AN ORDINANCE OF THE LORDS and COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT. FOR The Calling of an ASSEMBLY OF Learned and Godly DIVINES, to be consulted with by the PARLIAMEMT For the settling Of the Government and Liturgy of the CHURCH of ENGLAND. And for Vindicating and Clearing the Doctrine of the said Church from false Aspersions and Interpretations, as shall be most agreeable to the WORD of GOD. With the Names of all the Ministers appointed for the same. Die Lunae, 12. jun. 1643. ORdered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That this Ordinance be forthwith Printed and Published. Joh. Brown clear. Parliamentorum. London, Printed for J. Rothwel at the Fountain in Cheapside, 1658. An ORDINANCE of the Lords and Commons in Parliament, for the Calling of an Assembly of Learned and Godly Divines and others, to be consulted with by the Parliament, for the settling the Government and Liturgy of the Church of England, and for vindicating and clearing of the Doctrine of the said Church from false Aspersions and Interpretations, WHereas amongst the infinite blessings of Almighty God upon this Nation, none is, or can be more dear unto us, then the purity of our Religion, and that for as yet many things remain in the Liturgy, Discipline, and Government of the Church, which do necessary require a further and more perfect Reformation, then as yet hath been attained: And whereas it hath been declared and resolved by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That the present Church-Government by Archbishops, their Chancellors, Commissaries, Deans; Deans and Chapters, Archdeacons, and other Ecclesiastical Officers depending upon the Hierarchy, is evil and justly offensive and burdensome to the Kingdom, a great impediment to reformation and growth of Religion, and very prejudicial to the State and Government of this Kingdom, and that therefore they are resolved that the same shall be taken away, and that such a Government shall be settled in the Church, as may be most agreeable to Gods holy Word, and most apt to procure and preserve the Peace of the Church at home, and nearer agreement with the Church of Scotland, and other reformed Churches abroad, and for the better effecting hereof, and for the vindicating, and clearing of the Doctrine of the Church of England, from all false calumnies and aspersions, It is thought fit and necessary to call an Assembly of learned, godly, and judicious Divines, who together with some members of both the Houses of Parliament are to consult and advice of such matters and things, touching the premises, as shall be proposed unto them by both or either of the Houses of Parliament, and to give their advice and counsel therein, to both or either of the said Houses, when and as often as they shall be thereunto required. Be it therefore ordained by the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, That all and every the persons hereafter in this present Ordinance name, that is to say. Algernon, Earl of Northumberland. William, Earl of Bedford. Philip, Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery. William, Earl of Salisbury. Henry, Earl of Holland. Edward, Earl of Manchester William, Lord Viscount Say and Seal. Edward, Lord Viscount Conway. Philip Lord Wharton Edward Lord Howard John Selden Esquire. Francis Rous Esquire. edmond Prideaux Esquire. S. Hen. Vane Knight signior John Glyn Esquire, Recorder of London. John White Esquire. Bulstrode Whitlocke Esquire Humphrey Salloway Esq; Mr. sergeant Wild. Oliver Saint John Esq; His Majesties solicitor. Sir Benj. Rudyard Knight John Pym Esquire. Sir John Clotworthy Knight John Maynard Esquire. S. Hen. Vane Knight junior William Pierpoint Esquire. William Wheeler Esquire Sir Tho. Barrington Knight Walter young Esquire. Sir John Evelin Knight. Oliver bowls of Sutton, bachelor in Divinity Herbert Palmer of Ashwel, bachelor in divinity Henry Wilkinson of Waddesdon, bachelor in Divinity. Thomas Valentine of Chalfont Giles, bachelor in Divinity Dr. William Twisse of Newbury. William Reynor of Egham Mr. Hannibal Gammon of Maugan Mr. Jasper Hicks of Lawrick Dr. Joshua Hoyle late of Dublin in Ireland William Bridges of Yarmouth Thomas Whincop of Ellesworth, Doctor in Divinity Thomas Goodwin of London, Batchellour in Divinity John lay of Budworth in Cheshire Thomas Case of London John pine of Bereferrers Mr. Whidden of Mooreton Dr. Richard Love of Ekington Dr. William Gouge of Blackfriers London Dr. Ralph Brownerigg by of Exeter Dr. Samuel Ward Master of Sidney college John White of Dorchester Edward peal of Compton Stephen Marshal of Finchingfield, bachelor in Divinity Obadiah Sedgewicke of Cogshall, bachelor in Divinity Mr. Carter Peter Clerk of Carnaby William Mew of Eslington, bachelor in Divinity Richard capel of Pitchcombe Theophilus Bathurst of Overton Watervile Phil. nigh of Kimbolton Dr. Brocket Smith of Barkway Dr. Cornelius burgess of Warford John green of Pencombe Stanley Gower of Brampton Bryan Francis tailor of Yalding Thomas Wilson of Otham Antho. Tuckney of Boston, bachelor in Divinity Thomas Coleman of Bliton Charles Herle of Winwicke Richard Herricke of Manchester Richard Cleyton of Showell George Gibbs of Ayleston Dr. Calibute Downing of Hackney Jeremy Boroughs of Stepney Daniel Cawdrey George Walker bachelor in Divinity edmond Calamy bachelor in Divinity Joseph Caryll of Lincolns inn Lazarus Seaman of London Dr. John Harris Warden of Winchester college George Morley of Mildenhall Edward Reynolds of Bramston Thomas Hill of Titchmarch bachelor in Divinity Dr. Robert Saunderson of Boothby panel John Foxcroft of Gotham John Jackson of Marske William Carter of London Thomas Thorowgood of Massingham John Arrowsmith of Lynne Robert Harris of Hanwell, bachelor in Divinity Robert cross of Lincoln college, bachelor in Divinity James Arch-Bishop of Armagh Dr. mathias Styles of Saint George Escheape London Samuel Gibson of Burley Jeremiah Whitaker of Stretton Dr. edmond Staunton of Kingston Dr. Daniel Featley of Lambeth Francis cook of Yoxhall John Lightfoote of Ashley Edward Corbet of Merton college Oxon Samuel Hildersham of Felton John Langley of Westuderley Christopher Tisdale of Uphusborne Thomas Young of Stowmarket John Philips of Wrentham Humphrey Chambers of Claverton, bachelor in Divinity John Conant of Lymington bachelor in Divinity Henry Hall of Norwich, bachelor in Divinity Henry Hutton Henry Scudder of Colingborn Thomas Baylie of Manningford Bruce Benjamin Pickering of East-hoately Henry nigh of Chapham arthur Sallaway of Seavernestoake Sidrach Sympson of London. Anthony burgess of Sutton could field Richard Vines of Calcot William Greenhill of Stepney William Moreton of Newcastle Richard Buckley Dr. Thomas Temple of Battersey Simeon ash of Saint Brides Mr. Nicholson Thomas Gattaker of Rotherhithe, bachelor in Divinity James Weldy of Sylatten Dr. Christopher Pashley of Hawarden Henry Tozer bachelor in Divinity William Spurstow of Hampden in come Bucks. Francis Cheynell of Oxon Edward Ellis of Gilsfield, bachelor in Divinity Dr. John Hacket of St. Andrews holborn Samuel de la Place John de la March Matthew Newcomen of Dedham William Lyford of Sherborne in come Dorset Mr. Carter of Dynton in come. Bucks William Lance of Ha●●ow in Middlesex Thomas Hodges of Ke●●ington in come. Middlesex Andreas Perne of Wilby in come. Northampton Dr. Thomas Westfield of Saint Bartholomew le great London, Bishop of bristol Dr. Henry Hammon of Penshurst in Kent Nicholas profit of Marlborough in come. Wilts Peter Sterry of London. John earl of Bishopston in come. Wilts Mr. Gibbon of Waltham Henry Painter of Exeter, bachelor in Divinity Mr. Micklethwaite of Cherryburton Dr. John Whincop of St. Martins in the fields Mr. Price of Pauls Church in Covent Garden Henry Wilkinson junior, bachelor in Divinity Dr. Richard Oldsworth Master of Emanuel college in Cambridge M. William Duning of Coloaston. And such other person and persons as shall be nominated & appointed by both Houses of Parliament, or so many of them as shall not be letted by sickness or other necessary impediment, shall meet and assemble, and are hereby required and enjoined upon summons signed by the Clerks of both Houses of Parliament, left at their several respective dwellings, to meet and assemble themselves at Westminster in the chapel called King Henry the sevenths chapel on the first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred forty three: And after the first meeting, being at least of the number of forty, shall from time to time sit and be removed from place to place, and also that the said Assembly shall be dissolved in such manner as by both Houses of Parliament shall be directed: And the said persons, or so many of them as shall be so Assembled, or sit, shall have power and Authority, and are hereby likewise enjoined, from time to time during this present Parliament, or until further Order be taken by both the said Houses, to confer and treat among themselves of such matters and things, touching and concerning the Liturgy, discipline and Government of the Church of England, or the vindicating and clearing of the doctrine of the same from all false aspersions and misconstructions, as shall be proposed unto them by both or either of the said Houses of Parliament, and no other, and deliver their Opinions and advices of, or touching the matters aforesaid, as shall be most agreeable to the Word of God, to both or either of the Houses, from time to time, in such manner and sort, as by both or either of the said Houses of Parliament shall be required, and the same not to divulge by printing, writing, or otherwise, without the consent of both or either House or Parliament. And it be further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, that Willian Twiss Doctor in Divinity shall sit in the Chair as Prolocutor of the said Assembly, and if he happen to die, or be letted by sickness or other necessary impediment, then such other person to be appointed in his place as shall be agreed on by both the said Houses of Parliament: And in case any difference in Opinion shall happen amongst the said persons so assembled, touching any the matters that shall be proposed to them as aforesaid, that then they shall represent the same together with the reasons thereof to both or either the said Houses respectively, to the end such further direction may be given therein as shall be requisite to that behalf. And be it be further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid,; That for the Charges and expenses of the said Divines, and every of them in attending the said service, there shall be allowed every of them that shall so attend, during the time of their said attendance, and for ten dayes before and ten dayes after the sum of four Shillings for every day, at the charges of the Common-wealth, at such time and in such manner as by both Houses of Parliament shall be appointed. And be it further Ordained, That all and every the said Divines, so as aforesaid required and enjoined to meet and assemble, shall be freed and acquitted of and from every offence, forfeiture, penalty, loss or damage which shall or may arise or grow by reason of any non-residence or absence of them or any of them, from his or their, or any of their Church, Churches or Cures, for, or in respect of their said attendance upon the said Service, any Law or Statute of Non-residence, or other Law of Statute enjoining their attendance upon their respective Ministries or Charges to the contrary thereof notwithstanding; And if any of the persons before name shall happen to die before the said Assembly shall be dissolved by Order of both Houses of Parliament, then such other person or persons shall be nominated and placed in the room and stead of such person and persons so dying, as by both the said Houses shall be thought fit and agreed upon: And every such person or persons so to be name shall have the like Power and Authority, freedom, and acquittal to all intents and purposes and also all such wages and allowances for the said service, during the time of his or their attendance, as to any other of the said persons in this Ordinance is by this Ordinance limited and appointed. Provided always that this Ordinance or any thing therein contained, shall not give unto the persons aforesaid, or any of them, nor shall they in this assembly assume to exercise any jurisdiction, Power, or Authority Ecclesiastical whatsoever, or any other Power, then is herein particularly expressed. Many of the PERSONS who were called to attend the ASSEMBLY appeared not; Whereupon the whole Work lay on the hands of the Persons hereafter mentioned. The PROMISE and VOW taken by every Member admitted to sit in the ASSEMBLY. I A. B. Do seriously Promise and Vow in the presence of Almighty God, That in this Assembly, whereof I am a Member, I will maintain nothing in point of Doctrine, but what I believe to be most agreeable to the Word of God; nor in point of Discipline, but what may make most for Gods glory, and the peace and good of his Church. William Twisse Prolocutor. Cornelius burgess. Assessors. John White. Assessors. William Gouge. Robert Harris. Thomas Gataker. Oliver bowls. Edward Reynolds. Jeremiah Whitaker. Anthony Tuckney. John Arrowsmith. Simeon ash. Philip nigh. Jeremiah Burroughes. John Lightfoot. Stanley Gower. Richard Heyricke. Thomas Case. Thomas Temple. George Gipps. Thomas Carter. Humphrey Chambers. Thomas Micklethwaite. John Guibon. Christopher Tesdale. John Phillip. George Walker. edmond Calamy. Joseph Caryl. Lazarus Seaman. Henry Wilkinson signior Richard Vines. Nicholas Proffe●. Stephen Marshal Joshua Hoyle. Thomas Wilson Thomas Hodges Thomas Bayly Francis tailor. Thomas young Thomas Valentine William Greenhil Edward peel John Green Andrew Pern Samuel de la Place John de la March John Dury Philip Dolmé. Sidrach Simpson John Langley. Richard Cleyton Arthur Salwey John lay Charles Herle, Prolocutor after Dr. Twisse. Herbert Palmer, Assessor after John White. Daniel Cawdrey Henry Painter Henry Scudder Thomas Hill William Reynor Thomas Goodwin William Spurstow Matthew Newcomen John Conaut edmond Staunton Anthony burgess William Rathband Francis Cheynel Henry Wilkinson jun. Obadiah Sedgwick Edward Corbet Samuel Gibson Thomas Coleman Theodore Backhurst William Carter Peter Smith John Maynard William Price John Whincop William Bridge Peter Sterry William Mew Benjamin Pickering John Strickland Humphrey Hardwick Gasper Hickes John Bond Henry Hall Thomas Ford Thomas Thorowgood Peter clerk William Good John Foxcroft John Ward Richard Bifeild Francis Woodcock I. Jackson. Commissioners of Scotla●● John Maitland. Alexander Henderson. George Gillespie. Samuel Rutherford Robert Baylie. Henry Robrough Adoniram Byfield John walls. Scribae. Books Printed for John Rothwel at the Fountain in Cheapside. Mr. CHristopher Love's Works in Two Vollumes. 1. volume. Mr. Love, Of the Different degrees of Grace, in 4o. — combat between the Flesh and Spirit, in 4o. — Of Heavens Glory, and Hells Terror, in 4o. 2. volume. Mr. Love's Zealous Christian. — The Dejected Souls Cure, To which is annexed The ministry of Angels. Gods Omnisciency. Sinners Legacy. Penitent pardonned: Of the Confession of Sin, and the privilege of pardon of Sin, in 4o. An Exercitation on Confirmation the ancient way of completing Church-Members as an expedient to promote peace and unity among Brethren. The Good Old Way, or Perkins catechism, in 8o. By Charles Broxolme.