The principall acts of the Generall Assembly, conveened at Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of June, being the third of that moneth, in the yeer 1646

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THE

PRINCIPALL

ACTS

Of The

GENERALL

ASSEMBLY,

Qonvcened at

!? EDIN BER G H,

Upon the firft VVednefday of fmts , being

the third of that Moneth , in the yeer

i 6 jL 4.

I

Edinburgh:

Printed by Evan Tyler , Printer to the Kings
"s moft Excellent Majcftie.
1 6 4. 6.

THE

GENERALL

ASSEMBLY,

MET

At Edinburgh funii 3. 16^6.

1

Edinb. 4. funii 1 6 4. 6.

Scir. 11.

Tltf Kings Letter to the Affembly, prefentedby

M. Robert Douglas zSMiniJler at

Edinburgh.

■Jght trufty and welbeloved, We greet
you well. Having lately written to
Our Houfes of Parliament at Weft-
minfter^ndtht Commiflioners from
Our Kingdom of Scothndvi Londtn,
and likewife to the Committees of
Eftatesof that Our Kingdom-, Shew-
ing Our great fenfe and grief for the
fad cfFcdh have flowed from the un^
happy differences betwixt Us and
Our Subjects, with Our reall relolutions to comply with the dc-
firesofOur Parliaments of both Kingdoms, and thofe entruft-
ed by them for fettling of Trueth and Peace in all Our Domi-
nions: And now being informed of your meeting , We have
thought fit hereby ( fince We could not conveniently fend a
Commiflioner ) to give you the fame aflurances •, And withall,
chat it (hall be Our confhnc endeavour to maintain Religion
there, as it iseftabliflied, in Dodtrinc, Worfhip , and Church-
Government, and leave no good means uniflayed for fctling art
univerfall Peace in chat Our native and ancient Kingdom , with

A a the

Charles T^

(wdm

LRJ

Kv /Ja N\

^^^^M

z The Cjenerall (tAJfembly, \6\6.

the Reformation of Religion,and fettling Peace in FnglanducA
Ireland : And after the return of an anfwer to Our late MefTagc
to Our Houfes of Parliament hcer, We (hall more particularly
acquaint you, or your Commiflioners, with Our further refolu-
tions. In the mean time , We feriouily recommend Our felves
and the diffracted condition of Our Kingdoms, toyourmoft
earned Prayers to God in Our behalf, expecting from you
faithfulnefle in your feverall Charges and Callings , with that
Loyaltie and obedience which becometh the Minifters of the
Golpel. We bid you very heartily fare vr ell, from Netv-caftle
the 28. of May 1 646.

DIRECT.

For Our right truftie and welbeloved, The
Moderatour , and other Members of the
Generall Afl'embly of the Kirk of Our

Kingdom of Scotland.

0

6. f

?

unit

\ 6 j\>6. Antemeridiem.
Sell. IIIL

A3 concerning the %£gijlers and ABs of
Troyinciall Ajjemblies.

; He AfTembly recommends to Provinciall Af-
femblies , that hereafter they caufe read all
their Ads, before the diffolving of every AC-
fembly \ And that their Regifters be written
formally , and in a good hand writing , with
the fcverall Lcafes or Pages thereof marked
by ciphers according to their number.

, _. , ,

11. funii 16^.6. Antemeridiem^.

Stir. vii.

•

AB concerning tbcpublilg fatisfaBion of Mar ^

riedperJons,for Fornication committed before CMarriagt*

[He Generall AfTembly underftanding that in many pla-
ces the publike fcandals of Fornication committed be-
fore Marriage, are not taken notice of and removed by
publikc confeflion according to the order of this Kirk ; There-
fore

T'be (jenerall Affembly^ i 6 4. 6. 3

fore for remedie thereof do Ordiin , That all Married per-
ions under publikc icandall of Fornication , committed before
their Marriage ( although the fcandal thereof hath not appear*
ed before the Marriage ) (hall fatisfie publikely for that (in
committed before their Marriage, their being in the eftate of
Marriage notwithftanding, And that in the fame maner as they
(hould have done if they were not Married.

fyfunii \6\6. Antemeridiem-j.

Seir. x.

Ordinance for Excommunication of the
Earle of Seafort.

[He Generail Affembly having taken to their fcrious
con fi deration , chat perfidious Band made and contri-
' ved lately in the North , under the name of An hum*
ble Rcmonjirance , againft our Nationail Covenant,
and the League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms ; Which
tendechto the making ofdivifion and fomenting of Jealoufies
within this and between both Kingdoms ,to the prolonging of
thefeunnaturall Warrs, to the impeding of the intended Uni-
formity in Religion , and to the iubverfion of all the happie
ends of our covenants : And finding that George Earle of Seafort
hes not only moft perfidioufly himfclf fubferibed the faid
wicked Band, contrary to his folemne Oaths in the Covenants
aforefaid , and moft arrogantly owned the fame under his ownc
hand writing in his letters to the Committee of Eftates , and to
the Commiflioners of the preceding AiTembJiej But alfo hes fe-
duced and threatned others to fubferibe that divifive Band,
and to joyne with him in profecution of his treacherous and
wicked defignes , therein masked with the pretences of Re-
ligion and libertie x, boafting alfo the purfuance of that his Re-
monftrancc againft all deadly the oppofers therof, whet her King
or Parliament. And having alfo confidered another wicked
and treacherous Band of Union which the (aid Earle formerly
entred into with that excommunicate Rcbell James Grahame,
after the fontenceof forfalture,and the drcadfull fentencc of ex-
communication were pronounced againft him, Oblieging him-
felf therein under folemne Oaths to joyne with that fortaulted
Rebell againft this Kirk and Kingdome , and to oppofe all their
publike refolutions for purfuance of the happie ends of our faid
Covenants. All which,with his vile reproachfull afperfions and
moft ralfe calumnies againft this Kirk and State , and their pub-

B like

4. The (jencrall J/fenibly, i 6 ± 6.

like and lawful! endeavours and refolutions , with his other
wicked and perfidious pradtifes at length difcoveied in the Pro-
clamation of the Committee of Eftates, and the Declaration of
the CommiiTion of the Aflcmbly againft the fald perfidious
Band and Remonftrance, being gravely pondered & confidercd;
Together with his bafe treachery to the Eftates,being intruded
by them with ample Commilfion, and encouraged and enabled
for discharging thereof, with Mony Ammunition and Arms in a
good mcafurc: Notwithftanding whereof contrary to that great
truft repofed in him , It is notor that not only he did not joyne
with the Forces rai fed for the defence of this Kingdome , But
rather on the contrary, actually joyning himfelf and his Forces
with that excommunicate Rebel fdmes Grabame, and thefe un-
natural bloody Rebels his followers, did beleager JnnerneflTe,
a Towne Garrifoned by the Eftates for the Defence of that part
of the Country. And the AiTembly having alfo found that fair
means have been ufed for reclaiming of the faid Earle from that
wicked and perfidious courfe, by publike Declarations and Pro-
clamations , and particular Letters fent to himfelf from thofc
that had power in that behalf, And that notwithftanding thereof
and of Summonds direct againft him to anfwer to the premifl'es,
often called,he doth not appear, but ftill remains obftinate in his
wicked courfes*, And after mature deliberation having found his
frequent fearfull and groiTe perjuries , his perfidious and wicked
confpiracies by Band and Oath , with the publike Enemies of
this Kirk and Kingdom, and his other treacherous and wicked
pra&ifes focontemptuouflyand pertinacioufly perfifted into,To
be haynous offences againft God , and high contempt of all
Ecclefiaftical and Civil authority. Therefore the Aflcmbly mo-
ved with the Zeal of God,do without a contrary voice Decerne
and Ordain the faid George Earle of Seafortto be fummarly ex-
communicate , and declared to be one whom Chrift command-
Ctrl to be holdcn by all and every one of the Faithfull as an
Ethnik and Publicane , and appoints the fentence of excom-
munication to be pronounced by Mafter Robert Blair Moderator
intheeaft Kirk of this Citic , upon the next Lords day, being
the 14 of this Moneth ; And that thereafter publike intimation
be made thereof upon a Sabbath day before noone in all the
Kirks of this Kingdom fo fooa as advertifement iliall come unto
them.

Enormities

The Cjenerall Ajjembly, \6\6. >

Enormities and Corruptions obfened to be in the
Minjflery^ with the %eniedies thereof.

Enormities.

He firft and main fin, reaching ! both to our
parfonall carriage and callings , we judge to
be , Not ftudying how to keep Communion
and Fellowfhip with God in Chrift , but wal-
king in a naturall way , without iniployingof
Chrift , or drawing vertue from him, to inable
us untolanctification, and Preaching in fpirit and power.

In our Lives.

1 , 1Y M Uch fruitlefle converting in companie, and complying
IV I with the fins of all forts , not behaving our fekes as

becomes the men of God.

a . Great worldlinefle is to be found amongft us , minding

and (peaking moft about things of this life , being bufied about

many things , but forgetting the main.

3 Slighting of Gods worlliip in their families,and therefore

no cordiall urging of it upon others : yea , altogether a wanting

of it in fome , if it be credible.

4. Want of gravity in carriage and apparell,diflbluteneflc in
haire, and fliaking about the knees, lightnefle in the apparrcli of
their wives and children.

5 . Tippling and bearing companie in untimous drinking in
Tavernesand Ale-houfcs,or any where elfe,whcreby the Mini-
ftcrie is made vile and contemptible.

<5. Difcountcnancing of the godly •, fpeaking ill of them,be-
caufe of fome that arc unanfwerable to their profeffion.

7 . The Sabbath not fan cti fled after Sermons, which makcth
people think that the Sabbath is ended with the Sermon.

8. There arc alfo to be found amongft us, who ufc fmall and
minced oaths.

9. Some fo great ftrangcrs to Scripture , that except in their
publike Miniltcric , though they read many things , yet they are
little converfant in the Scripture, and in meditation thereof : A
dutie incumbent to all the people of God.

In our Callings.

1. y^lOrrupt entry into the Miniftrie in former times,and fol-

V^lowing the coutfe of dtf e6tion,though for(aken,vet never

ferioufly repented : as alfo prelcnc entring into the Miniftcry,as

to t way orliving in the woild, and not as to t f pirituall calling.

to 2 a. Helping

6 The (jenerall A\[tmblyy \6 \6.

2. Helping in , and holding in of infufficient and fufpe&ed
men , who favour the things of this life , and keeping the door
ftraiter on them whom God hath fealed , then uponthefc who
have lcffe evidence of the power of grace and holinefle.

3 . Partiality in favouring , and fpeaking for the fcandalous,
whether Minifters or other perfons, teaching them how to fhifc
anddtlayccnfures.

f. 4. Silence in the publike caufe , not labouring to cure the
dilaffe<5tion of people , not urging them to conftancie and pati-
ence in bearing of publike burdens, nor to forwardnefle in the
publike Caufe •, whereby Malignants are multiplied : yea fome
are fo groflfe herein , that even in publike Fafts little or nothing
is to be heard from them founding this way.

5. Some account it a point of wifdome to fpeak ambigu-
oufly : fome incline to juftifie the wicked caufe,uttering words
which favour of di(affec*tion : and all their complaining of the
times , is in fuch a way as may fteal the hearts of people from
liking of good Inftruments in this work , and confequently
from Gods Caufe : yea, fome reading publike Orders,are ready
to fpeak againft them in'their private conference •

6. Idlencfle, either in feldome Preaching , as once on the
Lords day , or in preparation for pablike duties , not being
given to reading and meditation : others have but fits ofpaines,
not like other Tradefmen continually at their work.

7. Want of zeal,and love to the converfion of fouls,not be-
ing weighted with the want of fucccffc in reclaiming of finncrs,
nor fearching in themfelves the caufe of not profiting , preach-
ing ex officio , not ex confeientid officii.

8. Self-feeking in preaching, and a venting rather of their
wit and skill , then a fhewing foorth of the wifdome and power
of God.

p. LifelcfnefTe in preaching, not ftudying to be furnifhed by
Chrift with power 5 and fo the ordinance of God reacheth not
to the confeience : and heereto belongeth the not applying of
the doctrine unto the auditory and times.

10 The indifcreet curing of the indifcretion of pious peo-
ple andMinifters,whereby godlinefTc hath gotten a deep wound,
and profanitie hath lifted up the head , contrary to that wife and
gracious order fet foorth in the Generall Aflembly holdcn at
Edinburgh , 1641.

1 1 Little care to furnifh our Armie , either abroad or at
home with Minifters •, One of our grievous fins , and caufes of
bur calamity.

12 Laft, it is to be feared that Minifters in fecret are neg-
ligent to wreftle in Prayer, for a bleffing to be poured out
upon their labours , contenting themfelves with their publike
performances.

KIMI9IH,

^Tbe (Jfenerall Affembly, \6\ 6* J
Remedies*

i . T7lrftj That Presbyteries make great confcicncc to have all
J7* vacant places within their fevcral bounds filled with god-
ly and able men , where ever thty be to be found : nnd that un-
der pretence of being a helper , or fecond to another , none be
taken in, but fuch as are able for the fame charge.

2. Whereas it is known , that private tryall in Presbyteries
are for the moft part perfundt.orious,theBrethrcn are hereby ex-
horted to be more fcrious , and faithfull heerein , as they will be
anfwerable to Cbrift , the Chief Shepherd : and in a way pre-
vious thereto , that Brethren be free , in loving admonition one
or another fecrctly , from time to time*, and that whofoevcr
keeps not the Presbyteric or Synod, after grave admonitions
may come under further cenfures.

3 . That accuracie be ufed at vifitation of Kirks , and that the
Elders one by one ( the reft being removed ) be called in, and
examined upon oath upon the Minifters behaviour in his calling
and converfatnn.

4. That courfe be taken to divide Congregations in parts,
and by the help not only of Elders in their fevcrall parts , but
of neighbors alfo,the cvils,and neglects of perfons and families,
may be found out and remedied .

5 That every Minifter be humbled for his former failings
and make his peace with God, that the more effectually he may
preach repentance, and may ftand in the gap , to turneaway the
Lords wrath : riming between the Porch and the Altar, fighing
and crying for all the abominations of the land.

6. Speciall care would be had , that all Minifters have their
converfation in heaven , mainly minding the things of God.and
exercifing faith frr drawing life out of JefusChrift the foun-
tain of life , arming themfel ves thereby with power againft the
contagion and wickedntlTc of the world.

7 Care would be had ofgodly conference in Presbyteries,
even in time of their refrtfhmcnt , and the Moderator is to look
to it , that good matter be furniflied thereto.

8 It is alfo very neceffary for every Minifter that would be
fruitfullinthe woik of the Lord, to bring home the Word
of God to his own heart and confeience , by Prayer and Medi-
tation , both before and after the publike ordinance.

9. life would be made of the roll of the Pariili,not onely for
examination, but alfo forconfidcring the fcveral conditions and
difpofitions of the people, that accordingly they may be admo-
nifhed, and particularly prayed for by the Minifters in fct ret.

10. It is very expedient that Minifters have more commu-
nion among themfolves for their mutual! ftirring up , and

C ftrcngth-

8 TheCjeneraUitAjfcmbly, \6\6.

ftrengthning of their hands in the Lords work , and rectifying
of thefe who are not incorrigible.

ir. That Minifters in all forts of companie labour to bee
fruitfully the Salt of the earth, feafoning them they meet with,
not only forbearing to drink healths ( Satans fnare , leading to
excefle ) but reproving it in others.

ii. All Minifters would be carefull to cherifli the fmoaking
flax of weak beginnings in the wayes of God , and ought cou-
ragioufly to oppofe all mockers and revilers of the godly .

13. Asatalltimes,fofpeciallynow when the Lord is call-
ing us all to an account-,it becomes the Minifters of Chrift,with
all diligence and faithfulnefle, to improve their Minifterie to che
utmoft , to be inftant in ieafon and out of feafon ; yea , even
frugally to imploy their time in private, in reading of, and me-
ditating on Scripture 5 that the word of God may dwell plen-
tifullieinthem.

14. That the providing the Armies with Minifters be pre-
ferred to any congregation , and thefe who are appointed to
attend the fame , and arc deficient , be without delay feverelie
cenfured according to the A& of the Generall Aflembly j And
that all Minifters not only in publike , pray for our Armies,fpe-
cially thefe that are to encounter with the bloody enemie within
the land, but alfo continually bear them up before the Lord,
that their lives being reformed , their hearts and hands may be
ilrengthned , and their undertaking at Lift blcfTed of G O D
with fucceffe.

1%. That befide all other fcandals, filence or ambiguous
fpeaking in the publike caufe , much more detracting and dif-
affectcd fpeaches be feafonablie cenfured : and to this effect , all
honeft hearted Brethren would firmlie unite thcmfelves in the
Lord , the younger honouring the elder , .and the elder not de-
fpifing the younger.

16 Andfinallie, both for the corruption-of the Minifterie
and remedies thereof , we refer the brethren to the Act of the
Generall AfTemblie at Edinburgh , 1 5 y 6. revived in the late
Affemblie at Glafgow, 1638. to bee found in the printed
Act concerning the fame.

The Generall %^4ffembly Ordains the Enormities abovefpecificd
to be try ed and refrained, and that the Remedies thereof for
that purpofe be ferioujly obferved and pracJsfed: Recommend-
ing ejpectally to Presbyteries and Provincial/ <^fjjemblies,
that ufe be made of the fame in vifitation of Kirks and try all
pf Presbyteries.

approbation

The (jenerallAjfembly, i 6 4. 6. <y

Approbation of the proceedings of the bre^
ceding Ajjembly.

He Generall AfTcmbly having heard the report of the
Committee appointed to confider and examine the
proceedings of the Commiffioners of the late Gene-
ral! Aflembly holden at Edinburgh in the yecr 1646.
f And after ferious consideration thereof, finding that the whole
yV&s, Proceedings , and Conclusions of the (aids CommiOio-
bcis, contained in the Regilrer fubferibedby M. Andrew Ker
their Clerk, and by M. Robert Ramfay Moderator to the faid
Committee, do declare much Wifdora, Diligence, Vigilancic^
and commendable Zeal; And that the faid CommiiTioners have
orderly and formally proceeded in everything, according to
their Commiffion: Do therefore ratjfie aqd .approve the faid
whole A 6ts, Proceedings, and Conclufions of the Commiflio-
ncrs of the faid Aflembly.

__ 1 ,

ij.funii \6 \6. 7Jofimeridiem^.
SefT. X I.

AU for joyning of the ^Presbyteries in Orkney
andTLttlmato tbeTroyincialofCaxhncs.

:He Generall AfTembly,confidering that the Presbyterie
' of Ktrkvoali in Orknay and the Presbyterie of Scalloway
in Zetland have never met in any Provincial AfTcmbly,
wherethrough great abufes and diforders are there committed,
Therefore the AfTembly hereby joyns the fatdtwo Presbyteries
to the Provinciall of Cathnes and Sutherland , And Appoints all
the Minifters and Elders of the faid Presbyteries hereafter , to
meet at the faid Provinciall AfTembly, and to have place to rea-
fon and vote therein as members of the faid Provinciall. And
ilcklike ordains the faids two Presbyteries to be of fubordinatc
Jurifdi&ion to the faid Provincial! Aflembly ^ Declaring here-
by, that the faid Provinciall fhall confift of the Presbyteries of
Cathnesy Sutherland, Orknaj, and Zetland in all time coming.
And appoints them to meet onely once in the yeer,in refpedt of
their great diftance and interjection of feas •, And that the firfl:
meeting be at Thurfo in Cathnes upon the third Tuefday of Au-
guft next , and thereafter as flull be appointed by the faid Pro-
vincial! Aflembly.

C 2 17 J-unii

io The (fenerall Ajfembly^ \6 \6.

17. funii \6\6. Tojlmeridiem-j.

Scir. xi in.

A3 concerning ExpeBants ^reaching
in publi/g-.

He Generall Affembly difcharges any perron to preacfvl

in publike under the name and notion of an Expectant,
or under any other pretence whatfoever, except fuch as
(hall be tryed and found qualified according to the Ads of the
Generall Aflembly •, Recommending to Presbyteries and Pro-3
vincialls to lake fpeciall notice thereof , and to cenfure the trank
grelTors accordingly.

A3 for cenfuringtke comply ersmpith thepublikg
enemies ofthti Kjrl^andKjngdomu.

SHe Generall Affembly taking to their ferious con-
18Ti« federation the great and fcandalous provocation
JKL SS and grievous dete&ion from the pubhke Caufe ,
mWlww which fome have beene guiltieof, by complying
with the Rebels the publike enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom :
And judging it a dutie incumbent to them to bring fuch notori-
ous ofrendersto publike fatisfa<5tion,that the wrath of God may
be averted ,and the publike fcandall removed -, Do therefore Re-
quire, Decern, and Ordain, that fuch as after lavvfull tryall fliall
be found to have been in adtuall Rebellion and to have carried
charge with the Rebels, To have accepted Commiflions for
raiting Horfe or Foot unto them , To have been feducers of
others to joyn in that Rebellion , To be the Penners or contri-
vers of fames Grahames Proclamation for indicting a pretended
Parliament, or of any other his Proclamations or Declara-
tions, To have beene prime Inftruments in caufing publifli
the faid Proclamations and Declarations •, That all and eve-
ry one of fuch offenders fhall humbly acknowledge their of-
fence upon their knees , firft before the Prcsbyterie , and
thereafter before the Congregation upon a Sabbath , in fome
place before the Pulpit •, And in the mean time that they be fuf-
pended from the Lords Supper : And in cafe they do not fatif-
fie in manner forefaid,that they be proceffed with Fxcommuni-
cation. And Jikewife Ordains, that fuch as (hall be found to
have procured Protections from the Rebels, To have execute
their orders, To have invited them to their houfes. To have gi-
ven them intelligence , To have drank fames Grabames health,

or

'The Generall JJfembly, i 6 4. <J. n

or to be guilty of any other fuch grofe degrees of complyance,
(hall acknowledge their offences publikcly before the Congrega-
tion, and be fufpended from the Communion ay and while they
doe the fame. And further Decernes and O rdains,that all per-
form in any Ecclefiaftick office guilty of any degrees of comply-
ance before mcntioned,fhal be fufpended fromtheiromccandall
cxercife thereof, for fuch time as the quality of the offence and
condition of the offenders (hall be found to deferve •, And the
AlTembly hereby declares, that Presbyteries have a latitude and
liberty to agreadge the cenfurcs abovefpecified,according to the
degrees and circumftances of the offences-, And gives in like ma-
ncr the fame latitude and liberty to the Commiffioners of this
Aflcmbly for publike affairs , who have alfo power to try and
cenfurethc offenders in manner above expreft , and to take ac-
count of the diligence of Presbyteries thcreintill.

Jil concerning lames Grahams Proclamation.

♦£\cJ>,(§*He Generall AlTembly having confidered a copie of a
♦H T<§* Proclamation publifhed by order of that excommu-
^ ? nicat Traitor $*mes Grahsm^ox indi&ing of a preten-
•gTri* ded Parliamcnt,and finding the fame to be full of blafc
phemies againft the folemn League and Covenant of the three
Kingdoms , and of vile afperfions of Treafon, Rebellion , and
Sedition,moft falfly and impudently imputed to the Eftates,and
moft faith full and loyall Subjects of this Kingdome : Doe
thcrforc declare,That fuch as have bin prime Internments of the
publifhing of that or the like Proclamation and Declaration,de-
ferve the higheft cenfurcs of the Kirk,unlefTe they make humble
confeffion of their offence publikcly, in fuch manner as is prefcri-
bed by this Affembly-, And humbly Recommends to the Com-
mittee of Eftates to take fome courfc for their exemplary civill
punifhment, and that fome publike note of ignominie be put up-
on that Proclamation as their Honors fhall think meet.

j 8. funii \6\6. Antemeridiem.

Sell U!t.

<*All againjl loojing of Ships and 'Barfy upon
the Lords T)ay.

SS^He Generall Aflcmbly underfhnding how much the
Jjjijjjj Lords day is profaned by Skippers and other Seafaring
men , Do therefore difcharge and inhibite all Skippers and Sai-
lers to begin any voyage on the Lords day ,or to looie any Ships,

D Barks

iz The (jenerallAlfemblyy i 6 4. 6*

Barks or Boats out of Harbcry or Road upon that day , And
who fliall doe in the contrary hereof, fhallbc ccnfuredaspro-
faners of the Sabbath : Recommending to Presbyteries and
others whom it may concerne to fee both the Ads of Aflembly
and Parliament made for cenfuring and punifhing profanation of
the Lords day , to be put in execution againft them.

AB anent Children fent without the Kingdom.

^Hercas divers Children have been fent without
the Kingdom to be bred abroad , and have
been or in time coming may be expofed to the
temptations of feducers,and drawn away from
the Trueth eftablifhed and profeffed within
this Church to errour of Poperie , or other
Se&s and Herefies : Therefore the Aflembly Ordains, that the
Parents or Friends of Children and Minors, fhall before they
fend them without the Kingdom, firft acquaint the Presbytery
where they refidc , that they may have their Tcftimoniall dire-
cted to the Presbytery or ClalTe within the Kingdom of France^
or England , or Ireland , and at the time of thefe Childrens re-
turn from any of the {aids Kingdoms , to report ane Teftimo-
niall from the Presbytery or Synode where they lived without
the Kingdom of their breeding there , and to fhew the fame to
the Presbytery within the Kingdom who gave them a Tefti-
raoniall at their way going. Likeas the Aflembly Ordains all
Presbyteries to try if any Children have been fent to Popifh
Schooles or Colledges without the Kingdom ; And if any be
found,that their names be given to the Presbytery or Commif-
fioners of the Aflembly, that the fame may be prefented to the
Honourable Lords of Secret Councell , or Committee of fi-
liates, that their Lordfhips may be humbly defired by their au-
thority to recall them,that after return to this Kingdom a courfe
may be taken, according to the former Ordinances of Gcnerall
Aflemblies, for their breeding in the true Religion.

Overtures prefented to the Ajjembly.

I. '"T^Hat correfpondence be keeped among Presbyteries
JL conftantly by letter without prejudice of perfbnall cor-
refpondence when need requires, whereby one Presbyterie may
underftand what many arc doing, and they may be mutually
a flirting each to other.

1 1. That for the better breeding of young men to the
Minifterie who are not able to furnifh themfclves in charges to
attend in the Univerfities,that thePresbyterics where they refidc
appoint fome to direct their ftudies,

III. That

TToe CjeneraU Affernbly, \6\6. 13

III. That it be recommended to all the Univcrfitiesto con-
difcend upon the beft Overtures for the mofl^profitable teaching
of Grammar and Phylofophy , and as they may meet at the
CommiiTion of the Gencrall AfTembly to make the matter ripe
for the next AfTembly.

The x^iffcmbly approves the[e Overtures , and recommends Ac-
cordingly.

I V. That to the intent the knowlege of God in Chrift
may be fpread through the Highlands and Iflands ( for in lack
whereof the land hath fmarted in the late troubles ) thefc
courfes be taken: i .Let an order be procured,that all Gentlemen
who are able, at lean; fend their eldeftfons to be bred in the
Inland. 2 . That a Minifterie be planted amongft them ,and for
that effect that Minifters and expectants who can fpeak the Irifh
language be fent to imploy their talents in thefc parts, and that
the Kirks there be provided as other Kirks in this Kingdome.
3. That Scots Schools be erected in all Parifhcs there, according
to the h& of Parliament, where conveniently they can be had.
4. That Minifters and ruling Elders that have the Irifh language
be appointed to vifit thefe parts.

The Affembly approves this Overture, and recommends this pur-
pose to further con(ideration,thatmore Overtures may be pre-
pared thereanent againfl the next ^Affembly.

V. That for keeping the Univerfities pure , and provoking
the ProfeiTors of Divinitie to greater diligence , each Profeflor
in the Univerfities of this Church and Kingdom, bring with
him or fend with the Commiflioner who comes to the General
AfTembly, ane perflt and well written copie of his Dictates , to
be reviled by the Generall Aflembly, or fuch as they fhall
appoint for that work ilk year.

The ^(fembly continues the determination of a constant
and perpetuall order herein untill the next affembly Jbut in
the mean time de fires the profeffors of Divinity to pre fent to
the next A\]embly their Dt dates of Divinity wberof the pro-
fejfors prefent are to give intimation to the profe([ors abjent

V I. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they
enter the Miniftery, which holds many of them long at under,
would crave the Aflemblies judgement and authority , that
Minifters Manfcs and Stipends may be all made free to the In-
trant.

The affembly refers and recommends to the Commiffionersfor
publike affairs to [eek redrejje in this matter from the Ho-
norable Ejlates of Varliamcr>t,and to conftder of fome fitting
Overtures to be presented to their Honours for that effect.

D a Renovation

14. The (jfenerall Affetnbly, \6 \6*

Renovation of the Commifion for the bub ^
like affairs of the Kirk.

[He Gencrall Aflembly taking to their con fide-
ration that in refped the great work of Unifor-
mity in Religion in all hisMajefties Dominions
is not yet perfited, (though by the Lords blef-
fing there is a good progrefle made in the fame)
there is ancceffityof renewing the Commif-
fions granted formerly for profecuting and perfiting that great
work •, Doc therefore renew the power and Commiffion grant-
ed for the publikc affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Affcmblics
held inS. Andrews in the year 1642. and in Edinburgh 1643.
1644. and 1645. unto the perfons following, viZi Mafters
Alexander Henderfon , Robert Douglas , William Colvil , William
Sennet , George Gillefpie , John ofwatd , John Adamfon , William
Dalgletfb , David Calderwood, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John
Dalycll , James Wright , John Knox , Adam Penman, Robert Lich-
toun , Alexander Dickcfon , Patrick Fleeming , John Hay , Richard
Dickefon , Thomas PajJ'e , David Drummond, Alexander Somervil/,
Robert Eliot , Robert Blair , James Bruce , Robert Traile, Samuel
Ruth er fur d , Alexander ColviU , Walter Greg , Alexander Balfour,
George Thomjon , John Moncreiff, John Smith , Patrick Gillefpie,
John Duncan , James Sibbala , Alexander CajJ'e , John Hume,
Alexander Kinneir, Walter Swintonn, Robert Knox, William Pen-
man, James Guthrie, Thomas Donald fn, William Jamefon,Thomas
Wtlkie, John Knox, Robert Man ay, John Freebairn,Robert Wright,
David Aucht er Ionic y William CMaior, Samuel Aujtein, John Lcir-
monty Andrew Lauder, James Irving,^ lexander Turnbull,James
Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, Patrick Colvil, Matthew Birf-
bane, John Hamiltoun, Allan Fergufon, Robert Ramfay, leo.Toung,
David Dickfon , Robert Bailie , James Nafmith , John Lindfay,
John Weir, Evan Cameron, James Affleck, John Robifon, Andrew
Eliot, Stlveficr Lambie , Laurence Skinner, William Rate , David
Campbel, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindfay, Gilbert
Ander f on, Alexander Gar rioch, William J affray, Thomas Law,
William Campbell, Walter Stewart Minifters ^ And Archibald
Marquefle of Argyle, John Earle of Crawfurd-Lindfay , Wil-
liam Earlc Marfhall, William Earle of Glcncairn, John Earle of
Caftils , Charles Earle of Dumfermling , James Earle of Tulli-
bardine, Francis Earle of Bacleugh, John Earle of Lauderdale,
William Earle of Lothian, William Earlc of Lanerk, Archibald
Lord Angus, ^o/w Lord Balmerino, Robert Lord Burleigh,^^»
Mjfter of Yefter, Sir Patricl^Hepbum of Waughtoun, Sir John
Hope of CraighalljSir Archibald Johnflon of Warifton,Sir David

Hume

The CjeneraU Ajjembly, \6^6, 15

Hume of Wedderburn, Sir Robert Jnnes of that ilk, Sir William
Batly of Lamington, Sir John Mimcretjfc of that ilk, James Mac-
dougalcti Garthland, ?atrickCockburnox Clarkingeon, Sir Hugh
Campbeloi Cefnock, Sir William Cunningham of Cunningham-
head,^^ HumeoA Blackader , Sir James Dundas of Arnifton,
Alex. Forbes Tutor of Pitfligo,M. Geo. Winrham o>{ Libberton,
David Wcemes or Fingask , M. Francis Hay of Balhoufie, Alex.
2?ra//>ofthatilk, M.Alex.Colvil of Blair, Geo. Dundasot Dudi-
fton, Wtlliam Mooroi Glanderfton, Sir James Nicelfon of Col-
brandfpaith, John Edgar of Wedderlie, William Hume of Lent-
hill, James Ruchhead^ uaurencc Henderfon, and James Stuart Bai-
lies of Edinburgh, George Porterfield Proved of Glafgow, Wil.
//ww* there, Ro.Arnot Proveft of Perth, John Scmple Proved of
Dumbarton, John Kennedie Proveft of Air, M.David Wcemes y
Geo.Gardtne, John John ft oun^ Tho. PaterJon,Tho. White , John
Sletgh Elders. Giving unto them full power and Commiflion
To do ail and every thing for profecuting,advancing,perfe<5t ing,
and bringing the faid work of Uniformity in Religion in all His
Majeff ies Dominions to a happy conclufion, conform to the for-
mer Gommiflions granted by preceding AlTemblies thercanent.
And tothateffed appoints them , or any feventeen of them,
whereof thirteen fhall be Minifters , To meet at Edinburgh the
19 of this Moneth,and thereafter upon the fecond Wednefdaies
of Auguft,Novembcr,Februar,and May next to comc,and upon
any other day , and in any other place they fhall think meet. And
further, renews to the perfons before named, the power conrai-
tained in the Aft of the faid Aflembly 1643. Intituled , A refe-
rence to the Commission anent the perfons defigned to repair to the
Kingdom of England -, As alfo the power contained in two feve-
rall Acts of the faid Aflembly 1644. SefT.6. made againfi fecret
difaffefters of the Covenant, and for [ending Minifters to the Armie,
with full power to them to treat and determine in the matters
aforefaid,and in all other matters referred unto them by this Af-
fembly , as fully and freely as if the fame were here particularly
exprefled, and with as ample power as any Commiflion of for-
mer Gcnerall AlTemblies hath had , or been in ufe of before ♦,
They being alwayes for their whole proceedings comptable to,
and cenfurable by the next Geneiall Aflembly.

T^enovation of the Co mm if ion for profecuting
the Treaty for 'Uniformity in England.

[He Generall Aflembly, Taking to their confideration
that the Treatie of Uniformity in R cligion in all His
Majefties Dominions is not yet perfected, Therefore
Renews the power and Commiflion granted by pre-
ceding AlTemblies for profecuting that Treatie , unto tnefc

E pcrlons

1 6 T^be (jenerall (tAjfembly, i 6 4. 6 .

perfons after named, viz,. M. Alexander Henderfon , M.Robert
DougUs, M. Samuel Rutherford, M. J?<?^r/ &f///V, M. Gco.Gilefptc
Minifters ? And Jo/w Earle of Lauderdale, John Lord Balme-
rino, and Sir Archibald J>ohnfton of Warifton Elders $ Authori-
zing them with full power to profecute the faid Treatie of Uni-
formity with the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament of Etxg-
/W,and the Reverend Aflembly of Divines there ,or any Com-
mittees appointed by them : And to do all and every thing
which may advance, perfect, and bring that Treatie to an happy
conclufion, conform to the former Commiflions given there-
anent.

The ASSEMBLIES ANSWER

T O

The KINGS MAjESTIE.

z5A<fay itpleaftjour Majeftie,

Aving received your Majefties Letter with
thankfulnefle, we thought it our dutie to fend
fome of our number to wait upon your Maje-
ftie, and prefent our humble defires more par-
ticularly then at this time could be exprefled
by writ ^ And we are confident your Majeftie
will interprets our freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a
re ill teftimonie of our unfained affection, who have conftantly
laboured to approve our felves in all fidelity to our Lord and
Mafter Jefus Chrift , and in all loyaltie to your Majeftie •, And
are refolved to walk ftill after the fame rule in our feverall ftati-
ons and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you , that God
may multiply all forts of Mercies upon your Royall Perfbn and
P of ferity , and more and more incline your heart to the fpeedie
following of the Counfcls of Tructh and Peace, and grant unto
your Majeftie a long and happy Reign , that we may live under
you a peaceable and quiet life, in all godlineiTe and honefty .

Subfcribed in name of the

. Edinburgh, Narionall Aflembly of

18 fami 1 6^6. the Kiri of Scotland by

the Moderator.

The

The Cjenerall Jjjem bly, i 6 4, 6. 17

The Jflemblies Letter to the 'Plight Honorable

the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of

England affembledat Weftminiter.

RIGHT HONOURABLE,

*^jrf^.'y«kHeieport of the great things which the Lord
r^ hath done for your Honours, hath gone forth
into many Lands , and it becometh us leaft of
any either to (mother or extenuate the fame ;
We defire to be enlarged in the admiration of
the Power and Mcrcie of God the Author,and
to diminifh nothing of that praife that is due unto you as inftru-
ments. When the Lord fee your Honours upon the Bench of
Judgment,both the Kirk and Common wealth of England were
arfli&ed with inteftineand bofomeevills,the cure whereof could
not but be very difficult, becaufe they were not only many , but
for the moft partUniverfal and deeply rootcd,fheltred under the
fhadow of Cuftome and Law , and fupported with all the wif-
dom and ftrengthofthe Malignant and Prclaticall paitre-, who
rather chofe to involve the Land in an unnaturall and bloody
Warre, then to fail of their ambitious and treacherous defignes,
againft Religion , the priviledges of Parliament, and the Lawes
and Liberties of theKingdom: Neither hath that miferable crew
been wanting to their owne ends, but for many years together
hath defperatly purfucd their refolutions in Arms-, And was
likely to have prevailed, if the Lord had not put himfelf in the
breach, and furnifhed you with much Patience, Wifdom,
Courage , and Conftancy, in the midft of many difficulties and
diftrefles •, and at laft with fo glorious and triumphing a fuc-
cefTe, that the Enemy hath fallen every where before you , and
there is none left to appear againft you. Thefc things as they be
the matter of our refrefhment and of your glory, fo doe they lay
a ftrong obligation upon your Honours to walke humbly with
your God, and to improve the power he hath put into your hands
for the advancement of the Kingdom of his Son , and bringing
forth of th« head-Stone of his Houfe. The (low progrefle of the
work of God hath al wayes been the matter of our forrow, which
is now increafed by the multiplication of the fpirits of errour
anddclufion, that drowne many fouls into perdition, andfo
ftiengthen themlelves , that they (hall afterward be laboured
againft with more pains then fuccefle , if a fpeedy and effedfuall
remedie be not provided. And therefore as the fervants of the
living God, who not onely fend up our fupplications daily for
you,but have hazard our felvesin vour defence, We doearncftly
befeech your Honors in the bowels of jefus Chrift,to give un-
to him the glory that is due unto his Name , by a nmous eft tbli-

E 2 filing

i8 The (jeneralldjfembly^ i 6 \6.

filing all his Ordinances in the full integrkie and power thereof,
according to the League and Covenant. As long as the Aflem-
bly of Divines was in debate,and an enemy in the fields,we con-
ceived that thefe might be probable grounds of delay, which
being now removed out of the way, we do promife to our felves
From your Wifdom, FaithfulnefTc, and Zeale , the perfiting of
that which was the main ground of our engagement,and a chief
matter of confolation unto us in all our fad and heavy fuffcrings,
from the hand of a raoft cruell Enemy. We know that there is
a generation of men who retard the work of Uniformity, and
foment Jealoufies betwixt the Nations , ftudying if it were pof-
fible, to break our bands afunder s But we truft, that he that (its
in the Heavens will Laugh , and that the Lord fhall have them
in derifion, that he fhal fpeak to them in his wrath and vex them
in his fore difpleafurc , and notwithstanding of all that they can
do,fet his King upon his holy hill of Sion,and make thefe Nati-
ons happy in the fweet fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The
fearcher of hearts knows that we defire to hold faft the band of
our Covenant, asfacred and inviolable ♦, being per fwaded that
the breach of fo folemne a tye could not but haften down upon
our heads acurfc and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the
world,and involve thefe Kingdoms in fader calamities then they
have yet ken ^ And we abhor to entertain any otherthought of
you: Nay we arc confident that your Honours will feriouily
indeavourtheprofecutionofall thefe ends defigned in the Co-
venant, and the bringing thefe Nations unto the neereft con-
junction both in judgement and affe&ion, efpecially in thefe
things tha^ concern Religion, which without all controverfie, is
the readied and fureft way of attaining and fecuring the Peace
and Profperity of both Kingdoms.

Subfcribed in name of the
Edinburgh 18 J-unii \6\6. Generali Aflcmbly by

the Moderator.

The Ajjemhlies Letter to the %ight Honorable

the Lord Major, Aldermen^/**/ Common-

Counfell of the City of London.

Our late and feafonable teftimony given to the Truth
of the Gofpel, and your affection to the Peace of the
Kingdoms,manifefted in your humble Remonftrance
and Petition to the Honorable Houfes of Parliament,
hath fo revived the remembrance of your former Faith and
Zealand proclaimed you the worthy feed of fo noble anceftors
in that famous City, As we cannot but acknowledge with all

thank-

^The Cjenerall AJfembly, 16 \6. 19

thankfulnefTe the grace of God beftowed on you, and ftirre you
up to take notice , how fince you were precious in the Lords
fight, you have been ever Honourable, The Lord hath loved
you, given men for you,and people for your life: Whatan ho-
nour was it in the dayes of old,when the fire of the Lord was in
Zion, and his furnace in your tferujalem ( even in Queen Maries
dayes ) that there were found in you men that loved not their
lives unto the death < What a glory in after times, when Satan
had his Throne and Antichrift his Seat in the midft of you, that
there were ftill found not a few that kept their Garments clean ?
But the greateft praife of the good hand of God upon you hath
been in this, That amidft the many Mifts of Errour and Herefie
which have rifen from the bottomleflc pit , to be-lpot the face
and darken the glory of the Church , (. while the Bride is a ma-
king ready for the Lamb ) you have he'd the Trueth, and moft
pioufly endeavoured the fetling of Chrift upon his Throne. We
need not remember how zealous you have been in the Caufe of
God , nor how you have laid out your felves and cftates in the
maintenance thereof, nor how many acknowledgements of the
iame you have had from the Honourable Houfes, nor how pre-
cious a remembrance will be had of you in after ages for your
felling of all to buy the Pearl of price : We only at this time do
admire , and in the inward of our hearts do bleflc the Lord for
your right and deep apprchenfions of the great and important
meters of Chrift in his Royall Crown,and ofthe Kingdoms in
their Union , while the Lord maketh offers to bring our Ship
( fo much afflicted and totted with tempeft ) to the fafe Harbour
of Trueth and Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal againft
Seels and Sectaries ♦, your care of Reformation,accordingto the
word of God,and the example of the beft Reformed Churches -,
your earneft endeavours and noble adventures, for preferving of
the rights and priviledges of Parliament , and Liberties of the
Kingdomes , Together with his Majefties juft power and great-
neffe •, and your high profeffion, that it is not in the power of
any humane authority to difcharge or abfolve you from adhear-
ing unto that our ( fo f olemnely fworn ) League and Covenant,
or to enforce upon you any fenfe contrary to the letter of the
fame-, Bcfides your other good fervices done unto the Lord and
to us, in the ftrengthening ofthe hands of the reverend Af-
fembly of Divines, and of our CommifTioners in their aflerting
ofthe government of Chrift ( which the more it betricd will be
ever found the more precious Truth)and vindicating of the fame
from the ufurpation of man,and contempt ofthe wicked. Thele
all as they are fo many teftimonies ofyour Pietie, Loyaltie, and
undaunted refolution to ftand for Chrift-, So are they and dull
ever be fo many obligations upon us your Brethren , to eftcem
highly of you in the Lord, to bear you on our brefts before him

F night

2o The (jenerall ^Ajfembly^ \6\6.

night and day,and to contribute our beft endcavours,and to im-
prove all opportunities for your encouragement. And now we
befeech you in the Lord,Honorable & welbeloved,go on in this
your ftrength^and in the power of his might who hath honoured
you to be faithfull , (land fail in that liberty wherewith Chrift
hath made you free -, And in the purfuance of this truth, we are
confidents you have,fo you will never ceafe to ftudy the Peace
and neerer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a three-
fold cord is not eafily broken. Now the Lord Jefus Chrift
himfelf , and God even our Father, which hath loved and
honoured you,and given you everlafting confolation, and good
help through grace, comfort your hearts, and ftablifh you in
every good word and work.

Subfcribed in name of the
Edinburgh 1 8 Junii \6q6. Generall AlTembly by

the Moderator.

The Jffemblies Letter to the right T^gver end
the Ajjembly ofDhines in the Kirh^ ^Eng-
land ajjembled at VVeftminfter.

tJWucb Honoured and right Reverend,

Mongft other fruits of this our precious liberty .after
fuch diffipation bySword and Peft ilence,to meeta-
gain,we account it not the leau\to have the oppor-
tunity of making a publike Declaration of our ear-

fi*-1-1

idsfl neft affection to all our brethren of thatNation,and
efpeciallyyour felves of the Reverend Affembly at Wejiminfier.
When we were lately in a very low condition, we may fay that
our own fufferings and fcars,although imbittcrcd with the fenfe
of the Lords difpleafure againft our lukewarmnefleand unfaith-
fulnefle-, yet they did not (otake up our heart,but that room was
left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all their f uc-
cefies, and to condole with them in all their dangers t, And if at
any time any here feemed to be more jealous then godly jealoufie
would allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing
clfe, but to the vehemencie of ardent affection , and impatient
deiire to have our brethren there and us joyncd neerer to Chrift^
and neerer to one another in all his Ordinances * and efpeciaily
in Prcsbytenall Government, fo well warranted by the Word,
and approven by experience of our owneand other reformed
Chinches-, Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have
been blefled with a large increafe , which yet hath proved (till
a Iced unto a further and more glorious expected harveft. There

could

The (jenerall Ajfembly, i 6 4. 6. 21

could not be wifhed by mortall men a fairer opportunity then is
caft in your laps^ being invited and charged by lo high an
authority,to give fo free and publike a teftimony to thofe truths,
which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue
and pen, by tears and blood have more privately aflerted •, The
fmalleft of Chrifts truths ( it it be lawfiill to call any of them
fmall) is of greater moment , then all the other bufineiTes that
ever have been debated fince the beginning of the world to this
day •, But the higheft of honours and heaviefl: of burdens is put
upon you, to declare out of the facred records of Divine Truth,
what is the prerogative of the Crown aud extent of the Scepter
of Jefus Chrift , what bounds are to be (et between Him ruling
in his Houfe,and powers eftablifhed by God on Earth, how and
by whom his Houfe is to be governed , and by what vvayes a
reftraint is to be put on thefe who would pervert his Truth, and
Subvert the faith of many . No doubt mountains of oppositi-
ons arile , and goolfs of difficulties open up themfelves in this
your way -, But you have found it is God that girdeth you with
Strength and maketh your way perfect and plain before you,
who hath delivered, and doth deliver,and will yet deliver. We
need not put you in minde that as there lyeth at this time a ftricTr
tye on all , fo in a f peciall manner both you and we are ingsged
to interpofe our (elves between God and thefe Kingdomes, be-
tween the two Nations , between the King and the People, for
averting of deferved wrath, for continuing and increafing of a
well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us lyeth a right
fettling of Religion and Church- Government •, That when we
fhill deep with our fathers , the Posterity here and abroad may
be reaping the fruits of our labours.

We are fully allured of your constant and fedulous promoving
of this bleiTed Work,and of the Lords affifting and carrying you
on therein: And are confident that your late experience and pre-
fent fenfe of the great danger and fearfull confufion flowing
from the rile and grouth of Sects and Sectaries not fuppreflcd,
hath ftirred up in your hearts raoft fervent defires, 3nd carefull
endeavours for remedying the fame, wherein we exhort you to
continue and abound •, knowing that your labours fhall not be in
vain in the Lord, to whofe rich grace we commend you,and the
work in your hands.

Subfcribed in name of the
Edinburgh 1 8 fmii 1 646. Gcnerall AlTembly by

the Moderator.

*!

ccom-

2Z The (jenerall Affembly, \6 \6.

%ecommendation to 'Presbyteries and
Provincial! Ajjemblies.

^He AfTembly recommends to feverall Presbyteries
* and Provinciall Aflemblies, to confider the interelts
of particular congregations,in the calling.and admif-
fion ot Miniftcrs , with all thefe queftions that ufually fall out
upon that occafion •, And to report their opinions to the next
Aflembly, with fome fit Overtures for preventing all contefts
in that matter.

a. The Aflembly recommends to Presbyteries and Pro-
vinciall AfTemblies to confider all the matters referred by pre-
ceding Aflemblies to the confidcration of Presbyteries , And
to report their opinions therein to the next Aflembly.

AB for a publify Fajl before the next
sAffembly.

[He Aflembly having confidered an A&of the
Aflembly i 644. Seff. Ult. enioyning a pub-
Iikc Faft to be keeped in all the Kirks of the
City where the General Aflembly holds upon
the firft day of the meeting of the Aflembly;
And finding fome inconveniencies therein,
Therefore at this time untill the matter be further confidered,
Appoints a publike Fail and Humiliation for the Lords blefling
to the meeting of the next Aflembly ,to be univerfally obferved
in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the Sabbath next ex-
cept one preceding the (aid next Aflembly«,The cxercifes for the
members of the Aflembly at their firft meeting, Being ftill ob-
ferved according to the ancient and laudable pra&ifc of this
Kirk , This appointment notwithftanding.

Tffe Aflembly appoints the meeting of the next Generall Aflem-
bly to be at Edinburgh upon thefrjl Wcdnejday of^uguft
1 647.

INDEX

INDEX OF THE ACTS OF

The Cjeneratt<iAffembly not Trinted, \6\6.

T eftion of M-Robert TLir Mode-
rator. SeiT.i
( ommittee for tryal of the Com-
miiTions cueftioned. Sell. 2

Committee for References, Reports,and
Appeals. Jb.

Committee for Bills and Overtures, lb.

Committee for examining the proceed-
ing of the Commiflioners or the pre-
ceding Affembly. lb.

Committee for revifingthe Provinciall
Books. jb.

Commiflxon from Ireland for reprcfent-
ing the condition of the Kirk there, lb.

Letters fiom the Committee at Nevvca-
flle,the Generall,and the Commiilio-
ners at London. lb.

Ref concerning the printed Papers fent
from the Coinmiilioners at London to
the Commif. Aflem. lb.

Thanks to M.David Calderwoodi with a
recommendation to him concerning
theHittory oftheKirk. lb.

Aft concerning the charitable contribu-
tion for the diitrefled Brethren in Ar-
gyle. lb.

Order for re-printing the Anfwer of the
Houfe of Lords to the City of Londui.s
Remonftrance. lb.

Ref. to the Commif. Aflem. concerning
abfents from this Aflembly. Sdffi J

Report concerning the Kirks of Leving-
(ton and Mamanna approven. lb.

Recom. fent by Will. Hume to the Farle
otWintott, concerning the Lord Sem-
fils education. Sell. 4

Recom. to the Province of Merce and
Tcviotdale,for abolishing VeMival and
Patron dayes in thtfe bounds , and to
report their diligence to the next Al-
fembly. lb.

Committee for the Querees from the
Province of Merce. lb.

Com. for the Petitions from Ireland. *b.

Recom. tor M. Alex. Cafe. I b.

Committee to confer with M. Umes
Ktnnedie, lb.

Ref. to the Commif. Aflem. for planting
the South Kirk of I eith. Ib<

Recom. concerning the Spittle Lands of

• Garvock to the Commifiion of Par-
liament for plantation of Kirks, lb.

Aft for the fupply of Margaret RirJ,rt~
lift of M. Robert Lindfay Minillerat
Couper in Angus 3 muidered tythe
Rebels. lb.

Ref. of the Pe ition from Doun and An-
trim in Ireland, to the Commif. of
Aflem. Sefl'.j

Committee for the Petition cf Robert
Bryfotts relift. lb.

Aft tor delating the Querees of Mercc
and Teviotdale out of the Provinciall
Book. lb.

Aft concerning the Presb. of Kirkwall,
and MJa. Morijon their rebuke,with
the repofition of the laid M. lames, lb.

Report from the Earle of Winton , con-
cerning the LoxA Sem^ils education in
Glaf,;ow. lb.

Letters from the CommiiTioners at Lon-
don, with a Committee toconfider
the fame. Scfl 6

Refto that lame Committee concerning
Delinquents. lb.

Concerning the relift of M. Rob. Lind-
fay. lb.

Remit, concerning Michael watfon,
Agnes Ritchie and Jfabel Adamjio the
Presb. of Glafgo w. lb.

Recom. lames Banerman to the Magi-
ftra'.e. lb.

Recom. V.. Robert Boyd for fome fnp ply
to the Presb. of Hamiltoun. ib.

Ratit. of the Aft made concerning the
Printing H.Boyde of Frochrigs Book*
in favours of the relift and fuccellours
o£RobrtrBry(on Pi inter. Ij.

Committee for the matter concerning
the Kirk of Glcnluce. ib.

Recom. for Minilters to imploy their ta-
lents in writing. fc*

Aft for W. !°h» Hay at Peebles going to
the Mr. of YeUeis'llegiment.

Li " Recom.

Index.

Recom. for convening the Commif. of
Pari, for plantation of Kirks, and con-
cerning the diforders in the Borders,
* to the Committee of Eftates. ib.

Rccom. Glencorcc, Twcedmoore,Kail-
zie and Bath, to Commif. for planting
Kirks. ib.

Report of the anfwcr of the Committee
of Eftates , to the particulars recom-
mended to them. ib.

Committee to confult upon the remedies
of the diforders in the fouth borders, ib.

Ordinance for Clande Hamiltonns re-
laxation, ib.

Ref. M.Peter InglU and his Tenets to the
Commif. Aflem-fbr publike affairs, ib.

Rtf. concerning idle and ftur iy beggars,
efpecially thefe called (jiffies t con-
cerning concealers and deftroycrs of
conception, adulterers,and inccftuous
perfons toCommif. Aflem.for prefent-
ing Overtures thereanent to Pari. ib.

Recom. Arch. Douglas and Margaret
Smith for charity. . ib.

Thanks to the Earle of Bacleugh. Sefl*. 8

Committee concerning the Earle of Sea-
fort, ib.

Recom. concerning the prefent election
of the Magiftrates and Counfell of A-
bcrdeen to the Com. of Eftates. ib.

Ref. concerning the tranfportation of M.
Rob. Ker to Hadington to the Pref-
bytery and others ad/oyned. ib.

Ref. concerning the Kirk of Gordoun to
the Commif. of Aflem. ib.

Warrant for examination of M. /«»«
Does as a Witneffe in the matter con-
cerning the Kirk of Gordoun. ib.

Recom. Fothrlnghame Bigamift to the
Juftice. ib.

Commil. for vifitation of the Univerfitie
ofi>. Andrews. Sefl. 9

Commif. for vifitation of the Univerfitie
ofGlafgow. ib.

Commif. for vifitation of the Univerfitie
of Aberdeen. ib.

Committee for conference withM.k«w\»-
JKV»>mW/> excommunicate. ib.

Recom. Wi. Iohn Mace erne. ib.

Ref. concerning Miniftcrs to Ireland to
the Commif. Aflem. ib.

Refconcerning the Petitions of London-
dary, Ncwtoun, and Killeleauch, to
the ComuT. Aflem. Ib.

RecomM.Iobnfannefen and lA*Thomas
Ireland* lb.

Warrant for citing witnefles in the par-
ticulars of the Paper given in by Ha-
Ijburton* lb.

Continuation of Sir Iohn Mackenzie lb.

Recom.£/i*. BorthWick. lb.

Committe concerning lames Murray s
buflineffe. Sefl. i o

Renunciation Sir Iohn Mackenzie of
Seaforts Band. Ib.

Recom. to Presbyteries that they admit
not expectants to be aftuall Minifters
to Regiments. lb.

Ref. to Comifl". concerning M. Francis
Comeraj, lb.

Committee for conference with the
Committee of Eftates upon the an-
fwer to the Commiflioncrs at Lon-
don. Ib.

Recom.concerning }A.Alex. Petrie Ib.

Ref. M. lames Lang to the Commiflion
for publike affairs. 1 b.

Ref. concerning Roufes paranhrafe of
the Ffalmes to the Commifl. Ib.

Recom.to M.David Caldertooodto con-
sider the order of the vifitation of
Kirks and tryail of Prcsbyterics,and to
report to the next Aflem. lb.

Act for M. Thomas fVylles removing to
Mauchlen conform to the Act of tranf-
portation. lb.

Recom.to Presb.Linlithgow concerning
the planting of Lithgow & Falkirk. Ib.

Recom.fbr intimation of Seaforts ex-
communication. SeflT. x i

Letter from the Commiflioners at Lon-
don 9 Aunii. Ib.
The Aflemb. anfwer to the Commit-
fioners at London. Ib.

Act concerning the Lord Scottiftarbits
deliveric of the authentick Confeflion
of Faith,fubfcribed by King lames and
his houfhold,with an order for thanks
to him therefore. lb.

Town of Edinburghs Bill for three Mi-
nifters laid afide. Ib.
Ref. concerning Aberchirdor,nd Inner-
kethine to the Commifl. fcr vifitation
of the Univerfity of Aberdeen. lb.
Rccom. Margery Fraifer , relict of
M. D.HouJtou to the Committee of
lofles. ib.
Recom. M-Alexander Ftrrejler. ib.

Recon>

Inch

ex*

Recotn. Margaret famfbeK to the
Coinmite of Eftates. ib.

Recom .Ag nes Haljburton to the Presb.
of Mers and Teviotdale. ib.

Acts concerning Ia.Murraj. ib.

Ref to the Commifl*. Aff. to confider the
interefts of the Kirk in planting Uni-
versities & the chief Matters therof. ib.

Recom. concerning the publike paflages
of thir times , to be collected in fcve-
rall Presbiteries, and fent to the Coin.
Aflem. ib.

Recom. lean Alexander to the Presbit.of
Edinburgh, and the Presbyteries in
Angus and Merns. ib.

Recom. Sir William Dicl^to the Com-
mittee of Eltates. ib.

Order for M. Alexander Levingfion to
the Generall Artilleries Regiment, ib.

Recom. M.Tho. Cr *tt> foord to revife M.

Robert Boyds Works. ib.

, Recom.to Presb.to put in execution the

former Acts concerning Burfars, and

to make account of their diligence to

the next Aflem. ib.

Admonition Presb. Hamiltoun for pro-
ceeding againft Alexander Taes. ib.

Relaxation of Mdohn Hay from the fen-
tenccoffufpenfion. ib.

• Committe to reprcfent the Bill concern-
ing the infolencies in the Borders, to
the Councell and Committee, ^efl.i 2

Recom. Minifters of Argyleto the Com-
mittees, ib.

Commifl". concerning the particulars be-
twixt/^ W'dkie of Souldoum and
lA.Tlomai Ramfay Minilter there- ib.

Advice :oncerning the divifion of Bafin-
den. ib.

Commttee to urge an anfwer to the
defies of the Aflem. concerning the
ele<tion of the Magiftrates of Aber-
dett* ib.

Rcf. 10 the Commifl". of Aflem. to in-
fiftupon all occafions for an anfwer
threunto. ib.

Refoo the faid Coinmiflion of Aflem.

v fr planting vaking places in the Kirk

nd £blledge of Aberdeen. ib.

Leters to the Committee of Newcaftle,

he Generall, Lievt.General Lc!ly,and

oentrall Major Middleton. Sefli 1 3

Hf.M.Edward fVright to the ^Qflajni

of Aflem.

Renovation of the CommifTion of Ork-
nay and Zetland; ib*

Ref.concerning Witches to Com.Afl". ib.

Recom. of the Printer in Amfterdam his
Bill concerning the charts of this
Kingdom. ib.

Sulpenfion M.William fvilkje with a re-
ference to the Commif.of Aflem. con-
cerning his relaxation. Sell. 1 4

Ref. Commif. Aflem. concerning Doctor
BalcAnqHa.li Letters. ib.

Ref. of the Petitions of the Farleof Tra-
qnairand Drumfreis to the Commif.
Aflem. ib.

Act in favours oft Barbara Met'tr, reiki of
umwhile M.fVill. Home Minilter. ib.

Order for a Minifter to Col. Rob. Mont-
gomeries Regiment. ib.

Ref. Sir hhn Smith to Commif. Aflem.
for publike affairs- ib.

Ref.of the Petition of the Town of Edin-
burgh for two Minifters to the Com-
mif. Aflem. ib.

Report of the Committee concerning
the Kirk of Cknluce,and the Aflem.
approbation thereof. ib.

Ad concerning fuch as are abfolved by
civill Judicatories. ib.

Declaration concerning an Aft in the
Provinciall Book of Aberdeen,touch-
ing W.Nathaniel Martin. Self. nit.

Recom. of the vaking ftipends of Aber-
deen , in favours of M. Nathaniel
Martin. ib.

Recom. concerning the mortifications by
the Laird of Drum to the Coinmif.fbr
vifitation of the Univerfitic of Aber-
deen, ib.

Art concerning the distribution of the
contribution for the diftrefled Mini*
Iters in Argyle , M. Thomas Ireland^
and M. John Qunnejon. ib.

Report of the Committee concerning
the infolencies in the Borders. ib.

Rcf Commit concerning the planting
the Kirks of Perth. if*-

Ref. concerning the correA^' Vl',3v j

with the ProtdUnts-"olU,d^{

ib.

elfcwhere.

ine recom. otM.EUezsr

Ref concern-" <*,

„ ,, . to a Kegimcnt. lb.

rtvCom. of M. Cawin forjjthe for 111am-

tenancc.to the Presb. ofC >lali;ow and

Province i>t ', ilafeow and Air. in.

G 2 Recom.

Index.

Recom. of that part without the Town
of hdinburgh called Brifto to Lothian
and feviotdale. ib.

Xhj ee Afts. concerning D. Strang, ib.

<■ ratifying U.zAlcx.Innes hisdepofi-

no.ix with an Ordinance to the lJresb.

or Aberdeen to proceed further againft

ijir, ib.

mmitrec for prefenting theAflemblies

thanks to the Getierall Artillery, ij.

:o the Comrnif- Afletn. for trying of

murther committed within the

icsjyterie of Chirnfyde > and the

f resoyteries carriage thereanent. ib.

. zAL'x. Robertfen, and M.Iobn

C hcr.c , to the Comrnif. for vifitation

of the Univerfity of Aberdeen. ib.

Qidmance for Presb. of Hamiltoun to
proceed againft M.lohn B :ae. ib.

Rccom. for laying afide fome old cu-
ftomes and praftifes. • ib.

Indidionofafaft. ib.

RvCom.M.'lZ, "*£*// Da>ocb to the £bm-
mitteeof Eitates and the Committee
ofmoney. io.

JLef. to the CommiHlof Aflem. concern-

ing the tryall of perfons of quality
members of the Colledge of J uttice,

. or others who have their rcfidence in
Edinburgh for their complyance with

. the Rebells. ib.

Comiinilion for thefe that are to repair
to the King. ib.

The Aflemblies Letter to M. ^Alexander
Henderfon. ib.

Letter to the Earle of Sutherland and
1 other Gentlemen in the North, ib.

Ref.Commifl.for difpenfing thcannuity'
of 300 1. Sterling upon publike affairs
of the Kirk. ib.

A<ff to provide for the charges and all
neceflaries for M. David C a/derwoM
in his publike imployments;And like-
wife for the great pains and charge9
of the Clerk. ib.

Acl: concerning M. 1/t.Strachan, ib,

Ref . to the Commiflion to confider of
Overtures for restraining any. youth*
to go to the Colledge of Doway or
other corrupt Colledges. ib.

Rcf. to the Comrnif for prefenting O-
vertures to the Parliament. ib.

F I N I S.

U/\£L*t £ /

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