A True Copy Of the whole printed ACTS Of the general Assemblies Of the CHURCH of SCOTLAND, Beginning at the Assembly holden at Glasgow the 27. day of November 1638; and ending at the Assembly, holden at Edinburgh the 6. day of August. 1649.  
Diligently compared, and exactly reprinted conform to the foresaid printed Acts.  
By a wellwisher of the Church of Scotland, who( if he find encouragement by what is now done) intends to publish the rest of the Acts not heretofore printed, a part of which he hath by him.  PSALM XLVIII. 
Ver. 12. Walk about Sion, and go round about her: tell the tours thereof.  
V. 13. mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces: that ye may tell it to the generation following.  
14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guid even unto death.  
Printed in the Year 1682.   

THE general ASSEMBLY, At Glasgow.  

Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638.  
THe testimony of the Committy, for trial of the Registers, subscribed with their hands, being produced, with some reasons thereof in another paper, and ●ublickly red; My Lord Commissioner professed that it had resolved him of sundry doubts, but desired a time to be more fully resolved.  
The moderator desired that if any of the Assembly had any thing to say against the said testimony for the books, that they would declare it, and finding none to oppon, yet he appointed the day following, to any to object any thing they could say; and if then none could object the Assembly would hold the Registers as sufficiently approven.   

Act. Sess. 7. November 28. Act. approving the Registers.  
ANent the report of the Assemblies judgement of the authority of the books of Assembly; The moderator having desired that if any of the Assembly had any thing to say, they would now declare it, otherwise they would hold all approved by the Assembly.  
The Commissioner his Grace protested that the Assemblies approving these books, or any thing contained in them be no ways prejudicial to his majesty, nor to the Archbishops, and Bishops of this kingdom, or any of their adherents; because he had some exceptions against these books. My Lord Rothes desired these exceptions to be condescended on, and they should be presently cleared, and protested that these books should be esteemed authentic and obligatory hereafter.  
The whole Assembly all in one voice approved these books, and ordained the same to make faith in judgement, and out with, in all time coming, as the true and authentic Registers of the Kirk of Scotland, comform to the testimony subscribed by the Committie, to be insert with the reasons thereof in the books of Assembly: Whereof the tenor followeth.  
WE under-subscribers, having power and commission from the general Assembly now presently convened, and sitting at Glasgow, to peruse, examine and cognosce upon the validity, faith and strength of the books and registers of the Assembly underwritten, to wit: A register beginning at the Assembly holden the twenty day of December 1560. and ending at the fourth session of the Assembly holden the 28. of December 1566.  
Item another register beginning at the general Assembly, holden the second day of june 1567. and ending at the fourth session of the Assembly holden at Perth the ninth day of August 1572, which register is imperfect, and multilate in the end, and containeth are no leaf nor page. after that page. which containeth the said inscription of the said fourth session, which two registers bears to be subscribed by John Gray scribe.  
Item a register of the Assembly holden at Edinburgh the seventh day of August 1574. and ending with the twelfth session, being the last session of the Assembly 1579.  
Item another register beginning at the Assembly holden at Edinburgh the tenth of May 1586. and ending in the seventeenth session of the Assembly holden in March. 1589.  
Item another register being the fifth book, and greatest volume, beginning at the Assembly holden in Anno 1560. and ending in the year 1590.  
Having carefully viewed, perused and considered the saids registers, and every one of them, and being deeply and maturely advised, as in a matter of greatest weight and consequence, do attest before God, and upon our conscience declare to the world and this present Assembly, that the saids four registers above expressed, and every one of them, are famous, authentic and good registers: which ought to be so reputed, and have public faith in judgement and out-with as valid and true records in all things, and that the said fifth & greatest book, be●inning at the Assembly 1560 and ending 1590. being margined by the hand-writs of the Clerk, and reviser of the registers, cognosced, and tried, and agreeable to the other four registers, in what is extant in them, ought also to be free of all prejudice and suspicion, and received with credit. And in testimony of our solemn affirmation, we have subscribed these presents with our hands.  
Sic subscribitur, 

Master Andrew Ramsay.  
Master John Adamson.  
Master John Row.  
Master Robire Murray.  
Master Alexander Gibson.  
Master Iam●s Boner.  
Master Alexander Peerson.  
Master Alexander Wedderburn.    

Reasons proving the five Books and Registers produced before the Assembly to be authentic.  
THe books now exhibited unto us underscribers, which we have revised and perused by commission from the general Assembly, are true registers of the Kirk: to wit, Five Volumes, whereof the first two contain the acts of the Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1572. all subscribed by John Gray Clerk. The third from the year of God 1574. to the year 1579. The fourth from the year of God 1586. to the year 1589. At which time Master james Richie was Clerk, who hath frequently written upon the margin of the saids two last books, and subscribed the said margin with his hand-writing. And the fifth book being the greatest Volume, containing the acts of the general Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1590. which agreeth with the foresaids other four books and registers, in so far as is extant in them, and further recordeth, what is wanting by them, passing by what is mutilate in them, and which with the two Volumes produced by Master Thomas Sandilands from the year 1590. to this present, maketh up a perfect register.  
I. For the first two Volumes subscribed by John Gray, albeit it be not necessar in such antiquietie to prove that he was Clerk, seeing he designs himself so by his subscription, yet the same is manifest by an act mentioned in the third book, in the time of Master james Richie, who succeeded him in the said office, and his hand-writ was acknowledged by sundry old men in the ministry.  
II. The uniformity of his subscriptions through both Volumes, evident by ocular inspection above the ordinary custom of most famous Notars, delivers the same from all suspicion infacto tam antiquo.  
III. There be many copies, specially of general acts, yet extant, which do not debord from the saids registers, but are altogether agreeable thereto.  
IV. It is constant by the universal custom of this kingdom, that all registers are transmitted from one keeper to his successor, and so coming by progress and succession from the first incumbent to the last possessor, are never doubted to be the registers of that judicatory, whereof the last haver was Clerk; and therefore it is evident, that these books coming successively from John Gray, Master james Richie, and Master Thomas Nicolson, who were all Clerks to the Assembly, into the hands of Master Robert Winrame, who was constitute Clerk deputy by the said mast Robert Nicolson( as his deputation here present to show, will testify) are the undoubted registers of the Assembly: like as Alexander Blair succeeded the said Master Robert in his place of Clerkship to the assignations and modifications of Ministers stipends; and during Master Robert his life-time, was his actual servant, and so had the said books by progress from him, which the said Alexander is ready presently to testify.  
V. The two registers of Master james Richie, albeit not under his own hand, yet are frequently margined with his own hand-writ, and the same marginal additions subscribed by him, which hand-writ is seen and cognosced by famous men, who knoweth the same, and it is evident, being compared with his several writings and subscriptions yet extant.  
VI. The said registers are more perfect, less vitiated, scored, and interlined, then any other authentic and famous registers of the most prime judicatories within this kingdom.  
VII. Master Thomas Sandilands, in name of his father, who was late Clerk by dismission of Master Thomas Nicolson, hath produced a Volume, which proveth the saids two registers of Master james Richie to be sufficient records; because that same Volume is be●un by that same hand, whereby the said Master James Richie his registers are written, and is subscribed once in the margin by Master james Richie his hand, and followed forth, and continued in the same book by Master Thomas Nicolson, who succeeded him in the place, and was known by most men here present to be of such approven worth and credit, that he would never have accomplished a register which had not been famous and true: and whereof the hand-write, had not then been known to him sufficiently.  
VIII. That register produced by Master Thomas Sandilands, and prosecuted by Master Thomas Nicolson, proves the first part of that register to be true and famous, and that first part being by ocular inspection of the same hand-writ, with Master James Richies registers, and subscribed in the margin with the same hand writ, proveth Richies two books to be good records, and Richies registers doth approve Grays books by the act of Assembly before written: specially considering the same hath come by progress and succession of Clerks, in the hands of Alexander Blair, now living, and here present.  
IX. The counts anent the thirds of benefice between the Regent for the time, and the Assembly, in the second volume, pag. 147. are subs●ibed by the Lord Regents own hand, as appeareth: for it is a royall-li●e subscription, and there is no hand writ in all the book like unto it, and beareth not Sic subscribitur, which undoubtedly it would do, if it were a copy.  
X. Master james Carmichell was commanded by the general Assembly 1595. Sess. 9. in the book produced by Master Thomas Sandilands, to extract the general acts forth of their books; and it is evident that these books are the same which he perused for that effect, because he hath marked therein the general acts with a cross, and hath designed the act by some short expression upon the margin, which is cognosed and known to be his hand-writ, by famous and worthy persons: which is also manifest by the said Master james his hand and subscription, written with his own hand in the last leaf of the said books; as also acknowledged in the said book, produced by Master Thomas Sandilands, wherein the laid Master james Carmichell granteth the receipt of these, with some other books of the Assemblies.  
XI. The registers produced, are the registers of the Assembly, because in Anno 1586. the Assembly complaineth that their registers are mutilate: which hath relation to Richies third book, which is lacerat and mutilate in divers places without any enlivening of blank paper, or any mention of bi● dost.  
XII. If these were not principal registers, the enemies of the purity of Gods worship, would never have laboured to destroy the same: which notwithstanding they have done; as appeareth by the affixing and battering of a piece of paper upon the margin, anent a condition of the commission not to exceed the established discipline of this Kirk subscribed by the Clerk, book 3. pag. 14●. and the blotting out the certification of of the excommunica●ion against Bishop Adamson, book 4. pag. 30. who in his Recantation generally acknowledgeth the same: but which, without that recantation, cannot be presupponed to have been done, but by corrupt men of intention to corrupt the books, which were not necessary, if they were not principal registers.  
XIII. In the Assembly 1586. The Church complained upon the chancellor his retention of their registers, & desired they might be delivered to their Clerk, which accordingly was done; as a memorandum before the beginning of the first book, bearing the redeli●erie of these four books to Master James R chie, Clerk, proporteth; which clearly evinceth that these four books are the registers of the Assembly.  
XIV. The said fifth book and greatest Volume, is also marked on the margin, with the hand-writ of the said Master James Carmichell( which is cognosced) who was appointed to peruse the books of the Assembly as said is, and would not have margined the same by virtue of that command, nor extracted the general acts out of it, if it were not an approbation thereof, as an authentic and famous book.  
XV. The said fifth Volume doth agree with the other four books, in all which is extant in them, and marketh the blanks, which are lacerate and riven out of the same; and compleateth all what is lacking in them.  
XVI. In the book of Di●cipline pertaining to Master James Carmichel, subscribed by himself, and Master james Richie, there are sundry acts and passages quotted out of the said fifth great Volume, saying, It is written in such a page. of the book of Assembly, which agreeth in subject and quottations with the said fifth book, and cannot agree with any other; so that Master james Carmichel reviser of the Assembly books, by their command, would not allege that book, nor denominate the same a book of the Assembly, if it were not an authentic famous book.  
XVII. Though the corrupt nature of man hath been tempted to falsify particular evidents, yet it hath never been heard that any whole register hath ever been counterfeited; neither can it bee presupponed that any will attempt that high wickedness, seeing the inducements answerable to that crime, can hardly be presupposed.  
XVIII. It is certain, and notour to all these who are entrusted with the keeping of the public records of the kingdom, that the same are never subscribed by the Clerk, but only written and silled up by servants, and most frequently by unknown hands, yet they and the extracts thereof make public faith, and the same are uncontrovertedly authentic registers; and when the most public registers of the kingdom shall be seen, and compared with these registers of the Assembly, it shall be found that these other registers of the most sovereign judicatories ever unsubscribed are more incorrect, oftener margined, scored, and interlined, made up by greater diversity of unknown hand-writs, than these books of the Assembly, which by special providence are preserved so entire, that in the judgement of any man acquainted with registers. they will manifestly appear at the very sight to be true, famous, and authentic.  
XIX. The same and credit of ancient registers in this kingdom, is so much reverenced, that if any extract be different or disconforme from the register, that extract albeit subscribed by the person who for the time had been of greatest eminence in the trust of registers, will be rectified, conform to the register, and have no force, so far as it debordeth there-f●om; although the registers be written with an obscure, unknown hand, and unsubscribed.    

Act Sess. 12. December fourth. The six late pretended Assemblies condemned.  
ANent the report of the Committie, for trying the six last pretended Assemblies: They produced in writ sundry reasons, clearing the unlawfulness and nullity of these Assemblies: which were confirmed by the registers of the Assembly, the books of Presbyteries, the Kings Majesties own letters, and by the testimony of divers old reverend Ministers, standing up in the Assembly, and verifying the truth thereof. The Assembly with the universal consent of all, after the serious examination of the reasons against every one of these six pretended Assemblies apart, being often urged by the moderator, to inform themselves thoroughly, that without doubting, and with a full persuasion of mind, they might give their voices, declared all these six Assemblies of Linlithgow 1606. and 1608. Glasgow 1610. Aberdeen 1616. St. Andrews 1617. Perth 1618. And every one of them to have been from the beginning unfree, unlawful, and null Assemblies, and never to have had, nor hereafter to have any ecclesiastical authority, and their conclusions to have been, and to bee of no force, vigour, nor efficacy: Prohibited all defence and observance of them, and ordained the reasons of their nullity to be insert in the books of the Assembly: Whereof the tenor followeth.  

Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at Linlithgow. 1606.  
I. FRom the indiction of it. It was indicted the third of December, to bee kept the tenth of December. And so there was no time given to the Presbyteries, far distant, neither for election of Commissioners nor for preparation to those who were to be sent in Commission. The shortness of the time of the indiction is proved by the presbytery books of Edinburgh, Perth, and Hadingtonn, &c.  
II. From the want of a lawful calling, to these who went to that meeting, seeing they were not at all elected by their Presbyteries, but were enjoined to come by the Kings letters. This also is proved by the foresaids books of the Presbyteries, and by his Majesties letters.  
III. From the nature of that meeting, which was only a private meeting, or convention, for consultation to be taken by some persons of sundry estates written for, as the Kings letters and the presbytery books do aclowledge.  
IV. From the power of these ministers who were present Their P●esbyteries did limitate them: First, That they should give no suffrages in that meeting as a general Assembly. Secondly, That they agree to nothing that may any ways be prejudicial to the acts of the general Assemblies, or to the established discipline of the Kirk. Thirdly, That they should not agree to resolve or conclude any question, article, or matter whatsoever, the decision whereof is pertinent, and proper to a free general Assembly. Fourthly, If any thing be concluded contrary thereunto, that they protest against it. These limitations are clear by the presbytery books.  
V. The acts of this meeting were not insert in the book of Assemblies, as is evident by the register.  
VI. The next pretended Assembly at Linlithgow, 1608. doth aclowledge the Assembly, Whereof Master Patrick gallovvay was moderator, to have been the last immediate Assembly, preceding itself: and that Assembly whereof he was moderator, was the Assembly holden at holy roodhouse, 1602. So they did not aclowledge that meeting at Linlithgow, 1606. for any Assembly at all. This is clear by the registers of the Assembly, 1608. in the entry thereof.   

Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at Linlithgow, 1608.  
I. many of the voters in that pretended Assembly had no lawull commission from the Kirk, to wit, 42. Noble men, officers of estate, counsellou●s, and barons, also the Bishops, contrare to the act of Dundie, 1597. And one of their cave●ts. The Noble men, were as commissioners from the King, the Bishops had no commission at all from the Presbyteries, for every presbytery out of which they came, had their full number of Commissioners beside them, as the register of the Assembly beareth.  
II. In a lawful Assembly there should be none but Commissioners from Presbyteries, Burghs, and Universities, and but three ministers at most, with one Elder, Commissioners from every presbytery, according to the act made ot Dundie, 1597. But in that pretended Assembly, there were four ministers from the several Presbyteries, of Edinburgh, and Cowper, five from the presbytery of Arbroth, as the roll of the said pretended Assembly beareth, whereas there were no ruling Elders sent from Presbyteries, according to the book of policy and act of Dundie.   

Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at Glasgow. 1610.  
I THe Commission of the pretended Commissioners to that meeting was null. 1. Because the election of them was not free, seeing they were nominate by the Kings Letters, as the presbytery books of Edinburgh, Perth, and Hadingtoun declare. And the Bishop of St. Andrews in his letter to some Presbyteries. required them to sand such commissioners as the King had nominate: assuring them, that none other would be accepted. This the Bishops letter registrat in the presbytery books of Hadingtoun doth clear. 2. And whereas there were no ruling ●lders sent from the Presbyreries to that pretended Assembly, as the roll of Commissioners sheweth; yet there were more ministers from sundry several Presbyteries then three, as five from Brechen, five from Arbroth, five from Kirkcubright, seven from the Presbytery of Argyl, four from the presbytery of Cowper, four from Linlithgow, four from Pasley, four from hamilton, four from Drumfreis, four from Dunkell; as the register of that Assembly beareth.  
II. There where thirty voters of Noble men and barons, beside the pretended Bishops, who had no commission from any presbytery. In the fourth Session of this pretended Assembly it is plainly said, That the Noble men and barons came to it by the Kings direction.  
III. The voting of the commissioners was not free: for by the Kings Letter to the Assembly they were threatened, and it was declared that their consent was not needful to any act to be made there: The King might do it by his own power, yet they were alured to vote by a promise that their good service in so doing should be remembered and rewarded thereafter.  
IV. The principal acts which were made, were set down verbatim in the pr●uie conference, which chiefly consisted of the Kings Commissioners and pretended Bishops, and only red to be ratified in the Assembly.  
V. Sundri● ministers then present, do now declare, that they knew the ministers who voted the wrong way, to have received their present reward, and that money was largely dealt unto them.   

Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at Aberdeen. 1616.  
I. There was no election of a moderator: but that place usurped by the pretended B●shop of Saint Andrews, as the Register beareth.  
II. The indiction of that pretended Assembly was but twenty dayes before the holding of it: so that the Presbyteries and burghes could not be prepared for sending their commissioners: which caused the absence of many Presbyteries and forty four Burghes.  
III. There were twenty five noble-men, and gentle-men voters without commission from the Kirk. Ma. William Struthers voted for the presbytery of Edinburgh, yet had no commission there-from. The commission being given by that presbytery to other three, as the said Commission registrat in the books of the Presbytery beareth. And whereas there should be but one Commissioner from every burgh, except Edinburgh, to the Assembly; at this pretended Assembly, there were two Commissioners from Glasgow, two from Cowper, two from St. Andrews: whereas there were no ruling Elders having commission from their Presbyteries at that Assembly.  
IV. When the acts of that pretended assembly were written, the Bishop of St. Andrews with his own hand did interline, add, change, vitiate, direct to be extracted or not extracted, as he pleased: as the scrolls themselves seen, do show; wherefore the Clerk did not registrat the acts of that Assembly, in the books of Assemblies, as may be easily seen by the blank in the register left for them remaining unfilled.   

The nullity of the pretended Assembly at Saint Andrews, 1617.  
I. There is no mention of it in the register of the Assemblies, and so no warrant for their commissions, their moderator or Clerk.  
II. The indiction of it was so unformall, that as the scroll declareth, a great part of the Commissioners from Synods, Burrows, and gentle-men, would not be present.  
III. The Kings majesty in his letter to Perths Assembly, acknowledgeth it was but a meeting, wherein disgrace was offered to his majesty.  
IV. The former corruptions of the four preceding Assemblies had their confluence in this and the subsequent Assembly.   

Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at Perth, 1618.  
I. THe Assembly was indicted but twenty dayes before the holding of it: and all parties requifit received not advertisement, as appeareth by their absence. The untimous indicting of it, is cleared by presbytery books.  
II. There was no election of the moderator, as was accustomend to be in lawful Assemblies; The register cleareth this.  
III. No formal election of their new Clerk.  
IIII. There were five whole Dyocies absent, viz. Orknay, Cathnes, Rosse, Argyll, and Isles: and many Presbyteries had no Commissioners there, as the register of that pretended Assembly beareth.  
V. There were nineteen noblemen and barons, eleven Bishops, that had no Commission from the Kirk, Where as the act for constitution of Assemblies, ordaineth every Burgh to have but one Commissioner, except Edinburg, which may have two( Act at Dundie 1597) yet in that pretended Assembly, Perth had three Commissioners, Dundie, had two, Glasgow had two, and St. Andrews had two: Of the Burghes there were thirty six absent: And for ruling Elders, there were none at all with commission from their Presbyteries. All these things are cleared by the records of that pretended assembly.  
VI. The Commissioners from some Presbyteries exceeded their number, prescribed in the act at Dundie, 1597. for the presbytery of Arbroth were four Commissioners, and four for the presbytery of Aughter ardour: Beside these that were heard to vot, having no commission at all, and some who had commission were rejected, and were not enrolled, but others put in their place without commission.  
VII. The pretended Bishops did practise some of the articles to be concluded there, before the pretended Assembly, in Edinburgh, St. Andrews and other cathedral Churches, by keeping festival dayes, kneeling at ye Communion. Thu● their voices were prejudged by their practise of these articles before condemned by the Kirk, and therefore they should have been secluded from voicing.  
VIII. In all lawful Assemblies, the voicing should be free: But in this pretended Assembly there were no free voicing; for the voicers were threatened to voice affirmativè, under no less pain nor the wrath of authority, imprisonment, banishment, deprivation of ministers, and utter subversion of the state: Yea, it was plainly professed, that neither reasoning, nor the number of voices should carry the matter away: Which is qualified by the declaration of many honest old reverend Brethren of the ministry now present.  
IX. In all lawful Assemblies, the grounds of proceeding were, and used to be, the word of God, the confession of Faith, and acts of former general Assemblies. But in this pretended Assembly, the ground of their proceeding in voicing was the Kings commandment only: For so the question was stated: Whether the five articles, in respect of his Majesties commandement, should pass in act, or not: As the records of that pretended Assembly beareth. Where it is declared, that for the reverence and respect which they bear unto his Majesties Royal commandements, they did agree to the f res●ids articles.  
X. Many other reasons verifying the nullity of all these Assemblies, were shown and proven before the Assembly, which needeth not here to be insert.    

Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638. Against the unlawful oaths of intrants.  
THe six Assemblies immediately preceding, for most just and weighty reasons above-specified, being found to be unlawful, and null from the beginning: The Assembly d●clareth the oaths and subscriptions exacted by the Prela●es of the intrants in the ministery all this time by past( as without any pretext of warrant from the Kirk, so for obedience of the acts of these null Assemblies, and contrare to the ancient and laudable constitutions of this Kirk, which never have been nor can be lawfully repealled, but must stand in force) to be unlawful, and no way obligatory. And in like manner declareth, that the power of Presbyteries, and of provincial and general Assemblies, hath been unjustly suppressed, but never lawfully abrogate. And therefore that it hath been most lawful unto them, not withstanding any point unjustly objected by the prelates to the contrare, to admit, suspend, or deprive ministers, respective within their bounds, upon relevant complaints sufficiently proven; to choose their own moderators, and to execute all the parts of ecclesiastical jurisdiction according to their own limits appointed them by the Kirk.   

Act Sess. 14. December 6. 1638. Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, Book of Ordination, and the high Commission.  
I. THe Assembly having diligently considered the Book of common prayer, lately obtruded upon the reformed Kirk within this realm, both in respect of the manner of the introducing thereof, and in respect of the matter which it containeth, findeth that it hath been devised and brought in by the pretended prelates, without direction from the Kirk, and pressed upon ministers without warrant from the Kirk, to be universally received as the only form of divine service under all highest pains, both civill and ecclesiastical, and the book itself, beside the popish frame and forms in divine worship, to contain many popish errors and ceremonies, and the seeds of manifold and gross superstition and idolatry. The Assembly therefore all in one voice, hath rejected, and condemned and by these presents doth reject and condemn the said book, not only as illegally introduced, but also as repugnant to the doctrine, discipline and order of this reformed Kirk, to the Confession of Faith, constitutions of general Assemblies, and acts of Parliament establishing the true Religion; and doth prohibit the use and practise thereof: and ordaine-Presbyteries to proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all such as shall transgress.  
II. The Assembly also, taking to their consideration the book of Canons, and the manner how it hath been introduced, findeth that it hath been devised by the pretended prelates, without warrant or direction from the general Assembly; and to establish a tyrannicall power in the persons of the pretended Bishops, over the worship of God, mens consciences, liberties and goods, and to overthrow the whole discipline and government of the general and synodal Assemblies, Presbyteries, and Sessions formerly established in our Kirk.  
Therefore the Assembly all in one voice hath rejected and condemned, and by these presents doth reject and condemn the said book, as contrare to the confession of our Faith, and repugnant to the established government, the book of Discipline, and the acts and constitutions of our Kirk: prohibits the use and practise of the same; and ordains Presbyteries to proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all such as shall transgress.  
III. The Assembly having considered the book of consecration and ordination, findeth it to have been framed by the prelates, to have been introduced and practised without warrant of authority, either civill or ecclesiastical: and that it establisheth offices in Gods house, which are not warranded by the word of God, and are repugnant to the Discipline, and constitutions of our Kirk, that it is an impediment to the entry of fit and worthy men to the ministry, and to the discharge of their duty after their entry, conform the discipline of our Kirk. Therefore the Assembly all in one voice hath rejected and condemned, and by these presents do reject and condemn the said book; and prohibits the use and practise of the same: And ordains Presbyteries to proceed with the censure of the Kirk against all such as shall transgress.  
IV. The general Assembly, after due trial, having found that the Court of high Commission, hath been erected without the consent or procurement of the Kirk, or consent of the Estates in Parliament, that it subverteth the jurisdiction and ordinary judicatories and Assemblies of the Kirk-Sessions, Pre●byteries, provincial and national Assemblies, that it is not regtlate by laws civill or ecclesiastical, but at the discretion and arbitrement of the Commissioners; that it giveth to ecclesiastical persons, the power of both the swords, and to petsons merely civill, the power of the keys and Kirk censures: Therefore the Assembly all in one voice, hath disallowed and condemned, and by these presents doth disallow and condemn the said court, as unlawful in itself, and prejudicial to the liberties of Christ-Kirk and kingdom, the Kings honour in maintaining the established laws and judicatories of the Kirk; and prohibits the us● and practise of the same; and ordains Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk, against all such as shall transgre●se.  
After the serious discussing of the several Processes, in many Sessions, from Sess. 14.( which are in the Clerks hands, and needeth not here to be insert) the following sentences were solemnly pronounced after Sermon by the moderator, in the Assembly of Gla●gow, Sess. 20. December 13. 1638.  

Sentence of deposition and excommunication against Mr. John Spottiswood, pretended Archbishop of St. Andrews; Mr. patrick Lindsay, pretended Archbishop of Glasgow: Mr. David Lindsay, pretended Bishop of Edinburgh: Mr. Thomas Sidserfe, pretended Bishop of gallovvay: Mr. John Maxwell, pretended Bishop of Rosse: Mr. Walter Whyt-foord, pretended Bishop of Brechen.  
THe general Assembly, having heard the libels and complaints, given in against the foresaids pretended Bishops to the presbytery of Edinburgh, and sundry other Presbyteries within their pretended Dyocies, and by the saids Presbyte●i●s referred to the Assembly, to be tried: The saids pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, often-times called, and their Procutour doctor Robert Hammiltoun, and not compearing, but declining and protesting against this Assembly, as is evident by thei● d●clinatour, and protestat●o● given in by the said doctor Robert Hammiltoun minister at Glasfoord, which by the acts of Assembly is censurable with s●mmar excommunication: Entered in consideration of the said declinatour, and finding the same not to be relevant, but on the contrare to be a displayed banner against the settled order and government of this Kirk, to be fraughted with insolent and disdainful speeches, lies and calumnies against the lawful members of this Assembly, proceeded to the cognition of the saids complaints, and libels against them; and finding them guilty of the breach of the cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden at Montrose, Anno 1600. for restricting of the minister voter in Parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurisdiction of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, infamy, and excommunication, specially fo● receiving of consecration to the office of episcopacy, condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrant, nor fundament in the word of God, and by virtue of this usurped power, and power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God, and for sundry other heinous offences, and enormities, at length expressed, and clearly proven in their process, and for their refusal to underly the trial of the reigning slander of sundry other gross transgressions and crimes laid to their charge: Therefore the Assembly moved with zeal to the glory of God, and purging of his Kirk, hath ordained the saids pretended Bishops to be deposed, and by these presents doth depose them, not only of the office of Commissionarie to vote in Parliament, council, or Convention in name of the Kirk, but also of all functions whether of pretended Episcopal or ministerial calling, declareth them infamous. And likewise ordaineth the saids pretended Bishops to be excommunicate, and declared to be of these whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithful as ethnics, and publicans; and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced by Mr Alexander Henderson, moderator in face of the Assembly in the high Kirk of Glasgow: and the execution of the sentence to bee intimat in all the Kirks of Scotland by the Pastours of every particular congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next general Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries and Synods.   

Sentence of deposition and excommunication, against Mr. Adam Ballantyne, pretended Bishop of Aberdeen, and Mr. james Wedderburn pretended Bishop of Dumblane.  
THe general Assembly, having heard the lybels and complaints given in against the foresaid ●re●ended Bishops, of Aberdeen, and Dumblane, to the Pre●byte●y o● Edinburgh, and sundry Pre●byt ries within their p●et●n●●● D●oc●es, and by the saids Pr●sbyte●ies ref●rr●d to ●h●●●●●●bly to be tried: The saids pretended Bishops ●●ing l●●fully cited, often-times called, and not comp●●ri●● proceeded to the cognition of the com●l●ints and ly●●l against them, and finding them guilt of the bread of the cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden at ●●ntrose, Anno 1600. for restricting the minister voter in Parliament, from en●roaching upon the liberties and jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, infamy and excommunication, specially for receiving of consecration to the office of episcopacy, condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrant nor fundament in the word of God, and by virtue of this usurped power, and power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God, and for sundry other heinous offences and enormities, and length expressed, and clearly proven in their process, and for their refusal to underly the trial of the reigning slander of sundry other gross transgressions and offences laid to their charge: Therefore the assembly moved with zeal to the glory of God, and purging of the Kirk, hath ordained the saids pretended Bishops to be deposed, and by these presents doth depose them, not only of the office of Commissionary to vot in Parliament, council, or Convention, in name of the Kirk, but also of all functions, whether of pretended episcopal or ministerial calling, declareth them infamous: and likewise ordains the saids pretended Bishops to be excommunicate, and declared to be of these whom Christ commanded to be holden by all and every one of the faithful as ethnics and Publicans; and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced by Mr. Alexander Henderson moderator, in ●ace of the Assembly. after Sermon, in the high Kirk of Glasgow: and that the execution of ●he sentence be intimat in all the Kirks within this realm, by the Pasto●●s of every particular congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next general Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries and Synods.   

Sentence of deposition against Master John Gut●ry, pretended Bishop of Murray: Mr. John Grah●me pretended, Bishop of Orknay, Mr. james fairly, pretended Bishop ●f ●●s●noir: Mr. Neil Cambell, pretended Bishop of Isles.  
THe general Assembly having heard the lybels and complaints given in against the foresaids pretended Bishops, to the presbytery of Edinburgh, and sundry Presbyteries within their Dyocies, and by the ●aids Presbyteries referred to this Assembly to bee tried: the saids pretended Bishops being lawfully cited, often-times called, and not compearing, proceeded to the cognition of the complaints and lybels against them; and finding them guilty of the breach of the cautions agreed upon in the Assembly at Montrose, Anno 1600. for restricting of the minister, voter in Parliament, from introaching upon the liberties and Jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, infamy and excommunication; and especially for receiving consecration to the office of episcopacy condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrant nor fundament in the word of God, and by virtue of this usurped power, and power of the high commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God; and for their refusal to underly the trial of the reigning slander of sundry other gross transgressions and offences, laid to their charge: Therefore the Assembly, moved with zeal to the glory of God, and pu●ging of this Kirk, ordains the saids pretended Bishops, to bee disposed, and by these presents doth depose them, not only of the office of commissionarie, to vote in Parliament. council, or convention in name of the Kirk: but also of all functions, whehter of pretended episcopal, or ministerial calling: And likewise in case they aclowledge not this Assembly, reverence not the constitutions thereof, and obey not the sentence, and make not their repentance, conform to the order prescribed by this Assembly, ordains them to be excommunicated, and declared to bee of these whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithful as ethnics and publicans: and the sentence of excommunicaion to be pronounced upon their refusal, in the Kirks appointed, by any of these who are particularly name, to have the charge of trying their repentance or impenitency, and that the execution of this sentence bee intimate in all the Kirks within this realm by the Pastours of every particular Congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next general Assembly, in case of negligence of the Presbyteries and Synods.   

Sentence of deposition against master Alexander Lindsay pretended Bishop of Dunkell.  
THe general Assembly having heard the complaint and libel given in against m. Alexander Lindesay pretended Bishop of Dunkell, to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, and sundry Presbyteries of his pretended Dyocie, and by the Presbyteries referred to this Assembly to be tried: The said pretended Bishop being lawfully cited, often-times called, & not compearing; but by a letter of excuse submitting himself to the Assem●ly, proceeded to the cognition of the complaint and libel itself against him, and finding him guilty of the breach of the cautions agreed upon in the Assembly holden at Montrose, Anno 1600. for restricting the minister voter in parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, infamy and excommunication, especially for receiving consecration to the office of episcopacy condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk, as having no warrant nor fundament in the word of God, and by virtue of this usurped power, and power of the high Commission, pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God: Therefore the Assembly moved with zeal to the glory of God, and purging of this Kirk, hath ordained the said Mr Alexander to bee deposed, and by these presents deposeth him, from the pretended episcopal function, and from the office of commissiona●ie to vote in Parliament, council or Convention in name of the Kirk and doth suspend him from all ministerial function, and providing he aclowledge this Assembly, reverence the constitutions of it, and obey this sentence, and make his repentance conform to the order prescribed, continueth him in the ministry of St. Madoze; And likewise, if he aclowledge not this Assembly, reverence not the constitutions of it, and obey no● the sentence, and make his repentance, conform to the order prescribed by this Assembly, ordains him to be excommunicat, and declared to bee one of those whom Christ commandeth to bee holden by all and every one of the faithful, as an ethnic and publican, and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced upon his refusal, in the Kirks appointed, by one of these who are particularly name, to have the charge of trying his repentance or impenitency, and that the execution of this sentence be intimate in all the Kirks within this realm, by the Pastours of every particular congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next general Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries, and Synods   

Sentence of deposition against Master John Abernethie pretended Bishop of Cathnes.  
THe general Assembly having heard the libel and complaint given in against Mr. John Abernetihe pretended Bishop of Cathnes to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, and sundry Presbyteries within his Dyocie: And by the saids Presbyteries, referred to this Assembly to be tried: The said pretended Bishop being lawfully cited, often-times called, and not compearing, but by his letter of excuse upon his sickness, proceeded to the cognition of the complaint and libel itself against him, and finding him guilty of the breach of the cautions, agreed upon in the Assembly holden at Montrose, Anno 1600. for restricting the minister voter in Parliament, from encroaching upon the liberties and jurisdictions of this Kirk, which was set down with certification of deposition, infamy and excommunication, specially for receiving consecration to the office of episcopacy, condemned by the confession of Faith, and acts of this Kirk as having no warrant nor fundament in the word of God, and by virtue of his usurped power, and power of the high Commission pressing the Kirk with novations in the worship of God: Therefore the assembly moved with zeal to the glory of God, and purging of this Kirk, hath ordaineth the said Mr. John ●o be deposed, and by these presents deposeth him from the pretended episcopal function, and from the office of Commissionary to vote in Parliament council, or convention, in name of the Kirk, and doth suspend him from the ministerial function. And providing he aclowledge this Assembly, reverence the constitutions of it, and obey the sentence, and make his repentance conform to the order prescribed by this Assembly, will admit him to the ministery of a particular flock: and likewise, in case he aclowledge not this Assembly, reverence not the constitutions of it, and make his repentance conform to the order prescribed by this Assembly, ordains him to be excomm●nicate, and declared to be one of these whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the faithful as an Etnick and publican: and the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced up on his refusal in the Kirks appointed, by one of these who are particularly name to have this charge of trying his repentance or impenitency, and that the execution of this sentence be intim●● in all the Kirks within this realm, by the Pastours of every particular Congregation, as they will be answerable to their Presbyteries and Synods, or the next general Assembly, in case of the negligence of Presbyteries and Synods.    

Act of the Assembly at Glasgow, Sess. 16. December 8. 16●8. Declaring episcopacy to have been abjured by the Confession of Faith, 1580. And to be removed out of this Kirk.  
THe Assembly taking to their most grave and serious consideration, first the unspeakable goodness, and great mercy of God, manifested to this Nation, in that so necessary, so difficult, and so excellent and divine work of reformation, which was at last brought to such perfection, that this Kirk was reformed, not only in doctrine and worship, but also after many conferences and public reasonings in divers national Assemblies, joined with solemn humiliations and prayers to God, the discipline and government of the Kirk, as the hedge and guard of the doctrine and worship, was prescribed according to the rule of Gods word, in the book of policy and Discipline, agreed upon in the Assembly 1578. and insert in the register 1581. established by the Acts of Assemblies, by the confession of Faith, sworn and subscribed, at the direction of the Assembly, and by continual practise of this Kirk: Secondly, that by mens seeking their own things: and not the things of Jesus Christ; divers novations have been introduced to the great disturbance of this Kirk, so firmly once compacted, and to the endangering of Religion, and many gross evils obtruded, to the utter undoing of the work of reformation, and change of the whole form of worship and face of this Kirk: Thirdly, that all his Majesties Subjects both ecclesiastical and civil, being without consent of the Kirk, commanded to receive with reverence a new book of common prayer, as the only form to be used in Gods public worship, and the contraveners to be condignly censured, and punished, and after many supplications and complaints, knowing no other way for the preservation of Religion; were moved by God, and drawn by necessity, to renew the national Covenant of this Kirk, and kingdom, which the Lord since hath blessed from heaven, and to subscribe the Confession of Faith, with an application thereof, abju●ing the great evils wherewith they were now pressed, and suspending the practise of all novations formerly introduced, till they should bee tried in a free general Assemply, Lastly, that some of his majesties Subjects of sundry ranks, have by his Majesties commandement subscribed and renewed the confession of Faith, without the former application, and that both the one and the other subscribers have subscribed the said Confession of Faith in this year, as it was professed and according to the meaning that i● had in this kingdom, when it was first subscribed 1581. and afterward the Assembly therefore, both by the subscription of his Majesties high Commissioner, and of the Lords of secret council, Septem. 22. 1638 And by the acts of council, of the date foresaid, bearing that they subscribed the said Confession, and ordaining all his Majesties lieges to subscribe the same, according to the foresaid date and tenor, and as it was then professed within this kingdom, as likewise by the Protest●tion of some of the senators of the college of justice, when they were required to subscribe, and by the many doubtings of his Majesties good Subjects, especially because the subscribers of the Confession in February 1638. are bound to suspend the ●pprobation of the corruptions of the government of the Kirk, till they be tried in a free general Assembly; finding it proper for them, and most necessary and incumbent to them, to give out the true meaning thereof as it was at first professed. That all his Majesties Subjects in a matter so important; as is the public Confession of Faith, so solemnly sworn and subscribed, may be of one mind, and one heart, and have full satisfaction to all their doubts, and that the posterity afterward may be fully persuaded of the true meaning thereof, after earnest calling upon the name of God, so religiously attested in the said Confession; have entered into a diligent search of the registers of the Kirk, and books of the general Assembly, which the greatest part of the Assembly had not seen before; and which by the special providence of God were preserved, brought to their hands, and publicly acknowledged to bee authentic, and have found that in the latter confession of the Kirk of Scotland: We profess, that we detest all traditions wrought into the Kirk without, or against the word of God. and doctrine of this reformed Kirk: Next, we abhor and detest all contrary religion and doctrine, but chiefly, All kind of papistry in general, & particular heads, as they were then damned & confuted by the word of God, and Kirk of Scotland, when the said Confession was sworn and subscribed, An. 1580. and 1581. 1590. and 1591. Thirdly, that we detest the roman Antichrist, his worldly monarchy, and wicked hierarchy: Fourthly, that we join ourselves to this reformed Kirk in doctrine, Faith, Religion, & discipline, promising and swearing by the great name of GOD, that we shall continue in the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk, and defend the same according to our vocation and power all the dayes of our life.  
But so it is that episcopal government is abhorred and detested, and the government by Ministers and Elders, in Assemblies general and provincial, and Presbyteries was sworn to, and subscribed in subscribing that Confession, and ought to be holden by us, if we adhere to the meaning of the Kirk, when that Confession was framed, sworn to, and subscribed; unto which we are obliged by the national oath and subscription of this Kirk, as is evident by the acts of general Assemblies, agreed upon both before, at, and after the swearing and subscribing of the said Confession, in the years above-mentioned, and the book of policy agreed upon in the Assembly which was holden at Edinburgh the twenty four of April, and twenty four of October, Anno 1578. Insert in the register of the Kirk, by ordinance of the Assembly holden at Glasgow 1581. and to be subscribed by all Ministers, that then did bear, or thereafter were to bear office in this Kirk, by ordinance of the Assembly holden the fourth of August at Edinburgh 1590. And at Edinburgh the second of July 1591. but specially in the 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. and 11, chapters of the said book.  
The Bishops being tollerat from the year 1572. till the Assembly holden in August 1575. And all this time the Assembly being wearied with complaints made against them, did enter in search of the office itself, and did agree in this that the name of a Bishop is common to every one of them that hath a particular flock, over which he hath a particular charge, as well to preach the word, as to minister the Sacraments.  
At the next Assembly which was holden in April 1576. Such Bishops were censured as had not taken them to a particular flock. In the general Assembly convened in April the year of God 1578. Sess. 4. Intimation was made as followeth.  
For so much as the heads of the policy being concluded and agreed upon in the last Assembly, by the most part of the brethren: certain of the brethren had some difficulty in the head de diaconatu, whereupon f●rther reasoning was reserved to this Assembly: It is therefore required, if any of the brethren have any reasonable doubt or argument to propone, that he be ready the morrow, and then shall be heard and resolved. In the 6. Sess. April 26. According to the ordinance made the day before; all persons that had any doubt or argument to propone, were required to propone the same: but none offered to propone any argument on the contrare.  
In the Assembly holden at Edinburgh, in October 1578. It was shown by the moderator thereof to the noble-men, who were present, viz. My Lord chancellor, the earl of Montrose, my Lord Seaton, and my Lord Lindsay, What care and study the Assembly had taken to entertain and keep the purity of the sincere word of God, unmixed with the inventions of their own heads, and to preserve it to the posterity hereafter, and seeing that the true Religion is not able to continue nor endure long without a good Discipline and policy, in that part also have they employed their wit and study, and drawn forth out f the pure fountain of Gods word, suhc a Discipline as is meet to remain in the Kirk.  
In the same assembly, the special corruptions were set down, which they craved such of the Bishops as would submit themselves to the Assembly to remove, with promise, that if tha general Assembly, hereafter shall find further corruptions in the said estate, then hitherto are expressed that they be content to be reformed by the said Assembly according to the word of God, when they shall be required thereto. First, That they be content to bee Pastours and Ministers of one flock: That they usurp no criminal jurisdiction, that they vote not in Parliament in name of the Kirk, without Commission from the Kirk: That they take not up for the maintenance of their ambition and rictousnesse, the emoluments of the Kirk, which may sustain many Pa●ours, the Schools, and the poor; but be content with reasonable livings according to their office: That they claim not to themselves the titles of Lords temporal, neither usurp temporal jurisdictions, whereby they are abstracted from their office: That they empire not above the particular Elderships, but be subject to the same: That they usurp not the power of the Presbyteries.  
The question being proponed by the Synod of L●uthian in the Assembly holden in July 1579. anent a general order to be taken for erecting of Presbyteries in places where public exercise is used, until the time the policy of the Kirk be establishek by a law: It is answered, The exercise may be judged to be a presbytery. In the Assembly holden at Dundie in july 1580. Sess. 4. The office of a Bishop was abolihed by a particular act; as appeareth by the tenor of the act following.  
For so much as the office of a Bishop, as it is now used and commonly taken withen this realm, hath no sure warrant authority, nor good ground in the Scriptures, but is brought in by the folly and corruption of mans inventions, to the great overthrow of the Kirk of God, the whole Assembly of the Kirk in one voice after liberty given to all men to reason in the matter, none opponing himself in defending the said pretended office, findeth and declareth the said pretended office, used and termed, as is above said, unlawful in the self, as haveng neither fundament, ground, nor warrant in the word of God, and ordaineth that all such persons, as brook or shall brook hereafter the said office, shall be charged simply to dimit, quiter, and leave off the same, as an office whereunto they are not called of God: and such like, to desist and cease from all preaching, ministration of the Sacraments, or using any way the office of pastours, while they receive de novo, admission from the general Assembly, under the pain of excommunication to be used against them, wherein if they be found disoobedient, or contradict this act in any point, the sentence of excommunication, after due admonition, to be execute against them.  
In the same Assembly holden Anno 1580. Sess. 10. This article was appointed to be proponed to the King and council, that the book of policy might be established by an act of privy council, while a Parliament be holden, at which it mi●ht be confirmed by a law.  
The extent of the act made at Dundie, was interpnted and explained in the Assembly, holden a● Glasgow, in April, 1581. Sess. 6. as followeth.  
Anent the Act made in the Assembly holden at Dundie against Bishops, because some difficulty appeareth to some brethren to arise out of the word ( office) contained in the said act, what should be meaned thereby, The Assembly consisting for the most part of such as voted, and were present in the A se●bly at Dundie, to take away the said diffic ltie, resolving upon the true meaning and understanding of the said act, declare that they meaned wholly to condemn th● whole estate of Bishops, as they are now in Scotland, and that the same w●s the determination and conclusion of the Assembly at this time, because some brethren doubted, whether the former act was to be understood 〈◇〉 the spiritual function only, and others alleged, that the whole office of a Bishop as it was used, was damnable, and that by the said act, the Bishops should be charged to dimit the same: This Assembly declareth that they meaned wholly to condemn the whole estate of Bishops, as they were then in Scotland, and that this was the meaning of the Assembly, at that time.  
The Kings Commissioner presented to this Assembly the Confession of Faith, subscribed by the King, and his household, not long before, together with a plot of the Presbyteries to be erected, which is registrate in the books of the Assembly, with a letter to be directed from his majesty to the noble-men and gentle-men of the country, for the erection of Presbyteries, consisting of Pastours, and Elders, and dissolution of Prelacies, and with an offer to set forward the policy until it were established by Parliament. The Kings letter subscribed by his hand, to the Noble-men, and Gentle-men, was red in open audience of the whole Assembly.  
This Assembly ordained the book of policy to be insert in the register by the act following.  
For as much as travels have been taken in the framing of the policy of the Kirk, and divers suits have been made to the Magistrat for approbation thereof, which yet have not taken the happy effect, which good men would wish, yet that the posterity may judge well of the present age, and of the meaning of the Kirk; The Assembly hath concluded, that the book of policy ●greed to in divers Assemblies before, should be registrat in the acts of the Kirk, and remain therein ad perpetuam rei memoriam: and the copies thereof to be taken to every presbytery: of which book the tenor followeth, &c.  
immediately after the inserting of the book of policy, called there the book of Discipline, the Assembly ordained that the confession of Faith be subscribed as followeth.  
Anent the confession of Faith lately set forth by the Kings majesty, and sub●cribed by his highnesse. The Assembly in one voice, acknowledgeth the said Con●ession to be a true, Christian, and faithful confession, to be eagreed unto by such as truly profess Christ, and have a care of Religion, and the tenor thereof to be followed out efoldl● as the samine is laid out in the said Proclamation, wherein that Discipline is sworn to.  
In the general Assembly holden at Edinburgh in October 1581. Sess. 10. Mr. Robert Montgomery is accused for teaching that Discipline is a thing indifferent. Sess. 23. The Assembly gave commission to the presbytery of Stirling, to charge Mr. Robort Montgomerie, to continue in the ministery of Stirling, and not to meddle with any other office or function of the Kirk, namely in aspiring to the bishopric of Glasgow, against the word of God, and acts of the Kirk, under the pain of excommunication.  
In the same Assembly it is acknowledged that the estate of Bishops is condemned by the Kirk, commission for erection of more Presbyteries was renewed: and a new ordinance made for subscribing the confession of Faith, and to proceed against whatsoever persons that would not aclowledge and subscribe the same.  
In the Assembly holden in April 1582. there was a new commission for erection of Pre●b teries, where none was as yet erected, Mr. Robert Montgomerie, pretending to be Bishop of Glasgow, was ordained to be deposed and excommunicat, except he gave evident tokens of repentance, and promise to superseed, which he did not: and therefore he was excommunicat shortly after, according to the ordinance of this Assembly.  
In the general Assembly holden at Edinburgh, 1582. The general Assmbly gave commission to some Presbyteries, to try and censure such as were called Bishops, for the great slander arising by their impunity. Commission was given at this Assembly to present some articles to the council and Estates, for approving and establishing by their authority the Presbyteries, the synodal, and general Assemblies. In the 19. Sess. The Assembly declared, that no Bishop may sit upon the council in name of the Kirk.  
In the Assembly holden Anno 1586. These two articles were agreed upon. First: It is found that all such as the Scripture appointeth governours of the Kirk to wit Pasto●rs, doctors, and Elders, may convene to the general Assemblies, and vote in ecclesiastical matters. Secondly: There are four office bearers set down to us by the Scriptures, to wit Pastours, Doct●urs E●ders, and Deacons, and the name of Bishop ought not to be taken as it hath been in time of papistry, but is common to all Pastours, and Ministers.  
In the Assembly holden ●nno 15●7. S●●●. 8 It was ordained that the admission of Mr. Robert Montgomerie by the presbytery of Glasgow, suppose to the tem●o●al●tie of the bishopric only, be undone and annulled wi●h all possible diligence, to the effect slander might be removed from the Kirk. In Sess. 15 Mr. Robert Pont shewed the Kings presentation to the bishopric of Cathnes, & desidered the judgement of the Assembly. The Assembly in their letter to the Kings majesty, declared that they judged the said Mr Robert to be a Bishop already according to the Doctrine of St. Paul: But as to that corrupt estate or office, of these who have been termed Bishops heretofore, they found it not agreeable to the word of God, and that it hath been damned in divers Assemblies before.  
In the instructions given to such as were appointed to wait upon the Parliament, it was ordained in the same Assembly Sess. 17. That they be careful that nothing be admitted prejudicial to the liberties of this Kirk, as it was concluded according to the word of God in the general Assemblies, preceding the year 1584. but precisely to seek the same to be ratified in the Assembly holden in March 1589. where the articles were made for subscribing the confession of Faith with the general band, it was ordained as followeth.  
For so much as the neighbour Kirk in England, is understood to bee heavily troubled, for maintaining of the true Discipline and government: whose grieves ought to move us Therefore the Presbytery of Edinburgh was ordained to comfort the said Kirk in the said matter.  
In the Assembly holden 1590. when the confession of Faith was subscribed universally de novo, a ratification of the liberties of the Kirk, in her jurisdiction, discipline, Presbyteries, Synods, and general Assemblies, and an abrogation of all things contrary thereunto; was ordained to be sought both of the council and Parliament. In the next Session it was ordained that the book of Discipline, specially the controverted heads, should be subscribed by all Ministers that bear, or hereafter was to bear office in this Kirk, and that they be charged by the Presbyteries, under the pain of excommunication: Seeing the word of God cannot bee keeped in sincerity, unless the holy Discipline be preserved. The Presbyteries were ordained to get a copy under the Clerks hand; there were sundry copies subscribed by the Ministers in the Presbyteries yet extant, as Hadingtoun, Dumfermling, &c. produced before the Assembly.  
In the Assembly 1591. Sess. 4. The former act anent the subscription to the book of policy is renewed, and a penalty imposed upon the moderator, in case it be not put in execution.  
In the Assembly 22. May 1592. Sess. 2. These articles were drawn up. That the acts of Parliament made 1584 against the Discipline, liberty and authority of the Kirk be annulled, and the samine discipline, whereof the Kirk hath been in practise, precisely ratified That Abbots Priors, and other prelates pretending the title of the Kirk, be not suffered in time coming. In the 11. Session the number of the Presbyteries we●e given up, and insert in the Parliament immediately following. The fifth of June 1592. The liberty, discipline, and jurisdiction of the true Kirk, in her Sessions, Presbyteries, Synodal and general Assemblies, is largely ratified, as the samine was used, and exercised within this realm, and all the acts contrary thereto abrogat: The Kings prerogative declared not to be prejudicial to the same privileges grounded upon the word of God, the former commissions to Bishops 1584. rescinded, and all Ecclesiastical matters, subjected to Presbyteries, according to the discipline of this Kirk. Anno 1595. The book of policy with other acts is ratified and ordained to be printed.  
It was also cleared that episcopacy was condemned in these words of the Confession, HIS WICKED hierarchy. For the Popish hierarchy doth consist of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons, that is baptizing and preaching Deacons: For so it is determined in the council of Trent, in the 4. chap. De Sacramento ordinis, can. 6. 
* Censura propositionum quarundam ex Hibernia delatatum per sacram Facultatem Theologiae Parisiensis facta.  Si quis dixerît in ecclesia Catholica non esse hierarchiam divina ordinatione institutam, quae constat ex Episcopis, Presbyteris & minist●is, anathema sit. Bellarmine likewise in his book De Clericis. cap. 11. saith. That there are three Hierarchies in the militant Kirk: The first of Bishops, the second of Priests, the third of Deacons, and that the Deacons are also Princes, if they be compared with the people: This pro●osition following; Hierarchia ecclesiastica constat ex Pontifice, Cardinalibus, Archiepiscopis, Episcopis & Regularibus, was censured by the faculty of theology in the university at Paris, as followeth, Inista prima propositione enumeratio membrorum hierarchiae ecclesiasticae seu sacri principatus, divina ordinatione instituti est mancha & redundaus atque, inducens in errorem contrarium determinationi sacrae Sinodi Tridentinae. The proposition was defective, because it pntermitted the Presbyters and Deacons; it was censured as redundant, because it made the hierarchy ●o consist of the Pope, Cardinals, Archbishops, and Regulars; the Pope is not within the hierarchy, primates, metropolitans, and Archbiohops, but as they are Bishops. Furthermore, this hierarchy is distinguished in the confession from the Popes monarchy. And howbeit this hierarchy be called the Antichrists hierarchy yet it is not to distinguish betwixt the hierarchy in the Popish Kirk, and any other as lawful: But the hierarchy, wheresoever it is, is called his, as the rest of the Popish corruptions are called h●s: To wit, Invocation of Saints, canonization of Saints, dedication of Altars, &c. are called his, not that there is another lawful canonization, invocation, or dedication of altars: whatsoever corruption was in the Kirk, either in doctrine, worship, or government since the mystery of iniquity began to work, and is retained, and maintained, by the Pope, and obtruded upon the Kirk by his authority, are his. A passage also out of the history of the council of Trent was alleged, where it is related, that the council would not define the Hiera●chie by the seven orders: we have in our confession of Faith the manifold orders set apart and distinguished from the hierarchy, but as it is set down in the cannon above cited: We have in the book of policy or second book of Discipline, in the end of the second chapter, this conclusion agreed upon. Therefore all the ambitious titles invented in the kingdom of Antichrist, and in his usurped hierarchy which are not of one of these four sorts, To wit, Pastours, doctors, Elders, and Deacons, together with offices depending thereupon, in one word ought to be rejected.  
All which and many other warrants being publicly red, and particularly at great length examined, and all objections answered in face of the Assembly, all the members of the Aessmbly being many times desired and required to propone their doubts, and scruples, and every one being heard to the full, and after much agitation as fully satisfied; the moderator at last exhorting every one to declare his mind, did put the matter to voicing in these terms: Whether according to the confession of faith, as it was professed in the year 1580. 1581. and 1590. There be any other Bishop, but a pastor of a particular flock, having no pre-eminence nor power over his brethren, and whether by that Confession, as it was then professed, all other episcopacy is abjured, and ought to bee removed out of this Kirk. The whole Assembly most unanimously, without contradiction of any one( and with the hesitation of one allanerly) professing full persuasion of mind, did voice, that all episcopacy different from that of a pastor over, a particular flock, was abjured in this Kirk, and to be removed out of it. And therefore prohibits underr ecclesiastical censure any to usurp accept, defend, or obey the pretended authority thereof in time coming.   

Act Sess. 17. December 10. 1638. The Assembly at Glasgow, declaring the five Articles of Perth to have been abjured and to bee removed.  
THe Assembly remembering the uniformity of worship which was in this Kirk, before the articles of Perth, the great rent which entered at that time, and hath continued since, with the lamentable effects, that it hath produced, both against Pastours, and professors, the unlawfulness and nullity of Perth Assembly already declared by this Assembly, and that in the necessary renewing of the confession of Faith in February 1638. the practise of novations introduced in the worship of God, was suspended, till they should be determined in a free general Assembly: and that in the same year at his Majesties command some had subscribed the confession of Faith, as it was professed when it was first subscribed: For these causes the Assembly entered into a diligent trial of the foresaid articles, whether they be contrare to the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and professed in the year 1580. 1581. 1590. and 1591. And findeth that first in general: In the confession of Faith we profess, We willingly agree in our consciences to the form of Religion, of a long time openly professed by the Kings majesty, and Whole body of this realm, in all points, as unto Gods undoubted truth and verity, grounded only upon his written word, and therefore abhor and detest all contrary Religion and Doctrine, but chiefly, all kind of papistry, in general and particular heads, even as they were then damned and confuted by the word of God and Kirk of Scotland, and in special, the roman Antichrist, his five bastard sacraments, with all rites, ceremonies, and false doctrine, added to the ministration of the true Sacraments, without the word of God, his cruel judgement against Infants departing without the Sacrament, his absolute necessity of baptism, and finally, we detest all his vain allegories, rites, signs, and traditions brought into the Kirk without, or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk, to the which we join ourselves willingly in Doctrine, Faith, Religion, Discipline, and use of the holy Sacraments, as lively members of the same in Christ our Head; promising and swearing, &c. And that these five articles are contrary to the Religion then professed, were confuted by the word of God, and Kirk of Scotland, or are rites, and ceremonies, added to the ministration, of the true Sacraments, without the word God, or nourish the popish judgement agrinst Infants departing without the Sacrament, or absolute necessity, of baptism or rites, signs, and traditions brought in to the Kirk, with out or against the word of God, and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk.  
And next in particular, concerning festival dayes, findeth, that in the explication of the first head, of the first book of Discipline, it was thought good that the feasts of Christmas, Circumcision, epiphany, with the feasts of the Apostles, Martyres, and virgin Mary, bee utterly abolished, because they are neither commanded nor warranded by Scripture, and that such as observe them be punished by civill magistrates. Here utter abolition is craved, and not reformation of abuses only, and that because the observation of such feasts hath no warrant from the word of God. In the generrll Assembly holden at Edinburgh Anno 1556. the large confession of Helvetia was approved, but with special exception against the same five dayes, which are now urged upon us. It was not then the Popish observation only, with the Popish opinion of worshhip and merit, which was disallowed;( for so the reformed Kirk in Helvetia did not observe them) but simpliciter all observation. For this end was red a letter in latin, sent at that time by some of our divines to certain divines in these pa●ts to this purpose. In the Assembly holden 1575. in August, complaint was made against the Ministers and Readers beside Aberdeen; because they assembled the people to preaching and prayers upon certain festival dayes: So that p eaching and prayers upon festival dayes was judged rebukable. It was ordained likewise, that complaint be made to the Regent, upon the town of Drumfreis, for urging and convoying a Reader to the Kirk with Tabret and Whistle, to red Prayers, all the holy dayes of Christmas, upon the refusal of their own Reader. Among the articles directed by this Assembly to the Regent: It was craved that all holy dayes-hereto-fore keeped holy, beside the Lords day, such a Yooleday, and Saints dayes, and such others may bee abolished, and a certain penalty appointed for banqueting, playing, feasting upon these dayes. In the Assembly holden in April, Anno 1577. It was ordained that the visitors with the advice of the Synodal Assembly, should admonish Ministers, preaching or ministrating the Communion at Faster,, or Christmas, or other like superstitious times, or Readers reading, to desist, under the pain of deprivation. In the ninth head of the first book of Discipline, the reason is set down against Easter Communion. Your honours are not ignorant how superstitiously the people run to that action at Pascheven; as if the time gave virtue to the Sacrament, and how the rest of the whole year, they are careless and negligent, as if it appartained not to them, but at that time only. And for this reason, other times were appointed by that book, for that holy action. In the Assembly holden 1596. begun in March 1595. at which time the Covenant was renewed, superstition and idolatry breaking forth in observing festival dayes; setting out of bonfires, singing Carols, are reakoned amongst the corruptions which were to be amended: And the Pulpits did sound from time to time, against all show of observing any festival day whatsoever, except the Lords day.  
Concerning kneeling at the Communion, findeth that in the confession of Faith prefixed before the psalms, and approved by our Kirk in the very beginning of the reformation, we have these words, Neither in the ministration of the Sacraments, must we follow men: but as Christ himself hath ordained, so must they be ministered. In the large confession of Faith chap. 23. It is required as necessary, for the right ministration of the Sacraments, that they bee ministered in such elements, and in such sort, as God hath appointed, and that men have adulterate the Sacraments with their own inventions: So that no part of Christs action abideth in the original purity. The judgement of our reformers, who drew up the large Confession, was by clear evidents shewed to be contrary to this gesture in the act of receiving the Sacrament. In the order of celebrating the Lords Supper, prefixed before the psalms in metre, fitting and distributing by the Communicants, are joined: as likewise by the second head of the first book of Discipline, as nearest to Christs own action, and to his perfect practise, and most convenient to that holy action, and all inventions devised by man are condemned, as alterations and accusations of Christs perfect ordinance: Ministers were enjoined by act of Assembly in December 1562. To observe the order of Geneva: that is the English Kirk at Geneva: where Master Knox had been sometime Minister, in the ministration of the Sacraments. This act was renewed in the Assembly holden in December 1564. where Ministers are referred to the order set down before the psalms, for ministration of the Sacraments; which is all one with the former: for that was the order of the English Kirk at Geneva.  
In the Parliament holden Anno 1567. It was declared that whosoever did not participate of the Sacraments, as they were then publicly administrat in this reformed Kirk, ought not to be reputed members of this Kirk. The act for the Kings oath at his coronation, to maintain the due administration of the Sacraments, as they were then ministered, Anno 1567. was ratified Anno 1581. At which time the short Confession, adhering to the use of the Sacraments, in the Kirk of Scotland, was subscribed: as also Anno 1592. after the second Subscription to the confession of Faith. In the Parliament 1572 an act was made against such as did not participat of the Sacramets as they were then rightly ministered: But the gesture of kneeling in the act of receiving, putteth the ministration of the Sacraments used in this Kirk out of frame: whereby it is clear that whatsoever gesture or rite, cannot stand with the administration of the Sacraments as they were then ministered and were ministered ever since the reforma●ion, till the year 1618. must bee condemned by our Kirk as a rite added to the true ministration of the Sacraments without the word of God, and as rite or tradition brought in wi hout, or against the word of God, or doctrine of this reformed Kirk.  
III. Concerning Confirmation; The Assembly findeth it to be comprehended in the clause of the Confession, where the five bastard Sacraments are condemned. And seeing episcopacy is condemned, imposition of hands by Bishops falleth to the ground. And in all the acts for catechizing or examination before admission to the communion, no inkling of imposition of hands.  
IIII. Concerning the administration of the Sacraments in private places, or private bapttisme, and communion; findeth that in the book of common order, set down before the psalms, it is said, That the Sacraments art not ordained of God to be used in private corners, as charmers and sorcerers use to do, but left to the Congregation. In the Assembly holden at Edinburgh in October Anno 1581. the same year and Assembly, that the confession of Faith was subscribed: It was ordained, that the Sacraments be not administered in private houses, but solemnly according to good order hither to observed. The Minister of Tranent was suspended at that time, for baptizing an infant in a private house: but confessing his offence, he was ordained to make his public repentance in the Kirk of Tranent, before he be released. Another Minister was to be tried, and censured, for baptizing privately, and celebrating the Communion upon Pasch-day, at the Assembly holden in October 1580. Which acts and censures make manifest, that our Kirk abhorred whatsoever fostered the opinion of the necessity of baptism, and giving of the Sacrament, as a viaticum.  
All which, and many other acts grounds, and reasons, being at length agitated, and with mature deliberation pondered, and liberty granted to every man to speak his mind; what could be said further, for the full satisfaction of all men.  
The matter was put to voicing, in these words: Whether the five articles of Perth, by the confession of Faith, as it was meaned and professed in the year 1580. 15●1. 1590. 1591. ought to be removed out of this Kirk: The whole Assembly all in one consent, one onely excepted, did voice that the five articles above specified were abjured by this Kirk, in that Confession, and so ought to be removed out of it: And therefore prohibiteth and dischargeth all disputing for them, or observing of them, or any of them, in all time coming, and ordains Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against all transgressors.   

Act Sess. 21. December 17. 1638.  
COncerning Kirk Sessions, provincial and national Assemblies, the general Assembly considering the great defection of this Kirk, and decay of Religion, by the usurpation of the Prelates, and their suppressing of ordinaire judicatories of the Kirk, and clearly preceiving the benefit which will redound to the Religion by the restitution of the said judicatories, remembering also that they stand obliged by their solemn oath, and covenant with God, to return to the doctrine and discipline of this Kirk; as it was professed 1580, 1581, 1590, 1591. which in the book of policy, registrat in the books of the Assembly 1581. and ordained to be subscribed, 1590, 1591. is particularly expressed both touching the constitution of the Assemblies, of their members, Ministers, and Elders, and touching the number, power and authority of these members, in all matters ecclesiastical:  
The Assembly findeth it necessar to restore, and by these presents restoreth all these Assemblies unto their full integrity in their members, privileges, liberties, powers, and jurisdictions; as they were constitute by the foresaid book of policy.   

Act. Sess. 23. 24. December 17. 18.  
ANent the report of the Committie, appointed for considering what constitutions were to be revived, or made of new, they proponed the overtures following: which were red and allowed by the whole Assembly, or by them referred to the consideration of the several Presbyteries.  
Anent Presbyteries which have been erected since the year 1586. It seemeth needful, that they bee ratified by an act of this general Assembly, and that other Presbyteries shall be erected, where they shall be found needful, and especially now in the Synod of Lismore, according to the particular note given there anent.  
The Assembly ratifieth these Presbyteries since 1486. and erected those in Lismore, conform to the note registrat in the books of Assembly.  
Anent the keeping of presbyterial meetings; It is thought fit that they be weekly, both in summer and Winter, except in places far distant, who during the winter season,( that is between the first of October and the first of April) shall be dispensed with for meeting once in the fourteen dayes, and that all absents be censured, especially those who should exercise and add, according to the Act of Assembly 1582. at St. Andrews, April 24. Sess. 12. and that some controverted head of doctrine bee handled in the presbytery publicly, and disputed among the brethren, every first Presbytererie of the month, according to the act of Assembly holden at Dundie 1598. Sess. 12.  

The Assemb●y alloweth this Article.  
Anent the visitation of particular Kirks within Presbyteries; It is thought expedient that it be once every year, wherein a care is to be had, among other things necessary, that it bee tried, how domestic exercises of Religion be exercised in particular families, and to see what means there is in every Parish in Landward, for catechizing and instructing the youth.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
IV. Anent ●he visitation of Kirks, schools, and colleges: It is thought meet that the acts of Assembly holden at Edinburgh the 25. of Iunie 1565. Sess. 2. be put in execution: that the Ministers of the pa●ochin, the P incipall, Regents, and professors within colleges, and Masters, and Doctors of schools, be tried concerning the soundness of their judgement in matters of Religion, their ability, for discharge of their calling, and the honesty of their conversation: as the act of Assembly at Edinburgh Iuni 21. 1567. Sess. 3. And the act of the Assembly holden at Montrose. 1595. Sess. 9. do import: and this visitation of colleges to be by way of commission from the general Assembly.   

The general Assembly alloweth this article.  
V. Anen● none residents: It is thought necessary, that every Minister be oblished to reside in his own Parochin at his ordinary Mans●, for the better attending of the duties of his calling, conform to the Acts of Assemblies, viz. act of Assembly at Edinburgh, March 24. 1595. Sess. 7. as also act at Edinburgh, December 25. 1563. Sess. 5. and Assembly at Edinburgh, December 25. 1565. Sess. 4. Assemble at Edinburgh, March 6. 1572. Sess. 3.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
VI. Anent the planting of Schools in Landward, the want whereof doth greatly prejudge the growth of the Gospel, and procure the decay of Religion: The Assembly giveth direction to several Presbyteries for the settling of schools in every Landward Parochin, and providing of men able for the charge of teaching of the youth, public reading and precenting of the psalm, and the catechizing of the common people, and that means be provided for their entertainment, in the most convenient manner that may be had, according to the ability of the Parochin.   

The Assembly alloweth; and referreth the particular course unto the several Presbyteries.  
VII. Anent the late admission of Ministers by Presbyteries, and the choice of moderators, according to the ancient power of the said Presbyteries: The Assembly declareth they had power to do the same, and ratifieth that what hath been done of late of that kind upon warrantable grounds, that here after it be not called in question.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
VIII. Anent the competency of Presbyteries and parochins, that some proportion may be keeped, both anent the number and distance of place: It would seem expedient that this general Assembly should appoint a Commission for every shire, where there is such necessity, that the particular Parochins and Presbyteries within the bounds be duly considered, and overtures be these of the same commission given in to the provincial Synods, and by them to the general Assembly, that there they may be advised, and ratified.   

The Assembly referreth this to the care of the particular presbyteries.  
IX. Anent the entry and conversation of Ministers: It is expedient that the act of Assembly holden at Edinburgh, March 24. 1595. Sess. 7. be ratified, and put in execution in every presbytery, and to that end, that they get a copy thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the tenor followeth.    

Act Sess. 7. March 26. of the Assembly at Edinburgh 1596.  
COncerning the defections in the ministery, the same being at length red out, reasoned, and considered; The brethren concluded the same, agreeing there-with: and in respect that by Gods grace, they intend reformation, and to see the Kirk and ministry purged; to the effect the work may have better success, they think it necessar that this Assembly be humbled, for wanting such care as became in such points, as is set dewn; and some zealous and godly brethren in doctrine, lay them out for their better humiliation; and that they make solemn promise before the majesty of God; and make new covenant with him for a more careful and reverend discharge of their ministery. To the which effect was chosen Mr. John Davidson; and Twesday next at nine houres in the morning appointed, in the new Kirk, for that effect: whereunto none is to resort, but the ministry: the form to bee advised the morn in privy conference.  The tenor of the advice of the brethren; deputy for penning the enormities and corruptions in the ministery, and remead thereof, allowed by the general Assembly here convened. 1596. 

Corruptions in the office.  
FOr as much as by the too sudden admission and light trial of persons to the ministry, cometh to pass that many scandals fall out in the persons of ministers: it would be ordained in time coming, that more diligent inquisition and trial be used of all such persons as shall enter into the ministry.  
As specially these points. That the intrant shall be posed upon his conscience, before the great God,( and that in most grave manner) what moveth him to accept the office and charge of the ministry upon him.  
That it be enquired, if any by solistation, or moyen, directly or indirectly, press to enter in the said office: And, if it bee found, that the solister be repelled; and that the presbytery repel all such of their number from voting in the election or admission as shall bee found moyeners for the solicitor, and posed upon their, conscience to declare the truth to that effect.  
Thirdly, because by presentations, many forcibly are thrust into the ministry, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter that they were not called by God: It would bee provided that none seek presentations to benefice without advice of the presbytery within the bounds whereof the bnfice is, and if any do in the contrary, they to be repelled as rei ambitus.  
That the trial of persons to be admitted to the ministry hereafter, consist not only in their learning and ability to preach, but also in conscience, and feeling, and spiritual wisdom, and namely in the knowledge of the bounds of their calling in doctrine, discipline, and wisdom, to behave himself accordingly with the divers ranks of persons within his fl ck, as ●amely with Athei●ts, rebellious, weak consciences, and such other, wherein the pastoral charge is most kythed; and that he be meet to stop the mouths of the adversaries: and such as are not qualified in these points to be delayed to further trial; and while they be found qualified. And because men may be found meet for some places who are not meet for other, it w●uld be considered, that the principal places of the realm be provided by men of most worthy gifts, wisdom and experience, and that none take the charge of greater number of people nor they are able to difcharge: And the Assembly to take order herewith, and the act of the provincial of Louthain, made at Linlithgow, to be urged.  
That such as shall bee found not given to their book and study of Scriptures, not careful to have books, not given to sanctification and prayer, that study not to bee powerful and spiritual, not applying the doctrine to corruptions, which is the pastoral gift, obscure and too scholastic before the people, could, and wanting of spiritual zeal, negligent in visiting of the sick, and caring for the poor; or indiscreet in choosing of parts of the word not meetest for the flock, flatterers and dissembling at public sins, and specially of great personages in th●ir congregation, for flattery, or for fear, that all such persons bee censured, according to the degree of their faults, and continuing therein, bee deprived.  
That such as be slothful in the minstration of the Sacraments and irreverent, a● prophaners receiving the clean and unclean, ignorants and senseless profane, and making no conscience of their profession in their calling and families, omitting due trial or using none, or light trial, having respect in their trial to persons, wherein there is manifest corruption; that all such bee sharply rebuked, and if they continue therein, that they be deposed.  
And if any be sound a seller of the Sacraments, that he bee deposed simpliciter: and such as collude with slanderous persons in dispensing and over-seeing them for money, incur the like punishment. That every Minister be charged to h●ve a Session established of the meettest men in his Congregation, and that Discipline strike not only upon gross sins, as wh●●e ●●me, blood-shed, &c. but upon sins repugnant to the word of God, at blasphemy of God, banning, profaning of the Sabbath, disobedient to parents, idle, unruly ones without calling, drunkards, and such like debauched men, as make not conscience of their life and ruling of their families, and specially of education of their children, lying, slandering, and backbiting and breaking of promises: and this to be an universal order throughout the realm, &c. and such like as are negligent herein, and continue therein after admonition, be deposed.  
That none falling in public slanders, be received in the fellowship of the Kirk, except his Minister have some appearance and warrant in conscience, that he hath both a feeling of sin, and apprehension of mercy, and for this effect, that the Minister travel with him, by doctrine, and private instruction to bring him here-to, and specially in the doctrine of repentance, which being neglected, the public place of repentance is turned in a mocking.  
Dilapidation of benefice, dimitting of them for favour, or money, that they become laic patronages, without advice of the Kirk. and such like interchanging of benefice, by transaction and transporting of themselves by that occasion, without the knowledge of the Kirk, precisely to be punished: Such like, that setting of takes without the consent of the Assembly, be punished according to the acts: and that the dimitters in favours for money, or otherwise to the effect above-writen: bee punished as the dilapidators.   

Corruptions in their persons and lives.  
THat such as are light and wanton in their behaviour, as in gorgeous and light apparel; in speech, in using light and profane company, unlawful game, as dancing, carding, dicing and such like; not beseeming the gravity of a pastor, bee sharply and gravely reproved by the presbytery, according to the degree thereof: and continuing therein after due admonition, that he bee,, depryved, as slanderous to the Gospel.  
That Ministers being sound swearers, or banners, prophaners; of the Sabbath, drunkards, fighters, guilty of all these or any of them, be deposed simpliciter; and such like, liars, detractors, flatterers, breakers of promise, brawlers, and quarrelers, after admonition continuing therein, incur the same punishment.  
That Ministers given to unlawful and imcompetent trades and occupations for filthy gain, as holding of ostleries, taking of ocker beside conscience and good laws, and bearing worldly offices in noblemen and gentlements houses, merchandise, and such like, buying of victuals, and keeping to the dearth, and all such worldly occupations, as may distracted them from their charge, and may be slanderous to the pastoral calling, be admonished and brought to the acknowledging of their sins, and if they continue therein, to be dep●sed.  
That Ministers not resident at their flocks, be deposed according to the acts of the general Assembly, and laws of the realm: otherwise the burthren to be laid on the Presbyteries, and they to be censured therefore.  
That the Assembly command all their members, that none of them await on the court and afairs thereof without the advice and allowance of their presbytery. Item, that they intend no action civill without the said advice, except in small matters: and for remeding of the necessity, that some Ministers hath to enter in plea of law, that remedy bee craved, that short process bee devised, to bee used in Ministers actions.  
That Ministers take special care in using godly exercises in their families, in teaching of their wives, children, and servants, in using ordinary prayers and reading of Scriptures, in removing of offensive persons out of their families, and such like other points of godly conversation, and good example, & that they at the visitation of their Kirks, try the Ministers families in these points foresaid, and such as are sound negligent in these points, foresaid after due admonition, shall be adjudged unmeet to govern the house of God, according to the rule of the Apostle.  
That Ministers in all companies strive to he spiritual and profitable, and to talk of things pertaining to godliness, as namely of such as may strengthen us in Christ, instruct us in our calling, of the means how to have Christs kingdom better established in our Congregations, and to know how the Gospel flourished in our flocks, and such like others the hindrances, and the remeeds that we find, &c. wherein there is manifold corruptions, both in our companying with ourselves, and with others: and that the contraveners thereof be tried, and sharply be rebuked.  
That no Minister be found to countenance, procure, or assist a public offender challenged by his own Ministers, for his public offence, or to bear with him, as though his Ministe, were too severe upon him, under to pain of admonition and rebuking.   

Anent general Assemblies.  
TO urge the keeping of the Acts anent the keeping of the Assembly, that it may have the own reverence and majesty.  

The Assembly having heard the whole act red, most unanimously alloweth and approveth this article.  
X. Anent the defraying of the expenses of the Commissioners to the general Assembly, referreth and recommendeth the same unto the particular presbytery, and especially to the ruling Elders therein, that they may take such courses whereby, according to reason and former acts of Assemblies, the Commissioners expenses to this Assembly, and to the subsequent, may be born by the particular parochins of every presbytery, who sendeth them in their name, and to their behalf, and for that effect, that all sort of persons able in land or moneys proportionally, may bear a part of the burden, as they reap the benefit of their pains.   

The Assembly referreth this unto the care of the particular Presbyreries.  
XI. Anent the repressing of proprie and superstition; It seemeth expedient that the number and names of all the Papists in this kingdom be taken up at this Assembly, if it may be conveniently done, and if not, that it be remitted to the next provincial Assemblies, that it may appear what growth popery hath had, and now hath through this kingdom, what popish priests, and Jesuit there in the land; and that all persons of whatsoever state and condition, be obliged to swear and subscribe the confession of Faith, as it is now condescended upon by this general Assembly, that they frequent the word and Sacraments in the ordinar diets and places, otherwise the proceed against them with the censures of the Kirk, and children be not sent out of the country without licence of the Presbyteries or provincial Synods of the bounds where they dwell.   

The Assembly referreth this article to the several Presbyteries.  
XII. Anent order to be taken that the Lords Supper be more frequently administrat both in burgh and landward then it hath been in these years by gone: It were expedient that the act at Edinburgh December 25 1562 Sess. 5. bee renewed, and some course bee taken for furnishing of the elements, where the Minister of the Parish hath allowance only for once in the year.   

The Assembly referreth this to the consideration of Presbyteries and declareth that the charges be rather payed out of that dayes collection, then that the Congregation want the more frequent use of the Sacrament.  
XIII. Anent the entry of Ministers to the ministry: The Assembly thinks expedient that the act holden at St. Andrews. April 24. 1582. Sess. 7. Touching the age of twentty five years be renewed, and none to be admitted before that time, except such as for rare and singular qualities shall be judged by the general or provincial Assembly to be meet and worthy thereof.   

The Assembly approveth this article.  
XIV. Anent mercats on Monday and Saturday within Burghs, causing intolerable profanation of the Lords Day, by carrying of loads, bearing of burdens; and other work of that kind: It were expedient for the redress thereof, that the care for restraining of this abuse be recommended by the Assembly unto the several Burghs, and they to bee earnestly entreated to find out some way for the repressing of this evil, and changing of the day; and to report their diligence there-anent to the next general Assembly.   

The Assembly referreth this article to the consideration of the Burrows.  
XV. Anent the profanation of the Sabbath-day in Landward, especially for want of divine service in the afternoon: The Assembly ordaineth the act of Assembly holden at Dundie, July 12. 1580. Sess. 10. for keeping both diets, to be put in execution.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
XVI. Anent frequenting with excommunicat persons: The Assembly ordaineth that the act at Edinburgh, March 5. 1569. Sess. 10. to wit, That these who will not forbear the company of excommunicat persons after due admonition, be excommunicat themselves, except they forbear, to be but in execution.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
XVII. Whereas the confession of the Faith of this Kirk, concerning both Doctrine and Discipline, so often called in question by the corrupt judgement and tyrannous authority of the pretended prelates, is now clearly explained, and by this whole Kirk represented by this general Assembly concluded, ordained also to bee subscribed by all sorts of persons within the said Kirk and kingdom: The Assembly const tutes, and ordains, that from henceforth no sort of person, of whatsoever quality and degree, be permitted to speak, or writ against the said Confession, this Assembly, or any act of this Assembly, and that under the pain of incurring the censures of this Kirk.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
XVIII. Anent voicing in Kirk Sessions: It is thought expedient that no Minister moderating his Session, shall usurp a negative voice over the members of his Session, and where there is two or more Ministers in one Congregation, that they have equal power in voicing, that one of them hinder not the reasoning or voicing of any thing, whereunto the other Minister or Ministers, with a great part of the Session inclineth, being agreeable to the acts and practise of the Kirk, and that one of the Ministers without advice of his colleague appoint not diets of Communion nor examination, neither hinder his colleague from catechizing and using other religious exercises as oft as he pleaseth.   

The Assembly referreth this article to the care of the Presbyteries.  
XX. Since the office of Diecesane, or lordly Bishop, is all-utterly abjured, and reomoved out of this Kirk: It is thought fit that all titles of dignity, savouring more of popery than of Christian liberty, as Chapters with their elections and consecrations, Abbots, Priors, Deans, Arch-deacons, Preaching-deacons, Chanters, Subchanters, and others having the ●●ke title, slowing from the Pope and canon law only, as testifieth the second book of Discipline, bee also banished out of this reformed Kirk, and not to bee usurped or used hereafter under ecclesiastical censure.   

The Assembly alloweth this Article.  
XX Anent the presenting either of Pastours or Readers and School-masters, to particular Congregations, that there be a respect had to the Congregation, ct that no person be intruded in any office of the kirk, contrare to the will of the congregation to which they are appointed.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
XXI. Anent marriage without proclamation of bans, which being in use these years by-gone hath produced many dangerous effects: The Assembly would discharge the same, conform to the former acts, except the presbytery in some necessary exigents dispense therewith.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
XXII Anent the burial in Kirks, the Assembly would be pleased to consider anent the act of Assembly at Edinburgh 1588. Sess. 5. if it shall be put in execution, and to discharge funeral sermons, as savouring of superstition.   

The Assembly referreth the former part of this article anent burial in Kirks to the care of Presbyteries, and dischargeth all funeral sermons.  
XXIII. Anent the trial of Expectants before their entry to the ministry, it being not our that they have subscribed the confession of Faith now declared in this Assembly, and that they have exercised often privately, and publicly, with approbation of the presbytery, they shall first add and make the exercise publicly, and make a dicsourse of some common head in latin, and give propositions thereupon for dispute, and thereafter be questioned by the presbytery upon questions of controversy, and chronology; anent particular texts of Scripture how they may be interpnted according to the analogy of Faith, and reconciled, and that they be examined upon their skill of the Greek & Hebrew, that they bring a testificat of their life and conversation from either college or presbytery, where they reside.   

The Assembly alloweth this article.  
XXIV. The Assembly having considered the order of the provincial Assembly, given in by the most ancient of the ministry within every Province, as the ancient plateforme thereof, ordained the same to be observed conform to the roll, registrat in the books of Assembly, whereof the tenor followeth.    

The order of the Provincial Assemblies in Scotland, according to the Presbyteries therein contained.  
1. The Provincial Assembly of Mers and Tividail. The Presbyteries of 

Dunce.  
Chirnside.  
Kelso.  
Ersliltoun.  
Jedburgh.  
Melros.   The bounds. 

Mers  
Tividail.  
The forest  
Lauderdail.   To meet the first time at Jedburgh, the third Twesday of April. 2. The Provincial of lothian. The Presbyteries of 

Duwbar.  
Hadingtoun.  
Dalkeeth.  
Edinburgh.  
pebbles.  
Linlithgow.   The bounds. 

east lothian  
w. lothian.  
Tweeddail.   To meet the first time at Edinburgh the third Twesday of April. 3. The Provincial of Perth. The Presbyteries of 

Perth.  
Dunkel.  
Aughterardor.  
Striviling.  
Dumblane.   The bounds. The Shyrefdome of Perth and of Striviling Shire. To meet the first time at Perth, the second Twesday of April. 4. The Province of Drumfrees. The Presbyteries of 

Dumfrees.  
Penpont.  
●ochmabane.  
Middilbee.   The bounds. 

Niddisdaill.  
Annandaill.  
Ewsdaill.  
Eskdail.  
Wachopdaill.  
& a p●rt of gallovvay.   To meet the first time at Drumfrees, the second Twesday of April. 5. The Provincial of gallovvay. The Presbyteries of 

Wightoun.  
Kirkubright.  
Stranraver.   The bounds The Shyrefdome of Wigtoun, and Stewartrie of Kirkubright. To meet the first time at W gtoun, third Twesday of April. The Provincial Synod of air or Irwing. The Presbyteries of 

air.  
Irwing.   The bounds The Shyrefdome of air. To meet with the Provincial Synod of Glasgow pro hac 'vice, the first Twesday of April. 6. The Provincial Synod of Glasgow. The Presbyteries of 

Pasley.  
Dumbartane.  
Glasgow.  
Hammiltoun.  
Lanerik.   The bounds The Shyr. of Lennox, the barony of Renfrow, the Shy. of Clydsdail over and nether. To meet with the provincial Synod of air and Irwing at Glasgow, pro hac 'vice. 7. The Provincial Synod of Argyl, desired to bee erected in several Presbyteries, according to the note given in. The Presbyteries of 

Dunune.  
Kinloch.  
Inneraray.  
Kilmoir.  
sky.   The bounds. The Shyrifdomes of Argil & Boot, with a part of Loohabar. To meet the first time at Innereray, the fourth Twesday of April. 8. The Provincial Synod of Fife. The Presbyteries of 

St. ndrews  
Cowper  
Kirkadie.  
Dumfermling.   The bounds The Shyrefdome of Fise To meet the first time at Cowper in Fife the first Twesday of April. 9. The Provincial Synod of Angus and Merns. The Presbyteries of 

Meegle  
Dundie.  
Arbroth.  
Forfair Brec●en Merns.   The bounds. The Shyrefdomes of Forfair and Merns. To meet the first time at Dundie, the third Twesday of April. 10. The Provincial Synod of Aberdeen. The Presbyteries of 

Aberdeen.  
Kincairdin.  
All ford.  
Garioch  
Ellan dear.  
Turreffe.  
Fordyce.   The bounds. The Shyrefdomes of Aberdeen and Bamse. To meet the first time at new Aberdeen the 3. Twesday of April. 11. The provincial Synod of Murray. The Presbyteries of 

Innernes.  
Forresse.  
Elgin.  
Strabogie.  
Abernethie.  
Aberlower.   The bounds. The Shyrefdomes of Innernes in part, Nairn in part, Murray Bamf in part, Aberden in part. To meet the first time at Forresse, the last Twesday of April. 12. The provincial Synod of Rosse. The Presbyteries of 

Chanrie.  
ta'en.  
Dingwall   The B: The Shyrefdome of Innernes in part. To meet the first time at Chanrie, the second Twesday of April. 13. The provincial Synod of Cathnes. The Presbyteries of 

Dornoch.  
week or  
Thurso.   The B: 

Cathnes.  
Sutherland.   To meet the first time at Dornoch, the third Twesday of April. 14. The provincial Synod of Orkney and Zetland. The Presbyteries of 

Kirkwall  
Scalloway.   The Bou: The Shyrefdome of Orkney and Zetland. To meet the first time at Kirkwall, the second Twesday of April.   

15. The provincial Synod of the Isles.  
ALL the Kirks of the North-west Isles, viz. Sky, Lewes, and the rest of the Isles, which were liable to the Diocie of the Isles, except the southwest isles which are joined to the Presbyteries of Argyll, To meet the first time at sky the second Twesday of May.  
That the Minister of the place where the synodal Assembly meets shall preach the first day of their meeting, and give timouse advertisement to the rest of the Presbyteries.  
It is remembered that of old the synodal Assemblies that were nearest to others, had correspondence among themselves, by sending one or two Commissioners mutually from one to another, which course is thought fit to bee keeped in time coming: viz. The Provincials of lothian, and Mers, &c. The Provincials of Drumfreis, gallovvay, Glasgow, and Argyll, The Provincials of Perth, Fyse, and Angus, &c. The Provincials of Aberdein and Murray. The Provincials of Rosse, Caithnes, and Orknay. The Commissioners for correspondence amongst the Synodals to be a Minister and a ruling Elder.  
The Assembly recommendeth to the several Presbyteries the execution of the old acts of Assemblies, against the break of the Sabbath-day, by the going of Milles, Saltpans, Salmond-fishing, or any such-like labour, and to this end revives and renews the act of the Assembly, holden at Halyrudehouse 1502. Sess. 5. whereof the tenor followeth.  
The assembly considering that the conventions of the people, specially on the Sabbath-day, are very rare in many places, by distraction of labour, not only in Harvest and Seed-time, but also every Sabbath by fishing both of white fish and Salmond fishing, and in going of Milles, Therefore the assembly, dischargeth and inhibiteth, all such labour of fishing as-well white fish as Salmond fish, and going of Miles of all sorts upon the Sabbath-day, under the pain of incurring the censures of the Kirk. And ordains the Commissioners of this assembly to mean the same to his majesty, and to desire that a pecunial pain may be enjoined upon the contrav●eners of this present act.    

Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638.  
THe Assembly considering the great necessity of purging this land from by-gone corruptions, and of preserving her from the like in time coming, ordaineth the Presbyteries to proceed with the censures of the Kirk, to excommunication, against those Ministers who being deposed by this Assembly acquiesces not to their sentences, but exercise some part of their Ministerial function, refuseth themselves, and with-draw others from the obedience of the acts of the Assembly.   

Act Sess. 25. December 19. 1638. Against the civil places and power of herdmen.  
THe general Assembly, remembering that among other causes of the application of the confession of Faith to the present time, which was subscribed in February 1638. The clause touching the civill places and power of Kirk men, was referred unto the trial of this Assembly; entered into a serious search thereof, especially of their sitting on the bench, as Justices of peace, their sitting in Session and council, their riding and voting in parliament: and considering how this vote in Parliament, was not at first sought nor required by this Kirk, or worthy men of the ministery, but being obtruded upon them, was disallowed for such reasons as could not well be answ●red( as appeareth by the conference, holden at Halyrude-house 1599. which with the reasons therein contained was red in the face of these Assembly) & by plurality of voices not being able to resist that enforced favour, they foreseing the dangerous consequences thereof, in the Assembly at Montrose did limitate the same by many necessare cau●ions: Considering also the protestation made in the Parliament 1606. by Commissioners from Presbyteries, and provincial Assemblies, against this restitution of Bishops to vote in Parliament, and against all civil offices in the persons of Pastors, separate unto the Gospel, as incompatible with their spiritual function; with the manifold reasons of that Protestation from the word of God, ancient councils, ancient and modern Divines, from the Doctrine, discipline and Confession of Faith of the Kirk of Scotland, which are extant in print, and were red in the audience of the Assembly: Considering also from their own experience the bad fruits and great evils, which have been the inseparable consequents of these offices, and that power in the persons of Pa●tors separate to the Gospel, to the great prejudice of the freedom and liberty of the Kirk, the jurisdiction of her Assemblies, and the powerful fruits of their spiritual ministery; The Assembly most unanimously in one voice, with the hesitation of two allanerly, declared, that as on the one part the Kirk and the Ministers thereof are obliged to give their advice and good counsel in matters concerning the Kirk or the Conscience of any whatsomever, to his majesty, to the Parliament to the council, or to any members thereof, for their resolutions from the word of God, So on the other part, that is both in expedient, and unlawful in this Kirk, for Pastors separate unto the Gospel to brook civil places, and offices, as to be Justices of peace; sit and decern in council, Session, or Exchecker; to ride or vote in Parliament, to be Judges or Assessors in any Civil judicatory: and therefore rescinds and annuls, all contrary acts of Assembly, namely of the Assembly holden at Mentrose 1600. which being prest by authority, did rather for an interim tolerat the same, and that limitate by many cautions, for the breach whereof the prelates have been justly censured, then in freedom of judgement allow thereof, and ordaineth the Presbyteries to proceed with the Censures of the Kirk, against such as shall transgress herein in time coming.   

Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.  
THe Assembly considering the great prejudice which Gods Kirk in this land, hath sustained these years bypassed, by the unwarranted printing of lybels, pamphlets, and polemicks; to the disgrace of Religion, slander of the Gospel, infecting and disquyeting the mindes of Gods people, and disturbance of the peace of the Kirk, and remembering the former acts, and custom of this Kirk, as of all other Kirks, made for restraining these and the like abuses, and that nothing be printed concerning the Kirk, and Religion, except it be allowed by these whom the Kirk cats with that charge: The Assembly unanimously, by virtue of their ecclesiastical authority, dischargeth and inhibiteth all printers within this kingdom, to print any act of the former Assemblies, any of the acts or proceedings of this Assembly, any confession of Faith, any Protestations, any reasons pro or contra, anent the present divisions and contraversies of this time, or any other treatise whatsoever which may concern the Kirk of Scotland, or Gods cause in hand, without warrant subscribed by Mr. Archbald johnston, as Clerk to the Assembly, and Advocate for the Kirk; or to reprint without his warrant, any acts or treatises foresaids, which he hath caused any other to print, under the pain of Ecclesiastical censures to be execute against the transgressors by the several Presbyteries, and in case of their refusal, by the several Commissioners from this Assembly: Whereunto also we are confident, the honourable Judges of this land will contribute their civill authority: and this to be intimat publicly in pulpit, with the other general acts of this Assembly.   

Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.  
THe general Assembly ordaineth all Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies to convene before them, such as are scandalous and malicious, and will not aclowledge this Assembly, nor acquiesce unto the acts thereof: And to censure them according to their malice and contempt, and acts of this Kirk: and where Presbyteries are refractory, granteth power unto the several Commissions to summoned them to compear before the next general Assembly to be holden at Edinburgh, the third Wedinsday of Julie, to abide their trial and censure.   

Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.  
THe Assembly considering the acts and practise of this kirk in her purest times, that the Commissioners of every presbytery, Burgh, and university, were both ordained to take, and really did take from the Clerk; the whole general acts of the Assembly, subscribed by the Clerk: Whereby they might rule and conform their judicatory themselves, and all persons within their jurisdictions, unto the obedience thereof: Considering the great prejudices we have lately felt out of ignorance of the acts of Assembly, Considering also the great necessity in this time of reformation, beyond any other ordinary time, to have an extract thereof: The Assembly ordaineth be this present act, that all Commissioners from Presbyteries, Burghes and Universities, presently get under the Clerks hand an Index of the acts, till the acts themselves be extracted, and thereafter to get the full extract of the whole general acts, to be insert in their presbytery books, whereby all their proceedings may be regulate in time coming. Likeas the Assemhly recommendeth unto every Kirk Session, for the preservation of their particular Paroch from the reentrie of the corruptions now discharged, and for their continuance in the Covenant, anent doctrine, worship and discipline now declared, to obtain an extract of these acts: especially if they be printed: Seeing their price will no ways then be considerable: as the benefit both of the particular Paris'h, and the interest of the whole Kirk, in the preservation thereof from defection is undeniable: seeing Presbyteries are composed of sundry Parochins, and so must be affencted, or infected as they are, as provincial and general Assemblies are composed of Presbyteries, and so must be diposed as they are.   

Act Sess. 26. December 20. In the Assembly at Glasgow 1638. concerning the confession of Faith renewed in Februar, 1638.  
THe Assembly considerig that for the purging and preservation of religion, for the Kings Majesties honour, and for the public peace of the Kirk and kingdom, the renewing of that national Covenant and oath of this Kirk and kingdom, in Februar 1638. was most necessare, like as the Lord hath blessed the same from Heaven with a wonderful success for the good of religion, that the said Covenant suspendeth the practise of novations already introduced, and the approbation of the corruptions of the present government of the Kirk, with the civill places, and power of Kirkmen, till they be tried in a free general Assembly, and that now after long and serious examination, it is found that by the cofession of Faith, the five atticles of Perth, and episcopal government are abjured and to be removed out of this Kirk, and the civill places and power of herdmen are declared to be unlawful; The Assembly alloweth and approveth the same in all the heads and articles thereof, And ordaineth that all Ministers, Masters of Universities, colleges, and schools and all others who have not already subscribed the said Confession and Covenant, shall subscribe the same with these words prefixed to the subscription viz. The article of this Covenant which was at the first subscription referred to the determination of the general Assembly being now determined at Glasgow, in December 1638. and thereby the five articles of Perth, and the government of the Kirk by Bishops, being declared to be abjured and removed, the civill places and power of herdmen declared to be unlawful; We subscrive according to the determination, of the said free and lawful general Assembly holden at Glasgow: and ordaineth, ad perpetuam rei memoriam, the said Covenant with this declaration to be insert in the registers of the Assemblies of this Kirk; general, provincial and presbyterial.   

Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638: Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner, and urged to be subscribed by others.  
SEeing the general Assembly, to whom belongeth properly the public and judicial interpretation of the confession of Faith, hath now after accurat trial, and mature deliberation clearly found, that the five articles of Perth, and the government of the Kirk by Bishops, are abjured by the confession of Faith, as the s●me was professed in the year 1580. and was renewed in this instant year 1638. And that the Marques of Hammiltoun his M●jesties Commissioner, hath caused prin● a Declaration, bearing that his M●jesties intention and his own, in causing subscribe the confession of Faith, is no ways to abjure, but to defend episcopal government, and that by the oath and explanation set do n in the act of council, it neither was nor possibly could be abjured, requiring that none take the said oath, or any other oath in any sense, which may not consist with episcopal government: which in directly repugnant to the genuine and true meaning of the foresaid Confession as it was professed in the year 1580. as is clearly now found and declared by the general Assembly: Therefore the general Assembly: Doth humbly supplicate, that his majesty may be graciously pleased, to aclowledge and approve the foresaid true interpretation, and meaning of the general Assembly, by his royal warrant to his Majesties Commissioner, council, and Subjects, to be put in record for that effect, whereof we are confident, after his Majesty, hath received true information from this Kirk, hounoured with his Majesties birth and baptism, which will be a royal testimony of his Majesties piety and justice, and a powerful mean to procure the hearty affection and obedience of all his Majesties loyal Subjects: And in the mean time, least any should fall under the danger of a contradictory oath, and bring the wrath of God upon themselves and the land, for the abuse of his Name and Covenant; The Assembly by their Ecclesiastical authority, prohibiteth and dischargeth, that no member of this Kirk swear or subscribe the said Confession, so far wreasted to a tontrare meaning, under pain of all Ecclesiastical censure: but that they subscribe the confession of Faith, renewed in Februar, with the Declaration of the Assembly set down in the former oct.   

Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. Concerning yearly general Assemblies.  
THe Assembly having considered the reasons lately printed for holding of general Assemblies, which are taken from the light of nature, the promise of Iesus Christ, the practise of the holy Apostles, the doctrine and custom of other reformed Kirks, and the liberty of this national Kirk, as it is expressed in the book of policy, and acknowledged in the act of parliament 1592, and from recent and present experience, comparing the lamentable prejudices done to religion, through the former want of free and lawful Assemblies, and the great benefit arising to the Kirk, from this one free and lawful Assembly; find it necessary to declare, and hereby declares, that by Divine, ecclesiastical, and Civill warrants, this national Kirk hath power and liberty to Assemble and convene in her year-ly general Assemblies, and oftener, pro re nata, as occasion and necessity shall require. Appointeth the next general Assembly to sit at Edinburgh the third Weddinsday of Julie 1639. And warneth al Presbyteries, Universities, and Burghes, to sand their Commissioners for keeping the same. Giving power also to the Presbyteries of Edinburgh, pro re nata: and upon any urgent extraordinary necessity( if any shall happen before the diet appointed in Julie) to give advertisement to all the Presbyteries, Universities, and Burghes, to sand their Commissioners for holding an occasional Assembly. And if in the mean time it shall please the Kings majesty to indict a general Assembly, ordaineth all Presbyteries; Universities, and Burghes, to sand their Commissioners for keeping the time and place which shall be appointed by his Majesties Proclamation.   

Act Sess. 6. December 20. Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the Kings majesty.  
THe Assembly, from the sense of his Majesties piety and justice, manifested in the public indiction of their solemn meeting, for the purging and preservation of Religion, in so great an exigent of the extreme danger of both, from their fears arising out of experience of the crafty and malicious dealing of their adversaries in giving sinistrous informations against the most religious and loyal designs and doings of his Majesties good Subjects, and from their earnest desire to have his majesty truly informed of their intentions and proceedings, from themselves: who know them best,( which they are confident, will be better believed: and find more credite with his majesty, then any secret surmisse or private suggestion to the contrary) that they may gain his Majesties princely approbation and ratification in the ensuing Parliament to their constitutions: Hath thought meet and ordaineth, that an humble supplication be directed to his majesty, testifying their most hearty thankfulness for so Royal a favour, as at this time hath refreshed the whole Kirk and kingdom, stoping the way of calumny, and humbly supplicating for the approbation, and ratification foresaid: That truth and peace may dwell together in this Land, to the increase of his Majesties glory, and the comfort of quietness of his Majesties good People: This the Assembly hath committed, according to the Articles foresaid, to be subscribed by their moderator and Clerk, in their name. The tenor whereof followeth.    

TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT majesty: The humble Supplication of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, convened at Glasgow, November 21. 1638.  
MOst gracious sovereign,  
We your Majesties most humble and loyal Subjects, the Commissioners from all the parts of this your Majesties ancient and native kingdom, and members of the National Assembly, convened at Glasgow, by your Majesties special indiction, considering the great happiness which ariseth both to Kirk and Common-wealth, by the mutual embracements of Religion and Justice, of truth and peace, when it pleaseth the supreme Providence so to dispose, that princely power and ecclesiastical authority join in one, do with all thankfulness, of heart aclowledge, with our mouths do confess, and not only with our pens, but with all our power are ready to witness unto the world, to your Majesties never dying glory, how much the whole kingdom is affencted, and not only refreshed, but revived, with the comfortable sense of your Majesties piety, justice, and goodness, in hearing our humble supplications, for a full and free general Assembly: and remembering that for the present, a more true and real testimony of our unfeigned acknowledgement, could not proceed from us your Majesties duetyful Subjects, then to walk worthy of so royal a favour: It hath been our greatest care and serious endeavour, next unto the will of JESUS CHRIST, the great King of his Kirk redeemed by his own blood, in all our proceedings, joined with our hearty prayers to GOD, for a blessing from heaven upon your Majesties Person and government, from the first hour of our meeting, to carry ourselves in such moderation, order and loyalty, as beseemed the subjects of so just and gracious a King, lacking nothing so much as your Majesties personal presence: With which had we been honoured and made happy, we were confident to have gained your Majesties royal approbation to our ecclesiastic constitutions, and conclusions, knowing that a truly Christian mind and royal heart inclined from above, to religion and piety, will at the first discern, and discerning be deeply possessed with the love of the ravishing beauty, and heavenly order of the house of God; they both proceeding from the same Spirit. But as the joy was unspeakable, and the hopes lively, which from the fountains of your Majesties favour did fill our hearts, so were we not a little troubled, when wee did perceive that your Majesties Commissioner, as before our meeting, he did endeavour a prelimitation of the Assembly in the necessary Members thereof, and the matters to bee treated therein, contrary to the intention of your Majesties Proclamation indicting a free Assembly according to the order of this Kirk, and laws of the kingdom: So from the first beginnings of our sitting( as if his Lordship had come rather to cross, nor to countenance our lawful proceedings, or as we had intended any prejudice to the good of Religion, or to your Majesties honour( which GOD knoweth was far from our thoughts) did suffer nothing, although most necessary, most ordinary, and most undeniable, to pass without some censure, contradiction, or protestation: And after some dayes debating of this kind, far against our expectation, and to our great grief, did arise himself, commanded us, who had laboured in every thing to approve ourselves to GOD, and to his Lordship, as representing your Majesties Person, to arise also, and prohibited our further meeting by such a proclamation, as will be found to have proceeded, rather from an unwillingness that we should any longer sit, then from any gronnd or reason, which may endure the trial either of your Majesties Parliament, or of your own royal Judgement, unto which if( being convened by indiction from your majesty, and sitting now in a constitute Assembly) we should have given place, This Kirk and kingdom, contrare to your Majesties most laudable intentions manifested in former proclamations, and contrary to the desires and expectation of all your Majesties good people had been in an instant precipitate in such a world of confusions, and such depths of misery, as afterward could not easily have been cured. In this extremity we made choice rather of that course which was most agreeable to your Majesties will revealed unto us, after so many fervent Supplications, and did most conduce for the good of Religion, your Majesties honour, and the well of your Majesties kingdom; then to give way to any sudden motion, tending to the ruin of all: wherein wee are so far from fearing the light, least our deeds should be reproved, that the more accurately that we are tried, and the more impartially our using of that power, which God Almighty, and your sacred majesty, his Vicegerent had put in our hands, for so good and necessary ends, is examined, we have the greater confidence, of your Majesties allowance and ratihabition: and so much the rather, that being in a manner inhibited to proceed in so good a work, we doubled our diligence, and endeavoured more carefully then before, when your Majesties Commissioner was present, in every point, falling under our consideration, to walk circumspectly, and without offence, as in the sight of God, and as if your Majesties eyes had been looking upon us, labouring to proceed according to the word of God, our confession of Faith, and national oath, and the laudable constitutions of the lawful Assemblies of this Kirk; and studying rather to renew, and revive old acts made for the reformation of Religion, in the time of your Majesties Father, of happy memory, and extant in the records of the Kirk, which divine providence hath preserved, and at this time brought to our hands; then either to allow of such novations, as the avarice and ambition of men, abusing authority for their own ends, had without order introduced; or to appoint any new order, which had not been formerly received, and sworn to be retained, in this Kirk. In all which the members of the Assembly, found so clear and convincing light, to their full satisfaction, against all their doubts and difficulties, that the harmony and unanimitie was rare and wonderful, and that we could not have agreed upon other constitutions, except wee would have been found fighting against GOD. Your Majesties wise and princely mind knoweth, that nothing is more ordinary then for men, when they do well, to bee evil spoken of, and that the best actions of men are many times misconstrued, and mis-reported. Balaam, although a false Prophet, was wronged: for in place of that which he said, The Lord refuseth to give me leave to go with you: the princes of Moab reported unto Balack, that Balaam refused to go with them. But our comfort is, That Truth is the daughter of time, and although calumny often starteth first, and runneth before, yet verity followeth her at the heels, and possesseth her self in noble and royal hearts: where base calumny cannot long find place. And our confidence is, that your majesty with that worthy King, will keep one care shut against all the obloquys of men; and with that more wise King, who when he gave a proof that the wisdom of GOD was in him to do judgement, would have both parties to stand before him at once: that hearing them equally, they might speed best, and go out most cheerfully from his Majesties face, who had the best cause. When your Majesties wisdom hath preached all the secrets of this Assembly, let us be reputed the worst of all men, according to the aspersions which partiality would put upon us, let us be the most miserable of all men, to the full satisfaction of the vindictive malice of our adversaries, let us by the whole world bee judged of all men the most unworthy to breath any more in this your Majesties kingdom, if the cause that we maintain, and have been prosecuting, shall be found any other, but that we desire that the majesty of GOD, who is our fear and our dread be served, and his house ruled, according to his own will; if we have not carried along with us in all the Sessions of our assembly a most humble and loyal respect to your Majesties honour, which next unto the honour of the living GOD, lieth nearest our hearts; if we have not keeped ourselves within the limits of our reformation, without debording or reflecting upon the constitution of other reformed Kirks, unto which wee hearty wish all truth and peace, and by whose sound judgement and Christian affection we certainly look to be approven; if we have not failed rather by lenity then by rigour in censuring of delinquents, never exceeding the rules and lines prescribed, and observed by this Kirk, and if( whatsoever men minding themselves, suggest to the contrary) the government and discipline of this Kirk, subscribed and sworn before, and now acknowledged by the unanimous consent of this Assembly, shall not bee found to serve for the advancement of the kingdom of CHRIST, for procuring all dutiful obedience to your majesty, in this your kingdom, and great riches and glory to your Crown, for peace to us, our Majesties loyal subjects, and for terror to all the enemies of your Majesties honour and our happiness: and if any act hath proceeded from us, so far as our understanding could reach, and human infirmity would suffer which being duly examined according to the grounds laid by your Majesties Father, of everlasting memory, and our religious progenitors, and which Religion did forbid us to infringe, shall merit the anger and indignation, wherewith wee are so often threatened: But on the contrare, having sincerely sought the glory of GOD, the good of Religion, your Majesties honour, the censure of impiety, and of men who had sold themselves to wickedness, and the re-establishment of the right constitution and government of this Kirk, far from the smallest appearance of wronging any other reformed Kirk, we humbly beg, and certainly expect, that from the bright beams of your Majesties countenance shining on this your Majesties own kingdom and people, all our storms shall bee changed in a comfortable calm, and sweet Sun-shine, and that your Majesties ratification in the ensuing Parliament, graciously indicted by your Majesties Proclamation to bee keeped in May, shall settle us in such a firmness, and stability in our Religion, as shall add a further lustre unto your Majesties glorious Diamdee, and make us a blessed people under your Majesties long and prosperous reign: which we beseech him who hath directed us in our affairs, and by whom Kings reign, to grant unto your majesty, to the admiration of all the world, the astonishment of your enemies, and comfort of the godly.  
Collected, visied, and extracted forth of the Register of the acts of the Assembly by me Mr. A. Jhonston Clerk thereto, under my sign and subscription manual. Edinburgh, the 12. of Jan: 1639.   

THE general ASSEMBLY, At Edinburgh, 1639.  

Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. Master George Grahame his renouncing and abjuring of episcopacy. The which day was given into the Assembly, direct from Master George Grahame, sometimes pretended Bishop of Orknay, an abjuration of episcopacy, subscribed with his hand, which was publicly red in audience of the Assembly; and thereafter they ordained the same to be registrat in the Assembly Books ad perpetuam rei memoriam, whereof the tenor follows.  
TO all and sundry whom it effeirs, to whose knowledge these presents shall come, specially to the reverend and honourable Members of the future Assembly to be holden at Edinburgh, the twelfth day of August 1639. years: Me Master George Graham, sometime pretended Bishop of Orknay, being sorry and grieved at my heart that I should ever for any worldly respect have embraced the order of episcopacy, the same having no warrant from the Word of God, and being such an order, as hath had sensibly many fearful and evil consequences in many parts of christendom, and particularly within the Kirk of Scotland, as by doleful and deplorable experience this day is manifest, to have disclaimed, like as I by the tenor hereof do altogether disclaim and abjure all Episcopal power and jurisdiction, with the whole corruptions thereof, condemned by lawful Assemblies within the said Kirk of Scotland, in regard the same is such an order as is also abjured within the said Kirk, by virtue of that National Oath with was made in the years 1580. and 1581. promising and swearing by the great Name of the Lord our God, That I shall never whiles I live, directly or indirectly, exerce any such power within the Kirk, neither yet shall I ever approve or allow the same, not so much as in my private or public discourse: But on the contrary, shall stand and adhere to all the Acts and Constitutions of the late Assembly holden at Glasgow, the 21 of Novemb. 1638. last bypassed, and shall concur to the uttermost of my power, sincerely and faithfully, as occasion shall oster, in execution the said Acts, and in advancing the Work of Reformation within this Land, to the glory of God, the peace of the country, and the comfort and and contentment of all good Christians, as God shall be my help. In testimony of the which premises, I have subscribed their presents with my hand at Breeknes in Stronnes, the eleventh day of February, the year of God 1639. years, before their witnesses ●a●●er Walter Stuart, Minister at Shoutronnaldsay, Master James Heynd Minister at Kirkwall, Master Robert Peirson, Minister at Firth, and Master Patrick Grahame, Minister at holm, my Son.   

Sess. 8. 17. August 1639. Act containing the Causes and remedy of the by-gone Evils of this Kirk.  
THe Kings majesty having graciously declared, That it is His Royal will and pleasure, that all questions about Religion, and matters Ecclesiastical be determined by Assemblies of the Kirk, having also by public Proclamation indicted this free national Assembly, for settling the present distraction of this Kirk, and for establishing a perfect peace; against such divisions and disordres as have been sore displeasing to his majesty, and grievous to all his good Subjects. And now his Majesties Commissioner John earl of Traquair, entrusted and authorised with a full Commission; Being present, and sitting in this Assembly, now fully convened and orderly constitute in all the members thereof, according to the order of this Kirk, having at large declared His Majesties zeal to the reformed Religion, and His Royal care and tender affection to this Kirk, where His majesty had both His Birth and baptism, His great displeasure at the manifold distractions and divisions of this Kirk and kingdom, and His desires to have all our wounds perfectly cured with a fair and fatherly hand: And although in the way approven by this Kirk, trial hath been taken in former Assemblies before from the Kirk registers, to our full satisfaction, yet the Commissioners Grace making particular enquiry from the members of the Assembly, now solemnly convened, concerning the real and true causes of so many & great evils as this time past had so sore troubled the peace of this Kirk and kingdom, It was represented to His Majesties Commissioner by this Assembly, That beside many other, the main and most material causes were, First, The pressing of this Kirk, by the Prelates with a Service Book, or Book of Common Prayer, without warrant or direction from the Kirk, and containing beside the Popish frame thereof, divers Popish errors and ceremonies, & the seeds of manifold gross Superstitions and Idolatry, with a Book of Canons, without warrant or direction from the general Assembly, establishing tyrannicall power over the Kirk in the person of Bishops, and overthrowing the whole discipline & government of the Kirk by assemblies, with a Book of Consecration and Ordination, without warrant of authority, Civill or ecclesiastical, appointing offices in the house of God, which are not warranted by the word of God, and repugnant to the discipline and Acts of our Kirk, and with the high Commission, erected without the consent of the Kirk, subverting the jurisdiction and ordinary Judicatories of this Kirk, and giving to persons merely ecclesiastical, the power of both swords, and to persons merely Civill, the power of the Keys and Kirk sensures. A second cause was the Articles of Perth, viz. the observation of festival dayes, kneeling at the Communion, Confirmation, Administration of the Sacraments in private places, which are brought in by a null Assembly and are contrary to the Confession of Faith, as it was meant and subscribed Anno 1580. and divers times since and to the order and constitutions of this Kirk. Thirdly, the changing of the government of the Kirk, from the Assemblies of the Kirk to the persons of some Kirkmen, usurping priority and power over their Brethren by the way, and under the name of episcopal government against the Confession of Faith, 1580 against the order set down in the Book of Policy, nnd against the intention & constitution of this Kirk from the beginning. Fourtly the Civill places and power of Kirkmen, their sitting in Session, council and Exchequer, their Riding, Sitting, and voting in Parliament, and their sitting in the Bench as Justices of peace, which according to the constitutons of this Kirk are incompatible with their spiritual sanction, lifting them up above their Brethren in worldly pomp. and do tend to the hindrance of the ministry. Fiftly the keeping and authorizing corrupt Assemblies at Linlithgow, 1606. and 1608. At Glasgow, 1610. At Aberdeen, 1616. At S. Andrews, 1617. At Perth, 1618. which ar null and unlawful, as being called and constitute quiter contrary to the order and constitutions of this Kirk received and practised ever since the reformation of Religion, and withal labouring to introduce novations into this Kirk, against the order and religion established. A sixth cause is the want of lawful & free General Assemblies, rightly constitute of Pastors, Doctors, and Elders yearly, or oftener pro re nata, according to the liberty of this Kirk, expressed in the Book of Policy: and acknowledged in the Act of Parliament, 1592. Afterwhich the whole Assembly in one heart and voice did declare, that these and such other, proceeding from the neglect and breach of the national Covenant of this Kirk and kingdom, made in Anno 1580. have been indeed the true and main causes of all our evils and distractions. And therefore ordain, according to the constitutions of the general Assemblies of this Kirk: And upon the grounds respective above-specified, That the foresaid Service-Book, Books of Cannons, and Ordinaination, and the high Commission, be still rejected: that the Articles of Perth, be no more practised: That episcopal Government, and the Civill places and power of herdmen be holden still as unlawful in this Kirk: That the above name pretended Assemblies, At Linlithgow 1606. and 1608. At Glasgow 1610. At Aberdeen 1616. At S. Andrews 1617. At Perth 1618. be hereafter accounted as null, and of none effect. And that for preservation of Religion, and preventing all such evil in timecoming, general Assemblies rightly constitute, as the proper and competent judge of all matters ecclesiastical, hereafter be kept yearly and oftener. pro re nata, as occasion and necessity shall require; The necessity of these occasional Assemblies being first remonstrate to His majesty by humble supplication: As also that Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries and synodal Assemblies, be constitute and observed, according to the order of this Kirk.  After the voicing of the Act( anent the causes of our by gone evils) His Majesties Commissioner consented verbally to the said Act, and promised to give into the Clerk in writ, the Declaration of His consent, and that he should ratify this Act in the ensuing Parliament.  

Sess. XVIII. 26. Aug. 1639. Act approving an old Register of the general Assembly. The whole Assembly( upon the report made to them anent the old Register of the Assembly, gotten from Master John Rig) all in one voice approved the said Register, And ordained the same to make faith in judgement, and outwith in all time coming: as a true and authentic Register of the Kirk of Scotland, conform to the testimony subscribed by the Committee, to be insert in the Books of Assembly: whereof the tenor followeth:  
WE under subscribers, Forsameikle as the late general Assembly holden at Glasgow, gave power and Commission to us, To peruse, examine, and cognosce upon the validity, faith, and strength of the books and Registers of the Assembly, particularly set down in the Commission given to us thereanent: According whereunto we did carefully view, peruse, and consider the saids Registers, and gave our testimony thereof under our hands, of the validity and sufficience of the famine, to the said general Assembly. And now having a new Commission given to us from the general Assembly now presently convened and sitting at Edinburgh. To peruse, examine, and cognosce upon the validity, faith and strength of another Register of the Assembly, which was not set down and recommended to us by the said former Commission, which Register beginneth at the Assembly holden at Edinburgh the sixth day of March 1572. and endeth at the Assembly likewise holden at Edinburgh 1573. we have carefully viewed, perused, and considered the said Register: And being deeply and maturely advised, as in a matter of greatest weight and consequence, do attest before God, and upon our consciences declare to the world, and this present Assembly, That the said Register above expressed, is a famous, authentic, and good Register, which ought to be so reputed, and have public faith in judgement and outwith, as a valid and true Record in all things, And finds the same to be of the same handwrit, and subscribed by the same Clerk of the general Assembly as divers of the said other Registers( formerly perused by us) are- And in testimony of our solemn affirmation we have subscribed these presents with our hand, at Edinburgh the day of August 1639.   

Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639. Act approving the deposition of the Ministers by the Committees.  
THe Assembly, after the receiving of the whole reports from the Committees, appointed for revising of the processes and sentences, lead, deduced, and pronounced before, and by the several Commissions granted by the Assembly at Glasgow, All in one voice approved the saids whole Processes as orderly proceeded, and the whole sentences pronounced therein till, as just and lawful decrees, without prejudice of any favour that can be shown to any person or persons, against whom the said sentences are pronounced upon their supplications, or of Justice to such as complain of their process, and offers to reduce the same upon whatsoever reason competent, by the Constitutions of this Kirk and kingdom, before the General Assembly and the Commissioners thereof, they being appointed for that effect.   

Act Sess. 20. 28. Aug 1639. Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers.  
THe which day the General Assembly upon the report of the Committees anent these who are deposed by Synods, do make this General Act, recommending to the Synods all these who are deposed before them for subscribing of the Declinator, & reading of the Service-book and for no other gross cause, That upon their true repentance & submission to the Constitutions of this Kirk & upon their purgation and clearness from any gross Faults laid to their charge in any new process against them, they may be found by the Synods capable of the ministry, when God grants them an ordinary and lawful calling by admission from the presbytery, either in the Church they served in before, or in any other Church.   

Act Sess. 21. 29. August 1639. Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day. The Ganeral Assembly recommendeth to the several Presbyteries the execution of the old acts of Assembly, against the breach of the Sabbath Day, by going of milns, Salt, tyrants, Salmond-fishing, or any such like labour; and to this end revives and renews the act of the Assembly holden at Haly-rude-house, 1602. Sess. 5. whereof the tenor follows.  
THe Assembly considering that the conventions of the People, specially on the Sabbath Day are very rare in many places, by distraction of labour not only in harvest and seed-time, but also every Sabbath, by fishing both of the white fish, and Salmond-fishing, and in going of milns. Therefore the Assembly dischargeth and inhibiteth all such labour of fishing, as well white fish and Salmond-fish, and going of milns of all sorts upon the Sabbath, under the pain of incurring the censures of the Kirk: And ordains the Commissioners of this Assembly, to mean the famed to His majesty, and to desire that a pecunial pain may be enjoined upon the contraveners of this present Act.   

Act Sess. 22. 29. Aug. 1639. à Meridie. Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly.  
THat some Commissioners be appointed to visit and peruse the whole Acts of General Assemblies, and to mark such Acts as are for the use of the Kirk in General, To extract the same out of the Registers, to the effect that after they be tried, they may be printed according to the old Acts of the Assembly at Edinburgh, March 7. 1574. Sess. 9.  
The Assembly appoints the presbytery of Einburgh, to have a care of this article, and to report their diligence to the next Assembly.  
That course may be taken for restraining of people from passing to England to mary, which is the occasion of great in conveniencies.  
The Assembly alloweth this article, and recommends to the Parliament, that they would appoint a pecunial sum to be payed by the contraveners.  
That the Acts for furnishing expenses to Commissioners, sent by the Presbyteries to the General Assembly, and sent in Commission by general Assemblies, may be explained; And it be declared that all such Commissioners wh●tsoever, by their stipends may be furnished by the Kirks of the presbytery, according to the order set down in the Act of the last Assembly, since the errand is common, and the benefit concerneth all: and that order may be taken, how that an expedient voluntary course, thought sit by the Assembly, shall by advice of Parliament, have the force of a law, for compelling these to pay who are stented, both for the last and this Assembly and in time to come.  
The Assembly allows this article, and refers the same to the Parliament.  
That the Session-books of every parish be presented once a year to the Presbyteries, that they may be tried by them.  
The Assembly alloweth this article.  
That the Act of the 38. Assembly at Edinburgh, October 24. 1578. Sess. 8. ordaining Ministers who are deposed, to be charged under the pain of excommunication, to dimit their places, that they may be unquestionably vacand, may now be renewed.  
The Assembly alloweth this article, and remits the same to the Parliament.  
The Assembly would revive or renew all former Acts of Assembly against Papists, and excommunicate persons, against haunters with them and receivers of them.  
The Assembly alloweth this article.  
That an uniform catechism may be appointed to be used throughout this whole kingdom in the examinations before the Communion.  
The Assembly alloweth this article.  
That all Ministers or Intrants presented to Kirks, be tried before their admission, if they be qualified for the places to which they are presented, besides the ordinary trials of Expectants before their entry to the ministery.  
The Assembly alloweth this article.   

Sess. 23. 30. August 1639. The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings Majesties Commissioner, concerning the Book; called, The large Declaration.  
WE the Members of this present Assembly, for ourselves, and in name of the several Presbyteries, Burghs, and Universities, for which we are Commissioners resenting the great dishonour done to God, our King, this Kirk, and whole kingdom, by the Book called, A large Declaration, have here represented the same ●o your Grace, and have collected some amongst many of false gross and absurd passages, That from the consideration thereof, your Grace, perceiving the intolerable evils foresaids contained therein, may be pleased to represent the same to our gracious sovereign, and in our behalves humbly to beseech his majesty, so much wronged by the many foul and false relations, suggested and persuaded to him as goldsmiths, and by stealing the protection of His Royal Name and authority to the patrociny of such a Book: To be pleased first to call in the said Book: and thereby to show his dislike thereof: Next to give Commission and warrant, To city all such parties as are either known or suspect to have hand in it, and to appoint such as His majesty knows to be either authors, informers, or any ways accessary, being Natives of this kingdom, To be sent hither to abide their trial and censure before the Judge Ordinary, and in special Master Walter Balcanquell, now dean of Durham, who is known and hath professed to be the author, at least a vower and maintainer of a great part thereof; that by their exemplar punishment, others may de deterred from such dangerous courses, as in such a way to raise sedition betwixt the King and His Subjects, Gods honour may be vindicate from so high contempt, His Majesties justice may appear, not only in cutting away such Malefactors, but in discouraging all such under-miners of His throne, His loyal and loving Subjects shall be infinitely contented to be cleared before the world of so false and unjust imputations, and will live hereafter in the greater security, when so dangerous a course of sedition is prevented, and so will have the greater and greater cause to pray for His Majesties long & prosperous reign.  
His Majesties Commissioner in council having received the said supplication, promised to impart the same to His Maesty, and to report his diligence therein.  

The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties High Commissioner, and the Lords of secret council.  
WEe the general Assembly, considering with all humble and thankful acknowledgement, the many recent favours bestowed upon us by His majesty, and that there resteth nothing for crowning of His majesties incomparable goodness towards us, but that all the members of this Kirk and Kingdom be joined in one and the same Confession and covenant with God, with the Kings majesty, and amongst ourselves: And conceiving the main let and impediment to this so good a work, and so much wished by all, to have been the Informations made to his majesty, of our intentions to shake off Civil and dutiful obedience due to sovereignty, and to diminish the Kings greatness and authority, and being most willing and desirous to remove this and all such impediments which may hinder and impede so full and perfect an Union, and for clearing of our loyalty; WEE in our own names, and in name of all the rest of the Subjects and Congregations whom we represent, do now in all humility represent to your Grace, His Majesties Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties most honourable ●rivie council, and declares before God and the World, that we never had nor have any thought of with-drawing our felves from that humble and dutiful obedience to His majesty, and to his Government, which by the descent & under the reign of 107. Kings is most cheerfully acknowledged by us and our predecessors: And that we never had, nor have any intention nor desire to attempt any thing that may tend to dishonour of God, or the diminution of the Kings greatness and authority: But on the contrary, acknowledging our quietness, stability and happiness to depend upon the safety of the Kings Maj. Person, & maintenance of His greatness and Royal authority who is Gods Vice-gerent set over us, for the maintenance of Religion and ministration of Justice, We have solemnly sworn and do swear, not only our mutual concurrence and assistance for the cause of Religion, and to the uttermost of our power, with our means and lives, to stand to the defence of our dread sovereign, his Person and authority, in preservation and defence of the true Religion, Liberties and laws of this Kirk and kingdom, but also in every cause which may concern His Majesties honour, shall according to the laws of this kingdom, and the dueties of good Subjects concur with our friends and followers in quiet manner, or in arms, as we shall be required of His majesty, His council, or any having his Authoeity. And therefore being most desirours to clear ourselves of all imputation of this kind, and following the laudable example of our predecessors, 1589. do most humble supplicate your Grace, His Majesties Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties most honourable privy council, to enjoin by Act of a council, that this Confession and Covenant, which, as a testimony of our fidelity to God, and loyalty to our King, we have subscribed, be subscribed by all His Majesties Sub●ects, of what rank and quality soever.   

The Act of the Lords of council at Edinburgh, August 30. 1639. containing the Answer of the preceding Supplication.  
THe which day in presence of the Lord Commissioner and the Lords of privy council, compeired personally John earl of Rothes, James earl of Montrose, John Lord Lowdoun, Sir George Stirling of Keir Knight, Sir William Douglas of Cavers Knight, Sir Henry Wood of Bonytoun Knight, John smith burgess of Edinburgh, Mr. Robert Barclay Provest of Irwing, Mr. Alexander Henderson Minister at Edinburgh, and Mr. Archbald Johnstoun Clerk to the General Assembly, and in the name of the present sitting General Assembly, gave in to the Lord Commissioner, and Lords of privy council, the Petition above written; which being red, heard, and considered by the saids Lords, they have ordained, and ordain the same to be insert and registrate in the books of privy council, and according to the desire thereof, ordains the said Confession and Covenant to be subscribed in time coming by all His Majesties Subjects of this kingdom, of what rank and quality soever.   

The Kings Majesties Commissioners Declarations.  
THe which day His Majesties Commissioner, and Lords of council, after the receiving of the Supplication of the General Assembly, anent the subscribing of the Covenant, having returned to the Assembly, His Majesties Commissioner in name of the council, declared; That he had received the Supplication of the Assembly, desiring that the Covenant might receive the force of an Act of council, to be subscribed by all His Majesties Subjects, that they had found the desire so fair and reasonable, that they conceived themselves bound in duty to grant the same; and thereupon have made an Act of council to that effect: And that there restend now the Act of Assembly. And that he himself was so fully satisfied, that he came now as his Majesties Commissioner to consent fully unto it: And that he was most willing that it should be enacted here in this Assembly, to oblige all his Majesties Subjects to subscribe the said Covenant, with the Assemblies explanation. And because there was a third thing desired, His subscription as the Kings Commissioner, unto the Covenant, which he behoved to do, with a Declaration in writ, and he declared as a Subject, he should subscribe the Covenant as strictly as any, with the Assemblies Declaration; but as His Majesties Commissioner in his name behoved to presix to his subscription, the Declaration following, which no Scots Subjects should subscribe, or have the benefit of, no not himself as earl of Traquair. The tenor whereof follows:   

SEing this Assembly, according to the laudable form and custom heretofore kept in the like cases, have in an humble and dutiful way, supplicate to us His Majesties Commissioner, and the Lords of His most Maj. honourable privy council, That the Covenant, with the explanation of this Assembly, might be subscribed: And to that effect that all the Subjects of this kingdom by Act of council be required to do the same: And that therein for vindicating themselves from all suspicions of disloyalty, or derogating from the greatness and authority of our dread sovereign, have therewith added a Clause, whereby this Covenant is declared one in substance with that which was subscribed by His Majesties Father of blessed memory 1580, 1581, 1590. and oftener since renewed. Therefore I as His Maje-jesties Commissioner, for the full satisfaction of the Subjects, and for settling a perfect Peace in Church and kingdom, do according ro my foresaids Declaration and Subscription, subjoined to the Act of this Assembly of the date the 17 this instant, allow and consent that the Covenant be subscribed throughout all this kingdom. In witness whereof I have subscribed the premises.   

Like as his Majesties Commissioner, red and gave in the Declaration following, of his consent to the Act of the Assembly 17. August, anent the causes of our by gone evils.  
I John earl of Traquair, His Majesties Commissioner in this present Assembly, do in His Majesties Name declare, that well-being of His Majesties own inclination, and many other grave and weighty considerations, yet such is His Majesties incomparable goodness, that for settling the present distractions, and giving full satisfaction to the Subject, He doth allow, like as I His Majesties Commissioner do consent to the foresaid Act, and have subscribed the premises.   

Like as His Majesties Commissioner, red and gave in the Declaration following:  
IT is always hereby declared by me His Majesties Commissioner, That the practise of the premises, prohibited within this Kirk and kingdom, outwith the kingdom of Scotland shall never bind nor infer censure against the practices outwith the kingdom: which when the Commissioner required to be insert in the Register of the Kirk, and the Moderator in name of the Assembly, refused to give warrant for such practise, as not agreeable with a good conscience His Grace urged, that it should be recorded, at least that he made such a Declaration, whatsoever was the Assemblies Judgement in the contrair: And so it is to be understood to be insert here onely re●itative.   

Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession of Faith and Covenant, with the Assemblies Declaration.  
THe general Assembly considering the great happiness which ma● slow from a full and perfect Union of this Kirk and kingdom, by joining of all in one and the same Covenant with God, with the Kings majesty, and amongst ourselves, having by our great Oath declared the uprightness and loyalty of our intentions in all our proceedings, and having withall supplicated His Majesties high Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties honourable privy council, to enjoin by Act of council, all the Lieges in time coming to subscribe the Confession of faith and Covenant, which as a testimony of our fidelity to God and loyalty to our King we have subscribed; And seeing His Majesties high Commissioner, and the Lords of His Majesties honourable privy council, have granted the desire of our Supplication, ordaining by Civill authority, all His Majesties Lieges in time coming, to subscribe the foresaid Covenant, that our Union may be the more full and perfect, We by our Act and Constitution ecclesiastical, do approve the foresaid Covenant, in all the Heads and Clauses thereof and ordains of new, under all ecclesiastical censure, that all the Masters of Universities, colleges, and schools, all Schollers at the passing of their degrees, all persons suspect of Papistry, or any other error; and finally all the members of this Kirk & kingdom, subscribe the same with these words prefixed to their subscription: The Article of this Covenant, which was at the first subscription referred to the determination of the General Assembly, being determined. And thereby the five Articles of Perth, the government of the Kirk by Bishops, the civill places and power of Kirkmen, upon the reasons and grounds contained in the Acts of the general Assembly declared to be unlawful within this Kirk: we subscribe according to the determinatisn foresaid. And ordains the Covenant, with this Decl●aration, to be infert in the Registers of the Assemblies of this Kirk, general, provincial, and presbyterial, ad perpetuam rei memoriam; and in all humility supplicates His M jesties high Commissioner, and the honourable Estates of Parliament, by their authority, to ratify and enjoin the same, under all civill pains, which will tend to the glory of God, preservation of Religion, the Kings Majesties honour, and perfect peace of this Kirk and kingdom.   

Aug 30. 1639. Act anent Appellations.  
THe Assembly appointed that in all time hereafter, no Appellations should be, leaping over either presbytery or Synod, but to ascend by degrees as from the Kirk Session to the taffeta, or from the presbytery to the Synod, and and from the Synod, to the general Assembly, except it be after the Synod be past, and immediately before the general Assembly, or in the time thereof, and renews all former Acts made to this effect.   

Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries before determination in Novations.  
THe general Assembly desiring that the intended Reformation being recovered, may be established, Ordains, that no Novation which may disturb the peace of the Church, and make division, be suddenly proponed and enacted: But so as the motion be first communicate to the several Synods, Presbyteries and Kirks, that the matter may be approved by all at home, and Commissioners may come well prepared, unanimously to conclude a solid deliberation upon these points in the general Assembly.   

Act anent Ministers catechizing, and Family Exercises.  
THe Assembly considering that the long waited-for fruits of the Gospel, so mercifully planted and preserved in this Land, and Reformation of ourselves, and Families, so solemnly vowed to God of late in our Covenant, cannot take effect, except the knowledge and worship of God be carried from the Pulpit to every family within each Parish, hath therefore appointed that every Minister, besides his pains on the Lords day, shall have weekly catechizing of some part of the Paroch, and not altogether cast over the examination of the people, till a little before the Communion. Also that in every family the worship of God be erected, where it is not both Morning and Evening, and that the Children & Servants be catechized at home, by the Masters of the Families, whereof account shall be taken by the Minister, and Elders assisting him in the visitation of every Family: And lest they fail, that visitation of the several Kirks be seriously followed by every presbytery, for this end among others. The execution and success whereof, being tried by the Synods, let it be represented to the next Genelall Assembly.    

Sess. 24. 30. Aug. à meride. The Assemblies Supplication to the KINGS majesty.  
Most Gracious Souveraigne.  
WEe Your Majesties most humble and lo●all Subjects, the Commmissioners from all the parts of this your Majesties ancient & native kingdom, and members of ●he national Assembly, convened at Edinburgh by your M j●sties special indiction, and honoured wi●h the presence of Your Majesties high Commissioner, have been waiting for a day of rejoicing, and of solemn thanksgiving to be rendered to God by this whole Kirk and kingdom, for giving us a King so just and religious, that it is not only lawful for us to be Christians under Your Majesties government, which sometime hath been the greatest praise of great Princes, but also that it hath pleased Your gracious M●j. to make known that it is Your royal will and pleasure, that all matters Eccleasticall be determined in free national Assemblies, and matters civill in Parliaments; which is a most noble and ample expression of Your Majesties justice, and we trust shall be a powerful mean of our common happiness under your Majesties most blessed Reign. In the mean while we do most humbly, upon the knees of our hearts, bless your Majesty for that happiness already begun in the late Assembly at Edinburgh; in the proceedings whereof; next under God, we have laboured to approve ourselves unto Your Majesties Vice-gerent, as if Your Majesties eyes had been upon us, which was the desire of our souls, and would have been the matter of our full rejoicing, and do still continue Your Majesties most humble supplicants for Your Majesties civill sanction and ratification of the constitutions of the Assembly in Parliament; That your Majesties Princely power, and the ecclesiastical Authority joining in one, the mutual embracements of religion and justice, of truth and peace may be seen in this Land, which shall be to us as a resurrection from the dead, and shall make us, being not only so far recovered, but also revived, to fill Heaven and Earth with our praises, and to pray that King CHARLES may be more and more blessed, and His throne established before the Lord for ever.  

THe Assembly appoints the next general Assembly, to sit at Aberdeen the last Tuesday of July next, 1640. years. And warneth all Presbyteries, Universities and Burrows, to sand their Commissioners, for keeping the famine. And thereafter the Assembly was concluded by giving of thanks by the Moderator, and singing of a psalm, according to the custom.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, convened at Aberdeen, July 28. 1640.  

Sess. 2. 29 July, 1640.  
THE Assembly having past the first day before they would m●ke any Act in attending of His Maj●sties Commissioner.  
This day the Moderator openly asked in face of the Assembly, if there was any Commissioner come from His majesty: And finding there was none, the Assembly proceeded according to their Liberties.  

Overtures given in by the Committee appointed by the last Assembly, anent the ordering of the Assembly-house: Which being red in audience of the Assembly they approved the same.  
I. THe Assembly finds it expedient for the ordering of the House in all time coming, that the Commissioners sit together unmixed, and that the places where they sit be railed about, or some other way divided from the seats of others, and that places be provided without the bounds of the Commissioners seats to persons of respect, who are not Commissioners, and others according to their qualities, as the Magistrates of the Town shall find most convenient.  
II. Also that the Commissioners, having received tickets from the Magistrates of the Burgh, at the delivery of their Commissions, whereby they may have ready access to the Assemblie-House and place appointed for them, do keep the hour of meeting precisely, and whosoever comes after the time, or shall be found absent at the calling of the rolls, to be censured as the assembly sees fitting: And whatsoever presbytery, Burgh, or university, shall not sand Commissioners, or Commissioners sent from them do not come at all to the Assembly, be summoned unto the next Assembly, and censured as the Assembly shall find reasonable.  
III. That four persons of respect have warrant from the Assembyl to enjoin that there be no standing, no din, nor disorderly behaviour; And if any shall disobey them, or direct his speech to any, except to the Moderator, and that one at once with leave at first asked and given, to be rebuked publicly by the Moderator: And if he desist, not be removed out of the Assembly for that Session.  
IV. That no motion come in unto the Assembly but by the Committee appointed for matters of that nature: And if the Committee refused to answer the same, let it be proponed to the Assembly with the reasons thereof.  
V. That the minutes of ilk Session be red before their rising, and if the matter concern the whole Kirk, let it be drawn up in form and red in the beginning of the next ensuing Session, that the Assembly may judge whether or not it bee according to their mind.   

Act anent the demolishing of Idolatrous Monuments.  
FOrasmuch as the Assembly is informed, that in divers places of this kingdom, and specially in the North parts of the same, many Idolatrous Monuments, erected and made for Religious worship, are yet extant, Such as Crucifixes, Images of Christ, Mary, and Saints departed, ordains the saids Monuments to be taken down, demolished, and destroyed, and that wtth all convenient diligence: And that the care of this work shall be incumbent ro the Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies within this kingdom, and their Commissioners to report their diligence herein to the next general Assembly.   

Act against nymphs and Charmers.  
THe Assembly ordains all Ministers within the kingdom, carefully to take notice of Charmers, Witches, and all such abusers of the people, and to urge the Acts of Parliament, to be execute against them: And that the Commissioners from the Assembly to the Parliament, shall recommend to the said supreme judicatory, the care of the execution of the laws against such persons in the most be hoovefull way.    

Sess. 5. Aug. 1. 1640. Act for censuring speakers against the Covenant.  
THe Assembly ordains, that such as have subscribed the Covenant and speaks against the same, if he be a Minister, shall be deprived: And if he continue so, being deprived, shall be excommunicate: And if he be any other man, shall be dealt with as perjured, and satisfy publicly for his perjury.   

Sess. 10. 5. Aug. 1640. Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe the Covenant.  
THe Assembly ordains, that if any Expectant shall refuse to subscribe the Covenant, he shall be declared uncapable of a pedagogy, teaching of a School, reading at a Kirk, Preaching within a presbytery, and shall not have liberty of residing within a Burgh, university, or college: And if they continue obstinate, to be processed  

THe general Assembly appoints the next Assembly, to be in St. Andrews the third Tuesday of July 1641. And that the Moderator in a convenient way, by the secret council- or otherwise as may best serve, request the Kings majesty to sand his Commissioner to the said Assembly. And if any exigent fall out, that the presbytery of Edinburgh give advertisement for an Assembly pro re nata.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, Holden at St. Andrews, and Edinburgh. 1641.  

Sess. I. 20. July 1641. John earl of Weymes, His Majesties Commissioner, presented His Majesties Letter to the Assembly, whereof the tenor followeth.  
CHARLES R.  
trusty and well-beloved, Wee greet you well. It is no small part of Our royal care and desires, that the true Reformed Religion, wherein by the grace of God, We resolve to live and die, be settled peaceably in that Our ancient and native kingdom of Scotland, and that the same be truly taught, and universally received and professed by Our Subjects there, of all degrees. For preventing of all division and trouble hereafter, We did intend in Our Own royal Person, to have been present at this Assembly; but conceiving it to be unfitting, to detain the Ministers from their particular charges, till the time of Our coming tn the Parliament. We have resolved to make known unto you by these, and by Our Commissioner, That in the approaching Parliament, it is Our intention by Our authority, to ratify and confirm the Constitutions of the late Assembly at Edinburgh, that they may be obeied by all Our Subjects living in that Our kingdom. And that We will take into Our royal consi●eration, by what means the Churches belonging to Our presentation, when any of them shall happen to vark●, may be best provided with well qualified Preachers: Like as We are not unwilling, to grant presentations unto such as in these times of trouble have entred in●o the ministery, providing they have been examined by the Presbyteries, and approved by them: Because We want not Our own fears of the decay of Learning in that Church and kingdom, We intend also to consider of the best means for helping the schools and colleges of Learning especially of Divinity, that there may be such a number of Preachers there, as that each Par●sh having a Minister, and the Gospel being preached in the most remote parts of the kingdom, all Our Subjects may taste of Our care in that kind, and have more and more cause to bless God that we are set over them. And finally, so tender is Our care, that it shall not be Our fault if the Churches and colleges there flourish not in Learning and Religion: For which royal testimony of Our goodness, We require nothing upon your part, but that which God hath bound you unto, even that you be faithful in the charge committed unto you, and care for the souls of the people: That you study Peace and Unity amongst yourselves, and amongst the people, against all schism and Faction; and that you not only pray for Us, but that you teach the people, which We trust are not unwilling to pay that honour and obedience which they owe unto Us, as his Vicegerent set over them, for their good; wherein We expect you will by your good example go before them Which hoping you will do, We bid you farewell. From Our Court at Whitehall, the 10. day of July 1641.   

Sess. 3. 28. July 1641. Act approving the Overtures of the Assembly at Aberdeen, for ordering the Assembly-House.  
THe Overtures for ordering the Assembly-House, given into, and approved by the Assembly of Aberdeen the 29. July 1640. Act Sess. 2. were openly red, and again approved by this Assembly, and ordained to be kept the whole time thereof.   

Sess. 5. 30. July 1641. Act anent old Ministers bruiking their benefice.  
THe Assembl● having considered the Supplication given in by Doctor Robert Howie, Provest of the new college of S. Andrews, whereby he craved, that( notwithstanding of his dismission of his charge) he should not be prejudged of his full provision and m●intenance during his life time: The Assembly thinks it fit and necessary, that his provision and maintenance should not be diminished, but that he should enjoy the same fully; as before, during all the dayes of his life time, and craveth his dismission to be only but a cessation from his charge, because of his age and inability: And declares, that old Ministers and professors of divinity, shall not by their cessation from their charge, through age and inability, be put from injoing their old maintenance & dignity. And recommends this and others the like things, concerning the estate of that university of S. Andrews, to the Parliament, and the Visitation to be appointed from the Assembly & Parliament. And likewise the Assembly being informed, that the said Doctor Howie hath been very painful in his charge, and that he hath divers papers which would be very profitable for the Kirk: Therefore they think fit, that the said doctor Howie be desired to collect these papers, which doth concern, & may be profitable for the use of the Kirk, that the famine may be shown to the Visitors of the said university.   

Sess. 8. 2. Aug. 1641. à meridie. Act against sudden receiving Ministers deposed.  
THe Assembly ordains, that Ministers who are deposed either by Presbyteries, Synods, or general Assembies, or Committees from Assemblies for the public cause of the Reformation and order of this Kirk, shall not be suddenly received again to the ministery, till they first evidence their repentance both before the presbytery and Synod, within the bounds where they were deposed, and thereafter the samine reported to the next ensuing general Assembly.   

Sess. 9. Aug. 3. 1641. The Overtures underwritten, concerning the Universities and colleges of this kingdom, to be represented by the general Assembly, to the Kings Majesty and Parliament, being openly red, the A●●embly approved the saids Overtures, and ordained them to be recommended to the Parliament.  
First, because the good estate both of the Kirk and Commonwealth, dependeth mainly upon the flourishlng of Universities and colleges, as the Seminaries of both, which cannot be expected, unless the poor means which they have, be helped, and sufficient revenues be provided for them, and the same well employed: Therefore that out of the rents of prelacies; Collegiat or Chapter-Kirks, or such like, a sufficient maintenance be provided for a competent number of Professors, Teachers, and Bursers in all faculties, and especially in divinity, and for upholding, repairing, and enlarging the fabric of the colleges, furnishing Libraries, and such like good uses in every university and college.  
II. Next for keeping of good order, preveening and removing of abuses, and promoving of piety and learning, it is very needful & expedient, that there be a communion and correspondency kept betwixt all the Universities and colleges. And therefore that it be ordained, that there be a meeting once every year at such times and places as shall be agreed upon, of Commissioners from every University and college to consult and determine upon the common affairs, and whatsoever may concern them, for the ends above-specified, and who also, or some of their number may represent what shall be needful and expedienr for the same effect, to Parliaments and general Assemblies.  
III. Item, That special care be had that the places of the Professors, especially of Professors of Divinity in every University and college, Be filled with the ablest men, and best affencted to the Reformation and order of this Kirk.   

Sess. 10. August 4. 1641. Act against Impiety and schism.  
THe Assembly seriously considering the present case and condition of this Kirk and kingdom, what great things the Lord hath done for us, especially since the renewing of our Covenant, notwithstanding our former backsliding and desertion; and if we shall either become remiss in the dueties of Piety, or shall not constantly hold and keep our Religion, unto which we have bound ourselves so straitly and solemnly, what dishonour we do unto the Name of God before men, who have their eyes upon us, and how great judgements we bring upon ourselves, upon these and the like considerations. The Assembly doth find it most necessary to stir up themselves, and to provoke all others both Ministers and people of all degrees, not only to the religious exercises of public worship in the Congregation, and of private worship in their families, and of every one by themselves apart● but also to the duteies of mutual edification, by instruction, admonition, exhorting one another to fordwardnesse in Religion, and comforting one another in whatsoever distress; and that in all their meetings, whither in the way of civill conversation, or by reason of their particular callings, or any other occasion offered by divine providence no corrupt communication proceed out of their mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers: And because the best means have been, and may still b● despised or abused, and particularly the duty of mutual edification, which hath been so little in use, and so few know how to practise in the right manner, may be upon the one part subject to the mocking of ungodly and worldly me●, who cannot endure that in others, which they are not willing to practise themselves, and upon the other part, to many errors and abuses, to which the godly through their weakness may fall, or by the craftiness of others may be drawn into, such as are Error, heresy, schism, Scandal, Self-conceit, and despising of others, pressing above the common calling of Christians, and usurping that which is proper to the Pastoral Vocation, contempt or misregard of the public means, idle and unprofitable question● which edify not, uncharitable censurings, neglect of duties in particular callings, business in other mens Matters and Callings, and many such others in doctrine, charity, and manners, which have dolefully ●ent the bowels of other Kirks, to the great prejudice of the Gospel.  
Therefore the Assembly, moved with the zeal of God against all abuses and corruptions, and according to their manifold obliga●ions, most earnestly desiring and thirsting to promove the work of Reformation, and to have the comfort and power of the true godliness sensible to every soul, and Religion to be universally practised in every Family, and by every person at all occasions, Doth charge all the Ministers and Members of this Kirk whom they do represent, that according to their several places and vocations, they endeavour to suppress all impiety and mocking of religious exercises, especially of such as put foul aspersions, and factious or odious names upon the godly. And upon the other part, that in the fear of God they be ware and spiritually wise, that under the name and pretext of religious exercises, otherways lawful and necessary, they fall not into the aforesaid abuses; especially, that they eschew all meetings which are apt to breed Error, scandal, Shcisme, neglect of due●ies and particular callings, and such other evils as are the works, not of the spirit, but of the flesh, and are contrary to truth and peace; and that the Presbyteries and Synods have a care to take order with such as transgress the one way or the other.   

Sess. 14 6. August 1641. à Meridie. Act anent Novations.  
SInce it hath pleased God to vouchsafe us the liberty of yearly General Assemblies, It is ordained according to the Acts of the Asse●bly at Edinburgh 1639. and at Aberdeen 1640. that no Nova●ion in Doctrine, Worship, or Government, be brought in, or practised in this Kirk, unless it be first propounded, examined, and allowed in the General Assembly, and that transgressors in this kind be censured by Presbyteries and Synods.   

Act. Sess. 15. 7. August. 1641. Overtures anent Bursars, and Expectants. The Overtures underwritten being openly red in audience of the Assembly, were approved, and declared by them to be Acts of the Assembly, in all time coming, to be observed respective, as the famine bears.  
THe Assembly thinks meet for maintaining of Bursars of divinity, that every presbytery that consists of twelve Ministers shall maintain a Bursar, and where the number is fewer nor twelve, shall be joined with these out of another presbytery where their number exceeds: where this course is not already kept, it is to be begun without longer delay, and every Provincial is ordained to give an account of their number of Bur●ars, that is constantly to be entertained by their Province, at the next ensuing ●eneral Assembly.  
II. No expectant shall be permitted to preach in public before a Congregation, till first he be tried after the same manner, howbeit not altogether with that accuracie which is enjoined by the act of the Assembly of Glasgow 1638. which prescribes the order and manner of trial▪ that is to be kept with these who are to be admitted to the holy ministry: and none so tried shall preach in public, without the bounds of the University or Pr●sbyterie where he past his trials, till he first make it known to the other Presbyteries, where he desires to be heard, by a testimonial from the university or presbytery where he lived, that he hath been of an honest conversation, and past his trials comform to the order here prescribed: Which being done in the meeting of the Province or presbytery, where he desires to be heard; he is to be allowed by them to preach within the bounds of that Province or presbytery, without any further trial to be taken of him.  
III. Expectants being educate in a college that was corrupt, or under a corrupt Minister, if they themselves have been known to have been tainted with error, or opposite to our Covenant, and the blessed Work of Reformation within this Kirk, the same order is to be kept in admitting them to the holy ministry, or to any place in the colleges or schools of this kingdom, that was ordained to be kept in admission of these Ministers who fled out of the country, and show themselves opposite to our Covenant and Reformation.   

Act Sess. 17. August 9. 1641. Act against unlawful Bands.  
THe Assembly taking to their consideration the question proponed unto them concerning the Band, the copy whereof was presented before them from the Parliament, doth find and declare that Bands of this and the like nature, may not lawfully be made: By which Declaration the Assembly doth not intend to bring any cen●ure for what is past, and by the wisdom and care of the Committee of the Parliament is taken away, upon any person, who being required by the Moderator and the Clerk, shall under his hand declare before them, That as the Assembly doth find that the subscribers are not astricted by their Oath to the tenor of the said Band, so he findeth himself not to be astricted by his Oath to the tenor thereof; but the intention of the Assembly is merely to prevent the like in time coming.   

Sess. 18. 9. August 1641. á meridie. A Letter from some Ministers in England to the assembly. Right Reverend and dear Brethren, now convened in this general Assembly.  
WEe most hearty salute you in the Lord, rejoicing with you in his unspeakable goodness, so miraculously prospering your late endeavours, both for the restoring and settling of your own Liberties and privileges, in Church and common wealth( which we hear and hope he is now about to accomplish) as also for the occasioning and advancing of the work of Reformation among ourselves; for which as we daily bless the highest Lord, sole Author of all our good, so do we aclowledge yourselves worthy Instruments thereof. And for that( besides all other respects) do, and ever shall( by the help of God) hold you dear unto us, as our own bowels, and ourselves obliged to render unto you all due correspondence according to our power, upon all good occasions.  
And now( dear Brethren) forasmuch as to Church of Christ is but one body, each part were of cannot but partake in the weal and woe of the wh●le, and of Each other part; and these Churches of England and Scotland, may seem both to be embarked in the same bottom, to sink and swim together, and are so near ●onjoyned by many strong ties, not only as fellow-members under the same red Christ, and fellow subjects under the same King; but also by such neighbou●-hood and vicinity of place, that if any evil shall much infest the one, the other cannot bee altogether free: Or if for the present it should, yet in process of time it would sensibly suffer also. And forasmuch as evils are better remedied in their first beginning, then after they have once taken deep root; therefore we whose names are here underwritten, in the behalf of ourselves, and of many others, M●nisters of the Church of England are bold to commend to your consideration; being met together in this vene●able Assembly) a differ●nce of great concernment, which you may please( in brief) thus to understand. Almighty God having now of his of infi●nite goodness raised up our hopes of removing the yoke of episcopacy( under which we have so long groaned) sundry other forms of Church-government are by sundry sorts of men projected, to be se● up in the room thereof: One of which( amongst others) is of some Bretrhen that hold the whole power of Church-government, & all Acts thereunto appertaining( as Election, Ordination, and Deposition of Officers, with Admission, Excommunication, & Absolution of Members) are by divine Ordinance in sorrow externo, to be decreed by the most voices, in, and of every particular Congregation, which( say they) is the utmost bound of a particular Church: endowed with power of Government, & only some Formalities of solemn execution to be reserved to the Officers( as servants of the saids Church) if they have any, or if none, then to be performed by some other members, not in office, whom the said Church shal appoint thereunto, And that every of the said particular Congregations( whether they consists of few or m●ny Members, and be furnished with Offices or not) lawf●ll● may & ought to transact, determine & execute all matters pertaining to the government of themselves amongst & within themselves without any authoritative( though not consulatory) concurrence or interposition of any other persons or Churches whatsoever, condemning all imperative and decisive power of Classes, or compound Presbyteries and Synods, as a mere usurpation. Now because we conceive that your judgement in this case may conduce much by the blessing of God, to the settling of this question amongst us; Therefore we do earnestly entreat the same at your hands, and that so much the rather, because we sometimes hear from those of the aforesaid judgement, that some famous and eminent Brethren, even amongst yourselves, do some what incline unto an approbation of that way of government. Thus humbly craving pardon for our boldness, leaving the matter to your grave considerations, and expecting answer at your convenient leisure, We commit you, and the success of this your meeting, to the blessing of the Almighty, in whom we shall ever remain.  
Your faithful Brethren to serve you in all offices of love. London, 12. July. 1641.  

The Assemblies Answer to the English Ministers Letter. Right reverend and dearly beloved Brethren in our Lord and common Saviour Jesus Christ.  
WEe the Ministers and Elders met together in this national Assembly, were not a little refreshed and comforted by the good report which we heard of you, and others of our Brethren of the Kirk of England, by some of our Ministers, who by the good providence of our Lord had seen your faces, and conversed with you. But now yet more comforted by your Letters which we received, and which were red in the face of the Assembly, witnessing your Christian love, and rejoicing with us in God for his great and wonderful Work in the Reformation of this Kirk, and in the beginning of a blessed Reformation amongst yourselves, and that you are so sensible of your communion and fellowship with us, and to desire to know our mind and judgement of that which some Brethren amongst you hold, concerning Kirk-government.  
We do with our hearts aclowledge and wonder at the great and unspeakable wisdom, mercy, and power of our God, in restoring unto us the truth and purity of Religion, after many Back-slidings and defection of some in this Kirk, & desire not only to confess the same before the world, and all other Christian Ki●ks, but also do pray for grace to walk worthy of so wonderful a love: We have been helped by your prayers, in our weak endeavours, & you have mourned with us,( we know) in the dayes of our moutning; and therefore is it that you do now rejoice and praise God with us. Neither are we out of hope, but the same God shall speedily perfect that which he hath begun amongst you, that your joy may be full. which is the desire of our soul. and for which we do now pray, and in our several Congregations will be instant at the throne of grace, for this and all other spiritual and temporal blessings upon the Kirk and kingdom of England, by name, expecting the like performance of mutual love from you and others equally minded with you, for your parts, till a common consent may be obtained, even that you will recommend the Kirk of Scotland by name in your prayers to God. Thus shall we be as one people, mourning and rejoicing, praying and praising together; which may be one mean of the preservation of Unity, and of many other blessings to us both.  
We have learned by long experience, ever since the time Reformation, and specially after the two kingdoms have been( in the great gooddnesse of God to both) united under one Head and Monarch, but most of all of late, which is not unknown to you, what danger and contagion in matters of Kirk-government, of divine worship, and of doctrine, may come from the one Kirk to the other, which beside all other reasons make us to pray to God, and to desire you, and all that love the honour of Christ, and the peace of these Kirks and kingdoms, hearty to endeavour, that there might be in both Kirks, one Confession, one Directo●y for public worship, one catechism, and one form of Kirk-government. And if the Lord who hath done grea● things for us, shall be pleased to harken unto our desires, and to accept of our endeavours, we shall not only have a sure foundation for a durable Peace, but shall be strong in God, against the rising or spreading of heresy and Schi●me amongst ourselves, and of invasion from foreign enemies  
Concerning the dissierent forms of Kirk-government, projected by sundry sorts of men, to be set up in place of episcopal hierarchy, which we trust is brought near unto it● period, we must confess, that we are not a little grieved that any godly M●nisters and Brethren should be found, who do not agree wi●h o●her Reformed Kirks in the point of government as well as in the matter of Doctrine and worship; and that we want: not our own fears, that where the hedge of Discipline and Government is different, the Doctrine and Worship shall not long continue the same without change: yet do not marvel much, that particular Kirks and Congregations which live in such places, as that they can conveniently have no dependency upon superior Assemblies, should stand for a kind of independency and supremacy in themselves, they not considering that in a nation or kingdom, professing the same Religion, the government of the Kirk by compound Presbyteries and Synods is a help and strength, and not a hindrance or prejudice to particular Congregations and Elderships, in all the parts of Kirk-government; and that Presbyteries and Synods are not an extrinsical power set over particular Kirks, like unto Episcopal dominion, they being no more to be reputed extrinsical unto the particular Kirks, nor the power of a Parliament, or Convention of Estates, where the Shires and Cities have their own Delegates, is to be held extrinsical to any particular Shire or City.  
Our unanimous judgement and uniform practise, is, that according to the order of the Reformed Kirks, and the ordinance of God in his Word, not onely the solemn execution of Ecclesiastical power and authority, but the whole acts and exercise thereof, do properly belong unto the Officers of the Kirk; yet so that in matters of chiefest importance, the tacite consent of the Congregation be had, before their decrees and sentences receive final execution, and that the Officers of a particular Congregation, may not exercise this power independently, but with subordination unto greater Presbyteries and Synods, Provincial and National: Which as they are representativ● of the particular Kirks conjoined together in one under their government; so their determination, when they proceed orderly, whether in causes common to all, or many of the Kirks, or in causes, brought before them by appellations or references from the inferior, in the case of aberation of the inferior, is to the several Congregations authoritative and obligatory and not consultatory only: And this dependency and subordination, we conceive not only to be warranted by the light of nature, which doth direct the Kirk in such things as are common to other societies, or to be a prudential way for Reformation, and for the preservation of Truth and Peace, against schism, heresy, and Tyranny, which is the sweet fruits of this government wheresoever in hath place, and which we have found in ancient and late experience; but also to be grounded upon the Word of God, and to be conform to the pattern of the Primitive and Apostolical Kirks: And without which, neither could the Kirks in this kingdom have been reformed, nor were we able for any time to preserve Truth and Unity amongst us.  
In this form of Kirk-government, our unanimity and harmony by the mercy of God, is so full and perfect, that all the Members of this Assembly have declared themselves to be of one heart, and of one soul, and to be no less persuaded, that it is of God, then that Episcopal government is of men; resolving by the grace of God, to hold the same constantly all the dayes of our life, and hearty wishing that God would bless all the Christians Kirks, especially the famous Kirk of England, unto which in all other respects we are so nearly joined with this divine form of government. Thus having briefly and plainly given our judgement for your satisfaction, and desiring and hoping that ye will believe against all mis-reports, that we know not so much as one man, more or less eminent amongst us, of a disserent judgement, we commend you unto the riches of the grace of Christ, who will perfect that which he had begun amongst you, to your unspeakable comfort.  
Subscribed by our Moderator and Clerk. Edinburgh 9. August, 1641.   

The Assemblies Answer to the Kings Majesties Letter.  
Most gracious sovereign,  
BEside the conscience of that duty which we owe to supreme Authority, we are not only encouraged, but confirmed by the Royal favour and Princely munificence, expressed in Your gracious Majesties Letters, which filled our hearts with joy, and our mouths with praise, to offer up our prayers with the greater fervency to God almighty for your Majesties happiness, ourselves for our own parts, and for the whole Kirks of this your Majesties kingdom, which we do represent, to serve Your majesty in all humble obedience, our faithful labours for preserving truth and Peace amongst all Your Majesties Subjects, and our example( according to Your Majesties just commandments laid upon us) to be a presedent to others in paying that honour, which by all laws divine and human, is due unto Your sacred majesty, being confident that your majesty shall find at your coming hither much more satisfaction and content then can expressed by  
Your Majesties most humble Subjects and faithful Servants, the Ministers and Elders met together in the vonerable Assembly at St. Andrews, July 20. and Edinburgh, July 27. 1641.   

Act anent the Kirk of Campheir.  
THe which day a motion was made in the Assembly, that it seemed expedient for correspondency that might be had from foreign parts, for the weal of this Kirk That the Scots Kirk at Campheir were joined to the Ki●k of Scotland, as a Member thereof: Which being seriou●ly thought upon and considered by the Assembly, they approved the motion, and ordained Master Robert bailie Minister at Cilwinning, to writ to Master William Spang Minister at Campheir, and Kirk-Session thereof, will ng them to sand their Minister, and a ruling Elder, inst●ucted with a Commission to the next General Assembly to be holden at St Andrews, the last Wedne●day of July 1642. at which time they should be enrolled in the Books of the General Assembly, as the Commissioners of the General Assembly of Scotland, from the Scots Kirk at Campheir.   

THe Assembly appoints the next General Assembly to be holden at St. Andrews, the last Wednesday of July next, 1642.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, convened at S. Andrews, July 27. 1642.  

Act Sess. 1. 27. July 1642. The Kings Letter to the general Assembly, presented by His Majesties Commissioner, the earl of Dumfermling, July 27. 1642,  
CHARLES R.  
IN the midst of Our great and weighty affairs of Our other kingdoms, which God Almighty, who is privy to Our Intentions, and in whom We trust, will in his own time bring to a wished and peaceable conclusion, We are not unmindful of that duty which we owe to that Our ancient and native kingdom, and to the Kirks there, now met together by their Commissioners in a national Assembly. God whose Vicegerent We are, hath made Us a King over divers kingdoms, and We have no other desire, nor design, but to govern them by their own laws, and the Kirks in them by their own Canons and Constitutions. Where any thing is found to be amiss, We will endeavout a Reformation in a fair and orderly way; and where a Reformation is settled, We resolve, with that authority wherewith God hath in vested Us, to maintain and defend it in peace and liberty, against all trouble that can come from without, and against all Heresies, Sects, and schisms which may arise from within, Nor do We desire any thing more in that Kingdom( and when We shall hear of it, it shall be a delight and matter of gladness unto Us) then that the Gospel be faithfully preached throughout the whole Kingdom, to the outmost skirts and borders thereof. Knowing that to be the mean of honour to God, of happiness to the people, and of true obedien●e to Us. And for this effect, that holy and able men be put in places of the ministry, and that schools and colleges may flourish in Learning and true piety. Some things for advancing of those ends, We did of Our own accord promise in Our Letters to the last Assembly, and We make your s●lves Judges, who where witnesses to Our Actions, while We were there in Person, whether we did not perform them both in the point of presentations which are in our hands, and in the liberal provision of all the Universities and colleges of the kingdom, not only above that which any of Our Progenitors had done before Us; but also above your own hopes and expectation. We do not make commemoration of ●his Our Beneficence, either to please ourselves, or to stop the influence of Our royal goodness and bounty for afterward, but that by these real demonstrations of Our unfeigned desires and delight to do good, you may be the more confident to expect from Us, whatsoever in Justice We can grant, or what may be expedient for you to obtain. We have given express charge to Our Commissioner, to see that all things be done there orderly and peaceably, as if We were present in Our Own Person; not doubting but in thankfulness for yourl present estate and condition, you will abstain from every thing that may make any new disturbance, and that you will be more wise then to be the enemies of your own peace, which would but stumble others, and ruin yourselves. We have also commanded Our Commissioner to receive from you your just and reasonable desires, for, what may further serve for the good of Religion, that taking them to Our consideration, We may omit nothing which may witness Us to be indeed a nursing Father of that Kirk, wherein We were born and baptized, and that if ye be not happy, you may blame not Us, but yourselves. And now what do We again require of you, but that which otherwise you owe to Us as your sovereign Lord and King, even that ye pray for Our prosperity and the peace of Our kingdoms, that ye use the best means to keep Our People in obedience to Us and Our laws, which doth very much in Our personal absence from that Our kingdom depend upon your preaching, and your own exemplary loyalty and faithfulness, and that against all such jealousies, suspicions and sinister rumors as are too frequent in these times, and have been often falsified in time past, by the reality of ●he contrary events: Ye judge Us and Our professions by Our actions, which we trust through God in despite of malice shall ever go on in a constant way for the good of Religion, and the weal of Our People, which is the Chiefest of Our intentions and desires. And thus We bid you farewell.  
Given at Our Court at Leicester, the 23. of July, 1642.  
To Our trusty and well beloved the general Assembly in our Kingdom of Scotland convened at S. Andrews.   

Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642. Act for bringing in of the synod Books yearly to the General Assemblies.  
THe Moderator calling to mind that which was forgotten in the preceding Sessions, the examination of the Provincial Books, caused call the Roll of the provincial Assemblies, And the Assembly finding very few Provinces to hav● s●●● their Books to this Assembly, notwithstanding of the ordin●●●● of the former Assembly thereanent, for the more exact obedience of that ordinance hereafter, the Assembly in one voice ordains, That the Books of every Provincial Assembly shall be brought and produced to every General Assembly: And that this may be performed, ordains that every Clerk of the Provincials, either bring or sand the said Books yearly to the General Assemblies, by the Commissioners sent to the Assemblies, from these Presbyteries where the Clerks reside. Which charge the Assembly also lays upon the said Commissioners, sent from the saids Presbyteries where the Clerks reside, ay and while some means be provided, whereby the Clerks charges may be sustained for coming with the saids Books themselves: And that under the pain of deprivation of the Clerk, in case of his neglect, and of such censure of the saids Commissioners, in case of their neglect as the Assembly shall think convenient.   

Act Sess. 5. August 1. 1642. Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions.  
ANent the question moved to the Assembly, concerning the election of Kirk Sessions, The Assembly ordains the old Session to elect the new Session both in Burgh and Land. And that if any place shall vaik in the Session chosen, by death or otherwise, the present Session shall have the election of the person to fill the vacand room.   

Sess. 6. 2. August 1642. The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at Edinburgh, anent trial of Ministers.  
THe meaning of the foresaid Act, is not that an actual Minister to be transported, shall be tried again by the trials appointed for trying of Expectants, at their entry to the ministry, according to the Acts of the Kirk; but only that he bringing a Testimonial of his former trials, and of his abilities, and conversation, from the presbytery from whence he comes, and giving such satisfaction to the Parochiners presbytery whereto he comes in preaching, as the presbytery finds his gifts fit and answerable for the condition and disposition of the Congregation, whereto he is presented. Because, according to the Act of the Assembly 1596. renewed at Glasgow, some that are meet for the ministry in some places, are not meet for all alike: And Universities, Towns and Burghs, and places of Noblemens residence; or frequency of Papists, and other great and eminent Congregations, and in sundry other cases, require men of greater abilities, nor will be required necessary in the planting of all private small parochs, the leaving of the consideration of these cases unto the judgement and consideration of the presbytery, was the only intention of the Act.  
The Assembly approves the meaning and interpretation foresaid: And appoints the said Act, according ten this interpretation, to stand in force, and to have the strength of an Act and ordinance of Assembly in all time coming.   

Act Sess. 7. 3. August 1642. Act anent the order for making Lists to His majesty, and other Patrons for Presentations, The order of trial of Expectants, and for trying the quality of Kirks.  
FOrsameikle as His majesty was graciously pleased in His Answer to the Petition, tendered by the Commissioners of the late Assembly to His majesty, to declare and promise, for the better providing of vaiking Kirks at His Majesties Presentation with qualified Ministers, to present one out of a list of six persons, sent to His majesty from the Presbyteries wherein the vaiking Kirk lieth, as His Majesties Declaration, signed with his Royal hand at White-hall, the 3. of January last, registrate in the books of Assembly, this day at length bears. And suchlike whereas the Lords of Exchequer upon a Petition presented to them by the Commissioners of the general Assembly, and the Procurator and Ag●nt for the Kirk representing two Prejudices; one, that gifts obtained from His majesty of Patronages of Kirks, at His Presentation were passing the Exchequer, without the qualification and provision of a List, wherewith His majesty was pleased to restrict himself; and the other, that some were seeking gifts of patronage of Bishop-Kirks, which are declared to belong to Presbyteries, to be planted by two Acts of the late Parliament, The saids Lords have ordained that no signator, containing gifts of patronages from His majesty, shall pass hereafter, but with a special provision that the same shall be liable to the tenor of His Majesties said Declaration. Ordaining also the Procurator & Agent of the Kirk to be advertised, & to have place to see all signa ors whatsoever, containing any patronage, to the effect they may represent the interest of the Kirk therein; as the said Act of the date the 27. of June last, registrate also in the Books of Assembly, this day at length bears. Therefore that the saids Kirks which now are, or which were at His Majesties presentation the said third day of January last, may be the better provided with able Ministers, when the famine shall vaik, The Assembly ordains that hereafter every presbytery shall give up yearly a Roll of the ablest of their Expectants, to their Synods; and that the Synods select out of these Rolls such persons whom they in certain knowledge judge most sit for the M●nistrie and worthiest of the first place, With Power to the Synods to add or alter these Rolls given by the Presbyteries, as they think reasonable: And that the Synods shall sand the Rolls made by them in this manner, to the next general Assembly, who shall also examine the Rolls of the Synods, and ●dde or alter the same as shall be thought expedient Which Roll made by the general Assembly, shall be sent to every presbytery, & that the presbytery, with consent of the most or best part of the Congregation, shall make a List of six persons willing to accept of the presentation out of that Roll of the Assembly, upon every occasion of vacation of any Kirk within their bounds, and shall sand the famine, together with a blank presentation: The which( if His Majesty be Patron to the vacant Kirk) shall be sent by the said Procurator and Agent, to such as the Commissioners of the general Assembl●, or in their absence the presbytery of Edinburgh: shal● direct and think at that time most able and willing to obtain ●he presentation to be signed and filled up by His Maj. cho●s● of one of the List. And if ●he vacant Ki k be of a Patronage disponed by His Majesty since the 3. of January, in that case either the Presbyteries themselves shall sand a List of six persons in m●ner afores●id, with a blank presentation to the Patron, to b● filled up by h●s cho●se, & subscrib●d or sand the famine ●o the saids Officers of the Kirk o be conveyed by them to the Patron of the vaiking Kirk, as the presbytery shall think most expedient. It is always declared, that this order shall be without prejudice to ●he Presby●eries, with consent foresaid, to put actual Min●sters upon the said List of six persons, ●o be sent to the Patron of the said vaiking Kirks, if they please. And least that the nomination of Expectants by Presbyteries, Synods or Assemblies, in their Rolls or Lists foresaid, be mis-interpreted, as though th● Expectants nominated in there Rolls and Lists, were thereby holden & acknowledged to be qualified, which is not the intention of the Assembly, who rather think, that in respect of this Order, there should be a more exact trial of Expectants then before: Therefore the Assembly o deigns, that no Expectants shall be put on the Rolls or Lists above-mentioned, but such as ha●e been upon the public exercise, at the least by the space of half a year, or longer, as the presbytery shall find necessary. And such like ordains, that hereafter none be admitted to the public exercise, before they be tried according, o the trial appointed for Expectants, at their entry to the ministery in the late Assembly at Glasgow, in the 24. Articl● of the Act of the 23. Session thereof: which trial, the Assembly appoints to be taken of every Expectant, before his admission to the public exercise And suchlike ordains, That the famine trial shall be again taken immediately before their admission to the ministery, together with their trial mentioned in the advice of some Brethren deputed for penning the corruptions of the ministry, approven in the said Act of the Generasl Assembly at Glasgow. And because that Kirks of the patronages foresaids will vaik before the Rolls and Lists be made up by the Presbyteries, Synods, and general Assemblies, in manner foresaid: Therefore in the interim the Assembly ordains the Commissioners of every presbytery here present, to give in a List of the ablest Expectants within their bounds, the morn, to the Clerk of the Assembly, that the Assembly may out of these Rolls, make a List to be sent to every presbytery: Out of which the Presbyteriea shall make a List of six persons, with consent foresaid, and sand the famine upon vacancy of any Churgh within their bounds, together with a presentation to His majesty, or any other patron, in manner foresaid. And because the Procurator and Agent of the Kirk cannot get sufficient info●mation to the Lords of Exchequer anent the Right and Interest of the Kirk, and Pre●byteires in Kirks, whereof gifts of patronages may be presented to the Exchequer: Therefore the Assembly ordains for their better information hereanent, that every presbytery, with all diligence, use all means of exact trial of the nature and quality of all Kirks within their bounds, as what Kirks belong the Kings Majesties patronage, what to other laic patronages, what Kirks of old were planted by the Presbyteries, and what by Prelates, and Bishops, before the Assembly at Glasgow 1638. what hath been the way and time of the change of the planting and providing of the Kirks, if any have been changed or any other thing concerning the nature and quality of every Kirk within their bounds, and to sand the same to the Procurator of the Kirk with all diligence.  

Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the High-lands.  
THe Assembly considering that in Argyle, and in other places of the Irish language, there will not be gotten six expectants able to speak that langueage, And therfore the Assembly is hopeful, that in these singular cases, His majesty will be pleased for Kirks vacand in the Highlands, to accept of a List of so many expectants as can be had, able to speak the Irish language. And the Commissioners Grace promiseth to recommend it to His majesty.   

Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, and profaners of the Sabbath.  
THe Assembly would draw up a Supplication to be presented by the Commissioners of the Presbyerie of Edinburgh to the council at their first meeting, for the due execution of the Acts of Parliament and council against Papists, wherein it will be specially craved, that the Exchequer should be the Intromettors with the Rents of these who are excommunicate, and that from the Exchequer the presbytery may receive that portion of the confiscate goods, which the Law appoints to be employed ad pios usus.  
II. Every presbytery would convene at their first meeting, all known Papists in their bounds, and require them to put out of their company, all friends and servants who are Popish within one month: Also within that same space, to give their children, sons and daugh●ers, who are above seven yeers old, to be educate at their charges, by such of their Protestant friends, as the presbytery shall approve, and find sufficient caution for bringing home within three moneths such of their children who are without the Kingdom, to be educate in schools and colleges at the Presbyteries sight; to find caution likewise of their abstinence from mass, and the company of all Jesuits and Priests.  
III. That all, of whatsoever rank or degree, who refuse to give satisfaction in every one of the foresaid Articles, shall be processed without any delay; but those who give satisfaction shall be dealt with in all meekness, after this manner: The Pretbyteries shall appoint such of their number as they shall find sittest to confer with them so frequently as the Brethren are able to attend, until the midst of October next, against which time, if they be not willing to go to Church, they shall give assurance to go and dwell in the next adjacent University Town, whether Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews, or Aberdeen, from Novembhr 1. to the last of March, where they shall attend all the diets of conference which the Professors and Ministers of the bounds shall appoint to them: By which, if they be not converted, their obstinacy shall be declared in the Provincial Synods of April, and from thence their process shall go on to the very closure without any farther delay.  
IV. That every presbytery, as they will be answerable to the next General Assembly, be careful to do their duty in all the premises.  
V. That there be given presently by the Members of this present Asse●bly unto the Commissioners of the presbytery of Edinburgh, a List of all excommunicate Papists they know, a●d of all Papists who have children educate abroad, that they may be presented, together with our Supplication to the council, at their first sitting.  
VI. That the council may be supplicate for an Act, that in no Regiment which goes out of the Kingdom, any Papists bear office, and that the Colonel be required to find caution for this effect, before he receive the councils warrant for levying any Souldiers: Also that he find caution for the maintaining of a Minister, and keeping of a Session in his Regiment.  
Item, The Assembly would enjoin every presbytery to proceed against Non-communicants, whether Papist● or others, according to the Act of Parliament made thereanent. And suchlike, that Acts of Parliament against prophaners of the Sabbath be put to execution.  
The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaid, and ordains Presbyteries to put the samine to execution with all diligence: And that the Commissio●ers of every presbytery give in a List of the excommunicate Papists within their bounds, and of ●apists children out of the country, to the Clerk, that the same may be presented to the council by the Commissioners of this Assembly.   

Act anent the joining of the presbytery of Sky to the synod of Argyle.  
THe General Assembly having considered the whole proceedings of the Commissioners of the late General Assombly holden at Edinburgh, anent the reference made to them concerning the P●es●yterie of Sky, together with the whole reasons pro & contra in the said matter, after mature deliberation have ra●ified and approved, and by these presents ratify and appro●e the Sentence of the saids Commissioners thereintil. And further ordains the said Presbytery of Sky● and all the Ministers and Elders thereof, to keep the meetings of the Provincial Assembly of Argyle; where they shall happen to be appointed in all time coming, suchlike as any other presbytery within the bounds of the said Province of Argyle uses to do: And that the famine presbytery be in all time hereafter within the Jurisdiction of the said Provincial Assembly, without any further question to be made thereanent.    

Sess. 8. 3. August, post Meridiem. The Supplication of this Assembly to the KINGS majesty. To the Kings most Excellent Maj. the hearty Thanksgiving, and humble Petition of the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, met at St. Andrews, July 27. 1642.  
OUr hearts were filled with great joy and gladness at the hearing of Your Majesties Letter, which was red once and again in face of the Assembly, every line thereof almost either rexpressing such affection to the Reformed Religion, and such Royal care of us, as we could require from a Christian Prince; or requiring such necessary duties from us, as we are bound to perform as Ministers of the Gospel, and Christian Subjects: For which, as solemn thanks were given by the Moderator of the Assembbly, so do we all with one voice in all humility, present unto Your majesty the thankfulness of our hearts, with our earnest prayers to God for your Majesties prosperity, and the peace of Your Kingdoms, that Your majesty may be indeed a nursing Father to all the Kirks of Christ in Your Maj. Dominions; & especially to the Kirk of Scotland, honoured with Your Birth and baptism: Promising our most serious endeavours by doctrine and life, to advance the Gospel of Christ, & and to keep the people in our charge in Unity and Peace, and in all loyalty and obedience to Your majesty and Your Laws. Your Majesties commands to Your Commissioner, the earl of Dumfermling, to receive from us our just and reasonable dusires for what may further serve for the good of Religion here, the favours which we have received already, and Your Maj. desires and delight to do good, expressed in Your Letter, are as many encouragements us, to take the boldness in all humility to present unto Your majesty( beside the particulars recommended to Your Majesties Commissioner) one thing, which for the present is the chifest of all Our desires, as serving most for the glory of Christ, for Your Majesties Honour and Comfort; and not onely for the good of Religion here, but for the true happiness and peace of all Your Majestes Dominions; which is no new motion, but the prosecution of that same by the Commissioners of this Your Majesties Kingdom in the late treaty, and which Your majesty, with advice of both houses of Parliament, did approve in these words: To their desire concerning unity in religion and uniformity of Church government, as a special means of conserving of Peace betwixt the two Kingdoms, upon the grounds and reasons contained in the Paper of the 10 of March, given in to the Treaty and Parliamant of England: It is answered upon the 15 of June, That his majesty, with advic● of both Houses of Parliament doth approve of the affection of His Subjects of Scotland, in their desire of having the conforminy of Church-government, betwixt the two Nations, and as the Parliament hath already taken into consideration the refarmation of Church government, so they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best conduce to the glory of God, the Peace of the Church, and of both Kingdoms, 11. of June 1641. In Our Answer to a Declaration sent by the now Commissioners of this Kingdom from both Houses of Parliament, we have not onely pressed this point of unity in Religion and Uniformity of Church government, as a mean of a firm and durable union betwixt the two kingdoms, and without which former experiences put us out of hope long to enjoy the purity of the Gospel with Peace, but also have rendered the reasons of our hopes and confidence, as from other considerations, so from Your Majesties late Letter to this Assembly, that Your majesty in a happy conjunction with the Houses of Parliament, will be pleased to settle this blessed Reformation, with so earnestly desired a Peace in all Your Dominions. And therfore we Your Majesties most loving Subjects, in name of the whole Kirks of Scotland, represented by us, upon the knees of our hearts, do most humbly and earnestly beg, that Your Majesty in the deep of Your royal Wisdom, and from Your affection to the true Religion, and the Peace of Your Kingdoms, may be moved to consider, that the God of Heaven and Earth is calling for this Reformation at Your hands, and that as you are his Vice-gerent, so You may be his prime Instrument in it. If it shall please the Lord( which is our desire and hope) that this blessed unity in Religion and Uniformity in Government shall be brought about; Your Majesties Conscience, in peforming of so great a duty: shall be a well-spring of comfort to yourself, Your memory shall be a sweet favour, and Your name renowed to all following generations. And if these unhappy commotions and divisions shall end in this peace and unity; then it shall appear in the Providence of God, they were but the noise of many waters, and the voice of a great thunder before the voice of harpers harping with their harps, which shall fill this whole island with melody, and mirth, and the name of it shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.  

The Declaration of the Parliament of England, sent to the Assembly.  
THe Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, finding to their great grief, that the distractions of this kingdom daily increase, and that the wicked Counsels and practices of a malignent party amongst us( if God prevent them not) are like to cast this nation into blood and ●onfusion, To testify to all the World how earnestly they desire to avo●d a Civill war, they have addressed themselves in an humble Supplication to His majesty, for the prevention thereof. 〈◇〉 Copy of wh ch their petition, they have thought fit to sand at this time to the National Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to the intent that that Church and kingdom( whereunto they are united by so many and ●o n●ar bounds and ties, as well Spiritual as Civil) may see that the like mind is now in them, that formerly app●●red to be in that Nation. And that they are as tender of the effusion of Christian blood on the one side, as they are zealous on the other side of a due Reformation both in Church and State. In which work, whilst they were labouring, they have been interrupted by the plots and practices of a malignant party of Papists, and ill-affected persons, especially of the corrupt and dissolute Clergy, by the incitement and instigation of Bishops, and others, who●e avarice and ambition being not able to bear the Reformation endeavoured by the Parliament, they have labou●ed( as we can expect little better fruit from such trees) to kindle a flamme, and raise a combustion within the bowels of this Kingdom: Which if by our humble supplication to His Majesty it may be prevented, and that according to our earnest desire therein, all Force and Warlike preparations being laid aside, we may return to a peaceable parliamentary proceeding, We do not doubt, but that by the blessing of Almighty God upon our endeavours, we shall settle the matters both in Church and State, to the increase of His Majesties honour and State, the peace and prosperity of this kingdom, and especially to the glory of God, by the advancement of the true Religion, and such a Reformation of the Church, as shall b● most agreeable to Go●s Word. Out of al which, there will also most undoubtedly result a most firm & stable Union between the two kingdoms of England and Scotland, which according to our Protestation. we shall by all good ways and means, upon all occasions, labour to preserve and maintain,  
Subscribitur John Brown, clear. Parl.   

The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of the Parliament of England.  
THe general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, having received a Declaration sent unto them by the Commissioners of this kingdom, now at London, from the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England expressing their care to prevent the effusion of Christian blood in that kingdom, and their affections to Reformation both in Kirk and State, and having taken the same to such consideration as the importance of so weighty matters, and the high estimation they have of ●o wise and honourable a meeting as is the Parliament of England, did require; have with universal consent resolved upon this following Answer.  
I. That from the recent sense of the goodness of God, in their own late deliverance, and from their earnest desire of all happiness to our native King and that kingdom, they bless the Lord for preserving them in the midst of so many unhappy divisions and troubles from a bloody Intestine War, which is from God the greatest Judgement, and to such a nation the compend of all calamities. They also give God thanks for their former and present desires of a Reformation, especially of Religion, which is the glory and strength of a kingdom, and bringeth with it all temporal blessings of prosperity and peace.  
II. That the hearts of all the Members of this Assembly, and of all the well-affected within this kingdom, are exceedingly grieved and made heavy, that in so long a time, against the professions both of King and Parliament, and contrary to the joint desires and prayers of the godly in both kingdoms, to whom it is more dear and precious then what is dearest to them in the world, the Reformation of Religion hath moved so slowly, and suffered so great interruption. They consider that not only Prelates, formal professors, profane and worldly men, and all that are Popishly affencted, are bad councillors and workers, and do abuse their ●ower, and bend all their strength and policies against the Work of God; but the God of this world also, with Principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places, are working with all their force and fraud in the same opposition, not without hope of success, they having prevailed so far from the beginning, That in the times of the best Kings of Juda of old, and the most part of the Reformed Kirks of late, a through and perfect Reformation of Religion hath been a work full of difficulties, Yet do they conceive, that as it ought first of all to be intended so should it be above all other things, with confidence in God, who is greater then the World, and he who is in the World, most seriously endeavoured. And that when the supreme providence giveth opportunity of the accepted time & day of salvation, no other work can prosper in the hands of his servants, if it be not apprehended, & with all reverence & faithfulness improved. This Kirk and Nation, when the Lord gave them the calling, considered not their own deadness, nor staggered at the promise through unbelief, but gave glory to God. And who knoweth( we speak it in humility and love, and from no other mind then from a desire of the blessing of God upon our King and that kingdom) but the Lord hath now some controversy with England, which will not be removed, till first and before all, the worship of his name and the government of his house be settled according to his own will? When this desire shall come, it shall be to England, after so long deferred hopes, a three of life, which shall not only yield temporal blessings unto themselves, but also shall spread the branches so far, that both this nation and other reformed Kirks shall find the fruits thereof to their great satisfaction.  
III. The Commissioners of this kingdom in the late Treaty of peace, considering that Religion is not only the mean of the service of God and saving of Souls, but is also the base and foundation of kingdoms and Estates, and the strongest band to tie Subjects to their Prince in true loyalty, and to knit the hearts of one to another in true unity and love, They did with preface of all due respect and reverence, far from arrogancy or presumption, represent in name of this kingdom, their serious thoughts and earnest desires for unity of Religion, That in all His Majesties Dominions, there might be one Confession of Faith, one directory of worship, one public catechism, and one form of Kirk Government. This they conceived to be acceptable to God Almighty, who delighteth to see his People walking in truth and unity, to be a special means for conserving of peace betwixt the kingdoms, of easing the Kings Majesty, and the public government of much trouble, which ariseth from differences of Religion, very grievous to Kings and Estates, of great content to the King himself, to his Nobles, his Court, and all his people, when( occasioned to be abroad) without scruple to themselves, or scandal to others, all may resort to the same public worship, as if they were at their own dwellings; of suppressing the names of Heresies, and Sects, Puritans, Conformists, Separatists, Anabaptists, &c. Which do rent asunder the bowels both of Kirk and kingdom, of despair of success to Papists and Recusants, to have their profe●●ion, which is inconsistent with the true Protestant Religion, and authority of Princes, set up again, and of drawing the hearts and hands of Ministers, from unpleasant and unprofitable Controversies, to the pressing of mortification, and to Treatises of true piety, and practical Divinity. The Assembly doth now enter upon the labour of the Commissioners, unto which they are encouraged, not only by their faithfulness in the late Treaty, but also by the zeal and example of the general Assemblies of this Kirk in former times, as may appear by the Assembly at Edinburgh, Decemb. 25. in the year 1566. which ordained a Letter to be sent to England against the Surplice, Tippet, Cornercap, and such other Ceremonies as then troubled that K●●k, that they might be removed. By the Assembly at Edinburgh, April 24. 1583. humbly desiring the Kings majesty to command his ambassador, then going to England, to deal with the Queen, that there might be an Union and Band, betwixt them & other Christian Princes & realms, professing the true Religion for defence and protection of the Word of God, and Professors thereof, against the persecution of Papists and confederates joined and united together by the bloody league of Trent: as also that her Majesty would disburden their brethren of England of the yoke of Ceremonies, imposed upon them, against the liberty of the Word: And by the Assembly at Edinburgh, March 3. 1589. ordaining the presbytery of Edniburgh, to use all good and possible means for the relief and comfort of the Kirk of England, then heavely troubled for the maintaining the true discipline and government of the Kirk, and that the Brethren in their private and public prayers, recommend the estate of the afflicted Kirk of England to God, While now by the mercy of God the conjunction of the two Kingsdomes is many ways increased, the zeal of the general Assembly towards their happiness ougt to be no less. But besides these, the Assembly is much encouraged unto this duty, both from the Kings Majesty and his Parliament, jointly, in their Answer to the proposition, made by the late Commissioners of the Treaty, in these words: To their desire concerning unity of Religion, and uniformity of Kirk government as a special means for conserving of peace betwixt the two kingdoms, upon the grounds and reasons contained in the paper of the 10 of Mar●●, and given in to the treaty and Parliament of England: It is answered upon the 15. of June, That his majesty with advice of both Houses of Parliament doth approve of the affection of His Subjects of Scotlan● in their desire of having conformity o● Kirk government between the two Nations▪ and as the Parliament hath already taken into consideration the Reformation of Kirk government so they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best conduce to te glory of God▪ the peace of the Kirk, and of both kingdoms. And also severally: for His majesty knoweth that the custody and vindication, the conservation and purgation of Religion▪ are a great part of the duty of Civill authority and power. His Majesties late practise while he was here in person, in resorting frequently to the exercises of public worship, His royal actions, in establishing the worship and government of this Kirk in Parliament, and in giving order for a competent maintenance to the M●nistery and Seminaries of the Kirk, and His Majesties gracious Letter to the Assembly( seconded by the speech of His M●jesties Commissioner) which contains this religious expression: Where any thing is amiss we will endeavour a Reformation in a fair and orderly way, and where Reformation is settled we resolve with that authority wherewith God hath vested us to maintain and defend it in peace and liberty, against all trouble that can come from without and against all Here●ies, Sects, an● schisms, which may arise from within. All these do make us ●opeful that His Maje●tie will not oppose, but advance the work of Reformation. In like manner the Honourable Houses of Parliament, as they have many times before witnessed thier zeal, so now also in their Declaration sent to the Assembly, which not only sheweth the constancy of their zeal, but their great grief that the work hath been interrupted by a malignant party of Papists and evil affencted persons, especially of the corrupt and dissolute clergy, by the incitement and instigation of Bishops and others▪ their hope according to their earnest desire, when they shall return to a peaceable and Parilamentary proceeding, by the blessing of God, to settle such a Reformation in the Church, as shall he agreeable to Gods word, and that the result shall be a most firm and stable union between the two Kingdoms of England and Sco●land, &c. The Assembly also is not a little encou●aged by a Letter sent from many reverend Brethren of the Kirk of England, expressing their prayers and endeavours against every thing which shall be found prejudicial to the establishment of the kingdom of hrist, and the Peace of their sovereign. Upon these encouragements▪ and having so patent a door of hope, the Assembly doth confidently expect, that England wil●●ow bestir themselves in the best way ●or a Refo mation of Religion, and do most willingly offer their prayers & uttermost endeavours for furthering so great a Work, wherein Christ is s● much concerned in his glory, the King in his honour, the Kirk and kingdom of England in their happiness, and this Kirk and kingdom in the purity and peace of the Gospel.  
IV. That the Assembly also from so many real invitations, are heartened to renew the Proposition made by the aforenamed Commissioners of this kingdom, for beginning the Work of Reformation, at the uniformity of Kirk-government. For what hope can there be of Unity in Religion, of one Confession of Faith, one Form of Worship, & one catechism, till there be first one form of ecclesiastical Governmet? Yea, what hope can the kingdom and Kirk of Scotland have of a firm and durable Peace, till prelacy, which hath been the main cause of their miseries and troubles, first and last, be plucked up, root and branch, as a plant which God hath not planted, and from which, no better fruits can be expected then such sour grapes, as this day set on edge the kingdom of England?  
V. The prelatical hierarchy being put out of the way, the Work will be easy, without forcing of any conscience, to settle in England the government of the Reformed Kirks by Assemblies. For although the Reformed Kirks do hold, without doubting, their Kirk Officers, and Kirk government by Assemblies higher and lower, in their strong and bea●t if ll subordination, to be jure divinio, and perpetual: yet prelacy, as it differeth from the Office of a Pastor, is almost univers●lly acknowlodged by the relates themselves, and their adherents, to be but an human ordinance, introduced by ●umane reason, and settled by human Law and custom for supposed convenience: which therefore by human authorit●▪ without wronging any mans conscience, may be altered and abolished upon so great a necessity, as is a hearty conjunction with all the Reformed Kirks▪ a firm and well grounded Peace betwixt the two kingdoms, formerly divid d in themselves, and betwixt themselves by this partition wall and a perfect Union of the Kirks in the two Nations: which although by the providence of God in one island, & under one Monarch, yet ever since the Reformation, and for the present also, are at greater difference in the point of Kirk-gove●nment, which in all places hath a powerful influence upon all the parts of Religion, then any other Reformed Kirks, although in Nations at greatest distance, and under divers Princes.  
VI. What may be required of the Kirk of Scotland▪ for furthering the Work of uniformity of Government, or for agreeing upon a common Confession of Faith, catechism, and directory for Worship, shall according to the order given by this Assembly, be most willingly performed by Us, who long extremely for the day when King and Parliament shall join for bringing to pass so great, so good a Work, That all Warres and Commotions ceasing, all Superstition, Idolatry, heresy, Sects, and schisms being removed; as the Lord is one▪ so his name may be one amongst us; and mercy ●nd truth, righteousness and peace meeting together, and kissing one another, may dwell in this island.    

Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642. Overtures for transplantation of Ministers, and provision of Schools, ordained by the late Assembly at ●dinburgh to be sent to Synods, and reported to this Assembly.   

Act Sess. XI▪ Edinb. August 5. 1641. These Overtures underwritten, anent the transporting of Ministers and Professors to Kirks and colleges, being red in audience of the A●sembly, and thereafter revised by a Committee appointed for that effect, The Assembly appoints them to he sent to the several Synods, to be considered by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the next general Assembly.  
I. NO transportation would be granted hereafter without citation of parties having interest( viz. the Minister who is fought and his Parish) to hear what they can oppose, and the matter is to come first to both the Presbyteries( viz. that wherein the Minister dwells, whose transportation is sought, and the other presbytery to which he is sought if the Kirks lie in several Presbyteries) and if the Presbyteries agree not, then the matter is to be brought to the Synod, or general Assembly( which of them shall first occur after such transportation is sought) and if the Synod( occurring first) agree not; or if there be appeal made from it, then the matter is to come to the general Assembly.  
II. A Minister may be transplanted from a particular Congregation( where he can onely do good to a part) to such a place, where he may benefit the whole Kirk of Scotland▪ because, in reason the whole is to be preferred to a part, such as Edinburgh.  
1. Because all the great Justice Courts sit there, as council, Session, Justice general, Exchequer, &c. and it concerns the whole Kirk, that these Fountains of Justice be kept clean, both in the point of Faith, and Manners.  
2. Because there is great confluence to Edinburgh, from time to time, of many of the chief Members of the whole kingdom, and it concerns the whole Kirk to have these well seasoned, who( apparently) are to be the Instruments of keeping this Kirk and kingdom in good temper.  
That this may be the more easily done, the Assembly first recommends to Edinburgh, that some young men of excellent spirits may be( upon the charges of the said Town) trained up, at home or abroad, toward the ministry from time to time. Secondly we mean not, that all the places of the ministry of Edinburgh be filled with Ministers to be transported by Authory of this Act, but only till they be provided of one Minister( transplanted by the Authority of the Assembly) for every Kirk in Edinburgh, and that the rest of the places be fillled either according to the general Rules of transportation for the whole kingdom, or by agreement with actual Ministers, and their Parishes, with consent of the presbytery or Synod, to the which they belong.  
III. In the next room, we find, that it is a transporting of Ministers for public good, that colleges,( having the profession of divinity) be well provided of professors.  
wherein the college of divinity in S. Andrews is first to be served without taking any Professors or Ministers out of Edinburg, Glasgow, or Aberdeen, and then the rest of the colleges, would be provided for, as their necessity shal require: yet( in respect of the present scarcity) it were good for the Universities to sand abroad for able and approved men, to be Professors of divinity, that our Ministers may be kept in their pastoriall charge as much as may be.  
Towns also wherein, colleges are, are very considerable in the matter of transportation.  
IV. Also Congregations, where Noblemen have chief residence are to be regarded, whether planted or un planted, and a care is to be had, that none be admitted Ministers where Popish Noblemen reside, but such as are able men( especially for controversies) by signt of the presbytery: and moreover it is necessary, that such Minesters as dwell where Popish Noblemen are, and are not able for controversies, that they be transported.  
V. They who desire the transportation of a Minister should be obliged to give reasons for their desire: Neither should any presbytery or Assembly, pass a sentence for transportation of any Minister, till they give reasons for the expediency of the same, both to him and his Congregation, & to the presbytery whereof he is a member. If they acquiesce to the reasons given, it is so much the better: if they do not acquiesce, yet the presbytery, or Assembly,( by giving such reasons before the pasting of their sentence) shal make it manifest, that what they do is not pro arbriratu, vel imperio onely, but upon grounds of reason.  
VI. Because there is such scarcity of Ministers having the Iris tongue, necessity requires, that when they be found in the Low-lands, they be transported to the High-lands: providing their condition be not made worse, but rather better by their transportation.  
VII. In the point of voluntary transportation, no Minister shal transact and agree with any Parish, to be transsported thereto, without a full hearing of him, and his Parish, before the presbytery to which he belongs in his present charge, or superior Kirk judicatories, if need shall be.  
VIII. The planting of vacant Kirks, is not to be ●yed to any( either Ministers, or Expectants) within a Presbyte●ie: but a free election is to be, according to the order of our Kirk, and laws of our kingdom.  
IX. The chief Burghs of the kingdom are to be desired to train up ●oung men of excellent spirits fo● the ministry, according to their power, as was recommended to Edinburgh: Which course will in time( God willing) prevent many transplantations.  

The Overtures underwritten anent the schools being likewise red in audience of the Assembly, they recommend the particulars therein mentioned, anent the providing of the maint●nance for School-masters▪ to the Parliament: And ●rdaine the rest to be sent to the Synods, to be considered by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the next General Assembly, as said is.  
I. EVery Parish would have a Reader and a school, where Children are to be bread, in readi●g, w●iting, and grounds of religion, according to the laudable Acts, both of Kirk and Parliament, made before.  
And where Grammar schools may be had, as in Burghs, and other considerable places,( among which all Presbyterial States are to be reputed) that they be erected, and held hand to.  
II. Anent these schools, every Minister with his Elde●s▪ sh●ll give account to the Presbyteries at the visitation of the Kirk: The Presbyteries are to make report to the synod, and the synod to the General Assembly, that Schools are planted, as above said, and how they are provided with men and means.  
III. And because this hath been most negl ●●in the High-lands, islands, and borders. Therefore the Ministers of every Parish are to instruct by their Commissioners, to the next General Assembly, that this course is begun betwixt and then: and they are further to certify from one general Assembly to another, whether this course is continued without omission, or not.  
IV. And because the means hitherto name or appointed for schools of all sorts, hath been both little, and ill payed, Therefore, beside former appointments,( the execution whereof is humbly desired, and to be petitioned for at the hands of His majesty and the Parliament) the Assembly would further supplicate this Parliament that they( in their wisdom) would find out how means shall be had for so good an use, especially that the Children of poor men,( being very capable of learning, and of good engines, may be trained up, according as the exigence and necessity of every place shall require. And that the Commissioners, who shall be name by this Assembly, to wait upon the parliament may be appointed to represent this to his majesty, and the Parliament, seeing His sacred majesty, by his gracious Letter hath put us in hope hereof, wherewith we have been much refreshed.  
V. The Assembly would supplicate the Parliament▪ that for youths of the finest and best spirits of the High-lands, and borders, maintenance may be allotted( as to Bursa●s, to be bread in Universities.  
VI. For the time and manner of visitation of schools, and contriving the best and most compendious and orderly course of teaching Grammar, we humbly desire the Assembly to appoint a Committee for that effect, who may report their diligence to the next General Assembly.  
The Overtures and Articles above-written being reported to this Assembly, after reading and serious consideration thereof, the Assembly approves the same, and ordains them to have the strength of an Act and ordinance of Assembly, in all time-coming.    

Sess. 11 5. August 1642. Act anent contrary Oathts.  
THe general Assembly finding the inconvenience of contrary Oaths in trying of Adulteries, Fornications, and other faul●s and ●chandals, do therefore for eviting there of, discharge Synods, Presbyteries and Sessions, to take Oath of both parties in all time hereafter, Recommending to them in the mean time all other order and ways of trial used in such cases: And that there may be a common order and course kept in this Kirk of trying of public scandals, The Assembly ordains the Pr●sbyteries to advi●e upon some common order herein till, and to report their judgements to the next Assembly.  

Overtures anent Family Exercises, catechizing▪ keeping of Synods and Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and other gross sins.  
The Committee supplicates the Assembly,  
I. TO urge the several Synods and Presbyteries, especially these of the North, that Family Exercise in Religion, visitation of the Churches, catechizing, ke●ping of the presbyterial and provincial meetings( both by Preaching and Ruling Elders) be more carefully observed.  
II. That the Clerk at least subscribe every Book before it come to the Assembly, and that every Act be noted on the margin, for a directory of expedition.  
III. That the Assembly would seriously study by all means and ways how to pro●ure the Magistra●es concurrence to kerb and punish these notorious vices which abound in the Land, especially in the No●●h●rn parts.  
The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaids, and ordains rhem to be observed: and for the last, the Assembly being confident of the readiness of the Judge Ordinar to restrain and punish these faults▪ Do therefore ordain all Presbyteries to give up to the Justice▪ the names of the Adulterers▪ incestu●us persons, Witches and ●orcerers and others guilty of such gross and fearful sins within their bounds that they may be Professed, and punished according to the Laws of this Kingdom; and that the Presbyteries and Synods be careful herein, as ●hey will answer to the general Assemblies ●nd because that Witch craft, Charming, and such lik●●roceeds man times from ignorance Therefore the Assembly ordains all Ministers, especially in these parts where these sins are frequent, to be diligently Preaching, Cathichosing, and conferring, to inform their people thereintill.    

Sess. 11. 5. Aug. 1642. Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in name of Ministers, without their knowledge and c n scents.  
THe general Assembly being informed, that after the Petition presented to the Lords of His Majesties privy council by the Noblemen Burgesses, and Ministers, occasionally met at ●dinburg the 31▪ day of May last by-●ast, had received a very gracious Answer, There was another Petition given in to their Lordships upon the 〈◇〉 day of june last, entitled, The Petition of the nobility, Gent●ie, Burrows, Menisters, and Commons: which as it was not accompanied with any one Minister to the Lords of privy council, so all the Ministers of this Assembly, disclaims and dis●voweth any knowledge thereof, or accession thereto And the Assembly conceiving that the Kings majesty Himself, and all the Courts and Judicatories of this kingdom may be deduled and abused, and the Kirk in general, and Ministers in particular injured and prejudged by the like practices hereafter, Do therefore prohibit and discharge all and every one to pretend or use the name of Ministers to any Petition, Declaration, or suchlike at any time hereafter, without their knowledge consent and assistance: And if any shal do the contrary, ordains Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies to proceed against them with the highest censures of the Kirk.   

Sess. XI. 5. Aug. 1642. Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of counsel, and Conservators of Peace.  
THe Assembly being most desirous to use all, and to omit no lawful mean or occasion to testify their zeal by dealing with God and man, for furtherance of their desires of Unity in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-government, And considering the great necessity, that the Kirk and State contribute jointly their best endeavours to this happy end: Therefore enjoins the Moderator, and the commissioners from the Assembly, to supplicate with all earnestn●sse and respect, the Lords of his Majesties Honourable privy council, and likewise the Commissioners appointed by His majesty, and the Parliament, for conservation of the Peace, that they may be pleased to concur with th● Kirk in the like desires to His Majesty and the Parliament of England, and in the like directions to the Commissioners of this kingdom, at London for the time, that by all possible means, Civill, and ecclesiastic, this blessed work may be advanced, and a happy settling betwixt His majesty and His Parliament, may be endeavoured, and the common Peace betwixt the kingdoms continued and strengthened.   

Sess. XI. Aug 5. 1642. The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Mastie for the Signator of 500 ●. Sterling, and recommendation thereof to the Kings Commissioner.  
THe general Assembly having received the Report of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late Assembly, and specially that His Majesty was graciously pleased, upon their humble Petition, solemnly to promise and declare under his royal hand, his pious resolution and dedication of 500. l. sterling, out of the readiest of his Rents and revenues, to be employed yearly on public necessary and pious uses of the Kirk, at the sight of the general Assem●ly, as his majesty ●racious answer of the 3. of January, 1642 registrate in their books at Hi● Majesties own desire, for their further assurance of his Majesties pious zeal, doth mor● fully proport. Like●s being informed that His majesty was graciously pleased to sign and sand down to the Kirk the Signator of th● said 500. l. yearly to have past the Exchequer, alb●it the samine is not as yet delivered; And considering His Ma●esties pious directions to them by his Majes●ies Letter to plant and visit the utmost skirts and borders of the kingdom, as most necessary for the glory of God, the good of the Kirk, and His Majesties honour, and service, which is only stopped by the want of charges for public visitations, And withall to remonstrate to His majesty by His Commissioner, their just and necessary desires for what may further serve to the good of Religion, whereunto His Majesties Commissioner promised his best endeavours and assistance. Therefore the Assembly doth most earnestly recommend to His Majesties Commissioner to represent to His majesty, with his best assistance, the humble and necessary desires of the whole Assembly, that His majesty will be graciously pleased to command that Signator, already signed by His royal hand( or to sign another of the samine tenor, whereof they deliver the just double to his Maj Commissioner for that effect) to be sent to this Kingdom, and delivered to the Commissioners from this Assembly, who are to fit at Edinburgh, or to the Procurator of the Kirk, whereby his majesty shall more and more oblige this whole Kirk to pray for a bless●ing from Heaven upon His Royal Person and Government.   

Sess. 11. 5. Aug. 1642. The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at London-  
Right Honourable,  
WE have received your Lordships ●etter, with the Declaration of the Parliament of England, and have sent this Noble bearer to His Majesty with our humble Supplication, and to your Lordships with our Answer, earnestly desiring Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, to be presented by your Lordships, and this Noble bearer to the Honourable Houses of Parliament. Your Lordships will perceive by the enclosed Copies, and by our desires to His Majesties honourable privy council and Commissioners for the conservation of the Peace, to join their best endeavours with his majesty and the Parliament, and their directions to your Lordships, by our leaving a Commission behind us, to concur with them in all ecclesiastic ways, and by our appointing public Prayers, and a solemn Fast through this Kirk, for the furtherance of this great work of Reformation, and continuance of the common Peace, that this Unity in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-government is the chiefest of our desires, prayers and cares: Where unto as we have been encouraged by the faithful labours of the Commissioners of this Kingdom in the late Treaty, and continued and renewed by your Lordships; so we are assured, that your Lordships will omit no lawful mean, argument, or occasion of seconding the same there, And advertising our Commissioners at Edinburgh, wherein they may further concur with your Lordships, for the furtherance of the Work, which tends so much to the glory of God advancement of Christs Kingdom, increase of the honour and happiness of our sovereign, and the peace and welfare of these Kingdoms, whereby your Lordsships will oblige this Kirk more and more to prie for a blessing on your persons and travels, and to rest.  
Yours in the Lord The Commissioners of the general Assembly. S. Andrews 5. Aug. 1642.  

A Letter from some Ministers of England.  
Reverend and welbeloved in our Lord and Saviour.  
WE received with much joy and satisfaction, the Answer which your General Assembly vouchsafed us to our Letters of the last year. Some of us in the name of our Brethren, thought it then fit by Mr. Alexander Henderson( a Brother so justly approved by you, and honoured by us) to return our deserved thanks. And we now further think it equal upon this occcasion, to make a more public acknowledgement of such a public favour. You were then pleased to give us fair grounds, to expect that brotherly advice and endeavours, which the common cause of Christ, and the mutual interest of the united Nations, command us now again to ask, if not to challenge. We doubt not but your experience, together with your intelligence, abundantly in forms you of our condition, what various administrations of providence we have passed through and we still lie betwixt hopes and fears, a fit temper for working; the God of all grace enable us to improve it. As our hopes are not such as may make us fear, so neither do our fears prevail, to the casting away our confidence. Your own late condition, together with this Declaration of ours present, may acquaint you with the certain, though subtle, authors & fomentors of these our confused conflicts: which we conceive to be the Hierachical faction, who have no way to peace & safety, but through the trouble & danger of others. Our prayers and endeavours, according to our measure, have been and shall be for the supplanting and rooting up whatsoever we find so prejudicial to the establishment of the kingdom of Christ, and the peace of our sovereign And that this Declaration of ourselves may not leave you unsatisfied, we think it necessary further to express, That the desire of the most godly and considerable part amongst us, is, That the Presbyterian Government, which hath just and evident Foundation both in the Word of God, and religious reason, may be established amongst us, and that( according to your intimation) we may agree in one confession of Faith, one directory of Worship, one public catechism and form of government: Which things, if they were accomplished, we should much rejoice in our happy subjection to Christ our Head, and ou● desired association with you our beloved br●thren. For the better effecting whereof, we thought it necessary, not only to acquaint you with what our desires are in themselves, but l●k●wise to you, that is, That what way shall seem most fit to the wisdom of that grave and religious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance of our endeavours in this kind. We understand that our Parliament hath been before hand with us in this intimation, and it cannot but be our duty, who are so much concerned in the businenesse, to add what power the Lord hath given us with you to he same purpose. This design and desire of ours hath enemies on the Left-hand; and dissenting brethren on the Right; but we doubt not, that as our hearts justify us that our intentions are right, and such as we conceive tend most to the glory of God, and the peace of the Churches of the Saints; so( by your brotherly concurrence in the most speedy and effectual way you can find out) the Work will in Gods due, time receive a prayed for, hoped for issue We shall not need by many arguments from mutual national interest( though we know you will not overlook them) to enforce this request, the firm bond wherewith we are all united in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured will alone engage your faithful endeavours in this business. To him we commit you, with these great and important affairs you have in hand. Be pleased to accept of these as the expression of the mindes of our many godly and faithful Brethren, whose hearts we doubt not of, neither need you, though their hands in regard of the suddenness of this opportunity could not be subscribed together with ours, who are.  
Your most affectionate Friends and Brethren in the work of the Lord. London, 22. July, 1642.   

Answer to the Ministers Letter.  
Right Reverend and beloved in the Lord Jesus.  
BY our Answer to the Declaration sent unto us from the honourable Houses of Parliament, ye may perceive that your Le●ter which came into our hands so seasonably, was not only acceptable unto us, but hath also encouraged us to renew both to the Kings majesty and the Houses of Parliament, The desires of the late Commissioners of this kingdom for Unity in Religion, in the four particulars remembered by you, we cannot be ignorant but the opposition from Satan and worldly men in Kirk and Policy, will still be vehement as it hath heen already, But we are confident through our Lord Jesus Christ, that the prayers and endeavours of the godly in both Kingdoms, will bring the work to a wished, and blessed Issue. This whole national Kirk is so much concerned in that Reformation and Unity of Religion in both kingdoms, that without it we cannot hope for any long time to enjoy our purity and peace, which hath cost us so dear, and is now our chiefest comfort and greatest treasure: Which one cause( beside the Honour of God, and the happiness of the People of God in that kingdom, more desired of us then Our lives) is more then fufficient to move us, To contribute all that is in our power for bringing it to pass. And since we have with so great liberty made our desires and hopes known both to King and Parliament, it is a duty incombent both to you and us, who make mention of the Lord, and are Watch-men upon the Walls of Jerusalem, never more to keep silence nor to hold our peace day nor night, till the righteousness of Sion go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And if it shall please the Lord to move the hearts of King and Parliament, to harken unto the motion, for which end we have resolved to keep a solemn Fast and Humiliation in all the Kirks of this kingdom, the mean by which we have pevailed in times past, we wish that the Work may be begun with speed, and prosecuted with diligence by the join▪ labours of some Divines in both Kingdoms, who may prepare the same for the view and examination of a more frequent ecclesiastic meeting of the best affencted to Reformation there, and of the Commissioners of the General Assembly here, that in end it may have the approbation of the general Assembly here, and of all the Kirks there, in the best way that may be, we wish & hope at last in a national Assembly; Our Commissioners at Edinburgh, shall in our name receive and return answers for promoving so great a Work, which we with our heart and our soul recommend to the blessing of God, we continue,  
Your loving brethren and fellow-labourers,   

Act for the Lord Maitlands presenting the Assemblies Supplication to His majesty, and for going to the Commissioners at London, with the Answer to the Parliament of Englands Declaration.  
THe General Assembly considering the necessity of sending some person of good worth & quality for to present their humble Supplication to His majesty, and to deliver their directions to the Commishoners of this Kingdom, now at London, with their Declaration to the Parliament of England, and Answer to some well-affected Ministers of that Kirk: And having certain knowledge of the worth ability, and faithfulness of John Lord Maitland, one of their number, who being witness to all their intentions and proceedings, can best relate their true loyalty and respect to their sovereign, and brotherly affection to the Kirk and Kingdom of England therein; Therefore do unanimously require his Lordships pains, by repairing to Court and to London for the premises, which hereby they commit to this diligence and fidelity, willing his Lordship to make account of his proceedings herein to their Commissioners appointed to sit at Edinburgh.    

Sess. 8. 5. August. post meridiem: Commission for public affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting the desires of this Assembly to His majesty, and the Parliament of England.  
THe General Assembly considering the laudable customs of this Kirk for to appoint some Commissioners in the interim betwixt Assemblies, for presenting of Overtures and prosecuting the other desires of the Kirk to His majesty, the Lords of His council, and the Estates of Parliament; And taking to their consideration the present condition of the Kirk of England, with the Declaration thereof sent down from the Parliament, and some received Brethren of the ministry there, with their own Answer to the Parliament and ministry, and their humble Supplication to His majesty for Unity of Religion and Uniformity of Kirk-government. And withall remembering their desires to the Honourable Lords of His Majesties secret council, and to the Commissioners appointed by the King and Parliament, for conservation of the common Peace, That they would join their concourse in their desires to His majesty and Parliament, and directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at London for the time. And likewise considering their good hopes from Gods gracious favour to this iceland, that by his good providence he will in his own way and time it settle this great Work through this whole Ile; And that it is both our learnest desire and Christian duty to use all lawful means and ecclesiastic ways for furtherance of so great a Wo●k, continuance of the common peace betwixt these nations, and keeping a brotherly coorrespondence betwixt ●hese Kirks. Therfore the Assembly thinks it necessary before their dissolving, to appoint, and by these Present do nominate and appoint, Masters, Andrew R msay, Alex. Henderson, Robert Dowglas. William Col●ill. William Bennet M●n●sters at Edin●urgh, Mr. William Arthur Ministers at St. Cuthbert, Mr James Robertson, Jo●n Logan, Robert Lighton▪ C●mmissioners from Dalkeith to this Assembly: Masters, Andrew Blackhall, James Fleeming▪ Robert Ker, Commission●rs from Hadingtoun to this Assembly: Masters, George Hamilton, Robert ●lair; Arthur Mortoun, David Dalgl●ish, Andrew Bennet, W lter Greg, John Moncreff, John Smith, George Gillespie, John Row, John Duncan, Walter ●ruce, Co●missioners for the Presbyteries within the Province of Fyffe: Mr. David Calderwood Minister at Pencaitland, Mr. John Adamson principal of the college of Edinburgh, Mr. John strange principal of the college of Glasgow, Mr. David Dikson Mr. James Bonar, Mr. Robert Bailie, Mr John Bell, Mr Robert Ramsay, Mr George Young, Mr. Henry Guthrie, Mr. Samuel Oustein, Mr. John Robertson Minister at S. Johnstoun, M John Robertson Minister at Dundie M John Hume Minister at Eckills, Mr Andrew Cant. Mr William Guild, Mr. Samuel Ruthersurd, Mr. James Martin, M. Alexander Monroe, M. Robert Murray, Mr. John Maclellan▪ Andrew Doncanson, Mr. Silvester Lambie, Mr Gilbert Ross, ministers: marquis of Argile, earls of Lauderdaile, Glencarne, Kinghorne, Eglintoun▪ Weemes, Cassils: Lords Gordoun, Maitland, Balcarras. Sir Patrick Hepburne of Wauchtoun, Sir David Hum● of Wedderburne, Sir David Creightoun of Lugtoun, Sir David Barclay of Cullearnie, John Henderson of Fordell Mr. George Winrame of Libertoun, Sir Robert Drummond, Sir William Carmichaell, John Binnie, Thomas Paterson▪ John Sempill, John Kennedy of Air, John ●eslie from Aberdeen, William Gl●ndinning Provest of Kirkubright, John Colzear, Ruling Elders, with the concourse of the Pro●urator of the Kirk: and grants to them full Power and Commission in this interim, betwixt and the next Assembly, for to meet and convene at Edinburgh upon the 17. day of this month of August, and upon any other day, or in any other place, as they shall think convenient: And being met and convened, or any fifteen of them, there being always twelve Ministers present: With full power for to consider and perform what they find necessary for the ministery, by preaching, supplicating, prepairing of draughts of one Confession, one catechism, one directory of public Worship( which are always to be revised by the next general Assembly) and by all other lawful & ecclesiastic ways, for furtherance of this great Work in the Union of this island in Religion and Kirk-government, and for continuance of our own peace at home, and of the common peace betwixt the Nations, and keeping of good correspondence betwixt the Kirks of this island. Like as if it shall please God to bless the prayers and endeavours of his Saints for this blessed Union, and that if either the Lords of council, or Commissioners for the Peace shall require their concourse at home or abroad, by sending Commissioners with theirs to His Majesty and Parliament for that effect, or that they themselves shall find it necessary; The Assembly grants full power to them, not only to concur by all lawful and ecclesiastic ways, with the council and Conservators of the Peace at home, but also to sand some to present and prosecute their desires and humble advice to His Majesty and the Parliament, and the ministery there, for the furthering and perfecting of so good and great a work. Like as, with power to them to promove rheir other desires, overtures and recommendations of this Assembly, to the Kings majesty, Lords of council, Session, Exchequer, and Commissioners of Parliament, for plantation of Kirks, for common bu●dens, or conservation of the common peace, and to the Parliament of this Kingdom, in case it fall out pro re nata before the next Assembly. And such like, with as full power to them to proceed, treat a●d determine in any other matters to be committed to them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein particularly insert, and with as ample power to proceed in the matters particularly or generally above-mentioned, as any Commissioners of general Assemblies have had, and have been in use of before: They being always comptable to, and censurable by the next general Assembly, for their proceedings thereanent.   

Sess. 13. 6. Aug. 1642. A Petition from some distressed Professors in Ireland. To the reverend and right Honourable the Moderator and remanent members of the general Assembly of Scotland, convened at S. Andrews, July 1642. The humble Petition of the most part of the Scottish Nation in the North of Ireland, in their own names, and in name of the rest of the Protestants there.  
Humbly sheweth,  
THat where your Petitioners, by the great blessing of the Lord, enjoyed for a little while a peaceable and fruitful ministery of the Gospel, yet through our own abuse of so rich a mercy, and through the tyranny of the Prelates, we have been a long time spoiled of our Ministers( a yoke to many of us heavier then death) who being chased into Scotland, were not altogether un-usefull in the day of your need; And we having been since oppressed and scattered, as sheep who have no shepherd, now at last the wise and righteous hand of the Lord, by the sword of the Rebels, hath bereft us of our friends, and spoiled us of our goods, & left us but a few, and that a poor handful of many, and hath chased from us the rest that were called our Ministers; the greatest part whereof we colud scarce esteem such as being rather Officers to put the prelates Injunctions in execution, then feeders of our souls: So that now being visited with sword and sickness, and under some apprehension of famine, if withall we shall taste of the sorest of all plagues, to be altogether deprived of the ministry of the Word, we shall become in so much a worse condition then any Pagans, as that once we enjoyed a better: Neither know we what hand to turn us to for help, but to the Land so far obliged by the Lords late rare mercies, and so far enriched to furnish help of that kind; a Land whence many of us drew our blood and breath and where( pardon the necessary boldness) some of o●r own Ministers now are, who were so violently plucked from us, so sore against both their own and our wills; yea, the Land that so tenderly in their bosoms received our poor out-casts, and that hath already seu● us so rich a supply of able and prosperous Souldiers to revenge our wrong.  
Therefore, although we know that your zeal and brotherly affection would urge you to take notice without our advertisement, yet give us leave in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, to entreat, if there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the spirit, if any bowels of mercy, that now in this neck of time, when the sword of the enemy making way for a more profitable entertaining the Gospel, having also banished the Prelates, and their followers, when our extremity of distreste, and the fair hopes of speedy settling of peace, hath opened so fair a door to the Gospel, you would take the cause of your younger sister, that hath no breasts, to your serious consideration, and pity poor Macedonians crying to you that ye would come over and help us, being the servants of the God of your Fathers, and claiming interest with you in a common Covenant, that according to the good hand of God upon us, ye may sand us Ministers for the house of our God. We do not take upon us to prescribe to you the way or the number, but in the view of all, the finger of the Lord points at these, whom though persecution of the prelates drew from us, yet our interest in them could not be taken away, wherein we trust in regard of several of them, called home by death, your bounty will super-adde some able men of your own that may help to lay the foundation of Gods house, according to the Pattern But for these so unjustly rest from us, not only our necessity, but equity pleads, that either you would sand them all over, which were a Work to be parallelled to the glories of the Primitive times, or at least that ye would declare them transportable, that when Invitators shall be sent to any of them, wherein they may discern a call from God; there may be no difficulty in their losing from thence, but they may come back to perfect what they began, and may get praise and famed in the Land, where they were put to shane. Neither are you to question your power over us so to do, or crave a president of your own practise in that kind, for our extraordinary need calling on you, furnisheth you with a power to make this a president for the like cases hereafter: herein if you shall lay aside the particular concernment of some few places, which you may easily out of your rich Nurseries plant again, and make use of your public spirits, which are not spent, but increases by your so many noble designs; you shall leave upon us and our posterity the stamp of an obligation that cannot be delete, or that cannot be expressed; you shall sand to all the neighbouring Churches a pattern, and erect for after-ages a monument of self-denying tender zeal; you shall disburden the Land of the many outcasts, who will follow over their Ministers; and you shall make it appear, that the churlish bounty of the prelates, which at first cast some of these men over to us, is not comparable with the cheerful liberality of a rightly constitute General Assembly, to whom we are persuaded, the Lord will give seed fort he loan which you bestow on the Lord; yea, the day may come, when a General Assembly in this Land may return to you the first fruits of thanks, for the plants of your free gift. And although you were scant of fu●niture of this kind yourselves, or might apprehended more need then formerly, yet doubtless, your bowels of compassion would make your deep poverty even in a great trial of affliction, abound to the riches of your liberality. But now seeing you abound in all things, and have formerly given so ample a proof of your large bestowing on Churches abroad in germany and France knowing that you are not wearied in well-doing, we confidently promise to ourselves in your name, that ye will abound in this g●ace also, following the example of our Lord and the Primitive Churches, who always sent out Disciples in pairs. But if herein our hopes shall fail us, we shall not know whether to wish that we had died with our Brethren by the Enemies hand; for we shall be as if it were said unto us, go serve other Gods; Yet looking for another kind of Answer at your hands, for in this you are to us as an Angel of God, we have sent th●se beaters, M. John Gordoun, and M. Hugh campbel our Brethren, who may more particularly in form you of our case, and desire that at their return, they may refresh the bows of  
Your most instant and earnest Supplicants.  

Commission to some Ministers to go to Ireland.  
THe Assembly having received a Petition, subscribed by a considerable number in the North of Ireland, intimating their deplorable condition, through want of the ministery of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyranny of the prelates, and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some Ministers, especially such as had been chased from them, by the persecution of the prelates, and some others to be added, either to be sent presently over to reside amongst them, or declared transportable, that upon invitation from them they might go and settle there; together with some particular Petitions, desiring the return of some particular Ministers, who had laboured there before: All which the Assembly hath taken to their serious consideration, being most hearty willing to sympathise with every member of Christs Body, although never so remote; much more with that Plantation there, which for the most part was a Branch of the Lords Vine, planted in this Land. In which solicitude, as they would be loathe to usurp without their own bounds or stretch themselves beyond their ounmeasure; so they dare not be wanting, to the enlargement of Christs kingdom, where so loud a cry of so extreme necessity, could not but stir up the bowels of Christian compassion. And although they conceive that the present unsettled condition both of Church, and State, and Land, will not suffer them as yet to loose any to make constant abode there; yet they have resolved to sand over some for the present exigent till the next Gen. Assembly, by courses to stay there four moneths allanerly: And therefore do hereby authorize and give Commission to the persons following, to wit, M. Robert Blair, Minister at S. Andrews, and M. James Hamilton, Minister at Dumfreis for the first four moneths: M. Robert Ramsay, Minister at Glasgow, and M. John Mac●elland, Minister at Kirkudbright, for the next four moneths: And to M. Robert bailie, Professor of divinity in the university of Glasgow, and M. John Levistoun, Minister of Stranraire, for the last four moneths: To repair into the North of Ireland, and there to visit, comfort, instruct and encourage the scattered flocks of Christ, to employ to their uttermost with all faithfulness and singleness of heart, in plantting and watering, according to the direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the doctrine and discipline of this Church in all things, And if need be( with concurrence of such of the Ministers of the Army as are there) to try and ordain such as shall be found qualified for the ministery, Giving charge unto the persons foresaid in the sight of God, that in Doctrine, in Worship, in Discipline, and in their daily conversation, they study to approve themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ, and that they be comptable to the General Assembly of this Kirk, in all things. And in case if any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by sickness, or otherwise necessary detained from this service, the Assembly ordains the Commissioners residing at Edinburgh, for the public affairs of the Church, to nominate in their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorised to undertake the foresaid employment, as if they had been expressly nominate in the face of the Assembly. And this, although possibly it shall not fully satisfy the large expectation of the Brethren in Ireland, yet the Assembly is confident they will take in good part at this time, that which is judged most convenient for their present condition, even a lent mite out of their own, not very great plenty, to supply the present necessity; requiring of them no other recompense, but that they in all cheerfulness may embrace and make use of salvation, and promising to enlarge their indebted bounty at the next Assembly, as they shall find the Wo●ke of the Lord there to require. In the mean while, wishing that these who are sent, may come with the full blessing of the Gospel and peace, and recommending them, their labours, and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing of the great Shepherd of the flock.    

Sess. 13. 6. August 1642. Act against slandering of Ministers.  
THe General Assembly considering the malice of divers Persons in raising calumnies and scandals against Ministers, which is not onely injurious to their persons, and discreditable to the holy calling of the ministery, but doth also prove often a great prejudice and hindrance to the promoving of the Gospel: do therefore ordain Presbyteries and Synods to proceed diligently in process against all persons, that shall reproach or scandal Ministers, with the censures of the Kirk, even to the highest, according as they shall find the degree or quality of the scandal deserve.  

Act anent ordering of the Assembly House.  
THe Assembly for better order in time coming ordains the Act of the Assembly at Aberdeen for ordering the House of the Assembly to be kept hereafter punctually. And for that effect, that the samine be read the first Session of every Assembly.   

Act for remembering in public Prayers the desires of the Assembly to the King and Parliament, and indiction of a public Fast.  
THe General Assembly being desirous to promove the great work of Unity in Religion, and Uniformity in Church-government, in all their three Dominions, for which the Assembly hath humbly supplicate the Kings majesty, and remonstrate their desires to the Parliament of England, lest they should be wanting in any mean that may further so glorious and so good a work: do ordain, that not only the said Declaration to the Parliament, and supplication to the Kings majesty, shall be accompanied with the earnest Petition, and prayers of the whole Brethren in private and public, for the Lords blessing ●hereunto, according to the laudable custom of our predecessors, who in the year of God 1589. ordains that the Brethren in their private and public prayers, recommend unto God the estate of the afflicted Church of England: But having just cause of fear, that the iniquities of the Land, which so much abount, may mar this so great a Work, do also ordain a solemn Fast to be kept on the second Lords Day of September, and the Wednesday following throughout the whole kingdom for the causes after specified.  
I. gross ignorance and all sort of wickedness among the greater part, security, mere formality and unfruitfulness among the best, and unthankfulness in all.  
II. The sword raging throughout all christendom, but most barbarously in Ireland, and daily more and more threatened in England, through the lamentable division betwixt the King and the Parliament there, tending to the subversion of Religion and Peace in all the three kingdoms.  
III. That God may graciously bless the Supplication of the Assembly to the Kings Majesty, and their motion to the Parliament o England, for unity in Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government, and all other means which may serve for the promo●ing of so great a work, and advancement of the kingdom of Christ every where.  
IV. That God may powerfully overturn all wicked plots and designs of Antichrist and his followers, and all divisive motions against the course of Reformation, and the so much longed for Union of the King and Parliament.  
V. That God may bless the harvest.   

Reference from the presbytery of Kirkcaldie.  
ANent the Acts of Assemblies, for observation of the Lords Day, profaned by going of salt-pannes, That this Assembly would declare the limits of the Sabbath●, during which the tyrants should stand.   

THe Assembly refers the Answer of this question, to the ●●●s of former, Assemblies.   

Reference frrom the synod of Fyffe.  
THat the provincial of Angus keep their meeting on the same day with the Synod of Fyffe, which breaks the correspondence between them, appointed by the General Assembly of Glasgow.   

ANSWER.  
THe Assembly ordains the provincial Assembly of Angus to keep their first meeting upon the third Tuesday of April, comforme to the Act of the said Assembly of Glasgow.   

Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries against the next Assembly.  
HOW Appeals shall be brought into the general Assemblies, and by what sort of citation.  
What shall be the prescription of scandals, within what space of time shall they be challenged, whether after three years, the Minister having been allowed and approved in life and doctrine by Synods, Presbyteries, and Visitations.  
What order shall be taken for keeping general Assemblies, when Presbyteries sand not the full number of Commissioners: Or when the Commissioners abide not until the conclusion and dissolving of the Assembly.  
Order to be advised for Testimonials.   

THe Assembly appoints be next general Assembly to hold at Edinburgh, the first Wednesday of August, 1643.     

THE general ASSEMBLY,  

Sess. 1. August 2. 1643.  

The Kings Letter to the General Assembly Presented by his Majesties Commissioner Sir Thomas Hope of Craighall Knight, His Majesties Advocate.  
CHARLES R.  
trusty and well-beloved, We greet you well. The time now approaching for the holding of the general Assembly of Our Kirk of Scotland, and We having appointed Sir Thomas Hope Our Advocate to be Our Commissioner there; We thought good to present him there with these Our Letters, and to take this occasion to mind you of the duty which you owe to Us your sovereign, and to the peace of that Our Native kingdom. How far We have lately extended Our grace and favour towards satisfaction of your humble desires, there is not any amongst you but may well remember: And therefore in this conjuncture of Our affairs, it is but reasonable that We expect from you such moderation in the dutiful proceedings of this Assembly, as may concur with our Princely inclinations and desires, to preserve that Kirk and that our kingdom in peace; having well observed that alterations in points of Religion, are often the inlets to civill dissensions, and the hazard, if not overthr●w of both Kirk and kingdoms. Therefore of Our great affection and special tenderness to your peace( who of all Our Dominions are yet happy therein to the envy of others) We conjure and require you in the fear of God, and obedienee of Us his Vicegerent, that your endeavours and consultations tend onely to preserve peace and quietness among you. And so We bid you farewell.  
Given at Our Court at Oxford the 22. day of July, 1643. To our right trusty and well-beloved Cou●sellour, Sir Thomas Hope Knight, our Advocate general and Our Commissioner at the general ●ssembly of the Kirk in Our kingdom of Scotland, and to the rest of the said Assembly now convened.    

Sess. 2. August 3. 1643. Overtures anent Bills, References, and appeals.  
I. THat all Bills whatsoever of particular concernment, whereunto all parties having interest are not cited, should be rejected.  
II. That all ●ills be first presented to the inferior Judicatories of the Kirk, who may com●etently consider of them, and from them be orderly and gradatim brought to the Assembly, according to the orde● pre●cribed for Appellations in the Assembly of Edinburgh, 1639. in the 24. Sess. August 30.  
III. That the said Act of Assembly 1639. anent Appellations, be also extended to References.  
IV. In Appellations and References of particular concernment, if all parties having interest, have been present in the inferior judicatory when the Appeal and Reference was made, then there is no necessity of ci●ation. But in case of their absence, citation of parties is so necessar, that if it be wanting, Appellations and References should not be received.  
V. That comform to former Acts of Assemblies; Appellations post sententiam be made within ten dayes after the sentence, and otherwise not to be respected.  
The Assembly ordains their Overtures to be given to the several Cmomittees for their direction.   

Sess. 3. August 4. 1643. Act for election of professors to be Commissioners to Assemblies by Presbyteries.  
THe Assembly thinks, if professors of divinity in Universities be Ministers, that they may be chosen Commissioners to the general Assembly, either by the presbytery as Ministers or by the university as professors of divinity.   

Sess. 4. Aug. 5. 1643. The Petition of the distressed professors in Ireland for Ministers. To the reverend and honeurable moderator and remanent Members of the General Assembly of Scotland, convened at Edinburgh, Aug. 1643. The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland.  
Humbly sheweth,  
THat whereas you were pleased the last Year to take notice of our Petition, and conceived so favuorable an act in our behalf, from our hearts we bless the Lord God of our Fathers, who put such a thing as this in your heart, to begin in any sort to beautify the House of the Lord amongst us: doubtless you have brought upon yourselves the blessing of them who consider the poor; the Lord will certainly deliver you in the time of trouble. We trust no distance of place, no length of time, no pressure of affliction, yea, nor smiling of prosperity, shall delete out of our thankful memories the humble acknowledgement of your so motherly care: in drawing out your breasts, yea, your souls to satisfy the hungry: although we have been beaten with the sword, bitten with famine, our own wickedness correcting us, our back-slidings reproving us, yet we have not to far forgotten the Lords ancient love, but that our hearts were brought to a little reviving in the midst of our bondage, by the ministry of these, who at your direction made a short visit amongst us. We know you did not conceive it expedient at that time, to loose any for full settling here, till the waters of the bloody inundation were somewhat abated, and prohability might be of some comfortable abode, which we through the Lords revenging hand, pursuing our enemies, and the vigilancy of your victorious Army, is in a great measure attained unto. Whatsoever might have detained some of these whom ye directed to us, whose stay made our expectation prove abortive, we shall ascribe it to our own abuse of such treasure, and want of spiritual hunger, occasioned justly through the want of food; And yet that same dis-appointment, together with your faithful promise of enlarging your indebted bounty, which is put upon record in all our hearts, hath made us conceive the seed of a lively expectation, that you will now no more put your bounty, and the means of our life, into the hazard of such frustrations, but will once for all, bostow an ample and enduring blessing. And of this we are so much the more confident, because our former svit was not denied but delayed: only we fear, if a new delay be procured, till all things be fully settled, that the observing of wind and clouds, shall hinder both sowing and reaping. And in the mean time, the Prelates and their Faction may step in and invest themselves of their old tyranny over our consciences, who if they once shall see us possessed of our own Inheritance, those Canaanites dare not offer to thrust us out. By all appearance, if the jesuits had any hope to find welcome amongst us, they had provided us fully ere now with their poisoned plants, Our hearts abhor the checking or suspecting of your proceedings, yet it is lawful to learn sometime from our enemy: But in this you have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago, and thereby have engaged yourselves to perfect your own beginnings, and bring us out of our orphan condition. We are fallen in your lap, this ruin must be under your hand; you cannot pretend want of bread or clothing, you must be healers: We have chosen you curators to your little young sister that wants breasts; there is none in earth to take her out of your hand, for we will not, nor cannot hid i● from your Honours and wisdom, that we want bread, and must not only, as before, have a bit for our present need, but also seed to sow the Land.  
It is therefore our humble and earnest desire, that you would yet again look on our former Petition, and your own obligatory Act, and at least declare your consent, that a competent number of our own Ministers may be loosed to settle here, and break bread to the children that lie fanting at the head of all streets, which although it may be accounted bu● a restoring of what we lost, and you have found, yet we shall esteem it as the most precious gift that earth can afford. When they are so loosed, if they find not all things concurring to clear Gods calling, it will be in their hand to forbear and you have testified your bounty. But oh for the Lord● sake, do not kill our dying souls, by denying th●se ou● necessar desires. There are about twelve or fourteen waste congregations on this nearnest cost: let us have at least a competent number that may erect Christs throne of discipline, and may help to bring in others, and then shall we sing, that the people who were left of the sword, have found grace in the wilderness. We have sent these our brethren, Sir Robert Adair of Kinhilt Knight, and Willtam Mackenna of Bel fast merchant, to attend an answer from you, who have attained that happiness to be lenders and not borrowers, and to present the hearty longing affections of  
Your most obliged and more expecting brethren and servants. Subscribed by very many hands.   

Sess. 6. August 8. 1643. Acts for subscribing the Covenant.  
THe General Assembly considering the good and pious advice of the Commissioners of the last Assembly, upon the 22. of September, 1642 post meridiem, recommending to Presbytries, to have Copies of the Covenant to be subscribed by every Minister at his admission, doth therefore ratify and approve the famine. And further ordains, that the Covenant be reprinted, with this Ordinance prefixed thereto, and that every Synod, presbytery, and Paroch, have one of them bound in quarto, with some blank paper, whereupon every person may be obliged to subscribe: And that the Covenants of the Synod and presbytery be keeped by their moderators respectivè of Universities by their Principals, of parochs by their Ministers, with all carefulness. And that particular account of obedience to this Act, be required hereafter in all visitations of parochs, Universittes, and Presbyteries, and all trials of Presbyteries and Synod books.  

THe General Assembly considering that the Act of the Assembly at Edinburgh, 1639. August 30. enjoining all persons to subscribe the Covenant, under all Ecclesiastical censure, hath not been obeied: Therefore ordains all Ministers to make intimation of the said Act in their Kirks, and thereafter to proceed with the censures of the Kirk against such as shall refuse to subscribe the Covenant. And that exact account be taken of every Ministers diligence hereintil by their Presbyteries and Synods, as they will answer to the General Assembly.    

Sess. 7. August 9. 1643: Act for searching Books tending to Separation.  
THe general Assembly considering the recommendation of the Commissioners of the late Assembly at S. Andrews, upon the 12 of May last, to every Minister within their several bounds; especially to Ministers upon the coasts, or where there is Harbourie and Ports. to try and search for all books tending to Separation: And finding the same most necessar, do therefore ordain that recommendation to have the strength of an ordinary Act of Assembly: And that every Minister be careful to try and search if any such books be brought to this country from beyond seas, and if any shall be found, to present the famine to Presbyteries, that some course may be taken to hinder the dispersing thereof: And earnestly recommend to the Civil Magistrates, to concur with their authority in all things, for effectual execution hereo●.  

Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last Assembly.  
THe general Assembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed to consider the proceedings of the Commishoners of the late Assembly at S Andrews; ●fter mature deliberation, and serious consideration thereof, finds the whole Acts, Conclusions and Proceedings of the saids Commissioners, contained in a Book and Re●i●ter, subscribed by Mastar Andrew Ker their Clerk, a●d by Master David Lindsay Medetatour, and Master James Hamilton Clerk to the said Committe, to declare much wisdom, diligence, vigilancy, and every way commendable zeal and fidelity in doing and discharging every thing according to their Commission.    

Sess. 8. August 10. 1643. Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to a Committee, to be presented by them to Assembly.  
WE the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, desire your Lordships, and the rest of this reverend Committee, to represent to the reverend the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, that we are commanded.  
To aclowledge with all thankfulness to God, their zeal for purging and reforming Religion, and care not only to prevent the growth, but utterly to extirpate the relics of Popery: And also the great blessing of Almighty God upon their so constant and faithful endeavours, thus far establishing them in truth and peace, together with their labour of love, to procure the like happiness to our Church and Nation.  
To give them an account of their earnest desire and endeavour to see the same Work promoted and perfected among ourselves; which though it hath been opposed and retarded by the industrious malice of the Popish, prelatical, and malignant party, yet through Gods goodness it hath so far prevailed, as to produce the removal of the High Commission, the making voided the coe●cive power of the Prelates and their Courts, The ejection of the Bishops from the House of Peers, the turning out of many scandalous Ministers, Besides that they have passed and presented to his majesty divers Bills viz. For the suppressing of Innovations, For the more strict observation of the Lords Day, against Pluralities and non-residencie, For the punishment of the scandalous clergy, For the abolition of episcopacy, and the calling an Assembly: The true Copies of which, we herewithal deliver. Which Bills, through the underminning of the Papists, Prelates, and their party( the constant enemies of Reformation) have not yet obtained his Majesties royal assent. And yet considering the urgent necessity of purging and settling the Church( as hath been often pressed and presented to the Parliament of England, by pious and frequent exhortations and Declarations from that reverend Assembly) they have been constrained by an Ordinance of both Houses, to call an Assembly of Divines, and others, now sitting, to consider and p●epare what may conduce thereunto, which by the assistance of some godly and learned Divines sent from this Nation( as is nearnestly desired) we hope may through the blessing of God, bring it to perfection.  
And yet notwithstanding to let them know that by reason of prevailing of the Papists, prelatical Faction, and other malignant enemies to this so much desired Reformation,( all of them being now in arms against the Parliament) these hopeful beginnings are likely, not onely ro be rendered ineffectual, but all the former evils, superstions, and corruptions( which for the present, through the blessing of God, are in a good measure removed; to be re-introduced by strong hand which if once they should take root again in the Church and kingdom of England, will quickly spread their venom & infection into the neighbour Church and kingdom of Scotland the quarrel of the enemies of this Work being not so much against the persons of men, as the power of godliness, and purity of Gods worship, wheresoever it is professed. Both Houses do therefore desire that reverend Assembly to lay seriously to heart the state and condition of their sister Church and kingdom, and not only by their prayers to assist in these straits, but also by such seasonable and effectual means as to them shall seem meet, to further and expedite the present aid and assistance demanded by both Houses.  
And lastly to make known unto them, that we are designed and sent by both Houses of Parliament, to the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to propound to them and consult with them concerning such things as may conduce to our own Reformation, and our so much desired conjunction with this Church, which they have more fully expressed in a Declaration of their own, which here withall we present.  
August 10. 1643, Wil●iam Bond, Secr. Commiss.  

A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, to the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland.  
THe Lords and Commons in Parliament acknowledging with humble thankfuln●sse to Almighty God, the disposer of hearts, the Christian zeal and love which the general Assembly of the Churches of Scotland, have manifested in their pious endeavour for the preservation of the true reformed protestant Religion, from the subtle practices and attempts of the Popish and prelatical party, to the necessary Reformation of Church discipline and Government in this kingdom, and the more near union of both Church●s, do ●arnestly desire that reverend Assembly to take notice, that the two Hou●es of Parliament fully, concurring with them in these pious Intentions; for the better accomplishment thereof, have called an Assembly of divers godly and learned Divin●s, and others of this kingdom, unto th● City of Westminster, who are now sitting and consulting about these ma●ters. And likewise have nominated and appointed John ●arle of Ruthland, Sir William Armine Baron●t Sir Henry Vane the younger, Knight, Thomas Hatcher, and Henry Darley Esquires, Committees and C●mmi●●oners of bo●● Houses, to the kingdom and States of Scotland, who beside their Instructions in matters concerning the Peace and Commonweal of both kingdoms, have received Directions to resort to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and propound and consult with them, or any Commissioners deputed by them, in all occasions which may further the so much desired Reformation in Ecclesiastical matters in this Church and kingdom, and a nearer conjunction betwixt bo●h Churches. In performance whereof, Master Stephen Marshal, and Master Philip nigh, Ministers of Gods Word, and men of approved faithfulness and abilities in their Function, both Members of this Assembly of Divines here congregated, and sitting, are appointed to assist and advice the same Committee in such things as shall concern this Church. And the two Houses do hereby recommend the Committees and divines afore-mentioned, to the reverend Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to be by them received with favour, and credited in those things, which they, or any three, or more of them shall propound to them.  
It is likewise desired, that that reverend Assembly will according to their former promise and resolution, sand to the Assembly here, such number of godly and learned Divines, as in their wisdom they think most expedient for the furtherance of this work, which so much concerns the honour of God, the prosperity and peace of the two Churches of England and Scotland; and which m●st needs have a great influence in procuring a more safe and prosperous condition to other reformed Churches abroad. And that their endeavours may be more effectual, the two Houses do make t●is request to them, with their authority, advice and exhortation, so far as be longs to them, to stir up that Nation to sand some competent Forces in aid of this Parliament and kingdom, against the many Armies of the Popish and Prelatical party, and their adherents, now in arms for the ruin and destruction of the reformed Religion, and all the professors thereof. In all which they shall do that which will be pleasing to God, whose cause it is, and likewise safe and advantageous to their own Church and kingdom, who cannot securely enjoy the great blessings of Religion, Peace, and liberty in that kingdom, if this Church and kingdom, by the prevailing violence of that party, shall bee brought to ruin and destruction.  
Jo. brown, Cleric. Parliamentorum. Henr. elsing, clear. Pa l. ●. come.   

A Letter from some Brethren of the ministery in the Kirk of England, to the Assembly.  
Reverend and beloved;  
THe experience which we have had of your forwardness in receiving, and faithfulness in weighing our former addresses, hath given us abundant encourag ment to take hold upon this present opportunity of breathing out something of our sorrows, which your love and our necessity, command us to represent to your consideration and compassion. Much we know we may commit to the wisdom and fidelity of our Brethren these messengers, to impart unto you concerning our miserable condition, and unto them shall leave the most. Your own national, but specially Christian interest, will not permit you to hid your eyes from the bleeding condition of your poor distressed Brethren in England, should neither Letters, nor Messengers be sent unto you; But Messengers coming, we should at once neglect ourselves, should we not thus a little ease our burdened hearts, by pouring them our into your bosoms, and seem ungrateful to you, of whose readiness to suffer with us, and do for us, we have had so great & ample testimonies.  
Surely if ever a poor Nation were upon the edge of a most desperate precipice, if ever a poor Church were ready to be swallowed up by Satan and his Instruments, we are that Nation, we are that Church. And in both respects by so much the more miserable, by how much, we expected not a Preservation onely, but an augmentation also, of happiness in the one, and glory in the other. We looked for Peace, but no good came, and for a time of healing, and behold trouble! Our GOD who in his former Judgements was a moth & rottenesse( and yet had of late begun to sand us health and cure) is now turned into a Lion to us: and threatens to rend the very cawl of our hearts. From above he hath sent a fire into our bones, and it prevails against us; From our own bowels he hath called forth, and strengthened an adversary against us, a generation of brutish hellish men, the rod of his anger, and the staff of his indignation, under whose cruelties we bleed, and if present mercy step not in, we die. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and just are all thy Judgements! But O the more then barbarous carriages of ou● enemies, where ever GOD gives any of his hidden ones up into their hands, we need not express it unto you, who knows the inveterate and deadly malice of the Antichristian faction against the Members of our Lord Jesus. And it is well we need not express it unto you, for in truth we cannot. Your own thoughts may tell you better then any words of ours, what the mercy of Papists is, toward the Mini●●ers and Servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. But the Lord knows we are not troubled so much with their rage against us, or our own miseries and dangers; but that which breaks our hearts is, the danger we behold the Protestant Religion, and all the Reformed Churches in at this time, through that too great and formidable strength the Popish Faction is now arrived at. If our GOD will lay our bodies as the ground, and as the street under their foot, and poure out our blood as dust before their fury, the will of the Lord be done, might our blood be a sacrifice to ransom the rest of the Saints or Church of Christ from Antichristian fury, we would offer it up upon this service gladly. But we know their rage is insatiable, and will not be quenched with our bloods, immortal, and will not die with us, armed against us, not as men, but as Christians, but as Protestants, but as men desiring to reform ourselves, and to draw ourselves and others yet nearer unto God. And if God gave us up to be devoured by this rage, it will take the more strength and courage( at least) to attempt the like against all the Protestant and Reformed Churches. In a deeper sense of this extreme danger, threating us and you, and all the Churches then we can express, we have made this address unto you; in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ, humbly imploring your most servant Prayers to the GOD that hears Prayers; who( should we judge by providences) seems to be angry with our Prayers( though we trust he doth but seem so, and though he kill us, yet will we trust in him) Oh, give us the brotherly aid of your re-inforced tears and prayers, that the blessings of truth and peace which our prayers alone have not obtained, yours conjoined, may. And give us reverend and much honoured in our Lord your advices, what remains for us further to do, for the making of our own and the kingdoms peace with GOD. We have lain in the dust before him; we have poured our hearts in humiliation to him, we have in sincerity, endeavoured to reform ourselves, and no less sincerely desired, studied, laboured the public Refo●m●tion, nevertheless the Lord hath not yet turned himself from the fierceness of hi● anger. And be pleased to advice us further, what may be the happiest course for the uniting of the Protestant party more firmly? That we may all serve GOD with one consent, and stand up against Antichrist as one man, that our GOD who now hides himself from his people may return unto us, delihht in us scatter and subdue his and our enemies, and cause his face to shine upon us. The Lord prosper you and preserve us so, that the great work of these latter ages may be finished to his honour, and our own and the Chu●ches happiness through Christ Jesus.  
Subscribed by very many hands.    

Sess. 9. August 11. 1643 Act against Burials and hinging of Honurs, &c. in Kirks.  
THe general Assembly considering the great abuse of burying within Kirks, wherein GODS public worship is exercised, notwithstanding divers Acts of this Kirk, prohibiting the same. And that throurgh toleration thereof, other abuses in hingin. of Pensils and Brods, affixing of Honours and Arms, and such like scandalous Monuments in the Kirk, hath crept in. Therefore for remedy hereof, do hereby ratify and approve the former Acts and Const●tu●ions made against burials in Kirks. And inhibites and discha●ges all persons of whatsoever quality, to bury any deceased person within the body of the Kirk, where the people meet for hearing of the Word, and administration of the Sacraments. And als inhibites them to hang Pensils or Brods, to affix Honours or Arms, or to make any such like Monuments, to the honour or remembrance of any deceased person upon walls, or otherplaces wi hin the Kirk, where the public worship of God is exercised, as said is.   

Sess. 10 August 12. 1643. Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by superior Judicatories.  
THe general Assembly considering that sentences of superior Judicatories of the Kirk should stand effectual, while they be taken away by themselves, and that they should not be made voided and ineffectual by inferior Judicatories: Therefore discharges all provincial Assemblies to repone any Minister deposed by the general Assembly. And all Presbyteries to repone any Ministers deposed either by General or Provincial Assemblies; And declares and ordains, that all such sentences of reposition by these inferior Judicatories respectivè, shall be null in themselves; And that the sentences of deposition by the superior Judicatories respectivé shall stand valid and effectual notwithstanding thereof.   

Sess. 11. Aug. 14. 1643. Act against Masters who have Servants that profane the Lords day.  
THe general Assembly declares, that the Acts made against Salmond fishing upon the Sabbath, or against any other labour upon the Lords day, to be not only against servants who actually work: But also that the famine should be extended against masters, whose hired servants they are.   

Sess. 12. Aug. 15. 1643. Act for preparing the directory for the worship of God.  
THe Assembly considering how convenient it is, that all the Ministers of the particular Kirks within this kingdom, in their administration, keep unity and uniformity in the substance and right ordering of all the parts of the public worship of God, and that all the particular Kirks by the same unity and uniformity, testify their unanimous consent against all schism and division, unto which these times: through the working of Satan and his instruments, against the propagation of the Gospel of peace are so inclinable: Doth ordain, that a directory for divine worship, with all convenient diligence be framed and made ready in all the parts thereof, against the next general Assembly, to be held in the year 1644. And for this end that such as shall be nominate by this Assembly, shall immediately after the rising of the Assembly, set themselves apart( so far as may be) from their particular callings, and with all diligence and speed, go about this so public, so pious and so profitable a work. And when they have brought their endeavours and labours about this directory to an end, that it be put into the hands of the Commissioners of the general Assembly, to be revised, and thereafter by them sent in several Copies to all the particular Synods to be held in April and May, that the famine being reported with their observations, notes, and animadversions to the general Assembly, it may in end, after their full trial and approbation, by order and authority from them be received and practised by all the Ministers and particular Kirks. And for preserving of peace and brotherly unity, in the mean while, till the directory by universal consent of the whole Kirk be framed, finished, and concluded, The Assembly forbiddeth under the pain of the censures of the Kirk, all disputation by word or writing, in private or public, about different practices in such things, as have not been formerly determined by this Kirk, And all condemning one of another in such lawful things as have been universally received, and by perpetual custom practised by the most faithful Ministers of the gospel, and opposers of corruptions in this Kirk, since the first beginning of Reformation to these times. And doth exhort and command that all endeavour to the keep the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace, that all beginnings of Separation, all scandal and division, be by all means avoided; And that against envying, and strife, and faction, and glorying in men, every one go before another in the duties of love, and so fulfil the Law of Christ: That continuing in one spirit and one mind, & fighting together through the faith of the Gospel, we may mutually aid, strengthen and comfort one another in all pastoral and Christian employments, better resist the common adversaries, edify one another in the knowledge and fear of God, and the more acceptably, and with the greater blessing serve the Lord who hath done so great things for us.  

Propositions from the English Commissioners presented this day to the Assembly.  
WE the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, being commanded by them( as we have already declared) to desire the reverend Assembly of Scotland, seriously to lay to heart the present Estate of their Sister Church and Kingdom of England, and not onely to assist with their Prayers in their straits, but also by such reasonable and effectual means as to themselves shall seem meet to further and expedite the assistan●e now desired by both Houses from the kingdom of Scotland, and a more strict union with them, Have thought fit in Pursuance of the commands received from both Houses of Parliament, communicate to this Assembly the paper which to this purpose we have lately delivered to the Honourable Convention of Estates, in this kingdom, that so this reverend Assembly might be the better enabled, to contribute their best assistance toward ●he furthering and expediting of the same. Wherein we assure ourselves of their ready and willing affections, considering the great service they may do to God, and the great honour may redound to themselves in becoming the Instruments of a glorious Reformation, not onely through this island, but from thence possibly to be spread to other Churches now oppress●d under the Antichristian bondage, and tyranny of the Popish and prelatical Faction. We will not say there lies any obligation upon this Church and kingdom, to comply with the d sires of the two Houses of Parliament; though we might call to mind that God by the hand of the Church and kingdom of England, did once reach forth assistance and aid unto this Nation, and hath since used them as a help to that blessed Reformation it now enjoys. And who knoweth whether the wise rovidence of God hath not suffered this Church and kingdom to be tempted thereby, to make them the more sensible of the present miseries of their brethren, and likewise given them a good issue, with the tentation, that they might be made a means of our deliverance? We shall not need to offer any grounds of prudence to invite them hereunto, who have already prevented us in the acknowledgement of what might be said of that kind in the advice presented by the Commissioners of the General Assembly, July 6. 1643. unto the Convention of Estates, expressing as one remedy of the present dangers of this Church and kingdom, their earnest desire of renewing the league and associtation with England, for the defence of Religion against the common enemy, and of further extending the same against prelacy, and Popish Ceremonies, for Uniformity in external worship and Church-government. And we hope that the same God who hath put these desires into the hearts of both kingdoms, will make use of this present opportunity to knit them both to himself, and each other in a most strict and durable Union, and thereby the more firmly to establish truth and peace in both Nations. Howsoever this which we have done in discharge of our duty, will afford the comfort of a good consciente in our greatest distresses, and give us ground to expect deliverance some way or other from the manifold wisdom and power of God, who though men and means fail, will not cast off his people, nor forsake his inheritance. We have onely this to add further, that we are commanded by both Houses to let this reverend Assembly know that it is their earnest desire, that what other Propositions may be thought fit to be added and concluded by this Assembly, whereby the assistance and Union betwixt the two Nations, may be made more beneficial and effectual for the securing of Religion and liberty, should be offered to us, and taken to our speedy consideration,  
William Bond. Secr. come. August 15. 1643.   

The Paper before-mentioned, delivered August 12. to the Convention, and this day to the Assembly  
WE the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, are by our instructions commanded to put their brethren of Scotland in mind, that the Popish and prelatical Faction that began with them, about the year 1638. and 1639. and then intended to make way to the ruin of the kingdom of England by theirs, have not abated any part of their malice toward the Nation and Church of Scotland, nor are at all departed from their design of corrupting and altering Religion through the whole island, though they have inverted the manner of their proceeding, conceiving now that they have an easier way to destroy them, if they may first prevail over the Parliament and kingdom of England. In which respect it is the desire of both Houses, that the two Nations may be strictly united, for their mutual defence against the Papists and prelatical Faction, and their adherents in both kingdoms, and not to lay down arms till those their implacable enemies shall be dis-armed, and subjected to the authority and justice of Parliament in both kingdoms respectively. And as an effectual mean hereunto, they desire their brethren of Scotland to raise a considerable force of Horse and Foot, for their aid and assistance, to be forthwith sent against the Papists, prelatical Faction, and malignants now in arms in the kingdom of England.  
And for the better encouragement of the kingdom of Scotland to this necessary and so much desired Union, we are by both Houses of Parliament authorised to assure their brethren, that if they shall be amnoyed or endangered by any Force or Army, either from England or any other place, the Lords and Commons of England will assist them with a proportionable strength of Horse and Foot, to what their Brethren shall now afford them to be sent into Scotland for the defence of that kingdom. And they will maintain a guard of Ships at their own charge upon the cost of Scotland for the securing of that kingdom, from the invasion of Irish Rebels or other enemies, during such time as the Scotish Army shall be employed in the defence of the kingdom of England. And to the end that nothing might be wanting in the Parliament and kingdom of England to facilitate this work( wherein the true reformed Religion, not onely in these two kingdoms, but throughout all Europe is so highly concerned; We are farther authorised to consider with their brethren the Estates and kingdom of Scotland, of what other Articles or propositions are sit to be added and concluded, whereby this assistance and Union betwixt the two Nations, may be made more beneficial and effectual for the security of Religion and liberty in both kingdoms.  
All which being taken into the serious and Christian consideration of the right honourable the Lords and others of the Convention of the Estates of Scotland, we hope there will not need many arguments to persuade and excite them to give their consent, and that with all convenient speed, to these desires of both houses of the Parliament of England; seeing now they have so fully declared, as by what they have done already, so by what they are yet desirous to do, that the true state of this cause and quarrel is Religion, in the Reformation whereof they are and have been so forward and zealous, as that there is not any thing expressed unto them by their brethren of Scotland, in their former or latter Declarations, which they have not seriously taken to heart, and seriously endeavoured to effect,( notwithstanding the subtle malicious and industrious oppositions) that so the two kingdoms might be brought into a near conjunction in one form of Church-government, one directo●ie of worship, one catechism, &c. and the foundation laid of the utter extirpation of Popery and prelacy out of both kingdoms. The most ready and effectual means whereun●o, Is now conceived to be, that both Nations enter into a strict Union and league, according to the desires of the two Houses of Parliament.  
And to induce the persuasion of this( if there were cause) we might observe, that, in the many Declarations made by the General Assembly or States of Scotland, to their Brethren of England, there have been sundry expressions, manifesting the great necessity that both kingdoms for the security of their Religion and Liberties, should join in this strict Union against the Papists, prelates, and their adherents: As also in t●e endeavour of a near conjunction between the Churches of both Nations The apprehension and foresight of which, hath caused the Popish and Prelatical Faction in foreign parts as well as in his Majesties Dominions, strictly and powerfully to combine themselves to the hindrance of this so necessary Work, and the universal suppression of the true protestant Religion in Europe: A course not much different from that which they took in the year 1585. when the wisdom and zeal of this Nation to counter mine so wicked a conspiracy, and from the due sense of the mutual interest of these two kingdoms in Religion and liberty, found a necessity of entering into a league of this nature, as well considering, that thereby no less safety might be expected to both Nations, then danger by forbearing the same. And though we doubt not but in so necessary and so good a Work, many difficulties may arise to interrupt and retard the same; yet we are as confident, that the hearty and brotherly affection of this Nation to the Parliament and kingdom of England, will easily break through them; and the rather because in the like cases of difficulty and danger, not only at the time of the league above-mentioned, but before, and likewise since, when any opportunity hath offered itself particularly, during the sitting of this present Parliament, the kingdom of England hath been very forward and ready to lay to heart the dangers of the kingdom of Scotland as their own, and to decline no means within the reach of their power for the redress or prevention of the same.  
August 12. 1643. William Bond Secr. come.    

Sess. 13. Aug. 16. 1643. Recommendation to the Presbyteries and Universities anent Students that have the Irish language.  
THe Assembly considering the lamentable condition of the people in the Highlands, where there are many that gets not the benefit of the Word in respect there are very few Preachers that can speak the Irish language, Do for remeid thereof think good, that young Students who have the Irish tongue, be trained up at colleges in Letters, especially in the studies of divinity, And to this effect recommend to Presbyteries and Universities to prefer any hopeful Students that have the language aforesaid, to Bursaries, that they by their studies in process of time attaining to knowledge, and being enabled for the ministery, may be sent forth for preaching the Gospel in these Highland parts, as occasions shall require.   

Sess. 14. August 17. 1643. The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in the kingdom of England, To the right reverend the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland.  
Right reverend and dearly beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ,  
WE the Assembly of Divines and others, called and now sitting by authority of both Houses of Parliament, to be consulted by them in matters of Religion; have received from the honourable Houses of Commons, a special order( dated the 3. of this instant August) recommending it to us to writ a Letter to the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, taking notice of the pious and good expeditions to this Church and State, certified in the late Answer of the Commissioners of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, from their meeting at Edinburgh the 17. of July 1643. And further to desire them to possess the people of that kingdom with our condition, and to encourage them to our assistance in this cause of Religion. And having with that order received and red the said Answer directed to the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, we cannot sufficiently express the great content and comfort, unto which it hath raised us in the midst of the sad and calamitous condition under which we lye.  
It is no small refreshing to our mourning spirits to find, that yet our God hath not left us wholly comfortless, nor cast us so far out of his sight, as having made us sick with smiting, that should be verified of us, Lover and friend hast thou put far from us, and that no man should turn aside to ask how we do: but that we find so many of the Churches of Christ, and above them all, our dearest Brethren of Scotland, so far to take to heart our extremities, as to sit in the dust with us, and so to look upon our adversities, as being themselves also in the body.  
And as we cannot render thanks sufficient unto our God for remembering such mercy in the midst of so much wrath; so we embrace with all cheerfulness this opportunity of thankful acknowledgement of the great debt which your love doth continually lay upon, not us alone, but upon this whole kingdom, in the free and full expressions of your care, piety and zeal, and of like affections of that whole Nation, to assist and concur with the Parliament here, by all good and lawful means, for settling of Religion in godly unity and uniformity throughout all his Majesties Dominions, against all the designs, power and malice of bloody Papists, and the prelatical Faction, with all their malignant adherents, the common enemies of Reformation, truth and peace.  
We are likewise much engaged to the great vigilancy and travels of the honourable Convention of the Estates of Scotland, in contributing their brotherly advice, and for their readiness to give assistance for recovering and settling the peace of this kingdom, against the devices, power and practices of the enemies of Religion, and the public Good, whereof some hints are given in that Answer and of which we doubt not but the honourable Houses of Parliament will be so sensible as to give such a return as becomes them: for they, better knowing then we do, the depth of the evils under which this Nation now groaneth, and the further dangers imminent, will be more able to value and improve the great affection and wisdom of their Brethren, in points of so high and general concernment, for the safety and glory of the Kings majesty, and of all his kingdoms, and are more fit to take notice of advices of that kind, inreference to the civil State, which therefore we wholly leave with them.  
But as for the many prudent, pious, and seosonable admonitions which concern our Assembly, the good Lord reward( for we cannot) seven fold into your bosoms all the good, which you have laboured to procure unto the House of our GOD, and blessed be his Name who hath put such a thing as this into the hearts of our Parliament, to cleanse the House of the Lord of all the uncleanness that is in it, by impure Doctrine, Worship, or Discipline.  
Nor can we in the depth of all our suffeiings and sorrows, withhold our hearts from rejoicing in the wonderful goodness of God toward this kingdom, in that he hath let us see the gracious fruit of your effectual prayers and tears, as well as of our own endeavours this way: In bringing together this Assembly, although in a very troublous time, whereby we may have better opportunity more fully to poure out our souls jointly and together to our GOD, for healing of this now miserable Church and Nation: To consider thoroughly, for what more especially the Land mourneth, and how we may be most useful to our great GOD and Master JESUS CHRIST; In contributing somewhat to the vindicating of his precious truth, many ways corrupted through the craft of men that have lain in wait to deceive: In the seeking out of a right way of worshippping our GOD according to his own heart: In promoting the power of godliness: in the hearts and lives of all his people, and in laying forth such a Discipline as may be most agreeable to Gods holy Word, and most apt to procure and preserve the peace of this Church at home, and nearer agreement with the Church of Scotland( highly honoured by us) and other the best reformed Churches abroad, That so to the utmost of our power, we may exalt him that is the only Lord over the Church, his own House, in all his Offices, and present this Church as a chast virgin unto Christ.  
It is a timely and savoury prayer which you have put up at the throne of Grace, touching the due managing of the proceedings in this Assembly, and that with straigth intentions we may all seek the truth in every thing, which by the blessing of God upon our labours, must needs produce all all those blessings which your worthy Commissioners mention. And now, for your comfort as well as our own encouragement, we desire you to take notice of the gracious answer of the God that heareth prayer, unto your fervent cries. For beside our own particular addresses and secret vows to our God to be faithful( with disdain of all baits of avarice and ambition) it hath pleased the Divine Providence so to direct both the honourable Houses of Parliament, to take care of preventing all obliquity in our proceedings, and to stop the mouths of all that watch for their and our haltings, and are apt maliciously to traduce both,( as if we were so restrained by them, in our votes and resolutions, as to be bound up to the sense of others and to carry on private designs in a servile way) that the Houses have tendered to us, and we have most readily taken a solemn and serious Protestation in the presence of Almighty God, to maintain nothing in this Assembly touching Doctrine, but what we are persuaded in our consciences to be the truth; nor in matters of Discipline, but what we conceive to conduce most to the glory of God, and the good and peace of his Church; which doth not only secure the Members against fettering of their judgements or votes, but engage them to the use of all freedom, becoming the integrity of conscience, the weight of the Cause, the gravity and honour of such an Assembly. It is likewise a great consolation, that our GOD hath put it into your hearts to design some godly and learned Brethren to put in their sickles with us into this Harvest, which is so great, and requires so many Labourers; for which, as we hearty return thanks, so we earnestly pray the Lord to open a way to their timely coming hithe, r and do assure them of all testimonies of respect, love, and the right hand of fellowship, who shall under-take a journey so tedious, and now so perilous, to join with us in the Work, when it shall please the honourable Houses of Parliament to invite them thereunto.  
It remaines that we should now spread before you our calamities, dangers and fears of further evils, not only drawing toward us, but even threatening you also; and crave your passionate aids in all ways becoming the Servants of Jesus Christ. But your Commissioners have so fully declared your certain knowledge and deep sense of them, that they have left us no room for enlarging ourselves in this parricular, to Brethren so full of bowels and zeal. And they have sufficiently intimated unto the honourable Houses, that you are well ware how often the common enemies of both kingdoms have consulted together with one consent to cut off both the one and the other from being a Nation, and that the Tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites of Moab, and the Hagarens, Geball, Ammon, and Amalek, the cursed Papists, and their implacable and bloody Abettors here, do still retain the same malice, and carry on the same design against Religion, and perfect Reformation even in your kingdom, happily rescued from their former tyrannies, as well as in this of scorched England, now in the furnace: Only they have varied the Scene, pouring out all their fury upon us at the present: That so, having once trodden us under as mire in the streets, they may afterward more easily;( which God avert) set their proud and impure feet upon your necks also. Wherefore with the good leave and favour of the honourable Houses of Parliament, we shall now spare the further exciting of you to that which we doubt not of your forwardness by all lawful and meet means to promote with all your might; namely, the possessing the good people of that kingdom;( of whose willing mind and readiness you have already given ample testimony) touching our condition, and to encourage them ●o our assistance in this Cause of Religion.  
And now remembering without cea●ing your work of faith, and labour of love, and pa●ience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, with all due acknowledgements of the precious effects of your prayers; We most humhly and earnestly desire that the same br●athin●s of the spirit in you may still continue, and( if possibl●) more frequently and fervently ascend to your God, and our God, not only for removal of outward pressures, and the isitation of the sword, that hath already learned to eat much of our flesh, but also for the special assistance and protection of the Father of lights, in this great Work unto which we are now called, and wherein we already find many and potent adversa●●es: that seeing the plummet is now in the hands of our Zerubbabels, all mountaines may become plains, and they may b●ing forth the capstone of the Lords House with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it: and that how we●k and ●ontemptible builders soever we be, the Lord would enable us to build with them, that none may have cause to despise the day of our small beginnings, nor to stop our progress in the work which he hath given us to do, And as for us, who cannot but take notice of the extraordinary employments unto which you are called in your great Assembly; now also sitting: God forbid that we should sin against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for you, that the Lord may enable you to be wise masterbuilders, preserve your peace always by all means, and make you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, to the praise of the glory of his grace, and to the further benefit and comfort of the whole Church of God, but more especially of this our afflicted Ark, now wasted into the midst of a sea of miseries, and tossed with tempests, until our wise and gracious God, by the furtherance of your prayers and brotherly endeavours, shall cause it to rest upon the mountains of Ararat, which may take away our fears, as well as put an end to our present sufferings, and give you to rejoice with us, that now mourn for us.  
Westminster, August 4. 1643. Subscribed by your most loving Brethren, highly prifyng the graces of G●d in you and that are your Servants for Jesus sake, in the name of the whole Assembly. 

William Tuisse, Pr●locutor. of the Assembly.  
John White, Assessors. of the Assembly.  
Cornelius burgess, Assessors. of the Assembly.  
Henry ●oborough, Scribes. of the Assembly.  
Adoniram Byfield, Scribes. of the Assembly.    

The Result of the Debates and Consultations of the Committees of the Convention of Estates and General Assembly, appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England. August 17. 1643.  
THe Committees of the Convention of Estates of Scotland, and of the General Assembly, being appointed to meet with the Commissioners of the two Houses of the Parliament of England, upon the Papers delivered in by the said Commissioners, unto the Convention of Estates, and unto the General Assembly, upon the 12. and 15, of this instant 1643. Concerning the desires of both Houses, for a near and strict Union to be entered into by the two kingdoms. And it being declared at the said meeting, with what sensible affections the General Assembly and Convention, did receive the desires above-mentioned: And how beneficial it would be for the more firm settlement of the said union, that a Covenant should be entred into by both Nations: And this form thereof being by all the foresaid persons taken into most serious debate and consideration, and agreed unto: It was thereupon resolved by them, that it should be presented to the General Assembly, to the Convention of Estates of Scotland, and to the two Houses of the Parliament of England, by their respective Committees and Commissioners, that it might with all speed receive their respective resolutions.  
Subscribed 

Ja. primrose.  
A. Kerd  
William Bond Sec. come    
The League and Covenant above-mentioned, being sent with the Commissioners of this Assembly, to the Parliament of England, and Assembly of Divines in that kingdom, to be received and approven there, is to be printed at the return thereof.   

Approbation of the League and Covenant above mentioned.  
THe Assembly having recommended unto a Committee, appointed by them to join with the Committee of the Honourable Convention of Estates, and the Commissioners of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, for bringing the kingdoms to a more near conjunction and Union, received from the aforesaid Committees, the Covenant above-mentioned, as the result of their consultations: And having taken the same, as a matter of so public concernment, and of so deep importance doth require, unto their gravest consideration, Did with all their hearts, and with the beginnings of the feelings of that joy which they did find in so great measure upon the renovation of the National Covenant of this Kirk and kingdom, All with one voice approve and embrace the same, as the most powerful mean, by the blessing of GOD, for settling and preserving the true Protestant Religion, with perfect Peace in his Majesties Dominions, and probagating the same to other Nations, and for establishing his Majesties throne to all ages and generations. And therefore with the●● best affections recommend the same to the Honourable Convention of Estates, that being examined and approved by them, it may be sent with all diligence to the kingdom of England: that being received and approven there, the same may be with public humiliation, and all Religious and answerable solemnity, sworn and subscribed by all true professors of the reformed Religion, and all his Majesties good Subjects in both kingdoms.    

Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643. The Assemblies humble desires to his majesty anent the Lists for Presentations: With a Recommendation to Presbyteries.  
THe Assembly considering the difficulty of obtaining six able and well qualified Persons to be put into a List to his majesty, for every vaiking Kirk at his Majesties Presentation: Therefore do most earnestly recommend to his Majesties Commissioner, to represent their humble desires to his majesty, that he would be pleased to accept of a List of three: As also comform to the desire of the last Assembly at S. Andrews, that his majesty would be pleased to accept of any one qualified man, who shall be able to speak the Irish Language for Kirks vaiking in the Highlands: Which the Commissioners Grace promised to do with the first conveniency.  
And with all his Grace representing to the Assembly, that he conceived his majesty had already done more, and yet would do more for satisfaction to the desires of this Kirk, anent Patronages, nor any other Patron: And therefore that it were convenient that all other Patrons were earnestly desired to follow his Majesties example; And the Assembly thinking it very necessary that some General course were set down for providing and planting of vaiking Kirks, whereby all occasions of contests and differences amongst Patrons, Presbyteries, and parochs may be removed: Therefore the Assembly recommend to every presbytery, to consult and advice upon the best ways and means for effectuating hereof, And to report the results of their consultations herein till to the next Assembly.  

Overtures anent Witch-craft, and Charming, &c.  
THe abundance and increase of the sin of Witch-craft, in all the sorts and degrees of it in this time of Reformation, is to be taken to heart by this reverend Assembly, who would to that end consider.  
I Of the occasions thereof, which are found to be these especially, extremity of grief, malice, passion, and desire of revenge, pinching poverty, solicitation of other Witches and Charmers; for in such eases the devil assails them, offers aid, and much prevails.  
II. Of the reasons and causes of Satans prevailing; which are gross ignorance, infidelity, want of the love of the truth( which GOD hath made so long and clearly to shine in our Land) and profaneness of life.  
III. Of the means and ways to bring them to a confession and censure, which we conceive to be, that a standing Commission for a certain time be had from the Lords of Secret council, or Justice general, to some understanding Gentlemen and Magistrates within the bounds of Presbyteries that shall crave it, giving them power to apprehended, try and execute justice against such personares as are guilty of Witch-craft within these Presbyteries; For many parochs want the concurrence of civill Magistrates.  
IV. Of the grounds of apprehending them, Which may be a reigning brute of Witch-craft, backed with dilations of confessing Witches, being confronted with them; for it is found that the dilations of two or three confessing Witches, hath ordinarily proved true: Also depositions of honest persons, anent malefices committed, or cures used by them, may be a ground of apprehending them.  
V. Being apprehended, there would be honest and discreet persons appointed to watch them; for being left alone they are in danger to be suborned and heardened by others, or of destroying themselves.  
VI. Ministers would be careful at all times, especially Morning and Evening, to deal with them, by Prayer and Conference, whiles they are in prison or restraint.  
VII. The means to prevent the growth of this wickedness, are.  
That Ministers be every way careful and painful in warning people of the danger thereof, and of Satans temptations, both privately and publicly, and to instruct them in the knowledge of the gospel, and grounds of Religion, by plain cathechesing, to urge lively faith in Christ, which faith Witches bestow otherwise; Also to press holinesse of life, and fervent prays in private, and in Families, and in public, that they be not lead into temptation; And to use the censures of the Kirk against profane persons, such as Cursers, neighbours, Drunkards, and such like, for over such like, he gets great advantage. Finally, it is requisite for preventing of this heinous sin, that people seek knowledge study to believe, walk in holinesse, and continue constant and instant in prayer.  
And because Charming is a sort and degree of Witch-craft, and too ordinary in the Land; It would be enjoined to all Ministers to take particular notice of them, to search them out, and such as consult with them, and that the Elders carefully concur in such search; And this Assembly would think on an uniform way of censuring these Charmers, and such as employ them, or consult with them primo quoque tempore.  
The Assembly approves the Articles and Overtures aforesaid, And ordains every presbytery to take to their further consideration by what other ways or means, the sins aforesaid of Witch-craft, Charming, and consulting with Witche●, or Charmers, & such like wickedness may be tried, restrained, and condignly consured and punished ecclesiastically and civilly: And to report their judgement therein to the next Assembly.   

Commission for Ministers to go to Ireland.  
THe General Assembly having received a Petition subscribed by a very great number in the North of Ireland, intimating their deplorable condition though want of the ministry of the Gospel, occasioned by the tyranny of the prelates, and the sword of the Rebels, and desiring some Ministers, especially such as had been chased from them by the persecution of the prelates, and some others to be added, either to be sent presently over to reside among them, or declared transportable, that upon invitation from them, they might go and settle there: Together with a Letter from the viscount of Airds to that same effect. All which the Assembly hath taken to their serious consideration, being most hearty willing to sympathise with every Member of Christ his body, although never so remote, much more with that plantation there, which for the most part was a branch of the Lord his vine, planted in this Land In which solicitude, as they would be loathe to usurp without their own bounds, or stretch themselves beyond their own measure, so they dare not be wanting to the enlargement of Christs kingdom, where so loud a cry of so extreme necessity, could not but stir up the bo●els of Christian compassion. And although they conceive, that the present unsettled condition both of Church and State in that Land, will not suffer them( as yet) to loose any, to make any constant abode there; yet they have resolved to sand over some for the present exigent, till the next general Assembly, by courses, to stay three month allanerly. And therefore do hereby authorize and give Commission to the persons following, to wit, Master William Cockburne Minister at Kirkmichell, and Master Matthew Mackaill minister at Carmanoch, for the first three moneths, beginning upon the 8. of September next. Master George Hatchison Minister at Calmonell, and Master Hugh Henderson Minister at Darly, for the next three moneths, beginning the 8. of December. Master William Addir Minister at Air, and Master John Weir Minister at Dalserfe, for the third three moneths, beginning the 8. of March, 1644. And Master James Hamilton Minister at Drumfreis, and Master John Macclellane Mieister at Kirkubright for the last three moneths, beginning the 8. of June, the said year 1644. To repair unto the North of Ireland, and there to visit, instruct, comfort, and encourage the scattered flocks of Christ To employ themselves to their uttermost with all faithfulness and singleness of heart in planting and watering, according to the direction of Jesus Christ, and according to the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk in all things. And if need be( with the concurrence of such of the Ministers as are there) to try and ordain such as shall be found qualified for the ministry; Giving charge unto the persons foresaids in the sight of God, that in Doctrine, in Worship, in Discipline, and in their daily conversation, they study to approve themselves as the Ministers of Jesus Christ; And that they be countable to the Gener. Ass. of this Kirk in all things. And in case of any of the above-mentioned Ministers be impeded by sickness, or otherways necessary detained from this service; The Assembly ordains the Commissioners residing at Edinb. for the public affairs of the Kirk, to nominate in their place well qualified men, who hereby are authorised to undertake the foresaid employment, as if they had been expressly nominate the face of the Assemb. And this although possibly ir shall not fully satisfy the large expectation of their Brethren in Ireland: yet the Assembly is confident they will take in good part at this time that which is judged most convenient for the present condition, even a mite out of their own, not very great plenty to supply the present necessity: Requiring of them no other recompense, but that they in all cheerfulness may embrace and make use of the Message of Salvation, and promising to enlarge their indebted bounty at the next Assembly, as they shall find the Work of the Lord there to require. In the mean while wishing that these who are sent, may come with the full blessing of the Gospel of peace, recommends them, their labours, and these to whom they are sent, to the rich blessing of the great shepherd of the flock.   

Act against Ministers haunting woth excommunicate persons.  
IF any Minister haunt the company of an excommunicate person, contrair to the laws of this Kirk; The said Minister for the first fault shall be suspended from his ministery by his presbytery, during their pleasure: And for the second fault be deprived. And in case the Presbyteries be negligent herein, the Provincial Assembly shall censure the presbytery thus negligent.   

Act anent an order for using civil Execution against Excommunicate Persons.  
THe Assembly taking to their consideration an Article, in the Heads and Propositions sent to the Assembly held at Edinburgh, in August, 1573. by the Lord Regents Grace, and allowed by that Assembly: Whereof the the tenor follows. It is resolved that the Executions of the sentence of Excommunication against Persons excommunicate; after the space of forty dayes past shall be presented to the Lord Thesaurer or his Clerk, who thereupon shall raise Letters by deliverance of the Lords of Session, to charge the Persons Excommunicate, to satisfy the Kirk and obtain themselves absolv●d under the pain of Rebellion: And in case they pass to the horn, to cause their Escheits be taken up; and also to raise and cause execute Letters of Caption against them; And these to be done at the Kings Majesties charges: Do ratify and approve the said Article. And farther that the intention of the said Article may be the better effectuate, doth also ordain, that every presbytery cause sand to the Procurator, or Agent of the Kirk, the foresaid Execution, that is, an minute or note of the sentences of Excommunication within their bounds, bearing the time and cause thereof: And that under the hands of the moderator or Clerk of the presbytery, or of the Minister who pronounced the sentence; That the famine may be delivered to his Majesties Thesaurer, Advocate, or Agent. To cause Letters of Horning and Caption be raised and execute, and other diligence to be used against the Excommunicat Persons in manner foresaid. And that all other civil action and diligence may be used against them, warranted and provided by Acts of Parliament, or secret council made thereanent: And that particular account be craved hereof in every General Assembly.   

TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT majesty, The humble Answer of the National Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland.  
ALthough the many and ample testimonies of Your Majesties Royal favour and bounty towards this Kirk and kingdom be living and lasting Monuments to ●old all Your Majesties good Subjects and us most of all, in remembrance of that duty, which we owe to Your majesty our great benefactor, never by any length of time to be deleted out of our minds: Yet when we remember even of conscience we owe honour and subjection unto Your majesty as our dread sovereign, as well in Your Majesties absence as presence, We find our obligation to be Religious, and thereby much increased: And therefore have we at this time in all our consultations and conclusions, of which some have been of more then ordinary weight and concernment, in answer to certain Propositions, made unto us by the Commissioners of the Houses of Parliament of Your Majesties kingdom of England, and some Reverend Divines assisting them, fixed our eyes and thoughts upon Your Majesties honour and happiness, with no other and with no less intention, then if we had been honoured by Your Majesties Royal Person in our Assembly. And in like manner have given such Instructions to some Ministers and others, to be sent unto the Assembly of Divines now in England, as next unto the honour of God, and the good of Religion, may most serve for Your Majesties preservation, and the peace of Your kingdoms: Concerning which, the Commissioners of the last General Assembly have so fully expressed their humble thoughts and desires in their Supplication and Remonstrance sent unto Your majesty, that we need not add any thing, and Your Majesties times and affairs forbid all repetition. We do onely in all humil●tie beseech Your majesty to judge of us and our proceedings, by the nature and necessity of our vocation, and the rules prescribed in the word of God for our direction, and not by uncertain rumours, and ungrounded reports of such men as have not the fear of God before their eyes. And do earnestly pray to God Almighty, in whose hands are the hearts of Kings, to incline Your Majesties heart to the counsels of truth and peace, to direct Your Government for the good of your People, the punishment of male-factours, and praise of well-doers, that this fire of unnatural and unchristian war being extinguished, the People of God, Your Majesties good Subjects may led a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.   

The Answer of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to the Declaration of the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England.  
THe General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, having received a Declaration from the honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, by their Committees and Commissioners now residing here; have thought good to make known unto the Lords and Commons in Parliament, that all the Members of this Assembly, and others well-affected here; do with most thankful respects, take special notice of the expressions which they have been pleased to make in the afore-named Declaration, not only concerning their approbation of the desires and endeavours of the General Assembly of this Kirk, for the Reformation of the Church of England, and the union of both Churches in Religion and Church-government; but also concerning the resolution of both Houses, fully to concur with them in these pious intentions. With the same thankfulness and due reverence, they aclowledge the high respects expressed towards them by both Houses, in directing unto them their Committees and Commissioners, assisted by two reverend Divines, and in desiring some of the godly and learned of this Kirk to be sent unto the Assembly sitting there.  
The Assembly doth bless the Lord, who hath not only ●nspired the Houses of Parliament with desires and resolu●ions of the Reformation of Religion, but hath advanced ●y several steps and degrees that blessed Work; By which, ●s they shall most approve themselves to the Reformed Chu●●hes abroad, and to their Brethren of Scotland, so ●hall they most powerfully draw even from Heaven the bles●ings of prosperity and peace upon England. And as it is ●he earnest wish of their Brethren here, that the true state ●nd ground of the present differences and controversies in England may be more and more cleared to be concerning Religion, and that both Houses may uncessantly prosecute that good Work first and above all other matters, giving no sleep to their eyes, nor slumber to their eye-lids, until they find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty GOD of Jacob, whose favour alone can make their mountain strong, and whose presence in his own ordinances shall be their glory in the midst of them: So it is our confidence, that the begun Reformation is of GOD, and not of man, that it shall increase, and not decrease; and that he to whom nothing is to hard, who can make mountaines, valleys, crooked things, straigth, and rough ways, smooth, shall led along and make perfect this most wonderful Work, which shall be remembered to his glory in the Church throughout all generations.  
And lest through any defect upon the General Assemblies part, the Work of Reformation( which hitherto to the great grief of all the Godly hath moved so slowly) should be any more retarded or interrupted, they have according to the renewed desires of both Houses of Parliament, and their own former promises, nominated and elected Master Alexander Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr Samuel Rutherfoord, Mr Robert Balzie, Mr George Gillespie, Ministers of Gods Word; and John earl of Cassils, John Lord Maitland, and Sir Archbald Jonhstuon of Waristoun, ruling Elders, all of them men much approved here; With Commission and power to them, or any three of them, whereof two shall be Ministers, to repair unto the Assembly of Divines, and others of the Church of England, now sitting at Westminster, to propound, consult, treat, and conclude with them, and with any Committees deputed by the Houses of Parliament( if it shall seem good to the honourable Houses in their wisdom to deputy any for that end) in all such things as may conduce to the utter extirpation of Popery, prelacy, heresy, schism, Superstition and idolatry, And for the settling of the so much desired Union of this whole iceland in one form of Church-government, one Confession of Faith, one common catechism, and one directory for the Worship of GOD, according to the Instructions which they have received, or shall receive from the Commissioners of the general Assembly appointed to meet at Edinburgh from time to time, with the Asemblies power for that end. And as th● G●ne●all assembly doth most gladly and affectionately receive and fully trust the Committees and Divines sent hither, so do they hereby commend the afore-named Commissioners, not only to the like affection and trust of the Assembly there, but also to the favour and protection of both Houses of Parliament.  
And for the further satisfaction and encouragement of their Brethren of England, the whole Assembly in their own name, and in name of all the particular Churches in this kingdom, whom they represent; Do hereby declare, that from their zeal to the glory of GOD, and propagation of the gospel, from their affection to the happiness of their native King, and of the kingdom of England, and from the sense of their own interest in the common dange●s of Religion, Peace, and liberty, They are most willing and ready to be united and associated with their Brethren in a nearer League and solemn Covenant for the maintenance of the truly reformed Protestant Religion, against Popery and prelacy, and against all Popish and prelatical corruptions, in doctrine, discipline, worship, or Church-government, and for the settling and holding fast of unity and uniformity betwixt the Kirks of this iceland, and with the best reformed Churches beyond sea. Which Union and Covenant, shall with Gods assistant be seconded by their cooperating with their Brethren in the use of the best and most effectual means that may serve for so good ends; For the more speedy effectuating whereof, to the comfort and enlargement of their distressed Brethren( whose hope deferred might make their hearts to faint) the whole Assembly with great unanimity of judgement, and expressions of much affection have approved( for their part) such a draft and form of a mutual Leaguand Covenant betwixt the kingdoms, as was the result of the joint debates add consultations of the Commissioners from both Houses, assisted by the two reverend Divines, and of the Committees deputed from the Convention of the Estates of this kingdom, and from the Genrall Assembly: Expecting and wishing the like approbation thereof by the right honourable the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and by the reverend Assembly there, That thereafter it may be solemnly sworn and subscribed in both kingdoms, as the surest and straightest obligation to make both stand and fall together in that cause of Religion and liberty.  
As the Estates of this kingdom have often professed in their former Declarations, the integrity of their Intentions against the common enemies of Religion and liberty in both kingdoms, and their great affection to their Brethren of England, by reason of so many and so near relations: So doubtless now in this time of need they will not fail to give real proof of what before they professed. A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Neither shall the Assembly, or their Commissioners be wanting in exhorting all others to their duty, or in concurring so far as belongeth to their place and vocation, with the Estates now convened, in any lawful and possible course which may most conduce to the good of Religion and Reformation, the honour and happiness of the Kings majesty, the deliverance of their Brethren of England from their present calamitous condition, and to the perpetuating of a firm and happy peace betwixt the kingdoms.   

The Assemblies Answer to the right reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Crch of England.  
Right reverend and dearly beloved,  
AS the sufferings of Christ abound in you, So our hearty desire to God is, that your consolations may much more abound by Christ. The perusing of your Letter, produced in every one of us such a mixture of affections, as were at the laying of the foundation of the second Temple, where there was heard both shouting for joy, and weeping aloud; We rejoiced that Christ our Lord had at last in that Land created a new thing, in calling together, not as before of a prelatical Convocation to be task-masters over the people of the Lord, but an Assembly of godly Divines, minding the things of the Lord, whose hearts are set to purge the defiled House of GOD in that Land: yet this our joy was not a little allayed by the consideration of the sad and deplorable condition of that kingdom, where the high provocations of so many years, the hellish plots of so many enemies in a neck of time, have brought in an inundation of over-flowing calamities: We know you are patiently bearing the indignation of the Lord, because you have sinned against him, till he thoroughly pled your cause, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon, who now laugh among themselves, while you are fed with the bread of tears, and get tears to drink in great measure, being on the mountains like the doves of the valleys, all of you mourning every one for his iniquity.  
It is now more nor evident to all the Kirks of Christ, with what implacable fury and hellish rage, the blood-thirsty Papists, as Babylon without, and the prelatical Faction, the children of Edom within, having adjoined to themselves many malignant adherents, of time-serving Atheists, haters of holinesse, rejecters of the yoke of Christ,( to whom the morning light of Reformation is as the shadow of death) have begun to swallow up the inheritance of the Lord, and are not easily satisfied in making deep and long furrows on your backs. We cannot say that the loudness of your cry surpasseth the heaviness of your stroke; but though the Lord hath delivered the men, every one into his neighbours hand and into the hand of his King, and they have smitten the Land, yet the rod of the wicked shall not not rest upon the lot of the righteous: This cloud shall speedily pass away, and a fair sun-shine shrll appear.  
As for us, though your extreme calamity did not threaten the ruin of our Religion, Peace, and Liberties, as it doth most evidently, we would hate ourselves, if we did not find our hearts within us melting with compassion over you: You are engraven on the tables of our hearts to live and die with you: we could desire that our heads were waters, and our eyes a fountain of tears, that we might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of the Lords people; So calamitous a condition of any of the Kirks of Christ, could not but be very grievous unto us; How much more shall not we stoop and fall down in the dust to embrace our dea●est Brethren of England, to whom we are tied in so near and tender relations. When we were but creeping out of the deep d●rknesse and bondage of Popery, and were almost crushed with the ●ury of foreign Invaders, joined with intestine enemies▪ pretending the name and warrant of authority, as now your oppressors do; Then did the Lo●d by your Fathers sand us seasonable assistance against that intended and begun bondage both of soul and body: The repayment of which debt, the Divine Providence seemeth now to require at our hands. And whereas of late through our security we had fallen into a woeful relapse, and were compassed about with dreadful dangers on all hands, while we aimed at the recovery of our former purity and liberty: Then we wanted not the large supply of your fervent Prayers, and other brotherly assistance of that Nat●on, while those who are now your malignant enemies, would have swallowed us up.  
These straight bon●s of your ancient and late love, do so possess our hearts, that when the motions of the Commissioners of the honourable Houses of Parliament, and your Letters did challenge our advice and aid for defence of Religion, and advancement of Reformation, our smoking desires for a more strict Union and uniformity in Religion betwixt both the Nations, did break forth into a vehement flamme, in such sort, as when the draugt of a League and Covenant betwixt both kingdoms for defence of Religion, &c. was red in open audience, It was so unanimously and h●artily embraced, with such a torrent of most affectionate expressions, as none but eye or ear witnesses can conceive, whereof the two reverend Divines sent from you to us being then present, no doubt will give you an account. Neither was it so onely with us, but also the honourable Convention of Estates here, with the like harmony of affectionate expressions, did entertain the same; So that we hope to be real and constant in prosecuting the contents of this Covenant. When we in our straits fled to the Lord; and entred in Covenant with him, he owned us and our Cause, rebuked and dissipated our enemies, and hitherto hath helped us, and blessed our enterprises with success from heaven, notwithstanding our great weakness and unworthiness. We trust in the Lord, that as once it was prophesied of Israel & Judah, So shall Scotland & England shall become one stick in the hand of the Lord, they shall ask the way to Sion, with their faces thitherward, saving, Come, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant, that shall not be forgotten; And so shall it come to pass, that the Lords Jerusalem in this iceland, shall be a cup of trembling, and a burdensome ston to all their enemies round about. Though now it be the time of Jacobs trouble, the Lord will deliver him out of it. Reverend and dear Brethren, we conceive your case, and of all the Faithful in that Land to be no other then of a woman crying, traveling in birth, and pained till she be delivered. The great read Dragon,( under whose standard the sons of Belial are fighting) is your Arch enemy, This cannot but be a time of fear and sorrow; But when the male child shall be brought forth, the pain shall cease, and the sorrow shall be forgotten. We are very confident in the Lord, that you will be faithful to Jesus Christ, in the work committed to you by him in all his ordinances, and taking neither foundation, corner-stone, nor any part of the rubbish of Babel to build the City that is called, The Lrod is there: But measuring all with the golden reed of the Sanctuary, you may more closely be united to the best Reformed Kirks, in Doctrine, Worship, and Government, that you may grow up in him in all things which is the head, even Christ.  
And now Reverend and dear Brethren, though we know that you abound in all gifts and graces, the Spirit of Jesus Christ being plentifully powred out upon you, yet according to your desire and the motion made by the Commissioners of the Honourable Houses of Parliament, to testify our hearty sympathy with you in the work of the Lord, We have nominate and elected some Godly and learned of this Church to repair to your Assembly. We doubt nothing of your hearty embracing them in the Lord, and their diligent concurrence with you in advancing that great work  
Not onely the common danger we are under, but the conscience of our duty to his suffering people, layeth bonds on us frequently to present you, and that blessed Work of Reformation, in your hands, to the throne of Grace, that the GOD of all Grace, who will call you into his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered and a while may make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  
Edinburgh, August 19, 1643. Subscribed in name of the Assembly of the Church of Scotland, by the Clerk of the Assembly.   

The Assemblies Answer to the Reverend their beloved Brethren, Ministers in the Church of England.  
Reverend and beloved,  
WE aclowledge with thankfulness to GOD, that this is one of the good blessings bestowed upon our Kirk of late, and a pleasant fruit of our free Assemblies, That a way is opened for keeping communion with our sister Kirks abroad, and correspondence with you our dear Brethren, in whose joy and sorrow we have so near interest, and whose cause and condition we desire to lay to heart as our own.  
All your former Letters were most acceptable and full of refreshment unto us, being taken as the earnest of a more full and constant fellowship, longed after and hoped for: And this your last, although full of sadness and sorrow, yet accounted of us all most worthy of our tenderest affection and best respects, both for your cause who sent it, and for these worthy witnesses which did attest it: Wherein as you have given unto us no small evidence, not only of your love, but also of trust and friendly respect, by choosing to poure out your grieved souls in our bosom; So we shall wish, and Godwilling endeavour, that you may really find some measure of brotherly compassion in our receiving thereof. For these your sad expressions of deep sorrow, being as you have given us to conceive but a part of your complaint, and a lamentation less then the causes doth require, cannot but melt every heart, wherein there is any the least warmnesse of the love of Christ and his Saints: And what child of the Bridegooms chamber, can hear the voice of so many friends of the Bridegroom, lamenting for the evils which have befallen Christs Bride in England, in the very night before her expected espousals, and not sit down and mourn with them except his heart be fallen asleep and frozen within him? This pitiful condition of our sister Church in England he matter enough we confeffe to move, yea, to rend our bowels.  
If we should weigh this your heavy grief in the scales of common reason, we behoved either to stand aloof from your plegue as men astonished, or sink down in heaviness and be swallowed up of sorrow: but when we ponder your sad condition in the balance of the Sanctuary, we find that nothing hath as yet befallen unto you, save that which hath been the exercise of the Saints in former times, who have been made to sit down for a while in the shadow of death before the day of their deliverance. We find nothing but that which may be a fit Preparation for a comfortable out-gate from all your troubles. What if it was necessary in the wise dispensation of Almighty GOD, that a People in great estimation for wisdom and power, such as England, should be thus far humbled, as you declare, to the end that your deliverance may be seen hereafter to be of the Lord, and not of yourselves? What if the Lord would not draw back his hand from the winepress wherein you now lie, till he should draw forth from you these pitiful expressions of your low estate, and so provide himself witnesses against the day to come, that he may have the greater and purerglory in your salvation, and your gloriation may be in the Lord alone? Dear Brethren, comfort yourselves in the Lord; this sowing in tears, doth promise a reaping in joy, and who knoweth how soon he will give to you who are mourners in Zion, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That you may be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.  
Though weeping be in the evening of this begun Reformation and purging of the Lords House among you, yet in the morning when the discovered filthiness and sweepings of the Temple shall be orderly cast out, joy shall come with thanksgiving and praise. Though a fire be kindled in the Land, yet it is not to consume any of the mettal, for the Lord is sitting down as a Refiner amongst you, and especially to purify the sons of Levi, that he may have a more pure oblation of spiritual worship and service in all his holy ordinances throughout all the Land, which is no token of wrath, but of loving kindness towards you. No wonder that Satan doth thus rage, as you relate, foreseing his casting out: No wonder he stir up all the children of disobedience, and kindle their natural malice against the children of God with the inspiration of hellish fury: No wonder the spirit of Antichrist be mad, when the morsel half swallowed down, is like to be pulled out of his throat, the fat morsel of the rich Revenues of England: No wonder he be cruel against you the servants of Christ, who are consuming him by the breath of the Lords mouth.  
You do well to expect no mercy, if Papists and prelates prevail over you, neither desire we to deceive ourselves with hopes to be free from what ther power and malice can do against us; for they will not do to us if they get the upper-hand, as we have done, and must do, if God bring them low again under us; as they were before; for we and they are lead by the contrary spirits of Christ, and Antichrist: We have laboured, and must labour for their conversion, but they( except in so far as God shall bridle them) will not rest without our destruction; for their fury against our persons is much more fiery then our zeal is fervent against their abominations: Let them follow the spirit of lying and murdering, we must take us to our refuge, and join ourselves with all that are sensible of the danger the danger of the reformed Religion in prayer and supplication. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.  
Now for advice, what can we say to you who are upon your watch tower, wherein is the spirit of wisdom and counsel; who lie thus as humble Disciples under the Lords foot, who did never forsake them that sought him. Go on in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, against all opposition, without fear of whatsoever dangers, to purge the House of the Lord, to repair the breaches thereof, to set up all his Ordinances in their full beauty and perfection, to the uttermost of your power, according to the pattern of the Word of GOD, and zeal of the best reformed Kirks; And let these two kingdoms be knit together as one man in maintaining and promoving the truth of the Gospel, Let us enter in a perpetual Covenant for ourselves and our posterity, to endeavour that all things may be done in the House of GOD according to his own will, and let the Lord do with us what seemeth good in his eyes. Only wai● upon the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart. Let your hands be ever at your Masters Work, and hold your faces resolutely to his Cause. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quiter yourselves like men, be strong, for ye shall see the salvation of the Lord, and your labour shall not be in vain.  
Subscribed in name of the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, by the Clerk of the Assembly.   

Commission of the general Assembly, for these that repair to the kingdom of England.  
THe general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, finding it necessary to sand some Godly and learned of this Kirk to the kingdom of England, to the effect underwritten. Therefore gives full Power and Commission to Master Alexander Henderson, Master Robert Douglas, Master Samuel Rutherfoord, Master Robert Bailzie▪ and Master George Gillespie Ministers, John earl of Cassills, John Lord Mattland, and Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun Elders, or any three of them, whereof two shall be Ministers, to repair to the kingdom of England, and there to deliver the Declaration sent unto the Parliament of England and the Letter sent unto the Assembly of Divines now sitting in that kingdom. And to propone, consult, treat and conclude with that Assembly or any Commissioners deputed by them, or any Committees or Commissioners deputed by the Houses of Parliament, in all matters which may further the Union of this iceland in one form of Kirk-government, one confession of Faith, one catechism, and one directory for the Worship of GOD, according to the Instructions which they have received from the Assembly, or shall receive from time to time ●ere ●fte● from the Commissioners of the Assembly depu●ed for that effect. With power also to them to convey to his ●ajestie, the humble Answer sent from this Assembly to his Majesties Letter, by such occasion as they shall think convenient; And such like to deliver the Assemblies Answer to the Letter sent from some well-affected B●e●hren of the ministry there. And generally authorizes them to do all things which may further the so much desired Union, and nearest conjunction of the two Churches of S●otland and England, comform to their Instructions aforesaid.   

Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons designed to repair to the the kingdom of England.  
THe Assembly having this day approven the nomination made by the Commissioners of the late Assembly, of Perfons to repair to the Synod of Divines in England: And having of new elected and nominated all the same Persons, except Master Eleazar Borthwick, who is now with GOD. Therefore gives power to the Commissioners to be appointed by this Assembly for the public affairs of this Kirk, to nominate and appoint any other whom they shall think meet in his place. And suchlike the Assembly refers to the said Commission, to consider whether it be convenient to sand now at this present time to the kingdom of England, all the Persons appointed to go thither, and to design the Persons whom they think meet to go at this present occasion, to determine the time of their dispatch, and to give unto them their Instructions. And further in case of sickness or death of any of the Persons appointed for that employment, or in the case of any other necessary impediment of their undertaking the samine; Gives power to the said Commission, to nominate others in their place if the Commission shall find it convenient.   

Commission for the public uffairs of this Kirk.  
THe General Assembly, considering the laudable custom of this Kirk, in appointing Commissions betwixt Assemblies for the public affairs of the Kirk, and the commendable practise of the late Assembly at Saint Andrews, in appointing their Commission for prosecuting tht blessed Work, for uniting the Kirks of this iceland in Religion and Kirk-government, by all lawful and ecclesiastic ways, for continuance of our own peace at home, and of the common peace bytwixt the two Nations, and for other good ends, as at length is expressed in that Commission: And finding that the painful endeavours and proceedings of that Commission, unanimously approven in this Assembly▪ though they have much advanced that glorious Work of Unity in Religion and Government; Yet hes not brought the samine to full perfection and a final accomplishment: And the Assembly being now much animate and encouraged to prosecute that Work by the Parliament of England their Bills past against episcopacy, and sundry other corruptions, and the good hopes of a solemn Covenant betwixt the Nations, And conceiving that in their times of danger, there may be some occasions for convening the Assembly, before the time indicted for their next meeting. Therefore the Assembly finding it necessary to appoint a new Commission, By these presents, nominates and appoints Mr Andrew Ramsay, Mr Alexander Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, Mr John Adamson, Mr John sharp, Mr James sharp, Mr William Dalgleish, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr James Fleeming, Mr Robert Ker, Mr John Macghie, Mr Oliver Colt, Mr Hugh campbel, Mr Adam Penman, Mr Richard Dickson, Mr Andrew Stevinson, Mr John Lauder, Mr Robert Blait Mr Samuel Rutherfoord, Mr Arthur Morton, Mr Robert trail, Mr Frederick Carmichell, Mr Mungo Law▪ Mr John Smith, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, Mr John Hume, Mr Robert Knox, Mr William Jameson, Mr Robert Muray, Mr Henry Guthrie, Mr James Hamilton, Mr Bernard Sanderson, Mr John Leviston, Mr James Boner, Mr Evan Cameron, Mr David Dickson, Mr Robert Bailzie, Mr James Cunninghame, Mr George Youugh, Mr Andrew Auchinleck▪ Mr David Lindsay, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr John Oiswald, Mr William Douglas, Mr Murdoe Mackenzie, Mr Coline Mackenzie, Mr John Monroe, Mr Walter Stuart Ministers: marquis of Arg yle, earl Marshell, earl of Sutherland, earl of Eglintoun, earl of Cossils, earl of Dumfermling, earl of Lawderdail, earl of Lindsay, earl of Queensberrie, earl of Dalhouse, Lord Angus, viscount of Dudhopc, Lord Maitland, Lord Elcho Lord Balm●rinoch, Lord Cowper, Sir Patrick Hepburne of Wauchtoun, Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun, Sir David Hume of Wedderburne, Sir Alexander Areskine of Dun, Sir William Cockburne of Langtoun, Sir Thomas Ruthven of Frieland, Sir James Arnos of Fernie, Sir Walter Riddell of that Ilk, Sir Lodouick Houstoun of that Ilk, Sir William Carmichael fire of that Ilk, Laird of Bonjedburgh, Laird of Libbertoun, Laird of Brodie, Sir John Smith, James Dennistoun. Master Barclay, John Rutherfoord, William Glendinning, John Sempill, John Kennedie, Master Alexander Douglas, To meet at Edinburgh the 21. day of August next, and upon any other day thereafter, and in any other place they shall think good. And gives and grants unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being twelve Ministers present, full power and Commission, to consider and perform what they find necessary by Praying and Preaching, by supplicating his majesty and all the Judicatories of this kingdom, by Declarations and Remonstrances to the Parliament of England, to the Synod of Divines in that kingdom, by Informations, Directions, Instructions to, and continual correspondence with the Commissioners, now designed by this Assembly to go to the Synod of Divines in England, or by any other lawful ecclesiastic ways, for furtherance of this great Work, in the Union of this iceland in Religion and Kirk-government, and for continuance of our own Peace at home, and of the common Peace betwixt the Nations, and keeping of good correspondence betwixt the Kirks of this iceland. With power also to them to concur with the Lords of council, Commissioners of Peace, or with the Honourable Estates assembled in Convention or Parliament, or with their Committees and Commissioners, in prosecuting this good Work at home or abroad by all ecclesiastic ways. And suchlike with power to them to prevent the dangers contained in the Remonstrance, presented unto the Convention of Estates by the Commissioners of the late Assembly in June last, and to prosecute the remedies of these dangers contained in another Remonstrance, presented by the aids Commissioners to the Convention the 6. of July last? by admonitions, directions, censures, and all other ecclesiastic ways. And further in case their Brethren of England shall agree to the Covenant betwixt the kingdoms, the draft and frame whereof is now so unanimously approven in this Assembly Gives also unto the Persons foresaid, or the Quorum above-written, full Power and authority to command and enjoin the samine to be subscribed and sworn by all the members of this Kirk: And that in such order and manner, and with such solemnities as they shall think convenient for so great and glorious a Work; And to sand their directions to Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, for execution of theit orders thereanent. And with power to proceed against any Person whatsoever, that shall refuse to subscribe and swear the said Covenant, with all the censures of the Kirk, or to refer the trial and censures of such delinquents to Presbyteries or Synods as they shall think convenient. And such like gives unto the persons foresaids power and liberty, to call a General Assembly pro re nata, in case they shall find the necessity of the Kirk, and this great Work to require the same: With full power also to them to give Answers in name of the Assembly, to all Letters sent to the Assembly from the Kirks of Holland, Zealand, or any other foreign Reformed Kirks. And further gives power to them to promove the other desires, Overtures and recommendations of this, or of any former Assemblies to the Kings majesty, Parliament or Convention of Estates, to the Lords of council, Session, Exchequer, Commissioners of Parliaments, for plantation of Kirks, for the common burdens, and for conserving the Peace. And suchlike gives as full power and Commission to them to treat and decern in any other matters referred, or to be referred to them by this Assembly, as if the samine were herein particalarly insert. And generally gives unto the Persons foresaids, or the Quorum abovementioned full power and authority, to do and perform all things which may advance, accomplish, and perfect the great Work of Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions, and which may be necessary for good order in all the public affairs of this Kirk, until the next Assembly, ne quid detrimenti capiat Ecclesia. With als ample power in all matters particularly or generally above-mentioned, as any other Commission of General Assemblies, hes had or been in use of before; They being always countable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly, for their proceedings thereintill.   

THe General Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly, to be at Edinburgh the last Wednesday of May, in the year 1644.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, At Edinburgh, 1644.  

Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2. The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the Army in England, to the general Assembly.  
Right reverend,  
HAving the opportunity of the sitting of this Venerable Assembly, we thought ourselves obliged to render some account of the state of our Affairs. It hath pleased the Lord to exercise us since our out-coming, with many straits and difficulries, yet in the mids thereof he hath wonderfully upheld and carried us through. The depth of his wisdom hath suspended us for a time from any great action, to make us walk humbly before him, and to keep us in a continual dependence upon himself: And yet he hath by his own power scattered before us the great Popish Army, and much diminished the number thereof, so that they do not now appear against us in the Fields; That all may learn to trust in GOD, and not in Man. It was far from our thoughts and intentions to have come this legth at that instant when the course of Divine Providence pointed out our way unto us, which lead us on by some long and speedy marches to join with my Lord Fairfax and his son their Forces. The City of York, wherein a swarm of obstinate Papists have taken sanctuary, is blocked up; Now and then God favoureth us with success in some enterprises about it, and wee look for more if the time be come which he hath appointed for the deliverance of this People.  
Our souls do abhor the treacherous attempts of our disnatured countrymen, that have endeavoured to make their native kingdom a seat of war, and our bowels within us are moved to think upon the main mischiefs, if not timeously prevented, that may follow upon the unatural Warres there; Like unto these under which this kingdom hath groaned for a long time. We have found none more malicious and cruel against us than these of our own Nation, and we measure those at home, by these here? Cursed be their rage, for it is fierce, and their anger for it is cruel. The present danger calls upon all to lay out of their hands what ever may hinder their hast, as one Man to come together for saving the Vine-yeard that the wild boars would lay waste, and taking the Foxes that would destroy the Vines. You are, Right Reverend, now set upon the highest Watch-tower, from whence you may discover the dangers that threaten on all coasts, and we need not put you in mind to give warning to the Watch-men in their several stations; To rouse up the People from their too great security; To call them to unfeigned Humiliation, and to stir them up to wrestle with GGD by prayer; that he would preserve Truth and Peace at home against the machinations of Malignants; That he would prepare the People here, and make them more sit to embrace the intended Reformation; And that he would command these unnatural and bloody Warres to cease, that Religion and righteousness may flourish through the three Dominions, Praying GOD to sand upon you the Spirit of truth, who may led you in all truth. We remain  
Your loving Brethren, The presbytery of the Scottish Army in England, Master Robert Douglas, Moderator in their name. Middle-thorp, 20. May, 1644.  

The Petition from the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland. To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator and remanent Members of the general Assembly of Scotland, convened at Edinburgh in May 1644. The humble Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland.  
Humbly sheweth,  
THat whereas your former enlarged bounty, and our present overflowing straits would require a grateful acknowledgement of the one, and a serious representation of the other: Our case is such, as neither can be expected at our hands, being strike with astonishment, and full of the fury of the Lord. We are these indeed who have seen affliction by the rod of his wrath: So that it were more fit, we had a Cottage in the wilderness amongst the owls to mourn out our embittered Spirits, then that by word or writ we should compeere before any of his People: Although you cannot be wearied in well doing, yet we shall no way think it strange, if now you shall give over any more care of us; Seeing the Lord hath testified against us, and the Almighty hath afflicted us. Your judgement is with the Lord, and your reward is with God, not onely for your woyars visiting and watering a barren vineyard, but also for your zeal and care to have your Reformation spread amongst other oppressed and borne-down Churches, whereof you have given an ample and famous testimony in sending hither that blessed League and Covenant which wee much desired and longed for, as by our Petitions to the Church & State of our Native kingdom is known unto you; which hath had a wished and gracious success by the favour and blessing of God, accompanying the pains of these to whom the tendering thereof was entrusted by you. And we conceiving a chief part of our misery to consist in our want of opportunity to join ourselves with the People of God in the foresaid League; Esteeming ourselves rejected of God and unfit to be joined in any comfortable fellowship in the Gospel with them, when the said League and Covenant was presented to the Regiments; Wee made bold to lay hold upon the opportunity( though afflicted abjects) and cheerfully and unanimously joined ourselves thereunto: That if wee peerish in our misety, wee may die a Covenanted People: and, if our miserable life be prolonged, we may find shelter and refreshment under the shadow thereof in our fiery trials, confidently expecting from the Lord by our nearer conjunction with you than before, an accomplishment of what is agreed into the Covenant, which ye bountifully expressed before we were on with you, to your neverdying-commendation. We are nothing shaken in our to your minds with the odious aspersions of sedition, combination against the King, and overthrow of Muncipal Laws, &c.( wherewith our Covenant is branded) nor with the threats of these who should be comfortable to us in our troubles: But are the more encouraged to believe that God shall raise up the Tabernacle of David that is fallen, and repair the breaches thereof: For since we Covenanted with God, and united ourselves together, our dying Spirits have revived, and we sing like these who have come forth from their Graves, for God hath had mercy on Jacob: In testimony whereof he hath opened the bowels of the Churches of Holland, who were strangers to us, and yet dear Brethren, and tender Sympathizers with our afflictions and sorrows, who, when these who were left of the Sword were in danger to die by famine, did plentifully relieve us in our straits, not onely by comfortable encouragements to walk humbly with God, and wait for him who hides his face from the house of Jacob for a season; but also by their rich supply in Victuals and others necessar for our relief and comfort, which we humbly desire our Lord to repay seven-fold in their bosom, and become your Supplicants to join with us in a grateful acknowledgement of their singular favours: ●nd upon the heels of these favours you have continued your unparalleled compassions in keeping your forces and enabling them, together with the other Forces, for avenging the cruel murders, and effusion of Chrlstian blood in this Land, notwithstanding of your own multiplied difficulties. The Lord hath begun to delight into us, and in a day of salvation hath helped us( So happy are the people who are in Covenant with God.) We are these( indeed) who may justly be burnt up for our unfruitfulness in the dayes of our plenty, & stubborness in the dayes of our affliction, which hath brought us so low, that where we once enjoyed a blessed plenty, we must now beg of the crumbs that fall from your Tablet We cannot dissemble, but so far as we can discern our own hearts, we would prefer the joyful sound of the Gospel to our much wished Peace and precious lives: But it may be discerned, your Consultations of before have been guided by the Spirit of the Lord; in that when wee twice in our forward hasting desires begged the present losing and planting of some Ministers amongst us, you judged it more convenient to supply us by turns, as foreseing that our Captivity was likely to endure: Our hopes are so far revived, that we trust to see the day when he shall take the Cup of trembling out of our hands, and put it in the hands of them that afflicted us.  
And therefore, if you account ●s fellow-partners of the Purchased Inheritance, Yet a●ain suffer our necessity to pled with you, that as it hath been by the Committee of bills already advised, that a competent number of Ministers may be gifted to us by your Commission when they shall see the Calling cleared, the same may be granted as a testimony of your confidence, and expectation of our delivery; And in the mean time some others may be sent by turns to keep in the dying lives of above twenty four desolate Congregations, who are in danger to perish for want of Vision: And although we do profess, we count not ourselves worthy of such favours, yet as we have resolved to die with the cry of hope in our mouths to the Lords Throne; So in obedience of the use of the means by him appointed, we stretch out our hearts and our hands to you for help, and have sent our Brother William Mackenna Merchant at Belfast, to attend what answer it shall please the Lord by you to return unto  
Your distrossed Brethpen and Suppl cants. Subscribed by very many hands.    

3. junii 1644. Antemeridiem. Sess. 5. Act for the present entry of the new erected presbytery at Biggar.  
THe which day anent the Supplication subscribed and given in to the General Assembly to the Ministers and ruling Elders of the Kirks of Biggar, Skirling, Erochton, Glenquhome, Kelbocho, coulter, Lamyngtoun, Symontoun, Covingtoun Quothquen, Welstonn, and Dolphingtoun making mention, That the General Assembly at Edinburgh in August 1643. years, by their Act of the date of the twelfth day of the samine month and year, did upon grounds, and after trial and hearing of all Parties to the full, erect a presbytery seat at Biggar, to consist of the Kirks above-written, And granted to their presbytery full power of jurisdiction and exerceing Discipline, with all other Liberties and privileges belonging to any other presbytery; but suspended the entry and possession of this new erected presbytery, during the pleasure of the Assembly. And therefore desiring the said general Assembly to ordain and appoint the entry and possession of the foresaid presbytery at Biggar now presently; And to declare, that it is their pleasure, that the entry and possession thereof shall be no longer suspended, as the Supplication proports. Which Supplication being red in audience of the general Assembly, and thereafter the Commissioners from the Presbyteries of Lanerk and pebbles, and all others having entress to oppose the desire foresaid being publicly called, and the saids Commissioners for pebbles and Lanerk personally present, being at length heard in what they could say or allege therein: And the said the Supplication and desire thereof, with the Alledgeances and Objections made against the samine, being taken to consideration by the Assembly, and they therewith being fully and ripely advised: The Assembly after removing of the Parties, and after consideration of the premises and voicing of the foresaid desire, ordains the entry and possession of the foresaid presbytery of Biggar, consisting of the particular Kirks above-mentioned, to begin now presently; And appoints and ordains all the Ministers and Ruling Elders of the foresaids Kirks above specified, whereof the said presbytery consists, to meet and convene as a presbytery, with all convenience, at the said Kirk of Biggar, which is the Place and Seat of the samine presbytery. And the Assembly refers to the Commissioners to be appointed by them for the public affairs of the Kirk, to determinn to what Synod this the said new erected presbytery shall be subordinate; As also to prescribe the order aed solemnities that shall be necessar for entering and possessing the Ministers and Elders in the said presbytery,   

Junii 3. 1644. Sess. 6. Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish Lords at Oxford,  
THe general Assembly having received a Copy of a Declaration, made and subscribed at Oxford, sent unto them from the honourable Convention of Estates, and having seriously considered the tenor thereof, doth find the same to be a perfidious Band and unnatural confederacy, to bring this Kirk and kingdom to confusion; and to be full of blasphemies against the late solemn League and Covenant of the three kingdoms, of vile aspersions of Treason, Rebellion and Sedition, most falsely and impudently imputed to the Estates and the most faithful and loyal Subjects of these kingdoms, And seeing it is incumbent to the Assembly to take notice thereof, and to stop the course of these malicious intentions, in so far as concerns them, Declare that the subscribers of this or the like Declaration or Band, or any that have been accessary to the framing, or that has been, or shall be accessary to the execution thereof, deserve the highest censure of the Kirk: And therefore gives power to the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for the public affairs, to proceed against them to the sentence of Excommunication, unless they make humble confession of their offence publicly, in such manner, and in such places as the Commission shall prescribe; Or otherwise to refer the trial and censure of such Delinquents to Presbytereries or Synods as they shall think convenient. And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be ptonounced, discharges Presbyteries or Synods to relaxany from the sentence, without the advice of the general Assembly, or their Commissioners, nisi in extremis. And in respect of the atrocicite of this Fact, the Assembly in all humility, do seriously recommend to the right honourable the Estates of Parliament to take such course, as the persons that shall be found guilty, may be exemplary punished, according to the merit of so unnatural and impious an offence: And that some public note of ignominy be put upon the Declaration and Band itself, if their Honours sh●ll think it meet.  

Act against the Rebells in the North and South.  
THe general Assembly considering the just sentence pronounced against the principal Actors in that Rebellion in the North and South, by ordinance of the Commissioners of the late Assembly; And finding it most necessary, that such as assisted or joined with them in that impious and unnatural Fact, be likewise censured; Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Synods respectivè, to proceed against them with the highest Censures of the Kirk, if they give not satisfaction by public repentance; And when the sentence of Excommunication shall be pronounced, The Assembly discharges the said Judicatories to relax any of them from the sentence, without the advice of the general Assembly, or their Commissioners, nisi in extremis: To whom also the saids Presbyteries and Synods, shall be answerable for their diligence in the premises as they shall be required. And the Assembly doth humbly recommend to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to take such course as the Persons that shall be found guilty may be exemplarly punished according to the merit and degree of their offence.   

Act against secret disaffecters of the Covenant  
THe general Assembly understanding that divers Persons dis-affected to the national Covenant of this Kirk, and to the solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, do escape their just censure, either by their private and unconstant abode in any one Congregation, or by secret conveyance of their malignant speeches and practices; Therefore ordains all Ministers to take special notice when any such Person shall come within their parochs, and so soon as they shall know the same, that without delay they cause w●rn them to appear before the Presbyteries within which their parochs lies, or before the Commissioners of this Assembly appointed for public affairs, as they shall find most convenient; which warning 1he Assembly declares shall be a sufficient citation unto them: And als that all Ministers and Elders delate to the saids Judicatories respectsvè, every such disaffected Person, although without their own Paroch, so soon as they shall hear and be informed of them. And the Assembly ordains the said Commissioners not only to proceed to trial and Censure of such disaffected Persons, but also take a special account of the diligence of Ministers, Elders, and Presbyteries herein respectivè.   

Act for sending Ministers to the army.  
THe Assembly understanding that Ministers are not duly sent forth to the Regiments of the Army, neither such as are sent duly relieved, which neglect falleth out of times, by reason of questions among Presbyteries interested in the Regiments: Therefore for remedy hereof, thinks it convenient that this order be keeped hereafter; That a List be made of three Ministers by the Colonels, or in their absence by the chief Officers of every Regiment, with advice and consent of the presbytery at the Army, and sent to Presbyteries here, or if the list be of Ministers in divers Presbyteries to the Commissioners of the General Assembly, that they may appoint one out of that list to be sent to the Regiment, to attend them for performing ministerial duties 3, Moneths: And that the relief of Ministers already sent or to be sent hereafter shall be in the same manner, And the Assembly ordains Ministers who shall be thus appointed by Presbyteries or the Commissioners of the Assembly respective, to repair to the army with all diligence, under the pain of suspension: And humbly recommends to the Honourable Estates of Parliament, to provide some way whereby these Ministers may have due and ready payment of their allowance, from the time of their going from their charges here. And it is declared that this order shall be also keeped for sending forth of Ministers to the Regiments in the second expedition.   

Renovation of the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk.  
THe general Assembly considering that the Commissioners appointed by the last Assembly upon the nineteenth day of August 1643 years, the last Session thereof to sit at Edinburgh, for the public affairs of the Kirk, have not yet fully perfected that great Work for Unity of Religion, and uniformity of Kirk-government in his Majesties Dominions; And that now in respect of the present condition of affairs in this kingdom, their proceedings cannot be examined at this time: Therefore finding it necessar that the said Commission be renewed unto the Commissioners therein mentioned, and to the Persons afternamed now thought, fit to be added for the better expediting of the business( Do hereby appoint the Persons particularly nominate in the said Commission, viz. Masters Andrew Ramsay, Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, William colvil, William Bennet, George Gillespie, ●ohn Oiswald, Mungo Law, John Adamson, John ●harp, Jam s Sharp, William Dalgleiih, David Calderwood, Andrew Blackball. James Fleeming, Robrrt Ker, John Mackchie, Oliver Colt, Hugh campbel, Adam Penman, Richard Dickson, Andrew Stevinson, John Lawder Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, Arthur Mortoun, Robert trail, Frederick Carmichael. John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, John Duncan, John Hume, Robert Knox, William Jameson, Robert Murray, Henry Guthrie, James Hamiltoun in Dumfreis, Berna d Sanderson, John Levingstoun, James Bonar, Evan Camron, David Diekson, Robort ●ailzie, James Cuninghame, George Youngh, Andrew Affleck David Lindsay. Andrew Cant, William Douglas, Murdo Maekeinzie, Coline Mackeinzie, John Monroe, Walter Stuart Ministers; Archbald marquis of Argyle, William earl Marshall John earl of Sutherland, Alexander earl of Eglingtoun, John earl of Cassils, Charles earl of Dumfermeling, John earl of Lauderdale, John earl of Lindsay, James earl of Queensberry, William earl of Dalhousie, Archbald Lord Angus, James viscount of Dadhope, John Lord Maitland, David Lord Elcho, John Lord Palmerinoch, James Lord Cowper, Sir Patrick Hepburne of Waughtoun, Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun, Sir David Hume of Wedderburne, Sir Alexander Areskine of Dun, Sir William Cockburne of Langtoun, Sir Thomas Buthven of Frieland, Sir James Arnot of Fernie, Sir Walter Riddall of that Ilk, Sir Lodovick Houstoun of that Ilk, Sir William Carmichael fire of that Ilk, Mr George Douglas of Bonjedhurgh, Mr George Winrame of Libertoun, Laird of Prodie, Sir John Smith, James Dennistoun, Master Robert Barclay, John Rutherfurd, William Glendunning, John Sempill, John Kennedy, and Master Alexander Douglas Elders: And also Masters, David Dalgleish, Andrew Bennet, John Moncreiff, Alexander cars, Thomas Wilkie, James Gushrie, Henry Levingstoun●, David Drummond at Creiss, John Hay at Renfrew, John strange, Richard Inglis, William Falconer, John Paterson, Gilbert Rosse, Richard Maitland, George coming, William Camphel Ministers, And William earl of Glancairne, William earl of lothian, James Lord Murray of Gask, John Lord Yester, Robert Maitland, Frederick lion of Brigtoun, James Macdowell of Garthland, David Beton of Creich, Sir James Stuart Sheriff of Buit, Sir John Weemes of Bogie, Mr William Sandilands Tutor of Torphichin, Archbald Sydserfe, Laurence Hendersen, James Stuart, Thomas Paterson, and Alexander Jaffrry Elders now added by this Assembly, to meet at edinburgh upon the fifth day of this instant month of June, and upon the last Wednesday of August next, the last Wednesday of November next, and upon the last Wednesday of February next; and upon any other day, or in any other place they shall think meet: Giving and granting unto them, or any fifteen of them, there being twelve Ministers present, full power and commission to prosecute the said work of unity in Religion, and uniformity of Kirk government in all his Majesties Dominions, and to do and perform all things particularly or generally contained in the said Commission of the preceding Assembly, or in an Act of the said Assembly upon the said 19. day of August, entitled, A Reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the kingdom of England, and to treat and determine therein, and in all other matters referred unto them by this Assembly, siclike, and as freely, as if all these were herein expressed, and as the persons nominat in that said former Commission might have done by virtue of the said Act and former Commission at any time by-gone, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before, they being always comptable and censurable for their whole proceedings hereintill by the next General Assembly.   

Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to repair to the kingdom of England.  
THe General Assembly, finding that the great Work of unity in Religion, and uniformity of Kirk-government in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Do therefore renew the Commission granted for that effect by the preceding Assembly, unto the Persons appointed to repair to the kingdom of England upon the 19. day of August 1643. in the last Session thereof, Giving and granting to the Persons therein mentioned, the same power, to do all and every thing particularly or generally contained in the said Commission, in the same manner, and as fully, as if the same were herein expressed, and as they might have done at any time by gone by virtue of the former Commission.   

The Assemblies answer to the presbytery with the army.  
Reverend and loving Brethren in the LORD,  
WE received yours of the 17 and 20. of May, and were much refreshed with the knowledge you gave unto us therein, of your sense of our condition here, and of the Lords dealing with yourselves there in your straits and difficulties: We rejoice exceedingly to see you make such a blessed use of the Lords delays, for your further Humiliation and Dependence upon him: That Sanctuary, your Enemies, and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken, shall not save them: You have found by experience in your marches and maintenance, that events are not ordered by the propositions of men, but by the Providence and purpose of GOD. There is a time for every purpose under Heaven, and the Cup of the Amorites must be filled: Which being now full of every abomination, yea of the blood of the Saints, the cry whereof cannot but be heard in Heaven, and answered on Earth, presageth no less to us, than that the Lords time of his deliverance of his own, and destruction of his Enemies draweth near.  
We are not unsensible of your present estate, and by the Lords grace shall be careful, both here and with our Congregations at home, to make all take the same to heart. As for our condition here remembered with such pious affection by you, we doubt not but ye have heard what the Lord hath done for us; these happy beginnings of the Lords scattering our unnatural Enemies in the North, gives us confidence of his assistance in the midst of difficulties against these that assault us in the South: It is nothing with the Lord to help whether with many, or with them that have no power.  
The security of this Nation indeed is great, it is our part to blow the Trumpet to give warning to the People, and to rouse them from that fearful condition which threateneth so much desertion. And to this end we have enjoined a solemn Fast, the causes whereof being more particularly considered by our Commissioners here, will no question be sent unto you, that if the Lord please, you may join with us there in that Action.  
We have set down an order to be kept hereafter, for sending Ministers unto the army, which the Clerk will sand herewith unto you. Now the Lord our GOD, in whose Name his people go forth against his Enemies, help and assist them, and cover their heads in the Day of battle, and be their Refuge; and bless your travels and endeavours, for the good of their souls and his own glory.  
Edinburgh, 3. June 1644. Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.    

4. June 1644. Sess. 7. The Letter from the Commissioners at London to the General Assembly.  
Right Honourable, Reverend, and beloved in the LORD,  
IT was the earnest desire of our hearts to have come unto you at this time, and to have brought with us the desirable fruits of our weighty employments and labours, to our common rejoicing in the mids of so many troubles both here and there: but our Lord in his wisdom hath not judged it fitting, that this should be the time of our joyful harvest, and of bringing our sheaves, to be matter of sacrifice to himself, and of shouting to us. Both Nations as yet do but go forth weeping and bearing their precious seed; yet are we confident through JESUS CHRIST, that as it is a seed-time, if the Labourers( although other men before us have laboured and we are entred into their labours) prove faithful unto the end, the harvest shall come in due time, and in great plenty.  
The common Directory for public Worship in the Kirks of the three kingdoms is so begun( which we did make known to the Commissioners of the General Assembly) that we could not think upon any particular Directory for our own Kirk, and yet is not so far perfected, that wee could present any part thereof unto your view: for although wee have exhibited unto the Grand Committee( which is composed of some of the Members of both Houses, and of the Assembly, with ourselves) the materials of the public Prayers of the Kirk, the method of Preaching, and the order of administration of both Sacraments, and have the catechism in hand; yet are they not thoroughly ex●mined by the Committee, nor at all by the Assembly or Parliament, which we cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingness, but to the multiplicity and weight of their affairs, by which they are sore pressed, and above their power.  
The Directory for Ordination of Ministers( which upon the extreme exigence of this Kirk was much pressed by the Parliament) is agreed upon by the Committee and Assembly, and some dayes past is presented to both Houses, but hath not yet passed their Vote. The Assembly hath been long in debate about the Officers and Government of the Kirk( concerning which, we offered the two Papers which wee drew up, according to the practise of our own, and other Reformed Kirks, and so near as we could conceive, to the mind of the General Assembly, and did sand to the Commissioners of the General Assembly) and hath passed many votes about the one and the other, but hath no tbroght their thoughts to such ripeness and perfection, that they could think upon the publishing of them, or presenting them to your sight, nor is it in their power to do so, without warrant of Parliament. Your wisdom will consider that they are not a General Assembly, but some select Persons, called by Authority to give their advice in matters of Religion, that they walk in a way which hath not been trodden by this Nation before this time, that many things seem new unto them, and cannot obtain their assent, till they see them clearly warranted by the Word of GOD; That matters of the Government of the Kirk have been much controverted here, and the prejudices against presbyterial Government are many and great; That the two extremes of prelacy and independency, which latter is the general claim of all Sects and Sectaries, have prevailed most in this Kirk, and no other thing known by the multitude but the one or the other; That such as look to ward the Government of the Reformed Kirks, find a mighty party within and without opposing them; And that Reformation and uniformity must therefore be a work so full of difficulty, that the hand of the most high GOD, which is now begun to be stretched out in this Land, must bring it to pass.  
There was also presented to the Assembly, a new Paraphrase of the psalms in English metre, which was well liked of, and commended by some of the Members of the Assembly; But because we conceived that on psalm Book in all the three kingdoms was a point of Uniformity much to be desired, we took the boldness( although we had no such express and particular Commission) to oppose the present allowing thereof, till the Kirk of Scotland should be acquainted with it; and therefore have we now sent an essay thereof in some psalms. We have also sent another Specimen, in Print, done by some Ministers of the City. Your wisdom hes to consider, whether it be meet to examine them by your Commissioners there, that their judgements be sent up unto the Assembly here both about the general of Uniformity in this point, and about the particular way of effecting it, whether by either of these two, or by any other Paraphrase, or by changing some expressions in the Books now in use, which is aimed at by the first of these two.  
As we cannot but admire the good hand of GOD in the great things done here already, particularly; That the Covenant( the foundation of the whole Work) is taken, prelacy and the whole train thereof, extirpated; The Service-Book in many places forsaken, plain and powerful preaching set up; Many colleges in Cambridge provided with such Ministers, as are most zealous of the best Reformation; Altars removed; The Communion in some places given at the Table with sitting; The great Organs at Pauls and of Peters in Westminster taken down; Images and many other Monuments of Idolatry def●ced and abolished; The Chappel-●oyal at Whitechal purged and reformed; and all by authority in a quiet manner at noon day, without tumult: So have we from so notable experience, joined with the promises of the Word sufficient ground of confidence that GOD will perfect this Work against all opposition, and of encouragement for us all to be faithful in the Work of God, which is carried on by his mighty Hand▪ that no man can oppose it, but he must be seen fighting against GOD, It is unto us no small matter of comfort, that we have heard of no Minister of the Gospel( except such as the Kirk hath rejected) joining with the Malignants there, in their ungodly and unnatural afflicting of that kingdom, while they are endeavouring the relief of the afflicted in this kingdom; and we pray and hope, that they may carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling, and of the great Work, which the Lord is working by his own weak servants in Kirk and Policy.  
Be pleased to receive a Letter from the Assembly, unto which you will return such an answer as shall seem good unto your wisdom, and withall( which is our humble desire) some word of your thankful acknowledgement of the respect and favours done by them unto us.  
We have at all occasions since our coming hither, acquainted the Commission with our proceedings, and by the help of God, shall be industrious in obeying your directions and theirs, during our abode here, which through the power and blessing of God, bringing the affairs of his own Church to a peaceable and blessed success, wee wish may be for a short time, and unto which your fervent prayers through Christ may be very effectual, which therefore is the humble and earnest desire of  
Your affectionate fellow-labouring and fellow feeling Brethren in the Work of the Lord. 

JO. MAITLAND.  
Alex. Henderson.  
Sam. Rutherfurd.  
Robert bailie.  
George Gillespic.   Worcester house, London May 20. 1644.  

The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of England, to the general Assembly.  
Right Honourable, right Reverend, and drarly beloved Brethren in Jesus Christ,  
THe blessing and comfort of that inviolable Union which our gracious GOD hath vouchsafed to both Churches and Nations, gave us opportunity the last year, to breath out some of our sighs into your compassionate bosoms; And such have been the soundings of your bowels, as have offered violence to Heaven by your effectual fervent prayers, and brought many sweet refressings to our languishing spirits by your pious and comfortable Letters, in answer to ours.  
This makes us studious of all means of ackowledging your tender sympathy, and of laying hold on all opportunities of repairing again to the same streams of consolation: for which end, as we cannot but confess, that in the midst of those boisterous waves wherein we have been daily tossed, wee have met with many gracious and unexpected encouragements, so we must needs renew our former mournings, and rend our hearts afresh unto you, with greatest instance for all the assistance that your Prayers, Tears, Learning, Piety, and largeness of heart can possibly contribute to your poor afflicted and still-conflicting Brethren: And this we the rather beg of you, who, having been first in the furnace of affliction, and are come out of great tribulation, are meetest to commiserate, and best able to comfort others in any trouble, by the comforts wherewith you yourselves have been comforted of GOD.  
It was in our desires to have presented to your Venerable Assembly, some of our dearest respects in writing, by that eminently learned and much honoured Commissioner of yours, the Lord Waristoun: But his departure hence was so sudden to us, and unexpected by us that we could not have time( as his Lordship can inform you) to tender by him such a testimony of our Brotherly & intimate affections, as may in some measure suite with your manifold and most affectionate expressions toward us, when our sighings were many, and our hearts saint: For such hath been your love, that no waters can quench it, and such the undertakings of the whole kingdom of Scotland, through your furtherance, that we already begin to reap the fruits of all that Piety, Prudence, and Valour, which at this day render your Nation worthily renowned in the Christian World; and us, exceedingly straitned and restless in ourselves, until God please to open a way for our endeavours, to make some more answerable returns.  
Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, ere now, some proceedings of our Assembly legible in yours. But such are the continued distractions which lie upon our spirits, by means of the sad and bleeding condition of this kingdom, as have cast us much behind our own expectations, and hindered that expedition which the necessities of this Nation, and the desires of our Brethren abroad, do earnestly call for at our hands.  
Sometimes through GODS goodness wee have a prosperious Gale, Sometimes again, we sail like Paul and his company, very slowly many dayes. And even then, when wee draw near the fair Havens, some contrary winds put us out into the Deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto been untrodden by any Assembly in this Church: We therefore are enforced to spend more time in our inquiries, and in seeking of GOD a right way for us, that at length we may put into that high way, the way of holinesse, wherein Wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err: And we will wait upon our GOD( before whom we have been this Day humbling of our souls) until he led us into all these Truths which we seek after; and we shall labour to be yet more vile in our own eyes, as finding by experience that it is not in man to direct his way.  
Those Winds which for a while do trouble the air, do withall purge and refine it: And our trust is that through the most wise Providence and blessing of GOD, the Truth by our so long continued agitations, will be better cleared among us, and so our service will prove more acceptable to all the Churches of Christ, but more especially to you, while we have an intentive eye to our peculiar Protestation, and to that public Sacred Covenant entred into by both the kingdoms, for Uniformity in all his Majesties Dominions.  
Which Work we carry on( against what ever difficulties are cast in our way) with more ease and comfort, by the great sedulity and seasonable assistance wee daily receive from your Noble and Reverend Commissioners sitting among us: Their Prudence will( we doubt not) sufficiently furnish you with more particular information touching our affairs; And here, we cannot but aclowledge that the assidious presence of these our learned and highly-esteemed Brethren among us, and their free and faithful contributing of their counsels to us, do oblige us much to a double duty; the one of Thanks, which we now hearty render to you, for sending to us such excellent Helpers; the other of Request, which wee earnestly make for their continuance with us, until the Work bee brought up to the finishing Cubice.  
Now, the Great Master-Builder( without whose Almighty concurrence, the Builders labour but in vain) accomplish and perfect all his own glorious Work in your hands, and in ours, also, to his own Glory, the peace and edification of all the Churches, and the comfort of ourselves over all our travels and sufferings.  
Westminster, May 17. 1644. Your most affectionate Brethren and servants in the Lo d, by the direction, and in the Name of this whole Assembly, 

William Twisse, Prolocutor.  
Cornelius burgess, Assessor.  
Henry Robrough, Scriba.  
Adoniram Byfield, Scriba.     

The general Assemblies Answer, to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England.  
Right Honourable, right Reverend, and most dearly beloved in our Lord,  
WE do thankfully aclowledge your respectful remembrance of us by your Letters at all occasions; and not a little rejoice to see that happy correspondence and Christian communion so sweetly entertained amongst us, which is so acceptable in the sight of the Lord, so pleasant and profitable, especially when kept and entertained betwixt Kirks and kingdoms about affairs of highest and most public concernment and interest: We have nothing more in our desires than to entertain that harmonious correspondence, that Christian sympathy and compassion, that sounding and resounding of bowels, which well beseemeth Kirks and Nations, united by a solemn League & sacred Covenant, for mutual endeavours, by all lawful means to a further unity in that Faith once delivered to the Saints, and greater uniformity in Divine Worship, Discipline, and Government, according to the pattern.  
The case and condition of your bleeding kingdom is no less sensible to us, than if ourselves were in affliction with you; but we trust all is working to your best, and to our Lords glory: That some of you hes fallen, it is to try you, purge you, and make you white: If the Lord by those means be with that Reformation of his Ordinances, bringing also alongst that other Reformotion of hearts and lives, should it not be welcomed with all joy, although it bee upon the expense of blood and lives? The Lord will turn the by-gone rage of Man to his glory and your spiritual good the remnant of rage will he restrain. The Lord delivereth his own by degrees. he is with them in trouble, and delivereth them, and honoureth them; He who hath been sensibly with you hitherto, and upholden you in your trouble, will we trust, yet deliver you, and honour you: The more ye sow in tears, the greater shall be your harvest of peace and joy, when the Lord according to the dayes wherein he hath afflicted you, and the years wherein ye have seen evil, shall make you glad, and his Work to appear unto you, and his glory unto yout children, and the beauty of the Lord your God to be upon you, and shall establish the work of your hands; yea, even establish the work of your hands.  
We should prove both unthankful to God, and unfaithful to men, did wee not hold out unto you the Lords gracious and powerful dealing with us in the like condition, and comfort you with the consolations wherewith wee ourselves have been comforted: We were involved in the like difficulties; we had the strong opposition of highest authority set over two powerful Kingdoms, beside this of ours; and the unhappy providence of our wickedly wise and wary Prelates, had done what in them lay, to make the ministry of this Land sworn Enemies to the intended Reformation: So that we walked in a very wilderness, in a labyrinth, and as upon deep waters, wherein not onely did our feet loose footing, but also our eyes all discovering or discerning of any ground; yea; wee were ready to lose ourselves: Yet the Lord hath graciously rid us, and recovered us out of all these difficulties, and set our feet upon a rock, and ordered our goings. The experience wee have had in our own persons, affordeth us confidence and hope concerning your affairs; and wee trust this hope shall not be disappointed; it is our duty to hope upon experience, and it is the Lords word and promise, that such an hope shall not be ashamed. It cannot choose but beget confidence in you, when ye shall consider, that ye have seon before your eyes your neighbouring Ship of this Kirk and kingdom, having( as it were) loosed from your side, in the like or self-same storm, notwithstanding all tossing of winds and waves, yet ( not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts) to have arrived safe and sound to the Port and Harberie; yea, and to have dared to put out again unto the storm, to contribute her weak endeavours for your help.  
We aclowledge your impediments to be great and many, the sufferings of your Brethren, the People of GOD, cannot choose but both damp your spirits, and divide your throughts: Your walking in an untrodden and unknown way, must put you( though never so willing to go on speedily, yet) to take time and leisure to ask for the right way, and ye want not the opposition of some amongst yourselves, to whom notwithstanding we trust the Lord will reveal his truth in his own time. Never the less( much honoured and dear Brethren) go on courageously against the stream of all opposition; every Mountain in the way of Zerubbabel, the Lord shall make plain; and as many of you as are perfect, be thus minded, that forgetting the things that are behind, and looking to the things that are before, you press hard towards the mark, as having before you, not onely the prise of the high calling and recompense of reward, but also at the end of this race, these two precious Pearls and inestimable Jewels of Truth and Unity, and all the Reformed Churches beholding and looking on, not onely as witnesses, but also being ready to congratulate and embrace you.  
We were greatly refreshed to hear by Letters from our Commissioners there with you, and by a more particular relation from the Lord Waristoun now with us, of your praise-worthy proceedings, and of the great good things the Lord hath wrought among you and for you: Shall it seem a small thing in our eyes, that the Covenant( the foundation of the whole Work) is taken? That that Antichristian Prelacy with all the train thereof is extirpate? That the door of a right entry unto faithful Shepherds is opened; many corruptions, as Altars, Images, and other Monuments of Idolatry and Superstition removed, defaced and abolished; the Service-book in many places forsaken, and plain and powerful preaching set up; the great Organs at Pauls and Peters taken down; That the Royal chapel is purged and reformed, Sacraments sincerely administrate, and according to the pattern in the Mount, That your colleges, the Seminaries of your Kirk, are planted with able and sincere Professors? That the good hand of GOD hath called and kept together so many pious, grave, and learned Divines for so long a time, and disposed their hearts to search his Truth by their frequent Humiliations, continual Prayers, and learned and peaceable debates? Should not all and each one of these stir up our souls to bless the Lord, and render both you and us confident, that he who hath begun the good Work, will perfect it, and put the Copestone upon it; That the beauty of a perfected work may shine to all Nations, and we may say and shout, Grace, Grace, unto it; That the time may be when full liberty and leisure shall be to all the Builders of the House of GOD, to give themselves with both their hands to the building up and edifying the People of GOD in these things that belong to life and godliness, to the making of them wise to salvation, and thoroughly furnished to every good work, and when the Lord shall delight to dwell more familiarly, and to work more powerfully in, and by his thoroughly purified Ordinances? That you afflicted and tossed with tempests and not comforted, shall have your stones laid with fair Colours, your foundation with sapphires, your Children shall be taught of GOD, and shall have great peace, and no Weapon framed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that riseth against you in Judgement shall bee condemned; That the Lord will awake as in the ancient dayes, as in the generation of old; That the Redeemed of the Lord shall come unto Zion with singing, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.  
And as we are confident that the Lord who heareth Prayer, and hath promised to guide his Servants in all truth, will bring your labours to a comfortable conclusion: So do all the Reformed Kirks, and the Kirk of Scotland above all others extremely long for the taste of the fruits of their pious labours and continual pains: And so much the more, that we have suspended some material determinations amongst ourselves, upon expectation of Uniformity; And that in the mean time so many scandalous Papers come to our view, and to the hands of the People here, for liberty of Conscience, toleration of Sects, and such Practices as are contrary to the Doctrine, government, and Peace of all the Reformed Kirks. For stoping and suppressing whereof, as wee doubt not, but your wisdom, and the Authority of the honourable Houses of Parliament will use some more effectual means; So do we hope that your Determinations shall carry such evidence of Divine Truth, and demonstration of the Spirit, that those unhappy Clouds of darkness shall be so scattered, that they shall be no more gathered nor appear hereafter, to the dishonour of God, the prejudice of his Truth, and the scandalising of so many Souls for which Christ hath dyed,  
We do with hearty thankfulness resent all the kindness and respect you have shown to our Commissioners, and your high esteem of them in love for the Works sake; Although their presence here would be very comfortable unto us, very steedable to the public, and necessar in respect of their great and important particular charges and Stations; yet do we willingly dispense with all, yea nothing shall be too dear unto us, so that this Work be finished with joy, and Jerusalem made the glory and praise of the whole Earth: Because of the house of the Lord our God we will seek her good: For our Brethren and Companions sake, we will now say, Peace be within her Walls, prosperity within her Palaces.  
Edinburgh 4 June 1644, Subscribed in name of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by the Moderator of the Assembly.   

The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners at London.  
Reverend and Beloved Brethren,  
IT would have been the rejoicing of our hearts, and the lightning of our countenances, to have seen your faces, and enjoyed your presence here with us, especially, should ye have arrived unto us loaden with the spoils of Antichrist, the trophies of the Kirk of Christ, and the long longed for fruits of your painful labours: But seeing it hath pleased the Lord whose Interest in the business is main and principal otherwise to dispose, it doth become us with all humility to submit to his good pleasure, with faith & patience to attend his leisure, for he that believeth maketh not hast, and with more frequency and fervency in prayer seek to him who will be sought for these things and having begun the good work will perfect it, and double the benefit by bestowing it in a more seasonable time unto us.  
We have not been a little refreshed with you Letters sent untous and the Commissioners of the preceding Assembly, and with these from the Reverend Synod of Divines, the answer whereof you will be pleased to present unto them: by all which and more particularly by a full Relation from the Lord Waristoun a faithful witness and a fellow labourer with you there, we see and aclowledge that by the Lords blessing, the progress of the Work is already more, than we can overtake in the course of our thankfulness; that your labours are very great, your pains uncessant, your thoughts of heart many, that ye endure the heat of and day; but being confident of your patient continuance in well-doing, and that your labours shall not be in vain in the Lord, wee have renewed your Commission, and returned the Lord Waristoun unto you, according to your desire, that ye may prosecute that great Work which the Lord hath blessed so far in your hands.  
When the Ordination and entry of Ministers shall be conformable to the Ordinance of God, there is to be expected a richer blessing shall be powred out from above, both of furniture and assistance upon themselves, and of success upon their labours; for which end as our earnest desire is, that the Directory for it may be established: so do● we exceedingly long to see the common Directory for worship perfected, which, may prove an happy mean of that wished for Uniformity in the Kirks of the three kingdoms, shall( we trust) direct by all Rocks of offence and occasions of stumbling, and shall remove all these corruptions wherewith the Lords sacrifice and service hath been defiled.  
That point concerning a change of the Paraphrase of the psalms in metre, we have referred to the Commissioners here, whose power and Commission granted by the preceding Assembly, we have renewed and continued.  
That there be difficulties concerning Kirk-Government, wee think it not strange for these reasons you lay out before us; yet because the minds of men are still in suspense upon the success of the determination of that Reverend Assembly on the one hand, and upon the success of the war on the other: which doth not a little faint their hearts and feeble their hands, both you and we must be instant with God and man for a final determination of all these debates, and a happy and speedy conclusion of this great affair, so much concerning his own glory and the good of his Kirk. Now the Lord led you in all truth, and give you understanding in all things.  
Edinburgh 4. June 1644. Subscribed in name of the general Assembly by the Moderator.   

The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in the Netherlands.  
Fratres in Domino plurimùm colendi.  
QVae Anno superiore Ecclrfiarum Zelandicarum nomine, missae sunt ad nos Literae, ut eas communis totius Ecclesiae vestrae Belgicae voluntatis testes fuisse interpretaremur, effecit benevolentia vestra tot tantisque officiis nobis spectata: Quam sententiam nobis confirmarunt ea quae copiosè clarissimus Eques D. Archibaldus Jonstonus Varistonus in foro supremo Judex, à reliquis tum Ordinum tum Ecclesiae hujus Regni Delegatis Londino nonita pridem remissus, in hac ipsa Synodo Nationali de eximio vestro erga nos study commemoravit: Praesertim quantafid●, quam solicitâ diligentiâ nostram, vel Domini potius nostri Jesu Christi causam, quae nunc Londini agitur, & promoveritis, & promovere etiamnum satagatis. Quo in negotio, ex iis, quorum ab eo recitata audivimus nomina, de propensa reliquorum voluntate & curâ, ut conciliandae Ecclesiarum Britannicarum unionis saeliciter suscepta confilia, vestrâ ope & operà prosperum mature sortiantur exitum, minimè obscura secimus indicia. Sunt haec tam illustria benevolentiae vestrae testimonia, & in omnium bonorum oculis adeo perspicua ut eorum memoriam nulla unquam delere potuerint oblivia. Laboris autem & jam inpensi & porrò suscepti ad controversias in Synodo Londinensi suborientes foeliciter expediendas & decidendas nequamdo poeniteat, ex eo quem per divinam jam benedictionem fructum cepistis, optima quaequo in posterum sperare consentaneum est.  
Huic tam honorifice beneficiorum vestrorum commemorationi à D. Varistonio factae supervenerunt ex partibus Hiberniae aquilonaribus Literae multorum Chirographis subsignatae; Qui singularis gratiae in illam Ecelesiam divinitus effusae, ex quo tempore in societatem foederis trium unitorum sub Rege nostro Regnorum admissi sunt, mentione facta, hujus inquiunt divinae benedictionis amplissimum nuper habuimus testimonium. Sanctorum in Belgio liberalitatem eximiam; Qui nobis, ignotis licet & poregrinis, fratres se nostri amantissimos, & malorum nostrorum sensu tenerrimo compunctos apart demonstrârunt. Pauculos enim nos gladio superstites, & famed propediem interituros, omnibus extremis circumventos, in ipso articulo sublevarunt: Nec tantum oratione ad consolationem composita nobis animos confirmârunt, hortantes ut humiliter incedentes Deum liberatorem expectemus, qui non nisi ad breve tempus faciem suam â domo Jacob abscondere solet, said subsidio insuper opulento cum annonae, tum aliarum rerum ad nostram in tantis angustiis relaxationem & solatium necessarium, copiose nos refocillârunt. Tantum muni sicentiam cum supplices a Deo contendimus, ut septuplam ipsis in sinum rependat tum demisse vos etiam atque etiam rogamus ut in tanti beneficii agnitione Ecclesiis Belgicis, nobisoum gratias agatis. Haec illi. In quo quidem officio si illis desimus, in nos pariter & illos graviter peccemus  
Agnoscimus igitur illustrissimorum & potentissimorum Hollandiae, Zelandae, aliorunque Ordinum ●el●ico um tam eximiam beneficentiam: Quibus non conniventibus modo & permittentibus( quod ipsum non vulgar benefieium habendum esset) said authoribus etiam modumque & rationem raescribentibus, exemplo quoque praeeuntibus in ubsidium fratrum nostrorum H bernensi●m collecta per Ecclesias sacta ad ipsos mature deportata sit: Agnoscimus piorum iniisdem Ecclesiis Belgicis tam expromptam voluntatem & liberalitatem: Asnoscimus tantum beneficium non in ipsos magis fratres nostros, quam in illorum persona in nosmet ipsos esse collatum: Vosque( fratres Reverendi) obnixe rogatos volumus, ut quemadmodum nos ad omnem grati animi significationem prompti semper erimus, ita quâ vebis potissimum ratione commodum videbitur, illustrissimis & potentissimis Ordinibus nostro nomine gratias ragatis populo autem Christiano curae vestrae commisso tum publice universo, tum privatim singulis, ut occasio tulerit, demonstretis quam honorifice de ipsis sentiamus, & quanti faciamus tam eximiam benevolentiam & charitatem, quá in Ecclesiarum Hibernicarum consolatione viscera nestra resocillaverunt. Quae autem vestrae fuerint partes, fratres charissimi, quam pio study & labour, quam assidua diligentia tantae charitatis seemen in segetem & maturam tandem messem provexeritis, cum nos libentes agnoscimus, tum res ipsa loquitur, & fructus opimus abound testatur. Inprimis autem( quod caput est) tantae gratiae authorem & largitorem nos una cum Ecclesiis Hibernicis laudamus & celebramus: comprecantes ut in vos universos, in Ecclesias a Domino vobis commissas, in illustrissimos Belgii vestri Ordines Spiritum suum copiose effundat, ut quemadmodum in Rep. vestra adversus hostem potentissimum desendenda, & inter tantas bellorum moles indies amplificanda, in Evangelii luke & veritate incontaminatâ contra inferorum portas in vestris Ecclesiis propugnandâ, atque ind latius propagandâ, immensa Dei vobis excubantis potentia●, multiformis sapientia, & eximia beneficentia, per universum terrarum orbem hactenus celebrata est; ita bonis omnibus vos deinceps cumulare pergat idem sons omnis bonitatis, ut frementibus religionis & liberiatis vestrae hostibus, sapientiae & optimarum artium juxta ac armorum trium phorumque gloriâ inter nobilissimas gentes Resp. vestra soederata quotidie magis emineat, Ecclesia sacrorum puritate, & caelestis veritatis splendore perspicua resulgeat; eoque prosperè vobis cedant vestra prudentissima & saluberrima consilia, quibus certissimum ad faelicitatem publicam compendium vos cipessere demo●stratis, nec vobis tantum consu atis, said de vicinis etiam Ecclesiis soliciti, quà operà, quâ consilio opibusque vestris eas sublivatis & confirmatis omnes, & quasi de specula universis prospicientes de periculis imminentibus commonefacitis, & ad ruinam ab hostibus dolesè machinatam m●turè pr●cavendam armatis.  
Ergo quod anno superiori, quoddle signo dato, Reformatas omnes Ecclesias, missis ex Zelandia literis commonuistis, ut cum impostores, Jesu nomen impudenter ementiti, caeterique Antichristi satellites, quo securius in populum erroribus Pontificiis fascinatum grassari, & puriores Christi Ecclesias funditus extirpare queant, arctissimâ conjuratione socitati ad impia consilia patranda seize accinxerunt, Ita Ecclesiae quoque Reformatae sine mora consilia in medium alacrite● conferant, & animos ac vires conjungant, ut pernici●m sibi omnibus intentatam in hosiium capita retorqueant: ni fecerint, tam pudendae ignaviae excusatione apud posteritatem carituri: consilum non minus prudens & ●idum, quam faelix & salutare libenter & tum agnovimus & nunc ipso etiam eventu comprobamus.  
Principio autem ad hoc consequendum necessarium videtur, ut sine morâ convolemus omnes ad Deum nostrum clementis simum, qui postquam Ecclesiarum Reformatarum mores miuimè reformatos multis annis longanimitate suâ pertuliss●t, ferulam primum, mox etiam gladium vibratum interminatu●, tandem rubentem & madidum suorumque sanguine calentem & spumantem per regiones plurimas jam diu circumtulit; in nos denique reliquos nunc int●ntat, nisi mature resipuerimus, & de domo ipsus amplius purgandâ, de gratia Domini nostri Jesu Christi pluris facienda, de cultu Dei ipsiusque institutis relig●osius habendis, de Sabbatho esus sanctificando, aquo nimium oculos nostros avertimus, & de moribus ad pi●tatis normam componendis magis serio quam hactenus a nobis factum est, nobiscum statuentes cum populo Dei sub Nehemia, Josia, reliquisque piis Gubernatoribus, religio so soedere percusso, tanquam firmissimo vinculo Deo obstricti, nos int●r nos arctius adversus hostes univerimus, ut avertat Deus jam sumantem & capitibus nostris imminentem iram, quam peccata nostra plurima & maxima ad ●ersus nos prevocarunt & accenderunt.  
Non tantum nobis deferimus, nondum cos renovato cum Deo faedere, & votis nuncupatis dignos edidimus fructus, ut nostrum exemplum vobis proponere libeat: Quod tamen experti sumus, de Dei erga nos gratia, quod gratitudo erga Deum, quod gloria ipsius a nobis flagitat, celare non audemus. Quecunque nostra male merita s●nt in conspectu Dei & hominum; certe ex quo die nos de reigi●● faellere cum Deo & inter nos ineundo cogitavimus, a portis nferorum revocari, & res nostrae omnes in Deum nostrum necessario conjectae melius habere caeperunt, & faeliciore hactenus successu processerunt. Quod si de faederis hujusmodi religiosa socictate cocunda( quod rerum vestrarum & Religionis in Britannia nostra ex faedere nuper inito perpurgandae & stabiliendae commodo fieri posset) vestrae prudentiae visum fuerit cogitare, & ex consilio eorum quorum interest statuere, ac cum aliis Reformatis Ecclesiis agere( pro ea qua apud omnes valetis gratia) ut eandem vobiscum ineant rationem, non dubium est, per Domini ac Dei nostri benignissimi Jesu Christi in Ecclesias suas gratiam, fore, ut non modo, quod certissimum adversus impendentia mala persugium anno superiore missis ex Zelandia literis denunciastis, Ecclesiae Reformatae arctioris Societatis vinculo inter se unita ad hostium conatus impetusque frangendos corroberentur & confirmentur; said disjecti etiam lapides Domus Dei per Germaniam ex rudere & cenerebus redevivi recolligantur, ac gloriosum Domini nostri Templam ibidem instauretur: & purioris Religionis Professores in istis Ecclesiis, per resipiscentiam ad eum qui percussit eos, reversi, & quod nullis canescat saeculis faedere, D●mino nobiscum coadunati, malis, sub quorum pondere tot annos gemiscunt, tandem subleventur. Qui Dies long optatissimus si per Dei gratiam semel ill●xerit: de consiliorum cummunione inter Reformatarum Ecclesiarum Synodos per Eegatos & Literas concilianda iniri posset ratio, per quam Ecclesiae hostes compescantur, haereses opprimantur, & schismata retarciantur, pax cum Deo & inter Ecclesias firma conservetur, & gloriosum Dei opus in Evangelio per orbem terrarum propagando, & Antichristi regno abolendo promoveatur. Quod ut optandum, & sperandum, piis & prudentibus vestris meditationibus, ut bonum seemen foecvndissimo solo commendamus.  
Edinburgi. 4 Junii 1644. Vestrae Dignitati & Fraternitati addictissimi, Pastores & Seniores Nationalis Synodi Scoticanae, & nostro omnium nomine ac mandato.  
DIRECT.  
Ecclesiis Dei, quae sunt in unitis Hollandiae, Zelandiae, aliisque faederati Belgii Provinciis.   

Ordinance concerning Bursars.  
THe Assembly understanding that the Over●ure for maintaining Bursars in the Assembly holden in the year 1641. upon the 7. of August, Sess. 15. is never yet put in practise: Do therefore Ordain Presbyteries to put the same in practise with all diligence, and to make account thereof to the next Assembly.   

Ordinance for up lifting and employing Penalties contained in Acts of Parliament, upon pious uses.  
THe Assembly understanding that the executing of some laudable Acts of Parliament, made against Non-Communicants and Excommunicate persons, and of divers other Acts containing pecunial pains for restraining of 'vice, and advancing Piety, is much neglected by the slowness of Presbyteries and Ministers, in seeking Execution thereof: Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Ministers respectivè, to be diligent hereafter by all means, in prosecuting full and exact Execution of all such Acts of Parliament, for lifting the saids Penalties contained in the same, and for faithful employment thereof, upon pious uses, and that every presbytery report their diligence herein yearly to general Assemblies.   

An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage made by Minors, to those with whom they have committed Fornication.  
FOrsameikle as it is found by experience, that some young men being put to colleges by their well-affected Parents, that they may be instructed in the knowledge of Arts and Sciences, to the intent they may bee more able for public employments in the Eccclesiastick and Civill state, that the said Children hes committed Fornication. And the Woman and her friends hes seduced the foresaid Schollers being Minors, to make promise of Marriage to the party with whom they have committed Fornication; And thereupon intends to get the benefit of Marriage with the said young men, not onely without the consent of their Parents, but to their great grief, and to the great appearance of the ruin and overthrow of their estate: Which may be the case of Noblemen and Gentlemens children, as well as of these of other estates and degrees within the Kingdom. Wherefore if the Assembly think it expedient, it would be declared that all such promises be made null and of none effect, especially where the maker of the promise is Minor, and not willing to observe the famine; because his Parents will not consent, but oppose and contradict, threatening to make him lose not onely his favour but both blessing and birth-right. This Ordinance sh●●l not onely be very expedient for many good civill causes, but is very consonant and agreeable to Word of God, and will be very comfortable to many Godly Parents, who otherwise may be disappointed of their pious intentions, and have the comfort they expected, turned to an heavy and grievous cross.  
The general Assembly thinks it convenient at this time to delay any determination in the matter above written until the next Assembly, That in the mean time every Presbterie may take the same to their serious consideration, and report their judgements to the Assembly.   

Act concerning dissenting voices in Presbyteries and Synods.  
THe Assembly thinks it necessar, if any Member of Presbyteries or Synods shall find in matters depending before them, that the Moderator shall refuse to put any thing of importance to voices; Or if they find any thing carried by plurality of voices to any determination which they conceive to be contrary to the Word of God, the Acts of Assembly, or to the received order of this Kirk, That in either of these cases they urge their dissent to be marked in the Register; And if that be refused, that they protest as they would desire to be free of common censure with the rest: And the Assembly declares the dissenters to be censurable, if their dissent shall be found otherwise nor they conceived.   

Act concerning the Election of a Moderator in provincial Assemblies.  
THe General Assembly understanding that some Provincial Assemblies in choosing their Moderator, tie themselves to these Persons who have been before name and designed in particular Presbyteries, which is against the liberty of the Provincial Assembly: Therefore discharges Presbyteries to make any such nomination hereafter; And ordain Provincials in their first meeting, to elect their Moderator, and to make their own List for that effect without any such praelimitation.   

Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations in the town where the Assembly holds.  
THe Assembly judge it most necessar and comely, seeing the first day of the meeting of general Assemblies, is by the laudable practise of this Kirk a day of Fasting and Humiliation, for craving the Lords blessing to that Meeting; That not onely the Members of the Assembly, but that all the Congregations also of the Town where the Assembly holds bee so exercised: And that public Worship bee in all the Kirks thereof that day for that effect.   

THe general Assembly appoints the meeting of the next Assembly, to be upon the last Thursday of May, in the year 1645. at Edinburgh.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, MET OCCASIONALY. At Edinburgh, Januar 1645.  

Die Jovis, 23. Jan. 1645. post meridem. Sess. II. The Letter from the Commissioners at London to the General Assembly,  
Right Honourable, Reverend, and beloved in the Lord,  
AS we are not without the knowledge, so are we not without the feeling of the distresses of our Native country, and of the troubles of our dear Br●thren, specially that the hand of the Lord is stretched out against you, not only by Invasion from without of the basest of the children of men, but also by the unnatural trea●h●ry of som● within; who have dealt perfidiously in the Covenant and Cause of God: They h●sse and gnash the teeth; they say, W●e ●ave swallowed her up: certainly this is the day that we● looked for: Wee have found, wee have s●en it; the Lord hath caused thine Enemy to rejoice over thee, he hath set up the h●rn of thine Adversaries: Yet( saith the Lord, who is thy Maker and thy Husband, the Lord of hosts is his name, and thy Redeemer the holy One of Is●ael) for a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee, for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee: For this is as the waters of Noah, the Covenant of my peace shall not be removed, sa●th the Lord that hath mercy on thee. When the foundation of the House of the Lord was laid, the Priests and Levites song together in praising and giving thanks to the Lord; Because he is good, f●r his mercy ●ndureth for ever. And we hope at this time upon the coming of our reverend Brethren, and the sight of that which they bring with them, the noise of the shout of joy; shall be louder then the noise of the weeping of the People. This we may say, that not many years ago, many of us would have been content to have loosed our lives, that we might have obtained that which the Lord, if not in a miraculous, yet in a marvelllous and merciful providence, hath brought to pass in this island, in these dayes, which many before us, have desired to see, & have not seen. God forbid that it should seem a small thing in your eyes which is done here already, as it is expressed in a Paper from the Parliament, and Letters from the Assembly. Ye are best acquainted with the temptations and difficulties which ye meet with there, which are also very sensible unto us; And when we consider how the Lord hath carried on his work here at the first taking of the Covenant, and since, against much learning and contradiction, against much policy, power, and all sorts of opposition( such as Reformation useth to encounter) we are ravished with admiration of the right hand of the Almighty. For our part, we may confidently avouch in the sight of GOD and before you, whom next unto GOD we do respect and reverence, and to whom as your servants we are accountable, that in all our proceedings we had first of all the word of GOD before our eyes for the Rule; and for our pattern the Church of Scotland, so much as was possible; and no less( if not more) then if all this time since we partend from you, we had been sitting in a National Assembly there, and debating matters with our Brethren at home: Where we were not able to get every thing framed to our mind, we have endeavoured as much as we could, to preserve our own Reformation and practise, of which our Brethren will give you account in the particulars, we hope, to your satisfaction. That an uniformity in every thing is not obtained in the beginning, let it not seem strange; The leveling of the high Mountain of prelacy, The laying aside of the Book of Common Prayer, The Directory of Worship concluded in both Houses of Parliament, and the principal Propositions of Church-government passed in the Assembly, all of them according to the solemn League and Covenant, the greatest of all, are three or four witnesses to prove, that the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad, and which make us like them that dream: And we are sure, that not onely the Re●ormed Kirks, but the Papists will say, The Lord hath done great things for them.  
All that we desire, is: 1. That the Directory of Worship may be returned by our Brethren with all possible expedition, that it may be published here, and put in practise, as that which is extremely longed for by the good People, and will be a remedy of the many differences and divisions about the Worship of God in this kingdom, esspecially in this place: If there be any thing in it that displeaseth, let it be remonstrate upon irrefragable and convincing reason, otherwise ye will in your wisdom give approbation to it. 2. If there be any particular differences among some Brethren; which are not determined, but passed over in silence in the Directory, and yet hinted at in the Letter from the Assembly, we hope that in your wisdom ye will so consider of them, that they may be laid aside in due time, and that in the mean while, till the Directory be concluded and put in practise, there be no trouble about them. for that were as Snow in Summer, and as Rain in Harvest. We know nothing of that kind, that all of us who love unity, Order, and Edification, may not perfectly agree in, without scandal or distrubance: And we beseech the Lord to keep that Kirk free of such Sects and Monsters of opinions, as are daily set ' on foot and multiplied in this kingdom, through the want of that Church-government by Assemblies, which hath preserved us, and we hope, through the blessing of God, shall cure them. 3. Because national Assemblies cannot frequently convene, we humbly desire, that such a Commission may be settled as we may at all occasions till the Work be finished, have our recourse unto, for our direction and resolution: for we know both our own weakness: and the greatness of the Work: wherein we can promise no more but to be faithful in obeying your commandments, as in the sight of God, whom with our Souls we pray, to grant you his Spirit, to guide you into all truth, And thus continue.  
Worcester house, Jan. 6. 1645. Your humble and faithful Servants. 

Alex. Henderson.  
Sam. Rutherfurd.   Subscrib 

Loudoun.  
Jo. Maitland.    
DIRECT.  
For the Right Reverend tho general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland.  

The Letter from the synod of Divines in England, to the general Assembly.  
Right honourable▪ right reverend, and dearly beloved in the LORD JESUS,  
AS could waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. We your Brethren, yet remaining in the Furnace of affliction, and still labouring in the very fire, Have at length, by the good Hand of GOD upon us, attained so far toward the Mark at which we all aim, that we shall now sand you, by two of your Reverend and Faithful Commissioners Mr Robert Bailie, and Mr George Gillespie( our much honoured Brethren) some good news of that great Work, after which your zeal for Truth and Peace hath so much thirsted, and for which you have not loved your lives unto the death. Our progress therein hath not been so expeditious as was desired and expected. This, unto such as either know not, or consider not, The weight and greatness of the Work, nor The manifold difficulties which have occurred to obstruct our proceedings in this day of darkness and calamity( too sad to be expressed) hath been like unto hope deferred, which makes the heart sick: Howbeit, we trust, That when their desire( namely that which we have prepared, and are furthet in travel with) shall com' unto them, It will be, through God, a three of life, as to our great comfort and encouragement, we already perceive it to be to both the honourable Houses of Parliament.  
Touching the several Papers brought to us from your Honourable and Reverend Commissioners, by the hands of the Committee appointed to treat with them in matters of Religion( one of the Papers, being given in the 10. of November 1643. Concerneth the several sorts of Church-officers and Assemblies: Another, bearing date the 24. of January 1643. Concerneth Congregation all Elderships, and classical Presbyteries: The o●her, being presented the 15. of August last, representeth the necessity of making greater speed in settling the intended Uniformity in Religion, according to the late lolemne Covenant:) We hold it our duty, in regard bo●h of the arct and inseparable Union, which the Lord hath happily and seasonably made between you and us, and of your indefatigable and inestimable labour of love to this afflicted Kingdom, to give your Lordships and the rest of that Venerable Assembly, some brief account.  
Concerning one Confession of Faith, and form of catechism, we make no question of a blessed and perfect harmony with you. The public Doctrine, held out by our Church to all the World( especially when it shall be reviewed, which is in great part done) concurring so much with yours, may assure you of your hearts desire in those particulars, so soon as time and opportunity may give us liberty to perfect what we have begun.  
The chief reason of laying aside the review of our public Doctrine, after the happy and much desired arrival of your Reverend Commissioners here, was, The drawing up and accelerating of a Directory for Worship, and of a form of Church-Goverment; in both of which we stood at a greater distance from other Reformed Churches of Christ, and particularly from yours( which we very much honour) with whom our solemn sacred national Covenant requireth us to endeavour the nearest Conjunction and Uniformity, that we and our posterity after us, may as Brethren live in Faith and Love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.  
Nor have our labours there in been frustrate: For we have perfected and transmitted a Directory for Worship, to both Houses of Parliament; where it hath received such acceptance, that it is now passed in both the Honourable Houses of Parliament; which we hope will be to the joy and comfort of all our godly and dear Brethren in all His Majesties Kingdoms and Dominions.  
We have not advised any imposition which might make it unlawful to vary from it in any thing; Yet we hope, all our Reverend Brethren in this Kingdom, and in yours also, will so far value and reverence that which upon so long debate and serious deliberation hath been agreed upon in this Assembly( when it shall also pass with you, and be settled as the common public Directory for all the Churches in the three kingdoms) that it shall not be the less regarded and observed. And albeit we have not expressed in the Directory every minute particular, which is or might be either laid aside or retained among us, as comely and useful in practise; yet we trust- that none will be so tenacious of old customs not expressly forbidden, or so averse from good examples although new, in matters of lesser consequence, as to insist upon their liberty of retaining the one, or refusing the other, because not specified in the Directory; but be studious to please others rather then themselves.  
We have likewise spent divers moneths in the search of the Scriptures, to find out the mind of Christ concerning a form of Church-government, wherein we could not but expect the greatest difficulty: For our better progress herein, wee have with all respect considered the several Papers of your Honourable and Reverend Commissioners, touching this Head; and do with all thankfulness, aclowledge their great zeal, judgement, and wisdom expressed therein( as also, the excellent assistance and great furtherance of your Reverend Commissioners in this great Work; which now, through GODS goodness, is very near to a period also.  
In pursuit whereof, we made a strict survey and scrutiny of every Proposition, that we might find it agreeable to, and warranted by the Word of God, in a method of our own; without resting upon any particular model or frame whatsoever already constituted: What we have performed, and how far we have proceeded therein, we leave to the information of your Reverend Commissioners, who have been eye and ear witnesses of all that hath past, and we doubt not but you will shortly receive a satisfactory answer from hence, so soon as it shall be passed in the Honourable Houses of Parliament.  
And now, Right Honourable, and right Reverend Brethren, let it not seem grievous that we have this delayed the fatisfying of your earnest and just expectation: It is the Lot of Jerusalem, to have her walls built in troublous times, when there are many adversaries. Nor let it offend, that( albeit we acknowledge the many, great, and inestimable expressions of your love zeal, and helpfulness unto us every way in the day of our distress, to be beyond all that we can in words aclowledge) we profess plainly to you, That we do most unwillingly part with those our Reverend and dear Fellow-labourers, your Commissioners, whom now you have called home, to render an account of their employment here; which hath been so managed both by them and the rest of their Honourable and Reverend Colleagues, as deserveth many thanks, and all Honourable acknowledgement, not onely from us, but from you also.  
Give us leave to add, that the long experience we have had of the great sufficiency, integrity, and usefulness of them all, in the great Work of Christ our common Lord and Master, enforceth us( next to our greatest suit, continuance of your fervent prayers) to be earnest suitors, not onely for the continuance of these excellent helpers, Mr. Alex Henderson, and Mr. Sam. Rutherfurd, yet remaining with us, but also for the speedy return hither of our Reverend Brethren that are now going hence, for the perfecting of that Work which yet remains. And this suit we trust, you will the rather grant, because of the great and joint concernment of both Churches and Kingdoms in these matters.  
Now the spirit of wisdom and of all grace rest upon you in all your great consultations, as at all times, so especially now when you shall be gathered together in the Name of the Lord Jesus, for the further building up and polishing of his Church; and cause the fruit of all your labour to be to the praise and glory of GOD▪ and the comfort and rejoicing of the hearts of all the Israel of God: He reward all our dear Brethren of that Sister Church and Nation manifold into their bosom, all the labours, love, and sufferings which they have afforded, and still do cheerfully continue, for our s●kes and the Gospels, in this distracted and bleeding kingdom; suppress all commotions and bloody pactices of the common Enemy, in both, yea in all the three Kingdoms; set up the Throne of Jesus Christ, and make all the Kingdoms to be the Lords, and our Jerusalem to be a praise upon Earth, that all that love her and mourn for her, may rejoice for joy with her, and may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolation.  
Westminster, Jan 6. 1644. Subscribed by Your most loving Betthren, and fellow labourers in the Work of the Lord, in the name of this whole Assembly, 

William Twisse, Prolocutor.  
Cornelius burgess, Assessor.  
John White, Assessor.  
Henry Robrough, Scriba.  
Adoniram Byfield, Scriba.    
DIRECT.  
To the Right Honourable, and right Reverend, the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, these presents    

28 Jan. 1645. Post meridiem. Die Martis. Sess. 5. Approbation of the Proceedings of the Commission of the two pre●eding Assemblies.  
THe general Assembly, having heard the report of the Committee appointed to consider and examine the Proceedings of the Commissioners of the two last general Assemblies, viz. Of the Assemblies held in Edinburgh in the yeers 1643 and 1644. And after mature d●liberation, and serious consideration thereof, Finding that the whole Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions of the saids Commissioners contained in a Book and Register, subscribed by Master Andrew Ker their Clerk, and by Master George Leslie Moderator, and Master William Jaffray, Cle●k to the said Committee; Declare much wisdom, diligence, vigilancy, and commendable zeal; And that the saids Commissioners have orderly and formally proceeded in every thing according to their Commissions; Do therefore ratify and Approve the said whole Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions of the Commissioners of the two Assemblies aforesaid.   

3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunae, Post meridiem. Sess. 10. Act of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, for the esta●lishing and putting in execution of the Directory for the public Worship of GOD.  
WHereas an happy Unity and Uniformity in Religion amongst the Kirks of Christ in ●hese three Kingdoms, united under one sovereign, hath been long and earnestly wished for by the godly and well-affected amongst us, was propounded as a main Article of the large Treaty, wirhout which Band and Bulwark no safe well-grounded and lasting Peace could be expected; And afterward with greater strength and maturity, revived in the solemn League and Covenant of the three kingdoms; whereby they stand straitly obliged to endeavour the nearest Uniformity in one form of Church-government, Directory of Worship, Confession of Faith, and form of catechizing: Which hath also before and since our entering into that Covenant, been the matter of many Supplications and Remonstrances, and sending Commissioners to the Kings majesty, of Declarations to the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and of Letters to the Reverend Assembly of Divines, and others of the ministery of the Kirk of England, being also the end of our sending Commissioners, as was desired from this Kirk, with Commission to treat of uniformity in the four particulars afore-mentioned, with such Committees as should be appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of England, and by the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster: And beside ●ll this, it being it point of conscience the chief motive and end of our adventuring upon manifold and great hazards, for quenching the devouring flamme of the present unnatural and bloody war in England, though to the weakening of this kingdom within itself, and the advantage of the Enemy which hath invaded it, accounting nothing too dear to us, so that this our joy be fulfilled. And now this great Work being so far advanced, that a Directory for the public Worship of GOD in all the three kingdoms, being agreed upon by the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, after consultation with the Divines of both kingdoms there assembled, and sent to us for our Approbation, that being also agreed upon by this Kirk and kingdom of Scotland, it may be in the name of both kingdoms presented to the King, for his Royal consent and Ratification, The General Assembly having most seriously considered, revised, and examined the Directory afore mentioned, after several public readings of it, after much deliberation, both publicly, and in private Committees after full liberty given to all to object against it, and earnest, invitations of all who have any scruples about it to make known the same; that they might be satisfied, Do unanimously, and without a contrary Voice, Ag●ee to, and Approve the following directory, in all the Heads thereof, together with the Preface set before it: And doth require, decern, and ordain, That according to the plain tenor and meaning thereof, and the intent of the Preface, it be carefully and unformily observed and practised by all the Ministers and others within this kingdom, whom it doth concern; which practise shall be begun, upon Intimation given to the several Presbyteries, from the Commissioners of this General Assembly, who shall also take special care for the timeous Printing of this Directory, that a printed Copy of it, be provided and kept for the use of every Kirk in this kingdom; Also that each presbytery have a printed Copy thereof for their use, and take special notice of the Observation or neglect thereof in every Congregation within their bounds, and make known the same to the Provincial or General Assembly, as there shall be cause. Provided always, that the Clause in the Directory, of the Administration of the Lords Supper, which mentioneth the communicants sitting about the Table, or at it, be not interpnted, as if in the judgement of this Kirk, it were indifferent and free for any of the Communicants, not to come to, and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Minister to each Communicant, and not by the Communicants among themselves. It is also provided, That this shall be no prejudice to the order and practise of this Kirk, in such particulars as are appointed by the Books of Discipline, and Acts of General Assemblies, and are not otherwise ordered and appointed in the Directory,  
Finally, the Assembly doth with much joy and thankfulness aclowledge the rich blessing and invaluable mercy of God, in bringing the so much wished for uniformity in Religion, to such a happy Period, that these Kingdoms once at so great distance in the form of Worship, are now by the blessing of GOD brought to a nearer Uniformity than any other Reformed Kirks, which is unto us the return of our Prayers, and a lightning of our Eyes, and reviving of our hearts, in the midst of our many sorrows and sufferings, a taking away in a great measure, the reproach of the People of GOD, to the stoping of the mouths of Malignant and dis-affected persons, and an opening unto us a door of hope, that GOD hath yet thoughts of Peace towards us, and not of evil, to give us an expected end: In the expectation and confidence whereof we do rejoice, beseeching the Lord to preserve these kingdoms from Heresies, schisms, Offences, profaneness, and whatsoever is contrary to sound Doctrine, and the power of godliness, and to continue with us and the generations following, these his pure and purged Ordinances, together with an increase of the power and life thereof, To the glory of his great Name, the enlargement of the Kingdom of his Son, the corroboration of Peace and Love between the Kingdoms, the unity and consent of all his People, and our edifying one another in love.    

THE Directory for Worship, mentioned in the preceding Act, needs not to be here printed, because it is to be printed in a Book by itself.  

7. Feburary, 1645. Post meridiem. Sess. XIV. Overtures for advancement of Learning and good Order in Grammar Schools and colleges.  
I. THat every Grammar School be visited twcie in the year by Visitors, to be appointed by the presbytery and Kirk-Session in Landward Parishes, and by the Town-Councel in Burghs, with their Ministers; and where Universities are, by the Universities, with consent always of the Patrons of the School, that both the fidelity and diligence of the Masters, and the proficiency of the Schollers in piety and Learning may appear, and deficiency censured accordingly; And that the Visitors see that the Masters be not distracted by any other employments, which may divert them from their diligent attendance.  
II. That for the remedy of the great decay of poesy, and of ability to make Verse, and in respect of the common ignorance of Prosodie, no School-master be admitted to teach a Grammar School, in Burghs, or other considerable parochs, but such as after examination, shall be found skilful in the latin Tongue, not only for Prose, but also for Verse; And that after other trials to be made by the Ministers, and others deputy by the Session, Town, and Paroch for this effect, that he be also approven by the presbytery.  
III. That neither the Greek Language, nor logic, nor any part of philosophy be taught in any Grammar School, or private place within this Kingdom, to young Schollers, who thereafter are to enter to any college, unless it be for a preparation to their entry there: And notwithstanding of any progress, any may pretend to have made privately in these studies, yet in the college he shall not enter to any higher class, then that wherein due Greek Language is thought, and being entred, shall proceed orderly through the rest of the Classes, until he finish the Ordinary course of four years: unless after due trial and examination, he be found equal in Learning, to the best or most part of that class, to which he desires to ascend, by over-leaping a mid-Classe, or to the best or most part of those who are to be graduat, if he supplicate to obtain any degree before the ordinary time. And also, That there be found other pregnant reasons to move the faculty of Arts to condescend thereto; And otherwise that he be not admitted to the Degree of Master of Arts.  
IV. That none be admitted to enter a Student of the Greek tongue in any college, unless after trial he be found able to make a congruous theme in latin, or at least, being admonished of his error, can readily show how to correct the same.  
V. That none be promoved from an inferior class of the ordinary course to a superior, unless he be found worthy, and to have sufficiently profited: otherwise, that by he be ordained not to ascend with his con-disciples, and if he be a Burser, that he lose his Burse, And namely, it is to be required, That those who are taught in Aristotle, be found well instructed in his Text, and be able to report in Greek, and understand his whole definitions, divisions, and principal precepts, so far as they have proceeded.  
VI. Because it is a disgrace to Learning, and hindrance to Trades and other Callings, and an abuse hurtful to the Pubick, that such as are ignorant and unworthy, be honoured with a Degree or public Testimony of Learning; That therefore such trial be taken of Students, specially of Magistrands, that those who are found unworthy, be not admitted to the Degree and honour of Masters.  
VII. That none who have entred to one college for trial or study, be admitted to another college, without the Testimonial of the Masters of that college wherein he entred first, both concerning his Literature, and dutiful behaviour, so long as he remained there: at least, until the Masters of that college from whence he cometh, be timely advertised, that they may declare if they have any thing lawfully to be objected in the contrary. And that none be admitted, promoved, or receive Degree in any college, who was rejected in another college for his unfitness and unworthiness, or any other cause repugnant to good Order, who leaves the college where he was for eschewing of Censure, or chastising for any fault committed by him; or who leaves the college because he was chastised, or for any other grudge or injust quarrel against his Masters.  
VIII. That none of those who may be lawfully received in one college, after he was in another, be admitted to any other class, but to that wherein he was or should have been in the college from whence he came, except upon reasons mentioned in the third Article preceding.  
IX. That at the time of every general Assembly, the Commissioners directed thereto, from all the Universities of this Kingdom, Meet and consult together, for the establishment and advancement of piety, Learning, and good Order in the Schools and Universities, and be careful that a correspondence be kept among the Universities, and so far as is possible, an uniformity in Doctrine and good Order.  
The general Assembly, after serious consideration of the Overtures and Articles above written, Approves the same, and ordains them to be observed, and to have the strength of an Act and Ordinance of Assembly in all time-coming.  

To the Honourable and High Court of Parliament. The Humble Petition of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland.  
ACcording to the constant and commendable practise of the general Assemblies of this Kirk, Wee judge it incumbent to us, Right Honourable, when the displeasure of the Almighty, and the extreme danger of this Kirk and kingdom is so undeniably demonstrate to the eyes of the whole World, by the Invasion, Increase, and success of these Barbarous Irishes, and treacherous countrymen joined with them( Not onely out of conscience of the trust committed unto us, To proceed with the censures of the Kirk, against these who have joined, or shall happen to join themselves with these Enemies of GOD and his Cause, To appoint a solemn Fast and Humiliation through the Kingdom, and to give Warning to all the Ministers and Members of this Kirk of the dangers and duties of the time; But also, out of respect to your Honours, who judge not for man, but for the Lord: Who is with you in the Judgement: and standeth in the Congregation of the mighty: Humbly to present your Honours with our thoughts and desires concerning the duties which the exigency of this time expecteth from your hands.  
The impunity of known Incendiaries and Malignants, as by the course of Divine providence( permitting those who have formerly escaped the hand of Justice to be the prime instruments of our present Troubles) it is held forth for a cause of the Wrath which yet burneth more and more; So hath it been acknowledged before GOD in our public Humiliations, to be a main cause of GODS controversy with the Land, and an accession to the guiltiness of the cruelty, villainy, and other mischiefs committed by them and theit followers: And to lie still under the guilt after solemn Confession, were an high provocation of GOD, and an heavy aggravation of our sin; And on the one part, doth grieve the Godly, discourage their hearts, and weaken their hands, On the other part, doth harden them who are already engaged, to persist in their unnatural and bloody practices, heartneth others, who have not hitherto avowed their Malignancy, openly to declare themselves, and is laid hold upon by the disaffected, who lie in wait to find occasions, as fitting to work the People to an unwillingness of undergoing necessary burdens imposed for public good.  
Although the Lord hath shown unto us great and sore Troubles, and our heart may be broken with reproach, shane, and dishonour, put upon us by the vilest among men; Yet hath he made known unto us the power of his working amid these manifold troubles, bringing forward the much desired Work of Uniformity in Worship and Government to a greater perfection then was expected( as your Honours and wee did see the other day with joy of heart) which is a Testimony from Heaven, That the Lord hath not left us in the fiery Furnace, but dwelleth still in the midst of the burning Bush, and should rouse up our drooping spirits to follow GOD fully, and quicken our slowness to hasten and help the Lord against the mighty. In dealy there is peril of strenghthening the arm of the intestine enemy, making faint the hearts of our Neighbours and Friends, and disabling us for reaching help unto those who are wrestling against much opposition to perfect the Work of Reformation. The reproach under which we lie almost butted, should bee so far from retarding proceedings that it should intend the Spirit into a higher degree of desire, and expede the hand to spe dier action for vindicating our own name, and that Name which is above all names from the daily reproach of the foolish  
May it therefore please your Honours, in the zeal of the Lord, To proceed with some speedy course of Justice against such persons as are known to have joined themselves, either actually in Arms, or by their counsel, supplies, encouragements, have strenghtened the hands of the bloody Enemies, whereby a cause of the controversy shall be removed, the Land cleansed of the blood that is  shed therein, the cruel and crooked generation disheartened, the fainting hearts of the Godly refreshed, and their feeble knees strengthened; And cheerfully and unanimously to resolve upon, and put in execution all lawful and possible ways of speedy and active pursuing and extirpating these barbarous and unnatural Enemies within the Kingdom: Whereby your thankfulness to GOD for promoving his own Work, and your endeavours of uniformity, shall be testified; your sense of the dishonour of this Nation, and of the danger of dealy, expressed; and your conscience of the Oath of God upon you manifested. Wee are confident of your Honours conscience, and care, onely we exhort you in the Lord, to unite your Spirits, and accelerate your counsels and endeavours: And pray the Lord of Hosts to prosper your enterprises, according to the engagement of his Name, interest of his Work, and necessity of his People, to his own glory, the establishment of the Kings Throne in righteousness, the comfort of his Saints, and the conversion or confusion of Enemies. Be of good courage, and behave yourselves valiantly, for our people, and for the cities of our God. Arise, and the Lord be with you.   

Overtures propunded by the Committee, appointed by this venerable Assembly, for ordering of the Bursars of theology, and maintaining of them at Schools of divinity.  
I. THat every Bursar have yearly payed him for his maintenance 100. l. at the least.  
II. That the said maintenance be taken forth of the Kirk penalties, according to the intention of the first Act for maintaining of Bursars.  
III. That every presbytery consisting of twelve Kirks in number, maintain a Bursar yearly at the University.  
IV. And where the Presbyteries are fewer in number, that they join with other Presbyteries to make up their number: And the superplus of the number to be ordered and disposed by the Presbyteries and Synods: And that their Books bear Records thereof.  
V. That the Kirks of these Presbyteries be proportionally stented▪ according to the number of the communicants in each Parochin.  
VI. That the said maintenance be collected by the moderator of every presbytery, by equal divided portions, and the one half to be brought in to the Winter Synod, and given to the said Bursars, and the other half at the Summer, Synod, to be sent unto them: And that the several Synods take an exact count hereof, and see that all be rightly done, and that their Books bear the report hereof to the general Assembly.  
VII. That the time of Bursars abode at the Schools of Divinity exceed not four years: which being expired, or in case before the expiring of the said time, any be removed either by death, or by some Calling to a particular Charge, another be presented to the said Benefit.  
VIII. That in case any prove deficient in payment of the said maintenance for the time to come, That it shall be carefully exacted by the Synods, and sent over to the General Assembly, to be disposed upon by them, as they shall find expedient; that no Person may have benefit in their fl●●●nesse and neglect.  
IX. That all Bursars of theology bring sufficient Testimonies yearly from the Universities where they are bread, of their proficiency and good behaviour: And that they be also ready to give a proof of their labours at the several Synods, if it shall be required. And if they be found deficient, that they be denuded of the said benefit, and others more hopeful placed in their rooms.  
The general Assembly approves these Overtures above-written, And Ordains the same to be observed in all time coming. And that Presbyteries( who have not already done it) begin and enter to the maintaining of their Bursars, in manner foresaid, in this present year 1645. And recommends to Presbyteries, to make choice of such for the Burse, as are of good report, inclined to Learning, and have past their course of philosophy, And to try their qualification before they sand them to Universities.   

The opinion of the Committee for keeping the greater uniformity in this Kirk, in the practise and observation of the Directory in some points of public Worship.  
I. IT is the Humble Opinion of the Committee for regulating that exercise of reading and expounding the Scriptures red upon the Lords Day, mentioned in the Directory, That the Minister and People repair to the Kirk, half an hour before that time at which ordinarily the Minister now entereth to the public Worship; And tha, that Exercise of reading and expounding, together with the ordinary Exercise of Preaching, be perfected and ended at the time which formerly closed the Exercise of public Worship.  
II. In the Administration of baptism, it will be convenient, That, that Sacrament be administered in face of the Congregation, that what is spoken and done, may be heard and seen of all, and that it be administered after the Sermon, before the Blessing.  
III. In the Administration of the Lords Supper, it is the judgement of the Committee.  
1. That Congregations be still tried and examined before the Communion, according to the by-gone practise of this Kirk.  
2. That there be no reading in the time of communicating; but the Minister making a short Exhortation at every Table, that thereafter ther be silence during the time of the Communicants receiving, except onely when the Minister expresseth some few short sentences, suitable to the present condition of the Communicants in the receiving, that they may be incited and quikned in their Meditations the Action.  
3. That distribution of the Elements among the Communiants be universally used: And for that effect, that the Bread be so prepared, that the Communicants may divide it amongst themselves, after the Minister hath broken, and delivered it to the nearest.  
4. That while the Tables are dissolving, and filling, there be always singing of some portion of a psalm, according to the custom.  
5. That the Communicants both before their going to, and after their coming from the Table, shall only join themselves to the present public Exercise then in hand.  
6. That when the Communion is to be celebrate in a Paroch, one Minister may be employed for assisting the Minister of the Paroch, or at the most two.  
7. That there be one Sermon of Preparation delivered in the ordinary Place of public Worship, upon the day immediately preceding.  
8. That before the serving of the Tables, there be onely one Sermon delivered to those who are to communicate, and that in the Kirk where the Service is to be performed. And that in the same Kirk there be one Sermon of Thanksgiving, after the Communion is ended.  
9. When the Parochiners are so numerous, that their Paroch Kirk cannot contain them, so that there is a necessity to keep out such of the Paroch as cannot conveniently have place, That in that case the Brother who assists the Minister of the Paroch, may be ready, if need be, to give a word of Exhortation in some convenient place appointed for that purpose, to those of that Paroch, who that day are not to communicate; which must not be begun until the Sermon d●livered in the Kirk be concluded.  
10. That of those who are present in the Kirk where the Communion is celebrate, none be permitted to go forth while the whole Tables be served, and the blessing pronounced, unless it be for more commodious order, and in other cases of necessity.  
11. That the Minister who cometh to assist, have a special care to provide his own Paroch, lest otherwise while he is about to Minister comfort to others, his own Flock be left destitute of preaching.  
12. That none coming from another Paroch, shall be admitted to the Communion, without a Testimonial from their own Minister: And no Minister shall refuse a Testimonial to any of his Paroch, who communicates ordinarily at their own Paroch Kirk, and are without scandal in their life for the time. And this is no ways to prejudge any honest Person, who occasionally is in the place where the Communion is celebrate; or such as by death, or absence of their own Minister, could not have a Testimonial.  
IV. It is also the judgement of the Committee, That the Ministers bowing in the Pulpit; though a lawful custom in this Kirk, be hereafter laid aside, for satisfaction of the desires of the reverend Divines in the Synod of England, and uniformity with that Kirk so much endeared to us.  
The Assembly having considered seriously the judgement of the Committee above-written, doth approve the same in all the Articles thereof, and Ordains them to be observed in all time hereafter.    

10. February, 1645. Postmeridiem Sess. 16. Act of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, Approving the Propositions concerning Kirk-government and Ordination of Ministers.  
THe General Assembly, being most desirous and solicitous, not onely of the establishment and preservation of the Form of Kirk-government in this kingdom, according to the Word of GOD, Books of Discipline, Acts of general Assemblies, and national Covenant; But also of an Uniformity in Kirk-government betwixt these kingdoms now more straitly and strongly united by the late solemn League and Covenant: And considering, That as in former times there did, so hereafter there may arise through the nearness of Contagion, manifold mischiefs to this Kirk from a corrupt Form of Government in the Kirk of England: Like as the precious opportunity of bringing the Kirks of Christ in all the three Kingdoms, to an Uniformity in Kirk-government, being the happiness of the present times above the former; which may also by the blessing of God, prove an effectual mean, and a good foundation to prepare for a safe and well-grounded Pacification, by removing the cause from which the present Pressures and bloody Wars did originally proceed: And now the Assembly having thrice red, and diligently examined the Propositions( hereunto annexed) concerning the fficers, Assemblies, and Government of the Kirk; and concerning the Ordination of Ministers, brought unto us as the results of the long and learned Debates of the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, and of the Treaty of Uniformity with the Commissioners of this Kirk there residing; After mature deliberation, and after tymous calling upon and warning of all who have any exceptions against the same, to make them known, that they might receive satisfaction, Doth Agree to, and Approve the Propositions afotementioned touching Kirk-government and Ordination, and doth hereby Authorize the Commissioners of this Assembly who are to meet at Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in the name of this Assembly, an uniformity betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms in the aforementioned particulars, so soon as the same shall be ratified, without any substantial alteration, by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England: Which Ratification shall be timely intimate and made known by the Commissioners of this Kirk residing at London. Provided always, That this Act shall be no ways prejudicial to the further discussion and examination of that Article, which holds forth, that the Doctor or Teacher, hath power of the administration of the Sacraments as well as the Pastor; As also of the distinct Rights and Interests of Presbyteries and People in the calling of Ministers: But that it shall be free to debate and discuss these points as GOD shallbe pleased to give further light.  
The Propositions of Government, and Ordination mentioned in the preceding Act, are not to be here Printed: but after the Ratification thereof by the Parliament of England, they are to be Printed by warrant of the Commissioners of this Assembly.   

12. Feb. 1645. Post meridiem Sess. XVIII.  
THe general Assembly, after mature deliberation, having found it most necessary that this whole Nation be timely Warned, and duly Informed of their present Dangers, and the Remedies to be used, and Duties to be done for preventing and removing thereof, Doth ordain this Warning to be forth with Printed and Published, and sent to all the Presbyteries in this Kingdom, as also to the Presbyteries that are with our Armies. And that each presbytery immediately after the receipt hereof, take speedy course for the Reading of it in every Congregation within their bounds, upon the Lords day after the forenoons Sermon, and before the blessing: and that they give account of their diligence herein to the Commissioners of the general Assembly; Who have hereby Power and warrant to try and censure such as shall contemn or slight the said Warning, or shall refuse or neglect to obey this Ordinance.  

A solemn and Seasonable frightening To the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of Scotland; As also to our ARMIES without and within this Kingdom.  
THe Cause of GOD in this Kingdom, both in the beginnings and progress of it, hath been carried, through much craft and mighty opposition of Enemies, and through other perplexities and dangers; GOD so disposing, for the greater glory of his manifold and marvelous wisdom and his invincible Power, and for our greater trial.  
These dangers both from without and from within, together with the remedies thereof, have been from time to time represented and held forth, in the many public Supplications of this Kirk and Kingdom to the King, and in their many Declarations, Remonstrances, Letters, Acts, and other public Intimations: Particularly by a necessary Warning published by the Commissioners of the general Assembly in January 1643; And by the Remonstrance of the same Commissioners to the Convention of Estates in July thereafter cocerning the Dangers of Religion, and Remedies of these Dangers: which Warning and Remonstrance at that time had, by the blessing of GOD, very good and comfortable effects. And now the General Assembly itself, being by a special Providence, and upon extraordinary occasions called together, while GOD is writing bitter things against this Land in great Letters, which he that runs may red: and knowing that we cannot be answerable to GOD, nor our own consciences, nor the expectation of others, if from this chief Watch-Tower we should give no Seasonable Warning to the City of GOD: While we think of these things, For Sions sake we will not hold our peace, and for Jerusalems sake we will not rest: trusting that GOD will give, though not to all, yet to many, a seeing Eye; a hearing Ear▪ and an understanding Heart: For who 〈◇〉 wise and he shall understand these things, prudent and he shall k●o● them; For the ways of the Lord a e right, and the just shall walk in them, but the transgr ssors shall fall therein, and the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand.  
That which we principally intend, is to hold forth( so far as the Lord gives us light) how this Nation ought to be affencted with the present Me●cies and Judgements; What use is to be made of the Lords dealings: And, what is required of a people so dealt with.  
Had we been timely awaked, and taken warning, either from the exemplary judgement of other Nations; or from Gods threatenings by the mouths of his servants amongst ourselves; or from our own former visitations, and namely, The Sword, threatened and drawn against us, both at home and from abroad, but at that time through the forbearance of GOD, put up in the Seath again, wee might have prevented the miseries under which now we groan. But the Cup of trembling, before taken out of our hands, is again came about to us, that wee may drink deeper of it: And although when these bloody Monsters, the Irish Rebels, together with some degenerate, unnatural, and perfidious countrymen of our own, did first lift up their herds, and enter this kingdom in a hostile way, it was looked upon as a light matter, and the great judgement which hath since appeared in it, not apprehended: yet now wee are made more sensible, that they are The rod of Gods wrath, land the staff in their hand, which hath strike us these three times, is his indignation. He hath shewed his people hard things, and made us to drink the wine of astonishment. Take we therefore notice of the hand that smiteth us, for affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground. There is no evil in the City nor country which the Lord hath not done. He it is that formeth the light, and createth darkness; Who maketh peace, and createth evil: He it is that hath given a charge to the Sword, so that it cannot be still: He it s that hath his other Arrows ready upon the string to shoot at us, the Pestilence and Famine.  
In the next place let us apply our hearts to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to understand the language of this present judgement, and Gods meaning in it, For though the Almighty giveth not an account of any of his matters, and hath his way in the sea, and his path in the deep waters which cannot be traced; Yet he is pleased by the light of his Word and Spirit, by the voice of our own consciences, and by that which is written and engraven upon our judgement, as with the point of a Diamond and a Pen of iron, to make known in some measure his meaning unto his servants. God hath spoken once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth not; Therefore now hath he made this rod to speak aloud the third time, that we may hear the voice of the rod, and who hath appointed it. That which the rod pointeth at, is not any guilt of Rebellion or disloyalty in us, as the Sons of Belial do slander and belie the solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, which we are so far from repenting of, that we cannot remember or mention it without great joy and thankfulness to God, as that which hath drawn many blessings after it, and unto which God hath given manifold and evident testimonies, for no sooner was the Covenant begun to bee taken in England; but sensibly the condition of affairs there was changed to the better; and though a little before the Enemy was coming in like a Flood, yet as soon as the Spirit of the Lord did lift up the Standard against him, from that day forward the Waters of their Deluge did decrease.  
And for our part, our Forces sent into that Kingdom, in pursuance of that Covenant, have been so mercifully and manifestly assisted, and blessed from Heaven( though in the mids of many dangers and distresses, and much want and hardship) and have been so far instrumental to the foyling and scattering of two principal Armies; First, the marquis of Newcastle his Army, And afterward, Prince Ruperts and his together; And to the reducing of two strong Cities, York and Newcastle, that we have what to answer the Enemy that reproacheth us concerning that business, and that which may make iniquity itself to stop her mouth. But which is more unto us than all Victories, or whatsomever temporal Blessing, the Reformation of Religion in England, and Uniformity therein between both Kingdoms( a principal end of that Covenant) is so far advanced, that the English Service-Book, with the holidays, and many other Ceremonies contained in it, together with the Prelacy, the fountain of all these, are abolished and taken away by Ordinance of Parliament; and a Directory for the Worship of God in all the three Kingdoms, agreed upon in the Assemblies, and in the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, without a contrary voice in either; the Government of the Kirk by Congregational Elderships, Classical Presbyteries, Provincial and National Assemblies, is agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, which is also voted and concluded in both Houses of the Parliament of England: And what is yet remaining of the intended uniformity is in a good way; So that let our Lot fall in other things as it may, the Will of the Lord be done; In this we rejoice, and will rejoice, that our Lord Jesus Christ is no loser, but a conqueror, that his Ordinances take place, that his Cause prevaileth, and the work of purging and building his Temple goeth forward, and not backward. Neither yet are we so to understand the voice of the rod which lieth heavy upon us, as if the Lords meining were to pluck up what he hath planted, and to pull down what he hath builded in this Kingdom, to have no more pleasure in us, to remove our Candlestick, and to take his Kingdom from us: nay, before that our God cast us off, and the glory depart from Israel, let him rather consume us by the Sword, and the Famine, and the Pestilence, so that he will but keep his own great Name from reproach and blasphemy, and own us as his people in Covenant with him. But now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing, we will believe that we shall yet see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living: We will not cast away our confidence of a blessed peace, and of the removing of the scourge and casting it in the Fire, when the Lord, hath by it performed his whole Work upon mount Sion and Jerusalem, much more will wee be confident of the continuance of the blessings of the Gospel, that glory may dwell in our Land This is the day of Jacobs trouble, but he shall be saved out of it: And the time is coming, when a new Song shall be put in our mouths, and we shall say, This is our God, we have waited for him, and he hath saved us. Though the Lord smite us, it is the hand of a Father, not of an Enemy, he is not consuming us, but refining us, that we may come forth as Gold out of the Fire. We are troubled on every side; yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. We know assuredly there is more mercy in emptying us from vessel to vessel, then in suffering us to settle on our Lees, whereby our taste should remain in us, and our sent not be changed.  
These things premised, we come to the true language of this heavy judgement, and to the real procuring causes thereof. For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. God is hereby showing to great and small in this Land their work and their transgression, that they have exceeded. He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. We leave every Congregation in the Land, every Family in every Congregation, & every Person in every Family to examine their own hearts and ways, & to mourn for congregational, domestical, and personal sins: Cursed shall they be who have added fuel to the fire, and now bring no water to extinguish it, who had a great hand in the provocation, and bear no part in the humiliation.  
Let every one commune with his own conscience, and repent of his, own wickedness, and say, What have I done? Wee shall here touch onely the national sins, or at least more public ones, then those of a Family or Congregation, which we also intend for chief causes of a public Fast and Humiliation. If among our Nobles, gentry and Barons, there have been some studying their own private interests more then the public, and Seeking their own things more then the things of Christ or oppressing and defrauding the poor sort and the needy, because it was in the power of their hand: and if among our ministry there ha●● been divers Time-servers, Who have not renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, whose hearts have not been right before God, nor steadfast in his Covenant, who have been secretly haters of the Power of godliness, and of Mo●tification; shall not GOD search all this out? who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts. In ●hese also leaving all men to a judging and searching of themselves, there are many other provocations which are apparent in all or many of this Nation, from which, though they wash with nitre, and take much soap, yet they cannot make themselves clean: Because of these the Land mourneth, and at these the Sword striketh.  
As first, the contempt, neglect, and dis-esteem of the glorious Gospel; our unbelief, unfruitfulness, lukewarmness, formality, and hardness of heart, under all the means of Grace; our not receiving of Christ in our hearts, nor seeking to know him, and glorify him in all his Offices. The power of godliness is hated and mocked by many to this day, and by the better sort too much neglected, and many Christian duties are not minded: as, The not speaking of our own words, nor finding of our own pleasure upon the Lords day: Holy and edifying conference both on that day, and at other occasions: The instructing, admonishing, comforting, and rebuking one another, as Divine Providence ministereth occasion. In many Families almost no knowledge nor worship of GOD to be sound: yea, there are among the Ministers who have strenghtened the hearts and hands of the profane more then of the godly, and have not taken heed to the ministry which they have received of the Lord to fulfil it.  
Next, GOD hath sand the Sword to avenge the quarrel of his broken Covenant: For besides the defection of many of this Nation under the prelates from our first national Covenant, a sin not forgotten by GOD, if not repented by men as well as forsaken, our latter Vows and Covenants have been also foully violated, by not contributing our uttermost assistance to this Cause, with our Estates and Lives; by not endeavouring with all faithfulness, the discovery, trial, and condign punishment of Malignants, and evil Instruments; yea, by complying too much with those, who have not onely born arms, and given their personal presence and assistance, but also drawn and lead on others after them in the shedding of our Brethrens blood: Therefore is our sin made our punishment, and We are filled w●th the fruit of our own ways. These horns now push the sides of Judah and Jerusalem, because the Carpinters when they ought and might, did not cut them off: And yet to this day the course of Justice is obstructed: The Lord himself will execute justice if men will not. But above all, let it bee deeply and seriously thought of, that our Covenant is broken by the neglect of a real Reformation of ourselves and others under our power: let every one ask his own heart what lust is mortified in him, or what change wrought in his life since, more then before the Covenant? Swearing, Cursing, Profanation of the Lords day, Fornication, nd other uncleanness, drunkenness, Injustice, Lying, Oppression, Murmuring, Repining, and other sorts of profaneness still abound too much both in the country & in our Armies: yea, there is no Reformation of some Members of public Judicatories, which is a great dishonour to God, and foul scandal to the whole Nation.  
Thirdly, we have not glorified God according to the great things which he hath done for us, nor made the right use of former mercies: Since he loved us ( a Nation not worthy to be beloved) he hath made us precious and honourable, but we have not walked worthy of this love: We wax●d fat and kicked, forsaking God who made us, and lightly esteeming the Rock of our salvation. And this great unthankfulness filleth up our Cup.  
Forthly, Notwithstanding of so much guiltiness, we did sand forth our Armies, and undertake great services presumptuously, without repentance, and making our peace with God, like the Children of Israel, who trusting ●o the goodness of their cause, minded no more, but Which ●f us shall go up first.  
It is now high time, under the feeling of so great a burden both of sin and wrath to humble our uncircumcised heart, to put our mouth in the dust, if so be there moy be hope, to wâllow ourselves in ashes, to cloth ourselves with our shane as with a garment, to justify Gods righteous judgements, to aclowledge our iniquity, to make our supplication to our Judge, and to seek his face, that he may pardon our sin, and heal our Land. The Lord roareth, and shall not his children tremble? The God of glory thundereth, and the Highest uttereth his voice, hailstones and coals of fire, who will not fall down and fear before him? The fire waxeth hot, and burneth round about us, and shall any sit still and be secure? The s●orm beloweth hard, & shall any sluggard be still asleep? This is a day of trouble, and of rebuk ' and of blasphemy; who will not take up a lamentation? Let the Wathmen rouse up themselves and others, and strive to get their own, and their their peoples hearts deeply affencted, and even melted before the Lord: Let every one turn from his evil way, and cry mightily to God, and give him no rest till he repent of the evil, and smell a savour of rest, and say, It is enough. He hath not said to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. Wee do not mourn as they that have no hope. but we will bear the indignation of the Lord, because wee have sinned against him, until he pled our cause, and execute judgement for us. And what though our Candles be put out? So that our Sun shine: What though our honour be laid in the dust? So that GOD work out his own honour, yea, our happiness out of our shane. In vain have we trusted to the arm of flesh: In the Lord our GOD is the Salvation of Israel No flesh must glory before him, but he that glorieth, must glory in the Lord.  
These duties of Humiliation, Repentance, Faith, Amendment of life, and Fervent Prayer, though the principal, yet are not all which are required at the hands of this Nation, but men of all sorts and degrees, must timely apply themselves to such other Resolutions and Actions as are most suitable and necessary at this time: Which that all may the better understand, and bee excited and encouraged to act accordingly, let it be well observed, that the present state of the controversy and Cause is no other but what hath been formerly professed before GOD and the World, that is, The Reformation and Preservation of Religion, The Defence of the Honour and happiness of the King, and of the authority of the Parliament, together with the maintenance of our laws, Liberties, Lives, and Estates. We are not changed from our former principles and intentions, but these who did fall of from us to the contrary party, have now made it manifest, that these were not their ends when they seemed to join with us: Therefore are they gone out from us, bocause they were not of us. And as our Cause is the same, so the danger thereof is not less, but greater then before, and that from two sorts of Enemies. First, from open Enemies, we mean those of the Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant Faction, who have displayed a Banner against the Lord, and against his Christ, in all the three Kingdoms, being set on fire of Hell, and by the special inspiration of Satan, who is full of fury; because he knows he hath but a short time to reign. The Cockatrice before hatched, is now broken forth into a Viper. The danger was before feared, now it is felt; before imminent, now incumbent; before our division, now our destruction is endeavoured; before the Sword was furbished and made ready; now the Sword is made fat with Flesh, and drunk with blood, and yet it hungereth and thirsteth for more. The Queen is most active abroad, using all means for strengthening the Popish, and suppressing the Protestant party; insomuch that Malignants have insolently expressed their confidence; that her journey to France shall prove a successful Counsel, and that this iceland, and particularly this kingdom, shall have a greater power to grapple with. before the next Summer, then any which yet we have encountered with. The Irish Rebels have offered to the King to sand over a greater number into both the kingdoms: The hostile intentions of the King of Denmark, if God be not pleased still to divert and disable him, do plainly enough appear from his own Letters, sent not long since to the Estates of this kingdom. In the mean time, the hellish crew under the conduct of the excommunicate and forefaulted earl of Montrose, and of Alaster Mac-Donald, a Papist and an Outlaw, doth exercise such barbarous, unnatural, horrid, and unheard of cruelty, as is above expression: And( if not repressed) what better usage can others not yet touched expect from them, being now hardened and animated by the success which God hath for our humiliation and correction, permitted unto them: and if they shall now get leave to secure the High-Lands for themselves, they will not onely from thence infest the rest of this country, but endeavour a diversion of our Forces in England, from the prosecution of the ends expressed in the Covenant of the three Kingdoms, toward which ends, as their service hath been already advantageous, so their continuance is most necessary.  
The second sort of Enemies, from which our present dangers arise, are secret Malignants and Dis-covenanters, who may be known by these and the like Characters: Their slighting or censuring of the public Resolutions of this Kirk and State: Their consulting and labouring to raise Jealousies and Divisions, to retard or hinder the execution of what is ordered by the public Judicatories: Their slandering of the Covenant of the three kingdoms and expedition into England, as not neceassry for the good of Religion, or safety of this kingdom, or as tending to the diminution of the Kings just power and greatness: Their confounding of the Kings Honour and Authority, with the abuse and pretence thereof, and with Commissions, Warrants, and Letters, procured from the King, by the Enemies of this Cause and Covenant, as if we could not oppose the latter, without encroaching upon the former: Their whetting of their tongues, to censure and slander those whom GOD hath honoured as his chief Instruments in this Work: Their commending, justifying, or excusing the proceedings of James Grahame, sometime earl of Montrose, and his Complices: Their conversing or intercoming by word of writ, with him, or other excommunicate Lords, contrary to the nature of that Ordinance of Christ, and to the old Acts of General Assemblies: Their making merry, and their insolent carriage, at the News of any prosperous success of the Popish and Malignant Armies in any of these kingdoms: Their drawing of Parties and Factions, to the weakening of the common Union: Their spreading of Informations, That uniformity in Religion, and the Presbyterial Government, is not intended by the Parliament of England: Their Endeavours, Informations, & solicitations, tending to weaken the hearts & hands of others and to make them withhold their assistance from this Work.  
Let this sort of bosom Enemies, and dis-affected Persons, be well marked, timely discovered, and carefully avoided, lest they infuse the poison of their seducing counsels into the mindes of others: Wherein let Ministers be faithful, and Presbyteries vigilant and unpartial, as they will answer the contrary to GOD, and to the General Assembly, or their Commissioners.  
The cause and the dangers thereof being thus evidenced, unless men will blot out of their hearts the love of Religion, and the Cause of GOD, and cast of all care of their country, laws, Liberties, and Estates, yea, all natural affection to the preservation of themselves, their Wives, Children, and Friends, and whatsoever is dearest to them under the Sun( all these being in the visible danger of a present ruin and destruction) they must now or never appear actively, each one stretching himself to, yea beyond his power. It is no time to dally, nor go about the business by halves, nor by almost, but altogether zealous: Cursed be he that doth the Work of the Lord negligently, or dealeth falsely in the Covenant of God. If we have been so forward to assist our Neighbour kingdoms, shall we neglect to defend our own? Or shall the Enemies of GOD be more active against his Cause: than his People for it? GOD forbid. If the Work being so far carried on, shall now mis-●arry, and fail in our hands, our own consciences shall condemn us, and posterity shall curse us: But if wee stand stoutly and steadfastly to it; the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in our hands, and all Generations shall call us blessed.  
Let Ministers stir up others by free and faithful preaching, and by admonishing every one of his duty, as there shall be occasion: And if it shall be the lot of any of them to fall under the power of the Enemy, let them through the strength of Christ, persevere in their integrity, choosing affliction rather then sin. glorifying GOD, and not fearing what Flesh can do unto them.  
Let our Armies beware of ungodliness, and worldly lusts, living godly, soberly, and righteously, avoiding all scaodalous carriage, which may give occasion to others to think the worse of their Cause and Covenant, and remembering that the eyes of GOD, Angels, and Men are upon them: Finally, renouncing all confidence in their own strength, skill, valour, and number, and trusting only to the God of the Armies of Israel, who hath fought, and will fight for them.  
Let all sorts both of high and low degree in this kingdom, call to mind their solemn Covenants, and pay their vows to the most High; and namely, that Article of our first Covenant, which obligeth us not to stay nor hinder any such Resolution, as by common consent shall be found to conduce for the ends of the Covenrnt, but by all lawful means to further and promove the same; Which lieth as a bound upon peoples consciences, readily to obey such orders, and willingly to under go such burdens, as by the public and common resolution of the Estates of Parliament, are found necessary for the prosecution of the War; considering that the Enemy cannot bee suppressed without a competent number of Forces, and Forces cannot be kept together without maintenance, and maintenance cannot be had without such public Burdens; Which however for the present, not joyous; but grievous, yet it shall be no grief of heart afterwards, even unto the common sort, that they have given some part of their necessary livelihood, for assisting so good a work. It is far from our thoughts, that the pinching of some, should make others superstuously to abound: It is rather to bee expected of the richer sort, that they will spare and defalk, not onely the pride and superfluity, both of apparel and diet, but also a part of their lawful allowance in these things, to contribute the same as a free will offering, beside what they are obliged to, by Law or public Order, after the example of godly Nehemiah, who for the space of twelve years, while the walls of Jerusalem were a building, did not eat the bread of the governor, that he might ease by so much the Peoples burdens and Bondage.  
In our last Covenant, there is another Article which( without the oblivion or neglect of any of the rest) we w●sh may be well remembered at this time; namely, That w●●hall assist and defend all that enter into this League and C●●enant, in the maintaining and pursuing thereof and sha●l not suffer ourselves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever Combination, persuasion, or Terror, to be divided and withdrawn from this blessed Union and Conjunction, whether to make defection to the contrary part, or to give ourselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this Cause: According to which Article, mens Reality and integrity in the Covenant, will be manifest and demonstrable as well by their omissions, as by their commissions; as well by their not doing good, as by their doing of evil; He that is not with us; is against us; and he that gathereth not with us scattereth, Whoever he be that will not, according to public order and appointment, adventure his person, or sand out these that are under his power, or pay the Contributions imposed for the maintenance of the Forces, must be taken for an enemy, Malignant, and Covenant-breaker, and so involved both into the displeasure of GOD, and Censures of the Kirk, and no doubt into civil punishments also to be inflicted by the State.  
And if any shall prove so untoward and perfidious, their iniquity shall be upon themselvts, and they shall bear their punishment: Deliverance and good success shall follow those who with purpose of heart cleave unto the Lord, and whose hearts are upright toward his glory. When wee look back upon the great things which GOD hath done for us, and our former deliverances out of several dangers and difficulties which appeared to us insuperable, experience breeds hope: And when we consider how in the midst of all our sorrows and pressures, the Lord our God hath given us a nail in his holy place, and hath lightened our eyes with the desirable and beautiful sight of his own glory in his Temple, we take it for an argument that he hath yet thoughts of peace, and a purpose of mercy toward us; Though for a small moment he hath forsaken us, yet with great mercies he will gather us s he hath lifted up our Enemies, that their fall may be the greater, and that he may cast them down into desolation for ever. Arise, and let us be doing; The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jaco ●s our Refuge.   

Act against Lykwakes.  
WHereas the corrupt custom of Lykwakes hath fostered both Superstition and profanity through the Land This present Assembly Discharges the same in time come; ming? And appoints Presbyteries To take special care fotrying and censuring the Transgressors of this Act within their several Bounds.   

Act recommending to Sessions To have the Printed Acts of assembly.  
THe General Assembly, considering how necessar it is, That every Session in a Parish have the Acts of the Assembly for their use, Doth therefore seriously recommend to every Parish and Session To buy the Printed Acts of the Assembly; and Ordains Presbyteries To crave account hereof from every Minister, before their going to provincial Assemblies: And likewise, That every provincial Assembly, crave account from Presbyteries in their trials, if every Session be so provided, and that they try the diligence, of Presbyteries and Ministers used for that effect.    

13. Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem. Sess. Ult. Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, and other superstitious dayes, especially if they be scholars,  
THe General Assembly taking to their consideration, The manifold Abuses, profanity, and Superstitions, committed on Yule-day and some other superstitious dayes following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby Ordains, That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall be found guilty in keeping of the foresaid superstitious dayes, shall be proceeded against by Kirk Censures, and shall make their public Repentance therefore in the face of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And that Presbyteries and provincial Synods Take particular notice how Ministers try and censure Delinquents of this kind, within the several Parochines. And because scholars and Students give great scandal and offence in this, That they( being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of Schools or colleges be accessory to the said superstitious profanity, by their connivance, granting of liberty of Vacance to their scholars at that time, or any time thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compear before the next ensuing general Assembly, there to be-censured according to their trespass; And if scholars ( being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, or be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be not received in any other school or college within the Kingdom.  

Act for encouragement of scholars to Professions in schools.  
IN respect of the paucity of men, fit and willing to profess divinity in the schools, by reason that few frame their studies that way, The general Assembly thinks it fit, That the Provincials diligently consider and try who within their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in the schools, And report their names to the following general Assembly, that such may be stirred up and encouraged by the general Assembly, to compose and frame their studies, that they may be fit for such places.   

Act for restraining Abuses at penny Brydals.  
THe general Assembly, considering the great profanity and several Abuses which usually fall forth at Pennie-Brydals, proving fruitful Seminaries of all lasciviousness and debausherie, as well by the excessive number of people convened thereto, as by the extortion of them therein, and licentiousness thereat, To the great dishonour of God, the scandal of our Christian Profession, and prejudice of the Countreys welfare; Therefore they Ordain every presbytery in this kingdom, To take such special care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes foresaid, as they shall think fit in their several bonds respectivè: And to take a strict account of every Minister and Session of their obedience to the Ordinance of the presbytery thereanent, at the Visitation of every Parish Kirk in their Bounds.   

Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former Places.  
THe general Assembly, considering the manifold prejudices redounding to the Kirk in general, and private Congregations in particular; through the restoring of Ministers once deposed to the same places wherein formerly they served: As also, how derogatory it would prove to the weight of that sentence of Deposition; Do therefore ordain, that no Minister deposed, shall be restored again into that place where formerly he served.   

Renovation of the Commission for the public Affairs of the Kirk.  
THe General Assembly taking to their consideration, That in respect the great Work of uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties dominions, is not yet perfected,( though by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted for the public Affairs of the Kirk by the general Assembly, held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. upon the fifth day of August post meridiem, Sess, 12. And by the general Assembly held in Edinburgh in the year 1643. upon the 19. day of August, Sess. ult. And by the late general Assembly held at Edinburgh in the year 1644. upon the third of June, Sess. 6. to the Persons afternamed, viz. Mr Andrew Ramsay, Mr Alexan. Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, Mr John Oswald, Mr Mungo Law, Mr Robert Lawrie, Mr John Adamson, D. John Sharp, Mr George Leslie, M Andrew Fairfowle, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr James Fleeming Mr Robert Ker. Mr John Macghie, Mr John Dalyell, Mr Andrew Stevenson, Mr Robert Lauder, Mr James Robertson, Mr Patrick Sibbald, Mr Robert Carson, Mr Alex. Spittall▪ Mr Alex. Dickison Mr James Smith, Mr John Gibbison, Mr James Sym●on, Mr Ephraim Melvill. Mr Alex. Somervell, Mr Robert ●liot, Mr George Bennet, Mr Robert Blair, Mr David Forret, Mr Arthur Mortoun, Mr Samuel Rutherfurd, D. Alex. colvil, Mr Andrew Bennet. Mr ●amess Wedderburn, Mr Walter Greg, Mr John Moncreiff, Mr John Smith, Mr Frederick Carmichaell, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, Mr James Sibbald, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Hume at Eccles, Mr Mungo Dalyell, Mr Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr William Turnbull, Mr James Guthrie, Mr Thomas Donaldson, Mr William Jameson, Mr David Fletcher, Mr Andrew Dunkison, Mr Robert Murray, Mr David We●mes, Mr John Hall, Mr John Freebairn, Mr David Drummond at Creiff, Mr George Murray, Mr Henry Guthrie, Mr Robert Wright, Mr Andrew Jaffray, Mr Bernard Sanderson, Mr Alex. Tran, Mr Thomas Chalmers, Mr Andrew Lawder, Mr Hugh Henderson, Mr John Levingstoun, Mr James Blair, Mr James Bonar, Mr John burn, Mr John Bell, Mr Hugh Mackale, Mr Matthew Birsbane, Mr David Elphingstouw, Mr David Dickson, Mr George Young, D. John strange, Mr Robert bailie, Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Rabert Birnie, Mr Evan Camron, Mr George Symmer at Megle, Mr Andrew Fleck, Mr Patrick lion, Mr John Lindsay, Mr Sylvester Lammie, Mr George Fogo, Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr William More, Mr William Davidson, Mr John Paterson, Mr William Jaffray, Mr Thomas mitchel, Mr George Cummin, Mr Joseph Prodie, Mr William Lawder, Mr David Rosse, Mr Ferquhard Macklennan, Ministers; And Archbald marquis of Argyle, John earl of Crawfurd-Lindsay, Alexander earl of Eglintoun, William earl of Glencarne, John earl of Cassils, Charles earl of Dumfermling, James earl of Tullibardin, John earl of Lauderdale, James earl of Annandale, William earl of Lothian, James earl of Queenesberry, William earl of Dalhousie, William earl of Lanerick, Archbald Lord Angus,  
viscount of Arbuthnet, James viscount of Frendraught a Alexander Lord Carleys, James Lord Johnstoun, John Lord Yester, John Lord Balmerino, Allxander Lord Ba●carras, John Lord Loure, John Lord Burganie, Sir Patrick Hepburn of Wauchtoun, Sir John Hope of Cr●ighall, Sir Archbald Johnstoun of Waristoun, Sir David Hume of Weddetburn, Sir Frederick lion of Brigtoun, Sir Alexander Areskine of Dun, Sir Alexander Fraser of Phillorth, Sir William Baillio of Lammingtoun, Hadding of Glennegies, Sir Thomas Ruthven of Freeland, James Macdougall of Garthland, Sir Alexander Murray of Blackbarronie, William Drummond of Rickartoun, Sir William Scot of Hardin, Sir Andrew Ker of Greenhead, Sir William Stuart of Sir Alexander Schaw of Sauchie, Alexander Brodie of that Ilk, Mr George Hu●e of Kimmerjame, Sir John Smith, Mr Alexander colvil Justice deputy, John Binnie. Archbald Sydserf, Laurence Henderson, James Stuart Gilbert Sommervell John Semple, Mr Robert Barclay Patrick Leslie▪ James ●aw, Mr Robert Cuninghame, George Gardin, William Glendunning Elders. And for discharging the said Commission, Appoints the persons aforesaid, or any ninteene of them, whereof fifteen shall be Ministers, to meet at Edinburgh upon the 14. of this month of February and upon the second Wednesday of May, August, November, and of February next to come, and upon any other day, or in any other Place they shall think meet. Giving unto them full power and Commission to do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to an happy conclusion, conform to the former Commissions granted by the saids Assemblies thereanent: And further, renews to the Persons afore-named, the power contained in the Act of the said Assembly, 1643. entitled, A reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England, As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said late Assembly 1644. Sess. 6. made Against secret dis-affecters of the Covenant, and, For sending Ministers to the Army. With full power to them, to treat and d●termine in the matters aforesaid, & in all other matters referred unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely, as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being always for their whole proceedings countable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly.   

Renovation of the Commission to the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdom, of England, for prosecuting the Treaty of uniformity in Religion.  
THe general Assembly, Taking to their consideration, that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, though by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made in the same, Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted to the Persons formerly nominate by the two preceding Assemblies, and by their Commissioners sitting at Edinburgh, for prosecuting the said treaty of uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by them. Giving unto them full power to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring the said treaty to an happy conclusion conform to the former Commissions granted to them thereanent.   

The General Assemblies Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England.  
Right Reverend and well-beloved in the Lord Jesus,  
A Mid●t the manifold troubles in which this kingdom hath been involved, and under which it still laboureth, we greatly rejoiced when it was testified unto by us our reverend Brethren, and under your hands in your Letter, and these Papers by them presented to us from you, what progress you had made in the much desired Work of uniformity; and aclowledge, that the same hath comforted ●s concerning our work and toil of our hands, and seemeth to us as an olive branch, to prognosticate the abating of the waters, which overflow the face of the Earth.  
When we consider, that you have walked in paths unusual, which have not been haunted by Travellers there, as the public way, though pointed out as the good old way by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder that you have carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure ground; When we behold that strong and high three of episcopacy so deeply rooted by continuance of time not lopped of the Branches, and the stump of the root left in the Earth▪ with a band of iron and brass, but plucked up by the roots; We do confess that the Carpenters, though prepared have a hard task, requiring time to hue it down, and root it up: And when we call to mind how much the Service-Book hath been cried up as the only way of GODS Worship, how many thereby have had their wealth, and how difficile it is to foregoe the accustomend way; We admire the power and wisdom of the good GOD who hath prospered you in your way, and lead you this length, through so many straits, and over so many difficulties in so troublous a time.  
We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most hearty and gladly embrace the Directory of Worship, as a common Rule for the Kirks of GOD in the three Kingdoms, now more straitly and firmly united by the solemn League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice bless the Lord, who hath put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, Learned, and Pious Assembly of Divines and then, of the Honourable Houses of Parliament, To agree upon such a Directory as doth remove what is none of Christs, and preserve the purity of all his Ordinances, together with Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we have thought necessary, to declare and make known, That the Clause in the Directory for the administration of th● Lords Supper, which appointeth the Table to be so place● that the Communicants may orderly sit about it, or at it, is not to be interpnted, as if in the judgement of this Kirk it were indifferent for any of the Communicants not to come to and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Ministers to each Communicant, & not by the Communicants among themselves: In which particulars, we still conceive and believe the order & practise of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable & suitable to the Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ; and the nature of that Heavenly Feast and Table. nevertheless, in other particulars we have resolved, and do agree, to do as ye have desired us in your Letter, That is, not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawful in themselves, and not condemned in this Directory, but to lay them aside for the nearer uniformity with the Kirk of England, now nearer and dearer to us than ever before; A Blessing so much esteemed, and so earnestly longed for among us, that rather than it fail on our part, we do most wllingly part with such practices and customs of our own, as may be partend with safely, and without the violation of any of Christs Ordinances, or trespassing against scriptural Rules, or our solemn Covenants.  
We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Propositions touching Kirk-government and Ordination; and have given power to our Commissioners who are to meet in Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an uniformity therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, so soon as the same shall be without any substantial alteration Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England according to our Act of Approbation sent to our Commissioners with you.  
As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the counsel and assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good use to us in these difficult times, and their particular stations and employments importune the stay of these who are come unto us, and the return of these who stay with you, yet preferring the public good, and looking upon the profit may redound unto all by their continuing with you, we have satisfied your desire, & renewed their commission; Praying GOD they may( as we are confident they shall) prove answerable to our trust, and to your expectation.  
Concerning one Confession of Faith, and form of catechism, we apprehended no great difficulty: And to that which remains to be perfected in the matter of Kirk-government, we do believe, and both you and we know by experience, that there is no word impossible with our God. He that hath begun a good work among you, will also perform it of his good pleasure. Go on in the Lord your strength, and the Spirit of truth led you in all truth: The God of all grace and peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, & by him hath called us unto his eternal glory, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you, and by you, and among you, that which is well pleasing in his sight, stablish, strengthen, settle you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  
Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645. Subscribed in name of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by the Moderator of the Assembly.   

TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT majesty. The humble Remonstrance of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, met at Edinburgh the 13. day of February, 1645.  
AS our Record is on high, and our consciences within us bear us witness, so the many former Supplications and Remonstrances to your majesty, from this Kirk and kingdom, our solemn Covenants, and the whole course of our proceedings from time to time in the prosecution of this Cause, Do make known to the World, and we trust also to your own conscience, our loyalty and faithful subjection, and how far our intentions are from the diminution of your Majesties just Power and greatness; And although the success of many of our humble addresses to your Majesty, hath been such as did frustrate our desires and hopes, yet this hath not blotted out of our hearts our loyalty, so often professed before God and the World; but it is still our Souls desire, and our Prayer to God for you, that yourself and your Posterity may prosperously reign over this your ancient and Native kingdom, and over your other Dominions. And now as we have published a solemn and free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of this kingdom, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So when we call to mind, that God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the greatest are not to be winked at in their sins; We assure ourselves, that the best and most real testimony which we can give at this present, of the tenderness and uprightness of our affection to your Majesties true happiness is this our humble and faithful Representation of your Majesties great and growing dangers, and the causes thereof; Of which, if we should be silent, our consciences would condemn us, and the stones themselves would immediately cry out.  
The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, & our fear increased in your M●jesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience is above measure tempted, & is like a Cart prest down with sheaves, and ready to break, while as beside many former designs and endeavours to bring desolation and destruction upon us,( which were( and we trust all of that kind shall be) by the marvelous and merciful providence of God discovered and disappointed) Our country is now infested, the blood of divers of our Brethren spilled, and other acts of most b●rbarous and horrid cruelty exercised, by the cursed crew of the Irish Rebels and their Complices in this kingdom, under the conduct of such as have Commission and Warrant from your majesty. And unless we prove unfaithful both to God and to your majesty, we cannot conceal another danger which is infinitely greater than that of your Peoples displeasure: Therefore we the servants of the most high GOD, and your Majesties most loyal Subjects in the humility and grief of our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the Nam● of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the world in righteousness, both great and small, and in the Name of this whole national Kirk, which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty reely, that the guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty and to your Throne, is such, as( whatsoever flattering preachers, or unfaithful counsellors may say to the contrary) if not timely repented, cannot but involve yourself ●nd your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living GOD, For your being guilty of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of your Majesties best Subjects; For your perm●tting th● mass, and other Idolatry, both in your own Family and in your Dominions; For your authorizing by the Book of Sports the profanation of the Lords Day; For your not punishing of public scandals, and much profaneness, in, & about your Court; For the shutting of your ears from the humble and just desires of your faithful Subjects; For your complying too much with the Popish party many ways, and namely, by concluding the Cessition of arms in ●reland, and your embracing the counsels of those who have not set GOD nor your good before their eyes; For your resisting and opposing this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of GOD, your own honour and happiness, and the peace and safety of your kingdoms; and for what other causes your Majesty is most conscious, and may best judge and search your own conscience( nor would we have mentioned any particulars, if they had not been public and known.) For all which it is high time for your Majesty to fall down at the footstool of the King of Glory, to aclowledge your offence to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST,( whose blood is able to wash away your great sin) and to be no longer unwilling that the Son of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms in his pure Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These things if your Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto you afterward; a blessing is reserved for you, and you shall find favour with GOD, and with your People, and with all the Churches of Christ; But if your Majesty refuse to harken to this whol●ome counsel( which the Lord forbid) we have discharged our own consciences, we take GOD and Men to witness That we are blameless of the sad Consequences which may follow, and we shall wait upon the Lord, who, when he maketh inquisition for blood, will not forget the cry of the humble In the mean while, beseeching your Majesty to take notice That we are not staggering or fainting through diffidence of the successef this Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto which, as GOD hath already given m●nifold Testimonies of his favour and blessing; so it is our steadfast and unshaken confidence, that this is the Work and Cause of GOD, which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, we shall never suffer ourselves to be divided or withdrawn, but shall zealously and constantly in our several Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and Lives, the pursuing and promoving thereof.  
That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion between both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered to you● majesty from the Commissioners of this Kingdom, for your royal Consent and Ratification, Although your majesty was not pleased to vouchsafe us the ●resence of your Commissioner, according to the suppli●ation of the Commissioners of the preceding general Assembly, yet we have proceeded with as much respect to your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance of our duty, as if your royal Person had been present in the mids of us: And we shall still continue our Prayers for you, that GOD would graciously incline your heart to the counsels of Truth and Peace, and grant unto your majesty a long and happy reign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty.   

The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners at London.  
Reverend and beloved Brethren,  
THese sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the Lord entrusted to you, brought to us at this time by these two of your number, whom you were pleased to sand, were received by us with no small joy and rejoicing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of our Souls desire, in that so much longed for, so much prayed for happy Uniformity of these Kirks and Kingdoms: And an evident D●monstration to us, that the Lord hath not, even in this time of his seen and felt displeasure, so covered himself with the cloud of his anger, that our Prayers should not pass through.  
The great and main difficulties through which the Lord hath carried this Work, as we do aclowledge, ought mainly to be made use of, for the praise and glory of his power, who is the great Worker of all our works for us; So your overcoming of them is to us no small Demonstration of your zeal, wisdom, and faithfulness, which without great injury both to the Lord the prime Worker, and to you his instruments, we cannot but aclowledge, hath been much manifested in the whole managing of this work in your hands.  
The full answer to all the particulars you writ of in your Letters, we leave to the Relation of those that come from you, and are now appointed to return to you: And as with much thankfulness we aclowledge your fidelity in what ye have done already; so we have again renewed your Commission for the continuance of your employment there, for the perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the furthering whereof, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD for his blessing upon your labours, so for your help and assistance, we have appointed a commission to sit at Edinburgh, to which at all occasions you may have your recourse, as the exigence of the Work shall require.  
How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to us by our Brethren from you, was to us, we leave it rather to their relation at their return; being ear and eye witnesses to the manifold expressions of our joy and gladness, then offer to represent it to you in a Letter: The Act herewith sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Directory, will sufficiently declare our hearty approbation of it: Our judgement also concerning the propositions of Government and Ordination, and our earnest desire to have the Work of Uniformity promoved and perfected in that particular also, will appear to you by the other Act which herewith you will receive: Our zeal and desire to have that Work fully closed with so much harmony as becometh the work of GOD, will appear to you in our resolution and answer to that particular in the point of Excommunication, concerning which you writ.  
These particular differences hinted in the Assemblies Letter, for uniformity with that Kirk so much endeared to us, we have resolved to lay aside, and have taken course for preserving harmony amongst ourselves, whereof our Brethren will give you more particular account. Anent your desire of Mr Alexander Henderson his attending the treaty, we are confident ere this you have received our resolution.  
amid the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the Lord to press us, as we thought it necessar to publish and sand forth a Warning to all sorts of Persons in this Kirk and Kingdom, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So we thought it incumbent to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can give at this present to his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him faithfully The great and growing dangers his Majesty is now under, and the causes thereof. This Remonstrance we have sent to you, to be presented to his Majesty, by such means; and at such time, as you who are there upon the place shall judge fittest.  
And now dear Brethren go on with cheerfulness in the Work of the Lord: Let no discouragement or opposition make your heart to faint, or your hands wax feeble: persuade yourself the Lords hand shall still be made known toward his servants, and his indignation against his Enemies. Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but also to make and end, and is abundantly able to supply all your need according to the riches of his glory. Be confident therefore of this thing, that he who hath begun this good Work by you, will also in due time accomplish it to his own praise. To his gracious assistance we hearty recommend you.  
 
Poscript.  
Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.  
It is earnestly desired That the directory for Worship be sent to Ireland, and that you recommend to the honourable Houses of the Parliament, To think upon the best way for the establishment & practise of it in that Kingdom. And that the like course may be taken with the government, and other parts of the Uniformity, so soon as they shall be agreed upon.  
Subscribed in name the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by the Moderator of the Assembly.   

THe General Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, To consider these matters referred to their consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to report their judgement therein to the next Assembly.   

THe general Assembly Appoints the meeting of the next Assembly to be at edinburgh the first Wednesday of June, in the year 1646.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, MET At Edinburgh Junii 3. 1646.  

Edinb. 4. Junii 1646. Sess. II. The Kings Letter to the Assembly, presented by M. Robert Douglas Minister at Edinburgh.  
CHARLES R.  
RIght trustly and well-beloved, We greet you well. Having lately written to Our Houses of Parliament at Westminster, and the Commissioners from Our Kingdom of Scotland at London, and likewise to the Committees of Estates of that our Kingdom; showing Our great sense and grief for the sad effects have flowed from the unhappy differences betwixt Us and Our Subjects, with Our real resolutions to comply with the desires of Our Parliaments of both Kingdoms, and those entrusted by them for settling of truth and Peace in all Our Dominions: And now being informed of your meeting, We have thought fit hereby( since We could not conveniently sand a Commissioner) to give you the same assurances; And withall, that it shall be Our constant endeavour to maintain Religion there, as it is establishe●, in Doctrine, Worship, and Church-government, and leave no good means unassayed for settling an universal Peace in that our native and ancient Kingdom, with the Reformation and Religion, and settling Peace in England and Ireland: And after the return of an answer to Our late Message to Our Houses of Parliament heer, We shall more particularly acquaint you, or your Commissioners, with Our further resolutions. In the mean time, We seriously recommend ourselves and distracted condition of Our Kingdoms, to your most earnest Prayers to God in our behalf, expecting from you faithfulness in your several Charges and Callings, with that loyalty and obedience which becometh the Ministers of the Gospel. We bid you very hearty farewell,  
from New-castle the 28, of May 1646,  
DIRECT.  
For Our right trusty and well-beloved, The moderator and other Members of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Our Kingdom of Scotland.   

6. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem. Sess. 4. Act concerning the Registers and Acts of provincial Assemblies.  
THe Assembly recommends to provincial Assemblies, that hereafter they cause red all their Acts, before the dissolving of every Assembly; And that their Registers be written formally, and in a good hand writing, with the several leaves or Pages thereof marked by cyphers according to their number.   

11. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem. Sess. 7. Act concerning the public satisfaction of Married persons, for Fornication committed before Marriage.  
THe general Assembly understanding that in many places the public scandals of Fornication committed before Marriage, are not taken notice of and removed by public confession according to the order of this Kirk; Therefore for remedy thereof do Ordain, That all Married persons under public scandal of Fornication, committed before their Marriage( although the scandal thereof hath not appeared before the Marriage) shall satisfy publicly for that sin committed before their Marriage, their being in the estate of Marriage notwithstanding, And that in the same manner as they should have done if they were not married;   

13. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem. Sess. 10. Ordinance for Excommunication of the earl of Seafort.  
THe general Assembly having taken to their serious consideration, that perfidious Band made and contrived lately in the North, under the name of An humble Remonstrance, against our national Covenant, and the League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms; Which tendeth to the making of division and somenting of jealousy within this and between both Kingdoms, to the prolonging of these unnatural wars, to the impeding of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and to the subversion of all the happy ends of our covenants: And finding that George earl of Seafort hes not only most perfidiously himself subscribed the said wicked Band, contrary to his solemn Oaths in the Covenants aforesaid, and most arrogantly, owned the same under his own hand writing in his letters to the Committee of Estates, and to the Commissioners of the preceding assembly; But also hes seduced and threatened others to subscribe that divisive Band, and to join with him in prosecution of his treacherous and wicked designs, therein masked with the pretences of Religion and liberty; boasting also the pursuance of that his Remonstrance against all deadly the opposers thereof, whether King or Parliament. And having also considered another wicked and treacherous Band of Union which the said earl formerly entred into with that excommunicate rebel James Grahame, after the sentence of forfalture and the dreadful sentence of excommunication were pronounced against him, obliging himself therein under solemn Oaths to join with that forfaulted rebel against this Kirk and kingdom, and to oppose all their public resolutions for pursuance of the happy ends of our said Covenants All which, with his vile reproachful aspersions and most false calumnies against this Kirk and State, and their public and lawful endeavours and resolutions, with his other wicked and perfidious practices at length discovered in the Proclamation of the Committee of Estates, and the Declaration of the Commission of the Assembly against the said perfidious Band and Remonstrance, being gravely pondered and considered; Together with his base treachery to the Estates, being entrusted by them with ample commission, and encouraged and enabled for discharging thereof, with money Ammunition and Arms in a good measure; Notwithstanding whereof contrary to that great trust reposed in him. It is notour that not only he did not join with the Forces raised for the defence of this kingdom, But rather on the contrary, actually joining himself and his Forces with that excommunicate Rebel James Grahame, and these unnatural bloody Rebels his followers, did beleaguer innerness, a town Garrisoned by the Estates for the Defence of that part of the Country. And the Assembly, having also found that fair means have been used for reclaiming of the said earl from that wicked and perfidious course, by public Declarations and Proclamations, and particular Letters sent to himself from those that had power in that behalf, And that notwithstanding thereof and of summons direct against him to answer to the premises, often called, he doth not appear, but still remains obstinate in his wicked courses; And after mature deliberation having found his frequent fearful and gross perjuries, his perfidious and wicked conspiracies by Band and Oath, with the public Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom, and his other treacherous and wicked practices contemptuously and pertinaciously persisted into, To be be heinous offences against God, and high contempt of all Ecclesiastical and Civil authority. Therefore the Assembly moved with the Zeal of God, do without a contrary voice decern and Ordain the said George earl of Seafort to be summarily excommunicate, and declared to be one whom Christ commandeth to be holden by all and every one of the Faithful as an Ethnik and publican, and appoints the sentence of excommunication to be pronounced by Master Robert Blair Moderator in the east Kirk of this city, upon the next Lords day, being the 14 of this month; And that thereafter public intimation be made thereof upon a Sabbath day before noon in all the Kirks of this Kingdom so soon as advertisement shall come unto them.  

Enormities and Corruptions observed to be in the ministry, with the Remedies thereof. ENORMITIES.  
THe first and main sin, reaching both to our personal carriage and callings, we judge to be, Not studying how to keep Communion and Fellowship with God in Christ, but walking in a natural way without employing of Christ, or drawing virtue from him, to enable us unto sanctification, and Preaching in spirit and power.   

In our Lives.  
1. MUch fruitless conversing in company, and complying with the sins of all sorts, not behaving ourselves as becomes the men of God.  
2 Great worldliness is to be found amongst us, minding and speaking most about things of this life, being busied about many things, but forgetting the main.  
3. Slighting of Gods worship in their families, and therefore no cordial urging of it upon others: yea, altogether a wanting of it in some, if it be credible.  
4. Want of gravity in carriage and apparel, dissoluteness in hair, and shaking about the knees, lightness in the apparel of their wives and children.  
5. Tippling and bearing company in untimous drinking in taverns and Ale houses, or any where else, whereby the ministery is made vile and contemptible.  
6. Discountenancing of the godly; speaking ill of them, because of some that are unanswerable to their profession.  
7. The Sabbath not sanctified after Sermons, which maketh people think that the Sabbath is ended with the Sermon.  
8. There are also to be found amongst us, who use small and minced oaths.  
9. Some so great strangers to Scripture, that except in their public ministery, though they red many things, yet they are little conversant in the Scripture, and in meditation thereof. A duty incumbent to all the people of God.   

In our Callings.  
1. COrrupt entry into the ministry in former times, and following the course of defection, though forsaken, yet never seriously repented: as also present entering into the ministry, as to a way of living in the world, and not as to a spiritual calling.  
2. Helping in, and holding in of insufficient and suspected men, who savour the things of this life, and keeping the door straighter on them whom God hath sealed, then upon these who have less evidence of the power of grace and holinesse.  
3. Partiality in favouring, and speaking for the scandalous, whether Ministers or other persons, teaching them how to shift and delay censures.  
4. Silence in the public cause, not labouring to cure the disaffection of people, not urging them to constancy and patience in bearing of public burdens, nor to forwardness in the public Cause; whereby Malignants are multiplied: yea some are so gross herein, that even in public Fasts little or nothing is to be heard from them sounding this way.  
5. Some account it a point of wisdom to speak ambiguously: some incline to justify ●he wicked cause, uttering words which favour of disaffection: and all their complaining of the times, is in such a way as may steal the hearts of people from liking of good Instruments in this work, and consequently from Gods ●ause: yea, some reading public Orders, are ready to speak against them in their private conference:  
6. idleness, either in seldom Preaching, as once on the Lords day, or in preparation for public duties, not being given to reading and meditation: others have but fits of pains. not like other tradesman continually at their work.  
7. Want of zeal, and love to the conversion of souls, not being weighted with the want of success in reclaiming of sinners, nor searching in themselves the cause of not profiting, preaching ex officio; not ex conscientia officii.  
8. Self-seeking in preaching, and a venting rather of their wit and skill, then a showing forth of the wisdom and power of God.  
9. Lifelesnesse in preaching, not studying to be furnished by Christ with power; and so the ordinance of God reach not to the conscience: and theereto belongeth the not applying of the doctrine unto the auditory and times.  
10. The indiscreet curing of the indiscretion of pious people and Ministers, whereby godliness hath gotten a deep wound, and profanity hath lifted up the head, contrary to that wise and gracious order set forth in the general Assembly holden at Edinburgh, 1641.  
11. Little care to furnish our army, either abroad or at home with Ministers; One of our grievous sins and causes of our calamity.  
12. Last, it is to be feared that Ministers in secret are negligent to wrestle in Prayer, for a blessing to be poured out upon their labours, contenting themselves with their public performances.   

REMEDIES.  
1. FIRst, That Presbyteries make great conscience to have all vacant places within their several bounds filled with godly and able men, where ever they be to be found: and that under pretence of being a helper, or second to another, none be taken in, but such as are able for the same charge.  
2. Whereas it is known, that private trial in Presbyteries are for the most part perfunctorious, the Brethren are hereby exhorted to be more serious, and faithful herein, as they will be answerable to Christ, the Chief Shepherd: and in a way previous thereto, that Brethren be free, in loving admonition one of another secretly, from time to time; and that whosoever keeps not the presbytery or Synod, after grave admonitions may come under further censures.  
3 That accuracie be used as visitation of Kirks, and that the Elders one by one( the rest being removed) be called in, and examined upon oath upon the Ministers behaviour in his calling and conversation.  
4. That course be taken to divide Congregations in parts, and by the help not only of Elders in their several parts, but of neighbors also, the evils, and neglect of persons and families, may be found out and remedied.  
5 T●●t every Minister be humbled for his former failings, and make his peace with God, that the more effectually he may preach repentance, and may stand in the gap, to turn away the Lords wrath: running between the Porch and the Altar, fighing and crying for all the abominations of the land.  
6 special care would be had, that Ministers have their conversation in heaven, mainly minding the things of God, and exercising faith for drawing life out of J●sus Christ the fountain of life, arming themselves thereby with power against the contagion and wickedness of the world.  
7 Care would be had of godly conference in Presbyteries, even in time of their refreshment, and the Moderator is to look to it, that good matter be furnished thereto.  
8 It is also very necessary for every Minister that would be fruitful in the work of the Lord, to bring home the Word of God to his own heart and conscience, by Prayer and Meditation, both before and after the public ordinance.  
9. Use would be made of the roll of the Parish, not onely for examination, but also for considering the several conditions and dispositions of the people, that accordingly they may be admonished, and particularly prayed for by the Ministers in secret.  
10. It is very expedient that Ministers have more communion among themselves for their mutual stirring up, and strengthening of their hands in the Lords work, and rectifying of these who are not incorrigible.  
11. That Ministers in all sorts of company labour to bee fruitful, as the Salt of the earth, seasoning them they meet with, not only forbearing to drink healths( Satans snare, leading to excess) but reproving it in others.  
12. All Ministers would be careful to cherish the smoking flax of weak beginnings in the ways of God, and ought courageously to oppose all mockers and revilers of the godly.  
13. As at all times, so specially now when the Lord is calling us all to an account; it becomes the Ministers of Christ, with all diligence and faithfulness, to improve their ministery to the utmost, to be instant in season and out of season; yea, even frugally to employ their time in private, in reading of, and meditating on Scripture, that the word of God may dwell plentifully in them.  
14. That the providing the Armies with Mnisters be preferred to any congregation, and these who are appointed to attend the same, and are deficient, be without delay severelie censured according to the Act of the General Assembly; And that all Ministers not only in public, pray for our Armies, specially these that are to encouter with the bloody enemy within the land, but also continually bear them up before the Lord, that their lives being reformed, their hearts and hands may be strengthened, and their undertaking at last blessed of GOD; with success.  
15. That beside all other scandals, silence or ambiguous speaikng in the public cause, much more detracting and disaffected speeches be seasonably censured; and to this effect, all honest hearted Brethten would firmly unite themselves in the Lord, the younger honouring the elder, and the elder not despising the younger.  
16. And finally, both for the corruption of the ministery and remedies thereof, we refer the brethren to the Act of the general assembly at Edinburgh 1596. revived in the late assembly at Glasgow, 1638. to bee found in the printed Act concerning the same.  
The general Assembly Ordains the Enormities abovespecified to be tried and restrained, and that the Remedies thereof for that purpose be seriously observed and practised: Recommending especially to Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies, that use be made of the same in visitation of Kirks and trial of Presbyteries.   

Approbation of the proceedings of the preceding Assembly.  
THe General Assembly having heard the report of the Committee appointed to consider and examine the proceedings of the Commissioners of the late General Assembly holden at Edinburgh in the year 1646. And after serious consideration thereof, finding that the whole Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions of the saids Commissioners, contained in the Register subscribed by Mr Andrew Ker their Klerk, and by Mr Robert Ramsay Moderator to the said Committee, do declare much Wisdom, Diligence, vigilancy, and commendable Zeal; And that the said Commissioners have orderly and formally proceeded in every thing, according to their Commission: Do therefore ratify and approve the said whole Acts, Proceedings, and Conclusions of the Commissioners of the said Assembly.    

15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem. Sess. XI. Act for joining of the Presbyteries in Orkney and Zetland to the Provincial of Cathnes.  
THe General Assembly, considering that the presbytery of Kirkwall in Orknay and the presbytery of Schalloway in Zetland have never met in any Provincial Assembly, where through great abuses and disordres are there committed, Therefore the Assembly hereby joins the said two Presbyteries to the Provincial of Cathnes and Suterland, And appoints all the Ministers and Elders of the said Presbyteries hereafter, to meet at the said Provincial Assembly, and to have place to the reason and vote therein as Members of the said Provincial. And sicklike ordains the saids two Presbyteries to be of subordinare Jurisdiction to the said Provincial Assembly, Declaring hereby, that the said Provincial shall co●sist of the Presbyteries of Cathnes, Sutherland; Orknay, and Zetland in all time coming. And appoints them to meet onely once in the year, in respect of their great distance and interjection of seas; And that the first meeting be at Thurso in Cathnes upon the third Tuesday of August next, and thereafter as shall be appointed by the said provincial Assembly.   

17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem. Sess. XIV. Act concerning Expectants Preaching in public.  
THe General Assembly discharges any Person to preach in public under the name and notion of an Expectant or under any other pretence whatsoever, except such as shall be tried and found qualified according to the Acts of the General Assembly; Recommending to Presbyteries and Provincials to take special notice thereof, and to censure the Transgressors accordingly.  

Act for censuring the carriers with the public Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom.  
THe General Assembly taking to their serious consideration the great and scandalous provocation and grievous defection from the public Cause, which some have been guilty of, by complying with the Rebels the public Enemies of this Kirk and Kingdom: And judging it a duty incumbent to them to bring such notorious Offenders to public satisfaction, that the Wrath of God maybe averted, and the public scandal removed; Do therefore Require, Decern, and Ordain, that such as after lawful trial shall be found to have been in actual Rebellion and to have carried charge with the Rebels, To have accepted Commissions for raising Horse or Foot unto them, To have been seducers of others to join in that Rebellion, To be the Penners or contrivers of James Grahames Proclamation for indicting a pretended Parliament, or of any other his Proclamations or Declarations, To have been prime Instruments in causing publish the said Proclamations and Declarations; That all and every one of such off●nders shal humbly aclowledge their offence upon their knees, first before the Presbeterie, and thereafter before the Congregation upon a Sabbath, in some place before the Pulpit; And in the mean time that they be suspended from the Lords Supper: And in case they do not satisfy in manner foresaid, that they be processed with Excommunication. And likewise Ordains; that such as shall be found to have procured Protections from the Rebels, To have execute their orders, To have invited them to their houses To have given them intelligence, To have drunk James Grahames health or to be guilty of any other such gross degrees of compliance, shall aclowledge their offences publicly before the Congregation, and be suspended from the Communion ay and while they do the same. And further Decernes and Ordains, that all persons in any ecclesiastic office guilty of any degrees of compliance before mentioned, shall be suspended from their office & all exercise thereof, for such time as the quality of the offence and condition of the offenders shall be found to deserve; And the Assembly hereby declares that▪ Presbyteries have a latitude and liberty to agreadge the censures above specified, according to the degrees and circumstances of the offences? And gives in like maner the same latitude and liberty to the Commissioners of this Assembly for public affairs, who have also power to try and censure the off●nders in manner above expressed, and to take account of the diligence of Presbyteries thereintill.   

Act concerning james Grahams Proclamation.  
THe General Assembly having considered a copy of a Proclamation published by order of that excommunicat Traitor James Graham, for indicting of a pretended Parliament, and finding the same to be full of blasphemies against the solemn League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, and of vile aspersions of Treason, Rebellion, and Sedition most falsely and impudently imputed to the Estates, and most faithful and loyal Subjects of this kingdom: do therfore declare, That such as have been prime Instruments of the publ shing of that or the like Proclamation and Declaration, deserve the highest censures of the Kirk, unless they make humble confess●on of their offence publicly, in such manner as is prescribed by this Assembly; And humbly Recommends to the Committee of Estates to take some course for their exemplary civill punishment, and that some public note of ignominy be put upon that Proclamation as their Honors shall think meet    

18. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem. Sess. Ult. Act against losing of Ships and Barks upon the Lords Day.  
THe general Assembly understanding how much the Lords day in profaned by Skippers and other Seafaring men, Do therefore discharge and inhibit all Skippers and sailors to begin any voyage on the Lords day, or to loose any Ships, Barks or Boats out of Harbery or Road upon that day, And who shall do in the contrary hereof, shall be censured as profaners of the Sabbath: Recommending to Presbyteries and others whom it may concern to see both the Acts of Assembly and Parliament made for censuring and punishing profanation of the Lords day, to be put in execution against them.  

Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom.  
WHereas divers Children have been sent without the Kingdom to be bread abrord, and have been or in time coming may be exposed to the temptations of seducers, and drawn away from the truth established and professed within this Church to error of popery, or other Sects and Heresies: Therefore the Assembly Ordains, that the Parents or Friends of Children and Minors, shall before they sand them without the Kingdom, first acquaint the Presbytery where they reside, that they may have their testimonial directed to the Presbytery or class within the Kingdom of France, or England, or Ireland, and at the time of these Childrens return from any of the saids Kingdoms, to report one testimonial from the Presbytery or synod where they lived without the Kingdom of their breeding there( and to show the same to the Presbytery within the Kingdom who gave them a testimonial at their way going. Like as the Assembly Ordains all Presbyteries to try if any Children have been sent to Popish schools or colleges without the Kingdom; And if any be found, that their names be given to the Presbytery or Commissioners of the Assembly, that the same may be presented to the Honourable Lords of Secret council, or Committee of Estates, that their Lordships may be humbly desired by their authority to recall them, that after return to this Kinhdom course may be taken according to the former Ordinances of general Assemblies, for their breeding in the true Religion.   

Overtures presented to the Assembly.  
I THat correspondence be keeped among Presbyteries constantly by letter without prejudice of personal correspondence when need requires, whereby one presbytery may understand what may are doing, and they many be mutually assisting each to other.  
II. That for the better breeding of young men to the ministery who are not able to furnish themselves in charges to at end in the Universities, that the Presbyteries where they reside appoint some to direct their studies.  
III. That it be recommended to all the Universities to condescend upon the best Overtures for the most profitable teaching of Grammar and philosophy, and as they may meet at the Commission of the general Assembly to make the mat●●r ripe for the next Assembly.  
The Assembly approves these Overtures, and recommends accordingly.  
IV. That to the intent the knowledge of God in Christ may be spread through the Highlands and Islands( for in lack whereof the land hath smarted in the late troubles) these courses be taken: 1. Let an order be procured, that all Gentlemen who are able, at least sand their eldest sons to be bread in the Inland. 2. That a ministery be planted amongst them, and for that effect that Ministers and expectants who can speak the Irish language be sen to employ their talents in these parts, and that the Kirks there be provided as other Kirks in this kingdom. 3. That Scots Schools be erected in all Parishes there, according to the Act of Parliament, where conveniently they can be had. 4. That Ministers and ruling Elders that have the Irish language be appointed to visit these parts  
The Assembly approves this Overture, and recommends this purpose to further consideration, that more Overtures may be prepared thereanent against the next Assembly.  
V. That for keeping the Universities pure, and provoking the Professors of divinity to great diligence, each Professor in the Universities of this Church and Kingdom, bring with him or sand with the Commissioner who comes to the General Assembly, one perfect and well written copy of his Dictates, to be revised by the General Assembly, or such as they shall appoint for that work ilk year.  
The Assembly continues the determination of a constant and perpetual order herein until the ●ext Assembly, but in the mean time desires the professors of Divinity to present to the next assembly their Dictates of Divinity whereof the professors present are to give intimation to the professors absent  
VI. The great burdens Intrants undergoes when they enter the ministry, which holds many of them long at under, would crave the Assemblies judgement and authority, that Ministers Manses and Stipends may be all made free to the Intrant.  
The Assembly refers and recommends to the Commissioners for public affairs to seek redress in this matter from the honourable Houses of Parliament, and to consider of some fitting Overtures to be presented to their, Honours for that effect.   

Renovation of the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk.  
THe general Assembly taking to their consideration that in respect the great work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfited,( though by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great work,; do therefore renew the power and Commission granted for the public affairs of the Kirk by the general Assemblies held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. and in Edinhurgh 1643. 1644. and 1645. unto the persons following, viz. Masters Alexander Henderson, Robert Douglas, William Colvil, William Bennet, George Gillespie, John Oswald, John Adamson, William Dalgleish, David Calderwood, James Fleeming, Robert Ker, John Dalyell, James Wright, John Knox, Adam Penman, Robert Lightoun, Alexander Dickeson, Patrick Fleeming, John Hay, Richard Dickeson, Thomas Vasse, Da●id Drummond, Alexander Somervill, Robert Eliot, Robert Blair, James Bruce, Robert trail▪ Snmuel Rutherfurd, Alexander colvil, Walter Greg. Alexander Balfour George Thomson, John Moncreiff, John Smith, Patrick Gillespie, John Duncan, James Sibbald, Alexander Casse, John Hume, Alexander Kinneir, Walter Swintoun, Robert Knox, William Penman, James Guthrie, Thomas Donaldson William Jameson, Thomas Wilkie, John Knox Robert Murray, John Freebairn, Robert Wright, David Auchterlonie, William Maior, Samuel ●ustein, John Leirmont, Andrew Lauder, James Irving, Alexander Turnbull, James Bonar, William Adair, John Neve, patrick Colvil, Matthew Birsbane John ●amiltoun, alan Ferguson, Robert Ramsay. Geo. Young, David Dickson, Robert ●ailie, James Nasmith, John Lindsay, John Weir, Evan Cameron, James Affleck John Robison, Andrew Eliot, Silvester Lambie▪ Laurence Skinner, William Rate, David Cam hel, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, David Lindsay, Gilbert Anderson, Alexander Garrioch, William Jaffray, Thomas Law, William campbel, Walte Stewart Ministers; And Archibald marquis of Argle, John Eearle of Crawfurd-Lindsay, William earl Marshall, William earl of Glencairn, John earl of Cassils, Charles earl of Dumfermling, James earl of Tullibardine, Francis earl of Bacleugh John earl of Lauderdale, William earl of Lothian, William earl of Lanerk, Arch bald Lord Angus, John Lord Balmerino, Robert Lord Burleigh, John Master of Yesteir, Sir Patrick Hepburn of Waughtoun, Sir John Hope of Craighall, Sir Arc●ibald Johnston of Wariston, Sir David Hume of Wedderburn( Sir Robert Jnnes of that ilk, Sir William bailie of Lamington, Sir John Muncreiffe of that ilk, James Macdougal of Garthland, Patrick Cockburn of Clarkington, Sir Hugh Campbel of Cesnock, Sir William Cunningham of Cunninghamh●ad, John Hume of Blackader, Sir James Dundas of Arniston, Alex Forbes ●●●or of Pitsligo, Mr Geo. Winrham of Libberton, David Weemes of Fingask, Mr Franci● Hay of Balhousie, Alex Brodie of that ilk, Mr Alex. colvil of Blair, Geo Dundas of Dudiston, William Moor of Glanderston. Sir James Nicolson of Colbrandspaith, John Edgar of Wedderlie, William Hume of Lenthill, James Ruchhead, Laurence Henderson, and James Stuart Bailes of Edinburgh, George Porterfield Provest of Glasgow, will. Hume there, Ro. Arnot Provest of Perth, John Semple Provest of Dumbarton, John Kenn●die Provest of Air, Mr David Weemes, Geo. Gardine, John Johnstoun, Tho. Paterson, Tho, White, John Sleigh Elders. Giving unto them full power and Commission To do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said work of Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, comform to the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent. And to that effect appoints them, or any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen shall be Ministers, To meet at Edinburgh the 19 of this month, and thereafter upon the second Wednesdais of August, November, Februar and May next to come, and upon any other day and in any other place they shall think meet. And further, renews to the per●ons before n●med, the power contained in the Act of ●he said Assembly 1643. entitled, A reference to the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England; As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said Assembly 1644 Sess. 6 made against secret disaffecters of the Covenant, and for sending Ministers to the army, with full power to them to treat and determine in the matter aforesaid, and in all others matters referred unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being always for their whole proceedings comptable to, and censurable by the next general Assembly.   

Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity in England.  
THe general Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, Therefore Renews the power & Commission granted by preceding Assemblies for prosecuting that treaty, unto these persons after name, viz. Mr. Alexander Henderson. Mr. Robert Douglas, Mr. Samuel Rutherfurd, Mr. Robert Bailie, Mr. Geo. Gillespi● Ministers; And John earl of Lauce●dale, John Lord Balmerino, and Sir Archibald Johnston of Wariston Elders; Authorizing them with full power to prosecute the said treaty of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by them: And to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect and bring that treaty to an happy conclusion, comform to the former Commissions given thereanent.     

THE ASSEMBLIES ANSWER TO The KINGS majesty.  
May it please your majesty,  
HAving received your Majesties Letter with thankfulness, we thought it our duty to sand some of our number to wait upon your majesty and present our humble desires more particularly then at this time could be expressed by writ; And we are confident your majesty will interpret our freedom and plain dealing by them, to be a real testimony of our unfeigned affection, who have constantly laboured to approve ourselves in all fidelity to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, and in all loyalty to your majesty; And are resolved to walk still after the same rule in our several stations and vocations, continuing our Prayers for you, that God may multiply all sorts of Mercies upon your royal Person and Posterity, and more and more incline your heart to the speedy following of the Counsels of truth and Peace and grant unto your majesty along and happy Reign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty.  
Edinburgh, 18. Junii 1646. Subscribed in name of the national Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland by the Moderator.   

The Assemblies Letter to the Right honourable the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England assembled at Westminster.  
Right Honourable,  
THe report of the great things with the Lord hath done for your Honours, hath gone forth into many Lands, and it be cometh us least of any either to smother or extenuate the same; We desire to be enlarged in the admiration of the Power & mercy of God the Author, & to diminish nothing of that praise that is due unto you as Instruments. When the Lord set your Honours upon the Bench of judgement, both the Kirk and Common wealth of England were afflicted with intestine and bosom evils, the cure whereof could not but be very difficult; because they were not only many, but for the most part universal and deeply rooted, sheltered under the shadow of custom and Law, and supported with all the wisdom and strength of the May lignant and Prelatical party; who rather choose to involve the Land in an unnatural and bloody war, then to fail of their ambitious and treacherous designs, against Religion, the privileges of Parliament, and the laws and Liberties of the Kingdom: Neither hath that miserable crew been wanting to their own ends but for many years together hath desperately pursued their resolutions in Arms; And was likely to have prevailed, if the Lord had not put himself in the breach, and furnished you with much Patience, Wisdom, Courage, and Constancy, in the midst of many difficulties and distresses; and at last with so glorious and triumphing a success, that the Enemy hath fallen every where before you, and there is none left to appear against you. These things as they be the matter of our refreshment and of your glory, so do they lay a strong obligation upon your Honours to walk humbly with your God, and to improve the power he hath put into your hands for the advancement of the Kingdom of his Son, and bringing forth of the head-Stone of his House. The slow progress of the work of God hath always been the matter of our sorrow, which is now increased by the multiplication of the spirits of error and delusion, that drown many souls into perdition, and so strengthen themselves; that they shall afterward be laboured against with more ●ains then success, if a ●peedy and effectual remedy be not provided. And therefore as the servants of the living God, who not onely sand up our supplications daily for you, but have hazard ourselves in your defence, We do earnestly beseech your Honors in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to give unto him the glory that is due unto his Name, by a timous establishing all his Ordinances in the full integrity and power thereof, according to the League and Covenant. As long as the Assembly of Divines was in debate, & an enemy in the fields, we conceived that these might be probable grounds of delay, which being now removed out of the way, we do promise to ourselves from your Wisdom, faithfulness, and zeal, the perfecting of that which was the main ground of our engagement, and a chief matter of consolation unto us in all our sad and heavy sufferings, from the hand of a most cruel Enemy. We know that there is a generation of men who retard the work of Uniformity, and foment jealousies betwixt the Nations, studying if it were possible, to break our bands asunder; But we trust, that he that sits in the Heavens will Laugh, and that the Lord shall have them in derision, that he shall speak to them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure, and notwithstanding of all that they can do, set his King upon his holy hill of Sion, and make these Nations happy in the sweet fruits of Unity in Truth and Peace. The searcher of hearts knows that we desire to hold fast the band of our Covenant, as sacred and inviolable; being persuaded that the breach of so solemn a tie could not but hasten down upon our heads a curse and vengeance from the righteous Judge of the world, and involve these Kingdoms in sader calamities then they have yet seen, And we abhor to entertain any other thought of you: Nay we are confident that your Honours will seriously endeavour the prosecution of all these ends designed in the Covenant. and the bringing these Nations unto the nearest conjunction both in judgement and affection, especially in these things that concern Religion, which with out all controversy, is the readi●st and surest way of attaining and securing the Peace and Prosperity of both Kingdoms.  
Edinburgh 18 Junii 1646. Subscribed in name of the general Assembly by the Moderator.   

The Assemblies Letter to the Right honourable the Lord mayor Aldermen, and common-council of the City of London.  
YOur late and seasonable testimony given to the Truth of the Gospel, and your affection to the Peace of the Kingdoms, manifested in your humble Remonstrance and Petition to the honourable Houses of Parliament, hath so revived the remembrance of your former Faith and Zeal, and proclaimed you the worthy seed of so noble ancestors in that famous City, As we cannot but aclowledge with all thankfulness the grace of God bestowed on you, and stir you up to take notice, how since you were precious in the Lords sight, you have been ever Honurable, The Lord hath loved you, given men for you, and people for your life: What an honour was it in the dayes of old, when the fire of the Lord was in Zion, and his furnace in your Jerusalem( even in Queen Maries dayes) that there were fond in you men that loved not their lives unto the death? What a glory in after time, when Satan had his Throne and Antichrist his Seat in the midst of you, that there were still found not a few that kept their Garments clean? But the greatest praise of the good hand of God upon you hath been in this, That amid the many Mists of error and heresy which have risen from the bottomless pit, to be spot the face and darken the glory of the Church,( while the Bride is a making ready for the Lamb) you have held the truth, and most piously endeavoured the settling of Christ upon his Throne. We need not remember how zealous you have been in the Cause of God, nor how you have laid out yourselves and estates in the maintenance thereof, nor how many acknowledgements of the same you have had from the Honourable Houses, not how precious a remembrance will be had of you in after ages for your selling of all to buy the Pearl of price: We only at this time do admire, and in the inward of our hearts do bless the Lord for your right and deep apprehensions of the great and important matters of Christ in his royal Crown, and of the Kingdoms in their Union, while the Lord maketh offers to bring our Ship( so much afflicted and tossed with tempest) to the safe Harbour of truth and Peace. Right memorable is your Zeal against Sects and Sectaries; your care of Reformation, according to the word of God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches; your earnest endeavours and noble adventures, for preserving of the rights and privileges of Parliament, and Liberties of the kingdoms, Together with his Majesties just power and greatness; and your high profession, that it is not in the power of any human authority to discharge or absolve you from adhering unto that our( so solemnly sworn) League and Covenant, or to enforce upon you any sense contrary to the letter of the same, Besides your other good services done unto the Lord and to us, in the strengthening of the hands of the reverend Assembly of Divines, and of our Commissioners in their asse●ting of the government of Christ,( which the more it be tried will be ever found the more precious Truth, and vindicating of the same from the usurpation of man, and contempt of the wicked. These all as they are so many testimonies of your piety, loyalty, and undaunted resolution to stand for Christ; So are they and shall ever be so many obligations upon us your Brethren, to esteem highly of you in the Lord, to bear you on our breasts before him night and day, and to contribute our best endeavours, and to improve all opportunities for your encouragement. And now we beseech you in the Lord, honourable and well-beloved, gone in this your strength, and in the power of his might who hath honoured you to be faithful, stand fast in that liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free; And in the pursuance of this truth, we are confident, as you have, so you will never cease to study the Peace and nearer conjunction of the Kingdoms, knowing that a threefold cord is not easily broken. Now the Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God even our Father, which hath loved and honoured you, and given you everlasting consolation, & good help through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.  
Edinburgh 18 junii 1646. Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.   

The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England assembled at Westminster.  
Much Honoured and right Reverend.  
AMongst other fruits of this our precious liberty, after such dissipation by Sword and Pestilence, to meet again, we account it not the least, to have the opportunity of making a public Declaration of our earnest affection to all our brethren of that Nation, and especially yourselves of the Reverend Assembly at Westminster. When we were lately in a very low condition, we may say that our own sufferings and fears, although embittered with the sense of the Lords displeasure against our luke warmnesse and unfaithfulness: yet they did not so take up our heart, but that room was left to congratulate with the Lords people there in all their successses, and to condole with them in all their dangers; And if at any time any here seemed to be more jealous then godly jealousy would allow, we know not how it can be imputed to any thing else, but to the vehemency of ardent affection, and impatient desire to have our brethren there and us joined nearer to Christ, and nearer to one another in all his Ordinances; and especially is Presbyterial Government, so well warranted by the Word, and approven by experience of our own and other reformed Churches; Wherein your long and unwearied endeavours have been blessed with a large increase, which yet hath proved still a seed unto a further and more glorious expected harvest. There could not be wished by mortal men a fairer opportunity then is cast in your laps, being invited and charged by so high an authority, to give so free and public a testimony to those truths, which formerly many of the Lords precious ones by tongue and pen, by tears and blood have more privately asserted; The smallest of Christs truths( if it be lawful to call any of them small) is of greater moment, then all the other businesses that ever have been debated since the beginning of the world to this day; But the highest of honours and heaviest of burdens is put upon you, to declare out of the sacred records of Divine Truth, what is the prerogative of the Crown and extent of the sceptre of Jesus Christ, what bounds are to be set between Him ruling in his House, and powers established by God on Earth, how and by whom his House is to be governed, and by what ways a restraint is to be put on these who would prevert his Truth, and subvert the faith of many. No doubt mountains of oppositions arise, and goolfs of difficulties open up themselves in this your way; But you have found it is God that girdeth you with strength and maketh you way perfect and plain before you, who hath delivered, an doth deliver, and will yet deliver. We need not put you in mind that as there lieth at this time a strict tie on all, in a special manner both you and we are engaged to interpose ourselves between God and these kingdoms, between the two Nations, between the King and the People, for averting of deserved wrath, for continuing and increasing of a well grounded Union, for procuring as far as in us lieth a right settling of Religion and Church-Government; That when we shall sleep with our fathers the Posterity here and abroad may be reaping the fruits of ou● labours.  
We are fully assured of your constant and sedulous promoving of this blessed Work, and of the Lords assisting and carrying you on therein: And are confident that your late experience and present sense of the great danger and fear●ull confusion flowing from the rise and growth of Sects and Sectaries not suppressed, hath stirred up in your hearts most fervent desires, and careful endeavours for remedying the same, wherein we exhort you to continue and abound; knowing that your labours shall not be in vain in the Lord, to whofe rich grace we commend you, and the work in your hands.  
Edinburgh 18 Juny 1646. Subscribed in name of the General Assembly by the Moderator.   

Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies.  
1 THe Assembly recommends to several Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies, to consider the interests of particular congregations, in the calling, and admission of Ministers, with all these questions that usually fall out upon that occasion; And to report their opinions to the next Assembly, with some fit Overtures for preventing all contests in that matter.  
2 The Assembly recommends to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies to consider all the matters referred by preceding Assemblies to the consideration of Presbyteries, And to report their opinions therein to the next Assembly.  

Act for a public Fast before the next Assembly.  
THe Assembly having considered an Act of the Assembly 1644. Sess. Vlt. enjoining a public Fast to be keeped in all the Kirks of the City where the General Assembly holds upon the first day of the meeting of the Assembly; And finding some inconveniencies therein, Therefore at this time until the matter be further considered, Appoints a public Fast and Humiliation for the Lords bl●ssing to the meeting of the next Assembly, to be universally observed in all the congregations of this Kirk upon the Sabbath next except one preceding the said next Assembly; The exercises for the membres of the Assembly at their first meeting, being still observed according to the ancient and laudable practise of this Kirk, This appointment notwithstanding.   

THe Assembly appoints the meeting of the next General Assembly to be at Edinburgh upon the first Wednesday of August 1647.    

THE general ASSEMBLY, AT Edinburgh 4. August. 1647.  

August. 16. 1647. Postmeridiem. Sess. 11. Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the presbytery of Zetland only, with their Ruling Elders, to keep the Provincial Assembly.  
THe General Assembly, Understanding that the whole Members of the presbytery of Zetland, ●djoyned to the Provincial of Caithnes and Sutherland upon weighty considera●●ons by the preceding Assembly, cannot by present at the meetings of that Provincial, without great prejudice to the particular Congregations within that presbytery, and many other inconveniences; That Isle being of great distance from Land, and the passage from and to the same being uncertain and dangerous: do therefore Declare and ordain, That the whole Ministers and Elders of the presbytery of Zetland, shall not be tied hereafter to come to the meetings of their said Provincial; But that the half of the number of the Ministers with their Ruling Elders, shall be onely obliged to keep the meetings of the said Provincial Assembly in time coming.   

20. August 1647. Antemeridiem. Sess. XV. A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to their Brethren of England.  
THe conscience of our duty to God obliging us to give a testimony to his Truth, and to the Kingdom of his son Jesus Christ, now so much resisted and opposed by many, and so little owned by others: The laudable custom and example of correspondency between Neighbouring Churches, exhorting, encouraging, and( in case of public scandal) admonishing in love one another, as well as single Brethren ought to admonish one another in love, in the case of private offence: Our ne re● relation and more special affection to our Brethren of England, making us to sympathise with them in their danger and affliction as our own, both kingdoms being united as one entire Body in one Covenant, for pursuing the common cause and ends therein expressed: Yea, common reason and experience itself teaching us that we have no cause to conceive our Religion, the liberties of this Church, or ourselves to be in a condi●ion of safety, when ever the enemies of our Religion and Liberties are growing to a prevalency in the Neighbour Kingdom. Any one of these considerations, much more all of them together, cry aloud upon us to break our silence in this present Juncture of affairs; yet we hope to express ourselves both concerning the present Dangers and present Duties, as in a conscionable and Brotherly freedom, so in a fair and in offensive way; for we have no pleasure nor purpose to provoke any Person or Party whatsoever, nor to increase, but to endeavour the allaying and composing of the present unhappy differences. If any shall offend at our discharging our conscience & doing our duty, yet we shall rather choose to take our hazard of that, then of displeasing God by neglect of duty. But we hope better things, then to be mis-understood, or mis-interpreted by such as desire a candide interpretation of their own actions or expressions.  
First of all, whatsoever the present discouragements, difficulties or dangers are, or whatsoever for the future they may be, we cannot but commemorate to the glory of God, and we doubt not it sh●ll be remembered to his glory in the Church throughout all ages, How great a salvation his Mighty Hand and Outstretched arm hath wrought for these three K●ngdomes; How he stirred up the Spirits of his People in this kingdom ten yeares a go, to begin to shake of the Yoke of Prelatical tyranny, and of Popish Ceremonies obtruded upon us, contrary to the laws of God and Men; How he lead us on from so small beginnings, & from one degree to another, till we were United in a National Covenant; How he gave us a Banner to be displayed for the Truth, and so blessed us in the prosecution of that Covenant, that the Kings Majesty was graciously pleased upon the humble Petitions of his Loyal Subjects in this Nation, to indict a General Assembly and Parliament for healing the grievances of Church and State respectively, As likewise to grant his Royal consent for Confirming and Ratifying by Acts of Parliament our National Covenant, & the Government and Liberties of this Church. After which the new Troubles raised against us by the malice and treachery of our enemies, did occasion the first expedition of this Nation into England,( upon which followed the calling of the Parliament there, and the large T●eaty) and in the issue, the return of that Army was with an Olive btanch of Peace, and not without the beginnings of a Reformation in England: In which work while the parliament was interrupted and opposed, and a bloody War begun with great success on that side which opposed the Parliament and the begun Reformation, from whence also did accrue great advantage to the Popish Party( whereof the Cessation of Arms concluded in Ireland may be in stead of many testimonies;) Commissioners were sent hither from both Houses, earnestly inviting and persuading to a nearer Union of the kingdoms, and desiring Assistance from this Nation to their Brethren in that their great distress; And this by the good Hand of God produced the solemn League and Covenant of the three kingdoms, to the terror of the Popish and Prelatical party our common Enemies, and to the great comfort of such as were wishing and waiting for the Reformation of Religion, and the recovery of just Liberties. And although for the conjunction of the kingdoms in Covenant, and arms( being a special means tending to the extirpation of Popery, and strengthening the true Reformed Religion; this kingdom hath been invaded and infested by the bloody Irish Rebels aided and strengthened by some degenerate and perfidious countrymen of our own: Although also in England there were not wanting in●endiaries, who hating and envying nothing more then the Union of the kingdoms in such a Covenant, were very vigilant to catch, and active to improve all occasions of making divisive motions, and creating national Differences; Yet God hath been graciously pleased to break our Enemies strength at Home when it was greatest, and to guide us through these Jealousies and Differences fomented by disaffected Persons between the kingdoms; So that in stead of a splitting upon these Rocks( the thing hoped for by our Enemies) there was a peaceable and friendly parting: Since which time God hath further blessed our Army at Home, to the expelling of the enemy out of our own Borders. Nor can we pass in silence the happy progress which hath been made in the Reformation of the Church of England; He that hath brought the Children to the birth, can also give strength to come forth; And he whose hand did cast out prelacy and the Book of Common Prayer( although strongly rooted in standing laws;) and who inclined the Parliament of England to own no other Church Government but the Presbyterial,( Though it bee not yet fully settled according to the Word of God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches) can as easily incline when he thinks good both the King and them, and the body of that kingdom to a thorough and perfect Reformation. He that made the Assemblies and Parliaments of both kingdoms to agree upon one directory for the public Worship of God, can also when he will make an agreement in the other Parts of uniformity, Confession of Faith, form of Church Government, and catechism; In all which there hath been also a good progress made in the Reverend and Learned assembly of Divines through the good hand of God so long upon them.  
Having now seen so much of God both in the beginning and progress of this his great Work, And his Hand having done so wondrous things for his People in their greatest extermities of danger, and having discovered and defeat the plots of Enemies, making them fall even by their own Counsels, These things wee resolve to keep still fixed in our hearts, and as memorials before our eyes, that remembering the Works of the Lord, and the Years of the Right Hand of the most High, wee may neither want matter of Praises and thanksgivings, nor experience to breed hope. Although the building of the House of the Lord in England be not yet, after so long expectation, finished, and now also the work ceaseth, Yet wee do from our hearts bless the Lord for the laying of the Foundation, and for so much progress as hath been made in the Work; Having still confidence in the Almighty, to whom nothing is impossible or too hard, that every mountain which doth or shall stand in the way shall become a plain, and that the Head-stone shall bee brought forth with shoutings of Joy, Grace, Grace unto it.  
nevertheless, we are also very sensible of the great and imminent dangers into which this Common Cause of Religion is now brought by the growing and spreading of most dangerous errors in England, to the obstructing & hindering of the begun Reformation, as namely( beside many others) socinianism, arminianism, anabaptism, antinomianism brownism, Erastianisme, Independency, and that which is called( by abuse of the word) Liberty of Conscience, being indeed Liberty of error, scandal, schism, heresy dishonouring God, opposing the Truth, hindering Refomation; and seducing others; Whereunto we add those Nullifidians, or men of no Religion, commonly called Seekers: Yea, wee cannot but look upon the Dangers of the true Reformed Religion in this iceland, as greater now then before; Not onely for that those very principles & fundamentals of Faith which under Prelacy, yea, under Popery itself, were generally received as uncontroverted, are now by the turcism of many Sectaries of this time either oppugned, or called in question; But also, because in stead of carrying on the Reformation towards perfection, that which hath been already built is in part cast down, and in danger to be wholly overthrown through the endeavours of Sectaries to comply with many of the prelatical and Malignant, and even the Popish party; and their joining hand in hand, and casting in their lots, and interweaving their interests together in way of Combination, against the Covenant and presbyterial Government; Yea, the unclean spirit which was cast out, is about to enter again with seven other spirits worse then himself, and so the latter end like to be worse then the beginning.  
We are extremely sorry that we have cause to aggravate these evils from the crying sin of breach of Covenant, Whereof if we should hold our peace, yet according to the Word of the Lord; other Nations will say, and many among them do say, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this People? and what meaneth the heat of this great anger? And they answer one another, Because they have forsaken the Covenant of the Lord their God. We would not be understood as if we meant either to justify this Nation, or to charge such a sin upon all in that Nation. We know the Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in both Kigdomes, the Lord pardon it, and accept a Sacrifice; And wee do not doubt but there are many seven thousands in England who have not onely kept themselves unsported, and retained their integrity in that business, but do also mourn and groan before the Lord for that sin of others. Yet we should but deny our own sense and betray the Truth, if we should not resent so great a sin and danger, as is the breach of a solemn Covenant, sworn wirh h●nds lifted up to the most High God: Which breach however varnished over with some colourable and handsome pret●xts, one whereof is the Liberty & Common Right of the free People of England, as once Saul broke a Covenant with the Gibeonites, In his Zeal to the Children of Israel and judah: Yet God could not then, and cannot now be mocked; Yea, it is too apparent and undeniable, that among those who did take the Cove ●nt of the three kingdoms, as there are many who have given themselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality, so there is a Generation which hath made defection to the contrary Part; Persecuting as far as they could that true Reformed Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, which by the Covenant they ought to preserve against the common Enemies; hindering and resisting the Reformation and Uniformity, which by the Covenant ought to bee endeavoured; preserving and tolerating those cursed things which by the Covenant ought so be extirpate, heresy and schism, encroaching upon, yea offering violence unto the Rights, privileges, and Authority of magistracy, Protecting and assisting such as by the Covenant ought to have been brought to condigning trial and punishment, and persecuting those who by the Covenant ought to be assisted and defended; Endeavouring also a breach in stead of a firm Peace and Union between the kingdoms: So that there is not any one Article of the solemn League and Covenant which hath not been sinfully and dangerously violated before God, Angels, and Men. Now if a Covenant for the Preservation and Reformation of Religion, the Maintenance and Defence of Liberties was justly thought a fit and excellent mean not only to strengthen and fortify the kingdoms against the common enemy of the true Reformed Religion, public Peace and Prosperity; But also, to acquire the favour of almighty GOD towards the three kingdoms, of England, Scotland, and Ireland, as is expressed in the Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the taking of the Covenant, dated February 2. 1643, Surely then the Authors and chief Instruments of the breach of that Covenant, are to be looked upon as those who strengthen the hands of the common enemy, and provoke the wrath of Almighty God against these kingdoms. Yea, if this Covenant was the sovereign and onely means of the recovery of these embroiled bleeding Kingdoms, as is expressed in the exhortation of the Assembly of Divines to the taking of the Covenant, approved and ordered to be Printed by the House of Commons; The despising, refusing, and casting aside o● that remedy, must needs render the disease much more desperate. And if by the Declaration of both kingdoms jonyed in Arms, Anno 1643. such as would not take the Covenant, were declared to be public Enemies to their Religion and ●ountrey, and that they are to be censured and punished a● professed Adversaries and Malignants. Who seeth not now a strange falling away from these first Principles and Professions, among these who either magnify and cry up, or at least connive at and comply with such as have not taken the Covenant, yea, are known Enemies to it, and cry down such as are most zealous for it?  
In this case, while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the staves of Beauty and Bands▪ Covenant & Brother hood are broken by many, the horn of Malignants and Sectaries exalted, the best affencted born down, Reformation ebbing, heresy and schism flowing; It can hardly be marveled at by any Person of prudence and discretion, if we be full of such fears and apprehensions as use to be in those who dwell near a House set on fire, or a Family infected, especially being taught by the sad experience of these Prelatical times, how easily a Gangrene in the one half of this iceland may spread through the whole; Knowing also the inveterate and insatiable malice of the Enemies of this Cause and Covenant against this Church and kingdom; which we cannot be ignorant of, unless we would shut our eyes & stop our ears.  
Our present purpose leadeth us to touch somewhat of the proceedings of the Army in England this Summer, so far as Religion is therein concerned; As we are confident, divers have gone a long with them in the simplicity of their hearts, &, we presume not to judge the thoughts & intentions of any, it being Gods own prerogative, to bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and to make manifest the counsels of the hearts; So it cannot be denied, that upon these passages and proceedings hath followed the interrupting of the so much longed for Reformation of Religion, of the settling of presbyterial government, and of the suppressing of heresies and dangerous errors,( which works the Parliament had taken in hand) the retarding and delaying the relief of Ireland, the sowing of the seeds of another War in England, the strengthening of the hand of the Malignant & episcopal party, the weakening and wounding both of Magistracy and ministry: In all which, whether the Army bee blameless and innocent, from ministering occasion to so great evils, or whether there be not cause for them to repent and do the first works, and to practise more of that love, moderation, and meekness of Spirit, and of that zeal against Malignants and prelatical persons, which they have from the binning professed, and the want whereof( when suspected in others) they did so much censure; or whether there be such a thing among them, as adjoining with those against whom, and against those with whom the Covenant was taken; We leave them in all these to the search and examination of their own consciences, that they may stand or fall unto God For our part, we cannot conceive how the Proposals of that Army for settling of a Peace, do in point of Religion consist with the solemn League and Covenant, or with the Propositions of Peace, formerly agreed upon by both kingdoms; there being so considerable omissions of divers material desires contained in those former Propositions, concerning the abolition of Prelacy; concerning the enjoining of the taking of the Covenant by all his Majesties Subjects, under such penalties as the Parliaments should agree upon; concerning the settling of Religion in England and Ireland, according to the Covenant, in such manner as both Houses of Parliament shall agree on, after advice had with the Assembly of Divines, concerning the settling of uniformity between the Churches of God in both kingdoms, according to the Covenant, in such manner as shall be agreed on by both Houses of the Parliament of England, and by the Church, and kingdom of Scotland, after advice had with the Divines of both kingdoms; Also concernig an Act of Parliament to confirm the calling and sitting of the Assembly of Divines: All which, with some other particulars concerning Religion, expressed in the former Propositions, if they should now be omitted in the settling of a Peace, the progress already made, not only in the Assembly of Divines, but in the Houses of Parliament in settling presbyterial Government, with the Confession of Faith, yea the Directory of public Worship( though agreed upon by the Assemblies and Parliaments of both kingdoms) shall bee but so much lost labour. But beside these omissions it may be justly doubted whether there be not in these Proposals of the Army, somewhat for Episcopocy, and against the Covenant; For wee cannot understand the eleventh proposal, in any other sense, but that it supposeth the continuance of the Ecclesiastical office of Bishops or prelates, as well as of any other Church Officers, and taketh no more from the prelates, but coercive power or jurisdiction extending to civll penalties, which indeed belongeth to no ecclesiastical Officers. In the twelfth proposal, wee do not see, how it can avoid or shun the toleration of Popery, Superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness, or whatsoever works of darkness shall be practised by such as despise the public Worship of God in the Church, & have the most unlawful and wicked meetings else where under a profession of Religious duties, exercises or ordinances. From the thirteenth proposal, we can make no other result, but that in stead of enjoining the taking of the Covenant, under such penalties as the Parliaments in their wisdom shall agree upon, the former ordinance of Parliament enjoining the taking of it, is desired to be repealed: and then what may bee the danger of those that have taken, or shall take an oath of that kind, not enjoined nor ratified by authority, wee leave it to be judged by those who know best the laws of that kingdom.  
One thing more wee cannot pass, that whereas in the Armies Declaration, or Representation to the Parliament, dated June 14 1647. they mention their Brethren of Scotland, as having proceeded in the vindication and defence of their just rights and liberties, much hi● her then that Army hath done; Wee are n●cessitated to say this much for ●learing of these proceedings in this Nation reflected upon: They of this Church and Kingdom who joined together and associated themselves in this Cause, first by humble Petitions, and afterwards by Covenant, were so far from slighting or breaking that Covenant which was taken, that it was the special visible character by which the friends of the Cause were distinguished from the enemies thereof and they were so far from crying down th● ministry and ecclesiastical Assemblies, or from disobeying any Orders or Commands of Parliament, that a general Assembly of the Church, and a Parliament, were two chief Heads of their Petitions and desires, at that time when they had neit●e●; And when they had obtained a general Assembly and Parliament, they cheerfully submitted to both respectively.  
And now the dangers of Religion in this Illand being so great, as there hath been lately a solemn Humilitation throughout this Land, upon occasion of these great and growing dangers; so we cannot but still look upon them as matters of frequent Prayer and Humiliation to ourselves, as well as our Brethren in England, there being much sin in both kingdoms procuring all this evil, and justly deserving these, and heavier judgements. And as wee desire in the first place to be humbled for our own sins, and the sins of this Nation, so we trust, our Brethren will bee willing to be put in mind of the necessity of their Humiliation and Repentance for the national sins of that kingdom; which wee shall wish rather to be sadly considered by them, then expressed by us. One thing we are confident of, that God hath had a special controversy against his People of old for the sin of a broken Covenant, and unwillingness to bee Reformed and Purged according to the Word of the Lord; and that till these sins were acknowledged and repented, his controversy did not take an end. We are no less confident that the godly and well affencted will in tenderness of conscience timely search out, weigh well, mourn for, and study to remove all the causes of the Lords present controversy against that Nation. What the honourable Houses of Parliament have to bee humbled for, and to reform or amend, they have been( and we trust still are) put in mind by such as are ambassadors to them in Christs stead at their solemn humiliations. For our part, as we have always mentioned them in our prayers, with thanksgivings also in their behalf; so we now must humbly beseech the Lord, to direct and bless them, and in their present difficulti●s to keep them by his Grace from all sinful compliance, especially from establ●shing iniquity by a Law, to show them ●hy he con●ende●h with them, that the true cause of his controversy m●y be removed, and that the glory of his Name, the kingdom, Crown, and sceptre of his Son Jesus Christ, with his Word, laws, Ordinances, truth, Minister, may be yet more set by in their eyes, that they also may find a f● ther performance of the Word of the Lord: Exalt her and she shall promote thee. And, them that honour me, I will honour  
We shall now by the mercies of God, and in the bowels of Jesus Christ, earnestly beseech all those of whatsoe●er quality or condition in England, who have entred into the same League and Covenant w●th us, and especially the Houses of Parliament, the City of London, and Assembly of Divines, that with sound Humiliation, fervent Prayer, and making sure their Peace with God, they may join all care, faithfulness and zeal, to hold fast the profession of their Faith without wavering, against the many heresies and errors of these times; that they may according to their places and callings endeavour to the utmost of their power to prevent or hinder the laying aside or slighting of the Covenant, the re-establishmen● of Episcopacy, and the ●oleration of Popery, Prelacy, heresy, schism, Superstition, or profaneness, and not suffer themselves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination, persuasion or terr●ur, to bee divided and withdrawn from that blessed Union and Sacred Covenant, either to the contrary side, or to a neutrality in this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and the Honour of the King, but all the dayes of their lives zealously and constantly continue therein against all opposition, and promote the same according to their power against all lets and impediments whatsoever, which things both they and wee have solemnly and in the sight of God sworn unto, And as we desired them to rest confident of the constancy of their Brethren in this Nation, in adhering to that Covenant in all the Articles rhereof, which we shall by the Grace of Christ( without which we are nothing) sincerely, really, and constantly pursue and promote, so far as concerneth our Places and Callings; using our utmost endeavours towards the suppression of those errors, which have so dangerously hurt Religion in this iceland: So, we expect confidently the like of our Brethren in England united in Covenant with us, and that what ever they may have cause to fear or bee called to suffer, yet the Lord will so strengthen them by his grace, as that they may be able to say, All this is come upon us yet have we not for gosten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy Covenant. And here is the wisdom and patience of the Saints, to choose affliction rather then iniquity, to do duty in the worst of times, and to trust God with events, and in so doing, to hope to the end and wait upon the Lord, until he pled their cause and execute judgement for them: So shall they bee more purified and not made blacker( as, alas, some are) but whi●er in times of trial.  
More particularly, we do desire that presbyterial Government may be settled and put in practise through out that Kingdom, according to the Word of God, and example of the best Reformed Churches: for without this wee know no other proper and effectual remedy against the present dangers of Religion there▪ or for purging the Church from scandals, which are destructive either to sound Doctrine, or to godliness: And herein we are confident, the experience of all the Reformed Churches will bear winesse with us. Nor do we doubt but in England also, time and experience will more and more com●end, not only the beautiful order, but the great utility, yea, necessity of this Government, and dispel all the clouds of aspersions and prejudices which it lieth under among such as know it not, who ought therefore to beware of speaking evil of the things they understand not. Yet we would not have our zeal for presbyterial Government mis-understood, as if it tended to any rigour or domineering over the flock, or to hinder and exclude that instructing in meekness them that oppose themselves, which the apostolical rule holds forth; or as if wee would have any such to bee entrusted with that Government, as are found not yet purged, ei●her from their old profaneness, or from the prelatical principles and practices which were but to put a piece of new cloath unto an old garment, and so to make the rent worse; or to put new wine into old bottles, and so to lose both wine and bottles. Yea who knows whether this may not be one of the causes,( and not the least) why the present Reformation succeeds the worse, even because of so little repentance, either for the profaneness, or prelatical errors and corruptions of divers who have acted in it: nevertheless, the right hand of fellowship is to bee given to all such as bring forth f●uits meet for repentance, whatsoever their former errors of failings were. And to our great joy, we understand that there are many learned, able, godly, and prudent Ministers in that kingdom, sit to be employed in that Government▪ together with such able and pious men, as are to be joined with them in the capacity of ruling Elders. It shall be a part of our prayers, that the Lord of the Harvest may sand forth many more labourers in that kingdom, where the Harvest is so great▪ and the Labourers so few proportionably; and in the mean while, that such as he hath already trust out, may not be unemployed, as to the point of discipline and Government.  
Nor lastly, doth our zeal for the Covenant and presbyterial Government abate or diminish any thing at all from our Loyalty and duty to the Kings Majesty, although Incendiaries and Enemies spare not to reproach this Church and kingdom with disloyalty: Yet such calumnies will easily be repudiate by all who will examine the whole course of the public proceedings in this Nation, in reference to the King, and particularly the Declaration of the Parliament of this kingdom, dated January 16. 1647. Wherefore passing all such cal●mni●s, which cannot but be hateful to God and good Me●, wee do clearly and candidly profess, That the Covenant and presbyterial Government are so far from hindering or excluding our duty to the King that it is thereby very much strong hened and suppported; for our giving to God what is Gods doth not hinder us, but help us to give unto Caesar what is Caesars. And wee earnestly wish his Maj●sties royal heart may bee graciously inclined to the just desires of his good Subjects in both kingdoms, and to that happy settlement of Truth and Peace, Religion and righteousness, which may be as well for the establishment of his own Throne, as for the good of his people.  
Now the Prince of Peace Himself, grant his afflicted People, tossed with tempests and not comforted, a safe and well grounded Peace, bring light out of the present darkness, and orde● out of all these confusion, give unto all who are wai●ing for ●he consolation of Isr●el good hope through grace, comfort their hearts, stablish them in every good word and work, make his Cause to triumph at last over all opposition, and the enemies foot to slide in due time, and so put a new Song of praise in the mouths of his people. Amen.   

24. August 1647. Antemeridiem. Sess. 19. Act for observing the Directions of the general Assem●ly for Secret and Private Worship, and mutual edification, and censuring such as neglect family Worship.  
THe General assembly, after mature deliberation, doth approve the following Rules and Directions, for cherishing Piety and preventing Division and schism, and doth appoint Ministers and Ruling Elders in each Congregation to take special care that these Directions be observed and followed; As likewise that Presbyteries and provincial Synods inquire and make trial whether the saids Directions bee duly observed ●n their bounds, and to reprove or censure( according to the quality of the offence) such as shall bee found to be reprovable or censurable therein. And to the end that the●e Directions may not be rendered ineffectu●ll and unprofitable among some through the usual neglect of the very substance of the duty of Family Worship, The Assembly doth further require and appoint Ministers and Ruling Elders, to make diligent search and enquiry in the Congregations committed to their charge respectively, wh●ther there bee among them any Family or Families which use to neglect this necessary duty; And if any such Family be found, the head of that Family is to be first admonished privately to amend this fault; And in case of his continue ng therein, he is to be gravely and sadly reproved by the Se●●ion. After which reproof, if he be found still to n●glect family Wo●sh●p, Let him be for his obstinacy, in such an offence, suspended and debarred from the Lords Supper, as being justly esteemed unworthy to communicate therein till he amend.  

The Directions of the general Assembly, for Secret and Private Worship & mutual edification, for cherishing Piety, for maintaining unity, and avoiding schism and Division,  
BEsides the public Worship in Congregations, mercifully established in this Land, in great purity; It is expedient and necessary, that Secret Worship of each person alone, and Private Worship of Families be pressed and set up: That with national Reformation the profession and power of godliness both personal and domestic bee advanced.  
I. And first for Secret Worship; It is most necessar, that every one apart and by themselves be given to Prayer and Meditation, The unspeakable benefit whereof is best known to them who are most exercised therein: This being the mean whereby in a special way communion with God is entertained, and right preparation for all other duties obtained; And therefore it becometh not onely Pastors, within their several Charges, to press Persons of all sorts to perform this duty Morning and Evening, and at other occasions, but also it is incumbent to the he●d of every Family, to have a care that both themselves & all within their charge be daily diligent herein.  
II. The ordinar duties comprehended under the exercise of piety, which should be in Families when they are convened to that effect, are these: First, Prayer and Praises performed, with a special reference as well to the public condition of the Kirk of God and this kingdom, as to the present case of the family, and every member thereof. Next, Reading of Scriptures with Catechizing in a plain way, that the understandings of the simpler may be the beter enabled to profit under the public Ordinances, and they made more capable to understand the Scriptures when they are red? Together with godly conferences tending to the edification of all the members in the most holy faith: As also, admonition and rebuk upon just reasons from these who have Authority in the family.  
III. As the Charge and Office of interpreting the holy Scriptures, is a part of the ministerial calling, which none( howsoever otherwise qualified) should take upon him in any place, but he that is duly called thereunto by God and his Kirk: So in every family where there is any that can red, The holy Scriptures should be red ordinarily to the family; And it is commendable that thereafter they confer, and by way of conference make some good use of what hath been red and heard: As for example, if any sin be reproved in the Word red ' use may bee made thereof, to make all the family circumspectly and watchful against the same; Or, if any judgement be threatened or mentioned to have been inflicted in that Portion of Scripture which is red, use may bee made to make all the family fear, lest the same or a worse judgement befall them, unless they beware of the sin that procured it: And finally, if any duty be required, or comfort held forth in a promise, use may bee made to stir up themselves to employ Christ for strength to enable them for doing the commanded duty, and to appy the offered comfort, In all which the Master of the family is to have the chif hand, And any member of the family may propone one question or doubt for resolution.  
IV. The head of the Family is to take care that none of the family withdraw himself from any part of family Worship: And seeing the ordinar performance of all the parts of Family worship belongeth properly to the head of the Famtly, The Minister is to stir up such as are lazy, and train up such as are weak to a fitness for these exercises. It being always free to persons of quality to entertain one approven by the presbytery for performing family Exercise; And in other families where the head of the family is unfit, that another constantly residing in the family approven by the Minister and Session, may be employed in that service; Wherein the Minister and Session are to be countable to the presbytery. And if a Minister by divine providence bee brought to any family, It is requisite, that at no time be convene a part of the family for Worship secluding the rest; Except in singular cases, specially concerning these parties, which( in Christian prudence) need not, or ought not to bee imparted to others.  
V. Let no Idler who hath no particular calling, or vagrant Person under pretence of a calling, be suffered perform worship in Families, to or for the same: Seeing persons tainted with errors or aiming at division, may be ready( after that manner) to creep into houses and led captive silly and unstable souls.  
VI. At Family Worship a special care is to be had, that each family keep by themselves: Neither requiring, invi●ing, nor admitting persons from divers Families; unless it be these who are lodged with them or at meal, or otherwise with them upon some lawful occasion.  
VII. Whatsoever hath been the effects and fruits of meetings of persons of divers Families in the times of corruption or trouble( in which cases many things are commendable, which otherwise are not tolerable) Yet when God hath blessed us with Peace and the purity of the Gospel, such meetings of persons of divers Families( except in the cases mentioned in these Directions) are to be disapproved, as tending to the hindrance of the Religious exercise of each family by it ●elf, to the prejudice of the public ministry, to the renting of the Families of particular Congregations, and( in progress of time) of the whole Kirk: besides many offences which may come thereby, to the hardening of the hearts of carnal men, and grief of the godly.  
VIII. On the Lords Day, after every one of the Family apart, and the whole Family together have sought the Lord( in whose hands the preparation of mens hearts are) to fit them for the pubiicke Worship, and to bless to them the public Ordinances; The Master of the family ought to take care that all within his charge repair to the public Worship, that he and they may join with the rest of the Congregation; And, the public Worship being finished, after prayer, he should take an account what they have heard, And thereafter to spend the rest of the time which they may spare, in catechizing and in spiritual conferences upon the Word of God; Or else( going apart) they ought to apply themselves to reading, meditation, and secret prayer, that they may confirm and increase their Communion with God; That so the profit which they found in the public Ordinances may bee cherished and promoved, and they more edified unto eternal life.  
IX. So many as can conceive prayer, ought to make use of that gift of God: Albeit these who are rude and weaker may begin at a set form of prayer; But so, as they bee not sluggish in stirring up in themselves( according to their daily necessities) the spirit of prayer, which is given to all the children of God in some measure. To which effect, they ought to bee the more fervent and frequent in secret prayer to God, for enabling of their hearts to conceive, and their tongues to express convenient desires to God for their family. And in the mean time, for their greater encouragement, let these materials of prayer be meditated upon, and made use of, as followeth.  
Let them confess to God how unworthy they are to come in his presence, and unfit to worship his Majesty; And therefore earnestly ask of God the spirit of prayer.  
They are to confess their sins, and the sins of the Family accusing, judging, and condemning themselves for them, till they bring their souls to some measure of true humiliation.  
They are to pour out their souls to God, in the Name of Christ, by the spirit, for forgivinesse of sins, for G●ace to repen to believe, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, and that they may serve God with joy and delight in walking before him.  
They are to give thanks to God for his many mercies to his people, and to themselves▪ and especially for his love in Christ, and for the light of the Gospel.  
They are to pray for such particular benefits, spiritual and temporal, as they stand in need of for the time,( whether it be Morning or Evening) as health or sickness, prosperity or adversity.  
They ought to pray for the Kirk of Christ in general, for all the Reformed Kirks, and for this Kirk in particular, and for all that suffer for the Name of Christ for all our superiors, The Kings Majesty, the queen, and their Children, for the Magistrates, Ministers, and whole body of the Congregation whereof they are members, a● well for their Neighbours abs●nt in their lawful affairs, as for those that are at home.  
The prayer may be closed with an earnest desire, that God may be glorified in the coming of the kingdom of his Son, and in the doing of his will; And with as●urance that themselves are accepted, and what they have asked according to his will sh●ll be done.  
X. These ●xercises ought to be performed in great sincerity without delay, laying aside all Exerci●es of worldly business or hindrances, Notwithstanding the mock●ngs of Atheists, and profane men; In respect of the great mercies of God to this Land, and of his severe Corections wherewith lately he hath exercised us. And to this effect, persons of eminency( and all Elders of the Kirk) not onely ought to stir up themselves and their Families to diligence herein; But also to concur effectually, that in all other Families, where they have Power and Charge, the said exercises be constionably performed.  
XI. Besides the ordinary duties in Families which are abovementioned, extraordinary duties both of humiliation and thanksgiving are to bee carefully performed in Families, when the Lord by extraordinary occasions( private or public) calleth for them.  
XII. Seeing the Word of God requireth, That wee should consider one another to provoke unto love and good works, Therefore, at all times, and specially in this time wherein profanity abounds, and mockers walking after their own lusts rhink it strange that others run not with them to same excess of riot, Every member of this Kirk ought to stir up themselves and one another to the duties of mutual Edification, by instruction, admonition, rebuk, exhorting one another to manifest the Grace of God, in denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, and in living godly, soberly, and righteously in this present world, by comforting the the feeble minded, and praying with, or, for one another; Which duties respectively are to be performed upon special occasions offered by divine providence; As namely, when under any calamity, cross, or great difficulty, counsel or counfort is sought, Or when an offender is to bee reclaimed by private admonition, and if that bee not effectual, by joining one or two more in the admonition, according to the rule of Christ; that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  
XIII. And because it is not given to every one to speak a word in season to a wearied or distressed conscience, It is expedint, that a person( in that case) finding no ease after the use of all ordinary means private and public, have their address to their own pastor, or some experienced Christian, But, if the person troubled in conscience be of that condition, or of that sex, that discretion, modesty or fear of scandal, requireth a godly grave and secret friend to be present with them in their said address, It is expedient that such a friend be present.  
XIV. When persons of divers Families are brought together by divine providence, being abroad upon their particular Vocations, or any necessary occasions, As they would have the Lord their God with them whithersoever they go, they ought to walk with God, and not neglect the duties of Prayer and Thanksgiving, but take care that the same be performed by such as the company shall judge fittest: And that they likewise take heed that no corrupt communication proceed out of their mouth, but that which is good, to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.  
The drift and scope of all these Directions is no other, but that upon the one part, the power and practise of godliness among all the Ministers and Members of this Kirk, according to their several places and vocations, may be cherished and advanced, and all impiety and mocking of Religious Exercises suppressed; And upon the other part, that under the name and pretext of Religious Exercises; no such meetings or practices be allowed▪ as are apt to breed Error, scandal, schism, contempt or mis-regard of the public Ordinances and Ministers, or neglect of the duties of particular Callings, or such other evils as are the works not of the Spirit but of the Flesh, and are conttary to Truth and Peace.   

Act against such as withdraw themselves from the public Worship in their own Congregation.  
SInce it hath pleased God of his infinite goodness to bless his Kirk within this Nation, with the riches of the Gospel, in giving to us his Ordinances in great purity, liberty, and withall, a comely and well-established order: The Assembly, in the zeal of God, for preserving Order, unity and Peace in the Kirk, for maintaining that respect whic is due to the Ordinances and Minis●ers of Jesus Christ, for preventing schism, noisome errors▪ and all unlawful Practices, which may follow on the Peoples withdrawing themselves from their own Congregations, Doth charge every Minister to bee diligent in fulfilling his ministery, to be holy and grave in his conversation, to be fai●hfull in Preaching, declaring the whole coun●ell of God and as he hath occasion from the Text of Scripture to reprove the sins and errou●s, and press the duties of the time; and in all those, to observe the rules prescribed by the Acts of Assembly; wherein if he be negligent he is to be censured by his own Presbytery. As also Ordains every M●mber in every Congregation to keep their own Paro●h Kirk, to communicate there in the Word and Sacraments; And if any person or Persons shall hereafter usually absent themselves ●rom their own Congregations, except in urgent cases made known to, and approven by the Presbytery, The Ministers of these Congregations whereto they resort, sh●ll both in public by preaching, and in private admonition, show their dislike of their withdrawing from their own Minister; That in so doing, they may witness to all that hear them, their due care to strengthen the hands of their fellow labourers in the work of the Lord, and their detestation of any thing that may tend to separation, or any of the abovementioned evils; Hereby their own Flock will be confirmed in their steadfastness, and the unstable spirits of others will be rectified. Likeas the Minister of that Cong●egation from which they do withdraw, shall labour first by private admonition to reclaim them; And if any after private admonition given by their own pastor do not amend, in that case the pastor shall delate the foresaid persons to the Session, who shall city and censure them as contemners of the comely o●der of the Kirk; And if the matter be not taken order with there, It is to bee broug●t to the Presbytery: For the better observing whereof, the Presbyteries at the Visitation of their several Kirks, and Provincial Assemblies, in their censure of the several Presbyteries, shall inquire hereanent: Which inquiry and report shall be registrate in the Provincial Books, that their diligence may be seen in the General Assembly.    

26. August 1647. Postmeridiem. Sess. 22 Approbation of the preceedings of the Commission of the preceding Assembly.  
THe General Assembly after mature deliberation, do ratify and approve the whole Acts and Conclusions of the Commissionners of the preceding Assembly for public affairs now tried and examined; Declaring that they have proceeded therein with much zeal, wisdom, vigilance, and according to ther Commission.   

27. August 1647. Antemeridiem Sess. 23. Approbation of the Confession of Faith.  
A Confession of Faith for the Kirks of God in the three kingdoms, being the chiefest part of that Uniformity in Religion which by the solemn League and Covenant we are bound to endeavour; And there being accordingly a Confession of Faith ag●eed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, with the assistance of Commissioners from the Kirk of ●eotland; Which Confession was sent from our Commissioners at London to the Commissioners of the Kirk met at Edinburgh in January last, and hath been in this Assembly twice publicly red over, examined and considered; Copies thereof being also Printed, that it might be particularly perused by all the Members of this Assembly, unto whom frequent intimation was publicly made, to put in their doubts and objections if they had any; And the said Confession being upon due examination thereof found by the Assembly to bee most agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline; and Government of this Kirk. And lastly, it being so necesary and so much longed for, That the said Confession be with all possible diligence and expedition approved and establish●d in both Kingdoms, as a principal part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and as a special means for the more effectual suppressing of the many dangerous er●ours and heresies of these times; The General Assembly doth therefore after matu●e diliberation agree unto and approve the said Confession as to the truth of the matter( judgingt it to be most orthodox and grounded upon the Word of God) and also as to the point of Uniformity, Agreeing for our part that it be a common Confession of Faith for the the three kingdoms. The Assembly doth also bless the Lord, and thankfully aclowledge his great mercy, in that so excellent a Confession of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon in both kingdoms; which we look upon as a great strengthening of the true Reformed Religion against the common enemies thereof. But lest our intention and meaning be in some particulars misunderstood, It is hereby expressly Declared and Provided, that the not mentioning in this Confession the several sort of Ecclesiastical Officers and Assemblies, shall be no prejudice to the Truth of Christ in these particulars to be expressed fully in the Directory of Government. It is further Declared, that the Assembly understandeth some parts of the second Article of the thirty one Chapter, only of Kirks not settled or constituted in point of Government, And that although in such Kirks, a Synod of Ministerrs and other fit persons may be called by the Magistrates authority and nomination without any other Call, to consult and advice with about matters of Religion; And although likewise the Ministers of Christ without delegation from their Churches, may of themselves, and by virtue of their Office meet together Synodically in such Kirks not yet constituted; Yet neither of these ought to be done in Kirks constiiuted and settled: It being always free to the Magistrate to advice with Synods of Ministers and ruling Elders meeting upon delegation from their Churches, either ordinarily, or being indicted by his Authority occasionally and pro re nata; It being also free to assemble together Synodically, as well pro re nata, as at the ordinary times upon delegation from the Churches, by the intrinsical power received from Christ, as often as it is necessary for the good of the Church so to assemble, in case the Magistrate to the detriment of the Church withhold or deny his consent, the necessity of occasional Assemblies being first remonstrate unto him by humble supplication.   

Edinburgh 28. August 1647. Postmeridiem. Sess. XXV. Act for revising the Paraphrase of the psalms brought from England, with a recommendation for Translating the other Scriptuall Songs in metre.  
The General Assembly having considered the report of the Committee, concerning the Paraphrase of the psalms sent from England: And finding that it is very necessary, that the said Paraphrase be yet revised; Therefore doth appoint Master John Adamson to examine the first forty psalms, Master Thomas Craufurd the second forty, Master John Ro● the third forty, and Master John Nevey the last thirty Psalms of that Paraphrase; and in their Examination they shall not only observe what they think needs to be amended, but also to set down their own essay for correcting thereof; And for this purpose recommends to them, to make use of the travels of Rowallen, Master Zachary Boyd, or of any other on that subject, but especially of our own Paraphrase, that what they find better in any of these Works may be chosen: and likewise they shall make use of the animadversions sent from Presbyteries, who for this cause are hereby desired to hasten their observations unto them; And they are to make report of their labours herein to the Commission of the Assembly for public affairs against their first meeting in February next: And the Commission after revising thereof, shall sand the same to Provincial Assemblies, to bee transmitted to Presbyteries, that by their further consideration, the matter may be fully prepared to the next Assembly: And because some psalms in that Paraphrasie sent from England are composed in verses which do not agree with the Common-tunes, Therefore it is also recommended that these Psalms be likewise turned in other verses which may agree to the Common-tunes, that is, having the first line of eight syllabs, and the second line of six, that so both versions being together, use may bee made of either of them in Congregations as shall bee found convenient: And the Assembly doth further recommend, That M. Zachary Boyd be at the pains to translate the other Scriptural Songs in metre, and to report his travels also to the Commission of Assembly, that after their Examination thereof, they may sand the same to Presbyteries to be there considered until the netx general Assembly.  

Act recommending the execution of the Act of Parliament as Perth, for uplifting pecunial pains to bee employed upon pious uses, and of all Acts of Parliament made against excommunicate Persons.  
THe general Assembly doth seriously Recommend and Oodaine, That Pesbyteries diligently endeavour, that the ninth Act of the Parliament holden at Perth, Anno 1645. Concerning the uplifting of pecunial pains to bee employed upon pious uses, may bee put to due execution within their several bounds; And also that the Acts of Parliament against excommunicate Persons, especially the twentieth Act of the Parliament in March last, be also carefully execute: And that they cause use all diligence to that effect, and account hereof shall be required in provincial and general Assemblies.    

Ult August 1647. Antemeridiem. Sess: 26. Act discharging the importing, venting or spreading of erroneous Books or Papers.  
THe General Assembly considering how the errors of Independency and Separation( have in our Neighbour kingdom of England) spread as a Gangraen, and do daily eat as a Canker; In so much that exceeding many errors. Heresies, schisms, and blasphemies, have issued therefrom, and are sheltered thereby; And how possible it is, for the same evils▪ to invade, and overspread this Kirk and kingdom,( lying within the same iceland) by the spreading of their erroneous Books, Pamphlets, Lybels, and Letters, and by conversing with them that are infected with these errors, except the same bee timeously prevented; do therefore, in the Name of God, Inhibit and Discharge all Members of this Ki●k and kingdom, to converse with Persons tainted with such errors; Or to import, sell, spread, vent, or disperse such erroneous Books or Papers: But that they beware of, and abstain from Books maintaineing independency or Separation, and from all Antinomian, anabaptistical, and other erroneous Books and Papers; Requiring all Ministers to warn their flocks against such books in general, and particularly such as are most plausible, insinuating, and dangerous: And to try carefully from time to time if any such books be brought into this country from England, or from byond Seas( which is especially recommended td Ministers on Sea Coasts, or Towns where any Stationers are) and if any shall be found, to present the same to the presbytery, that some course may be taken to hinder the dispersing thereof: And hereby all Presbyteries, and Synods, are ordained to try and process such as shall transgress against the premises or any part of the same. And the Assembly also doth seriously recommend to Civill Magistrates, that they may be pleased to be assisting to Ministers and Presbyteries in execution of this Act, and to concur with their authority in every thing to that effect.  

Act for debarring of carriers in the first class from ecclesiastic office.  
THe general Assembly Declares and ordains, That no Person who is guilty of Compliance in the first class mentioned in the Act of the preceding Assembly, shall bee received in any ecclesiastical charge, until the evidence of his repentance before the presbytery and Congregation be reported to the synod to which he belongs, and to the general Assembly, and their consent obtained for his bearing office. And if any such Person be already received unto the Eldership of any particular Congregation, yet he shall not be admitted to be a Member of any presbytery, synod, or general assembly, until( upon the evidence of his repentance) the consent and approbation of these judicatories respectively bee obtained thereto.   

Act for pressing and furthering the plantation of Kirks,  
THe general Assembly considering how the Work of Provision, Plantation, convenient Dividing, dismembering, better uniting or enlarging of Parish Kirks is hitherto foreslowed, to the great prejudice of many Ministers, many good People, and hindrance of the Work of Reformation; Doth therefore ordain, That all Presbyteries have specially care that the present opportunity bee diligently improved by all their Members, as need is, before the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, as they would not be found censurable for neglect. And that every Presbytery sand in to the next general Assembly the names of all their Parishes, with declaration which of them have Ministers, which not, what is the largeness of the bounds, commodious or incommodious situation of each Parish Kirk, what is the number of Communicanss, what Kirks are under Patrons, what not, who are the several Patrons, what is the nature and quantity of the present provision, or possible ground of further provision for competent Maintence, where the same is not sufficiently provided already: As also, what Parishes are united or disunited or bettered already, and in what measure by the said Commission, that the general Assembly being acquaint therewith, may do accordingly both for censuring Neglecters, and finding out Overtures for better furtherance of the Work for time to come. Moreover it is herereby Ordained, That the next ensuing provincial synods, crave account of the several Presbyteries their diligence, And press that they have it ready in writ to present to the provincial synods in April next to come, that so all may begin readiness and the full account made at the next general Assembly.   

Act for censuring absents from the general Assembly.  
THe general Assembly considering the absence of many Commissioners in this and other proceeding Assemblies, and that many of those present have gone from the Assembly before the dissolving thereof: Therefore, for remedy hereof in time coming Doth ordain, that hereafter Every Commissioner from Presbyteries aed Universities who shall be absent from the Assembly without a reasonable excuse notified to the Assembly, Or who being present shall go from the Assembly before the dissolving thereof without a licence, shall be suspended by the Assembliy until the provincial synod next thereafter following.   

Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for trial and Admission of Expectants to the ministery.  
THe general Assembly, doth hereby renew and confirm all former Acts and Ordinances for trial and admission of Expectants to the ministry; Especially the Articles thereanentt allowed by the general Assembly 1596, and approven in the assembly at Glasgow 1638. The thirteenth Article concerning the age of intrants to the ministry and the twenty fourth Article concerning the trial of Expectants, Of an Act of the said Assembly at Glasgow, Sess. 23 And the Act of the Assembly at St. Andrews 1642. Sess. 7. concerning Lists for presentations from the King, and the trial of Expectants, &c. Ordaining Presbyteries to observe the same carefully in all time coming.    

Eodem die, Sess. 28. Postmeridiem. Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity in England.  
THe general Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected; Therefore, Renews the Power and Commission granted by preceding Assemblies for prosecuting that Treaty, unto the Persons afternamed, viz. Master Robert Douglas▪ Master Sumuel Rutherfurd Master Robert bailie, Master George Gillespie, Ministers: And John earl of Lauderdaill, John Lord Balmerino, and Sir Archibald Jhonstoun of Waristoun Elders; Authorizing them with full Power to prosecute the said Treaty of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committeees appointed by them: And to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring that Treaty to an happy conclusion, conform to the Commissions given thereanent.  

Renovation of the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk.  
THe general Assembly taking to their consideration, that in respect the great Work of Uniformormity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected,( though by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; do therefore renew the Power and Commission granted for the public affairs of the Kirk by the general Assemblies held in St. Andrews 1642. and at Edinburgh 1643. 1644. 1645. and 1646. unto the Persons following, viz. Masters, Alexander Casse, Sumuel Douglas, Robert Knox, William Penman, James Guthrie, Robert Cuninghame, David Fletcher, Robert Lawder, Andrew Stevenson, Robert Davidson, David Calderwood, James Fleming, Robert Ker, James fairly, Oliver Colt, Patrick Sibbald, Andrew Ramsay, John Adamson, Robert Douglas, William colvil, George Gillespe, Mungo Law, Andrew Fairfoul, George Lesly, Robert Lawrie, Alexander Spittle, Alexander Dickson, John Hay, Thomas Vassie, Ephraim Melvill, Patick Scheill, Alexander Simmervail, George Bennet, Alexander Levingstoun, Robert Murray, Alexander Rollock, William Menzies, Alexander Ireland, John Friebairn, George Murray, henry Guthrie, William Justice, Robert Wright, henry Livingstoun, James Hammiltoun, George Gladstanes, Bernard Sanderson, Andrew Lawder, George Rutherfurd, John Levingston, Georgr Hutheson, John Bell, Heugh Mackaile, John Nevey, Matthew Brisbane, John Hammiltoun, alan Ferguson, David Dickson, Zachary Boyd, Robert Ramsay, Robert Bailie, james Nasmith, Francis Aird, Robert Birnie, Thomas Kirkaldie, Evan Cameron▪ Robert Blair, Coline Adam, George Hammiltoun, Samuel Rutherfurd, Alexander colvil, John Ramsay James Martein, William Levingstoun, Thomas Melvill, John Smith, Fredrick Carmichaell, Patrick Gillespie, Alexander Moncreif, John Duncan, James Sibbald, Walter Bruce, George Pittillo, Andrew Affleck, John ●arclay, Thomas Peirson, William Rait, David Srachan, Andrew Cant, William Douglas, John Forbes, George Sharp William chamber, Joseph Brodie, Alexander Simmer, Gillbert Anderson, William Smith Ministers; And Archibald Marques of Arg●le ●ohn earl of Crawfurd, Alexander E: of Eglintoun, William E. of Glencairne, John E. of Cassils, James E. of Home, James E. of Tullibairdine, Francis E. of Bukeleuch, John E. of Lawderdaill, William E of Lothian, James E. of Finlatour, William E. of Lanerk, James earl of calendar, Archibald Lord Angus, George L. Brichen, John L. Yester, John L. Balmerino, James L. Cowper, John Lord Bargenie, Sir Archibald Johnstoun of Waristoun, Sir John Hope of Craighall, Arthur Areskine of Scotiscraig, Alexander Fraser of Phillorth, Frederick lion of Brigtoun, James Mackdougall of Garthland, Sir William Cockburne of Langton, Sir Andrew Ker of Greinheid, Sir Heugh Canpbell of Cesnock, Sir James Leving oun of Kilsyth, Sir Thomas Ruthven of Freeland. Sir ●ilbert Ramsay of Balmayne, John Henderson of Fordell, Walter Dundas younger of that ilk, Sir William Sc t younger of Harden, Sir Lodovick Gordoun, Master George Winrhame of Libertoun, Alexander Levingstoun of Saltcoats, John Birsbane of Bishoptoun, Sir Robert Douglas of Tilliquhillie, James Pringle of Torwoodlie, Sir james Nicolsone of Colbrandspa●h, William Ker of Newtoun, William Forbes younger of Lesly, John Kennedy of Carmucks, Robert Arburthnot of Findowrie, Alexander Brodie of Letham, Master Robert Narne younger of Strathurd, Master James Schoneir of Caskeberrie, James Ruchheid, laurence Hendersone, James Stewart, David Douglas, John Jaffray, George Porterfield, John Semple, John Kenned●, William Glendinning, Master John Cowan, John Mill Elders: Giving unto them full Power and Commission, to do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, comform to the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent. And to that effect, Appoints them or any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen shall bee Ministers, to meet heer in this City in the afternoon at four hours, and thereafter upon the last wednesdays of November, February, and May next, and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit. Renewing also to the Persons before name, the Power contained in the Act of the Assembly 1643. entitled, A reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the kingdom of England; As likewise the Power contained in the Act of assembly 1644. Sess. 6. for sending Ministers to the army. And further, in case Dilinquents have no constant residence in any one presbytery; Or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases, The assembly gives to the Peesons before name, full power of censuring carriers and Persons disaffected to the Covenant according to the Acts of assembly; Declaring always and Providing, that Ministers shall not bee deposed but in one of the Quarterly meetings of this Commission; With full power to them to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, and in all other matters referred unto them by this assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of any former general Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being always for their whole proceedings countable to, and censurable by the next general Assembly.   

Desires and Overtures from the Commissioners of Universities, and the Assemblies answer thereto  
1. THe Commissioners of Universities represents to the Assembly: First, That the Overtures of the Assembly 1643. for the visitation of Schools and advancement of Learning are very much neglected.  
The Assembly recommends to synods to take account of the observation of these Overtures.  
2. That it were good to exhort all( the Universities, to be careful to take account of all their Schollers on the Sabbathday of the Sermons. and of their lessons of the catechism.  
The Assemblly approves this Overture, and recommends accordingly.  
3. That all the Universities bee exhorted to sand their commissioners instructed with answers to the Overtures agreed upon by the Commissioners of Universities, and which from this meeting of their Commissioners shall bee communicate to them, and this to bee when their Commissioners come in Februar or March to the Commission of the Kirk.  
The assembly reccommends to Universities to bee careful hereof.  
4. That the Overtures concerning the providing of Burlars for Divinity be recommended to Presbyteries and synods, and that they report their diligence to the next Assembly.  
The Assembly allows this Article, and reconmends accordingly.    

Edinburgh 1. September 1647. Sess. Ult. The Assemblies Letter to their countrymen in Poleland, Swedland, denmark, and hungary.  
Unto the Scots Merchants and others our country People scattered in Poleland, Swedland, Denmark, and Hungary; The General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland wisheth Grace Mercy & Peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jes●s Christ.  
ALthouch this Kirk of Scotland, whiles spoiled of her Liberties under the Prelatical tyranny, had much difficulty and wrestling to preserve the true reformed Religion from being quiter extinguished among ourselves; yet since the mighty & out-stretched arm of the Lord our God hath brought us out of that Egypt, and hath restored to us well constituted and free national Synods, It hath been our desire and endeavour to set forward the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ and the purity of his Ordinances, not only throughout this Nation, but in other parts also so far as God gave us a call and opportunity and opened a way unto us. And among other things of this nature we have more particularly taken into our seriours thoughts the sad and lamentable condition of many thousaands of you our Contry-men who are scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd, and are through the want of the means of knowledge grace and salvation, exposed to the greatest spiritual dangers, whether through ignorance or through manifold temptations to errors and false Religions, or through the occasions and snares of sin.  
Wee have therefore thought it incumbent to us to put you in mind of the one thing necessary. while you are so careful and troubled about the things of the world. And although we do not disallow your going obroad to follow any lawful calling or way of lively hood, yet seeing it cannot profit a man although he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul, and seeing you have traveled so far, and taken so much pains to get uncertain riches which cannot deliver in the day of the wrath of the Lord, and which men know not who shall inherit; We do from our affection to the salvation of your immortal souls most earnestly beseech and warn you to cry after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding, seeking her as silver, and searching for her as for hide treasures, and so play the wise Merchants in purchasing the Pearl of Price, and in laying up a sure foundation for the time to come, by acquainting your souls with Jesus Christ, and by faith taking hold of him whose free grace is now offered and held out to sinners, excluding none among all the kindreds of the earth who will come unto him. God forbid that you should let slip the ●●he and offers of grace, or neglect any warning of this kind sent to you in the name of the Lord. We shall hope better things of you, and that knowing the acceptable time and the day of salvation will not always last, but the Lord Jesus 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 Gospel, you will the rather bestir your selselves timely and with all diligence to seek the Lord while he may bee found, to endeavour that you may have among you the ordinary means of grace and salvation, to pray that God would give you Pastors according to his heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding, to consult also and agree among yourselves with consent of your Superiors under whom you live( whose favour and good will we trust will not be wanting to you in so good and necessary a work) for setting up the worship of God and ecclesiastical Discipline among you according to the form established and received in this your mother Kirk, and for a way of settled maintenance to Pastors and Teachers, Which if you do, our Commissioners appointed to meet from time to time in the interval betwixt this and the next national Assembly, will bee ready( upon your desire made known to them) to provide some able and godly Ministers for you, as likewise to communicate to you our Directory for the public worship of God, and our form of Ecclesiastical Government and Discipline; together with the Confession of Faith and catechism.  
And in the mean time we exhort you that ye neglect not the Worship of God in secret and in your families, and that ye continue steadfast in the Profession of that faith in which ye were baptized, and by a godly, righteous, and sober conversation adorn the Gospel; and with all, that distance of place make you not the less sensible of your Countries sufferings, both in respect of the just judgements of God for the sins of the land, and in respect of the malice of Enemies for the Common Cause & Covenant of the three Kingdoms, of which happy conjunction, notwithstanding we do not repent us, but by the grace of God shall continue faithful and stendfast therein.  
This Letter wee have thought fit to bee Printed and published, that it may be with the greater ease and conveniency conveyed to the many several places of your habitation or traffic. Consider what we have said, and the Lord give you understanding in all things. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.  
Edinburgh, August 31. 1647. Subscribed in name of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland Mr Robert Douglasse Moderator.  

Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions therein mentioned.  
BEing tender of so great an engagement by Solemn Covenant, sincerely, really, and constantly to endeavour in our Place, and Callings, the preservation of the Reformed Religion in this Kirk of Scotland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government. the Reformation of Religion in the kingdoms of England, and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, according to the Word of God, and the example of the best Reformed Kirks, and to endeavour the nearest Conjunction and Uniformity in all these, together with the extirpation of heresy, schism, and whatsoever shall bee found contrary to sound Droctrine: And considering withall that one of the special means which it becometh us in our Places and Callings to use in pursuance of these ends, is in zeal for the true Reformed Religion, to give our public testimony against the dangerous tenants of Erastianisme, independency, and which is falsely called Liberty of Conscience, which are not only contrary to sound Doctrine, but more special lets and hindrance, as well to the preservation of our own received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, as to the Work of Reformation and Uniformity in England and Ireland▪ The general Assembly upon these considerations, having heard publicly red the CXI 
* Not that they are to be heer Printed, but because they being to be Printed severally, this Act is to be prefixed to th●  following Propositions exhibited and tendered by some Brethren, who were appointed to prepare Articles or Propositions for the vindication of the truth in these particulars. Doth unnanimously approve & agree unto these eight general Heads of Doctrine therein contained and asserted, viz. 1. That the ministry of the Word and the Administration of the Sacraments of the New Testament, baptism and the Lords Supper, or standing Ordinances instituted by God himself to continue in the Church to the end of the World. 2. That such as Administer the Word and Sacraments, ought to be duly called and ordained thereunto. 3. That some ecclesiastical censures are proper and peculiar to be inflicted onely upon such as bear Office in the Kirk; Other censures are common and may bee inflicted both on Ministers and other Members of the Kirk. 4. That the censure of suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, inflicted because of gross ignorance, or because of a scandalous life and conversation, As likewise the censure of Excommunication or casting out of the Kirk flagitious or contumacious offenders, both the one censure and the other is warranteble by and grounded upon the Word of God, and is necessary( in respect of divine institution) to be in the Kirk. 5. That as the Rights, Power, and Authority of the Civill Magistrate are to bee maintained according to the Word of God, and the Confessions of the Faith of the Reformed Kirks; So it is no less true and certain, that Jesus Christ, the onely Head and onely King of the Kirk, hath instituted and appointed a Kirk Government distinct from the Civill Government or magistracy. 6: That the Ecclesiastical Government is committed and entrusted by Christ to the Assemblies of the Kirk, made up of the Ministers of the Word and Ruling Elders. 7. That the lesser and inferior ecclesiastical Assemblies, ought to bee subordinate and subject unto the greater and superior Assamblies. 8. That notwithstanding hereof, the Civill Magistrate may and ought to suppress by corporal or Civill punishments, such as by spreading error or heresy, or by fomenting schism greatly dishonour God, dangerously hurt Religeon and disturb the Peace of the Kirk. Which Heads of Doctrine( howsoever opposed by the authors and fomenters of the foresaid errors respectively) the general Assembly doth firmly believe, own, maintain, and commend unto others, as solid, True, orthodox, grounded upon the Word of God, consonant to the judgement both of the ancient and the best Reformed Kirks. And because this Assembly( through the multitude of other necessary and pressing bussinesse) eannot now have so much leisure, as to examine and consider particularly the foresaid CXI. Propositions; Therefore, a more particular examination thereof is committed and referred to the theological faculties in the four Universities of this kingdom, and the judgement of each of these faculties concerning the same, is appointed to bee reported to the next general Assembly. In the mean while, these Propositions shall bee Printed, both that Copies thereof may bee sent to Presbyteries, and that it may be free for any that pleaseth to peruse them, and to make known or sand their judgement concerning the same to the said next Assembly.   

Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries and Synods, with the Assemblies answer thereunto.  
IT is humbly presented to the Assembly, that the children of many of the ordinary beggars want baptism, Themselves also living in great vileness, and therefore desire that some remedy may be provided for these abuses.  
The Assembly doth seriously recommend to Presbyteries to consider of the best remedies, and to report their opinions to the next Assembly.  
That all Students of philosophy at their entry and at their Lawreation, bee holden to subscribe the League and Covenant and be urged thereto, and all other Persons as they come to age and discretion before their first receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper.  
The Assembly approves this Overture.  
Whereas divers Ministers want Mansses and Gleebs, and others have their Gleeb so divided in parcels, or lying so far from their Charge as the Ministers are thereby much prejudged: We desire that this general Assembly will recommend it to bee helped by the Parliament, or Committee for planting of Kirks, in the best manner that their Lordships can advice.  
Whereas divers Kirks were incommodiously united in corrupt times, we desire that the same be now dismembered and adjoined to other Kirks, or erected in Kirks by themselves alone, and when the present incumbents agrees thereto, we desire the same to bee recommend to the Parliament and Committee for plantation of Kirks, Provided always, that the present Ministers who have laboured and endured the heat of day, may enjoy the benefit of such parcels as are taken from th●m during their life.  
The Assembly doth approve these two Articles, and Recommends to the Commissioners for public affairs, to assist any interested in the particulars for prosecuting the same before the Honourable Estates of Parliament, or the Commission appointed by them for plantation of Kirks.   

THe Geeerall Assembly, do yet again rcecommend to Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies, to consider all matters formerly referred unto them by preceding Assemblies, and desires that their opinions concerning the same, be reported in writ to the next general Assembly,   

IT is this day appointed, that the next general Assembly shall meet at Edinburgh the second Wednesday of July 1648.  
A. Ker.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, AT Edinburgh July 12. 1648.  

july 12. 1648. Postmridiem. Sess. I. The Letter from the Synod of Divines in England to the general Assembly.  
Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved Brethren in JESUS CHRIST,  
AS we have great cause to bless God for the brotherly Union of these two Nations in the common Cause of Religion and Liberty, and for that good hand of blessing which hath accompanied the toynt endeavours of both, in the prosecution thereof: So we cannot but be sadly and deeply sensible of those many obstructions and difficulties, wherewith God in his wisdom thath seen good to exercise his Servants in both Kingdoms in the carrying on of that work, wherein they stand so much engaged. Herein he hath clearly manifested his own power, wisdom, and goodness for our encouragement to trust him in the managing of his own Work, and our utter inability to effect it of ourselves; thereby to train us up to a more humble and faithful dependency upon him to do all, when we by our own wisdom and strength can do nothing. Our perplexities we must confess, are and have been many, and yet in the midst of them all we cannot but thankfully aclowledge it is a token for good, and that which hath been and still is a great comfort and refreshing to our hearts, that God hath given you wisdom timely to foresee approaching dangers, but especially to behold, as the steadfastness of your Faith, in that both formerly yo have been and at present are able to trust God in straits and to appear for him in greatest dangers, so your eminent faithfulness and integrity in your firm adhering to your first principles, and chiefly in your constancy and zeal for the preservation and prosecution of the Solemn League and Covenant, so Religiously engaged in by both Kingdoms: In your vigorous pursuance whereof, with much thankfulness to God, We are very sensible more particularly of your steering so steady, and even a course between the dangerous rocks of profaneness and malignancy on the one hand, and of error, schism, heresy and Blasphemy on the other hand; as also of your constant desires and endeavours to preserve the Peace and Union between the two Nations so nearly and so many ways United- In all which we humbly aclowledge the mercy and faithfulness of God in guiding you so graciously hitherto; and through his assistance we shall still be ready to afford you the best help & encouragement of our prayers and praises to God on your behalf; having this confidence that he who hath already vouchsafed you and us so many bleffed pledges of his favour, will in his own time and way accomplish his own Work, which so much concerneth his own Glory and his Peoples good. To his most gracious protection & guidance in these doubtful and dangerous times we humbly commend you and all your holy endeavours, and rest.  
Westminster June 7. 1648. Subscribed in the name and by the appointment of the whole Assembly by us. 

Charles Harle, Prolocutor.  
William Gouge, Assessor.  
Henry Robrough, Scriba.  
Adoniram Byfield, Scriba.    
Direct  
To the Right Honourable, Right Reverend, the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, or their Commissioners.   

july 15. Antemeridiem, Sess. IV. Act concerning Commissions from Burghs.  
IT is resolved by the general Assembly, until the matter concerning Commissioners from Burghs be further thought upon, that in the mean time according to the ordinary practise no Commission to the general Assembly be admitted from Burghs, but such as shall be consented to, and approven by the Ministry and Sessions thereof, the persons elected being always Elders.   

july 18. 1648. Antemeridiem. Sess. VI. Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the Commissioners of Assemblies.  
THE general Assembly renews and revives the Act of the Assembly holden at Bruntiland Anno 1601. concerning the examination of the proceedings of the Commi●●ion of the general Assembly, tenor whereof follows. The Assembly hath Ordained that in every Assembly to and convened in all time coming such as sball happen to be appointed Commissi n rs from the general ●ssembly, to endure while the Assembly next thereafter, shall give an occount of their proceedings during the whole time of their Commission in the beginning of the Assembly, before any other cause or matter be handled and their proceedings to be allowed or disallowed as the Assembly shall think expedient.   

july 18. 1648. Postmeridiem. Sess. VII. Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceding Asstmbly,  
THE general Assembly having examined the proceedings of the Commission of the proceeding Assembly, especially their Declarations, Remonstrances, Representations, Petitions, Vindication, and other Papers relating to the present Engagement in War, Do unanimously find that in all their proceedings, they have been zealous, diligent and faithful in discharge of the trust committed to them; And therefore ratify and approve the whole proceedings, Acts and conclusions of the said Commission, and particularly their Papers relating to the said Engagement, and their judgement of the unlawfulness thereof, Appointing Mr John Moncreiff Moderator pro tempore to return them hearty thanks in name of the Assembly for ther great pains, travels & fidelity in matters of so great concernment to the Cause of God and to this Kirk. admidst so great and many difficulties.   

july 20. 1648. Postmeridiem, Sess. X. Approbation of the larger catechism.  
THe general Assembly having exactly examined and seriously considered, the larger catechism agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster with assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk, Copies thereof being Printed, and sent to Presbyteries for the more exact trial thereof, and public intimation being frequently made in this Assembly, that every one that had any doubts or objections upon it, might put them in; Do find upon due examination thereof, That the said catechism is agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk, a necessary part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and a rich treasure for increasing knowledge among the People of God, and therefore the Assembly, as they bless the Lord that so excellent a catechism is prepared, so they Approve the same as a part of Uniformity; Agreeing for their part, that it be a common catechism for the three Kingdoms, and a Directory for catechizing such as have made some proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds of Religion.   

July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem, Sess. 11. Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular Congregations.  
THe General Assembly considering the danger of sudden receiving of deposed Ministers at this time when Malignancy is likely to spread; Therefore finding it necessary until the ends of the Solemn League and Covenant be settled and secured to restrain the suddenness of admitting deposed Ministers to particular charges, Do Ordain that notwithstanding any licence to be granted for opening the mouths of deposed Ministers yet they shall not be actually admitted to any particular Congregations without consent of the general Assembly, Declaring for such as have already their mouths opened before the time, that if any calling to a particular charge offer unto them before the next Assembly, it shall be sufficient for them to have the consent of the Commissioners of this general Assembly.   

july 25. 1648. Antemeridiem. Sess: 14. The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from the Committee of Estates of the 24. July.  
THe general Assembly having considered the Paper of the 24. July delivered to them from the conference, and having compared it with the other Paper of the 17. of July presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates whereunto it relates, and with the Declaration lately emitted by the Committee to the Parliament and Kingdom of England, find that it is supposed by their Lordships, that we may be satisfied in point of the security of Religion according to the Covenant; notwihstanding of the present engagement in war; The Assembly do therefore in answer to the said Paper declare,  
That we see no possibility of securing Religion, as long as this unl●wfull Engagement is carried on, Religion being thereby greatly endangered,  
1. because none of the just and necessary desires of the Com●ission of the late General Assembly for securing Religion have been granted or satisfied; More particularly it was represented to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament, that for ●ecu●ing of Religion. it was necessary that the Popish, prelatical and Malignant party, be declared Enemies to the Cause upon the one hand, as well as Sectaries upon the other, and that all Associations, either in Forces or councils with the former as well as the latter be avoided. That his Majesties C●ncessions and offers concerning Religion, sent home from the Isle of nought, be declared by the Parliament to be unsatisfactory, That before his Majesties restitution to the exercise of his royal power assurance be had from his M●jesty by his solemn Oath under his hand and Seal for settling Religion according to the Covenant, That their Lordships should keep themselves from owning any quarrel concerning his Majesties Negative voice, That the managing of the public affairs, might be entrusted onely to such persons as have given constant proof of their integrity, and against whom there is no just cause of exception or jealousy, and that there might be no Engagement without a solemn Oath, wherein the Kirk ought to haue the same interest they had in the solemn League and Covenant; All which are more particularly expressed in the Papers given in by the Commission of the late Assembly to the Parliament; notwithstanding the Engagement hath been carried on without satisfaction to these and the like desires, and so without giving security in the point of Religion, but with great and manifest danger to the same.  
2. As the happy Union of the Kingdoms, by the solemn League and Covenant hath been justly looked upon as a special means for preserving and strengthening the true Reformed Religion ln this iceland. So it is no less weakened & hurt by endeavouring a breach between these Kingdoms; Which howsoever disclaimed, is yet manifest from the reality of the public proceedings in this Engagement, and namely from the neglect of endeavouring a Treaty between the Kingdoms for preventing of War and bloodshed as was earnestly desired, from their associating and joining with known Malignants and Incendiaries, and such as have been declared ●eemies to this Cause, from their entering the Kingdom of England with an Army, upon the grounds of the Declaration of the parliament, which cannot but infer a National quarrel against the Parliament and Kingdom of England, and from their garrisoning the frontier Towns of that Kingdom.  
3. The Engagement is carried on by such means and ways, as tend to the destroying of Religion, by ensnaring and forcing the consciences of the people of God with unlawful Bands and oaths, and oppressiing the Persons and Estates of such as have been most active and zealous for Religion and the Covenant. All which is strengthened and authorised by Acts of Parliament, appointing that all that do not obey, or persuade others not to obey the Resolutions of Parliament and Committee anent this Engagement, or who shall not subscribe the Act and Declaration of the 10. June, 1648. imposed upon all the Subjects, shall be holden as enemies to the Cause and to Religion, and have their persons secured, and their Estates intromitted with.  
4. The Engagement is carried on, not without great encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, as we are ready to clear in many particulars.  
wherefore the security of Religion, and carrying on of the present Engagement being inconsistent, We do propose for the necessary security and safety of Religion, that all the dangers thereof may be taken to consideration, and amongst the rest the said Engagement as one of the greatest which yet being established and authorised by Act of Parliament, we leave it to their Lordships to think of what remedies may be provided for redressing grievances which flow from such Acts and Ordinances. This we are sure of, the public desires of the Kirk will abundantly witness for us, that such things as were necessary for the security of Religion, were in due season represented, & yet not granted by them that had greater power & authority at that time when it was much more easy to give satisfaction therein then now; So that the blame cannot lie upon the General Assembly or their Commissioners that Religion is not secured.   

july 28. 1648. Antemeridiem, Sess. XVIII. Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament & Committee of Estates ordained to be subscribed the 10. and 12. of June, and against all new oaths or Bands in the common Cause imposed without consent of the Church.  
THE general Assembly taking to consideration a Declaration and Act of Parliament, of the date 10. of June, 1648. highly concerning Religion, and the consciences of the People of God in the Land, and one Act of the Committee of Estates, of the date 12. of June, 1648. both published in Print, whereby all Subjects are Ordained by subscription to aclowledge as just, and oblige themselves to adhere unto the said Act and Declaration, containing an obligation upon their honours and credits, and as they desire to be, and to be holden, as lovers of their Country, Religion, Laws and Liberties, to join and concur with their Persons and Estates in the assistance of the execution, and observation of the Acts and Constitutions of this Parliament, as the most fit and necessary remedies of the by-gone and present evils and distractions of this Kirk and Kingdom, and for the preservation of Religion, Laws and Liberties and of his Majesties authority, with certification that such as refuse or delay to subscribe the same, shall be holden as Enemies and Opposites to the Common Cause, consisting in the maintenance of the true reformed Religion, of the Laws and Liberties of the Kingdom and of his Majesties authority. Which subscription the Assembly cannot otherwise look upon, then as a snare for the People of God to involve them in guiltiness, and to draw them from their former Principles and Vows in the solemn League and Coenant. For that subscription were an approving of some Acts of Parliament, which they have never yet seen nor konwn, they not being all published, were an agreeing to Acts of Parliament, highly concerning Religion and the Covenant, made not onely without, but expressly against the advice of the Kirk, were an acknowledging of this present Engagement in War, in all the means and ways for promoving the same, to be the most fit and necessary remedies of the by-gone and present evils, whereas so many Petitions to the Parliament, from Committees of War, Synods, Presbyteries and parochs have made it appear, that they are no way satisfied therewith in point of conscience; were an ascribing of a power to the Parliament, to declare these to be enemies to the true Religion, whom the Kirk hath not declared to be such but rather friends; were an approving of an Act made for the restraining the liberty of printing from the Kirk, yea and of all the Acts of the Committee of Estates, to be made in time coming, till March 1650. which by Act of Parliament are ordained to be obeied; were an allowing of Acts for securing of the persons, and intrometting with the Estates of such as themselves shall not obey, or persuade others not to obey resolutions concerning this Engagement, and for protecting persons under Kirk Censures, and so an infringing and violating of the Liberties and Discipline of the Kirk established by the Laws of the Land, and sworn to in the national Covenant to be defended, under the pains contained in the Law of God, And in all these, such as do subscribe, do bind themselves not only to active obedience in their own persons, but to the urging of active obedience upon all others, and so draw upon themselves all the guiltiness and sad consequences of the present engagement; Yea, such as are Members of Parliament, and have in the Oath of Parliament sworn not to Vote or consent to any thing, but what to their best knowledge is most expedient for Religion, Kirk and Kingdom, and accordingly have reasoned against, and dissented from divers Acts of this Parliament, These by the subscription of this Act, cannot eschew the danger of perjury, in obliging themselves to active obedience to these Acts, which according to their Oath, they did judge unlawful. Neither can the 38. Act of the Parliament 1640. wherein such a kind of Band was enacted to be subscribed by any precedent or Warrant for subscibing of this Act; For ir plainly appears by the narrative of that Act omitted in this Band, how great a difference there is between the condition of affairs then & now. Then the Kings Commissioner had left and discharged the sitting of the Parl. then the Parl. for sitting was declared Trai ors, and Armies in England and Ireland prepared against th●m, then not only the Acts, but the very authority of Parliament was called in question, then Kirk and State were united in the Cause against the Malignant party, then nothing was determined in Parliament in matters of Religion without, much less against the advice of the Kirk: But beside that, it was not thought expedient by the State, that that Band should be pressed through the Kingdom. The case now not onely differs from what was then, But is in many things just conrary, as is evident to all who will compare the two together. And therefore the general Assembly professing in all tender respect to the high and Honourable Court of Parliament and Committee of Estates, but finding a straitertye of God lying upon their Consciences, that they be not found unfaithful watchmen, and betrayers of the souls of these committed to their charge, Do unanimously Declare the foresaid subscription to be unlawful and sinful. And do warn, and ln the Name of the Lord Charge all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the subscribing of the said Act and Declaration, much more the urging of the subscription thereof, as they would not incur the wrath of God, and the Censures of the Kirk. And considering how necessary it is that according to the eight desire of the Commissioners of the Assembly to the Parliament, the Kirk might have the same interest in any new oaths in this Cause, as they had in the solemn League and Covenant, and what dangers of contradictory oaths, perjuries and snares to mens consciences may fall out otherwise: Therefore they likewise enjoin all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the swearing, subscribing or pressing of any new oaths or Bands in this Cause, without advice and concurrence of the Kirk, especially any negative oaths or Bands, which may any way limit or restrain them in the duties whereunto they are obliged, by national or solemn League and Covenant, and that with certification as aforesaid. And such as have already pressed or subscribed the foresaid Act and Declaration, The general Assembly doth hereby exhort them most earnestly in the bowels of Christ, to repent of that their defection. And O●dains that Presbyteries, or in case of their negligence, or being overawed the provincial Synods or the Commission of the Assembly, which of them shall first occur, and in case of the Synods negligence, that the said Commission be careful to proceed against, and censure the Cotraveeners of the Act according to the quality and degree of their offences as they will bo answerable to the general Assembly; and that therefore this Act be sent to Presbyteries to be published in the several Kirks of their bounds.   

Eodem die Postmeridiem. Sess. XIX. Approbation of the shorter catechism  
THE general Assembly having seriously considered the shorter catechism, agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, with assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk. do find upon due examination thereof, That the said catechism is agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received. Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk, And therefore Approve the said shorter catechism as a part of the intended Uniformity, to be a Directory for catechizing such as are of weaker capacity.  

Act discharging a little catechism printed at Edinburgh, 1647,  
THE general Assembly having found in a little catechism, printed at Edinburgh, entitled, The A. B. C. with the Catebhisme, That is to say, an instruction to be taught and learned of young children, very gross errors in the point of universal Redemption, and in the number of the Sacraments, Therefore do discharge the venting or selling of the said catechism of the foresaid impression, or of whatsoever other impression the same be of, and all use thereof in Schools or Families, Inhibiting also all Printers to reprint the same, And recommends to Presbyteries to take special care that this Act be obeied.    

Vlt. july 1648. Postmeridiem, Sess. 21. A Declaration of the general Assembly concerning the present dangers of Religion, and especially the unlawful engagement in War, against the Kingdom of England; Together, with many necessary exhortations and dirctions to all the Members of the Kirk of Scotland.  
IT cannot seem strange to any that considereth the great trust that lieth on us, comparing the same with the eminent dangers wherewith the Cause of God is environed in this Land, if at this time We declare our sense thereof, and warn the people of God from this watch-tower of the present duties incombent to them; Our witness is in heaven, and our record on high, that we do not this from any disrespect to the Parliament whom we have honoured and will ever honour and also obey in all things which are agreeable to the Word of God, to our Solemn Covenants: And to the duties of our Callings, Not from any dissoyalty or unduitfulnesse to the Kings majesty to whom we hearty wish, and to his posterity after him, a happy reign over these Dominions, Nor from any factious disposition or siding with this or that party whatsoever, Nor from any contentious humour about light or small matters, Nor from any favour to or compliance with Sectaries, against whose cursed opinions and ungodly practices, we have heretofore given ample testimony, and are still obliged by Solemn Covenant to endeavour the extirpation of heresy and Schism; But from the Conscience of our duty when the glory of God, the Kingdom of his Son, his Word, Ordinances, Government, Covenant, ministry, Consciences of People, Peace and Liberties of the Kirk are encompassed and almost overwhelmed with great and growing dangers.  
How freely and faithfully the servants of God of old have rebuked sin in persons of all ranks, not sparing Kings, States nor Kingdoms, the Scripture maketh it most plain to all that looks thereon; Neither want we domestic examples, if we look back a little upon the behaviour of our zealous ancestors in this Kirk, who not only in their Sermons severally with great gravity and freedom reproved the sins of the time, But more especially in the Kirk Judicatories plain and downright dealing was most frequent and familiar, as appears in the Assemblies holden in June and in October 1582. in October 1583. in May 1592. in May 1594. and in March 1595. And not only the general Assembly by themselves, but also by their Commissioners faithfully and freely laboured to oppose all the steps of defection; as at other times, so in the year 1596. wherein four or five several times they gave most free admonitions to the King, Parliament and council, with a Protestation at the last before God, that they were free of their blood, and of whatsoever judgement should fall upon the Realm, and that they durst not for fear of committing High Treason against Jesus Christ the onely Monarch of his Kirk, abstain any longer from fighting against their proceedings with the spiritual armor granted to them of God, and mighty in him for overthrowing all these bulwarks set up against his Kingdom: And in their Declaration then emitted to the Kingdom, they show that it was a main design to haue the freedom of the Spirit of God in the rebuk of Sin by the mouth of his Servants restrained and therefore they warn all Pastours of their duty in applying Doctrine and free preaching. Like as the Assembly, 24. March 1596 / 5 reckons up amongst the corruptions of the ministry to be censured with deprivation, if continued in, the not applying their Doctrine against the corruptions of the time, which was renewed in our late Assembly at Glasgow 1638. What hath been done since that Assembly is in recent memory; and the Papers to that purpose have been published in Print, and are in the hands of all, Therefore being warranted by the Word of God, and encouraged by the forementioned examples, as after exact examination, we have approven the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last general Assembly, and speciaily their Declarations, Desires, Representatations, Remonstrances, Supplications, Vindication and other Papers, relating to the present engagement in War, wherein they have given good proof of their fidelity, wisdom and zeal in the cause of God, So we find ourselves necessitate to make known unto all the People of God in this Nation our sense concerning the dangers and duties of this present time.  
The cry of the insolences of this present Army from almost all the parts of this Kingdom, hath been so great that it hath gone up to heaven, and if we should be silent, we could not be reputed faithful in the performance of our duty. We do aclowledge that it is incident unto all Armies to be subject unto some disorders, and the Ministers of the Kingdom have not been dificient in former times to represent the same as they come unto their knowledge, calling for the redress of them at their hands who had power: But the Commissioners of this present Assembly from the several Provinces have exhibited great variety of abominable scandals and heinous impieties and insolences committed by persons employed in this service, whereof we think fitting here to give you a touch.  
As is liberty had been proclaimed to the lusts of lewd men, These that have been employed in very many places of the Land have used horrible extortion of Moneys at their pleasure, and beside the taking of victuals as they would for their own use, they have in several places wilfully destroyed the same, and have plundered many houses, taking all away they could and destroying what they could not carry away; in this great oppression & spoil of goods as the sufferers were many so choice hath been made of those who Petitioned the High and Honourable Court of Parliament for satisfaction to their Consciences before the Engagement, or who were known to make conscience of the worship of God in their families, on whom they might exercise their raging wrath and unsatiable convetousnesse; Nor stayed their rage here, but as though the war had been against God, public Fasts have not only been neglected▪ but profaned by riotous spending and making merry, Divine Worship have been in many parts disturbed, some Ministers and people impeded from coming together, others scattered when they were met, some taken out of Kirks in time of worship, others apprehended at their coming out at the Kirk doors and carried away; Besides thief Ministers in performing the worship of God have been menaced, contradicted, not without blasphemous oaths, yea their persons in Pulpit assaulted, not to speak of the spoiling of their goods, taking; beating, carrying away their persons and detaining them for a time. And finally that which exceds all the rest and is more immediately and directly against God, there hath also been many cruel mockings of his Worship, and horrid blasphemies; And it is not to be marveled that such insolences have been committed, since there hath been admitied upon this fervice some Papists, some bloody Irish Rebels, some non Covenanters, and very many fugitives from Kirk Discipline, Finally, even those who have been upon the late Rebellion, and these not onely common Souldiers but Commanders, beside many volunteers who have no special command & trust.  
Besides all these, the Liberties of the Kirk have been grievously encroached upon; 1. By emitting Declarations from the Parliament and Committee of Estates, containing several things highly concerning Religion without the advice or consent of the general Assembly or their Commissioners, which was a ground of protestation to divers Members of Parliament who have been most zealous and active in the Cause. 2. The Article of Religion as expressed in the Declaration of Parliament hath in it many dangerous expressions, which are particularly instanced in the Representation of the Commissioners of the general Assembly; And the same Article of Religion in the late Declaration of the Committee of Estates to England is more unsatisfactory then the former: Like as in the said late Declaration there is a total omission of some most material things pretended to in the Declaration of Parliament as satisfactory in point of securing Religion, viz. the clause concerning security to be had from his Majesty by his solemn Oath under his hand and Seal, that he shall for himself and his Successors give his royal assent, and agree to such Act or Acts of Parliament, and Bills as shall be presented to him by his Parliaments of both and either Kingdoms respectively for enjoining presbyterial Government, Directory of Worship and Confession of Faith in all his Majesties Dominions, and that his majesty shall never make opposition to any of those, nor endeavour any change thereof; also the clause against association with any that refuse to take the Covenant is omitted: From all which it may appear in how great danger the liberties of the Kirk and even Religion itself are left. 3. In the close of the Declaration of Pa●liament, there is a new and unsound gloss put upon the Covenant and Acts of General Assembly, contrary to the sense of the General Assembly itself, as is more fully expressed in the Representation of the late Commission 4. No redress by the Parliament of certain injuries complained of to their Lordships by the Commissioners of the preceding general Assembly. 5. Endeavours to weaken and frustrate Kirk-Censures by making provisions for securing the stipends of such as shall be censured for their concurring in, or preaching for this present Engagement. 6. A misrepresentation of the proceedings of the Commission of the general Assembly by the Parliaments Letter of May 11. to the several Presbyteries, endeavouring to incense them against the Commission of the late Assembly and to pre-ocupie their Commissioners to this Assembly. 7. Whereas there were many Petitions presented to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament from the Commissioners of the General Assembly, Synods & Presbyteries against the present Engagement as stated in the Parliaments Declaration, yet notwithstanding of the said Petitions, and notwithstanding of many free & frequent warnings given by faithful Ministers in their. Sermons, notwithstanding also that it was not unknown how much the generality of the well-affected in the Kingdom were unsatisfied in their consciences with the grounds and way of the said Engagement, yet good people are not onely left unsatisfied in their and our desires, but compelled and forced either to sin against their consciences or to be under heavy pressures & burdens. 8. Yea in the late Band enjoined to be subscribed by all the Subjects of this Kingdom, men are put to it to join and concur with their Persons & Estates, in the advancement, furtherance and assistance of the execution obedience & observation of the Acts and constitutions of the late Parliament; & consequently, as many as think the Engagement unlawful shall bind themselves not onely for their own part against their consciences, but to in force the same upon others who refuse, and so not onely be oppressed, but turn oppressors of others. 9. This all the subjects are required by the Act and Declaration of Parliament to subscribe, as they desire to be holden true lovers of Religion; It being further affirmed in the said Act and Declaration, that the Acts and Constitutions of the late Parliament, are the most fit and necessary remedies for preservation of Religion; Where the Parliament assume to themselves, without the advice and consent of the Assemblies of the Kirk, to judge and determine such things wherein,( if in any thing) the ecclesiastical Assemblies have undoubtedly a special interest, viz. who are to be holden lovers of Religion, and what are the most fit and necessary remedies for preservation of Religion: Yea it is ordained by the fourth Act of Parliament. 1640. that for preservation of Religion, G. Assemblies rightly constitute, as the proper & competent judge of all matters Ecclesiastical, be keeped yearly and oftener prorenata. The Coronation Oath doth also suppose the antecedent Judgement of the Kirk, as the proper and competent judge who are enemies to true Religion & who not; for his Majesty obliged himself by that Oath, that he should be careful to root out all heretics and enemies to the true Worship of God, who shall be convict by the true Kirk of God, of the aforesaid crimes. 10. The General Assemby and their Commishoners are now deprived of their liberty of Printing, conmfired and ratified by Act of Parliament, there being an inhibition to the contrary upon the PRINTER, under the pain of Death by the Committee of Estates.  
Whereas the desires of the Commissioners of the last Assembly, for the safety and security of Religion, and the right manner of proceeding to war, together with the supplications of provincial Assemblies and Presbyteries, all tending to the composing of the present unhappy differences, and to the begetting of a right understanding, have not produced the desired and wished for effect; But on the contrary our just grievances being still more and more heightened, iniquity established by a law; and that law put in execution; We cannot choose but declare and give warning to all the people of GOD in this land, concerning the sinfulness and unlawfulness of the present Engagement: which may be demonstrate by many rersons, as namely.  
1. The Wars of GODS people, are called the Wars of the LORD, Numb. 21, 14. 2 Chron 20.15. and if our eating and drinking, much more our engaging in war must be for God and for his glory; 1 Cor, 10.31. whatsoever we do in word or dead, wear commanded to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and so for his glory, Col. 3.17. The Kingdom of GOD and the righteousness thereof is to be sought in the first place and before all other things, Matth. 6.33. It was the best flower and garland in the former expeditions of this Nation, that they were for God and for Religion principally and mainly. But if the principal end of this present Engagement were for the glory of GOD, How comes it to pass that not so much as one of the desires of the Kirk, for the safety and security of Religion in the said Engagement, is to this day satisfied or granted; But on the contrary such courses taken as are destructive to Religion. And if Gods glory be intended what meaneth the employing and protecting in this Army so many blasphemers persecutors of Piety, disturbers of divine worship, and others guilty of notorious and crying sins. Again, how can it be pretended that the good of Religion is principally aimed at, when it is proposed and declared that the Kings majesty shall be brought to some of his houses in or near London, with Honour, Freedom and Safety, before ever there be any security had from him, or so much as any application made to him for the good of Religion. What is this but to postpone the honour of God, the liberties of the Gospel, the safety of Gods people to an human interest, and to leave Religion in a condition of uncertainty, unsettledness and hazard, while it is strongly endeavoured to settle and make sure somewhat else.  
3. Suppose the ends of this Engagement to be good( which they are not) yet the means and ways of prosecution are unlawful, because there is no one equal avoiding of rocks out both hands, but a joining with malignants to suppress Sectaries, a joining hands with a black devil to beat a white devil; They are bad Physicians who would so cure one disease as to breed another as evil; or worse. That there is in the present Engagement a confederacy and association in war with such of the English who according to the solemn League and Covenant and Declarations of both Kingdoms, 1643. can be no otherwise looked upon but as Malignants and enemies of Reformation and the Cause of God, is now made so manifest before Sun and Moon, that we suppose none will deny it; And tis no less undeniable, that not only many known Malignants, but divers who joined in the late rebellion within this Kingdom are employed, yea, put into places of trust; All which how contrary tis to the Word of God, no man can be ignorant who will attentively search the Scriptures, for we find therein condemned confederacies and associations with the enemies serve Religion, whether Canaanites, Exod, 23.32. and 24.12.15. Deut, 7.2. or other heathens 1 King 11. v. 1, 2. such was Asa his Covenant with Benhadad. 2 Chron. 16. to v. 10. Ahaz his confederacy with the King of Assyria 2 King. 16.7.10. 2 Chron. 28.16. to v. 23. or whither the association was with wicked men of the seed of Abraham, as Jehoshaphats with ahab 2 Chron. 18.2. compared with chap. 19.2. also his association with Ahaziah 2 Chron, 20.35. and Amaziachs associating to himself 100000. of the ten Tribes when GOD was not with them, 2 Chron. 25.7, 8, 9, 10. The sin and danger of such associations may further appear from Isaiah 8.12.15. Jer. 2.18. Psal. 106.35. Hos. 5.13. and 7.8, 11. Cor. 6, 14, 15. and if we should esteem Gods enemies, to be our enemies and hate them with perfect hatred, Psal. 139.21. how can we then join with them as confederates and associates, especially in a cause where Religion is so highly concerned; and seeing they have been formerly in actual opposition to the same cause.  
3. We are commanded if it be possible and as much as lieth in us to have peace with all men. Rom. 12.18, to seek peace and pursue it, Psal. 34.14. war and bloodshed is the last remedy after all the ways and means of peace have been used in vain. The intended war of the nine Tribes and a half against the two Tribes and half was prevented by a Message and Treaty of Peace Josh. 22; The like means was used by Jepthah( though no with the like success) for the preventing of war with the King of Ammon judge. 11. The very light of nature hath taught Heathens not to make war till first all amicable ways of preventing bloodshed were tried; yet this war hath been driven on without observing any such method of proceeding except by a message wherein not so much as one breach was represented. Yea though these two Kingdoms are straitly united in Covenant, yet these who have carried on this war did not only neglect to desire a Treaty, but also slight an offer of a Treaty made from the Parliament of England upon the Propositions of both Kingdoms.  
4. There are many clear and full testimonies of Scriptures against the breach and violation of Covenants, although but between man and man, Psal. 55.20. Rom. 1, 31. 2 Tim. 3.3, Especially where the name of God was interposed in Covenants by any of his people, Jer. 34.8, 10, 11, 18. Ezek. 17.18.19. How much more the violation of a Solemn Covenant between God and his people. Lev. 26.15.25. Deut. 17.2. and 29.21, 14, 25. Jer. 22.8, 9. 1 King. 19.10. Dan. 11.32. Hos. 6.7. If therefore the present Engagement be a breach of our solemn League and Covenant, then they who have before taken the Covenant, and have now joined in this Engagement, must grant by necessary and infallible consequence, either that the Covenant itself which they took was unlawful, and such as they cannot perform without sin( which yet they cannot profess) or otherwise, that the Engagement is unlawful and sinful, as being a breach of Covenant, and so conrary to the Word of God; that the present Engagement is a breach of Covenant may appear by comparing it with each of the Articles, for it is against all the six Articles of the Covenant.  
Against the first, because in stead of the preservation of the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk; there is not onely a great quarreling by those that do Engage, at the present doctrine, and free preaching, a disturbing of. and withdrawing from the Worship, and namely from the late solemn humiliation: But also a refusal of such things as were desired by the Commission of the late Assembly and Provincial Synods, as necessary to the preservation of the true Reformed Religion: And we have just cause of fear that the Reformation of Religion in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government is not intended to be sufficiently maintained and preserved, when we find such a limitation and restriction in the late Declaration of the Committee of Estates to the Parliament and Kingdom of England, That they will maintain and preserve the Reformation of Religion, Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government, as is by the mercy of GOD, and his Majesties goodness established by Law among us; but as there is no such limitation in the Covenant, so we have not had such proof of his Majesties goodness as to establish by Law all that hath been by the mercies of God enacted in general Assemblies. As to the rest of the first Article, concern the Reformation of England and Ireland, and the Uniformity, as there was some hopeful beginnings thereof, and a good foundation laid, during the late War against the Popish prelatical and Malignant party, so the state and ground of the War being now altered, and these chosen for confederates, and associates in the War, who are known enemies to that Reformation, and Uniformity, how can the Covenant be keeped in that point as long as such a War is carried on.  
The second Article is violated because in stead of endeavouring to extirpate Popery and Superstition without respect of persons( as is expressed in the Covenant) there is in the late Declaration of the Committee of Estates a desire of the Queens return, without any condition tending to the restraint of her mass or exercise of Popery; We do also conceive there is a tacit condescending to the toleration of Superstition and the Book of Common prayer in His Majesties family, because as it was reserved by himself in his concession, brought home by the Commissioners of this Kingdom, So these concessions were never plainly declared by the Parliament to be unsatisfactory to their Lordships, howbeit it hath been often and earnestly desired: neither can we conceive how the clause concerning the extirpation of Prelacy, can consist with endeavouring to bring His Majesty with Honour, Freedom and Safety to one of his Houses in or about LONDON, without any security had from him, for the abolition of Prelacy; it being his known principle( and publicly declared by himself shortly after he went to the Isle of Wight) that he holds himself obliged in conscience, and by his Coronation Oath to maintain Archbishops, Bishops, &c. Can it be said that they are endeavouring to extirpate Prelacy, who after such a Declaration would put in His Majesties hand an opportunity to restore it?  
As for the third Article we cannot conceive how the preserving of the privileges of Parliament, and asserting the Kings negative voice can consist; And we are sorrowful that under the colour, of the privileges of Parliament, the liberties of the Subjects are overthrown, and the persons and Estates of such as have been best affencted to the Cause and Covenant are exposed to most grievous injuries, crying oppressions: And whereas the duty in preserving and defending his Majesties Person and Authority, is by the third Article of the Covenant qualified with, and subordinate unto the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties the Kingdoms, There is no such qualification, nor subordination observed in the present Engagement, but on the contrary, it is so carried on, as to make duties to God and Religion conditional, qualified, limited; and duties to the King absolute and unlimited.  
The fourth Article of the Covenant is so foully broken, that they who were by that Article declared Enemies; Incendiaries, Malignants, and therefore to be brought to condign trial and punishment, are now looked upon as friends and assocites, and are the men who get most favour and protection, and sundry of them employed in places of trust, in the Army and Committees.  
For the fifth Article, instead of endeavouring to preserve Peace and Union, a breaeh is endeavoured between the Kingdoms, not only by taking in and garrisoning their frontier Towns, but also entering the Kingdom of England with an Army, and joining with the common enemies of both Kingdoms, notwithstanding of an offer of a Treaty upon the Propositions of both Kingdoms made by the Parliament of England to the Parliament of this Kingdom. And whether the way of this Engagement can consist with the large Treaty between the Kingdoms, we shall wish the Honourable Committee of Estates may yet take it into their serious second thoughts.  
The sixth is also manifestly broken, for we are thereby obliged to assist and defend all those that entered into this League and Covenant, in maintaining and pursuing thereof: Whereas the Army now entered into England, is to assist and defend many who have nor entered into that League and Covenant: And for those who took the Covenant in that Nation. and continue faithful in it, what they may expect from this Army, may be collected not onely from their carriage towards their Brethren at home; but also from that clause toward the close of the late Declaration of the Committee of Estates, And that we will do prejudice or use violence to none( as far as we are able) but to such as oppose us, or such ends above mentioned. It cannot be unknown that many of the English Nation who are firm and faithful to the Covenant, and presbyterial Government do, and will according to their places and callings oppose some of those ends above mentioned in that Declaration, as namely, the restoring both of King and Queen without any condition or security first had from them; And so by that rule in the Declaration they must expect to be used as enemies, not as friends. That sixth Article is also broken by a departing from the first principles and resolutions: and by dividing, and withdrawing from those that adhere thereunto, which hath been before cleared by the Commission of the late general Assembly in their Declaration in March, Representation, and other Papers published in Print.  
5. We leave it to be seriously pondered by every one who is truly conscientious, whether it be any ways credible or probable, or agreeable to Scripture rules, that the generality of all that have been most faithful and cordial to the Covenant and cause of God should be deceived, deluded and darkened in this business, and that they who for the most part were enemies to the work of God in the beginning, and have never brought forth fruits meet for Repentance, should now find out the will of God more then his most faithful Servants in the Land, and who, that fears God, will believe that Malignants are for the ends of the Covenant and that they who are most instrumedtall in this Reformation, are against the ends of the Covenant.  
All which considered, as we could not, without involving ourselves in the guiltiness of so unlawful an Engagement, yield to the desire of the Army for Ministers to be sent by us to attend them; So we do earnestly exhort, and in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, charge and require all and every one of the Members of this Reformed Kirk of Scotland.  
I. That they search narrowly into the sins which have Procured so great judgements and so sad an interruption of the work of God, that they examine themselves, consider their ways, be much in humiliation and prayer, study a real and practical Keformation, That they also mourn and sigh for the abominations of the Land, and stand in the gap to turn away the wrath, Among all these fearful fins, the violation of the Solemn League and Covenant, would not be forgotten but seriously laid to heart, as that which eminently provoketh the Lord. and procureth his judgements to be powred forth not onely upon persons and families, but also upon States and Kingdoms. Covenant-breakers through in common things, are reckoned by the Apostle in that Catalogue of the abominations of the Gentiles: But among the people of God, where his great name is interposed, the breach of Covenant even in meaner matters, such as the setting of servants at liberty provoketh the Lord to say, Behold I proclaim a liberty for you( saith the Lord) to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine, and I will give the men that hath transgressed my Covenant, and( not excepting, but expressly mentioning Princes) he adds, I will give them into the hands of their enemies, The History of the Gibeonites, who surreptitiously pocured the Covenant made to spare them, and whom Saul some ages thereafter in his zeal to children of Israel and Judah sought to slay, as being cursed Canaanites, evidenceth with what vengeance, the LORD followeth Covenant-breakers, whereof there wants not in profane History also both foreign and domestic examples: Therefore let all the inhabytants of the Land of whatsoever rank, seriously ponder how terrible judgements the violation of a Covenant so recently, so advisedly, so solemnly made, and in so weighty matters, may draw on, if not timously prevented by speedy repentance.  
II. That they so respect and honour Authority, as that they be not the servants of men, nor give obedience to the will and authority of Rulers in any thing which may not consist with the word of God, but stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free, and obey God rather then men.  
III. That they carefully avoid the dangerous rocks and snares of this time, whereby so many are taken and broken. Upon the one hand the sour leaven of Malignancy where ever enters, spoileth and corrupteth the whole lump, postponing Religion, and the Cause of God to human interest, what ever be pretended to the contrary, and obstructing the work of Reformation, and propagation of Religion out of false respects and creature interest. As this hath formerly abounded in the land, to the prejudice of the Cause and Work of God, so of late it is revived, spreading with specious pretences of vindicating wrongs done to his Majesty. We desire not to be mistaken, as if respect and love to his Majesty were branded with the infamous mark of Malignancy; But hereby we warn all who would not come under this foul slain, not onely in their speech and profession, but raelly & in their whole carriage not to prefer their own, and the interest of any creature whatsoever, before the interest of CHRIST and Religion. The characters of these have been fully given in former Declarations, specially in the Declaration of the Commissioners of the general Assembly in March last, which we hold as here repeated; onely adding this, that they ordinarily traduce Kirk Judicatures, as meddling with civill affairs, which as it is no new calumny, but such as hath been cast upon the servants of GOD in former times; so the whole course of proceedings doth manifestly confute the same.  
Upon the other hand Sectarisme hath no less hindered the blessed and glorious work of Reformation in our neighbour Kingdom, against the venom whereof, lest it approach and infect rhis Kirk, we have need to watch diligently to avoid all the beginnings and dangerous appearances thereof. The many faithful testimonies from godly Ministers in several parts of England, against the vile errors, and abominable blasphemies abounding there, as they are to us matter of rejoicing before the Lord; so they ought to be looked on as warnings to all sorts of people, especially that regard Religion, to beware of Sathans snares, craftile set to catch their souls. And because such gangrenes creep insensibly, all that love the Honour of GOD, and welfare of Religion, would seriously consider the following points, both by way of marks to discern; and means to escape the danger of this infection.  
1. Wosoever are misprises of the blessed work of Reformation established within this Land, and do not show themselves grieved for the impediments and obstructions it hath met with in our neighbour Kingdom, these are even on the brink of this precipice, ready to tumble down in this gulf whensoever occasion is offered: All therefore that love the Lord Jesus, would stir up their hearts in the light and strength of the Lord highly to prise, and thankfully to aclowledge what the right hand of the most High hath done among us, as also to thirst fervently after the advancing and perfecting of the LORDs work among our neighbours.  
2. Dis-respect to the public ministry and Ordinancers is a symptom of a dangerous inclination to that disease: And therefore as all Christs Ministers ought to stir up themselves, to walk as becometh their high and holy calling lest they be stumbling blocks to the people of God; so all the people of God ought most carefully to stir up themselves unto a precious estimation of the Ordinances of God, & highly to esteem the Stewards thereof for their works sake. A duty at all times needful but now especially, when satan by all means endeavours the contrary.  
3. Indifferency in points of Religien, and pleading for Toleration to themselves or others how far soever different among themselves, is not to be forgotten among the characters of Sectaries, and therefore ought the more carefully to be avoided and opposed by all who desire to hold fast the profession of their faith without wavering.  
4. They who are glorying in, and seeking after new lights, or under the pretext of them are self-conceited in singular opinions, or who affect new and strange expressions, are entering into the snare ready to be carried about with every wind of Doctrine. And therefore albeit we ought always as Disciples of the Lord to set ourselves as in his sight to be taught by his Spirit according to his Word, yet in this time so fertile of errors; it becometh all the lovers of truth to hold fast what they hrve received, that no man take their Crown.  
5. Whosoever brings in any opinion or practise in this Kirk contrary to the confession of Faith, Directory of Worship or Presbyterian Government may be justly esteemed to be opening the door to schism and Sects: And therefore all depravers or misconstructers of the proceedings of Kirk-Judicatories, especially the general Assembly would take heed least by making a breach upon the walls of Jerusalem they make a patent way for Sectaries to enter.  
6. They who separate the Spirit from the Word, and pretend the Spirit, when they have no ground or warrant from the Word, are already taken in an evil snare, And therefore tis necessary to try the Spirits whither they are of God, for many false Prophets are gone out into the world, if they speak not according to the word it is because there is no light in them.  
Besides the former, these are also marks of a Sectary; If any commend, and recommend to others, or spread and divulge the erroneous books of Sectaries, If any allow, avow, or use Conventicles or private meetings forbidden by the Acts of the general Assembly 1641. and 1647. last past, If any be unwilling, and decline to reckon Sectaries among the enemies of the Covenant, from whom danger is to be apprehended, And( though we disallow the abusing and idolising of learning to the patrociny of error or prejudice of piety) if any contemn literature as needless at best, if not also hurtful to a Minister.  
When we thus expressed ourselves for preventing the dangers of Sects and schisms, it is far from our intention to discourage any from the duties of piety, and mutual edification, according to the directions of the last Assembly published in Print, and seriously recommended by them, or to give any advantage to Malignants and profane persons, with whom it is frequent to cast upon all those who adhere to former principles, and cannot approve the present Engagement, the odious nick-names of Sectaries and Independents. For the beter discovery of such profane mockers, we give these marks and characters. 1. They do profanely and tauntingly abuse the name of the Spirit, under that name deriding the work of Grace and Sanctification. 2. They esteem and speak of exercises of conscience, as fancies, or fits of melancholy. 3. They mock at Family-worship and the means of mutual edification so much recommended by the last Assembly in their directions. 4. They do usually calumniate godly Ministers, and professors who follow holinesse, with the names of Sectaries, or the like odious names, without any just cause: As we account all such to be enemies to the practise and power of godliness; So we do exhort all the lovers of truth to hold on in the way of holinesse through good report and ill report, being steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as they know their labour is not in vain in the Lord.  
IV. That they do not concur in, nor any way assist this present Engagement, as they would not partake in other mens sins, and so receive of their plagues, but that by the grace and assistance of Christ they steadfastly resolve to suffer the rod of the wicked, and the utmost which wicked mens malice can afflict them with, rather then to put forth their hand to iniquity.  
V. That they suffer not themselves to be abused with fair pretences and professions usual in the mouths of those that carry on this design, and often published in their Papers, But remember that the foulest actions have not wanted specious pretences; And if they who killed the Apostles did both pretend and intend to do God good service, what marvel that they who engage against the Covenant pretend to engage for it. Neither is it to be forgotten, That after the first subscription of our national Covenant, these who had the chief hand in managing public affairs, and had subscribed the Covenant, especially the Duke of Lenox, and Captain Jones then Earl of Arran, in the years 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584. when their design was to subvert both the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk, yet gave great assurances by promises and Oaths to the contrary. At the Assemblies 1598, 1599, 1600. It was declared with many vows and attestations by the King, Statesmen, and these Ministers who were aspiring to Prelacy, That they intended no such thing as a change of the Government of the Kirk, or an introducing of Episcopacy, yet they were really doing what they disclaimed and professed not to do. And suppose that some who have an active hand in carrying on the present public affairs, have no design either to destroy Religion, or utterly to slight it: yet the way they are on, and work they are about as it is contrived, doth of its self, and in its own nature tend to the endangering, if not to the utter subversion of Religion, for it cannot be denied, but the very undertaking of this War, sets the once suppressed Malignants on work again, and success therein puts them in a capacity to set up according to their principles abolished and abjured corruptions; which will be the more hardly hindered, considering his Majesties propension, and professed resolution that way, Especially seeing His Majesties concessions( though it hath been often desired) haue never been plalnly declared unsatisfactore by the Parliament. And who in reason can think that any more then His Majesties concessions sent from the Isle of Wight will be required of him, by them who thereupon have proceeded to this Engagement. The Kings negative voice( asserted in the Papers of the Commissioners of this Kingdom unto England, which are owned in the late Declaration to the Kingdom of England, as the sense of this Kingdom) considered ●in relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater and more palpable, yea, may reach further to shake and unsettle Religion established in this Land; If to the premises this be added which is not only often declared, but aalso demanded, That his majesty be brought to one of his houses in Honour, Freedom and Safety, which may infer the admitting of his Maj. to the free exercise of his royal power before security had from him for Reeligion, or Application made to him for the same, who sees not now what hazard Religion runs, certainly greater then a good intention can salue,  
VI That they do not mistake, or misunderstand the nature of the true Reformed Religion and of the Government of JESUS CHRIST, as if thereby either the Prerogative of Kings, privileges of Parliaments or Liberties of Burghs, and other Corporations were any ways hurt or weakened: whereas indeed Religion is the main pillar and upholder of civill authority, or magistracy, and it is the resisting, and nor the receiving of the Government of CHRIST, which hath overturned civill powers. If the Throne be established by righteousneste( as we are plainly taught by the Word of God) then it is overthrown by unrighteousness and iniquity.  
VII. That they beware of all things which may ensnare their consciences, as evil council, evil company, false informations, rash promises, and especially that thcy beware of taking any oaths, subscribing any Bonds, which may relate to the Covenant and Cause of God, unless such Oaths or Bonds be approved by the General Assembly or their Commissioners for the public affairs of the Kirk.  
VIII. That they do not cast away their confidence, nor sink into despair, because of the present dangers and difficulties, but live by faith, wait for better times, and continue steadfast as seeing him who is invisible, firmly believing that such a course as is not of God but against him, will come to nought.  
IX. To remember, that as the violation of the Covenant by some in England doth not set us free from the observation thereof, and as no laws nor authority on earth can absolve us from so solemn an obligation to the most High God( which not onely hath been professed by this Kirk but in a Petition of the City of London, and in public Testimonies of many of the Ministe●y of England)▪ So we are not acquitted and assoiled from the obligation of our solemn Covenant, because of the troubles and confusions of the times; But that in the worst of times all those duties, whereunto by Covenant we oblige ourselves, do still lye upon us, for we have sworn( and must perform it) concerning that Cause and Covenant wherein we solemnly Engaged, That we shall all the dayes of our lives zealously and constantly continue therein against all opposition, and promove the same according to our power against all lets and Impediments whatsoever. And if against all lets and impediments whatsoever, then the altering of the way of opposition, or of the kind of impediments doth not alter the nature, or try of the Covenant, but we are obliged to all the duties therein contained.  
We do also exhort and charge in CHRISTS Name the Prince of Pastors, all the Ministers within this Kirk, that in no ways they be accessary to this sinful Engagement, but in all their conferences and reasoning, especially, in their public Doctrine, they declare themselves freely, and faithfully, as they would eschew the wrath of GOD, due for a violatee Covenant, and as they would escape the censures of the Kirk; and let all Presbyteries be watchful within their bounds, and carefully, wisely, and zealously to inflict ecclesiastic censures.  
Finally, we exhort all civil judicatories, and every one entrusted with power to manage the present affairs, That they would seriously remember the strict account they are to give before the judge of the quick and the dead, Considering deeply how fearful a thing it is to oppress the consciences of their Brethren, either by pressing them to act where they find no satisfactory warrant, or by putting heavy pressures upon them for not acting according to their injunctions, and especially that they offer not to ensnare by new Oaths, or Bonds those that make conscience of the great Oarh of their Solemn Covenant, and hitherto have proven faithful and constant in promoving jointly all the ends thereof.  
If this our faithful warning find favourable acceptance, so that the grievous things already enacted, be no more prosecuted and pressed, we shall bless God who reigns in the Kingdoms and councils of men: But if it fall out otherwise( as God forbid) we have liberate our souls of the guiltiness of this sinful way of Engagement, and of all the miseries that shall ensue thereby upon this Kirk and Kingdom, And shall lament before the Lord that our labours have not as yet had the desired success. In the mean time, we dare not cast away our confidence, but trusting in the name of the Lord, and staying upon our God, shall by his grace and assistance continue steadfast in our Solemn Covenants, and faithful in all the duties of our Calling.   

August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem. Sess. 22. The General Assemblies Answer to the Paper presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates of the Date july 28. 164.  
THe General Assembly having considered the Paper of the 28. of July, delivered to them from the Honourable Committee of Estates, Do find that the first part thereof concerning the great Offers made by the Parliament and Committee of Estates for the security of Religion, is no other but what was fully answered in our last Paper of the 25. of July, delivered to their Lordships, wherein it was plainly demonstrat by theological reasons( though their Lordsships are pleased to call them politic) that the present Engagement is inconsistent with the safety and security of Religion. Next whereas it is affirmed in their Lordships Paper, that the grounds and reasons are the same which were fully answered before, we wish it had been instanced when and where they were answered, for we know no such thing.  
Another reflection upon that former Paper of ours is thus expressed, That the general Assembly hath proceeded to such a Declaration before they had in an ecclesiastic way from clear testimonies out of the word of God or convencing of our consciences, demonstrate the unlawfulness of the undertaking: Where we can see no reason why it should se●m so very strange to the Honourable Committee that the general Assembly hath so proceeded to a Declaration of their judgement cencerning this business, For as it hath been no unusual thing, but very ordinary that approved Synods, both provincial, national, and Oecumeniall have declared their judgement without publishing the particular grounds & reasons thereof from Scripture( a work more proper for full Tractates then for synodical Decrees or Cannons.) So if their Lordships had been pleased to attend( for many attended not) the late Parliament-Sermons mainly intended for their Lordships information, and had with mindes unprejudiced, harkened thereunto, and preached in to all the Papers lately published in Print by the Commission of the last Assembly, they might have been by the blessing of God convinced from the Word of God of the unlawfulness of the present Engagement.  
There are three things which may justly seem to us more strange: One is, That the Declaration of Parliament having given assurance in this manner, We are resolved not to engage in any War before the necessity and lawfulness thereof be cleared, so as all who are well-affected may be satisfied therewith, yet now they have engaged in War without any such clearing of the necessity and lawfulness thereof, or satisfaction given to the well-affected.  
Another is, that although there are so great professions and offers in the general to satisfy what can be desired for the security of Religion, yet none of those particulars desired by the late Commission of the Kirk for the security of Religion have been granted. We shall here onely give instance in one of those desires, which was, that his Majesties concessions and offers concerning Religion, sent home from the Isle of Wight, having been found by the said Commission unsatisfactory and destructive to the Covenant, might be by the Parliament declared unsatisfactory to their Lordships.  
In this great point there hath been no satisfaction given, onely it was lightly touched in one clause of the Parliaments Declaration, and so ambiguously expressed, as might suffer many interpretations, and although this ambiguity was clearly laid open by the Commissioners of the last general Assembly in their Representation; yet to this day there hath been nothing published neither by the Parliament nor Committee of Estates to give any clearer satisfaction, by disclaiming those offers and concessions as unsatisfactory to the Parliament: So that this( if there were no more) gives us great cause to apprehended that there is a greater mystery latent in that business then yet appeareth.  
A third thing which seemeth strange to us is, That their Lordships desire of arguments from Scripture to prove the unlawfulness of this Engagement was not propounded to the Commissioners of the last Assembly, before the emitting of the Declaration of parliament, and before the Levies( when it had been most orderly & seasonable) but is now propounded after public resolutions and Declarations, yea not till those resolutions are put in actual execution  
However seeing their Lordships do now desire proofs from Scripture for the unlawfulness of the Engagement.  
We answer, That as joining and concurring in this Engagement is unlawful to all the well-affected in this Kingdom, their consciences being altogether unsatisfied in the lawfulness thereof; and as it is unlawful in the manner of puttting it in execution, being accompanied with so many injuries, oppressions, and crying abominations, and with so much persecution of piety; so it is unlawful in the own nature of it, and as it is stated upon the grounds of the Declarations of Parliament, and Committee of Estates. And this unlawfulness of the Engagement in itself, we have demonstrate in the Declaration herewith communicate to their Lordships, unto which we remit them for satisfaction in that point, and do not doubt but their Lordships may be convinced thereby of the evil of their way, and that it is so far from being a pious and necessary Engagement( as their Lordships are pleased to call it) that it is a most unlawful and sinful Engagement to be repented of, and forsaken by all that have any hand in it, as they desire to make their peace with God, And we hearty w●sh that ther Lordships subsequent proceedings may be real testimonies, that their calling for Scripture proofs was from a real desire to be informed and edified.  
As to their Lordshigs other desire of our demonstrating from the Word of God, that the Kirk hath interest in the undertakings and Engagements in War, and what that interest is, We had thought this point to be without controversy in this Kingdom, not onely in respect of Kirk and State, their joining and co-operating( each in their proper spear) in the former Expeditions of this Kingdom into England, but also because the very Conferences which have been between Committees of Kirk and State concerning this undertaking and Engagement, doth plainly suppose an interest of the Kirk in such affairs.  
If their Lordships mean any politic interest in such undertakings, we claim no such thing, if the meaning be of a spiritual interest and so far as concerneth the point of Conscience, there can be no doubt thereof made by such as do with David make the testimonies of the Lord their counsellors, Psalm 119.24. And consult with God as he used to do in undertaking War: It is also to be remembered that Joshua and all the Congregation of Israel were commanded to go out and in at the word of Eliazer the Priest, who was to ask council of the Lord for them, Numb. 27.28. Hath not the Word of God prescribed to the Christian Magistrate the Rules of a lawful War, And doth it not belong to particular Ministers, much more to the Assemblies of the Kirk, to declare the mind of God from Scripture, for all sorts of duties, and against all sorts of sins. And if the present War be a case of conscience, and alleged to be the most fit and necessary means for preservation of Religion, who seeth not that the Kirk hath an undoubted interest in resolving and determining such a case of Conscience from the word of God. This we shall onely add, that whereas in the Parliaments Letter to the Presbyteries there instances were adduced by way of reflection upon the proceedings of the late Commission, as meddling with Civill matters in which they had no Interest, The Commission did in their Printed Vindication so clear from scriptural grounds their Interest in such things as their Lordships might have been easily satisfied in that point. We shall here onely mention one passage containing a good and safe rule for such Cases, The Duties of the second Table, as well as of the first, as namely, The Duties between King and Subject. Parents and Children, Husbands and Wives Masters and Servants, and the like being contained in, and to be taught and cleared from the Word of God, are in that respect, and so far as concerneth the point of Conscience, a subject of ministerial Doctrine, and in difficult cases a subject of cognizance and Judgement, to the Assemblies of the Kirk.   

Eodem die Postmeridiem, Sess. 23. A Declaration and Exhortation of the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to their Brethren of England.  
AS the necessity of preserving a right understanding and mutual confidence betwixt the Churches of Christ in both Kingdoms constrain us, so the good acceptance and the suitable affections that the Declaration of the last general Assembly met with in England from the Lovers of the Covenant and present Reformation, together with the many Testimonies that have of late been given unto the Truth in that Land, invites and encourages us to make known unto our Brethren there, our sense of the present condition of public affairs, so far as concerns Religion and the point of Conscience.  
The dispensation of God in ruling of the Nations, and in the revolutions of his Providence towards them, is full of wonder in all th●●●●th; And we, who live in this iceland, have cause to look upon it with special observation, in regard of that which concerns ourselves. For many generations these two Kingdoms stood at odds and were the instruments of many sufferings and calamities one to another, until at last the Lord having compassion upon both, did unite them under one King; which great and long desired Blessing hath received such increase from our being united together in one League and Covenant as doth add much to the good and happiness of both Nations: Therefore is it to be looked upon by all the Lovers of Truth and Peace in these Lands as a just ground of much thanksgiving & many praises unto GOD, even in the day of our greatest calamity and affliction what ever befall, as we know no cause why we should forget so a great a mercy or repent of so good a work.  
But as the common Enemies of these Kidgdoms studied by all means to keep them from entering into that Covenant, so hath all their power and Policy, now, for five years past, been employed to bring it to nought. As soon as it had being the Popish, prelatical and Malignant Party did bend all their forces against it; and when by the mighty hand of GOD they were scattered and brought to confusion, in their stead stood up in England a generation who have perverted the Truth, and by turning aside into error have obstructed the work of Reformation; and by forsaking of the Covenant, and forgetting of the Oath of GOD, have brought a great reproach upon his Name, and made the Enemy to blaspheme; whose unthankfulness and unstedfastnesse, with the many provocations of the Lands, hath provoked the Lord again to raise out of the dust the horn of Malignants, and to arm them with such power as is terrible to his People, and threatenes his Work with ruin. And albeit, we aclowledge ourselves bound and are still resol- to preserve and defend his Majesties Person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms: Yet it is unto us matter of very great sorrow and grief that so many in our Land should so far join in Malignant designs, and that there should be found amongst us who have undertaken and are now putting in execution an unlawful War promoving their ends and opposing and making voided( so far as in them lies) the Ends of the Covenant: nevertheless in this we cannot but rejoice that they went not without a witness and a Warning dissuading them to go.  
And we desire our Brethren of England to know, that as a very considerable number of the Members of the Parliament did dissent from and protest against the proceedings of the mayor part in reference to this Engagement, so all the particular Synods and Presbyteries in this Kingdom, excepting some few, who by reason of their remoteness and shortenesse of time had not the opportunity, have most harmoniously joined with and seconded the Desires of the Commissioners of the General Assembly for preventing so unlawful a War: And now the Commissioners out of all the Provinces convened in this National Assembly, as after an exact examination they have unanimously approved the proceedings of the Commissioners of the former Assembly against that Engagement; so have they emitted a Declaration to all the People of GOD in this Land, showing it to be contrary to GODS Word and to the solemn League and Covenant. Neither have Ministers onely by their preaching, and Kirk Indicatories by their Petitions and Declarations given testimony against it; but many others in this Land also by supplication the High and Honourable Court of Parliament for satisfaction to their Conscience thereanent: And when it could not be obtained many have chosen rather to suffer the spoiling of their goods with joy, then to sin against GOD by complying with an evil course. And many of the Officers of our former Army, who are of special note for their good carriage and deserving in the Cause of GOD, have rather choosed to quit their charges then to join in it: Nay, the well-affected, both Ministers and People, as they to bear testimony against it before men, so groan under it before GOD. So that this character may justly be put upon it by all who shall speak of it now or in after Ages, That as it is a foul breach of the Covenant under a pretence and profession of being for the ends of the Covenant, so being carried on against the Consciences of the people, and contrary to the most harmonious and universal Testimonies of many Presbyteries and Synods that have been given against it, it is a sinning with many witnesses: A parallel will hardly be found in this or in any other Land wherein a public sinful course hath been carried on with so high a hand against the Consciences of the People of GOD, and against so many Warnings of the Servants of GOD, and general opposition from the Judicatories of the Kirk; which yet is the less to be wondered at, because the greatest part of those who have been most active in contriving and carrying on of the same, were either once open Enemies, ●or always secret underminers, or indifferent and neutral in the Cause of GOD.  
But whatsoever be the falling away of such, we shall desire and do expect that our Brethren in England, who continue faithful, may rest confident of the generality of all such of this Kingdom as were at first active in promoting the Covenant and Work of Reformation, that they are also still faithful in adhering thereunto, and walking after their former principles do resolve to abide steadfast and to hold fast the bands of Brotherhood and union between these Kingdoms: Neither are we less confident of the like Resolutions and Affections of our Brethren in England: The many Testimonies which the Truth and Cause of CHRIST, the Covenant and Presbyterial Government have lately received from that cloud of Witnesses of the ministry in several Provinces and Countries of that Kingdom, after the example of the worthy ministry of the City of London, against the errors of Independency, Anabaptism, Antinomianism, Arminianism, Socinianism, Faminism, Libertinism, Sceptism, Erastianism, and other new and dangerous Doctrines spread and received amongst many in that Nation; As they are unto us matter of great praise and hearty thanksgiving unto GOD, so also an evidence of the steadfastness of many in England, and a token for good, and a wide door of hope that the Lord will perfect his Work and bring forth the headstone of his House in that Land. It shall be the wisdom of each Nation to keep the golden parth of truth and righteousness betwixt the crooked ways of Malignants upon the one hand and Sectaries upon the other, and for each of the Nations so to look upon another, as to distinguish betwixt the prevalent part and the better part, and betwixt friends and foes.  
We conceive it to be high time for both Nations to search and try their ways and turn again to the LORD, that he who hath wounded us may heal us, and he who hath broken us may bind us up. The sin of both hath been the departing from the rule of the Covenant, and that we did not trust God for the prefecting of his Work, walking by the rule of piety, but took ourselves to human polices, and endeavoured to carry it on by carnal and worldly means. For as Scotland did to much connive at and comply with Malignants, which is the immediate and nearest cause of all our present troubles and distractions; so England neglecting to hold fast the truth and to submit themselves to the Government of Jesus Christ, so clearly held forth by the pious and learned Assembly of Divines, did connive at many abominable Blasphemies and Errors, and complying with Sectaries, gave way to their wicked Toleration ● Neither is it the least part of the sin of both Lands, that they have more minded the outward then the inward Reformation, the erecting of the outward fabric of GODS House, then the providing furniture for it by advancing the power of the Gospel, that his glory may be seen in his Temple. Because of these things is there great wrath from the LORD against these Kingdoms, and this controversy shall be continued until we really turn away from our crooked paths. Therefore as we wish that none of this Land may flatter themselves in their evil ways, but repent and amend, so we desire our Brethren of England to consider what hath been the bitter fruits of their slow progress in and neglect of the Work of Reformation, and of their connivance at and complying with Sectaries, and to do no more so, but that whatsoever is commanded by the God of Heaven, it be diligently done for the House of the God of Heaven.  
We trust that the Parliament of England will be wise to remember and consider the great mercies of GOD towards them in delivering them from all their Enemies, & the many opportunities put into their hands for advancing and establishing the work of Reformation; for neglect whereof God hath now again threatened to lift up their Enemies above them, that he may once more prove what they will do for his Name, and for settling the order of his House. God forbid that they should run from one extreme to another, from compliance with Sectaries to compliance with Malignants, and harken to terms of an unsafe and sinful Peace, We cannot but abhor the purposes of any who mind the subversion of Monatchical Government, which we hearty wish to be preserved and continued in his Majesties Person, and Posterity; and we do no less dislike the practices of those who deal so hardly with his Majesties Person, earnestly desiring that he were in the condition he was into by the advice of both Kingdoms before he was taken away by a party of Sir Thomas Fairfax Army; Nor are we against the restoring of the King to the exercise of his power in aright order and way. Yet considering what great expense of blood and pains these Kingdoms have been at for maintaining their just liberties and bringing the Work of Reformation this length; And considering his Majesties great averseness from settling Reformation of Religion, and his adhering still to Episcopacy; We trust that security will be demanded and had from his Majesty for Religion, before he be brought to one of his Houses in or near about London, with honour, freedom and safety. And considering of what importance the solemn League and Covenant is unto all the interests of both Kingdoms concerning their Religion; Liberties and Peace, to make an agreement without establishing of it, were not only to rob these Nations of the blessings they have already attained by it, but to open a door to let in all the corruptions that have been formerly in the Kirks of God in these lands, & all the abuses and usurpations that have been in the civil government, & again to divide these two Kingdoms that are now so happily united and conjoined: & therefore as we wish that all mis-understanding betwixt the Nations, & betwixt the King & People may be removed, that there may be a happy & lasting Peace, so that there may be no agreement without establishing and enjoining the Covenant in all these three Kingdoms; and that for this end God would give wisdom to all that are entrusted in the managing of public fairs that they may seasonably discover and carefully avoid all snares which may be laid either by Sectaries, or Malignants, or both, under colour of Treaty of Peace. And we are confident, through the Lord, that all the obstructions and oppositions, by which his work has been retarded and interrupted in this iceland, shall not onely be taken out of the way, but shall turn to the advantage and furtherance of it at last. The onely wise God can and will bring about his holy purposes by unlikely, yea by contrary means: And God forbid that either our Brethren in England or ourselves should give way to despondency of Spirit, and cast away the hopes of that so much prayed for and so much wished for Reformation of Religion, and Uniformity in all the parts thereof according to the Covenant: And now it is our hearts desire and prayer to God, that amid the many trials and temptations of these times, none of the Servants of God and witnesses of Jesus Christ may be deserted, or left to themselves to comply either with the Malignanr party upon the one hand, or with Sectaries upon the other Brethren pray for us, and the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish strengthen and settle you.   

August. 2. 1648. Antemer idiem, Sess. 26 Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly of Divines in England.  
Right Honeurable, Right Reverend and well heloved in our LORD,  
WE cease not to give thanks to the Father of our Lord Jesus, by whose strength you keep the Word of his patience now in these times, when many depart from the Faith, giving heed to seducing Spirits; As also, that he who hath founded Zion, hath been pleased, by our Covenant sworn to the most high God, to lay the hopeful foundation of a glorious Work in these three Kingdoms, to unite his People therein, as one stick in the hand of the LORD.  
We cannot but aclowledge to the Honour and ●lory of the Lord, wonderful in counsel and excellent in working, that he hath strongly united the spirits of all the godly in this Kingdom, and of his Servants in the ministry, first in the several Presbyteries and Synods, and now in this national Assembly, in an unanimous and constant adhering to our first Principles and the Solemn League and Covenant, And particularly in giving a testimony against the present unlawful Engagement in War: Yet it seemeth good to the LORD who hath his Fire in Zion and Furnace in Jerusalem, for the purging of the vessels of his house to suffer many adversaries to arise with violence to obstruct and stop this great and effectual door, which the Lord hath opened unto us. But we know that he openeth, and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth: yea, he will cause them who say they are for the Covenant and are not, but are Enemies thereto, and do associate with Malignants or Sectaries, to aclowledge that God hath loved us, and that his truth is in us and with us. And now dearly beloved, seeing the Lord hath kept you together so many years, when the battle of the warrior hath been with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, the Lord also sitting as a resiner to purify the Sons of Levi, and blessing you with unity and soundness in the Faith, we are confident you will not cease to give a public testimony for Christ, both against Sectaries and all Seducers, who prophecy lies in the name of the LORD, and against Mslignants and Incendiaries( the prelatical and Popish Faction) who now again bestir themselves to hold up the rotten and tottering throne of Antichrist, and are( whatever they pretended) the real enemies of Reformation: As also, that as the ambassadors of Jesus Christ and his Watehmen, you will give seasonable warning jo the Honourable Houses of Parliament, that now( after the loss of the opportunity of so many years) they would, in their places, repair the Houses of the LORD, that lieth so long desolate, and promove the work of Reformation and Uniformity according to the Covenant.  
For if the Honourable Houses of Parliament had timely made use of that power, which God hath put in their hands for suppressing of Sectaries, and had taken a speedy course for settling of presbyterial Government,( a special and effectual means appointed by God to purge his Church from all scandals in Doctrine and Practise) Then had not the insolency of that party arrisen to such a height, as to give occasion to the Malignants of both Kingdoms to justify and bless themselves in their old opposition to the work of Reformation, and to encourage one another, to new and more dangerous attempts; Neither had the Malignant party ever grown so strong in this Kingdom, if the Sectaries had not been connived at in ENGLAND; For their prime pretence( for their present rising in arms) is, that they may suppress the Sectaries, and vindicate the King from that base condition, unto which he is brought by that party: Yet these do not wisely, nor well, who avoiding or opposing Sectarisme, split themselves upon the rock of Malignancy, and by taking that party by the hand now, do own all the cruelty, bloodshed and other ungodly and unjust Acts, which they have done since the beginning of this Reformation. And as we take thankfully your testimony of your steiring so steady & even a course between the dangerous rocks of profaneness and Malignancy on the one hand, and of errors, schism, heresy and Plaspheme on the other hand; So we trust ye will not cease to give testimony against both these evils, and repesent the same to the Honourable Houses of Patliament, as you shall have fit occasion; And that you will gravely warn your dissenting Brethren what a door they keep open for Errors and Heresies, by their tenet of Independency; Whereby they leave no means of Authoritative Ecclesi●stick Suppression of errors; If an Independent Congregrtion will please to own them. We also are confident that you will be remembrancers to that famous City of London, and the whole Kingdom, of their Engagement to the LORD, in the solemn League and Covenant: Nor will we suffer ourselves to believe that the well-affected in the Houses of Parliament, In the City of Landon, and throughout that whole Kingdom will agree or hearken to the motions of any such Treaty of Peace, as leaves out the best security for Religion, the Cause of GOD, and the solemn League and Covenant. Thus desiring the continuance of your Prayers to God for us, in this hour of temptation; and promising( through his grace and strength) to continue in prayers for you, We commit you to the infinite Wisdom. Power; goodness, and faithfulness of our blessed God and either in Christ, in whom we are,  
Your very loving and affectionate Brethren te serve you, The Ministers and Elders convened in the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland. 2. August 1648.  
DIRECT.  
To the Right Honourable, And Right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in England now assembled at Westminster.   

Eodem die Postmeridiem, Sess. XXV. The Humble Supplication of the general Assembly, To the Right Honourable the Committee of Estates.  
WHereas the High and Honourable Court of Parliament and your Lordships were pleased to enjoin the subscription of a Declaration and Band of the date June 10. 1648. And we having found after such examination and trial, as is competent to the Servants of God in an ecclesiastic way, that the same is a snare to the Consciences of the People of GOD in this Land to involve them in guiltiness, and to draw them from their former principles and Vows in the solemn League and Covenant, as doth more fully appear in our Act concerning the same herewith presented unto your Lordships. Therefore from our zeal to the glory of GOD and tender care of the souls committed unto us, and for our exonoration, As we do seriously exhort that your Lordships would be sensible of the guilt that you have already brought upon yourselves and others, by enjoining and urging that subscription, So we do earnestly and in the bowels of Jesus Christ entreat, That your Lordships would take such order and course as that it may be no further pressed upon the people of GOD throughout the Land.  
And because the people groan under the violence and oppression of Officers and Souldiers in their Quarterings or otherwise throughout all the corners of the country( which as it hath asscended into the ears of the Lord of Hosts ' so we doubt not but it is come to your knowledge) We conceive it to be incumbent to us to represent the same to your Lordships, beseeching and obtesting you that as you would not desire that the Lord should visit because of these things, you would think upon an effectual remedy for punishing and redressing what is past, and preventing the like in time coming.  
And whereas by an Act and inhibition of your Lordships The Liberty of Printing being one of the Kirks privileges confirmed by Parliament is restrained, Therefore we entreat that the inhibition upon the Printers may be taken off.  
And now having condiseended upon a Declaration to all the Members of this Kirk concerning present dangers & duties, We do in all humility offer the same to your Lordships( together with our Answer to the Paper last sent to us from your Lordships) professing in the sight of GOD( whose Servants we are) that we have walked herein according to the rule of his Word, and have nothing before our eyes but his Glory, and the well of his People; And therefore entreats your Lordships, that you would seriously ponder the the same without prejudice, and as you desire to be comforted in the day of your accounts, to make right use of the light that is holden forth therein from Gods Word.   

August 3. 1648. Antemeridiem, Sess. XXVI. Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, and not speaking to the corruptions of the time.  
THE general Assembly, taking to their serious consideration, the great scandals which have lately increased, partly through some Ministers their reserving and not delcaring of themselves against the prevalent sins of the times, partly through the spite, Malignity, and insolency of others against such Ministers as have faithfully and freely reproved the Sins of the times without respect of persons, Do therefore for preventing and removing such scandals hereafter, Appoint and Ordain, that every Minister do by the word of Wisdom apply his Doctrine faithfully against the public Sins and Corruptions of these times, and particularly against the Sins and Scandals in that Congregation wherein he lives, according to the Act of the general Assembly 1596. revived by the Assembly at Glasgow, 1638. Appointing that such as shall be found not applying their Doctrine to corruptions, which is the pastoral gift, could, and wanting of spiritual zeal, flatters and dissembling of public sins, and especially of great Personages in their Congregations, that all such persons be censured according to the degree of their faults and continuing therein be deprived; And according to the Act of the general Assemlby 1646. Sess. 10. That beside all other scandals, silence, or ambiguous speaking in the public Cause much more detracting and disaffected speeches be seasonably censured; As therefore the errors and exorbitancies of Sectaries in England are not to be passsd in silence, but plain warning to be given of the danger of so near a contagion, that people may beware of it, and such as neglect this duty to be Censured by their Presbyteries, So it is thought fit and Appointted by the Assembly, comform to the foresaid Acts. That the main current of applications in Sermons may run along against the evils that prevail at home, and namely against the contempt of the Word, against all profaneness, against the present defection from the League and Covenant, against the unlawful Engagement in War, against the unlawful Band and Declaration of the Date of the 10. of June ordained to be subscribed by all the Subjects, and other unjust Decrees established by Law, against the Plots and practices of Malignants, and against the Principles and tenants of Erastianism, which spread among divers in this Kingdom; For the better confutation whereof, it is hereby Recommended to the ministry to study that point of controversy well, that they may be the more able to stop the mouths of gainsayers: Tis also hereby Recommended to the several Presbyteries and Provincial Synods, that they make special enquiry and trial concerning all the ministry in their bounds, And if any be found too sparing general, or ambiguous in the foresaid applications and reproofs that they be sharply rebuked, dealt with, and warned to amend under the pain of suspension from their ministry; And if after such warning given they amend not, that such be suspended by Presbyteries, and in case of their negligence by the Synods till the next General Assembly; But if there be any, who do neglect and omit such applications and reproofs, and continue in such negligence after admonition and dealing with them, they are to be cited, and after due trial of the offence to be deposed, for being pleasers of men rather then servants of Christ, for giving themselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in the Cause of God, & for defrauding the souls of people, yea for being highly guilty of the blood of souls in not giving them warning: Much more are such Ministers to be censured with Deposition from their Ministry who preach for the lawfulness or pray for the success of the present unlawful Engagement, or that go along with the Army themselves, or who subscribe any Bands or take any Oaths not approved by the General Assembly or their Commissioners, or by their counsel, countenance or approbation make themselves accessary to the taking of such Bands and Oaths by others: It is to be understood that if any Minister preach in defence of or pray for the success to the Sectaries in England, he is likeways to be censured by deposition. And this we add as a general rule to be observed on both hands, but not as if we had found any of the ministry of this Kingdom to be favourers of the Sectaries in England:  
And in case any Minister for his freedom in preaching, and faithful discharge of his conscience shall be in the face of the Congregation or elsewhere upbraided, railed at, mocked, or threatened, or if any injury or violence be done to his person, or any stop and disturbance made to him in the exercise of his ministerial calling, The presbytery of the bounds shall forthwith enter in process with the offender, and whoever he be Charge him to satisfy the Discipline of the Kirk by public Repentance, which if any do not, or refuse to do, That then the presbytery proceed to Excommunication against him; In all which Presbyteries and Synods are to give an account of their diligence: And the Assembly Appoints this Act to be intimate in the several Congregations of this Kirk.   

August 4. 1648. Postmeridiem, Sess. 21. Overtures concerning the education of the Hie-land Boys in the Province of Argyle.  
THis day the report following being made from the Committee concerning the education of Hie-land Boys in Argyle, viz.  The Committee considering the Bill remitted by the general Assembly to us concerning the Hie-land Boys( who are given up to be forty in number of good spirits and approven by the Province of Argyle) Do humbly think that four of them who are ready for the college should be recommended to the universities to get Burses on in every college. As for the rest of the 40. who are to be brought up at Grammar Schools, The Committee thinks that if the said Boys should be scattered through the Kingdom they should lose the Irish Language, and so the Assembly shall fail of their purpose to make them useful for the Hie-lands: And therefore do humbly conceive that it were fitting that every Congregation pay yearly forurty Shillings Scots for maintaining the said Boys at Schools in Glasgow, or in other places where many of them may be together accepted of, and that the money be hrought in yearly to the General Assembly by the Commissioners of Prrsbyteries, and that Presbyteries augment or diminish the said proportion according to the ability of every Cangregation. 
The Assembly having considered the foresaid Report, Approves the first Overture, And recommends Colin campbel to the Univerfity of Aberdeen, Duncan campbel to Edinburgh, Patrick campbel to Glasgow, Zachary Maccullum to St. Leonards college in St. Andrews: As also Approve the second Overture, seriously Recommending to Presbyteries, That the said forty shillings be collected carefully and sent to Glasgow, And the Ministers of Glasgow shall appoint some sufficient man in that Town to receive the said Collection from Presbyteries, And to take charge of the boording and entertainment of the saids Boys in Glasgow at schools, and they shall sand in the names of the Boys with a Certificate of their proficiency yearly to the general Assembly: And this Collection shall onely endure for the space of twelve years.   

August 5. 1648. Antemeridiem, Sess: 30. Explanation of the fifth Article of the Overtures concerning Appeals past in the Assembly, 1643.  
THE general Assembly for clearing the sense of the fifth Article of the Overtures concerning Appeals in the Assembly, 1643. Sess. 2. De Declare, that if Appellations, Post latam sententiam be not presented to the Judicatory when the sentence is pronounced: The party shall then immediately after the sentence protest for liberty of Appeal, as he shall see cause; And accordingly within ten dayes shall give in his Appeal in writ under his hand, either to the Judicatory or the Moderator thereof, otherwise the Appeal is not to be respected.   

Eodem die 1648. Antemeridiem, Sess. 30. Act discharging deposed or suspended Ministers from any exercise of the ministry, or meddling with the stipend.  
THhe general Assembly considering that according to the ancient practise and order of this Kirk, the Censure of Suspension and Deposition of Ministers is both ab officio and â benoficio, as is also acknowledged by the 20. Act of the Parliament, Anno 1644. And that the continuance of suspended or deposed Ministers in the exercise of the ministry or in the possession of their stipend hath been & ought to be accounted and censured as a great contempt of the Authority and Censures of the Kirk, Considering also that the continuance of deposed Ministers in the possession of the stipend, is a great prejudice and obstuction to the planting of the vaiking Kirk, and to the service of God there. Therefore do declare and Ordain, That whosoever after the sentence of Deposition pronounced against them, Do either exercise any part of the ministerial calling in the places they formerly served in; or elsewhere, or do possess, meddle, or intromet with the stipend or other benefits whatsoever belonging to these Kirks they served at, They shall be proceeded against with Excommunication; And if any suspended Minister during, his suspension, either exercise any part of the ministerial Calling, or intromet with the Stipend, That he be Deposed, And after deposition, continuing in either of the e faults, That he be processed with Excommunication; But prejudice always to them of their stipend resting for by gone service and of any recompense due for building or repairng of the Manse according to the ordinary practise. And the Assembly recommends to Presbyteries seriously to be careful of the putting of this Act in execution.   

August 7. 1648. Antemeridiem. Sess. XXXI. The Assemblies Declaration of the falsehood and forgery of a lying scandalous Pamphlet put forth under the name of their Reverend Brother Mastr Alexander Henderson after hes death.  
THe general Assembly of this Kirk having seen a Printed Paper, entitled, The Declaration of Mr. Alexander Henderson principal Minister of the Word of GOD at Edinburgh and chief Commissioner from the Kirk of Scotland to the Parliament and Synod of England made upon his death-bed. And taking into their serious consideration how m●ny gross lies and impudent calumnies are herein contained; Out of ●he tender respect which they do bear to his name( which ought to be very precious to them and all posterity, for his faithful service in the great Work of Reformation in these Kingdoms, wherein the Lord was pleased to make him eminently instrumental) and lest through the malice of some, and ignorance of others the said Pamphlet should gain belief among the weaker sort, They have thought fit to make known and declare concerning the same as followeth.  
That after due search and trial they do find that their worthy brother Master Alexander Henderson did from the time of his coming from London to Newcastle till the last moment of his departure out of this life upon all occasions manifest the constancy of his judgement touching the Work of Reformation in these Kingdoms; Namely, in all his discourses and conferences with his Majesty, and with his Brethren who were employed with him in the same Trust at Newcastle In his Letters to the Commissioners at London, and particularly in his last discourse to his majesty at his departing from Newcastle, being very weak and greatly decayed in his natural strength. When he was come from Newcastle by Sea to this Kingdom, he was in such a weak worn and failed condition, as it was evident to all who saw him, that he was not able to frame any such Declaration, for he was so spent that he died within eight dayes after his arrival; And all that he was able to speak in that time did clearly show his judgement of, and affection to the Work of Reformation and Cause of God to be every way the same then, that it was in the beginning and progress thereof, as divers Reverend Brethren who visited him have declared to this Assembly, and particularly two Brethren who constantly attended him from the time he came home till his breath expired. A further testimony may be brought from a short Confession of Faith under his hand found amongst his Papers, which is expressed as his last Words, wherein among other mercies he declareth himself most of all obliged to the grace and goodness of God for calling him to believe the Promises of the Gospel, and for exalting him to be a Preacher of them to others, and to be a willing though weak instrument in this great and wonderful work of Reformation, which he earnestly beseecheth the Lord to bring to a happy conclusion. Other reasons may be added from the levity of the style and manifest absurdities contained in that Paper. Upon consideration of all which this Assembly doth condemn the said Pamphlet as forged, scandalous, and false, And further Declare the author and contriver of the same voided of charity and a good conscience, and a gross liar and calumniator lead by the Spirit of the accuser of the Brethren.  

Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, & for the receiving of it also by all Students at their first entry to colleges.  
THE general Assembly according to former recommendations, Doth Ordain that all young Students take the Covenant at their first entry to colleges; And that hereafter all Persons whatsoever take the Covenant at their first receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: Requiring hereby provincial Assemblies, Presbyteries and Universities to be careful that this Act be observed, and account thereof taken in the visitation of Uversities and particular Kirks, and in the trial of Presbyteries.    

Eodem die Postmeridiem, Sess. 32. Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of Bursars.  
THE general Assembly Understanding that the frequent Recommendation of preceding Assemblies for maintaining Bursars, is by many Presbyteries neglected, Do therefore Ordain Synods to crave account thereof from Presbyteries at every provincial meeting, Which with the Presbyteries answer, shall be put upon record, That so the part both of Presbyteries and Synods and their negligence o● diligence in so pious a work may be known by the examina●ion of the provincial books to aach general Assembly.   

August 9. 1648. Antemeridiem Sess 25. Act for dis-joyning the Presbyteries of Zetland, from the provincial Synod of Orkney and Cathnes.  
THe general Assembly now after exact trial, finding that the Presbytery of Zetland cannot meet with the Pro●inciall of Cathnes and Orknay to which it was adjoined by an ●ct of the Assembly 1646. Sess. 11. And that the allowance ●nd dispensation granted in the preceding Assembly for the ●alse of their number to keep the meetings of the said Pro●inciall cannot be observed in respect of the great distance ●f that Isle by sea from the land, and the dangerousness of ●he seas there, and of the passage through them, therefore after hearing the parties interested and serious delibe●ation of the matter, The Assembly doth hereby Dis-joyn ●he Presbytery of Zetland from the provincial of Cathnes ●nd Orknay, And declares for these reasons, That the said ●resbytery is to be hereafter subordinate immediately to the general Assembly, For which cause, their Commissioners ●re te be sent to each general Assembly the more carefully, ●nd it is hereby recommended to them that they sand to ●he next Assembly a particular information of the quality ●nd condition of all their Kirks according to the direction of the act of the preceding Assembly Sess. 27. Entitu●ed an act for pressing and furthering the planting of Kirks.   

Aug. 10. 1648. Postmeridiem, Sess. 8. Overtures for the Remedies of the grivous and common Sins of the Land in this present time.  
THE Sine of the Land and the Causes and occasions thereof being considered, The following Remedies of these Sins were propounded.  

Civill Remedies.  
For the present, until the Overtures prepared to be presented to the Parliament, It is to be Recommended to every Congregation to make use of the 9. Act of the Parliament 1645. at Perth, for having Magistrates and Justices in every Congregation, and of the 8. Act of the said Parliament against Swearing, Drinking and mocking of Piety, and all other Acts of Parliament for restraining or punishing of 'vice; particularly for the better restraining of the sin of Whoredom that each Magistrate in every Congregation exact and make count to the Session of forty Pounds for each fornicator and Fornicatrix, of an hundreth marks for each one of their relapse in Fornniation, of an hundreth Pounds for each Adulterer and Adulteress according to express Acts of Parliament which is to be exacted of these who may pay it, and the discretion of the Magistrate is to modify it acc●eding to the ability or inability of each Delinquent.   

domestic Remedies.  
1. Let care be taken of concionable receiving of Servants, that they have testimonials of their honest behaviour: And let all such as give testimonials take heed that these to whom they give them, be free of scolding, swearing, lying and such like more common sins, as well as fornication, adultery, drunkenness, and other gross and heinous evils; Let the ordinary time of giving Testimonials be in face of Session: And if an extraordinary exigent be: Let it be given by the Minister with consent of the elder of the bounds, wherein the person craving the Testimonial hath resided; If they have fallen or relapsed in scandalous sins, let their Testimonial bear both their fall and Repentance.  
2. Let care be had that the Worship of God be practised, and Discipline exercised in Families, according to the Director, for Family Worship in all things as was appointed in General Assembly 1647. especially in the Ministers constant Catechizing of the Family, and in the performance of the Duties of the Sabbath by all the Members thereof.  
3. Let P●rsons to be married, and who have Children to be baptized, who are very rude and ignorant, be stirred up and exhorted, as at all times, so especially at that time, to attain some measure of Christian knowledge in the grounds of Religion, that th●y may give to the Minister, before the Elder of the Bounds wherein they live, some account of their knowledge that so they may the better teach their family and train up their Children.  
4. Let every Family that hath any in it that can red, have a Bible and a Psalm-book, and make use of them; and where none can red, let them be stirred up to train up their children in reading, and use any other good remedy the Minister and Session can fall on.   

General Eeclesiastick Remedies.  
1. Let the Remedies which were given at Perth 1645. and are mentioned in the General Assembly 1646. anent the Sins of Ministers be put in execution.  
2. Let suspension from the Lords Sacrament be more carefully executed.  
3. Let Persons relapse in Adultery( or above) quadrilapse in fornication( or above) or often guilty of other grosser scandals, be Excommunicat somewhat more summarily nor in an ordinary process( except there be more nor ordinary signs, and an eminent measure of Repentance made known to the Session and presbytery) both for the heinousness of the sins and continuance therein, and also for terror to others; And these not to be relaxed from the sentence of Excommunication without evidence, and undeniable signs of Repentance.  
4. Let unpartial proceeding be used against men of all quality, for their scandalous walking, and in particular for drunkenness, swearing, and other scandalous sins. And this to be tried at the Visitation of Kirk.   

Particular ecclesiastic Remedies 1.  

And 1. against Ignorance.  
1. Let Ministers Catechize one day every week( whereon also they may Baptize and Lecture or Preach) and let them preach every Lords Day both before and after noon, according to former Acts of General Assemblies, Let Presbyteries and Synods be very careful of this; And let every Provincial Book, contain an exact account thereof.  
2. Let Ministers examine all of every quality of whose knowledge they have no certain notice.  
3. Let young Persons be catechised by the Minister from the time they are capable of instruction, and let them not be delayed till they be of age to Communicat.  
4. Let Persons grossly ignoront be debarred from the Communion; for the first and second time, let them be debarred, suppressing their names; for the third time, expressing their names; for the fourth time, bring them to public repentance; all this is to be understood of those that profit nothing, and labours not for knowledge: But if they be profiting in any measure, or labouring in that they may peofit, their case is very considerable, they ought to have more forbearance.   

2. ecclesiastic Remedies agaist profaneness.  
1. Let ignorant and scandalous Persons be put off, and kept off Kirk Sessions.  
2. Let every Elder have a certain bounds assigned to him that he may visit the same every month at least, and report to the Session what scandals and abuses are therein, or what persons have entered without Testimonials.  
3. Let all scandalous Persons be suspended from the Lords Supper.  
4. Let the Minister deal in private with them that are professing public Repentance before the Elder of the bounds, thus to try the evidence of their Repentance.  
5. Let these who have fallen in Fornication make public profession of Repentance three several Sabbaths, who is guilty of relapse in Fornication six Sabbaths, who is guilty of relapse in Fornication, or hath once fallen in Adultery 26. Sabbaths, and these sins to be confessed both in one habit, viz. in Sackcloth, Q●adr●lapse in Fornication and relapse in Adultery, three quarters of a Year, Incest or Murder a Year, or 52. Sabbaths, in case the Magistrate do not his duty in punishing such crimes capitally; They that fall in Fornication or relapses therein, are first to confess their Sin before the Session, and thereafter before the Congregation; They that are guilty of greater degrees of that Sin and of the other Sins mentioned in this Article, are to confess their Sin both before the Session & presbytery, and there to show some signs of Repentance before they be brought to the Congregation.  
6. Some are to be rebuked at the time of Catechizing, who deserve more nor a private reproof, and yet needs not to be brought to public Repentance.  
7. It will be a good remedy against Sabbath-breaking by Carriers and Travellers, That the Ministers where they dwell cause them to bring Testimonials from the place where they restend on these Lords dayes wherein they were from home.  
8. Let all Persons who flit from one Paroch to another have sufficient Testimonials, This is to be extended to all Gentlemen and Persons of quality and all their followers, who come to reside with their Families at Edinburgh, or elsewhere, and let the Minister from whom they flit, advertise the Minister to whom they flit, if( to his knowledge) they be lying under any scandal.  
9. Let Ministers be free with Persons of quality for amendment of their faults, and( if need shall be) let them take help thereto of some of the Brethren of the presbytery.  
10. Let the Presbyteries take special notice of Ministers who do converss frequently and familiarly with Malignants, and with scandalous and profane Persons, especially such as belongs to other parochs.  
11. Let privy Censures of Presbyteries and Synods be performed with more Accuracie, Diligence and Zeal.  
12. For better keeping of the Sabbath, let every Elder take notice of such as are within his bounds, how they keep the Kirk, how the time is spent before, betwixt, and after the time of public Worship.  
13. Let no Minister resort to any Excommunicate person without licence from the presbytery nisi in extremis, and let Ministers take special notice of such persons as haunt with Excommunicants, and process them.  
14. Frequent correspondence betwixt Presbyteries is a good remedy.  
15. At the visitation of each Congregation, let the Session  
Book the well visited, and for that effect, let it be delivered to two or three Brethren seven or eight dayes before the visitation, that their report of it may be in readiness against the Day of Visitation.    
The Assembly allows of all these Overtures and Remedies of the Sins of the Land; And Ordains all of them to be carefully and constionably put in practise.  

Act for examining the Paraphrase of the Psalms and other scriptural Songs  
THE general Assembly Appoints Rouse Paraphrase of the Psalms, with the corrections thereof now given in by the persons appointed by the last Assembly for that purpose, to be sent to Presbyteries, That they may carefully revise and examine the same, and thereafter sand them with their corrections to the Commission of this Assembly to be appointed for public affairs, Who are to have a care to cause re examine the Animadversions of Presbyteries, and prepare a report to the next general Assembly; Intimating hereby, That if Presbyteries be negligent hereof the next General Assembly is to go on & tak● the same Paraphrase to their consideration without more delay: And the Assembly Recommends to Master John Adamson and Mr. Thomas Crafurd to revise the Labours of Mr. Zachary Boyd upon the other scriptural Songs, and to prepare a report thereof to the said Commission for public affairs, That after their examination, the same may be also reported to the next general Assembly.   

Overtures concerning Papists, their children, and Excommunicate Persons.  
THE general Assembly considering the manifold inconveniences that follow upon the sending of the children of Noblemen and others of quality to foreign Countries wherein Popery is professed, especially that thereby such children are in peril to be corrupted with Popery, and so corrupt these Families and Persons to which they belong, whereby that wicked root of damnable Idolatry, error and heresy may again be occasioned to spring up and trouble many, and provoke the most High GOD to wrath, and to cause his majesty leave this Land to strong delusions to believe lies; Therefore They Do in the name of GOD, Charge and Require all the Presbyteries of this Kingdom to observe and practise the Rules and Directions which are made in former general Assemblies for preventing of the said fearful inconveniences, and namely the Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, and Profaners of the Sebbath approven in the general Assembly held at St. Andrews in the year of God, 1642. and the Act anent children sent without the Kingdom made in the general Assembly at Edinburgh, Anno 1646. And that they use all diligence for putting in execution the Acts of Parliament and secret council made against Papists & Excommunicate Persons; And that they register their diligences thereanent in their presbytery book which are summarily to be recorded in the Synod Books from time to time, That the general Assembly may see how these laudable Acts are put in execution, which here are presented with some necessary additions in one view.  
1. That every presbytery give a List of all Excommunicate Papists they know to be within their bounds to the Commissioners of the general Assembly, and of all Papists, yea of them also who profess to have renounced Popery, but yet have their children educated abroad, with the names of these children that are abroad, according to the fifth Overture of the general Assembly.  
2. That every presbytery convene at their first meeting all known Papists within their bounds, and such as having professed to renounce Popery have their children abroad, and cause them find sufficient caution for bringing home within three moneths such of their children as are without the Kingdom, to be educated in Schools and colleges at the Presbyteries sight if they be Minors; and to be wrought upon by gracious conference, & other means of instruction to be reclaimed from Popery if they be come to perfect age.  
3. The Parents, Tutors or friends of Children and Minors shall, before they sand them without the Kingdom, first acquaint the presbytery where they reside, that they may have their testimonial directed to the presbytery or class within the Kingdom or Dominion beyond Seas whither they intend to sand their Children; And at the time of these Childrens return, that they report a testimonial from the presbytery or Synod where they lived without the Kingdom, to the presbytery who gave them a Testiwonial at the going away, according to the Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom Anno 1646.  
4. That all Presbyteries give the names of such Paedagogs as were abroad with the children of Noblemen within there bounds, and diligently inquire whether these Paedagogs do continue steadfast in the true Religion, and continue in their service, or whither these Paedagogs do either become corrupt in Religion, or( continuing constant) are removed from their charge and by whom they are removed, and that they signify these things to the general Assembly from time to time or their Commissioners, That they may represent the same to the High Court of Parliament, Lords of secret counsel or Committe of Estates, for such remedy as shall seem expedient to their Honours, for preventing of, and purging the land from the plague of idolatry.  
5. That such Parents, Tutors or Friends as either sand away Children to foreign parts infected with Idolatry without such Testimonialls as aforesaid, or do not recall them who are rlready abroad within such time as is above prefixed, or do remove from them their Protestant Paedagogs( that they may the more easily be infected with Popery) be processed, and in case of not amending these things, be Excommunicated.  
6. That the names of such as are Excommunicated for these or any other causes, be sent in to the general Assembly from year to year, that( from thence) their names may be notified in all the Kingdom, and that the Acts of Parliament and secret counsel may be put to execution against them, and all diligence used for that effect; and that by the effectual dealing of the general Assembly, with the Parliament, Lords of secret counsel, or Committee of Estates, their Lordships may Enact such further, just and severe civill Punishment on such Excommunicants for Terror to others, as shall be found necessary for purging this Covenanted Land from all Abominations.  
Because persons addicted to Idolatry will use all means for their own hardening in their Superstitious and Idolatrous way, even within the country; Therefore all known Papists, or persons suspect of popery upon probable grounds are to find Caution before their Presbyteries, for their abstinence from mass, and from the Company of all Jesuits, and Priests according to the second Overture against Papists, made Anno 1642. Also Presbyteries are to press them to find such Caution; And to observe what persons put their Sons or Daughters to such Families as are tainted with Popery within the Land, the same being a special mean to corrupt them with Idolatry( And to cause such Parents recall their Children, or else proceed with the Censures of the Kirk against them,  
All which Overtures, Presbyteries are seriously required and Ordained to observe diligently with Certification, That they shall be severely censured, If they shall be found remiss or negligent in any of these points, which are so necessary for keeping of the Lords House and People unpoluted with Error, Idolatry, or Superstition.    

Aug. 11. 1648 Antemeridiem, Sess. XXXIX. Act for prosecuting the Treaty for the Uniformity in Religion in the Kingdom of England.  
THE general Assembly, Taking to their consideration that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected; Therefore, Renews the power and Commission granted by preceding Assemblies for prosecuting that Treaty unto these Persons afternamed viz. Mr. Robert Dowglas, Mr. Samuel Rutherford, Mr. Rabert bailie, Mr. George Gillespie Ministers. And John earl of Cassils, John Lord Balmerinoch, and Sr. Arch. Johnston of Wariston Elders; Authorizing them with full power to prosecute the said Treaty of Uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees Appointed by them: And to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring that Treaty to an happy conclusion, comform to the Commissions given thereanent.  

Act Renewing the Commission for the public Affairs of this Kirk.  
THE general Assembly Taking to their consideration, that in respect the great work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected( though by the Lords blessing there is a good progress made in the same) There is a necessity of renewing the[ Commi●sions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted for the public Affairs of the Kirk by the general Assemblies held at Saint Andrews, 1642. and at Edinburgh 1643. 1644. 1645. 1646. and 1647. unto the persons following viz Masters, John Lawder, Andrew Wood, David Calderwood, Robert Ker, John Mackghie, John Knox, John Sinclar, John Adamson, Robert Dowglas, George Gillespie, James Hamiltoun, Mungo Law, John Smith, Robert Lawrie, George Lesly, John Weir, Robert Eliot, Alexander Dickson, Patrick Fleeming, Thomas Vassie, Ephraim Melvil, hue Kennedie, Kenneth Logie, Alexander Levistoun, George Bennet, David Weems, William Row, Robert Young, William Menzies, John Friebaine, John Givan, Harie Guthrie, Andrew Rind, David Auchterlony, Samuel Ousteen, Thomas Henderson, Charles Archibald, Andrew Lawder, John Leviston, John Macklellan, Alexander Turnbull, William Fullerton, George Hutcheson, John Genell, Patrick colvil, James Ferguson, hue pebbles, John Hamiltoun, Alexander Dunlope, David Elphiston, David Dickson, Robert bailie, Robert Ramsay, Patrick Gillespie, Patrick sharp, James Nasunth, John Home, Evan Camron, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, David Forret, Robert trail, Andrew Bennett, Walter Greg, John Macgill younger, John Moncreiff, Fdedrick Carmichael, John Chalmers, John Duncan, Andrew Donaldson, Will. Oliphant, George Simmer, Andrew Affleck, Arthur Granger, David Strachen, Andrew Cant, John rue, John Paterson, Alexander Cant, John Young, John Seaton, David Lindsay at Bethelvie, Nothaniel martin, John Annand, William Falconer, Joseph Brodie, Alexander Summer, William chamber, Gilbert Anderson, David Rosse, George Gr●y, Robert Knox, William Penman, james Guthrie, Thomas Donaldson, William Jameson, Thomas Wilkie, James Ker, John Knox, Andrew Dunkanson Ministers: Archibald Marques of A●gyle, Alexander earl of Eglintoun, John earl of Cassils, William earl of Lothian, Arhhibald Lord Angus, William Lord Borthwick, John Lord Torphichen, John Lord Balmerino, Robert Lord Bu●ly, James Lord Couper, Lord Kilcudbright, Alexander Lord Elcho, Sir Archibald Johnstoun of Wariston. Sir John Hope of Craighall, Arthur Erskin of Scotskraig, Sir John Moncreiff of that Ilk, Boaton of Creigh, Sir John Wauchhope of Midrie, Sir Thomas Ruthven of Frieland, Sir George Maxwell of Netherpollock, Sir James Fraser of Brae, Sir James Hackact of Pitfirn, Sir William Carmichaell younger of that ilk, Walter Dundas younger of that ilk, Thomas Craig of Ricarton, Mr George Winrain of Liberton, Sir Alexander Ingils of Ingilston, Alexander Brodie of that ilk, Forbes of Eight, Will. More of Glanderston, John Ker of Lochtour, Alex Pringill of Whitbanck, Walter Scot of Whitstyid, John Crafurd of Crafurdland, Sir John Chisly of Carswell, Robert Monroe of Obsteall, Cornwall of Bonhard, George Dundas of Dudingston, Sir James Stewart of Kirkfield, Alexander Colvil of the Blair, Mr Alex. Peirson, Mr Robert Burnet younger, Mr Thomas Murray, George Potterfield, Mr James campbel, James Hamilton, laurence Henderson, Mr Robert Barcclay, Mr William More. William Glendoning Doctor, Douglas, James Sword, Gideon Jack, Mr Dongall campbel, John Beswall, John Brown, William Brown, Robert Brown, and William Russel, Elders: Giving unto them full Power and Commission, to do all and every thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship and Government of this Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrary thereunto, and for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting & bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all His Majesties Dominions to a happy conclusion, comform to the former Commissions granted by proceeding Assemblies thereanent, And to that effect Appoints them, or any seventeen of them, whereof thirteen shall be Ministers to meet here in this City to morrow the 12. of this month, And thereafter upon the last Wednesday of November, February, and May next, and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit. Renewing also to the Persons before●named the power contained in the Act of the Assembly 1643. entitled, A Reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England. And further, in case Delinquents have no constant residence in any one presbytery, or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in these cases, The Assembly gives to the persons before name, such power of censuring carriers and persons disaffected to the Covenant according to the Acts of the Assembly, declaring always and providing, that Ministers shall not be deposed, but in one of the quarterly meetings of this Commission, And further Authorises them as formerly with full power to make Supplications, Remonstrances, Declarations & Warnings to Indict Fasts & Thanksgivings as there shall be cause to Protest against all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to censure all such as interrupt this Commission or any other Church Judicatory, or the execution of their Censures or of any other Sentences or Acts, issuing from them, And with full power to them to treat and determine in the matters referred unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here fully expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of any former general Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also that all opposers of the authority of this Commission in matters entrusted to them shall be holden as opposers of the authority of the general Assembly, And this Commission in their whole proceedings are comptable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly.    

August 11. 1648. Postmeridiem, Sess. XL. Exemption of Murray, Rosse, and Caithnesse from the contribution granted to the boyes of Argyle, with a Recommendation to Presbyteries, to make up what is taken of them by that exemption  
Concerning the overture and desire of the Commissioner● of the Presbyteries of Murray, Rosse, and Caithnesse for an exemption from that contribution of forty shillings recommended for entertainment of the Irish boyes in Argyle; The Assembly having considered thereof, and of their offer in the the name of the said Presbyteries, if that exemption be granted, Do Approve their offer, And Therefore hereby Exoners the said Presbyteries of the said contribution of forty shillings toward the entertainment of the boyes in Argyle, And Ordains for that exemption according to the offer of their said Commissioners, that each presbytery of the said Provinces entertain one of the Irish language at schools, and if any be found already fit for colleges, they shall maintain them at philosophy, and so forward, until they be fit for the ministry: And Because by this exemption the contribution for the boyes in Argyle will be so much lessened. Therefore the Assembly Recommends to all other Presbyteries to think upon some way how by the charitable Supply that may be made up unto them.  

Act concerning Collection for the Poor.  
THE Assembly Understanding that the collection for the poor in some Kirks in the country, are taken in the time of Divine Service, which being, a very great and unseemly disturbance of Divine Worship Do therefore hereby Inhibit and discharge the same. And ordains that the Minister and Seshon appoint some other way and time for receiving the said Collections.   

Recommendation for securing provisions to Ministers in Burghs.  
IN regard that the stipends of many Ministers in Burghs are not secured unto them and their succ●ssors; Therefore the Assembly Do seriously Recommend to the Honourable Commission of Parliament for planting of Kirks, to provide real and valide security of competent and honest means to the present Ministers of Burghs and their successors, where they are not sufficiently provided or secured already; Ordaining Presbyteries to use all necessary diligence for prosecuting thereof before the said Commission for planting Kirks.   

The Humble Supplication of the general Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, met at Edinburg August 12. unto the Kings Most Excellent Majeste.  
ALbeit your majesty through the suggestions of evil men, may haply entertain hard thoughts of us and our Proceedings, yet the Searcher of hearts knows, and our consciences bear record unto us, that we bear in our spirits these humble and duitifull respects to your majesty, that loyal subjects owe to their native sovereign, and that it would be one of our greatest contentments upon earth, to see your majesty reigning for the LORD, in righteousness and Peace over these Nations: And therefore as we do bow our knees daily before the Throne of Grace on your behalf, and the behalf of your Posterity; So we find ourselves heretofore, obliged faithfully and freely to warn your majesty of your danger and duty; Wishing, and hoping that the Lord will incline your royal heart, from the sense of the evil which hath befallen You, through the flighting of former Warning, to be more attentive unto this. We are very sensible of your Majesties suffering, and low condition, and do not in the least measure approve. but from our hearts abhor any thing that hath been done to your Majesties Person, contrary to the common resolutions of both Kingdoms: Yet it shall be your Majesties wisdom, in this as in all that hath befallen you these years past, to red the righteous hand of the Lord, writing bitter things against you, as for all your Provocations, so especially for resisting his Work, and authorizing by your Commissions the shedding of the blood of his People, for which it is high time to repent, that there be no more wrath against you and your Realms.  
The Commission of the preceding Assembly, whose proceedings are unanimously approven by this Assembly, Having red your Majesties Letter of the date at Carisbrook Castle, December 27. And perused your Concessions, did find some of thief Concessions destructive to the Covenant, and all of them unsatisfactorie, and did therefore emit a Declaration concerning the same, least your Majesties Subjects in this Kingdom should have unawaies embarked themselves in an Engagement upon grounds not consisting with the good of Religion, and the Solemn League and Covenant. For preventing whereof; they did also present most just and necessary desires unto the high and Honourable Court of Parliament of this Kingdom; which, if they had been granted, might have through the Blessing of God, either procured( upon Treaty) your Majesties re-establishment, and a solid Peace, or laid open the expedience and necessity of a lawful War, and have united this Kingdom therein for the good of Religion, of your majesty, and of your Kingdoms. When the Parliament was pleased without satisfaction to any of these desires, to go on towards the determining of a War upon the gounds contained in their Declaration, As many of their own Members who have been faithful in the Cause of GOD from the beginning, did dissent from their preceedings, so most of all the Presbyteries and Synods of this Kingdom, and the Committees of War in several Shires did by humble Supplication represent to the Parliament, how unsatisfied they were in their consciences concerning the present Engagement: Notwithstanding of all which, the Engagement hath been carried on without clearing either of the lawfulness or necessity thereof. Therefore, We having now examined the same by the Rule of Gods Word, and having found it unlawful, as we have warned the whole Kingdom of the danger thereof, So we hold it our Duty also to warn your majesty as the Servants of the most High GOD, and in Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who must Judge the quick and dead, Earnestly beseeching your majesty that as ye would not draw new guilt upon your Majesties Throne, and make these Kingdoms again a field of Blood, you would be far from owning or having any hand in this so unlawful an Engagement, Which as it hath already been the cause of so much sorrow and many sufferings to the People of God in this Land, who choose affliction rather then sin, So it tendeth to the undoing of the Covenant and Work of Reformation: As we do not oppose the restitution of your majesty to the exercise of your royal Power; So we must needs desire that that which is GODS be given unto Him in the first place, and that Religion may be secured before the settling of any human interest; Being confident that this way is not only most for the Honour of GOD, but also for your Majesties Honor and Safety. And therefore as it was one of our Desires to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament that they would solicitie your majesty for securing of Religion, and establishing the Solemn League and Covenant in all your Dominions, that your majesty might know that way they intend on your behalf was with a subordination to Religion; So we do now from ourselves make this humble address unto your majesty, entreating your majesty as you tender Truth and Peace, you would be pleased to suffer yourself to be possessed with right thoughts of the League and Covenant, and of the proceedings of your Majesties loyal Subjects in relation thereunto, and give your royal assent for enjoining of it in all your Dominions If your majesty had been pleased to harken to our counsel heranent some years ago, the blood of many thousands, which now lies upon your Majesties Throne, might have been spared, Popery, Prelacy, Idolatry, Superstition, profaneness, heresy, Error, Sects and schisms which are now grown to so great a height in England, might have been extirpate, and your majesty sitting in Peace in your own House, Reigning over your Subjects with much mutual contentment and confidence. And if your majesty shall yet search out and repent of all your secret and open Sins, And after so many dear-bought experiences of the danger of evil counsel, be now so wise as to avoid it, and to harken to us speaking unto you in the Name of the Lord, We are confident by this means your majesty may yet be restored, and a sure and firm peace procured. We take it as a great mercy, and as a door of hope, that God still inclines the hearts of all his Servants to pray for your majesty; And we would not have your majesty to look upon it as a light thing, that you have been preserved alive, when many thousands have by your means and procurement fallen on your left hand. God forbid that your majesty should any longer despise the word of exhortation, the riches of his goodness, forbearance and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness, of God leads you unto Repentance; For if your majesty do so, As we are afraid, all Counsels and Endeavours for your Majesties re-establishment shall be in vain and without success, because of the Wrath of the Lord of Hosts, who brings down the mighty from his Throne, and scatters the proud in the imaginations of their hearts; So we shall mourn in secret for it, and for all the miseries that are like to come upon your Throne and your Dominions, and comfort ourselves, in this, that we have delivered our own souls. But we desire to hope better things, and that your majesty will humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, and be inclined to harken to the faithful advice of his Servants, be willing to secure Religion, and employ your royal Power for advancing the Kingdom of the Son of God, which will turn as well to the Honour and happiness of your Majesties as to the Peace and Safety of your Subjects.    

August. 12. 1648, Sess. Ult. Act discharging Duels.  
THE general Assembliy taking in consideration the many Duels and combats that have been fought, and Challenges that have been made, and carried, and received in this Land of late. And being sensible of the exceeding great offence that comes by so horrible and heinous a sin; which is a gross preferring of the supposed credit of the Creature unto the Honour of the most High God, and an usurpation upon the office of the Magistrate by private mens taking of the Sword, And a High degree of murder both of body and foul, by shedding the blood of the one, and utting of the other from time of repenting; And which doth ordinarily produce many woeful consequents, Therefore doth enact And Ordain that all Persons of whatsoever quality who shall either fight Duels, or make, or writ, or receive, or with their knowledge carry Challenges, or go to the fields, either as Principals, or as Seconds to fight Duels and Combats, that they shall without respect of Persons be processed with the Censures of the Kirk and brought before the Congregation two several Lords-dayes; In the first whereof they are sharply to be rebuked and convinced of the heinousness of their sin and offence, and on the next to make a solemn public Confession thereof, and profession of their unfeigned Humiliation and Repentance for the same. And if the Person guilty of any of the former offences be an Elder or Deacon, he is to be removed from his office, and whatsoever person guilty of any of these offences, shall refuse to give obedience according to the tenor of this Act, shall be processed to Excommunication: Declaring alway, that if any be killed at such Duels, the killer shall be proceeded against by the Kirk as other murtherers.  

Act concerning deposed Ministers.  
THE Assembly considering that divers Ministers deposed for Malignancy, and complying with the Enemies of this Kirk and Cause of God, may be suited by, and hope to get entry in some Congregation where a Minister deposed for Malignancy hath been, and may be supposed to have put on the people a stamp and impression of malignancy, and being by the Act of the general Assembly in Anno 1645. Past all hope of being restored to the place out of the whilk he was cast: Now also Ordains and enacts that no Minister deposed for Malignancy and compliance foresaid( when it shall fall out that he be put in a capacity of admission to the Ministry) shall enter into the Congregation of any other Minister who also hath been deposed for Malignancy and compliance, as said is.   

THE general Assembly not having now time to consider the References of the preceding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having sent their opinions in Writ, Therefore do yet again Recommend to Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies to consider all matters referred by this or by any former Assemblies, are to sand their opinions therein in writ to the next general Assembly.   

THE meeting of the next general Assembly is hereby Appointed to be at Edinburgh the first Wed●nesday of july, 1649.  
A. KER.     

THE general ASSEMBLY, Holden at EDINBURGH, July 7. 1649.  

july 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess IV. Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the general Assembly.  
THE general Assembly having heard the report of the Committe appointed for revising the proceedings of the Commissioners of the preceding Assembly; And finding thereby, that in all their proceedings they have been zealous, diligent and faithful, in the discharge of the trust committed to them, do therefore unanimously Approve and Ratify the the whole proceedings, Acts and Conclusions of the said Commission; Appointing Mr John Bell Moderator protempore, to return them hearty thanks in the name the Assembly, for their great pains, travail and fidelity.   

july 10. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess. VI. Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty.  
THe general Assembly having taken inserious consideration the Report of the Travels and proceedings of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty presented by them this day, Together with the Cmmission and Instructions which were given unto them; Do find by the Report, that they have been very diligent and faithful in the discharge of the Trust-committed to them: And therefore do unanimously Approve of their Carriage and return them hearty thanks for their great Pains and travels in that Employment.   

July 19. 1649. Postmeridiem, Sess. XVIII. Act discharging promiscuous Dancing.  
THE Assembly finding the scandal and abuse that arises through promiscuous Dancing: Do therefore inhibit and discharge the same, and do refer the Censure thereof to several Presbyteries, recommending it to their care and diligence.   

july 20 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess. XIX. Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in the late unlawful War against England, to public Satisfaction, Together with the Declaration and Acknowledgement to be subscribed by them.  
THE general Assembly considering what great offence against God, and scandal to his People at home and abroad, hath arisen from the late unlawful Engagement in War against England; whereby, contrary to the Law of God and of Nations, contrary to the Solemn League and Covenant, contrary to the Petitions of almost the whole Kingdom, contrary to the Declarations of the Judicatories of this Kirk, contrary to the Protestations of a considerable part of the Parliament, contrary to the frequent and clear Warnings of the Servants of God in his name, not onely are Associations in Counsels and Arms made with Malignant Persons, who had formerly shown their disaffection to the Covenant in and Cause, but one Invasion of the Neighbour Nation was prosecuted; from whence flowed the oppression of the Persons, Estates and consciences of many of the people of God in this Land, the shedding of the blood of some, the loss and dishonour of this Nation, and several other Inconveniences: and considering that the Commissioners of the last general Assembly, have acquit themselves faithfully in ordaining to be suspended from the renewing of the Covenant, and from the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, such as are designed in their Acts of date the 6. of October & 4 of December last; referring the further consideration and censure of the Persons foresaid to this present general Assembly: Therefore the general Assembly, for removing of such Offences, and for prevention of the like in time coming, and for restoring of such as are truly humbled, do Declare and Appoint.  
I. That all those who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and withall do not by their addresses to Kirk Judicatories testify their dislike thereof, and give evidences of their Repenrance therefore, That these be processed and continuing obstinate, be excommunicated; But if withall they go on in promoving Malignant designs, that they be forthwith Excommunicated: As also that all such persons guilty as aforesaid, who after Profession of their Repentance shall yet again hereafter rela-pse to the promoting any Malignant design, that these be likewise forth with excommunicated.  
II. That all these who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and desire to testify their Repentance, and to be admirted to the Covenant and Communion, shall besides any Confession in public before the Congregation subscribe the Declaration hereto sub-joyned, of their unfeigned detestation and renunciation of that Engagement, and all other Malignant courses contrary to the Covenant and Cause, Promising to keep themselves from such ways in time coming, and acknowledging that if they shall again fall into such defection thereafter, they may justly be accounted perfidious backsliders, and breakers of the Covenant and Oath of God, and proceeded against with the highest Censures of the Kirk.  
III. That of these who have been guilty and censured as aforesaid, and desire now to testify their Repentance, Whosoever were formerly joined in Arms or counsel with James Graham in his Rebellion, or who were general persons or Colonels in the late unlawful Engagement, Or who went to Ireland to bring over Forces for that effect, Or who have been eminently active in contriving of or, seducing unto the said Engagement, or whosoever above the degree of a Leutenant Commanded these parties, that in promoving of the ends of the said Engagement  shed blood within the Kingdom, either before that Army of Engagers went to England, or after their return, Or who above the degree foresaid Commanded in the late Rebellion in the North; That none of these be admitted or received to give satisfaction, but by the general Assembly or their Commissioners.  
IV. That all the rest of these who have been guilty, or censured as aforesaid may be received by the Presbyteries where they reside.  
V. That all who have been guilty as aforesaid, before their receiving to the Covenant, shall make a Solemn public Acknowledgement in such matter, and before such Congregations as the Commission of the general Assembly or Presbyteries respective shall ptesceibe, according to the degree of their offence and scandal given.  
VI- That none of the foresaid Persons be admitted, or received as Elders in any Judicatories of the Kirk, but according to the A & of the general Assembly of the last of August 1647. against carriers of the first Clasle.  
And because many have heretofore made show and profession of their Repentance, who were not convinced of their guiltiness nor humbled for the same, but did thereafter return with the dog to the vomit, and with the sow to the puddle, unto the mocking of God, and the exceeding great reproach and detriment of his Cause: Therefore, for the better determining the Truth and sincerity of the Repentance of those who desire to be admitted to the Covenant and Gommunion: It is appointed and Ordained that none of those persons who are debarred from the Covenant and Communion shall be admitted and received thereto, but such as after exact trial, shall be found for some competent time before or after the offer of their Repentance, according to the discretion of the respective Judicatories, to have in their ordinary conversatione given real Testimony of their dislike of the late unlawful Engagement, and of the courses and ways of Malignants, and of their sorrow for their accession to the same; & to live soberly, righteously & godly, & if any shall be found, who after the defeating of the Engagers have uttered any Malignant speeches, tending to the approbation of the late unlawful Engagement, or the bloodshed within the kingdom for promoving of the ends of the said Engagement, or any other projects or practices within or without the kingdom; prejudicial to Religion and the Covenant, or tending to the reproach of the Ministry, or the civill Government of the Kingdom, or who have unnecessarily or ordinarily conversed with Malignant and disaffected persons, Or who have had hand in, or accession to, or compliance with or have any ways countenanced or promoved any Mrlignant Design, prejudicial to Religion and the Covenant; That these, notwithstanding their profession of Repentance be not suddedly received, but a competent time, according to the discretion of the Judicatory, be assigned to them for trial of the evidence of their Repentance, according to the qualifications above mentioned. And the general Assembly Ordains Presbyteries to make intimation of this Act in the several Kirks of their bounds so soon as they can, after the of the rising general Assembly, that none pretend ignorance; And that Presbyteries make account of their diligence in prosecuting of this Act to the Quarterly meetings of the Commission of this Assembly.  

The Declaration and Acknowledgement before mentioned.  
I 〈◇〉 after due consideration of the late war against the Kingdom of England; And having also considered the course pursued and promoted by the earl of Lanerk George Monro and their Adherents in and about Stirling, and by others in the late Rebellion in the North, against all which not only eminent Testimonies of Gods Wrath have been given in defeating of them, but they were in themselves sinful breaches of Covenant, and preferring the interest of man unto God; I do herefore in Gods sight profess, that I am convinced of the unlawfulness of all these ways, as contrary to the Word of God, and to the Solemn League and Cavenant, not only in regard of the miscarriages of these that were employed therein, but also in respect of the nature of these courses themselves; And therefore professing my unfeigned sorrow for my guiltiness by my accession to the same, do renounce and disclaim the foresaid Engagement and all the courses that were used for carrying on the same, either before or after the defeat of the Engagers, as contrary to the Word of GOD and Solemn League and Covenant, and destructi●e to Religion and the work of Refo●mation; And I do promise in the power of the Lords strength, never a● am to own any of these or the like courses. And if hereafter at any time, I shall be found to promote any Malignant Design or course, that I shall justly be accounted a perfidious Covenant breaker and despiser of God, and be proceeded against with the highest Censures of the Kirk: Likeas, I do hereby promise to adhere to the national Covenant of this kingdom and to the Solemn League and Covenant betwixt the kingdoms, and to be honest and zealous for promoving all the ends thereof. as I shall be called thereunto of God, and to flee all occasions and temptations that may led me into any the like snares against the same. Subscribed 〈◇〉 at 〈◇〉 the 〈◇〉 day of 〈◇〉    

july 24. 1649. Postmeridiem. Sess. XXIII. To the High & Honourable Court of Parliament,  
The general Assembly, Humbly Sheweth,  
THat whereas we have seen & considered the Act of Parliament abolishing Patronages, and do highly commend the piety and zeal of the Estates of Parliament in promoving so necessary a point of Reformation, The general Assembly do humbly supplicate, that beside the settling of the Ministers stipends, that the tithes mentioned in the said Act, may be affencted with the burden of pious uses, within the respective parochs, comform to a draft of an Act seen by the Commissioners of the late general Assembly before it passed in Parliament, And that the foresaid Act, may be made effectual for the settling of Ministers Stipends in Kirks erected, and necessary to be erected according to the tenor of the Act of Parliament, And for this effect, that your Lordships will hasten the sitting of the Commission for Plantation of Kirks, with all convenient diligence, and your Lordships Answer.   

27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem. Sess. 27. A seasonable and necessary frightening and Declaration, concerning Present and Imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating thereto; from the general Assembly of this Kirk, unto all the Members thereof.  
THE Lord who chooses Jerusalem in a furnace of Affliction, hath been pleased since the beginning of the work of Reformation in this Land, to exercise his People with many trials; all that desired to keep a good conscience, were not long ago under many heavy and sad pressures from the insolency and oppression of a prevailing party of dis-affected and Malignant men, who under a pretext of bringing the King to a condition of Honour, Freedom and Safety, did carry on an unlawful Engagement against the Kingdom of England: and if the Lord had not been merciful unto his people, they were like either to have been banished out of the Land, or to have been kept in a perpetual bondage in their consciences, persons and estates: But he whose Messengers those men had mocked, and whose word they had despised, did bring them down suddenly in a day, and restored liberty and peace unto his people: A mercy and deliverance, which as it ought to be remembered with thankfulness and praise, so may it engage our hearts not to faint in troubles and straites that do yet abide us, but to trust in the name of the Lord, who both can and will deliver us still out of all our afflictions.  
Albeit, wee do now enjoy many rich and precious blessing wherein wee have reason to be comforted, and to rejoice; yet it were to shut our own eyes if we should not see ourselves involved in, and threatened with many and great dangers at home and from abroad, It is matter of exceeding great sorrow to think upon the ignorance and profanity, the impenitency and security that abounds still in the Land, notwithstanding all the gracious dispensation of the Gospel, and means of grace in such purity and plenty, that none of the Nations round about us can boast of the like, and of all his sharp rods wherewith he hath afflicted us from year to year, and of all the mercies and deliverances wherewith he hath visited us, and of our late solemn confession of sins, and engagement unto duties sealed wi●h the renewing of the Covenant and the Oath of God; Which some men have so far already forgotten, as to return with the dog to the vomit, and with the sow to the puddle: And many signs of inconstancy and levity do appear among all sorts and ranks of persons, who seem to want nothing but a suitable tentation to draw them away from their steadfastness; Our Army is not yet sufficiently purged, but there be still in it Malignant and scandalous men, whose fidelity and constancy, as it is much to be doubted, so is the wrath of the Lord to be feared, upon their proceedings and undertakings, without a speedy and effectual remedy.  
That prevailing party of Sectaries in England, who have broken the Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, corrupted the truth; subverted the fundamental Government, and taken away the Kings life look upon us with an evil eye, as upon these who stand in the way of their monstrous and new fangled devices in Religion and Government; And though there were no cause to fear any thing from that party but the Gangrene and infection of those many damnable and abominable errors which have taken hold on them yet our vicinity unto and daily commerce with that Nation, may justly make us afraid that the Lord may give up many in this Land unto a spirit of delusion to believe lies, because they have not received the love of the truth.  
Neither is the Malignant party so far broken and brought low, as that they have abandoned all hopes of carrying on their former designs against the Covenant and work of Reformation: Beside many of them in this Kingdom, who are as Foxes tied in chains, keeping their evil nature, and waiting an opportuny to break their cords; and again to prey upon the Lords peoplc, there be standing Armies in Ireland, under the command of the marquis of Ormond, The Lord Inchqueen, the Lord of Airds, and George Munro, who forgetting all the horrible cruelty that was exercised by the Irish Rebels, upon many thousands of the English and Scottish Nations in that land, have entred into a Peace and Association with them, that they may the more easily carry on the old designs of the Popish, prelatical and Malignant party, And the Lord of Airds, and George Monro, have by treachery and oppression brought the Province of ulster, and Garrisons therein, under their power and Command, and have redacted our country-men, and such as adhere unto the Covenant, and cause of God in that Province, unto many miseries and straits, and are like to banish the Ministers of the gospel, and to overturn these faire beginnings of the work of God, which were unto many a branch of hope, that the Lord meant to make Ireland a pleasant land.  
But which is more grievous unto us then all these, our King notwithstanding of the Lords hand against his Fathers opposition to the work of God, and of the many sad and doleful consequences followed thereupon, in reference to Religion and his Sebjects, and to his person, and Government, doth harken unto the councils of these who were Authors of these miseries to his royal Father and his Kingdoms: By which it hath come to pass, that his Majesty hath hitherto refused to grant the just and necessary desires of this Kirk and Kingdom, which were tendered unto him from the Commissioners of both for securing of religion, the Liberties of the Subject, his Majesties Government, and the Peace of the kingdom; And it is much to be feared that those wicked counsellors may so far prevail upon him in his ttnder yeers, as to engage him in a war, for overturning( if it be possible) of the work of God, and bearing down all those in the three Kingdoms that adhere thereto: Which if he shall do, cannot but bring great wrath from the Lord upon himself and his Throne, and must be the cause of many new, and great miseries, and calamities to these Lands.  
It concerns a Nation thus sinful and loaden with iniquity and involved in so many difficulties and dangers, by timous repentance and unfeigned humiliation to draw near to God, and to wrestle with him in Prayer and Supplication, that our sin may be pardonned, and our iniquity done away, and that he would establish the Land in the love of the truht, and enable every on in their station to do their duty boldly and without fear, and in humble dependence upon the Lord, in whom alone is the salvation of his people; Every man ought with all faithfulness and diligence, to make use of all these means that are approven and allowed of God, for preserving and carrying on of his work, and for securing and guarding the Land against all enemies whatsomever, both upon the right hand and upon the left.  
The Spirit of error and delusion in our Neighbour Land, in the police of Satan hath veiled itself in many, under the mask of holinesse and is in the rigteous and wise dispensation as God, armed with power, and attended with success: Therefore all the Inhabitants of this land would labour for more knowledge, and more love of the truth, without which they may easily be deceived, audled into tentation, and would learn to distinguish betwixt the show and power of godliness. We know that there be many in England who be truly godly, and mourn with us for all the errors and abominations that are in that land, But it is without controversy, that that Spirit which hath acted in the Courses and Counsels of these, who have retarded and obstructed the work of God, despised the Covenant, forced the Parliament, murdered the King, changed the civill Government, and established so vast a Toleration in Religion. cannot be the Spirit of righteousness and Holinesse, because it teaches not men to live godly and righteously, but draws them aside into error, and make them to bring forth the bitter fruits of impiety and iniquity and therefore ought to be avoided. And not only are such of our Nation as travail in our Neighbour-land, to take heed unto themselves that they receive not infection from such as are leavened with error, but these also who live at home. especially in those places where Sectaries, upon pretext of merchandise, and other civill employments, ordinarily traffic and converse. Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and success of that party, Neither needs any man to be afraid of the power and success of that party, they who have gadded about so much to change their way, shall ere long be ashamed; The Lord hath rejected their confidences, and they shall not prosper in them; How far they may proceed in their Resolutions and Actings against this kingdom, is in the hand of the most high; If the Lord shall suffer that party to invade this, land, it may be the comfort and encouragement of all the Inhabitints thereof, that not only hath that unlawful engagement against the Kingdom of England been declared against, and condemned both by Kirk and State; but also that these men can pretend no quarrel against us, unless it be, that we have adhered unto the Solemn League and Covenant, from which they have so foully revolted and backslidden; and that we have born testimony against Toleration, and their proceedings in reference to Religion and Government▪ and the taking away of the Kings life: And therefore we trust that in such a case none will be so far deficient in their duty as not to defend themselves against such injust violence, and in the strength of the Lord to adhere unto their former principles, with much boldness of spirit, and willingness of heart; In this certainly we shall have a good conscience and the Lord shall be with us.  
We are not so, to have the one of our eyes upon the Sectaries, as not so hold the other upon the Malignants, they being an enemy more numerous, and no less subtle and powerful nor the other, and at this time more dangerous unto us, not onely because experience hath proven that there is a greater aptitude and inclination in these of our Land, to comply with Malignants then Sectaries in that they carry on their wicked designs under a pretext of being for the King; But also because there be many of them in our own bowels, and for that they do pretend to be for maintenance of the Kings Person and Authority, and( which is the matter of our grife) because the King owns their principles and ways; which if it be not taken heed unto, may prove a great snare, and dangerous tentation to many to side with them against the Lords people, and his cause. The constant tenor of the carriage of these in this land, who stand for the Cause of God; are undeniable arguments of their affection to Monarchy, and to that royal Family and Line with hath sweyed the sceptre of this Kingdom for many hundreds of yeers past. Albeit his majesty who lately reigned, refused to hearken to their just desires, yet did they with much patience and Moderation of mind, supplicate and solicit his Majesty for satisfaction in these things that concern Religion and the Covenant, and were still willing, that upon satisfaction given, he should be admitted to the exercise of his power; and whatsoever envy and malice objects to the contrary, were careful to get assurance concerning the safety as his Majesties Person, when they brought their Army of England; and when notwithstanding of that assurance, the prevailing party of Sectaries were acting for his life; did to the utmost of their power, endeavour by their Commissioners that there might have been no such proceeding, And when their desires and endeavours were not successful, did protest and bear testimony against the same. And, as both Kirk and State had testified their tender respect to his Majesty who now reigns, by their Letters written to him whilst his Father was yet living, So no sh●oner did the Parliament hear of his Fathers death, but they did with all solemnity proclaim him King of these Kingdoms; And after they had acquainted his Majesty by Messages with their proceedings herein, Commissioners were sent both from State and Kirk instructed with power and Commission to express the affection of this kingdom to Monarchy, and his Majesties Person and government, together with their desires concerning the security of Religion, and the Peace of those Kingdoms. And albeit the desires of both which are now published to the world, with his Majesties answers thereto, are such as are most just and necessary; yet the Counsels of the malignant party had so great influence upon his Majesty, that his answers are not only not satisfactory, but short of that which was many times granted by his Royal Father. and cannot be acquiesced unto, unless we would abandon the League and Covenant, and betray Religion, and the cause of God.  
We hold it the duty of all who live in this Land, to wrestle with God in the hehalfe of the King, that he may be recovered out of the snare of evil counsel, and brought to give satisfaction to the public desires of Kirk and State; and in their places and stations to use all endeavours with himself and others for that effect, and to be willing, upon satisfaction given, to admit him to the exercise of his power, and cheerfully to obey him in all things according to the will of God, and the laws of the Kingdom, and to do every thing that tends to the preservation of his Majesties Person, and just greatness and Authority, in the defence and preservation of the true Religion and Liberties of the kingdoms.  
But if his Majesty, or any having, or pretending power and Commission from him, shall invade this Kingdom, upon pretext of establishing him in the exercise of his Royal power, as it will be an high provocation against God to be accessary or assisting thereto, so will it be a necessary duty to resist and oppose the same, We know that many are so forgetful of the oath of God, and ignorant and careless of the interest of Jesus Christ and the Gospel, and do so little tender that which concerns his Kingdom and the Privileges thereof, and do so much dote upon absolute and Arbitrary Government for gaining their own ends, and so much malign the Instruments of the work of Reformation, that they would admit his Majesty to the exercise of his Royal power upon any terms whatsoever, though with never so much prejudice to Religion, and the Liberties of these kingdoms, and would think it quarrel enough to make War upon all those who for consciences sake cannot condescend thereto. But We desire all these who fear the Lord, and mind to keep their Covenant impartially to consider these things which follows.  
1. That as Magistrates and their power is ordained of God, so are they in the exercise thereof, not to walk according to their own will, but according to the Law of equity and righteousness, as being the Ministers of GOD for the safety of his People; Therefore a boundless and illimitted power is to be acknowledged in no King nor Magistrate; Neither is Our King to be admitted to the exercise of his power as long as he refuses to walk in the Administration of the same according to this rule, and the established Laws of the Kingdom, that his Subjects may live under him a quiet and and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  
2. There is one mutual Obligation and Stipulation betwixt the King and his People; As both of them are tied to GOD, so each of them are tied one to another for the performance of mutual and reciprocal duties: According to this, It is statute and Ordained in the 8. Act of the 1. Parliament of King James the 6. That all Kings, Princes or Magistrates whatsoever, halding their place, which hereafter shall happen in any time to reign and bear rule over this Realm, at the time of their Coronation and receipt of their Princely Authority, make their faithful promise by Oath in the presence of the eternal GOD that during the whole course of their lives, they shall serve the same eternal GOD to the utmost of their power, according as he hath required in his most Holy Word contained in the Old and New Testament, Et according to the same Word, shall maintain the true Religion of Christ Jesus, the Preaching of His most Holy Word, and due and right ministration of His Sacraments now received and Preached within their Realm, And shall abolish and 'gainst and all false religion contrary to the same, And shall rule the people committed to their charge according to the Will and Command of GOD revealed in his Word and according to the laudable laws and Constitutions received within this Realm, And shall procure to the utmost of their power to the Kirk of God and the whole Christian People, true and perfect peace in all time coming. And that Justice and Equity be keeped to all creatures without exception. Which Oath was sworn, first by King james the 6, and afterwards by King Charles at his Coronation, and is inserted in our national Covenant, which was approven by the King who lately Reigned, As long therefore as his Majesty who now reigns, refuses to harken to the just and necessary desires of State and Kirk, propounded to his Majesty for the Security of Religion, and safety of his People, and to engage and oblige himself, for the performance of his Duty to his People, It is consonant to Scripture and reason and the Laws of the Kingdom, that they should refuse to admit him to the excrcise of his Government, until he give satisfaction in these things.  
3. In the League and Covenant which hath been so solemnly sworn and renewed by this Kingdom, the duty of defending and preserving the Kings Majesties Person and Authoriy is joined with, and subordinat unto the duty of preserving and defending the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms: And therefore his majesty standing in opposition to the just and necessary public desires concerning Religion and Liberties, it were a manifest Breach of Covenant, and a preferring of the Kings interest to the interest of Jesus Christ, to bring him to the exercise of his Royal power, which he, walking in a contrary way, and being compassed about with Malignant Counsels, cannot but employ unto the prejudice and ruin of both.  
4. Was not an Arbitrary Government and unlimited power, the fountain of most of all the Corruptions both in Kirk and State? And was it not for restraint of this, and for their own just defence against Tyranny and injust violence, which ordinarily is the fruit and effect of such a power, that the Lords People did join in Covenant, and have been at the expense of so much blood, pains and treasure these ye ers past? And if his majesty should be admitted to the exercise of his Government before satisfaction given, were it not to put in his hand that Arbitrary Power, which we have upon just and necessary grounds been so long withstanding, and so to abandon our former Principles, and betrary our Cause?  
5. The King being averse from the Work of Reformation and the instruments thereof, and compassed about with Maignant and disaffected men, whom he hearkens unto as his most faithful counsellors, and looks upon as his best and most loyal Subjects, We leave it to all indifferent men to judge, whether his majesty, being admitted to the exercise of his Power before satisfaction given, would not by such counsels endeavour an overturning of the things which GOD hath wrought amongst us, and labour to draW public administrations concerning Religion and the liberties of the Subject, unto that course and channall in which they did run under prelacy, and before the Work of Reformation: Which we have the more cause to fear, because his royal Father did so often declare, that he conceived himself bound to employ all the power that GOD should put in his hands to the utmost for these ends; and that he adheres as yet to his Fathers Principles, and walks in his way, and hath made a Peace with the Irish Rebels, by which is granted unto them the full liberty of Popery.  
6. It is no strange nor new thing for Kingdoms to preserve Religion of themselves from ruin, by putting restraint upon the exercise of the power and Government of those who have refused to grant those things that were necessary for the good of Religion, and the Peoples safety; There have been many precedents of it in this and other nations of old, and of late. Upon these and other important considerations, It shall be the wisdom of every one who dwell in the Land, to take heed of such a temptation & snare, that they be not accessary to any such designs or endeavours, as they would not bring upon themselves, and upon their families, the guilt of all the detriment that will undoubtedly follow thereupon to Religion and the Covenant, and of all the miseries and calamities that it will bring upon his Majesties Person and Throne, and upon these Kingdoms; Such a thing would in all appearance be the undermining and shaking▪ if not the overthrowing and destroying of the work of Reformation: And therefore whosoever attempt the same, oppose themselves to the Cause of GOD, and will at last dash against the Rock of the LORDS Power, which hath broken in pieces many high and lofty ones since the beginning of this work in these Kingdoms: And it is unto us a sure Word of Ptomise, That whosoever shall associate themselves, or take counsel together, or gird themselves against GOD and His Work, shall be broken in pieces.  
It is not onely joining in Arms with the Malignant party, that all these who would keep their integrity hath need to beware of, but also subtle devices and designs, that are promoted by fair pretexts and persuasions to draw men to dispense at least with some part of these necessary desires, that are propounded to his majesty for securing of Religion, After many turnings and devices the foundation of the unlawful Engagement was at last laid by his Majesties Concessions in the year 1648. Wherein though many things seemed to be granted, yet that was denied, without which Religion and the Union betwixt the Kingdoms could not have been secured: And it is probable, that such a way may be assayed again, and prosecuted with very much cunning and skill to deceive and ensnare the simplo. It doth therefore concern all ranks and conditions of persons to be the more wary and circumspectly, especially in that which concerns the National Covenant, and the Solemn League and Covenant, that before his majesty be admitted to the exercise of his Royal Power, that by and attour the Oath of Coronation, he shall assure and declare by his Solemn Oath under his hand and seal his allowance of the National Covenant, and of the Solemn League and Covenant, and obligation to prosecute the ends thereof in his Station and Calling, and that he shall for himself and his successors, consent and agree to Acts of Parliament, enjoining the Solemn League and Covenant, and fully Establishing Presbyterial Government, the Directory of Worship, the Confession of Faith and catechism, as they are approven by the General Assembly of this Kirk and Parliament of this Kingdom, in all his Majesties Dominions, and that he shall observe these in his own Practise and family, and that he shall never make opposition, to any of these, nor endeavour any change thereof. Albeit the League and Covenant be despised by that prevailing party in England, and the Work of Uniformity, thorough the retardements and obstructions that have come in the way, be almost forgotten by these Kingdoms, yet the obligation of that Covenant is perpetual, and all the duties contained therein are constantly to be minded, and prosecute by every one of us and our posterity, according to their place a●d stations: And therefore we are no less zealously to endeavour, that his majesty may Establish, and swear, and subscribe the same, then if it were unanimously regarded and stuck unto byall the Kingdom of England, for his majesty swearing and subscribing the League and Covenant, will much contribute for the Security of Religion, his Majesties happiness, and the Peace of his Kingdoms.  
As it is incumbent to all, who live in this Kirk and Kingdom to be watchful and circumspectly, so it concerns these of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament & their Committees, in a special way to see to their duty, & to be strait & resolute in the performance of the same; Their former proceedings is unto us a sufficient evidence and ground of hope, that they will not be wanting in any necessary testimony of duty and Loyalty that they owe to the King, by using all just and seasonable endeavoures for obtaining satisfaction of his majesty, that so he may be established upon his Thrones; And we trust, that upon the other hand, the sense of their obligation to God, and his Oath that is upon them, will make them constantly to adhere to their former principles resolutions, and desires concerning Religion and the Covenant, that real satisfaction may be had thereanent, before the King be put in the exercise of his power; And that they will carefully provide for the safety of the Kingdom, both in regard of the intestine dangers, and in regard of invasion without; It is not long since they together with the rest of the Land, made solemn public Confession of Compliance with Malignants, carnal confidence, following of self interests, and harkening to the Counsels of flesh and blood, and did in a special way engage themselves to comply, and seek themselves and their own things no more, to abandon the counsels of their own hearts, and not to rely upon the Arm of flesh, and to purge Judicatories and Armies from Profane and scandalous persons; And God forbid that they should so soon forget, or neglect so necessary duties and fall again unto so great and grievous transgressions. We trust that they will seek the things of CHRIST, and not their own things, that they will harken to His Word, and not walk in the imaginations of their own hearts, that they will rely upon the Arm of the LORD, and not upon the arm of flesh, that they will bewary and circumspectly in decerning the dispositions and affections of those whom they put in trust, and that, seeing this Kingdom hath so much smarted, & been so often deceived by compliance with Malignants, they will carefully avoid this snare, inregard of those who were upon the former unlawful Engagement, & be tender in bringing in of such; And wee cannot but exhort them in the Name of the LORD, to take notice of the Oppression of the People and Commons in the Land, by the lawless exactions of Land-Lords, collectors and Souldiers. We do not justify the murmurings and grudgings of those, who, preferring the things of the world to the Gospel and things of Jesus Christ repined at necessary burdens, without which it is not possible that the Land can be secured from invasion without and insurrection within, or the Cause and People of GOD be defended from enemies: It is the duty of every one who hath taken the Covenant, willingly and with a cheerful mind to bestow their means and their pains as they shall be called thereunto, in an orderly way: Yet should these to whom God hath committed the Government, take car that they be not needlessly burdened, and that none grinned their faces by oppression, not only by making of laws against the same, but by searching out of the cause of the poor, and by executing these laws timously upon these that oppress them, that they may find real redress of their just gievances and complaints, and be encouraged to bear those burdens which cannot be avoided.  
As the Parliament have begun, so we hope they will continue, to purge out all these from trust, that are not of known integrity and affection to the cause of God, and of a blameless and Christian conversation, and that they and the officers of the Army in their respective places, will seriously mind, and speedily and resolutely go about the removing from the Army all malignant scandalous persons, and also the removing of Sectaries when any shall be found therein, that they may give real evidence that they did not deal deceitfully with God, in the day that they engaged themselves thereto.  
Albeit we hope and pray that those who bear charge in our Army, will from the remembrance of the Lords goodness to them, and the honour that he hath put upon them, endeavour to carry themselves faithfully, and straightly, Yet it cannot be unseasonable to warn them to take heed of temptations, and to beware of snares that they be not drawn to indifference or neutrality in the cause of God, much less unto connivance at, or compliance with the courses and designs of malignants or Sectaries, but to stick closely by the same, and to be zealous against all the enemies and adversaries thereof: And it concerns souldiers to be content with their wages, and to do violence to no man, but as they are called unto the defence of the cause and people of God, so to behave themselves in such a blamlesse and Christian way, that their carriage may be a testimony to his cause, and a comfort to his people; So shall our Armies prosper, and the Lord shall go out with them.  
But most of all it concerns the Ministers of the Gospel whom God hath called to give warning to his people to look to their duty; It is undeniably true, that many of the evils wherewith this Kirk and kingdom hath been afflicted in our age, have come to pass because of the negligence of some, and corruptions of others of the Ministry; whilst some fell asleep, and were careless, and others were covetous and ambitious, the evil man brought in Prelacy, and the Ceremonies, & had far promoted the Service-Book, and the Book of Cannons; and the course of backsliding and revolting was carried on, until it pleased God to stir up the spirits of these few, who stood in the gap to oppose and resist the same, and to begin the work of Reformation in the Land; Since which time; the silence of some Ministers, and compliance of others, hath had great influence upon the backsliding of many amongst the people, who upon the discovery of the evil of their way, complain that they got not warning, or that if they were warned by some, others held their Peace, or did justify them in the course of their backsliding; We can look upon such Ministers no otherwise then upon those that are guilty of the blood of the Lords people, and with whom the Lord will reckon for all the breach of Covenant, and defection that hath been in the Land. The Priests lips should preserve knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts; But such are departed out of the way, and hath caused many to stumble at the Law, therefore hath the Lord made them contemptible and base before all the people: according as they have not kept his ways, but have been partial in his law; Because they have lost their savour, he hath cast out many of them as unsavoury salt: But such as have been faithful. as he hath preserved from the violence and fury of men, so hath he verified his word in their mouths, both against his enemies, aed concerning his people and his work; And makes them see, though not all their desires concerning the Gospel, and the work of God in the land yet very much of the fruit of their labour, by pteserving the doctrine and all the ordinances of Jesus Christ in their purity, and adding in some measure thereto the power and life thereof. We do therefore charge all the Ministers of the land, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing in his Kingdom, as in every thing to be ensamples of a good conversation, and to walk without offence, that the ministry be not blamed; So to take heed unto the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to declare unto them all the counsel of God, and to give them timous warning concerning every danger and duty, and to hold forth unto them the solid grounds of real consolation, by which they may be encouraged and comforted in all their trials and afflictions; that they may be free of the blood of all men, and have this as a ground of rejoicing, even the testimony of their consciences, that in simplicity and godly pureness, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God they have had their conversation in the world, and have exhorted and comforted and charged every one committed unto them a Father doth his childrren. Especially; sisters are to be careful to be much indiscovering the temptations, and pressing the duties of the times that these who are under their charge may know what to avoid, and what to embrace and pursue: If all the Watchmen in the Land shall give warning, and blow the Trumpet at once, it shall not be easy for enemies to prey upon the people of God. Wee know no cause why any whom God hath called to preach the Gospel, should be afraid to speak boldly in the Name of the Lord; since God hath given so manifest a testimony of his care and protection, in preserving them, these yeers past, who have striven to be faithful to him who hath called them from all the fury and malice of haters of the work of God and of the Kingdom of of his son Jesus Christ, who hath promised to be with his servants unto the end of the world.  
Albeit the Land be involved in many difficulties, and compassed about with great and imminent dangers, yet there is hope and ground of consolation concerning this thing. The Lord is in the midst of us, and we are called by his name, our ears hear the joyful sound of the Gospel, and and our eyes see our Teachers; We behold the arms of the Lord stretched out daily in working salvation for his people, and answering their desires upon their enemies by terrible things in righteousness; Although we be but few in number, yet the Lord of Hosts is with us, and in the power of his strength we shall be able to prevail; Although our land be defilied with sin, yet we have not been forsaken of the Lord our God, but he hath always had compassion upon us, and delivered us in all our distresses; Although some of understanding fall, it is but to try, and to purge and to make white even to the end, because it is yet for a time appointed; Although many cleave to us by flatteries, yet there be a remnant who keep their integrity, and the Lord shall do good to these that be good, but such as turn aside to crooked ways, shall be lead forth with the workers of iniquity.  
The Lords people in England and Ireland, who adhere to the cause and Covenant, may be perplexed, but shall not despair; they may be persecuted, but shal not be forsaken; they may be cast down, but shall not be destroyed: And although uniformity, and the work of Reformation in these lands, seem not only to be retarded, but almost plucked up by the roots, and the foundation thereof razed; Yet the seed which the Lord hath sown there, shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward, The zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall perform this.   

30. July 1649. Antemeridiem Sess. 30. Act concerning catechizing.  
THe general Assembly taking to their serious Consideration the great darkness and Ignorance, wherein a great part of this Kingdom lieth, together with the late Solemn Engagement, to use all means for remedy thereof, do ordain every Minister with assistance of the Elders of their several Kirk sessions to take course, that in every house where there is any who can red, there be at least one copy of the Shorter and Larger catechism, Confession of Faith and directory for family worship. And do renew the Act of the assembly August 30. 1639. for a day of weeklie catechizing, to be constantly observed in every Kirk, And that every Minister so Order their Catethetick Questions, as thereby the People,( who do not convene all at one time but by turns unto that exercise) may at every diet have the chief heads of saving knowledge in a short view presented unto them, And the Assembly considering that notwithstanding of their former Act, these diets of weekly catechizing are much slighted and neglected by many Ministers throughout this kingdom, do therefore Appoint and ordain every Presbytery, to take trial of all the ministers within their bounds once at least in the half year, whither they be careful to keep weekly diets of catechizing: And if they shall find any of their number negligent herein they shall admonish for the first fault, and if after such admonition they shall not amend, The presbytery for the second fault shall rebuk them sharply, and if after such rebuk they do not yet amend, they shall be suspended.   

4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem Sess. 40. Commission for public affairs.  
THe general assembly Considering how necessary it is for preservation of Religion in this Kingdom, and prosecution of the work of uniformity in all his Majesties dominions, That the Commissions formerly granted to that effect be renewed: Therefore they do nenew the power and Commission granted for the public affairs of the Kirk by the general Assemblies held at Saint Andros 1642. and at Edinburgh, 1643, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1647. and 1648, unto the Persons following viz. Masters Alex. Rollock John Murray, Thomas Lundie, John Freebairne, Geo: Murray Harie Livingston, William Macjore, hue Henderson Samuel Austine, Gavin Young, David laying, William Maxwell. John Macleland, james ●rving, Robert Ferguson, John Scot, Thomas Wylie, hue Eccles, John Bell, John Nevoy, William Gutherio, John Hammiltoun, hue pebbles Alex: Dunlope, Harie Semple, David Diekson, Patrick Gillespie, james Durham, Robert bailie William Hammiltoun, Francis Aird, james Nasmith, Richard Inglis, William Summervail, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfoord, james Wood, John Macgill Elder, Alex. Ba●foure, William Row, John Moncriefe, Fredrick Carmichaell Herie Wilke, William Oliphant, George Pitillo▪ John Robison, james Thomsone, William Rate, Da: campbel Andro Cant, jo: Menzes, Andro Abercromby, Robert Sheyn, William Forbes, John Paterson, Duncan Forbes, Will. Chalmers, John Annand, Will. Falconer, Murdoch Mackenzie, Robert Jameson, Gilbert Marshell, Jo. Dallase, Wil. smith, Robert Hume, Tho. Suintoun, james Stratoun, Jo: Douglass, james Guthrie, Tho Donaldson, Will: Iameson, John Livingstoun, John Scot, Andro Dunkeson, John Dal●ell, Arthur Forbes, James Fleming, james Robison, hue Campbel, Robert Douglasse, Mungo Law, George Leslie, John Adamson, James Hammiltoun, John smith, hue Mackell, Geo: Hutchison, Patrick Fleming, John Hay, Ephraim Melvill, John Row, Gilbert Hall, George Be●net, Kenneth Logie, John Crafurd Ministers. Archbald marquis of Argyle, E. of Sutherland, Alex. E. of Eglintoun, John E. of Cassills, will. E. of Lothian, the Viscount of Arbuthnet, Da: L. Elcho Lo. Briehen, Rob: Lo. Burly, James Lo, Couper, Sir Archald Johnstoun of Waristoun Clerk Register, Sir Daniel Carmichael Thesaurer deputy, Sir John Hope of Craighall, Mr. George Winraham of Libbertoun, Mr Alex. Person of Southhal, Alex. Brodie of that ilk, four of the ordinary Lords of the Session, Arthur Frsken of Scotscrage, Laird of Wauchtoun, Sir David Hume of Wedderburne, Laird of Edzell, Laird of Nidrie, Sir William Scot of Harden, Laird of Greenheid, Laird of Freeland, Laird of Cesnock, Sr. James Stewart of Kirk field, the Laird of Suintoun younger, Laird of Eight, Sir James Fraser, Sir Thomas Ker, Laird of Fernie, Sir Rob. Adair, Sheriff of Tiviotdail younger, Tutor of Pitsligo, Sir John chiefly, Laird of Englistoun, Laird of Leslie younger, Laird of Dunbeth, La. of Wetertoun, Sir Jo. smith: Mr Alex. colvil of Blair, Whitbank younger, La. of Grenock, Gallosbiels younger, Buchchantie, Grachlaw, Cloberhil, Dalserf, Mr Robert Burnet younger, Mr Tho. Murray, James Eleis, David Kennedie, Alex. Jaffray, James Sword, George Porterfeild, Mr. Rob. Barclay, hue Kennedey, Will. Glendoning, Thomas Machirnie, Rob. Lockart, Er James Campbel, John Carsane, John Boswel. D. Alex. Donglasse, Mr Alex. Skeen, William brown Elders Giving unto them full Power and Commission to do all and every thing for preservation of the Established Doctrine, Discipline, Worship and Government in this Kirk, against all who shall endeavour to introduce any thing contrary thereunto; And for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting and bringing the works of uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties dominions to a happy conclusion comform to the former Commissions granted by preceding Assemblies thereanent.  
And to that effect appoints them or any nineteen of them whereof 13. shall be Ministers, to meet in this city to morrow the 7. of this instant, and thereafter upon the second Wednesday of Novemb. February and May next, and upon any other day, and in any other place they shall think fit: Giving also unto them full power, to sand Commissioners to the Kingdom of England, for prosecuting the treaty of uniformity as they shall find conveniency, and to give Instructions and Commissions to that effect comform to former Commissiones granted thereanent: And Likewise in case delinquents have no constant residence in any one presbytery, or if Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in-these cases The Assembly gives to the persons before name power of censuring Compliers & persons disaffected to the Covenant, according to the Acts of the Assembly, Declaring always and providing, that Ministers shall not be Deposed, but in one of the quarterlie meetings of this Commission; And further authorizes them as formerly, with full power to make Supplications, Remonstrances; Declarations and Warnings, to Indict Fasts and Thanksgivings as there shal be cause, to protest against all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, and to Censure all such as Interrupt this Commission or any other Church judicatory, or the execution of their Censures, or of any other sentences or Acts Issuing from them; And with full power to them to treat and Determine in the Matters referred unto them by this assembly, as fully and freely as if the same were here fully expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of any former general Assemblies hath had or been in use of before: Declaring also that all opposers of the authority of this Commission in matters inrrusted to them, shall beholden as opposers of the Authoritit of the general assembly, and this Commission in their whole Proceedings are Comptable to, and Censurable by the next general assembly.  

directory for Election of Ministers.  
WHen any Place of the ministry in a Congregation is vacant, it is Incumbent to the presbytery with all diligence to sand one of their number to Preach to that Congregation who in his doctrine is to represent to them the necessity of providing the place with a qualified pastor, and to exhort them to fervent prayer and supplication to the Lord that he would sand them a Pastor according to his own heart: As also he is to signify that the presbytery out of their care of that Flock will sand unto them Preachers, whom they may hear, and if they have a desire to hear any other they will endeavour to procure them an hearing of that person or persons upon the suit of the Elders to the presbytery.  
2. Within some competent time thereafter, the presbytery is again to sand one or more of their number to the said vacant Congregation, on a certain day appoynted before for that effect, who are to convene and hear sermon the foresaid day, which being ended, and intimation being made by the Minister, that they are to go about the Election of a pastor for that Congregation, the Session of the Congregation shall m●et and proceed to the Election, the action being moderated by him that Preached, And if the people shall upon the intimation of the Person agreed upon by the Session acquiesce and consent to the said person, Then the matter being reported to the presbytery by Commissioners sent from the session, they are to proceed to the trial of the person thus Elected, And finding him qualified, to admit him to the Ministry in the said Congregation.  
3. But if it happen that the mayor part of Congregation dissent from the person agreed upon by the Session, In that case the matter shall he brought unto the presbytery, who shall Judge of the same; And if they do not find their Dissent to be grounded on causeless prejudices▪ they are to appoint a new Election in manner above specified.  
4. But if a lesser party of the Session or Congregation show their dissent from the Election without exceptions relevant and verified to the presbytery, Notwithstanding thereof the presbytery shall go on to the trials and ordination of the person elected; Yet all possible diligence and tenderness must be used to bring all parties to an harmonious agreement.  
5. It is to be understood that no person under the Censure of the Kirk because of any scandalous offence is to be admitted to have hand in the election of a Minister.  
6. Where the Congregation is disaffected and Malignant, in that case the presbytery is to provide them with a Minister.    

6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess. Ult. A Brotherly Exhortation from the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to their Brethren in England.  
THe many and great obligations which lye upon us in reference to our Brethren in England, who hold fast their integrity, and adhere to the Solemn League and Covenant, together with the desire which we have to testify our sympathy with them in their afflictions, and to preserve so far as in us lieth that fellowship and correspondence that hath been entertained betwixt the Church of Scotland and England these years past, do call upon us and constrain us not to be silent in this day of their trouble and distress.  
Albeit the Lord( who hath his fire in Zion, and his furnace in jerusalem) hath now for a long time past, afflicted these Kingdoms with many & sharp rods, and that his wrath seems not yet to be turned away, but his hand stretched out still; yet in all this, it becomes us who live in these lands to stop our mouths, neither can any impute iniquity to the most High.  
It is rather a wonder, that any mercy should be continued, and that England and Scotland are not cut off from being Nations, seeing the back-slidings and provocations of both has been so many and so gross, Although the Solemn League and Covenant was sworn and subscribed by both, yet have many in both despised the Oath of GOD, as appears by the late unlawful Engagement against the Kingdom of England, contrived and carried on by a prevailing party of Malignants in this Land, and by the proceedings of the Sectaries in England, in reference to Religion and Government.  
We shall not insist upon what hath been the condition and carriage of the Lords People in this Land in reference to the late unlawful Engagement: As we desire to magnify the power and loving kindness of the Lord, who enabled all the Judicatures of this Church, and a considerable part of the Parliament, and the body of the Land, to dissent from, and bear Testimony against the same, which made the House of Commons in their Letter directed to the last general Assembly or their Commissioners, to declare, that that Engagement could not be looked on as a national breach, So we look upon it as a wonder of his Wisdom and Mercy, that he hath disposed and directed the same for the furtherance of his Work in our hand, and purging his House amongst us. All this cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, who is wonderful in Counsel and Excellent in Working. Neither was it the least part of the lords goodness to us, in that day of our straight that we were lead in a plain path, and kept from compliance with Sectaries on ehe one hand, no less then with Malignants on the other. We have obtained this mercy to be steadfast to our old principles, in bearing free and faithful Testimony against their proceedings, both in reference to Toleration and Government, and the taking away of the Kings life.  
And as the danger and judgement which threatens the Authors and Abettors of these things, doth affect our Spirits with horror, and maketh us desire that it may be given to them of God to repent: So we should conceive ourselves voided of Christian affection and compassion toward those in England, who suffer for the truth and Cause of God, if we were not very sensible of all their present troubles and calamities. It is no small grief to us, that the Gospel and Government of Jesus Christ are so despised in that Land that faithful Preachers are persecuted and cried down, that Toleration is established by pretext of Law, and maintained Military power, and that the Covenant is abolished and butted in oblivion. All which proceedings, cannot but be looked upon as directly contrary to the Oath of God lying upon us, and therefore cannot eschew his Wrath when he shall come in Judgement, to be a swift witness against those that swear falsely by his Name.  
These things are the more grievous to us, because( beside many other woeful evils brought forth by them) they have interrupted the building of the Lords House in England; the foundation whereof was laid by Oath and Covenant with the most High God, and followed for some years with many Declarations and Protestations of faithful adhering thereto, and with great expense of blood and Treasure: Which things were to all the godly in these Nations a branch of hope, that the Lord would bring to perfection the Work of Uniformity( so far advanced in all the parts thereof) in these three Kingdoms.  
But the great obstructions and sad interruptions that have been made therein, by the strange and unexpected practices of many now in place and power in England, are to all the well affencted in both Kingdoms, and in all the Churches abroad, the matter of their sorrow and humiliation. And if there be any place left for admonition, we Warn such as have forgotten the Covenant, and despised the Oath of God, and turned aside to lies and error, to consider whence they are fallen, and to repent. Prosperity and success for a time are no warrantable evidences of a good Cause, nor sufficient guards against the wrath of God; It is no good use of the Lords mercy for such men under pretext of Liberty to make both themselves and others slaves to corruption, and to make all men both in Church and State like the fishes of the Sea, or the creeping things that have no ruler over them. Are these things according to the Word of God, and the pattern of the best Reformed Churches? Or is that the endeavour to bring the three Kingdoms to the nearest uniformity that may be in Doctrine, Worship, Government, and Discipline; Or is that the maintaining of the union betwixt the three kingdoms, when the straightest bond thereof is utterly dissolved and quiter taken away, and the fundamental Government by King and Parliament wholly overturned▪ The just God who is of pure eyes beholds these things, and shall with no less fury and indignation break the horn of these men, then he hath broken the power, and brought down the pride of Malignants before them, If repentance prevent not.  
amid these sors and griefs it is unto us matter of rejoicing, that there be many in England who mourn for all these abominations, and labour to keep their garments pure by refusing to comply with that course of backsliding, and by bearing testimony against the same. And we hope the expectation of such, shall not be disappointed, but that the Lord will open to them a door for carrying on of his work, and making the lying spirit to pass out of that land.  
And albeit many think no otherwise of the Covenant and work of Reformation, then as a mean to further their own ends; yet we are confident, that none who holds fast their integrity, have so learned Christ, but are careful to make conscience of the oath of God lying on them; And we are sure( whatever be the base thoughts and expressions of backsliders from the Covenant) it wants not many to own it in those kingdoms, who( being called thereto) would seal the same with their blood.  
Although there were none in the one kingdom who did adhere to the Covenant, yet thereby were not the other Kingdom nor any person in either of them absolved from the bond thereof, since in it we have not only sworn by the Lord, but also covenanted with him. It is not the failing of one or more that can absolve others from their duty or tie to him; Besides, the duties therein contained, being in themselves lawful, and the grounds of our tie thereunto moral, though others do forget their duty, yet doth not their defection free us from that obligation which lies upon us by the Covenant in our places and stations. And the Covenant being intended and entred into by these King●oms, as one of the best means of steadfastness, for guarding against declining times; It were strange to say that the back-sliding of any should absolve others from he tie thereof, especially seeing our engagement therein is not only national, but also personal, every one with uplifted hands swearing by himself, as it is evident by the tenor of the Covenant.  
From these and other important reasons, it may appear that all these kingdoms joining together to abolish that oath by law, yet could they not dispense therewith; Much less can any one of them, or any part in either of them do the same. The dispensing with oaths hath hitherto been abhorred as Antichristian, and never practised and avowed by any, but by that man of sin; therefore those who take the same upon them, as they join with him in his sin, so must they expect to partake of his plagues.  
As we shall ever( God willing) be mindful of our duty to the faithful that adhere to the Covenant in England, having them always in our hearts before the Lord, so we desire to be refreshed with their singlesse and boldness in the cause of God, according to their places. This is the time of their trial, and the hour of tentation among them; blessed shall they be who shall be found following the Lamb, and shall not be ashamed of his testimony. We know in such dark houres, many are drawn away with the multitude, whom the Lord will again purge and make white; And we doubt not but many such are in England, whom the bold clear preaching of Christ may reclaim; Much therefore lieth upon the Wath-men all this time, that their Trumpet may give a certain and distinct sound, warning and exhorting every one, as those that must give account; And blessed shall those servants be, who shall be found faithful in their Lords house, distributing to his household what is meet for this season, and can say they are free of the blood of all men, having shown them the whole counsel of God, being in nothing terrified of the threats of their adversaries; And blessed & happy shall that people be, that walk in the light holden forth by them, and stay upon the Lord in this dark time, hearkening to the voice of his servants, & walking in the light of his word & not in▪ the sparks of their own kindlings, which will end in sorrow How inexcusable will England be, having so foully revolted against so many faire testimionies, which the Lord Christ hath entred as Protestations to preserve his right, in these end● of the earth long since given unto him for his possession, and of late confirmed by solemn Covenant. Christs right to these kingdoms is surer then that he should be pleaded out of it by pretended liberty of Conscience, and his begun possession is more precious to him, then to be satisfied with a dishonourable toleration. All that yet we have seen, doth not weaken our confidence of the Lords glorifying the house of his glory in these lands, and of his sons taking unto him his great power, and reigning in the beauty and power of his Ordinances in this iceland. His name is wonderful, and so also are his works, we ought not therefore to square them according according to our line, but leave them to him, who hath the government laid upon his shoulder, all whose ways are judgement, & whose ruling these Kingdoms had never yet reason to decline. It is good for us to be steadfast in our duty, and therein quietly to wait and hope for the salvation of God. The word of promise is sure,( and hath an appointed time) that he that will come shall come and will not tarry. There is none hath cause to distrust the Lords word to his people; It hath often to our experience been tried in the fire, and hath ever come forth with a more glorious lustre. Let not therefore these that suffer in England cast away their confidence, they are not the first who have needed patience after that they had done the Lords will. But let them strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, and say to the fearful in heart, be strong, fear not, behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense, he will come and save you. Now the just shall live by faith, whereas these that draweth back, or become lukewarm in the Lords work, his soul shall abhor them, and he shall spew them out of his mouth, But we persuade ourselves of better things of these our brethren in England, and prayeth that the God of Peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, may make them perfect in every good work to do his will, working in them that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom, be Glory for ever AMEN.  

Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland Boyes at schools.  
THE general Assembly Considering that the contribution of forty shillings for entertaining of Highland boyes at Schools, in respect of the penury and great indigence of those parts hath not taken the intended effect, Therefore in respect of the necessity and profitableness of so pious a work The Assembly in lieu of the said forty shillings Do Appoint and Ordain that there be an extraordinary collection at the Kirk doors for that use one Sabbath in the year: And to that effect, that a certain Sabbath yearly be appointed and designed whereupon that collection shall be gathered, intimation being made by the Minister the Sabbath before to prepare for such a collection, and the necessity and usefulness thereof being laid out to the people for that end. And if the collection in any little private Congregation shall be less then forty shillings, The Session shall make up what wants of forty shillings; And where the collection is more, it is hereby specially inhibited and discharged that any part thereof be retained or interverted to any other use whatsomever; and these Collections shall be sent to the persons formerly appointed to receive the forty shillings, that they may see the right distribution and employment thereof; Recommending the Presbyteries to see this punctually performed. And account thereof shall be craved at Synods and general Assemblies. It is always to be remembered that the Congregations exemed from the forty shillings are also exemed from this Collection.   

Commission for a corference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians, Concerning the trial and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming and Consulting.  
THe general Assembly Taking to their serious consideration the growth of the sins of Witchcraft, Charming and Consulting, notwithstanding the frequent Recommendat●ons for restraining thereof, And remembering that the general Assembly 1647. did propose a good way for the trial and punishment of these sins; by appointing conferences with some Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians in that matter which hath never yet taken effect; Therefore the Assembly doth appoint Masters, Robert Dowglas, Robert Blair, Mungo Law, James hamilton, John Smith, Robert trail, George Leslie, John Hamilton, John Duncan, Samuel Rutherfoord, James Wood, John Leviston, james Guthrie, Andro Cant, David Calderwood, John Moncreiff, Frederick Carmichael, james Durhame, Patrick Gillespie, Robert Ker, Ephraim Melvil, Ministers, To consider seriously of that matter, and to consult and advice therein amongst themselves, As also with Sir Archibald johnston of Wariston, Clerk Register, Mr Thomas Nicolson his Majesties Advocate, Mr Alexander Peirson, one of the ordinary Lords of Session, Sir Lewes Stewart, Mr Alexander Colvil, and Mr james Robertson Iustice Deputes, Masters Rodger Mowet, John Gilmoir, and John Nisbet, Laweers; and with Doctors Sibbald, Gunninghame, and Purves, Physitians severally or together as occasion shall offer; And the Assembly earnestly requests & confidently expects from their learned and judicious Lawyres and Physitians beforenamed, their best endeavours and concurrence with their brethren of the ministry for advice and counsel herein, and for conference in the said matter; And ordain the said brethren to make report of the result of their consultations and conferences from time to time as they make any considerable progress to the Commission for public affairs, And the said Commission shall make report to the next general Assembly.   

Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters and Precenters.  
THE general Assembly do humbly Recommend to the Parliament or Committee for plantation of Churches, that whatever either in parochs of Burghs or Landwart, was formerly given to the maintenance of these who were readers precentors in Congregations, and teachers of schools before the establishing of the Directory for public Worship, may not be in whole or in part alienat or taken away, but be reversed for the maintenance of sufficient schoolmasters and precentors who are to be approven by the presbytery; And Presbyteries are hereby required to see that none of that maintenance given to the foresaid uses or in use to be payed thereunto before the establishing of the Directory of Worship, be drawn away from the Church.   

Act concerning Persons to be admitted Bursars.  
THE Assembly do hereby ordain That none be sent to Universities from Presbyteries, nor be admitted as Bursers of divinity, but pious youths, and such as are known to be of Good expectation and approven abilities.   

Reference to the Commission for public affairs, for re-examining the Paraphrase, of the Psalme● and the emittng the same for public use.  
THe General Assembly having taken some view of the new Paraphrase of the psalms in metre with the corrections and animadversions thereupon sent from several Persons and Presbyteries, and finding that they cannot overtake the review and examination of the whole in this Assembly; Therefore now after so much time and so great pains about the correcting, and examining thereof from time to time some yeares by-gone, that the work may come now to some conclusion, They do ordain the Brethren appointed for perusing the same during the meeting of this Assembly, viz. Masters James hamilton, John Smith, hue Mackail, Robert trail, George Hutcheson, and Robert Lawrie, after the dissolving of this Assembly to go on in that work carefully, And to report their travels to the Commission of the general Assembly for public affairs at ther meeting at Edinburgh in November; And the said Commission after perusal and re-examination thereof, is hereby authorised with full power to conclude and establish the Paraphrase, and to publish and emit the same for public use.   

Letter to the Kings majesty.  
Most gracious sovereign,  
WEE your Majesties most humble and loyal Subjects, the Commissioners from all the Presbyteries in this your Majesties ancient kingdom, and members of this present national Assembly, Having expected to find at our meeting, a gracious and Satisfactory return to those humble representations made to your majesty at the Hague, by the Commissioners of this Kirk, cannot but express our great sorrow and grief, that your Majesties goodness has been so far abused, As that not only the just and necessary desires presented by them to your majesty; which so much concern the glory of God, your own honours and happiness, the peace and safety of your kingdoms, are utterly frustrated, as wee perceive by the paper delivered in answer to them; but also this Assembly hath not received so much as any signification by letter of your Majesties mind: Which princely condescension had not wont to be wanting in your royal Father, to former general assemblies, even in times of greatest distance. Our witness is in heaven, and record on high, that wee are not conscious to ourselves of any undutiful thought or disloyal affection, that might have procured this at your Majesties hands; And that, as wee do from our hearts abominate and detest that horrid fact of the sectaries against the life of your royal Father our late sovereign, So it is the unfeigned and earnest desire of our souls, that the Ancient monarchical government of these Kingdoms, may be established and flourish in your Majesties person all the dayes of your life, and be continued in your royal Family which by divine providence hath without interruption reigned over us and our predecessors for so many Generations since the time that we were a Kingdom, And that there is nothing under the glory of God, and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, for which wee do more hearty solicise the throne of grace, Or would more readily expose unto hazard all that is dear to us in the world, then for this. And now though this very great discouragement might incline us to hold our peace at this time, Yet the tenderness and uprightness of our affection and Love to your Majesties happiness( which many waters cannot quench) together with the Conscience of our duty which our Lord and Master has laid upon us, in this our place and station, constraineth us, yea, and your Majesties own goodness and gracious disposition, whereof the late Commissioners have given us so Large a testimony, Doth much encourage us, to renew our addresses to your majesty in this humble faithful representation, both of the great and growing dangers to your royal person and Throne, and of these duties, which the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, call for from you, as you would look to find favour in his eyes, and to be delivered out of your deep distresses.  
Our hearts are filled with fears and troubles, in your Majesties behalf, when we look upon the sad calamities which have been already produced by such ways and courses, as we perceive your majesty is entred, and in danger to be further lead away into, by the prevalency of evil council upon your tender age: Particalarly, Your refusing to give satisfaction to the just and necessary desires of the people of God, for advancing the work of Reformation of Religion, and establishing and securing the same in your Majesties Dominions, which is nothing else, but to oppose the kingdom of the son of God, by whom Kings do reign, and to refuse that he should reign over you and your kingdoms in his pure Ordinances of Church government and Worship; Your cleaving unto these men as your trustiest Counsellors, who, as they never had the glory of God, nor good of his people before their eyes, so now in all their ways and Counsels, are seeking nothing but their own interests, to the hazard of the utter subversion of your Throne, the ruin of your royal Family, and the desolation of your kingdoms; Your owning the practices, and entertaining the Person of that flagitious man, and most justly excommunicate rebel, james Graham, who has exercised such horrid cruelty upon your best Subjects in this Kingdom, which cannot but bring upon your Throne, the guiltiness of all the innocent blood  shed by him and his Complices; and above all, that, which we cannot think upon without trembling of heart and horror of spirit, Your settling of late such a Peace with the Irish Papists the Murderers of so many thousands of your Protestant Subjects, whereby not only they are owned as your good loyal Subjects, but also there is granted unto them( contrary to the Standing laws of your royal Progenitors, contrary to the commandment of the most high God, and to the high contempt and dishonour of his majesty, and evident danger of the Protestant Religion) a full liberty of their abominable Idolatry; which cannot be otherwise judged, but a giving of your Royal power and strength unto the beast, and an accession to all that blood of your good Subjects, wherewith those sons of babel have made that Land to swim.  
We do in all humility beseech your majesty to consider & lay to heart what the mouth of the Lord of Hosts hath spoken of all the accounts of People, Nations, Kings, and Rulers against the Kingdom of his Son, that they imagine a vain thing and that he that sitteth in heaven will have them indirision and vex them in his sore dispeasure. Consider, how he hath blasted and turned upside down these yeares by past, all the devices and plots of those men that now bear the sway in your Majesties Counsels: Consider, how the anger of God has been kindled, even against his dearest Saints, when they have joined themselves to such men as he hateth and has cursed: Consider, how severely he hath threatened and punished such Kings as have associate with Idolaters, and learned unto their helps Surely, great is the wrath of God, whereof you are in danger; And yet the Lord in the riches of his goodness, forbearance and long suffering, is waiting to be gracious to your majesty; To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your heart, but humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, lamenting after him as, for the iniquities of your Fathers house, especially the opposition against the reformation of Religion and Cause of God, the permitting and practising Antichristian Idolatry in the royal Family itself, and the shedding of so much blood of the people of God, so also, for your own entering to walk in the like courses in the beginning of your reign. It is high time to fall down before the Throne of grace, seeking to get your peace made with God through Jesus Christ whose blood is able to wash away all your sins To walk no longer in the council of the ungodly, nor cleave to such as seek their own things and not the things of Jesus Christ, nor the welfare of your Subjects and Government, but to set your eyes upon the faithful in your dominions, that such may dwell with you, & be the men of your Councells, To serve the Lord in fear, and kiss the son of God, by a sincere and cordial contributing your royal allowance and authority, for establishing in all your dominions the reformation of Religion, in Doctrine, Worship, and Government as it is now agreed upon according to the clear & evident warrant of the word of God, by the Assembly Divines at Westminster, and the general Assemblies of this Church; And also, laying aside that service book, which is so stuffed with Romish corruptions, And comforming your own practise and the worship of God in your royal Family, to that gospel simplicity and purity which is holden forth from the word of God, in the Directory of worship, and not only to grant your royal approbation to the Covenant of these three kingdoms( without which, your people can never have from you sufficient security, either for Religion, or their just liberties) but also yourself to join with your people therein as the greatest security under Heaven for your person and just greatness, and to cause all of them stand to it by your royal Command, according to the practise of that gracious King Josiah, to whom, wee wish your majesty in these your younger yeares, and this beginning of your reign, to look as to an ensample and Kingly portract approven of God. These things if your majesty do; As wee are well assured, that the hearts of all your good Subjects in these kingdoms will be enlarged with all cheerfulness to embrace your person, and submit unto your royal Government, so wee dare promise in the Name of our Lord, that you shall find favour with God, peace and joy unspeakable and full of glory to your soul, and deliverance out of your sad afflictions and deep distresses in due time: But if your majesty shall go on in refusing to harken to wholesome councils; We must for the discharge of our Conscience tell your majesty in the humility and grief of our hearts; that the Lords anger is not turned away, but his hand stretched out still against you and your Family. But we hope and shall with all earnestness and constancy pray for better things from, and to your majesty: And whatsoever misconstruction( by the malice of those that desire not a right understanding and cordial conjunction between your majesty and this Kirk and kingdom) may be put upon our declaration; Yet wee have the Lord to be our witness, that our purpose and intention therein is no other, but to warn and keep the people of God committed to our care, that they run not to any course which would bring upon themselves the guilt of highest perjury and breach of Covenant with God, and could not but prove most dangerous to your majesty and your Government, and involve you in shedding the blood of those who are most desirous to preserve your Majesties Person, and just right in all your dominions. And now wee do with all earnestness beseech your majesty, that you will follow the courses of truth and peace; And that when there is a door opened for your majesty to enter to your royal Government over us, in peace, with the favour of God, and cordial Love and embracings of all your good Subjects, You will not suffer yourself to be so far abused and misled by the councils of men, who delight in war, as to take a way of violence and blood, which cannot but provoke the most high against your majesty, and alienat from you the hearts of your best Subjects, who desire nothing more, than that your majesty may have a long and happy reign over them, And that they may live under you, a peaceable and quiet life, in all godliness and honesty.  
Edinburgh 6 August, 1649. Your Majesties most Loyal Subjects and humble servants the Ministers and Elders convened in this national Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland.   

THe general Assembly not having now time to consider the Reference of preceding Assemblies, and the most part of Presbyteries not having sent their opinions in writ; therefore do yet again recommend to Presbyteries and provincial Assemblies to consider all matters referred by this or by any former Assemblies, And to sand their opinions therein in writ to the next general Assembly.  
THe meeting of the next general Assembly is hereby appointed to be at Edinburgh, the second wednesday of july, 1650.  
A. KER.     

INDEX.  

ACT for trying of the Registers, Pag. 1  
Act approving the Registers, p. 2  
Reasons proving the Register produced before the Assembly to be authentik, p. 4  
Act condemning the six late pretended Assemblies, p. 8  
Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at Linlithgow 1606. p. 9  
Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly at Linlithgow 1608. p. 10  
Reasons annulling the ptetended Assembly at Glasgow 1610. p. 11  
Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly at Aberdeen 1616. p. 12  
The nullite of the pretended Assembly at Saint Andrews. 1617. p. 13  
The nullite of the pretended Assembly at Perth 1618. p. 13  
Act against the unlawful oaths of Intrants. p. 15  
Act condemning the Service-book Book of Canons, Book of Ordination, and the High Commission. p. 16  
Sentence of Deposition, and Excommunication against Mr John Spot●wood; pretended Archbishop of Saint Andrews, Mr Pattick Lindsay, pretended Archbishop of Glasgow, Mr David Lindsay, pretended Bishop of Edinburgh, Mr Thomas Sidserf pretended Bishop of gallovvay, Mr John Maxwell pretended Bishop of Rosse, Mr Walter Whitefoord pretended Bishop of Brechen. p. 18  
Sentence of deposition and excommunication against Mr Adam Ballantyne pretended Bishop of Aberdeen, and Mr james Wedderburn pretended Bishop of Dumblane. p. 20  
Sentence of deposition against Master John Guthry pretended Bishop of Murray, Mr John Grahame pretended Bishop of Orknay, Mr james Fairly pretended Bishop of Lismoir, Mr Niel campbel pretended Bishop of Isles. p. 21  
Sentence of deposition against Mr Alex. Lindsay pretended Bishop of Dunkell. p. 22  
Sentence of deposition against Mr John Abernethie pretended Bishop of Cathnes. p. 24  
Act declaring episcopacy to have been abjured by the Confession of Faith 1580. and to be removed out of this Kirk. p. 25  
Act declaring the five articles of Perth to have been abjured and to be removed. p. 36  
Act anent Kirk Sessions, provincial, and national Assemblies. p. 41  
Act concerning corruptions in the Ministry. p. 44  
The order of the provincial Assemblies of Scotland, according to the Presbyteries therein contained. p. 53  
Act for excommunicating Ministers who being deposed by the Assembly obey not. p. 57  
Act against the civil places, and power of herdmen. p. 58  
Act against printing of the proceedings of the Kirk without warrant. p. 60  
Act for Presbyteries having the Acts of the Assembly. lib.  
Act for Ministers, and Masters of Universities their subscribing the Confession of Faith and Covenant. p. 62  
Act concerning the subscribing the Confeshon of Faith lately subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner and urged to be subscribed by others. p. 63  
Act concerning yearly general Assemblies. p. 64  
Act ordaining one humble Supplication to be sent to the Kings majesty. p. 65  
The Supplication of the general Assembly at Glasgow 1638. to the Kings majesty. p. 66  
Mr George Grahams his abjuring of episcopacy. p. 72  
Act containing the Causes and Remedies of the by-gone evils of this Kirk. p. 73  
Act approving one old Register of the gen. Assembly. p. 76  
Act approving the deposition of Ministers by the Committees. p. 78  
Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers. p. 78  
Act anent keeping of the Lords Day. p. 79  
Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly. p. 79  
The Supplication of the general Assembly to the Kings Commissioner concerning the Book, called The large Declaration. p. 81  
The Supplication of the general Assembly to the Kings Commissioner, and the Lords of Secret council, p. 82  
Act of the Lords of council, Aug. 30. 1639. in answer to the preceding Supplication. p. 84  
The Kings Commissioner's Declaration. p. 84  
Act ordaining the Subscription of the Confession of Faith & Covenant, with the Assemblies declaration. p. 86  
Act anent Appellations. p. 88  
Act anent advising with Synods, and Presbyteries before determination in Novations. p. 88  
Act anent Minister's catechizing, & Family exercises. p. 88  
The Assemblies Supplication to the Kings majesty. p. 89  
Overtures given in by the Committe for ordering the Assembly-house red and approved. p. 91  
Act anent demolishing of Idolatrous Monuments. p. 92  
Act against Witches and Charmers. p. 93  
Act for censuring Speakers against the Covenant. p. 93  
Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe the Covenant. p. 94  
His Majesties Letter to the Assembly, pretended by the earl of Weemes, 1641. jul. 20. p. 95  
Act approving the overtures of the Assembly at Aberdeen for settling the Assembly house. p. 97  
Act anent old Ministers brucking their benefice. p. 97  
Act against sudden receiving of deposed Ministers. p. 98  
Overtures concerning universities red, & approved. p. 98  
Act against Impiety and schism. p. 99  
Act against Novations. p. 101  
Overtures anent Bursa●s, and Expectants. p. 10●  
Act against unlawful Bands. p. 103  
A Letter from some Ministers in England to the Assembly. p. 103  
The Assemblies answer to the preceding Letter p. 105  
The Assemblies answer to the Kings Majesties Letter. p. 109  
Act anent the Kirk of Camphier. p. 110  
The Kings Letter presented to the Assembly by the earl of Dumfermllng. Jul. 27. 1642. p. 111  
Act for bringing in of the Synod-books yearly to the general Assembly. p. 113  
Act anent the choesing of Kirk Sessions. p. 114  
The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at Edinburgh anent trial of Ministers. p. 114  
Act anent the order for making Lists to his majesty, and other Patrons for presentations; the order of trial of Expectants, and for trying the quality of Kirks p. 115  
Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the High-lands. p. 118  
Overtures against Papists, Non-Communicants, and Profaners of the Sabbath. p. 119  
Act anent the joining of the Preibyterie of Sky to the Synod of Argyle. p. 121  
The Supplication of the Assembly to his majesty jul. 271 1642. ibid.  
The Declaration of the Parliament of England sent to the Assembly. p. 124  
The Assemblies answer to theforesaid declaration. p. 125  
Overtures for transplantation of Ministers, and provision of schools ordained to be sent to Synods and reported to the Assembly. p. 131  
Act anent contrary oaths. p. 136  
Overtures anent Family-Exercises, Catechism, keeping of Synods, and Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Withcrafts, and other gross sins. p. 136  
Act against Petitions, Declarations, and such like in name of Ministers, without their knowledge, and content. p. 137  
Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of council, and Conservators of peace. p. 138  
The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings majesty for the Signature of 500. L. Sterling, and recommendation thereof to the Kings Commissioner. p. 139  
The Assemblies Letter to the Commssioners of Scotland at London. p. 140  
A Letter from some Ministers of England. p. 141  
Answer to the Ministers Letter. p. 143  
Act for the Lord Maitlands presenting the Assemblies Supplication to his majesty, and for going to the Commissioners at London, with the answer to the Parliament of England's Declaration. p. 144  
Commission for public affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting the desires of the Assembly to his majesty, and the Parliament of England. p. 145  
Petition from some distressed Professors in Ireland. p. 148  
Commission to some Ministers to go to Ireland- p. 151  
Act against slandering of Ministers. p. 153  
Act anent ordering of the Assembly house. ibid.  
Act for remembering in public Prayers the desires of the Assembly to the King and Parliament, and indiction of a Publike-fast. p. 154  
Reference from the presbytery of Kirkcaldie. p. 155  
Reference from the Synod of Fyfe. ibid.  
Overtures to be advised by the Presbyteries against the next Assembly. p. 156  
The Kings Lettet to the general Assembly presented by sir Thomas Hope. p. 157  
Overtures anent Bills, References and Appeals. o. 158  
Act for election of Professors to be Commissioners to Assemblies by Presbyteries. p. 159  
The Petition of the Professors in Ireland for Ministers. ibid.  
Act for subscribing the Covenant. p. 162  
Act for searching Books tending to separation. p. 163  
Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last Assembly. ibid.  
Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to a Committie to be presented by them to the Assembly. p. 164  
Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, to the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland. p. 166  
Letter from some Brethren of the ministry in the Kirk of England to the Assembly. p. 168  
Act against Burials & Hanging of Honors &c. in Kirks. 170  
Act anent reposition of Ministers deposed by superior Indicatories. p. 171  
Act against masters who have servants that profane the Lords-day. p. 172  
Act for preparing the Directory for the Worshp of God. ib.  
Propositions from the English Commissioners presented to the Assdmbly. p. 174  
Recommendation to the Presbyteries, and Universities anent students that have the Irish Language. p. 179  
Letter from the Assembly of divines in England. ib.  
The Result of the debates, and consultations of the Committees of the Convention of Estates, & general Assembly appointed to meet with the Commsssioners of the Parliament of England. p. 185  
Approbation of the League, and Covenant▪ p. 186  
The Assemblies humble desire to his majesty anent the Lists for Presentations with a Recommendation to Presbyteries. p. 187  
Overtures anent Witchcraft, and charming &c. p. 188  
Commission for Ministers to go to Ireland. p. 190  
Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate persons. p. 192  
Act anent one order for using civil execution against excommunicate persons. ibid.  
The Assemblies answer to the King. p. 193  
The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of the Parliament of England. p. 195  
The Assemblies answer to the Assembly in England. p. 198  
The Assemblies answer to some Ministers in the Church of England. p. 202  
Commission of the general Assembly for those that repair to the kingdom of England. p. 206  
Reference to the Commission anent the persons designed to repair to the kingdom of England. p. 207  
Commission for the public aff●airs of this Kink. ibid.  
Letter from the presbytery with the Army in England to the general Assembly. 1644. May: p. 212  
Petition of the distressed Christians in the North of Ireland. p. 214  
Act for the present entry of the new erected presbytery at Bigg●r. p. 217  
Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scotish Lords at Oxford. p. 218  
Act against the Rebels in the North and South. p. 220  
Act against secret disaffecters of the Covenant. ibid.  
Act for sending Ministers to the army. p. 221  
Renovation of the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk. p. 222  
Renovation of the Commission granted to the persons appointed to repair to the Kingdoms of England. p. 224  
The Assemblies answer to the presbytery with the army. ib.  
Letter from the Commissioners at London to the general Assembly. p 226  
Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of England to the Assembly. p. 230  
The Assemblies answer to the Assembly in England. p. 233  
The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners in London. p. 237  
The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in Netherlands. p. 239  
Ordinance concerning Bursars. p. 244  
Ordinance for up-lifting and employing penalties contained in Acts of Parliament upon pious uses. ibid.  
one overture concerning Promises of Marriage made by min●ors to these with whom they have committed fornication ib.  
Act concerning dissenting voices in Prsebyteries, and Synods. p. 246  
A concerning the Election of a moderator in provincial Assemblies. ibid.  
Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations in the Town where the Assembly holds. p. 247  
Letter from the Commissioners at London to the Assembly Ian. 23. 1645, 248  
Letter from the synod of Divines in England to the Assembly p. 251  
Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceding Assemblies. p. 256  
Act of the Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland for establishing and putting in execution of the Directory for the public Worship of God. ibid.  
Overtures for advancement of learning, and good order in grammar Schools and colleges. p. 259  
The Assemblies Petition to the Parliament. p. 262  
Overtures propounded by the Committee appointed by the Assembly for ordering of the Bursars of theology, and maintaining of them at Schools of Divinity. p. 265  
The opinion of the Committee for keeping the greater uniformity in this Kirk in the practise, and observation of the directory in some points of public Worship. p. 266  
Act of the Assembly approving the propositions concerning Kirk-government, and ordination of Ministers. p. 269  
A solemn, and Seasonable warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of Scotland, as also to our Ermies without, and within this kingdom. p. 271  
Act against Lykwakes. p. 284  
Act recommending to sessions to have the printed Acts of the Assembly. ibid.  
Act for censuring the observers of Yuleday, and other superstitious dayes, especially if they be scholars. p. 215  
Act for encouragement of scholars to professions in schools. p. 285  
Act for restrainning a buses at Pennie-brydals. ibid.  
Act discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former places. p. 287  
Renovation of the Commission for the public astairs of the Kirk. p. 287  
Renovation of the Commission to the persons appointed to repair to the kingdom of England for prosecuting the treaty of uniformity in Religion. p. 290  
The Assemblies answer to the Assembly of divines in England. ibid.  
The Assemblies Remonstrance to the King the 13. of Feb, 1645. p, 293  
The Assemblies answer to their Commissioness at London. p. 297  
The Kings Letter to the Assembly presented by Mr Robert Douglas jun. 4. 1646. p, 300  
Act concerning the Registers, and Acts of provincial Assemblies. p. 301  
Act concerning the public satisfaction of married person● for fornication committed be for marriage. p, 302  
Ordinance for Excommunication of the earl of Seafort. ibid.  
Enormities, and corruptions observed to be in the ministry with the Remedies thereof. p. 304  
Approbation of the proceedings of the preceding Assembly. p. 310  
Act for joining of the Presbyteries in Orknay and Zetland to the provincial of Cathnes. ibid.  
Act concerning Expectants preaching in public. p. 311  
Act for censuring the carriers with the public Enemies of this Kirk and kingdom. ibid.  
Act concerning James Graham's Proclamation. p. 313  
Act against losing of ships and barks upon the Lords day. ibid.  
Act anent children sent without the kingdom p. 314  
Overtures presented to the Assembly ibid.  
Renovation of the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk. p. 316  
Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for uniformity in England. p. 318  
The Assembly answer to the King. p. 319  
The Assemblies Letter to the Parliament of England. p. 320  
The Assemblies Letter to the Lord mayor, and Aldermen, and Common council of London. p. 322  
The Assemblies Letter to the Assembly at Westminster. p. 324  
Recommendation to Presbyteries, and provincial Assemblies. p. 326  
Act for a public fast before the next Assembly. p. 327  
Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the Presbytery of Zetland onely, with their ruling Elders to keep the provincial Assembly. p. 328  
A Declaration and brotherly Exhortation of the Assembly to their Brethren of England. p. 329  
Act for observing the Directions of the general Assembly for secret, and private Worship, and mutual edification, and censuring such as neglect Familie-Worship. p. 342  
The Directions of the general Assembly for secret, and private Worship, and mutual edification, for chererisfing piety, for maintaining unity and avoiding schism, and division. p. 343  
Act against such as withdraw thnmselves from the public Worship in their own Congregation. p. 349  
Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the predeeding Assembly. p. 351  
Approbation of the Confession of Faith. ibid.  
Act for revising the Paraphrase of the psalms brought from England, with a recommendation for translating the other scriptural songs in metre. p. 353  
Act recommending the execution of the act of Parliament at perth, for uplifting pecunial pains to be employed upon pious uses, and of all Acts of Parliament made against exommunicat persons. p. 354  
Act discharging the importing, venting or spreading of erroneous books, or papers. p. 355  
Act for debarring of complyars in the first class from ecclesiastic ossice. p. 356  
Act for pressing, and furthering the plantation of Kirks. ibid.  
Act for censuring absents from the general Assembly. p. 357  
Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for trial, and admission of Expectants to the Ministry. p. 358  
Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the treaty for uniformity in England. ibid.  
Renovation of the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk. p. 359.  
Desires, and overtures from the Commissioners of universities, and the Assemblies answer thereto, p. 361  
The Assemblies Letter to their countrymen in Poleland, Swedland, Denmark, and hungary. p. 362  
Act concerning the Hundred and eleven propositons. p. 365  
Desires, and overtures presented from Presbyteries, and Synods, with the Assemblies answer thereunto, p. 367  
Letter from the Synod of divines in England to the Assembly an 1648. p. 369  
Act concerning Commissions from Burghs. p. 371  
Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Assembly. ibid.  
Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the preceding Assembly. ibid.  
Approbstion of the larger catechism. p. 372  
Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular Congregations. p. 373  
The Assemblies answer to the paper sent from the Committie of Estates july 24. ibid.  
Act and declaration against the Act of Parliament, and Committee of Estates ordained to be subscribed the 10, and 12 of June, and all new Oaths, or Bonds in the Commune Cause imposed without consent of the Church. p. 376  
Approbation of the shorter Catechisms. p. 379  
Act discharging a little catechism printed at Edinburg. p, 380  
Declaration of the general Assembly concerning the present dangers of Religion, and especially the unlawful engagement in War against the kingdom of England, together with many necessary exhortations, and directions to all the members of the Kirk of Scotland. ibid.  
The General Assemblies answer to the paper presented from the Honourable Committee of Estates of the date July 28. 1648. p 401  
Declaration and Exhortation of the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland to their Brethren of England. p. 405  
Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly of Divines in England. p. 411  
The humble Supplication of the general Assembly to the Right Honourable the Committee of Estates. p. 414  
Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, and not speaking against the corruptions of the time. p. 415  
Overtures concerning the education of highland and Boyes in the province of Argyle. p. 418  
Explanation of the fifth Article of the overtures concerning appeals past in the Assembly 1643. p. 419  
Act discharging deposed, or suspended Ministers from any exercise of the Ministry, or meddling with the stipend. ib.  
Declaration of the falsehood and forgery, of a lying scandalous Pamphlet put forth under the name of their Reverend brother Mr. Alexander Henderson, after his death. p. 420  
Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and for the taking of it also by all students at their first entry to the college. p. 422  
Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of Bursars. ibid.  
Act for disjoining of the Presbyteries of Zetland from the Provincial Synod of Orknay, and Cathnes. p. 423  
Overtures for the Remedies of the grievous, and commune sins of the Land in this present time. p. 424  
Act for examining the paraphrase of the Psalms, and other scriptural songs. p. 428  
Overtures concerning Papists their Children, and excommunicat persons. p. 429  
Act for prosecuting the treat for Uniformity in Religion in the kingdom of England. p. 432  
Act renewing the Commission for the public affairs of the Kirk. ibid.  
Exemption of Murray, Rosse, Cathnes, from the contribution granted to the boyes of Argyle with a Recommendation to Prebyteries to make up what is taken of them of that exemption. p. 435  
Act concerning Collection for the poor. 436  
Recommendation for securing provisions to Ministers in Burghs. ibid.  
Supplication of the Gen. Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, met at Edinburgh Aug. 12. unto the Kings majesty. p. 437  
Act discharging duels. p, 440  
Act concerning deposed Ministers. p. 441  
Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the general Assembly. p. 443  
Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his Maj. p. 444  
Act discharging promiscuous dancing. ibid.  
Act concerning the receiving of the engagers in the late unlawful war against England, to public satisfaction, together with the Declaration, and acknowledgement to be subscribed by them. ibid.  
The Declaration and acknowledgement of the Engadgers. p. 448  
address to the Parliament. p. 449  
A Seasonable and necessary warning and Declaration concerning present, and imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating thereto, from the general Assembly of this Kirk to all the members thereof. p. 450  
Act eoncerning catechizing. p. 466  
Commission for public affairs. p. 467  
directory for election of Ministers. p. 469  
Brotherly Exhortation from the general Assembly to their Brethren in England. p. 471  
Commission for a conferen●e of Ministers Lawayes, and Physitants concerning the trial & punishment of Witchchraft, charming, and consulting. p. 478  
Recommendation for maintenance for School-masters, and precenters. p. 479  
Act concerning persons to be admitted Bursars. ibid.  
reference to the Commission for public affairs for reexamining the Paraphrase of the Psalms, and emitting the same for public use. ibid.  
Letter to the King. p. 480   
FINIS