The principall acts of the Generall Assembly, conveened at Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of August, the 4. of that moneth, in the year 1647

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THE

PRINCIPALL

ACT S.

Of The

L

G EN ERALL

ASSEMBLY,

C

ONVEENED

A

EDINBURGH,

Uoon the firjft VV ednesday of

August, the 4.. of that Moneth,

in the year 164,7.

EDINBURGH,

T? Tinted by Evan Tyler, T* inter to the
icings moft Excellent zSMajeJlic

AnnoDom. i6q.y*

Pag. r.

####|'#| , #####'|'### c *?# i S##$| , f»#

■ THE

GENERALL

ASSEMBLY,

At EDINBURGH,

4* <*AUgUjl. I 6 \ 7.

4!

zAugujl 16. \6yj. Tojtmeridtem. ocii. 11.

Act allowing the half of the *5\4inijlers in

the Treshyterie of Zetland only , with

their %uling Elder x, to l^eep the

Troyineiall <±Affembly>

He Gcnerall A (Terribly, Undemanding
that the whole Members of the Prel-
byterie or Zetland , adjoyned to the
Provincial of Canhnes and Sutherland
upon weighty con fide racions by the
preceeding Aftembly , cannot be pre-
sent at the meetings of that Provincial!,
without great prejudice to the particu-
lar Congregations within that Pref-
byteric , and many other inconveni-
ences-, That Ifle being of great diftance from Land , andthepaf-
fage from and to the fame being uncertaine and dangerous : 1 )oc
therefore Declare and Ordaine , That the whole Minifters and
Elders of the Presbyterie of Zetland , (hall not be tyed hereafter
to come to the meetings of their laid Provincial-, But that the halt
of the number of the Minifters with their Ruling Hlders J fliall be
onelyobliegedto keepthe mettingsot the laid Provincial Af-
iembly in time coming.

Al 2 0. Jl'tlijl

b> TheCfemrattAjfembly, \6\.j.

zo.dtigujli^j, Antemeridiem. SeCXV,

A Declaration , md 'Brotherly Exhort ati^

on of the general! Ajjemhly of the

Church of Seotjapd, to their

'Brethren of England ? >

)Hc conference of our dutie r,p Ggd obliging us
' to give l teftimony to, his Trueth , and to the
Kingdom of his Sonne Jefus Chrift , now fo
rquch ref|$e4 anjl oppofed by many, and fo little
owned by others : Tjie laudable cuflome and
example of correfpondency between Neigh-
bouring Churches, exhorting, encouraging, and ( in cafe of pub-
like feandall ) admonishing in love one another , as well as
{ingle Brethren ought to adrnonifh one another in lpve , in, the
cafe of private offence .• Our nearer relation and more jpeciall
affection to our Brethren of England , making us to fympathize
witlj them in their danger and afrli&ion as pur p^n , both %. [ng-
domes being united as one entire Body in one Covenant , for pur-
i uing the common caufe and ends therein exprefled : Yea, com-
mon reafon and experience it felf teaching us that wee have no
caufe to conceive our Religion , the liberties, of this Church ,
or our felves to be in a condition of fafety, when ever the ene-
mies of our Religion and Liberties are growing to a prevalency
in the Neighbour Kingdom. Anyone of thefe confiderarions,
much more all qf them together 9 cry aloud upon us to break our
filepce in this prefent Juncture of Affaires 5 yet wee hope to cx-
prefle pur felyes both concerning the prefent Dangers and prefent
puetjes , as in a confeionabje and BrQth e rly freedorne , fo in a
fair and inorfenfjvs way 5 for wee have no pleafure nor purpofe
to provoke any Perfon or Party whatsoever , nor to encreafe, but
to endeavour the allying and compofing of the prefent unhappy
differences. If any frail offend at our jo* jfcharging our confidence
and dping our duty , yet wee fhaU rather choofe to take our
hazard of that, then of difpleafing Cpu 1 by neglect of duty. But
we hope betrer things , then to be mif-underftood , or mif inter-
preted by fiich as defire a eandi^e interpretation of their owne
anions or expreflions.

Firft of all , whatfpever the prefent difcouragemenrs, difficul-
ties or (dangers are , or whatfoever for the future they may bee,
we cannot but commemorate to the glory of Cod, .and we doubt
not it fhall be remembred to his glory in the Church throughout
alj ages, flow great a falvation h)s Mighty Hand and Outflretched

Arms

The QeneraU 4tfvnkh * 1^4.7. 3

Arme hajft Wrought for thefie three Kingdomes j How he ftirrad
up the Spirits of his People \\\ this Kingdome ten yeares agoc,
% o begin to fhake pfF thp Yqjce of Prelaticall tyrannie , and or
Popifh Ceremonies pbtruded Mpou us , contrary to the Lawe§ of
£od and Men •, Hpw he led us on from fo fmall beginnings, and
frgm one degree to another, till wee were United in a Nationall
Cpvenant ; Hpw he gave us a Banner \o bee dif played for the
Trwth » and fo bleffed us in the. profecution of that Covenant,
that the Kings? Majefty was gracioufly pleafed upon the hinnble
Petitions of h(s Loyal| Supje,#s in this Nation, to indict a Geoer
rall AfiTembly and Parliament for healing tpe grievances or ChuFfh
^d State refpe^ively , As likewife to grant his Royall content
|pr Confirming and Ratifying by Acts of Parliament our Natip-
naji Covenant , and the Government and Liberties of this
Church. After which the- new Troubles raifed againft us by
the malice and treachery of our enemies , did occasion the firft
expedition of this Nation into England, ( upon which followed
p\$ calling of the Parliament there , and the large Treaty ) and
intheiflue, the return pf that Army was with an Olive branch
of Peace, ? and not without the beginnings of a Reformation in
ZngUfli ' In which work while the Parliament was interrupted
andppjppffd,. and a Wppcjy War begun with great fuccefle pp
that fide which oppofed the Parliament and the begun Reforma-
tion 7 from whence alfo did accre w great advantage to the Pppilh
Party ( whereof the Cefiation of Arms concluded in Ireland may
beinfteadof many teftjmonies -, ) Commissioners were fent hi-
ther from both Houfes , earneftly inviting and perfwading to a
nearer Union of the Kingdomes, and defiring Afliftance frpm
this Nation to their Brethren in that their great diftrefle ; And
this by thegood Hand of God produced the Solemne League and
Covenant of the three Kingdomes, to theterrour of the Popifh
and Prelaticall party our common Enemies , and to the great
comfort of fuch as were wifhing and waiting for the Reforma-
tion of Religion , and the recovery of juft Liberties. And al-
though for the conjunction of the Kingdomes in Covenant , and
Armcs ( being a fpeciall means tending to the extirpation of Pa-
pery, and ftrengthening the true Reformed Religion) this King-
dome ha.th been invaded and infefted by the bloody lri{\> Rebels,
aided and ftrengthened by fome degenerate and perfidious Coun-
trey-men of ourovvnc: Although alfo in Englmd there werf
not wanting incendiaries, who hating and envying nothing mote
then the Union of the Kingdomes in fuch g Covenant , were
very vigilant to catch, and active to improve all occafions of roa»
Jung divifive motions , and creating Nationall Differences \ Vet
God hath been gracioufly pleafed to break our Enemies ftrength
at Home when it was greateft , and to guide us through thele
Tqalonfies and Differences fomented by difaffecled Perfbns bc-

A } iwcen

4- tffa (jenerall dffembly , \6\j.

tween the Kingdomes ; So that in ftead of a fplitting upon thefe
Rocks ( the thing hoped for by our Enemies ) there was a peace-
ableand friendly parting : Since which time God hath furcher.
blefled our Army at Home , to the expelling of the Enemie
out of our own Borders. Nor can we palle in filence the hapfyy
prOgrefTe which hath been made in the Reformation of the
Church Of England • Ke that hath brought the Children to the
birth , can alio give ftrength to come forth ; And bee whofe
hand did caft out Prelacie and the Book of Common Prayer
( although ftrOngly rooted in ftanding Lawes- ) and who en-
clined the Parliament of Englandio Owne no other Church Go-
vernment but the PresbyteriaH , f'Thoughit bee not. yet fully
fettled according to the Word of God , and the example of the
beft Reformed Churches ) can as eafily encline when hee thinks
good both the King and them , arid the body of that Kingdome
to a thorow and perfect. Reformation. He that made the Affem-
bliesand Parliaments of both Kingdomes to agree upon one Di-
rectory for the Publike Worfhip of God , can alfo when he will
imke an agreement in the other Parts of Uniformitie, COnfeflion
of Faith, form of Church Government, and Catechifme ♦, In
all which there hath beene alfo a good progrefTe made in the
Reverend and Learned Aflemblie of Divines through the good
hand of God fo long upon them.

■Having now teen fo much of God both in the beginning and
progrefTe of this his great Work •, And his Hand having donefo
wondrous things for his People in their greateft extremities of
danger , and having difcovered and defeate the plots of Enemies,
making them fall even by their own Counfels ; Thefe things wee
refolveto keepftiH fixed in our hearts, and as memorials be-
fore our eyes , that remembring the Works of the Lord, and the.
Yiiars of the Right Hand of the mofl: High, wee may neither
want matter of Praifes and Thankfgivings, nor experience to
breed hope. Although the building of the Houfe of the Lord in
England be not yet , after fo long expectation, finifbed, and now
alfo the Workceafeth; Yet wee doe from our hearts blcfTe the
Lord for the hying of the Foundation , and for fo much progrefTe
as hath been made in the Work; Having ftill confidence in the
Almighty, to whom nothing is impoflible or too hard, that eve-
ry Mountaine which doeth or (hall ftand in the way lhall become
aplaine, and that the Head-Ssone mail bee brought forthwith
fhoutings of Joy , Grace, Grace unto it.

NeverthelefTe, we are alfo very fenfible of the <*reat and immi-
nent dangers into which this Common Caufe of Religion is now
brought by the growing and fpre.iding of mofl: dangerous errours
in England , to the obltructing and hindering of the begun Refor-
mation , as namely ( befide many others ) Socinianifme , Armi-

nianifmc

The (jenerall Affembly , 164.7. 5

nianifme , Anabaptifme , Antinomianifme , Brownifme , Eraf-
tianifme, Independency, and that which is called (byabufeof
the word ) Liberty or Confcience , being indeed Liberty ot
Errour, Scandal!, Schifme, Herefie, diflionouring God , oppo-
fing the Truth , hindering Reformation, and (educing others *
Whereuntoweaddethofe Nullifidians, or men of no Religion,
commonly called Seekers: Yea, wee cannot but look upon the
Dangers of the true Reformed Religion in this Ifland , as greater
now then before-, Not onely for that thofe very principles and
fundamentals of Faith which under Prelacy , yea, under Popery
itfelf, were generally received as unconcrovtrted , are now by
theScepticiimeof many Sectaries of this time either oppugned,
or called in queftion •, But alfo, becaufe in (lead of carrying on the
Reformation towards perfection , that which hath beene already
built is in part caft down, and indanger to be wholly overthrowne
through the endeavours of Sectaries to comply with many of the
Prelaticall and Malignant , and even the Popilh party ; and their
joyning hand in hand , and carting in their Iocs , and interweaving
their incerefts together in way of Combination, againfl: the Co-
venant and Presbyteriali Government ; Yea, the unclean fpirit
which was caft out , is about to enter againe with feven other (pi-
nts worfe then himfelfe, and lo the latter end like to be worfe then
the beginning.

We are extremely forry that we have caufe to aggravate thefe
evils from the crying fin of breach of Covenant ; Whereof if we
ihould hold our peace , yet according to the Word of the Lord,
other Nations will fay , and many among them do fay , Where-
fore hath the Lord done thus unto this People f and what mean-
eth the heat of this great anger * And they an(wer one another,
Becaufe they have forfaken the Covenant of the Lord their God. We
would not be underitood as if wc meant either to Juftific this Na-
tion , or to charge fuch a fin upon all in that Nation. We know
the Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in
both Kingdomes, the Lord pardon it, and accept a Sacrifice - y
And wee doe not doubt but there are many feven thoufands in
England who have not onely keptthemfelves unfpotted, and re-
tained their integrity in that bufineiTe , but doe alio mourne and
groane before the Lord for that fin of others. Yet we fliould but
deny our own fence and betray the Truth , if we fliould not refenc
fo great a finne and danger , as is the breach of a Solemne Cove-
nant , fworn with hands lifted up to the moft High God : Which
breach however varnifhed over with fome colourable and hand-
fome pretexts , one whereof is the Liberty and Common Right
of the free People of England , as once Saul brake a Covenant
with the Gibeonites , In his %cal to the Children of I frael and $»-
idah: Yet God could not thcn,and cannot now be mocked; Yea,it is

too

6 TheCjenerall Ajjembly, 164.7.

too apparent and undeniable , that among thofe who did take the
Covenant of the three Kingdomes , as there are many who have
given them (elves to a deteftable indifferency or neutralise, fo
there is a Generation which hath made defection to the contrary
Part ; Perfecuting as far as they could that true Reformed Reli-
gion,in Doctrine, Woifhip, Difcipline,and Government , which
by the Covenant they ought to preferve againft the common Ene-
mies ; hindering and refitting that Relormation and Unifor-
mity , which by the Covenant ought to bee endeavoured ;
preierving and tolerating thofe curfed things which by the Cove-
nant ought to be extirpate $ efpecially Herefieand Schifme, en-
croaching upon,yea offering violence unto the Rights, Priviledges,
and Authority or Magiftracie-, Protedting and alfifting fuch as by
the Covenant ought to have been brought to condigne triall and
punifhment, and perfecuting thofe who by the Covenant ou^ht to
be.afMed and defended; Endeavouring alfo a breach in ftead
of a firme Peace and Union between the Kingdomes : So that
there is not any one Article of the Solemne League and Cove-
nant which hath not been finfully and dangeroufly violated be-
fore God , Angels, and Men. Now if a Covenant for the Pre-
fervation and Reformation of Religion , the Maintenance and
Defence of Liberties was juftly thought a fit an$ excellent means ^
not only to Jlr engt hen and f or tife the Kingdomesagainft the com-
mon Enemie of the true Reformed Religion , publike Peace and
Profperity ; But alfo , to acquire the favour of^yilmightie GOD
towards the three Kingdomes , of England , Scotland , and Ire-
land, as is exprefTed in the Ordinance of the Lords and Com-
mons for the taking of the Covenant , dated February 2. 1643.
Surely then the Authors and chief Inftruments of the breach of
that Covenant, are to be looked upon as thofe who ftrengthen
the hands of the common Enemie, and provoke the wrath of
Almighty God againftthefe Kingdomes. Yea, if this Cove-
nant was the Soveraigne and onely meanes of the recovery of thefe
embroiled bleeding Kingdoms, as is exprefled in the exhortation
of the AiTembly of Divines to the taking of the Covenant , ap-
proved and ordered to be Printed by the Houfeof Commons?
'fhede{pifing,refufing,andcafting afide of that remedy, muft
needs render the difeafe much more defperate. And if by the De-
claration of both Kingdomes jonyed in kxms-yAnno 1643. fuch
as would not take the Covenant , were declared to bee publike
Enemies to their Religion land Countrey, and that they are to be cen-
tred and purified as profiled Adversaries and Malignants. Who
feeth not now a Grange tailing away from thefe firft Principles
and Profeffions, among thefe who either magnifie and cry up, or
at leaft connive at and comply with fuch as have not taken the
Covenant , yea , arc known Enemies to it , and cry down fuch
as are moft zealous for it ? *n

The (jfenerall Affembly > ^+7. 7

In this cafe , while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the ftaves of
Beauty and Bands , Covenant and Brother-hood are broken by
many , the home of Malignants and Sectaries exalted , the beft
afle&ed born down , Reformation ebbing , Herefie and Schifme
flowing ; It can hardly bee mavelled at by any Perfon of pru-
dence and difcretion, if we be full of fuchfearcs and apprehen-
sions as ufe to be in thofe who dwell near a Houfe fet on fire, or
a Family infected, efpecially being taught by the fad experience
of the Prelaticall times , how eaiily a Gangrene in the one half of
this Ifland may fpread through the whole ; Knowing alfo the in-
veterate and infatiable malice of the Enemies of this Caufe and
Covenant againft this Church and Kingdome » which we cannot
be ignorant of, unlefTe we would (hut our eyes and ftop our ears.

Our prefent purpofe leadeth us ro touch fomewhat of the pro-
ceedings o( the Army in England this Summer , fo far as Religi-
on is therein concerned ; As wee are confident, divers have gone
along with them in the fimplicity of their hearts, and we preiume
not to judge the thoughts and intentions of any, it being Gods
owne prerogative, to bring to light the hidden things of darknes^
and to make manifeft the counfels of the hearts ; So it cannot be
denied , that upon thele paiTages and proceedings hath followed
the interrupting of the fo much longed for Reformation of Reli-
gion , of the ferling of Presbyteriall government , and of the
fupprefling of herefies and dangerous errors, ( which works the
Parliament had taken in hand ) the retarding and delaying the re-
lief of Ireland , the fowing of the feeds of another War in Eng-
land^ the ftrengthning of the hands of the Malignant and Epif-
copall party , the weakning and wounding both of Magiftracy
and Miniftery : In all which, whether the Army bee blamelefle
and innocent , from miniftring occafion to fo great evils, or whe-
ther there be not caufe for them to repent and do the firft works,
and to practife more of that love , moderation, and meeknefTc of
Spirit, and of that zeal againft Malignants and Prelaticall perfons,
which they have from the beginning profefTed , and the want
whereof ( when f ufpected in others ) they did fo much cenfure ;
or whether there be fuch a thing among them , as adjoyning with
thofe againft whom , and againft thofe with whom the Covenant
was taken $ We leave them in all thefe to the fearch and examina-
tion of their own conferences, that they may ftand or fall unto
God. For our part, we cannot conceive how the late Propofals
of that Army for fetling of a Peace, do in point of Religion con-
fift with the folemn League and Covenant , or with the Propor-
tions of Peace, formerly agreed upon by both Kingdomes ; there
being fo confiderable omiifions of divers materiall delires con-
tained in thofe former Proportions , concerning the abolition
of Prelacy •, concerning the injoyning of the taking of the Co.

B venmt

8 The (jenerall Ajjernbly, 164.7.

venant by all his Majefties Subjects, under fuch penalties as the
Parliaments fhould agree upon ; concerning the fetling of Religi-
on in England and Ireland ^ according to the Covenant, in inch
manner as both Houfes of Parliament (hall agree on , after advice
had with the Afiembly of Divines-, concerning the fetling of uni-
formity between the Churches of God in both Kingdomes, ac-
cording to the Covenant , in fuch manner as fiiall be agreed on by
both Houfes of the Parliament of England , and by the Church,
and Kingdome of Scotland , after advice had with the Divines of
both Kingdomes ; Alfo concerning an A& of Parliament to con-
firm the calling and fitting of the Aflembly of Divines: All which,
with fome other particulars concerning Religion, exprefl'ed in the
former Proportions, if they mould now be omitted in the fetling
of a Peace , the progrefle already made , not only in the Aflem-
bly of Divines, but in the Houles of Parliament in fetling Pref-
byteriall Government, with the Confeffion of Faith, yea the Di-
rectory of publike Worthip ( though agreed upon by the AiTem-
blics and Parliaments of both Kingdomes,) fhall bee but fo much
loft labour. But befide thefe omiffions it may bee juftly doubted
whether there be not in thefe Propofals of the Army , fomewhat
for Epifcopacy , and againft the Covenant ; For wee cannot un-
derftand the eleventh Propofall, in any other fenfe, but that it
fuppofeth the.continuance of the Ecclefiafticall office of Bifhops
or Prelats,as well as of any other Church Officers, and taketh no
more from the Prelats , but coercive power or jurifdiction exten- ,
ding to civill penalties , which indeed belongeth to no Eccle-
fiafticall Officers. In the twelfth Propofall , we do not fee, how
it can avoid or fliun the toleration of Popery, Superftition , He-
refie, Schifme , ProfannelTe , or whatfoever works of darkneffe
fhall be pra&ifed by fuch as defpife the publike Worfliip of God
in the Church, and have the moft unlawfull and wicked meet-
ings elfewhere under a profeilir.n of Religious duties, exercilcs or
ordinances. From the thirteenth Propofall , wee can make no
other refult , but that in ftead of enjoyning the taking of the Co-
venant , under fuch penalties as the Parliaments in their wildome
fhall agree upon, the former ordinance of Parliament enjoyning
the taking of it, is defired to be repealed : and then what may bee
the danger of thofe that have taken, or fhall take an oath of
that kinde, not enjoyned nor ratified by authority, wee leave it
to bee judged by thofe who know beft the Lawes of that
Kinsdome.

One thing more wee cannot paffe , that whereas in the Armies
Declaration, or Reprefentation to the Parliament, dated June 14.
1647. they mention their Brethren of Scotland, as having pro-
ceeded in the vindication and defence of their juft rights and liber-
ties , much highet then that Army hath done 5 Wee arc necef-

fittlcd

TkeCjenerall JJfcmbly, 164.7. 9

fitated to fay this much for clearing of thefe proceedings in this
Nation reflected upon : They ot this Church and Kingdom who
Joyned together and aiTociacedthemfelves in thisCaule, firftby
humble Petitions, and afterwards by Covenant, were fo far from
flighting or breaking that Covenant which was taken, tint it was
the fpecial vifible character by which the friends of the Caufe were
diftinguifhed from the enemies thereof; and they were fo far either
from crying down the Miniftery and Ecclefiafticall Aflcmblies,
or from difobeying any Orders or Commands ot Parli iment,that
a Generall Aflembly of the Church, and a Parliament, were two
chief Heads of their Petitions and defires, at that time when they
had neither ; And when they had obtained a Generall Aflembly
and Parliament, they chearfully fubmitted to both refpe&ively.

And now the dangers of Religion in this Iiland being fo great,
as there hath been lately a Solemne Humiliation throughout this
Land , upon occafion of thefe great and growing dangers •, f o we
cannot but frill look upon them as matters of frequent Prayer and
Humiliation to our felves, as well as our Brethren inEngUnd^
there being much fin in both Kingdomes procuring all this evill,
and juftlycfefervingthefe,and heavier judgements. And as wee
defire in the firft place to be humbled for our own fins, and the
fins of this Nation, fo we truft,our Brethren will bee willing to be
put in minde of theneceffity of their Humiliation and Repentance
for the Nationall fins of that Kingdome ; which wee fhall wifh
rather to be fadlyconfideredbythem.thenexprefledbyus. One
thing we are confident of, that God hath had a fpeciall controvert
fie againft his People of old for the fin of a broken Covenant, and
unwillingnelTe to bee Reformed and Purged according to the
Word of the Lord •, and that till thefe finnes were acknowledged
and repented, his controverfie did not take an end. We are no
lefTe confident that the godly and well affected will in tendernefle
of confeience timely fearch out, weigh well,mourn for, and Iludy
to remove all the caufes of the Lords prefent controverfie againft
that Nation. What the honourable Houfes of Parliament have
to bee humbled for, and to reform or amend , they have been
(and we truft ftill are) put in minde by fuch as are AmbafTadours
to them in Chrifts ftead at their folemn humiliations. For our
part,as we have alwayes mentioned them in our prayers , with
thankfgivingsalfo in their behalfe, fo we now moft numbly be-
feech the Lord, to direct and blefle them, and in their prefent diffi-
culties to keep them by his Grace from all finfull compliance,
efpecially from eftablifhing iniquity by a Law -, to fhew them why
he contendeth with them , that the true caufe of his controverfie
may be removed, and that the glory of his Name, the Kingdome,
Crown, and Scepter of his Sonjefus Chrift, with his Word,
Lawes, Ordinances, Trueth, Minifters, maybe yet more fct by

B 2

in

6 TbeCfenerali Ajjembly, \6^~t.

in their eyes,that they alio mayfindea furtberperformance of the
Word of the Lord : Exalt her and fie [hall promote thee. And ,
them that honbur met^ I mil honour.

We (hall now by the mercies of God,and in the bowefcof Jefus
Chrift , earneftly befeech all thofe of whatfoever quality or con-
dition in England, who have entred into the fame League and Co-
venant with us, and efpecially the Houfes of Parliament, the City
of London , and Affembly of Divines , that with found Humilia-
tion , fervent Prayer, and making fure their Peace with God, they
may joyne all cafe , faithfulnefle and zeal, to hold faft the profef-
fionof their Faith without wavering, againft the many herefies
and errors of thefe times*, that they may according to their places
and callings endeavour to the utmoft of their power to prevent or
hinder the laying afide or flighting of the Covenant , the re-efta-
blifhmentof Epifcopacy , and the toleration of Popery, Prelacy x
Herefie, Schifme, Superftition , orProfannefle, and not fufter
themfelves, directly or indirectly , by whatfoever combination,,
perfwafion or terrour, to bee divided and withdrawn from that
blefled Union and Sacred Covenant , either to the contrary fide,
or to a neutrality in thisCaufe,which fo much ccncerneth the glo-
rie of God , the good of the Kingdomes, and the Honour of the
King- but all the dayes of their lives zealoully and conftantly
continue therein againft all oppofition , and promote the fame ac-
cording to their power againft all lets and impediments whatfo-
ever , which things both they and wee have folemnly and in the
fight of God fworn unto. And as we defired them to reft confi-
dent of the coriftancy of their Brethren in this Nation , in adhe-
ring to that Covenant in all the Articles thereof,which we mail by
the Grace of Chrift (without Which we are nothing J fincerly,
really, and conftantly purfue and promote,fo far as concerneth our
Places and Callings-, ufing our utmoft endeavours towards the fup-
preffion of thofe errors, which have fo dangeroufly hurt Religion
in this Ifland : So, we expect confidently the like of our Brethren
in BngUnd united in Covenanant with us, and that what ever they
may have caufe to fear or bee called to fuffer, yet the Lord will
fo ftrengthen them by his grace, as that they may be able to fay,
K^iUthis is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee , neither have
we dealt falfe/y in thy Covenant. And here is the wif dome and pa-
tience of the Saints,to choofe affliction rather then iniquity, to do
doety in the Worft of times , and to truft God with events 3 and in
fo doing , to hope to the end and wait upon the Lord, untill hee
plead their caufe and execute judgement for fhem : So (hall they
bee more purified and not made blacker (as, alas , fome are)
but whiter in times of tryall.

More particularly, wee do defire that Presbyteriall Govern-
ment may be fetled and put in praftifcthroughout that Kingdom,

according

The (jenerall Ajfembly , 164 7- 9

according to the Word of God, and example of the beft Refor-
med Churches: for without this wee know no other proper and
effe&uall remedy againfl the prefent dangers of Religion there \
or for purging the Church from fcandals, which are deftrudive
either to found Doctrine, or to Godlinefle : And herein we are
confident, the experience of all the Reformed Churches will bear
witnefle with us. Nor do we doubt but in England alfo, time
and experience will more and more commend, not only the beau-
tifull order , but the great utility, yea, neceflity of this Govern-
ment, and difpell all the clouds of afperfions and prejudices which
it lieth under among fuch as know it not, who ought therefore
to beware of fpeaking evill of the things they underftand not.
Yet we would not have our zeal for Presbyteriall Government
mil-underftood , as if it tended to any rigour or domineering
over the flock, or to hinder and exclude that inftrucling in meek-
neffethem that oppofe them felves, which. the Apoffcolicall rule
holds forth; or as if wee would have any fuch to bee intrufted
with that Government, as are found not yet purged, either
from their old profanneffe, or from the Prelaticall principles and
pra&ifes which were but to put a piece of new cloath unto an old
garmcnt,and fo to make the rent worfe ; or to put new wine into
old bottles, and fo to lofe both wine and bottles. Yea who
knows whether this may not be one of the caufes, (and not
the leaft ) why the prefent Reformation, fucceeds the worfe, even
becaufe of fo little repentance^ither for the profanneffe, or Prela-
ticall errours and corruptions of divers who Iwvc a&cd in it:
Neverthelcffe, the right hand of fellowfhip is to bee given to
all fuch as bring forth fruits meet for repentance , whatfoever their
former errours or failings were. And to our great joy,we under-
ftmd that there are many learned, able, godly, and prudent Mini-
fters in that Kingdome, fit to be imployed in thai Government,
together with fuch able and pious men, as are to bejoynedwith
them in the capacity of ruling Elders. It fliall be apart of our
prayers, that the Lord of the Harveft may fend forth many more
labourers in that Kingdome, where the Harveft is fo great , and
the Labourers fo few proportjonably • and in the meane while,
th?tfuchas he hath already thruft out, may not be unemployed,
as to the point of Difcipljne and Government.

Norlaftly, doth our zeal forthe Covenant and Presbyteriall
•Government abate or diminifh any thing at all from our Loyalty
and Duety to the Kings Majefty, although Incendiaries and Bner-
Hiies (pare not to reproach this Church and Kingdome with Dif-
loyakie; Yet fuch calumnies will eafily be repudiate by all who
will examine the whole courfe of the publicke proceedings in this
Nation, in reference to the King-, and particularly the .Declaration
of the Parliament of this Kingdome, dated $AM*ryi6. 1647.

Wherefore

ia TbeijenerallAjfembly^ 164.7.

Wherefore pafling all fuch calumnies, which cannot but be hate-
full to God and good Men, wee do clearly and candidly profeffe,
That the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government are fo far from
hindering or excluding our duety to (he King , that it is thereby
very much ftrengthcned and fupported •, for our giving to God
what is Gods doth not hinder us , but help us, to give unto C*far
what is Caefars. And wee earneftly wifh his Ma/efties Royall
heart may bee gracioufly inclined to the juft defires of his good
Subjects in both Kingdomes , and to that happy fettlement of
Truth and Peace, Religion and Righteoufneffe, which may bee as
well for the eftablifhment of his own Throne , as for the good
of his people.

Now the Prince of Peace Himfelf,grant this afflicled People,tof-
fed with tempefts and not comforted,a fafe & wel-grounded Peace,
bring light out of the prefent darkneffe, and order out of all thefe
confufions , give unto ail who are waiting for the confolation of
Krael good hopeth ough grace , comfort their hearts, Jfablif}) them in
in every good word and work, make his Caule to triumph at lad
over all oppofition , and the enemies foot to flide in due time, and
fo put a new Song of praif e in the mouths of his people. Amen.

24.. Angujl 164.7. sAntemeridiem. Sett. 19.

<tAB for observing the DireBions of the Cje*

nerall Ajjembly for Secret and ^Private

Jffarjbip, and mutuall edification i and

for cenfuring fuch as negletl

Familie Worfbip.

§^§SSS?^§ **E Generall AlTembly, after mature deliberate
' on, doth approve the following Rules and Di-
rections , for cherifhing Piety and preventing
Divifion and Schifme , and doth appoint Mini-
fters and Ruling Elders in each Congregation to
take fpeciall care that thefe Directions be obfer-
ved and followed ; As likewife that Presbyteries and Provinciall
Synods enquire and make tryall whether the faids Directions bee
ducly obferved in their bounds, and to reprove or cenfure ( accor-
ding to the quality of the offence ) fuch as fhall bee found to bee
reproveable or ccnfurable therein. And to the end that thefe Di-
rections may not be rendred ineffectual! and unprofitable among

ibme

The (jenerall Affembly, \6/\rj. 13

fome through the ufuall neglect of the very fubftance of the duty
of Family Worfhip , The Afiembly doth further require and ap-
point Minifters and Ruling Elders , to make diligent fearch and
enquiry in the Congregations committed to their charge refpe-
dively, whether there bee among them any Family or Families
which ufe to neglect this neceffary duty ; And if any f uch Family
be found, the head of that Family is to be firft admonifhed pri-
vately to amend this fault ; And in cafe of his continuing therein,
he is to be gravely and fadly reproved by the Seffion. After which
reproof , if he be found ftill to negled Familie Worfhip, Let him
be for his obftinacy , in fuch an offence , fufpended and debarred
from the Lords Supper, as being juftly eftecmed unworthy to
communicate therein till he amend.

The DircUions of the Cjenerall Ajfemhly , for
Secret and Trivate JVorfhip and mutu^
all edification , for cherijhing Tiety i for
maintaining Vnitie , and avoiding Schifme
and Divifon.

t^g^^l&^Efides the publike Worfhip in Congregations,
feS^^5^% mercifully cftablilhed in this Land, in great pu-
"j^ -d %!§§ rit Y 5 ^ * s expedient and neceffary, that Secrec
r Worfhip of each perfon alone , and Private
Worfhip of Families be prefled and fet up: That
with Nationall Reformation , the profeflion
and power of GodlinefTe both Perfonall and Domeftick bee
advanced.

I. And firft for Secret Worfhip ; It is moft neceflar,that every
one apart and by them Pelves be given to Prayer and Meditation ,
Theunfpeakable benefit whereof is beft known to them who
are moft exercifed therein .• This being the meane whereby in a
fpeciall way communion with God is entertained , and right pre-
paration for all other duties obtained : And therefore it becometh
not onely Paftors , within their feverall Charges , to prefle Per-
sons of all forts to performe this dutie Morning and Evening,and
at other occasions, but alfo it is incumbent to the head of eve-
ry Family, to have a care that both themfelves and all within their
charge be daily diligent herein.

II. The ordinar duties comprehended under the exercifc of
Pietie, which fhould be in Families when they ire conveencd to
that effect , arethefe: Firft, Prayer and Praifes performed, with
t fpeciall reference as Well to the publike condition of the Kirk of
God and this Kingdomc, as to the prefent cafe of the Familie,

anil

■^ ,:

14 TbeCjenerall Ajjernbly, \6^j.

and every member thereof. Next, Reading of Scriptures with
Catechizing in a plaine way* that the understandings of the fimp-
ler may be the better enabled to profit under the publike Ordinan-
ces, and they made more capable to underftand the Scriptures
when they arc read ; Together with godly conferences tending to
the edification of all the members in the mod holy faith : As alio
admonition and rebuke upon juft reafons from thefe who ha\e
Authority in the Familie.

III. As the Charge and Office of interpreting the holy Scrip-
tures, is a part of the Minifteriall calling, which none (howfoever
otherwife qualified) fhould take upon him in any place , but he
that is duely called thereunto by God and his Kirk : So in eve y
Familie where there is any that can read , The holy Scriptures
mould be read ordinarily to the Family ; And it is commendable
that thereafter they confer , and by way of conference make fome
good ufe of what hath beene read and heard : As for example, if
any fin be reproved in the Word read , ufe may bee made thereof,
to make all the Familie circumfpeft and watchfull againft the
fame^ Or, if any judgement be threatned or mentioned to have
beene inflicted in that portion of Scripture which is read , ufe may
bee made to make all the Familie fear, left the lame oraworfe
judgement befall them , unlefle they beware ofthe fin that procu-
red it : And finally , if any duety bee required , or comfort held
forth in a promife, ufe may bee made to ftirre up themfelves to im-
ploy Cbrift for ftrcngth to enable them for doing the commanded
duty, and to apply the offered comfort-, In all which the Mafter of
the Familie is to have the chief hand, And any member ofthe Fa-
milie may propone ane queftion or doubt for refolution.

Ill I. The head of the Family is to take care that none of the
Familie withdraw himfelf from any part of Familie Worfhip :
And feeing the ordinar performance of all the parts of Family-
worfhip belongeth properly to the head ofthe Family , The Mi-
nifter is to ftirre up filch as are lafie, and traine up fuch as are weak
co a fitnefle for thefe exercifes. It being alwayes free to perfons of
quaJitie to entertain one approven by the Presbyterie for perfor-
ming Familie Exercife 5 And in other families where the head of
the Familie is unht, that another conftantly refiding in the Familie
approven by the Minifter and Seffion, may be imployed in that
fervice-, Wherein the Minifter and Seflion are to be countable to
the Presbyterie. And if a Minifter by divine providence bee
brought to any Familie , It is requifite, that at no time he conveen
a part of the Familie for Worfhip fecluding the reft; Except in
lingular cafes, fpecially concerning thefe parties , which (in Chri-
stian prudence) need not , or ought not to bee imparted to others.
V. Let no Idler who hath no particular calling, or vagrant pcr-
fon under pretence of acalling , be fuffered to perform Worfhip in

Families,

Ihe Ljeneratt Jjjembly , 164.7. 1?

Families , to or for the fame : Seeing perfons tainted with errours
or aiming at divifion, may be ready (after that manner) to creep
into houfes and lead captive filly and tin (table fouls.

VI. AcFamily Worfhipafpeciallcareistobehad, that each
Familie keep by themfelves ; Neither requiring, inviting, nor ad-
mitting perlons from divers Families ; Unlefle it be thefe who are
lodged with them or at meal, or ochcrwife with them upon fome
lavvfulloccafion.

VII. Whatfoever hath been the effects and fruits of meetings
of perfons of diveis Families in the times of corruption or trouble
( in which cafes many things are commendable, which othervvife
are not tolerable ) Yet when God hath blefled us with Peace and
the purity of the Gofpel, luch meetings of perfons of divers Fa-
milies ( except in the cafes mentioned in thefe Directions) are to
be disapproved , as tending to the hinderance of the Religious
exercife of each Familie by it felf, to the prejudice of the publike
Miniltery, to the renting of the Families of particular Congre-
gations ,. and (in progreffe of time) of the whole Kirk • befides
many offences which may come thereby, to the hardning of the
hearts of carnall men, and grief of the godly.

VIII- On the Lords Day , after every one of the Family
apart , and the whole Family together have fought the Lord ( in
whofe hands the preparation of mens hearts are ) to fie them for
the publike Worfhip , and to blefl'e to them .tjie publike Ordi-
nances-, The Matter of the Familie ought to ta$e care that all with-
in his charge repair to the publike Worfhij^ that he and they may
joyne with the reft of the Congregation > And,the publike Wor-
fhip being finifhed,aiter prayer,hefhould take an account what they
have heard, And thereafter to fpend the reft of the time which
they may fpare , in Catechiflng and in fpirituall conferences upon
the Word of God \ Or elfe ( going apart ) they ought to af>ply
themfelves to reading , meditation, and fecret prayer , that they
may confirme and increafe their Communion with God ; That
fb the profit which they found in the publike Ordinances may
bee cherifhed and promoved , and they more edified unto eter-

nall life.

• IX. So many as can conceive prayer, ought to make ufe of
that gift of God : Albeit thefe who are rude and weaker may be-
gin at a fet form of prayer $ But fo, as they bee not fluggifh in ftir-
ringupin themfelves ( according to their daily neceifities) the
fpirit of prayer, which is given to all the children of God in fome
meafure. To which effc<5t , they ought to bee the more fervent
and frequent in fecret prayer to God , for enabling of their hearts
to conceive , and their tongues to expreffe convenient defircs to
God for their Familie. And in the mean time , for their greater

C encouragement,

\6 TiieCfenerail Afjembly, 164.7.

encouragement , let tbele materialls of prayer be medicated upon ,
and made ufe of, as followeth.

Let them confefle to God how unworthy they are to come m
his prefence, and how unfit toworfhip his Majefty; And there-
fore earneftly ask of God the fpirit of prayer.

They are to confefle their fins , and the fins of the Familie, ac-
cufing, judging, and condemning themfelves for them, cill they
bring their fouls to fome meafure of true humiliation.

They are to pour out their fouls to God,in the Name of Chrift,
by the fpirit , for forgivinefle of fins, for Grace to repent, to be-
lieve , and to live foberly, righceoufly, and godly $ and that they
may ferve God with joy and delight , walking before him.
. They are to give thanks to God for his many mercies to his
People, and to themfelves, and efpecially for his love m Chrntj
and for the light of the Gofpel.

They are to pray for fuch particular benefits, Spirituall and
Temporall , as they ftand in need of for the time , ( whether it be
Morning or Evening J as health or ficknelTe , profpeniie or
adverfitie.

They ought to pray for the Kirk of Chrift in general,forall the
Reformed Kirks, and for this Kirk in particular, and fgr all that
fuffer for the Name of Chrift, for all our Superiours , The Kings
Majefty, theQueene, and their Children, for the Magiftrates,
Minifters, and whole body of the Congregation whereof they
are members , as well for their Neighbou/s abfent in their lawf ull
affaires, as for thofe tjiat are at home.

The prayer may be^clofed with an earneft defire,that God may
be glorified in the comming of the Kingdome of his Son , and in
the doing of his wil-, And with aflurance that themfelves are accep-
ted,and what they have asked according to his will fhall be done.

X. Thefeexercifes ought to be performed in great finceritie
without delay , laying afide all Exercifes of worldly bufinefleor
hinderances, Notwithftanding the mockings of Athcifts, and
profane men*, In refpedt of the great mercies of God to this
Land, and of his fevere Corrections wherewith lately he hath ex-
ercifed us. And to this effect, perfons of eminency ( and all El-
ders of the Kirk ) not onely ought to ftir up themfelves and their
Families to diligence herein ; But al(o toconcurre eftcdtuafly, that
in all other Families, where they have Power and Charge , the
laid exercifes be confeionably performed.

XI. Befides the ordinary duties in Families which are abore^
mentioned, extraordinary duties both of humiliation and thanfcf-
giving are to bee carefully performed in Families, when the Lord
by extraordinary occafions ( private or publike ) callech for them*

XII. Seeing the Word of God required! , That wee fhould

confider

The (jenerall Jffembly , \6\y. 17

confider one another to provoke unto love and good works ;
Therefore, at all times, and fpecially in this time wherein profa-
nitie abounds , and mockers walking after their own luffs think
it ftrange that others run not with them to the fame excefle or
riot, Every member of this Kirk ought to ftir up themfelves'and
one another to the duties of mutuall Edification, by inftru&ion,
admonition, rebuke, exhorting one another to manifeft the Grace
of God, in denying ungodlinefTe and worldly lufts, and in living
godly, foberly,and rishteoufly in this prefent world, by comfor-
ting the feeble minded , and praying with, or, for one another 5
Which duties refpe&ively are to be performed uponfpeciall occa-
fions offered by divine providence*, As namely, when under any
calamity, crofTe, or great dif ficultie, counfell or comfort is fought,
Or when an offender is to bee reclaimed by private admonition,
and if shat bee not effectuall , by joyning one or two more in the
admonition, according to the rule of Chrift. that in the mouth
of two orthree witnefles every word may be eftablimed.

XIII. And becaufe it is not given to every onetofpeaka word
in feafon to a wearied or diftrefled conference , It is expedienc,thac
aperfon ( in that cafe ) finding no eafe after the ufe of all ordi-
nary means private and publike , have their addreffe to their own
Paftnir, or fome experienced Chriftian: But, if the perfon trou-
bled in confeience be of that condition, or of that fex , that dif-
crction, modefty, or fear of fcandall, requireth a godly grave and
fecret friend to be prefent with them in their faid addreilc , It is
expedient that fuch a friend be prefent.

X I V. When perfons of divers Families are brought together
by divine providence , being abroad upon their particular Vocati-
ons, or any neccflary occafions , As they would have the Lord
their God with them whitherfoever they go, they ought to walk
with God,and not neglect the duties of Prayer and Thankfgiving,
but cake care that the fame be performed by fuch as the company
fhall judge fitted: And that they likewife take heed that no corrupt
communicationproceedoutoftheirmouthjbutthatwhichisgood,
totheuieof edifying, that it may mi'nifter grace to the hearers:

The drift and fcope of all thefe Dire&ions is no other, but that
upon the one part , the power and practice of godlinefTe among
all the Minifters and Members of this Kirk, according to their
feverall places and vocations, may be cheriQied and advanced, and
all impictie aud mocking of Religious Exercifes fuppreflcd ; And
Upon the other part , that under the name and pretext of Religious
Exercifes, no fuch meetings or practices be allowed, as are apt
to breed Error, Scandall, Schifme , contempt or mif-regard
of the publike Ordinances and Minifters, or neglect of chc duties
of particular Callings, or fuch other evils as arc the works not of
the Spirit but of the Flefli, and are contrary to Truth and Peace.

C a <j^/»

i8 TbeCjeneratt Ajfembly, \6\q.

All againjl fuch as withdraw themfehes from the
publikg JVorfhip in their own Congregation.

Tnce it hath pleafed God of his infinite goodnefle
" to blcfiTe his Kirk within this Nation , with the
riches of the Gofpei , in giving to us his Ordi-
nances in great purity , liberty , and withall , a
comely and well-eftablifhed order : The Aflem-
w bly,in the zeal of God,for preferving Order, Uni-
tie and Peace in the Kirk, for maintaining that refpecl which is due
to the Ordinances and Miniftcrs of Jefus Chrifl: , for preventing
Schifme, noyfomc Errours , and all unlawful! Practices , which
may follow on the Peoples withdrawing themfeives from their
own Congregations , Doth charge every Minifter to bee diligent
in fulfilling his Miniftcrie, to be holy and grave in his converfa-
tion , to be faithfull in Preaching, declaring the whole counfell
of God, and as he hath occasion from the Text of Scripture to re-
prove the (ins and errours, and prefTe the duties of the time * and
in all thofe, to obferve the rules prefcribed by the A&s of Aflem-
bly«, wherein if he be negligent, heistobecenfured by his own
Presbytery. As alfo Ordains every Member in every Congre-
gation to keep their own ParochKirk, to communicate there in
the Word and Sacraments* And if any perfon or perfons fhall
hereafter ufually abfent themiclves from their own Congregations,
except in urgent cafes made known to, and approven by the Pref-
bytery,TheMiniftersof thefe Congregations whereto they re-
fort , fhall both in publike by Preaching, and in private by admo-
nition, fhew their dill ike of their withdrawing from their own)
Minifler* That info doing, they may witnefle to all that heare
them, their due care to ftrengthen the hands of their fellow la-
bourers in the work of the Lord, and their dcteftatiqn of any thing
that may tend to feparation, or any of the abovementioned evils 3
Hereby their own Flock will be confirmed in their ftedfaftnefle,
and the unliable fpirits of others will be rectified. Likeas the Mi-
nifter of that Congregation from which they do withdraw, mail
labour firft by private admonition to reclaim them^ And if any af*
ter private admonition given by their own Paftour do not amcnd,in
that cafe the Paftour fhall delate the f orfaid perfons to the Seffion,
who fhall cite and cenfurethem as contemners of the comely order
of the Kirk •, And if the matter be not taken order with there, It
is to bee brought to the Presby r ery : For the better obferving
whereof, the Presbyteries at the Vifitacion of their feverall Kirks,
and Provincial! Aflemblies, in their cenf tire of the feverall Pref-
byteries, ffiall enquire hereanent : Which inquirie and report fh::Il
be regiftrate in the Provinciall Books, that their diligence may be
feen in the Generall Aflembly. a6 Augnfl

T*he (jenerall Affembly , i<£f 7. I?

16. Augujl \6\"j .Tojlrneridiem. SefT.XXII.

<tA r f probation of the proceedings of the Com<>
mifswn of the preceeding Ajfe/nbly.

! ^gp^|lHe Gencrall AiTembly after mature deliberation,
•V^| do ratifie and approve the whole Acts and Conclu-
fions of the Commiflioners of the preceeding Af-
i fembly for publike affaires now tryed and exami-
tgMJjjfel! ned ; Declaring that they have proceeded there-
in with much zeal j wiidome, vigilancie, and according to
their Commillion.

27. Augujl \6\rj. Jntemeridiem. SclT.XXIII.

(•Approbation of the Confefion of Faith.

$8ffi$*g®$$ Confeflion of Faith for the Kirks of God in the
^^WwS^-'W-. three Kingdomes,bcing the chiefeft part of that
§Sm a £0lj& Uniformity in Religion which by the folemnc
(&$$* K^%) League & Covenant we are bound to endeavour;
^^T^ } Ji^^S And there being accordingly a Con fellion of Faith
$%&*ti®)jim agreed upon by the AiTembly of Divines fitting
at Wejlminfler^w'xih the afliftance of Commiflioners from the Kirk
of Scotland; Which Confeflion was fent from our Commiffio-
nersat London to the Commiflioners or the Kirk met at Edin-
burgh in J-anuarj laft, and hath been in this Affembly twice pub-
likely read over, examined, and confidered ; Copies thereof be-
ing al(o Printed, tint it might be particularly perufed by all the
Members of this Affembly, unto whom frequent intimation was
publikely made, to put in their doubts and objections if they had
any •, And the (aid Confeflion being upon due examination there-
of found by the Aflemblyto bee raoft agreable to the Word of
God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worfhip,
Dilcipline, and Government of this Kirk : And laftly , it being
fo necefTarv and fo much longed for , That the faid Confeflion be
with all poffible diligence and expedition approved and cftablifhed
in both Kingdoms,as a ptincipall part of: the intended Uniformity
in Religion , and as a fpeciall means rorthe more tffecluall fup-
preffingof the many dangerous errours and herefics of thefe times;
The Generall Affembly doth therefore after mature diliberation
Agree unto and Approve the faid Confeflion as to the truth of the

matter

20 TheGfenerallAjfembly, 16^71

matter ( judging it to be moft orthodox and grounded upon the
Word of God) andalfoastothe point of Uniformity, Agree-
ing for our part that it be a common Confeflion of Faith for
the three Kingdomes. The AfTembly doth alfo blefle the
Lord, and thankfully acknowledge his great mercy, in that fo ex-
cellent a Confeflion of Faith is prepared , and thus far agreed
upon in both Kingdomes; which we look upon as a great ftrength-
ning of the true Reformed Religion againft the common enemies
thereof. But left our intention and meaning be in fome particulars
mifunderftood , It is hereby exprefly Declared and Provided,
that the not mentioning in thisConfeffion the feverall forts of Ec-
cleiiafticall Officers and Aflemblies, fhall be no prejudice to the
Truth of Chrift in thefe particulars to be exprcfied fully in the
Directory of Government. It is further Declared,that the AfTem-
bly underftandeth fome parts of the fecond Article of the thirty
one Chapter, only of Kirks not fettled or conftituted in point of
Government ; And that although in fuch Kirks, a Synod of Mi-
nifters and other fit perfons may be called by the Magiftrates au-
thority and nomination without any other Call , toconfultand
advife with about matters of Religion * And although likewife
the Minifters of Chrift without delegation from their Churches,
may of themfelves, and by vertue of their O ffice meet together
Synodically in fuch Kirks notyet conftituted^ Yet neither of thefe
ought to be done in Kirks conftituted and fetled : It being alwayes
free to the Magiftrate to advife with Synods of Minifters and ru-
ling Elders meeting upon delegation from their Churches, either
ordinarly,or being indicted by his Authority occafionally and
fnrentta-. It being alfo free to aflemble together Synodically,
as wt\\ f re re nata 9 as at the ordinary times upon delegation from
the Churches , by the intrinficall power received from Chrift, as
often as it is neceflary for the good of the Church fo to afTcm ble, .
in cafe the Magiftrate to the detriment of the Church withhold
or deny his content, the neceflity pf occafionall AfTemblies being
firft remonftrate unto him by humble fupplication.

Edinb.

The Cjenerall Ajfembly 7 \6tf. %i

Edinburgh 28 Augufl \6 '4.7 '. ^ntemeru
dxem. Sefli XXV.

J& for revifing the Taraphrafe of the Tfalmes
brought from England , with a recommen-
dation for Tranflating the other Scriptural!
Songs in Adeeter.

He Generall Aflembly, having confidered ?he re-
port of the Committee, concerning the Para-
phrafe 0/ the Pfalmes fent from England : And
finding that it is very neceflary, that the faid Pa-
raphrase be yet revifed •, Therefore doth appoint
Mafter John Adamfon to examine the firft fourty
Pialmes, Mafter Tboma* Craufurd the feconci fourty, Mafter John
Jtorv the third fourty ,and Mafter John Ne-vey the laft thirty Pialms
of that Paraphrafe ; and in their Examination-they fhall not only
obferve what they think needs to bee amended, but alfo to fet
downe their own eflay for correcting thereof* And for this
purpofe recommends to them , to make ufe of the travels of
jtowdUen, Mafter Zachary Boyd, or of any ether on that fubjeft, but
efpeciallyof our own Paraphrafe, that what they finde better in
any of thefe Works may bechofen : and likewifethey fhall make
ufe of the animadverfions fent from Presbyteries, who for this
caufe are hereby defired to haften their obfervations unto them;
And they are to make report of their labours herein to the Com-
miffion of the AfTembly for publike affaires againft their firft
meeting in February next : And the Commiffion after revifing
thereof, fhall fend the fame to Provinciall Affemblies, to bee
iranfmitted to Presbyteries, that by their further confederation,
the matter may be fully preparecf to the next Aflembly : And be-
tfaufe fome Pfalmes in that Paraphrafe fent from England are
compofed in verfes which do not agree with the Common- runes,
Therfore it is alfo recommended that thefe Pfalms be like wife tur-
ned in other verfes which may agree to the Common- tunes, that
is, having the firft line of eight fyllabs , and the iecond line of
fix, that fo both verftons being together , ufe may bee made of
either of them in Congregations as (ball bee found convenient :
And the Aflembly doth Further recommend , That M. Zachary
Boyd be at the paines to tnwflate the other Scripturall Songs in
Bieeter,and to report his travels alfo to the Commiffion of Aflem-
bly, thwafter their Examination therof, they may fend the fame
to Presbyteries to be there confidered untill the next General'
AfTembly. .. •*#*

iz The(jenerallAjfembly > \6^y.

M recommending the execution of the AB of
Parliament at Terth, for uplifting pecuniall
painestohee imployed upon pious ujes y and
of allABsof ^Parliament made agawjl ex-
communicate Terfons.

He Generall Aflembly doth ferioufty Recommend
and Ordaine, That Presbyteries diligently enct -
vour, that the ninth Ad or the Parliament holden
at Perth , ^yinno 1645. Concerning the uplifting
ilfSP ^g ^i of pecuniallpaines to bee imployed upon pious ufes,
may bee put to due execution within their feverall hounds 5 And
alfo that the A&s of Parliament againft excommunicate Perf >ns,
efpecially the twentieth A& of the Parliament in March laft,be al-
io carefully execute: And that they caufe life all diligence to that ef-
fect, And account hereof mall bee required in Provinciall and
Generall Aflemblies.

Vlt Augujl 164.7. Antemeridiem.
Scff. XXVII.

<tAB difcharging the importing ^ venting or
fpreading of erronious Soo^f or Tapers.

: He Generall Affembly confidering how theer-
rours of Independency and Separation ( have in
our Neighbour Kingdomeof England) fpread
as a Gangra?n , and do daily eat as a Canker • In
fo much that exceeding many Errours, Hereiies,
Schifmes, and Blafpemies, have iflued there-
from , and are fheltered thereby 5 And how poflible it is , for the
fame evils , to invade , and overfpread this Kirk and Kingdome,
( lying within the fame Ifland ) by the fpreading of their erro-
nious Books, Pamphlets, Lybels, and Letters, andbyconver-
ling with them that are infected with thefc errours , except the
fame bee timeoufly prevented^ Doe therefore , In the Name of
God , Inhibit and Difcharge all Members of this Kirk and King-
dome, to converfe with Perfons tainted with fuch errours • Or to
import , fell, fpread, vent, or difperfe fuch erronious Books or
Papers: But that they beware of, and abftain from Books main-
taining Independencie or Separation , and from all Anttnomiari,

AnabaptifHcall,

The Cjcncratt AJfembly , \6^.y. 23

An3b*pti(ricall , and other erronious Books and Papers; Re-
quiring all Minifters to warne their flocks againft fuch Bookes in
generall , and particularly fuch as are mod: pliufiblc , inilnuating,
and dangerous : And to try carefully from time to time if any
fuch Bookesbec brought into this Countrey from BngUnd , or
from beyond Seas (which is efpecially recommended to iMini-
fters on Sea Coafts, or Towns where any Stationers are ) and if
any (hall bee found, to prefent the fame to the Presbyterie, that
fomecourfe may be taken to hinder the difpeifing thereof : And
hereby all Presbyteries, and Synods, are ordained to try and Pro-
ceffeftich as (hall tranfgreTe againft the prcmifTes or any part of
the fame. And the Allembly alio doth ferioufly. recommend to
Civill Magiffrates , that they may be pleafed to be aififting to Mi-
niftersand Presbyteries in execution of this Act, andtoconcurre
with their authority in every thing to that effecl.

A3 for debarring of Comply ers in the firjl
Clajje from Ecclejiajlick^ office-.

iHe Generall AlTembly Declares and Ordaines^
That no Pcrfon who is guilty of Complyance in
the firft C'alTe mentioned in the Ad of the pre-
ceeding Aflembly , (hall bee received in any Ec-
defiafticall charge , untill the evidence of his re-
pentance before the Presbyterie and Congrega-
tion be reported to the Synode to which he belongs , and to the
Generall Aflembly , and their confent obtained for his bearing
office. And if any fuch Perfon be already received unto the El-
derfhip of any particular Congregation, yet he (hall not be admit-
ted to be a Member of any Presbyterie, Synode, or Generall Af-
femblie , untill (upon the evidence of his repentance) thecori-
fent and approbation of thefe Judicatories reipectively bee obtai-
ned thereto.

A3 for prejsing and furthering the
plantation of Kjrks.

jHe Generall AlTembly confidering how the Work of
Provifion , Plantation , convenient Dividing , Di(-
membring , better uniting or enlarging of Parifli
Kirks is hitherto foreflowed, to the great prejudice of
many Minifters , many good People, and hindcrance
of tire Work of Reformation 5 Doth therefore Ordaine , That
all Presbyteries have fpeciall care that the prefent opportunity bee

D diligently

%\ ^TbeCjenerall Ajjemhly, \6yj.

diligently'improved by all their Members , as need is, before the
Commiflion for Plantation of Kirks, as they would nor be found
cenfurable for negled. And that every Presbycery fend in to the
next Generall Atlembly the names of all their Primes, with
declaration which of them have Minifters, which not, what is
the largenetfe of the bounds , commodious or inoommodiou* {]-
tuationof each Parifli Kirk , what is the number of Communi-
cants, what Kirks are under Patrons, whatnot, who are the fe-
verall Patrons, what is the nature and OjUanririe of the prefent
.provifion, or poffible ground of further provifionfor competent
Maintenance, where the fame is not fufficiencly provide^ already:
As alfo , what Parifhes are united or difunited or bettered already,
and in what meafure by the laid Commillion 5 That the General!
AfTembly being acquaint therewith , may doe accordingly both
for cenfuring Negleders, and finding out Overtures for hater fur-
therance of the Work for time to come. Moreover it is hereby
Ordained , That the next enluir.g Provinciall Synodes, crave ac-
count of the feverall Presbyteries their diligence, And preflfe that
they have it ready in writ to prefent to the Provincial! Synodes in
April next to come, that fo all may bee in readinefTe and the full
account made at the next Generall AfTembly.

JB for cenfuring abfents from the
(jenerall Affernblit^,

vJwJ^all He Generall AfTembly confidering the abfence of

y*&&V.£.'? „_„.- r> :rr. • . ~l: i _~i ••

1 many Commmiflioners in this and other proceeding
Aflemblies, and that many of tho'e prefent have

w

e
. gone from the AfTembly before thediffolvingtherc-
KiJ of: Therefore, for remedie hereof in time coming,
Doth Ordaine, that hereafter , Every Commitfioner from Pref-
byteries and Univerfities who fhall be abfent from the Aflembly
without a reafonable excufe notified to the Aflembly , Or who
being prefent fhall goe from the AfTembly before the difTolving
thereof without licence , fhall be fufpended by the Aflembly un-
til! the Provinciall Synode next thereafter following.

%g}Ovation

The (jenerall Jffembly , 1^4.7. 23?

%enoyation of former Jcls of Jjfemblj for
Triall and jidmijsion of Expcclants to the
cSMinijlerit^.

tf^Ms&Hc Generall Aflembly, doth hereby renew and con-
$g~ T J5 Hnne all former Ads an J Ordinances for tnall and ad-

^S§_ . -J«Y miffion of Fxne&:mt«; to the Mt'nifterv. F

N ^^ million of Expectants to the Miniftery- Efpecially
Mxs& d ie Articles thereanent allowed by the Generall Af-
fembly i 596. andapproveninthe Aflemblieat Gbfgow 1638-
The thirteenth Article concerning the age of intrants to the Mini-
jftety and the twentie fourth Article concerning the trial 1 of
Expectants, Of an Ad of the Paid Aflembly at Glafgow, SefT. 25.
And the Ad of the Aflembly at S. Andrews 1 642. Sell. 7. concer-
ning Lifts for prefenrations from the King, and the trial of Expe-
dants,^'. Ordaining Presbyteries to obfervc the fame careful-
ly in all time coming.

Modern die 7 Sell. XXVIII. Tofkmeridicm.

T^enovdtion of the Commifsion for frofecuting
the Treaty for Uniformity in England.

:He Generall Aflembly , Taking to their confede-
ration that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion
in all his Majefties Dominions is not yet perfe-
cted ; Therefore, Renews the Power and Com-
milTion granted by preceeding Aflemblies tor
profecuting that Treaty , unto thefe Perfons af-
ternamed , viz. Matter Robert Douglas , Mafter Samuel Ru-
therfurd , Mafter Robert Baillie , Mafter George Gillefti*^>
Minifters : And John Earle of Lauderdaill,^^» Lord Balmerino,
and Sir Archibald Johnftoun of Wariftoun Elders •, Authorizing
them with full Power to profecute the (aid Treaty of Uniformity
with the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament of England , and
the Reverend Aflembly of Divines there , or any Committees
appointed by them: And to doc all and every thing which may
advance, perfit , and bring that Treaty to an happy conclufion,
conforme to the Commillions given thercancnt.

D z %gnova<

%6 The (ferieratt Affembly y 164.J.

I^enoyationof the Commifsion for the
publike affaires of theKjrk^

He Gcnerall Aflfembly taking to their confidera-
tion , that in refpect the great Work of Unifor-
mity in Religion in all his Majefties Dominions
is not yet perfected, (though by the Lords blef-
fing there is a good pro'greiTe made in the fame )
there is a neceffity or renewing the Commiflions
granted formerly for profecuting and perfecting that great Work 5
Doe therefore renew the Power and ComrnifTion granted for the
publike Affaires of the Kirk by the Generall Aflemblres held in
S. Andrews 1642. and at Edinburgh 1643. 1544. 1645. and 1646.
tinto the Perfons following, viz,. Mailers, t_xf lex anderCaffe ^Sa-
muel Douglas, Robert Knox, Willi'am Penman, James Guthrie, Robert
Cuninghame, David Fletcher, Robert Larvdcr, Andrew Stevenfon y Ro-
bert Davidfon, David Calderwood, James Flemings Robert Ker,
James Fairlie, Oliver Colt, Patrick Sibbald, Andrew Ramfay, John
Adamfon, Robert Douglas > William Colvill, George ^illefpie, <JMungo
Law, Andrew Fairfoul, George Lefty, Robert Lawric, ^Alexander
Spittle, Alexander Dickfm, John Hay, 7 homos Vasfie y Ffhraim
Melvitl, Patrick Scheill, Alexander Simmer vail .George Bennet, Alex-
ander Levingftoun> Robert CMurr ay, Kyilexander Rollock , William
Menkes, Alexander Ireland y John Friebairn, George CMurray, Hemic
Guthrie, William Jufiice, Robert Wright, Henric Li vingfloun garnet
ffammiltoun, George Gladflanes, Bernard Sander fon, Andrew Law-
der, George Rutherfurd , John Lev ingflon, George Hntchefm, J*hn
Bell, Heugh C^lackaile,John Nevey, Matthew Brisbane, John Ham-
tniltoun , K^dllan Fergu fan , David Dickfon , Zacharj Bvyd , Robert
Ramfay, Robert Baittic, James Nafmith , Francis Aird , Robert Bir~
me, Thomas Kirkaldie, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair , Coline Adam,
George Bammiltoun , Samuel Rutherfurd , Alexander Colvill , John
Ramfay, James Martetn, William Levingfloun, Thomas Mclvili, John
Smith, Fredrick Carmichaell, Patric^Gillef^ie, Alexander Moncrief^
John Duncan, James Sibbald, Walter Bruce , George Pittillo, ^An-
drew Affleck, John Barclay, Thomas Peirfon , William Rait , David
Strachan , Andrew Cant „ William Douglas , John Forbes, George
Sharp , William Ch aimer , Jofefh Brodie , Alexander Simmer , Gil- ■
btrt Anderfon, William Smith Minifters ; And Archibald Marques
of Argile , John Earle of Crawford , Alexander E. of Eglin-
toun 5 William E. of Glencairne , John E. of Caffils , James E.
of Home,James E. of Tullibairdine,Fr^f^ E.of Ytukzhucb, John
E of Lawderdaill, William E. of Lothian, James E. of Finlatour,
William E. of Lanerk, James Earle of Callendar, Archibald Lord
Angus, George L. Brichen, John L. Yefter , John L. Balmerino,

Ja&cs

tfhe (jencrall Ajfemhlj y NJ47. zj

fames L. Covrper , John Lord Barganie , Sir Archibald John-
jf?0w;ofWariftoun,Sir John Hops o{ Cxz\%h2\\^Artbur Artskjneo£
Scocifcraig, Alexander Frafer of Phillorth, Frederick Lyon of Brig-
toun, Jamct LMackdougalt of Garthland , Sir William Cockburnt
of Langton, Sir Andrew Ker of Grdnheid, Sir Beugh Campbell of
Cefnock,Sir James Levingstow of rvilfyth.Sir Thomas Ruthven of
Frccland, Sir Gilbert Ramjay of Balmayne, John Bender (on of F©r-
dell, Walter Dundas younger of that ilk , Sir WilUam Sett younger
of Harden, Sir LodovickjOordbun , Mafter George Winrhametf Li-
beftoun, Alexander Levingftomt of Saltcoats , John Birsbane of
. Bifhoptoun, Sir Robert Douglas of Tillrquhiliie , James Pringfe of
• Torwoodlie, Sir lames Nicolfone of Colbrandfpith , William Ker
ofNewcoun*, William Forbes younger of Lefty, John Kennedy of
'Carmucks , Robert Arburthnot of Findowrje, Alexander Brodieot
Letham, Mafter Robert Name younger of St rathurd, Mafter James
Schoneir of Caskeberrie, James Ruchheid y Lawrence Bender \onc_j y
.James Stewart ,David Douglas, John Jajf ray, George forterfield^John
Semple, John Kennedy, William Glendtnning, Mafter John Cowan,
John Mill Elders: Giving unto them full Power and Commiifion,
to ooe all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing > perfecting,
and bringing the faid Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his
IvUjefties Dominions to a happy conclusion , conform to the for-
mer Commiffions granted by preceding Aftemblies thereanent.
And to thateffecl:, Appoints them or any feventeeneof them,
whereof thirteene (hall bee Minifters, to meet heer in this City in
the afternoons at four houis , and thereafter upon the laft Wcd-
nefdayes of November , February , and May next , and upon
any other day , and in any other place they mail think fit. Re-
newing alfo to the Perions before named, the Power contained in
the A&of the Aftembly 1643. intituled , A reference to the
Commission anent the perfons defigmd to repaire to the Kingdome
«f England x, As likewiic the Power contained in the Act of
Aftemblie 1644. SefT. 6. for fending Minifter* to the Armie.
And further, in cafe Delinquents have no conftant refidence in any
one Presbytcrie , Orif Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in
thefe cafes, The Aftemblie gives to the Perfons before named,
full power of cenfuring Complyers and Perfons difaffecled to the
Covenant accordingto the Ads of Aftemblie 5 Declaring always
and Providing , that Minifters fhall not bee depofed but in one of
the Quarterly meetings of this Commiflion ; With full power
to them to treat and determine in the matters aforefaid , and in all
other matters referred unto them by this Aftemblie , as fully and
freely as if the fame were here particularly exprefted , and with as
ample power as any CommifTion of any former Generall Aftem-
blies hath had, or been in ufe of before , They being alwayes for
their whole proceedings countable to , and cenfurable by the next
Generall Alterably. Defrrts

28 TTheCjenerall Jjffemblj, i6^.f.

Dejires and Overtures from the £ornmif-
Jtoners of < Vnherfities , and the
djjemblies dnjyper thereto.

i. C^S?/I ^ e CommiiTioners or Univerfities reprefcnts to die
p| Aflembly : Firft , That the Overtures of the Ailem-
;£ bly 1643. for the vilitaiionof Schools and advance-
^ merit ot Learning are very much neglected.
The <^d(Jembly recommends to Synodes to take account of the
observation of tbefe Overtures.

That it were good to exhort aU the Univerfities,co be carefull
to take account ot" all their Schollerson the Sabbath-day of the
Sermons , and or their leflons ot the Catechifme.

The Affembly approves this Overture, and recommends ac-
cordingly.

That alltheUniverfitiesbee exhorted to fend their Commif-
fioners inftru&ed with anfwers to the Overtures agreed upon by
the Commiflionersof Univerfitief. and which from this meeting
of their Commiflioners (hall bee communicate to them, and
this to bee when their Commiflioners come in Februar.or Marcb
tothe Commmiifion of the Kirk.

The r^djfemblie recommends to Univerfities to bee carefull
hereof.

That the Overtures concerning the providing of Burfarsfor
Divinity be recommended to Presbyteries and Synodes , and
that they report their diligence to the next Aflembly.

The Jffembly allowes this Article , and reconmtnds Accor-
dingly.

Edinb.

The Cjener all Ajfemhly , 164.7. 2 9

Edinburgh 1. September 164.7. SefT. Ult.

77?? Affemblies Letter to their Countrcymcn
in Poleland , Swedland , Denmarke, and
Hungarie.

Unto the Scots CUer chants and others our Cottntrej ^People fcattered in
Poleland, Swedland, Denmarke, and Hungary \ ThcGenerall
Aflcmbl] of th: Kirk of Scotland tvifiab Grace Mercy and Peace
frOiTi God our Father, and from the Lord fcf.'s Chrifi.

iW/^^^^Lthough this Kirk of Scotland , whiles fpoiled of
W<^jW&i her Liberties under the Prelicical! tyrannie , had

*W$lWu ™>ch difficultic and wrefHing to'preferve the
■fi " fv,"^f true reformed Religion from being qrite exrin-
pi guiflied among our (elves -, yet fince the mighty
: S& and out-.ftretched arme of the Lord our God
hath brought us out of that Egftt, and hath reftored to us well
conftituted and free narionall Synods , It hath been our defire and
endeavour to fer forward the Kingdom of our Lord Jefus Chrift
and the purity of his Ordinances, nor only throughout this Na-
tion, but in other parts alio fo far as God gas'e us a call and oppor-
tunity and opened a way unto us. And among other things of this
nature we have more particularly tafeen into our ferious thoughts
the fad and lamentable condition of many thoufandsof you~our
Country-men who are fcattered abroad as fheepe having no fliep-
herd and are through the want of the meanes of knowledge
orace'and falvation , expofed to the greateft fpirituall dangers,
whether through ignorance or through manifold tentations to er-
rors and falfe Religions , or through the occafions and fnares

of finne.

Wee have therefore thought it incumbent to us to put you in
mfodeof the one thing necefTary , while you are focaref till and
troubled about the things of the world. And although we do not
difallow your going abroad to follow any law full calling or way
of livelvhood,vc- teeing it cannot profit a man although he fliould
gain the whole world and lofc his own (oul, and feeing you have
travelled fo farre , and taken fo much pains to get uncertain riches
which cannot deliver in the day of the wrath of the Lord, and
which men know not who fhall inherit , We doe from our atte-
ntion te the falvation of your immortall fouls moft earneftly be-
feech and warn you to cry after knowledge and life ftp your yoyce
forunderftandi,\:deckip" her as filver,and fetching for her as for
hid treafures , and iop'.ay the wife Merchants in . putchafingt! e
Pearl of price', anc in- lading up a fure foundation for the time I I
come, by acquainting your fouls with JefusChiift, andbyhitli

caking

^o The(jemraU Ajfembly, \6^rj.

taking hold ofhimwhofe free grace is now offered and held out
to finners, excluding none among all the kindreds of the earth who
will come unto him. God forbid that you fhould let flip the time
and offers of grace,or neglect any warning of thisfcinde lent to you
in the name of the Lord. We fhall hope better things of you,
and that knowing the acceptable time and the day of faivation wit
not al wayes laft , butthe Lord Jefus is to be revealed from heaven
with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them
that know not God and obey not the Gofpel, you will the rather
beftirre your felves timely and with all diligence to feek the Lord
while he may bee found, to endeavour that you may have among
you the ordinary means of grace and faivation, to pray that God
would give you Pallors according to his heart, who (hall feede
you with knowledge and underftanding,to conlult alfo and agree
among your felves with confentof your Superiors under whom
you live { whofe favour and good will we truft will not be wanting
to you in fogood and neceflary a work) for fetting up the worfhip
of God and Ecclefiafticall Dilcipline among ycu according to the
form eftablifhed and received in this your mother Kirk, and for a
way of fetled maintenance to Paftors and Teachers-, Which if you
do,our CommifiTioners appointed to meet from time to time in the
intervall betwixt this and the next Nationall Aflembly, will bee
ready ( upon your defire made known to them ) to provide fome
able and godly Minifters for you, aslikewifeto communicate to
you our Directory for the publike worfhip of God, and our form
of Ecclefiafticall Governement and Difcipline 5 together with
the Confeflion of Faith and Catechifme.

And in the meane time we exhort you that ye neglect not the
worfhip of God in fecret and in your families, and that ye conti-
nue ftcdfaft in the Profellion of that faith in which yee was bapti-
fed j and by a godly, righteous , and fober conversation adorn the
Gofpel ♦, and with all,that diftance of place make you not the lefle
fenfible of your Countries fufferings , both in refpectofthejuft
judgements of God for the finnes of the land, and in refpect of the
malice of Enemies for the Common Caufe and Covenant of the
three Kingdoms, of which happie conjunction , notvvirhfhnding
we do not repent us,but by the grace of God iball continue faithful
and ftedfa ft therein.

This Letter wee have thought fit to bee Printed and publifhed,
that it may be with the greater eafe and conveniency conveyed to
the many feverall places of .your habitation or traffique. Confider
what we have faid , and the Lord give you underft anding in all
things. The grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift be with you all, Amen.

EDINBURGH, Subscribed in name of the Generall
Augufti 3 1 . 1 647. Jffembly of the Kirk of Scotland,

<JMr Robert Douglafie Moderator.

Aft

1 he (jencrall Ajjemblj , \6^.j. . 31

mAcT: concerning the Hundred and

e ley en Tropojitions therein

mentioned.

Eing tender of Co great an ingagementby Solemn
Covenant , (incerely , really, and conftanrly to
endeavour in our Places and Calling?, the prefer-
vation or the Reformed Religion in this Kirk cf
Scotland, in Doctrine, Worihip, Discipline, and
Government, the Reformation of Religion in
the Kingdomesof England, and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worihip,
Difciplir.e, and Government, according to the Word of God,
and the example of the bell Reformed Kirks, and to endeavour
the neareft Conjunction and Uniformity in all thefe , together
with the extirpation of Herefie, Schifme, and whatsoever fhall
bee found contrary to foun- Doctrine : And confidering withall
that one of the fpcciall meanes which it beco neth us in our Places
and Callings to ufe in purfuance of theie ends , is in zeal for the
true Reformed Religion, to give our publike teftimony agiinft.
the dangerous Tenents of Erajlian/fme, Independenc/c, and which
is fallcly called Liberty of Conjlience , which are not only contra-
ry to found Doctrine , but more fpeciall lets and hinderancesas
well to the prefervation of our own received Doctrine, Worfnip,
Difcipline, and Government, as to the Work of Reformation
and Uniformity in England and Ireland. The Generall Aflem-
blv upon thefe confiderations, having heard publikely read the
CXI * following Propofitions exhibited and tendered by fome
Brethren, who were appointed to prepare Articles or Propofiti- j, C eJ p^™ j e
ons for the vindication of theTruethin thefe particulars, Doth but bcaufe they
unanimoufly approve and aqree unto thefe ei"ht qenerall Heads of '\ lin s » bce
Docxrine therein contained and afierted, Viz,, i. That the Mi- r .iily,tiiisA&
nifteryof the Word and the Administration of the Sacraments dfi*» bee pre-
the New Telfament , Baptifme and the Lords Supper , are ihn- llxcd totli
ding Ordinances inftituted by God himfclf, cocontinueinthe
Church to the end of the Woild. 2. That fuch as Adminilter
the Word and Sacraments , ought to be duely called and ordained
thereunto. 3. That fome EcclefiafUcall cenfures are proper and
peculiarto be inflicted onely upon fuch as bear Office in the Kirk-,
Other cenfures are common and may bee inflicted both on

E Minifters

Not thic

1% The Cjcnerall Jjjembly^ 164.7.

Minifters and other Members of the Kirk. 4. That thecen-
fureof fufpenfion from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, in-
flicted becaufe of grofle ignorance, or becaufe of a fcandalous
life and conversion ; Aslikewife, the cenfure or Excommuni-
cation or cafting out of the Kirk flagitious or contumacious offen-
ders, both the one cenfure and the other is warrantable by and
grounded upan the Word of God , and is neceflary (innefpeQ
of divine inftitution) to"beinthe Kirk. 5. Thatasthe Rights,
Power, and Authority of the Civill Magiftrate are to bee main-
tained according to the Word of God, and the ConfefTions of
the Faith of the Reformed Kirks ; So.tis no Iefie true and cer-
taine, that Jefus Chrift, the onely Head and onely King of the
Kirk , hath inftituted and appointed a Kirk Government diftinct
from the Civill Governmenr or Magiftracie. 6. That the Eccle-
fiafticall Government is committee and intruded by Chrift to
the AiTemblies of the Kirk, made up of the Minifters of the
Word and Ruling Elders. 7. That the lefler and inferiourEc-
clefiafticall AiTemblies, ought to bee iubordinate and fubjedt unto
the greater and fuperiour AiTemblies. 8. That notwithstanding
hereof, the Civill Magiftrate may and ought to fupprefTe by cor-
porall or Civill puniftiments , fuch as by fpreading Errpur or He-
refie, or by fomenting Schifme , greatly dishonour God, dange-
roufly hurt Religion and difturbe the Peace of the Kirk. Which
Heads of Doctrine ( howToever oppofed by the authors and fo-
mentersof the forefaid errours refpe&ively ) the Generall Af-
fembly doth firmely beleeve, own, maintaine, and commend un-
to others, as Solide , True, Orthodoxe, grounded upon tha
Word of God , confonant to the judgement both of the ancient
and the beft Reformed Kirks. And becaufe this Aflembly
(through the multitude of other neceflary and prefling buflinelle ;
cannot now have fo much leifure, as to examine and confider par-
ticularly the forefaid CXI. Proportions -, Therefore, a more
particular examination thereof is committed and referred to the
Theologicall faculties in the four Untveriities of this Kingdome,
and the judgement of each of thefe faculties concerning the Tame,
is appointed to bee reported to the next Generall Aflembly. In
the meane while, thefe Propofitions fhall bee Printed , both that
Copies thereof may bee fent to Presbyteries, and that it may
be Tree for any that pleafeth to perufe them , and t© make known
or fend their judgement concerning the fame to thefaid next
Aflembly.

T>efi)

ires

± rje \jcwrau sijjcmLHj , I0<1~. 5?

Deftres and Overtures prc/ented frcm T^ref*
byterics and Synods , with the Jjjemblies
anjwcr thereunto.

>T is humbly preferred to the Aflembly , that the

children of many of the ordinary beggars want bap-

cifme , Themfeives aHo living in great vilenefle, and

therefore defire that fome remedie may be provided for

thefe abufes.

"The ^(jembly doth ferioujlf recommend to Presbyteries to
consider of the befl remedies , and to report their opinions
to the next AJjembly.

That all Students of Philofophie at thfir entry and at their
Lawreation, bteholdento fublcribe the League and Covenant
and be urged thereto , arid all other Perlons as they come to age
and difcrttion b^roie their firft receiving the Sacrament of the
Lords Supper.

The Affembly approves this Overture.

Whereas divers Minifters want ManfTesnnd Glcebs , and
others, have their Gleeb fo divided in parcells , or lying fo farre
from their Charge as the Minifters arechereby much prejudged :
We defire that this Generall Aflcmbly will recommend it to bee
helped by the Parliament, or Committee for planting of Kirks,
in the beft manner that their Lordfhipscan advife.

Whereas divers Kirks were incommodioufly united in cor-
rupt times , we defire that the fame be now difmembered and ad-
joyned to other Kirks , or erected in Kirks by themfeives alone,
and when the prefent incumbents agrees thereto , wee defire the
fame to bee recommended to the Parliament and Committee for
plantation of Kirks* Provided alwayes, that the prefent Mini-
fters who have laboured and indured the heat of day , may enjoy
the b'encfic of fuch parcells as are taken from them during
cheir life.

The csfffembly doth approve thefctwo Articles^ and Recom-
mends to the Commissioners for publike Affaires, to of sift any
int ere fled in the particulars for prosecuting the fame before
the Honourable V flat cs of Parliament , or the Commifsion
appointed by them for plantation of Ktrhj.

E 2 The

5^ TheCfenerall AJfembly, i6^.y.

He Generall Aflembly , Doe yet againe recommend to

P resbyteries and Provinciall Affemblies, toconfider

all matters formerly referred unto them by preceding

Affemblies , and defires chat their opinions concerning

the fame, be reported in writ to the next Generall Aflembly.

T is this day appointed , that the next Generall Jffembly fhall ixcct
at Edinburgh the Jccond Wednejday of July 1648.

o4\ Kcr.

I

35 $ i$ (p $ j,; 5 if, jp -* ;i«s «3S i5G JJ5 if; V 0$ Sf. * ^ C 3 * * * s^

INDEX

0[ the dJEsof this (jenerall Ajjem-
hilts not Printed.

gl^jjfJLe&ion of Matter Robert Vouglaffe Moderator. Sc([. I.
t§5 p Wt Committee for the contravened Commiflions. Sejj.II.
§|^£|j Committee of Reports, References and Appeals. lb.
SeaSsEE'&a Committee of Bills and Overtures. lb.
Committee for examining the proceedings of the Commiflion of

the preceding Aflembly for publike Affaires. lb.
Committee for examining the Synode Books. lb.
Commiflion from the Brethren in Ireland wiihthz Scots Armie

there, lb.
Committee for appointing Minifters to Preach. lb.
Papers produced by Matter Robert Baillie t and M. Gsorge Gillefyie.

Seflll.
Act concerning their Report and Approbation. lb.
Committee for examining the Confeflion of Faith, RotifcVzxz-

phrafe, Catechifme, ejrc and to receive any fcruples and obje-
ctions, and to report, lb.
Act appointing fome Brethren to prefent to the Committee of

Eftates, the progreffe of Uniformity. lb.
Invitation of all that had objections againft any thing in the Con-

f;flion,to repaire to the Committee. Sejf. IF.
A Latine Letter from Helvetian Churches to the Aflembly. lb.
Act for Printing 300. Copies of the advife of the Aflemblieof

Divines in England, ■ Concerning a Confeflion of Faith, for the

wfe of the Members of the Aflembly. Se(f. V.

Recom.

1 M. LI Jfci A.

Recom. to the Coramiflion for planting of Kirks, for a provision

to another Minifter in Aire, lb.
RefF. to the Committee for Preaching to appoint Minifters to the

Army, with addition of others to that Com mirtee. lb.
Appointment of Mafter Robert Toting tor Lodovick Lcfiws Regi-
ment. Seff.rl.
Committee tor confidering the dangers that are eitlier from with-
in or without this Kirk, and the belt remedies for preventing
the fame, and to report. lb.
Committee concerning John Wilkieund Mafter Tho. Ramfty. lb.
Remttc. John Johnjlouns defire of relaxation from Excommiinici-
. tion to the Provincial! of Drumfrcis. lb.
Committee forthc vaking Stipends in Dunkeld. lb.
Recom. UWarjoric Smith for charity. lb.
Remitt. Mafter James Roffe a depofed Minifter to Presbyterie an J

Synode. Sejf. VII.
Ref. Mafter James Nafmith to the Committee for appointing Mi-
_ nifterstothe Army. lb.
Committee for conftdering a Procefle in dependance before the
Presbyterie of Peebles , concerning a ilundall upon the relict
of umquhile Marl^Harnmiltoun. lb.
Continuation of the Town of Edinburgh* Bill for Matter John

Smithy till Saturday . lb.
Advife and Ordinance for profecuting the ProcefTe againft Agnes

Ster9art y re\i£tot~ umquhile Mar^Bammiltoiin. SeJJ. fill.
Recom. Mafter George Gleghorne that nee fufTer no prejudice in his

old age. lb.
Tranfportation of M. John Scot from SchottU to Glenluce. Se(J. IX.
A<5t refufing Mafter Andrew //wyflM/wtrafportauOn to Craill. lb.
Tranfportation of Mafter James Hammiltoun from Drumjreis to

Edinburgh, lb.
Act concerning the planting of Eymotitb Kirk upon the fubmiffion

of Earlc of Home and Wedderburne. SejJ'.X.
A ft concerning the tryall of Mafter William Home. lb.
Tranfportation of Mafter John Smith from BruntiUnd to Edin-
burgh, lb.
Act for providing a college to Mafter Thomas IVyllie. lb.
Recom Thomas Burnet to the Committee of Eftates. lb.
Recom. M. <JVLarti;ie Mackjerfonto the Committee of Eftates. il.
Recom. Mafter Neill Mackinnan to the Committee of Eftates. lb.
Aft concerning the Vi(itation of Kal^ae and Lyhe. Sejf. XI.
Recom. Mafter John Houjiou/is petition to the Coinmilfiori for

planting of Kirks. lb.
Act for Excommunicating of William Forbes of Skelletcr , his
: . committing a late murther being fufticiently evidenced. lb.
Tranfportation of Mafter Walter Comrieto Dnnkrld. lb.

F Ml

INDEX.

Aft for conference with fames Urquhan of old Craige, defiring to

be relaxed from Excommunication, lb.
Aft appointing Mafter John Lothian to bee relaxed from the fen*

tence of Sufpenfion. lb.
llecom. Petition of the Presbyterie of Wigtoun , for erecting a

Kirk for Pennighame and Moniga}e, To the Commimon of Par-
liament for plancing of Kirks, lb.
Committee for the matter betwixt John FVilkie of Fonlden, and

Mafter Thomas Ramfay. lb.
Aft appointing the Committee of Bills, to divide the Petitions

foi charity amongft Presbyteries and Provinces Se(f. XII,
Aft appointing the Committee concerning Doctor Strung to

meet, lb.
Aft refufing Mafter John Levingflouns tranfportation to Glaf-

goto. lb.
Refer, to the Committee of dangers , to give opinion in the qne-

ftion concerning the carriage of Our Commiffioners at London

in the cafe propounded, lb. ^

Ref. to the Committee of dangers, concerning choofing a Mode-
rator, and cenfure of abfents from the Atfembly. Sejf, Xllh
Ref. James Urquhart of old Crdige , concerning his relaxation

from Excommunication, to the Provinciall of Murray. lb.
Committee appointed to confer in fome particulars, concerning

Minifters proviflons with my Lord \dvoctte. lb.
Committee concerning the particulars of Mafter tleazar Gilberts

petition, lb.
Ref. Gilbert Ogilvie of Craige , Major John Ogilvie , and Patrkk^

Ogilvie of Brigend of Lentrathane , to the Presbyterie of

Meegill, lb,
Inftruftion with a Letter to the Commifltoners at London, lb.
Appointment of fome to fpeake Earle Bukclcuch , concerning the

Kirk of Borthmck. lb.
Ref. concerning Mafter Zacharie Boyds labours to the Committee

for the Confeflion of fcaith . lb.
Committee to confider of Miniftefs for Ireland, lb.
A<^ continuing the Declaration for England , to be again read and

further considered. Sejf, XIV,
Committee forbearing the Objections of the Perfons appointed

for Ireland, lb,
Recom. to Presbyteries for encouraging Expectants to embrace a

calling from Ireland, lb.
Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to heat the realonS alledg-

ed by fome Minifters why they mould not go to the Ar-

mie. lb.
Aft refufing Mafter John Robeftfofis petition* fttf opening his
^ mouth, lb, Apprefea-

1 JNL U Jb A.

Approbation of the Declaration for England. Seff. XV.

^cl for authorizing the Commiffioncrs at London , to prefer* the
Declaration to the Parliament of England , City of London,
andSynodcof Divines, and to crave an anfwer to the Paper
of the 2 £ of December, lb.

A ct appointing fome Brethren to prefent the Declaration for Eng-
land to the Committee of Eftates, and to crave their Lordfhips
concurrance in the like defires. lb.

^ct continuing the Directions for Private and Family Worfhip,
to bee further Confidered and againe read , with an Invitation
to all that had any fcruples to propone them to the Committee
of dangers, lb.

Act for joyningthe Committee for the Confeffionof Faith to
the Committee for the dangcrs,together to be One Committee,
and their place of meeting to be the old Seflion houfe. lb.

Invitation of all that had any fcruples or objections concerning
any Article in the Confeflion , to propone the fame to the
Committee, lb.

Report of the Committee touching the particulars in Mafter Gil-
berts petition , with an appointment for drawing a Letter to
thofe of the Scottifh Nation in Pole-land, frc. lb.

Appoint, for drawing a Letter to Licutcnnant Generall David
Lejlj. Seff. If I.

Appointment of Minifters for Ireland, lb.

Letter to Generall Major Munro. lb.

Continuation of the Directions for Worfhip, to bee againe read
and confidered upon Tuefday, and all invited to addrefle them-
felves tothe Committee who had doubts or objections. lb.

Committee for thinking on Overtures for planting the Kirks ift
the Uielands, and advancing Piety and Learning there, lb.

Recom. to the Minifters of Edinburgh for their afliftance to Mini-
fters before the CommifTion for planting of Kirks, *b.

Committee toconferre with the Lord Thcfaurcr, concerning the
Kings gift of the patronage of Laner)^ and to advife with rhe
Committee for the dangers upon the Kirks iatereft therein- lb.

Recom. of the petition of the Presbyteries of Deir ? Ellon, and
Turref, to the CommifTion for planting of Kirks, lb.

Recom. M. Neil Mackinnan and M. Martine Mackfer[on y to be fup-
ported out of the vaking ftipends in the Sky. U.

Rcf. to the CommifTion for publike affaires for the planting of
Drumfreis , with a recommendation to the Thefaurer for a pre-
sentation. J b.

Recom. to the Committee of Eftates , concerning the houfe of
Dalgetie. lb.

^ct appointing M. Gabriell dlaxtvell for the Lieutenant General,
Matter J-ames Najmith for Generall Major Holhrns Regirnent,

F a Mafter

I N D E X.

M. George Pittulo for the Generall of Artilleries Regiment, M..

George Bennet tor the Troups of Horfe v/ith the Generall Lieu-
tenant, and M. John Lothian for the Squadron of Horfe with

Generall Major Middletoun.
Remit. M. Francis Omey to the Presbyterie and Synode. Scff.XVJ.
Ordinance for admiflion of Matter John Baillie to the Kirk of

Cambujlang. lb.
Committee to confer with Earie of Fglintoun, concerning his pe-
tition touching planting the Kirk of Eglifham. lb.
Recem. to the Committee of Eftates, of the petition of Aberdene
■ concerning a Jeluite there, lb.
Remit. Mailer Matthew Ramfay to the Presbyterie of Hammiltotm

for opening his mouth, lb.
Ref. and Commiffton concerning the Kirk of Lyndean. lb.
Committee for revifing the Collectors counts* and to report, lb.
Report of the Brethren lent to the Commitcee of Eftates, concer- .

ningthehoufcot Dalgety, artd the Jefuite in Aberdem. lb.
Advile to the Presbyterie of Stranr&uer^ concerning their procee-
ding in the triall of the fcandall upon At dwell, lb.
Rcf. to the Commute of dangers , to think upon fome Overtures

for commodious planting, dividing, andunitirigof Kirks, and

to report. Sejf.XFUf.
Recom. of fome Perfons for charity to Presb. and Provinces, lbs
Recom. of the petition concerning Glencorfe to the Lord Thefau-r

rer, and the Lords of Exchequer, lb.
Rcf, Sir Lauchlen Macklen to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, lb.
Recom. to the Committee of Eftates, of the petition of Mafter

Adam Barclay, lb.
Recom. of the petition of M. Fatrich^Lindfay to the Committee

of Eftates , andtothecharitieof the Presbyteries within the'

Province of Aberdene. lb>
Recom . to the Presbyterie of Stranraucr and the Lord Advocate,

concerning the Kirk oiGlenluce. \b.
Addition of the Lord Marquefle of ^Argilc to the Committee for'

thedansers. lb.
Appointment of the Committee concerning Do&or Strang , to.

make report and to receive any objections that any had againft

his dictates, lb.
Warrand for Mafter Samuel Rut her fur v& return. ScJf.XTX.,
A Letter to Generall Lieutenant David Lejlie. lb.
Invitation of all to propone their doubts or objections agitnft any

head or Article in the Confeflion ojf Faith,to the Committee./^.
Recom. to the ComrrufiSon, tor vifitation of the Univerficie of S.

Andrews ', for Mafter Samuel Rutberfurd to bee Principall of the

new Colkdge there, lb.
Approbation of tfce report concerning planting ©f Sglifhame.

SefXX. ' Recom.

INDEX

Recom. M. Robert Lindfayes wife,& M. James Kirk to Provinces. $»
Appointment of fome Brethren to vifit the Idolatrous Monuments

brought from the late Marques of Huntlies houfe. \b.
A&refufingthe petitioner Mafter John Annans tranfportatiDnto

Edinburgh, lb.
Att concerning the dyet of Mafter James llammiltoun and Mafter

John Smiths coming to Edinburgh, lb.
Recom. to the Town of Edinburgh to plant all their Kirks with two

Ministers with diligence, lb.
Querae proponed by theCommiflionersof thePresbyteiiecf Chirn-

fide, with the Ailemblies advife thereanent. lb,
Recom. of petitions for charity. lb.
Appoint, of Mafter John Forbes for Colonell Scots Regiment, and

Mafter Rtbert Cowdanio Pitfcottis. ScjJ. XXI.
"Nomination of a lift for the Kirk of Gordon, lb.
Ref. concerning Mafter David Leith. jb.
Recom. concerning the contribution for the diftrefled people in Ar-

gyle. lb.
Approbation of the report of the Committee for the vaking Stipends

in Dunkeld. SejJ. XXII.
Recom. M. Robert Brounlies wife to the Committee of Eftates. lb.
CommifTion for planting the Kirk of Lithgow. lb.
Declaration that fomc votes of the Commiflion of the preceding Af-
fembly upon the 2 1 of Auguft 1646. and an Adtofthe22.of the
famemoneth, are not to be examined by the Atfembly. lb.
Committee for the triall of fome fpeaches fpoken by fomeof the

Presbyterie of Dunkeld concerning the Commiflion. lb.
Ref. concerning Mafter William Hay. lb.
KGt concerning the committing of the plantation of the Kirk of

Glafgow. lb.
Ref. to the CommifTion for publike affairs of the Earle of Calenders
petition , concerning the adjoyning Falkirk , Slammtino , and
UVLorrwingfide to the Presbyterie of Sterlings with power to hear
parties, vifit, and report. Sejf. XX III.
Conference appointed with the Ea-rle of Abercorne. ib.
Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affaires, for planting in Aim

colleague to Mafter William Adair, lb.
Report concerning Doctor Strangs diclats. Ib.
hCt appointing the Clerk to redeliver Doitor Strangs dictats unto
him. lb.

Refer, concerning Mafter JohncJlfackenzie. Seff. XX l F.
Approbation of the Collectors accounts, lb.
Ref . to the Minifters of Edinburgh , to take courfe with the Monu-
ments of Idolatric brought from the North, lb.
Recom. of the petition for a Minifter to Chanjic of Ro(fe to the
Commiflion for planting of Kirks, lb.

C» Recom.

INDEX.

Recom. Mafter Alexander Fctrie. lb.

Recom. Mafter Elea^ar Gilbert, lb.

Rccom. Mafter William Douglas to the Committee of Eftates. lb.

Recom. Mafter George Sbarpe to the Committee of Eftates for repa-
ration of his loiTes. *b.

Ref. complyers in Murray to the Provincial!. ] b.

Recom. to the Commiflion for planting of Kirks, concerning provi-
fions to Minifters in the Presbyterie of Kirkcudbright. Sefl.XX?'.

Acl appointing conference with Earle Abcrcorne, untill the laftof
March, lb.

Recom. to the Synode of Murray of the petition of Badinoch^ concer-
, ning Mafter $ohn Dollar. lb.

Recom. concerning the Miniftcr of Corrie and Button, lb.

Recom. to the Commiflion for planting of Kirks, concerning the
ad joy ning fome lands to the Parifh of Monfaall. lb.

h€t tor Printing the Dire&orie for Church Government, to be exa-
mined by Presbyteries againft the next AfTembly , and for Prin-
ting the Catechifme alfo when it (hall be perfected. lb.

A<5t concerning the contribution for the diftrefied people in Ar-
gile. lb.

Recom. to Committee for dangers, to confiderof a Letter for the
Scets in Pole land, &c. lb.

Ref. to the Committee appointed for tryall of proceedings of the
Commiflion of AfTembly , to confiderof the procefieof Mafter
fohn Eejj'e, and to report, lb.

A6t concerning the tryall of the payment of the contribution for di-
ftrefied people of ^Argyle. lb.

Aft concerning fames Murray. Se(J. XXpI.

, Act for collecting the contribution for the Province of Argile, in
thefe parts that have not yet contributed, and fending it to the re-
ceivers, lb.

Recom. to the Synode of Glafgorv , concerning a fecond Minifter to
Dumb art an. lb.

Recom. to the Lords of Privie Counfell for punifhing an injurie done
to a Presbytery about burying in a Kirk. lb.

Act appointing a conference with fome Divines, Lawyers, and Phy-
fitians, concerning witchcraft and charming. lb.

Report of the tryall of the Synods Books with the Aflemblies cen-
fure. lb.

Appointment of fome to falute the LieutenancGeneral now in Town,
and Generall Major Middletoun when he comes. SeJJ. XXVII.

Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affaires to endeavour for obtai-
ning from the Parliament, fome reftraint of burialls in Kirks. lb,

Commiflion for vifitation ofLechaber, Bacltntch^ and the Ifks. lb.

Recom. to the Commiflion of Parliament for planting of Kirks, for
providing fome courfe for the payment of the charges of Commif-
fioners to the Generall Affembly. lb. Ref.

INDEX.

Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affairs, for Printing of fome Pa-
pers concerning the Treaty or Uniformity, and matters handled in,
the Synode of Divines in England. lb.
Ref. and warrand to the Commiflion for publike affaires , to give li-
cence for Printing, lb.
Recom. to the Lords of Exchequer , concerning the pahW of «ifcs

of the Prebendaries. lb.
Report from Robert Brj(ones relicl , concerning the Printing of

Trochrtgs Works. lb.
Warrand given to the Moderator and Clerk, and fome others , to
agree with Evan Tyler far Printing the Works of Trochrig upon
the condition promifed to Robert Bryfon. lb.
Ref. John Wilkie of Fotdden and Mafter thomai Ramfay to the Com-
miflion for publike affaires. lb.
Aft concerning the choofing of the Moderator of the GenerallAf-

femblie. lb.
Act tor changing every Aflerftbly therolls of the Commiffioners

bycourfes, accordingto the order of Provinces. lb.
Commiflion for vifiting the Univerhty of S. Andrews. lb.
Commiflion for vifiting the Univerfity of K_Abcrdcne. lb.
Commiffion for vifiting Orkney and Zetland. lb.
Appointment of fome Brethren to fpeake to the Lord Thefaurer,

concerning pafling of gifts of Patronages. lb.
Ref. Mafter John Roffe at Lunfannan. Seff. XXVIU.
Approbation of the report concerning planting of Kirks in the Hie-

lands. lb.
Ref. John Gillon to the Presbytery of Edinburgh for private try-
all, lb.
Renovation of the Commiflion for publike affairs. lb.
Warrand for Mafter James Gordon to come to Sterling- (hire, for

drawing the mappe thereof. Seff'. lilt.
Ref. of Gortbie Inchbrakie and Lindfay of Maines , their petitions for
relaxation from the fentence of Excommunication, to the Com-
miflion for publike affaires. lb.
Recom . in favours of Sir William Dick,, lb.
Ref. Mafter James Row. lb.
Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affaires, concerning the Scots

in Poleland, ejrc lb.
Ref. for planting the Kirk and ColledgeOf Aberdene to the Com-
miflion for publike affaires. lb.
Ref. concerning Mafters William Douglas, John Logic, George H an-
na, Richard Maitland, and Coline Mackenzie. lb.
Ref. and Commifsion concerning the tryall of Mafters CMurdo Mac-

kenfre, John Duncane } and William Cowber. lb.
Recom. Mafter William chdmber to the Committee of Efhtes. lb.
Ref. James Grahamt of Claypots to the Presbyterie of Dundiet lb.

G a Recom.

INDEX.

Rccom . of fome Pcrfons for char itie. lb.

Ref. for planting the Kirk of Bruntiland to the Commifsion for
publikc affaires, lb.

Ref . concerning the planting of the Kirk of Preftoun to the Com-
mifsion for publike affaires. lb.

Ref. for planting the vaking Kirk in Glafgow to the Gommifsion
for publike affaires. lb.

Ref.theLord Ray his Son and fomc ofhisfriends>to the Commifsion
for publike affaires. lb.

Ref. Mafter Gilbert Gordon^totht Commifsion for publike affairs. lb.

Recom . for Mafter George Hannayes wife and children. lb.

A& for prefenting the Confeffion of Faith to the Parliament. lb.

Act concerning the Tranflaters of the Dutch N otes. lb.

Rccom. and Ref. concerning the collecting of the Paflagesand Oc-
curences of thefe late times , to the Commiflion for publike
affaires. lb.

Ref. for planting the Kirk of Ancrum, to the Commifsion for pub-
like affaires, lb.

Renovation of the Commifsion for vifitation of the Univerfity of
Glafgow. lb.

Ref. Mafter John Rojfe at Birfe, to the Synode of Aberdene. lb.

Ref. of Mafter Thomas Ram/ay younger, his petition to the Commit.
fion for publike affaires. lb.

Indi&ion of a Tbankfgiving and of a Faft. lb.

FINIS.

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