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 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 http://archive.org/details/principallacts08chur 
 
THE 
 
 PR IN CI PALL 
 
 ACTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GENERAL L' 
 
 ASSEMBLY, 
 
 CoNVEENED Ar 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 The firft Wednefday of fuly the fourth 
 of that 14 Moneth, in the year, 164-9. 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 Printed by Eyan Tyler, Printer to the Kings 
 moft Excellent Majefty, 1 C <f 9. 
 
I 
 
 .0 
 
 f 
 
 •<3 
 
THE 
 
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 Holden at 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 fufy 7. 16+9. 
 
 Iuly 7. 164.9. Antemeridiem. Seff. I V. 
 
 ^Approbation of the proceedings of the Commifsi- 
 oners of the (general Affembly. 
 
 H E Generall Aflembly having heard 
 the report of the Committee appoint- 
 ed for reviling the proceedings of the 
 Commiflioners of the preceding Af- 
 fembly • And finding thereby , that in 
 all their proceedings they have been 
 zealous , diligent and faithfull , in the 
 difcharge of the truft committed to 
 them , do therefore unanimously Ap- 
 prove &Ratifie the whole proceedings, 
 AclsandConcIufions of thefaid Commiflion-, Appointing Mr. 
 $ohn Sell Moderator pro tempore to return them heartie thanks in 
 the name of the Aflembly for their great pains, travil and fidelity. 
 
 Iuly 10. 1649. Antemeridiem. Seff. VL 
 
 approbation of the Commifsionersfent to his iJWajefty. 
 
 [H E Generall Aflembly having taken in feri- 
 ous confederation the Report of the Travellsand 
 Proceedings of the Commiflioners fent to his 
 Majeftie prefentcd by them this d ay , Together 
 with the Commiflion and Inftru&ions which 
 were given unto them ^ Do finde by the Re- 
 port, that they have been very diligent and faithfull in the dif- 
 charge of the Truft Committed to them: And therefore, do 
 unamimoufly Approve of their Carriage, and return them hearty 
 thanks for their great Pains and Travails in that Employment. 
 
 A 2 JWjii?. 
 
z 7 be (jenerall Ajjembly, 164.9. 
 
 Iuly 19. 1649. Toflmeridiem. Sell. XVIIf. 
 AB difcbarging promt fcuous Dancing. 
 
 !H E AfTembly finding the fcandall and abufc that arif«s 
 thorow promifcuous Dancing : Do therefore Inhibit 
 and difcharge the fame , and do referre the Cenfure 
 WHSffi thereof to feverall Presbyteries ,EarneftIy Recommend- 
 ing it to their care and diligence. 
 
 Iuly 20. 164.9. Antemeridem. SeiT. XIX. 
 AB concerning the receiving of Engagers in thelate 
 unlaw full War againflEnghnd, to pub lie ^Sa^ 
 tisfaBion,T'ogetbeo with tbeT)eclaratton and 
 Acknowledgment to be Jubfcribed by them. 
 
 H E Generall Alterably confidering what great 
 offence againft God , and Scandal to his People 
 at home and abroad hath arifen from the late 
 unlawfull Engagement in War againft England, 
 whereby, contrary to the Law of God and of 
 Nations, contrary to the Solemn League and 
 Covenant,contrary to the Petitions of almoft the 
 whole Kingdom , contrary to the Declarations of rhe Judicatories 
 of this Kirk, contrary to the Proteftations of a confiderable part 
 of the Parliament, contrary to the frequent and clear warnings 
 of the Servants of God in his name, notonelyan Aflociation in 
 Counfels and Arms was made with Malignant perfons , who had 
 formerly fhewn their dif-affecYion to the Covenant and Caufe, 
 but an invafion of the Neighbour Nation was prolecuted- fiom 
 whence flowed the oppreflionof the perfons, eftates and confei- 
 ences of many of the People of God in this Land , the fhedding of 
 the blood of fome, thelofleanddifhonourof this Nation, and 
 feverall other inconveniences: And confidering that the Com- 
 miffioners of the laft Generall Aflembly have acquit themfelves 
 faithfully , in ordainiug to be fulpended from the renewing of the 
 Covenant, and from the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, fuchas 
 are defigned in their A3s of Date the 6. of October and 4. of De- 
 cember h& , referring the further consideration and cenfure of the 
 perfons foref aid to this prefent Generall AfTembly: Therefo.ethe 
 Generall AfTembly for removing of fuch offences , and for pre- 
 vention of the like in time coming, and for reftoring of fuch as are 
 truly humbled, do Declare.and Appoint, 
 
 I. That all thofe who have been guilty and cenfuredas afore- 
 faid, and withal, do not by their addreflesto Kirk Judicatories 
 teftifie their diflike thereof, and give evidences of their Repen- 
 tance 
 

 The Generall Ajfembly. 3 
 
 tance therefore , That thefebe procefled, and continuing obfti- 
 nate, be excommunicated-, But if withallthey go on in promo- 
 ving Malignant Defigncs, that they be forthwith Excommuni- 
 cated : As alio lhat all fuch perfons guilty as aforefaid , who after 
 Profeflion of their Repentance (hall yet again hereafter relapfe 
 to the promoting any Malignant Defigne , that thefe be likewife 
 forthwith excommunicated . 
 
 II. That all thefe who have been guilty and cenfured as afore- 
 faid, and deflre to teftifie their Repentance, and to be admitted to 
 the Covenant and Communion , (hall befides any Confeffion in 
 public k before the Congregation (ubferibe the Declaration hereto 
 fub-joyned, of their unfained deteftation and renunciation of that 
 Engagement , and all other Malignant courfes contrary to the Co- 
 venant and Caufe , Promifing to keep themfelves from fuch ways 
 in time com«ng,and acknowledging that if they (hall again fall into 
 fuch defection thereafter, they may juftly be accompted perfidi- 
 ous backfliders , and breakers of the Covenant and Oath of God, 
 and proceeded againft; with the higheft Cenfures of the Kirk. 
 
 III. That of thefe who have been guilty and cenfured as afore- 
 faid, and defire now to teftifie their Repentance, Whofoever were 
 formerly joynedin Arms or Counlell with James Graham\nh\s 
 Rebellion , or who were Generall perfons or Colonels in the late 
 unlawful! Engagement, Or who went to Ireland to bring over 
 Forces for that effect, Or who have been eminent, active in contri- 
 ving of,or (educing unto the (aid Engagement,or whofoever above 
 the degree of a Lieutenant Commanded thefe parties, that in pro- 
 moving of the ends of the faid Engagement fhed blood within the 
 Kingdom , either before that Army of Engagers went to England, 
 or after their recui n,Or who above the degree fore(aid Command- 
 ed in thehte Rebellion in the North - 7 That none of thefe be ad- 
 mitted or received to give facisfa&ion , but by the Generall Af- 
 fembly or their Commifsioners. 
 
 IV. That all the reft of thefe who have been guilty , or cenfu- 
 red as aforefaid , may be received by the Presbyteries where they 
 refide. 
 
 V. That all who have been guikyasaforfaid, before their re- 
 ceiving to the Covenant, (hall make a Solemn publick Acknow- 
 ledgement in fuch matter , and before fuch Congregations as the 
 Commifsionof the Generall Aflembly or Presbyteries reftettive 
 (hall preicribe, according to the degree of their offence and fcan- 
 dall given. 
 
 VI. That none of the forefaid Perfons be admitted , or recei- 
 ved as Elders in any Judicatories of the Kirk, but according to the 
 Act of the Generall AfTembly of the laft of Auguft\6tfi. againft 
 complyers of the firft Claffe. 
 
 And becaufc many have heretofore made fliew and profeffion 
 of their Repentance, who were not convinced of their guiltineflc 
 nor humbled for the fame, but did thereafter return with the dog 
 
 to 
 
The (jfenerall AJfembly , \6 4. 9. 
 
 to the vomit,and with the fo w to the puddle , unto the mocking of 
 God,ind the exceeding great reproach and detriment of his Caufe: 
 Therefore,for the better determining theTruth and (incerity ot the 
 Repentance of thofe who defire to be admitted to the Covenant 
 and Communion : It is appointed and Ordained that none of thofe 
 perions who are debarred from the Covenant and Communion 
 (hall be admitted and received thereto, but fueh as after exact trial], 
 fhall be found for fomc competent time before or after the offer of 
 theif Repentance, according to the difcretion of the refpe&ive Ju* 
 dicatorieSjto have in their ordinary conventions given real Tefti- 
 mony of their diflikeof the lateunlawfull Engagement, and of the 
 courfes and wayes ot Malignants, and of their for row for their ac- 
 ceffion to the fame -, and to live foberly, righteouflyand godlyj 
 And if any fhall be found, who after the defeating of the Engagers 
 have uttered any Malignant fpecches, tending to the approbation 
 of the lateunlawfull Engagement, or the blood- fhed within the 
 Kingdome for promoving of the ends of the faid Engagement , or 
 any other projects or pra&ifes within or without the Kingdome 
 prejudicial to Religion and the Covenant, or tending to the re. 
 proach of the Miniftry, or the civill Government of the Kingdom, 
 Or who have unneceflarily or ordinarily converfed with Malig- 
 nant and difaffeCtcd perfons. Or who have had hand in, or accefu- 
 on to, or compliance with,or have any wayes countenanced or pro- 
 moved any Malignant Defign,prejudiciall to Religion and the Co- 
 venant; Thai thefe,notwithftanding their profeftlon of Repentance 
 be not fuddenly received, but a competent time , according to the 
 difcretion of the Judicatory, beafligned to thcmfortryallofthe 
 evidence of their Repentanee 3 according to the qualifications above 
 mentioned. AndtheGenerall Aflembly Ordains Presbyteries to 
 make intimation of this Act in the feverall Kirks of their bounds fo 
 (bon as they can , after the riling of the Generall Aflembly , thai 
 none pretend ignorance ; And that Presbyteries make accompt of 
 their diligence in profecuting of this Act to the Quarterly meetings 
 of the Commiflion'of this Affembly. 
 
 The Declaration and i^dcknorvlcdgemtnt before mentioned. 
 
 after due con fidcra- 
 tion of the late Warre againft the Kingdom of 
 England-, And having alio confidered the courfe 
 purfued and promoted by the Earle of Lanerk^ 
 George CMonro and their Adherents in and about 
 Stirling ,and by others in the late Rebellion in the 
 North , againft all which not only eminent Te- 
 ftimonies of Gods Wrath have been given in defeating of them, 
 but they wcrein themfelves finfull breaches of Covenant,andpre- 
 feningtheintereft of man unto God-, I doe hereforein Gods fight 
 profeiTe,that I am convinced of the unlawfulnefle of all thefe ways, 
 as contrary to the Word of God, and to the Solemn League and 
 Covenant, not only in regard of the mifcarriages of thefe that were 
 
 em- 
 
imployed therein, but alfo in refped o f the nature of thefe cour- 
 ts thern (elves •, And therefore protefling my unfained forrow 
 for my guiltinefle by my accfteion to the lame , doe renounce and 
 declaim the forcfaid Engagement and all the courfes that were u(ed 
 for carrying on the fame, either before or after the defeat of the En- 
 gagers, as contrary to the Word of GOD and Solemn League 
 and Covenant, and definitive to Religion and the work of Refor- 
 mation^ And I doe promile in the power of the Lords ftrength,ne- 
 ver again to own any of thefe or the like courfes : And if hereafter 
 at any time, I (h ill be found to promote any Malignant Defign or 
 cour(c,that I (hil juftly be accompted a perfidiousCovcnant brea- 
 ker and defpifer of che Oath of God,and be proceeded againft with 
 the higheft Cenhires of the Kirk : Likeas, I doe hereby promife to 
 adhere to the National Covenant of this Kingdome,and to the So- 
 lemn League and Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes,and to be ho- 
 neft and zealous tor promoving all the ends thereof, is I fhall be cal- 
 led thereunto of God,and to flee all occafions and temptations that 
 may lead me into any the like fnarcsagainft che lame. Subfcribed 
 ac the day of 
 
 Iuly 24.. 16^.9. Tojimeridiem. Seff. XXIII. 
 
 To the High and Honourable Court of 
 
 Parliament.' 
 
 The Genet all K^ffemblj^ Humbly Sheveeth, 
 
 lHat whereas we have feen and confidered the Ad 
 of Parliament abolifhing Patronages , and doe 
 highly commend the piety and zeal of theEftates 
 of Parliament in promoving fo neceflary a point 
 of Reformation,The Generall Aflembly do hum- 
 bly fupplicate,chat betide the fetlingot the Mini- 
 ftersftipends,that theTythes mentioned in the faid Ad,may be affe- 
 cted with the burthen of pious u(cs,within tha refpedive Paroches, 
 conl orm to a draught of an Ad feen by the Commifsioners of the 
 late General AlTembly before it parted in Parliament-, And that the 
 forefaid Ad may be made effeduall for the idling of Miniftcrs Sti- 
 pends in Kii ks ereded, and neceflary to be ereded according to the 
 Tenour of the A d of Parliament , And for thiseffed, that your 
 Lordlhips will haften the luting of the Commifsion for Plantati- 
 on of Kirks , with all convenient diligence } and your Lordfhips 
 Anfwer. 
 
 ft 
 
 ful 9 
 
6 I pe Lfenerau /ijjembly, 164.9. 
 
 ij. July, 1649. Antemeridiem Scff. 27. 
 
 oyf feafon able and nece/fary Warning and Dec la^ 
 
 rationjoncerning T re fen t and Imminent dan* 
 
 gerSy and concerning duties relating thereto, 
 
 from the Qeneral Ajfembly of this K^irJ^ unto 
 
 all the tSAd embers thereof. 
 
 H E Lord who choofcs Jerufalem in a furnace of 
 Affliction, hath been pleated fince the beginning 
 otthe work of Reformation in this Land, to ex- 
 ercife hisPeople with many trialls-all that defied 
 tokeepagoodcontcience, were not long agoe 
 under manyheavy and fad preffures from the info- 
 lency and oppreffion of a prevailing party of dif-affe<5ted andMalig- 
 nant men,who under a pretext of bringing the King to a condition 
 of HoROur, Freedom and Safety, did carry on an unlawful En- 
 gagement againft the Kingdom o{tngUnd: and if the Lord had 
 not been mercifull unto his people, they were like, either to have 
 been banifhed outol the Land, or to have been kept in a perpetual! 
 bondage in their conferences, perfons and eftates: But he whofe 
 Meffehgers thofe men had mocked, and whbie word they had de- 
 fpifed, did bring them down fuddenly in a day, and reftored liber- 
 ty and peace unto his people: A mercy and deliverance, which as ic 
 ought to be rem em bred with thankfulneiTe and praife, (o may ic 
 engage our hearts not 10 faint in troubles and ftraites that do yet 
 abide us, but to truft in the name of the Lord, who both can and 
 Will deliver us ftill out of all our afflictions. 
 Albeit, wee do no W enjoy many rich and precious blcflingswher- 
 in wee have reafontobe comforted, and torejoyce ; yet it were to 
 fhut out own eyes if We fhould not fee our f elves involved in, and 
 threatned with many and great dangers at Home and from abroad. 
 It is matter of exceeding great for row to think upon the ignorance 
 ftnd profanity,the impehitencie and fecurity that abounds ftill in the 
 Land, honvtthftanding all the gracious difpenfation of the Gofpel, 
 and means of grace in fuch purity and plenty, that none of the Na- 
 tions round about us can boaft of the like , and of all the long- 
 fuffering patience of the Lord , and of all his fliarp rods where- 
 with he hath afflided us fron-\yearto year, and of all the mercies 
 and deliverances wherewith he hath vifited us, and of our late k>- 
 iemn confeflion of finnes^nd engagement unto duties, fealed with 
 the renewing of the Covenant and the Oath of God-, Which 
 fomemen have fo far already forgotten,as to return with the dogge 
 
 to 
 
 
to the vomit, and with the fow to the puddle : And many fignes 
 ofinconftancyand levity do appear among all forts and ranks of 
 perfons, who feem to want nothing but a futable tencation to draw 
 them away from their fteadfaftnefle-, Our Army is not yetfuffici- 
 encly purged, but there be dill in it Malignant and fcandalous men, 
 whole fidelity and conftancy , as it is much to be doubted , fois 
 the wrath or the Lord to be feared, upon their proceedings and 
 undertakings, without a f peedy and effeduall remedy. 
 
 That prevailing party of Sectaries in EngUnd, who have broken 
 the Covenant, and defpifed the Oath of God, corrupted the truth, 
 iubverted the fundamentall Government by King and Parliament, 
 and taken away the Kings life, look upon us with an evilleye,as 
 upon the fc who ftandinthe way of their monftruous and newfang- 
 led devices inReligion and Government, And though there were no 
 caufe to fear any thing from that party but the Gangrene and infec- 
 tion of thole many damnable and abominable errours which hive 
 taken hold on them,yei our vicinity unto.and daily commerce with 
 that Nation, may juftly make us afraid that the Lord may give up 
 many in this Land unto a fpirit of delufionto beleevelies, becaufc 
 they have not received the love of the truth. 
 
 Neither is the Malignant party f o far broken and brought lo w,as 
 that they have abandoned all hopes of carrying on their former den 
 iigns againfl: the Covenant and work of Reformation : Betide many 
 ot them in this Kingdom, who are as Foxes tied in chains, keeping 
 their e vill nature,and waiting an oppertunity to break their cords ,and 
 again to prey upon the Lords people ; there be (landing Armies in 
 Ireland, under the command of the Marqueffe of Ormond,Xhe Lord 
 lncbquecnjht Lord otAirds, and George Mvnro, who forgetting all 
 the horrible cruelty that was exerciled bythelrifh Rebels, upon 
 many thoufands of the Englifh and Scottilh Nations in that land, 
 have entred into a Peace and AiTociation with them,that they may 
 the more eafily carry on the old defignes of the Popifh, Prelaticall 
 and Malignant party; And theLord of Airds, vnd George Monro, have 
 by treachery and oppreflion brought the Province of rlfter, and 
 Garrif ons therein , under their power and Command, and have re- 
 dacted our country-men , and luchas adhere unto the Covenant, 
 and caufe of God in that Province, unto many miferies and ftraits, 
 and are like to banifh the Minifters of the Gofpell , and to overturn 
 thefe faire beginnings of the work of God, which were unco ma- 
 ny a branch of hope, that the Lord meant to make Ireland a plea- 
 fan t land. 
 
 But which is more grievous unto us then all thefe,out King,not- 
 withftanding of theLords hand againfl: hisFathers oppoficionco the 
 woik ot God, and of the many fad and dolefull conlequences chac 
 followed thereupon, in reference to Religion and his Subjects, and 
 to his perfon, and Government, doth hearken unto the councels of 
 thefc who were Authors of ihefe miferics to his Royall Father and 
 
 B his 
 
his Kingdoms :By which it hath come to parte, that his Majefty hatk 
 hitherto refuted to grant the juft and neceflary defires of this Kirh 
 and Kingdom, which weretendred unto him from the Commiffi- 
 oners of both for fecuring of Religion,the Liberties of the Subject, 
 his Majefties Government, and the Peace of the Kingdome 5 And 
 it is much to be feared that thofe wicked Counfellours may fo farre 
 prevaile upon him in his tender yeers, as to engage him in awarre, 
 for overturning (if it be pofliblejof the work of God, and bearing 
 down all thofe in the three Kingdoms that adhere thereto: Which 
 ifheihall doc, cannot but bring great wrath from the Lord upon 
 himfelfeand his Throne, and muft be the caufe of many new, and 
 great miferies, and calamities to thefe Lands. 
 
 It concerns a Nation thus (infull and loadenwith iniquity, and 
 involved in fo many difficulties and dangers, by timous repentance 
 and unfained humiliation to draw near to Qod, and to wraftle with 
 him in Prayer and Supplication, that our fin may be pardoned, and 
 Our iniquity done away-, and that he would eftablifh the Land in the 
 love of the truth,and inable every on in their ftation to do their duty 
 boldly and without feat,and inahumbledependance upontheLord, 
 in. whom alone is the falvation of his people-,Every man ought with 
 all faithfulnefie and diligence, tomakeufe of all thefe means that 
 are approven and allowed of God, for pteferving and carrying 
 on of his work, and for fecuring and guarding the Land againft all 
 enemies whatfomever, both upon the right hand and upon the 
 left. 
 
 The Spirit of errour and deluflon in our Neighbour Land, in 
 the policic of Satan hath vailed it felf in many, under the mask of 
 holinefle,and is in the righteous and wife difpenfation of God, ar- 
 med with power, and attended with fucceffe : Therefore all the In- 
 habitants of this land would labour for more knowledge, and more 
 loveof the truth,withoutwhich they may eafily be deceived,andled 
 into tentation, and would learn todiftinguifh betwixt the fnew and 
 power of godlineffe. We know that there be many InEngland who 
 be truly godly, and mourn with us for all the errours and abomina- 
 tions that arc in that land-, But it is without controverfie, that that 
 Spirit which hath acted in the Courfes and Counfels of thefe, who 
 have retarded and obftructed the work of God, difpifed the Cove- 
 nant, forced theParliament,murthered the King,changed the civill 
 Government, and eftalifhed fo vaft a Toleration in Religion,cannot 
 be the Spirit of Righteoulnefle and HolinefTe,becaufe it teaches noc 
 men to live godly and righteoufly,but drawes the afide into errour, 
 and makes them to bring forth th6 bitter fruits of impiety and ini- 
 quity ,and therefore ought to be avoyded. And not only are fuch of 
 our Natioh as tiavaile in our Neighbour-land, to take heed unto 
 them (el ves,thar they receive not infection from fuch as are leaven- 
 ed with Errour, but thele alio who live at home,efpecially in thofe 
 
 places 
 
The (jenerall Affembly ,16/^9. 9 
 
 places where Sectaries, upon pretext of mcrchandife, and other ci- 
 vil! imployments, ordinarily traffique and converle. Neither needs 
 any man to be afraid of the power and fuccefle of that party, they 
 who have gadded about lo much to change their way,fhall ere long 
 be afhamed-jThe lord hath rejected their confidences,and they fhall 
 not profper in them*, How farrethey may proceed in their Resoluti- 
 ons and Actings againft this Kingdome, is in the hand of the raoft 
 high-, If the Lord fhall iuffer that party to invade this land, it may 
 be the comfort and incouragement of all the Inhabitants thereof 
 that not only hath that unlawfull engagement againft the Kingdom 
 of England been declared againft, and condemned both by Kirk 
 and ' tate-, but alfothat thefemencan pretend no quarrell againft 
 us, unlefle it be, that we have adhered unto the Solemn League 
 and Covenant, from which they have fo foully revolted and back- 
 fliddenj and that we have borne teftimony againft Toleiation, and 
 their proceedings in reference to Religion and Government, and 
 the taking awayof the Kings life: And therefore we truft that in f uch 
 a cafe none will be fofarre deficient in their duty as not to defend 
 themfelves againft fuch injuft violence,& in the ftrength of the Lord 
 to adhere unto their former principles, with much boldnes 01 f pirit, 
 and willingnefte of heart- In this certainly we fhall have a good con- 
 fcience and the Lord fhall be with us. 
 
 We are not fo, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, as 
 not to hold the other upon the Malignants, they being an enemy 
 more numerous, and nolcflcfubtileand powerfull nor the other, 
 and at this time more dangerous unto us, not onely becaufe expe- 
 rience hath proven that there is a greater aptitude and inclination in 
 ihefe of our Land,to compile withMalignants thenSectaries,in that 
 they carry on their wicked defignes under a pretext of being for 
 the King •, But al f o becaufe there be many of them in our own bo- 
 wels, and for that they doe pretend to be for maintenance of the 
 Kings Perfon and Authority ,and (which is the matter of our grife) 
 becaule the King ownes their principles and waves-, which if it be 
 not taken heed unto, may prove a great fnare, and dangerous ten- 
 tation to many to fide with them againft the Lords people, and his 
 caufe. The conftant tenour of the carriage of thefc in this land, who 
 ftand for the caufe of God,are undeniable arguments of their affecti- 
 on to Monarchy ,and to that Royal Family & Line w ch hath f wey- 
 ed the Scepter of thisKingdom for many hundreds of yeers paft. Al- 
 beit his Majeftie who lately reigned,.refuied to harken to their jud 
 delires^ yet did they with much patience and moderation of mind, 
 Supplicate and folicite hisMajeftyfor fatiffaction in thefc things that 
 concernReligion and theCovenant,and were dill willing,that upon 
 fatiffaction givcn,he fhould be admitted to the exercife of his pow- 
 er-, and whatfotver envie and malice objects to the contrary, were 
 carefullto get aflurancc concerning the fafety of his Majefties Pcr- 
 fon,when they brought theirArmy out oiEngUnd^ nd when not- 
 
 B 2 withftanding 
 
io 7 he {jenerall /ijjembly^ 104.9. 
 
 withftanding of that afliirance , the prevailing party of Sectaries 
 were acting tor his life,did to the utmoft of their powcr,endeavou r 
 by their Commiffioners that there might have been no fuch pro. 
 ceeding ; And when their defires and endeavours were not fuccef- 
 full, did proteftand bear teftimony againft the fame. And, as both 
 Kirk and State had teftified their tender refped to hisMajefty 
 who now reigns ,by their Letters written to him whilft his Father 
 was yet living, So no fooner did the Parliament heare of hisFathers 
 death, but they did with all folemnity proclaim him King of thefe 
 KingJoms-, And after they had acquainted hisMajefty by MefTages 
 with thor proceedings herein,Commiflioners were lent both from 
 State and Kirk inftrutfed with power and Commiilion toexpreffe 
 the affection of this Kingdomc to Monarchy, and his Majefties 
 Perfon andGovernment,together with their defires;concerning the 
 fecurity of Religion, and the Peace of thofe King doms. And albeit 
 ■s the defires of both which are now publiftied to the world, with his 
 Majefties anfwers thereto, are fuch as are moft juft and ;neceffary 5 
 yet theCounfeis of the malignant party had fo great influence upon 
 hisMajefty,that his anlwers are not only not fatisfft<5tory,but fhort 
 of that which was many times granted by his Royall Father, and 
 cannot be acquiefced unto, unlefle we would abandon the League 
 and Covenant, and betray Religion, and the caufe of God. 
 
 We hold it the duty of all who live in this Land,to vvreftle with 
 God in the behalfe of the King,that he may be recovered out of the 
 fnarcofevill Counfell ,and brought to give fatisf action, to the pub- 
 lick defires of Kirk and State; and in their places and (rations to ufe 
 all endeavours with himfelfe and others for that effetf:, and to be 
 williDg,uponfatistac'tion given, to admit him to the exercife of his 
 power,and cheerfully to obeyhim in all things according to the wil 
 of God, and the Lawesof the Kingdom,and to do every thing that 
 tends to the prefervation of his Majefties perfon, and juft greatneffe 
 and Authority, in the defence and prefervation of the true Religion 
 and Liberties of the Kingdomes. 
 
 But if his Majefty,or any having,or pretending power and Com- 
 miflion from him, fhall invade this Kingdom, upon pretext of efta- 
 bliftiing him in the exercife of his Royall power, as it will be an 
 high provocation againft God to be acceflbry or aflfifting thereto,fo 
 wil it be a neceflary duty to refift & oppofe the fame. We know 
 that many are 1 o forgetful! of the oath of God, & ignorant & care- 
 lesofthe intereft orjefus Chrift& theGofpel,and doe fo little 
 tender that which concerns his Kingdom & the Privileges thereof, 
 and do io much dote upon abfolute & Arbitrary Government for 
 gaining their own ends, & fo much maligne the Inftruments of the 
 work of Reformation,that they would admit his Majefty to the ex- 
 ercife of his Royall power upon any termes whatioever, though 
 with never fo much prejudice to Religion,and theLiberties of thefe 
 Kingdomes 3 and would think it quarreli enough to make War upon 
 
 all 
 
allthofe who for confcience fake cannot condcfcend thereto. Bu* 
 We defire ail thele who fear the Lord, and mind to keep their Co- 
 venant impartially to confider thefe things which followes. 
 
 i That as Magiftrates and their power is ordained ot Goc,foarc 
 they in the exerciie thereof, not to walk according to cheirowne 
 will, but according to the Law of equity and righteoufneile, as be-' 
 ing the Minifters of G O D for the fafety of his People-, Therefore 
 a boundles and illimttted power is to be acknowledged in no King 
 nor Magiftrate-, Neither is Our King to be admitted to the exerciie 
 of his power as long as he retufes to walk in the Adminiftracion of 
 the lame, according to this rule, and the eftablifhed Laws ofthe 
 Kingdom, that his Subjects may live under him a quiet and peacea- 
 ble lire in~ all Godlineffe and honeffie. 
 
 i There is ane mutuall Obligation and Stipulation betwixt the 
 King and his People- As both of them are tied to G O D, fo each 
 of them are tiedone to another for the performance of mutuall and 
 reciprocal duties: According to this,It is Satute and Ordained in the 
 8. Act of the i. Parliament of King James the 6, That all Kin^s, 
 Princes or CMagiftraies whatfoever, balding their place, which here* 
 after (had happen in any time to Ratgn and beare rule over this Realm, 
 at the time of their Coronation and receipt of thetr Princely Au- 
 thority , make their faithfall promife by Oath in the presence of 
 the Eternall GOD that during the tvholt cottrft of their lives, 
 they jhall ferve the fame Eternall G D to the MmoH of their pow- 
 er 9 according as he hath required in his most Holy Word con- 
 tained in the Old and New Te(lament y And according to the fame 
 Word y (hall maintain th- true Religion of Chrift Jelus, tie Prea- 
 ching of His mofl Holy Word , and due and right miniftration of 
 His Sacraments now received and Preached within this Realm, And 
 jhall aholifh and gainfland all falfe religion contrary to the fame, 
 \yind (hall rule the people committed to their charge according to 
 the Will and Command of G D revealed in his VVord^ and ac- 
 cording to the lovable Lawes and Conflttutions received within this 
 Realm , And jhall procure to the utmoft of their power to the Kirk 
 of God and the whole Chriflian People, true and per feci peace in all 
 time commtn*. And that Juflice and Equity be keepedto all creatures 
 without exception. Which Oath was iworn, ftrftby King James 
 the 6. and afterwards by King Charles at his Coronation, and is in- 
 fertedin ourNattonallCovenant,which was approven by the King, 
 who lately Reigned: As long therefore ashisMajefty who now 
 Reignes, refutes to hearken to the juft and ncceftary defires of State 
 and Kirk, propounded to his Majefty for the Security ot Religion, 
 Bad fafety of his People , ane to engage and oblige himlclf for the 
 performance of his Duty to his People,It is confonant to Scripture 
 tndrealonand the Laws ol the Kingdom, that they ftiouldretufe 
 to admit him to the exerciie of his Gorernuient , untill h«gife la-. 
 
 tisfact ion in thefe things. 
 
 In 
 
3 .IntheLeague and Covenant which hath been fo folemfy ftvorn 
 and renewed by thisKingdom,the Dutieof defending & preferring 
 the Kings Majefties Perion and Authority is joyned with, and fub- 
 ordinatunto the dutie of preferving and defending the true Religi- 
 on and Liberties of the Kingdoms: And therefore his Majeftie flan- 
 ging in oppofition to the juft and neceflary publick defiies concerning 
 Religion and Liberties, ic were a mani eft Breach of Covenant, 
 and a preferring of the Kings inter^ft to the intreft of JefusChri ft ,to 
 bring him so. the exercife of his Royal power, which he, walking in 
 a contrary way, and being compafled about with Malignant coun- 
 fels, cannot but employ unto the prejudice and ruin of both. 
 - 4. Was not an Arbitrary Gove nment and unlimited power,the 
 fountain of moftof all theCorruptionsboth in Kirk andState? And 
 was it not for reftraint of this,and for their own juft defence againft 
 Tyranny and injuft violence, which ordinarily is the fruit and 
 effect of fuch a power,that the Lords People did joyn in Covenant, 
 and have been at the expenfe of fo much blood, pains and trealure 
 thefe yeers paft i And if his Majeftie fhoujd be admitted to the exer- 
 cife of his Government before fitisfaclion given, were it not to put 
 in his hand that Arbitrary Power, which we have upon juft an<J 
 neceflary grounds been fo long withstanding, and foco abandon 
 our former Principles,and betrary our Caufef 
 
 5. The King being averfe from the Work of Reformation and 
 tbe inftrumentsthereof,and compafled about with Malignant & dif- 
 afFe&ed men, whom he hearkens unto as his moftfairhfull Coun- 
 iellers, and looks upon as his beft and moft Loyall Subjects >We 
 leave it to all indifferent men to judge, whether his Majeftie j be- 
 ing admitted to the exercife of his Power before fatisfa&ion given, 
 Vould not by fuch Counfells endeavour an overturning of the 
 things which GOD hath wrought amor.gft us, and labour to 
 drawpublick adminiftrations concerning Religion and the liber- 
 ties of the Subject, unto that courfe and channall in which they 
 tlid run under Prelacie, and before the Work of Reformation: 
 Which we have the more caufe to fear,becaufe his Royall Fa- 
 ther did fo often declare, that he conceived himfelf bound to em- 
 ploy all the power that GOD fhould put in his hands to the utmoft 
 for thefe ends-, and that he adheres as yet to his Fathers Principles, 
 and walkes in his way,and hath made a Peace with thelrijh Rebels, 
 by which is granted unto them the full liberty of Popery. 
 
 6. It is no ftrange nor new thing for Kingdoms to prefeive Re- 
 ligion and themfelves from ruine, by putting reftraint upon the ex- 
 ercife of the power and Government of thofe whohaveiefufedto 
 grant thofe things char were neceflary for the good of* Religion, 
 and the Peoples fafety-, There have bin many precedents of it in this 
 and other nations of old,and of late, upon thefe & other imporcant 
 confiderations, Itfhall be the wifdom of every one who dwell 
 m theLand,to take heed of fuch a temptation and f nare,thac they be 
 
 not 
 
% l M Lfenerau /ijjemt>iy y 104.9. 13 
 
 not acceflbry to any fuch defigncs or endeavours, as they would 
 not bring upon themfelves, and upon their families, the guilt of all 
 the detriment that will undoubtedly follow thereupon to Religion 
 andthe Covenant,and of all the naileries and calamities that it will 
 bring upon his Majefties Perfon and throne, and upon theie King- 
 doms,Such a thingwould in all appearance be the undermining and 
 lhaking,ir not the oveithrowing & dcftroying of the work of Refor- 
 mation: And therefore whofoever attempt the fame, oppofe them- 
 felves to the Caufe of GOD, and will at laft dafti againft the Rock 
 of the LORDS Power, which hath broken in pieces many high 
 and lofty ones iince the beginning of this work in thefe Kingdoms: 
 And it is unto us a fureWord of Promife,Tnatwhofoever mall aflo- 
 ciace themfelves, or take counfell together,, or gird themfelves a- 
 gainftGODand His Work, (hall be broken in pieces. 
 
 It is not onely joyning in Arms with the Malignant partie, that 
 all thefe who would keep their integritie has need to beware of, but 
 alfo fubtill devices and defignes,that are promoted by fair pretexts 
 and perfwafions to draw men to difpente at leaft with (ome part of 
 theie neceflarie defires,that are propounded to his Majeftie for fe- 
 curiog of Religion. After many turnings and devifes the foundati- 
 on of the unlawfull Engagement was at laft laid by his Majefties 
 Conceflions in the year i 648. Wherein though many things 
 feemed to be granted,yet that was denied^ without which Religion 
 and the Vnion betwixt the Kingdoms could not have been fecured: 
 AndiiisprobjUe,thacfucha wayn^ay be aflayed again, andpro- 
 fecuted with very much cunning and skill to,deceive and infna e the 
 iimple. It doth therefore concern all ranks and conditions of per- 
 fons to be the more warie and circumfped:,eipecially in that which 
 concerns the Nationall Covenanted the Solemn League and Co- 
 venantors before his Majeftie be admired totheexercile of his 
 itoyall Power, that by andattour the Oath of Coronation, he 
 fhall allure and declare by his Solemn Oat^i under his hand and feal 
 his allowance of the Nationall Covenant, and of the Solemn 
 League and Covenant, and obligation to profecute the ends thereof 
 in his Station and Calling, and that he fhall for himielf and his fuc- 
 ccflours, confentand agree to A&s of Parliament, in joyning the 
 Solemn League end Covenant, and fully Eftablimmg Presbytcriall 
 Government, the Directory of Worfhip, the Condition of Faith 
 and Catecbiime,asth£yareapproven by the Generall Ailembly 
 ohhis Kirk and Parliament of this Kingdom, in all his Majefties 
 Dominions, anditbat he fhaljobferve thefe in his own.Pra&ife and 
 Ea*rilie,and that he fhall never make oppoficion to any of tbefe, nor 
 endeavour any change thereof. Albeit the League and Covenant 
 be delpilcd by that prevailing party in England^ and the Woikof 
 Vniformity, thorow the retardments and obftiu&ious that have 
 come in the way, be almoft forgotten l>y ihefe Kingdoms; yet 
 the obligation of that Covenant is perpetuall, and all the duties 
 
 contained 
 
14. The (jeneratt AJjembly, \6\y. 
 
 contained therein are conftantly to be minded, and profecutedby 
 every one of us and our pofterity , according to their place and 
 (rations: And therefore we are no lefle zealoufly to endeavour, that 
 hrs Majeftie may Eftablifh, and {wear, and fubferibethe fame,then 
 if it were unanimoufly regarded and ftuck unto by all the Kingdom 
 of Englmd t \ox hisMajeftie fwearingand fubferibing theLeagueand 
 Covenant, will much contribute for theSecuticyof Religion, his 
 Majeftics happinefle, and the Peace of his Kingdoms. 
 
 As it is incumbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom to be 
 watchful and circumfped, fo it concerns thefe of the High and Ho- 
 nourable Court of Parliament & theirCommittees,in a fpecial way 
 to fee to their duty,and to be ftraight & refolute in the per ormance 
 of the fame -Their former proceedings is unto us a fufficient evi- 
 dence and ground of hope, that they will not be wanting in any ne- 
 ceflary tcftimony of dutieand Loyalty that they oweto the King,by 
 ufing all iuft and feafonable endeavoures for obtaining fatisfa&ion of 
 his Majeftic,thatfo he may be eftablifhed upon his Thrones ; And wc 
 truft,that upon the other band,the fence of their obligation to God, 
 & hisOath that is upon them,will make them conftantly to adhere 
 to their former Principles refolutions, and defires concerning Reli* 
 gionand the Covenant, that reall fatista<5tion may be had therea- 
 nent, before the King be put in the exercife of his power ; And thac 
 they will carefully provide for the fatety of the Kingdom, both in 
 legard of inteftine dangers,and in regard of invafion from without : 
 It is not long 11 nee they, together with the reft ot the Land,made 
 folemnPublickConteflion ofCompliance with Malignants, carnall 
 confidence, following of felfinterefts,and hearkening to the Coun- 
 fells o, flefh and blood, And did in a fpeciall way engage them f el- 
 ves to comply, and feek thtmfelves and their own things no more, 
 to abandon the counfels of their own hearts, and not to rely upon 
 the Aim of flefh, and to purge Judicatories and Armies from Pro- 
 fane and fcandalous pcrlons-, And God forbid that they fhculdfo 
 foon forget, or neglect To necefTary duties, and fall again unto fo 
 great and grievous tranfgreflions. We truft that they will feek the 
 things oiCB R 1ST, and not their own things,that they will hear- 
 ken toHis Word, and not walk in the imaginations ot their own 
 hearts, that they will relic upon the Arm of the LORD, and not up- 
 onthe arm of flefh,that they will bewary and circumfpec't in decern- 
 ing the difpofuions and affections of thofe whom they put in truft, 
 and that,feeing this Kingdom hath fo much fmarted, and beenfo 
 often deceived by compliance with Malignants, they will carefully 
 avoid this fnare,inregardof thofe who were upon the former unlaw- 
 hill Engagement, and be tender in bringing in of luch •, And wee 
 cannot but exhort them in the Name of the L O R D, co cake no- 
 tice of the Oppreflion of the People^nd Commons in the Land,by 
 the UwlcHe exactions of Land- Lords, Colle&oursand Souldiers. 
 \Ve do not juftificihemurmuiings andgrudgings of thofe, who, 
 
 preferring 
 
preferring the things of the world to the Gofpel and things of Re- 
 fits thrift, repine at necefTary burthens, without which it is not 
 poffi ble that cheLand can be f ecured from in va 'ion without and in- 
 iurrection within, 01 the Caufe and People of GOD be defended 
 from enemies: It is the duty of every one who hath taken the Co- 
 venant, willingly and with a cheerfull minde to beftow their means 
 and their pains as they fhall be called thereunto, in an orderly way: 
 Yet fhould theie to whom God hath committed the Govern- 
 ment , take care that they be not needleflely burthened, and that 
 none grind their faces by oppreffion, not only by making of Lawes 
 againft the fame, but by fearching out of the caufe of the poor, and 
 by executing thefe Lawes timoufly upon thefe that opprefle them, 
 that they may find real redreffe of their juft grievances and com- 
 plaints^ and be encouraged to bear thofe burthens which cannot 
 beavoyded. 
 
 As the Parliament have begun, fo we hope they will continue, 
 to purge out all thefe from truft , that are not of known integrity 
 and affection to the caute of God ,and of a blamelefle and Chriftian 
 converf ation , and that they and the Officers of the Army in their 
 refpective places, will ferioufly mind, and f peedily and refolutely 
 goe about the removing from the Army all malignant and fcanda* 
 lous perfons, and alfo the removing of Sectaries when any fhall be 
 found therein, that they may give real evidence that they did not 
 deal deceitfully with God, in the day that they engaged themfelves 
 thereto. 
 
 Albeit wee hope and pray that tbofe who beare charge in our 
 Army,will from the remembrance of theLords goodncffeco them, 
 and the honour that he hath put upon them, endeavour to carry 
 themfelves faithfully, and ftraightly- Yet it cannot be unfeafonable 
 to warn them to take heed of tentations, & to beware of fnares that 
 they be not drawn 1 to ind iffercncie or neutrality in the caufe of God, 
 much lefse unto connivance at,or compliance with the courfes and 
 and defignes of malignams or Sectaries, but to {tick clofcly by the 
 fame , and to be zealous agirift all the enemies and adverfaries 
 thereof : And it concerns fouldiers to be content with their wages, 
 and to doe violence to no man, but as they are called unto the de- 
 fence of the caufe and people ot God, fo to behave themfelves 
 infucha blamletfe and Chriftian way, chat their cariage may be 
 a teftimony to his caufe, and a comfori to his people^ So fhall our 
 Armies prof per, ind the Lord fhall goe out with them. 
 
 But moft of all it concerns the Minifters of the Gofpel whom 
 God hath called to give warning tohis people to look to their duty* 
 It is Undeniably true^that many of the evils wherewith this Kirk 
 and Kingdome hath been afflicted in our age, have cometopafle 
 becaufe of the negligence of f ome, and corruptions of others of the 
 Miniftry*, Whileft fome fellafleep, and were carelelTe, and others 
 were covetous and ambitious, the evil rflart brought in Prelacy . and 
 
 C . the 
 
*h e Ceremonies , and had farre promoted the Service Book, and 
 the Book of Cannon-, andchs courfc of backfliding and revolting 
 w as carried on, untill it pleafed God to ftirre up the fpirits of chefc 
 few, who ftood in the gap to oppofe and refill the fame, and 
 l o begin the work of Reformation in the Land, Since which time; 
 the iilence oMome Minifters,and compliance of others, hath had 
 great influence upon the backfliding of many amongft the people, 
 who upon thediicovery of theevill of their way, complain that 
 they got not warning , or that if they were warned by fome, o- 
 thers held their Peace, or did juftifie them in the courfe of their 
 backfliding: We can look upon fuch Minifters nootherwife then 
 upon thofcthat are guilty of the bloodor theLords people^and with 
 whom the Lord will reckon for all the breach of Covcnant,and 
 defection that hath been in theLand.ThePriefts lips mould preferve 
 knowledge, and they mould feekthelaw at his mouth, tor he is 
 the mefsenger of the Lord of Hofts ; But fuch are departed out of the 
 way, and hath caufed many to ftumble at the Law, therefore hath 
 the Lord made them contemtible and bafe before all the people, 
 according as they have not kept his wayesj but have been partial! 
 in his law-, Becaule they have loft their favour, he hathcaft out 
 many of them as unfavoury fait: But fuch as have been faithfull,as 
 he hath preferved them from the violence & fury of men,fo hath he 
 verified his word in their mouths,both againft his enem ies,& con- 
 cerning his people & his work, And makes them fee, though not all 
 their defires concerning theGofpel, & the work of God in theland, 
 yet very much of the fruit of their labour,by preferving the doclrine 
 and all the ordinances of Jef us Chrift in their purity, and adding in 
 fome meafure thereto the power and life thereof. We doe therefore 
 chargealltheMiniftersottheland, before God and the Lord Jc- 
 fus Chrift, who (hall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing 
 in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be enfamples ofagoodcon- 
 verfation, and to walk without offence, that theminiftry be not 
 blamed-, So to take heed unto the flock over which the Holy Ghoft 
 hath made them overleers , to declare unto them all the Counfell 
 of God, arid to give them timous warning concerning every danger 
 and duty, and to hold forth unto them the f olid grounds ofreall 
 confolation, by which they may be encouraged and comforted 
 in all their trials and afflictions-, that they may be free of the blood 
 of all men, and have this as a ground of rejoycing, even thetefti- 
 mony of their confeiences, that in fimplicity and godly purenefle, 
 not with flefhly wifdome, but by the grace of God they have had 
 their converiation in the world, ind have exhorted and comforted 
 and chargedevery one committed unto them as aFather doth hischil- 
 dren.Ef pecially,Minifters are to be careful to be much indifcovering 
 the temptations,and prefHngehe duties of the times, that thefe who 
 are under their charge may know what to avoid , and what to embra- 
 ce & purl ue: If all the Watchmen in thcLand mall give warning,& 
 
 blow 
 
7 he Ljenerall Ajjembly> 104.9. 17 
 
 blow the Trumpet at once, it (hall not be eafie for enemies to prey 
 upon the people of God. Wee know no caufe why any whom God 
 hath called to preach theGofpel, mould be afraid to fpeak boldly 
 in the Nameof the Lord-, fince God hath given fo manifeft a tefti- 
 mony of his care and protection, in preferving them, thefc yeers 
 pair, who have ftriven to be faithfull to him who hath called them, 
 from all the fury and malice of haters of the work orGod and of the 
 Kingdom of hisSonneJefusChrift,who hath promifed to be with 
 his Ter vanes unto the end of the world. 
 
 Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and compafled 
 about with great and iminent dangers, yet there is hope and ground 
 'ofconiolation concerning this thing. The Lord is in the midftof 
 us, and we are called by his name, our eares hear the joyfull found 
 ofthe Gofpel, and our eyes fee our Teachers; We behold the arm 
 of the Lord ftretched out daily in working falvation for his 
 people, and an fwe ring their defi res upon their enemies by terrible 
 things in righteoufnefle; Although we be but few in number, yet 
 the Lord of Hofts is with us, and in the power of his ftrength, we 
 fhillbe able to prevailed Although our land be filled with fin, yet 
 *wehave not beenforfaken of the Lord our God, but he hath al- 
 ■wayes had companion upon us,and delivered us in all our diftrefTes; 
 Although fome of underftanding fall, it is but to try, and to purge 
 and to make white even to the end, becaufeitis yet for a time ap- 
 pointed^ Although many cleave to us by flatteries,yet there be a rem 
 nant who keep their integrity,and the Lord (ball doe good to thefe 
 that be good, but fuch as turn afide to crooked wayes, (hall be led 
 forth with the workers of iniquity. 
 
 TheLords people in England and Ireland^vrho adhere to the caule 
 and Covenant, may be perplexed,but (hall not defpair-, they may be 
 perfecuted,but dial not be foriaken-,they may be caft down,buc fnall 
 not be deftroyed: And although uniformity, and the work of Re- 
 formation in thefe lands, feem not only to be retarded, but almofl 
 pluckt up by the roots,and the foundations thereof razed; Yetthe feed 
 w ch the Lord hath fowen there,(hall again take root down ward,and 
 bear fruit upward-,The zeal of theLord of Hofts (hall performe this. 
 
 —— . 
 
 30. fitly \6\y. Antemeridiem Self. jo. 
 AB concerning Catecbijing. 
 
 I He Generall Aitembly taking to their ferious Confi- 
 deration the great darkneffe and Ignorance, where- 
 in a great part of this Kingdom iyech, together with 
 the late Solemn Engagement,^ ufe all means for reme- 
 dy thereof,doc ordaine every Minifter with adi fiance of 
 theElders of their kverallfvirk ieffionstocakc coucie,thac in every 
 
 C 2 hoafc 
 
i8 The (jenerau Ajjembly, 164.9. 
 
 houfe where there is any who can read, there be at leaft one Copie 
 of the Shorter and Larger Catechifme, Confeffion of Faith and 
 Diredtoriefor Familie-worfhip.Anddoe renew the A& of the AC- 
 temblkAugHft 30.163p.for a day of weeklieCatecht(ing,to be con- 
 ftantly oblerved in every Kirk, And that every Minifter fo Order 
 their Gatethetiek Queftions, as thereby the People, (who doe not 
 conveen all at one time but by turns untothat exercife)may at every 
 dyet have the chief heads of laving knowledge in a fhort view pre- 
 sented unto them , And the A flembly confidering that notwith- 
 standing of their former A<5t, thefe dyets of weekly Catechifing 
 tre much flighted and negle&ed by many Miniftcrs throughout this 
 Kingdome,Doe therefore Appoint andOrdaine every Preibytery,to 
 lake triall of all the minifters within their bounds once at lead in ttre 
 Jialfe year, whither they be caref ull to keep weekly dyets of Cate- 
 chiitng : And if they (hall finde any of their number negligent here- 
 in" they fhall admonifh for the firft fault,and if after fuch admonition 
 they fhall not amend, The Prefbyterie for the fecond fault fhall re- 
 buke them fharply, and if after fuch rebuke they doe not yet amend, 
 they fhall be fulpended. 
 
 ■ • 
 
 4 Aug. 164.9. Antemeridiem Scff. 4.0. 
 Commijfwnfor Tublick^ Affaires. 
 
 He General Affemblie Confidering how necefTary 
 it is for prefervation of Religion in this Kingdom, 
 and profecution of the work of uniformity in all 
 hisMajefties dominions, That the Commiflions 
 formerly granted to that effect be renewed: There- 
 fore they doe nenew thepower and Commiflion 
 granted for the Publick affairs of theKirk by theGenerall Aflembhes 
 held at Saint Amir os 1642. and at Edinburgh , 16435 1644, 1647, 
 1646, 1647 an d ^48, UBto tne Perfons following viz. Maiiers 
 Alex.Rolloc^fohn Murray, Thomas Lundiejfohn Freebairne 3 Geo: Mur- 
 ray, Bar ie LivingflonJYilliam Adacjore, HevoHenderfon Samuel Aujtine y 
 Gavin Young, David Laing, William Maxwell tfobnMaccleland, Raines 
 Erving,RobertFergn{onffihnScot^ Thomas Wylie,HewEcclcsjfohn Sell 
 John Nevoy, william gutberie t Iohn Hammiltoun, Hew Peebles \<wi lex :. 
 Dunlope, Harie Semflc, David Dick [on, Pat: Gillefpie, fames Durham, 
 RobertBaillie,WilliamHammiltoun,Francis Air d, lames Nafmitb } Richard 
 Inglisy mUiam Summervail^ Evan Cameron, Robert Blair , Samuel 
 Rutherfoord, lames wood, lohn MacgiU Elder, Alex. Balfoure, WiUHm 
 Row John Moncreife^Fredrick Carmkhaell,Hcrie rpilkejwilliamolipbant 
 Ctorge Pitillojohn Robefonjames Thomfone, William Rate,Da:Campbell, 
 K^indro Cant, tfo: Menkes Andro Abercromby , Robert Sheyn^Wtlliam 
 Forbes, lohn Paterfon, Duncan Forks, william Chalmers* lohn Annand, 
 
 Williap 
 
falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert fame fen, Gilbert MarJheU,Jo: Ttal- 
 lafe/vil. Smyth, Robert Hume, Tho, Suintoun, lames stratoun,fo:Dou- 
 glafs, lames Gutherie,Tho.X)onaldfon, Will.Iamefon Iohn Livingjtoun, 
 John Scot, Andro Vunke\on,Iohn Dal\ell,Arthur Forbes, lames Fleming 
 James RobifonJiew Campbe I ,Robert Douglafe,Mungo Law, George Lc- 
 jliejfobn Adam{onffames Hammiltoun,Iohn Smyth, HewMackell, Geo: 
 Hutchtfon, Patrick Fleming, fohn Hay, Ephraim Mehill, fohn Rm y 
 Gilbert Hall, George Rennet, Kenneth Logic, Iohn Crafurd Minifters. 
 Archbald Marqueffe of Argyle, E. of Sutherland, Alex. E.of Eglin- 
 toun, Iohn E.ofCaf sills, will. E.ofLotbianjheVikouni ofArbuthnet, 
 J)a:L T lcho Lo. Brichen,Rob:Lo.Burly, lames Lo:Couper, Sir 
 
 Archbald Johnfloun or wariHoun ClerkRegifter ,Sir Daniel Carmkha- 
 el Theiaurer Depute, Sir John Hope of Craighall, CMr george Win- 
 raham oi Libber toun, Mr. Alex :• Per fon of Southhal,A.Brodieoi that ilk, 
 four of the ordinary Lords of the Sctsion, Arthur Er/kenofScotf- 
 fr4£*,Laird oiWauchtoun, Sir D avid Hume of wedderburne, Laird of 
 Ed&ell,Liird of Nidrie,Sir William Scot of Harden, Laird of Green- 
 beid, Laird oiFrceland, Laird of Ctfnock, Sr. lames Stewart of Kirk? 
 field, the Laird of Suintoun younger,Laird of Sight ,Sir lames Frafer, 
 Sir Thomas ^r,Laird of Fernie,Sir Rob. ^*/*/>,Sheriff of Tivtotdail 
 younger, Tutor of Pitfligo,Six Iohn CbieJly,Lurd ot EnglsJtoun,La.iid 
 of L eflie younger, La lotDmtbeth, La. of watertoun , Sir/0: Smyth, 
 Mr. Alex: Colvtll of Blair, Whitbankjy our\%ex, La: of Grenock, Gallon 
 fbiels younger, Buchchnmic, Cracblaw, Cloberhtl,Dalferfe,Mr. Robert 
 Burnet younger, Mr. Tho. Murray, lames Eleis,David Kennedie^ilex. 
 Jaffr ay James Sword,George Porterfeild,Mr.Rob:Barclay,Hew Kennedey 
 mil. Glendoning,Thomas Macbtrnie ,Rob. Lockart, Mr. lames Camphel, 
 John CarJane,Iokn BoJwel,D.AUx. DouglafJe,Mr.Alex.Skfen, William 
 Broun Elders, Giving unto them full Power and Commiflion to 
 do all and every thing for prelervation of the Eftablifhed Do&rine, 
 Difcipline, Worfhip and Government in this Kirk, againft all who 
 (hall endeavour to introduce any thing contrarie thereunto-, And for 
 profecuting, advancing, perfecting and bringing the works of uni- 
 formitie in Religion in all his Majcfties dominions to a happy con- 
 cision conform to the former Commiflions granted by preceding 
 Aflemblios thereanent. 
 
 And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them where- 
 of 1 3 . (hall be Minifters, to meet in this Citie to morrow the 7. of 
 this inftant,and thereafter upon the fecond Wednefday of Novemb. 
 February and cMaj next, and upon any other day , and in any other 
 place thev mail think fit: Giving alio unto.them full power,to fend 
 Commimoners to the Kingdom of England, for profecuting the 
 Treatte of Uniformitie as they mail find convenience, and to give 
 inftru&ions and Commiflions to that effect conform to former 
 Commitftonesgrantedthereanent: And Like wife in cafe delinquents 
 have no conftant refidence in any onePref byterie,or if Presbyteries 
 be negligent or overawed, in thefc cafes The Ailcmbly gives to the 
 
 pcrfons 
 
zo Ihe Qenerati JJfembly, i6^g. 
 
 perfons before named power of cenfuringCompliers & perfons dif „' 
 affe<5tedto theCovenant 5 accordingto the A&sof the Aflfcmbly de- 
 claring alwayes and providing,that Minifters (hall not be Depofed, 
 but in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Com million-, And fur- 
 ther authorizes them as formerlie,with full power to make Suppli- 
 cations,Remonftrances,Declarations and Warnings, to Indi& Fafts 
 and Tfiankfgivings as there fhalbecaufe, toproteft againftallen- 
 crochments upon theLiberties of theKirk,and toCenfure all fuch as 
 Interrupt this Commiflion or any other Church Judicatorie, or the 
 execution of their Cenfures, or of any other fentences or A&s Iff u- 
 ingfrom them 5 And with full power to them to Treat and Deter- 
 mine in the Matters referred unto them by this Aflemblie, as t ullie 
 and freelie asifthe fame were here fully exprefled,and with as ample 
 power as anie Commiflion of anie former Generall Aflemblies 
 hath had or been in ufe of before: Declaring alio that all oppofers 
 of the Authoritie of this Commiffion in matters intruded to them, 
 ihall be holden as oppofers of the Authoritie of the General Aflem- 
 blie, and this Commiflion in their whole Proceedings are Com- 
 ptable to,and Cenfurable by the next General Aflemblie. 
 
 — ■- L ! fee 
 
 < DireBorie for EleBion of Minifters. 
 
 ■ 
 
 i Hen any Place of theMiniftrie in aCongregation is 
 vacant, it is Incumbent to the Pre! by eerie with all 
 diligence to fend one of their number to Preach 
 to that Congregation, who in his doctrine is to 
 reprefent to them the r neceflitie of providing the 
 place with a qualified paftor, & to exhort them to 
 fervent prayer & 1 upplication to the Lord that he would fend them 
 aPaftor according to his own heart: As alfo he is to fignifie that the 
 Presbyterie out of their care of that Flock will fend unto them 
 Preachers,whom they may hcar,& if they have a defire to hear any 
 other, they will endeavour to procure them an hearing of that per-- 
 fon or perlones upon the f ute of the Elders to the Prefbyterie. 
 
 2 Within fome competent time thereafter, the Prefbyterie is a- 
 gain to fend one or more of their number to the faid vacant Congre- 
 gation, on a certain day appoynted before for that effect, who are 
 to conveen and hear fermon the f orefaid day-, which being ended, 
 and Intimation being made bytheMinifler,thac they are to goe about 
 the Election of a paftor for that Congregation, the Seflion of the 
 Congregation fhall meet and proceed to the Election , the action 
 being moderatedby him that Preached; And ifthe people fhall 
 upon the intimation of the Perfon agreed upon by the Seifion ac- 
 quiefceand content to the faid perfon,Then the matter being rcpor- 
 ced to the Prefbyterie by Commifsioners fent from the fefuon,they 
 are to proceed to the triall of the perfon thus Elected, And finding 
 
 hint 
 
The (jcnerallAIJembly, Kfy.9. zi 
 
 him qualified) to admit him coche Miniftry mthe faid Congre- 
 gation. 
 
 3 But if it happen that the Major pirt of the Congregation dif- 
 fenthom the perfon agreed upon by the Seflion, In thatcafethe 
 matter fh:ill be brought unto the Prefbyterie, who fhall Judge of 
 the fame-, And if they doe not find their Diffent to be grounded on 
 CauflclTc prejudices, they are to appoynt a new Election in manner 
 abovefpecified. ; 
 
 4 But i; a lefler partf of the Seflion or Congregation fhew their 
 diffent from the Election without exceptions relevant and verefied 
 to the Prefbyterie, Notwithftanding thereof the Prefbyterie fhall 
 go on to thetrials and ordination of theperfon elected-, yet all pof- 
 fible diligence and tendernefle muft be ufed to bring all parlies to 
 an hamonious agreement. 
 
 5 It is to be underftood that no perfon under the Cenfure of the 
 Kirk bcciufe of any frandalous offence is to be admitted to have 
 hand in the election of a Minifter. 
 
 6 Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, in thai 
 cafe the Presbyterie is to provide them with a Minifter. 
 
 6. Jug. \6ty. JntemeridiemScff. ult. 
 
 J Brotherly Exhortation from theCjeneral Ajfem« 
 hly of the Church o/Scotland,^ their 'Brethren 
 in England. 
 
 )He many and great obligations which lie upon us 
 in reference to ourBrethren in Engid*d,viho hold 
 fall their integrity ,and adhere to theSolemn Lea- 
 gue afld Covenant, together with the defire which 
 we have to teftific our Sympathie with them in 
 their afflictions,and toprelei ve fo far as in us lieth 
 that fellowfhip and correfpondence that hath been entertained be- 
 twixt the Church of Sett land and EngUndthcie years paft, do call 
 upon us and conftrain u« not to be filent in this day of their trouble 
 and diftrefs. 
 
 Albeit the Lord (who hath his fire in Zton, and his furnace in 
 $cru[Alcm) hath now tor a long time paft, afflicted thefe Kingdoms 
 with many and fharp rods, and that his wrath feems not yet to be 
 turned away, but his hand ftretched out (till-, yet in all this, it be- 
 comes us who live in thefe Lands to flop our mouthes, neither can 
 any impute iniquity to the molt High. 
 
 It is rather a wonder, that any mercy mould be continued, and 
 that EngUndmd Scotland we not cut oft from being Nations, (ecing 
 the back- flidingsand provocations of both has been fo many and fo 
 
 grof $5 
 
xl The CjeneraU Ajjernbly, 1649. 
 
 grofTe-, Although the Solemn League and Covenant was (worn e 
 and fubferibed by both, yet have many in both defpifed the Oath 
 of GO D, as appears by the late unlawfull Engagement againft 
 the Kingdom o{ England, contrived and carried on by a prevailing 
 party of Malignants in this Land, and by the proceedings of the 
 Sectaries in England, in reference to Religion and Government. 
 
 We mall not infift upon what hath been the condition and car- 
 riage of the Lords People in this Land in reference to the late un- 
 lawfull Engagement: As we defire to magnifie the power and lovc- 
 ingkindenciTeof the Lord, who enabled alWie Judicatures of this 
 Church, and a confiderable part of the Parliament, and the body 
 of the Land, to difsent from, and bear Teftimony againft the fame, 
 which made the Houfe of Commons in their Letter directed to 
 the laft General AfTembly or their Commiflioners, to declare, that 
 that Engagement could not be looked on as a Naticnall breach 5 
 So welook upon it as a wonder of his Wifdom and Mercy, that he 
 hath dispofed and directed the fame for the furtherance of hisWork 
 in our hand, and purging his Houfe amongft us. All this cometh 
 forth from theLord of Hofrs,who is wonderful inCounief and Ex- 
 cellent in Working. Neither was it the leaft part of the lords good- 
 nefie to us, in that day of our ftrait that we were led in a plain path, 
 and kept from complya^ce with Sectaries on the one hand, no lels 
 then with Maligrtanas on the- Other. We" have obtained this mercy 
 to be fteadfaft to our ok[ principles, in bearing free and faiihmll 
 Teftimony againft their * proceedings^ both in reference to Tolera- 
 tion and Government, and thetaking'aWay o f c h e Kings life. 
 
 "And asthe danger and judgement which threatens the Authois 
 and Abettors of thefe things, doth affect our Spirits with horrour, 
 andmaketh us defire that it .may be given to them of God to re- 
 pent : So we fhould conceive ojur felves void of Chriftian affection 
 and cpmpaflion toward thofe in England, who f uffer for the truthand 
 Caufe of God;if We were not very fenfTble of all their prefent trou- 
 bles and calamities.lt is no fmall grief to us,thattheGofpel & Go- 
 vernment oi$efusChrijt are fo defpifed inhibit Land thatfaithfull 
 Preachers are persecuted and cryeddown, that Toleration jisefla- - 
 blimed by pretext of Law , and maintained by Military power, 
 and that the Covenant is aboliftied and buried in oblivion. All 
 which proceedings, cannot but be looked upon as directly contrary 
 to the Oath of God lying upon us, and therefore cannot efchew 
 his Wrath when jie fhallcome in Judgement,^* be. a ftoift witnejje 
 againft thoje that (wear faljly by h'u Name. 
 
 Thefe things are the more grievous to us, becaufe.r(hefide many 
 other wofull evils brought forth by them) they have interrupted the 
 building of the Lords Houfe in England % the foundation whereof 
 was laid by Oath and Covenant with the molt High God, and fol- 
 lowed'for fome years with many Declarations and Proteftationsof 
 Faithfull adhering thereto, and with great expenfeof blood and 
 
 
 Treafure: 
 
 • 
 
TkeCfeneraU Ajjembly, 164.9. 23 
 
 Treasure : Which things were to all the godly in the(e Nations a 
 branch of hope, that the Lord would bringto perfection theWork 
 ot Uniformity (lofar advanced in all the parts thereof) inthefe 
 three Kingdoms. 
 
 But the great obftructions and (ad interruptions that have been 
 made therein,by the ftrange and unexpected practifes of many now 
 in place and power in England, are to all the welaffected in both 
 Kingdoms, and in all the Churches abroad, the mitter of their 
 forrow and humiliation. And if there be any place left for ad- 
 monition, we Warn fuch as have forgotten the Covenant, and de- 
 ipifed the Oath of God,and turned afide to lies and errour,to con- 
 fider whence they are fallen, and to repent. Profperity and fuccefs 
 for a time are no warrantable evidences of a good Caufe , nor fuffi- 
 cient guards againft the wrath ofGod^It is no good ufe of the Lords 
 mercy for fuch men under pretext of Liberty to make both them- 
 fclvcs and others (laves to corruption, & to make all men r both in 
 Church and State like the fifties of the Sea, or the creeping things 
 that have no Ruler over them. Arethefe things accoidingtothe 
 Word of God, and the pattern of the belt Reformed Churches? 
 Or is that the endeavour tobring the threeKingdoms to the nearefl: 
 uniformity that may be in Doctrine , Wormip,Government , and 
 Difcipline-, Or is that the maintaining of the union betwixt the 
 three Kingdoraes, when the ftraiteft bond thereof is utterly diflbl- 
 ved and quite taken away, and the fundamentall Government by 
 King and Parliament wholly overturned f The /uft God who is 
 of pure eyes beholds thefe things , and lhall with no lefTe/ury and 
 indignation break the horn of thefe men, then he hach broken the 
 po wer,and brought down the pride of Malignants before them , if 
 repentance prevent not. 
 
 Amidft thofe fears and griefes, it is unto us matter of rejoycing , 
 that there be many in England who mourn for all thefe abomina- 
 tions , and labour to keep their garments pure by refufing to com- 
 ply with that courfe of backfliding, andjby bearing teftimonya- 
 gainft the fame. And we hope the expectation of fuch, fhall not 
 be difappointed , but that the Lord will open to themadooreof 
 hope for carrying on of his work, and making the lying fpirit to 
 palTeoutof that land. 
 
 And albeit many think no othei wife of theCovenant and work 
 of Reformation , then as a mean to further their own ends-, yet 
 we are confident, that none who holds faft their integrity, have fo 
 learned Chrift, but are carefull to make confeience of the oath of 
 God lying on them 5 And we are furc (whatever be the bafe 
 thoughts and expreflions of backfliders from the Covenant) it 
 wants not many to own it in thefe Kingdomes, who (being called 
 thereto) would f eale the fame with their blood. 
 
 Although there were none in the one Kingdome who did ad- 
 here to theCovenant,yet thereby were not the otherKingdom nor 
 
 D any 
 
i± TheQenerallAJfembly, 164.9. 
 
 any perfon in either of them =abfolved from the^bond thereof,fince 
 in it we have not only fvvorne by the Lord, but alio covenanted 
 with him. It is not the failing of one or more that can abfolve 
 others from their duty or tye to him, Befides, the duties therein 
 contained, being in themfelves lawfull, and the grounds of our tye 
 thereunto moral, though others do forget their duty, yet doth not 
 their defection free us from that obligation which lyes upon us by 
 the Covenant in our places and ftations. And the Covenant be- 
 ing intended and encred into by thefe Kingdoms, as one of the beft 
 means of itedfaftneffe,for guarding againft declining times-, It were 
 ftrange to fay that the back-Aiding of any mould abfolve others 
 from he tye thereof , efpecially feeing our engagement therein 
 is not only nationall, but alfo perfonall, every one with uplifted 
 hands f wearing by himfelfe , as it is evident by the tennor of the 
 Covenant. 
 
 From thefe and other important reafons, it may appear that all 
 ^Jsi - >. thefe Kingdomes joyning together to abolifh that oath by law,yec 
 could they not difpenfe therewith-, Much lefle can any one of them, 
 or any part in either of them doe the fame. The dif pen fing with 
 oathes hath hitherto been abhorred as Antichriftian, and neve* 
 pra&ifed and avowed by any, but by that man of fin-, therefore 
 thofe who take the fame upon them, as they joyn with him in his 
 fin, fo muft they expect to partake of his plagues. 
 
 As we fhall ever (God willing) be mindfull of our duty to the 
 faithfull that adhere to the Covenant in England) having them al- 
 wayesin our hearts before the Lord, fo we defire to be refreshed 
 with their fingleneiTe and boldneiTe in the caufe of God, according 
 to their places. This is the time of their triall, and the houreof 
 tentation among them - blcfTed fhall they be who fhall be found 
 following the Lamb, and fhall not be afhamed of his teftimony. 
 We know in fuch dark houres , many are drawne away with the 
 multitude, when the Lord will again purge and make white ; And 
 we doubt not but many fuch are in England, whom the bold and 
 clear preaching of Chrift may reclaim-, Much therefore lieth upon 
 the Wath-men at/this time, that their Trumpet may give a certain 
 and diftinct found, warning and exhorting every one, as thofe that 
 muft give account-, And bleffed fhall thofe fervants be, who fhall 
 be found faithfull in their Lords houfe, diftributing to his houf- 
 hold what is meet for this feafon, and can fay they are free of the 
 blood of all men,having fhewen them the wholeCounfcll of God, 
 being in nothing terrified of the threats of their adverfariesj And 
 blefled and happy fhall that people be, that walk in the light holden 
 forth by them, and ftaye upon the Lord in this dark time, haikning 
 to the voyce of his fervants, and walking in the light of his word, 
 and not in the I parks of their owne kindlings,which will end in f or~ 
 row. Howinexcufable will Englandbe, having fo foulie revol- 
 ted againft fo many faire teftimonies, which the Lord Chrift hath 
 
 entred 
 
The (jener all dffembly ,16^9. 25 
 
 entredas Proteftations to preferve his right, in thefe ends of th e 
 earth long fince given unto him for his pofleffion, and of lare con- 
 firmed by Solemne Covenant. Chrifts right to th e(e Kingdomes 
 is f urer then that he fhould be pleaded out or it by pretended liberty 
 of Confcience, and his begun poflemon is more pretious to him, 
 then to be fatiffied with a difhonourable toleration. All that yet we 
 have feen, doth not weaken our confidence of the Lords glorify- 
 ing the hou(e o! his glory in thefe lands, and of his fonnes taking 
 unto him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power of 
 of his Ordinances in this Ifland. His name is wonderfull, and fo 
 alfoare his workes, we ought not therefore to fquare them accor- 
 ding to our line,butleave themto him. whohath the government laid 
 upon his moulder, all whofewayes are judgement, and whofe rul- 
 ing thefe Kingdoms had never yet realon to decline . Ic is good 
 for us to ftedfaftin our duty, and therein quietly to wait and hope 
 for the falvation of God. The word of promifeis fure,(and hath 
 an appointed time) that he that will come mall come and will not 
 tarry. There is none hath caufe to diftruft the Lords word to his 
 people^ It hath often to our experience beentryedin the fire, and 
 hath ever come forth with a more glorious luftrc. Let not there- 
 fore thele thatfuffer in England caftaway their confidence, they 
 are not the firft who have needed patience af:er that they had done 
 the Lords will. But let them Strengthen the weak hands, and con- 
 firm the feeble knees, and fay to the feai full in heart, be ftrong, 
 fear not, behold your God will come with vengeance, even God 
 with a recompence, he will come and lave you. Now the juft 
 fhall live by faith, whereas thefe that draweth back, or become 
 lukewarm in the Lords work , his foul fhall abhorrethem, and he 
 fhall fpue them out of his mouth. But we perfwade our felvesof 
 better things of thefe our brethren in England^ and prayeth that 
 the God of Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord 
 Jefus, that great Shepheard of the (heep, through the blood of 
 the evcrlafting Covenant, may make them perfect in every good 
 work to doe his will, working in them that which is well-pleafing 
 in his fight through Jefus Chrift, to whom be Glory for ever , 
 Amen. 
 
 Act 
 
26 TbeCjenerallaAjfembly, 16^,9. 
 
 JB for a Colle&ion for entertaining Highland 
 TBoyes at Scbooles. 
 
 H E Generall Affembly Confidering that the con- 
 tribution of fourty (hillings for entertaining of 
 Highland boyes at Schools, in refpect ol the pe- 
 nury and great indigence of thole parts hath not 
 taken the intended effect, Therefore in refpect of 
 the necessity and profitablenefle of fo pious a work 
 The Affembly in lieu of the (aid fourty {hillings 
 Do Appoint and Ordain that there bean extraordinary collection 
 at the Kirk doors for that ufe one Sabbath in the year : And to that 
 effect, that a certain Sabbath yearly be appointed and defigned 
 whereupon that collection (hall be gathered, intimation being made 
 by the Minifter the Sabbath before to prepare for fuch a col- 
 lection, and the necefsityand ufefulneffe thereof being laid out to 
 the people for that end. And if the collection in any little pri- 
 vate Congregation (hall be lcffc then fourty {hillings, The Sefsion 
 fhall make up what wants of fourty (hillings ; And where the col- 
 lection is more, it is hereby /penally inhibited and difcharged that 
 any part thereof be retained or intervened to any other ufe what- 
 fomever •, And thele Collections (hall be fent to the perfons for- 
 merly appointed to receive the fourty (hillings, that they may fee 
 the right diftribution and employment thereof; Recommending 
 to Presbyteries to fee this punctually performed. And accompt 
 thereof (hall be craved at Synods and Generall AlTemblies. Ic 
 it alwayes to be remembred that the Congregations exeemed 
 from the fourty (hillings are alfo exeemed from this Collection* 
 
 Commifsion for a conference ofzSMtnifterStLaw* 
 jers and Tbyjitians, Concerning the tryal and 
 punifbment of Witchcraft, Charming and Con* 
 (ulting. 
 
 HE Generall Affembly Taking to their ferious confe- 
 deration the growth of the (ins of Witcheraft, Charmr 
 ing and Confulting , notwithftanding the frequent 5bc- 
 ^ commendations for reftraining thereof 5 And remem- 
 bring that the Generall Affembly 1 647, did propofe a good way 
 forthetryallandpunifhrneniof thefefinncs, by appointing confe- 
 rences 
 
 
7 hevienerall Ajjembly, i6y?? 27 
 
 rences with fomc Minifters. Lawyers and Phy fitians in chat matter 
 which hath never yet taken effe& ; Thcrefore the Aflembly doth Ap- 
 point Mjfters, Robert Dowgl 'as, Robert Blair, Mungo Law, James Ham • 
 mi It on, John Smith, Robert Traill, George Leflte, John Hamilton, John 
 Duncan , Samuel Rutberfoord, James Wood, John Leviflon, James Gu- 
 thrie, sAndro Cant, David Calderwood, John (JMoncreiff,Fredcrick*Car- 
 miohael^amcs Durhame, Patrick^ G Ulef pie, Robert Ker^fhraim Melvill, 
 Minifters,Tocon{ider ferioufly ot chat matter , and to coniulcand 
 advife therein amongft chemfelves , As alfo withSirJrchbald John- 
 fton of Wariflon Clerk Regiiter,Mr.7"/&0W*f Nicolfon his Majefties Ad- 
 vocate,Mr. Alex, 'eirfon, one of the ordinary Lords of Seflion, Sir. 
 Lewes Stewart Mr. <nAlex. Colvill, and Mr. James Robertson Juftice de- 
 putes, Mrs; Rodger ^lowetfJohnGilmoir , indjohn M/fof, Lawers$ 
 and with Doctors S it/bald, Cunninghame and Purves Phyfitiins feve- 
 rally or together as occafion fballoffer^ And the Aflembly earneftly 
 rcquefts and confidently expects from thele learned and Judicious 
 Lawy res and Phy fitians beforenamed,their beft endeavours and con- 
 currence with their brethren ot the Miniftrie for advife and Counfell 
 berein,and tor conference in the (ai J roatter»,AndOrdaine the faid bre- 
 thren to make report of the reiult of their confutations and confe- 
 ree cs from time to time as they make any confiderable progrefse to 
 the Commifsion for public k affaires ^ And the faid Commifsion 
 n >all make report to the next Generall Aflembly. 
 
 Recommendation for maintenance of Schoolmajiers 
 andTtecenters. 
 
 gg H E Generall Aflembly doe humbly Recommend 
 to the Parliament or Committee for plantation of 
 Churches, that whatever either in Parodies of 
 Burghs or Land wart, was formerly given to the 
 maintenance ot thefe who were readers precentors 
 in Congregations, and teachers of Schooles before 
 the eftablifliing of the Directory for publick Worfhip, may not be in 
 whole or in pan alienat or taken away» but be referved for the main- 
 tenance ot lufficient Ichoolmaftersand precentors who are to be ap- 
 proven by the Pref by cries AndPresbyteries are hereby required to let 
 that none of that maintenance given to the rorefaid utesorin ufcto 
 be payed thereunto before the eftablifhing of the Directory of Wor- 
 fhip, be drawn away from the Church. 
 
 E ACT 
 
28 TheQeneraUAffembljy 164.9. 
 
 aAB concerning perfons to be admitted'Burfars. 
 
 HE Aflembly doe hereby Or daine That none befcni to 
 Univerfities from, Presbyteries,nor be admitted as Bui far* 
 of divinkie^ut pious youths , and fuch a? are known to be 
 of Good expectation and approven abilities. 
 
 Reference to the Commifsionfor pubUck^affaitesJor 
 reexamining the paraphrafe of thel J falmes y and 
 emitting the fame for public kg ufe. 
 
 [HE General! Aflcmbly Having taken fome view of the 
 new Paraphrafe of the Pfalmes in meetter With the 
 corrections arid animadversions thereupon lent from 
 feverall perfons and Presbyterics,And finding that they 
 cannot overtake the review and examination of the 
 whole in this Aflembly, Therefore now after Jo much time and lo 
 great paines about the correcting, and examining thereof from time 
 to time fome ycares bygone, that the worke may come now to fome 
 conclu(ion,They do Ordain the Brethren appointed for peruiing the 
 fame during the meeting of this Aflcmbly, vi%. Matters: fames Ham' 
 mltotifl,tfohfl t Switb,Hew xJMackailjobert Jraill, George Hutche{on and 
 Robert Lowrie after the diflolving of this Aflcmbly to goe on in that 
 worke carefully, And to report their travels totheCommiffion o fthe 
 Gcnerall Aflembly for publick affaires at their meeting at Edinburgh 
 in November-, Arid the laid Commiffion after perufall and re-exami- 
 nation thereof, is hereby authorized with full power to conclude 
 and eftablifh the Paraphrafe, and to publifh and emit the fame lor 
 publick ufc. 
 
c £be Cjenerall \JijfemUy > \6\$. 19 
 
 Letter to the Kings Majeftie. 
 Mojl gracious Soyeraigne, 
 
 JEE your Majefties moft humble and LoyallSubje&s, 
 the Commilsioners from all the Presbyteries in 
 this your Majefties ancient Kingciome , and mem- 
 bers or this prefent Nationall Attembly, Having ex- 
 pected to finde at our meeting, a gracious 3nd Sitis- 
 taclory returne to thofe humble reprefentations 
 Diaut to \ our Majeftie at the Hague , by theCommiftionersof this 
 Kirk, Cannot but exprefle our great (arrow and griete, that your 
 Majcft.es goodnes has been fo farabuied, As that not only the juft 
 and neceflary defires prefented by them to your Majeftie , which fo 
 much concerne the glory of God, your ownc honours and happi- 
 neffcehe peace and (arety or your Kmgdomes , are Utterly fruftrated, 
 as wee perceive by the paper delivered in anf wer to them ; hut alfo 
 this Aflembly huh not received (o much as any ugmficacion by let- 
 Ber of your Majefties minde : Which princely condefcenfion had not 
 wont to be wanting in your royall Father,to former Gencrall AfTem- 
 blyes,even in times of greateft diftance. Our witneflc is in heaven,and 
 record on high , that wee are not confeiousto ou' Selves of any un- 
 dutifull thought or dilloyall affeclion > that might have procured 
 this at your Majefties hands * And that , as wee doe from our hearts 
 abominate and deteft that horrid fact oftheSec'ta.ryesagainft the life 
 of your Royall Father, our lite Soveraigne, Soitistheunfaincdand 
 earneft defireot ourfoulcs, that the Ancient Monaichicall govern- 
 ment of thefe Kingdoms, may be eftabhfhed and fiourifh in your Ma- 
 jefties pcrlon all the dayesol your hfc, and be continued in your royal 
 Family, whichby divine providence hath without interruption raigned 
 over us and our predeccflors for »o many Generations lincethe time 
 that we were a Kingdom, And that there is nothing under the glory of 
 God, and caufe of our Lord Jefus Chrift , for which wee doe more 
 heartily t olicite the thorne o! grace , Or would more readily expofe 
 unto hazard all that is dcire to us in the world, then for this. And 
 now though this very great dilcouragement might incline us to 
 hold our peae-at this time •> Yet the tendernefle and uprightnelTe of 
 our affection and Love to your Majefties happinefle ( which 
 many waters connot quench J together with the Confcicnce of 
 our duly which our Lord and Mafter has laid upon us, in this 
 our place and ftation , conftraincth us, yea , and your Majefties 
 owne goodnefle and gracious difpoGtion, whereof the late Com- 
 mifsioners hav* given us fo Large a teftimony, Doth much 
 encourage us , to renew our addrefles to your Majeftie in this hum- 
 ble i aithfuU reprefentation, both of the great and growing dangers to 
 
 yow 
 
go TheCjenerattzJJfembly, \6\$. 
 
 your Royall perfon and Throne, and of thefe duties, which the 
 Lord of Lords and King of Kings, call for from you,as you would 
 look to finde favour in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your 
 deepe diftreftes. 
 
 Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your Majefties be- 
 half, when we look upon the fad calamities which have been already 
 produced by fuch wayes and courfes,as we perceive your Majeftie is 
 emred, and indangertobefu.therled awayinto, by the prevalency 
 of evill Councell upon your tender age : Particularly, Your refuGng 
 to give fatisf action to the juft and neceflary defires of the people of 
 God,for advancingthe work of reformation of Religion, and eftabli- 
 fhing and fecuring the fame in your Majefties Dominions , which 
 is nothing elfe , butto oppofe the KingdomeoftheScnneof God, 
 by whom Kings doe raigne, and to refufe that hee mould raigne over 
 you and your K ngdomes in his pure Ordinances of Church govern- 
 ment and Worfhip •, Your cleaving unto thefe men as your truftieft 
 Counfcllors, who, as they have never had the glory of God, nor 
 good of his people before their eyes, fonow in all their wayes and 
 Counfels, are i eeking nothing but their owne interefts,to the hazard 
 of the utter fubvedionof your Throne , the mine of your Royall 
 Family, and the deiolation of your Kingdomes 5 Your owning the 
 pra&ifes, and intertaining the Perfon of that fhgicious man , and 
 mod juftly excommunicate Rebellow** Graham % who has exerciied 
 fuch horrid cruelty upon your beft Subjects in this Kingdom, which 
 cannot but bring upon your Throne, the guiltineflc of all the inno- 
 cent blood filed by him and his Complices -, and above all , that, 
 which we cannot think upon without trembling of heart and horrour 
 of f pirit, Your feeling ot late fuch a i 'eace with the Irifli Papifts the 
 Murderers of io many thoufands of yourProtcftant Sub je£s,w hereby 
 not only they are owned as your good andLoyaU Subj #s, but alio 
 ihere is granted unto them (contrary to the Standing Lawes of your 
 Royal Progenitors,contrary to the commandment of the molt high 
 God,and to the high contempt and difhonor of his Majeftie, and evi- 
 dent danger of the Proteftant Religion )a full liberty of their abomina- 
 ble idolatry* which cannot be otherwife judged,buc a giving of your 
 Royal power and ft rength unto the beaft, and an accet lion to all that 
 blood of your good Subjects , wherewith thole Sonnes ot Babell 
 have made that Land to fwim. 
 
 We do in alt humility befeech your Majeftie to confider and lay to 
 heart what the mouth of the Lord of Hofts hath fpoken of all the ac- 
 compts of People,"Naiions,Kings,and Rulers aguinft theKingdom of 
 his Son, that they imagine a vaine thing , and that he that fitteth in 
 heaven will havethem in dirifion,and vex them in his fore difpeafure. 
 Confider, how he hath blafte d and turned upfide downt thefe yea es 
 by paft, all the devices and plots ofthofe men that now bcare the 
 Swey in your Majefties Counfels : Confider , how the anger of God 
 has been kindled, even againft his deareft Saints , w\ en they have 
 
 joyned 
 
^1 beLjenerau lAjjembly, 1049. ji 
 
 joyned them (elves to fuch men as he hateth and has curfed:Confider, 
 how ieveiely hee hath threatned and punifhed (uch Kings as have 
 affociate with Idolaters, and leaned unto their helps. Surely, great is 
 the wrath of God, whereof you are in danger 5 And yet the Lord in 
 the riches or his goodnelTe, forbearance and long fullering, is wait- 
 ing to be gracious to your Majeftie-, To day if ye will heare his voice, 
 harden not your heart, but humble your fclr under the mighty hand of 
 God, lamenting after him as, for the iniquities of your Fathers houfe, 
 efpecially the oppofition againft the reformation of Religion and 
 CaufeofGod, the permitting and praclifing Antichriftian Idolatry 
 in the Roy all Family itfelf,andthe fhedding of fo much blood of the 
 people of God, fo alio, for your owne entering to walke in the like 
 courles in the beginning of your raign. It is high time to fall downe 
 before cne Throne of grace,leeking to get your peace made with God 
 through Jefus Chrift whole blood is able to wafh away all your fins 
 To walk no longer in the Councel of the ungodly, nor cleave to fuch 
 asieeketh-irown things and not the things of Jefus Chrift, nor the 
 welfareofyour Subjects and Government, but to fet your eyes upon 
 the faithfull in your dominions , that fuch may dwell with you , and 
 be the men of your Councells, To ferve the Lotd in feare , and kilTe 
 the Sonne of God , by a fincere and cordiall contributing your Roy- 
 all allowance and authority, foreftablifhiuginallyour dominions 
 the reformation of Religion, in Doctrine, Worfhip, and Govern- 
 ment as it is now agieed upon > according to the cleare and evident 
 warrant of the word of God, by the AlTembly of D. vines at Weftmin- 
 Jler, and the Generall Aflemblies of this Churchy And alio, lay- 
 ing afide that lervice book , which is (o ftuflfed with Romifh corrup- 
 tions,And conforming your owne practile and the worfhip of God in 
 your Royall Family , to that Gofpell fimplicity and purity which is 
 holden forth horn the word of God, in the Directory of worfhipjand 
 not only to grant your Royall approbation to the Covenant of thefe 
 ihreeKingdomes (without which, your people can never have from 
 you fuffkient fecurity, either for Religion, or their juft liberties) but 
 alfo your felfe to joyne with your people therein as thegreateft fecu- 
 rity under Heaven for your perlon and juft greatnefs, and to caufe all 
 of them ftand to it by your Royall Command, according to the pra- 
 ctile of that gracio us King fofiab, to whom , wee wifli your Maje- 
 ftie in thefe your younger yeares, and this begining of your reigne,to 
 look as to an enlample and Kingly portracl approven of God. Thefe 
 things if your Majeftie doj As wee are well allured,that the hearts of 
 all your good Subjects in thefe Kingdomes will be enlarged with all 
 cheerfulnelTe to imbrace your perfon , and fubmit unto your Roy- 
 all Government, fo wee daire promifein the Name of our Lord, 
 that you fhallfinde favour with God, peace and joy unfpeakableand 
 full of glory to your Soule, and deliverance out of your fad afflictions 
 and-dcep diftiefles in due time: But if your Majeftie fhall go on in refu- 
 ting to hearken to wholefome Councels •, We muft for the"di(charge 
 
 F of 
 
7,1 TheCjenerallAjJembly, \6\<). 
 
 of our Confcience tell your Majeftie in the humility and griefe of our 
 hearrs,chat the Lords anger is not turned away, but his hand ftrerch- 
 edoutftillagainft youand your Family. Bur wee hope, and (lull 
 with all earneftnefTe and conftancy pray for better things from, and 
 to your Majeftie: And whatfoevernjifconftru<5lion( by the malice 
 ofthofe that defire not aright underftanding and cordiall . conjun- 
 ction between your Majeftie and this Kirk and Ktngdomej may be 
 put upon our declaration * Yet wee have the Lord to be our witnefie, 
 that our purpofe and intention therein is no Other , but to warne and 
 keepe the people or God committed to our caie, that they runne not 
 to any courfe which would bring upon themfelves the guilt of 
 higheft perjury and breach of Covenant with God, and could not but 
 prove mod dangerous to your Mj jeftie and your Goverment, and In- 
 volve you in ihedding the blood cfthofe who are moft defirous to 
 preferveyour MajeftiesPerfon, andjuft right in all your dominions. 
 And now wee doe with all eameftnes befeech your Majeftie,that you 
 will follow the courfes of truth and peace 5 And that when there is a 
 doore opened for your Majeitie to enter to your Royall Government 
 overvs, in peace, with the favour of God, and cordiall Love and 
 imbracings of all your good Subjects, You will not fufFeryour felfe 
 to be fo farre abufed and milled by the Councels of men , who de- 
 light in War, as to take a way of violence and blood, which cannot 
 but provoke the moft high againft your Majeftie,and alienat from you 
 „the hearts ofyourbeft Subjects, who defire nothing more, than that 
 your Majeftie may have a long and happy raign over them, And that 
 they may live under you, a peaceable and quiet life, in all Godlinefle 
 and honefty. 
 
 Tour Mdjefties mofl Loyal Subjefis 
 Edinburgh 6 Augufl, 1649. and humble (ervants the Mini- 
 
 Jlers and Elders conveened in 
 this Nafionall Jffembly of the 
 Kirkof Scotland. 
 
 THe Generall A flembly not having now time to confider the 
 Reference of preceding AiTemblies , and the moft part of 
 Presbyteries not having fent their opinions in writ- Therefore 
 do yet againe recommend to Presbyteries and Provincial AfTerabJies 
 to confider all matters referred by this or by any former AiTemblies, 
 And to fend their opinions therein in writ to the next Generall 
 AfTembly. 
 
 he meeting of the next Generall AfTembly is hereby appointed 
 to be at Edinburgh, the fecond wed nelday of fuly, i6$o. 
 
 T 
 
HnpMHRNf 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Of the imprinted Ads of the Aflembljr, ld-fp. 
 
 ELeftion of Mr. Robert 'Douglas 
 Moderator, Sef. i. 
 Aft concerning the Commifiion 
 from Ireland, ibid. 
 
 Committee for Refers and Appeals,Sef.2. 
 
 Committee for Bills and Overtures, ibid. 
 
 Committee for publickbulinefs, ib. 
 
 Committee for cryall of the Synod Books, 
 ib* 
 
 Committee for tryall of the proceedings of 
 the CommiiTioners of the Generall Af- 
 fembly, ib. 
 
 Renovation of the Commiflion forvifl- 
 ting Vnivcrfity of 'Stint Andrews, ib. 
 
 Recom. Gtd.on Morij'e to the Commit- 
 tee of Eftates, ib- 
 
 Order for fpeaking the Earl of Abercorne 
 for payment of the bygone ftipends of 
 Kilp<*tricl^ , ib. 
 
 Recom. bufsinesof/r<?AWto the Com- 
 mittee for publick bufsines, Sef. 3. 
 
 Continuation of Generall Major Mtdleton 
 to the 9 of July, ib. 
 
 Committee for the Pfalmes , ib. 
 
 Ref. of the Protection of Mr. lames 
 Morifon to the Committee of Refers., 
 ib. 
 
 Aft Concerning the papers committed by 
 the Parliament for corefpondence,Sef.4. 
 
 Continuation of particularReferencesfrom 
 the CommilTion of the General Afsem- 
 bly untill the report thereof be brought 
 in from the Committee of Refers, ib. 
 
 Committee for considering theEarle ofEg- 
 ligtottns Bill concerning Mr.Iame s Eer- 
 gttfon, ib. 
 
 Committee for conference with the Com- 
 mittee of difpatches , ir> 
 
 Committee for conference with Mr. Wal- 
 ttr Comrie to fatisfie him in his tranf- 
 
 portation to Inner aray, ib. 
 Continuation of the Lord OgUvy to the 
 
 i7 0fthatinftant,Ser. 5. 
 Continuation of G. M. MidUton Un till 
 
 fryday next, ib. 
 
 Letter to the Brethren of /the Presbyterie 
 ^ of Carrtcl^fergrts y ib. 
 Continuation of the Commifsion for vifi- 
 tation of the Vniverfiry of qUfgito, ib. 
 Ratification of the aft or thePresbytery of 
 St. Andrews concerning the agreement 
 betwixt the Laird o?Anjhntter and the 
 Parochiners, ib. 
 Aft recommending to the Brethren to 
 make out the defections of thefe parts 
 of the Kingdom not yet defcribed ib. 
 Remitt. Elizabeth Armefirnnge to the 
 Pro vinee of £>#;»/>-/>/, ib. 
 Aft for a Minifter to Colonel Gilbert Ker 
 his Regiment. Sef. 6. 
 Recom. Mr. Robert Ia m efone to the Par- 
 liament, ib. 
 Letter from Rive t t ib. 
 Order for prefenting to the Parliament the 
 report ofthe Commifsioners fent to his 
 Majedie, and for printing thereof, ib. 
 Committee for revising a Taftate of Chro- 
 
 nologie, Sef. 7. 
 Committee for confidering the Petition of 
 the Town of Edinburgh for Ministers 
 and profeffors , ib. 
 Approbation of the aft of tranfportation 
 
 concerning Mr. Walter Comrie ib. 
 Committee for correcting the paraph'rafe 
 
 the Pfalmes, ib. 
 Ref. to the Committee for publick bufines 
 to confider the petitions given in by the 
 
 Engagers, and report, Sef. 8. 
 Committee for appointing Minifters to 
 preach, ib. 
 
 Recom, 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Recom. concerning the Miniftcr of Glen- 
 corfe to the Parliament and Exchequer, 
 ib. 
 
 Approbation of the fentence of depofion 
 againfl: Mr. Harie Guthrie not with- 
 fhndingof hisappeale, Sef. 9> 
 
 AcT: appointing fumonds to be direct a- 
 gainft Mr. Harie Guthrie, ib. 
 
 Approbation of the Depofions of Mr John 
 Allane Mr. AndreV? leffray and Mr. 
 Harie Schaw , ib. 
 
 Approbation of the depofitions of Mr. A- 
 lexaitder Monroe, Mr. David Monroe 
 and Mr. Thomas Roffe, ib. 
 
 Approbation of the fufpenfions of Mi.'Do- 
 nald Ro(Je,Mr. William Roj[r,Mr.John 
 Hofackj. with the Ref : concerning 
 h/lt t DavidRo(fe i W Robert Williamfon 
 Mr. Walter Stewart,Mt. George Mon- 
 roe and Mr. Andro Anderfone to the 
 next vifitation, ib. 
 
 Depofition of Mr. PatrickJ^raham fum- 
 timeMmifterat Holme, ib. 
 
 Committee for conference with the Of- 
 ficers that were upon the Engagement, 
 Sef. 10. 
 
 Recom. Mr. Alexander Smith for his 
 ftipend to the Parliament, Sef. ir. 
 
 Depofition of Mr. lames Aitkin , ib. 
 
 Admonition to the vifitation of Rofse, 
 Sef. 12. 
 
 AcT: for laying afide the Commifsion from 
 the Presbyterie of O^^y, ib. 
 
 Order for Generall Major Midleton ap- 
 pearing with certification, ib. 
 
 Order for citation of Mr. <tAndro Ram/ ay 
 and Mr. William Colvill, Sef. 13. 
 
 Ref. Mr. EdVeard Wright and Mr- Andro 
 Keir to their Presbyteries, ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. George Halliburton and Mr. 
 ArchibaldDrumond to the vifitation 
 of Stirling $v.d Dumblane, ib. 
 
 Ref. to Commiflion for publick affaires 
 concerning the providing a Collegue to 
 to the Minifter of Air , Sef. 1 4. 
 
 Order for citing of witnefles in the matter 
 of Mr rhomas Ram fay dder y ib. • 
 
 Repofition of Mr. William Cowper to 
 the office of Schoolmafter in (,hannerie. 
 Sef. 15. 
 
 Approbation of the Depofion of Mr. 
 lames Lundic , ib. 
 
 AcT and Ref. concetning Mr. Walter 
 Srpinton , ib. 
 
 Ref. concerning Mr. Patrick Smith^nd 
 approbation of his fufpenfion, ib. 
 
 AcT and Ref. concerning Mr. John Heme 
 for fan her tryall, ib. 
 
 Approbation of the fufpenfion concerning 
 Mr.Ja-.Sdger and Ref.concerninghim,ib. 
 
 Depofition of Mr. Ar.dro Rollocl^ ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. William Sinclair to the vifita- 
 tion of Dunce, ib. 
 
 Ref. concerning Mr William Home. ib. 
 
 Approbation of ihe diligence of the vifiters 
 of Dunce and Chtmefide, ib. 
 
 Committee to meet with the Committee 
 of Parliament forconfidering and revi- 
 fing the proceedings of the vifitation of 
 Saint Andrews , ib. 
 
 Continuation of the btifsines concerning 
 Mr. fames Durbames tranfportation 
 till the mome, Sef. 1 6. 
 
 Recom. for incarcerating one delated for 
 witchcraft,Sef. 17. 
 
 Committee for conference with the Lord 
 Ogilby , ib. 
 
 Recom. Officers come from Ireland,\o. 
 
 Committee fo r conference with the Earle 
 of Galloway , ib. 
 
 Recom. Helene Gordoun to the Parlia- 
 ment, ib. 
 
 Anfwer to the Petition given in for the 
 Earlesof Dumjermling and Lauder- 
 daile, ib. 
 
 Recom. of the relict of umquhileD.«yW/# 
 to the Parliament, ib. 
 
 Ref.Mr.A>6» Logie to the Synod.Sef. i&" 
 
 Committee for prefenting overtures and 
 defires to the Parliament,concerning the 
 Mofse troopers, ib. 
 
 Committee for considering Mr, tAlexa*- 
 der Smiths condition , ib. 
 
 Ref. Liev. Col. Ker to hisPresbyterie,ib. 
 
 Ref. concerning Pitfoddells younger, 
 vrquhart of Old Craig and Thomas 
 Menkes to the vifitation of Angus 
 and Mernsjb. 
 
 Ref. Sir John Weymes of Bogie to his 
 Presbyterie, ib. 
 
 Ref. Sir John Maken zje and Lievtenant 
 Collonel David Weymes to their Pref- 
 byterie, ib. 
 
 Ref. Thomas Rut herfurd to his Presby- 
 terie, ib. 
 
 Ref. Liev. Will. Sutherland to his Presby- 
 tery, ib. 
 
 Ref. Andro WardlaVf to the Presbyterie 
 
 oiJtirkcadie, ib. Ref. 
 
Ref. certainc perfons accefsory to the late 
 unlawful engagement to theirPresbyteries 
 
 Ref. Auguftine Hofeman to the Presby- 
 terie of Edinburgh , ib. 
 
 Ref- Hary Steuart to the Presb. of Sdinb. 
 
 Ref. Mrs. Edward Wright, Andrew Keir 
 and %pbe r t Keyth to the Prefbyterie of 
 LtthgoV; , ib: 
 
 Ref. Mts. fsimes Guthrie'wi Angus,Tho\ 
 Pearfon and Silvefter Lamie to the vi- 
 fitation of Angus, ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. Cjeorge Halliburton and Mr. 
 Arch. c Drummond to the vifitation of 
 Stirling and Dumb lane, ib. 
 
 Recom.the divifion of Libber ton &£>jtod- 
 qhen to the Presbyterie of 2?*££* r , ib. 
 
 R-t. Mr. lohnfrichton to the Presby- 
 terie oUGlafgow and Taijlaj, ib. 
 
 Ref. the Laird of Ke Ihead to his Presby- 
 terie, Sef. i p. 
 
 Rcf. the Laird of Innes younger to the 
 Presbeterieof/Vw'w , ib. 
 
 Commifsion to the Presbyterie of Kelfo 
 for eximining M*rgier Ker , ib. 
 
 Recom. to the Parliament of the Petition 
 of the Commi iTioners of Argyle,Sd.io. 
 
 Aft appointing fome brethren to afliftM» 
 Gretrjon in dicufsing his fufpenfion, ib. 
 
 The Affonblies addition and their judge- 
 ment concerning the Petions which were 
 to have been prefented to the laft G- 
 Affembly, ib. 
 
 Aft declaring Mr. Alexander Smith to be 
 tranfportable, ib. 
 
 Committee for the collectors accompts and 
 Atex. 'BUirsbiU, ib. 
 
 Act refuting the tranfportation of Mr. 
 lames 'Dnrham to Edinb, ib. 
 
 Ref. E- of Galloway to his Presbyterie, ib. 
 
 Ref. Major csflerander Forbes to the 
 Presbyterie of Kincardin, ib- 
 
 Ref. Col. David Barclay to the Com- 
 mifsion for publick aflaires, Sef. 21. 
 
 Committee for considering the matter con- 
 cerning the tranfportation of Mr.Neill 
 Cameron , ib. 
 
 Report from the Committee of appeales 
 concerning Mr. Iohn Hay his taking up 
 
 ■ of his appellation, ib. 
 
 Deposition Mr. Alexander Keyth, ib. 
 Ref. E ot Jgueenjberic to his Presbyte- 
 rie, Sef. 22. 
 Committee to confer with Mr. T'triel^ 
 Hamiltoun t ib. 
 
 Aft concerning Mr. P«tricl^ Hammilton 
 
 ib. 
 Recom- for aflifting the petition of the 
 
 people of Atholetbr dividing Paroches 
 
 and planting of Kirks, ib . 
 Committee for preparing a report in the 
 
 matter concerning G. M-Ai'dleton Sef. 
 
 Aft for citing the E. of Abercorne, ib. 
 
 Committee for conference with Mr Harit 
 Gutherie, Sef. 25. 
 
 Approbation of the report of the Commit- 
 tee appointed to revife theproccedings of 
 the vifitation of the univetfity of Saint 
 ^yfndros , ib. 
 
 Ref. I). "Barron and Mr. Thomas GUgge 
 to the Presbyterie of ^Andrews, ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. Thomas Rojse to the Presb. of 
 Dingwall, ib. 
 
 Warrand for printing a Traftat of Crono- 
 logie, ib. 
 
 Recom. of the Petition to the Parliament 
 for erecting the Kirkes oiFairnie , ib- 
 
 Recome. of trie Petition of D. Shares re- 
 lift to the Parliament, ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. Harie Qockburne to his Presby- 
 terie, ib. 
 
 Order from citing of Mr. Andrew Ramjaj 
 and Mr. jvUUam Colv'tll, ib. 
 
 Aft for vifiting the Hofpitalls and Mortifi- 
 cations, ib. 
 
 Recom. for changing the manfe of Mr. 
 Qharles ArchibaldVivcw^QX at 
 
 to a more comodious place 
 Sef. 25. 
 
 Recom. of the petition of Mr. Robert, 
 Scot Mmifterat£fr/r/?o«to the Com- 
 mifsion fo r planting of Kirks , ib. 
 
 Recom. concerning the difuniting of the pa- 
 roch of Abirchirdar , ib. 
 
 Ref. for the matter concerning the tranf- 
 portation of Mr- Neill Cameron, ib. 
 
 Aft fuftaining the Appeale of the parochi- 
 ners of Northberwicb^mth an order for 
 citing the Minifter and parochiners of 
 "Baro toanfwerin thecaufc,ib. 
 
 Ref. Earleof A btrcorne to the Presbyte- 
 rie of Paijlay, ib. 
 
 Continuation of the matter conccrningMr. 
 Andro Ramfay till the morne, ib. 
 
 Continuation of Mr. William Colvill 'till 
 the morne, ib* 
 
 Recorriiof the petition of the towne oSCou- 
 G ftr to the 
 
 \ 
 
Commifsion for planting of Kirks, Sef. a6*. Edinburgh, ib. 
 
 Recom.theOfficers come from Ireland to Recom. < to theParliament for reparation of 
 
 the honorable Eftates of Parliament, ib. of the lofses of Mr. Alexander Ferrets 
 
 Deposition of Mr. John Graham fometime Mr. Robert Jamefone and Mr.Iohn Kejth, 
 
 Minifter at Auchterardor , ib. Sef. 31. 
 
 Approbation of the fentence of Depofiti- Ref. Mr. Richard Maitland to the • vifi- 
 
 on of Mr. David Drttmond fometime tation of the univerfitie of A berdenejb- 
 
 Minifter at LithgoVt, ib. 
 Recora. Mr. IohnNairne, ib. 
 
 Aft in the matter concerning the Kiffe of 
 <Datr[ay,Sef. 32. 
 
 And for giving in the appeals and Refer- Remitt.the matter concerning lames Rof* 
 
 ences to the Alfembly, ib. of Banneil to the Presbyrerie, ib. 
 
 Approbation of the report concerning the Aft exeeming the Presbyterie of 'Dunkeld 
 
 Collectors atcompts, Sef. 27. from payment of the ; forti e fhillings for 
 
 Aft in favouf s of Alexander Blaire , ib. the highland boyes, ib. 
 
 Aft for giving up Mr. Bary guthires an- Ref. John Maxwell younger of falder- 
 
 peal upon his defireto cancel the fame,rb. *W to the Prefb. of Hamilton, ib. 
 
 Continuation of Mr. Andro Ram/ayes Ref. of the EttieofAtboIs bill for plant- 
 
 bufineffc till the morne , ib. ing the Kirk ofDun\eld to the vifitati- 
 
 Depofition of Mr. William Colvill , ib. on of the Presbyterie *f < Ditnl>eld i ib. 
 
 Intimation if any doubt upon the De» Commifsion for vifitation of R o^e^Suther- 
 
 claration to come to theCommittee, ib. land mi Caithnes y ib. 
 
 Order for writing a letter to Mr. Tht- Commifsion for visitation of Stirling and 
 
 odor Haacisjov hafting forth the Dutch 
 Annotations upon the Bible, Sef. 28. 
 
 Depofition Mr. Andro Rdmfay , ib. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation of the Vniverfi- 
 ty of *Aberdeen y Sef. 29. 
 
 Recom. Mr. Gilbert Merjbell for a 
 competent maintenance to theCommif- 
 fion for planting of Kirks, ib. 
 
 'Dumblane, ib. 
 Commission for vifitation of Angus and 
 
 MirnSy ib. 
 Commifsion for vifi tation of Dunn and 
 
 Chirnfyde, ib. 
 Continuation of the matter concerning the 
 tranfportationofMr. John Stirling to 
 
 jtforthberwici^ till t he morne Sef. 3 3 . 
 
 Recom. Mr. George Clerkjot acharita- Approbation of the fentence of depofition 
 
 blefuppfie, ib. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation of the universi- 
 ty of Saint AndroSy ib. 
 
 Ref. to the Commifsion for publick affairs 
 for planting the place of the proveft of 
 the old colledge of Saint Andros y ib. 
 
 Committee for examining witnefles in the 
 
 matter concernmgMrF^o:/J««»/<9',with an 
 
 order for citing witnefles not appearing,ib. 
 
 Aft in favours of Mr. 
 Sef. 30. 
 
 Aft appointing Minifters to preach |in E- 
 dinburgh during the fiting of the Af- 
 fembJy , ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. lames A f lectio the vifitation 
 of Angus and Merns y ib. 
 
 Committee for considering the petition of 
 theTowne of Stirling, ib. 
 
 of Mr. William VVUkie, Sef. 34. 
 Sufpention of Mr. Robert 'Balcancol with 
 Ref.to theCommifs. for publick affairs, ib. 
 Recom. Helene Brfken to the Parliament 
 
 for a charitable fupp lie , ib. 
 Reposition of Mr- Marten M*ktlVvrae y 
 
 with a Recomendarion to the Synod of 
 
 Argyle to fettle him in fome charge in 
 
 the Miniftery, ib. 
 William Douglas, Ref. my Lord Cochrane to the Commif- 
 
 fion for publick affaires Sef. 3 5 . 
 Ref.of the petition of JamesSanders to the 
 
 vifitation of hofpitalk , ib. 
 Aft in favours of Violet'D anting fpoufe to 
 
 Mr. George Hanna , ib. 
 Aft refufing the tranfportation ofMr.Mw 
 
 Stirling offyrthbarWick^ ib. 
 Ref.to the Commifsion for publick affaires 
 
 Aft in favours of Mr. Thomas Ireland for planting the Kirk to Nortkbertyic^fo. 
 
 Minifter at Weime y ib. Committee for conference with the Earle 
 
 Aft permitting Iohn Gillon to exercife his of Lithgow t Stf. 35. 
 
 gift publickly, ib. .Ref. of the Articles for election of Mini- 
 
 Commiflion for vifiting the Colledge e fters to the 
 
x i^ *~s a-j 
 
 to the Committee for publtck bufines with 
 Intimation to all that have objections to 
 come there, ib. 
 
 Aft in favours of Mary Hay fpoufe to Mr. 
 Richard Matt land , ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. Alexander Monroe to the vifi- 
 tation of .KojjTr, ib. 
 
 Recom. for Mr. Alexander Monroe his 
 three hundred merks of augmentation,ib. 
 
 Ref. yx>ThofnAs Ramfaj to the vifitation 
 oFDunce tn&CbirnJide^th continuati- 
 on of his fufpenfion in the mcane time,ib. 
 
 Comrotffion for vifit&tion of the Kirks in 
 theHieland, ib. 
 
 Commiflion for vifitation of D*nkeld, ib. 
 
 Recom. lonct Andro to the Parliament,ib. 
 
 Recom. Mr. hhnRefle to the Presbytery 
 Of jb*^*^i»fbrfupplieoutofthe va- 
 cand ftipends , ib. 
 
 Order for prefenting the Declaration to 
 the parliament and for defiring that the 
 acts given in may be parted , ib. 
 
 Act concerning Kircnrds pafsing from his 
 appearand arecomtnendation to thePres- 
 terie of Peebles for further dealing with 
 him, ib. 
 
 Petition to the Parliament in favours of 
 of the laird ofGlennrchie, ib. 
 
 Petition in behalfe of Doctor Sharps relict 
 to the Parliament, ib. 
 
 Letter to their Brethren in Ireland Sef.37 
 
 Committee for conference with Generall 
 Major Medleton, ib. 
 
 Ref. certain perfons accefsory to the late 
 unlawful engagement to the Commifii- 
 
 on for publick a#aires,ib. 
 
 Ref. Alexander Vrauhart of Craighoufe 
 to the vifitation of Rojfe ib. 
 
 Recom. *s4g*es Maxwell for a charitable 
 fupplie to the Parliament , ib. 
 
 Ref. for pla nting the Kirke 01 Kircaldie, 
 Sef. 38. 
 
 Ref. Earl of JLithgow to hisPresbyterte,ib. 
 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk of Lirhgow to 
 the Commiflion for Publick affaires, ib. 
 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk of Stirling, ib. 
 
 Ref- for planting the Kirk of Dunce , ib. 
 
 Ref. for planting the vaiking Kirkes of E- 
 dinburgh and the vaiking places of the 
 profeflbrs of divinitie there, ib. 
 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk of 1>Hnkeld y ib. 
 
 Ref. to the Commifsion for publick af- 
 faires conccring the education of theEarlc 
 oft/ft bole, ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. Colin Makftitie and Mr. ©4- 
 vid Monroe to the vifitation of Rojfejb. 
 
 Ad forcoUefting thehiftory of thefe latter 
 times, ib. 
 
 Recom. of perfonsJfor charitie, ib. 
 
 Recom. Lulian wilkie for charitie, ib. 
 
 Recom. concerning the Kirk of "Bervie to 
 the Commifsion for planting of Kirks,ib. 
 
 Aft for wryting to Vhiverfities for profe- 
 cuting the courfeof Phylofophie, ib. 
 
 Recom. Mr. Robert lamrfone for fome 
 fupplie out of the vaiking ftipends, ib* 
 
 Ref. concerning the adjoyning the paroch 
 
 of Month hill to the parifti of Glafle to 
 
 the Presbyteries of Straiogy&Fordice ,ib 
 
 Recom. concerning the dividing of the pa- 
 roch of Tnrre y ib. 
 
 Ref. Lewis Gordon to the Commifsion for 
 publick affairs, Sef. 39. 
 
 Ref. William Innes of Tipper tae to the 
 Prefbyterie of Allane to be relaxed, ib. 
 
 Petition to the Parliament concerning ex- 
 acting Oathes in the cafes of cuftomc & 
 excife, Sef. 40. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation of Rojfe , ib. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation of Orknay y Ztt- 
 landySutherlandznd £aithncs y ib. 
 
 Act concerning the payment of /*: Mnr- 
 rayet dtwSy ib. 
 
 Recom. to Mr. John Smith and Wt.lMmes 
 Hammilttn to draw fome articles con- 
 cerning the duties of Elders , ib. 
 
 Ref. Vicount of Kenmnre , ib. 
 
 Ref. Doctor Strang *,Sef. 41 . 
 
 Ref. concerning the modification of Alex.- 
 andtr Cjuthcric to the vifitation of\An- 
 gus and Mtrnfe, ib. 
 
 Aft & Recom.to the Magiftrates of E di*£>. 
 for repairing of tthe Aflembly houfe, ib. 
 
 Ref. to the Commifsion for'publick affaires 
 to provide fome way forM milters to fay 
 prayers to the Lords of Sefsion , ib. 
 
 Ref. to Commifsion for publick affaires for 
 providing a minifter to the Cafte/I of S- 
 dinbnrgh, ib. 
 
 Dircftory for election of Miniftcrs . ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. tyorge Hannay to the Comroif- 
 fion for publick affaires, ib. 
 
 Ref. and Recom. to the Commifsion for 
 fatisfying the paines of the writer of the 
 paraphrafe of the Pfalms, Sef. 42. 
 
 Ref. concerning G. M« Midleton to the 
 Comaufwon for puWickc again*, ib* 
 
 Ast 
 
Act concerning theVniverfity of Saint An- 
 dros during the vacation of the provefts 
 place of the old Colledge, ib. 
 
 Recom. to the Presbyteries in the North 
 
 to compt with the Laird of Eiglunyon 
 
 the fines of excommunicate periotffto be 
 
 apply ed to pious ufes and to report to the 
 
 next Affembly , ib. 
 
 Aft appointing Minifters for the Army, ib. 
 
 Ref. Rorie Mackenzie to the vifitationof 
 
 . Rojfe, ib. 
 
 Ref. Mr. William Colvilli^ct to the 
 Commiflion for publicke affaires, ib. 
 
 Recom. Presbyteries and Synods to fend 
 any informations they can give concern- 
 ing the paflages of thefe times to the Mo- 
 derator, ib. 
 
 Recom. for fending the contribution of 
 40. s. for the Highland boyes to the 
 Collectors, ib. 
 
 Ref. to the viikors of A* gyle for distribu- 
 tion of the money formerly collected, ib. 
 
 Exemption of 'Dunkeld of the collection 
 for Argyle , ib. 
 
 Ad for continuation of the allowance for 
 difpatches to the next Affembly, with a 
 Recom.for confering with my Lord Re- 
 gefter and the Clerk about the perfon to 
 be employed in that charge, ib. 
 
 Recom. co the Commifsion for publick af- 
 
 faires concerning the feeling of Mr./«A/» 
 Mcnz.it $ in the profefsion of Divinity 
 at Aberdene, ib. 
 
 Ref. for appointing a fecond Minifter in 
 Perth to the Commifsion for publick af- 
 faires , ib'. 
 
 Ref. and Recom Mr. William Cbalmres 
 to the Synod of Aberdene concerning 
 the fupplie of his necessities, ib. 
 
 Declaration concerning theAd granted in 
 
 favours oiMt.RichardMaiilands wife,ib. 
 
 Ref.of the petition of the Earle of Suther- 
 land m name of the Prespyterk of Sm~ 
 therland i ib. 
 
 Recom. Mr. John Keyth to the Parlia- 
 ment, ib. 
 
 Recom. for dividing the paroch of Tern* 
 to theCommifsion for planting of Kirks 
 ib. 
 
 Recom. the dis joyning of the lands of o- 
 
 ver and nether Dyferts (tomBrichen to 
 
 the Commifsion for planting of Kirks, ib. 
 
 Caufes of a publick fait, ib. 
 
 Commifsion for considering the obftruc- 
 tions of pictie and the remedies for re- 
 moving thereof,& to report to tie nexe 
 Affembly. ib. 
 
 Recom. to the Parliament for puniihing 
 counterfeit TcftimoniaJls, ib. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 
 

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