*^*v- *W 
 
 
 V 
 
 #• 
 
 
 ClM 
 
e&omaa Proton, 
 Dalkeitfn 
 
 

 
 ) 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 http://archive.org/details/principallacts05chur 
 
THE 
 
 PRINCIPALL 
 
 ACTS 
 
 Of The 
 
 GENERALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY, 
 
 Qonvcened at 
 
 !? EDIN BER G H, 
 
 Upon the firft VVednefday of fmts , being 
 
 the third of that Moneth , in the yeer 
 
 i 6 jL 4. 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 Edinburgh: 
 
 Printed by Evan Tyler , Printer to the Kings 
 " s moft Excellent Majcftie. 
 1 6 4. 6. 
 

 
 
THE 
 
 GENERALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY, 
 
 MET 
 
 At Edinburgh funii 3. 16^6. 
 
 1 
 
 Edinb. 4. funii 1 6 4. 6. 
 
 Scir. 11. 
 
 Tltf Kings Letter to the Affembly, prefentedby 
 
 M. Robert Douglas zSMiniJler at 
 
 Edinburgh. 
 
 ■Jght trufty and welbeloved, We greet 
 you well. Having lately written to 
 Our Houfes of Parliament at Weft- 
 minfter^ndtht Commiflioners from 
 Our Kingdom of Scothndvi Londtn, 
 and likewife to the Committees of 
 Eftatesof that Our Kingdom-, Shew- 
 ing Our great fenfe and grief for the 
 fad cfFcdh have flowed from the un^ 
 happy differences betwixt Us and 
 Our Subjects, with Our reall relolutions to comply with the dc- 
 firesofOur Parliaments of both Kingdoms, and thofe entruft- 
 ed by them for fettling of Trueth and Peace in all Our Domi- 
 nions: And now being informed of your meeting , We have 
 thought fit hereby ( fince We could not conveniently fend a 
 Commiflioner ) to give you the fame aflurances •, And withall, 
 chat it (hall be Our confhnc endeavour to maintain Religion 
 there, as it iseftabliflied, in Dodtrinc, Worfhip , and Church- 
 Government, and leave no good means uniflayed for fctling art 
 univerfall Peace in chat Our native and ancient Kingdom , with 
 
 A a the 
 
 Charles T^ 
 
 
 (wdm 
 
 L R J 
 
 Kv /Ja N\ 
 
 ^^^^M 
 
z The Cjenerall (tAJfembly, \6\6. 
 
 the Reformation of Religion,and fettling Peace in FnglanducA 
 Ireland : And after the return of an anfwer to Our late MefTagc 
 to Our Houfes of Parliament hcer, We (hall more particularly 
 acquaint you, or your Commiflioners, with Our further refolu- 
 tions. In the mean time , We feriouily recommend Our felves 
 and the diffracted condition of Our Kingdoms, toyourmoft 
 earned Prayers to God in Our behalf, expecting from you 
 faithfulnefle in your feverall Charges and Callings , with that 
 Loyaltie and obedience which becometh the Minifters of the 
 Golpel. We bid you very heartily fare vr ell, from Netv-caftle 
 the 28. of May 1 646. 
 
 DIRECT. 
 
 For Our right truftie and welbeloved, The 
 Moderatour , and other Members of the 
 Generall Afl'embly of the Kirk of Our 
 
 Kingdom of Scotland. 
 
 
 
 6. f 
 
 ? 
 
 unit 
 
 \ 6 j\>6. Antemeridiem. 
 Sell. IIIL 
 
 A3 concerning the %£gijlers and ABs of 
 Troyinciall Ajjemblies. 
 
 ; He AfTembly recommends to Provinciall Af- 
 femblies , that hereafter they caufe read all 
 their Ads, before the diffolving of every AC- 
 fembly \ And that their Regifters be written 
 formally , and in a good hand writing , with 
 the fcverall Lcafes or Pages thereof marked 
 by ciphers according to their number. 
 
 , _. , , 
 
 11. funii 16^.6. Antemeridiem^. 
 
 Stir. vii. 
 
 • 
 
 
 AB concerning tbcpublilg fatisfaBion of Mar ^ 
 
 riedperJons,for Fornication committed before CMarriagt* 
 
 [He Generall AfTembly underftanding that in many pla- 
 ces the publike fcandals of Fornication committed be- 
 fore Marriage, are not taken notice of and removed by 
 publikc confeflion according to the order of this Kirk ; There- 
 fore 
 
T'be (jenerall Affembly^ i 6 4. 6. 3 
 
 fore for remedie thereof do Ordiin , That all Married per- 
 ions under publikc icandall of Fornication , committed before 
 their Marriage ( although the fcandal thereof hath not appear* 
 ed before the Marriage ) (hall fatisfie publikely for that (in 
 committed before their Marriage, their being in the eftate of 
 Marriage notwithftanding, And that in the fame maner as they 
 (hould have done if they were not Married. 
 
 fyfunii \6\6. Antemeridiem-j. 
 
 Seir. x. 
 
 Ordinance for Excommunication of the 
 Earle of Seafort. 
 
 [He Generail Affembly having taken to their fcrious 
 con fi deration , chat perfidious Band made and contri- 
 ' ved lately in the North , under the name of An hum* 
 ble Rcmonjirance , againft our Nationail Covenant, 
 and the League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms ; Which 
 tendechto the making ofdivifion and fomenting of Jealoufies 
 within this and between both Kingdoms ,to the prolonging of 
 thefeunnaturall Warrs, to the impeding of the intended Uni- 
 formity in Religion , and to the iubverfion of all the happie 
 ends of our covenants : And finding that George Earle of Seafort 
 hes not only moft perfidioufly himfclf fubferibed the faid 
 wicked Band, contrary to his folemne Oaths in the Covenants 
 aforefaid , and moft arrogantly owned the fame under his ownc 
 hand writing in his letters to the Committee of Eftates , and to 
 the Commiflioners of the preceding AiTembJiej But alfo hes fe- 
 duced and threatned others to fubferibe that divifive Band, 
 and to joyne with him in profecution of his treacherous and 
 wicked defignes , therein masked with the pretences of Re- 
 ligion and libertie x, boafting alfo the purfuance of that his Re- 
 monftrancc againft all deadly the oppofers therof, whet her King 
 or Parliament. And having alfo confidered another wicked 
 and treacherous Band of Union which the (aid Earle formerly 
 entred into with that excommunicate Rcbell James Grahame, 
 after the fontenceof forfalture,and the drcadfull fentencc of ex- 
 communication were pronounced againft him, Oblieging him- 
 felf therein under folemne Oaths to joyne with that fortaulted 
 Rebell againft this Kirk and Kingdome , and to oppofe all their 
 publike refolutions for purfuance of the happie ends of our faid 
 Covenants. All which,with his vile reproachfull afperfions and 
 moft ralfe calumnies againft this Kirk and State , and their pub- 
 
 B like 
 
4. The (jencrall J/fenibly, i 6 ± 6. 
 
 like and lawful! endeavours and refolutions , with his other 
 wicked and perfidious pradtifes at length difcoveied in the Pro- 
 clamation of the Committee of Eftates, and the Declaration of 
 the CommiiTion of the Aflcmbly againft the fald perfidious 
 Band and Remonftrance, being gravely pondered & confidercd; 
 Together with his bafe treachery to the Eftates,being intruded 
 by them with ample Commilfion, and encouraged and enabled 
 for discharging thereof, with Mony Ammunition and Arms in a 
 good mcafurc: Notwithftanding whereof contrary to that great 
 truft repofed in him , It is notor that not only he did not joyne 
 with the Forces rai fed for the defence of this Kingdome , But 
 rather on the contrary, actually joyning himfelf and his Forces 
 with that excommunicate Rebel fdmes Grabame, and thefe un- 
 natural bloody Rebels his followers, did beleager JnnerneflTe, 
 a Towne Garrifoned by the Eftates for the Defence of that part 
 of the Country. And the AiTembly having alfo found that fair 
 means have been ufed for reclaiming of the faid Earle from that 
 wicked and perfidious courfe, by publike Declarations and Pro- 
 clamations , and particular Letters fent to himfelf from thofc 
 that had power in that behalf, And that notwithftanding thereof 
 and of Summonds direct againft him to anfwer to the premifl'es, 
 often called,he doth not appear, but ftill remains obftinate in his 
 wicked courfes*, And after mature deliberation having found his 
 frequent fearfull and groiTe perjuries , his perfidious and wicked 
 confpiracies by Band and Oath , with the publike Enemies of 
 this Kirk and Kingdom, and his other treacherous and wicked 
 pra&ifes focontemptuouflyand pertinacioufly perfifted into,To 
 be haynous offences againft God , and high contempt of all 
 Ecclefiaftical and Civil authority. Therefore the Aflcmbly mo- 
 ved with the Zeal of God,do without a contrary voice Decerne 
 and Ordain the faid George Earle of Seafortto be fummarly ex- 
 communicate , and declared to be one whom Chrift command- 
 Ctrl to be holdcn by all and every one of the Faithfull as an 
 Ethnik and Publicane , and appoints the fentence of excom- 
 munication to be pronounced by Mafter Robert Blair Moderator 
 intheeaft Kirk of this Citic , upon the next Lords day, being 
 the 14 of this Moneth ; And that thereafter publike intimation 
 be made thereof upon a Sabbath day before noone in all the 
 Kirks of this Kingdom fo fooa as advertifement iliall come unto 
 them. 
 
 Enormities 
 
The Cjenerall Ajjembly, \6\6. > 
 
 Enormities and Corruptions obfened to be in the 
 Minjflery^ with the %eniedies thereof. 
 
 Enormities. 
 
 He firft and main fin, reaching ! both to our 
 parfonall carriage and callings , we judge to 
 be , Not ftudying how to keep Communion 
 and Fellowfhip with God in Chrift , but wal- 
 king in a naturall way , without iniployingof 
 Chrift , or drawing vertue from him, to inable 
 us untolanctification, and Preaching in fpirit and power. 
 
 In our Lives. 
 
 1 , 1Y M Uch fruitlefle converting in companie, and complying 
 IV I with the fins of all forts , not behaving our fekes as 
 
 becomes the men of God. 
 
 a . Great worldlinefle is to be found amongft us , minding 
 
 and (peaking moft about things of this life , being bufied about 
 
 many things , but forgetting the main. 
 
 3 Slighting of Gods worlliip in their families,and therefore 
 
 no cordiall urging of it upon others : yea , altogether a wanting 
 
 of it in fome , if it be credible. 
 
 4. Want of gravity in carriage and apparell,diflbluteneflc in 
 haire, and fliaking about the knees, lightnefle in the apparrcli of 
 their wives and children. 
 
 5 . Tippling and bearing companie in untimous drinking in 
 Tavernesand Ale-houfcs,or any where elfe,whcreby the Mini- 
 ftcrie is made vile and contemptible. 
 
 <5. Difcountcnancing of the godly •, fpeaking ill of them,be- 
 caufe of fome that arc unanfwerable to their profeffion. 
 
 7 . The Sabbath not fan cti fled after Sermons, which makcth 
 people think that the Sabbath is ended with the Sermon. 
 
 8. There arc alfo to be found amongft us, who ufc fmall and 
 minced oaths. 
 
 9. Some fo great ftrangcrs to Scripture , that except in their 
 publike Miniltcric , though they read many things , yet they are 
 little converfant in the Scripture, and in meditation thereof : A 
 dutie incumbent to all the people of God. 
 
 In our Callings. 
 
 1. y^lOrrupt entry into the Miniftrie in former times,and fol- 
 
 V^lowing the coutfe of dtf e6tion,though for(aken,vet never 
 
 ferioufly repented : as alfo prelcnc entring into the Miniftcry,as 
 
 to t way orliving in the woild, and not as to t f pirituall calling. 
 
 to 2 a. Helping 
 
6 The (jenerall A\[tmbly y \6 \6. 
 
 2. Helping in , and holding in of infufficient and fufpe&ed 
 men , who favour the things of this life , and keeping the door 
 ftraiter on them whom God hath fealed , then uponthefc who 
 have lcffe evidence of the power of grace and holinefle. 
 
 3 . Partiality in favouring , and fpeaking for the fcandalous, 
 whether Minifters or other perfons, teaching them how to fhifc 
 anddtlayccnfures. 
 
 f. 4. Silence in the publike caufe , not labouring to cure the 
 dilaffe<5tion of people , not urging them to conftancie and pati- 
 ence in bearing of publike burdens, nor to forwardnefle in the 
 publike Caufe •, whereby Malignants are multiplied : yea fome 
 are fo groflfe herein , that even in publike Fafts little or nothing 
 is to be heard from them founding this way. 
 
 5. Some account it a point of wifdome to fpeak ambigu- 
 oufly : fome incline to juftifie the wicked caufe,uttering words 
 which favour of di(affec*tion : and all their complaining of the 
 times , is in fuch a way as may fteal the hearts of people from 
 liking of good Inftruments in this work , and confequently 
 from Gods Caufe : yea, fome reading publike Orders,are ready 
 to fpeak againft them in'their private conference • 
 
 6. Idlencfle, either in feldome Preaching , as once on the 
 Lords day , or in preparation for pablike duties , not being 
 given to reading and meditation : others have but fits ofpaines, 
 not like other Tradefmen continually at their work. 
 
 7. Want of zeal,and love to the converfion of fouls,not be- 
 ing weighted with the want of fucccffc in reclaiming of finncrs, 
 nor fearching in themfelves the caufe of not profiting , preach- 
 ing ex officio , not ex confeientid officii. 
 
 8. Self-feeking in preaching, and a venting rather of their 
 wit and skill , then a fhewing foorth of the wifdome and power 
 of God. 
 
 p. LifelcfnefTe in preaching, not ftudying to be furnifhed by 
 Chrift with power 5 and fo the ordinance of God reacheth not 
 to the confeience : and heereto belongeth the not applying of 
 the doctrine unto the auditory and times. 
 
 10 The indifcreet curing of the indifcretion of pious peo- 
 ple andMinifters,whereby godlinefTc hath gotten a deep wound, 
 and profanitie hath lifted up the head , contrary to that wife and 
 gracious order fet foorth in the Generall Aflembly holdcn at 
 Edinburgh , 1641. 
 
 1 1 Little care to furnifh our Armie , either abroad or at 
 home with Minifters •, One of our grievous fins , and caufes of 
 bur calamity. 
 
 12 Laft, it is to be feared that Minifters in fecret are neg- 
 ligent to wreftle in Prayer, for a bleffing to be poured out 
 upon their labours , contenting themfelves with their publike 
 performances. 
 
 KIMI9IH, 
 
^Tbe (Jfenerall Affembly, \6\ 6* J 
 Remedies* 
 
 i . T7lrftj That Presbyteries make great confcicncc to have all 
 J7* vacant places within their fevcral bounds filled with god- 
 ly and able men , where ever thty be to be found : nnd that un- 
 der pretence of being a helper , or fecond to another , none be 
 taken in, but fuch as are able for the fame charge. 
 
 2. Whereas it is known , that private tryall in Presbyteries 
 are for the moft part perfundt.orious,theBrethrcn are hereby ex- 
 horted to be more fcrious , and faithfull heerein , as they will be 
 anfwerable to Cbrift , the Chief Shepherd : and in a way pre- 
 vious thereto , that Brethren be free , in loving admonition one 
 or another fecrctly , from time to time*, and that whofoevcr 
 keeps not the Presbyteric or Synod, after grave admonitions 
 may come under further cenfures. 
 
 3 . That accuracie be ufed at vifitation of Kirks , and that the 
 Elders one by one ( the reft being removed ) be called in, and 
 examined upon oath upon the Minifters behaviour in his calling 
 and converfatnn. 
 
 4. That courfe be taken to divide Congregations in parts, 
 and by the help not only of Elders in their fevcrall parts , but 
 of neighbors alfo,the cvils,and neglects of perfons and families, 
 may be found out and remedied . 
 
 5 That every Minifter be humbled for his former failings 
 and make his peace with God, that the more effectually he may 
 preach repentance, and may ftand in the gap , to turneaway the 
 Lords wrath : riming between the Porch and the Altar, fighing 
 and crying for all the abominations of the land. 
 
 6. Speciall care would be had , that all Minifters have their 
 converfation in heaven , mainly minding the things of God.and 
 exercifing faith frr drawing life out of JefusChrift the foun- 
 tain of life , arming themfel ves thereby with power againft the 
 contagion and wickedntlTc of the world. 
 
 7 Care would be had ofgodly conference in Presbyteries, 
 even in time of their refrtfhmcnt , and the Moderator is to look 
 to it , that good matter be furniflied thereto. 
 
 8 It is alfo very neceffary for every Minifter that would be 
 fruitfullinthe woik of the Lord, to bring home the Word 
 of God to his own heart and confeience , by Prayer and Medi- 
 tation , both before and after the publike ordinance. 
 
 9. life would be made of the roll of the Pariili,not onely for 
 examination, but alfo forconfidcring the fcveral conditions and 
 difpofitions of the people, that accordingly they may be admo- 
 nifhed, and particularly prayed for by the Minifters in fct ret. 
 
 10. It is very expedient that Minifters have more commu- 
 nion among themfolves for their mutual! ftirring up , and 
 
 C ftrcngth- 
 
8 TheCjeneraUitAjfcmbly, \6\6. 
 
 ftrengthning of their hands in the Lords work , and rectifying 
 of thefe who are not incorrigible. 
 
 ir. That Minifters in all forts of companie labour to bee 
 fruitfully the Salt of the earth, feafoning them they meet with, 
 not only forbearing to drink healths ( Satans fnare , leading to 
 excefle ) but reproving it in others. 
 
 ii. All Minifters would be carefull to cherifli the fmoaking 
 flax of weak beginnings in the wayes of God , and ought cou- 
 ragioufly to oppofe all mockers and revilers of the godly . 
 
 13. Asatalltimes,fofpeciallynow when the Lord is call- 
 ing us all to an account-,it becomes the Minifters of Chrift,with 
 all diligence and faithfulnefle, to improve their Minifterie to che 
 utmoft , to be inftant in ieafon and out of feafon ; yea , even 
 frugally to imploy their time in private, in reading of, and me- 
 ditating on Scripture 5 that the word of God may dwell plen- 
 tifullieinthem. 
 
 14. That the providing the Armies with Minifters be pre- 
 ferred to any congregation , and thefe who are appointed to 
 attend the fame , and arc deficient , be without delay feverelie 
 cenfured according to the A& of the Generall Aflembly j And 
 that all Minifters not only in publike , pray for our Armies,fpe- 
 cially thefe that are to encounter with the bloody enemie within 
 the land, but alfo continually bear them up before the Lord, 
 that their lives being reformed , their hearts and hands may be 
 ilrengthned , and their undertaking at Lift blcfTed of G O D 
 with fucceffe. 
 
 1%. That befide all other fcandals, filence or ambiguous 
 fpeaking in the publike caufe , much more detracting and dif- 
 affectcd fpeaches be feafonablie cenfured : and to this effect , all 
 honeft hearted Brethren would firmlie unite thcmfelves in the 
 Lord , the younger honouring the elder , .and the elder not de- 
 fpifing the younger. 
 
 16 Andfinallie, both for the corruption-of the Minifterie 
 and remedies thereof , we refer the brethren to the Act of the 
 Generall AfTemblie at Edinburgh , 1 5 y 6. revived in the late 
 Affemblie at Glafgow, 1638. to bee found in the printed 
 Act concerning the fame. 
 
 The Generall %^4ffembly Ordains the Enormities abovefpecificd 
 to be try ed and refrained, and that the Remedies thereof for 
 that purpofe be ferioujly obferved and pracJsfed: Recommend- 
 ing ejpectally to Presbyteries and Provincial/ <^fjjemblies, 
 that ufe be made of the fame in vifitation of Kirks and try all 
 pf Presbyteries. 
 
 approbation 
 
The (jenerallAjfembly, i 6 4. 6. <y 
 
 Approbation of the proceedings of the bre^ 
 ceding Ajjembly. 
 
 He Generall AfTcmbly having heard the report of the 
 Committee appointed to confider and examine the 
 proceedings of the Commiffioners of the late Gene- 
 ral! Aflembly holden at Edinburgh in the yecr 1646. 
 f And after ferious consideration thereof, finding that the whole 
 yV&s, Proceedings , and Conclusions of the (aids CommiOio- 
 bcis, contained in the Regilrer fubferibedby M. Andrew Ker 
 their Clerk, and by M. Robert Ramfay Moderator to the faid 
 Committee, do declare much Wifdora, Diligence, Vigilancic^ 
 and commendable Zeal; And that the faid CommiiTioners have 
 orderly and formally proceeded in everything, according to 
 their Commiffion: Do therefore ratjfie aqd .approve the faid 
 whole A 6ts, Proceedings, and Conclufions of the Commiflio- 
 ncrs of the faid Aflembly. 
 
 __ 1 , 
 
 ij.funii \6 \6. 7 J ofimeridiem^. 
 SefT. X I. 
 
 AU for joyning of the ^Presbyteries in Orkney 
 andTLttlmato tbeTroyincialofCaxhncs. 
 
 :He Generall AfTembly,confidering that the Presbyterie 
 ' of Ktrkvoali in Orknay and the Presbyterie of Scalloway 
 in Zetland have never met in any Provincial AfTcmbly, 
 wherethrough great abufes and diforders are there committed, 
 Therefore the AfTembly hereby joyns the fatdtwo Presbyteries 
 to the Provinciall of Cathnes and Sutherland , And Appoints all 
 the Minifters and Elders of the faid Presbyteries hereafter , to 
 meet at the faid Provinciall AfTembly, and to have place to rea- 
 fon and vote therein as members of the faid Provinciall. And 
 ilcklike ordains the faids two Presbyteries to be of fubordinatc 
 Jurifdi&ion to the faid Provincial! Aflembly ^ Declaring here- 
 by, that the faid Provinciall fhall confift of the Presbyteries of 
 Cathnesy Sutherland, Orknaj, and Zetland in all time coming. 
 And appoints them to meet onely once in the yeer,in refpedt of 
 their great diftance and interjection of feas •, And that the firfl: 
 meeting be at Thurfo in Cathnes upon the third Tuefday of Au- 
 guft next , and thereafter as flull be appointed by the faid Pro- 
 vincial! Aflembly. 
 
 C 2 17 J-unii 
 
io The (fenerall Ajfembly^ \6 \6. 
 
 17. funii \6\6. Tojlmeridiem-j. 
 
 Scir. xi in. 
 
 A3 concerning ExpeBants ^reaching 
 in publi/g-. 
 
 He Generall Affembly difcharges any perron to preacfvl 
 
 in publike under the name and notion of an Expectant, 
 or under any other pretence whatfoever, except fuch as 
 (hall be tryed and found qualified according to the Ads of the 
 Generall Aflembly •, Recommending to Presbyteries and Pro-3 
 vincialls to lake fpeciall notice thereof , and to cenfure the trank 
 grelTors accordingly. 
 
 A3 for cenfuringtke comply ersmpith thepublikg 
 enemies ofthti Kjrl^andKjngdomu. 
 
 SHe Generall Affembly taking to their ferious con- 
 18Ti« federation the great and fcandalous provocation 
 JKL SS and grievous dete&ion from the pubhke Caufe , 
 mWlww which fome have beene guiltieof, by complying 
 with the Rebels the publike enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom : 
 And judging it a dutie incumbent to them to bring fuch notori- 
 ous ofrendersto publike fatisfa<5tion,that the wrath of God may 
 be averted ,and the publike fcandall removed -, Do therefore Re- 
 quire, Decern, and Ordain, that fuch as after lavvfull tryall fliall 
 be found to have been in adtuall Rebellion and to have carried 
 charge with the Rebels, To have accepted Commiflions for 
 raiting Horfe or Foot unto them , To have been feducers of 
 others to joyn in that Rebellion , To be the Penners or contri- 
 vers of fames Grahames Proclamation for indicting a pretended 
 Parliament, or of any other his Proclamations or Declara- 
 tions, To have beene prime Inftruments in caufing publifli 
 the faid Proclamations and Declarations •, That all and eve- 
 ry one of fuch offenders fhall humbly acknowledge their of- 
 fence upon their knees , firft before the Prcsbyterie , and 
 thereafter before the Congregation upon a Sabbath , in fome 
 place before the Pulpit •, And in the mean time that they be fuf- 
 pended from the Lords Supper : And in cafe they do not fatif- 
 fie in manner forefaid,that they be proceffed with Fxcommuni- 
 cation. And Jikewife Ordains, that fuch as (hall be found to 
 have procured Protections from the Rebels, To have execute 
 their orders, To have invited them to their houfes. To have gi- 
 ven them intelligence , To have drank fames Grabames health, 
 
 or 
 
'The Generall JJfembly, i 6 4. <J. n 
 
 or to be guilty of any other fuch grofe degrees of complyance, 
 (hall acknowledge their offences publikcly before the Congrega- 
 tion, and be fufpended from the Communion ay and while they 
 doe the fame. And further Decernes and O rdains,that all per- 
 form in any Ecclefiaftick office guilty of any degrees of comply- 
 ance before mcntioned,fhal be fufpended fromtheiromccandall 
 cxercife thereof, for fuch time as the quality of the offence and 
 condition of the offenders (hall be found to deferve •, And the 
 AlTembly hereby declares, that Presbyteries have a latitude and 
 liberty to agreadge the cenfurcs abovefpecified,according to the 
 degrees and circumftances of the offences-, And gives in like ma- 
 ncr the fame latitude and liberty to the Commiffioners of this 
 Aflcmbly for publike affairs , who have alfo power to try and 
 cenfurethc offenders in manner above expreft , and to take ac- 
 count of the diligence of Presbyteries thcreintill. 
 
 Jil concerning lames Grahams Proclamation. 
 
 ♦£\cJ>,(§*He Generall AlTembly having confidered a copie of a 
 ♦H T<§* Proclamation publifhed by order of that excommu- 
 ^ ? nicat Traitor $*mes Grahsm^ox indi&ing of a preten- 
 •gTri* ded Parliamcnt,and finding the fame to be full of blafc 
 phemies againft the folemn League and Covenant of the three 
 Kingdoms , and of vile afperfions of Treafon, Rebellion , and 
 Sedition,moft falfly and impudently imputed to the Eftates,and 
 moft faith full and loyall Subjects of this Kingdome : Doe 
 thcrforc declare,That fuch as have bin prime Internments of the 
 publifhing of that or the like Proclamation and Declaration,de- 
 ferve the higheft cenfurcs of the Kirk,unlefTe they make humble 
 confeffion of their offence publikcly, in fuch manner as is prefcri- 
 bed by this Affembly-, And humbly Recommends to the Com- 
 mittee of Eftates to take fome courfc for their exemplary civill 
 punifhment, and that fome publike note of ignominie be put up- 
 on that Proclamation as their Honors fhall think meet. 
 
 j 8. funii \6\6. Antemeridiem. 
 
 Sell U!t. 
 
 <*All againjl loojing of Ships and 'Barfy upon 
 the Lords T)ay. 
 
 SS^He Generall Aflcmbly underfhnding how much the 
 Jjjijjjj Lords day is profaned by Skippers and other Seafaring 
 men , Do therefore difcharge and inhibite all Skippers and Sai- 
 lers to begin any voyage on the Lords day ,or to looie any Ships, 
 
 D Barks 
 
iz The (jenerallAlfembly y i 6 4. 6* 
 
 Barks or Boats out of Harbcry or Road upon that day , And 
 who fliall doe in the contrary hereof, fhallbc ccnfuredaspro- 
 faners of the Sabbath : Recommending to Presbyteries and 
 others whom it may concerne to fee both the Ads of Aflembly 
 and Parliament made for cenfuring and punifhing profanation of 
 the Lords day , to be put in execution againft them. 
 
 AB anent Children fent without the Kingdom. 
 
 ^Hercas divers Children have been fent without 
 the Kingdom to be bred abroad , and have 
 been or in time coming may be expofed to the 
 temptations of feducers,and drawn away from 
 the Trueth eftablifhed and profeffed within 
 this Church to errour of Poperie , or other 
 Se&s and Herefies : Therefore the Aflembly Ordains, that the 
 Parents or Friends of Children and Minors, fhall before they 
 fend them without the Kingdom, firft acquaint the Presbytery 
 where they refidc , that they may have their Tcftimoniall dire- 
 cted to the Presbytery or ClalTe within the Kingdom of France^ 
 or England , or Ireland , and at the time of thefe Childrens re- 
 turn from any of the {aids Kingdoms , to report ane Teftimo- 
 niall from the Presbytery or Synode where they lived without 
 the Kingdom of their breeding there , and to fhew the fame to 
 the Presbytery within the Kingdom who gave them a Tefti- 
 raoniall at their way going. Likeas the Aflembly Ordains all 
 Presbyteries to try if any Children have been fent to Popifh 
 Schooles or Colledges without the Kingdom ; And if any be 
 found,that their names be given to the Presbytery or Commif- 
 fioners of the Aflembly, that the fame may be prefented to the 
 Honourable Lords of Secret Councell , or Committee of fi- 
 liates, that their Lordfhips may be humbly defired by their au- 
 thority to recall them,that after return to this Kingdom a courfe 
 may be taken, according to the former Ordinances of Gcnerall 
 Aflemblies, for their breeding in the true Religion. 
 
 Overtures prefented to the Ajjembly. 
 
 I. '"T^Hat correfpondence be keeped among Presbyteries 
 JL conftantly by letter without prejudice of perfbnall cor- 
 refpondence when need requires, whereby one Presbyterie may 
 underftand what many arc doing, and they may be mutually 
 a flirting each to other. 
 
 1 1. That for the better breeding of young men to the 
 Minifterie who are not able to furnifh themfclves in charges to 
 attend in the Univerfities,that thePresbyterics where they refidc 
 appoint fome to direct their ftudies, 
 
 III. That 
 
TToe CjeneraU Affernbly, \6\6. 13 
 
 III. That it be recommended to all the Univcrfitiesto con- 
 difcend upon the beft Overtures for the mofl^profitable teaching 
 of Grammar and Phylofophy , and as they may meet at the 
 CommiiTion of the Gencrall AfTembly to make the matter ripe 
 for the next AfTembly. 
 
 The x^iffcmbly approves the[e Overtures , and recommends Ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 I V. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Chrift 
 may be fpread through the Highlands and Iflands ( for in lack 
 whereof the land hath fmarted in the late troubles ) thefc 
 courfes be taken: i .Let an order be procured,that all Gentlemen 
 who are able, at lean; fend their eldeftfons to be bred in the 
 Inland. 2 . That a Minifterie be planted amongft them ,and for 
 that effect that Minifters and expectants who can fpeak the Irifh 
 language be fent to imploy their talents in thefc parts, and that 
 the Kirks there be provided as other Kirks in this Kingdome. 
 3. That Scots Schools be erected in all Parifhcs there, according 
 to the h& of Parliament, where conveniently they can be had. 
 4. That Minifters and ruling Elders that have the Irifh language 
 be appointed to vifit thefe parts. 
 
 The Affembly approves this Overture, and recommends this pur- 
 pose to further con(ideration,thatmore Overtures may be pre- 
 pared thereanent againfl the next ^Affembly. 
 
 V. That for keeping the Univerfities pure , and provoking 
 the ProfeiTors of Divinitie to greater diligence , each Profeflor 
 in the Univerfities of this Church and Kingdom, bring with 
 him or fend with the Commiflioner who comes to the General 
 AfTembly, ane perflt and well written copie of his Dictates , to 
 be reviled by the Generall Aflembly, or fuch as they fhall 
 appoint for that work ilk year. 
 
 The ^(fembly continues the determination of a constant 
 and perpetuall order herein untill the next affembly Jbut in 
 the mean time de fires the profeffors of Divinity to pre fent to 
 the next A\]embly their Dt dates of Divinity wberof the pro- 
 fejfors prefent are to give intimation to the profe([ors abjent 
 
 V I. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they 
 enter the Miniftery, which holds many of them long at under, 
 would crave the Aflemblies judgement and authority , that 
 Minifters Manfcs and Stipends may be all made free to the In- 
 trant. 
 
 The affembly refers and recommends to the Commiffionersfor 
 publike affairs to [eek redrejje in this matter from the Ho- 
 norable Ejlates of Varliamcr>t,and to conftder of fome fitting 
 Overtures to be presented to their Honours for that effect. 
 
 D a Renovation 
 
14. The (jfenerall Affetnbly, \6 \6* 
 
 Renovation of the Commifion for the bub ^ 
 like affairs of the Kirk. 
 
 [He Gencrall Aflembly taking to their con fide- 
 ration that in refped the great work of Unifor- 
 mity in Religion in all hisMajefties Dominions 
 is not yet perfited, (though by the Lords blef- 
 fing there is a good progrefle made in the fame) 
 there is ancceffityof renewing the Commif- 
 fions granted formerly for profecuting and perfiting that great 
 work •, Doc therefore renew the power and Commiffion grant- 
 ed for the publikc affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Affcmblics 
 held inS. Andrews in the year 1642. and in Edinburgh 1643. 
 1644. and 1645. unto the perfons following, viZi Mafters 
 Alexander Henderfon , Robert Douglas , William Colvil , William 
 Sennet , George Gillefpie , John ofwatd , John Adamfon , William 
 Dalgletfb , David Calderwood, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John 
 Dalycll , James Wright , John Knox , Adam Penman, Robert Lich- 
 toun , Alexander Dickcfon , Patrick Fleeming , John Hay , Richard 
 Dickefon , Thomas PajJ'e , David Drummond, Alexander Somervil/, 
 Robert Eliot , Robert Blair , James Bruce , Robert Traile, Samuel 
 Ruth er fur d , Alexander ColviU , Walter Greg , Alexander Balfour, 
 George Thomjon , John Moncreiff, John Smith , Patrick Gillefpie, 
 John Duncan , James Sibbala , Alexander CajJ'e , John Hume, 
 Alexander Kinneir, Walter Swintonn, Robert Knox, William Pen- 
 man, James Guthrie, Thomas Donald fn, William Jamefon,Thomas 
 Wtlkie, John Knox, Robert Man ay, John Freebairn,Robert Wright, 
 David Aucht er Ionic y William CMaior, Samuel Aujtein, John Lcir- 
 monty Andrew Lauder, James Irving,^ lexander Turnbull,James 
 Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, Patrick Colvil, Matthew Birf- 
 bane, John Hamiltoun, Allan Fergufon, Robert Ramfay, leo.Toung, 
 David Dickfon , Robert Bailie , James Nafmith , John Lindfay, 
 John Weir, Evan Cameron, James Affleck, John Robifon, Andrew 
 Eliot, Stlveficr Lambie , Laurence Skinner, William Rate , David 
 Campbel, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindfay, Gilbert 
 Ander f on, Alexander Gar rioch, William J affray, Thomas Law, 
 William Campbell, Walter Stewart Minifters ^ And Archibald 
 Marquefle of Argyle, John Earle of Crawfurd-Lindfay , Wil- 
 liam Earlc Marfhall, William Earle of Glcncairn, John Earle of 
 Caftils , Charles Earle of Dumfermling , James Earle of Tulli- 
 bardine, Francis Earle of Bacleugh, John Earle of Lauderdale, 
 William Earle of Lothian, William Earlc of Lanerk, Archibald 
 Lord Angus, ^o/w Lord Balmerino, Robert Lord Burleigh,^^» 
 Mjfter of Yefter, Sir Patricl^Hepbum of Waughtoun, Sir John 
 Hope of CraighalljSir Archibald Johnflon of Warifton,Sir David 
 
 Hume 
 
The CjeneraU Ajjembly, \6^6, 15 
 
 Hume of Wedderburn, Sir Robert Jnnes of that ilk, Sir William 
 Batly of Lamington, Sir John Mimcretjfc of that ilk, James Mac- 
 dougalcti Garthland, ?atrickCockburnox Clarkingeon, Sir Hugh 
 Campbeloi Cefnock, Sir William Cunningham of Cunningham- 
 head,^^ HumeoA Blackader , Sir James Dundas of Arnifton, 
 Alex. Forbes Tutor of Pitfligo,M. Geo. Winrham o>{ Libberton, 
 David Wcemes or Fingask , M. Francis Hay of Balhoufie, Alex. 
 2?ra//>ofthatilk, M.Alex.Colvil of Blair, Geo. Dundasot Dudi- 
 fton, Wtlliam Mooroi Glanderfton, Sir James Nicelfon of Col- 
 brandfpaith, John Edgar of Wedderlie, William Hume of Lent- 
 hill, James Ruchhead^ uaurencc Henderfon, and James Stuart Bai- 
 lies of Edinburgh, George Porterfield Proved of Glafgow, Wil. 
 //ww* there, Ro.Arnot Proveft of Perth, John Scmple Proved of 
 Dumbarton, John Kennedie Proveft of Air, M.David Wcemes y 
 Geo.Gardtne, John John ft oun^ Tho. PaterJon,Tho. White , John 
 Sletgh Elders. Giving unto them full power and Commiflion 
 To do ail and every thing for profecuting,advancing,perfe<5t ing, 
 and bringing the faid work of Uniformity in Religion in all His 
 Majeff ies Dominions to a happy conclufion, conform to the for- 
 mer Gommiflions granted by preceding AlTemblies thercanent. 
 And tothateffed appoints them , or any feventeen of them, 
 whereof thirteen fhall be Minifters , To meet at Edinburgh the 
 19 of this Moneth,and thereafter upon the fecond Wednefdaies 
 of Auguft,Novembcr,Februar,and May next to comc,and upon 
 any other day , and in any other place they fhall think meet. And 
 further, renews to the perfons before named, the power conrai- 
 tained in the Aft of the faid Aflembly 1643. Intituled , A refe- 
 rence to the Commission anent the perfons defigned to repair to the 
 Kingdom of England -, As alfo the power contained in two feve- 
 rall Acts of the faid Aflembly 1644. SefT.6. made againfi fecret 
 difaffefters of the Covenant, and for [ending Minifters to the Armie, 
 with full power to them to treat and determine in the matters 
 aforefaid,and in all other matters referred unto them by this Af- 
 fembly , as fully and freely as if the fame were here particularly 
 exprefled, and with as ample power as any Commiflion of for- 
 mer Gcnerall AlTemblies hath had , or been in ufe of before ♦, 
 They being alwayes for their whole proceedings comptable to, 
 and cenfurable by the next Geneiall Aflembly. 
 
 T^enovation of the Co mm if ion for profecuting 
 the Treaty for 'Uniformity in England. 
 
 [He Generall Aflembly, Taking to their confideration 
 that the Treatie of Uniformity in R cligion in all His 
 Majefties Dominions is not yet perfected, Therefore 
 Renews the power and Commiflion granted by pre- 
 ceding AlTemblies for profecuting that Treatie , unto tnefc 
 
 E pcrlons 
 
1 6 T^be (jenerall (tAjfembly, i 6 4. 6 . 
 
 perfons after named, viz,. M. Alexander Henderfon , M.Robert 
 DougUs, M. Samuel Rutherford, M. J?<?^r/ &f///V, M. Gco.Gilefptc 
 Minifters ? And Jo/w Earle of Lauderdale, John Lord Balme- 
 rino, and Sir Archibald J>ohnfton of Warifton Elders $ Authori- 
 zing them with full power to profecute the faid Treatie of Uni- 
 formity with the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament of Etxg- 
 /W,and the Reverend Aflembly of Divines there ,or any Com- 
 mittees appointed by them : And to do all and every thing 
 which may advance, perfect, and bring that Treatie to an happy 
 conclufion, conform to the former Commiflions given there- 
 anent. 
 
 The ASSEMBLIES ANSWER 
 
 T O 
 
 The KINGS MAjESTIE. 
 
 z5A<fay itpleaftjour Majeftie, 
 
 Aving received your Majefties Letter with 
 thankfulnefle, we thought it our dutie to fend 
 fome of our number to wait upon your Maje- 
 ftie, and prefent our humble defires more par- 
 ticularly then at this time could be exprefled 
 by writ ^ And we are confident your Majeftie 
 will interprets our freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a 
 re ill teftimonie of our unfained affection, who have conftantly 
 laboured to approve our felves in all fidelity to our Lord and 
 Mafter Jefus Chrift , and in all loyaltie to your Majeftie •, And 
 are refolved to walk ftill after the fame rule in our feverall ftati- 
 ons and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you , that God 
 may multiply all forts of Mercies upon your Royall Perfbn and 
 P of ferity , and more and more incline your heart to the fpeedie 
 following of the Counfcls of Tructh and Peace, and grant unto 
 your Majeftie a long and happy Reign , that we may live under 
 you a peaceable and quiet life, in all godlineiTe and honefty . 
 
 Subfcribed in name of the 
 
 . Edinburgh, Narionall Aflembly of 
 
 18 fami 1 6^6. the Kiri of Scotland by 
 
 the Moderator. 
 
 The 
 
The Cjenerall Jjjem bly, i 6 4, 6. 17 
 
 The Jflemblies Letter to the 'Plight Honorable 
 
 the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of 
 
 England affembledat Weftminiter. 
 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE, 
 
 *^jrf^.'y«kHeieport of the great things which the Lord 
 r^ hath done for your Honours, hath gone forth 
 into many Lands , and it becometh us leaft of 
 any either to (mother or extenuate the fame ; 
 We defire to be enlarged in the admiration of 
 the Power and Mcrcie of God the Author,and 
 to diminifh nothing of that praife that is due unto you as inftru- 
 ments. When the Lord fee your Honours upon the Bench of 
 Judgment,both the Kirk and Common wealth of England were 
 arfli&ed with inteftineand bofomeevills,the cure whereof could 
 not but be very difficult, becaufe they were not only many , but 
 for the moft partUniverfal and deeply rootcd,fheltred under the 
 fhadow of Cuftome and Law , and fupported with all the wif- 
 dom and ftrengthofthe Malignant and Prclaticall paitre-, who 
 rather chofe to involve the Land in an unnaturall and bloody 
 Warre, then to fail of their ambitious and treacherous defignes, 
 againft Religion , the priviledges of Parliament, and the Lawes 
 and Liberties of theKingdom: Neither hath that miferable crew 
 been wanting to their owne ends, but for many years together 
 hath defperatly purfucd their refolutions in Arms-, And was 
 likely to have prevailed, if the Lord had not put himfelf in the 
 breach, and furnifhed you with much Patience, Wifdom, 
 Courage , and Conftancy, in the midft of many difficulties and 
 diftrefles •, and at laft with fo glorious and triumphing a fuc- 
 cefTe, that the Enemy hath fallen every where before you , and 
 there is none left to appear againft you. Thefc things as they be 
 the matter of our refrefhment and of your glory, fo doe they lay 
 a ftrong obligation upon your Honours to walke humbly with 
 your God, and to improve the power he hath put into your hands 
 for the advancement of the Kingdom of his Son , and bringing 
 forth of th« head-Stone of his Houfe. The (low progrefle of the 
 work of God hath al wayes been the matter of our forrow, which 
 is now increafed by the multiplication of the fpirits of errour 
 anddclufion, that drowne many fouls into perdition, andfo 
 ftiengthen themlelves , that they (hall afterward be laboured 
 againft with more pains then fuccefle , if a fpeedy and effedfuall 
 remedie be not provided. And therefore as the fervants of the 
 living God, who not onely fend up our fupplications daily for 
 you,but have hazard our felvesin vour defence, We doearncftly 
 befeech your Honors in the bowels of jefus Chrift,to give un- 
 to him the glory that is due unto his Name , by a nmous eft tbli- 
 
 E 2 filing 
 
i8 The (jeneralldjfembly^ i 6 \6. 
 
 filing all his Ordinances in the full integrkie and power thereof, 
 according to the League and Covenant. As long as the Aflem- 
 bly of Divines was in debate,and an enemy in the fields,we con- 
 ceived that thefe might be probable grounds of delay, which 
 being now removed out of the way, we do promife to our felves 
 From your Wifdom, FaithfulnefTc, and Zeale , the perfiting of 
 that which was the main ground of our engagement,and a chief 
 matter of confolation unto us in all our fad and heavy fuffcrings, 
 from the hand of a raoft cruell Enemy. We know that there is 
 a generation of men who retard the work of Uniformity, and 
 foment Jealoufies betwixt the Nations , ftudying if it were pof- 
 fible, to break our bands afunder s But we truft, that he that (its 
 in the Heavens will Laugh , and that the Lord fhall have them 
 in derifion, that he fhal fpeak to them in his wrath and vex them 
 in his fore difpleafurc , and notwithstanding of all that they can 
 do,fet his King upon his holy hill of Sion,and make thefe Nati- 
 ons happy in the fweet fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The 
 fearcher of hearts knows that we defire to hold faft the band of 
 our Covenant, asfacred and inviolable ♦, being per fwaded that 
 the breach of fo folemne a tye could not but haften down upon 
 our heads acurfc and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the 
 world,and involve thefe Kingdoms in fader calamities then they 
 have yet ken ^ And we abhor to entertain any otherthought of 
 you: Nay we arc confident that your Honours will feriouily 
 indeavourtheprofecutionofall thefe ends defigned in the Co- 
 venant , and the bringing thefe Nations unto the neereft con- 
 junction both in judgement and affe&ion, efpecially in thefe 
 things tha^ concern Religion, which without all controverfie, is 
 the readied and fureft way of attaining and fecuring the Peace 
 and Profperity of both Kingdoms. 
 
 Subfcribed in name of the 
 Edinburgh 18 J-unii \6\6. Generali Aflcmbly by 
 
 the Moderator. 
 
 The Ajjemhlies Letter to the %ight Honorable 
 
 the Lord Major, Aldermen^/**/ Common- 
 
 Counfell of the City of London. 
 
 Our late and feafonable teftimony given to the Truth 
 of the Gofpel, and your affection to the Peace of the 
 Kingdoms,manifefted in your humble Remonftrance 
 and Petition to the Honorable Houfes of Parliament, 
 hath fo revived the remembrance of your former Faith and 
 Zealand proclaimed you the worthy feed of fo noble anceftors 
 in that famous City, As we cannot but acknowledge with all 
 
 thank- 
 
^The Cjenerall AJfembly, 16 \6. 19 
 
 thankfulnefTe the grace of God beftowed on you, and ftirre you 
 up to take notice , how fince you were precious in the Lords 
 fight, you have been ever Honourable, The Lord hath loved 
 you, given men for you,and people for your life: Whatan ho- 
 nour was it in the dayes of old,when the fire of the Lord was in 
 Zion, and his furnace in your tferujalem ( even in Queen Maries 
 dayes ) that there were found in you men that loved not their 
 lives unto the death < What a glory in after times, when Satan 
 had his Throne and Antichrift his Seat in the midft of you, that 
 there were ftill found not a few that kept their Garments clean ? 
 But the greateft praife of the good hand of God upon you hath 
 been in this, That amidft the many Mifts of Errour and Herefie 
 which have rifen from the bottomleflc pit , to be-lpot the face 
 and darken the glory of the Church , (. while the Bride is a ma- 
 king ready for the Lamb ) you have he'd the Trueth, and moft 
 pioufly endeavoured the fetling of Chrift upon his Throne. We 
 need not remember how zealous you have been in the Caufe of 
 God , nor how you have laid out your felves and cftates in the 
 maintenance thereof, nor how many acknowledgements of the 
 iame you have had from the Honourable Houfes, nor how pre- 
 cious a remembrance will be had of you in after ages for your 
 felling of all to buy the Pearl of price : We only at this time do 
 admire , and in the inward of our hearts do bleflc the Lord for 
 your right and deep apprchenfions of the great and important 
 meters of Chrift in his Royall Crown,and ofthe Kingdoms in 
 their Union , while the Lord maketh offers to bring our Ship 
 ( fo much afflicted and totted with tempeft ) to the fafe Harbour 
 of Trueth and Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal againft 
 Seels and Sectaries ♦, your care of Reformation,accordingto the 
 word of God,and the example of the beft Reformed Churches -, 
 your earneft endeavours and noble adventures, for preferving of 
 the rights and priviledges of Parliament , and Liberties of the 
 Kingdomes , Together with his Majefties juft power and great- 
 neffe •, and your high profeffion, that it is not in the power of 
 any humane authority to difcharge or abfolve you from adhear- 
 ing unto that our ( fo f olemnely fworn ) League and Covenant, 
 or to enforce upon you any fenfe contrary to the letter of the 
 fame-, Bcfides your other good fervices done unto the Lord and 
 to us, in the ftrengthening ofthe hands of the reverend Af- 
 fembly of Divines, and of our CommifTioners in their aflerting 
 ofthe government of Chrift ( which the more it betricd will be 
 ever found the more precious Truth)and vindicating of the fame 
 from the ufurpation of man,and contempt ofthe wicked. Thele 
 all as they are fo many teftimonies ofyour Pietie, Loyaltie, and 
 undaunted refolution to ftand for Chrift-, So are they and dull 
 ever be fo many obligations upon us your Brethren , to eftcem 
 highly of you in the Lord, to bear you on our brefts before him 
 
 F night 
 
2o The (jenerall ^Ajfembly^ \6\6. 
 
 night and day,and to contribute our beft endcavours,and to im- 
 prove all opportunities for your encouragement. And now we 
 befeech you in the Lord,Honorable & welbeloved,go on in this 
 your ftrength^and in the power of his might who hath honoured 
 you to be faithfull , (land fail in that liberty wherewith Chrift 
 hath made you free -, And in the purfuance of this truth, we are 
 confidents you have,fo you will never ceafe to ftudy the Peace 
 and neerer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a three- 
 fold cord is not eafily broken. Now the Lord Jefus Chrift 
 himfelf , and God even our Father, which hath loved and 
 honoured you,and given you everlafting confolation, and good 
 help through grace, comfort your hearts, and ftablifh you in 
 every good word and work. 
 
 Subfcribed in name of the 
 Edinburgh 1 8 Junii \6q6. Generall AlTembly by 
 
 the Moderator. 
 
 The Jffemblies Letter to the right T^gver end 
 the Ajjembly ofDhines in the Kirh^ ^Eng- 
 land ajjembled at VVeftminfter. 
 
 tJWucb Honoured and right Reverend, 
 
 Mongft other fruits of this our precious liberty .after 
 fuch diffipation bySword and Peft ilence,to meeta- 
 gain,we account it not the leau\to have the oppor- 
 tunity of making a publike Declaration of our ear- 
 
 f i * - 1 - 1 
 
 idsfl neft affection to all our brethren of thatNation,and 
 efpeciallyyour felves of the Reverend Affembly at Wejiminfier. 
 When we were lately in a very low condition, we may fay that 
 our own fufferings and fcars,although imbittcrcd with the fenfe 
 of the Lords difpleafure againft our lukewarmnefleand unfaith- 
 fulnefle-, yet they did not (otake up our heart,but that room was 
 left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all their f uc- 
 cefies, and to condole with them in all their dangers t, And if at 
 any time any here feemed to be more jealous then godly jealoufie 
 would allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing 
 clfe, but to the vehemencie of ardent affection , and impatient 
 deiire to have our brethren there and us joyncd neerer to Chrift^ 
 and neerer to one another in all his Ordinances * and efpeciaily 
 in Prcsbytenall Government, fo well warranted by the Word, 
 and approven by experience of our owneand other reformed 
 Chinches-, Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have 
 been blefled with a large increafe , which yet hath proved (till 
 a Iced unto a further and more glorious expected harveft. There 
 
 could 
 
The (jenerall Ajfembly, i 6 4. 6. 21 
 
 could not be wifhed by mortall men a fairer opportunity then is 
 caft in your laps^ being invited and charged by lo high an 
 authority,to give fo free and publike a teftimony to thofe truths, 
 which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue 
 and pen, by tears and blood have more privately aflerted •, The 
 fmalleft of Chrifts truths ( it it be lawfiill to call any of them 
 fmall) is of greater moment , then all the other bufineiTes that 
 ever have been debated fince the beginning of the world to this 
 day •, But the higheft of honours and heaviefl: of burdens is put 
 upon you, to declare out of the facred records of Divine Truth, 
 what is the prerogative of the Crown aud extent of the Scepter 
 of Jefus Chrift , what bounds are to be (et between Him ruling 
 in his Houfe,and powers eftablifhed by God on Earth, how and 
 by whom his Houfe is to be governed , and by what vvayes a 
 reftraint is to be put on thefe who would pervert his Truth, and 
 Subvert the faith of many . No doubt mountains of oppositi- 
 ons arile , and goolfs of difficulties open up themfelves in this 
 your way -, But you have found it is God that girdeth you with 
 Strength and maketh your way perfect and plain before you, 
 who hath delivered, and doth deliver,and will yet deliver. We 
 need not put you in minde that as there lyeth at this time a ftricTr 
 tye on all , fo in a f peciall manner both you and we are ingsged 
 to interpofe our (elves between God and thefe Kingdomes, be- 
 tween the two Nations , between the King and the People, for 
 averting of deferved wrath, for continuing and increafing of a 
 well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us lyeth a right 
 fettling of Religion and Church- Government •, That when we 
 fhill deep with our fathers , the Posterity here and abroad may 
 be reaping the fruits of our labours. 
 
 We are fully allured of your constant and fedulous promoving 
 of this bleiTed Work,and of the Lords affifting and carrying you 
 on therein: And are confident that your late experience and pre- 
 fent fenfe of the great danger and fearfull confufion flowing 
 from the rile and grouth of Sects and Sectaries not fuppreflcd, 
 hath ftirred up in your hearts raoft fervent defires, 3nd carefull 
 endeavours for remedying the fame, wherein we exhort you to 
 continue and abound •, knowing that your labours fhall not be in 
 vain in the Lord, to whofe rich grace we commend you,and the 
 work in your hands. 
 
 Subfcribed in name of the 
 Edinburgh 1 8 fmii 1 646. Gcnerall AlTembly by 
 
 the Moderator. 
 
 *! 
 
 ccom- 
 
2Z The (jenerall Affembly, \6 \6. 
 
 %ecommendation to 'Presbyteries and 
 Provincial! Ajjemblies. 
 
 ^He AfTembly recommends to feverall Presbyteries 
 * and Provinciall Aflemblies, to confider the interelts 
 of particular congregations,in the calling.and admif- 
 fion ot Miniftcrs , with all thefe queftions that ufually fall out 
 upon that occafion •, And to report their opinions to the next 
 Aflembly, with fome fit Overtures for preventing all contefts 
 in that matter. 
 
 a. The Aflembly recommends to Presbyteries and Pro- 
 vinciall AfTemblies to confider all the matters referred by pre- 
 ceding Aflemblies to the confidcration of Presbyteries , And 
 to report their opinions therein to the next Aflembly. 
 
 AB for a publify Fajl before the next 
 sAffembly. 
 
 [He Aflembly having confidered an A&of the 
 Aflembly i 644. Seff. Ult. enioyning a pub- 
 Iikc Faft to be keeped in all the Kirks of the 
 City where the General Aflembly holds upon 
 the firft day of the meeting of the Aflembly; 
 And finding fome inconveniencies therein, 
 Therefore at this time untill the matter be further confidered, 
 Appoints a publike Fail and Humiliation for the Lords blefling 
 to the meeting of the next Aflembly ,to be univerfally obferved 
 in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the Sabbath next ex- 
 cept one preceding the (aid next Aflembly«,The cxercifes for the 
 members of the Aflembly at their firft meeting, Being ftill ob- 
 ferved according to the ancient and laudable pra&ifc of this 
 Kirk , This appointment notwithftanding. 
 
 Tffe Aflembly appoints the meeting of the next Generall Aflem- 
 bly to be at Edinburgh upon thefrjl Wcdnejday of^uguft 
 1 647. 
 
 INDEX 
 
INDEX OF THE ACTS OF 
 
 The Cjeneratt<iAffembly not Trinted, \6\6. 
 
 T eftion of M-Robert TLir Mode- 
 rator. SeiT.i 
 ( ommittee for tryal of the Com- 
 miiTions cueftioned. Sell. 2 
 
 Committee for References, Reports,and 
 Appeals. Jb. 
 
 Committee for Bills and Overtures, lb. 
 
 Committee for examining the proceed- 
 ing of the Commiflioners or the pre- 
 ceding Affembly. lb. 
 
 Committee for revifingthe Provinciall 
 Books. jb. 
 
 Commiflxon from Ireland for reprcfent- 
 ing the condition of the Kirk there, lb. 
 
 Letters fiom the Committee at Nevvca- 
 flle,the Generall,and the Commiilio- 
 ners at London. lb. 
 
 Ref concerning the printed Papers fent 
 from the Coinmiilioners at London to 
 the Commif. Aflem. lb. 
 
 Thanks to M.David Calderwood i with a 
 recommendation to him concerning 
 theHittory oftheKirk. lb. 
 
 Aft concerning the charitable contribu- 
 tion for the diitrefled Brethren in Ar- 
 gyle. lb. 
 
 Order for re-printing the Anfwer of the 
 Houfe of Lords to the City of Londui.s 
 Remonftrance. lb. 
 
 Ref. to the Commif. Aflem. concerning 
 abfents from this Aflembly. Sdffi J 
 
 Report concerning the Kirks of Leving- 
 (ton and Mamanna approven. lb. 
 
 Recom. fent by Will. Hume to the Farle 
 otWintott, concerning the Lord Sem- 
 fils education. Sell. 4 
 
 Recom. to the Province of Merce and 
 Tcviotdale,for abolishing VeMival and 
 Patron dayes in thtfe bounds , and to 
 report their diligence to the next Al- 
 fembly. lb. 
 
 Committee for the Querees from the 
 Province of Merce. lb. 
 
 Com. for the Petitions from Ireland. *b. 
 
 Recom. tor M. Alex. Cafe. I b. 
 
 Committee to confer with M. Umes 
 Ktnnedie, lb. 
 
 Ref. to the Commif. Aflem. for planting 
 the South Kirk of I eith. Ib< 
 
 Recom. concerning the Spittle Lands of 
 
 • Garvock to the Commifiion of Par- 
 liament for plantation of Kirks, lb. 
 
 Aft for the fupply of Margaret RirJ,rt~ 
 lift of M. Robert Lindfay Minillerat 
 Couper in Angus 3 muidered tythe 
 Rebels. lb. 
 
 Ref. of the Pe ition from Doun and An- 
 trim in Ireland, to the Commif. of 
 Aflem. Sefl'.j 
 
 Committee for the Petition cf Robert 
 Bryfotts relift. lb. 
 
 Aft tor delating the Querees of Mercc 
 and Teviotdale out of the Provinciall 
 Book. lb. 
 
 Aft concerning the Presb. of Kirkwall, 
 and MJa. Morijon their rebuke,with 
 the repofition of the laid M. lames, lb. 
 
 Report from the Earle of Winton , con- 
 cerning the LoxA Sem^ils education in 
 Glaf,;ow. lb. 
 
 Letters from the CommiiTioners at Lon- 
 don, with a Committee toconfider 
 the fame. Scfl 6 
 
 Refto that lame Committee concerning 
 Delinquents. lb. 
 
 Concerning the relift of M. Rob. Lind- 
 fay. lb. 
 
 Remit, concerning Michael watfon, 
 Agnes Ritchie and Jfabel Adamjio the 
 Presb. of Glafgo w. lb. 
 
 Recom. lames Banerman to the Magi- 
 ftra'.e. lb. 
 
 Recom. V.. Robert Boyd for fome fnp ply 
 to the Presb. of Hamiltoun. ib. 
 
 Ratit. of the Aft made concerning the 
 Printing H.Boyde of Frochrigs Book* 
 in favours of the relift and fuccellours 
 o£Robrt r Bry(on Pi inter. Ij. 
 
 Committee for the matter concerning 
 the Kirk of Glcnluce. ib. 
 
 Recom. for Minilters to imploy their ta- 
 lents in writing. fc* 
 
 Aft for W. ! °h» Hay at Peebles going to 
 the Mr. of YeUeis'llegiment. 
 
 Li " Recom. 
 
Index. 
 
 Recom. for convening the Commif. of 
 Pari, for plantation of Kirks, and con- 
 cerning the diforders in the Borders, 
 * to the Committee of Eftates. ib. 
 
 Rccom. Glencorcc, Twcedmoore,Kail- 
 zie and Bath, to Commif. for planting 
 Kirks. ib. 
 
 Report of the anfwcr of the Committee 
 of Eftates , to the particulars recom- 
 mended to them. ib. 
 
 Committee to confult upon the remedies 
 of the diforders in the fouth borders, ib. 
 
 Ordinance for Clande Hamiltonns re- 
 laxation, ib. 
 
 Ref. M.Peter InglU and his Tenets to the 
 Commif. Aflem-fbr publike affairs, ib. 
 
 Rtf. concerning idle and ftur iy beggars, 
 efpecially thefe called (jiffies t con- 
 cerning concealers and deftroycrs of 
 conception, adulterers,and inccftuous 
 perfons toCommif. Aflem.for prefent- 
 ing Overtures thereanent to Pari. ib. 
 
 Recom. Arch. Douglas and Margaret 
 Smith for charity. . ib. 
 
 Thanks to the Earle of Bacleugh. Sefl*. 8 
 
 Committee concerning the Earle of Sea- 
 fort, ib. 
 
 Recom. concerning the prefent election 
 of the Magiftrates and Counfell of A- 
 bcrdeen to the Com. of Eftates. ib. 
 
 Ref. concerning the tranfportation of M. 
 Rob. Ker to Hadington to the Pref- 
 bytery and others ad/oyned. ib. 
 
 Ref. concerning the Kirk of Gordoun to 
 the Commif. of Aflem. ib. 
 
 Warrant for examination of M. /«»« 
 Does as a Witneffe in the matter con- 
 cerning the Kirk of Gordoun. ib. 
 
 Recom. Fothrlnghame Bigamift to the 
 Juftice. ib. 
 
 Commil. for vifitation of the Univerfitie 
 ofi>. Andrews. Sefl. 9 
 
 Commif. for vifitation of the Univerfitie 
 ofGlafgow. ib. 
 
 Commif. for vifitation of the Univerfitie 
 of Aberdeen. ib. 
 
 Committee for conference withM.k«w\»- 
 JKV»>mW/> excommunicate. ib. 
 
 Recom. Wi. Iohn Mace erne. ib. 
 
 Ref. concerning Miniftcrs to Ireland to 
 the Commif. Aflem. ib. 
 
 Refconcerning the Petitions of London- 
 dary, Ncwtoun, and Killeleauch, to 
 the ComuT. Aflem. Ib. 
 
 RecomM.Iobnfannefen and lA*Thomas 
 Ireland* lb. 
 
 Warrant for citing witnefles in the par- 
 ticulars of the Paper given in by Ha- 
 Ijburton* lb. 
 
 Continuation of Sir Iohn Mackenzie lb. 
 
 Recom.£/i*. BorthWick. lb. 
 
 Committe concerning lames Murray s 
 buflineffe. Sefl. i o 
 
 Renunciation Sir Iohn Mackenzie of 
 Seaforts Band. Ib. 
 
 Recom. to Presbyteries that they admit 
 not expectants to be aftuall Minifters 
 to Regiments. lb. 
 
 Ref. to Comifl". concerning M. Francis 
 Comeraj, lb. 
 
 Committee for conference with the 
 Committee of Eftates upon the an- 
 fwer to the Commiflioncrs at Lon- 
 don. Ib. 
 
 Recom.concerning }A.Alex. Petrie Ib. 
 
 Ref. M. lames Lang to the Commiflion 
 for publike affairs. 1 b. 
 
 Ref. concerning Roufes paranhrafe of 
 the Ffalmes to the Commifl. Ib. 
 
 Recom.to M.David Caldertooodto con- 
 sider the order of the vifitation of 
 Kirks and tryail of Prcsbyterics,and to 
 report to the next Aflem. lb. 
 
 Act for M. Thomas fVylles removing to 
 Mauchlen conform to the Act of tranf- 
 portation. lb. 
 
 Recom.to Presb.Linlithgow concerning 
 the planting of Lithgow & Falkirk. Ib. 
 
 Recom.fbr intimation of Seaforts ex- 
 communication. SeflT. x i 
 
 Letter from the Commiflioners at Lon- 
 don 9 Aunii. Ib. 
 The Aflemb. anfwer to the Commit- 
 fioners at London. Ib. 
 
 Act concerning the Lord Scottiftarbits 
 deliveric of the authentick Confeflion 
 of Faith,fubfcribed by King lames and 
 his houfhold,with an order for thanks 
 to him therefore. lb. 
 
 Town of Edinburghs Bill for three Mi- 
 nifters laid afide. Ib. 
 Ref. concerning Aberchirdor,nd Inner- 
 kethine to the Commifl. fcr vifitation 
 of the Univerfity of Aberdeen. lb. 
 Rccom. Margery Fraifer , relict of 
 M. D.HouJtou to the Committee of 
 lofles. ib. 
 Recom. M-Alexander Ftrrejler. ib. 
 
 Recon> 
 
Inch 
 
 ex* 
 
 Recotn. Margaret famfbeK to the 
 Coinmite of Eftates. ib. 
 
 Recom .Ag nes Haljburton to the Presb. 
 of Mers and Teviotdale. ib. 
 
 Acts concerning Ia.Murraj. ib. 
 
 Ref to the Commifl*. Aff. to confider the 
 interefts of the Kirk in planting Uni- 
 versities & the chief Matters therof. ib. 
 
 Recom. concerning the publike paflages 
 of thir times , to be collected in fcve- 
 rall Presbiteries, and fent to the Coin. 
 Aflem. ib. 
 
 Recom. lean Alexander to the Presbit.of 
 Edinburgh, and the Presbyteries in 
 Angus and Merns. ib. 
 
 Recom. Sir William Dicl^to the Com- 
 mittee of Eltates. ib. 
 
 Order for M. Alexander Levingfion to 
 the Generall Artilleries Regiment, ib. 
 
 Recom. M.Tho. Cr *tt> foord to revife M. 
 
 Robert Boyds Works. ib. 
 
 , Recom.to Presb.to put in execution the 
 
 former Acts concerning Burfars, and 
 
 to make account of their diligence to 
 
 the next Aflem. ib. 
 
 Admonition Presb. Hamiltoun for pro- 
 ceeding againft Alexander Taes. ib. 
 
 Relaxation of Mdohn Hay from the fen- 
 tenccoffufpenfion. ib. 
 
 • Committe to reprcfent the Bill concern- 
 ing the infolencies in the Borders, to 
 the Councell and Committee, ^efl.i 2 
 
 Recom. Minifters of Argyleto the Com- 
 mittees, ib. 
 
 Commifl". concerning the particulars be- 
 twixt/^ W'dkie of Souldoum and 
 lA.Tlomai Ramfay Minilter there- ib. 
 
 Advice :oncerning the divifion of Bafin- 
 den. ib. 
 
 Commttee to urge an anfwer to the 
 defies of the Aflem. concerning the 
 ele<tion of the Magiftrates of Aber- 
 dett* ib. 
 
 Rcf. 10 the Commifl". of Aflem. to in- 
 fiftupon all occafions for an anfwer 
 threunto. ib. 
 
 Refoo the faid Coinmiflion of Aflem. 
 
 v fr planting vaking places in the Kirk 
 
 nd £blledge of Aberdeen. ib. 
 
 Leters to the Committee of Newcaftle, 
 
 he Generall, Lievt.General Lc!ly,and 
 
 oentrall Major Middleton. Sefli 1 3 
 
 Hf.M.Edward fVright to the ^Qflajni 
 
 of Aflem. 
 
 Renovation of the CommifTion of Ork- 
 nay and Zetland; ib* 
 
 Ref.concerning Witches to Com.Afl". ib. 
 
 Recom. of the Printer in Amfterdam his 
 Bill concerning the charts of this 
 Kingdom. ib. 
 
 Sulpenfion M.William fvilkje with a re- 
 ference to the Commif.of Aflem. con- 
 cerning his relaxation. Sell. 1 4 
 
 Ref. Commif. Aflem. concerning Doctor 
 BalcAnqHa.li Letters. ib. 
 
 Ref. of the Petitions of the Farleof Tra- 
 qnairand Drumfreis to the Commif. 
 Aflem. ib. 
 
 Act in favours oft Barbara Met'tr, reiki of 
 umwhile M.fVill. Home Minilter. ib. 
 
 Order for a Minifter to Col. Rob. Mont- 
 gomeries Regiment. ib. 
 
 Ref. Sir hhn Smith to Commif. Aflem. 
 for publike affairs- ib. 
 
 Ref.of the Petition of the Town of Edin- 
 burgh for two Minifters to the Com- 
 mif. Aflem. ib. 
 
 Report of the Committee concerning 
 the Kirk of Cknluce,and the Aflem. 
 approbation thereof. ib. 
 
 Ad concerning fuch as are abfolved by 
 civill Judicatories. ib. 
 
 Declaration concerning an Aft in the 
 Provinciall Book of Aberdeen,touch- 
 ing W.Nathaniel Martin. Self. nit. 
 
 Recom. of the vaking ftipends of Aber- 
 deen , in favours of M. Nathaniel 
 Martin. ib. 
 
 Recom. concerning the mortifications by 
 the Laird of Drum to the Coinmif.fbr 
 vifitation of the Univerfitic of Aber- 
 deen, ib. 
 
 Art concerning the distribution of the 
 contribution for the diftrefled Mini* 
 Iters in Argyle , M. Thomas Ireland^ 
 and M. John Qunnejon. ib. 
 
 Report of the Committee concerning 
 the infolencies in the Borders. ib. 
 
 Rcf Commit concerning the planting 
 the Kirks of Perth. if*- 
 
 Ref. concerning the correA^' V l ' ,3v j 
 
 with the ProtdUnts-" olU,d ^ { 
 
 ib. 
 
 elfcwhere. 
 
 ine recom. otM.EUezsr 
 
 Ref concern-" <*, 
 
 „ ,, . to a Kegimcnt. lb. 
 
 rtvCom. of M. Cawin forjjthe for 111am- 
 
 tenancc.to the Presb. ofC >lali;ow and 
 
 Province i>t ', ilafeow and Air. in. 
 
 G 2 Recom. 
 
Index. 
 
 
 Recom. of that part without the Town 
 of hdinburgh called Brifto to Lothian 
 and feviotdale. ib. 
 
 Xhj ee Afts. concerning D. Strang, ib. 
 
 <■ ratifying U.zAlcx.Innes hisdepofi- 
 
 no.i x with an Ordinance to the l J resb. 
 
 or Aberdeen to proceed further againft 
 
 ijir, ib. 
 
 mmitrec for prefenting theAflemblies 
 
 thanks to the Getierall Artillery, ij. 
 
 :o the Comrnif- Afletn. for trying of 
 
 murther committed within the 
 
 icsjyterie of Chirnfyde > and the 
 
 f resoyteries carriage thereanent. ib. 
 
 . zAL'x. Robertfen, and M.Iobn 
 
 C hcr.c , to the Comrnif. for vifitation 
 
 of the Univerfity of Aberdeen. ib. 
 
 Qidmance for Presb. of Hamiltoun to 
 proceed againft M.lohn B :ae. ib. 
 
 Rccom. for laying afide fome old cu- 
 ftomes and praftifes. • ib. 
 
 Indidionofafaft. ib. 
 
 RvCom.M.' l Z , "*£*// Da>ocb to the £bm- 
 mitteeof Eitates and the Committee 
 ofmoney. io. 
 
 JLef. to the CommiHlof Aflem. concern- 
 
 ing the tryall of perfons of quality 
 members of the Colledge of J uttice, 
 
 . or others who have their rcfidence in 
 Edinburgh for their complyance with 
 
 . the Rebells. ib. 
 
 Comiinilion for thefe that are to repair 
 to the King. ib. 
 
 The Aflemblies Letter to M. ^Alexander 
 Henderfon. ib. 
 
 Letter to the Earle of Sutherland and 
 1 other Gentlemen in the North, ib. 
 
 Ref.Commifl.for difpenfing thcannuity' 
 of 300 1. Sterling upon publike affairs 
 of the Kirk. ib. 
 
 A<ff to provide for the charges and all 
 neceflaries for M. David C a/derwoM 
 in his publike imployments;And like- 
 wife for the great pains and charge9 
 of the Clerk. ib. 
 
 Acl: concerning M. 1/t.Strachan, ib, 
 
 Ref . to the Commiflion to confider of 
 Overtures for restraining any. youth* 
 to go to the Colledge of Doway or 
 other corrupt Colledges. ib. 
 
 Rcf. to the Comrnif for prefenting O- 
 vertures to the Parliament. ib. 
 
 
 F I N I S. 
 
U/\£L* t £ / 
 
 ■ y3 
 
 
 10 , \(i L f L l 
 
 ' t 
 
 '» 
 
 li- 
 
&t -jfa 
 
 
 i 
 
m