'.     t 
 
 vt 
 
°^/  ry  ^^^, 
 
 ijfti   ^'    ''•'^' 
 
 V  ft 
 
 W'^^"--' >«»-^' 
 
 U'visfoo 
 
 Sec' 
 
oNFEssioNs  (9/  Faith,' 
 
 Ou^  t^  c-i- 
 
 CATECHISMS,  DIRECTORIES,  FORM  of 
 
 ;      Church-Government,  Discipline,  SjV*  , 
 
 OF    PUBLIC    AUTHORITT    IN    THE 
 
 CHURCH    ofSCOTLA  ^  ^  . 
 
 r  /^  4iC/ '^ 
 
 J  .      /6  •       TOGETHER     WITH     ////^    ^  ^ 
 
 The  ACTS  of  Afl'embly,  concerning  the  DoSlrine] 
 Worjhip^  Di/cipline,  and  Government,  of  the  CHu§.i;ji 
 
 of  Scotland.  ^uitkL''^ 
 
 'V    LSD, 
 
 A  COLLECTION  of  feme  principal  Acts  and  Ordi- 
 nances of  the  ParlinmenU  of  Scotland  and  England^  ana 
 of  the  General  Aflembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland,  in  fa- 
 vours of  the  Covenanted  Reformation. 
 
 TO    WHICH    IS    ADDED, 
 
 The  FORM  of  PROCESS  in  the  Judicatorisc  of  the 
 Church  of  Scotland,  with  relation  to  Scandals  and  Cen- 
 sures: Alfo,  feveral  Adls  and  Overtures  of  the  General 
 ^S;      Aflemblies  thereanent;  with  other  things  of  a  public  anl 
 inlercftinjT  nature.  -•— ■ 
 
 T^ 
 
 GLASGOW:  \ 
 
 Printed  by  John  Bryc'R*- 
 
 iV.  M A  R 1 1 N  J  Edinburgh ;  W.  Kn  T  G  H  T ,  Aberdeen , 
 .^T>^y  Perth:  G.Caldwell  and  P. M'Arthur, 
 '  ;  J.  Wilson,  Kilmarnock i  G.  Laird,  Greenock , 
 
 her  Book^'ellers. 
 
 M  Dec  L  X  X  X  V. 
 
C     iii    3 
 
 THE 
 
 GENERAL    CONTENTS. 
 
 Cf  Page 
 
 •*  HE  Geneva  Confejfton  of  Faith.             -  -               q 
 
 The  Scffts  ConfeJIion  of  Faith,             -             -  m          j-j 
 
 The  Sum  of  the  FirJI  Book  of  Difcipline.  -                  41 
 
 T-^^  Second  Book  of  Difcipline,             -  -                  5;  j 
 
 '/'brfii  of  Examination  before  the  Communion.  -              ^p 
 
 5r^^  National  Covenant,  or,  Confeffton  of  Faith.  94 
 
 The  Solemn  League  and  Covenant.              -  .              up 
 
 .  The  Form  of  PrefhperiaJ  Church  Government.  134 
 
 The  DireBory for  Public  fVorfhip.             .  -              164 
 
 ^j^Jfemblfs  JDireSlions  for  Private  Werfhip.  -              205 
 
 The  Weflminfer  ConfeJjUon  of  Faith.              -  .          219 
 
 The  Largfr  Catechifm%             -             -    •  .                2(5p 
 
 The  Shorter  Catechifm.             ^             »  -              329 
 
 Ackno'wledgmentof  Sinsy  and  Engagement  to  Duties.  35^ 
 
 Director  J  for  Church  Government  aud  Cenfures,  2,9  S 
 
 ColleSlion  of  j4£Is  and  Ordinances,                 -  -      -411 
 
 The  Form  o/"  Process,  ^r.          z  -    .        459 
 
 a  X  ADVER- 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 APOLOGIES  for  the  Publiflimg  of  ^ 
 Work  of  this  kind,  are  deemed  iinneceirar)^ 
 The  Publither  flatters  himfelf,  that  this  Edi- 
 tion fon  account  of  the  largenefs  of  the  type» 
 and  fome  other  improvements,  which  an  at- 
 tentive  Reader  will  eafily  obferve)  w;,ll  not  be 
 lefs  acceptable  than  any  of  the  former.  It  is 
 only  neceiTary  to  add,  that  nothing  is  left  out 
 of  this  Edition,  which  was  infer t  in  any  for- 
 mer one.  The  Cojifejfions  of  Faith^  Cateckifmsy 
 &c.  are  f>rinted  from  the  bed  and  mod  cor- 
 re(5l  Editions  ;  and  the  Acls  of  Parliaments  and 
 AJemblkiy  from  the  Printed  Acls  publiihcd  iix 
 the  refpeftlve  years. 
 
 T  M  E 
 
T  H  E 
 
 Confession  of  F  ait  h^ 
 
 USED     IN     THE 
 
 Engliili  Congregation  at  GENEVA 
 
 RECEIVED    AND    APPROVED    BY    THE 
 
 Church  of  Scotland,  in  thje  beginning  of  the 
 Reformation. 
 
 With  Proofs  from  the  Scripture. 
 
 3   C  o  R.  iii-   II.  For  other  Foundation  can  no  Man  lay  than 
 is  laidy  'which  is  Jefus  Chrji. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
 A 
 
.THE 
 CONFESSION    OF    FAITH, 
 
 USED     IN     THE 
 
 EngliQi  Congregation  at  Geneva:   R.ecelved  and 
 approved  by  the  Cliurch  of  SccUand,  Z^c. 
 
 I. 
 
 I  bSeve  in  T  BELIEVE  and  coukka  ray  Lord  GOD 
 God  the  Fa-  j|_  eternal,  intinice,  unmeaiurabie,  incpmpre- 
 therAhnigh-  henfible,  and  inviiible  k^  one  in  fubft-nce  £•,  and 
 iy,  tnaker  of  three  m  peribns,  Father, Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft</: 
 heaven  and  who,  by  his  ahnighty  power  and  wifuom  e^  hath 
 earthy  not  only  of  nothing  created  heaven,  earth,  ancl 
 
 all  things  therein  contained,^,  and  man  after  his 
 o\rn  image  g^  that  he  might  iii  hira  be  glorified  h ; 
 but  alio,  by  his  fatherly  providence,  gcverneth, 
 maintaineth,  and  prefcrveth  the  fame  z,  accord- 
 ing to  the  purpofs  of  his  will  k. 
 
 II. 
 
 4ndui  Je.  T  BELIEVE  and  con  fa  fs  JESUS  CHRIST 
 fusChriJlhts  J,  the  only  Saviour  and  Mefiias /,  who,  being 
 only  Son  our  equal  v»ith  God,  made  liimfelf  of  no  reputation  ; 
 Lordf  but  took  on  him  the  fliape  of  a  fervent  m,  and  be- 
 
 came 
 
 I.  a  Rom.  X.  10.  b  Gen.  xvii.  r.  Pfal.lxiii.  i.  and  xc.  6. 
 and  cxxxix.  i,  i6.  i  Tim.  i.  17.  c  Deut.  vi.  4.  F.ph.  iv.  2. 
 d  Gen.  i.  26.  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  and  xxviji,  ip.  i  John  v.  7. 
 e  Hcb.  i.  I.  Prov.  viii.  22, — 30.  y  Gen.  i^r.  Jer.  xxxii.  16. 
 Pfalm.xxxiii.  6,  7.  g  Gen.  i.  25.  Eph.  iv.  24.  Col.  iii.  10. 
 /}  Prov.xvi.  4.  John  xvii.  i.  i  Cor.  vi.  20.  i  Matt.  vi.  26, 
 — 32^  Lukexii.  24, — 30.  i  Pet.  v.  7.  Phil.  iv.  6.  k  Eph. 
 i.  ir. 
 
 II.  /Matt.  i.  2r.  A£ts  iv.  12.  i  Tim.  i.  15.  wjohni. 
 Phil.  ii.  6f  7.  I  Titn.  iii.  16,  i  John  v.  20.  Rem.  ix.  5.-— 
 
The^Gtvevan  CoNFESS^rON  of  FaitH.  li 
 
 came  man,  in  all  things  like  nnfo  us,  fin  excep- 
 ted «,  to  aiTure  'tis  of  mercy  and  forgivenefs  o  : 
 for  when,  through  our  father  Adaai's  tranfgrei- 
 fion,  we  were  become  children  of  perdition^, 
 there  was  no  menns  to  bring  us  from  that  yoke 
 of  fin  and  damnation,  but  only  Jelus  Chrifl-  our 
 Lord  q  ;  who,  giving  us  that  j>y  grace  which  was 
 his  by  nature  r,  made  us  through  faith  the  chil- 
 dren of  God  /. 
 
 Who,  when  the  fulnefs  of  time  was  come  ^,  Wks  ivns 
 was  conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghoil,  conceived  by 
 born  of  the  virgin  Mary,  according  to  thefleflj  u,  iheholyGhofi 
 and  preached  on  earth  the  golpel  of  laivation  k,  boni  oJ  tne 
 till  at  length,  by. tyranny  of  the  priefls,  he  was  'virgin  A Li- 
 guiltlefs  condemned  under  Pontius  Pilate,  then  ^y*  f'if^>'^<^ 
 prefident  of  Jewry,  and  moft  flanderouliy  hang-  '^"i't^r  -^  on- 
 ed  on  the  crofs  between  two  thieves,  as  a  noto-  ^'"■^  Pilate^ 
 rious  trefipafler^i  ;  where,  taking  upon  him  the  ''■^'^^  cruci' 
 punifhment  of  our  fins,  he  delivered  us  from  theT**^"* 
 curfe  of  the  law  z. 
 
 And  foraunuch  zshe,  being  only  God,  could     Dead  and 
 not  feel  death  ;  neither,  being  only  man,  could  buried. 
 overcome  death  ;  he  joined  both  together,   and 
 fuffered  his  humanity  to  be  piiniihed  with  moll 
 cruel  deaths,  feeling  in  himfelf  the  anger  and 
 fevere  iudfrment  of  God,  even  as  if  heh?.d  been   rr,  j./-.,„^» 
 \n  the  extreme  torments  or  hell,  and  therefore  ^ ^^  ;„/^ /p^//, 
 cried  with  a  loud  voice,  My  God,  wy  God,  wky 
 hajl  thou  forfahen  me  ?  b 
 
 Thus,  of  his  free  mercy,  without  compulfion, 
 he  offered  himfelf  as  the  only  facrifice  to  purge 
 the  fins  of  all  the  world  c  ;  fo  that  all  other  W- 
 crifices  for  fin  are  blafphemous,  and  derogate    • 
 from  the  fufficiency-  hereof. 
 
 A  2  The 
 
 n  Heb.  ii.  14,  16,  17.  Phil.  ii.  7,  8.  i  Pet.  ii.  22.  i  John  ill.  5. 
 <j  Rom.  viii.  21,  ^c.  I  John  ii.  i.  p  Gen.  iii.'Rom.  v.  16, 
 — 18.  Eph.  ii.  3-  Gal.  iii.  10,  13.  q  Afts  iv.  12.  i  Pet.  ii.  6. 
 Ifa.  xxviii.  16.  Rom.ix.  33.  r  John  i.  i,  2.  Heb.  i.  5.  Rom. 
 i.  4.  Pfalm  ii.  7.  s  Gal.  iii.  26.  Rom.  vii.  14.  John  i.  12. 
 Eph.  i.  5.  ^  Gal.  iv.  4.  Rom.  i.  2,  3.  A<Sts  ii.  22.  u  Ifaiah 
 vii.  14.  Lukei.  31,  35.  Rom.  i.  3.  «  Adts  x.  36.  Heb,  ii.  j. 
 y  John  vii.  32.  and  xi.  47,  48,  53.  and  xil.  10,  i  t,  42.  iViar. 
 xii.  14.  and  xxvii.  Luke  xv.  Mark  xv.  John  xviii.  and  xix. 
 s  Gal.  iii.  13.  Ifa.  liii.  6,  8,  10.  a  Afts  ii.  24.  2  Pet.  ii.  24. 
 Da.  liii.  4,  5,  7,  10.     b  Pfalm  xxii,  i.   Mat.  xxvii.  4O.     c  Ila, 
 
^z  ■  The  Genevan  Confession  of  FiiTH. 
 
 The  which  destb,  albeit  it  did  fufficiently  re- 
 concile us  to  God  ci,  yet  the  fcriptiires  do  com- 
 <fhe   third  nionly  attribute  our  regeneration  to  hisrefurrec- 
 ^cv  he  rofe  ^'O"  ^  •    ^o*"*  ss  by  riiing  again  from  the  grave 
 again  from  ^^^  third  day/,  he  conquered  death  g^  €ven  fo, 
 death.  ^^^  victory  of  our  faith  ftandeth  in  his  refurre^i- 
 
 on  ;  and  therefore,  without  the  one  we  cannot 
 feel  the  benefit  of  the  other  :  for,  as  by  his  death 
 fin  was  taken  away,  To  our  righcecufnefs  was  re- 
 ftorecl  by  his  refurre£tion  h. 
 
 And  becaufe  he  would  accomplifli  all  things, 
 tie  afcended  3^,^  \z\iQ,  poffeflion  for  us  in  his  kingdom  /',  he 
 tnto  heaveuy  afcended   into  heaven  >J,    to  enlarge  that    fame 
 kingdom  by  the  abundant  power  of  his  Spirit  /  ; 
 by  whom  we  are  moft  affured  of  his  continual 
 interceffion  towards  God  the  Father  for  us  m. — 
 AnA  fttteth  -^^rid  although  he  be  in  heaven,  as  touching  his 
 at  the  right  corporal  pref'ence  «,  where  the  Father  hath  now 
 hand  of  God  ^^^  ^i"^  ^^  ^^'s  right-hand  <j,  committing  unto  him 
 the    Father  the  adminiHration  of  all  things,  as  well  in  hea- 
 Almight^.      'V'^"  above,  as  in  the  earth  beneath  p  \  yet  is  he 
 prefent  with  us  his  members,  even  to  the  end  of 
 the   world  5',    in   preferving   and  governing  us 
 ■p.      ji     ,    with  his  effcdfual  power  and  grace;  who,  (whea 
 inn'    all  things  are  fulfilled  which  God  hath  rpoken  by 
 ■  A     ih    ^^^  meuth  of  all  his  prophets,  lince  the  world 
 /,       I.J     began  r)  will  come  in  the  fame  vilib'.e  form,  in 
 \  '  ,  the  which  he  afcended  s^  with  an  unfpeakable 
 
 majefly,  power,  and  company,  to  feparate  the 
 lambs  from  the  goats,  the  eledt  from  the  repro- 
 bate t  ;  fo  that  non-e,  whether  he  be  alive  then, 
 or  dead  b«fore,  fliall  efcape  his  judgment.  « 
 
 III. 
 
 liii.  Heb.  ix.  12,  14,  25,  16,  28.  and  x.  10,  12,  14.  Gal.  i.  4. 
 Rom.  iv.  24.  and  v.  8, — 10.  i  John  i.  7.  d  CololT.  i.  20. 
 e  Rom.  vi.  4,  5.  i  Pet.  i-  3.  /  Matt,  xxviii.  Afts  x.  40.  i 
 Cor.  XV.  4.  g  Hof.  xiii.  14.  i  Cor.  xv.  26,5?, — 57.  /^Rom. 
 iv.  25.  i  Eph.  iv.  10,  John  xiv.  2,  3.  Heb.  vi.  20.  k  Mark 
 xvi.  ip.  Luke  xxiv.  51.  A6\s  i.  9,  11.  ■'/  Luke  xxiv.  49. 
 John  xiv.  16,  17,  26.  A£ts  ).  4.  and  ii.  4.  m  Rom.  viii.  34. 
 Heb.  vii.  25.  and  ix.  24.  i  John  ii.  i.  n  Aftsiii.  21.  oCol. 
 ii'-  I.  Rom.  viii.  54.  Heb.  i.  3.  and  x.  1 1.  and  xii.  2.  p  Eph. 
 J.  20,  —22.  Phil.  ii.  9.  Col.  ii.  1.  q  Mat.  xxviii,  <2o.  r  A£ts 
 iii.  21.  j-'Afts  i.  II.  '  ^  Matth.  xxv.  31,  46.  Phil.  iii.  20. 
 u  Matt.  xxiv.  30,  31.  A<5ts  x.  40.  and  xvii.  30.  i  Cor.  xsr. 
 
The  Genevan  Confession  c/TaiTH.'  «j 
 
 III. 
 
 MOREOVER,  I  believe  and  conlefs  ihe       1  hefieve 
 HOLY  GHOST   God  equal  with  the  in  the  Holy 
 Father  and  the  Son,  who  regcnerateth  and  ianc-  Ghoji^ 
 tifieth  us,  ruleth  and  guideth  us  into  all  truth  w, 
 perfuading  us  moft  affuredly  in  our  confciences, 
 that  we  are  the  children  of  God,  brethren  to 
 J^fus  Chrift,  and  fellow  heirs  with  him  of  life 
 everlafling  a;. 
 
 Yet,  notwifhflanding,  it  is  not  fufficient  to 
 believe  that  God  is  omnipotent  and  merciful  ; 
 that  Chrift  hath  made  fatisfa£tion  ;  or,  that  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  hath  thrs  power  "and  eftc£t,  except 
 we  do  apply  the  fame  benefits  to  ouifelves  j,  who 
 are  God's  ele<^  z, 
 
 IV. 
 
 I  BELIEVE  therefore  and  confefs  one  only  The  holy  co" 
 church  a,  which  (as  members  of  Jefus  Chrift  tholicchun:!) 
 the  only  Head  thereof  ^)  confent  in  faith,  hope,  the  ccmnmn" 
 and  charity  f,  ufing  the  gifts  of  God,  whether  icnojjcanU^ 
 they  be  temporal  or  Spiritual,  to  the  profit  and 
 furtherance  of  the  fame  d.     Which   church  is 
 not  feen  to  man's  eye,  but  only  known  to  God  <?, 
 who,  of  the  loft  fons  of  Adam,  hath  ordained 
 fome  as  vefiels  of  wrath  to  damnation/,  and  hath 
 chofen  others  as  vefiels  of  his  mercy  to  be  faved^  ; 
 the  which  al(o  in  due  time  he  calleth  to  integrity 
 of  life  and  godly  converfation,  to  make  them  a 
 glorious  church  to  himfelf /^. 
 ^  But 
 
 51,  52.  1  Theff.  iv.  26, 17.  2  Their,  ii.  7,  10.  iTim.  iv.  1,  8. 
 
 III.  IV  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  i  John  v.  7.  i  Pet.  i.  2,  22.  i 
 Cor.vi.  II,  19.  John  xvi.  7, — i3.Eph.  iii.  16.  2  ThelT.  ii.  13. 
 x  Rom.  viii.  15,-17.  Gal.  iv.  6,  7.  y  Hab.  ii.  4.  Rom.  i. 
 18.  and  X.  9,  ^c.  i  John  iii.  23.  John  iii.  36.  2  John 
 xvii.  2,  3. 
 
 IV.  a  Matt.  xvi.  18.  John  x.  14,-16.  Eph.  v.  25,-27. 
 Rom.  viii.  28,  ^c.  Cant.  ii.  h  1  Cor.  xii.  12,  13.  Eph.  i. 
 10,  22,  23.  and  iv.  15,  16.  Col.  i.  18.  c  Eph.  iv.  .3,  4,  5, 
 13.  Phil.  iii.  16.  Col.  ii.  19.  d  K^%  ii.  41,  b'c  and  iv.  32, 
 \2fc.  Rom.  xii.  4,  ^c.  \  Cor.  xii.  Eph.  iv.  7,  1 1,  12.  e  Rom. 
 X'-  33>  34'  2  'i^i'"'  "•  19-  /Ro"n-  ix.  21,  22.  g  Rom.  ix. 
 23.  Eph.  i.  4,—6,  11,12.     /6  Rom.  viii.  30.  Eph.  v.  26,  27. 
 
i^  Tke  Gene'uan  Confession^  Faith. 
 
 But  that  church  which  is  vifibls,  and  feen  to 
 the  eye  i,  hath  three  tokens  or  marks  whereby 
 it  may  be  known.  FirJ}y  The  word  of  God  con- 
 tained in  the  Old  and  New  Teftament  k,  which, 
 as  it  is  above  the  authority  of  the  lame  church  /, 
 and  only  (ijfilcient  to  inflrucl  us  in  all  things  con- 
 cerning Talvation  7w,  fo  it  is  left  for  all  degrees  of 
 men  to  read  and  underftand  n  ;  for,  without  this 
 word, ^neither  church,  council,  or  decree,  can 
 eftablifli  any  point  touching  falvation  o. 
 
 The  feccfid  is  the  holy  facraments,  to  tint,  of 
 baptKm  and  the  Lord's  iupper ;  which  facraments 
 Chrifl  hath  left  unto  us,  as  holy  figns  and  feals 
 of  God's  promifes  p.  For  as  by  baptifni  once  re- 
 ceived, is  fignified,  that  we  (as  well  infants  as 
 others  of  age  and  difcretion)  being  ftrangers  from 
 God  by  original  iln,  are  received  into  his  family 
 and  congregation  q  ;  with  full  afTurance,  that  al- 
 though this  root  of  fin  lie  hid  in  us,  yet  to  the 
 cleft  it  fiiall  not  be  imputed  r  :  fo  the  fupperde- 
 clareth,  that  God,  as  a  moft  provident  father, 
 doth  not  only  feed  our  bodies,  but  alfo  fpiritu- 
 ally  nouriQieth  our  fouls  with  the  graces  and  be- 
 nefits of  Jefus  Chrifi,  which  the  fcripture  calleth 
 eating  of  his  flefti,  and  drinking  of  his  blood  /. 
 Neither  muft  we,  in  the  adminiflration  of  thefe 
 facraments,  follow  man's  fancy  ;  but  as  Chrift 
 himfelf  hath  ordained,  fo  muft  they  be  miniftred, 
 and  by  fuch  as  by  ordinary  vocation  are  thereun- 
 to called  /  :  Therefore,  whofoever  revereth  and 
 worfhippeth  thefe  facraments,  or  contrariwife 
 contemneth  them  in  time  and  place,  procurelli 
 to  himfelf  damnation. 
 
 The 
 
 i  Matt,  xvlii.  17.  I  Cor.  XV.  9.  k  Matt.xxviii.  19,  20.  Rom. 
 X.  14,  17.  Luke  xvi.  31.  and  xxiv.  27.  Eph.  i.  20.  John  x. 
 16.  2  Tim.  iii.  15,  16.  /  2  Pet.  i.  20,  21.  wJo!inxx.3i. 
 iTim.iii.  15, — 17.  wDeut.  vi.6,  7.  jolh.i.  8.  Pfal.  Ixxviii. 
 1;.  John  V.  39.  0  Matt.  XV.  3,  6, 9.  and  xxii.  29.  Kph.  v.  17. 
 ^  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  and  xxvi.  26,  30.  Rom.  iv.  11.  ^^Rom. 
 vi.  3,  4,  5.  Gal.  iii.  27.  Col.  ii.  11,  12.  Tit.  iii.  5.  r-Rom. 
 iv.  Pfal.  xxxii.  r,  2.  /  i  Cor.  xi.  23,-29.  Johnvi.  8, — 58. 
 t  Dcut.  xii.  32.  Heb.  v^  5.  John  i.  35.  i  Cor.  iv.  i.     u  Matt. 
 
^he  Genevan  Confession  of  Faith.  jj 
 
 The  third  mnrk  of  this  church  is  ecclefiaftjcal 
 (lifcipiine,  which  Aandeth  in  admonition  antl 
 corrciftion  of  faults  z<f,  the  final  end  v/hereof  is 
 excommunication,  by  the  conient  of  the  church 
 determined,  if  the  offender  be  obflinate  nu. 
 
 And,  belides  thisecclefiaflical  difcipline,  I  ac- 
 knowledge to  belong  to  the  church  a  poUtic  rna- 
 giftrate,  who  miniilreth  to  every  man  jullice, 
 defending  tire  good,  and  punifhing  the  evil,  to 
 whom  we  muft  render  honour  and  obedience  in 
 all  things  x^  which  are  not  contrary  to  the  word 
 of  God  J. 
 
 And  as  Mofes  2,  Hezeklas  a^  Jofias  ^,  and 
 Other  godly  rulers,  purged  the  church  of  God 
 from  fuperftition  and  idolatry  j  fo  the  defence  of 
 Chrift's  church  appertaineth  to  the  Chrifiian 
 magiftrates,^2gainil  all  idolaters  and  heretics,  as 
 Papifts,  Anabaptifts,  with  fuch  like  liaibs  of  An- 
 tichrift  ;  to  root  out  all  doclrine  of  devils  and 
 men,  as  the  Mafs,  Purgatory,  Lhnhus  Patrum^ 
 prayers  to  faints  and  for  the  dead,  free-wili,  dif- 
 tinction  of  meats,  apparel,  and  days,  vows  of 
 £ngle  life,  prefence  at  idol  fervice,  man's  merits, 
 with  fuch  like  c  ;  which  draw  us  from  the  fociety 
 of  Chrid's  church,  wherein  ftandeth  only  remif-  Theforpive^ 
 fion  of  fins,  purchaled  by  Chriil's  blood  to  all  ncfsoffins 
 them  that  believe,  whether  they  be  Jews  or  Gen-  " 
 
 tiles  d\  and  lead  us  to  vain  confidence  in  crea- 
 tures, and  truft  in  our  own  imaginations  :  The 
 punilhment  whereof,  although  God  oftentimes 
 deferreth  in  this  life  ^,  yet,  after  the  general  re- 
 furredtiou,  when  our  louls  and  bodies  fliall  rile 
 
 again 
 
 xviii.  19, — 22.  Luke  xvii.  3,  4.  lev.  xix.  17.  w  i  Cor.  v. 
 K  Rom.  xiii.  i, — 7.  Tit.  iii.  i.  i  Pet.  ii-  13,  14.  y  A£l:s  iv. 
 !  9.  and  V.  20.  ^  2  £xod.  xxxii.  a  2  Kings  xviii.  /(.^  Chron. 
 xxix,  XXX,  xxxi.  b  2  Kings  xxiii.  i, — 25.  2  Chron.  xxxiv. 
 c  2  Tim.  iv.  2,  3,  4.  Col.  ii.  8,  16,-23.  ^^a'^'-  xv.  1,-9. 
 Ifa.  xxix.  13.  Heb.  ix.  12,  14,  25,  26,  28.  and^.  lo,  12,  14. 
 Ads  X.  15.   I  John  ii.  22.  Rom.  vii.  6.  Gal,  y.  i.  Col.  ii.  8 
 
 16,  23.  Rom.  xiv.   I  Tim.  iv.  i, — 8.  Matt.  x;x.  10, 12.   i 
 
 Cor.  vii.  2,9.  I  Cor.  viii.  i  Cor.  x.  25.  2  Cor.  vi.  16,  17, 
 Luke  xvii.  23.  Rom.  iii.  19, — 29.  i  Cor.  iii,  u.  Gal.  iv.  9^ 
 10.  d  IfA.xxxiit.  24.  Matt,  xviii.  18.  John  xx.  i-i,.  2  Cor. 
 V.  i8.  Rom.  i.  16.  and  x.  11,  12.  Eph.  ii.  u^  f^v.  "  e  2  Per. 
 
i(f  The  Genevan  Confession  c/"  Faith. 
 
 The  refur-  again  to  immortalityy,  they  fliall  be  damned  to 
 
 reciionoj'the  unquenchaWe  fire  g  :    and  then  we,  who  have 
 
 5(x/ji,  forlaken  all  men's  wifdom  to  cleave  unto  Chrift, 
 
 £hall  hear  the  joyful  voice,  Come^  ye  bleffed  of  my 
 
 Bather^  inherit  ye  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you 
 
 from  the  beginning  of  the  world  h  ;    and  To  fhall 
 
 go  triumphing  with  him  in  body  and  foul,  to  re- 
 
 ■  jjt  T  j'f        main  everlaftjngly  in  glory  i,  where  we  fhall  fee 
 
 I  (/•       "  God  face  to  face,  and  fliall  no  more  need  one  to 
 
 «**■  y '  S'     inflruft  another  ;  for  we  (hall  all   know   iiim, 
 
 from  the  hi^ieft  to  the  loweft  k.     To  whom, 
 
 with  the  Father,'  and  the  Holy   Ghoflr,  be  all 
 
 praife,  honour,  and  glory,  now  and  ever.  So  be  it. 
 
 xF.  Jude.  Rom.  ix.  22.  /"Aftsxxiv.  14.  i  Cor- xv.  12.  ^c, 
 Phil.  iii.  II,  21.  I  Theff.  iv.  13,  t^fc.  g  2  TheiT.  i.  7,  8,  9. 
 and  ii.  12.  Ifa.  xxx.  27.  John  iii.  36.  and  v.  28,  29.  Matt. 
 ixv.  30,  41,  46.  h  Matt.  XXV.  21,  23,  34,  46.  i  I  Theff. 
 iv.  16,  17.  and  v.  9,  10.  John  v.  29.  Ha.  xxvi.  19.  k  i  Cor» 
 xiii.  12.  I  John  iii.  2.  Jer.  xxxi.  34.  Heb.  viii.  11. 
 
 y  H  E 
 
THE 
 
 CONFESSION 
 
 OF      THE 
 
 Faith  and    Doctrine 
 
 BELIEVED    AND    PROFESSED    BY    THE 
 
 PROTESTANTS   of  ^SCOT'LAND, 
 
 EXHIBITED 
 
 To  the  Eftates  of  the  fame.in  Parliameat,  and  by  their 
 public  votes  authorized,  as  a  doftrine  grounded  up- 
 on the  infaliible  Word  of  God,     Augufi  1560, 
 
 AND 
 Ratined  and  Eftablifhed  by  Xdc  of  Parliament  1557,  as  the 
 public  and  avowed  Confejjlcn  of  Faith  of  the  C  H  U  R  C  H 
 of  Scotland. 
 
 AND 
 
 Afterwards  further  Eftablifhed  and  publicly  Confirmed  by 
 iundry  Acts  of  Parliaments,  and  of  lawful  General  Af- 
 femblies, 
 
 "Wiih  Proofs  from  the  Scr  iptures. 
 
 Matth.  XX! v.  14.  Jp.ii  this  goipei  of  the  kingdom  Jlmll  be 
 p-redched  in  all  the  world,  for  a  nxiitnefs  who  all  nations^  and 
 and  then  fall  the  end  come. 
 
 1  Cor.  ill.  I  r.  For  other  Foundation  can  no  man  lay^  than  that 
 is  laid,   nvhich  is  J/^fus  Chrifl. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year   m  dcc  L»X]pv, 
 
 W: 
 
The    contents. 
 
 Art.  The  Preface. 
 
 J.  Of  GOD, 
 
 2 .  Of  the,  creation  of  man. 
 
 3 .  Of  0  rigtna  I  fm . 
 
 4-  Of  the  revelation  of  the  prom'ifi's. 
 
 5.  Of  the  continuance,  incrcafe,  and  prcftyvation  of  his  church. 
 
 6.  Of  the  li-icarnatlon  ofChrifi  Jefus. 
 
 7.  IVhy  it  behoved  the  Mediator  to  he  very  God  and  very  man. 
 
 8.  OfEleBion. 
 
 9.  Of  Chrifl's  death f  paffion,  burial^  &c. 
 
 10.  Of  the  refurreSlion. 
 
 1 1 .  Of  the  afcevfton. 
 
 12.  Of  faith  in  the  Holy  Ghofl, 
 
 13.  0/  the  cauje  of  good  luorks. 
 
 1 4.  What  ivorks  are  reputed  good  bejore  God. 
 
 15.  Of  the  perfeBion  of  the  law,  and  the  imperfection  of  man. 
 
 16.  Of  the  church. 
 
 iy.  Of  the  immortality  of  the  foul. 
 
 1 8.  Of  the  notes  by  the  which  the  true  church  is  difccrned  fror/i 
 
 thefalfct  andnvhj  fkall  be  judge  of  the  dotirinc. 
 
 19.  Of  the  authority  of  the  fcriptures. 
 
 2D.  Oj  Ge7ieral  Councils, — c/  their  poiver,  authority,  and  caufe 
 of  their  convention. 
 
 21.  Of  the  facraments. 
 
 22.  Of  tj^e  right  ad?nini/lraticn  of  the  facraments. 
 
 23.  To  ivhoni facraments  appertain. 
 
 24.  Of  the  civil  magifl rate. 
 
 25.  Of  the  gifts  jreely  given  to  the  church. 
 
 The     preface. 
 
 THE  States  of  Scotland,  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  fame, 
 pyofefftng  Chrijl  Jefus  his  holy  gofpel,  To  their  natural  coun- 
 trymen, and  imto  all  other  realms  and  nations  prcfefjtng  the 
 fame  Lord  Jf'iS  •with  them,  luifh  grace,  mercy,  and  peace, 
 from  God  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrijl',  nviih  the  f pi- 
 rit  of  righteous  judg7nent,  for falvation. 
 
 T  O  N  G  have  u'e  thlrfted  (Jcar  brethren)  to  have  noti- 
 J^  tied  unto  the  world  the.fum  of  that  dotbinc  which  we 
 prutefs,  and  for  the  which  we  have  fuflained  infamy  and  dan- 
 ger :  but  fuch  hath  been  the  rage  of  Satan  agaiuft  us,  and 
 
 ?gainft 
 
T  H  E    P  R  E  F  A  C  E.  ip 
 
 againft  ChrlH:  Jefus  his  eternal  verity,  lately  now  again  born 
 aaiongft  us,  that  to  this  clay  no  time  hath  Lten  granted  unto 
 us  to  clear  our  confciences,  as  moll  gladly  wc  would  have 
 done  :  fcr  new  v/e  haveb^eu  tofied  a  whole  year  pall,  as  the 
 rooft  part  of  Europe  (as  we  do  luppofe)  doth  underftand. — 
 !But  feeing,  that  of  the  infinite  goodnefs  of  God  (who  never 
 fufTereth  his  iSllClzd  utteriy  to  be  confounded)  above  expec- 
 tation, we  have  obtained  lome  reft  and  liberty,  we  could  not 
 but  fet  forth  this  brief  and  plain  confeillon  of  fuch  doflrine 
 as  i3  propoied  unto  us,  and  as  we  believe  and  profefs  ;  partly 
 for  fstisfadion  of  cur  brethren,  whole  hearts,  we  doubt  not, 
 have  been,  and  yet  are,  wounded  by  the  defpiteful  railing  of 
 fuch  as  yet  have  not  learned  to  fpeak  well ;  and  partly  lor 
 flopping  the  mouths  of  impudent  blafphemcrs,  who  boldly 
 condemn  that  which  they  neither  beard  nor  underflood  :  net 
 that  we  judge  that  the  cankred  malice  of  fuch  is  able  to  be 
 cured  by  this  (imple  conftdiion  j  no,  we  know  that  the  fvveet 
 favour  of  the  gofpel  is,  and  fliall  be,  death  unto  the  fons  of 
 perdition.  But  we  have  chief  rcfpe£l  to  our  weak  and  in- 
 firm brethren,  to  whom  we  would  communicate  the  bottom 
 of  our  hearts,  left  that  they  be  troubled  or  carried  av.fay  by 
 diverfity  of  rumours,  which  Satan  fprcadetli  againft  us,  to 
 the  defeating  of  this  our  moft  gcdly  enterprize  ;  protefting, 
 that  if  any  man  will  note  in  this  our  confelllon,  any  article 
 or  fentence  repugning  to  God's  holy  word,  that  it  would 
 pleafe  hirii,  of  his  gentlenefs,  and  for  Chriftian  charity's  fiike, 
 to  admonilh  us  of  the  fame  in  writing  ;  and  we,  upon  our 
 lionours  and  fidelity,  do  promife  unto  him  fatisfacllon  from 
 the  mouth  of  God,  (that  is,  from  his  holy  fcriptures)  or  die 
 reformation  of  that  whicli  he  Ihall  prove  to  be  amifs.  Tor 
 God  we  take  to  j'ecord  in  our  couiciences,  that  fiomvi^r 
 heart  we  abhor  all  feels  of  heref;,',  and  all  teachers  of  errone- 
 ous doiSlrine  j  and  that  with  all  humility  vreenabrace  the  pu- 
 rity of  Chrifl's  gofpel,  which  is  the  only  food  of  our  iouls  j 
 and  therefore  io  precious  unto  us,  that  we  are  determined  to 
 'iuffer  the  extremeft  of  worldly  danger,  rather  than  that  we 
 will  iufl'er  ourlelves  to  be  defrauded  of  the  fame.  Fcr  here- 
 of we  are  moft  certainly  perfuaded,  that  whofoever  dcnieik 
 Chrift  Jefus,  or  is  afiiamed  of  him  in  the  prefence  of  men, 
 flivil!  be  denied  43tfore  the  Father  and  before  his  holy  angclj'. 
 And  therefore,  by  the  afliftance  of  the  mighty  Spirit  of  the 
 fame  our  Lord  Jcfus  Chrift,  we  firmly  purpofe  to  abide  to  the 
 end,  in  the  confcfiion  of  this  our  faiih. 
 
 B  z  The 
 
 W 
 
[   20   3 
 
 THE 
 CONFESSION  of  the  Faith  and  Doctrine 
 
 BELIEVED    AND    PROFESSED    BY 
 
 The  Protestants  of  Scotland,  &c. 
 
 Art  I  CLE  I.    Of  G  OD. 
 
 WE  confefs  and  acknowledge  one  only  God,  to  whom 
 only  we  mnfl:  cleave,  whom  only  we  murt  ferve, 
 whom  only  we  muft  worlhip,  and  in  whom  only  we  mult  put 
 our  truft  a,  who  is  eternal,  infinite,  unmealurable,  incom- 
 prehenfible,  omnipotent,  invi^ble  b  ;  one  in  Tubftance,  and 
 yet  in  three  perfons,  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
 Ghofi:  c  ;  by  whom  we  confefs  and  believe  all  things  in  hea- 
 ven and  earth,  as  well  villble  as  invitible,  to  have  been  cre- 
 ated,— to  be  retained  in  their  being, — and  to  be-  ruled  and 
 guided  by  his  infcrutable  provid(*nce,  to  fuch  ends  as  his  eter- 
 nal wifdom,  goodnels,  and  juftice  hath  appointed  them,  to 
 the  manifeftation  cf  his  own  glory,  d 
 
 a  Deut.  vi.  4.  i  Cor.  viii.  6.  Deut.  iv.  35.  Ila.  xliv.  5,  <5. 
 h  I  Tim.  i.  17.  1  Kmgsviii.  27.  aChron.vi.  18.  Pfal.cxxxix, 
 7,  8.  Gen.  xvii.  i.  i  Tim.  vi.  15,  16.  Exod.  iii.  14,  15. — 
 c  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  !  John  v.  7.  d  Gen.  i,  i.  Heb.  xi.  3. 
 Adts  xvii.  28.  Prov.  xvi.  4. 
 
 Art.  II.   Of  the  Creation  cf  Man» 
 
 WE  confefs  and  acknowledge  this  our  God  to  have  cre- 
 ated man,  tQ  luit,  ourfirft  father  Adam,  to  his  own 
 in..ige  and  fimilitude  ;  to  whom  he  gave  wifdom,  lordfl)ip, 
 ;;rtire,  free-will,  and  clear  kno'.vU-dge  cf  himle'f  *,  lb  that  in 
 ?;.    0  *ole  a«ture  of  man  there  couLd  be  noted  ho  imperfec- 
 
 tioi:  e  : 
 
^^>e  Confession  c/"  Faith.     {i<y6o)  it 
 
 tlon  e  :  from  which  honour  and  perfeflion  man  and  woman 
 did  both  fall.  The  womai>  being  deceived  br  the  ferpent, 
 snd  man  obeying  the  voice  of  the  woman,  both  conf^jiring 
 againft  the  fovereign  majefty  of  God,  who,  in  expiefs  words 
 •h.u-1  before  threatened  death,  if  they  pieiumed  to  eat  of  the 
 foi  bidden  tree/". 
 
 e  Gen.  i.  26, — 28,  ^f.  Col.  iii.  10.  Eph.  Iv,  24.  /  Gen» 
 iii.  6.  and  ii.  17. 
 
 Art.  IIT.  Of  Original  Sin, 
 Y  which  tranfgrcffion,    commonly  called  original  ftn, 
 
 was  the  image  of  God  utterly  dc£xed  in   man, 'and  he 
 
 and  his  pofterity  of  nature  become  enemies  to  God,  {laves  to 
 Satai^and  fervants  to  fin^  ;  infomuch  that  death  everlafting 
 hath  had,  and  fhall  have,  power  and  dominion  over  ail  that 
 have  not  been,  are  not,  or  fliall  not  be,  regenerated  from  a- 
 bove  ;  which  regeneration  is  wrought  by  the  power  of  the 
 Holy  Ghoft,  working  in  the  hearts  of  the  elect  of  God  aa 
 affured  faith  in  the  promife  of  Oody  revealed  to  us  in  his 
 word  ;  by  which  faith  we  apprehend  Chrift  Jcius,  with  the 
 graces  and  benefits  promifedin  him  h. 
 
 g  Pfalm  li.  5.  Rom.  v.  lo.  and  vii.  5,  i  Tim.  ii.  26.  Eob. 
 ii.  J,  2,  3.  h  Rom.  v.  14,  21.  Rom.  vi.  23.  Joha  iii!  5. 
 Rom.  V.  I.  Phil.  i.  29. 
 
 Art.  IV.  Of  the  Revelation  of  the  Promife. 
 OR  this  we  ccnilantly  believe,  that  God,  after  the  fear- 
 ful and  horrible  defection  of  man  from  his  obedience 
 did  feek  Adam  again,  call  upon  him,  rebuke  his  fin,  convift 
 him  of  the  fame,  and  in  the  end  made  unto  him  a  moft  joy- 
 ful promife,  to  loif,  That  the  fed  of  the  nuoman  Jhould  break 
 dcnvn  the ferpetst's  heady  that  is,  he  fliould  deftroy  the  work; 
 of  the  devil  ;  which  promife,  as  it  %vas  repeated,  and  made 
 more  clear  from  time  to  time,  fo  was  it  embri^ced  with  joy, 
 and  moft  conftantly  received  of  all  the  faithful  from  Adam  to 
 Noah,  from  Noah  to  Abraham,  from  Abraham  to  David, 
 and  fo  forth  to  the  incarnation  of  Jefus  Chrift.  All  (we 
 mean  the  faithful  fathers  under  the  law)  did  fee  the  joyful 
 day  of  Chrift  Jtfus,  and  did  rejoice  i. 
 
 i  Gen.  iii.  9,  15.  and  xii.  3.  and  xv.  5,  6.  2  Sam.  vii.  14, 
 Ifa,  vii.  14.  and  ix.  6»  Hag.  ii.  7,9.  John  viif.  5^. 
 
 Art* 
 
at  The  Confession  o/"  Faith.     (1560) 
 
 Art.    V.    0/  the  Contiriuance^    hicreafey   an  I  Prefervation 
 of  the  Kirk. 
 
 W£  mofi:  conftantljr  believe,  that  God  preferved,  in- 
 firu£led,  multiplied,  honoured,  decorated,  and  from 
 death  called  to  life,  his  kirk  in  all  ages,  from  Adam  till  tlie 
 coming  of  Chrht  Jefus  in  the  tlefli  k  :  for  Abraham  he  cal- 
 led from  his  father's  country,  him  he  inflruded,  his  feed  he 
 multipjied  /  ;  the  fame  he  marvelloufly  preferved,  and  more 
 marvelloufly  delivered  from  the  bondage  and  tyranny  of  Pha- 
 raoh m  \  to  them  he  gave  his  laws,  conftitutions,  and  cere- 
 monies n  ;  them  he  poflefTed  in  the  land  of  Canaan  0  ;  to 
 them,  after  Judges/^,  and  after  Saul  q,  he  gave  David  to  be 
 king  r,  to  whom  he  made  promile,  that  of  the  fruit  of  his- 
 loins  fhould  one  fit  for  »ver  upon  his  regal  feat  s  ;  to  this 
 fame  people,  from  time  to  time,  he  fent  prophets  to  reduce 
 them  to  the  right  way  of  their  God  /,  from  the  which  often 
 times  they  declined  by  idolatry//.  And  albeit  that,  for  their 
 ftnbborn  contempt  of  juftice,  he  was  compelled  to  give  them 
 into  the  bands  of  their  enemies  a",  as  before  was  threatened 
 by  the  mouth  of  Mofes  v,  infomuch  that  the  holy  city  was  de- 
 ftroyed,  the  temple  burnt  with  fire  s,  and  the  whole  land 
 left  defolat?  the  fpace  of  feventy  years  a  ;  yet  of  mercy  did 
 be  reduce  them  again  to  Jerufalem,  where  the  city  and  tem- 
 ple were  to  be  re-edified,  and  they  againit  all  temptations  and 
 afTaults  of  Satan,  did  abide  till  the  Mefilas  came,  according 
 to  the  promife  h. 
 
 k  Ezek.  xvi.  6, — 14.  /  Gen.  xli,  ^c.  m  Exod.  i,  iifc 
 n  Exod.  XX.  \5*c.  0  Jotli.  i.  3.  andxxiii.  4.  p  Judg.  i,  ^c. 
 q  I  Sam.  x.  r  \  Sam.  xvi.  13.  s  sSam.vii.  12.  t  ^  Kings 
 xvii.  13.  «  2  Kings  xvii.  14,  15,  Isfc.  x  2  Kings  xxiv.  3,  4. 
 y  Deut.  xxviii.  36,  48,  ^V.  z  2  Kings  xxv.  a  Dan.  ix.  2. 
 ff  Jer.  XXX.  Ez.  i,  bfc.  ifag.  i.  14.  andii.  7,  8,  9.  Zech.  iii.  8. 
 
 Art.   VI.   Of  the  Incarnation  of  Chr'ift  Jcfus. 
 
 WHEN  the  fulnefs  of  time  came,  God  fent  his  Son, 
 his  eternal  wildom,  the  fubltance  of  his  own  glory, 
 into  this  world,  who  took  the  nature  of  manhead,  of  the 
 iubftnnce  of  woman,  to  wit,  of  a  virgin,  and  that  by  opera- 
 tion of  the  Holy  Ghoft  j  and  fo  was  born  the  juA  feed  of 
 David,  the  angel  of  the  great  coupftl  of  God,  the  very-Mel- 
 iias  prornifed,  whom  weconfefsand  acknowledge  Im manu- 
 al, very  God  and   very   man,  two  perfcd  nature^,  united 
 
 and 
 
The  CoNFES'siON  o/*  Faith,    (1560)  23 
 
 and'jolned  in  one  perfon  <:  :  by  which  our  confeflion,  we 
 condemn  the  damnable  nnd  peftilenr  herefies  of  Ai  ius,'Mar- 
 cion,  Eutyches,  Ncftorius,  and  fuch  others,  as  either  did  d?- 
 ny  the  eternity  of  his  godhead,  or  the  verity  of  his  hutaaa 
 nature,  or  confounded  them,  oryeJt  divided  them. 
 
 c  Gal.  iv.  4.  Luke  i.  13.  RIatt.  i.  18.  and  ii.  i.  Rom.  i.  3. 
 Matt.  i.  23.  John  i.  45.    i  Tim.  ii.  5. 
 
 Art.  VII.   Why  it   behoved  the  Mediator  to   be  very   Gsd, 
 and  very  Alan. 
 
 'E  ackitowledge  and  confefs,  that  this  nioflr  wondrous 
 conjunftion  between  the  Godhead  and  the  manhcad 
 in  Chrift  Jefiis,  did  proceed  from  the  eternal  and  immutable 
 decree  of  God,  from  which  51II  our  faUatioii  fprings  and 
 depends  d.  d  Eph.  i.  3, —  6. 
 
 Art.  VIII.  Of  Eknmu 
 
 OR  that  fame  eternal  God  and  Father,  who  of  mere 
 grace  elected  us  in  Chrift  Jefus  his  Son,  before  the  foun- 
 daiion  of  the  world  was  laid^,  appointed  him  to  be  our  head/i 
 our  brother^,  our  paftor,  and  great  bifhop  of  our  fouls  h  : 
 but  becaufe  that  the  enmity  between  the  juOice  of  God  and 
 our  fins  was  fuch,  that  no  flelli  by  itfelf  could  or  might  have 
 attained  unto  God  /,. it  behoved,  that  the  Son  of  God  fliould 
 defccnd  unto  us,  and  take  to  himfelf  a  body  of  our  body,  flefli 
 of  our  ficfh,  and  bone  of  our  bones,  and  fo  become  the  Media- 
 tor betweenGod  and  man  k  j  giving  power  to  {o  many  as  be- 
 lieve in  him,  to  be  the  fons  of  God  /,  as  himfelf  doth  witnefs, 
 Ipafs  up  to  my  Father  and  unto  your  Father,  to  my  God  and  your 
 God:  m  by  which  moft  holy  fraternity,  whatfoever  we  have  loft 
 in  Adam,  is  rcftored  to  us  again  n  ;  and,  for  this  caufe,  are  we. 
 rot  afraid  to  call  God  our  Father  0  :  not  fo  much  becaufe 
 he  hath  created  us,  which  \7Z  have  coir.raon  with  the  repro- 
 bates/), as  for  that  he  hath  given  to  us  his  only  Son  to  be 
 our  brother  q,  and  given  unto  us  grace  to  acknowledge  and 
 embrace  him  for  our  only  Mediator,  as  before  is  faid.  It  be- 
 hoved further  the  Meffias  and  Redeemer  to  be  very  God  and 
 very  man,  becaufe  he  was  to  underly  the  puniihment  due  for 
 our  tranfgreillons  ;  and  to  prelent  himfelf  in  tiie  prefence  of 
 
 his 
 
 e  Eph.  i.  I  r.  Matf.  xxv.  34.  /Eph.  i.  22,  -3.  g  Heb.  ii. 
 7,  8,  ri,  12.  Plalm  xxu.  22.  h  Hcb.  xiii.  20.  r  Per.  ii.  25. 
 and  V.  4.  i  Pfalm  cxxx.  3.  and  cxUii.  z,  k  i  Tim,  ii.  (-. 
 /Johni.  J2.  77Z  John  XX.  1 7.  «  Rom.  v.  17, — 19.  0  Rom. 
 viii.  15.  Gal,  iv-.  ^,6.    p  ASis  xvii.  26.     £  Hcb.  ii.   ir,    12. 
 
^4  ^^  CoNFBssioN  e/"  Faith.    {^^66) 
 
 his  Father*s  judgment,  as  in  our  perfon,  to  fuffer  for  ou^ 
 franfgreffion  and  inobedience  r,  by  devith  to  overcortiC  hiin 
 that  was  the  author  of  death  :  but  bee  uife  the  only  Godhead 
 could  not  fufFer  death  x,  nekher  yet  could  the  only  manhead 
 overcome  the  fame,  he  joined  both  together  in  one  perfon, 
 tliat  the  imbecility  of  the  one  fhould  ib&er,  and  be  fubject 
 to  death,  (which  we  bad  deferved)  and  the  infinite  and  in- 
 vincible power  of  the  other,  to  IV it,  of  the  Godhead,  fhould 
 triumph,  and  purchafc  to  us  hfe,  liberty,  and  perpetual  vic- 
 tory t  J— -and  fo  we  confcfs,  and  mod  undoubtedly  believe. 
 
 r  I  Pet.  iii.    i3.  Ha.  liii.   8.     s  Afls  ii.  24.     /  I  John  i.  2. 
 
 Afts  XX.  28.   I  Tim.  iii.  16.  John  iii.  16. 
 
 Art.  'IX.  0/  Chrlfi^s  Deaths  Paffion^  and  Burial. 
 
 THAT  our  Lord  Jefus  offered  himfelf  a  voluntary  fa- 
 orifice  unto  his  Father  for  i^s  u  ;  that  he  futFered  con- 
 traaitlion  of  fmners  ;  that  he  was  wounded  and  plagued  for 
 cur  tranfgrcffions  no  ;  that  he,  being  the  clean  innocent 
 Xam.b  of  God  jc,  was  condemned  in  the  prefence  of  an  earth- 
 ?y  judge  v>  that  we  lliould  be  abfolved  before  the  tribunal  f<?at 
 of  our  God  z  ;  that  he  fuflfered  not  only  the  cruel  death  of 
 the  crofs,  (which  was  accurfed  by  the  fentence  of  God  d)  but 
 alfo,  that  he  ruifcred  for  a  feaion  the  wrath  of  his  Father  b^ 
 which  finners  had  deierved  :  but  yer  we  avow,  that  he  re- 
 mained the  only  well-beloved  and  blefied  Son  of  his  Father, 
 even  in  thcmiJil^  of  his  anguifli  and  torment,  which  he  fuf- 
 fered  in  body  and  foul,  to  mr.ke  the  full  iatisfaiSlion  for  the 
 iins  of  the  people  c  \  after  the  which,  we  confefs  and  avow, 
 that  there  remaineth  no  other  facrilice  for  fin  d\  which,  if 
 anv  afHrm,  we  nothing  doubt  to  avow,  that  they  are  hlaf- 
 phenious  againfi:  ChrilVh  death,  and  the  everlaliing  purgation 
 and  fatisfaftion  purchased  to  us  by  the  fame. 
 
 u  Hcb.  X.  4, — 12.  w  Ifa  liii.  5.  Heb.  xii.  3.  x  John  \. 
 29.  _j;  Matt,  xxvii.  II,  26.  Mark  xv.  Luke  xxiii.  2  Gal. 
 iii.  13.  a  Deut.  xxi.  23.  h  Matt.  xxvi.  38,  39.  ,  c  %  Cor. 
 V.  21.     f/ Heb.  ix.  12.  and  x.  14. 
 
 Art.  X.    Of  his  RefurrcBion. 
 
 W'E  undoubtedly  believe,  that  infomucb  as  it  wa*?  i.Ti- 
 pofuble  that  the  dolours  of  death  Hiouid  retain  in 
 bondage  the  author  of  life  €\  that  our  Lord  Jefus,  crucified, 
 dead,  and  buried,  who  defcended  into  hell,  did  rife  again  for 
 our  juftification/;  and  deftroying  of  him  who  was  the  author 
 
 of 
 
 €  Aas  ii.  24.    j  A^s  iii.  16.  Rom.  vi.  5,  9.  Rom.  iv.  25. 
 
Tie  CoNFfissioN  o/"  Faith.    (1560)  1^ 
 
 of  death,  brought  life  again  to  -is,  that  were  fubjecl  to  death, 
 and  to  the  bond.ige  of  the  i'ame  g  :  we  know  that  his  refur- 
 reflion  v/as  confirnied  by  the  teilimoriy  of  his  very  enemies  h, 
 by  the  refuneftioa  of  the  c'eatl,  whou;  fepiilchres  did  open, 
 and  fhey  did  rile,  and  appear  to  many  without  the  city  of 
 Jeruialem  i  ;  it  was  alio  confirmed  by  the  teftiniony  of  his 
 angels^,  and  by  rhefenfes  and  judgments  of  his  apollles,  and 
 of  others  who  had  converfation,  and  did  eat  and  drink  with 
 hiai,  after  his  refurredlion  /. 
 
 ^  Heb.  ii.  14,  15.  if  Mat.  xxviii.  4  /  Mat.  xxvii.  52,  53. 
 k  M.itt.  xxviii.  5,6.  /  Johnxx.  27.  andxxi.  7.  audxii.  13. 
 Luke  xxiv.  41, — 43. 
 
 Art.  Xr.  Of  h'is  Afcenfion. 
 
 7"  E  nothing  dovibt,  but  the  felf  fame  body,  which  was 
 born  of  the  Virgin,  whs  crucified,  dead,  and  buriec, 
 and  which  did  rife  agviin,  did  alccnd  into  the  heavens,  for 
 the  accomphfhment  of  all  things  m,  where,  in  our  names, 
 and  for  our  comfort,  he  had  received  all  power  in  heaven 
 and  earth  //, —  where  he  fitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  the  Fa- 
 ther, inaugurate  in  his  kingdom,  advocate,  and  only  Media- 
 tor for  us  0  ;  which  glory,  honour  and  prerogative,  he  alone, 
 araongft  the  brethren,  il»aU  poiTefs,  till  that  all  his  enemies 
 be  made  his  footftool^,  as  that  we  undoubtedly  believe  they 
 fhall  be  in  the  final  judgment,  to  the  execution  whereof,  we 
 certainly  believe,  that  the  (ame  our  Lord  Jefus  (liall  as  vifi« 
 blv  return,  as  that  he  was  feen  to  afcend^-  ;  and  then  we 
 firmly  believe,  that  the  time  of  refrelhing  and  rcftitution  of 
 all  things  fliall  come  r,  infomuch,  that  thefe  that  from  the 
 beginning  have  fut^'ered  violence,  injury,  and  wrong  forrigh- 
 teonfnefs  fake,  Ihail  inherit  that  biefied  immortality  promif- 
 ed  from  the  beginning/  ;  but  contrariwife  the  ftubborn,  iu- 
 obedient,  cruel  opprefiors,  filthy  perfons,  idolaters,  and  all 
 fuch  forts  of  uniaitiiful,  (hAll  be  call  in  the  dungeon  of  utter 
 darknefs,  where  the  worm  Ihall  not  die,  neither  yet  (hall 
 their  fire  be  exringui(hed  t :  the  reniembrance  of  which  day, 
 and  of  the  judgment  to  be  executed  in  the  fame,  is  not  only 
 to  us  a  bridle,  whereby  our  carnal  hifts  are  refrained,  but 
 aUb  fuch  iueftimable  comfort,  that  neither  m4y  the  threaten- 
 
 C  ing 
 
 m  Lrike  xxiv,  51.  Afls  i.  ,9.  n  Mit.  xxviii.  18.  0  \  Joha 
 ii.  t.  I  Tim.  ii.  5.  ^  Pialm  ex.  l.  Matt.  xxii.  44.  Mark  xii. 
 36.  Luke  XX.  42,  43.  f  A<5ls  i.  1 1.  r  Afts  iii.  19.  i  Mat, 
 XXV.  34.  2  ThdT.  1.  4.  iSc.  t  Rev.  xxi.  27.  Ifa.  Ixvi.  24. 
 Matt.  XXV.  41.  Markax.  44,  4*/*  48.  Muti.  xxii.  13, 
 
2(5  7he  Confession  oj  Faith,     (tjtfo) 
 
 ing  of  worldly  princes,  neither  yet  the  fear  of  temporal  deatlij 
 and  prefent  danger,  move  us  to  renounce  and  forfake  that 
 blciTed  foeicty,  which  we  the  members  have  with  our  Head 
 and  only  Mediator  Chrift  Jefus  «,  whom  we  confefs  and  a- 
 vow  to  be  the  Meffias  promifed,  the  only  Head  of  his  kirk, 
 oiirjuft  Lawgiver,  our  only  HighPrieft,  Advocate,  and  Me- 
 diator iv.  In  which  honours  and  offices,  if  man  or  angel 
 preiume  to  intrude  themfelves,  we  utterly  detefl:  and  abhor 
 them,  as  blafphemous  to  our  fovereign  and  fupreme  gover- 
 nor Chrift  Jefus. 
 
 u  2  Pet,  iii.  ir.  2  Cor^v.  g^ — 1 1.  Luke  xxi.  27,  28.  John 
 xlv.  f,  ^c.  IV  Ila.  vii.  14.  Eph.  i.  22.  Col,  i.  18.  Heb.  ix, 
 II,  15.  and  X.  21.   I  John  ii.  i.  i  Tim.  ii.  5. 
 
 Art.  Xir.  0/  FaitB  in  the  Holy  Ghojl. 
 
 THIS  our  faith,  and  afiurance  of  the  fame,  proceeds 
 not  from  flefh  and  blood,  that  is  to  fay,  from  no  na- 
 tural powers  within  us,  but  is  the  infpiration  of  the  Holyr 
 Ghoft  X  :  whom  we  confefs  God  equal  with  the  Father,  and 
 with  his  Son  y  -y  who  fanftifieth  us,,  and  bringeth  us  into  all 
 verity,  by  his  own,  operation  ^  without  whom  we  (hould  re- 
 main for  ever  enemies  to  God,  and  ignorant  of  bis  Son  Chrift 
 Jefus.  For  of  nature  we  arc  fa  dead,  fo  blind,,  and  fo  pcr- 
 verfe,  that  neither  can  we  feel  when  we  are  pricked,  fee  the 
 light  when  it  fhines,  nor  aflent  to  the  will  of  God  when  it  is 
 revealed  j  except  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jeius  quicken  that 
 which  is  dead,^  remove  the  darknefs  from  "our  minds,  and 
 bow  our  ftubborn  hearts  to  the  obedience  of  his  bleflcd  will  z. 
 And  fo,  as  we  confefs,.  that  Gk)d  the  Father  created  us',  when 
 we  were  not  a ;,  as  his  Son  our  Lord  Jefus  redeemed  us,  when 
 we  were  enemies  to  kim^;  fo  alfo  do  we  confefs,  thafthje  Ho- 
 ly Ghoft  doth  fanftify  and  regenerate  us,  without  allrcfpcft 
 ©f  any  merit  proceeding  from  us>  be  it  before,  or  be  it  after 
 our  regeneration r.  Tofpeak  th's  one  thing  yet  in  more  plain 
 words ;.  as  we  willingly  fpoil  ourfelves  of  all  honour  and  glo- 
 ry of  our  own  creation  and  redemption  d,  fo  do  we  alfo  of 
 our  regeneration  and  fandtification  e  :  for  of  ourfelves  we  are 
 not  fuliicient  to  think  a  good  thought  ;  but  he  who  hath  be- 
 gun the  work  in  us,  is  only  he  that  continifes  us  in  the  fame, 
 to  the  praife  and  glory  of  his  undeferved  grace/. 
 .X  Matt.  xvi.  i7'.  John  xiv.  26,  and  xv.  26.  and  xvi.  13. 
 :y  Acts  V.  3,  4.  2.  G0I.  ii.  13.  Eph.  ii..  1.  John  ix.  29.  Rev. 
 iii.  17.  Mat.  xvii.  17.  Mark  ix  19.  Luke  ix.  41.  John  vi. 
 63.  Mic.  vii.  8.  I  Kings  viii,  57,  58.  a  Pfal.  c.  3.  b  Rom, 
 V.  10.  cJohrriru»5.  Tit.  iii,  5.  Rom.  v,  8.  <fPkil.  iii.  p. 
 e  ThiU  i.  (5.  2  Cor.  iii»  5,    /  Eph.  i,  6.- 
 
"The  Confession  o/"  Faith.    (15^0)  27 
 
 Art.  Xlir.  Of  the  Caufe  of  Good  Works. 
 
 SO  that  the  caule  of  good  works  we  confefs  to  be,  not 
 our  free  will,  but  the  Lord  Jefus,  who  dwelleth  in  our 
 hearts  by  true  faith,  bringeth  forth  fuch  works  as  God  hath 
 prepared  for  us  to  walk  ia.  For  this  we  moft  boldly  affirm, 
 that  it  is  blafphemy  to  fay,  that  Chrift  abides  in  the  hearts 
 of  iuch,  in  whom  there  is  no  Spirit  of  fandlification  g  :  and 
 therefore  we  fear  not  to  affirm,  that  murderers,  opprefiors, 
 cruel  perfecutors,  adulterers,  whoremongers,  filthy  perfens, 
 idolaters,  drunkards,  thieves,  and  all  workers  ot  iniquity, 
 have  neither  true  faith,  nor  any  portion  of  the  Spirit  of  the 
 Lord  Jefus,  fo  long  as  obftinately  they  continue  in  their  wic- 
 kcdnels  ;  for,  fo  foon  as  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  Jefus  (which 
 God's  eleft  children  receive  by  true  faith)  taketh  pofTefiion 
 in  the  heart  of  any  man,  fo  foon  doth  he  regenerate  and  re- 
 new the  fame  man  ;  fothat  he  beginnethto  hate  that  which 
 before  beloved,  and  beginneth  to  love  that  which  before  he 
 hated  •,  and  from  thence  cometh  that  continual  battle  which 
 is  between  the  flefh  and  the  fpirit  in  God's  children  :  ftill 
 the  flelh  and  natural  man,  according  to  their  own  corruption, 
 lufteth  for  things  pleafant  and  delegable  unto  itfelf,  and 
 grudgeth  inadverfity,  is  lifted  up  in  profperity,  and  at  every 
 moment  is  prone  and  ready  to  offend  the  majefty  of  God  h. 
 But  the  Spirit  of  God,  which  giveth  witnefling  to  our  fpirit, 
 that  we  are  the  fons  of  God  z,  maketh  us  to  rciift  filthy  plea- 
 fures,  and  to  grone  in  God's  prefence  for  deliverance  from 
 this  bondage  of  corruption  A,  and  finally,  to  triumph  over  (in, 
 that  it  reign  not  in  our  mortal  bodies  /.  This  battle  hath  not 
 the  carnal  man,  being  deftitute  of  God's  Spirit,  but  doth 
 follow  and  obey  fin  with  greedinels,  and  without  repentance, 
 even  as  the  devil  and  their  corrupt  lufts  d^o  prick  them  m  : 
 but  the  fons  of  God,  as  before  is  faid,  do  fight  againft  fin, 
 do  fob  and  mourn  when  they  perceive  themfelves  tempted  to 
 iniquity  ;  and  if  they  fall,  they  rife  again  with  earneft  and 
 unfeigned  repentance  «  ;  and  thefe  things  they  do  not  by 
 their  own  power,  but  by  the  power  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  with- 
 out whom  they  were  able  to  do  nothing  0. 
 
 ^  Eph.  ii.  20,  Phil.  ii.  13.  Rom.viil.9  h  Rom.  vii.  15, 
 adult.  Gal.  v.  17,  ;■  Rom.  viii,  16,  ;^  Rom.  vii.  24.  and 
 ▼iii.  22.  /  Rom.  vi.  i2.  m  Eph.  iv.  17,  ^c.  n  2  Tim.  ii. 
 26.     P  John  XV.  5. 
 
 €  z  Art. 
 
28  y^r  Confession  (/ Faith.     (1560) 
 
 Art.  XIV.  IFhai  Works  are  reputed  Good  he 'ore  God. 
 
 WE  profefs  and  acknowleuge,  t'lat  God  hath  given  mari' 
 his  holy  law,  in  wliich  not  only  are  forbidden  all  iuch 
 works  as  difplcafe  and  olTend  his  godly  majefty,  but  ?\{o  are 
 commanded  all  fiich  as  pleafe  hini,  and  as  he  hath  promifed 
 to  reward/):  and  thefe  works  be  of  two  forts ;  the  one  is  done 
 to  the  honour  of  God,  the  other  to  the  profit  of  our  neigh- 
 bours }  and  both  have  the  revealed  will  of  God  for  their  af- 
 furance.  To  have  one  God,  toworfhipand  honour  him,  to 
 call  upon  him  in  all  our  troubles,  to  reverence  his  holy  name, 
 to  hear  his  word,  to  believe  the  fame,  to  communicate  with 
 bis  holy  Cucraments  §-,  are  the  works  of  the  nrit  table.  To 
 honour  father,  mother,  princes,  rulers,  and  fuperior  powers, 
 to  love  them^  to  lupport:  them,  yea,  to  obey  their  charges, 
 (not  repugning  to  the  commandment  of  God)  to  fave  the 
 lives  of  innocents,  to  reprefs  tyranny,  to  defend  the  opprei- 
 led,  to  keep  our  bodies  clean  and  holy,  to  live  in  ibberners 
 and  temperance,  to  deal  juOly  with  all  men,  boih  in  word 
 and  deed  ;  and  filially,  to  reprefs  all  appetite  of  our  neigh- 
 bour's hurt  r, — are  the  good  works  of  the  fecond  table,  which 
 are  moft  plcafing  and  acceptable  unto  God,  as  thefe  M'orks 
 that  are  commanded  by  hin^fcif  The  contrary  whereof  is 
 fin  moft  odious,  which  always  difpleafeth  him,  and  provokfth 
 him  to  anger  ;  as,  not  to  call  upon  him  alone  when  we  have 
 need;  not  to  hear  his  word  with  reverence,  to  contemn  and  de- 
 fpii'e  it  ;.  to  have,  or  to  worfhip  idols;  to  m.aintainand  defend 
 idolatry  ;  lightly  to  efteem  the  reverend  name  of  God  ;  to 
 profane,  abuie,  or  contemn  the  facraments  of  Chrift  Jr;fus  ; 
 to  difobey  or  refift  any  that  God  hath  placed  in  authority,' 
 (while  they  pais  not  over  the  bounds  of  their  office  /)  to  mur- 
 der, or  confent  thereto  ;  to  bear  hatred,  or  to  TufFer  inno- 
 cent blood  to  be  (hed,  if  we  m»y  withftand  it  /  ;  and  finally, 
 the  tranlgreffion  of  any  other  commandment  in  the  firft  or 
 fecond  table,  we  confeis  and  affirm  to  be  fin  «, — wherebj 
 God's  anger  and  difpleafure  is  kindled  againft  the  proud  un- 
 thankful world  ;  fo  that  good  works  we  aSrm  to  be  thefe 
 only  that  are  done  in  faith  w,  and  at  God's  cointriandment  x, 
 who  in  his  law  hath  exprefled  what  the  things  be  that  pleafe 
 
 hioi  : 
 
 p  Exod,  XX.  I,  ^c.  Deut.  v.  6,  ^c.  and  iv.  8.  q  Luke  i. 
 ,  74,  75.  Mic.  vi.  8.  r  Eph.  vi.  »,  7.  Ezek;  xxti.  1,  (5*f.  i 
 Cor  vi  19,  20.  I  TheiT.  iv.  5,  7  Jer.  xxii.  3,  ^c.  Ifa.  i.  \. 
 s  I  Their  iv.  6.  Rom.  xiii.  2.  /Ezek.  xxii.  13,  ^c.  u  \ 
 John  ill.  4.  "u/  Rom.  xiv.  23.  Heb.  xi.  6.  x  \  Saro.xv.  22. 
 1  Cor.  x-  ^t. 
 
y/5f  Confession  p/ Faith.    (j5<5o)  2jf. 
 
 him  :  and  evil  works,  we  aJEfirm,  not  only  thefe  that  are  ex- 
 pvefly  done  againft  God's  commandmentj)i,  but  thefe  alfotbatft 
 in  matter  of  religion  and  woifhippingbf  God,  have  no  other 
 affurance  but  the  inventton  and  opinion  of  man  ;  which  GoA 
 from  the  beginning  b?.th  ever  reje^kd,  as  by  the  prophet  £- 
 faialj  z,  and  by  our  mafter  Chrift  Jefus  we  are  taught  in  thefe 
 W'drds,  In  vain  do  they  luo-Jhtp  vie^  teaching  for  doHrine  ilx 
 prccthts  of  men.  a 
 
 y  I  John  iii.  4.     z  Ifa.  xx'x.  13.     a  Matt.  xv.  9  Markvii.  7, 
 
 Art.  XV.  Of  the   Perfeilion  of  the  LaWf  atid  the  ImpeT' 
 perfeFttoh  cf  Man. 
 
 TH  E  law  of  God,  we  confefs  and  acknowledge,  mod 
 juft,  mofl:  equil,  moft:  holy,  and  moft  perfe^  ;  cora- 
 tnanding  thofe  things,  which,  being  wrought  in  perfe^tiop^ 
 were  able  to  give  life,  and  able  to  bring  man  to  eternal  tfiit:- 
 ty  h  ;  but  our  nature  is  fo  corrupt,  fo  weak,  and  fo  iraper- 
 feft,  that  we  are  never  able  to  fulfil  the  works  of  the  law  m. 
 peifedlion/: ;  yea,  if  we  fay  we  have  no  fin,  even  after  we  are 
 regenerated,  wc  deceive  ourfelves,  and  the  verity  of  God  is 
 not  in  ns  d.  And  therefore  it  behoveth  us  to  apprehend 
 Chrift  Jefus,  with  bis  juftice  and  fatisfa£lion,  who  is  the  end' 
 and  acconiplirtiment  of  the  law,  by  whom  we  arc  fet  at  this 
 fiberty,  that  tl»e  curfe  and  malediction  of  God  fall  not  oa 
 us,  albeit  we  fulfil  not  the  fame  in  all  points  (.  :  for  God  the 
 Father,  beholding  tis  in  the  body  of  his  Son  Chrift  Jefus,  ac- 
 cepteth  our  imperfeO  obedience,  as  it  were  perfe<^t/';  and 
 .  covers  our  works,  which  are  defiled  with  many  fpots  ^,  with 
 the  juftice  of  his  Son.  We  do  not  mean,  tint  i^e  aie  fo  fet 
 at  liberty,  that  wc  owe  no  obedience  to  the  law  ;  (for  that 
 before  we  have  plainly  confeiTed)  but  this  we  affirm,  that  no 
 nan  in  ejirth  (Chrift  Jefus  only  excepted)  hath  gi^en,  gives, 
 or  Chall  gi.vc  in  work,  that  obedience  to  the  law,  which  tlic 
 law  reqijires  :  but,  when  we  have  dene  all  things,  we  nauft: 
 fail  down,  and  unfeignedly  confefs  that  we  are  unprofit  .♦.Wf 
 fsrvants  h  \  and  therefore,  whofoever  boaft  themf^lves  of /me- 
 rits of  their  own  works,  or  put  their  truft  in  the  works  of 
 fupererogation,  boaft  themfelves  in  that  which  is  nought, 
 and  put  their  trufl  in  damnable  idolatry. 
 
 A  a  r. 
 
 h  Lev.  xviii.  5.  Gal.  iii  12.  t  Tim  i.  8.  Rom.  vil.  12  Pfat, 
 xix-  7,  1 1,  c  Deut.  V.  29.  Rom.  x.  3.  d  \  Kings  viii.  46. 
 2  Chron.  vi.  36.  Prov.  xx.  9.  Eccl.  vii.  22.  i  John  i.  8. — • 
 e  Rom.  x.  4.  Gal.  iii.  13;  Deut.  xxvii.  25.  /*  Piiil.  ii.  15. 
 g  Ifa.  Ixiv.  6.     h  Luke  xvii.  10. 
 
JO  TBe  Confession  £^  Faith.    (1560) 
 
 A  R  T.  X\"I.  Of  the  Kirk. 
 
 AS  vrt  believe  in  one  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoft, 
 (0  do  we  moft  conjftantly  believe,  that  from  the  be- 
 ginning there  hath,  been^  and  now  is,  and  to  the  end  of  the 
 world  fliall  be,  one  kirk,  that  is  to  fay,  one  company  and 
 multitude  of  men  choferi  of  God,  who  rightly  worfhip  and 
 embrace  him  by  true  faith  in  Chrift  Jefus  /,  who  is  the  only 
 head  of  the  fame  kirk,  which  is  alfo  the  body  and  fpoufe  of 
 Chrift  Jefus  :  which  kirk  is  catholic,  that  is  univcrfal,  be- 
 caufeit  containeth  thceleft  of  all  ages,  of  all  realms,  nations, 
 and  tongues,  be  they  of  the  Jews,  or  be  they  of  the  Gentiles, 
 who  have  cemmunion  and  fociety  with  God  the  Father,  and 
 with  his  Son  Chrift  Jsfus,  through  the  fandlification  of  his 
 Holy  Spirit  k  ;  and  therefore  it  is  called  the  communion,  not 
 of  profane  perfons,  but  of  faints,  who,  as  citizens  of  the  hea- 
 ■venly  Jerufalem  /,  have  the  fruition  of  the  moft  ineftimable 
 benefits,  to  wii,  of  one  God,  one  Lord  Jefus,  on.e  faith,  and 
 one  baptifm  m  j  out  of  which  kirk,  there  is  neither  life,  nor 
 eternal  felicity  :  and  therefore,  we  utterly  abhor  theblafphe- 
 my  of  them  that  affirm,  that  men,  who  live  according  to  e- 
 quity  and  juftice,  ihall  be  faved,  what  religion  foever  they 
 have  profeffed.  For,  as  without  Chrift  Jefus  there  is  ucithcr 
 life  nor  falvation,  fo  fhall  there  none  be  participant  thereof, 
 but  fuch  as  the  Father  harth^iven  unto  his  Son  Chrift  Jefus, 
 and  thefe  that  in  time  come  unto  him,  avow  his  doftrine,  and 
 believe  in  him  0  ;  we  comprehend  the  children  with  the  faith- 
 ful parents  p.  This  kirk  is  inviftble,  known  only  to  God, 
 who  alone  knoweth  whom  he  hath  chcfen  q^  and  compre- 
 hendeth  as  well  (as  faid  is)  the  eleft  that  be  departed,  com-, 
 monly  called.  The  church  triumphant^  as  thofe  that  yet  live, 
 and  fight  againft  fin  and  Satan,  and  fhall  live  hereafter  r. 
 
 i  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  Eph.  i  4.  k  Col  i.  i8.  Eph.  v,  23,  24, 
 (5'ir.  Rev.  vii  9.  /Eph.ii.19.  mY.ph.iv.  ^.  «  John  iii.  36^. 
 0  John  vi.  37,  39,  65  and  xvii.  6.  p  A£l§  ii.  39.  q  2  Tim.  ii. 
 jp.  Jobnxiii.  18.     r  Eph.  i.  10.  Col.  i.  20.  Heb,  xii.  4. 
 
 Art.  XVII.  Of  the  Immortality  sf  the  Soul. 
 
 TH  E  cleft  departed  are  in  peace,  and  reft  from  their 
 labours  s  \  not  that  they  fleep,  and  come  to  a  certain 
 obhvion,  as  fome  fantaftics  do  affirm  j  but  that  they  are  de- 
 livered from  all  fear  and  torment,  and  all  temptation,  to  which 
 we,  and  all  God's  eleft,  are  fubjeft  in  this  life  t  j  and  there, 
 fore  do  bear  the  name  of  the  church  militant  :  as  contrari- 
 
 wife 
 
 /  Rev.  xiv.  »3,     /  Ifa.  xv.  8.  Rev.  Vii.  14, — 17,  and  xxi.  4. 
 
y/5^  Confession  5;^  Faith.    (1550)  -ji 
 
 wife,  the  reprobate  and  unfaithful  departed,  have  anguifli, 
 tdrment,  and  pain,  that  cannot  be  exprefled  u  ;  <o  that  nei- 
 ther are  the  one  nor  the  other  in  fuch  a  fleep,  that  they  feci 
 f'  not  their  torment,  as  the  parable  of  Chrift  Jefus  in  the  xvith 
 S'  of  Luke  w,  his  words  to  the  thief  x^  and  thefe  words  of  the 
 (i  fouls  crying  under  the  altar,  O  Lordy  thou  that  art  righteous 
 \  andjnjit  hoiv  long  Jhalt  tJiQu  not  revenge  eur  blood  upon  thcfe 
 \  that  dwell  on  the  earth  ?  y  do  teftify. 
 
 u  Rev-  xvi.  10,  II.  Ifa.  Ixvi.  24.  Mark  ix.  44,  46,  48. — > 
 10  Luke  xvi.  23,- — 25.     x  Luke  xxiii.  43.    y  Rev.  vi.  9,  10 
 
 Bj  A  R  T.  XVIIL  Of  the  Notes,  ivherehy  the  ture  Kirk  is  dif- 
 I  .  cernedfrom  thefalfe  ;  and  ivho  Jhall  judge  of  the  doctrine. 
 ECAUSE  that  Satan  from  the  beginning  hath  labour- 
 ed to  deck  this  peftilent  fynagogue  with  the  title  of  The 
 Lhurch  oj  God,  and  hath  inflamed  the  hearts  of  cruel  murde- 
 derers  to  pcrfecute,  trouble,  and  molefl  the  true  kirk,  and 
 members  thereof ;  as  Cain  did  Abel^i  Illimael,  Ifaac^; 
 Efau,  Jacob  f  ;  and  the  whole  priefthood  of  the  Jews,  Chrift 
 Jefus  himfelf,  and  his  apoftles  after  him  d  :  it  is  one  thing 
 moft  requifite,  that  the  true  kirk  be  diloerned  from  the  fil- 
 thy fynagogues,  by  clear  and  perfedl  notes,  lefl  we,  being 
 deceived,  receive  and  embrace,  to  our  own  condemnation, 
 the  one  for  the  other.  The  notes,  figns,.and  aflured  tokens, 
 whereby  the  immaculate  fpoufe  of  Chrift  Jefus  is  known  from 
 the  horrible  harlot,  the  kirk  malignant,  we  affirm,  are  nei- 
 ther antiquity,  title  ufurped,  lineal  defcent,  place  appointed, 
 nor  multitude  of  men  approving  an  error  ;  for  Cain  in  age 
 and  title  was  preferred  to  Abel  and  Seth  e  ;  Jerufalem  had 
 prerogative  above  all  places  of  the  earth/,  where  alfo  were 
 the  priefls  lineally  defcended  from  Aaron  ;  and  greater  num- 
 ber followsd  the  fcribes,  pharifees,  and  priefts,  than  unfeign- 
 cdly  believed  and  approved  Chrift  jefus  and  his  do£trine  g  ; 
 and  yet,  as  we  fuppofe,  no  man  of  found  judgment  will  grant 
 that  any  of  the  forenamed  were  the  church  of  God.  The 
 notes  therefore  of  the  true  church  of  God,  we  believe,  con- 
 fefs,  and  avow  to  be,  FirJ},  The  true  preaching  of  the  word 
 of  God,  wherein  God  hath  revealed  himfelf  unto  us,  as  the 
 writings  of  the  prophets  and  apoftles  do  declare.  Secondh^ 
 The  right  adminiftration  of  the  facraments  of  Chrift  Jefus, 
 
 which 
 
 a  Gen,  iv.  8.  b  Gen.  xxi.  9.  c  Gen.  xxvii.  41.  d  Matt. 
 xxiii.  34.  John  xv.  18, — 20,  24.  and  xi.  47,  53.  Ads  iv.  i, 
 — 3,  and  V.  17,  iB.     e  Gen.  iv.    J  Pfalm  xlviii.  2,  3.  Matt, 
 
32  r^i?  Confession  2/*  Faith.    (1550) 
 
 which  mufl:  be  annexed  unto  the  word  and  promife  of  God, 
 to  feal  and  confirm  the  laine  in  our  hearts  h.  Lajily,  Eccle- 
 fiaftical  difcipline  uprightly  mini'.h-ed,  as  God's  word  prelcrib- 
 eth,  whereby  vice  is  rcprefled,  and  virtue  nouriihedi.  Where- 
 £bever,  then,  thefc  foriner  notes  are  ieen,  and  of  any  time 
 continue,  (be  the  number  never  fo  few,  about  two  or  three) 
 there,  without  all  doubt,  is  the  true  chuich  of  Chrift,  who, 
 according  to  his  promife,  is  in  tlve  midft  of  them  k  ;  not 
 that  univerfal,  ct  which  we  have  before  I'poken,  but  particu- 
 lar,  fnch  as  were  in  Corinthus  /,  Galatia  m,  Ephefus  «,  and 
 other  places,  wherein  the  miniftry  was  planted  by  Paul,  and 
 vere  of  himfelf  named  the  churches  of  God  :  ahd  fuch  chur- 
 ches,  we,  the  inhabitants  of  the  realm  of  Scotland,  profffi- 
 iors  of  Ctihft  Jel'us,'profels  ourrelves  to  have,  in  our  cities, 
 towns,  and  places  reformed,  for  the  doftrine  taught  in  our 
 churches  is  contained  in  the  written  word  of  God,  to  -wit,  in 
 the  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Teftament  :  in  thel'e  books, 
 we  mean,  which  by  tht  ancients  have  been  reputed  canoni- 
 cal, in  the  wliich  we  aiHmi,  that  all  things  neceiTary  to  be 
 believed  for  the  falvation  ot  mankind,  arefufHcientiy  expref- 
 fed  (7.  The  interpretation  whereof,  we  confefs,  neither  ap- 
 pertaineth  to  private  nor  public  perfon  ;  neither  yet  to  any 
 kirk,  for  any  preheminence,  or  prerogative,  perfonally  or 
 io^fally,  which  one  hath  above  another  :  but  appertaineth  to 
 the  Spirit  of  God,  by  whom  alfo  the  fcripture  was  written  p. 
 When  controverly  then  happeneth,  for  the  right  underftan- 
 dingof  any  place  orfentcncein  (cripturc,  or  for  the  reforma- 
 tion of  any  abufe  within  the  church  of  God,  we  ought  not 
 ib  much  to  look  what  men  before  us  have  faid  or  done,  as 
 Junto  that  which  the  Holy  Glioll  uniformly  fpeaketh,  within 
 the  body  of  the  fcriptures, — and  unto  that  which  Jefus  Chrift 
 bimfeifdid,  and  commanded  to  be  done  g.  For  this  is  a 
 thing  univerfally  granted,  that  the  Spirit  of  God,  who  is  the 
 Spirit  of  unity,  is  in  nothing  contrarious  unto  himi'elf  r.  It 
 tlien  the  interpretation,  determination,  or  fentence  of  any 
 do»!!tOr,  church,  or  council,  be  repugnant  to  the  plain  v^ord 
 of  God,  written  in  any  other  place  of  Icripture,  it  is  moft 
 certaip,  that  there  is  not  the  true  underftanding  and  mean- 
 ngof  the  Holy  Ghoft,  although  that  councils,  and  realms, 
 I  and 
 
 h  Eph  ii.  20  A£ls  ii  42  John  x.  27  and  xviii.  37.  i 
 Cor.  I  23.  24.  Mitt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  M><rk  xvi.  15,  16.  j  Cor. 
 xi,  23, —  26.  Rom.  iv.  11.  i  Matt,  xviii.  15, —  8.  i  Cor.  v. 
 4,  5'  k  ^liltt.  xviii.  19,  20.  /  1  Ccr.  i  2.  2  Cor.  i  i. — 
 r;  Gal.  i  2.  n  Aits  x*.  17.  0  John  xx.  31.  2  Tim.  iii.  i6, 
 17.    ^  i  Pet.  i.  ao,'  21,    q  Joha  v.  39.     r  £ph.  iii.  4. 
 
The  Confession  of  Faith.     (15(^0)  33 
 
 2nd  nations  have  approved  and  received  the  fame.  For  we 
 tlare  not  admit  any  interpretation  which  repugneth  to  any 
 principal  point  of  our  faith,  or  to  any  other  plain  text  of  fcrip- 
 ture,  or  yet  unto  the  rule  of  charity. 
 
 Art.  XIX.   Of  the  Authority  of  the  Scriptures. 
 
 AS  we  believe  and  confefs  the  fcriptures  of  God  fuffici- 
 cnt  to  inftrucSt  and  make  the  man  of  God  perfect  ;  (o 
 do  we  affirm  and  avow  the  authority  of  the  fame  to  be  of 
 God,  and  neither  to  depend  on  men  nor  angels  s.  We  af- 
 firm, therefore,  that  fuch  as  alledge  the  fcripture  to  have  no 
 other  authority,  but  that  which  it  hath  received  from  the 
 church,  to  be  blafphemous  againif  God,  and  injurious  to  the 
 true  church,  which  always  heareth  and  obeyeth  the  voice  of 
 her  own  fpoufe  and  pallor^,  but  tiiketh  not  upon  her  to  be 
 miiirefs  over  the  fame. 
 
 s  2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17.     t  John  x.  27. 
 
 Art.  XX    Of  General  Councils  ; — 5^  their  Poiverj  Autho- 
 rity, and  Caufe  of  their  Convention. 
 
 AS  we  do  not  rafiily  condemn  that,  which  godly  men, 
 aflembled  together  in  General  Councils  lawfully  ga- 
 thered, have  proponed  unto  us  ;  fo,  without  juft  examina- 
 tion, dare  we  not  receive  whatfoever  is  obtruded  upon  men, 
 under  the  name  of  General  Councils  :  for  plain  it  is,  as  they 
 v/-ere  men,  fo  have  iome  of  them  manifeftly  erred,  and  that 
 in  matters  of  great  weight  and  importance  u.  So  far.theji 
 as  the  Council  proveth  the  determination  and  commandment 
 that  it  giveth,  by  the  plain  word  of  God,  fo  loon  do  we  reve- 
 rence and  embrace  the  fame  :  but  if  men,  under  the  name  of 
 a  Council,  pretend  to  forge  unto  us  new  articles  of  our  faith", 
 or  to  make  conflitutions  repugnant  to  the  word  of  God,-— 
 then  utterly  we  muffc  refufe  the  finne,  as  the  doftrine  oi  de- 
 vils, which  draweth  our  fouls  from  the  voice  of  our  only  God, 
 to  follow  the  doftrines  and  conftitutions  of  men  i'.  The 
 caufe,  then,  why  that  General  Councils  conveened,  were  nei- 
 ther to  make  any  perpetual  law,  which  God  had  not  before 
 made,  neither  to  forge  new  articles  of  our  belief,  nor  to  give 
 the  word  of  God  authority  ;  much  lefs  to  nwke  that  to  be 
 his  word,  or  yet  the  true  interpretation  of  the  fame,  which 
 was  not  before  by  his  holy  will  expreiTed  in  his  word  w ;  but 
 the  caufe  of  Councils,  (we  mean  of  fuch  as  merit  the  name 
 
 D  of 
 
 u  Gz\.  n.  II, — 14.     V  I  Titn.  ir.  i, — 3.     w  Col,  ij.  i5 
 18*22. 
 
34  The  CoavE^^ios  of  T  Air  a.     {rs'6e) 
 
 of  Councils)  was  partly  for  confutation  of  herefies  x,  and  for 
 giving  public  confeflion  of  their  faith  to  the  pofterity  follow- 
 ing ;  which  both  they  did  by  the  authority  of  God's  written 
 word,  and  not  by  any  opinion  or  prerogative,  that  they  could 
 not  err,  by  reafon  of  their  general  aflenibly  ; — and  this  we 
 judge  to  have  been  the  chief  caufe  of  General  Councils.  The 
 other  was  for  good  policy  and  order  to  be  conftitute  and  ob- 
 ferved  in  the  kirk,  in  which  (as  in  the  houfe  of  Godv)  it 
 becoraeth  all  things  to  be  done  decently,  and  in  order. z  Not 
 that  we  think,  that  any  policy,  and  order  in  ceremonies,  can 
 be  appointed  for  all  ages,,  times,  and  places  ;  for  as  ceremo- 
 nies, i'uch  as  men  have  devifed,  are  but  temporal*,  fo  may, 
 and  ought,  they  to  be  changed,  when  they  rather  fofter  l"u- 
 perftition,  than  edify  the  church  uling  the  fame» 
 
 ■    ;v  Aclsxy.  2  Tim.  iii.  15.-    y  Heb.iii.  %.     z  i  Cor.  xiv.  40. 
 
 Art.  XXI.  Of  the  Sacraments. 
 
 M  S  the  fathers  under  the  law,  befides  the  verity  of  the 
 _f\  facrilices,  had  two  chief  iacraments,  t&  tvit,  circu.n- 
 cilion,  and  the  pafTover;  the  defpifers  and  contemners  where- 
 of were  not  reputed  of  God's  people  a  ;  fo  we  do  acknow- 
 ledge and  confefs,  that  we  now,  in  time  of  the  e\'angel,  h-avc 
 two  chief  Iacraments  only,  ihftituted  by  the  Lord  Jelus,  and 
 commanded  to  be  ufedof  all  thofe  tilat  will  be  reputed  mem- 
 bers of  his  body,  to  nvit^  baptifm,  and  the  ftipper  or  table  of 
 the  Lord  Jefus,  called  the  communion  of  his  body  and  blood  0: 
 and  thefe  facraments,  as  well  of  the  Old  as  of  the  New  Tef- 
 tament,  now  inftituted  of  God,  not  only  to  make  a  vifibl'e 
 difference  betwixt  his  people,  and  thefe,  that  were  without 
 his  league,  but  alfo  to  exercife  the  faith  of  his  children,  and 
 by  participation  of  the  fame  facraments,  to  feal  in  their  hearts 
 the  afTurance  of  his  promife,  and  of  that  moft  blelTed  con- 
 jundlion,  union,  and  I'oeiety,  which  the  eledHhave  with  their 
 head  Chrift  Jefus.  And  thus  we  utterly  condemn  the  vani- 
 ty of  thofe,  that  affirm  facraments  to  be  nothing  elfe  but  na- 
 ked and  bare  figns  ;  no,  \ve  afTuredly  believe,  that  by  bap- 
 tifm we  are  engrafted  in  Chrift  Jefus,  to  be  made  partakers 
 of  his  juftice,  whereby  our  fins  are  covered  and  remitted  ; — 
 and  alfo,  that  in  the  fupper,  rightly  ufed,  Chrift  Jefus  is  fo 
 joined  with  us,  that  he  becomcth  very  nourifhment  and  food 
 to  our  fouls  c  J  not  that  we  imagine  any  tranfubflantiation 
 
 of 
 
 a  Gen.xvii.  10,  11,  14.  Exod.xxi.  Num.  ix.  13.  b  Matt, 
 xxviii.  19.  Mark  xvi.  15,  16.  Matt.  xxvi.  26, —  28.  Markxtv, 
 22, — 24.  Luke  xxii.  19,  20.  I  Cor.  xi.  23,— 26.  c  I  Cor. 
 S-  16    RoQi.  vi.  3,  ^,  5.  Gal.  iii.  27. 
 
Tie  Confession  of  Faith.     (1560)  3 
 
 of  bread  into  Chrift's  ftatural  body,  and  of  wine  into  his  na- 
 tural blood,  as  the  Papifts  have  pernicioufly  taught,  and  dam- 
 nably believed  ;  but  this  union  and  conjunction,  which  we 
 have  with  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrifk  Jefus,  in  the  right 
 ufe  of  the  facramcnts,  wrought  by  the  operation  of  the  Holy 
 
 I'  Ghoft,  who  by  true  faith  carrieth  us  above  all  things  that  are 
 J  viiiblc,  carnal,  aiidearthly,  and  maketh  us  to  feed  upon  the 
 body  and  blood  of  Chvift  Jeius,  which  was  once  broken  and 
 Ihed  for  us,  which  now  is  in  heaven,  and  appeareth  in  the 
 prefence  of  his  Father  for  us  d  •,  and  yet,  notwiihflanding 
 fhje"far  difiance  of  place  which  is  between  his  body  now  glo- 
 rified in  heaven,  and  us  now  mortal  on  this  earth,  yet  we 
 rooft  afluredly  believe,  that  the  bread  which  we  break  is  the 
 communion  of  Chrifl's  body,  and  the  cup  which  we  blefs  is 
 the  communion  of  his  blood  <?.  So  that  we  confafs  and  un- 
 doubtedly believe,  that  the  faithful,  in  the  right. ufe  of  the 
 Lord's  table,  do  fo  eat  the  body,  and  drink  the  blood  of  the 
 Lord  Jefus,  that  he  remaineth  in  them,  and  they  in  him  ; 
 yea,  they  are  fo  made  flefli  of  his  flefh,  and  bone  of  his 
 bones/,  that  as  the  eternal  Godhead  hath  given  to  the  flefli 
 ©f  Chrift  Jefus  (which  of  its  own  nature  was  mortal  and  cor- 
 ruptible^) life  and  imnvortality  ;  fo  doth  Chrift  Jefus  his 
 flefli  and  blood,  eaten  and  drunken  by  us,  give  unto  vis  the 
 fame  prerogatives.  V/hich  albeit  wc  canfefs,  are  neither  gi- 
 'ven  unto  us  at  that  time  only,  neither  yet  by  the  proper  powei* 
 and  virtue  of  the  facrament  only  ;  yet  we  affirm,  that  the 
 faithful,  in  the  right  ufe  of  the  Lord's  table,  have  fuch  con- 
 junftion  with  Chrift  Jefus  ^,  as  the  natural  man  cannot  ap- 
 prehend :  yea,  and  further  we  affirm,  that  albeit  the  faith- 
 ful, opprelTed  by  negligence  and  manly  infirmity^  do  not  pro- 
 fit fo  much  as  they  would,  in  the  very  inflant  aiSlion  of  the 
 iupper,  yet  fhall  it  after  bring  fruit  forth,  as  lively  feedfowa 
 in  good  ground  ;  for  tlie  Holy  Spirit,  which  can  never  be 
 divided  from  the  right  inftitajtion  of  the  Lord  Jelus,  will  not 
 fruftrate  the  faithful  of  the  fruit  of  that  myftical  action  :  but 
 ail  thefe,  we  fay,  come  of  true  faith,  wliich  apprehendeth 
 Chrift  Jefus,  who  only  maketh  his  facraments  elfe^tual  unto 
 us.  And  therefore,  whoieever  llandcreth  us,  as  that  we  af- 
 firm and  believe  facraments  to  be  naked  and  bare  figns,  do 
 injury  unto  us,  and  fpeak  againft  the  m^nifeft  truth.  But 
 this  liberally  and  frankly  we  coniefs,  that  v/<;  make  a  diftinc- 
 tion  between  Chrift  Jefus  in  his  eternal  fubftance,  and  be- 
 
 D  2  tvv^een 
 
 ^  Mark  xvi.  19.  Luke  xxiv.  51.  ACxs  i.  11.  and  ill.  21. — 
 e  I  Cor.  X.  16.  /Eph.v.  30,  ^  Matt,  xxvii.  50.  Mark  xv, 
 37.  L^-ke  xxiii.  46.  Johnxix.  30.     /i  John  vi.j5i,  Ss^f. 
 
3^  ?"/'£  Confession  ^/ Faith.     (1^60) 
 
 tween  the  elements  in  tliefacramental  figns  ;  fo  that  we  wiU 
 neither  worfliip  the  iigns,  in  pluce  of  that  which  is  fignified 
 by  them,  neither  yet  do  we  delpifeand  interpret  them  as  un- 
 profitable and  vain,  but  do  ufe  them  with  all  reverence,  ex- 
 amining ourielves  diligently  before  that  we  io  do  ;  becaufe  we 
 are  ailured  by  the  mouth  of  the  apolUe,  tiiat  fuch  as  eat  of 
 that  breads  and  drink  of  that  cup  univorthilyy  are  guilty  of  tie 
 body  and  blocd  of  Chrij}  Jefus.  i 
 
 i  1  Cor.  xi.  28,  29. 
 
 Art.  XXII.   Gf  the  right  Adminljlratlon  of  the  Sacraments, 
 
 THAT  facranients  be  rightly  miniflrare,  we  judge  two 
 things  are  requilite  :  the  u;;?,  That  they  be  mini/Irate 
 by  lawful  miniPiers,  whom  we  affirm  to  be  only  they  that  are 
 appointed  to  the  preaching  of  the  word,  into  whole  mouth 
 God  hath  put  feme  fcrraon  of  exhortation,  they  being  men 
 iawFully  cholbn  thereto  by  fonie  church.  The  others  That 
 they  be  miniRrate  in  fuch  elements,  and  in  fuch  fort  as  God 
 hath  appointed  :  elfe  we  a'fSrm,  that  they  ceafe  to  be  the 
 right  facraments  of  Chrifb  Jefns.  And  therefore  it  is,  that 
 we  flee  the  do<ftrine  of  the  FapiRical  church  in  participation 
 of  their  lacramcnts :  frjiy  becaufe  their  minif+ers  are  no  nii- 
 iiifters  of  Chriif  Jcfus  ;  yea,  (which  is  more  horrible)  thef 
 luffer  women,  whom  the  Holy  Ghofl;  will  not  fufter  to  teach 
 in  the  congregation,  to  baptize.  And yfecondly^  Beciufethey 
 have  lo  adulterated  both  the  one  facrament  and  the  otlierwitli 
 their  own  itivention?,  that  no  part  of  Chrift's  action  abides  ia 
 the  original  purity  ;  for  oil,  lalt,  ipittle,  and  inch  like  in 
 baptifm,  are  but  men's  inventions.  Adoration,  veneration, 
 bearing  throughout  ftreets  and  towns,  and  ke<iping  of  bxead 
 in  boxes  or  buifts,  are  profanation  of  Chrift's  facrament?,  and 
 vo  ui'e  of  the  lame.  For  Chrilf  Jelus  faid,  Take^  eat,  &c. 
 Do  ye  this  in  remembrance  of  me  k  By  which  words  and 
 charge,  he  f2n«Sl:ified  bread  and  wine,  to  be  the  lacrament  of 
 his  holy  body  and  blood,  to  the  end  that  the  one  fliouid  be 
 eaten,  and  that  all  fliould  drink  of  the  other  ;  and  not  that 
 they  ihould  be  keeped  to  be  worfhipped  and  honoured  as 
 God,  £S  the  Papifts  have  done  here  before,  who  alib  have 
 committed  facrilege,  dealing  from  the  people 'the  one  part  of 
 the  facrament,  to  ivit,  the  bleflcd  cup.  Moreover,  that  il  e 
 fiicraments  be  rightly  ufed,  it  is  required,  that  the  end  and 
 cauiis,  why  the  iacramcnts  were  iniliuite,  be  uudtrAood  and 
 oblervtu,  as  w*;!!  of  the  miniller,  as  by  the  receivers  :  for  if 
 
 the 
 
 k  Mat.  xxvl.  26.  Mark  xlv.  22.  Luka  xxii.  19    i  Cor.  xi.  14- 
 
TA^  Confession  £/"  Faith,     (1560)  37 
 
 the  opinion  be  changed  in  the  receiver,  the  right  u(e  ceafeth  j 
 which  is  moft  evident  by  the  rejection  of  the  faorifices  ;  as 
 alfo,  if  the  teacher  plainly  teach  falfe  do<ftrinc,  which  virere 
 odious  and  abominable  before  God,  (albeit  they  were  his  own 
 ordinances)  becaufe   that  wicked  men  ufe  them  to  another 
 end  than  God  hath  ordained.    JThc  fame  affirm  we  of  the 
 f^craments  in  the  Papiftical  church,  wherein  we  affirm  the 
 whole  a(5lion  of  the  Lord  Jefus  to  be  adulterated,  as  well  in 
 the  external  form,  as  in  the  end  and  opinion.     What  Chrift 
 Jefus  did,  and  commanded  to  be  done,  is  evident  by  the  e- 
 vangelifts,  and  by  St.  Paul  ;  what  the  prieft  doth  at  his  altar, 
 we  need  not  rchearfe.     The  end  and  caufe  of  Chrift's  inftitu.   . 
 tion,  and  why  the  fame  fhould  be  ufed,  is  expreffed  in  thcfe 
 words,  Do  ye  this  in  remembrance  of  me  :   So  oft  asyefjaU  eat 
 of  this  bread,  and  drink  of  this  cup,  ye  fh  all  fheiv  forth ,  that  is, 
 extol,  preach,  magnify,  and  praife  the  hordes  death  till  he  come 
 again,  I  But  to  what  end,  and  in  what  opinion  the  priefts  fay 
 tii<ir  Mafs,  let  the  words  of  the  fame,  their  own  doiflors  and 
 writings,  witnefs,  viz.  that  they,  as  mediators  between  Chrift 
 jnd  his  church,  do  offer  unto  God  the  Father  a  facrifice  pro- 
 pitiatory for  the  fins  of  the  quick  and  dead  ;  which  doftrine, 
 vss  blafphcmous  to  Chrift  Jefus,  and  making  derogation  from 
 the  fufficiency  of  his  only  facrifice,  once  offered,  for  purga-. 
 tion  of  all  thcfe  that  (hall  be  fan<^ified  ?w, — we  utterly  abhor, 
 deteft,  and  renounce. 
 
 /  1  Cor.  xi.  25,  26.     m  Heb.  ix.  27,  2S.  and  x.  14. 
 
 Art.  XXIII.  3"<?  ivhom  Sacraments  appertain.  ^j 
 
 'E  confefs  and  acknowledge,  that  baptilm  appertalnerh 
 as  well  to  the  infants  of  the  faithful  as  unto  them 
 that  be  of  age  and  difcretion  ;  and  fo  we  condemn  the  error 
 of  the  Anabaptifts,  who  deny  baptifm  to  appertain  to  chil- 
 dren, before  they  have  faith  and  undcrftanding  «.  But  the 
 flipper  of  the  Lord,  we  confefs  to  appertain. to  (uch  only  as 
 be  of  the  houfhold  of  faith,  and  can  try  and  examine  tliem* 
 fclves,  as  well  in  their  faith,  as  in  their  duty  towards  their 
 neighbours  :  fuch  as  eat  and  drink  at  the  holy  table  without 
 faith,  or  being  at  dilTention  or  divifion  with  their  brethren, 
 do  eat  unworthily  0  •,  and  therefore  it  is,  that,  in  our  kirk^ 
 our  minifters  take  public  and  particular  examination  of  the 
 knowledge  and  converfation  of  fuch  as  are  to  be  admitted  to 
 the  table  of  the  Lord  Jefus. 
 
 «  Gol.  ii.  II,  12.  Rom.  iv.  11.  Gen.  xvii.  10.  Mat-  xxviii. 
 jp.     0  I  Cor.  xi.  28,  25. 
 
 Ar  r. 
 
38  The  Confession  of  Fiith.    (1560) 
 
 A*R  T.  XXIV.  Of  the  Civil  Magijirate. 
 
 WE  confefs  and  acknowledge  empires,  kingdoms,  domi- 
 nions, and  cities,  to  be  dcftiaed  and  ordained  by  God ; 
 the  power  and  authority  in  the  fame,  be  it  of  emperors  in 
 their  empires,  of  kings  in  their  realms,  dukes  and  princes 
 in  their  dominions,  and  of  other  magiftrates  in  the  cities,  to 
 be  God's  holy  ordinance,  ordained  for  manifeftation  of  his 
 own  glory,  and  for  the  lingular  profit  and  commodity  of 
 mankind  %  fo  that  whofoever  goeth  about  to  take  away,  or  to 
 confound  the  whole  ftate  of  civil  policies,  now  long  eftablifhed, 
 we  affirm  the  fame  men,  not  only  to  be  enemies  to  mankind, 
 but  wickedly  to  fight  againft  God^s  expreffed  will  q.  We 
 further  confefs  and  acknowledge,  that  fuch  perfons,  as  are 
 placed  in  authority,  arc  to  be  lo-ved,  honoured,  feared,  and 
 held  in  moft  reverend  eftimation  r,  becaufe  that  they  are  the 
 lieutenants  of  God,  in  whofe  fefiions  God  himfelf  doth  fit 
 and  judge  J  ;  yea,  even  the  judges  and  princes  themfelves, 
 to  whom  by  God  is  given  the  fword,  to  the  praife  and  de- 
 fence of  good  men,  and  to  revenge  and  punifh  all  open  ma- 
 lefadors  /.  Moreover,  to  kings,  princes,  rulers,  and  magi- 
 ftrates,  we  affirm,  that,  chiefly  and  moft  principally,  the 
 confervation  and  purgation  of  religion  appertain  ;  fo  that 
 Bot  only  are  they  appointed  for  civil  policy,  but  alfo  for 
 maintenance  of  the  true  religion,  and  for  fupprefling  of  all 
 idolatry  and  fuperftition  whacfoever  ;  as  in  David  k,  Jeho- 
 haihaphat  ;>:,  Hezekias  y,  Jofias  z,  and  others  highly  com- 
 xnended  iox  their  zeal  in  that  cafe,  may  be  efpied.  And 
 therefore,  we  confefs  and  avow,  that  fuch  as  rcfift  the  fu- 
 preme  power,  doing  that  thing  which  appertaineth  to  his 
 charge,  do  refift  God's  ordinance  ;  and  therefore  cannot  be 
 guiltlefs.  And  further,  we  affirm,  that  whofoever  deny  un- 
 to them  aid,  counfel,  and  comfort,  whiles  the  princes  and 
 rulers  vigilantly  travel  in  execution  of  their  office,  that  the 
 fame  men  deny  their  help,  fupport,  and  counfel  to  God,  who, 
 bv  the  prefence  of  his  lieutenant,  doth  crave  it  of  them. 
 
 p  Rom.  xiii.  i.  Tit.  iii.  i.  1  Fet.  ii.  13,  14,     ^  llom.  xiii. 
 2.     r  Rom.  xiii.  7.  i  Pet.  ii.  17.     J-Pfal.  Ixxxii.  I.     /  I  Pet. 
 
 ii.  14.     ti  I  Chron.  xxii. xxvi.     «  2Chron.  xvii.  6,  (s*f. 
 
 and  xix.  8,  ^c.    y  2  Chron.  xxix.— — xxxi.     z  2  Chron. 
 ^txziv,  x:^v. 
 
 Art. 
 
^e  Confession  of  Faith.     (1569)  gp 
 
 Art.  XXV.  Of  the  Gifts  freely  given  to  /|4  Church. 
 
 ALBEIT  the  word  of  God  truly  preached,  and  the  Ta- 
 craments  rightly  miniftrated,  and  difcipline  executed 
 \  acJcording  to  the  word  of  God,  be  the  certain  and  infallible 
 fignsof  the  true  church  ;  we  mean  not,  that  every  partlcu- 
 ;  lar  perlon  joined  with*  luch  couipany,  be  an  ele£t  member  of 
 I  Chrrft  Jefus  a  \.  for  we  acknowledge  and  confefs,  that  dornalj, 
 i  cockle,  and  chaff"  may  be  fown,  grow,  and  in  great  abuQ- 
 !  dance  ly  in  the  midft  of  the  wheat ;  that  is,  the  reprobate 
 j  may  be  joined  in  the  fociety  of  the  eledt,  and  may  externally 
 i  ufe  with  them  the  benefits  of  the  word  and  facraments. — But 
 I  fuch  being  but  temporal  profeflbrs  in  mouth,  but  not  in  heart, 
 do  fall  back,  and  continue  not  to  the  end  b  ;    and  therefore 
 have  they  no  fruit  of  ChrilFs  death,  refurredlion,  nor  af- 
 cenfion.     But  fuch  as  with  heart  unfeignedly  believe,  and 
 with  mouth  boldly  confefs  the  Lord  Jefus,  as  before  we  have 
 iaid,  fhall  moft  affuredly  receive  thei'e  gifts.     Firf^  In  this 
 life,  remiflion  of  fins,  and  that  only  by  faith  in  Chrift's  blood, 
 infomuch,  that  albeit  fin  remain,  and  continuaily  abide  in 
 ihefe  our  mortal  bodies,  yet   it  is  not  imputed  to  us,  but  is 
 remitted,  and  covered  with  Chrift's  juftice  d.     Secondly,  \a 
 the  general  judgment,  there  fhall  be  given  to  .every  man  and 
 woman  refurreiftion  of  the  fiefh  e  :  for  the  fea  fhall  give  her 
 dead,  the  earth  thofe  that  therein  be  inclofed  :  yea,  the  E- 
 ternal,  our  God  fhall  ftretch  out  his  hand  on  the  dafl,  and 
 the  dead  fl:»aU  arife  incorruptibley,  and  that  in  the  fubflance 
 of  the  felf-fame  fiefh  that  every  man  now  beareth  ^,  to  re- 
 ceive according  to  their  works,   glory,    or  punifhment  h  ^ 
 for  fuch  as  now  delight  in  vanity,  cruelty,  filthinefs,  fuperfli- 
 tion,  or  idolatry,  fhall  be  adjudged  to  the  fire  unquenchable, 
 wherein  they  fhall  be  tormented  for  ever,  as  well  in  their  own 
 bodies,  as  in  their  fouls,  which  now  they  give  to  ferve  the 
 devil  in  all  abominations.     But  fuch  as  continue  in  well-do- 
 ing to  the  end,  boldly  profefRng  the  Lord  Jefus,  we  conflant- 
 ly  believe,  that  they  fhall  receive  glory,  honour,  and  immor- 
 tality, to  reign  for  ever  in  life  everlafting  with  Chrift  Jefus  i, 
 to  whofe  glorified  body  all  his  ele£l  fhall  be  made  like  k,  wheii 
 he  fhall  appear  again  in  judgment,  and  fhall  render  up  the 
 kingdom  to  God  his  Father,  who  then  fhall  be,  and  evet- 
 
 Ihall 
 
 a  Matt.  xiii.  24,  ^c.  b  Matt.  xiii.  20,  21.  c  Rom,  x.  9, 
 13.  iRom.  vii.  2  Cor.  v.  21.  e  John  v.  28,  29.  /Rev. 
 XX.  13.  I  Cor.  XV.  52, — 54.  ^  Job  xix.  25, — 27.  h  Matt. 
 XXV.  31,  ^c,  fRev.xiv.  10.  Rom,  ii.  6, — 10.  k  Phillip, 
 V.  21. 
 
^o  5!n&^  Confession  of  Faith.    (1560) 
 
 fliall  remain  in  all  things,  God  blefled  for  ever  / :  to  whom, 
 with  the  Son,  and  with  the  Holy  Gholl;,  be  all  honour  and 
 glory  now  and  for  ever.     So  be  it, 
 
 1 1  Cor.  XV.  24,  28. 
 
 Ar'ifey  O  Lordy  and  let  thy  enemies  he  confounded  ;  let  them 
 Jleefretn  thy  prefencey  that  hate  thy  gedly  name.  Give  thy  fer- 
 vants  JJrength  to /peak  thy  word  in  boldnefsy  and  let  alt  nations 
 cleave  to  thy  true  knowledge.  Amen.  Num.  ix.  35.  Pfalm 
 Ixviii.  15.  hSt%  iv.  29. 
 
 c<^  t(5>»  c<:?^  t^>»  ^5>^  c^i  t^i  t^>>  t^^  t^i  ».^i  <.^%  «.<^  «.^>i  ct^  v^i  (.<;>»  t<5>>  <<:?» 
 
 *^*  Thele  A^s  and  Articles  were  read  in  the  face  of  Par-i 
 liament,  and  ratified  by  the  three  Eftates  of  this  realm,  atj 
 Edinburgh^  the  17th  day  of  Augujly  in  the  year  of  our  Lord] 
 1560. — and  again  ratified,  eftablilhed,  and  repeated  in  th< 
 fourth  aft  of  king  James  VI.  firft  Parliament  at  EdinhurghX 
 December  15th,  J  567. — and  in  feveral  other  afts.  And  allj 
 afts  againft  the  truth,  in  any  Parliament  before  whatfoeverj 
 aboliflied.    See  CoUeaion  of  Ads,  N©.  i,  2. 
 
 A  SHORT 
 
A        SHORT 
 
 u 
 
 M^^ 
 
 OF    THE 
 
 First    Book 
 
 O  F 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 FOR    THE    INSTRUCTION    OF 
 
 4, 
 
 ^I I  N  I  S  T  E  R  S     AND     READERS 
 In  their  Office* 
 
 LxoD.  XXV.  x>.  According  to  all  that  I  ficvced  thee^  after  the 
 pattern  of  the  tabernacle^  and  the  pattern  of  ell  the  irjtru' 
 ments  thereof f  even  fofbail  ye  rnahs  it. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year    m  dcc  Lx:fx  . .. 
 
 E 
 
r 
 
 C  *»  3 
 
 The    CONTENTS, 
 
 Air. 
 1.  Cf  dsdrin*, 
 
 3.  Lblatrj. 
 
 4-  ^be  Mnuflrj, 
 
 5-  Readsrs, 
 
 6*  Tnvifianfor  Minijliri^ 
 
 7.  Elders  and  Daacsiis, 
 
 8.  Si^eriMiemdeats* 
 
 9.  DifdpHae^ 
 
 10.  Marri^ju 
 
 11.  Pc5^. 
 
 12.  Baftifwu 
 
 14-  fS^  Ejcercifu 
 
 15.  Schools. 
 
 16.  Univerfities. 
 
 17.  IS^jrfi  ^  ^  Alri. 
 
 18.  -Bi^rij/. 
 
 1 9.  Rep/aru^  ^  K:rks. 
 
 2&.  Fum&memt  cfF reforms  oftU  Sacrwaerot* 
 
 A  SHORT 
 
C    43     3 
 
 A    SHORT 
 S  U  M  of  the  HHl  Book  of  D  i  s  ci p  l i  x  z. 
 
 I.    DOCTBINE." 
 
 TH  E  word  of  God  on!y,  irhich  is  the  New  and  0!i 
 Tdbmenr,  {hall  be  tstight  in  CTery  kirk  within  thi« 
 realm ;  and  all  contrsTT  do£tnne  to  the  faoie  {h?M  be  impcgn- 
 ti  and  orterly  iupprened. 
 
 "W"e  aSra;  that  to  be  contrarv  do«r:riEe  to  the  vcrd,  thst 
 man  has  invented,  and  impclsd  on  the  conlciences  of  men 
 br  laws,  council*,  acd  coaaitutioas,  without  the  eiprefs 
 command  of  God's  word. 
 
 Of  this  kind,  are,  votts  of  cbaftlty,  oifguireG  appsre^  fc- 
 perrtirious  obfervation  of  faning  days,  ciEtrencc  of  meats  for 
 conlciencc  fake,  prayer  for  the  dead,  calling  open  faint*,  with 
 fuch  other  inTcntions  of  mec.  In  this  rank,  the  holy  d?ys 
 invented  by  mea,  fuch  a?,  Chriinna?,  CiTCtuncifion,  Epipha- 
 ny, Puh£cat:on,  and  other  fond  feafts  of  our  Lacy  :  with 
 the  feaus  of  the  apolrles,  martyr?,  and  virgir^,  «i*h  ether?, 
 which  we  judge  utterly  to  be  aboiifhcd  forth  of  this  reairp, 
 bccaufe  they  have  no  anuracce  in  God's  word.  AH  main^ 
 tainers  of  ibch  abominadocs,  ihculd  be  pnnifhed  with  the 
 civil  fword. 
 
 The  word  is  faScient  for  cnr  falradon  ;  and  therefore 
 all  things  needfdl  for  us  are  contained  in  it.  The  fcr:p:ure3 
 Ihall  be  read  in  private  houfes,  for  removinc  of  this  grofs  Ig- 
 norance. 
 
 n.  Sacravests. 
 
 THE  facnments,  of  neceSty,  are  joined  with  the  wcrd, 
 which  are  two  only,  baptifm  and  the  table  of  the  Lord. 
 The  preaching  of  the  word  muft  precede  the  miniflraricn  of 
 the  facramenis.  In  the  due  sdminittrarlon  of  thefacrarzenr?, 
 ail  things  fhould  be  done  accord xe  to  the  word,  ncthin^  be- 
 ing added,  nor  yet  cimin-ihed.  The  facraments  ihoTild  be 
 minirtred  iftertbe  crder  of  the  kirk  of  Gcne^i.  All  cere- 
 mocie?  and  rites  invented  by  men  ihculd  be  aSwuibrt,  and 
 the  fimple  ^ord  loiiowed  in  all  points. 
 
 E  5  The 
 
4}  I^IJM  of  the  Firjl  Boo\  ^"Discipline. 
 
 The  ii)tiiiftratioi>  of  the  fi\cramcnts  in  no  ways  fliouM  be 
 glvtn  hi'lt^  in  whofe  mouth  God  has  not  put  the  word  of  ex- 
 hortatiop.  In  the  miniftration  of  the  table,  foaie  ccmfovc- 
 atHis'^Taces  may  be  read  cf  the  fcriptures. 
 
 III.    iDOLATRy. 
 
 ALL  kiiid  of  idohury  and  monuments  ofidolstry  fiiould 
 be  abohlhed,  iuch  as,  places  dedicate  to  Idolatry  and 
 relic ks.  Idolatry  is  all  kind  of  worlliipping  of  God  not  con- 
 tained In  the  <vord,  as,  tl.e  mnfs,  invocation  of  faints,  ado- 
 ration of  images,  and  all  other  fuch  things  invented  by  man. 
 
 IV.  The  Ministry. 
 
 NO  man  fhould  enter  into  the  niiniftry,  without  a  lawful 
 vocation.  The  lawful  vocation  iVaiiderh  in  the  elefd- 
 onoftbe  pfojjie,  examination  of  the  rniniftry,  and  adaiiiTioii 
 by  them  both.  Tlie extraordinary  vocation  has  another  con- 
 fideration,  feeing  it  is  wrought  only  by  God  inwardly  in  men's 
 hearts. 
 
 No  mlnifter  flxould  be  intruded  upon  any  particular  kirk, 
 without  their  confer.t  ;  but  if  any  kirk  be  negligpnt  to  elect, 
 then  the  fupcrintendent,  ivith  his  council,  lliould  provide  a 
 qualified  man  within  fci  ty  days,  ^.^ 
 
 Neither  for  rarity  cf  men,  necelTify  of  teaching,  nor  for 
 any  corrnption  of  time,  fhould  unable  perfons  be  admitted 
 to  the  miniflry.  Better  it  is  to  have  the  room  vacant,  than 
 to  have  unqualified  perfcns,  to  the  fcandal  of  the  rniniftry, 
 and  hm-t  of  the  kirk  :  in  the  rarity  of  qualified  men,  we 
 fliould  call  unto  the  Lord,  that  he,  of  his  goodnefs,  would 
 fend  forth  labourers  to  his  harveft.  The  kirk  and  faithful 
 magiftrate  fliould  compel  fuch  as  have  the  gifts,  to  take  the 
 oflice  of  teaching  upon  tliem. 
 
 We  (liould  conflder,  firfl.  whether  God  has  given  the  gifts 
 to  him  whom  we  would  chocffe  :  for  God  calls  no  man  to  the 
 ndnilfry,  whom  he  arm-s  not  with  neceifary  gifts. 
 
 Perfons  noted  with  infumy,  or  unable  to  edify  the  kirk  by 
 vd\olefom  do<Strine,  or  of  a  corrupt  judgment,  Ihould  not  be 
 acimitted,  nor  yet  retained  in  the  minillry  :  the  prince's  par- 
 don, nor  reconciliation  with  the  kirk,  takes  not  away  the  in- 
 famy before  men  ;  therefore  public  edifts  fhould  be  fet  forth, 
 in  all  placets  where  the  perfen  is  known,  and  flri61:  charge  gi- 
 ven to  all  men  to  reveal,  if  they  know  any  capital  crime  com- 
 mitted by  him,  or  if  he  be  fcandalous  in  his  life. 
 
 Perfons 
 
S\3Uof  the  Firji  Booh  o/"  Di s c I p LlJsr Ei,  4^ 
 
 Pcrfons  proponed  by  the  kirk,  fhall  be  examitied  publicly 
 by  the  fuperintendent  and  brethren,  in  the  principal  kirk  of 
 tlie  diocefe  or  province. 
 
 They  (hall  give  public  declaration  of  their  gifts,  by  the  in- 
 terpretation of  fome  places  of  fcripture. 
 
 They  Ihall  be  examined  openly,  in  all  the  principal  points 
 that  are  now  in  controverfy  ;  when  they  are  approven  by  the 
 jiulgthent  of  the  brethren,  they  fhould  make  i'undry  lermojis 
 before  their  congregations,  before  they  be  admitted. 
 
 iv\  their  admiffion,  the  office  and  duty  of  minitlers  and 
 .  people  fhould  be  declared  by  fonie  godly  and  learned  mini- 
 fter  ;  and  To  publicly,  before  the  people,  fhould  they  be 
 placed  in  their  kirks,  and  joined  to  their  flocks  at  the  defire 
 of  the  famen  :  other  ceremonies,  except  fafting  with  prayer, 
 fuch  as  laying  on  of  hands,  we  judge  uot  neceilary  in  the  in* 
 ftitnticn  of  the  miniftry. 
 
 Minifters,  fo  placed,  may  not  for  their  own  pieafure  leave 
 their  own  kirks,  nor  yet  their  kirks  refufe  them,  without 
 fome  weighty  caufes  tried  and  known  :  but  the  General  Af- 
 fembly,  for  good  caufes,"  may  remove  miniflers  from  place  to 
 place,  without  the  coni'ent  of  particular  kirks. 
 
 Such  as  are  preachers  already  placed,  and  not  found  quali- 
 fied after  this  form  of  trial,  fhall  be  made  readers  :  and  fo, 
 foi'nofort  of  men  fhall  this  rigour  of  examination  be  omitted. 
 
 V.  Readers[. 
 
 EADERS  are  but  for  a  time,  till,  through  reading  of 
 the  fcriptures,  they  may  come  to  further  knowledge 
 and  txercife  of  the  kirk,  in  exhorting  and  explaining  of  the 
 Icriptures.  No  Reader  fliall  be  admitted  within  twenty-o-ns 
 years  of  age  ;  and  unlefs  there  be  fome  hope,  that  by  reading 
 he  fhould  fhortly  come  to  exhorting.  Readers  found  unable, 
 lifter  two  years  cxercife,  for  the  miniftry,  fhould  be  removed, 
 and  others  as  long  put  in  their  room. 
 
 No  reader  fhall  attempt  to  minifler  the  facraments,  until 
 be  be  able  to  exhort  and  perfuade  by  vpholefom  dcdirine. — 
 Readers  in  landwart  fhall  teach  the  youth  of  the  parochines. 
 
 Minifters  and  Readers  fhall  begin  ever  fome  book  of  the 
 Old  or  New  Teftaraent,  and  continue  upon  it  unto  the  enti, 
 and  not  hip  from  place  to  place,  as  tlie  ]?api(is  did. 
 
 VI.  Provision /t^r  Ministers. 
 
 '^r^HE  minifters  ftipends  fiiould  be  moderated,  that  nei- 
 A     ther  they  have  occafion  to  be  careful  for  the  world, 
 nor  yet  wanton,  nor  infolent  any  wife  :— their  wives  and  chil- 
 dren 
 
4^  Sum  ^ the  Firfl  Book  ^Discipline." 
 
 dren  fhould  be  maintained,  not  only  in  their  time,  but  alfo 
 after  their  death. 
 
 VII.  Elders  and  Deacons. 
 
 'EN  of  the  beft  knowledge,  judgment,  and  converfa- 
 tion,  fhould  be  chofen  for  elders  and  deacons.  Their 
 election  Ihall  be  yearly,  where  it  may  be  conveniently  ob- 
 ferved.  How  the  votes  and  (uffrages  may  be  beft  received, 
 with  every  man's  freedom  in  voting,  we  leave  to  the  judg- 
 ment of  every  particular  kirk.  They  fliall  be  publicly  admit- 
 ted, and  admoniflied  of  their  office,  and  alfo  the  people  of 
 their  duty  to  them,  at  their  firft  admiffion. 
 
 Their  office  is,  to  affift  the  minifters  in  their  execution  of 
 difcipline,  in  all  great  and  weighty  matters. 
 
 The  elders  fhall  watch  upon  all  men's  manners,  religion, 
 and  converfation,  that  are  within  their  charge  j  correZt  all 
 licentious  livers,  or  elfe  accufc  them  before  the  Seffion. 
 
 They  fliould  take  heed  to  the  doflrine,  diligence,  and  be- 
 haviour of  their  minifter  and  his  houfhold  j  and,  if  need  be, 
 admonifh  and  correct  them  accordingly. 
 
 It  is  indecent  for  minifters  to  be  boarded  in  an  alehoufe  dy 
 tavern,  or  to  haunt  much  the  court,  or  to  be  occupied  in 
 council  of  civil  affairs. 
 
 The  office  of  deacons  is,  to  gather  and  diftribute  the  alms 
 of  the  poor,  according  to  the  direftion  of  the  Seffion  :  the 
 deacons  ftiould  affift  the  aflembly  in  judgment,  and  may  read 
 publicly,  if  need  requires. 
 
 Elders  and  deacons,  being  judges  o\  other  men's  manners, 
 muft,  with  their  houlhold,  live  godly,  and  be  fubjeft  to  the 
 ccnfure  of  the  kirk. 
 
 It  is  not  peceiTary  to  appoint  a  public  ftipend  for  elders  and 
 deacons,  feeing  they  are  changed  yearly,  and  may  wait  upon 
 their  own  vocation  with  the  charge  of  the  kirk, 
 
 VIII.  Superintendents. 
 
 THE  neceffity,  nomination,  examination,  and  inftltution 
 of  Superintendents,  are  at  large  contained  in  the  Book 
 of  Difcipline,  and  in  manv  things  do  agree  with  the  exami- 
 nation and  admiffion  of  minifters  :  principal  towns  (hall  not 
 befpoiled  of  their  minifters,  to  be  appointed  Superintendents. 
 Superintendents,  once  admitted,  ffiall  not  be  changed,  with- 
 out great  caufes  and  confideration*:. 
 
 Superintendents  fhall  have  their  own  fpecial  kirks,  befide 
 the  common  chars'e  of  others  t  they  (liall  not  remain  in  one 
 place,  uatil  their  kirks  be  provided  of  minifters  or  readers  : 
 
 they 
 
Sum  of  the  Pir/l  Booh  o/"  DiscipliNeC  47 
 
 th^y  (hall  not  remain  above  twenty  days  in  one  place  in  their 
 vifitation,  till  they  pafs  through  their  bounds  :  they  Ihall 
 preach  themfelves  thrice  in  the  week  at  the  leaft :  when  they 
 come  home  again  to  tlieir  own  kirk,  they  muft  be  occupied 
 in  preaching  and  edifying  of  the  kirk  :  they  ihall  not  remaia 
 at  their  chief  kirk  above  three  or  four  months,  but  ihall  paf« 
 again  to  their  vifitation. 
 
 In  their  vifitation,  theyfhall  not  only  preach,  but  alfo  ex- 
 amine the  doctrine,  life,  diligence,  and  behaviour  of  the  mi* 
 nifters,  readers,  elders,  and  deacons.  They  ihall  confider 
 the  order  of  the  kirk,  the  manners  of  the  people,  how  the 
 poor  are  provided,  how  the  youth  are  inftruded,  how  the 
 difcipline  and  policy  of  the  kirk  are  keeped,  how  hainous  and 
 horrible  crimes  are  corrected  :  theyfhall  admoniih  and  drefs 
 things  out  of  order  with  their  council,  as  they  may  bell. — 
 Superintendents  are  fubje£l  to  the  cenlure  and  correction,  not 
 only  of  the  fynodical  convention,  but  alfo  of  their  own  kirks, 
 and  others  within  their  jurifdiClion.  Whatfomever  crime 
 deferves  correction  or  depofition  in  any  other  minifter,  the 
 fame  delerves  the  like  in  the  fupferintendent :  their  itipend 
 iliould  be  confidered  and  augmented  above  other  miniiiers, 
 by  reafon  of  their  great  charges  and  travel. 
 
 IX.  Discipline. 
 
 ^  A  S  no  commonwealth  can  be  governed  without  executi- 
 jr\_  on  of  good  laws,  no  more  can  the  kirk  be  retained  in 
 purity  without  difcipline. 
 
 Difcipline  itandeth  in  the  corre£lion  of  thefe  things  that 
 arc  contrary  to  God's  law,  for  the  edifying  of  the  kirk.  All 
 ei^ates  within  the  realm  are  fubjefl  to  thq  difcipline  of  the 
 kirk,  as  well  rulers  and  preachers  as  the  common  people. 
 
 In  fecret  and  private  faults,  the  order  prefcribed  by  our 
 Mafter  fhould  be  obferved,  whereof  we  need  not  to  write  at 
 length,  feeing  it  is  largely  declared  in  the  Book  of  Excom- 
 munication *. 
 
 Before  the  fentence  proceed,  labour  fhould  be  taken  with 
 the  guilty  by  his  friends,  and  public  prayer  made  for  his  con- 
 •reriion  unto  God.  Wken  ail  is  done,  the  minilter  fhould 
 aik,  if  any  man  will  alTure  the  kirk  of  his  obedience  ;  and  if 
 any  man  promile,  then  the  fentencc  fhall  ilay  for  that  time. 
 
 If,  after  public  proclaiming  of  their  names,  they  promifc 
 obedience,  that  fhould  be  declared  to  the  kirk,  who  heard 
 their  former  rebellion. 
 
 The 
 
 *  The  Book  of  Excommunication  was  written  ia  the  year  1567, 
 %ad  this  Saoiin^fy  ouc  till  fo.7ie  time  after. 
 
48  Sum  of  the  Firjl  Book  ©/"Discipline.'; 
 
 The  fcntence  being  once  pronounced,  no  member  of  the 
 kirk  fhoald  have  company  with  them,  under  pain  of  excom- 
 municatioa,  except  fuch  perfons  as  are  exeemed  by  the  law  : 
 their  children  (hould  not  be  received  to  baptifm  in  their  name, 
 but  by  fomc  member  of  the  kirk,  who  Ihall  promile  for  the 
 children,  and  deteft  the  parent's  impiety. 
 
 Committers  of  horrible  crimes,  worthy  of  death,  if  the 
 civil  fword  fpare  them,  they  Ihould  be  holden  as  dead  to  us, 
 and  cuiTed  in  their  fadls. 
 
 If  God  move  their  hearts  to  repentance,  the  kirk  cannot 
 deny  them  coaciliation,  their  repentance  being  tried  and  found 
 true.  •  Some  of  the  elders  Ihould  receive  fuch  perfons  pub- 
 licly in  the  kirk,  in  token  of  reconciliation. 
 
 X.  Marriage. 
 
 PERSONS,  under  care  of  others,  fhall  not  marry  with- 
 out their  confent,  lawfully  required. 
 
 When  the  parents  and  others  are  hard  and  flubborn,  then 
 the  kirk  and  magillrates  fhould  enter  into  the  parents  room, 
 and  difcernupon  the  equity  of  the  caufe,  without  affeftion  : 
 the  kirk  and  magiftrates  fhall  not  fute  them  that  commit  forni- 
 cation, before  they  fute  the  kirk. 
 
 Promifes  of  bairns  within  age  are  null,  except  they  be  rati- 
 fied after  they  come  to  age.  Band  of  marriage  Ihould  be 
 proclaimed  upon  three  leveral  Sabbaths,  to  take  away  all  ex« 
 cufe  of  impediment. 
 
 Committers  of  adultery  fliould  not  be  overfeen  by  the  kirk, 
 albeit  the  civil  fword  overfee  them,  but  fhould  be  efteemed 
 as  dead  and  excommunicated  in  their  wicked  fa<3:.  If  fuch 
 offenders  dcfire  earneftly  to  be  reconciled  to  the  kirk,  we  dare 
 not  refufe  them,  nor  excommunicate  them,  whom  God  has 
 brought  to  repentance. 
 
 The  party,  that  is  proven  to  be  innocent,  fhould  be  ?.6-% 
 mitted  to  marriage  again.  As  for  the  party  offending,  all 
 doubt  of  marriage  would  be  removed,  if  the  civil  fword  would 
 ftrike  according  to  God's  word. 
 
 XL  Policy. 
 
 POLICY  IS  an  excrcife  of  the  kirk,  ferving  for  inflruc- 
 tion  of  the  ignorant,  inflaming  of  the  learned  to  great- 
 er fervice,  and  for  retaining  of  the  kirk  of  God  in  good  order. 
 Of  the  parts  of  policy,  fome  are  necefiary,  and  fome  nc« 
 neceflaryabfolutely.  NecefTar  is  the  true  prervching  of  the 
 word,  the  right  miniftration  of  the  facraments,  the  common 
 prayers,  the  iaftruftion  of  the  youth,  the  ftipport  of  the 
 
 poorj. 
 
Sum  of  the  Firjl  Booh  of  DiSCltLlUth  49 
 
 poor,  and  the  punifhment  of  vice  ;  but  finging  of  pfalms  cer- 
 tain days  of  the  conventions  in  the  week,  thrice  or  twice 
 preaching  on  week  days,  certain  places  of  fcripture  to  be  read 
 when  there  is  no  fermon,  with  fuch  things,  are  not  neceffary. 
 
 In  towns,  we  require  every  day  either  fermon  or  public 
 prayers,  with  fome  reading  of  the  fcriptures  :  public  prayers 
 are  not  needful  in  the  days  of  preaching,  left  thereby  we 
 fhould  nourifh  the  people  in  fuperftition,  caufing  them  to 
 onderftand  that  the  public  prayers  fucceed  to  the  Papiftical 
 Mafs.  Ill  every  notable  town,  we  require,  that,  at  ieaft  once 
 in  the  week  befide  the  Sabbath,  the  whole  people  conveen 
 to  the  preaching. 
 
 The  Sabbath  muft  be  kept  ftriflly  in  all  towns,  both  fore- 
 noon and  afternoon,  for  hearing  of  the  word  :  at  afternoon 
 upon  the  Sabbath,  the  caiechifm  fliall  be  taught,  the  chil- 
 dren examined,  and  the  baptifm  miniftred.  Public  prayers 
 fiiall  be  ufed  upon  the  Sabbath,  as  well  afternoon  as  before* 
 when  fermon  cannot  be  had. 
 
 It  appertains  to  the  policy  of  every  particular  kirk,  to  ap- 
 point tue  tim.e  when  the  facramems  Ihall  be  miniitred. 
 
 XII.  Baptism. 
 
 APT  ISM  maybe  miniftred  whenfoever  the  word  Is 
 __^  preached  j  but  we  think  it  moft  expedient  that  it  be 
 niioidred  updn  Sabbath  day,  or  upon  the  day  of  common 
 prayers  :  thus  we  take  away  that  error  of  the  Papifts,  con- 
 cerning the  eftate  of  the  infants  departing  vyithout  baptifm  : 
 we  bring  the  miniftration  of  baptifm  to  the  prefence  of  the 
 people,  to  be  kept  in  greater  reverence,  and  to  put  every  one 
 in  remembrance  of  the  promifes  of  baptifm,  in  the  which  now 
 man/  wax  faint  and  cold. 
 
 XIII.  Tl>e  Table. 
 
 TH  E  table  of  the  Lord  fhall  be  miniftred  four  times  in 
 the  year,  and  out  of  the  times  of  fuperftition.  We 
 judge  the  firft  Sabbath  of  March,  June,  September,  and  De- 
 cember, to  be  mecteft  :  but  this  we  leave  to  the  judgment  of 
 the  particular  kirks. 
 
 Let  all  minifters  be  diligent,  rather  to  inftruft  the  igno- 
 rant, and  to  fupprefs  fuperftition,  than  to  ferve  the  vain  ap- 
 petites of  men.  The  miniftration  bf  the  table  fhould  never 
 be  without  Iharp  examination  going  before,  chiefly  of  them 
 whofe  life,  ignorance,  or  religion  is  fufpefted.  Thofe  who 
 cannot  fay  the  Lord's  prayer,  the  articles  of  the  faich,  and 
 declare  the  fura  of  the  law,  fliould  net  be  admitted.     WhoCo 
 
 F  V.-UI 
 
fo  Sum  of  the  Fii'Jl  Bo^h  c/ Discipline. 
 
 will  ftubb'%nly  remain  ignorant  of  the  priucipal  points  of  our 
 falvation,  fhould  be  excommunicated,  with  their  parents  and 
 mafters  that  keep  them  in  that  ignorance.  Every  mafter  of 
 a  hoiilhold  (hould  be  commanded  either  to  infVru£l  his  chil- 
 dren and  fervants,  or  caufe  them  to  be  inftrufted  ;  and,  if 
 they  will  not,  the  kirk  Ihould  proceed  againft  them. 
 
 it  is  very  needful,  that  public  examination  of  every  perfon 
 be  made,  at  leaft  once  in  the  year,  by  the  minifters  and  elders. 
 
 Every  mafter  and  mifttefs  of  a  houfiliold  fliould  come  with 
 their  houfliold  and  family,  to  give  confcflien  of  their  faith, 
 and  anfwer  to  the  principal  points  of  our  religion. 
 
 We  think  it  very  expedient,  that  prayers  be  had  daily  in 
 private  houfes,  at  morning  and  at  night,  for  the  comfort  and 
 inftruiftion  of  others ;  and  this  to  be  done  by  the  moft  grave 
 and  dilcreet  perfon  of  the  houfe. 
 
 XIV.  The  Exercise. 
 
 IN  towns  where  learned  men  are,  theexercife  of  the  fcrip- 
 tures  fliould  be  weekly.  In  this  exercife,  three  only  fliall 
 fpeak  to  the  opening  of  the  text,  and  edifying  of  the  people. 
 This  exercife  fhall  be  upon  fome  places  of  fcripture,  and  o- 
 penly,  that  all  that  will  may  hear,  and  fpeak  their  judgment, 
 to  the  edifying  of  the  kirk.  In  this  kind  of  exercife,  the 
 text  is  only  opened,  without  any  digreflion  or  exhortation, 
 following  the  file  and  dependence  of  the  text,  confuting  all 
 errors,  as  occafion  fliall  be  given.  No  man  fliould  move  a 
 queftion,  which  himlelf  is  not  able  to  folve. 
 
 The  exercife  being  ended,  the  minifters  and  elders  prefent 
 fiiouid  conveen  apart,  and  correft  the  things  that  have  been 
 (tone  or  fpoken  without  order,  and  not  to  the  edifying  of  the 
 kirk.  In  this  public  exercife,  all  affe6lation  and  vain  curio- 
 flty  nauft  be  above  all  things  efchewed,  left  for  edifying  we 
 fliould  flander.the  kirk  of  God.  > 
 
 Minifters  within  fix  miles  about,  fhould  come  in  willingly  ; 
 and  alfo,  readers  that  would  profit,  fliould  come,  both  to 
 teach  others,  and  to  learn  :  other  learned  men,  to  whom 
 God  has  given  the  gift  of  interpretation,  fhould  bs  charged 
 to  join  themfelves. 
 
 XV.  Schools. 
 
 EC  AUSE  fchools  are  the  feed  of  the  miniftry,  diligent 
 care  fliould  be  taken  over  them,  that  they  be  ordered 
 ill  i-cligion  and  converfation  according  to  the  word.  Every 
 town  Ihonid  hav-  a  fchoolmaftcr  ;  and  in  landwart,  the  mi- 
 nifter  or  reader  fhould  t<;ach  the  children  that  come  to  them. 
 
 Mea 
 
^VUofthe  Firji  Bosk  <?/ DISCIPLINE.  51 
 
 Men  {Iiould  be  compelled  by  the  kirk  and  mSglftrates  to  fend 
 their  bairns  to  the  fchools  :  poor  men's  children  Ihould  be 
 helped. 
 
 XVI.  Universities. 
 
 TH  E  UniverSties  (hould  be  ere^cd  in  this  realm,  St. 
 Andrews,  Glafgow,  and  Aberdeen.  Their  order  of 
 proceeding,  provilion,  and  degrees,  with  their  readers  and 
 officers  arc  at  length  declared  in  the  Book  of  Dilcipline  : — 
 how  many  colleges,  how  many  claiTes  in  everj'  college,  and 
 v/hat  fliould  be  taught  inevery  clafs,  is  there  expreffed. 
 
 A  contribution  (hall  be  made  at  the  entry  of  the  {Indents, 
 for  the,  upholding  of  the  place,  and  a  fufficient  ftipend  is  or- 
 dained for  every  member  of  the  univerlltv,  according  to  their 
 degreco 
 
 XVII.  Rents  cf  the  Kirl. 
 
 TH  E  whole  rents  of  the  kirk,  abufed  in  Papiftry,  fliall 
 be  referred  again  to  the  kirk,  that  thereby  the  inini- 
 firy,  fchools,  and  the  poor  may  be  maintained  within  this 
 realm,  according  to  their  firll  inftitution. 
 
 Everyman  fliould  be  fufFered  to  lead  and  ufe  his  own  tithes, 
 and  no  man  {hould  lead  another  man's  tithes.  The  upper- 
 moft  cloth,  the  cors-prefent,  the  clerk-mail,  the  pafch  offer- 
 ings, tithe.ale,and  all  other  fuch  things,  (hould  be  difcharged. 
 
 The  deacons  fhould  take  up  the  whole  rents  of  the  kirk, 
 difponing  them  to  the  minlftry,  the  fchools,  and  poor  withip 
 their  bounds,  according  to  the  appointment  of  the  kirk. 
 
 All  friaries, nunneries,  chantries, chaplainries,  annual  rent';, . 
 and  all  things  doted-*  to  the  hofpitaiity,  fhall  be  reduced  to 
 the  help  of  the  kirk.     Merchants  and  craftfmen  in  burghs, 
 fhould  tontribute  to  the  fupport  of  the  kirk. 
 
 XVIII.  Burial. 
 
 WE  defire,  that  burial  be  i'o  honourably  handled,  that 
 the  hope  of  our  refurre<ftion  may  be  nouriflied ;  and 
 all  kind  of  fuperftition,  idolatry,  and  whatfomever  thing  pro- 
 ceedeth  of  the  falfe  opinion,  may  be  avoided. 
 
 At  the  burial,  neither  finging  of  pfalms,  nor  raiding,  fiialL 
 
 ,be  ufed,  left  the  people  fliould  be  nouriflied  thereby  in  that 
 
 old  fuperftition  of  praying  for  the  dead  :  but  this  we  remit 
 
 to  the  judgment  of  the  particular  kirks,  with  advice  of  the 
 
 miuillers.     All  fuperftition  being  removed,   miniilers  fhall 
 
 F  2  not 
 
 •  Gifted.  ^ 
 
52  Sum  ofjhe  FtrJl.Book  of  Discipline. 
 
 not  be  burdened  with  funeral  fermons,  feeing  that  daily  fer- 
 iBons  are  iufficient  enough  for  miniftring  of  the  living.  Bu- 
 rial fliould  be  without  the  kirk,  in  a  line  air,  and  place  wal- 
 led and  kept  honourably. 
 
 XIX.  Repairing  <?/ Kirks. 
 
 TH  E  kirk  does  crave  moft  eameftly  the  Lords  their  af- 
 fiftance,  for  hafty  repairing  of  all  parifh  kirks,  where 
 the  people  fhoiild  conveen  for  the  hearing  of  the  word,  and 
 receiving  of  the  facraments  :  this  reparation  Ihould  not  only 
 be  in  the  walls  and  fabric,  but  alfo  in  all  things  needful  with- 
 in for  the  people,  and  decencies  of  the  place  appointed  for 
 God's  fervicc. 
 
 XX.  Punijhment  o/TROFiNERS  of  the  Sacraments. 
 
 WE  defire  ftrift  laws  to  be  made,  for  punifliment  of 
 them  that  abufe  the  facraments,  as  well  the  minifters 
 as  readers.  The  holy  facraments  are  abufed,  when  the  mr- 
 nifter  is  not  lawfully  called,  or  when  they  are  given  to  open 
 injurers  of  the  truth,  or  to  profane  livers,  or  when  they  are 
 ininiftred  in  a  private  place,  without  the  word  preached. 
 
 The  examples  of  fcripture  do  plainly  declare,  that  the  a- 
 bufers  of  the  facraments,  and  contemnere  of  the  word,  arc 
 worthy  of  death. 
 
 This  our  judgment^  for  reformation  of  the  Kirk^  fi^^^  ^^'^^ 
 'witnejs  both  bejore  God  and  matty  nvhat  ive  have  craved  of  the 
 Nobility y  and  hovj  they  have  obeyed  our  loving  admonition. 
 
 ««^  «<>i  «^  «<>»  «^»  <<>>  t^^  v<^.  v»>  <<?>  ttf^  «*»<<>>  tc>»  v*i  ve>,  •«>,  »<p»  t^t  v^  te»i  !<:>,  i<»,  v->» 
 
 *^*  Thus  far  oyt  cf  the  Book  of  Difciplinc,  whIcU  was 
 fubfcribed  by  the  Kirk  and  Lords. 
 
 int 
 
t  H  E 
 
 SECOND     BOOK 
 
 or 
 
 DISCIPLINE 
 
 O  R, 
 HEADS    AND     CONCLUSIONS 
 
 O  F      T  H  E 
 
 FOLIcr    OF    THE    KIRK. 
 
 AGREED 
 
 Upon  in  the  General  Afiembly  1578  ♦,  inferted  m  tlie  regi- 
 flers  of  Aflembly  1581  ;  fworn  to  in  the  National  Cove- 
 •nant ;  revived  and  ratified  by  the  AlTembly  1638,  and  bf 
 many  other  afts  of  Affembly :  and,  according  to  whicti, 
 the  church  government  is  eftablilhed  by  law,  Annis  1592 
 0nd  1640. 
 
 I  Cor.  xiy.  40.  Let  all  things  be  done  decent ly^  and  in  ofder* 
 
 G  L  A  S  G  O  Vr, 
 Feinted  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  x>cc  lxxxv^ 
 
ACT  of  the  General  AfTembly,  concerning 
 the  Book  of  Policy. 
 
 April   1581,  SeiT.  9. 
 
 FOR  AS  MUCH  as  travels  have  been  taken  in  the 
 framing  of  the  'Policy  of  tbe  Kirk,  and  divers 
 fuits  have  been  made  to  the  magiftrate  for  the  appro- 
 bation thereof,  which  y?t  hath  not  taken  the  happy 
 eft"e£t  that  good  men  would  wifh  ^  yet,  that  the  po« 
 fterity  may  judge  well  of  this  prefent  age,  and  of  the 
 meaning  of  the  kirk,  the  Affembly  hath  concluded, 
 that  the  Book  of  Policy,  agreed  to  in  divers  Affem- 
 blies  before;  (liould  be  regiftred  in  the  ads  of  the 
 kirk,  and  remain  there  ad perpetuam  rei  memoriam,  and 
 the  copies  thereof  to  be  taken  by  every  Preibytery.— 
 Of  which  Book,  the  tenor  foUoweth. 
 
C    55    ] 
 
 THE 
 Second  Book  of  DISCIPLINE,  ^c. 
 
 C  H  A  P.    I. 
 
 Of  the  KiEK,  anii  Policy  thereof  in  general,  and  naherein  it  is 
 different  from  the  Civil  Policy. 
 
 THE  kirk  of  God  fometimesis  largely  taken  for  all  them 
 that  profefs  the  Evangel  of  Jefus  Chrift  ;  and  lo  it  is  a 
 company  and  fellowfliip,  not  only  of  the  godly,  but  alfo  -of" 
 hypocrites,  profefllng  always  outwardly  the  true  religion. 
 
 Other  times  it  is  taken  for  the  godly  and  eledl  only  ;  and 
 fometimes  for  them  that  exercife  fpiritual  function  in  the  Con- 
 gregation of  them  that  profefs  the  truth. 
 
 The  kirk  in  tiiis  laft  fenfe  hath  a  certain  power  granted  by. 
 God,  according  to  the  which  itufes  a  proper  jurifdi£lion  and 
 government,  exercifed  to  the  comfort  of  the  whole  kirk. 
 
 This  power  ecclefiaflical  is  an  authority  granted  by  G»(S 
 the  Father  through  the  Mediator  Jefus  Chrift,  unto  his  kirk 
 gathered  ;  and  having  ground  in  the  word  of  God,  to  be  put 
 in  execution  by  them,  unto  whom  the  fpiritual  government 
 of  the  kirk,  by  lawful  calling,  is  committed. 
 
 The  policy  of  the  kirk,  flowing  from  this  power,  is  an  or- 
 der or  form  of  fpiritual  government,  w^ich  is  exercifed  bf 
 the  members  appointed  thereto  by  the  word  of  God  ;  and 
 therefore  is  given  immediately  to  the  office  bearers,  by  whom 
 it  is  exercifed,  to  the  good'of  the  whole  body. 
 
 This  power  is  diverfly  ufed  :  for  fometinie  it  is  feverally 
 exercifed,  chiefly  by  the  teachers  ;  fometime  conjun£lly,  by 
 mutual  confent  of  them  that  bear  the  oflicc  and  charge,  after 
 the  form  of  judgment.  The  former  is  commonly  called  Pi?- 
 ieflas  Ordinity  and  the  other  Potejlas  Jurifd'iElionis. 
 
 Thcfe  two  kindsof  power  have  both  one  authonty,  one 
 ground,  one  finnlcaufe  j  but  are  diffv^rent  in  themsnncr  and 
 form  of  execution,  as  is  evident  by  thefpeaking  of  our  Mai- 
 ler ia  the  xvith  and  xviiith  of  Matthew. 
 
J$  Second  JSooE  efDisCJVLlSE* 
 
 This  power  and  policy  ecclefiaftical  is  different  and  diflinfl» 
 in  its  own  nature,  from  that  power  and  policy  which  is  cal- 
 led civil  power,  and  appcrtaineth  to  the  civil  government  of 
 the  commonwealth  :  albeit  they  be  both  of  God,  and  tend 
 to  one  end,  if  they  be  rightly  uled,  viz.  to  advance  the  glory 
 oi  God,  and  to  have  godly  and  good  fubjefts. 
 
 For  thi«  power ecclefiaiiicalfloweth  immediately  from  God 
 and  the  Mediator  Chrlft  Jefus,  and  Is  fpirituaJ,  not  having  a 
 temporal  head  on  the  earth,  but  only  Chrift,  the  only  fpiri- 
 tual  king  and  governor  of  his  kirk. 
 
 It  is  a  title  falfly  ufurped  by  Antichrift,  to  call  himfelf  Head 
 cf  the  kirk  ;  and  ought  not  to  be  attributed  to  angel,  nor 
 man,  of  what  eftate  foever  he  be,  faving  to  Chrifl:,  the  only 
 bead  and  monarch  in  the  kirk. 
 
 Therefore  this  power  and  policy  of  the  kirk  fiiould  lean 
 upon  the  word  immediately,  as  the  only  ground  thereof,  and 
 Ihould  be  taken  from  the  pure  fountains  of  the  fcriptures,the 
 kirk  hearing  the  voice  oi  Chrift  the  only  fpiritual  king,  and 
 being  ruled  by  his  laws. 
 
 It  is  proper  to  kings,  princes,  and  magiftrates  to  be  called 
 Lords  and  dominators  over  their  fubje^s,  whom  they  govern 
 civilly  :  but  it  is  proper  to  Chrift  only  to  be  called  Lord  and 
 Mafter,  in  the  fpiritual  government  of  the  kirk  ;  and  all  o- 
 ihers,  that  bear  office  therein,  ought  not  to  ufurp  dominion 
 therein,  nor  be  called  lords,  hut  only  minifters,  difciples  and 
 fervants  :  for  it  is  Chrift's  proper  office  to  command  and  rule 
 bis  kirk  univcrfally,  and  every  particular  kirk,  through  his 
 Spirit  and  word,  by  the  minitlry  of  men. 
 
 Notwithftanding,  as  the  minifters  and  others  of  the  eccle- 
 fiaftical  efiate  are  fubje£l  to  the  magiftrate  civil,  fo  ought  the 
 perfon  of  the  magiftrate  be  fubje£t  to  the  kirk  fpiritually,  and 
 in  eccleiiaftical  government  :  and  the  cxerciie  of  both  thefe 
 jurifdidtions  cannot  ftand  in  one  perfon  ordinarily. 
 
 The  civil  power  is  called  the  power  of  the  fword,  and  the 
 other  the  power  of  the  keys. 
 
 The  civil  power  (hculd  command  the  fpiritual  to  exercife, 
 and  to  do  their  office  according  to  the  word  of  God  ;  the 
 fpiritual  rulers  fhould  require  the  Chriftian  magiftrate  to  mi- 
 nifter  juftice  and  punifti  vice,  and  to  maintain  the  liberty  aad 
 quictnefs  of  the  kirk  within  their  bounds. 
 
 The  magiftrate  commandeth  external  things,  for  external 
 peace  and  quietnefs  amongft  the  fubjefts  ;  the'miniftcr  han- 
 dleth  external  things  only  for  conlcience  caufe. 
 
 The  magiftrate  handleth  external  things  only,  and  aclions 
 done  before  men  ;  but  the  fpiritual  ruler  judgeih  both  inward 
 
 affetlions, 
 
Second  Book  of  DiscivntiE.  57: 
 
 afFe^ions,  and  external  adtions,  in  refpeft  of  confcience,  by 
 tlie  word  of  God. 
 
 The  civil  magiftrate  craves  and  gets  obedience  by  thefword, 
 end  other  external  means  ;  but  the  minifter  by  the  fpiriiual 
 fword,  and  (piritual  meafls. 
 
 The  magiftrate  neither  ought  to  preach,  minifter  the  facra- 
 naents,  noreX':cute  thecenfuresof  the  kirk,  nor  yet  prcfcribe 
 any  rule  how  it  fhould  be  done,  but  command  the  minifters 
 to  obiffrve  the  rale  commanded  in  the  word,  and  puniflx  the 
 tranfgreflors  by  civil  means.  The  minifters  exercife  not  the 
 civil  jurifdi<n:ion,  but  teach  the  magiltriite  how  it  ftiould  be 
 cxercifed  according  to  the  word. 
 
 The  magithare  ought  to  affift,  maintain,  and  fortify  the 
 jurifdiclion  of  the  kirk.  The  mimfters  ihouldaffift  their  prin- 
 ces in  all  things  agreeable  to  the  word,  providing  they  neglect 
 not  their  own  charge,  by  involving  themfelves  in  civil  attdirs. 
 
 Finally, as  miniftersare  fubjett  to  the  judgnaent  and  punilh- 
 ment  of  the  magiftrate  in  extern.il  things,  if  they  offend  ;  {o 
 ought  the  raagiftrates  to  fubmlt  theaiCelves  to  thedilcipline  of 
 thekirk,  if  they  tranfgreisin  mattersof  confcience  andreligion. 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 0/  the  Policy  of  the  Kirk,  a/ui  Fer/.vis,  or.OfficehearerSf  to 
 •whom  the  AcimittijJraiion  is  commttted. 
 
 AS  in  the  civil  policy,  the  whole  commonv.'ealth  conflft- 
 eth  in  them  that  are  governors,  or  magii^rates,  and 
 them  that  are  governed,  or  fubjeits  ;  fo  in  i\i.t  pulley  of  the; 
 kirk,  lome  are  appointed  to  be  rulers,  and  the  rell  of  the 
 members  thereof  to  be  ruled,  and  obey  according  to  the  word 
 of  God  and  infpiration  of  his  Spirit,  always  v^wlct  one  head 
 and  chief  governor,  Jefus  Chriit. 
 
 Again,  Ithe  whole  policy  of  the  kirk  conllfteth  in  three 
 things,  wz.  in  doftrine,  dircjpline,  and  diftribution.  V*'ith 
 dodlrine  U  annexed  the  adniinillratiou  of  facraments  ;  .and, 
 according  to  the  parts  of  this  divition,  arifeth  a  threefold  fort 
 of  officers  in  the  kirk,  viz.  of  minifisrs  or  preachers,  elders 
 or  governors,  and  deacons  or  diftribut^rs^j  and  all  thefe  may- 
 be called  by  a  general  word,  minifters  of  the  kirk  :  for  albeit 
 the  kirk  of  God  be  ruled  and  governed  by  Jefus  Cbrifl,  who 
 is  the  only  king,  high  priell,  and.  head  thereof,  yet  he  ufeth 
 the  minlftry  of  men,  as  the  maft  necelTsry  mids  for  this 
 purpofe.  For  io  he  hath,  from  ti'ne  to  rin»e,  before  the  la»'» 
 under  the  law,  and  in  the  time  of  the  Evangel,  tor  our  great 
 comfort,  raif'id  up  men  endued  with  the  gifts  of  the  Spirir, 
 for  the  rpiritual  government  of  his  kiiic,  cxerchmg  by  thcna 
 
 G  Ms 
 
•  ^8  SecoftJ  Book  of  Discipline,. 
 
 bis  own  power,  through  his  Spirit  and  word,  to  the  building 
 lip  of  the  fame.  And,  tb  take  away  all  occafion  of  tyranny, 
 he  willeth  that  they  ihould  rule  with  mutual  conient,  as  bre- 
 thren, and  with  equality  of  power,  every  one  according  tO 
 their  fun<^ions.  • 
 
 In  the  New  Teftament,  and  time  of  the  Evange),  he  hath, 
 ufed  the  miniftry  of  the  apoiUes,  prophets,  evangclifts,  paf- 
 tors,  and  do^lors,  in  adminillration  of  the  word  ;  the  elder- 
 Ihip  for  good  order,  and  admlniftration  of  difcipline  j  the 
 deaconlhip  to  have  the  care  of  the  ecclefiaftical  goods. 
 
 Some  of  thefe  ecclefiaftical  fun^ions  are  ordinary,  and 
 fome  extraordinary  or  temporary.  There  be  three  extraor- 
 dinary fun£lions,  the  ofBce  of  the  apoftle,  of  the  evangelift, 
 5^nd  of  the  prophet,  which  are  not  perpetual,  and  now  have 
 ceaCed  in  the  kirk  of  God,  except  when  it  pleafed  God  ex- 
 traordinarily ,fbr  a  time  to  ftir  fome  of  them  up  again. 
 
 There  are  four  ordinary  fundtions  or  olnces  in  the  kirk  of 
 God  ;  the  office  of  the  paftor,  minifter,  or  billiop,  the  doc- 
 tor, the  prefbyter,  or  elder,  and  thedeacon.  Thefe  officers 
 are  ordinary,  and  ought  to  continue  perpetually  in  the  kirk, 
 iis  neceffkry  for  the  government  and  policy  thereof ;  and  no 
 more  offices  ought  to  be  received  or  fuffered  in  the  true  kirk 
 of  God,  eftabliihed  according  to  his  word. 
 
 Therefore,  all  the  ambitious  titles  invented  in  the  kingdom, 
 of  Antichrift,  and  in  his  ufurped  hierarchy,  which  are  not 
 of  one  of  thefe  four  forts,  together  with  the  officers  depend- 
 ing thereupon,  in  one  word,  ought  to  be  rejeded. 
 
 CHAP.    III. 
 
 Hoiv  tlie  Perfons  that  bear  Eccleftajiical  FunSl'tonSy  are  to  be 
 admitted  to  their  OJjlce. 
 
 VOCATION  or  calling  is  common  to  all  that  fliould 
 bear  office  within  the  kirk,  which  is  a  lawful  way,  by 
 the  which  qualified  perfons  are  promoted  lo  any  fpiriturJ  of- 
 fice within  the  kirk  of  God. 
 
 Without  this  lawful  calling,  it  was  never  leifom  to  any 
 perfon'  to  meddle  with  this  fundfion  ecclefiaftical. 
 
 There  are  two  forts  of  calling  :  one  extraordinary,  by  God 
 immediately,  as  was  that  of  the  prophet?  and  apoftles,  which, 
 in  kirks  eltablifhed,  and  already  well  reformed,  hath  no  place. 
 The  otlier  calling  is  ordinary,  which,  befides  the  calling  of 
 God,  and  inward  Leflimony  of  a  good  confciente,  hath  the 
 lawful  approbation  and  outward  judgment  of  men,  according 
 t>:i  God's  word,  and  order  eftablhhed  in  this  kirk.  None 
 ou;^ht  to  prefume  to  enter  into  any  office  eccleliiiftical,  with- 
 out 
 
Second  Booh  9f  TiucivLl-a^^  ^g 
 
 out  this  teflimony  of  a  good  confcience  before  God,  who  on- 
 ly knows  the  hearts  of  men.  This  ordinary  and  outward  cal- 
 ling hath  two  parts,  election  and  ordination.  Eleftipn  is  the 
 ciioofing  out  of  a  perfon  or  perfons,  moft  able,  to  the  office 
 that  vakes,  by  the  judgment  of  the  elderfhip  and  confent  of 
 the  congregation,  to  which  the  perfon  or  perfons  fhall  be 
 appointed. 
 
 The  qualifications  requifite  in  all  them  who  (hould  bear 
 charge  in  the  kirk,  coniift  in  foundnefs  of  religion,  and  god* 
 linefs  of  life,  according  as  they  are  fufficiently  fet  forth  in  the 
 word. 
 
 In  the  order  of  ele^lon  is  to  be  efchewed,  that  any  perfon 
 be  intruded  in  any  offices  of  the  kirk,  contrary  to  the  v^ill 
 of  the  congregation  to  which  they  are  appointed,  or  without 
 the  voice  of  the  eldcrfliip. 
 
 None  ought  to  be  intruded,  cu*  placed  in  the  places  already 
 planted,  or  in  any  place  that  vakes  not,  for  any  worldly  re- 
 ipe£i  ;  and  that  which  is  called  the  benefice,  ought  to  be  no- 
 thing elfe  but  the  ftipend  of  the  miivfters  that  are  lawfully 
 called. 
 
 Ordination  is  the  feparation  and  fanflifying  of  the  perfon 
 appointed  to  God  and  his  kirk,  after  he  is  well  tried  and 
 found  qualified. — The  ceremonies  of  ordination  are,  falling, 
 earneft  prayer,  and  impofition  of  hands  of  the  elderOtip. 
 
 All  thefe,  as  they  muft  be  raifed  up  by  God,  and  by  him 
 made  able  for  the  work  whereto  they  are  called  ;  fo  ought 
 they  to  know  their  melTage  to  be  limited  within  God's  word, 
 without  the  bounds  of  the  which  they  ought  not  to  pais. 
 
 All  thefe  fhould  take  thefe  titles  and  names  only  (lefl  they 
 be  exalted  and  puft  up  in  tbcmfelves)  which  the  (cripture's 
 give  unto  them,  as  thefe  which  import  labour,  travel,  and 
 work,  and  arc  names  of  offices  and  fervic^,  and  not  of  idie- 
 nefs,  dignity,  worldly  honour  or  preheminence,  which  by 
 Chrift  our  Mafter  is  cxprefly  reproved  and  forbidden. 
 
 All  thefe  ofi^ce-bearers  fhould  have  iheir  own  particular 
 jRocks,  amongil  whom  they  exercife  their  charge  ;  and  fliould 
 make  refidence  with  them,  and  take  the  infpedlion  and  over- 
 fight  of  them,  every  one  in  his  vocation. — And  generally 
 thefe  two  things  ought  they  all  to  refpefl,  the  glory  of  God, 
 and  edifying  of  his  kirk,  in  difcharging  their  duties  in  their 
 calling. 
 
 G  %  CHAP. 
 
6fli,  ,       Serofid  Bcoi  of  Diicw LIVE, 
 
 C  H  A  P.     IV- 
 
 Of  the  Cfice-Bearers  in  pnrt':cu!ar  : — and^  FIRST,  of  the 
 PajJors^  or  Minifers. 
 
 PASTORS,  biftiops,  or  minifters,  are  tbty  who  are 
 appointed  to  particular  congregations,  which  they  rule 
 by  the  word  of  God,  and  over  the  which  tbey  watch  :  in  re- 
 fpeft  whereof,  fometiine  they  are  called  pallors,  becaufethey 
 feed  their  conj^regation  ;  fometime  ep'ifcopiy  or  bijhops,  be- 
 caufe  they  watch  over  their  flock  ;  foinetime  tniniriers,  be- 
 caulc  of  their  fervice  andcuice;  iometime  alfo  prefbyters 
 or  fciiiors,  for  the  grayity  of  manners  which  they  ought  to 
 have  in  taking  care  of  their  fpirilual  government,  which 
 ought  to  be  moll:  dear  unto  them. 
 
 They  that  are  called  unto  the  minlflry.or  that  oH'erthem- 
 felves  thereunto,  ought  not  to  be  elected,  without  fome  cer- 
 tain flock  af^igned  unto  them. 
 
 No  man  ought  to  ingyre  himfelf,  or  ufurp  this  office,  with- 
 *j\\\.  a  hiwful  calling. 
 
 Tliey  who  are  once  called  by  Cod,  and  duly  ele<^ed  by 
 men,  after  tbey  have  on<e  accepted  the  charge  of  the  mini- 
 ftry,  may  not  leave  their  functions. 
 
 The  deferters  (hould  be  admoniflied  ;  and,  in  cafe  of  cb- 
 fiiuacy,  tinally  excommunicated. 
 
 No  paOor  may  le;ive  liis  flock  without  licnce  of  the  Pro- 
 vincial or  National  AlFeinbly;  which,  if  he  do,  after  admoni- 
 tions not  obeyed,  let  the  cenfuresof  the  kirk  ftrike  upon  him. 
 Unto  the  paftor  apj^ertains  teuching  of  the  word  of  God 
 in  le?.lon  and  out  of  i'eaton,  publicly  and  privately,  always 
 travel  ing  to  edify,  and  to  difcharge  his  conicience,  as  God's 
 ■word  prcfcribes  to  hini. 
 
 Unto  the  pallors  only  nppertnins  the  admlnlflratlcn  of  the 
 facraments,  in  like  manner  as  the  adminiftration  of  the  wordj 
 for  both  ate  appointed  by  God  as  means  to  teach  as,  the  one 
 by  the  ear,  and  the  other  by  the  eyes  and  other  fenfes,  that 
 by  both  knowledge  may  be  transferred  to  the  mind. 
 
 It  appertains,  by  the  fame  recfon,  to  the  pallor  to  pray 
 for  the  people,  and  namely  for  the  flock  committed  to  his 
 charge;  and  to  blefs  them  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  who  will 
 not  fuffcrthe  blefiings  of  his  faithful  fervants  to  be  fr-jftrare. 
 He  ought  alio  to  watch  over  the  manners  of  hlsfl'-'ck,  that 
 he  may  the  better  apply  tiie  do(51r5ne  to  tbeqi,  in  reprehen- 
 ding the  diiTolute  perfons,  and  cxiiorling  the  godly  to  conti- 
 nue in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
 
 It  appertains  to  the  minifter,  after  lav/ful  proceeding  br 
 the  elderfiiip,  to  pronounce  the  lentence  of   binding  and 
 
 loofing 
 
loofing  upon  any  perfon,  according  to  the  power  of  the  keys 
 granted  unto  the  kirk. 
 
 It  belongs  to  him  likewife,  after  lawful  proceeding  in  '€rrt 
 matter  by  the  elderfliip,  to  Iblemnize  marriage  betwixt  theiti 
 that  are  to  be  joined  therein  ;  and  to  pronounce  the  blefling 
 of  the  Lord  upon  them  that  enter  into  that  holy  band  in  the 
 fear  of  God. 
 
 And  generally  all  public  denunciations,  that  are  to  be  made 
 in  the  kirk  before  the  congregation,  concerning  the  ecclcft- 
 anical  affairs,  belong  to  the  office  of  a  minifler  :  for  he  is  ^ 
 nneflenger  and  herald  betwixt  God  and  the  people,  in  M 
 thefe  affairs. 
 
 CHAP.    V. 
 
 Of  DoBcrs,  and  thsiv  Office  ; — and  of  the  ^c/jocTso 
 
 ONE  of  the  two  ordinary  and  perpetual  functions  that 
 travel  in  the  word,  is  the  office  of  doftor,  who  may 
 be  alfo  called  a  prophet,  biffiqp,  elder,  catechizer  ;  thatJcr, 
 teacher  of  the  catechifm,  and  rudiments  of  religion. 
 
 Hi?  office  is,  to  open  up  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  of  Gcd  5tt 
 the  fcriptures,  fimply,  wifhout  fuch  application  as  the  mini- 
 fters  ufe,  to  the  end  that  the  faithful  might  be  in{Vru£i:e^ 
 and  found  do£lrine  taught,  and  that  the  purity  of  the  gofpe^ 
 be  not  corrupted  through  ignorance  or  evil  opinions. 
 
 He  is  different  from  the  paftor,  not  only  in  name,  but  m 
 diverfity  of  gifts :  for  to  the  doftor  is  given  the  word  of  knovr- 
 ledge,  to  open  up  by  fimple  teaching  the  myflerles  of  faith  ^ 
 to  the  paftor  the  gift  of  wifdom,  to  apply  the  fame  by  exhcr- 
 tationto  the  manners  of  the  fiock,  as  occafion  craveth. 
 
 Under  the  name  and  office  ot  a  doctor,  we  comprehend 
 alfo  the  order  of  fchools,  colleges,  and  univerfities,  whidx 
 hath  been  from  time  to  time  carefully  maintained,  as  well  a- 
 morg  the  Jews  and  Chriftians,  as  among  the  profane  nations. 
 
 Ihe  doftor  being  an  elder,  as  faid  is,  fliould  afaft  the  paf- 
 tor in  the  government  of  the  kirk,  and  concur  with  the  d- 
 ders  his  brethren  in  all  Affemblies,  by  reafon  the  interpreta- 
 tion of  the  word,  which  is  only  judge  in  ecclefiaftical  mat- 
 ters, is  committed  to  his  charge. 
 
 But  to  preach  unto  the  people,  to  minlfter  the  facrament's^ 
 and  to  celebrate  marriages,  pertain  not  to  the  doctor,  unlefs 
 he  be  otherwife  called  ordinarily  ;  howbeit,  the  paftor  may 
 teach  in  the  fchools,  as  he  who  hath  the  gift  of  knowledge  is 
 oftentimes  meet  for  that  end,  as  the  example  of  Polycarpus 
 and  others  teftify. 
 
 €fiAP. 
 
S%  Sfccftd  Book  of  Di&civtmv^ 
 
 C  H  A  P.     VI. 
 
 0/  Elders^  and  their  Ofice. 
 
 TH  E  word  Eldc'Ty  in  the  fcripture,  fometime  is  the 
 name  of  age,  fometime  of  office.  When  it  is  the  name 
 of  any  office,  iometime  it  is  taken  largely,  comprehending 
 as  well  the  paftors  and  doctors,  as  them  who  are  called  leni- 
 ors  and  elders. 
 
 In  this  our  divifion,  we  call  thefe  elders,  whom  the  apo« 
 ftles  call  prefidents  or  governors  :  their  office,  as  it  is  ordina- 
 ry, fo  it  is  perpetual,  and  always  necelTary  in  the  kirk  of  God. 
 The  elderffiip  is  a  fpiritual  funflion,  as  is  the  miniftry. 
 
 Elders,  once  lawfully  called  to  the  office,  and  having  gifts 
 from  God  meet  to  exercile  the  fame,  may  not  leave  it  again. 
 Albeit  fuch  a  number  of  elders  may  be  chofen  in  certain  con- 
 gregations, that  one  part  of  them  may  relieve  another  for  a 
 reafonable  time,  as  was  among  the  Levites  under  the  law,  iii 
 ierving  of  the  temple. 
 
 The  number  of  the  elders,  in  every  congregation,  cannot 
 be  well  limited,  but  fhould  be  according  to  the  bounds  and 
 neceffity  of  the  people. 
 
 It  is  not  neceffary  that  all  elders  be  alfo  teachers  of  the 
 word,  albeit  the  chief  ought  to  be  fuch  ;  and  fo  are  worthy 
 of  double  honour. 
 
 What  manner  of  perfons  they  ought  to  be,  wc  refer  it  to 
 the  exprefs  word,  and,  namely,  to  the  canons  written  by  the 
 apof^le  Paul. 
 
 Their  office  is,  as  well  feverally  as  conjunflly,  to  watch 
 diligently  over  the  flock  committed  to  their  charge,  both 
 publicly  and  privately,  that  no  corruption  of  religion  or  man- 
 ners enter  therein. 
 
 As  the  paftors  and  do£^ors  (hould  be  diligent  in  teaching, 
 and  fowing  the  feed  of  the  word  ;  fo  the  elders  fhould  be 
 careful  in  feeking  after  the  fruit  of  the  fame  in  the  people. 
 
 It  appertains  to  them  to  affift  the  paftor  in  examination  of 
 them  that  come  to  the  Lord's  table.   Item^  in  vifiting  the  iick. 
 
 They  fhould  caufe  the  afts  of  Afiemblies,  as  well  particular 
 a?  general,  to  be  put  in  execution  carefully. — They  fhould  be 
 diligent  in  admonifhing  all  men  of  their  duty,  according  to 
 the  rule  of  the  Evangel.— Things  that  they  cannot  correal  by 
 private  admonition,  they  fhould  bring  to  the  Elderfliip. 
 
 Their  principal  office  is,  to  hold  AfTemblies  with  the  paftors 
 and  doftors,  who  are  alfo  of  their  number,  for  eftablift^ngof 
 good  order,  and  execution  of  difcipline  ;  unto  which  AfTem- 
 blies all  perfons  are  fubjedl,  that  remain  within  their  bounds. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
second  Book  cf  Discipline;  6^ 
 
 CHAP.     VII. 
 
 Of  the  ElderfnpSi  AJfeinblies^  and  Difcipline. 
 
 ELDERSHIPS  and  Aflemblies  are  commonly  conflitute 
 of  paftors,  doftors,  and  fucli  as  we  commonly  call  el- 
 ders, that  labour  not  in  the  word  and  docStrine  j  of  whom, 
 and  of  whofe  feveral  power,  hath  been  fpoken. 
 
 Aflemblies  are  of  four  ibrts  :  For  either  they  are  of  partU 
 cular  kirks  and  congregations  one  or  moe,  or  of  a  proviacc, 
 or  of  a  whole  nation,  or  of  all  and  divers  nations  profefiing 
 one  Jefus  Chrift. 
 
 All  the  ecclefiaftical  Aflemblies  have  power  to  conveen 
 lawfully  together,  for  treating  of  things  concerning  t]ie  kirk^ 
 and  pertaining  to  their  charge. 
 
 They  have  power  to  appoint  times  and  places  to  that  cffe£l} 
 and  at  one  meeting,  to  appoint  the  diet,  time,  and  place  for 
 another. 
 
 In  all  AiTemblies,  a  Moderator  fhould  be  cholen,  by  com-" 
 mon  confent  of  the  whole  brethren  conveened,  who  (houid 
 propone  matters,  gather  the  votes,  and  caufe  good  order  to 
 be  kept  in  the  AiTemblies. 
 
 Diligence  fhould  be  taken,  chiefly  by  the  Moderator,  that 
 only  ecclefiaftical  things  be  handled  in  the  Aflemblies  ;  and 
 that  there  be  no  meddling  with  any  thing  pertaining  to  the 
 civil  jurifdiftion. 
 
 Every  Affembly  hath  power  to  fend  forth  from  them,  of 
 their  own  number,  one  or  moe  vifitors,  to  fee  how  all  things 
 be  ruled  in  the  bounds  of  their  jurifdiction. 
 
 Vifitation  of  moe  kirks,  is  no  ordinary  office  ecclafiaflic  in 
 the  perfon  of  one  man  ;  neither  may  the  name  of  a  bifliop 
 be  attributed  to  the  vifitor  only,  neither  is  it  neceflary  to  a- 
 bide  always  in  one  man's  perfon  ;  but  it  is  the  part  of  the  el- 
 derlhip  to  fend  out  qualified  perfons  to  \i{\t  pro  re  nata. 
 
 The  final  end  of  AflTembiies,  is,  firjl^  To  keep  religion  and 
 do<n:rine  in  purity,  without  error  and  corruption.  Next^  To 
 keep  comelincfs  and  good  order  in  the  kirk. — For  this  order's 
 cauie,  they  make  certain  rules  and  conftitutions,  appertaining 
 to  the  good  behaviour  of  all  the  members  of  the  kirk,  in 
 their  vocation. — They  have  power  alfo  to  abrogate  and  abo- 
 li(h  all  ftatutes  and  ordinances,  concerning  ecclefiaftical  mat- 
 ters, that  arefound  noilom  and  unprofitable,  and  agree  not 
 with  the  time,  or  are  abufed  by  the  people. — They  have  power 
 to  execute  ecclefiaftical  difcipline  and  punifliment  upon  all 
 tranfgreflx)rs  and  proud  contemners  of  the  good  order  and  po- 
 licy of  the  kirk ;  and  fo  the  whok  difcipline  is  in  their  haods. 
 
 The 
 
^^  second  B$ok  of  DisciPLiKE. 
 
 The  firft  fort  and  kind  of  AfTdmblles,  altho'  ihey  be  with- 
 in particular  congregations,  yet  tiiey  exerce  the  power  and 
 |uriliii<Stion  of  the  kirk  with  mutual  confent,  and  thersfora 
 lipar  fometiiue  the  name  of  the  kirk. 
 
 When  we  fpeak  of  the  elders  of  the  particular  congregati- 
 qps,  we  mean  not  that  every  particular  parilli  kirk  can,  ot 
 may  have  their  own  particular  elderlhips,  efpecially  in  land- 
 ward ;  but  we  think  three,  four,  moe,  or  fewer  paiticular 
 TiitkSf  may  have  one  elderlhip  common  to  them  all,  to  judge 
 Tjjieir  ecclefiaftical  caufes. — Yet  this  is  meet,  that  fome  of  the 
 elders  be  chofen  oat  of  every  particular  congregation,  to  con- 
 cur with  the  reft  of  their  brethren  in  the  common  Aflembiy, 
 and  to  take  up  the  delation  of  offences  within  their  own  kii  ks, 
 
 and  bring  them  to  the  AiTembly This  we  gather  out  of 
 
 the  practice  of  the  primitive  kirk,  where  elders  or  colleges 
 of  feniors  were  conftltute  in  cities  and  famous  places. 
 
 The  power  of  thele  particular  elderlhips  is,  to  ufe  diligent 
 labours  in  the  bounds  committed  to  their  charge,  that  the 
 kirks  be  kept  in  good  order  ;  to  enquire  diligently  of  naugh- 
 ty and  unruly  perfons,  and. travel  to  bring  them  in  the  way 
 again,  either  by  admonition  or  threatening  of  God's  judg- 
 ments, or  by  correckion. — It  pertains  to  the  elderfhip,  to  take 
 heed  that  the  word  of  God  be  purely  preached  within  their 
 hounds,  the  facraments rightly  miniftred,  the  difcipline  right- 
 ly maintained,  and  the  ecclefiaftical  goods  uncorruptlydiftri- 
 taited. — It  belongs  to  this  kind  of  Affembly,  to  caufe  the 
 ordinances  made  by  the  AiTemblies  provincial,  national,  and 
 general,  to  be  kept,  and  put  in  execution. — To  make  confti- 
 tuticns,  which  concern  „„  ^p,^^t  in  the  kirk,  for  the  decent 
 order  of  thefe  particular  kbks  where  they  govern  j  providing 
 they  alter  no  rules  made  by  the  general  or  provincial  AiTem- 
 blies •,  and  that  they  make  the  provincial  Aflemblies  forefeen 
 of  thefe  rules  that  they  fhall  make,  and  abolilh  them  that 
 tend  to  the  hurt  of  the  fame. — It  hath  power  to  excommuni- 
 cate the  obftinate. — The  power  ofele£lion  of  them  who  bear 
 ftCclefiaiUcal  charges,  pertains  to  this  kind  of  Aflembly,  with- 
 ka  their  own  bounds,  being  well  created,  and  conftitute  of 
 many  paftors  and  elders  of  luiHcient  ability.  By  the  like  rea- 
 fon,  their  depolition  alfo  pertains  to  this  kind  of  Aflembly  ; 
 as  of  them  that  teach  erroneous  and  corrupt  do(ftrine  ;  thac 
 be  of  fcandalous  life,  and  after  admonitions  defift  not  ;  that 
 be  given  to  fchifra,  or  rebellion  againft  the  kirk,  rnanifeil 
 Ulafphemy,  fimony,  corruption  of  bribes,  falfliood,  perjjry, 
 whoredom,  theft,  druokennefs,  fighting,  worthy  of  punith- 
 mer*t  by  the  law,  vi^ury,  dancing,  infamy,  and  all  o:hefs,  tha: 
 
 defer  vc 
 
Second  Book  of  T)isci^LifJE»  6$ 
 
 deferve  feparation  from  the  kirk. — Thefe  alfo,  who  are  alto- 
 gether found  inlufficient  to  execute  ti\eir  charge,  Ihould  be 
 depofed,  whereof  other  kirks  fliould  be  advertifed,  that  they 
 receive  not  the  perfons  depofed.  Yet,  they  ought  not  to 
 be  depofed,  who,  through  age,  ficknefs,  or  other  acci- 
 dents, become  unmeet  to  do  their  office  ;  in  which  cafe,  their 
 honour  fhould  remain  to  them,  their  kirk  fhould  maintain 
 them,  and  others  ought  to  be  provided  to  do  their  office. 
 
 Provincial  AiTemblies,  we  call  lawful  convention  of  the 
 paftofs,  doctors,  and  other  elders  of  a  province,  gathered  for 
 the  common  affairs  of  the  kirks  thereof,  which  alfo  may  be 
 called  the  conference  of  the  kirk  and  brethren. 
 
 Thefe  AiTemblies  are  inf^ituted  for  weighty  matters,  to  be 
 handled  by  mutual  confent  and  affiftance  of  the  brethreu 
 within  that  province,  as  need  requires. 
 
 1  his  Aflembly  hatJi  power  to  handle,  order,  and  redrefs 
 all  things  omitted  or  done  aniifs  in  the  particular  AfTemblies. 
 —It  hath  power  todepofe  the  office-bearers  of  that  province, 
 for  good  and  juft  caufes  deferving  depolition. — And  general- 
 ly, thefe  AfTemblies  have  the  whole  power  of  the  particular 
 elderffiips,  whereof  they  arc  coIle£fcd. 
 
 The  National  AlTembly,  which  is  general  to  us,  is  a  lawful 
 convention  of  the  whole  kirks  of  the  realm  or  nation,  where 
 it  is  uled  and  gathered  for  the  common  affairs  of  the  kirk, 
 and  may  be  called  the  General  Eiderffiip  of  the  whole  kirks 
 in  the  realm.  None  are  fubjedl  to  repair  to  this  Affembly  to 
 vote  but  ecclefiaftical  perfons,  to  fuch  a  number  as  fhall  be 
 thought  good  *by  the  fame  Affembly,  not  excluding  other 
 perfons,  that  will  repair  to  the  faid  Affembly,  to  propone, 
 Hear,  and  reafon. 
 
 This  Affembly  is  inftituted,  that  all  things,  either  omit- 
 ted, or  done  amifs  in  the  Provincial  Affcmblies,  may  be  re- 
 drelTcd  and  handled  ;  and  things,  generally  ferving  for  the 
 good  of  the  whole  body  of  the  kirk  within  the  realm,  may  be 
 forefeen,  treated,  and  fet  forth,  to  God's  glory. — It  fhould 
 take  care,  that  kirks  be  planted  in  places  where  they  are  not 
 planted. — It  fhould  prefcribe  the  rule,  how  the  other  two 
 kinds  of  Affemblies  (hould  proceed  in  all  things. —  This  Af- 
 fembly fhould  take  heed,  that  the  fpiritual  and  civil  jurifdic- 
 tion  be  not  confounded,  to  the  hurt  of  the  kirk  •,  that  the 
 patrimony  of  the  kirk  be  not  confumed  nor  abufed  :  And, 
 generally,  concerning  all  weighty  affairs,  that  concern  rhe 
 well  and  good  order  of  the  whole  kirks  of  the  realm,  it  ought 
 to  interpone  authority  thereto. 
 
 There  is,  befides  thefe,  another  more  general  kind  of  Afi 
 fembly,  wJUich  is  of  all  nations,  and  all  elites  of  perfons 
 
 H  witLla 
 
<6  Second  Bach  <?/  DiscrrURE^ 
 
 within  tbe.kirk,  reprefenting  the  univerfal  khk  of  Chrift, 
 which  may  be  called  properly  the  General  Affembly,  or  ge- 
 neral council  of  the  whole  kirk  of  God. 
 
 Thefe  Afleniblies  were  appointed  and  called  together,  efpe- 
 cially  when  any  grtat  Ichifm  or  controveriy  in  dodlrine  did 
 arife  in  the  kirk  :  and  were  convocate  at  command  of  godly 
 emperors,  being,  for  the  time,  for  avoiding  of  fchifms  with- 
 in tiie  univerfal  kirk  of  God  ;  which,  becaufc  they  pertain 
 not  to  the  particular  ellate  of  any  realm,  we  ceafe  further  lo 
 fpeak  of  them. 
 
 CHAP.    VIIL 
 
 OJ  the  Deacons^  and  their  Oficet  the  laji  ordinary  FunBion 
 
 in  the  Kirk. 
 
 TH  E  word  AjaVovac  fometimcs  is  largely  taken,  com- 
 prehending all  them  that  bear  office  in  the  miniftry* ) 
 and  spiritual  function  in  the  kirk.  But  now,  as  we  fpeak,  ; 
 it  is.  taken  only  for  them,  ijpto  whom  the  coll^ftion  and  di- 
 flribution  of  the  alms  of  the  faithful,  and  ecclefiaftical  goods, 
 doth  belong. — The  office  of  the  deacons,  fo  taken,  is  an  or- 
 dinary and  perpetual  eccleiiaftical  function  in  the  kirk  of 
 Chrift.  Of  what  properties  and  duties  he  ought  to  be,  that 
 is  called  to  this  function,  we  remit  it  t®  the  manifeft  icriptures. 
 Tiie  deacon  ought  to  be  called  and  elefted,  as  the  reft  of 
 the  fpiritual  officers,  of  the  which  election  was  fpoken  before. 
 —Their  office  and  power  is,  to  receive  and  to  diftribute  the 
 whole  ecclefiaftical  goods  nnto  them,  to  whom  they  are  ap- 
 pointed. This  they  ought  to  do,  according  to  the  judgment 
 2nd  appointment  of  the  Preftjyteries  or  Elderftiips  (of  the 
 which  the  deacons  are  not  members)  that  the  pati-imony  of 
 the  kirk  and  poor  be  not  converted  to  private  men's  ules,  nor 
 wrongfully  diiliibute. 
 
 C  H  A  P.    IX. 
 
 Of  the  Patrimony  of  the  Kirk,  and  Di/irihutiDn  thereof. 
 
 Y  the  patrimony  of  the  kirk,  we  mean  whatfoever  thing 
 hath  been  at  any  time  before,  or  fhall  be  in  times  com- 
 intl  given,  or  by  conl'ent  or  univerfal  cuftom  of  countries 
 proMag  -the  C  hriftian  religion,  applied  to  the  pubHc  ufe 
 and  utility -of  the  kirk.  So  that,  under  the  patrimony,  we 
 comprehend  all' things  given,  or  to  be  given,  to  the  kirk  and 
 ftrviee  of  God  ;  as  lands,  buildings,  polleffions,  annual  rents, 
 and  ail  fuch  like,  wherewith  the  kirk  is  doted,  either  by  do- 
 nations, foundation?,  mortincations,  or  any  other  lawful  ti- 
 tles, of  kmgs,  princes,  or  any  perfons  in'^erior  to  them,  to- 
 fftther  ui:h  the  coutioual  oblations  of  the  faithful. 
 *       '.  *.  We 
 
*  Second  Bsoh  oj  Discipline.  67 
 
 We  comprehend  alfo  all  fuch  things,  as  bylaws  or  cuflom, 
 or  ufe  of  countries,  have  been  applied  to  the  ule  and  utility 
 of  the  kirk  :  of  which  fort  are  tiends,  manfes,  glebes,  anvl 
 luch  like,  which,  by  common  and  municipal  laws  and  uni« 
 verfal  cuftom,  are  pcffeired  by  the  kirk. 
 
 To  take  any  of  this  patrimony  by  unlawful  means,  and 
 convert  it  to  the  particular  and  profane  ule  of  any  perfon, 
 we  hold  it  adeteflable  facrile^e  before  God. 
 
 The  goods  (ScclefiatVical  ought  to  be  colle£ted  and  difiri- 
 bated  by  the  deacons,  as  the  word  of  God  appoints,  that  they 
 who  bear  office  in  the  kirk  be  provided  for,  without  care  or 
 folicitude. 
 
 In  the  apofirolical  kirk,  the  deacons  were  appointed  tccol- 
 lc£l  and  diitribute  what  fum  foever  v/as  collefted  of  the  faith- 
 ful, to  diftribute  unio  the  necellity  of  the  faints  •,  fo  that 
 none  lacked  among  the  faithful,  Thefe  coUedlions  were  not 
 only  of  that  which  was  colle^led  in  manner  of  alms,  as  fome 
 fuppofe,  but  of  other  goods  moveable  and  immoveable,  of 
 lands  and  poflcfiions,  the  price  whereof  was  brought  to  the 
 feet  of  the  apoftles.  This  ofHce  continued  in  the  deacons 
 •hands,  who  intromitted  with  the  whole- goods  of  the  kirk,  ay 
 and  while  the  eftate  thereof  was  corrupted  by  Antichrift,  as 
 the  ancient  canons  bear  witnefs*  The  fame  canons  maka 
 mention  of  a  fourfold  diftributlon  of  the  patrimony  of  the 
 kirk,  whereof  one  part  was  applied  to  the  paftor  or  bifliop,  ^ 
 for  his  fuftenation  and  hofpitality  ;  another  to  the  elders  and 
 deacons,  and  all  the  clergy  ;  the  third  to  the  poor,  fick  per- 
 fons,  and  l^rangers  ;  the  fourth  to  the  upholding  other  af- 
 fairs of  the  kirk,  efpecially  extraordinary. 
 
 We  add  hereunto  the  ichools  and  fchoolmafters  alfo,  which 
 ought  and  may  be  well  faflained  of  the  fame  goods,  and  are 
 comprehended  under  the  clergy.  To  whom  we  join  alio 
 clerks  of  Aflemblics,  as  well  particular  as  general  Syndicks, 
 or  procurators  of  the  kirk  affairs,  takers  up  of  Pfalms,  and 
 fuch  like  other  ordinary  cfncers  of  the  kirk,  fo  fv^r  as  they 
 arc  neceiTary, 
 
 CHAP.    :^. 
 
 Of  the  Office  of  a  Chrijiati  Magtjirate  in  the  Kirk. 
 
 ALTHOU  G  K  all  the  members  of  the  kirk  be  holden, 
 every  one  in  their  vocation,  and  according  thereto,  to 
 advance  the  kingdom  of  Jefus  Chrift,  i'o  far  as  lieth  in  their 
 power  J  yet  chiefly  Chriftian  princes,  and  other  magidrates, 
 are  holdcn  to  do  the  fame.  For  they  are  called  in  the  fcrip- 
 ture,  nouri/hers  of  the  kirk  ;  for  fo  much  as  by  them  it  is, 
 or  at  leaft  ought  to  be,  nialntainedj^  foftercd,  upholden,  and 
 
68  Second  Book  of  Discipline. 
 
 defended,  againft  all  that  would  procure  the  hurt  thereof. 
 
 So  it  pertains  to  the  office  of  a  Chrirtian  magiftratc,  to  af- 
 Cft  and  fortify  the  godly  proceedings  of  the  kirk,  in  all  be- 
 haHs  ;  and  naniely,  to  lee  that  the  public  ellate  and  miniftrjr 
 thereof  be  maintained  and  fuilained,  as  it  appertains,  accord- 
 ing to  God's  word. — To  fee  that  the  kirk  be  not  invaded, 
 nor  hurt  by  falfe  teachers  and  hirelings,  nor  the  rooms  there- 
 ^  of  occupied  by  dumb  dogs,  or  idle  bellies. — To  aflift  and 
 maintain  the  difcipline  of  fhe  kirk,  and  punifh  them  civilly, 
 that  will  not  obey  t)\e  cenfure  of  the  lame,  without  confoun- 
 ding always  the  one  juriidiftion  with  the  other. — To  fee  that 
 iuflScient  provilion  be  made  for  the  minirtry,  the  fchools,  and 
 the  poor  ;  and,  if  they  have  not  fufficient  to  await  upon  their 
 charge?,  to  fupply  their  indigence  even  with  their  own  rents, 
 if  need  require. — To  hold  hand  as  well  to  thefaving  of  their 
 perfons  from  injury  and  open  violence,  as  to  their  rents  and 
 polTeflions,  that  they  be  not  defrauded,  robbed,  nor  fpoiled 
 thereof.— Not  to  fuffer  the  patrin^ony  of  the  kirk  to  be  ap- 
 plied to  profane  and  unlawful  ufes,  or  to  be  devoured  by  idle 
 Ijellies,  and  fuch  as  have  no  lawful  function  in  the  kirk)  to 
 the  hurt  of  the  miniftry,  fchools,  poor,  and  other  godly  u- . 
 fes,  whereupon  the  fame  ought  to  be  beflowed. — To  make 
 laws  and  conftiturions,  agreeable  to  God's  word,  for  advance* 
 ment  of  the  kirk,  and  policy  thereof,  without  ufurping  any 
 thing  that  pertains  not  to  the  civil  fword,  but  belongs  to  the 
 *  offices  that  arc  merely  eccleiiaflical,  as  is  the  miniftry  of  the 
 \vord  and  facramcnts,  ullng  ecclefiaftical  difcipline,  and  the 
 fpirirual  execution  thereof,  or  any  part  of  the  power  of  the 
 f  piritual  keys,  which  our  Mafter  gave  to  the  apoflles,  and  to 
 their  truefuccefibrs. 
 
 And  although  kings  and  princes  that  be  godly,  fometimes 
 by  their  own  authority,  when  the  kirk  is  corrupted,  and  all 
 things  out  of  order,  place  minifters,  and  reftore  the  true  fer- 
 vice  of  the  Lord,  after  the  example  of  fome  godly  kiiigs  of 
 Judah,  ar.d  divers  godly  emperors,  and  kings  alfo,  in  the 
 light  of  theNewTeftament  ;  yet,  where  the  miniftry  of  the 
 kirk  is  once  lawfully  conftitute,  and  they  that  are  placed  Ai3 
 their  office  faithfully,  all  godly  princes  and  niagiftrates  ought 
 to  hear  and  obey  their  voice,  and  reverence  the  majefty  of 
 the  Son  of  God  fpeakingin  them. 
 
 CHAP.   xr. 
 
 Of  the  Prefent  Ahufes  remaininz,   in  the  Kiik^  which  we  de» 
 Jtre  to  be  Reformed. 
 
 AS  it  is  the  duty  of  the  godly  magiftrate  to  maintain  the 
 prefent  liberty,  which  God  hath  granted  to  the  prea- 
 ching 
 
Second  Bock  */*  DrsciPLiNE,  6p 
 
 ching  of  his  word,  and  the  true  adminiftration  of  the  facra- 
 ments  within  this  realm  }  fo  it  is  to  provide,  that  all  abufes 
 which  yet  remain  in  the  kirk  be  removed,  and  utterly  takea 
 away.     Therefore, 
 
 Firjif  The  admifllon  of  men  to  Papiftical  titles  of  benefi- 
 ces, fuch  as  ferve  not,  nor  have  no  fundtion  in  the  reformed 
 kirk  of  Chrift,  as  abbots,  coramendators,  priors,  priorefles, 
 and  other  titles  of  abbacies,  whofe  places  are  now,  for  the 
 moft  part,  by  the  juft  judgment  of  God,  demoliflbed,  and 
 purged  of  idolatry,  is  a  plain  abufe,  and  is  not  to  receive  the 
 kingdom  of  Chrift  among  us,  but  rather  to  refufe  it. 
 
 Such  like,  that  they  that  of  old  were  called  the  chapters 
 and  convents  of  abbots,  cathedral  kirks,  and  like  places,  lervc 
 for  nothing  now  but  to  fet  feus  and  tacks,  if  any  thing  be 
 left  of  the  kirk  lands  and  teinds,in  hurt  and  prejudice  there- 
 of, as  daily  experience  teacheth  j  and  therefore  ought  to  be 
 utterly  abrogated  and  aboliflied. 
 
 Of  the  like  nature  are  the  deans,  archdeacons,  chanters, 
 fub-chantors,  treafurers,  chancellors,  and  others,  having  the 
 like  titles,  flowing  from  the  Pope  and  canon  law  only,  whi> 
 have  no  place  in  the  reformed  kick. 
 
 The  kirks  alfo  which  are  united  together,  and  joinei  ^ 
 annexation  to  their  benefices,  ought  to  be  feparated  and  di- 
 vided, and  given  to  qualified  minirters,  as  God's  word  craves* 
 Neither  ought  fuch  abufers  of  the  kirk's  patrimony  to  have 
 vote  in  Parliament,  nor  fit  in  Council,  under  the  name  of 
 the  kirk  and  kirkmen,  to  the  hurt  and  prejudice  of  the  liber<* 
 ty  thereof,  and  laws  of  the  realm,  made  in  favour  of  the  re- 
 formed kirk  Much  lefs  is  it  lawful,  that  any  perfon  among 
 thcfe  men  (hould  have  five,  fixteen,  twenty,  or  more  kirks, 
 having  the  charge  of  fouls,  and  enjoy  the  patrimony  thereof, 
 either  by  admiluon  of  the  prince  or  of  the  kirk,  in  this  ^igbt 
 of  the  Evangel.  For  it  is  but  a  mockage,  to  crave  reforma- 
 tion, where  fuch  like  have  place. 
 
 And  in  fo  far  as,  in  the  order  taken  at  Leith  in  the  year  of 
 our  Lord  157 1,  it  appears,  that  fuch  may  be  admitted,  being 
 found  qualified ;  either  that  pretended  order  is  againft  all  good 
 order,  or  elfe  it  muft  be  underftood,  not  of  them  that  be 
 qualified  in  worldly  afi*airs,  or  to  ferve  in  court,  but  of  fuch 
 as  are  qualified  to  teach  God's  word,  having  their  lawful  ad- 
 mifiion  of  the  kirk. 
 
 As  to  bilhops,  if  the  name  E^Tcntwraf  be  properly  taken, 
 they  are  all  one  with  the  minifters,  as  before  was  declared.— 
 For  it  is  not  a  name  of  fuperiority  and  lordfliip,  but  of  office 
 and  watching.  Yet,  because  in  the  corruption  of  the  kirk, 
 this  name  (as  others)  hath  been  abulisd,  and  yet  is  likely  to 
 
 ■  ^  '      be. 
 
7»  Second  Book  gf  DisClPLiNB. 
 
 be,  wc  caftnot  allow  the  fafhion  of  thefe  he\nr  chofcn  hiiiop?, 
 neither  oi  the  chapters,  that  are  electors  of  them  to  fuch  an 
 oSiCQ  as  they  are  chafen  unto. 
 
 True  bifhops  fbould  addidt  themfelves  to  a  particular  flock, 
 which  fundry  of  them  relufe  ;  neither  Ihould  they  ufurp 
 Ibrdihip  over  their  brethren,  and  over  the  inheritance  of 
 Chrift,  as  thefe  men  do. — Paftors,  in  fo  far  as  they  are  paf- 
 tors,  have  not  the  vifitaiion  of  moe  kirks  joined  to  the  paf- 
 Corftiip,  without  it  be  given  to  them.  It  is  a  corruption,  that 
 biftops  ftiould  have  fvjrther  bounds  to  vifit  nor  they  may  law- 
 folly.  No  man  ought  to  have  the  office  of  vifitation,  but  he 
 that  is  lawfully  chofen  thereunto. 
 
 The  elderlhips,  being  well  eftablifhed,  have  power  to  fend 
 cmc  vifitors  one  or  moe,  with  commiflion  to  viiit  the  bounds 
 within  their  elderfhip  ;  and  likewife,  after  account  taken  of 
 them,  either  continue  them,  or  remove  them  from  time  to 
 time,— -to  the  which  elderfhips  they  fhould  be  always  fubjeft. 
 
 The  civil  jurifdiftian,  in  the  perfon  of  a  paftor,  is  a  cor- 
 mption.  Itagreeth  not  with  the  word  of  God,  that  bifliops 
 lliould  be  paftors  of  paftors,  paftors  of  many  flocks,  and  yet 
 irichout  a  certain  flock,  and  without  ordinary  teaching. 
 
 It  agreeth  not  with  the  fcriptures,  that  they  fliould  be 
 txeemed  from  the  correftion  of  their  brethren,  and  difcipline 
 of  the  particular  elderftilp  of  the  kirk  where  they  fhall  ferve, 
 neither  that  they  ufurp  the  office  of  vifitation  of  other  kirks, 
 fior  any  function  befide  other  minifters,  but  fo  far  as  (hall 
 Recommitted  to  them  by  the  kirk. 
 
 Wherefore,  we  defire  the  biftiops  that  now  are,  either  to 
 agree  to  that  order  that  God's  word  requires  in  them,  as  the 
 general  kirk  will  prefcribeunto  them,  not  paffingtheir  bounds 
 cither  in  cccleiiaftical  or  civil  affairs,  or  elfe  to  be  depofed 
 trom  all  function  in  the  kirk. 
 
 We  deny  not,  in  the  mean  trme,  but  minifters  may  and 
 fiiould  afiaft  their  princes,  when  they  are  required,  in  all 
 thin^  agreeable  to  the  word,  whether  it  be  in  Council  or 
 Parliament,  or  otherwise  ;  providing  always,  tliey  neither 
 Tfegle^  their  own  charges,  nor,  through  flattery  of  princes, 
 Lurt  the  public  eftate  of  the  kirk. 
 
 But  generally  we  fay,  no  perfon  under  whatfomever  title 
 of  the  kirk,  and  fpciciaUy  the  abuled  titles,  in  Papiftry,  of 
 prelates,  convents,  and  chapters,  ought  to  attempt  any  aft  in 
 the  kirk's  name,  either  in  Council  or  Parliament,  or  out  of 
 Council,  having  no  commiflion  of  the  reformed  kirk  within 
 this  realm, — and  by  aft  of  Parliament  it  is  provided,  that  the 
 Papiftical  kirk  and  jurifdiftiou  ftiould  have  no  place  witbia 
 the  fame,  aad  no  bifhop  nor  other  prelate,  in  times  coming, 
 
 ihould 
 
.Second  Book  o^ Discipline.'  ji 
 
 fhould  ufe  any  jurifdiflion  flowing  from  his  authority.  An* 
 again,  that  no  other  ecclefiaftical  juri(diclion  fhould  be  ack- 
 nowledged within  this  realm,  but  that  which  is  and  fhali  1»C 
 in  the  reformed  kirk,  and  flowing  therefrom. 
 .So  we  efteem  holding  of  chapters  in  a  Papiftical  manntr, 
 either  in  cathedral  kirks,  abbeys,  colleges,  or  other  conv^o- 
 ,  tual  places,  ufurping  the  name  and  authority  of  the  kirk,  ro 
 hurt  the  patrimony  thereof,  or  ule  any  other  aiQc  to  the  pre- 
 judice of  the  fame,  fincc  the  year  of  our  Lord  1560,  to  b^ 
 an'abufe  and  corruption,  contrary  to  the  liberty  of  the  true 
 kirk,  and  laws  of  the  realm  :  and  therefore  ought  to  be  aa- 
 nulled,  reduced,  and,  in  times  coming,  utterly  difcharged. 
 
 The  dependencies  alio  of  the  Papiftical  jurifdi^ion  are  to 
 be  abolilhed  \  of  the  which  fort  is  the  mixed  jurifdiiflion  of 
 the  commiflars,  in  fo  far  as  they  meddle  with  ecclefiaftical 
 matters,  and  have  no  commifllon  of  the  kirk  thereto,  ibot 
 .were  elefted  in  time  of  our  fovereign's  mother,  when  things 
 were  out  of  .order.  It  is  an  abfurd  thing,  that  fcveral  of 
 them,  having  no  funtftion  in  the  kirk,  (hould  be  judges  of 
 minifters,  and  depofe  them  from  their  places.  'Iherefore, 
 they  either  fliould  be  difcharged  to  meddle  with  ecclefiaftical 
 matters,  or  it  Ihould  be  limited  to  them  in  what  affairs  tktf 
 mi^rht  be  judges,  and  not  hurt  the  liberty  of  the  kirk. 
 
 They  alfo  that  formerly  were  of  the  ecclefiafUc  cflate  in  the 
 Pope's  kirk,  or  that  are  admitted  of  new  to  the  Popiftical  ti- 
 tles, and  now  are  tolerate  by  the  laws  of  the  realm  to  poSels 
 the  two  parts  oft  heir  ecclefiaftical  rents,  ought  not  to  have  anw 
 further  liberty,  but  to  intromet  with  the  portion  aiSgned  ^nd 
 granted  to  them  for  their  lifetimes,  and  not  under  the  abufed, 
 titles  which  they  had,  to  difpone  the  kirk  rents,  fct  tacks 
 and  feus  thereof  at  their  pleafure,  to  the  great  hurt  of  the 
 kirk,  and  poor  labourers  that  dwell  upoa  the  kirk-lands,  coa- 
 ^ary  to  all  confcience  and  good  ordei;* 
 
 CHAP.    XIT. 
 
 Certain  fpecial  Heads  of  "Reformation  nuhioh  ive  crave. 
 
 WHATSOEVER  hath  been  fpoken  of  the  offices  of 
 the  kirk,  of  the  fevcral  power  of  the  office  bearersj, 
 of  their  conjunct  power  alfo,  and  laftly  of  the  patrimony  cf 
 the  kirk,  we  underftand  it  to  be  the  right  reformation  which. 
 God  craves  at  our  hands,  that  the  kirk  be  ordered  accord • 
 ing  thereto,  as  with  that  order  which  is  moft  agreeable  to 
 the  word.  But  becaufe  fomething  would  be  touched  in  par- 
 ticular concerning  the  eftate  of  the  country,  and  that  which 
 we  principally  feek  to  be  reformed  in  the  famej  we  have  coU 
 leded  them  in  thefe  heads  following. 
 
 Seeing 
 
>j2  S^coftJ  Booi  of  "Disci  ft  tKt^ 
 
 Seeing  the  whole  country  is  divided  in  provinces,  and  thefe 
 provinces  again  are  divided  in  parifhes,  as  well  in  landward 
 as  in  towns ;  in  every  parifh  and  reafonable  congregation 
 there  would  be  placed  one  or  moe  paftors  to  feed  the  flock  ; 
 and  no  paftor  or  minifter  always  be  burdened  with  the  parti- 
 cular charge  of  moe  kirks  or  flocks  than  one  alone. 
 
 And  becaufe  it  would  be  thought  hard  to  find  out  paftors 
 or  minifters  to  all  the  parifh  kirks  of  the  realm,  as  well  in 
 landward  as  in  towns  ;  we  think,  by  the  advice  of  fuch  as 
 commiffion  may  be  given  to  by  the  kirk  and  prince,  pariflies 
 in  landward,  or  fmall  villages,  may  be  joined,  two  or  three  or 
 more  in  fome  places  together,  and  the  principal  and  moft 
 commodious  kirks  to  ftand,  and  be  repaired  fufficiently,  and 
 qualified  minifters  placed  thereat,  and  the  other  kirks,  which 
 are  found  not  neceflTary,  may  be  fuffered  to  decay,  their  kirk 
 yards  always  being  kept  for  burial  places  ;  and  in  lome  pla- 
 ces, where  need  requires,  a  parilh,  where  the  congregation 
 is  ever  great  for  one  kirk,  may  be  divided  in  two  or  moe. 
 
 Doftors  fliould  be  appointed  in  univerfities,  colleges,  and 
 in  other  places  needful  and  fufliciently  provided  for,  to  open 
 wp  the  meaning  of  the  fcriptures,  and  to  have  the  charge  of 
 fchools,  and  teach  the  rudiments  of  religion. 
 
 As  for  elders,  there  (hould  be  fome  to  be  cenfurers  of  the 
 manners  of  the  people,  one  or  moe  in  every  congregation, 
 but  not  an  afl'embly  of  elders  in  every  particular  kirk,  but  on* 
 ly  in  towns  and  famous  places,  where  refort  of  men  of  judg- 
 ment and  ability,  to  that  effe£i,  may  be  had,  where  the  elders 
 of  the  particular  kirks  about  may  conveen  together,  and  have 
 a  common  elderfhip  andaffembly-place  among  them,  to  treat 
 of  all  things  that  concern  the  congregations,  of  which  they 
 have  the  overfight. 
 
 And  as  there  ought  to  be  men  appointed  to  unite  and  di- 
 vide the  parifhes,  as  neceflity  and- commodity  requires  j  fo 
 there  fhould  be  appointed  by  the  general  kirk,  with  aflent  of 
 the  prince,  fuch  mexltlis  fear  Gcd,  and  know  the  cftate  of 
 the  countries,  that  were  able  to  nominate  and  deGgn  the  pla- 
 ces where  the  particular  elderlhips  fhould  conveen,  taking 
 conflderation  of  the  diocefes  as  they  were  divided  of  old,  and 
 of  the  eflate  of  the  countries  and  provinces  of  the  realm. 
 
 Likewife,  concerning  Provincial  and  Synodal  AfTcmblies, 
 confideration  wereeafy  to  be  taken  ;  how  many,  and  in  what 
 places  they  were  to  be  holden,  and  how  oft  they  fhould  con- 
 veen, ought  to  be  referred  to  the  liberty  of  the  general  kirk, 
 and  order  to  be  appointed  therein. 
 
 The  national  aiTemblies  of  this  country,  called  commonly 
 the  General  ^JfamblUt,  ought  always  to  be  retained  in  their 
 
 ov7n 
 
Second  'Book  c/ Discipline.  71 
 
 ■      .        I 
 own  Ulierty,  and  have  their  own  place  ;  with  power  t-o  the 
 
 kirk  to  appoint  times  and  places  ^toaveiiient  for  tlij  l.iiue,and 
 
 all  men,  as  well  magillrates  as  iuJcriors,  to  be  fubjedt  to  the 
 
 judgment  of  the  fame,  in  ecclelia^icai  caufes,  without  any 
 
 reclamation  or  appellation  to  any  jufi^e,  civil  or  ecclclLiilical, 
 
 within  the  realm. 
 
 The  liberty  of  the  eledlion  of  pcrffons  called  to  the  ecclefial- 
 fkil  functions,  and  obfcrvcd  withuut  interrupt. on,  lb  long  -d^ 
 .the  kirk  was  not  corrupied  by  Andchrill,  we  dcliie  to  be  re- 
 ftored  and  retained  within  this  ireahn  •,  \o  that  none  be  in- 
 truded upon  any  congregation,  qither  by  the  prince,  or  any 
 inferior  perfon,  without  lawful  e'^eclion,  and  the  aiTent  of  the 
 people  OTcr  whom  the  perfon  is  placed  ;  as  the  pra-ctice  ot 
 the  apoftoiical  and  primitive  kirp  and  good  order  crave. 
 
 And  becaule  this  order,  v/hicili  God's  word  craves,  cannot 
 Hand- with  patronages  and  pref  r.tations  to  benefices,  ui'ed  in 
 the  Pope's  kirk,  we  defire  ail  tf^iem  that  truly  fear  God,  car- 
 ncftly  to  confider,  that  forafmvtch  as  the  names  of  patronages 
 and  benefices,  together  with  ti^e  efi'ecl  thereof,  have  iiowtd 
 from  the  Pope,  and  corruption  of  the  canon  law  only,  in  lo 
 far  as  thereby  any  perfon  was  intruded  or  placed  ever  kil  ks, 
 having  ri.'r(7;//  an'r.narum  ,  and  foralaiuch  as  that  manner  of 
 proceeding  hath  no  ground  in  the  word  of  God,  but  is  contra- 
 ry to  the  lame,  und  to  the  faidj  liberty  of  election,  they  ought 
 not  now  to  have  place  in  this  light  of  reformation  :  and  there- 
 fore, whofocver  will  embrace  God's  word,  and  deiire  the 
 kingdom  of  his  Son  Chrill  Jefus  to  be  advanced,  they  will 
 alfo  embrace  and  receive  thi.t  policy  and  order,  which  the 
 word  of  God,  and  upright  eJi^ate  of  his  kirk,  crave  :  other- 
 wife  it  is  in  vain  that  they  have  profeffed  the  lame. 
 
 Notwithfiinding,  as  concernii)g  other  patronages  of  bene- 
 fices, that  have  i:ot  cnrc.m  c.mmaruviy  as  they  fpeak,  luch  as 
 are  chaplaihries,  prebendaries,  iuuuded  upon  temporal  lands, 
 amiuals,  and  fuch  like,  may  be  refei  ved  unto  the  ancient  pa- 
 trons, to  clii'pone  hereupon,  when  they  vaike,  to  fcholars  and 
 burfars,  as  they  are  required  by  act  of  Parliament 
 
 As  for  tlie  kirk  rents  in  general,  wed  eh  re  that  order  be 
 admitted  and  mtiintained  amonglf  us,  that  may  ftand  with  the 
 flncerity  of  God's  word,  and  piaftice  of  the  kirk  of  Cbrift  ; 
 io  ivlt^  That,  as  was  before  fpoken,  the  whoU  rent  and  pa- 
 trimony of  the  kirk,  excepting  the  fmail  patronages  before 
 mentioned,  may  be  divided  in  four  portions  ;  one  thereof  to 
 be  aingned  to  the  pnfior  for  1-is  entertainnisnt  and  hoJpitali- 
 ty  ;  another  to  the  elders,  deacon?,  and  other  oilicers  of 
 ttie  kirk,  luch  as  ckrks  of  Aliembhci,  takers  yo  of  the  pfalms, 
 
 I  '  btudle^, 
 
74  '        St'cend  Booh  p/" Discipline/ 
 
 bea'Jlcs,  and  keepers  of  the  kirk,  fo  far  as  is  neceffary,  join- 
 ing with  them  alfo  the  dodlors  and  fchool.-;,  to  help  the  an- 
 cient {ounJations,  where  need  requires  :  the  third  portion  to 
 hi  beilowed  upon  the  poor  nlembcrs  of  the  faithful,  and  on 
 lio(pitals;  the  fourth  tor  reparation  of  the  kirks,  and  other 
 extraordinary  charges,  as  are  profitable  for  the  kirk  ;  and 
 alio  for  the  commonwealth,  if  need  require. 
 
 We  drfire  therefore  the  ecclefiaftical  goods  to  be  uplifted^ 
 and  dilrribtned  faithfully  to  v/honi  they  appertain,  and  that 
 by  the  niinifiryof  the  deacons,  to  whole  olHce  properly  the 
 coUeclioa  and  dirtribution  thereof  belongs  j  that  the  poor 
 may  be  anfvvered  of  their  portion  thereof,  and  they,  of  the 
 iiiiniftry  live  without  care  and  folicitude  ;  as  alfo,  the  reft  of 
 the  treafure  of  the  kirk  maybe  referved  and  beftowed  to  their 
 right  ufes — Htheie  deacons  be  elected  withluch  qualitirs  as 
 God's  word  craves  to  be  in  them,  there  is  no  fear  that  they 
 ihail  abule  themlelves  in  their  office,  as  the  profane  collcdlors 
 did  before.  Yet,  becaufe  this  vocation  appeareth  to  many 
 to  be  dangerous,  let  them  be  obliged,  as  they  were  of  old, 
 to  give  an  yearly  account  to  the  paftors  and  elderlhip ; — ■ 
 and,  if  the  kirk  and  prince  think  expedient,  let  cautioners 
 be  obliged  for  their  fidelity,  thut  the  kirk  rents  no  way  be"di- 
 
 lapidate. And,  to  the  efFc6t  this  order  may  take  place,  it 
 
 is  to  be  provided,  that  all  other  intromitters  with  the  kirk 
 rents,  collcdlors  general  or  fpecial,  whether  it  be  by  appoint- 
 ment of  the  prince  or  otherwife,  may  be  denuded  of  further 
 intromiffioii  therevi'ith,  and  luffer  the  kirk  rents,  in  time 
 comivjg,  to  be  wholly  intromitted  with  by  the  miniftry  of  the 
 deacons,  and  didribute  to  the  ufe  before  mentioned. — And 
 abb,  to  the  efFe£t  that  the  eccleHanical  rents  n.ay  fuffice  for 
 tliefe  ufes  for  the  which  they  are  to  be  appointed,  we  think 
 it  necclTary  to  be  defired,  that  all  alienations,  Petting  of  feus, 
 or  tacks  of  the  rents  of  tlie  kirk,  as  well  lands  a*  tiends,  in. 
 hurt  and  diminution  of  the  old  rentals,  be  reduced  and  an- 
 Bulled,  and  the  patrimony  of  the  kirk  reffored  to  the  former 
 old  liberty. — And  likewife,  that  in  times  coming  the  tiends 
 be  let  to  none  but  the  labourers  of  the  ground,  or.eife  not  fet 
 at  all ;  as  was  agreed  to,  and  fubfcribed  by  the  nobility  before. 
 
 C  II  A  P.    XIIT. 
 
 The  UiUify  that  Jh all Jloiv  from  this  Reformaihn  to  all  EJlates. 
 
 ^  EEING  the  end  of  this  fpiritual -government  and  policy, 
 _  whereof  we  fpeak,  is,  that  God'  may  be  glorified,  the 
 kiLgcIom  of  Jefiis  Chnft  advanced,  and  all  who  are  of  his 
 myitiCul  body  may  live  peacably  izi  confcience  ;  therefore  we 
 
 dare 
 
;,  ,  Second  Bosk  <?/"  DlJClPLlNK.  7; 
 
 dare  boUIy  afarm,  that  3II  thofe  who  have  true  refpecl  to 
 
 thefe  ends,  will,  even  for  confcience  cauit- ,  gladly  agree  auJ 
 
 conform  themfclves  to  this  order,  and  advance  the  fame,  \'o 
 
 far  as  it  lieth  in  them,  that  their  confcience  bsirig  let  at  i  err, 
 
 j  they  may  be  replenifhed  with  fpiritual  gladnefs,  in  givino  full 
 
 (  obedience  to  that  which  God's  word,  and  the  teilimony  cf 
 
 i  their  own  confcience  do  crave  -,  and  in  refulingall  conupdoa 
 
 I  contrary  to  the  farre. 
 
 i  Next,  "We  fliall  become  an  example  and  pattern  of  gooJ 
 and  godly  order  to  other  nations,  countries,  and  kirks  pro- 
 fefling  the  fame  religion  with  us  ;  that  as  they  have  glorified 
 God  in  our  continuing  in  the  iinccrity  of  the  vrord  hitherto, 
 tV'ithout  any  errors,  (praife  to  his  name)  fo  they  may  have 
 the  like  occafion  in  oar  converfation,  when  as  we  conform 
 ourfelves  to  that  difcipline,  policy,  and  good  order  wiiiclx 
 the  fame  word  and  purity  of  reformation  crave  at  our  hanrls. 
 Otherwifc  that  fearful  fenhence  may  be  juftly  faid  to  us,  The 
 fervant  hricivlng  ths  ivltl  of  his  Majler,  and  not  doing  ii,  &c. 
 
 Moreover,  \i  we  have  any  pity  or  refpe(n:  to  the  poor  mem- 
 bers of  Jefus  ChriO,  who  fo  greatly  incrcafe  and  multiply  n- 
 mongll  us,  we  will  not  fufFer  them  to  be  longer  defrauded  of 
 that  part  of  the  patrimony  of  the  kirk,  which  juftly  belongs 
 unto  them.  And  by  this  oi*dcr,  if  it  be  duly  put  in  exccuri- 
 onj  the  burden  of  them  fhall  be  taken  off  us,  to  our  great 
 comfort  J  the  fireets  fhall  be  cleanfed  of  the  cryings  and  mur- 
 myrings  of  them,  fo  as  we  lliall  no  more  be  any  icandal  to  0- 
 ther  nations,  as  we  havehitherto  been,  for  not  taking  order 
 with  the  poor  amongft  us,  and  caufing  the  word  which  we 
 profcfs  to  be  evil  ipoken  of,  giving  occafion  of  flrinder  to  the 
 enemies,  and  offending  theconfciences  of  thefimp!e  and  godlv. 
 Befides  this,  it  Ihall  be  a  great  eafe  and  commodity  to  the 
 whole  common  people,  in  relieving  them  of  the  building  ^nd 
 upholding  their  kirks,  in  building  of  bridges,  and  other  like 
 public  works  ;  to  the  labourers  of  the  grouifd,  in  payni(nt 
 of  their  tiends;  and  fhortly  in  all  thele  things  wherciato  they 
 have  been  jiitiierto  rigorcufly  handled  by  them  that  were 
 falfly  called  kirk-men,  their  tackfmen,  faillors,  chamberlains, 
 and  extortioners. 
 
 Finally,  To  the  king's  majeOy,  and  commonwealth  of  the, 
 country,  this  profit  ftrall  redound,  that  the  other  aifiirs  cf 
 the  kirk  being  fufBciently  provided,  according  "to  the  dlliri- 
 bution,  of  the  which  hath  been  fpoken,  the  fuperpUis,  being 
 collected  in  the  trea'fure  of  the  kirk,  may  be  prohtabiy  em- 
 ployed, and  liberally  beftowed  upon  the  extraordinary  iuppcrt 
 
 I  >  'of 
 
76  Secord  Book  o/"  DISCIPLINE. 
 
 of  the  afFairs  of  the  prince  and  commonwealth, and  efpecially 
 of  tbaf  pnrr,  which  is  appointed  for  reparation  of  kirk"?. 
 
 So  to  conclude,  all  being  vi'.ling  to  apply  tlieaifelves  to 
 this  order,  the  people  fnfllTing  themfelves  to  be  ruled  accord- 
 ing thereto  j  the  prince  and  magiftrares  not  being  cxeemed, 
 nnd  they  that  are  placed  in  the  ccclefiaftical  ef^ate  rightly  rul- 
 ing ?nd  governing  ;  God  fliall  be  glorified,  the  kirk  edified, 
 7\.nd  the  hounds  thereof  enlarged  ;  Chrift  Je'fus  and  his  king- 
 dom fet  \»p  ;  Satan  and  h.is  kingdom  fubverted  •,  and  Goil 
 fhall  dwell  in^the  inidft  of  us,  to  our  comfort,  through  Jefus 
 Chrift ;  who,  together  with  the  Father  and  Holy  Ghoil,  a- 
 bidcs  bleffcd  in  ail  eternity.     Amen.   ■ 
 
 ♦«>>  <«5^.  "Oi  '0-:  '^Si  t-Oi  «<^>  <0>  "Oi  <0>  '-«4  <<r->  v;>,  <o,  <<>i  <0,  iPi  l<?i  '-t>i  l«>i  ^5S  "-C^  Vffi  '-0\ 
 
 Assembly  at  EJinhurghy^th  Augujly  1590.     ^ejf.  10. 
 
 Ol^ASMUCII  as  it  is  certain,  that  the  word  of  God 
 cannot  be  kept  in  its  own  fincerity,  without  the  holy 
 ciilcipline  be  had  in  obedience  ;.  it  is  therefore,  by  commoa 
 con  Tent  cf  the  whole  brethren,  and  commiffioners  prefent, 
 concluded,  that  wholbever  hath  borne  office  in  the  miniftry 
 cf  the  kirk  within  this  rer.lm,  or  that  prefently  benrs,  or  fliall 
 hereafter  besr  office  het-ein,  Ihall  be  charged  by  every  parti- 
 cular Prcibytery  where  their  refidence  is,  to  fubfcrlbe  the 
 heads  of  difcipline  of  the  kirk  of  this  realm,  at  length  fet 
 down,  and  allowed  by  acft  ©f  the  Avhole  Affembly,  in  the  Booli 
 vf  Policy,  winch  is  regiftrated  in  the  Affembly  books-,  and, 
 namely,  the  heads  controverted  by  enemies  of  the  difcipHne 
 of  the  reformed  kirk  of  this  realm,  betwixt  and  the  next  Sy- 
 nodal AiTemblies  of  the  provinces,  under  the  pain  of  excom- 
 munication, to  be  executed  againft  the  non-fubfcribers  ;  and 
 the  Prefbyteries  which  fhall  be  found  remiis  or  negligent  here- 
 in, to  receive  public  rebuke  of  the  whole  AfTembly  :  and  to 
 the  efFetTt  the  faid  difcipline  may  be  known,  as  it  ought  to  be, 
 to  the  whole  brethren,  it  is  ordained,  that  the  nnoderator  of 
 each  prefbytery  fl^r.ll  receive,  from  the  clerk  of  the  Aflembly, 
 a  copy  of  the  faid  book  under  his  iubfcription,  upon  the  ex- 
 pences  of  the  Prefbytery,  betwixt  and  the  firfl;  day  of  Sep- 
 tember next  to  come,  under  the  pain  to  be  openly  accule'd  in 
 face  of  the  whole  AiTenibly. 
 
FORM 
 
 OF 
 
 EXAMINATION 
 
 BEFORE 
 
 The    C  Q  M  M  U  N  I  O  N, 
 
 APPROVED    BY    THE 
 
 GENERAL   ASSEMBLY 
 
 O  F      T  li  E 
 
 KIRK    OF     S  C  O  T  L  A  N  D; 
 
 AND    APPOINTED    TO    BE    USED    IN 
 
 FAMILIES    AND    SCHOOLS. 
 
 With  P  R  q^o  F  s  from  the  Scripture- 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J,  Br,ycb,  in  the  Year  jPdcc  lxxxv^ 
 
Aflembly  1590.  SefT.  12.  Augujl  10. 
 
 ANENT  the  examination  before  the  communion,  it  is 
 thought  meet,  for  the  common  profit  of  the  whole 
 people,  that  ane  uniform  order  be  keepit  in  examination, 
 and  that  an«  fchort  form  of  examination  be  fet  down,  be 
 their  breither,  Meff.  John  Craig,  Robert  Pont,  Thomas  Bu- 
 chanan, and  Andrew  MeLvine,  to  be  prefentit  to  the  next 
 AITembly. 
 
 AfTembly,  1591.  SefT.  17.  July  12>. 
 
 '  /K  NENT  the  forme  of  examination  before  the  commo- 
 ^jf"^  nion,  pennit  be  their  brother  Mr.  Craig,  the  AfTembly 
 thought  it  meet  to  be  imprintit,  being  be  the  author  thairof 
 contra6lit:  in  fome  fchorter  bounds. 
 
 AITembly,  1592.  Sell  ic.  May  ^o.  -j 
 
 FOR  fvva  meikle  as,  at  the  fpecial  defire  of  the  kirk,  ane 
 forme  of  examination  before  the  communion,  was  pen- 
 nit and  formit  be  their  brother  Mr.  John  Craig,  quhilk  is 
 now  imprintit  and  aliowit  be  the  voyce  of  the  AiTembly. — 
 Therefore  it  is  thought  needful,  that  every  paftor  travel  with 
 his  flock,  that  they  may  buy  the  famen  bulk,  and  read  it  in 
 their  families,  quhereby  they  may  be  better  inflrucftit  ;  and 
 that  the  famen  be  read  and  learnit  in  lefbors  fchools,  in  place 
 of  the  little  Catechiim.  * 
 
 *  That  is,  The  Manner  to.  Examine  Children y  at  the  end 
 kS  Calvin's  Catcchifm. 
 
1[    79    ] 
 A    FORM    o^ 
 Examination  before  the  Co m m  u  n i  o n; 
 
 I.  Of  our  M'lferahle  Bondage  through  Adam, 
 
 Q.  I.  JirHAT  are  nve  by  nature' ? 
 
 '^'     A.  The  children  of  God's  wrath,  Eph.  ii,  j. 
 
 Q.  2.   Were  ive  thus  created  of  Gsd  P 
 ■  A.  No,  for  he  made  ue  to  his  own  image,  Gen.  i.  2<5. 
 
 (^3.  Ho'ix)  came  nve  to  this  mifery  ? 
 
 A.  Through  the  fail  of  Adam  from  God.  Gen.  iii. 
 
 0^4.    What  things  came  to  us  by  that  Fall  ? 
 
 A.  Original  fin,  and  natural  corruption,  Rom.  v.  12,  18, 19. 
 
 Q.  5.   Whatpower  have  ive  to  turn  to  God  ? 
 
 A.  None  at  all,  for  we  are  dead  in  fin,  Eph.  ii.  i. 
 
 0^6.   What  is  the  punijldmont  of  our  fin  ? 
 
 A.  Deat4  eternal,  both  in  body  and  foul,  Rom.  vl.  23, 
 
 II,  Of  our  Redemption  by  Chrifl. 
 
 ^l7"  Uf^^  *^^y  ^^^^'^^*'  "J"  from  this  bondage  ? 
 
 ''     A.  God  only,  who  bringeth  life  out  of  death. 
 
 0^8.  Hotu  knoiv  we  that  he  'will  do  it  ? 
 
 A.  By  his  promile,  and- fending  his  Son  Chrift  Jefusin  our 
 flefli,  John  iii.  16,  17. 
 
 0^9.   What  kind  of  per/on  is  Chriji  ? 
 
 A.  Perfeft  God  and  perfedl:  man,  without  fin.  Mat.  i.  23. 
 Lukei.  31. 
 
 Q^io.   What  needed  this  wonderful  union  ?. 
 
 A.  That  he  might  be  a  meet  Mediator  for  us. 
 
 Q^l  I .  Hoiv  did  he  redeem  us  ? 
 
 A.  Through  his  obedience  to  the  law,  and  death  of  the 
 „crofs,  Phil.  ii.  8. 
 
 0^13.   Suffered  he  only  natural  death  ? 
 
 A.  No ;  but  he  iuffered  alfo  the  curfe  of  God  in  body  and 
 foul,  Gal.  iii.  13. 
 
 (^  12.  How  know  we  that  his  death  bronght  life  to  us  ? 
 
 A.  By  his  glorious  refurreftion  and  afcenfion. 
 
 0^14.   Wherefore  thai  P 
 
 A.  For  if  he  hath  not  fatisfiad  for  all  our  fins  perfectJy,  AS 
 hr-thnot  vifen,  nor  we  by  him,   i  Cor  xv.  14,  17. 
 
 C)^i  j;.  Is  it  needful  that  we  believe  thefe  myfieries  P 
 
 A.  No  doubt,  but  yet  that  is  not  enotgb,  Jam.  ii.  17,  20 
 
 Q.i6. 
 
^o  Gra}g*s  Catechism, 
 
 Q.  l6.   JV/:at  more  is  required  ? 
 
 A   That  we  be  made  partakers  of  Chrlft  and  his  merits, 
 John  XV.  4,--7.  . 
 
 III.  Of  our  Participation  luith  Chrifl. 
 
 C^  17.  JJO  W  is  that  wrought  F 
 
 -^^  A.  Through  his  continual  interceffion  for  us  in 
 ixeaven,  Keb.  vii.  25. 
 
 Q^l8.  Declare  how  that  is  done  ? 
 
 A.  Hereby  the  Holy  Spirit  is  {<^\\\^  John  xi\r.  16,  16. 
 
 Q.  19.   What  doth  the  Spirit  in  this-iuork  ? 
 
 A.  He  ofTereth  Clirift  and  his  grace  to  us,  and  inoveth  us 
 to  receive  him. 
 
 Q.  20.  /iiw  doth  he  offer  Chrijl  to  us  ? 
 
 A.  By  the  preaching  of  the  Evangel,  Rom.  x.  13, — 15. 
 
 0^21.  How  doth  he  move  us  to  receive  him  ? 
 
 A,  Through  imprinting  in  our  hearts  true  faith  in  Chritl, 
 Afts  xvi.  14. 
 
 0^22.   What  thing  is  Faith  in  Chrijl  ? 
 
 A.  A  fure  perfuafion,  tkat  he  is  the  only  Saviour  of  the 
 ivorld,  but  ours  in  ipecial,  who  believe  in  himj  John  vi. 
 
 0^23.   What  doih  this  Faith  work  ? 
 
 A.  Our  infeparable  union  with  Cluifl  in  his  graces,  Eph. 
 iii.  16, — 19. 
 
 0^24.   What  is  the  firjt  fruit  of  this  union  ? 
 
 A^  RemiSion  of  our  fins,  and  imputation  of  juftice,  Rom. 
 vi.  19. 
 
 QT  25.   Which  is  the  nextjruit  of  our  union  with  him  ? 
 
 A.  Our  fanclificatiou  and  regeneration  to  the  image  of 
 God,  John  iii.  3,5. 
 
 0^20.   Who  doth  thii,  and  how  ? 
 
 A.  The  Holy  Spirit,  through  our  union  with  Chrift,  in 
 his  death,  burial,  and  reflirreftioa,  Rom.  vi. 
 
 O.  27.    What  are  the  chief  parts  of  our  regeneration  P 
 
 ./f.iVIortification  of  fin,  and  riling  to  righteoufnefs,  Rom.vi. 
 
 Q.  28.  How  know  we  fin  and  righteoujnifs  ? 
 
 A.  By  thejufl:  and  perfe<St  law  of  God,  Rctu.  vii. 
 
 •IV.  Of  the  Word. 
 
 Q^  29.  71/ HER  E  fjall  we  find  the  word  oj  Gcd  ? 
 
 '''     A.  Only  in  the  holy  fcriptures,  Rom.  xv.  4. 
 0^30.  Are  the  fvripturesfufficient  for  cur  injlrucliin  ? 
 A.  No  doubt,  as  tiie  apoitles  do  telufy,  John  xx.  31.  C?l. 
 5.  8.  2  Tim.  iii.  i(5. 
 
 O^  31.  HowfJjould  ws  receive  and  ufe  the  word  ?  ..    ' 
 
 A    We 
 
Craig's  Catechism.  8i 
 
 ^,  We  fliould  read  it  privately  and  publicly  with  all  reve- 
 rence, Deut.  xxxi.  21. 
 
 Q.  32.  Is  this  fiijjicient  for  our  injiruEiion  ?  ' 
 
 ^.  No,  if  public  teaching  may  be  had,  Epii.  iv.  n,  12. 
 
 0^33.   Wh.^refore  that  ? 
 
 J.  For  as  God  rail'eth  public  teachers  and  paftors,  fo  hs 
 hath  commanded  us  to  hear  them,  Mai.  ii.  7. 
 
 0^34.  H01V  long  Jhould  lue  continue  in  this  fchool  ? 
 
 A.  All  the  days  of  our  lives,  feeing  we  are  ignorant,  forget- 
 fi>l,  andeaiV  to  be  deceived,  Col.  iii.  16. 
 
 Qc35*   W^hat  then  ferve  the  facraments  for  ? 
 
 A,  They  are  added  for  our  further  comfort  and  admonitl« 
 on,  as  avifible  word,  Gen.  xvii.  9, —  ii.  Exod.  xii. 
 
 V.   Of  our  Libert'^  to  ferve  God. 
 
 0^36.  TI/HA  T  good  things  may  ive  do  now,  being  thus  re- 
 ''^    generated  ? 
 
 A.  We  may  ferve  our  God  freely  and  uprightly,  Rom.  xii. 
 
 0^37.  May  we  do  it  perfectly,   according  to  the  law  ? 
 
 A.  No  truly  ;  for  our  regeneraHon  is  not  periedl.  Gal. 
 V.  17.  Eccl.  vii.  2~ 
 
 0^3  8.    Whatfoii  weth  uport  that  ? 
 
 A.  A  certain  rebellion  of  the  ilefli  againft  the  fpirit,  Rom. 
 vii.  15,-25. 
 
 (339.  Is  not  this  rebellion  curfed  by  the  law  ? 
 
 A.  Yea  truly,  but  yet  it  is  not  imputed  to  us,  2  Cor.  v.  19. 
 
 (^40.  V/herejore  that^  feeing  it  is  fin,  and  the  root  of  ail 
 cur  fins  ?  ,  , 
 
 A.  Becaufe  Chrift  fatisfied  all  the  points  of  the  law  for  us, 
 Rom.  iii.  21,  ^c. 
 
 Q.  4 1 .   What  are  we  then,  who  bslitve  in  Chri/l  ? 
 
 A.  Juft  in  him,  but  finners  in  ourfelve?,  Rom.  viii. 
 
 Q.42.   What  craveththis  Confeffionofus  ? 
 
 A.  A  conftant  faith  in   Chrift,  and  contin-sjal  repentance. 
 
 0^43.    What  then  is  our  only  joy  in  life  and  death  ? 
 
 A.  That  all  our  lins  bypaft,  prclent,  and  to  come,  are  bu- 
 ried; and  Chrift  only  is  made  our  wifdom,  juftification,  fane- 
 tification,  and  redemption,   1  Cor.  i.  30,- 
 
 Q^  44.   What  f rait  comsth  of  this  faith  ? 
 
 A  Peace  of  confcience,  and  joy  in  the  Spirit,  in  all  our 
 troubles  within  and  without,  Rorn.  v.  2.  2  Cor.  vi  4. 
 
 (345 .    W  hat  /hall  we  gather  of  this  whole  difcourfe  ? 
 
 A.  How  miferable  we  are  through  Adam,  and  how  blefled 
 through  Chrift,  Phil.  iii.  8. 
 
 Q.  4i5.  Whenfhoutd  we  remember  of  this  dsBrine  ? 
 
 K  A.  At 
 
82  Cr^/gV  Catechisw.1 
 
 A,  At  all  times,  but  chiefly  when  we  are  teuched  with  3 
 proud  opiniorvof  our  own  worthinel's,  or  are  troubled  in  con>' 
 Icience  for  fin,  Lul^e  xviii.  19. 
 
 0^47-  Then  this  meditation  Jerveth  for  a  preparation  to  the 
 holy  fcicraments. 
 
 A,  Yea  truly,  if  they  be  rightly  conficlered. 
 
 VI.  Cf  the  Sacrament!. 
 
 Q^43.rp.ECLJRE  that  in  baptifn. 
 
 ■^-^  A.  We  fee  there  the  feal  of  cur  fpiritual  filtbi- 
 nefs  through  our  communion  with  AdauT,  and  our  purgation 
 by  our  communion  with  Chritt. 
 
 Q.  41^.  Decline  the ftime  in  the  Supper, 
 ■  y-i.    Wc  lee,  feel,  and  ta{\e  there  alfo,  the  feal  of  our  fpi- 
 rltiiil  wants  and  death  through  Adam  ;  and  likewife  of  our 
 I'p-ritual  treafures  and  life  through  Chrid  only. 
 
 Q.  50.  Hoiii  contrail  loe  our  Jpiritual f-lthinejs  from  Adam  T 
 
 A.  Thro*  our  natural  communion  with  him,  Rom.  v.  12. 
 
 (X  51.  Hiw  came  ive  to  oitr  fpiritual  purgation  and  life  bj 
 Chrijii'  ; 
 
 A.  Through  our, fpiritual  communion  wit^  our  fecond  A- 
 dam,  head,  and  fpoufe,  Eph.  v.  30. 
 
 Q.  5  2-  Do  the  ivord  a;id  the  [acraments  ivorh  this  communion  ? 
 
 A.  No  j  tor  it  is  the  work  of  the  Spirit  only,  Eph.  iii.  i6. 
 
 Q.  53.   Whercutito  do  the  ivord  and f acraments  had  uj  r 
 
 A.  Diredtly  to  tlie  crofsand  death  of  Cixrift,  i  Cor.  i.  17, 
 18,  23,  24. 
 
 Q.  54.    Wherefore  that  ? 
 
 A.  Becaufe  through  his  croft  and  death,  the  wrath  of  God 
 was  quenched,  and  all  his  blcllings  made  ours.  Gal.  iii.  13,  14. 
 
 Q.  C5..  Whj  tuas  this  high  mj</iery  reprejenled  by  ikefe  nueak 
 end  ccmmon  elements  ? 
 
 A.  Becaufe  they  ex prefs  moft  lively  our  fpiritual  purging 
 ^nd  feeding/ which  we  have  by  Chrift,  John  vi.  32,  vS*r. 
 
 Q^(;6.-  When  doth  he  thfe  thhgs  to  u?  in  very  deed  ? 
 
 A.  vVhca  he  is  lb  joiueJ  with  us,  aad  we  with  him,  that 
 he  abidtth  in  us,  and  we  in  him  fpiritually,  Job  a  xv.  4,  5. 
 
 0-  57-  iio^co  is- this  union  and  abiding  exprejjed  here  ? 
 
 .  y^r  liy  natural  wafliing,  eating,  drinking,  di-ciling,  feed- 
 ing, and  abicing  in  us. 
 
 O-  58.  How  r.iay  its  feel  and  know  tJiis  fpiritual  abiding 
 ill  us  ?  ■     ^ 
 
 A.  V>y  the  tertimony  of  the  Spirit  in  us,  and  external  adi- 
 eus nni-'.-sab'-:  to  Chrift  in  uj,  Mutt.  vii.  6.  Pvom-  viii    16.. 
 
 0^59. 
 
Ci^aig's  Gatechism.  83 
 
 Q.  CQ.  T/jefJ  ChnJ}  is  not  an  idle  gtiejl  in  us  F 
 
 A'  No  truly ;  for  he  came  not  only  with  water  and  blood, 
 
 but  alio  with  the  Spirit, — to  allure  us,  in  feme  meafure,  of 
 
 ills  prefence  in  us,  1  John  v.  6. 
 
 VII.  Of  Bapti/m, 
 
 Q^6o.  J^rli AT fignifieth  Baptifm  unto  us  ? 
 
 A.  That  we  are  filthy  by  nature,  and  are  purged 
 by  the  blood  of  Chrift,  Tit.  iii.  5. 
 
 Q.  6\.   What  meaneth  this  our  tmion  ivith  the  ivnter  ? 
 
 A.   Our  fpiritual  union  with  Jefu-s  Chril>,  Rom.  vi.  3,  8. 
 Ga!.,iii.  27. 
 
 0^62.   I'Vhot  foll&njueth  upon  this  our  union  %vith  him  ? 
 
 A.  Remifiion  of  fins,  and  regeneration,  Rom.  vi.  4,  1 8,  22. 
 
 1^63.  From  ivkence  cometh  cur  regeneration  P 
 
 A.  From  the  communion  with  the  death,  burial,  and  rc- 
 furre<llion  of  Chrift,  Rom.  vi.  4,  5,  8. 
 
 0^64.  Hoiv  long^  an.d  hy  ivkat  uiay,  doth   Baptifm  tvorh 
 in  tis  ? 
 
 A.  All  the  days  of  our  life,  throiJgh  faith  and  repentance, 
 I  Cor.  vi.  19,  20. 
 
 <^.  6^.  Hotv  then  are  infants  baptized  ? 
 
 A.  Upon  the  promile  made  to  the  faithful  and  their  iced, 
 Gen.  xvii.  7,  10. 
 
 Q.  66.  How  doth  Baptifm  dijfcr  from  the  Sifpper  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  elements,  action,  rites,  fignification,  and  ufe. 
 
 Q.  67.    Wherefore  is  baptifm  but  oncf  miniftred  ? 
 
 A.  It  is  enough  to  be  received  once  into  the  houfe  of  God, 
 Rotn.  viii.  16. 
 
 0^.  68.  Declare  the  cauje  cf  that  ? 
 
 A.  For  they  are  never  caften  out,  who  are  once  truJy  re- 
 ceived into  his  fociety,  John  vi.  37, 
 
 0^69-  Why  is  the  Supper  fo  oft  minijlred  f 
 
 A.  We  have  need  to  be  fed  continually,  John  v'.  k.^. 
 
 0.70.  Why  is  not  the  8 upper  minijlred  to  infants  P 
 
 A.  Becaufethey  cannot  examine  themfclves,  i  Cor.  xi.  28. 
 
 a  k 
 
 VIII.  Of  the  Zu^per, 
 
 0^71.  JfH AT  fgnifeththe  a&ion  of  the  Supper  ? 
 
 A.  That  our  fouis  are  'itA  fpiritualiy  by  the  body 
 and  blood  of  Jef«s  Chrirt,  Joha  vi.  54. 
 
 Q  72.  When  is  thii  done  ? 
 
 A~.   When  we  feel  the  eiHcacy  or  his  death  in  our  confci- 
 ence  by  the  fpiiit  of  iaith,  John  vi.  61, 
 
^4  Craig^s  Catechism. 
 
 0^73.  fVhy  is  this  facrameiit  given  in  meat  and  drink  P 
 
 ji>  lo  i'eal  up  our  near  conjundtion  with  Chrift. 
 
 Q^.  74.  Wherejore  is  both  meat  and  drink  given  ? 
 
 A.  To  teftify  that  .Chrill  is  the  whole  food  of  our  foulsj 
 John  vi. 
 
 Q^  75.  Is  ChriJTs  hody  in  the  elements  ? 
 
 y}.  No  ;  but  it  is  in  heaven,  A^s  i.  ii. 
 
 Q^  76.  Why  then  is  the  ele-ment  called  his  body  ? 
 
 ^.  Becaufe  it  is  a  (ure  feal  of  his  body  given  to  our  fouls. 
 
 Ql  77*  ^^  ii'hom  Jhculd  this  facrament  he  given  ? 
 
 A.  To  tiie  faithful  only,  who  can  examine  themfelves. 
 
 Q.  78,  Whereinjhould  they  exa^nine  themfelves  ? 
 
 J.  In  faith  and  repentance,  with  their  fruits. 
 
 0^79.  What  J}jould pajlors  doy  "when  men  are  negllgenty  and 
 chiife  the  facrament s  ? 
 
 A.  They  fhould  ufe  the  order  of  difcig^ine  eftablifhed  in 
 the  word. 
 
 IX.  Of  Bifcipline. 
 
 Q^  80.  W^  0  /jorz/c^  ufe  this  difcipline  ? 
 
 A.  The  pallors  and  elders,  by  theh*  mutual  con- 
 fent  and  judgment. 
 
 Q^  8 1 .  What  is  the  office  of  the  elderjhip  P 
 
 A.  To  watch  upon  their  flock,  and  exercife  the  difcipline. 
 
 Q^  82.   Hoiu  is  this  dope  ? 
 
 A.  By  private  and  public  admonition,  and  other  cenfurcs 
 of  thekirlc,  as  need  reqnireth. 
 
 Q.  83.  Who  ought  to  be  excluded  from  the  facraments  f 
 
 A.  All  infidels,  and  public  flanderers. 
 
 Q^  84.   Wherefore  are  thefe  excluded  ? 
 
 A,  Left  they  Ihould  hurt  themfelves,  flander  the  kirk,  • 
 and  dilhonour  God. 
 
 X.  Of  the  Magiflrate. 
 
 Q.  85.  JYH ^T  is  the   office  of  the  Chriflian  magifrate  in 
 the  kirh  ? 
 A.  He  fhould  defend  the  true  religion  and  difcipline,  and 
 puaifli  all  troublers  and  contemners  of  the  fame. 
 
 XI.  Of  the  Table  in  fpeciai. 
 
 Q^%6.  Jj/'HT  ufe  nve  a  table  here,  and  not  an  altar ^  asthefa* 
 then  did  at  God's  commandinent  ? 
 
 4>  Be- 
 
Cratg*s  Catechism.  83 
 
 A.  Becanfe  we  conveen,  not  to  offer  a  facrifice  for  fin,  but 
 
 to  eat  and  drink  of  that  iacrifice  which  Chrift  once  offered 
 
 upon  the  crofs  for  us,  Heb.  vii.  23,  24,  27.  and  x.  11,  1 2,  18. 
 
 Q.  87.   What  prof efs  ive  nvhen  we  come  to  the  Table  ? 
 
 J.  That  we  are  dead  in  ourfelves,  and  feek  our  life  only 
 
 in  Chrift-. 
 
 0^88.  Shall  this  confejfton  of  our  unhvorthinrfs  he  ajiay  ia 
 £ome  to  the  communion  ? 
 
 A.  No  truly  ;  but  rather  a  preparation  to  the  fame,  if  faitb. 
 and  repentance  be  with  it,  Mark  ii.  17. 
 
 0^89.  Wherefore  is  there  mention  made  here  of  Chrifl  7m 
 lody  and  blood  feverally  ? 
 
 A.  To  teftify  his  death,  by  tlie  which  only  he  was  made 
 our  fpiritual  meat  and  drink,  John  vi.  51,  55. 
 
 Q^po.  For  what  caufe  ts  this  a£lion  called  the  Cominunion  ? 
 J.  Becaufe  it  is  the  true  caufe  of  our  mutual  fociety  with 
 Chrift  in  all  things,  good  and  evil. 
 
 Q.  0 1  •  Declare  how  that  is  performed  ? 
 A.  Hereby  he  reraoveth  all  evil  things  from  us,  which  wc 
 bave  by  nature,  and  we  receive  of  him  all  good  things  which 
 we  want  by  nature. 
 
 0^92.  Declare  thefe  things  more  plainly  ? 
 A.  The  wrath  of  God  and  fin  is  removed,  which  we  hare 
 "by  nature, — and  the  favour  of  God,  and  adoption,  with  the 
 joy  of  heaven,  is  reftoredjto  us,  the  which  things  we  have 
 not  by  nature,  Rom.  viii. 
 
 0^93.  What  things  then  may  the  faithful  foul  fay  ? 
 A,  Now  live  I,  not  I,  but  Chrift  liveth  in  me  j  it  is  God 
 that  juftifieth,''who  fliall  condemn  } 
 
 Q]^94.  Let  us  therefore  give  thanks ^  and pafs  to  this  holy  ac 
 iion,  every  one  of  us  faying  andjtnging  in  his  hearty  *  The  Lord 
 is  the  portion  of  mine  inheritance,  and  of  my  cup,  thou  ftiait 
 maintain  my  lot ;  the  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  in  pleafant  pla- 
 ces, yea,  I  have  a  fair  heritage,*  Pfal.  xvi.  5,  6. 
 
 A,  Let  it  be  done  fo  with  heart  and  mouth,  to  the  confu* 
 fion  of  all  idolaters,  and  glory  of  our  God, 
 
 Xn.  The  End  of  our  Redemption. 
 
 Q.  9j.  cr'O  what  end  are  we  thus  redeemed  and  brought  in 
 •*■  hope  of  that  endlefsjo^  to  come  ? 
 A.  To  move  us  effe^ually  to  deny  all  ungodlinefs,  worldly 
 lufts,  and  unrightcoufnels,  and  fo  live  godly,  foberly,  and 
 righteoufly  in  this  prefent  world,  looking  for  the  coming  o£ 
 Chrift,  for  ouf  full  redemption,  Tit.  ii.  11, — 13. 
 
(&S  Gyaig*s  C&techizm., 
 
 Q^g6.   What  Jhall  he  the  final  end  of  all  thefe  graces  ? 
 
 A,  God  ilxall  be  glorified  for  ever  in  mercy,  and  we  fliall 
 «fnjoy  that  endlefs  life  with  Chriil  our  head, — to  whom,  with 
 the  Father  and  the  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  honour  and  glory  for 
 ever.     Amen. 
 
 «<^*^1 1^^  V^^  t^'^  <^^  t^^  V,i>5  <.(^  t^> '.^^  «<^  tfi?>l  C<?^  t^P^  t<^  t,^^  t<^1  V?>> 
 
 ACTembly  at  Edinburgh ^  Augufl  30,  1639.  SefT.  23. 
 
 AEt  anent  Minijlers  Catechifng^  and  Family  Exerrife* 
 
 THE  AiTembly  confidering,  that  the  long  waited  for 
 fruits  of  the  gofpel,  fo  mercifully  planted  and  preferv- 
 ed  in  this  land,  and  the  reformation  of  ourfelves  and  families, 
 to  folemnly  vowed  to  God  of  late  in  our  covenant,  cannot 
 take  effe6i:,  except  the  knowledge  and  worfliip  of  God  be 
 carried  from  the  pulpit  to  every  family  within  each  parifli  ; 
 bath  therefore  appointed,  that  every  minifter,  befides  his 
 pains  on  the  Lord's  day,  fhall  have  weekly  catechizing  of  fome 
 part  of  the  pariflb,  and  not  altogether  call  over  the  examina- 
 tion of  the  peoplS  till  a  little  before  the  communion  ;  alfo, 
 that  in  every  family  the  worfhip  of  God  be  erected,  where  it 
 5s  not,  both  morning  and  evening,  and  that  the  children  and 
 fervants  be  catechized  at  home  by  the  mafters  of  the  families, 
 whereof  account  fhall  be  taken  by  the  minifter  and  elders  af- 
 iifting  him  in  the  vifitation  of  every  family  ;  and,  left  they 
 fail,  that  vifitation  of  the  feveral  kirics  be  ferioufly  followed 
 by  every  prefbytery,  for  this  end  among  otjiers.  The  exe- 
 cution and  fuccefs  whereof,  being  tried  by  the  Synods,  let  it 
 be  reprcfented  to  |he  next  General  AfTembly. 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 Confession  of  Faith, 
 
 OF      THE 
 
 KIRK  OF  SCOTLAND; 
 
 O  R,     T  H  E 
 
 NATIONAL     COVENANT. 
 
 WITH 
 
 A  Delignation  of  fuch  Afts  of  Parliament,  as  are  ej:- 
 pedient  for  juftifying  the  Union  after  mentioned, 
 
 AND 
 
 Several  KOl%  of  the  General  Afiembly  of  the  Church  of  ^coU 
 landy  approving,  explaining,  and  injoining  the  fubfcribin^ 
 this  Covenant. 
 
 TOGETHER 
 
 With  an  Act  of  Parliament,  Anno  1640,  approving  and 
 eftabliihing  the  lame; 
 
 Josh.  xxiv.  25.  So  jojhua  made  a  covenant  nvith  the  people  that 
 
 day^  and  Jet  them  ajlatute  and  an  ordinance  in  Shechem. 
 2  Kings  xi.  17.  And  Jehoiada  made  a  covenant  betiueen  ths 
 
 Lord  and  the  king  and  the  people y  that  theyjhould  he  the  Lord's 
 
 people  ;  between  the  king  alj'o  and  tfie  people. 
 IsA.  xliv.  5.   OneJIjallfayy  1  am  the  Lord^s  ;  and  another Jhali 
 
 call  himfelf  by  the  name  of  Jacob  ;  and  another  Jh all  fuhjcrlhe 
 
 •with  his  hand  unto  the  Lord. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed,  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv* 
 
C    88    ] 
 
 The  King's  MajeJJie*s  Charge  to  all  Comm'ijft oners  and  Mini" 
 jlers  within  this  Realm. 
 
 SEEING  we  and  our  houfhold  have  fubfcribed  and  gi- 
 ven this  public  Confcflion  of  our  Faith,  to  the  good  ex- 
 ample of  our  fubjeCls  ;  we  command  and  charge  all  commif- 
 fioners  and  minifters,  to  crave  the  fame  confefllon  of  their 
 parilhioners,  and  proceed  agains  the  refufers  according  to  our 
 laws  and  order  of  the  kirk,  delivering  their  names  and  law- 
 iul  procefle  to  the  minifters  of  our  houfe  with  all  haift  and  di- 
 ligence, under  the  paine  of  fortie  pound  to  be  taken  from  their 
 stipend,  that  we,  with  the  advife  of  our  counfell,  maie  take 
 order  with  fie  proud  contemners  of  God  and  ourlawes. 
 
 Subfcribed  -with  our  hand  at   Halyrudhous,   1580 
 the  2  day  of  March  :  the  14  zeir  of  our  r eigne. 
 
 * 
 
 Affembly,  April  i^ii,  Sefl*.  5. 
 
 A^  approving  the  Confejfton  of  Faith. 
 
 ^  A  NENT  the  Confeffion  laitlie  fet  forth  be  the  king's 
 4^  majefties  proclamatione,  and  fubfcribit  be  his  Heines ; 
 the  icirk,  in  ane  voyce,  acknawledges  the  faid  Confeffion  to 
 be  ane  trew,  Chriftian,  andfaithfull  Confeffion,  to  be  agriet 
 unto  be  fie  as  troulie  prbfeffii  Chrift  and  his  trew  religion,  and 
 the  tenor  thairof  to  be  followed  out  alfauldly,  as  the  fame  is 
 laid  out  in  the  faid  proclamatione. 
 
 Airembly,  Oaeher  1581.  Seff.  9. 
 AB  injoining  all  Perfons  to  Subfcribe  the   Confeffion  of  Faith. 
 
 FOR  fwa  meikle  as  the  king's  majefty,  with  advife  of  hia 
 counfell,  hes  fct  out  and  proclaimit  ane  godly  Confeffioa 
 ot  Faith,  to  be  embracit  by  all  his  trew  fubjedls  ;  and  be  the 
 lame  expreflie  giving  conimandement  to  the  miniftrie  to  pro- 
 ceed againft  quharfamever  perfons  that  will  not  acknawledge 
 and  fubfcryve 'the  fame,  quherein  great  negligence  hes  been 
 feen,  far  by  the  dewty  and  office  of  trew  pallors ;  herefor  the 
 kirk  and  Affi;mbly  prcfent  hes  enjoynit  and  concludit,  that 
 all  minifters  and  paftors  within  their  bounds,  with  all  expe- 
 dient and  poffible  diligence,  execute  the  tenor  of  his  majel- 
 ties  proclamation  betwixt  and  the  next  Synodal  AiTemblies  of 
 "every  province,  and  prefent  before  the  Synodal  Affemblie?  to 
 the  Moderator  thairof  their  dewtieful  diligence  in  this  be- 
 half, 
 
 *  1 581.  For  they  did  not  be^in  the  year  i»  Scotland,  at  that  time* 
 (ul  the  :»j;ih  oi  Mitrch,  uotil  i^so. 
 
C    89    3 
 
 hslf,  to  be  reportit  to  the  next  General  AfTembly  of  the  khk, 
 under  the  paine  of  deprivatione  of  the  faid  minirtcrs  from  tUc 
 fundion  of  the  miniftrie  that  be  negligent  herein. 
 
 AfTtmbly  at  Glafgew^  December  20,  1638,  SefT.  26. 
 
 j4B  of  the  General  /Ijfemhly  concerning  the  CcnfeJJlon  of  Faith, 
 reiiewed  in  February  1638. 
 
 THE  AfTembly  confidering,  that  for  the  purging  and 
 prefcrvation  of  religion,  for  the  king's  majefty's  ho- 
 nour, and  for  the  public  peace  of  the  kirk  and  kingdom,  the 
 renewing  of  the  National  Covenant,  and  oath  of  this  kirk  and 
 kingdom,  in  February  1638,  was  mod  necefTar,  likeas  the 
 Lord  hath  blefTed  the  fame  from  heaven  with  a  wonderful 
 fuccefs,  for  the  good  of  religion  ;  that  the  faid  covenant  ful- 
 pendcth  the  practice  of  novations  already  introduced,  and  the 
 approbation  of  the  corruptions  of  the  prefent  government  of 
 the  kirk,  with  the  civil  places  and  power  of  kivkmen,  till  they 
 be  tried  in  a  free  General  AlTembly  ;  and  that  now,  after 
 Jong  and  ferious  examination,  it  is  found,  that  by  the  Con- 
 feffion  of  Faith  *,  the  five  articles  of  Perth  and  epi (copal  go- 
 vernment are  abjured,  and  to  be  removed  out  of  this  kirk, 
 arid  the  civil  places  and  poAver  of  kirkmen  are  declared  to  b« 
 unlawful, — The  Aflcmbly  ailoweth  and  approveth  the  fame 
 in  all  the  heads  and  articles  thereof  ;  and  ordaineth  that  all 
 minifters,  maflers  of  univerlities,  colleges,  and  fchooU,  and 
 all  others  who  have  not  already  fubfciibed  the  faid  Confeflion 
 and  Covenant,  fhall  fubfcribe  the  fame,  with  thefe  words  pre- 
 fixed to  their  fubfcription,  viz.  'The  article  of  this  covenant, 
 
 *  which  was  at  the  firft  fubicription  referred  to  the  determi- 
 
 *  nation  of  the  General  AHembly,  being  now  determined  at 
 
 *  Glafgow  in  December  16 iS,  and  thereby  the  five  articles  of 
 '  Perth,  and  the  government  of  the  kirk  by  bifliops,  being 
 
 *  declared  to  be  abjured  and  removed,  and  the  civil  places 
 '  and  power  of  kirkmen  declared  to  be  unlawful:  we  lubfcribe 
 <  according  to  the  determination  of  the  (aid  free  and  lawful 
 
 *  General  Aflembly  holden  at  Glafgow.'  And  ordaineth,  ad 
 perpetttam  ret  menwriam,  the  faid  covenant,  with  this  decla- 
 ration, to  be  infert  in  the  regifters  of  the  AllembUes  of  this 
 kirk,  general,  provincial,  and  prefbyterial. 
 
 •  As  it  was  profcfled,  fworn,  and  fubfcribcdia  1581,  aod  1J90. 
 
 L  Aflembly 
 
C   90   ] 
 
 AfCemh]y  Tit  JSJifih/rgb,  Af gujl  ^Oy  1639;  Sefl*.  23. 
 ^he  S'jpplication  of  the  JJftmhJy^  c.:nveetied  at  Edinbi'.rgh  the 
 l-ith  of  Auguft  1639,  to  His  Majejlys  High  Commijftoner, 
 and  the  Lords  of  His  Aiaje/iy's  honourable  Frivy  Council. 
 
 WE,  the  General  Affembly  confiderlng,  with  all. hum- 
 ble and  thankful  acknowletlgment,  the  n^any  recent 
 favours  bep.ovved  upon  us  by  his  niajelly  ;  and  that  there  reft- 
 C'h  nothing  for  crowning  of  his  maj^iliy's  iacomparable  good- 
 nefs  towards  us,  but  that  all  the  members  of  this  kirk  ani 
 kingdom  be  joined  in  one  and  the  fame  confeffion  and  cove- 
 nant with  God,  with  the  king's  majcfly,  and  araongft  our- 
 fclvcs  ;  and  conceiving  the  n)ain  lett  and  impediment  to  this 
 fo  good  a  work,  -And  fo  much  wiiiied  by  all,  to  have  been  the 
 informations  made  to  his  majefty,  of  our  intentions  to  fliake 
 offcivil  and  dutiful  obedience  due  to  fovereignty,  and  to  di- 
 rniniPQ  the  king's  greatnefs  and  authority  ;  and  being  moft 
 Willing  and  deiirous  to  remove  this  and  all  fuch  impediments, 
 which  may  hinder  and  impede  fo  full  and  perfect  an  union  i 
 and  for  clearing  of  our  loyalty  :  Vv'^e,  in  our  names,  and  in 
 n^me  of  all  the  reft  of  the  fubjedls  and  congregations  whom 
 we  jeprefent,  do  now,  in  all  luunility,  reprefent  to  your 
 Grace  his  majefty's  commiflioner,  and  the  Lords  of  his  ma- 
 j  ^fty's  moll:  honourable  privy  council,  and  declare  before  God 
 and  the  world,  that  we  never  had,  nor  have  any  thought  of 
 withdrawing  ourfelves  from  that  humble  and  dutiful  obedi- 
 ence to  his  majefty  and  his  government,  which,  by  the  dc- 
 fcent,  and  under  the  reign  of  one  hundred  and  feven  king?^ 
 is  mol>  cheerfully  acknowledged  by  us  and  our  predeceffors  ; 
 and  that  rre  never  had,  nor  have  any  intention  or  deiire,  to 
 atrempt  any  thing  that  may  tend  to  the  diihonour  of  God, 
 or  tiiedin^inution  of  the  king's  greatneis  and  authority.  But, 
 on  the  contrary,  acknowledging  our  quietnefs,  ftability,  and 
 Jiappinefs  to  depend  upon  the  fafety  of  the  king's  majefty's 
 perlon,  and  maintenance  of  his  greatnefs  and  royal  authority, 
 who  is  God's  vicegerent  fet  over  us,  for  the  maintenance  of 
 rei'gion,  and  miniftration  of  juftice:  we  have  folemnly  fworn,' 
 snd  do  fvv  e;;r,  not  only  our  mutual  concurrence  and  affiftance 
 for  the  ci.ui'e  of,  religion,  and  to  the  uttermoft  of  our  power, 
 with  our  meuis  and  lives,  to  ftand  to  the  defence  of  our  dread 
 iovcrcign,  his  perfon  and  authority,  in  preiervation  and  de- 
 fence cf  the  true  religion,  liberties,  and  laws  of  this  kirk  and 
 kingdom  ;  but  alfo,  in  every  caule  which  may  concern  his 
 inai?ilj*s  honour,  (hall,  according  to  the  laws  of  this  king- 
 dom j  and  the  duties  of  good  fubjefts,  concur  with  our  friends 
 
 and 
 
r  9»  ] 
 
 and  followers  in  quiet  a:ianner,  or  in  arms,  as  we  fliall  be  re- 
 quired of  his  tnajefty,  his  council,  or  any  having  his  autlio- 
 rirv.  And  thefefore,  being  moft  defirous  to  clear  omf^jlves 
 of  all  imputation  of  this  ]cind,and  foUov/ing  the  laudable  ex- 
 ample of  our  predeceffors  1589,  do  moH  hurably  fupplicate 
 your  Grace  his  majefty's  commiffioner,  and  the  lords  of  his 
 majefty's  nr.oft  honourable  privy  council,  'to  enjoin  by  an  ait 
 of  council,  that  this  confeffion  and  covenant,  which,  as  a 
 teftimony  of  our  fidelity  to  God  and  loyalty  to  our  icing,  we 
 have  fubfcribed,  be  Cubicribed  by  all  his  majefty's  fubje»Sts,  of 
 what  rank  and  quality  foever. 
 
 The  AB  of  His  Mnjef.fs  mofi  honoitrahh  Privy  Council,  at  E' 
 dinhiirgh^  Auguft  30,  1639,  containing  the  Anjiuer  oj  the 
 Supplication  above  ivritten. 
 
 'T^'^HE  v>'hich  day,  in  prelence  of  the  lord  commiffioner^ 
 JL  and  the  lords  of  privy  council,  compeared  perlonally 
 John  e:iri  of  Rothes,  James  earl  of  Montrofe,  John  lord  i  ,ovv- 
 don,  Sir  George  Stirling  of  Keir,  knight,  Sir  William  Y)ou- 
 glas  of  Cavers,  knight,  Sir  Henry  Wood  of  Bonytoun,  knight, 
 John  Smith  burgefs  of  Edinburgh,  Mr.  Robert  Barclay  pro- 
 voft  of  Irvine,  Mr.  Alexander  Henderfon  minifter  at  Edin- 
 burgh, and  iVIr.  Archibald  Johnfton  clerk  to  the  General  Af- ' 
 fembly,  and  in  the  name  of  the  pVefent  fitting  General  Af. 
 fembly,  gave  in  to  the  lord  commillioner,  and  lords  of  privy 
 council,  the  petition  above  wrritten  :  v^rhich  being  read,  heard, 
 and  confidercd  by  the  faid  lords,  they  have  ordained,  ^nd 
 ordain  the  fame  to  be  infert  and  regiil:rate  in  the  books  of 
 privy  council  ;  and,  according  to  tiie  defire  thereof,  ord-iin 
 the  laid  Confeffion  and  Covenant  to  be  fubfcribed,  in- liivie 
 co.ming,  by  all  his  majefty's  fubjcfts  of  this  kingdom,  of  what 
 rank  and  quality  foever. 
 
 Aflembly  at  Edinlurgh^  Augiill  30,.  1639.  SefT.  23. 
 
 AEt  crdaining^  by  ecclejiajiical  authority ,  the  Siibfcriptior?  of  the 
 Confejfion  of  Faith  and  Covenant^  luith  the  JJfimbiy''s  Jje- 
 claration, 
 
 THE  General  AlTembly  confidering  the  great  happinefs 
 which  may  flow  from  a  full  and  perfe^f  union  of  this 
 kirk  and  kingdom,  by  joining  of  all  in  one  and  the  fame  co- 
 venant wich  God,  with  the  king's  majefty,  and  amonoft  our- 
 felves  ^  having  by  our  great  oath  declared  the  uprightnefs  and 
 loyalty  cf  our  intentions  in  ail  our  proceedings  ;  vnd,  having 
 withal  iupplicated  his  cujefty's  high  coaiaiiiiiGiier^  and  the 
 
 L  %  lords 
 
i     92     ] 
 
 lords  of  UjS  majefly's. honourable  privy  council,  to  enjoin  Jby 
 aft  of  counL-.l,  all  the  liegr:s  intimc  coming  to  fub'cribc  thje 
 Confeffion  of  faith  and  Covenant  ;  which,  as  a  leilimony.of 
 our  fidelity  to  God,  and  loyalty  to  our  king,  we  have  iub- 
 fcribed  ;  and  feeing  his  majefty's  high  commidloner,  and  the 
 lords  of  his  majefty's  honourable  privy  council,  have  granted 
 thedefire  of  our  fupplication,  ordaining,  by  civil  authority, 
 alibis  majefty's  lieges  in  time  coming  to  lUbicribe  the  forefaixl 
 covenant  :  that  our  union  may  be  the  more  full  and  perfeft, 
 we,  by  our  atH:  and  conftitutioneccleliaftical,  do  approve  the 
 forcfaid  covenant  in  all  the  heads  and  claufes  thereof;  and 
 ordains  of  new,  under  all  ecclefiaflical  cenfure,  that. all  the 
 maflers  of  univeriities,  colleges,  and  Ichools,  all  fcholars  at 
 the  paffing  of  their  degrees,  all  perlons  fufpe£l:  of  Papiftry  or 
 any  other  error,  and  finally,  all  the  members  of  this  kiik 
 and  kingdom  fubfcribe  the  fame,  with  thefe  words  prefixed 
 to  their  iubfcription,  <  The  article  of  this  covenant,  which 
 was  at  the  firft  fubfcription  referred  to  the  determination  of 
 the  General  Aflembly,  being  determined  ;  and  thereby  the 
 live  articles  of  Perth,  the  government  of  the  kirk  by  bifliops, 
 the  civil  places  and  power  cfkirkmen,  upon  the  reafons  and 
 grounds  contained  in  the  a£ls  of  the  General  AlTembly,  de- 
 clared to  be  unlawful  within  this  kirk  :  we  lubfcribe  accord- 
 ing to  the  determination  forefaid  f  :'  and  ordains  the  Cove- 
 nant, %vith  this  declaration,  to  be  infert  in  the  regifters  of 
 the  Affemblies  of  this  kirk,  general,  provincial,  and  preftjy- 
 terial,  ad perpetuam  ret  memoriam.  And  in  all  humility  fup- 
 plicates  his  maj-sfiy's  high  commiifioner,  and  tlie  honourable 
 eftates  of  Parliament,  by  their  authority  to  ratify  and  enjoin 
 the  fame,  under  all  civil  pains,  which  will  tend  to  the  glory 
 of  God,  prefervatiBn  of  religion,  the  king's  majefty's  honour, 
 and  pcrfe^  peace  of  this  kirk  and  kingdom. 
 
 f  This  determination  and  declaration  of  the  General  Aflembly  is 
 not  only  infert  at  t tie  end  of  the  national  covenant,  before  the  fub* 
 fcriptions,  anno  1639,  but  alfo  in  the  copies  of  the  faid  covenant  in- 
 fert in  the  regiiters  of  thefeveral  judicatories  here  fpecified,  as  is  yet 
 to  be  feeo  in  many  o.-igioai  records,  with  the  following  words  written 
 at  the  head  of  every  page  before  the  fubfcriptions,  viz.  Suhfcrihers 
 of  the  befcTf  "Jirittsn  Confcjjion,  and  inierpreiation  thereof. 
 
 Charles 
 
E    93    1 
 
 Charles  1.  Pari.  2.  A£l  5. 
 
 AB  anent  the  ratification  of  the  Covenant y  and  of  the  Affemhlfi* 
 Supplication,  Acl  of  Cauncil ^  and  ASf  of  JJJeinbly  concertiing 
 the  Covenant. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  June  nth,   1640. 
 
 THE  eftates  of  Parliament,  prefently  conveencd  by  his 
 majefty's  fpeclal  authority,  conllderingthe  fupplicatioa 
 oi  the  General  Aflcmbly  at  Edinburgh,  the  12th  of  Auguffc 
 1639,  to  his  majefty's  high  commiflioner,  and  the  .lords  of 
 his  majefty's  honourable  privy  council,  and  the  aft  of  coun- 
 cil the  30th  of  Auguft  1639,  containing  the  anfwer  of  the 
 faiJ  fupplication,  and  the  a£l:  of  the  faid  General  AffemWyj, 
 ordaining,  by  their  ecclefiaflic  conftitutiou,  the  fubfcription 
 of  the  ConfefSon  of  Faith  and  Covenant  mentioned  in  their 
 fupplication  ;  and  withal  having  fupplicated  his  majefty  tora- 
 tiify  and  enjoin  the  fame  by  his  royal  authority,  under  all  ci- 
 vil pains,  as  tending  to  the  glory  of  God,  prefervation  of  re- 
 ligion, the  king's  majefty's  honour,  and  the  perfect  peace  of 
 this  kirk  and  kingdom,  do  ratify  and  approve  the  faid  fuppli- 
 cation, aft  of  council,  and  adt  of  AfTembly  ;  and,  confornx 
 thereto,  ordains  and  commands  the  faid  Confeflion  and  Co- 
 venant  to  be  Tubfcribed  by  all  his  majefty's  fubjefts,  of  what 
 rank  and  quality  focver,  under  all  civil  pains  ;  and  ordains 
 the  faid  fupplication,  aft  of  council,  and  aft  of  the.  AfTembly, 
 with  the  whole  Confeffion  and  Covenant  itfelf,  to  be  inlert 
 and  regiftrate  in  the  afts  and  books  of  Parliament  ;  and  alfo 
 ordains  the  fame  to  be  prefented  at  the  entry  of  every  Parlia- 
 ment, and  before  they  proceed  to  any  other  afts,  that  ihc 
 iame  be  publicly  read  and  fivorn  by  the  whole  members  oi 
 Parliament,  claiming  voice  therein  ;  otherwife  the  refufers  to 
 fubfcribe  andfwear  the  fame,  fliall  have  no  place  nor  voice  in 
 Parhament  :  and  fuch  like  ordains  all  judges,  magiflrates,  or 
 other  ofHcers,  of  whatfoever  place,  rank  or  quality,  and  mi- 
 nifters  at  their  entry,  to  fwcar  and  fubfcribe  the  famen  cove- 
 nant \  whereof,  and  of  the  faid  fupplication^  act  of  council) 
 and  aft  of  the  Aft'erably,  the  tenor  follows. 
 
 The  tenors  of  the  (aid  fupplication ^  a6i  of  Couneil,  and  aSi  of 
 Affemhly,  didfolloiv  in  the  acts  of  Parliament  ;  but  here  they  are 
 infer  t  before  this  aEl,  and  the  Covenant^  nvhich  they  all  refer  tOf 
 (ind  ratify f  immediately  folh^vs. 
 
 T  H  ^ 
 
C    94     ] 
 
 THE 
 NATIONAL    COVENANT 
 
 O    R, 
 
 The  Confession  of  Faith. 
 
 &iBf:ribed  at  firjl  by  the  king's  majejlj  and  his  houjhold  in  the 
 year  1580  ;  thereafter  by  per  Jons  of  all  ranks  in  the.  year 
 1 58^1,  by  ordinance  of  the  Lords  of  fecret  council ^  and  aits  ef 
 the  General  AJfembly  :  Subfcribed  again  by  (dl forts  of  perfons 
 in  the  year  1590,  by  a  neiv  ordinance  of  Council ^  at  the  deftrs 
 of  the  General  Affemblyy  ivith  a  general  Bond  for  the  maintain* 
 ixg  (f  the  true  Chri/lian  religiony  and  the  king^s  perfan, — and, 
 together  nvith  a  refolution  and prornife^  for  the  caufes  after  ex- 
 $yejftd,  ts  maintain  the  true  religion^  and  the  king^s  majefly^ 
 according  to  the  forefaid  Confejfton  and  aEls  (f  Parliament : 
 £ubfcribed  by  Barons ^  Nobles,  Gentlemen^  BurgeJfeSy  M.iniJierSf 
 and  Commons  in  the  year  1638  .•  approven  by  the  Genera  I  Af" 
 Jembly  1638  and  1639  ;  and  fuhfcribed  again  by  perfons  of  all 
 Tanks  and  qualities  in  the  year  1639,  by  an  ordinance  of  ccun- 
 dly  upon  the  fuppUcation  of  the  General  Affemblyy  and  aS  of 
 the  General  Affemhly  :  ratified  by  an  aB  of  Parliament  1 640  » 
 tsnd  fubfcribed  by  King  Charles  11.  at  Spey,  June  513,  1650, 
 and  at  Scoon,  January  i,  1651,  ., 
 
 WE  all,  and  every  one  of  us  underwritten,  proteft,  That 
 after  long  and  due  examination  of  cur  own  confci- 
 <nces  in  matters-  of  true  and  falfe  religion,  we  are  now  tho- 
 soughly  rcfolved  in  the  truth  by  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God  } 
 and  therefore  we  believe  with  our  hearts,  confefs  with  our 
 mouths,  fubfcribe  with  our  hands,  and  conftantly  afSrm  be- 
 fore God  and  the  whole  world.  That  this  only  is  the  true 
 Chriftian  faith  and  religion,  pleafing  God  and  bringing  fal- 
 vation  to  man,  which  now  is,  by  the  mercy  of  God,  revealed 
 to  the  world  by  the  preaching  of  the  blefled  Evangel  j  and  is 
 received,  believed,  and  defended  by  many  and  fundry  nota- 
 ble kirks  and  realms,  but  chiefly  by  the  kirk  of  Scotland,  the 
 king's  majcfty,  and  three  sAates  of  this  realm,  as  God's  e- 
 
 ternal 
 
^he  National  Covenant.  -5^ 
 
 tsrnal  truth,  and  only  ground  of  our  falvation  ;  as  Is  more 
 particularly  exprefled  in  the  Confeffion  of  our  Faith,  eftabfi- 
 fhed  and  publicly  confirmed  by  fundry  ads  of  Parliamcar,  aa^ 
 now  of  a  long  time  hath  been  openly  profefied  by  the  king's 
 majefty  and  whole  body  of  this  realm,  both  in  burgh  and  lani* 
 To  the  which  Confeffion  and  form  of  religion  we  willingly  a- 
 gree  in  our  confdence  in  all  points,  as  unto  God  s  undoubt- 
 ed truth  and  verity,  grounded  only  upon  his  written  word. 
 And  therefore  we  abhor  and  deteft  all  contrary  religion  ani 
 doftrine  :  but  chiefly  all  kind  of  Papiilry  in  general  and  par- 
 ticular heads,  even  as  they  are  now  damned  and  confuted  by 
 the  word  of  God  and  kirk  of  Scotland.     But,  in  fpecial,  we 
 deteft  and  refufe  the  ufurped  authority  of  that  Roman  Aa- 
 tichrift  upon  the  fcriptures  of  God,  upon  the  kirk,  the  cvM 
 luagiftrate,  and  confciences  of  men:  all  his  tyrannous  laws 
 made  upon  indifferent  things   againft  our  Chriftian  liberty  j 
 liis  erroneous  dodtrine  againft  the  fufficiency  of  the  writte» 
 word,  the  perfection  of  the  law,  the  office  of  Chrift  and  hie 
 bleffed  Evangej ;  his  corrupted  dodtrine  concerning  origins^ 
 fin,  our  natural  inability  and  rebellion  to  God's  law,  our  jus- 
 tification by  faith  only,  our  imperfeft  fanftification  and  obe- 
 dience to  the  law  j  the  nature,  number,  and  ufe  of  the  holy 
 facraments  ;  his  five  baftard  lacraments  ;  with  all  his  rites, 
 ceremonies,  and  falfe  doftrine,  added  to  the  miniftration  o£ 
 the  true  facraments,  without  the  word  of  God  :  his  cnsiS 
 judgment  againft  infants  departing  without  the  facrament  s 
 his  abfolute  neceffity  of  baptifm  :  his  biafphemous  opinion  o? 
 Tranfubftantiation,  or  real  prefence  of  Chrift's  body  in  the: 
 elements,  and  receiving  of  the  fame  by  the  wicked,  or  bodies 
 of  men  :  his  difpenfations  with  folemn  oaths,  perjuries,  andi 
 degrees  of  marriage  forbidden  in  the  word  :  his  cruelty  a- 
 gainft  the  innocent  divorced  :  his  devililh  mafs  :  his  blafpite-. 
 mous  priefthood  :  his  profane  facrificcfor  the  fins  of  the  deadl 
 and  the  quick  :  his  canoni;^a?tion  of  men,  calling  upon  angels 
 or  faints  departed  :  worffiipping  of  imagery,  relics,  and  crerf- 
 fes  ;  dedicating  of  kirks,  altars,  days  ;  vows  to  creatures  r, 
 his  Purgatory -prayers  for  the  dead  ;  praying  or  fpeaking  m 
 a  flrange  language  ;  with  his  proceflions  and  blafpheaious  li- 
 tany, and  multitude  of  advocates  or  mediators  :  his  manifold 
 orders,  auricular  confeffion :  his  defperatc  *  and  uncertain  re- 
 pentance 1 
 
 *  In  tlic  copy  which  is  in  the  Harmony  of  ConfeJJlontt  primed  ra 
 1586,  it  is  defperftd  and  uncertain  repentance  ;  and  in  the  Latia 
 tranflation,  which  is  in  the  Syntagma  Gonteffionum,  it  is  di/per/ant 
 ft  ineertam  panitentiam  :  But  io  the  copy  which  it  in  the  cuUei^  of 
 
^  TBe  National  Covenant. 
 
 pentance  :  his  general  and  doubt fome  faith  :  his  fatisfaflions 
 of  men  for  their  fins :  his  juftification  by  works  cpus  opera' 
 tapi,  works  of  fupererogation,  merits,  pardons,  peregrinati- 
 ons, nnd  ftations :  his  holy  water,  baptizing  of  bells,  conjur'- 
 xng  of  fpirits,  croffing,  fayning,  anointing,  conjuring,  hal- 
 lowing of  God's  good  creatures,  with  the  luperftitious  opini- 
 on joined  therewith  :  his  worldly  monarchy,  and  wicked  hie- 
 rarchy f  :  his  three  folemri  vows,  with  all  his  fhavellings  of 
 iundtj'^forts :  his  erroneous  and  bloody  decrees  niadeat  Trent, 
 >*ith-ail  the  fubfcribers  and  approvers  of  that  cruel  and  bloo- 
 dy band  conjured  sgainft  the  kirk  of  God.  And,  finally,  we 
 deteft  all  his  vain  allegories^  rites,  Ilgns,  and  traditions  brought 
 jfi  the  kirk,  without,  or  agiinft  the  wofd  of  God,  and  dO(i- 
 frlne  of  this  true  reformed  kirk  ;  to  the  v/hich  we  join  otiri- 
 felves  willingly,  in  doftrine,  faith,  religion,  difcipline,  and 
 tife  of  the  holy  facraments,  as  lively  members  of  the  fame  in 
 Ch rift  our  head  i  promifin»  and  fwearing  by  the  GREAT 
 NAME  OF  THE  LORD  OUR  GOD,  That  we  fhall  conti- 
 nue in  the  obedience  of  the  dodbrine  and  difcipline'  of  this 
 kirk  ^j  and  (liall  defend  the  fame,  according  to  our  vocation 
 and  power,  all  the  days  of  our  lives  ;  under  the  pains  con- 
 tained in  the  law,  and  danger  both  of  body  and  foul  in  the 
 day  of  God's  fearful  judgment. 
 
 And  feeing  that  many  are  flirred  upb^  Sataffand  that  Ro^ 
 man  Antichrift,  to  promife,  fwear,  fubferibe,  and  for  atime 
 ufe  the  holy  facraments  in  the  kirk  deceitfully,  againft  their 
 own  confcience  ;  minding  hereby,  firfi:,  under  the  external 
 doke  of  religion,  to  corrupt  and  fubvert  fecretly  God's  true 
 religion  within  the  kirk  ;  and  afterward,  when  time  may' 
 ferve,  to  become  open  enemies  and  perfecutors  of  the  fame^ 
 under  vain  hope  of  the  Pope's  difpenfation,  devlfed  againft 
 the  word  of  God,  to  his  greater  confuiion,  and  their  double 
 condcwination  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jefus  :  we  therefore, 
 willing  to  take  away  all  fufpicion  of  hypoCrify,  and  of  fucli 
 dbuWe  dealing  with  God  and  his  kirk,  protefl,  and  call  the 
 
 Searcher' 
 
 Edinbnrgb,  written  158^,  and  fubfcribed  by  the  graduafes.  t^l  the 
 defe^ion  at  the  reftoration  of  king  Charles  II.  and  in  the  copies  which 
 were  fubiciibed  1638  and  1639,  it  is  defperate  ;  and  in  the  original 
 fabfcribedby  the  king,  and  in  the  copy  pnntsd  by  Robert  Waldgra^e' 
 1581,-it  is  defperedf  which  is  the  old  Scotch  word  for  defperate. 
 
 \  See  the  txpJication  ct  Hierarchy,  in  5th  aH  ot  Affcmbly,  after 
 the  form  of  Prefbyterlan  government. 
 
 X  The  Confellion  which  was  fubfcribcd  r.t  Holyrudhoufe,  the  45th  , 
 ofFcbfoary  1387-8,  by  the  king,    Lennox,  Huntly,  the  chancellor, 
 andabf^nt  95  other  perfons,  hath  here  added,  agreeing  to  the  ii'orJ, 
 Sir  John  Maxvc!!  ot  Pollock-hath  the  criginil  parchment. 
 
Tld  National  Covenant:  p^ 
 
 Searcher  of  all  hearts  for  witnefs,  that  our  minds  and  hearts 
 jdo  fully  agree  'A-ith  this  cur  confeliion,  proa:iire,  oath,  and 
 Ihbrcriptibn  ;  fo  that  we  are  nor  moved  with  any  worldly  re- 
 fpe<!!l,  but  are  periuaded  only  in  our  confcience,  through  the 
 knowledge  and  love  of  God's  true  religion,  imprinted  in  our 
 hearts  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  as  we  f}iall  aniWer  to  him  in  the 
 day  when  the  fecrets  of  all  hearts  fhall  bedilclofcd. 
 
 And  becaufe  we  perceive,  that  the  quietnefs  and  {lability 
 of  our  religion  and  kirk,  doth  depend  upon  the  fafety  and 
 good  behaviour  of  the  king's  majelty,  as  upon  a  comfortable 
 inftrument,  of  God's  mercy  granted  to  this  coun-try,  for  th*e 
 'maintaining  of  his  kirk  and  miniiiratioa  of  juflicc  amongft 
 us,  we  proteft  and  promile  with  our  hearts,  under  the  fame 
 oath,  hand-write,  and  pains,  <hat  v;e  (hall  defend  his  perioh 
 and  authority  with  our  goods,  bodijs,  and  lives,  ia  the  de- 
 fence of  Chriil:  his  evangel,  liberties  of  our  country,  minilha- 
 tionof  juftice,  and  puuifliment  of  iniquity,  againft  all  ene- ' 
 rnies  within  this  realm,  or  without,  as  wedefire  our  God  co 
 be  a  ftrong  and  merciful  defender  to  us  in  the  day  of  our  death 
 and  comifig  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrifc  :  To  whom,  with  thz 
 Father  and  tlie  Holy  Spirit,  be  all  honour  and  glory  eternaiiy. 
 
 I K  E  A  8  many  a6ls  of  Parliament,  not  only  in  general 
 do  abrogate,  annul,  and  refcind  all  laws,  ftatutes,  ads, 
 conltitutions,  canons  civil  or  municipal,  with  all  other  ordi- 
 rfances  and  *pra£):ique  penalties  whacfuever,  made  in  preju- 
 dice of  the  true  religion  and  profelioi  s  thereof;  or  of  the  true 
 kirk  dlfcipline,  jurifdiifllon,  and  freedom  thereof  ;  or  in  fa- 
 vours of  idolatry  and.fuperRition  y  or  of  the  Papiftical  kirk  ; 
 as,  Acl  2,  ad  31,  Pari.  i.  Acl  23,  Pari.  u.  AH  114  f. 
 Pari.  1 2. 'of  king  James  Vf.  That  Papiftry  atid  fu peril irioii 
 may  be  utterly  fupprelled,  according  to  the  intention  of  the 
 a£ls  of  Parliament,  repeated  in  Act  5.  Pari.  20-  kit)g  James 
 VI.  And  to  that  end,  they  ordain  ,^1  Papifts  aud  priefts  to 
 be  punifiied  by  manifold  civil  and  ecclefiaf^ical  pains,  as  ad- 
 verfaries  io  God's  true  religion,  preached  t,  and  by  law  e- 
 ftablilhed  within  this  realm,  Act  24,  Pari  1 1,  king  Jam.  VI. 
 as  common  enemies  to  all  Chriftian  government  :  adt  18,, 
 Pari.  16,  king  Jam.  VI.  as  rebellers  an  J  gainlUnders  of  o.ir 
 
 M  fove- 
 
 *  In  theafl  of  Padlament,  it  is  Pracficr  penal.     ^ 
 f  116.     The  aifls  of  Parliament  ^re  qjocd  according  to  ?^ir  John 
 Sksao's  edition,  m  which  the  ads  are  in  fome  pUces  wrong  nunibefd, 
 as  they  are  Incevyiie  in  Glendock's  Folio  edi'i  n  :  t  le  numbers  on  i\\i 
 to  >t  m-'rfJin.  are  acordicg  lo  Giei.uock'i  coinon  la  mna. 
 i  PtqfvPd. 
 
98  TZ-^  ISTatiokal  Covenant.' 
 
 fovercign  Lord's  authority,  z£t  47,  Pari.  3.  king  Jam.  VL 
 and  as  idolaters,  ack  104,  Pari.  7,  king  Jam.  VI.  But  alfo 
 in  particular,  by  and  attour  the  Confeflioii  of  Faith,  do  abo- 
 liOi  and  condemn  the  Pope's  authority  and  jurifdi£\ion  out 
 of  this  land,  and  ordains  the  mainlainers  thereof  to  be  puni* 
 iiied,  aa  2,  Pari.  i.  aft  51,  Pari.  3.  aft  106,  Pari.  7.  aft 
 114  *,  Pari.  12.  king  Jam.  VL  do  condemn  the  Pope's  er- 
 roneous doftrine,  or  any  other  erroneous  doctrine  repugnant 
 to  any  of  the  articles  of  the  true  and  Chriftian  religion  pub- 
 licly preached,  and  by  law  eftablifhed  in  this  realm  •,  andor- 
 .dains  the  fpreaders  and  makers  of  books  or  libels,  or  let- 
 ters or  writs  of  that  nature,  to  be  puiiiflied,  aft  46,  Piarl.  3. 
 a^  io(5,  Pari.  7.  aft  24,  Pari.  1 1.  king  Jam.  V(.  do  condemn 
 all  baptifm  conform  to  the  Pope's  kirk,  and  the  idolatry  of 
 the  Mafs  ;  and  ordains  all  fayers,  wilful  hearers,  and  con- 
 cealers of  the  mafs,  the  maintajners  and  refetters  of  thepriefts^ 
 Tefuites,  trafEcking  Papifts,  to  be  puniflied  without  any  ex- 
 ception or  reftriftion,  aft  5,  Park  i.  aft  120  f.  Pari.  12.  aft 
 164  },  Pari.  13.  aft  193  §,  Pari.  14.  aft  i.  Pari.  19.  aft  5. 
 Pari.  20.  king  Jam.  VL  do  condemn  all  erroneous  books, 
 and  writs,  containing  erroneous  doftrine  againft  the  religion 
 prefentl'y  profeffed,  or  containing  fuperftitious  rites  and  cere- 
 monies Papiftical,  whereby  the  people  are  greatly  abufed  ; 
 and  ordains  the  home-bringers  of  them  to  be  puniflied,  aft 
 2-5,  Pari.  ir.  king  James  VL  do  condemn  the  monuments 
 and  dregs  of  by-gone  idolatry,  as,  going  to  croiTe? ,  obferving, 
 the  feftival  days  of  faints,  and  fuch  other  fuperftitious  and 
 Papiflical  rites,  to  the  diflionour  of  God,,  con'tempt  of  trife 
 religion,  and  foftering  of  great  error  among  the  people  ;  and 
 ordains  the  ufers  of  them  to  be  puniOied  for  the  fecond  fault,, 
 as  idolaters,  aft  104,  Pari.  7.  king  James  VI. 
 
 Likeis  many  afts  of  Parliament  are  conceived  for  mainte- 
 nance of  God's  true  and  Chriftian  religion,  and  the  purity 
 thereof  in  doftrine  and  facraments  ;  of  the  true  church  of 
 God,  the  liberty  und  freedom  thereof,  in  her  National,  Sy- 
 nodal Aflemblies,  Prefbyteries,  S'iffions,  policy,  difcipline, 
 and  JLirifdiftion  thereof, — as  that  purity  of  religion  and  liber- 
 ty of  the  church  was  ufed,  profelTed,  exerciled,  preached, 
 and  confeiTed  according  to  the  reformation  of  religion  in  this 
 realm.  As,  for  inftance,  the  99th  aft.  Pari.  7.  aft  23.  ParL 
 Ti.  aft  I  £4  ]},  pari.  12.  aft  «6o,  Pari.  13.  of  king  Jam.  VL 
 ratified  by  the  4th.  r.ft  of  king  Charl.  So  that  the  0th  aft  of 
 Pari.  I.  and  6Sth  aft,  P%fl.  6.  of  king  James  VL  in  the  year 
 
 of 
 
 *  116.         f  122.         t  168.         J  195.         11   Z19. 
 
The  Natiojial  Covenant."  g^ 
 
 of  Gcd  1579,  declares  the  minifters  of  the  blefTcd  E\^ngel, 
 TViiom  God  of  his  mercy  had  raifed  up,  or  hereafter  rtiould 
 arife,  agreeing  with  them  that  then  lived  in  do<Strine  and  ad- 
 ininiftration  of  the  facraments  ;  and  the  people  that  profeffed 
 Chrift,  as  he  was  then  offered  in  the  Evangel,  and  doth  com- 
 municate with  the  holy  facraments  (as  in  the  reformed  kirks 
 of  this  realm  they  were  prefently  adminiftrate)  acconiiog  to 
 the  Confeflion  of  Faith, — to  be  the  true  and  holy  kiik  of 
 Chrift  Jefus  within  this  realm.  And  decerns  and  declares  all 
 and  i'undry,  who  either  gainfays  the  word  of  the  evangel  re- 
 ceived and  approved,  as  the  heads  of  the  ConfelHon  of  Fnith 
 profefTed  in  Parliament  in  the  year  of  God  1560,  fpecified 
 alfo  in  the  lirfl:  Parliament  of  king  Jam.  VI.  and  ratiilcd  in 
 this  prefent  Parliament,  more  particularly  do  exprefs  ;  or 
 that  refufes  theadminiftration  of  the  holy  facraments,  as  they 
 were  then  miniftred, — to  be  no  members  of  the  faid  kirk 
 within  this  realm,  and  true  religion  prefently  profeffed,  fo 
 long  as  they  keep  themfelves  fo  divided  (rom  the  fociety  of 
 Chrift's  body.  And  the  fubfequent  a£l  69,  Pari.  6.  of  king 
 Jam  VI.  declares,  That  there  is  no  other  face  of  kirk,  nor 
 other  face  of  religion,  that  was  prefently  at  that  time,  by  the 
 favour  of  God,  eftablifiied  within  this  realm  ;  which  there- 
 fore is  ever  ftiled  God's  true  religion,  Chrift's  true  religion, 
 the  true  andChriftian  religion, and  a  perfc£\  religion  j  which, 
 by  manifold  a^ts  of  Parliament, all  within  this  realm  are  bound 
 to  profefs,  to  fubfcribe  the  articles  thereof,  the  Confefiiou  of 
 Faith,  to  recant  all  dodlrine  and  errors  repugnant  to  any  of 
 the  faid  articles,  a£l  4,  and  9,  Pari,  i.  zCts  45,  46,  47.  Pari. 
 3.  aft  71.  Pari.  6.  aift  106,  Pari.  7.  aft  24,  Parh  11.  act 
 125*,  Pari.  12.  afjt  194  t>  ^^''^  ^97  t>  ^*^r^'  M-  o^  ^^^^'d 
 Jam.  VI.  Aed  all  magillrates,  Ihcriffs,  ^c.  on  the  oue  p.irt, 
 arc  ordained  to  fearch,  apprehend,  and  punifli  all  contra- 
 veeners  ;  for  inffance,  aft  5,  Pari.  l.  aft  104,  Pari,  7.  aft  25, 
 Pari.  II.  king  James  VI-  and  that  nocwithftanding  of  the 
 king's  majefty's  licences  on  the  contrary,  which  are  difchar- 
 ged,  and  declared  ^o  be  of  no  force,  in  fo  far  as  they  tend, 
 in  any  ways,  to  the  prejudice  and  hinder  of  the  execution  of 
 thcvafts  of  Parliament  igainfl  Papifts  and  adverfaries  of  true 
 religion,  aft  106,  Pari.  7.  king  Jam.  VI.  On  the  other  part, 
 in  the  47th  aft,  Pari.  3.  king  Jam.  VI.  it  is  declared  and  or- 
 dained, feeing  the  caule  of  God's  true  religion  and  his  hig]-,. 
 nefs  authority  are  fo  joined,  as  the  hurt  of  the  one  is  com- 
 to  both,  that  none  fhall  be  reputed  as  loyal  and  faithful 
 Ma  fabjtfts 
 
 *    115,  t    197.  %   2Q0. 
 
100  The  National  Covenant. 
 
 fubjeclis  to  our  foverelgn  Lord  or  his  anthority,  but  be  punl- 
 fhablc  as  rebeilcrs  and  caindanu^rs  of  the  lame,  »vho  fliall 
 not  give  their  confeffion,  and  make  the^r  profeifion  of  the 
 i'liJ  true  religion,  and  that  they  who  after  defection  Ihall  give 
 the  confefTion  of  their  faith  of  new,  they  ihail  promife  to 
 rontinue  therein  in  time  coming, — to  maintain  our  fove reign 
 J jord's  authority,  and,  to  the  uttermoft  of  their  power,  to 
 fortify,  ailiflr,  and  maintain  the  true  preachers  and  profefTors 
 c:f  Chriil's  rcl;(;ion  *,  against  whatfcever  enemies  and  gain- 
 ffanders  of  the  Ihme  ;  and,  nsmely,  ag-dnft  ali  fuch,  of  vvhar- 
 ioever  na-ion,  efVate  or  degree  they  be,  that  have  joined  and 
 I  ound  themfelves,  or -have  aflifted,  or  afllfls  Jo  fet  forward 
 :ind  execute  the  cruel  decrees  of  the  Council  of  Trent,  con- 
 trary to  the  true  preachers  and  profeflbrs  of  t!^.e  vord  of  God. 
 Which  is  repeated  word  by  word,  in  the  articles  of  pacifica- 
 tion at  Perth,  the  23d  of  February  1572,  approved  by  Parlia- 
 ment the  laft  of  April  1573,  ratified  in  Parliament  1587,  and 
 related  ?ft  123  f,  Pari.  I'l.  of  king  Jam.  VI.  with  this  addi- 
 tion, «  That  they  are  bound  to  refill:  all  treafonable   uproars 
 
 •  and  hoftiiities  railed  againft  the  true  religion,  the  king's  ma- 
 
 *  jefty,  and  the  true  profefTors.'  , 
 
 Likeas,  all  lieges  are  bound  to  maintain  the  king's  maje- 
 fty's  royal  perfon  and  authority,  the  authority  of  Parliaments, 
 without  the  which  neither  awy  laws  or  lawful  judicatories  can 
 be  eft'abliflied,  atl:  130,  and  131,  Pari.  8.  king  James  VI. 
 tind  the  fubje^s  liberties,  who  ought  only  to  live  and  be  go- 
 verned by  the  king's  laws,  the  rommoa  lawj  of  th's  realm  al- 
 lenarly,  a<fl  48.  Pari.  3.  king  James  I.  aft  79  Pari.  6.  king 
 J^mes  IV.  repeated  in  the  aft  131.  Pari,  8.  king  James  VI. 
 Which,  if  they  be  innovated  or  prejudged,  the  commilTion 
 ancnt  the  union  of  the  two  kingdoms  of  Scotland  and  Eng- 
 land, tvhich  is  the  fole  aft  of  the  17th  Pari,  of  king  Ja.  Vf. 
 declares,  fuch  confuiion  v/ould  enfue,  as  this  realm  could  be 
 ro  more  a  free  monarchy:  becaufe,  by  the  fundamental  laws, 
 ancient  privileges,  offices,  and  liberties  of  this  kingdom,  not 
 only  the  princely  autlK)rity  of  his  majefty's  royal  defcent  hatk 
 been  thefe  many  ages  maintained,  but  alio  the  people's  fecu- 
 rity  of  their  hinds,  livings,  rights,  offices,  hbertie?,  and  dig- 
 rities  preserved.  And  therefore,  for  the  prclervaticn  of  the 
 faid  true  religion,  laws,  and  liberties  of  this  kingdom,  it  is 
 fiatute  by  the  8th  aft.  Pari.  j.  repeated  in  the  99th  aft. 
 Pari.  7.   ratified  in  the  23d  aft,  Pari.  u.  and  ii4thtaft» 
 
 *  Some  copies  have  f rue  re/JgUv,  others  have  EvsngeK 
 t  125  X  ii5. 
 
The  National  Covenant.  set 
 
 Firl.  12.  of  king  James  VT.  and  4th  aft,  Pari.  i.  ofChar.L 
 That  all  kings  and  princes,  at  their  coronation,  and  recept*-* 
 on  of  their  princely  authority,  fliall  make  their  faithful  pro- 
 miie,  by  their  iolemn  oath,  in  the  prefcnce  of  the  eternal 
 God,  That,  enduring  the  whole  time  of  their  lives,  they  lliaJl 
 ferve  the  fame  eternal  God,  to  the  uttermoft  of  their  power, 
 according  as  he  hath  required  in  his  mofl  holy  word,  con- 
 tained in  the  Old  and  New  Teftamcnts.     And,  according  t« 
 the  fame  word,  fhall  maintain  the  true  religion  of  Chrill  ]i- 
 fus,  the  preaching  of  his  holy  word,  the  due  and  right  admi- 
 niftration  of  the  facramencs,  now  received  and  preached  wi- 
 thin this  realm,  (according  to  the  Confeffion  of  Faith  imme- 
 diately preceding)  and  fhall  abolifli  and  gainftand  all  falfc 
 religion  contrary  to  the  fame ;  and  fliall  rule  the  people  com- 
 mitted to  theif  charge,  according  to  the  will  and  command 
 of  God  revealed  in  his  forelaid  word  •,  and  according  to  the 
 laudable  *  laws  and  conllitutions  received  in  this  realm,  no- 
 ways repugnant  to  the  faid  f  will  of  the  eternal  God  :  iwA 
 fhall  procure,  to  the  Ottermofl:  of  their  power,  to  the  kirk  of 
 God,  and  the  whole  Chriftian  people  true  and  perfcft:  peace 
 in  all  time  coming  :  and  that  they  fhall  be  careful  to  reo!^  out 
 of  their  empire  all  heretics  and  enemies  to  the  true  worfliip 
 cf  God,  who  fhall  be  convifled  by  the  true  kirk  of   God  o{ 
 the  forefaid  crimes.     Which  was  alfo  obferved  by  his  naaje- 
 ffy  Xi  ^t  his  coronation  in  Edinburgh  jl,  1633,  as  "'ftiay  be 
 Icen  in  the  order  of  the  coronation. 
 
 In  obedience  to  the  commandment  ofijod,  conform  to  the 
 praftice  of  the  godly  in  former  times,  and  according  to  the 
 laudihle  example  of  our  worthy  and  religious  progenitors, 
 and  cf  many  yet  living  amongft  us,  which  was  warranted  alfo 
 by  acl  of  council,  commanding  a  general  band  to  be  made 
 and  fubfcribcd  by  his  majefty'a  fubjefts  of  all  ranks,  for  two 
 raufes  :  one  was,  for  defending  the  true  religion  as  it  wast 
 then  reformed,  and  is  exprefTed  in  the  Confeffion  of  Faitk 
 above-written,  and  a  former  large  confeillon  §,  eflabliflied  by 
 fundry  afts  of.  lawful  General  Aflemblies  and  of  Parliaments, 
 t!nto  which  it  hath  relation,  fet  down  in  public  catechifms  : 
 and  which  had  been  for  many  years,  with  a  bleffing  froim 
 heaven,  preached  and  profefTed  in  this  kirk  and  kingdom,  rr. 
 God's  undoubted  truth,  grounded  only  upon  his  written  word. 
 The  other  caufe  was,  for  maintaining  the  king's  majefly,  his 
 perfon  and  eftate,  the  true  worfliip  of  God  and  the  king's  au- 
 thority being  16  ftraitly  joined,  as  that  they  had  the  fame 
 
 friends 
 
 *  In  the  a£l  it  Is  lovablL    +  Word,    %  K.  Charl.  I.    |j  June  x8th; 
 %  See  above,  from  Page  x  7  to  40. 
 
!o2  Ihe  National  Covenant. 
 
 friends  and  common  enemies,  and  did  ftand  and  fall  loge- 
 Cher.  And  finally,  being  convinced  in  our  minds,  and  con- 
 feiHng  with  our  mouths,  that  the  prefentand  fucceeding  gc- 
 n€rations  in  this  land,  are  bound  to  keep  the  forefaid  natio- 
 nal oath  and  fubfcription  inviolable  : 
 
 We,  Noblemen,  Barons,  Gentlemen,  BurgelTes,  Minifters, 
 and  Commons,  underlubfcribing,  co.nfidering  divers  times 
 before,  and  efpecially  at  this  time,  the  danger  of  the  true  re- 
 formed religion,  of  the  king's  honour,  and  of  the  public 
 peace  of  the  kingdom,  by  the  manifold  innovations  and  evils 
 generally  contained,  and  particularly  mentioned  in  our  late 
 fupplications,  complaints,  and  proteftations  ;  do  hereby  pro- 
 fefs,  and  before  God,  his  angels,  and  the  world,  folemnly 
 declare,  That  with  our  whole  hearts  we  agree,  and  refolve, 
 all  the  days  of  our  life,  conftantly  to  adhere  unto,  and  to 
 defend  the  forefaid  true  religion  ;  .nd,  forbearing  the  prac- 
 tice of  all  novations  already  introduced  in  the  matters  of  the 
 worftiip  of  God,  or  approbation  of  the  corruptions  of  the 
 public  government  of  the  kirk,  or  civil  places  and  power  of 
 kirkmen,  till  they  be  tried  and  allowed  in  free  Aflemblies  and 
 in  Parliaments  ;  to  labour,  by  all  means  lawful,  to  recover 
 the  purity  and  liberty  of  the  gofpel,  as  it  was  eftabliflied  and 
 profeflTed  before  the  forefaid  novations.  And  becauie,  afcer 
 Aut  examination,  we  plainly  perceive  and  undoubtedly  be- 
 lieve, that  the  innovations  and  evils  contained  in  our  fuppli- 
 cations, complaints,  and  proteftations,  have  no  warrant  of 
 the  word  of  God  ;  are  contrary  to  the  articles  of  the  forefaid 
 confeffions,  to  the  intention  and  meaning  of  the  blefled  re- 
 fornners  of  religion  in  this  land,  to  the  above  written  a(^s  of 
 Parliament  ;  and  do  fenfibly  tend  to  the  re-eftablilhing  of  the 
 Fopifh  religion  and  tyranny,  and  to  the  fubverfion  and  the 
 ruin  of  the  true  reformed  religion,  anrl  of  our  liberties,  laws, 
 and  eftates  :  We  alfo  declare,  that  the  forefaid  Confeffions 
 are  to  be  interpreted,  and  ought  to  beunderftood  of  the  fore- 
 faid novations  and  evils,  no  lefs  than  if  every  one  of  them 
 had  been  exjMrefled  in  the  forefaid  Confeflions  y  and  that  \j(e 
 ure  obliged  to  deteft  and  abhor  them,  amongft  other  particu- 
 lar heads  of  Papiftry  abjured  therein.  And  therefore,  from 
 the  knowledge  and  confcience  of  our  duty  to  God,  our  king, 
 and  country,  without  any  worldly  refpe£l  or  inducement,  To 
 far  as  human  infirmity  will  fufFer,  wilhing  a  further  meafure 
 of  the  grace  of  God  for  this  efFeift, — we  promife  and  fwear, 
 by  the  GREAT  NAME  OF  THE  LORD  OUR  GOD,  to 
 continue  in  the  profeflion  and  obedience  of  the  forefaid  religi- 
 on ^  and  that  we  ihall  defend  the  fame,  and  refilt  all  thefe 
 
 contrary 
 
The  National  Covenant.  joj 
 
 contrary  errors  and  corruptions,  according  to,  our  vocation, 
 and  to  the  uttermoft  of  that  power  that  God  hath  put  in  our 
 hands,  all  the  days  of  our  life. 
 
 And,  in  like  manner,  with  the  fame  heart,  we  declare  be- 
 fore God  and  men,  That  we  have  no  intention  nor  defire  to 
 attempt  any  thing,  that  may  turn  to  the  dlQionour  of  God 
 or  to  the  diminution  of  the  king's  greatnei's  and  authoritv  - 
 but,  on  the  contrary,  we  promile  and  fwear.  That  we  fliallj, 
 to  the  uttermoft  of  our  power,  with  our  means  and  lives,  ftand 
 to  the  defence  of  our  dread  fovereign  the  king's  majefly,  his 
 perfon  and  authority,  in  the  defence  and  prefervation  of  the 
 forefaid  true  religion,  liberties,  and  laws  of  the  kingdom  ;  as 
 alfo,  to  the  mutual  defence  and  afliftaace  every  one  of  us  of 
 another,  in  the  fame  caufe  of  maintaining  the  true  religion 
 and  his  majefty's  authority,  with  our  befi  counfel,  out  bo- 
 dies, means,  and  whole  power,  againft  all  forts  of  perfons 
 whatfoever  ;  fo  that  whatfoever  fhall  be  done  to  the  ieaft  of 
 us  for  that  caufe,  fhall  be  taken  as  done  to  us  all  in  general^ 
 and  to  every  one  of  us  in  particular.  And  that  we  iliall  nei- 
 ther direftly  nor  indirc£lly  fuffer  ourfelves  to  be  divided  or 
 ■withdrawn  by  whatfoever  fuggeftion,  combination,  allure- 
 ment, or  terror,  from  this  blefled  and  loyal  conjunction,  nor 
 ihall  call  in  any  Ictt  or  impediment  that  may  ftay  or  hinder  a- 
 ny  fuch  refolution,  as  by  common  confent  fhall  be  found  to 
 conduce  for  fo  good  ends  :  but,  on  the  contrary,  fhall,  by 
 all  lawful  means,  labour  to  further  and  promote  the  fame  ; 
 and  if  any  fuch  dangerdtj^^and  divifive  motion  be  made  to  us 
 by  word  or  write,  we,  and>«?ry  one  of  us,  fhall  either  fup- 
 prcfs  it,  or,  if  need  be,  fhall  ^continent  make  the  fame 
 known,  that  it  may  be  timeoufly  obviated.  Neither  do  we 
 fear  the  foul  afperfions  of  rebellion,  combination,  or  what 
 elfe  our  adverfaries,  from  their  craft  and  malice,  would  put 
 upon  us  V  feeing  what  we  do  is  fa  well  warranted,  and  arifetix 
 from  an  unfeigned  delire  to  maintain  the  true  worfKip  of 
 God,  the  majefty  of  our  king,  and  the  peace  of  the  king- 
 dom, for  the  common  happinefs  of  ourielves  and  the  po- 
 fterity. 
 
 And  becaufe  we  cannot  look  for  a  blefTing  from  God  upon 
 our  proceedings,  except  with  our  profeflion  and  fubfcription 
 we  join  fuch  a  life  and  converfation  as  befeemeth  ChrifHans, 
 who  have  renewed  their  covenant  with  God  :  We  therefore 
 faithfully  promife  for  ourfelves,  our  followers,  and  all  others 
 under  us,  both  in  public,  and  in  our  particular  families  and 
 perfonal  carriage,  to  endeavour  to  keep  ourfelves  within  the 
 
5e4  2^/5^?  National  CovENiNT. 
 
 bounds  of  *  Chrlflian  liberty  ;  and  to  be  good  examples  to 
 ethers  of  all  godlinefs,  fobernefs,  and  rigliteoufnefs,  and  of 
 every  duty  we  owe  to  God  and  man. 
 
 And  that  this  our  union  and  conjunfllon  mav  be  obferved 
 •without  violation,  we  call  the  LIVING  GOD  the  Sear- 
 cher OF  OUR  HEARTS  to  witnefs,  who  knoweth  this  to  be 
 our  fincere  dedre  and  unfeigned  refolution,  as  we  ihall  anfwer 
 to  JESUS  CHRIST  in  the  great  day,  and  under  the  pain  of 
 GOD*s  everlafling  wrath,  and  of  intamy,  and  lofs  of  all  ho- 
 nour and  refpeft  in  this  world  :  mofl-  humbly  befeeching  the 
 Lord  to  ftrengthen  us  by  his  HOLY  SPIRIT  for  this  end, 
 and  to  blefs  our  deSres  and  proceedings  with  a  happy  fuc- 
 cefs  •,  that  religion  and  righteoufnefs  may  flourifh  in  the 
 land,  to  the  glory  of  God,  the  honour  of  our  king,  and  peace 
 and  comfort  of  us  all.  In  witnefs  whereof,  we  have  fubfcrib* 
 cd  wirh  our  hands  all  the  premifes. 
 
 THE  article  of  this  covenant,  which  was  at  the  firft  fub- 
 fcription  referred  to  the  determination  of  the  General  AiTem- 
 bly,  being  now  determined  •,  and  thereby  the  five  articles  of 
 Perth,  the  governn^ent  of  the  kirk  by  bilhops,  and  the  civil 
 places  and  power  of  kirkmen,  upon  the  reafons  and  grounds 
 contained  in  the  afts  of  the  General  AflemWy,  declared  to 
 be  unlawful  within  this  kirk  j  we  fubfcribe  according  to  the' 
 •determination  forefaid. 
 
 How  Kinf^  Charles  II.  took  this  Covenant ^  fee  Collet5lion  of 
 Afts,  ^c.  No.  25. 
 
 There  are  alfo  feveral  copies  of  this  Covenant ^  on  parchment ^ 
 ^ith  the  original  fuhfcriptions  of  federal  congregations  y  rniniJhrSy 
 ciders y  and  people ^  yet  extant ^  to  befeen  in  divers  hands. 
 
 *  In  thecopv  fubfcfibei  Anno  163S,  by  Noblemen,  i:c.  there  is 
 here  added  our. 
 
 Afi 
 
C     X'S     ] 
 
 An  ORDINANCE  of  the  Lords  and  Commons  ajfcmhled  in 
 Parl  I AMENT,  y^^r  the  Calling  of  an  Assembly  of 
 I^EARH ED  and  Godly  Divines,  und others,  to  be  con- 
 Jultid  •with  hy  the  Parliamint^  for  the  fettling  of  the  Govern^- 
 went  and  Liturgy  of  the  Church  of  England  j  and  for 
 Vindicating  and  Clearing  of  the  Y)ocT Kiti^  of  the  faid 
 Church  from  falfe  afperftons  and  interpretations^  June  1 2th ^ 
 1643, 
 
 WHEREAS,  amongfl  the  infinite  bleflings  of  Almigh- 
 ty God  upon  this  nation,  none  is,  nor  can  be  more 
 dear  unto  us,  than  the  purity  of  our  religion  ;  and  for  that, 
 as  yet,  many  things  remain  in  the  liturgy,  difcipline,  and  go- 
 vernment of  the  church,  which  do  necelTyriiy  require  a  fur- 
 ther and  more  perte<5l  reformation,  than  as  yet  hath  been  at- 
 tained ; — and  whereas  it  hath  been  declared  and  rel'olved  by 
 the  Lords  and  Commons  afiembJed  in  Parliament,  That  the 
 preient  church  government  by  archbiftiops,  their  chancellors, 
 commiffars,  deans,  deans  and  chapters,  archdeacons,  and  o- 
 ther  eccleiiaftical  ofhcers,  depending  upon  the  hierarchy,  is 
 evil,  and  juilly  ofFenfive  and  burdeniome  to  the  kingdom,  a 
 great  impediment  to  reformation  and  growth  of  religion,  and 
 very  prejudicial  to  the  ftate  and  government  of  this  kingdom  j 
 —and  therefore  they  are  refolved,  that  the  lame  ihall  be  ta- 
 ken away,  and  that  fucha  government- Piall  be  fettled  in  the 
 church,  as  may  be  mort  agreeable  to  God's  holy  word,  and 
 moll:  apt  to  procure  and  preferve  the  peace  of  the  church  at 
 home,  and  nearer  agreement  with  the  church  of  Scotland, 
 and  other  reformed  churches  abroad  j  and  for  the  better  ef- 
 feeing  hereof,  and  for  the  vindicating  and  clearing  of  the 
 dodrine  of  the  church  of  England  from  all  falfe  calumnies 
 and  afperfions  :  it  is  thought  fit  and  nectflary,  to  call  an  Af- 
 fembly  of  learned,  godly,  and  judicious  Divines,  who,  toge- 
 ther with  fome  members  of  both  the  Houfes  of  Parliament, 
 are  to  confuU  and  advife  of  fuch  matters  and  things  touching 
 the  premil'es,  as  fhall  be  propofed  unto  them  by  both  or  ei- 
 ther of  the  Houfes  of  Parliament,  and  to  give  their  advice 
 
 N  and 
 
i:     ro6    ] 
 
 ?.nd  counfd  therein  to  both  or  either  of  the  faid  HouJes, 
 when,  and  as  often  as  they  fi^all  beiherttnto  required.  Be 
 it  therefore  ordained  by  the  Lords  and  Commons  in  this  pre- 
 lent   Parliament  aflembled,  that   all  an  !  every  the  perfons^, 
 
 hereafter  in  thisprefent  ordinance  named,  that  Is  to  (ay 
 
 And  fuch  other  perfoa  cr  perfons  as  fiiail  be  nominr.ted 
 and  appointed  by  both  Houfes  of  ParHarncnt,  cr  Jo  many  of 
 them  as  fliall  not  be  letted  by  licknefs,  cr  ether  necefiary  im- 
 jpediihent,  fliall  meet  and  afTrmbie,  and  are  hereby  required 
 rnd  enjoined,  upon   fummons  ligned  by  the  clerks  of  both 
 Houfes  of  Parliiiment,  left  at   their  reipe-frive  dwellings,  to 
 meet  and  aflemble  themielves  at  Weftminfier,  in  the  chapel 
 t  alicd  Kbig  Hetiry  the  VllWs  Lhnp-ely  on  the  ihll  day  of  Ju- 
 ly, iti  the  year  of  our   Lord  one   thouGuid  fix  hundred  and 
 .lorty-three  ;  and,  after  the  firft  meeting,  being  at  leaft:  the 
 rnvnber  of  forty,  flaall  from  time  to  time  fit  and  be  removed 
 fv'tn  place  to  place  ;  and  alfo,  that  the  faid  Aflembly  fiiall  be 
 uiiiolved  in  fuch  manner  as  by  both  Houies  of  Parliament 
 ihall  be  diredl:ed  ;  and  the  f.id  perfons,  or  fo  many  of  them 
 ys  (hall  be  fo  ?ilemb!ed,  or  fit,  ihall  have  power  and  autho- 
 rity, and  are  hereby  likewife  enjoined  from  time  to  time,  dur- 
 ing this  prefent  parliament,  or  until  further  order  be  taken 
 by  both  the  faid  Hcufes,  to  confer  and  treat  among  them- 
 fcives,  of  fuch  matters  and  things,  touching  and  concerning:; 
 the  liturgy,  difcipline,  'and  government   of  the  church  ct 
 England,  or  the  vindicating  and  clearing  of* the  docfrine  of 
 the  fame  from  all  Life  afperfions  and  milccni^ruftions,  as  fhall 
 be  propofed  unto  them  by  both  or  either  of  the  faid  Houfes 
 of  Parliament,  and  no  other  :  and  deliver  their  opinion,  ad- 
 vice of,  or  toucl\ing  the  matters  aforefaid,  as  iliall  be   moH 
 agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  to  both  or  either  of  the  Hou- 
 fes, from  time  to  time,  in  fuch  manner  and  ibrt,  as  uy  lK)th 
 or  either  cf  the  laid  Houfes  of  Parliament,  fnall  be  required  5, 
 and  the  fame  not  to  divulge  by  printin<T,  writing,  or  other- 
 wife,  without  the  confent  of  both,  or  either  Houfe  of  Parlia- 
 ment.    And  be  it  further  ordained,  by  the  authority  fore- 
 t-iid,  That  William  Twiffe  doctor  in  divinity  (liall  fit  in  the 
 chair,  as  prolocut-or  of  the  faid  AfTembly  j  and  if  he  happen 
 to  die,  Gc  be  letted  by  ficknefs,  or  other  necefTary  impedi« 
 ment,  tiaen  fuch  other  perfon  to  be  sppoiated  \n  his  place, 
 as /hall  be  agreed  00  by  the  fzi  I  Houfes  cf  P.ir  iament  : — 
 And  in  cafe  any  difference  in  opinion  fliall  happen  aoiongft 
 tiie  faid  perfcns  lo  airembled,  touching  any  of  ihe  matters 
 tirat  fnili  be  propofed  to  them  as  forefaid,  that  thea  they 
 fliall  repreitnt  the  fame,  together  with  the  isafous  thereof, 
 
 to 
 
L    107    ] 
 
 to  both,  or  either  of  the  faid  Houfes  rcfpe^lively,  to  the  end 
 fuch  further  diredllons  mkiy  be  given  therein,  as  ihall  be  re-, 
 <]uificc  to  thr.i  bslialf.     And  be   it   further  ordained  by  the 
 authority  forefaid,  that  for  the  cliarges  and  expences  of  the 
 faid  divines,  and  every  one  of  thcin,  in  attending  the  faid' 
 fcrvice,  there  Ihall  be  alicwed  every  one  of  them  that  fjiall 
 fo  attend,  during  the  time  of  their  faid  attendance,  and  for 
 ten  days  before,  2nd  ten  days  after,  the  fam  of  four  ihillings 
 for  ev^ry  dav,  at  the  charges  of  the  commonweaUh,  at  fuch 
 time,  and  in  lucb  manner,  as  by  both  Houfes  of  Parliament 
 Ihall  be  appointed.     And  be  it  further  ordained,  that  ah,  a:id 
 every  the  faid  divines,  fo  as  aforefaid,  required,  and  enjoined 
 to  meet  and  affemble,  fhall  be  fi-eed  and  acquitted  of,  and 
 from   every  ofFence,  foj;feiture,  penalty,  lofs,    or   damage, 
 which  fliall,  or  may  enfue,  or  grow  by  reafon  of  any  non-rc- 
 fldence,  or  abfei:ce  of  them,  or"  any  of  them,  from  his,  or 
 their,  or  any  of  their  church,  churclie?,  or  cures,  for,  or  in 
 refpeifl  of  their  faid  attendance  upon  the  faid  lervlce  ^  any 
 law  or  ftats,te  of  non-relidence,  or  other  la^v  or  ftatute  en- 
 joining their  attendance  upon  their  rcfpe6tive  miniftries,  or 
 charges,  to  the  contrary  thereof,  notsvithftandlng.     And  if 
 any  of  the  perfons  above-named  fliall  happen  to  die  before  the 
 laid  Affembly  fhall  be  diflelved  by  order  of  both  Houfes  of 
 Parliament,  then  fuch  other  per/on  or  perfons  fl:iall  be  nomi- 
 nated and  placed  in  the  room  and  flead  of  fuch  perlonor  per- 
 fons fo  dying,  as  by  both  the  faid  Houfes  fliail  be  thought  fir, 
 and  agreed  upon  ;  and  every  fuch  perfon  or  perfons,  fo  to 
 be  named,  fjiall  have  the  like  power  and  authority,  freedom, 
 and  acquittal   to  all  intents  an,d  purj^ofes,  and  alfo  all  fuch 
 wages  and  allowances  for  the  faid  feivice,  during  the  time  of 
 his  or  their  attendance,  as  to  any  other  of  the  faid  perfons  :n 
 this  ordinance, — is  by  this  ordinance  linnted  and  appointed^ 
 Provided  always,  that  this   ordinance,  or  any  thing  therein 
 contained,  fliall  not  give  unto  the  perfons  aforefaid,  or  any 
 ©f  them,  nor  fliall  they  in  this  AiTembly  afiume  to  exercife 
 any  jurifdi£lion,  power,  or  authority  ecckiiallical  whatfbevcT, 
 or  any  other  pcwcr,  than  is  herein  particularly  expreifed. 
 
 N2  '       Assembly 
 
^ ^SEhi^tY  Zt  Sriinhur'gh,   /t'/gu/l  \g,   i<^43'  Stff.  l^* 
 
 Commission  of  the  General  JJfejnbly  to  feme  Mini/^ers  and 
 
 Ruling  Elders,  for  repairing  to  the  Kingdom  of  England. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  of  the  churcU  of  Scotland,  find- 
 ing it  neceflary  to  fend  fome  godly-ind  learned  of  thie 
 kii  k  to  the  kingdom  of  England,  to  the  efte-^t  underwritten ; 
 therefore  gives  full  power  and  coinmi0ion  to  Mr.  Alexan- 
 der Henderfon,  Mr  Robert  Douglas,  Mr.  Samuel  Ruther- 
 foord,  Mr.  Robert  Biilie,  and  Mr.  George  Gillefpie,  mini- 
 fters,  John  earl  of  CAffils,  John  lord  Maitland,  and  Sir  Ar- 
 chibald Johnltoun  of  Warilton,  elders,  or  any  three  of  them, 
 whereof  two  Oiall  be  minifcers,  to  repair  to  the  kingdom  of 
 England,  and  there  to  deliver  the  dechration  fent  unto  the 
 Parliament  of  England,  and  the  letter  fent  unto  the  AlTem- 
 bly  of  Divines  now  fitting  in  that  kingdom  ;  and  to  propone, 
 confuit,  treat,  and  conclude  with  that  Aflembly,  or  any  com- 
 jnifiioners  deputed  by  them,  or  any  committees  or  commiflio- 
 iiers  deputed  by  the  Houfes  of  Parliament,  in  all  matters 
 which  may  farther  the  union  of  this  ifiiind  in  one  Form  of 
 kirk  government,  one  Confeffion  of  Faith,  one  Catechifm, 
 one  DIre<^ory  for  the  worfiiip  of  God,  according  to  the  in- 
 ftru£\ions  which  they  have  received  from  the  AlTembly,  or 
 ihall  receive  from  time  to  time  hereafter,  from  the  commiffi- 
 oners  of  the  Afiembly,  deputed  for  that  efiedl  :  with  power 
 alfo  to  them,  to  coavty  to  his  majefly  the  humble  anfwer  fent 
 from  this  AlTembly  to  his  majefty's  letter,  by  fuch  occafion  as 
 they  fhall  think  convenient  \  and  fuch  like,  to  deliver  the 
 Aflembly's  anfwer  to  the  letter  fent  from  fome  well  afFe£ted 
 brethren  of  the  miniftry  there:  and  generally  authorizes  them 
 to  do  all  things,  which  may  further  the  fo  much  defired  u- 
 nion,  and  nearefi  conjunflion  of  the  two  churches  of  Scotland 
 and  England,  conform  to  their  inflru£lions  alorefaid. 
 
 ^h'ls  Commiffion  was  renewed  Annis   i<544,   164J,   1646, 
 1647,  and  1648. 
 
 MANY  of  the  perfons  who  were  called  by  the  fore« 
 faid  Ordinance  of  the  Lords  and  Commons  (in  that 
 broken  ftate  of  the  church)  to  attend  the  Affembly,  appear- 
 ed not  j  whereupon  tlie  whole  work  lay  on  the  haudi  oi  the 
 perfons  hereafter  mentioned. 
 
Ihe  PROMISE  and  Vow  talen   by  every  Memhr  admktgi 
 to  fit  in  the  Assembly. 
 
 I  A.  B.  do  fe.riouflf  promife  and  vow,  in  the  prefcnce  ^rf 
 Almighty  Gop,  That  in  this  AfTembly,  whereof  I 
 am  a  member,  I  will  maintain  nothing  in  point  of  doft^rinc 
 but  what  I  believe  to  be  mort  agreeable  to  the  Word  of  Godr 
 nor  in  point  of  difcipline,  but  what  may  makemoft  for  Gods 
 glory,  and  the  pej^ce  and  good  of  this  church. 
 
 The  LIST  of  the  Divines,  %vho  met  in  the  Assem3I.T  ef 
 WESTMiNSTfcR,  Alphabetically  fet  do=vtm. 
 
 ANDREW  Dern. 
 Anthony  Burgefs. 
 Anthony  Tuckney. 
 Arthur  Salway. 
 Benjamin  Pickering. 
 Charles  Herle, 
 Chriftopher  Tefdale. 
 Cornelius  Burgefs, 
 Daniel  Cawdry. 
 Edmund  Calamy. 
 Edmund  Staunton. 
 Edward  Corbet. 
 Edward  Pele. 
 Edward  Reynolds. 
 
 Francis  Cheynel. 
 Francis  Taylor. 
 
 Francis  Woodcock. 
 
 Gafper  Hick-es. 
 
 George  Gipps. 
 
 George  Walker. 
 
 Henry  Ha]l. 
 
 Henry  Painter. 
 
 Henry  Scudder. 
 
 Henry  Wilkifon  y^'/i/c;'. 
 
 Henry  Wilkifony««ior. 
 
 Herbert  Palmer. 
 
 Humphrey  Chalmers. 
 
 Humphrey  Hardwick, 
 
 Jeremiah  Burrows. 
 
 Jeremiah  Whit^ker, 
 
 John  Arrowfmith,, 
 
 John  Bonda 
 
 Joiiw  Conant. 
 John  Ds  la  Marcli»     . 
 John  Dury. 
 John  Foxcroft, 
 John  Green. 
 John  Guibon. 
 John  Jackfon. 
 John  Largley, 
 John  Ley. 
 John  Lightfootv 
 John  Maynard. 
 John  Philips. 
 John  Strickland. 
 John  Ward. 
 John  Whincop* 
 John  White. 
 Jofeph  Caryl. 
 Jolcph  Ho]^e. 
 Lazarus  Seaman." 
 Matthew  Newcomen. 
 Nicholas  ProfFet. 
 Obadiah  Sadgvrick- 
 Oliver  Bowles. 
 Peter  Clark. 
 Peter  Smith. 
 Peter  Sterry. 
 Philip  Delme, 
 Philip  Nye. 
 Richard  Byfield. 
 Richard  Clyton. 
 Richard  Heyrick. 
 Richard  Vines. 
 
 Jlobeft 
 
C    no   3 
 
 Kobert  Harris. 
 
 Thomas  Micklethwalte 
 
 S^amuel  De  la  Place. 
 
 Thomas  Temple. 
 
 Samuel  Gibfon. 
 
 Thomas  Thorowgood. 
 
 Sidrach  Simfon. 
 
 Thomas  Valentine. 
 
 Simeon  AQie. 
 
 Thomas  Wilfon. 
 
 Srtanley  Gower. 
 
 Thomas  Young. 
 
 Stephen  MarOiall. 
 
 William  Bridge. 
 
 Theodore  Backhurft. 
 
 William  Carter. 
 
 Thomas  Bailey. 
 
 William  Good. 
 
 Thomas  Carter. 
 
 William  Gouge. 
 
 Thomas  Cafe. 
 
 William  Greenhill. 
 
 Thomas  Coleman. 
 
 William  Mew. 
 
 Ihomas  Foord. 
 
 William  Price. 
 
 TEhomas  Gattaker. 
 
 William  Rathband. 
 
 Thomas  Goodwin. 
 
 William  Reynor. 
 
 Thomas  Hill. 
 
 William  Spurftow. 
 
 Thomas  Hodges. 
 
 William  Twifle. 
 
 Coi\iMissiONERs  ^rom  the  General    Assembly  of  the 
 Church  (j/' ScoTLAiiD.  . 
 
 Minijlers. 
 
 ^  M   Lexander  Henderfon. 
 jr\.  George  Gillefpie. 
 Samuel  Rutherfoord. 
 Kobert  Bailie. 
 Robert  Douglas. 
 
 Rul'ing  Elders-^ 
 
 John  earl  of  Cafllls. 
 John  lord  Maitland. 
 Sir  Archibald  Johnftoun  of 
 Warriftoun. 
 
 Henry  Roborough. 
 Adoniram  Byfield, 
 John  Wallis. 
 
 Scrib^^ 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 SOLEMN    LEAGUE 
 
 AND 
 
 COVENANT. 
 
 P    P    R 
 
 Reformation  and  defence  of  religion ;  the  Ko 
 nour  and  happinefs  of  the  king  ;  and  the 
 peace  and  fafety  of  the '  three  kingdoms  csf 
 Scotland^  England^  and  Ireland, 
 
 Taken  and  Subfcribed  feveral  times  by  King  Charles 
 II.  and  by  all  ranks  in  the  faid  three  Kingdoms, 
 
 WITH 
 
 At  Act  of  the  General  Afiembly  1643,  ^"^^  ^n  Act  «f 
 ParUament  1644,  ratifying  and  approving  th^  izi^  League 
 mnd  Covenant. 
 
 Jer.  1.  5.   Come,  let  us  join  onrfel'ues  to  the  Lord  in  a  perpetuai 
 
 covenant^  that  f)  all  not  be  forgotten. 
 ProV.  XXV.  5.   'Take  a%vaythe  nvicked  from  before  the  kingf  amS 
 
 his  throne  fljall  he  efiabli/fjed  in  righteoufnejs. 
 2  Chron.  XV.  5     jnd  all  fudah   rejoiced  at  the  oath  ,■  Jisf 
 
 they  had  fivorn  ivith  alt  their  heart. 
 Gal.  iii.  15. — Though  it  be  but  a  man's  covenant,  yet  if  it  ie 
 
 confirmed  by  an  oath t  no  man  difannulleth^  or  addeth  thereto. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Brycb,  in  the  Year  m  dgc  lxxxt. 
 
Affcmbly  at  Edinburgh,  Aiiguji  17,  1643.  Scff.  14. 
 
 ^Be  Refult  of  the  Debates  and  Confultntions  of  the  Committees 
 of  the.  Convention  of  EJlates  and  General  Ajfimblyy  appcifited 
 ta  meet  with  the  Conitnijftonen  0/  the  Parliament  of  England, 
 
 THE  committees  of  the  Convention  of  Eftates  in  Scot- 
 land, and  of  the  General  AlTembly,  being  appointed 
 to  meet  with  the  commiflioners  of  the  two  Houfes  of  the 
 ParUament  of  England,  upon  the  papers  delivered  in  by  the 
 faidcommiffioneis  unto  the  Convention  of  Eftates,  and  unto 
 the  General  AiTeaibly,  upon  the  12th  and  15th  of  this  in- 
 ftant,  1643,  concerning  the  delires  of  both  Houfes,  for  a 
 near  and  ftridt  union,  to  be  entered  into  by  the  two  king- 
 doms ;  and  it  being  declared  at  the  faid  meeting,  with  what 
 fenfible  affections  the  General  AlTembly  and  Convention  did 
 receive  the  delires  above  mentioned,  and  how  beneficial  k 
 would  be  for  the  more  firm  fettlcment  of  the  faid  union,  that 
 a  covenant  fhould  be  entered  into  by  both  nations  ;  and  this 
 form  thereof  being  by  all  the  forefaid  perfons  taken  into  moft 
 ferious  debate  and  confideration,  and  agreed  unto  ;— it  was 
 thereupon  refolved  by  them,  that  it  fhould  be  prefented  to 
 the  General  Aflembly,  to  the  Convention  of  Eftates  of  Scot- 
 land, and  to  the  two  Houfes  of  the  Parliament  of  England, 
 by  their  refpeClive  committees  and  commiftSoners,  that  it  might 
 with  all  fpeed  receive  their  refpeCtive  refolutions.  * 
 
 (Subfcribed)        J.  PRIMROSE. 
 A.  KER. 
 W.  BOND,  Seo.  Com. 
 
 A^emhlf  zt  Edinburgh,  j^uguji  ij,  1643.  Sefl*.  14. 
 
 The  General  Jjjemblfs  approbation  of  the  Solemn  Leagve 
 and  Covenant. 
 
 TH  E  AfTembly  having  recommended  unto  a  committee, 
 appointed  by  them  to  join  with  the  committee  of  the 
 honourable  Convent-ion  of  Eftates,  and  the  commiflioners  of 
 tfae  honourable  Houfes  of  the  Parliament  ot  England,  for 
 
 bringing 
 
 *  This  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  was  fertwith  the  coritr.'ifia- 
 fiers  of  the  Genfra!  AfTembly  tc>  England,  where,  after  it  was  there 
 receifed  and  approven  by  the  Parlianxnt  and  Aflemblv  of  D.T^nes  ru 
 that  kingdom,  it  was  printed  and  publilhed  by  au  ordiuaftce  ot  ihc 
 Kculc  of  Gooiraans,  SapteiMber  11,  j643. 
 
C    113    "J 
 
 bringing  the  kinaidoms  to  a  more  near  conjur^ion  and  union, 
 receivecl  from  the   aforefaid  commi'aees  tl^e  covenant  after- 
 mentioned,  as  the  refult  of  their  confuUatioiis  :  and  having 
 taken  the  Ame,  as  a  matter  of  fo  public  concernment  aiid  oi 
 fo  deep  importance  doth  require,  unto  their  graveft  confide- 
 ration,  did,  tvithall  their  hearts,  and  with  the  beginnings  of 
 tiie  feelings  of  that  joy  which  they  did  find  in  io  great  uiea- 
 fure  upon  the  renovation  of  the  National  Covenant  of  this  • 
 kirk  and  kingdom,  all  with  one  voice  approve  and  embrace 
 the  fdme,  as  the  moil  powerful  mean,  by  the  blefling  of  God, 
 for  fettling  and  preferving  the  true  Proteftant  rehgion  with. 
 perfect  peace  in  his  majefty's  dominions,  and  propagating  the 
 fame  to  othernations,  andfor  eftablilliing  his  majefty's  throne 
 to  aU  ages  and  generations.     And  therefore,  with  their  beft 
 afFeflions,  recommended  the  fame  to  the  honourable  Conven- 
 tion of  Eftates,  tl.at  beiag  examined  and  approved  by  them, 
 it.  may  be  fenc  wiih  all  diligence  to  the  kingdom  of  England, 
 that  being  received  and  a p proven  there,  the  fame  may  b?, 
 with  public  humiliation,, and  all  religious  and  anfwerable  fo- 
 lemnity,  fworn  and  fubfcribed  by  all  true  profeffors   of  the 
 reformed  religion,  and  all  his  majefly's  good  fubjefts  in  botl\ 
 kingdoms. 
 
 A.  JOHNSTON. 
 
 T^e  Acl  of  the  Convention  of  EJIates  approvipg  of  the  League 
 and  Covenant,   lyr/j  Awgull,  1643. 
 
 THE  noblemen,  commiflioners  of  fliires  and  borough?, 
 now  conveened,  having  received  the  covenant  above 
 mentioned  from  their  committee,  as  the  refult  of  their  con- 
 fultations  with  a  committee  of  the  General  Air^mbly,  and  the 
 commiflioners  from  both  Houfes  of  the  Parliament  of  Etig- 
 land  ;  and  having  taken  that  covenant  unto  their  gravelt 
 confideration,  did,  with  all  their  hearts,  and  great  exprefll- 
 ons  of  joy  and  unanimity,  approve  and  embrrce  the  l\ime,  as 
 the  motl  po'werfulmean,  by  the  b! effing  of  God,  for  fettling 
 and  preferving  the  true  Proteflant  religion  v/ith  a  perfe<it 
 peace  in  all  his  majefty's  dominions,  and  propaguingthe  fame 
 to  other  nations,  and  for  eiiablilhing  his  majefty's  throne  ta 
 all  ages.  And  being  very  confident,  that  their  brethren  ia 
 the  kihgdom  of  England  will  heartily  receive  and  approve  the 
 famen  ', — therefore,  according  to  the  earneft  recomrfiendati- 
 on  of  that  venerable  Alftmbly  of  this  kirk  now  met,  thinks  it 
 mofl  necefi'ary  for  the  good  ends  aforefaid,  that  it  be  fent  in- 
 to that  kingdom  with  all  diligence,  that  being  i-eceived  and 
 
 O  approved 
 
C    114    "3  * 
 
 approved  br  their  brethren  there,  the  fame  may  be,  with  all 
 religious  foleninitles,  fworn  anti  rubfcribed  by  all  true  pro- 
 feflbis  of  the  reformed  religion,  and  ail  his  inajeft;y*s  good 
 iubje^ls  iu  both  kingdoms. 
 
 ARCHd.  primrose,  Cler.  Conu 
 
 The  Jla  of  the  Comm'ijfion  of  the  General  /IJfemhly^  for  the  fe- 
 iernn  receivings  fwenringy  and  fu\fcribihg  of  the  SOLEMN 
 LtAGUE  and  Covenant. 
 
 At  Edinburgh f   nth.  OSloBerf   1*543. 
 
 THE  commiffioners  of  the  General  AfTembly,  having 
 received  from  their  brethren  fent  unto  the  kingdom 
 of  lingiand,  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  underwritten^ 
 as  it  was  apnroven  by  the  honourable  Houfes  of  the  ParJia- 
 ment  of  England,  and  the  AfTembly  of  Divines  in  that  king- 
 dom, and  folemnly  fworn  and  fubfcribed  there  *, — after  due 
 examination  thereof,  did  sU  in  one  voice  moft  heartily  re- 
 ceive and  embrace  the  fame,  as  agreeing  with  tbe  draught  u- 
 nanimoufly  and  chearfuUy  approven  and  embraced  by  the  late 
 General  AiTembly,  and  Convention  of  Eftates,  as  the  moft 
 powerful  mean,  by  thebleffing  of  God,  for  fettling  and  pre- 
 ferring the  true  Proteftant  religion,  with  perfect  peace  in  his 
 majefty's  dominions,  and  propagating  the  fame  to  other  na- 
 tions, and  for  eftablifhing  his  majeQy's  throne  to  all  ages  and 
 generations  :  And  therefoi-e,  according  to  the  power  given 
 to  them  by  rhe  faid  AfTembly,  ordain  this  So'emn  League 
 and  Covenant  to  be,  with  public  humiliation  and  all  religious 
 folemnifies,  received,  fAorn,  and  fubfcribed  by  all  minifters 
 and  profefTors  within  this  kirk  ;  and,  that  this  may  be  urti- 
 verfally  performed,  it  is  alfo  ordained,  that  this  League  and 
 Covenant  be  forthwith  printed,  and  that  the  printed  copies, 
 bound  with  fome  clean  iheets  of  paper,  be  fent  unto  the  mi- 
 riflry,  and  that  every  minifter,  upon  the  firft  Lord's  day  af- 
 ter the  fame  flxall  come  to  his  hands,  read  and  explain  itj  and 
 by  exhortation  prepare  the  people  to  the  fwearing  and  (ub- 
 fcribing  thereof  folemnly,  the  Lord's  day  next  immediately 
 following-)-.     And  it  is  further  ordained,  that  prefbyteries 
 
 t.£ke 
 
 *  a?tb  September,  7645. 
 
 t  Accoidin.?ly  there  are  ^creral  cojnes  of  this  Covenant  printed  Jo 
 At'/,  b.jun'l  with  ckan  paptrat  the  en  i  tiiereof,  and  unon  the  liead  of 
 every  inj^e  of  the  lame,  theCe  words  are  in  piint,  viz.  Th9  Stthfcrh 
 bers  of  the  L:ague  andCovnanty  iin-ier  wuichare  orginalTuoKrip- 
 tioiis  ul  mA'Xi  uuaditds,  \(i\i%  aadi643. 
 
C    US    3 
 
 take  account  of  the  performance  hereof  in  their  fevcral  bounrfs, 
 and  that  they  proceed  with  the  cenfures  of  the  kirk  again  it 
 all  fnch  as  fhall  refufe,  or  flifft  to  fwear  and  fublcribe  this 
 League  and  Covenant,  as  enemies  to  the  prefervation  and 
 propagation  of  religion  ;  and  that  they  notify  their  names, 
 and  make  particular  report  of  their  own  diligence  hereintil, 
 to  (his  commiffion,  or  their  moderator  or  clerk,  to  be  deli- 
 vered ^  them.  And  the  commiflioners  think  it  very  con- 
 venient, for  good  example,  and  the  better  eucouragenient  of 
 others,  that  this  covenant  be  folemnly  fworn  and  fubfcvibed 
 by  themfelves  now  prefent,  before  the  congregation  in  the 
 Eaff  Kirk,  upon  Friday  next,  the  13th  of  this  inftant,  artir 
 fermon  and  exhortation  to  be  made  by  Mr  Robert  Douglas 
 moderator  ;  and  that  the  commifioners  of  the  Conveiuioa 
 of  Eftates  now  in  town,  and  the  commiiHoners  from  the  Par- 
 liament of  England,  and  the  divines  of  that  kingdom  here 
 prefent,  be  earneftly  dellred  to  joia  with  them  in  this  foleinn 
 ^iid  religious  aciion., 
 
 A.  KER. 
 
 T^e  A&  of  the  Comnujp.or.ers  of  the  Convent io?!  of  £fateSy  ^«- 
 joimnv  the  National  Entering  into  ?/5>^  SoLEMN  League 
 and  Coven  AN  r. 
 
 At  Edinburgh y  the  1 2th  of  G^ohr,  ^64^. 
 
 THE  commiffioners  of  the  Convenrion  of  Eftates,  hav, 
 ing  received  from  the  commiffioners  of  the  General 
 AfTembly,  the  Solepnn  League  and  Covenant  underwritten, 
 approven  and  folemnly  fworn  and  fubfcribed  in  the  kingdom 
 of  England  ;  and  having  taken  the  fame  to  their  ferious  con- 
 fideration,  do  unanimoufly  and  chearfuUy  receive  and  em- 
 brace it,  as  agreeing  with  that  draught  approven  by  the  late 
 Convention  of  Eftates  and  General  AfTembly:  and  therefore 
 ordains  the  fame  to  be,  with  all  religious  fbleniniues,  fworn 
 and  fubfcribed  by  all  his  majefty's  fubje£ls  of  this  kingdom  ; 
 and  that  under  the  pain  to  fuch  as  (hall  poftpotie  or  refule, 
 to  be  efteemed  and  puniftied  as  enemies  to  religion,  his  ma- 
 jefty's  honour,  and  pea-ce  of  thir  kingdoms ;  and  to  have  their 
 goods  and  rents  confifcate  for  the  ufe  of  the  ptiblic  ;  and 
 that  they  fhall  not  bruik  nor  enjoy  any  benefit,  place,  nor 
 office  within  this  kingdom.  And  alfo  ordains  all  lli«rilts, 
 ftewarts,  and  others  his  majefty's  magiftr.ites  in  burgh  and 
 land,  and  committees  in  the  feveral  ftures,  to  be  affifring  to 
 Diinifters  and  Preibyteries  in  procuiing  real  obedience  here- 
 
 O  2  unto 
 
unto  ;  and  that  with  all  diligence  thevtriske  report  to  the 
 committee  of  Eftates,' and  the  names  of  all  luch  perfons  as 
 fliall  pofiponc  or  r*fufe,  to  tiic  effc^fl  courfe  may  be  taken 
 •with  them  as  aforelhid  ;  and  that  they  may  be  cited  to  au- 
 fwer  to  the  next  Parliament,  as  enemies  to  religion,  king, 
 and  kingdoms,  and  to  receive  what  further  punifament  his 
 majefty  and  parliament  /hall  inflicl:  upon  tliem.  And  farther 
 ordaiiis  thir  prefents  (o  be  printed  with  the  formw  act^of  the 
 JEftates,  and  publilhed  at  the  market- crcffes  of  the  head  bo- 
 roughs of  this  kingdom,  wherethrough  none  pretend  igno- 
 rance of  the  Tame. 
 
 ARCHd.  primrose,  Cler.  Com. 
 
 The  Article  oftha  Treaty,  agreed  i.pon  betwixt  the  Commijfteners 
 oj  the  Convention  of  Ejlntes  of  the  kingdom  of  Scotland^  autho^ 
 rized  by  the  Cowmittee  of  the  /aid  Ejiates,  and  the  Commi^io- 
 tiers  of  both  Houfes  of  the  Parhamejit  of  England,  having 
 ponver  and  cornmijjion  from  the  f aid  honourable  Houfes,  cotf 
 cerning  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  ;  and  the  ajfifance 
 demanded  in  the  purfiiance  of  the  ends  exprejfed  in  thefamen^ 
 ftgned  at  Edinburgh y  November  29//^,  1643. 
 
 • IT'IRST,  It  is  agreed  and  concluded,  that  ;he  Cove- 
 
 JP  nant,  reprefented  to  the  Convention  of  Eftates  and 
 General  AfTembly  of  Scotland,  and  Tent  to  both  Houies  of 
 the  Parliament  in  England,  in  the  fame  form  as  it  is  now  re- 
 turned from  the  two  Houies  of  the  Parliament  of  England  to 
 their  brethren  of  Scotland,  and  allowed  by  the  commhtee  of 
 Eftates  and  commiffioners  of  the  General  AiTcrnbly,  befworn 
 and  fub'cribed  by  both  kingdoms,  as  a  moft  near  tye  and 
 conjun£lion  betwixt  them,  for  their  mutual  defence  againlt 
 the  Papift  and  Prelatical  faftion,  and  their  adherents  in  both 
 kingdoms  5  and  for  purfuaiice  of  the  ends  expreffed  in  the 
 laid  covenant. 
 
 The  rcfl  of  the  Articles  having  a  relation  to  civil  affairs ^  are 
 here  omitted. 
 
 Charles  J.  Pari.  3.  A£l  5. 
 
 Aclanent  the  Ratif  cation  oj  the  Calling  of  the  Convention^  Rati- 
 Jication   of  the   League  and  Covenant,  Articles  of  Treaty  be' 
 tivixt  the  Kingdoms  if  Scotland  and  Enpland,  and  remaneni 
 ABs  of  the  Convention  of  Eftates  and  Committee  thereof. 
 At  Edinburgh,  July  15,  1644. 
 
 THE  Eftates  cf  Parliament  prefently  conveened  by  virtue 
 of  the  laft  3(51  of  the  lall  Pai-liament  holden  by  his  ma- 
 
jeflf, anJ  the  three  Eflates,  m  anno  1641,  confidering,  Tha't^ 
 the  lords  of  his  majelly's  privy  council,  and  coinmiflionera 
 for  confcrving  the  articles  of  the  treaty,  having,  according  to 
 their  intereft  and  truft  committed  to  them  by  his  ninjeflj 
 and  eHates  of  Parliament,  ufed  all  means  by   fiipplications, 
 rembnfirances,  and  fending  of  commiffionerf.,  for  fecuring 
 the  peace  of  this  kingdom,  and  removing  the  unhappy  diJ"-» 
 traftions  betwixt  his  majefty  and  his  fnbjefts  in  England,  ia 
 fuch  a  v/ny  23  might  ic\'\t  raoft  for  his  majefty's  honour,  and 
 good  cf  both  kingdoms  ;  and  their  humble  and  drtiful  endea- 
 vours for  fo  good  ends  having  proven  inefFeclual,  and  their 
 offer  pf  mediation  and  interceijjon  being  refufed  by  his  ma- 
 jeAy, — and  thereby  finding  the  weight  and  difliculty  of  af- 
 fairs, and  the  charge  lying  on  them,  to  be  greater  than  they 
 could  bear  ;  did  therefore,  in  the  month  of  May  1643,  meet 
 together  with  the  co.nmifBoners  for  the  common  burdens, 
 that  by  joint  advice  fome  refolution  might  be  taken  therein.; 
 and,  in  refpect  of  the  danger  imminent  to  the  true  Proteftant 
 religion,  his  majefty's  honour,  and  peace  of  thir  kingdoms, 
 by  the  multitude  of  Papifts  and  their  adherents  in  arms  ;ia 
 England  and  Ireland,  and  of  many  other  public  and  import- 
 ant affairs,  which  could  net  admit  delay,  and  did  require  the 
 advice  cf  the  reprefentative  body  of  the  kingdom  ;  appointed 
 gnd  caufed  indi£l  a  meeting  of  the  Convention  of  Eftates  (his 
 majefly  having  formerly  refufed  their  humble  defires  for  ;a 
 Parliaaient)  to  be  on  the  12A  of  June  following  5  which  diet 
 being  frequently  kept  by  the  noblemen,  commifiioners  of 
 fliires  and  burghs, — and  they  finding  tbefe  dangers  againft 
 this  kirk  and  Hate  Hill  increafing,  refolved,  after  lerious  deli- 
 beration and  advice  cf  the  General  AfTembly,  and  joint  con- 
 currence of  the  commiSioners  authorized  by  the  Parliament 
 of  England,  that  one  of  the  chiefefl  remedies  for  preventing 
 of  thefe  and  the  like  dangers,  for  prefervation  of  rehgion  and 
 both  kingdoms  from  ruin  and  deftruction,  and  for  procuring 
 of  peace,  that  both  kingdoms  fhould,  for  thefe  ends,  enter 
 into  covenant  -,  which  was  accordingly  drawn  up,  and  chear- 
 fuUy  embraced  and  allowed. — And,  at  laft,  a  treaty  was  a- 
 grced  unto  by  both  kingdoms  concerning  the  faid  covenant, 
 and  afliflance  craved  from  this  kingdom  by  the  kingdom  of 
 England,  in  purfuance  of  the  ends  expreffed  therein  : — And 
 the  EHates  being  tiill  defirous  to  ufe  all  good  means,  that, 
 without  the  cffuiion  of  more  blood,  there  may  be  luch  ablef- 
 fed  pacification  betv/ixt  his  majefty  and  his  fubjefts,  as  maf 
 tend  to  the  good  of  religion,  his  niijefty's  true  honour   and 
 fafety,  and  happinefs  of  his  people,  did  therefore  give  coni- 
 
 miilioa 
 
c  118  r 
 
 mTflion  to  John  earl  of  Lowdon,  lord  chancellor,  lord  Mait- 
 fsrtid,  lord  Warrifton,  and  Mr.  Robert  Barclay,  to  repair  to 
 England,  and  endeavour  the  effecluating  of  thefecndscomain- 
 cd  in  the  covenant  and  treaties,  conform  to  their  inllruftions. 
 And  the  laid  Eftates  having  taken  the  proceedings  above- 
 written  to  their  confideration,  do  find  and  declare,  That  the 
 lords  of  council  and  confervers  of  peace,  did  behave  them* 
 felves  as  faithful  counfellors,  loyal  fubjeds,  and  good  patri- 
 ots, in  tendering  their  humble  endeavours  for  removing  the 
 liSftraftions  betwixt  his  majefty  and  his  fubjefts,  and  in  caU 
 Eng  the  commiflioners  for  the  common  burdens,  and  by  joint 
 advice  appointing  the  late  meeting  of  Convention,  wherein 
 they  have  approven  themfelves  anfwerable  to  the  duty  of  their 
 places,  and  that  truft  committed  to  them  ;  and  therefore  ra- 
 tifies and  approves  their  whole  proceedings  therein,  and  de- 
 clares the  faid  Convention  was  lawfully  called,  and  as  full  and 
 free  in  itfelf,  confiding  of  all  the  members  thereof,  as  any 
 Convention  hath  been  at  any  time  bygone  j  and  ratifies  and 
 approves  the  feveral  afis  made  by  them,  or  their  committee, 
 for  enjoining  the  Covenant. — And  alio,  the  faid  Ertates  of 
 Parliament  (but  prejudice  of  the  premifes,  and  of  the  general 
 ratification  above  mentioned)  ratifies,  approves,  and  confirms 
 theforefaid  mutual  League  and  Covenant,  concerning  the  re- 
 formation and  defence  of  religion,  the  honour  and  happinefs 
 of  the  king,  and  the  peace  and  fafety  of  the  three  kingdoms 
 of  Scotland,  England,  and  Ireland  ;  together  with  the  afts 
 of  the  kirk  and  Eftate  authorizing  the  fame  League  and  Co- 
 Tcnant ;  together  alio  with  the  foreAiid  articles  of  treaty  a- 
 grecd  upon  betwixt  the  faid  commifiioners  of  the  Convention 
 of  Eftates  of  Scotland,  and  the  commifiioners  of  both  the 
 Kouies  of  Parliament  of  England,  concerning  the  faid  So- 
 lemn League  and  Covenant. — And  the  laid  Eftiatcs  ordainu 
 the  fame  a6ts,  with  the  League  and  Covenant  above  fpecifi- 
 ed,,  a^ls  authorizing  the  fame,  and  the  articles  of  treaty  forc- 
 iaid,  to  have  the  full  force  and  ftrength  of  perfedl  laws  and 
 a«Els  of  Parliament,  and  to  be  obferved  by  all  his  majcfty*^s  lie- 
 ges, conform  to  the  tenors  thereof  refpeilive.  Of  the  which, 
 League  and  Covenant,  zCts  authorizing  the  fame,  treaties  a- 
 bove-written the  tenors  follow. 
 
 ITie  tg!:ors  of  all  follow  rn  the  aB  of  Parliament^  hut  here  the 
 Covenant  onlyjollonvs  ;  the  aEls  authorizing  the  fame  ^  and  rela- 
 tive article  of  the  treaty ^  beiag  placed  before  this  atl, 
 
 THE 
 
C  "9  ] 
 
 THE 
 SOLEMN  LEAGUE  and  COVENANT, 
 
 FOR 
 
 Reformation  and  defence  of  religion  ;  the  honour  anfl 
 liappinefs  of  the  king  ;  and  the  peace  and  fafety  of 
 the  three  kingdoms  oiScoiIancIiEngIand,znd  Irdund» 
 
 AGHTEDUPONBY 
 
 Commlffioners  from  the  Parliament  and  Aflembly  of  Divines 
 in  England^  with  Commiffioners  of  the  Convention  of  JE- 
 fiates  and  General  Aflembly  in  Scotland, 
 
 'j^pproven  by  the  General  AJfembly  of  the  church  of  Scotland,  and 
 by  both  Hoiifes  of  Parliament  ani^  AJfembly  ef  Divines  in  Eng^ 
 land^  and  taken  and  fubfcribed  by  them.  Anno  1643  ,•  ni]M 
 thereafter,  by  the  /aid  authority,  taken  and fubjcrib£d  b^  -aU 
 ranks' in  Scotland  and  England  the  fame  year  ^  and  ratified  fy^ 
 aB  of  the  Parliament  of  Scotland,  Anno  1644  ••  and  agam 
 renewed  in  Scotland,  nvith  an  acknowledgment  of  Jins ,  and  em^ 
 gagement  to  duties,  by  all  ranks.  Anno  1648,  and  ^v  the 
 Parliament  1649;  and  taken  and  fubfcribed  by  K.  Charles  IL, 
 at  Speyy  June  23,  1650,  and  at  Spuony  January  i,  1651. 
 
 WE,  Noblemen,  Barons,  Knights,  Gentlemen,  Citi- 
 zens, Burgefles,  Minifters  of  the  gofpel,  and  Coaa- 
 mons  of  all  forts,  in  the  kingdoms  of  Scotland,  England^ 
 and  Ireland,  by  the  providence  of  God,  living  under  oac 
 king,  and  being  of  one  reformed  religion,  having  before  our 
 eyes  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  advancement  of  the  kingdoaa 
 ©four  Lord  and  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift,  the  honour  and  happi- 
 nels  of  the  king's  roajefty  and  his  pofterity,  and  the  true  pai- 
 blic  liberty,  fafety,  and  peace  of  the  kingdoms,  wherein  ev.2- 
 ry  one's  private  condition  is  included  :  and  calling  to  mind 
 the  treacherous  and  bloody  plots,  confpiracies,  attempts,  and 
 praftices  of  the  enemies  of  God  againrt  the  true  religion  acd 
 proklTors  thereof  in  all  places,  efpecially  in  thefe  three  king- 
 
 dom^:. 
 
riO'   'J'he  Solemn  League  and  Covenant. 
 
 doms,  ever  Jince  the  reformation  of  religion  ;  and  hon'*much 
 tlieir  rage,  power,  and  preiumption  arc  of  Jate,  and  at  thiSf 
 time,  increr.ied  and  exercifed,  whereof  the  deplorable  fl:ate 
 ©f  the  church  an"d  kingdom  of  Ireland,  the  diftrefled  eftate 
 of  the  church  and  kingdom  of  England,  and  jhe  dangerous 
 eftate  of  the  church  and  kingdom  of  Scotland,  are  preient 
 and  public  telVimonies  ;  we  have  nbv  at  lad,  (after  other 
 means  of  fupplication,  remonftrance,  proteftations,  and  fuf- 
 ferings)  for  the  prefervation  of  ourfelves  and  oiir  religion 
 from  utter  ruin  and  deflruction,  according  to  the  commen- 
 dable practice  of  thefe  kingdoms  in  former  times,  and  the 
 example  of  God's  people  in  other  nations:  after  mature  deli- 
 beration, refolved  and  determined. to  enter  into  a  mutual  and 
 Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  wherein  we  all  fubfcribe,  and 
 each  one  of  us  for  himfelf,  with  our  hands  lifted  up  to  THE 
 MOST  HIGfl  GOD,  do  Iwear  : 
 
 I,  rnr^HAT  we  fliall  fincer^ly,  really,  and  conflantly,  thro* 
 X  the  grace  of  God,  endeavour,  in  our  icveral  places 
 and  callings,  the  prefervation  of  the  reformed  relig'on  in  the 
 ifhurch  of  Scotland,  in  doclrine,  worfliip,  difcipline,  and 
 government,  againfl:  our  common  enemies  ;  the  reformation 
 of  religion  in  the  kingdoms  of  England  and  Ireland,  in  doc- 
 trine, worlhip,  difcipline,  and  government,  according  to  the 
 word  of  God,  and  the  example  of  the  beft  reformed  churches : 
 and  fhall  endeavour  to  bring  the  churches  of  God  in  the  three 
 kingdoms  to  the  neareft  conjunftion  and  uniformity  in  reli- 
 gion, ConfciHon  of  Faith,  Form  of  church  government,  Di- 
 rectory for  worfhip  and  catechizing, — that  we,  and  our  po- 
 fterity  after  us,  may,  as  brethren,  live  in  faith  and  love,  and 
 the  Lord  may  delight  t^o  dwell  in  tlie  midfl  of  us. 
 
 II.  That  we  fliall,  in  like  manner,  without  refpe^l  of  per- 
 fons,  endeavour  the  extirpation  of  Popery,  Prelacy,  {that  2V, 
 church  government  by  archbiOiops,  bifhops,  their  chancel- 
 lors, and  commilTaries,  deans,  deans  and  chapters,  archdea- 
 cons, and  all  other  eccleliaftical  officers  depending  on  that 
 hierarchy)  fuperftition,  herefy,  fchifm,  profanenefs,  and 
 whatfoever  (hall  be  found  to  be  contrary  to  found  doftrine, 
 and  the  power  of  godlinels, — left  we  partake  in  other  men's 
 fins,  and  thereby  be  in  danger  to  receive  of  their  plagues, — 
 and  that  the  Lord  may  be  one,  and  his  name  one,  in  the 
 ahree  kingdoms. 
 
 ill.  We  (liall,  with  the  fame  flncerity,  reality,  and  con- 
 
 ftancy,  in  our  feveral  vocations,  endeavour,  with  our  eftates 
 
 .  and  lives,  mutually  to  preferve  the  rigflts  and  privikges  of 
 
 the 
 
T:he  Solemn  LEAfiufi  and  Covenant.        12 £ 
 
 the  Parliaments,  and  the  liberties  of  the  kingdoms  ;  and  to 
 
 preferve  and  defend  thS  king's  maj  ;fty's  perfon  and  authority, 
 in  the  prefervation  and  defence  of  the  true  religion,  and  H- 
 berties  of  the  kingdoms, — that  the  world  may  bear  Viritnefs 
 with  our  confciences  of  our  loyalty,  and  that  we  have  no 
 thoughts  or  intentions  to  diminifh  his  majcfty's  juft  power 
 and  c;reatners. 
 
 IV.  We  fhall  alfo,  with  all  faithfulnefs,  endeavour  the  dil- 
 covery  of  all  fuch  as  have  been,  or  (hall  be,  incendiaries,  nia- 
 lignants,  or  evil  inftruments,  by  hindering  the  reformation 
 of  religion,  dividing  the  king  from  his  people,  or  one  of  the 
 kingdoms  from  another,  or  making  any  faclion  or  parties  a« 
 mongfl;  the  people,  contrary  to  this  League  and^  Covenant,— 
 that  they  may  be  brought  to  public  trial,  and  receive  condiga 
 punifliment,  as  the  degree  of  their  offences  fhall  require  or 
 deferve,  or  tlie  fupreme  judicatories  of  both  kingdoms  refpec- 
 tively,  or  others  having  power  from  them  for  that  effeiit, 
 fliall  judge  convenient. 
 
 V.  And  whereas  the  happinefs  of  a  bleffed  peace  between 
 thefc  kingdoms,  denied  in  former  times  to  our  progenitors, 
 is  by  the  good  providence  of  God  granted  unto  us,  hath  been 
 lately  concluded  and  fettled  by  both  Parliament?, — vvc  fhall^ 
 each  one  of  us,  according  to  our  place  and  intereft,  endea- 
 vour that  they  remain  conjoined  in  a  firm  peace  and  union  to 
 all  pofterity,  and  that  juiiice  may  be  done  upon  the  wilful  op- 
 pofers  thereof,  in  manner  exprefled  in  the  precedent  article. 
 
 VI  We  (hall  alio,  according  to  our  places  and  callings,  in 
 this  common  caufe  of  religion,  liberty,  and  peace  of  the  king- 
 doms, aflift  and  defend  all  thofe  that  enter  into  this  League 
 and  Covenant,  in  the  maintaining  and  purfuing  thereof  ;  and 
 fliall  not  fufFerourfelves,  direftly  or  indireftly,  by  whatloever 
 combination,  perfuafion,  or  terror,  to  be  divided  and  with- 
 drawn  from  this  bleffed  union  and  conjunction,  whether  to 
 make  defe£lion  to  the  contrary  part,  or  to  give  ourfelves  up 
 to  a  deteftable  indifference  or  neutrality  in  this  caufe,  which 
 fo  much  concerneth  the  glory  of  God,  the  good  of  the  king- 
 doms, and  honour  of  the  king  j  but  fhall,  all  the  days  of  our 
 lives,  zealoufly  and  conftantly  continue  therein  againft  all  op- 
 pofition,  and  promote  the  fame,  according  to  our  power,  ,a- 
 gainft  all  lets  and  impediments  whatfoever  ;  and,  what  we 
 are  net  able  ourfelves  to  fupprefs  or  overcome,  we  (hall  reveal 
 and  make  known,  that  it  might  be  timely  prevented  or  re- 
 moved :  all  which  we  fhall  do,  as  in  the  fight  of  God. 
 
 And,  becaufe  thefe  kingdoms  are  guilty  of  many  fins  and 
 provocations  againft  God  and  his  Son  Jefus  Cbrift,  as  is  too 
 
 P  manifeft 
 
i2:i        TJ:3  Solemn  IjEac;ue  ani  Covenant. 
 
 irani.feO  by  our  prePint  dillreHes  and  dangers,  the  fruits  there- 
 of,— we  profefs  and  declare  before  God  and  the  world,  our 
 linLignecI  defire  to  be  hunibied  for  our  own  fuia,  and  for  the 
 i\:\s  cf  thele  kingdoms  ;  efpeci'-iUy  that  we  have  not,  as  we 
 ought,  v.dued  the  ineltiuiable  benefit  of  the  golpel, — that  we 
 b^*/enot  laboured  for  the  purity  and  pn-Acr  thereof,— and  that 
 we  have  not  endeavoured  to  receive  Ciiriil:  in  cur  hearvs,  nor 
 to  wj:U;  vvorthy  of  him  in  our  Hve?,  which  are  the  caufes  oi 
 pfher  ilns  and  tranrgreilions  '^o  much  abounding  amongft  us  ; 
 and  our  .true  and  unfeigned  purpofe,  defire,  and  endeavoi^r, 
 for  ourftlves,  and  all  others  under  cur  power  and  charge, 
 both  in  public  and  in  private,  in  all  duties  we  owe  to  God 
 and  rnaji,  to  anjend  our  lives,  and  each  one  to  go  before  an- 
 other in  the'exa.xple  of  a  real  reformation, — that   the  Lord 
 m;)y  turn  away  his  wrath  and  heavy  indignation,  and  cfta- 
 b!iih  thefe  churches  and  kingdoms  in  truth  and  peace.     And 
 this   Covenant  we  make  in  the  prefenee  of  ALMIGHTY 
 GOD,  the  Searcher  of  a'!  kscrts,  with  a  true  intention  to 
 perform  the  fame,  as  we  ihall  anfwer  at  that  great  day,  when 
 the  fecrets  of  all  hearts  fhall  be  difcloled  *,  moll  humbly  be- 
 feeching  the  Lord,  to  ftrengthen  us  by  his  Holy  Spirit  for 
 this  end,  and  to  blefs  our  deSres  and  proceedings  with  fuch 
 fuccel?,  as  may  be  deliverance  and  fafety  to  his  people,  and 
 encouragement  to  other  Chriftian  churches,  groaning  under, 
 or  in  danger  of  the  yoke  of  AntichriiU;m  tyranny,  to  join  in 
 the  fmie,  or  like  alTociation  and  covenant,  to  the  glory  of 
 God,  the  enlargement  of  the  kingdom  of  Jei'us  Chri/f,  and 
 the  peace  and  tranquility  cf  ChriHian  kingdoms  and  coiti- 
 nionweahhs. 
 
 Hoiv  ICif?^  Charles  II.  took  this  Covettcixt^  fee  Colle(rtion  of 
 A£l$,  ^c.  N*^.  2C.  There  are  cJfofeveral copies  of.  this  Co^vt- 
 iu,ni\  on  pa't'chtnsnty  ivHh  originaijubfcriptlovs,  *'■  ■. 
 
 January  30,  1643,-4 
 
 THE  Ordinance  Oi  the  Lords  and  Comn^'ju?,  authoriz- 
 ing che  commiiTloners  of  the  Great  Seal  of  England, 
 to  cali  before  them  ail  officirs,  riiniiters,  und  otlier  atten- 
 dants on  the  Great  Seal,  or  court  cf  chancery,  kind's  bench, 
 common  pleas,  exchequer,  and  court  wards  and  liveries,  and 
 to  tcntler  unto  every  of  them  the  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
 nant (ov  reformation,  and  for  making  void,  as  well  the  pla- 
 ce«  and  olllces  of  fucli  as  (iiall  re'u.'e  or  negle<!l:  'to  take  the 
 la.ue,  ai  alio,  for  reUraining  of  all  lawyers,  attorneys,  clerks, 
 
 or 
 
r  123  ] 
 
 or*  folkitorsy ^o  pr?lttife  or  folicit  in  r.ny  of  ths  f.  id  cbrrt?, 
 before  they  fii.iU  have  taken  the  faid  Solea.n  league  and  Cc- 
 \euant.     Sec  the  AHs  of  the  Pcrliarient  cj  Enghiud.         ■  ' 
 
 ^n  Ordinajice  of  the  I^ords  nri  Ccmmotis,  enjoirlng  the  t.i' 
 king  of  the  Infe  Solemn  League  and  Cove nn fit  throughout  the 
 Kingdcm  of  England j  end  Doinlnioti  of  Wales,  7d  Febru- 
 ary ia43,-4- 
 
 WHEREAS  aCovensr.t  for  the  preferviiticn  and  refor- 
 mation of  religion,  the  maintenance  and  defence  of 
 laws  and  liberties,  hath  been  thought  a  fit  an.!  excellent  means 
 to  acquire  the  favour  of  Almighty  God,  towards  the  tlvee 
 kingdoms  of  England,  Scotland,  nnd  Ireland  ;  and  likcwifc 
 to  unite  them,  and,  by  uniting,  to  ftrengthen  and  fcrtify 
 them  againft  the  common  enemy  of  the  true  reformed  reli- 
 gion, peace,  and  profpericy  of  tiiefe  kingdoms  :  And  where- 
 as both  Houfcs  of  Parliament  in  ringl;>nd,  the  cities  ot  l.ori- 
 don  and  Weftminfter,  and  the  kingdom  of  Scotland,  liave 
 already  taken  the  fame  j  it  is  noiy  ordered  and  ordained  by 
 the  Lords  and  Commons  in  Parliament,  That  the  ra;r:e  Co- 
 vensnc  be  folemnly  taken  in  all  places  throughout  the  kins^- 
 dcni  of  England  and  dominion  of  Wales.  And  for  the  bet- 
 ter and  more  orderly  taking  thereof,  thefe  directions  enfuing 
 are  appointed  and  enjoined  ftri(5lly  to  be  followed. 
 
 Instructions  for  the  Tnhijig  of  the  Solet.in    League 
 a-jjd  Covenant  throughout  the  Kingdom. 
 
 I.  ^  H  "iHAT  the  Speakers  of  both  Houfes  of  Parliament  do 
 I  Ipcedily  fend  (to  the  lord  general,  and  all  other 
 commanders  in  chief,  and  governors  of  towns,  forts,  caflles, 
 and  garrifons,  as  alfo,  to  the  eari  of  Warwick,  lordhigh  ad- 
 miral of  England)  tiue  copies  of  the  laid  Solemn  League  and 
 Covenant,  to  the  end  it  may  be  tr.ken  by  all  ofEcers  and  lol- 
 diers  under  their  feveral  commands. 
 
 1.  That  all  the  knights  and  bt^rgelTes,  now  in  Parliament, 
 do  take  fpecial  care,  fpeedily  to  fend  down  into  their  feveral 
 counties  (which  are  or  fhall  hereafter  be  under  the  power  of 
 the  Parliament)  a  competent  number  of  true  copies  ct  the 
 faid  League  and  Covenant,  unto  tiie  committees  of  pariia- 
 rr.-ent  in  their  feveral  counties -,  and  that  the  faid-commiftces 
 do,  within  fix  days  at  the  moil,  difperfe  the  faid  copies  to 
 every  p:;iilL  church  or  chapel  in  their  levcral  counties,  to  be 
 
 P  i  delivered 
 
124  lus'TViU CTloas  for  tahing  the 
 
 delivered  unto  the  minifters,  church  wardens,  or  conftable^ 
 of  the  feveral  pariflies. 
 
 3.  That  the  faid  committees  be  required  to  return  a  certi- 
 ficate of  the  day  when  they  received  the  laid  copies,  as  alio 
 the  day  they  lent  them  forth,  and  to  what  pnrilhesthey  have 
 fent  them  ;  which  certihcate  they  are  to  return  to  the  clerk 
 of  the  Parliament,  appointed  for  the  Commons  Houfe,  that 
 fo  an  account  may  be  given  of  it,  as  there  ihall  be  occafion. 
 
 4.  That  the  I'everal  mlnifters  be  required  to  read  the  faid 
 covenant  publicly  unto  their  people,  the  next  Lord's  day  after 
 they  receive  it,  and  prepare  their  people  for  it,  againft  the 
 time  that  they  fhall  be  called  to  take  it. 
 
 5.  That  the  faid  League  and  Covenant  be  taken  by  the 
 committees  of  Parliament,  in  the  place  where  they  refidc, 
 and  tendered  alfo  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  within  feven 
 days  after  it  comes  to  the  faid  committees  hands. 
 
 6.  That  the  faid  committees,  after  they  hare  taken  it  them- 
 ielves,  do  fpeedily  difperfe  themfclves  through  the  faid  coun- 
 ties, {0  as  three  or  four  of  them  be  together,  on  days  ap- 
 pointed, at  the  chief  places  of  meeting  for  the  feveral  divifi- 
 ons  of  the  faid  counties:  andfummonallthe  minifters,  church 
 wardens,  conftables,  and  other  officers  unto  that  pliace,  where, 
 after  a  fermon  preached  by  one  nppointed  by  the  committee 
 for  that  purpofe,  they  cauie  the  fame  miniller  to  tender  the 
 League  and  Covenant  unto  all  (uch  miniflers  and  other  offi- 
 cers, to  be  taken  and  fubfcribed  by  them,  in  the  prefence  o£ 
 the  faid  committees. 
 
 7.  That  the  faid  committee  do  withal  give  the  faid  mini- 
 fters  in  charge,  to  tender  it  unto  all  the  reft  of  their  parifhio- 
 rers  the  next  Lord's  day,  making  then  unto  their  laid  pari- 
 fhioners  Tome  folemn  exhortation  concerning  the  taking  and 
 obferving  thereof  :  and  that  the  faid  committees  do  alfo  re- 
 turn to  ihe  feveral  parilhes,  the  names  of  all  fuch  as  have  ta- 
 ken the  covenant  before  them,  who  yet  fliall  alfo  fubfcribe 
 their  names  in  the  book  or  roll  with  their  neighbours,  in 
 their  feveral  parifhcs :  and  if  any  minifter  refufe  or  neglect 
 to  appear  at  the  faid  fummons,  or  refufe  to  take  the  faid  co- 
 Tenant  before  the  cornmittee,  or  to  tender  it  to  his  parifb, 
 that  then  the  committees  be  careful  to  appoint  another  mini- 
 fler  to  do  it  in  his  >»iace. 
 
 8.  That  this  League  and  Covenant  be  tendered  to  all  men, 
 within  the  feveral  parifhes,  above  the  age  of  eighteen,  as  well 
 lodgers  as  inhabitants. 
 
 9.  That  It  be  recorainended  to  the  earl  of  Manchefter,  to 
 
 tJike 
 
Solemn  League  and  Covenant.     125 
 
 take  fpecial  care  that  it  bs  tendered  and  taken  in  the  Uni- 
 verfity  of  Cambridge. 
 
 10.  That,  for  the  better  encouragement  of  all  forts  of  per- 
 fons  to  take  it,  it  be  recommended  to  the  AlTembly  of  Di- 
 vines, to  make  a  brief  declaration,  by  way  of  exhortjition,  to 
 all  forts  of  perfons  to  take  it,  as  that  which  they  judge  not 
 only  lawful,  but  (all  things  confidered)  exceeding  expedient 
 and  neceffary  for  all  that  wilh  well  to  religion,  the  king  and 
 kingdom,  to  join  in,  and  to  be  a  lingular  pledge  of  God*s 
 gracious  goodnefs  to  all  the  three  kingdoms. 
 
 \ii.  That  if  any  miniftcr  do  rcfufe  to  take,  or  to  tender 
 the  covenant,  or  any  other  perfon  or  perfons  do  not  take  it 
 the  Lord's  day  that  it  is  tendered,  that  then  it  be  tendered 
 to  them  again  the  Lord's  day  following ;  and  if  they  Hill  con- 
 tinue t.o  refufe  it,  that  then  their  names  be  returned  by  the 
 minifter  that  tenders  it,  and  by  the  church  wardens  or  con- 
 ftablcs  unto  the  committees,  and  by  them  to  the  Houfe  of 
 Commons,  that  fiich  further  courfe  may  be  taken  with  themj 
 as  the  Houfes  of  Parliament  fhall  fee  caufe. 
 
 12.  That  all  fuch  perfons  as  are  within  the  feveral  pari- 
 fhes,  when  notice  is  given  of  the  taking  of  it,  and  do  abfent 
 themfelves  from  the  church  at  the  time  of  taking  it,  and  come 
 not  in  afterwards  to  the  minifter  and  church  wardens,  or  o- 
 Jher  ofScers,  to  take  it  in  their  prefence  before  the  return 
 l)e  made,  be  returned  as  refufers. 
 
 13.  The  manner  of  the  taking  it  to  he  thus : — **  The  mi- 
 nifter to  read  the  whole  Covenant  diftinftly  and  audibly  in 
 the  pulpit,  and,  during  the  time  of  the  reading  thereof,  the 
 whole  congregation  to  be  uncovered,  and  at  the  end  of  bis 
 reading  thereof,  all  to  take  it  {landing,  lifting  up  their  right 
 hands  bare  j  and  then  afterwards  to  iubfcribe  it  feverally,  by 
 •writjng  their  names  (or  their  marks,  to  which  their  names 
 are  to  be  added)  in  a  parchment  roll,  or  a  book,  whereinto 
 4hc  Covenant  is  to  be  inferted,  purpofely  provided  for  that 
 end,  and  kept  as  a  record  in  the  parifh. 
 
 14.  That  the  AlTembly  of  Divines  do  prepare  an  e^^horta-' 
 tion  for  the  better  taking  the  Covenant :  and  that  the  faid  ex- 
 hortation, and  the  declaration  of  the  kingdoms  of  England 
 and  Scotland,  joined  in  the  armies,  for  the  vindication  and 
 defence  of  their  religion,  liberties,  and  laws,  againftthePo- 
 pifh,  Prelatical,  and  malignant  party,  and  pafTed  the  30th 
 of  January  laft  *,  be  publicly  read  when  the  Covenant  is 
 readj  actording  to  the  fourth  and  fixtli  articles  :  and  that  a 
 
 fuf- 
 
 *  Whicli  Declaration  Is  printed  by  ordjr  of  the  Convention  of  E*: 
 fiates  va  Scotland)  and  ai  the  Pariument la  £^ng(a(id  Ji644> 
 
126^-  7he  Affemhlys  EXHORTATION  to  the 
 
 fiiBicient  number  of  the  copies  of  the  faid  declaration  be  fent 
 by  the  psrfons  appointed  to  fend  the  true  copies  of  the  f^id 
 Covenant,  in  the  firil  and  fecond  articles. 
 
 Are  Exhortation  ta  the  taking  of  the  Solemn  League 
 and  Covenant,  Jcr  Rejormation  and  Defence  of  Religion y 
 the- honour  and  happinefs  of  the  King^  mid  the  Peace  and  ^aje' 
 fy  of  the  Three  Kingdoms  of  England y  Scotland^  and  Ireland. 
 
 IF  the  power  of  religion,  or  folid  re-ifon, — if  loyr.lty  to  the 
 king,  and  pity  to  their  native  country,  or  love  to  them- 
 letves,  and  natural  affection  to  their  poilerity, — if  the  exam- 
 pFe  of  men  touched  with  a  deep  fenfe  of  all  thele,  or  extraor- 
 dinary fuccefs  from  God  thereupon,  can  awal<en  an  embroil- 
 ed bleeding  remnant  to  embrace  the  (bvereign  and  only  means 
 oC  their  recovery,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  but  this  Solemn 
 League  and  Covenant  will  find,,  wherefoevcr  it  (hall  be  ten- 
 cJered,  a  people  ready  to  entertain  it  with  all  cheerfulnefs  and 
 dlity^ 
 
 And,  were  it  not  commended  to  the  kingdom  by  the  con- 
 current encouragement  of  the  honourable  Houfes  of  Parlia- 
 ment, the  Aflembly  of  Divines,'  the  renowned  city  of  Lon- 
 don, multitudes  of  other  perfons  of  eminent  rank  and  quality 
 m  this  nation,  and  the  whole  body  of  Scotland,  who  hate  all 
 willingly  fworn  and  fubfcribed  it,  with  rejoicing  at  the  oath. 
 Tor  gracioufly  feconded  from  heaven  already,  by  blafting  the- 
 counlels  and  breaking  the  power  of  the  enemy  more  than  e- 
 ver ;  yet  it  goeth  forth  in  its  own  ftrength,  with  fuch  con- 
 Tincrng  evidence  of  equity,  truth,  and  righteoufnefs,  as  may 
 raife  in  all  (not  wilfully  ignorant,  or  mif^^rably  leduced)  in- 
 Samed  affeclions  to  join  with  their  brethren  in  this  happy 
 bond,  for  putting  an  end  to  the  prefent  miferies,  and  for 
 faving  both  of  king  and  kingdom  from  utter  ruin,  nov  io 
 f!i;ongIy  and  openlv  laboured  by  the  Popilh  fatflion,  and  (ucK 
 as  have  been  bewitched  and  befotted  by  that  viperous  and  bloo- 
 dy generation. 
 
 For  what  is  there  almoll  in  this  covenant,  which  was  not, 
 forfubflance,  either  exprcffed  or  manifeftly  included  in  that 
 fslemn  Protcflation  of  May  5:th,  1641,  wherein  the  whole- 
 feingdo:r:  ftands  engaged  until  this  day  .•*  The  iinful  negleifl 
 whereof  doth  (as  we  may  juflly  fear)  open  one  floodgate  the 
 more,  to  let  in  all  thefe  calamities  upon  the  kingdom,  and 
 caft  upon  it  a  neceiliry  cf  renewing  covenant,  and  cf  ehter- 
 ing  into  this.  ' 
 
 H  it  be  faid.  The  extirpation  of  Prelacy,  to  luit,  the  whole 
 L^tvarcUI-cil  gcvcrnmejit  (Handing,  as  yet,  by  the  known  laws 
 
 of 
 
Taking  of  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant.         **? 
 
 of  the  kingdom)  is  new  andunwai-rantable  :  this  will  appear^ 
 to  all  impartial  undcrliandings,  (thougii  new)  to  be  not  on- 
 ly warrantable,  but  neccllary, — if  they  confider,  (to  omit 
 what  feme  lay,  That  this  government  was  never  formaliy 
 eltabliflied  by  any  laws  of  this  kingdom  at  all)  That  the  very 
 life  and  foul  thereof  is  already  taken  from  it  by  an  a£l:  paiTijiJ 
 this  prclent  Parliament*,  fo  as  (like  Jezebel's  carcafe,  ■of 
 which  no  more  was  left  but  the  ilcuU,  the  feet,  and  the  paltns 
 of  her  hands)  nothing  of  juri(di<R:ion  remains,  but  v/hat  is 
 precarious  in  them,  and  voluntary  in  thofe  who  fubmit  unto 
 tiiem  :  that  their  whole  government  is  at  belV  but  a  human 
 
 ■  conflitution,  and  fuch  as  is  found  and  adjudged  by  both  H012- 
 fes  of  Parliament,  (in  which  the  judgment  ot  the  whole  king- 
 dom is  involved  and  declared)  not  only  very  prejudicial  to  the 
 civil  ftate,  but  a  great  hinderance  alfo  to  the  perfe<Sl  refor- 
 mation of  religion  ;  yea,  who  knovveth  it  net  to  be  too  muck 
 an  enemy  thereunto,  and  deft:ru6live  to  the  power  of  godli- 
 nefs,  and  pure  adminiftration  oi  the  ordinances  of  Chrill  ?— 
 Wiiich  moved  the  well-affeflcd,  almoft  throughout  this  king- 
 dom, long  iince  to  petition  this  Parliament  (as  hath  been  de- 
 fired  before,  even  in  the  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth  and  of  king 
 James)  for  a  total  abolition  of  the  fame.  Nor  is  any  maa 
 hereby  bound  to  olFer  any  violence  to  their  perions,  but  only 
 in  his  place  and  calling  to  endeavour  their  extirpation  ia  a 
 lawful  way. 
 
 ■  And  as  for  thofe  clergymen,  v.'ho  pretend,  that  they  (a- 
 bove  all  others)  cannot  covenant  to  extirpate  that  government^ 
 becaufe  they  have  (as  they  fay)  taken  a  folemn  oath  to  obej^ 
 the  bifhops  in  Ucitis  et  f30tiej}is\  :  they  can  tell,  if  they  pleaf^* 
 that  they  that  have  iworn  obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  lanfi^, 
 are  not  thereby  prohibited  from  endeavouring  by  all  lawfui 
 means  the  abolition  of  thefe  Unvs,  when  they  prove  inconve- 
 nient pr  miichievous.  And  if  yet  there  uiould  any  oath  he 
 found,  into  which  any  minifters  or  others  have  enteredi  not 
 warranted  by  the  laws  of  God  and  the  land,  in  this  cafe  they 
 muft  teach  themfelves  and  others,  that  luch  oaths  call  for  re- 
 pentance, not  pertinacy  in  them. 
 
 If  it  be  pleaded,  That  this  covenant  crofleth  the  oaths  of 
 fupremacy  and  allegiance,  there  can  be  nothing  farther  front 
 truth  ;  for  this  covenant  binds  all,  and  more  firongly  engag- 
 eth  them  to  prefcrvc  and  defend  the  king's  majefty's  peifon 
 and  authority,  in  the  prefervation  and  defence  of  tlie  trus 
 religion,  and  liberties  of  the  kingdoms. 
 
 That 
 
 •  See  Cdlcdion  ofA<3s,  No.  36.    f  /.  e.  In  lawful  and  honeft  thio^c.. 
 
■X28  7he  Jpmhlp  EXHORTATION  to  the 
 
 That  fcruple,  Th^t  this  is  done  without  the  king's  con» 
 fent,  will  foon  be  removed,  if  it  be  i'<  member ed,  That  the 
 Proteftation  of  the  fifth  of  May,  before- mentioned,  was  in 
 the  fame  manner  voted  and  executed  by  both  Houfes,  and 
 after  (by  order  of  one  Houfe  alone)  Tent  abroad  to  all  the 
 fcingdom,  his  majefty  not  excepting  againft  it,  or  giving  any 
 ftop  to  the  taki.ig  of  it,  albeit  he  was  then  refidcnt  in  perfoii 
 at  Whitehall.  • 
 
 Thus  Ezra  and  Nehemiah  (Ezra  x  Neh  ix.)  drew  all  the 
 people  into  a  covenant,  without  any  fpecial  commiflion  from 
 the  Perfian  monarchs  (then  their  fovereigns)  fo  to  do,  albeit 
 they  vyere  not  free  fubjefts,  but  vaflals,  and  one  of  them 
 (Neh  i.)  the  menial  lervant  of  Artaxerxes,  then  by  conqueft 
 king  of  Judah  alfo. 
 
 Nor  hath  this  do^rine  or  practice  been  deemed  feditious, 
 or  unwarrantable,  by  the  princes  that  have  fat  upon  the  Eng- 
 lifh  throne,  butjuftified  and  defended  by  queen  Elizabeth  of 
 blefled  memory,  with  the  expence  of  much  treafure  and  no- 
 ble blood,  in  the  United  Provinces  of  the  Netherlands,  com- 
 bined not  only  without,  but  againft  the  unjuft  violence  of 
 Philip  of  Spain.  King  James  followed  her  fleps,  fo  far  as  to 
 approve  their  union,  and  to  enter  into  league  with  them  as 
 free  States  ;  which  is  continued,  by  his  majefty  now  reign- 
 ing, unto  thi?  day, — who,  both  by  his  expedition  for  relief 
 of  Rochelle  in  France,  and  his  ftri<ft  confederacy  with  the 
 Princfe  of  Orange,  and  the  States  General,  notwithftanding 
 all  the  importunity  of  Spain  to  the  contrary,  hath  let  to  his 
 feal,  that  all  that  had  been  done  by  his  royal  anceftors,  in 
 maintenance  of  thofe  who  had  fo  engaged  and  combined  them* 
 felves,  was  juft  and  waiTantable. 
 
 And  what  had  become  of  the  religion,  laws,  and  liberties 
 of  our  fifter  nation  of  Scotland,  had  they  not  entered  intip 
 fuch  a  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  at  the  beginning  of  the 
 late  troubles  there  ?  Which  courfe,  however  it  xvas,  at  firfl-, 
 by  the  Popilh  and  Prelatic  projectors,  reprefe;ited  to  his  ma- 
 jefiy  as  an  offence  of  the  highed  nature,  juftly  deferving  chaf- 
 tifement  by  the  fury  of  a  puiffant  army  ;  yet,  when  the  mat- 
 ter came  afterwards  in  cool  blood  to  be  debated,  firft  by  com- 
 miffioners  of  both  kingdoms,  and  then  in  open  Parliament 
 here,  (when  all  thofe  of  either  Houfe,  who  are  now  engaged 
 at  Oxford,  were  prefent  in  Parliament,  and  gave  their  votes 
 therein)  it  was  found,  adjudged,  and  declared  by  the  king  in 
 Parliament,  That  our  dear  brethren  of  Scotland  had  done 
 nothing  bnt  what  became  loyal  .nd  obedient  fubje£>s,  and 
 were  thereupon  b/  aft  of  Parlianjent  publicly  righted  in  all 
 
 the 
 
Taking  6f  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,         129 
 
 the  churches  of  this  kingdom,  where  they  had  been  defamed; 
 
 Therefore,  however  ibme  men,  hoodwinked  and  blinded 
 by  the  artifices  of  thofe  Jefuitical  engineers,  who  have  long 
 confpired  to  facrifice  our  religion  to  the  idolatry  of  Rome, 
 our  laws,  hberties,  and  perfons  to  arbitrary  flavery,  and  our 
 eftates  to  their  infatiable  avarice,  may  poffibly  be  deterred 
 and  amufed  with  high  threats  and  declarations,  flying  up  and 
 down  on  the  wings  of  the  royal  nam.e  and  countenance  (now 
 captivated  and  proftituted  to  ferve  all  their  lufts)  to  proclaim 
 all  rebels  and  traitors,  who  take  this  covenant  5  yet  let  no 
 faithful  Englirti  heart  be  ah-aid  to  join  with  oxxv  brethren  of  all 
 the  three  kingdoms  in  this  Solemn  League,  as  foinetimes  the 
 nien  of  Ifrael,  (although  under  another  king)  did  with  the 
 men  of  Judah,  at  the  invitation  of  Ilezekiah,  2.C!iron.  xxx. 
 
 What  though  thefe  tongues  fet  on  fire  by  heil  do  rail  and 
 threaten  ?  That  God,  who  was  pleafed  to  clear  up  the  inno- 
 cency  of  Mordecai  and  the  Jevvs,  agaiull:  all  the  malicious  al- 
 perfions  of  wicked  Haman  to  his  and  their  fovcreign,  io  as 
 all  his  plotting  produced  but  this  efFe^l:,  That  (Efther  ix-) 
 When  the  king^s  commandment  and  decree  drew  near  to  be  put 
 in  execution,  and  the  enemies  of  the  Jews  hoped  to  have  power 
 over  them,  it  was  turned  to  the  contrary,  and  the  Jews  had  rule 
 over  them  that  hated  them,  and  laid  hands  onfuch  as  fought  their 
 hurt,  fo  as  no  man  couUwithfland-them  ;  And  that  fame  God,, 
 who  but  even  as  yefterday,  vouchfafed  to  difperfe  and  fcat- 
 ter  thefe  dark  clouds  and  fogs,  which  overfiiadowed  that  loy- 
 al and  religious  kingdom  of  Scotland,  and  to  make  their  righ- 
 teoufnefs  to  fliine  as  clear  as  the  iun  at  noon-day,  in  the  very 
 eyes  of  their  greateft  enemies,  will  doubtlefiy  rtand  by  all 
 thofe,  who,  with  finglenefs  of  heart,  and  a  due  fenfe  of  their 
 own  fins,  and  a  neceffity  of  reformation,  (hall  now  enter  in- 
 to an  everlafting  covenant  with  the  Lord,  never  to  be  for- 
 gotten, to  put  an  end  to  all  thofe  unhappy  and  unnatural 
 breaches  between  the  king  and  fuch  as  are  faithful  in  the 
 land  ;  caufing  their  vighteouihefs  and  praife  to  Ipring  f<jrth 
 before  all  the  nations,  to  the  terror  and  confuiion  of  thoi'e 
 men  of  blood,  the  confederate  enemies  of  God  and  the  king, 
 who  have  long  combined,  and  .have  now  raked  together  the 
 dregs  and  fcum  of  many  kingdoms,  to  bury  all  the  glory,  ho- 
 nour, and  liberty  of  this  nation  in  the  eternal  grave  of  diflio- 
 nour  and  deflrudion. 
 
 FrIDAT,  pth  February,   1^43,-4. 
 
 AN  exhortation  touching  the  taking  of  the  Solemn  League 
 and  Covenant,  and  for  fatisfying  of  fuch  fcruples  as  may 
 arife  in  tke  taking  of  it,  was  this  day  read  the  firfl;  and  fe- 
 
 Q^  cond 
 
C     130    ] 
 
 cond  time, — and,  by  vote  upon  the  quefticn,  affcnted  unto, 
 and  ordered  to  be  forthwith  printed. 
 
 H.  ELSYNG,  Cle^.  Pari.  D.  Com.  * 
 
 Friday,  29th  Jatwayy,  1644,-5 
 
 ORDERED  by  the  Commons  affcmblcd  in  Parliament, 
 That  the  Solemn  League  snd  Covenant  be,  on  every 
 diy  of  fad  and  public  humiliation,  publicly  read  in  every 
 church  and  congregation  within  the  kingdom :  and  that  every 
 eongrtgatioLi  be  enjoined  to  have  one  of  the  faid  Covenants 
 fairly  printed  in  a  fair  letter,  fitted  to  hang  up  in  fome  pub- 
 lic place  of  the  church  to  be  read. 
 
 H.  ELSYNG,  Cler.  Pari.  Dom.  Com. 
 
 Iff  the  Petition  ef  the  Dijlrefed  ChrijVians  in  the  Narth  of  Ire" 
 land^  to  the  General  Ajfembly  met  at  Edinburgh ^  May  1 644. 
 are  ihcfc  luords^  anent  Covenanting  therCy  viz. 
 
 '\7'OUR  judgment  is  with  the  Lord,  and  your  reward 
 
 j[_  is  with  God,  not  only  for  your  two  years  viliting 
 and  v/atering  a  barren  vineyard,  but  alfb  for  your  zeal  and 
 care  to  have  your  reformation  i'pread  amongft  other  opprell 
 and  borne-down  churches;  whereof  you  have  given  an  ample 
 and  famous  teftimony,  in  fending  hither  that  bleffed  League 
 and  Covenant,  which  we  much  defired  and  longed  f«r,  as  by 
 our  petitions  to  the  church  and  ftate  of  our  native  kingdom 
 is  known  unto  you  ;  v/^hich  hath  had  a  wifhed  and  gracious 
 fuccels,  by  the  favour  and  blefllng  of  God  accompanying  the 
 pains  of  tliofeto  whom  the  tendering  thereoi  was  intrufled  by 
 you.  And  we  conceiving  a  chief  part  of  our  mifery  to  confift 
 in  our  want  of  opportunity  to  join  ourfelvcs  with  the  people 
 of  God  in  the  forefaid  League  ;  efteeming  ourfelves  rejeflei 
 of  God,  and  unfit  to  be  joined  in  any  comfortable  fellowfiiip 
 in  the  pofpel  with  them,  when  the  faid  League  and  Covenant 
 was  prefented  to  the  regiments,  we  made  bold  to  lay  hold  upoa 
 the  opportunity,  (tho*afill6led  abje£ts)  and  cheerfully  anduna- 
 nimouily  joined  ourfelves  thereunto,  that,  if  we  perifh  in  our 
 xnifcry,  we  may  die  a  covenanted  people  ;  and,  if  our  mifera- 
 ble  life  be  prolonged,  we  may  find  ihelter  and  refrefhment  un- 
 der the  ihadow  thereof  in  our  fiery  trials ;  confidently  expec- 
 ting from  the  Lord,  by  our  nearer  conjunflion  with  you  than 
 before,  an  accompUfiiment  of  what  is  agreed  to  in  the  Cove- 
 nant, which  ye  bountifully  expreffed  before  we  were  one  with 
 you,  to  your  never  dying  commendation  f . 
 
 *  ?  'ere  did  follow  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  printed  by  »?> 
 ordnance  of  Parliamtnt^  Febrpary  i643j-4»  with  the  names  of  «8 
 nicmL-Lis  ()f  the  Houfe  of  Co  nitons,  who  had  iJiea  taken  it, 
 
 "i  Set  /lils  of  JJfetnbh  x64i'  Seft », 
 
THE 
 
 F 
 
 O  F 
 
 PRESBYTERIAL  CHURCH  GOVERNMENT; 
 A  N  D    O  F 
 
 ORDINATION  of  MINISTERS. 
 
 AGREED     OPON     BY 
 
 The  AssEMELY  of  Divines  at  Weflminjier,  with  Com- 
 miiuoners  from  the  Church  of  Scotland  j 
 
 A  s 
 
 Part  of  the  Covenanted  Uriifornuty  in  religion  betwixt  the 
 Churches  of  Chrift  in  the  three  l^ingdoms  of  Scotland^ 
 England,  and  Ireland, 
 
 An  Act  of  the  General  Affembly  of  the  Church  of  Scot- 
 land, Anno  1645,  approving  the  fame  :  Mentioned  aj 
 ratified  in  feveral  Acts  of  Parliament. 
 
 EzEK.  xliii.  1 1,  ^nd  if  they  be  afomned  of  all  that  they  have 
 done,Jheiv  them  the  form  of  the  hoiife^  and  thej-a/hicn  thereof, 
 and  the  goings  out  thereoj-y  and  the  comings  in  thereof  ^  and  all 
 the  farm:  thereof ^  and  all  the  laws  thereof  ;  ajid  njjrite  it  in 
 their  fight  y  that  they  may  keep  the  whole  form  thertof  and  all 
 the  ordinances  thereof ^  and  do  them. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lx^xv. 
 
Aflembly  zx.  Edinburgh,  February  lo,  1645.  SefT.  16. 
 
 JB  approving  the  Propofttiom  concerning  Kirk  Government  arid 
 
 Ordination  oj  Minijhrs. 
 
 THE  General  AfTcmbly  being  moft  defirous  and  folici- 
 tous,  not  only  of  the  cftablifhment  and  prefervation 
 of  the  form  of  kirk  government  in  this  kingdom,  according 
 to  the  word  of  God,  books  of  difcipline,  a^s  of  General  Af- 
 lemblics,  and  natiunil  covenant  ;  but  alfo  of  an  uniformity 
 m  kirk  government  betwixt  thefe  kingdoms,  now  more  ftrift- 
 I7  and  iirongly  united  by  the  late  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
 nant ;  and  conlidering,  that  as  in  former  times  there  did,  fo    , 
 hereafter  there  may,  arife,  through  the  nearnefs  of  contagi- 
 on, manifold  mifcbiefs  to  this  kirk  from  a  corrupt  form  of 
 government  in  the  kirk  of  England  :  likcas  the  precious  op- 
 portunity of  bringing   the  kirks  of  Chrift  in  all  the  thre* 
 kingdoms  to  an  uniformity  in  kirk  government,  being  the 
 happinefs  of  tiae  prefcnt  times  above  the  former  ;  v/hich  may 
 alfc,  by  the  blefiing  of  God,,  prove  an  effectual  mean  and  a 
 good  foundation  to  prepare  for  a  fafe  and  v/^ell  grounded  pa- 
 cibcation,  by  removing  the  caufe  from  which  the  prefent 
 prelTures  and  bloody  w^rs  did  originally  proceed  :  and  now 
 the   Aflcmbly  having  thrice  read,  and  diligently  examined 
 the  propolitions  (hereunto  annexed)  concerning  the  ofHcers, 
 AfTemblies,  and  government    of  the  kirk,  and  concerning 
 the  ordination  of  minillers,  brought  unto  us,  as  the  refults 
 of  the  long  and  learned  debates  of  the  AlTembly  of  Divines 
 fitting  at  Weftminfter,  and  of  the  treaty  of  uniformity  with 
 the  commiffioners  of  the  kirk  there  refiding  ;  after  mature 
 deliberation,  and  after  timeous  calling  upon  and  warning  of 
 all  who  have  any  exceptions  againft  the  fame,  to  make  them 
 known,  that  they  might  receive  fatisfaflion, — doth  agree  to, 
 and  approve  the  propofitions  aforementioned,  touching  kirk 
 government  and  ordination,  and  doth  hereby  authorize  the 
 commifHoners  of  this  Aifcmbly,  who  are  to  meet  at  Edin- 
 burgh, to  agree  to  and  conclude,  in  the  name  of  this  Aflem- 
 bly,  an  uniformity  bttwixt  the  kirks  in  both  kingdoms,  in 
 the  aforementioned  particulars,  fo  foon  as  the  fame  fhall  be 
 ratified,  without  any  fubftantial  alteration,  by  an  ordinance  o£ 
 the  honourablelloufesof  the  Parliament  of  England  ;  which 
 ratific;ition  fhall  be  timely  intimate  and  made  known  by  the 
 commlflioners  of  this  kirk  refiding  at  London.     Provided  al- 
 ways, that  this  ail  be  noways  prejudicial  to  the  further  dif- 
 cuffioa  and  examinatioa  of  that  article,  which  holds  forth, 
 
 that 
 
t     '33    3 
 
 that  the  do£lor  or  teacher  hath  power  of  the  adminiftration 
 of  the  iacraments,  as  well  as  the  paftor  ;  as  alio,  of  the  dif- 
 tina  rights  and  interefts  of  Prefbyteries  and  people,  in  the 
 calling  of  miniaers  j  but  that  it  Ihall  be  free  to  debate  and 
 difcufs  thefe  points,  as  God  {hall  be  pleafed  to  give  furOier 
 light  *. 
 
 ♦  SttColkSiionofaat,  &c.  No.  a3»'45. 
 
 The    CONTENTS, 
 
 ^HE  Preface. 
 
 J-     Of  the  Church. 
 
 Of  the.  Officers  of  the  Church. 
 
 Pajiors. 
 
 teacher  or  DoBor. 
 
 Other  Church  Governors. 
 
 Deacons. 
 
 Of  particular  Congregations* 
 
 Of  the  Officers  of  a  particular  Congregation.  ^ 
 
 Of  the  Ordinances  in  a  particular  Congregation. 
 
 Of  Church  Government,  and  the  fever al  forts  of  AffietOihesfot 
 
 the  fame. 
 Ofthepawer  in  common  of  all  thefe  Affiemhhes. 
 Of  congregational  Memblies,  that  is,  the  meeting  of  the  KnUns 
 Officers  of  a  particular  Congregation,  for  the  Governmtnt 
 thereof. 
 Of  Claffical  Affimhlies. . 
 Of  Synodical  J/Jemblies. 
 0/  Ordination  of  Ministers. 
 Touching  the  doHrine  of  Ordination. 
 
 T'ouching  the  power  of  Ordination.  r  ha-  -a      ^ 
 
 Concerning  the  doBrinal  part  of  the  Ordination  ofMiniftm,^ 
 The  Direaoryfor  the  Ordination  of  Minijlers. 
 
 hcis  of  Affemblies* 
 
 THB 
 
E   134  ] 
 
 The   FORM   of 
 Frcl^ytcnal  Church  Government,  &c^ 
 
 The    preface. 
 
 JESUS  Cfvrift,  upon  whofe  flioulders  the  government  ^s, 
 whofc  name  is  called  Wonderful,  Counfsllor,  The  migh- 
 fcj  God,  The  everlafting  Father,  The  Prince  of  Peace  a,  of 
 the  increafe  of  whofe"  government  and  peace  there  fiiall  be 
 naend,  who  fits  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his 
 Kingdom  to  order  it,  and  to  cftablifh  it  with  judgment  and 
 jptrftice,  from  henceforth  even  for  ever  ;  having  all  power  gi- 
 ven unto  him  in  heaven  and  in  earth  by  the  Father,  who 
 saUed  him  from  the  dead,  and  fet  him  at  his  own  right  hand, 
 £ir  above  all  principalities,  and  powers,  and  might,  and  do- 
 minion, and  everyr  name  that  is  named,  not  only  in  this 
 world,  but  alfo  in  that  which  is  to  come,  and  put  all  things 
 under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  Head  over  all  things  to 
 the  church,  which  is  his  body,  the  fulnefs  of  him  that  filleth 
 ajl  in  all  i  he  being  afcended  up  far  above  all  heavens,  that 
 he  might  fill  all  things,  received  gifts  for  his  church,  and 
 gave  officers  neceffary  for  the  edification  of  his  church,  and 
 pttfe^ling  of  his  faints  i, 
 
 al[^.  ix.  6,  7.     i  Matt,  xxviii.  18, — 20.  Eph.K  20, — 23. 
 compared  with  Eph.  iv.  8,  1 1.  Pfalm  Ixviij.  18. 
 
 0/ tke  Church. 
 
 THERE  is  one  general  Church  vifiblc  held  forth  in  the 
 New  Teftamcnt,  i  Cor.  xii.  12,  13,  28.  together  with 
 the  reft  of  the  chapter. 
 
 The  miniftrv,  oracles,  and  ordinances  of  the  New  Tcfta- 
 mcut,  are  given  by  Jefus  Chrift  to  the  general  church  vifible,  , 
 for  the  gathering  and  perfecting  of  it  in  this  life,  until  his  fe- 
 cund ccrcning,  I  Cor.  xii.  28.  Eph.  iv,  4,  5.  compared  with 
 Vfer.  ici — 13,  15,  16.  of  the  fame  chapter. 
 
 Particular 
 
Tie  Form  */"  Church  Govemmfnt,  113^ 
 
 « 
 Particular  vifible  churches,  members  of  th«  genera!  churc^ 
 are  alfo  held  forth  in  the  New  Teftament,  Gal.  i.  21, -^a. 
 Rev.  i.  4,  20.  and  ii.  i.  Particular  churches,  in  the  priini- 
 tive  times,  were  made  up  of  vifible  faints,  viz.  Of  fucha^ 
 being  of  age,  profefTcd  faith  in  Chrift,  and  obedience  unt» 
 Chriil,  according  to  the  rule  of  faith  and  life  taught  bf 
 Chrift  and  his  apoftles;  and  of  their  children,  Afts  ii.  38, 4U 
 A<5ts  ii.  ult,  compared  with  chap.  v.  14.  i  Cor.  i.  a.  cona- 
 pared  with  2  Cor.  ix.  13.  Afts  ii.  39.  2  Cor.  vii.  14.  Roia, 
 xi.  16.  and  fo  forward,  Mark  x.  14.  compared  with  Mattk, 
 £ix.  I  j,  14.  Luke  xviii.  15, 16. 
 
 0/  the  Officers  of  the  Church. 
 
 THE  officers  which  Chrift  hath  appointed  for  theedlfica'- 
 tion  of  his  church,  and  the  perfe6ling  of  his  faints,  ar^ 
 Some  extraordinary,  as  apoftles,  evangelifts,  and  pro^jhete, 
 which  are  ceafed. 
 
 Others  ordinary  and  perpetual,  as  paftors,  teachers,  and 
 other  church  governors,  and  deacons. 
 
 Pastors. 
 
 THE  Paftor  is  an  ordinary  and  perpetual  oiKcc  in  tW 
 church,  Jcr.  iii-  15,-17.  prophefying  of  fke  timecai" 
 the  gofpcl,  1  Pet.  V.  2,— 4.  Eph.iv.  ii, — 13. 
 Fir/iy  It  belongs  to  his  office, 
 ,  To  pray  for  and  with  his  fiock,  as  the  mouth  of  the  people 
 unto  God,  Adls  vi.  2, — 4.  A£ls  xx.  36.  where  preaching  and 
 prayer  are  joined  as  feveral  parts  of  the  fame  office,  James 
 V.  14,  15.     The  office  of  the  elder,  that  is  the  paftor,  is  to 
 pray  for  the  lick,  even  in  private,  to  which  a  bleffing  is  efpe- 
 ciaily  promifed  ;  much  more  therefore  ought  he  <o  perforia 
 this  in  the  public  execution  of  his  office,  a,s  a  part  th^rco^ 
 1  Cor.  xiv.  14,  16. 
 To  read  the  fcripture  publicly  ;  for  the  proof  of  which, 
 
 1.  That  the  priefts  and  Levites,  in  fhe  Jewiih  church,  were 
 Irufted  with  the  public  reading  of  the  word,  as  is  proved,, 
 Deut.  xxxi.  9, —  II.  Neb.  viii.  i,  2,  13. 
 
 2.  That  the  minifters  of  the  gofpelhave  as  ample  a  charge 
 2nd  commiffion  to  difpenfe  the  word,  as  well  as  other  ordi- 
 nances, as  the  priefts  and  Levites  had  under  the  law,  proved. 
 Ha.  Ixvi.  21.  Matt,  xxiii.  54.  where  our  Saviour  intituleti* 
 the  officers  of  the  New  Teftament,  whom  he  will  fend  forth, 
 hj  the  fame  names  of  the  teachers  of  the  Old, 
 
'f^6  '^he  Form  ^  Church  Government', 
 
 Which  propofitions  prove,  that  therefore  (the  duty  being 
 of  a  moral  nature)  it  foUoweth  byjuft  confequence,  that  the. 
 publicreading  of  the  fcriptures  belongeth  tothe  paftor's  office. 
 
 To  feed  the  flock,  by  preaching  of  the  word  ;  according 
 to  which  he  is  to  teach,  convince,  reprove,  exhort,  and  com- 
 fort, 1  Tim.  iii.  2.  2  Tim.  iii.  16,  17.  Tit.i.  9. 
 
 To  catechize,  which  is  a  plain  laying  down  the  firft  princi- 
 ples of  the  oracles  of  God,  Heb.  v.  12.  or  of  the  doctrine  of 
 Chrifl,  and  is  a  part  of  preaching. 
 
 To  difpenfe  other  divine  myfteri^s,  1  Cor.  iv.  1,2. 
 
 To  adminifter  the  facraments.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  Mark 
 xvi.  15,  i<5.  I  Cor.  xi.  23, — 25.  compared  with  chap.  x.  16. 
 
 To  blels  the.  people  from  God,  Numb.  vi.  23, — 26.  com- 
 pared with  Rev.  xiv.  5.  (where  the  fame  bleffings,  and  perfons 
 from  whom  they  come,  are  exprefly  mentioned)  Ifa.  Ixvi.  21. 
 where,  under  the  names  of  Priefts  and  Levites  to  be  conti- 
 nued under  the  gofpel,  are  meant  evangelical,  paftors,  who 
 therefore  are  by  office  to  blefs  the  people,  Deut.  x.  8.  2  Cor. 
 xiiJ.  14.  Eph.  i.  2. 
 
 To  take  care  of  the  poor,  A6ls  xi.  30.  and  iv.  34, — 37. 
 and  vi.  2,  3,  4.   1  Cor.  xvi.  i, — 4    Gal  ii.9,  10. 
 
 And  he  hath  alfo  a  ruling  power  over  the  flock  as  a  paftor, 
 1  Tim.  v.  17.  Afts  XX.  17,  28.  i  Theffal.  v.  12.  Hebrews 
 xiii,  7,  17. 
 
 Teacher,  or  Doctor. 
 
 THE  fcripture doth  hold  out  the  name  and  title  of  tea- 
 cher, as  well  fts  of  the  paftor,  i  Cor  xii.  28.  Eph.iv.ii- 
 Who  is  alfo  a  minif^er  of  the  word  as  well  as  the  paftor,  End 
 hath  power  of  theadminiftration  of  the  facraments. 
 
 The  Lord  having  given  different  gifts,  and  divers  exercifes, 
 according  to  thefe  gifts,  in  the  minirtry  of  the  word,  Rom. 
 xii.  6,  7,  8.  I  Cor.  xii.  i,  4, — 7.  Though  thefe  different 
 gifts  may  meet  in,  and  'accordingly  be  exercifed  by  one  and 
 the  fame  minii^f^-'  \  Cor.  xiv.  3.  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Tit.  i.  9..— 
 yet,  where  be  fe'veral  minifters  in  the  fame  congregation, 
 tliey  may  be  defigned  to  feveral  employments,  according  to 
 the  different  gifts  in  which  each  of  them  doth  moft  excel, 
 Rom.  xii.  6,  7,  8.  I  Pet.  iv.  10,  11.  And  he  that  doth  moft: 
 excel  in  expofttion  of  fcripture,  in  teaching  found  doctrine, 
 and  in  convincing  gainfayers,  than  he.doth  in  application, 
 and  is  accordingly  employed  therein,  may  be  called  ■^teacher 
 or  doBor^  (the  places  alledged  by  the  notation  of  the  word 
 doth  prove  the  pvopolition)  ncverthelefs,  where  is  but  one 
 
 .    minifter 
 
IfJe  7 OKM  of  Ciure.^  Government.  137 
 
 m'mifler  in  a  particular  congregation,  he  is  to'perform  fo  fair 
 r.s  he  is  able  the  tvhole  work:  of  the  miniflr/,  as  appeareth  in 
 2  Tim.  iv.  2.  Tit.  i.  9.  before  alledged,   i  rim.  vi.  2. 
 
 A  teacher  or  doftor  is  of  molt  excellent  ufe  in  fchools  anil 
 iiniverfities  ;  as  of  old  ia  the  rcoools  of  the  prophets,  and  at 
 Jerufalcm,  where  Gamaliel  and  others  taught  as  doctors. 
 
 Ofier  Church  Governors. 
 
 AS  there  were  in  the  Jcwlfli  church  elders  of  the  people 
 joined  with  the  prielh  and  Levites  in  the  government 
 of  the  church  (as  appearech  in  2  Chron.  xix,^, — 10.)  So 
 Chrilf,  wlio  hach  Jnftituted  a  government  and  governors  ec- 
 clefiaflical  in  the  church,  hath  funiilhed  fome, in  his  church, 
 befide  the  tninirters  of  the  word,  with  gifts  for  govniment, 
 and  with  commiirion  to  execute  the  fame  when  called  there- 
 unto, who  are  to  join  with  the  minifter  in  the  government  of 
 the  church,  Rom.  xii.  7,  S.  i  Cor,  xii.  28. — which  CiEceis, 
 reformed  churches  commonij.  call  Eiders  \. 
 
 Deacons. 
 
 THE  fcripture  doth  hold  out  deacons  as  diiTi  i^  officers 
 in  the  church,  Phil.  i.  i.  i  Tim.  iii.  8.  whofe  oiiice  is 
 perpetual,  iTim.  iii.  8, — 15.  Avlsvi.  i,— 4  Towholeof- 
 fice  it  belongs  not  to  preach  the  word  or  adaiinif^ier  the  iacra- 
 ments,  but  to  take  fpecial  c^re  in  difthbuting  to  the  necefli- 
 ties  of  the  poor,  A£ts  vi.  i, — 4.  ^c. 
 
 0/-'"  Particular  Congregations. 
 
 IT  is  lawful  and  expedient  that  there  be  fixed  congregatl- 
 ons,  that  is,  a  certain  company  of  Chriftians  to  meet  in 
 one  affembly  ordinarily  for  public  worlhip.  When  believers 
 multiply  to  fuch  a  number,  that  they  cannot  conveniently 
 meet  in  one  place,  it  is  lawful  and  expedient  that  they  fliouid 
 be  divided  into  dillindt  and  fixed  congregations,  for  the  bet- 
 ter adminiftration  of  fuch  ordinances  as  belong  iiuto  them, 
 and  the  diichzrge  of  mutual  duties,  i  Cor.  xiv.  26.  Let  ail 
 things  le  done  tuHo  edifying^  and  vtr.  33,4'-) 
 
 The  ordinary  way  of  dividing  ChriAians  into  diftincl  con- 
 gregations, and  molt  expedient  for  ediiicat'/on,  is  by  the  re- 
 fpeflive  bounds  of  their  dwellings. 
 
 Firjly  Becaufe  they  who  dwell  together,  being  bound  to 
 all  kind  of  moral  duties  one  to  another,  have  the  better  op- 
 portunity thereby  to  difcharge  them  \  v/hich  moral  tie  is  per- 
 
 R  peiual, 
 
 t  See  Second  Eoolt  of  DifcipKne,  chap,  vi, 
 
J  2^  The  Form  of  Church  Govirnment. 
 
 petnal,  for  Chrift  came  not  to  deftroy  the  law  but  to  fulfii  it, 
 13L:iit.  XV.  n,  1 1.  Matt.  xxii.  39.  and  v.  i  7. 
 
 Secondly^  The  coiiimunion  of  faints  muft  be  fo  ordered,  ss 
 mny  (land  with  the  moft  convenient  ufe  of  the  rrdinanccs, 
 ■M\d  tiiicharge  of  moral  duties,  without  refpe^l  of  perfons,  i 
 Cor.  xiv.  16.  Let  all  ihifig.;  he  done  unto  edifyingy  Heb.  x.  -24, 
 25    J.imes  ii.  i,  2. 
 
 ^hirdly^  The  pafior  and  people  niufl  To  nearly  cohabit  to- 
 gether, as  that  they  may  mutually  perform  their  duties  each 
 to  other,   wiil^  moft  convenienry. 
 
 In  this  cc^^ipany  forne  muft  b^  Jet  apart  to  bear  office. 
 
 0/  the  Ovs-lCETciS  0/  n  Particular  Congregation. 
 'OR  ofacers  in  a  fingle  congregation,  tliere  ought  to  be 
 one  at  the  leaft,  both  to  labour  in  the  word  and  doc- 
 triiie,  and  to  rule,  Prov.  xxix.  18.  1  Tim.  v.  17.  Heb.  xiii.  7. 
 
 It  isalfo  requihte  that  there  ihoulJ  be  others  to  join  ia  go- 
 vernment,   1  Cor.  xii.  28. 
 
 And  Hkewile  it  is  requifite  that  the?e  be  others  to  take  fpe- 
 ciai  care  for  the  relief  of  tlie  poor,  Acts  vi.  2,  3. 
 
 The  number  of  each  of  which  is  to  be  proportioned  accord- 
 ing ro  the  condition  of  the  congregation. 
 
 Thefe  cHicers  arc  to  meet  togcthtr  at  convenient  and  fee 
 times,  for  the  well  ordering  of  the  a&airs  of  that  congregaii- 
 op,  e»ch  according  to  bis  office. 
 
 It  i^  moft  expedient  that,  in  thefe  meetings,  one  whofe 
 cfli-ce  is  to  labour  in  the  Avord.and  doftrine,  do  moderate  in 
 their  proceedings,   i  Tim.  v.  t  7. 
 
 Gf  the  Ordinances  //?  a  Pariiailnr  Congregation. 
 
 THE  ordinances  in  a  fingle  congregation  are,  prayer, 
 thankfgiving,  andfinging  of  pfalms,  iTim.  ii.i.  i  Cor. 
 xiv.  1!;^,  16.  the  word  read  (although  there  follow  no  imme-' 
 diate  explication  of  what  is  read),  the  word  expounded  and 
 applied,  catechifing,  the  fcicraments  adminiftered,  col!e(5lion 
 made  for  the  poor,  difmifiing  the  people  with  a  bleiling. 
 
 ^)^^  Church  Government,  and  the  fever al  Sorts  of  Ai~ 
 <  s  E  M  B  L 1 E  s  Jcr  the  fame. 
 
 CHRIST  hath  inftituted  a  government  and  governors 
 ercleRaftical  in  the  church  ;  to  that  purpofe,  the  apo- 
 iiics  did  i(nme(rtately  rrceive  the  keys  from  the  hand  of  Jefus 
 Chrift,  and  did  ufe  and  exercifc  them  in  all  the  churches  of 
 the  world  upon  all  occsfioiis. 
 
 And 
 
The  Form  of  Ch^tnh  Government.  139 
 
 And  Chrift  hath  fince  continually  furaiihed  fooie  in  bis 
 church  with  gifts  for  geveinmcnt,  and  with  comniiiiion  to 
 txecute  the  fanie,  when  called  thereunto. 
 
 It  is  lawful  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  th?.t  tl;e 
 cliurch  be  governed  by  fe>'eral  forts  of  AlTembiies,  which  are 
 congregational,  clafiical,  and  fynodicai. 
 
 Of  ihe  Power  tji  ccmv.on  of  all  the fe  Jjjemhlies. 
 
 T  is  lawful  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  that  the 
 fLveral  Ailcmblies  before  mentioned,  have  power  to  con- 
 vent, and  call  before  theai  zny  peifon,  with'n  thesr  Several 
 boundsj  whom  the  ecclefiaftical  buHnefs  which  is  before  tht;in 
 doth  coiiceru  ;  proved  bv  Matt,  xviii. 
 
 They  have  pov^er  to  hear  ?,nd  detv^rmiae  fuch  caufes  and 
 ditFerences  as  do  orderly  come  before  them. 
 
 It  is  lawful  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  thar  all  the 
 faid  Afiembiles  have  ionie  power  to  difpenie  church  cenfures. 
 
 O/' Congregational  Assemblies,  that  is,  the  Meeting 
 cf  the  Ruling  Officers  of  a  Particular  Congregation  for  the 
 Gcver.nineiit  thereof. 
 
 HE  ruling  officers  of  a  particular  congregation  have 
 power  aatiioiitatively  to  call  betore  thern  any  member 
 of  the  congregation,  as  they  fhall  fee  juft  occaGon. 
 
 To  inquire  into  the  knowledge  and  fpiritual  cflate  of  the 
 ieveral  niembers  of  the  congregation. 
 To  admoniih  and  rebuke. 
 
 Which  three  brsnches  are  proved  by  Heb  xiii.  171  Thefi. 
 V.  12,  13    Ezek.  xxxiv.  4. 
 
 Authoritative  fafpenfion  fi-om  the  Lord  s  table  o^a  perfon 
 rot  yet  caft  out  cf  the  church,  is  agreeable  to  the  fcriptnre.' 
 Firf^  Becaufe  the  ordinance  iticlfmun  not  be  profaned, 
 Seci::d!v,  Becaufe  we  are  charged  to  withdraw  from  thuie 
 that  walk  difcrderly. 
 
 Thirdly,  Becaufe  of  the  greit  fm  and  danger,  both  to  f.inv 
 that'comes  unworthily,  and  aifa  to  the  whole  clnu-ch,  iM.;tt. 
 vii.  6.  2  Theff.  iii  6,  14,  15.  1  Csr.  xi.  27,-34.  compared 
 v:ith  Jude23.  I  Tim  v  22.  A.nd  there  was  power  and  au- 
 Uiorlty  under  the  Old  Teilament,  to  keep  uncL^an  pericns 
 liorahcly  things,  Lev.  xiii  5.  Num.  ix  7.  2  Chrcn  xxdi.  jp. 
 The  like  power  and  authority,  by  way  of  analogy,  continv^cs 
 under  the  New  Teftament. 
 
 '  The  ruling  officers  of  a  particular  congregation  have  power 
 2Utho:itatively  to  fufpend  froaithe  Lords  uble  a  perfon  not 
 yet  i:-:\i\  o".;t  cf  ;he  thurc^», 
 
 P.  2.  If,  Ik- 
 
J 40  The  Form  of  Church  Government. 
 
 i^,  Becaufe  thofe  who  have  authority  to  judge  of^  and 
 adrnic  fuch  as  are  fit  to  receive  the  facrament,  have  autliorUy 
 to  keep  bade  fuch  as  fhall  be  found  unworthy. 
 
 2^/)>,  Eecaufe  it  is  an  ecclefiafticr.l  bufinefs  of  ordinary  prac- 
 tice belonging  to  that  congregation. 
 
 When  congregations  are  divided  and  fixed,  they  need  all 
 mutual  help  one  from  another,  both  in  reg<ird  of  their  intrin- 
 fical  weakneiTes  and  mutual  dependence,  as  alfo,  in  regard  of 
 enemies  from  without. 
 
 0/"Classical  Assemblies, 
 
 THE  fcripture  doth  hold  out  a  Prelbytery  in  a  church, 
 bcih  in  I  Tim  iv.  i  4    and  in  A£ls  xv.  2,  4,  6. 
 
 A  Prefoytery  confifteth  of  minilVers  of  thtf  word,  and  fuch 
 other  public  officers  as  are  agreeable  to,  and  warranted  by, 
 the  word  of  God,  to  be  church  governors,  to  join  with  the 
 minifters  in  the  government  of  the  church  j  as  appeareth, 
 Rom.  xii.  7,'  8,    I  Cor,  xii.  23. 
 
 The  fcripture  doth  hold  forth,  that  many  particular  con- 
 gregations may  be  under  one  Prefbyterial  government. 
 
 Thispropofition  is  proved  by  inftances, 
 
 Firji,  Of  the  church  of  J^rufalem,  which  confifted  of  more 
 congregations  than  one,  and  all  thefe  congregations  were  un- 
 der one  Prefoyterial  government. 
 
 This  appeareth  thus  : 
 
 1/7,  The  church  of  Jerufalem  confiftcd  of  more  congrega- 
 tions than  one  ;  as  is  nianifeft, 
 
 1.  By  the  multitude  of  believers  mentioned  in  divers,  both 
 before  the  difperlion  of  the  believers  there,  bymeans  of  the 
 perfecution,  (mentioned  in  the  A(n:s  of  the  Apoftles,  chap. 
 viii.  in  the  beginning  thereof)  witnefs  chap.  i.  11,  and  ii.  41, 
 46,47.  andiv.  4.  and  v.  14.  and  vi.  i,  7..  And  alPj  after 
 the  djfperfion,  Adts  ix.  31.  and  xii.  24,  and  xxi,  20.  • 
 
 2.  By  the  many  apoftles  and  other  preachers  in  the  church 
 of  Jerufalera  ;  and  if  there  were  but  one  congregation  there, 
 then  each  apofile  preached  but  feldom  j  which  v»ill  not  con- 
 iill  with  Ads  vi,  2. 
 
 3.  The  diveriityof  languages  amongft  the  believers,  men- 
 tioned both  in  the  2d  and  6th  chapters  of  the  Acts,  doth  ar- 
 gue more  congregations  than  one  in  that  church. 
 
 idlyy  All  thefe  congregations  were  under  one  Tiefoytsrlal 
 government.     Becaufe, 
 
 r.  They  were  one  church,  Afls  viii.  1.  rrd  ii,  47.  com- 
 pared with  chap.  v.  1 1.  and  xii.  5.  and  xv,  4. 
 
 a.  The 
 
Tqe  Form  of  Church  Government.  141, 
 
 2.  The  elders  of  the  church  are  mentioned,  A£ls  xi.  36. 
 and  XV.  4,  6,  22.  and  xxi.  17.  18. 
 
 3.  The  apdlss  did  the  ordinary  a<5ls  of  prefbyters,  as  prel- 
 byters  in  that  kirk  ;  which  proveth  a  Preiby.terial  church  be- 
 fore the  dilpcrfioo,  A-fls  vi. 
 
 4.  The  (evcral  congregations  in  Jerufalem  being  one  churcTi, 
 the  elders  of  that  church  are  mentioned  as  meeting  topether 
 for  adls  of  government,  Acts  xi.  30.  and  xv  4,  6,  22.  and 
 xxi.  17,  i8,  \sfc  J  which  proves  that  thefe  feveral  congrega- 
 tions were  under  one  Prelbyterial  government.  And  whe- 
 ther thefe  congregations  were  fixed  or  not  fixed,  in  regard  of 
 ol^cers  or  members,  it  is  all  one  as  to  the  truth  of  t|ie  pro- 
 poi'ition.  Nor  doth  there  appear  any  material  difference  be- 
 twixt the  feveral  congregations  in  Jerufalem,  and  the  man^ 
 congregations  now  in  the  ordinary  condition  of  the  church, 
 as  to  the  point  of  fixednefs  required  of  officers  or  members. 
 
 3g'/v,  Therefore  the  fcripture  dcth  hold  forth,  that  many 
 qopgregntions  m^y  be  under  one  Prefbyterial  government. 
 Secondly,  By  the  inftance  of  the  church  of  Ephcfus.  Por, 
 \.  That  there  were  more  congregations  than  one  in  the 
 church  of  Ephefiis,  -appears  by  A^s  xx.  31 .  where  is  mention 
 of  Paul's  continuance  at  Ephcfus  in  preaching  for  the  fpace 
 of  three  years  ;  and  Afts  xix.  i  8, — 20.  where  the  fpecial 
 elFefi  of  the  word  is  menrioned  ;  and  ver.  10,  17.  of  the 
 fame  chapter,  w^here  is  a  diftin6tion  of  Jews  and  Greeks; — • 
 and  I  Cor.  xvi,  8,  9.  where  is  a  reafon  of  Paul's  flay  at  E* 
 phefus  until  Pentecofc ;  and  ver.  19  ■where  is  mention  of  a 
 particular  church  in  the  houfe  of  Aquiia  and  Prifcilla  then  at 
 Ephefus,  as  appears  Ada  xviii.  19,  24,  26.  All  which  laid 
 togecher  do  prove,  that  the  multitudes  of  believers  did  make 
 more  congregaiions  than  one  in  the  church  of  Ephel'us. 
 
 2.  That  there  were  many  elders  over  thefe  many  congre- 
 gations, as  one  fjock,  appeareth  A£b  xx.  17,  25,  28,  30,  3(5. 
 
 3.  That  thefe  many  congregations  were  one  churchy  and 
 that  they  were  under  one  Prefbyterial  government,  appeareth 
 Rev.  ii.  I, — 6.  joined  with  Acls  xx.  17,  18. 
 
 Of  Sykodical  Assemblies. 
 
 TKE  fcripture  doth  hold  out  another  fort  of  AfTemblies 
 for  the  governm-cnt  of  the  church,  befide  claffical  and 
 congregational,  all  which  we  call  Synodical,  A£ts  xv.  Paf- 
 tors,  and  teachers,  vand  ©ther  church  governors,  (as  alfo  o- 
 ther  fit  perfons,  when  it  fiiall  be  deemed  expedient)  are 
 members  of  thefe  AfTemblies  which  v/e  call  Synodical,  where 
 they  have  a  lawful  calling  thereunto. 
 
 Svnodical 
 
142-  ^/fv  Form  fl/"  Church  Gcvernjnent. 
 
 Syncdical  AlTemblies  may  lawfully  be  of  feveral  fort?,  as 
 Provincial,  and  National,  and  Oecumenical. 
 
 it  is  lav^ful  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  that  there 
 be  a  fubordination  of  congregational,  claffical,  provincial,  and 
 national  Affemblies,  for  the  government  of  the  church  *. 
 
 (y  Ordination  o/' Ministers. 
 
 UNDER  the  head  of  Ordination  of  Minifters,  is  to  be 
 confidered,  either  the  Doilrioe  of  Ordination,  or  the 
 Power  of  it. 
 
 '     Touch'wg  the  DOCTRINE  of  Ordltiation. 
 
 NO  man  ought  to  take  upon  bim  the  oflice  of  a  miriTier 
 of  ,the  word  without  a  lawful  calling,  John  iii.  27, 
 Rom.x,  14,  15.  Jer.  xiv.  14.  Heb.  v.  4. 
 
 Ordination  is  always  to  be  continued  in  the  church.  Tit. 
 i,  5.   I  Tim.  V.  21,  22. 
 
 Ordination  is  the  folemn  fetting  apart  of  a  perfon  to  fome 
 public  church  office.  Num.  viii.  10,  11,  14,  i9,.22.  Ads 
 \1.  3,  5,  6. 
 
 Every  minifter  of  the  word  is  to  be  ordained  by  impofition 
 of  hands,  and  prayer  with  fafling,  by  thofe  preaching  pref- 
 fcyters  to  whom  it  doth  belong,  i  Tim.  v.  22.  A6ls  xiv.  23. 
 and  xiii.  3. 
 
 It  is  agreeable  to-  the  word  of  God,  and  very  expedient, 
 that  fuch  as  are  to  be  ordained  minifters,  be  deligned  to  fome 
 particular  church,  or  other  minifterial  charge,  Adls  xiv.  23. 
 Tit,  i.  5.  Ads  XX..  17,  18. 
 
 ^  He  that  is  to  be  ordained  minifler,  muft  be  duly  qualified, 
 both  for  life  and  minifterial  abilities,  according  to  the  rules  of 
 the  apoftle,  i  Tim.  iii.  2, — 6.  Tit.  i.  5, — 9. 
 
 He  is  to  be  examined  and  approved  by  thofe  by  whom  he 
 is  to  be  ordained,   i  Tim  iii.  7,  10.  and  v.  22. 
 
 No  man  is  to  be  ordained  a  minifter  for  a  particular  con- 
 gregation, if  they  of  that  congregation  can  fliew  juft  caule 
 <>f  exception  againft  him,  1  Tim.  iii,  2.  Tit.  i.  7. 
 
 Touching  the  POWER  cf  Ordination. 
 
 ^RDINATION  is  the  aft  of  a  Prefbytery,  i  Tim.  iv.  14. 
 The  power  of  ordering  the  whole  work  of  ordination, 
 J5  in  the  whole  Prefbytcry,  which,  when  it  is  over  more  con- 
 
 ^rev>3tion5 
 *  S.«  CoIIcfiioa  of  A(f>r,  No.  zo,  si,  i%,  32. 
 
O/OllDlNATie^N  of  MiniJlet'S.  143 
 
 gregatlons  than  one,  whether  thefe  congregations  be  fixed  or 
 not  fixed,  in  regard  oi  officers  cr  members,  it  is  indifferent, 
 as  to  the  pohu  of  ordination,   i  Tim.  iv,  14. 
 
 It  is  very  requifite  that  no  lingle  congregation,  tbat  can 
 conveniently  alTociate,  do  aflume  to  itfelf  all  and  fole  power 
 in  ordination  : 
 
 1.  Becaufe  there  is  no  example  in  fcripture,  that  any  finc^c 
 congregation,  which  might  conveniently  alic-ciate,  did  afilimc 
 to  i\.\t\{  all  and  fole  power  in  ordination  ;  neither  is  there  any 
 rule  which  may  warrant  fuch  a  practice. 
 
 2.  Becaufe  there  is  in  fcripture  example  of  an  ordinstioa 
 in  a  Prefbytery  over  divers  congregations  \  as  in  the  churcii 
 of  Jerulalem,  where  were  many  co.igregations,  thefe  tnany 
 congregations  were  under  one  Prefbytery,  and  this  Prefoj- 
 tery  did  ordain. 
 
 The  preaching  Prefbyters  orderly  afTociated,  either  in  cities 
 or  neighbouring  villages,  are  tbofe  to  whom  the  impofitioa 
 of  hands  doth  appertain^  for  thefe  congregations  within  tlieisr 
 bounds  rcfpedively. 
 
 Concerning  the  doctrinal  PART  0/  Ordination  of  Mijiijisrt, 
 
 I.  l^TQ  ni^"^  ought  to  take  upon  him  the  office  of  a  mini- 
 Jl^    fter  of  the  word,  without  a  lawful  calliiag,  John  iiL 
 17.  Rom.  X.  14,  15.  Jer.  xiv.  14.  Heb.  v.  4. 
 
 2.  Ordination  is  always  to  be  continued  in  the  churdijTit. 
 3.  5.  I  Tim.  v.  21,  22. 
 
 3.  Ordination  is  the  folemn  fetting  apart  of  a  perfon  to 
 iome  public  church  office,  Num.  viii.  10,  11,  14,  19,  22, 
 Aas  vi.  3,  5,  6. 
 
 4  Every  minifter  of  the  word  is  to  be  ordained  by  impoii- 
 tion  of  hands  and  prayer,  with  fafting,  by  thefi  preaching 
 Prefbyters  to  whom  it  doth  belong,  i  Tim.  v.  22.  Afts  xiv. 
 23,  and  xiii.  3. 
 
 5.  Thepower  of  ordering  the  whole  work  of  ordination I5 
 la  the  whole  Prefbytery,.  which,  when  it  is  over  more  con- 
 gregations than  one,  whether  thefe  congregations  be  fixed  cr 
 not  fixed,  in  regard  of  officers  or  .members,  it  is  indifferenJ: 
 as  to  the  point  of  ordination,   i  Tim,  iv.  14. 
 
 6  It  is  agreeable  to  the  word,  and  very  expedient,  that 
 fuch  as  arc  to  be  ordained  minifters,  be  defigned  to  fome  par- 
 ticular church,  or  othsr  aiiniflerial  charge,  A£ts  xiv.  23.  Tit. 
 i.  5,  Aftsxx.  17,  28. 
 
 7.  He  that  is  to  be  ordained  miuK^er,  mud  be  du^y  quali' 
 fied,  both  for  life  and  minifterial  abiliiies,  according  to  the 
 rules  of  the  apoftle,  i  Tim,  iti.  2, — 6.  Tit.  i.  5, — 9. 
 
144  Of  Oiinis AT iQH  of  MhtiJJers. 
 
 8.  He  is  to  be  examined  ami  approved  of  by  thofe  by  whom 
 he  is  to  be  ordained,  i  Tim.iii.  7,  ro.  and  v.  22. 
 
 9.  No  ntaa  is  to  be  ordained  a  rninilier  for  a  particul?.r  con- 
 pregation,  if  they  of  tliat  congregation  can  ihew  jutt  cauleot" 
 exception  againft  him,  i  Tim.  iii  2.  Tit   i.  7. 
 
 ID.  Preaching  Prefbyters  orderly  affjciated,  either  in  cities 
 ct  nfiji;hbouring  viilages,  are  thofe  to  whom  the  impoGtioii 
 of  HitivJs  doth  appcinain,  for  thefe  congregations  within  their 
 bounds  refpeOively,   i  Tim.  iv.  14 
 
 1. 1.  In  extraordinary  Cafes  fomethingextraordinany  may  be 
 done,  until  a  fettled  order  may  be  iiad,  yet  Iceeping  as  near 
 as  poflibly  may  be  to  the  rule,  2  Chron.  xxix.  34, — 36.  and 
 iix.  2,-5.. 
 
 12.  There  is  at  this  time  (as  we  humbly  conceive)  an  ex- 
 traordinary occafion  for  a  way  of  ordinaiion  lor  the  preft^ht 
 fupply  of  minifters. 
 
 The  BlRECTOP.Y  for  Ordlnatkn  of  M'lnyiers. 
 
 T  being  manifeft  by  the  word  of  God,  that  no  man  ought 
 to  take  upon  him  the  office  of  a  miaifter  c^f  thegofpel, 
 until  he  be  lawfully  callec|  and  ordained  thereunto  ;  and  that 
 the  work  of  ordination  is  to  be  performed  with  all  due  care, 
 wifdom,  gravity,  andfolemnity  ;  we  huaibly  tender  thefe  di* 
 regions,  as  requilite  tobe  obferved. 
 
 r,  lis  that  is  to  be  ordained,  being  either  nominated  by 
 the  people,  or  otherwife  commended  to  the  Prelbytery  for 
 any  place,  muft  addrefs  himfeif  tothe  Prefaytery,  and  bring 
 with  him  a  teftimonial  of  his  taking  the  covenant  of  the  three 
 kingdoms, — of  his  diligence  and  proficiency  in  his  ftudies, — 
 what  degrees  he  hath  taken  in  the  univerfity,  and  what  hath 
 been  the  time  of  his  abode  there, — and  withal  of  bis  age, 
 vhich  is  to  be  twenty-four  years  j  but  efpecially  of  his  life 
 and  converfation. 
 
 :?..  Which  being  ctjnfidered  by  the  Prefoytery,  they  are  to 
 proceed  to  inquire  touching  the  grace  of  God  in  him,  and 
 whether  he  be  of  luch  holinels  of  life,  as  is  requisite  in  a  mi- 
 yiifter  of  the  gofpel  \  and  to  examine  him  touching  bis  learn- 
 ing and  fufficiency,  and  touching  the  evidences  of  his  calling 
 to  the  holy  minifVry,  and,  in  particular,  his  fair  and  diredl 
 i-'alling  to  that  place. 
 
 The  Rules  y^r  E-Kamwation  are  iheje : 
 
 1.  That  the  party  examined  be  dealt  whhal  in  a  brotherly 
 Y.^ay,  with  mildnefs  of  ipirit,  and  with  fpecial  ref^^e^  to  the 
 gi^vity,  modetly,  and  quality  of  every  one. 
 
 2.   Hi 
 
0/"  Ordination  oJ  Minljle 
 
 ■14; 
 
 1.  He  fl)aU  be  examined  touching  his  /kill  in  the  original 
 
 tongues,  and  his  trial  to  be  made  by  reading  che  Hebrew  and 
 Gretic  Teirtaments,  and  rendering  Ibme  portion  of  iomeinto 
 J'-atin  ;  and,  if  he  be  defe-itive  in  them,  inquiry  Ihall  be  made 
 the  more  ftric'dy  after  his  other  baraing,-  and  whether  h« 
 hath  ikill  ia  Logic  and  Philofophy. 
 
 3.  What  authors  in  divinity  he  hath  read,  and  is  bed  ac- 
 quainted with  J  and  trial  {hall  be  made  in  his  knowledge  oi 
 tiie  grounds  of  religion,  and  of  his  ability  to  defend  the  ortho- 
 dox doctrine  contained  in  tliem,  againll  ,tU  unfound  and  erro- 
 neous opinions,  efpecia'iy  thele  of  the  preient  age ;  of  his  ikill 
 in  the  ("enfc  and  meaning  of  inch  places  of  fcripture  as  Ihall 
 be  propofed  unto  him,  in  cafes  of  conicience,  and  in  the  chro* 
 nology  of  the  fcripture,  and  the  ecclefuftical  hillory. 
 
 4.  If  he  hath  not  before  preached  in  public  with  approba* 
 tioti  of  iuch  as  are  able  to  judge,  he  fhall,  at  a  competent 
 time  afiigned  him,  expound  before  the  Freibytery  fuch  a 
 place  of  fcripture  as  (hall  be  given  him. 
 
 5.  He  ihall  aUb,  w'.thin  a  competent  time,  frame  adifcourfe 
 in  Latin  upon  fuch  a  common  place  or  controverfy  in  divinity 
 as  ftiall  be  afiigned  unto  him,  and  exhibit  to  the  Prefbytery 
 fuch  thefei  as  exprefs  the  fum  thereof,  and  maintain  a  difpute 
 upon  them. 
 
 6.  He  Hiall  preach  before  the  people,  tbePrefbytery, or  fome 
 of  the  rainifters  of  the  word  appointed  by  them, being  prefenc, 
 
 7.  The  proportion  of  his  gitts,  in  rehtsion  to  the  place  un- 
 to which  he  is  called,  fliail  be  confidered. 
 
 8.  Bsficle  the  trial  of  tiis  gifts  in  preaching,  he  (hall  un- 
 '  dergo  an  examination  in  the  premifes  two  ieveral  days,  and 
 
 more,  if  t^e  Prelbytery  Shall  judge  neceirary. 
 
 9.  And  as  for  him  that  hatii  formerly  been  or.ia'ned  a  mi- 
 nlfter,  and  is  to  be  removed  to  another  charge,  he  lliail  bring 
 a  tePcimonial  of  his  ordiiiation,  and  of  his  abilities  and  con- 
 verfation,  whereupon  his  fitnels  for  that  place  fhall  be  tried 
 by  his  preaching  there,  ?,nd  (if  it  ihall  be  judged  neceiTary) 
 by  a  Mrther  examination  of  him. 
 
 3.  In  all  whlc'i  he  being  approved,  he  Is  to  be  fent  to  the 
 church  where  he  is  to  ierve,  there  to  preach  three  fevrcral 
 days,  and  to  converfc  with  the  people,  that  cUey  m:*y  have 
 trial  of  his  gifts  for  their  edification,  and  may  have  time  atid 
 occafion  to  mquire  into,  aiid  the  better  to  k.now  his  life  and 
 converfacion. 
 
 4.  In  the  lart  of  thcle  three  days  appointed  for  the  trial  of 
 bis  gifts  in  preaching,  there  fliall  be  fent  from  the  Prefbyte- 
 ry to  the  congregation  a  public  intimation  in  writing,  which 
 
 S  ihall 
 
/ 
 
 14^  0/  Ordination  of  Mlnljlerr. 
 
 ihall  be  publicly  read  befm-e  the  people,  and  after  affixed  to 
 the  chnrchdoor,to  fignify  that  lucha  day  a  competent  num- 
 ber of  the  members  of  that  congregation,  nominated  by  them- 
 felvcs,  ihail  appear  before  the  Prcibytery,  to  give  their  con- 
 fent  and  approbation  to  fuch  a  man  to  be  their  minifter,  or 
 otherwife  to  put  in,  with  all  Chriftian  difcretionand  meek- 
 nefs,  what  exceptions  they  have  againft  him  ;  and  if,  upoti 
 the  day  appointed,  there  be  no  juft  exception  againft  him, 
 but  the  people  give  their  confcnt,  then  the  Prefbytery  ihr.Il 
 proceed  to  ordination  f . 
 
 e.  Upon  the  day  appouited  for  ordination,  which  is  to  be 
 performed  in  that  church  where  be  that  is  to  be  ordained  is 
 to  ferve,  a  folemn  faft  fliall  be  kept  by  the  congregation,  that 
 they  may  the  more  earneflly  join  in  prayer  for  a  blefUng  up- 
 on the  ordinance  of  Chrilt,  and  the  labours  of  his  fervanc  for 
 their  good  The Trelbytery  fhall  come  to  the  place,  or  at 
 leafi  three  or  four  minifiers  of  th'C  word  ihall  be  fent  thither 
 from  the  Prefbytery  ;  of  which  one,  appointed  by  the  Pref- 
 bytery,  fhall  preach  to  the  people,  concerning  the  office  and 
 duty  of  minifters  of  Chrift,  and  how  the  people  ought  to  re- 
 ceive them  for  their  work's  fake. 
 
 6.  After  th«  fermon,  the  miniiler  who- hatb  preached  fhall, 
 in  the  face  of  the  congregation,  demand  of  him  who  is  now 
 to  be  ordained,,  concerning  his  faith  in  Chrift  Jelus,  and  his 
 perfualion  of  the  truth  of  the  reformed  religion  according  to 
 the  fcripture  ;  his  fincere  iritentions  and,  ends  in  defiring  to 
 enter  into  this  calling  -,  his  diligence  in  praying,  reading,  me- 
 ditation, preaching,  miniftringthe  (acraments,  difcipline,  and 
 doing  all  minifterial  duties  towards  his  charge ;  his  zeal  and 
 faithfulnefs  im  maintaining  the  truth  of  the  gofpel  and  unity 
 of  the  church  againft  error  and  fchifm  -,  his  care  that  himfclf 
 and  his  family  may  be  unblameable,  and  examples  to  the 
 flock  5  his  willingnels  and  humility,  in  meeknefs  of  fpirit, 
 to  fubmit  unto  the  admonitions  of  his  brethren,  and  difci- 
 pline of  the  church  ;  and  his  refolution  to  continue  in  his 
 duty  againA  all  trouble  and  perfecution. 
 
 7.  In  all  which  having  declared  himfelf,  profefTcd  his  wii- 
 lingnefs,  and  promifed  his  endeavours,  by  the  help  of  God, 
 the  minifler  likewife  fhall  demand  of  the  people,  concerning 
 their  willingnefs  to  receive  and  acknoxyledge  him  as  the  mi- 
 nifter of  Chrift,  to  obey  and  fubmit  unto  him,  as  having  rule 
 over  them  in  the  Lord,  and  to  maintain,  encourage,  and  ai- 
 iSft  him  in  all  the  parts  of  his  office. 
 
 8.  Which 
 
 t  See  Golkfllon  of  A£ts,  No.  23,  4 J. 
 
O/"  Ordination  ^M«^^r/.  147 
 
 8.  Which  being  mutually  promifed  by  the  people,  the 
 Prefbytery,  or  the  minifters  fent  from  them  for  ordination, 
 fhall  folemnly  let  him  apart  to  the  office  and  work  of  the 
 niiniftry,  by  laying  their  hands  on  him,  which  is  to  be  ac- 
 companied with  a  fliort  prayer  or  blefling,  to  thisefFedl  : 
 
 ^hanhfully  acknotvledging  the  great  mercy  of  God ^  in  fending 
 Jefns  Chrijijor  the  redemption  of  his  people ^  andjor  his  aj'cenfion 
 ts  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father ^  and  thence  pouring  out  his 
 Spirit y  and  giving  gijis  to  men^  apoJileSy  e-vangelifis,  prophets^ 
 pajiors,  and  teachersy  for  the  gathering  and  building  up  of  his 
 churchy  and  for  fitting  afid  inclining  this  man  to  this  great  ivork  , 
 £here  let  them  impofe  hands  on  his  hea<l]  to  intreat  Him  ta 
 
 fit  him  ivith  his  Holy  Spirit^  to  give  hifn  fiuho  iti,  his  name  ive 
 thus  fet  apart  to  this  hsly  fervice  )  to  fulfil  the  work  of  the  mini- 
 
 fry  in  all  things  y  that  he  may  hotlffave  hinifelf^  and  the  people 
 committed  to  his  charge. 
 
 9.  This  or  the  like  form  of  prayer  and  blefling  being  end- 
 ed, let  the  minifter  who  preached,  briefly  exhort  him,  to 
 confider  of  the  greatnefs  of  his  office  and  work,  the  dangex' 
 of  negligence  both  to  hiir.felf  and  his  people,  the  blef^ing 
 which  will  accompany  his  faithfulnefs  in  this  life,  and  that  to 
 come  :  and  withal  exhort  the  people  to  carry  themfelves  to 
 him  as  to  their  miniver  in  the  Lord,  according  to  their  folema 
 promife  made  before  ;  and  (o,  by  prayer  commending  both 
 him  and  his  flock  to  the  grace  of  God,  after  linging  of  a 
 Pfalm,  let  the  afl'embly  be  difmilTed  with  a  bleifing. 
 
 10.  If  a  miniiter  be  dcfigned  to  a  congregation,  who  hath 
 been  formerly  ordained  Prelbyter  according  to  the  form  o{" 
 ordination  which  hath  been  in  the  church  of  England,  which 
 we  hold  for  fubftanc^  to  be  valid,  and  not  to  be  difclaimed 
 by  any  who  have  received  it  \  then  there  being  a  caurious  pro- 
 ceeding in  matters  of  examination,  kt  him  be  admitted  with- 
 out a  new  ordination. 
 
 11.  And  in  cafe  any  perfon  already  ordained  minifler  in 
 Scotland,  or  in  any  other  reformed  church,  be  deiigned  to 
 another  congregation  in  England,  he  is  to  brirjg  from  that 
 church  to  tlie  Prefbytery  here,  within  which  that  congrega- 
 tion is,  a  fufficient  teftimonial  of  his  ordination, — of  his  life 
 and  conveilation  while  he  lived  with  themj — and  cf  the  cau- 
 fes  of  his  removal  ;  and  to  undergo  fuch  a  trial  of  his  htnels 
 and  fufHciency,and  to  have  the  fame  courlc  held  with  him  ia 
 other  particulars,  as  is  fet  down  in  the  rule  imnjcdiatcly  going 
 before,  touchng  examination  and  admifiion. 
 
 S  2  '  12.  That 
 
148  Of  OnDlNATlON  tij  Mimjleys. 
 
 12.  Tbat^records  be  carefully  kept  in  thefcveral  Prefbyte- 
 rles,  of  the  names  of  the  pcrions  ordaine<l,  with  their  tefti- 
 nionials,  the  time  and  place  of  their  ordination,  of  the  Pref- 
 byters  who  did  impofe  hands  on  them,  and  of  the  charge  to 
 which  they  are  appointed. 
 
 13.  That  no  money  or  gift  of  what  kind  foever  (V.all  be  re- 
 ceived from" the  perfon  to  be  ordained,  or  from  any  on  his 
 behalf,  for  ordination,  or  ought  eife  bvilonging  to  it,  by  any 
 oi  the  Prefbytery,  or  any  appertaining  to  any  of  them,  upon 
 v^hat  pretence  foever. 
 
 7 bits  far  of  crd'mary  rules^  ^and  ccurfe  of  Ordhiation  in  the 
 ordinary  Kvay  ;  that  nvhich  concerns  the  extraordinary  ivavt 
 requ'ftie  to  be  no-iv  praEliJed,  Jollowetb. 
 
 t.  In  thefe  prefeut  exigencies,  while  t/:?  cannot  have  anjr 
 Prefb/teries  formed  up  to  their  whole  power  and  work,  and 
 that  many  minifters  are  to  be  ordained  for  the  f^rvice  of  the 
 armies  and  navy,  and  to  many  congregations  where  thtre  is 
 no  minillerat  all  ;  and  where  (by  reaion  of  the  public  trou- 
 bles) ;he  people  cannot  either  themielves  inquire,  and  find 
 out  one  who  may  be  a  faithful  minifter  for  them,  or  have  a- 
 ny  with  fafety  fent  unto  them  for  iuch  a  folemn  trial  as  was 
 before  mentioned  in  the  ordinary  rules,  efpecially  when  there 
 can  be  no  Prefbytery  near  unto  them,  towhom^iey  may  ad- 
 drefs  themfclves,  or  which  may  come  or  lend  to  them  a  fit 
 man  to  be  ordained  in  that  congregation,  and  for  that  peo- 
 ple;  and  yet,  notwithftanJing,  it  is  requifite  that  mini!"ters 
 be  ordained  for  them  by  fome,  who,  being  fet  apart  them- 
 felves  for  the  work  of  tlis  miniflry,  have  power  to  join  in  the- 
 fetting  apart  other?,  who  are  fotmd  f.t  and  worthy.  In  thefe 
 cafes,  until  by  God's  bleiling  the  aforcfaid  diiSculties  may  be 
 m  fome  good  raeafure  removed,  let  fome  godly  >ninifters  in 
 or  about  the  ciry  of  London,  be  defigned  by  public  authori- 
 ty, who,  being  aiPociated,  m^y  ordain  mirjiilers  for  the  city 
 and  the  vicinity,  keeping  as  ne:\r  to  the  ordinary  rules  lure- 
 mentioned  as  poflibly  they  may  ;  and  let  this  aflociation  be 
 for  no  oiher  intent  or  purpofe,  but  only  fcr  the  work  of 
 ordination.  ' 
 
 '2.  Let  the  like  aflbciation  be  made  by  thf*.  fame  authority 
 in  gre,  t  towns,  and  the  neighbourirg  parill-.es  in  the  feveral 
 counties,  which  are  at  the  pref^nt  quiet  and  uiidiliu;bed,  to 
 do  the  like  for  the  parts  a-ljacent. 
 
 3.  Let  fuch  as  arc  cho.'cn  or  appointed  for  the  ff.rvicc  of 
 the  armies  or  navy,  be  ord-'.ined  a?  v^forefaid  by  the  afTociated 
 minilkra  of  London,  or  foms  orheri  in  the  country. 
 
 4.  Let 
 
Acts  cf  the  General  JjfeAibly,  44^ 
 
 4.  Let  them  do  the  like,  when  any  mail  fhall  be  duly  and 
 lawfully  recomraended  to  them  for  the  miniftry  of  any  con- 
 gregation, who  cgfinpt  eiijoy  liberty  to  have  a  trial  of  his 
 p?rts  and  abilities,  and  deiire  the  help  of  fuch  minifters  io 
 aflociated,  for  the  better  furnifliing  cf  them  withiucha 
 pcrfon  as  by  them  (hall  bVjudged  fit  for  the  fervice  oJF  VMk 
 church  and  people.  * 
 
 Some  ACTS  of  the  GeneraiI^ssemblt 
 cf  the  Church  of  Scotland. 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 "The  Condemning  the  Office  of  Bifhops  and  Epifcopal  churck 
 government  j  and  for  Reftoring  the  Ancient  and  Apoftblic 
 Government  in  the  church  ;  and  concerning  the  duet^a- 
 lificationsof  Minifters,  £nd  Terms  of  Communion  of  4;1m6 
 church  of  Scotland. 
 
 Aflembly  at  Edinburgh,  April  24,  157^. 
 1.  Acl  difchargitjg  the  EleBion  of  Bipjops. 
 
 FORASMUCH  as  there  is  great  corruption  In  the  c'ftate 
 of  bifhops,  as  they  are  prefently  made  in  this  realm» 
 wJiereunto  the  kirk  would  provide  fome  ftay  in  time  coming^ 
 fo  far  as  they  may,  to  the  effect  that  further  corruption  may 
 be  bridled  :  therefore  the  Aflembly  hath  concluded,  that  nd 
 more  bifhops  fliall  be  ele£ted  cr  made  hereafter,  before  the 
 next  General  AiTembly  of  the  kirk,  difcharging  all  minifters 
 and  chapters  to  proceed  any  ways  in  the  eleftion  of  the  faid 
 biiliops,  in  the  mean  time,  under  the  pain  of  perpetual  dt* 
 privation  from  their  oftices. 
 
 Stirling,  July  ir,  1578.  The  a*^  above- written  extended 
 to  all  times  to  come,  and  all  bifhops  already  ele£ted  required 
 to  fubmit  themfelves  to  the  General  Afiembly,  concerning 
 the  reformation  of  the  corruption  of  that  eftatej  which  fab- 
 miffion  the  bilhop  of  Dumbkne  witiingly  offered  to  the  Af- 
 fembiy. 
 
 AfTeCibly 
 
f50  Acts  tf  the  General  JJfemhly, 
 
 AITembly  at  Dundee ^  July  12,  1580.  SelT.  4 J 
 //.  ASi  condemning  the  Ofice  of  Bijhops. 
 
 FORASMUCH  as  the  office  of  a  biOiop,  as  it  isnowufed 
 and  commoniy  taken  within  this  realm,  hath  no  (ure 
 Warrant,  authority,  nor  good  ground  out  of  the  fcriptures, 
 but  is  brought  in  by  the  folly  and  corruption  of  men's  inven- 
 tions, to  the  great  overthrow  of  the  kirk  of  God.  The  whole 
 Affembly  of  the  kirk,  in  one  voice,  after  liberty  givert  to  all 
 men  to  reafon  in  the  matter,  none  opponing  himfelf  in  de- 
 fending the  faiJ  pretended  office  ;  finds  and  declares  the 
 fame  pretended  office,  ufed  and  termed  as  is  above  faid,  un- 
 lawful in  itfelf,  as  having  neither  foundation,  ground,  nor 
 warrant  within  the  word  of  God  •,  and  ordains,  that  all  fuch 
 .  perfons  as  bruik,  or  fhall  bruik  hereafter  the  faid  office,  Ihall 
 be  changed  fimply  to  demit,  quit,  and  leave  otF  the  fame,  as 
 za  office  whereunro  they  are  not  called  of  God  ;  and  fucli 
 like,  to  defiff  and  ceafe  from  all  preaching,  miniftration  of 
 the  ficraments,  or  ufing  any  way  the  office  of  paftors,  while 
 they  receive  de  novo  admiffion  from  the  General  AflembJy, 
 tender  the  pain  of  excommunication  to  be  ufed  againft  them. 
 Wherein,  if  they  be  found  difobedient,  or  contradift  this  z€c 
 in  any  point,  thefentence  of  excommunication,  after  due  ad- 
 monition, is  to  be  executed  againft  them.  And,  for  the  bet- 
 ter execution  of  the  faid  afl,  it  is  ftatute,  that  a  Synodal  Al- 
 fembly  fhall  be  holden  in  every  province  where  any  ufurping 
 bifhops  are,  and  begin  the  i8th  of  Auguft  next  to  come, 
 whereto  they  fhall  be  called  and  fummoncd  by  the  vifitorsof 
 the  laid  counties,  to  compear  before  their  Synodal  Aflem- 
 blies  J  and,  namely,  the  bilhop  of  St.  Andrews,  to  compear 
 in  St.  Andrews  ;  the  bifhop  of  Aberdeen,  in  Aberdeen  ;  the 
 bifhop  of  Glafgow,  in  Glafgow  ;  the  bifliop  of  Murray,  in  EU 
 gine,  to  give  obedience  to  the  faid  act ;  which,  if  they  refule 
 to  do,  that  the  faid  Synodal  AiTemblies  Ihall  appoint  certain 
 brethren  of  their  miniftry  to  give  them  public  admonitions 
 out  of  the  pulpit,  and  warn  them,  in  cafe  they  dilobey,  to 
 compear  before  the  next  General  AlTembly,  to  be  holden  at 
 Edinburgh  the  20th  of  05iobernfx.i  to  come,  to  hear  thefen- 
 tence or  excommunication  pronounced  againil  them  for  their 
 difobedience.  f  And  to  this  adt  the  bifliop  of  Dumblane  a,« 
 greed,  fubmitting  himfelf  to  be  ruled  thereby.] 
 
 Aflcmbly 
 
Acts  of  the  General  jijjemhiy.  151 
 
 AfTembly  at  GlafgoiVy  ^pril  1581.  Seff.  6. 
 111.  AEi  explaining  the  AEl  condemning  the  Office  of  Byhopu 
 
 ANENT  the  a£t  made  in  the  Anembly,  holden  at  Dun- 
 dee, againft  bifliops,  becaufe  iome  difficulty  appearetb 
 to  fome  brethren  to  arife  out  of  the  word  office  contained  in 
 the  f'ald  ad,  what  fhould  be  meaned  thereby  ;  the  AITembly, 
 confiding  for  the  moft  part  of  fuch  as  voted  and  were  prc- 
 fent  in  the  Affembly  at  Dundee,  to  take  away  the  faid  difS-s. 
 culty,  revolving  upon  the  true  meaning  and  underftanding 
 of  the  faid  aft,  declare,  that  they  meaned  wholly  to  condemn 
 the  whole  eftate  of  bifhops,  as  they  are  now  in  Scotland  ;  and 
 that  the  fame  was  the  determination  and  concluficn  of  the 
 Aflembiy  at  this  time  ;  becaufe  fome  brethren  doubted  whe- 
 ther the  former  z€t  was  to  be  underftood  of  the  fpiritual  func- 
 tion only,  and  others  alleged  that  the  whole  office  of  a  bi- 
 ihop,  as  it  was  ufed,  was  damnable,  and  that  by  the  faid  2(k 
 the  bifhops  fliould  be  charged  to  demit  the  fame, — this  Af- 
 fembly declareth,  that  they  meaned  wholly  to  condemn  the 
 whole  eftate  of  bi.ihops,  as  they  were  then  in  Scotland,  and 
 that  this  was  the  meaning  of  the  Affembly  at  that  time. 
 
 Affembly  at  Glafgow,  December  5,   1 63 8.  Seff.  13. 
 IV.  ASi  againji  the  unlawful  Oaths  of  Intrants. 
 
 THE  fix  Affemblies  immediately  preceding,  for  moft  juft 
 and  weighty  reafons  above  fpecified  *,  being  found  to 
 be  unlawful  and  null  from  the  beginning, — the  Affembly  de- 
 clareth the  oaths  and  fubfcriptions  exacted  by  the  Prelates  of 
 Intrants  in  the  miniftry,  all  this  time  by-paft,  (as  without  any* 
 pretext  of  warrant  from  the  kirk,  fo  for  obedience  of  the  a£ts 
 of  thefe  null  Affemblies,  and  contrair  to  the  ancient  and  lau- 
 dable conftitutions  of  this  kirk,  v/hich  never  have  been,  nor 
 can  be  lawfully  repealed,  but  muft  ftand  in  force)  to  be  un- 
 lawful, and  noway  obligatory.  And  in  like  manner  declar- 
 eth, That  the  power  of  Prefbyteries  and  of  Provincial  and 
 General  Affemblies,  hath  been  unjuftly  fuppreffed,  but  ne- 
 ver lawfully  abrogate  :  and  therefore,  that  it  hath  been  moft 
 lawful  unto  them,  notwithftandingany  point  unjuftly  objeft- 
 ed  by  the  Prelates  to  the  contrair,  to  admit,  fufpend,  or  de- 
 prive minifters  refpeftive  within  their  bounds,  upon  relevant 
 complaints  fufficiently  proven  •,  to  choofe  their  own  Modera- 
 tors, and  to  execute  all  the  parts  of  ecclefiaftic  jurifdiftion, 
 according  to  their  own  limits  appointed  them  by  the  kirk. 
 *  See  Afis  of  Affembly  1638,  froju  Page  9  to  15, 
 
ijtaj  Acts  e/"  the  Generat  AJJembtp 
 
 Aflembly  at  Glafgowt  December  8,  1633.  Seff,  i6» 
 
 J^,   /^^  declaring  Epifcopacy  to  have  been  abjured  by  the  Confef" 
 J^on  of  Faith  1580,  andts  be  removed  out  of  this  Kirk, 
 
 THE  Aflembly  taking  to  the5r  moH:  gvive  and  ferious 
 confideration,  Firfty  The  unfpeakable  goodneis  and 
 great  mercy  of  God  manifelled  to  this  nation,  in  that  fo  nc- 
 ceflary,  fo  difficult,  and  fo  excellent  and  divine  v/oik  of  re- 
 formation, which  was  at  lafl  brought  to  fuch  per^cdlion,  that 
 this  kirk  was  reformed,  not  only  in  doctrine  and  worihipn 
 but  alfo,  after  many  conferences  and  public  reafonings  in  di- 
 ners National  Alfemblies,  joined  with  folemn  humiUations, 
 and  prayers  to  God,  the  difcipline  and  government  of  the 
 kirk,  as  the  hedge  and' guard  of  the  do(^rine  and  worlhip, 
 tuas  prefcribed  according  to  the  rule  of  God's  word,  in  the 
 Book  of  Policy  and  Difcipline,  agreed  upon  in  the  Aflembly 
 15^78,  and  infertin  the  regifter  1581,  eftablifhed  by  the  ads 
 ofAlTembhes,  by  the  Confeffion  of  Faith,  Iworn  and  fub- 
 Ccribed  at  the  direction  of  the  Aflembly,  and  by  continual 
 practice  of  this  kirk.  Secondlyy  That  by  men's  fceking  their 
 own  things,  and  not  the  things  of  Jefus  Chrifl:,  divers  nova- 
 tions have  been  introduced,  to  the  great;  difturbance  of  this 
 kirk,  fo  firmly  once  compared,  and  to  the  endangering  of 
 religion,  and  many  grofs  evils  obtruded,  to  the  utter  undoing 
 of  the  work  of  reformation,  and  change  of  the  whole  form 
 of  worihip  and  face  of  this  kirk.  Thirdly^  That  all  his  ma- 
 jefty's  fubjecls,  both  ecclefiaftical  and  civil,  being,  without 
 confent  of  the  kirk,  commanded  to  receive  with  reverence  a 
 new  Book  of  com'-non  prayer,  as  the  only  form  to  be  ufed  itl 
 *God's  public  worfh-.p,  and  the  contraveeners  to  be  condignly 
 cenfured  and  puniihed  ;  and,  after  many  fupplications  and 
 complaints,  knowing  no  other  way  lor  the  prefervation  of 
 religion,  were  moved  by  God,  and  drawn  by  necefllty,  to 
 renew  the  National  Covenant  of  this  kir4i:  and  kingdom, 
 which  the  Lord  flnce  hath  blefled  from  heaven,  and  to  fub» 
 fcribe  the  Confeiilon  of  Faith,  with  an  application  thereof, 
 abjuring  the  great  evils  wherewith  they  were  now  prefTid, 
 and  fufpendihg  the  practice  of  all  novations  formerly  intro- 
 duced, till  they  ihould  be  tried  in  a  free  General  Aflembly. 
 'LajViy,  That  fome  of  his  majefty's  fubjefts,  of  fundry  ranks, 
 have,  by  his  majelly's  commandment,  lubfcrijod  and  renewed 
 the  Confeffion  of  Faith  v/ithoutthe  former  application  ;  and 
 that  both  the  one  and  the  other  fubfcribcrs  have  fubfcribed  the 
 faid  Confeffion  of  Faith  in  this  year,  as  it  was  profefl*ed  ar.d 
 
 accordm^; 
 
Acts  of  the  General  AJfembly.  153 
 
 according  to  the  meaning  that  it  had  in  this  kingdom,  when 
 it  was  firft  fubfcribed   1581,  and  afterward  :  The  AfTembly 
 therefore,  both  by  the  fubfcription  of  his  majeity's  highcom- 
 mifTioner,  and  of  the  Lords  of  fecret  council,  Stptember  22, 
 1638,  and  by  the  afts  of  council  of  the  date  forefaid,  bear- 
 ing, that  they  fubfcribed  the  iaid  Confeffion,  and  ordaining 
 all  his  majeify's  lieges  to  fubfcribe  the  fame  according  to  the 
 forefaid  date  and  tenor,  apd  as  it  was  then  profeffed  within 
 this  kingdom  ;  as  likewife  by  the  Prcteftatioii  of  fome  of  the 
 fenators  of  the  college  of  juftice,  when  they  were  required  to 
 lubicribe  ;  and  by  the  many  doublings  of  his  majefty's  good 
 llibje6ls,  efpecially  becaufe  the  fubfcribers  of  the  Confefiion 
 in  February  1638,  are  bound  to  fufpend  the  approbation  of 
 the  corruption  of  the  government  of  the  kirk,-  till   they  be 
 tried  in  a  free  General  Affenibly  ;  finding  it  proper  tor  them, 
 and  necefiary  and  incumbent  to  them,  to   give  out  the  true 
 meaning  thereof,  as  it  was  firft  profeiTed,  that  all  his  majefty's 
 iubjefts,  in  a  matter  fo  important  as  is  the  public  Confellioa 
 of  Faith,  fo  folemnly  fworn  and  fobfcribed,  may  be  of  one 
 mind   and  one  heart,  and  have  ftiU  fatibfac\ion  to  all  their 
 doubts  ;  and  that  the  pofterity  afterward  may  be  fully  per- 
 fnadedof  the  true  meaning  thereof, — after  earneft  calling  up- 
 on the  name  of  God,  io  religioudy  attcfted  in  the  faid  Con- 
 ieilion,  have  entered  into  a  diligent  fearch  of  the  regifters  of 
 the  kirk,  and  books  of  the   General   Ailembly,  which  the 
 greateft  part  of  the  AiTembly  had  not  feen  before,  and  which, 
 by  the  fpecial  providence  of  God,  were  preferved,  brought 
 to  their  hands,  and  publicly  acknowledged  to  be  authentic  ; 
 and  have  found,  that  in  the  latter  Coafefilon  of  the  kirk  of 
 Scotland,  we  profefs,  That  we  deteit  all  traditions  brought 
 into  the  kirk,  without  or  againft  the  word  of  God,  and  doc- 
 trine of  this  reformed  kirk.     Next,  We  abhor  and  deteft  all 
 contrary  religion  and  doctrine  ;  but,  chitefly,  all  kind  of  Pa- 
 piftry  in  general  and  particular  heads,  as  rhey  were  then  dam- 
 ned and  confuted  by  the  word  of  God  and  kirk  of  Scotland, 
 when  the  faid  Confefiion  was  (worn  and   iubfcribed,  Annis 
 1580  and  1581,   1590  and   1591.     Thirdly,  That  we  deteil 
 the  Roman  Antichrift,  his  worldly   monarchy,  and   wicked 
 hierarchy.     Fcurthly,  That  we  join  ourfelves  to  this  reformed 
 kirk   in   doctrine,  faith,  religion,  and  dilcipline,  promifing 
 and  fwearing  by  the  GREAT  NAME  OF  GOD,  That  we 
 ihall  continue  in  the  dodtrine  and  dilcipiine  of  this  kirk,  and 
 defend  the  fam.e,  according  to  our  vocation  and  powsr,  all 
 the  days  of  our  life. 
 
 But  fo  it  is,  that  Epifcopal  government  is  abhorred  and 
 deiefted,  and  the  government  by  minifters  and  elders,  ia 
 
 T  affciii-^ 
 
tSi  Acts  of  the  General  j^pmll^, 
 
 Afiemblies  general  and  provincial,  and  Prclbyt cries,  wa$ 
 fwcra  to  and  ("ubfcribed,  in  fublcribing  that  ConfciJion,  and 
 >  ought  ro  be  holden  by  us,  if  we  adhere  to  the  meaning  of  the 
 kirk,  when  that  Confeilion  was  framed,  Avorn  to,  and  fub- 
 fcribed  :  unto  which  we  are  obliged  by  the  national  oath  and 
 lubfcription  of  this  kirk,  as  is  evident  by  the  acls  of  General 
 Aflemblies,  agreed  upon  both  before,  at,  and  after  the  fwear- 
 ing  and  fubfcribing  of  the  faid  ConfeffioQ,  in  the  years  above 
 mentioned,  and  the  Book  of  Policy  agreed  upon  in  the  Af- 
 fembly  which  was  holden  at  Edinburgh  the  twenty-fourth  of 
 AjMil,  and  twenty-fourth  of  Oftobcr,  Anno  1578,  infert  m 
 the  regifter  of  the  kirk,  by  oirdinanceof  the  Aflembly  holden 
 nt  Glafgow  158 1  ;  and  to  be  fubi'cribed  by  all  miniifers  that 
 then  did  bear,  or  thereafter  were  to  bear  office  in  this  kirk, 
 by  ordinance  of  the  AlVemhly  holden  the  fourth  of  Auguft, 
 Tit  Edinburgh  1590,  and  at  Edinburgh  the  fecond  of  July, 
 1591  ;  but  efpeciaily  in  the  2d,  3d,  4th,  6th,  7th,  and  nth 
 
 ch;iptcrs  of  the  laid  book. 
 
 It  was  alio  clei.red,  tliat  Epifcopacy  was  condemned  in  thefe 
 words  of  the  Confefilon,  His  IVicked  Hierarchy.     For  the  Po- 
 piili  Hierarchy  doth  conlifl  of  bilhops,  prelbyters,  and  dea- 
 cons, that  isf  baptizing  and  preaching  deacons;  for  fo  it  is  de- 
 tel-mined  In  the  Council  of  Trent,  in  the  4th  chap.  De  Sacra" 
 7Tiefrto  ordinisy  Can.  6.      *  Si  quis  dixerit  in  Ecckfia  Catholica 
 ran  ejfe  hierarchiani  divir.a  ovdinatione  injiitutnnty  qiiee  conjlat  ex 
 T'pijco'pis,  PreJIjvierisy  et  Mznijlrisy  anathema: Jit.     Bellarminc 
 lil;twile,  in  hi:;  book  De  Clericisy  cap.  1 1,  faith.  That  there  are 
 three  hierarchies  in  the  militant  kirk;  the  firft  of  billiops  ; 
 the  fcconll  of  prieAs  ;    the  third  of  deacons  ;  and  that  the 
 deacons  are  alio  princes,  if  they  be  compared  with  the  peO' 
 p!e  :  this  propofition  fo!  (owing,  Hierarchia^EcclefiaJlica  con  flat 
 (K  Pontijicey   Cardina'ihuSy  ArchieptfcopiSy   Epifcopisy  et   Reptt' 
 larihusy  was  cenlured  by  the  faculty  of  Theology  in  the  uni- 
 TPrlity  at  Paris,  as  followeth,   h'l  ijla  prima propsfdicne  entnne- 
 ratio  metnbroruvi  Hierarchic  Ecchjtajiica  Jeu  facri  principattts^ 
 divina  crdinatione  injliiuti  eft  manca  et  redu7idanSy  attjue  indtt- 
 cens  in  errorcm  contrarium  dtrernunatloni  facra  Synodf  Tridin^ 
 iifia  :  The  proportion  was  dsfccl;ve,  becaufe  it  pretermitted 
 the  prcfbyters  and  deacons  y  it  was  ceniured   as  redundant, 
 becaufe  it  made  the  hierarchy  to  confill  of  the  Pope,,cardi- 
 n  ds,  archbifhops,  and  regulars  :  the  Pope  is  not  within  the 
 liierarcby,  primates,  metropolitans,   and  archbifhops,  but  as 
 
 they 
 
 *  Cenjura  propcfftionvm  qttarundam  ex  H'lhernia  delataram 
 per  Ju  cram  Eacuhatem  Theologia  Fcrijunfia Ja[la. 
 
Acts  of  the  General  jijfemhly,  1$$ 
 
 tliey  are  fcifliops.  Furthermore,  this  hierarchy  is  diftinguKh- 
 ed  in  the  Confeflion  from  the  Pope's  monarchy.  And  how- 
 belt  this  hierarchy  be  called  the  Antichrill's  hierarchy,  'yet 
 it  is  hot  to  diftinguifli  betwixt  the  hierarchy  in  tlie  Popifli 
 kirk,  and  any  other  as  lawful ;  but  the  hierarchy,  wherefo- 
 everit  is,  is  called  his,  as  the  reil  of  the  Popifh  corruptions 
 are  called  his,  /<?  'wity  Invocation  of  faints,  t^anonizniion  of 
 faints,  Dedication  of  altars,  ^c.  are  called  his  j  rot  thv>t 
 there  is  another  lawful  canonization,  iji vocation,  ordeuicati- 
 on  of  altars  :  whatfoever  corruption  was  in  the  kirk,  cither 
 in  doctrine,  worlhip,  or  government,  litice  the  mytiery  oi 
 iniquity  began  to  work,  and  is  retained  and  mainiained 
 by  the  Pope,  and  obtruded  upon  the  kirk  by  liis  auti)ority, 
 are  his.  A  palHigc  alio  out  of  the  hiftory  of  the  Coun- 
 cil of  Trent  was  alledged,  where  it  is  related,  Thnt  tliC 
 Council  would  not  define  the  hierarchy  by  the  feven  orders  : 
 we  have  in  our  Confeffion  of  Faith  the  manifold  orders  fet 
 apart  and  diftinguiOied  from  the  hierarchy,  but  as  it  js  let 
 down  in  the  canon  above  cited  :  we  have  in  the  Book  of  Po- 
 licy, or  fecond  Boole  of  Difcipline,  in  the  end  of  the  fecond 
 chapter,  this  concluaon  agreed  upon,  Therefore  all  the  am- 
 bitious titles  invented  in  the  kingdom  of  Artichrifl,  aiid  ia 
 his  ufurped  hierarchy,  which  are  not  of  one  of  thele  four 
 forts,  to  -wit,  paftors,  doflors,  elders,  and  deacons,  together 
 with  the  offices  depending  thereupon,  in  one  word,  ought  to 
 be  rejected. 
 
 All  which,  and  many  other  warrants,  being  pnblicly  read, 
 and  particularly  at  great  length  examined,  and  all  objeclicKS 
 anfvvered  in  face  of  the  Alfembly,  all  the  members  of  tlie 
 Aflembly  being  many  times  defired  and  required  to  propoiie 
 their  doubts  and  fcruplcs,  and  every  one  being  heard  to  the 
 full,  and,  after  much  agitation,  as  fully  fatisfied  ;  the  Mo- 
 derator at  laft,  exhorting  every  one  to  declare  his  mind,  did 
 put  the  matter  to  voicing,  in  thefe  terms.  Whether,  accord- 
 ing to  the  Confeflion  of  Faith,  as  it  was  profdred  in  the  years 
 1580,-81,  and  1590,  there  beany  other  blihop,  but  a  paftor 
 ef  a  particular  flock,  having  no  preheminence  nor  power  o- 
 ver  his  brethren  ?  and  Whether,  by  thai  Coufcfiion,  as  it 
 was  then  profeiTed,  all  other  Epifcopjcy  is  abjured,  and 
 ought  to  be  removed  out  of  this  kirk  ?  The  whole  AlTeinliiy, 
 mull:  unanimoully,  without  contradiiilion  of  any  one  (and 
 vith  tlichefitation  of  one  allenarl*, )  profeiiing  full  perfajhan 
 of  mind,  did  voice,  That  all  Epifcopacy,  tiiderent  tiom  that 
 of  a  pjifior  over  a  particular  fiock,  was  abjured  in  this  kirk, 
 and  to  be  removed  out  of  it  ;  and  tnsrstore  prohibits^  under 
 
 T  2  ecclefiilUca 
 
1^6  Acts  of  the  Geueyat  j^JTemHy, 
 
 ecdeHaftical  cenfure,  any  to  ufurp,  accept,  defend,  or  obey 
 the  pretended  authority  thereof  in  time  coming. 
 
 Afiembly  at  G/rt/^&w,  Decerfiler  jL'jj  1638.  SefT.  21. 
 
 yL  AB  rejloring  Kirk  Sejftons^  Proiiincial  and  National  Ajfeni' 
 bites,   unto  their  Ancient  Rights  and  Privileges. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  conficlering  the  great  "(lefeftion 
 of  this  kiric,  and  decay  of  religion,  by  the  ufurpation 
 of  the  Prelates,  and  their  fuppreffing  of  ordinary  judicatories 
 of  the  kirk;  and  clearly  perceiving  the  benefit  that  will  re- 
 dound to  religion  by  the  reditution  of  the  faid  judicatories  j 
 remembering  alfo,  that  they  ftand  obliged,  by  their  folenin 
 oath  and  covenant  with  God,  to  feturn  to  the  doiflnne  and 
 difcipline  of  this  kirk,  as  it  was  profeffed  1 580,-8 c, -90,-91, 
 which,  in  the  Book  of  Policy,  regiftrate  in  the  books  of  the 
 AfTcmbly  1581,  and  ordained  to  be  fubfcribed  1590,  1591, 
 is  particularly  exprefied,  both  touching  the  conftitution  of 
 the  Ailemblies, — of  their  members,  miuifters,  and  elders, — 
 and  touching  the  number,  power,  and  authorhy  of  thefe 
 members  in  all  matters  ecclefiartical. 
 
 The  Affsmbly  findeth  it  neceflary  to  reftore,  and  by  thefe 
 prefents  reftoreth,  all  thefe  Affemblies  unto  their  full  integri- 
 ty, in  their  members,  privileges,  liberties,  powers,  and  jurif- 
 di(5Hons,  as  they  were  conilitute  by  the  forefaid  Book  of 
 Policy. 
 
 Aflembly  at  Glafgoiu^  JDecemher  20,  1638.  SefT.  2<5. 
 VII,  AB  concerning  Yearly  General  AJJemblies, 
 
 THE  Aflembly  having  confidered  the reafons  lately  prin- 
 ted, for  holding  of  General  AlTembhes,  which  are  ta- 
 ken from  the  light  qi  nature,  the  promile  of  Jelus  Chrift, 
 the  practice  of  the  holy  apoftles,  the  doftrine  and  curtom  of 
 other  reformed  kirks,  ?,nd  the  liberty  of  this  national  kirk,  as 
 it  is  exprefled  in  tlie  Book  of  Policy,  and  acknowledged  ia 
 the  a6l  of  Parliament  1  ^92.  And  from  recen:  and  prefent  ex- 
 perience, comparing  the  lamentable  prejudices  done  to  reli- 
 gion through  the  former  want  of  free  and  lawful  AlTemblies, 
 and  the  great  benefit  arifing  to  the  kirk  from  this  one  free 
 and  lawful  Afl^embly, — find  it  neceffary  to  declare,  and  hereby 
 declares,  That,  by  divine,  ecclefiartical,  and  civil  warrants, 
 this  national  kirk  Iiath  power  and  liberty  to  aflemble  and  con- 
 veen  in  her  yearly  General  Afl'emblies,  and  ohtmr  pro  re  na- 
 
 ta. 
 
Acts  of  fhe  Genera]  ^/emhly.  i^y 
 
 tay  as  occafion  and  neceffity  (hall  require,  appolntetli  the 
 hext  General  AiTembly  to  fit  at  Edinburgh  the  third  Wed- 
 nefday  of  July  1639  :  and  warneth  all  Preibyteries,  univerfi- 
 ties,  and  burghs,  to  fend  their  commiffioners  for  keeping  the 
 fame  :  giving  power  alfo  to  the  Prefbytery  of  Edinburgh, />r5 
 re  tiatot  and^upon  any  urgent  and  extraordinary  neceffity  (if 
 any  fhall  happen  before  the  diet  appointed  in  Juy)  to  give 
 advertifement  to  all  the  Preflayteries,  univerfities,  and  burghs, 
 to  fend  their  commiffioners  for  holding  an  occaiional  Affem- 
 bly  :  and  if,  in  the  mean  time;  it  fhall  pleafe  the  king's  ma- 
 jerty  to  indift  a  General  AiTembly,  ordaineth  all  Prefbyte- 
 ries,  univerfities,  and  burghs,  to  fend  their  commiffioners 
 for  keeping  the  time  and  place  which  fiiall  be  appointed  by 
 his  maje(ly's  proclamatipji« 
 
 AS^ttdblj  zt  Edinburgh f  Augujl  Zy  1643.  SelT.  6. 
 Vlll.  AB  for  ^nhfcrihing  the  Covenant. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  confidering  the  good  and  pious 
 ^dvice  of  the  commiffioners  of  the  laft  Aflembly,  upon 
 the  2  2d  of  September  1 642,  poji  meridiem^  recommending  to 
 Prelbyteries  to  have  copies  of  the  covenant,  to  be  fubfcribed 
 by  every  minifter  at  his  admiffion  ;  doth  therefore  ratify  and 
 approve  the  famen  :  and  further  ordains,  that  the  covenant 
 be  reprinted  with  this  ordinance  prefixed  thereto  ;  and  that 
 every  Synod,  Prefbytery,  and  parifh  have  one  of  them  bound 
 in  Quarto,  with  feme  blank  paper,  whereupon  every  perfon 
 may  be  obliged  to  fubfcribe  ;  and  that  the  covenants  of  the 
 Synod  and  Prefbytery  be  keeped  by  their  moderators  refpec- 
 tive,  of  univerfities  by  their  principals,  of  parifhes  by  their 
 minifters,  with  all  carefulnefs  ;  and  that  particular  account 
 of  obedience  to  this  aft  be  required  hereafter  in  all  viiitation 
 of  parifhes,  univerfities,  and  Prelbyteries,  and  in  all  trials  of 
 Preibyteries  and  Synod  books. 
 
 The  General  Aflembly  confidering,  that  the  aft  of  the  Af- 
 fembly  at  Edinburgh  161(9,  Aug  30,  injoining  ail  perfons  to 
 fubfcribe  the  covenant,  under  all  ecclefiaflical  cenfure  *,  hath 
 not  been  obeyed  ;  therefore  ordains  all  minifters  to  make  in- 
 timation of  the  faid  aft  in  their  kirks,  and  therefore  to  pro- 
 ceed with  the  cenfures  of  the  kirk  againft  fuch  as  fliall  refufe 
 to  fubfcribe  the  covenant  j  and  that  cxaft  account  be  taken 
 of  every  minifler's  diligence  hereintil,  by  their  Prefbyteries 
 and  Synods,  as  they  willanfwer  to  the  General  Aflembly. 
 
 •  See  Page  91,  foregoing, 
 
 JX.Deftres 
 
i^i  Acts  of  t^e  General  JJemlJy, 
 
 fX^  jyejitts  Ani  Overtures  prefented  from  Prefbperies   and 
 Synods f  with  tie  Jjemh/y's  Anf-mer  thereunto  id/^'J. 
 
 THAT  all  ftudents  of  philcfophy,  at  their  entry,  and  at 
 their  laureation,  be  holden  to  fubferibe  the  League 
 »nd  Covenant,  and  be  urged  thereto  ;  and  all  other  perfons, 
 as  they  come  to  age  and  difcretion,  before  their  firft  receiv- 
 ing, of  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  fupper. 
 
 The  AJfembly  approves  this  Overture, 
 
 AfTembly  at  Edinburgh ^  Augujl  7,  1648,  SeiT.  31. 
 
 ^,  ASifor  taking  the  Covenant  at  ihefirji  receiving  the  Sacra» 
 ment  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  and  for  the  receiving  of  it  a)fo  by 
 alljiudents  at  their  jirjl  entry  to  Colleges, 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly,  according  to  former  recommen- 
 dations, doth  ordain,  that  all  young  lludents  take  the 
 covenant  at  their  firft  entry  to  colleges  ;  and  that  hereafter 
 all  perfons  whatfoever  take  the  covenant  at  their  firft  receiv- 
 ing the  facrament  of  the  Lord^s  fupper  j  requiring  hereby  pro- 
 Tjrincial  Affemblies,  Prefbyteries,  and  uYiivcrfities,  to  be  care- 
 hi\  that  this  a£b  be  obferved,  and  account  thereof  taken  m 
 the  vifitation  of  univerfilies  and  particular  kirks,  and  in  the 
 triafl  of  Prefbyteries  *. 
 
 *  See  G^lkOhn  ^AQs.  No.  37,  3*,  m. 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 DIRECTORY 
 
 FOR      THE 
 
 PUBLIC   WORSHIP    OF    GOD^ 
 
 AG  REED    UPON    BV 
 
 The  Assembly  of  Divines  zX.  Wejiminjier ,  yn^ 
 CommilTioner^  from  the  Church  of  Scotland s 
 
 ASA 
 
 Part  of  the  Coveiaanted  Uniformity  in  religion  betwixt  tlie 
 Churches  of  Chrift  in  the  Three  Kingdoms  of  ScoilanS^ 
 Englandf  and  Ireland. 
 
 WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  the  General  Aflembly  of  the  Church  of  Scot- 
 land, y^nno  1645,  for  Eiiablifhing  and  Obfervicg  tsbfe 
 prefent  Directory. 
 
 TOGETHER    WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  Parliament  1^45,  Approving  and  Eftablifhiog 
 the  fame. 
 
 I  CoR,  xiv.  40.  /^et  all  things  l>e  done  decently ^  and  in  order* 
 Verfe  26.     •   •  Let  all  things  be  done  to  edifying. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Brycb,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lksxv. 
 
C    l6o    ] 
 
 Edinburgh,  May  17,  1645.    PoJ} Meridiem. 
 
 THE  commiffioners  of  the  General  Aflembly  having  fe- 
 rioufly  confidered  the  printed  copy  of  the  Directory 
 for  public  worfhip,  fent  unto  them  from  their  brethren  now 
 in  England,  and  finding  the  fame  agreeable  to  the  form  ap- 
 proven  in  the  late  General  Aflembly, — do  therefore,  accord- 
 ing to  the  power  committed  to  them  by  the  faid  Affembly, 
 ordain  and  require  the  faid  Directory  for  the  public  worfhip 
 of  God,  to  be  forthwith  praftifed  and  obferved  by  all  the  mi- 
 niflers  and  others  within  this  kirk,  whom  it  doth  concern  ; 
 and  that  all  fuch  rules  and  practices  be  laid  afitle,  as  may  fru- 
 ftrate  the  intent  of  the  Dire<^ory.  And,  for  thisefFed,  it  is 
 alfo  ordained.  That  this  Directory,  with  the  Preface,  toge- 
 ther with  the  a£ls  of  the  General  Aflembly,  and  of  the  Par- 
 liament of  this  kingdom  eftabhfhing  the  fame,  be  prefently 
 printed  for  the  ufe  of  this  kirk  ;  wherein  Mr.  Jndreiv  Ker, 
 clerk  to  the  commiffion  of  the  AfTembly,  is  required  to  ule 
 all  poffible  care  and  diligence, — and  he  is  herely  authorized, 
 with  full  power,  to  caule  print  and  re-print  toe  fame  from 
 time  to  time,  as  there  fhall  be  occalion. 
 
 A.  KER. 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  III.  SciT.  5. 
 
 '/in  A£l  of  the  Parliament  of  the  Kingdom  of  Scotland,  approving 
 and  ejiahlijhing  the  DireBoryJor  Public  WorJJnp. 
 
 ^/Edinburgh,  February  6.  1645. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament  now  conveened,  in  the  fccond 
 feffion  of  this  firft  triennial  Parliament,  by  Virtue  of 
 the  lafl:  adl  of  the  lafl  Parliament,  holden  by  his  ma^jefty  and 
 the  three  Eftates  in  Anno  1641,  after  public  reading,  and  fe-t 
 rious  confederation  of  the  aft  underwritten  of  the  General 
 AfTembly,  approving  the  following  Direftdty  for  the  public 
 worfhip  of  God  in  the  three  kingdoms,  lately  united  by  the 
 Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  together  with  the  ordinance 
 of  the  Parliament  of  England  eftablifhing  the  faid  Direftory,f 
 and  the  Direftory  itfelf, — do  heartily  and  chearfully  agree 
 to  the  faid  Direftory,  according  to  the  aft  of  the  General 
 AfTembly  approving  the  fume.  Which  aft,  together  with 
 the  Direftory  itfelf,  the  Eftates  of  Parliament  do,  without  a 
 contrary  voice,  ratify  and  approve  in  all  the  Jieads  and  arti- 
 cles 
 
 t  Sec  CoUeaion  of  A6ts,  No.  a8. 
 
C    i6i    ] 
 
 cles  thereof ;  and  do  interpone  and  add  the  authority  of  Par- 
 liament to  the  fiiid  i£\.  of  the  General  Aircmbly, — and  door- 
 dain  the  fame  to  have  the  ftrength  and  force  of  a  law  and  a£t 
 of  Parliament,  and  execution  to  pafs  tliereupon,  for  oblervini' 
 the  laid  Diie<Slory,  according  to  the  faid  ait  of  the  General 
 
 AfTenibly  in  all  points. 
 
 ALEX.  GIBSON,  Uer.  Regiftri. 
 
 Affenably  at  Edinburgh ^  February  3,   16^^.  Sefi*.  10. 
 
 j^B  of  the  General  Ajfembly  of  the  Kirk  of  Ssotland,  jor  eftahli- 
 JJjing  and  putting  in  execution  of  the  Directory  for  the 
 Public  Wotjhip  of  God. 
 
 'HERE  AS  an  happy  unity  and  uniformity  in  religion 
 amongft  the  kirks  of  Chrift  in  thefe  three  kingdoms, 
 united  under  one  fovereign,  hath  been  long  and  earneftly 
 wilhed  for  by  the  godly  and  well  affe<5led  amongft  us,  was 
 propounded  as  a  main  article  of  the  large  treaty,  without 
 which  band  and  bulwark,  no  fafe,  well  grounded,  and  lafting 
 peace  could  be  expelled  5  and  afterward,  with  greater  ftrength, 
 and  maturity,  revived  in  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant 
 of  the  three  kingdoms ;  whereby  they  ftand  flraitly  obliged 
 to  endeavour  the  nearsft  uniformity  in  one  Form  of  church 
 government,  Diredlory  of  worfliip,  Confeffion  of  Faith,  and 
 Form  of  catechizing  :  which  hath  alio  before,  and  lince  our 
 entering  into  that  covenant,  been  the  matter  of  many  fup- 
 plications  and  remonftrances,  and  fending  commiHioners  to 
 the  kinr^'s  majefty,  of  declarations  to  the  honourable  Houfes 
 of  the  Parliament  of  England,  and  of  letters  to  the  reverend 
 Afl'embly  of  Divines,  and  others  of  the  miniftry  of  the  kirk 
 of  England  ;  being  alfo  the  end  of  our  fending  commilfioners 
 as  was  defired  from  this  kirk,  v/ith  commiffion  to  treat  of  u- 
 niformity  in  the  four  particulars  afore-mentioned,  with  fuch 
 committees  as  (hould  be   appointed  by  both  Houfes  of  the 
 Parliament  of  England,  and  by  the  Affembly  of  Divines  fit- 
 ting at  Weftminfter  ;  and  befide  all  this,  it  being  the  chief 
 end  and  motive  of  our  adventuring  upon  manifold  and  great 
 hazards,  for  quenching  the  devouring  flame  of  the.prefent 
 unnatural  and  bloody  war  in  England,  though  {<t  the  wea- 
 kening of  this  kingdom  within  itl'elf,  and  the  advantage  oi 
 the  enemy  which  hath  invaded  it,  accounting  nothing  too 
 dear  to  us,  fo  that  this  our  joy  be  fulfilled.     And  now  this 
 great  work  being  io  far  advanced,  that  a  Dired^ory  for  the 
 public  worQiip  of  God  in  all  the  three  kingdom*,  being  a- 
 greed  upon  by  the  honourable  Houfes  of  the  Parliament  of 
 
 U  England, 
 
I  162  j 
 
 En gUnd,  after  coufultation  with  the  Divines  of  both  king- 
 doins  there  aiTembled,  and  (zv.t  to  us  for  our  approbation, 
 that,  being  alio  agreed  upon  by  this  kirk  and  kingdom  of 
 Scotland,  it  may  be  in  the  name  of  both  kingdoms  prefsnted 
 to  thfi  king,  for  his  royal  confent  and  ratification  ;  the  Ge- 
 neral Aflembly  having  moll  feriouflyconfidered,rcvifed,  and 
 examined  the  Dire£lory  aforementioned,  after  feverai  public 
 readings  of  it,  after  much  deliberation,  both  publicly  and  in 
 private  committees,  after  fullliberty  given  to  all  to  obje£ta- 
 gainil  it,  and  earnefl:  invitations  of  all  who  have  any  fcruples 
 about  it,  to  make  known  the  fame,  that  they  might  be  fatis- 
 fieJ, — doth  unaniraoully,  and  without  a  contrary  voice,  agree 
 to,  and    approve  the  following  Directory,  in  all  the  heads 
 thereof,  together  with  the  Preface  fet  before  it  ;  and  doth 
 require,  decern,  and  ordain,  that,  according  to   the  plain 
 tenor  and  meaning  thereof,  and  the  intent  of  the  Preface,  it 
 be  carefully  and  uniformly  obferved  and  pra(n:ired  by  all  the 
 xniuiflers  and  others  within  this  kingdom,  whom  it  doth  con- 
 cern ;  which  praftice  (hall  be  begun,  upon  intimation  given 
 to  the  feverai  Prefbyteries,  from  the  commiffioners  of  this 
 General  Aflembly,  who  fhall  alfo  take  fpecial  care/or  the  time- 
 ous  printing  of  this  Direflory,  that  a  printed  copy  of  it  be 
 provided  and  kept  for  the  ufeof  every  kirk  in  this  kingdom  ; 
 alfo  that  each  Prefbytery  have  a  printed  copy  thereof  for 
 their  ufe,  and  take  Ipecial  notice  of  the  obfervation  or  ne- 
 glcft  thereof  in  every  congregation  within  their  bounds,  and 
 make  known  the  fame  to  the  Provincial  or  General   Aflem- 
 bly, 33  there  fliall  be  caufc     Provided  always,  that  the  claufc 
 in  the  Directory,  of  the  adminiftration  of  the  Lord's  fupper, 
 wliich  mentioneth  the  communicants  fitting  about  the  table, 
 or  at  it,  be  not  interpreted,  as  if,  in  the  judgment  of  this 
 kirk,  it   were  uidifferent  and  free  for  any  of  the  communi- 
 cants not  to  come  to  and  receive  at  the  table  j  or  as  if  we  did 
 approve   the  diflriburing  of  the  elements  by  the  minifter  to 
 each  communicant,  and   not  by  the   communicants  among 
 ihemfelves.     It  is  alfo  provided,  that  this  Ihall  be  no  preju- 
 dice totiie  order  and  practice  of  this  kirk,  in  fuch  particulars 
 us  are  appointed  by  the  books  of  difcipline  and  a£):s  of  Gene- 
 ral Aflernbiies,  and  are  not  otherwife  ordered  and  appointed 
 in  the  Dire£lory. 
 
 FifUjUy,  The  AlTerably  doth,  with  much  joy  and  thankful- 
 nefs,  acknowledge  the  rich  bleiling  and  invaluable  mercy  of 
 God,  in  bringing  the  lb  much  widied  for  uniformit/in  reli- 
 gion to  fuch  a  happy  period,  that  thefe  kingdoms,  once  atfo 
 great  diftance  ia  the  form  of  woriliip,  are  new,  by  the  blef- 
 
 fing 
 
[     i62     ] 
 
 fing  of  God,  brought  to  a  nearer  uniformity  than  any  other 
 reformed  kirks  ;  which  is  unto  us  the  return  of  our  prayers, 
 and  a  h'ghtening  of  our  eyes,  and  reviving  of  our  hearts,  ia 
 the  midft  of  our  many  forrows  and  fufFerings ;  a  taking  away, 
 in  a  great  meafure,  the  reproach  cf  the  people  of  God,  to 
 the  llopping  of  the  mouths  of  malignant  and  difaffe£lcd 
 perfons  ;  and  an  opening  unto  us  a  door  of  hope,  that 
 God  hath  yet  thoughts  of  peace  towards  us,  and  not  of 
 evil,' to  give  us  an  expe(fted  end  : — In  the  expeiSlation  and 
 confidence  whereof  we  do  rejoice,  befeeching  the  Lord  to 
 preferve  thefe  kingdoms  from  hereiies,lchifms,  offences,  pro- 
 fanenefs,  and  vvhatfbevcr  is  contrary  to  found  doiftrine  and 
 the  power  of  godlinefs, — and  to  continue  with  us,  and  tlic 
 generations  following,  thefe  his  pure  and  purged  ordinances, 
 together  with  an  increafe  of  the  power  and  life  thereof,  to 
 the  glory  of  his  great  name,  the  enlargement  of  the  kingdom 
 of  his  Son,  the  corroboration  of  peace  and  love  between  the 
 kingdoms,  the  unity  and  comfort  of  ail  his  people,  and  our 
 edifying  one  another  in  love. 
 
 The    CONTENTS. 
 
 CfHE  Frefa:?. 
 
 ■*■     Of  the  Ajfemhitng  cfthe  Congregation^ 
 
 Of  Public  Reading  of  the  hclyfcripture^ 
 
 Of  Public  Prayer  before  ths  Sermon, 
 
 Of  Preaching  of  the  JVord. 
 
 Of  Prayer  after  Sermon. 
 
 Of  the  Sacraracfii  of  Bapiifm. 
 
 Of  the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
 
 Of  the  SanBif  cation  of  the  l.ord's  day. 
 
 Of  the  Sokinnizatioti  of  Marriage. 
 
 Of  the  Vifitation  of  the  Sick. 
 
 Of  Burial  of  the  Dead. 
 
 Of  Public folemn  Fcfling. 
 
 Of  the  Obfervation  of  clays  of  Public  Thanlfgiving, 
 
 Of  Singing  of  Pfalms,  \ 
 
 An  Afpf.ndix,  touching  Days  and  Places  of  Pul'lic  Worffip. 
 
 U  2  The 
 
[     '64    ] 
 
 THE 
 
 DIRECTORY 
 
 1'  O  R      THE 
 
 PUBLIC     WORSHIP    OF     GOD, 
 
 AGREED    UPON    BY 
 
 The  AffemWy  of  Divines  at  Wcftminfter ;  examined  and  ap- 
 proved, Anno  1645,  by  the  General  Aflembly  of  the  church 
 of  Scotland  i  and  ratified  by  Aft  of  Parliament  the  fame 
 
 Year. 
 
 The      preface. 
 
 IN  the  beginning  of  the  blefled  Reformation,  our  wife  and 
 pious  anceftors  took  care  to  fet  forth  an  order  for  redrefs 
 of  many  things,  vphich  they  then  by  the  word  difcovered  to 
 be  vain,  erroneous,  fuperftitious,  and  idolatrous,  in  the  pu- 
 blic worfliip  of  God.  This  occafioned  many  godly  and  learn- 
 ed men  to  rejoice  much  in  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer^  at 
 that  time  fet  forth  ;  becaufe  the  Mafs  and  the  reft  of  the 
 Latin  fervice  being  removed,  the  public  worfhip  was  cele- 
 brated in  our  own  tongue  ;  many  of  the  common  people  alfo 
 received  benefit  by  hearing  the  fcriptures  read  in  their  own 
 language,  which  formerly  were  unto  them  as  a  book  that  is 
 fealed. 
 
 Howbeif,  long  and  fad  experience  hath  made  it  manifcft, 
 that  the  Liturgy  ufed  in  the  church  of  England  (notwith- 
 ftanding  all  the  pains  and  religious  intentions  of  the  compil- 
 ers of  it)  hath  proved  an  offence,  not  only  to  many  of  the 
 godly  at  home,  but  alfo  to  the  reformed  churches  abroad. 
 For,  not  to  fpeak  of  urging  the  reading  of  all  tlie  prayers, 
 which  very  greatly  increafed  the  burden  of  it, — the  many  un- 
 profitable and  burdenfome  ceremonies,  contained  in  it,  have 
 occafioned  much  mifchief,  as  well  by  difquieting  the  confci- 
 enccs  of  mary  godly  miniftenj  and  people,  v/ho  could  not 
 yield  unto  them,  as  by  depriving  them  of  the  ordinances  ot 
 
 God, 
 
The    preface.  i6^ 
 
 God,  which  they  might  not  enjoy  without  conforming  or 
 fubfcribing   to  thefe  ceremonies.     Sundry  good  ChriftianS 
 have  been  by  means  thereof  kept  from  the  Lord's  table,  and 
 divers  able  and  faithful  minifters  debarred  from  the  exercife 
 of  their  miniftry,  (to  the  endangering  of  many  thouland  fouls^ 
 in  a  time  of  fuch  fcarcity  of  faithful  paftors)  and  fpoiled  cf 
 their  livelihood,  to  the  undoing  of  them  and  their  families. 
 Prelates  and  their  faftion  have  laboured  to  raife  the  eftimati- 
 on  of  it  to  fuch  an  height,  as  if  there  were  no  other  worfhip, 
 or  way  of  worfhip  of  God  amongft  us,  but  only  the  fervice 
 book, — to  the  great  hindrance  otthe  preaching  of  the  word, 
 and  (in  fome  places,  efpecially  of  late)  to  the  juftling  of  it  ouc 
 as  unneceflary  ;  or  (at  heft)  as  far  inferior  to  the  reading  of 
 common  prayer,  which  was  made  no  better  than  an  idol  by  ma- 
 ny ignorant  and  fuperftitious  people,  who, pleating  themi'elves 
 in  their  prefence  atthat  fervice,  and  their  lip-labour  in  bearing 
 a  part  in  it,  have  thereby  hardened  themfelvcs  in  their  igno- 
 rance of  faving  knowledge  and  true  piety. 
 
 In  the  mean  time,  Papifts  boafted,  that  the  book  was  a 
 compliance  with  them  in  a  great  part  of  their  fervice ;  and  fo 
 were  not  a  little  confirmed  in  their  fuperftition  and  idolatry^ 
 expelling  rather  our  return  to  them,  than  endeavouring  the 
 reformation  of  themfelves  ;  in  which  expectation  they  were 
 of  late  very  much  encouraged,  when,  upon  the  pretended 
 warrantablenefs  of  impofing  of  the  former  ceremonies,  new 
 ones  were  daily  obtruded  upon  the  church. 
 
 Add  hereunto,  (which  was  not  forefeen,  but  fince  hath 
 
 come  to  pafs)  that  the  Liturgy  hath  been  a  great  means,  as 
 
 on  the  one  hand  to  make  and  increafe  an  idle  and  unedifying 
 
 miniftry,  which  contented  itfelf  with  fet  forms  made  to  their 
 
 hands  by  others,  without  putting  forth  themfelves  to  exercife 
 
 the  gift  of  prayer,  with  which  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  pleafeth, 
 
 to  furnifh  all  his  fervants  whom  he  calls  to  that  oiHce  ;  fo» 
 
 on  the  other  hand,  it  hath  been  (and  ever  would  be,  if  con- 
 
 tinued)  a  matter  of  endlefs  ftrife  and  contention  in  the  church 
 
 and  a  fnare  both  to  many  godly  and  faithful  miniilers,  who 
 
 have  been  perfecuted  and  filenced  upon  that  occalion,  and  to 
 
 others  of  hopeful  parts,  many  of  which  have  been,  and  more 
 
 ftill  would  be  diverted  from  all  thoughts  of  the  miniftry  to 
 
 other  fludies  j  efpecially  in  thefe  latter  times,  wherein  God 
 
 vouchfafeth  to  his  people  more  and  better  means  foythe  dif- 
 
 covery  of  error  and  fuperftition,and  for  attaining  of  knowledge 
 
 in  the  myfteries  of  godlinefs,and  gifts  in  preaching  and  prayer. 
 
 Upon  thefe,  and  many  the  like  weighty  confideraiioniJp 
 
 ia  reference  to  the  whole  book  in  general,  aad  bccaufc  of 
 
 divers 
 
r(Jd,  The    PREFACE. 
 
 divers  particulars  contained  in  it,  not  from  any  love  to  no- 
 velty, or  intention  to  difparage  our  firft  reformers  (of  whom 
 we  are  perfuaded,  that,  were  they  no\y  alive,  they  would 
 join  witk  us  in  this  work,  and  whom  we  acknowledge  as  ex- 
 cellent inftruments,  raifedby  God,  to  begin  the  purging  and 
 building  of  his  houfe,  and  defire  they  may  be  had  of  us  and 
 poftcrity  in  everlafting  remembrance,  with  thankfulnefs  and 
 honour)  but  that  we  may,  in  fome  meafure,  aniwer  the  gra- 
 cious providence  of  God,  which  at  this  time  called-upon  us 
 for  further  reformation,  and  may  fatisfy  our  own  confcien- 
 c«3,  and  anfwer  the  expeflation  of  other  reformed  churches, 
 and  the  defires  of  many  of  the  godly  among  ourfelves,  and 
 withal  give  fome  public  teftimony  of  our  endeavours  for  uni- 
 formity in  divine  worfhip,  which  we  have  promifed  in  our 
 Solemn  League  and  Covenant  ;  we  have,  after  earneft  and 
 frequent  calling  upon  the  name  of  God,  and  after  much  con- 
 iultation,  not  with  flefh  and  blood,  but  with  his  holy  word, 
 refolved  to  lay  afide  the  former  Liturgy  *,  with  the  many 
 rites  and  ceremonies  formerly  ufed  in  the  worlhip  of  God, 
 and  have  agreed  upon  this  following  Directory  for  all  the  parts 
 oTpublic  worlhip,  at  ordinary  and  extraordinary  times. 
 
 Wherein  our  care  hath  been,  to  hold  forth  fuch  things 
 as  are  of  divine  snftitution  in  every  ordinance  ;  and  other 
 things  we  have  endeavoured  to  fet  forth  according  to  the 
 rules  of  Chriftian  prudence,  agreeable  to  the  general  rules  of 
 the  word  of  God  ;  our  meaning  therein  being  only,  that  the 
 general  heads,  the  fenfe  and  fcope  oi  the  prayers,  and  other 
 parts  of  public  worfhip  being  known  to  all,  there  may  be  a 
 confent  of  all  the  churches,  in  thofe  things  that  contain  the 
 fubftance  of  the  fervice  and  worfhip  of  God  :  and  the  mlni- 
 ffers  may  be  hereby  dire<n:ed  in  their  adminiftration,  to  keep 
 like  foundnefs  in  doftrine  and  prayer  ;  and  may,  if  need  be, 
 have  fome  help  and  furniture  ;  and  yet  fo  as  they  become  not 
 hereby  flothful  and  negligent  in  ftirring  uptbegiftsofChrift 
 jn  them;  but  that  each  one,  by  meditation,  by  taking  heed 
 to  himfelf,  and  the  flock  of  God  committed  to  him,  and  byj 
 wfie  obferving  the  ways  of  divine  providence,  may  be  careful' 
 to  furnifli  his  heart  and  tongue  with  further  or  other  mare- 
 rials  of  przyer  and  exhortation,  as  ihali  be  needful  upon  all 
 occaiions. 
 
 *  S'^e  »he  reafons  for  which  the  Service  Book,  urged  upoo  Scotland, 
 Anna  1637,  wasrefafed,  pxinted  iathe  ye»r  1638. 
 
 Of 
 
E    »67    3 
 
 Of  the  Assembling  of  the  Congregation^  and  their  Beha- 
 viour in  the  Public  TForJhip  of  God. 
 
 WHEN  the  congregation  is  to  meet  for  public  worffclp, 
 the  people  (having  before  prepared  their  hearts 
 thereunto)  ought  all  to  come  and  join  therein  5  not  abfent- 
 ing  themfelves  from  the  .public  ordinances  thro'  negligence, 
 or  upon  pretence  of  private  meetings. 
 
 Let  all  enter  the  AfTembly,  not  irreverently,  but  in  a  grave 
 and  feemly  manner,  taking  their  feats  or  places  v^ithout  adc- 
 ration,  or  bowing  themfelves  towards  one  place  or  other. 
 
 The  congregation  being  afTembled,  the  minifter,  after  fo- 
 lemn  calling  on  them  to  the  worfhipping  of  the  great  name 
 of  God,  is  to  begin  with  prayer. 
 *  In  all  reverence  and  humility  acknowledging  the  incom- 
 prehenfible  greatnefs  and  majefty  of  the  Lord,  (in  whole 
 prefence  they  do  then  in  a  fpecial  manner  appear)  and  th^lr 
 own  vileneis  and  unworthinefs  to  approach  fo  near  hiin, 
 with  their  utter  inability  of  themfelves  to  fo  great  a  work  j 
 and  humbly  befeeching  him  for  pardon,  afliftance,  and  ac- 
 ceptance in  the  whole  lervice  then  to  be  performed,  and 
 for  a  blefling  on  that  particular  portion  of  his  word  then  to 
 be  read, — and  all  in  the  name  and  mediation  of  the  Lord 
 Jefus  Chrift.' 
 
 The  public  worfhip  being  begun,  the  people  are  wholly  to 
 attend  upon  it,  forbearing  to  read  any  thing,  except  what 
 the  minifter  is  then  reading  or  citing  ;  and  abftaining  much 
 more  from  all  private  whifperings,  conferences,  falutations, 
 or  doing  reverence  to  any  perfons  prefenr,  or  coming  in  j  as 
 alfo  from  all  gazing,  fleeping,  and  other  indecent  behaviour, 
 which  maydifturbthe  minifter  or  people,  or  hinder  themfelves 
 or  others  in  the  fervice  of  God. 
 
 If  any,  through  necefBty,  be  hindered  from  being  prefent 
 at  the  beginning,  they  ought  net,  when  they  come  into  the 
 congregation,  to  betake  themfelves  to  their  private  devotions, 
 but  reverently  to  compofe  themfelves  to  join  with  the  AflTcm- 
 biy  m  that  ordinance  of  God  which  is  then  in  hand. 
 
 R 
 
 0/  PUBLIC  READING  (j/'z/j^  Ho/y  Scriptures. 
 
 EADING  of  the  word  in  the  congregation,  be  ingpari 
 of  the  public  worfhip  of  God,  (wherein  we  acknow. 
 
 ledge 
 
nd^  ^he 'DiV.^CTO'B.^  for  the 
 
 Iedg€  our  dependence  apon  him,  and  fubje^tion  to  him)  and  • 
 one  means  fandlified  Vf  him  for  the  edifying  of  his  people,  is 
 to  be  j)|,ii  formed  by  thfe  paftors  and  teachers. 
 
 Ho\<%sit,  fuch  as  ilitend  the  miniftry,  may  occafionally 
 both  reTO^the  word,  and  exercKe  their  gifts  in  preaching  in 
 the  congregation,  if  allowed  by  the  Prefbytery  thereunjo. 
 
 All  the  canonical  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Tefipnent 
 ^but  none  of  thofe  which  are  commonly  called  Apocrypha) 
 ihall  be  publicly  read  in  the  vulgar  tongue,  out  of  the  beft  al- 
 lowed tranflation,  diftinttly,  that  all  may  hear  and  unclerftand. 
 
 How  large  a  portion  fhall  be  read  at  once,  is  |y|v  to  the 
 wifdom  of  the  minifter  ;  but  it  it  is  convenient,  thatTWdinari- 
 ly  one  chapter  of  each  Teftament  be  read  at  every  meeting, 
 and  fomstimes  more,  where  the  chapters  b^  fliort,  or  the 
 coherence  of  matter  requireth  it.*  -f- 
 
 It  is  requifite  that  all'the  canonic^Books  be  read  over  in 
 order,  that  the  peoplft  Anay.  be  better  acquainted  vvith  the 
 whole  body  of  the  ferlptures  ;  and  ordinarily,  where  the 
 reading  in  either  Teftament  endeth  on  the  Lord's  day,  it  is 
 to  begin  the  next. 
 
 "We  commend  alfo  the  more  frequent  reading  of  fuch  fcrip- 
 tures  as  he  that  readeth  Ihall  think  beft  for  edification  of  his 
 hearers,  as  the  book  of  Pfalms,  and  iuch  like. 
 ^     When  the  minifter,  who  readeth,  (hall  judge  it  necelTary 
 to  expound  any  part  of  what  is  read,  let  it  not  be  done  until 
 the  whole  chapter  jQ&Pfalm  be  ended  ;  and  regard  is  always 
 to  be  had  unto  th^  time,  that  neither   preaching  nor  other 
 ordinance  be  ftraitened,  or  rendered  tedious.     Which  rule  is 
 ,,       to  be  obferved  in  all  other  public  performances. 
 ^^    Be(ide  public  reading  of  the  holy  fcriptures,  every  perfon 
 that  can  read,  is  to  be  exhorted  to   read  the  fcriptures  pri- 
 vately, (and  all  others  that  cannot  read,  if  not  difabled  by 
 age  or  otherwife,  are  likewifc  to  be  exhortjed  to  learn  to  read) 
 and  to  have  a  I^ible. 
 
 Of  P'OiBl.tC  PRAYER  iefore  the  Sermoo. 
 
 '  A  TTER  fesaihg  of  the  word,  (andfingingof  thePfalm) 
 _£j^  the  minifter  who  is  •:  t^-each,  is  to  endeavour  to  get 
 hii  own  and  ifcfis  hearers  he  .ts  to  be  rightly  afFedled  with 
 their  fins,  that  they  may  aii  nourn  in  I'enfc  thereof  before 
 the  Lord,  and  hunger  and      ;  ^  after  the  grace  of  God  in 
 
 Jefus 
 
 ♦  See  the  opinion  of  the  Com  v    ^:e,  approved  by  the  General  A(- 
 HSmbly  164?.  S?ff>  14.  forkeepi  e  greater  uniformity  ia  the  prac- 
 
 tice of  the  JDifedlory  in  forae  po...  .  of  public  worfli'p* 
 
Public  Worship  c/ God.  169 
 
 Tefus  Chi-ift,  by  proceeding  to  a  more  full  confcfllon  of  fin, 
 
 with  fliame  and  holy  confuflon  efface,  and  to  call  upon  the 
 
 Lord  to  this  effect  : 
 
 '  To  acknowledge  our  great  finfulnefs,  Fiiy'^^  Bv  reafon  of 
 original  fin,  which  (befide  the  guilt  that  makes  vs  liable  to 
 everlalliug  damnation)  is- the  feed  of  all  other  fins,  hath  de- 
 praved and  poifoned  all  the  faculties  and  powers  of  foul  and 
 body,  doth  defile  our  bed  a<5tions,  and  (were  it  not  reftrain- 
 ed,  or  our  hearts  renewed  by  grace)  would  break  forth  into 
 innumerable  tranfgrefiions,  and  greatcli  rebellions  againft 
 tb^-Lord,  that  ever  were  committed  by  the  vilefi  of  the  Tons 
 of  naen.  'And,  Nexi,  By  reafon  of  actual  fins,  aife^wa 
 fins,  the  fins  of  magiftrates,  ofminifters,  and  of  tlid^iole 
 nation,  unto  wh|ch  we  are  many  ways  acceffory  ;  which 
 fins  of  ours  receive  many  fearful  aggravations,  we  having^ 
 
 "broken  all  the  commandments  oi  the  holy,  juft,  and  good*'  '■ 
 law  of  God,  doing  that  whlcli  is  forbidden,  and  leaving  un- 
 done what  is  enjoined  ;  and  th;?t  not  only  out  of  ignorance 
 and  infirmity,  bjit^alfo  more  prefumptuoufiy  againft  the  light 
 of  our  minds,  chtcfcs  of  our  confciences,  and'motions  of  his 
 own  Holy  Spirit  to  the  contrary,  fo  that  we  have  no  cloak 
 for  our  fins  ;  yea^  not  only  defpifing  the  riches  of  Gcd's 
 goodnels,  forbeaipahce,  and  long  iuffering,  but  (landing  out 
 againft  many  invitations  and  offers  of  grace  iii  the  golpel  ; 
 not  endeavouring,  as  we  ought,  to  receive  Chrift  into  our 
 hearts  by  faith,  or  to  walk  worthy  of  him  in  our  lives. 
 
 *  To  bcv/ailour  blindnefs,  of  mind,  hardnefs  of  heart,  un- 
 belief, impenitency,  lecurity,  lukewarmnefs,  barrennefs  : 
 our  not  endeavouring  after  mortification  and  newne.'s  of  ■ 
 life,  nor  after  the  exercile  of  godlinefs  in  the  power  thereof ; 
 and  that  the  beft. of  us  have  not  fo  ftedfaftly  walked  with 
 God,  kept.our  garments  fo  unf potted,  nor  been  fo  zealous 
 of  his  glopy,  and  the  good  of  others,  as  we  ought  :  and  to 
 mourn  over  fuch  other  fins,  as  the  congregation  is  particu- 
 larly  guilty  of,  notwithftanding  the  manifold  and  great  mer- 
 cies of  ourjpod,  the  love  of  Chrifi,  the  light  of  the  gofpel, 
 and  reformation  of  religion,  our  own  purpofes,  promifes, 
 vow?,  folemn  covenant,  and  other  fpecial  obligations  tc|  the 
 contrary. 
 
 *  To  acknowledge  and  coi:f:Krs,  that,  as  we  are  convinced 
 of  our  guilt,  fo,  out  of  a  deep  fen fe  thereof,  we  judge  our- 
 felves  unworthy  of  the  fmalteft  benefits,  moft  worthy  cf 
 God's  fierceit  wrath,  and  of  all  the  curfes  of  the  law,  and- 
 heavieft'  judgments  infiiOed  upon  the  moft  rebellious  fin- 
 ners  :  and  that  he  might  rcoft  jnftly  take  jiis  kingdom  and 
 
 X  gofpel 
 
i7P  3"'!?^  Director T /or /Z;^ 
 
 ^  *  pcfpsl  from  us,  plague  us  with  all  forts  of  (pirltual  and  tcni- 
 
 *  j)oral  judgments  in  tlVislife,  and  after  cafl  us  into  utter  dark- 
 
 *  ncCs,  in  the  lake  that  burneth  with  fire  and  brimftone,  where 
 
 *  is  weeping  and  gnafliing  of  teeth  for  ever  more. 
 
 '  Uot\»;<hftanding  all  which,  to  draw  near  to  the  throne  of 
 
 *  grnce,  trcour.-igiujr  ourfelves  with  hope  of  a  gracious  an- 
 
 *  I'wer  of  our  prayers,  in  the  riches  and  all  fufSciency  of  that 
 ^•only  one  oblation,  the  fatisfaclion  and   intercefiion  of  the 
 
 *  Lord  Jefus  Chrifl,  at  theright  hand  of  his  Father,  and  our 
 
 *  Father  j  and,  in  confidence  of  the  great  and  exceeding  pre- 
 
 *  cious  promifes  of  mercy  and  grace   in  the  new  covenant, 
 
 *  through  th<j  fame  INlediator  thereof,  to  deprecate  the  heavy 
 
 *  wrath  and  curfe  of  God,  which  we  are  not  able  to  avoid  or 
 
 *  bear  ;  and  humbly  and  earneftly  (o  fupplicate  for  mercy  in 
 
 *  the  tree  and  full  remifilon  of  all  our  fins,  and  that  only  for  j 
 
 *  the  bitter  fufterings  and  precious  merits  of  that  our  only  ' 
 
 *  Saviour  Jefus  Chrift. 
 
 *'Thrvt  the  Lord  would  vouchfafe  to  (hcd  abroad  his  love  j 
 
 *  in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  >  feal  unto  us  by  the  fame 
 
 *  Spirit  of  adoption,  the  full  aflurance  of  our  pardon  and  re- 
 
 *  conciliation  ;  comfort  ail  that  mourn  in  Zion,  fpeak  peace 
 
 *  to  the  wounded  and  troubled  in  fpirit,  and  bind  up  the  bfo- 
 
 *  ken  hearted  ; — and  as  for  fecure  and  pi-ei'umptuous  finners, 
 
 *  that  he  would  open  their  eyes,  convince  their  confciencea, 
 
 *  and  turn  them  from  darknefs  unto  light,  and  from  the  povv- 
 
 *  er  of  Satan  unto  God,  that  they  alfo  may  receive  forgive- 
 
 *  t!c!s  of  fin,  and  an  inheritance  among  them  that  are  fancli- 
 
 *  fied  by  fiiith  in  Chrifl  Jefus. 
 
 *  With  remifilon  of  fins  through  the  blood  of  Chrift,  to  pray 
 
 *  for  fanftification  by  his   Spirit  ;  the   mortification   of   fin, 
 •dwelling  in,  and   many   times   tyrannizing  over  us;    the 
 
 *  quickening  of  our  de-id  fpirits  v/ith  the  life  of  God  in  Cbrifi:; 
 
 *  grace  to  fit  and  enable  us  for  all  dutii,'s  of  converfation  and 
 
 *  callings  towards  God  and  men  ;  firength  againll  temptati- 
 
 *  ons  ;  the  lan6\ified  Tife  of  blefiings  and  crofies  j  and'perfe- 
 
 *  verance  in  faith  and  obedience  unto  the  end. 
 
 *  To  pray  for  the  propagation  of  the  gofpel  and  kingdom 
 
 *  of  Chrift  to  all  nations  :  for  the  converfion  of  the  Jews,  the 
 
 *  fuinefs  of  the  Gentiles,  the  fall  of  Antichrifl,  and  the  haf- 
 
 *  tening  of   the  fecond  coming  of  our  Lord  ;  for  the  delive- 
 
 *  ranee  of  the  diftreflTed  churches  abroad  from  the  tyranny  of 
 
 *  die    Antichriflian  fa£lion,  and  from  the  cruel  opprcfiions 
 
 *  and  blafphemies  of  the  Turk  ;  for  the  blefling  of  God  up- 
 
 *  on  all   the  reformed  churches,  efpecially  upon  the  churches 
 
 *  and   kingdoms  of  Scotland,  England,   and   Ireland^  i>ow 
 
 '  ftiore 
 
Public  Worship  pf  God.  lyi 
 
 *  more  ftri<flly  and  religlotifly  united  in  the  Solemn  National 
 
 *  l.eague  and  Covenant  ;  and  tor  cur  piantations  in  lUe  rt;- 
 
 *  mote  parts  of  the  world  ; — more  particularlyfor  that  church 
 
 *  and  kingdom  whereof  we  are  members,  that  thereia  God 
 
 *  would  el^ablifh  peace  and  trutli,  the  purity  of  all  his  ordi- 
 
 *  nances,  and    the  power  of  godlinefs  ;  pvcvert  and  remove 
 
 *  herefy,  i'chifm,  profaneneCs,  luperftitJon,  iecuiity,  and  un- 
 
 *  fruitfulnefs  under  the  means  of  grace,  lieal  all  our  rents  uuu 
 '  divisions,  and  preiorve  us  tviAn  breach  oi  our  kjciemn  Co- 
 
 *  vcnant. 
 
 *  To  pray  for  all  in  authority,  efpeclally  for  the  kiQjj's  ma- 
 « je/fy,  that  God  would  make  him  rich  in  bleiiings,  bcih  in 
 
 *  his  perfon  and  government ;  ellabbih.  his  throne  in  reii'^iOn 
 '  and  n'ghteoufnefs,  lave  him  from   evil  rcunfer,  and  uuikc 
 
 *  him  a  bleficd  and  glorious  inilrumen:  for  the  confervntion 
 
 *  and  propagaiion  of  the  gcfpel,  for  the  encouragemeiit  and 
 
 *  protection  of  riiem  that  do  well,  the  terror  of  all  that  do  e- 
 
 <  vil,  and  the  great  good  of  the  whole  church,  and  of  all  his 
 
 <  kingdoms  ;  for  the  converfion  of  the  queen,  the  religiciis 
 «  education  of  the  prince,  and  the  reft  of  the  royal  feed  ;  for 
 «  the  comforting  the  afiiicT;ed  ciueexi  of  Bohemia,  lifter  to  our 
 «  fovereiga  ;  and  for  the  refiitntion  and  eftablilhment  of  th^ 
 «  Jllnflrioas  prince  Charles,  Ele£lor  Palatine  of  the  Rhine,  to 
 «  all  his  dominions  and  dignities  ;  for  a  bleiiing  upon  the  high 
 
 *  court  of  Parliament  (when  fitting  in  ?.ny  of  thefe  kingdoms  ' 
 «  refpeftively)  the  nobility,  the  fubordinate  judges  and  oiagi- 
 
 «  ftrarts,  the  gentry,  and  all  the  commonalty  ;  ror  ?.l\  paiVcrs 
 «  and  teachers,  that  God    would   llll   them   with  his-   ;ipirit, 
 
 *  mske  them  ex=;mplarily  holy,  fbber,  juit,  peaceable,  >md 
 
 <  gracious  in  their  lives, — lound,  fciitiilul,  and   powerful  in 
 
 *  their  minirtry, — an'd follow  all  their  labours  whh  ab-c-iuhtnce 
 «  of  fuccefs  and  blefling  ;  and  give  unto  all  his  people,  jjaitoVs 
 
 *  r.ccording  to  his  own  heart  ;  for  the  univerllties,  and  all 
 «  i'chools  and  religious  feminaries  of  jchurch-  and  conimoa- 
 f  vrealth,  that  they  may  flourrih  more  and  more  in  le.n  nirrg 
 «  nnd  piety  ;  for  the  particular  ciry  or  congregation,  thAt 
 «  God  would  pour  out  a  blefilng  upon  tlie  nMniilry  of  the 
 «  word,  faci-aments,  and  difcipline,  upon  the  civil  goveji.mein , 
 «  and  ail  the  Ceveral  families  and  perlons  therein  ;  for  nif  rcy 
 
 <  to  the  afHi;Sted,  under  any  inward  or  outv/ard  diffrefs  ;   for 
 
 *  feafonable  weather  and  fruitful  Isalons,  as  the  time  rr,;)y  re- 
 
 *  qun-e  ;  fpr  averting  the  judgment    that  we  either  feet  or 
 
 *  fear,  or  are  liable  unto,  as  faaiine,  p^^itiicnce,  chi   fwurd, 
 
 *  and  luch  li^ce. 
 
 X  2  «  Ar.i 
 
« 
 J  7^  2~/3^  Directory /fi'r  the 
 
 '  And,  uith  confidence  of  his  mercy  to  his  whole  church, 
 
 *  and  the  acceptance  of  our  perfons,  through  the  merits  and 
 
 *  mediation  of  our  great  High  Prieft  the  Lord  Jefus,  to  pro- 
 '  Ms  that  it  is  the  defire  of  our  fouls  to  have  fellowfliip  with 
 
 *  God,  in  the  reverent  and  confcionable  ufe  of  his  holy  ordi- 
 
 *  nances  ;  and,  to  that  purpofe,  tc^pray  earneftly  for  his  grace 
 
 *  and  eficciual  ailiftance  to  the  ianclification  of  his  holy  Sab- 
 
 *  bath,  the  Lord's  day,  in  all  the  duties  -.hereof,  public  and 
 
 *  private,  both  to  ourlelves  and  to  all  other  congregations  of 
 '  his  people,  according  to   the  riches  and  excellency  of  the 
 
 *  gofpel,  this  day  celebrated  and  enJDyed. 
 
 *  And,  becaufe  we  have  been  unprofitable  hearers  in  times 
 
 *  pa(t,   and  now  cannot  of  ourfelves  receive  as  we  fliould,  the 
 
 *  deep  things   of  God,  the  myfteries  of  Jefus  Ghrilf,  which 
 
 *  require  a  ipiritual  difcerning, — to  pray,  that  the  Lord,  who 
 
 *  teacheth  to  profit,  would  gracioufly  pleafe  to  pour  out  the 
 '  Spirit  of  grace,  together  with  the  outward  means  thereof, 
 
 *  cauiing  us  to  attain  fuch  a  meafure  of  the  excellency  of  the 
 
 *  knowledge  of  Chrift  Jefus  our  Lord,  and  in  him,  of  the 
 
 *  things  which  belong  to  our  peace,  that  we  may  account  all 
 
 *  things  but  as  drofs  in  comparifon  of  him  ;  and  that  we,  taft- 
 
 *  ing  the  firfl  fruits  of  the  glory  that  is  to' be  revealed,  may 
 '  long  for  a  more  full  and  perfeft  communion  with  him,  that 
 
 *  where  he  is,  we  may  be  alfo,  and  enjoy  the  fulnefs  "of  thofe 
 '  joys  and  pleafures,  which  are  at  his  right  hand,  for  ever- 
 
 *  more. 
 
 '  IMore  particularly,  that  God  would,  in  fpecial  manner, 
 
 *  furnilli  his  fervarlt  (now  called  to  difpcnfe  the  bread  of  life 
 
 *  unto  his  houfhold)  with  wifdom,  fidelity,  zeal,  and  utter- 
 
 *  ranee,  that  he  may  divide  the  word  of  God  aright,  to  every 
 
 *  one  his  portion,  in  evidence  and  demonftration  of  the  Spi- 
 <  rit  and  power  ;  ?.nd  that  the  Lord  would  circumcife  the  ears 
 
 *  and  hearts  of  the  hearers,  to  hear,  love,  and  receive  with 
 «  meeknefs  the  ingrafted  v/ord,  v/hich  is  able  to  fave  their 
 
 *  foLils  ;  make  them  as  good  ground  to  receive  in  the  good 
 
 *  i'ttd  of  the  word,  and  flre'ngthcn  them  againft  the  tempta- 
 
 *  tions  of  Satan,  the  cares  of  the  world,  the  hardnefs  of  their 
 '  own  I^earts,  and  whatfoever  elfe  may  hinder  their  profitable 
 
 *  and  J'aving  hearing  ;  that   fo  Chrift  may   be   fo   formed  ia 
 
 *  them,  and  live  in  them,  that    all    their  thoughts   may  be 
 
 *  brought  into  captivity  to  the  obedience  of  Chrift,  and  their 
 '  hearts  eft.ibliftied  in  every  good  word  and  worlf  forever.' 
 
 We  judge  this  to  be  a  convenient  order,  in  the  ordinary 
 public  prayers  j  yet  fo,  as  the  minifter  may  defer  (as  in  pru- 
 dence he  fLall  iliink  meet)  feme  p:.rt  of  thcfe  petitions  till 
 
 after 
 
PuBLicSVoRSHip  o/ God.  lyx 
 
 after  his  fermon,  or  offer  up  to  God  fome  of  the  thankfgivi 
 ings  hereafter  appointed,  m  his  prayer  before  hi?  iermou. 
 
 0/" /Z'f  PREACHING  of  the  Word. 
 
 PREACHING  of  the  w6rd,  being  the  power  of  God  un- 
 to falvation,  and  one  of  the  greateft  and  moil:  excellent 
 works  belonging  to  the  miniftry  of  the  gofpel,  fhould  be  ib 
 performed,  that  the  workman  need  not  beall:iamed,  but  may 
 fave  himfelf,  and  thofe  that  hear  him. 
 
 It  is  preluppofed,  (according  to  the  rules  for  ordination) 
 t,  that  the  minilier  of  Chrift  is  in  fome  good  meafure  gifted  for 
 fo  weighty  a  fervice,  by  his  flcill  in  the  original  languages, 
 and  in  fuch  arts  and  fciences  as  are  handmaids  unto  divinity, 
 by  his  knowledge  in  the  whole  body  of  theology,  but  moft 
 of  all  in  the  holy  fcrlptures,  having  his  fenfes  and  heart  ex« 
 ercifed  in  them  above  the  common  fort  of  believers  ;  and  by 
 the  illumination  of  God's  Spirit,  and  other  gifts  of  edificati- 
 on, which  {together  with  reading  and  ftudying  of  the  word) 
 he  ought  ftill  to  feek  by  prayer,  and  an  humble  heart,  reJolv- 
 ing  to  admit  and  receive  any  truth  not  yet  attained,  whenever 
 God  (Iiall  make  it  known  unto  him.  AH  which  he  is  to  make 
 ufe  of,  and  improve,  in  his  private  preparations,  before  he 
 deliver  in  public  what  he  hath  provided. 
 
 Ordinarily,  the  fubjedl  of  his  fermon  is  to  be  fome  text  o£ 
 fcripture,  holding  forth  fome  principle  or  head  of  religioii  ; 
 or  fuitable  to  fome  Ipecial  occaiion  emergent  ;  or  he  may  go 
 on  in  fome  Chapter,  Pfalm,  or  book  of  the  holy  rcripturc,\ 
 as  he  fliall  fee  fit. 
 
 _.Let  the  introduoion  to  his  text  be  brief  and  perfpicuou?, 
 drawn  from  the  textitfelf,  or  context,  or  fome  parallel  place, 
 or  general  fentence  of  fcripture. 
 
 If  the  text  be  long,  (as  in  hiftories  and  parables  it  fome- 
 
 times  muft  be)  let  him  give  a  brief  fum  of 'it  ;  if  fliort,  a  pa- 
 
 raphrale  thereof,  if  need  be  :  in  both,  looking  diligently  to 
 
 the  fcope  of  the  text,  and  pointing  at   the   chief  heads  and 
 
 '  grounds  of  do<n:rine,  which  he  is  to  raife  from  it. 
 
 In  analyfmg  and  dividing  his  text,  he  is  to  regard  more  the 
 order  of  matter,  than  of  words  ;  and  neither  to  burden  the 
 memory  of  the  hearers  in  the  beginning  with  too  many  mem- 
 bers of  divifion,  nor  to  trouble  their  minds  with  pbfcure  terms 
 of  art.  • 
 
 In  raifing  do£lrines  from  the  text,  his  care  ought  to  be, 
 FirJ}^  That  the  matter  be  the  truth  of  God.  Seconaly,  That 
 it  be  a  truth  contained  in,  cr  grounded  on  that  text,  that  the 
 
 hear- 
 
5/4  7^  Directory  yof  the 
 
 hearers  may  difcern  how  God  teacheth  it  from  thence. — 
 fhicdlyy  That  he  chiefly  inlift  upon  thofe  doilrines  which 
 are  principally  intended,  and  make  moft  for  the  edification 
 o£  the  hearers. 
 
 The  do<5trine  is  to  be  exprefled  in  plain  terms  ;  or,  if  any 
 thing  in  it  need  explication,  is  to  be  opened,  apd  the  conle- 
 ^uence  alfo  from  the  text  cleared.  The  parallel  places  of 
 fcripture  confirming  the  doftrine  are  rather  to  be  phin  and 
 j*ertinent  than  many,  and  (if  need  be)  fomewhat  inUftcd  up- 
 on, and  applied  to  the  purpofe  in  hand. 
 
 The  arguihents  or  reafons  are  to  be  folid  •,  and,  as  much  as 
 maybe,  convincing.  The  illuftrations,  of  what  kind  foever, 
 ought  to  be  full  of  light,  and  fuch  as  may  convey  the  truth 
 Hito  the  hearer's  heart  with  fpirltual  delight. 
 
 If  any  doubt,  obvious  from  fcripture,  reafon,  or  prejudice 
 of  the  hearers,  feem  to  arife,  it  is  very  requifite  to  remove  it, 
 by  reconciling  the  feeming  ditFerences,  anfvkrering  the  realbns, 
 aiid  difcovering  and  taking  away  the  caul'es  of  prejudice  and 
 Hilftake.  Othervvife,  it  is  not  fit  to  detain  the  hearers  with 
 propounding  or  aniVering  vain  or  wicked  cavils,  which,  as 
 ehey  are  endlefs,  fo  the  propounding  and  anfwering  of  them 
 doth  more  hinder  than  promote  edification. 
 
 He  is  not  to  reft  in  general  do6lrine,  although  never  h 
 much  cleared  and  confirmed,  but  to  bring  it  home  to  fpecial 
 ufe,  by  application  to  his  hearers  ;  which  albeit  it  prove  a 
 work  of  great  difficulty  to  himfelf,  requiring  much  prudence, 
 aeal,  and  meditation,  and  to  the  natural  and  corrupt  maa 
 "will  be  very  unpleafant ;  yet  he  is  to  endeavour  to  perform  it 
 in  fuch  a  manner  that  his  auditors  may  feel  the  word  of  God 
 to  be  quick  and  powerful,  and  a  dilcerner  of  the  thoughts 
 and  intents  of  the  heart  ;  and  that,  if  any  unbeliever  or  ig- 
 norant perion  be  prefent,  he  may  have  the  fecrets  of  his 
 heart  made  manifefl,  aad  give  glory  to  God. 
 
 In  the  ufe  of  inftruftion  or  information  in  the  knowledge 
 of  Ibme  truth,  which  is  a  confequence  from  his  do£lrine,  he 
 >nay  (when  convenient)  confirm  it  by  a  few  firm  arguments 
 irom  the  text  in  hand,  and  other  places  of  fcripture,  or  from 
 the  nature  of  that  common-place  in  divini'.y,  whereof  that 
 truth  U  a  branch. 
 
 In  confutation  of  fjlfe  do£lrines,  he  is  neither  to  raife  an 
 old  herefy  from  the  grave,  nor  to  mention  a  blafphemous  o-, 
 })iiiion  unnecefiarily  :  but,  if  the  people  be  in  danger  of  an 
 error,  be  is  to  confute  it  {cuiidly,  and  endeavour  to  Lti  I'y 
 their  judgments  and  confciences  g^aiaft  all  objcdlions. 
 
 In 
 
Public  Worship  o/"  God.  ' 'if^ 
 
 In  exhorting  to  duties,  he  is,  as  he  feeth  caufe,  to  teac& 
 alio  the  means  that  help  to  the  performance  of  them. 
 
 In  dehortation,  repreheniion,  and  public  admonition^ 
 (which  require  Ipecial  wi(dom)  let  him,  as  there  ilrall  be 
 caufe,  not  only  djfcover  the  nature  and  greatnefs  of  the  fin, 
 with  the  mifery  attending  it,  but  alfo  fhew  the  danger  his 
 hearers  are  in  to  be  overtaken  and  furprized  by  it,  together 
 with  the  remedy  and  beftway  to  avoid  it. 
 
 In  applying  comfort,  whether  general,  againft  all  tentati- 
 ons,  or  particular,  againft  fome  fpccial  troubles  or  terrors,  he 
 is  carefully  to  anfv^er  luch  objections  as  a  troubled  heart  and 
 affliCled  fpirit  may  fuggeft  to  the  contrary. 
 
 It  is  alio  fometinies  requifite  to  give  fome  notes  of  trizl^ 
 (which  is  very  profitable,  efpecially  when  perlormed  by  abic 
 and  experienced  mini(ters,with  circumlpeftion  and  prudence^ 
 and  theiigns  clearly  grounded  on  the  holy  fcriptures)  "where- 
 by the  hearers  may  be  able  to  examine  themfelves,  whether 
 they  Have  attained  thofe  graces,  and  performed  thefe  duties 
 to  which  he  exhorteth,  or  be  guilty  of  the  fin  reprehended., 
 and  in  danger  of  the  judgments  threatened,  or  are  fuch  ta 
 whom  the  confolations  propounded  do  belong  ;  that  accor- 
 <Jingly  they  may  be  quickened  and  excited  to  duty,  humbleii 
 ior  their  wants  and  fins,  affected  with  their  danper,  and 
 flrengthned  with  comfort,  as  their  condition,  upon  exami- 
 nation, (hall  require- 
 
 And,  as  he  needeth  not  always  to  profecute  every  doClrine 
 ^bich  lies  in  his  text,  fo  is  he  wifely  to  make  choice  of  fuck 
 uies,  as,  by  his  refidence  and  converfing  with  his  Hock,  he 
 findeth  moft  needful  and  feafonable  ;  and,  amongft  thefe, 
 fuch  as  may  molt  draw  their  fouls  to  Chrifr,  the  fountain  of 
 light,  holinefs,  and  comfort. 
 
 This  method  is  not  prefcribed  as  necefTary  for  every  man^ 
 or  upon  every  text ;  but  only  recommended,  as  being  founsfi 
 by  experience  to  be  very  much  bleiled  of  God,  and  very  help- 
 ful for  the  people's  underftandings  and  memories. 
 
 But  the  lervant  of  Chrift,  whatever  his  method  be,  is  i» 
 .perform  his  whole  miniftry. 
 
 1.  Painfully,  not  doing  the  work  of  the  Lord  negtigently- 
 
 2,  Plainly,  that  the  meaneft  may  unclerftand  •,  delivering 
 the  truth,  not  in  the  inticing  words  of  man's  wifdom,  but  ia 
 demonftration  of  the  Spirit  and  of  power,  left'  the  crofs  of 
 Chrifl:  fliould  be  made  of  none  efFe(St ;  abftaining  alfo  ficm  aa 
 unprofitable  ufe  of  unknown  tongues,  firange  phrafes,  zud! 
 cadences  of  founds  und  \vords,  fparingly  cicing  fenteaceK  oiF 
 
 ecclefiafti/ 
 
176  7he  Directory  y^r  the 
 
 ecclefiaftical  or  other  human  writers,  ancient  or  modern,  be 
 they  never  fo  elegant. 
 
 3.  Faithfully,  looking  at  the  honour  of  Chrift,  the  con- 
 verlion,  edification,  and  falv^tion  of  the  pedple,  not  at  his 
 own  gain  or  glory,  keeping  nothing  back  which  may  pro- 
 mote thefe  holy  ends,  giving  to  every  one  his  own  portion, 
 and  bearing  indifferent  refpeiSl  unto  all,  without  neglc<fting 
 the  meanef^,  or  fparing  the  greateft  in  their  fins. 
 
 4.  Wifely,  framing  all  his  doiftrines,  exhortations,  and  e- 
 fpecially  his  reproofs,  in  fuch  a  manner  as  may  be  moft  likely 
 to  prevail,  fliewing  all  the  refpeft  to  each  man's  perfon  and 
 place,  and  not  mixing  his  own  pafllon  or  bitternefs. 
 
 c»  Gravely,  as  becometh  the  word  of  God,  fliunning  all 
 fuch  gefture,  voice,  and  expreflions,  as  may  occafion  the 
 corruptions  of  men  to  defpife  him  and  his  minifiry. 
 
 6.  With  loving  affe£lion,  that  the  people  may  fee  all  com- 
 ing from  his  godly  zeal,  and  hearty  defire  to  do  them  good. 
 And, 
 
 7.  As  taught  of  God,  and  perfuaded  in  his  own  heart,  that 
 all  that  he  teacheth  is  the  truth  of  Chrift  ;  and  walking  be- 
 fore his  fiock,  as  an  example  to  them  in  it  ;  earneftly,  both 
 in  private  and  public,  recommending  his  labours  to  the  blef- 
 ling  of  God,  and  watchfully  looking  to  himfelf  and  the  flock, 
 "whereof  the  Lord  hath  made  him  overfeer  ;  fo  fhallthe  doc- 
 trine of  truth  be  prefer^^ed  uncorrupt,  many  fouls  converted 
 and  buHt  up,  and  himlelf  receive  manifold  comforts  of  his 
 labours,  even  in  this  life,  and  afterward  the  crown  of  glory 
 laid  up  for  him  in  the  world  to  come. 
 
 Where  there  are  more  minifters  in  a  congregation  than 
 one,  and  they  of  different  gifts,  each  may  more  efpecially  ap- 
 ply himfelf  to  doftrine  or  exhortation,  according  to  the  gift 
 wherein  he  moft  excelleth,  and  as  they  fliall  agree  between 
 themfelves. 
 
 (y  PRAYER  after  Sermon. 
 
 TH.E  Sermon  being  ended,  the  minifter  is,  '  To  giv» 
 '  thanks  for  tHe^^eat  love  of  God,  m  fending  his  Son 
 
 *  Jel'us  Chrift  unto  us  ;  for  the  communication  of  his  Holy 
 
 *  Spirit  •,  for  the  light  and  liberty  of  the  glorious  gofpel,and 
 «  the  rich  and  heavenly  blefllngs  revealed  therein  j  as  name- 
 
 *  Ijr,  election,  vocation,  adoption,  juftification,  fanftificaticn, 
 *'  and  hope  of  glory  ;  for  the  admirable  goodnefs  of  God,  in 
 'freeing  the  land  from  Antichriftinn  darknefs  and  tyranny, 
 '  and  for  all  other  national  deliverances  j  for  the  reforarlation 
 
 '  of 
 
Public  Worship  of  God.  i^y 
 
 '  of  religion  ;  for  the  covenant  j  and  for  many  temporal  blef- 
 
 *  iings. 
 
 *  To  pray  for  the  continuance  of  the  gofpd,  and  all  ordi- 
 
 *  nances  thereot  in  their  purity,  power,  and  liberty  :  to  turn 
 
 <  the  chief  and  moil  uicful  heads  of  the  fermcn  into  fome 
 
 *  few  petitions ;  and  to  pray  j:hat  it  may  abide  in  the  heart,  and 
 «  bring  forth  fruit. 
 
 <  To  pray  for  preparation  for  death  and  judgment,  and  a 
 
 <  watching  for  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  :  to  in- 
 «  treat  of  God  the  forgivenefs  of  the  iniquities  of  our  holy 
 '  things,  and  the  acceptation  of  our  fpiritual  facrifice,  thro* 
 
 *  the  merit  and  mediation  of  our  great  High  Priell  and  Sdvi- 
 *'  our  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.' 
 
 And  becaufe  the  prayer  which  Chrift  taught  his  difciples 
 is  not  only  a  pattern  of  prayer,  but  itfelf  a  rnoft  comprehen- 
 five  prayer,  we  recommend  it  ailb  to  be  ufed  in  the  prayers 
 of  the  church. 
 
 And  whereas,  at  the  ad  mini  Oration  of  the  facraments,  the 
 holding  public  fafbs  and  daysof  thankfgiving,  and  other  fpe- 
 cial  occalions,  which  may  afford  matter  of  fpecial  petitions 
 apd  thankfgivings,  it  is  requidte  to  exprefs  fomewhat  in  our 
 public  prayers,  (as  at  this  time  it  is  our  duty  to  pray  for  a 
 ijlefling  upon  the  AlTembly  of  Divines,  the  armies  by  fea  and 
 land,  for  the  defence  of  the  king,  Parliament,  and  kingdom) 
 every  minifter  is  herein  to  apply  himfelf  in  his  prayer,  before 
 or  after  his  fermon,  to  thofe  occafions  ;  but  for  the  manner 
 he  is  left  to  his  hberty,  as  God  fhall  dire(St  and  enable  him, 
 in  piety  and  wifdom  to  difcharge  his  duty. 
 
 The  prayer  ended,  let  a  Pfalm  be  fung,  if  with  convenien- 
 cy  it  may  be  done.  After  which,  (unlefs  fome  other  ordi- 
 nance of  Chrift,  that  concerneth  the  congregation  at  that 
 time,  be  to  follow)  let  the  minifter  difmifs  the  congregation 
 with  a  lolemn  bleffing. 
 
 »<>■.  «<>.  wpi«<>>itf^^^»w»>'-Oi'Oii<Pi«o>*<5i  <>>  i<:?T>  •-;>.  v:>>  <.£>)  %5>.  1^1 1*!^ 'o.  t*-  itf>is5>» 
 
 "1  he  AdmlniJiratiGn  of  the  Sacraments  : 
 And^  firft,  c/ Baptism. 
 
 BAPTISM,  as  it  is  net  unneceiTarily  to  be  delayed,  fo  it 
 is  not  to  be  adminiftered  in  any  cafe  by  any  private  per- 
 fon,  but  by  a  minifter  of  Chrift,  called  to  bs  the  ileward  of 
 the  myfteries  of  God. 
 
 Y  Nor 
 
1^8  The  Directory yor  the 
 
 Nor  is  it  to  be  adminiftred  in  private  places,  or  privately, 
 but  in  place  of  public  worihip,  and  in  the  face  of  the  congre- 
 gation, where  the  people  may  moft  conveniently  fee  and 
 hear  ;  and  not  in  the  places  where  fonts,  in  the  time  of  Po- 
 pery, were  unfitly  and  fuperftitioufly  placed. 
 
 The  chi'dl  to  be  baptized,  after  notice  given  the  minifter 
 the  day  before,  is  to  be  prefented  by  the  father,  or  (in  cafe 
 of  his  neceflary  abfence)  by  fome  Chriftian  friend  in  his  place, 
 profefling  his  earneft  deiii-e  that  the  child  may  be  baptized. 
 
 Before  baptifm,  the  minifter  is  to  ufe  feme  words  of  in- 
 flrudion,  touching  the  inftitution,  nature,  ufe>  and  ends  of 
 this  (acrament  ;   Ihewing, 
 
 *  That  it  is  inftituted  by  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  :  That  it  is 
 a  feal  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  of  our  ingrafting  into  Chrift, 
 and  of  our  union  with  him,  of  remifHon  of  fins,  regenera- 
 tion, adoption,  and  life  eternal  :  That  the  water  in  bap- 
 tifm reprefenteth  and  fignifieth  both  the  blood  of  Chrift, 
 which  taketh  away  all  guilt  of  fin,  original  and  a£lual,  and 
 the  fanftifying  virtue  of  the  Spirit  of  Chrift  againft  the  do- 
 minion of  fin  and  the  corruption  of  our  finful  nature  :  That 
 baptizing,  or  fprinkling  and  waftiing  with  water,  fignifieth 
 the  cleanfing  from  fin  by  the  blood  and  for  the  merit  of 
 Chrift,  together  with  the  mortification  of  fin,  and  rifing 
 from  fin  to  newnefs  of  life,  by  virtue  of  the  death  and  re- 
 lurreftion  of  Chrift  :  That  the  promife  is  made  to  believers 
 and  their  feed  ;  and  that  the  feed  and  pofterity  of  the  faith- 
 ful, born  within  the  church,  have,  by  their  birth,  intereft 
 in  the  covenant,  and  right  to  the  feal  of  it,  and  to  the  out- 
 ward privileges  of  the  church,  under  the  gofpel,  no  lefs  than 
 the  children  of  Abraham  in  the  time  of  the  Old  Teftament, 
 the  covenant  of  grace,  for  fubftance,  being  the  fame  ;  and 
 the  grace  of  GoJ,  and  the  confolation  of  believers,  more 
 plentiful  than  before  :  That  the  Son  of  God  admitted  little 
 children  into  his  prelence,  embracing  and  bleffing  them, 
 faying,  For  of  fuch  is  the  kingdom  of  God  :  That  children, 
 by  b^aptilm,  are  falemnly  received  into  the  bofom  of  tiie  vi- 
 fible  church,  diftinguiflied  from  the  world  and  them  that 
 are  without,  and  united  with  believers ;  and  that  all  who 
 are  baptized  in  the  name  of  Chrift,  do  renounce,  and  by 
 their  baptii'm  are  bound  to  fight  againft  the  devil,  the  world, 
 and  tlie  flefh  :  That  they  are  Chriftians  and  federally  holy 
 before  baptifm,  and  therefore  are  they  baptized  :  That  the 
 inwiird  grace  and  virtue  of  baptifm  is  not  tied  to  that  very 
 moment  of  time  wherein  it  is  adminiftred,  but  that  the  friiit 
 and  power  thereof  reacheth  to  the  whole  courfe  of  our  life; 
 
 *  and 
 
Public  Worship  (?/"  God.  i-^o 
 
 «  and  that  outward  baptifm  is  not  fo  neceffary,  that,  throuoh 
 
 *  the  want  thereof,  the  infant  is  in  danger  of  damnation,  or 
 
 *  the  parents  guilty,   if  they  do  not  contemn  or  neglet^l  the 
 
 *  ordinance  of  Chrift,  when  and  where  it  may  be  had.' 
 
 In  thefe  or  the  Hke  inftru^ions,  the  minifter  js  to  ufs  his 
 own  liberty,  and  godly  wifdom,  as  the  ignorance  or  errors  of 
 the  dodlrine  of  baptifm,  and  the  edification  of  the  people, 
 fhall  require. 
 
 He  is  alfo  to  admonipj  all  that  are  prefenty 
 ^  To  lookback  to  their  baptifm  ;  to  repent  of  their  fins  a- 
 
 *  gainft  their  covenant  with  God  5  to  ftir  up  their  faith  •,  to 
 
 *  improve  and  make  the  right  ufe  of  their  baptifm,  and  of  the 
 
 *  covenant  fealed  thereby  betwixt  God  and  their  louls.' 
 
 He  is  to  exhort  the  Parent^ 
 
 *  To  confider  the  great  mercy  of  God  to  him  and  his  child  ; 
 
 *  to  bring  up  the  child  in  the  knowledge  of  the  grounds  of 
 
 *  the  Chriftian  religion,  and  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
 
 *  of  the  Lord  ;  and  to  let  him   kru)w  the  danger  of   God's 
 
 *  wrath  to  himfelf  and  child,  if  he  be  negligent  :  requiring 
 
 *  his  fo|emn  promife  for  the  performance  of  his  duty.' 
 
 This  being  done,  prayer  is  alfo  to  be  joined  with  the  word 
 of  inftitution,  for  fani^ifying  the  water  to  this  fpiritual  uie  : 
 and  the  minifler  is  to  pray  to  this  or  the  like  effe£l  : 
 
 *  That  the  Lord,  who  hath  not  left  us  as  ftrangers  without 
 
 *  the  covenant  of  promife,  but  called  us  to  the  privileges  of 
 
 *  his  ordinances,  would  gracioully  vouchf;^fe  to  fand^ify  and 
 
 *  blefs  his  own  ordinance  of   baptifm  at  this  time  ;  that  he 
 
 *  would  join  the  inward  baptifm  of  his  Spirit  with  the  outward 
 
 *  baptifm  of  water  j  make  this  baptifm  to  the  infant  a  lea!  of 
 
 *  adoption,  remiffion  of  lin,  regeneration,  and  eternal  life, 
 
 *  and  of  all  other  promifes  of  the  covenant  of  grace  ;  that  the 
 
 *  child  may  be  planted  into  the  likenefs  of  the  dteath  and  re- 
 
 *  furredlion  of  Chrift ;  and  that,  the  body  of  lin  being  deftroy- 
 
 *  ed  in  him,  he  may  ferve  God  in  newnels  of  life  all  his  days/ 
 
 Then  the  minifter  is  to  demand  the  name  of  the  child  ; 
 which  being  told  him,  he  is.  to  fay,  [^calling  the  child  by  his 
 name] 
 
 /  Baptize  thee  in  the  Name  of  the  Father ^  of  the  Sofi^  and 
 
 ef  the  Holy  Ghojl. 
 
 As  he  prononnceth  thefe  words,  he  is  to  baptize  the  child 
 with  water  •■,  which,  for  the  manner  of  doing  it,  is  not  only 
 lawful,  but  fufficient  and  moft  expedient  to  be,  by  pouring  or 
 
 y  a  fpriiik- 
 
i8o  The  Directory/?^  the 
 
 fprinkling  of  the  v/ater  on  the  face  of  the  child,  without  ad- 
 ding any  other  ceremony. 
 
 'I'hls  done,  he  is  to  give  thenks  and  pray,  to  this  or  the 
 like  purpoie  : 
 
 *  Acknowledging,  with  all  thankfulnefs,  that  the  Lord  is 
 
 *  true  and  faithful  in  keeping  covenant  and  mercy  :  That  he 
 
 *  is  good  and  gracious,  not  only  in  that  he  numbereth  us  a- 
 
 *  mong  bis  faints,  but    is   plealed  alfo  to  beftow  upon  our 
 
 *  children  this  lingular  token  and  badge  of  his  love  in  Chrift. 
 
 *  That,  in  his  truth  and  fpecial  providence, he  daily  bringeth 
 
 *  fome  into  the  bofom  of  his  church,  to  be  partakers  of  his 
 
 *  inellimable  benetirs,  purchafed  by  the  blood  of  his  dear  Son, 
 
 *  for  the  continuance  and  increafe  of  his  churwh. 
 
 *  And  praying,  That  the  Lord  would  Hill  continue,  and 
 
 *  daily  confirm  more  and  more  this  his  unfpeakable  favour  : 
 «  That  he  would  receive  the  infant  now  baptized,  and  folemn- 
 
 *  ly  entered  into  thehoufliold  of  faith,  into  his  fatherly  tui- 
 
 *  tion  and  defence,  and  remember  him  with  the  favour  that 
 «  h8  flieweth  to  his  people  :  That  if  he  (liall  betaken  out  of 
 
 *  this  life  in  his  infancy,  the  Lord,  who  is  rich  in  mercy, 
 
 *  would  be  pleafed  to  receive  him  into  glory, — and  if  he  live 
 
 *  and  attain  the  years  of  difcretion,  that  the  Lord  would  fo 
 
 *  teach"  him  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  and  make  his  baptifm 
 <  effcdlual  to  him,  and  fo  uphold  him  by  his  divine  power  and 
 
 *  gr^ce,  that  by  faith  he  may  prevail  againft  the  devil,  the 
 
 *  World,  and  the  fiefti,  till  in  the  end  he  obtain  a  full  and 
 
 *  final  viftoi-y,  and  fo  be  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through 
 
 *  faith  unto  falvation,  through  Jefus  Chrift  our  Lord/ 
 
 Of  the   CELEBRATION  of  the  Communion,  or  Sacrament 
 of  the  Lord''s  Supper, 
 
 THE  communion,  or  iupper  of  the  Lord,  is  frequently 
 to  be  celebrated  :  but  how  often,  may  be  conlidered 
 and  determined  by  the  miniflers  and  other  church  governors 
 of  each  congregation,  as  they  fliall  find  moft  convenient  for 
 the  comfort  and  edification  of  the  people  committed  to  their 
 charge.  And,  when  it  fhall  be  adminiftred,  we  judge  it  con- 
 venient to  be  done  after  the  morning  fermon. 
 
 The  ignorant  and  thejcandalous  are  not  fit  to  receive  the 
 farrament  of  the  Lord's  fupper. 
 
 When  this  facrament  cannot  with  convenience  be  frequent- 
 ly adminiAied,  it  is  requifite  that  public  warning   be  given 
 the  Sabbath  day  before  the  adminiitration  thereof  :  and  that 
 cither  then,  or  on  fome  day  of  that  week,  fomcthing  con- 
 cerning 
 
Public  Worship  fl/ God.  i8i 
 
 cernlng  that  ordinance,  and  the  cTue  preparation  thereunto, 
 and  participation  thereof  be  taught,  that  by  the  diligent  ule 
 of  all  means  lanclified  of  God  to  that  end,  both  in  public  and 
 private,  all  may  come  better  prepared  to  that  heavenly  feaft. 
 When  the  day  is  come  for  adminiftration,  the  minifter  hav- 
 ing ended  his  iermon  and  prayer,  flialL  make  a  fhort  exhor- 
 tation, 
 
 *  Exprefling  the  ineftimable  benefit  we  have  by  this  facra- 
 <ment,  together  whh  the  ends  and  ule  thereof  :  fetting  forth 
 
 *  the  great  necelfity  of  having  cur  comfort  and  ftrength  re- 
 
 *  newed  thereby,  in  this  our  pilgrimage  and  warfare  ;  how 
 
 *  neccfPary  it  is,  that  we  come  unto  it  with  knowledge,  faith, 
 
 *  repentance,  love,  and  with  hungering  and  thirfting  fouls 
 
 *  after  Chrift  and  his  benefits :  how  great  the  danger,  to  eat 
 
 *  and  drink  unworthily.' 
 
 <  Next  he  is,  in  the  name  of  Chrift,  on  the  one  part,  to 
 
 *  warn  all  fuch  as  arc  ignorant,  fcandalous,  profane,  or  that 
 
 *  live  in  any  fin  or  offence,  againft  their  knowledge  or  confci- 
 
 *  ence,  that  they  prefume  not  to  come  to  that  holy  table,— 
 
 *  (hewing  them,  that  he  that  eateth  and  drinketh  unworthi- 
 
 *  ly,  eateth  and  drinketh  judgment  unto  himfelf :  And,  on 
 
 *  the  other  part,  he  is  in  ei'pecial  manner  to  invite  and  encou- 
 
 *  rage  all  that  labour  under  the  fenfe  of  the  burden  of  their 
 
 *  fins,  and  fear  of  wrath,  and  defireto  reach  out  unto  agrea- 
 
 *  ter  progrefs  in  grace  than  yet  they  can  attain  unto,  to  come 
 
 *  to  thJjtord's  table  ;  afiliring  them,  in  the  fame  name,  of 
 
 *  eafe,^P"reftiing,  and  ftrength  to  their  weak  and  wearied 
 «  fouls.^ 
 
 After  this  exhortation,  warning,  and  invitation,  the  table 
 being  before  decently  covered,  and  To  conveniently  placed,  that 
 the  communicants  may  fit  orderly  about  it,  or  at  it,  the  mini- 
 fter is  to  begin  the  aftionwith  fahdtifying  and  blefllng  the  ele- 
 ments of  bread  and  wine  fet  before  him,  [the  bread  in  come- 
 ly and  convenient  veiTels,  fo  prepared,  that  being  broken  by 
 him,  and  given,  it  may  be  diiiributed  amongft  the  communi- 
 cants,—the  wine  alfo  in  large  cups]  having  firft  in  a  few  words 
 fliewed  that  thofe  elements,  otherwife  common,  are  now  fet 
 apart  and  fanftified  to  this  holy  ufe,  by  the  word  of  inftitu- 
 tion  and  prayer. 
 
 Let  the  words  of  inftitutlon  be  readout  of  the  Evangelifts, 
 or  out  of  the  firft  Epiltle  of  the  apoftle  Paul  to  the  Corinthi- 
 ans, chap.  xi.  ver.  23.  thave  rcrfived  of  tke  Lord,  &c.  to 
 the  27thverfe,  which  the  minifter  may,  when  he  feeth  re- 
 quifite,  explain  and  apply. 
 
 Let 
 
r8i  Tie  DiRECTORT  fcr  the 
 
 Let  the  prayer,  tbankfgiving,  or  bleffing  of  the  bread  and 
 tvine,  be  to  this  efFed; 
 
 'With  humble  and  hearty  acknowledgment  of  the  great- 
 
 *  nefs  of  our  mifery,  from  which  neither  man  nor  angel  was 
 •^  able  to  deliver  us,  and  of  our  great  unworthinefs  of  the 
 
 *  lead  of  all  God's  mercies, — to  give  thanks  to  God  for  all  his 
 «  benefits,  and  efpecially  for  that  great  benefit  of  our  redemp- 
 
 *  tion,  the  love  of  God  the  Father,  the  iufferings  and  merits 
 »  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  ot  God,  by  which  we  are 
 *"  delivered  ;  and  for  all  means  of  grace,  the  word  and  facra- 
 
 *  ments,  and  for  this  facramcnt  in  particular,  by  which  Chrift 
 
 *  and  all  his  benefits  are  applied  and  feaied  up  unto  us,  which, 
 
 *  notwithftanding  the  denial  of  them  unto  others,  are  in  great 
 «  m^ercy  continued  unto  us,  after  fo  much  and  long  abufe  of 
 «  them  all.' 
 
 *  To  profefs,  tiiat  there  Is  no  other  name  under  heaven, 
 
 *  by  which  we  can  be  faved,  but  the  name  of  Jefus  Chrift, 
 
 *  by  whom  alone  we  receive  liberty  and  life,  have  accefs  to 
 
 *  the  throne  of  grace,  are  admitted  to  eat  and  drink  at  his  own 
 «  table,  and  are  feaied  up  by  his  Spirit  to  an  afTurance  of  hap- 
 »  pinefs  and  everlafting  life. 
 
 *  Earneftly  to  pray  to  God,  the  Father  of  all  mercies,  and 
 
 *  God  of  all  coniolation,  to  vouchfafe  his  gracious  prefence, 
 
 *  and  the  efFe£l:ual  working  of  his  Spirit  in  us,  and  fo  to  fane- 
 
 *  tify  thefc  elements,  both  of  bread  and  wine,  and  to  blefs 
 
 *  his  own  ordinance,  that  we  may  receive  by  faithjfcc  body 
 
 *  and  blood  of  Jefus  Chrift  crucified  for  us,  and  io  v^Dl  upon 
 '  him,  that  he  may  be  one  with  us,  and  we  with  him  ;  that 
 «  he  may  live  in  us,  and  we  in  him  and  to  him,  who  hath 
 'loved us,  and  given  himfelf  for  us.* 
 
 All  which  he  is  to  endeavour  to  perform  with,  fuitable  af- 
 feftions,  anfwerable  to  fuch  an  holy  action,  and  to  ftir  up  the 
 like  in  the  people. 
 
 The  elements  being  now  fanftified  by  the  word  and  prayer, 
 the  minifter,  being  at  the  table,  is  to  take  the  bread  in  his 
 hand,  and  fay,  in  thefe  expreflions,  (or  other  the  like,  ufed 
 by  Chrift  or  his  apoftlcs  upon  this  occalion) 
 
 <  According  to  the  holy  inftitntion,  command,  and  exam- 
 <■  pie  of  our  blefled  Saviour  Jefiis  Chrift,  I  take  this  bread, 
 
 *  and  having  given  thanks,  I  break  it,  and  give  it  unto  you 
 
 *  [here  the  minifter,  who  is  alio  himfelf  to  communicnte,  is 
 « to  break  the  bread,  and  give  it  to  the  communicants]  Take 
 "^  y?,  eat  ye  ;  this  is  the  body  of  Chrijl  Kvhich  is  broken  for  you  : 
 '  Jq  this  in  reinctubratice  cf  hun^ 
 
 In 
 
Public  Worship  ^  Goer  183 
 
 In  like  manner  the  minifter  is  to  take  the  cup,  and  fay,  ia 
 thefe  cxpr'effions,  (or  other  the  like,  ufed  by  Chrift  or  the  a- 
 poftles  upon  the  lame  occafion) 
 
 *  According  to  the  inftitution,  command,  and  example  ©I" 
 «  our  Lord  Jeius  Chrift,  I  take  this  cup,  and  give  it  unto  yoa 
 
 *  There  he  giveth  it  to  the  communicants]  This  cup  is  the  Nimtl 
 
 *  Tefiament  in  the  blood  of  Chrijl,  -which  is  f ml  for  the  remtjfion 
 
 <  oj  the  fins  oj  many  :  drink  ye  all  of  it.' 
 
 After  all  have  communicated,  the  minifter  may,  in  a  few 
 words,  put  them  in  mind, 
 
 *  Of  the  grace  of  God  in  Jefus  ChriH,  held  forth  ia  this 
 
 *  facrament,  and  exhort  them  to  walk  worthy  of  it.* 
 
 The  mini/Ier  is  ts  give/olemn  thanks  to  Gody 
 
 .   *  For  his  rich  mercy  and   invaluable  goodnefs  vouchfafed 
 
 *  to  them  in  that  facrament ;  and  to  intreat  for  pardon  for  the 
 
 *  defecls  of  the  whole  fervice,  and  for  the  gracious  affiflance 
 
 *  of  his  good  Spirit,  whereby  they  may  be  enabled  to  walk 
 
 <  in  the  ftrength  of  that  grace,  as  becometh  thofe  who  have 
 
 *  received  fo  great  pledges  of  falvation.' 
 
 The  colleftion  for  the  poor  is  fo  to  be  ordered,  thtit  no  pasl 
 of  the  public  worfhip  be  thereby  hindered. 
 
 Oj  the  SANCTiFiCATiON  of  the  Lord's  day. 
 
 THE  Lord's  day  ought  to  be  fo  remembered  before  hand, 
 as  that  all  worldly  bufinefs  of  our  ordinary  callings  may 
 be  fo  ordered,  and  fo  timely  and  feafonably  laidafide^  as  they 
 may  not  be  impediments  to  the  due  fan6lifying  of  the  day 
 v/hen  it  comes. 
 
 The  whole  day  is  to  be  celebrated  as  holy  to  the  Lor'd, 
 both  in  public  and  private,  as  being  the  Chriflian  Sabbath . 
 To  which  end,  it  is  requifite  that  there  be  a  holy  ceflation 
 or  reHing  all  the  day,  from  all  unnecefTary  labours,  and  an 
 abftaining,  not  only  from  all  fports  and  paftimes,  but  alfo 
 from  all  worldly  words  and  thoughts. 
 
 That  the  diet  on  that  day  be  fo  ordered,  as  that  neither 
 fervants  be  unnecelTarily  detained  from  the  public  worfhip  of 
 God,  nor  any  other  perfons  hindered  from  the  fanftifying 
 that  day. 
 
 That  there  be  private  preparation  of  every  perfon  and  fa- 
 mily, by  prayer  for  themfelves,  and  for  God's  afliilance  of  the 
 minifter,  and  for  a  bleffing  upon  his  miniftry  \  and  by  fucK 
 
 other 
 
^^S^  TBe  Directory  for  the 
 
 ether  holy  exercifes,  as  may  further  difpofe  them  to  a  more 
 comfortable  communion  with  God  in  his  public  ordinances. 
 
 That  all  the  peopie  meet  fo  timely  foi-  public  worihip,  that 
 the  whole  congregation  may  beprefent  at  the  beginning,  and 
 with  one  heart  folemnly  join  together  in  all  parts  of  the  pub- 
 lic worfhip,  and  not  depart  till  after  the  blefling. 
 
 That  what  time  is  vacant,  between,  or  after  the  folemn 
 meetings  of  the  congregation  in  public,  be  fpent  in  reading, 
 meditation,  repetition  of  fermons,  (efpeciallyby  calling  their 
 families  to  an  account  of  what  they  have  heard,  and  cate- 
 chizing of  them)  holy  conferences,  prayer  for  a  blefling  up- 
 on the  public  ordinances,  finging  of  Pfalms,  viliting  the  fick, 
 relieving  the  poor,  and  luch  like  duties  of  piety,  charity,  and 
 mercy,  accounting  the  Sabbath  a  delight. 
 
 The  Solemnization  o/*  Marriage. 
 
 ALTHOUGH  marriage  be  no  facrament,  nor  peculiar 
 to  the  church  of  God,  but  common  to  mankind,  and 
 of  public  intereft  in  every  commonwealth  j  yet,  becatife  fuch 
 as  marry  are  to  marry  in  the  Lord,  and  have  fpecial  need  of 
 inftruftion,  direftion,  and  exhortation  from  the  word  of  God 
 at  their  entering  into  fuch  a  new  condition,  and  of  the  blef- 
 fing  of  God  upon  them  therein, — we  judge  it  expedient,  that 
 marriage  be  folemnized  by  a  lawful  minifter  of  the  word,  that 
 he  may  accordingly  counfel  them,  and  pray  for  a  blefling  up- 
 on them. 
 
 Marriage  is  to  be  betwixt  one  man  and  one  woman  only  ; 
 and  they  fuch  as  are  not  within  the  degrees  of  confanguinity 
 or  affinity  prohibited  by  the  word  of  God  ;  and  the  parties 
 are  to  be  of  years  of  difcretion,  fit  to  make  their  own  choice, 
 or,  upon  good  grounds,  to  give  their  mutual  confent. 
 
 Before  the  (olemnizing  of  marriage  between  any  perfons, 
 their  purpofe  of  marriage  fhall  be  publiflied  by  the  minifl:er 
 three  leveral  Sabbath  days  in  the  congregation,  at  the  place 
 or  places  of  their  moft  ufual  and  conftant  abode  refpeiSlively. 
 And  of  this  publication,  the  minifter,  who  is  to  join  them 
 in  marriage,  fhall  havefufficientteftimony,  before  he  proceed 
 to  folemnize  the  marriage. 
 
 Before  that  publication  of  fuch  their  purpofe,  (if  the  par- 
 ties be  under  age)  the  conlent  of  the  parents,  or  others  un- 
 der whofe  power  they  are,  (in  cafe  the  parents  be  dead)  is  to 
 be  made  known  to  the  church  officers  of  that  congregation, 
 to  be  recorded. 
 
 The 
 
Public  Worship  o/"  God.  iSJ 
 
 TIae  like  is  ta  be  obferved  in  the  proceedings  of  all  others, 
 nUhough  o(  age,  wliofe  parents  are  living,  for  theii'tirft  mar- 
 riage And  in  after  nurriages  of  eitlier  of  tliofe  panic:*,  they 
 ilidii  be  exiioited  not  to  contract  marriage  without  firft  ac- 
 quainting their  parents  with  it,  (if  with  convenioncy  it  may 
 Ijie  done)  endeavouring  to  obtain  their  conferit. 
 
 Parents  ought  not  to  force  their  children  to  mi>n-y  with- 
 out their  free  conlent,  nor  deny  their  own  confent  without 
 juft  c?.uie. 
 
 After  the  purpofe  or  contnict  of  trsarriage  hath  been  thn; 
 pubHilied,  the  marriage  is  not  to  be  long  deterred.  There- 
 '  tore  tJie  rninifier,  having  bad  convenient  warning,  and  no- 
 thing being  objefted  to  hinder  it,  is  publicly  to  fniemnize  it 
 in  the  place  appointed  by  authority  for  public  worihip,  be- 
 fore a  competent  number  of  credible  wiiTiciles,  at  fume  con- 
 venient hour  of  the  day,  at  any  time  of  the  year,  except  on  a 
 clay  of  public  humiliation.  And  we  advifc  that  it  be  not  on 
 the  Lord's  day. 
 
 And  becau'e  all  relations  are  fantli^fd  by  the  word  and 
 prayer,  the  miailier  is  to  pray  for  a  bieHljjg  upon  them,  to 
 this  effect  : 
 
 *  Acknowledging  our  finp,  whereby  we  h^ve  made  ourfelves 
 
 *  lefs  than  the  leail  of  all  the  mercies  of  God,   and  provoked 
 
 *  hi:n  to  imbitter  all  our  comforts  ;  earneftly,  in  tlie  name  of 
 
 *  Chri'l,  to  inrreat  the  Lord  (-.viiofe  prelVnce  and  favour  is 
 
 *  the  happinefs  of  every  condition,  and  fiveetens  every  rela- 
 
 *  tioa-)  to  be  their  portion,  and  to  ov^rn  and  accept  them  ia 
 
 *  Cl^piil,  who  are  now  to  be  joined  in  the  honourable  eiUtc 
 
 *  of  m?irriagc,  the  covenant  of  their  God;  and  that  as  he  hsth 
 
 *  brought  them  together  by  his  providence,  he  would  iian<5til7 
 
 *  them  by  his  Spirit,  givitig  them  a  new  frame  of  heart,  fie 
 
 *  for  their  new  eftate;  enriching  them  with  all  gri.ces,  where- 
 
 *  b/  they  may  perform  the  duties,  enjoy  the  comforts,  iin- 
 
 *  dergf>  the  cares,  and  refill  the  temptations  which  accompa- 
 
 *  ny  tliat  condition,  as  becometh  Chriftians. 
 
 The  prayer  being  ended,  it.  is  convenient  that  the  minifter 
 do  briefly  declare  unto  them,  out  of  the  Icripture, 
 
 *  The    inftitution,  nfe,  and   ends   of  maniage,  with    tl;e 
 
 *  conjug.it  duties,  which,  \n  all  fiichftdnefs,  they  are  to  per- 
 
 *  form,   each    to  ether  ;  exhorting  them  to  fttidy  the  holy 
 
 *  word  of  God,  that  they  may  Icara  to  live  by  faith,  atid  to 
 
 *  be  content  in  the  midii  of  all  marriage  cares  and  troubles, 
 
 *  fanctdying  God's  name  in  a  thankful,  fobcr,  and  holy  nfe 
 
 *  of  all  conjugal  ccrnforts  ;  praying  much  with  and    for  one 
 
 Z  ♦  another  ;■ 
 
i8(5  The  Directory  fcv  the 
 
 *  another  i  watching  over,  and  provoking  each  other  to  love 
 
 *  ant!  good  works ;  and  to  live  together  as  the  heirs  of  the 
 
 *  grace  of  life/ 
 
 After  foleinn  charging  of  the  pprfons  to  be  married,  before 
 the  Great  God,  who  fearcheth  all  hearts,  and  to  whom  they 
 w\\\^i  give  a  ftrid  account  st  the  laft  day,  that  if  either^f 
 them  know  any  caulc,  by  pre  contracT:  or  otherwife,  why 
 they  may  not  lawfully  proceed  to  marriage,  that  they  now 
 difcover  it, — the  minifter  (if  no  impediment  be  acknowledg- 
 ed) fhall  caufe  fir[>  the  man  take  the  woman  by  the  right 
 hand,  faying  theie  words, 
 
 1  N.  do  take  thee  M.  to  he  my  mnrried  luifey  and  do^  in  toe 
 pre  fence  of  God^  and  before  this  congregation^  promife  and  cove- 
 natit  to  be  a  loving  and  juithful  hujhund  unto  theCy  until  Gcd 
 Jljal!  fcpnrate  uj  by  death. 
 
 Then  the  woman  fhall  take  the  man  by  his  right  hand, 
 and  fay  thefe  words, 
 
 /  M.  do  take  thee  N.  to  be  my  married  hiifhand,  and  I  do^i.'i 
 the  prefence  of  God,  and  before  this  congregation^  promije  and 
 covenant  to  be  «,  loving^  faithful^  and  obedient  nvife  unto  thee, 
 until  God  ffjall  feparaie  us  by  death. 
 
 Then,  without  any  further  ceremony,  the  minifter  flxall, 
 in  the  face  of  the  congregation,  pronounce  them  to  be  huf- 
 band  and  wife,  according  to  God's  ordinance  j  and  fo  con- 
 clude the  aftion  with  prayer,  to  this  effe^  : 
 
 •  That  the  Lord  would  be  pleafed  to  accompany  his  own 
 
 *  ordinance  with  his  bleifing,  befeeching  him   to  enrich  the 
 
 *  perlons   now  married,  as   with  other  pledges  of  his  love, 
 
 *  fo  particularly  with  the  comforts  and  fruits  of  marriage,  to 
 
 *  riie  praife  of  his  abundant  mercy,  in  and  through  Chrid 
 
 *  Jcfus.' 
 
 A  regifter  is  to  be  carefully  kept,  wherein  the  names  of  the 
 parties  fo  married,  with  the  time  of  their  marriage,  are  forth- 
 with to  be  fairly  recorded  in  a  book  provided  for  ihat  purpofe, 
 for  the  perufai  of  all  whom  it  may  concern. 
 
 C  oncer  fling  Visitation  of  the  Sick. 
 
 IT  is  the  duty  of  the  minifler,  not  only  to  teach  the  peo- 
 ple committed  to  his  charge,  in  public,  but  privately  and 
 particularly  to  admonifh,  exhort,  reprove,  and  comfort  them, 
 upon  all  feafonable  occalioi;s,  fo  far  as  his  time,  ilrength,  and 
 perlcnalfaftty  will  peimit. 
 
 lie  is  to  admouilh  them,  in  time  of  health,  to  prepare  for 
 Jeath  J  auu,  for. that  purpofe,  th^y  are  oiica  ip. coiner  with 
 
 their 
 
FuELic  Worship  c/ God.  187 
 
 ihc'w  nimlPier  about  the  ftaie  of  their  fouls  :  and  .in  times  of 
 lickneii,  to  dti:re  his  advice  and  help,  timely  and  feaibnably, 
 .before  thtir  ftreiigth  and  underftanaing  fail  them. 
 
 ■Times  of  ilckriefs  and  r.ffli£tion,  are  ipecial  opportunitifs 
 put  into  his  hand  by  God,  to  minifter  a  word  in  ftiafon  to 
 weary  fou is  ;  becauie  then  the  confciences  of  men  are,  or 
 lhou!d  be  more  awakened,  to  bethink  theaifelves  of  their  ipi- 
 ritual  eftates  for  eternity  ;  and  Satan  takes  alfo  advant,if';e 
 then,  to  load  tbem  more  with  fore  and  heavy  teaiptatious  ; 
 therefore  the  minifter,  being  fent  for,  and  repairing  to  the 
 lick,  is  to  apply  himfelf  with  all  tendernefs  and  love  to  aJ mi- 
 nifter fome  ipiritual  good  to  his  foul,  to  this  c(ie£i  : 
 
 He  may,  from  the  confideration  of  the  pref^nt  ficknefs, 
 inftrudt  him  out  of  fcripture,  that  difeafes  come  not  by  chance, 
 or  by  diilempers  of  body  only,  but  by  the  wife  and  orderly 
 guidance  of  the  good  hand  of  God,  to  every  particular  p^rfon 
 fiiiitteu  by  them.  And  that,  whether  it  be  laid  upon  kin} 
 out  of  difplealure  for  fin,  for  his  corre6tion  and  amendment, 
 or  for  trial  and  exercilc  of  his  gcaces,  or  for  other  fpecial  and 
 excellent  ends,  all  hii  fufferings  fliall  turn  to  his  profit,  and 
 work  toget!\er  for  his  goody  if  he  lincerely  labour  to  make  a 
 landtified  ufe  of  God's  vification,  neither  defpiling  his  chai- 
 tening,  nor  waxing  weary  of  his  corrcilion. 
 
 If  iie  fufpetft  him  of  ignorance,  he  (hall' examine  him  in 
 the  principles  of  religion,  eipecially  tou<:hing  repentance  and 
 faith  ;  and,  as  he  fceth  caufe,  iniiruct  hini  in  the  nature,  ufe, 
 excellency,  and  necellity  ofthofe  graces  j  as  alio,  touching 
 the  covenant  of  grace,  and  Chrilf.the  Son  of  God,  the  Me- 
 diator of  it,  and  concerning  reraiffion  of  fins  by  faith  in  him. 
 
 He  (hall  exhort  the  fick  perfon  to  exan.iue  himfelf,  to  fearcll 
 ^nd  try  his  former  ways,  and  his  eftate  towards  God. 
 
 And  if  the  fick  psrfon  fl:iall  declare  any  fcruplc,  doubt,  or 
 Jempiation  that  are  upon  him,  inftruftions  and  reibluiions 
 Ihall  be  given  to  fatisfy  2nd  fettle  hiui. 
 
 If  it  appear  that  he  hath  not  a  duefenfe  of  his  fins,  ende"- 
 voi-.rs  ou^ht  to  be  ufed  to  convince  him  of  his  fins, — of  the 
 guilt  and  defert  of  them, — of  the  fiith  and  pollution  which 
 the  loul  contracts  by  them, — and  of  the  curfe  of  the  ivuv  arjd 
 wiith  of  God  due  to  them  ;  that  he  may  be  truly  B'cEe^lcd 
 with,  and  humbled  for  them  :  and  vvith:d,  to  make  kr.'.jwa 
 the  d.mger  of  deferring  i-epentance,  and  of  negleclixg  fdva- 
 liou,  at  any  time  offered  J  to  awaken  his  cdn'ciesice,  .ind 
 roL'ze  him  up  out  of  a  ft  up  id  and  fecu  re  condition,  to  .'.ppre- 
 hciiu  iiij  jufcice  and  vvia'cu  of  God,  before  whom  noi  e  can 
 
 Z  i  a and, 
 
iS8  'i /if  Directory />r  //v 
 
 ftanci,  bat  h(t  that,  being  lofl  in  liin.fclf,  layeth  l.Ad  upon 
 Chrilt  by  faith. 
 
 li  he  has  endeavoured  to  walk  in  the  w?,ys  of  holiner?^ 
 snd  to  i'erve  God  in  upiightnefsj-ahhough  i;Ct  without  many 
 failings  or  infirmities  ;  or  if  his  fpirit  be  broken  with  tlie 
 iepfe  of  fin,  or  cad  down  through  want  of  the  fenfe  of  God's 
 favour  •,  tlien  it  will  be  fit  to  raife  hiin  up,  by  fetting  before 
 liin^  the  freenefs  and  fulnefs  of  God's  grace,  the  iufficiency 
 of  /-ighteoulhefs  in  Chriif,  the  gracious  offers  in  the  gofpel, 
 tl>at  all  who  repvnt  and  believe  with  all  their  heart  in  God's 
 riercy  through  Chrift,  renouncing  their  own  righteoulneis, 
 inall  have  life  and  falvation  la  liim  ;  it  miy  be  alfo  ufeful  to 
 fiiew  hirn,  that  death  hath  in  it  no  fpiiitual  evil  to  be  {eared 
 by  thoie  that  are  in  Chrift,  becaufe  fin  the  fting  tf  death  is 
 taken  av/ay  by  Chrilf,  who  hath  delivered  all  that  are  his  from 
 the  bondage  of  the  fear  of  death,  triumphed  over  the  grave, 
 given  us  vifto'^y,  is  himfelf  entered  into  glory,  to  prepare  a 
 place  for  his  people  ;  fo  that  neither  life  nor  death  {hall  be 
 able  to  feparate  them  from  God's  love  in  Chrift,  in  whom 
 fuch  are  fure,  though  now  they  muft  be  laid  in  the  duft,  to  ob- 
 tain a  joyful  and  gracious  refurreOion  to  eternal  life. 
 
 Advice  alfo  may  be  given,  as  to  beware  of  an  ill  grounded 
 perfuafion  on  mercy,  or  on  the  goodnefs  of  his  condition  for 
 Iieaven,  fo  to  dilclaim  all  merit  in  himfelf,  and  to  caft  himfelf 
 wholly  upon  God  for  mercy,  in  the  fole  merits  and  mediation 
 of  Jefus  Chriil,  who  hath  engaged  never  to  ca-ff  oif  them 
 who  in  truth,  and  fincerity  come  unto  him.  Care-?.lfo  mult 
 be  taken  that  tlie  fick  perfon  be  not  cafl  down  in  defpair,  by 
 fuch  a  fevere  reprefentation  of  the  wrath  of  God  due  lo  him 
 for  fins,  as  is  not  mollified  by  a  feafonabie  propounding  of 
 Chriil  and  his  n:ierit  for  a  door  of  hope  to  every  penitent  bs- 
 lievcr. 
 
 *  When  the  fick  perfon  is  beft  compcfed,  may  be  leafl:  dif- 
 turbed,  and  other  ncceir.iry  ofnces  about  him  leart  hindered, 
 the  mini  Her,  if  defired,  fliall  pray  with  him,  and  for  him,  to 
 this  efieO  : 
 
 ♦  Confefiing  and  bewailing  of  fin  original  and  a<rtual ;  the 
 
 *  mifcrable  condition  of  all  by  nature,  as  being  children  of 
 «  wrath,  and  under  the  curfe  ;  acknowledging,  that  all  difea- 
 '  fes,  firknefs,  death,  and  hell  itfelf,  are  the   proper  ifiues 
 
 *  and  efie.^ls  thereof  ;  imploring  God's  mercy  for  the  fick 
 <  perfon  through  the  blood  of  Chrifi  ;  befteching  that  Go  I 
 
 *  would  open  his  eyes,  difcover  unto  him  his  fins^  caufe  him 
 
 *  to  lee  hiailelf  lofl  in  himfelf,  make  known  to  him  the  caule 
 «  v.'hy   God  fmiteth  him,  revea!  Jcius  Chriit  to  his  foul  for 
 
 '  jitihte- 
 
Public  Worship  0/ God.  i8p 
 
 *  rigliteoufnefs  and  life,  give  unto  >iim  his   Ilcly  Spirit  to 
 
 *  create  and  ftrcngthen  faith  to  by  hold  U:>ondirift,  towcrk 
 '  in  him  comfortable  evidences  ofhis  love,tc  arm  him  againlt 
 
 *  temptations,  to  takeoff  his  heart  from  the  world,  to  lanc- 
 
 *  tify  his  prefent  riliiation,  to  furnifh  him  with  patience  and 
 
 *  Ilrength  to,  bear  it,  and  to  give  him  jierf^verancc  in  faith 
 
 *  to  the  end. 
 
 '  That  if  God  fliall  pleafe  to  add  to  his  days,  he  would 
 
 *  vouchlafe  to  blefs  and  fandlify  all  means  of  his  recovery,  jto 
 
 *  remove  the  dire,are,  renew  his  ftrength,  and  enable  him  to 
 
 *  walk  worthy  of  God,  by  a  faithful  remembrance,  and  dili- 
 
 *  gent  obferving  of  fuch  vows  and  promifes  of  holinefs  and  o- 
 
 *  bedience,  as  men  are  apt  tp  make  in  times  ©f  ficknefs,  that 
 
 *  he  may  glorify  God  ia  the  remaining  part  of  his  life. 
 
 «  And  if  God  have  determined  to  finilh  his  days  by  (he 
 
 *  prefent  vifitation,  he  may  find  fuch  evidence  of  the  pardon 
 
 *  of  all  his  fins,  of  his  interefl  in  Chrift,  and  eternal  life  by 
 
 *  Chrift:,  as  may  caufe  his  inward  man  to  be  renewed,  while 
 
 *  his  outward  man  decayeth  ;  that  he  may  behold  death  with' 
 
 *  out  fear,  caft  himfelf  wholly  upon  Chnft  without  doubting, 
 
 *  defire  to  be  dilTblved  and  to  be  with  Chrift,  and  fo  receive 
 '  the  end  of  his  faith,  the  falvation  of  his  foul,  through  the 
 
 *  only  merits  and  interceflxon  of  the  Lord  Jefus  ChrilT,  our 
 
 *  alone  Saviour  anU  allfufficient  Redeemer.' 
 
 The  minifter  fhall  admonifti  him  alio  (as  there  fliall  be 
 caufe)  to  fet  his  houfe  in  order,  thereby  to  prevent  inconve- 
 riences  ;  to  take  care  for  the  payment  of  his  debts,  and  to 
 make.refl;itution  or  fatisfaftion  where  he  hath  done  any 
 wrong ;  to  be  reconciled  to  thofe  with  whom  he  hath  been 
 at  variance,  and  fully  to  forgive  all  men  their  trefTpai^es  a- 
 gainft  him,  'as  he  expeds  forgivenefs  at  the  hand  of  God. 
 
 Lajllj^  The  minifter  may  improve  the  prefent  occafion  to 
 exhort  thofe  about  the  fick  perfon  to  confider  their  owa 
 mortality,  to  x-eturn  to  the  Lord,  and  make  peace  with  him  ; 
 ,  in  health  to  prepare  for  ficknefs,  death,  and  judgment ;  and 
 1  all  the  days  of  their  appointed  time  fo  to  wait  until  their 
 change  come,  that  when  ChriH-,  who  is  our  life,  ilxall  ap- 
 pear, they  may  appear  with  him  in  glory. 
 
 Concerning  Burial  c/* //^f  Dead. 
 
 WHEN  any  perfon  departeth  this  life,  let  the  dead  bo- 
 dy, upon  the  day  of  burial,  be  decently  attended 
 from  the  houfe  to  the  place  appointed  for  public  burial,  and 
 there  immediately  interred,  v/ithbut  any  cereraony. 
 
 And 
 
ipD  T/je  "DiKKcroKY  for  the 
 
 And  becaufc  the  cuftoms  of  kneeling  dovrn,  and  praying 
 by,  or  towards  the  dead  corps,  and  other  iifages,  in  the  place 
 where  it  lies,  before  it  be  carried  to  burial,  are  luperltitious  ; 
 and  for  that,  praying,  reading,  and  hnging,  both  in  going 
 to,  and  at  the  grave,  have  been  grofly  abuled,  are  no  way 
 beneficial  to  the  dead,  and  i\ave  proved  many  ways  hurtful  to 
 the  living,  therefore  let  all  luch  things  be  laid  afide. 
 
 Howbeit,  we  judge  it  very  convenient,  that  the  Chriftian 
 friends,  which  accompany  the  dead  body  to  the  place  appoin- 
 ted for  public  burial,  do  apply  themlelves  to  meditations  and 
 conferences  fuitable  to  the  occafion  ;  and  that  the  minilter, 
 as  upon  other  occafions,  fo  at  this  time,  if  he  be  preient, 
 day  put  them  in  remembrance  of  their  duty. 
 
 That  this  ihall  not  extend  to  deny  any  civil  refpedts  or  dif- 
 ferences at  the  burial,  fuitable  to  the  rank  and  condition  of 
 the  party  deceafed,  while  he  was  living. 
 
 Concerning  Public  Solemn  Fasting. 
 
 WHEN  fome  great  and  notable  judgments  are  either 
 inflifted  upon  a  people,  or  apparently  imminent,  or 
 by  Ibme  extraordinary  provocations  notorioufiy  deierved, — as 
 alfo,  When  fome  fpecial  bleffing  is  to  be  fought  and  obtained, 
 public  folemn  fading  (which  is  to  continue  the  whole  day) 
 is  a  duty  that  God  expefteth  from  that  nation  or  people. 
 
 A  religious  faft  requires  total  abliinence,  not  only  from  all 
 food,  (unlels  bodily  weaknefs  do  manifeflly  dilable  from  hold- 
 ing out  till  the  faft  be  ended,  in  which  caie  fomewhat  ;nay  be 
 taken,  yet  very  fparingly,  to  i'upport  nature,  when  ready  to 
 faint)  but  alio  from  all  worldly  labour,  diicourfesand  thoughiS, 
 and  from  all  bodily  delights,  (although  at  other  times  law- 
 ful) rich  apparel,  ornaments,  and  fuch  like,  during  the  fait  ; 
 and  much  more, from  whatever  is  in  the  nature  or  ufe  icanda- 
 ious  and  oftenfive,  as  gaudfih  attire,  lafcivious  habits  and  gei- 
 tures,  and  other  vanities  of  either  fex  ;  v/hich  we  recommend 
 xo  all  minifters,  in  their  places,  diligently  and  zealoufly  to 
 reprove,  as  at  other  times,  ib  elpeciaily  at  a  faft,' without  rc- 
 I^clI  of  perfons,  as  there  Ihall  be  occafion. 
 
 Before  the  public  meeting,  each  family  and  pcrfou  apart, 
 are  privately  to  ufe  all  religious  care  to  prepare  theij-  hearts 
 tD  fuch  a  folemn  work,  and  to  be  early  at  the  congregntion. 
 
 So  large  a  portion  of  the  day,  as  convenitntly  may  be,  is 
 to  be  fpcnt  in  jiubiic  reading  and  preaching  of  the  v.'ord,  with 
 ilnging  of  Pil'.lms  lit  to  tpiicken  afrections,  fuitable  to  luch  a 
 ti;::y,  but  elnecially  ii)  pr-iyer,  to  this  or  the  like  ciiecl  : 
 
 '  Givin:^ 
 
Public  Worship  c/"  God.  igt 
 
 *  Giving  glory  to  the  great  majefty  of  God,  the  Creator, 
 
 *  Preferver,  ancl  fupreine  Ruler  of  all  the  world,  the  belter 
 
 *  to  atFe(Sl  us  thereby  with  an  holy  reverence  and  ;ivve  of  him. 
 
 *  Acknowledging   his   manifold,  great,  and  tender  mercies, 
 
 *  el'pecially  to  the  church  and  nation,  the  more  effe<llually  to 
 
 *  foften  and  abafe  our  hearts  before  him.     Humbly  confef- 
 
 *  fing  our  fins  of  all  forts,  with   their  feveral  aggravations  ; 
 
 *  jultifying  God's  righteous  judgments,  as  being  far  lefs  than 
 
 *  our  tins   do  deferve  ;  yet  humbly  and  earnell:ly  imploring 
 
 *  his  mercy  and  grace  for  ourlelves,  the  church  and  nation, 
 
 *  for  our  king,  and  all  in  authority,  and  for  all  others  for 
 
 *  whom  we  arc  bouml  to  pray  (according  as  the  prefent  exi- 
 
 *  gent  requireth)  with  more  I'pecial  importunity  and  enlarge- 
 
 *  ment  than  at  other  times;  applying  by  faith  the  promifes  ami 
 
 *  goodnefs  of  God  for  pardon,  help,  and  deliverance  from  the 
 
 *  evils  felt,  feared,  or  deferved  ;  and  for  obtaining  the  b!el- 
 
 *  lings  which  wc  need  and  expeCl:  ;  together  with  a  giving  up 
 
 *  of  ourfelves  wholly  and  for  ever  unto  the  Lord.' 
 
 In  all  thefe,  the  miniflers,  who  are  the  mouths  of  the 
 people  unto  God,  ought  lo  to  fpeak  from  their  hearts,  upon 
 lerious  and  thorough  premeditation  of  them,  that  both  thenj- 
 felves  and  their  people  may  be  much  atre(fi;ed,  and  even  melted 
 thereby  ;  el'pecially  with  forrow  for  their  fins,  that  it  maybe 
 indeed  a  day  of  deep  humiliation  and  afflicting  of  the  foul. 
 
 iSpecial  choice  is  to  be  made  of  fuch  fcriptures  to  be  read, 
 and  of  fuch  texts  for  preaching,  as  may  beft  work  the  hearts 
 of  the  hearers  ;o  the  fpecial  bufinefs  of  the  day,  and  mofb 
 difpofe  them  to  humiliation  and  repentance  ;  inllfting  mofc 
 on  thofe  particulars,  which  each  miniller's  obfervation  and 
 experience  tell  him  are  moil  conducing  to  the  edification  and 
 reformation  of  that  congregation  to  which  he  preacheth. 
 
 Before  the  clofe  of  the  public  duties,  the  miniller  is,  iri 
 his  own  and  the  people's  names,  to  engage  his  and  their 
 hearts  to  be  the  Lord's,  with  profefled  purpofe  and  refolu- 
 tion  to  reform  whatever  is  amils  among  them,  and  more  par- 
 ticularly fuch  fins  as  they  have  been  more  remarkably  guilty 
 of  j  and  to  draw  nearer  unto  God,  and  to  walk  more  clofeiy 
 and  faithfully  withhini  in  new  obedience,  than  ever  before. 
 
 He  is  alfo  to  admonilli  the  people  with  all  importunity", 
 that  the  work  of  that  day  doth  not  end  with  the  public  du- 
 ties of  it  j  but  that  they  are  lo  to  improve  the  remainder  of 
 the  day,  and  of  their  whole  life,  in  re-inforcing  upon  them- 
 felves  and  their  families  in  private  all  thefe  godly  affeftiona 
 and  relolutions  which  they  profefl'ed  in  public,  as  that  they 
 may  be  fettled  in  their  hearts  for  ever,  and  themfflves  may 
 
 mors 
 
igz  The  Directory /tr  the 
 
 more  fenfibly  find  that  God  hath  fmelt  a  fveet  fax'our  in 
 CHrifl:  from  their  performances,  and  is  pacified  towards  them, 
 by  anfwers  of  grace,  in  pardoning  of  fio,  in  removing  of 
 iudt^ments,  in  averting  or  preventing  of  plagues,  and  in  con- 
 ferring of  blelling?,  fuitable  to  the  conditions  and  prayers  of 
 his  people,  by  Jefus  Chrill. 
 
 Befide  folemn  and  general  fafts  enjoined  by  authority,  \t? 
 judge,  that  at  other  times  congregations  may  keep  days  cf 
 fafiing,  as  divine  providence  fliall  adminifter  unto  them  fpecial 
 occafions.  And  alfo  that  families  may  do  the  lame,  fo  it  be 
 not  on  days  wherein  tlie  congregation,  to  which  they  do  be- 
 long, is  to  meet  for  failing,  or  other  public  duties  of  vvorlliip. 
 
 C^r.ceniltja  the  OE  SERVATION  of  Day  of  PublicThanH^'ivh'g. 
 
 WHEN  any  fiich  day  is  to  be  kept,  let  notice  be  given 
 of  it,  and  of  the  occafion  thereof,  fome  convenient 
 time  before,  that  the  people  may  the  better  prepare  thcm- 
 "felves  thereunto. 
 
 The  day  b^ing  come,  and  the  congregation  (after  private 
 preparations)  being  aiTembled,  the  miriilier  is  to  begin  with  a 
 word  of  exhortation,  to  ftir  up  the  people  to  the  duty  for 
 which  they  are  met,  and  with  a  fliort  prayer  for  God's  aflif' 
 tance  and  bleffing,  (as  at  other  conventions  for  public  wor- 
 Ihip)  according  to  the  particular  occaiion  of  their  meeting. 
 
 Let  him  then  make  fome  pithy  narration  of  the  deliverance 
 obtained,  or  mercy  received,  or  of  whatever  hath  occafioned 
 that  afTembling  of  the  congregation,  that  all  may  better  un- 
 derftand  it,  or  be  minded  of  it,  and  more  affefted  with  it. 
 
 And  hecaufe  finging  of  Pfalms  is  of  all  other  the  moft  pro- 
 per ordinance  for  expreffing  of  joy  and  tliankfglving,  let  fome 
 pertinent  Pfalm  or  Pfalms  befung  for  that  purpofe,  before  or 
 after  ihe  reading  of  fome  portion  of  tlie  word  fuitable  to  the 
 prefent  occafion. 
 
 Then  let  the  minifler,  who  is  to  preach,  proceed  to  further 
 exhortation  and  prayci-  before  his  fermon,  with  fpecial  re- 
 ference to  the  prefent  work  ;  after  which,  let  him  pre'ach  up- 
 on fome  text  of  fcripture  pertinent  to  the  occafion. 
 
 The  fermon  ended,  let  him  not  only  pray,  as  at  other 
 times  after  preaching  is  direcfled,  with  remembrance  of  the 
 receiTities  of  the  church,  king,  and  ftate,  (if  before  the  fer- 
 mon they  wsre  omitted)  but  enlarge  himfelf  in  due  and  fo- 
 lemn thankfgiving  for  former  mercies  and  deliverances,  but 
 more  efpccially  for  that  which  at  the  prefent  calls  them  toge- 
 ther to  gi\e  thanks ;  with  humble  petition  for  the  ccntinu- 
 
 ?.ucc 
 
Public  Worship  of  Gov,  iq^ 
 
 ance  and  renewing  of  God's  wonted  mercies,  as  reed  fhall 
 be,  and  for  ianctifying  grace  to  make  a  right  ul'e  thereof,— 
 And  fo,  having  fung  another  Pfahn  fuitable  to  the  mercy, 
 let  him  difmifs  the  congregation  wirh  a  blefling,  that  they 
 ihay  have  fome  convenient  time  for  tlieir  repail  and  rcfrcihing. 
 
 But  the  rniniller  (before  their  difmiflion)  is  ibleimily  to 
 admonlfli  them,  to  beware  of  all  excels  and  riot,  tending  to 
 gluttony  or  drunkennel.5,  and  much  more  of  thefe  finstheni- 
 felves,  in  their  eating  and  refreshing,  and  to  take  care  that 
 their  mirth  and  rejoicing  be  not  carnal,  butdpiritual,  vvhicii 
 may  make  God's  praife  to  be  glorious,  and  themfelves  hum- 
 ble and  fober;  and  that  both  their  feeding  and  rejoicing  may 
 render  them  morechearful  and  enlarged',  further  to  celebrate: 
 his  pralfcs  in  the-  midft  of  the  congregation,  when  they  retuui 
 unto  it,  in  the  remaining  part  of  that  day. 
 
 When  the  congregation  fliall  be  again  afTembled,  the  liks 
 courfe  in  praying,  reading,  preaching,  flngingof  Pfalms,  and 
 offering  up  of  more  praile  and  thankfgiving,  that  is  before 
 direiled  for  the  morning,  is  to  be  reaew'ed  and  continued  (a 
 far  as  the  time  will  give  leave. 
 
 At  one  or  both  of  the  public  meetings  that  day^  a  colletfti- 
 on  is  to  be  made  for  the  poor,  (and  in  like  manner,  upon  the 
 day  of  public  humiliation)  that  their  loins  may  blels  us,  and 
 rejoice  the  more  with  us.  And  the  people  are  to  be  exhort- 
 ed, at  the  end  of  the  latter  meeting,  to  fpenJ  the  refidue  of 
 that  day  in  holy  duties,  and  tel\ihcations  of  Chriftian  love 
 and  charity  one  towards  anorher,  and  of  rejoicing  more  and 
 more  in  the  Lord,  as  becometh  thofe  who  make  the  joy  of 
 the  Lord  their  (Irength. 
 
 0/"  Singing  o/"  Psalms. 
 
 T  is  the  duty  of  Chriftians  to  praife  God  publicly,  b/ 
 finging  Pfahns  together  in  the  congregation,  and  ai'o 
 privately  in  the  family. 
 
 In  finging  of  Pfahns,  the  voice  is  to  be  tnnably  and  grave- 
 ly ordered  ;  but  the  chief  care  muil  be,  to  ling  with  under- 
 ftancHng,  and  with  grace  in  the  heart,  making  melody  unto 
 ihe  Lord. 
 
 That  the  whole  congregation  m^y  join  herein,  every  one 
 that  can  read  is  to  have  a  Pfalm  book  ;  and  all  otheirs,  not 
 difabied  by  age  or  otherwife,  are  to  be  exhorted  to  Icarrv  to 
 read.  Bnt,  for  the  prefent,  where  many  in  the  congregation 
 cannot  read,  it  is  convenient  that  the  rniniller,  or  ibme  otiier 
 
 A  a  fit 
 
194  ^^^  DiRECTORy,    ^c. 
 
 fit  perfon  appointed  by  him  and  the  other  ruling  officers,  do 
 read  the  Piaim,  Hue  by  hne,  before  the  finging  thereof. 
 
 c<5>^  viPi  <.^>^t<?^  tc5>^  l,;?^  ttf?^  <-^>>  t<5>^  v<5;'>  c<^  t<^  t^i?-i  iO?->  v<2?i  t^^ 
 
 A71   APPENDIX,   touching  Days  and  P la- 
 ces v/&r  Public  Worship. 
 
 THERE  is  no  day  commanded  in  fcrlpture  to  be  kept 
 holy  under  the  gofpel,  but  the  Losd's  day,  which  is 
 the  Chriftian  Sabbath. 
 
 Feflival  days,  vulgarly  called  i?>o/y  ^ajj-,  having  no  warrant 
 in  the  word  of  God,  are  not  to  be  continued. 
 
 Neverthelefs,  it  is  lawful  and  neceflary,  upon  fpecial  emer- 
 gent occafions,  to  feparate  a  day  or  days  for  public  fading  or 
 thankfgiving,  as  the  feveral  eminent  and  extraordinary  dif- 
 penlations  of  God's  providence  fhall  adminifter  caufe  and  op- 
 portunity to  his  people. 
 
 As  no  place  is  capable  of  any  holinefs,  under  pretence  of 
 whatfoever  dedication  or  confecration  •,  fo  neither  is  it  lubje£l 
 to  fuch  pollution  by  any  iuperftition  formerly  ufed,  and  now- 
 laid  allde,  as  may  render  it  unlawful  or  inconvenient  for 
 Chrillians,  to  meet  together  therein  for  the  public  worfhip 
 of  God.  And  therefore  we  hold  it  requifite,  that  the  places 
 of  public  aflembling  for  worfliip  among  us,  Ihould  be  conti- 
 nlied,  and  employed  to  that  uie. 
 
 bomc 
 
C     ^95     1 
 
 Some  ACTS  of  tlie  General  yljfcmhly  of  the 
 Church  of  Scotland ^ 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 The  Purging  and  keeping  Pure  the   Worspiip  of 
 God  from  the  Inventions  of  men, 
 
 <*^  <<Pa  'O)  V>i  <<>i   -Ot  '<*>  V^  <Oi  ><:>>  '-3>>  «*>J  ^S>>  <^  »♦»  *^  •<*->  '-i>i  «-=>!  <-<;>>  ><*>.  i^Pi  <Oi  ■<>» 
 
 AlTembly  at  GAt^ow,  December  6 ^  1638.  SefT.  14. 
 
 7.   y^c?  coticern'mtr  the   Service  Book,  Eoch  of  Canons^  Booh  of 
 Ordination,  and  the  High  Comv.tiffion. 
 
 I.  ^  I  ^HE  Afi^frnbly  having  diligently  coniidered  the  Book 
 i  of  Common  Prayer,  lately  obtruded  upon  the  refor- 
 med kirk  within  this  realm,  both  in  refpeft  of  the  manner 
 of  the  introducing  thereof, and  in  rerpe^l:  of  the  matter  which 
 it  containeth,  findeth,  that  it  hath  been  devifed  and  brought 
 in  by  the  pretended  Prelates,  without  direction  trom  the  kirk, 
 and  preffed  upon  minifiers  without  warrant  from  the  kirk,  to 
 be  univerfally  received,  as  the  only  form  of  divine  lervice, 
 under  all  higheil  pains,  both  civil  and  eccleliaftical  ;  and  the 
 book  itfelf,  beiide  the  Popifh  frame  and  forms  in  divine  wdr- 
 fliip,  to  contain  many  Popifli  errors  and  ceremonies,  and  the 
 feeds  of  manifold  and  grofs  fuperftition  snd  idolatry.  The 
 AlTembly  therefore,  all  in  one  voice,  hath  rejetled  and  con- 
 demned, and  by  thefe  prefents  doth  rejedt  ana  cor.demn,  the 
 f'.id  book,  not  only  a?  illegally  introduced,  but  alio  as  repug- 
 nant to  the  dodtrine,  difcipline,  and  order  of  this  reformed 
 kirk,  to  the  ConfefBon  of  Faith,  coniiitutions  of  General 
 AlTemblics,  and  afts  of  Parliament  eftablilhing  the  true  reli- 
 gion; and  doth  prohibit  the  ufe  and  prr.fTcice  thereof.;  and 
 ordain  Prefbytcries  to  proceed  with  the  ceniure  of  the  kirk 
 r.gainH:  all  fuch  as  fhall  tranfgrefs. 
 
 11.  The  AfTembly  alio   taking  to    their  confideration  the 
 
 Bock  of  Canons,  and  the  manner  how  it  hath  httw  introduc- 
 
 A  a  2  ed, 
 
jg6  Acts  of  t,he  General  JJ/emaly, 
 
 cd,  findet'n,  that  it  hath  been  devifed  by  the  pretended  pre- 
 lates, without  warrant  or  diri;«5tion  Irom  the  General  Affem- 
 bfy  ;  and  to  eliablifli  a  tyrannical  power  in  the  perCons  of  the 
 pretended  bilhops,  over  the  worihip  of  God,  men's  confci- 
 ences,  liberties,  and  goods  ;  and  to  overthrow  the  whole 
 difcipline  and  government  of  the  General  and  Synodicnl  Al- 
 ieniblies,  Prcfbyteries,  and  Seflions,  formerly  eftabhfhed  in 
 cur  kirk. 
 
 Therefore  the  Aflembly,  all  in  one  voice,  hath  rejecVed  and 
 condemned,  and  by  thefe  preients  doth  vejtS:  and  condemn, 
 the  faid  book,  as  contrary  to  the  Ccnfeffion  of  our  Faith,  and 
 repugnant  to  the  eftablifiied  government,  the  book  of  difci- 
 pline, and  the  zds  and  conftitutions  of  our  kirk  ;  pichibits 
 the  uieand  practice  of  the  fame;  and  ordains  Prefbyteries  to 
 proceed  with  the  cenfure  of  the  kirk.againft  all  fuch  as  Ihall 
 tranfgrcO, 
 
 .  III.  The  Aflembly  having  confidered  the  "Book  of  Confe- 
 cration  r,nd  Ordination,  findeth  it  to  have  been  framed  by  the 
 Prelates,  to  have  been  introduced  and  praclifed  without  war- 
 rant of  authority,  either  civil  or  ecclefiaftical ;  and  that  it  e- 
 ftablidietfi  ofHces  in  God's  houfc,  which  are  not  warranted 
 by  the  v/ord  of  God,  and  are  repugnant  to  the  difcipline  and 
 cinfH'-utions  of  our  kirk  -,  that  it  is  an  impediment  to  the  en- 
 try of  fit  and  worthy  men  to  the  miniflry,  and  to  the  difchargc 
 of  their  duty  after  their  entry,  conform  to  the  difcipline  of 
 
 our  kirk. Therefore  the  Aflembly,  all  in  one  voice,  hath 
 
 rejected  and  condemned,  and  by  thef:  orefents  do  rejeft  and 
 condemn,  the  fuid  book  ;  and  prohibits  the  ufe  and  pradice 
 of  the  fame ;  and  ordains  Presbyteries  to  proceed  with  the 
 cenfure  of  the  kirk  r.gainJl:  all  fuch  as  fliall  rranfgrefs. 
 
 IV.  The  General  AfTembly,  after  due  trial,  having  found, 
 that  the  court  of  High  Commif^on  hath  been  ere£led  without 
 the  confcnt  or  procurement  of  the  kirk,  or  conf'ent  of  thw 
 Eirates  in  Parliament;  that  itfubverteth  the  jurifdiftion  and 
 ordinary  judicatories  and  afTemblies  of  the  kirk  Seffions,  Pref- 
 byteries, Provincial  and  National  AiTembiies  ;  that  it  is  not 
 regulate  by  laws  civil  or  ecclefiaflical,  but  at  the  difcretioa 
 and  arbiti  iment  of  the  commiflioners  ;  that  it  givetli  to  eccle- 
 fiaftical  perfons  the  power  of  both  the  fwords, — and  to  per- 
 fons  mertly  civil,  the  power  of  the  keys  and  kirk  cenfure?. 
 
 Therefore  the  Aflembly,  all  in  one  voice,  hath  difallow- 
 
 c  I  and  condemned,  and  by  thefe  prefents  doth  difallow  and 
 condemn,  the  f;;id  court,  as  unlawf^jl  in  itfelf,  aijdprejudi. 
 cial  to  the  lib/.rties  of  ChriA's  kirk  and  kingdom,  the  king*; 
 honour  in  maintaining  the  eftablilhed  laws  and  judicr-tones 
 
 of 
 
Acts  cf  the  General  /IJpmhly,  J97 
 
 of  the  kirk  ;  and  prohibits  the  ufe  and  practice  of  the  f'.me  j 
 and  ordains  Preibyteries  to  proceed  with  the  cenlures  of  the 
 kiik  againft  all  luch  as  Ihall  tranfgrcrs. 
 
 AlTerably  at  G/fl/^o^y,  Decemher  10,  1638.  SeiT.  17. 
 
 //.  A5f  declaring  the  Five  Articles  cf  Perth  to  have  been  ab- 
 juredy  and  io  be  rnnoved. 
 
 *HE  AfTemblf,  remembering  the  uniformity  of  worfliip 
 X  which  was  in  this  kirk  before  the  Articles  of  Perth, — 
 the  great  rent  -whic!!  entered  at  that  time,  and  hath  continu- 
 ed fince,  with  the  lamentable  effects  that  it  hath  produced, 
 both  againft  paftors  and  profeflbrs, — the  unlawfulnefs  and 
 rulllty  of  P^rth  AiTembly,  already  declared  by  this  Aflem- 
 bly  *,  r\nd  that  in  the  neccfl^ary  renewing  of  the  ConFeflion  of 
 Faith  In  Febmary  1638,  the  pra^ice  of  novations  introduced 
 in  the  worlhip  of  God,  was  fufpendcd,  till  they  fliould  be  de- ' 
 termined  in  a  free  General  Afleuibly, — and  that  in  the  fame 
 year,  at  his  majgfly's  command,  fome  had  fubfcribed  the 
 Confeflion  of  Faith,  as  It  was  profefTed  when  it  was  firft  fub- 
 fcribed ;  for  thefe  caufes,  the  AiTembly  entered  into  a  dili- 
 gent trial  of  the  forefaid  Articles,  v,'hether  they  be  contrary 
 to  the  Confeflion  of  Faith,  as  it  was  meaned  and  profefTed  in 
 the  years  1580,  1581,  TjpOj.and  1591.  and  JSndeth,  that 
 firO,  in  general,  in  the  Confeflion  of  Faith,  we  profefs,  *  We 
 
 *  willingly  agree  in  our  confciences  to  the  form  of  religion, 
 
 <  ot  a  long  time  openly  profefTed  by  the  king's  majefty,  and 
 
 <  whole  body  of  this  realm,  in  all  points,  as  unto  God's  um- 
 «  dcubted  truth  and  verity,  grounded  only  upon  his  written 
 
 *  word  }  and  therefore  abhor  and  deteft  all  contrary  religion 
 
 <  and  dofVrine,  but  chiefly  all  kinds  of  Papiftry  in  general  and 
 «  particular  heads,  even  as  they  were  then  damned  and  con- 
 
 <  luted  by  the  word  of  God  and  kirk  of  Scotland  ;  and  in 
 
 <  fpecial  the  Roman  Antichriil,  his  live  baftard  facraments, 
 
 <  with  all  rites,  ceremonies,  and  falfe  dcfSbrine,  added  to  the 
 
 <  miniftration  of  the  true  facraments,  without  the  word  of 
 «  God  ;  his  cruel  judgments  againll  infants  departing  without 
 «  the  facraments  •,  his  abfolute  necef^ity  of  baptifm  ;  and,  fi- 
 
 <  nnlly,  we  deteft  all  his  vain  allegories,  rites,  figns,  and  tra- 
 
 *  ditions  brought  into  the  kirk,  without  or  againft  the  word 
 «  of  God,  and  doctrine  of  this  true  reformed  kirk,  to  the 
 
 *  which  we  join  onrfelves  willingly  in  doctrine,  faith,  reLigi- 
 «  on,  difcipline,  and  ufe  of  the  holy   facraments,  as  lively 
 
 *  members  of  the  fame  in  Chrilt  our  Head  *,  promiling  and 
 
 *  fweitr- 
 
ipS  Acts  of  the  General  ^JJemhly, 
 
 *  fwearing,'  l^c. — and  that  thefe  Five  Articles  are  contrary 
 to  the  religion  then  profefled,  were  confuted  by  the' word  of 
 God  and  kirk  of  Scotland,  or  are  rites  and  ceremonies  added 
 to  the  miniftration  of  the  true  facraments,  without  the  word 
 of  God,  or  nourilh  the  Popilh  judgment  againft  infants  de- 
 parting without  the  facrament,  or  abfolute  neceffity  of  bap- 
 tifm,  or  rites,  figns,  and  traditions  brought  into  the  kirk, 
 without  or  againil  the  word  of  God,  and  dodlrine  of  this 
 trne  reformed  kirk. 
 
 And,  next,  in  particular,  concerning  feflivaldaySjfindeth, 
 That,  in  the  explication  of  the  firfl:  head  of  the  firft  book  of 
 difcipline,  it  was  thought  good  that  the  feafts  of  Chrillmas, 
 Circumcifion,  Epiphany,  with  the  fealb  of  the  apoftles,  mar- 
 tyrs, and  Virgin  Mary,  be  utterly  aboliflied,  becaule  they  are 
 neither  commanded  nor  warranted  by  fcripture -,  and  that 
 fuch  as  obferve  them,  be  puniflied  by  civil  magirtrates.  Here 
 utter  abolition  is  craved,  and  not  reformation  of  abufes  only  ; 
 and  that  becaufe  the  obfervation  of  fuch  feafts  hath  no  war^ 
 rant  from  the  word  of  God.  In  the  General  AfTembly  hol- 
 den  at  Edinbnrghy  Anno  1566,  the  large  Confelfion  of  Hel- 
 vetia was  approved,  but  with  fpecial  exception  againft  the 
 fame  five  days,  which  are  now  urged  upon  us.  It  was* not 
 then  the  Popilh  obfervation  only,  withtne  PopKh  opinion  of 
 worfliip  and  merit,  which  was  difallowed  ;  (for  fo  the  re- 
 formed kirk  in  Helvetia  did  not  obferve  them)  huifimpliclter 
 all  obfervation.  For  this  end,  was  read  a  letter  in  Latin, 
 fent,  at  that  time,  by  fome  of  our  diviues,  to  certain  divines 
 in  thefe  parts,  to  this  purpofe.  In  the  AlFembly  holden  in 
 1575,  in  AuguJ}^  complaint  was  made  ag.^inft  the  minifters 
 and  readers  belide  Aberdeen,  becaufe  they  afPembled  the 
 people  to  preaching  and  prayers  upon  certain  feftival  days  ; 
 fo  that  preaching  and  prayers  upon  feftival  days  was  judged 
 rehukable.  It  was  ordained  likewife,  that  complaint  be  made 
 to  the  Regent,  upon  the  town  of  Dumfries,  for  urging  and 
 convoying  a  reader  to  the  kirk,  with  tabret  and  whiftle,  to 
 rc-^.d  prayers  all  the  holy  days  of  Chriltmas,  upon  the  reiulal 
 f'f  their  own  reader.  Among  the  articles  direfted  by  this 
 Aiiembly  to  the  Regent,  it  was  craved.  That  all  holy  days 
 heretofore  keeped  holy,  befide  the  Lord^s  day,  fuch  as  Yule 
 days,  and  faints  days,  and  fuch  others,  mty  be  aboiiihed, 
 and  a  certain  penalty  appointed  for  banquetting,  playing,  and 
 f  •■'fting  upon  thefe  days.  In  the  Afiembly  holden  in  /■iprll^ 
 y.nno  1577,  it  was  ordained,  That  the  vintors,  with  the  ad- 
 vicu  of  the  Synod-il  A^'embly,  fliould  admoniGi  miniRers 
 j«r<:,Kh;ng  or  miuillrating  the  coinn^union  at  E.uler  or  Chrill- 
 
 maf. 
 
Acts  o/  the -General  JjfemHy.  t^ 
 
 mas,  or  other  like  fuperftltious  times,  or  readers  reading,  to 
 defift,  under  the  pain  of  deprivation.  In  the  ninth  head  of 
 the  firft  book  of  difcrpline,  the  reafon  is  fet  down  againft 
 Eafter  communion  :    *  Your  honours  are  not  ignorant  how 
 
 *  luperflirioufly  the  people  run  to  that  a£lion  at  Pafch  Even, 
 
 *  as  if  the  time  gave  virtue  to  the  facrament,  and  how  the 
 
 *  reft  of  the  vsrhole  year  they  are  carelefs  and  negligent,  as  If 
 
 *  it  appertained  to  them  but  at  that  time  only  ;'  and  for  this 
 'reafon  other  times  were  appointed  by  that  book,  for  that  ho- 
 ly adlion.  In  the  AlTembly  holden  1596,  begun  in  March 
 1595,  at  which  time  the  Covenant  was  renewed, — fuperfti- 
 tion  and  idolatry  breaking  forth  in  cbferving  feftival  days, 
 fetting  out  of  bonefires,  finging  carols,  are  reckoned  amongft 
 the  corruptions  which  were  to  be  amended  •,  and  the  pulpits 
 did  found,  from  time  to  time,  again  ft  all  (hew  of  obferying 
 any  feftival  day  whatfoever,  except  the  Lord's  day. 
 
 II.  Concerning  kneeling  at  the  communion,  finueth.  That 
 in  the  Confeflion  of  Faith  prefixed  before  the  Pfalms,  and 
 approved  by  our  kirk  in  the  very  beginning  of  the  Reforma- 
 tion, we  have  thele  words,  *  Neither  in  the  miniftration  of 
 
 *  the  facraments,  muft  we  follow  men  ;  but  as  Chrift  himfelt 
 
 *  hath  ordained,  fo  muft  they  be  miniftred.'  In  the  large 
 Confeffion  of  Faith,  chap.  23.  it  is  required  as  necefTary  for 
 the  right  miniftration  of  the  facraments,  that  they  be  mini- 
 fired  in  fuch  elements,  and  in  fuch  Ibrt,  as  God  hath  ap- 
 pointed ;  and  that  men  have  adulterated  the  facraments  with 
 their  ovi/n  inventions,  fo  that  no  part  of  Cbrift's  adlion  abii- 
 cth  in  its  original  purity.  The  judgment  of  our  reformers, 
 who  drew  up  the  large  Confeffion,  was,  by  clear  evidents, 
 llaewed  to  be  contrary  to  this  gefture  in  the  a«^  of  receiving 
 the  facrament.  In  the  order  of  celebrating  the  Lord's  Sup- 
 per, prefixed  before  the  Pfalms  in  metre,  fitting  and  diftri- 
 buting  by  the  communicants  are  joined  ;  as  likewife  by  the 
 fecond  head  of  the  lirft  book  of  difcipline,  as  neareft  to  Chrift's 
 own  a£tion,  and  to  his  perfect  pradiice,  and  moft  convenient 
 to  that  holy  aclion  ;  and  all  inventions,  devifed  by  man,  arc 
 condemned,  as  alterations  and  accufations  of  Chrift's  perfefi 
 ordinance.  Minifters  were  enjoined  by  a61:  of  AiTembly  in 
 December  1562,  to  obferve  the  order  of  Geneva,  that  isy  the 
 Englifli  kirk  at  Geneva,  (where  Mr,  Knox  had  been  Ibme- 
 time  minifter)  in  the  miniftration  of  the  facraments.  This 
 a6l  was  renewed  in  the  Aflembly  holden  in  December  1564, 
 where  minifters  are  referred  to  the  order  fet  down  before  the 
 PfalmSj  for  miniftration  of  the  facraments,  which  is  all  one 
 
 with 
 
2O0'  Acrs  of  the  General  JJfcmhly. 
 
 with  the  former  ;  for  that  was  the  order  of  the  E.iglifiikirk 
 at  Geneva. 
 
 -  In  the  Parliament  holden  Anno  1 56"?,  it  Was  declared,  That 
 <  whoioever  did  not  patticipate  of  the  iacraiiients,  as  they 
 «  were  then  publicly  adniinirtrate  in  this  reformed  kirk,  ought 
 
 *  not  to  be  reputed  members  of  this  kirk.'  The  a6t  for  the 
 king's  oath  at  his  coronation,to  maintain  the  due  adminiftrati- 
 cnof  the  facraments,as  they  were  then  miniftred,  z^//;/.?  8567, 
 vras  ratified,  Anno  1 581  •,  at  which  time,  the  Oiort  Confcffi- 
 on,  adhering  to  the  ufe  of  the  facraments  in  the  kirk  of  Scot- 
 land, was  fubfcribed  :  as  alfo,  Anno  1592,  after  the  fecondv 
 lubfcription  to  the  ConfefHon  of  Faith.  In  the  Parliament  "^ 
 1572,  an  act  was  made  againft  fuch  as- did  not  participate  of 
 the  fucraments  as  they  were  then  rightly  miniflred.  But  the 
 gefturecf  kneeling  in  the  a£l  of  receiving,  putteth  the  mini- 
 ftration  of  the  f.vcrament  ufed  in  this  kirk  out  of  frame  ; — 
 whereby  it  is  clear,  that  whatfoever  gefture  or  rite,  cannot 
 Hand  with  the  adminiftration  of  the  facraments  as  they  vverp 
 then  miniftred,  and  Avere  miniftred  ever  llnce  the  Reformi- 
 tion,  till  the  year  161 8,  muft  be  condemned  by  our  kirk,  as 
 
 a  rite  added  to  the  true  miniftration  of  the  facraments,  with- 
 out the  word  of  God,;— and  as  a  rite  or  tradition  brought  in, 
 ■without,  or  againfl  the  word  of  God,  or  doctrine  of  this  re- 
 formed kirk. 
 
 III.  Concerning  Confirmation, — the  AfTembly  findeth  it  to 
 be  comprehended  in  the  claufe  of  the  ConfelHon,  where  the 
 fivebaftard  facraments  are  condemned.  And  feeing  Epifco- 
 pacy  is  condemned,  impofition  of  hands  by  bifhops  falleth  to 
 the  ground.  And  in  all  the  afts  for  catechizing,  or  examina- 
 tion before  admilTion  to  the  communion,  no  inkling  of  impo- 
 fition of  hands. 
 
 IV.  Concerning  the  adminiftration  of  the  facraments  in 
 private  places,  or  private  baptifm,  and  private  communion, 
 — findeth,  That  in  the  Bool  of  common  order,  fet  down  be- 
 fore the  Pfalms,  it  is  faid,  <  Tliat  the  facraments  are  not  or- 
 
 *  dained  of  God  to  be  ufed  in  private  corners,  as  charmers  and 
 
 *  forcercrs  ufe  to  do,  but  left  to  the  congregation.'  In  the 
 AfTembly  holden  at  Edinburgh ,  in  Ocloher,  Anno  1581,  the 
 fameyear  and  AfTembly  that  the  Confefllon  of  Faith  was  fub- 
 fcribed, it  was  ordained,  •  That  the  facraments  be  not  admi- 
 
 *  niflred  in  private  houles,  but  folemniy,  according  to  good 
 
 *  order  hitherto  obferved.*  The  mini  tier  of  Tranent  was 
 fufpended  at  that  time,  for  baptizing  an  infant  in  a  private 
 IiJoufc  •,  but,  confefling  his  offence,  he  was  ordained  to  make 
 his  public  repentance  in  the  kirk  of  Tranent,  before  he  be 
 
 rsleafed. 
 
Acts  of  the  General  AJJemhIy.  201 
 
 releafed.  Another  minifter  was  to  be  tried  and  cenfurcd  for 
 baptizing  privr^tely,  and  celebrating  the  communibn  upon 
 Pa(cii  day,  ac  tae  Aflembly  holdcn  in  ,0^7o^fr  1580.  Which 
 adls  and  cenfures  make  manifeft,  that  our  kirk  abhorred 
 vvhatlbever  foltered  the  opinion  of  the  necellity  of  baptifna 
 and  giving  of  the  facrament,  as  a  Viaticum. 
 
 AH  which,  and  many  other  a£ls,  grounds,  and  reafons 
 being  at  length  agitated,  and  with  mature  deHberation  pon- 
 dered, and  hberty  granted  to  every  man  to  (beak  his  mip.d 
 what  could  befaid  further,  for  the  full  fatisfaftion  of  all  men, 
 V — the  matter  was  pu*  to  voicing  in  thefe  words,  W  hether.the 
 Five  Ankles  of  Perih^  by  the  Conjejfion  of  Faith^  as  it  was 
 meaned  and profeffed  in  the  Tears  1580,  1581,  1590,  I5yr» 
 ought  to  be  removed  out  of  the  kirk  ?  .The  whole  AfTembly,  all 
 in  one  confent,  one  only  excepted,  did  voice,  That  the  Fi".ie 
 Articles^  above  fpecifed,  ivere  abjured  by  this  Kirk  in  that  Con- 
 feffion^  and  fo  ought  to  he  removed  out  of  it.- — And  therefore 
 prohibiteth  and  dilchargeth  all  difputing  for  them,  or  oh- 
 ferving  of  them,  or  any  of  them,  in  all  time  coming  ;  and 
 ordains  Prefby' eries  to  proceed  with  the  cenfures  of  the  kirk 
 againfl:  all  trani'greirors  *. 
 
 *  For  a  full  confutation  of  thefe  Five  Articles  of  Perth,  and 
 anfivers  to  all  chjeElions  brought  in  their  favours.,  fee  the  Book^ 
 intituled^  A  Re-examination  of  the  Five  Articles  enaded  at 
 Perth,   Aivio  161  8.  printed  1636. 
 
 AfTembly  at  Edinburgh^  Augufl  30,  1639.  SelT.  23i 
 
 ///.  AEl  ancnt  advifing  ivith    Synods  and  Prefhyteriei^  before 
 F)eieymination  in  Novations. 
 
 THE  General  AfTembly  confidering,  that  the  intended 
 reformation  being  recovered,  may  be  efirabliflied,  or- 
 dains. That  no  novation,  which  may  difturb  the  peace  of  the 
 church,  and  make  divifion,  he  fuddenly  proponed  and  en- 
 aded  ;  but  fo  as  the  motion  be  firft  communicate  to  the  fcve- 
 ral  Synods,  Prefbyteries,  and  kirks,  tiiat  the  matter  may  be 
 approved  by  all  at  home,  and  commimoners  may  come  well 
 prepared,  unanimously  to  conclude  a  folid  deliberation  upon 
 thefe  points  in  the  General  AiTembiy. 
 
 E  b  AiTcmbly 
 
202  Acts  c/  the  General  AJfemhly 
 
 AiTembly  at  S/.  Andrews  and  Edinburgh ,  Augnji  (5,  164 1. 
 Seff.   14. 
 
 iV,  A5I  anent  Novations. 
 
 SINCE  it  hath  pleafed  God  to  vouchfafe  the  liberty  of 
 yearly  General  Aflemblies,  it  is  ordained,  according  to 
 theafts  ofthe  Airembly  at  Edinburgh,  1639,  and  at  Aber- 
 deen 1640,  that  no  novation  in  dodlrine,  worfhip,  or  go- 
 vernment, be  brought  in,  or  praftifed  in  this  kirk,  unlefs  it 
 be-firft  propounded,  examined,  and  allowed  in  the  General 
 AfTetnbly  ;  and  that  tranfgreffors  in  this  kind,  be  cenfured 
 by  Prelbyteries  and  Synods, 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 DIPtECTORY 
 
 FOR 
 
 FAMILY  WORSHIP. 
 
 APPROVED     BY     THE 
 
 GENERAL    ASSEMBLY 
 
 OF       THE 
 
 Church  of  Scotland: 
 
 FOR. 
 
 Piety  and  Uniformity  in  Secret  and  Private  Worfhip, 
 and  Mutual  Edification. 
 
 WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  the  General  AfTembly  of  the  Ghnrch  cf  Scot- 
 land, Aniio  i647>  for   Obierving  the  fame. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year   m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
C   204   ] 
 
 Assembly  at  Ediuhurgh^  Auguft  2/\^  i^47«  ^-^'  ^9' 
 
 AB  for  ehferving  the  Direilions  of  the  General  j^Jfetnbly,  for 
 Secret  and  Private  V/orfliip^  and  Mutual  Edfication^ — and 
 cerfui-higfuch  as  riegUSl  Bum'lly  WcrJJjip. 
 
 THE  General  A/fembly,  after  mature  deliberation,  doth 
 approve  the  following  Rules  and  Diredtions,  for  che- 
 rifhing  piety,  and  preventing  divifion  and  fchifm  ;  and  doth 
 appoint  minifters  and  ruling  elders,  in  each  congregation,  to 
 take  fpecial  care,  that  thelc  directions  be  obferved  and  fol- 
 lowed ;  as  likewife  that  Prefbyteries  and  Provincial  Synods 
 inquire  and  make  trial,  whether  the  faid  Direftions  be  duly 
 obferved  in  their  bounds  :  and  to  reprove  or  cenfure  (accord- 
 ing to  the  quality  of  the  offence)  fuch  as  fhall  be  found  to 
 be  reprovable  or  cenfurable  therein.  And  to  the  end  that 
 thefe  Directions  may  not  be  rendered  ineffectual  and  unpro- 
 fitable among  fome,  through  the  ufual  negleCt  of  the  very 
 fubftance  of  the  duty  of  family  worfliip, — the  Afiembly  doth 
 further  require  and  appoint  minifters  and  ruling  elders  to 
 make  diligent  fearch  and  enquiry,  in  the  congregations  com- 
 mitted to  their  charge  refpeCtively,  "Whether  there  be  among 
 them  any  family,  or  families,  which  ufe  tonegleCt  this  necef- 
 fary  duty  ?  And  if  ary  fuch  family  be  found,  the  head  of  the 
 famdy  is  to  be  nrft  admoniflied  privately  to  amend  this  fault; 
 and  in  cate  of  his  continuing  therein,  he  is  to  be  gravely  and 
 Tidly  reproved  by  the  Sefuon  ;  after  which  repj-oof,  if  he  be 
 found  ft  ill  to  negleCt  family  worfhip,  let  him  be,  for  his  ob- 
 ftinacy  in  fuch  an  offence,  fufpended  and  debarred  from  the 
 Lord's  Supper,  as  being  juflly  efteemcd  unworthy  to  conimu- 
 nicats  therein,  till  he  amend. 
 
 The 
 
[       205       ] 
 
 rjjc   DIRECTIONS  of  the   General  Apmbly 
 for  Secret  and  Private  Worfjip^  and  Mutual 
 KdifcatioUy  for  cherifmr.g  Piety^  for  maintain- 
 ing Unity  y  and  avoiding  Schifm  and  Divifon. 
 
 ESIDES  the  public  wordiip  in  congregations,  mercU 
 fully  eftablifhed  in  this  land,  in  great  purity, — It  is  ex- 
 pedient and  neceflliry,  tliat  iecret  worlhip  of  each  perfon  a- 
 lone,  and  private  worfhip  of  families,  be  prefled  and  fet  up, 
 — that  with  national  reformation,  the  profeffion  and  power 
 of  godlinefs,  both  perfonal  and  domeftic,  be  advanced. 
 
 I.  And  i^/f)'?,  For  fecret  worfhip,  itis  moil  neceiTary,  that 
 every  one  apart,  and  by  themfelves,  be  given  to  prayer  and 
 meditation,  the  unfpeakable  benefit  whereof  is  beft  known 
 to  them  who  are  moftexercifed  therein  ;  this  being  the  mean 
 whereby,  in  a  fpecial  way,  communion  with  God  is  enter- 
 tained, and  right  preparation  for  all  other  duties  obtained  ; 
 and  therefore  it  beconieth  not  only  paftors,  within  their  feve- 
 ral  charges,  to  pi*efs  perfons  of  all  forts  to  perform  this  du- 
 ty, morning  and  evening,  and  other  occafions  ;  but  alio  it  is 
 incumbent  to  the  head  of  every  family,  to  have  a  care  that 
 both  themfelves,  and  all  within  their  charge,  be  daily  dili- 
 gent herein. 
 
 II.  The  ordinary  duties  comprehended  under  the  exercife 
 of  piety,  which  fhould  be  in  families,  when  they  are  con- 
 veened  to  that  efl't<^,  are  thefe  :  Firji,  Prayer  and  praifes, 
 performed  with  a  fpecial  reference,  as  well  to  the  public  con- 
 dition of  the  kiric  of  God  and  this  kingdom,  as  to  the  prefent 
 cafe  of  the  family,  and  every  member  thereof.  iV<f;c/,  Read- 
 ing of  the  fcriptures,  with  catechizing  in  a  plain  way,  tl»at 
 the  underftandings  of  the  fimpler  may  be  the  better  enabled 
 to  profit  under  the  public  ordinances,  and  they  made  more 
 capable  to  underftand  the  fcriptures,  when  they  are  read  : 
 together  with  godly  conferences,  tending  to  the  edification 
 of  all  the  members  in  the  moll  holy  faith  :  as  alfo,  admoni- 
 tion and  rebuke,  upon  jufl  reafons,  from  thofe  who  have  au- 
 thority in  the  family. 
 
 III.  As  the  charge  and  ofKce  of  interpreting  the  holy  fcrip- 
 tures, is  a  part  of  the  miniflerial  calling,  that  none  (howfo- 
 ever  otherwife  <],ualified)  Ihould  take  upon  him  in  any  place, 
 
 but 
 
2o6  The  General  JJfemhlfs  Directions 
 
 6ut  he  that  is  duly  called  thereunto  by  God,  and  his  kirk  ; 
 fo  in  every  family,  where  there  is  any  that  can  read,  the 
 boly  fcripturcs  (hould  be  reiid  ordinarily  to  the  family  j  and 
 it  is  commendable,  that  thereafter  they  confer,  and  by  con- 
 ference make  fome  good  ufe  of  what  hath  been  read  and 
 heard  j  as,  for  example,  if  there  be  any  lin  reproved  ia  the 
 word  read,  ufe  may  be  made  tiiereof  to  make  all  the  family 
 circunafpedl  and  watchful  againft  the  fame  ;  or  if  any  judg- 
 ment be  threatened,  or"  mentioned  to  have  keen  infli<Sled  in 
 that  portion  of  fcripture  which  is  read,  ufe  may  be  made  to 
 make  all  the  family  fear,  left  the  fame  or  a  worfe  judgment 
 faefal  them,  unlefs  they  beware  of  the  fin  that  procured  it  : 
 and,  finally,  if  any  duty  be  required,  or  comfort  held  forth 
 in  a  promife,  ufe  may  be  made  to  ftir  up  themfelves  to  employ 
 Clirift  for  ftrength  to  enable  them  for  doing  the  commanded 
 duty,  and  to  apply  the  offered  comfort. — In  all  which,  the 
 joaafter  of  the  family  is  to  have  the  chief  hand  ;  and  any 
 member  of  the  family  may  propone  a  queftion  or  doubt  for 
 refolution. 
 
 IV.  The  head  of  the  family  is  to  take  care  that  none  of 
 the  family  withdraw  hirafelf  from  .my  part  of  family  worfliip: 
 and,  feeing  the  ordinary  performance  of  all  the  parts  of  fa- 
 mily worfhip  belongeth  properly  to  the  head  of  the  family, 
 the  miniUcr  is  to  ftir  up  (uch  as  are  lazy,  and  train  up  (uch 
 as  are  weak,  to  a  fitnefs  for  thefe  exercifes  :  it  being  always 
 free  to  perfons  of  quality  to  entertain  one  approved  by  the 
 Prefbytery  for  performing  family  exercife  ;  and  in  other  fa- 
 milies, where  the  head  of  the  family  is  unfit,  that  another 
 eonftantly  refiding  in  the  family,  approved  by  the  mmifter 
 and  fellion,  may  be  employed  in  that  fervice  ;  wherein  the 
 cninifter  and  ieilion  are  to  be  countable  to  the  Prefbytery. 
 And  if  a  minifter  by  divine  providence  be  brought  to  any  fa- 
 mily, it  is  requitite,  that  at  no  time  he  convcen  a  part  of  the 
 family  for  worihip,  fecludingthc  reil,' except  in  lingular  ca- 
 fes, efpecially  concerning  thefe  parties  which  (in  Chrilliaa 
 yrudence)  need  not,  or  ought  not  to  be  imparted  to  others. 
 
 V.  Let  no  idler  who  hath  no  particular  calling,  or  vagrant 
 pci'fon  under  pretence  of  a  calling,  be  iufrcred  to  perform 
 v/or.fhip  in  families,  to  or  for  the  fame  ;  feeing  perlbns  t-.iintcd 
 with  errors,  or  aiming  at  divifion,  may  be  ready  (after  thjit 
 
 V  manner)  to  creep  into  houi'es,  and  lead  captive  fiUy  and  uin- 
 ftable  fouls.  ^ 
 
 Vf.  At  family  worfhip,  a  fpecial  cars  is  to  be  had,  that 
 fach  family  keep  by  themfelves  ;  neither  requiring,  inviting, 
 nor  adni'ttiiig  perfons  from  divers  families  ;  unlcis  it  be  thole 
 
 who 
 
for  Secret  and  Private  Worship.  ^ey 
 
 who  are  lodged  with  them,  or  at  a  meal,  or  otherwife  witk 
 them  upon  fome  lawful  occafion. 
 
 VII.  Whatfoevcr  hath  been  the  effe<5ts  and  fruits  of  meet- 
 ings of  perfons  of  divers  families,  ifi  the  times  of  corruption 
 or  trouble,  (in  which  cafes  many  things  are  commendable. 
 which  otherwife  are  not  tolerable).  Yet,  when  God  hath, 
 blefled  us  with  peace  and  purity  of  the  gofpel,  fuch  meetings 
 of  perfons  of  divers  families  (except  in  cafes  mentioned  ia 
 thei'e  directions)  are  to  be  difapproved,  as  tending  to  the 
 hindrance  of  the  religious  exercife  of  each  family  by  itfelf,  to 
 the  prejudice  of  the  public  miniftry,  to  the  renting  of  the 
 families  of  particular  congregations,  and  (in  progrefs  of  time) 
 of  the  whole  kirk  j  befides  many  offences  which  may  come 
 thereby,  to  the  hardening  of  the  hearts  of  carnal  men,  and 
 grief  of  the  godly. 
 
 VIII.  On  the  Lord's  day,  after  every  one  of  the  family  a- 
 part,  and  the  whole  family  together,  have  fought  the  Lord 
 (in  whofe  hands  the  preparation  bf  men's  hearts  are)  to  fit 
 them  for  the  public  worfhip,  and  to  blefs  to  them  the  public 
 ordinances, — the  mafter  of  the  family  ought  to  take  care, 
 that  all  within  his  charge  repair  to  the  public  worfliip,  that 
 he  and  they  may  join  with  the  reft  of  the  congregation  :  and 
 the  public  worfl:iip  being  finiihed,  after  prayer,  he  fhould 
 take  an  account  of  what  they  have  heard  :  and  thereafter,  to 
 fpend  the  reft  of  the  time,  which  they  may  fpare,  in  cate- 
 chizing, and  in  fpiritual  conferences  upon  the  word  of  God  ; 
 or  elfe  (going  apart)  they  ought  to  apply  themfelvcs  to  read- 
 ing, meditation,  and  fecret  prayer,  that  they  may  confirm 
 and  increafij  their  communion  with  God  ;»that  fo  the  profit 
 which  they  found  ia  the  public  ordinances  rnay  be  cherifhed 
 and  promoved,  and  they  more  edified  unto  eternal  life. 
 
 IX.  So  many  as  can  conceive  prayer,  ought  to  make  uHr 
 of  that  gift  of  God  ;  albeit  thofe  who  ar'fe  rude  and  weaker 
 may  begin  at  a  fet  form  of  prayer,  but  fo  as  they  be  not  llug- 
 gifh  in  ftirring  up  in  themfelves  (according  to  their  daily  ne- 
 
 «  ceflities)  the  Spirit  of  prayer,  which  is  given  to  all  the  chil- 
 dren of  God  in  fome  meafure  ;  to  which  effe6t,they  ought  io 
 be  more  fervent  and  frequent  in  fecret  prayer  to  God,  for  ena- 
 bling of  their  hearts  to  conceive,  and  their  tongues  to  exprefe 
 convenient  defires  to  God,  for  their  family.  And,  in  the 
 mean  time,  for  their  greater  encouragement,  let  thefe  mate- 
 
 ,  rials  of  prayer  be  meditated  upon,  and  made  ufe  of,  as  fol- 
 io wet  h  : 
 
 •  Let  them  confefs  to  God  how  unworthy  they  aic  to  come 
 
 in 
 
20 S  7he  General  y^Jembl/s  DIRECTIONS 
 
 in  his  prefence,  and  how  unfit  to  worfhip  his  majeftjr ;  and  1 
 therefore  earneftly  aik  of  God  the  Spirit  of  prayer.    , 
 
 *  They  are  to  confels  their  fins,  and  the  (ins  of  the  family, 
 accuhng,  judging,  and  condemning  themfelves  for  them,  till 
 they  bring  their  fouls  to  fome  meal'ure  of  true  humiliation, 
 
 *  They  are  to  pour  out  their  fouls  to  God,  in  the  name  of 
 Chrift,  by  the  Spirit,  for  forgivenefs  of  fins  -,  for  grace  to 
 repent,  to  bsUeve,  and  to  live  foberly,  righteoufly,  and 
 godly  ;  and  that  they  may  ferve  God  with  joy  and  delight, 
 walking  before  him. 
 
 *  They  are  to  give  thanks  to  God  for  his  many  mercies  to 
 his  people,  and  to  themfelves,  and  efpecially  for  his  love  in 
 Chrift,  and  for  the  light  of  the  gofpel. 
 
 '  They  are  to  pray  forfuch  particular  benefits,  fpiritualand 
 temporal,  as  they  ftand  in  need  of  for  the  time,  (whether 
 it  be  morning  or  evening)  as  anent  health  or  fickneis,  pro- 
 fperity  or  adverfity. 
 
 *  They  ought  to  pray  for  the  kirk 'of  Chrift  in  general,  for 
 ail  the  reformed  kirks,  and  for  this  kirk  in  particular,  and 
 for  all  that  fuffer  for  the  i!iame  of  Chrift  •,  for  all  our  fuperi- 
 ors,  the  king's  majerty,  the  queen,  and  their  children  ;  for 
 the  magiftrates,  minifters,  and  whole  body  of  the  congre- 
 gation, whereof  they  are  members  ;  as  well  for  their  neigh- 
 bours abfent  in  their  lawful  affairs,  as  for  thofe  that  are 
 at  home. 
 
 *  The  prayer  may  be  clofed  with  an  earneft  defire  that  God 
 may  be  glorified  in  the  coming  of  the  kingdom  of  his  Son, 
 and  in  the  doing  of  his  will  ;  and  with  afl^urance  that  they 
 themfelves  are  accepted,  and  what  they  have  aflied  accord- 
 ing to  his  will  fliallbe  done.* 
 
 X.  Thefe  exercifes  ought  to  be  performed  in  great  finceri- 
 ty,  without  delay,  laying  afide  all  exercifes  of  worldly  bufi- 
 nefs  or  hindrances,  notwithflanding  the  mockings  of  Atheil'ts 
 and  profane  men  ;  in  refpefl  of  the  great  mercies  of  God  to 
 this  land,  and  of  his  fevere  corrections  wherewith  lately  he 
 hath  exercifed  us..  And  to  this  efl'c£l,  perfon?  of  eminency 
 (and  all  elders  oijhe  kirk)  not  only  ought  to  ftir  up  themfelves 
 and  families  to  diligence  herein  ;  but  aifo  to  concur  effedAual- 
 ly,  that  in  all  other  families,  where  they  have  power  and 
 charge,  the  faid  exercifes  be  conlcionably  performed. 
 
 XI.  Bcfides  the  ordinary  duties  in  faaiiiles,  which  are  a- 
 bove  mentioried,  extraordinary  duties,  both  of  humiliation 
 and  thankfgiving,  are  to  be  carefully  performed  in  iaruilies, 
 when  the  Lord  by  extraordinary  occafions  ^private  or  public) 
 callcth  for  them. 
 
 XII. 
 
jor  Secret  ana  Private  Worship.  20o 
 
 .XII,  Seeing  the  word  of  God  rcquireth,  that  we  (honl  I 
 (onfiderone  another  to  provoke  unto  lovf^  and  good  wprks  ; 
 therefore,  at  all  times,  and  efpecially  in  this  time,  wherein 
 profanity  abounds,  and  mockers,  walking  after  their  own  Infts, 
 think  it  (trange  that  others  run  not  with  them  to  the  fame 
 excefs  of  riot  ;  every  member  of  this  kirk  ought  to  ftir  uo 
 ihemfelves  and  one  another  to  the  duties  of  mutual  edificati- 
 on, by  in(h-u6tion,  admonition,  rebuke;  exhorting  one  an- 
 other to  manifefl  the  grace  of  God,  in  denying  ungodlinefs 
 and  worldly  lufts,  and  in  living  godly,  foberly,  and  righteoufly 
 Jn  this  prelent  world,  by  comforting  the  feeble  minded,  and 
 praying  with,  or  for  one  another  ;  which  duties  refpe^tively 
 are  to  be  performed  upon  fpecial  occafions  offered  by  divine 
 providence  ;  as,  namely,  when  under  any  calamity,  crofs,  or 
 great  difficulty,  counfel  or  comfort  is  (ought,  or  when  an 
 offender  is  to  be  reclaimed  by  private  admonition  ;  and  if 
 that  be  not  effeflnal,  by  joining  one  or  two  more  in  the  ad- 
 monition, according  to  the  rule  of  Chrilf,  That  in  the  mcuth 
 oj  tnoo  or  three  luitnejfes  every  word  rna\  be  ejlahlijbed. 
 
 XIII.  And  bscanle  it  is  not  given  to  every  one  to  fpeak  a 
 word  in  feafon  to  a  wearied  or  diftreffed  confcisnce,  it  is  ex- 
 pedient, that  a  perfon  (in  that  cafe)  finding  no  eafe  after  the 
 nfe  of  all  ordinary  means,  private  and  public,  have  their  ad- 
 drefTes  to  their  own  pafl^or,  or  fbme  experienced  ChriiHan  : 
 but  if  the  perfon  troubled  in  confcience  be  of  that  condition, 
 orofthatfex,  that  difcretion,  modeffv,  or  fear  of  fcindal, 
 requireth  a  godly,  grave,  and  fecret  friend  to  be  prefent  vritb 
 them  in  their  faid  addrefs,  it  is  expedient  that  luch  a  friend 
 be  pvefent. 
 
 XIV.  When  perions  of  divers  families  arc  brought  togetlier 
 by  divine  providence,  being  abroad  upon  their  particular  vo- 
 cations, or  any  neceiTary  occafions,  as  they  wculd  have  the 
 Lord  their  God  with  them  v.-hitherloever  they  go, they  ought , 
 to  walk  with  God,  and  not  neglect  the  duties  of  prayer  and 
 thankfgiving,  but  take  care  that  the  fjme  be  performed  by 
 fuch  as  th6  company  fliall  judge  fittefi.  And  that  tiiey  like- 
 wife  take  heed  that  no  corrupt  communicaiion  proceed  out 
 of  their  mouths  ;  but  that  which  is  good,  to  tiie  wii  ofedi- 
 fving,  that  it  m.ny  minifier  grace  to  the  hearers 
 
 The  drift  and  icope  of  all  thel'e  dire«51ions  is  no  other,  but 
 tiiar,  upon  the  one  part,  the  power  and  practice  of  godhnefs, 
 arnongfi  all  the  minifiers  and  members  of  this  kirk,  accord- 
 ing to  their  feveral  places  and  vocations,  may  be  cheriflied  and 
 advanced,  and  aJl  impiety  and  mocking  of  relli^ious  exercifes 
 fupprefTed  \  and,  upon  the  ether  part,  that,  under  the  name 
 
 C  c  and 
 
2IO  P  O  S  T  S  C  R  I  P  T. 
 
 and  pretext  of  religious  exercifes,  no  fuch  meetings  or  prac- 
 tices be  allovred,  as  arc  apt  to  breed  error,  fcandal,  fchifm, 
 contempt,  or  mifregard  of  the  public  ordinances  and  mirfi- 
 fters,  or  negle<^  of  the  duties  of  particular  callings,  or  fucU 
 other  evils  as  are  the  works,  not  of  the  Spirit,  but  of  the 
 flelh,  and  are  contrary  to  truth  and  peace, 
 
 A.  KER. 
 
 A 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 VERY  learned  and  godly  divine,  having  bewailed 
 the  great  diftraftions,  corruptions,  and  divifions  that 
 areTn  the  church,  he  thus  reprefents  the  caufe  and  cure  : — 
 Among  others,  a  principal  caufe  of  thefe  mifchiefs  is,  the 
 great  ^nd  common  negleft  of  the  governors  of  families,  in 
 the  difcbarge  of  that  duty  which  they  owe  to  God  for  the 
 fouls  that  arc  under  their  charge,  especially  in  teaching 
 them  the  doftrines  of  Chriftianity.  Families  are  focieties, 
 that  mufl  be  fanftified  to  God  as  well  as  churches  j  and  the 
 governors  of  them  have  as  truly  a  charge  of  the  fouls  that 
 are  therein,  as  paftors  have  of  the  churches.  But,  alas  ! 
 how  little  is  this  confidered  or  regarded  ?  But  while  negli- 
 gent minifters  are  (defervedly)  caft:  out  of  their  places,  thie 
 negligent  mafters  of  families  take  themfelves  to  be  almofl 
 blamelefs.  They  offer  their  children  to  God  in  baptifm, 
 and  there  they  promife  to  teach  them  the  do^rine  of  the 
 gofpel,  and  bring  them  up  In  the  nurture  of  the  Lord  ;  but 
 they  ealily  promife,  and  eafily  break  it ;  and  educate  their 
 children  for  the  world  and  the  fiefh,  although  they  have 
 renounced  thefe,  and  dedicated  them  to  God.  This  cove- 
 nant breaking  with  God,  and  the  betraying  the  fouls  of 
 their  children  to  the  devil,  mufl:  ly  heavy  on  them  here  or 
 hereafter.  They  beget  children,  and  keep  families,  merely 
 for  the  World  and  the  flefh ;  but  little  confidcr  what  a  charge 
 is  committed  to  them,  and  what  it  is  to  bring  up  a  child 
 for  God,  and  govern  a  family  as  a  fan^lified  fociety.  O 
 how  fweetlvr  and  fuccefsfully  would  the  work  of  God  go 
 on,  if  we  would  but  all  join  together  in  our  feveral  places 
 to  promote  it  !  Men  need  not  then  run  without  lending  to 
 be  preachers  ;  but  they  might  find  that  part  of  the  work, 
 that  be!ongeth  to  them,  to  be  enough  for  them,  and  to  be 
 the  bcft  that  they  can  be  employed  in.     Efpecially  women 
 
 <  fhoulJ 
 
POSTSCRIPT.  211 
 
 fhould  be  careful  of  this  duty,  becaufe  they  are  niofl  about 
 their  children,  and  have  early  and  frequent  opportunities 
 to  inftruft  them  ;  fo  is  this  the  principal  fervice  they  can 
 do  to  God  in  this  world,  being  reftrained  from  more  pub- 
 lic work.  And  doubtleis  many  an  excellent  magillrate  hath 
 been  ient  into  the  commonwealth,  and  many  an  excellent 
 paftor  lent  into  the  church,  and  many  a  precious  fnint  to 
 heaven,  through  the  happy  preparation  of  a  holy  educati- 
 on, perhaps  by  a  woman,  that  thought  berfelf  uleleis  and 
 •unferviceaWe  t-o  the  church.  Would  parents  but  begin  be- 
 times, and  labour  to  afFe£l  the  hearts  of  their  children  with 
 the  great  matters  of  everlafting  life,  and  to  acquaint  tlieni 
 with  the  fubftance  of  the  doflrine  of  Chrift,  and  when  they 
 iind  in  them  the  knowledge  and  love  of  Chrill,  would 
 bring  thena  to  the  paftors  of  the  church,  to  be  tried,  con- 
 firmed,and  admitted  to  the  further  privileges  of  the  church, 
 —what  happy  well-ordered  churches  might  we  have  ? — 
 Then  one  paftor  need  not  be  put  to  do  the  work  of  two 
 or  three  hundred  or  thoufand  of  governors  of  families,  even 
 to  teach  their  children  thele  principles  which  they  fhould 
 have  taught  them  long  before  j  nor  fhould  we  be  put  to 
 
 *  preach  to  fo  many  miferable  ignorant  fouls,  that  be  not  pre- 
 
 *  pared  by  education  to  underftand  it  ;  nor  fjiould  we  have 
 
 *  need  to  fhut  out  fo  many  from  holy  communion  upon  the 
 «  account  of  ignorance,  that  yet  have  not  the  grace  to  feel  it 
 «  and  lament  it,  nor  the  wit  and  patience  to  wait,  in  a  learn- 
 «  ing  ftate,  till  they  are  ready  to  be  fellow  citizens  with  the 
 
 *  faints,  and  of  the  houfhold  of  God.     But  now  they  come 
 
 *  to  us  with  aged  lelf-conceitednefs,  being  part  children,  and 
 
 *  yet  worfe  than  children,  ftill  having  the  ignorance  of  chil- 
 
 *  dren,  but  being  overgrown  the  teachablenefs  of  children  j 
 «  and  think  themfelves  wile,  yea  wife  enough  to  quarrel  with 
 
 *  the  wifeft  of  their  teachers,  becaufe  they  have  lived  long 
 
 *  enough  to  have  been  wife  j  and  the  evidence  of  their  know- 
 
 *  ledge  is  their  aged  ignorance  :  and  they  are  readier  to  flee 
 
 *  in  our  faces  for  church  privileges,  than  to  learn  of  us,  and 
 
 *  obey  our  inftruflions,  till  they  are  prepared  for  them,  that 
 
 *  they  may  do  them  good  :  likefnappiiJi  curs,  that  wiUfnap 
 «  us  by  the  fingers  for  their  meat,  and  fnatch  it  out  of  our 
 «  hands ;  ^nd  not  like  children,  that  Aay  till  we  give  it  them. 
 
 *  Parents  have  fo  ufed  them  to  be  unruly,  tliat  miniflershave 
 
 *  to  deal  with  too  few  but  the  unruly.      And  it  is  for  want  of 
 
 *  this  laying  the  foundation  well  at  firli,  that  profeflbrs  them- 
 
 *  felves  are  lo  ignorant,  as  moft  are  \  and  that  fo  m^ny,  e- 
 
 *  fpscially  of  the  younger  fort,  do  fwallow  down  aUnod  any 
 
 C  c  2  *  error 
 
2IZ  POSTSCRII^T. 
 
 *  error  thnt  is  olTered  theni,  and  follow  any  feft  of  dividers 
 
 *  that  will  entice  them,  lo  it  be  but  done  with  earneihiefs 
 
 *  and  placfibility.     For,  alas  !  though  by  the  grace  of  God 
 
 *  their  hearts  may  be  changed  in   an  hour,  (whenever  they 
 
 *  uiiderRand  but  the  ellentials  of  the  faith)  yet  their  under- 
 
 *  (landings  mutl  have  time  and  diligence  to  furnifh  them  with 
 '  fuch  knowledge  as  muft  eOablifli  them,  and  fortify  tl^em  a- 
 
 *  gaintl  deceits.     Upon  theff,  and  many  the  like  confidera- 
 
 *  tions,  we  ihould  intrcat  all  ChrilHan  families  to  take  more 
 
 *  pains  in  thisnccelTary  work,  and  to  get  better  acquainted 
 
 *  with  the  fubilance  of  ChriRianity.     And  to  that  end  (tak- 
 
 *  ing  along  iomt  moving  trc-itiles  to  awaken  the  heart)  I  know 
 '  not  what  work  (hould  be  fitter  for  their  ufe,  than  that  com- 
 
 *  pil(;d  by  the  Aflembly  at  Weltminller  ;  a  Synod  of  as  god- 
 
 *  ly,  judicious  divines,  (iiotwithllanding  all  the  bitter  words 
 
 *  which  they  have  received  from  difcontented  and  felf-con- 
 
 *  ceited  men)  I  verily  think,  as  ever  England  faw  ;  tho'  they 
 
 *  had  the  unhappincis  to  be  employed  in  calamitous  times, 
 
 *  when  the  noife  of  wars  did  flop  men's  ears,  and  the  licen- 
 
 *  tioufnefs  of  wars  did  fet  every  wanton  tongue  and  pen  at  11- 
 
 *  berty  to  reproach  them  ;  and  the  profecution  and  event  of 
 
 *  thefe  wars  did  cxafperate  partial  difcontented  men  to  dilLo- 
 
 *  nour  theinfelves,  by  feeking  to  dKhonour  them.     I  dare 
 
 *  fay,  if  in  the  days  of  old,  when  Councils  were  in  power 
 
 *  and  atcount,  they  had   but   fuch  a  Council  of  bilfiops,  as 
 
 *  this  of  Prefbyrers  was,  tlie  fame  of  it  for  learning  and  ho- 
 
 *  linefs,  and  all  miniflerial  abilities,  would,  with  very  great 
 
 *  honour,  have  been  tranfrnitted  to  polteritr. 
 
 *  I  do  therefore  dellre,  that  all  maflers  of  families  would 
 
 *  firft  ftudy  well  this  work  themfelves,  ac-i  then  teach  it  their 
 
 *  children  and  iervant',  .according  to  their  feveral  capacities  j 
 
 *  and  if  they  once  underfland  thefe  grounds  of  religion,  they 
 
 *  will  be  able  to  read  other  bocks  more  underilandingly,  and 
 
 *  hear  fermons  more  profitably,  and  confer  more  judicioufly, 
 
 *  and  hold  fall  the  dodtrina  of  ChriR  more  firmly,  than  evec 
 
 *  thsy  aie  like  to  do  by  any  other  courfe.    'i*Vr//,  Let  then 
 
 *  read  and  learn  the    Shorter  Caiechiftn.     And,  tiefd^  The 
 
 *  Largn\     And,  f'T/'i/yi  Ke-dd  the  Co fifejjicn  of  Faith.* 
 
 Assembly 
 
Assembly  ^t  Edinburgh y  July -^o,  1(549.  SelT.  30* 
 ACT  concerning  Catechizing. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  taking  to  their  ferious  coniide- 
 ration,  the  gr^at   darknefs   and  ignorance  wherein  a 
 great  part  of  this  kingdom  lieth,  together  with  the  late  lo- 
 lemn  engagement  to  ufe  all  means  for  remedy  thereol, — do 
 ordain  every  miniftcr,  with  affiftance  of  the  eiders  of  their 
 fcveral  kirk  Seflions,  to  take  courfe,  that  in  every  houfe, 
 where  there  is  any  that  can  read^  there  be  at  leaft  one  copy 
 of  the  Shorter  and  Larger  Catechifms,  ConfeJJion  of  Faith ^  and' 
 DtreElor'j  for  Family  Worjhipy — and  do  renew  the  aft  of  the 
 Aflembly,  Augujl  30,  1639*,  for  a  day  of  weekly  Catechizing,' 
 ,to  be  conftantly  cbferved  in  every  kirk  ;  and  that  every  mini- 
 fler  fo  order  their  catechetic  queftions,  as  thereby  the  people 
 (who  do  not  conveen  all  at  one  time,  but  by  turns,  untothat 
 exercife)  may,  at  every  diet,  have  the  chief  heads  of  faving 
 knowledge,  in  a  fhort  view,  prefented  unto  them.     And  the 
 Aflembly  conlidering,  that  notwithfl:anding  of  their  former 
 a<5t,  thei'e  diets  of  v^eekly  catechizing,  are  much  flighted  and 
 neglefted  by  many  minifters  throughout  this  kingdom  ;  do 
 therefore  appoint  and  ordain  every  Prefbytery  to  take  trial 
 of  all  the  minifl:ers  within  their  bounds,  once  at  leaft  in  the 
 half  year,  whether  they  be  careful  to  keep  weekly  diets  oi' 
 catechizing  ;  and  if  they  fliall  find  any  of  their  number  ne- 
 gligent therein,  they  fliall  admonifli  for  the  firft  fault  ;  and 
 if,  after  fuch  admonition,  they  fliall  not  amend,  the  Prefby- 
 teries,  for  the  fecorid  fault,  fliall  rebuke  them  fharply  ;  and 
 if,  after  fuch  rebuke,  they  do  not  yet  amend,  they  fhall  be 
 lufpended. 
 
 *  Zee  Page  86.  foregoing. 
 
 Charles 
 
C   214   3 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  2.  Seff.  2»  ACt  16. 
 
 JCT  anent  the  Catechisms,   Confession  0/ Faith, 
 and  Ratification  thereof. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  February']^  1649. 
 
 THE  Eflates  of  Parliament,  now  prefently  conveened  in 
 this  fecond  feffion  of  the  fecond  triennial  Parliament, 
 by  virtue  of  an  a6t  of  the  Committee  of  Eftates,  who  had 
 power  and  authority  from  the  laft  Parliament  for  conveening 
 the  Parliament,  having  ferioufly  confidered  the  Catechifms, 
 VIZ.  the  Larger  and  Shorter  ones,  with  the  CotifeJJlon  ofFaith^ 
 with  three  a6ts  of  approbation  thereof  by  the  commiffioners 
 of  the  General  Affcmbly,  prefented  unto  them  by  the  com- 
 miffioners of  the  faid  General  Aflembly, — do  ratify  and  ap- 
 prove the  faid  Catechifms ^  Confejfion  of  Faith ^  and  afts  of  ap- 
 probation of  the  fame,  produced  as  it  is  ;  and  ordains  them 
 to  be  recorded,  publilhed,  and  praftifed. 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 Confession  of  Faith, 
 
 AGREED     UPON     BV 
 
 The  Assembly  of  Divines  ^xWeJiminfier,  with 
 the  afliftance  of  the  Commissioners  from  the 
 C  H  u  R  c  H  of  Scotland  ; 
 
 ASA 
 
 Part  of  the  Covenanted  Uniformity  in  religion  betwixt  the 
 
 Churches  of  Chrift  in  the  Three  Kingdoms  of  Scotland^ 
 
 England^  and  Ireland. 
 i 
 
 WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  the  General  Affembly  of  the  Church  of  Scot- 
 land, Anno  1647,  approving  the  CanfeJJion  of  Faith. 
 
 TOGETHER     WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  Parliament  1649,  Ratifying  and  Eftablifliing 
 the  fame. 
 
 With  Proofs  from  the  Scriptore> 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
[    216,3 
 
 AssS^lBLY  at  Edinhurgky  Augujl  11^   164-].  SciT.  2'. 
 J CT  approving  the  Confession  e/"  Faith, 
 
 '  Jk     Confession  of  Faith  for  the  kirks  of  God  in  the 
 
 /\  three  kingdoms,  being  the  chiefeft  part  of  that  iini- , 
 fcrmiiy  in  religion,  which,  by  the  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
 nant, we  are  bound  to  endeavour  ;  and  there  being  accord- 
 ingly a  ConfefRon  of  Faith  agreed  upon  by  the  Aflembly  of 
 Divines  fitting  at  "Weftminfter,  with  the  afliftance  of  com- 
 miflioners  from  the  kirk  of  Scotland  ;  which  Confefiion  was 
 fent  from  our  commiflioners  at  London  to  the  commiffioners 
 tef  the  kirk  met  at  Edinburgh,  in  Janunry  laft, — and  hath. 
 Jbeen  in  this  Aflembly  twice  publicly  read  over,  examined, 
 and  confidered  -,  copies  thereof  being  alfo  printed,  that  it 
 might  be  particularly  perufed  by  all  the  members  of  this  Af- 
 lembly, nnto  whom  frequent  intimation  was  publicly  made, 
 to  put  in  their  doubts  and  obje<Slions,  if  they  had  any  ;  and 
 the  f.\id  ConfelTion  being,  upon  due  examination  thereof, 
 found  by  the  Aflembly  to  be  mod  agreeable  to  the  word  of 
 God,  and  in  nothing  contrary  to  the  received  doctrine,  wor- 
 fnip,  difcipline,  and  government  of  this  kirk.  And,  hfi/y^ 
 It  being  fo  neceflTary,  and  fo  much  longed  for,  that  the  faid 
 Confeflion  be,  with'all  poflible  diligence  and  expedition,  ap- 
 proved and  eflablifhed  in  both  kingdoms,  as  a  principal  part 
 of  the  intended  uniformity  in  religion,  and  as  a  fpecial  means 
 for  the  more  effeclual  fupprefling  of  the  many  dangerous  er- 
 rors and  herefles  of  thefe  times.  The  General  Afl~embly  doth 
 therefore,  after  mature  deliberation,  agree  unto,  and  approve 
 the  faid  Confeflion,  as  to  the  truth  of  the  matter,  (judging  it 
 to  be  Okoft  orthodox,  and  grounded  upon  the  word  of  God) 
 and  alfo,  as  to  the  point  of  uniformity,  agreeirig,  for  our 
 part,  that  it  be  a  common  Confeflion  of  Faith  for  the  three 
 kingdoms.  The  Aflembly  doth  alfo  blels  the  Lord,  and 
 thankfully  acknowled'ge  his  great  mercy,  in  that  Co  excellent: 
 a  Confeflion  of  Faith  is  prepared,  and  thus  far  agreed  upon 
 in  both  kingdoms,  which  we  look  upon  as  a  great  ftrengthen-, 
 ing  of  the  true  reformed  religion  againfl:  the  comnion  enemies 
 f  thereof.  But,  left  our  intention  and  meaning  be  in  foivt 
 [  particulars  milunderflrood,  it  is  hereby  exprefly  declared  and 
 I  provided,  that  the  not  mentioning  in  this  Confeflion  the  fe« 
 ;  veral  forts  of  ecc'.efiaflical  officers  and  aflTemblics,  fhall  be  no 
 ;  -prejudice  to  the  truth  of  Chrift  in  thefe  particulars,  to  be  ex- 
 
 preir^i 
 
C      217      J 
 
 preffed  fuWy  in  ih.e  Dire^ory  of  Government.     It  Is  further 
 declared,  That  the;   Allembly  underftandeth  fonie   parts'  of       ^ 
 the  fecond  article  of  the  thirty-firll  chapter,  only  of  kii'ks  not  "'  *» 
 fettled,  or  conftituted  in  point  of  government  :  and  that  al-    ^  ■•. 
 though  in  fuch  kirks,  a  Synod  of  miniflers,  and  other  fit  i' 
 perfons,  may  be  called  by  the  magiftrates  authority  and  no-( 
 mination,  without  any  other  call,  to  confult  and  advife  with  \ 
 about  matters  of  religion  j  and  althoiJi>h  likewife  the  mini-/ 
 flers  of  Chrift,  without  delegation  from,  their  churches,  may, '] 
 of  themfelves,  and   by  virtuij  of  their  cirice,  meet  together  ' 
 ijynodically  in  fuch  kirks,  not  yet   c6nfticuced  ;  yet  neither  \ 
 of  thefe  ought  to  be  done  in  kirks  conftituted  and  fettled  '. —  ■ 
 it  being  always  free  to  the  magiftrate  to  advife   wiih  Synods  J 
 of  minifters  and  ruling  elders,  meeting  upon  delegation  from  ; 
 their  churches,  either  ordinarily,  or  being  indicted    by  his  i. 
 authority,  ocpailon-Ally  and  pro  re  nnta  ;  it  being  alfo  free  to    \ 
 afTemble  together  Synodically,  as  well  pro  re  tiata,  as  at  the   ] 
 ordinary  times,  upon  delegation  from  the  churches,  by  the  ^ 
 intrinlical  power  received  frem  Chrili,  as  often  as  it  is  necef-  / 
 fary.for  the  good  of  the  church  io  to  allemble,  in  caie  the  \ 
 magiftrate,  to  the  detrimentof  the  church,  withhold  or  deny   ^ 
 his  confent, — the  neceflity  of  occafional  AfTembli'^s  being  firit    "\ 
 remonftrate  unto  hinii  by  humble  lupplication. 
 
 A.   KER. 
 
 D  d  rii 
 
C    2>8     ] 
 
 The    CONTENTS, 
 
 \ 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 1.  ^F  the  holy  fcriptttre. 
 
 ^  -i.  Oj  Gody  and  the  Holy  Trinity, 
 
 o.  Of  God's  eternal  decree. 
 
 4.  Of  Creation. 
 
 r.  Of  Providence. 
 
 6.  Of  the  Fall  of  man, — of  Sin,  and  tf  the  piwijhment  thereof. 
 
 'J.  Of  God's  covenant  ivith  man. 
 
 8.  Of  Chrijl  the  Mediator. 
 
 p.  Of  free  ivill. 
 
 0.  0/  effeElual  calling, 
 
 1.  Of  jfuflif cation. 
 
 2.  Of  Adsption. 
 
 3.  Of  SanBif  cation. 
 
 4.  Of  faving  Faiih, 
 
 5 .  Of  Repentance  unto  life. 
 
 6.  Of  Good  Works. 
 
 7.  Of  the  Per  fever  ance  of  the  Saints. 
 
 8.  Of  Jiffurance  sf  Grace  and  Salvation. 
 
 9.  Of  the  Laiu  of  God. 
 
 20.  Of  Chriflian  Liberty,  and  Liberty  of  Confcience. 
 
 21.  Of  Religious  Worfjtp,  and  the  Sahbath  di7y. 
 
 22.  Of  lanvful  Oaths  and  Vcws. 
 
 23.  Of  the  Civil  Magiflrate. 
 
 24.  Of  Marriage  and  Divorce. 
 
 25.  Of  the  Church. 
 
 26.  Of  the  Communion  oj  Saints, 
 
 27.  Of  the  Sacraments, 
 
 28.  Of  Baptifm. 
 
 1^.  Of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
 
 30.  Of  Church  Cenjures. 
 
 31.  Of  Synods  and  Councils, 
 
 32.  C/  the  State  of  Man  after  Death, --and  of  the  Refurrec 
 
 tion  of  the  Dead. 
 
 33.  Of  the'lafl  Judgment, 
 
 THE 
 
[     1^9    2 
 
 THE 
 
 CONFESSION    OF     FAITH, 
 
 AGREED    UPON    BT 
 
 The  Afiemblyof  Divines  at  Wcftminfter  J  examined  and  ap- 
 proved, y^nno  1647,  by  the  General  AfTembly  of  the  church 
 of  Scotland  ;  and  ratified  by  A£l  of  Parliament,  1649. 
 
 <<:?•>  Vi>>  Vi'^  <<P^  W^  «•<?%  t<5>^  t,;?^  c<:?%  ve?^  t<?^  t^9^  Vj?n  t-i?^  ttf^ 
 
 C  H  A  p.    I. 
 
 Of  tie  Holy  Scripture. 
 
 A  LTHOUGH  the  light  of  nature,  and  the  works  of 
 _^£"^  creation  and  providence,  do  fo  far  manifeft  the  good- 
 nefs,  wifdom,  and  power  of  God,  as  to  leave  men  inexcufe- 
 able  a  ;  yet  are  they  not  fufEcient  to  give  that  knowledge  of 
 God  and  of  his  will,  which  is  neceffary  unto  falvation  If. — 
 Therefore  it  plegfed  the  Lord,  at  fundry  times,  and  in  divers 
 manners,  to  reveal  himfelf,  and  to  declare  that  his  will  unto 
 his  church  c,  and  afterwards,  for  the  better  pielerving  and 
 propagating  of  the  truth,  and  for  the  more  fyre  eiiabhlhment 
 and  comfort  ot  the  church,  againji  the  corruption  of  the 
 fielh,  and  the  malice  of  Satan,  and  of  the  world,  to  commit 
 the  fame  wholly  unto  writing  d:  which  maketh  the  holy 
 fcripture  to  be  moft  neccffary  e  ;  thofe  former  ways  of  God's 
 revealing  his  will  unto  his  people  being  now  cealedy. 
 
 a  Rom  ii.  14,  i^.  and  i  19,  20.  Pfalm  xix  i, — 3.  Rom. 
 i.  32.  with  chap.  ii.  I.  ^  i  Cor.  i.  2  i.  and  ii.  13,  14  <:  Heb. 
 i.  I.  d  Prov.  xxii  19, — 21.  Luke  i.  3,  4.  Rom  j.v.  4,  Matt. 
 iv.  4,  7,  io.  .Ifa.  viii.  19,  20.  e  2  Tim.  iii^  152  Pet.  i.  19. 
 /  Heb.  i.  I,  2. 
 
 II.  Under  the  name  of  Holy  Scripture,  or  the  "Word  of 
 God  written,  are  now  contained  a!i  the  Books  ot  the  Old 
 and  New  Teftament,  which  are  thcfe  : 
 
 .      D  d  z  Of 
 
220         The  Wejlminjlev  Confession  of  Faith. 
 
 Of  the  Old  Tejiamcnt. 
 
 ENESIS. 
 Exodus. 
 Leviticus. 
 Numbers. 
 Deuteronomy. 
 Jofhua. 
 Judges. 
 Ruth. 
 
 I.  Samuel. 
 
 II.  Samuel. 
 
 I.  Kings. 
 
 II.  Kings. 
 
 I.  Chronicles. 
 
 II.  Chronicles. 
 Ezra. 
 
 Nehemiah. 
 Efther. 
 
 Job. 
 
 Pfalms. 
 
 Proverbs. 
 
 Ecclefiaftes. 
 
 The  Song  of  Songs. 
 
 Ifaiah. 
 
 Jeremiah. 
 
 Lamentations. 
 
 Ezekiel. 
 
 Daniel. 
 
 Hofea. 
 
 Joel. 
 
 Amos. 
 
 Obadiah. 
 
 Jonah. 
 
 Mi  cab. 
 
 Nahum. 
 
 Habakkuk. 
 
 Zephaniah. ., 
 
 Haggai.        7* 
 
 Zechariah. 
 
 Malachi. 
 
 Of  the  New  Tefamcjit. 
 
 The  Gospels  according  to 
 
 MATTHEW. 
 Mark. 
 Luke, 
 John. 
 
 The  Aas  of  the  Apoflles. 
 Paul's  Epiflles  to  ihe  Ro- 
 mans. 
 
 I.  Corinthians. 
 
 II.  Corinthians. 
 Galatians. 
 Ephefians. 
 Philippians. 
 Coloflians. 
 
 I.  Theiralcnians. 
 
 II.  TliefTaloniaiis. 
 
 I.  To  Timothy, 
 
 II.  To  Timothy. 
 To  Titus. 
 
 To  Philemon. 
 The  Epiftle  to  the  He- 
 brews. 
 The  Epiflle  of  James. 
 The  ill  Epiftle  of  Peter. 
 The  2d  Epiftle  ol  Peter. 
 The  I  ft  Epiftle  of  John. 
 The  2d  Epiftle  of  John. 
 The  3d  Epiftle  of  John. 
 The  Epiftle  of  Jude. 
 The  Revelation  of  John. 
 
*The  Wejlmlnjler  Confession  oj  Faitw.  11% 
 
 All  which  are  given  by  inrpiration  of  God,  to  be  the  rule 
 of  faith  and  life^. 
 
 g  Luke  xvi.   29,  31.  Eph.  ii.  20.  Rev.  xxii.   i8,   19.  1K 
 Tim.  iii.  16. 
 
 III.  The  books  commonly  called  Apocrypha^  not  being  of 
 divine  inspiration,  are  no  part  of  the  canon  of  the  fcripture  ; 
 and  therefore  are  of  no  authority  in  the  church  of  God,  nor 
 to  be  any  otherwife  approved,  or  made  ufe  of,  than  other  hu- 
 man writings  h. 
 
 h  Luke  xxiv.  27,  44.  Rom.  iii.  2.  2  Pet.  i.  21. 
 
 IV.  The  authority  of  the  Holy  Scripture,  for  which  it 
 ought  to  be  believed  and  obeyed,  dependeth  not  upon  the 
 teftimony  of  any  man,  or  church  •,  but  wholly  upon  God 
 (who  is  truth  itfelf)  the  author  thereof:  and  therefore  it  is 
 to  be  received,  becaufe  it  is  the  word  of  God  t. 
 
 I  2  Pet.  i.  19,  21.  2  Tim.  iii,  16.  i  John  v.  9.  i  ThelT. 
 ii.  13. 
 
 V.  We  may  be  moved  and  induced  by  the  teftimony  of  the 
 church  to  an  high  and  reverent  efteem  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
 ture k.  And  the  heavenlinefs  of  the  matter,  the  efficacy  of 
 the  dodlri.ne,  the  majefty  of  the  ftile,  the  confent  of  all  the 
 parts,  theTcopeof  the  whole,  (which  is,  to  give  all  glory  to 
 God)  the  full  difcovery  it  makes  of  the  only  way  of  man's 
 falvation,  the  many  other  incomparable  excellencies,  and  the 
 entire  perfedlion  thereof,  are  arguments  whereby  it  doth  a- 
 bundantly  evidence  itfelf  to  be  the  word  of  God  ;  yet  not- 
 withftanding,  our  full  perfuafion  and  alTurance  of  the  infal- 
 lible truth,  and  divine  authority  thereof,  is  from  the  inward 
 work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  bearing  witnefs  by  and  with  the 
 word,  in  our  hearts  /.  •     .         , 
 
 h  1  Tim.  iii.  15.     /  i  John  ii.  20,  27.  John  xvi.   13,  14' 
 1  Cor.  ii.  10, — 12.  Ifa.  lix.  21. 
 
 VI.  The  whole  counfel  of  God,  concerning  all  things  ne- 
 ceffary  for  his  own  glory,  man's  falvation,  faith  and  life,  is 
 either  exprefly  fet  down  in  fcripture,  or,  by  good  and  necel- 
 fary  confequence,  may  be  deduced  from  fcripture  ;  unto 
 which  nothing  at  any  time  is  to  be  added,  whether  by  new 
 revelations  of  the  Spirit,  or  traditions  of  men  m.  Neverthe- 
 --"  ■■■■'   '  •        •"^r  le-s, 
 
 m  2  Tim.  iii.  15,, — 17.  Gal.  i.  8,  p.  2  ThcfT.  ii.  2. 
 
2?2  27-^  WeJlminJIey  OjnfESSION  of  VaitU. 
 
 lefs,  we  acknowledge  the  inward  illumirtation  of  the  Spirit  oi 
 God  to  be  neceflary,  for  the  faving  underftanding  of  fuch 
 things  as  are  revealed  in  the  word  n  :  and  that  there  are  fome 
 circumftances  concerning  the  worfliip  of  God,  and  govern- 
 ment of  the  church,  common  to  human  adlions  and  focieties, 
 which  are  to  be  ordered  by  the  light  of  nature  and  Chriftian 
 prudence,  according  to  the  general  rules  of  the  word,  which 
 are  always  to  be  obferved  o. 
 
 n  John  vi.  45.  i  Cor.  ii.  9,  10,  12.  0  \  Cor.  xi.  13,  I4« 
 and  xiv.  26,  40. 
 
 VII.  All  things  in  fcripture  are  not  alike  plain  In  them- 
 feWes,  nor  alike  clear  unto  all/)  :  yet  thofe  things,  which 
 are  neceflary  to  be  known,  believed,  and  obferved  lor  falva- 
 tion,  are  {o  clearly  propounded  and  opened  in  fome  place  of 
 fcripture  or  other,  that  not  only  the  learned,  but  the  un- 
 learned, in  a  due  ufe  of  the  ordinary  means,  may  attain  unto 
 a  fufficient  underftanding  of  them  ^. 
 
 p  2  Pet.  iii.  16.     q  Pfalm  cxix.  105,  130. 
 
 VIII.  The  Old  Teft«rment  in  Hebrew,  (which  was  the  na- 
 tive language  of  the  people  of  God  of  old)  and  the  New  Te- 
 ftament  in  Greek,  (which,  at  the  time  of  the  writing  of  it, 
 was  moft  generally  known  to  the  nations)  being  immediately 
 infpired  by  God,  and  by  his  fingular  care  and  providence  kept 
 pure  in  all  ages,  arc  therefore  authentical  r  ;  fo  as,  in  all 
 controverfies  of  religion,  the  church  is  finally  to  appeal  unto 
 them  J-.  But,  becaufe  thei^e^  original  tongues  are  not  known 
 to  all  the  people  of  God,  who  tiuve  right  unto,  and  intereft 
 in  the  (criptures,  and  are  commanded,  in  the  fear  of  God,  to 
 read  and  fearch  them  1 5  therefore  they  are  to  be  tranflated 
 into  the  vulgar  language  of  every  nation  unto  which  they 
 come  «,  that  the  word  of  God  dwelling  plentifully  in  all,  they 
 may  w^orfhip  him  in  an  acceptable  manner  tu  \  and  through 
 patience  and  comfort  of  the  fcriptures,  may  have  hope  x. 
 
 r  Matt.  V.  18.  s  Ifa.  vlii.  20.  Ads  xv.  1 5.  John  v.  39,  46. 
 /  John  V.  39.  K  I  Cor.  xiv.  6,  9,  ii,  12,  24,  27,  28. — 
 nv  Col.  iii.  16.     x  Rom.  xv.  4. 
 
 IX.  The  infallible  rule  of  interpretation  of  fcripture  is  the 
 fcripture  itfelf ;  an  I  therefor?,  when  there  is  a  queftion  a- 
 bout  the  true  and  full  fenfe  of  any  fcripture,  (which  is  not 
 manifold,  but  one)  it  muft  be  fearched  and  known  by  other 
 places  that  fpealc  more  clearly  j. 
 
 y  2  Pet.  i.  20,  21.  Acts  XV.  15,  16.  X.   The 
 
The  Wejlminjler  Confession  c/*  Faith.        -223 
 
 X.  The  fupreme  Judge,  by  which  all  controverfies  of  re- 
 ligion are  to  be  determined,  and  all  decrees  of  Councils,  opi- 
 nions of  ancient  writers,  do6lrines  of  men,  and  private  fpirits, 
 are  to  be  examined,  and  in  whofe  fentence  we  are  to  reft,  cj«i 
 be  no  other  but  the  Holy  Spirit  fpeaking  in  the  fcripturcz. 
 
 2  Matt,  xxii.  2^,  31.  Eph.  ii.  20.  with  AilsxxviiL  25- 
 
 C  H  A  P.    IL 
 Of  GOD,  and  of  the  Holy  Trinity. 
 
 THERE  is  but  one  only  «,  living,  and  true  God  h  :  wBo 
 is  infinite  in  being  and  perfection,  a  moft  pure  S;pi- 
 rit  J,  invifible  <-,  without  body,  parts/i  orpaffions^,  immu- 
 table hf  immenfe  i,  eternal  h^  incomprehenlible  /,  almigla- 
 ty  w,  moft  wifen,  moft  holy  0,  moft  free/),  moft  abfolute «?:, 
 working  all  things  according  to  the  ccrunfel  of  his  own  im- 
 mutable and  moft  righteous  will  r,  for  his  own  glory  sf  mol): 
 loving  ty  gracious,  merciful,  long-fuflering,  abundant  in  good- 
 nefs  and  truth,  forgiving  iniquity,  tranfgreffion,  and  fin  », 
 the  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  feek  him  iv  ;  and  with- 
 al, moft  juft  and  terrible  in  his  judgments  ;v,  hating  all  iinjj 
 and  who  will  by  no  means  clear  the  guilty  z. 
 
 a  Deut.  vl.  4.  I  Cor.  viii.  4,  6.     b  \  ThelT.  i.  9.  Jer.x.  10, 
 
 c  Job  xi.  7,  8,  9.  and  xxvi.  14.  d  Johp  iv.  24.  e  i  Tim.i. 
 17.  y  Deut.  iv.  15,  16.  John  iv.  24  with  Luke  xxiv.  q<ju 
 g  A£ts  xiv.  IF,  15.  h  James  i.  17.  Mai.  iii.  6.  i  i  Kings- 
 viii  27.  j€r.  xxiii.  23,  24.  k  Plalm  xc.  2.  i  Tim.  i.  17.-— 
 /Pfalm  cxlv.  3.  m  Gen.  xvii.  r.  Rev.  iv.  8.  n  Rom.  xv5. 
 27.  0  Ifa.  vi.  3.  Rev.  iv.  8.  p  Pfalm  cxv.  3.  q  Exod.  iii. 
 14.  r  Eph.  i.  1 1.  j-Prov.  xvi.  14.  Rom.  xi.  36.  1 1  John 
 iv.  8,  16.  u  Exod.xxxiv.  6,  7.  iv  Heb.  xi.  6.  :c  Neh.  ix. 
 32,  33.     y  Pfal.  V.  5,  6.     s  Neh.  i.  2,  3.  Exod.xxxiv.  74 
 
 II.  God  hath  all  life  a,  glory  I,  goodnefs  r,  blefiednefs  ^» 
 in  and  of  hlmfelf  ^  and  is  alone  in,  and  unto  himfelf  all-fufS- 
 cient,  not  ftanding  in  need  of  any  creatures  which  he  hath 
 raader,  nor  deriving  any  glory  from  them/;  but  only  i.nanl- 
 fefting  his  own  glory,  in,  by,  unto,  and  upon  theax  :  He  js 
 the  alone  fountain  of  all  being,  of  whom,  through  whom,  and 
 
 to 
 
 a  John  V.  25.     h  Ails  vii.  2.   c  Pfal.  cxix.  63.   d  x  -TheiE't 
 vl.  15.  Rom.  ix.  5.     e  A»rts  xvii.  24,  25.    /Job  xxii.  2^  %. 
 
224         '^^^  Wejlminjler  CONFESSION  of  Faith. 
 
 to  whom,  are  all  things  g  ;  and  hath  moft  fovereign  domi- 
 nion over  them,  to  do  by  them,  for  them,  or  upon  them, 
 whatfoever  himfelf  pleafeth  h.  In  his  light  all  things  are  o- 
 pen  and  manifeft  z,  his  knowledge  is  infinite,  infallible,  and 
 independent  upon  the  creature  X-,  fo  as  nothing  is  to  him  con- 
 tingent or  uncertain  /.  He  is  moft  holy  in  all  his  counfels, 
 in  all  his  works,  and  in  all  his  commands  m.  To  him  is  due 
 from  angels  and  men,  and  every  other  creature,  whatfoever 
 worfliip,  fervice,  or  obedience  he  is  pleafed  to  require  of 
 them  «. 
 
 g  Rom.  xi.  36.  i6  Rev.  iv.  II.  I  Tim.  vi.  15.  Dan.  iv.  25, 
 35.  i  Heb.  iv.  13.  ^  Rom.  xi.  33,  34.  Pfalm  cxlvii.  5. — 
 /  A£ls  XV.  18.  Ezek.  xi.  5.  m  Pfal.  cxlv.  17.  Rom.  vij.  12. 
 n  Rev.  V.  i2, — 14. 
 
 III.  In  the  unity  of  the  Godhead  there  be  three  perfons, 
 of  one  fubftance,  power,  and  eternity  ;  God  the  Father, 
 God  the  Son,  and  God  the  Holy  Ghoft  0.  The  Father  is 
 of  none,  neither  begotten,  nor  pro'ceeding  :  the  Son  is  eter- 
 nally begotten  of  the  Father  j£> ;  the  Holy  Ghoil  eternally 
 proceeding  from  the  Father  and  the  Son  q. 
 
 0  I  John  V.  7.  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  Matt,  xxviii.  19  2  Cor* 
 xiii.  14.    p  John  i.  14,  18.     g-  JohriX  '5>  26.  Gal.  iv.  6. 
 
 CHAP.     III. 
 Of  GO  Us  Eternal  Decree. 
 
 GO  D,  from  all  eternity,  did,  by  the  moft  wife  and  ho- 
 ly counfel  of  his  own  will,  freely  and  unchangeably 
 ordain  whatfoever  comes  to  pafs  a  :  yet  fo,.as  thereby  neither 
 is  God  the  author  of  fin  ^,  nor  is  violence  offered  to  the  will 
 of  the  creatures,  nor  is  the  liberty  or  contingency  of  feeond 
 caufes  taken  away,  buc  rather  eftablifhed  c. 
 
 a  Eph.  i.  ri.  Rom.  xi  33.  Heb.  vi.  17,  Rom.  ix.  15,  18. 
 ^  Jam.  i.  13,  17.  I  John  i.  5.  c  A^ls  ii.  23.  Matt.  xvii.  12. 
 A^s  iv.  27,  28.  Jobxix.  II.  Prov.  xvi.  33. 
 
 II.  Although  God  knows  whatfoever  may,  or  can  come  to 
 pafs  upon  all  luppofed  conditions  d  \  ,yet  hath  he  not  decreed 
 any  thing,  becaule  he  forefaw  it  as  future,  or  as  that  which 
 would  come  to  pah  upon  fuch  conditions  e. 
 
 d  A£l$  XV.   i3.   I  Sam.  xxiii.  11,  12.  Matt.  xi.  2i,  23. — 
 
 e  Rom.  ix.  u,  13,  16,  18. 
 
 III.  By 
 
The  Weflmlnjler  Confession  r/"  Faith,         225 
 
 in.  By  the'decree  of  God,  for  the  mnnifeftation  of  his 
 glory,  fome  men  and  angels  j-  are  predeftinated  nnto  ever- 
 iafting  hfe,  and  others  fore-ordained  to  evtriafting  death  g. 
 
 j-  I  Tim.  V.  21.  ?/[att.  ::xv.  41.  g  Rom.  ix.  22,  23.  Eph. 
 i.  5,  6.  Prov.  XV!.  4. 
 
 IV.  Thefe  angels  and  men,  thu"^  predeflinr^fed  ond  fore- 
 ordained, are  particularly  and  unchangeably  deiigned,  and 
 their  number  is  fo  certain  and  definite,  tiiat  it  cannoi  be  ei- 
 ther increaled  or  diminilhed  h. 
 
 h  2  Tim.  ii.  \j).  Johnxiii.  18. 
 
 V.  Thofe  of  mankind  that  are  predeflinated  unto  life, 
 God,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world  was  l.iid,  according 
 to  his  eternal  and  immutable  pnrpo(e,  andthefecret  counfcl 
 and  good  pleafure  of  his  will,  hath  chofun,  in  Chrift,  unto 
 everlafting  glory  7,  out  of  his  mere  free  grace  and  love,  v/ith- 
 out  any  foreflght  of  faith,  or  good  works,  er  perleverance 
 in  either  of  them,  or  any  other  thing  in  tiie  creature,  as  con- 
 ditions, or  caufes  moving  him  thereunto /^,  andj  all  tO' the 
 praife  of  his  glorious  grace  /. 
 
 /  Eph.  i.  4,  9,  II.  Rom.  viii.  30.  2  Tim.  \.  9.  i  ThefF.  v. 
 9.     /6  Rom.  ix.  1 1,  13,  16.  Eph  -  i.  4,  9.     /Eph.  i.  6,  12. 
 
 Vr.  As  God  hath  appointed  the  elecl  i^rto  glory,  fo  iiath 
 lie,  by  the  eternal  and  moft  free  purpofe  of  his  will,  fore,- 
 ordaincd  all  the  means  thereunto  m.  Wherefore  thev  who 
 are  eleifted,  being  fallen  in  Adam,  are  redeemed  by  Clirifi^^, 
 — are  effectually  called  unto  faith  in  Chriff,  by  his  Spirin 
 working  in  due  fealon, — are  ju'iified,  adopted,  fanCViiied  o^ 
 and  kept  by  his  power  through  faith  unto  lalvation/).  Nei- 
 ther are  any  other  redeemed  by  Clirin-,e{Tc;auaiiy  called,  jsil- 
 tined,  adopted,  fanClified,  and  faved,  but  the  elect  only  q. 
 
 m  I  Pet.  i.  2.  Eph.  \.  4,  5.  and  ii.  10.  2  ThefT.  ii.  13. — 
 n  I  ThefT.  v.  9,  ic.  Tit.  ii.  14,  0  Ron!,  viii.  30.  Eph.  i.  c- 
 2  ThefT.  ii.  13.  p  v  Pet.  i.  5.  p  John  xvii.  9.  Rom.  viii  28. 
 to  the  end.  John  vi.  64,  65.  and  x.  26.  and  viii.  47.  1  John 
 ii.  19. 
 
 VII.  The  reft  of  mankind.  Cod  was  pleafed,  according; 
 to  the  nnfearchab'e  counfel  of  his  own  will,  whereby  he  e>:- 
 tendeth  or  withhoideth  mercy  as  he  pleafeth,  for  the  giorv 
 of  hia  foverciga  power  over  his  creatures,  to  pafs  by  \  and 
 
 E  e    .  *o 
 
.'.lo         The  IVefminfer  Qo-isvii^zion  s/' Faith. 
 
 fo  ordain  tl^em  to  difhononr  and  ivrath  for  their  fin,  to  the 
 prnife  of  his  glorious  jullice  r. 
 
 r  Mntth.  xi.  25,  26.  P.oni.  Lk.  17,  18,  21,  22.  2  Tiai.  ii. 
 79,  20.  Jude  4.  I  Pet.  ii.  8. 
 
 "^''IIT.  The  do£lrine  of  this  high  tnyftery  of  predeftination 
 is  to  be  handled  with  fpecial  prudence  and  cnre  s,  that  meri» 
 attending  the  will  of  Godrevenled  in  his  \vord,  and  yielding 
 ohedience  thereunto,  may,  from  the  certainty  of  their  eiT«c- 
 tual  vocation,  be  affured  of  their  etccnal  eKiTtion/.  So  (hall 
 this  dofcrine  afford  matter  of  praife,  reverence,  and  admira- 
 tion of  Gk)(j  ?/,  and  of  humility,  diligence,  and  abundant  con- 
 folatiun  to  ail  that  lincerely  obey  the  gofpel  -ic. 
 
 s  Rom.  ix..  20.  and  xi.  33.  Deut.  xxix.  29.  /  2  Pet.  i. 
 10  ;/  F.ph  i.  6,  Rom.  xi.  33.  iv  Rom.  xi  5,  6,  20.  2  Pet, 
 i.  10.  Rom.  viii.  33.  Luke  x.  ro. 
 
 C  H  A  P.    IV. 
 
 (^  Creation. 
 
 IT  pleafed  God  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghoil  <jy  for 
 the  rhanifeftation  otthe  glory  of  his  eternal  power,  wif» 
 dom,  ajid  goodnefs  h,  in  the  begiru.ing,  to  create,  or  make 
 of  nothing,  the  world,  and  all  things  therern,  whether  viu- 
 bie  or  invilible,  in  the  fpace  of  (ixdays,  and  ail  very  goo  !  . 
 a  Heb.  i.  2.  John  i.  2,  3.  Gen.  i.  2.  Job  xxvi.  13.  \ccA 
 xxxiii.  4.  b  Rom.  i.  20.  Jer.  x  1  z  Pfalm  civ.  24.  and  xxxiii. 
 5,  6.     cGen.  i.  Hcb  xi,  3,  Col.  i.  i6.  Aasxvii.  24 
 
 II.  -After  Gnd  had  made  all  other  ci'eatures,  he  created 
 man,  male  and  female ^,  \\ ith  rcafonable  and  immortal  fouls e^ 
 endued  with  knowledge,  rightcournefs,  and  true  holinefs,  af- 
 ter his  own  imags/,  having  the  law  of  God  written  in  their 
 heirts^,  and  power  to  fuUil  it  J: ;  and  yet  under  a  poflxbility 
 of  tranfgreffing,  being  left  to  the  liberty  of  their  own  will, 
 ,  which  was  fubje«St  unto  change  :  Befldc  tliis  law  vvritten 
 in  their  hearts,  they  received  a  command,  not  to  cat  of  the 
 tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good  aid  evil  •,  which,  while  they 
 kept,  they  were  happy  in  their  communion  with  God /■,  and 
 had  dominion  over  the  creatures  /. 
 
 d  Gen.  i.  27.  e  Gen.  ii.  7.  with  E:cl.  xii.  7.  Luke  xx:::. 
 43.  Matt.  x.  28.  y  Gen.  i.  16.  Gol.  in.  io.  Enh.  iv:  24. — 
 g  Rom.  ii.  14,  T  J.  h  Eccl.  vil.  29.  t  Gen,  iii  6.  F.ccl.  vi;.  29.' 
 k  Gen.  ii   17.  and  iiU  8*, — 1 1,  23.     /  Gen  i.  26,  23- 
 
The  U\'^ii> ijter  Co  n  f  E  s  s  i  o.n  of  Fa  i  t  f .  : :  ■; 
 
 C  H  A  P.     V. 
 
 0/' ruOVlDtNCE. 
 
 £^  O.l'),  the  great  Cren\or  of  all  tlung'^,  doth  npnold  a^ 
 \_;y  drrt  6t,  diipofe,  and  govern  all  creatures,  actions,  and 
 things  3,  from  the  groatttl  even  to  the  ie?.il  r,  by  his  mod 
 wiie  at;ci  hoiy  pre  iJtnce  i/,  accorJing  to  his  infallible  fore- 
 knowlcc'g'i^',  aiid  the  fr.eeand  irrsriUtable  counfcl  of  his  own 
 wiliy^,  to  r!\e  45raife  of  the  glory  of  his  wirdoni,  power,  juf*- 
 tice, 'goodneis,  and  mercy  ^. 
 
 c  Ileb.  i  3.  b  Dan.  iv.  34,  35.  Pfalm  cxxxv.  6.  A£t3 
 xvii.  25,  26,  28.  Job  xxxviii, — xli.  r  Matt.  x.  29, — 31. — 
 li  Prov.  XV.  3.  Piahn  civ.  24-  and  cxlv.  17.  e  Ads  xv.  18. 
 pr.ilra  xciv.  8, —  II.  y  Eph.  i.  11.  Pfalm  xxxiii.  10,  u. — 
 g  l(a.  Ixiii.  14.  Eph,  iii.  10.  Rom.  ix,  17.  Gen.  xlv.  7.  Pial. 
 cxlv.  7. 
 
 II.  Although,  in  relation  to  the  fore-knowledge  and  de- 
 cree or  God,  the  firft  caufe,  all  things  come  to  pais  immuta- 
 bly and  infallibly  /.>  ;  yet,  by  the  fame  providence,  he  order- 
 ed them  to  fall  out,  according  to  the  nature  of  fecond  caufes, 
 either  neceflarily,  freely,  or  contingently  i. 
 
 h  Acts  ii.  23.  i  Gen  viii.  22.  Jer.  xxxi.  3^.  Exod.  xXi. 
 13.  with  Deut.  xix.  5.    1  Kings  xxii.  28,  34.  Ifa.  x.  6,  7. 
 
 III.  God,  in  his  ordinary  providence,  malceth  ufe  of  me^ins/f , 
 y^t  is  fr^e  to  work  wthout  /,  above  w,  and  agaiaft  them,  at 
 his  pleafure  //. 
 
 k  K^s  xxvii.  31,  44  Ifa  Iv.  10,  1 1.  Hof.  il.  21,  22. — 
 /  Hoi.  i.  7.  Matth.  iv.  4.  Job  xxxiv.  10.  ??/  Rom.  iv.  1-9, — ■ 
 21.     n  2  Kings  vi.  6.  Dan.  iii.  27. 
 
 IV.  The  almighty  power,  unfearchable  wifdom,  and  infi- 
 nite goodnefs  of  God,  fo  far  manifefl:  themfelvfs  in  his  provi- 
 dence, tliat  it  extendeth  itfelf  even  to  the  firil:  F?ll,  and  all 
 other  fins  of  angels  and  men  <?,  and  that  not  by  a  bare  pcr- 
 
 "niifiion/),  but  fuch  as   hath  joined  v/ith  it  a  moll:  wife  and 
 powerful  bounding  q^  and  otherwifc  ordering  and  governing 
 
 E  e  2  ,  ■;^'^;        *•       of 
 
 0  Rom.  xl.  32, — 34.  2  Sam.  xxiv.  i.  with  i  Cliron  xxi-.  i. 
 J  Kings  xxiil  22,  23.  i  Chron.  x.  4,  13,  14.  2  Spiii.  xvi.  io. 
 Ai\%  ii.  23.  and  iv.  27,  28.  p  A(^s  xlv.  16.  q  Pfal.  Ixxvi. 
 10.  2  Kings  xix.  28. 
 
22  3  The  IVefminfiey  Confession  c/"  Faith. 
 
 ©f  them,  in  a  manifold  difpenfation,  to  his  own  holy  ends  r 
 )'<;t  it),  as  the   finfulners  thereof  y)ioceedeth  only  from  the 
 creature,  and  not  fVorii  God,  who,  being  moft  holy  and  righ- 
 tioys,  neither  is,  nor  can  be  the  author  or  approver  of  fin/. 
 
 **  Gen.  !.  10.  If'a.  x.  6,  7,  12.     s  James  i.  13,  14,  17.  i 
 John  ii.  16.  Pfahn  1.  2;. 
 
 V.  The  moft  wife,  righteous,  and  gracious  God,  doth 
 oftentimes  leave  for  a  feafon  his  own  children  to  manifold 
 temptations,  and  the  corruption  of  their  own  hearts,  to  chal- 
 tife  them  icr  their  former  fins,  or  to  dilcover  unto  them  the 
 hidden  ftrength  of  corruption,  and  deceitfulnefs  of  their 
 hearts,  tl)at  they  may  be  humbled  /  ;  and  to  raife  them  to  a 
 more  clofe  and  conllant  dependence  for  their  fupport  upon 
 himTelf,  and  to  make  them  more  watchful  againft  all  future 
 occafions  of  fin,  and  for  fundry  other  jult  and  holy  ends  u. 
 
 t  2  Chron.  xxxii.  25,  26,  31.2  Sam,  xxi.  i.  u  2  Cor.  xii. 
 7,  8,  9.  Pi'alm  Ixxiii;  and  Ixxvii.  i,  lO)  12.  Mark  xiv.  60. 
 to  the  end,  with  John  xxi.  I5>— 17. 
 
 VI.  As  for  thofe  wicked  and  ungodly  men,  whom  God,  as 
 a  righteous  Judge,  for  former  fins,  doth  blind  and  harden  ti', 
 from  them  he  not  only  withholdeth  h)s  grace,  whereby  they 
 might  have  been  enlightened  in  their  underrtandings,  and 
 wrought  upon  in  their  hearts  x'j  but  fometimes  aHo  with- 
 draweth  the  gifts  which  they  had^,  and  expofeth  them  to 
 fuch  objects  as  their  corruption  makes  occafion  of  fin  s  :  and 
 vrirhal,  gives  them  over  to  their  own  lufts,  the  temptations 
 of  the  world,  and  the  power  of  Satan  a  j  whereby  it  comes 
 to  pafsjthat  they  harden  themfelves,  even  under  thofe  means 
 which  God  ufeth  for  the  foftening  of  others  L 
 
 w  Rom.  i.  24,  26,  28.  Rom.  xi.  7,  8.  A?Deut.  xxix.  4. 
 y  Matt.  xlii.  12.  and  xxv.  29.  z  D^ut.  ii.  30.  2  Kings  viii. 
 12,13.  <3  Pfal.  Ixxxi.  1 1,  12.  2Their.  ii.  10, — 12.  ^  Exod. 
 vii.  3,  with  chap.  viii.  15,  32.  2  Cor.  i.  15,  16.  Ifa.  viii.  14. 
 I  Pet.  ii.  7,  8.  Ifa.  vi.  9,  10.  with  A6ls  xxviii.  26,  27, 
 
 Vir.  As  the  providence  of  God  doth,  in  general,  reach  ta- 
 all  creatures  j  fo  after  a  moft  fpecial  manner  it  taketh  care  of 
 his  church,  and  difpofeth  all  things  to  the  good  iliereof  f. 
 
 f  I  Tim.  iv.   10.  Amos  !x.  3;  9.  Rom.  viii.  28.  Ifa.  xliii. 
 
 C  Ii  A  P. 
 
The  WeJJmlnJier  Confession  <;/ Faith.         229 
 
 CHAP.    VI. 
 
 Of  the  Fall  of  MAN; — of  SIN,  and  of  the  Punish- 
 ment thereof. 
 
 OU  R  firft  parents,  being  fcduced  by-  the  fubtilty  and 
 temptation  of  Satan,  finned  in  eating  the  forbidden 
 fruit  a.  This  their  fin,  ^od  was  pleafed,  according  to  his 
 wife  and  holy  couniel,  to  permit,  having  purpofed  to  order 
 it  to  "his  own  glory  b. 
 
 a  Gen.iii.  13.  aCor.  xi.  3.     b  P^om.  xi.  32. 
 
 II.  By  this  fin,  they  fell  from  their  original  righteoufnefs 
 and  communion  with  God  Cy  and  fo  became  dead  in  fin  J,  and 
 wholly  defiled  in  all  the  faculties  and  parts  of  foul  and  body  e: 
 
 6  Gen.  iii.  6,  7,  8.  Eccl.  vii.  29.  Rom.  iii.  23.  d  Gen.  ii. 
 17.  Eph.  ii.  I.  e  Tit.  i.  15.  Gen.  vi.  5.  Jcr.xfii.  9.  Rom. 
 iii.  10,-^19. 
 
 III.  They  being  the  root  of  all  mankind,  the  guilt  of  this 
 fin  was  imputed/,  and  the  fame  death  in  fin,  and  corrupted 
 nature,  conveyed  to  all  their  pofterity  defcending  from  them 
 by  ordinary  generation  g. 
 
 f  Gen.  i.  27,  28.  and  ii.  16,  17.  A£ls  xvii.  26.  with  Rom- 
 V.  12,  15, —  ig.  I  Cor.  XV.  21,  22,  45,  49.  g  Pfalm  Ii.  5. 
 Gen.  V.  3.  Jobxiv.  4.  and  xv.  14. 
 
 IV.  From  this  original  corruption,  whereby  we  are  utterly 
 indifpofed,  difabled,  and  made  oppofite  to  all  good  />,  and 
 wholly  inclined  to  all  evih", — do  proceed  all  actual  trangrel- 
 fions  k. 
 
 h  Rom.  V.  6.  and  viii.  7.  and  vii.  18.  Col.  i.  21.  i  Gen- 
 vi.  5.  and  viii.  21.  Rom.  iii.  10, — 12.  k  James  i.  14,  15* 
 Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  Matt.  xv.  19. 
 
 V.  This  corruption  of  nature,  during  this  life,  doth  remain 
 in  thoie  that  are  regenerared  /  :  and,  although  it  be  through 
 Chrift  pardoned  and  mortified,. yet  both  itfelf,  and  all  the 
 motions  thereof,  are  truly  and  properly  fin  m, 
 
 I  I  Johni.  8,  10.  Rom.  vii.  17,  18,  23.  Jam.  iii.  2.  Prov. 
 XX.  9.  Eccl.  vii.  20.     m  P.om.  vii.  5,  7,  8,  25.  Gal.  v.  17. 
 
 VI.  Every  fin,  both  original  and  a£lual,  being  a  tranf- 
 greffion  of  the  righteous  law  of  God,  and  contrary  there- 
 
 unto 
 
23©        T6e  Wefminjier  Confession  o/' Faith. 
 
 unto  «,  doth,  in  its  own  nature,  bring  guilt  upon  the  finncr  o, 
 whereby  he  is  bound  over  to  the  wnuh  of  God  />,  and  curie 
 of  the  law  q,  and  To  made  i'ubje6i:  to  death  r,  with  all  loiferies 
 fpiritual  x,  temporal  ?,  and  eternal  it. 
 
 n  I  John  iii.  4.  0  Rom.  ii.  ij;.  and  iii.  9,  19.  />  Epb.  ii. 
 3.  J  Gal.  iii.  10.  r  Rom.  vi.  23.  j-  Eph.  iv.  18  f  Rom. 
 viii.  20;  Lam.  iii.  39.     u  Matt.  xxv.  41.  2  ThelT.  i.  9. 
 
 CHAP.     VIL 
 
 Of  God's  Covenant  lulth  Man. 
 
 THE  diftance  between  God  and  the  creature  is  fo  great, 
 that  although  reafonable  creatures  do  owe  obedience  to 
 him  as  their  Creator  ;  yet  they  could  never  have  any  fruition 
 of  him  as  their  bleiTednel's  and  reward,  but  by  roo\e  volunta- 
 ry condefcenflon  on  God's  part,  which  he  hath  been  pleal'cd 
 to  exprefs  by  way  of  covenant  a. 
 
 a  Ifa.  xl.  13, — 17.  Job  ix.  32,  33.  I  Sam.  ii.  25.  Ffahn 
 cxiii.  5,  6.  and  c.  2,  3.  Job  xxii.  2,  3.  and  xxxv.  7,  8.  i.uice 
 xvii.  iO.  A£ls  xvii.  24,  25. 
 
 II.  The  f.rft  Covenant  made  with  man,  was  a  covenant  of 
 works  i,  wherein  life  was  promiled  to  Adam,  and  in  him  to 
 his  pofterity  c^  upon  condition  of  perfc*5t  and  perfonal  obe- 
 dience d. 
 
 b  Gal.  iii.  12.  c  Rom.  x.  5.  and  v.  12^ — 20.  r/ Gen.  ii. 
 17.  Gal.  iii.  10. 
 
 III.  Man,  by  his  Fall,  having  made  himielf  incapable  of 
 life  by  that  covenant,  the  Lord  was  pleai'ed  to  make  a  iecond  ^, 
 commonly  called  the  Covenant  of  Grace  -,  wherein  he  freely 
 ofFereth  unto  linners  life  and  falvation  by  Jelus  Chrill,  re- 
 quiring of  them  faith  in  him,  that  they  may  be  faved/,  and. 
 promifing  to  give  unto  all  thofe  that  are  ordained  unto  life 
 his  Holy  Spirit  to  make  them  willing  and  able  to  believe  g. 
 
 e  Gal.  iii.  ai.  Rom.  viii.  3.  and  iii.  20,  21.  Gen.  iii.  i  r. 
 Ifa.xlii.  6.  /Mark  xvi.  15,  16.  John  iii.  j6.  Rom.  x.  6,  9. 
 Gal.  iii.  \  I.     g  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27.  John  vi.  44,  45. 
 
 IV.  Tbis  Covenant  of  Grace  is  frequently  fet  Forth  in  the 
 fcripture  by  the  n^me  of  a  Teftanr.en!:,  in  reference  to  the 
 
 death 
 
The  WiJtminJIer  Confession  c/ Faith.'         231 
 
 oeatli  of  Jefus  Chr'ift  the  Teftator,  and  to  the  everlafling  in- 
 heritsncc,  with  ail.tbings  belonging  to  it,  therein  bequeathed/.'. 
 
 h  Htb  ix.  15, — 17.  Heb.  vii.  22.  Luke  xxii.  20.  i  Cor.  xi.  25. 
 
 V.  This  covenant  was  differently  adminiftered  in  the  time 
 of.the  law,  and  in  the  time  of  the  gofpel  i  :  under  the  law,  it 
 was  adminidred  by  promifes,  prophecies,  facriiices,  circum- 
 cision, the  psfchal  lamb,  and  other  types  and  ordinances, 
 delivered  to  the  people  of  the  Jews,  iill  fore-fignifying  Chrifl: 
 to  come  k,  which  were,  for  that  time,  fufficient  and  effica- 
 cious, through  the  operation  of  the  Spirit,  to  in{lru£t  and 
 build  up  the  elecV  in  faith  in  the  promifed  Mefliah  /,  by  whom 
 they  had  full  remiilion  of  fins,  and  eternaUalvation, — and  is 
 called  the  Old  Teflament  m. 
 
 i  2  Cor.  ill.  6, — 9.  X'  Heb.  vIH,  ix,  x.  Rom.  iv.  11.  CoL 
 ii.  II,  12.  I  Cor.  X.  7.  /  I  Cor.  v.  i, — 4.  Heb.  xi.  13.  John 
 viii.  56.     in  Gal.  iii.  7,  8,  9,  14. 
 
 VI.  Under  the  gofpel,  when  Chritl  the  fubfianceff  was 
 exhi-bited,  the  ordinances  in  which  this  covenant  is  difpenfed, 
 are,  the  preaching  of  the  word,  and  the  admlniflration  of 
 the  facraments  of  baptifm,  and  the  Lord's  Supper  0.  Which, 
 though  fewer  in  number,  and  adminiflred  with  more  fimpli- 
 city,  and  lefs  outward  glory  ;  yet  in  them  it  is  held  forth  in 
 more  fulnefs,  evidence,  and  fpiritual  elUcacyp,  to  all  nations, 
 both  Jews  and  Gentiles^  ;  and  is  called  the  New  Teftament.r 
 There  are  not  therefore  two  covenants  of  grace,  differing  in 
 fubftance,  but  one  and  the  fame,  under  various  difpenfations.y 
 
 n  Col.  ii.  17.  0  Matt.  xxviiF.  19,  20.  I  Cor.  xi.  23, — 2<f. 
 /Heb.  xii.  22, — 28.  Jer.  xxxi.  33,  34.  q  Matt,  xxviii.  19. 
 Eph.  ii.  15, — 19.  r  Luke  xxii.  20.  j-  Gal.  iii.  14,  16.  Rom. 
 iii.  21, — 23,  30.  Pfalm  xxxii.  i.  with  Rom.  iv.  3,6,  t<S,  17, 
 23,  24.  Heb.  xiii.  8.  Adts  xv.  ii. 
 
 C  H  A  P.    vin. 
 
 Of  CHRIST  the  Mediator. 
 
 T  pleafed  God,  in  his  eternal  pnrpofc,  to  choofc  and  or- 
 
 diifi  the  Lord  Jefus,  his  only  begotten  Son,  to  be  the 
 
 Ivlediator  between  God  and  m?n  «  ;   the  prophet  i,  pviefl:  b, 
 
 and 
 
 n  TH).  xlfi.  I.  1  Pet.  !.  19,  20.  John  iii.  16.  i  T-m.  ii.  r. 
 t'  AvU  ill.  22.     c  Heb.  V.  <;,  C>. 
 
2^2        ^he  Wejlmlnjlcr  Confession  {/"Faith. 
 
 and  king  </,  the  Head  and  Saviour  of  his  church  f,  the  heir 
 of  all  thingsy,  and  Judge  of  the  world  g  ;  unto  whom  he 
 did  from  all  eternity  give  a  people  to  be  his  feed  Z>,  and  to  be 
 bv  him  in  time  redeemed,  called,  juiliiied,  fandlified,  and 
 glorified  /: 
 
 </Pfalm  ii.  6.  Luke  i.  33.  e  Eph.  v.  23.  f  Heb.  i.  2. 
 ^  Acls  xvii.  31.  A  John  xvii.  6.  Pfal.  xxii.  30.  Ifa.  liii.  10. 
 i,  I  Tim.  ii.  6.  Ifa.  Iv.  4,  5.   i  Cor.  i.  30. 
 
 II.  The  Son  of  God,  the  fecond  perfon  of  the  Trinity,  be- 
 ing very  and  eternal  God,  of  one  fubftance,  and  equal  with 
 the  Father  ;  did,  when  the  fulnefs  of  time  was  come,  take 
 upon  him  man's  nature  h^  with  all  the  efTential  properties, 
 and  common  infirmities  thereof,  ^yet  without  fin/:  being 
 conceived  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  in  the  womb  of 
 the  Virgin  iVIary,  of  her  fubftance  m.  So  that  two  whole, 
 perfect,  and  diftinft  natures,  the  Godhead  and  the  manhood, 
 %verc  infeparably  joined  together  in  one  perfon,  without  con- 
 verfion,  compolition,  or  confufion  n.  Which  perfon  is  very 
 God,  and  very  man,  yet  one  Chrift,  the  only  Mediator  be- 
 tween God  and  man  0. 
 
 Ii  John  i.  I,  14.  I  John  v.  20.  Phil.  ii.  6.  Gal.  iv.  4. — 
 /  Heb.  ii.  14,  16,  17.  Heb.  iv.  15.  m  Luke  i.  27,  31,  35. 
 Gal.  iv.  4.  n  Luke  i.  'x^.  Col.  ii.  9.  Rom.  ix.  5.  i  Pet.  iii. 
 j8.   I  Tim.  iii.  16.     oRom.  i.  3,4.   iTim.  ii.  5. 
 
 III.  The  Lord  Jefus,  in  his  human  nature  thus  united  to 
 the  divine,  was  fantflified  and  anointed  with  the  Holy  Spirit 
 above  meafure  />,  having  in  him  all  the  trcafures  of  wifdom 
 and  knowledge  q  :  in  whom  it  pleafed  the  Father  that  all 
 fulnefs  (hould  dwell/-  :  to  the  end,  that  being  holy,  harmkls, 
 undefiled,  and  full  ot  grace  and  truth  j-,  he  might  be  tho- 
 roughly furniChed  to  execute  the  office  of  a  Mediator  and 
 Surety  /.  Which  ofHce  he  took  not  unto  himfelf,  but  was 
 thereunto  called  by  his  father  «,  who  put  all  power  and  judg- 
 ment into  his  hand,  and  gave  him  commandmenX  to  execute 
 the  lame  no. 
 
 p  Pfalm  xlv.  7.  John  iii.  34.     q  Col.  ii.  3.  r  Col.  i.  19. 
 
 s  Heb.  vii.  26.  John  i.  14.     t  A^s  x.  38.  Heb.  xii.  24.  and 
 
 vii.  22.  u  Heb.  v.  4,  5.  iv  John  v.  22,  27.  Matt,  xxviii.' 
 18.  A£ls  ii.  36. 
 
 IV.  This  office  the  Lord  Jefus  did  moft  willingly  under- 
 'iake  .V  ;  which,  that  he  might  difcharge,  he  was  made  under 
 
 the 
 
 xV\z\.  xl.  7,  8.  with  Heb.x.  5, — 11.  John  x.  i3.  Phil.  ii.  8. 
 
The  Weflminjler  Comfessiom  £/"  Faith.  233 
 
 the  law  yy  and  did  perfeflly  fulfil  it  2,  endured  mo/>  grievous 
 torments  in  his  ibul^,  and  moH:  painful  fuflorings  in  his  bo- 
 dy/^ ;  was  crucified  and  died  c  ;  was  buried,  and  remained 
 tjnder  the  power  of  death,  yet  faw  no  corruption^.  On  the  - 
 third  day  he  arofe  froiti  the  dead  ^,  with  the  fame  body  in 
 which  he  fuffered/,  with  which  alfo  he  afcended  into  hea- 
 ven, and  there  fitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  his  Father^,  mak- 
 ing intercefQon  h^  and  fhall  return  to  judge  men  and  angels, 
 at  the  end  of  the  world  /'. 
 
 y  Gal.  iv.  4.  z  Matt.  iii.  ic.  and  v.  i  7.  a  Matt.  xxvi. 
 37,38.  Luke  xxii.  44.  Matt,  xxvii.  46.'  3  Matt,  xxvi,  xxvii. 
 c  Phil.  ii.  8.  d  Acts  ii.  23,  24,  27.  and  xiii.  37.  Rom.  vi.  9. 
 e  I  Cor.  XV.  3,  4.  j  John  xx.  25,  27.  g  Mark  xvi.  19. — 
 h  Rom.  viii.  34.  Heb.  ix.  24.  and  vii.  25.  i  Rom.  xiv.  9,  lo. 
 A£ls  i.  I  J,  and  x.42.  Mat.  xiii.  40, — 42.  Jude  6.  2  Pet.  ii.  4. 
 
 V.  The  Lord  Jefus,  by  his  perfeft  obedience,  and  facri- 
 fice  of  himfelf,  which  he,  through  the  eternal  Spirit,  once 
 offered  up  unto  God,  hath  fully  fatisfied  the  juftice  of  his 
 Father  k  \  and  purchafed,  not  only  reconciliation,  but  aa 
 everlafting  inheritance  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  for  all  thole 
 whom  the  Father  hath  given  unto  him  /. 
 
 k  Rom.  V.  19  Heb.  ix,  14,  16.  and  x.  4.  Eph.  v.  2  Rom. 
 iii.  25,  26.  /J3an.  ix.  24,  26.  Col.  i.  19,20.  Eph.  i.  ii,  14. 
 John  xvii.  2.  Heb.  ix.  12,  15. 
 
 VL  Although  the  work  of  redemption  was  not  a£l:u;il!y 
 wrought  by  Chrifl:  till  after  his  incarnHiion,  yet  the  virtue, 
 efficacy,  and  benefits  thereof,  were  communicated  unto  the 
 eledt  in  all  ages  fucceflively  from  the  beginning  of  the  world, 
 in,  and  by  thofe  promifes,  types,  and  facrifices,  wherein  h<^ 
 .was  revealed  and  llgnified  to  be  the  ieed  of  the  woman  which 
 ihould  bruife  the  lerpent's  head,  and  the  lam;>  flain  from  the 
 beginning  of  the  world,  beisg  yefterday  and  to-day  the  fame, 
 ?.nd  for  ever  m. 
 
 m  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  Gen.  iii.  15.  Rev,  xiii.  S.  Htb.  xiii.  8. 
 
 VIL  Chrift,  in  the  work  of  mediation,  a<r!:eth  according 
 to  both  natures,  by  each  nature  doing  that  which  is  proper 
 in  itfolf «  :  yet,  by  reafon   of  the  unity  of  the  perfbn,  that 
 ,  which  is  proper  to  one  nature  is  fometimes  in  fcripture  attri- 
 buted to  theperfon  denominated  by  the  othernature  0. 
 
 n  Heb.  ix.  14.   i  Pet.  iii.  18.     o  Aftsxx.  28.  John  iii.  13. 
 1  Jchn  iii.  16.  v 
 
 F  r  '  VIIL  To 
 
234  '^^^  Wepn'injler  CONFESSION  a/*  Faith. 
 
 VIII  To  all  thofe,  for  whom  Chrift  hath  purchafed  re- 
 demption, he  doth  certainly  and  effeftually  apply  and  com- 
 municate the  fame^,  making  intercelBon  for  them  j,  and 
 revealing  unto  them  in  and  by  the  word  the  myfteries  of  fal- 
 vation  r  ;  effeftually  perfuading  them  by  his  Spirit  to  believe 
 and  obey  j  and  governing  their  hearts  by  his  word  and  Spi- 
 rit s  ;  overcoming  all  their  enemies  by  his  almighty  power 
 and  wifdom,  in  fuch  manner  and  ways  as  sre  moll  confonant 
 to  his  wonderful  and  unfearchable  difpcnfation  t. 
 
 />  Johnvi.  37,  39.  and  x.  15,  16.  q  i  John  ii.  i,  2.  Rom. 
 viii.  34.  r  John  xv.  13,  15.  Eph,  i.  7,  8,  9.  John  xvii.  6. 
 s  John  xiv.  \6.  Heb.  xii.  2.  2  Cor.  iv.  13.  Rom.  viii.  9,  14. 
 and  XV.  16,  19  John  xvii.  J7.  /  Pfalm  ex.  i.  i  Cor.  xv. 
 25,  26.  Mai.  iv.  2,  3.  Col.  ii.  15. 
 
 CHAP.    IX. 
 
 0/Free  Will- 
 
 GOD  hath  endued  the  will  of  man  with  that  natural  li- 
 berty, that  it  is  neither  forced,  nor  by  any  abfolute  ne- 
 cellity  of  nature  determined  to  good  or  evil  a. 
 
 a  Matt.  xvii.  12.  James  i.  14.  Deut.  xxx.  19. 
 
 II.  Man,  in  his  ftate  of  innocency,  had  freedom  and  power 
 to  will  and  to  do  that  which  was  good  and  well  pleafing  to 
 God  d ;  but  yet  mutably,  fo  that  he  might  fall  from  it  c. 
 
 b  Eccl.  vii.  29.  Gen.  i.  26.     c  Gen.  ii.  16,  17.  and  iii.  C, 
 
 III.  Man,  by  his  Fall  into  a  ftate  of  fin,  hath  wholly  loft 
 all  ability  of  will  to  any  fpiritual  good  accompanying  falvati- 
 on  r/  ;  fo  as  a  natural  man,  being  altogether  averfe  from  that 
 good  <;•,  and  dead  in  fin/,  is  not  able,  by  his  own  ftrength, 
 to  convert  hin^felf,  or  to  prepare  himfelf  thereunto  g, 
 
 J  Rom.  V.  6.  and  viii.  7.  John  xv.  5.     ^Rom.iii.  10,   12. 
 /Eph.  ii.  I,  5.  Col.  ii.  13.     g  John  vi.  44,  46.  Eph.  ii.  2,— 
 5.   I  Cor.  viii.  14.  Tit.  iii.  3,  4,  5. 
 
 IV.  When  God  converts  a  finner,  and  tranflates  him  into 
 the  ftate  of  grace  ;  he  freeth  him  from  his  natu^-al  bondage 
 under  fm  h  \  and  by  his  grace  alone  enables  h«m  freely  to  will 
 
 and 
 
 h  Col.  I.  13.  John  viii.  34,  36J 
 
The  Wejlmhijler  Confession  6f  Faith.  2^5 
 
 and  to  do  that  which  is  fpifltiiallygood  i ;  yet  fo,  as  that,  by 
 reafon  of  his  rtmaiiiing  corruption,  he  doth  not  perfecllv, 
 iicr  only,  will  that  which  is  good,  but  doth  alio  will  that 
 which  is  evil  h. 
 
 i  Phil.  ii.  13.  Rom.  vi.  18,  22.     h  Gal.  v.   17.  Rom.  vii. 
 15,  18,  19,  21,^3. 
 
 V.  The  will  of  man  is  made  perfe^lly  and  immutably  free 
 to  good  aloae,  in  the  ftate  of  glory  only  /. 
 
 /Eph.  iv.  13.  Ikb  xii.'  23.   i  John  iii.  2.  Jude  24. 
 
 CHAP.     X. 
 
 Oj  Effectual  Calling. 
 
 LL  thofe  whom  God  hath  predeftinated  unto  life,  and 
 thole  only,  he  is  pleafed,  in  his  appointed  and  accept- 
 ed time,  effedluaily  to  call  a,  by  his  word  and  Spirit  by  out 
 of  that  ftate  of  fin  and  death  in  which  they  are  by  nature,  to 
 grace  and  falvation  by  Jelus  Chrift  c  \ — enlightening  their 
 minds,  fpiritualiy  and  iaviugly,  to  underftand  the  things  of 
 God  J  J  taking  away  their  heart  of  ftone,  and  giving  Uiito 
 them  an  heart  of  ilefli^i  renewing  their  wills,  and,  by  his 
 almighty  power,  determining  them  to  do  that  which  is  good,y 
 and  eiFe^tually  drawing  them  to  Jefus  Chriil  p- :  yet  To,  as  they 
 come  moft  freely,  being  made  willirig  by  his  grace  h. 
 
 a  Rom.  viii.  30.  and.xi.  7.  Eph.  i  10,  1 1.  b  1  Theffl  ii. 
 13,  14.  2  Cor.  ill.  3,  6.  €  Rorn.  viii.  2.  Eph  ii.  i, — ^5.  2 
 Tim.  i.  9,  10.  d  A(fts  xxvi.  18.  \  Cor.  ii  10,  2.  Eph,  i. 
 17,  18.  e  Ezek.  xxxvi  26.  f  Ezek.  xi.  19  Vhil.  ii  13  — 
 Deut.  XXX.  6.  Ezek,  xxxvi.  27.  g  Eph.  i.  19.  John  vi.  44, 
 45.     /?)Cant.i.  4.  Pfai.  ex.  3.  John  vi- 37.  Rom  vi.  fO, — 18. 
 
 II.  This  effectual  call  is  of  God's  free  and  fpecial  grace  a- 
 lonc  •,  not  from  any  thing  foreleen  in  man  /,  who  is  altogether 
 paflive  therein,  until,  being  quickened  and  renewed  by  the 
 Holy  Spirit  ^,  he  is  thereby  enabled  to  aniwer  this  call,  and 
 to  embrace  the  grace  offered,  and  conveyed  in  it  /. 
 
 I  2  Tim.  i.  9.  Tit.  iii.  4,  5.  Eph  ii.  4,  5,  8,  9.  Rom.  ix.  1 1. 
 h  r  Cor.  ii.  14.  Rom.  viii.  7.  Eph.  ii.  5  /  John  vi.  37.  Ezek. 
 xxxvi,  17.  John  v.  25. 
 
 F  f  2  HI.  Elea 
 
^3^         57^  Wejlmhijler  Confession  of  Faith. 
 
 HI.  Eleft  infants,  dying  in  infancy,  are  regenerated,  and 
 faved  by  ChriiV,  through  the  Spirit  ?/?,  who  vvorketh  when, 
 and  where,  and  how  Jie  pleafeth  n  :  io  alfo  are  all  other  ele£t 
 })errons  who  are  incapable  of  bsing  outwardly  called  by  the 
 Biiniftry  of  the  word  o. 
 
 VI  Luke  xviii.  15,  16.  and  Adis  ii,  38,  39.'  and  John  iii.  3, 
 5.  and  I  John  v.  12.  and  Rom.  viii.  y.  compared,  n  John 
 iii.  8.     0  1  John  v.  12.  Ails  iv.  12. 
 
 IV.  Others,  not  ekifled,  although  ihey  may  be  called  by 
 theminiltry  of  the  word/>,  and  may  have  fome  common  ope- 
 rations of  the  Spirit  q,  yet  they  never  truly  come  to  Chrift, 
 and  thcriefore  cannot  be  faved  r  :  much  lefs  can  men,  not 
 profcffing  the  Chriftian  religion,  be  faved  in  any  other  way 
 whatfocver,  be  they  never  fo  diligent  to  frame  their  lives  ac- 
 cording to  the  light  of  nature,  and  the  law  of  that  religion 
 they  do  piofefs  j.  And,  to  alTert  and  maintain,  that  they 
 may,  is  very  pernicious,  and  to  be  detefted^. 
 
 p  Matt.  xxii.  14.  q  Matt.  vii.  22.  and  xiii.  20,  21.  Heb. 
 vi.  4,  5-  ■  r  John  vi.  64, — 66.  and  viii.  24.  s  A6\s  iv.  12. 
 Johnxiv  6.  Eph.  ii,  12.  John  iv.  22.  and  xvii.  3.  /  i  John 
 V.  9,  iO,  II.   I  Cor.  xvi.  22.  Gal.  i.  6,  7,  8. 
 
 C  H  A  P.     XI. 
 
 0/  Justification. 
 
 THOSE  whom  God  efFe^ually  calleth,  he  alfo  freely 
 juftifieth^;  not  by  infufing  righteoufnefs  into  them, 
 but  by  pardoning  their  fins,  and  by  accounting  and  accepting 
 their  perfoiis  as  righteous  j  not  for  any  thing  wrought  in 
 them,  or  done  by  them,  but  for  Chriit's  lake  alone  -,  nor  by 
 imputing  faith  itfelf,  the  acl  of  believing,  or  any  other  evan- 
 gelical obedience,  to  them,  as  their  righteoufnefs  ;  but  by 
 imputing  the  obedience  and  fatisfadlion  of  Chrift  unto  them  l>, 
 they  receiving  and  refting  on  him  and  his  righteoufnefs  by 
 faith  ;  which  faith  they  have  not  of  theinlclves,  it  is  the  gift 
 of  God  c. 
 
 a  Rom.  viii,  30.  and  iii.  24.  b  Rom.  iv.  5, — 8.  2  Cor.  v- 
 19,  21.  Rom.  v.  22,  24,  25,  27,  28.  Tit.  iii.  5,  7.  Eph.  i.  7. 
 Jer.  xxiii  6.  i  Cor.  i.  50,  31.  Rom.  v,  17, — 19.  c  Afts  x. 
 44.  Gal.  ii.  16.  Fhil.  iii.  p.   hi\%  xiii.  38,  39.  Eph.  ii.  7,  8. 
 
 II.  F^ith, 
 
TChe  Wejmwfer  CoNFEssiOK  c/Taith.         237 
 
 n.  Fait-h,  thus  receiving  and  refting  on  Chrift  and  his 
 righteoufnels,  is  the  alone  inftrument  of  juftificaiion  d  \  yet 
 is  it  not  alone  in  the  perfon  juftified,  but  is  ever  accompanied 
 with  all  other  laving  graces,  and  is  no  dead  faith,  but  work- 
 eth  by  love  e. 
 
 d  John  i.  12.  Rom.  iii.  28.  and  v.  i.  e  James  ii.  17,  22, 
 26.  Gal.  V.  6. 
 
 III.  Chrift,  by  his  obedience  and  death,  did  fully  difcharge 
 the  debt  of  all  ihofe  that  are  thus  juftified,  and  did  make  a 
 proper,  real,  and  full  fatisfadlion  to  his  Father's  juftice  in 
 their  behalf/.  Yet,  in  as  much  as  he  was  given  by  the  Fa- 
 ther for  them  g^ — and  his  obedience  and  fatisfa£tion  accepted 
 in  their  ftead  /^,— and  both  freely,  not  for  any  tiling  in  them; 
 their  juftification  is  only  of  free  grace  i  -,  that  both  the  exact 
 juftice,  and  rich  grace  of  God,  might  be  glorified  in  the 
 juftification  of  finners  h. 
 
 f  Rom.  V.  8,-10,  19.  I  Tim.  ii.  5,  6.  Heb.  x.  10,  14.— 
 Dan.  ix.  24,  26.  Ifa.  liii.  4,  5,  6,  10,— 12.  g  Rom.  viii.  32. 
 h  2  Cor.  V.  21.  Matt.  iii.  17.  Eph.  v.  2.  z  Rom.  iii.  24. 
 Eph.  i.  7.     k  Rom.  iii.  26.  Eph.  ii.  7. 
 
 IV.  God  did,  from  all  eternity,  decree  to  juftify  all  the  e- 
 lea  / ;  and  Chrift  did,  in  the  fulnefs  of  time,  die  for  their 
 fins,  and  rife  again  for  their  juftification  m  :  neverthelefs, 
 Ihey  are  not  juftified,  until  the  Holy  Spirit  doth,  in  due  time, 
 adually  apply  Chrift  unto  them  n. 
 
 I  Gal.  iii.  8.  i  Pet.  i.  2,  19,  20.  Rom.  viii.  30.  m  Galat. 
 iv.  4.  I  Tim.  ii.  6.  Rom.  iv.  25.  «  Col.  i.  21,  22.  Gal.  ii. 
 16.  Tit.  iii.  4, — 7. 
 
 V.  God  doth  continue  to  forgive  the  fins  of  thofe  that  are 
 juftified  0  :  and  although  they  can  never  fall  from  the  ftate 
 of  juftification/),  yet  they  may,  by  their  fins,  fall  under  God's 
 fatherly  difpleafure,  and  not  have  the  light  of  his  countenance 
 reftored  unto  them,  until  they  humble  ihemfelves,  confeis 
 their  fins,  beg  pardon,  and  renew  their  faith  and  repentance.^ 
 
 0  Matt.  vi.  12.  1  John  i.  7,  9.  and  ii.  1,2.  p  Luke  xxii. 
 32.  Johnx.  28.  Heb.x.  14.  q  Pfal.  Ixxxix.  31,  32.  and  Ii. 
 7, — i2.  and  xxxii.  5.  Matt.  xxvi.  75.  i  Cor.  xi.  30,  32.— 
 Luke  i.  20. 
 
 VI.  The  juftification  of  believers,  under  the  Old  Tefta-^ 
 
 ment,  was,  in  all  thefe  refpeds,  one  and  the  fame  with  the 
 
 -  juftifi. 
 
255         The  Wejimlnjier  CoKFESSlON  of  Faith. 
 
 Juftificatlon  of  believers  under  the  New  Teftament  r. 
 r  Gal.  iii.  9,  I3>  14.  Rom.  iv.  22, — 24.  Heb.  xiii.  8, 
 
 CHAP.    xir. 
 Of  Adoption. 
 
 ALL  thofe  that  are  juftified,  God  vouchfafeth,  in,  and 
 for  his  only  Son  Jefus  Chrift,  to  make  partakers  of  the 
 grace  of  adoption  a  \  by  which  they  are  taken  into  the  num- 
 ber, and  enjoy  the  liberties  and  privileges  of  the  children  of 
 God  by  have  his  name  put  upon  them  c,  receive  the  Spirit  of 
 adoption  J,  have  acceis  to  the  throne  of  grace  virith  boldnefs  e, 
 are  enabled  to  cry,  Abba,  Father/ :  are  pitied  g^  protected  hy 
 provided  for  7,  and  chaftened  by  him  as  by  a  father  k  \  yet 
 never  caft  ofF/,  but  fealed  to  the  day  of  redemption  m,  and 
 inherit  the  promifes  «,  as  heirs  of  everUftinlg  falvatioH  0. 
 
 a  Eph.  i.  5.  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  b  Rom.  viii.  17.  John  i.  12. 
 /:  Jer.  xiv.  9.  2  Cor.  vi.  18.  Rev.  iii.  12.  d  Rom.  viii.  15. 
 e  Eph.  iii.  12.  Rom.  v.  2.  y  Gal.  iv.  6.  g  Pfalm  ciii.  13. 
 h  Prov.  xiv.  26.  i  Matth.  vi.  30,  32.  i  Pet.  v.  7.  k  Heb. 
 xii.  6.  /  Lam.  iii.  31.  m  Eph.  iv.  30.  n  Heb.  vi.  12.  0  i 
 Pet.  i.  3,  4.  Heb.  i.  14. 
 
 CHAP.     XIIL 
 (y  Sanctification. 
 
 THEY  who  are  efFe^ually  called,  and  regenerated,  hav- 
 ing a  new  heart,  and  a  new  fpirit  created  in  them, — 
 are  further  fan£lified  really  and  perfonally,  thro*  the  virtue 
 of  Chrift's  death  and  relurre£lion  c,  by  his  word  and  Spirit 
 dwelling  in  them  b  j  the  dominion  of  the  wliole.body  ot  fin 
 is  deftroyed  c,  and  the  feveral  luRs  thereof  are  more  and 
 more  weakened  -and  morticed  d  \  and  they  more  and  more 
 quickened  and  ftrengthened  in  all  faving  graces  e,  to  the  prac- 
 tice of  true  hoUnefs,  ivithout  which  no  man  p^  all  fee  the  Lsrd.f 
 a  I  Cor.  vi,  II.  A'5ls  xx.  32.  Phil.  iii.  10.  Rom.  vi.  5,  6, 
 ^  John  xvii.  17.  Eph.  v,  26.  2  The  IT.  ii.  13.  c  Rom  vi.  6, 
 14.  d  Gal,  V.  24.  Rom.  viii.  13.  e  Col.  i.  11.  Eph.  Hi.  i6, 
 — 19.    /  2  Cor.  vii.  I.  Heb  xii.  14. 
 
 II.  This  fanctiScation  is  throughout,  in  the  xhols  man  gy 
 yet  imperfecl  in  this  IKe  j  there  abidcth  ftill  (bme  remnants  of 
 
 ^  corniptioo 
 
 g  I  Their.  V.  25. 
 
The  Wejlmlnjler  CoNtEssiON  oj  Faith.  239 
 
 corruption  in  every  part  h  ;  whence  arifcth  a  continual  and 
 irreconcileable  war,  the  flefli  lulling  againft  the  Spirit,  and 
 the  Spirit  againft  the  flefh  i. 
 
 ,h  I  John  i.  10.  Rom.  vii.  8,  23.  Phil.  iii.  12.  i  Gal.  v. 
 17.  I  Pet.  ii.  II. 
 
 III.  In  which  war,  although  the  remaining  corruption,  for 
 a  time,  may  much  prevail  k  ;  yet,  through  the  continual  fup- 
 ply  of  ftrength  from  the  fandlifying  Spirit  of  Chrift,  the  re- 
 generate part  doth  overcome/ J  and  fo,  the  faints  grow  in, 
 grace  m^  perfecting  holinefs  in  the  fear  of  God  n. 
 
 k  Rom.  vii.  23.  /  Rom.  vi.  14.  i  John  v.  4.  Eph.  iv.  15, 
 16.     m  2  Pet.  iii.  18.  2  Cor.  iii.  18.'    «  2  Cor.,vii.  i.' 
 
 CHAP.    XIV. 
 OJ  Saving  Faith. 
 
 TH  E  grace  of  faith,  whereby  the  ele£l  are  enabled  to 
 believe,  to  the  faving  of  their  fouls  a,  is  the  work  oi 
 the  Spirit  of  Chrift  in  their  hearts  ^,  and  is  ordinarily  wrought 
 by  the  miniftry  of  the  word  c  ;  by  which  alfo,  and  by  the  ad- 
 miniftration  of  the  facraments  and  prayer,  it  is  increafedaad 
 ftrengthened  d. 
 
 a  Heb.  X.  39.  b  2  Cor.  iv.  13.  Eph.  1.  17, — 19.  and  ii  8. 
 c  Rom.  X.  14,  17.  d  I  Pet.  ii.  2.  Ads  xx.  32.  Rom.  ir.  11, 
 Luke  xvii.  5.  Rom.  i.  16,  17. 
 
 II.  By  this  faith,  a  Chrift ian  believeth  to  be  true,  wliatfo- 
 ever  is  revealed  in  the  word,  for  the  authority  of  God  himfelf 
 fpeaking  therein  e  ;  and  acteth  diifereatly  upon  that  which 
 each  particular  paflage  thereof  containeth,  yi3lding  obedience 
 to  the  commands^,  trembling  at  the  threatenings^,  andenr- 
 bsacing  the  promifes  of  God  for  this  life,  and  that  which  is 
 to  come  h.  Bnt  the  principal  a<Sls  of  faving  faith,  are,  ac- 
 cepting, receiving,  and  refting  upon  Chrift  alone  for  juftifi- 
 cation,  fandlification,  and  etetnal  life,  by  virtue  of  the  co- 
 venant of  grace  i. 
 
 '  e  John  iv.  42.  i  ThelT.  il.  13.  i  John  v.  10.  Afts  xxl?. 
 14.  /  Rom.  xvi.  26.  g  Ifa.  Ixvi.  2.  h  Heb.  xi.  13.  i  Tim, 
 iv.  8.     i  John  i.  12.  A£ts  xvi.  31.  Gal.  ii.  29.  Afts  sv.  i£. 
 
 III.  This  faith  is  different  in  degrees,  weak  or  ftrong  h  ; 
 
 may 
 
 h  Heb.  V.  13,  14.  Rom.  ir.  19,  20.  Mat.  vi.  30.  and  vUi,  io» 
 
240         The  Wejiminjler  Confession  o/"  Faith. 
 
 may  be  often  and  many  ways  aflailcd  and  weakened,  but  gets 
 the  vidlory  /,  growing  up  in  many  to  the  attainment  of  a  full 
 affurance  through  Chrift  m^  who  is  both  the  author  and  fini- 
 ilier  of  our  faith  n. 
 
 I  Luke  xxii.  31,  32.  Eph^vi.  16.  i  Jolin  v.  4,  5.     m  Heb. 
 vi.  II,  12.  Heb.  X.  22.  Col.  ii.  2.     «Heb.  xii.  2. 
 
 CHAP.    XV. 
 
 O/*  Repentance  unto  Life. 
 
 REPENTANCE  unto  life  is  an  evangelical  grace  a^  the 
 do£lrine  whereof  is  to  be  preached  by  every  minifter  of 
 the  gofpel,  as  well  as  that  of  faith  in  Chrift  h. 
 
 a  Tjtc\\.  xii.  10.  A(fts  xi.  18.  h  Luke  xxiv.  47.  Mark  ii. 
 15.  Ads  XX.  21. 
 
 n.  By  it,  a  (inner,  out  of  the  fight  and  fenfe,  not  only  of 
 the  danger,  but  alfo  of  the  filthinefs  and  odioufnefs  of  his 
 iins,  as  contrary  to  the  holy  nature,  and  righteous  law  of 
 God  ;  and,  upon  the  apprehenlion  of  his  mercy  in  Chrift  to 
 fuch  as  are  penitent,  lb  grieves  for,  and  hates  his  fins,  as  to 
 turn  from  them  all  unto  God  c,  purpofing  and  endeavouring 
 to  walk  with  him  in  all  the  ways  of  his  commandments  d. 
 
 c  Ezek.  xviii.  30,  31.  and  xxxvi.  31.  Ifa.  xxx.  22.  Pfalin 
 Ii.  4.  Jer.  xxxi.  18,  19.  Joel  ii.  12,  13.  Ajjios  v.  15.  Pfalm 
 cxix.  128.  2  Cor.  vii.  11.  c?  Pfalm  cxix._  6,  59,  106.  Luke 
 i.  6.  2  Kings  xxiii.  25. 
 
 III.  Although  repentance  be  not  to  be  refted  in,  as  any 
 fatisfaftion  fiar  fin,  or  any  caufe  of  the  pardon  thereof  ^, — 
 -which  is  the  aft  of  God's  free  grace  in  Chrifty* ;  yet  is  it  of 
 fuch  neceflity  to  all  finners,  that  none  may  cxped  pardon 
 without  it  g. 
 
 f  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31,  32.  andxvi.  61, — 63.  /Hof.  xiv.  2,4. 
 Roni.  iii.  24.  Eph.  i.  7*    g  Luke  xiii.  3,  5.  Afts  xvii.  30,  31. 
 
 IV.  As  there  is  no  fin  fo  finall,  but  it  defcrves  damnati- 
 on h  \  fo  there  is  no  fin  fo  great,  that  it  can  bring  damnation 
 upon  thoie  who  truly  repent  ?'. 
 
 h  Rom.  vi.  23.  and  v.  12.  Matt.  xii.  35.  i  Ifa.  Iv.  7. 
 Rom.  viii.  i.  Ifa.  i.  16,  18. 
 
 V.  Men 
 
The  Wejiminjler  Confession  o/"  Faith.        241 
 
 V.  Men  ought  not  to  content  tbemfe'ves  with  a  general 
 repentance,  but  it  is  every  man  s  duty  to  endeavour  to  repent 
 of  his  particular  fins,  particularly  k. 
 
 k  Pfalm  xix,  13.  Luke  xix.  8.   i  Tim  i.  13,  15. 
 
 VI.  As  every  man  is  bound  to  make  private  confeffion  of 
 Iiis  fins  to  God,  praying  for  the  pardon  thereof  /  ;  upon 
 which,  and  the  foriaking  of  them,  he  (hall  find  mercy  m  : 
 fp  he  that  fcandalizeth  his  brother,  or  the  church  bf  Chril>, 
 ought  to  be  witling,  by  a  private  or  public  confeffion,  and 
 forrow  for  his  fin,  to  declare  his  repentance  to  thofe  that  are 
 offended  «,  who  are  thereupon  to  be  reconciled  to  him,  and 
 in  love  to  receive  him  0. 
 
 /  Pfalm  li.  4,  5,  7,  9,  14.  and  xxxii.  5,  6.  m  Prov.  xxviii. 
 13.  I  John  i.  9.  «  James  v.  16.  Luke  xvii.  3,  4.  Jofli.  vii. 
 19.  Pfalm  li.     0  2  Cor.  ii.  8. 
 
 CHAP.     XVL 
 0/GooD  Works. 
 
 GOOD  works  are  only  fuch  as  God  hath  commanded 
 in  his  holy  word  a  ;  and  not  fuch  as,  without  the 
 warrant  thereof  are  devifed  by  men,  out  of  blmd  zeal,  or  up- 
 on any  pretence  of  good  intentions  b. 
 
 a  Mic.  vi.  8.  Rom.  xii.  2.  Heb.  xiii.  21.  b  Matt.  xv.  9. 
 Ifa.  xxix.  13.  I  Pet.  i.  18.  Rom.  x.  2.  Jolin  xvi.  2.  1  b-sm. 
 XV.  21, — 23. 
 
 II.  Thefe  good  works,  done  in  obedience  to  God's  com- 
 mandments, are  the  fruits  and  evidences  of  a  true  and  lively 
 iaith  c  :  and  by  them  believers  manifelt  their  thankfulnefs  d\ 
 ftrengthen  their  afTurance  ^,  edify  their  brethren^,  adorn  the 
 profeffion  of  the  gofpel  g,  ftop  the  mouths  of  the  adverfa- 
 ries  hi  and  glorify  God  /,  whofe  workmanftiip  they  are,  cre- 
 ated in  Chrirt  Jefus  thereunto  k  ;  that,  having  their  fruit  un- 
 to holineis,  they  may  have  the  end,  eternal  life  /. 
 
 c  James  ii.  18,  22.  d  Pfalm  cxvi.  12,  13.  1  Pet.  ii.  p — 
 t  1  John  ii.  3,  5,  2  Pet.i.  5,-10.  /i  Cor.  ix.2.  Mat.  v.  16. 
 ^Tit.  ii.  5,  9, — 12.  I  Tim.  vi.  r.,  h  i  Pet.  ii.  15.  i  i  Pet. 
 ii.  12.  Phil.  i.  II.  John  XV.  8.     -^rph.ii.io.     /K.om.vi.22. 
 
 III.  Their  ability  to  do  good  v.'orks  is  Hot  at  allof  them- 
 
 G  g  felves, 
 
-42     '    The  Wejlminjler  Confession  ofVkiTii. 
 
 felves,  but  wholly  from  the  Spirit  of  Chrifl:  m.  And  that 
 they  may  be  enabled  thereunto,  befules  the  graces  they  have 
 already  receivrd,  there  is  required  an  aclual  influence  of  the 
 iame  Holv  Spirit,  to  work  in  them  to  will  and  to  do  of  his 
 good  pleafure  n  :  yet  are  they  not  herfupon  to  grow  negli- 
 '  gent,  as  if  tl  ey  were  not  bound  to  perform  any  duty,  unlels 
 upon  a  fpecial  motion  of  the  Spirit  ;  but  they  ought  to  be  di' 
 ligent  in  ftirring  up  the  grace  of  God  that  is  in  them  o._ 
 
 m  John  xr.  4,  5.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27.  n  Phil.  ii.  13.  and 
 iv.  13.  2  Cor.  iii.  5.  0  Phil.  ii.  I2.  Heb..vi.  11,  12.  2  Pet. 
 i.  3,  5,  10,  1 1.  Ifa.  Ixiv.  7.  2  Tim.  i.  6  Ads  xxvi.  6,  7. — 
 Jude  20,  3  /. 
 
 IV.  They  who,  in  their  obedience,  attain  to  the  greateft 
 height  which  is  poilible  in  this  lite,  are  fo  rar  from  being  able 
 to  hipererogate,  and  to  do  more  than  God  requires,  as  that 
 they  fall  fhort  of  much  which  in  duty  they  are  bound  to  do.^ 
 
 p  Luke  xvii.  10.  Neh.  xiii.  22.  Job  ix.  2,  3.  Gal.  V.  17. 
 
 V.  We  cannot  by  our  befl:  woiks  merit  pardon  of  fin,  or 
 eternal  life  at  the  hand  of  God,  byreiXon  of  the  great  difpro-. 
 portion  that  is  between  them  and  the  glory  to  come  ;  and 
 the  infinite  diilance  that  is  between  us  and  God,  whom,  by 
 them,  we  can  neither  profit  nor  fatisfy  for  the  debt  of  our 
 former  fins  q  :  but,  when  we  have  done  ail  we  can,  we  have 
 done  but  our  duty,  and  are  unprofitable  fervants  r  ;  and  be- 
 caufe,  as  they  are  good,  they  proceed  from  his  Spirit  s,  and 
 as  they  arc  wrought  by  us,  they  are  defiled,  and  mixed  with 
 fo  much  weaknels  and  imperfedlion,  that  they  cannot  endure 
 the  fev.  rity  of  God's  judgment  t. 
 
 q  Rom.  iii.  20.  and  iv.  2,  4,  6.  Eph.  ii.  S,  9.  Tit.  iii.  ^,  6, 
 
 7.  Rom  viii.  18.  Pfalm  xvi.  2.  Job  xxii.  2,  3.  and  xxxv.  7, 
 
 8.  r  i  ukexvii.  10.     j-  GW.  v.  22,  23.     t  Ifa.  Ixiv.  6.  Gal. 
 V.  17.  Rom.  vii.  15,  iS.  Pfalm  cxliii.  2.  and  cxxx.  3. 
 
 Vf.  Yet  notwithflanding,  the  perfons  of  believers  being 
 accepted  thrqiigh  Clirifl,  their  good  works  alfo  are  accepted 
 in  him  n  ;  riot  as  though  they  were  in  this  life  wholly  un- 
 bl;'meabie  and  unreprovable  in  God's  fight  w  ;  but  that  h^r, 
 looking  upon  tliem  in  \\\&  Son,  is  pleafed  to  accept  and  re- 
 ward that  which  is  fincere,  although  accompanied  with  many 
 weaknefl'es  and  imperfeftions  .v. 
 
 «  Eph.  i.  6.  I  Pet  ii.  5.  Ex.od.  xxviii  38.  Gen.  iv.  4.  with 
 Heb.  xi  "2^.  nv  Job  ix.  20.  Pfalm  cxliii.  2.  x  Heb.  xiii.  20, 
 21.  2  Cor.  vjii.  12.  Heb.  vi.  10.  Matt.  xxv.  21,  23. 
 
 vir. 
 
The  Wtfm'uijler  Confession  o/"  Faith.  2-13 
 
 VII.  Works  done  by  unregenerate  mr-n,  although,  for  the 
 mntter  of  them,  they  may  be  things  which  God  commands, 
 and  of  good  ufe  both  to  themfelves  and  others^-  :  yec,  be- 
 caufe  they  proceed  not  from  an  heart  purified  by  faith  z, — nor 
 are  done  in  a  right  manner,  according  to  the  word  «, — nor  to 
 a  right  end,  the  glory  rf  God  h  ;  they  are  therefore  finful, 
 and  cannot  pleafe  God,  or  make  a  man  meet  to  receive  grace 
 from  God  c.  And  yet  their  neglect  of  them  is  more  iiaiul 
 and  difplcaiing  unto  God  i/. 
 
 y  2  Kings  X.  30,  31.  i  Kings  xxi.  27,  29.  Phil  i.  15,  16, 
 l3.  .  s  Gen.  iv.  5.  with  Heb.  xi.  4,  6.  a  \  Cor.  xiii  3.  ila. 
 i.  12.'  b  Matt.  vi.  2j  5,  \6.  c  Hag.  ii.  14.  Til.  i.  i^-  Amos 
 V.  21,22.  tiof.  i.  4.  Rom.  ix.  16.  Tit.  iii  5.  d  Pfalm  xiv. 
 4.  and  xxxvi.  3.  Job  xxi.  14,  15,  Matt.  xxv.  41, — 43>  45. 
 and  xjviii.  23. 
 
 CHAP.     XVII. 
 
 Of  the  Perseverance  of  the  Saints. 
 
 "^HEY  wliom  God  hath  accepted  in  his  beloved,  eff  <n:u- 
 ally  called,  and  fandtirted  by  bis  Spirit,  can  neither  to- 
 tuliy,  nor  finally,  fall  away  from  the  ft  ate  of  grace  ;  but  (hall 
 certainly  perlevere  therein  to  the  end,  and  be  eternally  (aved.^j 
 
 a  Phil,  i.  6.  2  Pet.  i.  10.  John  s.  28,  29.  1  John  iii.  9. 
 I  Pet.  i.  5,  9. 
 
 II.  The  perfeverance  of  the  faints  depends  not  upon  their 
 own  free  will,  but  upon  the  iiruDUtability  of  the  decree  oi  e- 
 ledlion,  flowing  from  the  free  and  unchangeable  love  of  God 
 the  Father  (^  j  upon  the  efficacy  of  the  merit  and  interceflion 
 of  Jefus  Chrirt  c  ;  the  abiding  of  the  Spirit,  and  of  the  feed 
 of  God  within  them  d  ;  and  the  nature  of  the  covena.nt  of 
 grace  e  :  from  all  which  aiifeth  alio  the  ceitalnty  and  iiilalli- 
 bility  thereof/. 
 
 hi  Tim.  ii.  18,  19.  Jer.  xxxi.  3.  r  Heb.  x.  10,  14.  and 
 X  ii.  20,  21.  and  ix  12, — 15  Rom.  viii.  33,  to  the  t\^<^. — 
 John  xvii.  II,  24.  Luke  xxii.  32.  Heb.  vii.25k  ^  John  xiv. 
 TO,  17.  I  John  ii.  2*7.  and  iii.  9.  e  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  y  John 
 x  i8.  2  Their,  iii.  3.   1  John  ii.  19. 
 
 III.  Neverthelefs,  they  may,  through  the  temptations  of 
 Satan  and  of  the  world,  the  prevalency  of  corrup;ioii  rcmaiji- 
 
 ^g  in  them,   and  the  negledf  of  the  means  of  thi.ir  preierva- 
 
 G  g  2  tion, 
 
244  2"^^   Wejlmmjler  CoKFESSION  «/"  FaiTH. 
 
 tion,  fall  into  grievous  fins  ,^ ;  and,  for  a  time,  continue 
 therein  h  :  whereby  they  incur  God's  difpleafure  ;',  and  grieve 
 his  Holy  Spirit  k  ;  come  to  be  deprived  of  fome  meafure  of 
 their  graces  and  comforts  /,  have  their  hearts  hardened  w, 
 and  their'  confciences  wounded  «,  hurt  andfcandalize  otherso, 
 and  bring'temporal  judgments  upon  themfelves/. 
 
 g  Matt.  xxvi.  70,  72,  74.  h  Pfalm  li.  title ^  and  ver.  14. 
 i  Ila.  Ixiv.  5,  7,  9.  2  Sam.  xi.  27.  h  Epb.  iv.  30.  /  Pfalm 
 li.  8,  10,  12.  Rev.ii.  4.  Cant.  v.  2,  3,  4,  6.  w  Ila.  Ixiii.  17. 
 Mark  vi.  52.  and  xvi.  14.  n  Pfal.  xxxii.  3,  4.  and  li.  8. — 
 0  2  Sam.  xii.  14.    p  Pfalm  Ixxxix.  31,  32.  1  Cor.  xi.  33. 
 
 CHAP,    xviir. 
 Of  the  Assurance  of  Grace  and  Salvation. 
 
 ALTHOUGH  hypocrites  and  other  unregenerate  men 
 may  vainly  deceive  themfelves  with  falle  hopes,'  and 
 carnal  prefumptions  of  being  in  the  favour  of  God,  and  eftatc 
 of  falvation  a  ;  which  hope  of  theirs  fhall  perifli  b  :  yetfuch 
 as  truly  believe  in  the  Lord  Jefus,  and  love  him  in  fincerity, 
 endeavouring  to  walkin  all  good  confcience  before  him,  may, 
 in  this  life,  be  certainly  aflured  that  they  are  in  the  ftate  of 
 grace  r,  and  may  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  the  giory  of  God  } 
 'which  hope  fhall  never  make  them  alhamed  d. 
 
 a  Job.  viii.  13,  14.  MIc.  iii.  it.  Deut. xxix.  19.  Johnvlii. 
 41.  b  Matt.  vii.  22,  23.  c  i  John  ii.  3.  and  iii.  14, 18, 19, 
 21,24.  and  v.  13.     f^Rom.  V.  2, 5. 
 
 IL  This  certainty  is  not  a  bare  conjeflural  and  probable 
 perfuafion,  grounded  upon  a  fallible  hope  e ;  but  an  infallible 
 aflurance  of  faith,  founded  upon  the  divine  truth  of  the  pro- 
 mifes  of  falvation  /",  the  inward  evidence  of  thofe  graces  un- 
 to which  thefe  promifes  are  made  ^,  the  teftiniony  of  the 
 Spirit  of  adoption  witneillng  with  our  (pints,  that  we  are  the 
 children  of  God  h  \  which  Spirit  is  the  earneft  of  our  inheri- 
 tance, whereby  we  are  fealed  to  the  day  of  redemption  /. 
 
 e  Heb.  vi.  11,  19.  f  Heb.  vi.  17,  18.  g  2  Pet.  i.  4,  ^, 
 10,  II.  I  John  ii.  3.  and  iii.  14.  2Cor.  5.  12.  ^  Rom.  viii. 
 15,  16.     i  £ph.  iii.  13,  14.  and  iv.  30.  2  Cor.  i   21,  22. 
 
 III.  This  infallible  afTurarce  dorh  not  fo  belong  to  the  ef- 
 fcnce  of  faith,  but  that  a  true  believer  may  wait  long,  and 
 
 conflict 
 
The  Weflminjler  Confession  ^  Faith.  245 
 
 conflidl  with  many  difficulties,  before  he  be  partaker  of  it  <& ; 
 yet,  being  enabled  by  the  Spirit  to  know  the  things  vhich 
 are  freely  given  him  of  God,  he  may,  without  extraordinary 
 revelation,  in  the  right  ufe  of  ordinary  means,  attain  there- 
 into /.  And  therefore  it  is  the  duty  of  every  one,  to  give  all 
 diligence  to  make  his  calling  and  ele^lion  fure  m  ;  that  there- 
 by his  heart  may  be  enlarged  in  peace  and  joy  in  the  Hoi-/ 
 Ghoft,  in  love  and  thankfulnefs  to  God,  and  in  ftrength  and 
 chcarfulnefs  in  the  duties  of  obedience,  the  proper  fruits  of 
 this  afTurance  n  :  fo  far  is  it  from  inclining  men  to  loofenefs  q. 
 
 k  J  John  V.  13.  Ifa.  1.  10.  Mark  Ix.  24.  Pfalm  Ixxxviii. 
 and  Ixxvii.  i, — 12.  /  i  Cor.  ii.  12.  i  John  iv.  13.  Heb.  vi. 
 II,  12.  Eph.  iii.  17, — 19.  m  2  Pet.  i.  lo.  n  Rom.  v.  i,  2, 
 5.  and  xiv.  17.  and  xv.  13,  Eph.  i.  3,4.  Pfalm  iv.  0,  7.  and 
 cxix.  32.  0  I  John  ii.  i,  2.  Rom.  vi.  i,  2.  Tit.  ii.  11,  12, 
 14.  2  Cor.  vii.  I.  Rom.  viii.  i,  12.  i  John  iii.  2,  3.  Pfalm 
 cxxx.  4,  I  John  i.  6,  7, 
 
 ly.  True  believers  may  have  the  afiurance  of  their  falva- 
 tlon  divers  ways  fhaken,  diminiihed,  and  intermitted  ;  as,  by 
 negligence  in  preferving  of  it ;  by  falling  into  (ome  fpecial  tin, 
 which  woundeth  the  confcience,  and  grieveth  the  Spirit  ;  by 
 fome  ludden  or  vehement  temptation  ;  by  God's  withdraw- 
 ing the  light  of  his  countenance,  and  llufFering  even  fuch  as 
 fear  him  to  walk  in  darknels,  and  to  have  no  light  ^  :  yet 
 are  they  never  utterly  deftitute  of  that  feed  of  God,  and  life 
 of  faith,  that  love  of  ChriH  and  the  brethren,  that  fincerity 
 of  heart,  and  confcience  of  dnty,  out  of  which,  by  the  ope- 
 ration of  the  Spirit,  this  afiurance  may  in  due  time  be  reviv- 
 ed q  ;  and  by  the  which,  in  the  mean  time,  they  are  fupport- 
 ed  from  utter  delpair  r. 
 
 ^Cant.  V.  2,  3,6.  Pfal.  Ii-  8,  I2, 14.  Eph.  iv.  30,31.  Pfal. 
 Ixxvii.  1, 10.  Mat.  xxvi.  69, — 72.  Pfal.  xxxi.  22.  &  Ixxxviii. 
 lia.  1.  10.  q  1  John  iii.  9  Luke  xxii.  32.  Job  xiii.  15.  Pfal. 
 Ixxiii.  15.  and  Ii.  8,  12.  Ifa  1.  10.  r  Mic.  vii.  7,  8,  9.  Jer. 
 Iii.  40.  Ifa.  liv.  7, — 10.  Pfalm  xxii.  i.  and  Ixxxviii. 
 
 CHAP.    XIX, 
 
 Of  the  Law  ef  GOD. 
 «• 
 
 GO  D  gave  to  Adam  a  law,  as  a  covenant  of  workq,  by 
 which  he  bound  him  and  all  his  pofterity  to  perlonal, 
 entire,  exacV,  and  perpetual  obedience  5  piomifed'life  upon 
 
 the 
 
246  'The  Wejlmlnjier  Confession  o/"  Faith. 
 
 the  fulfilling,  and  threatened  death  upon  the  breach  of  it  ; 
 2nd  endued  him  with  power  and  ability  to  keep  it  a. 
 
 a  Gen.  i.  26,  27.  with  chap,  ii.  17.  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  and 
 x.'5.  and  V.  12,  19.  Galat.  iii.  10,  12.  Ecclef.  vii.  29.  Job 
 xxviii.  28. 
 
 IL  This  law,  after  his  Fall,  continued  to  be  a  perfe£l  rule 
 of  righteoufneis  -,  and,  z^  fuch,  was  delivered  by  God  upon 
 Mount  Sinai  in  ten  commandments,  and  written  in  two  ta- 
 bles^ :  the  four  firrt  commandments  containing  our  duty  to- 
 wards God, — and  the  other  fix,  our  duty  to  man  c. 
 
 b  Jam.  i.  25.  and  ii.  8,  10, — 12.  Rom.  xiii.  8,  9.  Deut.  v. 
 32.  and  X.  4.  £xod.  xxxiv.  i.     c  Matt.  xxii.  37, — 40. 
 
 III.  Befide  this  law,  commonly  called  moral,  God  was 
 pleafed  to  give -to  the  people  of  lirael,  as  a  church  under 
 3ge,  ceremonial  laws,  containing  feveral  typical  ordinances,' 
 partly  of  worfhip,  prefiguring  Chrift,  his  graces,  anions, 
 fufFerings,  and  benefits  d  ;  and  partly  holding  forth  divers 
 inftru6\ions  of  moral  duties  e.  All  which  ceremonial  laws  are 
 now  abrogated  under  the  New  Teftamentyi 
 
 d  Heb.  ix.  and  x.  i.  Gal.  iv,  i,  2,  3.  Col.  ii  17.  e  i  Cort 
 V.  7.  2  Cor.  vi.  17.  Jude  23.  J  Col.  ii.  14,  n5,  17  J3aniel 
 ix.  27.  Eph.  ii.  15,  16.  "*  ~ 
 
 IV.  To  them  alf©,  as  a  body  politic,  he  gave  fundry  judi- 
 cial laws,  which  expired  together  with  the  I'tate  ot  that  peo- 
 ple ;  not  obliging  any  other  now,  further  than  the  general 
 equity  thereof  may  require  g. 
 
 g  Exod.  xxi.  andxxii.  i, — 29.  Gen.  xlix  10  with  i  Pet* 
 ii.  13,  14.  Matt.  V.  17,  with  ver.  38,  39,  i  Cor.  xi.  8, —  ,0. 
 
 V.  The  moral  law  dofh  for  ever  bind  all,  as  well  juftified 
 perfons  as  others,  to  the  obedience  thereof  h  ;  and  that,  not 
 v\\\y  in  regard  of  the  matter  contained  in  it,  but  alio  in  re- 
 j;?ect  of  the  authority  of  God  the  Creator  who  gave  it  i. — 
 Iseitlier  doth  Chrift  in  the  gofpel  any  way  difiblve,  but  much 
 iirengthcn,  this  obligation /^. 
 
 h  Rom.  xiii.  8,  9,  10  Eph.  vi.  2  1  Joho  ii.  3,  4,  7,  8. — 
 ijZiXi.  ii   10,  II.     k  Mat.  V.  17, — 19.  Jam.  ii.  8.  Rom.  lii.j  i. 
 
 VI    Aithou;^^.  true  believers  be  not  under  the  laWj,  as  a  co- 
 
 *  vvnaut 
 
fThe  Weftnunjler  Confession  offAiTVi,         247 
 
 venant  of  works,  to  be  thereby  juftified  or  condemned  /;  yet 
 is  it  of  great  ufe  to  them,  as  well  as  to  others,  in  that,  as  a 
 rule  of  life  informing  them  of  the  will  of  God,  and  their  du- 
 ty, it  directs  and  binds  them  to  walk  accordingly  m  ;  dilco- 
 vering  alfo  the  finful  pollution  of  their  nature,  hearts,  and 
 lives  n  ;  fo  as,  examining  themfelves  thereby,  they  may  come 
 to  farther  convidion  of,  humiliation  for,  and  hatred  a-gainft 
 fin  0  ;  together  with  a  clearer  fight  of  the  need  thcv  have  of 
 Chrift,  and  the  perfection  of  his  obedience/).  It  is  likewife 
 of  life  to  the  regenerate,  to  reftrain  their  corruptions,  in  that 
 it  forbids  fin  q  :  And  the  threatenings  of  it  ierve  to  fliew 
 what  even  their  fins  deferve  ;  and  what- afHiClions  in  this  life 
 they  may  expe^  for  them,  although  freed  from  the  curfe 
 thereof  threatened  in  the  law  r.  The  promifes  of  it,  in  like 
 mani'ier,  (hew  them  God's  approbation  of  obedience,  and 
 vhat  blefiings  they  may  expert  upon  the  performance  there- 
 of /,  although  not  as  due  to  them  by  the  law,  as  a  covenant 
 of  works/.  So  as,  a  man's  doing  good,  and  refraining  from 
 evil,  becaufe  thelaw  encourageth  to  the  one,  and  deterretk 
 from  the  other,  is  no  evidence  of  his  being  under  the  law, 
 and  not  under  grace  u. 
 
 I  Rom.  vi.  14.  Gal.  ii.  16.  and  iii.  13.  and  iv.  4,  5.  A£l5 
 xiii.  39.  Rom.  viii.  i.  m  Rom.  vii.  12,  22,  25.  Pfal  cxis. 
 4,  5,  6.  I  Cor.  vii.  19.  Ga!.  v.  14,  16,  i3, — 23.  n  Rom. 
 vii.  7.  and  iii.  20.  0  James  i.  23, — 25.  Rom",  vii.  9,  14,  24. 
 p  Gal.  iii.  24.  Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  and  viii.  3,  4.  q  Jam.  ii.  1 1, 
 Pfal.  cxix.  101,  104,  128.  r  Ezra  ix.  13,  14.  Pfalai  Ixxxix. 
 30, — 34.  s  Lev.xxvi.  i, — 14  v\^ith  2  Cor.  vi.  16.  Eph.  vi. 
 2,  3.  Pfal.  xxxvii.  I  r.  with  Matt.  v.  5.  Pfal.  xix.  11.  jfGal. 
 ii.  16  Luke  xvii.  10,  u  Rom.  vi.  12,  14.  i  Pet.  iii.  8^ — 12. 
 with  Pfal.  xxxiv.  i  2,— 16.  Heb.  xii.  28,  29. 
 
 VII.  Neither  are  the  fore-mentioned  ufes  of  the  law  co«s- 
 trary  to  the  grace  of  the  gofpel,  but  do  fweetly  comply  with, 
 it  w  j  the  Spirit  of  Chrill  fubduing  and  enabling  the  will  of 
 man  to  do  that  freely  and  chearfully,  which  the  will  of  God, 
 revealed  in  the  law,  requireth  to  be  done  x. 
 
 w  Galat.  iii.  2 1,  x  Ezek.  xxxvi.  27.  Ileb.  viii.  10.  whh 
 J«r.  xxxi.  33. 
 
 C  Ii  A  P. 
 
24$        Ths  Wejimlnjler  Confession  of  Faith. 
 
 CHAP.    XX. 
 
 Q/'CHRrsTi4N  Liberty,  and  Liberty  o/"Conscience. 
 
 TH  E  liberty  which  Chrift  hath  purchafed  for  believers 
 under  the  goi'pel,  conllfls  in  their  freedom  from  the 
 guilt  of  fin,  the  condemning  wrath  of  God,  the  curfe  of  the 
 moral  law  a  ;  and  in  their  being  delivered  from  this  prefent 
 evil  world,  bondage  to  Satan,  and  dominion  offing  ;  frChi 
 the  evil  of  affiidtions,  the  fling  of  death,  the  victory  of  the 
 grave,  and  everlafling  damnation  c  5  as  alio,  in  their  freeac- 
 cefs  to  God,  and  yielding  obedience  nnto  him,  not  out  of 
 llaviOi  fear,  but  a  child-like  love  and  a  Willing  mind  e  :  All 
 which  were  common  alfo  to  believers  under  the  lawy".  But, 
 under  the  New  Teftament,  the  liberty  of  Chriftians  is  further 
 enlarged,  in  the  freedom  from  the  yoke  of  the  ceremonial  law, 
 to  which  the  Jewiflx  church  was  fubje^ted^  j  and  in  greatcjc 
 boldnefs  of  aceefs  to  the  throne  of  grace  h,  and  in  fuller  com- 
 munications of  the  free  Spirit  of  God,  than  believers  under 
 the  law  did  ordinarily  partake  of  it  /. 
 
 «TIt.  i.  14.  I  TheiT.  i.  10.  Gal.  iii.  13.  h  Gal.  1.4.  Col. 
 J.  13.  A6ts  xxvi.  18.  Rom.  vi,  14.  c  Rem.  viii.  28.  Pfalm 
 cxix.  71.  I  Cor.  XV.  54, — 57.  Rom.  viii.  i.  JRom.  v.  i,  2. 
 e  Rom.  viii.  14,  15.  i  John  iv.  18.  /Ga\.  iii.  9,  14.  g  Gal. 
 iv.  I,  2,  3,  6,  7.  and  v.  i.  A<fl:s  xv.  10,  1 1.  /»  Heb.  iv.  14, 
 16,  andx.  19, — 22.     /John  vii.  38,  39.  2  Cor.  iii.  13, 17, 18. 
 
 n.  God  alone  is  the  Lord  of  confcience  k,  and  hath  left  it 
 free  from  the  doftrines  and  commandments  of  men,  which 
 are  in  any  thing  contrary  to  his  word,  or  befide  it,  in  mat- 
 ters of  faith  or  worihip/.  So  that,  to  believe  fuch  doctrines, 
 or  to  obey  fuch  commands,  out  of  confcience,  is  to  betray 
 true  liberty  of  confcience  m  :  And  the  requiring  of  an  impli* 
 tit  faith,  and  an  ablolute  and  blind  obedience,  is  to  deftroy 
 liberty  of  confcience  and  reafon  alfo  «, 
 
 k  Jam.iv.  12.  Romiiv.  4.  /A6lsiv.  19.  and  v.  20.  i  Cor. 
 vii.  23.  Mat.  xxiii.  8, — 10.  2  Cor.  i.  24.  Mat.  xv.  9.  m  Col. 
 ii.  20, — 23.  Gal.  i.  10.  and  ii.  4,  5.  and  v.  i.  n  Rom.  x.  17. 
 and  xiv.  23.  Ifa.  viii.  20.  Adts  xvii.  11.  John  iv.  22.  Hofea 
 V.  II.  Rev.  xiii.  12,  16,  17.  Jer.  viii.  9. 
 
 IIL  They  who,  upon  pretence  of  Chriftian  liberty,  do  prac- 
 tife  any  fin,  or  chcrifh  any  luft,  do  thereby  deflroy  the  end 
 of  Chriftian  liberty,  which  is,  that  being  delivered  out  of  the 
 
 Lands 
 
The  IVeJlmhiJler  Co N FE s 3 1 o N  c/"  Fa  r T H.         240 
 
 hands  of  our  enemies,  we  might  fcrvc  the  Lord  without  fear, 
 in  holinels  and  rghtcoufnefs  before  hicn,  z\\  the  clays  of  our 
 life  0. 
 
 0  Gal.  V.  13.   I  Pet.  ii.  16.  2  Fet.  ii.  19,  John  viii.  34. — ^' 
 Luke  i.  74,  75. 
 
 IV,  And  becaufe  the  powers  which  God  hath  ordained, 
 and  the  liberty  which  Chrift  hath  purchafed,  are  not  intended 
 by  God  todeflroy,  but  mutually  to  uphold  and  preferve  one 
 another  •,  they  who,  upon  pretence  of  Chriftian  liberty,  fliall 
 cppofe  any  lawful  power,  or.  the  lawful  esercife  of  itj  whe- 
 tlier  it  be  civil  or  cccleflaftical,  relift  the  ordinance  of  God  p. 
 And,  for  their  publifliing  of  fuch  opinions,  or  maintaining 
 of  fuch  pradlices,  as  are  contrary  fo  the  light  of  nature,  or  to 
 the  known  principles  of  Chrifiianity,  whether  concerning 
 faith,  worfhip,  or  converfation  ;  or  to  the  power  of  godii- 
 nefs  J  or  fuch  erroneous  opinions  or  practices,  as  either  in 
 their  own  nature,  or  in  the  manner  of  publifliing  or  main- 
 taining them,  are  de(iru6live  to  the  external  peace  and  order 
 which  Chrift  heth  cftablilhed  in  the  church  ;  they  may  be 
 lawfully  called  to  account,  and  proceeded  againft  by  the  cen- 
 fures  of  the  church  q,  and' by  the  power  of  the  civil  magi- 
 ftrafe  r. 
 
 p  Matt.  xll.  25.  1  Pet.  ii.  13,  14,  16.  Rom,  xii?.  i, — 8. 
 Heb.  xiii.  17.  q  Rom.  i.  32.  with  i  Cor.  v.  1,5,  11,  13.  2 
 John  V.  ID,  II.  and  2  Theff.  iii.  14.  and  i  Tim.  vi.  3,  4,  5. 
 and  Tit.  i.  10,  11,  13.  and  iii.  10.  with  Matt,  xviii.  15,— j  7. 
 I  Tim.  i.  19,  20.  Rev  ii.  2,  14,  15,  20.  and  iii.  9.  r  Deut. 
 xiii,  6, — 12.  Rom.  xiii.  3,  4,  with  2  John  v.  10,  1 1.  Ezra 
 vii.  23,  25, — 28.  Rev.  xvii.  12,  16,  17.  Neh.  xiii.  rj,  17, 
 21,  22,25,  30.  2  Kings  xxiii.  5,  6,  0,  20,  21.  2  Chronicles 
 xxxiv.  33.  and  XV.  J  2,  13,  16.  Dan.  iii.  29.  1  lim.  ii.  2.  lia. 
 xlix.  23.  Zech.  xiii.  2,  3. 
 
 C  H  A  P.    XXL 
 
 0/"  Religious  'Worship,  and  the  Sabbath  Day. 
 
 THE  light  of  nature  fheweth  that  there  is  2  God,  wlto 
 hath  iorddiip  an,l  fovereignty  over  al)  •,  is  good,  an  I 
 duih  good  unto  all  \  and  is  therefore  to  be  feared,  loved, 
 praifed,  called  upon,  trufted  in,  and  lerved  with  all  the  heart, 
 .ind  with  all  the'foul,  and  with  all  the  might  a.  Bur  the  ;»c- 
 ceptable  way   of  worfiiipping  the  true  God  is  inltiivUTJ  by 
 
 H  h  hioifdf, 
 
.2$o         The  Wejlminjley  Confession  cf  Faith. 
 
 himfelf,  nnd  fo  limited  by  bis  own  revealed  will,  that  \\t  may 
 not  be  woribipped  according  to  the  imaginations  and  devices 
 of  men,  or  the  fuggeltions  of  Satnn,  under  any  vifible  repre- 
 ftntation,  or  any  other  way  not  prelcribed  in  the  holy  fcrip- 
 ture  /;. 
 
 a  Rom.  i.  20.  h€is  xvii.  24.  Pfal.cxix.  63.  Jer.  x.  7.  Pfal. 
 xxxi.  23.  and  xviii.  3.  Rom.  x.  12.  Pfal.  Ixii.  8.  Jofh.  xxiv. 
 14.  Mark  xii.  33.  b  Deut.  xii.  32.  Matt,  xv  9.  A^s  xvii.  1^^ 
 Matt.  iv.  9,  10.  Deut.  iv.  15, — 20.  ExoJ.  xx.  4j'5,  6.  Col. 
 ii.  23. 
 
 II.  Religious  worfhip  Is  to  be  given  to"  God  the  Father, 
 Son,  and  Holy  Ghofl,  — and  to  him  alone  c  ;  not  to  angels, 
 faints,  or  any  other  creature  J  :  and  fince  fhe  Fail,  not  with- 
 out a  Mediator  ;  nor  in  the  mediation  of  any  other,  but  of 
 Chrift  alone  e. 
 
 c  Matt.  iv.  10.  with  Job  v.  23.  and  2  Cor.  xiii.  14.  d  Col. 
 ii.  18.  Rev.  xix.  10.  Rom.  i.  25.  e  John  xiv.  6.  i  Tim.  ii. 
 5.  I'.ph.  ii.  18.  Col.  iii.  17. 
 
 III.  Prayer,  with  thankfgiving,  being  one  fpecial  part  of 
 religious  worfhipy,  is  by  God  required  of  all  men  g  ;  and, 
 that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is  to  be  made  in  the  name  of  the 
 Son  h^  by  the  help  of  his  Spirit  /,  according  to  his  will  /^,'with 
 underftanding,  reverence,  humility,  fervency,  faith,  love,  and 
 perfeverance  /  ;  and,  if  vocal,  in  a  known  tongue  m. 
 
 yphil.  iv  6.  g  Pfal.  Ixv.  2.  h  John  xiv.  13,  14.  i  Pet. 
 ii.  5.  i  Rom.  viii.  26.  h  \  John  v.  14.  /  Pial.  xlvii.  7. — 
 Eccl.  V.  I,  2.  Heb.  xii.  28.  Gen.  xviii.  27.  Jam.  v.  16.  and 
 i.  6,  7.  Mark  xi.  24.  Matt.  vi.  12,  14,  15.  Col.  iv.  2.  Eph. 
 vi    18.     m  \  Cor.  xiv.  14. 
 
 IV.  Prayer  is  to  be  made  for  things  lawful  «,  and  for  atl 
 forts  of  men  living,  or  that  ihall  live  hereafters:  But  not 
 for  tbe  dead  j>,  nor  for  thofe  of  whom  it  may  be  known  that 
 they  have  finned  the  fin  unto  death  y. 
 
 n  I  John  v,  14.  0  i  Tim.  ii.  i,  2.  John  xvi]^  20.  i  Sam. 
 vii.  29  Rurh  iv.  12.  />  2  Sam.  xii.  21, —  23.  with  Luke  xvi. 
 25,  26.  Rev.  xiv.  13.     q  I  John  v.  i6. 
 
 V.  The  reading  of  the  fcriptures  with  godly  fear  r  ;  the 
 found  preaching  /,   and  confcionable  hearinp^  of  the  word,  in 
 
 obedience 
 
 r  Afls  XV.  21.  Rev.  i.  3.     si  Tim.  iv.  2. 
 
The  Wejlunnjlcr  Confession  oj  Faith.  2fi 
 
 ol)ediencG  nnto  God,  with  underftanding,  faith,  and  reve- 
 rence t  \  iinging  of  Pfalms  with  grace  in  the  heart  u  ;  as  al- 
 io, the  due  adrnmiftration,  and  worthy  receiving  of  the  fa- 
 craments  infriruted  by  Chrift, — are  all  parts  of  the  ordinary 
 relij^ious  worfliip  of  God  iv  \  befide  religious  oaths  a;,  vows  Vv 
 ioletiin  fafiings  s,  and  thankfgivings,  upon  fpecial  occafions]?, 
 which  are,  in  their  feveral  times  and  feafons,  to  be  ufcd  in 
 an  holy  and  religious  manner  b, 
 
 t  JaiTi.  i.  22.  Acts  X.  33.  Matt.  xiii.  \g.  Heb.  iv  2.  Ifa. 
 Ixvi.  2,  li  Col.  iii.  16.  Eph,  v.  19.  Jam.  v.  13.  w  Matth. 
 xxviii.  19.  I  Cor.  xi.  23, — 29.  A£ls  ii.  42.  x  Deut.  vi.  13. 
 with  Neh.  X.  29.  y  Ha.  xix.  21.  with  Eccl.  v.  4,  j.  z  Joel 
 ii.  12.  Efth.  iv.  16.  Matt.  ix.  15.  i  Cor,  vii.'5.  a  Pfdl.  cvii, 
 Efth.  ix.  22.     b  Heb.  xii.  28. 
 
 VI.  Neither  prayer,  nor  any  other  part  of  religious  wor- 
 Iliip,  is  now,  under  the  gofpel,  either  tied  unto,  or  made 
 more  acceptable  by  any  place  in  which  it  is  performed,  or  to- 
 wards which  it  is  directed  c  ;  but  God  Is  to  be  worlLippede- 
 very  where  d,  in  Spirit  and  trtith  ^  ;  as  in  private  iamiliesy 
 daily  gy  and  in  fecret,  each  one  by  himitM  h  ;  fo,  moi'e  fo- 
 lemnly,  in  the  public  aflemblies,  which  are  not  carelefly  or 
 wilfully  to  be  negle<fted  or  forfaken,  when  God,  by  his  word 
 or  providence,  calleth  thereunto  i, 
 
 f  John  iv.  21.  J  Mai.  i.  ic.  i  Tim.  ii.  8.  ^  John  iv.  23, 
 24.  y  Jer.  X.  25.  Dcut.  vi.  6,  7.  Job  i,  5.  2  .Sam.  vi.  id,  20. 
 J  Pet.  iii.  7.  A6ts  x,  2.  g  Matt.  vi.  11.  h  Matt,  vi,  6.  Eph. 
 vi.  18.  i  Ha.  Ivi.  7.  Heb.  x,  25.  Prov.  i.  20,  21,  24.  and 
 viii.  34.  Ads  xiii.  42.  Luke  iv.  16.  Ads  ii.  42. 
 
 VII.  As  it  is  of  the  law  of  nature,  that  in  general  a  due 
 proportion  of  time  be  fet  apart  fqr  the  worlliip  of  God  ;  fb, 
 in  his  word,  by  a  politive,  moral,  and  perpetual  comiuajul- 
 mentj  binding  all  men,  in  all  ages,  he  hath  particularly  ap- 
 pointed one  day  in  feven,  for  aSabbath^  to  be  kept  holy  un- 
 to him  k  ;  which,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  to  t lie  re- 
 iurrediou  of  Chrift,  was  the  lalt  day  of  the  week  •,  and,  from 
 the  relurredion  of  Chrift,  was  changed  into  the  firft  day  of 
 the  week  /,  vvhich,  in  fcnpt\ire,  is  called  the  Lonl'j  day  /«, 
 luid  is  to  be  continued  to  the  end  of  the  world,  as  the  Chnl- 
 liuu  8abbath  n. 
 
 k  Exod.  XX.  8,  10,  II.  Ifa.  irvi.'2,  4,,0',  7.  /Gen.  ii.  2,  3. 
 
 1  Cor.  xvi.  I,  2.  Acts  xx.  7.     m  Rev.  1.  10.  n  E.\od.  xx.  8, 
 \o.  wiLU  Mall.  v.  17,  i§. 
 
 H  h  2  VIII.  Thia 
 
ZT^z  The  JVeJtnwJltr  Com -£ SSI ovt  of  Faith. 
 
 Yin.  This  Sabbath  is  then  kept  holy  unto  the  Lord,  when 
 men,  after  a  due  preparing  of  tUtir  hearts,  and  ordering  of 
 their  common  affairs  before-hand,  do  not  only  oKferve  an 
 holy  reft,  all  the  day,  from  their  own  works,  words,  and 
 thoughts  about  their  worldly  employments  and  recreations  o^ 
 feut  aifo  are  taken  up  the  whole  time  iii  the  public  and  pri- 
 vate exercifes  of  his  v/orlhip,  and  in  the  duties  of  neceinty 
 and  mercy  p. 
 
 0  Exod  XX.  8.  and  xvi.  2^,  25,  26,  29,  30.  and  xxxi.  15, 
 — 17.  Ifa  Iviii.  13.  Neh.  xiii.  15, — ip,  21,  22.  p  ll'a.  Iviii. 
 13.  Matt.  x:i.  X, — 13. 
 
 CHAP.     XXII. 
 Of  Lav/ful  Oaths  and  Vov/s. 
 
 A  Lawful  oath  is  a  part  of  religious  worfhipo,  where- 
 in, upon  juft  occafion,  the  peribn  Iwearing,  lolemnly 
 caileth  God  to  witnei's  what  he  aiTerteth  or  promifcth  -,  and 
 to  judge  him  according  to  the  truth  or  falfliood  of  what  he 
 fweareth  h. 
 
 a  Deiit.  X.  20.     b  Exod.  xx.  7.  Lev.  xix.  12.  2  Cor.  i.  23. 
 2  Chron.  vi.  22,  23. 
 
 n.  The  name  of  God  only,  is  that  by  which  men  ought 
 to  fwear  •,  and  therein  it  is  to  be  ufed  with  all  holy  fear  and 
 reverence  <:.  Therefore,  to  Iwear  vainly,  or  rafhly,  by  that 
 glorious  and  dreadful  name,  or  to  fwear  at  all  by  any  other  ' 
 thing,  is  finful,  and  to  be  abhorred  d.  Yet,  as  in  matters  of 
 weight  and  moment,  an  oath  is  warranted  by  the  word  of 
 God  under 'the  New  Teftament,  as  well  as  under  the  Old  e  ; 
 fo  a  lawful  oath,  impoled  by  lawful  authority  in  fuch  mat- 
 ters, ought  to  be  taken  f. 
 
 c  Deut.  vi.  13.  d  Exod.  xx.  7.  Jer.  v,  7.  Matt.  v.  34,  37. 
 jAm.  V.  12.     e  Heb.  vi.  \6.  2  Cor.  i.  23.  Ifa.  Ixv.  16.    /  i 
 
 Kings  vjii.  31.  Nch.  xiii.  25.  Ezra  x.  5., 
 
 Ill  Whofoever  taketh  an  oath,  ought  duly  to  confider 
 the  weightinefs  of  fo  fclemn  an  a<["t,  and  therein  to  avouch 
 nothing  but  what  he  is  fully  perfuaded  is  the  truth  ^,.  Nei- 
 ther may  any  man  bind  him fe If  by  oath  to  any  thing,  but 
 what  is  good  aiid  juft,  and  what  he  believ-.-th  fo  to  be,  and 
 
 what 
 
 g  Exod.  XX.  7.  Jcr.  iv.  2. 
 
ITke  Wejlmlnjler  Confession  c/"  Faith.  253 
 
 what  he  is  able  and  refoived  to  perform  h.  Yet  is  it  a  fin,  to 
 retufe  an  oath  touching  any  thing  that  is  good  and  juft,  be- 
 ing impolcd  by  lawful  authority  i. 
 
 h  Gen.  xxiv.  2,  3,  ^^6^  8,  9.  t  Num.  v.  rp,  21.  Neh.  v. 
 12.  Exod.  xxii.  7, — II. 
 
 IV.  An  oath  is  to  be  taken  in  the  plain  and  common  fen(e 
 of  the  words,  without  equivocation,  or  mental  refervation  /&. 
 It  cannot  oblige  to  lin  :  but,  in  any  thing  not  finful,  being 
 
 .'taken,  it  binds  to  performance,  although  to  a  man's  own 
 hurt  /.  Nor  is  it  to  be  violated,  although  made  to  heretics 
 or  infidels  m. 
 
 j&  Jer.  iv.  2.  Pfel.  XXIV.  4.  /  i  Sam.  xxv.  22,  32, — 34.  Pfal. 
 XV.  4.  w  Ezek.  xvii.  16,  iS,  19.  Joih.  ix.  i8^  19.  v/ith  2 
 bam.  xxi.  i. 
 
 V.  Avow  is  of  the  like  nature  with  a  proihilTory  oath,  and 
 ought  to  be  made  with  the  like  religious  care,  and  to  be  per- 
 formed with  the  like  faithfulnels  n. 
 
 «Ifa.  xix.  21.  Eccl.  V.  4,  5,6.  Pfal.Ixi,  8.  and  Ixvl.  13,  14. 
 
 VI.  It  is  not  to  be  made  to  any  creature,  but  to  God  a- 
 lonec  ;  and,  that  it  may  be  accepted,  it  is  to  be  made  volun- 
 tarily, out  of  faith,  and  confcience  of  duty,  in  way  of  thank- 
 fulnefs  for  mercy  received,  or  for  the  obtaining  of  what  we 
 want  i  whereby  we  more  ftri£lly  bind  ourfelves  to  necefiary 
 duties,  or  to  other  things,  fo  far,  and  fo  long,  as  they  may 
 fitly  conduce  thereunto />. 
 
 0  Pfal.  Ixxvi,  I  r.  Jer.  xliv,  25,  25.  p  Deut.  xxiii.  2i, — 23. 
 Pfal.l.  14.  Gen.  xxviii.  20,-22.  i  Sam.  i,  11.  Plalm  Ixvi. 
 13,  14.  andcxxxii.  2, — 5. 
 
 VII.  No  man  may  vow  to  do  any  thing  forbidden  in  tlw^, 
 word  of  God,  or  what  would  hinder  any  duty  therein  com- 
 manded ;  or  which  is  not  in  his  own  power,  and  for  the  per- 
 formance whereof  he  hath  no  promife  of  ability  froni  God^. 
 In  which  refpefts,  Popifh  monaftical  vows  of  perpetual  fingle 
 life,  profeiTed  poverty,  and  regular  obedience,  arc  fo  far  from 
 being  degrees  of  higher  perfection,  that  they  are  luperftitious 
 and  finful  fnares,  in  which  noChriftian  may  intangle  himfelf.r 
 
 r  A£l3  xxiii.  12,  14.  T/fark  vi,  26.  Num.  xxx.  5,  8,  12,  13. 
 r  Matt.  xix.  11,  12.  1  Cor.  vii.  2,  9.  Eph.  iv.  28.  i  Pet.  iv. 
 2.  I  Cor.  vii.  23. 
 
 CHAR 
 
^54        ^^^  TFeJI mwf.er  CoKfES5ioj!i  o/*  Faith. 
 
 CHAP.     XXIII. 
 '  0/ the  Civil  Magistrate. 
 
 GOD,  the  fupreme  Lord  and  King  of  all  the  world^hath 
 ordained  civil  niagiftrates  to  be  under  him,  over  the 
 people,  for  his  own  glory  and  the  public  good  ;  and,  to  this 
 end,  hath  armed  them  with  the  power  of  the  fword,  for  the 
 defence  and  encouragement  of  them  that  are  good,  and  for 
 the  punilhment  of  evil  doers  a. 
 
 a  Rom.  xiii.  i, — 4.   i  Pet.  ii.  13,  14. 
 
 II.  It  is  lawful  for  Chriftians  to  accept  and  execute  the  of- 
 fice of  a  magiftrate,  when  called  thereunto  /»  :  in  the  manag- 
 ing whereof,  as  they  ought  efpccially  to  maintain  piety,  juf- 
 tice,  and  peace,  according  to  the  wholelom  laws  of.  each  com- 
 monwealth c  ;  fo,  for  that  end,  they  may  lawfully  now,  un- 
 der the  New  Teflament,  wage  war  upon  juft  and  neceirary 
 occalion  J. 
 
 h  Prov.  xxvlii.  ii^,  16.  Rom.  xiii.  i,  2,4.  f  Pfal.  ii.  10, — 
 12.  I  Tiiti.  ii.  2.  Pialm  Ixxxii.  3,  4.  2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.  i  Pet. 
 ii.  13.  d  Luke  iii.  14.  Rom.  xiii.  4.  Matt.  viii.  9,  10.  A(fts 
 X.  I,  2.  Rev.  xvii.  14,  i<5. 
 
 III.  The  civil  magiftrate  may  not  afTume  to  himfelf  the 
 adminiftration  of  the  word  and  lacraments,  or  the  power  of 
 the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  e  :  yet  he  hath  authority, 
 and  it  is  his, duty,  to  take  order,  that  unity  and  peace  be  pre- 
 lerved  in  the  church,  that  the  truth  of  God  be  kept  pure  -nd 
 entire,  that  all  bhifphemies  and  herclies  be  fuppreired,  all 
 corruptions  and  abules  in  worlliipand  difcipline  prevented  of 
 reformecf,  and  all  the  ordinances  of  God  duly  fettled,  admi- 
 niitredand  obfervedy.  For  the  better  efFcding  whereof,  he 
 l.atb  power  to  call  Synods,  to  be  prefent  at  them,  and  to 
 jirovide  that  whatfoever  is  tranfacted  in  them  be  according 
 ta  the  mind  of  God  g. 
 
 e  1  Chroa.  xxvi.  18.  v/ith  Matt,  xvlii.  17..  and  xvi.  19,  'i 
 Cor.  xii.  28,  29.  Eph.  iv.  11,  12.  i  Cor.  iv.  i,  2.  Rom.  x. 
 15*  Heb.  V.  4.  /'  Ifa.  xlix.  23.  Pfal.  cxxii,  9.  Ezra  vii.  23, 
 25, — 28.  Lfv.  xxiv.  16.  Deut.  xiii  5,  6,  12.  2  Kings  xviii»  4. 
 1  Chron.  xiii.  i, — 9.  2  Kings  xiiii  1, — 26.  2  Chron.  xxxiv. 
 ^3  and  XV.  12,  13.  ^2  Chror..  x.x.  8j — 11.  and  jxxix, 
 X.  X.  Matt.  ii.  4j  5. 
 
 lY.  It 
 
The  WeJimifiJler  Confession  ofYAirnl         -z^^ 
 
 IV.  It  is  the  duty  of  people  to  pray  for  magiftrates  /-•,  to 
 honour  their  perions  /,  to  pay  them  tribute  and  other  dues  1, 
 to  obey  their  lawful  cotpmands,  and  to  be  fubjeO:  to  theirau- 
 thority  for  confcience  fake/.  Infidelity,  ordifterence  in  re- 
 ligion, doth  not  make  void  the  magiftrate's  juft  and  legal  au- 
 thority, nor  free  the  peoplefrom  their  due  obedience  to  him  -.m 
 from  which  ecclefiaftical  perfons  are  not  exempted  n  ;  Riuch 
 lefs  hath  the  Pope  any  power  or  jurifdidlion  over  them  in  thei? 
 dominions,  or  over  any  of  their  people  ;  and,  leaft  of  all,  to 
 deprive  them  of  their  dominionsor  lives, if  he  fhall  judge  them 
 to  be  heretics,  or  upon  any  other  pretence  whatfoeveri. 
 
 h  I  Tim.  ii.  I,  2.  i  i  Pet.  ii.  17.  k  Rom.  xiii  6,  7.  /Rom. 
 xiii.  5.  Tit.  iii.  I.,  m  i  Pet.  ii.  13,  14,  16.  n  Rom.  xiii.  i.  i 
 Kings  ii.  3^.  Afts  xxv.  9, — 11.  2  Pet.  ii.  i,  10,  li.  Jude  S, 
 — II.     0  2  Their,  ii.  4.  Rev.  xiii.  15, — 17, 
 
 CHAP.    XXIV. 
 
 0/ Marriage  rt«£^  Divorce. 
 
 MARRIAGE  is  to  be  between  one  man  and  one  wo^ 
 man  ;  neither  is  it  lawful  for  any  man  to  have  more 
 than  one  wife,  nor  for  any  woman  to  have  more  than  one 
 hufband,  at  the  lame  time  a. 
 
 a  Gen.  ii.  24.  Matt.  xix.  5,  6.  Prov,  ii.  17.    ^ 
 
 II.  Marriage  was  ordained  for  the  mutual  help  of  hufband 
 and  wife  by  for  the  increafe  of  mankind  with  a  legitimate  ifTue, 
 and  of  the  church,  with  an  holy  feed  c,  and  for  preventing 
 of  uncleannefs  d. 
 
 )>  Gen.  ii.  18.     c  Mai.  ii.  15.     d  i  Cor.  vii.  2,  9. 
 
 III.  It  is  lawful  for  all  forts  of  people  to  marry,  who  are 
 able  with  judgment  to  give  their  confent  ^  ;  yet  it  is  the  duty 
 of  Chriflians  to  marry  only  in  the  Lord/:  and  therefore  fuch 
 as  profefs  the  true  reformed  religion  fliould  not  marry  with 
 infidels,  Papifls,  or  other  idolaters  ;  neither  ihould  fuch  as  are 
 godly  be  unequally  yoked,  by  marrying  with  fuch  as  are  noto- 
 rioufly  wicked  in  their  life,  or  maintain  damnable  herelies  g, 
 
 e  fleb.  xiii. 4.  i  Tim.  iv.  3.  i  Cor.  vii.  36, — 38.  Gen,  xxi  - 
 57»-52-  f  *  ^or.  vii,  39.  g  Gen.  xxxiv.  14.  Exod.  xxxiv. 
 i6.,S)eut.  vii.  3,  4.  \  Kings  xi.  4.  Neh.  xiii.  25, — 27.  Mai. 
 ii.  II,  12.  2  Cor.  vi.  14. 
 
 IV.  Mar- 
 
25^        ^"^  Wejiminjier  Confession  of  FiiTH. 
 
 IV.  Marriage  ought  not  to  be  within  the  degrees  of  con- 
 fanguinity  or  allinity  forbidden  in  the  word  h  ;  nor  can  fucH 
 inceftuous  marriages  ever  be  made  lawful  by  any  law  of  man, 
 or  confcnt  of  parties,  fo  as  thofe  perfons  may  live  together  as 
 man  and  wife  /.  The  man  may  not  marry  any  of  his  wife's 
 kindred  nearer  in  blood  than  he  may  of  his  own  ;  nor  the 
 woman  of  her  hufband's  kindred,  nearer  in  blood  than  oi 
 her  own  h. 
 
 h  Levit.  xviii.  i  Cor.  v.  i.  Amos  ii.  7.  i  Mark  vi.  18. 
 Lev.  xviii.  24, — 28.     k  Lev.  xx.  19, — 21. 
 
 V.  Adultery,  or  fornication  committed  after  a  contra«n, 
 being  3ete<fled  before  marriage,  giveth  juft  occafion  to  the 
 innocent  party  to  diflbive  that  contraft  /.  In  the  cafe  of  a- 
 dultery  after  marriage,  it  is  lawful  for  the  innocent  party  to 
 fue  out  a  divorce  ?,^,  and,  after  the  divorce,  to  marry  another, 
 as  if  the  offending  party  were  dead  «. 
 
 /  Matt.  i.  i8,~2o.  m  Matt.  v.  31,  32.  n  Matt.  xix.  9. 
 Rom.  vii.  2,  3. 
 
 VI.  Although  the  corruption  of  man  bs  fuch,  as  is  apt  to 
 ftudy  arguments,  unduly  to  put  afunder  thole  whom  God 
 hath  joined  together  in  marriage, 'yet  nothing  but  adultery, 
 or  fuch  wilful  defertion  as  can  no  way  be  remedied  by  the 
 church  or  civil  magiftrate,  is  caufe  (ufllcient  of  difTolving  the 
 bond  of  marriage  0  j  wherein  a  public  and  orderly  courfe  of 
 proceeding  is  to  be  obferved,  and  the  perfons  concerned  in  it 
 not  left  to  their  ov7n  will  and  difcretion  in  their  own  cafe  p. 
 
 0  Matt.  xix.  8,  9.  I  Cor.  vii.  15.  Matt.  xix.  6.  p  Deut. 
 xxiv.  I, — 4. 
 
 C  I-I  A  P.    XXV. 
 Oj  the  Church. 
 
 TKE  catholic  or  univerfal  church,  which  us  VaVluble, 
 confifls  of  the  whole  number  of  the  elect  that  have 
 been,  are,  or  (hall  be  gathered  into  one  under  Chrifb  the 
 head  thereof  *,  and  is  the  fpoufe,  the  body,  the  fulnefs  of 
 him  that  filleth  all  in  all  a. 
 
 a  Eph.  i.  10,  22,  23.  Eph.  v.  23,  27,  32.  Col.  i.  18. 
 
 H.  The  vlfiblc  church,  which  is  alfo  catholic,  or  univerfal, 
 under  the  gofpel,  (not  confined  to  one  nation  as  before  under 
 the  law)  confifts  of  all  thole  throughout  the  world  that  pro- 
 
 fcls 
 
The  Wejimmjler  Confession  c/"  Faith.        257 
 
 fefs  the  true  religion  hy  and  of  their  children  c  ;  ,and  Is  the 
 kingdom  of  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  J,  ths  houfe  and  family 
 of  God  Cy  out  of  v;hich  there  is  no  ordinary  poffibility  of  laU 
 vationy. 
 
 b  I  Cor.  i.  2.  and  xii.  12,  13  Pfal.  ii.  8.  Rev.  vii.p  Rom.' 
 y^'  9»— 12'  c  I  Cor.  vii,  14.  A(fls  ii.  39  Ezek.  xvi.  20,21. 
 Rom  xi.  16.  Gea  iii.  15.  and  xvii.  7.  a?  Matt.  xiii.47.Ifa, 
 ix.  7.     ^  Eph.  ii.  19.  and  iii.  15.    /  A<5ls  ii.  47. 
 
 III.  Unto  this  catholic  vifible  church,  Chrift  hath  given 
 t1ie  miniftry,  oracles,  and  ordinances  of"  God,  for  the  gather- 
 ing and  perfecting  of  the  faints  in  this  Ufe,  to  the  end  of  the 
 world  -,  and  doth,  by  Iiis  own  prefence  and  Spirit,  according 
 to  his  promife,  make  them  effectual  thereunto^. 
 
 g  I  Cor.  xii.  28.  Eph.  iv.  11, — 13.  Matth.  xxviii  19,  20. 
 Ifa.  lix.  21. 
 
 IV.  This  catholic  church  hath  been  fometimes  more,  fome- 
 times  lefs  vifible  h  :  and  particular  churches,  virhich  are  mem- 
 bers thereof,  are  more  or  lefs  pure,  according  as  thedodlrine 
 of  the  gofpel  is  taught  and  embraced,  ordinances  adminiftred, 
 and  public  worfhip  performed  more  or  lefs  purely  in  them  /. 
 
 h  Rom.  xi.  3,  4.  Rev.  xii.  6,  14.    i  Rev  ii,  iii.  i  Cor.  v.  6,  7. 
 
 V.  The  purefl  churches  under  heaven  are  fuhjeiH:  both  to 
 mixture  and  error  k  •,  and  lome  have  fo  degenerated,  as  to 
 become  no  churches  of  Chrift,  but  fynagogues  of  Satan  /. — 
 Neverthclefs,  there  fliall  be  always  a  church  on  earth  to  wor- 
 fliip  God  according  to  his  will  m. 
 
 k  I  Cor.  xiii.  12.  Rev.  ii,  iii.  Matth  xiii.  24, — 30,  47. 
 /Rev.  xviii.  2,  Rom.  xi.  18, — 22.  m  Matt.  xvi.  18.  Pfalm 
 Ixxii.  17,  and  cii.  28.  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20. 
 
 VI.  There  is  no  other  head  of  the  church  but  «he  Lord  Je- 
 fus Chrift  «  ;  nor  can  the  Pope  of  Rome  in  any  fenfe  be  head 
 thereof  ;  but  is  that  Jntichriji,  that  man  of  fin  ^  zndjon  of  per- 
 dition,  that  exalteth  himfelf  in  the  church  againfl  Chrift,  and 
 all  that  is  called  God  0. 
 
 n  Col.  \.  18  Eph  \i  22.  e  Matt,  xxiil.  8,  9, 10.  2  Thefl'. 
 ii.  3,  4,  8,  9.  Rev.  xiii.  6. 
 
 XlL 
 
 CHAP.     XXVI. 
 
 Of  the  Communion  0/' Saints. 
 
 LL  faints  that  are  united  tojtfus  Chrift  their  head  by 
 
 his  Spirit,  and  by  faith,  have  fellowlhip  with  him  in 
 
 I  \  his 
 
58         The  Wejlminjler  Confession  £/*  Faith. 
 
 his  graces,  fufFerings,  death,  refurreflion,  and  glory  ^  ;  and, 
 balng- United  to  one  another  in  love,  they  have  communion 
 in  each  others  gifts  and  graces  3,  and  are  obliged  to  the  jper- 
 formance  of  fuch  duties,  public  and  private,  as  do  conduce 
 to  their  mutual  good,  both  in  the  inward  and  outward  man  c. 
 
 a  I  John  i.  3.  Eph.  iii.  16, — 19.  John  i.  16.  Eph.  ii.  5,  6. 
 Phil.  iii.  10.  Rom.  vi,  5,  6.  zTim.  ii.  12.  ^Eph.iv.  15,  16. 
 I  Cor.  xii.  7.  and  iii  21,  22,  23.  Col.  ii.  19.  c  i.ThefT.  v.  i  r, 
 14.  Rom.  i.  II,  12,  14.  I  John  iii.  16, — 13.  G*l.  vi.  10. 
 
 II.  Saints,  by  profeffion,  are  bound  to  maintain  an  holy 
 fellowfliip  and  communion  in  the  worihip  of  God,  and  in 
 performing  fuch  other  fpiritual  fervices  as  tend  to  their  mu- 
 tual edification  d  :  as  alfo,  in  relieving  each  other  in  outward 
 things,  according  to  their  feveral  abilities  and  necefiities. — 
 Which  communion,  as  God  oflrereth  opportunity,  is  to  be 
 extended  unto  all  thofe  who,  in  every  place,  call  upon  the 
 name  of  the  Lord  Jefus  e. 
 
 ^Heb.  X.  24,  25.  Ads  ii.  42,  46.  Ifa.  ii.  3.  i  Cor.  xi.  20. 
 ^  Adls  ii.  44,  45.  I  John  iii.  17.  2  Cor.  viii,  ix.  Adts  xi.  29,30. 
 
 III.  This  communion  which  the  faints  have  with  Chrift, 
 doth  not  make  them  in  any  wife  partakers  pf  the  fubllance  of 
 his  Godhead,  or  to  be  equal  with  Chrift  in  any  refpect  ;  ei- 
 ther of  which  to  affirm,  is  impious  and  blafjlhemous/" :  nor 
 doth  their  communion  one  with  another,  as  faints,  take  a- 
 way  or  infringe  the  title  or  propriety  which  each  man  hath 
 in  his  goods  and  poiTefllons  g. 
 
 /Col.  i,  18,  19.  T  Cor.  viii,  61  Ifa.  xlli.  8.  i  Tim.  vi.  i-, 
 16.  Pfalm  xlv.  7.  with  Heb.  i.  8,  9.  g  Exod.  xx.  15.  Eph. 
 iv.  28.  A.dsv.  4. 
 
 CHAP.     XXVIL 
 
 Of  the  Sacraments. 
 
 SACRAMENTS  are  holy  figns  and  ieals  of  the  covenant 
 of  grace  a,  immediately  inftituted  by  God  />,  to  reprefent 
 Chrift  and  his  benefits,  and  to  confirm  our  intereft  in  him^- : 
 as  alio,  to  put  a  vifible  difference  between  thofe  that  belong 
 unto  the  church,  and  the  rell  of  the  world  d :  and  folemnly 
 
 to 
 
 a  Rom.  iv.  1 1.  Gen.  xvii.  7,  10.  b  Mat.  xxviii.  19.  i  Cor. 
 XI.  23.  c  2  Cor.  X.  16.  and  xi.  25,  26.  G.^i.  iii.  27.  d  Rom. 
 XV.  8.  Exod.  xi.  48.  Gen.  xx.\iv.  14. 
 
The  Wefiimnpr  Confession  0/ Faith.         I'y) 
 
 to  engnge  them  to  the  fcrvice  of  God  in  Chrift,  according  to 
 hii  word  e, 
 
 e  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.   I  Cor.  x.  16,  21. 
 
 II.  There  is  in  every  facrr.ment  a  fpiritual  relation,  cr  facra- 
 mental  union,  between  the  fign  and  the  thing  lignified  ; — 
 whence  it  comes  to  pais,  that  the  names  and  eficcls  oi  the  one 
 are  attributed  to  the  otheryl 
 
 y  Gen.  xvji,  10.  Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.  Tit.  iii.  5. 
 
 III.  The  grace  which  is  exhibited  in,  or  by  the  facrnments 
 rightly  ufed,  is  not  conferred  by  any  power  in  them  ;  neither 
 doth  the  efficacy  of  afacrament  depend  upon  the  piety  or  in- 
 tention of  him  that  dothadminifter  it  ^  -,  but  upon  the  work 
 of  the  Spirit  h^  and  the  word  of  inflitution,  which  contains, 
 together-  with  a  precept  authorizing  theufe  thereof,  a  promiie 
 of  benefit  to  worthy  receivers  i. 
 
 g  Rom.  ii.  28,  29-  I  Pet.  iii.  21.  h  Matt,  iii.  ii.  I  Cor. 
 xii.  13.     ?■  Matt.  xxvi.  27,  28.  andxxviii.  19,  20. 
 
 IV.  There  be  only  two  facraments  ordained  by  Chrift  our 
 Lord  in  the  gofpel,  thatistofay^  Baptifm  and  the  iSupper  of . 
 the  Lord  ;  neither  of  which  may  be  lav/fully  difpenled  by  any 
 but  by  a  hiinifter  of  the  word  lawfully  ordained  k. 
 
 k  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  i  Cor.  xi  20,  23.  and  iv.  i.  Heb.  v.  4. 
 
 V.  The  facraments  of  the  Old  Teftament,  in  regard  of  the 
 fpiritual  things  thereby  fignified  and  exhibited,  were,  for 
 fubftance,  the  fame  with  thofe  of  the  New  /. 
 
 /  I  Cor.  x.  I, — 4. 
 
 CHAP.     XXVIIL 
 
 Of  Baptism. 
 APTISM  is  a  facrament  of  the    NewTeflament,  or- 
 
 dained  by  Jefus  Chrift  a,  not  only  for   the  iblemn  ad- 
 
 inilhon  o{  the  party  baptized  into  the  vifible  church  /,  but  al- 
 fo  to  be  unto  him  a  iign  and  feal  of  the  covenant  of  grace  c, 
 vi  his  ingrafting  into  Chrifl  d,  of  regeneration  e,  of  reiniffion 
 of  ilnsy,  and  of  his  giving  up  unto  God  thro'  Jefus  (.  briO, 
 to  walk  in  newnefs  of  life  g.  Which  facrament  is,  by  C!ii  ift's 
 own  appointment,  to  be  continued  in  his  church  unto  the 
 end  of  the  world  Z». 
 
 a  Mat.  xxviii.  19.  ^  i  Cor.  xii  13.'  c  Rom.  iv  11.  with 
 Cc^f  ii.  Ii,  12.  J  Gal.  iii.  27.  Rom.  vi.  5.  e  Tit  iii.  5.-^ 
 /  Ma^lv  i.  4.     g  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.     h  Matt,  xxviii,  19,  20. 
 
 I  i  2  II.  The 
 
5,6o         The  Wefxminfur  Confession  of  Faith. 
 
 '  II.  The  outward  element  to  be  ufe'l   in  this  facrament  \i 
 Water ^  wherewith  the  party  is  to  be  baptized,  in  the  name  of 
 the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Gholt,  by  a  mi- 
 iiifter  of  the  gofpel,  lawfully  called  thereunto  i, 
 ?  Matt.  iii.  M,  John  i.  33.  Matt,  xxvili.  19,  ^o. 
 
 III.  Dipping  of  the  perfon  into  the  water,  is  not  necefla- 
 ry  ;  but  baptifm  is  rightly  adnaniflred,  by  pouring  or  fprinlc- 
 ling  water  upon  the  perfon  k. 
 
 i  Heb.  ix.  10,  i9,--22.  Aclsli.  41.  and  xvi.  33.  Mark  vii.  4* 
 
 IV.  Not  only  thofe  that  do  adlually  profefs  faith  in,  and 
 obedience  unto  Chrift  /,  but  alfo  the  infants  of  one  or  both 
 believing  parents,  are  to  be  baptized  f/i. 
 
 /Mark  xvi.  i^,  16.  Adis  viii.  37,  38.  tn  Gen.  xvli.  7,9. 
 with  Gal.  iii,  9,  14,  and  Col.  ii.  11,12.  and  Adtsii.  38,  39. 
 and  Rom,  iv.  11,  12.  i  Cor.  vii.  14.  Malt,  xxviii.  19.  Mark 
 X.  r3, —  r6.  Luke  xviii.  15. 
 
 V  Although  it  be  a  great  fin  to  contemn  or  neglefl:  this 
 ordinance  ;/,  yet  grace  and  falvation  are  not  (o  inseparably 
 annexed  unto  it,  as  that  no  perfon  can  be  regenerated  or  fa- 
 ved  without  it  0  ;  or,  that  all  that  are  baptized,  are  undoubt- 
 edly regenerated  p. 
 
 0  Luke  vii.  30.  with  Exod.  iv.  24, — 26.  0  Rom,  iv.  11. 
 Aas  X.  2,  4,  22,  31,  45,  47.    p  Aas  viii.  13,  23. 
 
 VI.  The  eflicacy  of  baptifm  is  not  tied  to  that  moment  of 
 time  wherein  it  is  adminil^red  q  :  yet  notwithOanding,  by  the 
 right  w'iQ  of  this  ordinance,  the  grace  promifed  is  net  only 
 offered,  but  really  exhibited  and  conferred  by  the  Hoty  Ghoft, 
 to  fuch  (whether  of  age  or  infants)  as  that  grace  belongeth 
 unto,  according  to  the  counfel  of  God's  own  will,  in  his  ap- 
 pointed time  r. 
 
 q  John  iii.  5,  8.  r  Gal.  iii.  27.  Tit.  iii.  5.  Eph.  v.  25,  2(5. 
 Afts  ii.  38,  41. 
 
 VII.  The  facrament  of  baptifm  is  but  once  to  be  admini- 
 ftred  to  any  perfon  ,. 
 
 J-  Titus  iii.  5. 
 
 o 
 
 CHAP.    XXIX. 
 
 Of  ihe  lord's  Supper. 
 UR  Lord  Jefus,  in  the  night  wherein  he  was  betrayed, 
 inftituted  the  fijcrament  of  his  body  and  blood,  called 
 
 the 
 
The  Wejlimnjler  Confession  ^  Faith.  261 
 
 the  LorcPs  Supper,  to  be  obferved  in  his  church  unto  the  end 
 of  the  world,  for  the  perpetual  remembrance  of  the  facriiice 
 of  himfelf,  in  his  death  ;  the  fealing  all  benefits  thereof  unto 
 true  believers,  their  fpirhual  nourifhment  and  growth  in  him, 
 their  further  engagement  in,  and  to,  all  duties  which  they 
 owe  unto  him, — and  to  be  a  bond  and  pledge  of  their  com- 
 mnnion  with  him,  and  with  each  other,  as  numbers  of  his 
 myftical  body  c. 
 
 a  I  Cor.  xi.  23, — 25.  and  x.  16,  17,  21.  and  xii.  13. 
 
 II.  In  this  facrament,  Chrift  is  not  offered  up  to  his  Fa- 
 ther, nor  any  real  i'acrifice,  made  at  all  for  remiffion  of  fins 
 o^  the  quick  or  dead  b  ;  but  only  a  commemoration  of  that 
 one  offering  up  of  himfelf,  by  himlelf,  upon  the  crofs,  once 
 for  all ;  and  a  fpiritual  oblation  of  all  poilible  praife  unto  God 
 
 .for  the  fame  c:  So  that  the  PopiPa  facriiice  of  the  Mafs  (as 
 they  call  it)  is  moft  abominably  injurious  to  Chrift's  one  only 
 lacrifice,  the  alone  propitiation  for  all  the  fins  of  the  eleft  d. 
 
 b  Heb.  ix.  22,  25,  26,  28.'  c  I  Cor.  xi.  14,  25,  26.  Matt, 
 xxvi.  26,  27.     d  heb.  vii.  23,  24,  27.  Heb.  x.  1 1,  1  2,  14,  1 8. 
 
 III.  The  Lord  Jefus  hath,  in  this  ordinance,  appointed 
 his  minifters  to  declare  his  word  of  iriftitution  to  the  people  ; 
 to  pray,  and  blefs  the  elements^f  bread  and  '^rine,  and  there- 
 by to  fet  them  apart  from  a  common  to  an  holyufe  ;  and  to 
 take  and  break  the  Bread,  to  take  the  Cup,  and  (they  commu- 
 nicating aifo  thcmfelves)  to  give  both  to  the  communicants  e  j 
 but  to  none  who  are  not  then  prefent  in  the  congregation^". 
 
 e  Matt.  xxvi.  25, — 28.  Mark  xiv.  22, — 24.  Luke  xxii.  19, 
 20.  with  I  Cor.  xi.  23, — 26.    /Ads  xx.  7.   i  Cor.  xi.  20. 
 
 IV.  Private  maffes,  or  receiving  this  facrament  by  a  prieff, 
 or  any  other,  alone  j',  as  likewife  the  denial  of  the  cup  to  the 
 people/?*,  worfliipping  the  elements,  the  lifting  them  up,  or 
 carrying  them  about  for  adoration,  and  the  referving  them 
 for  any  pretended  religious  ufe,  are  all  contrary  to  the  nature 
 of  this  facrament,  and  to  the  inflitution  of  Chrift  ;. 
 
 g  I  Cor.  X.  6.  h  Mark  iv.  23.  i  Cor.  xi.  25, — 29.  i  Mai* 
 XV.  9. 
 
 V.  The  outward  dements  in  thefe  facraments,  duly  fet  a- 
 part  to  the  ufes  ordained  by  Chrift,  havefuch  relation  to  him 
 crucified,  as  that  truly,  yetfacramentally  only,  they  are  fome- 
 times  called  by  the  name  of  the  things  they  reprefent,  to  wit^ 
 
 the 
 
sd2         The  Wejlm'injler  Confession  «/"  Faith. 
 
 the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift  /^,  albeit,  in  fubflance  and  na- 
 ture, they  ftill  remain  truly,  and  only  bread  and  wine,  as 
 they  were  before  /.         •  ' 
 
 k  Mat.  xxvi.  2(5|— 23.     /  i  Cor.  xi.  26, — 28.  Mat.  xxvi.  29. 
 
 VI.  Tliat  doctrine,  which  maintains  a  change  of  the  fub- 
 flance of  bread  and  wine  into  the  fubftance  of  Chrift's  body 
 and  blood,  (commonly  called  Tranfubjlantiation)  by  confecra- 
 tion  of  a  prieft,  or  by  any  other  way,  is  repugnant,  not  tO 
 fcripture  alone,  but  even  to  common  lenfe  and  reafon  ;  over- 
 throweth  the  nature  of  the  facrament,  and  hath  been,  and  is 
 the  caufe  of  manifold  fuperftitions,  yea,  of  grofs  idolatries  m. 
 
 m  Adls  iii.  21.  with  l  Cor.  xi.  24, — 26.  Luke  xxiv.  6,  39. 
 
 VII.  Worthy  receivers,  outwardly  partaking  of  the  vifible 
 elements  in  this  facrament  n,  do  then  alfo  inwardly  by  faith, 
 really  and  indeed,  yet  not  carnally  and  corporally,  but  fpiri- 
 tually,  receive,  and  feed  upon  Chrift  crucified,  and  all  bene- 
 fits of  his  death  :  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift  being  then, 
 not  corporally  or  carnally,  in,  with,  or  under  the  bread  and 
 wine  ;  yet  as  really,  but  fpirituall)^,  prefent  to  the  faith  of 
 believers  in  that  ordinance,  as  the  elements  themfelves  are  to 
 their  outward  ferifes  0. 
 
 n  I  Cor.  xi.  28.     0  i  Cor.  x.  16. 
 
 VIII.  Although  ignorant  and  wicked  men  receive  the  out- 
 ward elements  in  this  facrament,  yet  they  receive  not  the  thing 
 lignified  thereby  ;  but,  by  their  unworthy  coming  thereunto, 
 are  guilty  of  the  body  and  blood  of  the  Lord,  to  their  own 
 damnation.  Wherefore,  all  ignorant  and  ungodly  perfons, 
 :is  they  are  unfit  to  enjoy  communion  with  him,  fo  are  they 
 unworthy  of  the  Lord's  table, — and  cannot,  without  great  fin 
 againft  Chrift,  while  they  remain  fuch,  partake  of  thefe  holy 
 myfteries,  or  be  admitted  thereunto  q. 
 
 p  1  Cor.  xi.  27, — 29.  2  Cor.  vi.  14, —  \6.  q  i  Cor.  v,  6, 
 7,  13.  2  ThefiT.  iii.  6,  14,  15.  Matt.  vii.  6. 
 
 C  H  A  P.     XXX. 
 
 0/"  Church  Censures. 
 
 THE  Lord  Jffijs,  as  King  and  Head  of  his  church,  hath 
 therein  appointed  a  government,  in  the  hand  of  church 
 clficers,  dillindt  from  the  civil  magiilrate  a. 
 
 n  Ifa.  ix.  6,  7.  I  Tim.  v.  17,  I  ThcfiT.  v.  12.  Acls  xx.  17, 
 2'J.  lleb.  xiii,  7,  jT,  24.    I  Cor.  xii.  2S.  Mat.  xxviii.  19,  20. 
 
 II.  To 
 
J 
 
 7he  Wejiminfer  Confession  (/YaITh?     ,,''^^ 
 
 II.  To  thefe  officers  the  keys  ©f  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
 are  committed  ;  by  virtue  whereof,  they  have  power,  refpec- 
 tively,  to  retain  and  remit  fins  j  to  fhut  that  kingdom  againft 
 the  impenitent,  both  by  the  word  and  cenfures  j  and  to  open 
 it  to  penitent  finners,  by  the  miniftry  of  the  gofpel,  and  by 
 abfolution  from  cenfures,  as  occafion  fhail  require  b. 
 
 ^  Matt.  xvi.  19.  and  xviii.  17,  18.  John  xx.  20, — 23,  a 
 Cor.  ii.  6,  7,  8. 
 
 III.  Church-cenfnres  are  neceffary  for  the  rechiming  and 
 gaining  of  offending  brethren  ;  for  deterring  others  from  the 
 like  offences  ;  for  purging  out  of  that  leaven  which  might  in^ 
 feift  the  whole  lump  ;  for  vindicating  the  honour  of  Chrift, 
 and  the  holy  profeffion  of  the  gofpel  j  and  for  preventing  the 
 wrath  of  Gad,  v*hich  might  juftly  fall  upon  the  church,  if 
 they  fliould  fuffer  his  covenant,  and  the  feals  thereof,  to  be 
 profaned  by  notorious  and  obfVmate  offenders  c. 
 
 c  I  Cor.  v.  I  Tim.  v.  20.  Matt.  vii.  6.  i  Tim.  i.  20.  i  Cor. 
 xi.  27,  to  the  end.  with  Jude  5,  23. 
 
 IV.  For  the  better  attaining  of  thefe  ends,  the  officers  of 
 the  church  are  to  proceed  by  admonition,  fufpenlion  from 
 the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  fupper  for  a  feafon,  and  by  ex- 
 communication from  the  church,  according  to  the  nature  of 
 the  crime,  and  demerit  of  the  perfon  d. 
 
 d  I  Theff.  V.  12.  2  Theff.  iii.  6,  14,  15.  1  Cor.  v.  4,  5,  13. 
 Matt,  xviii.  17.  Tit.  iii.  10. 
 
 CHAP.     XXXI. 
 
 0/"  Synods  and  Councils. 
 
 FOR  the  better  government,  and   further  edification  of 
 the  church,  there  ought  to  be  fuch  affembiies  as  are 
 commonly  called  Synods  or  Councils,  a 
 
 a  Adls  XV.  2, 4,  6. 
 
 II.  As  magiftrates  may  lawfully  call  a  Synod  of  miniflers, 
 and  other  fie  perfons,  to  confult  and  advife  with,  about  mat- 
 ters of  religion  b  ;  fo,  if  magiftrates  be  open  enemies  to  the 
 church,  the  minifiers  of  Chrifb,  of  theml'elves,  by  virtue  of 
 
 their 
 
 h  Ifa.'xlix.  23.  I  Tim.  ii.  1,2,  2  Chron.xix.  8, —  li.  and 
 xxix,  XXX.  Matt.  ii.  4,  5.  Prov.  xi.14. 
 
^64        ^'^'^'  TV^eJ^niy]/^^*'  Confession  of  Faith. 
 
 their  office  ;  or  they,  with  other  fit  perfons,  upon  delegation 
 from  their  churches,  may  meet  together  in  iuch  aiTembUes.  c 
 
 c  Ads  XV.  2,  4,  22,  23,  25. 
 
 III.  It  belongeth  to  Synods  and  Councils,  miniflerially  to 
 determine  controverfies  of  faith,  and  cafes  of  confcience  ;  to 
 fet  down  rules  and  direftions  for  the  better  ordering  of  the 
 public  worfhip  of  God,  and  government  of  his  church  ;  to 
 receive  complaints  in  cafes  of  mal-adminiftration,  and  autho- 
 ritatively to  determine  the  lame  :  which  decrees  and  determi- 
 nations, if  conlonant  to  the  word  of  God,  are  to  be  received 
 with  reverence  and  fubmiffion  ;  not  only  for  their  agreement 
 with  the  word,  but  alfo  for  the  power  whereby  they  are  made, 
 as  being  an  ordinanceof  God  appointed  thereunto  in  his  word.c^ 
 
 JAfls  XV.  15,  19,  24,  27,-31.  &xvi.  4.  Mat.  xviii.  17,-20. 
 
 IV.  All  Synods  and  Councils,  fince  the  apoftles  times, 
 whether  general  or  particular,  may  err,  and  many  have  er- 
 red :  therefore  they  are  not  to  be  made  the  rule  of  faith  or 
 practice,  but  to  be  uled  as  an  help  in  both  e. 
 
 e  Eph.  ii.  20.  Afts  xvii.  ii.   i  Cor.  ii.  5.  2  Cor.  -i.  24. 
 
 V.  Synods  and  Councils  are  to  handle  or  conclude  nothing 
 but  that  which  is  ecclefiaftical  ;  and  are  not  to  intermeddle 
 with  civil  affairs,  which  concern  the  commonwealth,  unlefs 
 by  way  of  humble  petition,  in  cafes  extraordinary,  or  by  way 
 of  advice,  for  fatisfadion  of  confcience,  if  they  be  thereunto 
 required  by  the  civil  magiftratcy^. 
 
 /Luke  xii.  13,  14.  John  xviii.  36. 
 
 CHAP.    XXXIL 
 
 Of  the  State  of  MEN  after  Death,— and  of  the  Re- 
 surrection of  the  Dead, 
 
 THE  bodies  of  men,  after  death,  return  to  dufl,  and  fee 
 corruption  a  \  but  their  fouls,  (which  neither  die  ncr 
 fleep)  having  an  immortal  iubfiftence,  immediately  return  to 
 God  who  gave  them  h :  the  fouls  of  the  righteous,  being  then 
 made  perfe(5l  in  holinefs,  are  received  into  the  highelf  hea- 
 vens,-where  they  behold  the  face  of  God,  in  light  and  glory, 
 
 waiting 
 
 n  Gen.  ili.  i^.  Aclsxxiil.  36.  h  Lukexxiii.  43.  Eccl.xii.  7. 
 
•The  Wtflminjler  Confession  o/"  Faith.  26- 
 
 waiting  for  the  full  redemption  of  their  bodies  c  \  and  the 
 iouls  of  the  wicked  are  call  into  hell,  where  they  remain  in 
 torments  and  utter  darknefs,  relei'ved  to  the  judgnient  of  the: 
 great  day  d.  Beiides  thcfe  two  places  for  iouls  feparated  froiu 
 their  bodies,  the  fcripture  acknowledgeth  none. 
 
 c  Heb.  xii.  23.  2   Cor.  v.  i,  6,  3.    Phil.  i.  23.  with  Acts 
 iii.  21.  and  E;>n.  iv.   10.     d  Luke  xvi.  23,  24.  A£u  1.  25. 
 .»  Jude  5,  6,  7.   I  Pet.  iii.  19. 
 
 II.  At  the  laft  day,  fuch  as  are  found  alive,  fiiall  not  die, 
 but  be  changed  e  ;  and  all  the  dead  Ihali  be  railed  up  with  the 
 felf-fame  bodies,  and  none  other,  altho'  with  different  Qua- 
 lities, which  ihall  be  united  again  to  their  fouls  for  ever/. 
 
 e  I  Their  iv.  17.  i  Cor.  xv.  51,  52.  /job  x  x.  26,  27. 
 I  Cor.- XV.  42,  —44. 
 
 III.  The  bodies  of  theuniuO:  Oiall,  by  the  power  of  ChrifV, 
 be  railed  to  dllhpnour  :  the  bodies  of  the  jutt,  by  his  Spirii, 
 unto  honour  j  *ad  be  made  conformable  to  his  own  glorious 
 body  g. 
 
 g  AQsxxiv.  15.  John  v.  283  29.  i  Cor.  xv.  42, — 44.  Phil, 
 iii.  21. 
 
 CHAP,    xxxiir. 
 
 Of  the  Last  Judgment. 
 
 OD  hath  appointed  a  day,  wherein  he  will  judge  tha 
 ^_^'  world,  in  righteoufnefs,  by  Jefus  Chrift  «,  to  whom 
 all  power  and  judgment  is  given  of  the  Father  3.  In  which 
 day,  not  only  the  apodate  angels  ihall  he  judged  r,  but  like- 
 wife  all  pcrfons  that  have  lived  on  earth,  ihail  appear  before 
 the  tribunal  of  Chrift,  to  give  an  account  of  their  thoughts, 
 words,  and  deeds  j  and  to  receive  according  to  uhat  ihey  have 
 dene  in  the  body,  whether  good  or  evil  d. 
 
 a  Afts  xvii.  31.  b  John  v.  22,  27.  c  i  Cor.  vi.  3.  Jide 
 5,  6.  a  Pet.  ii.  4.     d  2  Cor.  v.  10.  Lccl.  xii.  14.  PvOm.  \.  \6, 
 
 and  xiv.  10,  \2.  Matt.  xii.  36,  37. 
 
 }I.  The  end  of  God  s  appointing  this  day,  is  for  the  mani- 
 f-;hation  of  the  glory  of  his  meicy,  in  the  eternal  falvatiou  of 
 tiie  elecf  r  and  of  his  j-jftice,  in  the  damnation  of  the  reoio- 
 bate,  who  are  wicked  and  dlfobedient.  For  then  lliali  the 
 righteous  go  imc  everhUling  life,  and  receive  that  fuhiefs  of 
 
266        7he  WeJIminJler  Confession  o/'.Faith. 
 
 joy  and  i-efrefliing,  which  fliall  come  from  the  prefence  of  the 
 Lord  :  but  the  wicked,  who  know  not  God,  and  obey  not 
 the  goipel  of  Jefus  Chrift,  (hall  be  caft  into  eternal  torments, 
 and  ht  puniflied  with  everlafting  deftru£lion  from  the  prefence 
 of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his  power  e. 
 
 a  Matt.  XXV.* 3  r,  to  the  end.  Rom.  ii.  5,  6.  and  ix.  22,  23. 
 Matt.  XXV.  21.  Afts  iii.  19.  2  ThelT  i.  7, — 10. 
 
 IIL  As  Chrift  would  have  ur.  to  be  certainly  perfuaded, 
 that  there  fliall  be  a  day  of  judgment,  boih  to  deter  all  men 
 from  lin,  and  for  the  greater  confolation  of  the  godly  in  then* 
 adverfity/;  fo  he  will  have  that  day  unknown  to  men,  that 
 they  may  (hake  off  all  carnal  fecurity,  and  be  always  watch- 
 ful, becaufc  they  know  not  at  what  hotir  the  Lord  will  comej 
 and  may  be  ever  prepared  to  fay,  Coinef  Lord  J^fuSf  come 
 quickly.      Amen,  g 
 
 f  2  Pet.  iii.  1 1,  14.-  2  Cor.  v.  10,  it.  2  Tbeff".  i.  5,  6,  7. 
 Luke  xxi.  27,  28.  Rom.  viii.  23, — 25.  g  Mat  xx.iv.  36,  42, 
 — 44    Mark  xiii-  35, — 37.  Luke  xii.  35,  36,  Rev.  xxii.  20. 
 
 T  H  E 
 
THE 
 
 LARGER  CATECHISM. 
 
 AGREEDUPONBY 
 
 The  Assembly  of  Divines  zt  Wejminjier ,  with 
 the  aHiftance  of  the  Commissioners  from  the 
 Church  of  Scotland ; 
 
 ASA 
 
 Pari  of  the  Coveaanted  Uniformity  in  religion  betwixt  the 
 Churches  of  Chrifl:  in  the  Three  Kingdoms  of  Scotland^ 
 Englatidy  and  h-elatid. 
 
 WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  the  General  AiTembly  of  the  Church  of  SdoT- 
 LAND,  Amio  1648,  approving  the  fame  :  And  Ratified 
 and  Approved  by  A  c  t  of  Parliament  1649. 
 
 With  Proofs   from  the   Scripture, 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J,  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
Assembly  at  Ed'uwu/rgh^  ju'y  2,  164G.  ^eff.  10. 
 ^  C  'T  approving  the  Lm'ger  Catschlfni. 
 
 THE  General   AfTerobly  having  exa£lly  examined,  and 
 (erioufiy  confidered  the  Larger  Cntechifin,  agreed  upon 
 by  the  Affembly  of  Divines  fitting  at  Weftminlier,  with  af- 
 fiftance  of  commlffioners  from  this  kirk, —  copies  thereof  be- 
 ing printed,  and  fent  to  Prefbyteries,  for  the  more  exact  tri- 
 al thereof, — and  public  intimation  being  frequently  made  in 
 this  Afiembly,  that  every  one  that  bad  any  doubts  or  objec- 
 tions upon  it,  might  put  them  in  ;  do  find,  upon  due  exami- 
 Kation  thereof,  That  the  faid  Catechifni  is  agreeable  to  the 
 word  of  God,  and  in  nothing  contrary  to  the  received  doc- 
 trine, worlhip,  difcipline,  and  government  of  this  kirk, — a 
 neceffary  part  of  the  intended  uniformity  in  religion, — and  a 
 l^ich  treafure  for  incrcafing  knowledge  among  the  people  of 
 God  :  And  therefore  the  AiTembly,  as  they  blefs  the  Lord, 
 that  fo  excellent  a  Catechifm  is  prepared,  ft)  they  approve  the 
 fame  as  a  part  of  imiformity  ;  agreeing,  for  their  part,  that 
 it  be  a  common  Catecihifm  for  the  three  kingdoms,  and  a  Di- 
 re«Slory  for  catechifing  fuch  as  have  made  feme  proficiency  in 
 the  knowledge  of  the  grounds  of  religion. 
 
 T,H  E 
 
THE 
 LARGER    C  A  T  E  C  H  I  S  M, 
 
 AGREEDUPONBT 
 
 The  AffemWf  of  Divines  at  Wcftminfter ;  examined  and  ap- 
 proved, A'lm  1648,  by  the  General  AlTcmbly  of  thechurcli 
 of  Scotland  j  and  ratlEed  by  A<^  of  Parliament,  1649. 
 
 Queftion  i.  TT/IIAT  is  the  chief  and  hlgheft  end  of  man  ? 
 
 ^  '     Anfiver.  Man's  chief  and  higheft  end  is,  to 
 glorify  God  a,  and  fully  to  enjoy  him  for  ever  b. 
 
 fl  Rom.  xi.  36.   I  Cor.  x.  31.    b  Pfalm  Ixxiii.  24,  to  the 
 end.  John  xvii,  21, — 23. 
 
 0^2.  How  doth  it  appear  that  there  is  a  God  ? 
 A.  The  very  light  of  nature  in   man,  and  the  w^orl:s  of 
 God,  declare  plainly  that  there  is  a  God  c  ;  but  his  v/ord  and 
 Spirit  only  do  fufficiently  and  eiFe£lualIy  reveal  him  unto  men 
 for  their  falvation  d. 
 
 c  Rom.  i.  ip,  20.  Pfalm  xix.  i,  2,  3.  Afts  xvii.  -28.     d  i 
 Cor.  ii.  9,  10.   2Tim.iii.  15,-17.  I(a.  iix.  21. 
 0^3.   What  is  the  ivord  oj  God  P 
 
 A.  The  holy  Icriptures  of  the  Old  and  Nev?  TeOament 
 
 are  the  word  of  God  e,  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  obedience/" 
 
 e  1  Tim.  iii.    id.  2  Pet.  i.  19, — 21.    f  Eph.  ii.  20.  Rev. 
 
 xxii.  18,  19.  Ifa.  viii.  20.  Luke  xvi.  29,  31.  Gal.  i.  8,  9.  2 
 
 Tim.  iii.  15,  16. 
 
 0^4-  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  Zcviptures  are  the  word 
 of  God  ? 
 
 A.  The  fcrlptures  manifeft  themfelves  to  be  the  word  of 
 God,  by  their  majefiv  ^,  and  purity  h,  by  the  confent  of  all 
 the  parts  ?,  and  the  ("cope  of  the  whole,  which  is,  to  give  all 
 glory  to  God  k  ;  by  their  light  and  power  to  convince  and 
 convert  finners,  to  comfort  and  build  up  believers  unto  falva- 
 
 t!on  : 
 
 g  Hof.  viii.  12.  I  Cor.  ii-  6,  7,  13.  Pfal.  cxix.  t8,  129.— 
 h  Pfal.  xii.  6.  and  cxix.  140.  ;  Acls  x.  43.  and  ^-^v^.  12, 
 4  Rom.  iii.  19,  27. 
 
iyo  Tie  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 tion  /:  but  the  Spirit  of  God  bearing  witnefs,  by  and  with 
 the  fcriptures,  in  the  heart  of  man,  is  alone  able  fully  to  per-^ 
 fuadc  it;  that  they  are  the  very  word  of  God  m, 
 
 /  Adtsxviii.  28.  Heb.  iv.  12.  James  i.  18.  Pfal.  xix.  7,  8, 
 9.  Rom.  XV.  4.'  Adls  xx.  32.  m  John  xvi.  13,  14.  i  John 
 ii.  20,27.  John  XX.  31. 
 
 0^5.  What  do  the  fcriptures  principally  teach  ? 
 4^  The  fcriptures  principally  teach,  what  man  is  to  believe 
 concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God  requiires  of  man  n. 
 
 n  2  Tim.  i.  i  3. 
 
 (y6.  What  do  the  feripturey  make  knotvtt  of  God  ? 
 
 A.  The  icriptures  make  knovva  what  God  is  <?,  the  per- 
 fons  in  the  Godhead />,  his  decrees  5,  and  the  execution  of 
 iiis  decrees  r. 
 
 0  Heb.  xi  6.  p  i  John  v.  7.  q  A£ls  xv.  14,  15,  18. — 
 r  Acts  iv.  27,  28. 
 
 0^7.   What  is  GOB? 
 
 A.  God  is  a  Spirit  Sy  in  and  of  himfelf  infinite  in  being  /, 
 glory  «,  bleflednefs  w,  and  perfeiStion  x,  all-lujSicient^,  eter- 
 nal z,  unchangeable  <<?,  incomprehenfible  hy  every  where  pre- 
 sent ^,  almighty  £?,  knowing  all  things^ ,  moft  wife/,  moft 
 holy^,  moftjufl  hy  nioft  merciful  and  gracious,  long-fuffer- 
 jiiig,  and  abundant  in  goodnefs  and  truth  i. 
 
 J  John  iv.  24.  t  Exod.  iii.  14.  Job  xi.  7,  8,  9.  //  A£l:s  vii 
 2.  ijit  I  Tim.vi.  15.  a  Mat.  v.  48.  y  Gen.  xvii.  i.  T.Y'i. 
 xc.  2.  a  Mai.  iii.  6.  Jam.  i.  17.  b  \  Kings  viii.  27.  c  Pfal 
 cxxxix.  I, — -13.  f/Rev. iv.  8.  e  Heb.  iv.  13.  Pfal.  cxlvii.  5 
 /Rom.  xvi.  27.  g  Ifa.  vi.  3.  Rev.  xv.  4.  h  Deut.  xxxii.  4 
 i  Exod.  xxxiv.  6. 
 
 Q  8    Are  there  more  Gods  than  e>ne  ? 
 
 A.  There  is  but  one  only,  the  living  and  true  God  h. 
 
 i  Deut.  ix.  4.  •  i  Cor.  viii  4,  6.  Jer.  x.  10. 
 
 Q.  9.   Honv  many  perjons  are  there  in  the  Godhead  ? 
 
 A.  There  be  three  perfons  in  the  Godhead,  the  Father, 
 the  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghoft  •,  and  thefe  three  are  ope,  true, 
 ererual  God,  the  fame  in  fubrtance,  equal  in  power  and  glo- 
 rv,  although  diftiaguiflied  by  their  perfonal  properties  /. 
 
 I.  I  John  v.  7.  Matt.  iii.  16,  17.  and  xis^viii.  19.  2  Cor. 
 xiii.  14.  John  ts^.  30. 
 
 Q^ro.  What  are  the  perfonal  properties  of  the  three  perfons 
 in  the  Godhead  ? 
 
 A.  It  is  proper  to  the  Fnther  to  beget  the  Son  m^  and  to 
 the*  Son  to  be    b;gotten  of  the  Father  -u,  and  to  the  Holy 
 
 Ghoft 
 
 :'*  lijb.  i.  r,  6j  8.     V.  John  i.  14,  '8. 
 
The  Larcer  Catechism.  274 
 
 Ghoft  to  proceed  from  the  Father  and  the  Son  from  all  c- 
 ternity  0. 
 
 0  John  XV.  26.  Gal.  iv.  6. 
 
 Q^ll.  How  doth  it  appear  that  the  Son  and  the  Holy  Ghojf 
 are  God  equal  lu'ilh  the  Father  P 
 
 A.  The  fcriptures  manifefl-,  that  the  Son  and  the  Ho3y 
 Ghoft  are  God  equal  with  the  Father,  afcribing  unto  theta 
 fuch  names/>,  attributes  j,  works  r,  and  worftiip,  as  are  pro- 
 per to  God  only  j-. 
 
 p  Ifa.  vi.  3,  5,  8.  whh  John  xU.  41.  and  A£ls  xxviii.  25^ 
 I  John  V.  20.  A£ts  V.  3,  4.  q  John  i.  I.  Ifa.  ix.  6.  JohniL 
 24,  25.  I  Cor.'  ii.  10,  II.  r  Col.  i.  16.  Gen  i.  2.  s  Matt- 
 xxviii.  19.  2  Cor.  iiii.  14. 
 
 Q^i  2.   What  are  the  Decrees  of  God  ? 
 
 A.  God's  decrees  are  the  wife,  free,  and  holy  afts  of  the 
 counfel  of  his  will  ?,  whereby  from  all  eternity  he  hath,  for 
 his  own  glory,  unchangeably  fore-ordained  whatfoever  comes 
 to  pafs  in  time  ?/,  efpecially  concerning  angels  and  men. 
 
 /Eph.  i.  II.  Rom.  xi.  33.  and  ix.  14,  15,  18.  u  Eph.  L 
 4,  II.  Rom.  ixl  22,  23.  Pfal.  xxxiii.  11. 
 
 0^13.  What  hath  God  efpecially  Ae<:reed  concernin-g  angds 
 0nd  men  ?  4  - 
 
 A.  God,  by  an  eternal  and  immutable  decree,  out  of  his 
 mere  love,  for  the  praife  of  his  glorious  grace,  -to  be  raani- 
 feflcd  in  due  time,  hath  eie;Sted  fome  angels  to  glory  w  ;  at^t 
 in  Chrift  hath  choien  (omc  men  to  eternal  life,  and  the  mean* 
 thereof ;?  :  and  alfo,  according  to  his  lovereign  power,  anl 
 the  unfearchable  counfel  of  his  own  will,  (whereby  heTexten- 
 deth  or  withholdeth  favour  as  he  pleaieth)  hath  pafTed  by, 
 and  fore-ordained  the  reft  to  difhonour  and  wrath,  to  be  foa: 
 their  fin  inflidled,  to  the  praiie  of  the  glory  of  his  juftice  y. 
 
 •Lv  I  Tim.  V.  2t.  X  Eph,  i.  4,  5,  6.  2  TheiT.  ii.  13,  14. — ■ 
 y  Rom.  ix.  17,  18,  21,  22.  Matth.  xi.  £5,  26.  2  Tim.  ii.  20. 
 Jude  4.  I  Pet.  ii.  8. 
 
 Q    14.  Hgiu  doth  God  execute  his  decrees  ^ 
 
 A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  creation  and 
 providence,  according  to  his  infallible  fore-knowledge,  ad 
 the  free  and  immutable  counfel  of  his  own  will  z. 
 
 z  Eph.  i.  II.  ■>*  V 
 
 Q.  15.  What  is  the  ivork  of  Creation  ' 
 
 A.  The  work  of  creation  is  that,  wherein  God  did,  in  the 
 
 beginning,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  make  ot  nothing  thi 
 
 tvorld  and  all  things  therein,  for  hlmlelf,  within  the  fpace  or 
 
 fix  davs,  and  all  very  good  a. 
 
 .  £  Gen.  i.  Heb.  x:.3.  Prov.  xvi,  4.  O  16, 
 
27c>  '^he  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 O.  I<5.   Mo'io  did  God  create  the  angels  ? 
 ji.  God  createu  all  the  angels^,  I'pirits  r,  immortal  di  ho- 
 ly ^,  excelling  in  knowledge_/i  mighty  in  power  gy  to  execute 
 his  coiwmandments,  and  to  praife  his  name  h  j  yet  lubje^t  to 
 change  /. 
 
 h  Col.  i.  i6.     c  Pfal.  civ.  4.     d  Matt.  xxii.  30.     e  Matth. 
 XXV.  31.    /  2  Sam.  xiv.  17.  Matt.  xxiv.  36.     gz  ThelT.  i.  7. 
 h  Pfal.  ciii.  20,  2 1,     i  2  Pet.  ii.  4. 
 CV  I  7.  Ixono  did  God  create  Man  ? 
 
 A.  After  God  had  made  all  other  creatures,  he  created 
 man  male  and  female  k  ;  formed  the  body  of  the  man  of  the 
 duft  of  the  ground  /,  and  the  woman  of  a  rib  of  the  man  m  \ 
 endued  them  with  living,  reafonable,  and  immortal  fouls  n  \ 
 made  them  after  his  own  image  0,  in  knowledge  p,  righteouf. 
 iiel's,  and  holinefs  q  ;  having  the  law  of  God  written  in  their 
 hearts  r,  and  power  to  fulfil  it  i,  with  Uooiinlon  over  the 
 creatures  t  j  yet  fubje^t  to  fall  u. 
 
 k  Gen.  i.  27.  /  Gen.  ii.  7.  tn  Gen.  ii.  22.  n  Gen.  ii.  7. 
 with  Job  XXXV.  II.  and  Eccl.  xii.  7.  and  Matt,  x  28.  and 
 Luke  xxili.  43.  0  Gen.  i.  27.  p  Col.  iii.  10.  q  Eph.  iv. 
 24.  r  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  j-  Eccl.  vii.  29.  t  Gcu.  i.  28.— 
 u  Gen.  iii.  6.  Eccl.  vii.  29. 
 
 ()    18.   JVhat  are  God's  luorhs  of  Providence  ? 
 A.  God's  works  of  Providence  are,  his  molf  holy  w,  wife  .v, 
 and  powerful  prei^rving^  and  governing  all  his  creatures  s  ; 
 ordering  them,  and  all  their  actions .?,  to  his  own  glory  b, 
 
 IV  Pfal.  cxlv.  17.  X  Pfal.  civ.  24.  Ifa.  xxviii.  2Q.  y  Heb. 
 5.  3.  z  Pfal.  ciii.  19.  a  Matt.  X.  29, — 31.  Gen.  xlv.  7. — 
 b  Rom.  xi.  36.  I  fa.  Ixiii.  14. 
 
 O  19.  JVhat  is  God's  providence  toward  the  angels  ? 
 J.  God,  by  his  providence,  permitted  fome  of  the  angels 
 wilfully  and  irrecoverably  to  fall  into  fin  and  damnation  r, 
 limiting  and  ordering  that  and  all  their  fins  to  his  own  glory  r/, 
 and  eftablifhed  the  reft  in  holinefs  and  happlnefs  ^,  employing 
 them  all/ at  his  pleafure,  in  the  adminiftrations  of  his  power, 
 meicy,  and  jultice  g. 
 
 c  Jude  6.  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  Heb.  ii.  16.  John  viii.  44.  ^  Job 
 i  12.  Matt.  viii.  31.  e  i  Tim.  v.  21.  Mark  viii.  38.  Heb. 
 xii.  22.    /Pfal.  civ.  4,    g  2  Kings  xix.  35.  Heb.  i.  14. 
 
 Q.  20.  JVhat  nvas  the  providence  of  God  iovuard  man  in  the 
 ell  ate  in  nvhirh  he  was  created  P 
 
 J.  The  providence  of  God  toward  m^n,  in  the  eftate  in 
 which  lie  was  created,  was,  the  placing  him  in  paradile,  ap- 
 pointing tki'ii  to  diefs  it,  giving  hina  liberty  10  sat  of  the  fruic 
 
 ai 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  273 
 
 of  the  earth  />,  putting  the  creatures  uncfpr  his  dominion  t  ; 
 and  ordaining  marriage  for  his  help  k^  affording  him  comrnu- 
 nion  with  himfelf/;  inftituting  the  Sabbath  w  ;  enteringin- 
 to  a  covenant  of  life  with  him,  upon  condition  of  perJonal, 
 perfedl,  and  perpetual  obedience  ;/,  of  which  the  tree  of  life 
 was  a  pledge  0  ;  and  forbidding  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  the  know- 
 ledge of  good  and  evil,  upon  pain  of  death/>. 
 
 h  Gen.  ii,  8,  15,  16.  i  Gen.  i.  28.  k  GeK^.  ii  18  /Gen. 
 i.  26, — 29.  and  iii.  8.  w  Gen.  ii.  3.  n  Gal.  iii.  12.  Rom. 
 X   5.     0  Gen.  ii.  9.     />  Gen  ii.  17. 
 
 0^2  T.  Did  man  continue  itrihaX  ejlate  ivherein  God  at  firjl 
 created  him  ? 
 
 A.  Our  firft  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom  of  their 
 own  will,  through  the  temptation  of  Satan,  tranlgreiTed  the 
 commandment  of  God,  in  eating  the  forbidden  fruit  ;  and 
 thereby  fell  from  the  eftate  of  innocency,  wherein  they  were 
 created  q. 
 
 q  Gen.  iii.  6,  7,  8,  13.  Eccl  vii.  29.  2  Cor.  xi.  3. 
 
 0^22.   Did  all  manhini  fall  in  that  fir Jl  tranfgrejfion  ? 
 
 A.  The  covenant  being  made  with  Adam,  as  a  public  pt^r- 
 fon,  not  for  himself  only,  but  for  his  pofterity,  all  mankind, 
 d.-^fcending  from  him  by  ordinary  generation  r,  finned  in  him^ 
 and  fell  with  him  in  that  firft  tranfgreffion  j. 
 
 r  A6ls  xvii.  26.  s  Gen.  ii.  i6,  17.  with  Rom.  v.  i  2, — 20. 
 and   i  Cor.  xv.  21,  22.  * 
 
 0^23     Into  nvhai  ejlate  did  the  Fall  hring  mnnliiud  P    ■ 
 
 A.  The  Fall  brought  piankind  into  an  ellate  of  fin  and, 
 mifery  /. 
 
 /Rom.  V.  T2.  and  iii.  23. 
 
 0^24.   IVhat  is  Sin  P 
 
 A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  urto,  or  tran/grefiion  of 
 any  law  of  God,  given  as  a  rule  to  the  realonable  creature  lu 
 
 u  I  John  iii.  4.  Gal.  iii.  10,  12. 
 
 Q.  25.  Wherein  confijleth  the  ftnfulnefs  of  that  tflate  nvhere- 
 into  man  jell  P 
 
 A.  The  linfulnefs  of  that  eflate  whereinto  man  fell,  coo- 
 fifteth  in  the  guilt  of  Adam's  firft  fin  w,  the  want  of  that 
 righteoufnefs  wherein  he  was  created,  and  the  corruption  of 
 his  nature,  whereby  he  is  utterly  indifpofed,  difahled,  and 
 made  opposite  unto  all  that  is  fpiritually  good,  and  wholly 
 inclined  to  all  evil,  and  that  continually  x  ;  which  is  com- 
 
 L  1  monly 
 
 w  PvOm.  V.  12,  19.  ;!?  Rom.  iii,  10,— 20.  Eph.  ii.  I,— 3» 
 Rom.  V.  6.  and  viii.  7,  8.  Gen.  vi.  5, 
 
274  ^■^^  Lafger  Catechism. 
 
 monly  called  original Jtn,  and  from  which  do  proceed  all  ac- 
 tual tranrgreflions^y. 
 
 V  jan^.es  i.  14,  15.  Matt.  xv.  19. 
 
 Q^  26.  How  is  eriginal  Jin  convey d  jrom  our  Jirji  parents 
 unto  their  pofierity  ?  '* 
 
 J.  Original  iia  is  conveyed  from  our  firfl  parents  unto  tVieir 
 pofterity  by  natural  generation,  To  as  all  that  proceed,  from 
 them  in  that  way,  are  conceived  and  born  in  fin  z. 
 
 z  Pl'a!.  li.  5.  Job  xlv   4.  and  xv.  14.  John  iii.  6. 
 
 0^2  7     What  wi/er-v  did  the  Fait  bring  up'^?i  mankind  F 
 
 A.  The  Fall  brought  upon  mankind  liie  lois  of  tommun'ion 
 with  God  r?,  his  difpleafure  and  curfe  ;  fo  as  we  are  by  nature 
 children  of  wrath  b^  bond  flaves  to  Satanr^  and  jullly  liable  to 
 all  punilhments  in  this  world  and  that  which  is  to  come  d. 
 
 a  Gen.  iii.  8,  10,  24.  b  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  c  1  Tim.  ii.  2<5. 
 d  Gcn.ii.  17.  Lam.  iii.  39.  Rom.  vi.  23.  Matt.xxv.  41,  46. 
 Jude  7. 
 
 0^28.   What  are  the  pnnijhiments  of  Jin  in  this  ivorld  ? 
 
 y/.  The  punifliments  of  fin  in  this  world  are,  cither  inward, 
 as  blindnefs  of  mind  f,  a  reprobate  {Qn{cJ\  ftrong  delufions^, 
 hardnefs  of  heart  h,  horror  of  confcience  ?",  and  vile  alTefli- 
 ons  k  ;  or  outward,  as  the  curfe  of  God  upon  the  creatures 
 for  our  lakes  /,  and' all  other  evils  that  befal  us  in  our  bodies, 
 names,  eftates,  relations,  and  employments  ?;?,  together  with 
 death  itfelf  n. 
 
 t  Eph  iv.  18.  /Rom.  i.  28.  g  1  ThelT.  ii,  1 1.  h  Rom. 
 ii.  5.  7  Ifa.  xxxiii.  14.  Gen.  iv.  13.  Mat.  xxvii.  4.  h  Rom, 
 i.  16.  I  Gen.  iii.  17.  vi  Deut.  xxviii.  15,  to  the  end, — 
 n  Rom.  vi.  21,  23. 
 
 0^29.  What  are  the  puniJJjtnents  of  fin  in  the  nvorld  to  ccnje  ? 
 
 A.  The  puniihments  of  tin  in  the  world  to  come  are,  ever- 
 lafting  reparation  from  the  comfortable  prefence  of  God,  and 
 moft  grievous  torments  in  loul  and  body,  without  intromiffi- 
 on,  in  heli  fire  for  ever  0. 
 
 0  2  The/r.  i.  9.  Mark  ix.  44,  46,  48.  Luke  xvi.  24. 
 
 0^30.   Doth  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perifj  in  the  eflate  of 
 fin  and  mfery  ? 
 
 A.  God  doth  not  leave  all  mankind  to  perifli  in  the  eftate 
 of  fin  and  niifery  />,  into  which  they  fell  by  the  breach  of  the 
 finlt  covenant,  commonly  called  the  covenant  of  works  ;  q  but. 
 of  his  mere  love  and  mercy,  delivereth  his  ele^t  out  of  it,  and 
 brinpeth  them  into  an  eftate  of  lalvation  by  the  li^cond  cove- 
 nant, commonly  called  the  covenant  oj  grace,  r 
 
 p  I  Their,  v.  9      q  G»i.  iii.  10,  12.     ;*  Tit.  iii.  4, — 7.  Gal. 
 iii,  21.  Rom,  iii.  20, — 22.  ^ 
 
Tbc  Largf.r  Catechipm.  "73' 
 
 CX  31.   IVith  ivhontiuas  the  cGvrihnut  of  grace  nuide  ? 
 
 A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  made  with  Chrill,  as  the 
 fecond  Adsm,  and  in  him  with  all  the  e]c£t  as  bis  iecd  s. 
 
 i  Gal  iii.  16-   Rom.  v.  15,  to  the  end.  lia.hii.  10,  ii. 
 
 Q-  32.  Hoii)  is  the  grace  of  God  mnnlfejled  in  the  fecond 
 Covenant  ? 
 
 A.  The  grnce  of  God  is  mnni'efted  in  the  fecond  covcnnnt, 
 in  that  he  freely  provideth  and.  offer eth  to  {inners  a  Media- 
 tor t,  and  life  and  raivation  by  him  u  :  and,  requirmg  ruitli 
 as  tlie  condition  to  intereft  thera  in  him  ^Vy  promiieth  and 
 glveih  his  Holy  ^ij^it  x  to  all  hisele^ft,  to  work  in  them  that 
 faith  v»  with  alCpWer  faving  gfaces  z  •,  and  to  enable  them 
 unto  all  holy  obeql^nce  a^  as  the  evidence  of  the  tiuth  of 
 their  faith  b,  and  rhankfulnefs  to  God  c,  and  as  the  way 
 which  he  liath  appointed  them  to  falvatioii  d. 
 
 t  Geu.  iii.  15.  Ifa.  xlii.  6.  John  vi.  27.  u  i  John  v.  11, 
 J  2.  iu  John  iii.  lO.  and  i.  \  2.  «  Prov.  i.  23.  }'  2  Cor.  iv. 
 13.  s  Gal.  V.  22,  23.  a  Ezfck.  xx.xvi.  27.  b  Jam.  ii.  18, 
 22.     fiCor.  V.  14,15.     f/ Eph.  ii    10.  . ,,« 
 
 Q^  3  3  •  ^^"^J  ^^-^  covenant  of  g  race  alivays  (idminijlre4  after 
 one  litid  the  fame  manner  ? 
 
 A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  not  always  adminiAred  after 
 the  fame  manner,  but  the  adminifirations  of  it  under  the  Old 
 Teftament  were  ditFerent  from  thofe  under  the  New  e, 
 
 t  2  Cor.  iii.  6, — 9. 
 
 0^34.  How  ivas  the  covenant  of  grace  auniiniflred  under  the 
 Old  1ejiame.nt  ? 
 
 A.  The  covenant  of  grace  was  adminiftred  under  the  Old 
 Teflameut,  bypromifc^/,  propheriesg-,  i'acrifices  <6,  circum- 
 cKion  /,  the  paflover  k^  and  other  types  and  ordiuances  ; — 
 which  did  all  fore-fignify  Cbrift  then  to  come,  and  were  for 
 that  time  fufficient  to  buiid  up  the  el'-^l  in  faith  in  the  pro- 
 mifed  Meffiah  /,  by  whom  theythen  had  full  rcmiilion  of 
 fin,  and  eternal  falvation  m.     ■ 
 
 /Rom.  XV.  8.,  g  A<Sts  iii.  20,  24.^-  \h  Heb.  x.  1.  i  Roni. 
 iv.  II.  k  I  Cor.  V.  7.  /  Heb.  viii,- jx*- ,x.  and  xi.  13.— 
 ;?7  Gal.  iii.  7,  8,  9,  14.  '       ;.^   :;  J', 
 
 0^35.  How  is  the  covenant  of  grac^'^^sidmiiji/i red  under,  the 
 Neiu  Teftament  P  's'...,' 
 
 A-  Under  the  New  Teffament,  when  ChiMfl:  thcfubft:Mice 
 was  exhibited,  the  fame  covenant  of  grace  \va«,  and  lliil  is, 
 to  be  adiiiiniftred  in  the  prerclilnt.-  of  r.:e  wor^l- «,  ami  the 
 ^dminiftration  of  the  facraments  of  bapthm  0  and  Ihe  Lord's 
 
 L  1  2  i'up- 
 
 n  Mark  xvi.  15.     0  Matt,  xxviii.   19,  20. 
 
^^6  Thd  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 fupper  p  ;  in  which  grace  and  falvarion  is  held  forth  in  more 
 fulnefs,  evidence,  ajnd  efficacy,  to  all  nations  g. 
 
 p  I  Cor.  xi.  23,-1—25.  q  2  Cor.  iii.  6,  to  the  end.  Heb. 
 vlii.  6,  10,  II.  Matd  xxviii.  kj. 
 
 0^36.   Who  is  the  Mediatof  of  the  ceveiiant  of  grace  ? 
 
 A.  The-only  Mediator  of  the  covenant  of  grace  is  the  Lord 
 J;:fus  Chrift  r,  who,  being  the  eternal  Son'  of  God,  ot  one 
 fubllance,  and  equal  with  the  Father  j',  in  the  fulnefsof  time 
 became  man  /,  and  lb  was,  and  continues  to  be  God  and 
 man,  in  two  intire^diftinct  natures,  and  one  perfon  for  ever. a 
 
 r  i  Tim.  i.  5  s  John  i.  14  and  x.  30.  Phil.  ii.  6.  t  Gal. 
 jv.  4.     u  Luke  i.  35.  Rom.  ix.  5.  Col.ii.p.  Heb.  vii.  24,  25. 
 
 0^37-  Hoiv  did  Chrift y  being  God,  b^Cgrae  man  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  the  Sonjof  God  became  man,  by  taking  to  him- 
 felf  a  true  body,  ana  a  reafonable  foul  w,  being  conceived 
 by  the  power  of  tlje  Holy  Ghoft,  in  the  womb  of  the  Virgin 
 Mary,  of  her  fublfance,  and  born  of  her  a%  yet  w^ithout  Hn.  y 
 
 lu  John  i.  14.  Matt.xxvi.  38.  a:  Luke  i.  27,31,  35)42. 
 Gal.  iv.  4.     y  Heb.  Jv.  15.  and  vii.  26. 
 
 0^38.  fVhy  was  it  reqitijiie  that  the  Mediator  JJjould  he  God  ? 
 
 A  It  was  requifite  that  the  Mediator  fhould  be  God,  that 
 he  might  fuftain  and  keep  the  human  nature  from  finking  un- 
 der (he  infinite  wrath  of  God,  and  the  power  of  death  z  j 
 give  worth  and  efficacy  to  his  fuiferings,  obedience  and  in- 
 tercefllon  a  j  and  to  fatisfy  God's  juftice  ^,  procure  his  fa- 
 vour Cy  purchafe  a  peculiar  people^/,  give  his  Spirit  to  them  e^ 
 conquer  all  their  enemies /^  and  bring  them  to  everlafting 
 falvationj'.  ' 
 
 z  Afls  ii.  24,  25.  Rom.  i.  4,  virith  chap.  iv.  25.  Heb.  ix. 
 14.  a  Adfs  XX.  1%.  Heb.  ix  13.  and  vii.  25, — 28.  b  Rom. 
 iii.  24, —  26.  c  Eph.  i.  6.  Matt.  ili.  17.  d  Tit  ii.  13,  14. 
 e  Gal,  iv.  6.  /Luke  i.  68,  69,  71,  74.  g  Heb.  v.  8,  9.  and 
 ix    1 1, — 16. 
 
 Q^  39.  Why  nvas  it  requifite  that  the  Mediator  Jhould  be  man  ? 
 
 A.  It  was  requifite  Ithat  the  Mediator  fliould  be  man,  that 
 be  might  advance  oi^r  nature  ^,  perform  obedience  to  the 
 kw  ;,  fufier  and  make  interceffion  for  us  in  our  nature  k^ 
 Lave  a  fellow  feeling  oif  our  infirmities  /,  that  we  might  re- 
 ceive the  adoption  of  fons  »;,  and  have  comfort  and  acctfs 
 with  boldnefs  unto  the  throne  of  grace  n. 
 
 h  Heb.  li.  16.  ;  Gal.  iv.  4.  k  Heb.  ii.  14.  and  vii.  24,  25. 
 /lieb.  iv.  15.     m  Gal.iiv.  5.     «  Heb.  iv.  16. 
 
 Q.  40.  Why  was  it  i^eqt/j/Ite  ihiit  the  Mediator  Jljoitld  be  God 
 and  JiJun  in  one  permit  i 
 
 A.  It 
 
The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 ^77 
 
 ^.  It  was  requifite  that  the  Mediator,  who  was  to  recon- 
 cile God  and  man,  flaould  himfelfbe  both  God  and  man,attd 
 this  in  one  perfon,that  the  proper  works  of  each  nature  mig^t 
 be  accepted  of  God  for  us  Oy  and  refted  on  by  us  as  the  works 
 of  the  whole  perfon  p. 
 
 0  Matt.  i.  ii,  23.  and  iii.  17.  Heb.  ix.  14.    p  \  Pet.  ii.  6, 
 
 Q.  4 1 .  Why  nuds  our  Mediator  called  Jefus  ? 
 
 A.  Our  Mediator  was  called  Jesus,  becaufehe  favethhis 
 people  from  their  fins  q^. 
 
 q  Matt.  i.  21. 
 
 0^42.   Why  was  our  Mediator  called  Chrijl  ? 
 
 A,  Our  Mediator  was  called  Christ,  becaufc  he  was  a- 
 nointed  with  the  Holy  Ghoft  above  meafure  r,  and  fo  itl  a- 
 part,  and  fully  furniflied  with  all  authority  and  ability  s  lo 
 execute  the  office  of  a  prophet/,  prieft  «,  and  king  of  his 
 church  w,  in  the  eftate  both  ot  his  humiliation  and  exaltation. 
 
 r  John  iii-  34.  Pfal.  xlv.  7.  s  John  vi,  27.  Matth.  xxvlii. 
 18, —  20.     /  A<fts  iii.  21,  22.  Luke  iv.  18,  21.     ?/ Heb.  v.  5^ 
 
 6,  7.  and  iv.  r4,  15.   .  w  Pfahn  ii.  6.  Matt.  xxi.  5.  Ifa.  ix.  6, 
 
 7.  Phil.  ii.  8,— II. 
 
 0^43.  How  doth  Chrijl  execute  the  office  of  a  Prophet  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  Prophet,  in  his  reveal- 
 ing to  the  church  x,  in  all  ages,  by  his  Spirit  and  word  y^  in 
 divers  ways  of  adminiftration  z,  the  whole  will  of  God  c,  ia 
 all  things  concerning  their  edification  and  falvationi'. 
 
 K  Johni.  i8.  ^  I  Pet.  i.  10,— 12.  z  Heb.  i.  1,2.  a  John 
 XV.  15.     b  Afts  XX.  32.  Eph.  iv.  11, — 13.  John  xx.  31. 
 
 0^44.  How  doth  Chrijl  execute  the  ojjice  of  a  Prieft  P 
 A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  IVieft,  in  his  once  of- 
 fering himfelf  a  facrifice  without  fpot  to  God  r,  to  be  a  re- 
 conciliation for  the  fins  of  his  people  J,  and  in  making  conti- 
 nual interceffion  for  them  e. 
 
 r  Heb.  ix.  14,  28.     JHeb.  ii.  17.     <?  Heb.  vii.  25. 
 
 Q.  45.  Hoiv  doth  Chrift  execute  the  office  of  a  Ki  fig  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  King,  in  calling  out  of 
 the  world  a  people  to  himfelfy,  and  giving  them  officers_^_, 
 laws/?',  and  cenfures,  by  which  he  vifibly  governs  tl>em/  \  in 
 beftowing  faving  grace  upon  his  eleft  ^,  rewarding  their  obe- 
 dience /,  and  correcting  them  for  their  fins  w,  preiervii^g  and 
 
 fupport- 
 
 /  A£ls  XV.  14, — 16.  Ifa.  Iv.  4,  5.  Gtn.  xUx.  10.  Pfal.  ex.  3. 
 g  Eph.  iv.  II,  12.   I  Cor.  xii.  28.     h  Ifa.  xxxiii.  22.     /  Matt, 
 xviii.  J7,  18.   I  Cor.  V.  4,  5.     Z' Ac^s  v,  31.     /Rev.  xxii-i-^ 
 andii.  10.     m  Rev.  iii.  19. 
 
578  The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 fupport'ing  them  under  all  t.h'^ir  temptations  and  fuflerings  n* 
 reftraining  and  overcomingall  their  enemies 0,  and  powerful" 
 ly.  ordering  all  things  for  his  own  glory/,  and  their  good  q  * 
 iind  alfo,  in  taking  vengeance  on  the  reft,  who  know  not 
 God,  and  obey  not  the  gofpel  r. 
 
 n  Ifa.  Ixiii.  9.  0  i  Cor.  xv.  25.  Pfal.  ex.  /  Rom.  xiv. 
 10,  II.     q  Roui.  viii.  28.     r  2  TheC  i.  8,  9.  Pial   ii.  8,  9, 
 
 Q.  46.   What  ivas  the  ejlate  of  Chrijl's  humiliation  P 
 
 A-  The  eftatc  of  Chrill's  humiliation  was,  that  low  condi- 
 tion, wherein  he,  for  our  fakes,  emptying  himfelf  of  his 
 glery,  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a  fervant,  in  his  concep- 
 tion and  birth,  life,  death,  and  after  hisdeath,  until  his  i  e- 
 furredlion  c.  * 
 
 .f  Phil.  ii.  6,  7,  8,  Luke  *i.  31.  2  Cor.  vlii.  9.  A£ls  ii,  24. 
 
 Q.  47.  Hoio  did  Chriji  humble  himfelf  in  his  conception  and 
 
 hirthr 
 
 A.  Chrift  humbled  himfelf  in  his  conceptioti  and  birth, 
 in  that,  being  from  all  eternity  the  Son  of  God,  in  thc'bo- 
 4bm  of  the  Father,  he  was  pleafed,  in  thefulnefs  of  time,  to 
 become  the  Son  of  Man,  made  of  aMoman  of  low  eflate,  and 
 to  be  born  of  her,  with  divers  circumftances  of  more  than 
 ordinary  abatement  i. 
 
 i  John  i.  14,  18.  Gal.  Iv.  4.  Luke  ii.  7. 
 
 CX.48.   Honu  did  Chri/l  humble  himfelf  in  his  life  ? 
 
 A.  Chrill  humbled  himfelf  in  his  life,  by  (ubjefting  himfelf 
 to  the  law  ?/,  which  he  perfeftly  fultilled  to  r  ?'nd  by  con- 
 jli^ling  with  the  indignities  of  the  world  x,  temptations  of 
 Satan  y,  and  infirmities  in  his  flelh,  whether  common  to  the 
 nature  of  man,  or  particularly  accompanying  that  his  low 
 condition  s. 
 
 u  Gal,  iv.  4.  w  Matt.  v.  17.  Rom.  v.  19.  h  Pfal.  xxii. 
 6.  Ileb.  xii.  2,  3.  y  Matt.  iv.  1, — 12.  Luke  iv.  13.  2  Hcb. 
 il.  17,  ;8.  and  iv.  15.  Ifa.  hi.  13,  14. 
 
 O    4Q    How  did  Ckrijl  humble  himfelf  in  his  denth  ? 
 
 A.  ChrUl  humbled  himfelf  in  his  death,  in  that  having 
 been  betrayed  by  Judas  «,  forfaken  by  hisdifciples  />,  fcornej 
 and  rejetSlcd  by  the  world  <r,  condemned  by  Pilate,  and  tor- 
 menied  by  his  perfecutors  /  ;  having  alio  conllicted  wichthe 
 terrors  of  death,  and  the  powers  of  darknefs,  felt  and  borne 
 the  weight  of  Cod's  wrath  ^,  he  laid  down  his  life  an  offer- 
 ing 
 
 n  Mat.  xxvii.  4.     h  Mat.  xxvi.  56.    c  Ifa.  liii,  2,  3.  //  Mat. 
 ^^''^;vii.   26,— 50.  John   xix.  34.     a   Lr.ks  x>ii.   24    Mntth. 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  279 
 
 f'ng  for  rin,/",  enduring  the  painful,  fliameful,  and  curfed  deatk 
 of  the  crofs  g. 
 /Ifa.  liii.  10.     g  Phil.xi.  8.  Heb.  xii.  2.  Gal.  iii.  13. 
 
 0^50    Wherein  conftjled  Chriji^s  hunnUatkn  after  his  death  ? 
 
 A  Chrifl's  humiliation  after  his  death,  confifted  in  his  be- 
 ing buried  h^  and  continuing  in  the  ftate  of  the  dead,  and 
 under  the  power  of  death  till  the  third  day  ;,  which  hath  beeu 
 otherwiie  exprefTed  in  thele  words.  He  defceuded  into  hell. 
 
 h  I  Cor,  XV.  4.  i  Pfal.  xvi.  lo.  with  A<Sls  ii.  24, — 27, 
 31.  Rom.  vi.  9.  Matt.  xii.  40. 
 
 Q.  5  I .   What  was  the  eftate  of  Chrift''s  exaltation  ? 
 
 A.  The  cflcite  of  Chrilt's  exaltation  comprehendeth  hSs 
 refurredlitfn  h^  afcenlion  /,  fitting  at  the  right  hand  of  the 
 Father '/«,  aiij^is  coming  again  to  judge  the  world  n. 
 
 k  I  Cor.  xi^if.  /  Mark  xvi.  19.  m  Kph-  i.  20.  n  AO3 
 i.  II.  and  xvih  31^ 
 
 0^52.  Hdnv  ^as  Chrift  exalted  in  his  refiirreBion  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  was  exalted  in  his  refurre^lion,  in  that,  not  hav- 
 ing feen  corruption  in  death,  of  which  it  was  not  poffible  for 
 him  to  be  held  (?,  and  having  the  very  fame  body  in  which  he 
 fiiffered,  with  the  elTential  properties  thereof />,  but  without 
 mortality,  and  other  common  infirmities  belonging  to  this 
 life,  really  united  to  his  loul  5',  he  rofe  again  from  the  dead 
 the  third  day,  by  his  own  power  r  \  whereby  he  declared  him- 
 felfto  be  the  Son  of  God  /,  to  have  fatisfied  divine  juftice/, 
 to  have  vanquifhed  death,  and  him  that  bad  the  power  cf 
 it  ?/,  and  to  be  Lord  of  quick  and  dead  iv  ;  all  which  he  did 
 as  a  public  perfon  x^  the  Head  of  his  church  ^,  for  their  juf- 
 tification  z,  quickening  in  grace  ^.fuppport  againft  enemies/',, 
 and  to  aflTure  them  of  their  reiurretliou  from  the  dead  at  th? 
 lafi;  day  c. 
 
 0  Ails  ii.  24,  27.    p  Luke  xxiv.  39.     q  Rom.  vl.  9.  Res, 
 i.  18.    r  John  x.  18.    s  Rom.  i.  4,    t  Rom.'viii.  34.     u  Heb- 
 ii.  14.     IV  Rom  xiv.  9.     x  i  Cor.  xv.  21,  22.     y  Eph.  i.  20^' 
 — 23.  Col.  i.  18,     z  Rom.  iv.  25.     a  Eph.  ii.  i,  5,  6.  G»4„ 
 ii.  »2.     b  I  Cor.  XV.  25, — 27.     c  I  Cor.  xv.  20. 
 
 0^53.  How  was  Chrift  exalted  in  his  afcefficn  ? 
 
 A.  Chrid  was  exalted  in  his  afcenfion,  in  that,  having  :;*• 
 ter  his  refurreflion  often  appeared  unto,  and  converfed  with 
 his  apoftles,  fpeaking  to  them  of  the  things  pertaining  to  the 
 kingdom  of  God  d^  and  giving  them  commifiion  to  preach 
 the  gofpel  to  all  nations  e^  forty  days  after  his  refurreuion, 
 
 d  Ads  i.  2,  3.     f  Matt,  xxvli:.  to,  20. 
 
a8b  ^he  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 he,  in  our  tihture,  and  as  our  Head/i  triumphing  over  ene- 
 mies ^,  vifibly  went  up  into  the  higheil  heavens,  there  to  re- 
 ceive gifts  for  men  hy  to  raife  up  our  affeclious  thither  z,  and 
 to  prepare  a  place  for  us  /&,  where  himfelf  is,  and  fhall  conti- 
 nue till  his  fecond  coming  at  the  end  of  the  world  /. 
 
 /Heb.  vi,  20.  g  Eph.  iv.  8.  h  K€i%  i.  9, — 1  f .  Eph.  iv.  10. 
 pral.  Ixviii.  18.     7  Col.  iii.  i,  2.    ^  John  xiv.  3.    /A£tsiii.2i. 
 
 Q^^4.  Hoiu  is  Chrift  exalted  in  his  fitting  at  the  right  hand 
 ef  God  F 
 
 A.  Chrlft  15  exalted  in  his  fitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  in 
 that,  as  God  Man,  he  is  advanced  to  higheft  favour  with  God 
 the  Father  w,  with  all  fulnefs  of  joy  »,  glory  0,  and  power 
 over  all  things  in  heaven  and  earth />,  and  doth  gather  and 
 defend  his  church,  and  fubdue  their  enemies,  furnifheth  his 
 roinifters  and  people  with  gifts  and  graces  5-,  and  makefh  in- 
 terceSion  for  them  r. 
 
 vt  Phil.  ii.  9.  h  A£ls  ii  28.  with  Pfal.  xvi.  it.  0  John 
 xvii.  5.  /)  Eph.  i.  12.  I  Pet.  iii.  22.  j  Eph.  iv.  10, — 12. 
 Pfalm  ex.     r.  Ron?,  viii,  34. 
 
 0^55.   Hoiv  doth  Chr'ift  make  intercefflon  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  maketh  interceflion,  by  his  appearing  in  our  na- 
 ture continually  before  the  Father  in  heaven  x,  in  the  merit 
 of  his  obedience  and'facrifice  on  earth  /,  declaring  his  will  to 
 have  it  applied  to  all  believers  «,  anfwering  allaccufations  a- 
 gainft  them  iw,  procuring  for  them  quiet  of  confcicnce,  not- 
 withftandingdaily  failings .v, access  withboldnefsto  the  throne 
 of  grace  ^,  and  acceptance  of  their  perfons  %  and  fervices  a, 
 
 s  Heb.  ix.  12,  24.  /  Heb.  i.  3.  u  John  iji.  16.  and  xvii. 
 9,  20,  24.  IV  Rom.  viii.  33,  34  .v  Rom.  v.  i,  2.  i  John 
 ii.  I,  2.    y  Heb.  iv.  16.     s  Eph.  i.  6.     a  \  Pet.  ii.  5. 
 
 0^56.  HoiX)  is  Chrift  to  he  exalted  in  his  coming  again  to 
 judge  the  world  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  is  to  be  exalted  in  his  coming  again  to  judge  the 
 world,  in  that  he,  who  was  unjuftly  judged  and  condenined 
 by  wicked  men  b^  fhall  come  again  at  the  laft  day  in  great 
 power  r,  and  in  the  full  manifedation  of  his  own  glory,  and 
 of  his  Father's,  with  all  his  holy  angels^,  with  a  fliout,  with 
 the  voice  of  the  archangel,  and  with  the  trumpet  of  God  <?, 
 to  judge  the  world  in  righteoufnefsy 
 
 k  A(^s  iii.  14,  15.  c  Matt.xxiv.  30.  rfLukeix.  25.  Mat. 
 xxv.  3!.     e  \  ThefT.  iv.  16.    f  AOis  xvii.  31. 
 
 0^57.   What  benefits  hath  Chr  ft  procured  by  his  mediation  P 
 A.  Chrift,  by  his  mediation,  hatt^  procured  redemption^, 
 with  all  other  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace  h. 
 ^Heb.  ix.  12.    ^  2  Cor.  i.  20.  0:58' 
 
V^he  Larger"  Catechism.  281 
 
 0^5:8.  How  do  lue  come  to  be  made  partakers  of  the  benefits 
 which  Chrijt  hath  procured  P 
 
 J.  We  are  made  partjikers  of  the  benefits  which  Chrift 
 hath  procured,  by  the  ^application  of  thera  unto  us  i  •,  whicU 
 is  the  work  efpecially  of  God  the  Holy  Gholl  k, 
 
 i  John  i.  1 1 ,  1 2.     k  Tit.  iii.  5,  6. 
 
 0^59-   T-^f^o  ^''^  made  partakers  cf  redemption  thro*  Chrijl  ? 
 
 A.  Redemption  is  certainly  applied  and  efFeftuaily  commu-" 
 nicated  to  all  thofe  for  whom  Chrift  hath  purchafed  it  /,  who 
 are  in  time  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  enabled  to  believe  in  Chrift, 
 according  to  the  gofpel  m. 
 
 I  Eph  i.  13,  14.  John  vi.  37,  39.  andx.  15,  16.  m  Eph. 
 ii.  8.  2  Cor.  iv.  13.    . 
 
 Q^6o.  Can  they  who  have  never  heard  the  gofpel,  and  fo 
 know  not  Jefiis  Chri/},  nor  believe  in  huriy  bejaved  by  their  liv^ 
 ing  according  to  the  light  of  nature  ? 
 
 A.  They  who,  having  never  heard  the  gofpel  «,  know  not 
 Jefus  Chrirt  0,  and  believe  not  in  him,  cannot  be  faved/),  be 
 they  never  fo  diligent  to  frame  their  lives  according  to  the 
 light  of  nature  q^  or  the  law  of  that  religion  which  they  pro- 
 fefs  r  \  neither  is  there  falvation  in  any  other,  but  in  Chrift 
 alone  J,  who  is  the  Saviour  only  of  his  body  the  church  t, 
 
 n  Rom.  X.  14.  0  2  ThelT.  i.  8,  9.  Eph.ii.  12.  John  i.  10, 
 —  12.  />  John  viii.  24.  Mark  xvi.  16.  q  i  Cor.  i.  20, —  24. 
 f  John  iv.  22.  Rom.  ix.  31,  32.  Phil.  iii.  4, — 9.  s  A(5ts  iv. 
 12.     /Eph.  V.  23. 
 
 0^6 1.  Are  all  they  faved  who  hear  the  gofpel,  and  live  in  the 
 church  P 
 
 A,  All  that  liear  the  gofpel,  and  live  in  the  vifible  church, 
 are  not  faved  \  but  they  only  who  are  true  members  of  the 
 church  invifible  u. 
 
 u  John  xii.  38, — 40.  Rom.  ix.  6.  Matt.  xxii.  14.  and  vii. 
 21.  Rom.  xi.  7. 
 
 0^62.   What  is  the  vifihle  church  ? 
 
 A  The  vifible  church  is  a  focicty  made  up  of  all  fuch  as, 
 in  all  ages  and  places  of  the  world,  do  profefs  t^e  true  reli- 
 gion w,  and  of  their  childrgi  x.  . 
 
 w  I  Cor.  i.  2.  and  xii.  13.  Rom.  xv.  9, — 12.  Rev.  vii.  9. 
 Pfal.  ii.  8.  and  xxii.  27, — 31.  and  xlv.  17.  Mat.  xxviii.  19,  20. 
 Ifa.  lix.  21.  X  1  Cor.  vii.  14.  Aits  ii.  39.  Rom.  xi.  \6.  Gen. 
 xvii.  7.. 
 
 0^63    What  are  the  fpecial privileges  of  the  vifible  church  .*' 
 A,  The  vifible  church  hath  the  ptivilege  of  being  under 
 
 Mm  God's 
 
282  7/^^  LAftG^ER  Catechism. 
 
 God's  rpeclal  care  and  government  y,  of  being  protefteJ  and 
 preserved  in  all  ages,  notwithltanding  the  oppofition  of  ail 
 eni^'nies  z,  and  of  enjoying  the  communion  of  faints,  t lie  or 7 
 din^y  means  of  falvation  a,  offers  of  grace  by  Chrift  to  all 
 the  members  of  it,  in  the  miniflry  of  the  gofpel,  teftifyin'g,- 
 that  whofoever  beHeves  in  him  (hall  be  fcwed  by  and  exclud- 
 ing none  that  will  come  unto  him  c.  -^. 
 
 y  Ifa.  iv.  5,  6.  I  Tim.  iv.  io,.v  ,s  Pfal.  cxv,  I^.  xxxi.  4,  5. 
 Zech  xii.  2,  3,  4,  8,  9.  a  A-^fi  ii.  39,^4a.'  <J  Pfal.cxlvii.  19, 
 20.  Rom.  ix.  4.  Eph.  iv.  ii,n[2.  Maritxvi.  15,  16.  c  John 
 vi.  37 
 
 *Q.  64.   What  is  the  inv'ifible  church  ? 
 
 A.  The  invifible  church  is  the  whole  number  of  the  ele£l, 
 that  have  been,  are,  or  Ihall  be  gathered  into  one,  under 
 Chrift  the  head  d. 
 
 r/Eph.  i.  20,^23.  John  x.  16.  and  xi.  52. 
 
 Q.65.  What  fpecial  benejits  do  the  members  cf  the  tnvtftble 
 church  enjoy  by  Chrift  ? 
 
 A.  The  members  of  the  invifible  church,  by  Chrift,  enjoy 
 union  and  communion  with  him  in  gi-ace  and  glory  ^. 
 
 f  John  xvii.  21.  Eph.  ii.  5,  6.  John  xvii.  24. 
 
 0^6.  What  is  that  uniok  which  the  ekSi  have  ivith  Chrijl  F 
 
 ^.  The  union  which  the  eleft  have  with  Chrift,  is  the  work 
 
 of  God's  grace/,  whereby  they  are  fpivitually  and  myftically, 
 
 yet  really  and  infeparably,  joined  to  Chrift,  as  their  head  and 
 
 huftiand  g  ;  which  is  done  in  their  eftedual  calling  h. 
 
 /Eph.  i.  22.  and'it;i;6,  7,  8.  g  i  Cor.  vi.  17.  John  x.  28. 
 Eph.  V.  23,  30.     h  L.I*et.  V.  10.   I  Cor.  i.  9.     , 
 
 Q.  67.    What  is  efeElual  calling  ? 
 
 A,  Eifeclual  calling  is  the  work  of  God's  aimighty  power 
 and  grace?,  whereby,  out  of  his  free  and  efpecial  love  to  his 
 cleft,  and  from  nothirvg  in  them  moving  him  thereunto  i&,  he 
 cloth,  in  his  accepted  time,  invite  and  draw  them  to  Jeius 
 Chrift,  by  his  word  and  Spirit  /,  favingly  enlightening  their 
 minds?;?,  renewing  and  powerfuUy  determining  their  wills//, 
 fo  as  they,  ■.•'tho^  in  themti^ives'clead  i«  fin,  are  heri^by  mads 
 willing  and  able  freely  to  anfwer  his  call,  and  to  accept  and 
 embrace  the  grace  offered  and  conveyed  therein  o, 
 
 /■  John  V.  25.  Eph.  i.  18, — 20.  2  Tirn.  x  8,  9.  ^  Tit.  iii. 
 4,5.  Eph.  ii.  4, — 9.  Rom.  ix.  ir.  /  2  Cor.  v.  20.  with  chap. 
 vi.  I,  2.  John  vi,  44.  2  Theff.  ii.  13,  14.  m  Acts  xxvi.  18. 
 1  Cor.il.  10,  12.  n  Ezek.  xi.  19.  and  xxxvi,  26,  27.  John 
 Vi.  45;.     0  Eph.  ii,  5.  Phil.  ii.  13.  Deut.  xxx.  6. 
 
 Q-  6' 3.  Are  the  eleSi  only  effeBualh  called  ? 
 
■^  ■    R.  Catechism,  2S1 
 
 ^.  All   the  .,  L^ey  only,  are  efF^aually  called^, 
 
 although  otliers  p'-y  be,  and  often  are,  outwardly  called  by 
 tiie  minifrjl  o'  '  'icl  /1,  and  have  fome  common  operati* 
 cms  of  the  Spi.  n  ?^'r  their  v;i!ful  negleft  and  contempt 
 
 of  the  grace  •■11  -yti  lo  thfm,  being  juiUy  left  in  their  unbe- 
 lief, do  never  t'  *     ^"^2  to  jefus  Chrift  s. 
 
 />  Acts  xiri.  4.i  f  M,att.  xxii.  14.  r  Matt.  vii.  22.  and 
 X:ii.  20,  21;  JHeb..  ^.  4,  S'  •>'  Jo^J"  ^'^'^'  3^> — 40-  Actsxxviii. 
 25,— 27/ JcHn  vj.  /^4,  6^.  Pfal  Ixxxi.  ii,  i^. 
 
 Q.  6.9.  W^r<:t  jf^hi:  opj'-  'imon  in  grace,  which  the  memhers 
 cf  the  invifibh chlfirch  have  ir^ih  Chriji  ? 
 
 A.  The  coqpraunion  in  grace,  which  the  members  of  the 
 iavifible  churcli  J^ve  with  Chrifi:,  is^  their  partaking  of  the 
 virtue  of  his  rtiediaticn,  in  their  jufiification/,  adoption//, 
 i'anflification,  ahd  whatever  eiie  \i\  this  life  manifeiis  their 
 union  with  him  w, 
 
 t  Rom.  viii.  30.     u  Eph.  i.  5.     nv  \  Cor.  i.  30. 
 
 Q._70.    What  is  jujHfcaticn  ? 
 
 A.  Juftiiication  is  an  a£l  of  God's  free  grace  unto  finners,^ 
 |n  which  he  pardoneth  all  their  fins,  accepteth  and  account- 
 eth  their  per.ions  righteous  in  his  light  y,  not  for  any  thing 
 wrought  in  them,  or  done  by  them  z,  but  only  for  tire  per- 
 feft  obedience,  and  fullfatisfadlion  of  Chrift,  by  God  imput- 
 ed to  them  a,  and  received  by  faith  alone  h, 
 
 X  Rom.  iii.  22,  24,  25.  and  iv,  5.  v  2  Cor.  v.  rp,  21.  Rom. 
 lii.  24,  25,  2*7,  28.  2  Tit.  iii.  5,  7.  Epb.  i.  17.  <7  Rom.  v.  17,, 
 —  19.  and  iv.  0,  7,  '8.     b  A£ts  x.  43.  Gal.  ii.  16.  Fhd.  iii.  g. 
 
 0^7  I.  Hoxu  is  Jnjiijication  an  a6i  of  God*  s  free  grace?. 
 
 A.  Although  Chrift,  by  his  obedience  vmdxle.tth,  did  make 
 a  proper,  real,  and  full  fatisfaftion  to  God's  juftice,  in  the 
 behalf  of  them  that  are  juftified  c  \  yet,  in  as  much  as  God 
 accepteth  thefatisfadlion  from  a  Surety,  which  he  might  have 
 demanded  of  them,  did  provide  this  Sul*ety,  his  own  only 
 Son  ^,  imputing  his  right couihefs  to  them  <?,  and  req'i"i-irig 
 rothing  of  them  for  their  juft-ihcation  but  faith  y,  whica  alio 
 is  his  gift  g-,  their  juftiiication  is  to  them  of  free  grace  h. 
 
 c  Roin^y.  8,  9,  10,  19.  d  i  Tim.  ii.  5,  6.  Hcb.  x.  ro. 
 Matt.  xx^28.  Dan.ix.  24  26.  Ifa  liii.  4, — 6,  lo^o—ia.  Ilcb. 
 vii.  22.  Rom.  viii.  32.  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19.  e  2  Cor.  v.  2.. — 
 /Rom.  iii.  24,  25.     g  Eph.  ii    8.     h  Eph.  i.  7. 
 
 0^71.   What  is  jujiifying  faith  ? 
 
 A.  Juftifying  faith  is  a  laving  grace  i,  wrought  in  the  b«jart 
 M  m  a  of 
 
 i  H  eb.  X.  39. 
 
£84  The  Lar^ger  Catechism. 
 
 of  a  unner  by  the  Spirit  l  and  word  of  God  /,  whereby  he, 
 being  convinced  of  his  fin  and  rnifery,  and  of  the  difabiiity  in 
 himfelf,  and  all  other  creetures,  to  recover  him  out  of  his 
 loft  condition  ;«,  not  only  aflenteth  to  the  truth  of  the  pro- 
 mife  of  the  gof'pel  //,  but  receiveth  and  refteth  upon  Chrift 
 and  his  righteoufnefs  therein  held  forth  for  pardon  of  fin  o, 
 and  for  the  accepting  and  accounting  of  his  perfon  righteous 
 in  the  fight  of  God  for  (alvation/*. 
 
 k  2  Cor.  iv.'  13.  Eph.  i.  17, — 19.  /  Rom.  x.  14,  17  — 
 m  Adls  ii.  37.  and  xvi.  30.  John  xvi.  8,  9  Rom.  v.  6.  Eph| 
 ii.  I.  Ad^ts  iv.  12.  «  Eph.  i.  13.  0  Johni.  12.  A6ts  xvi.  31. 
 and  X.  43.    /»  Phil.  iii.  9.  Aftsxv.  11. 
 
 Q^  73    How  doth  faith  juftif^  afinner  in  theftght  of  God  ? 
 
 A.  Faith  juftifies  a  finner  in  the  fight  of  God,  not  becaufe 
 of  thofe  other  graces  which  do  always  accompany  it,  or  of 
 good  works,  that  are  the  fruits  of  it  y,  .nor  as  if  the  grace  of 
 faith,  or  any  a£t  thereof,  were  imputed  to  him  for  his  jufti- 
 fication  r  \  but  only  as  it  is  an  inftrument,  by  which  he  re- 
 ceiveth and  applieth  Chrift  and  his  righteoufnefs  j. 
 
 q  Gal.  iii.  11.  Rom.  iii.  28.  r  Rom.  iv.  5.  with  chap.  x. 
 10.     J- John  i.  12.   Phil.  iii.  9.  Gal.  ii.  16. 
 
 ,0^74.   What  is  adoption  P 
 
 A.  Adoption  is  an  a£l  of  the  free  grace  of  God  /,  in  and  for 
 his  only  Son  Jefus  Chrift  «,  whereby  all  thofe  that  are  jufti- 
 fied,  are  received  into  the  number  of  his  children  w,  iiave 
 his  name  put  up*on  them  ;v,  the  Spirit  of  his  Son  given  to 
 them  J,  are  under  his  fatherly  care  and  difpenfations  2,  ad- 
 mit! ed  to  all  the  liberties  and  privileges  of  ^the  fons  of  God, 
 made  heirs  of  all  the  promifes,  and  fellow-keirs  with  Chriit 
 in  giory  a. 
 
 t  I  John  iii.  1.  /^Eph.  i.  5.  Gal.  iv.  4,  5.  iv  John  i.  12. 
 X  2  Cor.  vi.  I  8.  Rev.  iii.  1  2.  y  Gal.  iv.  6.  2  P(al.  ciii.  i  3. 
 Prov.  xiv.  2<5.  Matt.  vi.  32.     a  Heb.  vi.  12.  Rom.  viii.  17. 
 
 0^75.   What  is  SanBifcation? 
 
 A.  Ssndtification  is  a  work  of  Gotl's  grace,  whereby  they, 
 whom  God  hath,  before  the  foundation  of  the  world,  chofen 
 to  be  holy,  are,  in  time,  through  the  powerful  ofkration  of 
 his  Spirit  ^,  applying  the  deatli  and  relurreftion  of  Chrift  un- 
 to them  <:,  renewed  in  their  whole  man  after  the  image  of 
 God  d^  having  the  feeds  pf  repentance  unto  life,  and  of  all 
 other  laving  graces,  put  iqto  their  hearts  e^  and  thofe  graces 
 
 {q 
 
 I  Eph.  i.  4.  I  Cor.  vi.  1 1.  2  ThelT.  ii.  13.  c  Rom.  vi,  4, 
 ^^^6.     J  Eph.  iv.  23,  24.     f  Ails  xi.  18.   1  John  iii.  p. 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  285 
 
 fo  ftirred  up,  increafed,  and  ftrengthened/,  as  that  they  more 
 and  more  die  unto  fin,  and  rife  unto  newnels  of  life  g. 
 
 /Jude  5,  20.   Heb.vi.    11,12.  Eph.  iii.  16, — xp.  Col.  i. 
 10,  II.    g  Rom  vi.  4,  6,  14.  Gal.  v.  24. 
 
 0^76.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 
 
 A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  faving  grace  h^  wrought  in 
 the  heart  of  a  finner,  by  the  Spirit  i  and  v/ord  of  God  i, 
 whereby,  out  of  the  fight  and  lenfe,  not  only  of  the  danger  /, 
 but  alfo  of  the  filthineis  and  odioufnefs  of  his  fins  w,  and  up- 
 on the  apprehenfion  of  God's  mercy  in  Chrift  to  fuch  as  ^re 
 penitent  «,  he  fo  grieves  for  0,  and  hates  his  fins  />,  as  that 
 he  turns  from  them  all  to  God  y,  purpofing  ^nd  endeavour- 
 ing conftantly  to  walk  with  him  in  all  the  ways  of  new  obe- 
 dience r. 
 
 h  2  Tim.  ii.  25.  i  Zech.  xii.  10.  I  A£l:s  xi.  18,  20,  21. 
 /  Ezek*  xviii  28,  30,  32  Luke  xv.  17,  18.  Hof.  ii.  6,  7. — 
 w  Ezek.  xxxvi  31.  Ifa.  xxx.  22.  n  Joel  ii.  \2,  13.  0  Jer, 
 xxxi.  18,  ig. .  p  2  Cor.  vii.  ii.  q  Ails  xxvi.  18.  Ezek.xiv. 
 6.  I  Kings  viii.  47,  48.  r  Pfalm  cxix.  6,  59,  i  28.  Luke  i.  6. 
 2  Kings  XX iii   25. 
 
 0^77.  Whirein  doth  juftif. cation  and fanBtfication  differ  7 
 
 A.  Although  liinctification  be  infeparably  joined  with  jufti* 
 fication  J-,  yet  they  difi^er,  in  that,  God,  in  juflification,  iin- 
 puteth  the  righteoufnefs  of  Chrift  t ;  in  fanftification,  his 
 Spirit  infufeth  grace,  and  enableth  to  the  exercife  thereof  «  ; 
 in  the  former,  fin  is  pardoned  iv  ;  in  the  other,  it  is  fubdu- 
 ed  tn  :  the  one  doth  equally  free  all  believers  from  the  reveng- 
 ing wrath  of  God,  and  that  perfeftly  in  this  life,  that  they 
 never  fall  into  condemnation  y  \  the  other  is  neither  equal  ia 
 all  3,  nor  in  this  life  perfe£l  in  any  ^,  but  growing  up  to  per- 
 fe<^ion  h.  ' 
 
 s  I  Cor.  vl.  II.  and  i.  30.  t  Rom.  iv.  6,  8.  u  Ezek. 
 xxxvi.  27.  w  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  «  Rom.  vi.  6,  14.  j^Rona. 
 ^'^i-  33)  34*  2:  I  John  iii.  12, — 14  Keb.  v.  12, — 14.  a  t 
 John  i.  8,  10.     b  2  Cor.  vii.  i.  Phil.  iii.  12, — 14. 
 
 0^78.  Whence  arijeth  the  imperfeElion  of  Sanciijlcation  in 
 believers  ? 
 
 A.  The  imperfec\ion  of  fan£lification  in  believers,  arifeth' 
 from  the  remnants  of  fin  abiding  in  every  part  of  them,  and 
 the  perpetual  luftings  of  the  flefh  againft  the  Spirit,  whereby 
 they  are  often  foiled  with  temptations,  and  fall  into  manr 
 fins  Cf  are  hindred  in  all  their  fpiricual  fervices  d^  aaJ  their 
 
 bcft- 
 
 c  Rom.  vH.  18,  23.  Mark  xlv.  65, — 72.  Gaf.  ii.  11,  12. — ; 
 d  Heb.  xii.  r. 
 
2S{\  The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 fceii  works  are  imperfea;  and  defiled  in  the  fight  of  God  e. 
 *  Ifa.  ixiv.  6.  Exod.  xxviii.  38. 
 
 Q;^  79.  May  not  true  believers^  hy  renfon  of  their  ImperfeBi- 
 fi.3X,  and  the  many  temptations  and  fins  they  are  evei'taken  with,. 
 Jail  azvay  from  the  fl ate  of  grace  ? 
 
 A,  True  believers,  by  reafon  of  ths  unchangeable  love  of 
 Gody,  and  his  decree  and  covenant,  to  give  them  perfeve- 
 rance^,  their  in feparable  union  with  Chrid/S,  his  continual 
 interceCion  for  them  /',  and  the  Spirit  and  feed  of  God  ?.bid- 
 i^igin  them  i,  can  neither  totally  nor  finally  fall  away  from 
 ajlae  ftate  of  grace/,  but  are  kept  by  the  power  of  God  through 
 faith  unfco  fal^vatlon  r,i. 
 
 f  Jer.  Xxxi.  3.  g  2  Tim.  ii.  19.  Heb.xlii.  20,  21.  2  Sam. 
 3Exiii.  ^  -  h  T  Cor.  i.  8,  9.  i  Heb.  vii.  15.  Luke  xxii.  32* 
 k  i  John  iii.  9.  and  ii.  27.  /  Jer.  xxxii.  40.  John  x.  28, 
 sfit  1  Pet.  i.  5. 
 
 f  ■'    Q^^So,  Can  true  believers  be  infallibly  ajfured  that  they  are  in  . 
 ik^ flaie  of  gracey  and  that  they  f Jail  perfevere  therein  unto  jaU 
 mation  ?  ■[  .; 
 
 A,  Suck  as  truly  believe^in  Chrift,  and  endeavour  to  walk 
 !h  all  good  confcience  before  him  /?,  may,  without  extraordi. 
 i:ary  revelation,  by  faith  grounded  upon  the  truth  of  God's 
 promifes,  and  by  the  Spirit  enabling  them  to  difcern  in  them- 
 i^2lves  thofe  graces  to  which  the  promifes  of  life  are  made  0, 
 ar».d  bearing  witnefs  with  tbelr  fpirits,  that  they  are  the  chil- 
 dren of  God/?,  be  infallibly  aiTured  that  they  are  in  the  ftate 
 Qi  grace,  and  fhall  perfevere  therein  unto  falvation  q, 
 
 n  I  John  ii.  3.  0  i  Cor.  ii,  12.  i  John  iii»  14,  19,  2i„24, 
 &  iv.  13,  16.  Heb.  vi.  11,  12.  />  Rom.  viii   16.  q  i  JohtTv;  13, 
 
 Q.  8 1 .  Are  all  true  believers  at  all  times  ajfured  of  their  pre' 
 fsnt  beinz  in  the  fate  of  grace',  and  that  they  f Jail  bcfaved? 
 .  A.  AfTurance  of  grace  and  lalvation  not  being  of  theeflcnc3 
 Oi  faith  r,  true  believers  may  wait  long  before  they  obtain- 
 ii  i-  %  sad,  after  the  enjoyment  thereof,  may  h;ive  ic  wttakeo- . 
 <c  aud  intermitted  through  manifold  diflcmpcrs,  fins,  temp- 
 '•nioos,  and  defertions  t  \  yet  are  they  never  left  withouc  fuch 
 i  prefencc  and  lupport  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  keeps  thcii^ 
 rrom  (Inking  into  utter  defpair  u, 
 
 r  £pli.  t„  13.  J  Ifa»,J.  10.  Pfal.  Ixxxviii.  /  Pfal.  Ixxvii.  i, 
 — 12.  Cant  V.  2,  3,  6.  Plalm  Ii.  8,  12.  and  xx.xi.  21.  and 
 '^ii.  r-  «  I  John  iii.  9.  Job  xiii.  15.  Pialm  Ixxiii.  15,  23.' 
 J;a   !iv.  7,-^ic. 
 
 Q  "5 2-  JVhat  is  thr.  communion  in  gjory^  which  the  jnemhers 
 r'  lUdi  church  have  with.  Ghri/i  P 
 
 '.:..'■'  >f.  The 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  2Bj 
 
 j^.  The  communion  in  glory,  which  the  members  of  tli^ 
 invifible  church  have  with  Chrift,  is,  in  this  life  w,  immedi- 
 ately after  death  x,  and  at  laft  perfefted  at  the  refurredlion  ?irt& 
 day  of  judgment)'. 
 
 •u)  I  Cor.  iii.  i8.     /vLukexxiii.  43.    p  \  ThelT.  iv,  17. 
 
 Q;_83.  What  is  the  commu7iion  in  gkry  with  Chrift ^  which 
 the  meiribers  of  the  ifivifible  church  etijoy  in  this  life  ? 
 
 A.  The  members  of  the  invifible  church  have  commijiji'. 
 cated  to  them,  in  this  hfe,  the  firft  fruits  of  glory  withChrif>-, 
 as  they  are  members  of  him  their  head,  and  fo  in  him  are  in- 
 tererted  in  that  glory  which  he  is  fully  poiTelTed  of  z  •,  and  as 
 an  earneft  thereof,  enjoy  the  fenfe  of  God's  love  cr,  peace  ot 
 confcience,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  hope  of  glory  b  j  as., 
 on  the  contrary,  the  fenfe  of  God's  revenging  wrai:li,  horrcfir 
 of  confcience,  and  a  fearful  expe^lation  of  judgment,  are  ts» 
 the  vficked  the  beginning  of  their  torments,  which  they  fkiiSS. 
 endure  after  death  c. 
 
 z  Eph.ii.  5,  6.  a  Rom.  v.  5.  with  2  Cor.  1.  ii.  h  Rons, 
 V.  I,  2.  and  xiv.  17.  ^  Gen.  iv.  13.  Matt,  xlvii.  4.  ii&b. 
 X.  27.  Rom.  ii,  9.  Mark  ix.  44. 
 
 0^84.   Shall  all  men  die  ? 
 
 A.  Death  being  threatened  as  the  wages  of  fin  d^  it  is  z^ 
 pointed  unto  all  men  once  to  dief,  for  that  all  have  finned JW 
 
 </Rom.  vi.  23.     ^  Heb.  ix.  27.     /Rom.  v.  12. 
 
 0^85;.  Death  being  the  iv  ages  of  Jin  ^  ivhy  are  not  the  rig^ 
 teous  delivered  from  deaths  feeing  all  their  fins  are  forgiven  m 
 Chrift  ? 
 
 A.  The  righteous  fhall  be  delivered  from  death  itf  elf  at  tha. 
 laft  day,  and  even  in  death  are  delivered  from  the  fling  an^ 
 curfe  of  it  g  ;  fo  that  although  they  die,  yet  it  is  out  o£ 
 God's  love  h\  to  free  them  perfedly  from  fin  and  mifery  i,  ami 
 to  make  them  capable  of  further  communion  with  Chrift  ia 
 glory,  which  they  then  enter  upon  k. 
 
 g  iCor.  XV.  26,  55,-57.  Heb.  ii.  15.  h  Ifa.  Irli.  i,  2. 
 2  Kings  xxii.  2o»  /Rev.  xiv.  13.  Eph.  v.  27.  k  Luke  xxiiiu 
 43.  Phil.i.  23. 
 
 0^85.  What  is  the  communion  in  glory  nxitth  Chrift^  'whlsS 
 the  members  oj-  the  inviftble  church  enjoy  immediately  after  deaih  ?' 
 
 As  The  communion  in  glory  with  Chrift,  which  the  mcfr- 
 bersof  the  invifible  church  enjoy  immediately  after  dearh,  i;.. 
 ip  that  their  fouls  are  then  made  perfecl:  in  holinefs  /,  an  5. 
 received  into  the  highefl  heavens  w,  where  they  behold  this 
 
 /  Heb.  xli.  23.     ml  Cor.  v.  I,  ^,  8.  Phih  1.  23.  with  A;\^ 
 
 iii.  2 1,  aiid  Eph.  iv.  10. 
 
288  The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 face  of  God  in  light  and  glory  «,  waiting  for  the  full  redemp- 
 tion of  their  bodies  o,  which  even  in  death  continue  united 
 to  Chrift  ^,  and  reft  in  their  graves  as  in  their  beds  q,  till  at 
 the  laft  day  they  be  again  united  to  their  fouls  r  :  whereas 
 the  fouls  of  the  wicked  are  at  death  caft  into  hell,  where  they 
 remain  in  torments  and  utter  darknefs,  and  their  bodies  kept 
 in  their  graves,  as  in  their  prifons,  till  the  refurreflion  and 
 judgment  of  the^reai  day  j-. 
 
 n  I  John  iii.  2.  i  Cor.  xiii.  12.  0  Rom.  viii.  23.  Pfalm 
 svi.  9.  p  L  Theff".  iv.  14.  q  Ifa.  Ivii.  2.  r  Job  xix.  26,27. 
 xLuke  xvi.  23,  24.  Afts  i.  25.  Jude  6,  7. 
 
 Q.  87.  What  are  tue  to  believe  concenwig  the  vefurreBion  ? 
 
 A.  We  are  to  believe,  that  at  the  laft  day  there  iliall  be  a 
 general  refurredlion  of  the  dead,  both  of  the  juft  and  unjuft  ;f 
 when  they  that  are  then  found  alive  fhall  in  a  moment  be 
 changed,  and  the  felf-fame  bodies  of  the  dead,  which  were 
 laid  in  the  grave,  being  then  again  united  to  their  fouls  for 
 ever,  fliall  be  raifed  up  by  the  power  of  Chrift  u  ;  the  bodies 
 of  the  juft,  by  the  Spirit  of  Chrift,  arid  by  virtue  of  his  re- 
 furredlioji,  as  their  Head,  fhall  be  raifed  in  power,  fpiritual, 
 incorruptible,  and  made  like  to  his  glorious  body  w  ;  and 
 the  bodies  of  the  wicked  fhall  be  raifed  up  in  difhonour,  by 
 him,  as  an  offended  Judge  a-. 
 
 t  Afts  xxiv.  15.  u  I  Cor.  xv.  51, — 53.  i  ThefT.  iv.  15, — 
 17.  John  V.  28,  29.  w  1  Cor.  xv.  21,  23,  42, — 44.  Phil.  iii. 
 ai.     X  John  V.  27, — 29.  Matt.  xxv.  33. 
 
 0^88.   What  Jh all  immediately  follonv  after  the  vefurreBion  ? 
 
 A.  Immediately  after  the  refurre(5tion,  fhall  follow  the  ge- 
 neral and  final  judgment  of  angels  and  men  ji, 'the  day  and 
 hour  whereof  no  man  knoweth,  that  all  may  watch  and  pray, 
 and  be  ever  ready  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord  2. 
 
 y  2  Pet.  ii.  4.  Jude  6,  7,  14,  15.  Matt.  xxv.  46.  2  Matt, 
 xxiv.  36,  42,  44.  Luke  xxi.  35,  36. 
 
 (3.89.  Whatffjall  be  done  to  the  wicked  at  the  day  of  Judgment? 
 
 A.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  wicked  fhall  be  fet  on 
 Chrift's  left  hand  a,  and,  upon  clear  evidence,  and  full  con- 
 vi<5^ion  of  their  own  confciences  b,  fliall  have  the  fearful,  but 
 juft,  fentence  of  condemnation  pronounced  againft  them  c  ; 
 and  thereupon  fliall  be  caft  out  from  the  favourable  prefence 
 of  God,  and  the  glorious  fellowftiip  with  Chrift,  his  faints, 
 and  all  his  holy  angels,  into  hell,  to  be  punifhed  with  unfpeak- 
 
 able 
 
 a  Matt,  xxv,  33.    h  Rom.  ii.  15,  16,    c  Matt.  xxv.  41, 
 —43- 
 
.  The  Larger  Catechism.  289 
 
 able  torments,  both  of  body  and  foul,  with  the  devil  and  h!s 
 anjjels  for  ever  d. 
 
 d  Luke  xvi  26.  2  Theff.  i.  8,  9. 
 
 Q^QD.  Whatjballbe  done  to  the  righteous  at  the  day  ofjudg- 
 tnent  ? 
 
 A.  At  the  day  of  judgment,  the  righteous,  being  caught 
 up  to  Chrilt  in  the  clouds^  t,  ihall  be  let  on  his  right  hand, 
 and  there  openly  acknowledged  and  acquitted/";  ihall  joia 
 with  him  in  the  judging  of  reprobate  angels  and  men  g  ;  and 
 iliall  be  received  into  heaven /j,  where  they  ft)all  be  fully  and 
 for  ever  freed  from  all  lin  and  mifery  i,  filled  vvith  inconceiv- 
 able joys /^,  made  perfectly  holy  and  happy,  both  in  body  and 
 foul,  in  the  company  of  innumerable' faints  and  holy  angels/, 
 but  efpecially  in  the  immediate  vilion  and  fruition  of  God  the 
 Father,  of  our  Lord  Jeius  Chrift,  and  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to 
 .all  eternity  m  :  and  this  is  the  perfect  and  lull  comamnioa 
 which  the  members  of  the  invilible  church  fliall  enjoy  with 
 Chrift  in  glory,  at  the  refurreilion  and  day  of  judgment. 
 
 e  I  Thefl'.  iv.  17.  /Matt.  xxv.  33.  and  x.  32  g.  1  Cor. 
 vi.  2,  3.  -  h  Matt.  xxv.  34,  56.  i  Eph.  v.  27.  Rev.  xiv.  13, 
 kVh\  xvi.  II.  /  Heb  xii.  22,  23.  in  i  John  iii.  2.  i  Cor, 
 xiii.  1-2.   I  Their,  iv.  17,  18. 
 
 Having  fi-en  ivhat  the  Scriptures  principally  teach 
 us  to  believe  concerning  God,  it  follows  to  fonfi- 
 der  what  they  require  as  the  Duty  ry/"  M  A  N. 
 
 0^91.    IJf/HAT  is  the  duty  that  Gcd  requ'ireih  of  Alan  ? 
 
 * '■     A-  The  duty  which  God  requireth  of  man,  is, 
 obedience  to  his  revealed  will  «. 
 
 n  Rom   xii.  1,  2.  Mlc.  vi.  8.   i  Sam.  sv.  22. 
 
 0^92  ,  What  did  God  at  Jirji  reveal  unto  7nan,  as  the  rule  of 
 his  obedience  ? 
 
 A.  The  rule  oF  obedience  revealed  to  Ada'-n-in  the  cRate 
 of  innocency,  and  to  all  mankind  in  him,  be'i.ffeR,  a  fpccial 
 command,  not  to  eat  of  the  fruit  of  the  treet)!  the  knowledge 
 of  good  and  evil,  was  the  moral  law  0.^ 
 
 0  Gii\.  \  26,  27.  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  and  x.-:*5.  Gen.  ii.  17. 
 
 0^93.  IVhai  is  the  Moral  Laiu  ? 
 
 y^..'Ihe  Moral  Law,  is,  the  declaration  of  ihe  will  of  God 
 to  mankiad,  Jire<;^irg  and  binding «very  oue  to  perfondl,  per- 
 
 N  a  fea, 
 
19^  ^Tif  Larger -Catechism. 
 
 hSi,  and  perpetual  conformity  and  obedience  thereunto,  in 
 t!ie  fraine  and  difpodtion  of  the  whole  man,  foul  and  body/>  j 
 and  in  performance  of  all  thofe  duties  of  holinefs  and  righte- 
 oufnefs  wiiich  he  oweth  to  God  and  man  q  ;  promiling  life 
 upon  the  fulfilling,  and  threatening  death  upon  the  breach 
 of  it  r. 
 
 p  Deut.  V.  T,  2,  3,  31, — 33.  Luke  x.'26j  27.  Gal.  iii.  10. 
 I  ThefT.  V.  23.  q  Luke  i.  75.  A£ls  xxiv.  16.  r  RnmT  x.  5. 
 Gal.  iii.  11,12. 
 
 0^94.  Is  there  any  life  of  the  Morel  LciKu  to  Man  Jtnce  the 
 Fall? 
 
 A.  Although  no  man,  fince  the  Fall,  can  attain  to  righte- 
 oufnffs  and  life  by  the  moral  law  s  ;  yet  there  is  great  ufe 
 thereof,  as  well  common  to  all  men,  as  gecuhar  either  to  the 
 unregenerate  or  to  the  regenerate  t. 
 
 s  Rom.viii.  ?.  Gal.  ii.  16.     t  i  Tim  i.  8. 
 
 Q^  g^.  Of  what  ufe  is  the  Moral  Law  to  nil  men  ? 
 
 A.  The  moral  law  is  of  ufe  to  Jll  men,  to  inform  them  of 
 the  holy  nature  and  will  of  God  «,  and  of  their  duty,  bind- 
 ding  them  to  walk  accordingly  iv  ;  to  convince  theui  of  their 
 diCability  to  keep  it,  and  of  the  finfal  pollution  of  their  nature, 
 hearts,  and  lives  x  ;  to  humble  them  in  the  {tn^^  of  their  Im 
 andmifery  jj,  and  thereby  help  them  to  a  clearer  fight  of  the 
 need  they  have  of  Chrift  z,  and  of  the  perfection  of  his  o- 
 bedience  a. 
 
 «  Lev.  xi.  44,  45.  and  XX.  7,8.  Rom.  vii.  12.  w  Micah 
 t1  8.  Jam.  ii.  10,  i  r.  x  Pfal.  xix.  11,  12.  Rom.  iii.  20.  and 
 vii.  7.  N  jv  Rom.  iii.  9,  23      z  Gft\  iii.  21,  22.     a  Rom.  x.  4. 
 
 0^96.  What  peculiar  ufe  is  there  of  the  Moral  Law  to  unre- 
 generate men  ? 
 
 A.  The  moral  law  is  of  ufe  to  unregenerate  merv,  to  awaken 
 their  confciences  to  flee  from   the  .wrath  to  come  h^  and  to  - 
 drive  them  to  Chrift  c  \  or,  upon  their  continuance  in  the  e^ 
 ftate  and  way  of  fin,  to  leave  them  inexculable  dy  and  under 
 the  cuiTe  thereof^. 
 
 b  f  Tim.  i.  9,  10.  c  Gal.  iii.  24.  d  Rom.  i,  20.  compared 
 with  chap.  ii.  15.     e  Gal.  iii.  10. 
 
 0^97.  What  fpecial  ufe  is  there  of  the  Moral  Law  to  the 
 regenerate  ? 
 
 A.  Altho'  they  that  are  regenerate,  and  believe  in  Chrif}-, 
 be  delivered  from  the  moral  law  as  a  covenant  of  works  /,  fo 
 as  thereby  they  are  neither  jufiificd  gy  nor  condemned  h  : — 
 
 yet, 
 
 /Rom.  vi.  14.  and  vii.  4,  6.  Gal  iv.  4,  5.     g  Rom.  iii.  20. 
 h  Gal.  v.  23.  Rom.  viii.  i. 
 
'The  Larqer  Catechism.  291 
 
 yet,  befide  the  general  ufes  thereof  common  to  them  with  rJl 
 men,  it  is  of  fpecial  life  to  (hew  them  how  much  they  .'.le 
 bound  to  Chriit  for  his  fulfilHng  it,  and  enduring  the  curie 
 thereof  in  their  ftead,  and  for  their  good  / ;  and  thereby  to 
 provoke  them  to  morethankfulnefs  i^,  and  to  exprefs  the  fame 
 in  their  greater  care  to  conform  themfelves  thereunto,  as  the 
 rule  of  their  obedience  /. 
 
 i  Rom.  vii.  24,  25.  Gah  iii.  13,  14.  Rom.  viii.  3,  4. — 
 ■k  Luke  i.  68,  69,  74,  75.  Coh  i.  i2, — 14.  /Rom.  vii.  22. 
 and  xii.  2.  Tit.  ii^  1 1, — 14.  ; 
 
 0^98.  Where  is  the  Moral  LavJ  fummar'ilj  comprehended  ? 
 
 'A.  Tlic  moral  jaw  is  fummarily  comprehended  in  the  ten 
 commandments^  wliich  were  delivered  by  the  voice  of  God 
 upon  Mount  Sinai,  and  written  by  him  in  two  tables  of 
 ftonewj  and  are  recorded  in  the  20th  chapter  of  Exodus  ; 
 the  four  firft  commandments  containing  our  duty  to  God, 
 and  the  other  fix  our  duty  to  man  n. 
 
 m  Deut,  X.  4.  Exod.  xxxiv.  i, — 4.     .•"  Matt.  xxii.  37, — 40. 
 
 0^99.  What  rules  are  to  be  ohjervsd  for  the  ris^ht  underjlan' 
 difig  of  the  Ten  Commandments  ? 
 
 A.  For  the  right  underftanding  of  the  Ten  Commandments, 
 thefe  rules  are  to  be  obferved  : 
 
 1.  That  the  law  is  perfeft,  and  bindeth  every  one  to  full 
 conformity  in  the  whole  man  unto  the  righteoufnefs  thereof, 
 and  unto  entire  obedience,  for  ever  ;  fo  a?  to  require  the  ut* 
 moft  perfe6lion  of  every  duty,  and  to  forbid  the  ieait  degree 
 of  every  fin  0. 
 
 0  Pfal.  xix.  7.  James  ii.  10.  Matt,  v.  21,  to  the  end. 
 
 2.  That  it  is  fpiritual,  and  fo  reacheth  the  underftanding, 
 will,  affections,  and  all  other  powers  of  the  foul,  as  well  as 
 words,  works,  and  gefl:ures  p, 
 
 p  Rom.  vii.  14.  Deut.  vi.  5.  compared  with  Matt.  xxii.  37, 
 — 39.  and  V.  21,  22,  27,  28,  36,  to  the  end. 
 
 3.  That  one  and  the  fame  thing,  in  divers  refpefts,  is  re- 
 quired or  forbfdden  in  leveral  commandments  q. 
 
 q  Col.  iii.  5.  Amos  vjii   3.  Prov.  i.  19.   1  Tim.  vi.  lo. 
 
 4.  That  as,  where  a  duty  is  commanded,  the  contrary  fin 
 is  forbidden  r, — and,  where  a  fin  is  forbidden,  the  contrary 
 duty  is  commanded  s  \  fo,  where  a  promife  is  annexed,  the 
 contrary  threatening  is  included  ^, — and  where  a  threatening 
 is  annexed,  the  contrary  promife  is  included  u. 
 
 r  Ifa.  Iviii.  13.  Deut.  vi.  13.  compared  with  Matt.  iv.  9,  io» 
 and  XV.  4,  5,  6.  j-  Matt.  v.  21, — 25.  Eph.  iv.  28.  /  KxodC 
 XX.  12.  with  Prov.  XXX.  17.  z/Jer.  xviii.  7,  8.-  Exod.  xx.  7. 
 compared  with  Pfal.  xv.  i,  4,  5.  and  xxiv.  4,  5. 
 
 N  n  %  5.  That^ 
 
292  The  Larger  Catechism." 
 
 ^.  That,  what  God  forbids,  is  at,po  time  to  be  done  w  -y 
 wha?^  lie  commands,  is  always  our  diity  *■ :  and  yet  every  par- 
 ticular duty  is  not  to  be  done  nt  all  times  y. 
 
 w  Job  xlii.  7,  8.  Rom.  iii.  8.  Job  xxxvi.  21.  Kcb.  xi.  25. 
 X  Deut.  iv.  8,  9.     r  Matt.xii,  7. 
 
 6.  Tiiat,  under  one  fin  or  duty,  all  of  the'  Panie  kind  arc 
 forbidden  or  commanded,  together  with  all  the  caufes, 
 means,  ocfcafions,  and  appearances  thereof,  and  provocations 
 thereunto  2. 
 
 2  Matt.  V.  21,  22,  27,  28.  and  xv.  4,  5,  6.  Heb  x.  24,  25. 
 1  Their.  V.  22.  Jude  22.  Gal  v.  26.  Col.  iii.  2i. 
 
 7.  That,  what  is  forbidden  or  commanded  to  ourfelves,  we 
 are  bound,  according  to  our  places,  to  endeavour  that  it  may 
 be  avoided  or  perfornied  by  others,  according  to  the  duty  of 
 their  places  a.  ■ 
 
 a  Exod.  XX.  10.  Lev.  x'x.  17.  Gen.  xvili.  ip,  Jolh.  xxiv. 
 15.  Deut.  vi.  6,  7. 
 
 8.  That,  in  what  is  commanded  to  others,  we  are  bound, 
 according  to  our  places  and  callings,  to  be  helpful  to  them  bl 
 and  to  take  heed  of  partaking  with  others  in  what  is  forbid- 
 den tli^cm  c. 
 
 b  2  Cor.  i.  24.     c  I  TIra.  v.  22,  Eph.  v.  1 1. 
 
 Q^ioo.  IVkat  fpecial  things  are  ive  to  conjider  in  the- Ten 
 QommandinenU  ? 
 
 A.  We  are  to  confider  in  the  Ten  Commandments,  the 
 Preface,  the  fubhance  of  the  commandments  tbemfelves, 
 and  feveral  realons  annexed  to  foaie  of  them,  the  more  to  in- 
 iorce  them.  -    .(,  , 
 
 Q.  loi.    What  is  the  Preface  to  the  Ten  Commandments  ? 
 
 A  The  Preface-fo'the  Ten  Commandments,  is  contained 
 in  thefe  words,  I  am  -the  Lord  thy  God^  'which  have  brought 
 thee  out  of  the  Land  of  Egypt y  O'tt  of  the  houfe  of  bondage,  d-—  ■ 
 Wherein  God  raanifefteth  his  fovereignty,  r.s  being  Jehovah, 
 the, eternal,  immutable,  and  almighty  God  ^,  having  bis  be- 
 ing in  and  ofhimfelfy,  and  giviti^  being  to  aill  his  words  ij^ 
 and  works  h  \  and  that  he  is  a  God  in  covenant,  as  with  If- 
 rael  of  old,  To  with  all  his  people  r,  who,  as  he  brought  them 
 out  of  their  bondage  in  JCgypt,  fo  he  delivereth  us  frQm  our 
 fpiritua!  thraldom  k  j  land  that  therefore  we  are  bound  to  take 
 him  for  ojjr  God  alone,  and  to  keep  all  his  commandments/. 
 
 d  Exod.  XX.  2.  e  Ifa  xliv.  6.  f  Excd.  iii  f  4  g  Exod. 
 ■vi.  3.  h  Ai^ts  xvii.  24,  28  i  Gen.  xvii.  7.  with  Rom.  iii  29. 
 i  Luke  i.  74,  75.     /  I  Pet.  i.    15, — 18.  Lev.  xvili.  30.  and 
 
 ''^•37-  Q.   ,0.. 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  293 
 
 Q^  102.  What  is  the  Sum  of  the  Four  Covtmartdmcnts  "which 
 contain  our  duty  to  God  P 
 
 A.  The  fum  of  the  Four  Commandments,  containin,'^  our 
 duty  to  God,  is,  to  love  the  Lord  our  God  with  all  our  hearty 
 and  with  all  our  foul,  and  with  all  our  ftrength,  and  with  ali 
 our  mind  m, 
 
 m  Luke  X   27. 
 
 0^103.  Which  is  the  firji  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  firft  commandment  is,  Thou  Jhalt  have  no  other 
 gods  before  Me.  n. 
 
 n  Exod.  XX.  3. 
 
 0^104.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  JlrJ}  command- 
 ment ? 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  firiV  commandment,  are, 
 the  knowing  and  acknowledging  of  God  to  be  the  only  true 
 God,  and  our  God  c,  and  to  worfliip  and  glorify  him  accor- 
 dingly/) ;  by  thinking  5-,  meditating  r,  remembering  j,  high- 
 ly efteeming/,  lionouringw,  adoring  w,  choofing  ac,  loving  j, 
 defiring  z,  fearing  of  him  <?,  believing  him  b^  truUing  r,  hop- 
 ing dy  delighting  ^,  rejoicing  in  him/,  being  zealous  for  him^, 
 calling  upon  him,  giving  iJll  praife  and  thanks  h\  and  yield- 
 ing all  obedience  and  fubmiflion  to  him  with  the  whole  man  /, 
 being  careful  in  all  things  to  pleafe  him  k,  and  forrowful 
 when  in  any  thing  he  is  offended  /,  and  walking  humbly 
 with  him  m. 
 
 0  I  Chron.  xxviii.  9.  Deut.  xxvi.  17.  Ifa.  xliii.  10.  Jereii). 
 xiv.  22.  p  Pfaim  xcv.  6,  7,  Matt.  iv.  10.  Pfalm  xxix.  2. — ■ 
 q  Mai.  i.  16.  r  Pfahn  Ixiii.  6.  s  EcqL  xii  i.  /  Pfahn  Ixxi. 
 19.  u  Mai.  i.  6.  w  Ifa.  xlv.  23.  «  Jofli.  xxiv.  15,  22. — • 
 y  Deut.  vi.  5.  z  Pfal.  Ixxiii.  25.  a  Ifirti'viii.  13.  b  Exod» 
 xiv.  31.  c  Ifa.  xxvi.  4.  a?  Pfal.  cxx«.  7.  e  Pfal.  xxxvii.  4. 
 /Pfal.  xxxii.  II.  g  Rom.  xii.  11.  compared  with  Numbers 
 XXV.  II.  /»Phil.  iv.  6.  ;■  Jer.  vii.23.  Jaiti.  iv.  7.  i  1  John 
 iii.  22.     /Jer.  xxxi.  18.   Pfal.  cxix.  136.     in  Mic.vi.  8. 
 
 0^105.  What  are  the  fins  Jorbiddcn  in  the  firfl  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  firft  commandment,^  are,  A- 
 theifm,  in  denying,  or  not  having  a  God  n  •,  idolatry,  in  hav- 
 ing, or  worfl)ipping  more  gods  than  one,  or  any  with,  or  in- 
 itead  of  the  true  God  0  \  the  not  having  and  avouching  him 
 for  God,  and  our  God/);  the  omiflion  or  negle6l  of  any 
 thing  due  to  him  required  in  this  commandment  q  ;  igno- 
 rance, 
 
 n  Pfal  xiv.  i.  Eph.  ii.  12.  0  Jer.  ii.  27,  28.  compared  with 
 1  Their,  i.  9.    p  Pfahnlxxxi.  11.     q  Ifa.  xliii.  22, — 24. 
 
$94  '^^^^  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 ranee  r,  forgetfulnefs  j,  mifapprehenfions  /,  falfe  opinions  r/, 
 unworthy  and  wicked  thoughts  of  him  iu,  bold  and  curious 
 fearching  into  his  lecrets  .v,  all  profane  nefsj),  hatred  of  God  z, 
 felf-love  a,  felf-feeking  b,  and  all  other  inordinate  and  im- 
 riiodei'ate  letting  of  our  mind,  will,  or  afFe<5lions  upon  other 
 things,  and  taking  them  off  from  him  in  whole  or  in  part  c  ; 
 vain  credulity  flf,  unbeliefs,  herefyy,  mifbslief^,  dillrufl  ^, 
 defpair  /,  incorrigiblencfs  k,  and  infenliblenefs  under  judg- 
 ments /,  hardnels  of  heart  m,  pride  ti,  prefumption  o,  carnal 
 /ecurity^,  tempting  of  God  g-,  ufing  unlawful  means  r,  and 
 trading  in  lawful  means  s,  carnal  delights  and  joys  ^;  corrupt, 
 blind,  and  jndifcreet  zeal  u  ;  lukewarmnels  w,  and  deadnels 
 in  the  things  of  God  x  ;  eftranging  ourfelves,  and  apoftatiz- 
 jngfrom  GoAy  ;  praying,  or  giving  any  religious  worfhip  to 
 faints,  angels,  or  any  other  creatures  s  ;  all  compafts,  and 
 confulting  witk  the  devil  a,  and  hearkening  to  his  fuggefti- 
 ons  b  ;  making  men  the  lords  of  our  faith  and  confcience  c  ; 
 flighting  and  defpifing  God  and  his  commandsV,  reiifting 
 and  grieving  of  his  Spirit  e  ;  difcontent,  and  impatience  at 
 3ais  difpenfations,  charging  him  fooli(hly  for  the  evils  he  in- 
 flifts  on  Visf,  and  afcribing  the  praife  of  any  good  we  either 
 are,  have,  or  can  do,  to  fortune  ^,  idols  /j,  ourfelves  ?",  or 
 any  other  creature  k. 
 
 r  Jer.  iv.  22.  Hof.  iv.  i,  6.  s  Jer.  ij.  23.  t  Ads  xvii,  23, 
 29.  '  «  Ifa.  xl.  1 8.  TO  P) al.  I.  2 1 .  K  Deut.  xxix.  29.  ;;  Tic. 
 i.  16.  Heb.  xii.  16.  2  Rom.  i.  30.  rt2Tim.  iii.  2.  b  Phil. 
 ii.  21.  e  I  John  ii.  15,  16.  i  Sam,  ii.  29.  Col.  iii.  2,  5.— 
 d  I  John  iv.  i.  e  Heb.  iii.  12.  /  Gal.  v.  20.  Tit.  iii.  to. 
 g  Ads  xxvi.  9.  h  Pial.  Ixxii.  22.  i  Gen.  iv.  13.  k  Jer. 
 V.  3.  /  Ifa.  xlii.  25.  /«Rom.  ii.  5.  «Jer.xiii.  i^,  0  Pfal. 
 xix.  13.  p  Zeph.  i.  12.  q  Matt.  iv.  7.  r  Rom.  iii."  8. — 
 s  Jer.  xvii.  5.  ?  2  Tim.  iii,  4.  «^  Gal.  iv.  17.  John  xvi.  2. 
 Rom.  X.  2.  Lukeix.  54,  ^^.  nv  Rev.  iii.  16.  x  Rev.  iii.  i. 
 y  Ezek.  xiv.  5.  z  Rom.  x.  13,  14.  Hof.  iv.  12.  Adls  x.  25, 
 26.  Rev.  xix.  10.  Matt.  iv.  10.  Col.  ii.  18.  Rom.  i.  25. — 
 a  Lev.  XX.  6.  1  Sam.  xxviii.  7,  n.  compared  with  i  Chron. 
 X.  13,,  14.  b  A£ts  v.  3.  c  2  Cor.  i.  24.  Matt,  xxiii.  9  — 
 d  Deut.  xxxii.  15.  2  Sam.  xii.  9.  Piov.  xiii.  13.  e  Ads  vii. 
 .51.  Eph.  iv.  30.  /Pfal.  Ixxiii.  2,  3,  13, — 15,  22.  Job  i  22. 
 g  I  Sam.  vi.  7,  3,  9.  /;  Dan.  t.  23.  i  Deut.  viii.  17.  Dan. 
 iv.  30.     k  Heb.  I.  16. 
 
 Q^lo6.  What  are  ive  efpeclally  taught  by  thefe  words  [be- 
 I-'QRli  Me3  iJt  the  jirji  ccminauutrefit  ? 
 
 A.  Thefe  words  [before  ms]  or  before  my  face^  in  the 
 iifft  CQn>ni3Qdment,  teach  us,  that  God,  who  ieeth  all  things, 
 
 lakes 
 
T/:e  Larger  Catechism."  295 
 
 takes  fpecial  notice  of,  and  is  much  difpleafed  with  the  iira 
 of  having  any  other  god  :  that  io  it  may  be  an  argument  to 
 diffiiade  from  it,  and  to  aggravate  it,  as  a  mofl  impudent 
 provocation  /  ;  as  alfo,  to  perfuade  us  to  do,  as  in  his  light, 
 whatever  we  do  in  his  lervice  m. 
 
 I  Ezek.  viii.  5,  to  the  end.  Pfal.  xliv.  20,  21.  mi  Chron, 
 xxviii.  9. 
 
 (X^Pb'j.  JVh'ich  is  the  fecond  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  lecond  commandment  is,  Thou /halt  not  male  unto 
 thee  any  graven  image^  or  any  I'lkenefs  of  any  thing  that  is  in 
 heaven  above^  or  that  is  in  the  earth  beneath^  or  that  is  in  the 
 luater  under  the  earth.  Thou  Jhalt  not  bow  down  thyfelf  to 
 them^  nor  ferve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous 
 God,  vlfiting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  children,  unto 
 the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  Me, — and/hew- 
 ing mercy  unto  thoujands  of  thsm  that  love  Me^  and  kee6  my 
 commandments,  n 
 
 n  Exod.  XX  4,  5,  6. 
 
 Q^  108.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  fecond  commands 
 mer.t  P 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  fecond  commanainent,  are, 
 the  receiving,  obferving,  and  keeping  pure  and  entire,  all 
 fuch  religious  worfliip  and  ordinances  as  God  hath  inftituted 
 in  his  word  0  \  particularly  prayer  and  thankfgiving  in  the 
 name  of  Chriil^  ;  the  reading,  preaching,  and  hearing  of 
 the  word  q,  the  adminiftration  and  receiving  of  the  facra- 
 ments  r,  church  government  and  difcipline  s,  the  miniftrj-, 
 and  maintenance  thereof  t,  religious  fafting  u,  fwearing  by 
 the  name  of  God  w,  and  vowing  unto  him  x  ;  as  alfo,  the  dif- 
 approving,  detefting,  oppofing  all  falfe  worfliip  y, — and,  ac- 
 cording to  each  one's  place  and  calling,  removing  it,  and  al! 
 monuments  of  idolatry  2. 
 
 0  Deut.  xxxii.  46,  47.  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  Acls  ii.  42.  i  TirrJ". 
 Ti.  13,  14.  />Phil,iv.6.  Eph.  V.  20.  q  Deut.  xvii.  18,  19. 
 Acfts  XV.  2i<  2  Tim.  iv.  2.  James  i.  21,  22.  A£ls  x.  33,— 
 r  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  i  Cor.  xi.  23, — 30.  s  Matt,  xviii.  ir^ 
 — 17.  and  xvi.  19.  1  Cor.  v.  and  xii.  28.  /Eph.iv.  n,  12. 
 I  Tim.  V.  17,  18.  I  Cor.  ix.  7, — 15.  «  Joel  ii.  12,  13.  \ 
 Cor.  vii.  5.  wDeut.  vi.  13.  ^Ha.xix.  21.  Pfal.Ixxvi.  u. 
 y  K€i%  xvii.  16,  17.  Pfal.  xvi.  4.     z  Deut.  vii.  5.  Ifa.  xxx.  2^ 
 
 0^109.  What  are  thefins  forbidden  in  the  fecond  command- 
 ment ? 
 
 A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  fecond  commandment,  «re. 
 
•2C}6  ^ha  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 all  deviung  a,  counfelling  ^,  cocnmantling  r,  ufing  d^  and  a- 
 ny  ways  approving  any  religious  worlhip,  not  inftituted  by 
 God  himfelf  e  ;  tolerating  a  falfe  religion/;  the  making  any 
 reprefentation  of  God, — of  all,  or  any  of  the  three  perfons, 
 either  inwardly  in  our  mind,  or  outwardly  in  any  kind  of  i- 
 mage  or  likenefs  of  any  creature  wliatfoever  g  \  all  worfiiip- 
 ping  of  it  /j,  or  God  in  it,  or  by  it  i  ;  the  making  of  any  re- 
 prelentation  of  feigned  deities  k^  and  all  worfhip  of  them,  or 
 /ervice  belonging  to  them  /-,  all  fupcrftitious  devices  w,  cor- 
 rupting the  worfliip  of  God  n^  adding  to  it,  or  taking  from 
 it  0^  whether  invented  and  taken  up  of  ourfelves/i,  or  received 
 by  tradition  from  others,  though  under  the  title  of  antiqui- 
 ty r,  cuftom  J-,  devotion  t^  good  -intent,  or  any  other  pre- 
 tence wliatfoever  ti  \  fimony  w,  facrilege  .v  ;  all  negle£l  j, 
 contempt  z,  hindering  a,  and  oppofing  the  worfliip  ajid  ordi- 
 nances which  God  hath  appointed  b.  .  ^ 
 
 a  Num.  XV.  39.  ^'Deut.  xiii.  6,  7,  8.  c  Hof.  v.  1 1.  Mic'. 
 vi.  1(5.  d  I  Kings  xi.  32.  and  xii.  33.  e  Deut.  xii.  30, — 32I 
 yDeut.  xiii.  6, — 12.  Zech.  xiii.  2,  3.  Rev.  ii.  2,  14,  15,  20. 
 and  xvii.  12,  16,  17.  g  Deut.  iv.  15, — 19.  Ads  xvii  29. — 
 Rom.  i.  21, — 23,  25.  h  Dan.  iii.  iS.  Gal.  iv.  8.  i  Exod. 
 xxxii.  5.  k  Exod.  xxxii.  8.  /  i  Kings  xviii.  26,  28.  Ifaiah 
 Ixv.  II.  r,i  Ads  xvii.  22.  Col.  ii.  2i> — 23.  n  Mai.  i,  7,  8, 
 14.  0  Deut.  iv.  2.  p  Pfal.  cvi.  39.  q  Mat.xv,  9.  r  i  Pet. 
 i.  i3.  s  Jer.  xliv.  17.  t  Ifa.  ixv.  3,  4,  5.  Gal.  i.  13,  14. — 
 ■u  \  Sam.  xiii.  11,  12,  15,  21.  w  A6ts  viii  i8.  x  R4p.  ii. 
 22.  Mai,  iii.  8.  3;  Exod.  iv.  24,— 26.  z  Matt.  xxii.  5.  Mai. 
 i.  7,  13.  a  Matt,  xxiii.  13.  b  Adls  xiii.  44,  45.  I  Thellal. 
 ii.  15,  16. 
 
 Q.  I  TO.  What  are  the  reafbiis  annexed ta  the  Je^ond  command" 
 meuty  the  more  to  enforce  it  ?  * 
 
 A.  The  reafons  annexed  to  the  fecond  commandment,  the 
 jT;ore  to  enforce  it,  contained  in  thefe  words,  \JFor  I  the  Lsrd 
 thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  viftting  the  iniquity  ofthejathers  up* 
 en  the  childreuy  unto  the  third  and  feurtb  generation  of  them  that 
 hate  me;  and pjeiving  mercy  unto  thoujands  of  them  that  love 
 iiiey  and  keep  my' commandments  c^  are,  bcllde  God's  fovereign- 
 ty  over  us,  and  propriety  in  us^,  his  fervent  zeal  for  his  own 
 worfhip  e,  and  his  revengeful  indignation  againft  all  falfe  wor- 
 fhip, as  being  a  fpiritual  whoveJom/;  accounting  the  break- 
 ers of  this  coiiiniandment  fuch  as  hate  him,  and  threatening 
 
 to 
 
 m 
 
 rExod.  XX.  5,  6.  d  Pfal.  xlv.  11.  Rev.  xv.  4.  e  Exod. 
 xxxiv.  13,  14.  f  I  Ccr.  X.  20, — 22.  Jer.  vii.  18, — co.  Ezek. 
 xvi.  26,  27.  Deut.  xxxii.  16, — 20. 
 
The  L'argbr  Catechism.  297 
 
 to  piinlfh  them  unto  divers  generation'?^;  andeneemiog  the 
 oblcrvers  of  it  fuch  as  love  him  and  keep  his  commandments, 
 and  promifing  mercy  to  them  unto  many  generations  h. 
 
 g  Hof.  ii.  2,  3,  4.     h  Deut.  v.  29. 
 
 Q^l  II.   Which  is  the  third  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Thou  p alt  not  tale  the 
 Name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  :  for  the  Lord  luill  not  hold 
 him  guiltlefs,  that  taketh  his  Name  in  vain,  i 
 
 i  Exod.  XX.  7. 
 
 0^112.  What  is  required  in' the  third  commandment  <* 
 A,  The  third  commandment  requires,  that  the  Name  of 
 God,  his  titles,  attributes  h^  ordinances  /,  the  word  W7,  fa- 
 craments  «,  prayer  <?,  oaths />,  vows  y,  lotsr,  his  works  j,  and 
 wbatfoever  elfe  there  is  whereby  he  makes  himfelf  known, 
 be  holily  and  reverently  ufed,  in  thought  t^  meditation  w, 
 word  -r^;,  writing  x,  by  an  holy  profeffion  j,  and  anl'werable 
 converfation  2,  to  the  glory  of  God  a^  and  the  good  of  our- 
 felves  h  and  others  c. 
 
 k  Matt.  vi.  9.  Deut.  xxviii;  58.  Pfal.  xxix.  2.  and  Ixviii.  4. 
 Rev.  XV.  3,  4.  /  Mai.  i.  14.  Eccl.  v.  i.  m  Pfal.  cxxxviii.  2. 
 n  I  Cor.  xi.  24,  25,  28,  29.  0  i  Tim.  ii.  8  />  Jerem.  iv.  2. 
 q  Eccl.  V.  2,4,  5,  6.  r  A(5\s  i.  24,  26.  s  Job  xxxvi.  24. — 
 ^Mal.iii.  16.  u  Pfal.  viii  10  Col.  iii.  17.  Pfal.  cv.  2,  J. 
 K  Pfalm  cii.  i§.  y  \  Pet.  iii.  15.  Mic.  iv.  i;;.  z  Phil.  i.  27.  . 
 a  .1  Cor.  X.  3 1,     b  Jer.  xxxii,  39.     c  i  Pet.  ii.  12. 
 
 Q^  113.  What  are  the  fins  jorhidden  in  the  third  command^ 
 nunt  ?  "  ■ 
 
 A  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  third  commandment,  are,  the 
 not  ufing  of  God's  name  as  is  required  d ;  and  the  abufe  of  it 
 in  an  ignorant  e^  vainy",  irreverent,  profane  or,  fuperfiitious  Z>, 
 or  wicked  mentioning,  or  otherwile  uiing  his  titles,  attri- 
 butes iy  ordinances iJ,  or  works  /,  by  blafphemy  w,  perjury  «, 
 all  finful  curfings  0,  oaths />,  vcv/s  q,  and  lots  r  \  violating  of 
 our  oaths  and  vows,  if  lawful  :^ — and  fulfilling  them,  if  of 
 
 O  o  things 
 
 r/Mal.  ii.  2.  e  A<n:s  xvli.  23.  /Prov.  xxx.  9.  g  Mai.  i'. 
 6,  7,  12.  and  iii.  14.  h  i  San?,  iv.  3,  4,  5.  Jer.  vii.  4,  9,  10, 
 14,  31.  Col.  ii.  20, — 22.  i  2  Kings  xviii.  30,  35.  Exod.  v.  2. 
 Pial.  cxxxix.  20.  ^  Pfal.  1. 16,  17.  /Ifa.  v.  12.  ^  2  Kings 
 xix.  22.  I.ev.  xxiv.  11  n  Zech.  v.  4.  and  viii.  17.  01 
 Sam.  xvii.  43.  2  Sam.  xvi.  5.  p  Jer.  v.  7.  and  xxiii.  10.— 
 q  Deut.  xxiii.  18.  Adls  xxiii.  12,  14.  r  Eflh  iii.  7.  and  ix. 
 24.  Plalm  xxii,  18.     x  Pfal.  xxiv.  4.  Ezek.  xvii.  i(iy  j^,  19. 
 
^he  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 t;.ing5  unlawful  t  ;  murmuring  and  quarrelling  at  w,  curious 
 ji  ^ing  info  nv,  and  mifapplving  of  God's  decree;;  .v,  and  pro- 
 vidence? ",'  J  niiiintcrprering  s,  milapplying/7,  or  any  way  per- 
 v.j  ling  the  word,  or  any  part  of  it  f,  to  profane  jefts  r,  curi- 
 o,i5  or  iHiivrofitable  queftions,  vain  janglings,  or  the  niaintain- 
 irig  of  falfe  doctrines  d  \  abufing  it,  the  creatures,  or  any 
 thing  cor.taincd  under  the  name  ol  God,  to  charms  e,  or  fin- 
 fiil  lufts  and  practices  f\  the  maligning  g,  fcorning  h^  revil- 
 ing i,  or  any  wnvs  oppofiiig  of  God's  trurh,  grace,  and  ways  l  \ 
 niaking  profeilion  of  reiigion  in  hypocrily,  or  for  iiniltcr 
 ends  /  ;  being  afhamed  of  it  /«,  or  a  fhame  to  it,  by  uncom- 
 fortable «,  unvvife  o,  unfruitful/),  and  offeniive  walking  g,  or 
 backfliding  from  it  r. 
 
 t  Mark  vi,  26.  f  Sam.  xxv.  22,  32, — 34.  n  Rom.  ix.  14, 
 19,  20  IV  Deut.  xxix.  29.  X  Rom.  iii.  5,  7.  and  vi.  i.-— 
 y  Eccl.  viii.  t  i.  and  ix.  3.  Pfal.  xxxix.  z  Matt.  v.  21 ,  to  the 
 end.  a  Ezek.  xiii.  22  b  2  Pet.  iii.  16.  Matt,  xxii,  24, — 31. 
 c  Ifa.  xxii.  13.  Jerem.  xxiii.  34,  36,  38.  d  i  Tim.  i.  4,  6,  7. 
 and  vi.  4,  5,  20.  2  Tim.  ii.  14.  -Tit.  iii.  9.  e  Deut.  xviii.  10, 
 — 14.  A(5ls  xix.  13  /  2  Tim.  iv.  3,  4  Rom.  xiii.  {3,  14. 
 I  Kings  xxi.  9,  10.  Jude  4.  g^Afts  xiii. 45.  i  John  iii.  12. 
 h  Pfal.  i.  1 .  2  Pet.  iii.  3.  i  I  Pet.  iv.  4.  k  Acts  xiii.  45,  46, 
 50.  and  iv.  18.  and  xix.  9.  i  Theff!  ii.  16.  Heb.x.  29.  /  2 
 Tim  iii.  5.  M;ut.  xxiii.  14.  and  vi.  1,2,  5,  16.  w  Mark  viii. 
 38.  n  Pfalm  lixiii.  14,  15.  01  Cor.  vi.  5,  6.  Eph.  v.  15, 
 —  17.  />  Ifa.  V,  4.  2  Pet.  i.  8,  9.  gr  Rom.  vi.  23,24. — 
 r  Gal.  iii.  i,  3.  Heb.  vi.  6. 
 
 0^114.  What  Reafons  are  annexed  to  the  third  command' 
 ment  ?  . . 
 
 A.  The  Reafons  annexed  to  the  third  commandment,  in 
 thcfe  words,  \the  Lord  thy  God,"]  and  \_for  the  Lo"d  nvill  not 
 hold  him  guiltlefsy  that  taki'th  his  Name  in  vain^  x]  are,  becaule 
 he  is  the  Lord  and  our  God,  and  therefore  his  Name  is  not 
 to  be  pruf-ined,  or  any  way  abuied  by  us  t  ;  elpicially  becaule 
 he  will  be  fo  far  from  acquitting  and  fparing  the  tranfgrefTors 
 of  this  commandment,  as  that  he  will  not  fafFer  them  to  c- 
 fcapc  his  righteous  judgment  «/,  albeit  many  fuch  efcape  the 
 cenfures  and  puniQiments  of  men  nv. 
 
 s  Exod  XX.  7.  t  Lev  Xix.  12.  u  Ezek.  xxxvi.  21, — 23. 
 Deut.  xxviii.  58,  59.  Zech.  v.  2,  3,  4.  lu  i  Sam.  ii.  12,  17, 
 12,  24.  compared  with  chap.  iii.  13. 
 
 Q.  I  '5.'  li^hich  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fourth  commandn^ent  is,  Remember  the  Sabbath' 
 daVs  tt  keep  it  holy  .■  Six  days  j]j alt  thou  labour^  and  Jo  aU  thy 
 iV'jrii  ;  but  the /event  h  day  ii  the  Sai'oiuh  oj  the  Lord  thy  God  .• 
 
 In 
 
Tie  Larger  Catechism^  299 
 
 In  it  thou  (halt  not  do  -any  nvork.—tl^ou,  nor  thy  fon,  v.or  t!^y 
 daughter,  thymanfervant,  nor  thy  mmd-favant,  nor  thy  c.::- 
 tie"  nor  thy  ft  ranger  that  is  withtn  thy  gates  :  For  tn  fix  ^S 
 the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth  the  Jen,  and  all  that  .n  id.' '^ 
 is,  and  refted  the  Jeventh  day  :  Wherefore  the  Lord  btcfd  the 
 Sabbath-day,  and  haUoived  it.  x 
 
 «  Exod.  XX.  8,— II.  ,0 
 
 O  1 1 6  What  is  required  in  the  fourth  commandment  ? 
 T  The  fourth  commandment  reqnireth  of  all  men,  the 
 fanaifying,  or  keeping  holy  to  God,  fuch  fet  t.tnes  .s  he  hath 
 appointed  in  his  word;  exprefly  one_ whole  day- in  fever, 
 vvhich  was  the  feventh  from  the  begmmng  of  the  world  to 
 the  f  efurreftion  of  Chrift,-and  the  hrft  day  of  the  week  eve. 
 fiuce  and  lo  to  continue  to  the  end  of  the  world,  which  is 
 the  Chriftian  Sabbath  j,  and  in  the  New  Teftament  called 
 
 the  Lord's  Day  z.  •  «     a/^* 
 
 y  Dent.  V.  {2,-14.  Gen-rii.  2,3.  j  Cor.  xvu  i,  2.  Aas 
 xx!?.  Matt.v.  17,  X 8.  Ifa.lvi.  2,4,6,  7.     ^^^VJr^. 
 O    T 17.   Horv  is  the  Sabhath  or  Lord's  Day  to  befaf'fed  ? 
 7:  The  Sabbath  or  Lord's  Oay  is  to  be  fanftihed,  by  ari 
 holy  refting  all  the  day  a,  not  only  from  fuch  works  as  are  at 
 all  t^imes  finful,  but  even  from  fuch  worldly  employment,  a.d 
 recreations,  as  are  on  other  days  lawful  b,  and  maK.ng  it  our 
 delight  to  fpend  the  whole  time  (except  fo  much  of  it  as  is  to 
 be  taken  up  in  works  of  neceffity  and  mercy  .)  m  the  pubi.c 
 and  privatLxercifes  of  God's  worfliip  d  ;  and  to   hat  end  we 
 are  to  prepare  our  hearts,  and,  with  fi^.ch  forefight    dihgence, 
 and  moderation,  to  diipofe,  and  feafonably  to  diip^tch  our 
 worldly  bufmels,  that  we  may  be  the  more  free  and  fit  tor 
 the  duties  of  that  day  ^.  _  «    xt  u       -    . - 
 
 .  Exod.  XX.  8,  10.  b  Exod  xvi.  25-^8.  Neb.  xm.  , 
 -22.  Jer.  xvii.  21,22.  .Matt.  xii.  1,-13.  dlh.  Ivu.  3. 
 Luke  V.  16.  Aas  XX.  7.  »  Cor.  xvi.  i,  2.  Pfal.  xcn.  /;//.. 
 Ifflxvi.  23.  Lev.  xxiii  33.  e  Exod.xx.  8.  Luke  xxm.  54, 
 c6.  Exod.  xvi.  22,  25,  26,  29.   Neh.  xai.  19. 
 
 Q.  118.  Why  is  the  charge  of  keeping  the  Sabbath  more  efpeci^ 
 alhdireBed  to  governors  of  families,  and  other  fuperiors?  _ 
 ^The  chfrge  of  keeping  the  S.bbath  is  more  fpeaahy 
 direaed  to  gov^nors  of  families  and  other  "P^--; ^^ 
 they  are  bound,  not  only  to  keep  u  them  elve  ,  .^"t  to  fee 
 hat  it  be  obferved  by  all  thofe  that  are  under  tlxe.r  charge  . 
 and  becaufe  they  are  prone  oft-times  to  txmder  them  by  un- 
 ployments  of  their  own  ^  ...  ._ 
 
 ^  /Exod.  XX.  TO    Jofh.xxiv.  15.  Neh.  xiu.  15.  i?-  J^^^^^' 
 
 xvii.  20,— 22.  Exod.  xxii..  12.  -^ 
 
 O  o  3  vi-  ^'^ 
 
300  The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 Q^I  19.  What  are  the  ftns  forhidden  in  the  fourth  command' 
 went  ? 
 
 A^  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  fourth  comnnandment,  are, 
 all  omiffiions  of  the  duties  required  g  \  all  carelefs,  negligent, 
 ^nd  unprofitable  performing  of  them,  and  being  weary  of 
 them  h  ;  ail  profaning  the  day  by  idlenefs,  and  doing  that 
 which  is  in  itlelf  iinful  i  ;  and  by  all  needlefs  words,  works, 
 and  thoughts,  about  our  worldly  eiKployinents  and  recrea- 
 tions, k 
 
 ^Ezek.  xxii.  26.  h  A£ts  xx.  7,  9.  Ezek.  xxiii.  30,—- 32. 
 Amos  viii.  5.  Mai.  i.  13.  i  Ezek.  xxiii.  38.  k  Jer.  xvil.  24, 
 27.  Ifa.  Iviii.  13. 
 
 Q^I20.  What  are  the  Reafons  annexed  to  the  fourth  com* 
 tnandment ^  the  more  to  enforce  it  ? 
 
 A.  The  reafons  annexed  to  the  fourth  commandment,  the 
 more  to  enforce  it,  are  taken  from  the  equity  of  it,  God  al- 
 lowing us  fix  days  of  feven  for  our  own  affairs,  and  referving 
 but  one  for  himfelf,  in  thefe  words,  {_^ix  days  fhalt  thou  la- 
 bour and  do  all  thy  works  /;]  from  God's  challenging  a  fpecial 
 propriety  in  that  day,  {the  feventh  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the 
 JLord  thy  Godfn  ;']  from  the  example  of  God,  who  \jn  fx 
 days  made  heaven  and  earth,  the  fea^  and  all  that  in  them  is, 
 end  re/led  thefeventh  day  ;j  and  from  that  bleffing  which  God 
 put  upon  that  day,  not  only  in  fan(ftifying  it  to  be  a  day  for 
 his  fervice,  but  in  ordaining  it  to  be  a  means  of  bleffing  to  us 
 in  our  fan£lifying  it,  [%vherefore  the  Lord  bleffed  the  Sabbath- 
 day,  and  hallowed  it  n^. 
 
 /  Exod.  XX  9.  .  w  Exod.  XX.  10.     «Exod.xx.  11. 
 
 (^  121.  Why  is  the  word  [remember]  fet  injk^e  begin- 
 ning of  the  fourth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  word  [remember]  is  fet  in  the  beginning  of  the 
 fourth  commandment  0,  partly  becaufe  of  the  great  benefit  of 
 remembering  it, — we  being  thereby  helped  incur  preparation 
 to  keep  it  p,  and,  in  keeping  it,  better  to  keep  all  the  reft  of 
 the  commandments  q, — and  to  continue  a  thankful  remem- 
 brance of  the  two  great  benefits  of  creation  and  redemption, 
 -which  contain  a  fhort  abridgment  of  religion  r  ;  and  partly, 
 becaufe  vve  are  very  ready  to  forget  it  s,  for  that  there  is  Icfs 
 light  of  nature  for  it  /,  and  yet  it  reftraineth  our  natural  li- 
 berty 
 
 t  Exod.  XX..  8.  p  Exod.xvi.  23.  Luke  xxiii.  54,  56.  nith 
 Mark  XV.  42.  Neh.  xiii.  19.  q  Pfai.xcii.  title,  with  ver.  13, 
 14.  Ezek,  XX.  12,  19,  20.  r  Gen.  ii.  2,  3.  Pfal.  cxviii.  22, 
 24.  with  Adls  iv.  10,  II.  Rev.  i.  10.  s  Ezek.  xxii.  2<5.-^ 
 t  Neh.  ix.  14. 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  301 
 
 berty  in  things  at  other  times  lawful  u  ;  that  it  cometh  but 
 once  in  feven  days,  and  many  worldly  bufineffes  come  between,- 
 and  too  often  take  off  our  minds  from  thinking  of  it,  either 
 to  prepare  for  it,  or  fanftify  it  iu  ;  and  that  Satan  with  his 
 inftruments  much  labour  to  blot  out  the  glory,  and  even  the 
 memory  of  it,  to  bring  in  all  irreligion  and  impiety  x, 
 
 u  Exod.  xxxiv.  21.  tv  Deut.  v.  14,  15.  Amos  viii.  5.— 
 a  Lam.  i.  7.,  Jer.  xvii.  21, — 23.  Neh.  xiii.  15, — 23. 
 
 Q^T22.  What  is  the  Sum  of  the  Jix  commandments y  which 
 coutcttn  our  dut-^  to  man  ? 
 
 A.  The  fum  of  the  fix  commandments,  which  contain  our 
 duty  to  man,  is.  To  love  our  neighbour  as  ourfelves  _v,^and 
 to  do  to  others  what  we  would  have  them  to  do  to  us  z. 
 
 ^  Matt.  xxii.  39.     z  Matt.  vii.  12.  * 
 
 .    Q^  123.   Which  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fifth  commandment  is,  Honour  thy  Father  and  thy 
 Mother  ;  that  thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  /and,  luhich  the 
 Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  a 
 
 a  Exod.  XX,  12. 
 
 (^124.  Who  ere  meant  by  Father  and  Mother  in  the  fifth 
 commandment  P 
 
 A.  Ey  Father  and  Mother,  in  the  fifth  commandment,  ai-fe 
 meant,  not  only  natural  parents  by  but  all  fuperiors  in  age  f, 
 and  gifts  d  j  and  efpecially  fuch  as,  by  God's  ordinance,  are 
 over  us  in  place  of  authority,  whether  in  family  e^  church/) 
 or  commonwealth^. 
 
 b  Prov.  xxiii.  22,  2{p,  Eph.  vi.  1,2.  ^1  Tim.  v.  1,  2. — 
 d  Gen.  iy..2o, — 22.  and  xlv.  Z.  e  2  Kings  v.  13.  y  2  Kings 
 ii,  12.  and'iiii-  i/j.  Gal.  iv.  19.     ^  Ifa.  xlix.  23. 
 
 Qi  I'^J.  why  are  fuperiors  jhled  Fat}>er  and  Mother  ? 
 ,  A.  ij^eriors  are  ftiled  Father  and  Mother,  both  to  teach 
 '  them  in  all  duties  towards  their  inferiors,  like  natural  pa- 
 rents, to  exprefs  love  and  tendernefs  to  them,  according  to 
 their  feveral  relations  h  \  and  to  work  inferiors  to  a  greater 
 willingnefs  and  chearfulnefs  in  performing  their  duties  to 
 their  fuperiors,  as  to  their  parents  i.  '        >  • 
 
 h  Eph.  vi.  4.  2  Cor.  xii.  14.  i  ThefT.  ii.  7,  8,  11.  Numb. 
 xi.  II,  12.     i  I  Cor.  iv.  14, — 16.  2  Kings  v.  13. 
 
 0^126    What  is  the  general  f cope  of  the  fifth  commandment  P 
 A.  The| general  f CO -le  of  the  fifth  commandment,  is,  the 
 performance  of  thofe  duties  which  we  mutually  owe  in  our 
 feveral  relations,  as  inferiors,  fuperiors,  equals  k, 
 k  Eph.  V,  21.  I  Pet.  ii.  17,  Rom.  xii.  10. 
 
 Q- 127- 
 
20X  ^he  Larcer  Catechism. 
 
 Q.  127.  What  is  the  honour  that  inferiors  cue  to  their  fu' 
 ^eriors  ? 
 
 A^  The  honour  which  inferiors  owe  to  their  fuperiors,  is, 
 all"  due  reverence  in  heart  /,  word  ;«,  and  behaviour  n  \  pray- 
 er and  thankfgiving  for  them  0  ;  imitation  of  their  virtues 
 and  graces/)  i  willing  obedience  to  their  lawful  commands 
 and  counfels  q  ;  due  /ubmiffion  to  their  correftionsr  j  fideli- 
 ty to.f,  defence/,  and  maintenance  of,  their  persons  and  au- 
 fibority,  according  to  their  feveral  ranks,  and  the  nature  of 
 their  places  a  \  bearing  with  their  infirmities,  and  covering 
 tliem  in  love  w, — that  fo  they  may  be  an  honour  to  them  and 
 ta  their  government  x. 
 
 /Mai.  i.  6.  Lev.  xix.  3.  %n  Prov.  xxxi.  28.  I  Pet.  \\\.'6. 
 n.  Lev.  xix.  32.  i  Kings  ii.  19.  0  i  Tim.  ii.  i,  2.  p  Heb. 
 xiii.  7.  Phil.  iii.  17.  q  Eph.vi.  i, — 7.  i  Pet.  ii.  13,  14.  Rom. 
 xiii.  I, — 5.  Heb.  xiii.  17.  Prov.  iv.  3,  4.  and  xxiii.  22  Exod. 
 xviii.  19,  24.  r  Heb.  xii.  9.  I  Pet.  ii.  18, — 20.  s  Tit.  ii. 
 9,  10..  /  I  Sam.  xxvi.  15,  16.  2  Sam.  xviii,  3.  Efth.  vi.  2. 
 ©Matt,  xxli.,21.  Rom. xiii.  6,7.  i  Tim.  v.  17,  18.  Gal.  vi. 
 6.  Gs?n.  xlv.  II.  and  xlvii.  12.  -rv  i  Fet.  ii.  18.  Prov.  xxiii. 
 22.  Gen.  ix.  23^     ivPfal.  cxxvii.  3,  4,  ^.  Prov,  xxxi.  23. 
 
 0^128.  What  are  the  fins  of  inferiors  againfl  their  fuperiors  ? 
 
 A.  The  fins  of  inferiors  againft  their  iuperiors,  are,  all  ne- 
 j^lect  of  the  duties  required  toward  them  y  ;  envying  at  2,  con- 
 tempt of /2,  and  rebellion  b  againft,  their  perJons  c  and  pla- 
 ces^, in  their  lawful  counfels^,  commands, and  corredtionsy'^ 
 curfing,  mocking  «•,  and  all  fuch  refrad'cory  and  fcandalous 
 carriage,  as  proves  a  fhame  and  diflionour  to  them  and  their 
 government  h.  .  ^Jiyte 
 
 y  Matt.  XV.  4,  5,6.  z  Num.  xi.2-8,29.  «  i  S-*'"  ■"iii.  7. 
 Ifa.  iii.  5.     ^  2  Sam.  XV.  I,— 12.     c  Exod.  xxi.  1  Sam. 
 
 X.  27.     e   I  Sam.  i.  25.    /  Deut.  xxi.    18, — ii.     g;  i'rov. 
 XXX    II,  17,     /^  Prov.  xix   26. 
 
 Q.  129.  What  is  required  of  fuperiors  tonuard  their  inferiors  P 
 
 A.  It  is  required  of  Iuperiors,  according  to  that  power  they 
 receive  from  God,  and  that  relation  wherein  they  ftand,  to 
 love  /,  pray  for  ky  and  blefs  their  inferiors  /;  to  inftru^t  w, 
 rfumrtl,  and  admonifh  them  n  ;.  countenancing  0,  commend- 
 ing j&,  and  rewarding  fuch  as  do  well  q, — diitountenancing  r, 
 reproving,  and  chaitiling  fuch  as  do  ill  s  \  grotecling  /,  and 
 
 providing 
 
 i  Gol  iii  19.  Tit-  ii.  4.  k  i  Sam.  xii.  2,;.  jobi.  5.  /  i 
 Kings  viii.  55,  56.  Heb.  vri.  7.  Gen,  x'ix.  28.  m  Dent,  vi^ 
 6,  7.  ti  tph.  vi  4.  0  I  Pet,  iii.  7,  p  \  Pet.  ii.  -4.  Ro;n. 
 •\lii.  3..  q  Efth.vi.  ^.  rHom.  xiii.  3,  4.  /  Prov.  xxix.  15.. 
 \  ','cl.  ii.  14.     /  Job.  xxix.  12, — 17.   iij.  i.  10,  17. 
 
"-Ihc  Larger  Catechism.  303 
 
 providing  for  them  all  things  neceffary  for  (oulwand  bod}^^.; 
 and,  br  grave,  v/ife,  holy,  and  exemplary  carriage,  to  procuw; 
 glory  to  God  *■,  honour  to  themfelves  ^,  and  fo  to  prefervc 
 that  authority  which  God  hath  put  upon  them  2. 
 
 11  Eph  vi.  4  nv  I  Tim.  v.  8.  x  I  Tim.  iv.  12. Tit.  ii.  3, 
 4,  5.     ^  I  Kings  iii.  28.     2  Tit.  ii.  15. 
 
 Q^l'^o.  What  are  the  ftns  of  fuperiors  ? 
 
 A.  The  finsof  fuperiors  are,  befide  the  neglefl  of  the  du- 
 ties required  of  them  a,  an  inordinate  feeking  of  themlelve3&, 
 their  own  glory  r,  eafe,  profit,  or  pleafure  d  ;  commanding 
 things  unlawful  e^  or  not  in  the  power  of  inferiors  to  per- 
 formy;  counfelling  g-,  encouraging  ^,  or  favouring  them  in 
 that  which  is  evil  i,  — diiTuading,  difcouraging,  or  difcounte- 
 naricing  them  in  that  which  is  good^  -,  corre£ting  them  un- 
 duly /  i  carelefs  expofing,  or  leaving  them  to  wrong,  temp- 
 tation, and  danger  m  \  provoking  them  to  wrath  «,  or  any 
 way  diihonouring  themfelves,  or  lefTening  their  authotsity,  by 
 an  unjuft,  indifcreet,  rigorous,  or  remifs  behaviour  0. 
 
 a  £zek.  xxxiv.  2,  3,  4.  b  Phil.  ii.  21.  f  Johny.  44.  ^nii 
 vii.  18.  d  Ifa.  Ivi.  10,  11.  Deut.  xvii.  17.  ^  Dan.  iii.  4,  c» 
 G.  Afts  iv.  17,  18.  yExod.  v.  10, —18.  Matth.  xxiii.  2,  4, 
 £■  Matt,  xiv,  8.  compared  with  Mark  vi.  24.  h  1  Sam.  xiii. 
 ■iZ.  i  I  Sam.  iii.  13.  k  John  vii.  46, — 49.  Col.  iii.  21.  Exod. 
 V.  17.  /  I  Pet.  ii.  J  8, — 20.  Heb.  xii.  10.  Deut.  xxv.  i,—^ 
 in  Gen.xxxviii.  1  r,  26.  A£ls  xviii.  17.  n  Eph.  vl.4.  oGzn,. 
 ix.  2i.   1  Kings  xii.  13, — 16,  and  i.  6.   i  Sam.  ii.  29, — 31. 
 
 Q^  131.  What  are  the  duties  of  equals  ? 
 
 y^.  The  duties  of  equals  .are,  to  regard  the  dignity  and 
 worih  of  each  other />,  in  giving  honour  to  go  one  before  ao- 
 other  g'j.and  to  rejoice  in  each  other's  gifts  and  advancement, 
 as  in  their  own  r. 
 
 p  I  Pet.  ii.  17.  q  Rom.  xii.  10.  r  Rom.  xH.  15,  16. — ■ 
 Phil.  ii.  3,  4. 
 
 Q^i  3'2.   What  are  the  fins  of  equals  ? 
 
 A.  The  fins  of  equals  are,  belide  the  neglecl  of  tire  ditties 
 required  J-,  the  undervaluing  of  the  worth/,  envying  the  gifts,?; 
 grieving  at  the  advancement  or  prolperlty  one  of  another  lu  j 
 andufurping  pre-eminence  one  over  another  .v, 
 
 .r  Rom.  xiii.  8.  /  2  Tim.  iii.  3.  u  h.^%  vii.  9.  Gal.  v.  n^, 
 IV  Num.  xii.  2.  Efth.vi.  12,  13.     x  1  John  9.  Lukexxii.  24, 
 
 Q^  133.   What  is  the  Reafon  annexed  to  the  fifth  commaKd- 
 
 nenty  the  more  to  ei force  it  p  '  '  ' 
 
 "V^.  The  reafon  annexed   to  the  fifth  commandn:ent,  In 
 thefe  words,  17 hat  thy  days  may  be  hn^  w^on  the  la.id^  liilich 
 
 thd 
 
3P4  -27j^  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 which  the  Lord  thy  God giveth  thee  y]  is  an  expref?  promife  of 
 long  life  and  prolperlty,  as  far  as  it  fliall  ferve  for  God's  glory 
 and  their  own  good,  to  all  fuch  as  keep  this  commandment  z. 
 y  Exod.  XX.  12.  z  Deut.  v.  i5.  i  Kings  viii.  25.  Ephef, 
 vi.  2,  3. 
 
 Q.  134.   Which  is  thefixth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fixth  commandment  is,  Thoujhalt  not  kill.  a. 
 
 a  Exod.  XX.  13. 
 
 O.  135.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  ihejixth  command* 
 ntent  ? 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  fixth  commandment,  are, 
 all  careful  ftudies  and  lawful  endeavours  to  preferve  the  life 
 of  ourfelves  b  and  others  c  •,  by  refifting  all  thoughts  and  pur- 
 pofes  d,  fubduing  all  paffions  <r,  and  avoiding  all  occafionsyi 
 temptations  ^,  and  pradicesj  which  tend  to  the  unjuft  taking 
 away  the  life  of  any  h  ;  by  juft  defence  thereof  againft  vio- 
 lence ?',  patient  bearing  of  the  hand  of  God  k^  quietnels  of 
 mind/,  chcarfulnels  of  ipirit  W2,  a  fober  ufe  of  meat  «,  drinkj?, 
 phyflc  pi  fleep  q^  labour  r,  and  recreations  x  ;  by  charitable 
 thoughts  ti  love  «,  compaffion  w,  meeknefs,  gentlenefsjkind- 
 nefs  a;  9  peaceable )?,  mild,  and  courteous  fpeeches  and  beha- 
 viour z  }  forbearance,  readinefs  to  be  reconciled,  patient 
 bearing  and  forgiving  of  injuries,  and  requiting  good  for  e- 
 vil  fl,  comforting  and  fuccouring  the  diftreffed,  and  protedl- 
 ing  and  defending  the  innocent  b.      ' 
 
 b  Eph.  V.  28,  29.     c  I  Kings xviii.  4.     d  Jer.  xxvi.  15,  \6. 
 Afts  xxiii.  12,  16,  17,  21,  27.     ^Eph.  iv.  26,  27.    /2Sam. 
 ii.  22.  Deut.  xxii.  8.    g  Matt.  iv.  6,  7.  Prov.  i.  10,   11,15, 
 16.     f}  I  Sam.  xxiv.  12.  and  xxvi.  9, — 1 1.  Gen.  xxxvii.  21, 
 21.     i  Pfal.  Ixxxii.  4.  Prov.  xxiv.  11,    12.   i  Sam.  xiv.  45 
 ^  Jam.  V.  7, — 1 1.  Heb.  xii.  9.     /  i  Theff.  iv.  i  r.  i  Pet.  iii.  4 
 Pfal.  xxxvii.  8, — n-  '  ^  Prov.- xvii.  22.     «  Prov.  xxv.  16 
 0  1  Tim.  V.  23.    /)  Ifa.  xxxviii.  21.     ^  Pf.  cxxvii.  7.     rEccI 
 V.  12.  2  Theff.  iii.  10,  12.  Prov.  xvi.  26.     j-  Eccl.  iii.  4,  11 
 i   1  Sam.  xix.  4,  5.  and  xxii.  13,  14.-    u  Rom.  :Jii.  10.— 
 IV  Lukex.  33,— 35-     ^  Col.  iii.  12,  13.    ;-  James  iii.  17.-^ 
 -z.  1  Pet.  iii.  8,— II.  Prov.  xv.  i.  Judg.  viii.  i,  2,  3.     a  Mat. 
 v.  24.  Eph.  iv.  2,  32.  Rom.  xii.  17,  20,  21.     b  \  Theff.  v. 
 14.  Job  xxxi.  19,  20.  Matt.  xxv.  35,  36.  Prov-  xxxi.  8,9. 
 
 O.X'id.l^hat  ar-e  the  fins  forbidden  in  theftxth  commandment  P 
 
 A.  The  (ins  forbidden  in  the  fixth  commandment,  are,  all 
 taking  away  the  life  of  ourfelves  c,  or  of  others  //,  except  in 
 
 cafe 
 
 c  A^s  xvi.  26.    d  Gzn.  ix.  5. 
 
^ 
 
 The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 cafe  of  public  juftice^,  lawful  war/,  or  neceflarY  defence ^ ; 
 the  negleding  or  withdrawing  the  lawful  and  neccfl'ary  means 
 of  prefervation  of  life  /.»,  finful  anger  /,  hatred  k,  envy  /,  de- 
 fire  of  revenge  m  ;  all  exceffive  pailions  n,  dirtra£ling  cares  c, 
 immoderate  ufe  of  meat,  drink/,  hiboury,  and  recreations r; 
 provoking  v/ords  /,  oppreffion/,  quarrelling  «,  ftriking,  woun- 
 ding w,  and  vvhatfoever  elfe  tends  to  the  deftru£tiou  of  the 
 life  of  any  .v.  * 
 
 c  A6ls  xvi.  28.  d  Gen.  ix.  6.  e  Numb.  xxxv.  3r,  33.— 
 /  Jer.  xlviii.  10.  Deut.  xx.  g  Exod.  xxii.  2,3.  h  Matt.  xxv. 
 4 J,  43.  Jam,  ii.  15,  16.  Eccl.  vi.  i,  2.  /Matt.  v.  22.  k  i 
 John  iii.  15.  Lev.  xix.  17.  /  Prov.  xiv.  30.  m  R  »'U  xiii. 
 19.  n  Epb.  iv.  3f.  oMatt,  vi.  31,  34.  p  Luke  xxi.  34. 
 Rom.  xiii.  13.  q  Eccl.  xii,  12.  and  ii.  22,  23.  r  Ifa.  v.  12. 
 s  Prov.  XV.  I.  and  xii.  28.  t  Ezek.  xviii.  18.  Exod.  i.  14. 
 u  Gal.  v.  15.  Prov.  xxiii.  29.  iv  Num.  xxxV.  16, — 18,  21. 
 a:  Exod.  xxi.  18,  to  the  end. 
 
 (^137.    Which  is  the  Jevepth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  feventh  commandment  is,  'ihoii  fjaJt  not  commit 
 adultery,  y. 
 
 y  Exod,  XX.  14. 
 
 0^138.  J-Fhat  are  the  duties  required  in  the  fevetith  com^ 
 tnandmetit  ? 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  feventh  commandment  are, 
 chaftity  in  body,  mind,  affeflions  z,  words  ^,  and  behavi- 
 our ^,  and  the  prefervation  of  it  in  ourfelves  and  others  c  \ 
 watchfulnefs  over  the  eyes,  and  all  the  fenfes  d ;  temperances, 
 keeping  of  cbaile  company/^  modefly  in  apparel  gy  marriage 
 by  thofc  that  have  not  the  gift  of  continency /^,  conjugal 
 love  ?,  and  co-habitation  ^,  diligent  labour  in  our  callings  7, 
 ihunning  all  occalions  of  uncleannefs,  and  refifting  temptati- 
 ons thereunto  m. 
 
 z  I  ThefT.  iv.  4.  Job  xxxi.  i .   i  Cor.  vii.  34.     a  Col.  iv.  6. 
 b  I  Pet.  iii,  2.     c    i  Cor.  vii.  2,  35,  36.     d  Job  xxxi.  t.-— 
 e  Afts  xxiv".  24,  25.    /  Prov.  ii.  16, — 20.     g  i  Tim.  ii   9. — 
 h  I  Cor.  vii.  2,  9.    /Prov.  v.  19,  20.    k  i  Pet.  iii.  7.     /  Prov 
 xxxi.  1 1,  27,  28.     m  Prov.  v,  28.  Gen.  xxxix.  8,  9,  10.       '^ 
 
 0^139.  What  are  the ftns  forbidden  in  the  feventh  commanW' 
 ment  ?  '  .  ' 
 
 A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  feventh  commandment,  be- 
 ifides the negle£f  of  the  duties  required//,  are,  adultejy,  ffM-ni- 
 cation  tf, '  rapj;,  inceft/>,  fodomy,  and  all  unnaturai  iiaffsv§r  j 
 
 P  p  iili 
 
 n  Prov.  V.  7.  0  Hcb.  xiii.  4.  Gal.  v.  19.  p  2  Sam.  xiii. 
 14.  I  Cor.  V.  I.     J  Rom.  i.  2.4,  a6,  27.  Lev.  xx.  ^5,  16. 
 
3o6  The  Larger  CAtECHisM. 
 
 all  unclean  imaginations,  thoughts,  purpofes,  and  afFe^lions  *^ ; 
 all  corrupt  or  fiithy  communications,  or  liftening  thereunto  /  j 
 wanton  looks/ 5  impudent  or  light  behaviour  ;  immodeft  ap- 
 parel tt  ;  prohibiting  of  lawful  it',  and  difptnfing  with  unlaw- 
 ful marriages  a;  ;  allowing,  tolerating,  keeping  of  ftews,  and 
 refcrting  to  them^; ;  entangling  vows  of  iingle  life  2  ;  undue 
 delay  of  marriage  j,  having  more  wives  or  hufbands  than  one 
 at. the  fame  time  b  ;  unjufl:  divorce  r,  or  defertion  d  ;  idle- 
 nti>,  glutton)',  drunkennefs  e,  unchafte  cjimpanyy,  lafcivious 
 fongs,  books,  pi<ftures,  dancings,  rtage-playsg,  and  all  other 
 provocations  to,  crafts  of  uncleannds,  either  in  ourfelvesor 
 oth^r<:  ^ 
 
 r  M^tr.  V.  28.  and  ixv.  19.  Col.  iii.  5.  s  Eph.  v.  3,  4. 
 Prov.  vii.  5,  21,  22.  t  Il'a.  iii.  16.  2  Pet.  ii.  r^.  u  Prov  vii. 
 10,  r3.  -u;  I  Tim.  iv.  3.  *?  Lev.  xviii  i, — 21.  Mark  vi.  18. 
 Mil.  ii.  II,  12.  y  I  Kings  xv.  12.  2  Kings  xxiii.  7.  Deut. 
 xxiii  17,  18.  Lev.  xix.  29  Jer.  v.  7.  Prov,  vii.  24, — 27—^ 
 2  Matt.  xix.  10,  n  a  \  Cor.  vii.  7,  8,  9.  Gen.  xxxviii.  26. 
 b  Matt.  ii.  14,  15.  and  xix.  5.  c  Mai.  ii.  16.  Matth.  v.  32. 
 d\  Cor.  vii.  £2,  13.  e  Ezek.  xvi.  49.  Prov.  xxiii.  30, — 33. 
 f  Gen.  xxxix.  10.  Prov.  v.  8.  g  Eph.  v.  4.  Ezek.  xxiii.  14, 
 —  r6.  Ifa.  xxiii.  15, — 17.  and  iii.  16.  Mark  vi.  22.  Rom. 
 xiii.  13  I  Pet.  iv.  3.  h  2  Kings  ix.  30.  with  Jer.  iv.  30.  and 
 Ezek.  xxiii-  40. 
 
 Q^{40.  Which  is  the  eighth  commnnchnent  ? 
 
 A.  The  eight  commandment  is,  Then  Jfjalt  notjleal.  i 
 
 i  Exod.  XX    15. 
 
 Q.  141.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  eighth  com- 
 ir.andment  ? 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  eighth  commandment  are, 
 truth,  faithfulnels,  and  juftice  tu  contr3<^ts  and  commerce  be- 
 tween mnn  and  man  k  ;  lendeiing  to  every  one  his  due  /  5 
 reftitutioa  of  goods  unlawfidly  detained  from  the  right  owners 
 thereof  W7  ;  giving  and  lending  freely,  according  to  our  abi- 
 lities, and  the  necefiitiescf  others  n  \  moderation  of  our  judg- 
 ments, wills,  and  affeftions,  concerning  worldly  goods  0  \  a 
 provident  care  and  ftudy  to  get/»^  keep,  ufe,  and  dilpoi'e  thole 
 things  which  arc  neceflary  and  convenient  for  the  fuftentation 
 
 of 
 
 ^  Pfal.  XV.  I,  4.  Zech.  vii.  4,  to.  and  viii.  16,  17.  /Rom. 
 xiii.  7.  m  Lev.  vi.  2, — 5.  with  Lukexix.  8.  n  Lul.e  vi.  30, 
 38.  I  John  iii.  17.  Eph.  iv.  28,  Gal.  vi.  lo.  0  i  Tim.  vi.6, 
 — 9.  Gal.  vi.  14.    p  I  Tim.  v.  8. 
 
Tie  Larger  Catechism,    -  3-^7 
 
 of  our  nature,  and  fuitable  to  our  conditSon  q  {  a  la^wfal  cal- 
 ling r,  and  diligence  in  it  s  ;  frugality  t  ;  uvoiaing  unnccata- 
 ry  law-fuits  b  and  lurety-ihip,  or  odtcr  like  engagements  -lu  •, 
 and  an  endeavour,  *by  al|  juft  and  lawful  means,  to  procure, 
 preferve,  and  further  the  vvealih  ind  outward  eftate  or  othtis, 
 as  well  as  our  own  x. 
 
 tfProv.  xvii  23,  to  tke  end.  Eccl  ii.  24.  and  in.  12,  13. 
 1  Tim.  vi.  17,  18.  Ifa.  xxxii.  i.  Matt.xi.  8.  r  i  Cor.  vii. 
 20.  Gen.  ii.  15.  and  iii.  19.  /  Epb.  iv.  28.  Prov.  x.  4.— 
 /  John  vj.  I  2  Piov.  xxi.  20.  u  i  Cor.  vi.  »,— 9.  iv  Prov. 
 vi.  1,-6.  and  xi.  15.  x  Lev.  xxv.  3c;.  Deut.  xxii.  1,-4. 
 Exod.  xxiii.4,  5.  Gen.  xlvii.  14,  20.  Phil.  ii.  4-  Mat.  xxii  39. 
 
 Q.  142.   What  are  the  ftns  forbidden  in  the  eighth  command' 
 
 metit  ? 
 
 A  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  eighth  commandment,  befide 
 the  neglecl  of  the  duties  required  ;»,  are,  theft  2,  robbery  «, 
 man  ftealing  d,  and  receiving  any  thing  that  is  flclcn  ^r,  frau- 
 dulent dealing^,  faUe  weights  and  meafures^,  removing  land 
 marks/;  icjufticeand  unfaitKfulneis  in  contvaas  between  maa 
 and  man  ^,  or  in  matters  of  truft  ^  ;  oppreffion  i,  extortion/:', 
 lifury/,  bribery  m^  vexatious  law-fuits  «,  unjuft  inclofures  and 
 depopulations 0,  engroffing  commodities  ro  inh-^^nce  the  priced 
 unlawful  callings  q,  and  all  other  unjuft  or  linful  ways  of  t-iic- 
 jng  or  withholding  from  our  neighbour  what  belongs  to  him, 
 or  of  enriching  ourfelves  r  \  covetoulnets  /,  inordinate  pri:':- 
 ing  and  affeaing  worldly  goods/  ;  diftruftiul  and  diltraaiug 
 cares  and  ftudies  in  getting,  keeping,  and  uiing  them  u  -,  en- 
 vying at  the  prosperity  of  others  w  :  as  likewife,  idlenefs  x, 
 prodigality,  wafteful  gaming,  and  all  other  ways  whereby  we 
 do  unduly  prejudize,our  own  outward  eftate  y,  and  cefr<ir.d- 
 ing  ourfelves  of  the  dueufe  and  comfort  of  that  eftaie-whi.h 
 God  hath  given  us  z. 
 
 3)  James  ii,  15,-  16  i  John  iii.  17.  z  Eph.  iv.  28.  a\!\A. 
 Ixii.  lo.  h  I  Tim.  i.  10  rProv.  xxix.  24.  Pfal.l.  18  d  1 
 Their,  iv.  6.  e  Prov.  xi.  1.  and  xx.  10.  /  Deut.  xix^  -4. 
 Prov.  xxiii.  10.  g  Amos  viii.  5.  Pfal.  xxxvii.  22.  h  Luke 
 xvi.  10,— 12.  i  Ezek.  xxii.  29.  Lev.  x;cv.  17.  k  IMatth. 
 xxiii.  25.  Ezek.  xxii.  12.  *'Pf.  xv  5.  ■  m  Job  xv.  34.  ^^  i 
 Cor.  vi.  6,  7,  8.  Prov.  iii.  29,  30.  0  Haiah  v.  8.  Micah  ij!^-2. 
 p  Prov.  xi.  26.  q  Ails  xix.  19,  24,  25.  r  Jobxx.  Ip-'J^'iy 
 V.  4.  Prov.  xxi.  6.  s  Luke  xii.  15.  t  1  Tim.  vi,  5.  Col.  -ii. 
 2.  Prov.  xxiii.  5.  Pfal.  Ixii.  10.  u  Matt.  vi.  25,  31 ,  34.  iiccl. 
 V.  12.  w  Pfal.  Ixxiii.  3..  and  xxxvii.  i ,  7.  w  2  Thefi^  iii.  1  k 
 Prov.  xviii.  9.  y  Prcv.  xxi-  17.  aud  xx  ii.  20,  2..  and  xxvni. 
 JO.     z  EccL  iv.  8.  and  vi.  2.  1  Tim,  v.  8. 
 
 Pp  2  Q-  i43- 
 
3c8  The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 0^x43.   Which  is  the  nititk  commandment  ? 
 A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,  Thou  foalt  net  hear  falfe 
 luiinejs  againji  thy  neighkar.  a 
 a  Exod.  XX.  16. 
 
 0^144.  What  are  the  duties  required  in  the  ninth  ccmmand- 
 tnent  ? 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  ninth  commandment  are, 
 the  preferving  and  promoting  of  truth  between  man  and 
 man  b^  and  the  good  name  of  our  neighbour,  as  well  as  our 
 own  c,  appearing  and  ftanding  for  the  truth  J,  and  from  the 
 hearts;  lincerely /",  freely  g,  clearly /j,  and  fully  ;  fpeaking 
 the  truth,  and  only  the  truth,  in  n)atters  of  judgment  and 
 juftice  h,  and  in  all  other  thi?-gs  whatfoever  /;  a  charitable 
 efteem  of  our  neighjDOurs  m  ;  loving,  defiring,  and  rejoicing 
 in  their  good  name  «  ;  forrowing  for  0,  and  covering  of  their 
 infirmities />  j  freely  acknowledging  their  gifts  and  graces  y, 
 defending  their  innocency  r  ;  a  ready  receiving  of  a  good 
 report  j,  and  unwillingnefs  to  a^mit  of  an  evil  report  concern- 
 ing them  /  ;  difcouraging  tale-bearers  w,  flatterers-w,  and 
 flanderers  x  \  love  and  care  of  our  own  good  name,  and  de- 
 fending it  when  needrequireth  y  ;  keeping  of  lawful  promi- 
 ses 3  J  ftudying  and  pradtifing  of  whatibever  things  are  true, 
 honefl,  lovely,  and  of  good  reports. 
 
 ^  Zech.  viii,  16.  r  3  John  12.  ^/Prov.  xxxi.  8,  9.  fPfal. 
 XV.  2.  /  2  Chron.  xix.  9.  g  i  Sam.  xix.  4,  5.  h  Jofh.  vii. 
 II).  t  2  Sam.  xiv,  r8, — 20.  h  Lev.  xix.  T5.  Prov.  xiv.  5, 
 25.  1  2  Cor.  i.  17,  18.  Eph,  iv.  25.  in  Heb.  vi.  9.  i  Cor. 
 xiii.  7.  n  Rom.i.  8.  2  John  4.  3  John  3,  4,  .0  2  Cor.  ii.  4. 
 and  xii.  21.  />  Prov.  xvii.  9.  i  Pet.  iv.  8.  ^r  i  Cor.  i.  4,  5,  7. 
 1  Tim.  i.  4,  5  r  r  Sam.  xxii.  14.  s  i  Cor.  xiii.  6,  7. — 
 t  Pfalm  XV.  3.  u  Prov.  xxv.  23.  nv  Prov.  xxvi.  24,  25  — 
 .■V  Pial.  ci.  5.  y  Prov.  xxii.  i.  John  viii.  49.  2  Plal.  xv.  4. 
 a  Phil.  iv.  8. 
 
 Q.  145.  What  are  thejtnsjorh'idden  in  the  ninth  commandment? 
 
 A.  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  ninth  commandment  are, 
 all  prejudizing  the  truth,  and  the  good  name  of  our  neigh- 
 bours, as  well  as  our  own  ^,  efpeciaily  in  public  judicature  c\ 
 giving  falfe  evidence  dy  fuborning  falfe  witnefTe.s  e,  wittingly 
 appearing  and  pleading  for  an  evil  caufe,  out-facing  and  over- 
 bearing  the  truthy^  pafHng  unjuft  fentcnce  ^,  calling  evil 
 
 good 
 
 h  I  Sam  xvii.  .28.  2  Sam.  xvl.  3.  and  i.  9,  10,  15,  16. — 
 c  Lev.  xix.  15.  Heb.  i.  4.  d  Prov;  xix.  5.  and  vi.  i6,  19. 
 t  h(\<^  vi  13.  y  Jer.  ix.  3,5.  A6ts  xxiv.  2,  5.  Pfal.  xi.  3)  4. 
 indlii.  }, —  4.     J- Prov.  xvii   15.  i  Kings  xxi.  9, —  54. 
 
%he  Larger  Catechism.  30f> 
 
 good  and  good  evil  ;  rewarding  the  wicked  according  to  the 
 I  work  of  the  righteous,  and  the  righteous  according  to  the 
 work  of  the  wicked  h  \  forgery  i ;  concealing  the  truth  \  un- 
 due filence  in  a  juft  caufe  k^  and  holding  our  peace  when  inil 
 quity  calleth  for  either  a  reproof  from  ourfelves  /,  or  com- 
 plaint toothers  m  ;  fpeaking  the  truth  unfeafonably r,  or  ma- 
 liciouily,  to  a  wrong  end<>,  or  perverting  it  to  a  wrong  mean- 
 ing/), or  in  doubtful  and equivo^ilexprefiions,  to  the  preju- 
 dice of  truth  or  juftice  q  ;  fpeaking  untruth  r,  lying  j,  fian- 
 dering  ^,  backbiting  f/,  detradling  w,  tale-bearing  a?,  whifper- 
 ing  J,  fcoffing  z,  reviling  ^7,  rafti  b^  harfh  f,  and  partial  cen- 
 Turing  d  ;  mifconftrufting  intentions,  words,  and  adlions  r; 
 flat^eringyi  vain-glorious  boafting  ^,  thinking  or  fpeaking 
 too  highly  ♦or  too  meanly  of  ourfelves  or  others  h^  denying 
 the  gifts  and  graces  of  Ged  /,  aggravating  fmaller  faults  i, 
 hiding,  excufing,  or  extenuating  of  fins,  when  called  to  a  free 
 confeffion  /  ;  unnecelTary  difcovering  of  infirmities  m  j  raif- 
 ing  falfe  rumours  u  j  receiving  and  countenancing  evil  re- 
 ports 0,  and  flopping  our  ears  againfl:  juH:  defence/)  ;  evil  iuf- 
 picion  q  ;  envying  or  grieving  at  the  dcferved  credit  of  any  r, 
 endeavouring  or  defiring  to  impair  it  j-,  rejoicing  in  their  dil- 
 grace  and  infamy  t ;  fcornful  contempt  ?/,  fond  admirationw, 
 breach  of  lawful  promifes  a^,  negleding  fuch  things  as  are  of 
 
 good 
 
 h  Ifa.  V.  23.  I  Pfal.  cxvi.  6^,  Luke  xix.  8.  and  xvl.  5,  6,  7. 
 %  Lev.  V.  I.  Deut  xiii.  8.  A6ts  v.  3,  8,  9.  2  Tim.  iv.  16.  /  i 
 Kings  i.  1(5.  Lev.  xix.  17.  m  Ifa.  lix.  4.  n  Prov.  xix.  11. 
 0  \  Sam-  xxii.  9,  10.  with  Pfal.  lii.  1,-4.  />  Pfal.  xxxvi.  6. 
 John  ii.  19.  compared  with  Mat.  xxvi.  60,  6r.  q  Gen.  Hi.  5.. 
 and  xxvi.  7,  9.  r  Ifa.  xxxix.  13.  s  Lev.  xix.  11.  Col.  ili.  9. 
 /  Pfal  I.  20.  u  Pfal.  XV.  3.  IV  James  iv.  1 1,  Jer.  xxxviii.  4. 
 X  Lev.  xix.  16.  y  Rom,  i.  29,  30.  z  Gen.  xxi.  9.  compared 
 with  Gal.  iv.  29.  a  i  Cor.  vi.  10.  h  Matt.  vii.  i.  c  A£ls 
 xxviii.  4.  d  Gen.  xxxviii.  24.  Rom  ii.  i.  e  Neh.  vi.  6,7, 
 8.  Rom.  iii.  8.  Pfal.  Ixix.  jo.  i  Sam.  i.  13, — 15.  2  Sam.  x.  3. 
 y  Pfal.  xii.  2,  3.  gi  Tim.  iii.  2.  h  Luke  xviii.  9, 11.  Rom. 
 Rom.  xii.  6.  i  Cor.  iv.  9.  Afts  xii.  22.  Exod  iv.  10-, — 14. 
 i  Job  xxvii.  5,  6.  and  iv.  6.  k  Mat.  vii.  3,  4,  5.  Prov.  xxviii. 
 13.  and  XXX.  20.  Gen.  iii.  12,  13.  Jer.  ii.  35.  2  Kings  v.  25. 
 Gen  iv.  9.  m  Gen.  ix.  24.  Prov.  xxv,  9,  jo.  n  Exod.  xxiii. 
 I.  0  Prov.  xxix.  12.  p  A<n:s  vii.  56,  57.  Job  xxxi.  13,  14. 
 q  I  Cor.  xiii.  5.  i  Tim.  vi.  4.  r  Num.  xi.  29.  Matt.  xxi.  i  5. 
 J  Ezra  iv.  12,  13.  ?  Jer.  xlviii.  27.  ?/Pfal.  xxxv.  15,  16,  2f. 
 Matt,  xxvii.  28,  29.  in  Jude  16.  Adts  xii.  1$,.  k  Rom.  i, 
 31.2  Tim.  iii.  3. 
 
-^*o  *The  Labger  Catechis^. 
 
 good  report  v,  and  pra<5lifing  cr  not  avoiding  ourfelve?,  or 
 not  hindering  what  we  can  iu  others,  fuch  things  as  procure 
 an  ill  name  %. 
 
 y  I  Sam.  ii.  23.  2  i  Sam.  xiii.  12,  13.  Prov.  v.  8,  9. 
 »nd  vi.  33. 
 
 Q.  146.  Which  IS  the  tenth  ctmmandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  Thou  fhalt  not  covet  thy 
 neighhur's  houfe^  ihonjhalt  r,')t  covet  thy  ne'if^hhour's  ivifey  n(.r 
 Bis  man-Jervant^  nor  his  maid  fervanty  nor  his  ott^  nor  his  nfsy 
 nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbour's,  a . 
 
 a  Exod.  XX.  17. 
 
 0^147.  What  are  the  duties  required  in,  the  tenth  command-' 
 ■ment  ? 
 
 A.  The  duties  required  in  the  tenth  commandlhent,  are, 
 fuch  a  full  contentment  with  our  own  condrtlcn  h,  and  fuch  a 
 charitable  frame  of  the  whole  foul  toward  our  neighbour,  as 
 that  all  our  inward  motions  and  affedlions  touching  him,  tend 
 unto,  and  fufiher  all  that  good  which  is  his  c. 
 
 h  Heb.  xiii.  5.  1  Tim.  vi.  6.  c  Job  xxxi.  29.  Rom.  xii.  15. 
 rial,  cxxii.  7,  8,  9.  i  Tim.  i.  5.  Ellh.  x.  3.  i  Cor.  xiii.  4, — 7. 
 
 0^148.  What  are  the Jins  forbidden  in  the  tenth  commvnd- 
 tnev.t  ? 
 
 A,  The  fins  forbidden  in  the  tenth  commandment,  are, 
 difeontentment  with  our  own  eftate  dy  envying  e  and  grieving 
 at  the  good  of  our  neighbour^,  together  with  all  inordinate 
 motions  and  affeftions  to  any  thing  that  is  his  g. 
 
 d  1  Kings  xxi.  4.  Efth.  v.  13.  1  Cor.  x.  10.  e  Gal.  ii.  26. 
 James  iii.  14,  16.  /Pfal.  cxii.  9,  10.  Neh.  ii,  ic.  g  Rom. 
 vji.  7,  8    and  xiii.  9.  Col  iii.  5.  Deut.  v.  21. 
 
 Kyi4g.Panymanab/eper/eWyto'k(i'j>  the  commandments 
 
 of  God?  •• 
 
 A.  No  man  is  able,  either  of  himfelf^,  or  by  any  grace 
 received  in  this  life,  perfectly  to  keep  the  commandmeuts  of 
 God  i^  but  doth  daily  break  them  in  thought  /•,  word,  and 
 
 deed  /. 
 
 h  James  iii.  2.  John  xv.  5.  Rom.  viii.  3.  i  Eccl.  vii.  20. 
 I  John  i.  8,  10.  Gal.v.  17.  Rom.  vii.  i3,  19.  k  Gen.  vi.  5. 
 aid  vili.  21.     /Rom. iii.  9, — 21.  James  iii.  2, — 13. 
 
 Q.  ICO.  Are  all  tranfgrejfions  of  the  lanv  of  God  eqiially  hai- 
 nous  7«  thi'infelvesy  and  in  theftght  oj  God  ? 
 
 A.  All  tranfgreflions  of  the  law  of  God  are  not  equally  hei- 
 nous :  but  fome  flns  in  themfelves,and  by  reafonoi  Icvcral  a_j- 
 gravations,  arejiiore  heinous  in  the  fight  of  God  th?n  of  hers.w 
 
 m  Johnxix.*ii.  Ezek,  viii.  (x,  13,  15.  John  v.  16.  Piahn 
 Ix.wiii.  17,  32,  c6.  Q-  '5'- 
 
Tie  Larger  Catechism.  '3 it 
 
 Q^l^r.  What  are  the fe  aggravations y  nxihich  mahe/omeftAs 
 more  he'inmts  than  others  ? 
 
 A.  Sins  receive  their  aggravations, 
 
 1.  From  xhtperfons  offending  n  %  if  they  be  o(  riper  agci?, 
 greater  experience  or  grace  />,  eminent  for  profefuon  q^  gifts,r 
 places,  office^,  guides  to  others  i^,  and  whofe  example  is 
 likely  to  be  followed  by  others  w.  $  ' 
 
 n  Jer.  ii.  8.  0  Job  xxxii-  7,  9.  Eccl.iv.  13.  p  1  Kingsxt. 
 4,  9.  qi  Sam.  xii.  14.  i  Cor.  v.  i.  r  James  iv.  17.  Luk« 
 xii.  47,  48.  X  Jer.  v.  4,  5.  /  2  Sam.  xii.  7j  8,  9.  Ezek.  viii, 
 II,  12.     u  Rom.  ii.  1 7, — 25.     w  Gal.  li.  11, — 14. 
 
 2.  From  the  partus  offen.ded  x  ;  if  immediately  againfi: 
 God);,  his  attributes  z,  and  v/orfhip  a  ;  againft  Chrift,  and 
 his  grace  b  ;  the  HolyiSpirit  r,  his  witncfs  d',  and  workings^ 4 
 againft  fupcriors,  t.men  of  emmencyy,  and  fuch  as  we  ftand 
 efpecially  related  and  engaged  unto  g  ;  again/ft  any  of  the 
 faints  i6,  particularly  weak  brethren  i  ;  the  iouls  of  them, or 
 any  other  li  ;  and  the  common  good  of  all,  or  many  /. 
 
 ic  Matt.  XX.  38,  39.  y  1  Sam.  ii-  25.  Aftsv.  4.  Pfal.  li  4. 
 2  Rom.  ii.  4.  a  Mai.  i.  8,  14.  h  Heb.  ii.  2,  3.  and  xii.  2j- 
 c  Heb.  X.  29.  Matt.  xii.  31,  32.  JEph.  iv.  30.  e  Hcb,  tt, 
 4,  5.  /Jude  8.  Num.  xii.  8,  9.  Ifa.  iii.  5.  ^  Prov.  xxx.  17. 
 2  Cor.  xii,. 15.  Pfal.  li.  12, — 15.  h  Zeph.ii.  8, — 11.  Matt, 
 xviii.  6.  I  Cor.  vi.  8.  Rev.  xvii,  6.  I  i  Cor.  viii.  11,  12. 
 Rom.  xiv.  13,  15,  2i.  k  Ezek.  xiii.  19.  i  Cor.  viii  12.  Rev. 
 xviii.  13.  Mat.  xxiii.  15.    /  1  ThelT.  ii.  ij,  16.  Jofli.  xxii.  20» 
 
 3.  From  the  nature  or  quality  of  the  offence  w ;  if  it  he 
 againft  the  exprefs  letter  of  the  law  .♦?,  break  many  command- 
 ments, contain  in  it  many  fins  0  j  if  not  only  conceived  irr. 
 the  heart,  but  breaks  forth  in  words  and  a£lions/>,  fcanda- 
 liae  others  q,  and  admit  of  no  reparation  r  j  if  againft  means  .f^, 
 mercies  ?,  judgments  11,  light  of  nature  w,  conviction  of  con- 
 fcience  a;,  public  or  private  admonition  j,  cenfurcs  of  ths 
 church  2,  civil  puniihmeiits  a^  and  our  own  prayers,  purpo- 
 
 m  Prov.  vi.  30,  to  the  end.  n  Ezra  ix,  10, — 12.  i  Kvngw 
 xi.  9,  10.  0  Col.  iii.  5.  I  Tim.  vi.  10.  Prov.  v.  8, — 12»  and 
 vi.  32,  33.  Jofh.vii.  21.  p  Jam.  i.  14,  15.  Mat.  v.  22.  Mic. 
 ii.  I.  q  Matt,  xviii.  7.  Rom.  ii.  23,  24.  r  Deut.  xxii.  22. 
 compared  with  28,  29,  Prov.  vi.  32,-35.  s  Matt.  xi.  21, 
 — 24.  John  XV.  22.  /  Ifa.  i.  3.  Deut.  xxxii.  6.  u  Amos  h. 
 8, — II.  Jer.  V.  3.  w  Rom.  i.  26,  27.  x  Rom.  i.  31.  Dan. 
 V.  22.  Tit.  iii.  10,  II.  y  Prov.  xxix.  i.  2  Tit.  iii.  lo.  MatU 
 xviii,  17.     a  Prov.  xxvii.  22.  and  xxiii,  35, 
 
qi2  ^ft,?  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 fes,  proiiiifes^,  vows^,  covenants  d,  and  engagements  to  God 
 or  men  ^  i  if  done  deliberately/,  wilfully  g,  prefumptuour- 
 ly  by  impudently  i,  boaftingly  k^  malicioufly  /,  frequently  w, 
 obftinately  «,  with  delight  c»,  continuance/',  orrelapfing  af- 
 ter repentance  q. 
 
 bViiX-  Ixxviii.  34. — 37.  Jer.  ii.  20.  and  xlii.  6,  20,  21. 
 c  Eccl.  yi  4,  5,  6.  Prov.  xx.  25.  d  Lev.  xxvi.  25.  e  Prov. 
 ji.  17.  lii^ek.  xvii.  i8,  19.  /Pfal.  xxxvi.  4.  ^  Jerem.  vi.  16. 
 h  Num.  XV.  30.  Exod.  xxi.  14.  i  Jer.  iii.  3.  Prov.  vii.  13. 
 k  Pfal.  Hi.  I.  73  John  10.  w  Num.xiv.  22.  «  ?ech.  vii. 
 II,  12.  oProv.  ii.  14.  p  Ifa.  Ivii.  17.  q  Jer.  xxxiv.  8, — 
 II.  2  Pet.  ii.  20, — 22. 
 
 4.  From  clrcumjlatices  of  ///«?  r,  and  /)/^r^  j  ;  if  on  the 
 Lord's  day  /,  or  other  times  of  divine  worlhip  «,  or  immedi- 
 ately before  w,  or  after  thefe  Xy  or  other  helps  to  prevent  or 
 remedy  fuch  mifcarriages  j ;  if  in  public,  or  in  the  prcfence  of 
 others,  who  are  thereby  likely  to  be  provoked  or  defiled  z. 
 
 r  2^Kings  y.  21.  s  Jer.  vii.  10.  Ifa.  xxvi.  10.  t  Ezck. 
 xxiii.  37, — 39.  u  Ifa.  liii.  3,  4,  5.  Num.  xxv.  6,  7.  -u;  i 
 Cor.  xi.  20,  21.  X  Jer.  vii.  8,  9,  10.  Prov.  vii.  14,  15.  Jolia 
 xiii.  27,  30.  y  Ezra  ix.  13.  14.  2  2  Sam.  xvi.  22.  i  Sara, 
 ii.  22, — 24. 
 
 Q.  152.  What  doth  every Jtn  defewe  at  the  hands  of  God  ? 
 
 A.  Every  fin,  even  the  leafl,  being  againft  the  fovereign- 
 ty  fl,  goodnefs  h,  and  holinefs  of  God  r,  and  againfl  his  righ- 
 teous law  dy  deferveth  his  wrath  and  curfe  ey  both  in  this 
 life  /,  and  that  which  is  to  come  g  \  and  cannot  be  expiated 
 but  by  the  blood  of  Chrift  h. 
 
 a  James  ii.  ic,  1 1.  b  Exod.  xx.  i,  2.  c  Heb.  i.  13.  Lev. 
 X.  3.  and  xi.  44,  45.  d  i  John  iii.  4.  Rom.  vii.  ij.  e  Eph. 
 V.  6.  Gal.  iii.  10.  /Lam.  iii.  39.  Deuc.  xxviii.  15,  to  the 
 end.    g  Matt.  xxv.  41.     h  Heb.  ix.  22.  1  Pet.  i.  18,  19. 
 
 Q.  153.  What  doth  God  require  of  uSy  that  we  may  efcnpe 
 his  -wrath  and  curfe  due  to  us  by  reafon  of  the  tratfgrejjlon  of 
 the  laiv  ? 
 
 A.  That  v.T  may  efcape  the  wrath  and  curfe  of  God  due  to 
 us  by  reafon  of  the  tranfgreflion  of  the  law,  he  requireth  of 
 us  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jefus 
 Chrift  iy  and  the  diligent  ufe  of  the  outward  means  whereby 
 Cbrift:  communicates  to  us  the  benefits  of  his  mediation  k. 
 
 i  A£ls  XX.  21.     k  Prov.  ii.  i, — 6.  and  viii.  33,  to  the  end. 
 
 0^154.  IVhat  are  the  outward  means y  whereby  Chrijl  com' 
 inumcates  to  us  the  benefits  of  bis  mediation? 
 
 A,  The 
 
The  Larger  Catechism."  313 
 
 A.  The  outward  and  ordinary  means,  whereby  Chrifl:  com- 
 municates to  his  church  the  bcnefit.s  of  his  mediation,  are,  all 
 his  ordinances,  efpecially  the  word,  facraments,  and  prayer  ; 
 ail  which  are  made  efFadual  to  the  eled  for  their  falvation  /. 
 
 /  Matt,  xxvili.  19,  20.  Adls  ii.  42,  46,  47. 
 
 Q^  155.  H010  is  the  word  made  effeElual  lo  falvation  ? 
 
 A.  The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but  efpecially 
 the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  efFeftual  means  of  enlighten- 
 iug  w,  convincing,  and  humbling  llnners  n  ;  of  driving  them 
 out  of  themfelves,  and  drawing  them  unto  Chrift  0  ;  of  con- 
 forming them  to  his  image  />,  and  fubduing  them  to  his 
 will  q\  of  ftrengthening  them  againft  taraptations  and  cor- 
 rupii^s  r  j  of  building  th'em  up  in  grace  j-,  and  eftablifhing 
 their  nearts  in  holinefs  and  comfort  through  faith  unto  fal- 
 vation t. 
 
 m  Neh.  viii.  8.  Afis  xxvi.  18.  Pfal.  xix.  8.  n  i  Cor.  xlv. 
 2i»4,25.  2  Chron.xxxiv.  18,  19,  26, — 28.  0  A£ts  ii.  37.  and 
 viii.  27,— 39.  />  2  Cor.  iii.  t8.  q  2  Cor.  x.  4,  5,6.  Rom. 
 vi.  17.  r  Matt.  iv.  i,  7,  10.  Eoh.  vi.  16,  17.  Plal.  xix.  ii. 
 1  Cor.  X.  II.  J- Adts  XX,  31.  2  Tim.  iii.  15, — 17.  t  Rom. 
 xvi.  25.  I  ThefT.  iii.  2,  10,  11,  13.  Rom.  xv.  4.  and  x.  13, 
 —  17.  and  i.  16. 
 
 Q.  156.  h  the  nvord  of  Ged  to  he  fend  by  all  ? 
 
 A.  Although  all  are  not  to  be  permitted  to  read  the  word 
 publicly  to  the  congregation  ?;,  yet  all  fons  of  peopleare  bound 
 to  read  it  apart  by  themfelves  w,  and  with  their  families  x  \ 
 to  which  end,  the  holy  fcriptures  are  to  be  tranflated  out  of 
 the  original  into  vulgar  languages  y. 
 
 «  Deut.xxxi.  9,  II, — 13.  Nch.  viii.  2,  3.  and  ix.  3,  4,  5. 
 lu  Deut.  xvii.  19.  Rev.  i.  3.  John  v.  39.  Ifa.  xxxiv  16. — 
 X  Deut.  vi.  6, — 9.  Gen.  xviii.  17,  19.  Pfal.  Ixxviii,  5,  6, .7. 
 y  1  Cor.  xiv.  6,  9,  11,12,  15,  16,  24,  27,  28. 
 
 Q^  157.  H01U  is  the  word  of  God  to  be  read  ?  ' 
 
 A^  The  holy  Icriptures  are  to  be  read,  with  an  high  and 
 reverentefteem  of  them  2,  with  a  firm  perfuafion  that  they 
 are  the  very  word  of  God  o,  and  that  he  only  can  enable  us 
 to  underftand  them /i  ;  with  defire  to  know,  believe,  and  o- 
 bey  the  will  of  God  revealed  in  them  c  ;  with  diligence  J,  and 
 attention  to  the  matter  aH4  fcope  cf  them  e  y  with  meditationy, 
 
 Qji  zpplica- 
 
 z  Pfal.  xix.  16.  Neh.  viii.  3, — 10.  Exod  xxiv.  7.  2  Chrcn. 
 xxxiv.  27.  lia.  Ixvi.  2.  '  o  2  Pet.  i.  J9,— 21.  b  Luke  xxiv. 
 45.  2  Cor.  iii.  13, — lO.  c  Deut.  xvii.  19,  20..  d  Acts  xvii. 
 II.  e  Acis  viii.  o«,  34.  Luke  x»  26, — 28.  J  Pfalm  i,  2. 
 and  cxix.  97.  i' 
 
314  ^^^  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 application^,  felf-denial /;,  and  prayer  /. 
 
 g  2  Chron.  xxxiv  21.  h  Prov.  iii.  5  Dfv't.  xxxlii.  3  — 
 t  Prov.  ii.  1,-7.  Pfal.  cxix.  18."  Neh.  viil.  6,  8. 
 
 Q^  158.  By  nvhom  is  the  nm^'d  of  God  U.  be  preached  ? 
 
 A.  The  word  of  God  is  to  be  preached  only  by  luch  as  are 
 fufiiciently  giited  k^  and  alfo  duly  approved  and  called  to 
 that  office  /. 
 
 k  I  Tim.  iii.  2,  6  Eph.  iv.  6, — 11.  Hof.  iv.  6.  Mai.  ii.  7. 
 2  Cor.  iii.  6.  /  Jer.  xiv.  15.  Rom.  x.  15.  Heb.  v.  4,  i  Cor. 
 xii.  2J>j  29.  I  Tim.  iii.^io.  and  iv.  14.  and  v.  22. 
 
 Q^l  ijo.  Honx)  IS  the\vord  of  God  to  be  preached  b'y  thoje  that 
 arc  called  thereunto  ? 
 
 A.  They  that  are  called  to  labour  in  the  miniftry  %k  the 
 word,  are  to  preach  found  doctrine  m,  diligently  «,  in  feaf'on 
 and  out  of  feafon  0  ;  plainly,  not  in  the  enrticLng  words  of 
 man's  wifdom,  but  in  demonftration  of  the  Spirit  and  of 
 power  q  ;  faithfully  f,  making  known  the  whole  courifel  of 
 God  J  ;  wifely /,  applying  themielves  to  the  neceflities  and 
 capacities  of  the  hearers  u  ;  zealouily  tv,  with  fervent  love  to 
 God  X,  and  the  louls  of  his  people  v  %  lincerely  _y,  aiming  at 
 his  glory  a,  and  their  converfion^^  edifications,  and  falvation.^ 
 
 m  Tit.  ii.  1,8.  n  A<fts  xviii.  2^.  0  2 Tim.  iv.  2.  p  i  Cor. 
 xiv.  19  q  T  Cor.  ii,  4.  r  Jer.  xxiii.  28.  i  Cor.  iv.  i,  2. — 
 s  Afts  XX.  27.  t  Co!,  i.  28.  2  Tim.  if. -45.  '  «  i  Cor.  iii.  2. 
 Heb.  V.  12, — 14.  Luke  xii.  42.  w  Afts  xviii.  a;,  x  2  Cor. 
 V.  13,  14.  Phil.  i.  15, —  [7.  y  Col.  iv.  12.  2  Cor.  xii  ij;. 
 2  2  Cor.  ii.  17.  and  iv.  2.  a  i  ThefT.  ii.  4,  5,  6.  John  vii, 
 18  b  i  Cor.  ix.  19, — 22.  c  2Cor.  xii.  19.  Eph.  iv.  12. 
 di  Tim.  iv.  16.  Afts  Xxvi.  17, — 13. 
 
 Q^I  60.  What  is  required  of  thofe  that  hear  the  nvordpresKhd? 
 
 A.  It  is  required  of  thofe  that  hear  the  word  preached,  that 
 they  attend  upon  it  with  diligence  f,  preparationy",  prayer i- ; 
 examine  what  they  hear  by  the  fcriptures  h  ;  receive  the  truth 
 with  faith  z,  love  ^,  meeknefs  /,  r.nd  readinefs  of  mind  w,  as 
 the  word  of  God  n ;  meditate  0,  and  confer  of  it  /»  j  hide  it  ia 
 their  hearts^,  and  bring  forth  the  fruit  of  it  in  their  lives  r, 
 
 €  Prov.  viii.  34.  f  \  Pet.  ii.  i,  2.  Luke  viii.  18.  g  Pfal. 
 cxix,  18.  Eph.  vi.  18,  19.  h  A£ls  xvii.  11.  i  Heb.  iv.  2. 
 k  2  TheiT.  ii.  10.  /Jam-  i.  21.  m  Adlsxvii.  11.  «  i  Thefll 
 ii.  13.  0  Luke  ix.  44.  Heb.  ii.  i.  p  Luke  xxiv.  14.  Deut. 
 vi.  6,  7.  q  Prov.  ii.  i.  Pfaan  cxix.  n.  r  Luke  viii.  15. 
 James  i.  25. 
 
 Q^i6i.  Hoiu  do  the  Sacraments  become  effeSIual  means  of 
 Ja/uaiion  / 
 
 A.  The 
 
7l?e  Larger  Catechism.  ^15 
 
 j^.  The  Sacraments  become  eiFe»^ual  means  of  fatvation, 
 not  by  any  power  in  themfelves,  or  any  virtue  derived  from 
 the  piety  and  inrention  of  him  by  whom  they  are  adminif^red; 
 but  only  by  the  v.'orking  of  the  Holy  Ghoft,  and  the  bleiHng 
 of  Chrift,  by  whom  they  are  inftituted  j. 
 
 s  I  Per.  iii.  21.  Acts  viii,  13,  with  23.  i  Cor.  iii.  6,  7.  arid 
 xii.  13. 
 
 Q^  162.   Whcit  is  a  Sacrament  ? 
 
 A.  A  Sacrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  inftituted  by  Chrift 
 in  his  church  /,  to  Signify,  feal  and  exhibit  u  unto  thofe  that 
 are  within  the  covenant  of  grace  w,  the  benefits  of  his  medi- 
 ation «■  5  to  ftrengthen  and  increafe  their  faith,  and  all  other 
 graces^  5  to  oblige  them  to  obedience  s  ;  to  teftify  and  che-. 
 riJh  their  love  and  communion  one  with  another  a  ;  and  to 
 diftinguilli  them,  from  thofe  that  are  without  h. 
 
 t  Gen,  xvii.  7,  10.  £xod  xii.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  and  xxvi. 
 27,  28.  u  Rom.  iv.  1 1 .  I  Cor.  xi.  24,  25.  10  Rom.  xv,  8. 
 Exod.  xii  48.  a  A(fts  ii.  38.  1  Cor.  x.  16.  )>  Rom.  iv.  ir. 
 Gal.  iii  27.  z  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  1  Cor.  x-  21.  a  Eph,  iv.  2, 
 ' — 5.   I  Cor.  xii.  13.     ^  Eph.  i.  II,  12.  Gen.  xxxiv.  14. 
 
 0^163.  What  are  the  parts  of  a  facrament  ? 
 
 ./I.  The  parts  of  a  facrament  are  two  j  the  one  an  outward, 
 and  fenfible  iign,  ufed  according  toChrilf's  own  appointment  \ 
 the  other  an  inward  and  fpiritual  grace  thereby  lignniv'd  c. 
 
 c  Matt   iii.  11.   i  Pet.  iii.  21.   Rom.  ii.  28,  29. 
 
 0^164.  Honv  many  facrametjts  hnth  Chriji  hijlituted  in  his 
 churchy   under  the  New  lejlament  ? 
 
 •A>  Under  the  New  Teftament,  Chrift  hath  inftituted  in  his 
 church  only  two  facraments,^a/)/i/7M  and  the  Lord^s /upper,  d 
 
 r/ Matt,  xxviii.  19.   1  Cor.  xi.  20,23.  Matt.  xxvi.  2d, — 28. 
 
 0^165.   What  is  Baptifm  ? 
 
 A  Baptifm  is  a  facrament  of  the  New  Teftament,  wherein 
 Chrift  hath  ordained  the  walhing  v/ith  water,  in  the  nao^e  oi: 
 the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  e^  to  be 
 a  fign  and  feal  of  ingrafting  into  hiinfeif /,  of  remifiion  of 
 fins  by  his  blood  g^  and  regeneration  by  his  Spirit  h  ;  of  a- 
 doption  ?',  and  relurreftion  unto  everlailing  life  k  ;  and  where- 
 by the  parties  baptized  are  folemnly  admitted  into  the  viiible 
 church  /,  and  enter  into  an  open  and  profefl'ed  en^ageaic-nt 
 ,to  be  wholly  and  only  the  Lord's  m, 
 
 e  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  ^  Gal.  iii.  27.  g  Marki.  4.  R^v,  i.  5. 
 h  Tit.  iii.  5.  Eph.  v.  26.  i  Gal,  iii.  26,  27.  ^  .  Cor  xv.  20. 
 Rom.  vi.  ^.      /  I  Cor  xii.  13.     m  Rom.  vi.  4. 
 
 Q^  166.    Unto  nvhom  is  Bapttfrn  to  be  6uh)n>iijh  ed  ?      ■ 
 
 Qj\  2  ,         '        A.  Bap. 
 
3^^  7"^^  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 A.  Baptifm  is  not  to  be  adminiftred  to  any  that  are  out  of 
 the  vifible  church,  and  To'  ftiangers  from  the  covenant  of 
 promife,  till  they  profefs  their  faith  in  Chrid,  and  obedience 
 to  him  //  :  but  infants  defcending  from  parents,  either  both, 
 or  but  one  of  them,  profelHng  faith  in  Chrift,  and  obedience 
 to  him,  are,  in  that  refpcdl,  within  the  covenant,  and  to  be 
 baptized  a. 
 
 n  Aifts  viii.  36,-  37.  and  ii.  38.  0  Gen.  xvii.  7,  9.  with 
 Gal.  iii.  9,  14.  and  Col.  ii.  11,  12.  and  Afts  ii.  38,  39.  and 
 Rom.  iv.  II,  12.  I  Cor.  vii.  14.  Mat.  xxviii.  19.  Luke  xviii. 
 15,  16.  Rom.  xi.  16. 
 
 0^167.   Honu  is  our  Baphfm .to  he  improved  by  us  ? 
 
 A.  The  needful,  but  much  negle<Sted  duty  of  improving 
 our  baptifm,  is  to  be -performed  by  us  all  our  life  long,  elpe- 
 cially  in  the  time  of  temptation,  and  when  we  are  prefent  at 
 the  zdminiffration  of  it  to  others /)  j  by  lericus  and  thankful 
 confjderation  of  the  n?*ure  of  it,  and  of  the  ends  for  which 
 Chrift  inftituted  it,  the  privileges  and  benefits  conferred  and 
 fealcd  thereby,  and  our  folemn  vow  made  therein  q  j  by  being 
 humbled  for  our  iinful  defilement,  our  falling  fliort  of,  and 
 walking  contrary  to,  the  grace  of  baptifm  and  our  engage- 
 ments r  ;  by  growing  up  to  alTurance  of  pardon  of  fin,  and 
 of  all  other  bleffings  fealed  to  us  in  that  facrament  j-  \  by 
 drawing  firength  from  the  death  and  refurreilion  of  Chrift, 
 into  whom  we  are  baptized,  for  the  mortifying  of  fin,  and 
 quickening  of  grace/  ;  and  by  endeavouring  to  live  by  faith, « 
 to  have  our  converfation  in  holinefs  and  righteouinefs  w,  as 
 thofe  that  have  therein  given  up  their  names  to  Chrifl  x  \ — 
 and  to  walk  in  brotherly  love,  as  being  b?.ptized  by  the  fame 
 Spirit  iiito  one  body  y. 
 
 p  Col.  ii.  II,  12.  Rom.  vi.  4,  6,  ii.  q  Rom.  vi.  3,  4,  5. 
 r  I  Cor.  i.  II, — 13  Rom.  vi.  2,  3.  s  Rom.  iv.  1 1,  12.  I 
 Pet.  iii.  21.  /  Rom.  vi.  3,  4,  5.  wGal.iii  26,27.  "zv  Rom. 
 vi.  22.     X  A^s  ii.  38.     y  1  Cor.  xii.  13,  25, — 27. 
 
 O^  168.   What  is  the  Lord's  Supper  P 
 
 A.  The  Lord's  Supper  is  a  facrament  of  fhe  New  Tefk- 
 ment  z,  wherein,  by  giving  and  receiving  bread  and  wine, 
 according  ro  the  appointment  of  Jefus  ChriO,  his  death  is 
 fhewed  forth  ;  and  they  that  worthily  communicate,  feed  up- 
 on his  body  and  blood,  to  their  fpiritual  nourifhment  and 
 growth  in  grace  «  ;  have  their  union  and  communion  witii 
 him  confirmed  b  j  teftify  and  renew  their  tlankfulriefs  c  and 
 
 engage- 
 
 2  Luke  xxii.  20.  a  Matt.xxvi.  26, — 28.  i  Cor.  xi.  23, — 
 26.     b  i  Cor.  X.  16.     c  i  Cor.  xi.  24,-26, 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  317 
 
 lengagement  to  God  ^,  and  their  mutual  love  and  fellowfhip 
 each  with  other,  as  members  of  the  fame  myftical  body  e. 
 
 d  I  Cor.  X.  14, — 16,  2«.     e  I  Cor.  x.  17. 
 
 0^169.  How  hath  Chriji  appointed  bread  and  tuine  to  be  gi' 
 ven  and  received  in  the  fcicrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 
 
 A.  Chrift  hath  appointed  the  minifters  of  his  word,  In  the 
 adminiftration  of  this  facramentof  the  Lord's  Supper,  to  fet 
 apart  the  bread  and  wine  from  common  ufe,  by'the  word  of 
 inftituiion,  thankfgiving,  and  prayer  ;  to  take  and  break  the 
 bread,  and  to  give  both  the  bread  and  v.'ine  to  the  communi- 
 cants, who  are,  by  the  fame  appointment,  to  take  and  eat  the 
 bread,  and  to  drink  the  wine,  in  thankful  remembrance,  that 
 the  body  of  Chrift  was  broken  and  given,  and  his  blood  fhed 
 for  them  f. 
 
 f  I  Cor.  xl.  23,  24.  Matt.  xxvi.  25, — 28-.  Mark  xiv.  22, 
 — 24.  Luke  xxii.  19,  20. 
 
 Q^l  70.  How  do  they  that  worthily  communicate  in.  the  Lord's 
 Supper,  feed  upon  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrifl  therei\i  ? 
 
 A.  As  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift  are  not  corporally  or 
 carnally  peefcnt  in,  with,  or  under  the  bread  and  wine  in  the 
 Lord's  Supper^,  and  yet  arefpiritually  preient  to  the  faith  of 
 the  receiver,  no  lefs  truly  and  really  than  the  elements  them- 
 felves  are  to  their  outward  fenfes  h  ;  {o  they  that  worthily 
 communicate  in  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  do  there- 
 in feed  upon  the  body  and  blood  of  Chrift,  not  after  a  cor- 
 poral or  carnal,  but  in  a  fpiritual  manner,  yet  truly  and 
 really  I,  while  by  faith  they  receive  and  apply  unto  themjelves 
 Chrift  crucified,  and  all  the  benefits  of  his  death  \. 
 
 g  Adls  iii  21.  h  Macth.  xxvi.  28.  i  i  Cor.  xi.  24, — 29. 
 k  1  Cor.  X.  16. 
 
 0^171.  How  are  they  that  receive  the facrament-of  the  Lord's 
 Supper,  to  prepare  themfelves  before  they  come  unto  it  ? 
 
 A.  They  that  receive  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
 are,  before  they  come,  to  prepare  themfelves  thereunto,  by 
 examining  themfelves/  of  their  being  in  Chrift  w,  of  their  fins 
 and  wants  «,  of  the  truth  and  meafure  of  iheir  knowledge  o^ 
 faith  />,  repentance  q,  love  to  God  and  the  brethren  r,  cha- 
 rity to  all  men  x,  forgiving  thofe  that  have  done  them  wrong  2f ; 
 of  their  defires  after  Chrift  u^  and  of  their  new  obedience  w  •; 
 
 and 
 
 /  I  Cor.  xi.  28.  m  2  Cor.  xiil.  5.  «  i  Cor.  v.  7.  compared 
 with  Exod.  xii.  i^.  0  \  Cor.  xi.  29.  p  2  Cor.  xiil.  5.  Mat. 
 xxvi.  28.  y  Zech.  xii.  10.  1  Cor.  xl.  3r.  r  i  Cor.  x.  16,  17. 
 Adfs  li.  46,  47.  s  I  Cor.  v.  8.  and  xi.  18,  20.  t  Mat.  v.  23, 
 24.  '  u  lia.  Iv.  I.  John  vii.  37.     w  i  Cor,  v.  7,  8. 
 
jiS  5n&(?  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 aad  by  renewing  the  exercife  of  thefe  graces  «  by  ferious  me- 
 ditation y,  and  fervent  prayer  z. 
 
 -  X  I  Cor.  xi.  25, — 28.  Heb.  x.  21,  22,  24.  Pfilm  xxvi.  6. 
 y  I  Cor.  xi.  24,  25.     s  2  Chron.  xxx.  18,  19.  Mat.  xxvi.  26. 
 
 Q^  172.  May  one  who  doubieth  of  his  being  in  Chrijly  or  of 
 his  due  preparation,  c«me  to  the  Lord's  Supper  ? 
 
 A.  One  who  doubteth  of  his  being  in  Chrift,  or  of  his  due 
 preparation  to  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  may  have 
 'true  jntereft  in  Chrirt,  tho'  he  be  not  yet  alTured  thereof  a^ 
 a-nd  in  God's  account  hath  it,  if  he  be  duly  affe£led  wiih  the 
 apprehenfion  of  the  want  of  it  b^  and  unfeignediy  defircs  to 
 Ite  found  in  Chrifl  Cy  and  to  depart  from  iniquity  d'.  in  which 
 cafe,  (becaufe  promifes  are  made,  and  this  lacrament  is  ap- 
 pointed, for  the  relief  of  weak  and  doubting  Chrifl  ians  f)  he 
 35^  to  bewail  his  unbelief/,  and  labour  to  have  his  doubts  re- 
 folvedj-;  and  fo  doing,  he  may  and  ought  to  come  to  the 
 Lord's  Supper,  that  he  may  be  further  ftrengthened  g. 
 
 a\ik.  1.  lo.  I  John  v.  13.  Pfal.  ixxxviii.  and  Ixxvii.  1, — - 
 12.  Jon.  ii.  4,  7,  b  Ifa.  liv.  7, — 10.  Mat.  v.  3,  4.  Plal.  Jixxi. 
 22.  and  Ixxiii.  13,  22,  23.  c  Phil.  lii.  8,9.  Plal.  x.  ,17.  ar.d 
 xlii.  5,  II.  ^2  Tim.  ii.  19.  Ifa.  1.  10.  Pfal,  Ixvi.  i3, — 20. 
 e  Ifa.  xL  II,  29,  31.  Matt.  xi.  2S.  and  xii  20.  and  xxvi.  28. 
 /Mark  ix.  24.  g  Acts  ii.  37.  and  xvi.  30. .  h  Rom.  iv.  n. 
 2  Cor.  xi.  28. 
 
 0^173.  May  any\  ivho  profefs  the  Jaith,  and  defire  io  come 
 fti  tks  Lcrd^s  Supper,  be  kept  from  it  P 
 
 A.  Such  as  are  found  to  be  ignorant  or  fcandalous,  not- 
 withftanding  their  profel^lon  of  the  faith  and  deiire  to  come 
 to  the  Lord's  Supper,  may  and  ought  to  be  kept  from  that 
 facrament,  by  the  power  which  Chrift  hath  left  in  his  church  j, 
 until  they  receive  inftru£tion,and  manifeil  their  reformation  h 
 
 i  I  Cor.  xi.  27,  to  the  end,  compared  with  Matt.  vii.  6.  i 
 Cor.  V.  Jude  23.   i  Tim.  v  22.     k  2  Cor.  ii.  7. 
 
 0^174.  IVhat  is  required  of  them  that  receive  the  Jacramint 
 of  the  Lord's  Supper,  in  the  time  oj  the  adniiniflration  cf  it  ? 
 
 A.  It  is  required  of  them  that  receive  the  facrament  ot  r!:e 
 Lord^s  Supper,  that,  during  the  time  of  the  adminittra-.ion 
 of  it,  with  all  holy  reverence  and  attention,  they  wait  upon 
 Ciod  in  that  ordinance/,- diligently  obferve  the  facramental 
 elements  and  anions  m,  heedfuUy  diiccrn  the  Lord's  body  n, 
 and  atFeftioaately  meditate  on  his  deatii  and  fuffcrings  <?,  and 
 
 thereby 
 
 /Lev.  X.  3.  Hcb.  xii.  28.  Pfal.  v.  7.   i  Cor,  xi.  17,  2 5,  27. 
 f?/ Exodus  xxiy.    8.  compared  with   M'Jtth.  xxvi,  . 
 C'jr    X'.  l'\     0  L"kf  xjcii.  19, 
 
l^he  Larger  Catechism.  315^ 
 
 thereby  flir  up  themfelves  to  a  vigorous  exercife  of  their  gra'. 
 ces/>,  in  judging  themfelves  ^,  and  forroning  for  fin  r  ;  r«a 
 earneft  hungering  and  thirfting  after  Chrift  x  ;  feeding  <oa 
 him  by  faith  ^,  receiving  of  his  fulnefs  «,  trufling  in  his  me- 
 rits w,  rejoicing  in  his  love  a-,  giving  thanks  for  his  grace  1; 5 
 in  renewing  of  their  covenant  with  God  2,  and  love  to  all  the 
 faints  tu 
 
 p  I  Cor.  xi.  2<5.  and  x.  3,  4,  5,  11,  14.  q  i  Cor.  xi.  gif,' 
 r  Zech.  xii.  10.  s  Rev  xxii.  17.  /  John  vi.  35".  «  JdhnL 
 16.  -zy  Phil,  iii.  q.  x  Pfal.  Ixiii.  4,  5.  2  Chron.  xxx.  21.— 
 ;;  Pfal.  xxii.  2(5.     2  Jer.  l-  5.  Pial.  1.  5.     «  Afis  ii.  42. 
 
 O.  175.  What  is  the  duty  of  ChriJlianSy  after  they  have  re- 
 ceived the  facrament  of  the  herd's  Supper  ? 
 
 A.  The  duty  of  Chriftians,  after  they  have  received  th^ 
 facrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  is,  ferioufly  to  conlider  how 
 they  have  behaved  themfelves  therein,  and  with  what  fuccefsl; 
 if  they  find  quickening  and  coipfort,  to  blcfs  God  for  it  r,beg 
 the  continuance  of  it  d^  watch  againft  relapfes  r,  fulfil  thekr 
 vowsy,  and  encourage  themfelves  to  a  frequent  attendance 
 on  that  ordinance  or ;  but,  if  they  find  no  prelent  benefit,  more 
 exaiflly  to  review  their  preparation  to,  and  carriage  at  the  fa- 
 crament h  :  in  both  which,  if  they  can  approve  themfelves  to 
 God  and  their  own  confciences,  they  are  to  wait  for  the  fxuit 
 of  it  in  due  time  i ;  but,  if  they  fee  they  have  failed  in  either, 
 they  are  to  be  humbled  k^  and  to  attend  upon  it  afterward 
 with  more  care  and  diligence  /. 
 
 b  Pfal.  xxviii.  7.  and  Ixxxv.  8.  i  Cor.  xl.  17,  30,  31.  r  2 
 Chron.  xxx.  21, — 26.  Acls  ii.  42, 46,  47-  d  Pfal.  xxxvr.  10. 
 Cant.  iii.  4.  i  Chron,  xxix.  18.  e  i  Cor.  x.  3,  4,  5,  12.— 
 /Pfal.  i.  14.  g  \  Cor,  xi.  25,  26*  Aels  Ii,  42,  46.  h  Cant. 
 v.  I, — 6,  ;■  Pfal.  cxxiii.  1,  2.  and  xlii  5,  8.  and  xliii.  3,  4, 5. 
 k  2  Chron.  xxx.  18,  ip.  Ifa.  i.  46,  18.  /  2  Cor.  vii.  ii.  1 
 Chron.  xv.  12, — 14. 
 
 0^176.  Wherein  do  the  facrament  s  of  Baptifin  and  the  Lor^x 
 Supper  agree  ? 
 
 /}.  The  facraments  of  IBaptifm  and  the  Lord's  Supper  a- 
 gree,  in  that  the  author  of  both  is  God  m,  the  fpiritual  part 
 of  both  is  Chrift  and  his  benefits  «  ;  both  are  feals  of  ths 
 fame  covenant  0,  are  to  be  difpenfed  by  minifiers  of  the  gof- 
 pel,  and  by  none  other  p,  and  to  be  continued  in  thcchurck 
 of  Chrift  until  his  fecond  coming  q. 
 
 m  Matt  xxviii.  ip  i  Cor.  xi.  23.  n  Rom.  vi.  3,  4.  r  Cor. 
 X.  16.  £"Rom,  iv.  II.  compared  with  Col.  ii.  11.,  12.  Matt, 
 xxvi.  27,  28.  ^  John  i.  33.  Matt,  xxviii.  19.  1  Cor.  xi.  23- 
 and  iv.  i.  Heb.  v.  4.    gr-Matt,  xxviii;  ip,  20.  i  Cor.  xi.  25. 
 
320  ^^e  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 Cyi  77.  Wherein  do  the  facraments  of  Boptifm  and  the  Lord's 
 Supper  differ  ? 
 
 '  A.  The  facraments  of  Baptifm  and  the  Lord's  Supper  dif- 
 fer, in  that  Baptifm  is  to  be  adminiftred  but  once  with  water,- 
 to  be  a  fign  and  feal  of  our  regeneration  and  ingrafting  into 
 Chriftr,  and  that  even  to  infants  s  ;  whereas  the  Lord's  Sup- 
 per is  to  be  adminiftred  often,  in  the  elements  of  bread  and 
 wine,  to  reprcfent  and  exhibit  Chrlft  as  Ipiritual  nourifhment 
 to  the  foul  /,  and  to  confirm  our  continuance  and  growth  in 
 him  tty — and  that  only  to  fuch  as  are  of  years  and  ability  to  ex- 
 amine tUemfelves  tv. 
 
 r  Matt.  iii.  11.  Tit.  iii.  5.  Gal.  iii.  27.     s  Gen.  xvii.  7,  9, 
 Adls  ii.  38,  39.  I  Cor.  vii.  14,    /  i  Cor.  xi.  23,-25.    u  i  Cor. 
 X.  16.     -u/  I  Cor.  xi.  28,  29. 
 0^178.   What  is  Prayer  P 
 
 A.  Prayer  is  "an  offering  up  of  our  defires  unto  God  .v,  in 
 the  nameof  Chrift;?,  by  the  help  of  bis  Spirit  z,  with  con- 
 feffion  of  our  fins  a^  and  thankful  acknowledgment  of  his 
 piercies  h. 
 
 X  Pfalm  Ixxxii.  8.  y  John  xvi.  23.  2:  Rom.  viii.  26, — 
 a  Pial.  xxxii.  5,  6.  Dan.  ix.  4.  b  Phil.  iv.  6. 
 Q  179.  Are  we  tn  pray  unto  God  only  P 
 jL  God  only  being  able  to  fearch  the  hearts  r,  hear  the 
 requefts  d^  pardon  the  fins  e^  and  fulfil  the  defires  of  ally, — 
 and  only  to, be  believed  in^,  and  worfliipped  with  religious 
 worfliip  h  \  prayer,  which  is  a  fpecial  part  thereof  /,  is  to  be 
 made  by  all  to  him  alone  I-,  and  to  none  others  /. 
 
 c  I  Kings  viii.  59.  A6ls  i.  24.  Rom.  viii.  27.  JPfal.  Ixv.  2. 
 e  Mic.  vii.  18.  y  Pfal.  cxlv.  18,  t^.  ^  Rom.  x.  14.  h  Mat. 
 jv-  10,  i  I  Cor.  i.  2.  ^^^'^'  ^'  *5'  /  Rom.  X.  14. 
 (T  1 80.  l^hat  is  it  to  pray  in  the  name  oj  Chrijl  ? 
 A.  To  pray  in  the  name  of  Chrill,  is,  in  obedience  to  his 
 command,  and^in  confidence  on  his  promiles,  to  afk  mercy 
 for  his  fake  j«  ;  not  by  bare  mentioning  of  his  name  «,  but 
 by  drawing  our  encouragement  to  pray,  and  our  boldnefs, 
 flrength,  and  hope  of  acceptance  in  prayer,  from  Chrifland 
 his  mediation  0. 
 
 m  John  xiv.  13,  r4    John  xvi.  24.  Dan.  ix.  17.     n  Matt. 
 
 vii.  21.     0  Heb.  iv.  14, — 16.  i  John  v.  13, — 15. 
 
 Q.  181.  Whv  are  nve  to  pray  in  the  name  of  Chrifl  ? 
 
 A.  The  finfulnefs  of  man,  and  his  diftance  from  God  by 
 
 reafon  thereof,  being  fo  great,  as  that  we  can  have  no  accei's 
 
 unto  his  prefencs  without  a  Mediator/)  j  and  there  being 
 
 none 
 
 p  John  xlv.  6.  Ifd.  lix.  2.  Eph,  iii.  12. 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  321 
 
 none  in  heaven  or  earth  appointed  to,  or  fit  for,  that  glori- 
 ous work,  but  Chrift  alone  q, — we  are  to  pray  in  no  other 
 name  but  his  only  r. 
 
 ,  q  John  vi.  27.  Heb.  vii.  25, — 27.  I  Tim.  ii.  5.  r  Col.  iii. 
 17.  Keb.  xiii.  75. 
 
 0^182.  How  doth  the  Spirit  help  us  to  pray  P 
 A.  We  not  knowing  what  to  pray  for  as  we  ought,  the 
 Spirit  hclpeth  our  infirmities,  by  enabling  us  to  underftand 
 both  for  whom,  and  what,  and  how  prayer  is  to  be  made  ; 
 and  by  working  and  quickening  in  our  hearts  (although  not 
 in  all  perfons,  nor  at  all  times,  in  the  fame  meafure)  thefe 
 apprehenfions,  afFeftions,  and  graces,  which  are  requilite  for 
 the  right  performance  of  that  duty  j-. 
 
 s  Rom.  viii.  26,  27.  Pfal.  x.  17.  Zech.  xii.  10. 
 
 ()    183,  For  ivhom  are  nve  to  pray  F 
 
 A.  We  are  to  pray  for  the  whole  church  of  Chrift  upon 
 earth  t ;  for  magiftrates  k,  and  minifters  lu  \  for  ourfelves  Xy 
 our  brethren  y,  yea,  our  enemies  z  ;  and  for  all  forts  of  men 
 living  a,  or  that  ihall  live  hereafter  b  :  but  not  (or  the  dead  r, 
 nor  for  thofe  that  are  known  to  have  finned  thefinunto  death. ^ 
 
 /  Eph.  vi,  18.  Pfah  xxviii.  9  u  1  Tim  ii.  i,  2.  "w  Col. 
 iv.  3.  a;  Gen,  xxxii.  11.  )» James  v  \6.  z  Matt,  v  44. — 
 a  I  Tim.  ii.  I,  2.  b  Johnxvii.  2,0.  2  Sam.  vii.  29.  .  c  2  Sara, 
 xii.  21, — 23.     d  I  John  v.  i6. 
 
 Q.  I  84.   For  nvkat  things  are  ive  to  pray  ? 
 
 yi.  We  are  to  pray  for  all  things  tending  to  the  glory  of 
 God  ^,  the  welfare  of  the  church/,  our  own  _^  or  others 
 good  h  ;  but  not  for  any  thing  that  is  unlawful  i. 
 
 e  Matt,  vi,  9.  /Pfal.  Ii.  18.  and  cxxii.  6.  g  Mat.  vii.  II. 
 h  Pfal.  cxxv.  4.     i   I  John  v.  $4. 
 
 O    185.  U01U  are  nve  to  pray  P 
 
 A.  We  are  to  pray,  with  an  awful  apprehenfion  of  the 
 niajefty  of  God  h^  and  deep  fenfe  of  our  own  unworthinefs  /, 
 neceffitics  vh,  and  fins  n  \  with  penitent  0,  thankful/),  .and 
 enlarged  hearts  5-  •,  with  underftanding  r,  faith  J,  fincerity /, 
 fervency  «,  love  w,  and  perfeverance  >;,  waiting  upon  him  j;, 
 with  humble  fubmiflion  to  his  will  z. 
 
 k  Ecc).  V.  I.  /  Gen.  xviii.  27.  arid  xxxii.  10.  m  Luke 
 XV.  17, —  79.  n  Luke  xviii.  13,  14.  <?  Pfal.  Ii,  17.  />  Phil, 
 iv.  6.  q  T  Sam.  i.  15.  and  ii.  i.  r  i  Cor.  xiv.  15.  jMark 
 xi.  24.  James  i.  6.  f  Pfal.  cxlv.  18.  and  xvii.  i.  u  James 
 V.  16.  ,%v  I  Tim  ii.  8.  x  Eph.  vi.  18.  y  Micah  vii.  7. — 
 z  Matt.  xxvi.  39. 
 
 R  r  CX:  180. 
 
322  The  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 Q^T  9,6.  What  rule  hath  God  given  for  our  direBlon  in  the 
 duty  of  Prayer  ? 
 
 A.  The  whole  word  of  God  is  of  ufe  to  dlreft  us  in  the 
 duty  of  praying  a  \  but  the  fpecial  rule  of  direction,  is  that 
 form  of  pravr;r,  which  our  Saviour  Chrill  taught  his  difciples, 
 commonly  called,  The  hordes  Prayer  b. 
 
 a  I  John  V.  15.     ^Matt.  vi.  9, — 13.  Luke  xi.  2,  3,  4. 
 
 Q-  J  87.   Honi)  is  the  Lord^s  Prayer  to  he  ufed  ? 
 
 A.  The  Lord's  Prayer  is  not  only  for  dire<ftion,  as  a  pattern 
 according  to  which  we  are  to  make  other  prayers  ;  bur  may 
 alfo  be  ufed  as  a  prayer,  fo  that  it  be  done  with  underftand- 
 ing,  faith,  reverence,  and  other  graces  neceffary  to  the  right 
 performance  of  the  duty  of  prayer  c. 
 
 c  Matt  vi.  9.   with  Luke  xi.  2. 
 
 Q^r88    Of  how  many  parts  doth  the  Lord's  Prayer  conffl  ? 
 A,  The  Lord's  Prayer  conlifts  ot  three  parts;  a  Preface, 
 Petitions,  and  a  Conclufion. 
 
 C^i  89.  What  doth  the  Preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  feach  us  ? 
 
 A.  The  Preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  [contained  in  thefe 
 words,  Our  Father ^  "which  art  in  heaven  d'\  revicheth  us,  when 
 we  pray,  to  draw  near  to  God  with  confidence  of  his  fatherly 
 goodnefs,  and  our  intereft  therein  e  ;  with  reverence,  and  all 
 other  child-like  difpofitionsy,  heavenly  afFe^iions  ^,  and  due 
 apprehcnfions  of  his  fovereign  power,  majefly,  and  gracious 
 condefceufion  h  ;  as  alfo  to  pray  with  and  for  others  /. 
 
 ^  Mat.  vi.  9.  ^  Luke  xi.  13.  Rom.  viii.  i^.  y  I(a.  Ixiv.p. 
 jp  Pfal.  cxxiii.  i.  Lam.  iii.  41.  ^  Ifa,  Ixiii.  15, 16  Neh-  i.  4, 
 5,  6.     i  Afts  xii.  5. 
 
 Q.  T90     What  ive  do  pray  for  in  the  frfl  PetitioJi  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  firit  petition,  [which  is,  Hallcived  be  thy  Name  l^"] 
 acknowledging  the  utter  inability  and  indilpclition  that  is  in 
 ourfelves  and  all  men  to  honour  God  aright  /,  we  pray,  that 
 God  would  by  his  grace  enable  and  incline  us  and  others  to 
 know,  to  acknowledge,  and  highly  to  efteem  him  w,  his  ti- 
 tles »,  attributes  0,  ordinances,  word/j  works,  and  whatfo- 
 ever  he  is  pleafed  to  make  himlelf  known  by  q^  and  to  glori- 
 fy him  in  thought,  word  r,  and  deed  /  ^  that  he  would  pre- 
 vent and  remove  atheilm  /,  ignorance  u,  idolatry  w,  profane- 
 
 nefs, 
 
 k  Matt.  vi.  9.  /  2  Cor.  ii'.  :.  Pfal.  11.  15.  m  Pfal.  Ixvii. 
 2,  3.  «  Pfal.  Ixxxiii.  18.  oPlal.  ixxxvi.  10,-13,  '5*  P  ^ 
 Their,  iii.  i.  Pfal.  cxlvii.  19,  20.  and  cxxxviii.  i,  2,  3.  2  Cor. 
 i\.  14,  15.  q  Pfal.  cxlv.  and  viii.  /•  PfaLciii.  i.  andxix.  14. 
 s  Phil  J.  9,  II.  /  Pfal.  Ixvii.  i, — 4.  u  Eph.  i.  17,  18. — 
 w  Pialm  xcvii.  7.       < 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.  3'^3 
 
 nefs;;,  and  whatfoevcr  is  difhonourable  to  him  y  ;  nnc],  V  his 
 over.ruling  providence,  direft  and  dilpole  ot  dii  tiui.gs  io  ms 
 
 own  glory  z.  ,r-.  •  ^  r-i 
 
 X  PiaU  Ixxiv.  1 8,  2 A  i3-     ;»  ^  Klmgs  xix.  15.16.     7.2  Clir. 
 XX.  6,  10,— 12.  Pial.  Ixxxiii.  and  cxl.  4>  »• 
 
 Q.  191 .  What  do  nve  pray  for  in  the fecond  Petition  ? 
 ■    a:  In  the  iecond  pe-ition,  [which  is,  Thy  kingdom  some  «] 
 acknowledging  ourfelves  and  all  mankmd  to  be  by  nature  u,,- 
 der  the  dominion  of  fin  and  Satan  b ;  we  pray,  that  the  kmg- 
 dom  of  iin  and  Satan  may  be  deftroyed  .  ;  the  golpel  props- 
 gated  throughout  the  world  d  ;  the  Jews  cahed  ^.ij^f  A''" 
 nefs  of  the  Gentiles  brought  in/-,  the  church  furnithed  with 
 all  gofpel-officcrsandordinancesg,  purged  from  corruption /^ 
 countenanced  and  rp^^intained  by  the  civil  magiftrate  ^  that 
 the  ordinances  of  Chnft  may  be  purely  difpenfed,  and  made 
 eflfeaual  to  the  converting  of  thofe  that  are  yet,  m  their  ins. 
 and  the  confirming,  comforting,  and  building  up  of  thole 
 that  are  already  converted  k  j  that  Chrift-  would  rule  m  our 
 hearts  here  /,  and  haften  the  time  of  his  lecond  coming,  and 
 our  reigning  with  him  for  ever  m  ;  and  that  he  would  be 
 pleafed  fo  to  exercile  the  kingdom  ot  his  power  in  all  the 
 world,  as  may  beft  conduce  to  thcfe  ends  n. 
 
 a  Matt.  vi.  10.     b  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.     tPfal.  Ixviii.  1,18.  Rev. 
 
 xii.  10,  ,1.  ^2Theff.iii  I.  '  ^^'\,^'  ':  J  }'''''},Zl' 
 o,  20.  Rom.  xi.  25,  26  Pfal  Ixvii.  g  Matt.  ix.  38.  2  Iheil. 
 fii.  I.  y?»Mat  i.  n.  Zeph.  iii-  9.  i  i  Tun.  n.  i,  2.  ^  Acis 
 iv.  20.  70.  Eph.  vi.  18,— 20.  Rom.  XV.  29,  30,  3^-  ^  ■'■/'^"• 
 i.  I  i.  and  ii.  16,  17.  /  Eph.  iiu  14,-21-  «^  R^v.  xxu.  zo. 
 fi  Ifa.  Ixiv.  I,  2.  Rev.  iv.  8, — n. 
 
 Q.  1 02.  What  do  lue  pray  for  in  the  third  Petition  ? 
 J\nt\xt  third  petition,  [which  is.  Thy  ^will  be  done  on 
 earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  o-\  acknowledging  that  by  nature  we, 
 and  all  men,  are  not  only  utterly  utterly  unable  and  unwilling 
 to  know  and  to  do  the  will  of  God  p,  but  prone  to  rebe.  a- 
 gaina  his  word  ^,  to  repine  and  murmur  agamft  '^^  P'o^'- 
 dence  r,  and  wholly  inclined  to  do  the  will  of  the  iielh,  av.d 
 of  the  devil  s  i  we  pray,  that  God  would  by  his  Spint  ti'.kc 
 away  from  ourfelves  and  others  all  blindneis  t,  weaknefs  z/, 
 indifpolednefs  w,  and  perverfenels  of  heart  x  i  and  by  ins 
 grace  make  us  able  and  willing  to  know,  do,  and  fubmit  to 
 
 0  Matt.  vi.  10.  p  Rom.  vii.  18.  Jobxxi.  14.  i  Cor.  ii.  14. 
 a  Matt,  viii  7.  r  Exod.  xvii.  7.  Num  xiv  2.  s  Eph.  u  2. 
 /  Eph.  i.  17,  18.  «  Eph.  iii.  16.  w  Mau.  xiivi.  40,  41.-. 
 a;  Jer.  xxxi.  18^  ig*. 
 
324  5r/j^  Larger  Catechism. 
 
 his  will  in  all  things  y,  with  the  like  humility  z,  chearful- 
 nels  a,  faithfulnefs  b,  diligence  r,  zealiZ/finceHty  ^,  arid  con- 
 ftancy/,  as  the  angels  do  in  heaven^. 
 
 y  Pfal.  cxix  I,  8,  3c,  36.  Ads  xxi.  14.  2  Micah  vi  8. — 
 a  Pfal.  c.  2.  Job  i.  21.  2  Sam.  xv.  25,  26.  ^  Ha.  xxxviii.  3. 
 ^r  Pfal.  cxix.  4r  5.  ^  Rom.  xii.  11.  e  P/al.  cxix.  80.  fVl, 
 cxix.  1 12.     g  Ifa.  vi.  2,  3.  Plal,  ciii.  20,  21.  Matt,  xviii.  10. 
 
 0^193.   Tfkai  ^s  IV  e  pray  fcr  in  the  fourth  Petition  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  [^which  is,  Gfue  us  this  day  our 
 daily  bread  h']  acknowledging,  that,  in  Adam,  and  by  our  fin, 
 we  have  forfeited  our  right  to  all  the  outward  bleffings  of 
 this  life,  and  deferveto  be  wholly  deprived  of  them  by  God, 
 and  to  hv.ve  them  curfed  to  us  in  theufe  of  them  z,  and  that 
 neither  they  of  theuifelves  are  able  to  iuftain  us^,  nor  we  to 
 rnerit  /,  or  by  our  own  induftry  to  procure,  them  m  ;  but 
 prone  to  defire  «,  get  o,  and  ufe  thgm  unlawfully/* ;  we  pray 
 for  ourfelves  and  others,  that  both  they  and  we,  waiting  upon 
 the  providence  of  God  from  day  to  day,  in  the  uft  of  lawful 
 means,  may,  of  his  free  gift,  and  as  to  his  fatherly  wifdoni 
 ihall  feem  befl,  enjoy  a  competent  portion  of  them  5,  and 
 have  the  fame  continued  and  blclTed  unto  us,  in  our  holy  and 
 comfortable  ufe  of  them  r,  and  contentment  in  them  j,  and 
 bekept  from  all  things  that  are  contrary  to  our  temporal  fup- 
 port  and  comfort  /. 
 
 h  Matt.  vi.  II.  i  Gen.  ii.  17.  and  iii.  17.  Rom.  viii.  20, 
 •—22.  Jer.  v.  25.  Deut  xxviii.  15,  to  the  end.  k  Deut.  viii. 
 3.  /  Gen.  xxxii.  10  m  Deut.  viii.  17,  18.  n  Jer.  vi.  13. 
 Mark  vii.  21,  22.  0  Hof  xii.  7.  />  Jam.  iv.  2*  g'Gen.xliii. 
 32, — 14.  and  xxviii.  20.  Eph.  iv.  28.  2  ThclT.  iii.-ii,  12. 
 Phil.  iv.  6.  r  I  Tim.  iv.  3,  4,  5.  si  Tim.  vi.  6,  7,  8.— 
 /  Prov.  XXX.  8,  9. 
 
 0^194.   What  ds  IV  e  pray  for  in  the  fifth  Petition  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  fifth  petition,  [which  is.  Forgive  us  our  debts,  af 
 nve  forgive  o:tr  debtors  u"}  acknowledging,  that  we  and  all  o- 
 thers  are  guilty  both  of  original  and  adlual  fin,  and  thereby 
 become  debtors  to  the  juftice  of  God,  and  that  neither  we 
 ror  any  other  creature  can  make  the  leaft  latisfa^lion  for  that 
 debt  IV  ;  we  pray  for  ourfelves  and  others,  that  God,  of  his 
 free  grace,  would,  thrdugh  the  obedience  and  fatisfaftion  of 
 Chrill,  apprehended  and  applied  by  faith,  itcquit  us  both  from 
 the  guilt  and  punifhrnent  0/  fin  x,  accept  us  in  his  beloved  j, 
 
 continue 
 
 u  Matt.  vi.  12.  nv  Rom.  iii.  9, —  21.  Matt,  xviii.  24,  2^. 
 Plal.  cxxx,  3,  4.  X  Rom.  iii.  24, — 26.  Heb.  ix.  24.  >  £ph. 
 i.  6,  7. 
 
The  Larger  Catechism.'  325 
 
 y 
 continue  his  favour  and  grace  to  us  z,  pardon  our  daily  fail- 
 ings a,  and  fill  us  with  peace  and  joy,  in  giving  us  daily  more 
 and  more  aflurance  of  forgivenefs  b  j  which  we  are  the  rather 
 emboldened  to  aflc,  and  encouraged  to  expect,  when  we  have 
 this  teftimony  in  ourfelves,  that  we  from  the  heart  forgive  o- 
 thers  their  offences  c. 
 
 z  2  Pet.  i.  2,  3.  a  Hof.  xiv.  2.  Jer.  xiv.  7.  b  Rom.  xv. 
 13.  Plal.li.  7, —  k2.  c  Luke  xi.  4.  Matth.  vi.  14,  15.  and. 
 xviii.  35. 
 
 0^195.  What  da  we  pray  for  in  theftxth  Petition  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  lixth  petition,  [which  is,  And  lead  us  not  into 
 iemptation^.but  deliver  us  from  evil  d'\  acknowledging,  that  the 
 moft  wife,  righteous,  and  gracious  God,  for  divers  holy  and 
 juft  ends,  may  fo  order  things,  that  we  may  be  affaulted, 
 foiled,  and  for  a  time  led  captive  by  temptations  et,  that  Sa« 
 tan/,  the  world -^g^,  and  the  flefli,  are  ready  power(uUy  to 
 draw  us  afide  and  enfnare  u%  h  ;  and  that  we,  even  after  the 
 pardon  of  our  fins,  by  reafon  of  our  corruption  /,  weaknefs, 
 and  want  of  watchfulnefs  ky  are  not  only  fubjedt  to  be  tempt- 
 ed, and  forward  to  expbfe  ourfelves  tinto  temptations  /,  but 
 alfo  of  ourfelves  unable  and  unwilling  to  refill  them,  to  re- 
 cover out  of  them,  and  to  Improve  them  ??/,  and  worthy  to  be 
 left  under  the  power  of  them  n  ;  we  pray,  that  God  would 
 fo  overrule  the  world,  and  all  in  it  Oy  f  ubdue  the  flefli/>,  and 
 reftrain  Satan  q,  order  all  things  r,  befiow  and  blefs  all  means 
 «^  grace  s,  and  quicken  us  to  watchfulnefs  in  the  ufe  of  them, 
 that  we  and  all  his  people  may  by  his  providence  be  kept  from 
 being  tempted  to  fin  ^  ;  or  if  tempted,  that  by  his  Spirit  We 
 may  be  powerfully  fupported  and  enabled  to  (land  in  the  hour 
 of  temptation  ti  ;  or  when  fallen,  raifed  again  and  recovered 
 out  of  it  w,  and  have  afan(5lified  ufe  and  improvement  there- 
 of x  ;  that  our  fan£lification  and  falvation  may  be  perfedled  ;;, 
 Satan  trodden  under  our  feet  z,  and  we  fully  freed  from  fin., 
 temptation,  and  all  evil  for  ever  a.        . 
 
 ^/Matt.  vi.  13.  e  2  Chron.  xxxii.  31.  /i  Chrort.  xxi.  l- 
 g  Luke  xxi.  34.  Mark  iv.  19.  h  Jam.  i.  14.  i  Gal.  v.  17. 
 k  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  /  Matt.  xxvi.  69, — 72.  Gal.  ii.  i  (, — 15. 
 2  Chron.  xviii.  3,  with  xix.  2.  m  Rom.  vii  23,  24.  i  Chron. 
 xxi.  I, — 4.  2  Chron  xvi.  7, — 10.  n  Pfalm  Ixxxi.  11,  12. 
 0  John  xvii.  15.     ^  Pf'al.  li.  10.  and  cxix.  133.     q  2  Cor.  xii. 
 
 7.8.  r  I  Cor.  X.  12,  13.  J-  Heb.  xiii.  20,  2J.  t  Matth, 
 xxvi.  41.  Pfal.  xix.  13.  u  Eph.  iii.  14, — 17.  i  ThftiT.  in.  13. 
 Jude  24.     IV  Pfal.  li.  12.     x  i  Pet.  v.  8,  10.     y  2  Cor.  xiii. 
 
 7.9.  s  Rom.  xvi.  20.  Zech.  iii.  2.  Luke  xxii.  31,  32.-— 
 a  John  xvii.  i  c.  \  TheiT  v.  23, 
 
 Q,,9(J. 
 
^i6  The  Larg£R  Catechism. 
 
 Q.  195.  What  doth  theConcluJwn  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  teach  us  ? 
 
 A.  The  Conclufion  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  [which  is,  For 
 thine  is  the  kingdom,  the  power  y  and  the  glory  for  every  Amen  ^] 
 teachetH  us  to  enlForce  our  petitions  with  arguments  r ,  which 
 we  to  be  taken,  not  from  any  worthinefs  in  ourfelves,  or  ia 
 any  other  creature,  but  from  God  d ;  and  with  ou^  prayers 
 tO' join  praif es  ^  \  afcribing  to  God  alone  eternal  fovereignty, 
 omnipotency,  and  glorious  excellency/:  in  regard  whereof, 
 as  he  is  able  and  willing  to  help  us  g,  fo  we  by  faith  are  em- 
 boldened to  plead  with  him  that  he  would  h,  and  quietly  to 
 l^ly  upon  him  that  he  will,  fulfil  our  requefts  /. — And  to  tef- 
 tify  this  our  defire  and  affurance,  we  fay,  Amen.  k. 
 
 ^Matt.  vi.  13.  c  Rom.  xv.  30.  d  Dan.  ix,  4,  7,  8,  9. 
 i5j— .ip»  e  Phil,  iv,  6.  f  i  Chron.  xxix.  10, — 13,  g  Eph. 
 iii.  20,  %i.  Lukexi.  13.  hi  Chron.  xx.  6,  n.  i  2  Chron. 
 »iv,  lu    k  I  Cor.  xiv.  16.  Rev.  xxii.  20,  21. 
 
 \  - 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 SHORTER  CATECHISM. 
 
 AGREED     UPON     BY 
 
 The  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Wejlminjler^ 
 
 WITH     THE 
 
 AfTidance  of  Commissioners  from  the  Church 
 of  Scotland  ; 
 
 ASA 
 
 Part  of  the  Covenanted  Uniformity  in  religion  betwixt  the 
 Churches  of  Chrift  in  the  Three  Kingdoms  of  Zcotland^ 
 England^  and  Ireland. 
 
 WITH 
 
 An  Act  of  the  General  AfTembly  of  the  Church  of  Scot- 
 land, Anno  1648,  approving  the  fame:  And  Ratified 
 and  Eftabliflaed  by  Act  of  Parliament  1649. 
 
 With  Proofs  from  the  Scripture* 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Eryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
Assembly  at  Edinburgh,  July  28,  1648.  Seff.  19, 
 ACT  approving  the  Shorter  Catechifm. 
 
 THE  Generat  Aflembly  having  ferioufly  confidered  the 
 S/jcrter  Catechifm^  agreed  upon  by  the  AfTetnbly  of 
 Divines  fitting  at  Weftminfter,  with  afiiftance  of  commilii- 
 oners  from  this  kirk, —  do  find,  upon  due  examination  there- 
 of^ That  the  faid  Catechifm  is  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God, 
 and  in  nothing  contrary  (o  the  received  dodlrine,  worfhip, 
 difcipline,  and  government  of  this  kirk  ;  and  therefore  ap- 
 prove the  faid  Shorter  Catechifm,  as  a  part  of  the  intended 
 uniformity,  to  be  a  Direftory  for  catechizing  fuch  as  are  of 
 weaker  capacity. 
 
 A.  KER. 
 
 THE 
 
C    329    ] 
 
 THE        . 
 SHORTER,   CATECHISM, 
 
 AGREED    U?ONBY 
 
 The  AfTembly  of  Divines  at  Weftminfter  ;  examined  and  ap- 
 proved, Amio  1648,  by  the  General  AiTimbly  of  the  church 
 of  Scotland  j  and  ratified  by  A£t  of  Parliament,  1649. 
 
 Queft.  I.  JJ/HAT  is  the  chief  end  of  Man  ? 
 
 '*^    Anjw.  Man's  ckief  end  is,  to  glorify  God  a^ 
 and  to  enjoy  him  for  ever  b. 
 
 a  I  Cor.  X.  31.  Rom.  xi.  36.     b  Pfal.lxxiii.  25,  to  the  end. 
 
 Q^2.  What  ride  hath  God  given  to  direB  us  how  %ue  may 
 glorijy  and  enjoy  him  ? 
 
 A.  The  word  of  God  (which  is  contained  in  the  fcriptures 
 of  the  Old  and  Nevsr  Teftaments  c)  is  the  only  rule  to  direct 
 us  how  we  may  glorify  and  enjoy  him  d 
 
 c  2  Tim.  iii.  16.  Eph.ii  20.     d  1  John  i.  3,  4. 
 
 0^3    What  do  the  Jet  iptures  principally  teach  ? 
 
 A.  The  fcriptures  jifeincipaljy  teach,  what  man  is  to  believe 
 concerning  God,  and  what  duty  God  requires  of  man  e, 
 
 e  2  Tim.  i.  13.  and  ill.  16. 
 
 0^4.   W^hat  is  God? 
 
 A.  God  is  a  Spirit/,  infinite  g,  eternal  h,  and  unchanga- 
 able  i,  in  his  being  ^,  vvildom/,  power  w,  holin^ifs  «,  juftice, 
 goodnefs,  and  truth  0. 
 
 yjohn  iv.  24.  g  Job  xi.  7,  8,  9.  h  Pfal,  xc  2.  i  J^m. 
 i.  17.  k  Exod.  iii.  14.  /  Pfal.  cxlvii.  5.  ?«  Rcv.  iv,  o. — 
 •n  Rev,  XV.  4.     0  Exod   xxxiv.  6,  7. 
 
 0^5.   Are  there  more  Gods  than  one  P 
 
 A   There  is  but  one  only,  the  living  and  true  God  p, 
 
 p  Deut.  vi.  4    Jer.  x.  10. 
 
 0^6.   Hoiju  many  perfins  are  there  in  the  Godhead  ? 
 
 A.  There  are  three  perlbns  in  the  Godhead, — tlie  Fai'ier, 
 the  Son,  and  the  Holy  GhoO;  and  thcfe  three  are  one  Gocif, 
 tb,e  fame  in  fubftance,  equd  in  power  and  glory  q. 
 q  I  Joba  V.  7.  Matt.xxviii.  \g. 
 
 Si  o.  -. 
 
330  ^he  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 Qj^7.   What  are  the  Decrees  of  God  ? 
 
 A,  The  decrees  of  God,  are,  his  eternal  pnrpofe,  accord- 
 ing to  the  counfel  of  his  will,  whereby,  for  his  own  glory,  he 
 hath  fore-ordaincd  whatfoevcr  comes  to  pafs  r. 
 
 r  Eph.  i.  4,  1 1 .  Rom.  ix.  22,  23. 
 
 0^8.  H01V  doth  execute  his  decrees  ? 
 
 A.  God  executeth  his  decrees  in  the  works  of  creation  and 
 providence /I 
 
 /Rev.  iv.  II.  Dan.  iv.  3^. 
 
 0^9.   What  is  the  work  of  Creation  ? 
 
 A.  The  work  of  creation  is,  God's  malang  all  things  of 
 nothing,  by  the  word  of  his  power,  in  the  {pace  of  fix  days, 
 and  all  very  good  j*.  , 
 
 s  Gen.  i.  Heb.  xi.  3. 
 
 Q^  J  o.  Honv  did  God  create  man  ? 
 
 A  God  created  man  male  and  female,  af  cer  his  own  image, 
 in  knowledge,  righteoufneis^  and  holinefs,  with  dominion 
 over  the  creatures  /. 
 
 /  Gen.  i.  26, — 28.  Col.  iii.  10.  Eph.  iv.  24. 
 
 Q^  1 1 .   What  are  God's  works  of  Providence  ? 
 
 A.  God's  works  of  Providence,  are,  his  moft  holy  ?/, 
 wife  It/,  and  powerful  preferving  at,  and  governing  vUl  his 
 creatures,  and  all  their  actions  y, 
 
 u  Pfal.  cxlv".  17.  w  Pfal,  civ.  24.  Ifa.  xxviii,  29.  it  Heb. 
 i.  3.     y  Pfal.  ciii.  19.  Matt.  x.  29, — 31. 
 
 Q^  f  2.  What  fpecial  aEi  of  Pro'uidence  did  God  exercife  tO" 
 wards  many  in  the  efiate  wherein  he  was  created  ? 
 
 A.  When  God  had  created  man,  he  entered  into  a  cove- 
 nant of  life  with  him,  upon  condition  cf  perfe^l  obedience; 
 forbidding  him  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  the  knowledge  of  good 
 and  evil,  upon  pain  of  death  2. 
 
 z  Gal.  iii.  \i.  Gen.  ii.  i  7 
 
 0^13.  D*d  our  firfi  parents  continue  in  the  efiate  wherein 
 tht.y  were  created  .? 
 
 A.  Our  firft  parents,  being  left  to  the  freedom  of  their  own 
 will,  fell  from  the  cftate  wherein  they  were  created,  by  fin- 
 ning againft  God  a. 
 
 a  Gcu.  iii.  6,  7,  8,    13.  Eccl.  vii.  29. 
 
 Q.  14.   What  is  Sin? 
 
 A.  Sin  is  any  want  of  conformity  unto,  or  tranfgrefilon 
 o  ,  the  law  of  God^. 
 
 b   I  John  iii.  4. 
 
 Q."  '5*  What  was  the  fm  whereby  our  jirf.  pa)  ents  fell  from 
 the  eftate  wherein  they  were  created  ? 
 
 A-   rtie  fin  whereby  our  firfl   parents  fell  from  the  efiate 
 
 wlierein  they  were  created,  viras  their  ejitingthefor bidden  fruit  c 
 
 c  Gen.  iii.  6,  12.  *  .  Q.  16. 
 
The  SriORTiiii  Catechism.  ':??i 
 
 0^1 6.   Did  all  mauhtid  fall  in  Adam^s  firH  trafifgrejjioti  ? 
 A,  Tije  covenant  being  made  with   Ai!am,  not  only  for 
 himfelf,  but  for  his  poAerity,  all  mankind,  defcending  from 
 him  by  ordinary  generation,  finned  in  him,  and  fell  with 
 him  in  his  firft  tranfgrefTion  d. 
 
 </ Gpn.  ii    i6,  17.  Rom.  V.  \i.   i  Cor.  xv.  21,  22. 
 .^.17.   Into  ivhat  ef.ate  did  the  Fall  bring  mankind  F 
 A.  The  Fall  brought  mankind  into  an  eftate  of  fin  and 
 mifery^.  '  . 
 
 e  Rom.  V*  T2. 
 
 ^.  18.  Wherein  ccnjijlsthefinjulnejs  of  that  ejlate  nvhereinto 
 man  fell  ? 
 
 A.  The  finfulnefs  of  that  eftate  whereinto  man  fell,  con- 
 fifts  in  the  guilt*of  Adam's  firft  fin,  the  want  of  original  righ- 
 teoufnefs,  and  the  corruption  of  his  whole  nature,  which  is 
 commonly  called  original  fw,  together  with  all  a6\ual  tranf- 
 greflions,  which  proceed  from  ity. 
 
 /  Rom.  V  10, — 20.  Eph.  ii.  i,  2,  3.  James  i.  14,  15. 
 Raatth.  XV.  19. 
 
 ^.  19.  What  is  the  mifery  of  that  ejlate  luhereinto  man  fell  ? 
 A.  All  mankind,  by  their  Fall,  loll  communion  with  God,^ 
 are  under  his  wrath  and  curie  /j, — and  fo  made  liable  to  all 
 miferies  in  this  life,  to  death  itlelf,  and  to  the  pains  ©f  hell 
 for  ever  t. 
 
 ^  Gen.  iii  8, — 24.  Eph.  ii.  2,  3.  h  Gal.  iii.  iq.  i  Lam. 
 iii.  29.  Rom.  vi.  23.  Matt,  xxv.  41,  46. 
 
 ^  20.  Did  God  leave  all  mankind  to  perifh  in  the  ejlate  of 
 fin  and  mij'ery  t 
 
 A.  God  having,  out  of  his  mere  good  pleafure,  from  ail 
 eternity,  tfledled  fome  to  everlaAing  life  j&,  did  enter  into  a 
 covenant  of  grace,  to  deliver  them  out  of  the  ell'atc  o:  fin 
 and  mifery,  and  to  bring  them  into  an  eftate  of  i'aiyatiqu  by 
 a  Redeemer  / 
 
 h  Eph.  i.  4.     /  Rom.  iii.  20, — 22.  Gal.  iii    21,  22. 
 ^.21.   Who  is  the  P.ediemer  of  Gsd's  ele5l  ? 
 A.  The  only  Redeemer  of  God's  Acil  is  the  Lord  Jefus 
 Chrift  w,  who,  being  the  ettrnal  Son  of  God,  became  mari;/, 
 and  fo  was  and  continueth  to  be  both  God  and  man,  in  two 
 diftin^t  natures,  and  one  perlbn  for  ever  0. 
 
 m  1  Tim.  ii.  5,  6.  n  John  i.  14.  Gil.  iv.  4.  0  Rom  ix.  5. 
 Luke  i.  35.  Col   ii.  9.  Heb.  vii.  24,  25. 
 
 ^.  22.  H01V  did  Chrijly  being  the  Son  ofGod^  become  man  P 
 
 A.  Chrirt  the  Son  o\  God  became  man,  by  raking  to  ii;m- 
 
 felf  a  true  body />,  and  a  realonable  ibul  ^  ;  being  conceived 
 
 S  1  2  by 
 
 p  Heb.  ii,  14,  16.  and  x.  5.     j  Mi,tt.  xxvi.  38. 
 
 \ 
 
332  The  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghofir,  in  the  womb  of  the  virgin 
 Mary,   and  born  of  her  r,  yet  without  Hn  s. 
 r  JAike  i.  27,  31,  35,  42.  Gal.  iv.  4.  s  Heb.  iv.  i  :^.  &  vii.  26. 
 0^23.  What  fjffices  doth  Chrijl  execute  as  our  Redeemer  P 
 j4.  Chrift,  as  our  Redeemer,  executeth  the  offices  of  a 
 Prophet,  of  a  Priefl:,  and  of  a  King,  both    in  his  eftate  of 
 humiliation  and  exaitatian  t. 
 
 t  Acls  iil.  23'.  Heb.  xii.  25.  with  2  Cor.  xiii.  3.  Heb.  v. 
 5,  6,  7.  and  vii.  25.  Pfal.  ii.  6.  Iia.  ix.  6,  7.  Matth.  xxi.  5. 
 Pi'almiilS, —  II. 
 
 0^24.   H01V  doth  Chrijl  execute  the  cfice  of  a  Prophet  ? 
 A.  Chrift  executeth  the  office  of  a  Prophet,  in  revealin?; 
 to  us,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  the  will  of  God  for  our  fal- 
 vation  u. 
 
 u  John  i,  t3.   1  Pet.  i.  lo, — 12.  John  xv.  15.  and  xxii.  31. 
 0^2 ^;.   Hoiv  doth  Chr'iJ}  jxecute  the  office  of  a  Prieji  ? 
 A.  Chri (I  executeth  the  office  of  aPrieft,  in  hisoncc  offering 
 up  of  himfelf  a  facrifice  to  fatisfy  divine  juHice  w,  and  recon- 
 cile us  to  God  .Y,  and  in  making  continual  interceffion  forus.y 
 IV  Heb.  ix.  14,  28.     X  Heb.  ii.  \-].     y  Heb.  vii.  24,  25. 
 Q^  26.  How  doth  Chrift  execute  the  office  of  a  King  ? 
 A.  Chriit  executeth  the  office  of  a  King,  in  fubduing  us 
 to  himfelf  z, —in  ruling  fl,  and  defending  us  •^, — and  in  re- 
 ftraining  and  conquering  all  his  and  our  enemies  c. 
 
 z  A(Sls  XV.  14, — 16.'  'n  Ifa.  xxxiii.  22.  b  Ifa.  xxxii.  i,  2. 
 c  I  Cor.  XV.  25.  Pfalm  ex. 
 
 0^27.  IVhcrei/i  did  Chrif  s.  humiliation  conffl  P 
 A.  Chrid's  humiliation  confilled  in  his  being  born,  and 
 that  in  a  low  con d if' on  ^/,  made  under  the  law  ^,  undergoing 
 the  mileries  of  this  life  /,  the  wrath  of  God  g^  and  the  cur- 
 fed  death  of  the  cro.'s  h  ;  in  being  buried  /',  and  continuing 
 under  the  pcw^r  of  death  for  a  time  h. 
 
 d  Luke  ii.  7.  e  Gal.  iv.  4.  /  Heb.  xii.  2,  3.  Ifa.  xxiii.  2, 
 3.  g  Luke  xxii.  44*  Matth  xxvii.  46.  h  Phil.  ii.  3.  i  i 
 Cor.  XV.  4.  k  Adts  il.  24.— 27,  31.  Matt.  xii.  40. 
 Q^2d.  Wherein  ccnfifcth  Chrifs  exaltation  ? 
 A,  iChriH's  exaltation  confilfeth  in  his  rifing  again  from 
 the  dead  on  the  third  day  V, — in  afcending  up  into  heaven  ?k, 
 — in  fitting  at  the  right  hand  of  God  the  Father  «,  and  ia 
 coming  to  judge  the  world  at  the  laft  day  0. 
 
 /  I  Cor.  XV.  4.  in  Mark  xvi.  19.  «  Eph.  i.  20.  0  A<rts 
 i.  1 1,  and  xvii.  31. 
 
 (^.  29.  How  art  nve  made  partaken  oj  the  redemption  purchaf- 
 ed  by  Chrij}  P 
 
 A.  We  aie  made  partakers  of  the  redenr-ption  purch.^feJ 
 
 by 
 
The  Shorter  Catechism,'  33^ 
 
 by  Chrlfl-,  by   the  efFeftual  application  of  it  to  us/*,  by  his 
 Holy  Spirit  q. 
 /)  John  i.  II,  12.     ^  Tit-lii.  5,  6. 
 
 ^  30.  Ho%o  doth  the  Spirit  apply  unto  us  the  redemption  pur- 
 chajt'd  by  Chri/l  F 
 
 A.  The  Spirit  applieth  to  us  the  redemption  purchafed  by 
 Chrift,  by  working  faith  in  us  r,  and  thereby  uniting  us  to 
 Chrirt  in  our  effeftual  calling  x. 
 
 r  Eph.  i.  13,  14.  John  vi.  37,  39.  Eph.  ii.  8.  J-  Eph.  III. 
 17.   I  Cor.  i.  9. 
 
 ^.31.  What  is  effeBua]  calling  ? 
 
 A.  Effedlual  calling  is  the  work.#l  God's  Spirit  /,  where- 
 by, convincing  us  of  our  fin  and  mifery  «,  enlightening  our 
 mindsin  the  knowledge  of  Chriftw,  and  renewing  cur  wills  .r, 
 he  doth  perfuade  and  enable  us  to  embrace  Jefus  Chrift,  free- 
 ly offered  to  us  in  the  gofpel  jr. 
 
 t  2  Tim.  i.  9.  2  ThefT.  ii.  13,  14.  u  A£ts  ii.  37.  w  A£ts 
 xxvi.  18.  }t  Ezek.  xxxvi.  26,  27.  y  John  vi.  4^^  45.  JPhil. 
 ii.  13. 
 
 ^  32.  ?f'/ifl/  lenejits  do  they  that  are  effeBually  called  partake 
 cf  in  this  life  ? 
 
 A,  They  that  are  efFe^ually  called,  do,  in  this  life,  par- 
 take of  juftificaticn  z,  adoption  a,  fandtification,  Snd  the  le- 
 veral  benefits  which,  in  this  life,  do  either  accompany  or 
 flow  from  them  b. 
 
 z  Rom.  viii.  30.     a  Eph.  i.  5.     hi  Cor.  1,  26,  30. 
 
 ^.33.  IVhat  is  Jujlification  ? 
 
 A.  Juftification  is  an  a£t  of  God's  free  grace,  wherein  he 
 pardoneth  all  our  lins  r,  and  accepteth  us  as  righteous  in  his 
 fight  dy  only  for  the  rightcoufnefs  of  Chrift  imputed  to  us.^, 
 and  received  by  faith  aloney. 
 
 c  Rom.  iii.  24,  25.  and  iv.  6,  7,  8.  d  z  Cor.  v.  19,  21. — 
 e  Rom.  V.  17, — 19.    J  Gal.  ii,  16.  Phil.  iii.  9. 
 
 ^.34.  What  is  A  dot)*  ion  ? 
 
 /y.  Adoption  is  ^n  vt  of  God's  free  grace  g,  whereby  we 
 are  received  into  the  number,  and  have  a  right  to  aU  the  pri- 
 vileges of  the  Ions  of  Godih. 
 
 g  I  John  iii.  j.     h  John  i.  12.  Rom.  viii.  17. 
 
 ^35.   What  is  SanBiJication  ? 
 
 A.  SaniStihcation  is  the  work  of  God's  free, grace  /,  where- 
 by we  are  renewed  in  the  whole  man  after  the  image  of  God,/& 
 and  are  enabled  more  and  more  to  die  unto  fin,  and  live  unto 
 righteoufnefs  /.  ~  '      . 
 
 i  2  ThefT.  ii.  13.  k  Eph.  iv.  23,  24.  /  Romans  vi.  4,  6. 
 and  viii.  i. 
 
 Q.  36, 
 
334  '^^^  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 ^  36.  What  are  the  benefits  which  in  this  life  do  accompany 
 crjio'w  from  juJViji cation^  adoption^  and  fcinSiiJiciticn  ? 
 
 A.  The  benetits  wdich  in  this  life  lio  accompany  or  flow 
 from  juftification, adoption,  and  I'anclification,  are,  aflurance  of 
 God's  love,  peace  of  confcieuce  7n,  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft  «, 
 inereafe  of  grace 0,  and  perfeveran^e  therein  to  the  end/), 
 
 m  Rom.  V.  i,  2,  5  «  Rom.  xiv.  17.  0  Prov.  iv.  18. — 
 P'  I  John  V.  1 3.  I  Pet.  i.  5. 
 
 0^3  7.   XVhat  benefits  do  believers  receive  from  Chrijl  at  death  ? 
 
 A.  The  fouls  of  believers  are,  at  their  death,  made  perfe<ft 
 itt  holinefsy,  and  do  imti^ediately  pafs  into  glory  r  \  and  their 
 bodies  being  ftill  united  to  Chrift  j,  do  reft  in  their  graves  j-,, 
 till  the  refurrecVion  n. 
 
 ^Heb.  xii.  23.  »- 2  Cor.  V.  1,  6,  8.  Phil.  i.  23.  Luke  xxiii. 
 43.     J-  I  Their,  iv.  14.     /  Ifa.  Ivii.  2.     »  John  xix.  26,  27. 
 
 0^38  What  benefits  do  believers  receive  from  Chrijl  tit  the 
 reJurreBion  ? 
 
 A.  At  the  refurrecliion,  believers  being  raifed  up  in  glo- 
 ry IV,  Ihall  be  openly  acknowledged  and  acquitted  in  the  day 
 of  judgment  x,  and  made  perfectly  bleffed  in  full  enjoying  of 
 Godj;,  to  all  eternity  3. 
 
 •w  I  Co^.  XV.  43.  K  Matt.  xxv.  23.  and  x.  32.  y  i  John 
 iii.  2.   I  Cor.  xiii.  i2.     z  i  ThefT.  iv,  17,  18. 
 
 0^39'   What  is  the  duty  which  God  requireth  oj  man  ? 
 
 A.  Ihe  duty  which  God  requiretli  of  man,  is  obedience 
 to  his  revealed  will  a. 
 
 tf  Micah  vi.  8.   i  Sam.  xv.  22. 
 
 0^40  What  did  God  at  firfi  reveal  to  Man,  Jor  the  rule  of 
 hie  obedience  ? 
 
 A.  The  rule  which  God  at  firft  revealed  to  man,  for  his 
 cbedience,  was  the  Moral  Law  b. 
 
 b  Rom.  ii.  14,  15.  and  x.  5. 
 
 Q.  41.  Where  is  the  Moral  Law  fummarily  comprehended  ? 
 
 A^  The  moral  law  is  fummarily  comprehended  iu  the  ten 
 ecmmandments  c. 
 
 r  Deut.  x.  4..Matt.  six   17. 
 
 Q-  42.   What  is  the  Sum  of  the  Ten  Commajuhnenfs  ? 
 
 •A.  The  fum  of  the  Ten  Commandments,  is.  To  love  the 
 Lord  our  God  with  all  our  heart,  and  with  all  our  foul,  and 
 \4ith  all  our  ftrength,  and  with  all  our  mind,  and  our  neigh- 
 bour as  ourfelves  d. 
 
 d  Matt.  xxii.  37, — 40. 
 
 Q.  43.   What  is  the  Fr.face  to  the  Ten  CorvnandmenfJ  ? 
 
 A.  The  Preface  to  the  fen  C  omaiandmencs,  is,  in  thefe 
 TTOvJs,  lam  the  Lcrd  thy  Godf  ivhich  have  brought  thee  out  of 
 
 the 
 
Ihe  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 .3JS 
 
 the  Land  of  Egypt,  out  of  the  houfe  of  bondage,  e 
 
 e  Exod  xx.  2  ' 
 
 Q.  44.  What  doth  the  Preface  to  the  Ten  Commandments 
 teach  us  ? 
 
 ^i*  The  Preface  to  the  Ten  Commandments  teacheth  us, 
 that,  becaufe  God  is  the  Lord,  and  our  God  and  Redeetna-, 
 therefore  we  are  bound  to  keep  all  his  commandmeuts.y 
 /Lukei   74,  75.   I  Pet.  i.  15, — T9. 
 
 Q.  *}5.  Which'is  the firfl  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fir  ft  commandment  is,  Thou  fhalt  have  no  othsit 
 gods  before  Me.  g- 
 
 g  Exod.  XX.  3. 
 
 0^46.  What  is  required  in  the  firfl  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  firfl:  commandment  requireth  us  to  know  ar.d  ac- 
 knowledge God  to  be  the  only  true  God,  and  our  God  i?f,— 
 and  to  worfhip  and  glorify  him  accordingly  i. 
 
 h  1  Chron.  xxviii.  9.  Deut.  xxvi.  17.  /  Matth.  5v,  lo. — 
 Pfalmxxix.  2. 
 
 0^47.  What  is  fo'^bidden  in  the  fir fi  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  firft  commandment  forbiddeth  the  denying  I,  or 
 rot  worfhipping  and  glorifying  the  true  God,  as  God  /,  anl 
 our  God  OT, — -and  the  giving  that  worftiip  and  glory  to  «any 
 other,  whicd  is  due  to  him  alone  n. 
 
 k  Pfalm  xiv.  I.  /  Rom.  i.  21.  ni  Pfalm  Ixxxl.  lo,  i  r. — > 
 n  Rom.  i.  25,  26. 
 
 Q;;_48.  What  are  ive  efpecially  taught  by  thefe  words  £be- 
 FOKE  ME]  in  the  firfl  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  Thefe  words  [before  me]  in  the  firft  commandment;, 
 teach  us,  that  God,  who  feeth  all  things,  take^h  notice  of,  aniS 
 is  much  difpleafed  with  the  (in  of  having  any  Other  God  n, 
 
 0  Ezek.  viii.  5,  to  the  end.  Pfnl.  xliv.  20,  21. 
 
 Q^4Q.  Which  is  thefecond  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  lecond  commandment  is.  Thou  fi  ah- hot  male  unH 
 thee  any  graven  image ,  or  an^  likenefs  of  any  thing  that  is  in 
 heaven  above,  or  thai  is  in  the  earth  beneath.,  or  that  is  in  the 
 ivater  under  the  earth.  T'hju  fijalt  not  boia  doivn  thyfelf  ivi 
 them,  nor  ferve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  J^ealous 
 God,  vi/iting  the  iniquity  of  the  fathers  upon  the  chiidreHi  unto 
 the  third  and  fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  Mcy — arAfhci^x'-- 
 ing  mercy  -unto  ihotijarids  of  thstn  that  love  Me,  and  iesp  Ky 
 commnndi>?ents.  p 
 
 p  Exod.  XX.  4,  5,  6. 
 
 0^50.  What  is  required  in  thefecond  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fecond  commandment  requireth  the  receivirig,  ob- 
 serving, and  keeping  pure  and  entire  all  fuch  religious  wor- 
 fhip 
 
'33<>  '^^^^  Shorter  Catechism.      ^■■ 
 
 Ihip  and  ordinances,  as   God  hath  appointed  in  his  word  a. 
 
 q  Deut.  xxxii.  46.  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  Adts  ii.42. 
 
 0^5  r.  IVhat  isjorbidden  in  the  fecond  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fecond  commandinent  foibiddeth  the  worfl:kipping 
 of  God  by  images  r,  or  any  other  way  not  appointed  in  his 
 word  s. 
 
 rDeut.iv.  15, — 19.  Exod.  xxxii.5;,  8.     j- Deut.  xii.  31,  32. 
 
 0^52.  JVhat  are  the  Reafons  annexed  to  the  fecond  commaJid' 
 
 tnsnt  ?  4 
 
 '     A.  The  reafons  annexed  to  the  fecond  comniandment  are, 
 
 God's  fovereignty  over  us  /,  his  propriety  in  us  Uy  and  the 
 
 zeal  he  hath  to  his  own  worfliip  iu. 
 
 '      /  Pfal  XCV.2,  3,6.    wPfal.xlv.  n.    w  Exod.  xxxiv.  13,  14. 
 
 Q.53.   Which  is  the  third  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  third  commandment  is,  Then  Jljah  not  tale  the 
 Name  of  the  Lord  thy  God  in  vain  :  for  the  Lord  will  not  hold 
 him  guiltlefsy  that  taketh  his  Name  in  vain,  x 
 
 X  Exod.  XX.  7. 
 
 0^54.   What  is  required  in  the  third  cammaniment  ? 
 
 A.  Tiie  third  commandment  requircth,  the  holy  and  re- 
 verent ufa  of  God's  names  ji,  titkb  s,  attributes  a^  ordinan- 
 ce^ hf  word  c^  and  works  d. 
 
 y  Matt.  vi.  9.  Deut.  xxviii.  58.  z  Pfai.  Ixvlii.  4.  a  Rev. 
 XV.  3,  4.  b  Mai.  i.  II,  14.  c  Plalra  cxxxviii.  »,  2.  d  Job 
 xxxvi.  24. 
 
 0^55.  IVhat  is  forbidden  in  the  third  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  third  commandment  forbiddeth  all  profaning  or  a- 
 bufing  of  any  thing  whereby  God  maketh  himfeif  known  e. 
 
 ^  Mai.  i.  6,  7,  12.  and  ii.  2.  and  iii.  14. 
 
 Q.56.  What  is  the  reafon  annexed  to  the  third  commandment  ? 
 
 A-  Therealon  annexed  to  the  third  commandment  isj  that 
 however  the  breakers  of  this  commandment  may  elcape  pu- 
 iiifhment  from  men,  yet  the  Lord  our  God  will  not  fuffer 
 them  to  efcape  his  righteous  judgment/. 
 
 /iSam.  ii.  12,17,22,29.  &  iii.  13.  Deut.  xxviii.  38^  39. 
 
 Q.  57.   Which  is  the  fourth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  fourth  commandment  is,  Remember  the  Sabbath- 
 day  y  to  keep  it  holy  :  Six  daysf/jalt  thou  labour,  and  do  ail  thy 
 •work  }  but  the  f eve  nth  day  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  : 
 Jn  ity  thou  fJjalt  not  do  any  luork, — thou,  nor  thy  Jon,  nor  thy 
 daughter,  thy  manfervanty  nor  thy  maidfervant,  nor  thy  cat- 
 thy  nor  thy  jlranger  that  is  within  thy  gates  :  For  in  fix  days 
 '■  the  Lord  inade  heaven  and  earth,  the  fea,  and  all  that  in  them 
 is,  and  re/led  the  f eve  nth  day  :  Wherefore  the  Lord  bleffed  the 
 Sabbath-day,  and  hallowed  it.  ^  ii 
 
 g  Exod.  XX.  8, — II.  0:^5 ^' 
 
The  Shorter  CATE^HrsM.  337 
 
 Q,  58.   What  IS  r.''quired  in  the  fourth  commandmetit  P 
 /].  The  fourth  commandment  requii-eth  the  keepiiin;  holy 
 to  God  fuch  fet  time  as  he  hath  appoinied   in  his  word,  ex- 
 preflv  one  whole  day  in  feven,*  to  oe  a  holy  Sabbath  to  him- 
 
 mh. 
 
 h  Deut.  V.  12, — 14. 
 
 Q.  59  Which  day  of  the  Jeven  hath  God  appointed  to  be  the 
 iveekly  Sabbath  P  '    ' 
 
 A.  From  the  beginning  of  fhe  world  to  the  refurrertion  of 
 Chrift,  God  appointed  thefevpnth  day  of  the  week  to  be  the 
 weekly  Sabbath  :  and  the  jfirft  day  of  the  week  ever  firice,  to 
 continue  to  the  end  of  the  world, — ^,which  is  the  Ghrlilian 
 Sabbath  i. 
 <^  i  Gen.  if.  2,  3.  i  ^or.  xvi.  i,  2.  A£is  xx.  7. 
 fjlL  Q^6o.   H01U  is  the  Sabbath  to  be  fanllified  ? 
 ^^.  The  Sabbath  is  to  be  fandtified  by  a  holy  reAing  alt  that 
 day  ky  even  from  fuch  worldly  employments  and  recreations 
 as  are  lawful  on  other  days/  ;  the  fpcnding  the  whole  time 
 in  the  public  and  pn'vate  exercifes  of  God's  worship  w,  ex- 
 cept fo  much  as  is  to  be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  necelTiLy 
 and  mercy  n. 
 
 k  Exod  XX.  8,  10.  /  Exod.  xvi.  25,-28.  Neh.  xii  15, 
 — 22.  m  Luke  iv.  16.  Afts  xx  7.  Plalm  xcii. //V/^.  Ii'aiati 
 Ixvi.  23.     n  Matt.  xii.  i, — 13. 
 
 0^6  r.  V/hat  is  forlidden  in  the  fourth  commandment  .?_ 
 
 A.  The  fourth  commandn)ent  forbiddeth  the  omiffion  or 
 carelefs  performance  of  the  dutiesrequired  c,  and  the  profan- 
 ing the  day  by  idlejnefs/»,  or  doing  thvit  v/hich  is  in  itfelf  fin- 
 f ul  y,  or  by  unneceffary  thoughts,  words,  or  works,  about 
 worldly  employments  or  recreations  r. 
 
 c  Ezek.  xxii  26.  Amos  viii.  5.  Mai-  i.  13.  p  Afls  xx.  7,  9. 
 q  Ezek.  X5i^,  38.     r  Jer.  xvii.  24, — 26.      Ifa.  Iviii.  13. 
 
 0^62.  What  are  the  Recfons  annexed  to  the  furth  com- 
 mandment ? 
 
 A.  The  E-cafon?  annexed  to  the  fourth  commandaient  are, 
 God's  allowing  ns  l^x  days  of  the  week  for  our  own  employ-. 
 
 nts  J-,  his  challenging  a  fpecial  propriety  in  the  feventh, 
 his  own  example,   and  iiis  hleffing  the  Sabbath  day  /. 
 
 j-Exod.xx.  9,     ^  Exod.  XX.  I  r. 
 
 .  0^63!   Which  is  the  fifth  commandment  ? 
 
 A    The  fifth  commandment  is,  Honour  thy  Father  and  th'}  ^ 
 Mother  i  that  thy  davs  may   be  Icng  upon  the  land,  which  the 
 Lord  ihv  God  giirth  thee,  u 
 
 u  Aiod.  XX.  ii. 
 
 T  t  iZ  "h 
 
3;^B  The  Sh6rter  Catechism."    . 
 
 Q^<^4.  What  is  required  t'ti  the  fifth  commati^meTit  ?  ^ 
 A.  The  fifth  commandment  requireth  the  preferving  the 
 honour,  and  performing  the  duties  belonging  to  every  one 
 in   their  feveral  places  and  relations,  as  fuperiors  w,  inferi- 
 ors .v,  or  equals  y. 
 
 wEph.  V.  21.     X  \  Pet.  iii.  17.     y  Rom.  xi.  10. 
 (^65.  Whni  is  forbidden  in  the  fifth  romvinndment  ? 
 A.  The  fifth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  negkaing  cf, 
 or  doing  any  thing  againft  the  honour  and  duty  which   be» 
 longeth  toeverv  one  in  their  feveral  places  and  relations  z.  . 
 2;  Matt.  XV.  4,  5,  6.  Ezek.  xxxiv.  2,  3,  4-  Ro"^-  '^'''-  ^*     - 
 Q.  66.  What  is  the  Reafon  anneae'i  to  the  fifth  commatfdment  P 
 A.  The  Reafon  annexed  to  the  fifth. commandment,  ^s^ 
 promife  of  long  life  and  profperity  (as  hx  as  it  Ihali  ferve, 
 God's   glory,  and  their  own  good)  to  all  iuch  as  keep 
 commandment  a. 
 
 a  Deut.  V.  If).  Eph.  vi.  2,  3. 
 
 0^67.    Which  is  thefixth  commandment  P 
 
 A.  The  lixth  commandment  is,  Thoufhalt  nq,t  kill.  i. 
 
 b  Exod.  XX.  13. 
 
 Q.  68.  What  isreqiiired  in  thefixth  commandmem^ 
 
 A.  Thefixth  commandment  requireth  ail  lawful  endeavours 
 to  prelerve  our  own  life  e,  and  the  life  of  others  d. 
 
 c  Eph,  V.  28,  29.     d  I  Kings  xviii,  4. 
 
 ^.  69.    What  is  forbidden  in  thefixth  commandment  ? 
 
 A  The  fixth  commandment  forbiddeth  the  taking  awny 
 of  our  own  life,  or  the  life  of  our  neighbour  unjuflly  i  and 
 v/hatfoever  tendeth  thereunto  e. 
 
 ^  Afts  xvi.  28.  Gen.  ix.  6. 
 
 Q.  70.    Which  is  the  Jevenih  commandment  ? 
 A.  The  feventh  commandment  is,  Thou  fia^  not  commit 
 adulter'^,  f. 
 J  Exod.  XX.  14. 
 
 ^  7 1 .  What  is  required  in  the  feventh  commandment  ?  <» 
 
 A.  The  feventh  commandment  requireth  the  prefervatiorf^.) 
 ofourownand   our  neighbour's  chaitity,  in  heart,  fpeeciT, 
 and  behaviour  g. 
 
 g  I  Cor.  vii.  2,  3j  5,  34,  36.  Col.  iv.  6.   i  Pet.  iii.  2. 
 
 .^.72    What  is  forbidden  in  the  feventh  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  feventh  commandment  forbiddeth  all  unchafte 
 thoughts,  words,  and  anions'  i^'. 
 
 h  Matt.  XV    ip.  and  v.  28.  Eph.  v.  3,  4. 
 
 ^  33- 
 
 W 
 
TZ'-  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 339 
 
 Q.  73.  'Which  is  the  eighth  commandment  ? 
 
 ^.  The  eight  commandment  is,  "Ibiu  Jhalt  notjleal.  i 
 
 I  Ejtod.  XX',  15. 
 
 ^  74.   ll^hdi  is  required  in  the  eighth  commandment  ? 
 -•if.  The  eighth  commandtrent  rcquircih   the  lawful  pro-    . 
 curing  and  furthering  the  wealth  and  outward  eltatc  of  our- 
 
 t elves  and  others  4- 
 X'  Gen.  XXX.  30,    i  Tim.  v.  8.  Lev.  xxv.  35.  Deut.  xxii.  1, 
 ■5.  Exod.  xxiii.  4,  5.  Qen.xlvii.  14,  20. 
 
 ^  IS'  ^^''^  is  firbidden  in  'the  eighth  coinmandmetit  } 
 A.  Theei';hth  commandment  forbiddetli  whailbever  doth, 
 or  ujay  unjulliy  iiinder  our  own  or  our  neighbour's  wealth  or 
 outward  eliate  /'.  .^ 
 
 /  Prov.  xxi.  17.  &  xxiii.  20,  21.  &  xxviii.,iQ.  Eph.  iv.  28.     ^ 
 
 0^76.   iV^hich  is  the  ninth  commandment  ?  mr- 
 
 A.  The  ninth  commandment  is,. -i^/jcwyZ'a//  n^t  btar  falfe 
 fivitjiejs  agcunji  ihy  neighbour,  m 
 m  Exod.  XX.  16. 
 
 ^"11'  IVhat  is  required  in  the  ninth  commandment  } 
 ^.  The  ninth  commandment  requircth  the  maintaining  and 
 promoting  of  truth  between  man  and  man  n,  and  of  our  own 
 and  our  neighbour's  good  name  0,  efpecially  in  witnels-bear- 
 ing/>. 
 
 »Zech.viii.  i(5.     p  3  John  12.    />Prov.xiv.  5,  25. 
 
 ^  78.  What  is  jorbidden  in  the  ninth  comtnurnhnent  i 
 K  A.    The  ninth  commandment   forbi  Jdeth,.  whatfoever  is 
 prejudicial  to  truth,  or  injurious  to  oar  own  or  our  neigh- 
 bour's good  name  q. 
 
 q  i  bam.  xvii.  28.  Lev.  xix.  16.   Pfal.  xv.  3. 
 
 0^70.   Which  is  the  tenth  cbmtnandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  tenth  commandment  is,  '^Ihou  /halt  not  covet  thy 
 neighbour's  houje^  thou  Jhatt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  luijCy  nor 
 his  man  fervanty  nor  his  maid- fervarit ^  mr  his  oxy  nor  hiS  njsy 
 nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neighbour's,  r. 
 
 r  Exod.  XX.  17, 
 
 'V     ^  80.  what  is  required  in  the  tenth  commandment  ? 
 
 A.  The  tenth  commandment  requiretU  tuli  contentment 
 with  our  own  condition  s,  with  a  right  and  charitable  frame 
 of  rpirit  toward  our  neighbour,  and  all  that  is  his  /. 
 
 X  Heb.  xiii.  5.  i  Tim.  vi.  6.  ^  Job  xxxi.  29.  Ro;n.  xii.  15. 
 1  Tim.  i.  5.   i  Cor.  xiii.  4, — 7. 
 
 4^  81.  Jihat  is  forbidden  in  the^enth  commandment  ? 
 
 T  i  2  A.  The 
 
340  The  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 A.  The  tenrh  commandment  for'oiJdeth  all  difcontent- 
 meiit  wiih  our  own  eftata  u,  envying  or  grieving  at  the  gaoq^ 
 of  our  neighbour  iv,  and  all  inordinate  motiorjs  and  afFefti- 
 ous  to  any  thing  that  is  his  v. 
 
 u  I  Kings  xxi.  4.  Efiher  v.  13.  i  Cor.  x.  10.  iv  Gal.  v, 
 26.  Jani^s  iii.  14,  16.  x  Rom.  vii.  7,  8.  and  xiii.  9. — 
 Deat.  V.  21. 
 
 i^  82.   Is  any  man  alne  perJeclJy  to  keep  the  commandmen 
 of  God  ? 
 
 A.  No   mere  m:in  fince  the  Fall  is  ?ble,  in  this  life,  per 
 fectly  to  kcfj)  the  coamiandnrients  of  God  y  ;  but  doth  dai 
 brer.k  them  in  thought,  word,  and  uttd  z. 
 
 y  £ccl.  vii.  20.  I  John  i.  8,  10.  Gal.  v.  17.  z  Gen.  vi.  5. 
 and  vjii.  2r.  Rom.  iii.  p, — 21.  Jimes  iii.  2, — 13.  ^ 
 
 0^83.   Are  all  traufgrej/lons  of  the  law  equally  heinous  ?     ■ 
 
 A.  8oinc  iins  in  themlclves,  and  by  realbn  of  feveral  aggra- 
 vations, are  more  heinous  in  the  fight  of  God  than  others  a. 
 
 a   Ezck.  viii.  6,  13,  15.   I    John  v.  16.  Pfalm  Ixxviii.  17, 
 
 0^84.    Jflmt  doth  every  fin  defcrve  ? 
 A.   Every   fin  deferveth    God's  wrath  and  curfe,  b 
 this  life,  and  that  which  is  to  come  h.  ^^^ 
 
 0  Eph.  V   d    Grtl.  iii.  10,  Lam',  iii.  39.  Matt.  xxv.  41.^ 
 
 0^8 ^.  What  doth  .God  require  of  uSy  that  we  may  efcape 
 nvrath  and  cufe^  due  to  us  j  or  fin  ? 
 
 ■A.  To  efcape  the  wrath  and  curfe  of  God  due  to  us  for 
 fin,  God  rcquireth  of  us  faith  in  Jefus  Chrift,  repentance 
 unto  life  r,  with  the  diligent  ufe  of  all  tlie  outward  means, 
 whereby  Chrifi  communicateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemp- 
 tion d. 
 
 c  Atfirs  XX.  21.  d  Prov.  ii.  i, — 6,  and  viii.  33,  to  the  end. 
 Ifaiah  iv    3.  . 
 
 85.   mm  isfvth  in  Jefus  Chrifl  ? 
 
 A.  Faith  in  Jefus  Chrift  is  a  favlng  grace  r,  whereby  we 
 retsive^  and  re  (I  upon  him  alone  for  falvation,  as  he  is  offer- 
 ed to  OS  in  the  gofpel  f. 
 
 e  flfb.  x.  39.    f  John  ii,  12.  Ifa.  xxvi.  3,  4.  Phil,  iii 
 •Gal.  ii,  :6. 
 
 Q^St.  What  is  repentance  unto  life  ? 
 
 A.  Repentance  unto  life  is  a  faving  grnce  ^,  whereby  a 
 Cnner,^  out  of  a  true  fenfe  of  his  fin  /j,  and  apprehcnfion  of 
 the  men!y  of   God    in  Chrifi:  1,  doth,  with  grief  and  hatred 
 
 of 
 
 ^Acl:sxi.  18.     >6  AiHs  ii.  37,  38.     ;  Joel  ii.  12.  Jer.  iii.  22.^^ 
 
 m 
 
The  Shorter  Catechism.  i:\t 
 
 of  his  ill],  turn  from  it  unto  God  k,  with  full  purpofe  of, 
 and  endeavour  after  new  obedience  /. 
 
 ,k  JereiQ.  xxxi.  18,  19.  Ezek.  xxxvi.  31.  I  2  Cor.  vii.  it. 
 Ifa.  i.  16,  17. 
 
 0^88.  IVhat  are  the  outiuayd  means,  "whereby  Chrijl  commU' 
 nicatith  to  us  the  benefits  of  redewption  ? 
 
 A  The  outward  and  ordinary  means  whereby  Chrift  coui- 
 municateth  to  us  the  benefits  of  redemption,  are,  his  ordinan- 
 ctis,  efpecially  the  wor4,  facraments,  and  prayer  :  all  which, 
 are  made  effe^lual  to  tha  elett  for  falvation  wz, 
 
 VI  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.    A<51s  ii  42,  46,  47. 
 
 ^.  89.  How  is  the  word  made  effeEiiial  to  falvation  ? 
 
 A.  The  Spirit  of  God  maketh  the  reading,  but  elpecially 
 the  preaching  of  the  word,  an  effectual  means  of  convincing 
 and  converting  linners,  and  of  building  them  up  in  holincfs 
 and  comfort,  through  faith  unto  falvation  n. 
 
 ' n  Neh.  viii.  8.  I  Cor.  xiv.  24,  25.  A6h  xxvi.  18.  Pfalni 
 x'x.  8.  A«fts  XX.  32.  Rom  xv  4.  2  Tim.  iii.  15, — 17.  Rom* 
 :^.  13, — 17.  and  i.  \6. 
 
 ^  90.  Hoiv  is  the  word  to  be  read  and  heard^  thai  it  ma^j 
 become  ejfeElual  to  falvation  ? 
 
 A.  That  the  word  may  become  efFedual  to  falvation,  v/e 
 mult  2tten4  thereunto  with  diligences,  preparation />,  and 
 prayer  q  ;  receive  it  with  faith  and  love  r,  lay  it  up  in  our 
 hearts  x,  and  pra^ftife  it  in  our  lives  t. 
 
 0  Prov.  viii.  34.  p  I  Pet.  ii.  i.  q  PJal.  cxix.  18.  *"  Heb. 
 iv.  2.  2  Theff.  ii.  I'o.  s  Pfalm  cxix.  11.  t  Luke  viii.  ir. 
 James  i.  25. 
 
 .^91.  How  do  the  Sacraments  become  e^ecliial  means  offal- 
 valion  ? 
 
 A.  The  facraments  become  efFeflual  means  of  falvation, 
 not  from  any  virtue  in  them,  or  in  him  that  doth  adminifter 
 them  j  but  only  by  the  blefling  of  Chrift  u,  and  the  wori<:ing 
 of  his  Spirit  in  them  that  by  faith  receive  them  10. 
 
 u  I  Pet.  iii.  21.  Matth.  ii.  u.  i  Cor.  iii.  6,  7.  iu  i  Ccr. 
 xli.  13. 
 
 ^.  ^2.   What  is  afacrament  ? 
 
 A.  A  facrament  is  an  holy  ordinance  inAltuted  by  Chrif!, 
 wherein,  by  fenfible  fignS,  Chrifi:  and'the  benefits  of  the  nev/ 
 covenant  are  reprefented,  fealed,  and  applied  to  believers  x, 
 
 X  Gen.  xvii.  7,  10.  Exod,  xii.   i  Cor.  xi.  25^^6. 
 
 ^^93.  If  hich  are  the  facraments  of  the  New  Teflament  ? 
 
 A,  The   facraments  of  the  New  Tellamem,  ar&,   Bap* 
 
 if>:t, 
 
^42  The  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 tifm  yt  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  z 
 
 y  Matt,  xxviii.  19*;,  2  Matt.xxvi.  2(5, — 28. 
 
 ^  94.  H^at  is  Baptifm  ?  "  ■. 
 
 A.  Baptifm  is  a  facrament,  wherein  the  wafhing  with  wa- 
 ter, in  the  name  of  tlie  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  fl,  doth  fignify  and  feal  our  ingrafting  into  Chrilt, 
 and  partaking  of  the  benefits  of  the  covenant  of  grace,  and 
 our  engagement  to  be  the  Lord's  b.  ^ 
 
 o  Matt,  xxviii.  19.     b  Rom.  vi.  4.*  Gal.  iii.  27. 
 
 0^95;.   To  whom  is  Baptifm  is  to  be  adniinijlred  ? 
 
 A.  Baptifm  is  not  to  be  adminidred  to  any  that  are  out  of 
 the  vifible  church,  till  they  profefs  their  faith  in  Chrift,  and 
 obedience  to  him  c  \  but  the  infants  ot  luch  as  are  nieuibers 
 of  the  vifible  church,  are  to  be  baptiii(;d  <f. 
 
 c  A^tsviii.  36,  37.  and  ii.  38.  J  AcU^ii.  38,  39.  Gsnefis 
 svii.  ic,  with  Col.  ii.  11,  i2.   i  Cor.  vii:"'i4. 
 
 Q.  96.   What  is  the  Lord's  Supper  ?      • 
 
 A.  The  Lord's  Supper  is  a  lacramept,  wherein,  by  giving 
 and  receiving  bread  and  wine,  according  to  Chrift's  appoint- 
 ment, his  death  is  fliewed  forth  ;  and  the  worthy  receivers 
 are,  not  after  a  corporal  and  carnal  manner,  but  by  faith, 
 made  partakers  of  his  body  and  blood,  with  all  his  benefits, 
 to  their  fpiritual  nouriihment  and  growth  im  grace  f. 
 
 e  I  Cor.  xi.  23, — 26.  and  x.  16. 
 
 ^97.  What  is  r ^Quired  to  ike  lui^rlhy  receiving  of  the  Lord's 
 Supper  't 
 
 J.  It  is  required  of  them  that  would  worthily  partake  of 
 the  Lord's  Supper,  that  they  examine  themfclves  of  their 
 knowledge  to  difcern  the  Lord's  body/,  of  their  raith  to  feed 
 upon  him  ^,  of  their  repentance  h,  love  4,  and  new  obedi- 
 ence k  ;  left,  coming  unworthily,  they  eat  and  drink  judg- 
 ment to  themlelves  /. 
 
 f  1  Cor.  xi.  a8,  29.  g  2  Cor.  xiii.  5.  h  1  Cor.  xi.  31.-— 
 7  1  Cor.  X.  16, 17.     ^iCor.  v.  7,  S.     /  i  Cor.  xi.  28,  2y. 
 
 ^.98.  What  is  Pjciyer  ?  , 
 
 yi.  Prayer  is  un  otfering  up  of  our  defires  unto  God  m,  for 
 things  agreeable  to  his  will  //,  in  the  name  of  Chrift  0,  with 
 confeftion  of  cur  tins/),  and  thankiul  acknuwicdgmeat  of  iiis 
 jijercies  ^. 
 
 wPfal.  Ixii  B.  n  I  Jolw  V.  14.  ojohnxvi.  23.  p  Pial. 
 xxxii.  5,  6.  Dan.  ix.  4.     q  Phil.  iv.  6 
 
 Q.  99.  What  rule  hath  God  ^iveti  for  our  direcJioti  in  prayer  ? 
 
 .>■■.  The  whole  woid  -of  Gcd  ii.  01  ufc  to  direct  us  in  pr^v- 
 
The  Shorter  Catechism.'  343 
 
 er  r  ;"bnt  the  fpeci^lrule  of  dlre^lion,  is  that  form  of  prayer, 
 which  Chrift  taught  his  difciples,  commonly  called.  The 
 Lord's  Prayer  s. 
 
 r  I  John  V.  14..  j-Matt.  vi.  9, — 13.  compared  with  Luke 
 xi.  2,  3,  4. 
 
 Q^ioo.  What  doth  the  Preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  tench  us  ? 
 
 A.  The  Preface  of  the  Lord's  Prayer,  [which  is,  Our  Fa^ 
 thcr^  which  art  in  heaven  f]  teacheth  us,  to  draw  near  to  God 
 with  all  holy  reverence  and  confidence,  as  children  lo  a  fa- 
 ther, able  and  ready  to  help  us  //,  and  that  we  fliould  pray 
 with  and  for  others  nv. 
 
 t  Matt.  vi.  9.  u  Rom.  viii.  15.  Luke  xi.  13.  iu  Ads  x;;. 
 5.   I  Tim.  ii.  t,  2. 
 
 Q^  lOI.   What  ive  do  pray  for  in  the  frfl  Petition  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  firft  perition,  [which  is,  Halloiuedbe  thy  Nam^x^ 
 we  pray,  that  God  would  enable  us  and  others  to  glorify  hin\ 
 in  all  that  whereby  he'thaketh  himfelf  known  j; ;  and  that  ha 
 would  difpofe  all  things  to  his  own  glory  z. 
 
 PC  Mat.  vi.  9.     y  Plal.  Ixvii.  2,  3.     3  Plal.  Ixxxiil. 
 
 Q^  102.  What  do  ive  pray  for  in  the  fecmd  Petition  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  fecond  petition,  [which  is,  Thy  kingdom  come  d\ 
 we  pray,  that  Satan's  kingdom  may  be  deftroyed  ^,  and  that 
 the  kingdom  of  grace  may  be  advanced  r,  ourfelves  and  o- 
 thers  brought  into  it,  and  kept  in  it  J,  and  that  the  king- 
 dom of  glory  may  be  haftened  e, 
 
 a  Matt.  vi.  10.  b  Pfal.  Ixviii  i,  18.  ^:Rev. xil.  Fo,  ir. — 
 d  2  Their,  iii.  i.  Rom.  x.  i.  John  xvii.  9,  20.     e  Rev.xxii.  20, 
 
 Q.  1 03.  What  do  ive  pray  for  in  the  third  Petition  ? 
 
 A,  In  the  third  petition,  [which  is,  Thy  ivill  be  done  vi . 
 earth  as  it  is  in  heaven  f]  we   pray,  that  God,   by  his  grace, 
 would  make  us  able  and  vvillmg  to  know,  obey,  and  fubmit 
 to  his  will  in  all  things^,  as  the  angels  do  in  heaven  /'. 
 '  /Matt.  vi.  lo.     ^Pfal.  Ixvii.  and  cxix.  36.  Mat.  xxvi.  39. 
 2  Sam.  XV.  25.  Job  i.  21.     /;  Pfal.  ciii.  20,  21. 
 
 Q.  1 04.   What  do  ive  pray  for  in  the  fourth  Petition  ? 
 
 A.  In  the  fourth  petition,  [which  is,  Give  us  this  day  our 
 daily  bread  i]  we  pray,  that  of  God's  free  gift  we  may  recelv;; 
 a  competent  portion  of  the  good  things  of  this  llfcj  and  en- 
 joy his  bleffing  with  them;t. 
 
 i  Matt.  vi.  1 1,  k  Prov.  xxx.  8,  9.  Gen.  xxvlii.  20.  i,  Tim. 
 iv.  4,  5. 
 
 0^105.  What  4o  nue  pray  for  in  the  fifth  Petition  ? 
 
 A,  In  the  fifth  pethion,  [which  is,  Forgive  ui  our  debts ^  at 
 
'«44  ST/V  Shorter  Catechism.  ' 
 
 nve forgive  cur  debtors  /]  we  pray,  that  God,  for  Cbrift'i  fake, 
 wotild  freely  pardon  all  our  fins  m  ;  v;hich  we  are  the  rather 
 encouraged  to  afk,  becjufe  by  his  grace  we  are  enabled  from 
 the  heart  to  forgive  others  n. 
 
 /Matt  vi.  12.  ;«rralm  li.  I,  2,  7,  9.  Dan.  ix.  17, — 19. 
 ?;  Luke  xi.  4.  Matt,  xviii.  35. 
 
 Q^i  06.  Wl^ijif  ds  we  pray  for  in  thefixth  Peiltion  ? 
 
 yi.  la  the  fixth  petition,  [which  is.  And  lead  us  not  into 
 iemptation^hiit  deliver  us  from  evil o'^  we  pray,  that  God  would 
 either  keep  us  from  being  tempted  to  fin  j>,  or  fupport  and 
 deliver  us  when  we  are  tempted  q. 
 
 0  Matt.  vi.  13.     p  Matt  xxvi.  41.     q  1  Cor.  xii.  7,  8. 
 
 0-107.  What  doth  the  Conclujwn  of  the  Lord's  Prayer  tench  us  ? 
 
 A.  The  Conchifion  of  the  Lord's  Trayer,  [which  is.  For 
 thine  is  the  kingdom^  the  paver  ^  aud  the  pjcry  for  ever,  Amen  r] 
 teacheth  us  to  take  our  encouragemMKin  prayer  from  God 
 only  J-,  and  in  our  prayers  to  praifdHp,  afcribing  kingdom, 
 power,  and  glory  to  him  t. — AndjUKeflimony  of  our  defiie 
 and  affurance  to  be  heard,  we  fay,  Amen  u. 
 
 r  Matt.  vr.  13.  /  Dan.  ix.  4,  7,8,9, 16, — 19.  /  1  Chron. 
 ixxix.  10, — 13.     u  1  Cor.  xiv.  16, — 22.  Rev.  xxii.  20,  21. 
 
 The  TEN  COMMANDMENTS, 
 
 Exodus  xx.  i, — 17. 
 
 O  D  fpake  all  thefe  words,  faying,  I  am  the  Lord  thy 
 God,  Avhich  have  brought  thee  out  of  the  land  of  E- 
 gypt,  out  of  the  houfe  of  bondage. 
 
 I.  Thou  flialt  have  no  other  gods  before  Me. 
 
 n.  Thou  (halt  not  make  unto  thee  any  graven  linage,  or 
 any  likenefs  of  any  thing  that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is 
 in  the  earth  beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  waters  under  the  earth. 
 Thou  (halt  not  bow  down  thylelf  to  them,  nor  ferve  them  : 
 For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  am  a  jealous  God,  vifiting  the  ini- 
 quity of  the  fathers  upon  the  children,  unto  the  third  and 
 fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  Me,  and  fliewing  mercy 
 unto  thoufands  of  them  that  love  Me,  and  keep  my  com- 
 mandments. 
 
 IlL  Thou  flialt  not  take  the  Name  of  the  Lord  thy  Gcd 
 in  vain  ;  for  the  Lord  will  not  bold  him  guiltlefs  that  taktiih 
 his  Name  in  vain. 
 
 IV.  Re- 
 
The  Shorter  Catechism.  345 
 
 IV.  Remember  the  Sabbath  day,  to  keep  it  holy:  Six  days 
 fl:it\ltthou  labour,  and  do  all  thy  work  ;  but  the  fsvcnth  day 
 
 f  is  the  Sabbath  of  the  Lord  thy  God  :  In  it,  thou  {halt  not  do 
 any  work, — thou,  nor  thy  foq,  nor  thy  daughter,  thy  man- 
 fervant,  nor  thy  maid-fervant,  nor  thy  cattle,  nor  thy  ftran- 
 ger  that  is  within  thy  gates  :  For  in  lix  days  the  Lord  made 
 heaven  and  earth,  th^fea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and  refted 
 the  feventh  day  ;  wherefore  the  Lord  blefled  the  Sabbath- 
 day,  and  hallowed  it , 
 
 V.  Honour  thy  father  and  thy  mother,  that  thy  days  may 
 be  long  upon  the  land  which  the  Lord  thy  God  giveth  thes. 
 
 VL  Thou  Ihalt  not  kill. 
 
 VII.  Thou  flitlt  not  commit  adultery. 
 
 VIII.  Thou  Ihalt  not  fteal. 
 
 IX.  Thou  (halt  notbearfalfe  witnefsagainft  thy  neighbour. 
 
 X.  Thou  flialt  not  covet  thy  neighbour's  houfe,  thou  (halt 
 not  covet  thy  neighbour's  wife,  nor  his  man-fervant,  nor  bis 
 maid-fervant,  nor  his  ox,  nor  his  ais,  nor  any  thing  that  is 
 thy  neighbour's. 
 
 The  lord's  prayer. 
 
 Matthew  vi.  9, — 13. 
 
 OUR  Father,  which  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
 name  :  thy  kingdom  come  :  thy  v^'ill  be  done  in  eartk 
 as  it  is  in  heaven  :  give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread  :  and  for- 
 give US' our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors  :  and  lead  us  not 
 into  temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil  ;  for  thine  is  the 
 kingdom,  and  the  "power,  and  the  glory,  forever.     Ameh. 
 
 The   C^EED. 
 
 Believe  in  God  the  Father  AUiiighty,  msker  of  hea- 
 ven and  earth,— and  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  only  Son, 
 ^,      .        .  our  Lord,  which  was  conceived'by  the  Ho- 
 
 I 
 
 tn  tl. 
 
 Z'  '  -  ,      .'.-ana  ouriea  :  ne  ucitcuucu  luiu  ucn     ^  mc 
 
 the  poiver  of  death  ^^.^^  ^^^  j^^  ^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^  ^j^^  ^^^^  .  |,g 
 
 till  the  third  day.    .^r^^^^^^^   into  heaven,  and  fitteth   at  the 
 
 U  u  light 
 
346  7he  Shorter  Catechism. 
 
 fight  hand  of  God  the  Father  Almighty ;  from  thence  \\z 
 fhall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead.  I  believe  in  the 
 Holy  Ghost,  the  holy  catholic  church,  the  communion 
 of  faints,  the  forgivenels  of  fins,  the  refurreftion  of  the  body, 
 and  the  life  everlafting.     Amen. 
 
 «<2>i  t<2>^ 'h:?^ '-.i^"  <-2?i  i-i?^  <<S?i  «.^»  i<5>^  ttf>>  V:^  ttf>i  t<?^  ^^  ».<^ 
 
 SO  much  of  every  Queftion,  both  in  the  Larger  and  Shor^ 
 ter  Catecbifm^  is  repeated  in  the  Anfwer,  as  maketh  every 
 Anfwer  an  entire  propofition  or  fehtence  in  itfelf  •,  to  the  end 
 the  learner  may  further  improve  it,  upon  all  occafions,  for 
 his  increafe  in  knowledge  and  piety,  even  but  of  the  courfe 
 of  catechizing  as  well  as  in  it. 
 
 And  albeit  the  fubftance  of  the  dofkrine  comprized  In  that 
 abridgment,  commonly  called  The  Apoftles  Greedy  be  fully  fet 
 forth  in  each  of  the  Catcchilms,  fo  as  there  is  no  neceflity  of 
 inferting  the  Creed  itfelf ;  yet  it  is  here  annexed,  not  as  tho' 
 it  were  compofed  by  the  apoftles,  or  ought  to  be  efteemed 
 canonical  fcripture,  as  the  Ten  Coinmandments,  and  the 
 Lord's  Prayer,  (much  lefs  a  prayer,  as  ignorant  people  have 
 been  apt  to  make  both  it  and  the  decalogue)  but  becaufe  it 
 is  a  brief  fum  of  the  Chriftian  faith,  agreeable  to  the  word 
 of  God,  and  anciently  received  in  the  churches  of  Chrijft. 
 
 A  Seletnn 
 
Solemn  ^cknowledgutent 
 
 O    F 
 
 PUBLIC  SINS  and  BREACHES  of  the 
 Covenant  : 
 
 AND       A 
 
 Soleinn  Engagement 
 
 TO     ALL     THE 
 
 DUTIES  contained  therein; 
 
 NAMELY, 
 
 Thofe  which  do,  in  a  more  fpecial  way,  relate  unt^ 
 the  Danger  of  thefe  Times. 
 
 TOGETHER     WITH 
 
 The  Acts  of  the  Commijftvn  of  the  General  Aflembly^  and 
 of  the  Committee  of  Eftates,  y^tuw  1648,  and  of  thf  Par- 
 liament,  Anno  1649,  ^^^  renewing  the  Solemn  League 
 and  Covenant. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
 UU2 
 
E     348     ] 
 
 Ac  T  of  the  Comm'ijfion  of  the  General  j^JJimhl^y  for  renewing 
 the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant. 
 
 Edinburgh,  OBober  by   1648. 
 
 THE  Commiffion  of  the  General  Affembly  confidering, 
 that  a  great  part  of  this  land  have  involved  themfelves 
 in  many  and  grofs  breaches  of  the  Solemn  League  andCovetianty 
 — and  that  the  hands  of  many  are  grown  flack,  in  following 
 and  purfuing  the  duties  contained  therein, — and  that  many, 
 who,  not  being  come  to  lufficient  age  when  it  was  firft  fwoni 
 and  fubfcribed,  have  not  hitherto  been  received  into  the 
 lame  ;  do,  upon  thefe  and  otlier  grave  and  important  confi- 
 derations,  appoint  and  ordain  the  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
 nant to  be  renewed  throughout  all  the  congregations  of  this 
 kingdom  ;  and,  becaufe  it  is  a  duty  of  great  weight  and  con- 
 fequence,  minifters,  after  the  fight  hereof,  would  be  careful 
 to  take  pains,  in'their  dodtrine  and  otherwife,  that  their  peo- 
 ple may  be  made  fenfible  of  thefe  things  wherein  they  have 
 'broken  tlie  covenant,  and  be  prepared  for  the  renewing  there- 
 of with  fuitable  afFedlions  and  dif'pofitions.  And,  that  thefe 
 things  may  be  the  better  performed,  we  have  thought  it  ne- 
 celTary  to  condefcend  upon   *  A  Solemn  Acknowledgment  of 
 
 *  public  "fins  and   breaches  of  the  covenant, — and  a  Solemn 
 
 *  Engagement    to  all  the   duties   contained  therein,  namely, 
 ■  thofe  which  do  in  a  more  fpecial  way  relate  unto  the  dan- 
 
 *  gers  of  thefe  times  ;'  and  this  Solemn  Acknowledgment 
 and  Engagement,  fent  herewith,  fhall  be  made  ufe  of,  and 
 the  League  and  Covenant  fhall  be  renewed  in  fuch  manner  as 
 follows  :  Firfly  There  fliall  be  intimation  of  a  folemn  public 
 humiliation  and  fafl:  the  fecond  Sabbath  of  December^  to  be 
 kept  upon  th^next  Thurfday  and  Lord's  day  thereafter  ;  at 
 which  intii^Ttion,  the  League  and  Covenant,  and  thepublic 
 Acknovvletlgment  of  fins,  and  Engagement  unto  duties,  are 
 to  be  publicly  read  by  the  minifter,  in  the  audience  of  all  the 
 people  ',  and  they  are  to  be  exhorted  to  get  copies  thereof, 
 that  they  may  be  made  acquainted  therewith  ; — and  the  hu- 
 n^iliation  and  fafl:  is  to  be  kept  the  next  Thurlday  thereafter, 
 in  reference  to  the  breaches  of  the  covenant,  contained  in  the 
 Solemn  Public  Acknowledgment,  as  the  caufes  thereof;  and 
 the  next  Lord's  day  thereafter,  which  is  alfo  to  be  fpent  in 
 public  humiii:.ition  and  faffing:  immediately  after  the  fermon, 
 which  is  to  be  applied  to  the  bufinefs  of  that  day,  the  Public 
 Aclcnowledgnient  and  Engagement  is  again  to  be  publicly 
 read,  and  thereafter  prayer  is  to  be  made,  containing  the  con- 
 
 feffion 
 
Acts  cj  the  Comnujfion^   1648.  34ft 
 
 fefllon  of  the  breaches  mentioned  therein,  and  begging  mer- 
 cy for  thelc  fins,  and  ftrength  of  God  for  renewing  the  Co- 
 venant in  fincerity  and  truth  ;  after  which  prayer,  the  So- 
 lemn League  and  Covenant  is  to  be  read  by  the  minifter, 
 and  then  to  be  fvrorn  by  him  and  all  the  people,  who  are  to 
 engage  themfelves  for  performance  of  all  the  duties  contained 
 therein,  namely,  thefe  which  are  mentioned  in  the  Public 
 Acknowledgment  and  Engagement,  and  are  oppofite  unto  the 
 fins  therein  confelTed  :  And  the  adlion  is  to  be  clofed  with 
 prayerto  God,  that  his  people  may  be  enabled,  in  the  power 
 of  his  ftrength,  to  do  their  duty,  according  to  their  oath,  now 
 renewed  in  fo  folemn  a  way.  It  is  alfo  hereby  provided,  that 
 all  thofe  who  renew  the  League  and  Covenant,  fhall  again 
 fubfcribe  the  fame  ;  and  that  none  be  admitted  to  the  renew- 
 ing or  (ublcribing  thereof,  who  are  exciydcd  by  the  other  a£t 
 and  diredion  fent  herewith. 
 
 A.  KER. 
 
 ^he  Act  of  the  Commljfton  of  the  General  AJfumblyt  conceruing 
 the  debarring  of  Perjons  accejfory  to  the  late  Unlawful  Engage^ 
 ment  in  10 ar  from  renewing  the  Covenant ^  receiving  the  Com* 
 muniony  and  jrom  exercife  of  eccleftajlic  offices  ;  with  an  Ad- 
 vice to  Prefhperies  for  celebration  of  the  Communion. 
 
 Edinburgh,  OBober  6,  164S. 
 
 THE  commlffioners  of  the  General  Aflembly  having 
 found  it  necelTary,  that  the  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
 nant be  renewed,  after' fo  great  and  evident  breaches  thereof 
 by  many  in  this  kingdom  ;  and  confidering,  how  manifeftly 
 the  caufe  of  God  hath  been  endangered  heretofore,  by  too 
 iudden  receiving  into  the  Covenant  thofe. who  have  been  in 
 a£tual  oppofition  thereunto,  before  fufficient  trial  and  evi- 
 dence had  of  their  repentance  j  do  therefore  appoint  and  or- 
 dain, Tiiat  ill  Prelbyteries  and  minifters  within  this  church, 
 in  their  feveral  bounds  and  refpeflive  charges,  take  fpecial 
 care,  at  the  time  of  renewing  the  League  and  Covenant,  that 
 none  who  have  had  charge  in  the  army,  which,  under  the 
 condu«ft  of  Duke  Hamilton,  engaged  in  war  atrainft  the  king- 
 dom of  England,  or  with,  the  forces  that  were  in  and  about 
 Stirling,  under  the  command  of  the  EarlofLanerk  and  George 
 Monro  ;  or  have  taken  and  fubfcribed  any  oaths,  bonds,  or 
 declarations  for  carrying  on  thefe  finful  courfes,  or  any  other 
 oath  or  bond  condemned  by  the  General  AiTcmbly,  as  deftruc- 
 tive  to  the  Covenant,— or  have  been  forcers,  urgers,  or  fe- 
 
 ducers 
 
55^  Act  of  the  Committee  of  EfiateSy  1648. 
 
 ducers  of  others  to  join  in  the  faid  engagements  and  fervlces, 
 {^  deftruftive  to  religion,  or  have  been  adlive  promoters 
 thereof, — be  admitted  to  fubfcribe  or  renew  the  oath  of  the 
 League  and  Covenant,  or  to  exercifc  any  office  or  power  in 
 any  of  the  judicatories  of  this  kirk. 
 
 And  further,  confidering  that  it  is  referred  to  us  from  the 
 late  General  Affembly,  to  give  advertiiement  to  the  Prefby- 
 teries  of  a  fit  opportunity  of  celebrating  the  facrament  of  the 
 Lord's  Supper,  and  to  fend  fuch  advice  as  we  fhould  find  ne- 
 cefiary  for  the  time, — we  have  thought  fit  to  advertife  Pref- 
 byteries,  that  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  may  be  ce- 
 lebrated after  renewing  of  the  Covenant,  as  minifters  have 
 convcniency,  in  their  feveral  congregations  ;  and  that  we 
 have  found  it  neceflary,  that  all,  who  are  involved  in  the  a- 
 fore  mentioned  guiltinefs,  be  fulpended  from  the  facrament 
 of  the  Lord's  Supper,  until  the  General  Aflembly  fliall  take 
 fuch  courfe  ?.s  they  think  fit,  concerning  the  receiving  of 
 them  unto  the  covenant  and  communion. 
 
 A.  KER. 
 
 ^he  Act  of  the  Committee  of  Ejlates  of  Parliament ^  for  re* 
 neiving  the  Solemn  League  atid  Covenant, 
 
 Edinburgh,  October  14,  1^48. 
 
 TH  E  Committee  of  Eftates,  being  very  fenfible  of  the 
 grievous  backflidings  of  this  land,  in  the  manifold 
 breaches  of  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  made  and 
 fworn  to  the  Moft  High  God  :  do  therefore  unanimously 
 and  heartily  approve  the  fealonable  and  pious  refolution  of 
 the  Commiffion  of  the  General  Aflembly,  for  a  foleinn  ac- 
 knowledgment of  public  fins  and  provocations,  efpecially  the 
 breaches  of  the  covenant,  and  a  folemn  engagement  to  a  more 
 confcionable  performance  of  the  duties  therein  contained,  and 
 lor  renewing  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  ;  and  do  re- 
 quire and  ordain,  that  the  diredlions  of  the  faid  Commiflion 
 of  Aflembly,  in  their  aft  of  the  fixth  of  this  month,  for  a 
 public  acknowledgment  of  fins  and  engagement  to  duties,  be 
 carefully  followed  ;  that  the  faft  and  humiliation,  appointed 
 by  them,  bereligioufly  obferved;  and  that  the  Solemn  Le?gue 
 and  Covenant  be  fincerely  and  cordially  renewed  and  fubfcrib- 
 ed,  in  the  manner  they  have  prefcribed  in  their  laid  aft. 
 
 Extraclum,  Mr. Thomas  Henderson. 
 
 Charles 
 
Act  of  Parliament y  1649;  35 j 
 
 Charles  L  Pari.  2.  Seff.  2.  Aa  2. 
 
 Act  for  a  Solemn  Fojl  and  Humi/iatioti,  to  be  kept  hy  all  the 
 Members  of  this  Farliamentt  tn  relation  to  Public  Sins  and 
 Breaches  of  the  Covenant  ;  and  for  their  renewing  the  League 
 and  Covenant y  and  engagement  to  the  duties  therein  contained* 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  January  5,  1649. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament,  taking  to  their  ferlous  con- 
 fideration,  the  great  fins  and  provocations  of  the  land, 
 and  the  great  calamities  and  diflrefles  wherewith  they  have 
 been  exercifed,  and  which  yet  hang  over  their  heads  ;  and 
 being  defirous  to  return  unto  the  Lord,  by  humbling  them- 
 felves  before  him,  with  fincere  confeffion  of  their  fins,  and 
 engagement  to  do  no  morefo,  but  to  reform  their  ways,  and 
 be  fi:edfaft  in  his  covenant ;  and  confidering,  that,  in  relatioa 
 to  the  general  fins  of  the  land,  the  Commiflion  of  the  Gene- 
 ral AfTembly  appointed  a  Solemn  Acknowledgment  of  public 
 fins  and  breaches  of  the  covenant,  and  a  public  Engagement 
 to  the  duties  therein  contained  j  therefore  the  faid  Eftates, 
 in  the  fenfe  of  their  own  fins,  and  of  their  acceffion  to  ths 
 breaches  of  the  whole  land,  do  refolve.  That  all  the  members 
 of  the  prefent  Parliament  humble  themfelves  in  the  Parlia- 
 ment Houfe  before  the  Lord,  in  a  Solemn  Acknowledgment 
 of  their  fins  and  breaches  of  covenant,  and  engage  themfelves 
 to  a  more  ftriflobfervance  of  public  duties,  efpecially  of  thofc 
 that  relate  to  the  dangers  of  the  time  ;  and  alfo,  that  they 
 renew  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  according  to  the 
 order  fet  down  by  the  Commiifion  of  the  General  Afiembly. 
 And  that  this  may  be  performed  with  fading  and  humiliation, 
 and  all  other  religious  duties,  and  a  day  fet  apart  for  that  pur- 
 pofe,  the  Earl  of  Caflils,  Sir  Archibald  Johnfton  of  Warrif- 
 toun,  and  the  Provoft  of  Edinburgh,  arc  to  acquaint  the 
 Commiffion  of  the  kirk  with  this  refolution, — and,  Ia  name 
 of  the  Parliament,  to  defire,  that  fome  of  their  number  m:iy 
 preach  in  the  Parliament  Houfe,  and  adniinifter  to  thefn  the 
 Covenant,  and  to  do  and  order  all  other  things  neceffkry  for 
 fo  folemn  and  religious  an  aftion. 
 
 y^  Solemn 
 
C  zs^-   ] 
 
 A  Solemn  Acknowledgment  of  Publie  Sins^ 
 mid  Breaches  of  the  Covenant ;  and  a  Solemn 
 Engagement /o  all  the  Duties  contained  there- 
 ill,  namely,  thofe  which  do  in  a  morefpeclal  way 
 relate  unto  the  Daftgers  of  thefe  Times. 
 
 WE  Noblemen,  Barons,  Gentlemen,  EurgefTes,  Mini- 
 {Vers  of  the  gofpel,  and  Commons  of  all  forts,  with- 
 in this  kingdom,  hj  the  good  hand  of  God  upon  us,  taking 
 into  ferious  confideration,  the  many  fad  affliftions  and  deei> 
 diftreffes  wherewith  we  have  been  exercifed  for  a  long  time 
 part  ;  and  that  the  land,  after  it  hatli  been  fore  wafted  with 
 the  fword  and  the  peftilence,  and  threatened  with  famine  ; 
 and  that  ftiame  and  contempt  hath  been  poured  out  from  the 
 Lord  againft  many  thoufands  of  our  nation,  who  did  in  a  fin- 
 ful  way  make  war  upon  the  kingdom  of  England,  contrary 
 to  the  teftimony  of  his  fervants  and  defires  of  his  people  ; 
 and  that  the  remnants  of  that  army  returning  to  this  land, 
 have  fpoiled  and  opprefTed  many  of  our  brethren ;  and  that 
 the  malignant  party  is  ftill  numerous,  and,  retaining  their 
 former  principles,  wait  for  an  opportunity  to  ruife  a  new  and 
 dangerous  war,  not  only  unto  the  rending  of  the  bowels  of 
 this  kingdom,  but  unto  the  dividing  us  from  England,  and 
 overturning  of  the  work  of  God  in  all  the  three  kingdoms  : 
 And  confidering  alfo,  that  a  cloud  of  calamities  doth  ftill 
 hang  over  our  heads,  and  threaten  us  with  fad  things  to  come, 
 we  cannot  but  look  upon  thefe  things  as  from  the  Lord,  who 
 is  righteous  in  all  his  ways,  feeding  us  with  the  bread  of 
 tears,  and  making  us  to  drink  the  waters  of  afIli6\Lon,  until 
 we  be  taught  to  know  how  evil  and  bitter  a  thing  it  is  to  de- 
 part away  from  him,  by  breaking  the  oath  and  covenant 
 which  we  have  made  with  him  ;  and  that  we  may  be  hum- 
 bled before  him,  by  confeffing  our  fin,  andforfaking  the  evil 
 of  our  way. 
 
 THEREFORE,  being  prefiTed  with  fo  great  necelTities  and 
 flraits,  and  warranted  by  the  word  of  God,  and  having  the 
 example  of  God's  people  of  old,  who,  in  the  time  of  their 
 troubles,  and  when  they  were  to  feek  delivery  and  a  right 
 
 way 
 
An  Acknowledgment  c/Sins,  l^c,        353 
 
 way  for  themfelves,  that  the  Lord  might  be  with  them  to 
 prorper  them,  did  humble  themfelves  before  l\im,  and  make 
 a  free  and  particular  confeflion  of  the  fins  of  their  princes, 
 their  rulers,  their  captains,  their  priefts,  and  their  people  ;. 
 and  did  engage  themfelves  to  do  no  more  To,  but  to  reform, 
 their  ways,  and  be  fiedfaft  in  his  covenant  ;  and  remember- 
 ing the  practice  of  our  predecelTors  in  the  year  1596,  where- 
 'in  the  General  Aflembly,  and  all  the  k'rk  judicatories,  with 
 the  concurrence  of  many  of  the  nobility,  gentry,  and  bur- 
 gelTes,  did,  with   many  tears,  acknowledge  before  God  the 
 breach  of  the  National  Covenant,  and  engaged  themfelves  to 
 a  reformation  ;  even  as  our  predeceflors  and  theirs  had  be- 
 fore done,  in  the  General  AlTembly  and  Convention  of  Ellntes, 
 in  the  year  1567  :   And  perceiving  that  this  duty,  wlien  gone 
 about  out  of  confcience  and  in  fincerity,  hath  always  been  at- 
 tended with  a  revivingout  of  troubles, and  wirh  ableffing  and 
 fuccefs  from  heaven,— ^ We  do  humbly  and  fincerely,  as  in  his 
 fight,  who  is  the  Searcher  of  hearts,  acknowledge  the  many 
 fins  and  great  tranfgreflions  of  the  land  :  we  have  done  wic- 
 kedly, our  kings,  our  princes,  our  nobles,  our  judges,  our 
 officers,  our  teachers,  and  our  people.     Albeit  rhe  Lord  hath 
 long  and  clearly  fpoken  unto  us,  we  have  not  hearkened  to 
 his  voice  ;  albeit  he  hath  followed  us  with  tender  mercies,  we 
 have  not  been  allured  to  wait  upon  him  and  walk  in  his  way  ; 
 and  though  he  hath  ftricken  us,  yet  we  have  not  grieved  ; 
 nay,  though  he  hath  confumed  us,  we  have  refufed  to  re- 
 ceive correilion  ;  we  have  not  remembered  to  render  unto 
 the  Lord  according  to   his  goodnefs,  and  according  to  our 
 own  vows  and  promifes,  but  have  gone  away  backward  by  a 
 continued  courfe  of  backfliding,  and  have  broken  all  the  arti- 
 cles of  tha't  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  which  we  Avore 
 before  God,  angels,  and  men. 
 
 Albeit  there  be  in  the  land  many  of  all  ranks,  who  be  for 
 a  teftimony  unto  the  truth,  and  for  a  name  of  joy  and  praile 
 unto  the  Lord,  by  living  godly,  fiudying  to  keep  their  gar- 
 ments pure,  and  being  Oedfaft  in  the  covenant  and  caufe  of 
 God ;  yet  we  have  reafon  to  acknowledge,  that  moft  of  us 
 have  not  endeavoured,  with  that  reality,  fincerity,  and  con- 
 ftancy  that  did  become  us,  to  prefer ve  the  work  of  reforrda- 
 tion  in  the  kirk  of  Scotland  :  many  have  fatisfied  themfelves 
 with  the  purity  of  the  ordinances,  ne^gledling  the  power  there- 
 of ;  yea,  lome  have  turned  afide  to  crooked  ways,  defirrc- 
 tive  tc  both.  The  profane,  loofe,  and  infolent  carriage  of 
 many  in  our  armies,  who  went  to  the  af5iftancc  of  our  breth- 
 ren in  England,  and  the  tamperings  and  ui^iftraight  dealing  of 
 
 X  X  fome 
 
35'4        -^n  Acknowledgment  c/'Sins,  ^c. 
 
 iome  of  our  com miffi oners,  and  others  of  our  nation,  in  Lon- 
 don, tlje  ills  of  Wight,  and  other  places  of  that  kingdom, 
 have  proved  great  letts  to  the  work  of  reformation,  and  fet- 
 tling of  kirk  government  there,  whereby  error  and  fchifm  in 
 that  land  have  been  increafed,  anc^feflaries  hardened  in  their 
 way  :  we  have  been  fo  far  from  endeavouring  the  extirpation 
 of  profanenefs,  and  what  is  contrary  to  the  power  of  godli- 
 Tit{^s^  that  p  ofanity  hath  been  much  winked  at,  and  profane 
 perfons  much  countenanced,  and  many  times  employed,  un- 
 til iniquity  and  ungodlinefs  hath  gone  over  the  face  of  the 
 land  as  a  iiood  j  nay,  fufficient  care  hath  not  been  had  to  fe- 
 parate  betwjxc  the  precious  and  the  vile,  by  debarring  from 
 the  facrament  all  ignorant  and  fcandalous  perfons,  according 
 to  the  ordinances  of  this  kirk. 
 
 Neither  have  the  privileges  of  the  Parliaments  and  liberties 
 of  the  fubjedt  been  duly  tendered  ;  but  lome  amongft  our- 
 felves  have  laboured  to  put  into  the  hands  of  our  king  an  ar- 
 bitrary and  unlimited  power,  deftrudliveto  both  ;  and  many 
 of  us  have  been  acceflbry  of  laie  to  thofe  means  and  ways, 
 whereby  the  freedom  and  privileges  of  Parliaments  have  been 
 encroached  upon,  and  the  fubjefts  oppreffed  in  their  confci- 
 Ciices,  perfons,  and  eftates  \  neither  hath  it  been  our  care  to 
 avoid  thefe  things  which  might  harden  the  king  in  his  evil 
 ways  -J  but,  upon  the  contrary,  he  hath  not  only  been  per- 
 mitted, but  many  of  us  have  been  inftrumental,  to  make  him 
 exercife  his  power  in  many  things  tending  to  the  prejudice  of 
 religion  and  of  the  covenant,  and  of  the  peace  and  fafety  of 
 thefe  kingdoms  ;  which  is  fo  far  from  the  right  way  of  pre- 
 ferving  his  majelly's  perfon  and  authority,  that  it  cannot  but 
 provoke  the  Lord  ag.iinft  him,  unto  the  hazard  of  both  ; — 
 nay,  under  a  pretence  of  relieving  and  doing  for  the  king, 
 vvhilft  he  refufes  to  do  what  was  neceflary  for  the  houfe  of 
 God,  fome  have  ranverfed  and  violated  moft  of  all  the  arti- 
 cles of  the  Covenant. 
 
 Our  own  confciences  v/ithin,  and  God's  judgments  upon 
 UP  without,  do  convince  us  of  the  manifold  wilful  renewed 
 breaches  of  that  article,  which  concernefh  the  difcovery  and 
 punifhment  of  malignants,  whofe  crimes  have  not  only  been 
 connived  at,  but  difpenfed  with  and  pardoned,  and  them- 
 felves  received  into  intimate  fellowijiip  wtt}i  ourlalves,  and 
 intrufted  with  ou^  coimfels,  admitted. unto  our  Parliametits, 
 and  putm  places  of  power  and  authority,  for  managing  tne 
 public  affdirs  of  the  kingdom,  whereby,  in  God's  juftice,  they 
 got  at  laft  into  their  hands  the  whole  power  and  flirengtn  of 
 the  kingdom,  both  in  judicatories  and  armies  j  and  did  em- 
 ploy 
 
An    ACKN0WLEX)GS»^,NT    6/"  SiNS,    ^6*.  2S^ 
 
 ploy  the  fame  unto  the  enabling  and  prcfecuting  an  unlavviul 
 engagement  In  war  againft  the  kingdom  of  England,  notwirh- 
 AiindiDg  ol  thediiient  of  many  conliderable  members  of  Par- 
 li.imeht,  who  had  given  conrtant  proof  of  their  integrity  in 
 the  caufe  from  the  beginning  ;  of  many  faithful  tertiiT^>>»»i<iS  ' 
 aikd  free  warnings  of  the  fervants  of  God  ;  of  the  fujjplicati- 
 ons  of  many  Synods,  Preibyteries,  and  Shires  ;  and  of  the 
 declarations  of  the  General  Affembly  and  their  commiilioners 
 to  the  contrary  ;  Which  Engagement,  as  it  hath  been  the 
 cauie  of  much  iin,  {o  alfo  of  much  mifery  and  calamity  unto 
 this  land  ;  and  holds  forth  to  us  the  grievoufnels  of  our  fin, 
 of  complying  with  malignants  in  the  greatneis  of  our  judg- 
 ment, that  we  may  be  taught  never  to  fplii  again  upon  the 
 fame  rock,  upon  which  the  Lord  hath  fet  lo  remarkable  a 
 beacon.  And  after  all  that  is  come  to  pafs  unto  us,  becaufe 
 of  tliis  our  trelpafs  ;  and  after  that  grace  hath  been  fhewed 
 unto  us  from  the  Lord  our  Gad,  by  breajcing  thefe  men's  yoke 
 from  oif  our  necks,  and  putting  us  again  into  a  capacity  to 
 a£l  for  the  good  of  religion,  our  own  fafety,  and  the  peace 
 a«d  fafety  of  this  kingdoo:»,  fhouid  we  again  break  his  com- 
 mandment and  covenant,  by  joining  once  more  with  the  peo- 
 ple of  thefe  abominations,  and  taking  into  our  boforn  thefe 
 I'erpents,  which  had  formerly  ftung  us  alinofi:  unto  death  :■— 
 this,  as  it  would  argue  great  madnefs  and  folly  upon  our  part, 
 {o,  no  doubt,  if  it  be  not  avoided,  will  provul:e  the  Lord  a- 
 gninft  us,  to  confume  us,  until  there  be  no  remnant  nor  e- 
 icaping  in  the  land. 
 
 And  albeit  the  peace  and  union  betwixt  the  kingdoms  he 
 a  gteat  blelling  of  God  unto  both,  and  a  bond  which  wc  .i.e 
 obliged  to  prelerve  unviolated  ;  and  to  endeavour,  that  juf- 
 tice  may  be  done  upon  theoppofers  thereof;  yet  iome  in  tWis 
 land,  who  have  come  under  the  bond  of  the  covenant,  h.ive 
 made  it  their  gre^wt  ftudy^how  to  dilTolve  this  union,  and  few 
 or  no  endeavours  have  been  ufed  by  any  of  us  for  puniOiing 
 of  fuch. 
 
 We  have  fulFered  many  of  our  brethren,  in  feveral  parts 
 of  the  land,  to  be  oppreiTed  by  the  common  enemy,  without 
 compaffion  or  relief  :  there  hath  been  greitt  murmuring  and 
 repining,  becaufe  of  expence  of  means,  and  pains  in  domg  of 
 our  duty  :  many,  by  perfuafion  or  terror,  have  fuffered  them- 
 felves  to  be  divided  and  withdrawn,  to  rnake  defeclion  to  the 
 contrary  part :  many  have  turned  off  to  a  deteftable  indiffe- 
 rency  and  neutrality  in  this  caufe,  which  fo  much  concern- 
 eth  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  thefe  kingdoms  ;— 
 nay,  many  have  made  it  their  fludy  to  waUt  foj  as  they  might 
 
 Xx  :;  comply 
 
35^        -^-i  Acknowledgment  of  Sins,  \^:. 
 
 \vifh  all  times,  and  aU  the  revolutions  thereof.  It  hath  not 
 been  oiir  care  to  countenance,  encourage,  intruft,  and  em- 
 ploy fuch  only,  as  from  their  hearts  did  affect  and  tnind  God's 
 work  ;  but  the  hearts  of  fuch  many  times  have  been  dil'cou- 
 raged,  -.jd  their  h?.nds 'A'e?.kened,  their  fuiFerings  neglected, 
 and  themfelves  flighted  ;  and  many,  who  were  once  opener 
 nemies,  and  always  fecret  underminers,  countenanced  and 
 employed  :  nay,  even  thofc  who  had  been  looked  upon  as 
 incendiaries,  and  upon  whom  the  Lord  had  let  marks  of  def- 
 perate  malignancy,  falihood,  and  deceit,  were  brought  in,  as 
 fit  to  manage  public  aflfairs :  many  have  been  the  letts  and 
 impediments  that  have  been  caft  in  the  way,  to  retard  and 
 obflrucl:  the  Lord's  work  ;  and  iome  have  kept  lecret,  what 
 of  themfelves  they  w^ere  not  able  to  fupprefs-and  overcome. 
 
 Befidcs  thefe,  and  many  other  breaches  of  the  articles  of 
 the  covenant  in  the  matter  thereof,  which  it  concerneth  eve- 
 ry one  of  us  to  fearch  out  and  acknowledge  before  the  Lord, 
 as  we  vrould  wiCh  his  wrath  to  be  turned  away^  from  us  ;  To 
 have  many  of  us  failed  exceedingly,  in  the  manner  of  our 
 following  and  purfuing  the  duties  contained  therein,  not  only 
 feeking  great  things  for  ourfelves,  and  mixing  of  private  in- 
 tereflis  and  ends  concerning  ourfelves,  and  friends,  and  fol- 
 lowers, with  thofe  things  which  concern  the  public  good  ; 
 but  many  times  preferring  fuch  to  the  honour  of  Cod,  and 
 good  of  his  caufe,  and  retarding  God's  work,  until  we  might 
 carry  along  with  us  our  own  interefls  and  defigns.  It  hath 
 teen  our  way- to  truft  in  the  means,  and  to  rely  upon  the  arm 
 of  fleili  for  fuccefs,  albeit  the  Lord  hath  many  times  made 
 'us  meet  with  difappointment  therein,  and  ilained  the  pride 
 of  all  our  glory,  by  blafting  every  carnal  confidence  iiRto  us : 
 we  have  followed  for  the  moft  part  the  counlels  of  fliefh  and 
 blood,  and  walked  more  by  the  rules  of  policy  than  piety, 
 and  have  hearkened  more  unto  men  than  unto  God. 
 
 Albeit  we  made  folemn  public  profeffion  before  the  world, 
 of  our  unfeigned  defircs  to  be  humbUd  before  the  Lord  for 
 our  own  fins,  and  the  fins  of  thefe  kingdoms,  efpocially  for 
 cur  undervaluing  of  the  incftimable  benefit  of  the  golpei  ; 
 and  that  we  have  not  laboured  for  the  power  thereof,  and 
 received  Chrifl  into  our  hearts,  and  walked  worthy  of  him 
 incur  lives  ;  and  of  our  true  and  unfeigned  purpofe,  defire, 
 and  endeavour,  for  ourfelves,  and  all  others  under  our  power 
 and  charge,  both  in  public  and  private,  in  all  the  duties  which 
 we  owe  to  God  and  man,  to  amend  our  lives,  and  each  one 
 to  go  before  another  in  the  example  of  a  real  reformation, — 
 
 that 
 
-^«   AcKHOWLEDGkENT   of  SlUS,   ^C.  35^ 
 
 that  the  Lord  might  turn  away  his  wrath  and  heavy  indigna- 
 tion, and  eftablilh  thcfe  kirks  and  kingdoms  in  truth  and 
 peace  i  yet,  we  have  refufedto  be  reformed,  and  have  walk- 
 ed proudly  and  obftinately  againft  the  Lord,  not  valuing  his 
 gofpel,  nor  fubmitting  ourfelves  unto  the  obedience  thereof; 
 not  feeking  after  Chrift,  nor  ftudying  to  honour  him  in  the 
 excellency  of  his  perfon,  nor  employ  him  in  the  virtue  of  his 
 offices  ;  not  making  conlcience  of  public  ordinances,  nor 
 private  nor  fecret  duties  ;  nor  ftudying  to  edify  one  another 
 in  love.  The  ignorance  of  God  and  of  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift 
 prevails  exceedingly  in  the  land  j  the  greatcft  part  of  masters 
 of  famjlies,  amongft  noblemen,  barons,  gentlemen,  burgef« 
 fcsy  and  commons,  negledt  to  feek  God  in  their  families,  and 
 to  endeavour  the  reformation  thereof  j  and  albeit  it  hath  been 
 much  prefled,  yet  few  of  our  nobles  and  great  ones  ever,  to 
 this  day,  could  be  perfuaded  to  perform  lamilyduties  them- 
 leJves,  and  in  their  own  perfons, — which  makes  fo  neceflary 
 and,  ufeful  a  duty  to  be  mifregarded  by  others  of  inferior  rank: 
 nay,  many  of  the  itobility,  gentry,  and  burrows,  who  fliould 
 have  been  examples  of  godlinefs  and  fober  walking  unto  o- 
 thers,  have  been  ring  leaders  of  excefs  and  rioting.  Albeit 
 we  be  the  Lord's  people,  engaged  to  him  in  a  folemn  way, 
 yet,  to  this  day,  we  have  not  made  it  our  ftudy,  that  judica- 
 tories and  armies  fliould  confift  of,  and  places  oi  power  and 
 Ciurt:  be  filled  with,  men  of  a  blamelefs  and  Chriftian  conver- 
 fation,  and  of  known  integrity  and  approven  fidelity,  affec- 
 tion, and  zeal  unto  the  caule  of  God  ;  but  not  only  thofe  who 
 have  been  neutral  and  indifferent,  but  difaffedled  and  malig- 
 nant, and  others  who  have  been  profane  and  Icandalous,  have 
 been  intrufted  :  by  which  it  hath  come  to  pafs,  that  judica- 
 tories have  been  the  feats  of  injulHce  and  iniquity  ;  and  many 
 in  our  armies,  by  their  mifcarriages,  have  become  our  plague, 
 unto  the  great  prejudice  of  the  caufe  of  God,  the  great  fcan- 
 dal  of  the  gcfpel,  and  the  great  increafe  of  loofenefs  and  pro- 
 fanity throughout  all  the  land.  It  were  impofiible  to  reckon 
 up  all  the  abominations  that  are  in  the  land  j  but  the  blaf- 
 pheming  of  the  name  of  God,  fwearing  by  the  creatures,  pro- 
 fanation of  the  Lord's  day,  uncleannefs,  drunkennefs,  excefs 
 and  rioting,  vanity  of  apparel,  lying,  and  deceit,  railing  and 
 curfing,  arbitrary  and  uncontrouled  oppreflion,  and  grindinjj 
 of  the  faces  of  the  poor  by  landlords,  and  others  in  place  anel 
 power, —5re  become  ordinary  and  common  fins  ; — and,  be- 
 lides  all  thefe  things,  there  be  many  other  tranfgreffions, 
 whereof  the  lands  wherein  we  live  are  guilty.  All  which  we 
 defire  to  acknowledge  and  to  be  humbled  for,  that  the  world 
 
 may 
 
358        An  Acknowledgment  a/'SiNs/^t'. 
 
 may  bear  witnefs  with  ur,  that  rlghteoufnefs  belongeth  un- 
 to God,  and  fliame  and.  coufuHcn  of  face  unto  us,  as  appears 
 this  day. 
 
 And  becaufe  it  is  needfal  for  thofe  who  find  mercy,  not 
 only  to  confefs,  but  alio  to  forfake  their  fin  ;  therefore^  that 
 the  reality  and  fijicerity  of  our  repentance  may  appear,  we 
 do  refolve  and  folcmnly  engage  ourielves,  before  the  Lord, 
 carefully  to  avoid  for  the  time  to  come  all  thefe  oiFences, 
 whereof  we  have  now  made  folcmn  public  acknowledgment, 
 and  all  the  fnares  and  tentations  which  tend  thereunto  :  and 
 to  tcftify  the  integrity  of  our  refolution  herein,  and  that  we 
 may  be  the  better  enabled,  in  the  power  of  the  Lord's  ftrength, 
 to  perfoi'm  the  fame,  we  do  again  renew  our  Solemn  League 
 and  Covenant,  promifing  hereafter  to  mak'C  confcience  of  all 
 the  duties,  whereunto  we  are  obliged,  in  all  the  heads  and 
 articles  thereof,  particularly  of  thefe  which  follow. 
 
 1.  Becaufe  religion  is  of  all  things  the  moft  excellent  and 
 pi'ecious,  the  advancing  and  promoving  the  power  thereof 
 againft  all  ungodlinefs  and  profanity,  thfi  fecuring  and  pre- 
 ferving  the  purity  thereof  againft  all  error,  herefy  and  Ichifm, 
 and,  namely,  Independency,  Anabaptifm,  Antinomianifm, 
 Arminianifm,  and  Socinianifm,  Familifm,  Libertinifm,  Scep- 
 ticifm,  and  Eraftianifm,  and  the  carrying  on  the  work  of  u- 
 niformity, — fhall  be  ftudied  and  endeavoured  by  us,  before 
 all  worldly  interefis,  whether  concerning  the  king,  ourfelves, 
 or  any  other  v/hatfomever. 
 
 2.  Becaufe  many  have  of  late  laboured  to  fupplant  the  li- 
 berties of  the  kirk,  we  fhall  maintain  and  defend  the  kirk  of 
 Scotland,  in  all  her  liberties  and  privileges,  againft  all  who 
 ihall  oppofe  or  undermine  the  fame,  or  encroach  thereupon, 
 under  any  pretext  whatfomever. 
 
 3.  We  liiall  vindicate  and  maintain  the  liberties  of  the  fub- 
 jedts,  in  all  thefe  things  which  concern  their  confcicnces, 
 perfons,  and  eftates^ 
 
 4.  We  fhall  carefully  maintain  snd   defend  the  union  be- 
 tvvixt  the   two    kingck)ras,  and  avoid  every  thing  that  may 
 \.'caken  the  fame,  or  involve  us  in  any  meafure  of  acc'-.'fiLon  • 
 iai!:o  the  guilt  of  ihofe,  who  have  invaded  the  kingdom  of 
 England, 
 
 '5.  As  we  have  beeniilways  loyal  to  our  king,  fj  we  fliall 
 ftill  endeavour  to  give  unto  God  that  which  is  GodV,  and  to 
 Csefar  the  things  which  are  Cvv;lafV-. 
 
 6.  We  fliail  be  fo  far  from  conniving  at,  complying  with,  . 
 cr  countenancing  of  malignancy,  injuftice,  iai(|iKty,  profani- 
 :;;,  and  impiet; ,  that  we  Ihall  not  only  avoid  ai.d  difcounte- 
 
 naiice 
 
An   ACKNOWLECGMENT  c/ SiNS,   kliC,  359 
 
 nance  tliefe  things,  and  cherifli  and  encourage  thofc  perfons 
 who  are  zealous  For  the  caufe  of  God,  and  walk  according  to 
 the  gofpel ;  but  alfo  fliall  take  a  more  effedtual  courfe  than 
 heretofore  in  our  refpeftive  places  and  callings,  for  punifhing 
 and  iuppreffing  theie  evils  \  and  faithfully  endeavour,  that 
 the  heft  and  fitteft  remedies  may  be  applied,  for  taking  awav 
 the  caufes  thereof,  and  advancing  the  knowledge  of  God,  and 
 holinefs  and  righteoufnefs  in  the  land. 
 
 And  therefore,  in  the  lafl  place,  as  we  fhall  earneftly  pray 
 unto  God,  that  he  would  give  us  able  men  fearing  God,  men 
 of  truth,  and  hating  covetoufnefs,  10  judge  and  bear  charge 
 among  his  people  ;  fo  we  fiiall,  according  to  our  places  and 
 callings,  endeavour  that  judicatories,  and  all  places  of  power 
 and  truft,  both  in  kirk  and  ftate,  may  conlift  of,  and  be  fil- 
 led with,  luch  men  as  are  of  known  good  affection  to  the 
 caufe  of  God,  and  of  a  blamelels  and  Chriftian  converfation. 
 
 And,  becaufe  there  be  many,  who  heretofore  have  not 
 made  confcience  of  the  oath  of  God,  but  fome  through  fear, 
 others  by  perfuafion,  and  upon  bafe  ends  and  human  interefls^ 
 have  entered  thereunto,  who  have  afterwards  difcovered  them' 
 felves  to  have  dealt  deceitfully  with  the  Lord,  in  fwearing 
 falfly  bv  his  name  ; — therefore  we,  who  do  now  renew  our 
 covenant,  in  reference  to  thele  duties,  and  all  other  duties 
 contained  therein,  do,  in  the  fight  of  Him  who  is  the  Sear- 
 cher of  hearts,  folemnly  profcfs.  That  it  is  not  upon  any  po- 
 litic advantage,  or  private  intereft,  or.  bye-end,  or  becaufe 
 of  any  terror  or  perfuafion  from  men,  or  hypocritically 
 and  deceitfully,  that  we  d^o  again  take  upon  us  the  oath  ot 
 God,  but  honeftly  and  fincerely,  and  from  the  fenfe  of  our 
 duty  ;  and  that  therefore,  denying  ourfclves  and  our  owa 
 things,  and  laying  afide  all  fclf-intereft  and  ends,  we  (liaHj, 
 above  all  thing?,  feek  the  honour  of  God,  the  good  of  hb 
 caufe,  and  the  weal  of  his  people  j  and  that,  forfaking  the 
 counfels  of  flefh  and  blood,  and  not  leaning  upon  carnal  con- 
 fidences,' we  ihall  depend  upon  Ihe  Lord,  walk  by  the  rule 
 ©t  his  word,  and  hearken  to  the  voice  of  his  fervants  :  in  all 
 which,  profefling  our  own  weaknefs,  we  do  earneftly  pray  to 
 God,  who  is  the  Father  of  mercies,  through  his  Son  Jefus 
 Chrift,  to  be  merciful  unto  us,  and  to  enable  us  by  the  power 
 of  his  might,  that  we  may  do  our  duty,  unto  the  praife  of 
 his  grace  in  the  churches.     Am  eh. 
 
C  36°  3 
 
 ^he  General  AJJemhly^  6ih  Auguft,  1649,  Sejf.  ult.  in  their 
 Brotherly  Exhortation  to  their  Brethren  in  England^  have 
 thefe  exprejfionsy  anent  the  perpet'UAL  OBLIGATION  of 
 the  Covenant  upon  all  and  every  one. 
 
 <■ A    LBEIT  many  think  no  otherwife  of  the  Covenant 
 
 A^\.  ^"^'^  work  of  reformation,  than  as  a  mean  to  fur- 
 ther their  own  ends  ;  yet  we  are  confident,  that  none,  who 
 hold  faft  their  integrity,  have  fo  learned  Chrift,  but  are  care- 
 ful to  make  confcience  of  the  oath  of  God  lying  upon  them  ; 
 and  we  are  fure,  (whatever  be  the  bafe  thoughts  and  expref- 
 iions  of  backfliders  from  the  covenant)  it  wants  not  m;uiy  to 
 own  it  in  thefe  kingdoms,  who  (being  called  thereunto) 
 would  Teal  the  fame  with  their  blood. 
 
 ^Although  there  were  none  in  the  one  kingdom  who  did 
 adhere  to  the  Covenant,  yet  thereby  were  not  the  other  king- 
 dom, nor  any  perfon  in  either  of  them,  abfolved  from  the 
 bond  thereof,  fince  in  it  we  have  not  only  fworn  by  the  Lord, 
 but  alfo  covenanted  with  him.  It  is  not  the  failing  of  one 
 or  more,  that  can  abfolve  others  from  their  duty  or  tye  to 
 him  :  faefides,  the  duties  therein  contained,  being  in  them- 
 felves  lawful,  and  the  grounds  of  our  tye  thereunto  moral, 
 though  others  do  forget  their  duty,  yet  doth  not  their  defec- 
 tion free  us  from  that  obligation  which  lies  upon  us  by  the 
 Covenant,  in  our  places  and  flations  :  and  the  Covenant  be- 
 ing intended  and  entered  into  by  thefe  kingdoms,  as  one  of 
 the  beil  means  of  ftedfaftnels,  for  guarding  againlf  dechning 
 times,  it  were  ftrange  to  Jay,  that  the  backfliding  of  any 
 fhould  abfolve  others  from  the  tye  thereof,  efpecially  feeing 
 our  engagement  therein  is  not  only  national,  but  alio  perfo- 
 nal,  every  one  with  uplifted  hands  fwearing  by  himfelf,  as  it 
 is  evident  by  the  tenor  of  the  Covenant. 
 
 From  thefe  and  other  important  reafons,  it  may  appear, 
 that  all  thefe  kingdoms  joining  together  to  abolifli  that  oath 
 by  law,  yet  could  they  not  difpenfe  therewith  ;  much  lefs  can 
 any  one  of  them,  or  any  part  in  either  of  them,  do  the  fame. 
 The  difpenfing  with  oaths  hath  hitherto  been  abhorred  as  An- 
 tichriftian,  and  never  praftifed  and  avowed  by  any  but  by 
 that  Man  of  Sin  ;  therefore  thofe  who  take  the  fame  upon 
 
 them. 
 
C    361  J 
 
 them,  as  they  join  with  him  in  his  fin,  fo  mufl:  they  expeft 
 to  partake  of  his  plagues. 
 
 As  we  {hall  ever  (God  willing)  be  mindful  of  our  duty  to 
 the  faithful  that  adhere  to  the  covenant  in  England,  having 
 them  always  in  our  hearts  before  the  Lord  y  fo  v/e  defire  to 
 be  refreflied  with  their  finglenefs  and  boldnefs  in  the  caufe  of 
 God,  according  to  their  places.     This  is  the  time  of  their 
 trial,  anxl  the  hour  of  tentation  aiiiong  them  j  bleiled  (hM 
 they  be,  who  fliall  be  found  following  the  Lamb,  and  (liall 
 not  be  afliamed  of  his  tefti  iiony.     We  know,  in  fuch  dark 
 hours,  many  are  drawn  away  with  the  multitude,  v/hom  the 
 Lord  will  again  purge  and  niake  white;  and  we  doubt  not 
 but  many  luch-arein  England,  whom  the  bold  and  clear 
 preaching  of   Chrift  may  reclaim  : — Much  therefore   lieth 
 upon  the  watchmen  at  this  time,  that  their  trumpet  may 
 give   a  certain  and  diftindt  found,  warning   and  exhorting 
 every  one,  as    thofe  that  muft   give  account  ;    and  blelTed 
 fliall    thoie  fer\*ants   be,    who    Ihall    be   found  faithful   in 
 their  Lord's  houfe,  diftributing  to  his  houfhold  what  is  meet 
 for  this  feafon,  and  can  fay  they  are  free  of  the  blood  of  all 
 men,  having  Ihewn  them  the  whole  counfel  of  God  ;  being 
 in  nothing  terrified  of  the  threats  of  their  adverfaries  :  and 
 blefl'ed  and  happy  flaall  that  people  be,  that  walk  in  the  light 
 holden  forth  by  them,  and  (lay  upon  the  Lord  in  this  dark 
 time,  hearkening  to  the  voice  of  his  fervants,  and  walking 
 in  the  light  of  his  word,  and  not  in  the  fparks  of  t?!*#ri^wn 
 kindlings,  which  will  end  in  forrow.     How  inexculable  will 
 England  be,  having  fo  foully  revolted  againft  fo  many  fair  tef- 
 timonies,  which  the  Lord  ChriA  hath  entered  as  protePiatt- 
 ons  to  preferve  bis  right  in  thefeends  of  the  earth,  longfince 
 given  unto  him  for  his  pofTeffion,  and  of  late  confirmed  by 
 folemn  covenant  ?  Chrift's  right  to  thele  kingdoms  is  furer, 
 than  that  he  ihould  be  pleaded  out  of  it  by  pretended  liberty 
 of  confcience  ;  and  his  begun  poffeflion  is' more  precious  to 
 him,  than  to  be  fatisfied  with  a  diflionourable  toleration. — 
 All  that  we  have  yet  feen,  doth  not  weaken  our  confidence 
 of  the  Lord's  glorifying  the  houfe  of  his  glory  in  thefe  lands, 
 and  of  his  Son's  taking  unto  him  his  great  power,  and  reign- 
 ing in  the  beauty  and  power  of  his-  ordinances  in  this  ifland. 
 His  name  is  Wonderful,  and  fo  are  his  works :  we  ought  not 
 therefore  to  fquare  them  according  to  our  line,  but  leave  \\\tn\ 
 to  him,  who  hath  the  government  laid  upon  his  fhoulder,  all 
 whofe  ways  are  judgment,  and  v/hofe  ruling  thefe  kingdoms 
 had  never  yet  reafon  to  decline.     It  is  good  for  us  to  be  fted- 
 taft  in  our  duty,  and  therein  quietly  to  wait  and  hope  for  the 
 
 Y  y  -  falvi^tion 
 
t   362   3 
 
 falvation  of  God :  the  word  of  promife  is  fure,  (and  hath  an 
 appointed  ime)  Ikat  he  that  will  cotnCy  Jhall  come^  and  will 
 fiot  tarry.  None  have  caufe  to  diftrufl:  the  Lord's  word  to 
 bis  people  :  it  hath  often  to  our  experience  been  tried  in  the 
 fire,  and  hath  ever  come  forth  with  a  more  glorious  luftre. — • 
 Let  not  therefore  thefe  that  (ufferin  England  caft  away  their 
 confidence  ;  they  are  not  the  firft  who  have  needed  patience, 
 after  that  they  had  done  the  Lord's  will  :  But  let  themi 
 ftrengthen  the  weak  hands,  and  confirm  the  feeble  knees," 
 and  lay  «;o  the  fearful  in  heart,  Be  ftrong,  fear  not  ;  behold 
 your  God  will  come  with  vengeance,  even  God  with  a  re- 
 compence,  he  will  come  and  fave  you.  Now  the  juft  ihall 
 live  by  faith,  whereas  thefe  that  drawback,  or  become  luke- 
 warm in  the  Lord's  work,  his  foul  fhall  abhor  them,  and  he 
 fhall  fpue  them  out  of  his  mouth *. 
 
 *  See  Ji^s  of  Jfembly  1(549.  ^#41- 
 
 THE 
 
rhe  SUM  of  SAVING  KNOV/LEDGE. 
 O  R,    A 
 
 BRIEF      SUM 
 
 O  F 
 
 Christian  Doctrink, 
 
 CONTAINED    IN    THE 
 
 HOLT    SCRIPTURES, 
 
 AND 
 
 flolden  forth  in  the  forefaid  Confession  of  Faith, 
 and  Catechisms  : 
 
 TOGETHER     WITH 
 
 The  PRACTICAL  USE  thereof. 
 
 John  vi.  37.  u4ll  that  the  Father  hath  given  me yjhall come  unto 
 me ;  and  him  that  cometh  unto  me^  1  will  in  no  wife  cajl  out. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
 Yya 
 
C     3^4     ] 
 
 The   CO  NT  EN  T'  S   of  the  S\jm  of  Saving 
 Knowledge. 
 
 Head   I.      Our  ivoftd  cctnlitioJi  bi)  iwiure. 
 
 II.  The  Remedy  provided  in  Jefus  Ghrijl. 
 
 III.  The  Means  provided  in  the  Covenant  of  Grace, 
 
 IV.  The  Biejfings  conveyed  by  thefe  Means. 
 
 The  Ufe  of  Saving  Knowledge. 
 
 T .   For^  convincing  of  Sin  hy  the  Laiv. 
 
 2.  Of  Right eoufnefs  by  the  Law. 
 
 3.  0/  Judgment  by  the  Law. 
 
 4.  For  convincing  of  Sin  f  Righteoifnefs^  and  Judgment  by 
 the  Gofpel. 
 
 t.   Of  M-ight eoufnefs  to  be  had  only  by  Faith  in  Chrifi» 
 6.  For  Jlrengthening  a  maiis  Faithy  Sec. 
 
 Warrants  and  Motives  to  believe. 
 
 I.  God's  hearty  Invitation. 
 
 1.  His  eorrnefi  Requefl  to  be  reconciled. 
 
 3.  His  Command,  charging  all  to  believe. 
 
 4.  Much  offurance  of  life  given  to  believers^  Sec. 
 
 Evidences  of  True  Faith. 
 
 1.  ConviElion  of  the  Believer's  Obligation  to  heep  the  Mo- 
 ral Law. 
 
 2.  That  the  Believer  praFtife  the  Rules  of  Godlinefs  and 
 Right  eoufnefs. 
 
 3.  That  Obedience  to  the  Law  run  in  the  right  Channel 
 of  Faith  in  Chrifl. 
 
 4.  The  keeping  offrait  Communion  with  Chriji^  the  Fsun- 
 tain  of  all  Grace  and  Good  Wcris. 
 
 5.  Forflrengthening  the  Believer  in  Faith  and  Obedience ^ 
 by  thefe  Evidences. 
 
 THE 
 
[    3^5     1 
 
 THE 
 SUM  OF   SAVING  KNOWLEDGE,  ^^c. 
 
 The  Sum  of  Saving  Knowledge  may  be  taken  up  in 
 thefe  Four  Heads :   i.  The  woful  condition  wherein 
 
 ,  all  men  are  by  nature,  through  breaking  of  the  Co- 
 venant of  Works.  2.  The  remedy  provided  iov  the 
 eledin  Jefus  Chrift,  by  the  Covenant  of  Grace. — 
 3.  The  means  appointed  io  make  them  partakers  of 
 this  Covenant.  4.  The  blejjings  which  are  efFe6:u- 
 ally  conveyed  unto  the  ele£l  by  {hefe  means. 
 Which  Four  Heads  are  fet  down  each  of  them  ia 
 fome  few  Propofitions. 
 
 HEAD    I. 
 
 Our  WOFUL  CONDITION  by  Nature^  through  breaking  the 
 Covenant  of  TVorh,  Hof.  xiii,  y.  "  O  Ifrael,  thou  haft  de- 
 ««  ftroyed  tbyfelf." 
 
 TH  E  almighty  and  eternal  God,  the  Father,  the  Son, 
 and  the  Holy  Ghoft,  three  diftin£l  perfons  in  one  and 
 the  fame  undivided  Godhead,  equally  infinite  in  all 
 perfedlions,  did,  before  time,  moft  wifely  decree,  for  his  own 
 glory,  whatfoever  cometh  to  pais  in  time  i  and  doth  moft 
 holily  and  infallibly  execute  all  his  decrees,  without  being  par- 
 taker of  the  fin  of  any  creature. 
 
 II.  This  God,  in  fix  days,  made  all  things  of  nothing,  ve- 
 ry good  in  their  own  kind  :  in  Ipecial  he  made  all  the  angels 
 holy  ;  and  be  made  our  firft  parents  Adam  and  Eve,  the  root 
 of  mankind,  both  upright  and  able  to  keep  the  law  written 
 in  their  heart.  Which  law  they  were  naturally  bound  to  o- 
 bey  under  pain  of  death  j  but  God  was  not  bound  to  reward 
 
 their 
 
366  The  SOM  ef  Saving  Kmnvleiige^ 
 
 their  fervlce,  till  he  entered  in  a  covenant  or  contraft  with 
 them,  and  their  pofterity  in  them,  to  give  them  eternal  life, 
 upon  condition  of  perfect  perfonal  obedience  5  withal  threa- 
 tening death,  in  caJie  they  (hould  fail.  This  is  the  Covenant 
 of  Works. 
 
 III.  Both  angels  and  men  were  fubjeft  to  the  change  of 
 their  own  free  will,  as  experience  proved  ;  (God  having  re- 
 ferved  to  himfelf  the  incommunicable  property  of  being  na- 
 turally unchangeable)  for  many  angels  of  their  own  accord 
 fellby  fin.  from  their  firft  edate,  and  became  devils.  Our  firft 
 parents  being  enticed  by  Satan,  one  of  thefe  devils,  fpeaking 
 in  a  ferpent,  did  break  the  Covenant  of  Works,  in  eating 
 the  forbidden  fruit  ;  whereby  they  and  their  pofterity,  being 
 in  their  loins  as  branches'in  the  root,  and  comprehended  in 
 the  fame  covenant  with  them,  became  not  only  liable  to  eter- 
 nal death,  but  alfo  loft  all  ability  to  pleafe  God  ;  yea,  did 
 become  by  nature  enemies  to  God,  and  to  all  fpiritual  good. 
 End  inclined  only  to  evil  continually. — This  is  our  Original 
 Sifif  the  bitter  root  of  all  our  ai^ual  tranrgrefiions  in  thought, 
 Vford,  and  deed. 
 
 H  E  A  D    ir. 
 
 The  REMEDY  PROVIDED  in  Jefus  Chi'ijl  for  the  EleBy  by 
 the  Covenant  of  Grace,  Hof.  xiii.  ^.  *'  O  Ifrael,  thou  haft 
 **  deftroyed  thyfelf  ;  but  in  me  Is  thy  help." 
 
 ALBEIT  man,  having  brought  himfelf  into  this  woful 
 condition,  be  neither  able  to  help  himfelf,  nor  willing 
 to  be  helped  by  God  out  of  it,  but  rather  inclined  to  lie  ftill 
 infenfible  of  it,  till  he  perifh  ;  yet  God,  for  the  glory  of  his 
 rich  grace,  hath  revealed  in  his  word  a  way  to  fave  finners, 
 to  ivitf  by  faith  in  Jefus  Chrift,  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  by 
 virtue  of,  and  according  to  the  tenor  of,  the  covenant  of  re- . 
 demption,  made  and  agreed  upon  between  God  the  Father 
 and  God  the  Son,  in  the  council  of  the  Trinity,  before  the 
 world  began. 
 
 11.  Thefumofthe  covenant  of  redemption  is  this:  God 
 having  freely  cholen  unto  life  a  certain  number  of  loft  man- 
 kind, for  the  glory  of  his  rich  grace,  did  give  them,  before 
 the  world  began,  unto  God  the  Son,  appointed  Redeemer, 
 that  upon  condition  he  would  humble  him(elffo  far  as  to  af- 
 iume  the  human  nature  of  a  foul  and  a  body  unio  perfonal 
 union  with  his  divine  nature,  and  fubniit  himfelf  to  the  law, 
 £s  Surety  iov  them,  and  fatisfy  jufticc  for  them,  by  giving  o- 
 
 beJience 
 
The  Sum  c/"  Saving  KnowJedgt,  367 
 
 bcdience  in  their  narae,  even  unto  the  lufFering  the  curfed 
 death  of  the  crofs,  be  ihould  ranfoin  and  redeem  them  all 
 from  fin  and  death,  and  purchafe  unto  them  righteoufnefs 
 and  eternal  life,  with  all  faving  graces  leading  thereunto,— 
 to  be  effectually,  by  means  of  his  own  appointment,  applied 
 in  due  time  to  every  one  of  them.  This  condition  the  Son 
 of  God  (who  is  Jefus  Chrift  ovir^Lord)  did  accept  before  the 
 world  began,  and,  in  the  fulnefs  of  time,  came  into  the 
 world,  was  born  of  the  virgin  Mary,  fubjefted  himfelf  to  the 
 law,  and  completely  paid  the  ranlom  on  the  crofs  :  but,  by 
 virtue  of  the  forefaid  bargain,  made  before  the  world  began, 
 he  is,  in  all  ages  fince  the  Fall  of  Adam,  ftill  upon  the  work 
 of  applying  actually  the  purchafed  benefits  unto  the  ele^  ; 
 and  that  he  doth,  by  way  of  entertaining  a  covenant  of  free 
 grace  and  reconciliation  with  them,  through  faith  in  himfelf ; 
 by  which  covenant,  he  makes  over  to  every  believer  a  right 
 and  intereft  to  himfelf,  and  to  all  his  bleflings. 
 
 III.  For  the  accomplifhment  of  this  covenant  of  redemp- 
 tion, and  making  the  eXtCt  partakers  of  the  benefits  thereof 
 in  the  covenant  of  grace,  Chrift  Jefus  was  clad  with  the  three- 
 fold office  of  a  Prophet,  Prieft,  and  King,  Made  a  Prophet, 
 to  reveal  all  faving  knowledge  to  his  people,  and  to  perfuade 
 them  to  believe  and  obey  the  fame  j  made  a  Prieft,  to  offer 
 up  himfelf  a  facrifice  once  f6rthem  all,  and  to  interceed  con- 
 tinually with  the  Father,  for  making  their  perfons  and  fervi- 
 ces  acceptable  to  hiih  ;  and  made  a  King,,  to  fubdue  them  to 
 himfelf,  to  feed  and  rule  them  by  his  own  appointed  ordi- 
 nances, and  to  defend  them  from  their  enemies. 
 
 HEAD    III. 
 
 The  outward  means  appointed  to  mah  the  FJeEl partaiet-s 
 ef  this  Coven^fit,  and  all  the  reft  that  are  called  to  be  inex- 
 cufabUf  Matth,  xxii.  14.  "  Many  are  called." 
 
 »rjrtHE  outward  means  and  ordinances  for  making  men  par- 
 1  takers  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  arefo  wifely  difpenied, 
 as  that  the  ekft  (hall  be  infallibly  converted  and  faved  by  them ; 
 and  the  reprobate,  among  whom  they  are,  not  to  be  juftly 
 ftumbied.  The  means  are  fpecially  thefe  four  :  i.  The  word 
 of  God.  2.  The  facraments.  3.  Kirk  government.  4.  Prayer, 
 In  the  word  of  God  preached  by  fent  meflengers,  the  Lord 
 makes  offer  of  grace  to  all  finners,  upon  condition  of  faith  iu 
 Jefus  Chrift  ;  and  whofoever  do  confefs  their  fin,  accept  of 
 Chrift  offered,  and  fubmit  thcmlelves  to  his  ordinances,  he 
 
 will 
 
q/5S  ^'^^  Sum  of  Saving  Knoiukdge. 
 
 will  have  both  them  and  their  children  received  into  the  ho- 
 nour and  privileges  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace.  By  the/acra- 
 mentSf  God  will  have  the  covenant  fealed,  for  confirming  the 
 bargain,  ©n  the  forefaid  condition.  By  kirk  government,  he 
 will  have  them  hedged  in,  and  helped  forward  unto  the  keep- 
 in?  of  the  covenant.  And,  by  prayer,  he  will  have  his  own 
 glorious  grace,  promifed  in  the  covenant,  to  be  daily  drawn 
 forth,  acknowledged,  and  employed.  All  which  means  are 
 followed  either  really,  or  in  profelUon  only,  according  to  the 
 quality  of  the  covenanters,  as  they  are  true  or  counterfeit  be- 
 lievers. 
 
 II.  The  Covenant  of  Grace,  fet  down  in  the  Old  Tefta- 
 ment,  before  Chrift  came,  and  in  the  New  fince  he  came,  is 
 one  and  the  fame  in  fubll:ance,  albeit  different  in  outward  ad- 
 miniftratlon  :  For  the  covenant  in  the  Old  Teflament,  being 
 fealed  with  the  facraments  oi  circumcifion  and  xhzpafchal  lamht 
 did  fet  forth  Chrift's  death  to  come,  and  the  benefits  pur- 
 chafed  thereby,  under  the  Ihadow  of  bloody  facrifices,  and 
 fundry  ceremonies  -,  but,  fince  Chrift  came,  the  covenant 
 being  fealed  by  the  facraments  oi  baptifin  and  tliQ  Lord's  fup" 
 per,  do  clearly  hold  forth  Chrift  already  crucified  before  our 
 eyes,  vi^orious  over  death  and  the  grave,  and  glprioufly  rulr 
 ing  heaven  and  earth,  for  the  good  of  his  own  people. 
 
 i 
 
 HEAD    IV. 
 
 The  BLESSINGS  nvhich  are  effeBually  conveyed  by  THESE 
 MEANS  to  the  Lord's  EleB,  or  chofen  ones,  Matth.  xxii.  14. 
 «<  Many  are  called,  but  few  are  chofen." 
 
 BY  thefe  outward  ordinances,  as  our  Lord  makes  the  re- 
 probate inexcufable,  fo,  in  the  power  of  his  Spirit,  he 
 applies  unto  the  eledt  eft  equally  all  laving  graces  purchafed  to 
 them  in  the  covenant  of  redemption,  and  maketh  a  change 
 in  their  perfons.  In  particular,  i,.  He  doth  convert  or  regs- 
 nerate  them,  by  giving  fpiritual  life  to  them,  in  opening  their 
 underftandings,  renewing  their  wills,  afteftions,  and  faculties, 
 for  giving  fpiritual  obedience  to  his  commands.  2.  He  gives 
 unto  them  faving  faith,  by  making  them,  in  the  fenie  of  de- 
 ferved  condemnation,  to  give  their  confent  heartily  to  the 
 covenant  of  grace,  and  to  embrace  Jefus  Chrift  unfeignedly. 
 3.  He  gives  them  repentance,  by  jnaking  them,  with  godly 
 forrow,  in  the  hatred  of  fin,  and  love  of  righteoufnefs,  turn 
 from  all  iniquity  to  the'fervice  of  God.  And,  4.  He  fandli- 
 fies  them,  by  making  them  go'on  and  perfevere  in  faitb,  and 
 
 fpiritual 
 
The  PraBlcal  Use  of  Saving  Knoivledge.  36^ 
 
 Tpiritual  obedience  to  the  hw  of  God,  manifefted  by  faithful- 
 nefs  in  all  duties,  and  doing  good  works,  as  God  offereth  oc- 
 cafion. 
 
 II.  Together  with  this  inward  change  of  their  perfon*?, 
 God  changes  alfo  their  ftate  ;  for  fo  loon  as  they  arc  brought 
 by  faith  into  thexovenant  of  grace,  i.  He  jnftifles  them,  by 
 imputing  unto  them  that  pertedl  obedience  which  Chrift  gave 
 to  the  law,  and  the  latisfa£tion  alfo  which  upon  the  crofsChri't 
 gave  unto  juftice  in  their  name.  2.  He  reconciles  them,  and 
 makes  them  friends  to  God,  who  were  before  enemies  to  God. 
 3.  He  adopts  them,  that  they  fhall  be  no  more  children  of 
 Satan,  but  children  of  God,  inriched  with  ?X\  fpiritual  privi- 
 leges of  his  fons.  And,  laft  of  all,  after  their  warfare  in  this 
 li'e  is  ended,  he  perfects  the  holinefs  and  bleirednefs,  firftof 
 their  fouls  at  death,  and  then  both  of  their  fouls  and  their 
 bodies,  being  joyfully  joined  together  again  in  the  remrredti- 
 on,  at  the  day  of  his  glorious  coming  to  judgment,  when  all 
 the  wicked  fliall  be  fent  away  to  hell,  with  Satan  whom  they 
 have  lerved  :  but  .ChriO's  own  chofen  and  redeemed  ones, 
 true  believers,  ftudents  of  holinefs,  {hall  remain  with  himfelf 
 for  ever  in  the  ftate  of  glorification. 
 
 THE 
 PRACTICAL  USE  of  Saving  Knowledge, 
 
 CONTAINED     IN 
 
 Scripture,  and   bolden  forth  briefly  in   the  forefaid 
 Confeffions  of  Faith  and  Catecbifms, 
 
 THE  chief  general  ufe  of  Chriftian  doftrine  is,  To  con- 
 vince a  man  offn,  and  of  righteoufnef  ^  and  of  judgment  ^ 
 John  xvi.  8.  partly  by,  the  Law,  or  covenant  of  works,  that 
 he  may  be  humbled  and  become  penitent  ;  and  partly  by  the 
 Gofpel,  or  covenant  of  grace,  that  he  may  become  an  up- 
 feigned  believer  in  Jefus  Chrift,  and  be  ftreiigthened  in  his 
 faith  upon  folid  grounds  and  warrants,  and  give  evidence  of 
 the  truth  of  his  faith  by  good  fruits,  and  fo  be  faved.  - 
 Thefum  of  the  covenant  of  works,  or  of  the  law,  is  this  : 
 
 *  If  thou  do  all  that  is  c(Jmmand<"d,  and  not  fail  in  any  point, 
 
 *  thou  flialt  be  faved  :  but  if  thou  fail,  thou  fh  alt  die,'  Rotr, 
 X,  5.   Gal.  iii.  10,   12. 
 
 Z  z  The 
 
37©  The  Praffical  "Use  of  Saving  Knowledge^ 
 
 The  futn  of  the  gofpel,  or  covenant  of  grace  and  reconcl- 
 lia'ion,  is  this  :  *  If  thou  flee  from  deferved  wrath  to  the  true 
 
 *  Redeemer,  Jeius  Chrift,*  (who  is  able  to  fave  to  the  uttcr- 
 moH  all  that  come  to  God  through  him)  *  thou  (halt  not  pe- 
 <  rifh,  but  have  eternal  life,'  Rom,  x.  8,  9,  n. 
 
 For  convincing  a  rmn  of  Jln^  o/'righteoit/'fiefs,  and  of  judg- 
 metit  by  the  law,  or  covenant  of  works,  let  thele  fcriptures  a- 
 mong  many  more  be  made  ufe  of. 
 
 I.   For  convwcing  a  Man  of  Sin  by  the  Lanv^  onftdsr  Jer,  xvii. 
 
 0.  10.  "The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  def- 
 «*  perately  wicked,  who  can  know  it  ?  I  the  Lord  fearch 
 *'  the  he^rt,  I  try  the  reins,  even  to  give  every  man  ac- 
 *«  cording  to  his  ways,  and  according  to  the  fruit  of  his 
 **  doings." 
 
 Kere  the  Lord  teacheth  thcfe  two  things, 
 
 1.  That  the  fountain  of  all  our  mifcarriage  and  aiftual  fin- 
 ning againft  God,  is  in  the  heart,  which  comprehendeth  the 
 mind,  will,  afFe«Stions,  and  all  the  powers  of  the  foul,  as  they 
 are  corrupted  and  defiled  with  original  fin  ;  the  mind  being 
 not  only  ignorant  and  incapable  of  faving  truth,  but  alfo  full 
 of  error  and  enmity  againft  God  ;  and  the  a  ill  and  affe^ion? 
 being  obftinately  difobedient  unto  all  God's  diredlions,  and 
 bent  toward  that  only  which  is  evil :  The  hearty  faith  he,  is 
 deceitful  above  all  things,  and  defperately  wiciced  ;  yea,  unfear- 
 chably  wicked,  fo  that  no  man  can  know  it  •  and  Gen.  vi.  5. 
 Every  imagination  of  the  thoughts  of  inai^s  heart  is  only  evil  con- 
 tinuallyy  faith  the  Lord,  whofe  teftimony  we  muft  trufl  in  this 
 and  all  other  matters  j  and  experience  alfo  may  teach  us,  that 
 till  God  make  us  deny  ourlelvcs,  we  never  look  to  God  in 
 any  thing,  but  fleilily  felf-intereft  alone  doth  rule  us,  and 
 move  all  the  wheels  of  oura<f^ions. 
 
 2.  That  the  Lord  bringeth  our  original  fin,  or  wicked  in- 
 clination, with  all  the  adtual  fruits  thereof,  unto  reckoning 
 before  his  judgment  feat  ;  For  he  fearcheth  the  heart ,  and  tri- 
 eth  the  reins,  to  give  every  man  according  to  his  liaySy  and  ac- 
 cording to  the  fruit  cf  his  doings. 
 
 Hence  let  every  Man  reafon  thus  : 
 
 *  What  God  and  my  guilty  conlcience  betreth  witnefs  of, 
 
 •  I  am  convinced  that  it  is  true. 
 
 ♦  But  God  and  my  guilty  conlcience  beareth  witnefs,  that 
 
 *  my  lieart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  defi:)erately  wic- 
 
 •  ked  ;  and  that  ail  the  imaginations  of  my  heart,  by  nature, 
 
 i  are 
 
The  PfciHical  UsE  of  Savhig  Kiiowlec^^e.  "-,'■; I 
 
 *  are  only  fcvil  continually. Therefore  I  am  convinced 
 
 «  that  this  is  true.' 
 
 Thus  a  Man  may  be  convinced  of  Sin  by  the  Laiv. 
 
 II.  For  convincing:  a  man  of  Right soufnefs  by  the  Laiv,  confiJcr' 
 Gal.  Hi.  lo.  *'  As  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are 
 "  under  the  curfe  ;  for  it  is  written,  Curfed  is  every  one 
 *•  that  continueth  nor  in  all  things  which  are  written  in  tlie 
 **  book  of  the  law,  to  do  them.' 
 
 Here  the  apoftle  teacheth  us  three  things  : 
 
 1.  That,  byreafon  of  our  natural  finfulnefs,  the  impoffi- 
 bllity  of  any  man'?  being  jurtified  by  the  works  of  the  law,  is 
 fo  certain,  that  whofoever  do  fcek  juftification  by  the  works 
 of  the  law,  are  liable  to  the  curie  of  God,  for  breaking  of  the 
 law  ;  For  as  many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law,  are  under  the 
 ctirfef  faith  he. 
 
 2.  That,  unto  the  perfeft  fulfilling  of  the  law,  the  keep- 
 ing of  one  or  two  of  t'le  precepts,  or  doing  of  feme  or  of  all 
 duties  (if  it  were  poffible)  lor  a  time,  is  not  fufficient  -,  for 
 the  law  requireth,  that  a  man  ontitiue  in  all  things  which  are 
 written  in  the  book  of  the  law^  to  do  them 
 
 3.  That,  becaule  no  man  can  come  up  to  this  perfe6lion, 
 every  man  by  nature  is  under  the  curfe  ;  for  the  law  laitn, 
 Curfed  is  every  one  that  continueth  not  in  all  things  which  are 
 nvritten  in  the  hook  of  the  law,  to  do  them. 
 
 Now,  to  be  under  the  curie,  comprehendeth  all  the  dif- 
 plcafure  of  God,  with  the  danger  of  the  breakmg  forth  more 
 and  more  of  his  wrath  upon  (oul  and  body,  both  in  this  I^ff^, 
 ^nd  after  death  perpetually,  if  grace  do  not  prevent  the  full 
 execution  thereof. 
 
 Hence  let  every  Man  reafon  thus  : 
 <  Whofoever,  according  10  tiie*  covenant  of  works,  is  li- 
 <  able  to  the  ntrfe  of  God,  for  breaking  the  law,  times  and 
 «  ways  out  of  number,  cannot  be  juUihed  or  lind  nglaeoul- 
 
 *  neis  by  the  vjrorks  of  the  law. 
 
 ♦  But  I,  (may  every  man  fay)  according  to  the  covenant 
 
 *  of  works,  am  liable  to  the  curfe  of  God,  for  breaking  the 
 
 *  law,  times  and  ways  out  of  number. 
 
 *  Therefore  I  cannot  be  julHiied,  or  have  righteouinels, 
 '  bv  the  works  of  the  la  v.' 
 
 Thus  may  a  man  be  convinced  of  Righteaufnefs,  that  it  is  not 
 to  be  had  by  his  own  works,  or  i>y  the  Law. 
 
 Z  z  2  in.  For 
 
372  2/;^  PraSlical  UsE  of  Saving  Knowledge. 
 
 IJI.  For  conv'tticwg  a  man  of  'judgment  by  the  La'w,  confider 
 2  '^Iheff.  i.  7, —  lo.  •'  The  Lord  Jefus  Ihall  be  revealed 
 •  *'  from  heaven,  with  his  mighty  angels  :  In  flaming  fire, 
 "  taking  vengeance  on  them  that  know  not  God,  and  obey 
 "  «ot  the  golpel  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  :  Who  (hall  be 
 *•  punilhcd  with  everlafting  cieftrudtion  from  the  prelence 
 •'  ot  the  Lord,  and  the  glory  of  his  power  ;  when  he  (hall 
 **  come  to  be  glorified  in  his  faints,  and  admired  in  all 
 **  them  that  believe.'* 
 
 Wherein  we  are  taught,  That  orr  Lord  Jefus,  who  now 
 offers  to  be  Mediator  for  them  who  believe  in  him,  ihall, 
 at  the  laft  day,  come  armed  with  flaming  fire,  to  judge,  con- 
 demn, and  deftroy  all  them  who  have  not  believed  God, — 
 have  not  received  the  offer  of  grace  made  in  the  gofpel,  nor 
 obeyed  the  dodlrine  thereof;  but  remain  in  their  natural  flate, 
 under  the  law  or  covenant  of  works. 
 
 Hence  let  every  Man  reafon  thus  : 
 *  What  the  righteous  Judge  hath  forewarned  me  fhall  be 
 
 *  done  at  the  laft  day,   I  am  fure  is  jufl  judgment. 
 
 f  But  the  righteous  Judge  hath  forewarned  me.  That,  if  I 
 
 *  do  not  bfilieve  God   in  time,  and  obey  not  the  doilrine  of 
 
 *  the  gofpel,  I  fhall  be  fecluded  from  his   prefence  and  his 
 
 *  glory  at  the  lafl  day,  and  be  tormented  in  foul  and  body  for 
 
 *  ever. Therefore,  I  am  convinced  that  this  is  juft  judg- 
 
 *  ment  ;  And  I  have  reafon  to  thank  God  heartily,  who  hath 
 
 *  forewarned  me  to  fiee  from  the  wrath  which  is  to  come.' 
 
 ^hus  every  man   viay   be,  by  the  Laiv  or  covenant  of  works ^ . 
 convincecfo/Jtidg  ment,  if  he  /ha/I  continue  under  the  covenant 
 (^'ivorkSj  or  Jliall  not  obey  the  gofpel  oj  cur  Lord  Jefus, 
 
 IV.  For  convincing  a  JM^in  of  Sin,  RighteoufnefSf  and  Judg- 
 inent^  by  the  Gojpel. 
 
 As  for  convincing  a  man  of  fin,  and  righteoufnefs,  and 
 judgment,  by  the  golpel  or  covenant  of  grace,  he  muft  un- 
 derftand  three  things  ;  i.  That  not  believing  in  Jefus  Chrift, 
 or  refuiing  of  the  covenant  of  grace  offered  in  him,  is  a  grea- ' 
 ter  and  more  dangerous  fin  than  all  other  fins  againA  the 
 hiw;  becacfethe  hearers  of  the  gofpel,  not  believing  in  Chrift, 
 do  rcjeft  Gcd's  mercy  in  Chrift,  the  only  way  of  freedom  from 
 lin  '.ind  wrnth,  and  will  not  yield  to  be  reconciled  to  God. — 
 1.  Ntst,  He  muil  underfland,  that  perfect  remiiTion  of  fin, 
 and  true  ri;?,hteoufners,  is  to  be  had  only  by  faith  in  Jefus  ; 
 becaufe  God  requireth  no  ether  conditions  but  faith  -,  and 
 
 teftiues 
 
The  PraSiicat  Use  o/"  Savi/ig  Knoivledge,  "^IX 
 
 teftifies  from  heaven,  that  he  is  well-pleafed  to  juftify  finners 
 upon  this  condition.  3.  He  mufl  underftand,  that,  upon 
 iighteoufnefs  received  by  faith,  judgment  fiiall  follow,  on  the 
 one  hand,  to  the  deftroying  of  the  works  of  the  devil  in  the 
 believer,  and  to  the  perfe^ing  of  the  work  of  fanclification 
 m  him  whh  power  :  and  that,  upon  refufing  to  take  ri^hte- 
 oufnefs  by  faith  in  Jefas  Chriflr,  judgment  fliall  follow,  on 
 the  other  hand,  to  the  condemnation  of  the  mifbeliever,  and 
 deftroying  of  him  Avith  Satan  and  his  fervants  for  ever. 
 
 For  this  end,  let  thefe  paffages  of  fcripture,  among  many 
 others,  ferve  to  make  the  greatnefs  of  the  iin  of  not  believing 
 in  Chrift  appear  ;  or,  to  make  the  gfeatnefs  of  the  fin  of 
 refulingof  the  covenant  of  grace,  offered  to  us  in  the  offer- 
 ing of  Chrift  unto  us,  let  the  fair  offer  of  grace  be  looked  up- 
 on as  it  is  made,  Ifa.  Iv.  3.  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  : 
 (laith  the  Lord)  hear^  and  your  foul  fi all  live  ;  and  I  will  make 
 an  everlafling  covenant  ivith  youy  even  the  Jure  mercies  of  Da- 
 vid, that  is,  If  ye  will  believe  me,  and  be  reconciled  to  me, 
 I  will,  by  covenant,  give  you  Chrift,  and  all  faving  graces  in 
 him  ;  repeated,  A6ls  xiii.  34. 
 
 Again,  confider,  that  this  general  offer  in  fubftance  is  equi- 
 valent to  a  fpecial  offer  made  to  every  one  in  particular,  as 
 appeareth  by  the  apoftle's  making  ufe  of  it,  A6ls  xvi.  31.  Jje*-' 
 ■li^ve  on  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrijl,  and  thou  JJmlt  be  faved^  and  thy 
 houfe.  The  reafon  of  which  offer  is  given,  John  iii,  r6.  For 
 God  fo  loved  the  ivorldy  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Sofif  that 
 luhcjiever  believeth  in  him^  Jhould  not  perijh,  but  have  everlaji- 
 inglife.  Seeing  then  this  great  falvation  is  offered  in  the 
 Lord  Jefus,  whofoever  believeth  not  in  him,  but  looks  for 
 happinefs  fome  other  way,  what  doth  he  elfe  but  obferve  ly- 
 ing vanities,  and  for  fake  his  own  mercy,  which  he  might 
 have  had  in  Chrift  ?  Jonah  ii.  8,  9.  What  doth  he  elfe  but 
 blafpheme  God  in  his  heart  ?  As  it  is  faid,  i  John  v.  10,  11. 
 He  that  believeth  not  God^  hath  made  him  a  liar,  becaufe  he  he- 
 lieveth  not  the  record  that  God  gave  of  his  Son  ;  And  this  is  the 
 record,  that  God  hath  given  to  us  eternal  life,  and  this  life  is 
 in  his  Son.  And  that  no  fin  againft  the  law  is  like  unto  this 
 fin,  Chrift  teftifics,  John  xv.  22.  If  I  had  not  come  andfpohen 
 to  them,  thsy  had  n$t  had  fin  ; ,  but  noiv  they  have  no  cloak  for  their. 
 fin.  This  may  convince  a  man  of  the  greatnefs  of  this  fin  of 
 not  beheving  in  Chriff. 
 
 V,  Foi- 
 
374  ^^^  Praclical  Use  of  Saving  KneivIeJge, 
 
 V.  For  convinc'ttig  a  Man  of  Rlghteoufnefs  to  be  had  only  by 
 PaitJi  in  jfefus  Chrifti  confide r  honvy  Rom.  x.  3.  4. 
 
 It  is  faid,  that  the  Jews,  *'  being  ignorant  cf  God's  righ- 
 «'  teoufnefs,  and  going  about  to  eftabJith  their  own  righteouf- 
 <*  nefs,  have  not  iubmitted  themfclves  unto  the  righteouhief^ 
 **  of  God  ;  (and  fo  they  periflied)  for  Chrift  is  the  end  of 
 •'  the  law  for  righteoufnefs,  to  every  one  that  beheveth."— 
 And  A€t%  xiii.  39.  "  By  Chrift  Jefus,  all  that  believe,  are  jul- 
 ««  tified  from  all  things,  from  which  yecould  not  be  juftitied 
 ««  by  the  law  of  Mofes."  And  1  John  i.  7-  •«  The  blood  of 
 «*  Jefus  Chriflr,  his  Son,  cleanfeth  us  from  all  fin." 
 
 For  convincing  a  man  of  judgment,  if  a  man  embrace  this 
 righteoufnefs,  confider  i  John  iii.  8.  "  For  this  purpofe  th« 
 **  Son  of  God  was  manifefted,  that  he  might  deftroy  the 
 «  works  of  the  devil  :"  And  Heb.  ix.  14.  **  How  much  more 
 ♦*  (hall  the  blood  of  Chrift,  who,  through  the  eternal  Spirit, 
 **  offered  himfelf  without  fpot  unto  God,  purge  your  confci- 
 <*  enee  from  dead  works,  to  ferve  the  living  God  ?" 
 
 But,  if  a  man  embrace  not  this  riijhteoufnefs,  his  doom  is 
 pronounced,  John  iii.  18.  "  He  that  believeth  not  is  con- 
 «*  demned  already,  becauie  he  hath  not  believed  in  the  name 
 •*  of  the  only  begotten  Son  of  God.  And  this  is  the  con- 
 *<  demnation,  that  light  is  come  into  the  world,  and  men 
 •'  loved  darknefa  rather  than  light." 
 
 Hence  let  the  penitent,  defiring  ta  believe f  reafon  thus  : 
 
 *  What  doth  fuffice  to  convince  all  the  ele<ft  in  the  world 
 
 *  of  the  greatncfs  of  the  fin  of  not  believing  in  Chrid,  or  re- 
 
 *  fufing  to  flee  to  him  for  relief  from  fins  done  againft  the 
 <  law,  and  from  wrath  due  thereto;  and  what  fufficeth  to 
 «  convince  them,  that  righteoufnefs  and  eternal  life  is  to  be 
 
 *  had  by  faith  in  Jefus  Chrift,  or  by  confentingto  the  cove- 
 «  nant  of  grace  in  him;  and  what  lufficeth  to  convince  them 
 »  of  judgment  to  be  ejtercifed  by  Chrift,  for  deftroying  the 
 
 *  works  of  the  devil  in  a  man,  and  fan£Vifying  and  faving  ail 
 
 *  that  believe  in  him, — may  fuflice  to  convince  me  alfo. 
 
 '   But  what  the  Spirit  hath  faid,  in  thele  or  otliCr  like  fcrip- 
 
 *  t::res,  fulHceth  to  convince  the  ele<5l  wcrid  of  the  forefaid 
 «  finj  and  righteotifnefs,  and  judgment, 
 
 *  Therefore,  what  the  Spirit  hath  faid  in  thefe  and  other 
 
 *  like  icriptures,  fervetli  to  convince  nie  thereof  alio.' 
 
 Whereupon  let  the  penitent,  defiring  to  believe,  take  with 
 lim  words,  and  fav  heartily  to  the  Lord,  ♦  Seeh:g  tbou  f:iycft, 
 
 Se,k 
 
^'he  PraHical  tJsE  oj  Saving  Knonvledge,  375 
 
 Seeh  ye  n^facey  my  foul  anfwereth  unto  thee,  Thyjace,  Lori^ 
 ivilt  I  feck  :  I  have  hearkened  unto  the  offer  of  an  everlafting 
 covenant  of  all  faving  mercies  to  be  had  in  Chrift,  and  I 
 do  heartily  embrace  the  offer.  Lord,  let  it  be  a  bargain  : 
 Lordy  I  believe,  help  my  unbelief :  Behold,  I  give  myfelf  to 
 thee,  to  fcrve  thee  in  all  things  for  ever  j  and,  I  hope,  th^ 
 right  hand  flmll  fave  me  :  The  Lord  ivill  perfeEl  that  ivhich 
 concerneth  me  :  Thy  mercy,  O  Lord,  endureth  for  ever  ;  far- 
 fike  not  the  ivorks  of  thine  own  hands'  Thus  may  a  man  bs 
 made  an  unfeigned  believer  in  Chrift.    . 
 
 VI.  Fsrflrengthening  the  Alan* S  Faith f  ^ho  hath  agreed  iinti 
 the  Cov'enant  of  Grace, 
 
 Becaufe  many  true  believers  are  weak,  and  do  much  doubt 
 if  ever  they  ihall  be  lure  of  the  foundnefs  of  their  own  faith, 
 and  effectual  calling,  or  made  certain  of  their  juftification 
 and  falvation,  when  they  fee  that  many,  who  profefs  the 
 faith,  are  found  to  deceive  themfclves  ;  let  us  fee  how  everjr 
 believer  may  be  made  ftrong  in  the  faith,  and  fure  of  his 
 own  eleftion  and  falvation  upon  folid  grounds,  by  fure  war- 
 rants and  true  evidences  of  faith.  To  this  end,  among  many 
 other  fcriptures,  take  thefe  following. 
 
 1.  For  laying  folid  grounds  of  faith,  conflder  2  Pet.  i.  10, 
 *<  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give  diligence  to  make 
 *'  your  calling  and  eledlion  fure  j  for  if  ye  do  thefc  things, 
 «  ye  fhall  never  fall." 
 
 In  which  yvords,  the  apoftle  teacheth  us  thefe  four  things, 
 for  help  and  direftion,  how  to  be  made  ftrong  in  the  faith  ; 
 
 (i.)  That  fuch  as  believe  in  Chriil:  Jefus,  and  have  fled  to 
 him  for  relief  from  fin  and  wrath,  albeit  they  be  weak  in  the 
 faith,  yet  they  are  indeed  children  of  the  fame  father  with 
 the  apoftle  ;  for  lo  he  accounteth  of  them,  while  he  calleth 
 them  brethren. 
 
 (2.)  That,  albeit  we  be  not  fure,  for  the  time,  of  our  ef- 
 fcdiual  calling  and  election,  yet  we  may  be  made  fure  of  both, 
 if  we  ufe  diligence  ;  for  this  he  prefuppofeth,  laying,  Give 
 diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  eleclion  fure. 
 
 (3)  That  we  mull  not  be  difcouraged,  when  we  fee  many 
 feeming  believers  prove  rotten  branches,  and  make  defection^ 
 but  we  mull:  the  rather  take  the  better  heed  to  ourfelves  i 
 Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  faith  he,  give  all  diligence. 
 
 (4.)  That  the  way  to  be  fure,  both  of  our  effei^lual  calling 
 and  eleflion,  is  to  make  fure  work  of  our  faith,  by  laying 
 the  grounds  of  it  iolidly,  and  brir.giog  forth  the  fruits  of  our 
 
 faiih 
 
376  The  PraBical  Use  0/"  Saving  Knowledge. 
 
 faith  in  new  obedience  conflanlly  :  For  if  ye  do  ihcfe  things, 
 faith  he,  ye  Jhall  never  fail ;  underftanding,  by  thefe  things, 
 what  he  had  faid  of  found  faith,  verfes  i, — 4.  and  what 
 he  had  faid  of  the  bringing  out  of  the  fruits  of  faith,  verfes 
 
 2.  To  this  fame  purpofe,  confider  Rom.  viii.  i, — 4.  "  There 
 *'  is  therefore  now  no  condemnation  to  them  that  are  in  Chrift 
 "  Jefus,  who  walk  not  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
 "  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrift  Jefus,  hath  made  " 
 **  me  free  from  the  law  of  fin  and  death.  For  what  the  law 
 '*  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak  through  the  fi<;fli,  God 
 *' fending  his  own  Son  in  the  Ijkenefs  of  finful  flefh,  and  for 
 "  fin  condemned  fin  in  the  llefli  ;  that  the  righteoulnefs  of 
 "  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  iin  us,  who  wal-k  not  after  the 
 "  fiefh,  but  after  the  Spirh." 
 
 AVhcrein  the  apoftle  teacheth  us  thefe  four  things,  for 
 laying  of  the  ground  of  faith  folidly: 
 
 (i.)  That  every  one  is  a  true  believer,  who,  in  the  fenfe 
 of  his  fin,  and  fear  of  God's  wrath,  doth  flee  for  full  relief 
 from  both  unto  Jefus  Chrift  alone,  as  the  only  Mediator  and 
 all-fufHcient  Redeemer  of  men  -,  and,  being  fled  to  Chrill, 
 doth  ftrive  againft  his  own  flefh,  or  corrupt  inclination  of 
 nature,  and  ftudieth  to  follow  the  rule  of  God's  Spirit,  fet 
 down  in  his  word  :  for  the  man,  whom  the  apoille  doth  here 
 blefs  as  a  true  believer,  is  a  man  in  Chrifl  Jefus^  nvho  doth  not 
 ivalk  after  the  flefh,  but  after  the  Spirit. 
 
 (2.)  That  all  fuch  perfons  as  are  fled  to  Chrift,  and  do  ftrive 
 againft  fin,  howfoever  they  may  be  pofllbly  exercifed  under 
 the  fenfe  of  wrath  and  fear  of  condemnation,  yet  they  are  in 
 no  danger  ;  for  there  is  no  condemnation,  faith  he,  to  them  that 
 are  in  Chrifl  Jefus,  ivho  ivalk  not  after  ihefefj,  but  after  the 
 Spirit. 
 
 (3.)  That,  albeit  the  apoftle  himfelf,  (brought  in  here  for 
 example's  caufe)  and  all  other  true  believers  in  Chrift,  be  by 
 rature  under  the  law  of  fin  and  death,  or  under  the  covenant 
 of  works,  (called  the  law  of  fin  and  death,  becaufe  it  bindeth 
 lin  and  death  upon  us,  till  Chrift  fet  us  free)  yet  the  law  of 
 the  Spirit  of  life  in  Chrift  Jefus,  or  the  covenant  of  grace, 
 (fo  called,  becaufe  it  doth  enable  and  quicken  a  man  to  a  fpi- 
 ritual  life  through  Chrift)  doth  fet  the  apoftle  and  all  ,true 
 believers  free  from  the  covenant  of  works,  or  the  law  of  fin 
 and  death  ;  fo  that  every  man  may  fay  with  him.  The  law  of 
 the  Spirit  0/  life,  or  the  covenant  of  grace,  hath  made  me  free 
 Jrom  the  law  of  fin  and  death,  or  covenant  of  works. 
 
 (4.)  That 
 
'  The  P radical  UsE  of  Saving  Knowledge.  377 
 
 (4.)  That  the  fountain  andfirft  ground,  from  whence  our 
 freedom  from  the  curfe  of  the  law  doth  flow,  is  the  covenant 
 of  redemphoii,  part-  betwixt  God  and  God  the  Son  as  incar- 
 nate, wherein  Chrift  takes  the  curfe  of  the  law  upon  him  for 
 fin,  that  the  believer,  who  could  not  othcrwife  be  dehvered 
 from  the  covenant  of  works,  may  be  delivered  from  it. —  And 
 this  dodlrine  theapoftlc  holdeth  forth  in  thefe  four  branches: 
 (i.)  That  it  was  utterly  impoHlble  for  the  iaw,  or  the  cove- 
 nant of  works,  to  bring  righteounefs  and  life  to  a  finner, 
 becaufe  it  was  weak.  (2)  That  this  weaknefs  and  inability 
 of  the  law,  or  covenant  of  works,  is  not  the  fault  of  the  law, 
 but  the  fault  of  finful  flefh,  which  is  neither  able  to  pay  the 
 'penalty  of  (in,  nor  to  give  perfedt  obedience  to  the  law  :  (pre- 
 fuppofe  by-gone  fins  were  forgiven)  The  law  waJ'iveak,  faitla 
 he,  through  thej^e/h.  (3.)  That  the  righteoufnefs  and  falva- 
 tion  of  finners,  which  was  impoffible  to  be  brought  about  by 
 the  law,  is  brought  to  pafs  by  fending  God's  own  Son,  Jefus 
 Chrift,  in  the  flefli,  in  whofe  flefli  (in  is  condemned  and  pu- 
 nifhed,  for  making  fatisfa^tion  in  the  heh'^lfof  the  eie6t  that 
 they  might  be  fet  free.  (4.)  That,  by  his  means,  the  law 
 lofeth  nothing,  becaufe  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  law  is  beft 
 fulfilled  this  way  :  Fir/I,  by  Chrift's  giving  perfect  obedience 
 in  our  name  unto  it  in  all  things  :  Next,  by  his  paying  in  our 
 name  the  penalty  (due  to  our  fins)  in  his  death.  And,  Z^^/?- 
 /y,  by  his  working  of  fancflification  in  us,  who  are  true  be- 
 lievers, who  ftrivc  to  give  new  obedieice  to  the  law,  and 
 ivalk  not  after  the  Jlejhy  hut  after  the  Spirit. 
 
 k»)  i«%«<*ito%<<>»-i^»^^»  iiS»i  <<ss 'iS'i  »«»>  <o>  •-<?% -cPi  <<»i '<^  <Oi  i<;>i  «tf>>  Kp\  v^^  w,*»  \.tf.»  to, 
 
 V/arrants  to  Believe. 
 
 FOR  building  our  confidence  upon   this   foJid  ground, 
 thefe  four  Warrants  and  Ipecial  motives  to  believe  in 
 Chrift  may  ferve. 
 
 The  FIRST  -whereof  h  God's  hearty  Invitation,  ha f den 
 fort  hi  IJaiah  Iv.  I, — 5. 
 
 O,  every  one  that  thirfteth,  come  ye  to  the  water?, 
 and  he  that  bath  no  money,  come  and  buy,  with- 
 *'  out  money  and  without  price.  "Wherefore  do  ye  fpend 
 "  your  money  for  that  which  is  not  bread,  and  your  labour 
 •*  tor  that  which  fatisfieth  not  ?  Hearken  diligently  uato  me, 
 
 A  a  a  '        ««  e:it 
 
37^  ^^^  Pfaffieal  jy&E  of  Savings  Ktionvledge. 
 
 *«  and  eat  ye  that  which  is  good,  and  let  your  foul  delight 
 **  itfelf  in  fatnefs.  Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me  ; 
 **  hear,  and  your  foul  fhall  live  ;  and  I  will  make  an  everlaft- 
 •'  ing  covenant  with  you,  even  the  fure  mercies  of  David. 
 "  Behold,  I  have  given  him  for  a  witnefs  to  the  people,  a 
 ■'  leader  and  commander  to  the  people,  ^c." 
 
 Here  (after  fetting  down  the  precious  ranfom  of  our  re- 
 demption by  the  fuffcrings  of  Chrift,  and  the  rich  bleflings 
 purchafed  to  us  thereby,  in  the  two  former  chapters)  the 
 Lord,  in  this  chapter, 
 
 1.  Maketh  open  offer  of  Chrift  and  his  gr?ce,  by  procla- 
 mation of  a  free  and  gracious  market  of  righteoufnefs  and 
 falvation  to  be  had  through  Chrift,  to  every  foul  without  ex- 
 ception, that  truly  defires  to  be  laved  from  f»n  and  wrath. 
 Ho,  every  one  that  thirjlethf  faith  he. 
 
 2-  He  inviteth  all  finncrs,  that  for  any  reafon  ftand  at  dif- 
 tance  with  God,  to  com€  and  take  from  him  riches  of  grace, 
 running  in  Chrift  as  a  river,  to  walh  away  fin,  ^nd  to  flocken 
 wrath,  Come  ye  to  the  nvaterSy  faith  he. 
 
 3.  Left  any  fliould  ftand  aback,  in  the  ^trSc  of  his  own 
 finfulnefsor  unworthinefs,  and  inability  to  do  any  good,  the 
 Lord  calleth  upon  fuch  perfons  in  fpecial,  faying.  He  that 
 hath  no  money,  come. 
 
 4.  He  craveth  no  more  of  his  merchant,  but  that,  he  be 
 pleafed  with  the  wares  offered,  which  are,  grace,  -Xn^  more 
 grace  ;  and  that  he  heartily  confent  unto,  aad  embrace  this 
 offer  of  grace,  that  fo'he  may  clofe  a  bargain^  and  a  formal 
 covenant  with  God,  Csme,  buy,  •without  money,  faith  he  \ 
 come,  eat  ;  that  is,  confent  to  have  and  take  unto  you  all  fav- 
 inc;  graces  •,  make  the  wares  your  own,  poffcfs  them,  and 
 make  ufe  of  all  bleflings  in  Chrift  •,  whatfoever  m^iketh  for 
 your  fpiritual  life  and  comfort,  ufe  and  enjoy  it  freely,  with- 
 out paying  any  thing  for  it.  Come,  buy  wine  and  fni/k,  with' 
 out  money,  and  without  p' ice,  faith  he. 
 
 5.  Becuife  the  Lord  knoweth  how  much  we  are  inclined 
 to  leek  righteoufnefs  and  life  by  our  own  performances  and 
 fatishftion,  to  have  righteoufnefs  and  life  as  it  were  by  the 
 way  of  works,  and  how  loath  we  are  to  embrace  Chrift  Jefns, 
 and  to  take  life  by  way  of  {rzc  grace,  through  Jefus  Chrift, 
 upon  the  terms  whereupon  it  is  offered  to  us  :  therefore  the 
 Lord  lovingly  calls  us  off  this  our  crooked  and  unhappy  way, 
 with  a  gentle  and  timeous  adoiOnition,  giving  us  to  under- 
 jftand,  that  we  ftiall  but  lofc  our  inhour  in  this  our  way, — 
 Wherefore  do  ye  jpend  yeur  money,  faith  he,  jor  that  which  is  not 
 bread,  and  your  labour  for  that  which  Jatiifuth  nU  P 
 
 6.  The 
 
The  PraElleal  UsE  of  Savwg  Knowledge.  379 
 
 6.  The  Lord  promifeth  to  us  folid  fatisfa£l\on,  in  the  way 
 of  betaking  ourfelves  unto  the  grace  of  Cbrift,  even  true  toa- 
 tentment,  and  fulnefs  of  fj:)iritual  pleaiure,  faying,  Hearken 
 diligently  unto  me^  and  eat  that  ivhich  is  good^  end  Lt  your  j\ul 
 delight  itfelf  injatnejs. 
 
 7.  Becaufe  faith  cometh  by  hearing,  he  callcth  for  au-iienre 
 unto  the  explication  of  the  offer,  and  calleth  for  beUeving  of 
 and  Uftening  unto  tiie  truth,  which  is  able  to  beget  the  appli- 
 cation of  faving  faith,  end  to  draw  tlie  foul  to  truft  in  God, 
 Incline  your  ear^  and  come  unto  »;f,  fuith  he.  To  wiiich  end, 
 tfee  Lord  promifcs,  that  this  offer,  being  received,  fhall  quic- 
 ken the  dead  linrer  ;  and  tliat,  upon  the  weJcoujing  oi  this 
 offer,  he  will  cloie  the  covenant  of  grace  with  the  man  that 
 fhall  confent  unto  it,  even  an  indiffolvable  covenant  of  per- 
 petual reconciliation  and  peace,  Hearken,  and  your  fiul  jhall 
 live,  and  1  will  make  an  evfrlajiing  covenant  'ivitly  you.  Wiiich 
 covenant,  he  declareth,  fhall  be  in  l"u bitance  the  alilgnatioa 
 and  the  making  over  of  all  the  fuving  [graces,  which  David 
 (who  is  Jel'us  Chrift,  Adts  xiii.  34.)  hath  bought  for  us  in 
 the  covenant  of  redemption,  /  loill  make  a  covenant  with  you, 
 faith  he,  even  the  fur  e  mfrcies  oj  David.  Vt'f  fure  mercies,  he 
 means  faving  graces,  fuch  as  are  righteoufheis,  peace,  and 
 joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft,  adoption,  fanctiEcation,  and  gloridca- 
 tion,  and  whatfoever  belongs  to  godlinefs  and  life  eternal. 
 
 8.  To  ccnlirm  and  afTure  usof  tlie  reaJ  grant  of  theis  laving 
 mercies,  and  tocerfuade  us  of  the  reality  of  the  covenant  be- 
 twixt God  and  the  believer  of  tuis  word,  the  Father  h-^th 
 made  a  fourfold  gift  of  his  eternal  and  only  begotten  Son. 
 
 \fl.  To  be  incarnate  and  born  for  cur  fake,  of  the  feed  of 
 David  histvp<^  'f  for  which  cauie  he  is  called  here,  and  .»^t3 
 xiii.  34.  David,  the  true  and  ever  lafing  king  0/  Ifrad.  IJiiS 
 is  the  great  gift  of  God  to  man,  Jabn  iv.  10.  And  heic,  / 
 have  given  him  to  be  David,  or  born  of  David,  to  the  people. 
 
 idly.  He  hath  made  a  gift  of  Chrilt,  to  be  a  nvitnejs  to  lie 
 people,  both  of  the  fure  and  faving  mercies  granted  to  the  le- 
 deemed  in  the  covenant  of  redeaiptirn,  and  alfo  of  the  Fa- 
 theV's  willingnei's  and  purpofe  to  apply  them,  and  to  make 
 them  fail  in  the'  covenant  of  reconciliation,  made  with  fuch 
 as  embrace  the  offer,  1  have  given  him,  faith  the  Lord  here, 
 to  he  a  nvitnefs  to  the  people.  And  truly  he  is -a  fuliicient  wit- 
 ncfs  in  this  uiatter  in  many  refpe^ts  \  firft,  becaufe  he  is  one 
 of  the  perfons  of  the  bleffed  Trinity,  and  party-cont  racier  for 
 i;s  in  the  coveni -;t  of  redemption,  before  the  \vorld  was. — 
 Secondly,  he  is  Dy  office,  as  IJediatorj  the  meffenger  of  the 
 covenant;  and  harh  gotten commiiiion  to  vevcai  it*     Thirdly, 
 
 A  a  a  :j  ~  he 
 
3^)0  Ihe  P radical  UsE  of  Saving  Krtonv ledge. 
 
 he  began  actually  to  reveal  it  in  paradife,  where  he  promifed, 
 th^t  the  feed  gj  the  ivoman  JJjould  bruife  the  head  of  the  ferpent. 
 Fourthly,  he  let  forth  his  own  death  and  fufterings,  and  the 
 great  benefits  that  (hould  come  thereby  to  us,  in  the  types 
 and  figures  of  facrilices  and  ceremonies  before  his  coming. 
 Fifthly,  he  gave  more  and  more  light  about  this  covenant, 
 Jpeaking  by  his  Spirit  from  age  to  age,  in  the  holy  prophets. 
 Sixthly,  he  came  himftjif,  in  the  fulnefs  of  time,  and  did  bear 
 witnefs  of  all  things  belonging  to  this  covenant,  and  of  God's 
 willing  mind  to  take  believers  into  it  ;  partly  by  uniting  our 
 nature  in  one  peribn  with  the  divine  nature ;  partly  by  preach- 
 ing the  gobd  tidings  of  the  covenant  with  his  own  mouth  ; 
 •partly  by  paying  the  price  of  redemption  on  the  crofs ;  and 
 partly  by  dealing  (fill  with  the  people,  from  the  beginning  to 
 this  day,  to  draw  in,  and  to  hold  in,  the  redeemed  in  this 
 covenant. 
 
 'idly,  God  hath  made  a  gift  of  Chrift,  as  a  leader  to  thepeo' 
 ple^  to  bring  us  through  all  difficulties,  all  afHidlions  and  ten- 
 tions,  tintoiife  by  this  covenant  :  and  he  it  is,  and  no  other, 
 who  doth  indeed  lead  his  own  unto  the  covenant,  and  in  the 
 covenant,  all  the  way  on  untofalvation.  i.  By  the  direction 
 of  his  word  and  Spirit.  2.  By  the  example  of  his  own  life, 
 in  faith  and  obedience,  even  tq  the  death  of  the  crofs,  3. 
 By  his  powerful  working,  bearing  his  redeemed  ones  in  his 
 arms,  and  caufing  them  to  lean  on  him,  while  they  go  up 
 through  the  wiidernels. 
 
 i^thly,  God  hath  made  a  gift  of  Chrift  unto  his  people,  as 
 a  Comii-aiider  :  which  office  he  faithfully  exercifeth,  by  giving 
 to  his  kirk  and  people  laws  and  ordinances,  paftors  and  go- 
 vernors, and  all  neceffiary  officers  ;  by  keeping  courts  and  af- 
 femblies  among  them,  to  fee  that  his  laws  be  obeyed  ;  fubdu- 
 ing,  by  his  word,  Spirit,  and  difcipline,  his  people's  corrup- 
 tions ;  and,  by  his  wifdom  and  power,  guarding  them  againlt 
 ail  their  enemies  whatfoever. 
 
 Hence  he,  nuho  hath  clofed  bargain  with  Gody  mayjirengthen 
 
 his  Jmthj  by  renfonitig  ajter  this  manner  : 
 '  Whofoevcr  doth  heartily  receive  the  offer  of  free  grace 
 
 *  made  here  ro  finners,  thiriting  for  righteoufncfs  and  ialva- 
 
 *  tion,  unto  him  by  an  everlalling  covenant,  belongeth  Chrift 
 
 *  the  true  David,  with  all  his  lure  and  faving  mercies.* 
 
 •  But  I  (may  the  weak  believer  lay)  do  heanily  receive  the 
 
 *  offer  of  free  grace  made  here  to  finners,  thiriting  for  righ- 
 
 *  teoulheis  and  falvation. 
 
 *  Therefore 
 
The  Pra£lical  Use  of  Saving  Know/edge.  381 
 
 *  Therefore  unto  me,  by  an  everlalling  covenant,  belong- 
 «  eth  Chrift  Jeius,  with  all  his  fure  and  faving  mercies.' 
 
 The  SECOND  Warrant  andfpecial  Motive  to  embrace  Chriji^ 
 and  believe  in  him^  ij,  the  earnest  request  fhat  God 
 maketh  to  tis  to  be  reconciled  to  him  in  Chrijif  —holden  forth 
 2  Cor,  V.  14,  19, — 21. 
 
 <«  /^  O  D  was  in  Chrift  reconciling  the  world  unto  him- 
 ««  \jf  lelf,  not  imputing  the!*"  trelpafles  unto  them,  and 
 "  hath  committed  unto  us  the  word  of  reconciliation.  Now 
 t«  then  we  are  ambafiadors  for  Chrift,  as  though  God  did  be- 
 "  feech  you  by  us,  We  pray  you,  in  ChrilVs  Head,  be  ye  re- 
 «'  conciled  to  God.  For  he  hath  made  him  to  be  fin  for  us, 
 *<  who  knew  no  fin,  that  we  might  be  made  the  righteoufnefs 
 "  of  God  in  him." 
 
 Wherein  the  apoftle  teachethus  thefe  nine  dodlrines : 
 
 1/?,  That  the  ele^  world,  or  the  world  of  redeemed  fouls, 
 are  by  nature  in  the  eftate  of  enmity  againftGod  :  this  is  pre- 
 fuppofed  in  the  word  reconciliation;  for  reconciliation, 
 or  renewing  of  friendihip,  cannot  be,  except  betwixt  thofe 
 that  have  been  at  enmity. 
 
 2d,  That  in  all  the  time  by-paft,  fince  the  Fall  of  Adam, 
 Chrift  Jefus,  the  eternal  Son  of  God,  as  Mediator,  and  the 
 Father  in  him,  hath  been  about  the  making  friendihip  (by 
 his  word  and  Spirit)  betwixt  himfelf  and  th^  eleft  world, 
 God,  faith  he,  luas  in  ChriJ},  reconciling  the  world  to  himfelf. 
 
 3<r/,  That  the  way  of  reconciliation  was  in  all  ages  one  and 
 the  fame  in  fubflance,  viz.  by  forgiving  the  fins  of  thera 
 who  do  acknowledge  their  fins  and  their  enmity  againft  God, 
 and  do  feek  reconciliation  and  remiflionof  fins  in  Chrift;  for 
 God,  faith  he,  vjas  in  Chrijl  reconciling  the  loorld  to  himfzlf, 
 by  way  of  not  imputing  their  trejfpa£es  unto  them. 
 
 u^th.  That  the  end  and  fcope  of  the  gofpel,  and  whole 
 word  of  God,  is  threefold,  i.  It  ferveth  to  make  people 
 fcnfible  of  their  fins,  and  of  their  enmity  againft  God,  and  of 
 their  danger,  if  they  iliguld  ftand  out,  and  not  fear  God's 
 dilpleafure.  2  The  word  of  God  ferveth  to  make  men  ac* 
 quainted  with  the  courfe  which  God  hath  prepared  for  mak- 
 ing friendftiip  with  them  through  Chrift,  viz.  That  if  men 
 ihall  acknowledge  the  enmity,  and  (hall  be  content  to  enter 
 into  a  covenant  of  friendfhip  with  God  through  Chrift,  then 
 God  will  be  content  to  be  reconciled  with  them  freely.  3. 
 The  word  of  God  ferveth  to  teach  men  how  to  carry  them- 
 
 felves 
 
^S2  ^he  PraHlcal  Use  of  Saving  Knowledge . 
 
 fe Ives  toward  God  as  friends,  after  they  are  reconciled  to  bim, 
 viz..  to  be  loth  to  fin  againit  him,  and  to  llrive  heartily  to  o- 
 bey  his  commandments:  and  therefore  thewnrdof  God  here 
 is  called  the  nuord  of  reconciliation^  becaufe  it  teacheth  us  what 
 need  we  have  of  reconcihatiou,  and  how  to  make  it,  and  how 
 to  keep  the  reconciliation  or  frienddiip,  being  made  with 
 God  through  Chrilh 
 
 5//^,  That  albeit  the  hearing,  believing,  and  obeying  of  this 
 word,  doth  belong  to  all  thofe  to  whom  this  gofpel  doth 
 come  ;  yet  the  office  of  preaching  of  it  with  aiiLhority,  be- 
 longeth  to  none  but  to  fuch  only  as  God  doth  call  to  this 
 miniftry,  and  (cndeth  out  with  coinmiflion  for  this  work. — 
 This  the  apoftle  holdeth  forth,  ver.  18.  in  thefe  words,  He 
 hath  committed  to  us  the  word  »f  reconciliation. 
 
 6thy  That  the  minifters  of  the  gofpel  fliouM  behave  them- 
 felves  as  Chrift's  mcflengers,  and  fiiouM  clofely  follow  their 
 commillion  fet  down  in  the  word,  Matt,  xxviii.  19,  20.  and 
 when  they  do  fo,  they  fliould  be  received  by  the  people  as  am- 
 bafladors  from  God;  for  here  the  apoftle,  in  all  their  names, 
 faith,  VFe  are  ambajfadors  for  Chrijly  as  though  God  did  befeech 
 jou  by  us. 
 
 'jthy  That  miniilers,  in  all  earneftnefs  of  afreftions,  fhould 
 deal  with  the  people  to  acknowledge  their  has,  and  their  na- 
 tural enmity  againft  God,  more  and  more  ferioufly  ;  and  to 
 confent  to  the  covenant  of  grace  and  embaffigeofChriil  more 
 and  more  heartily  ;  and  to  evidence  more  and  more  clearly 
 their  reconciliation,  by  a  holy  carriage  before  God.  This 
 he  holdeth  forth,  when  he  faith,  iVe  pray  yau  be  reconcihd 
 to  God. 
 
 Sthy  That  in  the  minifters  affeclionate  dealing  with  the 
 people,  the  people  fhould  conlider,  that  they  h-ive  to  do  with 
 God  and  Chrift,  requelling  thtim  by  the  miniilers  to  be  re- 
 conciled. Now,  there  cannot  be  a  greater  inducement  to 
 break  a  finner's  hard  heart, than  God's  making  requeft  to  him 
 for  friendfliip  :  for  when  it  became  us,  who  have  done  To 
 Ea;my  wrongs  to  God,  tofeek  friendfhipof  God,  he  prevent- 
 ed us  ;  and  (O  wonder  of  wonders  !)  he  requefteth  us  to  be 
 content  to  be  reconciled  with  him  ;  and  tlierefore  njoil  fear- 
 ful wrath  muft  abide  them,  who  do  let  light  by  thisrequeit, 
 and  do  not  yield  when  they  hear  minifters  with  cpmmi'fiion, 
 faying,  J'l^e  are  amhajfadors  for  Chrijl,  as  though  God  did'  be- 
 feech yoit  by  lis  :  nve  pray  you^  in  Chi  ijVsfitady  be  ye  t  econciltd 
 to  God, 
 
 K^th^  To  make  it  appear  how  it  cometh  to  pals,  that  the 
 c  .v>;!nnt  of  reconciliation  ihou'.d  be  fo  Crilily  made  up  be- 
 twixt 
 
The  PraBical  JJsE  of  Saving  Knowledge,         '^"83 
 
 twixt  God  and  a  humble  finner  fleeing  to  Chrift,  the  apoftle 
 leads  us  unto  the  caufe  of  it,  holden  forth  in  the  covenant  of 
 redemption,  the  Turn  whereof  is  this  : — *  It  is  agreed  betwixt 
 <  God  and  the  Mediator  Jefus  Chrift  the  Son  of  God,  luret*- 
 
 *  for  the  redeemed,  as  parties  contradlers,  that  the  fins  of 
 
 *  the  redeemed  ihould  be  imputed  to  innocent  Chrift,  and  he 
 
 *  both  condemned  and  put  to  death  for  them,  upon  this  ve- 
 
 *  ry  condition,  That  whofoever  heartily  confents  unto  the 
 
 *  covenant  af  reconciliation  offered  through  Chrift,  IhaU,  by 
 
 *  the  imputation  of  his  obedience  unto  them,  bejuftified  and 
 
 *  holden  righteous  before  God  ;  far  God  hath  made  Chrift, 
 
 *  •whohneivnofi.n^  to  he  fm  for  us ^  faith  the  apoltle,  that  ixjJt 
 
 *  might  he  made  the  righteoufnefs  of  God  in  him.* 
 
 Hence  may  a  weak  hel'fever  jlrcngthen  his  Jaith^  hy  reafomng 
 jrom  this  ground  after  this  manner  : 
 
 *  He  that,  upon  the  loving  requeft  of  God  and  Chrift, 
 made  to  him  by  the  mouth  of  his  minifters,  (having  com- 
 miffion  to  that  effe£l)  hath  embraced  the  offer  of  perpetud 
 reconciliation  through  Chrift,  and  doth  purpofe,  by  God's 
 grace,  as  a  f-econciled  perfon,  to  ftrivc  againft  fin,  and  co 
 ferve  God  to  his  power  conftantly,  may  be  as  fiire  to  have 
 righteoufnefs  and  eternal  life  given  to  him,  for  the  obedi- 
 ence of  Chrift  imputed  to  him,  as  it  is  furethat  Chrift  was 
 condemned  and  put  to  death  for  the  fins  of  the  redeemed 
 imputed  to  him. 
 
 *  But  I  fmay  the  weak  believer  fay)  upon  the  loving  rr- 
 queft  of  God  and  Chrift,  made  to  me  by  the  mouth  of  his 
 minifters,  have  embraced  the  otter  of  perpetual  reconcilia- 
 tion through  Chrill,  and  do  purpofe,  by  God's  grace,  as  a 
 reconciled  perfon,  to  ftrive  againft  fin,  and  to  lerve  God 
 to  my  power  conftantly. 
 
 *  Therefore  I  may  be  as  fure  to  have  righteoufnefs  and  eter- 
 nal life  given  to  me,  for  the  obedience  of  Chrift  imputed  ta 
 me,  as  it  is  fure  that  Chrift  was  condemned  and  put  to 
 death  for  the  fins  of  the  redeemed  imputed  to  him.* 
 
 Vhe  THIRD  Warrant  and  fpecial  Motive  to  Believe  in  Chri/% 
 is,  the  STRAIT  and  awful  commando/ GW,  charging; 
 all  the  Hearers  of  the  Go/pel  to  approach  to  Chrifly  in  the  cv- 
 der  fet  down  by  hitu,  and  to  Believe  in  him,-^holdett  forth^ 
 I  John  in.  23.  \\      . 
 
 *'  "nr^HIS  is  his  commandment,  Thai  we  fhould  believe  on 
 ■"     JL     <^^^  name  of  bis  Son  Jcfus  Chrift,  and  love  one  an- 
 **  other,  as  he  gave  us  commandment," 
 
 Wherein 
 
'3^4  ^^^  PraBtcal  XJSE  of  having  Knonuhdge. 
 
 Wherein  the  apoftle  giveth  us  to  underftand  thcfc  five 
 do£lrines  : 
 
 1.  That  if  any  man  fhall  not  be  taken  with  the  fweet  invi- 
 tation of  God,  nor  with  the  humble  and  loving  requeft  of 
 God,  made  to  liim  to  be  reconciled,  he  fliali  find  h?  hath  to 
 do  with  the  fovereign  authority  of  the  higheft  majefty  ;  for 
 this  is  his  commandmenty  that  ive  believe  in  him^   faich  he. 
 
 2.  That  if  any  man  look  upon  this  command,  as  he  hath 
 looked  heretofore  upon  the  negle<Sted  commandments  of  the 
 law, — he  mufl:  confidcr,  that  this  is  a  command  of  the  gofpef, 
 pofterior  to  the  law,  given  for  making  ufe  of  the  remedy  of 
 all  fins  y  which,  if  it  be  difobeyed,  there  is  no  other  com- 
 mand to  follow  but  this,  Goy  ye  curfedy  into  the  evei'laftingjire 
 of  hell  ;  For  this  is  his  commandmenty  the  obedience  of  which 
 is  moft  pleafaftt  in  his  fight,  ver.  22.  and  without  which,  it 
 isimpofGble  to  pleafe  him,  Heb.  xi.  6. 
 
 3.  That  every  one  who  hearcth  the  gofpel,  muft  make 
 confcience  of  the  duty  of  lively  faith  in  Chrift  i  ^he  weak  be- 
 liever muft  not  think  it  prefumption  to  do  what  is  comman- 
 ded :  the  perfon  inclined  to  defperation  mufl  take  uphimfelf, 
 and  think  upon  obedience  unto  this  fweet  and  faving  com- 
 mand ;  the  flrong  believer  mufl  dip  yet  more  in  the  fenle  of 
 his  need  he  hath  of  Jelus  Chriff,  and  more  and  more  grow- 
 in  the  obedience  of  this  command  :  yea,  the  moft  impenirent, 
 profane,  and  wicked  perfon,  muft  not  thruft  out  himfelf,  or 
 be  thruft  out  by  others,  from  orderly  aiming  at  this  duty,  how 
 defperate  foever  his  condition  feem  to  be  ;  for  he  that  com- 
 mands all  men  to  believe  in  Chrift,  doth  thereby  command 
 all  men  to  believe  that  they  are  damned  and  loft  without 
 Chrift  :  he  thereby  commands  all  men  to  acknowledge  their 
 fins,  and  their  need  of  Chrift,  and,  in  effeft,  commands  all 
 men  to  repent,  that  they  may  believe  in  him.  And  whofo- 
 ever  do  refufe  to  repent  of  their  bygone  fins,  are  guilty  of 
 difobedience  to  this  command  given  to  all  hearers,  but  efpe- 
 cially  to  thefe  that  are  within  the  vifible  church  ;  for  this  is 
 his  commandmenty  That  wejhotild  believe  in  the  name  6fhis  Son 
 Jefus  Chrijiy  faith  he. 
 
 5.  That  he  who  obeyeth  this  commandment,  hath  built 
 his  falvation  on  a  folid  ground  ;  for,  (i.)  He  hath  found  the 
 promifed  Mefllah,  completely  furnilhed  with  all  perfe£tioos, 
 unto  the  perfect  execution  of  the  offices  of  Prophet,  Pricft, 
 and  King  j  for  he  is  that  Chrift,  in  whom  the  man  doth  be- 
 lieve.  2.  He  hath  embraced  a  Saviour,  who  is  able  to  fave 
 to  the  uttermoft  •,  yea,  and  who  doth  effticftually  fave  every 
 one  that  coraeth  to  God  through  him  ;  for  he  is  Jefus,  the 
 
 true 
 
The  Practical  Use  of  Saving  Knozvledge.  38c 
 
 true  Saviour  of  his  people  from  their  fins.  3  He  that  obey- 
 ech  this  command,  hath  built  his  falvation  on  the  rock,  that 
 is,  on  the  Son  of  God,  to  whom  it  is  no  robbery  to  be  called 
 equal  to  the  Father,  and  who  is  worthy  to  be  the  object  of 
 faving  faith  and  of  fpiritual  worfhip  ;  For  this  is  his  command' 
 menty  faith  he,  That  tue  believe  in  the  name  of  his  Son  Jefus 
 Chrijl.  -^ 
 
 5.  That  he  who  hath  believed  on  Jefus  Chrifl:,  (though  be 
 be  freed  from  the  curfe  of  the  law)  is  not  freed  from  the 
 command  and  obedience  of  the  law,  but  tied  thereunto  by  a 
 new  obligation,  and  a  new  command  from  ChriR  ;  which 
 new  command  from  Chrift,  importeth  help  to  obey  the  com- 
 mand ;  unto  which  command  from  Chrift,  the  Father  ad- 
 deth  his  authority  and  command  alfo  ;  For  this  is  his  com- 
 mandment,  faith  ^ohn^-^  that  tue  believe  on  the  name  of  his  Sort 
 Jefus  Chrift^  and  love  one  another,  as  he  hath  commanded  us. 
 The  firft  part  of  which  command,  injoining  belief  in  him, 
 neceffarily  implieth  love  to  God,  and  fo  obedience  to  the  tirft 
 table  ;  for  believing  in  God,  and  loving  God,  are  infeparable. 
 And  the  fecond  part  of  the  command  injoineth  love  to  our 
 neighbour,  (efpecially  to  the  houfhold  of  faith)  and  fo  obe- 
 dience to  the  fecond  table  of  the  law. 
 
 Hence  may  a  weak  believer  flrengthen  himjelf  by  reafoniug 
 from  this  ground  after  this  manfier  : 
 
 «  Whofoever,  in  the  fenfe  of  his  own  finfulnefs  and  fear 
 <  of  God's  wrath,  at  the  command  of  God,  is  fled  to  Jefus 
 '  Chrift,  the   only  remedy  of  fin  and  mifery,  and  hath  en- 
 
 *  gaged  his  heart  to  the  obedience  of  the  law  of  love,  his  faith 
 
 *  13  not  prefumptuous  or  dead,  but  true  and  faving  faith. 
 
 *  But  I  (may  the  weak  believer  fay)  in  the  fenfe  of  my 
 «  own  finfulnefs,  and  fear  of  God's  wrath,  am  fled  to  Jefus 
 
 *  Chrift,  the  only  remedy  of  fin  and  miiery,  and  have  cn- 
 
 *  gaged  my  heart  to  the  obedience  cf  the  law  of  love. 
 
 «  Therefore  my  faith  is  not  a  prefumptuous  and  dead  faith, 
 
 *  but  true  and  faying  faith.' 
 
 The  FOURTH  Warrant  a?id /pedal Motive  to  believe  in  Chrift 
 .  isy  much  ASSURANCE  of  Life  given,  in  cafe  men  fhall  obey 
 ,  the  command  of  believing ,  and  a  fearful  certification  of 
 '  .  defruEtion,  in  cafe  they  obey  not :  holden  forth  John  Hi.  '-J  5,3  ft. 
 «<  rTTIHE  Father  loveth  the  Son,  and  hath  given  all  things 
 "  JL  into  his  hand.  He  that  believeth  on  the  Son,  hath 
 "  evcrlafting  life;  and  he  that  believeth  not  the  Son,  fhall  not 
 <*  lee  life,  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth  on  him," 
 
 B  b  b  Wherein 
 
"^^6  7he  Pracfical  UsB  of  Saving  Knowledge. 
 
 Wherein  are  holden  forth  to  us  thcfe  five  following  doc- 
 trines : 
 
 1.  That  the  Father  is  well  fatisfied  with  the  undertakings 
 of  the  Son,  entered  Redeemer  and  Surety  to  pay  the  ranfoni 
 or  believers,  and  to  perfedl  them  in  holinefs  and  falvation. 
 The  Father  loveth  the  Son^  faith  he,  viz.  As  he  ftandeth  Me- 
 diator in  our  name,  undertaking  to  perfect  our  redemption 
 in  all  points.  The  Father  loveth  him,  that  i?,  doth  heartily 
 accept  his  offer  to  do  the  work,  and  is  well  pleafed  'vithhim: 
 his  foul  delighteth  in  him,  and  rerteth  upon  him,  and  maketh 
 him,  in  this  his  office,  the  receptacle  of  love  and  grace,  and 
 good-will,  to  be  conveyed  by  him  to  believers  in  him. 
 
 2.  That,  for  fulfilling  of  the  covenant  of  redemption,  the 
 Father  hath  given  to  the  Son  (as  he  ftandeth  in  the  capacity 
 of  the  Mediator,  or  as  he  is  God  incarnate,  the  word  made 
 flefh)  all  authority  in  heaven  and  earth,  all  furniture  of  the 
 riches  of  grace,  andoffpirit  and  life,  with  all  power  and  abi- 
 lity, which  the  union  of  the  divine  nature  with  the  human, 
 or  which  the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwelling  fubftantially  in 
 his  human  nature,  or  which  the  indivifible  all-fufficvency  and 
 omnlpotency  of  the  infeparable,  every  where  prefcnt  Trinity 
 doth  imf>ort,  or  the  work  of  redemption  can  require  ;  the 
 Father^  faith  he,  hath  given  all  things  intoihe.  Son's  handy  viz. 
 for  accomplifl^ing  his  work. 
 
 3.  Great  alTurance  of  life  is  holden  forth  to  all,  who  fliall 
 heartily  receive  Chrift,  and  the  offer  of  the  covenant  of  grace 
 and  reconciliation  through  him  :  He  that  believeth  on  the  Scn^ 
 iaith  he,  hath  everlafting  life  ;  for  it  is  made  faft  unto  him, 
 1.  In  God's  purpole  and  irrevocable  decree,  as  the  believer 
 is  a  man  elefted  to  life.  2.  By  efFcftual  calli-ng  of  him  to  life 
 by  God,  who,  as  he  is  faithful,  lo  will  he  do  it.  3.  By  promifc 
 and  everlafting  covenant,  Iworn  by  God,  to  give  the  be'tever 
 ftrong  conf olation  in  life  and  death, upon  immutable  grounds. 
 4.  By  a  pawn  and  infeftment  under  ,th«  great  feal  of  the  fa- 
 cramcnt  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  fo  oft  as  the  believer  ftiall 
 come  to  receive  the  fymbols  and  pledges  of  life.  5.  En  Chrift 
 the  fountain  and  head  of  life,  who  is  entered  in  pofTelhon  as 
 attorney  for  believers,  in  whom  our  life  is  fo  laid  up,  that  it 
 cannot  be  taken  away.  6.  By  begun  pofteilion  of  fpiritual  hfe 
 and  regeneration,  and  a  kingdom  conlilting  in  righteoufnefs, 
 peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft,  erefted  within  the  belie- 
 ver, as  earneft  of  the  full  pofTeffion  of  everlafting  life. 
 
 4.  A  fearful  certification  is  giveri,  if  a  man  receive  not  the 
 dodtrine  con<terning  righteoufnefs  and  eternal  life  to  be  bad 
 
 by 
 
^he  Praciical  Use  of  Saving  Kfiotvl^dge.  387 
 
 by  Jefus  Chrift  ;  He  that  believes  mt  the  Son,  Jhallnctfte  I'lfe^ 
 that  is,  not  fo  much  as  underhand  what  it  meaneth. 
 
 5,  Hcfurther  certilieth,  th?.t  if  a  xpan  ri^ceive  not  the  doc^ 
 trine  of  the  Son  of  Qodi^  hellrall  be  burdeced  twice  with  th^ 
 wrath  of  God  ;  once,  as  a  born  rebel  by  natr.re,  he  Ihali  bear 
 the  curfe  of  the  law,  or  the  covenant  of  works  ;  and  next  he 
 fhall  endure  a  greater  condemnation,  in  rerpcft  that  lighi  be- 
 ing  come  into  the  world,  and  offered  to  him,  he  hath  reiedt- 
 ed  it,  and  loveth  darknefs  rather  than  hght  :  And  Uiis  dou- 
 ble wrath  fhall  be  falkned  and  fixed  immoveably  upon  him, 
 fo  long  as  he  remaineth  in  the  condition  of  mifbelief  ;  ^he 
 furath  of  God  obidtth  on  him,  faith  he. 
 
 Hence  may  the  ivenl  heVietier  jlrengthen  his  faith  ^  by  reajonhiy 
 from  this  ground  after  this  manner  : 
 
 *  Whofoever  believeth  the  do^rine  delivered  by  the  Son 
 ^  of  God,  and  findeth  himfelf  partly  drawn  powerfully  to 
 *.  believe  in  him  by  the  fight  of  life  in  him,  and  partly  driven 
 '  by  the  fear  of  God's  wrath,  to  adhere  unto  him, — may  be 
 
 •  lureof  yight  and  interell:  to  life  eternal  through  him. 
 
 *  But  finful  a:nd  unworthy  I  (may  the  weak  believer  fay) 
 
 *  do  believe  the  doiflrine  delivered  by  the  Son  of  God,  and  do 
 
 •  feel  myfelf  partly  drawn  powerfully  to  believe-^in   him,  by 
 
 •  the  fight  of  life  in  him,  and  partly  driven  by  the  fcitr  of 
 
 *  God's  wrath,  to  adhere  unto  bim. 
 
 *  Therefore  I  may  be  lure  of  my  right  and  inteisH:  unto 
 
 *  eternal  life  through  him.' 
 
 s:^  •<?»  -en  <■»%  <-oi  o.  ^5>»  •<>\  v*»  '^p-i  <^>t  <^  '-0\  -*^  <-.^%  '-s**  ■<»»  Oi  ^0\  'Oi  ~^^-,  ■  e>->  •-<s>-  i<rjt 
 
 The  Evidences  gf  True  Faith. 
 
 O  much  for  the  laying  the  grounds  of  faith,  and  war- 
 rants to  believe.  Now,  for  evidencing  of  true  faith  by 
 fruits,  thefe  four  things  are  requifite  :  i.  That  the  b-lisvcr 
 be  ibundly  convinced  in  his  judgment,  ot  his  obiigation  10 
 keep  the  whole  moral  law,  all  the  days  of  his  life  ;  axid  fhat 
 not  the  lefs,  but  fo  much  the  more, as  he  is  delivered  by  Cl.riil: 
 from  the  covenant  ot  works,  and  curfe  of  the  law.  2.  Thrit 
 he  endeavoMr  to  grow  in  the  exercife  and  daily  praj^lice  of 
 godliMefs  and  righteoufnefs.  3.  Tjiatthe  eourle  of  his  new- 
 obedience  run  in  the  right  channel,  that  is,  through  faith  in 
 Chrift,  and  through  a  good  confcience,  to  all  the  duties  of" 
 love  towiuds  God  and  a)an.  4.  That  he  keep  iirait  comn^-u- 
 ii  b  b  5  ♦       Kio» 
 
388  1'he  PrciElical  Use  0/"  Savhig  Knew/edge, . 
 
 nion  with  the  fountain  Chrift  Jefus,  from  whom  grace  mufl 
 run  along,  tor  furniftiing  of  good  fruits^ 
 
 JF'or  the  FIRST,  viz.  To  convince  the  Believer  in  his  j'ldg- 
 nient,  of  his  Obligation  to  Keep  the  Moral  LaiOy  among  ma- 
 ny  paJfugeSy  take  Matt,  v.  16 ^ — 20. 
 
 *'  T"  ET  your  Tight  fo  fliine  before  nnen,  that  they  may 
 "  f^  J  lee  your  good  works,  and  glorify  your  Father  which 
 «'  is  in  heaven.  Think  not  that  1  am  come  to  deftroy  the 
 •♦  law  or  the  prophets  :  I  am  not  come  to  deftroy,  but  to 
 *' fulfil.  For  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  till  heaven  and  earth 
 •*  pais,  one  jot  or  one  title  fliall  in  nowii'e  pals  from  the  law, 
 "  till  all  be  fulfilled.  Wholbever  therefore  fl:i all  break  one 
 *'  of  thefe  lead  commandments,  and  fliall  teach  men  fo,  he 
 *'  Ihall  be  called  leaft  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  but  whofo- 
 «'  ever  fliall  do,  and  teach  them,  the  fame  fhall  be  called 
 *'  great  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  For  I  fay  unto  you, That 
 **  except  your  righteoufnefs  (hall  exceed  the  righteoufnefs  of 
 *'  the  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  yc  fhall  in  no  cafe  enter  into  the 
 *'  kingdom  of  heaven." 
 
 Wherem  our  Lord, 
 
 I.  Giveth  commandment  to  believers,  juftified  by  faith, 
 to  give  evidence  of  the  grace  of  God  in  them  before  men, 
 by  doing  good  works  ;  Let  yoi:r  light  fo  JJjine  before  meny  faith 
 he,  that  they  may  fee  your  good  works. 
 
 1.  He  induceth  them  lo  to  do,  by  fhewing,  that  albeit 
 they  be  not  jullified  by  works,  yet  fpecftators  of  their  good 
 vorks  may  be  converted  or  edified  ;  and  fo  glory  may  re- 
 dound to  God  by  their  good  works,  when  the  witnefTes  there- 
 of y2;a//  glorify  your  Father  luhich  is  in  heaven. 
 
 3.  He  gives  them  no  other  rule  for  their  new  obedience 
 tiian  the  Moral  Law,  fet  down  and  explicated  by  Mofes  and 
 the  prophets  ;  Think  not,  faith  he,  that  lam  come  to  dejlroy 
 the  laiv  and  the  prophets, 
 
 4.  He  gives  them  to  underfland,  that  the  doiflrine  of  grace, 
 and  freedom  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,  by  faith  in  him,  is 
 readily  miflaken  by  men's  corrupt  judgments,  as  if  it  didloofc 
 or  flacken  the  obligation  of  believers  to  obey  the  commands, 
 and  to  be  fubje<^  to  the  authority,  of  the  law  ;  and  that  this 
 error  is  indeed  a  deftroying  of  the  law  and  of  the  prophets, 
 which  he  will  in  no  cafe  ever  endure  in  any  of  his  difciples, 
 it  is  fo  contrary  to  the  end  of  his  coming,  which  is  firft  to 
 fan^ify,  and  then  to  fave  believers  j  Think  not,  faith  he, 
 that  1  am  come  to  dejlroy  the  law  and  the  prophets. 
 
 5.   He 
 
ThePraBlcal  Use  of  Saving  Knowledge,  389 
 
 5.  He  teacheth,  that  the  end  of  thie  gofpel  and  covenant 
 of  grace  is  10  procure  men's  obedience  unto  the  Moral  Law  j 
 I  am  come,  faith  he,  to  fulfil  the  law  and  the  prophets. 
 
 6.  That  the  obligation  of  the  Moral  Law,  in  all  points,  un- 
 to all  holy  duties,  is  perpetual,  and  fliall  ftand  to  the  world's 
 end,  that  is,  till  heaven  and  earth  pafs  away. 
 
 7.  That  as  God  hath  had  a  care  of  the  fcriptures  from  the 
 beginning,  fo  fhall  he  have  a  care  of  them  ftill  to  the  world's 
 end,  that  there  fliall  net  one  jot  or  one  title  of  the  fubftancc 
 thereof  be  taken  away  ;  fo  faith  the  text,  ver.  1 8. 
 
 8.  That  as  the  breaking  of  the  Moral  Law,  and  defending 
 the  tranfgreffions  thereof  to  be  no  fin,  doth  exclude  men, 
 bo'ih  from  heaven,  and  juftly  alfo  from  the  fellowfliip  of  the 
 true  kirk  ;  fo  the  obedience  of  the  law,  and  teaching  others 
 to  do  the  fame,  by  example,  counfel,  and  do^lrine,  accord- 
 ing to  every  man's  calling,  proveth  a  man  to  be  a  true  belie- 
 ver, and  in  great  eftimation  with  God,  and  worthy  to  be 
 much  efteemed  ol  by  the  true  church,  ver.  19 
 
 9.  That  the  righteoufnels  of  every  true  Chriftian  muft  be 
 more  than  the  righteoufnefs  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharifees  : 
 For  the  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  albeit  they  took  great  pains  to» 
 difcharge  fundry  duties  of  the  law,  yet  they  cutted  fliort  the 
 expofition  thereof,  that  it  might  the  lefs  condemn  their  prac- 
 tice ;  they  ftudied  the  outward  part  of  the  duty,  but  neglec- 
 ted the  inward  and  fpiritual  part  ;  they  difcharged  fbme 
 meaner  duties  carefully,  but  negle^ed  judgment,  mercy,  and 
 the  love  of  God  ;  in  a  word,  they  went  about  to  eftablifh 
 their  own  righteoufnefs,  and  reje<5led  the  righteoufnefs  of 
 God  by  faith  in  Jefus.  But  a  trueChriftian  mufl;  have  more 
 than  all  this  :  he  muft  acknowledge  the  full  extent  of  the 
 fpiritual  meaning  of  the  law,  and  have  a  refpedt  to  all  the 
 commandments,  and  labour  to  cleanfc  himfelf  from  all  filthi- 
 nc(s  of  flefli  and  Ipirit,  and  not  lay  weight  upon  what  fervice 
 he  hath  done,  or  fhall  do,  but  clothe  himfelf  v^ith  the  im- 
 puted righteoufnefs  of  Chriftj  which  only  can  hide  his  na- 
 kednefs,  or  elfe  he  cannot  be  faved.  So  faith  the  text,  Ex- 
 cept your  righteoujnefsj  &c. 
 
 The  SECOND  thing  requifite  to  evidence  True  Faith,  is.  That 
 the  Believer  endeavour  to  put  the  rules  of  godltnefs  and  right e^ 
 ou/nefs  in  practice,  and  to  grow  in  the  daily  exercife  thereof; 
 holden  forth,  2  Pet.  i.  5, —  8. 
 
 "A 
 
 ND  befides  this,  giving  all  diligence,  add  to  your 
 faith,  virtue  i  and  to  virtue,  knowledge  ;  and  to 
 
 "  know- 
 
j^o  The  PraElical  UsE  of  Saving  Knowledge, 
 
 <^  knowledge,  temperance  ;  and  to  temperance,  patience  ; 
 ««  iand  to  patience,  godlinefs  ;  and  to  godlinefs,  brotherly 
 •^  k'mdnefs  ;  and  to  brotherly  kindnefs,  charity.  For  if 
 **  thefe  things  be  in  you,  and  abound,  they  make  you,  that 
 ««  ye  fhall  neither  be  barren  nor  unfruitful  in  the  knowledge 
 •<  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrift." 
 
 Wherein,  i.  The  apoftle  tcacheth  believers,  for  evidenc- 
 ing of  precious  faith  in  theml'elves,  to  endeavour  to  add  to 
 their  Faith  feven  other  fifler  graces. — The  firil  is  Virtue^  or 
 the  a(iive  exercife  and  prailice  of  all  moral  duties,  that  lo 
 faith  may  not  be  idle,  but  put  forth  itfeif  in  work.  The  Se- 
 cond is  Knowledge^  which  i'erves  to  furnifli  faith  with  infor- 
 mation of  the  truth  to  be  believed,  and  to  f  urnifli  Virtue  with 
 direction  what  duties  are  to  be  done,  and  how  to  go  about 
 them  prudently.  The  third  is  Temperance,  which  ferveth  to 
 moderate  the  ufe  of  all  pleafant  things,  that  a  man  be  not 
 clogged  therewith,  nor  made  unfit  for  any  duty  whereto  he 
 is  called.  The  fourth  is  Patience,  which  ferveth  to  moderate 
 3  man's  affections,  when  he  meeteth  with  any  difficulty  or 
 unpleafant  thing  i  that  he  neither  weary  for  pains  required 
 in  well-doing,  nor  faint  when  the  Lord  chafleueth  him,  nor 
 murmur  when  he  crofTeth  him.  The  fifth  is  Godlinefs,  which 
 may  keep  him  up  in  all  the  exexxifes  of  religion  inward  and 
 outward.  Whereby  we  may  be  furnHlicd  from  God  for  all  o- 
 ther  duties  which  he  hath  to  do.  The  fixth  is  Brotherly  kind- 
 ■nejs,  which  keepeth  eftimation  of,  and  afFeftion  to,  all  the 
 houfhold  of  faith,  and  to  the  image  of  God  in  every  one, 
 wherefoever  it  is  feen.  The  I'eventh  is  Lo'i}e,  which  keepeth 
 the  heart  in  readinefs  to  do  good  to  all  men,  whatfoever  they 
 be,  upon  all  occaiions  which  God  Ihall  offer. 
 
 2  Albeit  it  be  true,  that  there  is  much  corruption  and 
 infirmity  in  the  godly;  yet  the  apoftle  will  have  men  upright- 
 ly endeavouring  and  doing  their  bed,  as  they  are  able,  to  join 
 alt  thefe  graces  one  to  .\nother,  and  to  grow  in  the  mealure 
 of  exercifing  of  them  •,  Giving  all  diligence,  faith  he,  add  to 
 your  Jaith,  &c. 
 
 3.  He  affureth  all  profefTed  believers,  that  as  they  fliall 
 profit  in  the  obedience  of  this  direction,  fo  they  Ihall  profi- 
 tably prove  the  foundnefs  of  their  own  faith,  and,  if  they 
 want  thefe  graces,  that  they  fliall  be  found  blind  deceivers 
 of  themfelvcs,  ver.  9. 
 
 Thi 
 
The  Praflical  "Use  of  Saving  Ktiowledge^  3^1 
 
 The  THIRD  thbig  requifete  to  evidence  True  Faith,  isy  Thai 
 Obedience  to  the  Law  run  in  the  right  channel,  that  is,  thro^ 
 Faith  in  Chrijl,  &c.  holden  forth,   I  27m.  L  5. 
 
 <c  I^TOW,  the  end  of  the  commandment  is  Love,  out  of 
 «<  J[^  a  pure  heart,  and  df  a  good  confcience,  and  of  faith 
 *♦  ur  feigned." 
 
 Wherein  the  apoftle  teacbeth  thefe  fevcn  doftrines  : 
 
 1 .  That  the  obedience  of  the  law  muft  flow  from  love,  and. 
 love  from  a  pure  heart,  and  a  pure  heart  from  a  good  con- 
 fcifnce,  and  a  good  confcience  from  faith  unfeigned  :  this 
 he  maketh  the  only  right  chanP.el  of  good  works,  Tbe  end  sf 
 the  latu  is  Love^  &c. 
 
 2.  That  the  end  of  the  law  is  not,  that  men  may  be  jurn- 
 fied  by  their  obedience  of  it,  as  the  Jewifh  dodlors  did  faUly 
 teach  ;  for  it  is  impoffible  thatfinners  can  be  juftified  by  the 
 law,  who,  for  every  tranfgreilion,  are  condemned  by  the  law  j 
 for  the  end  of  the  law  is  (not  fuch  as  the  Jewifh  doftors  taught, 
 but)  Love  y  out  of  a  pure  hearty  &c, 
 
 3.  That  the  true  end  of  the  law,  preached  unto  the  peo- 
 ple, is,  that  they,  by  the  law,  being  made  to  lee  their  de- 
 ferved  condemnation,  (hould  flee  to  Chrift  unfeignedly,  to 
 be  juftified  by  faith  in  him  ;  fo  faith  the  text,  while  it  mak- 
 eth love  to  flow  through  faith  in  Chrift. 
 
 4.  That  no  man  can  fet  himlelf  in  love  to  obey  the  law, 
 except  in  as  far  as  his  confcience  is  quieted  by  faith,  or  is 
 feeking  to  be  quieted  in  Chrift  ;  For  the  end  of  the  law  is 
 Lovey  out  of  a  good  confcience  ^  and  faith  unfeigned. 
 
 5.  That  feigned  faith  goeth  to  Chrift  without  reckoning 
 with  tUe  law,  and  fo  wants  an  errand;  but  unfeigned  faith 
 reckoneth  with  the  law,  and  is  forced  to  flee  for  refuge  unto 
 Chrift,  as  the  end  of  the  law  for  righteoufnefs,  fo  often  as  it 
 finds  itfelf  guilty  for  breaking  of  the  law  ;  For  the  end  of  tht 
 laiv  is — faith  unfeigned. 
 
 6.  That  the  fruits  of  love  may  come  forth  in  ail  particu- 
 larly, it  is  necefTary  that  the  heart  be  brought  to  the  hatred 
 of  all  fin  and  uncleaanefs,  and  to  a  ftedfaft  purpofe  to  follow 
 all  holinefs  univerfally  j  For  the  end  of  the  law  is  Love^  out  rf 
 a  pure  heart. 
 
 7.  That  unfeigned  faith  is  able  to  make  the  confciencrr 
 good,  and  the  heart  pure,  and  the  man  lovingly  obedient  to 
 the  law  ;  for  when  Chrift's  blood  is  feen  by  faith  to  quirt 
 juftice,  then  the   confcience  becometh  quiet-alfo.  and  wiU 
 
 not 
 
ngi  The  Pfa£lical  Use  of  Saving  Kno-wJedge* 
 
 not  fufFer  the  heart  to  entertain  the  love  of  fin,  but  fets  the 
 man  on  work  to  fear  God  for  his  mercy,  and  to  obey  all  his 
 commandments,  out  of  love  to  God,  for  his  free  gift  of  jufti- 
 fication  by  grace  beflowed  on  him  :  For  this  is  the  end  of 
 .the  law  indeed,  whereby  it  obtaineth  of  a  man  more  obedi- 
 ence than  any  other  way. 
 
 The  FOURTH  thing  requifite  to  evidence  Tfue  Faith,  is,  The 
 keeping  Jlrait  communion  with  Chrijl,  the  fountain  of  all  gra- 
 ces y  and  of  all  good  ivorks  ;  holden  forth  fuhnxv.  ^, 
 
 T   AM  the  Vine,  ye  are  the  branches  :  he  that  abidjth 
 
 "  Jl^    in  me,  and  I  in  him,  the  fame  bringeth  forth  much 
 «  fruit  •,  for  without  me  ye  c^n  do  nothing." 
 
 Wherein  Chrift,  in  a  fimllitude  from  a  vine  tree,  teach- 
 cth  us, 
 
 I.  That  by  nature  we  are  wild  barren  briers,  till  we  be 
 changed  by  coming  unto  Chrift ;  and  that  Chrift  is  that  no- 
 ble vine  tree,  having  al^  life  and  fap  of  grace  in  himfelf,  and 
 able  to  change  the  nature  of  every  one  th?,t  cometh  to  him, 
 and  to  communicate  fpirit  and  life  to  as  many  as  fliall  believe 
 in  him  ;  1  am  the  Vine,  faith  he,  and  ye  are  the  branches. 
 
 1.  That  Chrift  loveth  to  have  believers  fo  united  untd 
 him,  as  that  they  be  not  feparated  at  any  time  by  unbelief  ; 
 and  that  there  may  be  a  mutual  inhabitation  of  them  in  him, 
 by  faith  and  love,  and  of  him  in  them  by  his  word  and  Spi- 
 rit •,  for  he  joineth  thefe  together.  If  ye  abide  in  nie^  and  I  in 
 you,  as  things  infeparable. 
 
 3.  That  except  a  man  be  ingrafted  in  Chnft,  and  united 
 to  him  by  faith,  he  cannot  do  any  the  leaft  good  works  of 
 his  own  ftrength  ;  yea,  except  in  as  far  as  a  man  do;»i  draw 
 fpirit  and  life  from  Chrift  by  faith,  the  work  which  he  doth 
 IS  naughty  and  null  in  the  point  of  goodnefs  in  God's  elHma- 
 tion  ',  for  without  me,  faith  he,  ye  oan  do  nothing. 
 
 4.  That  this  mutual  inhabitation  is  the  fountain  and  infalli-. 
 fele  caufe  of  conftant  continuing  and  abounding  in  well-doing  : 
 for  he  that  abideth  in  me,  and  I  in  him,  faith  he,  the  fame 
 heareth  much  fruit.  Now,  as  our  abiding  in  Chrift  prefup- 
 pofeth  three  things  j  1.  That  we  have  heard  the  joyful  found 
 of  the  gofpel,  making  offer  of  Chrift  to  us,  who  are  loft  fin- 
 ners  by  the  law.  2.  That  we  have  heartily  embraced  the 
 gracious  offer  of  Chrift.  3.  That  by  receiving  of  him,  we 
 are  become  the  ions  of  God,  John  i.  12.  and  are  incorporated 
 into  his  myftical  body,  that  h«  may  dweh  in  us  as  his  temple, 
 
 and 
 
The  Fracl'ical  Use  of  Saving  Knowledge.  393 
 
 and  we  dwell  In  him  as  in  the  reiidence  of  rlgliteoufnefs  and 
 life:  So  our  abiding  in  Chrift  importeth  other  three'thin^^s  ; 
 
 1.  An  employing  of  Chrift  in  all  our  addreiTes  to  God,  and 
 in  all  our  undertakings  of  whatfoever  piece  of  fervice  to  him. 
 
 2.  A  contenfednefs  with  his  iufficJency,  without  goinr^  out 
 from  him  to  {eek-righteoufnefs,  or  life,  or  furniture  in  any 
 cafe,  in  our  own,  or  any  of  the  creatures  worthinefs,  3. 
 A  fixednefs  in  our  believing  in  him,  a  fixednefs  in  our  em- 
 ploying and  making  ufe  of  him,  and  a  fixednefs  in  our  con- 
 tentment in  him,  and  adhering  to  him  ;  To  that  no  allure- 
 menf,  no  temptation  of  Satan  or  the  rvorid,  no  terror  nor 
 trouble,  may  be  able  to  drive  our  fpirits  from  firm  adherenc- 
 unto  him,  or  from  the  conftant  avowing  of  his  truth,  and 
 obeying  his  commands,  nvho  hath  loved  us,  and  given  himfelf 
 for  us  ,  and  in  whom,  not  only  our  life  is  laid  up,  but  aifo 
 the  fulnefs  of  the  Godhead  dwelleth  bodHv,  by  reafon  of  the 
 fubftantial  and  perlonal  union  of  the  divine  and  human  na- 
 ture in  him. 
 
 Hence  let  every  watchful  Believer,  for  (Irengthening  himfelf 
 in  Faith  and  Obedience,  reafon  after  this  manner  : 
 
 *  Whofoever  doth  daily  employ  Chrirt  jefus,  forcleanflng 
 
 *  his  confcience  and  affe<^ions  from  the  guiltinefs  and  filthi- 
 
 *  nefs  of  fins  againfl:  the  law,  nnd  for  enabling  him  to  give 
 
 *  obedience  to  the  law  in  love,  he  hath  the  evidence  of  true 
 
 *  faith  in  himfelf. 
 
 «  But  I  (may  every  watchful  believer  fay)  do  daily  employ 
 <  Jefus  Chriff  for  cleanfing  my  confcience  and  afFe£lions  from 
 
 *  the  guiltinefs  and  filthinefs  of  lins  ag^inft  the  law,  and  for 
 
 *  enabling  of  rpe  to  give  obedience  ^o  the  law  in  love. 
 
 *  Therefore  I  have  the  evidence  of  true  faith  in  myfelf.' 
 
 ^nd  hence  afo  let  the  fsepy  andfuggijh  believer  reafon,  for 
 his  own  upftirring,  thus  : 
 
 *  Whatfoever  is    neceflary   for  giving    evidence    of   tru« 
 '  faith,  I  mu{\  f^udy  to  do  it,  except   1  would  deceive  my- 
 
 *  fel*,  and  perifh. 
 
 *  But,  to  employ  Jefus   Chriff  daily  for  c'eanflng  of  mv 
 f  confcience  and  afFe^ions  from  the  guiltinefs  and  iilthincfs 
 
 *  of  fins  againft  the  law,  and  for  enabling  of  me  to  give  obe- 
 
 *  dience  to  the  law  in  love,  is  neceffary   for  evidencing   of 
 
 *  true  faith  in  me. 
 
 *  Therefore  this  I  mufl  ftudy  to  do,  except  I  would  de- 
 
 *  ceivc  rayfelf,  and  perUK.' 
 
 C  c  c  -  And, 
 
394  ^ke  PraBical  Vse  of  Saving  Knowledge, 
 
 And,  lajilyt  Seeing  Chrift  himfelf  hath  pointed  this  forth, 
 as  an  undoubted  evidence  of  a  man  clefted  of  God  unto  life, 
 and  given  to  Jefus  Chrift  to  be  redeemed,  if  he  come  unto 
 him,  that  is,  clofe  covenant  and  keep  communion  with  him, 
 as  he  teacheth  us,  John  vi.  37  faying,  All  that  the  Father 
 hath  given  me^  fiall  come  to  me  ;  and  him  that  cometh  unto  vie^ 
 1  will  in  no  lutfe  cajl  out  : — Let  every  perlbn,  who  doth  not 
 iu  earned  make  ufe  of  Chrift  for  remiffion  of  fin  and  amend- 
 ment of  life,  reafoD  hence,  and  from  the  whole  premifes,  af- 
 ter this  mann«r,  that  his  confcience  may  be  awakened  : 
 
 *  Whofoever  is  neither  by  the  law  nor  by  the  gofpel  io 
 convinced  of  fin,  rightcoufnefs  and  judgment,  as  to  make 
 him  come  to  Chrift,  and  employ  him  daily  for  remiffion  of 
 fin  and  amendment  of  life,  he  wanteth  not  only  all  evidence 
 of  faving  faith,  but  alfo  all  appearance  of  his  ele<il;ion,  fo 
 long  as  he  remaineth  in  this  condition. 
 
 *  But  I  (may  every  impenitent  perfon  fay)  am  neither  by 
 the  law  nor  goipel  fo  convinced  of  fin,  righteoufnefs,  and 
 judgment,  as  to  make  me  come  to  Chrift,  and  employ  him 
 daily  for  remiffion  of  fin  and  amendment  of  life. 
 
 *  Therefore  I  want  not  only  all  evidence  of  faving  faith, 
 but  alfo  all  appearance  of  my  cleilion,  fo  long  as  1  remain 
 in  this  condition ' 
 
 A    DIREC- 
 
A 
 
 DIRECTORY 
 
 FOR 
 
 Church  Government-,   Church  Censures 
 and  Ordination  of  Ministers; 
 
 AGREED     UPON     BY 
 
 The  Assembly  of  Divines  at  Wejinitnf.tr ^ 
 
 ■WITH     THE 
 
 AlSftance  of  Com  mi  ssioners  from  the  Church 
 of  Scotland  ; 
 
 AND 
 
 Appointed  by  t'ae  General  Assembly  at  Edinburgh^ 
 1647,  to  be  Printed  and  Examined  by  the  reveral  Prc/hj- 
 terics,  againft  the  next  General  AJJemht^. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
 C  c  c  2 
 
^  Albeir  the  following  Directory  zncnt  Church  Go' 
 vtrnment  and  Ordifiation,  h^  for  fubftance  contained  in  the 
 Propofitions  thereof  above  inlert,  {_Pc'ge  131  to  149]  andra- 
 tified  by  civil  and  eccleliailical  authority,  /Unno  1645  ;  yer, 
 in  regard  the  Directory  for  Church  Cenfuresj  Excommuni- 
 cation, and  abfolution,  is  not  yet  infert  ;  and  that  th^pe- 
 neral  Aflembly,  1647,  ^<^^^  the  faid  Diredory  for  Church 
 Government,  ciJ°^.  under  their  confideration,  and  by  their 
 a£t,  Seff".  25,  appoint  the  fame  to  be  printed  and  examined 
 by  Prefbyteries  againft  the  next  AfTembly  ;  and  the  General 
 Afrembly,  1648,  do  refer  to  the  Committee  for  public  mat- 
 ters, to  take  in  the  reports  concerning  the  Directory  of  Go- 
 vtrnment,  Catechifm,  and  cxi  Propofitions;  alfo  in  their 
 3 2d  SeiT,  they  malce  an  ail  for  continuation  of  the  examina- 
 tion of  the  Diredtory-of  Church  Government,  and  the  cxi 
 Propofitions,  until  the  next  AiTembly.  [See  the  Index  of  un- 
 prir.ttd  a£Js,  1647,  ^"^^  1648.]  Therefore  the  fame  is  here 
 pul)h(hed  from  that  copy  oi  it  printed  by  appointment  of  the 
 Ailcmbly,  Atmo  1647. 
 
C   1^1   3 
 
 A 
 
 DIRECTORY  for  Church  Govcrmnent,   Church 
 Cenfurcsy  and  Ordination  of  Minifters : 
 
 AGREED     OPON     BY 
 
 The  Assembly  of  Divines  at  We/lmlnfter,  with  Com- 
 miffionsrs  from  the  Church  of  Scotland  ; 
 
 ThePREFACE. 
 
 JESUS  CHRIST,  upon  whofe  flioulder  the  government 
 is,  whofe  name  is  called  IVonderful^  Counfellqr^  the  migh- 
 ty God,  the  Everlafang  Father^  the  Prince  of  Peace  ;  of  the 
 increafe  of  whofe  government  and  peace  there  fliall  be  no 
 end  ;  who  fits  upon  the  throne  of  David,  and  upon  his  king- 
 dom, to  order  it,  and  eftablifh  it  with  judgment  and  juilice, 
 from  henceforth,  even  for  ever-, — having  all  power  given  un- 
 to him  in  heaven  and  earth  by  the  Father,  who  raifed  him 
 from  the  dead,  and  fet  him  at  his  ov^n  right  hand,  far  above 
 rdl  principality,  and  power,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and 
 every ^ame  that  is  named,  not  only  in  this  world,  but  aUoin 
 that  which  is  to  come  ;  and  put  all  things  under  bis  feet,  and 
 gave  him  to  be  the  head  over  all  things  to 'the  church,  which 
 is  his  body,  the  fulnefs  of  him  that  fiUeth  all  in  all  :  he  being 
 afcended  up  far  above  all  heavens,  that  he  might  fill  all  things, 
 received  gifts  for  his  churchy  and  gave  all  officers  neceiTary 
 for  the  edification  of  his  church,  and  perfeding  of  his  faints, 
 
 «<?'>  t<;?^  i<P%  c<J>^  t<£?^  t^Pi  t<^  i^p^  i<:?^  t<^>>  t<^^  t<^J^  tiP%  <-<;?%  V^ 
 
 Of  the  Church. 
 
 THERE  is  one  general  church  vifible  held  forth  in  the' 
 New  Teftament  ;  unto  which  general  church  visible, 
 the  minifiry,  oracles,  and  ordinances  of  the  New  Teftament, 
 it're  given  by  Jefus  Chrift,  for  the  gathering  and  penciling  of 
 the  faints  in  this  life,  until  his  fecond  coming, 
 
 Farticular 
 
398^      T^^  Directory /or  Church  Government^  8<c. 
 
 Particular  vifible  churches,  members  of  the  general  church, 
 are  alfo  held  forth  in  the  New  Teftament :  which  particular 
 churches,  in  the  primitive  times,  were  made  up  of  vifible 
 faints,  viz.  of  fuch  as,  being  of  age,  profelTed  faith  in  Chrift, 
 and  obedience  unto  Chriil,  (according  to  the  rules  of  faith 
 andUfe  taught  by  him  and  hisapoftles)  and  of  their  children. 
 
 Of  tlie  Officers  of  the  Church. ' 
 
 APOSTLES,  prophets,  and  evangelifts,  were  extraordi- 
 nary officers  in  the  church,  and  are  ceafed. 
 
 The  Pajior  is  an  ordinary  and  perpetual  officer  In  the 
 cliurch  i  to  whofe  office  it  belongetb,  to  pray  for  and  with 
 his  jBlock  i  to  read  the  Icripture  publicly  in  the  congregation, 
 which  is  an  holy  ordinance  in  God's  church,  although  there 
 follow  no  immediate  explication  of  what  is  read  ;  to  preach 
 the  word  ;  to  be  inftant  in  feafon  and  out  of  feafon  ;  to  re- 
 prove, correct,  inftruft,  rebuke,  exhort,  convince,  and  com- 
 fort :  one  fpecial  way  of  difcharging  which  work  of  preach- 
 ing, is,  by  a  plain  laying  down  the  iirft  principles  of  the  ora- 
 cles of  God,  which  is  commonly  called  Catechifmg  ;  to  ad- 
 minifter  the  facraments  ;  in  the  name  of  God  to  blefs  the 
 people  J  to  take  care  for  the  poor  \  and  he  hath  alfo  a  ruling 
 power  over  the  flock  as  a  Paftor. 
 
 in  the  fcripture,  we  alfo  find  the  name  and  title  of  Teacher^ 
 who  is  a  minifter  of  the  word,  and  hath  power  of  adminirtra- 
 tion  of  the  facraments  and  difcipline,  as  well  as  the  paftor. 
 
 The  Lord  having  given  different  gifts,  and  divers  exercife?, 
 according  to  thefe  gifts,  in  the  minifters  of  the  word  ;  tho' 
 thefe  different  gifts  may  meet  in,  and  accordingly  be  exercifed 
 by,  one  and  the  fame  minifter,  yet,  where  there  be  feveral 
 minifters  in  the  fame  congregation,  they  may  be  defign- 
 ed  to  feveral  employments,  according  to  the  different  gifts 
 wherein  each  of  them  doth  excel  j  and  he  who  doth  more 
 excel  in  expolition  of  fcripture,  in  teaching  found  do£trine, 
 and  in  convincing  gninfayers,  than  he  doth  in  application,  and 
 is  accordingly  employed  therein,  may  be  called  a  Teacher  or 
 Dc^ar.  Neverthelels,  where  there  is  but  one  minifter  in  a 
 particular  congregation,  he  is  to  perform,  fo  far  ^  he  is  able, 
 the  whole  work  of  the  miniftry. 
 
 A  Teacher  or  Dortor  is  of  moft:  excellent  ufe  in  fchools  and 
 univerlities,  as  of  old  in  the  fchools  of  the  prophets,  and  at 
 Jcrufalem,  where  Gamaliel  and  others  taught  as  doiStors. 
 
 It  is  likewife  agreeal>le  to,  and  warranted  by  the  word  of 
 God,  that  feme  ctJiers,  belide  the  minifters  of  th-  word,  be 
 
 church 
 
T^tf  BiRECTORTyor  Church  Governmtntt  Zee.      299 
 
 church  governors,  to  join  with  the  rcinifters  in  the  govern- 
 ment of  the  church  •,  virhich  officers  reformed  churches  com- 
 monly call  Elders. 
 
 Thefe  Elders  ought  to  be  fuch  as  are  men  of  good  undep- 
 ftandihg  in  matters  of  religion,  found  in  the  fsith,  prudent, 
 difcreeb,  grave,  and  of  wnblameable  converfation. 
 
 Deacons  alfo  are  dilHndl  officers  in  the  church,  to  vrhofe 
 office  it  belongeth  not  to  preach  the  word,  or  adminifter  th« 
 facranients,  but  to  take  fpccial  care  for  the  neceiiities  of  th« 
 poor,  bycolleding  for,  anddiftributing  to  them,  with  direc- 
 tion of  the  Elderlhip,  that  none  amongll  the  people  of  God 
 be  conftrained  to  bs  beggars. 
 
 The  Deacons  muft  be  wife,  fober,  grave,  of  hone  ft  report, 
 and  not  greedy  of  iilthy  lucre. 
 
 Of  Church  Government,  ami  the  fevsral  Sorts  of  As- 
 semblies yo>" //vyim^.  » 
 
 CHRIST  hath  inftituted  a  government  and  governors 
 ecclefiaftical  in  the  church  ;  and,  to  that  purpofe,  the 
 apoltles  did  immediately  receive  the  keys  from  the  hand  oi 
 Jefus  Chrift,  and  did  ufe  and  exercife  them  in  all  the  churches 
 of  the  world  upon  all  occafions, — and  Chriif  hath,  from  tlmft 
 to  time,  furnilhed  fome  in  his  church  with  gifts  for  govern- 
 ment, and  with  commiffion  to  exercife  the  fame,  when  called 
 thereunto. 
 
 It  is  agreeable  to,  and  warranted  by  the  word  of  God,  that 
 fo me  others,  beiides  the  minlHers  of  the  word,  be  church 
 governors,  as  was  mentioned  before. 
 
 It  is  lawful,  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  that  the 
 church  be  governed  by  feveral  forts  of  AiTemblies,  which  are 
 Prefbyteries  and  Synods,  or  AfTeniblies  congregational,  ciaffi- 
 cal,  and  fynodical. 
 
 The  fcripture  doth  hold  out  a  Prefbytery  in  a  church  j 
 which  Prefbytery  conftOeth  of  miniiVers  of  the  v;?ord,  and 
 thofe  other  church  officers  who  are  to  join  with  the  miniflers 
 in  the  government  of  the  church. 
 
 The  fcripture  doth  hold  out  another  fort  of  AfTemblies  for 
 the  government  of  the  church,  beliJes  clafficiii  and  congre- 
 gational, which  we  call  Synodical. 
 
 0/  the  POWER  IN  COMMON  of  all  thefe  JJfemhiieSy  and 
 the  Order  to  be  ohferved  in  them, 
 
 T  is^  lawful,  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  that  thr 
 feveral  AlFemblies "before  mentioned  do  convetJt  and  call 
 
 before 
 
400      The  Directory  for  Church  Government^  See. 
 
 before  them  any  perfon  within  their  feveral  bounds,  whom 
 the  ecclefiaftical  bufinefs,  which  is  before  them,  (hall  con- 
 cern, either  as  a  party,  or  a  witnefs,  or  otherwile,  and  to  ex- 
 amine them  according  to  the  nature  of  the  bufinefs ;  and  that 
 they  do  hear  and  determine  fuch  caufes  and  differences  as 
 Ihall  orderly  come  before  them,  and  accordingly  difpenfe 
 church  cenlures. 
 
 It  is  moft  expedient,  that,  in  thefe  meetings,  one,  whofe 
 office  is  to  labour  in  the  word  and  doclrinc,  do  moderate  in 
 their  proceedings,  who  is  to  vote  as  well  as  the  reft  of  the 
 members ;  to  begin  and  end  every  meeting  with  prayer  ;  to 
 propofe  queftions,  gather  the  votes,  pronounce  the  refolves  ; 
 but  not  to  do  any  adl  of  government,  uhlefs  in  and  jointly 
 with  the  AfTembly  whereof  he  is  moderator. 
 
 All  the  members  of  thcfe  Aflemblies  refpe£lively,  are  to 
 attend  on  the  appointed  days  of  their  meetings,  or  to  fend 
 the  reafon  of  their  abfence,  to  be  judged  by  the  Aflembiy 
 where  they  ought  to  meet. 
 
 The  final  refolution  flball  be  by  the  major  part  of  the  votes  * 
 of  thofe  members  who  are  prefent. 
 
 0/"  PARTICULAR  Congregations. 
 
 IT  is  expedient,  that  particular  congregations  be  fixed,  both 
 in  their  ofHcers  and  members,  which  are  to  meet  in  the 
 iame  Aflembly  ordinarily  for  public  worfhip. 
 
 When  their  number  is  fo  great,  that  they  cannot  conveni- 
 ently meet  in  one  place,  it  is  expedient  that  they  be  divided, 
 according  to  the  refpe^ive  bounds  of  their  dwellings,  into 
 diftinft  and  fixed  congregations,  for  the  better  adminiftration 
 of  Inch  ordinances  as  belong  unto  them,  and  the  difcharge  of 
 mutual  duties  •,  wherein  all,  according  to  their  feveral  places 
 and  callings,  are  to  labour  to  promote  whatever  appertains 
 to  the  power  of  godlinefs  and  credit  of  religion,  that  the  whole 
 V^nd,  in  the  full  extent  of  it,  may  become  the  kingdom  of  the 
 JjOrd  and  of  his  Chrifl. 
 
 Parochial  congregations  in  this  kingdom,  confifting  of  mi- 
 nifters  and  people,  who  profefs  fviith  in  Chrift,  and  obedience 
 unto  Chrift,  according  to  the  rules  of  faith  and  life  taught  by 
 him  and  his  apoftles,  and  join  together  in  the  public  worfliip 
 of  hearing,  praying,  and  admin-iftration  of  the  facraments, — 
 are  churches  truly  con(ritut>ed. 
 
 If  any  perfon  or  perfons,  in  the  congregation,  do  not  an- 
 f'wer  his  or  their  prbfeflion,  but  by  open  fin  and  wickedncis 
 cjofs  and  deny  it ;  or,  if  there  be  a  want  of  fonae  office!?,  or 
 
 a  finfut 
 
The  Directory  for  Church  Government^  Sec,      401 
 
 a  finhil  neglefk  of  officers  in  the  due  execution  of  difeipline, 
 — yet  this  doth  not  nmake  that  congregation  ceafe  to  be  a 
 church,  but  requires  that  thei'e  (hould  be  a  iupply  of  officers 
 which  are  wanfing,  and  a  careful  endeavour  for  the  reforma- 
 tion of  the  offending  perfon  or  perfons,and  of  negligent  offi- 
 cers, by  juft  cenfures,  according  to  che  nature  of  the  caul'e. 
 
 Communion  and  memberfhip  in  congregations  thus  conlti- 
 tuted,  notwithftanding  the  forementioned  defeats,  is  not  un- 
 lawful. And  to  refufe  or  renounce  memberfli^p  and  church 
 communion,  or  to  feparate  from  church  communion  with 
 congregations  thus  conftituted,  as  unlawful  to  be  joined  wick 
 in  regard  of  their  conlfitution,  is  not  warranted  by  the  word 
 of  God. 
 
 Separation  from  a  church  thus  conOituted,  where  the  ao- 
 vernment  is  lawful,  upon  an  opinion  that  it  is  unlawful,  and 
 that  therefore  all  the  godly  are  alfo  bound  to  feparate  fron^ 
 all  fuch  churches  ib  conftituted  and  governed,  and  to  join 
 themlelves  to  another  church  of  another  conlHtution  and  go- 
 vernment, is  not  warranted  by  the  word  of  God^  but  con- 
 trary to  it. 
 
 To  gather"  churches  into  an  independent  form  of  govern- 
 ment out  of  churches  of  a  Prefbyterial  form  of  government, 
 upon  an  opinion  that  the  Prefbyterial  governmer.t  is  unlaw- 
 ful,— is  not  lawful  and  warranted  by  the  word  of  God  ;  nor 
 is  it  lawful  for  any  member  of  a  parochial  congregation,  if 
 the  ordinances  be  there  adminirtred  in  purity,  to  go  and  feelc 
 them  elfewhere  ordinarily. 
 
 G/'Ordinances  of  a  Particular  Congregation, 
 
 ORDINANCES  in  a  particular  congregation,  are,  prav- 
 er,  thankfgiving,  tinging  of  Pfslms,  reading  the  word, 
 preaching  and  catechizing,  adminiftring  the  f,»craments,  bleJ- 
 ling  the  people  in  the  name  of  God,  and  coUe(5tion  for  the 
 poor.  As  for  difcipline,  we  refer  curlelves  to  what  we  iiave 
 elfewhere  expreffed. 
 
 0/  the  Officers  of  a  Particular  Congregation. 
 
 IN  the  congregation,  there  mull  be  fome  who  are  fet  apart 
 to  bear  office  ;  one  at  the  leaft  to  labour  in  the  w-^rd  and 
 do£\rine,  and  to  rule  ;  and  let  others  be  chofen  ruling  eiders 
 to  join  with  him  in  governmenr. 
 
 When  any  ruling  elder  is  to  be  chofen,  where  an  elder/hip 
 
 is  conftituted,  let  it  be  done  by  them,  with  the  confent  and 
 
 D  d  d  approba- 
 
402       The  Directory  ySr  Church  Government ^  $cc, 
 
 approbation  of  the  people  of  that  congregation,  and  that  not 
 for  a  limited  time  :  yet  the  cxercife  of  their  office  may  be  fo 
 ordered  by  the  elderfhip,  as  tbat  their  civil  emplayments  may 
 be  leaft  hindered  thereby. 
 
 Where  there  are  many  ruling  officers  in  a  particular  con- 
 gregarion,  let  fome  of  tliem  mOre  efpecially  attend  the  in- 
 Ipe^lion  of  one  part,  fome  of  another,  as  may  be  moft  con- 
 venient ;  and  let  them  at  fit  times  vifit  the  feveral  families, 
 for  their  fpiritual  good. 
 
 Let  there  be  alfo  Deacons,  to  take  fpecial  care  for  the  re- 
 lief of  the  poor,  who  are  likewile  to  be  cholen  by  the  elder- 
 fhip,  with  the  confent  of  the  people  of  that  congregation  j 
 and  the  continuance  of  them  in  that  office  is  to  be  determin- 
 ed by  the  eiderfhip,  with  conlent  of  the  congregation,  lb  as 
 may  ';eaft  hinder  their  civil  employments. 
 
 Thefe  officers  are  to  meet  together,  at  convenient  and  fet 
 times,  for  the  well  ordering  of  the  affairs  of  chat  congregati- 
 on, each  according  to  his  office. 
 
 The  number  of  Elders  and  Deacons,  in  each  congregation, 
 is  to  be  proportioned  according  to  the  condition  of  the  con- 
 gregation. 
 
 Of  Congregational    ElderJhipSy   or  Assemblies /2)>' 
 Governing  in  a  -Particular  Congregation. 
 
 THE  Congregational  Eiderfhip,  confifting  of  the  mini- 
 flcr  or  minifters,  and  the  other  ruling  officers  of  that 
 congregation,  hath  power,  as  they  fhall  fee  jufloccafion,  to 
 inquire  into  the  knowledge  and  fpiritual  efiateofany  member 
 of  the  congregation  j  to  admonifh  and  rebuke  ;  to  fufpend 
 from  the  Lord's  table,  though  the  perfon  be  not  yet  caft  out 
 of  the  church  :  all  which  is  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God. 
 Although  the  truth  of  converfion  and  regeneration  be  necef- 
 fary  to  every  worthy  communicant,  for  his  own  comfort  and 
 benefit  ;  yet  thole  only  are  to  be  by  the  eiderfhip  excluded 
 or  fulpended  from  the  Lord's  table,  who  are  found  by  thein 
 to  be  ignorant  or  fcandalous. 
 
 Where  there  arc  more  fixed  minifters  than  one  in  a  con- 
 grf^^ation,  it  is  expedient  that  they  moderate  by  courle  in  that 
 Eiderfhip. 
 
 w 
 
 (^Classical  AJfemhlies. 
 
 HEN  congregations  are  divided  and  fixed,  they  need 
 all  mutual  help  one  irom  another,  both  in  regard  of 
 
 theii- 
 
The  Directory  yi)r  Church  Government,  Sec.      403 
 
 their  iutrinfical  weaknefs  and  mutual  dependence  ;  »:J  alio, 
 in  regard  of  enemies  from  without. 
 
 The  fcripture  doth  hold  forth,  that  many  particular  con- 
 gregations may  be  under  one  Prefbyterial  government. 
 
 A  Clafiical  Prelbytery  Is  an  aflembly  made  up  of  miniHers 
 of  the  word,  and  other  ruling  cfacers  belonging  unto  ieveral 
 neighbouring  congregations,  and  doth  ordinarily  c6i)lijt  of 
 all  the  pallors  and  teachers  belonging  to  thole  feveial  tongre- 
 gations  fo  aflbclated,  and  of  one  of  the  other  ruling  officers, 
 at  the  leaft  from  every  of  theie  congregations,  to  be  fcnt  by 
 theiif  i-efpe^ive  Prefbyteries. 
 
 Let  them  meet  once  every  monih,  or  oftener,  as  cccafion 
 fhall  require,  in  fuch  place  as  they  lliall  judge  moft  conveni- 
 ent. And,  before  they  fet  about  other  bufinefs,  let  there 
 be  a  fermon  or  expolition  of  fcripture,  made  by  (bme  mini- 
 fier  of  that  claffis,  or  expectant,  as  they  (hall  agree  Hinongft 
 themfelves, 
 
 For  the  more  orderly  managing  of  fuch  affairs  as  come  be- 
 fore them,  let  there  be  one  Moderator  chofen  by  the  ciallis 
 at  every  meeting,  out  of  the  minifters  of  the  w/ord,  who  Ihali 
 continue  till  the  next  meeting. 
 
 To  the  enabling  them  to  perform  any  c'affical  aft  of  go- 
 vernment or  ordination,  there  Ihall  be  chere  prefent  a  mnjor 
 part,  at  leaft,  of  the  minifters  of  the  whole  clailis. 
 
 It  belongeth   unto  Clajp.cal  Prefc\teiies^ 
 
 To  confider  of,  to  debate,  and  to  relblve,  according  to 
 God's  word,  luch  cafes  of  confcience,  or  other  difH<:uities  in 
 do£lrine,  as  are  brought  unto  them  out  of  their  aiTociation,  ac- 
 cording as  they  fhali  find  needful  for  the  good  of  the  churrhis. 
 
 To  ex^nine  and  cenfure,  according  to  the  word,  any  er- 
 roneous doftiines,  which  have  been,  either  publicly,,  or  pri- 
 varely,  vented  within  their  aiTociation,  to  the  corrupting  of 
 the  judgments  of  men,  and  to  endeavour  the  converting  of 
 recufants,  or  any  others  in  error  or  fchilni. 
 
 To  order  all  etcleliallical  matters  of  coinmon  conceri-.ucut 
 within  the  bounds  of  their  aiTociation. 
 
 To  take  cognizance  of  caufes  omitted  or  netlecled  in  par- 
 ticular congregations,  and  to  receive  appeals  from  them. 
 
 To  difpenle  cenfures  in  cales  within  their  cOjjiiizance/  by 
 admonition,  i'ufpenfion,  or  excommunicition. 
 
 To  admonidi,  or  farther  to  ciniure,  Icandalous  inin'fters, 
 
 whether  in  life  or  dotTtrifle,  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
 
 ofience  ;  and  that  not  only  for  fuch  oiTences,  for  which   qny 
 
 other  member  ol  the  congregation  (lull  iiicur  any  ceniure  of 
 
 JD  d  d  ?  the 
 
404      Tie  Directory  y^^r  Church  Gcvermveut^  &c. 
 
 the  cLifrch  ;  (in  which  rafe  be  is  to  be  cenfured  by  the  claflis 
 with  the  liiie  cenlurefor  the  like  oflence)  but  iikewife  parti- 
 cularly forliniony,  entering  into  any  minifterial  charge  with- 
 out aiiowance  of  authority,  falle  dodlrine,  aftVdted  lightnefs 
 and  vanivy  in  preaching,  wilful  ncgle^l  of  preaching,  orflight 
 performanct;  of  it,  wilful  non-reiidence  at  his  charge,  with- 
 out call  or  caule  approved  by  the  claffis,  negiedl  of  admini- 
 stration of  the  facranients,  or  other  niinillerial  duties  requir- 
 ed ofhim  in  the  Direclory  of  ivorpjip^  depraving  and  fpeaking 
 reproachfuily  againO  the  wholfom  orders  by  authority  fettled 
 in  the  church,  casting  reproach  upbn  the  power  of  godlinefs, 
 which  lie  by  his  office  ought  cliiefiy  to  promote,  yet  loa;  that 
 jtio  tniniiier  be  depoled  but  by  the  refolution  ot  a  Synod, 
 
 To  examine,  ordain,  and  admit  minifters  for  the  congre- 
 gations relpeffively  therein  aiTociated,  according  to  the  advice" 
 iornieriy  ii^iit  up  to  the  honourable  Houfes  of  Parhament. 
 
 G/Synodical   Jj^emhlles 
 TNODICAL  Aflernblies  do  conlill  of  paftors,  teachers, 
 cliurcii  governors,  and  other  fit  perfons,  (when  it  fhall 
 be  deemed  expedient)  where  they  have  a  lawful  calling  there- 
 unro. 
 
 'f'hefe  AfTeinblies  have  ecclefiaflical  power  and  authority 
 to  judpe  ai]d  determine  controverfies  of  faith  and  cafes  of 
 conlcieiice,  according  to  the  word. 
 
 They  mayallo  lavvtuliy  excommunicate,  and  difpenfe  other 
 church  cenluretH. 
 
 8vno<licai  Alien-iblies  are  of  fcveral  forts,  vIt..  Provincial, 
 National,  CEcumenical. 
 
 C/ Provincial  JJfetuhltes. 
 
 LET  Provincial  AfTemblies  generally  be  bounded  accord- 
 ing to  the  civil  diviiion  of  the  kingdom  into  counties  ; 
 iiiiu,  wiiere  any  great  counties  are  divided  within  themfelves, 
 l-'t  the  ProvinciaL  AfTcmblies  follow  thefe  divifions,  as  in  the 
 lidings  of  Yorklhire. 
 
 Provincial  Aflcmbliesconfifl:  of  delegates  fent  from  feveral 
 clafies  within  that  province,  whofe  number  fliall  exceed  the 
 number  of  any  one  clafiical  l^rcfbyiery  within  that  province  v 
 and,  to  tii^t  end,  there  fhall  be  at  the  leaff  two  minifters  and 
 twu  ruling  elders  out  of  every  claflis;  and  where  it  Ihall. ap- 
 pear necdiary  to  increafe  the  number,  let  it  npt  exceed  fix 
 of  each  from  any  one  claflis. 
 
 Let  tiiele  AiTemblies  meet  twice  every  year  ;  and,  for  en- 
 
 abhng  them  unto  any  aft  of  government,  let  them  be  a  major 
 
 part  at  kail  of  the  uiinillcrS  delegated  iroai  the  levti^il  clalTes. 
 
 •       '  Of 
 
The  Directory /cf  Church  Gsvernntentt  &c.      405 
 
 Of  the  National  JJfembly. 
 
 THE  National  Aflembly  coniifls  of  minifters  and  ruling 
 elders,  delegated  from  each  Provincial  Aflembly  ;  the 
 number  of  which  delegates  (hall  be  three  minifters  and  three 
 ruling  elders  out  of  every  province,  and  five  learned  and  god- 
 ly perfons  from  each  univerfity. 
 
 Let  this  AfTembly  meet  once  every  year,  andoftener,  if 
 there  (hall  be  occafion. 
 
 The  firil  time  to  be  appointed  by  the  honourable  Houfes 
 of  Parliament. 
 
 Of  the  Subordination  of  thefe  JJjfembUeS' 
 T  is  lawful,  and  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  that  there 
 ^  be  a  fubordination  of  congregational,  claffical,  provincial, 
 and  national  afi'embiies  for  the  government  of  the  church, 
 that  fo  appeals  may  be  made  from  the  inferior  to  the  lupcrior 
 refpei^ively-. 
 
 The  Provincial  and  National  AiTemblles  are  to  have  the 
 fame  power  in  all  points  of  government  and  cenfures  brought 
 before  them  within  their  feveral  bounds  relpc£lively,  as  is  be- 
 fore expreired,  to  belong  to  claffical  Prefbyteries,  within  their 
 feveral  alTociations. 
 
 The  Directory  for  Church  Cenfures. 
 
 CHURCH  Cenfures  and  Difcipline,  for  judging  and 
 removing  of  offences,  being  of  great  ufe  and  neceffity 
 in  ttie  church,  that  the  name  of  God,  by  reafon  of  ungodly 
 and  wicked  perfons  living  in  thechtirch,  be  not  blafphemed, 
 ror  his  wrath  provoked  againft  his  people  ;  that  the  godly  be 
 not  leavened  with,  but  prelerved  from,  the  contagion,  and 
 itricken  with  fear  •,  and  that  the  finners  who  are  to  be  cen- 
 lured  maybe  alhamed,  to  the  deftru^lion  of  the  flelli,  and 
 laving  of  the  fpirit,  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jefus  :  we  judge 
 this  courfe  of  proceeding  therein  to  be  requilite. 
 
 The  Order  of  Proceeding  nv'ith  O^enders,  ivhoy  lefore  Ex" 
 comtnun'tcatiouy  manifeji  Repentance. 
 "HEN  the  offence  is  private,  the  Order  of  admonition 
 prefcribed  by  our  Lord,  Matt,  xviii.  15.  is  in  all 
 vviidom  and  love  to  be  obferved,  that  the  offender  may  ei- 
 ther be  recovered  by  repentance,  or^  if  he  add  obttinacy  and 
 contempt  to  his  fault,  he  may  be  cut  off  by  excommunication. 
 
 If 
 
4o6      The  Director! /jr  Church  GovernmsHf^  Sec. 
 
 If  the  fin  be  publicly  fcandalous,  and  the  finner,  being 
 examined,  be  judged  to  hsve  the  figns  of  unfeigned  repen- 
 tance, and  nothing  juftlyofajefted  to  it,  when  made  known  to 
 the  people  ;  let  him  be  admitted  to  public  confeffion  ot  his 
 Gn^  and  manifeftation  ot  his  repentance  before  the  congre- 
 gation. 
 
 When  the  penitent  is  brought  before  the  congregation,  the 
 minifter  is  to  declare  his  fin,  whereby  he  hath  provoked 
 God*s  wrath,  and  offended  iiis  people  ;  his  coniefiion  of  it, 
 and  profeflion  of  unfeigned  repentance  for  it,  and  of  his  re- 
 folution  (through  the  (Irength  of  Chrift)  to  fin  no  more; 
 and  bis  defire  of  their  prayers  for  mercy  and  grace  to  be  kept 
 from  falling  again  into  that  or  any  the  like  fin  :  of  all  which 
 the  penitent  alfo  is  to  make  a  full  and  free  expreffion,  ac- 
 cording, to  his  ability. 
 
 Which  being  done,  the  minifier,  after  prayer  to  God  for 
 the  penitent,  is  to  admonifh  him  to  walk  circumfpedtly,  and 
 the  people  to  make  a  right  ufe  of  his  fall  and  rifing  again  : 
 and  lb  to  declare  that  the  congregation  refteth  fatisfied. 
 
 7he  Order  of  Proceeding  to  Excommunicntion. 
 
 EXCOMMUNICATION  being  a  fliutting  out  of  a  perfon 
 from  the  communion  of  the  church,  (and  therefore  the 
 greateft  and  laft  cenlure  of  the  church)  ought  not  to  be  in^ 
 fiifted  without  great  and  marure  deliberation,  nor  till  all  o- 
 ther  good  means  have  been  effayed. 
 
 Such  errors  as  fubvert  the  faith,  or  any  other  errors  which 
 overthrow  the  power  of  godlinefs,  if  the  party  who  holds 
 them  fpread  them,  feeking  to  draw  others  after  him  ;  and 
 fuch  fins  in  praftice,  as  caufe  the  name  and  truth  of  GoJ  ro 
 be  blafphcmed,  and  cannot  Hand  with  the  power  of  godUnefs, 
 —and  luch  practices,  as  in  their  own  nature  m^^nifellly  fiab- 
 Tert  that  order,  unity,  and  peace,  which  Chrlil:  hath  eilabli- 
 fhed  in  his  church  :  Thefe  being  puljlicly  known,  to  the  juft 
 fcanial  of  the  church,  the  fentcnce  of  Excommunication  fliall 
 proceed  according  to  the  DireSIory. 
 
 But  the  perfons  who  hold  other  errors  in  judgment,  about 
 points  wherein  learned  and  godly  men  poffibly  may  or  do  dif- 
 fer,and  which  fubvert  not  the  fiitb,nor  are  def>ru6tive  togod- 
 linefs  ;  or  that  be  guilty  of  fuch  fins  of  innrmicy,  as  are  com- 
 monly found  in  the  criildren  of  God  ;  or,  b3in:t  otherwife 
 found  in  the  faith,  and  holy  in  life,  (and  To  not  f;;llir.g  under 
 cenfure  by  the  former  rules)  endeavour  to  keep  the  unity  of 
 the  Spirit  in  the  bond  o{  peace,  and  do  yet  out  of  confcience 
 not  come  up  to  the  ojl'<:rvationof  all  thole  rules,  which  are, 
 
 or 
 
Th  Directory  fof  Church  Oovemment,  &c.      407 
 
 or  fiiall  be.eftablifKed  by  authority,  for  regulating  the  out- 
 ward worfhip  of  God,  and  government  of  his  church, — we 
 do  not  difcern  to  be  fuch  againft  whom  the  fentence  of  ex- 
 communication for  thefe  caufes  fhould  be  denounced. 
 
 "When  the  fin  becomes  public  and  juftly  fcandalous,  the 
 offender  is  to  be  dealt  with  by  the  Elderlhip,  to  bring  him  to 
 repentance,  and  to  fuch  a  manifeftation  thereof,  as  that  his 
 repentance  may  be  as  public  as  the  fcandal  :  but,  if  h«  remain 
 obftinate,  he  is  at  laft  to  be  excommunicated,  and,  in  the  meaa 
 time,  to  be  fufpended  from  the  Lord's  Supper. 
 
 And  whereas  there  be  divers  and  various  judgments  touch- 
 ing the  power  of  excommunication,  and  the  proper  fubje€t 
 thereof,  we  conceive  that,  for  clearing  of  difficulties,  avoid- 
 ing of  offences,  preiervation  of  peace,  and  fuch  like,  thefe 
 follov(ring  directions  are  fit  to  be  obferved. 
 
 In  the  great  and  difiicult  cafes  of  excommunication,  whe- 
 ther concerning  dodtrine  or  converfation,  the  clalfical  Pref- 
 bytery,  upon  the  knowledge  thereof,  may  examine  the  per- 
 fon,  confider  the  nature  of  the  offence,  with  the  aggravations 
 thereof,  and,  as  they  fhall  fee  juft  caufe,  may  declare  and 
 decern  that  he  is  to  be  excommunicated  ;  which  (hall  be  done 
 by  the  Elderlhip  of  that  congregation  whereof  he  is  a  mem- 
 ber, with  the  confent  of  the  congregation,  in  this  or  the  like 
 manner : 
 
 As  there  fliall  be  caufe,  fevcral  public  admonitious  fhall  be 
 given  to  the  offender,  (if  he  appear)  and  prayers  made  for  him. 
 
 When  the  offence  is  fo  heinous,  that  it  cries  to  heaven  for 
 vengeance,  walteth  the  confcience,  and  is  generally  fcanda- 
 lous, the  cenfures  of  the  church  may  proceed  with  more  ex- 
 pedition. 
 
 In  the  admonitions,  let  the  fa£l  be  charged  upon  the  of- 
 fender with  the  clear  evidence  of  his  guilt  thereof  ;  then  let 
 the  nature  of  his  fin,  the  particular  aggravations  of  it,  the 
 punifhments  and  curfes  threatened  againft  it,  the  danger  of 
 impenitency,  efpecially  after  fuch  means  ufed,  the  woful  con- 
 dition of  them,  caft  out  from  the  favour  of  God  and  comnwi- 
 nion  of  the  faints,  the  great  mercy  of  God  in  Chrift  to  the 
 penitent, — how  ready  and  willing  Chrift  is  to  forgive,  and 
 the  church  to  accept  him  upon  his  ferious  repentance.  Let 
 thefe  or  the  like  particulars  be  urged  upon  him  out  of  fome 
 fuitablc  places  of  the  holy  fcriptures. 
 
 The  fame  particulars  may  be  mentioned  in  prayer,  wherein 
 the  Lord  is  to  be  intreated  to  blefs  this  admonition  to  him, 
 and  to  affeft  his  heart  with  the  confidei-ation  of  thefe  things, 
 thereby  to  bring  him  unto  true  repentance. 
 
 .        .  If, 
 
403    •  The  Directory  yjir  Church  Gcveynmenty  &c. 
 
 If,  upon  the  laft  admonition  and  prayer,  there  be  no  evi- 
 dence nor  fign  o(  his  repentance,  let  the  dreadful  fentence  of 
 Excommunication  be  pronounced,  with  calling  upon  the  name 
 of  God,  in  thefe  or  the  hke  expreffions  •. 
 
 «  Whereas  thou  N.  *  haft  been  by  fufficlent  proof  con- 
 
 •  vi£led  of  [here  mention  the  Sin']  and»  after  due  admonitioa 
 
 *  and  grayer,  remaineft  obftinate,  without  any  evidence  or 
 
 •  fign  of  true  repentance ;  therefore,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
 «  Jefus  Chrift,  and  before  this  congregation,  I  pronounce  and 
 «  declare  thee  N.  excommunicated,  and  Ihut  out  from  com- 
 
 *  munion  of  the  faithful.' 
 
 Let  the  Prayer^  accompanying  the  Sentence,  he  to  this  effeEl  : 
 *  That  God,  who  hath  appointed  this  terrible  lentence  for 
 removing  offences  and  reducing  of  obftinate  finners,  would 
 be  prefent  with  this  his  ordinance,  to  make  it  cfFedlual  to  all 
 thefe  holy  ends  for  which  he  hath  appointed  it  •,  that  this 
 retaining  of  the  otFender's  fin,  and  (hutting  him  out  of  the 
 church,  may  till  him  with  fear  and  fhame,  break  his  obili- 
 nate  heaft,  and  be  a  means  to  deftroy  the  flefh,  and  to  re- 
 cover him  from  the  power  of  the  devil,  that  his  fpirit  may 
 yet  be  faved  •,  that  others  alfo  may  be  ftricken  with  fear, 
 and  not  dare  to  fin  fo  prefumptuoufly  ;  and  that  all  fuch 
 corrupt  leaven  being  purged  out  of  the  church,  (which  is 
 the  houfe  of  God)  Jefus  Chrift  may  delight  to  dwell  in  the 
 midft  of  them.* 
 After  the  denunciation  of  this  fentence,  the  people  are  to 
 be  warned,  that  they  hold  him  to  be  caft  out  of  the  commu- 
 nion of  the  church,  and  to  fliun  all  communion  with  him. 
 Neverthelefs,  excommunication  difiblveth  not  the  bonds  of 
 civil  or  natural  relations,  nor  exempt  from  the  duties  belong- 
 ing to  them. 
 
 This  fentence  is  likewife  to  be  made  known,  not  only  to 
 that,  but  to  any  other  claflis  or  congregation,  as  occafion  (hall 
 require,  by  reafon  of  his  abode  or  converfing.  with  them. 
 
 The  Order  of  Proceeding  to  Absolution. 
 
 IF,  after  excommunication,  the  figns  of  repentance  appear 
 in  the  excommunicated  perlon,  fuch  as,  godly  ibrrow  for 
 fin,  as' having  thereby  incurred  God's  difpleafure,  occafioned 
 grief  to  his  brethren,  and  juftly  provoked  them  to  caft  him 
 out  of  their  communion  •,  together  with  a  full  purpoie  of 
 heart  to  turn  from  his  fin  unto  God,  and  to  reform  what 
 hath  beenamifs  in  him  ;  with  a  humble  defire  of  recovering 
 
 his 
 
 *  Sj>eak  this  in  the  third  perfcn,  if  the  party  be  ahfent. 
 
The  Directory /oj'  Church  Government,  8cc.      409 
 
 his  peace  with  God  and  his  people,  and  to  be  redored  to  the 
 light  ofGod's  countenance,  andthecommunion  of  the  church, 
 he  is  to  be  brought  before  the  coijigregation,  and  there  aifo  to 
 make  free  confeffion  of  his  fin,  with  Ibrrow  for  it,  to  callup' 
 on  God  for  mercy  in  Chrill,  to  feek  to  be  reftored  to  tlie 
 communion  of  the  church,  promifing  to  God  new  obedience, 
 and  to  them  more  holy  and  circumipe^l  walking,  as  becom- 
 eth  the  gofpel, — he  is  to  be  pronounced  in  the  nameofChrid 
 abfolved  and  free  from  the  cenfures  of  the  church,  and  de- 
 clared to  have  a  right  to  all  the  ordinances  of  Chrift,  witli 
 prajiing  of  God  for  his  grace,  and  prayer  that  he  may  be  fully 
 accepted  to  his  favour,  and  hear  joy  and  gladnels,  to  this  effect : 
 
 *  To  praife  God,  who  delightcth  not  in  the  death  of  a  iir- 
 
 *  ner,  but  that  he  may  repent  and  live,  for  blelTing  the  ordi- 
 
 *  nance  of  excommunication,  and  making  it  efFefluai  by  his 
 '  Spirit  to  the  recovering  of  this  offender  ;  to  magnify  the 
 
 *  mercy  of  God  through  Jefus  Chrift,  in   pardoning  and  r^- 
 
 *  ceiving  to  his  favour  the  mort  grievous  otfenders,  whenfo- 
 
 *  ever  they  unfeignedly  repent  and  forfake  their  linsl 
 
 *  To  pray  for  aiTurance  of  mercy  and  forgivenefs  to  this  pe- 
 
 *  nitent,  and  fo  to  blefs  this  ordinance  of  abfolution,  that  he 
 
 *  may  find  himfelf  loofed  thereby  ;  and  that  the  Lord  would 
 '  henceforth  fo  uphold  and  ftrengthen  him  by  his  Spirit,  that, 
 '  being  found  in  the  faith,  and  holy  in  all  manner  of  conver- 
 
 *  fation,  God  may  be  honoured,  the  church  edified,  and  him- 
 
 *  fe'if  faved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jefus  ' 
 
 Then  fhall  follow  the  fentence  of^  Abfolution,  in  thefe  or 
 the  like  words  : 
 
 Whereas  thou  N.  haji  fcr'thy  fm  heenjhut  out  from  the  cowmu' 
 n'lon  of  the  jaithful,  and  haji  now  manifejied  thy  repentance, 
 •wherein  the  church  rejhth  fatisfied ;  in  the  name  of  Jefus  Chrip , 
 before  this  aggregation^  I  pronounce  and  declare  thee  aojotved  front 
 the  fentence  of  Excommunication  formerly  denounced. againfi  thti> ; 
 '  and  do  receive  thee  to  the  communion  of  the  church,  and  the  free 
 uje  of  all  the  ordinances  oj  Chrijl,  that  thou  mayeji  be  partaker 
 bf  all  his  benefits,  to  thy  eternal  falvation. 
 
 After  this  fentence  of  Abfolution,  the  minifter  fpeaketh  to 
 him  as  to  a  brother,  exhorting  him  to  watch  and  pray,  oi* 
 comforting  him,  if  there  be  need  ;  the  elders  embrace  hin», 
 and  the  whole  congregation  holdeth  .communion  with  him  as 
 one  of  their  own. 
 
 Altho'  it  be  the  duty  of  paf^orsand  other  ruling  officers  to 
 ufe  all  diligence  and  vigilance, both  by  dofffrine  and  difcipline 
 refpedtively,  for  the  preventing  and  purging  out  fuch  errors, 
 herelies,  fchifms,  and  fcanjals,  as  tend  to  the  detriment  and 
 difiurbance  of  the  church  ;  yet,  becoufe  it  may  fall  out,  thru' 
 £  e  e  the 
 
4 TO      The  Directory  yjr  Chut'ch  Government,  Sec. 
 
 the  pride  and  flubbornnefs  of  ofFenders^  that  thefe  means  a« 
 lone  will  not  be  cffeftual  to  that  purpofe  ;  it  is  therefore  ne- 
 ceiTary,  after  all  this,  to  implore  the  aid  of  the  civil  magi- 
 ftrate,  who  oiTght  to  ufe  his  coercive  power  for  the  fupprei- 
 ling  of  all  fuch  offences,  and  vindicating  the  difcipline  of  the 
 church  from  contempt. 
 
 Of  Ordination  o/"  Ministers. 
 
 BECAUSE  no  man  ought  to  take  upon  him  the  office  of 
 a  minirter  o^"  the  word  without  a  lawful  call,  therefore 
 ordination,  which  is  the  folemn  fct^ing  apart  of  a  perfon  unto 
 lome  public  ofBce,  is  always  to  be  continued  in  the  church. 
 
 When  he  who  is  to  be  ordained  minifter,hath  been  firflduly 
 examined  touching  his  fitnefs,  both  for  life  and  minillerial  a- 
 biliries,  according  to  the  rules  of  the  apoftle,  by  thofe  who  are 
 to  ordain  him,  and  hath  been  by  them  approved  ;  he  is  then 
 to  be  ordained  by  impolition  of  hands  and  prayer  with  faffing. 
 But,  if  any  perfon  be  found  unfit,  he  is  not  to  be  ordained. 
 
 It  is  agreeable  to  the  word,  and  very  expedient,  that  fucH 
 as  are  to  be  ordained  minifters,  be  defigned  to  fomc  particu- 
 lar church,  or  other  minifterial  charge. 
 
 Ordination  is  the  z£i  of  a  Prefbytery,  unto  which  the  pov;er 
 of  ordering  the  whole  work  belongs  j  yet  fo  as  that  the  prea- 
 ching Prefbyters,  orderly  afTociated,  either  in  cities  or  in 
 neighbouring  villages,  are  thofe  to  whom  the  impofitlon  of 
 hands  doth  appertain,  for  thofe  congregations  within  their 
 bounds  refpesStively-  And  therefore  it  is  very  requifite,  that 
 310  lingle  congregation,  which  can  conveniently  afTociate,  do 
 alTume  to  itfelf  all  aod  fole  power  in  ordination. 
 
 No  perfon  or  perfons  may  or  ought  to  nominate,  appoint, 
 or  choofe  any  man  to  be  a  minifter  for  a  congregation,  who 
 is  not  fit  and  able  for  that  work  ;  and,  if  any  unfit  man  be 
 nominated  to  the  ciaflical  Prefbytery,  they  are  to  refufe  to 
 admit  him.  , 
 
 When  any  minifter  is  to  be  ordained  for  a  particular  con- 
 gregation, or  tranflated  from  one  place  to  another,  the  people 
 of  that  congregation,  to  which  he  is  to  be  ordained  or  ad- 
 mitted, Qaall  have  notice  of  it  ;  and,  if  they  fhew  jufl  caule 
 of  exception  againft  him,  he  is  not  to  be  ordained  or  admit- 
 ted. And,  in  the  mean  time,  till  one  be  admitted,  thePref- 
 byrcry  fhall  provide  for  the  fupj)Iy  of  the  congregation. 
 
 The  congregation,  if  they  conceive  themfelves  wronged  by 
 any  ?.£!:  of  the  Prefbytery,  (hail  have  liberty  to  appeal  to  the 
 next  Synod,  which,  upon  hearing  of  the  matter,  fliall  judge 
 as  the  ciiife  fhall  require. 
 
 Here  fcllonved  the  DireElory  forOrcVinafion  of  Aliniflers^  nvord 
 Ji^r  lUQidy  us  the  fame  is  infert.  Page  144,  &.C. 
 
COLLECTION 
 
 OF    SOME    PRINCIPAL 
 
 Acts  and  Ordinances 
 
 OF       T  H  B 
 
 Parliaments  of  Scotland  and  Eng-Iand ; 
 
 AND     OF     THE 
 
 General  Assemblies  of  the   Church  of 
 Scotland^  in  favour  of  the  Reformation.    . 
 
 Approving,  Eflabll filing,  and  eiTeclually  Securing  the  true 
 Chriftian  and  Proteftant  P.eiigion,  and  the  covenanted 
 Do^lrine,  Worfhip,  Difcipline,  and  Government  cf  the 
 Prefbyterian  Church  of  Scotlandf  before  the  Year  165c. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Bryce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 
 E  c  e  2 
 
[     412     ] 
 
 COLLECTION 
 
 O  F 
 
 ^Acls  and  Ordinances^  &c. 
 
 VS^l  -.C^  '<>^  >■*■  *<:>>  .tf>>  <<pi  <<?->  <-*!  <<?i  \^>-,  lOi  <-0>  1.^^  1,^1  ^^s>-t  '-^l  -^1  itfJi  1*%  Ltf>,  ■-tf^  1.^.  <<>» 
 
 Acts  of  Parliament  of  the  Kingdom  of  Scotland; 
 
 •    James  VI.  Pari.  1 .  cap.  2. 
 /.  Anent  the  abolifching  of  the  I*ape,  and  his  ufurped  authoritie. 
 At  Edinburgh,  December  15,  1567. 
 
 ITEM,  our  foveraine  lord,  with  advife  of  his  deareft  regent, 
 and  the  three  eftatis  of  this  prefent  Parliament,  ratifyis 
 and  approvis  the  act  underwritten,  maid  in  the  Parliament 
 balden  at  Edinburgh,  the  24  day  of  AuguJ}^  the  zeir  of  God 
 1560  zeirs  :  And  of  new  in  this  prelent  Parliament,  ftatutis 
 and  ordanis  the  faid  a^  to  be  as  ane  perpetual  law  to  all  our 
 foverane  lordis  liegis,,  in  all  times  cumming  ;  of  the  quhilk 
 the  tcnour  followis  FPEM,  the  three  eftatis  underftanding 
 that  the  jurifdidlioun  and  authority  of  the  bilchop  of  Rome, 
 called  the  Pape,  ufed  within  this  realm  in  times  bvpaft,  hes 
 not  oneiy  bene  contumelious  to  the  eternal  God,  but  alfo  ve- 
 ry hurtfuil  and  prejudicial!  to  our  foveraine's  authority,  arid 
 common  weil  of  this  realme  : — THEIRFOIR,  it  is  ftatute 
 and  ordained,  that  the  bifchop  of  Rome,  called  the  Pape, 
 have  no  jurifdidlion  nor  authoritie  within  this  realm  in  ony 
 time  cunVming.  And  that  hane  of  our  faid  foveraine's  fub- 
 jefts,  in  ony  time  heirafter,  lute  or  defire  title  or  richt  of  the 
 iaid  bilchop  of  Rome,  or  his  left,  to  ony  thing  within  this 
 realm,  under  the  paines  of  barratrie,  that  ii  /oy^v,  profcripti- 
 on,  baiiilh.nent,  and  never  to  bruik  honour,  olfice,  or  dig-, 
 
 n.tie 
 
A  Collection  «/"Acts,  ^c.  413, 
 
 nltie  within  this  realm.  And  the  contraveners  heirof  to  be 
 called  before  the  juftice  or  his  deputes,  or  before  the  loxds  of 
 the  feflion,  and  punifched  theirfoir,  conform  to  the  lawcsot 
 this  realm.  And  the  furnifchers  of  them  with  finance  of  mo- 
 ney, and  the  purchafers  of  their  title  of  richt,  or  maintainers 
 or  defenders  ot  them,  fal  incurre  the  famen  paines.  And 
 that  na  bifchop  nor  other  prelat  of  this  realm,  ufe  ony  jurif- 
 di^tioun  in  time  cumming,  be  the  faid  bifchop  of  Rome's  au- 
 thoritie,  under  the  painefoirfaid.  And  theirfoir  of  new  de- 
 cernis  and  ordains  the  contravepers  of  the  famen,  in  ony  time 
 heirafter,  to  be  punifchcd  according  to  the  paines  in  thefoir- 
 faid  a6t  above  rehearfed. 
 
 James  VI.  Pari.  i.  cap.  3. 
 
 //.  Anent  the  annulling  of  the  AEls  of  Parliament ^  maid  agaipji 
 God  his  word,  and  maintenance  of  idolatry  in  ony  times  bypajf. 
 
 ,At  Edinburgh,  December  15,  1567. 
 
 ITEM,  our  foveraine  lord,  with  advife  of  his  deareft  regent, 
 and  three  eftalis  of  this  prel'ent  Parliament,  ratifyls  and 
 approvis  the  a6t  underwritten,  made  in  the  Parliament  halden 
 at  Edinburgh  the  24  day'  of  Augiift,  the  zeir  of  God,  ane 
 thoufand  five  hundred  threfcore  zeirs  j  and  of  new  in  this 
 prefcnt  Parliament,  ftatutis  and  ordanis  the  faid  a£l  to  be  as 
 a  perpetual  law  to  all  our  foveraine  lordis  liegis  in  all  times 
 cumming.  Of  the  quhilk  the  tenour  followis. — The  quhilk 
 day,  forafmeikle  as  there  hes  bene  divers  and  fundrie  a£ls, 
 made  in  king  James  the  I,  II,  III,  IV,  and  V's  times,  kinges 
 of  Scotland  for  the  time,  and  als  in  oyr  foverain  ladle's  time, 
 not  agreeing  with  God's  haly  word,  and  be  them  divers  per- 
 fons  take  occalion  to  maintain  idolatrieand  fuperftition  with- 
 in the  kirk  of  God,  and  repreffing  of  fik  perfons  as  wer«  pro- 
 feflbrs  of  the  faid  word,  quhairthrow  divers  innocents  did 
 fuffer.  And  for  efchewing  of  fik  inconveniences  in  time 
 cumming,  the  three  eftatis  of  Parliament  hes  annulled,  and 
 declared  all  fik  afts  made  in  times  bypaft,  not  agreeing  with 
 God  his  word,  and  now  contrair  to  the  ConfeJJloun  of  Faith ^ 
 according  to  the  faid  word,  publiiched  in  this  prefent  Parlia- 
 ment,— to  be  of  nane  avaiel,  force,  nor  effect.  And  decernis 
 the  faid  afts,  and  every  ane  of  them,  to  have  na  effect  nor 
 f^rength  in  time  to  cume,  in  fa  far  as  ony  of  the  foirfaid  a61s 
 arr  repugnant  and  contrair  to  the  Confeflioun  of  Faith  and 
 word  of  God  foirfaid,  ratyfied  and  approved  be  the  eftates  in 
 
 this 
 
414  ^  Collection  of  Acts,  Izl'c. 
 
 this  prefent  Parlfament.  And  theirfoir  decernis  and  ordanis 
 the  contraveners  of  the  famen  a£t,  in  ony  time  heirafter,  to 
 be  punifchcd  according  to  the  iawes.  Of  the  quhilk  Con- 
 feifioun  of  the  Faith,  the  tenour  follows. 
 
 Here  followed  the  ConfeJJlon  oj  Faith ^  ivith  fcriptufc  citati. 
 ens^  which  is  printed  Page  ij  to  40. 
 
 w 
 
 James  FL  Pari.  i.  cap.  5. 
 
 III.  Anent  the  Majfe  abolifched^  and  Pumping  oj  all  that  hears 
 or  Jays  the  (amen. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  December  15,  1567. 
 
 ITEM,  our  foverane  lord,  with  advife  of  his  deareft  regent, 
 and  three  eftates  of  this  prefent  Parliament,  ratifyis  and 
 approvis  the  aft  underwritten,  maid  in  the  Parliament  haldeu 
 at  Edinburgh,  the  23d  day  oi  Augujl^  the  zeir  1560  zeirs  ; 
 and  of  new  in  this  prefent  Parliament,  ftatutis  and  ordanis 
 the  laid  a<5t  to  be  as  an  perpetual  law  to  all  our  ibverain  lardis 
 Heges  iu  all  times  to  cume  ;  of  the  quhilk  the  tenour  follows. 
 The  quhilk  day,  forafmeikle  as  almichcy  God,  be  his  mod 
 trew  and  blefled  word,  lies  declared  the  reverence  and  honour 
 quhilk  fould  be  given  unto  him;  and  be  his  Son  Jefus  Chrift, 
 hes  declared  the  trew  ufc  of  the  facraments,  willing  the  lame 
 to  be  uled  according  to  his  will  and  v^ord  ;  be  quhilk  it  is 
 notour  and  perfitelie  knawen,  that  the  facramentes  of  l^ap- 
 tifmf,  and  of  the  Bodie  and  Blood  of  Jefus  Chrift,  hes  bene 
 in  all  times  bypaft  corrupted  be  the  Papiftical  kirk,  and  be 
 their  ufurped  minifters.  And  prefentlie,notwithftanding  the 
 reformatioun  already  made,  according  to  God's  word  •,  zit 
 there  is  fume  of  the  faid  Papis  kirk,  that  {lubbornely  perfe- 
 veris  in  their  wicked  idolatrie,  fayanMalTe,  andbaptizan  con-- 
 form  to  the  Papis  kirk,  prophanan  therethrow  the  lacraments 
 forefaides,  in  quiet  and  fecrete  places,  therethrow  nouther 
 r'.'gardan  God  nor  his  v/ord.  Therefoir,  it  isftatute  and  or- 
 tliticd,  in  this  prefent  Parliament,  that  na  manner  of  per- 
 foiiu  or  perfouns,  in  ony  time  cumming,  adminiftrate  ony  of 
 the  facraments  foirfaids  fecreetly,  or  ony  other  manner  of 
 way,  but  they  that  are  admitted  and  havan  power  to  that  ef- 
 fe^.  And  that  na  manner  of  perfbun  nor  perfouns  fay  malle, 
 nor  zit  hear  maffe,  nor  be  prefent  theirat,  under  the  paine 
 ot  conlifcatioun  of  all  their  guides,  movabll  and  unmovabil, 
 iind  puniQiing  their  bodyes  at  the  difcretioim  of  the  magii- 
 Viritc,  wlJiin  c]'.ih.i!s  JMiUliftioun  iifc  perfouns  happins  to  be 
 
 aiMTc- 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  ls>c.  415 
 
 apprehended,  for  the  firft  fault  :  Baniftiment  of  the  realme, 
 for  the  fecond  faulc  :  And  iuftifying  to  the  death,  for  the 
 third  fauh.^  And  ordanis  all  fcheriffes,  ftewards,  bailies,  and 
 their  deputes,  provofts,  and  bailies  of  burrows,  and  others 
 judges  quhatfomever  within  this  realm,  to  take  diligent  fute 
 and  inquifuioun  within  their  bounds,  quhair  onyfik  ufurped 
 minifirie  is  ufed,  mafle  fayan,  or  they  that  beis  prefent  at  the 
 doing  thereof  ratifyan  and  approvan  the  famen,  take  and  ap- 
 prehend them,  to  the  effeft  that  the  pains  abovewritten  may 
 be  execute  upon  thenn>.  And  theirfoir  of  new  decerjiis  and 
 ordanis  the  contraveners  of  the  famen,  in  ony  time  heirafter, 
 to  be  punilhed  according  to  the  paines  of  the  afoirfaid  acl 
 above  rehearfed. 
 
 James  V I.  Pari.  I.  cap.  8. 
 
 IV.  Anent  the  King^s  Aithy  to  be  given  at  his  Corotiation. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  December  15,  1567, 
 
 ITEM,  becaufe  that  the  increafe  of  vertew,  and  fupprefling 
 of  idolatrie,  craves,  that  the  prince  and  the  people  he  of 
 ane  perfite  religioun,  quhilk  of  God's  mercie  is  now  prefent- 
 lie  profeffed  within  this  realme  :  THEIRFOIR,  it  is  ftatute 
 and  ordaned  be  our  foverane  Lord,  my  lord  regent,  and  three 
 eftatis  of  this  prefent  Parliament,  that  all  kinges  and  princes, 
 or  magirtrates  whatfoever,  balding  their  place,  quhilh  heir- 
 after  in  ony  time  fall  happen  to  reigne,  and  beare  rule  over 
 this  reslm,  at  the  time  of  their  coronatioun,  and  receipt  of 
 their  princely  authoritie,  make  their  faithful  promifebc  alth, 
 in  prefence  of  the  Eternal  God,  That,  induring  the  haiU 
 courfe  of  their  lives,  they  fall  ferve  the  famen  Eternal  God, 
 to  the  uttermoft  of  their  power,  according  as  he  hes  requi- 
 red in  his'moft  haly  word,  revealed  and  contained  in  the 
 New  and  Auld  Teftaments.  And,  according  to  the  famen 
 word,  fall  maintaine  the  trew  religioun  of  Chrili  Jefus,  th-t 
 preaching  of  his  haly  word,  and  dew  an^  richt  adminillraii- 
 on  of  the  facraments,  now  received  and  preached  within  this 
 realm  ;  and  fall  abolifli  and  gainlland  allfaU  religion  contra- 
 ry to  the  famen  ;  and  fall  rule  che  people  committed  to  their 
 charge,  according  to  the  will  and  command  of  God,  revieled 
 in  his  foirfaid  word,  and  according  to  the  laudabil  iawes  and 
 conOitutiouns  received  in  this  realme,  na  wife  repugnant  to 
 the  faid  word  of  the  Eternal  God.  And  fall  pro(5ure  to  the 
 uttermollof  their  power,  to  the  kirk  of  God,  and  haill  Chrls- 
 
4i<5  A  Collection  of  Acts,  ^c. 
 
 tian  people,  trew  and  perfite  peace  in  all  time  cumming. — 
 The  richts  and  rentis,  with  alljuft  privileges  of  the  crown  of 
 Scotland,  to  preferve  and  kiep  inviolated,  nouther  fall  they 
 transfer  nor  alienate  the  lamen.  They  lall  forbid  and  reprefTe 
 in  all  eftatis  and  degries,  reife,  oppreffioun,  and  all  kind  of 
 wrang.  In  all  judgments,  they  fall  command  and  procure, 
 that  juHice  and  equitie  be  keiped  to  all  creatures,  without  ex- 
 ception, as  the  Lord  and  Father  of  all  mercyis  be  merciful  to 
 them.  And  out  of  their  landes  and  empyre,  they  fall  be 
 careful  to  rute  our  all  heretikes,  and  enemies  to  the  trew  wor- 
 Oiip  of  God,  rhat  fall  be  conviift  be  the  trew  kirk  of  God  of 
 the  foirfaid  crimes.  And  that  they  fall  faithfullie  aflirme  the 
 things  above  written,  be  their  folemn  aith. 
 
 'James  VI.  Pari.  i.  cap.  9. 
 
 V.  Na  Perjoun  may  be  Judgey  Procurator^  Notary  nor  Mem- 
 ber of  Courty  quha  profejfes  not  the  trew  religioun. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  December  15,   1567. 
 
 ITEM,  the  king's  grace,  withadvife  of  my  lord  regent,  and 
 "*•  three  efiatis  cf  this  prefent  Parliament,  flatutes  and  or- 
 danis,  that  na  manner  of  perfoun  nor  perfouns  be  received  in 
 ony  times  heirafter  to  bear  publike  office  removable  of  judge- 
 ment, within  this  realme,  but  file  as  profeffis  the  puritie  of 
 religion  and  do<Strine,  now  prefcntlie  eflablifhed.  And  that 
 nanc  be  permitted  to  procurate,  nor  admitted  Notar,  or  cre- 
 ated a  member  of  court,  in  ony  time  cumming,  without  he  in 
 likewife  profefTe  the  Evangel,  and  religion  foirfaid,  provided 
 alwaies,  that  this  acl  be  on  na  wife  extended  to  ony  manner 
 of  perfoun  or  perfouns,  havan  their  offices  heritably,  or  in 
 life-rent,  but  that  they  may  ufe  the  famen,  conforme  to  their 
 infeftments,  and  difpofitions  granted  to  them  thereof.* 
 
 James  VI.  Pari.  2.  cap.  3^. 
 
 VJ.  Ratif  cation  &f  the  Freedom  and  Libertie  oj  the  trei9  Kirk 
 
 of  God. 
 At  Stirling,  Augufl  2^,  1571. 
 
 ■jTEivI,  oup  foverane  Lord,  with  advife  and  confent  of  his 
 •■  faid  regent,  three  eflatis,  and  hail  bodie  of  this  prefent 
 
 Parlia- 
 
 *  Extended  to  all  oncers y  nvithout  exception  or  reJlriBioHy 
 James  VI.  Pari.  20.  cap.  5.  The  title  oJ  the  aEl  is,  *•  AlT: 
 "  againft  Jefuits.'* 
 
A  Collection  oj  Acts,  l^fc  417 
 
 ParUr.meat,  hi^s  ratified,  and  be  this  prefent  avSt  ratifies  and 
 approvis,  all,  and  quhatfurnever  adl:s  and  Uatutes  made  of 
 befoir,  be  our  loveraiiie  Lord,  or  his  predecef!oarc;s,  anent 
 the  freedome  and  liberrie  of  the  trew  kirlc  o^  God,  and  reli- 
 gion now  publikelie  profcllcd  within  this  reahne. 
 
 James  VI.  Pari.  5.  cap.  61. 
 
 VII.  The  rattficatioun  of  the  LiberUe  of  the  tre%v  Kirh  of  God 
 
 and  Reiigiin. 
 
 At  Stirling,  July  25,  1578. 
 
 OUR  foveraine  Lord,  with  advifc  of  his  three  ef^:^tis  of 
 this  prefent  Parliament,  hes  ratified  and  appreved,  and 
 by  the  tenour  heirof  ratities  and  apprevis,  all  and  qnhati'um- 
 ever  adls  of  Parlian^ent,  ftatutes  and  conftitutions  pafi:,  and 
 maid  of  befoir  agreeable  to  Godis  word,  for  maintenance  of 
 the  libertie  of  the  trew  kiri«  of  God,  and  religion  now  pre- 
 
 fentlie  profeflTed  within  this  realme,  and  puritie  theireof 
 
 And  decernis  ?.nd  declaris  the  famen  to  have  the  effect  in  all 
 poynts,  after  the  forms  and  tenour  tiieireof. 
 
 James  VI.  Pari.  8.  cap.  133. 
 
 VIII.  That  Min'ifers  fall  tiot  be  Judsyes,  tior  exerce  cm  tiiher 
 or  dinar  office,  that  may  ahjiracl  them  fra  their  office. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  May■^^y  1584. 
 
 THE  kingis  majeftie,  and  his  three  eftaits  alTembled  11 
 this  prefent  Parliament,  eaineftly  defirous,  that  all  his 
 loving  and  gudefubje£ts  fall  be  faithfuliie  iniirufted  in  the 
 do^rine  of  their  falvation,  and  that  the  miulfters  of  Gods 
 word  and  facramentes  may  the  better  and  mair  diligently  at- 
 "tend  upon  their  ain  charges  and  vocations  ;  theirtoir  fiatutis" 
 and  ordanis,  that  all  the  laldis  miniiitrs-f^U  faithfnliie  attait 
 thereupon,  to  the  comfort  and  edification  of  the  flockes  com- 
 mitted unto  them  ;  and  that  naneof  them  prefentlie  being  in 
 ti;at  function,  or  that  fall  be  admitted  theirto  in  time  cuni- 
 ir/mg,  fal  in  ony  waies  accept,  ufe,  or  adminiftrat  ony  place 
 of  judicature,  in  quhaifumever  civil  or  criminal  cauibs,  nrif 
 to  be  of  the  coUedge  of  juftice,  commifnoners,  aJvocaie;., 
 court  clerkes,  or  notars  in  ony  matters,  ;the  making  of  tcf- 
 famentes  oneiy  excepted)  under  the  paine  of  deprivatione  fra 
 
 F  f  f  their 
 
4f8  A  CoLLBCTioN  fl/AcTs,  \sfc. 
 
 their  benefices,  livings,  and  funftion  :  And  gif  they  failzitJ. 
 heirin,  being  called,  trycd,  and  adjudged  cnipable  be  their 
 ordinars,  or  be  the  kingis  majefties  commilRonners  in  eccle- 
 liafticai  caufes, — they  ial  then  tyne  their  faidis  benefices  and 
 livings,  and  others  qualified  perfones  fal  be  prefented  and 
 provided  thereto,  as  gif  they  were  naturally  dead. 
 
 James  VI.  Pari.  ii.  cap.  23. 
 
 JX.  Ratification  of  all  Laives  maid  anent  the  Libertie  of  the 
 Kirky  and  all  otherii^  in  the  Kingis  minoriiie. 
 
 At  Edinbub^h,  July  2^,  1587. 
 
 OUR  foveraine  Lord,  now  after  his  lauchfuU  and  perfite 
 age  of  twenty-ane  zeirs  compleete,with  advife  and, 
 confent  of  his  eftatis  conveenedin  this  prefent  Parliament,  ra- 
 tifies, appreevis,  and  for  his  Hienefs  and  his  fuccefToures  pei*- 
 petuallie  confirmis,  all  and  quhatfumever  Aftes  maid  be  hij 
 Hienefs  ia  the  governments  of  his  Regentes,  during  his  zoutig 
 age,  or  <en  the  acceptation  of  the  governement  of  this  rcalme 
 in  his  ain  perfone,  or  be  his  maift  noble  progenitors,  anent 
 the  kirk  of  God,  and  religion  now  prefentlie  profeirei),  and 
 be  the  lawes  eftabliflied  within  this  realme  ;  and  that  the 
 faid  ratification  be  als  effeftual,  as  gif  all  the  faid  actes  war 
 heirin  exprefled,  named,  and  numered,— and  caffes,  annuUh^ 
 and  abrogatis  all  lawes,  adles,  and  ftatutes,  cannon,  civile, 
 municipall,  and  others  ordinances  quhatfumever,  made  in  o- 
 ny  times  of  before,  contrair  or  in  prejudice  of  the  faide  trew 
 religion,  and  profeflbures  theirof. 
 
 James  V I.  Pari.  12.  cap.  114,  116, 
 
 X.  Ratijication  of  the  Libertie  of  the  treixt.  Kirk  ;  of  General ' 
 
 and  Synodical  Affemblies  ;  of  Prefbyteries  ;  of  DfcipUne.-— 
 All  Lawes  i)f  Idolatrie  are  abrogate,. — PrefentaiioH  to  benefices. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  Junii  15,  1592- 
 
 OUR  foveraine  Lord,  and  eOaits  of  this  prefent  Parlia- 
 ment, following  the  lovabil  and  gude  example  of  their 
 predeceffburcs,  hes  ratitied  and  appreevid,  and  bethetenonr 
 of  this  prefsnt  aft  ratifies  and  appreevis,  al!  liberties,  privi- 
 ledges,  immunities,  and  freedomes  quhailuincver,  given  and 
 granted  be  his  Hieneffe,  his  Regsnres  in   his  name,  or  ony 
 
 of! 
 
>^  Collection  c/"  Acts,  ^5*.-.  ^19 
 
 of  his  prcdeccflburs,  to  the  true  and  halie  kirk,  prefentlie  e- 
 ftablifhed  within  this  realme,  and  declared  in  the  firft  ad  of 
 his  HiciiclTe  Parliament,  the  twenty  daie  ot  OBohery  the  zeir 
 of  God  anethoufand  five  hundred  threefcoi.  ninetene  zeirs; 
 and  all  and  q-jhatfumever  aftes  of  Parliament,  and  liatutes 
 maid  of  before,  be  his  Hiencfle  and  his  Regentes,  anent  the 
 libertie  and  freedome  of  the  faid  kirk  ;  and  fpecialHe,  the 
 lirft  a6l  of  Parliament  haldcn  at  Edinburgh  the  twenty  foine 
 daie  of  OSlcher,  the  zeir  of  God  ane  thorland  five  hundrsth 
 fourfcoir  ane  zeirs,  with  the  haill  particular  actes  there  men- 
 tioned :  quhilk  fal  be  als  fufilcient,  ?.s  gif  the  famen  war  heir 
 exprefled,  and  all  other  a^es  of  Parliament  maid  feniyne  in 
 favour  of  the  trew  kirk.  And  uklike,  ratifies  and  appreevis 
 the  General  AfTemblies  appointed  be  the  faid  kirk  :  And  de- 
 claris,  that  it  fal -be  iauchfuU  to  the  kirk  and  minifters,  ev<^;rie 
 zeir  at  theleaft,  and  oftener/ro  re  naia,  as  occaiion  and  n<'- 
 ceffitie  fall  require,  to  hald  and  keip  General  AfTemblies,  pro>- 
 vidiug  that  the  kings  majeftie,  or  his  comniiiiicncrs,  with 
 them  to  be  sippointed  be  his  Hi^nefTe,  be  preient  at  ilk  Gene- 
 ral Aflemblie,  before  the  diilolving  theirof,  nominate  tyme 
 and  place  quhen  and  quhair  the  nixt  General  AiTembly  fal  be 
 halden  ;  And  in  cafe  nether  his  majeftie  nor  his  f^id  commif- 
 fioners  beis  preient  for  the  time  in  that  Toun  quhair  the  iaiJ 
 General  AfTemblie  beis  halden,  then,  and  in  that  c^iz^  it.ial 
 be  leifum  to  the  faide  General  AfTemblie  be  iherarehes,  to' 
 nominate  and  appoint  tyme  and  place  quhair  the  ni.\t  Gene- 
 ral Aflemblie  o\  the  kirk  fal  be  keiped  and  haiden,  as  rhey 
 have  bene  in  u'e  to  do  thir  tymes  bypalt.  And  als  r.uiiiiis 
 and  appreevis  the  Synodall  and  Provincial!  Alltmblies,  to  be 
 halden  be  the  faid  kirk  and  niiniiicrs  t)A'ice  ilk  zeir,  a;  they 
 Iiave  bene  and  are  preler.tly  in  ufe  to  do,  within  everie  pro- 
 vince of  this  realme  :  And  ratifies  and  appreevis  the  Preiby- 
 teries  and  particular  Sefiionesappoinfed  be  the  faid  kirk,  wi:h 
 the  haill  jurifdidion  and  difcipline  of  the  fame  kirk,  aggried 
 upon  be  his  rnajefti;,  in  conference  had  be  his  HienefTe  with 
 certain  of  the  uiinifters  conveened  to  that  eft'edr : — Of  the 
 quhilk  the  tenour  foUows. Matters  to  be  intreatedat  Pro- 
 vincial Ailemblies  :  Thir  AfTemhiies  are  conlfituteforweich- 
 ty  matters,  neceflarro  be  intreated  be  mutual  confent.and  ?.f- 
 fiuance  of  brethren  within  the  province,  as  neede  requiris- 
 Tliis  Aflembly  hes  power  to  handle,  ordere,  and  rtdralFe  all 
 things  omitted  or  done  ainilTe  in  the  particular  AfTemblies  : 
 Ir  iies  power  to  depoie  the  ofRce-bearers  of  that  province,  lor 
 £V!de  and  jult  cnufe  deferving  deprivation  :  And,  generally, 
 thir  Afiemblies  hes  the  h<^iii  power  of  thpe^  particular  Elder- 
 
 F  f  f  2  '  fchips 
 
420  A  Collection  of  Acts,  ^c 
 
 fchipt  qnb^irof  they  sre  col]ed>ed.—  Matters  to  be  i-ntreated  in 
 tlye  IVefbyteries  :  TJie  power  of  the  Prefbyteries  is  to  give 
 tliligent  laboures  in  the  bounties  committed  to  their  charge  5 
 tliat  the  kirks  be  kecpsd  inguJe  ordere  ;  to  inquire  diligent- 
 lie  of  naughtie  and  ungodlie  perlbns,  and  to  travel  to  bring 
 them  in  tl^e  way  ag^iiii  be  admonition,  or  threatning  of  Gods 
 juJgements,  or  by  correction.  It  appertains  to  the  Elder- 
 icliip,  to  take  heede  that  the  word  of  God  be  purely  preach- 
 ed within  their  bounds,  the  facraments  richtlie  mini'dred.  the 
 diiciphne  interteined,  and  ecclefi.iftical  gudes  uncorruptly 
 diftributed.  It  belongs  to  this  kinde  of  Affembly,  to  csufe 
 the  ordinances  made  by  the,  Affemblies,  Provincial),  N^tio- 
 nall,'  and  Generall,  to  be  keepcd  and  pat  in  execution  ; — to 
 make  conftiiutions  quhiik  concernis  wo  t/>itov  in  the  kirk,  for 
 decent  ordere  in  the  particular  kirk  where  they  gnverne  ; — 
 providing  that;  they  alter  not  rules  made  by  the  Provinciall  or 
 Generall  AfTeniblis^  \  and  that  they  make  the  Provincial  Af- 
 femblies forefaid  urievi-^  of  the  Rules  that  they  fal  make,  and 
 to  abolifli  conftituticns  tending  to  the  hurt  of  the  fame.  It 
 lies  power  to  excommunicate  the  obflinate,  formall  procefle 
 being  led,  and  dew  intervall  of  tyrnes  obfervcd.  Anent  par- 
 ticular kirks,  if  they  be  lauchfullie  ruled,  be  fuffici^nt  mini- 
 ftrie  and  feffior},  they  have  power  and  jurifdiftion  in  their  ain 
 congregation,  in  matters  ccclefiafiicall  :  And  decernis  and 
 dcclaris  the  faide  Affemblies,  Prefbyteries,  and  Seffiones,  ju- 
 rifdiiftion  theirof  forefaid,  to  he  in  all  times  cumming  maid 
 jufl,  gude,  and  godlie  in  the  felf  i  notwithftanding  all  quhat- 
 iumever  fixtures,  aAes,  cannon,  civill  or  municipall  lawes, 
 maid  in  the  contrair  ;  to  the  quhiik,  and  everie  ane  of  them, 
 thir  prefents  fal  make  expreffe  derogation.  And  becaufe 
 th.ere  ar  divers  aCtes  of  Parlianient  maid  in  favour  of  the  Pa- 
 pifiical  kirk,  tending  to  the  prejudice  of  the  libertie  of  the  • 
 trew  kirk  of  God  prefentlie  profeffed  within  this  realme,  ju- 
 rifdiilion  and  difcipline  thereof,  quhiik  ffands'zit  in  the 
 buikes  of  the  a<fles  of  Parliriment,  noch.t  abrogated  nor  an- 
 rulled  :  Therefore  his  Ilieneffe,  and  Eftates  foirfaids,  hes 
 rbrogitedj  cuffed,  and  annulled,  and  be  the  tenour  hereof 
 rbrog;uis,  cafTes,  and  annullis  all  a«5tes  of  Parliament  maid  be 
 cny  of  his  Hieneffe  prcdeceffbures,  for  maintenance  of  fu-^ 
 perftition  and  idolatrie  *,  with  all  and  quhatfumevcr  aftes, 
 lawes,  and  flatutes,  maid  at  ony  time  before  the  daic  and 
 (bit  hciieof,  agalinft  the  libertie  of  the  trew  kirk,  iurifdi6\ion 
 and  di;cip!ine-  theirof,  as  the  fame  is  ufcd  and  exercifcd  with- 
 in this  realme. 
 
 And, 
 
A  Collection  c/"Acts,  \2fc.  421 
 
 And,  in  fpecial,  that  p?.rt  of  the  aft  ef  Parliament  halden  at 
 f^triviiing,  the  4  day  oi  November,  the  zeir  of  God  ane  thou- 
 fand  four  hundreth  fortie  three  zeirs,  commanding  obedience 
 to  be  given  to  Eugenius  the  Pape  for  the  time  :  the  ad  maid 
 be  king  James  the  third,  in  his  Parliament  halden  at  Edin- 
 burgh, the  twenty  foure  day  of  Febrttar,  the  zeir  of  God  ane 
 thoufand  foure  hundreth  fourfcoir  zeirs  ; — and  all  utheris 
 aftes,  quhairby  the  Papi?  authoritie  is  eftabiiflied.  The  ?£tc 
 of  king  James  the  tliird,  in  his  Parliament  halden  at  Edin- 
 burgh, the  twenty  dale  of  November,  ane  thoufand  four  hun- 
 dreth threefcoir  nine  zeirs,  anent  the  Satterday  and  uther  vi- 
 gik'sto  be  halie  daies,  from  Euen  fang  to  Euen  fang. 
 
 Item,  That  part  of  the  i(\,  maid  be  the  Queen  Regent, 
 in  the  Parliament  halden  at  Edinburgh,  the  firft  dale  of  Fe» 
 bruar,  the  zeir  of  God  ane  thoufand  five  hundreth  fiftie-ane 
 zeirs,  giving  fpecial  licence  for  balding  of  Pafch  and  Zule. 
 Item,  The  kingis  majeftie  and  efVaits  forefaidis  declaris,  that 
 the  i29,a61:e  of  the  Parliament  halden  at  Edinburgh,  the  22 
 daie  cf  Maij,  the  zeir  of  God  1584  zeirs,  fal  na  wife  be  pre- 
 judicial!, nor  derogate  ony  thing  to  the  priviledge  that  God 
 hes  given  to  the  ipiritual  office-bearers  in  the  kirk,  concerqv 
 ing  Ikcads  of  religion,  matters  of  herefie,  excommunication, 
 collation,  or  deprivation  of  minifters,  or  ony  fiklike  effential 
 cenfures,  fpecialiie  grounded  and  havan  warrand  of  the  word 
 of  God.  Item,  Our  foverain  Lord,  and  Eft?.its  cf  Parlia- 
 n^ent  forelaidis,  abrogatis,  cafies,  and  annullis  the  a£t  of  the 
 fame  Parliament,  halden  at  Edinburgh  the  faid  zeir  1584  z«irs, 
 granting  commilfion  to  bifchops,  and  utheris  judges,  confti- 
 lute  in  ecclefiaflical  caufes,  to  receive  his  Hiencffe  prefenta- 
 tiones  to  benefices,  to  give  collation  thereupon,  and  to 'put 
 crdour  in  all  caufes  ecclefiaffical ;  quhilk  his  majeftis  and  e- 
 flaits  forefaidis  declaris  to  be  expired  in  the  felf,  and  to  be 
 null  in  time  cumming,  and  of  nane  availl,  force,  nor  effeffl 
 And  therefore  ordanis  all  prefentationes  to  benefices  to  be  di- 
 Yc€i  to  particular  Prefbyteries  in  all  time  cumming,  with  full 
 power  to  give  collation  thereupon,  2nd  to  put  ordour  to  all 
 matters  and  caufes  ecclefiaftical  within  their  boundes,  accord- 
 ing to  the  difcipline  of  the  kirk  : — Providing  the  forefaid 
 ,  Prefbyteries  be  bound  and  aftrifted  to  receive  and  admit 
 quhatfumever  qualified  minifter,  prefented  be  his  majeflie, 
 or  laick  patrones. 
 
 J^ 
 
422  ^  Cohtt'cTiou  of  Acts,  ^c. 
 
 jfames  VI.  Pari.  16.  cap.  \6. 
 
 XL  Ratification  of  the  AEls  made  of  before  iin  favour's  of  the  Kill', 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  November  15,  lOoo. 
 
 OUR  foveralne  Lord,  with  advife  of  the  Eftaits  of  this 
 prefent  Parliament,  ratifies,  approves,  and  confirnics 
 the  liberty  of  the  true  and  holy  kirk,  and  religion  preiently 
 profefied  within  this  realme,  and  eftablilhed  by  the  lawes  of 
 the  famen, — and  all  afts,  confl!tutions,  and  immunities  made 
 and  granted  to  the  famen,  as  welKin  his  Hienefle  minority  as 
 fince  his  perfite  age.  And  ordanis  the  famen  to  be  put  in  ex- 
 ecution in  all  pointes,  againft  all  pcrfons  quhatfumever,  in 
 all  time  cumming. 
 
 \ 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  2.  aft  4. 
 
 XIL  Acl  anent  the  Ratification  of  ASfs  of  the  AJfemhly, 
 
 At  Edinburgh^  June  11^  1640. 
 
 THE  Eflates  of  Parliament  prefently  conveened  by  his 
 majefty's  fpecial  authority,  ratifies,  approves,  and  per- 
 petually confirms  the  aft  of  the  General  AiTembly,  holden  at; 
 Edinburgh  in  the  month  of /f/z^w/?  laft,  made  upon  the  17th 
 day  of  the  faid  month,  and  in  the  8th  Sefiion  ot  the  laid  Al- 
 fembly,  \w'i\\\z^^  Anent  theftx  Caujesof  our  bygone  evils ,  whereof 
 the  tenor  follows :  "  The  king's  majefty  haviiig  gracioufly  de- 
 clared, that  it  is  his  royal  will  and  pleafure,  that  all  queftions  a- 
 bout  religion,  and  matters  ecclefiaftical,  be  determined  by  Af- 
 femblies  of  the  kirk;  having  alfo,  by  public  proclamation,  in- 
 difted  this  free  National  Aflembly,  for  fettling  the  prefc;nt 
 diftraftions  of  this  kirk,  and  for  eftablilhing  of  a  perf.'ft  peace, 
 againft  fuch  divifions  and  dilordersas  have  been  lore  diipleai- 
 iug  to  his  majefty,  and  grievous  to  all  his  good  fubjefts  : — 
 /*.nd  now,  his  majefty's  commiffioner,  John  earl  of  Traquair, 
 iiiftrucled  and  authorised  with  a  full  commiflion,  being  pre- 
 fent and  fitting  in  this  AiTembly,  now  fully  conveened,  and 
 orderly  conftitute,  in  all  the  members  thereof,  accordii)g  10 
 the  order  of  this  kirk  ;  having  at  large  declared  his  majelh  's 
 zeal  to  the  reformed  religion,  and  his  royal  care  and  tender 
 iuTeftion  to  this  kirk,  where  his  majefty  had  both  his  birth 
 and  baptifm  ;  his  great  difpleafure  at  the  manifold  diftr-^fti- 
 t:i'^  and  divifions  cf  this  kirk  and  kingdom  ;  and  his  dciires 
 
 ,    to 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  l^c.  423 
 
 t6  have  all  our  wounds  perfe^ly  cured,  with  a  fair  and  fa- 
 therly hand  :  And  altho',  in  the  way  approven  by  this  kirk, 
 trial  hath  been  taken  in  former  Airemblies  before,  from  the 
 kirk  regifters,  to  our  full  fatisfa^ion,  yet  the  commiflioner*5 
 grace,  making  particular  inquiry  from  the  members  of  the 
 AfTcmbly,  now  folemnly  conveened,  concerning  the  real  and 
 true  caules  of  fo  many  and  great  evils  at  this  time  paft,  had  io 
 fore  troubled  the  peace  of  this  kirk  and  kingdom, — it  was 
 reprefented  to  his  majefty's  commiffioner.  That,  befide  ma- 
 ny other,  the  main  and  moft  material  caufes  were,  Firjl^  The 
 prcfiing  of  this  kirk  by  the  Prelates,  with  a  Service  Book,  or 
 Book  of  Common  Prayer,  without  warrant  or  diretSlion  from 
 the  kirk,  and  containing,  befides  the  Popifli  frame  thereof, 
 divers  Popifh  errors  and  ceremonies,  and  feeds  of  manifold 
 and  grofs  fuperftitions  and  idolatry  ;  with  a  Book  of  Canons, 
 without  warrant  or  diredlion  from  the  General  Aflembly, 
 eftabliftiing  a  tyrannical  power  over  the  kirk  in  the  perfons 
 of  the  bifhops,  and  overthrowing  the  whole  dilciplinc  and 
 government  of  the  kirk  by  Aflcmblies  ;  with  a  Book  of  Con- 
 fecration  and  Ordination,  without  warrant  or  authority,  civil 
 or  ecclefiaftical,  appointing  ofUces  in  the  houfe  of  God,  which 
 are  not  warranted  by  the  word  of  QoA^  and  repugnant  to 
 the  difcipline  anda6ls  of  our  kirk  ;  and  with  the  High  Com- 
 miffion,  eredled  without  the  confent  of  this  kirk,  fubverting 
 the  jurifdiclion  and  ordinary  judicatories  of  this  kirk,  and 
 giving  to  perfons,  merely  ecckfialtical,  the  power  of  both 
 fwords,  and  to  perfons,  merely  civil,  the  power  of  the  keys 
 and  kirk  cenfures.  Afecond  caufe  was,  the  Articles  of  Perth, 
 viz.  the  obfervation  of  feflival  days,  kneeling  at  the  com- 
 munion, confirmation,  adminiflration  of  the  facraments  in 
 private  niaces,  which  were  brought  in  by  a  null  Affembiyj 
 are  contrary  to  the  Confeffion  of  Faith,  as  it  was  m<;ant  and 
 fubfcribcd  Antio  1580,  and  divers  times  fince,  and  to  the  or- 
 der and  conftitution  of  this  kirk.  Thirdly,  The  change  of  the 
 government  of  the  kirk,  from  the  Aflemalies  of  the  kirk  to 
 tiie  perfons  of  fome  kirk-rnen,  ufurping  priority  and  power 
 over  their  brethren,  by  the  way,  and  under  the  n»me,  of  E- 
 pifcopal  government,  againrt  the  Gonfeffion  of  Faith  15S0, — 
 againft  the  order  fet  down  in  the  Book  of  Policy,— and  a- 
 gainft  the  intention  and  conftitutlons  of  this  kirk  from  the 
 beginning.  Fourthhj^  The  civil  places  ?nd  power  of  kirk- 
 men,  their  fitting  in  fcffion,  council,  and  exchequer  ;  thril- 
 riding,  fitting,  and  voicing  in  Parliament  ;  and  their  ^fitting 
 in  the  bench  as  juftices  of  peace  ;  which,  according  to  the 
 conlUtutions  of  this  kirk,- are  iricomoatible  with  their  fpiri- 
 
424  ^  Collection  of  Acts,  (sV. 
 
 tual  fanftion,  lift  them  up  above  their  brethren  in  world!/ 
 pomp,  and  do  tend  to  the  hindrance  of  the  miuiilry.     Fifthly, 
 The  keeping  and  authorizing  corrupt  Airemblies  at  Linlitii- 
 gow,   1606,   1608  ;  at  Glafclow,  161  o  ;  at  Aberdeen,  1616  ; 
 at  St.  Andrews,   1617;  at  Perth,   i6[8j  which  are  null  and 
 unlawful,  as  being  called  and  conQitute  quite  contrary  to  the 
 order  and  conftitution*-of  this  kirk,  received  and  prailiied  e- 
 ver  lince  the  reformation  of  religion  -,  and  tvithal,  labouring 
 to  introduce  novations  into  this  kirk,  againil  the  order  and 
 religion  eftaaiiihed.     h.Jtxth  caufeis,  the  want  of  lawful  and 
 free  General  AiTemblies,  rightly  conftitute  of  paftors,  doctors, 
 and  elders  yearly,  or  oftener  pro  re  nata^  according  to  the 
 liberty  of  this  kirk,  exprcfled  in  the  Book  of  Policy,  and 
 acknowledged  in  the  atSt  of  Parliament  1 592.     After  which, 
 the  v/hole  Affembly,  in  one  heart  and  voice,  did  declare,  that 
 thde,  and  fuch  other,  proceeding  from  the  negledand  breach 
 of  the  National  Covenant  of  this  kirk  and  kingdom,  made 
 Anno  1580,  have  been  indeed  the  true  and  maincaufes  of  all 
 our  evils  and  diilradtions  ;  and  the'refore  ordain,  according 
 to  the  conllitutions  of  the  General  Affemblies  of   this  kirk, 
 and  upon   the  grounds  rcfpedlivc  above  Ipecified,  that  the 
 forefaid  Service  Book,  Book  of  Canons  and  Ordination,  and 
 the  High  Commiffion,  be  ftill  rejected  ;  that  the  Articles  of 
 Perth  be  no  more  praftifed  ;  that  Epifcopal  government,  the 
 civil  places  and  power  of  kirk-men,  be  holden  ftill  unlawful 
 in  this  kirk  ;  that  the  above-named  pretended  Affemblies  at: 
 Linlithgow  1606,  1608,  at  Glafgow  1610,  at  Aberdeen  i6ift, 
 at  St.  Andrews  1617,  at  Perth  1618, — be  hereafter  account- 
 ed as  null,  and  of  none  efFeft  \ — and  that,  for  prefervation 
 of  religion,  and  preventing  all  fuch  evils  in  time  coming,  Ge- 
 neral AfTemblies  rightly  conllitute,  as  the  proper  and  compe- 
 tent judges  of  all  matters  ecclefiaftical,  hereafter  be  keeped 
 yearly,  and  oftener /)r5  re  nata,  as  occafionand  necellity  {hall 
 require  :  (the  necellity  of  thefe  occafional  Allemblies  being 
 iirll  remonftrate  to  his  majefty  by  humble  fupplication)  as 
 alfo,  that  kirk-feffions,  Prefloyteries,  and  Synodal  Aliembjies 
 be  conftitute  and  oblerved,  according  to  the  order  of  this 
 kirk."     Which  a<ft,  with  all  and  fundry  the  particular  heads, 
 claules,  and  articles  therein  contained,  theEilates,  now  con- 
 veened  by  his  majefty's  indi£aon,  v^rarrant,  and  authority  fore- 
 faid, ratifies,  approves,  and  confirms  in  all  points,  in  man- 
 ner as  the  fame  purports  ;  and  gives  thereunto  the  ftrength 
 of  a  law  and  art  of  Parliament ;  and  ordains  execution  to  pals 
 thereupon  as  effelrs.     And  refcinds,  cafles,  and  annuls  all 
 
 arts 
 
A  CoLLEcttON  of  Acts,  ^c.  425 
 
 affVs  and  decrees  of  Parliatnept  and  council,  formerly  made, 
 contrair,  and  in  prejudice  of"  tiie  laid  a£l,  or  any  part  tiiereof. 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  2.  aft  6. 
 
 XIIL  Aa  Refcijory. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  Jime  11,  1640. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament  prefently  conveened  by-  his 
 majefty's  fpecial  authority,  confiidering,  that  the  office 
 of  bifhops  and  archbifhops,  and  all  other  prerates,— the  civil 
 places  and  power  of  kirkmen,  as  their  voicing  and  riding  in 
 Parliament,  are  condemned  by  the  AlTeinblies  of  this  kirk  ; 
 and  coniidering  the  feveral  a6ls  and  complaints  of  this  kirk 
 unto  Parliaments,  from  time  to  time,  againft  any  perfons,  e- 
 fpecially  of  prelates,  their  attempting  to  vote,  or  do  any  thing 
 in  name  of  the  kirk,  without  either  bearing  o£Bx:e  in  tlie 
 kirk,  or  having  commiffion  from  the  kirk,  with  her  frequent 
 fupplications  to  the  Parliament  for  diffblving  of  all  prelacies; 
 confidering  alfo  the  petition  of  the  commiffioners  of  the  late 
 General  AlTembly,  humbly  craving  the  refciilion  of  all  afts 
 of  Parliament,  which  grants  to  the  kirk  or  kirkmen,of  what- 
 foever  fort,  allowed  or  difallowed,  as  reprefenting  jier,  or  in 
 her  name,  the  privilege  of  riding  and  voting  in  Parliament, 
 as  prejudicial  to  her  liberties,  and  incompatible  with  her  fpi- 
 ritual  nature  ;  declares,  that  the  fole  and  only  power  and  ju- 
 rifdiflion  within  this  kirk,  ftands  in  the  kirk  of  God,  as  it  is 
 now  reformed,  and  in  the  general,  provincial,  prefbyterinl 
 AfTemblies,  with  the  feffions  of  the  kirk,  ertablifhed  by  act 
 of  Parliament  in  June  1592,  cap.  114  •,  which  adl:,  the  faid 
 Eftates,  now  conveened  by  his  majefty's  fpecial  indiftion, 
 warrant,  and  authority,  revives,  and  renews,  in  the  whole 
 heads,  points,  and  articles  thereof,  (with  this  exprefs  decla- 
 ration. That,  according  to  the  laft  claule  in  the  aiH:  of  the 
 late  General  Affembly  of  the  17th  of  Aiigujl^  the  neceffity  of 
 occafional  Aflemblies  be  firli  remonftrate  to  his  majefty  by 
 humble  fupplication)  to  ftand  in  full  ftrength,  as  a  perpetual 
 law  in  all  time  coming,  notwithftanding  cf  whatfoever  afts 
 and  ftatutes  made  in  the  contrair  thereof,  in  whole  or  in  part, 
 which  the  Eftates,  conveened  as  faid  is,  caffes  and  annuls  m 
 all  time  coming  ;  and  declares.  That  it  is,  and  fhall  be,  law- 
 ful to  the  Prefbyteries  of  this  kirk  to  exa£l  and  receive  from 
 fubjefts  of  all  qualities^their  fubfcription  thereof  5  to  examine 
 pedagogues  of  the  fotos  of  noblemen  paifing  out  of  the  coun- 
 G  g  g  ^«"y  i 
 
4i6  A  Collection  o/"  Acts,  t^c, 
 
 try;  to  give  them  teftimonials,  according  to  former  a£ls  of 
 Piiiliament  i  to  give  and  direct  acJmonitions,  private  or  pub- 
 lic, to  perfons  joined  in  marriage,  for  adherence  ;  to  defiga 
 manfe  and  glebes  to  miniders  ;  to  appoint  ftent-mafters  for 
 reparation  of  kirks  and  kirk-yards,  and  for  maintenance  of 
 the  mafters  of  fchools,  and  to  ftent  the  parochiners  conform 
 to  the  a(5l  of  Parliament  ;  to  admit  minifters  upon  the  pre- 
 fenrations  from  the  lawful  patrons,  or  jure  devoluto,  which 
 fliall  happen  hereafter  ;  or  to  kirks  which  fall  not  under  pa- 
 tronages, fuch  like,  and  as  freely  a?  they  did,  or  might  have 
 done  of  before  :  and  to  do  all  and  whatlbever  things,  which, 
 before  pertained  to   Prefbyteries,   and  were   ufurped  by  the 
 prelates  :  and  that  notwithftanding  of  whatfoever  acls  or  rta- 
 tutes  made  in   the   contrair,  in  favours  of  bifbops,  arcbbi- 
 fhops,  or  other  prelates,  which  the  Eftates  authorized  in  man- 
 ner forefaids,  cafles  and  annuls  :  And  efpecially  the  Ellates 
 forefaids  caiTes  and  annuls  the  twenty-third  aft,'  1597,  anent 
 the  kirk,  and  fpecial  perfons  and  prelates  voicing  in  Parlia- 
 ment, and  reprefenting  the  third  eftate;  the  fecond  a6l,  1606, 
 anent  the  reii^irution  of  the  ellate  of  bi(hops,  and  their  repre- 
 fenting the  third  eflate  ;  the  eight  aft,  1607,  anent  the  chap- 
 ter of  St.  Andrews  ;  the  fixthaft,    1609,  anent  tbecommif- 
 fariats,  and  jurifdiftion  given  to   bifhops  and   archbiftiops  ; 
 the  firfl  aft,   1612,  anent  the   ratification  of  the  afts  of  the 
 pretended  AlTembly  of  Glafgow   1610;  the  firfl  and  fecond 
 afts,   1 61 7,  anent  the  eleftion  of  bifhops,  and  reftitution  of 
 chapters, — without  prejudice  alway^'to  the  niinifters,  ferving 
 the  cure,  of  any  emoluments  allowed  to  them  in  part  of  their 
 ilipend  ;  the  firft  aft,   1621,  anent  the  ratification  of  the  ar-, 
 tides  of  the  pretended  AlTembly  holdt;n  »t  Perth.     And,j^- 
 ftally,  the  Eftates  forefaid,  conveened  by  auihority,  refcinds 
 and  annuls  all  and  whatlomever  afts  of  Parliament,  laws  and 
 confritutions,  in  fo  far  as  they  derogate,  and  are  prejudicial, 
 to  the  fpiritual  nature,  jurifdiftion,  difcipline,  2nd  privileges: 
 of  this  kirk,  or  of  her  general,  provincial,  prefbyterial  Al-' 
 femblies  and  kirk-feflions  —and  fo  far  as  they  are  conceived  in 
 favours  of  archbifhops,  bifhops,  abbots,  priors,  and  others,, 
 prelates  or  kirkmen  whatfoever,  their  dignity,  title,  power, , 
 jurifdiftion,  and  eilate  in  this   kirk  and  kingdom  ;  or  in  fa- 
 vours of  the  civil  places  and  power  of  kirkmen,  of  whatfoever 
 fort,  allowed    or   difallowed,   for    their  riding,  fitting,  and 
 voicing  in  Parliament,  either  as  kirkmen  or  the  clergy,  or  in 
 name  of  the  kirk,  or  as  reprefenting  the  kirk,  either  in  re- 
 gard of  their  eccieliaftic  titles,  oflices,  places,  and  dignities, 
 or  in  regard  of  the  temporality  or  fpirituaiity  of  their  ecclefi- 
 
 ailic 
 
^Collection  <j^  Acts,  ^c.  -427 
 
 aftic  benefices,  or  other  pretext  whatfoever  ;  with  all  acls  and 
 conftitutions  of  convention,  council,  or  Ibiilon,  or  other  ju- 
 dicatory whatlbever, — and  all  practices  and  cuftoms  whatlo-  ^ 
 ever,  introduced  in  favours  of  the  laid  offices,  titles,  beiieil- 
 ces,  or  peribns  provided  thereto  :  and  declares  all  peri'ons, 
 civil  or  ecclefiiaftical,  cenfured,  deprived,  confined,  banifiied, 
 by  virtue  of  whatlbever  acis,  decreets,  or  lent ences' given  and 
 pronounced  by  the  faid  archbilhops  and  bilhops,  or  others 
 their  colleagues  and  affbciates  in  their  eccleiiaitical  courts, 
 holden  by  virtue  of  the  afts  forefaids,  or  any  of  them,  or  by 
 virtue  of  the  pretended  High  ComrnllTiort,  and  all  adts  inter- 
 poned  thereto,  againft  the  pedbns  foreiaids,  for  noc  obedi- 
 ence of  the  forel'aid  s£l3,  or  any  of  them,  whicii  are  now  re- 
 pealed, as  faid  is,  or  for  not  acknowledging  their  laid  cotnts, 
 or  for  their  pretended  contumacy,  and  not  compearance  to 
 anfwer  before  them,  to  be  null  and  of  none  avail,  force,  nor 
 tffcdc  •,  and  the  forefaid  perfons  to  be  reftored  and  reponed 
 againft  the  fame,  fucli  like  as  if  the  famen  had  never  Deen  gi- 
 ven nor  pronounced, 
 
 ,  Charles  I.  Pari.  2.  3^25. 
 
 XIF.    AB  for    Supprcjftng    the  Dt/linHkn   of  Spiritual  and 
 Temporal  Lords  oj  SeJJkn, 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  June  11,  1640. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament,  prelently  conveened  by  bis 
 majelly's  fpecial  authority,  calies,  annuls,  ana  rcicinds 
 thuL  article  of  the  firft  adt  of  the  hfth  Pariiamem,  holden  by 
 king  James  V.  of  worthy  memory,  auent  the  inlhiution  of 
 the  College  of  Juflice,  bearing,  That  the  Lords  of  Luuucil 
 and  Seffion  fliall  be  chofen,  half  Spiritual  half  Temporal  i 
 and  decerns  and  ordains  the  whole  number  to  be  Temporal, 
 and  none  of  them  Spiritual  ;  and  the  foreiaid  dihin<^lion  of 
 Spiritual  and  Temporal  to  be  fuppreired  and  fcrgottcn  in  ail 
 time  coming. 
 
 Charges  I.  Pari.  2.  ail  5. 
 
 XV.  AB  anent  the  Oath  to  he  given  by  every  Aienlber  ef  Per,- 
 liiwient. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  Atigujl  18,  1641. 
 
 "F^ORSOMUCH  as  the  honour,  greatnefs,  and  happinefs 
 
 W^     of  the  king's  royal  majefty,  and  the  welfare  of  the  iub- 
 
 jects,  depend  on  ilie  purity  of  religion,  as  it  is  now  cAablilh- 
 
 G  g  g  2  ed 
 
4^3  A  Collection  0/ Acts,  ^c. 
 
 ed  in  this  kingdom,  the  laws,  liberties,  and  peace  thereof, 
 which  ought  to  be  fought  after  by  all  good  Chridians,  loyal 
 lubje^Sls,  and  true  patriots,  and  to  be  furthered  and  maintain- 
 ed by  them,  again/tall  fuch  a;,  by  any  means,  endeavour  to 
 iliake  or  lubvert  the  iame  ;  Therefore,  we  underfubfcribers, 
 and  every  one  of  us,  do,  in  the  prefence  of  Almighty  <iod, 
 promifeand  vow.  That,  in  this  prelent  Parliament,  we  fhall 
 faithfully  and  freely  fpeak,  aniwer,  and  exprefs  ourfelves, 
 upon  all  and  every  tiling  which  is,  or  fhall  be  proponed,  fo 
 far  as  we  think,  in  our  confcience,  may  conduce  to  the  glory 
 of  God,  the  good  and  peace  of  u\e  church  and  (late  of  this 
 kingdom,  and  employ  our  beft  endeavours  to  promove  the 
 lame  ;  and  Ihall  in  no  wife  advife,  voice,  nor  confent  to  any 
 thing,  which,  to  our  beft  knowledge,  ^we  think  not  moft  ex- 
 pedient and  conducible  thereto  ;  as  alfo,  that  we  ftiall  main- 
 tain and  defend,  with  our  life,  power,  and  eftate,  his  maje- 
 lly's  royal  perfon,  honour,  and  ertate,  as  is  expreft  in  our 
 National  Covenant  5  and  likewife  the  pov/er  and  privileges  of 
 Parliament,  and  the  lawful  rights  and  liberties  of  the  fubjecSls; 
 and,  by  all  good  means  and  ways,  oppofe,  and  erideavour  to 
 bring  to  exact  trial,  all  fuch  as,  either  by  force,  practice, 
 counfel^  plots,  confpiracies,  or  otherwife,  have  done,  or  flia'.l 
 do,  any  thing  in  prejudice  of  the  purity  of  rehgion,  the  laws, 
 liberdes,  and  peace  of  the  kingdom  :  And  further.  That  we 
 fliall,  in  all  jufl  and  lionourable  ways,  endeavour  to  preferve 
 union  and  peace  beiwixt  the  three  kingdoms  oiScotland^  E.ng- 
 landy  and  Ireland ;  and  neither  for  hope,  fear,  nor  other  re- 
 fpeft,   fhall  relinquiHi  this  vow  and  promife. 
 
 Read  in  audience  of  the  king's  mnjej^y,  and  the  EJlates  of  Par  ^ 
 iinment^  ivho  approve  the  fame, — and  appoint  the  J  aid  Oath  to  be 
 taken  by  all  Members  of  this  Parliament,  and  in  all  Parliaments 
 hereafter;  bejore  they  proceed  to  any  acl  or  determination, 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  2.  a£l:  9. 
 
 XVI.   AEl  anent  Non-covenanting  Patrons. 
 
 Jt  Edinburgh,  September  2,  iC-\i. 
 
 OUR  fovereign  Lord  and  Eftates  of  Parliament  confider- 
 ing,  That  all  his  majefty's  fubjecls  within  this  kingdom 
 are,  by  acls  of  Parliament,  ordained  to  fubfcribe  their  Na- 
 tional Oath  and  Covenant  j  Therefore  his  majefiy  and  edaies 
 ratify  and  approve  the  z(X  of  Parliament  made  by  his  majefly's 
 dearefl  father  of  bltfled  memory,  Pari.  i.  cap.  9.  whereby 
 
 it 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  l^c.  429 
 
 it  is  ordained,  That  no  perfon  be  judge,  procurator,  notar, 
 or  member  of  court,  who  profefleth  nor  the  true  religion  ; 
 together  with  the  aft  of  ratification  thereof,  with  the  additi- 
 on and  declaration  thereof,  therein  contained,  made  by  his 
 majefty's  faid  umquhile  father.  Pari.  20.  cap.  5.  and  finds 
 and  declares.  That  the  faid  ads  fhall  be  extended  to  all  per- 
 fons  whatlbever,  who  have  not  fublcribed,  or  rcfufc  to  lub- 
 fcribe,  the  faid  national  oath  and  covenant  j  and  fuch  like 
 finds  and  declares.  That  where  any  of  the  faid  refufers  to 
 iubfcribe  have  right  to  prefentation.of  kirks,  that  it  (hall  not 
 be  lawful  to  them  to  prefent  any  perfons  to  the  kirks  vacant, 
 but  that  the  planting  of  the  faid  kirks,  and  admitting  of  mi- 
 nifters  thereto,  and  to  the  ftipends  and  provifions  thereof, 
 upon  fuit  and  calling  of  the  congregation,  fliall  pertain /i/^w 
 jure  to  the  prefbyteries  within  the  which  the  faid  kirks  ly, 
 ay  and  while  the  faid  patrons  fubfcribe  the  faid  national  oatU 
 and  covenant. 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  2.  a£t  12. 
 
 XVII.  AB  for  abolijhing  Monuments  of  Idolatry, 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  September  10,  1641. 
 
 j^UR  fovereign  Lord,  with  confent  of  the  Eftates  of  Par- 
 liament, underrtanding  that  the  General  Aflembly  of 
 the  kirk  hath,  by  their  fpecial  aft,  made  July  30,  16^0.  f iff. 
 3.  ordained  all  idolatrous  images, crucifixes, piftures  of  Chrill, 
 and  all  other  idolatrous  piftures,  to  be  demolifhed  and  re- 
 moved forth  and  from  all  kirks,  colleges,  chapels,  and  other 
 public  places  :  Therefore  ordains  all  Prefbyteries  to  take  di- 
 ligent trial  of  all  idolatrous  piftures  and  images  being  within 
 kirks,  colleges,  chapels,  and  other  public  places,  and,  after 
 trial,  intimate  the  fame,  firft  to  the  owners  and  parties  thera- 
 lelves,  that  they  may  remove  the  fame  ;  and  in  cafe  they  do 
 neither  appeal  prcfently  fronrx  the  Prefbytery  in  the  ordinary 
 way  to  the  Synod  and  General  Aflembly,  nor  remove  them 
 within  the  fpace  of  three  months,  then  to  intimate  the  fame 
 to  all  flierifi^s,  flewards,  bailies,  magiftrates  of  burghs  or  re- 
 galities,'within  the  which  the  fame  (hall  be  found  \  And  or- 
 dains them,  upon  the  requifition  to  be  made  to  them  by  the 
 faid  Prefbytery's  moderator,  or  bi'ethren  thereof,  to  rr.ze, 
 demolilh,  abolifh,  call  down,  or  deface  all  thefe  idolatrous 
 images,  piftures,  and  other  idolatrous  monuments  forefaid, 
 according  as  they  fhall  be  injoihedand  direfted  from  the  faid 
 
 prefbyteries, 
 
43©  A  Collection  of  Acts,  ^c» 
 
 Prefbyterles,  from  time  to  time,  ilk  one  of  them  within  their 
 own  bounds  and  jurilUi<^ion  reipe<Stive,  t-xcept  in  the  cafe  of 
 appellation  aforefaid  ;  and,  if  the  Prefbyteries  be  negligent, 
 that  they  be  cenfured  by  the  Synods  and  General  Affjimbiie?, 
 — and  the  fheriffs,  and  other  cfiicei's  forefaid,  (in  cafe  of  their 
 negligence)  to  be  cenfuved  by  the  Secret  Council,  as  they 
 flpk  think  reafonable  : — And  prohibits  and  dilcharges  all 
 making  of  any  fuch  images  or  idols,  and  all  up-putting  of  the 
 fame  in  all  time  coming,  under  uU  higheft  pains  to  be  hiflic- 
 ted  upon  the  contraveeners  thereof. 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  3.  aft  17. 
 
 XVUL  AB  difcharging    Fatrcnages  belonging  to  Particular 
 Minijiers. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  jul^  23,  1644. 
 
 FOrasmeikleas  the  Eftates  of  Parliament  prefently 
 conveened,  by  virtue  of  the  lafl:  aft  of  the  laft  Parlia- 
 ment holden  by  his  majefty  and  three  Eftates,  in  Anno  1641, 
 confidering,  that  fundry  minifters  within  this  kirk  and  king- 
 dom, pretending,  by  virtue  of  a  title  to  a  benefice,  the  right 
 of  patronage  to  fome  particular  kirks,  which,  in  the  time  of 
 Popery,  were  parts  or  pendicles  of  thefe  benefices,  and  are 
 yet  in  ufe  of  prefentation,  which  is  found  by  the  kirk  to  be 
 nowife  competent  to  any  one  minifter,  but  that  the  providing 
 of  thefe  kirks  belong  to  Prefbyteries  :  Therefore  the  laid  E- 
 ftates  of  Parliament  declares  any  fuch  pretended  titles,  or 
 rights  of  patronages,  to  be  null  and  of  no  eS'cct  in  all  time 
 coming  ;  and  that  Prefbyteries,  in  their  feveral  jurifdictions, 
 have  the  only  power  of  planting  and  providing  thele  kirks, 
 froprio  jurey  in  all  times  hereafter  ;  but  prejudice  of  the  in- 
 terelt  of  the  paroches,  accort'-ng  to  the  afts  and  praftices  of 
 the  kirk  fince  the  Reformation. 
 
 Charles  I  Pari.  3.  Ct^.  5.  aft  16, 
 JTJJT.  Anetit  Non-Covenanting  Patrons. 
 ^^  Edinburgh,  February  2,  16^6. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament  rxw  conveened,  in  the  6fth 
 *  feilion  of  this  firft  triennial  i  arliament,  tsking  to  their 
 coiiiideration  the  ninth  r.ftof  his  nv  jefty's  Iccoi.d  Pailiument, 
 
 in 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  ^c.  431 
 
 in  the  year  164 1,  anent  non-coven?.nting  patrons,  arifl  other 
 non-covenanters  therein  mentioned,  think  it  very  reafonabis 
 that  the  fijme  be  extended  in  manner  following  :  and  there- 
 fore d(;clare,  That  Prefbyteries  (hall  not  only,have  right, /)rs>- 
 prio  jurey  to   plant  and   provide  all  and  fundry  kirks  of  the 
 patronages  belonging  to  any   perfon  that  has  not  fubfcribed 
 the  National  Covenant  ;  but  alfo  all  kirks  of  the  patronap'es 
 belonging  to  any  perfon  that  has  not  fub(cribed  the  League 
 and  Covenant  of  the  three  kingdoms,  or  that  is  or  fliall  bs 
 excommunicate,  and  that  from  the  time  of  the  public  enjoin- 
 ing of  the  Covenant  by  the  kirk,  and  of  pronouncing  the 
 fentence  of  excommunication — ay  and  wrhile  they  fubfcribe 
 the  faid  Covenants,  and  be  relaxed  from  excommunication 
 refpeBive.     And   it  is  alfo  declared  and  ordained,  That  all 
 kirks  of  the  patronages  belonging  to  any  perfon   that  is  or 
 fhall  be  forfaulted  for  whatever  caufe,  be  provided  and  plan- 
 ted hereafter  by  the  Prefbyteries  within  whofe  bounds  thejr 
 ly;  and  that  the  right  of  planting  thereof  (hall  belong  to  Yvtt' 
 hytenes,  plena  et  propria  Jure,  in  tiine  coming  ;  declaring  alia 
 hereby.  That  the   planting  and  providing  of  all  and  fundry 
 the  kirks  above  mentioned,  fhall  always  be  according  to  the 
 propofii  ion  of  ordination  of  rainifters,  agreed   upon  by   ths 
 AiTemblies  of  both  churches,  and  ratified  by  the  Parliament: 
 of  this  kingdom  :  And  further,  the  Eftates  eztencl  the  a«5lof 
 Parliament  above-mentioned  againft  therefuiers  of  the  League 
 and  Covenant  of  the  three  kingdoms  and  excommunicate  per- 
 fons,  in  the  whole  tenor  and  efFeft  thereof ;  ordaining  the 
 fiime  to  be  as  efFeftual  in  all  points  againft  them,  as  agalmc 
 the  refulers  of  the  National  Covenant  ihcreia  expreficd. 
 
 Charles  I.  Pari.  3.  fefl*.  6.  ^^  28. 
 
 XX,  JB  difcharging  the  Obfervatmi  of  Supsrfitious  Days, 
 
 y^/ Edinburgh,  March  i^^  1647. 
 
 THE  EAates  of  Parliament" confidering,  that  the  obferv. 
 ingof  Yule  day,  and  other  fuperditious  days,  is  mnc'i 
 occddoned  by  coal-hewers  and  iaiters  flitting  and  entry  ac 
 Yule  ;  Therefore  they  ordain,  That  the  terms  of  flitting  and 
 entry  of  all  coal-hewers  and  falters  (hail  hereafter  be  upon  the 
 firff  of  December  yearly,  difcharging  any  entry  or  remoi'al 
 to  be  at  Yule  hereafter  ;  inhibiting  alfo  all  and  every  one  to 
 obferve  the  fnperflitious  time  of  Yule,  or  any  other  ibperih'- 
 tious  days,  in  any  manner  of  way,  and  that  under  the  pains 
 
 coiiiained 
 
'432  '^  Collection  of  Acts,  l^c» 
 
 contained  in  the  afts  of  Parliament  made  againft  profanation 
 of  the  Sabbath  :  And  recommend  to  all  whom  it  concern?, 
 to  fee  this  aQ  obferved,  and  the  contraveeners  punifiied  in 
 their  perfons  and  goods  condignly. 
 
 Charles  I.  and  //.  Pari.  2.  felT.  2.  a£l  15. 
 
 XXL  ASl   anetJt  Securing  of  the    Covenanty  Religion^    and 
 Peace  of  the  Kingdom. 
 
 4t  Edinburgh,  February  7,  1649. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament,  taking  to  their  mod  ferious 
 confideration,  the  unhappy  differences  between  their 
 late  fovereign  and  thele  kingdoms,  caufed  by  the  evil  coun- 
 fellors  about  him,  unto  the  great  prejudice  of  religion,  and 
 long  difturbance  of  the  peace  of  thefe  kingdoms  ;  as  likewife 
 the  manifold  adls  of  Parliament,  and  fundamental  conftitu- 
 tion  of  this  kingdom,  anent  the  king's  oath  at  his  coronation, 
 which,  judging  it  neceffary  that  the  prince  and  the  people  be 
 of  one  perfe^l  religion,  appointeth,  that  all  kings  and  prin- 
 ces, who  fliall  reign  or  bear  rule  over  this  realm,  fhall,  at 
 their  coronation,  or  receipt  of  their  princely  authority,  fo- 
 lemnly  fwpar,  to  obferve  in  their  own  perfons,  and  to  pre- 
 ierve,  the  religion  as  it  is  prefently  eftablifhed  and  profclTed, 
 and  rule  the  people  committed  to  their  charge,  according  to 
 the  will  of  God  revealed  in  his  word,  and  the  loveableconfti- 
 tutions  received  within  this  kingdom, — and  do  fundry  other 
 things,  which  arc  more  fully  exprefTed  therein  ;  and  withal, 
 pondering  their  manifold  folemn  obligations  to  endeavour  the 
 fecuring  of  religion  and  the  covenant  before  and  above  all 
 worldly  interefts  :  THEREFORE,  they  do  enaft,  ordain, 
 and  declare.  That  before  the  king's  majefty,  who  now  is,  or 
 any  of  his  fucceflbrs,  fhall  be  admitted  to  the  exercife  of  his 
 royal  power,  he  fhall,  by  and  attour  the  faid  oath,  alTure  and 
 declare  by  his  folemn  oath,  under  bis  hand  and  ieal,  his  al- 
 lowance of  the  National  Covenant,  and  of  the  Solemn  League 
 and  Covenant,  and  obligation  to  profecute  the  ends  thereof 
 in  his  flation  and  calling  •,  and  that  he  fhall,  for  himfelf  and 
 his  fuccefTors,  confent  and  agree  to  a6lsot  Parliament  enjoin- 
 ing the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  and  fully  ef^ablifhlng 
 Prefbyterian  government,  the  Dircflo^-y  ofWerfljip^  Conjejfion 
 of  Faith ^  and  Catechifmsy  as  they  arc  approven  by  the  General 
 AlTembly  of  this  kirk  and  Parliament  of  this  kingdom,  in  all 
 his  majeftj's  dominions  ;  and  that  be  fhall  obferve  thefe  in 
 
 bis 
 
A  Collection  (j/"  Acts,  ^c,  43^3 
 
 his  ovrn  pra£tice  ani  family  ;  and  that  he  fliall  never  make 
 oppofition  to  any  of  thefe,  or. endeavour  any  change  thereof. 
 
 It  is  alfo  declared,  enaifted,  and  ordained,  That  before  the 
 king,  who  now  is,  ihall  be  admitted  to  the  exeicife  of  his 
 royal  pov^'er,  he  fhail  leave  all  counfel  and  counfellors  preju- 
 dicial to  religion,  and  to  the  National  Covenant,  and  to  the 
 Solemn  League  and  Covenant  ;  and  give  fatisfa^lion  to  the 
 Parliament  of  this  kingdom,  as  it  is  now  conftitute,  in  wli.it 
 farther  fhall  be  found  neceifary  for  the  fettling  of  a  happy  and 
 durable  peace,  prefervation  of  the  union  between  the  king- 
 doms, and  for  the  good  of  the  crown,  and  Jor  his  own  ho- 
 nour and  happinefs  •,  and  lliall  confent  and  agree,  thnt  a  I 
 matters  civil  be  determined  by  the  Parliament  of  this  king- 
 dom, and  all  eccleliaftic  matters  by  the  General  AiTembly  of 
 this  kirk  :  for  the  which  ends,  theEftates  of  Parliament  arc 
 refolved  to  make  their  humble  and  earneft  addreiTes  to  his 
 majedy  with  all  pofHble  expedition.  All  which  they  find 
 themfelves  bound  to  profecute,  and  refolve  not  to  recede 
 therefrom,  but  to  fee  the  fame  really  performed. 
 
 Likeas,  the  Eflates  of  Parliament  difcharge  all  the  lieges 
 and  fubjefrs  of  this  kingdom,  to  procure  or  receive  from  his 
 majefty  any  commiillons,  patents,  honours,  offices,  or  gifts 
 whatfomever,  until  his  majeffy  give  fatisfadlion  as  laid  is,  un- 
 der the  pain  of  being  ccnlured  in  their  perfons  and  efiate?, 
 as  the  Parliament,  or  any  havirg  power  from  them,  fliall 
 judge  fitting. 
 
 And  if  any  fuch  commiHion,  patents,  honours,  ofHces,  or 
 gifts,  fhall  be  procured  or  received  by  any  of  the  fubjects  of 
 this  kingdom,  before  fuch  latisfadtion,  the  Parliament  declares 
 and  ordains  all  fuch  commifnon';,  patents,  honours,  offices,  or 
 gifts,  and  all  that  fhaii  follow  thereupon,  to  be  void  and  null. 
 
 Charles  I.  and  II.  Pari.  2.  fefT.  2.  a^  26. 
 
 XXII.  Act  Jor  keeping  the    Judicatories  afjd  Places  of  Truji 
 Jree  of  Corruptioti, 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  February  17,  1649. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament  taking  into  theirferious  con- 
 fideration,  that  the  J.crd  our  God  requires,  that  fuch 
 as  bear  charge  amongft  his  people,  fliould  be  able  men,  fear- 
 ing God,  hating  covetOMfrei?,  and  dealing  truly  ;  and  that 
 many  of  the  evils  of  fin  and  punifliment,  under  which  the 
 land  grones,  have  come  to  pais,  becaufe  hitherto  this  hath 
 
 H  h  h        >  not 
 
434  ^  Collection  of  Acts,  tifc^ 
 
 ret  been  fufficiently  provided  and  cared  for  -,  and  being  fenfi- 
 blc  of  the  great  obligation  that  lies  upon  them  by  the  Natio- 
 nal Covenant,  and  by  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  and 
 by  many  deliverances  and  mercies  from  God,  and  by  the  fo- 
 Jemn  engagement  unto  duties,  to  advance  religion  and  righ- 
 teoulnels  in  the  land,  and  till  places  of  power  and  truft  with 
 men  of  approved  integrity,  and  of  a  blam-elefs  and  Chriftian 
 cdnverfation  j  and  being  convinced  in  their  conlciences,  that 
 there  cannot  be  a  more  effe^ual  way  for  bearing  down  malig- 
 nants,  and  fuppreffing  of  profanity,  and  iniquity,  and  un« 
 godlinefs,  and  rendering  all  the  laws  already  made,  or  here- 
 after to  be  made,  forcible  and  effectual  for  the  honour  of  God, 
 the  advancing  of  religion  and  righteoufnefs,  and  the  good  of 
 the  lieges,  than  that  all  the  judicatories  of  the  kingdom  con- 
 fift  of,  and  places  of  power  and  public  trull  be  filled  with  a- 
 ble  and  honeft  men  :  Do  therefore  ftatute  and  ordain,  That 
 no  perfon  that  is  malignant  and  difafFccted  to  the  prefent  work 
 of  reformation  and  covenants,  and  againft  whom  there  is  juft 
 caufi;  of  exception,  or  juft  ground  of  jealoufy,  becaufe  of  their 
 difaffeition  ;  nor  any  perfon  given  to  drunkennefs,  fwearing, 
 uncleaiinefs,  or  any  other  fcandalous  offence,  fliall  hereafter 
 be  chofen  to  be  a  judge,  or  any  officer  of  il:atc,or  magiftrate, 
 or  counfellor  in  burghs,  clerks,  or  deacons  of  crafts,  or  any 
 officer  of  any  army  belonging  to  rhis  kingdom,  or  employed 
 in  anv  place  of  public  power  and  truft,  within  this  kingdom, 
 and  that  all  fucli  as  fhall  be  chofen  to  be  judges,  officers  of 
 flate,  officers  of  the  army,  magiftrates,  counfellors  in  burghs, 
 clerks,  deacons  of  crafts,  or  employed  in  any  place  of  power 
 iand  truft  in  this  kingdom,  fhall  not  only  be  able  men,  but  al- 
 fo  fhal!  be  men  of  known  afTeftion  unto,  and  of  approved  fide- 
 lity and  integrity  in,  the  caufe  of  God,  and  of  a  blamelcfs 
 and  Chriftian  converCation.  And  it  is  fiatute  and  ordained, 
 That  if  any  malignant  or  fcandalous  perfon  fhall  be  chofen  to 
 be  judges,  officers,  or  employed  in  any  of  the  places  afore- 
 laid,  or  other  places  of  power  and  truft, — or,  if  after  they 
 being  called  to  be  judges,  officers,  and  employed  in  places  of 
 power  and  truft,  they  fliall  make  defection  to  malignancy,  as 
 is  aforefaid,  or  give  themfelves  to  tcandaloes  offences,  one  or 
 move  •,  that  this  their  malignancy  and  profanity  conjunftly, 
 or  either  of  them  feverally,  being  proved  againft  them,  fhall 
 be  a  lufficient  caufe  to  the  Parlisment  of  this  kingdom,  or  any 
 having  power  from,  them  for  that  cffeft,  to  keep  back,  re- 
 move, or  fulpend  thcfe  perlbns  from  the  places  of  power  and 
 truft  to  which  they  are  called,  or  in  which  they  are  employ- 
 ed, as  their  faults  and  crimes  fhall  be  found  to  ueCerve  ;  but 
 
 prejudice 
 
A  Collection  9^  Acts,  feV.  4-^^ 
 
 prejudice  always  to  all  other  juJicatorlcs  and  perfons  brving 
 right  by  the  laws  of  this  kirgdom  thereto,  to  purge  and  fill 
 all  offices  and  places  of  powf  r  and  truft  within  their  reipec- 
 live  powers,  according  to  the  tenor  of  this  a^t,  wio  arehrrf- 
 by  required  and  ordained  to  .lo  the  fame,  as  they  will  aniwer 
 thereupon  to  the  Parliament,  or  any  havirg  power  horn  them 
 in  rhatbehalf. 
 
 Charles  I.  and//.  Pari.  2.  felT  2.  ?.<fl  39. 
 
 XXIII.  Act  aholijhing  the  Patronages  of  Kirks. 
 
 At  Edinburgh,  March  9,  1649. 
 
 THE  Eftates  of  Parliament  being  fenfible  of  the  gre^t 
 obligation  that  lies  upon  them  by  the  Ndtional  Cove- 
 nant, and  by  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant,  and  by  ma- 
 ny deliverances  and  mercies  from  God,  and  by  the  late  <o- 
 lemn  engagement  unto  duties,  to  preferve  the  doctrine,  and 
 maintain  and  vindicate  the  liberties,  of  the  kirk  of  ScGtli,nd, 
 and  to  advance  the  work  of  reformation  therein  to  the  utmoft 
 of  their  power  ;  and  conlidering,  that  patronages  and  prefen^ 
 tatiohsof  kirks,  is  an  evil  andbo.ida|;e  under  which  the  Lorci's 
 people  and  minifters  of  this  land  have  long  groaned  j  and  that 
 it  hath  po  warrant  in  God's  word,  but  is  founded  only  on  the 
 common  law,  and  is  a  cuftom  Popilli,  and  brought  into  the 
 kirk  in  time  of  ignorance  and  iuperftiticn;  and  that  the  fan,e 
 is  contrary  to  the  Second  Book  of  Difcipline,  in  which,  upon 
 folid  and  good  ground^  it  is  reckoned  among  abuies  that  are 
 delired  to  be  reformed,  and  unto  feveral  a£ts  of  General  Ai- 
 Jemblies  ;  and  that  it  is  prejudicial  to  the  liberty  of  the  peo- 
 ple and  planting  of  kirks,  and  unto  the  free  calling  and  entry 
 of  minifters  unto  their  charge  :  And  the  faid  Eflates,,  being 
 willing  and  defirous  to  promove  and  advance  the  reformatio!! 
 forefaid,  that  every  thing  in  the  houfe  of  God  may  be  crder>^d 
 according  to  his  word  and  commandment,  Do  thcreiore, 
 from  the  fenfe  of  the  former  obligations,  and  upon  the  fov- 
 mer  grounds  and  reafons,  difcharge  for  ever  hereafter,  ail 
 patronages  and  prefenrations  of  kirks,  whether  belonging  to 
 the  king,  or  to  any  laick  patron,  prefbyteries,  or  others  wi- 
 thin this  kingdom,  as  being  unlawiul  and  unwarrantable  by 
 God's  word,  and  contrary  to  the  do£\rine  and  liberties  of 
 this  kirk  ;  and  do  repeal,  refcind,  make  void,  and  annul  all 
 gifts  and  rights  granted  thercanent,  and  all  former  adts  made 
 in  i'arlianient,  or  in  any  inferior  judicatory,  in  favours  of  any 
 H  h  h  a  patroii 
 
43<^  ^  Collect  I CN  0/  Acts,  ifs. 
 
 patron  or  patrons  whatfoever,  fo  far  as  the  fame  doth  or  may 
 relate  unto  the  prefentation  of  kirks  :  And  doth  Aatute  and 
 crdain,  that  no  ptrfon  or  per'bns  whatfomevtr  fiiall,  at  any 
 ti'.iif  hereafter,  take  upon  them,  under  pretex:  of  any  title, 
 infcftment,  a6l  of  Parliament,  poiTcfllon,  or  warrant  whatfor 
 ever,  which  are  hereby  repealed,  to  give,  lublcribe,  or  leal 
 any  prefentation  to  any  kirk  within  this  kingdom  j  and  dif- 
 charges  the   pjffing  of  any   infeftmcnt  hereafter,  bearing  a  . 
 right  to   patronages,    to   be  granted  in  favours  of  thefe  for 
 whom  the  infeftments  are  prcfcnted  ;  and  that  no  peribn  or" 
 perfons  fliall,  either   in  the  behalf  of  themfelves  or  others, 
 procure,  receive,  or  m.\ke  ufe  of  any  prefentation  to  any 
 kirk  within  this  kingdom.     And  it   is  further  declared  and 
 ordained.  That  if  any  prefentation  fliall    hereafter  be   given, 
 procured,  or  received,   that  the  fvune  is  null  and  of  none  ef- 
 ic£i  -,  and  that  it  is  lawful  for  Picfbyteries  to  rejedtthe  fame, 
 and  to  refufe  to  admit  any  to  trials  thereupon  ;  and  notwith- 
 fianding  thereof,  to  proceed  to  the  planting  of  the  kirk,  up- 
 on the  fui'.  and  calling,  or  with  the  confent  of,  the  congre- 
 gation, on  whom  none  is  to  be  obtruded  againfl:  their  will. 
 And  it  is  decerned,  ftaiute,  and  ordained,  that   whofoever 
 hereafter  liiall,  upon  the  fbii:  and  calling- of  the  congregati- 
 on, after  due  examination  of  their  literature  and  converlati- 
 on,  be   admitted    by   the   Prtfbytery  unto  the  exerciie  and 
 funt^lion  of  the  miniilry,  in  any  parifli  within  this  kingdom, 
 that  the  faid  perfbn  or   perfons,  without  a  prefentation,  by 
 virtue  of  their  ad  million,  hath  fufficient  right  and  title  to  pof- 
 fcls  and  enjoy  the  manfe  and   giebe,  and  the  v\'hole  rents, 
 profits,  and  iHpends,  which  the  minillers  of  that  parilli  h.Ad 
 fqrn'lerly  pofl'eft  and   enjoyed,  or  that  hereafter  fliall  be  mo- 
 dified by   the  Commiilion  for  plantation  of  kirks  :  And  de- 
 cerns ail  titulars  and  tacklmen  of  tithes,  heritors,  liferenters, 
 or  others,  i'ubjeil  and  liable  in  payment  of  minifters  ftipends, 
 tu  make  payment  of  the  lame,  notwithllanding  the  minifter 
 his  want  of  a  preicntation  :  And  ordains  the  Lords  of  Seflion, 
 and  other  judges  competent,  to  give  out  decreets  and  fcnten- 
 ces,  letters  conform,  horning,  inhibition,  and  all  other  exe- 
 cutorials,  upon  the  faid  adiriiillon  of  minifters  by  Prefbyte- 
 ries,  as  they  were  formerly  in  ufe  to  do,  upon  collation  and 
 iiiftitution  following  upon  prcfentations  from  patrons.     De- 
 claring alw.iys,  thdt  where  minifters  are  already  iid'mitted  up- 
 cn  prefentations,  and  have  obtained  decreets  conform  there- 
 upon, that  die  faid  decreets,  and  executorials  following  there- 
 upon, fliall  be  good  and  valid  rights  to  the  minifters  for  fuit- 
 ing  and  obtaining  pa;,nient  of  iiieir  ftipeud,  and  the.prtfenta- 
 t  lion 
 
^Collection  of  Acts,  life.  43^ 
 
 tion  and  decreet  conform,  obtained  before  the  date  hereof, 
 liiall  be  a  valid  ground  and  right  for  that  efleft,  uotwithftand- 
 ing  the  annulling  of  prel'entations,  by  virtue  of  this  prefent 
 z£i  :  Andbecauleit  is  needful,  that  the  jufl  and  proper  inte- 
 rert  of  congregations  and  Prefbyteries,  in  providing  of  kirks 
 with  niinifters,  be  clearly  determined  by  the  General  Affeni- 
 b  y,  and  what  is  to  be  accounted  the  congregation,  having 
 that  intereft  ;  therefore  it  is  hereby  ferioully  recommended 
 unto  the  next  General  Aflembly,  clearly  to  determine  the 
 firne,  and  to  condefcend  upon  a  certain  {landing  way,  for 
 being  a  fettled  rule  therein  for  all  tiiBes  coming. 
 
 AJCIF^  The  coronatiGn  Oath  of  Scotland,  as  it  is  ccntained  in 
 the  eighth  Act  of  thejirjl  Parliament  ofVmg  James  VI.  as  the 
 Jatne  was  fivorn  and fubjcrihed  by  king  Charles  11.  on  the  day 
 oj  his  Coronation  at  Scoon,  January  i,   1651. 
 
 BECAUSE  that  the  increafe  of  virtue,  and  fupprefling  of 
 idolatry,  craveth,  that  the  prince  and  the  people  be  of 
 one  perfecl  religion,  which  of  God's  mercy  is  now  prefcntly 
 profefled  within  this  realm  ;  Therefore,  it  is  ftatute  and  or- 
 dained by  our  lovereign  l^ord,  my  lord  regent,  and  three  E- 
 flate-i  of  this  prefent  Varliament,  That  all  kings,  princes  and 
 magiflrates  whatioever,  holding  their  place,  which  hereafter, 
 at  any  time,  Uiall  happen  to  reign  and  bear  rule  over  this 
 .  realm,  at  the  time  of  their  coronation,  and  receipt  of  their 
 princely  authority,  make  their  faithful  promife,  in  prefence 
 of  the  Eternal  God,  That,  enduring  the  whole  courfe  of  their 
 lives,  they  (hall  Icrve  the  fame  Eternal  God,  to  the  uttermoll 
 of  their  power,  according  as  he  hath  required  in  his  moil 
 holy  word,  revealed  and  contained  iu  the  New  and  Old  Tef- 
 tament  ;  and,  according  to  the  fame  word,  fliall  maintain 
 the  irne  religion  of  ChriA  Jefus,  the  preaching  of  his 'holy 
 word,  and  due  and  right  miniltration  of  the  facraments,  now 
 received  and  preached  within  this  realm  ;  and  Ihall  abohfli 
 and  gainlfand  all  falfe  religions  contrary  to  the  lame  ;  and 
 ihail  rule  the  people  committed  to  their  charge,  according  to 
 the  will  and  command  of  God,  revealed  in  his  forefaid  word, 
 and  according  to  the  loveable  laws  and  conftitutions  received 
 in  this  realm,  noways  repugnant  to  the  laid  word  of  the  E- 
 ternal  God  j  and  ihall  procure,  to  the  uttermoft  of  their 
 power,  to  the  kirk  of  God,  and  whole  Chriifian  people,  true 
 and  perfeft  peace  in  time  corning  ;  the  rights  and  rents,  with 
 all  juft  privileges  of  the  crown  of  Scotland,  to  preferve  and 
 keep  invioluteJ  ;  neither  ihtCd  they  transfer  nor  alienate  the 
 
 fame  : 
 
438  A  Collection  of  Acts,  bV. 
 
 lame  :  They  fhall  forbid  and  reprefs,  in  all  eflates  and  de- 
 grees, reife,  oppreffion,  and  all  kind  of  wrongs  :  In  ail  judg- 
 ments, they  {hall  command  and  procure,  that  juftice  and  e- 
 quity  be  Keeped  to  all  creatures  without  exception,  as  the 
 Xord  and  Father  of  mercies  be  merciful  unto  them  ;  and, 
 out  of  their  lands  and  empire,  they  fiiall  be  careful  to  root 
 out  all  heretics  and  enemies  to  the  true  worlhip  of  God,  that 
 fiiall  be  convidted  by  the  true  kirk  of  God  of  the  forefaid 
 crimes;  and  that  they  fhall  faithfully  afHrm  the  things  above 
 written  by  their  folemn  oath. 
 
 7he  Mimjler  tendereth  the  Oath  unts  the  King,  ivho^  kneel- 
 tngf  and  holding  up  his  right  hand,  /ware  in  thefe  ivordsy*^  By 
 «<  the  Eternal  and  Almighty  Gad,  who  liveth  and  reigneth  jor 
 <«  every  1  Jliall  ohjerve  and  keep  all  that  is  contained  in  this  Uath." 
 
 XXV.  The  Coronation  Oath^  as  it  is  contained  in  the  j^th  aB 
 cf  the  Jirjl  Parliament  of  king  Charles  I.  find  II  and  fub- 
 joined  both  to  the  National  and  Solemn  League  and  Covenant , 
 as  the  fame  was  taken  and  fubfcribed  by  king  Charles  II.  at 
 Spey^  June  23,  1650, — and  again  by  him,  on  the  day  of  his 
 Coronation,  at  Scoon,  January  i,  1651. 
 
 I  Charles,  king  of  Great  Britain,  France,  and  Ireland, 
 do  affure  and  declare,  by  my  folemn  oath,  in  the  pre- 
 fence  of  Almighty  God,  the  fearcher  of  hearts,  my  allowance 
 and  approbation  of  the  National  Covenant,  and  of  the  Solemn 
 League  and  Covenant  above  written,  and  faithfully  oblige  my- 
 felf  to  profecute  the  ends  thereof,  in  my  Ration  and  calling  ; 
 and  tkat  I,  for  myfelf  and  Ihcceffbrs,  fhall  conlent  and  agree 
 to  all  afis  of  Parliament,  enjoining  the  N:Uional  Covenant, 
 and  the  Solemn  Lea^jue  and  Covenant,  and  fully  ellablithing 
 Prefbyterial  Government,  the  DireSIory  of  JVorJhip,  Confeffion 
 of  Faith y  and  Cntechtfms,  in  the  kingdom  of  Scotland,  as  they 
 are  approven  by  the  Genera!  AiTemblies  of  the  kiik,  and  P<ir- 
 iiament  of  this  kingdom  ;  and  that  I  ihall  give  my  royal  al- 
 fent  to  afls  and  ordinances  of  Parliament,  patTed,  or  to  be 
 piired,  enjoining  the  fame  in  my  other  dominions  ;  and  that 
 1  ihall  obfcrve  thefe  in  my  own  practice  and  family, — and 
 fhall  never  make  oppoiition  to  any  of  thefe,  or  endeavour 
 any  change  thereof. 
 
 After  the  King  had  thus  folemnly  fnvorn  the  National  Ccve~ 
 Rant,  the  League  and  Covenant,  and  the  king  s  ()nth  fnh joined 
 So  both,  being  drawn  up  on  a  fair  Parihmentf  the  King  t:id 
 fubjcrike  the  fame  in  prejence  of  alL 
 
 Acts 
 
C    439    3 
 
 ACTS  and  ORDINANCES  of  Parliament 
 of  the  Kingdom  of  England. 
 
 Cap*  28.  May  2,   1641. 
 
 XXVl.  Ferjms  in  Holy  Orders  Jhall  not  exercife  any  TcmpO' 
 tal  Jurifdi£iion. 
 
 WHEREAS  bifhops,  and  other  perfons  in  holy  orders^ 
 ought  not  to  be  entangled  with  fecular  jurifdi<5tion, 
 (the  office  of  the  miniftry  being  of  fo  great  importance,  that 
 it  will  take  up  the  whole  man)  and  for  that  it  is  found  by  long 
 experience,  that  their  intermeddling  with  fecular  jurifdi^ti- 
 ons  hath  occafioned  great  mifchiefs  and  fcandal,  both  to 
 church  and  ftate, — his  majefty,  out  of  his  religious  care  of 
 the  church  and  fouls  of  his  people,  is  gracioufly  pleafed  that 
 it  be  enabled,  and  by  authority  of  this  prefent  Parliament  be 
 it  enaclcd,  That  no  archbiihop,  or  bifhop,  or  other  perfon, 
 that  now  is,  or  hereafter  fhall  be,  in  holy  orders,  fhall,  at 
 any  time  after  the  fifteenth  day  of  February y  in  the  year  of 
 our  Lord  one  thoufand  fix  hundred  and  forty-one,  have  any 
 ftate  or  place,  fufFrage  or  voice,  or  ufe  or  execute  any  power 
 or  authority  in  the  Parliament  of  this  realm,  nor  fhall  be  of 
 the  privy  council  of  his  majefly,  his  heirs  or ' fuccefi'ors,  or 
 juftices  of  the  peace  of  Oyer  and  Terminer ^  or  goal  delivery, 
 — or  execute  any  temporal  authority,  by  virtue  of  any  coni- 
 miffion  ;  but  fhall  be  wholly  difabled,  and  be  incapable  to 
 have,  receive,  ufe,  or  execute  any  of  the  faid  offices,  places, 
 powers,  authorities,  and  things  aforefaid. 
 
 And  be  it  further  enafted  by  the  authority  aforefaid,  that 
 all  afts,  from  and  after  the  faid  fifteenth  day  of  February, 
 which  fhall  be  done  or  executed  by  any  archbifhop,  or  bi- 
 fliop,  or  other  perfon  whatfoever  in  holy  orders,  and  all  and 
 every  fufFrage  or  voice  given  or  delivered  by  them,  or  any  of 
 them,  or  other  thing  done  by  them,  or  any  of  them,  contra- 
 ry to  the  purport  aiid  true  meaning  of  this  prefent  act,  (hxW 
 be  utterly  void  to  all  intents,  confi ructions,  and  purpofes. 
 
 xxvn. 
 
44^  /i  Collection  c/Acts,  <^c. 
 
 XXVII.  A  Declaration   of  both  Hottfes    of  Purl'iament^  cm- 
 ccrnliJg  Church  Government. 
 
 April'  9//^,  1542. 
 
 THE  Lords  and  Commons  do  declare,  That  they  intend 
 a  due  and  neceflary  reformaiion  of  the  government 
 and  liturgy  of  the  church,  and  to  take  away  nothing  in  the 
 one  or  the  other,  but  what  fhall  be  evil,  and  jijftly  olfenfive, 
 or  at  leall  unneceifary  and  burdenfoni  ;  and,  for  the  better 
 efFe£tinpf  thereof,  fpeedily  to  have  confultation  with  godly  and 
 learned  divines.  And  becaufe  this  wiU  never,  of  iti'clf,  at- 
 tain the  end  fought  therein,  they  will  therefore  ufe  their  ut- 
 moft  endeavours  to  cftablilh  learned  and  preaching  minillers, 
 with  a  good  and  fufficient  maintenance,  throughout  the 
 whole  kingdom,  wherein  many  dark  corners  are  miferably 
 deftitute  of  the  means  of  falvation,  and  many  poor  miniflers 
 want  neceffary  provilion. 
 
 JOHN  BROWN,  Cler.  Pari. 
 
 H.  ELSYNG,  Cler.  Pari.  Dom.  Com. 
 
 ORDERED  by  the  Lords  In  Parliament,*That  this  De- 
 claration of  both  Houfes, touching  the  government  and 
 liturgy  of  the  church,  fhall  be  forthwith  printed,  and  publiihed 
 by  the  {laeriftsintheirfeveralcounties,in  all  tlie  market  towns, 
 within  the  kingdom  of  England,  and  dominion  o[  Wales. 
 
 JOHN  BROWN,  Cler.  Par!. 
 
 Hughes  Abridgment,  cap.  127. 
 Anent  the  League  and  Covenant,  Jan.  30,  1(743-4' 
 
 Ordered  by  the  Lords  and  Commons  in  Par'iamenff 
 I.  rr^HAT  the  commiffionets  of  the  Great  Seal  call  before 
 
 I  them  all  and  every  the  officers  and  miniflers,  and 
 all  attendants  on  the  Great  Seal,  or  court  of  chancery,  king's 
 bench,  common  pleas,  exchequer,  court  of  wards  and  liveries, 
 and  tender  to  them  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  for  the 
 reformation  of  religion,  the  honour  and  happinefs  of  the  king, 
 and  the  fafety  of  the  three  kingdoms  of  England,  Scotland, 
 and  Ireland  ;  and  fuch  as  (hall  ehher  refafe  or  neg!e6l  to  take 
 the  fame,  and  all  fuch  as  (liall  not  make  their  appearance, 
 and  give  perfonal  attendance,  in  their  feveral  places  and  offi- 
 ce?, 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  ^c.  441 
 
 ces,  before  the  laft  day  of  his  terrA,  (not  having  a  juft  ex- 
 cufe)  lliall  forfeit  their  feveral  and  refpeclive  offices  and  pla- 
 ces, and  the  fame  (hall  be  abiblutely  void,  as  if  luch  perlbas 
 were  naturally  dead. 
 
 II.  That  no  ferjsant  at  law,  or  other  lawyer,  attorney, 
 clerk, or  lolicitor,  (hall  beadmhted  to  praftiie  before  the  com- 
 mifiioner?  in  the  court  of  chancery,  or  in  the  king's  bench, 
 common  pleas,  exchequer,  or  court  of  wards  and  liveries,  or 
 prore9Ute  or  folicit  any  caufe  in  any  of  the  faid  courts,  before 
 he  Ihall  have  taken  the  faid  Solemn  League  and  Covenant, 
 which  the  faid  commiflioners  are  to  adminifter  unto  them. 
 
 Cap.  51,  ii^Fehruar'jy   1644-5 
 
 XXVIII.   The  Book  of  Common  Prayer  /ball  not  be  henceforth 
 
 ufedy  but  the  DireEioryfor  Public  IVofJJjip. 
 
 THE  Lords  and  Commons  affembled  in  Parliament,  taking 
 into  their  ferious  contideration,  the  manifold  inconve- 
 niences that  havearifen  by  the  Bosk  of  Common  Prayer  in  this 
 kingdom  ;  and  refolving,  according  to  their  covenant,  to  re- 
 form religion  cccording  to  the  word  of  God,  and  the  exam- 
 ple of  the  befl:  reformed  churches, — have  confulted  with  the 
 reverend,  pious,  and  learned  divines,  called  together  to  that 
 purpole,  and  do  judge  it  neceffary,  that  the  faid  Boole  of 
 Common  Prayer  be  abol'.flied,  and  the  DireSiory  for  the  public 
 WorJJAp  of  God,  herein  after  mentioned,  be  eftablifiied  and 
 obferved  in  all  the  churches  within  this  kiagdom.  Be  it 
 therefore  ordained  by  the  Lords  and  Commons  aflembled  in 
 Parliament,  That  the  ftatute  of  the  fecond  and  third  years  of 
 king  Edward  VI,  ^intituled.  The  penalty  for  not  ufmg  unifor- 
 mity of  Service^  and  adminifration  of  the  jnoraments,  &c  ]  and 
 the  ftatute  of  the  fifth  and  fixth  years  of  the  fame  king,  [in- 
 tituled. Uniformity  of  prayer,  and  ad  mifiiji  ration  of  jacraments^ 
 jhall  be  ifed  in  the  church~\  and  fo  much  of  the  ftatute  of  the 
 £rft  year  of  queen  Elizabeth,  [intituled.  There  jhall  be  con- 
 formity of  prayer  and  adminijiration  offocrametits~\  as  concerns 
 the  faid  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  and  the  uniformity  cf 
 prayer  and  adminiftration  of  the  facraments  ;  and  fo  much 
 of  the  ftatute  of  the  5th  year  of  the  fame  queen,  [infituled, 
 Byivhofe  order  the  Bib.'e,  and  Book  of  Common  Prayer  fijall  be 
 tranjlated  into  the  Welfh  tongue']  as  concerns  the  Book  of  Com- 
 mon Prayer  :  and  fo  much  of  the  ftatute  of  the  8th  year  of 
 tiie  fame  queen,  [intituled,  •/i'//  a&s  made  by  any  perfon^  fines 
 imo  Elizabeth^  for  the  sonfecration^  tnvejHng^.&:z.  of  any  arch- 
 
 I  i  i  bifjop 
 
44^  A  Collection  of  Acts,  Wr. 
 
 hifljop  or  hi/hop^  Jhall  he  good"]  as  concerns  the  faid  book  ;  be, 
 and  Hand  from  henceforth,  repealed,  void,  and  of  none  ef- 
 fe<n:,  to  all  intents,  conftru6tions,  and  purpofes  whatfoever  j 
 and  the  faid  Book  of  Common  Prayer  (hall  not  remain,  or  be 
 from  henceforth  uled  in  any  church,  chapel,  or  place  of  pu- 
 blic worlhip  withm  the  kingdom  of  England  and  dominion  of 
 Wales  ;  and  that  the  Diredlory  for  Public  Worlhip,  herein 
 fet  forth,  fhall  henceforth  be  ufed,  purfued,  and  obferved, 
 according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  ordinance, 
 in  all  exercifes  of  the  public  worlhip  of  God,  in  every  con- 
 gregation, church,  chapel,  and  place  of  public  worihip  with- 
 in this  kingdom  of  England,  and  dominion  of  Wales;  wnich 
 DirefVory  for  the  Public  Worfhip  of  God,  with  the  Preface 
 thereof,  followeth  *.  And  it  is  further  ordained,  by  the  au- 
 thority forefaid,  That  there  fhall  be  provided,  at  the  charge 
 of  every  parifh  or  chapelry  in  this  realm  of  England  and  do- 
 minion of  Wales,  a  fair  regifter  book  of  Vellunty  to  be  kept 
 by  the  minifter  and  other  officers  of  the  church, — and  that 
 the  names  of  the  children  baptized,  and  of  their  parents,  and 
 of  the  time  of  their  birth  and  baptizing,  Ihall  be  written  and 
 fet  down  by  the  minifter  therein, — and  all  the  names  of  all 
 perfons  married  there,  and  the  time  of  their  marriage, — and 
 alio  the  names  of  all  perfons  buried  in  that  parifli,  and  the 
 time  of  their  death  and  burial  ;  and  that  the  faid  book  fhall 
 be  fhewed,  by  fuch  as  keep  the  fame,  to  all  perfons  reafon- 
 ably  defiring  to  fearch  for  the  birth,  baptizing,  marriage,  or 
 burial  of  any  perfon  therein  regiftred  ;  and  to  take  a  copy, 
 or  procure  a  certificate  thereof. 
 
 Cap.  38.  pth  May^   1644. 
 XXIX.  Monuments  of  Idolatry  and  Stiperfiition  ahoUfjed. 
 
 'TT^HE  Lords  and  Commons  alTembled  in  Parliament,  the 
 X  better  to  accomplifh  the  blefl'ed  reformation  fo  happily 
 begun,  and  to  remove  all  offences  and  things  illegal  in  the 
 wofiiiip  of  God,  do  ordain,  That  the  reprelentations  of  any 
 of  the  perfons  of  the  Trinity,  or  of  any  angel  or  faint,  in  or 
 about  any  cathedral,  collegiate  or  parifh  church  or  chapel, 
 or  in  any  open  place  within  this  kingdom,  fliall  be  taken  away, 
 de  aced,  and  utterly  demolifhed  ;  and  that  no  fuch  fhall  here- 
 after be  fet  up  ;  and  that  the  ch.incel  ground  of  every  fuch 
 church  or  chiiipel,  railed  for  an  altar  or  communion  table  to 
 
 ftand 
 
 *   It  is  not  infer t  here,  being  printed  above,  Page  159,  &C. 
 
A  Collection  oj  Acts,  l^c.  443 
 
 frand  upon,  fhall  be  laid  down  and  levelled  ;  and  that  no 
 capes,  furplices,  fuperftitious  veftments,  roods,  or  roodlous, 
 or  hcly  water  fonts,  fhall  be,  or  be  any  more  ufed  in  any 
 church  or  chapel  within  this  rerdm  ; 'and  that  no  croi's,  cru- 
 cifix, picture,  or  repreientation  of  any  of  the  perions  of  the 
 Trinity,  or  of  any  angel  or  faint,  fhall  be  or  continue  upon 
 any  plate  or  other  thing,  ufed  or  to  be  liied,  in  or  about  the 
 worfhip  of  God  ;  and  that  all  organs,  and  the  frame?  or  cafes 
 wherein  they  ftand,  in  all  churc;'3S  and  chapels  aforelaid, 
 fliall  be  taken  away  and  utterly  defpced,  and  none  other  here- 
 after fet  up  in  their  places  ;  and  that  all  capes,  furplices,  fu- 
 perftitious veftments,  roods  and  fonts  aforefaid,  be  likewiie 
 utterly  defaced  :  Whereunto  all  perfous  within  the  kingdom, 
 whom  it  may  concern,  are  hereby  required,  at  their  peril,  to 
 yield  due  obedience,  l^c. 
 
 XXX.  An  Ordinance  of  the  Lords  and  Commons  a£'emhle A 
 in  Parlinmenty  concerning  the  Groivth  and  Spreading  oj  Er- 
 rorSf  Here/iesy  and  Blajphemies, 
 
 February  4,  1646-7. 
 
 WE,  the  Lords  and  Commons  affembled  in  the  Pirlia- 
 ment  of  England,  having  entered  into  a  folemn  co- 
 venant, to  endeavour  fincerely,  really,  and  conftanily,  the 
 reformation  of  religion,  in  doftrine,  diicipline,  and  worfhip, 
 and  the  excirp^tion  of  Popery,  fuperftition,  herelv,  fciiiim, 
 profanenels,  and  wbatfoever  Ihall  be  found  contrary  to  found 
 do6lrine  and  the  power  of  godlinefs  ;  and  having  found  the 
 prefence  of  God  wonderfully  alui'ling  us  in  this  caufe,  efpe- 
 cially  fince  our  falJ  engagement  in  purfuance  of  the  faid  co- 
 venant :  Have  thought  fit  (lefl:  we  partake  in  other  men's 
 fins,  and  thereby  be  in  danger  to  receive  of  their  plagues)  to 
 fet  forth  this  our  deep  fenfe  of  the  great  difhonour  of  God, 
 and  perilous  condition  that  this  kingdom  is  in,  thiough  the 
 abominable  blafphemies  and  damnaVile  herefies  veTued  and 
 ipread  abroad  therein,  tending  to  the  fubverfion  of  theiaitfj, 
 contempt  of  the  miniftry,  and  ordinimces  of  Jefiis  Clirilt  : 
 And  as  we  are  refolvcd  to  employ  and  improve  the  utnioft'of 
 ©ur  power,  that  nothing  be  faid  or  done  againd  the  triih, 
 but  for  the  truth  ;  fowe  delire,  that  both  ourfelves  and  tlie 
 whole  kingdom  may  be  deeply  humbled  before  the  Lord,  for 
 that  great  reproach  and  contempt  which  hath  been  cafl  upon 
 his  name  and  faving  truths,  and  for  that  fwift  deftriiction 
 which  we  may  jultiy  fear  will  fall  upon  t!ie  immortal  fouls  of 
 luch  who  are  or  may  be  drawn  away,  by  giving  heed  to  fe- 
 
 I  i  i  2  ducing 
 
444  ^  Collection  (?/Acts,  l^c. 
 
 ducing  rpirlts.  In  the  hearty  and  tender  compafiion  whereof, 
 we  the  laid  Lords  and  Commons  do  order  and  ordain,  That 
 "Wednelday,  being  the  tenth  day  of  March  next,  be  fet  apart 
 for  a  day  of  public  humif  arion,  for  the  growth  and  fpreading 
 oferror?,  herefies,  and  jolafphemies,  to.be  obferved  in  all  pla- 
 ces within  the  kingdom  of  England  and  dominion  of  Wales, 
 and  town  of  Berwick  ;  and  toieek  God  for  his  dire(flIon  and 
 alTiftance  for  the  fuppreffing  and  preventing  the  lame.  And 
 all  miniflers  are  hereby  ir't,^ined  to  publifli  this  prefent  ordi- 
 nance upon  the  Lord's  day  preceding  the  faid  tenth  day  of 
 March. 
 
 JOHN  BROWN,  Cler.  Pari. 
 
 Die  Jovis,  4th  Febntary,  1646-7. 
 
 ^RDERED  by  the  Lords  a^embled  in  Parliament,  That 
 „^_^'  this  Ordinance  (hall  be  printed  and  publifhed  ;  and 
 that  the  fherifFs,  or  their  under-flierifFs,  fliall  take  care  to 
 carry  down  the  faid  ordinance,  and  that  they  be  delivered 
 unto  the  feveral  minifters  of  every  parifh  church  and  chapel 
 within  the  counties  of  the  kingdom  of  England  and  dominioa 
 of  Wales,  who  are  to  take  notice  of  the  faid  Ordinance  ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 JOHN  BROWN,  Cler.  Pari. 
 
 Cap.  81.  jLwe  8,   1647. 
 XXXL  For  aholtpjing  Fejlival  Days. 
 
 FORASMUCH  as  the  feafts  of  the  nativity  of  Chrlfl:,  Eaf- 
 ter,  and  Whitfijntide,  and  other  feOivals,  commonly 
 called  holy  daysy  have  been  heretofore  fuperfl-itioufly  ul'ed  and 
 observed  ;  be  it  ordained  by  the  Lords' and  Commons  in  Par- 
 liament aiTembled,  That  the  laid  feaft  of  the  nativity  of  Chrift, 
 Eafter,  and  Whitfuntidc,  and  all  other  feftival  days,  com- 
 monly called  ho/y  days,  be  no  longer  obferved  as  feliivals  or 
 holy  days  within  this  kingdom  oi  England  and  dominion  of 
 Wales  ;  any  law,  ftatute,,  cuHom,  conftitution,  or  canon  to 
 the  contrary  in  any  wife  notwithlianding.  And  to  the  end 
 .there  may  be  a  convenient  time  allotted  to  fcholars,  appren- 
 ticesi  and  other  lervants,  for  their  recreation  ;  be  it  ordain- 
 ed, by  the  ?iUthority  forefaid,  That  all  fcholars,  apprentices, 
 and  other  fervants,  fhall,  with  the  leave  and  approbation  of 
 their  maliers  refpecftively,  firft  had  and  obtained,  have  luch 
 convenient  reafonable  recreation  and  relaxation   from  their 
 
 conflant 
 
A  Collection  cf  Acts,  l2fc.  445 
 
 conftant  and  ordinary  labours,  on  every  fecond  Tuefday  in 
 the  month  throughout  the  year,  as  formerly  they  hare  ufed 
 to  have  on  fuch  aforefaid  feftivals,  commonly  called  holy 
 days  ;  and  that  all  mafters  of  fcholars,  apprentices,  and  fer- 
 vants,  fhall  grant  unto  them  relpe«ftively,  fuch  time  for  ttieir 
 recreations,  on  the  aforefaid  fecond  Tuefdays  in  every  month, 
 as  they  may  conveniently  /pare  from  their  extraordinary  ne- 
 ceffary  fervices  and  vocations.  Ancj  it  is  further  ordained  by 
 the  faid  Lords  and  Commons,  That  if  any  difference  (hall  a- 
 rife  between  any  mafter  and  fervant,  concerning  the  liberty 
 hereby  granted,  the  next  Juftice  of  the  peace  fhall  have  power 
 to  order  and  reconcile  the  fame. 
 
 Cap.  104.  June  29,   i<547. 
 
 XXXII.  Clajfical  Prejhyter'iesy  and  Congregational  ElderJIApSf 
 Jhall  be  fettled. 
 
 THE  Lords  and  Commons  in  this  prefent  Parliament  af- 
 fembled,  bei^g  refolved  fpeedily  and  more  effedtually 
 to  fettle  the  Prefbyterial  government,  do  ordain,  and  be  it 
 ordained  by  the  authority  of  the  fame,  That  the  committees 
 and  commiffioners  for  the  fix  thoufand  pounds  per  menfem, 
 or  any  three  or  more  of  them,  of  the  feveral  counties  of  this 
 kingdom,  with  the  affiftance  of  fuch  minifters  and  others  as 
 they  (hall  think  fit,  do  forthwith  meet,  and  divide  their  re- 
 fpe£live  counties  into  diftinct  clafiical  Prefbyteries,  where  they 
 are  not  already  divided  ;  and  certify  fuch  diviiions  of  the  faid 
 feveral  clafles,  which  they  either  have  or  (liaH  make,  to  the 
 committee  of  Lords  and  Commons  for  judging  of  fcandal  ; 
 together  with  the  names  of  fuch  minifters  and  others  as  ^re 
 fit  to  be  of  each  claffis  ;  and  that  the  chancellors,  vice-chan- 
 cellors, and  heads  of  univerfities,  do  likewife  confider  how 
 the  colleges  may  be  put  into  claflical  Prefbyteries,  and  do, 
 before  the  twenty-fifth  of  March  next,  certify  the  fame  up 
 to  the  faid  committee  of  Lords  and  Commons,  according  to 
 the  ordinance  of  Parliament  dated  the  nineteenth  of  Augtijl^ 
 one  thoufand  fix  hundred  and  forty-five  ;  which  committee 
 of  Lords  and  Commons  is  required  to  approve  and  confirm 
 the  fame  as  they  fhall  think  fit,  immediately  upon  receipt  of 
 fuch  certificate.  After  which  faid  approbation  of  fuch  clafli- 
 cal Prefbyteries,  or  any  of  them,  by  the  faid  committee  of 
 Lords  and  Commons,  the  faid  claflical  Prefbyteries  (hall,  and 
 hereby  have  power,  within  their  feveral  precincts,  to  conlVi- 
 tute  congregational  elderfhips,  according  to  the  forcfaid  or- 
 dinance of  the  19th  of  Augujly  1645. 
 
 Cap. 
 
445  A  Collection  of  Acts ^  t^tc* 
 
 Cap.  r  1 8.  Auguji  if)^  1648, 
 
 XXXIII.  The  Form  of  Church  Government  to  be  ufcd  in  the 
 Churches  of  England  and  Ireland. 
 
 BE  it  ordered  and  ordained  by  the  Lords  and  Con;mons 
 in  Parliament  afTembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
 lame.  That  all  parifhes  and  places  whatfoever,  within  the 
 kingdom  of  England  and  dominion  of  Wales,  (as  well  privi. 
 leged  places  and  exempt  jurifdiftions  as  others)  be  brought 
 tmder  the  government  of  congregational,  claffical,  provincial, 
 and  national  Affemblies  ;  provided  that  the  chapels  or  places 
 Jn  the  houfes  of  the  king  and  his  children,  and  the  chapels  or 
 places  in  the  houles  of  the  peers  of  this  realm,  (hall  continue 
 free  for  the  exercile  of  divine  duties,  to  be  performed  accord- 
 mg  to  the  DireBory^  and  not  otherwife. 
 
 That  there  be  forthwith  a  choice  made  cff  elders  through- 
 out the  kingdom  of  England  and  dominion  of  Wales,  in  the 
 refpe£live  churches  and  chapels,  according  to  fuch  diredtions 
 as  hereafter  follow  ;  and  all  claffes  and  parochial  congregati- 
 ons arerefpe£tively  hereby  authorized  and  required,  forthwith 
 eiFeftually  to  proceed  therein  acordingly  *. 
 
 *  See  the  above  mentioned  DireSIions,  ivith  the  whole  Form  of 
 Prejhyterial  Church  Government^  in  Scobal's  Colle«^io^  of  adls 
 and  ordinances,  Jnno  1648,  Page  16^ y — 180. 
 
 ACTS  of  Assembly  of  the  Church  of  Scotland. 
 
 Assembly  at  Gla/goiVf  December  4,  1638.  fefT.  12. 
 XXXIV.  Acf  condemning  the  fix  late  pretended  Ajfcmblies. 
 
 AN  E  N  T  the  report  of  the  committee  for  trying  the  fix 
 lall  pretended  Aflemblies, — they  produced  in  writ  fun- 
 di v  reaibns,  clearing  the  unlawfulnels  and  nullity  of  thefe 
 AiHrmblies  ;  which  were  confirmed  by  the  regifter  of  the 
 Aficmbly,  the  books  of  Prefbyteries,  the  king's  majefty's  own 
 letters,  and  by  the  teflimony  of  divers  old  reverend  miniflers, 
 l^anding  up  in  the  Aflembly,  and  verifying  the  truth  there- 
 of :  The  AiTembly,  with  the  univerf'al  confent  of  all,  afcer 
 rhe  ferious  examination  of  the  reaJbns  againli  every  one  of 
 ihefe  fix  pretended  AfTt^mblies  apart,  beio^  often  urged  by 
 !be  Moderator  to  inform  tiicmielves  thorouguly,  that,  with- 
 out 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  Csfc.  44^ 
 
 out  doubting,  and  with  a  full  perfuafion  of  mind,  they  might 
 give  their  voices  ;  declared  all  thefc  fix  Aflemblics,  of  Lin- 
 lithgow, 1606,  and  1608,  Glaigow  i6io,  Aberdeen  1616, 
 St.  Andrews  1617,  Perth  1618,  and  every  one  of  them,  to 
 have  been  from  the  beginning  unfree,  unbwful,  and  null  AC 
 fcmblies,  and  never  to  have  had,  nor  hereafter  to  have,  any 
 ecclefiaftical  authority,  and  their  conckifions  to  have  been, 
 and  to  be,  of  no  force,  vigour,  nor  efficacy  ;  prohibited  ail 
 defence  and  objervance  of  them,  and  ordained  the  reaions  of 
 their  nullity  to  be  iniert  in  the  books  of  the  Aflembly  *. 
 
 *  See  the  feveral  Reaforts for  annulling  the  faid fix  pretenJcM 
 Ajfemblies^  at  lengthy  in  the  printed  ASts  of  AJfembl^^  in  8^'.^, 
 Poge^,~-\S' 
 
 Aflembly  at  Glafgowy  December  19,  1638.  feff.  25. 
 XXXV.  Againfl  the  civil  Places  and  Power  of  Kirhmen, 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  remembering,  that,  among  other 
 caufes  of  the  application  of  the  Confeflion  of  Faith  to 
 the  prefcnt  time,  which  was  fubfcribed  in  February  i638» 
 the  claufe  touching  the  civil  places  and  power  of  kirkmen  v/as 
 referred  unto  the  trial  of  this  Aflembly  5  entered  into  a  le- 
 rious  learch  thereof,  efpecially  of  their  fitting  on  the  berick 
 as  juilices  of  peace  ;  their  fitting  in  fellion  and  council;  their 
 riding  and  voting  in  Parliament:  and  confidering  how  this 
 vote  in  Parliament  was  not  at  firft  fooght  nor  required  by  this 
 kirk,  or  worthy  men  of  the  miniftiy,  but,  being  obtruded 
 upon  them,  was  difallowed,  for  fuch  reafons  as  could  not 
 well  be  anfwered  (as  appeareth  by  the  conference  holden  at 
 Holyrood  houfe  1599  ;  which,  with  the  reafons  therein  con- 
 tained, v^as  read  in  the  face  of  the  Aflembly)  and  by  plura- 
 lity of  voices,  not  being  able  10  reflil:  that  enforced  favour, 
 they,  forefeeing  the  dangerous  cotileqiiences  thereof,  in  the 
 Aflembly  atMontrofe,  did  limitate  the  Tarns  by  many  necef- 
 fary  cautions  ;  confidering  alfo  the  proteftation  made  in  the 
 Parliament  1606,  by  commiilioners  from  Prelbyteries  and 
 Provincial  Afl^emblies,  againft  this  veftitution  of  blfhops  to 
 vote  in  Parliament,  and  againft  all  civil  offices  in  the  perfons 
 of  pafl:ors,  feparate  unro  the  gofpel,  as  incompatible  With 
 their  fpiritual  funftion,  t/ith  the  manifold  reafons  cf  that 
 proteftation,  from  the  word  of  God,  ancient  councils,  anci- 
 ent and  modern  divines,  from  the  doclrine,  dilcipline,  and 
 Confeflion  of  Faith  of  the  kirk  of  Scotl?.rid,  virhich  are  extant 
 in  pr'int,  and  v/eie  read  in  the  audience  of  the  AlTembiy  : 
 
 couiider^nij 
 
448  A  Collection  cf  Acts^  l-fc. 
 
 confidering  alfo,  from  their  own  experience,  the  bad  fruits 
 and  great  evils,  which  have  been  the  infeparable  conlequen- 
 ces  of  thefe  offices  and  that  power  in  the  perfons  of  pallors, 
 feparate  to  the  gofpel,  to  the  great  prejudice  of  the  freedom 
 and  liberty  of  the  kirk,  the  jurifdidlion  of  her  Affemblies, 
 and  the  powerful  fruits  of  their  fpiritual  miniflry  :  The  Ai- 
 fembly  mod  unanimoufly,  in  one  voice,  with  the  hefitation 
 of  two  allenarly,  declared,  That  as,  on  the  one  part,  the 
 kirk,  and  the  minifters  thereof,  are  obliged  to  give  their  ad- 
 vice and  good  counlel,  in  matters  concerning  the  kirk,  or 
 the  conference  of  any  whatfomever,  to  his  majefty,  to  the 
 Parliament,  to  the  council,  or  to  any  member  thereof,  for 
 their  refolutions  from  the  word  of  God  ;  fo,  on  the  other 
 part,  that  it  is  both  inexpedient  and  unlawful  in  this  kirk, 
 for  paftors,  feparate  unto  the  gofpel,  to  bruik  civil  places  and 
 offices,  as,  to  be  juftices  of  peace  ;  fit  and  decern  in  council, 
 feffion,  or  excheqifer  ;  to  ride  or  vote  in  Parliament  ;  to  be 
 judges  or  alTefTors  in  any  civil  judicatory  :  And  therefore,  re- 
 Ccinds,  and  annuls  all  contrary  afts  of  AfTembly,  namely,  of 
 the  AfTembly  holden  at  Montrofe  1600,  which,  being  preft 
 by  authority,  did  rather  for  an  interim  tolerate  the  fame,  and 
 that  limitate  by  many  cautions,  for  the  breach  whereof  the 
 Prelates  have  been  juftly  cenfured,  than  in  freedom  of  judg- 
 ment allow  thereof.  And  ordaineth  the  Prefbyteries  to  pro- 
 ceed with  the  cenfures  of  the  kirk  againfl  luch  as  Ihall  tranf- 
 grefs  herein  in  time  coming. 
 
 AfTembly  at  Aherdeetty  July  29,  1640.  lefT.  2. 
 XXXVI.  AB  anent  the  Demolijhitig  of  Idolatreus  Monuments. 
 
 FORASMUCH  as  the  AfTembly  is  informed,  That  in  divei:s 
 places  of  this  kingdom,  and  fpecially  in  the  north  parts 
 of  the  fame,  many  idolatrous  monuments,  credled  and  made 
 for  religious  worlhip,  are  yet  extant,  fuch  as  crucifixes,  ima- 
 ges of  Chriff,  Mary,  and  faints  departed, — ordains  the  faid 
 monuments  to  be  taken  down,  demolifiied,  and  deftroyed, 
 and  that  with  all  convenient  diligence  ;  and  that  the  care  of 
 this  work  fhall  be  incumbent  to  the  Prefbyteries  and  Provincial 
 AlTemblies  within  this  kingdom,  and  their  commiffioners  to 
 report  their  diligence  herein  to  the  next  General  AfTembly. 
 
 KKtxc^X^  "iX  Aherdeeiiy  Auguf:  i,    1640.  fefT.  5. 
 XXXVII.  AB  for  cenfuring  Speakers  againji  the  Covenant. 
 
 TIHE  AfTembly  ordains,  that  fuch  as  have  fubfcribcd  the 
 ,  covenant,  and  fpeaks  againfl  the  fame,  if  he  be  a  mi- 
 
 nifter. 
 
■  y^  Collection,  fl/ Acts,  ^c.  419 
 
 rifter^  fl)aH  be  deprived  ;  and  if  he  continue  fo,  being  de- 
 prived, |hall  be  excommunicate  :  and  if  he  be  any  otiier  man, 
 fhall  be  dealt  witU  as  perjured,  and  fatisfy  paljlicly  for  his 
 perjury. 
 
 Affembly  at  /Iberdeen,  Aiiguft  t^y  1640.  leff".  to. 
 
 XXXVIII.   AEl  againji  ExpeSlants  rejujmg  to    Subfcribe  the 
 Covenant. 
 
 pHE  Aflembly  ordains,  That  if  any  expe(n:nnt  fhall  re- 
 fule  to  fubfcribe  the  Co%enant,  he  (iiall  be  declared 
 incapable  of  a  pedagogy,  teaching  of  a  fchool,  reading  at  a 
 kirk,  preaching  within  a  Prefbytery  ;  and  {hail  not  have  li- 
 berty of  relidiag  within  a  burgli,  univcrfity,  or  college  :  and 
 if  they  continue  obftinate,  to  be  pj'ocefTecl. 
 
 AKtmhXy  2Lt  Edinb-'rghy  June  2,   1644.  k^  6.    ' 
 XXXIX.   yf<f?  agalnfl  Secret  DifaffeSlers  of  the  Covenant. 
 
 THE  General  AfTembly  underftanding,  that  divers  per- 
 fons,  difailec^ed  to  the  National  Covenant  of  this  kirk, 
 and  to  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant  of  the  tliree  kirtg- 
 doms,  do  efcape  their  juft  cenfure,  either  by  their  private 
 and  conftant  abode  in  any  one  congregation,  or  by  lecrec 
 conveyance  of  their  rnalignant  fpeeches  and  pra<Slices  ;  there- 
 fore ordains  all  minifters  to  take  fpecial  notice  v>rhen  any  fuch. 
 perlon  fliall  come  within  their  pariihes,  and  fo"foon  as  they 
 fhall  know  the  fame,  that,  without  delay,  they  caule  warn 
 them  to  appear  before  the  Prefbyteries  within  which  their 
 parifhes  ly,  or  before  the  commiffioners  of  this  Aflembly  ap~- 
 pointed  for  public  affairs,  as  they  ihail  find  moR  convenient ; 
 which  warning  the  Aflembly  declares  fhall  be  a  futHcient  ci- 
 tation unto  them  ;  and'als,  that  all  minifters  and  elders  de- 
 late to  the  faids  judicatories  re/pe^ive,  every  fuch  dircitFc<Sled 
 perfon,  although  without  their  own  parifh,  fb  loon  as  they 
 ftall  hear  and  be  informed  of  them  And  the  Afl'emblv  or- 
 dains the  faid  commiffioners,  not  only  to  proceed  to  trial  and 
 :  cenfure  of  fuch  difaffedled  perfons,  but  alio  to  take  a  ipecial 
 account  of  the  diligence  of  minifters,  elders,  and  Prefbyteries 
 herein  refpeEtive. 
 
 A^cixibly  zt  Edinburgh,  June  /(^  1644.  felT.  7. 
 
 XL.  AEi  concerning  dijfenting  voices  in  Prefbyteries  and  SynTiJs. 
 
 J'"|;~^HE  Affembly  thinks  it  neceiTar,  if  any  member  of  Pre^'- 
 
 X     byteries  pr  Synods  fhall  find,  in  matters  depending  be- 
 
 K  k  k  foie 
 
i 
 
 450  Jl  CcLLECTfON  ^  Acts,  ts^c* 
 
 fee  tVem,  that  the  Moderator  fhall  refufe  to  put  any  thing 
 of  importance  to  voices  j  or,  if  they  find  any  thing  carried  by -■ 
 plurality  of  voices  to  any  determination,  which  they  conceiveW 
 to  be  contrary  to  the  word  of  God,  the  ads  of  Aflembly,  or 
 to  the  received  order  of  this  kirk  ;  That,  in  eitlier  of  thefe 
 cafes,  they  urge  their  diffent  to  be  marked  in  the  regifter  ; 
 and  if  that  be  refufed,  that  they  proteft,  as  they  would  de- 
 fire  to  be  free  of  common  cenfure  with  the  reft  :  And  the 
 Aflembly  declares  the  diflentcrs  to  be  ceniurable,  if  their  dif- 
 fent fhall  be  found  otherwife  nor  they  conceived. 
 
 Aflembly  at  Edinburgh ^  February  13,  1 645.  feiT.  u!t, 
 
 XLI.  ASl  for  cenfuring  the  Obfervers  of  Tule-day^  and  other 
 
 Juperftitious  days,  efpecially  if  they  be  Scholars. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  taking  to  their  conGderation  the 
 manifold  abuies,  profanity,  and  fuperftitions  commit- 
 ted on  Yule  day,  and  fomc  other  fuperftitious  days  following, 
 have  unanimoufly  concluded,  and  hereby  ordains,  That  what- 
 ever perfon  or  perfons  hereafter  (liall  be  found  guilty,  in 
 keeping  of  the  forefaid  fuperftitious  days,  fhall  be  proceeded 
 ag'ainft  by  kirk-cenfures,  and  fhall  make  their  public  repen- 
 tance therefor,  in  the  face  of  the  congregation  where  the  of- 
 fence is  committed  j  and  that  Prefbyteries  and  Provincial  Sy- 
 nods take  particular  notice,  how  minifters  try  and  cenfure 
 delinquents  of  this  kind  within  the  feveral  parochines.  And 
 becaufe  fcholars  and  ftudents  give  great  fcandal  and  offence 
 in  this,  That  they  (being  found  guilty)  be  feverely  d?fciplined 
 and  chaftized  therefor  by  their  mafters ;  and  in  cafe  the  maf- 
 ters  of  fchools  or  colleges  be  acceffbry  to  the  faid  (uperftitious 
 profanity,  by  their  connivance,  granting  of  liberty  of  vacance 
 to  their  fcholars  at  that  time,  or  any  time  thereafter,  in  com- 
 penfation  thereof,  That  the  mafters  be  lummonei  by  the  mi- 
 *»ifters  of  the  place  to  compear  before  the  next  enfuing  Gene- 
 ral Afleaibly,  there  to  be  cenfured  according  to  their  tref- 
 pafs  :  And  if  fcholars  (being  guilty)  refufe  to  fubjeft  them- 
 felves  to  correction,  or  be  fugitives  from  difcipline,  that  they 
 be  not  received  in  any  other  fchool  or  college  within  the 
 kingdom. 
 
 AfTembly  at  Edinburgh ,  Sept.  i,  1647.  fcfT.  ip. 
 XLII.  An  concerning  the  CXI  Propofttions  therein  mentioned. 
 
 B 
 
 EING  tender  of  fo  great  an  engagement  by  folemn  co- 
 venant, fincerely,  really,  and  conftantly  to  endeavour, 
 
 in 
 
^Collection  o^  Acts,  Isfc.  451 
 
 in  our  places  and  callings,  the  prefeivation  of  the  reformed 
 reiigion  in  this  kirk  of  Scotland,  in  do£trine,  worlliip,  uifci- 
 pline,  and  government  ;  the  reformation  ol  religion  in  the 
 kingdoms  of  England  and  Ireland,  in  do(ftrine,  woiihip,  dif- 
 ;  cipline,  and  government,  according  to  the  word  of  God,  and 
 j  the  example  of  the  beft  reformed  kirks  ;  and  to  endeavour 
 the  neareft  conjunfticn  and  uniformity  in  allthefe  ;  together 
 with  the  extirpation  of  herely,  fchilm,  and  whatfoever  fliall 
 be  found  contrary  to  found  doclrine.  And  confidering  with- 
 al, that  one  of  the  fpecial  means,  which  it  bccomech  us,  in 
 our  places  2nd  callings,  to  ule  in  purfuance  of  thefe  ends,  is, 
 in  zeal  for  the  true  reformed  religion,  to  give  our  public  tei- 
 timony  againft  the  dangerous  tenets  of  Eraftianifra,  Indepen- 
 dency, and  v,'hich  is  faltiy  called  Liberty  of  Comcience,  which 
 are  not  only  contrary  to  found  dodfrine,  but  more  fpecial  letts 
 and  hinderances,  as  well  to  the  preiervation  of  our  own  re- 
 ceived doctrine,  worfhip,  dil'cipline  and  government,  as  to 
 the  work  of  reformation  and  uniformity  in  E))gland  and  Ire- 
 land. The  General  AiTembly,  upon  thefe  confiderations, 
 having  heard  publicly  read  the  cXi  *  following  Propofitions 
 exhibited,  and  tendered  by  fome  brethren,  who  were  appoint- 
 ed to  prepare  articles  or  propofitions  for  the  vindication  of 
 the  truth  in  thefe  particulars,  doth  unanimoufly  approve  and. 
 agree  unto  thefe  eight  general  heads  of  doffrine  therein  con- 
 tained and  afTerted,  viz.  i.  That  the  miniftry  of  the  word, 
 and  the  adminiffration  of  the  facraments  of  the  New  Tella- 
 ment,  BaptHm  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  are  flanding  ordinan* 
 ces  inftituted  by  God  himfelf,  to  continue  in  the  church  ro 
 the  end  of  the  world.  2.  That  fuch  as  adminifter  the  word 
 and  facraments,  ought  to  be  duly  called  and  ordained  there- 
 unto. 3.  That  fome  ecclsliafiical  cenfures  are  proper,  and 
 peculiar  to  be  ititii^led,  only  upon  fuch  as  bear  ofHce  in  tlie 
 kiric  :  other  cenfures  are  common,  and  may  be  inflicted  both 
 on  minifters  and  other  members  of  the  kirk.  4.  That  the 
 cenfure  of  fufpenfion  from  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  Sup- 
 per, infii(Si:ed  becaufe  of  grois  ignorance,  or  becaufe  of  a  fcaa- 
 dalous  life  and  converfation, — as  likewife,  the  cenfure  of  ex- 
 communication, orjfialiing  out  of  the  kirk  flagitious  or  cou- 
 tumacious  offenders,  both  the  one  cenfure  and  the  otlAcc  is 
 warrantable  by,  and  grounded  upon,  the  word  of  GoJ,  ai.d 
 is  necelTary  (in  refpedt  of  divine  inftitution)  to  be  in  the  k'rk. 
 4.  That  as  the  rights,  power,  and  authority  of  the  civil  nia- 
 K  k  k  2  giftrate 
 
 *  Note.  The  CXI.  Propofitions  are  printed  apart  hy  them' 
 fives i  andfo  ngt  here  ani:e::ii^ 
 
452  -i^  Collection  0/ Acts,  tfc. 
 
 giflr?,te  are  to  he  m;iintfiiiicd,  according  to  the  Vord  of  God, 
 and  the  (Jonfellions  of  the  Faith  of  the  reformed  kirks  ;  io 
 it  is  no  leis  true  and  certain,  that  Jefus  Chrift,  the  only  head 
 and  only  king  of  the  kirk,  liath  inllituted  and  appointed  a 
 kirk  governinent,  dlQinft  tiom  the  civil  government  or  ma- 
 giliracy.     0.  That  the  eccieiiaflicjfl  government  is  committed 
 rind  intruftedby  Chrift  to  the  Affemblies  of  the  kirk,  made 
 up  of  the  miaifters  of  the  word  and  ruling  elders.     7.  That 
 the  lefTer  and  inferior  eccleliaflical   Ailemblies  ought  to  be 
 fubordinate  and  fubjetSt  unto  the  greater  and  luperior  All'em- 
 bl-ies.     8.  That,  notwithllanding  hereof,  the  civil  magidrate 
 niay  and  ought  tofupprefs,  by  corporal  or  civil  punKhments, 
 fiicli  as,  by  Jpreading  error  or  berely,  or  by  fomenting  (chifm, 
 greatly  diihonour  God,  dangercufly  hurt  religion,  and  dif- 
 turb  the  peace  o^the  kirk.      Which  heads  of  doctrine  (hovv- 
 loever  oppoftid  by  the  authors  and  fomenters  of  the  faid  er- 
 rors refpeftively)  the  General  AlTembly  doth  firmly  believe, 
 own,  maintain,  and  commend   unto   others,  as   folid,  true, 
 orthodex,  grounded  upon  the  word  of  God,  confonai;it  to 
 the  judgment,  both  of  the  ancient  and  the  belt  reformed 
 kirks.     And  becaufe  this  Aflembly  (through  the  multitude 
 ot  other  neceffary  and  prefiing  bnfinels)  cannot  now  have  lb 
 much  leifhre,  as  to  examine  and  conlider  particularly  the  forc- 
 faid  CXI  PropOiitions  j  therefore  a  more  particular  examina- 
 tion thereof  is  committed  and  referred  to  the  theological  fa- 
 culties in  the  four  univerfities  of  this  kingdom  ;  and  the  judg- 
 ment of  each  of  thefe  faculties,  concerning  the  fame,  is   ap- 
 j>ointed  to  be  reported  to  the  next   General  Aflembly.     In 
 the  mean  while,  the  Propofiiions  Ihall  be  printed,  both  that 
 copies  thereof  may  be  Tent  to  Prefbyteries,  and  that  it  may 
 b-i.free  for  any  that  pleafeth    to   perufe  them,  and  to  make 
 known,  cr  lend  their  judgment  concerning  the  fame,  to  the 
 liiid  next  AlTembly.  • 
 
 A.   KER. 
 
 AlTembly  at  Edinburgh^  Augujl  3,   164S.  feiT.  26. 
 
 XLIII..  Ati  for  cettfuting  'Mhnjlei's  for  their  Silence^  and  not 
 '  /peaking  to  the  Corruptions  of  th\  'I  ime. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  taking  into  their  feiious  confi- 
 dr-ration  the  great  fcandals  which  have  lately  increased, 
 pTirtiy  through  fome  miniders  their  refcrving  and  not  declar- 
 ir  g  of  themielves  againit  the  prevalent  fins  of  (he  times,  part- 
 ly through  I  he  fpite,  malignity,  and  infolenry  of  others,  a- 
 giiinll  fuch  niiniHers  as   have  faithfully  i.nd  f;esily  reproved 
 
 the 
 
A  Collection  cf  Acts,  tfc.  453 
 
 the  fins  of  the  times,  without  refpedt  of  peifons  ;  do  there- 
 fore, for  preventing  antl  removing  Inch  fcandals  hereafter, 
 appoint  and  ordain,  That  every  miniiier  do,  fcy  the  word  cf 
 vviidom,  spply  his  doctrine  faithfully  againft  the   pubhc  fins 
 and  corruptions   of  tliefe  times,  and  particularly  againO:  the 
 fins  and  Jcand,ils  in  that  congregation  where,  he  lives,  accord- 
 ing to  the  acl  Of  the  General  Aflembly  1 50,  revived  by  the 
 jAfftnibly  at  Glafgow  1638,  appointing,  That  fuch  as   fbaU 
 be  found  not  applying  their  doiflrine  to  corruptions,  which 
 is  the  paftorai  gift  ;  cold,  and  wanting  of  fpiritual  zeal  j  flat- 
 tereis,  and  diflca.bling  of  public  fins,  and  efpecially  of  great 
 perfonages  in  their  congregations, — that  all  fuch  perfons  be 
 cenlured  according  to  the  degree  of  their  faults,  and,  conti- 
 nuing therein,  be  deprived  :  And,  according  to  the  adt  of 
 the  General  Allembly  1646,  fefT.  ic.   That,  beiide  all  other 
 fcandals,  lilcnce,  or  ambiguous  fpeaking  in  the  public  caufe, 
 tnnch  more  detracling  and  difaffe^Hied  fpeeches,  be  feafonably 
 cenfured.     As  therefore  the  errors  and  exorbitancies  of  lec- 
 taries  in   England  are  not  to  be  pafTtd  in  {ilence,  but  plain 
 warning  to  be  given  of  the  danger  of  fo  near  a  contagion,  that 
 people  may  beware  of  it, — and  fuch  as  negle<St  this  duty,  to 
 be  cenfured  by   Prefbyteries  ;  fo  it  is  thought  fit,  and  ap- 
 pointed by  the  AiTernbly,  conform  to  the  forefaid  afts,  That 
 the  main  current  of  applications  in  fermons  may  run  along  a- 
 gainft  the  evils  that  prevail  at  home,  and  namely  againft  the 
 contempt  of  the  word,  againfl:  all  profanenefs,  againft  thjc 
 prefent  defedlion  from  the  League  and  Covenant,  againft  the 
 unlawful  engagement  in  war,  againft  the  unlawful  band  and 
 declaration  of  the  date  of  the  lothof  y//«f,  ordained  to  be 
 fubfcribed  by  all  the  fabjc^ts,  and  other  unjuft  decrees  efia- 
 biiflied  by  law,  againfl  the  plots  and  pra»ftices  of  malignants, 
 and  againfl  the  principles  and  tenets  of  Eraflianilm,  which 
 fpreatl  among  divers  in  this  kingdom  ;  for  the  better  confu- 
 tation whereof,  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  miniAry  to 
 lludy  that  point  of  cbntroverfy  well,  that  they  may  be  the 
 more  able  to  flop  the  mouths  of  gainfayers.     It  is  alfo  here- 
 by recommended  to  the  feveral  Prefbyteries  and   Provincial 
 Synods,  that  they  make  fpecial  inquiry  and  trial  concerning 
 all  the  miniftry  in  their  bounds  ;  and  if  any  be  found  too 
 fparing,  general,  or  ambiguous  in  the  forefaid  applications- 
 and  reproofs,  that  they  be  fharply  rebuked,  dealt  wilb,  nnd 
 warnt°d  to  amend,  under  the  paih  of  fufpenlion  from  their 
 minillry  ;  and  if,  after  fuch  warning  given,  they  amend  not, 
 tliat  uich  be  fufpended  by  Prefbyteries,  and,  in  cafe  of  their 
 n:,-gligence,  by  the  Synods,  till  the  next  General  Anembly  : 
 
 But 
 
4S4  -^  Collection  of  Acts,  ^c. 
 
 But  if  there  be  any,  vrho  do  negleft  and  omit  fuch  applica- 
 tions and  reproofs,  and  continue  in  fuch  negligence,  after 
 admonition  and  dealing  with  them,  they  are  to  be  cited,— 
 and,  after  flue  trial  of  the  offence,  to  be  dejxjfed,  for  being 
 pleafers  of  men  rather  than  iervants  of  Chrift, — for  giving 
 themielves  up  to  a  deteftable  neutrality  in  the  caufe  of  God, 
 — and  for  defrauding  the  fouls  of  the  people, — yea,  for  being 
 highly  guilty  of  the  blood  of  louls,  in  not  giving  them  warn- 
 ing J  much  more  are  (uch  minifters  to  be  cenlured  with  de- 
 poStion  from  their  miniftry,  who  preach  for  the  hwfulnefs, 
 or  pray  for  the  fucccfs,  of  the  prefent  unlawful  engagement, 
 or  that  go  along  with  the  army  themfelves,  or  who  fublcribe 
 any  bands,  or  take  any  oaths,  not  approved  by  the  General 
 Affcmbly  or  their  commiflioners  j  or,  by  their  counfel,  coun- 
 tenance, or  approbation,  make  themfelves  acceiTory  to  the 
 taking  of  fuch  bands  and  oaths  by  others.  It  is  to  be  under- 
 ftood,  that  if  any  miniiler  preach  in  defence  of,  or  pray  for 
 fuceefs  to,  the  fedlaries  in  England,  he  is  likewife  to  be  ccn- 
 fiiired  by  depofition.  And  this  we  add  as  a  general  rule  to  be 
 oblerved  on  both  hands,  but  not  as  if  we  had  found  any  cf 
 the  miniftry  of  this  kingdom  to  be  favourers  of  the  feilaries 
 itt  England. 
 
 And  in  cafe  any  minifter,  for  his  freedom  in  preaching, 
 and  faithful  difcharge  of  his  confcience,  (hall  be,  in  the  face 
 of  the  congregation  or  elfewhere,  upbraided,  railed  at,  moc- 
 ked, or  threatened  ;  or  if  any  injury  or  %'iolence  be  done  to 
 his  perfon,  or  any  ftop  and  difturbance  made  to  him,  in  the 
 cxercife  of  his  minilierial  calling, — the  Preibytcry  of  the 
 hounds  fhall  forthwith  enter  in  procel's  with  the  offender  ; 
 and,  whoever  he  be,  charge  him  to  fatisfy  the  difcipline  of 
 the  kirk  by  public  lepcutance  ;  which,  if  any  do  not,  or  re- 
 fufe  to  do,  that  then  the  Prefbytery  proceed  to  excommuni- 
 cation ^gainll  him  :  In  all  v/hich,  Prefbyteries  and  SynoJs  are 
 to  give  an  account  of  their  diligence.  And  the  'AfTembly  ap- 
 points this  a£t  to  be  intimate  in  ihe  leveral  congregations  of 
 sUis  kirk. 
 
 AiTembiy  at  Edinhurgh^  July  24,   1649.  feff.  23. 
 XLIV.  To  the  High  and  Honourable  Court  oj  Parliament. 
 
 The.  General  AJfsriwl'^  humbly Jheiveth, 
 
 THAT  whereas  we  have  fecn  and  confiderc^  ^he  a£V  of 
 Parlidment  aboliflung  Patronages,  and  do  highly  com- 
 mctid  the  piety  and  zeal  of  the  Eflatcr,  of  Parliument,  in  pro- 
 jnovjng  fo  neceiTavy  a  point  of  reforaiation  j'  the  General  Af- 
 
 fcmbiy 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  b*r.  455 
 
 fembly  do  humbly  fupplicate,  That,  befide  the  fettling  of 
 thercinifters  ftipends,  that  the  tithes  mentioned  in  the  faid 
 aft  may  be  afFefted  with  the  burden  of  pious  ufes  within  the 
 refpeftite  paroches,  conform  to  a  draught  of  an  atl  feen  by 
 the  commiffioners  of  the  late  General  Aflembly,  before  it  paf- 
 fed  in  Parliament  \  and  that  the  forefaid  adl  may  be  made 
 cffeftual  for  the  fettling  of  miniflers  ftipends  in  kirks  erefted, 
 and  neceffary  to'be  erefted,  according  to  the  t^nor  of  the  aft: 
 of  Parliament ;  and  for  this  efFeft,  that  your  Lordfliips  will 
 haften  the  fitting  of  the  commiffion  for  plantation  of  kirks, 
 with  all  convenient  diligence,  and  your  Lordfhips  anfwer. 
 
 Aflembly  at  Edinburgh,  Augiijl  4,  1649.  fefl'.  40. 
 XLV.  Dire£}cry  for  EleSiion  of  Minijlers, 
 
 WHEN  any  place  of  the  miniftry  in  a  congregation  is 
 vacant,  it  is  incumbent  to  the  Prefbytery,  with  all 
 diligence,  to  fend  one  of  their  number  to  preach  to  that 
 congregation,  who,  in  his  doftrine,  is  to  prefent  to  them  the 
 neceffity  of  providing  the  place  with  a  qualified  patlor  ;  and 
 to  exhort  them  to  fervent  prayer  and  fupplication  to  the  Lord, 
 that  hfe  would  fend  them  a  paftor  according  to  his  own  heart; 
 As  alfo,  he  is  to  fignify,  that  the  Prefoytery,  out  of  their 
 care  of  that  tlock.will  fend  unto  them  preachers,  whom  thef 
 may  hear  ;  and  if  they  have  a  defire  to  hear  any  other,  they 
 will  endeavour  to  procure  them  an  hearing  of  that  perfon  or 
 perfons,  upon  the  fuit  of  the  elders  to  the  Prefbytery. 
 
 2.  Within  fomc  competent  time  thereafter,  the  Prefbyte- 
 ry is  again  to  fend  one  or  more  of  their  number  to  the  faid 
 vacant  congregation,  on  a  certain  day  appointed  before  tor 
 that  efFeft,  who  are  to  conveen  and  hear  fermcn  the  forefaid 
 day  :  which  being  ended,  and  intimation  being  made  by  the 
 minifter,  that  they  are  to  go  about  the  ekftion  of  a  paftor  foi: 
 that  congregation,  the  Scffion  of  the  congregation  (hall  meet, 
 and  proceed  to  eleftion,  the  aftion  being  moderated  by  him 
 that  preached  :  and  if  the  people  ihall,  upon  the  intimation 
 of  the  perfon  agreed  upon  by  the  Sefi^ion,  acquielce  and  con- 
 fent  to  the  faid  perfon,  then  the  matter  being  reported  to  the 
 Prefbytery  by  commiflHoners  fent  from  the  Seffion,  they  arc 
 to  proceed  to  the  trial  of  the  perfon  thus  elefted  j  and,  find- 
 ing him  qualified,  to  admit  him  to  ths  miniftry  in  the  h\\ 
 congregation. 
 
 3.  But,  if  it  happen,  that  the  major  part  of  the  congrega- 
 tion diflent  from  the  perfon  agreed  upon  by  the  SeHion,  ir» 
 that  cafe,  the  matter  Ihali  be  brought  unto  the  Prelbytery, 
 
 who 
 
^^6  ^Collection  cf  Acts,  izfc 
 
 who  (hall  judge  of  the  hmi  ;  and,  if  they  do  not  find  the'r 
 diiTent  to  be  grounded  on  cauf'elefs  prejudices,  they  are  to  ap- 
 point a  new  eJeftion,  in  manner  above  Ipeciried  *. 
 
 4.  B'.it  if  a  lefier  part  of  the  SefTion  or  congregation  fliew 
 their  diffent  from  the  election,  without  exceptions  relevant 
 and  verified  to  the  Preibytery  ;  notwithihnding  thereof,  the 
 Prefbvtery  fliall  go  oh  to  the  trials  and  ordination  of  the  per- 
 fon  elecled  ;  yet  all  pofllble  diligence  and  tendernefs  niuil  be 
 ufed,  to  bring  all  parties  to  an  harmonious  agreemenr. 
 
 r.  It  is  to  be  underl^ood,  that  no  perfon,  under  the  cen- 
 fure  of  the  kirk,  becanle  of  any  fcandalous  offence,  is  to  be 
 admitted  to  have  ha^W  in  the  eleftion  of  a  minifter. 
 
 6.  Where  the  congregation  is  difaffedVed  and  malignant,  la 
 that  cafe  the  Prcfbytery  is  to  provide  them  with  a  minifter. 
 
 XLVI.  ^cf  oj  the  CommiJJion  of  the  General  AJfemhl^. 
 At  WesIt  Kirk,  Augujl  13,  1650. 
 
 THE  Commlffion  of  the  General  AfFembly  confidering, 
 that  there  may  be  jull  ground  of  ftambling,  from  the 
 kinji's  niajefly's  fefufing  to  lubfcribe  and  emit  the  declaritioa 
 offered  to  him  by  the  Committee  of  Eftates  and  the  commif- 
 iioners  of  the  General  Aifembly,  conceri>ing  his  former  car- 
 riage, andrefolutions  for  tlie  future,  in  reference  to  the  caufe 
 of  God,  and  the  enemies  and  friends  thereof  ;  doth  there- 
 fore declare.  That  this  kirk  and  kingdom  do  not  own  or  e- 
 fpoufe  any  malignant  party,  or  quarrel,  orintereft  ;  but  that 
 they  fight  merely  upon  tlieir  former  grounds  and  principles, 
 and  in  defence  of  the  caufe  of  God,  and  of  the  kingdom,  as 
 they  have  done  thefe  twelve  years  paft  :  And  therefore,  as 
 they  do  dilclaim  all  the  'i\r\  and  guilt  of  the  king  and  of  his 
 houfe  i  fo  they  will  not  own  him  nor  his  intereil  otherwif^r 
 than  vsith  a  fubordination  to  God,  and  fo  far  as  he  owns  and 
 profccutes  the  caufe  of  God,  and  difclaims  his  and  his  father's 
 oppofition  to  the  work  of  God,  and  to  the  covenant,  and 
 likewife  all  the  enemies  theraof  :  And  that  they  will,  with 
 convenient  fpeed,  take  into  confideration  the  papers  lately 
 lent  unto  them  from  Oliver  Cromwel,  "and  vindicate  them- 
 felves  from  all  the  falflioods  contained  therein,  efpecially  in 
 thefe  things  wherein  the  quarrel,  betwixt  us  and  that  party 
 
 is 
 
 *  Vor  people's  due  and  dhune  right  to  chooje  their  own  mini- 
 jlers  ejidblipedin  this  churchy  fee  Pages  44,  59,  '45,  410,  431), 
 ' abjve,-—and  A&s  i.  i^,  13,  26,  and  vi.  3,  5,  6.  and  xiv.  23. 
 
A  Collection  of  Acts,  l2fc.  457 
 
 is  mis-ftated,  as  if  we  owned  the  late  king's  proceedings,  and 
 were  refolvcd  to  profecute  and  mainrain  his  prefent  majefty's 
 interefl:,  before,  and  without  acknowledgment  of  the  lins  of 
 his  houfe  and  former  ways,  and  fatisfaclion  to  God's  people 
 in  both  kingdoms. 
 
 A.   KER. 
 
 August  13,  1650. 
 
 THE  Committee  of  Eftates,  having  leen  and  confidered 
 a  declaration  of  the  Commifiion  of  the  General  Aflem- 
 bly,  anent  the  ftating  of  the  quarrel  wherein  the  army  is  to 
 fight,  do  approve  the  fame,  and  heartily  concur  therein. 
 
 T.    HENDERSON. 
 
 XLVII.  AEl  cfthe  Commijfion  of  the  General  JJemhh^^  approv 
 ing  the  neiu  Paraphrafe  of  the  Pfnhns  in  Metre,  and  appoint' 
 ing  them  to  be  made  ufe  of  in  Congregations  and  Families. 
 
 Edinburgh,  23d  November ^   1649.    Pojl  meridiem. 
 
 T 
 
 'HE  CommifTicm  of  the  General  Aflembly  having,  with 
 ^  great  diligence,  confidered  the  paraphrafe  of  the  Pfalms 
 in  metre  *,  fent  from  the  Afiembly  of  divines  in  England  by- 
 cur  commiffioners,  whilft  they  were  there,  as  it  is  corrected 
 by  former  General  AiTemblies,  committees  from  them,  and 
 now  at  laft  by  the  brethren  deputed  by  the  late  Aflembly  for 
 that  purpofe  ;  and,  having  exactly  examined  the  fame,  do 
 approve  the  faid  parap  v-afe  as  it  is  now  compiled  :  and  there- 
 fore, according  to  the  power  given  them  by  the  faid  Aflem- 
 bly,  do  appoint  it  to  be  printed  and  publlfhed  for  public  ufe  t 
 hereby  authorizing  the  fame  to  be  the  only  paraphrafe  of  the 
 Pfalms  of  David  to  be  lung  in  the  kirk  of  Scotland  ;  and  dii- 
 charging  the  old  paraphrafe,  and  any  other  than  this  new  pa- 
 raphrafe, to  be  made  ufe  of  in  any  congregation  or  family, 
 after  the  firft  day  of  May,  in  the  year  1650.  And,  for  uni- 
 formity in  this  part  of  the  worfhip  of  God,  do  ferioufly  re- 
 commend to  Prefbyteries,  to  caufe  make  public  intimation  of 
 this  aft,  and  take  ipecial  care  that  the  fame  be  timeoufly  put 
 to  execution,  and  duly  cbferved. 
 
 A.   KER. 
 
 *  Viz.  That  metre  paraphrafe  of  the  Pfalms,  ivhich  has  been 
 tfedjrom  1650  and  doivnivards,  and  continues  to  be  ufed  in  the 
 chtirch  efScttland  at  this  time,  1730. 
 
 •^  Lil  XLVIII, 
 
4^8  A  Collection  of  hzTz,  tsfc, 
 
 XLVIII.  AB  of  the  Committee  of  EJlates  of  Parliament  ^  autho- 
 rizing the  ufe  9f  the  f aid  Paraphrafe  in  Kirks  and  Families. 
 
 Edinburgh,  8th  January ^  1650. 
 
 THE  Committee  of  Eftates  having  confidered  the  Eng- 
 lifh  Paraphrale  of  the  Pfalms  of  David  in  metre,  prc- 
 fented  this  day  unto  them  by  the  Commiffion  of  the  General 
 AfTembly,  together  with  their  a£l,  and  the  aft  of  the  late 
 AfTembly,  approving  the  faid  paraphrafe,  and  appointing  the 
 fame  to  be  fung  through  this  kirk  ;  Therefore  the  Commit- 
 tee doth  alfo  approve  the  faid  paraphrafe,  and  interpone  their 
 authority  for  the  publifhing  and  praftifing  thereof  ;  hereby 
 ordaining  the  fame,  and  no  other,  to  be  made  ufe  of  through- 
 out this  kingdom,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  faid  ads  ot 
 the  General  Affembly  and  their  commiffioners. 
 
 T.  HENDERSON, 
 
 THE 
 
THE 
 
 FORM  OF  PROCESS 
 
 IN      THE 
 
 JUDICATORIES 
 
 OF      THE 
 
 CHURCH    OF    SCOTLAND, 
 
 WITH   RELATION    TO 
 
 SCANDALS  and  CENSURES. 
 
 TO    WHICH    IS    SUBJOINED, 
 
 Several  Acts  and  Overtures  of  the  General 
 AJfemblies  thereanent ;  and  other  things  of  a  public 
 and  intcreding  nature. 
 
 GLASGOW, 
 
 Printed  by  J.  Buyce,  in  the  Year  m  dcc  lxxxv. 
 L  1  1  2 
 
Act  of  iihe  Central  JJfembly  approving  a  Form  of  Procefs,  &C. 
 Edinburgh,  iZ\\\  April y  1707.  lelT.  ir. 
 
 THE  General  AiTembly  having  this  day,  and  at  feveral 
 former  diets,  had  read  in  their  audience  the  Overtures 
 concerning  a  '  Form  of  Process  in  the  judicatories  of  this 
 *  church,  with  relation  to  fcandals  and  cenlbres,'  which  were 
 tranfmitted  by  the  late  General  AiTembly  to  the  feveral  Pref- 
 byteries,  for   their  judgment  thereupon, — and  having  ma- 
 turely coniidered  the  iaid  whole  Overtures,  with  the  remarks 
 and  obfervations  of  Prefbyteries  made  upon  the  fame,  after 
 full  reafoning,  both  in  committees  and  open  Aflcmbty,  upon 
 the  feveral  particulars'  contained  in  the  faid  Form  of  Frocefs^ 
 the  General  Aflembly  did  by  their  votes,  nemine  contradicente^ 
 and  hereby  do  ratify  and  approve  the  forefaid  Form  of  Pro- 
 cefs,  as  now  amended,  in  the  whole  heads  and  articles  there- 
 ,of,  and  appoint  and  ordain  the  fame  to  be  obferved  and  prac- 
 tifed  by  the  refpe6>ive  judicatories  of  this  church,  as  an  aft 
 >  and  ordinance  of  AiTembly,  and  as   fixed  binding  rules  and 
 direftionsin  the  whole  matters  therein  contained,  except  the 
 7th,  8th,  and  pdi   paragraphs  of  the  fourth  chapter,  and 
 what  concerns  the  preiiing  of  the  oath  of  purgation.     As  to 
 which,  the  General  AiTembly  fuperfedes  at  this  time  to  en- 
 join the  obfervation  thereof  as  poiitive  (landing  rules  ;  but 
 they  did,  and  hereby  do,  unanimoufly  recommend  to  the  fe- 
 veral Prefbyteries,  and  other  judicatories  of  the  church,  that 
 they  regulate  themfelves  according  to  the  advice  .therein  in- 
 jGnuated,  as  they  fhall  find  to  tend  nioft  for  edjfication  :  The 
 tenor  of  which  Form  of  Procefs  follows. 
 
 THE 
 
[    46i     ] 
 
 THE 
 FORM    OF    PROCESS,    tffc. 
 
 C  H  A  p.    I. 
 
 Concerning  Church  Government ^  Difciplinef  Scandal,  and  Cen- 
 Jures  In  general, 
 
 OU  R  Lord  Jefus  Chrift  hath  inftituted  a  government 
 and  governors  ecciefiaftical  in  his  houfc,  with  power 
 to  meet  for  the  order  and  government  thereof:  and  to  that 
 purpofe,  the  apoftles  did  immediately  receive  the  keys  from 
 the  hapds  of  their  Lord  and  Mafter  Jefus  Chrift,  and  did  ufe 
 and  exercife  the  fame  upon  all  cccafions,  and  Chrift  bath 
 from  time  to  time  furnifhed  lome  in  his  church  with  gifts  for 
 government,  and  with  commiflion  to  exercife  it,  when  called 
 thereunto,  and  has  promifed  his  prefence  to  be  with  theai 
 to  the  end  of  the  world. 
 
 2.  It  is  agreeable  to,  and  founded  on,  the  word  of  God, 
 that  fome  others,  belides  thefe  who  labour  in  the  word  and 
 doftrine,  be  church  governors,  to  join  with  the  minlfters  of 
 the  word  in  the  government  of  the  church,  and  exercife  cf 
 difcipline  and  overfight  of  the  manners  of  the  people ;  which 
 officers  are  called  Ruling  Elders  :  As  alfo,  that  the  church' 
 be  governed  by  feveral  forts  of  judicatories,  and  one  in  fu- 
 bordination  to  the  other,  fuch  as  kirk-feffions,  Prefbj teries. 
 Provincial  Synods,  and  General  AfTemblies. 
 
 3.  Church  difcipline  and  ccnluresj  forjudging  and  remov- 
 ing of  offences,  r^rc  of  great  ufe  and  neceflity  in  the  church, 
 that  the  name  of  God,  by  reafon  of  ungodly  and  wicked  per- 
 fdhs  living  in  the  church,  be  not  blafphemed,  nor  his  wrath 
 provoked  againft  his  people,  that  the  godly  be  not  leavened 
 with,  but  preferved  from  the  contagion,  and  flricken  with, 
 fear,  and  that  ilnners  who  are  to  be  cenfured  may  be  afiiamed, 
 to  the  deftruftion  of  theflefh  and  laving  of  the  fpirit  in  the 
 day  of  the  Lord  Jefiis. 
 
 4.  Nothing  ought  to  be  admitted  by  any  church  judicatory 
 as  the  ground  of  a  procefs  for  cenfure,  but  what  hath  been 
 declared  cenfurable  by  the  word  of  God,  or  fome  act  of  uni- 
 
 verfal 
 
^Sz  The  Form  of  Process,  t^c, 
 
 T€rfal  cuftom  of  this  national  church  agreeable  thereto  ;  and 
 the  feveral  judicatories  of  this  church  ought  to  take  timeous 
 motice  of  all  fcandals  :  But  it  is  judged,  that  if  a  fcandal  (hall 
 Jiappen  not  to  be  noticed  in  order  to  cenfure  for  the  Ipace  of 
 five  years,  it  fhould  not  be  again  revived,  fo  as  to  enter  in  a 
 ^ocefs  thereanent,  unlefs  it  be  of  an  heinous  nature,  or  be- 
 come again  flagrant;  but  theconfciencesof  fuch  peribns  ought 
 to  he  ferioufly  dealt  with  in  private,  to  bring  them  to  a  fente 
 «£  their  fin  and  duty. 
 
 jf,  Thefe  Affemblies  or  church  judicatories  before  mention- 
 ed have  power  to  conveen  and  call  before  them  any  perfons 
 'within  their  own  bounds,  whom  the  ecclefiaftic  bulineJs,  which 
 ss  before  them,  doth  concern,  either  as  a  party,  witnefs,  or 
 Cktherwife,  and  to  examine  them  according  to  the  nature  of 
 the  affair,  and  to  hear  and  determine  in  fuch  caufes  as  fhall 
 Cirderly  come  before  them,  and  accordingly  difpenfc  church 
 cenfures. 
 
 6.  If  a  perfonbe  charged  with  a  fcandal,  who  lives  within 
 tiis  bounds  of  another  pariQi,  the  kirk  feffion- of  the  parifh 
 isshere  that  perf'on  rcfides  fliould  be  deiired  to  caufe  cite  that 
 perfon  to  anfwer  before  the  feflion  in  whofe  bounds  the  fcan- 
 ^l  happened,  and  the  fame  courfe  is  to  be  followed  in  fuch 
 cafes  by  the  other  judicatories  of  the  church,  feeing,  for  or- 
 ^er^s  fake,  they  fhould  not  prefume  to  exercife  their  autho- 
 sity  without  their  own  bounds. 
 
 7.  The  minifter  of  the  word  being  an  office  above  that  of 
 the  ruling  elder,  cannot  be  liable  to  the  cenfure  of  the  kirk 
 lefSon,  but  to  the  fuperior  judicatories  of  the  church. 
 
 CHAP.     II. 
 
 dancer mng  the  entering  of  ProceJJeSy  ckatlcn  of  Parties  and 
 WitiieJfeSy  and  taking  Depofttions^ — and  anent  Fugitives  J  rom 
 Dijcipline. 
 
 ■p.  M'EMBERS  of  kirk  feffions  are  wifely  to  confider  the  in- 
 At.1.  formation  they  get  of  fcandals,  and  confult  with  their 
 ujiniUer  thereanent,  even  before  the  fame  be  communicate  lo 
 Others,  that  thereby  the  fpreading  of  the  fcandal  may  be  pre- 
 tented,  and  it  may  be  removed  by  private  admonition,  ac- 
 tording  to  our  Lord  and  Saviour's  rule,  Matth.  xviii.  15. — 
 tBpHkh,  if  amendment  follow,  is  the  far  better  way  of  gaining 
 Vvd  »-ecovering  a  lapiecl  brother,  whereas  theneedlels  fpread- 
 jng  of  a  fcandal  does  fomeiimes  harden  the  guilty,  grieve  tJie 
 g'.'dlv.  and  is  diihonourable  to  religion. 
 
 2.  When 
 
"The  Form  of  Process,  ^r.  45| 
 
 1,  "When  any  bufinefs  is  moved  in  a  church  judicatory;^ 
 trh^ther  by  infonriation,  petition,  or  otherwifs,  they  are  ta 
 the  firft  place  to  coniider,  whether  tne  matter,  in  itscircum- 
 ftantialcaJe,  be  proper  for  them  to  enter  upon,  and  whethtf 
 it  be  orderly  brought  in,  and  proper  for  them  to  ccgpofc^a 
 and  dif'culs  themlelves,  or  prepare  it  for  fuperior  judicatories^ 
 and  (hould  endeavour  to  fhorten  their  work  as  much  ss  ivitk 
 the  edification  of  the  church  they  can,  efpecially  as  to  ih^ 
 head  of  fcand;*.! ;  but  ftill  on  all  occafions  the  ojESce-bearers  m. 
 the  houfe  of  God  are  to  fliew  all  prudent  zeal  againft  iin. 
 
 3.  In  proceeding  in  all  caufes,  where  there  is  any  perfo^i 
 or  party  concerned,  the  judicatory  is  to  fee,  that  bctore  thej 
 proceed,  thefe  perfons  or  parties  be  duly  lifted  before  thenA 
 by  a  legal  and  timeous  citation  in  write,  bearing  its  caufe,  «!« 
 ther  at  the  inrtance  of  a  party  complaining,  or  at  leaft  by  or- 
 der of  the  judicatory  ;  and  if  they  be  refiding  within  the  pa- 
 rifh,  the  fame  may  be  upon  forty-eight  hours  advertifen^ent,, 
 and  the  execution  of  the  fummons,  bearing  its  caufe,  anil 
 made  before  two  or  three  witriefles  infert,  is  to  be  returned 
 by  the  beadle  or  officer  in  writing,  and  the  perfons  cited  cab- 
 led at  the  door  ;  and  this  is  efpecially  to  b.'  obferved  by  Prcl^ 
 byteries  and  other  fuperior  judicatories  of  the  church. 
 
 >4.  Sometimes  it  may  be  fit  that  the  party  be  privately  ro<>« 
 ken  to,  before  any  citation  be  given  or  procefs  begun,  for 
 their  better  gaining  ;  in  which  cafe,  the  minifter  is  to  cx^r- 
 cife  his  own  difcretion,  and  take  the  concurrence  of  eldens 
 and  others  with  him  :  But  if  the  party  cited  as  above,  appesr 
 not,  there  ought  to  be  a  fecond  and  then  a  third  citation  gj* 
 ven  by  the  order  of  the  feffions  and  prefbyteries,  either  per- 
 fonally,  or  left  at  their  dwelling  houfe,  before  the  judicatoj-y 
 declare  the  perfon  contumacious,  unlefs  the  party  becked  t» 
 appear  before  a  fuperior  judicatory  by  reference  or  appeal  j 
 in  which  cafe,  there  is  not  that  need  of  fo  many  citations  be- 
 fore the  fuperior  judicatory,  the  party  having  afluaily  ap« 
 peared  before  the  inferior  judicatory  ;  and  being  cited  apt;i. 
 aBa  to  appear  before  the  iuperior,  and  the  fame  marked  its 
 the  minutes,  or  having  been  declared  contumacious  before  tlK^ 
 caufe  was  brought  before  the  fuperior  judicatory. 
 
 5.  All  citations  cpud  aSla,  are  peremptory,. and  if  inflruc- 
 ted,  infer  contumacy,  if  not  obeyed. 
 
 6.  If  the  perfon  do  not  appear  on  the  third  citation,  or  ut>« 
 ,on  a  citation  aptid  oBa,  and  no  relevant  excufe  adduced  arlvS 
 verified,  though  in  that  cafe  hebe  cenlurable  for  contum^cv, 
 yet  it  may  be  lit  the  judicatory  proceed  to  take  cognitiqiii,  !^\- 
 ther  by  examining  witneires  upon  oath,  cr  bj  other  documents 
 
j^(S^  Ti^e  Form  o/"  Process,  ^c. 
 
 of  the  verity  of  the  fcandals  delated  againft  him,  before  thejri 
 cenfure  him  for  contumacy. 
 
 7.  If  the  party  appear,  then  the  moderator  is  to  inform  the; 
 perfon  of  the  occ^lion  of  his  being  called,  and  to  give  him, 
 if  defired,  a  fhort  note  in  writing  thereof,  with  the  names  of 
 the  wirneffes  that  are  to  be  made  ufe  of. 
 
 8.  There  feems  to  be  no  need  of  accnfers  or  informers  in 
 ccclellaftic  proceffes,  where  the  fame  are  not  raifed  at  the  in- 
 ftance  of  a  party  complaining  formally;  but  the  p^rty,  if] 
 cited  by  order  of  the  judicatory,  is  to  anfwer  the  judicatory 
 in  what  is  laid  to  his  charge  :  Yet  fo,  that  if  the  party  cited 
 be  found  innocent,  and  acquitted,  thofe  who  informed  the 
 judicatory,  whether  the  party  require  it  or  not,  ought  to  be 
 noticed,  for  either  their  calumny  or  imprudence,  as  the  ju- 
 dicatory {hall  find  caufe. 
 
 9.  If  there  be  witnefTes  to  be  made  ufe  of  in  the  procefs,  a 
 lift  of  their  names  ought  to  be  given  Xo  the  defenders  fome 
 time  before,  or  at  lead  at  t^ielr  compearance,  and  the  wit- 
 nefTes ought  to  be  timeouily  cited  to  give  evidence,  and  if 
 they  refufe,  after  three  citations  given,  and  executions  re- 
 turned, may  be  proceeded  with  as  contumacious,  or,  iF  judg- 
 ed needful,  after  the  firft  or  fecond  citation,  application  may 
 be  made  to  the  civil  magiftrate,  that  he  may  oblige  them  to 
 appear. 
 
 10.  Before  the  witneffes  be  judicially  examined,  the  ac- 
 cufed  perfon  is  to  be  called,  and  the  relevancy  of  the  libel  dif- 
 Gufled,  and  if  the  defender  compear,  he  may  objedl  againft 
 any  of  them,  and  if  the  objeftion  be  relevant,  and  made  evi- 
 dent to  the  judicatory,  the  witneiTes  are  to  be  caft  ;  but  a 
 perfon's  being  the  delator  or  informer,  doth  not  hinder  him 
 to  be  a  witnefs,  except  in  the  cafe  where  he  formerly  com- 
 plained for  his  own  intereft,  or  of  pregnant  prefumptions  of 
 malice  againft  the  perfon  accufed. 
 
 11.  Though  there  be  no  relevant  objection,  yet  the  wit- 
 neiTes are  to  be  folemnly  purged  of  malice,  bribe,  good  deed 
 done  or  to  be  done,  and  of  partial  counfel. 
 
 12.  The  witnefTes  are  to  be  examined  in  prefence  of  the 
 accufed  party,  if  compearing,  and  he  may  defire  the  modera- 
 tor to  propofe.fuch  queftions  or  crofs-queftions  to  the  wit- 
 nefTes, as  may  tend  to  his  exculpation,  which,  if  the  judica- 
 tory think  pertinent,  are  to  be  propofed  ;  but  no  acciifel 
 perlon  is  to  interrupt  the  witnefTes,  or  fpeak  during  the  time 
 of  depofition. 
 
 I  '^.  If  the  party  accufed  do, before  probation,  ofTer  ground's 
 of' exculpation,  to  be  proven  by  tvitnefTes,  the  moderator  and 
 
 clerk. 
 
The  Form  of  Process,  k^c.  465 
 
 Gl?rk,  if  required,  are  to  give  warrant  to  cite  rbe  witnefHs 
 upon  the  parry's  charges,  the  relevaicyof  the  offered  excul- 
 pation being  firft  coniidered  and  fuftained  by  the  judicatory, 
 and  if  the  exculpation  be  fuUy  proven  as  to  the  Aibftance  of 
 the  fcandal,  all  further  proof  of  the  lih^l  and  accufation  mrifl: 
 there  fift,  and  the  defender  is  to  be  alTjilzied,  and  if  the  libel 
 he  fpecial  as  to  tlie  time  and  place  of.  a  fa£l,  and  the  accufed 
 more  pregnantly  alledge  and  clearly  prove  aiihi  ;  but  if  the 
 ibbftance  of  the  f'candal  be  once  fullained  and  deponed  upon, 
 there  can  be  no  place  For  exculpation,  unlels  it  be  as  to  lome 
 extenuating  or  alleviating  circumftances  not  conrraty  to,  but 
 conlilfent  with,  the  depofitions  already  taken. 
 
 14.  If  the  witnefTes  cannot  fubfcribe  their  n^me?  to  their 
 depofitions,  the  clerk  is  to  mark,  that  they  declare  they  can- 
 not write,  and  the  moderator  is  to  fubfcribe  the  fame,  whe- 
 ther they  can  fubfcribe  or  not. 
 
 15.  After  the  depofitions  are  ended,  the  parties  being  re- 
 moved, the  members  of  the  judicatory,  a,t  the  fame  or  fome 
 after  diet  thereto  appointed,  are  to  advife  the  caufe,  and 
 there  and  then  to  reafon  the  affiir  calmly,  fpeaking  always 
 to  the  moderator  one  after  another,  without  interrupting  one 
 another,  uiing  no  reflecling  language  to,  or  of,  one  another  • 
 nor  too  long  harangues  and  digreflions.  , 
 
 16.  If  any  perlon  or  perfons  under  procefs  forfcandal,  ab- 
 fcond,  they  fhall,  after  being  called  before  the  indicatory, 
 and  not  compearing,  be  cited  firlf  from  the  pulpir  of  the  pa- 
 rifh  where  the  proceis  depends,  and  where  they  refide;  and 
 if  they  do  not  thereupon  appear  before  the  judicatory  before 
 whom  the  procefs  depends,  they  are,  by  order  of  the  Prefby- 
 tery,  to  be  cited  from  the  pulpits  of  all  the  kirks  within  their 
 bounds  to  compear  before  the  Prefbytery  ;  and  if  they  do  not 
 then  compear, they  areto  be  declared  fugitive  from  the  cl/;rch 
 difcipline,  and  the  fame  intimate  in  all  the  kirks  within  the 
 bounds  of  the  Prefbytery,  defiring,  that  if  anr  knows  of  the 
 faid  fugitives,  thev  may  acquaint  tlie  miniffer  or  ei(!er  of  the 
 bounds  thereof, — and  the  Prefbytery  are  to  ii(t  there,  until 
 they  get  further  notice  of  thefe  perlons. 
 
 CHAP.     III. 
 
 Concerning  Swearerr,  Curfers^  Profaners  of  the  hcrd^   Da\^ 
 Drunkardsy  and  other  Scandals  of  that  Nature, 
 
 T  may  fall  out,  thnt  one  fingle  n£>  of  drunkennets,  '^r 
 
 breach  of  the  Lord's  day,  dilbbedience  to  parent-.,  or  of 
 
 M  m  m  fwearing, 
 
4^*^  27>^  Form  c/ Process,  ^<r. 
 
 fv.'e;i:ing,  curfir^,  fcolding,  fighting,  lying, cheating,  or  deal- 
 ing, may  be  clothed  with  fuch  circumftances,  as  may  be  a  juft 
 ground  of  procefs  immediately,  and  even  bring  the  perlons  ' 
 g'.ilty  under  the  cenfure  of  the  Leffer  Excommunication  and 
 iHfpenfion  from  the  benefit  of  the  fealing  ordinances,  and 
 require  their  appearance  in  prefence  of  the  congregation  to 
 be  rebuked,  before  relaxation  ;  but  the  weight  of  this  is  du- 
 ly to  be  pondered,  and  church  judicatories  and  members  there- 
 of are  to  confider,  whether  private  admonition  of  the  perfons 
 alledged  and  found  guilty  of  the  above  fcandals,  if  not  cloth- 
 ed with  fuch  circumftances  of  bringing  them  to  the  public, 
 will  tend  mod  to  edification,  and  proceed  accordingly. 
 
 2.  But  ordinarily,  in  all  fuch  offences,  the  guilty,  for  the 
 firfl  fault,  would  be  fpoken  to  in  private  by  theminifter  or  an 
 elder, — and  on  promife,  from  a  fenfe  of  guilt,  to  amend, 
 they  may  fifi:  there. 
 
 3.  But  if  the  perfon  relapfe,  he  flipuld  be  calleci  before  the 
 Seffion,  and,  if  found  guilty,  maybe  there  judicially  rebuked, 
 where  the  Seffion,  on  promife,  from  a  due  fenl'e  of  fin,  to 
 amend,  may  again  fift. 
 
 4.  But  if  the  perfon  amend  not  after  that,  the  Seffion 
 Ihould  orderly  proceed,  unlefs  repentance  appear,  and  d\ie 
 fatisfa6lion  be  offered,  till  they  inflidl  the  cenfure  of  the  lei- 
 fer  excommunication  and  fulpenfion  from  the  benefit  of  the 
 fealing  ordinances,  under  which  the  cenfured  are  to  I7,  till 
 amendment  and  reformation, 
 
 5.  -With  reipeft  to  fcandals,  the  groffnef?  whereof  makes 
 it  neceffary  to  bring  the  perfons  guilty  oftencr  than  once  be- 
 fore the  congregation,  the  rules  prefcribed  by  the  fourth  adl 
 of  the  General  Affembly,  Atim  1705,  are  to  be  followed. 
 
 6.  If  the  guilty  perfons  continue  in  this  condition,  or  iy 
 undef  the  cenfure  of  the  leffer  excommunication  aconfidera- 
 ble  time,  and  yet  be  found  frequently  relapfing  intothefe  vi- 
 ces tliey  are  cenfured  for,  it  may  be  conftru^led  fuch  a  de- 
 gree of  contumacy,  and  fo  aggravate  the  crime,  as  to  found 
 a  procefs  of  the  cenfure  of  the  higher  excommunication,  v/hich 
 is  to  be  inflidted  or  not,  as  may  tend  rnofl  to  the  reclaiaiing 
 
 .of  the  guilty  perfon,  and  edification  of  the  church. 
 
 CHAP.     IV. 
 
 Concerning   the  Sin  of  Fornication^  Adultery^  and  Scandalous     ! 
 Carriage f  tending  thereunto. 
 
 I 
 
 N  delations  about  the  fin  of  uncle?.nr:ef?,it  falls  frequently 
 out,  that  when  the  matter  is  put  to  the  ftrifteft  trial,  all 
 
 ^  that 
 
The  Form  of  Process,  ^c.  4'^"' 
 
 that  can  be  proven  is  but  prefumptions  of  guilt  or  fcaudalous 
 behaviour,  and  not  the  a6tof  unclcannefs,  the  fame  being  a 
 work  of  darknels  ;  and  therefore  this  fliould  oblige  the  kii  k 
 feflion  to  be  very  cautious  how  to  admit  the  public  entering 
 a  procefs  without  good  warrant,  where  there  is  not  a  child 
 in  the  cafe,  unlefs  the  fcandal  be  very  flagrant. 
 
 2.  Many  of  thefe  a<5lions  which  give  occalion  to  the  raifing 
 a  fcandal  of  uncleannels,  are  fuch  as  are  not  rhenV  Ivcs  a- 
 loae  publicly  cenfurable,  but  to  be  paft  by  with  a  private  ro 
 buke  or  admonition. 
 
 3.  Yet  fome  of  thefe  afftions  which  come  under  the  name 
 of  fcandalous  behaviour,  may  be  fo  lafcivious  and  obiceoe, 
 and  clothed  with  fuch  circumftances,  as  may  be  as  offeniive 
 ?s  the  a£l  of  uncleannefs  itlelf,  and  as  cenfurabk. 
 
 4.  If  a  married  wom.an,  whole  hufband  hath  been  notourly 
 abfent  for  a  confiderable  time  beyond  the  ordinary  time  that 
 women  go  with  child, be  found  with  child,  this  alfo  may  give 
 ground  to  akirkfeffion  for  a  procefs  againft  her  j  but  in  this 
 cafe  judicatories  would  be  prudent  in  confidering  well  all  cir- 
 cumftanccs,  and  whether  or  not  the  perl'on  hath  been  always 
 of  entire  fame  before,  as  alfo  how  the  public  fame  now  runs. 
 
 5.  When  an  unmarried  woman  is  known  to  be  with  child, 
 the  fame  gives  ground  to  a  kirk  feilion  for  a  procei's  againft 
 her  •,  and  after  fhe  is  cited  before  the  Seffion  and  appeareth, 
 {ht  is  to  be  interrogate,  Who  is  the  ^ather  of  that  child  ? —  _ 
 And  though  iu  octier  cafes  the  divulgiiig  of  a  fecret  may  be 
 very  imprudent,  and  indeed  the  railing  of  a  fcandah;  yet,  in 
 this  cafe,  where  there  is  a  child,  whereby  there  is  an  unde- 
 niable fcandal,  and  the  keeping  lecret  of  the  tathcr  a  groiu.d 
 of  greater  offence,  and  of  fufpefting  inany  innocent  per'uns, 
 if  flie  dilcover  not  the  father,  flie  is  to  be  looked  upcn  as 
 contumacious.  ■". 
 
 6.  Prudence  may  fometimes  require,  that  the  peclon  flie 
 nameth  to  be  the  father  of  the  child,  be  informed  thereof, 
 and  fpoke  to  privately, — -and  if  he  deny  the  lame,  he  is  ie- 
 rioufly  to  be  dealt  with  to  confels  ;  but  if  he  ftill  deny,  tjien 
 the  feffion  is  to  caufe  cite  him  to  appear  before  them. 
 
 7.  In  this  procefs,  when  the  delated  father  compearetb,  he 
 is  to  be  interrogate,  and  if  he  deny, he  is  to  be  confronted  with 
 the  woman,  and  the  prefumptions  as  particularly  held  forth  as 
 poffible,  and  all  along  there  (hould  beprivatetreatingwith  him, 
 in  all  meeknefs,  charity, and  ferioufne,;^  if  after  all  this  he  de- 
 ny, th.o'  the  woman's  tehimony  canwiio  fufficient  evidence  a- 
 gainft  him,  yet  pregnant  prefumptions,  fuch  asfufpicious  ht- 
 ([ix'sminghex cQm^:inv ^ovhe'ingfohis ci/mjo/ain hco fufpeflo, or  in 
 
4^^  'I he  Form  tf  Pkocess,  life. 
 
 pollures,  and  inch  like,  which  he  cannot  difprove  to  the  fa- 
 iisfydion  ot  tiie  leflion,  may  Jo  lay  the  guiit  upon  him,  as 
 Ihew  him,  thit  there  appears  no  other  way  of  removing  the 
 Icandal,  but  his  appearance  to  be  publicly  rebuked  therefor  : 
 If  he  will  not  iubmit  bimlelf  to  be  rebuked  as  above,  it  per- 
 haps may  be  more  tor  edification,  that  a  true  narrative  of  the 
 cale  be  ii;id  before  the  congregation,  and  intimation  given, 
 tha't  there  can  be  no  further  procedure  in  that  matter,  till 
 God  in  his  providence  give  further  light,  to  fift  there  at  the 
 time,  tiian  that  an  oath  beprelt,  and  uponrefufal  proceed  to 
 tne  higher  excommunication  ;  but  if  the  perfon  accufed,  do 
 ofter  liis  oath  of  purgation,  and  crave  tlie  privilege  thereof, 
 toe  Prefuytery  may  (if  they  fhall  jud^e  it  for  ediiication  and 
 removing  of  the  Icaiida!)  allow  the  fame,  which  may  be  to 
 tliis  purpofc  : 
 
 1  A.  6.   uow  imdirprocefs  before  the  Prejbytery  of 
 for  that  fin  of  alledged  to  be  committed  by  me  nvith  C,  D. 
 
 and  lying  under  that  grievous  fJander,  btiitg  repute  as  one  guilty 
 vj  that  Jin  ;   /,  for  ending  oj  the  Jaid  procefs^   and  giving  Jatis- 
 JaSlion  to  all  good  piopUy  do  declare  before  God  and  this 
 that  Iain  innocent  and  free  ofthefaidfin  of  or  having  car^ 
 
 /ml  knowledge  of  the  f aid  C.  D,  and  hereby  call  the  Great  GOD^ 
 the  ji^dger  and  Avenger  of  all  falfJjood,  to  be  Witnefs  and 
 Judge  agaiujime,  in  this  mattery  if  I  be  guilty  ;  and  this  1  doy 
 D\^  takiii'/^  his  blejfed  name  in  my  mouthy  and fiuearing  by  Mirny 
 •ufho  IS  the  gt eat  fudgey  punifjery  and  avenger y  as faid  is, — and 
 that  w/  ihe  finctrity  oJ  my  hearty  aecording  to  the  truth  of  the 
 matter  and  mine  own  conjciencey  as  IJhall  anftver  to  God  in  the 
 iafl  and  great  dayy  when  I  fhall  f  and  before  himy  ts  anfwer  for 
 alt  that  I  ao  in  the  fejhy  and  as  I  would  partake  of  his  glory  in 
 heaven,  ajter  this  life  is  at  an  end. 
 
 8.  In  taking  this  oath  for  purgation,  all  tendernefs  and 
 c  lution  is  to  be  uled,  nor  is  the  fcllion  to  prels  any  man  there- 
 to, but  thty  arc  lo  deal  with  iiJm  and  his  confcience,  as  in  the 
 light  of  God,  and  if  he  offer  to  give  his  oath,  the  judicatory 
 are  to  accept  it  or  not  as  they  Ihall  lee  caufe,  and  then  to 
 proceed  to  remove  the  fcandal,  with  the  advice  of  the  Pref- 
 byiery,  as  may  be  moll  to  edihcatiuii  ;  bat  this  oath  is  not 
 ro  be  t.jken  in  any  cale  but  this,  when  the  prelumptions  are 
 io  grei».t,  that  they  create  iuch  jealoufy  in  that  congregation 
 and  iefiion,  that  nothing  will  remove  the  fufpicion  but  the 
 man's  oath  of  purgation,  and  when  his  oath  wiil  probably  re- 
 niove  the  fcand.il  and  lufpicion  \  in  ^11  other  cales,  this  oath 
 is  in  vain,  and  fo  fliould  not  be  admitted,  and  never  but  by 
 advice  of  Lhe  P;  tibvtery. 
 
 p.  This 
 
The  Form  £/"  Process,  b*r.  4(^9 
 
 p.  This  oath  for  purgation  is  to  be  taken  either  before  \.\\z 
 kirk-(effion,  or  prefbytery,  or  the  congregation,  as  the  Pref- 
 bytery  flwU  determine  j  and  if  the  oath  be  taken  before  the 
 i'eliion  or  prefbytery,  it  is  to  be  intimate  to  the  congregation, 
 that  fuch  a  perfon  hath  taken  fuch  an  oath,  and  tiie  party- 
 may  be  obliged  to  be  prefent  in  the  congregation,  and  may 
 be  put  pubhtly  to  own  his  purging  himfelf  by  oath,  and  io 
 be  declared  free  from  the  alledged  fcandal. 
 
 10.  After  an  end  is  made  as  above  with  the  delated  father, 
 the  woman  is  to  be  dealt  with  to  give  the  true  father, — and  if, 
 after  all  ferious  dealing  and  due  diligence,  fhe  give  no  other, 
 ihe  is  to  be  cenlured  according  to  the  quality  of  the  offence 
 confeft  by  her,  without  naming  the  perfon  delated  by  her, 
 the  judicatory  referving  place  for  further  cenfure  upon  fur- 
 ther difcovery. 
 
 1 1.  If  the  woman,  who  hath  brought  forth  the  child, doth, 
 declare  (lie  knoweth  not  the  father,  alledging  ihe  was  forced, 
 as  in  the  fields  by  a  perfon  unknown,  or  any  the  hke  reafon  j 
 in  thefe  cafes,  great  prudence  is  to  be  ufed,  the  former  be- 
 haviour of  the  woman  exadtly  fearched  into,  and  flieferioufly 
 dealt  with  to  be  ingenuous  ;  and  if  fhe  hath  been  of  entire 
 fame,  (he  may  be  put  to  it  to  declare  the  truth  as  if  ilie  were 
 upon  oath,  but  not  without  the  advice-  of  the  Prefbytery, 
 and  no  formal  oath  Ihould  be  taken  -,  and  if  the  woman  con- 
 fefs  fhe  was  not  forced,  but  doth  not  know  the  man,  whe- 
 ther married  or  unmarried,  the  fame  cenfure  is  to  be  inJlic- 
 ccd  upon  her,  as  in  the  cafe  of  adultery. 
 
 12.  If  a  perfon  doth  voluntarily  confefs  vincleannefs,  and 
 if  there  be  no  child,  and  the  cafe  be  brought  to  the  kirk- 
 fcflion,  the  leffion  is  to  inquire  what  prefuniptions  there  are 
 of  the  truth  of  the  thing  confeft,  or  what  may  have  moved 
 the  perlon  to  m-ke  that  confeflion,  whether  it  floweth  from 
 difquietnefs  of  mind,  or  from  finiftrous  defign,  is  when  a 
 
 "iuan  fuing  to  a  v.oman  for  marriage  is  denied,  and,  for  re- 
 •  \enge,  or  for  to  obtain  his  delire,  I'preads  the  report  that  he 
 hath  been  guilty  with  her,-^they  are  to  be  dealt   with,  ac- 
 cording as  the  prefumptions,  upon  fearch,  are  found  or  riot. 
 
 13.  if  it  be  found  that  there  is  no  ground  for  the  confef- 
 lion, and  that  it  is  falfe,  the  perfon  confeffing  is  to  be  ccn- 
 furedas  defaming  himl'elf,  and  Ukewife  as  a  ilanderef  of  the 
 other  party  ;  and  withal  application  is  to  be  made  by  the  (ef- 
 lion  to  the  civil  iiiagiflrate,  that  he  may  be  punifiied  accord- 
 ing to  law. 
 
 14.  If  there  be  need  of  vvitnefTes,  the  dire^lons  formerly 
 mentioned  {fihap,  II)  are  to  be  followed. 
 
 15.  When 
 
 I 
 
47©  57^  Form  of  Process,  ^i-. 
 
 15.  When  perfohs  guilty  of  uncleannefs  live  one  in  one 
 pariih,  and  another  in  another  parilh,  the  procefs  againit 
 them  and  cenfures  are  to  be  before  the  fefiiow  of  the  pariDi 
 where  the  woman  liveth,or  where  the  fcaadal  is  mod  notour. 
 
 16.  Ifafcandal  of  uncleannefs  be  committed  where  neither 
 parties  refide,  as  if  perfons  having  their  fixed  relidence  in 
 one  parifti  do  commit  uncleannefs  in  another  parifh,  or  per- 
 haps in  the  fields,  or  in  the  time  of  fairs  or  mercats  ;  in  thefc 
 cafes,  they  are  to  be  procefTed  and  cenfured  where  their  ordi- 
 nary abode  is,  except  the  place  of  their  abode  be  at  a  conlide- 
 rable  diftance  from  the  place  where  the  fin  was  committed, 
 and  the  fcandal  be  moft  flagrant  where  it  was  committed. 
 
 17.  When  there  is  a  fcandal  of  uncleannefs  whereof  per- 
 ibns  are  guilty,  living  in  different  parifhes,  the  feflion  where 
 the  fin  was  committed  is  to  acquaint  the  other  feflions  where 
 any  of  the  perfons  refide,  who  are  ex  clebito  to  caufe  fummon 
 thefe  perfons  to  appear  before  that  fefTion  where  the  fcandal 
 is  to  be  tried. 
 
 18.  When  2  perfon  is  convict  of  fcandal  by  a  feflion  of  an- 
 other congregation  than  his  own,  and  the  cenfure  of  the  lef- 
 fer  excommunication  is  inflicted,  the  fefiion  is  to  fend  an  ac- 
 count thereof  to  that  feffion  to  which  he  belongs  j  but  there 
 is  no  need  of  any  other  fentence  of  his  own  feflioa,  to  fix  the 
 cenfure  on  him,  but  only  a  public  intimation  thereof  to  be 
 made  in  his  own  parifh. 
 
 19.  When  a  perfon  is  cenfured  andabfolveJ  from  his  fcan- 
 dal in  another  congregation  than  where  he  lives,  he  is  to 
 bring  a  teflimonial  of  his  abfolution,  which  is  to  be  intimate 
 to  the  congregation  he  lives  in,  if  the  fcandal  be  alfo  flagrant 
 there  ;  otherwife  it  will  be  fufficient  to  intimate  the  fame  to 
 the  fefHon  :  And  the  fame  is  to  be  done  in  the  cafe  of  the 
 profeflion  of  repentance,  where  there  has  been  a  fentence  of 
 the  lefler  excommunication. 
 
 C  H  A  P.    V. 
 
 Concerning  Appeals  from  a  hirk-fejjion  to  a  Pt>fytery^  Sec, 
 
 ALL  perfons  who  judge  themfelves  leafed  by  the  pro- 
 /j^  cedure  or  fentence  of  a  kirk-felTion,  may  appeal  to  the 
 Prefbytery,  by  declaring  and  protelling  at  palling  of  the  fen- 
 tence, and  fhould  thereupon,  accordmg  to  the  eight  adt  ol 
 the  General  AfTembly  1694,  give  in  the  appeal  with,  the  rea- 
 fons  thereof  in  write,  to  the  moderator  or  clerk  of  the  fefli- 
 on, within  thefpjce  of  ten  dsvs  after  tlie  tiaiti of  e>ppraling, 
 
 a..d 
 
^he  Form  of  Process,  ^c.  47t 
 
 and  procure  extra<^s  ihereof,  and  prelent  the  fame  to  the 
 next  meeting  of  the  Prefbytery  thereafter,  if  there  be  a  conii- 
 petent  time,  at  leaft  ten  free  days  betwixt  the  time  of  ap- 
 pealing and  the  meeting  of  the  Prelbytery,  and  fhould  then 
 infift  in  the  appeal  ;  wherein  if  the  appealant  fail,  the  appeal 
 ipfofaElo  falls  and  becomes  null,  and  the  appealant  is  to  be 
 held  as  contumacious,  and  proceeded  againft  accordingly  by 
 the  kirk-feffion. 
 
 2.  When  an  appeal  is  brought  from  a  kirk-feflion  to  a 
 Prefoytery,  the  Prefbytery  is  to  confider,  whether  the  caufe 
 is  of  that  nature,  as  it  behoveth  at  length  to  come  to  th« 
 Prefbytery  by  the  courfe  of  difcipline,  before  the  final  deter- 
 mination thereof,  as  if  it  be  a  procels  of  alledged  adultery  or 
 fuch  like,  then  the  Prefbytery,  to  fave  themfelves  time,  may 
 fall  upon  the  conllderation  of  the  affair,  without  infifting 
 much  upon  the  hojie  or  male  appellatunty  though  it  feetn  to  t«s 
 prepofteroully  appealed. 
 
 3.  i3ut  if  the  caule  be  fuch  as  the  kirk-feflion  are  the  com- 
 petent and  proper  judges  of,  even  to  its  ultimate  decilion, — 
 and  if  there  hath  been  no  caul'e  given  by  the  kirk  feffion,  by 
 their  breaking  the  rules  of  an  orderly  procefs,  either  by  the 
 courfe  of  the  procefs,  or  by  the  incompetency  of  the  cenfure, 
 the  Prefbytery  is  not  to  fuftain  the  appeal. 
 
 4.  If  the  Prefbytery  do  not  fuftain  the  appeal,  and  find 
 there  hath  been  fome  fault,  paflion,or  culpable  miftake  in  the 
 appealant,  the  Prefbytery  is  to  inflift  fome  cenfure,  fuch  aSj, 
 a  reproof  before  the  Prefbytery,  or  appoint  an  acknowledg- 
 ing of  their  precipitancy  before  their  own  feffion,  or  fuch  like, 
 on  thefe  appealers  they  find  to  have  been  malicious  and  litigi- 
 ous, thereby  to  prevent  unnecefTary  appeals, — and  that  he- 
 fide  remitting  back  to  the  Seffion,to  {land  either  to  the  cen- 
 fure of  the  Seffion,  if  it  be  inflifted  already,  or  to  fift  then^- 
 felves  during  the  procefs,  if  it  be  depending.  1 
 
 5.  If  the  appeal  be  fuftained,  and  yet,  upon  proceeding  ©a 
 the  caufe,  the  Prefbytery  find  the  appealant  cenfurable,  it  is 
 always  to  be  minded,  that  whatever  cenfure  be  infiifled  to 
 remove  the  ofl'euce  he  hath  given  to  the  Prefoytery,  yet  thr 
 appealant,  if  found  guilty,  is  to  undergo  a  cenfure,  either 
 before  the  kirk-feilaon  or  congregation  he  belongs  to,  fuck 
 as  the  Prefbytery  thinks  he  deferves,  eifc  Prelbytenes  will 
 be  always  troubled  with  appeals. 
 
 6.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  Prelbytery  find  the  kirk  fef- 
 fion hath  unwarrantably  proceeded,  either  in  contributing  to 
 the  raifing  of  a  fcandal,  or  infiiiling  the  cenfure  without  a 
 fufUcient  caufe,  and  thereby  the  appealant  leafed^ — the  Pres- 
 bytery 
 
472  The  Form  c/"  Process,  ^c. 
 
 bytery  Is  not  only  to  alToilzie  the  appealant,  but  to  take  fuch 
 ways  as  may  be  proper  and  effectual  to  vindicate  the  appea- 
 lant's  innocency,  and  wipe  off  the  fcandal  taken  at  him. 
 
 7.  Herein  the  Prefbytery  is  to  exercife  great  prudence, 
 doing  juftice  to  the  innocent,  yet  fo,  as  not  to  weaken  the 
 kirk  feffion's  authority  in  the  congregation,  it  in  juftice  it 
 can  be  avoided. 
 
 8.  But  fuch  an  emergent  may  very  well. occafion  the  Pref- 
 bytery's  giving  the  minifter  and  elders  of  that  feffion  fuitable 
 5njun£tions  and  rules  to  walk  by,  or  private  admonitions,  or 
 to  call  for  a  vifitation  of  their  feflion  regifter. 
 
 9.  The  fame  method  is  to  be  followed  in  appeals  from  Pref- 
 byteries  to  Synod?,  and  from  Synods  to  General  Aflemblies. 
 
 10.  An  appeal  being  made  by  parties,  Ciould  fift  the  exe- 
 cution of  the  fentence  apoealed  from,  only  while  the  appeal 
 is  duly  and  diligently  profccute,  and  may  thereby  be  deter- 
 mined, otherwife  not,  unlefs  the  judicatory  appealed  to  re- 
 ceive the  appeal,  and  take  the  affair  before  them,  and  in  that 
 cafe  the  judicatory  appealed  from  is  to  lift  until  the  appeal 
 be  difcuft. 
 
 CHAP.    VI. 
 
 Concerning  Prorejfes  ivhich  natively  begin  at  the  Kirk  SeJfioUy  but 
 are  not  to  be  broug/jt  to  a  final  determination  by  them. 
 
 THERE  are  fome  procefTes,  which  natively  begin  at  the 
 kirkfeffion,  vphich,  for  the  atrocity  of  the  fcandal,  or 
 dithculty  in  the  afi'air,  or  general  concern,  the  feflion  hav- 
 ing the  opportunity  of  frequent  meetings  of  the  Preft^ytery 
 to  have  recourfe  unto,  do  not  determine  of  themfelves,  fuch 
 as,  fcandals  of  inceft,  adultery,  trilapfes  in  fornication,  mur- 
 der, atheifm,  idolatry,  witchcraft,  charming,  and  herefy  and 
 error,  vented  and  made  public  by  any  in  the  congregation, 
 fchifm  and  feparation  from  the  public  ordinances,  prorefTes 
 in  order  to  thehigheft  cenfuresof  the  church,  and  continued 
 contumacy ;  but  the  kirk  feflxon  having  received  information 
 of  fuchgrofs  fcandal?,  they  are  to  weigh  the  fame  according 
 to  the  rules  and  directions  prefcribed  them  in  procefTes,  which 
 belong  to  their  peculiar  province,  and  if  they  find  good 
 ground  for  a  procefs,  they  are  to  deal  with  the  perfon  accuf- 
 ed  to  confefs  that  which  now  cannot  be  hid  nor  amended, 
 till  fatisfa<Stion  be  made  to  the  church,  which,  when  done, 
 the  feflion  is  to  refer  the  cafe,  and  fend  an  extract  of  their 
 procedure  thereanent  to  the  Prefoytery. 
 
 2.  When 
 
The  Form  o/"  Process,  ^c,  473 
 
 2.  When  there  is  no  confeflion  of  the  fcandals  above  men- 
 tioned, the  feflion  are  not  to  proceed  to  lead  probation  \>f 
 witne-lTes  or  prefumptions,  till  an  account  of  the  matter  be 
 brought  by  reference  to  the  Prefbytery  as  aforefaid,  and  the 
 Prefbyterv  do  thereupon  appoint  the  Seffion  to  proceed  and 
 lead  probation  ;  and  after  probation  is  led,  the  fame  is  to 
 be  brought  to  the  Prefbytery,  who  may  inflifl  what  cenlure 
 they  fee  caufe. 
 
 3.  Sometimes  it  will  fall  out,  that  the  proceH^  is  io  clear, 
 as  in  a  cafe  of  judicial  confeflion,  that  the  kii  k  feffion  may 
 fummon  the  delinquent  when  before  them  apud  acla^  to  com- 
 pear before  the  Prefbytery,  without  previousacquainting them 
 'thereof;  but  where  there  is  any  difficulty,  the  kirk  iiriiion 
 
 fliould  inform  the  Prefbytery,  and  take  their  advice,  before 
 a  party  be  fummoned  before  them. 
 
 i  4  When  the  party  or  parties  compear  before  the  prefby- 
 tery, if  they  confefs  and  profefs  repentance  for  their  fin,  then 
 the  prefbytery  having  gravely  rebuked  and  ferioufly  exhorted 
 the  party  or  parties,  are  to  determine  the  ccnfurc,  and  pre- 
 fcribe  the  time  and  place  of  the  parties  their  profeilion  of  their 
 repentance  publicly  in  the  church  of  that  congregation  where 
 the  procefs  began,  the  fcandal  being  there  to  be  taken  away, 
 or  remit  them  to  the  fefHon  to  receive  orders  thereanent. 
 
 5.  It  is  thought  more  fit  that  the  delinqaents  be  appointed 
 to  remove  the  fcandal  in  the  congregation  where  the  offence 
 is  moft  flagrant,  efpecially  if  they  refide  there,  rather  than 
 in  the  place  where  it  was  committed,  if  it  be  not  public  tliere  ; 
 and  that  intimation  of  the  removing  thereof  be  made  in  other 
 places,   if  the  judicatory  fliall  find  it  needful. 
 
 6.  When  perfons  cenfured  for  thcfc  groffer  fcandals,  do 
 apply  to  the  kirk  feflion  for  relaxation,  they  may  both  be 
 privately  conferred  with,  and  likewife  their  acknowledgments 
 heard  before  the  feflion,  but  they  ought  not  to  be  brought 
 before  the  congregation,  in  order  to  their  abfolution,  nor 
 abfolved,  but  by  advice  and  order  of  the  prefbytery. 
 
 CHAP.    VII. 
 
 Concerning  Procrjfes  againjl  Minijlers. 
 
 ALL  procefTes  againfl  any  minifter  are  to  begin  before 
 the  Prefbytery  to  which  he  belongethj  and  not  before 
 the  kirk  feffion  of  his  own  parifli. 
 
 2.  The  credit  and  fuccels  of  the  gofpel  (in  the  way  of  aa 
 
 ordinary  nfiCau)  much  depending  on  the  entire  credit  and  re- 
 
 N  u  n  Dutation 
 
474  ^^^  Form  of  Process,  Isfc. 
 
 putation  of  minifters,  tbe?r  found  do61rine  and  holy  conver- 
 farion,  no  ftain  thereof  ought  lightly   to   be  received,  nor, 
 when   It  cotues  before  a  judicatory,  ought  to  be  negligently  I 
 inquired  into,  or,  when  found  evident,  ought  to  be  llightly 
 cenfured. 
 
 3.   And  becaufe  a  icandal  committed  by  a  minifter,  hath, 
 on  rhele  accounts,  many  aggravations,  and  once  raifed,  tho' 
 it  may  be  found  to  be  without  any  ground,  yet  it  is  not  eafily 
 wiped  off  j  therefore  a  Prefbytery  would  exadlly  ponder,  by 
 whole  information  and  complaint  it  comes  firft  before  them, 
 and  a  Prefbyrery  is  not  fo  far  to  receive  the  information,  as  ] 
 to  proceed  to  the  citation  of  a  minifter,  or  any  way  begin  the   : 
 procefs,  until  there  be  firft  fome  perfon,  who,  under  his  hand, 
 gives  in  the  complaint,  with  fome  account  of  its  probability,  1 
 and  undertakes  to  make  out  the  libel,     lio^  Or  at  leaft  do  j 
 before  the  Prefbytery  undertake  to  make  it  out,  under  the 
 pain  of  being  cenfured  as  flanderers.     y^ioy  That  i\xt  fama 
 clamofa  oi  the  fcandal  be  fo  great,  as  that  the  Prefbytery,  for 
 their  own  vindication,  fee  themfelves  neceffitate  to  begin  the 
 procefs,  without  any  particular  accufer  :  but  the  Prefbytery 
 in  this  cafe  would  be  careful  6rfl  to  inquire  into  the  rife,  oc- 
 cafion,  brotchers,  and  grounds  of  this yawc  ^/aws/a. 
 
 4.  All  Chriftians  ought  to  be  fo  prudent  and  wary  in  ac-' 
 cufing  miniflers  of  any  cenfurable  fault,  as  that  they  ought  ' 
 neither  to  publifh  nor  fpread  the  fame,  nor  accufe  the  mini- 
 fter before  the  Prefbytery,  without  firft  acquainting  the  mi- 
 nifter himfelf,  if  they  can  have  accels  thereto,  and  then,  if 
 need  be,  fome  of  the  moft  prudent  of  the  minifters  and  elders 
 of  that  Prefbytery,  and  their  advice  got  in  the  afEiir.  ^ 
 
 5.  If  there  fhould  be  ground  found  to  enter  in  a  ptocefs    ' 
 againO  a  minifter,  the   Prefbytery  fhould  firft   conGder  the 
 libel,  then  order  him  to  be  cited,  and  to  get  a  full  copy,  with 
 
 a  lift  of  the  witnefTes  names  to  be  led  for  proving  thereof, 
 and  a  formal  citation  in  write  is  to  be  made,  either  psifonallv  \ 
 or  at  his  dwelling-houfe,  bearing  a  competent  time  allowed  \ 
 to  give  in  anfwers  to  the  iibel,  and  his  jull:  defence  nnd  ob- 
 jedlions  againft  witnefTes,  at  leaft  ten  f:ec  d.iys  before  the  day 
 of  compearance,  and  the  citation  Ihould  bear  the  date  when 
 given,  and  the  names  of  the  witnefles  to  the  giving  thereof; 
 and  the  execution,  bearing  its  date,  with  the  names  and  de- 
 fignations  of  the  witnefTes,  ftiould  be  made  v\  write,  and 
 figned  by  the  officer  and  witnefTes  ;  wiiich  being  accordingly 
 returned,  he  is  to  be  called,  and,  if  he  compe^^r,  the  iitel  is 
 to  be  read  unto  him,  and  he  is  to  be  inquired.  If  he  has  any 
 anfwcrs  to  give  in  to  the  iibel,  that  tliey  may  be  re«d  and  cori- 
 
 fidereJ, 
 
The  Form  (?/ Process,  i^c.  475 
 
 fidered,  In  order  to  the  difcuffing  of  the  relevancy  ?  And  if 
 the  Prefbytery  find  the  flime,  and  that  there  is  caufe  to  iniift, 
 f  they  are  to  endeavour  to  bring  him  to  a  confeffion,  whereby 
 he  may  moft  glorify  God  ;  and  if  he  confefs,  and  the  matter 
 confeft  be  of  a  fcandalous  nature,  cenfurable  in  others^  fuch 
 as  the  fin  oi  uncleannefs,  or  fome  other  grofs  fcandal,  the 
 Prefbytery  (whatever  be  the  nature  of  his  penltency,  thoush 
 to  the  conviction  of  all)  are  inflanter  to  depofe  him  ab  officio^ 
 and  to  appoint  him  in  due  time  to  appear  before  the  congre- 
 gation where  the  fcandal  was  given,  and  in  his  own  p.'rifh, 
 for  removing  the  offence,  by  the  public  profeilion  of  his  re- 
 pentance. 
 
 6.  If  a  minifter  be  accufed  of  any  fcandal,  and  cited  to  ap- 
 pear before  his  own  Prefbytery,  and  do  ablent  hin^.felf  by 
 leaving  the  place,  and  be  contumacious  without  making  any 
 relevant  excufe,  after  a  nev/  public  citation,  and  intimation 
 made  at  his  own  church  whenrbe  congregation  is  met,  he  is 
 to  be  holden  as  confeft,  and  to  be  depofed  ana  cenfured  f«- 
 
 Jlanter  with  the  leffer  excommunication  ;  but  if^after  ibme 
 time  he  do  not  return,  and  fubjeft  himfelf  to  the  cenfures  of 
 the  church,  he  may  be  proceeded  againft,  till  he  be  cenfur- 
 ed with  the  greater  excommunication^  if  the  judicatory  fee 
 caufe  for  it. 
 
 7.  If  the  minifler  sccufed  do  appear,'  and  deny  the  faft, 
 after  the  relevancy  is  found,  the  Prefbytery  proceeding  to 
 probation,  and  to  find  the  truth  of  the  matter,  all  the  cir- 
 cumftances  are  to  be  exactly  canvalTid,  and  the  acculed  heard 
 to  obje(ft  againfi:  the  witnclTes.  As  alio,  he  fhould  be  allow- 
 ed to  be  prefent  at  the  examination,  and  m.odeftly  to  croi'> 
 interrogate  the  witnefies,  and  then  the  reputation  of  the  wit- 
 nelTes  and  their  hability  duly  regarded,  and  the  examination 
 confidercd.  If,  after  confideration  of  all  thefe,  the  judic.:- 
 tory  lliall  find  the  fcaiidal  fufficiently  proven,  ti'^^y  are  ;o 
 proceed  to  cenfure,  as  advifed  in  the  cafs  of  cum-eihon  ;n 
 paragr-iph  5th, 
 
 8.  If  the  matter  laid  to  the  minifter's  charge  be  fuch  prac- 
 tices as,  in  their  own  nature,  mnnifeftly  lubvert  that  order, 
 unity,  and  peace  which  ChriO  hath  eftablilhed  in  his  church, 
 or  unfoundnefs  and  heterodoxy  in  doflrine,  then  great  cau- 
 tion would  be  ufed,  and  the  knowledge  and  nnderlranding  of 
 witnelTes  much  looked  into,  and  withal,  if  the  errors  he  not 
 grofs,  and  flriking  at  the  vitals  of  religion,  or  if  they  be  not 
 pertinacioufly  ftuck  unto,  or  induftrioufly  fpread,  with  a  vi- 
 iihJe  delign  co  corrupt,  or  that  the  errors  are  not  fpreading 
 among  t:ie  people,  then  Icmiives,  adiiionitions,  in{Uu<flior.s, 
 
 N  n  n  2  and 
 
47<^    -  ^f^e  Form  o/'?».ocess,  b'<r. 
 
 and  frequent  conferences  are  to  be  tried  to  reclaim  without 
 cuttiiig  oiF,  and  the  advice  ot  other  Prefbyicrie^  lought  ; 
 and  \inlefs  the  thing  be  doirg  much  hurt,  fo  as  it  admits  of 
 no  delay,  the  Synod  or  General  Aflembly  may  be  advifed 
 with  in  the  affair,  and  the  lame  intimate  to  the  miniftcr  con- 
 cerned. 
 
 9.  if  the  libel  and  complaint  brought  againft  a  minifter, 
 be  a  n-.ultitude  of  Imalier  things  laid  togetlicr,  as  fevcral  zils 
 of  negligence,  or  other  unfuitable  a£lions,  the  Prefbytery  ia  ^ 
 proceeding  therein  are  to  make  a  prefbyterial  vifitation  of  that 
 parifli  to  which  the  miniftcr  belongs,  and,  at  the  faid  vifita-  ' 
 tion,  are  tirft:  to  feeif  any  of  thefe  things  now  laid  to  the  mi- 
 nifter's  charge,  were  committed  prior  to  the  lall  prelbyterial 
 vilitation  of  that  parifh,  and  whether  they  were  then  laid  to 
 his  charge,  and  if  they  were  not,  it  would  be  tried  how  thejr 
 coice  to  be  laid  to  his  charge  now. 
 
 10.  If  the  Prefbytery  find  thefe  things  laid  to  his  charge  to 
 be  ccmniitted  fince  the  la  ft  vilitation,  or  find  a  fatisfying  rea- 
 fon  where  W)re  they  were  no^  then  tabled,  they  are  to  inquire 
 what  dil  gence  hath  been  ufed  in  acquainting  the  miniller 
 with  the  offence  taken  at  theie  things,  when  firfl:  committed 
 bv  him,  and  how  fdr  the  minifter  hath  been  guilty  of  giving 
 offence,  after  he  knew  offence  to  be  taken. 
 
 11.  It   would  likewile  in  this  cafe  be  inquired,  Whether 
 any  of  the  comphihers  did  firH:  in  a  prudent  private  way  in- 
 form any  of  the  neighbour  miniftcrs  of  fome  of  thefe  things 
 committed  by  their  minifter,  who  is  now  challenged,  before  ^ 
 tliefe  offences  came  to  be  fo  many  as  to  merit  a  public  and  ' 
 folemn  trial  ?  and  accordingly  the  prefbytery  is  to  judge. 
 
 12.  If  the  prefbytery  find,  upon  trial,  the  complaint  to 
 refolve  upon  the  minifler's  having  committed  fuch  afls  of  in- 
 firmity or  paflion,.  as,  confidering  all  the  circumftances,  may 
 be  either  amended  and  the  people  fatisfied,  and  no  fuch  of- 
 fence taken,  or  at  Isaft  not  to  remain,  fo  as  to  hinder  the 
 minirter's  profiting  the  people,  and  that  the  offence  was  taken 
 by  the  minifter's  own  people  only  or  mainly  ;  then  the  pref- 
 byrery  is  to  take  all  prudent  ways  to  fatisfy  and  reclaim  both 
 niiniller  and  people,  and  do  away  the  offence. 
 
 13.  But  before  a  minifter  depofed  for  fcandalous  carriage 
 ctm  be  refrored  to  the  exercife  of  his  miniftry,  there  would 
 not  only  be  convincing  evidences  of  deep  forrow  for  fin,  but 
 an  eminent  and  exemplary  humble  walk  and  edifying  conver- 
 fation,  fo  apparent  and  convincing,  as  hath  worn  out  and 
 hculed  the  wound  the  fcandal  gave. 
 
 14.  Imme- 
 
77j^  Form  (/Process,  l3*r.  477 
 
 14.  Immediately  on  the  minlfter's  being  depofed  by  the 
 Pre£bytery,the  fentejnce  is  to  be  intimate  in  his  congregation, 
 the  church  declared  vacant,  the  planting  thereof  with  another 
 Oiinifter  haftened,  and  never  delayed  on  the  expe£lation  of 
 his  being  reponed,  it  being  almoft  impoffiblc  that  ever  he  can 
 prove  uleful  in  that  parifti  again. 
 
 C  H  A  P«     VIII. 
 
 Concerning  Procejes  in  order   to  t^e  Cenfure  of  the  'Greater 
 Ex  communication » 
 
 ^INCE  there  is  a  diftindlion  betwixt  the  greater  and  the 
 i^  leffer  Excommunication,  it  fecms  that  whatever  have 
 been  the  caufes  of  the  firft  procefs,  yet  ordinarily  all  procef* 
 fes  that  are  in  order  to  the  greater  excommunication,  are  to 
 be  grounded  on  manifeft  contumacy,  or  obftinate  continu- 
 ance in  fcandalous  pra£liccs  ;  and  where  there  is  no  manifeft 
 contumacy,  or  continuance  as  aforefaid,  the  lefler  excommu-  ' 
 nication  needs  only  have  place.  Yet,  in  Ibme  extraordinary 
 cafes,  the  church,  according  to  fcripture  warrant,  hath  fum- 
 marily  excommunicated  perfons  guilty  of  notour,  atrocious, 
 fcandalous  fins,  to  fhew  the  church's- abhorrence  of  luch 
 wickednefs. 
 
 2.  Even  where  there  hath  been  a  fcandal  delated,  and 
 contumacy  following  by  not  appearing,  it  would  be  confider- 
 ed,  whether  any  fcandalous  practice  hath  been  proven  or  not, 
 if  not  proven,  then  only  the  fimple  contumacy  is  to  be  pro- 
 ceeded againi},  for  which  it  were  hard  to  go  a  greater  length 
 than  the  lefler  excomniunication. 
 
 ^ .  If  the  fcandal  hath  been  proven,  and  the  fentence  of  the 
 lefler  excommunication  intimated,  (as  in  Chap.  III.)  it  feems 
 mofl"  rcafonable  that  there  be  no  farther  proceeding,  unlefs 
 the  fcandal  be  grofs,  or  of  an  heinous  nature,  or  that  it  is 
 fpreading  and  infedlious,  as  in  herefiesor  fchifm  in  the  church. 
 In  which  cafes,  contumacy  is  to  be  proceeded  againft  in  order 
 to  the  greater  excommunication. 
 
 4.  The  kirk  feflion  having  brought  the  procefs  to  an  inti- 
 mation of  the  cenfure  of  the  lefl^er  excommunication,  before 
 they  infli£l  the  fame,  they  are  to  refer  the  alFair  to  the  Fre{- 
 bytery,  bringing  their  whole  proceedings  before  the  prefuy- 
 tcry  in  write,  that  the  prefbytery  may  thereby  have  a  clear 
 and  full  view  of  the  whole  affair. 
 
 5.  The  presbytery  finding  the  kirk  feflion  hath  (^rderly 
 proceeded,  and  that  the  leflTer  excommunication  is  not  luffi- 
 
 cient. 
 
47*  The  Form  g/"PaocEss,  iSc. 
 
 cient,  and  that  the  aiFair  is  {o  weighty  as  to  oblige  them  to 
 enter  on  the  procefs,  they  are  to  caufe  their  officer  to  cite 
 the  Icandalous  periba. 
 
 6.  If  the  party  appear,  then  the  presbytery  is  to  proceed 
 in  the  inquiry  at  the  accufed,  about  the  fcand?.l  ailedged  and 
 libelled,  and  if  he  deny  it,  then  they  are  to  proceed  and  lead 
 probation  as  in  other  cafes. 
 
 7.  But  if  the  party  appear  not,  but  contemn  the  citation, 
 the  presbytery  caufeth  renew  the  fame  until  he  hath  got  three 
 pitations,  and  after  three  citations  he  is  to  be  cited  out  of 
 the  pulpit  ;  and  for  the  turther  convidion  of  all  concerned, 
 intimation  is  to  be  made,  that  the  judicatory  will  proceed  and 
 inquire  into  the  prefumptions  or  probation  of  the  guilt,  and 
 this  is  to  be  done  although  the  delinquent  be  abfcnt. 
 
 g.  Then  the  presbytery  is  to  order  the  minifter  of  the 
 congregation  next  Sabbath,  after  forenoon's  fermon,  to  ac- 
 quaint the  congregation  what  proceedings  the  kirk  ftilion 
 iirft,  and  thereafter  the  presbytery,  hath  made  in  the  affair, 
 and  how  contumacious  the  party  was,  and  that  the  presbytery 
 intended  to  proceed  to  the  higheft  cenfure  ;  and  the  minifte?^ 
 is  gravely  to  admonifh  the  party  (if  prefent)  to  repent,  and 
 fubmit  himfelf  to  the  difcipline  of  the  church,  threatening 
 him,  if  he  continue  impenitent,  that  the  church  will  pro- 
 ceed ;  yea,  though  he  be  abfent,  the  minifter  is  to  acquaint 
 the  people,  that  the  church  requires  him  to  repent  and  fub- 
 mit as  abovefaid,  under  the  forefaid  certification. 
 
 9.  There  fhould  be  three  public  admonitions,  and  a  pref- 
 bytery  fhould  inter veen  bet.wixt  each  admonition  ;  and  if  af- 
 ter all,  that  perfon  continue  impenitent  or  contumacious,  the 
 fame  is  to  be  reprefented  to  the  presbytery,  who  are  there- 
 upon to  appoint  public  prayers  thrice  to  be  made,  in  which 
 
 '  the  minifter  is  to  exhort  the  congregation  i'erioufly  to  join 
 with  him  in  prayer  for  the  fcandalous,  impenitent,  or  contu- 
 macious perfon,  which  he  is  folemnly  to  put  up  to  God,  hum- 
 bly begging  that  he  would  deal  with  the  foul  of  the  impeni- 
 tent, and  convince  him  of  the  evil  of  his- ways. 
 
 10.  Thefe  public  prayers  of  the  church  are  to  be  put  up 
 three  feveral  Sabbath  days,  a  presbytery  (where  its  meetings 
 are  raore  frequent,  once  a  month  at  leaft)  interveening  be- 
 twixt each  public  prayer  ;  both  to  fliew  the  church's  tender- 
 ncfs  towards  their  lapled  brother,  their  earnefmefs  to  have 
 him  reclaimed, — and  lilcewife  to  create  a  greater  regard  and 
 terror  of  that  dreadful  cenfure,  both  in  the  party  and  in  all 
 ihe  people. 
 
 n.  If, 
 
^he  Form  of  Process,  bfc.  47^ 
 
 11.  If,  after  all,  the  fcandalous  perfon  makes  no  applica- 
 tion, but  continues  impenitent,  the  prefbytery,  after  prayer, 
 is  to  pafs  lentence,  and  appoint  a  minifter  to  intimate  the 
 fame,  and  to  fliew  the  prefbytery's  refolution  to  proceed, 
 upon  fuch  a  Sabbath  as  they  fliall  name,  for  proiiouncing 
 that  dreadful  fentence  folemnly  in  face  of  the  congregation, 
 unlefs  either  the  party,  or  fome  for  bini,  fignify  lome  rele- 
 vant ground  to  flop  their  procedure. 
 
 12.  That  day  being  come,  it  were  fit  the  minifler  did 
 preach  a  fermon  fuited  to  that  folemn  occafion,  or  at  leaft  af- 
 ter fermon  the  minifter  fhould  (hew  the  congregation  what  he 
 is  going  about,  introducing  the  narrative  of  the  procefs,  with 
 a  di/courfe  concerning  the  nature,  ufe,  and  end  of  churcli 
 cenfures,  particularly  that  of  the  greater  excommunication^ 
 if  he  hath  not  done  it  fully  in  his  iermon. 
 
 13.  The  narrating  all  the  fteps  of  the  procefs  in  order, 
 fliewing  the  church's  faithfulnefs  and  tendernefs  towards  the 
 fcandalous  perfon,  and  declaring  his  obftinate  impenitency  ^ 
 and  that  now,  after  all  other  means  were  uied,  there  remain- 
 ed only  that  of  cutting  off  the  fcandalous  perfon  from  the 
 fociety  of  the  faithful,  and  intimating  the  church's  warrant 
 and  order  to  him  fo  to  do- 
 
 14.  And  before  the  minifler  pronoun,ce  the  fentence,  he 
 is  to  pray,  and  defire  all  the  congregation  to  join  with  hin% 
 therein,  that  God  would  grant  repentance  to  the  obOinatc 
 perfon, — would  gracioufly  blefs  his  own  ordinance,  and  makt: 
 the  cenfure  efi'eftual,  both  to  edify  others,  and  to  be  a  mean 
 to  reclaim  the  obflinate  linner. 
 
 15.  Then  after  prayer,  the  miniOeris,  with  great  gravity 
 and  authority,  to  pronounce  the  cenfure,  fhewing  his  war- 
 rant from  our  Lord's  command,  and  the  apoftle  Paul's  direc- 
 tion, and  recapitulating  the  Prefoytery's  warrant  in  obedience 
 thereunto,  and  rcfuming  the  fcandalous  and  obftinate  perfon's 
 behaviour,  whom  he  is  to  name  ;  He  tlverefore,  in  the  nama 
 and  authority  of  our  Lord  and  Mifter  Jefus  Chrift,  doth,  in 
 verbis  de  prefenti,  prononnce  and  declare  him  or  her  excom- 
 municated and  fhut  out  from  the  comniunion  of  the  faithful, 
 debarring  the  perfon  from  their  privileges,  and,  in  the  words 
 of  the  apoftle,  delivering  that  perfon  over  to  Saran  ;  whjvli 
 fentence  is  to  be  intimate  according  to  the  9th  zdi  of  the  Af- 
 fembly,  Anno  1704. 
 
 16.  If  after  prayer,  or  before  the  cenfure  be  prorovinred,, 
 the  fcandalous  perfon  do  make  any  public  fignifiication  of  his 
 repentance,  and  of  his  defire  to  have  the  cenfure  ftopr,  the 
 minifter,  upon  apparent  feriouhisfs  in  the  fcandalous  pei  Ton, 
 
 whicH 
 
^$o>  The  Form  5^  Process,  t^c. 
 
 V'hich  he  flieweth  to  the  congregation,  may  thereupon  delay 
 pronouncing  the  fentence,  till  be  report  to  the  Prefbytery 
 at  their  next  meeting,  who  are  then  to  deal  with  the  fcan- 
 dalous  perfon  as  they  fhall  find  caufe. 
 
 17.  After  the  pronunciation  of  this  fentence,  the  people 
 are  to  be  warned,  that  they  hold  that  perfon  to  be  caft  out  of 
 the  communion  of  the  church,  and  that  they  (hun  all  unne- 
 ceflary  converfe  with  him  or  her  ;  neverthelefs  excommuni- 
 cation diffolveth  not  the  bonds  of  civil  or  natural  relations, 
 nor  exempts  from  the  duties  belonging  to  them. 
 
 18.  Although  it  be  the  duty  of  paftors  and  ruling  elders  to 
 ufe  all  diligence  and  vigilance,  both  by  dodtrine  and  difci- 
 pline  refpeftively,  for  preventing  and  purging  out  fuch  er- 
 rors, herefies,  fchifms,  and  fcandals,  as  tend  to  the  detriment 
 and  difturbance  of  the  church  ;  yet,  becaufe  it  may  fall  out, 
 through  the  pride  and  ftubbornnefs  of  offenders,  that  thefe 
 means  alone  will  not  be  effectual  to  that  purpofe, — it  is  there- 
 fore neccffary,  after  all  this,  to  employ  the  aid  of  the  civi! 
 magiftrate,  who  ought  to  ufe  his  coercive  power  for  the 
 fupprefling  of  all  fuch  offences,  and  vindicating  the  dildipline 
 of  the  church  from  contempt. 
 
 CHAP.    IX. 
 
 Concerning  the  Order  of  proceeding  to  Ahfolution. 
 
 F,  after  excommunication,  the  figns  of  repentance  appear 
 in  the  excommunicated  perfon,  Ihch  as  godly  for  row  ^  for 
 halving  incurred  God's  heavy  difpleafure  by  his  fin,  occafion- 
 ed  grief  to  his  brethren,  and  julliy  provoked  the  church  to 
 caft  him  out  of  their  communion,  together  with  a  full  pur- 
 pofe of  heart,  to  turn  from  bis  fin  unto  God  through  Chrift, 
 and  to  reform  his  life  and  converfation,  with  an  humble  de- 
 iire  of  recovering  peace  with  God  and  his  people,  and  to  be 
 reflored  to  the  favour  of  God  and  light  of  his  countenance, 
 through  the  blood  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  to  the  communion  of 
 the  church, — and  the  Prefbytery,  upon  his  application,  be 
 latisfied  therewith,  and  judge  that  he  ought  to  be  abfolved, 
 and  thereupon  give  warrant  for  his  ahfolution  j  he  is  to  be 
 brought  before  the  congregation,  and  there  alfo  to  make  free 
 confeflion  of  his  fin  and  forrow  for  ir,  to  call  upon  God  for 
 mercy  in  Chrift,  to  feek  to  be  reftored  10  the  communion  of 
 the  church,  promifing  to  God  through  grace  new  obedience 
 and  more  holy  and  circumfpec^^  walking,  as  becomes  thegof- 
 pel  J  and  that  this  appearance  before  the  congregation,  be  as 
 
 often 
 
The  FoKM  tf/"  Process,  tifc,  481 
 
 c  ".  ^n  as  chnrch  judicatorjes  fhall  find  may  be  for  edificntion 
 ;<,  1  trial  of  the  proftliing  penitent':i  fincerity  ;  and,  being  fa- 
 tisfied  in  this, then  the  minifter  and  congregation  are  to  praife 
 <';od,  who  delighteth  not  in  the  death  of  a  finner,  bur  rather 
 t!iat  he  fliould  repent  and  live  ;  as  alfo,  for  blenjn;5  the  ordi- 
 nance of  excommunication,  and  making  it  eff'cchia'  by  h's 
 Jipirit  to  the  recovering  of  this  offender  ;  to  magnify  the 
 rercy  of  God  through  Jefus  Chrift,  in  pardoning  and  re.  • 
 roiving  to  his  favour  the  moft  grievous  offenders,  ^vhenfoever 
 they  unfeignedly  repent  and  forfake  their  fins  j  But,  before 
 the  minifter  proceed  to  abfolution,  he  is  to  pray  with  the 
 congregation  to  this  effe£l  :  *  That  the  Lord  Jefus  Ciirlfl:, 
 «  prophet,  prieft,  and  king  of  his  church,  who  with  the  prea- 
 
 *  ching  of  the  gofpel  hath  joined  the  power  to  bind  and  loofe 
 
 *  the  fins  of  men,  who  hath   alfo  declared,  that  wbatfoever 
 
 <  by  his  minifters  is  bound  on  earth,  fhall  be  bound  in  hea- 
 
 *  ven,  and  alfo  that  wbatfoever  is  loofed  by  the  f<ime,   fhall 
 »  be  loofed  and  abfelved  in  heaven,  would  mercifully  accept 
 
 *  his   creature  iV.  whom  Satan  of  long  time  hath  holden  in 
 
 <  bondage,  fo  that  he  not  only  drew  him  to  iniquity,  but  ai- 
 
 *  fo  fo  hardened  his  heart,  that  he  defpifed  all  admonitions, 
 
 *  for  the  which  his  fin  and  contempt,  the  church  was  com- 
 
 *  pelled  to  excommunicate  him  from  the  iociety  of  the  faith- 
 
 <  ful  ;  but  no,w  feeing  the  Holy  Spirit  by  his  grace  hath  fo 
 
 *  prevailed,  that  he  is  returned,  and  profelleth   repentance 
 
 *  toward  God,  and  faith  toward  our  Lord  Jefus  Chrilf,  that 
 
 *  it  may  pleafe  God  by  his  Spirit  and   grace  to   make  him  a 
 
 *  fincere  and  unfeigned  penitent  ;  and,  for  the  obedience  of 
 «  our  Lord  Jefus  ChriO  unto  death,  fo  to  accept  of  tKis  poor, 
 
 *  believing,  and  returning  finner,  that  his  former  dil'obedi- 
 
 <  ence  be  never  laid  to  his  charge,  and  that  he  may  increafe 
 
 *  in  all  godlinefs,  fo  that  Satan  in  the  end   may  be  trodden 
 
 *  under  feet  by  the  power  of  our  Lord  Jefus  Clirift,  and  God 
 
 <  may  be  glorified,  the  church  edified,  and  the  penitent  fa- 
 
 *  ved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord.* 
 
 2.  Then  fhall  follow  the  fentence  of  Abfolution,  in  thefe 
 or  the  like  words  :  Whereas  thou  N.  haji  for  thy  ftn  been  p.nit 
 eitt  frcm  the  communion  of  the  faith  ful y  and  haft  now  manifefttd. 
 thy  repetitance^  wherein  the  church  rejieth  fatiijjfd^  7,  in  the 
 name  of  the  Lord  Jefus,  before  this  congregation,  pronounce  and 
 deilare  thee  abfolved  from  the  fentence  of  Excommnnication  for- 
 mer iy  denounced  againf}  thee,  and  do  receive,  thee  to  the  commu- 
 nion of  the  church,  and  the  free  ife  sf  all  the  ordinances  of  Lhri/t  ^ 
 that  theu  nia'jeji  be  partaker  of  all  his  betiefitSy  to  thy  eternal 
 falvatiti.i. 
 
 O  o  o  3.  After 
 
4S2  .  T/^d- Form  fl/"  Process,  ^r. 
 
 3.  After  this  fentence  of  Abfolution,  the  minifter  fpeaketh 
 to  him  as  to  a  brother,  exhorting  him  to  watch  and  pray, 
 and  comforting  him,  as  thei-e  fhall  be  caufe  ;  the  elders  em- 
 brace, and  the  whole  congregation  holdeth  communion  with 
 him,  as  one  of  their  own  ;  and  the  Abfolution  fhould  be  in- 
 timate in  all  the  churches  where  the  Excommunication  was 
 intimate. 
 
 Several  Acts  and  Overtures  of  the  Ge- 
 neral AJfemblieSy  &c. 
 
 Act  of  the  General  AJfemhly^  1638.  feff*.  23,24.  Dec.  17,  18. 
 
 ANENT  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  for  con-  ; 
 fidering  what  conflitutions  were  to  be  revived  or  made 
 of  new,  thejr  proponed  the  Overtures  following  ;  which  were 
 read  and  allowed  by  the  whole  AiTcmbly,  or-  by  them  refer-  ; 
 red  to  the  confideration  of  the  feveral  Prefhyieries. 
 
 Anent  Prefbytcries  which  have  been  erefted  fince  the  year 
 1586,  it  feemeth  needful,  that  they  be  ratified  by  an  aft  of 
 this  General  Affembly,  and  that  other  Prefbytcries  fhall  be 
 erefted,  where  they  fhall  be  found  needful,  and  efpecially 
 now  in  the  Synod  of  Lifmore,  according  to  the  particular  note 
 given  thereanent. 
 
 The  Ajjembly  ratifieththefe  Prejhyteries  ftnce  1586,  and  ere  El- 
 ed  tho/e  in  Lifmore^  conform  to  the  note  regiflered  in   the 
 boohs  of  AJfemhiy. 
 Anent  the  keeping  of  Prefbyterial  meetings,  it  is  thought 
 fit  that  they  be  weekly,  both  in  fummer  and  v»rinier,  except 
 in  places  far  diftant,  who,  during  the  winter  feafon  [that  is^ 
 between  the  firfl  of  Oftober  and  the  firfl  of  April)  Ihall  be 
 difpenfed  with  for  meeting  once  in  the  fourteen  days, — and 
 that  all  abfents  be  cenfured,  efpecially  thofe  who  fhould  ex- 
 crcife  and  add,  according  to  the  aft  of  the  Aflembly  15S2,  at  < 
 St.  Andrews,  April  24,  fefl'.  12. — and  th  u  fome  controvert- 
 ed head  of  doftrine  be  handled  in  the  Prefl^ytery  publicly, 
 and  difputed  among  the  brethren   every   firff   Pr-'tbytery  of 
 the  month,  according  to  the  aft  of  AfTembly  holderi  .it  Dun- 
 dee 1598.  fefT  r2.  ■ 
 
 The  Affembly  alloiveth  this  Article. 
 
 III.  Aneni 
 
Acts  of  Genera/  Jjemhlies,  &c.  483 
 
 III.  Anent  the  vifitation  of  particular  kirks  wit'oin  ?rt  fby- 
 tcries,  it  is  thought  expedient,  that  it  be  once  every  ye-r  j 
 wherein  a  care  is  to  be  had,  among  other  things  neccirary, 
 that  it  be  tried,  how  domellic  exercifes  of  religion  be  exercil- 
 ed  in  particular  families,  and  to  Ice  what  means  there  are  in 
 every  pariih  in  landward,  for  catechizing  and  inftrudling 
 the  youth. 
 
 The  AJfemhly  alloiveth  this  Article. 
 
 IV.  Anent  the  vifitation  of  kirks,  fchoolsj  and  college"?, 
 it  is  thought  meet,  that  the  adts  of  AlTembly  holden  at  Edin- 
 burgh the  25th  Juney  1565,  fe-T  2.  be  put  iro  execution  ; 
 that  the  miniliers  of  theparochin,  the  principal,  regents,  and 
 profellors  within  colleges,  and  matters  and  doctors  of  fchools, 
 be  tried  concerning  the  foundaefs  of  their  jiulgment  in  mat- 
 ters of  religion,  their  ability  lor  difcharge  of  their  Ciillinj, 
 and  the  honefty  of  their  converfation,  as  the  act  of  the  Al- 
 
 [  fembly  at  Edinburgh,  June  21,  ^S^"}-  feiT.  3.  and  the  a<ft  of 
 I  the  AlTembly  holden  at  Montrofe,  1595.  fel?.  9.  do  iaiport  ; 
 
 and  this  vifitation  of  colleges  to  be  by  way  of  cominiilion  iiom 
 
 the  General  Aflembly. 
 
 The  Jjjembly  alloiveth  this  Article.. 
 
 V.  Anent  non-refidents,  it  is  thought  necefTary,  that  eve- 
 ry minlfter  be  obliged  to  refide  in  bis  ow;n  paiochin,  at  his  or- 
 dinary manfe,  for  the  better  attending  the  duties  of  his  cal- 
 ling, conform  to  the  a^s  of  Alfemblies,  ijiz.  Ad  of  alTem- 
 bly  at  Edinburgh,  March  24,  1595-  ftiT.  7.  as  alfo  adt  at  fi* 
 dinburgh,  December  i^y  1563.  fislT.  5.  and  AlTembly  at  Edin- 
 burgh, December  7^,  "^$^5'  fe^*  4«  AfTembly  at  Edinburgii, 
 March  6i   IST^-  feflT.  3. 
 
 The  AJfembly  alloiveth  this  Article. 
 
 VI.  Anent  the  planting  of  fchools  in  landward,  the  want 
 whereof  doth  greatly  prejudize  the  gi-owth  of  tht^  g'^'^i^'^'i  ^'i<^ 
 procure  the  decay  of  religion  ;  the  Affenibiy  givetn  direction 
 to  feveral  Preibyteries  for  the  fettling  of  fchoolsln  every  land- 
 ward parochin,  and  providing  of  men  able  for  the  charge  of 
 teaching  the  youth,  public  reading  and  prefenting  of  the 
 Plalm,  and  the  catechising  of  the  common  people  j  and  that 
 means  be  provided  for  their  entertainment,  in  theinoO  con- 
 venicnt  manner  that  can  be  had,  according  to  the  abiiify  oi' 
 the  parochin. 
 
 The  AJfembly  alloweth,  and  referreth  the  particular  courfe  un- 
 to the  feveral  Prejhyteries. 
 
 VII.  Anent  the  late  admifiionof  minrfters  by  Prefbyteries, 
 and  the  choice  of  modeiatois,  according  to  the  anticnt  power 
 of  the  faid  Prefbyteries  ;  the  Affembiy  Jcw.areth  they  have 
 
 O  0  o  2  power 
 
484  Acts  of  General  AJfemhlieSy  Sec, 
 
 power  to. do  the  lame,  and  ratiflctli  what  hath  been  done  of 
 late  of  that  kind  upon  warrantable  grounds,  that  hereafter 
 it  be  not  called  in  queftion. 
 
 Tbe  jjhnb/y  alhiveth  this  Article. 
 
 Vlir.  Aneni  thecomp^^tcncy  of  Prefbytery  and  parochins, 
 that  Ibme  proportion  may  be  keeped,  both  anent  the  num- 
 ber and  durance  of  place  j  it  would  feem  expedient  that  this 
 General  AiTembly  ihoald  appoint  a  coinmifiion  for  every  fljire, 
 where  there  is  fuch  ncceflity  that  the  particular  parochins 
 and  Prefbyteries  within  the  bounds  be  duly  confidered,  and 
 overtures  be  thele  of  tiie  fame  commiflion  given  in  to  the 
 provincial  Synods,  and  by  them  to  the  General  Afi'embly, 
 that  there  they  may  be  advifcd  and  ratiiied. 
 
 'J  ke  Ajfemhly  rejerreth  this  to  the  care  of  the  particular  Pref- 
 byteries. 
 
 TX.  Anent  the  entry  and  convcrfation  of  miniflers,  it  is 
 expedient  that  the  adt  cf  AiTembly  hoiden  at  Edinburgh, 
 March  24,  1595,  fefT.  7.  be  ratified,  and  put  in  execution  in 
 every  Prcibytery,  and  to  that  end,  that  they,  get  a  copy  there- 
 of, under  the  clerk's  hand,  whereof  the  tenor  folloiveth: 
 
 JHy  feff.  7.  March  24,  of  the  Jffemhly  at  Edinhu\rghy   1595. 
 
 "  /CONCERNING  the  defeftions  in  the  miniftry,  the  lame 
 \_^  being  at  length  read  out,  reafoned,  and  confidered  ; 
 the  brethren  concluded  the  fame,  agreeing  therewith  :  And 
 in  relpecl  that  by  God's  grace  they  intend  reformation,  and 
 to  fee  the  kirk  and  minilrry  purged,  to'  the  effecl  the  work 
 mav  have  better  fucccfs,  they  think  it  neceflary  that  this  A{- 
 fembly  be  humbled,  for  wanting  fuch  care  as  became  in  fuch 
 points  as  is  fet  down,  a;;id  fome  zealous  and  god'y  brethren 
 in  do(flrine  lay  them  out,  for  their  better  humiliation  ;  and 
 that  ihey  make  folemn  promii'e  before  the  majefty  of  God, 
 and  make  new  covenant  with  him,  for  a  more  careful  and 
 reverent  difcharge  of  their  miniftry.  To  the  which  effe^ 
 was  chofen  Mr.  John  Daviilfon  ;  and  Tuefday  next,  at  nine 
 hcuTs  in  the  morning,  appointed  in  the  New  Kirk,  for  that 
 efTeft  ;  wheieunto  none  is  to  reforc  but  the  minillry  :  The 
 Form  to  be  adviled  the  morn  in  privy  conference. 
 
 The 
 
AcTB  of  General  JJfemhlieSf  &:c.         ^        48^ 
 
 ^he  tenor  of  the  Advife  of  the  Brethren  ^  depute  for  penning  the 
 enormities  and  corruptions  in  the  M.inijiry^  and  remead  there-' 
 off  allowed  by  the  General  JJfembly  here  conveened^  1 59 J. 
 
 Caruptions  in  the  OwiCE. 
 
 FOR  as  much  as  by  the  too  fuddea  admiffion  and  light 
 trial  of  pcrions  to  the  miaiftry,  cometh  to  pafs  that  ma- 
 ny f'candals  fall  out  in  the  perfons  of  minifters,  it  would  be 
 ordained  in  time  coming,  that  more  diligent  inquifition  and 
 trial  beufed  of  all  luch  perfons  as  {hall  enter  into  the  miniftrf. 
 
 As  fpecially  thefe  points  ; — That  the  Intrant  (hall  be  pofed 
 upon  hi»  confcience, before  the  Great  God,  (and  that  in  moft 
 grave  manner)  what  moveth  him  to  accept  the  office  and 
 charge  of  the  miniftry  upon  him. 
 
 That  it  be  inquired,  If  any  bye  folillation  or  moyen,  direft- 
 ly  or  indirectly,  preafe  to  enter  in  the  faid  office  ?  And  if  it 
 be  found,  that  the  Solifter  be  repelled,  and  that  the  Prefby- 
 tery  repel  all  fuch  of  their  number  from  voting  in  the  elec- 
 tion or  admillion,  as  fhall  be  found  moyeners  for  the  folicl- 
 tor,  and  pofed  upon  their  confcience  to  declare  the  truth  to 
 that  efTed. 
 
 Thirdly,  Bccaufe  by  Prefentations  many  forcibly  arc  thruft 
 into  the  miniftry,  and  upon  congregatioiis,  that  utter  there- 
 after that  they  were  not  called  by  God;  it  would  be  provided, 
 tl  %t  none  feek  prefentations  to  benefices  without  advice  of  the 
 Prefbytery,  within  the  bounds  whereof  the  benefice  is,  and  if 
 any  do  in  the  contrary,  they  to  be  repelled  as  rei  ambitus. 
 
 That  the  trial  of  perfons  to  be  admitted  to  the  miniftry 
 hereafter,  coniill:  not  only  in  their  learning  and  ability  to 
 preach,  but  alfo  in  confcience,  and  feeling,  and  Ipiritual  wif- 
 dom,  and  namely  in  the  knowledge  of  the  bounds  of  theif 
 calling,  in  dodlrine,  difcipline,  and  wildom  to  behave  himfelf 
 accordingly  with  the  divers  ranks  of  perfons  within  his  flock, 
 as  namely  with  atheifts,  rebellious  weak  conlciences,  and  fuch. 
 other,  wherein  the  paftoral  charge  is  moft  kythed  ;  and  that 
 he  be  meet  to  ftop  the  mouths  of  the  adverfaries ;  and  fuch 
 as  are  not  qualified  in  thefe  points  to  be  delayed  to  further 
 trial,  and  while  they  be  found  qualified.  And  becaufe  men 
 may  be  found  meet  for  fome  places  who  are  not  meet  for  o- 
 thers,  it  would  be  confidered,  that  the  principal  places  of  the 
 realm  be  provided  by  men  of  moft  worthy  gifts,  vvif3om,  and 
 experience,  and  that  none  take  the  charge  of  greater  num- 
 ber of  people  nor  they  ^re  able  to  difcharge  ;  and  the  Aflem- 
 bly  to  take  order  herewith,  and  the  aft  of  the  Provincial  of 
 Lothian,  made  at  Linlithgow,  to  be  urged. 
 
 That 
 
485  Acts  y  General  j^JJemhlies^  8cc, 
 
 That  fuch  as  fhall  be  found  not  given  to  their  book  and 
 fEudy  of  icripture  ;  not  careful  to  have  books  ;  not  given  to 
 fan^ification  and  prayer  ;  that  ftudy  not  to  be  powerful  and 
 spiritual  j  not  applying  the  do6trine  to  corruptions,  vrhich  is 
 the  paftoral  gift  ;  oblcure  and  too  fcholaltic  before  the  peo- 
 ple j  cold,  and  wanting  of  fpiritual  zeal ;  negligent  in  viliting 
 of  the  iick  and  caring  for  the  poor,  or  indifcreet  in  chufing 
 of  parts  of  the  word  not  meetelt  for  the  flock  ;  flatterers  and 
 difiRsmbling  at  public  fins,  and  fpecially  of  great  perfonages  in 
 ftheir  congregation,  for  flattery  or  for  lear, — that. all  iuca 
 perfons  be  cenfured,  according  to  the  degree  of  their  faults, 
 and  continuing  therein,  be  deprived. 
 
 That  fuch  as  be  flothful  in  the  miniflration  of  the  facra- 
 ments,  and  irreverent,  as  profaners,  receiving  the  clean  and 
 unclean  ;  ignorant  and  fcnfelefs  ;  profane,  and  making  no 
 confcience  of  their  prcfeffion  in  their  calling  and  families  ; 
 ©mittinj^  due  .rial,  or  uUng  none  or  light  trial  •,  having  re- 
 fpe<ft  in  their  trial  to  perfons,  wherein  there  is  manifeft  cor- 
 ruption,— that  all  fuch  be  fharply  rebuked,  and  if  they  con- 
 tinue therein,  that  they  be  depoled. 
 
 And  if  any  be  found  a  feller  of  the  facraments,  that  he  be 
 df^oitdjimpliciter  :  and  fuch  as  collude  with  flanderous  per- 
 fons in  difpenfing  andover.feeing  theni  for  money,  incur  the 
 like  punifhment.  That  every  minifter  be  obliged  to  have  a 
 Seffion  eflablifhed  of  the  meeteft  men  in  his  congregaticp  ; 
 and  that  difcipline  fl:rike  not  only  upon  grots  fins,  as  whore- 
 dom, bloddihed,  ^c.  but  upon  fins  repugnant  to  the-word 
 of  God,  as  blafphemy  of  God,  banning,  profaning  of  the 
 iiahbath,  difobedience  to  parents,  idle  unruly  ones  without 
 calling,  drunkards,  and  fuch  likedebufhed  men,  as  make  not 
 confcience  of  their  life  and  ruling  of  their  families,  and  fpeci- 
 ally  of  education  of  their  children,  lying,  llandering,  and  back- 
 biting, and  breaking  of  promifes  ;  and  this  to  be  an  univerfal 
 order  throughout  the  realm,  ^c.  and  fuch  like  as  are  negli- 
 gent herein,  and  continuethereinafteradmonition,  be  depoled. 
 
 That  none  falling  in  public  flanders,  be  received  in  their 
 feliowfhip  of  the  kirk,  except  the  minifter  have  fome  ap- 
 pearance and  warrant  in  confcience,  that  he  hath  both  a  feel- 
 ing of  fin  and  apprehenfion  of  mercy, — and  for  this  efleci:, 
 that  the  miniller  travel  with  him  by  do6lrine  and  private  in- 
 i\ru6Vion^  to  bring  him  hereto,  and  (pecially  in  the  dod^rine 
 qf^  repentance  ;  which  being  negiei^led,  the  public  place  of 
 itpentance  is  turned  in  a  mocking. 
 
 ,  Dilapidation  of  benefices,  demitting  of  them  for  favour  or 
 
 iror-ey,  that  they\become  laick  patronages,  without  advife  of 
 
 •   "  the 
 
9 
 
 Acts  df  General  JfJJemhlieSi  &c.  4^y 
 
 fh.e  kirk,  and  fuch  like  interchanging  of  benefices,  by  tran- 
 faftion  and  tranfporting  of  themielves  by  that  occafion,  with- 
 out the  knowledge  of  the  kirk,  prcciiely  to  be  puniflied  :— 
 Such  like,  that  letting  of  tacks  without  the  confent  ojc  the 
 AfTembly,  be  punifhed  according  to  the  afts  •,  and  that  the 
 demitters  in  favours  for  money,  or  otherwife  to  the  cffe^  a- 
 bove  written,  be  punlfhed  as  the  dilapidators. 
 
 Corruptions  in  their.  Persons  and  Lives, 
 
 THAT  fuch  as  are  light  and  wanton  in  their  behaviour, 
 as  in  gorgeous  and  light  apparel,  in  fpeech,  in  ufing 
 light  and  profane  company,  unlawful  gaming,  as  dancing, 
 carding,  dicing,^  and  fuch  like,  not  befeeming  the  gravity  of 
 a  paftor, — be  iliarply  and  gravely  reproved  by  the  Prefbytery, 
 according  to  the  degree  thereof,  and  continuing  thereinaf- 
 ter due  admonition,  that  he  be  deprived,  as  flanderous  to  the 
 goipel. 
 
 That  minifters  being  found  fwearcrs  or  banners,  profaners 
 of  the  Sabbath,  drunkards,  fighters,  guilty  of  all  thefe  or  any 
 of  them,  to  be  depoiedjimp/iciter ;  and  fuch  like,  liars,  detrac- 
 ters,  flatterers,  breakers  of  promife,  brawlers  and  quarreilers» 
 after  admonition  continuing  therein,  incur  the  fame  punifh- 
 ment. 
 
 That  minlflers  given  to  unlawful  ana  incompetent  trades 
 and  occupations  for  filthy  gain,  as  holdin"g  of  oflieries,  taking 
 of  ocker  befide  confcience  and  good  laws,  and  bearing  world- 
 ly offices  in  noblemen  and  gentlemen's  houies,  merchandize, 
 and  fuch  like,  buying  of  victuals,  and  keeping  to  the  dearth, 
 and  all  fuch  worldly  occupations,  as  may  diftraft  them  frona, 
 their  charge,  and  may  be  flanderous  to  the  paftoral  calling, 
 be  admoniflied  and  brought  to  the  acknov/ledging  of  their 
 fins,  and  it  they  continue  therein,  to  be  depofed. 
 
 That  minifters  non-refident  at  their  flocks,  be  depofeil, 
 according  to  the  a6ts  of  the  General  AfTembly,.  and  laws  of 
 the  realm^ — otherwife  the  burthen  to  be  laid  on  thqf  Prefby- 
 teries,  and  they  to  be  ccnfiired  therefor. 
 
 That  the  AfTembly  command  all  their  members,i,hat  none 
 of  them  await  on  the  court  and  affairs  thereof,  without  ths 
 advice  and  allowance  of  their  Prefbytery.  Item,  That  they 
 intend  no  action  civil  without  the  faid  advice,  except  in  fn^ali 
 matters  j  and  for  remedying  the  neceffity  that  fome  minifters 
 have  to  enter  in  plea  of  law,  that  remedy  be  craved,  that  fhort 
 procefs  be  deviled,  to  be  ufed  in  minifters  a<ftions. 
 
 That  minifters  take  fpecial  care  in  uliog  godly  exercifes  in 
 their  families,  in  teaching  of  their  wives,  children,  and  fer- 
 
 >      vant?. 
 
;^88  Acts  of  General  AfftmhUes^  &c. 
 
 vants,  in  ufing  ordinary  prayers  and  reading  of  fcripttires,  in 
 removing  of  ofFenfivc  perfons  out  of  their  families,  and  fiich 
 like  other  points  of  godly  converfation  and  good  example  j 
 and  that  they,  at  the  vifitaticn  of  their  kirks,  try  the  mini- 
 fters  families  in  thefe  points  forefaid,  and  fuch  as  are  found 
 negligent  in  thefe  points  forefaid,  after  due  admonition,  fiiall 
 be  adjudged  unmeet  to  govern  the  houfe  of  God,  according 
 to  the  rule  of  the  apoftle. 
 
 That  minifters  in  all  companies  ftrive  to  be  fpiritiial  and 
 profitable,  and  to  talk  of  things  pertaining  to  godlinefs,  as 
 namely  of  fuch  as  may  ftrengthen  us  in  Chrift,  inftrudl:  us  in 
 our  calling,  of  the  means  how  to  have  Chrift's  kingdom  bet- 
 ter  eftablifhed  in  our  congregations,  and  to  knovsr  how  the  I 
 gofpel  flourifheth  in  our  flocks,  and  fuch  like  others  the  hin- 
 drances and  the  remeeds  that  we  find,  ^c.  wherein  there  is 
 manifold  corruptions,  both  in  our  companying  with  ourfelves 
 and  with  others  J  and  that  the  contraveeners  thereof  be  tried,  ' 
 and  fliarply  be  rebuked. 
 
 That  no  minifter  be  found  to  countenance,  procure,  or 
 afiift  a  public  offender,  challenged  by  his  own  minifter  for 
 his  public  offence,  or  to  bear  with  him,  as  though  his  mini- 
 fter were  too  fevere  upon  him,  under  the  pain  of  admonition 
 and  rebuking." 
 
 ABt  anent  Appellations,  Augufl:  30,  16^^. 
 
 THE  AfTembly  appointed,  that  in  all  time  hereafter,  no 
 appellations  fhould  be  leaping  over  either  Prefbytery 
 or  Synod,  but  to  afcend  by  degrees,  as  from  the  kirk  feffion 
 to  the  Prefbytery,  or  from  the  Prefbytery  to  the  Synod,  and 
 from  the  Synod  to  the  General  AfTembly,  except  it  be  after 
 the  Synod  be  paft,  and  immediately  before  the  General  Af- 
 fembly,  or  in  the  time  thereof,  and  i*cnews  all  former  afts 
 made  to  this  effect. 
 
 AB  onent  Mimjlers  Catechizing^  and  Family  Exercifes,  Au- 
 gufl 30.   1639. 
 
 THE  AfTembly  confidering,  that  the  long  waited  ^for 
 fruits  of  the  gofpel,  fo  mercifully  planted  and  pre- 
 fcrved  in  this  land,  and  reformation  of  ourlelves  and  families, 
 fo  folemnly  vowed  to  God  of  late  in  our  Covenant,  cannot 
 take  effeft,  except  the  knowledge  and  worfliip  of  God  be 
 carried /from  the  pulpit  to  every  family  within  each  parifh, 
 hath  therefore  appointed  that  every  nranifler,  befides  his  pains 
 
 on 
 
Acts  of  General  Affemhlies^  &c.  489 
 
 on  the  Lord's  day,  {hall  have  weekly  catechizing  of  fome  part 
 of  the  paroch,  and  not  altogether  caft  over  the  examination 
 of  the  people,  till  a  little  before  the  connmunion.  Aifo,  that 
 in  every  family  the  worlhip  of  God  be  erefted  where  it  is  not' 
 both  morniHg  and  evening,  and  that  the  children  and  (er- 
 vants  be  catechized  at  home  by  the  mafter  of  the  families, 
 whereof  account  fliall  be  taken  by  the  minifter  and  elders  a(- 
 fifting  him  in  the  vifitation  of  every  family  ;  and  left  they 
 fail,  that  villtafion  of  the  kirks  be  lerioufly  followed  by  eve- 
 ry Prefbytery  for  this  end  among  others.  The  execution  and 
 fuccefs  whereof  being  tried  by  the  Synods,  let  it  be  repre- 
 fented  to  the  next  General  Ailembly. 
 
 A5i  anentthe  chiifing  of  Kirk  SeJJtonSy  fefT.  5.   Aug.  i,  1642. 
 
 ANENT  ^he  queftion  moved  to  the  Aflembly  concern- 
 ingthe  election  of  Kirk  Sefnons,  the  AITembly  ordains 
 the  old  Seffion  to  ele(Sl  the  new  Seffion,  both  in  burgh  and 
 land.  And  that  if  any  place  fliall  vaik  in  xhtt  Seffion  chofen, 
 by  death  or  otherwife,  the  prefent  Seffion  fhall  have  the  elec- 
 tion of  the  perfon  to  fill  the  vacant'room. 
 
 y^<5?  againjl JlanderiHg  of  MimflerSy  feffi-*  13,  Aug.  6,  1642. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  confidering'the  malice  of  divers 
 perfons  in  railing  calumnies  and  fcandals  againft  mini- 
 fters,  which  is  not  only  injurious  to  their  perfons,  and  difcre- 
 ditable  to  the  holy  calling  of  the  miniftry,  but  doth  alfo  prove 
 often  a  great  prejudice  and  hindrance  to  the  propoving  of 
 the  gofpel  ;  do  therefore  ordain  Prefbyteries  and  Synods  to 
 proceed  diligently  in  procefs  againft  all  perfons  that  fhall  re- 
 proach or  fcandalizc  minifters  with  the  cenfures  of  the  kirk, 
 even  to  the  higheft,  according  as  they  Oiall  iind  the  degree 
 or  quality  of  the  fcandal  delerve. 
 
 AEl  againfl  Majlers  who  have  Servants  that  profane  the  Lord^s 
 Day,  fefT.  11.  Aug.  14,  1643. 
 
 THE  General  AtTembly  declares,  that  the  a£ls  made  a^ 
 gainft  lalmon-fifhingupon  the  Sabbath,  oragaiisft  any 
 other  labour  upon  the  Lord's  day,  to  be  not  only  againft  fer- 
 "vants  who  aflinally  work,  but  alio  that  the  famen  fhould  be 
 extended  againft  inafters,  whole  hired  jervants  they  are. 
 
 P  p  p  Arl 
 
49©  Acts  </  Genera!  AJfemlliei^  &c. 
 
 AEl  anent  diljentxng  Voices  in  Prejb^teries  and  Synods y  1645. 
 
 TH  E  Aflembly  thinks  it  neceflary,  if  any  member  of 
 Prefbyteries  or  Synods  fhall  find,  in  matters  depend- 
 ing before  them,  that  the  moderator  ftiall  refufe  to  put  any 
 tiling  of  importance  to  voices  ;  or  if  they  find  any  thing  car- 
 ried by  piurality  of  voices  to  any  determination,  which  they 
 conceive  to  be  contrary  to  the  word  of  God,  the  a£ls  of  Af- 
 fembly,  or  to  the  received  order  of  this  icirk, — that  in  either 
 of  thefe  cafes,  they  urge  their  diiTent  to  be  msrked  in  the  re- 
 gifter,  and  if  that  be  refufed,  that  they  proteft,  as  they  would 
 deiire  to  be  free  of  common  cenfure  with  the  reft  ;  and  the 
 Aflembly  declares  the  dlflenters  to  be  cenfurable^  if  their  dif- 
 fent  ihail  be  found  btherwife  nor  they  conceived. 
 
 AB  agalnji  LykwakeSf   l645« 
 
 WHEREAS  the  corrupt  cuftom  of  Lykwakes  hath  fof- 
 tered  both  fuperftition  and  profanity  through  tlie 
 land, — this  prclent  Aflembly  difcharges  the  fame  in  time 
 coming,  and  appoints  Prefbyteries  to  take  fpecial  care  for 
 trying  and  cenfuring  the  tranfgreflbrs  of  this  ad  within  their 
 feveral  bounds. 
 
 ^5  recommending  to  Sejfions  to   have  the  printed  Acts  of  Af- 
 fembly^   1 645. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  confidering  how  neceflary  it  is, 
 that  every  Seflion  in  a  parifh  have  the  afts  of  the  Af- 
 feaibly  for  their  ufe,  doth  therefore  ferioufly  recommend  to 
 every  pariHi  and  feflion,  to  buy  the  primed  ails  of  the  Aflem- 
 bly, and  ordains  Prefbyteries  to  crave  account  hereof  from 
 every  minifter,  before  their  going  to  Provincial  Aflcmblies  ; 
 and  likewife,  that  every  Provincial  Aflembly  crave  account 
 from  Prefbyteries  in  their  trials,  if  every  fellion  be  fo  proviil- 
 ;ed,  and  that  they  try  the  diligence  of  Prefbyteries  and  n^i- 
 nifters  ufed  for  that  effeft. 
 
 AB  difchargiug  promifcuoiis  Dancings  feff*.  18^  July"  15,  1649. 
 
 THE  Aflembly  finding  the  fcandal  and  abufe  tliat  arifes 
 through  promifcuous  dincing^  do  therefore  inhibit 
 and  d  fcharge  the  fame,  and  do  refer  the  cenfure  thereof  to 
 the  leverai  Prefbyteries,  recommending  it  to  their  care  and 
 diligence. 
 
 Act 
 
Acts  of  General  /IJjerMuSy  &c.  4151 
 
 ASl concerning  Catechizing^  fclT.  30.  July  30,  1649. 
 
 THE  General  Affembly  taking  to  their  ferious  corfide- 
 I  ation  the  great  darknefs  and  ignorance  wherein  a  great 
 part  of  this  kingdom  lieth,  together  with  the  late  loiemn  en- 
 gagement to  ufe  all  njeans  for  remedy  thereof,  do  ordain  e- 
 very  minifter,  with  affiftance  of  the  elders  of  their  feveral 
 fcirk-feffions,  to  take  coun'e,  that  in  every  houfe  where  there 
 is  any  who  can  read,  there  beat  leaft  one  copy  of  the  Shorter 
 and  Larger  Catechifni^  ConfeJJlon  of  Faith,  and  Directory  /or 
 Family  Worjhip.  And  do  renew  the  act  of  Aflembly,  Augtijl 
 30,  1639.  for  a  day  of  weekly  catechizing,  to  be  conrtantiy 
 oblerved  in  c«crj  kirk  ;  and  that  every  minifter  To  order  their 
 catecbetic  queftions,  as  thereby  the  people,  who  do  not  con- 
 veen  ail  at  one  time,  but  by  turns,  unto  that  exercife,  may 
 af  every  diet  have  the  chief  heads  of  faving  knowledge  in  a 
 fhort  view  prefented  umothem  ;  and  the  Airembly  confider- 
 ing,  that,  notwithftanding  of  their  former  adl,  thefe  diers  of 
 weekly  catechizing  are  much  flighted  and  neglected  by  many 
 minifters  throughout  this  kingdom,  do  therefore  appoint  and 
 ordain  every  Prefbytery  to  take  trial  of  ail  the  miniOers  wi- 
 thin their  bounds,  once  at  leaft  in  the  half  year,  whether 
 
 'th^^^  careful  to  keep  weekly  diets  of  cifechizing  ;  and  if 
 they  ihall  find  any  of  their  number  negHgent  herein,  they 
 fhall  admonifh  for  the  lirfi:  fault,  and  if'iifter  fuch  admoniti- 
 on theyfhall  not  amend,  the  Prefbytery  for  the  fecond  fault 
 fhali  rebuke  them  iharpiy,  and  if  after  Inch  rebuke  they  do 
 
 ,  not  yet  a'mend,  they  fhail  be  icipeaded. 
 
 AB  agfxinji  Profanenefs.     EorNBiTRGH,  January    ii.    Poji 
 Meridiem,   icfi".  3.    1 097. 
 
 THE  General  AGTembly  of  this  nstional  church  taking  to 
 their  mod  ferious  coufideration,  that  notwithilanding 
 of  the  weighty  commands  and  dieadxui  threatenings  co'ntaiii- 
 ed  in  the  fcriptures  of  truth,  and  the  many  laudable  Chvirtian 
 la.vs  of  this  nation,  and  the  a(fis  of  the  General  .A^euibijes 
 of  this  church  againft  all  impiety  and  profanenefs  j  yet  t'le 
 open  outbreakings  of  wickcdiieis  are  not  r^-ftrained,  but  God 
 is  daily  difhonoured  and  provoked,  tiie  profefEon  of  Chrif- 
 tia^itty  difcreditcd,  and  the  pernicious  infe<ftion  of  ill  example 
 cifTkiminated  and  ipread  abroad,  by  the  abounding  fcandals 
 of  profane  and  idlefwearing,  curfing,  S?bbath-break!ng5  pro- 
 fane withdrawing  from,  and  co-iterapt  of,  gofpel  ordinances,, 
 yea,  oppplir*g  the  dilpenfing  of  them,  by  hindering  rhep-'arit- 
 r  p  p  2  ■       ^    in^T 
 
49^  Acts  of  General  Afemblies,  &Ct 
 
 in ji  of  churches,  and  difccuraging  the  endeavours  of  others 
 fur  c::iling  and  lixing  a  faithful  gofpel  minillry  amoi'g  them, 
 mocking  of  piety  and  religion,  and  the  exercifes  thereof,  forni- 
 cation, aduhery,  drunkennefs,  exceflive  tippling,  deifm,  blaf- 
 pheuiy,  and  other  grcfs  abominable  iins  :  And  whereas,  not 
 only  did  the  General  AlTembly  by  their  a^yJpn/i6, 1694, re- 
 commend to  allminifters  and  kirk-fefiions,  carefully  to  apply 
 to  the  fcveral  magiftrates  of  their  bounds,  for  putting  the  adts 
 o?  Parliament  againil  profanenefs  in  execution  j  but  likewife 
 this  current  Parliament,  by  their  a6ts,  intituled,  Jgain/i  prO' 
 fanenefsy   Jutie  15,  1693,  June  28,  1695,  and  Otloberg^  1696, 
 declared  that  niinifters,  kirk-feffions,  and  Prcfbyteries  fi)all, 
 by  theaift;!ves,  or  others  in  their  name,  have  good  intereft 
 to  apply  for,  and  puriue  the  execution  of  the  faid  a6ts ;  and 
 albeit  execution  is  ordained  to  pals   at  the  inftance  of  any 
 perfon  whatiomever,  yet  it  being  efpecially  incumbent  upon 
 KiiaiAers  and  church  judicatories   to  hold  hand  thereto, — 
 Therefore,  that  this  national  Aflembly  may  not  be  wanting 
 to   their  duty,  in  contributing  their  utmoft  endeavours  for 
 bearing  down  and  punilhingof  all  immorality  and  wickednefs, 
 ■  they  do,  in  the  firlt  place,  in  the  awe  and  dread  of  the  great 
 God,  who  will  not  hold  them  guiltlefs  that  break  any  of  his 
 commandments,  befeech,  warn,  and  obteft  all  the  people  of 
 this  church  and  nation,  to  break  ofi  their  fins  by  repentance, 
 and  Icrioufly,  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  to  apply  themfelves  to 
 a  fober,  conlcientious,  Chriftian,  and  circumfpe^l  walk  in  all 
 manner  of  converiaiion,  as   becomes    the   profelTors  of  the 
 glorious  gofpcl  of  the  blefTed.God,  and  of  that  religion  which 
 is  pure  and  undefiled,  and  as  they  would  not  incur  the  heavy 
 difpleaiure  and  juft  indignation  of  the   Holy  One,  in  being 
 excluded  for  ever  from  feeing  his  face  in  peace,  and  pull 
 down  his  temporal  judgments  upon  themfelves  and  upon  the 
 land  :  And,   next,  they  do  require  all  the  ministers  of  this 
 church,  freely  and  faithfully  to  preach  againfl  the  foremen- 
 tioned  enormous  fins,  as  the  crying  fins  of  the  time,  that 
 people  may  be  brought  to  a  convidlion  and  fenfe  of  their  hgi- 
 liouinefs  and  danger,  and  may  refrain,  not  only  from  fear, 
 but  froni'  coni^cience.     And  farther,  they  do  appoiiit,  That 
 IVefbytcrics   and  kirk-feflions  do  faithfully  and  impartially 
 exercife  church,  difcipiine  againft  all  fuch  fcandalous  offen- 
 ders, and  ufe  all  fuitable  means  in  dealing  with  their  con- 
 fciences  to  bring  them  to  unfeigned  repentance  and  reforma- 
 tion, and  they  feriouily  recommend  to   minifters   and  mem- 
 bers of  kirk-lellioni^,  from  a  true  zeal  for  God,  to  hold  hand 
 to  the  delating,  informing  againfl:,  and  puniihing  of  ail  pro- 
 fane 
 
Acts  of  General  j^JJemhlies^  &c.  493 
 
 fane  tranfgrefrors,  without  refpeft  of  perfonsjby  civil  puniih- 
 ments,  conform  to  the  afts  of  Parliament  made  in  that  be- 
 half, and  that  they  record  their  diligence  in  their  feflion 
 books,  that  the  fame  may  be  feen  by  their  Prefbyteries,  who 
 are  hereby  required  to/nake  inquiry  therein  at  their  vifitati- 
 ons  : — And  leaft  any  may  be  found  backward  in  performing 
 their  refpedive  duties,   from  an  unwillingnefs  to  difpleafe  or 
 difoblige  perfons  of  note,  who  may  happen  to  be  guilty,  the 
 General  Aflembly  earneftly  exhorts  all  minifters  and  elders, 
 and  all  Chriftians  to  remember,  that  in  this  matter  they  have 
 to  do  with  the  great  and  terrible  God,  whofe  honour  is  to 
 be  preferred,  and  whofe  wrath  is  to  be  feared,  above  all  0- 
 ther  confiderations  whatfomever  ;  and  the  Overture,  '  that 
 •\vhatever  minifter  or  member  of  Seffion  be  faulty,  in  negle^Sl- 
 ing  to  purfue  the  forefaid  fcandals  in  their  ftations,  the  faid 
 minifter  or  member  of  feffion  be  complained  of,  and  cenlured 
 by  the  Prefbytery  for  the  firft  fault,  and  that  the  cenfure  be 
 recorded  •,  and  that  the  fecond  negligence  be  delated  to,  and 
 cenfured  by  the  Synod  ;  and  that  for  the  third  neglect,  they 
 be  cenfured  by  the  Synod  with  fufpenfion,'  to  be  recorded  in 
 the  Synod  regifter. — And  albeit  the  General  Aflembly  hath 
 full  confidence  in  the  integrity  and  zeal  of  all  honeft  Chrifti- 
 an  magiftrates,  and  that  they  will,  with  f;rmnefs  and  refolu- 
 tion,  make  confcience  of  the  obligations  of  their  office,  and 
 faithfully  difcharge  the  trufl:  committed  to  them  by  God  and 
 the  fupreme  authority  of  this  nation  ;  yet,  becaufe  a  flacknefs 
 or  backwardnefs  may  fallout  in  fome  particular  places,  and 
 there  hath  been  hitherto  a  moft  lamentable  defeftivenefs,  in 
 putting  the  laws  agalnft  profanenefs  into  execution,  and  fome 
 have  refufed  to  give  deputations  and  commiffions  for  that 
 end  to  perfons  who  have  been  duly  nominated  and  prefented 
 to  them  ;  therefore  the  General  AfTenibly  doth  recommend 
 to  each  minifter  or  kirk-feffion,  who  fliall  find  caufe  to  com- 
 pbin  of  a  magiflrate  for  negligence  in  executing  the  faid 
 laws,  or  for  refuftng  deputation  and  commilfion  to  fuch  pei*- 
 fons  as  are  duly  elected  and  prefented  to  them,  (from  pa- 
 roches  where  there  is  no  ordinary  magiftrate  reftding)  con-- 
 form  to  the  above-mentioned  a<ft  of  Parliament,  Ociober  9, 
 1696,  that  they  acquaint  their  Prefbyteries  therewith,  and 
 that  the  iaid   Preftjytery  having  ufed  all  previous  means  in 
 dealing  with  the  confcience  of  the  faid  magiftrate,  without  any 
 good  etFeft,"  do,  with  the  kirk  agent,  thereafter  purfue  the 
 faid  negligent  or  refradtory  magiftrate  before  the  Lords  of 
 Council  or  Seflion,  according  to  the  forefaid  a«Sls  of  parlia- 
 ment.    And  lajllyf  that  thefe  prefents  be  read  in  all  churches 
 
 within 
 
494  Acts  0^  General  AJfemhlies^  &c. 
 
 \ 
 
 within  this  kingdom,  twice  a-year,  from  the  pulpit,  io  iviff 
 upon  the  frft  Sabbaths  aher  Whitfunday  and  Mariinmas  i 
 yearly. 
 
 ASi  againjl  Ahujes  at  LyhnvakeSf  Penny  Brydah,  and  pro'mij- 
 cuous  Dancing.     Ead.  leff.  1701. 
 
 THE  General  AiTembly  did,  and  hereby  do  revive  tha 
 afts  of  the  General  AiTembly,  1645,  againfl:  Lykivakes, 
 as  alfo  the  a£l:s  of  the  faid  Aflembly  for  reftraining  abufe*  at 
 Penny  Brydaby  and  llkewife  the  aft  of  the  General  Aflembly 
 J649,  A\{c\x?iXg\t\g' Promifcuous  Dancing, — and  appoints  the- 
 faid  asSls  to  be  read  in  churches  before  the  congregation,  and 
 that  Synods  inquire  at  Prefbyteries  concerning  their  diligence 
 anent  the  obfervation  of  the  fatd  a£ls,  and  recommends  to 
 Prefbyteries  to  have  their  thoughts  upon  what  further  may 
 be  neceflary  for  fupprefling  and  preventing  abulcs  at  fuch 
 occafions,  and  give  their  opinion  thereanent  to  the  next  Ge* 
 ncral  AiTembly. 
 
 ASl  concerning  the  Method  and  Form  of  Procedure  of  Judica- 
 tories of  the  Church  againjl  Scandalous  Perfons.  EDIN- 
 BURGH, April  £^y  ^l^B'  f'^ff- 6. 
 
 WITH  rtfpeii  to  fcandal3,the  grofTnefs  'jchereof  makes 
 it  neceflary  to'  bring  the  perfons  guilty  oftener  than 
 once  bsfore  the  congregation  ;  the  General  AlTembly  does 
 herQ  appoint  and  ordain,  that  after  fuch  perfons  are  convicT: 
 before  the  Seffion,  it  be  judicially  declared  to  them,  that 
 they  have  gendered  themfelves  incapable  of  communion  with 
 the  people  of  God  in  fealing  ordinances,  and  that  they  be 
 appointed  to  appear  in  public  to  be  rebuked  for  their  fin, 
 vrhether  they  appear  penitent  or  not,  conform  to  the  infti- 
 tution,  I  Tim.  v.  20.  And  it  is  hereby  referred  to  the  re- 
 fpe£tive  judicatories  of  the  church  concerned,  to  determine 
 haw  oft  fuch  delinquents  fli.ill  appear  in  public,  as  they  fliall  • 
 ihid  it  to  tend  molt  for  edificatioh.  And  the  General  Af- 
 lenibly  ordains,  that  after  a  public  rebuke,  the'miniftersand 
 eiders  be  at  farther  pains  in  inftru^ling  the  minds  of  the 
 fcan Jalous  perfons,  if  ignorant,  in  endeavouring  to  convince  >  1 
 their  ccniciences,  and  to  bring  them  to  a  due  I'enle  ot  their  I 
 fin,  and  to  ,an  engagement  and  lerious  reiolution  againft  all 
 known  fin,  and  to  the  performance  of  al!  known  duty,  and 
 that  the  Sefiion,  upon  fatisfaftion  with  their  knowlcvlge  and 
 I'e  --f?  of  'J.eir  litj,  do  admit  them  to  the  public  profellion  of 
 
 their 
 
Acts  pf  General  AJfemhltes^  &c,  4p^ 
 
 their  repentance,  in  order  to  Abfolution  :  But  if,  after  tak- 
 ^ng'pains  on  them  for  fome  competent  time  for  their  inftroc- 
 tion  and  convi(Sl:ion,  they  ftill  remain  grofly  ignorant,  infen- 
 lible,  and  unrefonned,  the  minifters  and  elders  are  to  advife 
 iv/ith  the  Prefbytery  of  the  bounds,  and  if  the  PrefDytery 
 fhall  lee  caulc,  that  then  the  fentence  of  Lefler  Excommuni- 
 cation be  publicly  pronounced  againft  them  in  face  of  the 
 congregation,  from  which  they  are  not  to  be  relaxed,  nor 
 admitted  to  make  public  profeffion  of  their  repentance,  m 
 order  thereto,  till  the  Seflion  be  fatisfied  with  their  know- 
 iledge,  ferioufnefs,  and  reformation.  And  lajily^  the  Gene* 
 ral  AiTembly  ordains,  that  the  names  of  fuch  as  are  under  the 
 forefaid  cenfure  of  LelTer  Excommunication,  be  publicly  read 
 out  the  Lord's  day  immediately  preceding  that  upon  which 
 the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  is  to  be  adminiftered. 
 
 Act  againft,  Prefanation  of  the  Lord*s  Day.     Edinburgh, 
 April  lo,  1705.  feir.  12. 
 
 THE  General  AlTembly  taking  to  their  ferious  confiJe- 
 ration,  the  great  profanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  by  mul- 
 titudes of  people  vaging  idly  upon  the  ftreets,  in  St.  Anne's 
 yard,  and  the  Queen's  park,  and  in  diver^-  places  of  the  wei^ 
 kirk  paroch,  and  on  the  links  of  Leith,  and  other  places,  «-. 
 fpecially  about  Edinburgh,  and  that  by  perfons  of  all  ranks, 
 many  whereof  are  (Grangers,  as  the  fame  hath  been  repre- 
 fented  to  them  by  commiffioners  from  the  Prefbytery  at  E- 
 dinburgh,  in  the  name  and  by  the  appointment  of  that  Prel- 
 bytcry, — and  confidering  alfo  what  hath  been  reprefented  by 
 feveral  brethren,  anent  the  profanation  of  the  Lord's  day  in. 
 other  places  of  the  nation  by  unnecelTary  travelling  and  other- 
 wife  i  and  the  General  AfTembly  being  deeply  fenfible  of  the 
 great  difhonour  dons  to  the  holy  God,  and  of  the  open  con- 
 tempt of  God  and  man,  manifefted  by  fuch  heaven-daring 
 profanenefs,  to  the  expoling  of  the  nation  to  the  heavicft 
 judgments, — Therefore  they  do,  in  the  fear  of  God,  earneftly 
 exliort  all  their  reverend  brethren  of  the  miniftry,  and  other 
 ofEcers  of  the  church,  to  contribute  their  utmoft  endeavours, 
 in  their  ftations,  for  fuppreffirig  fuch  grols  profanation  of 
 the  Lord's  day,  by  a  vigorous  and  impartial,  yet  prudent, 
 exercife  of  the  difcipline  of  the  church,  and  by  holding  hand 
 to  the  execution  of  the  laudable  laws  of  the  nation  againil 
 the  guilty,  in  fuch  way  and  manner  as  is  allowed  and  require 
 ed  by  law  ;  and  becaufd  the  concurrence  and  affiftance  of  the 
 civil  government  will  be  abfolutely  necelTary  for  tke  better 
 
 curbing: 
 
■/g6  Acts  of  General  AffemblieSf  &c. 
 
 curbing  and  reftralning  this  crying  fin, — the  General  Aflem- 
 bly  do  hereby  appoint  their  Commiflion,  to  be  nominate  by 
 them,  to  addrefs  the  Right  Honourable  the  Lords  of  Her 
 Majefty's  Privy  Council,  that  their  Lord fhips  may  bepleafed 
 to  give  fuch  orders,  and  take  fuch  courfes  forreftaining  thele 
 abufes,  as  they  in  their  wifdoms  (hall  judge  moftefFedual. 
 
 Overtures]  of  the  General  AJfembly  1 705, 
 
 CO  N  C  E  R  N  I  N  G    THE 
 
 Dlfclpline  and  Method  of  Proceeding  in  Kirk  SeJJions 
 and  F refineries  of  the  Church  of  Scotland, 
 
 $  Of  the  Cohflitution  of  Kirk  Sejftons. 
 
 I,  rTpHIS  judicatory  being  the  loweft,  and  which  is  in  e- 
 JL  very  pariih,  confifts  of  one  minifter  or  two  and  a 
 competent  number  of  ruling  elders, — and  the  de:icoris  of  that 
 parifh  and  church  are  to  be  prefent,  and  have  a  decifive  vote 
 only  in  matters  belonging  to  their  own  office,  having  attend- 
 ing them  a  clerk  and  a  beadle. 
 
 2.  All  the  elders  of  that  church  or  pariih,  or  members  of 
 the  feffion,  ought  to  attend  all  the  meetings  thereof,  it  not- 
 being  a  judicatory  made  up  of  delegates. 
 
 3.  If  there  be  but  one  minifter  there,  he  is  moderator  ex 
 officio,  and  conftant,  out  of  neceffity. 
 
 4.  Though  an  elder,  being  once  fo  ordained,  makes  him 
 to  be  fo  during  life,  unlefs  he  be  cenfured  with  depolition,  or 
 demit  his  ofHce,  and  the  demiffion  accepted  by  ajudicatory  ; 
 yet,  where  there  arc  plenty  of  perfons  fit  to  be  elders,  and 
 plenty  of  elders,  the  adtual  excrcife  of  the  office,  as  to  con- 
 llant  attendance  on  the  Seffion,  ^c.  may  be  limited  for  a 
 time,  and  others  take  their  turn.  When  an  elder  change: 
 his  refidence,  he  may  officiate  as  an  elder  in  that  pariih  wher  . 
 ■he  comes  to,  if  duly  called  thereto  by  the  kirk  feffion,  who 
 are  to  intimate  his  name  to  the  people,  and  have  their  tacit 
 confent  thereto,  but  no  otherwife.  Annual  eleflions  ought 
 ro  be  redtified  ;  and  that  new  eleftions  of  elders,  except  in 
 cafes  of  great  neceffity,  fiiould  only  be  within  the  cOi-npafs  of 
 four  years,  and  that  elpecially  in  buvghs  v^here  there  are  plen- 
 ty of  perfons  to  choofe  upon. 
 
 §0/ 
 
Acts  of  General  JJJemhlies,  &c>  497 
 
 $  Of  the  $,leBion  and  Conjlituting  of  Elders  and  Deacons, 
 
 I.  TN  CTSt  there  be  no  eldcrfliip  in  the  parifli,  theeledtion 
 JL  is  to  be  managed  by  the  Prefbytery,  by  a  lill-  given  ia 
 to  them,  made  up  by  the  heads  of  families,  out  of  which  the 
 prefbytery  (if  the  church  be  vacant)  is  to  try  and  eleft,  and 
 if  planted,  the  mini fter,  with  the  Prefbytery's  affirtance. 
 
 2.  Even  where  there  is  a  miniller  and  elders  in  a  congre- 
 gation, confHtuting  a  leffion,  there  may  be  need  of  more 
 elders,  to  fupply  (hs-  places  of  foaie  who  may  be  removed 
 by  death  or  otherwife. 
 
 3.  It  doth  moft  particularly  belong  to  the  fcffion,  to  look 
 among  the  mafters  and  heads  pf  families,  and  others,  (they 
 not  being  menial  fervants)  for  fome  perions  fit  to  be  elders, 
 being  fuch  as  are  of  greateft  prudence,  gravity,  and  intereit 
 in  the  parifli. 
 
 4.  Thefe  ordinarily  may  be  expefted  to  be  befl:  had  frcm 
 amongft  the  deacons  of  the  parifli,  the  qualifications  of  that 
 office  nor  only  fitting  much  for  this,  but  the  experience  dea- 
 cons have,  by  being  prefent  at  the  ieffion,  being  a  further 
 fitting  of  them  for  the  office  of  an  elder. 
 
 5.  It  will  fall  out,  that  fometimes  it  will  be  fit  and  n'*cef- 
 fary,  that  the  niinifter  and  prefent  elder^  do,  in  a  prudent 
 and  private  way,  try  the  inclination  of  the  judicious  of  the 
 people,  efpecially  the  heads  of  families,  an'd  of  thefe  quarters 
 of  the  congregation  to  which  the  elders  wanting  belonge-.!, 
 thereby  to  prevent  the  elders  naming  and  bringing  to  public 
 thefe  perfons  w^ho  may  be  unacceptable,  where  others  can  be 
 had  ;  and  the  edification  of  the  congregation  would  therein 
 be  ffudied. 
 
 6.  When  the  kirk  feifion  has  agreed  on  the  nomination, 
 wherein  they  would  endeavour  to  be  unanimous,  the  perlons 
 nominated  are  to  be  fpoken  to,  and  dealt  with  to  accept  of 
 the  office,  before  their  names  be  brought  in  public,  whertit» 
 great  tendernefs  and  earneflnefs  would  be  ufed,-  it  being  fre- 
 quent with  many  modeff  and  moft  fit  perfons  to  be  mod 
 hardly  and  difficultly  prevailed  with.- 
 
 7.  Though  it  may  be  fuppofed,  that  none  will  be  named 
 to  this  purpofe,  but  fuchwho  will  be  of  competent  know- 
 ledge, yet  examination  and  trial  would  be  taken  of  his  kno>v- 
 ledge  in  the  grounds  and  principles  of  religion,  in  cafes  of 
 cpnfcience,  and  about  the  government  and  difcipline  of  the 
 church,  and  duties  of  elders,  and  that  before  tlie  belfion,  or 
 two  or  three  elders. 
 
 Q^q  q  8.  Whai 
 
4^8  Acts  ^  General  JJfemblteSy  5rc. 
 
 8.  When  there  is  hopes  of  fiiccels  therein,  if  the  feflion 
 judge  it  fit,  the  minifter,  on  the  Lord's  day  after  forenoon 
 fennon,  is  to  intimate  to  the  congregation  the  neceility  of 
 more  elders,  and  the  feflion's  nomination,  and  maydefire  a- 
 ny  perfon  that  hath  any  ohjetflions  againfl:  any  of  the  perfons 
 named,  to  make  the  fame  either  to  the  feflion  or  any  mem- 
 ber thereof,  betwixt  and  fuch  a  day. 
 
 9.  When  the  day  cometh  wherein  the  ohje£l)ons  are  to  be  • 
 brought  in,  the  Seflion  muft:  meet,  and  have  the  eleft  elders 
 edi^  returned,  (for  which  there  is  to  be  an  interval  of  nine 
 free  days,  as  in  other  edicts)  and  the  beadle  is  to  intimate  at 
 the  door,  if  there  be  any  objectors  they  may  appear  ;  if  none, 
 then  the  day  is  to  be  appointed  to  admit  thcfe  elders,  and  th.i 
 niiniller  is  to  be  condefcended  upon  who  is  to  admit  them. 
 
 10.  When  the  day  is  come,  it  were  very  fit  the  minifter 
 choofed  to  preach  on  fuch  a  fubjeft  as  might  relate  to  the 
 work,  fhewing  the  duties  of  elders,  and  people  to  them. 
 
 11.  After  fermon  is  ended  in  the  forenoon,  the  minifter 
 is  to  Oiew  the  people,  that  he  is  going  about  to  admit  fome 
 more  elders,  and  to  tell  them  of  all  the  orderly  fteps  which 
 they  have  taken  preparatory,  and  that  now  nothing  impedeth 
 his  going  on. 
 
 1 2.  Then  the  minifter  calling  up  the  perfons  chofen  to  be 
 elders  by  name,  and  they  (landing  together  in  fome  conlpi- 
 cuous  place,  as  conveniency  will  allow,  are  to  be  interrogate 
 concerning  their  orthodoxy,  and  to  be  taken  folemnly  engag- 
 ed to  adhere  to  and  maintain  the  doftrine,  difcfpline,  wor- 
 ihip,  and  government  of  the  church,  and  to  lay  themfelves 
 out,  both  by  their  example  and  in  the  office  of  elders,  to 
 fupprefs  vice,  cherilh  piety,  and  excrcife  difcipline  faithfully 
 and  diligently. 
 
 13.  Then  (the  elders  chofen  ftill  ftanding  up)  the  mini- 
 fter is  next,  by  folemn  prayer,  to  fet  them  apart  in  verbis  de 
 prefenti. 
 
 14.  After  prayer,  the  minifter  is  to  fpeak  to  them  now  as 
 elders,  encouraging  them  to  fairhfulneis,  and  threatening,  if 
 negligent,  idly^  He  is  to  dXxt€t  a  word  of  exhortation  to  the 
 people,  {hewing  them  their  duty  to  the  elders,  and  exhort- 
 ing them  to  obedience  in  the  Lord,  and  to  ftrengthen  their 
 elders  hands. 
 
 15.  The  fame  method  would  be  followed  in  the  election 
 and  ordination  of  deacons  that  is  in  elders,  mutatis  mutandis. 
 
 ^  Anent 
 
Acts  of  General  AJfemhlles^  &c.  499 
 
 ^  Anent  Marriage. 
 
 DUE  caution  would  be  ufed  to  obfcrve  the  afts  of  the 
 General  AfTembly  anent  "proclamation  of  banns  *,  and 
 inquiry  anent  forbidden  degrees,  the  perfons  defiring  mar- 
 riage being  finglc  and  free  perfons,  and  anent  the  coulent  of 
 all  concerned. 
 
 §  Of  the  Admiffion  of  Infants  to  Baptifm. 
 
 I.  ^"^HILDREN  born  within  the  verge  of  the  vifible 
 \^    church,  of  parents,  one   or  both,  profefling  the 
 Chrillian  religion,  have  aright  to  baptifm. 
 
 2.  It  being  the  duty  of  Chriftian  parents  to  devote  their 
 children  to  God  by  baptifm,  and  to  covenant  for  their  educa- 
 tion in  the  faith  of  Chrid,  no  other  fponfor  is  to  be  taken, 
 unlefs  the  parents  be  dead  or  abfent,  or  grofly  ignorant,  or 
 under  fcandal  not  removed,  fuch  being  unfit  to  ftand  as  fpon- 
 fors,  in  tranfa£ling  a  folemn  covenant  with  God  -,  in  which 
 cafes,  the  parent  is  to  be  required  to  provide  fome  fit  per- 
 fon,  and,  if  it  can  be,  one  related  as  a  parent  to  the  child 
 fliould  be  fponfor. 
 
 3.  In  cafe  of  children  expofed,  wbofe  baptifm,  after  in- 
 quiry, cannot  be  known,  the  feffion  is  ta'ordcr  the  prefenting 
 of  the  child  to  baptifm,  and  the  fefTiunJtfelf  is  to  fee  to  the 
 Chriflian  education  of  the  child. 
 
 4.  It  were  fit  that  the  parent  fpeak  to  the  minifler  of  the 
 parifli  the  day  bctore  the  child  be  oifered  to  baptifm. 
 
 « 
 
 §  Of  admijfon  to  the  Lord's  Table  ^  and  debarring  from  it. 
 
 I.  O  EEING  none  fhould  be  admitted  to  the  Lord's  table 
 1^  v/ho  are  ignorant  or  fcandaious,  therefore  they  are 
 to  be  prepared  for  it  by  catechizing,  and  inllru£iion  in  th'S 
 principles  of  religion  in  their  younger  years.  Before  ihefirLt 
 admiflion  of  any  to  partake  thereof,  miniOers  iiiould  inquire 
 into,  and  take  trial  of,  their  knowledge  of  the  principles  of 
 the  Chriftian  religion,  and  particularly  of  the  nature,  ulti, 
 and  ends'  of  this  ordinance  of  the  Supper. 
 
 2.  Due  care  alio  ought  to  be  ufed,  that  none  be  athvJttt  I 
 to  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  who  are  of  a  Icaiidalous 
 life  ;  and  for  this  end  the  ininifter  is  to  inquire  at,  and  con- 
 fult  with,  the  elders,  efpecially  thefe  of  the  bounds,  whe- 
 ther they  knov/  that  perfon  be  guilty  of  any  fcar^dal,  and  th.it 
 Q^q  q  2  they 
 
 *  Zee  AEt  K^th  of  the  General  Ajfembly  1 699,  &c. 
 
500  Acts  of  General  JJJtmh-ieiy  '&c. 
 
 they  own  andTubmit  to,  and  ordinarily  attend,  the  ordinan- 
 ces of  Chrii},  public  and  private  worlhip  of  God,  and  ule , 
 the  other  means  of  knowledge.  .  '  '■ 
 
 3.  At  the  firfl  adniiillon  ol"  any  to  the  Lord's  Supper,  mi-' 
 nifters  lliould  put  the  perfon  to  be  admitted  in  mind  of  their 
 parents  engagements  for  them  in  bapiifm,  and  put  them  ex- 
 plicitly and  perlonally  to  renew  their  baptiAnal  covenant  to 
 be  the  Lord's,  and  to  live  unto  him,  and  to  ferve  him,  all 
 the  days  of  their  lives. 
 
 4.  When  any  who  live  In  one  congregation  defire  to  par- 
 take of  the  Lord's  Supper  in  a  neighbour  congregation,  they 
 may  and  ought  to  be  allowed  the  fame,  by  realon  of  the  com- 
 munion of  I'aints,  if  they  bring  fuflicient  teftimonials  of  their 
 knowledge  and  converlation  from  the  minifter  of  their  own. 
 parifh,  or  from  two  elders,  in  the  abfence  of  the  miniver. 
 
 <  5.  It  were  fit,  when  any  one  removeth  from  one  parilli  to 
 another,  that  their  teftimonials  bear  account,  whether  they 
 have  partaked  of  the  Lord's  Supper  •,  and  it  were  fit  for  this, 
 that  there  were  a  record  keeped  of  thefe  who  are  admitted 
 to  the  Lord's  Supper.  \ 
 
 6.  With  refpec^  to  fcandals,  whofe  groflnefs  makes  it  necef- 
 fary  to  bring  the  perlons  guilty  oftener  than  once  before  the   ; 
 congregation,  it  is  oyertured,  that  after  they  are  convift  be- 
 fore the  feffion,  that   it  be  judicially  declared  to  them,  that 
 they  have  rendered  themfelves  incapable  of  conr.munion  with 
 the  people  of  God  in  the  fupper  of  the  Lord,  and  that  they 
 are  not  to  be  allowed  to  be  fponfors  themfelves  in  the  bap- 
 tifm  of  their^children,  till  the  fcandal  be  removed  ;  and  that  j 
 fhey  be  appointed  to  appear  in  public  to  be  rebuked  for  their  1 
 fan,  whether  they  appear  penitent  or  not,  conform  to  the  in- 
 ftitution,    I  Tim.  v.  20. 
 
 7.  After  a  public  rebuke,  the  miniOer  and  elders  be  at 
 further  pains  in  inffrudting  the  minds  of  fcandalous  perfon?, 
 if  ignorant  ;  in  endeavouring  to  convince  their  confcience, 
 and  to  bring  them  to  a  due  fenfe  of  their  iin,  and  to  an  en- 
 gagement and  lerious  refolution  againft  all  known  fin,  and  to 
 the  performance  of  all  known  dut}'. 
 
 8.  That  the  feilion,  upon  fatisfadtion  with  their  knowledge 
 ai'.d  fenfe  of  their  fin,  do  admit  them  to  the  public  profefliou 
 of  thtMr  repentance,  in  order  to  abfolution. 
 
 9.  If,  after  t?king  pains  on  them  for  fome  competent  time 
 for  their  inliruflion  and  conviction,  they  ftill  remain  grofly 
 icnorant,  infenfible,  and  unreformed,  the  fentence  of  LtfTer 
 iiXcommunicaiion  is  to  be  publicly  pioiiounced  agninff  them, 
 from  which  they  aie  not  to  be  relaxed,  nor  admitted  to  make 
 
 public 
 
Acts  of  General  Aftmhlies,  Sec.  »  501 
 
 public  profeffion  of  their  repentance  in  order  thereto,  till 
 the  leffion  be  fatisfied  with  their  knowledge,  lerioufnefs,  and 
 reformation. 
 
 §  Of  the  Privy  Cenfures  in  the  SeJJion. 
 
 N  every  kirk  feffion,  there  ought  to  be  twice  in  the 
 year  privy  cenfures  (as  they  are  called)  of  the  mem- 
 bers of  the  feffion; 
 
 2.  At  the  meeting  preceding  the  fame,  all  the  members 
 fliould  be  warned  to  be  pundlually  prefent  that  day. 
 
 3.  Seeing  the  minifters  undergo  their  privy  cenfures  in  the 
 Prefbytery,  and  that  generally  there  is  but  one  minifter  ia 
 the  feffion,  who  muft  be  moderator,  therefore  the  minifters 
 are  not  to  undergo  this  privy  cenfure  before  the  feffion^  but 
 only  the  elders,  deacons,  clerk,  and  beadles. 
 
 4.  The  moderator  oi  the  feffion  is  to  caufe  the  clerk  read 
 the  roll  of  the  members,  and  beginning  at  the  beginning  of 
 the  roll,  they  are  one  by  one  after,  another  to  be  removed, 
 and  then  the  red  of  the  members  are  by  the  moderator  to  be 
 inquired,  concerning  the  walk  and  converfation  of  the  per- 
 fon  removed,  concerning  his  diligence  and  prudence  in  his 
 flation  ;  and  whatever  any  have  obferved  and  informed,  wor- 
 thy the  noticing,  is  freety,  and  with  Icji^'e  and  tendernefs,  to 
 be  communicated.  Privy  cenfure  of  the  members  of  a  feffi- 
 on, as  alio  of  a  Prefbytery,  if  rightly"mariaged,  may  be  of 
 great  uie  ;  but  we  think  our  Lord's  rule  in  Matt,  xviii.  is 
 ftriclly  to  be  obferved  in  this  matter,  fo  that  no  member  or 
 members  of  a  Seffion  cr  Prefbytery  fhould  inform  thefe  judi- 
 catories of  any  thing  againft  another  member,  until  they  have 
 firft  given  him  private  admonition  or  reproof,  of  a  competent 
 time  before,  and  that  has  proven  inefFe^lual. 
 
 c;.  The  feffion  is  to  judge  of  all  informations  concerning 
 the  member  removed,  and,  as  they  judge  him  defei-ving,  ei- 
 ther only  the  private  admonition  or  reproof  of  the  minifter 
 his  alone,  or  any  of  the  elders  their  alone,  or  of  the  mode- 
 rator in  name  of  the  feffion  coram,  as  the  weight  of  the  mat- 
 ter, the  edification  of  the  party,  and  comfort  of  the  Seffion, 
 or  congregation  requireth,  is  to  be  done  with  all  love,  ten- 
 dernefs, and  freedom. 
 
 6.  If  nothing  be  obferved  needful  to  be  amended,  but  an 
 account,  from  all  hands,  of  the  faithfulnef?,  prudence,  and 
 diligence  of  the  member  removed,  then  he  is  to  be  exhorted 
 to  go  on,  and  encouraged  ;  and  God  to  be  bleiTcd  on  his 
 account.  And  the  moderator,  when  he  is  called  in,  to  ex- 
 prefs  the  feffion's  Ihtisfaiftioa  and  comfort  therein. 
 
 7.  Afier 
 
joqt  Acts  0/  General  ^JfemblieSj  &e, 
 
 7.  After  all  the  elders  have  thus  been  removed  one  after 
 pother,  and  each  onej  after  he  hath  been  called  in,  and  got 
 ihe  maid  of  the  feflion  concerning  him,  and  fee  in  his  place, 
 the  deacons  one  after  another  are  to  undergo  their  ceniures. 
 
 8.  Next,  after  the  deacons,  the  clerk  of  the  feffion  is  to  be 
 removed,  and  the  members  inquired  concerning  his  carriage, 
 and  the  feflion  books,  and  other  regifters  of  births,  baptilhis, 
 and  burials,  would  be  leen  to  be  exa£liy  kept  and  put  inrea- 
 dinefs  for  the  Preibytery,  when  called  for  by  them. 
 
 9.  The  beadle  pr  officer  would  likewife,  in  the  fame  man- 
 ner, be  inquired  after,  and  either  admonilhcd  or  encouraged 
 ^  peed  requireth. 
 
 10.  Here  alfo  the  kirk  treafurer's  accompts  may  be  taken 
 in,  and  the  whole  feffion  put  in  mind  (if  need  be)  of  all  the 
 duties  of  their  charge,  and  of  the  rules  of  order,  wh-n  met 
 in  judicatories. 
 
 «^^  v;?^  ^i?^  t^^  •^J^  *<pi  <<^  «<^  v::?^  <^^  *^^  v£?i  <<?^  <<P^  <<?^  tc^  v;^  uj^^o  L,:^ 
 
 The  Method  of  Proceeding  in  Presbyteries:. 
 
 1.  'TT^HIS  judicatory  confifts  of  all  the  pallors  within  the 
 JL  bounds,  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each  parilli  there- 
 in, who  receives  a  commiffion  from  the  elderfliip  to  be  a  mem- 
 ber  of  the  Prefbytery,  and  reprefent  them  there  till  the  next 
 Synod  be  over  \  thus  twice  a  year  there  are  new  elections  of 
 the  ruling  elders.  The  number  of  parilhes  afibciaied  in  Prcf- 
 byteries  for  their  mutual  help,  is  determined  by  authority  of 
 the  National  Synod,  Decern.  17,  18.  Art.  8.  as  the  adjacen- 
 cy of  the  congregations  and  the  eafinefsof  travelllrig  doth  be  ft 
 allow.  Where  there  are  collegiate  minifters,  that  feffion 
 may  fend  as  many  ruling  elderf.  ^h^DireticryJor  Govern- 
 tnent  faith,  that  to  perform  any  claffical  a6l  of  government 
 or  ordination,  there  fhall  be  prelent  at  leall  a  major  part  o£ 
 the  minifters  of  the  whole  claffis.  Prefbyteries  fliould  meet 
 every  third  week,  and  oftener,  if  bulinefs  require  it. 
 
 2.  Every  meeting  of  a  Preibytery  is  to  begin  with  a  fermon 
 by  one  of  the  brethren  appointed  formerly  for  that  eilecl:, 
 upon  a  text  affigned  him  by  them,  except  when  probatior^ers 
 or  intrants  fupply  the  pulpit  in  their  public  trials.  Tiiehalf 
 of  the  time  allowed  for  this  Prefbyterial  exercile  is  to  be  ta- 
 ken up  in  the  explicatory  and  analytic  part  of  the  text,  and 
 in  anlwering  textual  and  critical  queftions  and  difficulties  \ 
 this  part  of  the  woilc  is  called  makings  and  rec|uires  more  e- 
 fpccLUy  the  gift  of  the  dc;r^or  \  the  other  half  of  the  tiuie 
 
 allowed 
 
Acts  of  Gineral  JfeinhlieSy  &C,  503 
 
 allowed  is  to  be  taken  up  in  railing  of  dqfbrines  and  obferv.i- 
 tions  from  the  text,  and  applying  thein  in  their  feveral  ufes; 
 which  laft  part  is  called  adding^  and  it  requires  more  e'fpeci- 
 ally  the  gift  and  neceflarily  the  authority  of  the  paftor.  Af- 
 ter the  exercife  is  over,  and  the  Prefbytery  conflitute,  ths 
 cenfure  of  th^;  exercife  they  have  heard  uleth  always  to  be 
 their  firft  work,  which  may  be  done  before  them  who  hail 
 the  exercife  ;  befiJes  this,  the  brethren  of  the  Prefbytery, 
 by  the  aft  of  AfTembly,  Decern.  17,  i8,  1638,  are  to  have 
 fome  common  head  of  doftrine  publicly  difputed  in  the  Pref- 
 bytery among  the  brethren  every  firft  Prefbytery  of  ths 
 month,  according  to  the  aft  of  AfTembly  holden  at  Dundee, 
 1598.  (t^.  14. 
 
 3.  By  the  forefaid  aft  1638,  Prefbyterial  meetings  are  to 
 be  weekly,  except  in  places  far  diftant,  who,  between  th^ 
 firft  of  05fober  and  firft  of  jiprily  are  difpenfed  with  for  meet- 
 ing once  in  the  fourteen  days.  Likewife,  that  aft  pppoint^ 
 all  abfents  to  be  cenlured,  efpccially  thofe  that  (hould  exercii::: 
 and  add,  according  to  the  aft  of  Aflembly  1582,  April  24^ 
 
 4.  The  Prefbytery  treats  of  fuch  matters  as  concern  the 
 particular  churches  within  their  bounds,  as  the  examinatlo-^, 
 admiflion,  ordination,  and  cenfuring  of  minifters  ;  the  licen- 
 fing  of  probationers,  rebuking  of  grols  or  contumacious  ixn- 
 ners  ;  the  direftihg  of  the  cenfure  of  excommunication  ;  the 
 cogncfcing  upon  references  and  appeals  from  kirk  feiuons  ; 
 the  rcvifing  and  reftifying  what  bath  been  ill  done  or  negli- 
 gently omitted  by  them,  at  their  approving  of  the  kirk  feiil- 
 on  books  and  records ;  the  anfwering  of  queftions,  cafes  cf 
 confcience,  and  folving  of  difficulties  in  doftrlne  or  difcinline, 
 with  petitions  from  their  own  or  tbofs  in  other  Prefbyterle?; 
 the  examining  and  cenfuring  according  to  the  word  of  God 
 any  erroneous  doftrine,  which  hath  been  publicly  or  mora 
 privately  vented  within  their  bounds,  and  the  endeavourin*^ 
 the  reducing  and  converfion  of  any  that  remain  in  error  an<i 
 fchilm  ;  the  appointing  of  vifitation  of  churches  by  them- 
 felves,  as  occafion  offers,  or  the  perambulation  of  parLlies, 
 in  order  to  their  uniting  or  disjoining  ;  all  which  are  either 
 concluded,  or  continued  to  further  confideration,  or  referred 
 to  the  Synod. 
 
 5.  By  the  6th  chap,  nth  aft  of  AfTembly  1707,  thers 
 are  fome  procefles  which  natively  begin  at  the  kirk  f eflion» 
 which,  for  the  atrocity  of  the  fcandal,  or  difficulty  \\\  the 
 affair,  or  general  concern,  the  feffion  having  frequent  meet- 
 ings of  the  Prelbytery  to  have  recourfe  unto,  do  not  deter- 
 mine of  tbemlclvcs,  fuch  as  Icandals  cf  inceft,  adultery,  rri* 
 
 lapFe 
 
'504  Acts  9/  General  yiffemhlies^  Sec, 
 
 lapfe  in  fornication,  murder,  atheifm,  idolatry,  witchcraff, 
 charming,  hercly  and  error  vented  and  made  public  by  any 
 in  the  congregation,  fchifm,  and  feparation  from  the  public 
 ordinances,  procefles  in  order  to  the  higheft  ceiifure,  and 
 continued  contumacy.  But  procefTes  for  all  fuch  crimes  and 
 fcandals,  are  to  be  referred  to  the  Prefoytery  by  an  extra(ft 
 of  their  procedure  thereanent  ;  and  when  there  is  no  con- 
 feffion  of  the  fcandals  above  mentioned,  the  fefliori  is  not  fo 
 much  as  to  proceed  to  lead  probation  by  witnefles  or  pre- 
 fumptions,  till  they  be  authorized  thereto  by  the  prelbytery's 
 anfvver  to  their  reference  forefaid. 
 
 6.  When  the  procels  is  fo  clear,  as  in  the  cafe  of  a  judi- 
 cia]  confeflion,  then  the  kirk  feffion  may  lummon  the  delin- 
 quent when  before  them  aptid  a3a,  to  compear  before  the 
 Prefbytery -,  but,  where  there  is  an/" difficulty,  they  fhould 
 firfl:  inform  the  Prefbytery,  and  get  their  allowance,  before 
 the  party  be  fummoned  before  them. 
 
 7.  "When  pcrfons  cenfured  for  thefe  grofler  fcandals  do  ap- 
 ply to  the  kirk  {effion  for  relaxation,  they  may  both  be  pri- 
 vately conferred  with,  and  likewife  their  acknowledgments 
 heard  before  the  feffion  j  but  they  ought  not  to  be  brought 
 before  the  congregation,  in  order  to  their  abfolution,  norab- 
 folvcd,  but  by  dircftion  and  order  of  the  Prefbytery. 
 
 8.  Prefbyteries  inibme  cafes  may  fend  commiffioners  to  o- 
 ther  Prefbyteries,!  either  to  advife  them  or  to  feek  advice 
 from  them.  By  a£l:  of  AfTembly,  June  18,  1646,  it  is  re- 
 commended, that  a  correfpondence  be  kept  among  Prefby- 
 teries conftantly  by  letters,  whereby  they  may  be  mutually  al- 
 fiftingto  each  other. 
 
 9.  In  every  Prefbytery,  at  leafi  twice  a-year,  on  days  for 
 prayer,  as  fliould  be  done  in  feffions  likewife,  before  each  Sy- 
 nod, there  ought  to  be  privy  cenfures,  whereby  each  minifter 
 is  removed  by  courfe,  and  then  inquiry  is  made  at  the  paf- 
 tors  and  elders.  If  there  be  any  known  fcandal,  fault,  or  ne- 
 gligence in  him,  that  it  may  be  in  a  brotherly  manner  cen- 
 fured ?  After  the  minif^ers,  the  Prefbytery  clerk  is  to  pafs 
 thefe  cenfures  likewife.  By  the  6th  art.  of  the  7th  chap,  of 
 the  French  church  difcipline,  at  the  end  of  the  colloquies, 
 amicable  and  brotherly  cenfures  fhall  be  made,  as  well  by  the 
 paftors  as  by  the  elders,  which  Chall  be  there  prefent,  of  all 
 things  which  (hall  be  thought  fit  toreprefent  unto  them. 
 
 §  Of  Parochial  Vijttat'ions  by  the  -Prejbytery. 
 
 ARISHES  are  vifitcd  by  Prefbyteries,  either  occafi-' 
 onally,  pro  re  na/a,  according  to  the  weight  of  the 
 
 emergent 
 
Acts  of  Geniral  JJfemblies^  Sec.  50^ 
 
 firiergent  which  doth  require  the  vifitation,  or  ordinarily  and 
 in  courfe,  whereby  every  congregational  church  is  vifited 
 once  a-year,  Affem.  1638.  feff.  23,  24.  art.  3.  at  leaft  this 
 ordinary  vilitation  (hould  be  going  round- all  the  parilhcs  in 
 order  till  they  be  vifitedj  before  chers  be  re-vifited  in  ordi- 
 nary ;  for  by  the  i6Lha(Slof  AiTcm,  1706,  Prefbyterial  vifita- 
 tations  of  parifhes  are  to  be  frequent. 
 
 2.  The  Prefbytery  is  to  cauie  intimation  to  be  made  of 
 their  appointed  day  for  thevifitationof  that  pariih,  by  a  bro- 
 ther of  another  congregation,  from  the  pulpit,  immediately 
 after  the  forenoon's  fermon,  on  the  Sabbath,  ten  days  pre- 
 ceding the  day  for  the  viStation,  requiring  the  miniller  of 
 the  parifh  to  preach  at  that  time  and  place  on  his  ordinary 
 text,  and  fummoning  the  heritors,  eiders,  and  whole  con- 
 gregation to  be  prefent  that  day  to  hear  fermon  ;  and  there- 
 after, that  the  minifter,  heritors,  elders,  and  heads  of  fa- 
 milies do  attend  the  Prefbytery,  to  acquaint  them  with  the 
 flate  of  that  kirk  and  congregation  in  every  point  ;  and  if  a- 
 ny  of  them  have  certain  knowledge  of  any  thing  amifs  in  the 
 minifler,  elders,  deacons,  precentor,  feffion  clerk,  fchool- 
 mafler,  or  beadic,  that  they  do  then  acquaint  the  Prefbyte- 
 ry therewith. 
 
 3.  The  feffion  regifters,  together  with. a  catalogue  of  the 
 jnlnifters  books,  are  to  be  produced  to  ttle  Prefbytery,  be- 
 fore the  vilitation,  and  given  to  two  of  the  fittell  biethren, 
 and  beff  acquainted  with  that  minifter  and  people  to  be  fecn 
 and  revifed,  and  they  to  report  at  the  vilitation. 
 
 4.  Sermon  being  ended,  and  the  Prefbytery  conftitnted, 
 the  minifter's  do^lrine  he  had  in  his  fermon,  is  hrfi:  to  be 
 confidercd,  as  in  the  Prefbyterial  exercife.  Then  the  church 
 Bible,  Confellion  of  Faith,  Ads  of  the  General  AlTemblies, 
 A£ls  and  Proclamations  againfl  profanenefs,  and  other  acts 
 and  papers  relative  to  the  church,  are  all  to  be  called  for  and 
 produced  before  the  Prefbytery.  The  vifitors  of  the  (eflion's 
 regifters  and  minifter's  library  are  to  make  their  report.  The 
 Prefbytery,  at  the  entry  on  the  vilitation,  having  removed 
 the  minifter,  are  to  caufe  read  over  their  actings  at  the  Inft 
 vilitation,  and  fee  if  what  was  then  recommended  or  ordered 
 hath  been  made  effectual,  and  take  the  excufes  of  ab'ent  el- 
 ders and  deacons  therefrom,  and,  if  need  be,  call  in  any  par- 
 ty for  information  :  If  nothing  arife  from  that,  to  divert  ihc 
 Presbytery  from  the  orderly  method,  all  parties  being  re- 
 moved, the  Presbytery  is  to  call  in  the  Seilion  vidjjtmy  and 
 to  inquire  at  them  concerning  their  minifter  ;  yea,  further, 
 by  the  ad  of  Aifemblyj  June  1 3,  1646,  zx  viiitutiou  of  kirks, 
 
 R  r  r  the 
 
506  Acts  ^  General  AfimlluSy  &€. 
 
 the  elders  one  by  one,  the  reft  being  removed,  are  to  be 
 called  in  ?nd  examined  upon  oath  concerning  the  minifter's 
 behaviour. 
 
 5.  By  the  aft  of  Aflembly  1596,  ratified  Decern.  17,  18. 
 1638,  at  viiitation  of  kirks,  the  families  of  minitters  are  to 
 give  an  account,  and  to  be  tried  concerning  the  good  order 
 and  behaviour  that  they  obferve  within  their  families  ;  and 
 iuch  as  are  found  neglefters  of  family  worfhip,  or  iuftrudting 
 of  all  in  their  families,  or  fuch  as  remove  not  thofe  who  are 
 oiFcnfive  therefrom,  fhall,  after  due  admonition,  be  judged 
 unlit  to  rule  the  houfe  of  God  :  For  he  oaght  to  be  uie  that 
 i'ulelk  tuell  his  own  houfe,   I  Tim.  iii.  4. 
 
 6.  The  queftions  to  be  inquired  by  a  Presbytery  at  the  eU 
 dcrfhip  concerning  a  minifter,  may  be  thofe  and  fiich  like  ; 
 3.  H^th  your  minifter  a  gofpel  walk  and  converfation  before 
 the  people  ?  And  doth  he  keep  family  worfhip  ?  And  is  he 
 one  who  rules  well  his  own  houfe  ?  Is  he  a  haunter  of  ale 
 houfes  and  taverns  .'  Is  he  a  dancer,  carder,  or  dicer?  Is  he 
 proud  or  vain-glorious  ?  Is  he  greedy,  or  worldly,  oranufu- 
 rer  ?  Is  he  contentious,  a  brawler,  fighter,  or  ftriker  ?  Is 
 he  a  fwearer  of  fmall  or  minced  oaths  ?  Ufeth  he  to  fay,  5f- 
 fore  God  it  is  foy  or  in  his  common  conference,  I  p*'oteji,  or, 
 
 1  proteji  before  God?  Or,  fays  he,  Lord^  'what  is  that^-iW.  which 
 are  more  than  "Xed  and  Nay  ?  Is  he  a  filthy  Ipeaker  or  jsfter  ? 
 Pears  he  familiar  company  with  diCafFefted,  profane,  or  lean- 
 dalous  perfons  ?  Is  he  diflblute,  prodigal,  light  or  loofe  in 
 his  carriage,  apparel,  or  words  ?  How  fpends  he  the  Sab- 
 bath after  lermon  ?  Saw  ye  him  ever  drink  healths  ?  Is  he 
 at  variance  with  any  ?  Is  there  any  that  reproaches  him  ?  Or 
 i?  he  well  beioved  of  all  ?  And  upon  what  ground  i?  it  that 
 the  variance  or  good  liking  of  the  people  is  ?  2.  Keeps  he 
 much  at  home  at  his  minifterial  work  I  Or  doth  he  occafion 
 to  Iiimfelf  diftraftions  and  unneceflary  diverfion  therefrom  ? 
 Is  he  conftant  at  his  calling  and  ftudies,  or  takes  he  but  pains 
 at  fits  and  ftarts,  luch  as  at  falls,  communions,  vifitatior.b-, 
 ^c  ?  Is  Saturday  only  his  book  day,  or  is  he  conftant  at  his 
 cilling  ?  3.  Doth  hedifcountenance  or  dilccurageany  that 
 are  feeking  Chrift  ?  Doth  he  preach  found  doctrine,  fo  far 
 ill  V'i  can  underftand  ?  Doth  he  preach  plainly,  or  is  he  hard 
 to  b'  under ftood  for  his  fcholaftic  term,  matter,  or  maiwicr 
 O  preaching  ?  Doth  he  faittifully  reph-ove  fin,  efpecially  fuch 
 a^  aioft  prevail  in  the  parifti  ?  What  time  of  day  doth  heor- 
 dinai'ily  begin  fermon  on  the  Sabbaih  ?  And  when  doth  he 
 difta  s  rhe  people  ?  Spends  he  too  much  time  in  his  lermoa 
 in  r^^jetition  of  what  he  had  bsfore  r   Doth  he  k^urc  and 
 
 preach 
 
Acts  e/Gftteyai  JJemiHes,  Sc(i,  ^cf 
 
 preach  in  the  forenoon,  and  preach  again  in  the  afternoon  on 
 the  Lord's  day,  and  ihat  both  fumnier  and  winter  ?    -Doth 
 be  read  2  large  portion  of  fcripture  in  public,  and  expound 
 the  fame  ?  Doth  he  preach  catechetic  do^rine  ordinarily  in 
 the  afternooTi  ?  Hath  he  a  week  day's  fermon,  and  collefH- 
 ons  on  thefe  days  ?   When  the  Lord,  in   his   providence,  is 
 (peaking  extraordinary  things,  doth  he  tie  himlelf  to  his  or- 
 dinary text,  or  makes  he  choice  of  one  more  appofite  and  fui- 
 table  to  the  difpenfation  ?    Seeks  he  to  preach  Chrift,  his 
 beauty  r.nd  excehency,  and  to  open  t:p  the  power  and  life  of 
 godhnefs  ?  Endeavours  he  to  difcufs  cafes  of  confcience,  to 
 let  you  know  your  fpir jtual  eftate  what  it  is  ?     4.  Doth  he, 
 according  to  the  aft  of  AiTembly   1708,  vifit  the  people  ?rd 
 families  at  lealicncea-yearin  a  minifterial  vay,  teaching  and 
 admonifliing  from  houfe  to  houfe  ?  And  doth  he  vifit  the 
 fick  when  needful,  and  pray  over  them  ?  Doth  he  vifit  them 
 who,  through  age  or  fickncfs,  cannot  come  to   the  public 
 worihip  ?    Doth  he  labour  to  fpeak  to  the  flck  fuitably  to 
 their  various  inward  conditions  ?  Doth  he  not  efpecially  viiit 
 fuch  as  be  exercifed  in  confcience  ?  Doth  he  vifit  fuch  as  are 
 afHi£led  by  death  of  children  or  other  relations  ?    Vifits  he 
 the  widows,  orphans,  and  poor  ?  If  he  be  minifter  of  a  burgh, 
 vifits  he  the  prifoners  ?  Is  he  not  careful  when  he  vifits  fa- 
 milies to  confer  with  them  in  private,  aKd  pray  with  them, 
 thereby  learning  the  cafe  of  their  fouls,  tliat  fo  the  do6lrire 
 in  public  may  the  better  meet  with  their  condition  ?     5.  Doth 
 he  adminifter  the  facrainent  of  baptifm  in  an  orderly  way, 
 "when  the  congregation  is  conveened,  or  doth'  he  it  at  any 
 time  privately  ?    Doth  he  add   any  words  to,  or  alter  tiie 
 words  of  inftitution  ?     6.  Doth  he  frequently  carechize  his 
 parilhioners,  and  adminifter  the  facrament  of  the  Lord's  ,Sti;i- 
 per  to  them  ?    And  is  he  careful  in  keeping  from  that  hoiy 
 ordinance  all  who  are  known  to  be  fcandalous,  grofly  igno- 
 rant, or  erroneous  ?  How  often  have  ye  the  communion  c- 
 very  year  ?  Doth  he  not  begin  to  catechize  young  ones  about 
 nine  or  ten  years  of  age  ?  and  how  cenfures  he  the  contem- 
 ners of  catechizing  ?  What  courfe  is  taken  with  conrcmncrs 
 of  the  Lord's  Supper,  upon  frivolous   pretences  ?    At   the 
 Lord's  Supper,  doth  he  not  caufe  cut  the  bread  in  large  aad 
 fair  fiiaves  fit  for  mutual  fraction  and   diflribution,  thai  as 
 they  give  the  cup  to  the  neareft  alTident,  fo   having  brokcni 
 oil  a  part  of  the  bread  with  their  hand  for  thernfelves,  they 
 give  the  reft  to  the  perfon  fitting  Hearert:  them  ?  Do  your 
 people  all  fit  at  the  Lord's  table  ?  hi  the  time  ot  didiibiition, 
 eating,  and  drinking,  is   there  any  reading  or   fii:?:ng  of 
 
 R  r  r  2  l-faims, 
 
5o8.  Acts  of  General  Jjpmhlies,  &c. 
 
 Plalir.s,  or  is  there  filence,   and  fo  time  for  meditation,  eic-. 
 ctpt  it  be  a  {Lort,  pertinent,  and  awakening  word  dropped 
 by  the  pailor  .'     7.  Hath  he  a  competent  number  of  elders? 
 And  hath  he  deacons  in  the^  parilh  dirtinft  from  elders  ? 
 Poth  he  keep  fefJional  meetings  frequently  ?  And  is  he  im- 
 partial in  the  exerciie  of  difcipiine  againfl:  all  offenders  ?  Is 
 there  frequent  meetings  of  the  members  of  Seffion  for  fad- 
 ing and  prayer,  according  to  the  aclof  AfTembly  1699  ?  Doth, 
 he  travel  with  public  penitents  in  private,  to  make  them  fen- 
 fible  of  their  fin,  according  to  its  circumflances,  and  fenfible 
 of  mercy,  that  the  love  of  Chrift  may  overcome  the  love  of 
 fin  ?  And  tl:en  doth  he  abfolve  them,  when  brought  up  to 
 fome  ingenuous   confeffion  and  refolution  for  the  future  ? 
 Doth  he  ever  cenfure  perfons  for  living  idle,  breaking  of  pro- 
 mife,  or  for  backbiting  ?  Doth  he  cenfure  keepers  of  fuper- 
 f^itious  days  ?  How  doth  he  reftrain  abules  at  penny  bridals  ? 
 Doth  your  Seilion  meet  weekly  ?  Doth  your  minifler  coolzie 
 any  whom  another  brother  hath  in  procefs  ?  Or  doth  he  car- 
 ry ^ny  away  p?.rtially,  fo  that  he  may  become  popular  ?  Doth 
 he  in  Seffion  afTume  to  himfelf  a  negative  voice  ?  When  he 
 is  neceffitated  to  leave  his  fleck,  doth  he  not  acquaint  the 
 SelTion  with  it  ?     8.  Is  he  careful  to  take  away  variances  that 
 fail  out  among  families,  "and  compofe  differences  among  par- 
 ticular perfons  in  the  congregation  ? 
 
 7.  After  that  tfee  elders  have  anfwered  to  thefeorthelike 
 queflions,  then  the  heads  of  families  arc  to  be  interrogate  in 
 general  concerning  the  lives  and  manners  of  the  members  of 
 Sc  ffion  ;  and  the  pallor  is  to  anfwer  more  particularly  to  thefe 
 o;-  the  like  queftions.     ( \.)  Is  your  Seflion  rightly  conftitute, 
 and  all  the  elders  and  deacons  duly  admitted  according  to  the 
 acts  of  Ailembly  ?     (2.)  Do  they  all  attend  gofpel  ordinances 
 and  the  diets  of  the  Seilion  ?     (3.)  Are  they  grave,  pious, 
 and  exemplary  in  their  lives  and   converfations  ?    Do  they 
 V'orfhip  God  in  their  families  ?    Is  any  of  your  elders  an  ig- 
 norant man,  a  drinker  of  healths,  a  tipler,  a  drinker  excrf- 
 fively  to  diunkcnnefs,  a  fwearer,  an  obferver  of  Yule  days, 
 ilfc  ?  Is  he  one  that  observes  not  the  Sabbath  ?  Is  he  careful 
 to  keep  his  oath  of  admiflion  taken  before  God  in  face  of  the 
 congregation,  not  to  delate  or  cenfure,  but  as  edification  re- 
 quires ?  Do  any  o^  them  work  on  foiemn  faft  or  thankfgiving 
 days  ?    Is  any  of  them  a  mocker  of  piety  ?     (4.)  Are  they 
 diligent,  careful,  and  impartial  in  theexercife  of  their  offices  ? 
 Do  the  elders  vifit  the  families  within  the  quarter  and  bounds 
 afligned  to  each  of  them  ?  Are  they  careful  to  have  the  wor- 
 ihip  of  God  fet  up  in  the  families  of  their  bounds  ?  Are  they 
 
 careful 
 
Acts  of  General  Apmllta^  Sit.  509 
 
 careful  in  calling  for  teftimonials  from  perfons  who  come  to 
 rcfide  in  the  parilh  ?  Do  the  elders  take  all  difcipline  upca 
 themfelves  without  the  minifler  ?•  Or  do  they  labour  to  car- 
 ry things  fadlioufly,  or  by  plurality  of  voices,  contrary  to 
 God's  word,  and  the  laudable  a£ls  of  the  Prefbytery,  Pro- 
 vincial, or  General  Affemblies  ?  {5.)  Have  the  elders  fub- 
 fcribed  the  Confeffion  of  Faith  ?  And  are  they  well  afFe£t«d 
 to  the  government,  worfhip,  and  difcipline  of  this  church  \ 
 (6.)  Have  the  elders  and  deacons  their  diftin£l  bounds  af- 
 iRgned  them  for  their  particular  infpeftion  ?  (7  )  Does  your 
 iSi  flion  always  appoint  ruling  elders  to  attend  Prefbyteries  and 
 Synods  ?  (8.)  Are  the  deacons  faithful  in  their  office,  in 
 coUe£ting  and  diflributing  all  the  kirk  goods,  and  in  having 
 a  care  of  the  lick  poor  ?  After  all  thefe  queries  are  over, 
 the  minifter  and  elders  are  to  be  feverally  encouraged  or  ad- 
 moniflied,  as  the  Prefbytery  fees  rieed. 
 
 8.  Then  the  precentor,  fchool-mafler,  and  clerk  of  the 
 Seffion,  who  in  country  congregations  arc  ordinarily  the 
 fame,  and  after  them  the  beadles,  bellman,  and  church  fer- 
 vants  being  removed,  the  Prefbytery  is  to  inquire  at  the  mi- 
 nifter, feffion,  and  heads  of  families  concerning  their  conver- 
 fation,  fidelity,  and  diligence  in  their  offices  ;  and  the  Pref- 
 bytery is  thereupon  to  proceed  as  the  matter  requires. 
 
 9.  After  all  thefe  inquiries,  the  Prefbytery  removing  the 
 heads  of  families,  the  minifter  and  elders  are  to  be  inquired 
 concerning  the  congregation,  (i.)  Doth  the  body  of  the 
 people  attend  ordinances  duly  and  timoully,  and  ftay  till  the 
 bleffing  be  pronounced  ?  Are  they  diligent  in  improving  the 
 means  of  knowledge,  and  are  they  growing  therein  ?  (2.) 
 Are  they  fubmiHivc  to  public  and  private  exhortations,  and 
 to  the  difcipline  and  cenfure  of  the  church,  by  admonitions 
 and  reproofs,  as  need  requires  ?  And  do  they  by  their  words 
 and  a(5lions  manifeft  a  fuitable  rerpe£t  to  their  minifl:er,and 
 refpeflive  elders  ?  (3.)  Are  they  careful  to  educate  their 
 children  and  fervants  in  the  knowledge  of  God  ?  What  fuc- 
 cets  hath  the  gofpel  and  labours  of  minifters  and  elders  among 
 them  ?  What  fcandals,  ("chifms,  herefies,  or  divifions  are  a* 
 mong  them,  and  if  on  the  growing  hand  ?  How  do  they  ob- 
 ferve  the  Lord's  day  ? 
 
 10.  Then  the  minifter,  heritors,  fefilon,  and  heads  of  fa- 
 milies being  prefent,  the  Prefoytery  is  to  inquire  after  the 
 flare  of  the  church,  as  to  its  fabric,  the  feats  therein  and  di- 
 vifion  of  the  fame,  the  church  yard  dykes,  the  utenfils  of  the 
 church,  comuiunion  cups,  cloths,  theminifter's  manie,  if  it 
 be  in  repair,  the  glebe  and  ftipend,  the  falary  of  the  fchocl- 
 
 niafter. 
 
5IO  Acts  of  Geheml  Apmllies^  &c. 
 
 mafter,  precentor,  felHon  clerk,  aiid  beacUcs,  and  Row  the 
 eommunion  elements  are  provided,  whether  they  be  pzid  for 
 out  of  the  poor's  money,  and  that  when  the  communion  is 
 but  celebrated  once  a.year  ?  Inquiry  is  to  be  made  how  much 
 the  ftipend  is,  of  what  nature,  how  paid,  and  if  there  be  a 
 decree  of  locality  for  it  ?  As  alfo,  about  the  ftate  of  the  poor, 
 whether  there  be  any  mortifications  and  legacies  for  them  cr 
 Gther  pious  ufes  ;  and  how  thefe  are  fecured,  and  their  inte- 
 lefts  paid  and  applied,  and  how  they  have  been  managed  and 
 employed  from  time  to  time  ?  S?^.  18.  Ajfem.  1700.  After 
 the  TJfitatioh  is  over,  all  parties  are  to  be  called  in,  and  tlie 
 laoderator  is  to  conclude  aW  with  prayer. 
 
 ^  Of  Mimjierial  Vijltatlon  of  Fatnilies. 
 
 t.  TT  hath  been  the  laudable  pradlice  of  this  church,  at 
 j_  leaft  once  a-year,  (if  the  largenefs  of  the  parifli,  or  bo- 
 dily inability,  or  other  fuch  like  do  not  hinder)  for  miniiters 
 to  vifit  all  the  families  in  their  parifli,  and  oftener,  if  the 
 bounds  be  fmall  and  they  able  to  perform  it.  Among  other 
 reafons  for  thefe  annual  vifitations  of  families,  this  may  be 
 one,  that  becaufeby  the  order  prefcribed  by  our  Lord,  Matt, 
 xviii.  there  may  be  fever al  offences  known  to  minifters,  el- 
 ders, or  neighbotlrs,  which  may  juftly  keep  back  offenders 
 from  partaking  of  the  Lord'i  Supper,  and  yet  it  were  difor- 
 tleriy  and  nnedifying  to  remove  thefe  offences  in  a  public  way; 
 tbele  vifitations  inay  ferve  to  purge  a  congregation  of  luch 
 private  fcandals. 
 
 2.  Although  in  regard  of  the  different  circumdances  of 
 fome  parifhes,  families,  and  perfons,  much  of  the  managa- 
 tnent  of  the  work  muft  be  left  to  the  prudence  and  difcretion 
 »of  minifters,  in  their  refpedlive  overfights,  yet  thefe  follow- 
 ang  d'^reiStions  are  offered  by  Alfembly  1708,  April  i-j.  as 
 Ifcelps  for  the  more  uniform  and  fuccefsful  management  there- 
 of, that  it  be  not  done  in  a  flight  and  overly  manner,  which 
 iuppofeth  the  univerfal  pra^ice  thereof  through  thiscliurch, 
 ft»i.i  that  the  total  negleftsrs  may  be  cenfured  therefor,  as 
 jfrpineiy  negligent, 
 
 ^5.  Such  a  time  of  year  is  to  be  chofen  for  mitiiOerlal  vifi- 
 -#ation,  as  the  families  which  be  vifits  may  be  beft  at  leilure 
 i!.n  uiieet  v.'iih  him  ;  and  if  that  time  fhcuid  happen  immedi- 
 ately after  the  communion,  then  it  is  feafonable,  as  it  were, 
 tct  beet  the  iron  while  it  i.s  hot.  Tim*  ous  intimation  is  to  be 
 siade  to  them  of  the  vifit-jtion  ;  and  the  elder  of  that  bounds 
 or  th»:  n^rith  which  is  to  be  vilited,  is  to  accompan/the  mi- 
 ni f^cr, 
 
Acts  of  Qtmral  A^emlUeti  &c.'  yil 
 
 ilifter,  and  they  fliould  previoufiyconfer  together  concern- 
 ing the  condition  and  ftate  of  the  perfons  and  families  oi 
 thofe  bounds. 
 
 4.  When  they  enter  a  houfe,  they  are  to  exprefs  their 
 wiflies  and  defires  for  the  bleffing  of  God  upon  it,  and  thsi, 
 above  all,  their  fouls  may  profper  ;  then  let  them  take  an  ac- 
 count of  the  names  of  the  family,  inquire  for  tellimoniaia 
 from  them  who  are  lately  come  to  the  parifh,  and  mark  them 
 in  the  roll  lor  catechizing,  and  let  them  take  notice  who  caa 
 read,  and  of  the  age  of  children  capable  to  be  catechized  \ 
 then  the  minifter  is  to  fpeak  to  them  all  in  general,  of  the 
 neceffity  and  advantage  of  godlinefs,  of  jnftice  and  charity 
 towards  man. 
 
 5.  He  is  next  more  particularly  to  fpeak  to  fervants  of 
 their  duty,  to  ferve  and  fear  God,  to  be  dutiful,  faithful, 
 and  obedient  fervants,  and  of  the  promifes  made  to  fuch, — 
 commending  to  them  the  reading  of  the  fcriptures,  fecret 
 worfliip,  and  love  and  concord  among  themfelves,  and  iat 
 particular  a  holy  care  in  fanftifying  the  Lord's  dav. 
 
 6.  Theminifter  is  to  fliew  the  children  and  younc;  fervants 
 the  advantage  of  knowing,  feeking,  and  loving  God,  and  re- 
 memberng  their  Creator  and  Redeemer  in  the  days  of  their 
 youth,  and  to  mind  them  how  they  are  dedicated  to  God  in 
 baptifm  ;  and  when  of  age,  and  after  djie  inftruclion  in  tVe 
 nature  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  to  excite  them  to  engage 
 tiiemfelves  perfonally  to  the  Lord,  anti  to  defign  and  pre« 
 pare  for  the  firfl  opportunity  they  can  have  of  partaking  of 
 the  Lord's  Supper,  to  be  efpecialiy  careful  how  they  at  firft: 
 communicate.  .  ; 
 
 7.  Then  he  is  to  fpeak  privately  to  the  heads  of  the  familif 
 about  their  perfonal  duties  towards  God,  and  th«  care  of  their 
 ©wn  fouls,  and  their  obligation  to  promote  religion  and  the 
 worfhip  of  God  in  their  family,  and  10  reftrain  and  get  \'xc<x 
 puniflxed  and  piety  encouraged,  and  to  be  careful  that  they 
 and  all  in  their  houfe  ferve  the  Lord,  and  fanclify  his  day. 
 He  is  more  particularly  to  inquire  (i.)  Whether  God  be  wor- 
 fliipped  in  the  family  by  prayers,  praifes,  and  reading  of  tha 
 fcripturc  ?  (2.)  Concerning  the  behaviour  of  fervants  totvsrd^ 
 God  and  towards  man,  If  they  attend  family  and  public  wt>r» 
 fliip  ?  How  they  fanftify  the  Lord's  day  ?  and  if  they  be  gi- 
 ven to  fecret  prayer  and'  reading  the  fcriptures  }  (3.)  If  there 
 be  catechizing  in  the  family  .?  If  their  children  be  trair/d  up 
 in  reading,  according  to  the  aft  of  AxTembly,  Aug.  10,  164^. 
 In  all  which  the  minifter  may  intermix  luitable  direftions,  eu« 
 couragements,  and  admonitions,  as  may  be  mofi  edifying. 
 
ffi2  Acts  of  General  yiJJemblieSi  &c]        / 
 
 8.  The  minifJer  is  to  inquire  who  want  Bibles, — and  if  they 
 be  not  able  ro  buy  them,  let  the  poor's  box  be  at  the  expen- 
 ces  :  and  recommend  to  the  heads  of  the  families  to  get  the 
 Confejfton  of  Fatthy  CatechifviSy  and  other  good  books,  for  in- 
 ftrufting  in  life  and  faith,  according  to  their  ability.  (2.) 
 Thofe  who  are  tainted  with  error  or  vice  are  to  be  admonifli- 
 ed  fecretly  or  in  the  family,  as  may  mofl  edify  ;  and  all  are 
 to  be  exhorted  to  carry  toward  fuch  as  walk  orderly  accord- 
 ing to  the  rule  Matth.  xviii.  1 5.  (3.)  The  minifter  is  to  en- 
 deavour to  remove  divifions  in  the  family,  or  with  their  neigh- 
 bours, and  exhort  them  to  jolloiv  peace  with  all  ineriy  as  far 
 as  is  poflible.  (4)  Let  it  be  inquired  who  have  communi- 
 cated, that  they  may  be  called  to  an  account  privately  how 
 thev  have  profited,  and  put  in  mind  to  pay  their  vows  to  the 
 Lord-  Confer  alfo  with  others  about  the  caufes  of  their  not 
 communicating. 
 
 9.  As  for  thofe  who  pretend  confcience  for  not  keeping 
 communion  with  us,  or  whatever  their  motives  be,  minillers 
 ought  to  deal  with  God  for  them,  and  with  themfelves  ia 
 fuch  a  way  as  may  be  moft  proper  to  gain  them,  and  exoner 
 their  confciences,  waiting  if  pcradvcnture  God  will  prevail 
 with  them.  Who  can  tell  if  their  making  them  fenfible  of 
 their  tender  love  and  afFei^ion  to  their  perfons,  efpecially  to 
 their  fouls,  giving  them  all  due  refpeft,  and  doing  them  all 
 the  good  they  can,  yet  ftill  difcountenancing  their  fin,  may 
 in  the  end  be  bieffed  of  Grod  for  their  good,  Jude  22,  23.  2 
 Tim.  ii.  24,  2^. 
 
 10.  Seeing,  in  the  whole  of  this  work,  there  is  great  need 
 of  much  prudence,  zeal  for  God,  and  love  to  fouls,  vifitation 
 of  families  fhould  be  carried  on  with  dependence  on  God, 
 and  fervent  prayer  to  hira,  both  before  a  minifter  fet  forth  to 
 fuch.  a  work,  and  with  the  vifited,  as  there  can  be  accefs  to^ 
 and  opportunity  for  it. 
 
 ^  Of  SatiBtfication  of  the  Lord's  Day^  and  ohjerving  Faji  and 
 Thatikfgiv'wg  Days. 
 
 I.  rnriHE  Sabbath  is  to  be  fanftified  by  an  holy  refling  all 
 H  that  day,  even  from  fuch  worldly  employments  and 
 recreations  as  are  lawful  on  other  days,  and  fpending  the 
 whole  time  in  the  public  and  private  exercifes  of  God's  wor- 
 fhip,  except  fo  much  as  is  to.be  taken  up  in  the  works  of  ne- 
 ceffity  and  mercy,  as  our  Shorter  Catechifm  beareth,  autho- 
 rized by  Aflem.  Aug.  28,  1648.  from  which  we  may  gather 
 what  the  church  underftands  by  fanftifying  or  profaning  of 
 the  Lord's  day,  and  fo  will  either  approve  or  ccnfure. 
 
 2.  By 
 
Act?  ')f  GancrnJ-  /fjsmhliesy  Ctc.  5T3 
 
 c-  t?7  fn?  3^  of  AiTsmbly  1647,  concerninr;  FamHy  Wor- 
 ship, Direcl.  8.  the  mafter  of  the  family  ought  to  take  care, 
 that  all  witl\in  his  charge  repair  to  the  public  worfhip,  whicli 
 being  finifhed,  he  is  to  iee  the  reit  of  thnt  day  fpent  in  the 
 private  and  fecret  cxercifes  of  p'et'C.  Care  is  aifo  to  be  taken 
 that  the  diet  on  that  day  be  io  ordered,  that  neither  fcr^ants 
 be  unueceflar;!y  detained  from  the  public  worOiip  of  G^d, 
 nor  any  other  perfons  hindered  from  fanflifyina  tK?.t  &ij. 
 Private  nreparation  is  likewife  to  be  made 'ifor  the  Sabbath. 
 by  praver  and  fnch  holy  exerciFes,  as  mav  diibof^;  to  a  more 
 comfortable  communion  with  God  in  his  public  ordinance?. 
 See  the  Diretforw 
 
 3.  When  feme  great  and. notable  judgment.?  are  either  in- 
 fliftcd  or  imminent,  or  by  Jome  e.'^traordinary  provocation 
 notoriouflv  deferved  J  as  al fo,  when  fome  fpecial  biefiing  is 
 to  heiought  or  obtained,  vvliejn  great"  dutfes  are  called  tor. 
 Or  when  fins  are  extraordinary  for  their  number  or  natu  i', 
 — then  it  i.s  that  a  church  may  enjoin  faAing,  which  isj:>r.- 
 ferved  by  a  total  abilinence,  not  only  from  all  food,  (unl*''^* 
 bodily  v/eaknefs  do  manifeftly  difable  from  holding  out  till 
 the  faft  bs  ended,  in  which  cafe  fomewhat  may.  be  taken,  yet 
 very  rpni-inaly,  to  fupport  nj^ture  when  re^dy  to, faint)  but 
 alfo  from  all  worldly  labour,  difcourf'es,  ar>fi  tlioug'vts,  and 
 from  all  bodily  delights,  tho\igh  at  othCi^  tiiues  lawful,  rich 
 apparel,  ornaments,  ard  fuch  like,  during|J"jf  faft  ;  and  murli 
 more  from  whatever  is  in  its  nature  or  ule  fcantialous  or  ct- 
 fenfive,  as  gaudillj  attire,  lafcivious  iiabits  and  geftures,  and 
 bther  vanities  of  either  lex  •■,  which  the  compofers  of  the  Di- 
 reBory  recommend  to  all  minifters  '"n  their  places  diligently 
 and  zealoufly  toreprcve,asat  other  times, fp  especially  at  a  fai>. 
 
 4.  The  Sabbath  before  the  fall,  the  caurt.s  thereof  are  pu- 
 blicly read  from  the  pulpit,  andtiie  day  of  the  week  iritim'-i*:- 
 ed  upon  which  it  is  to  be  kept.  'J'he  people  ?re  then  to  be 
 earneitly  exhorted  to  prepare  tbemfelves  for  a£.ii6i:ing  their 
 fouls  upon  that  day  of  'Extraordinary  humiliation.  .Solarce 
 a  portion  of  that  dar,  as  conveniently  may  be,  is  to  befpent 
 in  public  reading  and  preaching  of  the  word,  v/ith  i:.nging  of 
 Pfalms  fit  to  cuicken  aff^'ctions  iuitable  to  fuch  a  duty,  but 
 efpecially  in  prayer  to  this  of  the  like  effe^  :  •'  Giving  glo- 
 ry to  the  great  niftjefiy  of  God  the  Creator,  Preferver,  an  I 
 iupreme  Ruler  of  all  the  worid,  acknowledging  his  m?nifcIJ 
 great  and  tender  mercies,  efpecially  to  the  church  and  nation, 
 humbly  confclfing  fins  of  all  forts,  with  their  feveral  aggra- 
 vations, juftifying  God's  righteous  judgments,  as  being  far 
 lefs  than  our  lins  do  deferve,  yet  humbU  and  eariieOiy  im- 
 
 S  1'  f  pioring 
 
514  Acts  o/  General  JJfemhties,  Sec, 
 
 ploring  his  mercy  and  grace  for  ourfelves,  the  chtrrch  and 
 nation,  the  king,  and  all  in  authority,  and  for  all  others  for 
 i\';iom  we  are  bound  to  pray  (according  as  the  prefent  exi- 
 gent requi'-erh)  with  more  Ipecial  importunity  and  enlarge- 
 ment than  n  other  times  ;  applying  by  faith  the  promifes 
 and  fToodnefs  of  God  for  pardon,  help,  and  deliverance  from 
 the  evils  fp.lty  feared,  or  deferved  ;  and  for  obtaining  the 
 b!t'fl7ng<;  which  we  need  and  expefV,  together  with  a  giving 
 up  of  ourfeives  wholly  and  for  ever  unto  the  Lord." 
 
 5.  Befide  folemn  and  general  fafts  appointed  by  the  Af- 
 fepiblies  or  their  comniifllons,  or  by  civil  authority,  upon  ap- 
 p'ication  from  lome  church  judicatory  unto  them,- — Provin- 
 cial Synods,  Prefbyteries,  and  church  Seiuons  nr.ay  appoint 
 fall  days  to  be  kept  within  their  refpe£live  bounds,  as  divine 
 providence  fhall  adminiller  to  them  (pecial  (Jccafions.  Like- 
 wife  families  and  particular  perfons  may  do  the  fame,  pro- 
 viding their  fafts  be  not  on  thefe  days  on  which  the  congre- 
 gation is  to  mef't  for  public  ^vorChip. 
 
 6.  Our  fafting  days  muft  be  indii^ted  for  fuch  caufes  as  are 
 both  clear  and  juft,  and  when  it  will  be  moft  for  edification, 
 — for  that,  as  other  politlve  duties,  doth  not  always  bind  ; 
 therefore  the  church  is  to  take  heed  of  appointing  fafts  thro' 
 infinuations  or  folicjtations  from  ftatefmcn,  left  they  be  brand- 
 ed as  tools  to  fome  who  would  faft  for  ftrife  and  debate,  that 
 others  who  differ  from  them  about  ftate  matters  may  be  ex- 
 pofed  to  the  odir.m  of  the  people,  as  ill  countrymen. 
 
 7.  The  caiifes  of  the  faft  enumerate  in  the  afc  of  AfTemblf 
 iftgo,  Novembt-y  12,  were  thefe  and  the  like.  i.  Perjury, 
 de?'HT>fT  treacheroufly  with  the  Lord,  and  being  unftedfaft:  in 
 his  covenant.  2.  Unfruitfulnefs  under  the  purity  of  doc- 
 trine, worihip,  and  government,  having  a  form  of  godlinefs, 
 but  denying  the  power  thereof.  3-  Abu fe  of  God's  great 
 gopdnefs  and  deliverance,  evidenccct  by  a  courle  ofhuanifefl: 
 wickednefs  and  Iharaeful  debauchery,  fiich  as  drunkennefs, 
 cinfio^,  fwearing,  adultery,  and  uncleani^fs  of  aU  forts. 
 4.  Fhe  Supremacy,  which  was  advanced  in  iuch  a  way,  ani 
 to  fuch  a  height,  as  never  any  Chriftian  r'lurch  scknowledg- 
 ed,  and  whereby  the  intereft:  of  our  Lord  Tefus  Chrift  was 
 e-^^ir.?ly  Sacrificed  to  the  lawier<;  lufts  and  wills  of  men.  5. 
 Abjured  Prelacy  w?s  introduced,  and  the  government  of  the 
 chu-ch  was  overturned,  without  I  he  church's  crnfent,  and 
 con'rary  to  the  ft:^nding  afts  of  cur  National  Aftemblie?.  6. 
 Compliance  with  that  dcfei^ion  both  inminifteis  and  others, 
 fome  from  ?.  principle  of  pritle  and  covetouihcrs,  or  nian-plea- 
 liiig,  >md  ethers  throagh  iaiirmity  and  weaknefs,  or  fear  of 
 
 1  man, 
 
Acts  of  General  Jjjemhlies^  &c.  515 
 
 man,  and  want  of  courage  and  zeal  for  God.  7  Perfecuti- 
 on  of  the  godly  for  nou-comoliance  with  that  finful^ourlc  : 
 many  faithful  ir.iuiiters  v/ere  caft  out,  and  maiiy  infufficient 
 and  Icandalous  men  thrud  in  on  their  charges,  and  many  fa- 
 milies ruined,  becaufe  they  would  not  own  them  as  their  pai- 
 tors.  8.  Decay  of  piety  under  the  late  Prelacy,  fo  tuat  it 
 was  enough  to  make  a  rlian  be  nick-named  a  hanatic^  if  he 
 did  not  run  to  the  fame  cxcef§  of  riot  with  others.  9.  A,- 
 theifm,  which  dii'tovered  itrelf  in  fome  by  their  dreadful 
 boldnefs  againfV  Cod,  in  difputing  his  being  and  providence, 
 the  divine  authority  of  the  Icriptures,  the  life  to  coixie,  and 
 immortality  of  the  foul ;  yea,  and  fcoffed  at  thei'e  things. 
 10.  Inipofing  and  taking  unlawful  oaths  and  bonds  :  lawlul 
 oaths  have  been  broken,  and  ungodly  and  confcience-podut- 
 ing  oaths  have  been  impofed  and  taken,  whereby  the  con- 
 fcicnces  of  many  through  the  land  are  become  fo  debauched, 
 that  they  fcruple  at  no  oath,  though  many  have  been  oppiei- 
 fed  and  ruined  for  refuflng  them.  1 1.  Negiedt  of  tiit  wor- 
 fliip  of  God,  both  in  public,  in  private  families,  and  in  fe- 
 cret.  12.  Profanation  of  the  Lord's  day  iucceeded  in  place 
 of  that  wonted  care  of  flrift  and  religious  care  of  fan£liiying 
 of  it.  13.  The  fhedding  of  innocent  blood,  14.  Pride  and 
 vanity  ;  yea,  Sodom's  iins  have  abounded  among  us,  idie- 
 nels,  fulnefs  of  bread,  vanity  of  apparel^  and  fliamtful  fen- 
 luaUty,  filled  the  land.  15.  As  alfo.  Great  perverting  of 
 jnflice,  by  making  and  executing  unrighteous  Itatutes.  16. 
 iDilence  of  minii^ers  in  ttie  time  of  fuch  a  great  deffdtion,  as 
 Aveli  as  too  general  a  fainting  among  profeflbrs  \  and,  as  fome 
 fuewed  no  zeal  in  giving  I'ealonable  and  neceflary  teftimony 
 agiinft  the  deflections  and  evils  of  the  time,  nor  keeped  at 
 due  diftance  from  them,  fo,  on  the  other  hand,  fome  ma- 
 naged their  zeal  with  too  little  difcretion  and  mcekneis.  i  7. 
 The  abominable  idolatry  of  the  Mafs  was  fet  up  in  many 
 places,  and  Popilh  ichools  trt^td-y  whereby  IhamefuL  ad- 
 vances were  made  towards  Popery.  18.  Great  ignorance  of 
 the  way  of  falvation  through  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift.  Tbo* 
 we  profefs  to  acknowledge  there  can  be  no  pardon  of  fins, 
 no  peace  and  reconciliation  with  God  but  by  his  blood,  yet 
 few  know  him,  or  lee  the  ncceffity  and  excellency  of  him, 
 and  few  eflecm,  defire,  or  receive  him  as  he  is  offered  i  1  the 
 gofpel  j  and  as  few  are  acquainted  v/ith  faith  in  him,  and 
 living  by  faith  on  him,  fo  few  walk  as  becometh  the  gofpel, 
 aud  unitate  otir  Lord  in  humility,  meeknefs,  ii^lf-denial,  he.i- 
 vcnlyminJcdnefs,  zeal  for  God,  and  charity  towards  men. 
 ip.  Great  cov- tempt  of  the  goipel,  barrenncl's  under  it,  and 
 ^ii  %  I         i  deep 
 
5i6  Acts  0/  General  Apmhlies,  &c. 
 
 a  deep  recurlty  uncter  our  fm  rnd  danger.  20.  Though  the 
 Lord,  by  caltiiig  us  inw  the  fui  nace  of  ^fRid'tion,  h;»th  been 
 giving  us  a  Hght  of  the  vauiiv  of  ?.ll  things  betide  hiinfelf  \ 
 yet  to  tins  day  there  is  a  wcfui-'fcinftinefs  among  us,  everyone 
 iecking  his  own  things, few  or  none  the  thing*  of  Jefus  Chrirt, 
 the  pubHc  good,  or  one  another's  wdfjre.  21.  A  bitter  fp4- 
 rit  ol  ccrUorioufnefs,  whereby  the  moft  pdrt  are  more  ready 
 10  carp  at  the  Tins  and  dcffcilons  of  others,  than  to  repent 
 
 and  mourn  for  their  own. Thefe  and  the  hke  were  the 
 
 caufes  of  the  Fall  in  the  year  1690,  and  to  theni  the  farts'^p- 
 pointc-J  iince  do  ord'narily  retcr.  See  alio  how  tha  land  ex- 
 preiTed  the  fenicit  had  of  the  giiiU  of  all  ranks,  in  the  Solemn 
 jickna'i.jledg;nent  of  public  ftns  and  breaches  of  the  Covenant y  and 
 a  Solemn  Engage  me,  ii  to  all  the  dutm  contained  therein  ^ — name- 
 ly y  thole  nvhicij  did  lU  a  more  efpecial  luay  relate  unto  the  dangers 
 0/  that  time.  Act'  of  the  Ccmmiliion  of  Afiembly,  Otlober  6, 
 1648,  for  renewing  of  the  Solemn  League  aad Covenant,  la- 
 tified  by  AiTcmbiy  thereafter.  ' 
 
 3.  Albeit  by  the  trcatife  of  fafting  emitted  by  the  AflVm- 
 bly  25th  December^  1565,  the  Sundavs  were  appointed  tor 
 fome  fa(h,  as  being  for  the  greater  eafe  oi  the  people  :  And 
 lince,  by  the  iafl:  afl  of  Alfembly  1646,  a  fafl:  is  appointed  oa 
 the  Sabbath  next  except  one,  preceding  the  Jhen  following 
 General  AiTembly  f  yet,ieeing  the  wcik  to  be  performed  oa 
 tne  Brit  day  of  the  week  is  by  divine  inftitutiou  already  de- 
 termined, we  otigEt  to  fet  about  it  exactly,  which  we  all  ac- 
 k.iowledge  to  be  a  thariklgiving  and  not  a  fafl.  Extraordi- 
 nary duties  arc  not  to  interfere  with  the  ordinary,  nor  is  one 
 dutv  to  fhu£le  cut  another.  If  eitiier  thould  be  allowed,  it 
 would  look  iomewhat  hke  the  reverfe  of  redeeming  che  tinie, 
 fur  thereby  diligence  is  rather  uimiuiilicd  than  doubled  ia 
 the  fervice  of  God, 
 
 .  9.  Days  of  thankfgiving  being  intimate  on  the  preceding 
 Sctbb.uh,  for  fome  deliverance  obtained,  or  mercy  received, 
 iire.  wholly  to  be  fpent  in  tiie  public  and  private  exercifes  of 
 divine  vvon'hip  and  prailes  ;  the  people  are  to  rejoice  v/ith 
 trembling,  and  to  beware  of  all  excels  in  eating  or  drinking. 
 And  dciiionitrations  of  civil  i.^irih,  fuch  as  ringing  of  bells, 
 Ji.ing  of  guns,  bontfircs,  and'iiiuminating  of  windows,  fliould 
 lot-  oe  inierxnixed  with  the  religious  duties  of  that  day  :  But 
 ViS  upon  fails,  <o  upon  thefe  days,  there  liiould  be  iii>eral  col- 
 lections tor  tlie  poor,  thiit  their  bowels  mi-y  blelsi  ui^,  aijd  re- 
 joice the  more  with  us.  In  the  6ch  article,  the  church  was 
 cauiiuiitd  againA  appoinn;;^  f^i'^s  i^^  iirh'e  aiid  debate,  lb  I 
 
Acts  of  General  Ajfemhliesy  &c.  ^\j 
 
 hope  they  fhall  bedire«Sted  to  avoid  eRJoining  of  thankfgiving 
 days  from  any  falfe  or  unjult  ends. 
 
 All  anent  the  A  dmivijl  ration  of  the  Sacraments.  Edinburgh  j 
 T^i^OBobeVf  1690.  ante  meridiem.  fciT.  15. 
 
 THE  General  Aflembly  confidering,  that  the  two  facra- 
 inents  that  Chrift  hath  appointed  under  the  New  Tcf- 
 tament,  viz.  Baptifm  and  the  Lord's  Supper,  are  his  iolema 
 ordinancesj  and  fealsof  the  Covenant  of  Grace,  which  is  held 
 forth'  in  the  preaching- of  the  gofpel  -,  and  that  in  the  ufe  of 
 them,  the  parties  receiving  them  are  folemnly  devoted  and 
 engaged  to  God  before  angels  and  men,  and  are  iolemnly 
 received  as  members  of  the  church,  and  do  entertain  com- 
 munion with  her  -,  and  that,  by  the  authority  of  this  church, 
 in  her  former  AlTcmblies,  the  private  ufe  of  them  hath  been 
 condemned  -,  as  alio,  that  by  allowing  the  private  ufe  of  the 
 fame  in  pretended  cafes  of  neceffity,  the  fuperftitious  opihioii 
 is  nourifhed,  that  they  are  necelTary  to  falvationy  not  only  as 
 commanded  duties,  but  as  means,  v/ithout  which  falvation 
 cannot  be  attained  :  Therefore  the  AfTembly  hereby  diichar- 
 ges  the  adminillration  of  the  Lord's  Supper  to  lick  perfons 
 in  their  houfes,  and  all  other  ufe  of  the  fame,  except  in  the 
 public  afTemblies  of  the  Church.     And  stilo  do  difcharge  the 
 aJminiftration  of  Baptifm  in  private,  tj^at  is,  in  any  place, 
 or  at  any  time,  when  the  congregation  is  not  orderly  called 
 together,  to  wait  ou  the  difpeniing  of  the  word  ;  and  ap- 
 poir.ts  that  this  be  carefully  oblerved,  when  and  wherever 
 the  Lord  giveth  his  people  peace,  liberty,  and  opportunity 
 lor  their  public  afTemblies  ;  and  ordains  this  prefent  a£t  to 
 be  publicly  intimate  iu  all  the  churches. 
 
 Note.  T^  he  foregoing  AclSy  Overtures  ^  and  Regulations  re- 
 
 laiive  to  church  difcipline^  have  been  carefully  colleBedfrom  the 
 Jolio  edition  of  the  printed  Acis  of  the  General  AJJembly^  andjrom 
 Sic'%uart  ofFerdivans  Cslieclions^  &c.  &'c. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
[    5i8    3 
 
 I      N      Tf      E      X. 
 
 Page 
 'J'HE  Genevan  ConfeJJton  of  Faith.         -  9 
 
 The  Scotch  C&njeffion  of  Faith.  -  17 
 
 The  Si;m  of  the  Firjl  Book  of  DifdpHm.         -        41 
 A£t  of  Aflembly  approving  the  Second  Book  of  Dlfcipliiie.  54 
 
 The  Second  Book  of  Difcipline.  -  ^^ 
 
 Aft  of  Aflembly  for  fubfcribing  the  fame.  76 
 
 Ads  of  Affem.  relative  to  the  Farm  of  Examination.       7  8 
 
 Form  of  Examination  before  the  Corimunion.  79 
 
 Adt  of  Aflembly >anent  Catechizing,  ^c.         -  i)6 
 
 The  king's  charge  to  all  Conamifuoners,  <2fc,  tiS 
 
 Ad  of  AiTexubly  approving  the  Confejfion  of  Faith.  ibid. 
 
 enjoining  all  perions  to  fubfcribe  it.  ibid. 
 
 anent  fubfcribing  the  Covenant.  89 
 
 Afliembly's  fupplication  for  fubfcribing  it.            -  po 
 
 Ad  of  Privy  Council  concerning  the  ihme.         -  91 
 
 Ad  of  Aflembly  ordering  the  fubfcription  thereof,  ibid. 
 
 Ad  of  Parliament  ratifying  the  Cov£iiai:iy  See.  93 
 
 The  National  Covenant,  or  Canftjflon  of  Faith,  94 
 
 Ordinancefor  calling  the  Afl!embiy  at  Weftminfter.     105 
 Aflcmbly's  commifiion  to  fome  to  repair  thereto.  108 
 
 Promi(e  and  Vow  taken  by  all  the  members  thereof.     109 
 i.lil  of  the  Divines  in  that  Aflembly.  -  ibid. 
 
 Keiuit  of  confultations,  $5V.  anent  the  S-olemn  League.  1 12 
 Ad  of  Aflembly  approving  the  Solemn  League.  ibid. 
 
 Ad  of  Convention  of  £ftates  approi'Jng  the  fame.         1 13 
 Ad  of  Commiilion  for  taking  thereof.  -  1J4 
 
 enjoining  entering  into  it.  1x5 
 
 Article  of  the  treaty  cttnceniing  the  fame.         -  116 
 
 Ad  of  Parliamejit  ratiNing  the  Lccgue  and  Covenant,  ibid. 
 
 The 
 
INDEX.  %T9 
 
 Tht  Solemn  League  and  Covenant.  .  n^ 
 
 Ordinance  for  taking  the  CffWfftfwf.  -  122 
 
 Ordinance  enjoining  the  taking  the  Covenant.  123 
 
 Inflruflions  for  talcing  of  the  fame.  -  shid. 
 
 i!kfiembiy's  exhortation  for  taking  thereof.  -  126 
 
 Ordinance  approving  thefaid  exfeortation.         -  120 
 
 Ordinance  concerning  the  Solemn  League  and  Covenant.   1 30 
 Petition  of  Proteftants  in  the  north  of  Ireland.  i^id, 
 
 A£l  of  Aflembly  approving  the  Pyo^ofulom  of  Church 
 
 Government,  -  -  -  j^2 
 
 The  Form  of  Prejhyterlal  Church  Governmejii,  1^4. 
 
 Acl  of  AiTerably  difcharging  electing  ofbifhops.  149 
 
 condeonning  the  ofHce  of  bifhops.  1 50 
 
 explaining  the  fame..  -  i^i 
 
 againft  unlawful  oaths.  -  iiuL 
 
 declaring  Epifcopacy  abjured  by  the 
 
 National  Covenant,  anno  1580.  152 
 
 reftoring  Kirk  Sefiions,  ^c.  i{;5 
 
 anent  yearly  Affemblies  -  ?3//. 
 
 for  fubfcribing  the  Covenant.  i^y 
 
 Overture  approved  for  taking  the  Cov«nant.         -  15:8 
 
 Acl  of  the  Commi£ion  concerning  the  £)/r^^c?rv.  160 
 
 Aft  of  Parliament  approving  the  i)/ffV??3ry.         -  ijll, 
 
 Adlof  Allembly  eftabli(hingthejDi;Y<f7ii>r;i'.-         -  16 l 
 
 The  DireBoryfor  Public  Worfhip.  -  .104 
 
 Ad  of  AlTembly  condemning  the  Service  Book,  l^e.    lyj^ 
 concerning  x\\zfve  Articles  of  Perth 
 
 abjured,  and  to  be  removed.  i^-^ 
 
 anent  advifing  with  Synods.  201 
 
 againfl:  novations.  -  2oz 
 
 for  private  worfhip,  -  ao,- 
 
 K':^'?,'&yi^\.iL*%  Dirsflior.s  for  Private  Worjhip*      -      :205 
 A61  of  AlTembly  concerning  Catechizing.  -         21 ; 
 
 Aft  of  Parliament  ratifying  the  Confejpon  of  Faith  and 
 
 Catechlfms.  -  -  -  -  214' 
 
 Aft  of  AfTombiy  approving  the  ConfeJJlon  of  Faith.         2 1 6 
 
 Thd  WESTui'i^STEVL  Co??fr^3?7  of  Faith.         -         219 
 Aft  of  Aflembly  approving  the  Larger  Catechifm.         26S 
 
 The  Larger  Caiechifnu  -  ^  C!i)Q 
 
 A*,  t 
 
52^  INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 
 A€i  of  ASembly  approving  the  Shorter  CatecUfm.  32.8 
 
 "Vac  Shorter  CalecJA/m.             -              -  329 
 
 Act  of  Comminion  for  renewing  the  Covenant.  348 
 ancnt  renewing  tbeCovenant,  ^^.  349 
 AiTt  of  the  Committee  of  Eftates  for.  renewing  the 
 
 Covenant.             -             -             -             .  3^0 
 
 A£t  of  Parliament  for  renewing  the  Covenant.  351 
 
 Jlcknozvkdgment  of  Sinf, -and  Engagement  to  Duties.  352 
 
 Aflcmbly's  brotherly  exhortation.                  .  360 
 
 The  Sup^  of  Saving  Knowledge.              -  363 
 
 The  pra£lical  Ufe  of  Saving  Knowledge.             -  369 
 
 Diretlory  far  Church  Government  and  Cenfurcs.  395 
 
 Collection  of  Acts  and  Ordinances*          -  41 1 
 
 I.  Abol'fliing  the  Pope's  authority.              -  412 
 
 1.  Annulling  all  acVs  againft  God's  word,         -  413 
 
 3.  Abolifliing  the  Mafs,  ^r.             -             ■■      •  414 
 
 4.  Anent  the  king's  coronation  oath.  -  4J5 
 £;.  Only  profeiTor.>  of  the  true  religion  may  be  Judges.  416' 
 6.  Ratifying  the  freedom  of  the  true  kirk.  -  ih\d. 
 J.  Ratification  of  the  liberties  of  the  true  kirk,  417 
 
 8.  Minifters  fhall  not  be  Judges,  ^c.             -  ilicl. 
 
 9.  Ratifying  all  laws  for  the  kirk  liberty.             -  418 
 
 10.  Ratifying  General  Affemblies,  Synods,  ^<r.  iiiJ. 
 
 1 1.  Ratifying  all  a^ls  in  favours  of  the  kirfe.         -  422 
 
 12.  Ratification  of  acts  of  Affembly.  -  -  ilfid. 
 1?.  PvCfcinding  all  afts  in  favours  of  Prelacy,  C3*f.  425 
 14.  SupprefUng  the  diftiniftion  of  Lords  fpiritual.  427 
 T  r.  The  oath  given  by  members  of  Parliament.  ibid. 
 
 16.  Anent  nou-covenanting Patrons.              -           ,  428 
 
 17.  Abolilhing  monuments  of  idolatry.             -  429 
 
 18.  Difcharging  Patronages  of  minifters,           -  430 
 
 19.  Anent  non-covenanting  Patrons.             -  -ibid. 
 
 20.  Difcharging  fuperflitious  obfervation  of  days.  431 
 
 21.  Securing  the  Covenant,  religion,  ^c.         -  432 
 
 22.  Keeping  Judicatories,  ^t.  free  of  corruption.  ^53 
 •23    Abolilhing  Patronages  of  kirks.              -  431;: 
 
 24  ift  Coronation  oath  taken  by  K.  Charles  11.  437 
 
 25  ad  Coronation  oath  taken  by  him.              -  438 
 
 26  Difcharging  miniflers  to  ufe  temporal  jurifJI«^ion.  439 
 
 27.  be- 
 
INDEX.  r,2r 
 
 Page 
 
 27  Dechration  concerning  Church  Government.  440 
 
 2d  27.  Anent  the  League. and  Covenant.              -  iaiJ 
 
 28.  iyifchzTgrng  the  Book  uf  Common  Frc/yer,  &c.  441 
 
 29.  Abolifhing  monuments  of  idolatry.                -  •  442 
 3c.    Ag^inft  ipreading  errors,  hereiles,   ^5*,%  44  ^ 
 
 31.  Abolilhing  feftival  days.                  -                 -  444 
 
 32.  Claffical  Prefbyteries,  is'c.  fettled.               -  44:^ 
 
 33.  Form  of  Church  Government  cfirxbUlhed.  446 
 
 34.  Condemning  fix  pretended  Airembhe?.               -  ibid. 
 
 35.  Againft  civil  places  and  power  of  kirk  men.  447 
 
 36.  Demolifhing  idolatrous  monuments.              -  44 >i 
 
 37.  Cenfuripg  fpeakers  againlV  the  Covenant.  ioid. 
 
 38.  Againft  refulers  to  iubfcribe  the  Covefiant.  449 
 ,39.  Againft  fecret  difaffeflers  thereof.              -  tcid. 
 
 40.  Of  diflepting  voices  in  PreiTbyteries,  ^c.  tbid. 
 
 41.  Cenluring  obfervance  of  days,   ^c.               -  450 
 
 42.  Approving  8  heads  of  the  cxi  Propofitions.  ,        ibid. 
 
 43.  Cenfuring  minifters  for  lilence,  ^c.              -  452 
 
 44.  Aflembly's  addrefs  to  the  Parliament.             -  454 
 
 45.  Diredlory  for  election  of  minifters.                -  455 
 
 46.  The  V/eft-kirk  zd:  or  declaration.               "  -  456 
 
 47.  Act  of  the  Commiflion  approving  the  Pnraphrafe  of 
 
 the F/a/ms  in  Metre.              -            ^              -  457 
 
 48.  A£t  of  Parliament  approving  the  fame.  45^ 
 
 The  Form  of  Process,  &c,  -  459 
 
 Aft  of  the  General  ACembly  approving  the  fjme.  460 
 
 Chap.  I.  Concerning  church  government,  icandal,  and 
 cenfures  in  general.  -  -  46c 
 
 Chap.  II.  Concerning  the  entering  of  Procefles,  citati- 
 ons of  parties  and  witnefies,  and  taking  depoiitions  ; 
 and  anent  fugitives  from  difcipline  -  4i52 
 
 Chap.  III.  Concerning  fwearers,  curfers,  profaners  of 
 the  Lord's  day,  drunkards,  <3^c.  -  -         4'^^ 
 
 Chap.  IV.  Concerning  the  fin  of  fornication,  adultery, 
 and  fcandalous  carriage  tending  thereto.  -  4<^'5 
 
 Chap.  V.  Concerning  appeals  from  a  kirJs  Seffion  to  a 
 Prefbytery.  ....  470 
 
 Chap.  VI.  Concerning  ProcelTes  which  natively  begin 
 at  the  kirk  Seffion,  but  are  not  to  be  brought  to  a 
 final  determination  by  them.  -  -  47'2 
 
 Chap.  VII.  Concerning  procefles  againft  minifters.  473 
 
 Chap.  Vlll.  Concerning  procefies  in  order  to  the  cen- 
 fure  of  the  Greater  £xcomaiunication.  -  477 
 
 T  t  t  Chap. 
 
522  INDEX. 
 
 Page 
 Cbr.p.  IX.  Concerning  the  order  of  proceeding  to  Ab- 
 iolution.  -  .  -  -  .         ^3o 
 
 Several  Acts  atid  Overtures  of  Girtral  AjremhUes, 
 
 Kit  of  th«  General  Aflembly  at  Glajgonv^  1638.  482 
 
 Kit  aaent  appellations,  Augujl  30,  1639.  -  488 
 
 anent  miaifters  catedfeiziug,  and  family  exercifes, 
 Augu/i  30,    1639.  -  -  ih'id. 
 
 anent  the  chufing  of  kirk  Seflions,   Aug.  i.  1642.    489 
 
 againrt  flanderirg  of  minifters,  Auguji  6,  164^.         tbid. 
 
 againft  mailers  who  have  iervr.;:ts  chat  profane  the 
 Lord's  day,  Augu/i  i/\y    1O45.  -  ibid. 
 
 coi-icerning  diffenting  voices  in  Piefbyteries  and  Sy- 
 nods, 1645,  "  ■  "      ,  49^ 
 
 againft  Lykwakes,   1645.  -  -  iblJ. 
 
 rLcommending  to  Stlilons  to  have. the  printed  ads 
 of  Aflembly,   1645.  '  "  ^^^^' 
 
 difcharging  promifcuous  dancing,  y///)i  19^  ^^A9-      ^^''^* 
 
 concerning  catechizing,  July  30,   1649.  491 
 
 againft  prcfanenefs,   January  11,   1 697.  ibid. 
 
 againii  abuies  at  lykwakes,  penny  brydals,  and 
 promilcuous, dancing,  1701.  -  494 
 
 concerning  the  melhod  and  form  of  procedure  in 
 judicatories  fcf  the  church  ag;:i-iit  fcaadalous  per- 
 fons,  April  1705.  -  -  ibid. 
 
 agaiiift  protanation  of  the  Lord's  day,  1705.  495 
 
 Overtures  of  the  General  AJTemhly  1705. 
 
 OiF  the  conftitution  of  Seilions  -  -         49$ 
 
 Oi  the  eieciion,  and  couliitudng  of  Elders  and  Deacons.  497 
 Anent  marriage.  -  -  .    -  499 
 
 Of  the  admiliion  of  infants  to  baptifm.  -  ibid. 
 
 Of  admilTion  to  the  Lord's  tr.ble,  and  debarring  from  it-  ibid. 
 Of  the  privy  cenfures  in  Seilions.  -  501 
 
 Of  Presbyteries.  -  -  502 
 
 Oi  parochial  vifitations  by  the  Prefbytery.  -  504 
 
 Of  miniflcrial  viiitation  of  families.  -  510 
 
 Of  fandtihcation  of  the  Lord's  day,  and  obferving  fail 
 and  thaniifgiving  days.  -  -  512 
 
 Act  anent  the  admiuillratlon  cf  the  facrameats,  1690.  517 
 
TSf,'*. 
 
 lift  of  BOOKS  Publified  by  ihe  rev.  Mr,  John 
 Brown,  and  Sold  by  ]oiiii  B r  y c  e,  at  his  Sho^^ 
 in  ihe  Salt -market. 
 
 1 
 
 r.   A  sy 
 
 Syflem  of  divlnitr,  or  a  compendious  view  of  na. 
 ral  and  revealed  religion,  in  feven  books. 
 
 II.  The  Self  Interpreting  Bible,  2  vote,  large  quarto. 
 
 III.  A  di(fllcnary  of  the  Bible,  in  2  vols  large  oElavo. 
 
 IV.  The  harmcny  of  fcripture  prophecies,  with  the  Lll- 
 tory  of  their  fulfilment. 
 
 V.  A  compendious  hlftory  of  the  Brltifli  churches  in  Eng' 
 hnd,  Scotland,  Ireland,  and  America,  2  vols  in  iijuelves. 
 
 VI.  An  evangelical  and  praftical  view  of  the  types  and 
 figures  of  the  Old  Teftamentdifpenfation. 
 
 i^^ 
 
 II.  Praflical  piety  exemplified,  ip  the  lives  of  thirteen 
 
 VIII.  A  brief  view  of  the  figures  of  fpeech,  and  explication 
 of  the  metaphors  contained  in  fcripture^  with  pra^ical  re- 
 flexions. . 
 
 IX.  The  Chriftian  jonrnal,  or  common  incidents  Iplr'.tual 
 inftrudors. 
 
 X.  Large  explication  of  the  Shorter  Catechifm. 
 
 XI.  Two  (hort  catechifms  for  young  people. 
 
 XII.  The  Chrifiian,  Student,  and  Paftor  exemplified  la 
 the  lives  of  nine  eminent  minifters  in  Scotland,  England, 
 and  America. 
 
 XIII.  A  treatife  on  the  oracles  of  Chrift  ;  and  a  vindica- 
 tion of  the  re  exhibition  of  theTelfimony. 
 
 XIV.  Letters  on  toleration,  and  on  the  binding  ohllgatioa 
 cf  the  Scotch  covenants. 
 
 XV.  The  neceflity,  rerioufnefs,  and  fweetnefs  of  prajTtlcal 
 religion,  reprefentfd  in  /In  awakening  Call  from  the  JLtcrnat 
 Ccdtothe  Uncon%n;rtedf—zx\i\  Four  fo levin  j^ddnjjcs  10  young, 
 Muldle-agedy  and  Old  Peyjlns^ — and  alfo,  Levmi  lirtathlngs 
 of  a  FiQus  Sou/, 
 
 Ttt  2  BOOKS 
 
BOOKS  Printed  and  Sold  by  John  Bryce./ 
 
 I.  HENjl^Y.on  the  New  Teftament,  2  vols  folio,  fi.ie.. 
 \.  Rafplt'Erfkine's  practical  works,  2  voh  folio. 
 
 Ditto  '  10  vols  oflavo. 
 
 's,y  RW^i&y^^bdjfJy  of  divinity,  wherein  the  doc^trines  of  the 
 Chriftian  relig^ion  are  explained  and  defended,  yi/w. 
 "  4.  Watfon's  body  of  divinity,  quarto. 
 t;.  Brown  of ^W^phray's  commentary  on  Paul's  eplHle  to 
 Ihe  Romans,^««r/fi7. 
 
 6.  Traill's  iermons  on  the  throne  of  grace,  on  the  xviltli 
 chapter  of  John^  and  on  the  ftedfaft  adherence  to  the  pro. 
 feffion  of  our  faith,  3  vols  Sw. 
 
 7.  The  I'econd  edition  of  the  ^cots  Biography ,  corr"e£l:cd 
 and  enlarged. 
 
 8.  Rutherfoord's  religious  letters. 
 
 9.  Shield's  account  of  the  faithful  contendlngs  of  the  (uf- 
 fenng  focieties  during  the  lateperfecution. 
 
 10.  A  coUedlion  of  Leftures  and  Sermons  preached  on  the 
 mountains  and  muirs  of  Scotland,  by  MeiTrs.  Guthrie,  Car- 
 gil,  Cameron,  Peden^  and  others. 
 
 I I.  Neill's  twenty-three  Sermons  on  important  fubjecjBp 
 
 1 2.  Pike  and  Hayward's  cafes  Oi  confcience.  To  which  is 
 added.  The  Spiritual  Companion,  in  anlwer  to  thirty  im- 
 portant quedions. 
 
 13.  Owen's  praaica!  treatife  on  the  cxxx  Pfalm. 
 
 14.  Twenty.eight  Leftures  on  the  three  tirft  chapters  of 
 Matthew,  and  part  of  the  fourth,  by  Mr.  William  Mair,  late 
 minifter  of  the  gofpel  at  Muckart. 
 
 15.  Durham's  expofition  of  the  ten  commands. 
 
 16.  Dickenfon's  religious  letters. 
 
 17.  Rawlin's  fermons  oh  juftiflcation.  * 
 iB.  Sibbs'  treatife  on  the  foul's  confli£l  with  itfelf,  and 
 
 victory  over  itfelf  by  faith.     To  which  is  added,  The  bruiied 
 reed  and*  fmoking  flax. 
 
 19.  ElFays  on  various  fubjefts,  relative  to  the  prcfcnt  ftate 
 of  religion,  by  John  Anderfon. 
 
 20.  A  glimple  of  glory,  or  a  gofpel  difcovery  of  Immanu- 
 el's  land,  by  Mr.  Andrew  Wellwood. 
 
 2r.  Principal  Blackwell's  treatife  on  the  decrees  of  God, 
 or  a  facred  fcheme  of  natural  and  revealed  religion. 
 
 22.  Adamlou's  lofs  and  recovery  of  eledt  fmners,  ivirh 
 the  difficulty  of  their  coming  back  again  to  glory. 
 
 23.  Memoirs  of  the  Life  of  the  reverend,  learned,  and 
 pious  Mr.  Thomas  Halyburton. 
 
 24.  Erfkine's  gofpel  fonneis.  To  which  is  prefixed,  the 
 Lii'e  of  the  Author. 
 
'     /» 
 
 \ 
 
 ;<M««tv 
 
 'i