬ tional! Alfembly , conveenedat EJiwW^^by yourM jefties fpcciallindidtion , and i.onoured with the prefence of Your Majcltics high Com miflioner, have beenM'aiting for a day Ofrujoycing', andoffolcmnc thankfgi'ingtobc rendredto God by this whole Kirk and Kingdome ■ for giving us a King fojuft and religious , that it is not only lawftiUforus to bcCnrillians under Your Majefties government , which fometims hath been the grcarcftpraife of great Fiinces, but alfo that it hath pleafed Y our gracious M j. to make known thatic is Your Royall will and plcafLire,tiiat all matters Eccle- afticall be determined m free Nationall Affemblie:. , and mafters civill in Parliaments*, which isamoft noMc and ample expieliloii of Your Majefties jufticcj and we truft ' ^ f F 5 ihall ^0 The (jenerall powerful mein orour common happinefie under you; Mijeftics moftblefled Keign. la themean while we do noli humbly , upon the knees of our hearts , blelTo your M jcH'/ for that happmeffe already begun in the late As*em- hl ' dinlfurgb i in che proceedings whereof^ next under God, we have laboured to appreye ourfclves unto Your M i-* lies Vicc-gerenc 3 as if Your MajelHes eyes had been Upon lis, which was the deiireof' our fouls > and would have •beene ihe matter of our full rcjo/cing, and doe ftill conti- ctic Your Majeiiics molt humble fuppiicants for Your Maje- llies civi 11 (auction and ratiHcatioh of the confticutions of che Asfcmbly in Parliament ; That your Majeflies Princely power, and the Ecclcfa^icall Authority joyning in one, the mutual! embracements of religion and jullicc , of truth and peace may be feenia this Laud, which Ih.tll be to us as aremrredion from the dead , and lhall make us» being hoc only To ferre recovered, bur alfo revived, to fill Heaven and Earth with our praifes, and to pray that King C H AR- L PI S may be more and more blesfed, and His throne efta- bhibed before the Lord for cver^ THc ^pemhly Appoints the next (Senerall AJJembly , to ft at Ahcrdcnc the laJiTuefday of ]u\y next, years. And Itarmth all Presbytevies , \jniverfities and Burrows , to fend their Commijf oners , for keeping the famine. >5 nd thereafter the Affem- hly was concluded by giv'ing of thanks by the Moderator , and finging of A pfahm , according to the cujlome. T THE 91 THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, Conveened at Abcrdene, July 28. 1^40. ScflT* z. XQ July j 1^40# *- E AfTfmbly hiving paft the firfl: day before they would make any Ad in attending of His iVhijeftics Commii'iioncr. 'i his day the Moderator openly asked in face _ of the Ahembly, iftherevrasanyCommifllo- ncr come from His Majiftie : And finding there was none* the Aflcmbly proceeded according to their Liberties Overtures given in by the Committee eel by the UH Ajfewbly , anenfihe ordering of the AjSVws blj’houfe'. Whtch being rcadin audience of thtAf- . fembly they approved the fame, I. 'He Aficmbjy finds it expedient for the ordering of X the Houfeina'l time cotningjthatthe Commifiloncrs fit together unraixt> and that the places where they fit be railed about, or fonie other way divided from the feats of others, and that places be provided without the bounds of ihc Coojaailfijpoajs to pcy foi^s of rcfj?e^ , who are noc C««i« 9^' The Generali Cof^miflioncrs , and others ?.ccoiding to their qualities^ as the Magiftrates of theTown lhall find mod convenient. IL .Ailfo that the Commillioncrs , having received tickets from thcMagiftratcs of the Burgh > at the delivery of their Conamiflions , whereby they may have ready accefle to the Aslembli'c • Houfe and place appointed for them, do keep the hour of meeting precifcly , and whofoever comes after the time, or fiiall befoundabrentatthe callingofthe Rols, to be cenfurcd as the Asfemblie fees fitting : And what- fbever Presbyterie , Burgh , oi Univerlltie , fliall not fend Commifiloncrs , or Commiffioners Tent from them doe rvot come at all to the Asfembiy , befummond untojthe next Asfembly , and cenfurcd as the Asfcmbly ihall find rca- fonable . Ill- That foure perfons of refpedl have warrant from the Asfembyl to injoyne that the re be no {landing, no din, nor diforderly behaviour j And if any lhall difobey them , or di- rcil his fpeech to any, except to the Moderator , and that one at once with leave at firft asked and given, to be rebuked publikcly by the Moderator : And if he delift^not be remov¬ ed out of the Asfembly for that Scirion. I V, That no motion come in unto the Asfemhiy but by the Committee appointedformattersof that nature: A^d if the Committee refiifed to anfwcr the fame , let it be pro¬ poned tothe Asfcmbly with the rcafons thereof. V. That the minutes of ilk Sefilon be read before their ri- fing y andif the matter concernethe whole Kirk, letitbc drawn up in forme and read in the beginning of the next cn * fuing Sesfion , that the Asfcmbly txi^y jodge whether or not it bee according to their minde. Adi anent the demolishing of Idolatrous ^JMonuments* FOrafmuch as the Asfcmbly is informed , that in divers places of this Kingdomc , and fpecialjy in the North pares of the fame a many Idolatrous Monuments , credled ■ and \ • ...» (^Jfemblyt i640- 9t an4m«de forRd>g‘'o“s worlhipi arc yet ex«nt, Such as Crudfixcs. Images of Chrift , Mar, , and Samts depart¬ ed ordaincs the faids Monuments to be nken down , . demolilhed, and deftroyed , and thatwtth al conyement dilteence: And that the care of thls.wotnt ftall be incum- bent 10 the Presbyteries and Provincial! Asftmblieswithin this Ktngdome , and their Comm ffioners to report their diligence herein to ihc next Ocnerall Asfeiiibly. aga'mft Witches and Charmers, •THe Asfcmbly ordaincs all Mir.ifters within the Kingdom me catcfally to take notice of Charmers, Witches, and all meb abufers of the people, and to urge the Afts of Par¬ liament , to be execute againft them: And thatthe Com- misfioncrsfrom the Asfctnbly to the Parliament , &all re¬ commend to the raid fupremc indicatory ,1 the care of the execution of the Lawesagainftfueh perfons mthe moft he hoovcfull way. — ^ Secr. 1. 1640. for cenfuring fpcakers Ag*irtfi tht C9venA»u THc Asfembly ordaines , thatfuchas have fubfcribedtise: Covenant andfpeakes againftthc fuiie» if hebe aMim- fier (hall be deprived : And if he continue fo , being .de¬ prived . ftiallbe excommunicate; And ifh« Iran , fhall be dealt with as perjured , and fausfic publikciy; for his perjury. TheGenerall 54 Scir. lo. $-Aug, 1640. Esion, by what meancs the Churches belonging roOur pree,. cation , when any of them ihall hap¬ pen to vaik, maybebe l provided with well qualified Pre¬ achers: Like as We are not unwilling . to grant preCenta- tions unto fuch as in thefe times of trouble have entred in'o the Minifterie , providing they have been examined by the Presbyteries , and approved by them: Becaufe We wart not Our own feares of the decay of Lcarningin that Church and Kingdome, We intend alio toconfiderof thebelf meanes for helping the bcoolesand CoPedgesoi Learning cfpeci- allyof Divinity, that there maybe i'ucli a m.mber of Pre¬ achers there , as that each Parifli havinga Miniller, and the Gofpelbeing preached in the molt remote parts of the King- dome, all OurSuhjedtsmay tafteofOur care in tha: kinde, and have more and more caufero blesfe Godthatwc are fee ever them. And finally, fo tender is Oil' care, thaticfhall not be Our fault iftheCburches and Coll. dges there flour;ih notiii Learning and I'leligion : For which Royall teftimonic ©f Our goodnefTe, We require nothing upon your parr, but that which God hadi bound you unto , even that you be fiithfullin the charge committed unto you, and care for the fquks of the people : That you ftudy Peace and Unity amonyft your felves , and amongfl the people , a.x.;inll all Schifmeand Fadion ; and that you nor only pray for Us, but that yon teach the People , which We trull are not un¬ willing to pay that honour and obedience which they owe unto Us , as his Vicegerent fet over them , for their good 5 wherein WeexpeCtyou willby \ our good example goe be¬ fore them. Which h<-‘pingyou will doe*W..' bid you farewell. Ttom Our Court at Whitehall » tho lo. day offaly 1 641. t , 1641^ 97: Seflf. 3 . x8» July t6^u approvh^ the Overtures of the Ajjemhly at Abec*> deac , for ordering the Aj[emhly-Houf^_^» ^THeOvcrfurcs for ordering tht AfTembly-Houfe , givcfl ■^■into , and approved bythe Aflembly of Aberdeneihc zg. July I and ordained to be kept the whole time thereof. Se(r. f. 30. 1641. AB antnt old tJMinifiers hruikiftg their Benefcesl 'pHe AHcmbly having conlidered the Supplication given iix by Dodor Heivie, Proveftofthe new Colledfcof S. xfitidntvs , whereby he craved, that ( nwtwithftanding ofhis dilmiffion of his charge) he Ibould not be prejudged of his full provifion and maintenance during his life time : The Allerably thinks it fit and necefiary, that his provifion and maintenance Ihouldnot be diminiHicd , but that he Ihould injoy thejfamc fully > asbefore , during all the dayes of his life time, andcravethhisdifmiflionto be only but a cel- fation from his charge, becaufe of hisage and inability: And declares, that old Minifters and profelTors of Divinitie, Iball not by their cefiation from their charge , through age and inabilitie, be put from injoing their old maintenance & dignity. And recommends this and others the like things > concerning thaeftate of that Univerfitie of S, Anireivs , to "he Parliament , and the Vifitation to be appointed from the Asfemblv & Parliament. And likewife the Asfembly being; nformed, that the faid EK)dor Boitie hath been very painfull n his charge* and that he bath divers papers which would be 'cry profitable for the Kirk : Tiiercfore they think fit, that he laid doctor Hoti^ie be defired to coIletSb thefe papers , yhich docch’concerne* & may be profitable for the ufe of the ' ' G Kirk, 9^ The Generali Kirk , that the famine may be fliowne to the ViGtors of faid Univerfitie. SefTS. 2^ Aug. 1^41. ameridie.' KElagatnfi fudden receiving {^inijlers depofed. 'T'He Asfembly ordaineSjthat Minifters who are depofed ei¬ ther by Presbyteries, Synod?, or Generali AsfembieSjor Committees from Asfemblies f'^r the pubhke cauf-- of the Keformationandorder ofthisKirk fhallnotbe fuddenlv re¬ ceived againe to the Miniftcrie , till they firfi: evidence their repcn'anceboih before the Presbyterie and Synod, within the bounds where they were depofed , and thereafter the fa¬ mine reported to the next cnfuingtje.neiall Asfembly. SefT. 9. Aug. 1641. "The Overtures UnJer tfritten , concerning the T\iverjlties ani Col ledges afthisKingdome to be reprejented by theGcnerallAflem- bly .tothcK^ngsMajeJly and Parliament, being openlyread, the A Icmbly app' oved thu faidt Overtures , and ordained them to be recommended to the Parliament. Firft, becaufethe good effare both ofthe Kirk and Com- monw^ealth* dependeth mainly upon the flourifh/ig of Uuiverfities and Colledges , as the Seminaries of both , which cannot be expefted , unlcffe the poore meanes which they have , be helped , and fufficient revenues be provided for them and the fame well imployed : Therefore that out of the rents of prelacies ; Collegiat or Chapter-Kirks > or fuch likc> afufficient maintenance be provided foracom- petent number of ProfefTors* Teachers , and Burfersinall faculties, and efpccially in Divinities and for upholding , repairing , and enlarging the Fabrick of the Colledges, , furnifhing Libraries, and ftichlike good ufcs m every Oni- verfideandColkdge. ~ " IL ■ ^{femhl^ ^ i6^ f- 99 FI. Next for keeping of good order 5 preveenlngandre- ftioving of abufes, andprovnoving';fpietie and learning, it is ' ery ncedfnll & expedient, that there be a communion and corrcfpondencie ke -t betwixt all the Univeiiitiesand Col- leoges. And therefore that it be ordained, that there be a meeting once every year at uich times and places as Mbc ^*"0 ever)'’ Univerfity and Col edge to conlult and determine upon ihe common affairs, and whatfoever mav^ concerne them , for the ends abovc- ipecihed , and vrho alfo , or lome of their number may re- prefent whaflhall be needfall ai',d expedient for the fame ef¬ fect , to Parliaments and Gcner J1 Asfembiies. T> ^ r Ip'cial care be liad that the places of the Pr ofeffors , eipecially of ? rofeffors of Divinity’in every U- myerfty andColledge, Be filled widithe ablcf men , and belt aneCtea to the Keformationand order of this Kuk. SefT, io. Aiiguft 4,. 1641* againH Impetj and Schifme, Affcmbly ferioufly Gonfdering the prefent cafe and Kir.gdome , what great npwulJ' c t’s, efpeclally fince the rc- 1- notwithftanding our former ba k- in fhall either become remiffc Vppd'^ of liery, or fhall not conftantly hold and j ’i bound out felvcs fo Namp ^ (^iflionour we doe unco the 3„ j u foremen, who have their eyes upon us, thefennd rhp^'’’^^ 'fe bring upon our felvcs , unon ^onfi^eraiions, The Affcmbly doth h'adc othe^ borh ftirre up^hemfelves , and to provoke all other , both vamltersand people of all degrees , no' onlv to the religious exercifes of publike worlhip^in the ( ’ongrega- butalfotoche duteiesofmnrnnl n , y inftruClion , admonition , exjiorting one p ^ another TOO ^ The Generali Unothffr to fordwardnefle in Religion, and comfoTtingonc another in whatfocver diftreffe j and thitin all i heir meet¬ ings , wit ler in the M'ay of civill convcifation , oi by rrafon of their particula callings , or any other occa^on eftered by d'vine providence » nocorrurr coinmunicationproceedi be u} on the one pan lub- jedi to ihc mocking of ungodly and wcrldh mer, who can¬ not endure (hat in others , vt'hu h they are not v illirgtopra- aife themfclves , srd upon the cth^ r r at r , to many errors and abufes » to which the godly ihrcugh th=ir wcaknes may fall, or by the craftineffe of others n av be drawn into , fuchasare Ericr , Hcref e , Sch-fn e, bcandal , Self-con¬ ceit, and delpifing of others, prclTing above trcccn mon calbnc of Chriftlms, andufurping that which is prayer to the Pciftoral Vocation, contempt or mifregard of the pub- like means, idle and unprofitable queftions which Cuine ncir, uncharitable cenfurings, ncgleftofdutiesmpamct hrcall- anes , bufineffc in other mens Matters and Callings, and many fuch others in doarine, charity, and manners w„ich liave dolefully rent the bowels other Kirks , to the great Tlferefofe^hc^A^^^^ , moved with the zeal of God a- Eainft all abufes and corruptiens , and according to thetr manifold obligations , moft earncfily defiring and thirfung to promove the woi k of Reformation, and to hav e the com¬ fort and power of tne true godlineOe fenfible to every foul tnd Religion to be univerfally praaifed in eveiy b amily.and by every perfon at all occafions , Dc th charge all the Mnn- fters and IVl embers of this Kirk \t horn -they doe reprclent , that according to their feveral places and vocations , tnqy endeavour torupprelTeall impie:y and mocking of religious exercifes , efpecially of fuch as put foulc afperfions, and faftious or odious names upon the godly. And upon 1 1« wherput. that ia the feat efGod they i^jfemhlyl 1641! lot pjallywife, that under the name and pretext ofreligicu# exercises, otherwayes lawful and necelTary, they fall noc into the aforciaid abufesi efpecidr.', that they efehew all meetings which are apt to breed Errdr , Scandail , Sheifme, negledt of due ies and particular callings , and fuchother evils as are the works , not of thefpirit, but of the flelh , and are conrrary to truth and peace 5 and that the Presbyte* Ties and Synods have a care to take order with fuch as trani* jrclle the one way or the other. SeCr. 14- (*-Augufl tiMerUie. Adi anent Novations^ \ Since it hath pleafed God to vouchraPe us the libcrtieof yearly General Alfembiies, It is ordained accordinf!: to the Adis of the Aflembly at Edinburgh t and/tJibey itne >640. that i>o No'^ation in poClrine , Woilhip, or Government> behroughtin, orpradlifedinihisKirK , un- Jeff-- it be fi; ftp opounded , examined, and allowed in the General Aftcnibly , and that transgiefiors in this kindeb# cenfured by Presbyteries and Synods. A6l.Seff. 7. 1641. Overture antm Burfars , and ExpeSfaats. Tits Overtures under^writtenbeing openly read in audience of ei§ Affemhly , were approved , and declared by them to be Mis oftheAffembly, in all time coming, to be ebfervedtef as the famine bears. THc AlTcmbly thinks meet for maintaining of Burfari of Divinitie, ihac every Presbyteric that confifls of twelve Minifters ihall maintain a Burfar, and where the number is fewer nor twelve , ftiall be joyned with thefe out ©•f anote Presbyteric wjacre their numbei exceeds : wher* 102 'The Generali this courfe is .not already kept, it is to be begun without longer delay , and every Provincial is ordained to give an ac- compt of thvir number of Burlars , that is conltantly to be entertained by their Province, at the next enfuing (Scneral Asrembl)% 1 i. No expedlantlhall be permitted to preach in publike befor" a Congregation , till firfl. he be tryed af er the fame manner , I'owheit not altonethtr with that acciiracie which isinjoyncdby theadt oft'ieAdcmMy of Glajgoiv i thaf hehach binofan honcllv ponvcrlarion , dnd pad his tryalls conform to the order here preferibed : Which being done in the meeting of the Pro- yrnee or Prcsbyteric , where he defires to be heard ; he is tp be allowed bv them to preach w ithin the bounds of that Pro- ■vince or Presbyteiic , without any further tryall to betaken ofhim. I i i. Expedlanrs being educate in a Collsdgc that was cor¬ rupt!, or under a corrupt Minidor, if they thcmfelves have been known to have been tainted with error , or oppolite to «our Covenant, and the biesfed V/oik of Re'ermatipn within ihisKi>k» the fanie order is to be kept in admitting them to the holy -Miniftric , or to any place in the Coliedges or bchooles of this Kingdome , that was ordained to be kept in adihihion ofthefe Minifters who fled out of the Countrcy^ and ihew themfelvc? oppofue to our Covenant and Refor¬ mation, ' ' ^Jfembly t 1641.’ H03 Ad: Seif. 1 7. Augufl 9. 1641, THe Asfembly taking to their confidcration the qoc2 ftion proponcd5unto thetn concerning the Band, the copy whereof was prefenred befoie rh“m from the Par«» liament, dj*ih find and declare that Bands of rh s and the like nature, may not lawfully be made : By which !3eclaration the AsfemtJly doth not intend to brin'^ any ceniure f 'r what is paft>and by the Mfifedome and care of the Commit ;ee of the Parliament IS taken away, upon any perfon, who being re¬ quired by the Moderator and the Clerk , lhall under his hand declare before them, I'hat as the Asfembly doth findc that the fubferibtrs ate not aftridied by their Oath to the te¬ nor of the faid Band , fo hefindeth bimfelfnot tobeaftridh- ed by his Oath to the tenor thereof s but the intention of the Asfembly is meerly to prevent the like in time coming. AeV againfi unUwfuU Bands SeffiS* c)»Auguft 1641. a meridie. A Letter from feme Minifers in England to the hfemhlie* ^ Jlight Reverend an^ dear BrethrcH , noWconveened in this Generali Agdmhly, WEc moft heartily falute you in the Lord , rejoycing with you in his unfpeakable goodnesfe, fo miraculous¬ ly profpering your late endeavours > both for thareftoring and fettling of your own Liberties and Priviledges , in Church and common wealth ( which we hcare and hope he is now about toaccompiifli ) asalfo for the occasioning and advancing of the Worke of Reformation anaong our leivass' for M'hich as we daily blesfc the higheft Lord , iblc Author of all on r good j fo doe we acknowledge your felves worthy inftruments thereof. And for that (befidcs all other re- fpe(^s ) doe , and ever fhall ( by the help of GodJ hold yoM It 04 TheGenerall you deareunto us , as our own bowels, and our felves ob¬ liged to render unto you all due corrcfpondence' according to our power , upon all good occafions. And now (deare Brethren) ^orafniuch as te Church of Chrift is but one body , each part w'cre of cannot but partake in the wealeand woe of the whole , and of Each other part j and thefe Churches of England and Scotland , may feem both to be imbarqued in the fame bottome , to fink and fwim to¬ gether, andarefoncarconjoyned by manyftrong tycs, not only as fellow-members under the fame Head Chrift , and fello'V-fubjcdls under the Came King j but alfo by fuch neighbourhood and vicinity of place , that if any evil fball much infeft the one? the other cannot bee altogether free; Or if for the prefent it fhould , yet in procefle of time it y’ould fenfibly fuffer alfo. And forafrnuch as evils are bet¬ ter remedied in their firft beginning, then after they have once taken deep root ; therefore we whofe names are here under-written , in the behalf of our felves , and of many others , Muufters of the Church of England arc bold to com¬ mend to your confideration j being iriet together in this ve¬ nerable Aflembly ) a difference of great concernment, which^’you mayplcafc ( in brief) thus to underftaad. Al- mighty Godhaving now of his of infiinirc goodneffc raifed up bur hopes of removing the yoke of Epifccpacie ( under which we have fo long groaned ) fundry ocher forms of Church-government are by fundry forts of men projected, to be fee up in the roome thereof ; One of wfiich ( amongft othexs ) is of fome Bretriicn that hold the whole power of ' Chufth-government » &: all Adis thereunto appertaining (as Eledlion, Orduuden , and Depofition ofOfiicf rs , with Ad- miilion > Excommunicat'on , & Abfoliuion of Members) arc by divine Ordinance tnforo externo, to be decreed by the moll voices , in , and ofevery particular Congregation , which (fay they ) jstheutmoft bound of a particular Church ; en-' ducd with power of Government, & only fome Formalities of folemne execution to be referved to the Qiiiccrs ( as fer- yants pf the faids Chinch ) if they have any , or if nons , then leo be performed by fome other members , not in office^ Chur^b fhai appoint And that ^ gYcrx t^Jlfemb^j I641. 10 f every of the faid particular Congregations (whether they confiftsof few or many Members, and be furnilhedwith Ofiices or not ) lawfully may &: ought to transact, determine ^ execute all matters pertaining to the government of them- felves amongftSc ithin thcmfelves withour any authoritative (though not confulatorylconcurrencc or interpoiition of any other perfon’s or Churches whatfoever, condemning all im¬ perative and deciiivc power of Clasfes, or compound Pres¬ byteries and Synods , as a mcere ullirpation. Now becaufe we conceive that your judgement in this cafe may conduce miichby theblelHngofG od, to the fettling of this queftion amonglt us j Therefore we doe carneftly intreat the fame at your hands , and that fo much the rather, becaufe we fomc- times hear from thofc of the aforefaid judgement, that fome famous and eminent Brethren, even amongft your felves , doe fome what enclineunco an approbation of that way of government. Thus humbly craving pardon forourbold- nesfe , leaving the matter to your grave confiderations, and expecting anfwer at your convenient Icafurc , Wc commit you I and the fuccesfe of this your meeting* totheblelling of the Almighty , in whom we lhall ever remain. London j YourfaithfullBnthrentoferve jouinallo^cesoflove. The Jjfemblies Anfwer to the E7iglish Minijlers Letter. reverend and dearly beloved Brethren ia eur Lord and common Saviour pfay Chrijf. WEc the Minifters and Elders met together in this Natio^ nail Asfembly, were not a little rcfrcihed and comfoi> ted by the good report which vve heard ot you * and others of our Brethren of the Kirk of England, by fome cf our Mi« nifters, who by the good providence of our Lord had fecti your faces, andconverfed with you. But now yet more comforted by your Letters Yf'hich wc received 1 jind which ^ -- - G 5, ' ^ EoS The Generali were read in the face of the Asfemblf , witnefllng your Chriltian love , and rcjoycing with us in God for hir great 2nd wonderful! Work in the Reformation otthisKirK, and in the beginning ofa blesfed Reforrnacion amongft. your lel- ves, and that you are fo fcnfible of your communion and fellowfhip with us» and to delire to know our minde and jud¬ gement of that which fome Brethren amongft you hold, , concerning Kirk-government. VVedoe with our hearts acknowledge and wonder at the ’ fireatand unfpeakable wifedomc, mercie, and power of our tyod, in reftonng unto us the truth and purine of Religion, •. after many Back -llidings and defection of fome in this Kirk, .. &delirc not only to confesfc the fame before the world, and all other Chriftian Kirks , but alfo doe pray for grace to walk , worthy ofio wonderful a love: VV e have been helpedby your prayers, in our weak endeavours? & you have mourned with . us, f we know) inthedayesofour moutning i and therefo¬ re is it that you doe now rejoyce and praife God with us. Kcither are we out of hope , but the lame God fhall fpeedily ’ perfedt that which he hath begun amongft ) ou , that your ■ joy may be full . u^hich is the defire of our foule , and for •. which we doe now pray, and in our feverall Congrega- ♦ tions will bcinftant at the throne of grace ? for-thijandall " other fpirituall and rcmporall blelfings upon the Kirk and Kingdome of , by name, expedliing .he like perfor¬ mance ofmutuail love from you and others equally minded with yoity for your parts, till a common confent may be obtained, even that you will recommend the Kirk o[ Scotland i by name in your prayers to God. Thus fli illwebe as one < people, mourningand rejoycing, prayingand praifingto- > gether i which may be one meane of the prefervacion of U- ' nity > and of many other bleilings to us both- We have learned by long experience , ever lincc the time j Reformation, and fpecially after the two Kingdomes have ? been ( in the great gooddnesfe of God to both ) uni- ^ ted under one Head and Monarch , but moll of all oflate , | which is not unknown to you , what danger and cont g.on in matters of Kiik government , of divine worlhip » and of 4o6trine, may come fiom the one Kijk to tiie other, which ' befide ty^Jfembly ^ 1641. 107 bcfide all-other reafons make us to pray to God/and to defire you , and all that love the honour of Chrift , and the peace of thefe Kirks and Kingdomes, heartily to endeavour ^ that there might be in both Kirks , one Confcilion , one Diiedlorvforpublicke worfhip, one Catechifme, and one Forme of Kirk - government. And if the Lord who hath done great things for us, lhallbc pl-afed to hearken unto our dciires > and to accept of our endeavours , we fhall not only have a fure foundation for a durable Peace , but Ih ;I1 be ftrong in God , againll the rifing or fpreading oi Herefic andSchirme amongft our.felves , andofinvahon fromfor- raipc enemies. Concerning the difiierent Formes of Kirk-governaient » projefted by fundrie forts of men, to be fee up in place of Epilcopall Hierarchie , which wet ruft is brought near unto its period, wc muft confeffe, that we arc not a little grieved that any godly Minifters and Brethren Ihould be found, who doe nor agree with o her Reformed Kirks in me point of go¬ vernment as well as in the matter of Dodlrine and worfhip ; and that we want not our ownfeares, that where the hedge of Difeipline and Government is diE’crent, the Doctrine and Worfhiplhall nor long continue the fame without change: yet doe not marvellmuch, that particular Kirks and Con¬ gregations W'hichlive in luck places , as that they can con¬ veniently have nodependencie upon fuperiour Alfemblics , fhouldftand for a kind of iiidepcndencic and fupreniacie in rhemfelves , they not confidering that in a nation orKing- lomc, profefling the fame Religion, the government of the iCirk by compound Presbyteries and Synods is a help and ftrength , and not a hinderance or prejudice to particular Congregations and Elderfhips , in all the parts of Kirk-go- yernmentj and chat Presbyteries and Synods are not an ex- rinfecall power fee over particular Kirks, like uatoEpif- bopal dominion, they being no more to be reputed ext: infe- ;al unto the particular Kirks> nor the power of a Parliament, j)r Convention of Ehates , where tbeShiresand Cities have heir ow_» Delegates , is to be held cxtrinfceal to any parti- ‘ailar ^hire or City. iiicli Our so* The Generali Our unanimo’js judgement and uniforme praftice, js^ that accord ill g to the order of the Reformed Kirks j and chc ordinance of God inh s Word , not onely the folemno execution of Ecclehaftical power and authoritie , but the whole afts and exercife thereof , do properly belong unto the Ofiicers of the Kirk ; ye t fo that in matters of chiefeft iroporrance, thetaciteconfencof the Congregation be had, before rheir decree^ and fen’-ences receive final execution, 2nd that the O/licers of a pa'-ticular Congregation , may not exercife this power independently , bat with fubordmation siato- greater Pres'iyreries and Synods, Provincial and Na¬ tional : Which as they are reprefentativt of the particular Kirks conjoyned Together in one under their government j fatheir determinaticn , when they proceed orderly* whe¬ ther in caules common to all , or many of the Kirks , or in caufes brought before them by appellations or references from the inferiour, in the cafeofaberation of theinferiour, is to the feveral Congrega-ions authoritative and obligarorie and not co'.ifultaDory only : And th’sdependencieand fub* ordination > we conceive not only to be warranted by the Ifght of nature j ivhich doth diiedl the Kirk in fuchtlaing# i 2S are common to other locieries , or to be a prudential way i for Reformation, and for the prefervation of Truth and i Peace* againftSchifmc , Hercfie, andXyranny, which is i the fvueet friiirs of this government wherefoever in hath j place, and which w^have found 'in ancient and late expe^ i rienccs but alfo to be grounded upon the Word of God, and to be conforme to thepaterne of the Primitive and A- peftolical Kirks ; Andpeithouc which, neither could the Kirks in this Kingdome have been reformed , nor were wc able forany time to preferve Truth andjUnity amongftus. In this forme of Kirk- government, our unanimity and harmony by the mercy of God , is lb full and perfeft , that all the Members of this Affembly have declared thcmlclves j to be of one heart, and of one foule, and to be no leffe > i perfwaded , that it isofGod, then that Epifcopal govern¬ ment is of mens refolving by the grqccofGod, to hold the fame conftantly all the dayes of our life, and heartily due God would bkilc ail the Chriiliaas Upm^ly j 1 641. pecially the famous Kitk of EnjW, un‘o ^vhicll in all other refpeas we ate fo nearly loyned v ith this divine Forme o£ covernment. Thus having briefly and plainly given ouf judgement for your fatisfa^tion, and defuing and liopu'S that yc will belecvc againft all mil reports, h.t wc know not fomiich as one man, more or lefle eminent among'! us, «fa diderent judgement , we con mend ycu urto the richcioC the grace of thrift , who will perfetft th : which he had bc^. gun amongftyou toyouc unspeakable conifort* hubferibed by oor Moderator and Clerk, l^inburgh 9. ^ugufl , 1 641^ _ _ ' B Tijf Affemblies Anfaier to the Kings Jldajeffies Letter, Mod gracious Soveraign> Efidc the confciencc of that duetle v-hich wc owe tofa^ ■ jpreme Authority, we are not only 'encouraged, but confirmed by the Royal favour and Princely munificence, exprefted in Yoor gracious Majefhes Letters, which filled ourhearts With joy, and our mouths with praife, ro offer iipourprayers withthe urcatcr fervencie toOod Almighii* for your MajeftieshappinefTc, ourfcives for our own parrs ^ and for the whole Kirks of this your Majefties Kingdome which wc doe reprefent, to ferve Your Maieftie in all humble obedience , our faithful l^^ours for preferving Tructh and Peace amongft allYour MajefticsSubjedbs, and our example ( according to Your Majcftics juft commat^- ments laid upon us ) to be aprefedent to others in paying that hoh our , which by all Lawes divine and humane, is dac unto Your (acred Majellic , being confident that your ieftie lhall findc at your coming hicher much more fatisfaai- ®n and content then Can exprefted by YourMeniesm^ ^-UmUe Suhjfsan^fahJfui Servants ithe Mtmjlers arJ hmrs met tog^her in the vcncrahle Affembly at St, Andr ws, lul) 10 . and fiduiburgh. Inly 17. i64i The Generali no AB anent the Kirk <^Campheir. TpHe which day a motion was made in the Aflembly , that itfeemcd expedient for correfpondencic that might be had from forraigne pa'ts, forthewealof this Kirk. That the Scots Kirk ziCampheir werejoyned to the Kirk o^Scot^ imi , as a Member thereof : Which being ferioii^y thought upon and confidered by the AfTembly , theyap- proved the motion , and ordained Maffer Rof'er? Mi nifter ar Cil winning,^ o write to Mafter Willum Spang Minidcr at Campheir t and Kirk-Seibon thereof > willing them to fend their Minidcr , and a ruling fc-lder , inftrudfed with a CommilTion to the next General AfTembly to be holdcn at St Andrews i the la ft Wednefday of July^64Z. atwhichtime they fhould beinrolledm the Books of the General Aflem- blv , as theCommiflioners of the Ge leial Aflembly of Scot¬ land ^ from the Scots K'rk ztCampheir. 'J'i/e hjjemhly appoint^ the next General hfemhly to he holden at Sc . Andrews , the laH Wednefday of July 1642. $ THE Ill -Sj tA 3bAfAA>A AxA3LiAi 5®* •o^7T?T'f T"?T T *? ^ FTFT'? T’TTTT THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY, ConveenedatS. AndrtwSf yuly%7. 164.^^ AdSeir. I. a7* y^/y i <^4^. “Xhe Kingi T etter to the Generali Afemhly 1 prefentcd hy Hi flies ComniiJJlQner j the Earle of Dumfermling , Julyiy. Ch AB.LES R. the midft of Ourgreat and weighty affaires of who f^Mis pnvie to Our Intentions , and in whom We trull , will in his own time bring to a wiihedand peaceable conclufion , We are not unmiadfull of that duetie which we owe to thatOur ancient and nativcKing- dome, and to the Kirks there , now met together by their Commishoners in a National! AHembly. God whole Vice¬ gerent We are , hath made Usa King over divers Kingdo-* rses , and We have no other defire, nor defigne , but to govern them by their own Lawes , and the Kirks in them by their own Canons and ConftitutioHS. Where any thing is found to be amilTe, We will endearout a Reformation in a fair and orderly way 5 and where a Reformation is fettled. We refoIve,with chat auchoritie wherewithGod hathin veiled Us 3 to mainjaiii and defend it in pease and libertie, againft all iiz The Generali all trouble that can come from without, and againfl all Hcre- iies, Scifts , and Schifmes which may arile from within. Nor do We defire any thing more in that Kingdom (and whenWefliall hcarofit, it ihall be a delight and matter of gladnefifeunto Us) then that the Gofpel be faithfully, pre¬ ached thrcnghou" the whole Kingdom, to the outmoft skirts and borders thereof. Knowing that to be the mean of ho¬ nour to God , of happinefie to the people , and of true obc- dicKietoUs. And for thiseffedl, that holy and able men be put in places of the Miniilery, and that Schoolcs and Col- Icdges may floiirifh in Learning and true Pietie. Some things for advancing ofthofeends. We did oFOur own ac¬ cord promife in Our Letters to the lalt Alfcmbly, and ^ 'We make your felves Judges > who where witnesfes jo Our AiSions , while We were there in Perfon , whe¬ ther we did not perform them both in the point of prefenta- tions which are in our hands , and in the liberal! provifion of ■all the Univerfitics and Colledgcs of the Kingdome, not only above that which any of Our Progenitors had done before Us; but alfo above your owne hopes and expedla- tion. We doe not make commemoration of this Our Bene¬ ficence, eitherto picafe Our felves, ortoftop the influence of Our Royall gcodnefie and Bountie for afterward, but that by thefe reall demonftrations of Our unfained defires and de¬ light to do good , you may be the more confident to cxpcdl from Us , whatfoever in Juftice We can grant, or what may be expedient for you toobtaine. We have given cxprefic charge to Our Commiflloner , to fee that all things be done there orderly and peaceably , as if We were prefent in Our Own Perfon i nor doubting but in thankfulncffo for yourl ' prefent eftate and condition , you will abftainc from every thing that may make any new difturbance , and that you wil be mote wife then to be the enemies of your own peace, which would but ftumblc others , and ruine your fclvcs- We have alfo commanded Our Commiifioner to receive from yoti your juft and rcafonable defircs > for what naay further ft^rve for the good of Religion, that taking them to Our confidcradon, We may omit nothing which may wit- nesfe i AJfembly^ 11^41.'' 113' resfe Us robe indeed a nurfing Father of that Kirk, whe¬ rein were born and baptized , and chat if ye be not hap¬ py , you inay blame not Us , but your felvcs. And now* what doe We again require of you , but that which other- wife you owe to Us as your Soveraigne Lord and King> even that ye pray for Our profperitie and the peace of Our King*-' domes, that ye ufethe beftmeanes to keep Our People in obedience to Us and Our L.awes , which doth very mucit in Our perfonall abfence from chat OurKingdoare depen fufpi- tionsandfinifler ruthorsas arc too frequent in thefetimesa and have been often falhfied in timepaft, by the realit)? of tlic contrary events : Ye judge Us and Our pfofeifions by Our actions, which we truft through God indefpight of malice fliall ever go on in a conftaat way for the good of Religion j and the weal of Our People , which is the ChiefcftlofOur intentions anddeiircs- And thus We bid you farewell; Given at Our Court at Leicefter, the 25. of July, 1641. To Our trufiyand ivel beloved the Gen'rall Jjjembly tn eur l^ngdom of Scotland conveenedatS. Andrewsi A(^Seflr 3. 164!.' Afl fdr bringing in of the Synode Books yeerlf to the General AfendtUes, THe Moderator calling to roinde that which was forgot¬ ten in the preceeding SeHions , the examinaiicn of the Provincial Books , caufed call the Roll of the Provkiciall Affemblies , And the Affembly hnding very few Provinces to have fent their Books to this AfTeinbly , noewithftanding of the ordinance of the former Aflembly thereanent , foa: the more exawt obedience of that ordinanoe herejifser , H the. 1 14 The generall the Aflcmblvinonevoyceordaines, That the BooVsofeve- ry Provincial Adcmbly fhall be brought and produced to every General Adeinbly : And that this may beSpe'f^^^tned > ordaines that every Clerk of the Provincials, either bring or fend the faid Booksyearly to theGeneral 'MTemblics, by the CommillioRcrs fent to the AlTemblies, from thefe P rcs- byteries where the Clerks refidc. Which charge the Afletn- bly alfo layes upon the faidCommihioners , fent from the faids Presbyteries where the Clerks refide , ay and while fome meanes b« provided , whereby the Clerks charges mav be fuftained for coming with the faids Books themfelves : And that under the pain of deprivation of the Clerk , in Cafe of his neglect, and of fuch cenfureof the faids Com- miflloners , in cafe of their neglei^l: as the Aflembly lhall think convenient . Augtifii. i64z. the choofwg of KirkSeJJiens, ANent the queftion moved to the Alfembly , concerning theeleflion of Kirk Sefiions j TheAffemblv ordaines the old Sefiion to cledl the newSeHion both in Burgh and Land. And that if any place fhall vaik in the Sehion cho- fen , by death or otherwife , the prefent Sclfion fhall have the eleflion of the perfon to fill the vacand roome. Sefl*. 6. ^ugujf 1 6^z, The Report oftloe Interpretation of the Picl at Edinburgh, anem tryalof Mintfters. THe meaning of the forefaid Aft, is not thatanaflual Minifter to be tranfported , lhall be tried again by the trvals appointed for trying of Expectants , at their entry to tlie Miniftery j according to the A(3:s of the Kirk i but on- . iy K^ff'emby^ 1641. tif ly that he bringing a Teftimonial of his former fryais , and of his abilities , and converfation ^ from the Presbyterie fiom whence he comes , andgivingfuchfatisfadiontothe Parochiners Presbyterie whereto he comes, in preaching , as the P;esbyterie finds his gifts - fit and anfwerable for the condition and difpofition of the Congregation , ^thereto heisprefented. Becaufe, accordingto the Adtofthe Af- fembly I59(S. renewed at Glasgow , iome that are meet for the Minifiery in fome places , are not meet for all alike : AndUniverfities, Towns and Burghs , and places of^No- blcmens refidence , or f-equencie of Papills, and other great and eminent Congregations* and in fund ry other ca- les , require men of greater abilities , nor will be required necelTarily m the, planting of all private fmall Parochcs , the leaving of the confidetation of thefe cafes unto the judge¬ ment and confideration of the Presbyterie, was the only intention of the Adi. 'The Ajlemhly approves the meaning an^ interpretation forefaidt And appoints the f aid , according ten this interpret tion, to {land in force , and to have the jhength ofanAB and ordinance of Afembly in all time comings AdtSeff. 7. i6^z, AB anent the order for making Lifis^to His iJM’aje*, file, and other Patrons for Pre[entations\ The order of try al of Exp eBants ^ and for trying the quality of Kirks . FOrfameikle as His Majellie was gracioufly pleafed in His Anfwer to the Petition , tf ndicdby the Commihioncrs of the late Afiembly to HisMajedie , to declare and pro- mife, for the better providing of vaiiingKiiks atHisMa- jefties Prefentation with qualified Minifters , to prefent one out of a lift of fix perfons, fent to HisMajeftie Tromthe Presbyteries wherein the vaiking Kirk lyeth , as His Maje- fties Declaration , figned with his Royal hand at VfEite - bail , H the 1 1 The Generali ^he 3. , regiftrate in thebooks of AflcitiWy this day at Icngcli beares. And fachlike whereas the Lords’ of Exchequer upon a Petidon prefented to thena by the Commiflloners of the Generali Ailembly, and the Procu¬ rator and Agent for the Kiik reprefenting two Pre^udicesj one, thatgifts obtained from His Majeftie of Patronages of Kirks, at His Prefenration were paHing the Exchequer 3 without the qualification and provifion of a Lift , wherewith His Majeftie\uaspleafedtorcftiij. imgh: fliall direft and think at mat time moft able and willing to obtain the prefentatlon , to be fignea and filled up by His Maj.choife of one of the Lift. Ana if the vacant Kirk be ofa Patronage difponed by His Majefty fincc the 3. o£ fanuary , in that cafe cither the Presbyteries tberafelves fhall fend a Lift of fix pcrforrsinmancr aforefaid , with a blank preten- ration to the Patron, to be filled up by hischoife,ckrublcribed or fend the famine to the faids Officers of the Kirk» to be con¬ veyed by them to the Patron of the vaiking Kirk, as the Pres* by tcrie fhall think moft expedient, i t is al wayes declared, that this order fhall be without prejudice to thePresbyteries, with confent forclaid , to put adlual Minifters lipon the laid Lift of fix perfors,tobe fentto the Patron of the faid vaiking Kirks, if they pleafe. And leaft that the nomination of Expe¬ ctants by Presbyteries, Synods, or Asfemblies, in their Rolls orLifts forefaid,be mis-interpreted,as though theExpeftants, nominated in thefe Rolls and Lifts , were thereby holden & acknowledged to be qualified, which is not the intention of the AfTcmb'ly.who rather think,that in refpeCl of this Order, there fhould be a more exact tryal of Expectants then before: Therefore the AfTembly o' daines,that noExpeCtantsfttall be put oathe Rolls orLifts above-mentioned, but fuch as have been upon the publike exercife,at the kaft by the fpace of half a year, or longer, as the Presbyterie fhall linde necefiary. And fuchlikeordaines, that hereafter none be admitted to the pu¬ blike excrcifc, before tbey,be tried according to the tryal ap- pointed forExpeftanrs, at their entrie to the Miniftcriein the lateAfl'cmbiy izGlaJgaiP) in the 24. Article of thcACf of the 23- Seffion thereof: which tryalU the AfTembly appoints to be taken of evcryExpeClant, before his admifiion to the publike' cxercife. And fuchlike ordaines , That the famine tryall f ihill be again taken immediatly before ihcir admiffion to the i idinifterie, together with their triall mentioned in the advice of lorae Brethren deputed for penning the cprruptipns of H 3 ~ the u8 The Generali the Miniftery j approven in the faid A in man- nerforefaid, Andbecaufc the Procurator and Agent of the Kirk cannotget fufiicienr infoi marion to theLords of Exche¬ quer anentthe Right and Intcreft ofthe Kirk, and Presbyte- iresin ICirks, whereof gifts of patronages may beprefented to the Exchequer: Therefore the Aflemblv ordaincs for their better information hereanent, that every Presbyterie, with all diligence , 0*^0 all meanes of exaft tryall of the nature and qualitieofall Kirks within their botu.ds , as what Kirks be¬ long the Kings Majeftiespatronage, what to other Laick pa¬ tronages > what Kirks of old were planted by the Presbyte¬ ries, and what by Prelates, and Jiilhops, before theAs- fetnbly at Glafgato 1 6 3 8. what hath been the way and time of the change ofthe plantingand providing of the Kirks > if any have been changed or any other thing concerning the nature and qualitie of every Kirk within their bounds, andtofenej the fame to the Procurator of the Kirk with all diligence. anent Lifts for the Kirks in the Htgh-landi. THe Aflemblv confidering that in -Argyle^ and in other plar ces ofthe /mManguage, there wii notbegotten ft xjex- peifants able to fpeak that langueagc , And thcifore the Af- frmbly ii>hopefull, that in rhefe fiugular cafes. His Majeftie Will bepleafed for Kirks v^cand in the Bighknds ^ p accept ty^J^embly ^ 1642- tip of fo many expeftants as can be had , able tofpeak *^he Irish lan';Tiiage. And the Commihioners Grace promifeth. to recommend it to His Majeftic. Overtures againfi^^f ifts 9 non-Communi*. I cants ^ andprofanersoftheSahbAth. THe Affembly would draw up a Supplication to b« prefcn- ted by the Commiflioners of the Presbyerie ofEdinhurgh to the Councell at their firft meeting , for the due execution of the Afts of Parliament and Couucell againlt Papifts* whe¬ rein it will be fpecially craved , that the Exchequer fliould be the I ntromettors with the Rents of thefe who are excom¬ municate, and that from the Exchequer the Presbyterie may receive that portion of the confifeate goods , which the Law appoints to be imployed ad pios tijus. 1 1. Every Presbyterie v'ould conveen at their hrft meet¬ ing, all known Papills in their bounds, and require them to put ou: of their company , all friends and fervants who are Popilh within one moneth i Alfo within that fame fpace, to give their children , Tons and daughsers, who are above ieven yeers old, robe educate at their charges ^ by fuch of their Proteftant friends, as the Presbyterie lhall ap¬ prove , and finde fufficient caution for bringing home with¬ in three moneths fuch of their children who are without the Kingdom, to be educate inSchooles andColledges at the Presbyteries lights to finde caution likcwife of their I abftinence from IViafle , and (the company of all Jefuits and Priefts. III. That all , of whatCoever rank or degree , who re- fiife to give fatisfaciion in every one of the forefaid Articles , lhall be procelTed without any delay ; but thofe who give fatisfadion lhall be dealt with in all meeknefle , after this tUanner ; The Pretbyteries lhall appoint fuch of their num* her as they lhall find fitted to confer with them fo frequently as the Brethren are able to attend , until the midd o£0£iober next, againfc which time, if they be not willing to go to Church , they lhall give aflurance to go and dwell in the H 4 The Generali next adjacent Univerfity Town , whether , Glaf- getff i Sp. tAndreW'! , or Abepdene, from 'Novembhr i. to the TailofM4rc&, where thayfhall attend all the diets of confe¬ rence which the ProfefTors'and Minifters of the bounds lhall appoint to them : By which, if they be not converted, their lobrtinacy fliall be declared in the Provincial Synods of Jpri{ , and from thence their Proceffelball go on to the very cloture ■awithout any farther delay. I V. That every Presbyterie , asthey will beanfvrerable to the next General Atfembly , becareftil to do their dutie an all the premifTes. V. That there be given prefently by the Members of this l^refent Atlcmbly unto the Commitlioners of the Presby¬ terie of Edinburgh , a Lift of all excommunicate Papdls they know , and of all Papihs who have children educate abroad, thaf theymay be prefented, together with otir Sup¬ plication to the Counccl , attheirfirft fitting. VI, That the Couneel may be fiipplicate for an Aif, that annoReginaentwhichgoesoiitof the Kingdom, anyPapifts t>e^r office, and that theCplonel be required to hnde caution /or this effedt , befoie he receive the Councels warrant for pffvying any Souldiers ; Alio that he finde caution for the jnaintainirigpfaMinifter, and keeping ofaSeflioninhis Ra¬ iment. Jpen;, ThcAlTembly would enjoyn every Presbyterie to proceed againft Non - communicants , whether Papifts or fstherx, according to the Adt of Parliament made thereanenr. And luchlike , that Ads of Parliament agamft prophaners pf the Sabbath be put to execution . yhe AJlemhly approver the OverPtires fore[aid , and ordains Epps by ter ies to put the [amine to execution tvith all diligence: And that the Commiffioncrs of every Presbyterie give tn a 'Pijlof the excommunicate PapifstvithinthPir bounds, and of eapifls,ehildren out of the countrcy,to the Cleric,' that the Jame may be prefented to the Councelby theCommi£ionersof this lAlfembly. j i64x. 12I \A5i anent the joynlng of the Tresbyterie of Sky to the Synode of Argyle. i THe Gene ralAflemkily haring confidered the whole pro- ceedingsof the Coinmiirionersof the la:c General Af- fombly holden at Edinburgh , anent the reference made to them concerning the bresOytericofS'^y , together with the whole reafons pro ^ contra in ^he laid matter , after mature deliberation have ratified and approved , and by thele pre- feuts ratifie and approve the Sentence ot' the faidsCommlf* lionets thereintil. And further ordains the faid Presbytery GiSky.y and all the Miniftei sand Elders thereof to keep the meetings of the Provincial Alfembly of Argyle , where tlrcy {hall happen to be appointed in all time coming , fuchlike as any other Presbyterie within the beunds of the faid Pro¬ vince of ^r^y/e ufestodo; And that the famine Presbyte- rie be in all time hereafter within the Jurisdiilion of the faid Provincial Aflembly , M'ichouc any further queftion to be made thercanenr. S elT. 8 • 3 • AtigtiH ^ foH CHeridtem, The Supplication of this Affcmbly to the KINGS M A J £ S T i E. ’ To the Kings moji Excellent Maj. the hearty Thankfgtving^ and humble Petition of the Generat Ajjemhly of the Kirk oyScotUnd, met ap Sc. Andrews > Julyxj. 164.1. OUr hearts were filled vdeh great joy and gladnefle at the hearing of Your rMajenies Letter, which was read^ once and again inj face of theAficmbly, every line thereof almoft cither rexprefl'ing fuch affeftion lothc Reformed Re¬ ligion , and fuch Royal care of us , ^ we require H 5 ' ‘ 1 2 Z T be generall from a Chriftian Prince j or requiring fuch neccfTary duties from us, as we are bound toperforme asMiniftersof the Gofpcl , and ChriftianSubjedts : For which , as folemnc thanks were given by the Moderator of the AiTembbly , fo (do we all with one voice in all humility, prcGent unto Your Majcftie the thankfulneffe of our hearts , with our ear¬ ned: prayers to God for your Majeftics profperity , and the peace of Your Kingdoms, thatYour Majefti^ may be indeed a nurling Father to all the Kirks ofChrilHn YourMaj Do- minions;& efpecially to the Kirk of Scotland, honoured Math Your Birth and Baptiime: Promifingourmoftferionsindea- vours by dodrine and life, to advance theGofpel of Chrill:,8c and to keep the people in our charee in Unity and Peace, and in all loyalty andobedience to Your Mqeftic and Your LaM^s. Your Mdjefties commandsto Your Commiffioner , the Earle of DumfermUng , to receive from usour juft and reafonable dufires for what may further ferve for the good of Keligion here , the favours which we have received already, and Your ?y;aj. defires and delight to do good', exprefted in YourLetterjareas many encouragements us,to take theboln- nefieinall humility toprefent unto Your iN^ajeftic (befidc theparticuhrs recommended to Your Majefties Commiftio- ncr ) one thing , Mdiich for the prefent is the chifeft of all Oiir defires ,35 ferving moftfor the glory of ChriiV, for Your Maje ftics Honour and Comfort s and nor onely for the good of Religion here , but for the true happinefle and peace of all Your Majeftes Dominions ^ M'hich' is no new motion, but the profeciition of that fame by the Commillioners of this Your Majerties Kingdorn in the late Treatie, and which Your Majeftie , M'ith advice ofboth hotifes of Parliament , did approve in thefe words : To their defire concerningunitie in B,elig$nand unifivrmitte ofi Church government , a^ afipeciati tncanes tficonfierving of Peace ketwixf-tlie tivo Kp\> fi^erationtherefarmation of Church government^ fi they will proceed thereimn due time ^ as shall hef: conduce to the glory of God y the Yeaceof the Church, and of both Kingdoms , ii. of Jims 1641. Id Our Anfwer to a Declaration i'eut by the now Commillio- ncrsot thii Kingdom from both Houfes of Parliament , we havenot onely preffed this point of unity in Religion and Uniformity of Church Igovernment , asameane ofafirme and durable union betwixt the two Kingdomes , andwith* out which former e'’kpericnces put us out of hope long to en¬ joy the purkie ofthcGofpcl with Peace, but alfo have rcn- dred the rcalons of our hopes and confidence , as from other confiderations , fofrom YourMajefties late Letter to this Asfembly , that Your Majeftie in a happy conjundiion with rhe Houfes of Parliament 5 will be pleafed to fettle this bl ef- fed Reformation , with fo earneftly defired a Peace in all Your Dominions. And -therforc we Your Majeflies moft loving Subjedfs , in name of the whole Kirks of Scotland, re* prefented by us , upon fnc knees of our hearts , do moft humbly and earneftly beg , that Your Majcfty in the deep of \ our Royall VVifdom , and from Your affedion to the true Religion j andthe^Peaceof Your Kingdoms, may be mo¬ ved to confider, that the God of Heaven and Earth is calling • for this Reformation at Yonr hands, and that as you are his Vice-gerent > fo You may be hi? prime Inftrumenc in it. If it ftiall pleafethe Lord ( w^hich is our defire and hope) that thisblesfed unitie in Religion and Uniformity in Govern¬ ment fhall be brought about; Your MajeftiesConfciencCjin peforming offogreat.adutie : ftiall be a well- fpring of com¬ fort to. Your Self, You; memory fhall be a fweet favour, and Your namerenowed to all following generations. Andif - thefe unhappy commotions' and divifions lhallend in this peace and unity ; then it lhalUppsare in the Providence of God, they were but the noyfe of many waters, andthe voyce of a great thunder before the voyce of harpers harping with their harps* which ihall fill this whole Hand with melojiej and mirth , and the pame of it Ihall be, THE LORD fs there. The TheGen^all 124 T^h$Tyeclaratian of thenar Uament land , fern to the fHe Lords and Commons in this prefent ParJiameat af- fembled, finding to their great grief, that the diftraftions of this Kingdome dayly increalc , and that the wicked Counfclsand praftifes ofamalignent party amongll us (if God prevent them not ) arc hke to caft this nation intoblocd and contulion. To teftific to alJ the World haw earneftl7 they defire to avoid a Civill Warre , they have addreffcd themfelves in an humble Supplication to HisMajettie, for the prevention thereof* A Copy of which their petition, they have thought fit ro fend at this time to tho National Af- fembly of the Church of Scotland , to the intent that that Church and Kingdome ( whereunto they are united by fo many and fo near bounds and tyes, as well Spiritual as Civil) may fee that the like rninde is no w in them , that formerly appeared to be in that Nation. And that they are as tender oftheefiiifionofChrifiianbloudontheone fide, as they are . zealous on the other fide of a due Reformation both in Church and State. In which work, whiled: they were la¬ bouring, they have been interrupted by the plots and pra* £lifes of a malignant party of Papifts, and ill • affcdled per- fons, efpecially of the corrupt and disfolute Clergy, by the incitement and inftigatiori of Biffiops, and others, whofe avarice and ambition being not able to bear the Re¬ formation endeavoured by the Parliament , they have la¬ boured ( as we can exped little better fruit from fuch trees ) to kindle a flame, and raife a combuftion within the bowels of this Kidgdom : Which if by our humble fupplication to His Majefty it may be prevented , and that according to our earned: defire therein , all Force and Warlike preparations being laid afide, we mayreturnctoa peaceable parliamentary proceeding, We do not doubt » but th^t by the blefling of Almighty God upon our endea¬ vours , we daall fettle the matters both in Church and State * to the encrcafe of HisMajefties honour and State, the peace an^ prol^eritie of this Kingdome , and efpecially to the x^AS'en^l^ i 1641. 125' *!ory of God , by the advaticemeat of the true Religion , and fuch a Reformation of the Church, aslhall be moft agre- - able CO Gods W ord. Out of al which , there will alfo moft undoubtedly refult a moft firmc & ftable Union between the two KingdomcsofEK^/4Md and Scotland, which according to our Proteftation • we fhall by all good wayes and nieaneSj, upon all occaftons , labour to preferve and maintain » Subferihitur John Brown, C/er. Pdr/. Jjfembltes 'anfwer to the^eclaration of the Farltament <>/ England. ^T^He Generali Aflembly of the Kirk of Scotland ^ having re- ceived a Declaration fent unto them by the Commiifo- ners of this Kingdome , now zx. London, from the Honou¬ rable Houfes of the Parliament of England 1 exprefllng theic care to prevent the effufionofChriftianbloud in that King- dome , and their afledions to Reformation both in Kirk and State, and having taken the fame to fuch confiderarion as the importance of fo weighty matters » and the high fcftimation they have of fo wife and honourable 2 mcetingas is the Par¬ liament of Englvni , did require j have with uni\ erfall con- fent refolved upon this following Anfwer. L That from the recent fenfe of jthe goodnefle of God , in their own late deliverance, and from their carneft defre of all happiiicfte to our native King and that Kingdome, they blefit the Lord for preferving them inthcmidft of fo many' unhappy divifions and troubles from a bloudy InteftineWar^ which is from God the greateft Judgement, and to fuch a nation the compend of all calamities. They alfo give God thanks for their former and prefent defies cf a Reformation, efpecially of Religion, which is the gloiy and ftrength ofa Kingdoms, and bringethvyith it aircemporall bleflings of profpeiiiy and peace. 1 1. I'hat the hearts of all the Members of this Aftembly , and of all the wcl-aft'e^ted, within thisKingdome, are ex¬ ceedingly itG The Generali cccdingly grieved and made heavy, that info long a time, againft the profclhohs both of King and Pariiarnent, and contrary to thejoynt dehres and prayers of the godly In both Kingdomes , to whom it is more deare and precious then' what is dcareft to them in the world , the Reformation of Religion hath moved fo flowly, and fuffered id great in-, terruption. They confider that not only Prelates . formall Profeffours, profane and wordly men, and all thatarePo- pifhly afteited > are bad councellours and workers , and do abide their power, and bend all their ftrength and policies againft the Work ofGod; but the God of this world alfoj with Principalities and powers , the rulers of thedarknefte ©f this M'orld , and fpiritual wickednefe in high places , are working with all their force and fraud in the lame oppofiti- on , not without hope offuccefte , they having prevailed fo farre from the beginning, That in the rimes of the beft Kings o^Juda of old , and the moftpartof the Reformed Kirks of late, a through and perfedl Reformation of Re¬ ligion hath been a work full of difficulties, Yet doe they conceive > that as it ought hrft of all to be intended fo iKould it be above all other things , with confidencein God, who is greater then the World , and he who is in theWorld, moft ferioufly endeavoured. And that when the fupream pro¬ vidence giveth opportunity ofthe acceptedtime&day offal- vation,no other work can profper in the handsof his f-rvants, if it be not apprehended. &with all reverence & faithfulnefle improved. This Kirk and Nation, when the Lord gave them the calling, confdered not their own deadnelfcj norftagger- ed at the promif.' through unbelief, but gave glory to God. And whoknoweth (weTpeakitin humility and love, and from no other mind then from a dclire of the blcffing of God upon our King and that Kingdome ) but the Lord hath now forhe concroverfte with England, which will not be removed* till fiift and before all, theworlbipofhisname and the go¬ vernment of his houfe be fettled acco.-ding to -is own will ? When this defire ftiall come, iclhallbeto aftei fo long deferred hopes , a tree of life, which fhall not only yeeld tempordl bleffings unco chemfelves , but alfo lhall fpread the branches fo far* that both this nation and other re¬ formed \^jfembly i 164.1. 1*27 formed Kirks fliallfindc the fruits thereof to their great fa- iisfa butis alfo the bafe and foundation of Kingdomesandf:,ftates, and the ftrongell band totyeSubjeds to their Prince in true loyal- tie, and to knit the hearts of one to anotherin true usity and love. They did with preface of all due refpedl and reve¬ rence , far from arrogancy or prelumption j reprefent in name of this Kmgdome , their ferious thoughts and carneft defires for unity of Religion , That in all His Majefties Do¬ minions > there might be one Confelfion of Faith , one dire- dtory of worfhip, ',one publike CStechifme, and one form of Kirk Govenmienc This they conceived to be acceptable to God Almighty , who delighteth to fee his l^ople walking in truth and unity , to be a fpcciEll mcanes for conferving of peace betwixt the Kingdomes , of cafing the Kings Majcfty , and the publike government of much trouble , which ari- feth from differences of Religion, very grievous to Kings andEltaceSj of great content to the King himfelf , to his Nobles, his Court, and all his people , when (occafioned to be abroad ) without fcruple to therafelves , or fcandal to others , all may reforc to the fame publike worfliip , as if they were at their own dwellings j of fuppreiiing the names ofrierefies, and Sects , Puritans , Conformifts , Separa- tifts , Anabaprifts , &c. Which do rent afunder the bowels 1 both of Kirk and Kingdome, of defpaireof fuccefletoPa- pifts and Recufants » to have their profefTion 1 which is iu- confiftent with the true Prdteftant Religion , and authority of Princes, fetup again , and of drawing the hearts and hands of Miniflers > from iinpleafant and unprofitable Con- ' troverfies, to the prefling of mortification, and to Treatifes of true pietie, and pradlical Divinity. The Asfembly doth inow enter upon the labour of the Commiffioners unto which they are encouraged , not only by their faithfulnesfc in thelate Preaty , but alfo by the zealeand example of the ) Generali Asfemblies of this Kirk in former times , as may k sDueare b / the Asfembly. 2,^. ia the The Generali year which ordained a Letter to be fent to "EngUnd againfl the Surplice i Tippet , Cornercap , and fuch ocher Ceremonies as then troubled that Kirk , that they might be removed. By the Asfemblyat Kdinhurgb ^ April Z4, *583. humbly defiring the Kings ‘Majelty to command his A m- basfadour, tJien going to F ngland, to deale with the Queen , that there might be an Union andBand»betwixt them & other Chriftiaa Pnneos & Realmes^profcifing the trueReligion for defence and protedlion of the Word of God, aftd Profesfors thereof > againlt the perfecution of Papifts and confederates jovned and united together by the bloudy league of Trent : as alfothat her Majefty would diiburdentheir brethren of fiw- gUnd of the yoke of Ceremonies, impofed upon them, againlt cue liberty of the Word ; And by the Affembly at EdiubUrghj . Inarch 1 ^^9. ordaining the Presbyteric of to life all good and pofliblc means for the relief and comfort of the Kirk of England , then heave ly troubled for the main¬ taining the true diicipline and government of the Kirk ^ and that the Brethren in their private and piiblike prayers , re¬ commend the ellarc of the affiifted Kirk of England to God^ While now by the mercy of God the conjundtion of the two Kingsdomes is many wayes increafed, the zeale of the Gene¬ rali Afl'embly towards their happinefie ougt to be no lelTc. But befidcs thefe, the AlTembiy is much encouraged unto this duetic, both from the Kings Ma) fty and his Parliament, joyntlVj in their Anfwer to thepropoftion, made bv the late Commifiioners of the Treatv j in t.-'cfe words ; Totheir defire concerning unity ofi Religion , and uniformity of irk^govnnment as a fpeciafl meanesfier confierving o f peace betwixt the t^i.'o Kjngdomcs, upon the founds a nd rcafions contained tn the paper of the ; o of 3Vlaix!i , andgiven in to the treatie and Parliamentof ;’Jand : his anfiwtred upon the is. of 1iine, Thathis Ma' eft tetvttb advice cfihethHovfiesofiParliament^ doth approve of the ajfi^ fit ‘n of His jefis of S'cotland , in their defire ojhaving conformiiie i Ktrk govern - ment between the twotdations , and as the Parliament hath already taken into confideration the Reformation of Kyrk. government , jo 'ihey Will proceed therein in due time , as shall biji conduce to te glory of God , the peace of the Kjrf , and of both K tngdomes- ■■ ra a; le- Veraliy : forfifS iV^ajsIhc knowetn thaciiac cuilodie ana vin¬ dication? Ajjembly^ 1638. dication , the confervadon and purgation of Religion, area great part of the diietie ofCivi)! authority and power. His Majeflieshte pradiTe while he was here in perfon , in refor- ting frequently to the exercifcs of puhlike woifiip , His Royall adions , ineltabliflring the worfnip and government ofthis Kirk in parliament, and in giving order for a compe¬ tent maintenance to the Mmiftery and Seminaries of the Kirk , and His Ma;eRies gracious Letter to the Aflembly ( fe- coniledby chefpeechofHis Majefties Co^umilTiooer) which coaraines this religious expreHion ; W‘h(r(e any thin^ is 4- miffe ^ iVe IV ill endeavour a Refurmation in a fair and orderly way, and ivbere R^eformation is fettled , ice refilve tvtth that authority tvbereivith God hath veftedus , to maintain and defend it in peace and liberty , a^ainjl all trouble that can come from mthout , and kgainft all Herejies , Sedr , and Schtfmes , wich may arife front within. All thefe doe make us hopeful that idis iVlajelt'.e will not oppofe , but advance the work of Reformation. In like manner the Hononrable Houfes of Parliament, as they have many times be fore witnelTed thier zeale , fo now alfo in their Declaration fent to the Alfcmbly, which not only fneweth the conitancy of their zeale , but their great grief that the worke hath been interrupted by a malignant party ofPapifts and evill affeded perfons, efpecially of^hecor- l ruptand dilTolute Clergie ,1 by the incitement and inftigatiotl j of Biihopsandothersj their hope according to their earnelt delire , when they fhall returneroa peaceable and Paiila- ; mentary proceding, by theblefsing ofGod, to fettle fuch-at j Reformation in the Church, as fhall be agreeable to Goas I fvord, and that the refult fhall be a moll: firm and liable union [, between the two Kingdoms of £n^/4Mdand Sco.land,8cc.The Afsembly alfo is no: a little encouragedby a Letter fent from many reverend Brethren of the Kirk of exprebing their prayers and endeavours againft every thing which fhall I be found prejudicial! tothe eftablifhment oftheKingdome I ofChiill, and the Peace of their Soveraigne. Upon thefe B encouragements], and having fo patentadoofeofhope, the! I Afsembly doth confidently exped , that England will now I beftirre themfclvcsin ihcbeft way for a Reformation of Re- i ligion> and do moft willingly offer their prayers &utcermof{; 1 end©-' 130 TheGenerall endeavours for fnrtheriHp, fo p;reaiaWork , wherein Chrift is fo much concerned in hisclorv , the King in his l^.onour , '4ie Kirk and KingdomeofhM^/W in their happinefle, and this Kirk and Kingdome in ihepiiriry and peace of the Gnfpel, I V. T hit the AiTemblv alfo from fo many renll invitati- onSj are heartened to lenew the Fropoftion made by the aforenamed Cornniifllonersof this Kingdome, for beginning the Work of Reformation . at the uniformity of Kirk - go¬ vernment. For wliarhopc can there beofUnitv in Reli- f ion , of one Confefiion of Faith , one Form cfWorfhip , & one Cateciufo.e , till there b'‘ firfl: one Forme of Fccleh- ahicall (fo''e'‘n’'ict ? Yea, what hope can hK’ngdome and K rkof 'ia'’e ofa firme and durable Peace, rillPre- lacie , whi‘ h ha'h been the main caufe of their miferies and troubles » firfl and lift , be plucked up , root and branch , as a plant which God hath not planted , and from which, no better fruits can becxpedled tbepfiu h Tower grapes , as this day 'et on edge the Kingdome of England ? V- ^ he Frelaticall tikrarchie being put out oftheway, the Work will b“'eafie, wirhoiitforcingof any confcience , to fettle in Ew^/riwdthe government of the Reformed Kirks by Afierr blies. For although the Reformed Ki' ks do liold , without doubting , their Kirk Officers , and Kiik govern¬ ment bv Afl'emb'iies higher and lower , in their ilrongand beaiitif. 11 fubordination, tohejtfire divinio, and perpetual^ yet Prela.'ie, asiedifiereth fiom the Office of a Paflor , is almofl univerf lly acknowledged b)u the Prelitesthemf Ives , and their adherents, tn-bebut an humane ordinance , introdu¬ ced by humane reafon , and ferried by iiiunane Law and Cu- flomeforifuppofed convenience: which thereforeby humane authority, witiiout wronging any mans confciencc, may be altred and abolilhed upon fo great a neceffty, a,s is a hearty con)un(!dion with all the Reformed Kitks , a firm and well' grounded Peace betwixt the two Kingdomes , formerly di¬ vided in themfelves, and betwixt themfelvesby this parti¬ tion wall and a perfect Union of the Kirks in thetw’oNati- onstM'hich akhough by theproviaenceolGodin oneJland,& unde? Affembly j i64i. I j f under one Monarch > yet ever fince the Reformation , and for the prefent alfo, are at greater difference in the poi nt of Kirk-government, wh'ch in all places hath a powerfull influ¬ ence upon all the parts of ReIigion,then any other Reformed Kirks, although in Nations at greateft diftance , and under divers Princes. VI. What may be required of the Kirk of for furthering the Work of Uniformitie of Government , or for agreeing upon a common Confeflion of Faith > Catechifme, and direif ory forWorihip, lhall according to the order gi*. vcn by this AfTcrnhly , be mofl: willingly performed by Us jj who long extreamlv fortheday when King and Parliamer>c lhall joyn for bringing topasrefo great , fogood a Work, That al I Wanes and Commotions ceafing , all Superftitiort ^ Idolatry, Hrrefie , Sec'ls, and b’chifmes being removed i as the Lord isonc , fo his name miybeone amongftus s and mercy and truth, righteoulnesfe and peace meeting together^ and kifliog one another , may dwell in this Hand. AdSefiS. Aug.r^., I^4^. Overtures for tranjplantation of <.SHim{lers ^ an^ pro^^ vtfion of Schools , ordained by the late Afembly at t-dinburgu to be fent to Synods ^ and reported to this Ajfemhly. AdlScff. XI. Augufis* 1641. Thefc Overtures under:vrittcn , anentthe transportingcf 'Minijiers andProfeJfors to K^rks andCoUedges-. being read iit audience of the ‘jilJerrMy , and thereafter revifed by a Committee appeintedfir that ef- feSi , The Affembly appoints them to be fent to the fever all Synods ^ to beconfideredhy them , and they to report tkeir judgements thereof to the next Generali Afembly. I, ■'^TO tranlportation would be granted hereafter without . JJN citation of parties having interetl the Minifter Y’hois fought and his Parifti ) to hear what they can oppofe^ J 3^ Generali and the matter is to come firft to both the Presbyteries ( that wherein theMmilter dvvels j whofc rranfporration is fought , and the other Prcsbycerie to which he is fought if e Kirks lye in fevcral Presbyteries ) and ifthe Pres- by reries agree not , then the matter is to be brought to the Synod, or Generali Affembly (which of them lhall firft ©ccure after iuchtranfportation IS fought) and if the Sy¬ nod ( occurring firll ) agree not ; or if there be appeals made from it, then themattei is to come to the Generali Alfembly. li. A Minifter may betranfplanted from a particu'ar Congregation ( u^herehecaaoncly doegoodtoa part) to fuch a place , where he may benefit the whole Kirk of Scot- land bccaule, in rcafon the whole is to be piefcrrcd to a part fuch as i.4inhurgK 1. liccaufe all the great Juftice Courts fit there, as Coun¬ cell, Seflion , jullice Generali? Exchequer, &c. and it concerns the whole Kn k , thatthefe Fountains of Judicc be kept clean , both in the point of Faith , and Manners. 2. Becaufe there is great confluence to Ed/«^r/r^^ , from , time to time, ofmanyofthe chief Members of me whole Kingdome, and it concerns the whole Kirk to have thefe wellfeafoned, who (apparantly) are to be the Inftruments of keepingthis Kirk and Kingdome in good temper. That this may be the more eafily done , the Affembly J firft recommends to that fome young men of ex- ' cellent rpirits may be fupon the charges of the (aid Town) ' trained up. at home or abroad , toward the Mi niftefy from • time "o time. Secondlv we meane not , that all the places ) of the Miniftrie o^Edinburghbe filled with Minifters to be tranfported byAuthoiy of this Ad, but only till they be provided of one Minifter ( tranfplanted by the Authority of the Affembly) for every Kirk in Edinburgh , and that the ’ reft of the places be fillled either accoiuing to the Generali Rules of rranfporration for the whole Kingdome , or by agreement wiihadtuallMinifters, and their Pariflies , with content of the Presbyterie or Synod , to the which they belong. Ill.In the next roomc,wefinde,that it is a tranfporting of «i| Minifters " x^ff'embly j 1^41. 133 Minifters forpubJike good , thatColJ dges , ( having ?hc profcii'ion of Dlvinicie) be wcl provided of profefrors. Wherin rhe Colledge of Divinitie m S. ^vc/reips is firft to be ferved without taking anv Profeffers or Minifters out of t , Glajgow , or Aberdene > and then the reh of the ColU'dges, v\ ould be provided for , as their ne^'.ifity fhal require: yet (in lefpect oftheprefent fcarciryj it were good for the Univerfiries to fend abroad for able and appro- vetimenj lobe Profeffdrs ofOivinitie that our Minifters may bekeptinihcirpaftoiiall charge asrruchas inaybe. Towns alfo wherein Colledges are , are very conhderablc in the matter of rranfportation. IV. AlfoCongieganons , where Noblemen have chief rcfidenceare to be regarded , whether planted or un planted, and a care is to be had, that none be admitted fviinifters where Popifti Noblemen refide > butftich as are able men ( cfpecialiy fo? 'con' rove! lies j byfg 'tof'he Fresbyterie; and moreover It is ncceflary , thatluch Minefters as dwell where Popilh Noblemen are > and are not able for contro-i verfies, that they be transported, V, They who defirc the transportation of a Mmifter fhould be obliged to give reafons for their dehre : Neither fhould any Presbyterie or Aftembly,pafle a fentence for tranf- porcaiion of anyMinifter , till they give rejfbnv for theexpe- diencie of the fame , both to him and his Congregation • & to the Presbyterie whereofhe isa member. If they acepnef- ceto the reafons given* it is fo much the better ; if they doe notacquiefee , yet the Presbyterie, or Aflemoly , (by giving fuch reafons before tne patting of their fentence ) fhal makcit m.anifeft , that what they doe is not poArbrtratu , xel onely , but upon grounds of rea on. V 1. Bccaufe there is fuch fcarcity of IViinifters haying the Irii tongue , receliity requires , that when they be found in the Low-lands, they be transported to the High-hnds; pro¬ viding their condition be not made worfe , but rather better by their tranfportation. V H. In the point of voluntary transportation,no Mimfter flial tranfatft and agree with anyParifbj to be trans ported, theicto, with®ut a full hearing of him, and liis Parfth , be- . I 3 • 134 The Generali fore ihc Prcsbyterie to Mhich he belongs in his prefeni: charge , or fuperiour Ki k ludicatories , if need fhall be. V 11 L 1 he planring of vacant Kirks, is not ro be tyed to any (either Minifters, or Expeif.antS) withina Piefbyterie; butafree eledion iscobe, according to the order of out Kirk , and Lawes of our Kingdome. IX. 1 he chief Burghs of the Kingdome are •obedefired to trair e up young men of . xcellent fpi ■it'^ for the mini'ierv, according totheir power , as tvas recrn'mcnded to Edinburgh: Which courfe wilinnn.e (God willing) preveni: many tranfplantations. The Overtures tinder - written anent the Schooles be'wg Itkeivife read in audience of t'le hfemblyy theyrecommend the particulars therein mentionedy anent the providing of the mainttnance frr Schbol - makers , to the Parliament: And oydaine the reH to be Jem to :he Synods y to be confidered by them , and they to report their judgements thereof to the next Gene¬ ral Afembly ^ as j^did is, 1.5^ Very Pariib would have a Reader and a Schools ,where JlL Children are to be bred . in reading , voriting , and grounds of Religion , according to the laudable Adts, both of KiikandP.^rliament, made before. And where Grammar Schooles may be had , as in Burghs , and other conhderabic places ; ( among which 'all Pres'byt^rial States are to be reputed ) that they be eredied , and held hand to. II. Anent thefe Schooles, every Minifter with his El¬ ects, flnllgive accompt to the Presbyteiiesat thevihration pf the Kirk : I'he Piesbyteriesare to make repoi t rotheSy- jiode, and the Synode to the Genera! Asfembly, that Schools 3re planted , as above faid > and how they are provided with picn and means. ill. And becaufe thishathbeen moft ncgl ifbi the . . ■ ' i^JJemhly j 1641^ 13^ HigH-lands, Hands, andbordc;s! fheiefore the Minifters of every Parifh arc roinftruCtby their Ccmmisfioners, to the next Gcncral Airembly j that thiscourfeis o '^u i betwixe and then ; and c'^ey aro, further to certifie from orie Gene’al Asfembiy to anothc: > whether this courls is condnued Aith^ our omi>fon> or not. I V. And bccaufc the means hitherto named or appom;-- ed for Schooles of'all forts, hath been bo. h little, and ill payed. Therefore - behde former appointments, ( the ex¬ ecution whereof is humbly dclired, and to be petitioned for at the hands of Mis Majeft'.e andthe Patltameiit) the A'‘em- bly would further fupplioare th s Parliament that they Cin their wifdome ) would finde out how meanes iball be had fot fo good an ufe , erpcv ially that the Children of poore. men, 'being very capable oflearnmy;, aiidofgoodengm^s, may be trained up, according as the exigence and necesuty of every place fhall require. A.nd that the Cornmiifioners , w ho lhall be narirtd by tnis Asfembiy , to wait upon the Par¬ liament may be appointed rorcpreCcntthis tohis Maicftie, and the Parliament, feeing His facred M3;etlie , by his gra*- cious Letter hath put us in hope hereof, ^whetewitn we have been much refrelhcd. V. The Asfembiy would fnpplicate the Parliatnenr I that for youths of the iinell: and bed fpititsof the High-lands, 'and borders , maintenance may be allotted ( as to Burfars* to be br td in U niverfities. V I- For the rime and manner of viftation of Schooles , and contriving th ; bed and moit compendioir. and orderly courfe of teaching Grammar » wehuua dvdeuic he Aslem- bly to appoint a CommitKe for tha eiied, who iiaay leport theirdilig mce to the next General Asfembiy. Jbe Overtures and Articles above-written being reported to this Affembly f after reciding^nnd ferious conjid' ration thereof, the ^.(fembly approves the fame, and ordaines them to have the jirengtb tf an Al hi and ordinance of Afjembly > in aU time - coming. TheGeney-'dll Seff. II. l6^^. anent contrary Oathts, T He Generali Aflembly finding the inconvenience of contrary Oathsin trying qf Adulteries , Fornications , and otht r faults and fehandals, do therefore for eviring there of, difeharge %nods , Pjresbyteries and Sefiions , to take (bath of both parries in all tune hereafter , RecpiTimending to them in the mean time all other order and wayes of tryall «(ed in Inch cafes ; And that there may he a comrnon order and i-ourfekept in this Ki.k of crying of pubfike fcandals , Ihe Aficmbly Ordains the Pi esbvterie.s toadvifc upon fpme common order heremtill , and to report their judgements to thenext Afiembly. f)vertures anent Familj ExercifeSj Catechi-, fmg , keeping of Synods and Pres hjteries , and rejhaint cf Adulteries , Witch-crafts » and other groffe fins. The Committee fupplicates the Affembly , I. •’T^O urge the feverall Synods and Presbyteries, efne- JL cially thefe of the Korth, that Family Exeresfe in Religion, vihtation of the Churches, Catechifing, keeping of the Presbyteriali and Provinci.iil meetings ( both by Pre- -aching and Ruling Fldcrs ) be more carefully obferved. I I. That the Clerk at kah luokriDe every Book before it come to the Affembly ) and that every be noted on the Ivlargent, for a directory of expedition. III. That the Ahembly would fenoufiy ftudie by all mea- tiesand wdyeshow topro-ure tire Magiftrates concurrence J5P curb and punifli thefe notorious vices which abound in the Tand, eipecialiyin tire Northern parts. fhe AlJembly approves theOvertures forefaids i and ordains rhern , ' tohe obferved : andfer-tbclajl, the jijfembly beingconfident of . • . ' ' the t_^ffemhly, 1641^ 137 the readificp of the fringe Or dinar torejlrain and pun'ah thfe fktiltf , Da therefore ordain all Presbyteries topve up to the ^ufiice, the names of the Adulterers , tneepums perfons , jVttches and Sorcerers,, and others guilty offuchgrojJe and fear-- full fins IV ithin their hounds that tlxy may be Profefed and punished according to the Laivs of this f^ingdom i and that the Presbyteries and Synods be carefuH herein , as they tvid anfmr to the Generali Afemblies, ^^-ndbecaufethat V^^itch craft » Charming, anifuchhk:- jroceeds mam times from ignorance Therefore the Affembly ordains all Miniflers , efpecialjy m thtje farts where thefe fins are frerjiient » to be diligently Preaching , Cathichopng, and cariferring^ to inform their people tbere- intill. SefT. II. 5. Aiig. I^4^• hfi againfl Petitions , Declarations % Juchltkc itt name of Udf infers , without their know^ ledge andc n fents. T'He Generali Aflembly being informed, that after the Pe- ■ tition prefented to the Lords of His iMajefties Privie Counccll by the Noblemen Burgefies , and Minifters , (ionally met at Edinburg the 31. day of May lall by-paft 3 received a very gracious AnTwer , There wasanother Peti¬ tion given in to their Lordfhips upon the day of /wwe laft,entituled, The Petition of the Nobilitie, Gentric, Bur¬ rows , Menifters , and Commons : vv hich as it was not ac¬ companied with any one Minifter to the Lords of Privie (Councell, fo all the iVlinifters of this AiTembly , dilclaimes and difivoweth any knowledge thereof, or acceffionthereto And the Affembly conceiving that the Kings Majeftic Him- felf , and all the Courts and Judicatories of this Kingdoms may be dediiledand abufed , and the Kirk in Generali , and Mmiders in particular injured and prejudged by the like praftifes hereafter » Do therefore prohibite anddifeharge all ind every one to pretend or ufc the name ofMiniucrsto ^ 1 5 any 138 The Generali anyPetition, Declaration, or (uchlike at ariy time hereaf¬ ter , Without their knowledge confent and afll bnce And if any fhal doe the contrary , ordaines Presbyteries and Prov^inciall Aflemblies to proceed againft with the highell cenfures of the Kirk. SefT XI. 5', Aug. l64^. Ac? mtnl the hJJ'emhUes de fires te the ^^ords of Cttunfell , and Confervatsr i of Peace. THe Affembly being moftdefirou' tonfeall , and to omit no lawful meane or occafion to teftifie th.ir zeale by dea¬ ling with Gad and man , for furtherance of thei: d^firesef Unity in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-^ov.-.mmenc, And coniidering the g -eat neceility , that the Kirk and State contribute joyntly their bed endeavours to this happy end: Therefore enjovnes the Moderator , and "he commdioners from the Afembly, to fupplicate w.th all ea aeftn ffeand rerpefl , the Lords of his M-^jelHes Honoirable Prwie Councel » and hkewife the Commifiione s appointed by HisiMijeftie, and the Parliament, for confervat on of the Peace , that they may be plcafed to conc.i r with h. Kirk in the lifccdehres to HisM^jehy and the Parliament of hnglandt and in thelike diredtions to the Commisiioner.s of this King- dome, at Londan for the time, that by all poshble means , Civill , ond Ecclefiartiek, thi> bleffed v^^o ke maybe'ad- 'wnced , and a happy fettling betwix'- His Majeftie and His Parliament , may be endeavoured , and the common Peace betwixt theKingdomes continued and llrengthencd. 139 xy^J^emhly , 1641. vScGT.xi, Aug 1641. ^he h^emhlies huml'k de fire to the Kings C^dflie for the Signator of <)Q0 >'• Sterling , and ncemmtnda^ tion thereof to the Kings Cowmifioner. TH^' Generali Assembly havinsj received rhe Report of the pioceedingscf the Commiiiione'.s of he late As- fembly , and fpecially :har His iVlaieftv 'vas ^^raaouily plea- fed , upon their humble Petition , fojemidv to prv>mi e and declare under his Royall hand » his pious refilutinn ano de¬ dication of 500. 1. fterlirg, out of the readied of his Kents and revenues, to be imployed yearly on publike necesfavy and pious ufes of the Kiik, at the fight of the Generali As- fembly , ashisMajeftic cracious anfwer of the 3. of l fo weare afiured , that your Loadfhips will omit no lawful mean, argument, or occafionoffeconding the fame there, Andadveitifin^. our Commisfioners at Edinburgh , wherein they may furthey coocur withyonr Lordlhips, for the fur-? thefance . Aejfmb^i 141 thsfsnCc oTch^ Work , which tends lo much to the glory God advancement of Chrilb Kingdom > increafe of the hon¬ our and happinefic of our Soveraign. and the peace and wel¬ fare of thele lCingdoms,whereby‘your Lordsihips will oblige this Kirk more and move to pry for a blcfling on yonr per- fons and travels , and to reft. S. Andrews Yours in the Lord 1 642. The Commisjioners of the General / Afienmj* A Letter from fome Miniflers ^/England- Lt^vaend and rceUUloved in our Lord and Saviour, WE received with much joy and fatisfa if not to chalenge. We doubt not but your exp^ rience , together with your intelligence , abundantly iti formesyouof our condition, what various adminiftratiotiS of providence we have pafled through and we_ ftill lye betwixt hepesand feares, a fit temper for working* the God of all grace enable us to improve it. As our hopesare not (uch as may make us fear* fo neither doe our Feares pre¬ vail, to the caftmgaway our confidence. Your own late con¬ dition, together with this Declaration of ours prefent. imy acquaint you with the certain, though fubtil, authors & fo- mentors of thefe our confufed confli«s : M'hich we conceive to bctheHicracbicalfaftion.who have nowayto peace 5cla- fety.buttbrou^the troublcSc danger of others. Oiirpiayers The Generali and endeavours , according to our meafure ^ have been and (hall befor the (upplantingand i coring up whatfoever we hnuc fo prejudicial to the eftablilhmenc of the Kmgdotae ofChrih: , and the peace ofour hoveraigne- And that this lyecia’ation ofour leives may not leave you unfarlsficd, we tl'dnk It neceiTary further to exprelle , That the defire of the mod godly and coniidsrabie part amongft us , is , That the Presbyterian Government, which hath juft and evident Foundation both m the V/ord of God, and religious reafon , may be eaa lifned amongft us, and that ( according to your intimation ) we may agree in one confesfion of Faith j one direftorie of Worihip, one publike Catechifrae and form of Governcment : vVhich things, ifiheyM’ere accomph- ftied , -ve fliouidmu-h rcjoyeein our happy lubjedion to Cbrift our Head , and our defired aiTociation with you our beloved br . thren. For the better etiediing, whereof , we ihoughtit neceftary, not only to acquaintyou with what ourdefiresarc intnemfelves, but Ik. wile to you , thatis. That what -vay ihail ieom moll fit to the wiledoin of that grave and leligious Afiembly, may be taken for the further¬ ance of ounndeavours in this kind. vVe imdcntand that our Parliament hath been before hand with us in this intima¬ tion , and it cannot bur be our duty , who are fo much con¬ cerned in the bufinenelfejtoadde wharpo^er the Lord hath given us with you to;hc lame pui pofiv This defigneand dcUre of oars hath enemies on the Left hand i and difien- jing brethren on the Right i bu; wc doubtnot, chatasonr hearts juftiheusthat our imeiuions are right, and luchas we conceive tend moll to the glory of God i and the peace ofthe Chutchesof the Saints j fo (by your brotherly con¬ currence inthe moftTpeedy and effciSluall way you can find out ) the Work will in Gods due » time receive a prayed for , hoped for isfiie We lhail not ne’dby many arguments from matuall Nationall inrereft ( though we know yoipwill not overlook them ) to inforcc this requeft , the firme bond wherewith we are all unitedin our Lord jefus Chrift, we are asfured will alone engage your fairhfull endeavonrs in this bulincsfe. I’o him we commit you , with thele great and important aftafrsyou have in hand. Be pleafed to * accent i6^z, 143 acreptof rhefeas^he exprtsfion oftl.etnindes of ourreary frdly andfat hfu]J Brethren, whofe hearts wc doubt non cf . ne'ther need vou , though their hands in rcga’-d ot the fuddenn. sfeof this opponunity could not be fubfcribedto- get'rci viih curs, whoare. London, 2 2 • Yot/r two/? :Bionate Triends anA Brethren mthcivark^cfthe Lord* Anfwer to the t3tmjfers Letter. Bjght Bevcrend and beUved in the Lord fejus. By o n Ai;l\vertothcD''claranon fent uu’-o us from the honoi: t able Houfcs ot Parliament, ve may perceive that your Le ter which came into our hands To feafonably , was not only acceprab'e unto uv , but hath alfo encouraged us to renewbo^h to the Ki'^gs Majeftie and the Houfes of Parlia¬ ment , Thcdeltre.'-of thelateCommisfioners of this King- dome for L’n.ty in Keligion , in the four particulars remem- bred byyoLi, we cannot be ivrorant but the oppofition from Satan and worldly men in Kirk and Policy , will ftill be ve¬ hement as it h^th been aheady , But we are confident through our l.oi d Jefus Chrih, that the prayers and indea- vours of the godly m both Kingdoms, will bring the work toawiihed, and blefied Iffiie. fhis whole national Kirk is fo much concerned in that Reformaaion and Unity of Re¬ ligion in both Kingdomes , thatwithount we cannot hope for any long time to enioyour puritie and peace, whicJi hath coll us fo dear i and is now our chisleft comfort and greateft treafure : Which one caufe ( befiie the Honour of God > and the happiuefie of the People of God in that King- dome > more defired of us tiien Our lives) is more then fuflicient to move us, To contribute all that is in our power for bringing it to paffe. And fince we have withfo great li¬ berty made our defires and hopes known both to King and Parliament, it is a duety incombent both to you and us, who moke mention of the Lord , and are W atch • men upon the Walls 144 Generali Walls offerufahTJy never more to keep filcncenor to hold our peace day, nor night , till the Righceoufnefle of Sion go forth asbrightneffe ^ and the Talvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And if itlhall pleafc the Lord to move the hearts of King and Parliament, to hearken unto the motion, for which end we have refolved to keep a folemne Faft and Hu* iniliation in allghe Kirks of this|Kingdome , the mean by which we have pe vailed in times pal1:,\ve wilh that the Work may be begun withfpeed, and profecuted with diligence by the joint labours of fome Divines in both Kingdoms, who may prepare the fame for the view and examination of a more frequent Lccleliaftick meeting of the bcft afiedlcd to Reformation there, and of the Commisfioners ofthe Gene¬ ral Aflbmbly here , that in end it may have the approbation of the Generali Aflembly here, andofallthe Kirks there, in the beft way that may be,we wilh & hope at laft in a natio¬ nal! Alfcmblys Our ComtniiTioners at Edinburgh y lhallin our name receive and returne anfwers for promoving fo ^reat a Work , which we with our heart and our loule recommend to the blelfing of God , we continue , Your loving bretJmn and fellow- labourers. tyfBfor the Lord Maiclands prefentlng the AJJemblieS Supplication to His , and for going to the Commijfioners at London , “With the hnfiver to the Parliament of England* Declaration* THe General AlTembly confderingthe necefficy of fend¬ ing fomepcrfon of good worth&qUality forto prefent their humble Supplication to HisMajeltie, and to deliver their direftions to the Commifhoners of this Kingdom, now at London , with their Declaration to the Parliament of England, and Anfwer to fome wel-affedted Minifters of that Kirk .* And having cenain knowledge of the worth ability , and t^jfemhly ^1642.’ f and fihhfulntffc oifohn Laid Maulajid , oncof their num¬ ber. who being wimehe to all their intentions and proceed¬ ings , can faeft 1 elate their true loyaltie and refpedto their i'overaignt and brotherly aftcdion to the Kirk and King¬ dom of krigland tnerein j Therefore ‘do unanimoufly require hisLordfltips pains , by repairing ro Court and to Londm for thepiemifics , which hereby they commit to this dili¬ gence and fidelity , willing his Lordlliip to make account of his pi oceedjings herein to their Cominiliione;s appointed to ht at Edinburgh. SefT. 8. 5”^ Augufi, fofl meridiem: Cotnmijjion forpuhlike ajfairs of this Kirk , and for prod jectiting the dejires of this hfjembl^ to His (jHajefie , attd the Parliament (^England. •^He General Afcmbly conlidering the laudable cuftome ■* ofebisKhk for to appoint feme CommiiTioners in the interim betwixt A fTemblies, for prelenring of Overtures and profecuiing the other de'fires of the Kirk to His Mr) eftie,thc Lords of His Counccll, and the EllatesofPatliamenti And? faking to their consideration the prefent condition of the Ktrkof with the Declaration thereof fent downr fromiheParliamenr , and fomciereived Brethren ofthejMi- itilterv there, with their own Anfwcr to the Parliament ana Miniftery , and their iiumble Supplication toHisMajeftie forUniiy of Religion and Uniformity of Kirk-govern- inent. Andwithall remembring their dehres ro the Ho¬ nourable Lords'of'His Ivlajcllies fecret Councell , and to the Comm.iiiioncrs appointed by the King and Parliament^ for confei jation of the common Peace , That they would joyn their concourfe in them defires to His Majcftie and Parliament, and directions to the Commifiloners of this Kir^dom at Londv7i for the time. And likewi e coufidering their good hopes from Geds gracious fa\our to this Ifiaud , that by his good providence he will in his own way and time it fettle this great W Oi)s through this whole lie 5 And that it K is 1 45 The generall is both our earnefldefirc and Chriftian dutytoufd all law- full means and Ecclefiallick M^ayes for furtherance of fo greaca Woik, continuanccof the common peace betwixt thefe nations , and keeping; a brotherly correfpondence betwixt t hefe Kirks* Therfore the Alfembly thinks cefi'ary before their diffolving, to appoint, and *"7 thefe Prefents do nominate and appoint. Makers, AndreiPf^fn- fay, Alex Bender forty ^bert Dowglar y WillidmColviU . /mw BetJWfi^M n :fters at Edinburgh ■ Mr.Wilham Arthur Mi- nilter ar St- Cuthbert , A^r Janies I{obertf9n . fohn Logan , Ro¬ bert Lighten , Commiffioners fr« m Dalkenh to thi . A'^embly: Baders , Andreev BlackhaJl , James Fleeming 3 Robert Ker , Coinmidioner^ froWi Hadingtounto this A'Vmbly biadess , George Hamilton y Robert i^lair . Arthur Mortoun , David D*i- gleishy /sndrevv Bermet y W Iter Greg, fohn Moncreff , \ohn 'Smith 3 George Gilleffie y ]ohn Roto , lohn Duncan, Walter "Bruce » Commillloners for the Presbyteries within the |-ro- vince of Fyffe : h'r. David Caldertvtod Minifter at Pencait'andt "Mr. John Adamfon Pnncipallof the Collcdge of , JV/y. hhn Strang Principall of the Colkdsie ofGlafgoiv . Mr. David Dikfon, Mr • James Bonar , Mr. Robert BaiUe,Mr John Belly Mr. Robert Ram fay y Mr George Yeungs Mr. Henry Gu¬ thrie, Mr. Samuel Oujlein y Mr. John Rpbertfbn Mmi'^'cn at 5. ^ohnjloun, M \ohn Rgbertfon Minider at Dundte M ^ohnHume Minifter at h'cy^»//f , Mr Andreto Cant .Mr William GmldyMr. SamuelRutherfurdiMr. James Martin, M, Alexander Monroe M* Robert Murray, Mr- John Maclellan. ^Andreiv Doncanjon, Mr. Sihejler Lambte , Mr- Gilbert RpJJ , Mnifters : Mar- quefi'e of Argi/e , E arles of Lauderdaile , Gkncarne, Kinghorney Eglintoun , Wcemes , Caffils : Lords Gordoun , Maitland , Balcarras , Sir Patricl^^ Hepburne of Wauchtoun , Sir David Hum^ o't JVedderburne , Sir David Creightoun of Lugtoun , Sir David Barclay ob CuHearnic , JohnHenclerfon Fordell Mr. George JVinrame Libertoun y Sh Robert Drummond , ShWtU lumCarmichnell, JohnBinniCy Thomas Pater fnn \ohnSempilly John Kennedy of Air , John Lejlie from Aberdene , William Glndtnnmg Proveil of Kirkjihright , jehn Colt^ear , Ruling Elders., with the concurie of the Procurator of the Kirk: and grants to them full Power jUid Coturoiflion in this inteym ^jfembfyt 1641. E47 ihmm , betwixt and ihenexc Affembly , fbrto meet and conveen at Edinburgh upontbe 17. of this moneth o£ uluguft , and upon any ocher day , or in any othei , a thcA Iball think convenient: And being met and e<>nveened, or any Hfceen oFthem, there being ahvayes Mmi- llers prefent: With full power forme v^ hat they finde necelfavy forthe Miniftene , pi- aching, fupplicating, prepairing of draughts of one Co lelfion, one Cathechifme , U llnp (which are alwaycs toberevifedby the next Gen ra AflLblv ) and by all other lawfull & Lcclef aaick Mayes L furtherance oVthis great Work in the Umon of his Hand in Religion and Kirk - government , and ance ©four own peace at home i betwixt the Nations , aadkeepirtgof good cor rerpondo^^^^^ betwixt the Kirks of this Hand. Like asif itftiall plcale God toblefle the prayers and endeavours of his bamrs for this bleifed Union , and that if either the Lords of Com - cell , or Commifiioners for the CDiicurfe at home or abroad , by fending with theirs to His Majeftyand Parliament for or that they thcmfelves ihall finde it necesfary > f he As fembly grants full power to them , not only foc®ncurroby all lawfull and Ecclefraftick wayes , with CounceH andConfervators cfthe Peaceat home, but alio to fend iome to prefent and profecute their dcfires a^d ^^ble advice to liisMa)edy and the good fterie there, for the furthering and perfeaing of lo good and great a Worke. Like as , with power to them to pro- moveriieir other defireo , overtures and of this Asfemblv, totheKtngsMajeftie, Lords of Co^ cell , Seiiion , Exchequer , and Commiflioners of Pailia ment , for plantation of Kirks , forcommoa ’ CDiifervationofthe common peace , and tot le ar 1 of this Kingdom, in cafe it Ell out fro re next Asfetnbly And fuch bke , with as to them to proceed , treat and determine in any ^ to be committed to them by this As embly , as if wci-e hweii) particularly infert , and mih as ampl? r^wer to K iw 148 The Generali pioceede in the matters particularly or generally above- mentioned, as any Commiffioners of Gcneaall Asfeniblies have had , and have been in une of before : Tl.ey being alwayescomptable to , and cenfiirable by the next Generali Asfembly, for theirproccedings thcreanent. Seir. 13. Jug. 164^. c// petition from fome difrrejfed Trofejfors in Ireland. To the reverend a7td right Honourable the ^Moderator and remanent members of the Generali Jffembly of Scotland j conveened at S, Andre vvs , I64^. The humble Petition of themoft part of the Scottish Natronin the North of intheirowR narwes, and in name of the reft of the Pr oteftants there. Humbly sheweth , 'T'Hat where your Petitioners , bythc great blefiing of the -*• Lord , enjoyed for a little while a peaceable snd fruit¬ ful! iVlinifteric of the Gofpel, yet through our own abufeof forich a mercy, and through the tyrannie of the Prelates, we have been a long time fpoiled of our Minifteis (a yoke tornanv of us heavier then death ) who being chafed into Scotland, were not altogether un.urefullin therfay ofyour needi And we havingbeen fince oppresfed and fcattered , asfneep who have noftiephcrd, now at laft the wife and righreous hand of the Lord, by thefwordof the Rebels, hath bereft us of our friends, and fpoiled us of our goodsdSC left us but a few and thatapoorI\andfui,I of ipany, and %yij^embly ^ 1641. I49 liath chafed from us the reft that were called our Minifters j the ercateft part whereof we colud fcarce ^eem beinl rather Off cers to put thePrelats Ininndtons in exe- cution , Chen feedersof our fouls : So that noti^being n- fitedMMchfwordand fickuefle , and fion of famine . if withallwc lhali tafte of the foreft of all plagues, to be altogether deprived of the Mimftery of the ^Ird , vFe ihall become in fo much a worfe condmon then any Fagans, as that once we emoyed a Nei¬ ther know we what hand to turn us to for help , but to the Landfofar obliged by the Lords late, rare mercies, andfo tar enriched to fumilh help of that kinde j a Land where- many of us dicw our blood and breath and where (pardon the neceffary boldneffe)fome of ourown who were fo violently plucked from us , fo their own and our wills i yea, the Land chat fo ^-nder y in their bofoms received our poor ouc-cafts, and tbadia already feuc us fo rich a fupply otable andprofperoUi Soul- diers to revenge our wrong 1 j u « Therefore , although we know that yourzeale and bro¬ therly aftedtion would urge you to cake notice without oiu advertifement , yet give us leave m the bo'.i ^ s o Tefus Chiift, tointreat, iftherebeanyconiolationmCh^rift, ifany comfort of love., if any fcllowfhipoftherpirit, ifany bowels of mercy , that now in this nick of time , when the fwordofeheEnemie making tertaimng the Gofpel, having alfo their followers , when our extremity of diftieftc , and fair hopes of fpeedy fettling of peace , hath opened fo fair a doore CO the Gofpel, you would take the caufe of your youn- car filler, that hath no bretts, to your fermus confidcration, f nd pity poore Macedonian: crying to you 'T, over and help us , being the Cervants of the God of your Fa¬ thers , and chiming intercft VoXon ye nant, that according to the gocxl hand of God upon us, ye may fend us Minifters for the houfe of our God. We do oonakeuponustoprefenbe to youthe wayor ’ but in the view of all , the finger of the ’ whom though perfccution of the Prelats drew ftotn , 1 5 0 The Generali Our intereft in them could not be taken av/ay , wherein we truft in regard ot leveralJ of tlierp , called home by death , your bounty will fuper-adde Tome able men of your own that may help tolaythc foundation ofGodshoufe, accord¬ ing tothe Pattern- But for thefe fo unjiihly reft from us , not only our neceflity , but equity pleads , that either you would fend them all over , which were a Work to be paral¬ lelled to the gloriesof thePrimitive times, orat lealt that yewould declare them tranfportabje, that when Invitators Ihall befent toany of them > wherein they may dilccrne a call fiom God > there may be no difficultie in their loofing from thence , but they may come back to perfect what they began, and maygetpraife and fame in the Land, where they were put toihame. Neither are you to quellion your power over us Tow doe, or crave a prelidentof your own pra£lifein that kind, for our extraordinary need calling on you , furnifheth you with a power to make this a prefident for the like. caff s hereafter : herein if you fhall lay afide the particular concernment of Come few places, which you may fafily out of your rich Nurferies plant again , and makeufe ©fyour publike fpirits, which are not (pent, but inCieaCes by your fo many noble defigucs i you Ihall leave upon us and our pofteritietheltampofan obligaiion that cannot be de- lete , or that cannot be expresfedi you Ihall fend to ailtlie neighbouring Churches a pattern , and ercLt for after-ages a tnonumentof felf- denjing tender zeale 5 you Ihall disbui> « en the Land of the manyputcafts, who will follow over their Miniffers i and you Ihall make it appear , that the churlifh bounty of the Prelats , which atfrilt jead: fome of thefe men overtoils, is notcornparable with the cheerful li- beralitic of a rightly cotiftitutcQeneial AiTcmbly, to whom we are perfwaded, the Lord will give feed fortheloaiic which you beftow ont^eLordj yea, tire day may come , when aCcneral AlTembly in thisLantl mayreturne to you the firft fruits of thanks , for the plants of your free gift . And akhongh you were fcant of fiu niture of this kinde your felves, or mightapprehend more need then formerly? ^oubtlcfie, your bovvels of compaflion would -make your (^e,ep povertie even in agreac tryal of affli^ion , aiMuind t-o tl,? riches of your liberalitie . Bur now feeing you “bound t~l=,i:S,=i=gH5S will abound in this g ac ’ . alwaves fenc our Lord and the ’o^ho^s ftallfailc out Difciples in paires. But it o f ,,s we iKall not know whether to vvilh that c nau ”'d, on ‘ brethren by the Enennes hand r we maU ^ if it were Taid unto us , Goe/em other Gods , loo ^ ‘;i,, andfii. Brethren particularly in forme you of our cafe, anddehrethatattn returne , they may refo. fli the bowcs of Vaur imfl iTifinyit and edrncjl Supplicants. Commijfipn to fame Miniprs to go to Ireland , THe Aflembly having received a Petition , fubfenbedby a confiderable number in the North of IreW , intimrt- instheir deplorable condition, through want ot the Mmi- fterie of the Gofpel > occafioned by the tyrannic of V'" lats', and the Iword of the Rebels , Minilters , ei'pecially luch as had been chafed from then > bythcperfecurionofthePrelats, and Come others to be aa- ded either tobe fent prefently over to refuleamonglt them, or declared tranfportablc, that upon invitation horn them they might goe and fettle there J together with fome parti¬ cular Petitions , defiring the returne of Come particular Mi- niftersy who had laboured there before : All which the Affembly hath taken to their ferious confideration , • moft heartily willing to fympathizc with every member ot ChriftsSody , although nwer fo remote j ronch more wu K 4 ’ j^z The Generali that Plantation there , which for the moft part mm*? a Cranch of the Lords Vine, planted in this Land. In whicn folli- cirude , as they would be loath toiiuirpe without their p vn bounds or If retch thcmfelves beyond their ounmeafure ; fo they dare not be wanting, to the enlargement of Chrilfs Kingdome , where fo loud a cry of fo cxtreame neccfli- tic , could not but ilirrCiUp the bowel,? of Chriftian compasr ilon* And although they conceive that the prefent unfcc- Icd condition both of Church , and State > and Land > will ‘Hot luffer them as yet toloofeany to make conftanc abode thcrei yet they have refolved to fend over fome for the pre¬ fent exigenttill the nextGcn. Aflcmbly , by coui festoffay there four moneths allanerly : And therefore doe hereby authorize and give Commiilion t(» the perfons following , to wxt, M. ^ben Blair, M'mh^evatS. Ky^ndretPs, andM.. famer Hamilton, Mit-ffer at Dumfre'is for the hrlf four moneths : JVl. R^obert R^mfa^ , M inilf er at GlafgotP , and M. fobn Mac eh land , Miniffer at Kirkiidhrighe , for the next fouanioneths : And toM. KobertBaillte , t'l ofelT'or of Divinitiein the Uni- vcrfitieofG/4jg«ii^ , and M- ]ohnLeviJlonn, Minilferof5/r4M- raire , for the laft four moneths : To repair into the North ofIre/4«5r, and there to vi fit, comfort , inftrufl and encou¬ rage the fcattered flocks of Chrift , to employ to their utter- luofl: with all faithfulnelfe and finglerefle of heart , in plant- tiftg and watering » according to the diredfion of Jefus Chrift , and according to the dodfrine and difcjpline of this Church in all things , And if need be ( with concurrence of fuch of the Minifters ofthe Armyas arc there) to try and ordain fuch as lhall be found qualified for the Miniftcrie , Giving charge unco the pci fon? forefaid in the fight ofGod , that inDodtrine, inWorthip, in P.fcipline , and in their dayly cfcnverfation , they ftudie to approve themfelves as the Minifters of Jefus Chrift , and that they be comptable to the General Aflembly of this Kirk . in all things. And in cafe if any of the above - mentioned Minifters b: impeded by fickncfs.or o:herwife neceflarily detained from this fervice , thcAflembly ordaines the Commiftioners refidingat Edin- burgh , for the publike affairs of the Church , to nominate in their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorized ty^Jfetnblyj 1642.* Tor.ndcrtake the forcfaid cxpreHelynominatetnthefaccof the AfTemo y. Andthis, althoueh poh'iblyitfhall not fully fatisfie the large cxpe^a. tion of the Brethren in Ireland, yet the Affcmblj is confident they will take in good part at this time , that which is judged moft convenient for their prefent condition, even a lent itute outof their own, not very great plenty, to fupply the pre¬ fent necelTity ; requiring of them no other recompence , biu that they mall cheerefulnefle may embrace and make ufe ot falvation , and promifmg to enlarge their indebted atthcncxi Affcmbly, as theylhall finde the Woike of th Lord there to require. In the meane while > wilhmg tha thefe who arcfent, mavcome with the full bieffing of Gofpel and peace, and recommendingthem, them labours, and thele to whom they are fent, tjo the rich blelluigoUne great Shepherd of the flock. SefiT. 13. Ac7 ciia'tnH of CHtnifers* •He General Adembly confiJering the malice of divers j, Perfons in railing calumnies andfcandals againlt Mini- {lers, whichisnot onelyinjurious totheir perfons , an 1 crelcable to the hoir calling of the M.rallerie, but doth alfo throve often a great prejudice and hinderance to the pro l,;rof theCofpen Boe thereforeordain Ptesbytertesand Synods to proceed diligently in proceffe againft all ’ Sufhall reproach orfandal M.niHey.wuh thccenft r« of theKitk, even to the highefl, according as they fhail hnde the degree or qu dity of the fcandal d-ferve. anent ordering of the AJdembly Houfe. HeAffembly forbetter order in time coming ordains che Aft of the Alfemblyat ajCtrinefor T 1 5-4 ^he Generali Houfe of rhe AfTembly to be kept hereafter putK^ually, And for that effedt , that the famine be reade the firft Scllion of every Aflembly. for rememhring in pub like Prayers the iefiresoftbe AjSembly to the King anX Parliamentt and indi^ion of a publtke FaB. *T*He General AfTembly being defirous to promove the great work of Unity in Religion , and Uniformity in Church - government , in all thir three Dominions . for which the Aflembly hath humbly fupplicaic the Kings Ma- |eftie , and remonflrate their defires to the Parliament of Eaglandy left they ftiould be wanting in any meane that may further fo glorious and fo good a work : Doe ordain > thac not only the faid Declaration to the Parliament , andfup- plication to the Kings Mijeftie , ftiall be.accompanied with the earned Petitionv and prayers of the whole Brethren in private and publike > for the Lords blefting thereunto , ac¬ cording to the laudable cuftome of our predeceflors , who in the year of God 1589. ordaines that the Brethren in their private and publike prayerS) recommend uuto God the eftate of the aiflidted Church of England ; But having juft caufe of fear, that the iniquities of the Land, which lo muchab- ount , may marre this fo great a Work, doe alfo ordain a folemne Faft to be kept on the fecond Lords Day of Sep- tember. and the Wednefday following throughout the whole Kingdome for the cauTesafeea fpecified. I. Groffe ignorance and all fort of wickednefle among the greater part , fecurity , meer formality ar.d unfruicfulnefle among the beft , and unthankfulncfle in all. I I. The fword raging throughout all Chriftendome, but jnoft barbaroufly in 'reland, and dayly more and more threac- ned in England , through the lamentable diviflon betwixt the King and ttie Parliament there , tending to the fubveiflon of Religion and Peace iu all the three K'ngdomes. K^Jfembly, i64x. 15^ III. That God may gracioudy bleffe the Supplication ths Airembly to the Kinj^s Majcity , and their motion to the Parliament o\ England, for Uiutie in Religion , and Unifor¬ mity of Kirk - government, and all other meaner which may fervefor the piomoving of fo greata Worke , and advance¬ ment of the Kingdome of Chrift every where. IV. That God may powerfully overturne all wicked plots and delignes of Antichriftand his followers, and all divifivc motions againll the courfe of Reformation, and the fo much longed for Union of the King and Parliament, V . 1 hat G od may bleiie the harveft. yieference from the Tresbyterie bly ordainesthe Pravinciall Ajjembly of Angus to keep tbeirfirji meeting upon the third Tuefday * begin in any Ibrt tobcaurific the Houfeof the Lord amongfl: ns : Doubclesle you iiave brought upon yourfelves the bles- of ‘hem who confider the poor i the Lord will cei tainlv^ deliv,eryouin tlie time or trouble. We truft noddtancccf place, no length of time, no prelTbreof affidlion , yea , norfmilingof profperity , fliall delete otic of our ihankfull memories the humble acknowledgement of your io mo¬ therly care: in drawing our your breads , yea, your fouls tofaiisfiethe Irungrie: although we ha\e been beaten with ihefword, bitten wdeh famine , our ow-n vt'ickednes cor¬ relating us, our back- Hidings repioviugus, yet we have notf to farre forgotten the Lords ancient 1 ovc , hut that our heatfs M'ere brought to a little reviving in the middof our bondage , by the JV'iiniflery of thefe, who at your dirediioii inadealhort vifit amongft us. We kno w you did not con- ceiveit expedient at that time, coloofe any for full fett¬ ling here, till the waters of the bloudy inundation were fomewhat abated) and probability might be of foms com¬ fortable abode , which we through the Lords revenging hand , purfuing our enemies , and the vigilancic of your vidlorious Ai my, is in a great meafurc attained unto. What- foever might have detained feme of thefe vvhomye duedted to us, M'hofe hay made our cxpedlation prove abortive, we fhdl aferibe it toourownabufe offuch treafure , andv'ant offpiritualf hunger, occafioned juftiy through thewan^of food 5 Anid yet ahat fame dif-appointment, together with your faithfuJipromife ofinlaiging your indebted bountie, which is put upon record in all ourheartsi hath made us Con¬ ceive the feed ofa lively expectation, th.aryou will now no more put your bonniie , and the means of our life j intotke hazard offuch frnftrations, but will oncc for all, boftow an ample and enduring blcfling. And of this wc are fo much the more confident , becaufe our former fuit was not denyed but delayed : only wefear , if a new delay be procured* tillall thingsbe fully fettled, that the obfervingof windc and clouds, lhali hinder both fowing and reaping. And in the mean time, the Prelates and their Fadlion may Hep in and hiYcft themfcjyes of ib?ir oki lyra^nic vv?!* our con- ' " . . - fciici- * j i6t fcletices » who if they once ihall ft'e us poffened of our ovuri Inheritance , thofe Canaankes dare not offer to thruft us out. Bv all appearance , if the Jefuites had any hope to finde welcome ainongft us , they had provided us fully ere now with their poyfoned plants, .Ourhcartsabhorrethe check¬ ing orfurpeding of your proceedings, yet it is lawfull to learn fometimefrcm ourenemie: Bur in this you have be- ^un before, not only to do, butalfoto be forward a year ago, and thereby have ingagedyour felvesto perfedlvour own beginnings , andbfi'ng us outofourorphan condition. We are: fallen in jmnr lap , this, mine muft be under your hands you cannot pretendwantofbread or cJoathing, yott muft be healers: We-haye chofen you curators to your li^de young filler that wants breafis s there is none in earth to ‘akc her.outof your band ,. for we will not j nor cannot hideic- from your, Honours and^Wifedome , that \vc Mlant bread , and muft not. only, as before- have a bit for our prerenc need , .but aho feed tD.-fowtihe- Land. . > It is therefore oui huniblg and earneft defire , thatyOa- would yet again look on oupfqrmer Petition , ant^ your owti <}l)ligatpnV Ai5^,and at leaft, declare your confenr,that a conv' petent nunaber of our owjiMiuifters may be loofed to fettle here , and break bread to the children that lye fantingat the ‘ head ofall ftreets , which although it may be accounted but areftoring of what we loft, and you nave found , yet we Iball efteem it as the moft precious gift that earth can affoord- • Whenthey are fo loofed , iftihey finde not all things concur¬ ring to clear.Gods ctjlling, it. will be in their hand to forbear and you have teftified your bountie. But oh for the Lords - fake, do not kill our dying, fouls, by denying th fe our-' necefi'ar defires. Thcreare about tv/elve or fourteen wafte congregations on this nearneft coaft : let us have at leaft a- -, competent number that' mav ereft Chriftsrhrpne ofdifci- , pline, and may help to bring in others, and then fhallwe , ling, that the people who\y.ere 1 ft of the fwotd, have faund - grace in the stdlderncfie. . \V^ have fen' rhefeour brethren , . Sir of Kinhilr Knight,' 2nuf^illtamJyUckfnnac>£ . Bel fait ^lerchaut, [to attend an anfw’er from yon, who have L atuijai^d j6z TheQeneralt attained that happinesfc to be lenders and not borrowers 9 and £0 prifent the heartie longiug affedions of Your m^ft obliged and more exffeSling brethren and fervants. Suhfirthedhy very many ha nds, 1 Self. 6* 1643. ABs for fubfcribing the Covenant, THe General AlTemblf confidering th" good and pious ad¬ vice of the CommilTioners of '■he lafl: AfTen bly > upon the 22. ofSeptemb- r, 1642 pojl meridiem , recommend" ingto Presby tries , to ha e Copies of r : e Cosenanito be fublcribed by every JVlinifter at his admiflion> doth there¬ fore ratific and appro' e the farpine. And further ordaines , that tile C ovenarxt be reprinted , with this Ordinance pre- fijted thereto , and that every Synod , Presbyterie , and Paroch, have one of them bound in quarto , 'with fome blank paper a whereupon every perfon may be obliged to fubfenbe : And that the Covenants of the Synod arid Presby¬ terie be keeped bytheirModeratou $reJpe^i'tdio{Uni\erMes by their Principals , of Paroches by their Minifters , with all carefulnelle. And that particular account of obedience to this Adi, be required hereafter in all vifitarions ofParoches, Univerfittes, and Presbyteries , and alltriallsofPresby ter¬ ries and Synod books. nrHeGeneral '^fTembly confidering thatthe A<3:ofthe Af- lemh]y lit Edinburgh . 16^9. Auguftio. injoyningall per- fons to fublcribe the Covenant . under all Ecclefiaftical cenfwre, hath not been obeyed : Therefore ordaines all Minifters to make intimation of rhe faid Aft in their Kirks, and thereafter to proceed with the cenfuresof theKirk a« gainft fuch as lhall aefufe to fubfenbe the Covenant. And that cxa as they will anf- wer to the General Aflembly. Se(r. 7. Auguft^> 1^43* A6i for fearching Books tending to Separation* rTp^He Generali Aflembly confidering the recominenda- 1 tion of the Comnihlioners of the late Aflembly as S. ylwdreirr, upon the 12 o^Maj lafl: , to every Mi- nirter within their feveral bounds 5 efpecially toMinifters upon the coafts , or where there is Harbcurie and Ports • to try and fearch for all books tending-to Separations And finding the fame moftneceflar, do therefore ordaitl that recommendation to have the ftrength of an ordinary ACt of Aflembly : And that every Minifter be careful to try and (carch if anyfuch books be brought to this Countrey from beyond leas , and if any Ihall be found, toprefenc the famine to Presbyteries » that fome courfe may be taketi to hinder the difperfing thereof: And earneftly recommend to the Civil Magiftrates , to concurre with their auchoritie in all things > for effectual execution hereof. Af^probation of the proceedings of the Commif oners of the laft /Ijfemblj* THc Generali Asfembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed t« confider the proceedings of the Commiflionersof the late Asfembly at S Andrettrsy after mature deliberation , and feriousconfideration therer of, findes the whole Aits, Conclufions and Proceedings ofthe faidsCommiilioners , contained in a Book and Kcgi- fter‘ fubferibed bv Maftar -dwdrett? J^er their Clerk , and by Iviafter David Lindfay Modetutour , and lames Mmil-* La 164 Generali ton Clerk to the faid Coramictej to declare much wifedome, diligence, vigilancie, and every way commendable zeal and fideJuie in doing and difcharging every thing accordingto their Commiirion. SeflT. Align ft ^ "or the abolition of Epircopacie , and the call'iiean Asrembly : The true Copies of ^/hich, we herew'tlwll „ ) ( all of them being nowin amis j'gaind th- Pailiameot ) rlipfehoDefull beeinninj^sare likely, not on. 1) robe ren d ed ineffeduall ,\ut all the former evils, faperftions, and Spdons (which for the present, f of Go I arc in a good meafure removed to le m.rodu ced bv ft roJs hand which If once they lliould take root ap m in the^ Church and Kingdome of England , will faread their venome & mfeflion into tne neighbour Church Si Some of Scotland thequarrell of the enemies of thilwoik bring not fo much againtt the pcrfons of men, as the power of Godlincsfe, and purity of Gods worftup, whei^foevei kisprofefled. PothHoufes do therefore de- fir'th'it reverent AiTemblv to layfenoufty to hcaatths-ltatu mPd c“ii kn of theit filtr Church a'U K-"g»™= ^ no' only bv their pravers toaihft m thefe ftraus , ^ • Inch feafoLble and cft'eCtuall means as to meet, to further and expedite the prefcataidandarulknca ' ^X^Mi7'o maXownnn.othem, thatweate defig ' nid^andfentbybothHoufesofParliaivient, 36^ The Generali Aflembly ofthc Church of Scotland , to propound to them and confult with them concerning fuch things as may con¬ duce to our o\yn Reformation j and our fomuch defired conjundlion with this Church , which they have more fully expreffed in a Declaration of thcir own, which here withaU wepreftnt. 1643, Wlifidm Bo'tJ } b'ecr. CommilT. \AT>eclaratton of the Lords and Commons in the Farlidmefit of England , t$ the Generali hfemblj of the Church of Scotland. THc Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowled¬ ging with humble thankfulnelTe to Almighty God , the difpofer ot hearts , the Chriftian zeal and love which the Generali Aflembly of the Churches ofScotland , havemanifefted in their pious endeavours for the preferva- tionof the true reformed Proteftant Religion, from the fubtle pradicesand attempts of the Popilh and Prelaticall party, to the neceifary Reiormatmn of Church difeipline and Government in this Kingdome , and the more near 11- nion of both Churches , do earneltly defire that reverend Affembly to take notice, that the two Hou'es of Parliament fully concuriiug with them in thefe pious Intentions i for the better accompiifhment thereof , have called an Affem¬ bly of diverfe godly and learned Divines > and others of this Kingdome, unto the City of VC/.cminfter , who are now fitting and confulting about thefe matters. And likewife have nominated and appointed fohn K.arle of Ruthland , Sir fVtlliam Armine Bavoner, Sir Henry Vane the younger, Knight, 'Thomas Hatcher, andHcwy D.J°birup that Nation 0 fend fonie competent borces m a>d of this Par tan ent a Kinudome , againll the many Armies ol the PoP‘* an latical party , and then adherents . now in aims tor he ruinean^ddeftruaionof the reformed Religion , and all h Profes”ours thereof. In all which they Ihall do that wh h will be pleafing to God , whofe caufe it is , and hkeu ife fafeand^advantageous to their ""'"f^b^rcjiandKing o . who cannot fectitely emoythe great blelhn^ of '^"•gion. Peace . and Libettie in that Kingdonie , if this Chu«h «d 1 68. The Generali Kingdom-, by the prevailing violence of that partie, fhali bee brought to ruine and deftradion. Jo. Browns, Cleric. Hcnr.Elfyn^e , Cler. Parliamcntcrum. Pa 1- i-?- Com. ^ Letter from fome Brethren of the iJHiniJicrie in theKrkof Cnglaad , to the njjemhly. Reverend and beloved j THc experience which we have had of your forward- nesfe in receiving, and faithfulnesfe in weighing our former addrefles , hath given us abundant encourage- ment to take hold upon this prefent opportunitie of breathing out fumething ofourforrowes , which your love and our necef- lity, command us to reprefent to your conlideration and compailioi). Much we know we may commit to the wife- dome and fidelity of our Brethren thefe mesfengers, to im¬ part unto you concerning our miferablc condition , and un¬ to them thall leave the molt. Tour own Nationall, butfpe- cially Chriftian i'nterelf, will not permit you to hide your eyes from the bleeding condition of your poor didresfcd Brethren in England, Ihould neither Letters,norMesfengers befent unto youi Bu iVlesfengerscoming,w.c ihould at once negled our felves , Ihould we not thus a little eafe our bur¬ dened hearts, by pouring them our into your bofornes , and feem ungrateful to you, ofwhofe readinesie toluffer with us, and do for us, weliave had fo great Sc ample teftimonies. Surely if ever a poor Nation were upon the edge of a moft defperaie precipice t if ever a poor Church were ready to be Iwallowcd up by Satan and his Inftrumen’ts, we are that 3S!ation , we are that Church. And in both refpedfs by fo much the more miferable > by how much, we expected not a Frefervationonely , but an augmentation alfo , ofhappi- nesfe in the one', and glory in the otiier. We looked for Peace , but no good came , and fora time of healing , and hshpld trouble ! Our 00 p who in his fprmcr Judge - ' “ ' ' ■ ■ nieiui iyTjfemblyj 1643. merits wa*: a moth & rottcnesle /and yet bad of l^e begun to fend us health and cure) is now turned into a Lion to us: and threatens to rend the very cawleof our hearts t f loiti above he hath fent a fire into our bones , and eainft us ; From our own bowels he hath called forth i an ftrens'hened an adverfarie again'd us, a generation otbru- ti(h hrllilli men , the rod of his anger, and the fiad of his indignation, under whofe cruelties we bleed, an i pi^ fent mercy tfea no: m , we die . Righteous an tbm , O L O K. 0 , and jiifl are all thy lud^ements I i>uc O thenbarbarous cai ridges of oui enemies , where ever gives any of his hidden ones up into their hands, weneea not exyrcsfe it unto you , who knows the deadly malice of the Antichrilfian faction againlt the r/iem- bers of our Lord fefus. And itL well we need not expredc it unto you , for ‘in truth we cannot. Your own ihough may tell you better then any words of ours , what the nwtv-i of Pa lifts is , toward the Mimfters and Servants o our Lord'lefus Chrift. But the Lord knows we are nottrou- bled fo much with their rage againft us, 5' ries and dangers s but that which breaks our „ danger we behold theProteftant Religion, and all the K.e- formed Churches m at this time , through that too great and formidable ftrengch the Popilh Faction is now arrivcdar. our G O D will lay our bodies as the ftreet under their foot, audpoureout ourbloudasdu t.Dt fore their fury , the wil of theLord be done, might our bloiid be a facrifice CO ranfome the reft of the Saints or Churc Chrift from Aniichriftian fary,wewould oner it up upon ^ is fervice gladly. But we know their rage is infatiable. and will no: be quenched with our blouds , immortall, and will no die with us, armed againft us , notas men, biicas -Chruti- ans, butasPreteftants, but ashmen defirmg to reform our felves , and to draw our felves and others yet nearer unto God. And if God gave us up to be devoureu by this rage , it will take the more ftrength and courage (aGejt ^ tempt the like againft all the Proteftont and Churches . In a deeper fenie ol this excream dange fhreating us and you, and aU the Churches then vvecmi ex 1 7® The Generali prefTe, we have made this addrefTc unto you j in the bowels of our Lord Jefiis Chrift , humbly im ’bring your mpft fervent Prayers to the GOD that hears Prayers j who ( Ihould we judge by providences ) feeins to be angry with our Prayers { though we trull he doth but feena lo, and though he kill us , yet will we trulHnhim ) Oh >'give us the btothcrlv aide of your re-inftK'Ced tears and prayers » that the bleffings of truth and peace which our prayers alone have not obtained, yours conjoined, may. And give us reverend and much honoured in our Lord your advices, what remain": for us further to doe , for the making of our own and the Kingdomcs peace with GOD. We have lien in the d^ft before him j we have poured our hearts in humi¬ liation to him , we have in fincei ity , endeavoured to reform ourfelves, and no IcfiTefincerely defired , ftudied, labour¬ ed the publick Reformation , Neverthelclfe the Lord hath not yet turned himfelf from the fiercenelTc of his anger . And be pleaCed to advife us further, what may be the happiell courfe for the uniting of the Proteftant partic morcfirmlv ? That we may all ferve GOD with one confent , anddand Bpagainft Antichviftasone man, that our GOD who now hides himfelf from, his people may return unto us , delihhc in us fcarier and fubdue his and our enemies , and eaufe his fice tofliincuponus. The Lord profper you and preferve 'csfo» that the great work of thcle latter ages may befinilhed to his honour , and our own and the Churches happinefTc through Chrift Jefus. Subjeribed by very many hands- Seir. 9. Aiigufl \\. 1(^43 agaln^ Burials and hinging ojf Horn rs^ &c. in Kirks. THe Generali AlTembly conlidering the great abufeof burying within Kirks , wherein GODS publick wor- fiiipis exercifedj notwithfranding diyerfe A6is of this Kirk» prohibiting 1643. 17 ^ Drohibltln^r the fame. And 'that throurgh toleration the" reoF, othcrabufcsinhinginaof Penfils andBrods ine of Honours and Arms, and fuch like fcandalous Monu n-.encs in the Kirk , hath crept in. Therefore for remedy hereof , do hereby ratifie and approve the tormer Att s ana ConUitations made againft burials in Kiiks. Andinhibitcs and difcharces all pcrfonsof whatfoever qualuie . to b^ury any deceafcd perfon within the body of the Kirk, where the people meet for hearing of the Word , and adminiftra- tion of the Sacraments. And als inhibites them to hing PenflsorBrods , toafiixe Honours or Arms, or to make any fuch like Monuments, to the honour or remembrance of any deceafed perfon upon walls , or otherplaces wi h- in the Kirk , where the publick worfhip of God is exer- dfed, asfaidis. SefT. lo. tyfugufl IX. 1643. A^anentrepofttionof J^iniJlersy depfffed hj SuperiourJuMcatories , THe Generali Asfembly confidering that fentences of Superiour judicatories of the Kirk Ihould ftand effe- dluaUj while they be taken away by themfelvcs, and that they*lhould not be made voidand ineffeduall by Inferiour judicatories ; Therefore difeharges allProvirrciall Asfem- blies ro repone any Minifter depofed by the Generali As¬ fembly. And all Presbyteries to repone any Mmifters de¬ pofed either by General or Provincial Aflemblies j And de¬ clares and ordains, that all fuch fentences of rcpofition by thefe Inferiour Tudicatories re/pefli'ye, fhallbe nullinthem- felves j And that the fentences of depofition by the Supe- riour Judicatories refpeEiive fhall ftand valid and eftectual notwiihftanding thereof. SeflC The Generali lyz Senr.ii, Aug.\j^. 1^43. again (t ^JMaflers who have Servants that pro^hane the Lords day. 'pHe Generali Adcmhly declares , that the A6ls made againil: Salmond filliing upon the Sabbath, or againft any other labour upon the Lords day, to be not only againft fervanrs who a:tual!y work : But alfo that the famine fhould be extended againft mailers , M^hofe hired fervants they are. yHe Aftembly confideringhow conrenienticis, that all the Minifters of the particular Kirks within this King- dome, in their admini'iration , keep unity and uniformity inthe fubftanceand right ordering ofall the parts of the pu- blick wr*!/}! ppf God , and that all the particular K'rks by the fame unity and un formitji, teftifie their unanimous confent againft all rchifme and divifiof),unto which]there ti¬ mes : throughthe working of Satan and his inftrumencs , a- giinft the propagat.on of the Gofpel of peace are fo inclina¬ ble : Doth ordain, that a Diceiloric for divine worftiip, with all convenient diligence be framed and made ready in all the pa'ts thereof, againft the next Generali Affembly , to bell Id in the year 1 644- And for this end that fuchas flnllbe nominate by this Affembly, fhall imtncdiady after thenftngof be Aftembly, fcttliemfelves apart ( fofaras may be ) from their particular callings , and with all dili- ' genc'- and Cpced , go about this To publick , fopiousandfo : prod able a work- And when they have brought their en¬ deavours and labours about this Direwftorietoan end , that It be ’Ajfemhfy, 1^43* ^73 it be put into the hands ot the Cotntniltioners of the Generali Affembly , to be revifed , and thereafter bv them fentin feverall Copies to all the particular Synod* to be held m April and May, that the famine bcin* reported with their obfervations , notes, and animadverhons to the Genenll Affembly, itmayinend, after rheir full mail and approba¬ tion , by order and authority from them be recfived < and pradlifedbyallthc lUinifters and particular Kirks. And for prefer \ ing of peace and brotherly unity , in the mean whik , till the Direaorieby univerfall confent of the whole Kirk be framed, finilhcd , and concluded, TheAflembly for- biddeth under the pain of the cemfures of the Kirk , all dif- putation by word or writing , in private or ptiblick , about different pradiccs in fuch things , as have not been foi mcrly ’ determined by this Kirk , And all condemning one of an- ' other in fuch iawfull things as have been uni ver'^ally recei¬ ved , and by perpetuall cullome pradfifed by the moft faith- full Minifters of the Gofpell , and oppofers of corruption® in this Kirk j fmee the firft beginning of Reformation to thefe times. And doth exhort and command that alt endeavour to the keep the unity of the fpirit , in the bond of peace, that all beginnings of Separation, allfcandalland divifion , be by all means avoided ; And that againft envy¬ ing, and ftrife, andfa^ion, and glorying in men , evejy one go before another in the duties oflove , and fo fulfill the Law of Chrift .-That continuing in one fpirit and one minde, 6c fighting together through the faith of the Uofpel, we may mutually aide, ftrengthenaod comfort one another in all‘ PaftorallandChrifl'ian cmploimcnts, better refift the com¬ mon adverfaries , edifieone another in the knowledge and fear of God, and the more acceptably, and with the gre¬ ater blelfingferve the Lord who hathdonefo great things for us. Tropoji-^ 174 The Generali \ ,1 ‘Profojitions jrom the Engltjh CommiJJioner^ fre/ented thu day to the A^^emhly. WE the Commififioners appointed by both Moufes ofihe parliament of England , being commanded by them (as we have already declared) to deiirc the reverend Aflcm- bly of Scotland, ferioufly tolay toheartthe prcfent Eftate of their Sifter Church an J Kingdom^ of England , and not onely toallift with their sprayers in their ftraits > but alfo by fuch realonable and effedtuall means astothemfelves ihall feem meet to further and expedite the alliftance now defined by both Houfes from the Kingdome of Scotland, and a more ftrid union with them, Have thought fit in Purfuance of the commands received from both Houfes of Parliament, communicate to this Aflcmbly the paper which to this pur- pofewe hare lately delivered to the Honourable Conven¬ tion ofErtates, in this Kingdome , that fo this reverend Aifembly might be the better enabled , to contribute their beft afliftance toward the furthering and expediting of the fame. W herein we affure our felves of their ready and wil¬ ling affeiftions , confidering the great fcrvice they may do to God, and the gicat honour may redound to themfclves in becoming the Inftruments of a glorious Reformation, not onely through this Hand, but from thence poffibly to be fpread to other Churches nowoppreff d under the Anti- chnftian bondage , and tyrannic of the Popiibandprelatical Faiftion. We will not fay there licsany obligation upoa this Church and Kingdome , to comply with the d fires of the two Houfes of Parliaments though we might call to mindc that God by the hand of the Church and Kingdome of England, did once reach forth afliftance and aid unto this Nation, and hath lince uled them as a help to tnat bles- fed Reformation it now enjoyes. Arid who knosi^eth whether the wife providence ofGod hath not fuffered this Church and Kingdome to be tempted thereby, to make them the more fenftble of the prefent miferies of their bre¬ thren , and likewife given them a good illue , with the ten- tatioB, 'Jlffembly, 1643'. tation, that they miyht be made a means of our deliver¬ ance? Weihall not need to offer any grounds of piudencc to invite them hereunto , M^ho have already prevented us in the acknowledgement of wh3t might be i^id of thatkinde in the advice prefentedby the Commiflioncrs of the General Affenibly, July 1643. unto the Convention of Eftates, expreflinff as one remedieof the prefent dangers of this Church and Kingdomc, their earneft defire of renessdngthe league and asfoeitation with England, foi the defence ot Religion againilthc common encnue, and of further ex¬ tending the fame againft Prelacie, and Popifh Ceremo¬ nies , for Uniformity in externall wcrfliip and Church-go¬ vernment. And wehope thatthe fame God who hath thefe defires into the hearts of bot h Kingdomes , will nuKC ufeofthis prefent opportunity to knitthem both to him- felf and each other inamou ftrfef and durable Uniotia and thereby the more firmly to eftablifh truth and peace m both Nations. Hovt^focvei this which we have done in difeharge of cur duty, will affoordchc comfort ofag^d confeiente inourgreateft diftresfes , and give us ground to cxpeA deliverance Tome way or other from the manifold wifedome and power of God , who though men and meansf fail » will not caft off his people , nor forfaKe his inheri¬ tance We have onely this to adde further , that we^e commanded by both Houfesto let this reverend Asfembly l(no w that it is their earneft defire , that what other Propo- fitions mav be thought fit to be added and concluded by this Asfembly , whereby theaffftance and Union betwixt the two Nations , may be made more beneficiall and cff-otuall for the fecuring of Religion and Libertic. ftiould be offered to us , and taken 10 our fpeedy confideration. jVilliam'Sond. Sccr.ComJ The i76 The Generali The ‘Pa^er before - mentioned , delivered biuguji i 2., to the Convention , and this day to the ^(fetnhly WE tijic CommifTioners appointed by both Houfes of the Farlisment of England j ate by oar inftrudlions com¬ manded roputtlieir bi ethi en of Scotland in ndnde , that the Popilh and prclaticall Fadtion that began with them, about the year 1 53b’. andi(J39. and then intended to make way to the ruine ofthe Kingdomeof England by thei s, have nor abated any parr of their malice toward the Nation and Church of Scotland , nor are at alldeparted from their dcbgne of corrupting and alteting Religion through the whole Hand , though they have inverted the manner of their proceeding? conceiving now that they have an eafier way to deftroythem, if they may firft prevail over the Par¬ liament and Kingdorae of England. Inwhichrerpedfitis the defirc ofboth Houfes, that the two Nations may be ftridfly united, for their mutiiall defence againft the Papifts andprelaticsll Fadion , and their adherents in both King- domes, and not to lay down arms till thofe their implaca¬ ble enemies fhall be difarm.ed , and fub|cded to the autho¬ rity and juftice of Parliament in both Kingdomes refpedi- vely. And as an effedual mean hereunto , they defire their brethren of Scotland to raife a confiderable force of Horfe and Foot, for their aide and afliftance, to be forthwith fent againll; the Papifis , prelatical Faclion, nnd malignants now in arms in the Kingdome of England And for the better encourasement of the Kingdome of Scotland to tl’isEcceffiryand fomiich defired Union, we arc by both Houfes of Parliament authorized to affure their brethren , that if they fliall be annoyed or endangered by a- ny Force or Army? cither fr om England or any other place, the Lords and Commons of England will afiift them with a proportion^ible ftrength of Horfe and Foot, to what thi-ir Brethren fhall newatfoord them to be fent into Scotland for the deftnee of cha; f^ingdome » And they will maintain a guard i^pmbly, 1641^ 177 a puard of Ships at cheir own charge upon the coaft of Scot'and for the fecuring of chatKingdome , fiomthem- vafionoflrilh Rebch or other enemies, during fuch time as the Scotifti Army {hall be employed in the defence of the Ktngdome of England. Andtotheend that nothing mighc be wanting in the Parliament and Kingdomc of England to facilitaceVhis work (a herein the true reformed Religion, notonelyin theiecwoKingdomes, but throughout all Eu¬ rope is To highlv concerned j We are farther authorized to confder w ith their brethren the Eftates and K ngdomc of Scotland , of what other At ficles or propolmon. are fit to be added and concluded , w'hereby this awftanceand Unioii betvtnxtthe 'WO i^ations , may be made more beneficial and eftedual for -the fecurity of Religion and Libertie in both Kmgdomes. , -n- All which being taken into the ferioiisand Chnltian coiv fideration of t' e right lionourable the Lords and others of the Convention of ^be bllatei of Scotland, we hope there wull not need many arguments toperfwadeand excite them to give their confent , and that with all convenient fpesd^, to thefe defires of both houfes of the Parliament of Eng¬ land j feeing now' they have fo fully declared , ashy wfiac they have doneaheadv, foby wit3cthey are yetdefirous to do, that the true ftate of this caufe and quarrel is Religion* in the Reformation vrhereof they are , and have been fo forward and zealous, as that there is not any thing expreiled unto them by their brethren of Scotland , in their former or latter Declarations , which they have not ferioully taken to heart , and ferioully endeavoured to effefl:, (notwith- ftanding the fubtle malicious and indultrious oppofitions) that fo the tw o Kingdomes might be brought into a near coi jundlion in one form of Church-go'. eminent , one di- redto if of worlhip, one Catechi me , &c. and the founda¬ tion laid of the utter exrirpa i'^n ol Popery and prelacie out olbothR’-ngdomcs. The moft ready and effectual means where unto , Is no'.v conceived to be, that both Nations en¬ ter into a llndl Union and league, according to the defires of t^ietw'o Houies of Parliament. And to induce theperfwafionofrhis (if there wcrecaufc^ M we 178 The generall v^e might obferve, that, in the many Declarations made by the General Alfembiy or States of Scotland , to their Bre¬ thren ofEnglandj there have been fundry exprefhonSjmani' fefting rite great necejli tie that bo h Kingdomes for the fe- curitie of their Religion and Liberties, ihouldioyn in this Itrid Union againft the Papifts,Prela's,ar!d their adherents: As alfo in the endeavour of a near conjuntff'on between tlie Churches of both Nations The apprehenfion and forefighc of which , hath caufcd the Popjfh and Pi elatical Fa<^ion in forreigne parrs as well as in his h'ajefties Dominions, ftrii5t- ly and powerfully to combine themfelvcs to the hinderance of this fo neceflary Woik , and the univerfal fuppreflion of the true proteftant Religion in Europe : A courfe not much different from that which they took in the year 1585. when the wifedome and zeal of this Nation to counter- myne fo wicked a confpiracie , and from the due fenfe ofthemutual in’ereft of thele two Kingdomes in Religion and Libertie, found a necefiityofent ing into a league of this nature , as well confidcring j that thereby no leffefafetie might be ex¬ pelled to both Nations, then danger by forbearing tne fame. And though \t'e doubt not but in fo neceflary and fo good a Work, many difficulties may ariie to interrupt and retard the fame^ yet we are as confident, that the heartie and brother¬ ly afiedionof this Nation to the Parliament and Kingdome of England? will eafily break through them; and the lather becaufe in the like cales of difficultie and danger , not only at the time of the league above mentioned, but before > and likfwife fince , v\hen any opportunity hath offered it felf particularly, dining the fitting of this prefent Parliament, the Kingdcme 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 theredreffe or prevention of the fame. 12,. 1643. 'iVilliam Bond Seer. Com^ 179 x_Aifembl^ j 1^43* SefT. 13. Aug. 1(5. 1^43. Recommendation to the Vreshyteries andUniverfities anent Students that halts t he Irish lanmaac. o THeAHembly confiderin^ the larncntsble condition of the people in the K'^hdands , where the; e ate many that ircts not the benefit^ ofiheWordin relpcdi there aieyeiy^ ftw Preachers that can fpeak the Iiiih language ^ Do - or rc- meid thereofihink good, tliat young Students who nave the Iriih tongue, be trained up at CoUcdges in fi'pccially in the fliudies of Divinitie , And to this eSect recommend to Presbyteries' and Univerfities to preferre anyhopefull Students that have the langn^gs afore. aid , to Bu vfai its , tliat they by their ftudics in proceiTe cfcime at- rainintr to knowledge, andbeingenabled for theMinilterie, naay be lent forth for preaching the Gofpelin thefe High¬ land parts , as occafions Ibali require. SefT. 14. AuguH \7^ i^43- . Ths Letter from the Alfembly ot Divines in the tCingdorne of England , Xo the right r ever end the 'Generali AJdemuly of the Chitrch ofScotUnd. Vsjght reverend and dearly hcloted in cur Lord yfusChrif , WE the Alfembly of Divines^and others, called and now luting by authority of both Houles of Parlia¬ ment, to be confulted by them in matters (of Rehg'un , have received from the honourable Houresol: Commons,?, fpeciall order ( dated the 3. of this inftant Auguft ) rccony mending it to us to wuue a Letter to the Generali Alfombly ofthe Church of Seotland , taking notice of the pious and good expeduiQfjj to this Church and State , cettb.edin tlie • ^ M ^ lara 1 8c The Generali lare Aiifwcr of the ConuralTioncrs of the Generali Affembly oftheKirkofScorland , fn-m their meeting at Edinburgli the 17. of July And further to deli; e them to poffelTe thepcopic ofthatK.iHs;dome with our Condition j andto encourage theriuoour alr.ftance in thiscaufeof Religion. And having with that order received and readrhefaidAn- fvt'Cr direfted to the honourable Houles ofthc Parliament of England weeannot fuilicii nriy ex {.refe the great content and comfort > unto which it hath lai cd us in the midftof the fad and calamitous condition under which we lie. it is no fmall refrelhing to our m urning fpirits to finde , that yer our God bath net left us v holly comfortlefle , nor cad usfo far OIK of his fight , as having made usfick vdth fmiting thru ihouid be verified of us , Lover and friend haji thou fut far from us , and that no man Ihouid turn alide to how M e do ; bur that we finde fo many of the Churches of Chrift , and above them all , our deareft Brethren of Scot¬ land 5 fo far to take to heart our extremities, as to fit in the dull with us ) and fo to look upon ouradverfiiics, as being ibemfelves alfo in the body. And as we cannot render thanks fufficient unto our God for remembnng fuch mercis in the midft of fo much xvrath ; fo we embrace with all chearfuJnefle this op- portunitie of thankfull acknowledgement of the great debt which your love doth continually lay upon* not us alone? but upon this whole Kingdpme , in the free and full exprefiions of your care > piety and zeal > and of like afTedf’.ons of that wholeNation , to aflift and concurre with the Parliament here , by all good and lawfull means , for fettling of Religion in godly unity and umformitie throughout all his h-lajefties Dominions, againft all the defignes , power and malice of bloudie Papifts , and the Prelaticall Faction , with all their malignant adhe¬ rents, the common enemies of Reformation, truth and peace. We are likewife much ingadged to the great vigilancie and navels of the honourable Convention of the Efiates of Scotland, in contribuemg their brotherly adyicc, and for their t^Jfcmblyt 1641. iSi* their readlnciTe to givcamftancc for recovering and fettling the peace ofthisKmgdome, again^lthe devices, powerand pradtices of the enemies of Religion , and the publick Good . whereof fome hints are given in that Antwer and of which we doubt not bu: the honourable Houiesof Farlia- mentwill bsfofenfible as to give fuch 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 imminetT^ , will be more alale to value and improve the great affedfion and wifcdome of their Bretnren, in points of fo high and general! concernement , foi t^efa- fetie and glory of the Kings Majefiie , and ofali his ^ing- domes, and are more fittorake notice of advices ot that kinde , inreference to the civil State, whichiheieroic wv- wholly leave with them. _ , r r a But as for the many prudent., pious* and feoionable admo¬ nitions which concerns our Affembly , the good Lord re¬ ward ( for we cannot ) feveu fold into your bofonies all the good, which you have laboured to procure J ^ Houfeofour GOD , and blclfed be his Name who hath put fuch a thing as this into the hearts of our rarlia- ment, to cleanfe the Houfe of. the Lord ofall tueunclca- nnelfethatis in it , by impure Uodfrinc, Wormip, or 1 - “^No^can we in the depth of all our fuffeiings and forrows, withhold our hearts from rejoycing iu the wonderful good- nes of God toward this Kingdome) in that ue hath let us lee the gracious fruit of your eifcftiiall prayers and tearcs, as well as of our own endeavours this way : In bringing toge¬ ther this illfcmbly, although in a very troublous time , whereby we may have better opportunity moie tmly to noureoutour fouies jointly and together to our , for healing of this now mifcrable Church and Nation : To confider throughly , for what more jefpecially the Land mourneth,and how wc may bejmoftufcfull to our great GJD and Mailer JESUS CHRIST j in contributing fom-what-tothe vindicating of his precious truth, many wayes corrupted through the craft of men that have yen in . ^ jvl- 5 waic 1 8 ^ The G cnerL7ll wait ro deceive *. In tlie feeking out of j right way of woi - Aippyiiigou. GOl) according to his own heart : In pio- iiioringthe power of Uodhaede : inthe kcarts ancf lives of all his people, and in laying forth fiich a l,)ircipl ne as may be moll agreeable ro Gods ho'y Word , and moil apt to p.o- ciirearid preferve the peace of this Church at home, and nearer agreement with the Church of Scotland ( highly ho* noured by ns)and other the beil reformed Churches abroad, '1 hat fo to the utmou; of our pou'er , we may ex.dt him that istheoniv Lord over the Church , hisown Houfe, mail hisOiHces, and present this Church asa chaft virgin unto Chrill. It is a timely and favourie prayer which you have put up at the throne of Grace, touchingthe due managing of the proceedings in this Affembly , and that with ftraigth inten¬ tions wemayallfeekrhe truth in every thing , which by the bleffing of God upon our labours , mull needs produce all all thole blellings which your worthie Commillioners men¬ tion. And now, for your comfort as well as our own en¬ couragement, we dclife \ ou to take notice of the gracious anfwer of the God chat heateth prayer, unto your fervent cryes Forbefdc our own particular addreOes and fecrec vows to our Cod to be fatthfiil ( noth dd'dain of al] baits of avarice and ambition) it hath plealed the Divine Piovidence foto direftboth the honourable Houles of Parliament , to take care of preventing all obliquitie in our proceedings, and ro Hop the mouthes of all that watch fortlicir and our hiiltings , and are apt malicioully to traduce both, ( as if we were fo rellrained by them , in our votes and relbluci- ens, as to be bound up ro the fenf'e of others, and ro carry on-private delignes in a fervile way ) that the Houfes have tendered to us , and we have moll readily taken a folemne and lerious Prorellation in th^ prefence of Almighty God, TO maintain nothing in this AlTembly touching Dodliine , but what we aie perrsvaded m our confciences to be the truth; nor in matters of Difeipline , but what we con¬ ceive ro conduce moft to the glorv of God , and the good 2nd peace ofhisChucchj which doth not only fecurethe Members ajainft fecrerinp; of their judgements or votes > but engage them to the ufe of all freedome , becoming the integrity of confcience , the weight of the Caufe , the gra- vitie and honour of fuch anAfcmbly. It is likewife a great confolarion , that our GOD hath put it imo your hearts to defigne Tome godly and learned Brethren to put in their ficklcs u ith us into this Harveft , which is fo great, and requires fo many Labourers j for vv'hich , as we heartily return thanks , fo we carneftly pray the Lord to open a way totheir timely coming hithe,r and do afl'ure them of allrc- ftimonies of refpedt , love , and the right hand of fellow iliip , ss’ho fhall under take a journey io tedious, and now fo perillous, to jovne with us in the Work) when it (hall pleafe the honourable Houfes of Parliament to invite them thereunto. Itremaiuesthat wefhouldnow fpread before you our ca¬ lamities > dangers and fears of further evils, not only drav\r- ing tovs'ard us , but even threatning you alfo; and crave your pafiioaate aids in all wayes becoming the Servants of jefus Chrih. Bur your CommifUoners have fo fully decla¬ red your certain knowledge and deep fenfe of them , that they have left us no room for inlarging ourfelves in this parricular , to Brethren fo full of bowels and zeal. And they have fufiiciently intimated unto the honourable Hou¬ fes, that yow are well aware how often the common ene¬ mies of both Kingdomes have confulted together with one conlent to cut oil both the one and the other from being a Nation, aud that the Tabernacles o^Edom, and theL/.»- vmclites o^Moab , and the Id agar cm , Geballt /fmmon , and Amalek^-, the curfed Papirts, and their implacable and bloti- dy Abettors here, do {fill retain the fame malice* and car¬ ry on the fame dchgnc apainifc Religion » andperfedf lie- formation even in your Kingdome , happily refcuedfroin ihtir former tyrannies , as well as in this of feorched En¬ gland, now in the furnace: Only they have varied the Scene, pouring out all their furyuponusattheprefent : That fo, having once trodea us under as mire in theftrecus, they may afterviard more eafily j ( whic i God avert ) fet their proud and impure feet upon your necks alfo. Where- M 4 fore 1^ 4 The Generali fore with the good leave and favour of the honourable Hour fesofParliamcnc , wefhall nowfparethe further exciting of you to that which wc doubt not of your forwardnefle by all lawfall and meet means to promote with all youi might i namely, the polTelling the good people ofthat Kingdome ; ( of whofe M'illing minde and readineffe you have already given ample teftimony ) touching our condition . and to encourage them to ouraiShancein this CaufeofKeligion. And now remembring v ithoiit ccahng your worJe of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord jefus Chrift, with all due acknowledgments of the precious eftedts of your prayers ; We moll humhly and earneftly de- iire/ that the lame breathing s of the fpirit in you may ftill con irtue , and { ifpollibl.- ) more frequently and fervently afeend to your God , and our God , not only for removal! ofoutward prclTures , and the \ ideation of the fu'ord . that harh already learned to eat n uchofour flclh ? butaifo for thefpecial aflihanceand protedtionof the Father of lights, in this great Work unto which we ate now called, and whe'- Tein we already finde many and potent adverla; ies : that feeing the plummet is now in the hands o£ our ^erubhabe Is ^ all mounraine.' may become plains, and they nuv --mg for' h the capjloneof the Lords Heiife with shoutings crying, Gra^ (pe> grace unto it : and that how weik and concempnule buil¬ ders loever we be , the Lord would enableus tobuildwith^ them , that none may have caule to defpilc the day of our fmall beginnings, nor to flop our progrelTc in the woik which he hath given us did receive the defines above-mentioned : And how beneficial ic would be for the more firmc fectiement of the rvl 5 faid The Generali faidunioni that a Covenant fhould be entred into by both Nations: And this forme thereof being by all the forefaici jg perfons taken into rnoft ferious debate and conhderation, and agreed unto : It was thereupon refolved by them , thac atiho'uid be prefented ro the General Affembly, to the Con- 1 mention of Eftates of Scotland , and to the two Houfes of the Parliament of England , by their refpeiiive Committees i andCommifTioners , that it might with all fpeed receive their refpedtive refolutions. ' Ja. Primarofe, ' \ Subferibed Ksfi TViUiam Bond Sec. Com r— - - - - - - - - - - — ^ — * — - — — ^ “XJ^c I^ea^He an^i Covenant ahove-tnentioned , hsing fent with the Conimifjioncrs oft^Hs AJfembly^ to the Parliament of England ^ and Ajfemhly of Divines in that Kingdome , to be received and approven there ^ is to be printed at the return thereof ^dffrobation of the League and Covenant above mentioned. fie Affembly having recommended unto a Committee, appointed by tliem to jtivne with the Committee of the Honourable Convention of Eflatcs , and the Co:r miflioners the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament of England, for bringing the Ivingdoines to a more near conjunction^ and Union, received from the aforefaid Committees ,^the Covenant above-mentioned , as the refult of their confuica- rions : A^nd having taken the fame , as a matter of fo pu- blick concernmentj and of fo deep importance doth re.quire* unco their graven conlideration , Did with ail their hearts. tyljfembly j 1^43. ^^7 nd with the beginning's of the^ feelings of that joy which hev did finde in fo great nieafure upon the renovation of helSJ tionil Covenant of this I\irk and Kingdomc j All Auth one voice approve and embrace the fame, as th^mdl Dowerfillmeane , by the bleliing of GOD, for fettling and prefervingthe true Prote-anc Kcligionj with pcrfed Peace inkis .Viajeldics ' -oiTiinicns , and prpbagating the fame to other Nations , and for eftablifhing his Majelfie? throne to all ages and generations. And therefore with iheir beld afieffions recommend the fame to the Honourable Convention of bfta es , that beirgexamined and approved bv them , it may be fent with all diligence to the Kingdoinc of England ; that being recei-'ed and approven there , the fame may be With publick humiliation , and all P^eligious and an'Vcrable folemnitie ■ fworn and fubi cribed by all true Pi ofelTours of the . eformed Religion , and all his Majeilies good Subjccls in both Kingdoines. Self Ulr. Jugufl 1643. T'hc AJfemhlies hH 1-^ ^ ..A A ^ J f* ^ Patrons, Presbyteries, and Paroehesmiy be removed rnera-' fore the Ademblv recommendtoevery ?resbycric,to con-j fultand advife unon the bed wayes andm’ans for effedluat-. ing hereof, And toreportthe refulrsof their confulcations herein till to the next Afiembly. Overtures anent Wttch. craft ^ and Charming , drc~ THe abundance and increafe of the fin of Wirch-crafe , in all the fortsand degrees of it in this time of Reforma-. lion, is to be taken to heart by this reverend Adembly*( who would to that end confider. I- Of the occafions thereof, which are found to be thefe; efpecially, extremity ofgrief, malice, pafiion , and delireff of revenge, pinching povertie, folicitation of others Witches and Charmers j for in fuch eafes the devill affails them, offers aide, and much prevails. II. Of thereafons and caufes of Satans prevailing; which are grode ignorance , infide'litie , want oFthc love of the truth ( which GOD Iiath made fo long and clearly to fhine in our Land ) and profanede of life. HI. Of the means and wayes tobringthemtoaconfef- flonand cenfure, which we conceive to be, that adand-1 ing Commilfion for a certain time be had from the Lords] of Secret Gounccl , or Jallice Generali , to fome under {landing Gentlemen and Magiftrates Muthin the boundsof; presbyteries that ihallcra»e it, giving them power to ap¬ prehend, try. and eKCutejulliceagainflfuchperfonares ,j as Affemhly ,1^43^ 189 are guilty of Witch - craft within thcic Presbyteries; Foe many Paroch 's want the concurrence of civil 1 Magiftrates. I V. Oi the grounds of apprehending them. Which may be a reigning brute of W’tch craft, backed with di¬ lations of confeiling Witches, being confronted with them » for it is found that the dilations of two or three con- fefllng Witches, hath ordinarily proved true : Alfo de- pofitions of honeft perfons , anenr malefices committed, or cures ul'edbythem, may be a ground of apprehending them. ' V. Being apprehended, there would be honeft and dif creet perfons appointed to watch them; for being left alone- they are in danger to be fuborned and heai dened by others , or ofdeftroyingthcmfclves. _ » VI* Minilters would be careful at all times, efpecially Morning and Lvening , to deal with them, by Prayer and Conference , whi'es they are in priion or reftraint. Vll. The means ito prevent the grouth of this wicked*^ nclTe , are* 1 hat Miniflers be every way careful and painful in warni ing people of the danger thereof, and ofSarans temptati¬ ons, both privately and publickly, andtomftrudt themin the knowledge of the Gofpeil, and grounds of Religion, by plain cathechefing, to urge Irvely &th in Chrift, which faith Witches bcftowoiherwife ; Alfo to prefle holineffeof life , and fervent prayes in private , and in Families , and in publick , that they be not led into temptation; And to ufe the cenfui es of the Kirk againft profane perfons , fuch as Curfers, Whoorcs, Drunkards, and fuchlike, foroveir fuch like , he gets great advantage. Finally, itisrequifitc for preventing of this hainousfm , that people feek know¬ ledge ftudic to beleeve, walk in holinefte, and continue conftant andinftant in prayer. And bccaufe Chaiming is a fort and degree of Witch¬ craft, and too ordinary in the Land; Itwouldbe injoyned to all Minifters to take particular nonce of them , to fearch them our, and fuch as confult with them, and that the Elders carefully concurre in fuch fearch ; And this Aftena- bly would think on ?n unifoime way of ce«i[ujir,g thefe ■ " * ■ Char;; 1 90 The G enerall Charmers > and fuch as employ them, or confiilt with them» prrwo quoque tempore. The Afiembly approves the /articles ani Overtures afo' efaid. And ot dames every Vresbytene to take to their furthe-r con fj deration ] hy what other wayes or means , the fins aforejaid ftVjtch crafty Charming , and confulting with tT'itche or Charmers , Cfi fuch like wtekednes may be tried . refrained and condign nely cmfured and punished ecclefiafiically andchnlfy : ^nd to report their jiidgemcntt fiercin to the next Ajjcmbly, u k fettle there : Tojecher with Letrer from the V^icount of Airds to that lame efi’etfl:. All v-’hiehthe AiTembly hath taken to their ferious confideration , being moft heartily willing to fympathize with every Member of Chnll; his body, although never fo remote, much more with that plantation there , which for the mod part was a branch of the Lord his vine , plan'ed in this Land- In which folicitude , as they would be loadi to ufurpe without their own bounds , or ibetch triemfelves beyond their own meafnre , fo they dare not be wanting to the inlar- gement ofChnfts Kmgdoiue , where fo loud a cry of fo ex¬ treme neceliity , could not but llir up th bo ' els of Chr> ifiaa compaffion. And although they con' eive, that ihc at ComnuJJlon for (J^tinifters to gotolreldncL THe General AfTembly having i ecci v d a Petirion Tub- . ^ feribed by a very great number in t'’e North of Ire¬ land , intimating their deplorable condition though) want of the Miniltery of the Golpcl ■ occafioned by the ty- ; ^ tannie of the Prelats > and the fword of the Rebels , andj defiring lome Minifters , efpecialL fuch ashadfbeen dialed from them by the perfecution of the Prelats, and fome others to be added , either to be fent prefently o- ver to refide among them , or declared tranfportable ^ that' upon invitation from rh’m > they might go and prefentunfetiled condition both of Ciiirrciand S ate in that Land, will not fuller them fas yet) tt>l"0 e ai'\ > to make any conftant abode there ; yet they have re.o’ ved to fend o- ver feme for the prefeiic exigent, till the next general Af- fembh', 1643. ipj* fembly , bycourfes, today three moneth allanerly. Ani therefore do hereby authorize and giveCommiidon to the perfons folio wring, to Wit, MaHer William CockhurncHAmV' ftcr at Kirkmichcil , and Madcr Matthetv A’lacl^it!! minifter at Carmanoch , for the firft three moncths,^ beginning upon the 8. of September next. Mafter Gwom Hatchifon Minider at Calmonell , and Mader Hugh HerJerJbn MjrJder at Dai¬ ly , for the next three moneths, beginning the S. of Decem¬ ber* Mader William Alair Minider at Air , and Mader fob^ Weir Minider at Dailerfe , for the third three moneths , be¬ ginning the 8. of March , And M der ]ames Hamil^ mi Minider -at Drumfreis ■ and Mader 'join 'MaccklUn£Mi‘* cider at Kirkubright for the lad three moneths , beginning the 8. of June, the laid year 1644. To repair unto the : Ivoith of Ireland, and there to vifit , indrudt, comfort, and encourage the fcattered flocks ofChrid To employ them- felvcs to their utteimod with all faithfulnede and fingk- ntif ' of heart in planting and watering , according to thd dirctdion of JefusChriit, and according to the Doctrine and Difcipline of this Kirk in all thin:7,s. And if need be ( \uith the concurrence ol'fuch of the Minidersas are there ) to try and ordain luch as diall be found qualified for the Mi- nidery i Giving charge unto the perfons foiefaids in the fight of God, that in Dodrine , inWoiihip, in Pifei- pline, and in their daily converfation , they dudy to ap¬ prove thcmfelves as the Minidersof Jeftis Chrid j And that they be countable to the Gener, Aff, of this Kirk in all things. And in cafe of any of the above-mentioned Minrders be im¬ peded by ficknest or otherwayes neceflarily detained front this fervice j The Afkmbly ordains the Commiffioners re¬ dding at Edinb. for the publick alfairs of theKirk,to norsina- tein their placewell qualified men j who hereby are authori¬ zed to undertake the forefaid imploymsntjas if they bad been expredy nominate the face of the Ademb. And this although poliibly ir lhall not fully fatisde the large expedatiqn of their Brethren inf reland: yet the Adcinbly is confident they will take in goo d part at this time that which is judged i mod convenient lor the prefent condition , even a mite out '.ofthsil ewitj ijotvqry great plentic tQ fupply the prefcnc The Generali neccffity: Requiring of them no other recoirpencCj but chat they in all che^rfulneffe may embrace and mak - life of the MclTage of Salvation , and promihng to inlaivj;e the^r in- dc-btcd bountiv at the next Aftembly , as thev lhall finde the W ork of the Lord there to require, in the mean while wifhing that thefe who are fent^ may come vsirhthe full blelfingoftlieGoipel of peace , recommends them, their la¬ bours j and rhelc to whom they are fent, to the nchblelling of the gi eat Shecphei d of the flock. Aii againji CMinifters haunting woth ex^ communicate perfons. IF any Mim'fter haunt the company of an excommunicate perfon , contrair to the La'^es of this Kirk j Thefaid Mi- niflei for the firft fault fhall be furpended from hisMinifle- rie by his Presbyterie* during their pleafure : Andforrhe fecoiid fault be deprived. And in care the Presbyteries be negligent herein , the Provincial Aflernbly Ihall cenfure the Presbyterie thus negligent. ABanent an order for ujing civil Execution againji Excomtuumcate Perfons. THeAlTemblv taking to their conflderation an Article* in the Heads and Prooofltions Tent to rhe Aflernbly held at Edinburyh, in Augufl: • by the Lord Re¬ gents Grace , and allowed bv ■ h -r A ^embly : Whereof the the reroU' foUowcs. It it refolved that the ^•xecutkm of the fenteneeof hxcorrmunication againj} I^erfont excomnninicate i aftet the jpace of fourtie dayet af} shall be pyefented to the Lord The’’ faurer or httCler!^, iv ho thereupon shall rat fe Lettert by deliverance of the Lords of Sef ion , to charge the Perfons Excommunicate , ) to fatisfie the l\ir/(_ and obtain themjelves ahflv d under the painpif ^bellion : in cafe they pafe to the Borne 9 to cauje thevt EJcJjeits he taken up > and alfo to raife and caufe execute Letters of Caption againji them ; .And theje to be done at the Kings Ma- jef ICS charges : Do rauHc and approve the faid Article. And farther ciiat the intenrion of the faid Article may be the bet¬ ter etfcihiate ,• doth alfo ordain , that every Presbyterie caufe fend to the Procurator , or Agent of the Kirk, the forefaid Execution , thatis, anminuteor noteofthc fen-, tences of Excommunication M'ithin'heir bounds , bearing the time and caufe thereof : And that under the hands of the Moderatour or Clerk ot the Presbytciie, or of the Mi- nifter w'ho pronounced the fentence j That the famine may be delivered to his Majellies Fhefaiirer » Advocate , or A- gent. To Caufe Letters of Horning and Captioti be raifed and execute , and other diligence to be ufedagainlt the Ex- communica't Perfons in manner forefaid. And that all other civil afbon and diligence may be ufed againll them , war¬ ranted and provided by AdfsofParliament, or fec.retCoun- cel madethereanent: And that particular account be craved hereofin every General AlTenabl^. JO THE KINGS MOST excellent MA]EST1E, the humble An/wer of the National Afent~ bly of the Kirk of Scotland, ALthough the many and ample teftimonies of Your Ma- lefties Koval favour and bountie towards this Kirk and Kingdome be living andlaftingMonuments to hold all Your Majefties good Subjeds andus moftofall, in remembrance of that duty , which we owe to Your Majeftie our great Benefadfour , never by any length of time to be deleted out of our minds : Yet M^hen w e remember even of _con- fcience we owe honour and fubjedlion unto Your Majellie as our dread Soveraigne , as well in V our Maiefties abfence as prcfer.ee , We fiode our obligation to be Religious , and ^ H thereby 194 Generali tkei eby much increafed : And ih 'refofe have vi/e at this, ritne in allourconfukationsandconclufionsjof which Toms have been of more then ordinary weight and concernment, in anfwer to certain Proportions , m. de unto us by the CommifTioners of tire Houfes of Pai iianient of \our Ma- jefties Kingdome of fc'ngland , and fome Re-.ei end Diwnes affifting them , fixed our eyes and thoughts upon Y ..'r Ma- jefiics honour and hnppinefle , with no other ^nd with no lefie intention j then if we had been honoured by Your JVlajefties Royal PeiTon in our Alfembly. And in like manner have given fuch Infiriufdions to fome M nifters and others , to be fentunto the Affembly of Divines now in England , as next unto the honour of God . and the good of Kellgiori , may moft ferve for Your Ma jellies preferva- tion , and the peace cf Your Kingdome.s ; CYrnceming V hiv. h , the Coramiflloners or the laft General Alfembly have fo fully exprefl their humble thoughts and defires in their Su 'pUcation and Kcmonllrance f/Ht un"o Your Majeftie, that vve need not adde any thing , and Your Majefiks times and affairs forbid all repetition* We do onely in all hunnl tie befeech Your Maje (lie to judge of us and oar proceedings, by the nature and necefiity of our vocation , and the' rules , prcfcribedinthewordof Godforour dire^ion , and not by , uncertain rumours , and ungrounded reports of fuch men | as have not the fear of God before their .eyes* And do ear-, . , ncftly pray to God Almighty , .in" whofe hands are the hearts ■ - of Kings , toinc.line Your Majellics heart to the coimfels ' t of truth and peace , to dired Your Government for the good of your People , the puuilhment ol male-fadlours, and praife of weD-doers , that this fire of "unnatural and un- n chriJlian wane being extinguifhedjfhe People of God.,Your ti Majefties good Subjedls may lead a t^uiet and peaceable iifej, . j in all godlinefie and honellic* tyfffejhbljj 1(^43^ The Anfwer of the General Ajfemhly of the Church of Scotland , to the Declaration of the honourable Hotifes of the Parliament of England^ THe General Afiembiy of the Chureh of Scotland , ha¬ ving r-:cciv d a DecJaration from the honourable Kou.es of the Parliament of England , by their Commit- :ees and i.Iommi.iioner5 now r -tiding heie > have thought good to make knovvne unto the Lords and Comn ons ill :’arharnenc j that all rhe Members of this Afembivi and Dchers well atfected here, do wnrh rnoh thankful relpedls, :ake fpcuial notice of che exprcflions hich '■hc\ have been alealed co make in tiie ufore» named Declaration . not only concerning their a probation of tue defires and endeavours ot the Gcneial Ahembly of this Ki k , for the Reform!-^ > Lauich of England , and the union of both ' ^../hurches m Religion and Church-government ; but alfo oncerningchcrciolutionof both -oufes , fully to con- turre with them in theie pions intentions. With the Tams hankfu Indie and due reverence , they acknowledge the aigh^rcrpedts expreff-d towards them by both Houfes , in their Committees and Commillioners^ ifiilted by two reveren Divines, and in defiri ng fomrof •he godly'’ and learned of this Kirk to be fent unto the Alfem- aly luting there. I he Ailembly doth blefie the Lord , who hath no^only nlpired the riouies of Parhamenc wi'hhe ires and r-loiu- lons of di Reformation of iieligion , but hath advanced :>y fevcrai fteps and degreesth.it ble^''ed Work i By w'u. h, nu ttioif a, -prove them!e!v-s co tiie Refo rmed ^huiLhes abroad , .md to heir Brethren oi ‘icptland , To [hall they ni' )it pov,'cj-fnHy cr w e ven from i ! ea-'ca the b! ef- lings of proljier; '.' an i peace p -n Rpg'.tnd. And as i: is the earneft wifh ot ih n Breih. a here thai" the tnie liate and ground of 111. re -t oi •renc e- .^nii conioverhes in England may be n.o.caiid more cl area to be ccricerning IS z’ hchg: j^6 The Generali Religion , and that both Houfes may uncefTanily profecute that good Work hrft and above all other matters giving no ileep to their eyes, nor Humber to their eye-lids, until' thev finoe out a place or the Lord , an habration foi the'', mighty G O D of ^accb , w'hofe favour alone can make their jj Rioun.tain Itrong, and whofe prefence in his own ordinances | fhall be rheir gloiy in the midll of them : So it is ourconfi- ; dence, that the begun Reio: mation is of GOD, and not i ofman, thatit fhall incr- are, and not decreafejand that he f to whom nothing is to h;rd, M^ho can make mountaines , valleyes , crooked things , ftraigth , and rough wayes , fmoo'.h , lhall lead along and make perfedl this moft won¬ derful Work , which lhall be remembred tohisgloryinthc Church throughout all generations And left through any defed upon the General Afiem blies part, the U'ork of Reformation (which hithertoto' the great grief of all the Godly hath moved fo llowJy) lhould'^‘| be any more retardedor interrupted, they have according to the renewed defires of both Houfes of Parliament , andlj*' their own form^’r promifes , nominated andeleded Mafter Alexander Hender [on, Mr Robert Douglas , Mr Samuel Ruther* foord , iVir hobert Balxie , Mr George Gillefpie , Minifiers of Coes Word; and fohn Earle ofCasfils, ]ohn Lord Maiw land 3 and Sir Archbald ]ofihjiuon o£^an(ioan y ruling El-]f" ders , all of them men much approved here ; With Com-jr misfion and power to them , orany three of them , wheie- ,, of two fiaall be A'iinifters, to repair unto the AlTembly ofij ’ Divines, and others of the Church of England, now fitting | at Weftminrter , to propound , confult , treat , and con¬ clude wit Jr them , and with any Committees deputed by the j HouLs of Parliament if it fiiall feemegood to the honour able Ho'.dl'S in their wifedome to depute any for that end ) k tv. !cp, ho k inalifuch things as may conduce to the utter extirpation of! ^ Popery, Prelacie , Hercfie, b'chifme , Superitition andl-N' dolatric , And for the feeling of the fomu h defired Union of tins whole tfiand in one forme of Church government, one Confesfion of Faith , one common Catechifmc , and ^ one Direciorie for the Worfliip of GOD, according to the Infiru^iions which they have rsceired^^orilaall receive from ; tes 1643. 197 from the Commisfioncrs of the C-enerall cdto meetat ^^H^burgh from ture ro time , etr.bhcs power for that end. as th. G. b-'vdoth moll olaf ly and afic.aicnatlv receive anc_ full) tiult the Committees and Divines Cent huher, fo do 'bey ocKby commend the afore-named Comm'shoneis , not ' ^ like aifeaion audtwft ofrl.e Af _mbly ^oto the favour and protefticn of both Houfes ofP.a . And for the^uveher -.atisfaamn thdr Brethren of Bn2;land, the whole AO.nibi) - name , andinnameof alithe particulm K.»?aome, whom they .‘■„'d^p^<;,,g,t,’on of fromtheir zealtothegioryof GO >■> 5 «napr ■ » , . ^- theGofpell, from thdr afieaiontothe hap; me ^ native King , andofihe sof the fenfeof their own inteieft in the comm .^jUincr the lenveot I'ncir own inteicu m w*- „ ill, no- [Religion, Peace, and Libertie, ^j^ey are moft^ and ready to be united andasiociated wit thema’ re- iclrcaay to Deumteu auu'vjvtao^~ r^.,v,pma-re- [in a nearer League and folcmne Covenant f / [nance of thetruly reformed ProteUant Religion, g' > ^ pery and PreUc.e, a' d again!! aU Popiih and mpcions, in doftnne , diciphne, ’ r n [government . and for the fettling and f !and uniformity betwixt the Kiris of this VVh.ch [with the beft reformed Church-s bevonc . O mon and Covenant, ihaU wjth Gods [by their cooperating with their Brethien in r beft and moll effeftuall meanes that may ferve c S ends; For the morefpeedy effedliiatmg wdieveof , to trie comforc and inlaisement of theirdiilrcsfcdy'rethrenfw lo e |hop= deferred miftit make thcirher.rcs to raint ) sAsfembly with great unanim 'y ofjudgement , and Lns of Lich affedion have appros ed (for their |a draught and forme of amufuall l.eaguand o ‘ . itwixt the Kingdomes, as was the ^^'“^°bthe ) ^ tes add confultations of the Commiffioners fiom both [Moufes , aOifted by the two reverend 'the Committees deputed from the rf " f i , . [t^ of this Kmgdome , and from the Genrall 198 The Generali ■ Ex}>e(5ling and the like approbation thereof by f^e ^ right honourable the Lords and Commons in Parliament, , ana by the reverend Aflembly "here, 1 hat thereafter it may ,5 be olemnely lv\'oi ne ^nd fublcrrbed in both Kmgdom s , as | the iureii and llrait -ft obligation ro make bothftandand fall ‘ togi.*he; in that caule of o.eiig.on and Libertie. Asthe Eftatesofrhi Kingdorr.e biuve often profeffed in theii -ormer Declarations , the intcgritie of cheii Intentions agamit the common enemies of K'-iigion and Ciberiie in both Kmgdomes , and thei great aireciion to th-ir Bre¬ thren of bngland, byrevmnol o manv and fo neai rela¬ tions . oo doubrled'e now in this time of need they n ill no fill tegivcrtall .-roof of 'S'hat l tOei' pro' ft d. A friend loveth at all times , and abrether is born fir adverfuie. Isu.nci mai the .“\ucini'ly,o: b. n e omrn liioners be •• ant- ing in exoorting ail others to their duty . 01 in concurring fo fara> beiongeth to their place and vocation, with the fftares now conveened , in anylawfuland poflible courfe winch may moft conduce to the good of Religion and Reforma¬ tion, the honour and happinc-fteof the Kings Majeftie, the deliverance of their Brethren of fc ngland from theii prefent calamitous condition , and to the perpetuating of a lirme and happy peace betwixt the Kmgdomes. The j^J^emhlies Anfwer to the right reverend: the /ijj'embly of Divines in the Crek of England. mght reverend a nd dearly beloved, AS the fufferings of Chrift abound in you , So our heartie defire to God is j that your conmlnions may much more abound by Chrift. The perufingof yoirr Letter , produ¬ ced in every one of us fuch afnixtureofafiedions, asvt'ere at the laying of the foundation of the fecond Temple , there was heard both fnonting for joy, andweeping * . . . aloud j ^Ajfemhly^ i^43* ^99 aloud ; We rejoyced that Chrifl: our Lord had at laft in thatLandcrea-cdanew thing, in calling together , not as before of a Prelaticall Convoca: ionpo be tas k-maiters over the people ofdre Lord.bucan Alfembly of godly Divines , mindine the things of the Loid , whofe hearts are fet to p 2 ’ the defiled Houfe of LJ O D in that Land : yet this o ' r joy was not a little allayed by the confideration of the fad and deplorable condition of thatKingdome , where the high provocations ofib many years , the hellifhplotj of fo many enemies in a nick of time , have brought in an inunda¬ tion of over-flowing calamities: We know you are pati-ritly bearing th: indignation of'heLo' d, oecau'.e you have in- ncd a’ainfl him, till he th oughlv plead your caufe , and difquiec the inhabitants of Babylon , who now laugh a- moiig themfeives , while you arc fed with the biead or tears, and get t :ars to drink iu great meafure, being on me mountain- Ike the doves of rhe valleycs , all of you mour¬ ning evei yon? for his iniquirie. ^ -I It is now ii'orc nor evident toall the Kirksof Ch’iit, with what implacable f irv and helhlli rage, the bio ud - rhi line Papifls , as Babylon without, and thePrelaticall raCuoiij the children oi • ■dom within, having adjoyned to them elves many mah^n.int adherents , of rime - ferving Aihedts , haters of holinefie, rejefters of the yoke of Chntt, ( to whom the morning light of Reformation is astlte madow or death) have begun to fwailowup the inheritance m r.he Lord, and arc not cafily fatisfied in making deep and long furrowes on your backs- We cannot fay that the loudnelTe of your cry furpafleth the heavinesfe of your ftroske 5 but though the Lord hath delivered the men, every one into his neigbotirs hand.lnnd into the band of his K}ng,andthcy have [mitten the l and, yet the rod of the d' icked shall not not rej} upon t he lot of the right mis: This cloud fliall fpcedily pasle away , and a fair iuu - mine fhrll appear. . . , As for us , though your extreame calamitie aid not thre- aten’the ruiue of oar Religion , Peace, and Liberties, as it doth moll evidently, we would hate our feives, i f we did not finde our hearts within ns melting with compaiTion over you: You arc engraven on the tables of out hearts to live and acc The Generali die with'yoii : we could defire that our heads were waters , and our eyes a fountain of tears, that we might weep day and night for the llain of the daughter of the l,ords people i So calamitous a condition of any of the Kirks of Chrift, could not but be very grievous unto us ; Ho\v muchmore fhall not we houp and fall down in the d 'ft to embrace cur deareft Brethren of England , to whom ■ e are tied inio near and tender relations. When we were but creeping out of the deep darknefte and bondage of Popery , and were' almoft cruftaed with the fury of Fo'. reigne Invaders , joined with inteftine enemies , pretend' ngrhe name andwarrand ofauthority , as now your opprefl'ours do j Then did the Lord by your Fathers fend usfeafonable aflift m- e againft lhat intended and begun bondage both offoul and body : The repayment of which debt , the Divine Providence feemeth now to require at our bands. And hereas of late through our fecuritv we hadfallen into a wof.dl relapfe,and were conapafted about with drcadfr.ll dangers on all hands , •while we aynaedatthe recovery of our former puririe and libercie : Then we wanted not the large fupply of vour fer¬ vent Prayers , and other brotherly afiiftance of that Nat'oni while thofe who are now your malignant enemies , would have fM'allowed us up. Thefe ftrait bonds <5r your ancient and late love , dofo pofleffe our hearts , that when the motions of the Comniis- fioners of the honourable Hoiifes of Parliament , and your Letters did challenge our advice and aid for defence of Re¬ ligion, and advancement of Reformation , our I'mpaking dcliresforamoreftridl: Union and Unifonnitiein Religion Betwixt both the Nations , did break forth into a vehement ftame , in fuchfort, as when the draugtof a League and Covenant betwixt both Kingdonies for defence of Reli¬ gion, &c. wasread in open audience, i t was foimanimoully and heartily embraced , with uch a torrent of moft aftediio- nate expreffions , as none but eye orcar witneftes cancon-_ ceive,whereof the twm reverend Divines Tent from yoirto us being then prefent, no doubt will give yo'i an account. Nei¬ ther was it fo onely with usjbut alfo the honourableConven- tion of Eftates here , with the like harmony of affeftionate exprellions tylffemhly ^ i (^43 . 'lO ; C' not only oi • our ]ovc 7 butaifo of truft and friendiv refpedt ,hy chooWnw; t-o poure out your grieved fonh in our bofoine : S'o wc fir ill wifti ; and Godwillinu endeavour ,, that ycu may r.-ally findc fome ineafurc of brotherly compaliion in cur re¬ ceiving there of. For thefeyour fad expreiiions of dccjiior- row, being as you have given us to conceive but a part of your complaint , and a lamentation lelTe then the caufes doth requircj cannot but melt every heart , whciein there- is any theleaft w.armnefleof the loveofChrift and his‘'aints: And whatChilde o( the Bridegooms chamber , tan hear the voice of fo many friends of the B; idegroom , lamenting lor the evils which have befallen thrifts Bride in England, tn the very night before her expected cfpoufals , ana not fit down and mourn with them except his heart be fallen a- flecp and frozen wirhin him ? This pitiful condition ofour filter Church in England lies matter enough M'e confcfte to move, yea, to rend our bowels. If we Ihould weighthis your heavie grief in the fcales of common leafon , -w'C behoved either to ftand aloof fiom your plegueas men aftonifhed , or fink down inheavineffe and be f wallowed up of sorrow : but when w£ ponder your fad conditioa inthe Ballanceof the SandUiary , we finde tluat nothing hath as yet befallen unto you , fave that vvhich ha'h been the excrcife of the Saints in former times, who have been made to ft down for a while in the Iha- dow of death before the day of their deliverance. Vve lln 'e nothing but that which may be a fit Preparation for a comfortable out-gate from all ycur troubles What if it Mtas neceffary in the wufe diTpenfation of Almigh¬ ty God, that a People in great eifimation for wiP dome arid povi'-er , fuch as England , fhould be thus farre hum¬ bled , as you d -'dare , to the end that your deliverance maybe feen hereafter to be of the Lord , and not of your felves ? Vf hat if the Lord would not draw back Jns-hand from the Wine- prefle wherein you now lye , till he f.rouid draw forth from you thsfe pitiful exprcEons of your lo-7V e- idatc j and fo provide jhnifdfwunefTes againfi the day to ' come, ao4 The Generali corns j that he may have the greater and purerr!lory in your falvation , and your glor'ation may be in the Lord alone f Dear Brethren , comfort your feives in he Lord j this fowing in tears, doth promife a reaping in jov , and who knoweth how foon he will give to you w'ho are mourners in Zion, beauty for afhes, the oylc of joy for inourmng> the garment of praife for the fpint of heavinelfe j 1 hat you may be called the trees of lighteoufnelTe, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified- Though weeping be in the evening of this begun Re¬ formation and purging of the Lords Houfe among you, yet in the morning when the difcovered fihhinelle and fweepings of the Temple lhall be orderly call out , joy fhall come with thankfgiving and praife. Though a fire be kindled in the Land , yet it is not to confume any of the mettal , for the Lord is fitting down as a Refiner amongft you , and efpecially to purifie the fons of Livi , that he may have a more pure oblation of fpiritual worlhip and fervice in all his holy ordinances throughout all the Land , which is notoken of wrath, but ofloving kindneffe towards you.- No wonder that Satan doth thus rage , asyou relate, fore- feeing his calling out ; No wmnder he llirre up all the children of difobedience , and kindle their natural malice againll the children of God with the infpiration of hellifh fury : No wonder the fpiricof Antichiiit bemad, when the morfel half fwallovred down , is like to be pulled out of his throat, the fat morfel of the rich Revenues of Lngland : No woi'ider he be cruel! againft you the fervanrs of Chrife 5 who arc confuraing him by the breath of the Lords mouth. You do well toexpecT no mercy , if Papifls and Prelats prevail over you , neither defire we to deceive our felves with hopes to be free from what ther power and malice can do againflus ; for they will not do to us if they get the upper-hand, as we have done , and mud do » if God bring them low again under us i as they were before ; for we and they are led by the contrary fpirits of Chrift, and Anci- chrift ; We have laboured , and muft labour for their con- verfion, but they (except info far as God fhail bridle them) will 'xyij^embl^^ 1643^ will not reft without our deftrudion i for their fury againft: ourpcrfoni is much more fteric then our caiuft th-ir abominations : Let them follow the fpirit ot lying and mui theiing , we muft take us to our refuge and iovne our lelves with all that are fenfible of the danger y danger of the reformed Religion in prayer and fuppli- cation. The Lord of Ho^s is with us , the God of pcob our refuse, , jNuw' -or advice , what can we fay to you who are upon your watch , rower , v\ herein is ihe fpirit of wifedome an conn el i wiio lye thus as humble Diiciples under the Lords foot, who did never forfake them that fought him. Oomi in the Name ot our Lord jefus Chnft , againft all oppoli- tion , without fear of whatfoever dangers , to purge ths Houfeof the Lord, to repair the breaches thereof, to let up all his Ordinanctsin their full beautie and peifection, t© V theuvtermollofyour power, according to the pattein ot the Woid of GOD, and zeal of the beft reformed Kirks, And let thefe two Kingdomes be knit togeth^ as one man in maintaining and piomoving the truth of die Golpel , Let us enter in a perpetual Covenant for our felyes and our pofte- rity to endevour that all things may be done in the Houfs Q D according to his own will , let the Lord do with us what feemeih good in his eyes. Only ivatt upon the Lord , be of good courage , and he sM firengtkn your heart Let your hands be ever at your JVlafters Woik, and hold your faces refolutely to his Caufe. Match ye, flandfaji in the faith , cjuite your [elves like men , * for ye shall fee thefalvatm of tho Lord , and your labour mall not be in vain. Subferibed in name of the Generali ^fembly of the Church of Scotland , by the Clerk ^f fenibly- Com %oG The Generali QommiJJion of the GenerallJjJembly ^ for thefc that repair to the Kingdoms of England. t j|' ”''4e Gsnerall Asfernblv of the Chiircli of Scotland . I finding ic necesfaryto fend Tome [Godly and learned Jl, of chis Kiik CO the Kingdome of flngland j to the ef- ledr ander-xN'ritcen. 1 herefore ^ives full Powerand Com- non to M.i.'iXet jllexandir Henderfon, Maftcr Robert Dou¬ glas Samuel Rjnker fiord y Bob- ft Bailee and ja Ifer George Gi'lefpis jVImiiters, lohn Kjrle of CailLlls > fohn LoidJVLutland , and Sir ^rchbald^ohnjloun of WarilLOun ed- ders, or any three of them , whereof two Hiall be Mini- llers , to repair to tiie Kingdome of Idngland , and there to deliver the Declaration fenc unto chcFarlianaent of England and the Letter fen'e unco the Asfembly of Divines now fit¬ ting in that Kingdome. And to propone, coiifult, treat and conclude with that Astembly or any Commillioners deputed by them, or any Committees or ComrndiionerS deputed by the Koufes of Farliamenc , in all matceis which may further the Union of this Illand in one forme of Kuk-go- vernmenc , one confelfion of Faith , one Catechifme , and one Directone for the Worlhip of GOD, according to the Inllrudlions which they have received from the Aifembly, or Ibail receive from time to time hereafter from the Com- milkonersof the Affembly deputed for that efrcifl. With power alfo to them to convey tohis viaieftie, the hnmblc Anlvver fent from this Asfembly to hisMajeiHes Letter , by Inch occalion as they lhall think convenient i And fuchlikc to deliver the Asferoblies Answer to the Letter fenc from feme wcl- affected Brethren of the Mimftery there. And generally authorizes them to do ail things which may fur¬ ther the lb much dell red Union , and neareit comuition of the two Churches of Scotland and England, conform to their Inftruftions aforefaid. 'i^jfembly j 1643; - &07 Reference totheCommiffion j anenttheTer* fons dejlgnedto repair to the tbs Kingdom^ of England. THeAflcmbly having this day approven the nomination made by the Commiffioners of the late Afcmblyi of Pcrfons to repair to tlic Synod of Divines in Fngland: And having of new deeded and nominated alUhe 'an e Perfons , except M fter Elea:(ar BmE- icl^ who is now with GOD. T her- tore gives pO'i ej lo tiie Cun milfioners to be appoint¬ ed by this A tfembly for the publick aFaii s ofthis Kii k , to nonunare and a.eponu any other whom they Iball think nice in his place. And fuchlike the Atfembly refers to the laid C^nnmiffion , to conf der whether it be convenient: to ft nd now at thisprefent time to the Kingdomc of Eng«^ land, all the Pe tons appointed to go thither, andro de- fii^nethe Fertons whom they think meet togoatthis pre- fentoC' afiou , to determine the time of their difpatch , and to give unto them iheir Inftru6fions. /indfurther incafeof ficknefle or death of any of the Perfons appointed for that employment , or in the cafe of any other necelfary impedi¬ ment of their undertaking the famine ; Gives power to the faid Commiflion , to nominate others in thdr place if the Commiflion lhall finde it convenient. Qommisfonfor the Ttihllck uffairs ofthis Kirk. n^Hc General AlTembly, confidering the laudable coftome of this Kirk , in ap; oiming Commisfions betwixt Af- fembliesfor the publick affairs of cbe Kirk, and the com¬ mendable pradiceof the lace Af emblv at Saint Andrews 9 in appointing th’irGommilfion for profecuting thtbleffed Work, foi uni'ing the Kirks of this I Hand in Religion and Kirk-goveittEijcftc , byaii lawfuil and Ecclcfiattick wayes , ib8 The generall for conrii'.uaiice of oiir own peace ar home, and ofthc com^ ; inon peace bvtwixt fhe t'-io hations, and for other good j ends as at ler-gdi is exprtfl it) rhat Commisfion ; And find¬ ing rhat the painful endevouis and proceedings of that Com- niislion , unanimoully approven in this Aisfembly ^ though they have much advanced that glorious Work ofUnity in i^ehgion and Government 3 Yet hes not brought the famine to full perfedfion and a finall acccmpliu’meni : And the Asfenibly being now much animate ahdencouragedtopro- fc’ci'.re that Work by the Pat Ihment of England their Bills pafl againfh Epifcetpacie , and fundry other corruptions 3 and the good hopes s f a fclemne Covenant betwixt rhe Na¬ tions, And conceiving that in thir times of danger) there may be (ome occafions for conveening the Asfcmbly, before the time indifted for their next meeting. Therefore the Asfembly finding it necesfary to appoint a new Coinmisfion, Bythefe ptefenrs, nominates and appoints Mr : Jay, Wiv Alexander Hcn'derfon , Mr Robert Douglas , MrWtlliam Colvil , Mr TJ^illiamBennct , Mr George Gtllejpe , Mr ^ohn A- damfon, Mr fchn Sharpe M; ^ames Sharpe, Mr Wilhain Valgleish , M Davii C alder wood Mr Andrew Blackball, Mr ^amejFlecniin^ Mr Robert f\er , Mr fohn Mdcghie , iVlr Oliver Colt, M r Hugh Campbell, Mr Adam Penman, Mr Richard jcn , Mr Andrew Stevin[cn , M r fohn Lauder , Mr Robert Blair Mr Sa ' uel Rtitherfoord , Mr Arthur Morton , Mr Robert Tratll, Ml Ficderick^CarmicheH , Mr Mungo Law : Mr fohn Smith, Mr I atrick.Gilleffie , Mr ]chn Duncan, Mr ]ohn Humt , Mr jRoberr Rnox M Wtlliam \ameJon, Mr Robert Muray, Mr Henry Guthrie Mr ]ames Hamilton, M’ Bernard Sanderfon, M jobnLeviJlcn ^ames Boner , MirEvanCarmren . Mr David Dickson Mr Robert Bail^ie , Mr James Cunninghame, M George Youugh ^ Mir Andrew Atichinleck, M; David Lind- fay , '"v' r Andrew Cant . Mr John Oijiv aid , Mix iVdliam Dou¬ glas Mr Murdoe Macken:{ie , Mr Co line Mackenzie . Mi \ohn Monroe . '•'^r Walter Stuart Miniftei s: IViaro vefie of Argyk, T?. le Marshell, Earle of Sutherland) Earle of Eglintonn, Earle ofCor/z/r, Earle of Earle of Z-^rrdfrduzh Eiarle €§Lmdfayj Earle cf hnlQ oj Dalhoufe , Lord Angus y Ajfembly y Angus , Vicount Dudhopc , Lord Mait'and , Led Vlcha Lord 'i 'alm -rinoch, L o rd Coivper,Sii'Pamc!^ Hef burns of W a 1 1 c ["it- oun , isir /Irchbald 'yohnJiounQ^Wu'iiiovn^ Sir David Plumg of Wedd^’i burne , ^ir Alexander ■^xesktm o^' I),in » Sir William Cockburne of Laiv/,toun , Sir Thomas Ruthven of F)ieland , Sir fames .Arms of Fernic > Sir Walter B,tddell of tha'- Ilk , Sir Lodoiiicl^ Houjloun of that lik , Si" Wtl- liam Carmtchael hxt Wk , Laiid of Bonjedburgh , Laiid of , Laird of Brodie , Sir fokn Smith, fames Dennijloun . Maft?r Barclay , fohn Rutherfoord , Wil¬ liam Glendinning , fohn Sernpll , ]«/;« K^nnedie , M after .^rtexandcr Douglas , 'I’o meet at iid:nbur>ih the 2i. day of Augult next' > and upon any other day thereafter , and in any ether place they drnll think good. And gives and grants unto them , or any fifteen of them , there being twelve Minifters prefent •> full power and CommifTian , to confider and performe what they findtf necelTary by Praying and Preaching , by fupplicating h's Ma)eftie and all the Judicatories of this Kingdome, by Declarations and Remonftrances to the Parliamenc of England , to the Synod of Divines in that King- dome , by Informations ? Direftions , Inlfruffions to» and continual correfpondence wirh the Commiffioners , now defigned by this Ailembly to go to the Synod of Divines in England , or by any other lawful Eccle- Caftick w'ayes , for fnrthtrance of this great Work , in the Union of this illand in Religion and Kirk' go¬ vernment , and for continuance of our own Peace ac home , and of the common Peace betwixt the Na¬ tions , and keeping of good corre-ipoi dence betwixt ihc Kirks of this Ifland. Vv ith power alio ro them tocon- cu re With the Lords of Councel , ConVmiiiioners of Peace > or with the Honourable Pftares alTembled in Con-ention or Parliament j or with iheir Committees and Commiffioners > in pro^ecur’ng this yood W'^ork at home or abroad by all Ecclefaft tk waves. And fuch- like M'ith power to them to prevent the dangers con’-ein- ed in the Kemonftrance , prelented unto the ConYention ' O of aio The GeneraU I oP Eilates by the Commiffioners of the late AfTemblyitl i ]un‘ laft, and to prolccute the remedies of thefe dangers conreined in another Kcmonftrance , prefenred by the aids Comm ffioners to the Convention the <>» of ]ulf- laft ? by admonitions , dirc^^ions > cenfures , and all other Ecclcfiaftick vvayes. And fuither in cal'e their j Brethren of England lhall agree to the Covenant be- i twixt the Kingdomes j the draught and frame where- j of is now To unaniraoufty approven in this Aftf^mbly i Gives alfo unto the Perfons forefajd j or the Quorum i above written , full Povi/er and Auihoritie to command j and enjoyn the famine to be fubferibed and fM'orn by- j all the members of this Kirk : And that in futh order and manner , and vdth fuch folemnities as they fhalf think convenient for fo great and glorious a Work j And to fend their direftions to SeiTions , Presbyteries and Synods , for execution of theit orders theieanent?.,' And with power to proceed againft any Perion what-» foever , that lhall relufe to fubferibe and fwear the faid Covenant , with all the cenfures of the Kirk , or to re- , fer the tryall and cenfures" of fuch delinquents to Pref- ' byteries or Synods as they lhall chink convenient. And fuch like gives unto the perfons foiefaids power and li-- bertic , to call a General Afembly fro re natrt , in cafe they lhall finde ihe neceffity of the Kirk , and this gre ac Work to require the fame : With full power alfo to them to give Anfwers in name of the Aftembly , to all Letters fent to the Aflembly from the Kirks of land J Zealand > or any other forraigne Reformed Kiiks..; And further gives power to them to promove the o- . thcr defires , Overtures and lecommendations of this, 7 or of any former Aficmblies to the Kings MajcftieyJ Parliament or Convention of Eftates , to the Lords oSfi Coiincel , Sefiion j Exchequer , Commiflioners of Par¬ liaments , for plantation of Kirks , for the common bur¬ dens , and for conferving the Peace. And fuchlike gives as full power and Commifiion to them to treat and - | iff ojatEcj's 3 ox tQ be referred | «« j f t^Jfemhly ^ 1641V 2.11^ to them by this Affembly , as if the famine were heve- in particalarlv inferr. And generally ^ives mrothePer- fons forcfaids » or thej^/www abov>'mentioned fuillno^'er and Aurhoritie t to do and perfoaiie all th'»^gs whica fnav advance , accomplifli , and perfect me q;- eat Work, of Unity of Religion , and Uniformity of Kirk go\ern- menr in all his Mtjefties Dominions, and vhich mav be neceffaiy for gor'd order in all the publ'ck alf.urs of this Kirk , nniill the next Aflembly , dstrimenti ca¬ piat ^cclefia With als ample pon'er in all marters nar- ticnlarly or generally above-rrientio'ned , as any othei Commihion of General Affemblies , hes had or been in uCe before 5 They being alwayes countable to , and censurable by the next General Aflembiy , for their pro¬ ceedings ihereintill. THe Central Ajjemhly appoints the meeting of the next General y^ffembly , to be at EJinhtsrgh the laf Wednefday of tJAtay , in the year 1644* £/>'• o 2 THE THE GENERAL L ASSEMBLY, At Edinburgh j 1644. Die Jovis penult. Maiij SefiT. \ The Letter from the Treshyeerie 'with the Army in England , to the Generali Ajjentbly. Hight reverend f Aving the opportunity of the fitting of thisVenCJ rablc AfTembly , wc thought our felvcs obliged to render fome accoinpt of the fiateof our Af¬ fairs. It bath pleafed the Lord to exercife us fince onr out -coming, with many firaits and difficulries » yet in the mids thereof he hath wonderfully upheld and carried us through. The depth of his wifedonie hath fuf- pended us for a time from any great adtion > to make us walk humbly before him > and to keep us in a continual depen- dance upon himfelf: And yet he hath by his own power fcattered before us the great Popilh Army , and much dimi- niilied ct*e number thereof , fothat they do not now appeare agunll in Fi^ds i Th^t M roay iearaeto truft in GOD i_AJfembly j 1644- ^nn ^^notin^4an. it was farre frorti our thoughts ?„?ta=nrion5 to h“ come this legthstthat inftaotwhen the couric of Divine P O' idence pointed out our way unto “vhich ievi - - ‘:jhistI?nf.l”rFot! c“s’°^'The'citv'of Y»t^. “^beiein a fwjrme ofoblimata Panifts have taLn fanauaty . is blocked up ; Now and rS God favoui eth us with faccefle in fomccnterprifes ab- t i: • id wee' look for more if = “me which SKI 'rzs.; bowels vdt dn us are moved to dunk upon the ma.nc mif- c 'iefo , if net tim-^oafly prevented , taat may ^ on the unatural Warres there ; Like unto the^un. this Kinydomc hath groaned fo'. a lon», * , r found nine mote malic ousand cruel again t us than tne* of our own Naum, and wc ineaiurc thofe at n, m. , b/ thefehere? Curfeihe tUirr^ige , for it is fierce , andtkirm^ nPY far it is crucll The prelent d^n^^er calls uponal. m lay ii/oftneir hands what ever may hindertheirh Ae aso^ Man to come together for laving the Vine- yeaM tha.rte Se Boares wLd lay wafte , and taking the b oxes tha would deftrov the Vines. You are, Light Keverenu, now fefupon the higheft Watch-tower , from whence you may difcover the dangers that threaten on all coafts , IZ tieed notput youin mindeto £■’= Watch-men in their fevetall nations, rsll ili-oi to People from their too great fecurity ; fo «11 them to unfeigned HumiUnion, and to ftirre them “P “ wi:h G G O by prayer j that hee would T rudi and Peace at home againO; the machinations ol ^angnants* That hee would prepare the People here , ana make th-m more fit to embrace the intended ' d. that hee would command thefe unnaturall and Uoudy Wattes to ccalc, that floutilh through thethree Domimous.PrayingGOD tof-nd % ? 4 TheGeneraU upon you the Spirit of ci luh , who may lead you in all truth. We remaine . » > Jv^iddle- thorp , lo. 'May, 1644. Your loving rethren, 'i he Prerhyterie of il^e i,cottish Army in England , Mafter Kokrt Douglas , Moderator in their name. Petition fi^om the difir ej^ed Chrifiians in the-North of Ireland. Jo the Reverend and Honourable Moderator end remancat M embers of the Generali AfTcrobly of Scotland, conveened at Edm- ht4rghin May i6i^4.. J’he bumble Petit ton of the dijirefied Chrtjfian! in the North of ii-ciaad. Humbly sbeiveth , Hat whereas your former enlarged bounty , and our JL prefent overflowing Ifraits would require a grattfull acknovi'ledgcmenc oftlie one> and a I'erious repreientation of the other : Our cale is fuch , ns neither can be expedied atoar liands, being ftricken with allonilhmenCj and full ofthefuneof the Lord. We are thefe indeed who have feen altlidionby the rod ofhis wrath : So that it were more lit > we had a Cottage in, the Wiidernefle amongft the Owles to mouin out our imbittered Spirits , then that by w ord or writ we jdiould compecre before any of hiS People : Al¬ though you Cannot be wearied in wclTdomg , yet we lhall no way chink It itrange, if now you fliall gi^e over any more care of us j Seeing the Lord hath teftihed againft us, and the Aimij^hry hath afllided us. Your judgement is with the Cord, aridyoiir rewafd is with God, nofonely for your two years vii«g and watering a barren vineyard j but alfo fot 'Jjjfemhlyy 1^44* foryourzealeandcarc to whereof P'ta " S -pie and toot, s tea-nro-^V in e a,„, father that bleffed League a^nd Co;;enant thetenderinfi thercoi vva mtiij to coiv'ftin our want of ccivingachief Pa"'’f°“^^s„,ith the People of God „i oppottunttie toioyne our ft estut re cded of God the forefaid League , Lltecnu S . in the and tinHt to be joyiied m any ,,n,ft‘<,venant Gofpel wnh them , toen tne „ hp was prefentcd to the Regiment.^ , j abie<5ts ) and hold upon the opportunity (thoug t ther-unto: chee,f,ny and unan, monfly joyned our Thattfweepeenlh inourmifcty . J |onj,jd , „e '"/Se ihTtt^nd“e te^mrnt ttoet the (htdow thereol “to oTwl«t?“-«d into the Covenant , which yeboun. Hv etTorefled before we were on with you.to yout never- t folly exprelledBero (htkenin our to your dying.conimendat on We ate^^^^^ S combination t^r." aSovSS of MuncipalUws, Stc. ??herewitLm Covenant is branded ) not with If there who ^ ®"d« TabTtraTof D^Jd thans fallen , and repair th= .h/7wof ForfroceweCovenantedwithGod. and breaches ° . ispirits have revived , “T eto hle AdeSmCcome tom their Gra¬ ces r or"5od hath had rf K d', reof he toh opened the bowels of the Chmeoeso Ic'’r''syropa‘!Sms with out affliaions and fonows, who. The Generali when thefc who were left of the Sword were in danger to dye by famine , did^lentifuily relieve us in our ftraits^ not oncly by comfortable encouragements to w dk humbly with God , and wait for him who hides his face from the houfe of facobRnai'edfyn but alfo by their richfupply in Victuals iindotheis neceflar for our relief and comfort} which we humbly defire oUr Lord to repay feven-fold in tl.eir bo- fomCj and become your Supplicants to joync with us in a j^ratefil acknowledgement of their finguia' favours : And upon the heels of ihefe favours you have continued your un- paralled companions in keeping you. forces and enabling ihesi.,togerher wi'h the other Forces foravcrgingthe (?ruel iTiurd-rs,and effufion ofCmdilian blood in this Land , not- ’withftanding ofyoiirowne multiplied diiTicL.l_ ies.' ' he Lord hath begun m uehght into us , and in a day of faivat.on In.th helred us fSo happyare the people who are in Covenant ■wdchGod.) \V care 'hefe (indeed) who may jufllv be burnt up for our nnfruitfulneae m tne dayes of our plenty, ftub- bornefie ip the dayes of ou-' aftiiiiion, which ha-h brought us do low, that u'here we once enjoyed a blcffed plenty, v'e inuh now beg of the crumbs tliat fall from your Tablet cannot diflemble , but lo farre as we can difeern our owne hearts, wc would preFrre the joyful found of the Gofpel to oiirmuchwiihed Peace and precious lives : But it may be difee; ned,your Confulcacioni of before have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord 5 in that when wee twice in our forward haflingdefi es Di gged the prefentlcofingand planting of fome Minifters amongff us , you judged it more convenient to (iipply us by tnrnes , as forefeeing that our Captivity was likely to endure: Cur hopes are fo far revived, that we trull to fee the day when he fhall take the Cnp oi trembling out of our hands , and put it in the hands of them that afhicled us. And therefore, if you account us fellow-partners of the Purchafed Inheritance , Yet a. ain fulfer our necefiitie to plead whrhyou , that as it hath been by the Committee of iiils already advifed, that a competent number of Mini- ileis may be gifted to us by ycur Commifilon when they fhall fee the Calling cleared, the fame may be granted as a teiH- " ' jnony 'j^Jfembly , 1644. ' 117 y.ony of your confidence , and expectation ©four delivery; Andin the meane time fome others may be fent by turnes to keep in the dying lives of above twenty fome defolate Coni,regaticns , who are in danger to penfh for want of Villon : Andalthough wedoprofeffe j we count not our felves worthy of fuch favours , yet as we have refolved to dye with, the cry of hope in our mouthes to the Lords 'Ihrone; So in obedience of the ufe of the means by him ap¬ pointed, ^eitrecch out our hearts and our hands to you for help^and have fent our Brother VViUtam Madonna Merchant at Belfdjl , to attend what anlwer u lhall plcaie the Lord by you to retiune unto Your dijirojjtd Brethpen and Suppi cants, Siihfcrihed hy very many hands. p^.Itmii *644. Antemertdiem. Sell. AB for the frejent Entrie of the new ereEied Tresbyterie at Biggar. THe which day anent the Supplication fubferibed and given in toT:hc General Alfetnbly to the Miniflers and rulingEldersof the Kirks oi 'ci^^gar, SkfdingXrochtony Q^cniuhome, Ks^bocho, Culter, Lamyngtoun Symontoun , Coving- pun ^mhyuen , Welftonn) and Bslphingtoun awaking mention, 1 hat the General Aflembiy at Edinburgh in Auguft 1^43* years , by their Act of the date of the twelfth day of the la- mine moneth and year, did upon grounds, and aftcrtryal and hearing ofall Parties to the full, ereCfa Picsbyterielcat at UtiggaTy toconlift oftheKitksabove-written, And'granted ■totlieir Presbyterie fullpon'cr ofjurifdic'tionand exeiceing Difcipline > with all other Liberties and Priviiedges be- longing to any other Presbyterie f but fufpended the ?ntrie and pofleliion of this new ereCted Presbyterie ^ during the pleafure of the Adcmbly. And therefore deliring O 5 das 2, 1 8 T/6^ Generali the faid Generali Aflcmbly to ordainc and appoint the entrie and pofTefTion of the forefaid Presby terie at Bz^ar now pre- fently i Andro declare^ that it is their plcafure , thatthe entrie and poiTeiholi thereof lhallbeno longer rufpended , as the Supplication proporcs. Which Supplication being read in audience of the Generali Aflcmbly, and rhereaftcr the Commifiioners from thePre.sbytcriesofLrtM^r^anrl Pee- ifies , and all others having entrefle to oppo e the dcii.efo e- faid being pub;icki\; called . and the laid. Commiiiioners ioY Peebles and Lawrr/j ^pcrfonally prefent , being at length heard in whaccney could fay or alledge therein: And the faid the Supplication and dcflre r tercof, with the Alled- geances and Objedsons made againfl the far.-ine , being taken to confideration by the Allemb’y, and they therewith being fully and ripely advifed : The Aflernbly af er remo- ■vingot the Parties , and after confideration of ihe premi fifes and voycing of the forefiid defire , Ordaines the entrie and pofleiiion of the forefaid Presby leric of tiggnerj confifting of the particular Kirks above - mentioned , to begin now pre- fently; And appoints and ordaines all the Minifters arid Ruling Plders of the forefaids Kirks above fpecified, whe¬ reof the faid Presbyterie confifts , to meet and conveene as aPresbyteric, with all convenience , at the faid Kirk of Btggar , which is the Place and Seat ofthe famine Presby- teiie. And the t\flembly refers to the Cotnmiflioners to be appointed by them for the publick affairs of the Kirk , to determinate what Synod this the faid new eredlcd Presby¬ terie ihall be fubordmate ; Asalforo preferibe the order aed folcmnities that fliall be neceflar for enrring and polfef- fing the Minifters and Eiders in the faid Presbyterie, Jmui 1(144. Seff6. 'Al^concernhtg the Declaration fubferibed by the Scottish Lords at Oxford, THe Generali AfTembly having received a Copy of J Declaration, made and fubferibed at Oxford, fenc unto then. ’(^Jfembly t 1644^ 2-1-9 lem from the honourableConvention of Eftates^ftncl having ;rioully confidercti the tenour '.here^l , dotn hr'dethe i..me D be a perfidious Band and unnaturall confed racy , to •ring this Kirk and K'ngdome to confufion ; and tobefidl )f blafphemiesagainft the late-loicmneLeagne and Covenaat )f the three Kingdoines , of vile afperjons of Treafon , Kebellion and Sedi ion j moft falhy and impudently >rnpu^* ted to the Lftatesand the molt fai-hhillandloyallbubjetts of thefc Kingdomes, And feeing itis incumbent to the A f- fembly totake notice thereof, and toftop the courie of chefe malicious intentions , in fo fan e as concernes them , Declare that the fubferibers of ch.s or the like Declaration orBand^, or any that have bcenacceflbry to the framings or that has been, or lhall be accesfory to the execution the¬ reof* defervethehigheft cenfmeoftheKirk : Ana there¬ fore gives power to the Commislioners of this Asfembly ap¬ pointed for the publick affairs, to proceed againft them to fhe fentence of Excommunication, unlesfe they make hum¬ ble confesfion of their offence publickly, infuch-manner , and in tuch places as the Gommisfion lhall preferibe s Or otherwifeto refer the tryall and cenfure of fuchDelinquents to Presbytereries or Synods as they fhall think convenient. And when the fentence of Excommunication fliall be pro¬ nounced , difeharges Presbyteries or Synods to relaxany from the fentence , without the advice of the Generali As¬ fembly , or their Commisfioners , nifi in extremis, in refpeftoftheatrociciteofthisFatt, theAsiembly mall humility , doTcrioufiy recommend to the right honourable the Ellates of Parliament to take fuch courfe, astheperfons thatlhali be found guilty, may be exemplary punillied^, according to themeiit oEo unnaturalland impious ano.-, fence; And chat fome publick note of ign®mi*nie be put upon the Declaration and Band it Idf , if their Honours fh dl think it meet. The Generali AB againfi the Rebells in the North and South, 'ifeeir ■ jbli bal' w oi THe Generali AfTemblv coufidering the juft rentcnci| pronounced aj^atnft the principall Atftors in that Rebeh lion in the North and South, by ordinance of the Commit iioners of the late Aftcmbly ; And finding it moft neceffaryi that fuch as 2ftlftedor)oyncd Nvith them in that impious and iinnatura!' Pact , be likeivifc cenfured j Therefore ordains , Presbyteries and Synods reJpeSfwe , to proceed a^aind then?, with theh'gheitCeniures of the iCirk, if they give not fa- tisf'.iftion bypubhekrenentan'ei And when the fentence of Excommunication ftiall be pronounced , The Afiembly difchir^es the faid Judicatories to relax anv of them, from thefentence, vviihout the advice of rheGenerail Aftembly,'! or their Commiftioners , nifiin extremh : To whom alio the ' faids Presbyteries and ^mods , ihall be anfwcrable for their diligence in the premifles as they fiiall be required. And the Affembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable Eftatesof Parliament, to take fuch courfe as the Perfons that fl-iallbe found guilty may be exemplarly punilhed ac¬ cording to the merit and degree of their offence. A6i againH fecret difa-ffediers | of the Covenant THe Generair Affembly underftanditig that divers Per-1 fons dif-affetted to the Nationall Covenant of this Kirk , and to the Solomnc League and Covenant of the three King-j doms, do efcape their jnftcenfure , eitherby their privates^’ and uuconftant abode in any one Congregation , or by fecret conveyance of their malignant fpeeches and praitifes s The¬ refore ordains al! Minifters to take fpeciall notice when any .: fuch Perfon lhall come within their Parodies, and fo foon;r as they ihall know the fame , tkarwithout delay they caufe^; warnthemto appear before the Presbyteries within whichV their?'; ^jfemhly j 16^4- ^2.3 leir favoches lyes . or beff jc the; Ccmmiflloners of this kflembiy appointed for publ ck ail:^ie , James Cuninghame ^ I George Youngh , -Andrew Afdeck^ David Lindfay- Andrew Canty William Douglas i h-urdo Macl^eins^ie Coline Mackeinfe , ^olm\ Monroe , Walter Stuart Mintfters 5 Archbald Marquesfe of Jr- gyle> William 'id.2Lx\e marshall, fohn KzxleofStftherland , Pxle- xander Rr.rle of EgUngtoun , \0I7n Earle of Cafpls , Charlet XL'dilQ ofDumfermehng y ^ohn Eddi of Lauderdale hhnlidy- le of Lindfiy . James iiarle of Queensberry , William Rarle . cfDalhoufiei Archbald Ford. Angus y "fames Vicounr of D 'd- hopey John Lord ivj ait land , D^y/'d Lord E/c/ro , \ohn Lord Mmimdi i Imsi ted Cmpcr ^ Sir F^ftrick Hepburns of Wirnghtom^ *1^44^ ’S, - ^ Wauihfoun, Sir Jrchhafd ]ohnf:oun of W . Sic Vavid ' ume r.fV edderburnc . Alexander ^reshtne Daw , S, illtam Cockburne o Langtoun, Sn Thomas mhven ot . . . w . . W dlter TrseUnd M Umes Arnot oi Fcrnte , Sir N't ^ ~ — 1 ik 51 LedovtckHotill'im o^''h t Ik , Si r V tlham Carmichael Fiarof^hat i; . M.'CeoricDong/afcfrcnjcdhiirgh. Georgs Vsnrame of I d,ncun Lar.d cfjro le ^ir ]ohn SmtK, lames D -nmfloun . IV afer F ohere VarJ.y ,]ohn > S^illwnGkndumiin^ , lohn SempiH • ]dm Kenedy, an^Mz Je 1/r.x.w^rr Dougks Elder. And alfo Daznd Va'zlcish - Andrew Fennet . 'dm h/oncreijf , Alexander Carfi , Ihomas V tlkje. ]ames Gushric Bemy Levingdlmm > Lazid Drummond ai Creiff > ]ohnHay a ^ k nfJ** chard inzlis , V. Mam Falconer , ohn Paterfin , Gilber R ^ li^tchard Maitland , George Cummings * T-r of fte.s . And V\ ikiam ^trle o^Glancairnc , Earle of Uutlian lames Lor 6 Murray of Ga/k, Urnes Mat>> Robert Maitland , Frederick Lyon of Bnwan , dowell of Garthland , David Peton of Cr etch , Sir lames .tuart She iff ofE«*>)Sir lohn VJeemes of ?egie,m illianG and^ Tutor of Tor;wi, S^/er/e , T^rwtfr Stuart Thomas Paterfan , and Aslexander ]ajfrry Eld JradTd 4 ”s Affe^bllv , to meat at divnf this inftant monech of]une> and iip^ the laic Wed4-fd°y O '4-51 next . the laft Vedoerdav of Novem- next , Ind upSn the laft Wednefday of f ^rtury nm . and upon any other day , or in an) oth t P. think meet : Giving and gi anting unto them , J “> * teenofthemnhere being twelveftlinjnetspisrent.Ml^ and conim ifion to piolecute the faid wot ' o hisMa- JiiTion , anduniformitieofKirK ,",h„ ',pnt Kites Dominions, and to do and peiform^e all ticularlv or geneially contained in the fai.Coinmifi on oi the Lece^ing Affemklv, or in an A dt of the fa.d ftftmbly »Pon the fa'd la.davof Auguft . intiililed , AKeferenccto Cm,mifm4ne«, tUTerfm #g«ed torepairmhc tngtod, and -o treat "‘';''"V'*‘'X.;hrv fic ke ther matters referred unto rhent by this Affenibly , ficlie. Slid JS &ecjy . if if all th«f« wcie Herein expieSed , and^s ' iddalloi tfat 4 The Generali the perfoiis nominat in that faid foiiDcr CommilTion mlghc - have done by vcrtue of the faidAftand former Commif- t lion at any time by-gone > and with as ample power as any ! Commillion of former General Afiemblies hath had, or been ^ in uleefbefce , they being aivtayes comprabie and cen- furable for tneir whole proceedings hereintill by the next General Alfembly. Renovation of the Commtjfion granted to the Verfons a^^ointed i.o repair to the Kingdoms of England. T He General AlTembly , finding that the great Work of unity in Religion , and uniformity of Kirk-governmenc in all his Majefties Dominions is not yet perfeded > Oo therefore renew the Comnaiifion granted for tbateffed by thepreceeding Aifcmbly . unto the Perfons appointed to repair to the Kingdomeofirw^/4«d upon the ip.dayof Au- gufi:i<;43. in thelall Seflion tnercof. Giving and granting to the Perfons therin mentioned, the fame power, to do all and every thing particularly or generally contained in the faid Commihion , in the fame manner ? and as fully , as if the fame were herein expreffed , and as they might have done at any time by gone by vertue of the fernacr CommiHIon. The t^ffemblies anfwer to the Tresbyterie •with the Armie. ' aud loving Brethren in the L O R D, W E received yoursof the 17 and2o. of May, and wers much refrefhed wdth the know ledge you gave unro us therffin , of y our fenfe of our condition here, and of the ^Of dealing Mic]b ypur felves tkejre in ypiu tlja its an d d if- ficuJtiey, \^JJ€mhly , 1644^ 215* ficulrics ! We reioyce exceedingly ro fee you make fucha: bleffed ufeof the Lords delayer , for vour further Humi¬ liation and Dependence upon him : That Saniiuary , your F r.emies , and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken , Ihall not favc them : You have found by experience in your marches and maintenance , that events »’re not ordered by the proportions ofmen , butbv Mie Providence ann piir- pofe of GOD. There isanm-" f -r everv purpofe under Heaven, andthe Cupof the / jwomcim'dtbe filled; Which being now full of e'very aborninritiou , veaof the blood of the Saints, the cry v'hereof cannot but be heard in Heaven, and anlwercd on Earth , pi eEge'h no leEe to usdhan that the Lords time ofhis deliverance ofhiso'A’ii ,and dedruciion of his Enemies draweeh near. , We are not unlenlible of your prefentedate , andby the Lords grace (hall be careful , both here and wifh our Con¬ gregations at home ^ to make all take the fame to heart. As for our condition here remembred with fuch pious affevffion by you j we doubt not but ye hive beard what the Lord hath done for us i thefc happy beginnings of the Lords fcattering our unnatural Enemies in the North. gives us con¬ fidence of hiS airdfance in the midft of diHicukies againft thefe that afiauk us in the South : It is nothing with the Lord to helf whether with many? or with them that have no power. The fecuriry of this Na.tion indeed is great , it is our pare to bio w the Trumpet to give warning to the People , and to rouze them from that feaTul condition which threatneth fo muchdefertion. And to this end we have injnyned a fo- iemne Fatf ,the caufes whereof being more pariicuktlv con- fideredbv our Comrni‘iione''5 here > will no quelHon be feat: unto you , that if the Lord pleafe , you may joyne with us there in that Abf ion. We have fet dovsm an order to be kept betearterjfor fend¬ ing Mmilters unto the Armie , M'hich the Ckrk Will fend herewith unto you. Now the Lord our GOD , inwhofe Name his people go forth aiainft his Enemie',help and affid: them, and cover their iie^ds in the Day of Uattei j 2nd be P their ^he Genemll their Refuge ; and blefle your travels and endeaVbutSjfor ths good of their fouls and his own glory* Edinburgh, 5 June i and offhoiuing tous. Both Nations as yet do but go forth weeping and bearing their precious feed; yetare we confident through |ESUS CHRIST, that as itisafeed time, if the Labourers (although other men before us have laboured and we are enrred inro 'heir labours) prove faithful unto the end , the harveft Ihall come in due tinv^.and in great plenty. The comrron Diredlorv for publick Worlhip in the Kirks of the three Kingdomes is fo begun fwhich we did make kirown to the Commiilioners of the Gencal A (TembW) that vve could not think unon anv particular Diredfory for our own Kirk , and yet is not fo for perfected , that wee could prefent a«v part thereof unto vour view : for although wee h u e exhibited un'o the Grand Committee (which is com- pofedof feme ';f the Members of both Hoiifes » and of the Affembly , with our felvcs) the nwtenals of die public k Prayeis j LAJpembly j 1^44. I prayers of the Kiik, the method of Preaching, and th- ! order of adminiftrarion of both Sacracnents , and have the Catechifme in hand j yet are they not rhroughiy eximined by the Committee, nor atall by the Afferr.bly or Parlia- me-'t, whifh we cannot impute to anv ne2;ieil or unwillin^- nelfej but to the m.driplibtv and weight of their afairs, by which they are tore pref 'cd , and above their power* The Dire(^ory for Ordination of Minifters (which upon the extreme exigence of this Knk was much preffed by the Parliament) is agreed upon by the Con mitcee and Aslem- blv , and fome daves pah is prefented to both Hoafes , but hathnotyet pafled their Vote. The Afembh hath been long in debate about the Officeisand Government of the Kirk { concerning which , we oifered the two Papers which wee drew up , according to the pradiice of our own, and other Reformed Knks , and fonecreas we could con¬ ceive , to the minde of the General Affembly, and did fend to the Commiiiioners of the General Ahembly) and hath patfed many voces about the one and the other , but hath no tbroghc their thoughts to fuch lipeneffe and perfe- dlion , that they could think upon the publifhing of them , or prefenting them to your fight , nonsit in their power to do fo, without warrant of Parliament* 'Your wi'edomc will cotilider that they are not a General Afiembly , but fomefelea Perfons , called by Authority to g vetheirad- vlce in rnatrers of Religion , that they walk m a way v'hich hath not been troden by this Nation before this time , that many things feeme new unto them , and cannot o'-'^aiti their affent, till they fee them clearly warranted by the VVord of G O D j That matters of ihe Government of the Kirk have been, much controverted here, and the prejudices a- gaiurt Presbyteiiall Gov-rnment are many and great i That thetwo extremes of Prelacic and Independencie , which, latteristhe general claime of all Sedts wi h great- eft inftance forall ihe aliift^nce that your Pi ay ers , 'i ears. Learning, Piet)' , and LargineHe of heau can pofiibly coiujibure to your poor aUlicted and ftill - confndung Bre¬ thren : Andihis w-ethe rather beg of you, who, having bin firft in i he furnace ofaliiidfkpn , and are come out of great tribulation, are mccteft to commiferate, and bed able to comfort others in any trouble, by die comforts wherevvith you your lelves have been comforted of GOD. Itwas in our defires to have prefented to your Venerabis j Affembly , fome of ourdeareft refpefls in writing , by that ; eminently learned and muchhonored Commiffioner of yours, the Lord But his departure hence w^as lo fuddento us, and unexpected by U5 that wc could not ' '■ have Generali ydjjembly ^(^[femblyj 1644. X31 have time f' as his Lordlhip can inform you ) to tender by himfucha teftimony of our Brotherly & intimate affections, asmavinfome meafurefuite with your manifold andfnoft affeCl'-onate expresfions toward us , when our fishings Wre many . and our hearts faint; For fuch hath been your love , that no waters can quench it , and fuch rhe un¬ dertakings of the whole Kin^domc of Scotland » through your furtherance . that wealreadv begin 'O reap the fru.cs of an that piety, Prudence> and Valour, which ar^his day render your Nation worthily renowned in the Chn. ian World i and us , cxceedingb; ftrai'ned and rcftlefle in our felves, untill pleafe to open a way for oar endeavours , to make fome more anf.ve'able returnes. Toward this, our thoughts and hopes v.^er^ to have mader ere now , lome proceedings of our Aficmbly leg'ble in yours.But fuch are the continued didraCtionswl'ich lye upon ourfpirits , by means of the lad an ■ bleeding condition of thisKingdome , as have call us much b“hinde Cur own ex- peftations , and hindred that expedition wl;;''h the neceih- ties of this Nation , and the defires of our Brethren abroad, do earneftly call for at our hands. Sometimes through GODS goodneffe wee have a ptofpe- rious Gale], Sometimes againe , wefaile like P4m/ and his company 5 7)CTy flotvly tnany dayss- And even then, when wee draw near the fair Havens , lome contrary Windes put us out into the Deepagain. We walk in paths that have hi¬ therto been untrodden by any Affembly in this Church; We therefore are inforced tofpend more time in our inquiries, and in feeking of GOD a right way for us , that at length u^e may put into that high way , the way of holineffe , wherein Wayfaring men , though fools j fnall not erre ; And we will wait upon our GOD ( before whom we have been this Day humbling of our fouls ) untillhelead usinto ail thefe Truths which we feek after; and we fhall labour to be yet more vile in our own eyes, as finding by experience that it is notinmantodireCl his way. Thofe Winds which for a while do trouble the Aire > do withall purge and refine it ; And our truil is thac^ through the moll wilePrevideaceandbleflingGf GOD ? the Truth p 4 ty. % The Generali byourfo long continued agitations , v illbe better cleared among us , and fo our fervice will prove more acceptable to all the Churches of Chrift, but more efpecially to you, while wc havean intcntive eye to our peculiar Proteftaiion > and to that publick ^acrcd Covenant entred into by both the | Kingdomes, for Uniformity in all his Majefties Domi- rions. Which Work wexarry on ( againft what ever difficulties arecaft in our way) with more eale and conrifoit, by the jireat led ility and feafonable alTif'ance wee daily receive from your Noble and iiev'-'rtnd Commihloners (icting among us: Then Prudence will ( we doubt’not ) fuffici- cntly fun.iftiyou vv-ith more particular information touch¬ ing our aflairs i And here , we cannot but acknowledge , * that thealTidious prefence of thefe our learned andhighly- efteemed Brethren among us, and their free andfaichfull contributing of theivcounlels to us , doe oblige us miuch to a double duty 5 the one of Thanks, which we now hear¬ tily render to you, for fending to usfuch excellent Hel¬ pers; the other of Kequeli: , ' w hich wee earnehly make for their continuance with us, unrill the Work bee brought up ro the finishing Cubice. Now, the Great Mader-Builder ( without whofe Al¬ mighty concurrence , the Builders labour but in vain ) ac- compliffi and perfect all his oven glorious Work in your hands, and in ours, alfo, to his own Glory, thepeaceand edification of all the Churches, and the comfort of our fel- ves over all our travels and fuftcrings. TT'eftminfter , May 17* 164% Yaurmoft affeEiionate Brethren anifervants inthe Lo i, l;y the \diTcdiijn y and rn the Name of this tvkole Afjembiy ^ William TwilTc> Prolocutor. Cornelius Burges , Jffcjjor. Henry Robrough , Hcrila. A domra m By field , Senba. t^pmhly ^ 1644^ ^33 The Generali Ajfemblies Anfwer^to the righ^ Reverend the AjJ'embly of Divines in the Kirk of England. Kf^ht Honourable right Reverend ^ and moft dearly beloved in our Lord > WE do thankfully acknowledge your refpedt full remem¬ brance of us by your Letters at all occalions ; and not a little rejoyce to lee ihathappie correfpondcncc and Chri- ftian communion fo fu cetly entertained smongft us , which isfo acceptable in ihe fight of tbc Lord, fo pleafant and profitable , efpecially when kept and entertained betwixt Kiiksand Kingdomcs about atiairs of higheftand moll pu- blick conceinmentand incerefl : We have nothing more in cur defircs than to entertain that harmonious correfpon- dence , that Chriltian fympathic and compaffion , that founding andreiounding of bowels, whichwell befeemetli Kirks and Nation*', united by a folemn League &facred Co¬ venant, for mutuall endeavours, by alllawfull meanstoa further unitie in that Faith once delivered to the Saints , and greater Uniformitie in Divine Worlhip, DUciplinc, and Government , according to the Paterne, The cafe and condition of your bleeding Kingdomc is no lelle fcnfible to us, than if our felvcs werein aiTti- dlion with you i butwc trull all is working to your beft, and to our Lords glory: That fomeof you hes fallen, it is to try you , purge you , and make you white : If the Lord by thofc means be with that Reformation of his Ordinances , bringing alfo alongll that other Kefor- motion of hearts and lives , ihou-d it not be welcomed with all joy » although it bee upon theeXpence of blood and lives ? The Lord will turn the bygone rage of Man to his glory and your fpiritual good the remnant of rage will hee reftraine. The Lord deiiverech his ovv'ne by degrees. he is irith them in trouble , an I deliverctb them , and honoureth them i He who hatn been lenfibly with you hitherto , and upholden you in your trouble, will we trull, yet deliver you , and honour you : The more yc fow in tears > the greater fhail be your harvsft of peace and joy , when the F 5 Lord, ^34 TheGeneraU Xord according to the dayes wherein hehath afflifledyowj and the years wherein yec have feen evil! , Ihail makeyoa glad, and his Work toappearc unroyou, and his glory unto your children , and the beautie of the Lord your God to be upon you , and Hiall eftablilit the work of your handsi yea , even eltablilli the work of vour hands. We fliould prove both unthankfull to God, and unfaith¬ ful! to men , did >vee not bold out unco you the Lords gra¬ cious and powei full dealing with us in the like condition , and comfort you with the confoUtions wherewith wee our felves have been comforted : We were involved in tae like difficulties j wehad theftrongoppofition ofhigheft '\utho- litie fet over two powerfull Kingdoms , befidc this of ours; and the unhappy providence of our wickedly wife and wary 'i*relates , had done udiatinthem hy , to make the iVlini- Jlery of this Land fworn Enemies to the intended Reforma¬ tion : So that we walked in a very wildernefie, inalaby- linth. and as upon deep waters, wiierein not onely did our feet loofe footing? but alfo our eyes all difcoveiingor dif- cerning of anv ground; yea; wee were ready to lot e our felves : Y et the Lord hath gracioully rid us , and recovered US out of all thefe difficulties , and fet our feet upon a rockl, and ordered our goings. The experience wee have had in our own perfons , affoordeth us confidence and hope con¬ cerning your afi'aires 5 and wee trufi: this hope fhallnotbe disappointed; it is our ducty to hope upon experience , and atisthe Lords word and promife, thaefuehan hope fiiali not be afh.mied. It cannot choofe but beget confidence in youiwhen ye fhatl confider,that ye have feon before your eyesyour neighbouring Ship of this Kirk and Kingdome, Jiaving fas it\vere) loofed from vour fide, inthelikeor felf-fame florme , notwitbft.inding all toiling of windes and vaves , yec ( not hy might , nor by poiver , hut by the Spirit of the J^ord ofhojls ) to have arrived fife and found to ciie fort and Harbericj yea? and to has'e dared to put out again unto the florm s to contribute her weak endeavours for your help. Wcacknowledgeyour impediments to be great and ma¬ ny, the rufferings of your Brethren , thePeople ofGO D, cannot choofe'feut both damp your fpirirs, and divide your throughtsi 164^. 2,35: ’ hroughts: Yonr walking in an untroden and unknown way, ' nuftputyou (though never fo willing to go on fpeedily , ^et) to taketime and leifure toaik for the right way> and 'e want nor the oppofition of fomc aw ongft y our ielves , to vvhomnotniihftanding we truft the Lord will reveale his ruth in his own time. Never the leffe (much honoured ind dear Brethren ) go on couragioufly againft tne reflm of ill oppofition i ever} Mountain in the way of Zcruhhahel, ;he Lord fliall make plain i and as many of you as arc per- feiS , be thus minded, that forg.tcing the things that are behinde , and looking to the things that are before, you prefle hard towards the mark, as having before you, not onely the prize of the high calling and recompence ©f re¬ ward, but al oatthc end of th s race , thefe two precious Pea Isandineftimable Jewels of Truth and Unity, and all the keformod . hurches beholding and looking on, not onely as witncffes , but alfo being ready to congratulate and embrace you. We were greatly re frelhcd to hear by Letters from our I Commifiioners there with l ou, and by a more particular (relation from the Lord TVariftoun nowf with us, of your I praife-worthy proceedings, and of the great good things the : Lord hath wrought among you and for you : Shall it feema fmall thing in our eyes , that the Covenant ( the foundation I ofthe'w hole Work) is taken? That that -Antichriftian Pre- i lacy with all the traine thereof is extirpate ? That the door ' of a right entrie unto faithful Shepherds is opened 5 many I corruptions, as Altars, Images, and other Monuments ' of Idola ry and Superftition removed j defaced and aboiilli- j ed ; the Service-book in many places forfaken, and plaine I andpowf’rfull preaching fet up j the great Organs at i'anh and Peters taken down j That the Royal Chappell is purged and reformed, Sacraments fincerely adminiltrare , and ac¬ cording to the paterne inthe Mount , That your Colledgcs» the Seminaries of your Kuk , are planted with able and iin- cerc Profeflors ? That the good hand of GOD hath called and kept together fo many pious, grave, and learned Di¬ vines for fo long a time, and difpofed their hearts to fearch his Tjrutli by their frequent Humiliations, continuali Pra- yets %iS TheGenerall ;rc yd's, and Isarncd and peaceable debates? Should not all aniii each one ofthefe ftir up our fouls to blefle the Lord, ani render both you andus confident , that he who hath begur^ the goodjWork, will perfeftit, and put the C .■'peflone upoh^ it-, i hat the beauty of apeifeiled ''Voike mayihine to Rations, andeye may fay apd flioiit , Grace , Grace ^ iti That the time may be w len full lifecrtv’ an 1 leaiure*^^ ihall be to all the Builders of the Houfe of GO D to give chemfcivcs with both their hands ro the building uf^p and edifying the People of GOD in thee things that be#J'l Song ro life and Godiinefie , to the making of them -.vife top fklvation , and throughly Lirnidied to every good 'vorkjP andjwhenthc Lord fhall delight to dwell more ftmiliarlyjii!^' and to work more po -^'erfuliy in , and by his thtoughly pu-f^ lifted Ordinances C That you afllidfed and tolTed with^®‘ teraperts and not comforted} fhall have your Hones laid'*”' with fair Colours , your foundation with Saphires , your 'll* Children fliill be taught of GOD, and ihall have greati*^” peace, and no W eapon framed againft you Ih ;11 profper.. andi^ every tongue that rifech againft you in Judgement fhall b condemned i That the Lord will awake as in the ancienr dayes > as in the generation of old j That the Redeemed ol the Lord fhall come un^ o Zion with linging, and forrow and mourning fhall flee away. And as v^care confident that theLord whohearcthPrayer, I and hath promifed to guide his Servants in all truth, will bring your labours to a comfortable concliifion : So do, all the Reformed Kirks , and the Kirk of Scotland above' all others extreamly long for the talle of the fruits of their' pious labours and continual pains : And fo much the morcj that we have fufpended fome material determinations a-: mongftourfelvcs, upon expectation of Uniformity i And' that in the meane time femany fcandalous Papers come tO' our view , and to the hands of the People here , for libertie of Confcience j toleration of SeCts, and fuch Practices as arecontraiy to the DoCtrine, Goverment, and Peace of all the Reformed Kkks . For ftopping and fupprefling whereof, as wee doubt not , but your wifedome , and the Authority of the honourable Houfes of Pailiamciu will ufe fome i i l^ffem hly ^ 1644^ 2,5 7 timemore effcaual means 5 So do we hope that your De- ■rminations lhall carry fuch eviden ce of Divine Trmh, and emonftrationofthe Spirit, that thofe unhappy Clouds of arkncflc fha'l be Tofcatrered, that they lliall be no more iatherc-d nor appe-r hereafter , to the dilhonour of God, le prejudice of his Iiuth, and the (candalizing offo many Souls for vhichChriah..th dyed, „ , . * ^ ' We do with hearty thankfulnefTc refcntall the Kindneus ndrefvea you l ave fhown to cm Ccmmi{iioncrs,and your lieh eftteme of them in love for the Woiksfake; Although heir prefence here would be very comfortable unto us, rery fteedable to the publick , and neceflar in rcfpeci or heir ereat and important particular charges and Stations 5 ^etdo we willingly difpesfe with all , yea nothing fliall be 00 dear unto us , fo that this Work be firifliedwith joy, ind ierufdlem made the glory and praije of the whole Earth Fecaufi ifthehoufe of the Lord cur God we will feek her good : For cur Bre- ^hrenarui Companions faks , we will now fa/ , Peace hewuhmbey W^ls , prefperity within her Palaces, Edinburgh 4 funei(S44> Subferibed in name of the Generali Affembly of the Kirk. op Scotland , by the Moderator of the Aflembly. The JJfemblies anfwer to their Com* tntjfioners at London. Eeverend and Beloved Brethren , tT would have been the rejoycingofour hearts, and the 1 lightning of our countenances , to have feen your faces, andinioved your prefence herewith us , cfpecia ly, foould vee have arrived unto us loaden with the fpoils or -ntv chrift , the Tropheesof the Knkof Chrifl: , and the long longed-for fruits of your painfull labours : But feeing ichathpleafed theLoidwhofe Intereftm the bufinefle is * niain generall main and principall otherwife todifpofe, it doth become) us withall humilicy to ftibmit to his good nleafi.ire, M’ith fiith & nariencc to attend his leafure , forhethatbeletvethma^. l^ethnothafce , and with more frequency and fervencic in pra¬ yer lecV to him who willbe roughefor thefe things and ha¬ ving hegtinthegood iVorkjPill perfect it , and double rhe bcnclit| by beitowingit ina niore (ealonable time unto us- * VVe have not been a little refrefhed with you Letters fent. rmrous and theCommiliioners of the prcceeding AfiTembly, and vdth thefe from the Reverend Svnod of Diviues , tha anfwer whereof you \vill bepleafedto ptefentunro them : bv all whieh and more particularly by a full. Relation from ' the Lord JVariJloim a. hithfiill witnefie and a fellow labourer with ycu die. e , we fee and acknowledge that by the Lords blefiing', the Progrefle of the Wo; k i' already more > than we can overtake itjthe courfe of our thankfulnelf?^ that your labours are very great, your pains uncchant , your thoughts of heart many , that ye endure the heat ofue day i but being confidenr of your patient continuance in wel'doing, and tharyour labours fljall not be in vaine in the Lord , wee ha'^e renewed your Co 'ii'nidion , and 'erurned the Lord Warijloun unto you , according to your defire , that y? may pi 0‘ccute that great Work which the Lord hath bleficd To farre invoiir hands. When the Ordination and entry of Minifters (hall be conformable to the Ordinance ofG'od , there is tube expe- died 3 richer blefiing lhall be powred out from above, both of furniture and afiiltance upon tbemfelves , and of fuccefie upon their labours ; for which end as our earned dehreis, that the Directory for it maybi eftablilhed : fo doe we ex¬ ceedingly long to fee the comraonDiredtory for worlhip per¬ fected, which, may prove an happy meape of that wiihed foe Uniformity in the Ki: ks of the three Kin^domes , ihall { wetrudj diredtbyall Rocks of offence and occafions of Humbling, audlhall remove all thefe corruptions where¬ with the Lords (acnfice and fervicq hath been defiled. That point tonceininga change of the Paraphrafe of the Pfaimes in Meeter , wc have refe' red to the Commiffioners here , whofe power aud Conamifiioa granted by the prece¬ ding AiJeaibly , we have re;pewed and CQiotinued* That i544* *39 That there be difiicultics ecncerring Kirk- Govern mcnr, wee ihinK it net ftiange for tbefe reafon? you lay out before us v^t b/caufetbe uindsof menare milinfufpenfe up()n the’ fiicrelTe of the detei nn nation of that Reverend Afferrbly en the one hand , and upon the fucceffe of the Warre on the o>her- which doth not a little faint ihen- hearts and feeble their hands , both you and we muft be inftant with God and man forafinall detenninationof all thele debates , anda hap v and fneedv con'll uli on ofthisgseat affuie, fo n uch cnncerniiv’ his own glory and the gt od of h- Kirk. Nosp the > ord lead you in aU truth , md give you under^andmg in ali things- Edinburgh 4. June 1^44* ^ it Subjarthed tn name of the Generali jijlembly by the Moderator. The Aj^emUies Letter to the Kirks ht ‘ Netherlands. ■> / Fratres in Domino plurimum eolendi. Anm^uperioreEcelrfiarum:{elandicarum nomine, mijja fum ad nos L iterce , ut eas communis totitis Ecclefia ve^ra: ' ■^ehic^voJuntatrsteJles fuiffe inter pretaremur , ejfeoit be- nevolentia ve^ra tot tantifque efficiis nobis fpeBata : 9^am fenten^ tiam nobis confirmarunt ea qute copiose clarisJimusEques D. Archi- bados lonfto nus Variftonus in firo fttpremopdex , a rehqms tumO rdinum' turn Ecekfix hujnt Regni Londino nen^ ita pridemremiffui , inhac ipfaSynodoNationali ds eximio vefiro (roanosfttidio eommemoravit : Prefer tim quanta jide quimijolt- cit^ dihzentia noftram , vel Domini potiiis mjtri feju Chrip can- Cam > qua nunc Londini agitiir , & promoveritis , & promovere etiatmiumCatagaus. Quo in negotio , rx its , quorum ab eo reoi- tata audivimu's nnmina , de propenfa reliqmrum voiuntate ty cu- rk ut concihanda Ecckfiarum Hritanmearum unions fahetter furcepta confi/ia , vcftrJ opc& oipera profperum mature fortiantut exttiim i minims obfciira fccirntis indiciat Sunt hsctamuliiftria bens- 2^0 The Generali ^>eneyolentia veftra teftimonici , ^ in omnium homrum ocul'ts adeo pcrfpicua tit corum memsr/am uulla uncjuam delere patuerint ebli - Labms autem jam inpenji pcrro f ufcepti ad comroverfias Synodo hor,d>nt:nii fuboricntes focliciter expedicndas dcci^ dendas nrcjuanio posniteat , ex eo quern per dwinsan jam benediElio- ^ fiemfniFium cepiftis , optima qu^eque tnpofterum fperare Conjenta- eft. Huic tarn honorifice henefciorum veftrorum commemorationi d D* Variifonio faBcc fupervenerunt ex partihus Hibernia: nquilo- na-fibus Literce mulmum Chircgraphis fubfignata ■, Qui fingu'arit gtai Ice in ilUm Ecelefiam divinitus effujcC , ex q uo tempore in fcieta - feeder is triumunitorum fubBpge nofir o Hpgnorwnadmif^i fiuntj i} mentione fabia , hujtis inquiunt divince benedi&ionis ampUfitmnm nuper habuimus tefiimonitnn , $anbiorum in Belgio liberaUta- Oitemeximiam', Qui nobis ^ Ignotis licet poregrinis , fratres fie 3)nofitri amantifiimos , bf malorum nofitrorum fienfiu tenerrimo 3) cosnpunBos aperte demonfirdrunt . Pauculos enhn nos gladio s'>fiuperfitites , fi qui non nijiad breve tempns faciem fuamddomo Jacob abjeon- Si dere fiolet , fed Juhfidto infiuper opulcnto cum anmme > turn alia. - 3:rum rerum ad nofitram intantis angifitls relaxatisnem G? fioU- 31 tium necejfiarium , copiofie nos refiocilldrunt . Tanium munifii^ 33 centiam cum fiupplices a Deo contendimus , jeptuplam ipfiis in 3: Jinum rependat ■ turn demiffie vos etiam atque etiam rogamur > ut 3, in tanti benefieii agnitione Ecckfiiis Belgtcis , mbifstun gratias 3iagatis. Hcsc illi. In quo quidemofiicio fi Hits defimus , in nos par iter & ilhsgravitcr peccemus Jignoficimus igitur ihifilrifinnorum (3 potentifiimoru m HoIJaw- ■fJi?e , ^elandse, aliorumque Ordinmn BelS’icoU'in tarn exi- rniam bentfiicentiam'- Qjnbus non conniventibus modo b3 oermit- tentibus ( quod tpfitm non vu Ignore benefieium habendum ejfiet) fed authorihus etiam , modumque b3 rationem ; rceficribentibus . exem - flo qnoque preceuntibus , in ubfidium firatrum nofitrorum W btr- ncnij'iu'x colleBa per Ecclefias faBa ad ipfios mature depirtataUt: Jlgnoficirmis piorum inufidem hcclefiis ftelgicis tarn expromptatn vo- luntatemb3 liberahpatemi Jfinoficijmif tantum benefieium nonin 'y^Jfcmbly ^ 1^45'- ^41 'pfos magis ftatrcs ncjl- 1 f , in tUorum pirfcnn in vopnet ip • f'os (JpiCollatMn : f/oJ^jUe (jriures i\ert:rinii) o^n’x'c rogatos vo^ lumns , III quemudnidi^in't tios i'.d oninc n gi'ini animi /^ggdficatio^ ntm prompti Jempcr erimus , ijua Xn h s pofilji/num ixiNom com- rncdumvidcbilur , iilufiiUJlmis pUinnSJlwu Ordinibus nofro 7iomine grut^astiJgntis populo auic/r.ChrjUano cur.e Xfjhtucoxfirrdjjo turn publice uniVitjo , turn privatim Jmgulis , ut cccufio tnl(rir y di’munflritis quam honoriftce deiufis fcntiamus , & quanii fiici-t- rr.us tarn eximiam henixolintiam charitatem,qud in Eccle/iariint Hibernicarimi confolatioiiezifceru nellrayefociUaverunt. autern ve[ly£ fuerint paries , fratres charifjimi , qiiam pio fiudio tS'labore, quamafjldua diligentia lanu charitatts (emen in fiam pladtum visratum interminaiu ' , tandem ruhentem (S’ ma^ O _ . ^ d'dumfuoriimque fanguine calentem (S fpumantem per regioncs plurimas jam diu circumiulit; in nos den'tque reliquos nunc imentaty rd/i mature refipuerimus , (Sf de domoipfiis amplius purganda ^ de gratia Domini nofiri Jefu Chrifli pturisfacienda y decultuDet ipfiufque injlitutis religiefus habendis y de Sabbat ho e)us JanSiifi- cando y aquonimiumoculos nojiros avertimus , & de moribus ad, ^ pietatis normam componendis magis ferio quam haBenus a nobis^ faBum ejl , nohifeum jlatuentes cum populo Dei fub Nehemia, Jofia , reliquifque piis Gubernatoribus y religio fo feeder e pereufjo, tanquam firmisfsmo vinculo Deo ob^riBi, nos inter nos arBius ad- verfus bofles imiverimns , ut avertat Deus jamfumantem (ST capi- tibus noflris imminentemiram y quam peccata noftra plurima <3 maxima adverfus nos prevocarum (S’ accendeyunt. Nontanium nobis d\ferimus ^ nondum eos renovato cum De faiere , (S' votis nunciipatis dignos edidimus fruBus , ut ttoftrui cxem plum vohis proponere libeut : Quod tamen experti fumus , < Dei erga ms gratia , quod gratitude erga Deum , qued gloria ipfit, anohis flagitat y c dare non audemus. Quecunque nojiramale mt ri(a funt inconfpeBu Dei (S’ hommum’y certe exquodk nos den ighfofadere cum Deo (S intrrnos ineundo cogitavimus y a port nfi'oru^n nvQcari , O' mnojra: omnes in Dtum noflrum neceff. neeeffa: I xyljfembly^ I <^45'* ^43 necefiario conjeBte rntltus hahtn capermt , & f reversi , & •quod nullis cane feat feecuVs fader e , D mi no nobis cum coadunati , malts , fub quorum pondere tot annos gtmtf cunt ^ tandem fublen venture Qu/ Dies huge optatisiimus si per Dei gratiam femel il^ .hxerit : de consiliorum enmmunione inter Reformat arum Eccle- ' siarum Synodos per EegatosO Lit eras concHianda iniri pos sit ra¬ tio , per quam Ecclesix hofles compejeantur , harefes opprimantur, •O fihifmata retarciantur , pax cum Deo O inter Ecciesias firma 'confervetur , O gloricfiim D'topus in E.vangelio per orhem terra^ ,rum propaganda , O Antichrifti regno abolendo promovealttr^ Quod ut optandum g O fperandum ^ piis ^ prudentihus veftris meditationibus , ut bonnm femenfcecvndissimofilo commend arnus ^ i Ediriburgi . 4 Juniil• is never yet put in practice ; Do therefore Ordain Prcsbvteries to put the fame in practice vii-h all diligence, and to make account thereof t o the next Aflembly. Ordinance for up lifting and imfloying Penalties contaifi^^ in ABs of Parli^m^nt 9 upon pious ufes. THe Aflembly underflanding that the executing of Tome laudable Adis of Parliament, made againit Non - Communicants and Excommunicate peifons, and of divers other AAs containing pecuniall painsfor re- ftraining of V^ice, and advancing Piety, is much neglected by the flowncffc of Presbyteries and Minifters . infeeking jExecution thereof; Therefore ordains Presoyteries and Tiiinifters refpeSlive , to be diligent hereafter by all means , in profecLuing full and exadt Execution ofallfuch Adis of parliament , for lifting the faids Penalties contained in the fame, and for faithfull imploymentthereof^ upon pious ufes, and that every Presbvterie report their dilu gence herein yearly to Generali Aflemblies. j^n Overture concerning Bromifes of and theprincipall Ropofi ionsofChurcn ^ government paf- fed in the Alfcmbly , all of .hem according to the fofemne League and Covenant, the greaied of all, are three or foure witneffes to p'^ove that the Lord hath done grea' things for us, whereof we are glad , and which m ike us /t/’e them that dream : And we are fure , that not onely the ReJormed Kifks, but the Papifts will fay , The Lord hath done great things for them. All that we defire , is : i. That the Diredloiy of Worfli - ip may be returned by our Brethren with all poffible expe¬ dition, that it may be publilhed here , and put in praClile , as that which is extreamely longed for by the good People , and will be a remedy of the many differences and divifions a- boutthe Worfhip of God in this Kingdome, effpecially in this place : If rher^e be any thing in it that difplcaiech, let it be remonftrate upon irrefragable and convincing reafon , o- tberwife ye will in your wifedome give approbation to it . z. if there be any particular differences among fome Bre¬ thren j which are not determined, but paffed over in fi- lencc in the DireCfory , and yet hinted at in the Letter from the Affembly , we hope that in ^our wifedome ye will fo confidcr of them , that they may be layde afide in due time » and that in the mean while , till the Directory be concluded and put in practice , there lae no trouble about them, for that were as Snow in Summer, and as Rain in Harveft. We know nothing of that kinde , that all of us who love Unitic, Order, and Edification , may not perfectly agree in , with- outfcandall or diftrubance:: And wcbcfeech the Lord to keep that Kirk free of fuch SeCts and Monflers of opinions , as are daily fefon foot and multiplied in this Kingdome, through the want of that Church - gofernment by Affcm-- biies 3 which hath preserved us , and we hope , through the 'AJfembly^ blefllng of God i fliall cure them. 3. Becaufe Nationall Affemblies cannot frequently conveene , we humbly defire , that fuch a Commiflion may be fettled as we may at all occa- fions till the Work be finifhed , have our recourfe unto , for our direftion and refoiution : for we know both our own weaknefTe: and the greatneffe of the V/ork : wherein wc can promifc no more but to be faithfull m obeying your commandments, as in the fight of Cod, whom without Souls we pray, to grantyou his Spirit, to guide you into all truth, And thus continue. jVtrceJler houfe , ^an.'6. 164') • Your humble and faithfull Servttntf, Loudoun. Alex. Henderfon. |o. Maitland. Sam. Rutherfurd. DIRECT. For the Right Reverend tho Gene^ tall Affimbly of the Kirl{ o/dcotland. The Letter from the Synode of T)ivmes m ' England, to the Generali Afembly. Right honourable ^ right reverend t and dearly beloved inthe LORD JESUS^ AS cold waters to a tlnrfly foul, fo is good news from afar Countreyl Weyour Brethren , yet remaining in the Furnace of af- flidion, andftjlllabouringinthe very fire. Have at length, by the good Hand of GOD upon us, attained fo far toward the Mark at which we all aime , that wc fliall now fend you, by two of your Reverend and Faithful ComtniiTioners Mr Kobert Bailie, and Mr George Gillefpk ( our much honou¬ red Brethren) fome good news of that great Work, after which your zeal for Truth and Peace hath fo much thir- fted, and for which you have not Imd your Uvjimto the death. ^ ^ ’The generall Our progrefTetherein'hath not been fo expeditious as was deiired andexpedted. This, unto fuch as cither know r.of, or confider not. The weight and grcatneffe of the Work, nor The manifold difficulties which have occurred to ©.bftrucS: our proceedings in this dayofdarknefle and ca- iamity (too Tad to be expreded) hath been like unto hpe deferred '} which mAkes the heart fick : Howbeit , we trult, 'That when tlmr dcjlr^ ( namely that which we have prepared , and are further in travel I with ) shAllcorn; unto them , It tviH , through God , a Trie of Uf , as to our great comfort and encouragement , we already perceive it to be to both the honourable Houfes of Parliament. Touching the feverall Papers brought to us from vour Honourable and Reverend Commiffioners , by the hands of the Committee appointed to treat with them in matters of Religion (one of the Papers, being- given in the lo- of November 1643* Concerneth the feverall forts of Church- officers and Alfemblies : Another , bearing date the 14- of lanuary Concerneth Congregation all Elderlhips, and Ciafficall Presbyteries : The other, being prefenced the 15. of Augnft lafl;, reprefenreth the neceffiry of making greater fpeed in fetling the intendedUniformity in Religion, according to the late lolemne Covenant ; ) Wc hold it our duty, in regard both of the ard and infeparable Union , which the Lord hath happily and feafonably made between you and us , and of your indefatigable and ineftiniable la¬ bour of love to this nfflided Kingdom , to give your Lord- fStipsand theiellot' that Venerable Aflembly, feme brief account. ConcerningfoneConfcffionof Faith, and Forme of Cate- chifme, we make nocjueffion of a blefled and perfed har- rpony w'ithyou. The pnblickDodrine, held out by our Church to all the World ( efpecially when it fliall be revie¬ wed , which is in great part done ) concurring fo much with yours, mayafl'ure you of your hearts defire in thole particulars, fo loon as time and opportunity may give us liberty to perfed v/hac we have begun. The chief rcafon of laying afide the review of our publick ^odrine , aftei'jthe happy and much ddiied arrivail of your Rever- we made a ftridl furvey and fcrutinie ofeveryPropofition , that we might findeir agreeable to , and warranted by the Word of God j in a method of our own; without refting upon any paiticular modeller frame ’ whatfoever already conftituted; What we have performed» and how farrewehavc proceeded therein , we leave to the i information of your Reverend Commiffioners, who have i been eye and ear witnefles of all that hath palt^ and we j doubt not but you will fliortly receive a fatisfadlory anCv^er J from hence , fo foon as it fhall be palled in the Honourable ' Houfes of Parliament. And now. Right Honourable , and right Reverend ' Brethren, let it not feem grievous that we have this delayed . thefatisfyingofyourearneftand juft expedarion : Iristhe Lot of Jerusalem, to have her Wals built in troublous times , v'hen there are many adverfaries. Nor let it offend, that { albeit we ackowledge the many, great, and ineftimable expreffions of your love zeal , and helpful- neffe unto us every way in the day of our diftrefte , to be bev’ond all that we can in words acknowledge) we pro- feffe plainly to you , That we do moft unwillingly part with thofe our Reverend and dear Fellow - labourers , youc Commiffioners , v'hom now you have cabled home , to render an account offfieir imploymenthere ; which hath been fo managed both by them and the reft of their Honour¬ able and Reverend Colleagues , as deferveth many thanks, and all Honourable acknoM/ledgetnent, not onely from us , but from you alfo* Give usleavetoadde , that the long experience we have had of the great fufficiency , integrity, and ufefulncfle of them all, in the great Work of Chrift our common Lord MaJitr , ©ur grwtejft fute , con- ^Jemblyj 1^645’.’ tinuance of your fervent prayers ) to be earnefl: fuiters » not otiely for )-be rontmuance of ihefe excellent helpers, Mr.' ^lex Hen^erfcn , andJMr. Sam^ {{utberfiifd y yet remaining withes, bat alio for the fpeedy return nither of our Reve¬ rend Brethren that are now going hence , for the per- feftingofthat Work which yet remains. And thisfutewe truft, you will the rather grant, because of the great and joint concernment of both Churches andKingdomsin thefa matters. ' , r n n Now the fpirit of wifdom and ol all grace reft upon you in ail your great confultations ! as at all times , fo cfpeci-- ally now v^'hen you ihalJ be gathered together in thcName of the Lord] efus, for the further building up and polifhing ofhis Church; andcaufethe fruit ofall your labour to be to the praife and glory of GOD . and the comfort and re¬ joy cing of the hearts of z\l thi Ifrael of God: He reward all our dear Brethren of that Sifter Church and'Nation mani¬ fold into their bofome j all the labours, love , andfuf- ferings which they have afforded, and ftilldo cheerfully continue, for our fakes and the Gofpels, in this diftrafted and bleeding Kingdome; fuppreffe all commotions and bloody padficcsof the common Enemy, in both, yeaiti all the three Kingdoms ; fet up the Throne of Jefus Chrift: , and make all the Kingdoms to be the Lords , and our Jem- falem to be a praife upon Earth , that all that love her and mourn for her, may rejoyce for joy with her, and may fuck and be fatisHedwith thebreafts oEher confolation, jVefminjler ■, %an 6. \6AA- SubCcribed by Yowt niofl loving Betthren , and fellow -Uhou • ms in the Work^oftbe Lorddn the name of this wMe Jfemblyy William Twifle, Frolocutor. Cornelius Burges, -^ffejfor. John White, Affefjcr. Henry Rob rough, Sextba. Adomram Byficld , Scriha- DIRECT. To the Bjght Honour able y and right Reverend , the Generali femb lyoj the Church of ^cothnd, thefe prefent.i 2o 2 5'() The Generali x^Jau.i6^$* Toft meridiem* T>ie Martu* ^^j^robation of the Troceedings of the ComwiJJion of two ■preceding , Afemhlies, THc Generali Affembly . having heard the report of the j Committee appointed to confider and examine the Proceedings of the Commilfioners of the two laft Generali Ademblies, vi:{ . Of the Aflemblies held inlid'nburgh m ' theyeers i«)43 and 1(^44. And after mature deliberation? and ferious confiderarion thereof, Finding that the whole Adts j Proceedings} andConclufionsof thefaidsCoramif- ' jioners contained in a Book and Regifler, fubferibed by Mailer Andrew K^r their Clerk . and by Mader George Lejlie Moderator, and hAdSiex William ]affray, Clprktothe faid Committee; Declare much wiledome, diligence* vigi- ■ lancie , and commendable zeal ; And that the faids Com- miflioners have orderly and formally proceeded in every thing according to their Commiffions; Do therefore Katifie and Approve the faid whole A£ts , Proceedings , and Concliifions of the Commrflioners of the two Aflemblies afore faid. ^,Febniar. i<^45' Tjie Lim£ ^ Toft me¬ ridiem. Self. 10. ^51 of the Generali Ajfembly of the Kirk of Scotland , for the eJlaoUshing and putting in execution of the Diredlory for thepuhlkk Worship of G O D- WHereas an happy Unity and Uniformity in Religion a- mongft theKirics ofChrift m thefe three Kingdoms , united MncTeroj^ So veraigne^ J^i^thbecalong and earneftly wdljvd i^J^emhlyn i^45'‘ ^5■?' v*?iflied fov by the godly and well-affefted amongftus, was propounded as a main Article of the large Treaty > wirh- out which Band and Bulwark nofafe well-grounded and lafting Peace could be expected ; And afterward with greater flrength and maturity , revived in the Solemne Lea¬ gue and Covenant of the three Kingdomesj whereby they ftandftraitly obliged to endeavour the neereft Uniroraity in one forme of Church - government , Diredtery ot Wor- fhip , Confeffion of Faith 3 and forme of Carechmng . Which hath alfo before and fincc our entring into that Cove¬ nant 3 been the matter of many Supplications and Kemon* ftrances, and fending Commiffioners to the Kings fticj of Declarations to the Honourable Houfesof the liament of England, and of Letters to the Reverend As - fembly of Divines* and others of the Minifterie ofthe l^rk of England, being alfo the end of our fending Cor^iluo- ners, aswas defired from this Kirk, with Commiflion to treat of Uniformitie in the feme particulars afore- nien- tioned , withfuch Committees asflrould be appointed by both Houfes of the Parliament of England, and by the Ab- fembly ®f Divines fitting at Weammftcr : And beiide r 11 this , it being it point of confcience the chief motive and end of our adventuring upon manifold and great hazaids , for quenching the devouring, flame of the prefent unnatural! andbloody VJzne in England , though to the weakning ot this Kingdome within it felf , aod the advantage of the L- nemy which hath invaded it, accounting nothing too dear to us, fo that this our )oy be fulfilled. And now tms great Work being fo far advanced , that a Direftory for the Tublick Worlhip of G QD in all the three Kmgdomes, being agreed upon by the Honourable Houfes ofchc P2rlia- menrof after confiiltacion with the Divines of both Kingdomes there afferrsbled, and fent to us for out' Approbation , that being alfo agreed upon by this Kirk and Kingdome of Scotland , it may be in the name of both Kingdomes;prefented to the King, for b’.s Royal cowfenc and Ratification, The General A fienablv having molt fen- oully confidered , revifcd,and examtned the Directory afore mentioned, after fcveralpwbbckreadingsQj: it > after much ^ dehbe- The GeneraU deliberation , both publickly , and in private Committees after full liberty given to all to objedl againft it, and earned:, invitations of all who have any fcrnples about it to make known the fame j that they might be fatisfied , Do unani- moudy> and without a contrary Voice, Agree to, and j Approve the following diredorv , in all the Heads there- \ of, together with the Preface fet before it : And doth require, decerne, and ordain. That according to the plain tenour and meaning thereof, and the intent of the Preface, Ttbc carefully and unformilv obferved andpradkifcd by all the Minifters and others within thisKingdome , whom it dothconcerne; which pradlice fhall be begun , upon Inti¬ mation given to the feveral Presbyteries, from the Commif- fioners of this General AfTembly , who fhallalfo takefpe- cial Care for the timeous Printing of this Diredfory , that a printed Copy of it, be provided and kept for the ufe of every Kirk in this Kingdome ; Alfo that each Presbyteric have a printed Copy thereof for their ufe , and take fpecial notice of theObfervation or negledf thereof in every Con* gregation within their bounds > and make known the fame to the Provincial or General AlTcmbly , as there fball be caufe. Provided alwayes, that the Claufe in the Direfto- ry, of the Adminiftration of the Lords Supper, which mentioneth the communicants fitting about the Table , or at it, be not interpreted, as ifin die judgement of this Kirk, it were indifferent and free for any of the Communi¬ cants, not to come to, and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the diftributing of the Elements by the Mi- nifter to each Communicant , and not by the Communi¬ cants among themfelves. It is alfo provided. That this lhall be no prejudice to the order and pradlice of this Kirk , in fuch particulars as are appointed by the BooksofDifci- pline, and A until he finifti the Ordinary courfe of f6ur years : Unleftc after due triall and examinationj he be found equall in Learningi to the beft or moft part of that clafte, to which hedefires toafeend, by over - leaping a mid - Clafte, or to the beft or moft part of thofe who arc to be graduat , if he fupplicate to obtain any degree before the ordinary time. And alfo , That there be found other pregnant reafons to move the faculty of A i ts to _ condefeend thereto j And otherwife that he be not admitted tQ the Degree of Ivi after of Arts. \Affemhhf ^ 164^* ^ IV -That admonifliedof hiserrour. can readily £hew howtocorr ‘“hat none bepromoved the ordinay worthy, and to have F" j con-dil'ciples , and if he be ordained not to afcend wuh ms con a j > , ^ ?o be ra®qu[red Tha " tl^e who found well inftruaedinhis Text , andbe JP fireek and underftand his whole definmons , divyons , S^d principall precepts, fo far as they have ^ VI. Becaufe it is a dif^race to Learning, and hinde ranee to Trades and other Callings, and the Pubick , thatfuch as are ignorant and .ionouted wtthaDegtee orpnbhck “ ina- That therefore fuch trial! be taken of Student , ^ daliy ofMagiftmnds , that thofe who are be not admitTed to the Depe and fo, VII. That none who have entredto one CoUed|e triall or ftudie be admitted to another Colledgc , theTeft.mon,’al of the MaftetsofthatCohedge whe^ entred firft , both concerning ^^sLiwrature , an 1 behaviour , fo long as he remained ther^ . jje the Mailers of that Colledge from timely advertifed, that they may dechic if th.y 7 thingLvfully to be objefted in the none be admitted, promovcd, ? f’for hisun- CoIIedgc , who was rejeacdin another Colledge fitnefleand unworthineffe , or any other caule c togood Order, wholeaves the Colledge where he m a for cfcLwing of Ceafure, or chaftihng xor any fault committed by^r m- who leaves the Colledge becaufe he was chafti- fed, or for any other grudge or injull QuaircU again ^^ni. That none of thofe who may Cd in one Colledge, after he was in^miothcr , be %62. *The Generali to any other ClafTe , but to that whereia hewa5 or fhould have been in the Coiledgc from whence he came, except upon reafons mentioned m the thil^d Article preceding. IX. Thatatthetime of every Generali Aflembly, the Commiffioners diredled thereto, from all the Univerfiiies of this Kingdom, Meet and confult together, fortheefta- bHfhment«nd advancement of Pietie, Learning* and good Order in the Schools and Univerfities, and be carefull that acorrefpondencebe kept among the Univerfities, and i^o farre as is poflibie , an Unifoi mitie in Dodlrine and good Order. Hhe Generali Ajjembly y after ferious cmfideration of the Overtures and /articles above iVfitten , Approves the fame, and ordains them to be obferved , and to have the jlrength of an andPrdinance of Aflembly in all time,’* To the Honourable and High Court ofParliamcnt. The Humble Petition of fhe Generali hly of the Kirkof^coi\2iX\^. Jl Ccordingtothe cdnftantand commendable pradiice of .|^the Generali Aflemblies of this Kirk, Wee judge it in¬ cumbent to us, Right Honourable , when the difpleafure of the Almighty , and the extream danger of this Kirk and Kingdomeis foLincienyably demonftrate to the eyes of the whole World, by the Invafion, Incrcafe, and Succeffe ofthefe Barbarous Irifiies , and treacherous Countrey-mcn joyned with them ( Notonely outpfconfcienceofthetrufi: committed unto us , To proceed with the cenfures of the Kirk, againft thefewho have joyned, or fball happen to joyne themfelves with the(e Enemies of G O D and his Caufe.To appoint a Solemne Fad and Humiliation through the Kingdom, and to give Warning to all theMinifiers and Members of this Kirk of the dangers and duties of the timei %yi[^embly y 1645'^ '^^3 Butalfo , out ofre^cft to your Honours , who judge not for man , htttfor the Lota: Who is with you in the judgement : and jiandeth in the Congregation of the 7nighty : Humbly to pi clent your Honours with our thoughts and defires concerning the duties which the exigency of this time expedeth from your hands. The impunity of known Incendiaries and Malignants , as by the courfc of Divine providence (permitting chofewho have formerly efcaped the band of Jufticeto be the prime inltrumcnts of our prefent Troubles ) it is held forth for a caule of the Wrath which yet burneth more and more j bo haih It been acknowledged before GOD in our publick Humiliations, to be a maine caufe of GODS Contro- veriie with the Land, and an accefiion to theguiltinefle of the cruelty , villany , and other mifehiefs committed by them and theit followers : And to lyc ftill under the guile after folemne Coufeliion , were an high provocation of GOD, and an heavy aggravation of our finne ; And on the one part, doth grieve the Godly, difeourage their hearts, and weaken their hands , On the other part , doth harden them who are already engaged , to perlilf in their unnatural! and bloudy practices, heartneth others, who have not hitherto avowed their Malignancy , epenly to de-r clarethemfelves, and is laid hold upon by the difalfefted, who lye in wait to finde occafions , as fitting to work the Pe¬ ople to an unwillingneffc of undergoing neceffary Burthens impofed for publick good. Although the Lord hath Ihewn unto us great and fore Troubles , and our heart may be broken with reproach > lhame , and difbonour , put upon us by the vileft among men 5 Yet hath he made knowm unto us the power of his working amidft tbefe manifold troubles , bringing forward the muck defired Work of Uniformity in Worlhip and Go¬ vernment to a greater perfedtion then was expected ( as your Honours and wee did fee the other day with joy of heart) whichisaTeflimonyfromlfeaven, That the Lord hath not left us in the fiery Furnace , but dwelleth ftill in the luidft of the burning Bufli , and ftiould rouze up our drou- 'ping fpirits to follow GOD fully, and quicken our How- R 4 nefle a ^4 Generali pciletohaJicnzndhelpthe Lordagainft the mighty^ In dealy there is penll of Itrenglithcning the arme of the inteftirve Eneroie , making faint the hearts of our Neighbours and Friends, and diiablingus for reaching help unrothofe who arc wrciUing againft much oppofition to f?erfeft theWor k of Reformation. The reproach under which we lye almoit buried, fliould bee fo farrefrom retarding proceedings that it Ihould intend the Spirit into a higher degree of de(ire» and expede the hand to fpccdier action for vindicating our own name , 3.nd that N aw which iy above all names from the daily repreachof the foolish May It therefore pleafe your Honours , in the zeal of fhe Eord, To proceed with fbme fpeedy courfe of Jui'tice a- gainff fuch perfons as arc known to have joyned thcmfelves, either actually in Arms, or by their counfcll, fapplies, encouragements , have ftrenghtened the hands ot the bloo¬ dy Enemies, whereby a caiile of tneConcroverlie ftiall be renaorved , the Land cleanl'cd of the blood that k flied thc- lein » thecruell and crooked generation dilheartned , the fainting hearts oftdeGodly refrefhedjand their feeble knees ftr ngthened; And cheerfully and unanimouhy to lefolvc upon > and put in execution all lawfull and poifible wayes of fpeedy and aflivepurfuing and extirpating thefe barbarous and iinnatuiall Enemies within the Kingdom: Wuereby your thankful neffe to G O D for promo vmg his owns vVork, and your endeavours of uniformity, ih J1 be teftifieds your fenfe of the dilhonour cfthis Nation, and of the danger pf dealy, exprelTedi and your confcience of the Oath of God upon you manifefted. Wee are confident ofyour Honours conrcience> and care , onely we exhort you in the Lord , to unite your Spirits^ and accelerate your counfels and endea¬ vours: And pray chebord ofHolL to profper your enter- prifes, according to the engagement of his Name, intereft of his Work , and necefiity of his People , to his own glory , the cftabliftimcnt .of the Kings Thronoin righteoufnelTe , the comfort ofhis Saints , and the converfiDn or confufioii of Enemies. Be of good courage, and behave your [elves valiantly, far our peopk , and for the cities [of our God. Anfe , and the Mordbsmthycti. - Overtures Overtures prof unded by the Committee , ap* ■pointed by this venerable Afembly^ for ordering of the Biirfars ofTheologie f and maintain^ ing of them at Schools ofDivinitie* I. '^Hat every Burfar have yearly payed him for his maiii- J. tenance loo. 1. atthcleaft. I I. That the faid maintenance be taken forth of the Kirk penalties* according to the intention ofthefirll Att for maintaining of Burfars. I I I. That every Presbyterie condfting of twelve Kirks in number, maintain a Burfar yearly at the Univerfity. IV* And where the Presbyteries are fewer in number, that they )oyne with other Presbyteries to make up their number ; And the fuperplus of the number to be ordered and dilpofed by the Presbyteries and Synods : And that their Books bear Records thereof. V. That the Kirks of thefe Presbyteries be proportion¬ ally ftentedt according to the number of the coainiunicants in each Pa ochin. V I. That the faid maintenance be collcffedby the Mo- dcratour of every Presbyterie , by e^uall divided portions , and th^ one half to be brought in to the \Vintor Synod , and given to the faid Burfars , and the other halfat the Summer, Synod, to be Cent unto them: And that the feverall Synods take an exa£f compt hereof, and fee that all be rightly done, and that their Books bear the report hereof to the Generali Affembly. VII. That the time of Burfars abode at the Schools of Divinity exceed not foure years ; which being expired , or in cafe before the expiring of the faid time , any be remo¬ ved cither by death , or by fonie Calling to a particuiir Charge , another be prefentedrothefaidBansfic, V I n. That in cafe any prove deficient in payment of the faid mainreaance for the time to come , That it Ihali be carefully exafledby the Synods>and fen: oyer to the General Alleinbly, tobcdifpofcdtiponby thenij as they fball tinde R 5 expedient The Generali expedient j that no Perfon may have benefit in their flack- | nelTc and neglect. IX. ThatallBurfars of Theologie bring fuflicientTefti- ■ monies yearly from the Univerfitics where they arc bred, j offtheir proficiencie and good behaviour : And that they be j alio ready to give a proof of their labours ai the fevcrall 1 Synods , if it ftiall be required- And if they be found defi- ' cient , that they be denuded of the faid benefit, and others j more hopefull placed in their rooms. The GtmxaH Ajjemhly approves theje Overtures ahsve- written , * Jnd Ordains thejame to be obferved in all time coming. And that Presbyteries { who have not already done it) begin and ew- ; ter to the maintaining of their Burfars, in manner forefaid , in [ this prefent year 16 And recommends to presbyteries y to make clmce of fuebfor the Barfcy as are of good report, inclined to Learning, and have pafl their courje of Philofophie , And ,i to try their qualification before they fend them to Univer^ ^ Jities. The ofmion of the Committee for keeping the ] greater Uniformttie in this Kirk , in thepratlicc and obfervation of the DireBory injome points of public k.tVbr ship* I. T T is the Humble Opinion of the Committee for regu- ' •ilating that Excercife of reading and expounding the Scriptures read upon the Lords Dayjmentioned in the Dire- i^ory , That the Minifter and People repair to the Kirk , half an hour before that time at which ordinarily the Mini- j flernow entrethto thepublick Worfhipj And tha , that Exercife of reading and expounding, together with the or- ; dinaty Exercife of Preaching, be perfe<^'fed and ended at the timewhich formerly Clofed the Exercife ofpublick VPorfhip. 1 1. In the Adminiftration of Baptifmc , it will be conve¬ nient, That, that Sacrament be adminiftred in face of the Congregation, that what is fpoken and done , may be heard and \^J[femblyj 1^45'." ad./ ind feen of all , and that it be adminiftred after the Sermon , jefore the Blefling. _ 111. In the Adminiftration of the Lords Supper, it is the udgement of the Committee. I. That Congregations be ftill tried and examined before he Communion, according to the bygone pradiceof this .4u-k. 2. That there be no reading in the time of communicat- ng \ but the Mmiller making a Ihort Exhortation at ;very, Table , that thereafter ther be filence during the time Df the Communicants receiving!, except iOnely when the Minifter exprefleth lome few ftiort fentences , futable to tne prcfent condition of the Communicants in t he receiving , that they may be incited and quikned in their Meditations the Action. 3 . That dirtribution of the Elements among the Coramu- niants be univerfally ufed : And for mat ette£l, that the Bread be fo prepared, that the Communicants may divide it amongd themlelves , after the Minifter hath broken, and delivered it to the neareft. 4. That while the Tables are diftolving, and hliing , there be alv^-ayes.ringing offomc.pornon of a Pfalme, accor¬ ding to the cuftome. , , , r u • c . That the Communicants both before their going to, and after their coming from the Table, lhall only joyne themfelvesto the ptefent publickExercife then in hand. ^ 'q’hat when the Communion is to be celebiate in a Pa- roch , one Minifter may be imployed for aHlftingthe Mini- ftcrofthe Paroch* oratthe moittivo. 7. That there be one pennon of Preparation delivered in the ordinary Place of publick Worlhip , upon the day im- mediatly preceeding. 8. 1 haf before the ferving of the Tables, there be onely one Sermon delivered to thofe who are to communi¬ cate , and that in the Kirk where the Service is to be per¬ formed. Andthacin the fame Ku ktherebc one Sermon of Thankfgiving, after the Communion is ended. ^ 9. When the Parochiners are fo numerous , that iheir Paroch Kirk cannot contain them, fo tnat there isane. {ciiity to lee? out fuch of the Patoch as cannot convenitnr. %6^ The generall ly have place , That in that cafe the Brother who aflifts the , jWiniller ofthc Paroch , may be ready, if need be, to give as word of Exhortation in fome convenient place appointed for . that purpofc, to thofe of that Paroch, who that day arc not to j eommunicate i which muil not he begun until the Sermon i delivered in the Kirk be concluded. j 10. That of thofe vho areprefent inche Kirk whei'e the 1 Communion is celebrate , none be permitted to go forth while tne whole Tables be fei ved, and the blefling pronoun¬ ced, unlelle it be for more commodious order> and in other cafes of neceflity. 11. That the Minifter who Cometh toaflift, haveafpecial care to provide his own Paroch , leit oenerwife while he is, about to Minifter comfort to others , his own Flock be left ' deftitute of preaching. 12. That none coming from another Paroch, ihall be admitted to the Communion , without aTelfimonial from their own MiuiUer : And no Minifter Ihall refufc a Tefti- monial to any of his Paroch , who communicates ordinari¬ ly at their own Paroch Kirk, and are without fcandal in their life for the time. And this is no wayes to prejudge any ho- neft Perfon , who occafionaliy is in the place v^here the Communion is celebrates drfuch as by death , orabfence of their own Minifter , could not have a Teftimonial. IV. It is alfo the judgement of the Committee, That the Minifters bowing in the Pulpit J thoughalawfulcuft- omein this Ki k, be hereafter laid alidc , for fatisfadtion of ■ *he delires of the reverend Divines in the Synod of England, and uniformity with that Kirk Co much endeared to us. Ajlsmbly having conjidercd ferioujly the judgement of tht Committee above-written^ Doeth approve the fame in all the Article t there oj^ and Ordains them to be objerved in all tme hereafter. toFehrustrj^ ZAjJemb^] 1645'- ^5^ 10. February j 164^. Toflmeridkm ScflT. \6. \aB of the Generali AJfembly of the Kirk )f Scotls^^p approving the Propofitions concerning '.government and Ordinatien of (J^mijiers. THe General Affembly , being moft defirous and feli¬ citous , not onely of the eftabliflimcntand prefervaiion of the Fornaof Kirk-government in this Kingdome, ac¬ cording to the Word of GOD 3 Books of Difcipline,A^s of Generali Affemblies, and Nationall Covenant J But alfoofan Uniformity in Kirk- government betwixt thefe Kingdomes now more ftraitly and ftiongily united byrfie lat e Solemne League and Covenant : And conlidering , That as informer timesthere did, fo hereafter there may arife through the neernefle of Contagion, manifold roif- chiefstothis Kirk from a corrupt Form ofGovernincnt in the Kirk of England: Like as the precious opportunity of bringing the Kirks of Chrift in all the three Kingdoms, w an Uniformity in Kirk- government, being the happinefle of the prefent times above the formerjwhich may alfo by the blefiing ofGodj prove an effcdiuallmeanc, and a good foun¬ dation to prepare for a fafe and well-grounded Pacification y by removing the caufe from which the prefent PrelTures and bloodie Wars did originally proceed : And now the Af- fcmbly having thrice read , and diligently examine^ tho Propofitions ( liereunto annexed ) concerning the ffi' cers , Aflemblies , and Government of the Kirk 5 concerning the Ordination of Minifters, brought unto us as the refultsof the long and learned Debates of the Af¬ fembly of Divines fitting at andof theTreaty ' of Uniformity Nvith the Commifiioners of this Kirk there refidingj After mature deliberation, and after tymous calling upon and warning of all who have any exceptions againlt the fame 3 to make them known, that they might , ’ -<• — - receive 27® Generali j receive fatisfaftion , Doth Agree to , and Approve the^ Propositions aforementioned couching Kirk -government ' and Ordination , and doth hereby Authorize the Commif-l .fioners ofthis ACTembly M/hoare to meet Edinburgh^ to| agieeto, and conclude in the name of this Alfembly J an| Ijniformitie betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms in\he^ aforementioned particulars j fo foon as the famelhall be ra¬ tified, without any fubftantiall alteration, by an Ordinance ofthc Honourable Houfes of the Parliament England'. Which Ratification Ihall be timely intimate and made ' known by theCommilfioners of this Kirk refiding at London. ' Provided alwayes, Thatthis Acl fhall be no wayes preju¬ dicial! to the further difcuffion and examination of that Ar¬ ticle, which holds forth , that the Dodlor or Teacher, hath power of the adminiftration of the Sacraments as well as the Pallor j As alfo of the dillind Rights and Intereftsof 'Presbyteries and People in the calling ofMinifters: But thatitftiall be free to debate and difculTe thefe points as GOD Ihallbc pleafed to give further light. The Tropofitions of Government ^ and Ordina* tun mentioned in the ‘preceding Adi ^ are not to he here Printed : but after the Ratifica- ' tionthereefby the Parliament o/" England, V they are to he Printed by warrant of the Com- Tnijfoners of this Ajfembly, lx. Feb. 164^. Fofi meridiem SefT.XVIIl. THeDenerall Aflembly, after mature deliberation^ having found it moll necellary that this whole Nation be timely Warned , and duly Informed of their pre- fent Dangers , and the Remedies to be ufcd , and Duties to be done for preventing and removing thereof, Doth or¬ dain this Warning to be forth with Printed and Publilhed, and 'Ajfemblf, 164^: ' i and fent to all the Presbyteries in this Kingdom ^ as alfo t© the Presbyteries that are with our Armies. And that each Presbytcricirr mediately after the receipt hereof, takefpee- dy courfe for the Reading of it in every Congregation with¬ in their bounds, upon the Lords day after the forenoons Sermon , and before the blefling : and that they give ac¬ count of their diligence herein to theCommiflioners of the I Generali Aifembly ; Who have hereby Power and Warrand I totryand'cenfurefuch aslhall contemne or flight the faid 1 Warning , or lhall rcfufe or negled to obey this Ordi- ' nance. A Solemne and Sea fonable Warning To the Nohlemen, Barons, Gentlemen ^ Burrows, Mi-^ ni/lers , and Commons of Scotland ; As alfo to our ARMIES without and within this Kingdom, THe Caufe of GOD in this Kingdom? both in the bc2 ginnings and Progrefle of it , hath been carried , through much craft and mighty oppofition of Ene¬ mies , and through other perplexities and dangers j GOD fo difpofing, for the greater glory of his manif©ld and mar¬ vellous Wifdomeand his invincible Power, and for our greater tryall. Thcfc dangers both from without and from within,toge- ther with the remedies thereof j have been from time to time repref^ented and held forth > in the many publick Sup¬ plications of this Kirk and Kingdom to the King, and la their many Declarations, Remooftrances, Letters? Adfs, and other publick Intimations: Particularly byaneceflary Warning publifhed by the Commiffioners of the Generali Affembly in January 1643 ; And by the Rcmonftrance of the fame Comilfioners to the Convention of Eftates it* July cliereafter cocerningthe Dangers of Religion, andRenae- dies of thefe Dangers : which Warning and Rcmonftrance 27i The Generali ^ 5t that time had , hy the hlefling of G O D » vei-ygoodaftd comfortable cffe^s. And now the General Aflembly it felf, being by a A)eciall Providence, and upon extraordi¬ nary occafons called roycrher> while G O O is Meriting bitter things a^ainfl: rhis Land in great Letters , which he that runs may read : and knowing that we cannot beanfwc- rabletoGOD, nor ourown confciences, nor the expecta¬ tion of others , if from this chiefWatch- Tower V'eftould give no .Seasonable Warning to the City of G O D : While ■v^rC dhink of thefe things . For Siam fal^ wewili not hold ourfe- ties •, and fsr ]eYu falemt fake we will mt rcjl: trulUng that GOD will give, though not to all, yet to many, a feeing ■g,ye; a hearineFar , andan underftandingHeart*. Torvche I wife and he shall under Rand thefe things , prudent and he shaU know them ; For the Vf'ayes of the Lord a e right , and the jufl shall tvalkintheni, hut the tranfgr '^ors shall fall therein , nndthewic- f^d shall do Wickedly and none of the wicked shall tmderjiand. That which we principally intend, is to hold forth (fo farre as the Lord gives us light) how this Nation ought to be affeCled with the prefent Mercies and Judgements i What uTc is to be made of the Lords dealings ; And, wha> is required of a people fo dealt with. Had we been timely awaked, and taken warning, cither from the exemplary judgement of other Nations i or from Gods threarnings by the mouths of his fcrvaiitsamongftour felvcs ; or from our owne former vifitations , and namely , The Sword , threatned and drawn againft us, both at home and f'om abroad , but at that time through the forbearance of G O D , put up in the Seath again , wee might have prevented the miferies under which now we groane. But the Cup of trembling > before taken out of our hands , is r?ain came about to us , that wee may drink deeper of it: And al' hough when thefe bloody Monfters, the IrifhRe** bels , together with Tome degenerate, unnaturalL and perHdiousCountreymen ofourown, didfirft lift up tbeir beards, and enter this Kingdome in a hoftilc way, it was looked upon as a light matter, and the great judgement which hath fince appeared ink, not apprehended : yetnow wee arc made more fen/iblc , that they arc The rod^ of Gods * Wrtuhj, Jffembly 4164^^ ■i(!rath, ihejlaffe in their hand ^ which h?th fti'icken us thcfe three tiirt’5, h his mdigration^ Fie hath shen'ed his -people hard things, and made us to drinlt^ the nine af at-mishnent ^ we rherefere notice of rhe hand tha*- fmirerh us ' fora^iBio>t cemeth not forth of tlx duft, neither doth muhle fprmgout of the ground There is no evill in the City nor Countrey which the Lord hath not done ' He it is that formeth thelight , and createth dark- nejje Who ma\etb peace , and createth evtll: He it is that hatii given a charge to the Sword , jo that it canmt he jiiH : He ic s that hath his other Arrows rcadp upon the firing to shtot at ur , the Peftilence and Famine. In the next place let us apply our hearts to know , and ta fearch , and to feek out wifdonie , and the reafon of things . and tounderftand thelanguagc ofehis prefent indernenc* and Gods meaning in it, For tboneh tie yj/wtyh?y ^u^ethnot anaccosnpt of any of his matters, and hath his way in the fe a , and his path in the deep waters which cannot be traced'. Yet heisplea'* fed by the light ot his Word a«d Spirit , •{>}' the voice ofoup own confcicnces , and by that which is written and ingra- venupon onr ludgemcnc , as with the point of a Diamoni and a Pen ofiron , to make known in Q>me meafurc his meaning unto h'Slervants. God hath fpoken once, yea twice, .yet man perceivetbuot Tlicrefore now hath he made this rod to (peak aloud the third time, that we may hear the voice pf therod j and whohatb aopointedit. That which the rod point- echat, isnotany guilt of Rebellion ordiftoyakie in us , as the Sons ofCe/hi/do ligndcrandbelyethe Solemiie League and Covenant ol the three Kingdoms , which \vc arc fo farre from repenting of > that we cannot remember or men¬ tion it without great joy and thankfulneffeto God, asthac ■which hath drawn maryblciTings after ic , and unto ivhich God hath given manifold and evident tekimon'es, for fooncr was the Covenant begun tobee taken in England; bat fcnfibly the condition of affairs there was changed to t' e better ; and though a little before the Enemv was coming in like a Flood , yet as Toon as the Spirit of the Lord did lift up the Standard agajnil: him , from that day forward the Waters of their Deluge did decrcafe. And fdroiir par:, our Forces fent into that Kingdom , 274 GeneraU in purruati ce oF that Covenant , ha ve been fo mercifully and manifetlly aflifted, and bleffed from Heaven (though in the mids of many dangers and diftreffes, and much want and hardlhip ) and have been fo farre inftrumenrall to the loyl- ing and fcattering of two principal Armies s Firft, the MarquelTeofNewcaftlchis Army, And afterward. Prince Ruperts and his togetherj And to the reducing of two ft rong Cities , Y ork and Newcaftle , that we have what to an Twer theEnejay thatreproacheth us concerning that bufinefte, and that which may makeiniquitieitfelfto ftop her mouth. But which is more unto us than all Victories , or whatfo- mever temporal Blefllng, the Reformation of Religion in England , and Uniformity therein between both King¬ doms ( a principal end of that Covenant ) is fofar advan¬ ced, that the Englifh Service-Book , with the Holy-dayes, and many other Ceremonies contained in it , together with the Prelacy* the fountain of all thefe , are abolilhedand taken au'ay by Ordinance of Parliament ; and a DireiJiory for the Worlhip of God in all the three Kingdoms , agreed upon in theAftcmb]ies,and in theParliamentsofbothKing- domsy without a contrary voice in either; the Government of the Kirk by Congregational Elderfhips , Clafllcal Pres¬ byteries, Provincial and National Aflemblies , is agreed upon by the Aflcmbly of Divines at Weftminfter , which is alfb voted and concluded in both Houfes of the Parlia- naent of England : And what !is yet remaining of the inten¬ ded Uniformitic is ’ n a good way ; So that let our Lot fal in other things as it may, the Will of the Lord he done ; In this we rejoyce, and will rejoyce, that our Lord Jefus Chriftis no lofer , but a Conquerour , that his Ordinances take place, that his Caufe prevaileth , and the work of purging and building his Temple gocth forward, and not backward. ^Neither yeta»'e we fo to underftand the mice oftherod which lyeth heavy upon us> as if the Lords mcining were to pluck up what he hath planted, and to pull down what he hath builded in this Kingdom ■> to have no more pleafure in us , xo r emerge our Ccmdlcftick.^ and totals hit Kingdom from us: nay^ hciorcthazont God cz^usoffiZndtheg/cry depart from Ifrael^ . him rati^grconfiime us by the Symrd , and the Famine ^ and ; •ays iy^Jfembty 1^45-. end the Peftilcnce , fothat he v/ill but keep his own great Name from reproach and bbfphemy , and own 115 35 his people in Covenant with him. But mxv there is I'o-pe in Tfraet conc^nin^ thisthin^, wp \\'ill beVpve that we shall yet fee the geoanejieefthe Lordinth" Land of the living: We wj]] netcaft away cur confidence ofablefed peace, and ofrhe lemovfna of the fcourge and cafVirp irin the Fire, M’hen the Lord • haMi by it perform ed his whole upon mount Smi and falem ^ much more will weebeconfdenr ofthe conrinuance T/ I ^ ^ Vn f e may dwell in cur L and This ts the day of Jacobs trtuble. but be shall he laved out of it: h nd the time jscomtT'iing , whenan-'v Sere lhall be pu* in our youths , and welhall fay, This is our God , we have waited for hm, andhehathfavedus. Thouiih the I>ord fn-nte us , it IS the hand ofa Father , not of an Enemy , he is not conTu- haingus , Wrefinir^us, rhar we may rome forth as Gold out of the Fire, We are troubled on every fide-, yet net diflreC- Ijd', we are perplexed , lut mtindefpaire i perfecuted , but nop forjahen ; caft dewne , but not destroyed. UVicnov.’. afured emptvirw ns from VefTjl to V ef;ell , then in fufTej ing us to fettle oh 'our Lees whe¬ reby our raftefliould remain in us , and ourfentnot be changed. things premifed , we come to the rrue lanpiiaoe of this heap^ pideement , ard ro the real! procuring caufes the- - If / and for the fins of in this Land their work and their trarfyref m , that them ^^^r^^f^^^folheireareto^ifiiph^^^ andcoZ *nandeththattherretmnfromwuiuity. We leave everv Concrie-’ gation In thcLand , every l4milv in every Conpregatiori & every Perfon in every Family ro exatrdne^ rhd- own hearti u ? Congregational! , Domefticall,. and Perfonall finnes : Cuifed fliall they be who have added ^ if no water to extinguifb ir , in tL huXdon ^nd bear ..opart ict every one cgmmune M’ith his QVrn cgnfcience , and S Z repent z76 The Generali repent of his, own wickedwelTc, and fay , What have t (tom} Wee lliall hete touch onely thcNationall finncs, or at ' eaft more publick ones , then thofc of a Family or Con- nreeation,which we alfo intend for chief caufc sof a piblick Fail and Humiliation. .*lf among our Nobles , Gentric and Farons, there have been foraeftudying their own pri vate intereds more then the publick « and Seeking their oivn things more then the things ef-Chri^, or oppresfing aud defrimding tkt poore fort and the needie , hecaufeit tvasin the power of their hand : and af among ourMiniftrie there have been divcrsTime-fervers, Who have not renounced the hidden things ofdisheneflgt whofe hearts have not been right before God , nerfte^ajl in hd Covenant , who hav" been fccretly haters of the ?oWer of Godlineffe , and ot Mortification; rballnot GOD fcarch all this out? who mil bring to light the hidden things of darknefe , and will make ma^ jiifefl the coiinfels of the hearts. In thefe alfo leaving all n'eii to a )udginp and fearching of themfelves, there are many other provocations which are apparent in all or many of thUNat'on, ,^'om which, though they wash With nitre, and take much fopei yet they cannot make thcmfdves clean : Be¬ came' of thefe the Land inournetht and at thefe the Sword ^^As^fii-ft, the contempt, negled, anal dis-eflcem of the clorious Gofpel ; our unbelief , unfruitfulnefle j luke- warmneffe, formality, andhardnefle of heart , under all the means of Grace; our not receiving of Chrift in our hearts, norfeekingtoknow him , and glorifie him in all his Olfices. The power of Godlinefie is hated and liiocked lay many to this day , and by the better fort too much Tietlefted , and many Cbriftianl duties are not mind¬ ed : as , The notfpeaking of on twn jtWr , nor finding of our $Wn fleajure upon the Lords day: Holy and edifying conference both on that day , and at other cccafiohs : The inftructir.g , a Imooifbing , comforting, and rebuking one another, as Divine Providence miniftrethoccafion. In many Families, almcft no knowledge nor worfhip of GOD to be found ; yea , there are among the Minillers who have llrenghtened the hearts and hands of the profane more then of the godly , f^IJ^emhly ^ 1645'.' have not taken heed to the itniniftrie which they have received of the Lord to fulfill tt» Next, GOD hath fend the Sword to avenge the quarrel of his broken Covenant : For befides the defeition ot many oF this Nation under the Prclats from our firft Nationali venant* a finne not forgotten by GO if not repented by men as well as forfaken , our latter Vows and Covenants have been al o foully violated, by not contributing our utterinofl aOiilance to this Caufe > with our Fitates and ves j by not endeavouring with all faithfuInelTe , the dif- covery, triall, and condigne punifhment of Maiignants, and evil fnldruments 5 yea, by complying too much with thofe , who have not onely born Amies, and given their pe.'fcnall prefence and affiftance , but alfo drawn and led on others after rkmiinthefhedding of our Brethrens blood: Therefore is our finne made our putihflimcnt , zndhVears filled wdh the fruit four own wayss. ~L'hefc horns n»w fus'o tbeji- desofludibandlertfatem, bccaufitheCarpmters when they ougm and mi^ht , did not cut them off': And yet to this day the courle of Judice is obftrudted : The Lord himfelf will exe¬ cute jiiftice if men will not. But above all, let it bee deeply and ferioully thought of , thatour Covenant is broken by the ncglcdf of a rcall K-cformation of our feives and others under our power : let every one ask his own heart what lull is mortified in him , or what change wrought in his life fincc , more then before the Covenant? Swearing , Cnr- fingj Profanation of the Lords day, Fornication, nd other uncleannefTe , Drunkenneffe , Injuftice, Lying, Opprefllon, Murmuring, Repining, and other forts of ProphanenefTeiUli abound coo much both in the Countrey St in our. Armies : yea , there is no Reformation of foine Members of publick judicatories , which is a great difno- nour CO God , and fonlfcandalito the whole Nation. Thirdly, we have not glorified God according to the great things which he hath done for us , nor made the right ufe of former mercies ; Since he loved us {alsation not worthy to be beloved) he kith made us precious and honou¬ rable , but we have not walked worthy of this love : H'h wax d fat and kjeked , frfak‘ng God who made us, and lightly 5 j chfeeming 2f o The Genera^!' efleeiningt'^&T>':'\ of our falvation. And this great unthank-- fiihiwu. Iiileth up our Lup. t'or-ibJy , Notwithtlaading of fo much guiltineiTe , we did lend forth our Armies , and undertake great fervices prel'umpcuoiuly j without repenrance, and making ouc peace wichUod, like the Children of Ifrael, whonuiting lo ihegoouaede of their catilc, minded no more , but iVhich oj us shall goe up firfi. it js now hig.i time , under the feeling of fo great a bur¬ den both oflinneand wrath to humble our uncircumciicd hc Jrr, to put our moutbinthe duft , iffo be there moybehope , to iualloiv ourjelvesin asaes , to clothe our jclves mth our shame as iVithagarrmnt, tojuuihe uoJs righteous j id^emcnts, to ac¬ knowledge ouriniquitie , toradkconr fupplication to our Judge, and 10 Jeek his face , that ho n\\y pardon our Jjune 3 and healour Land- 1 nc Lora roarcth , and ihail not hio child¬ ren trcmale ? The God of glorv thunderethj and the Highefc cuter eth his voice > hat Ift ones and coales of fire , who will not fall do vvn and fear before him ? 1 he nre waxeth hot, and burn- eth roundabout us, and fhall any fit Ibll and be fecnie? The ft orm bcloweth hard,&ihall any fluggard be ilill alleepC This is a aay of trouble, and of rebuke ‘ and of blafphemy i who xvill no: take up a lamentation ? Let the Watnmenrouze up tbemfelv’es and others, and drive to get their own, and cneir their peoples hearts deeply atfebted , and even melted be¬ fore the Lord : Let every one turn from nis evil! way, and cry mightily to 0©d , and give him no red lill he repent of theeviil, andrniella favour of red) and fay , It is enough. He hath not aid to the feed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. M^'ee do not mournz as they that have m hope . but we Will bear the indignation jf the Lord, bccaufe tree have finned againji him, un- cill he plead our caufe , and execute judgement fer us*. A n d wlia t though our Caudles be put out? ' bo that our Sun dime: What though our honour be laid in the dud ? So chan GOD work out his oa^n iionour, yea, our happinede o.r of our ihanie. In vain have we traded to the arm of d ‘fh : In the Lord our GOD is the Salvation of Ifrael N ' fcfh mud glory before hi^j bathe that gjoxkth , mu!i ghry m.hcLordo Thcfe 2,79 Tliefe duties of Humiliation , Repentance, Faith, A- inendment of life , and Fervent Prayer , though the prin¬ cipal, yet are not all which arc required at the hands of this I^ation , but men of all forts and degrees, muft tfraely ap¬ ply themfelvestoifuch other Refolutions and xAdlions as are mod rateable and necelTary at this time : Which that all inay the better underhand , and bee excited and en«oU- raged to ad accordingly , let it be w^I obferved, that the prefent date ot the Controverlie and Gaufc is no other but y/hat hath been formerly profeffed before GOD and the W orld, that is, The Reformation and Prefervation of Re¬ ligion , The Defence of the Honour and Happinefle of the King , and of the authority of the Parliament, together with the maintenance of our Lawes I Liberties, Lives, and Eftates. We are not changed from our former prin¬ ciples and intentions, but thefe whodid fall of from us to the contrary party, have now made itmanifeft, that thefe were not their ends when they feerned to joyn with us : 'Iherefore are they gow out from us , booauje they were not of us . And as our Caufc is the fame > fo the danger thereof is not lelfe, but greater then before, and that from two forts of E- neniies. Firlt , from open Enemies, we mean thofeof the Popiih, Prelatical, and Malignant Fadion , who have dif- played a Banner againd the Lord , and againd his Chrid , in all the three Kingdoms , bzin^fet enjlre of Hell , and by the fpecial infpiration of Satan > who is full of fury s becaufehc knowes heihath but a diort time to reigne. The Cockatricef before hatched , is now broken forth into a Viper. ^ The danger was before feared , now it is felt *, before immi¬ nent , now incumbent , before our divifion , now our de- drudion is endeavoured^ before the Sword was fourbilhcd andmide ready 5 now the Sword Is made fat with Flesh, and drunkjvit h Blond , and yet ithungreth and thirdeth for more. The jO^ecn is mod adive abroad , uling all means for drengthening the Popiih , and fupprefilng the Protedant party i infomuch that Malignants haveinfolently exprefled their confidence, that her journey to France diallprovca fuccedeful Counfel , and that this Ifland , and particularly this ivingdome , fliil have a greater power to grapple with. " ~ S 4 before a jo Generali before the r!extSummer,then any which yet wc haveencoun- tred with. The Irifh Rebels have offered to the King to fcrici over a greater number into both the Kingdomes: The hoftile intenuons of thcKingof Denmark, if God be not pleafed ftill to divert and difable him , do plainly enough appear front his own Letters, fent not long line® to theEftatesof this Kingdome. In the mean time, the hellifh crue under the condui^tof the excommunicate and forefaulted £ or fafety of this Kinadome, or as tending to the diminution of the Kings jiiil poM’er and greatnelTe : Their confounding of the Kings Honour and Authority , with the abufe and pretence thereof, and with Commif- flons 5 Warrants, and Letters, procured from the King , by the Enemies of this Caufeand Covenant, as if wceouid not oppofe the latter, without encroaching upon the for- flier : Their whetting of their tongues, tocenfurc and flander thole whom Q 'O D hath honoured as his chief In - ' . ftrumcntJ LJJfemblyt 164^* ^§1 iirum-nrs in this Work: i'hcir co.n neiviingiju^lifyiag, or cxcDfin?;thc proceedings of ]4m«Gr4/jd»je, fomerime <«t e TMmmfi, and his Complices : Theirconverfinsormter- comm- by word of writ, with him, or ocher cxcommuni- caitc Loris, contrary to the imure of that Chriif , and to the old Acts of General AUembhes- makine merry , and their in olenc carriage > at the News of Z pr^ofperols fucceffe of the ^^opilh and Malignant Ar^. mils m any of thefc Kmgdomes: fheir drawing of Parties; and Fadions, to the weaknineof the common fpreadingof Informations , ThatUniformitiein kel gion and the Presbyterial Government , is not intended b) th^ Parliament of Englandflhcir Endeavours, Inlormatmns, &: Sollicitations,tendinn to weaken the hearts'^clunds of and to make them withold their afliftancc from Let this fort? of bofomc Enemies , and dis-afteacci I e - Tons, be well marked, timely difcovcred , and careful, y avoidcd, leilihey infulethepoifon of their fencing coun« :ds into the mindes of others : herein let Mimllers be iaithful, and Presbyteries vigilancand unpaiml, s t^ ej V ill anfwerrhe contrary to_ GOD » and to tnc General W- fembly, or their Commuhoners. The caufeandthe dangers thereof being thus evidenced * unlcffe men will blot out of their hearts the love of Religion , and the CaufeofGOD, and caftotall care of their Coun- ticy, Lawes, Liberties, and Eftatcs,yca, all naturall sBcdion to the prefervation of themfclvcs, their Wives, Children, and Friends, and wUatfoeverisdcareft totaeni undertheSun f all thefebeing in the vifible danger ofapre- fent mine and deArudfion; they muftnow or neverappear actively, each one ftretching himfelf to, >'ea beyond his power. It is no time to dally , nor go about the bufi- neffc by halfes, nor by almofi , hut ahegethr fed he hetUt doth the VVor\of the Lord negitgemly , or dcahu mh tn the Covenant of God. If vve have been (o forward to aaia our Neighbour Kingdomes , ihall we negicdt to defend our own? Orfhall the Enemies of G O D be more aaive againft hisCaufe; than his People for it ? GODfoibid. if the Work being fe far carried on, fhaii how mti- carry , g 5 a.id, Theqenerall ani fail in oar hands , our own confciences fhall condemnff «3s, and polferity Jfhall curfe us : But if wee Hand ftoutly and if edfaftly c«3 it , the pleafure of the Lord shall proffer in out Lands > and all Generations shall call us blefed . L ;t Miniiters Itir up others tjy free and faithful preaching, and b admoniHing everv one of his duty > as there fliall be occafion: And if it lhali be the lot of any of them to fall under the power of the Enemy , let them through the ftrength of Chrifl, perlevere in their integrity, choofmgaf- fliction rather then lin . glorifying GOD, and not fearing what Elelh can do nnto them* Let our Armies beware of ungodlineiTc, and worldly lufts , living godly, foberly , and righteoufly , avoiding all fcaodalous carriage, which may give occafion to others to think the worfc of their Caufe and Covenant, and remem- bring that the, eyes of GOD,* Angels , and Men are upon them : Finally , renouncing all confidence in their own ftrength, skid, valour, and number, and truftingonly tothe God of the Armies of Ifrael y who hath fought , and will fight for them. Let all forts both of high and low degree in this King- dome, call to miiide their Solemne Covenants, and pay their vo^ws to the moft High i and namely, that Article of our firft Covenant, which obiigeth us not to Ifay nor hinder any fuch Refolution , as by common confent lhall be found to conduce for the ends of the Covenrnt , but by all lawfull means to further and promove the fame i Which lyeth as a bound upon peoples confeiences, readily to obey fuen or¬ ders , and willingly to under go fuch burdens , as by the publick and common refolution of the Eftates of Parlia¬ ment , are found neceflary for the profecution of the War j confidering that the Enemy cannot bee fupprefied without a competent number o£ Forces , and Forces cannot be kept together without maintenance , and maintenance cannot be had without fuch publick Burdens; Which however for the prefent, not joyous ; but grievous , yet it fiiall be no grief of heart afterwards , even unto the common fort , that they have given fomc part of their asce;^ry livelyhood, - for 164^ 283. >, for affifting fogood a work. It is far from our thoughts* that the pinching of fome, fliould make others fuperflu- ©ufly to abound j It is rather to bee expected of the ucheix fort , that they will fpare and defalk j not oncly the pnda and fuperfluicy, both of apparel and diet, butalfoaparc of their lawful allowance in ;hefe things, to contribute the fame as a free will off.ring, befide wnat they are obliged to, by Law orpublick Order, after the example of godiyt ^ehemial} , who for the fpacc of twelve years, while ihs walls of Jerufalem were a building , did noteattne bread of the Governour , that hee might eale by to much the People^ Burthens and Bondage, _ * • , In our laft Covenant , the''e is another Article wbiui ( without the oblivion or ncglcdl of any of the rctl ) we wilh may be well remembred at this time i namely , Tha c wefhalla.hlt and defend all that enter into this i-^-agiie an i Covenant, in the maintaining and purfuing thereof and fball not luder our felves , directly or indire That the Provincia’s diligently confider and try who v'ithin 1 their Bounds mefe probably may bee fopa Profeflion in the | Schooles* And report their names to the followingGene- Tall Af^emblv , tha»’ fucb may be flirted up and encouraged by the Generali A flembly , to compole and frame their ftii- dies , that they may be fit for fuch places. AB for refraining Abufes at Tennie Bridals, THe Generali Aflembly, confidering the great proFa- nitic and feverall Abufes which ufually fal forth at Pen- cie-BrydalSjprovingfruitfulSeminaries ©fall lafcivioufncfle and debauiherie , as V'elf bv the exceflive number of people conveened there’-o , as by the extortion of them therein, and licent’onfnefle therear , T o rhe great difhonour of •Godj »he fcandall of our Chriflian Profeflion , and preju¬ dice of rhe Countreys welfare ; Therefore they Ordain every Presbytene in this Kingdome j To take fuch fpecial care for reflraining thefe Abufes flowing from the caufes tfbrefaid j as they lhall think fit in their fevcrall bouds reffee- thii : And totakeaftriifl: accompt of every Minifter an«f of their obedience to the Ordinance of the Presby- fcrie terle thereanfint , at tho yifitation of evcjy Parifli Kirk j[g their Bounds. Aci^if charging depofedtSMinifterstoh^ refoned to their former Places, THeGencralhAfTembly, confideringthe manifold pr^ judices redounding to the Kirk in Generali, and private Congregations |in particnlarj through the reftoring of Mini- fters once depofed to the fame j^aces wherein formerly they ferved : As alfo, how derogatorie it would prove to the v'eightofthatfentenceofDepolitioa; Do therefore ordain, that no Minifter depofed, ihallbc reftored again into thaC place where formerly he ferved. I^cnovationof the CommiJJion for the fublich Affairs of the Kirk* He General Aflembly taking to their conlIderation,ThaB ** in refpeft the great Work of Uniformitie in Rcligiou ia sIlhisMajefties dominions, isnofyctpdrfeiled , ( though i^y the Lords bleffing there isa good progreffemadein the fame) there is a neceflity of renewing the Commiflions granted formerly for profecuting and perfefting that ppeaB Workj Doe therefore Renew the Power and Commiffioo granted for the publick Affairs of the Kirk by the Generali Affembly , held in S. Andrews in the year ijtf4a. upon the fifth day of il-iiguR pofc meridiem, Self, 12. And by the Gene¬ rali Affemblyheldin Edinburgh in the year i^43.uponthe 19. dayof Auguft> Self. « A. And by the late Generali Af-. fembly held at Edinburgh in the year 1644. upon the third of June, Self. 6. to the Perfons afternamed , vi:(. Mr drew Kamjay^ Mr Alexan. Henderfon, TArJ{ohen Douglas, Kil William Colvtl , hit Willkm B ennet , fdr George 'ciUeffis Mr fohn Ojmild A Mr Mungo laut 3 Mr Kobert^Lamie i The Gmeraii John yldanifon, D. ^ahn Mr Gecr^e Lcflk y hi ''J^^jidYCff Fairfitrie, hArVavidCaldcy vood Mr yipdrctp Blac^-- had , Mr Jame^ Fleemhig - Mr phn Mac- •rihie . MrjfohnDalyel!, Mr-^..Arew Sttvenfon , Mr Pyobcrt I, ^ j « ^' 7 • ^ • “■ l^au'dir , James h{cbmfiin y M r Patrtc{^Sil’hald , Mr F^bert CirferiyMr Alex.Sfhtall Mr Alex. Dic/yfcn M: fames SrmthJAv fcImCsbbififi, Mr James Sym.cn, Mr Ephraim M>eivill, iMr •- w» -'y ' ^ g m’W V y - Alex. Somervell, hlr Robert i Hot, Mi Georgs Bennety MuF^bert filaky Ml David Forrety Mr Arthur Mertouh, Mr Samuel Rti- thcxfurd, D.Alex. Colvtll, Mr Andretv Benm. Mr iamesWeduir- hum, Mr Walter Gng, Mr fahnMer.creijf, Mr John Smith, Mr Fredericli Caymichaell , M r PaJricl^ GiSefpie , M r fohn Du>ican > Ml James Stbbald, Mi R^obert Bruce, MifohnHumeatEcdcSy Ml Mungo Daly ell y Mr Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas R^nfay, Mr iVilliam Turnbull y M r fames Guthrie, Mr Thomas Denaldfotj, 7vlr William Jamefon, Mr David Fhtcbcry Mi Andrew Dunky^on , Mr .JJobertMurray y hir DavidWe mss, Mr lebn Had, Mi John Yreebairn, Mr Dar’id Dru7nmondot Creif?', MxGeorgeMurrayyMt liemy Guthrie, Mr Robert fVrtghtt Mr Andrew ] affray, M; Ber¬ nard Sander fm, Mr Alex. Tran, Mr Thomas Chalmers , lArJn- drew Lawder y Mr Hugh Hende-r'on, Mr John LevingBcun , Mr famesBlair, Mr ^ames lionar, Mr John Burns, MrJ^nBell, Mr 'Jrlugh Machale, Mr M atthf.wBirshane, Mr David Elphimpeuw, Mr David Dkkjon , M Gcerge Youn^, D, John Stra?^ , Mr Rsbert Baillie , Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Rabert Birnk, Mr EvanCatnron , Mr George Summer at Mcg;Ie , Mr Andrew Fleck, Mr Patrick Lyon, Mr John Lindjay < Mr Sylvefer ‘ La^mk , Air GeergeFogo , Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew ■ Cant, Air William More, Air William David fon , Mr John ^ P aterfm, M r W illiamjaffray, A1 r T hamas Mitchell, M r George | Cummin, Mr Jofbph frodk, Mr William Lawder , Mr David i Mr Ferijiihard Mac.kltnnan, Minifters ; And Archbald f Warquefre of Argyk, >/;« Earle of Crawfurd -Lindfav, 'Alexander Earle of EgluroMi , William Earle ofGlencarne, fohn Earle ofCaffiJs , Charles Earle of Dunafernrlin^ , James Earle ofTuIIibarcin. Jo/w Earle ol Lauderdale# JamesEarld of Annandale, FEiffiam Earle of Lothian, James Earle of Queene.sberry, FFilham Earle ofDalhoulis, WiltiamEarle “ ^^'ineri^k j Archbald Lord A n gu s , ^ Vicoi;n5 ■:3-! LAfembly^ l6^f. £^9 Vicount of Arbuthnct, ]amcs Vicount of FrCn draught » J'exanderLovdCzrkYS, Lordjohnftoun, ]o/jm Lord Yeftcr, io^rtLord Balmerino, AlUander Lord Ba.]car\rst ^ohn Lord Lours, fohn Lord Barganic, Sir Patrick, Hepburn of Wauchroim , Sir ^ohn Hope of Craighall , Sir ^rchhald phnfloun of Wariftoun , Si: David Hwwjsof Wcdde ''t-ri' , Sn Frederick Lyon of Sr-gfotm, Sir Alexander Are^kjne of Dun, Sn Alexander Frafer ofPhiWorth , Sir VVtlliam^aillis ofLatrmingrcun , H adding , Sir T/rom4f i^ttrk’cw of Frseland , garner Macdougall of Gpr'h^ land . Sir Alexander Murray of i'dackbarronie , William Drummond of Kickartoun , Sir Vl^liiam Scot of Hardm , Sir Andretv K^cr orGreenhead , Sir WilUam Stuart of Sir Alexander Schatv ofSauchia , Alexander Brodiem f that \\k , VAt €eorge Hu eof Kimmerjame , Sir 'ehn Smith , Mr Adex-^ ander €»lviiruihce Depute , ^ohn Binnie ^^rchbald Sydfeffy Laurence Herderfon, James Stuart Gilbert Sommervell , John Semple , V! ■ B^hert Barclay Patrick, Lejlie . James I aiv , Mr FpbertCuninghame , George Gar dm , William Glendunning El¬ ders. And tor difchargingthc (aid CommiHion , Appoints the periens aforeraid , or anynintcene of them, W'hcreof fifteen lhall beMinifters , to meet at Edinburgh upon the 34- of this moneth of February and upon the fecondWed- iicrday of May , Auguft, jNovember, and of February next r® come, and upon any other day, or in any other Place they lhall think meet. Giving unto them full power and Commiflion to do all and every thing for profecuting , advancing, pcifeding, and biinging thefaid Work of U- nifortnity in Religion mall his Majefties Dominions to an happy concluficn > confoime to the former Comnuflion.? granted by the faids Aflembliesthercanent : And further, Jienewes to the Perfons afore - named , the power contain¬ ed in the A (5fofrh''faid Afiembly , I M3’ Intituled, Are^ ference to the Commijjion anent thePerfens defigned to repair to the Kjngdom of England , As alio the power contained in two fever al Adis of fe]faid lateAfiembly iM4. Sefs.jd. made A- gainjl fecret dis - affSers of the Qtvenant , and , For fending Mi-* mjlerstothe Army With fullpowcr to them, to treatand ' mam ^ yj »ll matters re- T ' ferred a9o The Generali fed unto them by this AfTcmbly , as fully and freely j as if the fame were here particularly exprefl'ed, and with as ample power as any Commillion of former General Asfemblies hath had > or been in ufe of before s They beingahvayes for their whole proceedings countable to , and cenfurable by tho next General Asfenibiy. IRjenovatlon of the Commtjfion to the Terfon^ appointed to repair to the Kingdom^ e/'Eng- land y for profccuiing the Treaty of Vniformitiein Religion. ^J*Te Generali Afiembly , Taking to their confidcratioii^ ^ that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Ma- jeft ies Dominions is not yet perfeifled « though by the Lords bleliing there is a good progrefle made in the fame. Do therefore Renew the Powerand Corhmmiliion granted to the Perions formerly nominate by the two preceding Affcmblies, and by their Con miffioners fitting at Edin¬ burgh , for profecu ting the faid Trea ieofUnifoimitic with the Honourable Houfes of ttie Parliament of England and the Reverend A flcmbly of Divines there, oranyCommit- tecs appointed by tnem. Giving unto them full power to do all and every thing which may advance , perfect y and bring the faid Ireatie to an happy, conclufion con- forme to he former Coramillions granted to themtherea- rient. The General Ajfemblies Anfwer to the Right Reverend the Affembly of Divines in the Kirk ' of England. Kevcrencl and welbeloved in the Lori Jefut , AMidft the manif »ld troubles in which this Kingdonsi, j. hath been involved) and under which it ftill labour-, jj, cch) ws greatly rejoyced when it was teftjfiedunto byusjj om * 'f^ffembly, 164^: 45, ed < frhe Branches, ftumpe oftheroot leftinthe arth mth ^ tand of iron andbrajje, but plucktup by the roots, Vie do confefle t! at the Carpenters . though prepared have a hard task, requiringtime tohewirdown, androotitup: And when we call to mindehow much the Service-Book ha h been cryed up as the only way of G O D S Worfliip , ho w many thereby have had their wealth , and how difficill it is to forgoq rheaccuflomed way j Weadmirethe powerand wifdom of the good GOD who hath profpered you in your way , and led you this length , through fo many Itraits , and over fo many difficulties in fo troublou, a time. We do for our part not only admit and allow, but moll heartily and gladly embrace the Diredlory of WorlKip , as a common Rule for the Kirks of G O D in the three King¬ doms now more ftraidy and firmly united by the folemne Leapeand Covenant j And we do all in one voice blefic :heLord, who hath put it in rhe hearts, firft j oftheRe- /erend. Learned, and Pious Affembly of Divines and hen, of the MonourableHoufes of Parliament , Toagree ipon fuch a Oiredorv as doth remove what is none of thrifts , and prefcrve the purity of all his Ordinances , to- ;etherwith Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we •lave thought necelTary, to declare and make known, That 'A? viaulQ in the Directory for the adminiftration of rh« qp 2, ' The Generali Lords Sujiper, which appointeth theTabletobefophjC€^^5 that the Communicants may orderly fit about it , or at itj is rot to be interpreted) as if in the judgement of this Kuk it wereindi&erentforany of the Communicants not to come to and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the ftributing of the Elements by the Miniftersto eachCommu- ricant, & not by the Communicants among themfelves: In, which particulars ,we ftill conceive and bcleeve the order & practice ©four own KirkjTo be molt agreeable & futableto the Word ot G O D, the example ©four Lord JefusChrift; and the nature of that Heavenly F'eaft and Table. Meyer- ; thelelTe, in other particulars we have rcColved, aad do agree , to do as ye have defired us in your Letter > L hat is » not to be tenacious of old Cuftoms, though lawfull in them* felves , and not condemned in this Directory t but to lay them afide for the nearer Uniformitic with the Kirk of Eng¬ land , now nearer and dearer to us than 'ever before j A- Bleflingfo much cftcemed , and fo earneftly longed fora- mongus, that rather than it faileonour part , wcdonioft wllingly part with fuchpradliccsandcuftoms ofourown^ as may be parted with fafely , and without the violation of j any of Chrihs Ordinances , or trerpafling agaiqllj Scrip- j turall Rules , or our folemne Covenants, I We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Propo*- j' litions touching Kirk- government and Ordination > and j have given power to our Commillioners who arc to meet in 1 1 Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an ; U niformitic therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms , i fo foon as the fame lhall be without any fubftantiall altera- i J tion Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Hou» fes of the Parliament of England according to our Aft o0 Approbation fent to our Commiffioners v’ithyou. As for the returning of our Coinmillioners > though the eoimrel and afliftance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good ufe to us in thefe difficult times , and their particular i ftationsand imployments importune the hay of thefewho^ are come untous, and the returneoftbefe ^^^hoftay with; yet preferring thepublick goodi and looking upon'; ” ..... VOU ihe profit may redound unto all by their continuing witk’ ym" ion ii KAJSemhly^ 1645:. 2,93 you, wchave fatisfied your defire)|& renewed their commif- fo the many former Supplications and • Remonftrances to your Majeftie, from this ^rk and King- xdome , our folemne Covenants , and the wliole courfe of iour proceedings from time to time in the profeciition Do k^c^n to the World,, and we truft “ T 5 alf« 294 The GeneraU alfo CO your o\rn confcience , our loyaltieand raithful fub- and ho a' far our intentions ar: from he diminution pf your Majelties juft Power and Gieatndrej And although the iuccefteofmany of oin humble addieftes to yourMaje- ity, hath been fuchas didfiuftrate our defircs and hopes, yet this hath not blotted outo our hearts our loyahie , fo onen Drofefted before Uod and the Wo. Idi but it is ftilJ our Sou's defire, and our Prayer to God for you, that your Self andyour Pofteritymay profperoully reigne over this youranci nc and Native Kmgdome, and over youro'her l>om no IS, And now as we have pubiifhed a folemn and free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, ■Hiino s, Miniftc s, and Commons of thts Kingdome» coneei ning the prefent aiHidfion ofthis Nation , and their f ns procuring the fame j So when we call to minde, that God accepteth nottheperfonsofmen , and that the great¬ er are no to be w nked at in their fins i We aftureourfeN vesj that th^beft and molt reall teftimony which we can give at thi' prefent , of the tenderneftednd uprightnefteof our affcdtion to your Maiefties true Happinefle is this our humble and faithfull Reprefen tation of your Majefties great and growing dangers , and the caufe? thereof j Of which s 5f \ve ihoiild be filcnt , oiir confciencc- would condemne Us i art r the Jlones tJytmfelvcs would immediatly cry out- The troubles of our hearts are enlarged our fearincrea- fed in youi Mijefties behalf, perceiving that yourPeoples pa¬ tience is above meafure tempted, & is like a Cart preft down with fticaves, and ready to break, while as befide many farmer defignes and endeavours to bring deiolacion and de- ffruciion upon us, (which were (and we tjuftall of r.liatr I’indeftiall be) by the marvellous and mercifnll providence of God difeovered and difappoimed ) Our Couturey is novtr infefted, the blood of divers of our Brethren fpilc , and ot.heradls of moft barbarous and horrid cruelty exercifed, Ity lii I ciirfed crew of the Irifti Rebels and their Complices In this Kingdome , under the conduct of fuch as have CoQimifllon and Warrant from your Majeftie. And iinlefte we prove unfaithfull both to. God and to your ivla;eitie , ws cannot conceale another danger v/hich is infi- 1645'. ^9^ aitely greater than chac of your Peoples dirpleafure : The¬ refore wc the fervants of the moft high GOD, Jtnd your Majcftifs moftloyallSubieas m the humility and grief ot our hearts , fall down before your Throne ’ Name of our Lord and Mailer j£SUb CHRIST, j who shall judge the world in rightcournefrc , both great andl'mall, and in the Name of this whole NationallRirK , which we reprefent , We make bold to warn your M^jelty reely , that the guilt which cleavethfaft to yourMajeliy and to your Throne , is fuch , as ( whaefoever nattering preachers » or unfaithfull courifellours may fay to the con¬ trary ) if not timely repented, cannot but involve your Sell and your Pollerity under the wrath of the GOD, For your being guiltie of the shed dingof^e blood of many thoufands of your Majefties beft Subjects j tor your permteting the Maife, and other Idolatry , both iti your own Family and m your Dominions ; For yo^t autho¬ rizing by the Book of Spot s the profanation of the Lords Day 5 For your not punishing of publick fcandals, and much profaneneife, in, & about your Courts For the s ut- tingof your earcs from the humble and juft deiires faithfiill Subjects i For your complying too much with the Popifli party many wayes , and na mely , by concluding the Ceflation of A.rmes in Weland , and your embracing the counfels of t rofe who have not fet G O D nor your good beiore their eyes ; For your refifting and oppoilng this Caufe , which fo much concerneth the glory of your own honour and happinefle , and the peace and fafetic of your Kingdomes i and for what other caufes your Maje- ftyis tnoft confeious, and may beft judge and fearch your own confcience ( nor would we have mentioned any parti¬ culars, if they had not been publike and knowne. ) For all which it is high time for your Majefty to fall down ^ the footftool of the h.ing of Glory) to acknowledge your offence to repent timely , to make your peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST, { who c blood is able to wash away your great finne) and to be no longer unwilling that the >5o« if G O D reign over you and your Kingdoms in his^ pure Ordinances of Church-goveramentand Worffaip- Thcfe - ' ‘ ° X 4 The (jenerall ' ti'.ingsifyour Mijefty do , itflidlbe no grief of heart unto you afterward i a bleiiiog is relerVed for you, and you lhall finde favour with GOO, and with your People , ^nrd with all the Churches of Chriil ; But if your Majefty ret'ufe to hearken to this whollome counfell pvhich the Lord forbid ) we have difeharged our own confciences , we take GOD and Men to witneffe That we are blame- lefie of the fad Conrequences which may follow , and u e lhall wait upon the Lord , who , ti-hen he mci\eth inqutfition for hlooi^ mil not forget the cry of the humble I n the mean while, bsleeching your Majelty to take notice That we are not ftaggering or fainting through diffidence of the fucceffef this Caufe and Covenant of the three Kingdom', unto which , as G O D hath already given minifold Teftimonies ©fhisfavourandbleffing ; foitis our ftedfaft and unfhaken confidence, that this is the Work and Caufe of GOD , V'hxh fhall glorioufly prevail againll all oppofition , and from which, with the asfiftance of the grace of G O D 3 we lhall never fuffer our felves to be divided or withdrawn* but lhall zcaloufly and conftantly in our feverall Vocations , endeavour with our hllates and Lives, the purfuing and promoving thereof. That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion between both Kingdoms , is to be humbly of¬ fered to your Majeftie ftom the Commisfioners of this Kingdom, for your RoyallConfcnt and Ratification, Al¬ though your MajciHe was notpleafed to vouchfafe us the prefence of your Commisfioner , according to the fuppli- catif^n of the Commisfioners of the preceeding Generali Af- fembly , yet we have proceeded with as much refpeft to your .Mijefti'es honour, and as much remembrance of our duty • as if your Koyall Perfon had been prefent in the mids of us: And wc lhall ftill continue our Prayers for you, that GOD wou'd gracioufly incline your heart to the counfelsoffruth and Peace , and grant unto your Majeilic a long and happy Raign , that we may live under you a pe. ^ceable and quiet life , in all Godlineffe and Honeftie. j \6^f» 1^7 The Affemblies Anfwer to their Com^ misJio7iers at London. Reverend and beloved Brethren , THefefweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the Lord entrulled to yon , biou <;ht to us at this time by thefe two of your number, whom you were plcafcd to fend , were received by us vvith no fmall )oy andrejoycing, as being, in great part, t/ie fatisfadlion of our Souls defire , in that fo much longed for , (o much pra¬ yed for happy Uniformity tof thefe Kirks and Kingdoms; And an evident Demonftration to us, that the Lord hath not, even in this time of his fecn and felt difpleafure , fo covered himlclf with the cloud of his anger , that our Pra- yeisfliould not palTe through. The great and main difficulties through which the Lo d hath carried this Work , as we do acknowledge , ought mainly to be madeuleof, for the praife and glory of his power, who is the great Worker of all our woiksfous 5 So your overcpming of them is to us no fmall Demonftra- tion of your zeal, wifdom, and faith fulntsfe, which vith- out great Injurie both to the Lord the prime Worker, and to you his inftruments , we cannot bur acknowledge , hath been much manifeftcd in the whole managing of chis w^oik in your hands. The full anfwer to all the particulars you write of in your Letters, we leave to the Relation of chofe that come from you, and are now appointed to return to you : Andaswith much ihankfjlnesfe we acknowledge your fidelity in v. hat ye have done already; fo we have again renewed your Com- mifiion for the continuance of your Imployment there , for the peifedting of the Work fo happily begun ; For the fur- therini; ivheieof, as*wefhall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD for his blelimg upon your labours , fo for your help and afiiftance , we have appointed a commiifion to fit at Edinburgh , to which at all occafonsyou may havcyoat recouife , as the exigence of the Work &aii retiuiie. ftps The Generali fatisfaftory that Directory oEW’drAtlpprefentcd c« us by our Brethren from you , was to us , we leave it rather to their relation at their return j feeing ear and eye witnef- fes to me manifo'd expreffions of our joy and gladnesle, then offer to reprefent it to you m a Letter : The Ad here¬ with Tent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Diredory , will fufficientlf declare our hearty approbation of it : Our |udgement alfo concerning the propofitions of Government and Ordination , and our carneft delire to t’ave the Work of Uniformity promoved and perfeded in that pardcular alfo , will appear to you by the other Ad ivhich herewith you will receive : Our zeal and defire to have that Work fully clofed with fo much harmonie as becometh the work of >J O D i will appear to you in ourrefolution and anfwer to that parti¬ cular in the point of Excommunication , concerning which you urrite. Thefe particular differences hinted in the Asfemblies Letter , for uniformitie with that Kirk fo much endeared to us, we have reColved tolay afide , and have taken courfe forpreferving harmonie amonglt our felves» whereof our Brethren wuil give you more particular account. Anenc your defire of Mr Alexander Henderfon his attending the Trea- tie , M'e are confident ere this you nave received our refo- liuion. Amidft the many difficulties wherewith it pleafcth the Lord to prelTeus, aswc thought it neceffarto publifhand fend forth a Warning to all lortsofPerfous in this Kirk and Kingdom j concerning the prefent aifiidion of this Nation, and their fins procuring tho fame j , So we thought it incum - bent to us in duty , as the beft f eftimony which we can give at this prefent to his Majefty , to remonlirate unto him ■ffaithfuliy The great and growing dangers his Ma;efty is now under, and the caufes thereof. This Kemonftrance we liave fenttoyou, to be prefenced to his Majetly, byfuch means, and at fuchtime, as you who are there upon the place fhall judge fitceft. And now dear Brethren goon vuth cheerfulneffe in the ,Work of the Lord : Let no difcouragement 'or oppofition make your heart to faint, oryour hands wax feeble : Per- '^AJ^emhly ^ 1^45'* ^99 fwade your felf the Lords nana (hall ftill be made known to¬ ward his fervinrs, and his indignation againft his Enemies. Remember the Work is his, who u^thnot to beg n, but alforomake and end, and is abundantly abler© fnpply all your need according to the riches of his glory Be confident therefore of this thing , that who hath begun this good Workbv you, will alfo indue time accomplifli it to his own praife. To his gracious aiiiftancc we heartily recom- jnend you* Poftfcript. Edinburgh 13. Feb. 164’^^ It is ea.neftly defired That the 0ire(5lorie for Worlhip be fent to Ireland , and that you re¬ commend to the honourable Houles of the Parliament, To think upon the beft M^ay for the eftabhlbrnent & practice of it in that King¬ dom. And rhatthe likecourie maybeiakem with the government, and other parts of the Unilormity , fo foon as they lhall be agreed upon. Subfcribed in mme the Gensr all xiffertibl of the Scotland ,by the Moderati^r of the ^jjcmbly> THe General Affembly Recommends to Presbyte¬ ries, To^confiderthele matters referred to their confiderationby preceding Affemblies ; andtoreporC their judgement therein to the next Affembly. He Generali A^embly Appoints the meeting of the next Ajfembly to beat Edenbnrgh thefrjl IVednef dfiy e/ JunSt theyeer '164^ . J. iriiE ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ -i»- (3©@0WM0Q©^^(^&0&S©©r^.QoT ?????? THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY! MET Ax Edinburgh junii 3. 1646^ Edinb. 4. junii ^ 164^. Seff. II. T he Kings Letter to the t^ffembly i pref wteJ by tJH, Robert Douglas at Edinburgh. Charles R. Ight truftly and v^elbeloved > We greet yoa well. Having lately written to Our Houfes of Parliament at ^^wji?i/?er , and the Commisfi~( oners from Our Kingdom of Scotland at London, andlikewife to the Committees of Eftates of that our Kingdom j Shewing Our great fenfeand grief for the fad eflfeds have flowed from the unhappy differences IbctwixtUsandOur Subjedfs > with Our reallrefolufions to comply with the defires of Our Parliaments of both Kiag- «ioms , and thofe entrufted by them for fettling of Trueth and Peace in all Our Dominions: And now being isformed ©fyour meeting, We have thought fit hereby ( fince We jouid not conveniently fend a CommifiConer ) togive you ths lS^emhly\ 1(^46^ the feme aflTurances j And Mdthall > that it fhall be Our conr« ftant endeavour to maintain Religion there , as it is efta- blilhed}, in [Dodkrine, WorlkipS and Church - govern-, ment , ^nd leate no good means unaflayed for fetlin j an -univerfall Peace in that our native and ancient Kingdom, with the Reformation and Religion , andftttling Peacein EmUnd 2nd Ireland: And after the return of an anlwerto Our late MclTag - to Our Houfcs of Parliament heer > We ihall more particularly acquaint you, or yourCommiffio- ncrs j with Our further relolutions. In the mean time',' Weferioufly recommend Our felves and difl:ra(5led condi¬ tion of Our Kingdoms, to your 'moll carncft Pray ers to Goct in our behalf , cxpeding from you faithfulnclfe in your fe- verall Charges and Callings, with that Loyaltieand obe¬ dience which becometh the Minifters oftheGofpel. We bid you very heartily farewell, from the iS, o£ May DIRECT. For Our right truftie and wclbeloved , The ModeratOtir and other Members of the Generali Asfembly of the Kirk of Our Kingdom o£ Scot land. e.Juim 16^6. Antemeridlem. Seff4.' concerning the Regift ers and AB s of Trovinciall /djjemhlies. THe Asfembly recommends to Provincial! Asrcm^ blies , that hereafter they caufc read all their Adfs , before the disfolving of every Asfembly j And that their Regifteis be written formally , and in a good band writing;, with the feverall Leafes or Pages thereof marked by ciphers according to their nnmber. II yum* The Generali II. Jnniii6^6' Antemeridlem.^t^> •f, AEi concerning the ptiblike fatisfalfion of ijltarnedperfom , fo> Fornication committed before tJMarnage, THe Generali Asfembly ucdciftanding that in many places rhe publike fcandalsof Fornication commit¬ ted before Marriage , are not taken notice of and re¬ moved by publike confeiiion according to the order of this Kirk ; Therefore tor remedie thereof do Ordain , That all Married perfons under publike fcandall of Fornication ^ commirfd before their Marriage { although the fcandall thereof hath not appeared before the Marriage) fhall farisfie publikely for that fin committed before theit Marriage, their being in the eftate of Marriage notuithftanding , And that in the fame manner as they fhould hare done if they were not Mariedi 13. junti\6^^. Ant enter idiem. SeflT. 10* Ordmance for Excommunication of the Earle of Seafort. THe Generali Asfembly having taken to their ferious confidcrat'on, that perfidious Band made and contri¬ ved lately in the North* under the name of An humble mm htnce , againft our Nationall Covenant , and the Lea¬ gue and Covenant of the three Kingdoms ; Which tend- cth to the making of divifion and fomenting of Jealoufie within this and between both Kingdoms * to the prolong¬ ing of thefe unnatiirall Warrs, to the impeding of the in¬ tended Uniformity inKeligion, and to the fubverfioti of all the happieeiids of our covenants: And finding that G.-er^e^arle of Seafort he^ not only moft perfidioufly him- tVif faid wickedBand^contf^^y to his i6^6l ©?.ths in the Covenants aforefaid , and in©f( afVoRantly, ownrd thefair.c under his cwnehard writingin hisletters to the Committee of Eftates , and to the Ccmrr.ifl or tn o€ the preceding Asf'ett'blie ; ButaKohes feduced and thre¬ aded others to fubferibe that divifive Band, and to jovne with him in profecution of his trfachercus and wicked defiR-^ nes therein masked with the pretences of Religion and li- be/tie;boaftingalfo the purfuanceofthathisRemonftrance againft all deadly theoppofersthetcof ,whether King or Par¬ liament. And having; alfo confidered another M'lcVedard treacherous Bard of Unioi; which the (aid liarle fr^rcrly entred into with that excommunicatcRebell \A7nes GtAhafne^ after the fcntence of forfalture and the dreadfull lentence o£ excommunication vt^ere pronounced againft him, Oblieg— inghimfelf therein under fokmne Oaths 'ojoyne with rbac lorfaulted Rebell againft this Kitkand Kingdome , and to oppofe all their publike refolutions for purfuance of the happie ends of our faid Covenants- All v'hich, v'lthhis vile reproachfull afpei lions and moft falfe calumnies agatr ft this Kirk and State , and their publikeand lawfull endea¬ vours and refolutions, with his other wicked and perfidi¬ ous pradlifes at length difeovered in the Proclamation of the Committee of Eftates , and the Declaration of the Com- mifiion of the Aiferrbly againftthe faid perfidious Fand and Kemonftrance, being’gravely pondered and confidered 5 Together with his bafe treachery to the Eftates , being in- trufted by them with ample Comillion, and encouraged and enabled for difcharging thereof, withMony Ammunitioa and Arms in a good mcafureiNotwithftandingvi hereof con¬ trary to that great truft repofed in him. It is notour that noc only he did nor jo\ ne with the Forces raifed for the defence of this Kingdome , But rather on the contrary , aaually joining hinkeU' and his Forces with that excommunicate Rcb^l ]ames Grahmc, andthefe unnatural bloody Rebels his followers , did beleager Innernesfe, a Townc Garrifo- ned by the Eftates for the Defence of that part of the Coun¬ try. And the Asfembly , having alfo found that faif’ means have been ufed for reclaiming of the faid Earle Irom that vicked and peifidious by put^Jse Declara* 5 04 The Generali tions and Proclamations, and particular Letters feot to hlrft fclf /’’•om rhofe that had power in that behalf. And that not- withdanding thereof and ofSummonds diredl againft him to anfwer to 'hepremides, often called, he doth not appear, but ftill remains obftinate in his wicked courfaej And after ina ure deliberation having found his frequent fearfull and grod'e pe’ juries , hi - perfidious and wicked confpiraciesby Band and Oath , wi th the publike Enemies of this Kirk and Kingd -tfl , and his other treacherous and wicked praftifes contemptuoafly and pertinacioufly perfifted into, To be be haynous offences againft God , and high contempt of all Ecclefiartical aixi Civil authority. Therefore the Aflem- blv moved with the Zeal of God, do without a contrary voice Decernc and Ordain the faid Earle of Seafort to be fummarly excommunicate , and declared to be one whom Chrift commandeth to be holden by all and every oneofthe Faithful as an Ethn!kandPublicane,and appoints the fentcnce of excommunication to be pronounced by Mifter I{plerf Moderator in the eaft Kirk of this Citie, upon the next Lo dsdav , 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 fo foon as advertifement ftiall come unto them. Enormities and Corruptions obferved to be in tht Minipery , with the Remedies thereof. / Enormities. THe firftarid main fin, reaching both to our perfonall carriage and callings , we judge to be. Not ftiidying ho to keep Communion and Fellowlhip with God in Ciirift, but walking m a naturall way without imployinglof Chriit , or drawing vertuc from him , to inable us unto , andjPreaching in fpirit and power. \y{l^emhly ^ 1646.' .305* 4“ ' • \n our Lives, f. X yfUch fniirleffe converfing in co»npanie , and corn* iVJLilying With the hnsofall torts, not behaving our fcl /es as becomes the men of God . 2 Great worUlincffe is to be found amongfl: us , mind¬ ing and fpeaking moll about thirgs of this life, being bufied about tnanylthings , but forgettingthe main. 3 . Slighting of Gods worAip in their families, and the¬ refore no cordiall urging of it upon odiers : yea, altoge¬ ther a vi^anting of it in feme, ifit be credible. 4 Want of gravity in carriage apd apparcU , dilTolhre* Keffe in haire , and fliaking about the knees , lightneffe in the apparrell of their wives and children* 5. Tippling and bearing companie in untimous drink- ingin Tavernes and Ale houfes, or any where elfe , whe¬ reby the Miniftcrie is made vile and contemptible. C. Dilcountenancing of the godly 5 fpeaking ill of them, becaulc of forae that are unanfwerable to their pro- fcllion. 7. The Sabbath not fan<5lified after Sermons, which maketh people think that the Sabbath is ended vdth the Sermon. . r 8. There are alfo to be found amonglc us, who luc fmall and minced oaths. 9- Some fo great ftrangers to Scripture, that except m their publike Minifterie , though they read many things j yet they are little con'/erfant in the Scripture, and in medi¬ tation thereof. A dutie incumbent to all the people of Goc. \n our Callings, f’ /^Orrupt entry into the Miniftricin former times, and V_^fn)lott>ing the courfe of defection , though forfakea • yet never fcrieully repented: as alfoprefcnt entring into .Hie Miniftery , as to a way of living in theworld, and not astoa fpiricualicalling, , . ^ ■ V Helping 2o6 TheGenerall X. Helping; in » and holdinginof infufficicmand fafpe- dlcdmen, who favour the things of this life, and keeping tlhe doorftraiteron them whom Ciod hathfealed, tlienupon thefe who have lefieevidence of the power of grate and holineffe. 3. Partiality in favouring, and fpeaking for thcfcanda* lous, whether Minifters or other perfons, teaching them how to ftiifc and delay cenfures* 4. Silence in the publike caufe, not labouring to cure the difaffedlion of people, not urging them to condancie and patience in bearing of publike burdens, nor to forward- nefle in the publike Caufe ; whereby Mai ignants are mul¬ tiplied : yea fome are fo groffe herein, that even in publike Falls little or nothing is to be heard from them founding this wayf 5. Some account it a point of wifdome to fpeakambigu- oully : feme incline to juflifie rhe wicked caufe, uttering words which favour of difaffedlion: and all their complain¬ ing of the times , isinfuchawav as may deal the heaits of people from liking of good In'' ruments in this woi k , and confcqucntly from Gods Caufe : yea, fome reading publike Orders, are ready to fpeak againd them in their private conference: <5. Idlenede, either in feldome Preaching , as once oa the Lords day, or in preparation for pu^likc duties , not being given to reading and meditation : others have but fits of paines . not like other Tradefmen continually at their work. 7. Want of zeal, and love to the converfion of fouls, rot being weighted with the u^ant of fuccede in reclaiming of finners, not fearchiu? in themfelves the caufe of not profiting , preaching ex officio 3 riot ex con[cientia officii. 8. Self-iteking in preaching ^ a venting rather of their wit and skill , thena ing foorth of the wifdome and po'ver ofGod. 5>. Lifelcfnefie in preaching, not dudyiogtobefurniflied byChrid with powers and fo the ordinance ol 6od rea¬ che not to the confeience and theercto beloneeth the noc applying of the doctrine unto the auditory and times* 10* The 164^* 36^ 10. The indifcreet curing of the indifcretiajj of pious people and Minifters^ wherebv grdiint^fe hath gotten a deep wound , and profanirie hath lifted up the head , con- trarv to that vt'ife and grafiruc o' der fet foorrh in the Gene¬ rali AffcirSly holden at Edinburgh ,1^41. 11. Little care to furnilh our Arraie, either abroad or ae home with Miniftersj One of our grievous fins andcaufes of our calamity. II. Laft , it is to be “feared that Minifters* in fecret are negligent to wreftle in Prayer, for a bleifing to be poured out upon their labours , contenting themfelvcs with their publike performances. Remedies* l.'PlRft, That Presbyteries make great confcienc« tQ. have all vacant places wit! in their ieveral bounds nl«* led with godly and abP m m, where ever they be to be foundt and that under pretence of being a helper, or fecond to a- nother , none be taken in , but fuch as are able for tha fame charge. , 2. Whereasit is known* that private tryall in Presbyte- 1 rics are for the moft part perfunftorious , the Brethren are hereby exhorted to be more ferious, and faithfull herein, as they will be anfwerable to Chrift , the Chief Shepherd: and in a way previous there':o , that Brethren be free , iti ‘loving admonition one of another fecretly, from time to itime 3 andthatwhofoever keeps not thePresbyterie orSy- nod , after grave admonitions may come under futther cenfures. 3 Thataccnraciebeufedasvifitatlonof Kirks , and that the Elders one by one f the reft being removed ) be called in, andexamined upon oitli upon the Minifters behaviour , in his calling and couverfation. ^ ,i 4. Tlut courfe be taken to di' ide Congregations in parts* {land by the help nor only of Elders in their feverall parts, ibut of neighbors al'o , the evils * and negledl of perfons ;l2ft4ferailie§^ may befound'eur and remedied. ' y z $ ThaJ I 3O8 Xhe Generali 5 That every Minifter be humbled for his former failings, and make his peace with God, that the more cffe(5tuallyhe jnay preach repentance, and may ftand in the gap, to turne away the Lords wrath : tuning between the Porch and the /dtar , fighmg and crying for all the abominations of the land. 6 Speciallcare wouldbehad, that Minifters have their converfation in heaven , mainly minding the things of God, and exercifing faith for drawing lite out of Jefus Chrift the fountain of life , arming themlelves thereby with powei a- gainft the contagion and wickcdnelfe of the world- 7 Care would be had of godly conference in Presby- reries , even in time of their refreftiment , and the iModeratoris to looktoic, that good matter befurnifhed thereto, 8 It is alfo very necePary for every Minifter that would be fruitful] in the work of the Lord, to bring home the AVordofGod to his own heart and confcience , by Prayer and Meditation , both before and after the publike ordi¬ nance. 9. Ufe wouldbemadeofthei-ollof the Parifh , not o- nely for examination, butalfo'for conhderingthe feverall conditions and difpolitions of rhe people , that accordingly they may beadmoniflied, and particularly prayed for by the Miuifters in fecrec. ' 10. It is very expedient that Minifters have more com¬ munion among themfelves for their mutuall ftirring up, and ftrengthningoftheir hands in the Lords work, and recti¬ fying of thefe who are not incorrigible. 1 1. That Minifters iniall forts of compar.ie laboii r to bee fruitfull, as the Salt of the earth, feafonirtg them they mcQt with, not only forbearing to drink healths ( Satans fnare, leading to exceffe) but reproving it in others. 1 2. All Minifters would be carefull to cherifti the fmoa- Jingfiax of vueak beginnings in the M^ayes of .Gocl, and ®ught couragioully to oppofe all mockers and revilers of the godly. 1^. As at all times, fo fpecially now when the Lord is calling us all to an account; it becomes the Minifters of Chrift i^Jfembly^ 1^45'* 30$ Chrift, with all diligence and fairhfulnefle, to improve their Minifterie to the utinoft , ro be inflant in (eafon and outof feafon j yea j even frugally to imploy their time in private, in reading of, and meditating on Scripture , that the word of God may dwell plentifuHie in them. 14. That the providing the Armies with Mnihers be pre¬ ferred to any congregation , and rbefe who are appointed to attend the famej, and are deficient , be without delay feve- relie cenfiu cd according to the Ad of the General jAfiem- blyj And that all Minifters not only in publike, pray for our Armies , Cpecialiy thefe that are to encouter with the bloody enemie within the land , but alfo continually bear them up before thelLord. that theirlivesbeing reformed, their hearts and hands may be ftrengthned, and their un¬ dertaking at laft blefled of G O Di with fuccefle. j 5 . That befide all ocher fcandals , filence or ambigu¬ ous ipcaikng in the publike caufe , much more detrading and disafieded fpeaches be feafonablie cenfured j and to this effed , all honeft hearted Brethren would firmlie u- nitethemfelves in the Lord , the younger honouring the elder* and the elder not defpifing the younger* 16. And finallie , I both for the corruption of the Mini¬ fterie and remedies thereof, we refer the brethren to the Adof the Generali Afiemblie at Edinburgh reviv- edin ihelate Afiemblie at tobee found ia the printed Ad concerning the fame. 7he Gmrall Ordains the Enormities above fpecifitd tobetryed and retrained , and that the B^nedies the~ ‘‘ reoffor that purpofe be ferioujly obferved and praEiifed : Recommending efpecially to Presbyteries and Provincial! \ y» ffembites , that u[e be made of the fame i n vifuation of f Kj^kf 9f Presbyteries. V 3 iK i The Generali SI® ^^^robation of the proceedings of the fr^o^dtng Jifembly, 'THe General Aflembly having heard the report of the , **' Committee appointed toconlider and examine thejpro- i ceedings of the CommilTioners of the late General Ahem - t)ly holden at in theyeer 1646. And after ferious confideradon dicreof. finding -hat the whole Ails, Pro¬ ceeding , and Corn lufions of the taidsCommiflioners, con- ■ tained in the Kegifter lubfcnbcd by Mr j^adrav K^er their 1 Klerk and by M {{pbert I{amfaji Moderator to the faid Com¬ mittee, do declare mu.' i Wiidom, Diligence, Vigilan- . cie , and ■ ommendable Zeal ; And that the faid CommiC*, ' iioners have Qideily and ormally proceeded in every thing according to their Comndihon ; Do therefore ratifie and ap¬ prove the laid who'e Acts , Proceedings, and Conclufions-^ ©f the Comnaiiiioners pf the faid Affembty. 1 5 . Junii 1 6 46 . Toftmeridiem, Stfl*. X 1. for j^yninglof the T^resbyteries Orkneyii and 2jti\2iuCi iq the Provincial of Caihnes. ' T^He General Afiemblv , confidering that the Presbyterie '*■ of f^rkmallin Orkjiay^ind the Presbyterie of SeJallotvay in ■ na' e never met in any Provincial A ffembly, where through great abufes and di ofdtes are there committed, 1 here fore the Afienibly hereby^cyns the faid two Presby-' series to the Provincial of Cathnes imd Smerland, And ap¬ points all the Minilters and Elders of the faid Presbyteiic« ' lif^reafter , to, meet at the laid Provincial AfTembly , and tp have place tothereafon and vote therein as Members of the Did Provincial- And ficklike ordains the faids two' Pieobyteiics 19 be of fubordinarc Jurfsdidtion to the faid Proving, 1646.' 5 It "Provincial Asfembly, Declaring hereby, that the faid Pro* vincial fhall confift of the Presbyteries of Cachnes, Sutherland* Orknai ^ and ^etlani \n all time coming. And appoint* them to meet onely once in theyecr, in refpeft of their grea^ diftanreand in'-’r-eftion of Teas j And that the firft meeting be at Ihurfoin Cdthnes upon the thirdTuefday of Auguft next, and thereafter as fliall be appointed by the faid Provinciall ^flembly. 17. Junii 1546, ^ ojimeridiem. Self. XI V. concerning Ex^eBants breaching in Puhlike* THe General AiTembly difeharges anyPerfon to preacK in publike under the name and notion of an JH-xpec-* tant or under any other pretence whatfoever > except fuch as lhall be tryed and found qualified according to the Adfs of the General Aficmbly j Recommending to Presby* teries and Provincials to take fpecial notice thereof , and to cenfure the Transgreflorsaccordingly. AB for cen firing theComplyers with the Enemies this Kirh and '1 THe General Asfemblv taking to their ferious confide- ationthc great and fcandalous provocation and grie¬ vous defeeftion from the publike Caufe , which fome have beene guiltie of, by complying with the Rebels the pubiike Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom: And judgi# ing it a dutie incumbent to them to bring fuch aotorious ro Oflenders to publike fatisfaftion, that the Wrath of God lii maybe averted, and the publike fcandal removedj Do there 15 fore Require j Dwccrn , and Ordain , that fuchasaftes V 4 lawf The generall lavk'full tryall fliall be found to have been in afluall Rebellion and to have earned charge with the Rebels , To have ac¬ cepted Commillions for railing Horfe or Foot unto them , To have been Icducers of others to jovn in that Rebellion , To bctheP.*nners or contrivers of Gr4fert»jexProc!arna- tionfor mdiftinga pi etended Parliament , or of any other his Procirniations or Declarations, To have becneprime Inftruments incauling publilb the faid Proclamations and PecJara ions; That all and every one of futh offenders fhal humbly acknowledge their offence uponrheir knees, firft before the Presbeterie , and thereafrer before 'he Congre- gaticn upon a Subbath , in feme place before the Pulpits And in the mean time that they be rufpended from theLords Supper : And in ca‘e they do notfatilfic in manner fore(atd> tiiat they be.piocefled with Exccirininnicanon. Andlike- v’ife Prdai ns j that fuch as lhall be fi und to have procui ed Proredtions fom the Rebels, To have executetheir or¬ ders, To have invited them to their h^ufes Tohavegi- ven them intelligence, To have drunl ‘lames Grahames health or to be guilty of any other fuch groledegiee>of comply- ance, lhall acknowledge their offences publikely before the Congregation « and be fufpended from the Communion ay and while they doe the fame. And further Decernes and Ordains , that all peifons in any Ecclefiaftick office guilty ofanv degreesof comply ante before mentioned} lhall be fufpended h om their office & allexercife thereofjforfuch time as the quality of the offence and condition oftheerfi'en- ders lhall be found to defervei And thcAffen bly hereby declares that Presbyteries have a latitude and liberty to agreadge the cenfures above fpccificd } according to the de¬ grees and circumftanccs of the offences ? And gives in like maner the fame latitude and liberty to the Commiffioners of this Aflembly for publike affairs , who have alfo power to try and cenfurc the offenders in manner above expreft , and to take account of the diligence of Presbyteries ihere- intill. \Ajfemblyj 1646. concerning lames G tahams Troclawation, THc General A sfe mb ly haring conlt(^ere to be put ip eifGCution agamflthem. y 5 (ing of Ships and Barks upow the Lords Day » The Generali 'AB anentChildrenfent without theKingdom, WHere^ divers Children have beenfent without the Kingdom to be bred abrord, and have been or in time coming may be expofed to tlie temptations offeducers, and drawn away from theTrueth eftablilhed and profcfled with- Wthis Church to errour of Poperie, or other Sedts and Hcrelics : Therefore theAffembly Ordains , that the Pa- wnts or Fnei^ds of Children and Minors , fhall before they Knd them without the Kingdom , firft acquaint the* Pres¬ bytery where they refidc, that they may have their Teaimo- nuildiredt-dtothe Presbytery or ClalTe within the Kine- OX Ireland^ and at the time of thelc Childrens return from any of rhe faids Kingdoms, toreportane TeftimoniaUfrom the Presbytery orSvnode where they lived without the Kinodomof their breeding there ( and toihew the fame to the Presbytery within the Kingdom who gave them a Tellimoniall at their way gom^r. Likeas the AlTembly Ordains all Presbyteries to try if any Children have been fentto Popiih Schoolesor Colledees Without the Kingdom; And if any be found, that their «^es be given to the Presbytery or Commiifionersofthc Aflembly , that the fame may beprefentedtothe Honour¬ able Lords of secret Councell , or Committae of ,‘Eftates, that their Lordfliips may be humbly defired by their autho ¬ rity to recal them that after return to this Kinhdomcourfe be taketuccording to the former Ordinances of Genc- fdil Aflemblies jfor their breeding in the true Keligion, Overtures frefented to the Ajfembly. pondwee whea need requires, whereby one Presby terie may underHand \AJfembly j 1^42; 31^ underftand what may are doings and they many be'mutuaiJy afllftingeach toother. II. Tnac for the better breeding of young men to the - Miniftei le whoare nor able to farnilh themCelves in rharges toateudin the Univerfities, that the Presbyteries v here they refide appomt feme to direct their ftudies. H I Tha: it be recommended to all the Univerfi nes to condifccnd upon the beft Overtures for the moft profitable teaching of Grammar and Phylofophy, and as they may meet at theCommiflion of the Generali Alfembly to make the mat'er rioe for the n' xt Afiembly, The AJjembly approves thefe Overtures ^ mi recommends accor^ dmgly ' I V. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Chrift may befpread through the Highlands and Iflands ( for in lack whereof the land hath fmarted in rhe late troubles ) thefe courfesTae taken: i. Let an ©.-der be procured, that all Gentlemen M'ho are able , at leaft fend their eldeft fons to be bred in the Inland. 2. That a Minifierie be planted amongft them , and for that efiedt that Minitlers and cxpe(ftantswhocanfpeak the Irifli language be fen to imploy their talents in chefe par' s> and ^hatihrK.rks there be provided as other Kirks in this Kingdom'?. 3. That Scots Schools be eredied in allParifhes theie , according to the A6t of Parliament, where conveniently they can be had. 4. That Minifters and ruling Fddnrs that have the Jriih language be appointed to vifit tiiete parts The Ajfcmbly approves this Overture , and recommend* this purpofeto fmther conii deration , that more Overtures may be prepared thsreanent tigainU the nesce Aj^mbly* V. That for keeping the Univerfities pure j and provoking the Profeflbrs of Divinitie to ^reat diligence, each Pro- fefibrin the Univerfities of this Church and Kingdom, bring with him or fend with the Lommiifioner who comes to the General Aflembly , ane perfit and well written copie of his Oidlates , to be revifed bvthe Generd Aflembly , ■ ©r fuch as ^cy for that worjc jik ; ^ 1 6 The Generali T/jtf AJlemhJy continues t’ e riet'^mination of a conflant . unto the per fons following, vii(^. Maflers AUxastdar Hendarfon , I^obert Douglas , Willliam Colvil f WtUiam Bennett George Gillefpie , John Of Paid » John Adamjon y TViZiam Dalgleisb ^ David Calderwood . ]a‘ m^flsejinng j farces ff^rtght. William Pen t^an , ]ames Gutbne, onhert Ivimai \ohn FZ:^Z‘tur. t:X- DMi.» , Ko- teSfe1r« N./ibijon , Lambic LaurencAkinncr , William K^te , ^ Andrew Cant, iViliiam Douglas, ^7 >«, Alexander Garnocb, William ]ajfray , Campbell , iVuuilkrs i Anu Arc^^ii Mai-quclle ot Argle» o. curie of Crawfurd- Lindlay, tarle 'Madhall , ha^e ofGlencairn ,]chn Earle ofCasfrls , Charles Earle of Dumlerm mg , Earle of Tullibardinc , Francis Urit of Earle of Lauderdale, Earle of Lothian , Earle of Lanerk, Arch-bald Lord Angus, ]ohn meiino ,Koi;erfLord Burleigh, jofin Matter ofYdkir, Sir PatriciHepbmn of Waughtoun , Sir hall. \rl-ibald lohnfion of ot Weddeiburn ^ Sir IGjbcrt Innesoi: Jat nk . Sir Vmam Batly of Lamington , Sir ]ohn Munaeiffc of that ilk , James Uacdougaloi Oarthland . P atritkCeo^rnoi iinHughCampbeloiC^^nock, Sir iVihiam Cun ningtumhrad, ]ohn Hume of Blackader,Sirj4w« W4r of Ar- nilton Alox i utor ofPitHigo , Mr Geo. P^inrnamoi Libber'ton, D4i;*r/EE-WofFingask , f Balhoufie , Alex. Brodie that ilk, Mr Alex. Colvillot Hair, Gw Dundu of Dodtllon/H/to Mm of Olanilerfton^ Thegenerall Sir 'Nicolfon r>fC olbrandfpaich . John Fjfar of Wcdc!c«2 lie ^ William Hume y James ^ ucmead , Laurence iJpndcrfon, ^ames Stuart ofPd nburgh, George Por-^ terfieUProvtA. ot f r . VVil. Hume there, Ro. krnot P-oveP ofFerth , Dumbartow, \ohn ^fwWieFrovelTof Air , Mr Pamid Wcemes ^ Geo.Gardine^ ^Jlohn jtdinfioun ^ tbo. Paterfon, Tbo, White , Jcbn S/ei^b El¬ ders. Giving un'-o them full power and Commiffion To do all and everything for profecuting^ advancing, perfed- ing , and bringing thefaid work of Uniformity in Religion in all His Maiefties Dominions to a happy concluiion, con¬ form to the former CommilHons granted by preceding Af- femblies thereanent. And to that effed appoints them , of any feventeen them , whereof thirteen fhall be Mini- Pers» To meet at Edinburgh the 19 of this Moneth , and thereafter upon the fecond Wednefdaisof Augiift, Novem- t>er, Februar and May next to come, and upon any other day and in any o’;her place they flialFthink meet. And fur¬ ther renews to the perronsbefoic named , thcpowercon- rained inrhf* AA of "he Gid Aflembly 1^43. Intituled, A re- ferenceto the Commiffion Anent the^perfdns defignedto ref air to the 1\ ingd'im of r rgland; A s alfo the power contained in two fe- verr\lAdso^rhe fiidAifemblv T And ]»bn Earle ol Lauderdale , ]obn Lord Bal- merino*, and Sir ktchihtdd ^obn^on of Warifton Elders ^ Authorizing them with full power to profecute the faidTre- atie of Uniformity with the Honourable Houfes of thePaiv liament of England , and the Reverend Aflembly of Divine# there , or any Committees appointed by them : And to do i all and every thing which may advance, perfedl and brings thatTreatie to an happy conclufion, conform to the fori»er Commiflions given thereanent. THE ASSEMBLIES ANSWER T o The KINGS MAIESTIE. (JHay it pleafeytmr iMajefiie , HAving received your Majefties Letter with thankful* nefle > we thought it our dutie to fend feme of out number to wait upon your Majeftie andprefent our humble delires more particularly then at this time could be exprefled by writ; And we are confident your Majeftie will imerprete our freedom and plain dealing by them , tobe'arcall tefti- monie ofour unfained aftedlion , who have conftanfly la¬ boured to approveour felves in all fidelity to our Lord and Mafter Jefus Chrift , and in allloyaltie to your Majeftie} And are refolved to walk ftill after the famelrule in ourfeve- rall ftations and vocations, continuing our Prayersfor you, that God may multiply all forts of Mercies upon your Roy- ill Perfon andPofterity* and more and more incline your heart to the fpeedie following of the Counfels of Tructh ind Peace and grant uncoyonr Majeftie along and happy 5 i o The Generali Reign , that we tway live under you pcaceablo and quiet life, in all godlinelTe and honefty. £di»burgb , 1 8. J uyiii 164^. Subfcrihed in name of the Nationa^\ AJfcmbly of the Kjrl^of jcoc- {land by the Moderator, ^he Ajfemblies Letter to the Right Hono^ rftble the Lords and eiommons mthe Parliament rablethe Lord Major Aldermen , and Commoii- Councel of tht Uty of London. Y Our late and reafonableteftimony given to the Truth ofthe Gofpel , and your aftcdlion to the Peace of the , Kingdoms , manifefted in your humble Remonftrance and Petition to the Honor able Houfes of Parliament , hathfo jevived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, and proclaimed you the worthv feed of fo noble anceftors in that famous City , As we cannot but acknowledge with all thankfulncsfe the grace of God beftowed on you , andftirre youuptotake notice, howfinceyou were precions in the Lords fight, YOU have hem ever Honurablc , The lord- hath loved you , givep men for you , and people for your life : What an honour w'3«- it in the dayes of old , when rhe fire of the Lord was in gion^ and his furnace in your ]e7Upt* lem { even in (<^cen, M^riss dayes ) chat sheje were fond m> JJJfemhly j 1646* 3^3 yotjmen that loved nottiieir Jives unco the death? What a glory in after time j when Satan had his i hrore and Antichrift his) Seat in tliemid f of you , that dierewerc ftill found not a few that kept their Gaamerts clean ? But the greaieft praifc of the good hand of God upon you hath been in 'his , Tha' amidf th^ many Mifts of Erraur and Herefie which haverifer f om the bo'ton 'uflTs pit , tobefpot the face and darken the glojy of the Church, ( while the Bride isa malting readv for the Lamb ) you have held the Trueth , and moft pioufly endeavoured the fctling ofChriftupon his Throne. We need not remember how zealous you have been in the Caufeof God ■ nor how you have laid out your felvesandefta'cs in " e n.aintenanceth- re- of, nor hpw many acknowledgements of the anw ,oU have had from the Honourable Houfes> nor hc.w pr dous a remen. brancc will be had of you in after age for yoir fel¬ ling of all to buy the Pearl of price : We only at this timeldo admiie, and in the inward of oui hearts do blefle theLo'd for your right and deep apprehenhons of the great and m- porrant matters of Chrift in his Royall Cro«'n , and of the Kingdemsin then Union > v'hile the Lord maketh of^eis ro bring our Stiip ( fo much afflidfed and relied with tempeft ) to thefafe Ha»bour of Irueth and Peace, Right memo¬ rable is your Zeal againft Sedfs and Sedaries ; your care of Refoimation, according ro tkevord of God, and the ex¬ ample of the beft Reformed Churches i yourearneft endea- voersand noble adventures, for prefervingof 'he rights ani priviledges of Parliament, arid Liberties of the Kmgdomes* Together with his Majelties juft power, and ereauicliei and your high profefllon , that it is not in the power of any hn- maneau-hority to difchaige orabfolveyou fiom adhearing unto that our f fo fokmnly fworn ) League and Cov, nanr> or to enforce upon you any fenfe contrary to the letter of the fame , Befides your other good fervice* done unto the Lord and to us , in the ftrcngtlieniiig of the hands of the reverend Afiembly of Divi-nes , and of our Commiflioner^ m their affeitingof the governmenc ofChrift whic h themoieit be tried will be ever found thefmoiepreciou'. Truth, and vindicating ofihefan^ fromth? ufurpatiou of man, and X 3 cojtj* 3^4 The Generali contetopt of the wicked. Thefe all as they are fo many te- ftimonics of your Fietie> Loyakie, and undaunted lelolu- tioo to hand for Chiift i So are they and fbll ever be fo ma¬ ny obligations upon us your Brethren , to efteem highly of you in the Lord, to bear you on our brefts before him night and day, and to contribute our beft endeavours , androiin- prove all opportunities for your entonragemert. And now we befeech^'ou inthe t,ord. Honorable and welbeloved , goon in this your ftrength > and in the power of his might who hath honoured you to be faithful , ftand fail in that li¬ berty wherewith Chrift hath made you free j And in the purfuanceof this truth, we are confident , asyou have , lo you will never ceafe to ftudy the Peace and nearer cor jundli- on of the Kingdoms » knov ing that a threefoM cord is not eafily broken. Now the Lord ]efus Chrift h'mfelf , 2nd God even our Father > which hath loved and honoured you, and given you everlafting confolation , & good help through grace , comfort your hearts , and ftabhlh yon in evepy good word and work. Edinburgh iZ lunii 1 646. Subfcribed in name of the Gens al Aftembly by the Moderator. The A(femblies Tetter to the right Reverend the of Di'vines in the England ajjembledat Wcftminfter. 'Much IJonoured andright IR^verend. AMongft other fruits of this cnr precicus liberty » after fuch d ftlpaiion by Sword and Peft ler ce, to meet again. we account it net the leaft , to have the opportunity of mak- inga publike Declaration of our earreft aftedicn to all our brethren of thatjNarion . and eTeciallv vour felv-es of the Reverend Aftembly at VVefminfer, When we were lately in a very low condition , we may fay that our own fufferings K^Jfetnhly $ 1645’* $2.5' and fears; althoughimbitteredwith thefenfe of theL^ difplearureapainflour luke warmnefTeand unfaithfulneire , vet they did not fo take up our heart, but that room was left to coniiraculate with the Lords people there in all their fuceefles , and to condole with them in all their dangers,’ Andif at any time any here fcemed to be more jealous then codly jealoufie would allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing elfe, buttothe vehemencie of ardent affeclion , and impatient defire to have our brethren there and usjoyned neercr toChrift , andneerertooneanotherin all his Ordinances i and efpecially is Presbyterial Govern¬ ment , fo well warranted by the Word, and approven by experience of our own and other reformed Lhurciies , Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have been blefled with a large increafe , which yet a feed unco a further and more g'orious expected harvett. There could not be wifh d by mortal men a fairer opportu¬ nity then is call in your laps , being invited and charged by fo high an authority , to give fo free and pt’b ike a teftimony to thofe truths , which formerly many cif the Lo^rds preci¬ ous ones bv tongue and pen , by tears and blood have mor privately alTerted j 1 he fmalleft of Chrifts truths ( i it laivfu! to call any of them fmall ) is of greater moment, then all the other buhnesfes that ever have been debated fincethe beginning of the world to this day 3 But thehigi- eft of honours and heavieft of burdens is piK uponyoij to declare out of the facred recordsof Divine Truth , what is the prerogative of the Crown and extent of thebcepter ot IsfusChrtft, what bounds are to befet between Him rul- imr in his Houfe , and powers ellabliibed by God on barth, how and by whom his Houfe is to be governed , and by V'hat wayes a reftraint is to be put on theie who wauld pre- vert his Truth, and Tubvert the faith of many. Iso doubC mountains of oppofuions arife , and goolfs of dimcukies open up themfelves in this your way ; but you have found it is God that girdechyou with ftrength and makech you- way perfea and plain before you , who hath delivered, ana doth deliver , and will yet deliver. We need not piit yoa inmmdethatas there lye that this cimsa ftricttyeonail, U 3^^ The General in a Tpecial manner borh yf uanu wc ar;’ ingaeed tointerpofe cur u]v^ between God and th^te Kingdcines , betvveen the tvvoNatuins, between the King ^nd he People , for averting of delcrved wrath, for conrinving and increafing cf a well uroiindi d Union , for procuring as far as in us jyeth a nehtletthng of Religion and Church - Govern¬ ment ji hat when we Ihallfleep witii our fathers tb' Po- bours may bereaving the fruits of ou la- Weare fiilly aflliredof your conftant andfedulous pro- moving of this bleiTed Work , and ofihe Lords affidingand carrying you on rhei ein ; ‘\n(J are confident that your late experience and r ref nc fenfeofthe great danger and ff-ar ull confufion flowing Pom the rife and grouth of Sefts and Sec- nesnotfupprelTed, hath flirred up in voui hearts moa fervent defires,, and careful en 'eavours for remedying the fame , wherein we^xho.r c.>u to connnue and abounds Icnovying thaty Hii labour, fhill not bein vain in the Lord , to vvhofe rich grace wc commend you , and the work in your hands. Edinburgh iSfuny 1646, Subferibed in name of the General Afitmbly by the Moderator. ^60 Offifnendation to T^resbyteries and Provincial ^jj'emblies. S ’.He AlTembly recommends to feveral Presbyteries I andProvincfal Afiembhes. toconfiderthe inter- J “T congregations , in the calling, andadnml.on ofMmiaers withal! rhefequeaionsth^t u(u! allyfallout upon iiaroccafion; Ano to report their ouinions m the next Alfemblv , uuth fome fir Overtures for prevent¬ ing all conteas in that matter. ^ recoflimends toPresbytmes and Pro¬ vincial Affembhes to conlidcraU the matters referred by pjeceed- ty^Jfetnhlyj 1^45^ 317 preceding Aflemblies to the confideration of Presbyteries % And to report t‘idr opinions therein to the next Ancmbly',^ 4 - - for a {ublike Fafl before the next THe AffembV having confidered an Ad of the Aflem- biy i(S44- Se^i. Vlt. enjoyning a publike Fad to be kecp- cdin alltheKiiKs of the City U'here the General Aflembly holds upon .-he firft day of the meeting of the Aflcmbly ; And finding fome inconvenicncies therein , Therefore ac this time until rhe tnatrerbe further confidered. Appoints a publike h alt and Humiliation for the Lords bkflingto the meeting of the next AHembly , to be univerfally obferved in all the congregations of •’hisKirk upon the Sabbath nexc except one preceed.ng the faid next Aflembly > Theexcr- cifes for the membres of the AiTembly at their firft meeting , being tiill obferved according to the ancient 3nd Ittudablc pracSfe bl this Kirk , This appointment notwithftanding. THt y^JJewbly appoints the tneettng of the next General Ajfembly to be at Edinburgh ufon tho firH W ^dwefday ofAugufi 1 647, THE GENERALL assembly; A T Edinburgh 4. Auguft. i6’47. Augud. 161. 364*^ Poftmeridiem. Seff. II. %AB allowing the half of the Minifters in thie^ Freshyterie of Zetland only ^ ivith their Fuling , Elders , to keep the Provincial Zjj'emhly. He General AlTembly , Underftanding fhat the w'hole Members of thePresbyrerie of Zetland^ djnvned to the Provincial of and 5m- ’ thnland npon weighty conhderations by the pre- ■ ceeding Afleinbly , cannot by prelent at the. jneeting-s of that Provincia.1 , without great prejudice to the particular Congregations within that Presbyterie , and many other inconveniences ; That Ifle being of great di- c ilan.ee from Land , and the pasfage from and to the fame | being uncertaine and dangerous : Doc therefore Declare and 1 Ordaine, That the whole Minifters and Elders ofthe Pres- \ byterie of get' and ^ fhall not be tyed hereafter to come to « the meetings of their faid Provincial j But that the half of',|j t|ie mimber of the Minifters with their Ruling Elders >, | i 1^47^ fball be onely oblieged to keep the meetings of the faid Pro¬ vincial Aflembly in time coming. 20. Align rt 1647. Antemeridiem, Seif. X V. t^T)eclaration and Brotherly Exhor^. tation of the Generml Jjjembly of the Church of Scotland , to their Brethren of England. THc confcience of our dutieto God obligingus to gives teftiinonv to his Truth ? and to the Kingdom of his Sonne Jelus Chrift , now fo much refilled and oppofed by many, and lo little owned by others : The laudable cu- flomeand example of correfpondency between Neighbour¬ ing Churches , exhorting, encouraging, and ( in cafe or publike fcandal ) admonifliing in love one another , 2S well as fingle Brethren ought to admonilh one anotner iti love, in the cafe of private offence : Our nearer relation and more fpecial affedion to ourBrethrenof , making us to fympathize with them in their danger and aiflidlion as our own , both Kingdoraes beingunitedas one entire Body in one Covenant , foi purluing the common caufe and ends therein expreffed : I'ea , common reafonand experience it felf teaching us that we have no caufe to conceive our Reli¬ gion , the libel ties of this Church, orourfelves to be in a cordidon of (afety, when ever the enemies of our Religion and Liberties are growing to a prevalency in the Neighbour Kingdom. Any oneoftnefe confidcrations , much more all of them together, cry aloud upou us to break our filenc® in this prefent Jundlure of Affaires,* yet we hope to exprefle ourfelves both concerning the prefent Dangers and prefent Duties , as in a confcionable and Brotherly fredome , fo in a fair and in offenfivc way j for we have no pleaiure nor pur- 5 ^0 The Generali ,pofe to pr oVolcS any Perfon or Party vvhatfoever i' nor to en3 create , but to endeavour the allaying and compofing of the preient unhappy differences. If any fliall offend at our di- fehargi ng our confcience Sc doing our duty , yet vve fhall ra- t^'cr chole to take onr hazard of that, then of difplealTng God by nCt,l of duty. But we hope better things , then to be mil* iinderftood , or mif-interpreted by fuch as defire a can¬ did- interpretation of their own aftions or expreffions. Firfl of all, whatfoever the prefent difeouragemenrs,’ difficulties or dangers are » or whatfoever for the future they maybe, we cannot but commemorate to the glory of God, and we doubt not it fnall be remembred to his glory in the Church tnroughout all ages , How great a falvation his Mighty Hand and Outftretched Arme hath wrought for thefe three K ngdomes ; How he ftirred up the Spirits ofhis People in this Kingdome ten yeares a goe , to begin to fhake of 'he Yoke of Prelatical tyrannic , and of Popiik.Cere mo¬ nies obtruded upon us, contrary tothcLawes of^^'d-asd JVlen ; How he led us on from fo fmall beginnings , & from one degree to another, till we were United lu a National Covenant ; How he gave us a Banner to be difplayed for the Truth > and fo blefledus in the profecudon of that Cove¬ nant, that the Kings Majefty was gracioufly pleafedupon the humble Petitions of his Loyal Subjeds in this Nadon, to indict a General Affembly and Parliament for healing the grievances of Church and State refpeftively , As likcwife to grant his Royal confent for Confirming and Ratifying by AifsrfPatliament our National Covenant, & the Govern¬ ment and Liberties of this Church. After which the new Troubles raifed againft us by the malice and treachery of our enemies , did occafion the firft expedition of this Nation in¬ to England , (upon which followed the calling of the Parlia¬ ment there, and the large T eaty) and in the iffue , the re¬ turn of that Army was with an Olive branch of Peace, and not without the beginnings of a Reformation in In which work while the Parliament was interrupted and op- pofed , and a bloody War begun with great lucceffe on that ^de which oppofed the Parliament and the begun Reforma- j from whence alfd did accrew great advan^ge to the Pojyfti 'AJ^emhly j J645'.' 331 Popifli Party (whereof neCeflation o£ Arms concluded in 'ircland may be in fte^d of many teftimoniesj) Comniiflioners were lent hither from bo n Hloules , earnelfly inviting and pcrfvvading to a nearer Ij nion of the Kingdomes, and defir¬ ing AffillaiiCe from this biarion to theii Brethren in that their great diftrefle 5 And - his by the good Hand of «5>od pioduced the folemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoines, to the terrour of the Popifh and P relatical party cure 'mmon hnemies, and to the great comrort of fuch as were u'llhing and waiting for the Reformation of Religion , and the recovery of jutl Liberties. And although for thej conjundfion of the Kmgdomes in Covenant , and Armes (being a fp.ciall means tending to the extirpation of Popery, and Ifreng hen'ngthe true Reformed Religion; thi Kmgdomehath been invaded and infeifed by the bloody Irish vebels aided and ftrengthened by fome degenerate and erfidious Coiinrrey-men ofour owne : Although alfo in England hsT(t were not wanting in endiaries , wtio hating and eiivying nothit g more then the Union of the Kingdo- mes in fuch a Covenant , were very vigilant to catch, and adivetomiprove-alloccalions of making divifive motions, and creating Nationall Dilfeiences ; Yet God hath been gracioully plea fed to break our Lnemies itrengch at Home when It was greateft , and to guide us through thefe jealou- fie.s and Ditferences fomented by difaffedfed Perfens be¬ tween the Kingdomes i So that in ifead of a fplytting upon thefe Rock. ( th. 'hing hoped for by our Enemies) there was a peaceable and friendly parting : Since which time God h'th further blefiei our Army at Home , to the expelling ofthe Enemie out of our own Borders. Nor can we uaffe in filence ihehappy progreff; which hath been made in the Reformation of the Church of Enghnd ; Me that hath brought "he Children to the birtb un alfo give ftrengib to come forth ; Andhee vyhofe hand did caff out Prelacie and the Book of Common P.ayer ( although ft ongly rooted in (landing Lawes ; ) and who enclined the Parliament of ^Mgland to owne no othei' Chnrch Go¬ vernment but the Prcsuyterial , ( Though it bee not yet fully fettled according to the VV^ora of God, and the ex¬ ample § 3 ^ Generali ample of the bcft Reformed Churches) can as ealil/ clinc when hce riiinks good both the King and them , and the body of chat Kingdome to a thorow and perfedt Refor¬ mation. He that made the Asfemblies and Parliaments of both Kingdomesto agree upon one directory for the Pub- like VVoilh'pof God, canalfo when he will make an a- , greement m the other Parts of Uniformitie , ConfcHion ofFaith, form of Church Government, and Catechifme 5 Inall v^’hich'herehath beenealfoa good progrcfie made in the Reverend and Learned AlTeoiblic of Divines through j the good hand of God fo long upon them, ! Having now feen fomuch of God both in the begins* ningand progresfe of this his great Work, And his Hand ha¬ ving done fo wondrous things for his People in their gteatefl cxtermities of danger, and having difeovered and defease the plots of Enemies , making them fall even iby their own. ' Counfels, Thefe things wee refolve to keep idill fixed in ' our hearts , and as mernoiialsbeforeour eyes, that remem- ! bring the Works of the Lord ? and the Years of the Right | Hand of th: mofl High , v'ee may neither want matter of , Praifes and thanksgivings, nor experience to breed hope. Although the building of theHoufeof the Lord in England be not yet, after fo long expciflation , finilhed , and now ' alfo the work ceafeth , Yet wee doe from our hearts bleffe the Lord for the laying of the Foundation, and for fo muck [ progresfeas hath bcenmade in the Work s Having ftillcon- 1 fidence in the Almighty , to whom nothing is impoffible or too hard, thatevery Mountaine which docth or fhallftand in the way lhall become a pJaine » and that the Head-done j Ihall bee brought forth with fhoutings of Joy , Grace, Grace ' ; unto it. iNeverthclesfe, vt^e are alfo very fenfible of the great and |i imminent dangers into which this Common Caufe of RcIh j 1 gion is nowbrought by the growing and fpreading of mod | i dangerous errours in £w^to2d,to the obftiudiing&hincfering ' | of the begun Reformation, asnamely ( belide many others) j Socinianifme, Arrninianirme,Atubaptirme,Antiiiomianifme 1 Brov'niime, Eradianifme* Independency, and that which is ealled(byabufe©fthe word) Liberty of Confcicnce, being 1 | indeed, : | 1 t647« ’333 indeed Liberty of Errour , Scandall > Schifme j f cicfic" difhonouringGod , oppofing the Truth, hirdeiirf K clo mation j andfeducing others, A\hereurtove tdcerro biullifidians, or men of no Religicn , ccirircnly called Seekers : Yea, wee cannot but look upon the Dangers of the true Reformed Religion in this Ifland , as greater now then before^ Not onely for that thofevery principlej & fun¬ damentals ofhaith which under PielaCy, yea, under Popery it felf J were generally received as unccnnoverted arc now by theSceptici' me of manySedfaries of this time eithet oppugned , or called in queftion^j Eut alfo , becauie in Read of carrying on the Reformation towards pcrfedlion* that which hath beene already built is in part caft down, and in danger to be wholly overthrowne through rh' e ende¬ avours of Sectaries to comply with many of the Pielaticall and Malignant, and even the Popi lb party ; and their joyn- inghand in hand, and calling in their lots, and interwea¬ ving their interelfs together in way of Combination, gainll the Covenant andPresbyteriall Government J Yea, the unclean Ipirit which was call out, is about toCntcra- gaine with feveir other fpirits worfe then himfelfe, andfo the latter end like to be worfe then the beginning. We are extremely forry that we have caufe to aggravate thefe evils from the crying fin of breach of Covenant, Whe¬ reof if we Ihould hold our peace , yet according to the Word of the Lord; other Nations will fay, and many among thena do lay, Whersfore hath the Lord done thus unto this People ? and what meaneth the hear of this great . anger ? A nd they anfwer one another , Becaufe they havefoi- fakenthe Covenant of the Lord their God. We would not be underftood as ifwe meant either to jullifie this Nation , or to charge fuch a fin upon all in that Nation. We know the Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in both Kigdomes, the Lord pardon it, and accept a Sacri¬ fice ; And wee doe not doubt but there are many feveii thoufauds in Engla^td who have not onely kept themfelyes unfported, and retained their integrity in that bufineffe* ' but doe alfo mournc and groane before the Lord for that fin of others. Yet we lltoiildbut deny our own fence and betray • M A ^34 The Generali the Truth, if we Ihould not refent fo greatafinhe andi danger , as is the breach ofafelerane Covenant , fworn • wirh hands lifted up to the mod High God : Which breach however varn'flied over with fome colourable and handfome pret'Xts, one whereof i‘ rheLibert\ 6r oir.mon Right of the free People oft a- e,rr b ?ke Covenant with the Gibeonite.s In hn !^eal to the Children of Ifraelandltt* dab: Yet God could not nc nd canno now be mocked; Yea, it istoo apparent and undeniable , that amotaf thole , who did tike the Coven ‘n-'T the three Kingdomes , as , the’^e are rr^afiy who have given themfelves toadeteftable .j iiidifferency or neurralitie , fo there is a Generation | which hath maue defection to the contrary Part ; Perfecut- i ingasfai' as rhev could that true Reformed Religion, in Dodtrine, Worlhip, Difciplinc* and Governmenct which ' by the Covenant they ought topreferveagainft the common ^ Enemies; hindering and refilling the Reformation and Uniformity, which by the Covenani ought to bee endea- I voured; prefervingand tolerating thofecurfed things which, by the Covenant ought so be extirpate, Herefie and Schif- i me •> encroaching upon , yea offering violence unto the Rights, Pi iv ledges, and Authority of Magiftracie, Pro- tefling andaflilling fuchasby the Covenant ought to have , been brought to condingetriall and punilhment , and per- fecutingthofe who by the Covenant ought tobeaflilled and de'endedi Endeavouring alio a br^’ach in Head of a firme Peace and Union between the Kmgdomes: So that there is not any one Article of the Solemnc League and Covenant which hath not been finfully and dangcroufly violated be - fore God , Angels . and Men. Now if a Covenant for thePrelervarion and Reformation of Religion , the Main¬ tenance and Defence of Liberties was ]uftly thought a fit and excellent mean not onlv to flringthen and fortifie the Kingdomc s againfr the common Enemie of the true Refor¬ med Keiigion , publ ke Peace and Profpedtv ; But alfo> to acquire the favour of Almightie Q O D towards the threi J^ngdomes 9 of England , Scotland ^ and Ireland , as is ex- piesieQ in cne Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the taking of the Covenant , dated fekuaryz. Surely ^Ajfemhly\ 164^.’ 335 Surely then the Aucnors and chief Inftruments of the breach of that Covenant , are to be looked upon as tiofe who firengthen the hands of the common Enemie > and provoke the wrath of Almighty God againft thefe Kingdomes. Yea , if thiffCovenant was the Soteraigne and onely meanes of the recover >7 of thefe embroiled bleeding Kingdoms , as is exprcficdin the exhortation of the AlTembly of Divines to the taking of the Covenant, approved and ordered to be Printed by -he Houfc of Commons j Thedefpifing , refufing, and calling afide ot that remedy j muft needs render the difeafe much: more defperate. And if by the Declaration ot both King- domes )onyed in Arms , Anno i among thefe M'bo either Kiagnifie and cry up, or'atleafi: connive at and comply with fuch as have not taken the Co¬ venant , yea, are known Enemies to it, and cry down fuch as are moll zealous for it > ] n this cafe, while in the Neighbour Kingdom , the ftaves of Beauty and Bandsi Covenant & Brother hood are broken by many , the home of Malignants and Sectaries exalted, the beftaffeifled born down, Keformation ebbing , Hevelie and Schifme flowing 5 It can hardly be marvelled at by ar,y Perfon of prudence and diferetion , if we be full of fuch feares and apprehenfions as ufe to be in thofe who dwell near a Houfefet on fire , oraFamily infe