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THE 
 
 PRINCIPAL! 
 
 ACTS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GENER.ALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY; 
 
 CONVEENED At 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 Upon the firft JVednefday of fuly the 12. of 
 that monethinthc year, 164.8.- 
 
 on* 
 
 Printed by Evan Tyler.; Printer to the 
 Kings moft Excellent Majeftic. 
 
 Anm T)om. 1 6 4. %. 
 
m 
 
 
 ' : . 
 
 
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 fuly 12. 1 6 4. 8. 
 
 Iuly iz. 1 6 48. Toftmeridietn, ScflX 
 
 ^e Letter from the Synod of "Divines /« Eng- 
 land £0 */>£ (jenerall ^Ajfembly. 
 
 tight Honourable, right Reverend^ and dearly beloved 
 Brethren in JESUS CHRIST, 
 
 •^S we have great caufe to bleiTc God for 
 the brotherly Union of thefe two 
 Nations in the common Caufe of Re- 
 ligion and Liberty, and for that good 
 band of blcfling which hath accom- 
 panied the joynt endeavours of both, 
 in the prolecution thereof : So we 
 cannot but be fadly and deeply fen- 
 fibleof thofemany obftru&ions and 
 difficulties, wherewith God in his 
 wifdom hath feen good to exercile his Servants in both King- 
 doms in the carrying on of that work, wherein they ftand fo much 
 ingaged. Herein he hath clearly manifeftcdhisown power, wif- 
 dom, and goodnefle for our incouragement totrufl him in the 
 managing of his own Work, and our utter inability to effect it of 
 ourfelves-, thereby to train us up to a more humble and faithfuli 
 dependency upon him to do all,when we by our own wifdom and 
 firength can do nothing. Our perplexities we muftconfelTt, are 
 
 A 2 and 
 
z The (jenerall zAjfcmbly, 164.8. 
 
 and have been many,& yec in the midft of them all we cannot but 
 thankfully acknowledge it as a token for good,& that w"* hath bin 
 and ftill is a great comfort and refrefhingto our hearts, that God 
 hath given you wifdom timely to forefee approaching dangers,but 
 efpecially to behold, as the ftedfaftneflTe of your Faith, in that 
 both formerly you have been andatprefent areabletotruft God 
 in ftraits and to appear for him in greateft dangers , fo your emi- 
 nent faithfulnefle and integrity in your firm adhering to your firft 
 principles, and chiefly in your conftancy and zeal for the preferva- 
 tion and profecution of the Solemn League and Covenant, fo Ke- 
 ligioufly ingaged in by both Kingdoms: In your vigorous purfu- 
 ance whereof, with much thankf ulnefle to God, We are very fen- 
 fible more particularly of your fleering fo fteady , and even a 
 courfe between the dangerous rocks of Prophaneffe and Malig- 
 nancie on the one hand , and of Errour , Schifme , Herefie and 
 Blafpbemy on the other hand •, as alfo of your conftant defires 
 and endeavonrs to preferve the Peace and Union between the two 
 Nations fo nearly and fo many wayes United. In all which we 
 humbly acknowledge the mercy and faithf ulnefTe of God in guid- 
 ing you fo gracioufly hitherto • and through his afliftance we fhail 
 ftill be ready to afford you the beft help and incouragement of our 
 prayers and praifes to God on your behalf-, having this confidence 
 that he who hath already vouchfafed you and us fo many bleffed 
 pledges of his favour, will in his own time and way accomplifh 
 his own Work, which fo much conceineth his own Glory and 
 his Peoples good. To hismoft gracious protection and guidance 
 inthefedoubtfulland dangerous times we humbly commend you 
 and all your holy endeavours, and reft. 
 
 Weflminfler June 7. 
 
 1648. Subfcribed in the name and by the 
 Direct appointment of the whole At^em- 
 To the Right Honou- Hy By us. 
 rable , Right Reve- 
 rend, the Generall Af- Charlbs Hirle, Prolocutor, 
 fembly of the Church William Gouge > AfTefTor. 
 of Scotland, or their Hhnry Robrough, Scriba. 
 Commifsioncrs. Adoniram By? i eld, Scriba. 
 
 
 gwy 
 
The generall Ajfembly, 164.8. 
 
 Iuly 15. Antemeridiem , Sell IV. 
 ^3 concerning Com mi/s ions from "Burghs. 
 
 3 
 
 ^T is refolved by the Generall AfTembly, untill the mat- 
 ter concerning Commifsionersfrom Buighs be further 
 thought upon, That in the mean time according to the 
 ordinary pra&ife no Commifsion to the Generall Af- 
 fembly be admitted from Burghs, but fuchasflnll be confcnted 
 to, andapproven by the Miniftry and Sefsiohs thereof •, the per* 
 fons elected being always Elders. 
 
 Iuly 18. 164.8. Antemeridiem. SefT. VI. 
 
 AB concerning the examining of the proceedings 
 of theCommifsionersof ^Affemblies . 
 
 H E Generall AfTembly renews and revives the A& 
 of the AfTembly holden at Bruntiland Anno 1601. 
 concerning the examination of the proceedings of 
 the Commifsion of the Generall Aflembly, tenour 
 whereof follows. The Aflembly hath Ordained that i» 
 every Aflembly to be conveenedin all time coming fuch asjhall happen to 
 be appointid Commissioners from the Generall Aflembly, to endure while 
 the Ajfembly next thereafter, jhall give an account of their proceedings 
 during the whole time of their Commifsion in the beginning of the Af 
 fembly, before any other caufe or matter be handled^and their proceedings 
 to be allowed or dif allowed as the Aflembly {ball think expedient . 
 
 Iuly 18. 164-8. Tojlmeridiem, Seff.VII. 
 
 Approbation of the proceedings of the Commif 
 fion of the preceding Ajfembly. 
 
 ffj&HE Generall AfTembly having examined the 
 proceedings of the Commifsion of the prece- 
 ding AfTembly , efpecially their Declarations, 
 Remonftrances , Reprefentations , Petitions, 
 Vindication, and other Papers relating to the 
 prefent Engagement in War, Dounanimoufly 
 findc that in all their proceedings , they have 
 been zealous, diligent and Faithfull in dilcharge of the tru(t com- 
 mitted to them-, And therefore ratifie and approve the whole pro- 
 ceedings, A&s andconclulionsof the faid Commifsion, and par- 
 ticularly their Papers relating to the faid Engagement, and their 
 
 judgement 
 
4. The (jenerall Ajjembly, 164.8. 
 
 judgement of the unlawfulnefle thereof , Appointing Mr. $ohn 
 OHomrieff Moderator pro tempore to return them hearty thanks in 
 name of the AfTembly tor their great pains, travells and fidelity in 
 matters of fo great concernment to the Caufe of God and to this 
 Kirk, amidft fo great and many difficulties. 
 
 Iuly 20. 164.8. Tojlmeridiem, Sef£X. 
 Approbation of the larger Catechifme. 
 
 [H E General! AfTembly having exactly examined 
 and ferioufly confidered, the larger Catechifme 
 agreed upon by the AfTembly of Divines fitting 
 at Wejiminfter with afliftance of Commifsioners 
 from this Kirk, Copies thereof being Printed, 
 and fentto Presbyteries for the moreexad try- 
 all thereof , and publick intimation being fre- 
 quently made in this AiTembly,that every one that had any doubts 
 or objections upon it, might put them in •, Do finde upon due exa- 
 mination thereof, That the (aid Catechifme is agreeable to the 
 Word of God, and in nothing contrary to the received Do&rine, 
 Worfhip, Difcipline and Government of this Kirk, a neccfTary 
 part of the intended Uniformity in Religion, and a rich treafure 
 for increafing knowledge among the people of God .• And there- 
 fore the AfTembly, as they blefle the Lord that fo excellent a Ca- 
 techifme is prepared, fo they Approve the fame as a part of Uni- 
 formity • Agreeing for their part,that it be a common Catechifme 
 for the rhree Kingdoms, and a Directory for Catechifing fuch as 
 have made fome proficiency in the knowledge of the grounds 
 of Religion. 
 
 Iuly 21. 164.8. Antemeridiem > SeffXI- 
 
 Aft againfl fudden admitting depo/ed x^fini^ 
 Jlers to particular Congregations. 
 
 |H E Generall AfTembly confidering the danger 
 of fudden receiving of depo fed Minifters at this 
 time when Malignancy is likely to fpread 5 
 Therefore finding it neccfTary untill the ends of 
 the Solemn League and Covenant be fetled and 
 fecured to reftrain the fuddennefs of admitting 
 depoied Minifters to particular charges -, Do Ordain that notwkh- 
 
 ftanding 
 
'/ ne yenerau Ajjemuiy, 164.5. 5 
 
 (landing any Licenfe to be granted for opening the mouths of de- 
 pofed Minifters yet they {hall not be actually admitted to any par- 
 ticular Congregations without content of the Generall Aflerably- 
 Dedaring for I uch as have already their mouths opened before the 
 time, that if any calling to a particular charge offer unto them be- 
 fore the next Aflembly, it {hall be fufficient for them to have the 
 confent of the Commifsioners of this Generall Aflembly. 
 
 Iuly Z5. 1 6 4.8- rfntetneridiem, Sett. XIV. 
 
 The Ajjemblies Anfvoer to the Taper Cent from 
 the Committee of EJlates of the zzj.. fuly. 
 
 [H E Generall Aflembly having confidered the 
 Paper of the 24. fuly delivered to them from the 
 conference, and having compared it with the o- 
 ther Paper of the 1 7. of fuly prefented from the 
 Honourable Committee of Eftates w hereunto it 
 relates, and with the Declaration lately emitted 
 by the Committee to the Parliament and King- 
 dom of England, finde that it is fuppofed by their Lordftiips, 
 that we may be fatisfied in point of the f ecurity of Religion ac- 
 cording to the Covenant, notwithftanding of the prcient engage- 
 ment in war *, The Aflembly do therefore in anfwer to the laid 
 Paper declare, 
 
 That we fee no poffibility of fecuring Religion •, as long as this 
 unlawfull Engagement is carried on, Religion being thereby 
 greatly endangered. 
 
 1. Becaufe none of the juft and ncceflary deflrcs of the Com- 
 mii&onof the late Generall Aflembly for iecuring Religion have 
 bin granted or fatisfied-,More particularly it was reprefented to the 
 High and Honourable Court of Parliament, that for fecuring of 
 Religion, it was neceflary that the Popifh, Prelaticall and Malig- 
 nant party, be declared Enemies to the Caufe upon the one hand, 
 as well as Sectaries upon the other , and that all Aflbciations, ei- 
 ther in Forces or Councels with the former as well as the latter be 
 avoided. That his Majefties Concefsionsand offers concerniug 
 Religion, fent home from the Ifleof ivifht, be declared by the 
 Parliament to be unfatisf actor y, That before his Majefties reftitu- 
 tion to the exercifc of his Royall power, aflurance be had from his 
 Majcfty by his {oleran Oath under his hand and Seal for felling 
 Religion according to the Covenant, That their Lordftiips fhould 
 keep themfelvcs from owning any quarrell concerning his Maje- 
 fties Negative voice, That the managing of the publike affairs, 
 might be entruftcd onelytoluch pcrionsas have given conftant 
 
 proof 
 
6 7 be (jenerall tAjfernbly, i6q.$. 
 
 proof of their integrity , and againft whom there is no juft caufe of 
 exception or jealoufie , and that there might be no Engagement 
 without a folemn Oath, wherein the Kirk ought to have the fame 
 intereft they had in the folemn League & Covenant-, All which are 
 more particularly expreffed in the Papers given in by the Commit 
 (ion of the late Afsembly to the Parliament j notwithstanding the 
 Engagement hath been carried on without fatisfaction to thefe 
 and the like defires, and fo without giving fecurity in the point of 
 Religion, but with great and manifeft danger to the fame. 
 
 2. As the happy Union of the Kingdoms,by the (olemn League 
 and Covenant hath been juftly looked upon as a fpeciall means for 
 preferving and ftrengthening the true Reformed Religion in this 
 Iflmd, So it is no lefle weakened and hurt by endeavouring a 
 breach between thefe Kingdoms j Which howfoever difclaimed, 
 is yet manifeft from the reality of the publike proceedings in this 
 Engagement, and namely from the neglect of endeavouring a 
 Treaty between the Kingdoms for preventing of War and blood- 
 fhed as was earneftly defired , from their afTociacing and joyning 
 with known Malignants and Incendiaries, and fuch as have been 
 declared Enemies to this Caufe, from their entring the Kingdom 
 of f/sg/Wwithan Army, upon the grounds of the Declaration 
 of the Parliament , which cannot but infer a National quarrell 
 againft the Parliament and Kingdom of England , and from theii 
 garrifoning the frontire Towns of that Kingdom. 
 
 3. The Engagement is carried on by fuch means and ways , as 
 tend to the deftroying of Religion, by enfnaring and forcing the 
 confeiences of the people of God with unlawfull Bands and 
 Oathes, and opprefling the Perfons and Eftates of fuch as have 
 been mod active and zealous for Religion and the Covenant. All 
 which is ftrengthened and authorized by Ads of Parliament, ap- 
 pointing that all that do not obey, or perfwade others not to obey 
 the Refolutions of Parliament and Committee anentthis Engage- 
 ment, or whofhallnotfubfcribethe Act and Declaration of the 
 10. J»ne t 1648. impofed upon ail the Subjects, fhall be holden as 
 enemies to the Caufe and to Religion , and have their perfons fe- 
 curcd, and their Eftates intrometted with. 
 
 4. The Engagement is carried on, not without great encroach- 
 ments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, as we are ready to clear in 
 many particulars. 
 
 Wherefore the fecurity of Religion , and carrying on of the 
 prefent Engagement being inconfiftent, We do propofe for the 
 necefsary fecurity and fafety of Religion, that all the dangers 
 thereof may be taken to confideration, and amongft the reft the 
 faid Engagement as one of thegreateft which yet being eftablifhed 
 and authorized by Act of Parliament , we leave it to their Lord- 
 fhips to think of what remedies may be provided for redrefsing 
 grievances which flow from fuch Acts and Ordinances. This we 
 
 are 
 
are lure of, the publike deiires of the Kirk will abundantly wit- 
 nefle for us, that fuch things as were neceflary for the fecurity of 
 Religion, were in due feafon reprefented, and yet not granted by 
 them that had greater power and authority at that time, when it 
 was much more eafieto give fatisf action therein then now- So that 
 the blame cannot lye upon the Generall Aflembly or their Com- 
 mifsiones that R e\igicn is not fecured. 
 
 Iuly28. idz|_8. Antemcridiem, SeltXVIII. 
 
 AH and ^Declaration againjl the ASt of Tarlia- 
 
 ment and Committee of EJlates ordained to be 
 
 Jubjcribed the 10. and n.of fune y and againjl 
 
 all new Oatbes or 'Bands in the common Caufi 
 
 impofed without confentof the Qhurch. 
 
 iHE Generall Aflembly taking to conilderation 
 a* Declaration and Act of Parliament, of the date . 
 10. of tfunty 1648. highly concerning Religion, 
 and the confeiences of the People of God in the 
 Land,and one Act of the Committee of Eftates, 
 of the date 12. of jf«»f, 1648. both publifhed 
 in Prinr, whereby all Subjects are Ordained by fubfeription to 
 acknowledge as juft, and oblige themfelves to adhere unto the 
 laid Act and Declaration, containing an obligation upon their ho- 
 nour's and credits, and as they dtfue to be, and to be holcen ; as lo- 
 vers of their Country, Religion, Laws and Liberties, to joyn and 
 concur with thtir Perfons and Eftates in the afsiftance of the exe- 
 cution, and oblervation of the Acts and Conftitutions of. this 
 Parliament, as the moft fit and neceflary remedies of the by- gone 
 and prefent evils and diffractions of this Kirk and Kingdom , and 
 fortheprefervationof Religion, Laws and Liberties and of his 
 Majelties authority, with certification that fuch as refufe or delay 
 to fublcribe the fame , (hall be holden as Enemies and Oppofites 
 to the common Caufe, confifting in the maintenance of the true 
 reformed Religion, of the Laws and Liberties of the Kingdom 
 and of his Majelties authority. Which fubfeription the Aflembly 
 cannot otherwife look upon,thcn as a lnate for the People of God 
 to involve them in guiltinefle, and to draw them from their for- 
 mer Principles and- Vows inthe^fblemn League and Covenant. 
 For that fubfeription were an approving of lome Acts of Parlia- 
 ment, which they have never yet ieen nor known, they not being 
 all publifhed, were an agreeing to Acts of Parliament, highly 
 
 B concern • 
 
concerning Religion and the Covenant, made noc onely without, 
 but exprefly againft the advife of the Kirk-, were an acknowledge 
 ing of this prefent Engagement in War, in all the means and ways 
 for promoving the fame, to be the molt fit and necefTary remedies 
 of the by-gone and preient evils,whereas fo m3ny Petitions to the 
 Parliament, from Committees of War, Synods, Presbyteries 
 and Paroches have made it appear , that they at e no way fatisfied 
 therewith in point of confeience •, were an af cribing of a power to 
 the Parliament, to declare thefe to be enemies to the true Religion, 
 whom the Khk hath not declared to be fuch but rather friends^ 
 were an approving of an Act made for the reftraining the liberty 
 of printing from the Kirk, yea and of all the Acts of the Com- 
 mittee of Eftates, to be made in time coming, till CMarcb 1550. 
 which by Act of Parliament are ordained to be obeyed \ were an 
 allowing of Acts for fecuring of the perfons, and intrometting 
 with the Eftates of fuch as themfelves fhall not obey,or perfwade 
 others notto obey refolutions concerning this Engagement, and 
 for protecting perfons under Kirk Cenfures, and foan infringing 
 and violating of the Liberties and Difcipline of the Kirk eftabli- 
 fhed by the Laws of the Land , and (worn to in the Narionall 
 Covenant to be defended,under the pains contained in. the Law of 
 •God- And in all thefe, fuchasdofubferibe, do binde themfelves 
 noc only to active obedience in their own perfons,but to the urging 
 of active obedience upon all others, and fo draw upon themfelves 
 all the guiltinefTe and fad conferences of the prefent Engage- 
 ment- Yea, fuch as are Members of Parliament, and have in the 
 Oath of Parliament f worn not to Vote orconfent to any thing, 
 but what to their belt knowledge, is molt expedient for Religion, 
 Kirk and Kingdom, and accordingly have reafoned againft, and 
 diflented from divers Acts of this Parliament, Thefe by the'fub- 
 fcription of this Act, cannot efchew the danger of perjury, in 
 obliging themfelves to active obedience to thefe Acts, which ac- 
 cording to their Oath, they did judge unlawfull. Neither can 
 the 38. Act of the Parliament 1640. wherein fuch a kirnde of Band 
 was enacted to be fubferibed by any precedent or Warrant for fub- 
 fcribing of this Act -, For it plainly appears by the narrative of 
 that Act omitted in this Band , how great a difference there is be. 
 tween the condition of affairs then and now. Then the Kings 
 Commifsioner had left and difcharged the fitting of the Parlia, 
 ment, then the Parliament for fitting was declared Traitors, and 
 Armies in England md Ireland prepared againft them, then noc on- 
 ly the Acts, but the very authority of Parliament was called in 
 queftion, then Kirk and State were united in the Caufe againft the 
 Malignant party, then nothing was determined in Parliament in 
 matters of Religion without, much lefle againft the advice of the 
 Kirk : But befide that, it was not thought expedient by the State, 
 that that Band fhould be prefled through the Kingdom. The cafe 
 
 now 
 
j jj ••» — r 7 
 
 now not onely differs from what was then , But is in many things 
 juft contrary , as is evident to all who will compare die two toge- 
 ther. And therefore the Generall Aflembly profeffing all tender 
 refpe&tothe High and Honourable Court of Parliament and 
 Committee of Eftates,but finding a {trailer tye of God lying upon 
 their Conferences, that they be not found unfaithfull watchmen, 
 and betrayers of the fouls of thefe committed co their charge,Do 
 unanimcufly Declarethe forefaid fubfeription to beunlawfull and 
 finfull. And do warn, and in the Name of the Lord Charge all 
 the members of this Kirk, to forbear the fubferibing of the faid 
 A&and Declaration, much more the urging of the fubfeription 
 thereof, as they would not incur the wrath of God, and the Cen- 
 iures of the Kirk. And confidering how necellary it is that accor- 
 ding to the eighth defire of the Commifsioners of the Affembly 
 to the Parliament, the Kirk might have the fame intercft in any 
 new Oathes in this Caufe, as they had in the folemn League and 
 Covenant, and what dangers of contradictory Oathes, perjuries 
 and f nares to mens confeiences may fall out otherwife : Therefore 
 they likewife Enjoy n all the members of this Kirk, to forbear the 
 f wearing, fubferibing or prefsing of any new Oathes or Bands in 
 this Caufe, without advife and concurrence of the Kirk, efpeci- 
 ally any negative Oathes or Bands, which may any way limit or 
 reftrain them in the duties whereunto they are obliged , by natio- 
 nall or folemn League and Covenant , and that with certification 
 asaforefaid. And fuchas have already prefled or fubferibed the 
 forefaid Act and Declaration, The Generall Aflembly doth here- 
 by exhort them moft earneftly in the bowels of Chrift, torepenc 
 of that their defection. And Ordains that Presbyteries, or in cafe 
 of their negligence, or being overawed the provinciall Synods or 
 theCommifsionot the Affembly , which of them fhall fuft oc- 
 cur, and in cafe of the Synods negligence, that the faid Commif- 
 fion be carefull to proceed againft, and cenfure the Contraveeners 
 of the Aft according to the quality and degree of their offences 
 as they will be anfwerable to the Generall Aflembly • and char 
 therefore this A&befentto Presbyteries to be publifhed in the 
 feveral Kirks of their bounds. 
 
 B a %$dw 
 
io The (jenerall ^Afjembly^ 164.8. 
 
 Modern die Tojlmeridiem, SeilXIX- 
 Approbation of thejhorter Catechifme. 
 
 ,HE General Aflembly having ferioufly confide- 
 red the fhorter Catechifme, agreed upon by the 
 Aflembly of Divines fitting at Weflminfler^ with 
 afsiftance of Commifsioners from this Kirk, Doe 
 finde upon due examination thereof,That the faid 
 Catechifme is agreeable to the Word ;of God, 
 and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worfhip, Di« 
 fcipline and Government of this Kirk, And therefore Approve the 
 laid (horter Catechifme as a part of the intended Uniformity, to 
 be a Directory for Catechifing fuch as are of weaker capacitie. 
 
 JB difekarging a little Catechifme printed at 
 Edinburgh, 164.7. 
 
 |H E General Aflembly having found in a little 
 Chatechifme, printed at Edinburgh^ entituled, 
 The *^A. B. C. with the Catechifme , That is to fay, 
 an inftrutlion to be taught and learned of young chil- 
 dren,vtxy grofle errours in the point of Univer- 
 fall Redemption, and in the number of the Sa- 
 craments, Therefore doe difcharge the venting 
 or felling of the faid Catechifme of the forefaid imprefsion, or of 
 whatfoever other imprefsion the fame be of, and all ufe thereof in 
 Schools or Families, Inhibiting alfo all Printers to reprint the 
 fame, And recommends to Presbyteries to take fpeciall care that 
 this A <5t be obeyed. 
 
 Fit. 
 
Vlt. Iuly itf 48. Toftmeridiem, Sell: XXI. 
 
 A Declaration of the Qenerall Affembly concern* 
 ing the pre/ent dangers of Religion, andejpe- 
 daily the unlawfull engagement in JVar, a* 
 gain/l the Kingdom of England 5 Together, 
 with many necefary exhortations and dtre&i* 
 ons to all the iZMembers of the Kjrl^ of 
 Scotland. 
 
 \T cannot ieem ftrange to any that confidereth the 
 great ttuft that lyeth on us, comparing the fame 
 with the eminent dangers wherewith the Caufe 
 or God is invironed in this Land, if at this time 
 We declare our fenfe thereof, and warn the peo- 
 ple of God from this watch-tower of thepre- 
 fent duties incombent to them.- Ourwitneficis in heaven, and 
 our record on high, that we doe not this from any dif-refpe&to 
 the Parliament whom we have honoured and will ever honour and 
 alio obey in all things which are agreeable to the Word of God, 
 to our Solemn Covenants, and to the duties of our callings, Nor 
 from any difloyaltyor undutifulnefTe to the Kings Majefty, to 
 whom we heartily wifh, and to his pofterity after him, a happy 
 Reigne over thefe Dominions, Nor from any factious difpfition 
 orfiding with this or that party whatfoever, Nor from any con- 
 tentious humour about light or fmall matters, Nor from any fa- 
 vour to or complyance with Sectaries, againft whofe curfed opi- 
 nions and ungodly pradtifes, we have heretofore given ample te- 
 ftimony, and are (till obliged by Solemn Covenant to endeavour 
 the extirpation of Herefie and Schifm •, But from the confeience 
 of* our duty when the glory of God, the Kingdom of his $on, 
 his Word, Ordinances, Government, Covenant, Miniftery, 
 Confciences of People, Peace and Liberties of the Kirk arc in- 
 compafTed and almoft overwhelmed with great and growing 
 dangers. 
 
 How freely and faithfully the fervants of God of old have re- 
 buked Cm in perlons of all ranks, not fparing Kings, States nor 
 Kmgdovns, the Scripture maketh it moft plain to all that look 
 thereon •, Neither want we domeftick examples , if we look back 
 a little upon the behaviour of our zealous Anceftours in this Kirk, 
 who not only in their Sermons (everally with great gravity and 
 
 freedom 
 
freedom reproved the tins of the time , But more efpecially in the 
 Kirk Judicatories plain and downright dealing was moft frequent 
 and familiar, as appears in the AiTemblies holden in June and in 
 October 1582. in oMeritf$. in CMay 1592. in 21/47 1594. and in 
 March 1595. And not only the General Aflembly by themfelves, 
 but alio by their Commiilioners faithfully and freely laboured to 
 oppofe all the fteps of defection •, as at other times > fo in the yeer 
 1596. wherein four or five feverall times they gave moft free ad- 
 monitions to the King, Parliament and Councdl,with a Protec- 
 tion at thelaft before God, that they were free of their blood,and 
 of whatfoever judgement (hould fall upon the Realm , and that 
 they durft not for fear of committing High Treafon againft Jefus 
 Chrift the oneiy Monarch of his Kirk , abftain any longer from 
 fighting againft their proceedings with the f pirituall armour gran- 
 ted to them of God,and mighty in him for overthrowing all thefe 
 bulwarks fet up againft his Kingdom? And in their Declaration 
 then emitted to the Kingdom, they (hew that it was a main defign 
 to have the freedom of the Spirit of G O D in the rebuke of Sin 
 by the mouth of his Servants reftrained- and therefore they warne 
 all Paftours of their duty in applying Doclrineand free preaching. 
 Like as the Aflembly , 24. March 159* reckons up amongft the 
 corruptions of the Miniftery to be cenlurcd with deprivation, if 
 continued in , the not applying their Dodrine againft the corrup- 
 tions of the time, which was renewed in our late AlTembly at 
 Glafgorv 1638. What hath been done fince that AlTembly is in re- 
 cent memory, and the Papers to that purpofe have been publiihed 
 in Print, and are in the hands of all, Therefore being warranted 
 by the Word of God, and encouraged by the fore mentioned 
 examples, as after exaft examination , we have approven the pro- 
 ceedings of the Commifsioners of thelaft General! AlTembly ,and 
 fpeeially their Declarations, Defires, Reprefentations , Remon- 
 ftrances, Supplications, Vindication and other Papers, relating to 
 theprefentengagment in War, wherein they have given good 
 proof of their fidelity, wifdom and zeal in the caufe of God, So 
 we finde our felves neceflitate to make known unto all the People 
 of Go Din this Nation our fenfe concerning the dangers and du- 
 ties of this prefent time. 
 
 The cry of the infolencies of this prefent Army from almoftall 
 1 the parts of this Kingdom, hath been fo great that it hath gone up 
 co heaven, and if we mould be filent , we could not be reputed 
 faithfull in the performance of our duty. We do acknowledge 
 that it is incident unto all Armiestobe lubjed unco fome difor- 
 ders, and the Minifters of the Kingdom have not been deficient in 
 former times to reprefent the fame as they come unto their know- 
 ledge, calling for the redrefle of them at their hands who had 
 power: But the Commifsioners to this prefent AlTembly from 
 the feverall Provinces have exhibited great variety of abominable 
 
 fcandals 
 
K I r\* I I/V9W ^J 
 
 fcandals and hainous impieties and infolencies committed by per- 
 sons imployed in this fervice, whereof we think fitting here tQ 
 *giveyouatouch. 
 As if liberty had been proclaimed to the lufts of lewd men,Thefe 
 that have been imployed in very many places of the Land have 
 ufed horrible extortion of Moneys at their pleafure,and befide the 
 taking of victuals as they would for their own ufe , they have in 
 feverall places wilfully deftroyed the fame , and have plundred 
 many houfes > taking all away they could,and deftroying what they 
 could not carry away 5 In this great oppref si'on & fpoil of goods as 
 the fufferers were many, fo choife hath been made of thofe who 
 Petitioned theHigh and Honourable Court of Parliament for fatis- 
 fa&ion to their Conferences before the Engagement, or vvho were 
 known to make conic ience of the wormip of God in their fami- 
 lies, on whom they nvghtexereife their raging wrath and unfa- 
 tiable covetoufneffe •, Nor ftayed their rage here,but as though the 
 war had been againft God, publick Falls have not only been ne- 
 glected , but profaned by riotous (pending and making merry, Di- 
 vine Worfhip have been in many parts difturbed , fome Minifters 
 and people impeded from coming together, others fcattcrcd wheh 
 they were met,fome taken out of Kirks in time of worfhip, others 
 apprehended at their coming out at the Kirk doors and carryed 
 away •, Befides thefe Minifters in performing the worfhip of God 
 have been menaced , contradicted , not without blafphemous 
 Oathes, yea their perfons in Pulpit aflaultcd, not to fpeak of the 
 fpoilingot their goods, taking, beating, carrying away their per- 
 fons and detaining them for atime. And finally that which exceeds 
 all the red and is moie immediately and directly againft God, 
 there hath alfo been manycruell mockings of his Worfhip, and. 
 horrid blafphemies - ? And it is not to be marvelled that fuch in- 
 folencies have been committed , iince there hath been admitted 
 upon this fervice fome Papifts, fome bloody Infh Rebels, fome 
 non Covenanters, and very many fugitives from Kirk Discipline, 
 Finally, even thole who have been upon the late Rebellion, and 
 thefe not onely common Soiildiers but Commanders, befide ma- 
 ny voluntiers who have no fpeciall command and truft, 
 
 Befides all thefe, the Liberties of the Kirk have been grievouf- 
 ly encroached upon : i. By emitting Declarations from the Par- 
 liament and Committee of Eftates , containing feverall things 
 highly concerning Religion without the advice or confent of the 
 Generall Affembly or their Commifsionerf, which was a ground 
 of proteftationto divers Members of Parliament who have been 
 moft zealous and active in the Caufe. 2. The Article of Religion 
 as expreffed in theDeclaration of Parliament hath in it many dan- 
 gerous expreffions, which are particularly inftanced in the Repre- 
 fentation of the Commifsionersof the Generall Affembly ; And 
 the fame Article ol Religion in the late Declaration of the Com» 
 
 • mittcc 
 
mictee of Efhtes to England is more unfatisfactory then the for- 
 mer : Like as in the (aid Tare Declaration there is a totall omiffion 
 of fome moft materiall things pretended to in the Declaration ot 
 Parliament as fatisfactory in point of (ecuring Religion, viz. the 
 claufe concerning fecurity to be had from his Majefty by his lo* 
 lemn Oath under his hand and Seal, that he fhall for himfelf and 
 his Succeffors give his Royal! aflent, and agree to fuch Ad: or Acts 
 of Parliament, and Bills as fhall be prefented to him by his Par- 
 liaments of" both and either'Kingdoms refpectively for enjoyning 
 Presbyteriall Government , Directory of Worfhip and Confcl- 
 fionof Faith in all his Majeures Dominions, and that his Maje- 
 itie (hall never make oppofition to any of thofe , nor endeavour 
 any change thereof • alfo the claufe againft* aflociation with any 
 that rcfufc to take the Covenant is omitted.- From*all which it 
 may appear in how grea^ danger the liberties of the Kirk and even 
 Religion it telf are left. 3. In the clofc of the Declaration of 
 Parliament, there is a new and unfound gioiTe put upon the Cove- 
 nant and Acts of Generall AlTembly', contrary to the fenfe of the 
 General AlTembly it felf, as is more fully exprefTed in the Hepre- 
 fentation of the late Commifsion. 4. No redrefle by the Parlia- 
 ment of certain injuries complained of to their Lordfhips by the 
 Commifsioners of the preceding Generall Affembly. 5. En- 
 deavours to weaken and f r'uftrate Kirk-Cenlures by making provi- 
 fions for fecm ing the ftipends of fuch as fhall be cenfured for their 
 concurring in, or preaching for this prefent Engagement. 6. A * 
 mifreprefentation of the proceedings of the Commifsion of the 
 Geneiall AlTembly by the Parliaments Letter of May 11. to the fe- 
 verall Presbytenes , endeavouring to incenfe them' againft the 
 Commifsion of the late AlTembly and to pre-ocupie their Com- 
 mifsioners to this AlTembly. 7. Whereas there were many Peti- 
 tions prefented to the High and Honourable Court of Parliament 
 from the Commifsioners of the Generall AlTembly, Synods *id 
 Presbyteries againft the prefent Engagement as ftated in the Par- 
 liaments'Declaration, yet notwithftandiug of thefaid Petitions, 
 and notwithftanding Of many free and frequent warnings given by 
 faithfull Minifters in their Sermons, notwithftanding alio thatic 
 was not unknown how much the generality of the wel- affected 
 in the Kingdom were unfatisfied in their confeiences with the 
 grounds and way of the faid Engagemeat, yet good people are 
 not onely left unfatisfied in their and our clefires , but compelled 
 and forced either to fin againft their confeiences or to be under 
 heavy prefTures and burdens : 8. Yea in the late Band injoyned to 
 be fubferibed by all the Subjects of this Kingdom, men are put to 
 ittojoynand concur with their Perfons andEftates, in the ad- 
 vancement, furtherance andafliftance of the execution, obedi- 
 ence, and obfervation of the Acts and conftitutions of the late 
 •Parliament 5 and confequently, as many as think the Engagement 
 
 unlawfully 
 
 
The (jfenerall Jffembly, 1648. 15 
 
 unlawfull, (hall binde themfelves not onely to obey for their own 
 part againft their conkiences , but to inf orce the lame upon others 
 whorefufe, and fo not onely be opprefled, but turn opprefTours 
 of others. 9. This all the iubjects are required by the Act and 
 Declaration of Parliament to fubfcribe,as they deiire to be holden 
 true lovers of Religion-, It being further affirmed in the (aid Act 
 and Declaration , that the Acts and Conftitutions of the late Par- 
 liament, are the mod fit and neceiTary remedies for prefervation of 
 Religion*, where the Parliament afiume to themfelves, without 
 the adviceand content of the AfTemblies of the Kirk, to judge and 
 determine fuch things wherein, (if in any thing ) the Ecclefiafticall 
 AfTemblies have undoubtedly a fpeciall intereft,x//'.z.. who are to be 
 holden lovers of Religion, and what are the raoft fit and neceflary 
 remedies for prefervation of Religion: Yea it is ordained by [the 
 fourth Act of Parliament. 1640. that for prefervation of Religion, 
 Generall AfTemblies rightly conftiture, as the proper and compe- 
 tent Judge of all matters Ecclefiaftical,be keeped yearly and oftner 
 frorenata. The Coronation Oath doth alto fuppofethe antece- 
 dent Judgement of the Kirk, as the proper and competent judge 
 who are enemies to true Religion and who not », for his Majefty 
 obliged himfelf by that Oath , that he fhould be carefull to root 
 out all Hereticks and enemies to the true Worfhip of God , who 
 fhall be convict by the true Kirk of God, of the aforefaid crimes. 
 10. The General AfTembly and their Commiflioners are now de- 
 prived of their liberty of Printing , confirmed and ratified by Act 
 of Parliament , there being an inhibition to the contrary upon the 
 Print ERjUnder the pain of Death by the Committee of Eftates. 
 
 Whereas the defires of the Commiflioners of the laft AfTembly, 
 forthefafety and fecurity of Religion,and the right manner of 
 proceeding to war , together with the fupplications of Provinciall 
 AfTemblies and Presbyteries, all tending to the compofingof the 
 prefent unhappy differences, and to the begetting of a right under- 
 fhnding,have not produced the defired and wifhed-for effect 5 But 
 on the contrary ourjuft grievances being ftill more and more 
 heightned, iniquity eftablifhed by a law , and that law put in ex- 
 ecution •, We cannot chufe but declare and give warning to all the 
 people of God in this land,conccrningthe finfulnefTe and unlaw- 
 fulnefle of the prefent Engagement , which may be demonftrate 
 by many reafons,as namely, 
 
 i .The Wars of Gods people, are calle d the Wars of the Lord, 
 Numb. 21. 14. iChron. 20. 15. and if our eating and drinking, 
 much more our engaging in war muff be for God and for his 
 glory*, 1 Cor. 10. 31. whatfocverwc do in word or deed, we 
 are commanded to do all in the name of the Lord Jefus, and fo 
 for his glory, Col. 3.17. The Kingdom of G o d and the rightc- 
 oufnefle thereof is to be fought in the firfl: place and before all 
 other theings , Mitth. 6. 33. It was the belt flower and garland 
 in the former expeditions of this Nation, that they were for G o d 
 
 C and 
 
\6 The (jenerall zJjfembly, 164.8. 
 
 and for Religion principally and mainly. But if the principal! end 
 of this preient Engagement were for the gloty of God, How 
 eomes it to pafle that not f o much as one of the defires of the Kirk, 
 for the fafetyand fecurity of Religion in the faid Engagement, is to 
 this day fatisfied or granted •, But on the contrary fuch courfes 
 taken as are deftru&ive to Religion : And if God s glory be in- 
 tended what meancth the employing and protecting in this Army 
 fo many blafphemers , perfecutors of Piety , difturbers of divine 
 worfhip , and others guilty of notorious and crying fins. Again, 
 how can it be pretended that the good of Religion is principally 
 aimed at, when it is propofed and declared that the Kings Majefty 
 fhall be brought to fomeof his houfesin or near London^ with 
 Honour , Freedom and Safety , before ever there be any (ecurity 
 had from him, or (o much as any application made to him for the 
 good of Religion. What is this but to poftpone the honour of 
 God, the liberties of the Gofpel , the fafety of Gods people to an 
 humane intereft, and to leave Religion in a condionof uncertainty, 
 unfedednefle and hazard , while it is ftrongly endeavoured to fet- 
 tle and make fure fomewhat elfe. 
 
 2. Suppofetheendsof this Engagement to be good (which 
 they are not ) yet the meanes and ways of profecution are unlaw- 
 full,becaufe there is not an equall avoiding of rocks on both hands, 
 butajoyning with malignants to fupprefle Sectaries, ajoyntng 
 hands with a black devill to beat a white devil-, They are bad 
 Phyficians who would fo cure one difeaieas to breed another as 
 evil, or worfe. That there is in the pre fent Engagement a con- 
 federacy and aftbeiation in war with fuch of the Eng/ifh who ac- 
 cording to the folcmn League and Covenant and Declarations of 
 bothjKingdoms , 1643. can be nootherwife looked upon but as 
 Malignants and enemies or Reformation and the Caufe of G o D,is 
 now made fo manifeft before Sun and Moon,that we fuppofe none 
 will deny it-, Andtisno lefTe undeniable, that not only many 
 known Malignants , but diverfe who joyned in the Late rebellion 
 within this Kingdom are employed, yea, put into places of truft : 
 All which how contrary tis to the Word of God , no man can be 
 ignorant who will attentively fearch the Scriptures , for wefinde 
 therein condemned confederacies and afTbciations with the ene- 
 mies of true Religion, whether Canaanites, JExod, 23. 32. and 34. 
 12.15. Deut. 7. 2. orother heathens 1 King. 11. 1,2, fuch was 
 i^ifa, his Covenant with Bcnbadad, 2 Cbron. \6. to v. 10. Aba^ 
 his confederacy with the King of Affjria 2 King. 16. 7. 10. 
 2 Cbron. 28. \6. to v. 23. or wither the afibciation was with 
 wicked men of the feed of Abraham , as Jebtjbufhats with Achab 
 2 Cbron. 18. 3. compared with chap. 19. 2. alio rusaflociation 
 with Aba^iah 2 Cbron. 20. 35. and Ama\iabs affociating to him- 
 felf rooooo. of theten Tribes when GoDwas not with them, 
 2 cbron. 25.7, 8, ?, 10. The fin and danger of fuch aflbciations 
 
 may 
 
Ihe (jenerall djjembly, itf^S. ij 
 
 may further appear from Ifaiah 8. 12.15.^.2. 18. Pfal. 106. 3J. 
 Hof.5.13. and 7.8,11. 2 Cw. 6. 14, 15. and if we mould efteem 
 Gods enemies to be eur enemies,& hate them with perfed hatred, 
 Pfal. 139. 21. how can we then joyn with them as confederates 
 and aiTociates , efpecially inacaufe where Religion is To highly 
 concerned- and feeing they have been formerly in a&uall oppo- 
 fition to the famccaufe. 
 
 3. We are commanded if it be poflible and as much asliethin 
 us to have peace with all men, Rom. 12.18, to feek peace and pur- 
 fue it , Pfal. 34. 14. war and blooufned is thelaft remedy after all 
 the ways and means of peace have been ufed in vain. The intended 
 war of the nine Tribes and a half againft the two Tribes and half 
 was prevented by a MeiTage and Treaty of Peace Zfojh. 22 • The 
 like means was ufed by fephah (though no with the like fuccefs) 
 for the preventing of war with the King of Ammtn Judg. 1 1 . The 
 very light of nature hath taught Heathens not to make war till 
 firft all amicable vvayesof preventing bloodfhed were tried-, yet 
 this war hath been driven on without obferving any fuch method 
 of proceeding except by ameflage wherein notfo much as one 
 breach was reprefented. Yea though thefe two Kingdoms are 
 ftraitly united in Covenant, yet thefe who have carried on this 
 war did not only neglect to defire a Treaty, but alfo flight an offer 
 of a Treaty made from the Parliament of England upon the Pro- 
 portions of both Kingdoms. 
 
 4. There are many clear and f ul teftimonies of Scriptures againft 
 the breach and violation of Covenants, although but between 
 man and man, Pfal. 55. 20. Rom. 1. 31. 2 Tim. 3.3. Efpecially 
 where the name of God was interpofed in Covenants by any of 
 his people, Jer. 34. 8, 10,11, 18. E&ek- 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 Kin?. 19. 10. Ban. 1 1.3 2. Hof.6. 7. If therefore theprefent 
 Engagement be a breach of our folemn League and Covenant, 
 then they who have before taken the Covenant , and have now 
 joy ned in this Engagement, muft grant by neceflary and infallible 
 confequence, either that the Covenant itfelf which they took 
 wasunlawful,and fuch as they cannot perform without fin (which 
 yet they cannot profefle) or other wife,that the Engagement is un- 
 lawful and finf ull, as being a breach of Covenant, and fo contrary 
 to the Word of God-, that theprefent Engagement is a breach of 
 Covenant may appear by comparing it with each of tbc Articles, 
 for it is againft all the fix Articles of the Covenant. 
 
 Againft the raft, becaufe inftead of the prefervation of the 
 Do&rine, Worfhip* Dilciplinc and Governmeutot this Kirk-, 
 there is not onely a great quarrelling by thofe that do Engage , at 
 the prefent doclrine,and free preaching,adiftuibing of, and with- 
 drawing from the Worfhip, and namely from the late lolcmn 
 
 C 2 bumi- 
 
18 The (jenerall ufffembly, 1648. 
 
 humiliation-, But alfo a refufall or fuch things as were defired by 
 the Commiffion of the late AfTembly and Provinciall Synods, as 
 neceflary to the prefervation of the true Reformed Religion : And 
 we have juft caufe of fear that the Reformation of Religion in 
 Doctrine , Worfhip , Difciplinc and Government is not in- 
 tended to be futficiently maintained and preferved , when we 
 finde fuch a limitation and reftri&ion in the late Declaration of 
 the Committee of Eftates to the Parliament and Kingdom of 
 England , That they will maintain and prefer ve the He for mat ion of 
 Religion , Doctrine, Worfhip, Difcipline and Government , as is by 
 the mercy of GOD , and his CMajefiies goodnefj'e cjhablifked by Lam 
 among us • but as there is no fuch limitation in the Covenant , fo 
 we have not had fuch proof of his Majefties goodnefle as to efta- 
 blifh by Law all that bath been by the mercies of God inafted in 
 Generall Aflemblies, As to the reft of the firft Article , concern- 
 ing the Reformation of Englandznd Ireland, and the Uniformity, 
 as there was fome hopefull beginings thereof, and a good foun- 
 dation laid, during the late War againft the Popifh Prelaticall and 
 Malignant party , fo theftateand ground of the War being now 
 altered , and thefe chofen for confederates , and affociates in the 
 War, who are known enemies to that Reformation, and Uni- 
 formity, how can the Covenant be keeped in that point as long as 
 fuch a War is carried on. 
 
 The fecond Article is violated becaufe in ftead of indeavouting 
 to extirpate Popery and Superftition without refpectof perfons(as 
 is expreft in the Covenant ) there is in the late Declaration of the 
 Committed of Eftates a defirc of the Queens return , withoutany 
 condition tending to the reftraint of her Made or exercile of Pope- 
 ry •, We do alfo conceive there is a tacit condefcending to the tole- 
 ration of Superftition and the Book of Common prayer in His 
 Majefties family, becaufe as it was referved by himfelf in his con- 
 ceffion , brought home by the Commiflioners of this Kingdom, 
 So thefe concefsions were never plainly declared by the Parlia- 
 ment to be unfatis factory to their Lordfhips, howbeic it hath been 
 often and earneftly defired : neither can we conceive how the 
 claufe concerning the extirpation of Prelacy , can confift with in- 
 deavouring to bring His Majefty with Honour, Freed n and 
 Safety to one of hisHoufesin or about Lo NDO N y without 
 any fecurity had from him , for the abolition of Prelacy h h t -eing 
 his known principle ( and publickly declared by himfelf fhortly 
 after he went to the Ifle of Wight ) that he holds himfelf obliged 
 in confeience , and by his Coronation Oath to maintain Arch- 
 bifhops, Bifhops, &c. Can it be faid that they are endeavouring 
 to extirpate Prelacy , who after fuch a Declaration would put in 
 His Majefties hand an opportunity to reftore it ? 
 
 As for the third Article we cannot conceive how the prefer- 
 ving of the Priviledges of Parliament , and aflerting the Kings 
 
 negative 
 
TheCjenerall dffembly, i6^S. 19 
 
 negative voice can confift . And we are forro wfull that under the 
 colour, of the Priviledges of Parliament, the liberties of the Sub- 
 jects are overthrown, and the perfons and Eftaces of fuch as have 
 been beft affected to the Caufe and Covenant are expofed to moft 
 grievous injuries, crying oppreflions : And whereas the doty in 
 preferving and defending his Majefties Perfon and Authority,is by 
 the third Article of the Covenant qualified with, and fubordinate 
 unto the prelervation and defence of the true Religion and Liber- 
 ties of the Kingdoms, There is no fuch qualification, nor f ubor- 
 dination obferved in the prefent Engagement, but on the contra- 
 ry, it is fo carried on, as to make duties to God and Religion con- 
 ditional!, qualified, limited-, and duties to the King abfolute and 
 unlimited. 
 
 The fourth Article of the Covenant is fo foully broken , that 
 they who were by that Article declared Enemies, Incendiaries, 
 Malignants, and therefore to be brought to condigne tryall and 
 punilhment , are now looked upon as friends and alfociates , and 
 arc the men who get moft favour and protection , and f undry of 
 them imployed in places of truft, in the Army and Committees. 
 
 For the fifth Article , inftead of endeavouring to pteferve 
 Peace 2nd Union,abreach is endeavoured between the Kingdoms, 
 not only by taking in and garrifoning their frontire Towns, but al- 
 fo entering the Kingdom of England within Army , nnd joyning 
 with the common enemies of both Kingdoms, notwirhftanding 
 of an offer of a Treaty upon the Propofitions of both Kingdoms 
 made by the Parliament of England to the Parliament of this 
 Kingdom. And whether the way of this Engagement tan confift 
 with the large Treaty between the Kingdoms, we (hall wifh the 
 Honourable Committee of Eftaces may yet take it into their fe- 
 rious Ucami thoughts. 
 
 The fixth is alf o manifeftly broken, for we are thereby obliged 
 to aflift and defend all thofe that entered into this League and Co- 
 venant, in malntaing and purf uing thereof : Whereas the Army 
 now entered into England^ is to afsift and defend many who have 
 not entered into that League and Covenant : And for thofe who 
 took the Covenant in that Nation , and continue faithfull in it, 
 what they may expect from this Army, may be collected not one- 
 ly from their carriage towards their Brethren at home 5 but alfo 
 from that claufe toward the clofe of the late Declaration of the 
 Committee of Eftates, ^And thatrve will do prejudice or ufe vio- 
 lence to none (as far as we are able) but to fuch as oppofe us , or Jucb 
 ends above mentioned. It cannot be unknown that many of the 
 Englifh Nation who are firm and faithfull to the Covenant , and 
 Presbytcriail Government do, and will according to their places 
 and callings oppofe fome of thofe ends above mentioned in that 
 Declaration-, as namely, the reftoringboth of King and Queen 
 without any condition or fecurity firft had from them * And fo by 
 
 that 
 
20 
 
 The CjeneralltAjfernbly, 1^8. 
 
 that rule in theDeclararion they muft expect to be ufed as enemies, 
 not as friends. Thatfixth Article is alio broken by a departing 
 from the firft principles and refolutions,and by dividing,and with- 
 drawing from thole that adhere thereunto, which hath been be- 
 fore cleared by the Commifsion of the late Generall Affembly in 
 their Declaration in March, Reprefentation, and other Papers pub- 
 lifhed in Print. 
 
 j. We leaveittobeferioufly pondered by every one who is 
 truely confcientious, whether it be any ways credible or probable, 
 or agreeable to Scripture rules, that the general t ty of all that have 
 been mod faithfull and cordiallto the Covenant and caufe of God 
 fhould be deceived , deluded and darkened in this bufinefle, and 
 that they who for the raoft part were enemies to the work of God 
 in the beginning, and have never brought foith fruits meet for 
 Repentance, fhould now finde out the will of God more then his 
 moft faithfull Servants in the Land •, and who, that fears God, 
 will believe that Malignants are for the ends of the Covenanted 
 that they who are moft inftrumentall in this Reformation, are a- 
 gainft the ends of the Covenant. 
 
 All which confidered , as we could not, without involving our 
 felves intheguiltinefle of fo unlawfull an Engagement , yeeld to 
 thedefireof the Army for Minifters to be lent by us to attend 
 them ; So we do earneftly exhort, and in the name and authority 
 of Jefus Chrift,charge and require all and every one of the Mem- 
 bers of this Reformed Kirk of Scotland', 
 
 I. That they fearch narrowly into the fins which have procured 
 fo great judgemerts and fo fad an interruption of the work of 
 God, that they examine themfelves , confider their wayes, be 
 much in humilitation and prayer, ftudy a reall and practicall Re- 
 formation, That they alfo mourn and figh for the abominations 
 of the Land, and ftand in the gap to turn away the wrath. Among 
 all thefe fearfull fins , the violation of the Solemn League and 
 Covenant, would rot be forgotten but feri ufly laid to heart , as 
 that which eminently provoketh the Lord , and procureth his 
 judgements to be powred forth not onely upon perfons and fami- 
 lies, but alfo upon States and Kingdoms. Covenant breakers 
 though in common things, are reckoned by the A pottle in that 
 Catalogue of the abominations of the Gentiles: But among the 
 people of God, where his great name is interpofed, the breach of 
 Covenant even m meaner matters, fuch as the fetting of fervants 
 at liberty provoketh the Lord to fay, Behold I proclaim a liberty 
 for you (faith the Lord) to the [word, tothepe(lilence,andtothe fa* 
 mine , and I will give the men that hath tranfgreffed my Covenant , 
 and f not excepting, but exprefly mentioning Princes) he addes, 
 / mil give them into the hands of their enemies. The Hiftory of the 
 Gibcomtcs, who furreptitioufly procured the Covenant made to 
 fpare them, and whom Saul fome ages thereafter in his zeal to the 
 
 children 
 
The Cjenerall Ajftrnbly, 164.8. 21 
 
 children of Ifrael and ^W^Mought today, as beingcurfed Ca- 
 jtaamtts , cvidenceth with what vengeance , the L o rd followeth 
 Covenant- breakers, whereof there wants not in prophane Hiftory 
 alfo both forreign and domeftick examples : Therefore let all the 
 inhabitants oi the Land of whatfoever rank, ferioufly ponder how 
 terrible judgements the violation of a Covenant fo recently, fo 
 advifedly,fo folemnly made,and in fo weighty matters, may draw 
 on, if nottimoufly prevented by fpeedy repentance. 
 
 I I. That they fo rcfpeft and honour Authority^ that they be 
 not the fervants of men.nor give obedience to .the will and autho- 
 rity of Rulers in any thing which may notconiift with the word 
 of G o d, but ftand faft in the liberty wherewith Christ hath 
 made them free, and obey G od rather then men. 
 
 III. That they carefully avoid the dangerous rocks and fnares 
 of this time, whereby fo many are taken and broken. 
 
 Upon the one hand the fowre leaven of Malignancy where ever 
 itenters, f poileth and corrupteth the whole lump, poft-poning 
 Religion 9 and the Cauf e of G o d to humane intereft , what e v er 
 be pretended to the contrary , and obftructing the work of 
 Reformation, and propagation oi Religion out of falferefpects 
 and creature intereft. As this hath formerly abounded in the 
 land , to the prejudice of the Caufe and Work of G o d , fo of 
 late it is revived , fpreading with fpecious pretences of vindicating 
 wrongs done to his Majefty. We defire not to be miftaken , as if 
 refpe&andlovetohisMajefty were branded with the infamous 
 mark of Malignancy •, But hereby we warn all who would not 
 come under this foul ftain , not onely in their f peech and profef- 
 {ion,but really and in their whole carriage not to prefer their own, 
 and the intereft of any creature whatfoever , before the intereft ot 
 C h r 1 st and Religion. The characters of thefe have been ful- 
 ly given in former Declarations , Specially in the Declaration of 
 the Commiflioners of the Generall Aflembly in March laft, 
 which wc hold as here repeated •, onely adding this , th*they 
 ordinarily traduce Kirk Judicatures, as medling with civill affairs, 
 which as it is no new calumny , butfuch as hath beencaft upon 
 the fervants of G o d in former times •, fo the whole courfe of pro- 
 ceedings doth manifeftly confute the fame. 
 
 Upon the other hand Se&arifme hath no lefTe hindered the 
 blcfled and glorious work of Reformation in our neighbour King- 
 dom, againft the venorne whereof, left it approach and infect this 
 Kirk,we have need to watch diligently to avoid all the beginnings 
 and dangerous appearances thereof. The many faithfull teftimo- 
 nies from godly Minifters in fevcrall parts of Englan&j againft the 
 vile errours,and abominable blafphemies abounding there,as t hey 
 are to us matter of rejoycing before the L o r d • fo they ought to 
 be looked on as warnings to all forts of people , efpecially that re- 
 gard Religion , to beware of Sathans fnares , csaftily (et to catch 
 
 their 
 
21 The (jenerall Jjjembly, i6^$. 
 
 their fouls. Andbecaufe fuch gangreens creep in {enfibly, all that 
 love the Honour of G o d , and welfare of Religion , would feri- 
 oufly confider the following points , both by way of maiks to 
 di(cern,and rneanes to efcape the danger of this infection, 
 
 i . Whoibever are mifprifers of the blefTed work of Reforma- 
 tion eftablifhed within this Land , and do not {hew themfelves 
 grieved for the impediments and obftructions it hath met with in 
 our neighbour Kingdom, thefe are even on the brink of this pre- 
 cipice, ready to tumble down in this gulf whenfoever occafion is 
 offered : All therefore that love the L o r d J e s u $ , would ftir 
 up their hearts in the light and ftrengthoitheLoRphighlyto 
 prize , and thankfully to acknowledge what the right hand of the 
 mod High hath done among us, as alfo to thirft fervently after the 
 advancing and perfecting of the L o r d s work among our neigh- 
 bours. 
 
 2. Dif-refpect to thepublick Miniftery and Ordinances is a 
 fymptomeof a dangerous inclination to that difeafe : And there • 
 foreasallC hmsis Minifters oughttoftirupthemfclves, to 
 walk as becometh their high and holy calling , left they be (tumb- 
 ling blocks to the people of G o d •, f o alfo all the people of G o d 
 ought moft carefully to ftir upthemfelves unto a precious eftimati- 
 on of the Ordinances of G o v, and highly to efteem the Stewards 
 thereof for their works fake. A duty at all times needfull, but 
 now efpecially, when Sathan by all means endeavours the 
 contrary. 
 
 3. Indifferency in points of Religion , and pleading for Tolera- 
 tion to themfelves or others how far foever different among 
 themfelves , is not to be forgotten among the characters of 
 Sectaries, and therefore ought the more carefully to be avoided 
 andoppofedby all whodciire to hold faft the profeflion of their 
 faith without wavering. 9 
 
 4. They who are glorying in, and feeking after new lights, or 
 under the pretext of them are fclf- conceited in lingular opinions, 
 ©r who affect new and ftrange expreflions , are entring into the 
 fnare ready to be carried about with every windeof Doctrine. 
 And therefore albeit we ought always as Difciples of the L r d 
 cofetour felvesasinhis fight to be taught by his Spirit accord- 
 ing to his Word, yet in this time fo fertilof errours 5 it becom- 
 meth all the lovers of truth to hold faft what they have received, 
 that no man take their Crown, 
 
 5. Whofoever brings in any opinion or practife in this Kirk 
 contrary to the confelsion of Faith , Directory of Worfhip or 
 Presbyterian Government may be juftlyefteemedtobe opening 
 the door to Schilme and Sects: And therefore all depravers or 
 mifconftructers of the proceedings of Kirk- Judicatories,efpecially 
 the Generall AlTembly would take heed leaft by making a breach 
 upon the walls of -ferufalm they make a patent way for Setfaries 
 to enter. *. They 
 
The (jcnerall Ajjembly, \6\%. 23 
 
 6. They who feparatethe Spirit from the Word,and pretend the 
 Spirit, when they have no ground or warrant from the Word, are 
 already taken in an evil f nare, And therefore tis neceffary to try the 
 Spirits whither they are of God, for many falfe Prophets are gone 
 out into the world, if they fpeak not according to the word it is 
 becaufe there is no light in them. 
 
 Befides the former,ihefe arealfo marks of a Sectary; If any com- 
 mend, and recommend to others, or fpread and divulge the erro- 
 neous books of Sectaries, If any allow, avow, or ule Conven- 
 ticles or private meetings forbidden by the Acis of the Generall 
 Aflembly 1 641 . and 1 647. Iaft pail, If any be unwilling, and de- 
 cline to reckon Sectaries among the enemies of the Covenant, 
 from whom danger is to be apprehended , And (though we dif- 
 allowtheabufiqg and Idolizing of learning to the patrocinie of 
 Errour or prejudice of piety) if any contemn literature as need- 
 leiTe at beft, if not alfo hurtfull to a Minifter. 
 
 When we thus exprefle our f elves for preventing the dangers of 
 Se&s and Schifmes , it is far from our intention to difcourage any 
 from the duties of piety , and mutuall edification , according to 
 the directions of the laft Aflembly publifhed in Print, and feri- 
 oufly recommended by them, or to give any advantage to Malig- 
 nantsand prophane perfons, with whom it is frequent to caft upon 
 all thofe who adhere to former principles, and cannot approve the 
 prefent Engagement, the odious nick-names of Sectaries and In- 
 dependents. For the better difcovery of fuch prophane mockers, 
 we give thefemarkes and characters. 1. They doprophanelyand 
 tauntinglyabufethenameof the Spirit, under that name deriding 
 the work of Grace and Sandtification. 2.They efteem and fpeak of 
 exercifes of confeience, as fancies or fits of melancholy. 3 . They 
 mock at Family- worfhip and the means of mutuall edification fo 
 much recommended by the iaft Aflembly in their directions. 
 4. They do ufually calumniate godly Minifters , and profeflors 
 who follow holinefle, with the names of Sectaries, or the like 
 odious names, without any juft caufc : As we account all fuch to 
 be enemies to the pracWe and power of godlinefle •, So we do ex- 
 hort all the lovers of truth to hold on in trreway of holinefle 
 through good report and ill report , being ftedfaft , immovable, 
 alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord, forafmuch as they 
 know theit labour is not in vain in the Lord. 
 
 IV. That they do not concur in, nor any way 3isift this prefent 
 Engagement, as they would not partake in other mens fins, and fo 
 receive of their plagues, but that by the grace and affiftancc of 
 Chrifithey ftedfaftly refolve to f uffer the rod of the wicked, and 
 the utmoft which wicked mens malice can afflict them with,rather 
 then to put forth their hand to iniquity. 
 
 V. That they fuffcr notthemfelvesto beabufed with fair pre- 
 tences and profeflions ufuall in the mouths of thofe that carry on 
 
 D this 
 
24- Hoe Cjenerdl <tAjJembly y 164.8. 
 
 this dcfigne, and often publifhed in their Papers , But remember 
 that the fouleft anions have not wanted fpecious pretences - 7 And 
 if they who killed the Apoftles did both pretend and intend to do 
 God good fervice, what marvell that they who engage againft 
 the Covenant pretend to engage for it. Neither is it to be forgot- 
 ten, That after the firft fubfcription of our Nationall Covenant, 
 thefe who had the chief hand in managing publick affairs, and had 
 fubfcribed the Covenant, especially the Duke of Lenox, and 
 Captain fottesthen Earl of Jrra*, in the years 1581, 1582, 1583, 
 1584. when their defignewas to fubvert both the Doctrine and 
 Dilciplineof this Kirk, yet gave great aflurances by promifes 
 and Oaths to the contrary. At the AflTemblies 1598, 15PP, 1600. 
 It was declared with many vows and atteftations by the King, 
 Statefmen, and thefe Minifters who were afpiring to Prelacy, 
 That they intended no (uch thing as a change of the Government 
 of the Kirk, or an introducing of Epifcopacy , yet they were 
 really dqing what they dif claimed & profefled not to do. And fup- 
 pofe that fome who have an active hand in carrying on the prelent 
 publick affairs, have no defign either to deftroy Religion, or ut- 
 terly to Height it : yet the way they are on, and work they are a- 
 bout as it is contrived, doth of its felf, and in its own nature tend 
 to the endangering , if not to the utter fubverfion of Religions 
 for it cannot be denyed, but the very undertaking of this VV^r, 
 lets the once fupprefled Malignantson woik again, and fuccefle 
 therein puts them in a capacity to fet up according to their princi- 
 ples abolifhed.and abjured corruptions • which will be the mbre 
 hardly hindered, considering his Majeftiespropenfion, and pro- 
 fefled refolution that way, Efpecially feeing His Majefties con- 
 ceflions, (though it hath been often defiied) have never been 
 plainly declared unsatisfactory by the Parliament. And who in 
 reafon can think that any more then His Majefties conceffions fent 
 fromthclfleof Wight will be required of him , by them who 
 thereupon have proceeded to this Engagement. The Kings nega- 
 tive voice (aflerted in the Papers of the Commifsionersof this 
 Kingdom unto EngUnd } which are owned in the late Declaration 
 to the Kingdom of BngUnd^ as the fenfe of this Kingdom) con- 
 sidered in relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater 
 and more palpable, yea, may reach further to Shake and unfettle 
 Religion eftabliflied in this Land ^ If to the premifes this be added 
 which is not only often declared, but alfo demanded,That his Ma- 
 jeftie be brought to one of his houfesin Honour, Freedom and 
 Safety, which may infer the admitting of his Majefty to the free 
 exercile of his Royall power, before Tecurity had from him for 
 Religion, or Application made to him for the fame, who feesTiot 
 now what hazard Religion runs, certainly greater then a good in- 
 tention can falve. 
 
 V I. That they do not miftake, or mifunderftand the nature of 
 the true Reformed Rcligion,and of the Government of J b s 11 % 
 
 Christ 
 
The Cjenerall Affembly, \6\%. i<y 
 
 C h r i. s t , as if thereby either the Prerogative of Kings , Pri- 
 viledges of Parliaments or Liberties of Burghs, and other Corpo - 
 rations were any waves hurt or weakened: whereas indeed Reli- 
 gion is the main pillar and upholder of civill authority , or Magi- 
 ftracie, and it is the refilling, and not the receiving of the Govern- 
 ment of Christ, which hath overturned civill powers. If 
 the Throne be eftablifhed by tighteoufnelTe (as we are plainly 
 taught by the Word of G o d) then it is overchrowne by unrighte- 
 oufnefte and iniquity. 
 
 VII. That they beware of all things which may enfnare their 
 confeiences^s evil councell,evil company, falie informations, rafh 
 promifes, and efpccially that they beware of taking any Oathes, 
 fubferibing any Bonds , which may relate to the Covenant and 
 Caufe of G o d , unlefle f uch Oaths or Bonds be approved by the 
 Generall Aflfembly or their Commiisioners for the publique af- 
 fairs of the Kirk. 
 
 VIII. That they do not caft away their confidence, nor fink 
 into def pair,becaufe of the prefenc dangers and dif ficulties,but live 
 by faith , waite for better times , and continue ftedfaft as feeing 
 him who is invifible , firmly beleeving that fucha courfe as is not 
 of G o d but againft him, will come to naught. 
 
 IX. To remember, that as the violation of the Covenant by 
 fome in England doth not fet us free from the obfervation thereof, 
 and as no laws nor authoritv on earth can obfolve us from fo fo- 
 lemn an obligation to the moft High God (which not onely hath 
 been profeiTed by this Kirk but in a Petition of the City of Lon- 
 don^ and in publique Testimonies of many of the Miniftery of Eng- 
 land ) So we are not acquited and afioiled from the obligation of 
 our folemn Covenant , becaufe of the troubles and conf ufions of 
 the times •, But that in the worft of times all thole duties , where- 
 unco by Covenanc we oblige our felves , do ftill lie upon us , for 
 we have (worn (andmuft perform it) concerning that Canfe and 
 Covenant wherein we folemnly Engaged,?^* we fallal I the dayes 
 of our lives zealoufly and conflantly continue therein againft all oppoft- 
 tion , and promove the fame according to our power againft all lets and 
 Impediments whatsoever. And if againft all lets and impediments 
 whatfoever , then the altering of the way of oppofition , or of the 
 kinde of impediments doth not alter the nature , or tye of the Co- 
 venantor we are obliged to all the duties therein contained. 
 
 We doe alio exhorc and charge in Christs Name the 
 Prince of Paftors , alltheMinifters within this Kirk, that in no 
 wayes they be acceffary to this finfull Engagement, but in all cheit 
 conferences and reafoning , efpecially, in their publick Doctrine, 
 they declare themfelves freely , and faithfully, as they would ef- 
 chewthe wrath of GOD, due for a violated Covenant , and as 
 they would cfcape the cenfures of the Kirk- and let all Presbyteries 
 be watchful within their bounds,and caref ully,wifely,and zealoul- 
 ly to inflict Ecclefiaftick cenfures . 
 
 Di Finally 
 
26 The (jcnerall lAjJembly^ 164.8. 
 
 Finally , we exhort all civill Judicatories , and every one in- 
 truded with power to manage the prefent affairs , That they 
 would ferioufly remember the ftricl: account they are to give be- 
 fore the Judge of the quick and the dead, Confidering deeply 
 how learfullathingitistooppreiTethe confeiencesof their bie- 
 thren,either bypreSing them toad where they findc no fatisfaclio- 
 ry warrant, or by putting heavy preffurcs upon them for not acT> 
 ingaccording to their injunctions, and efpecially that they offer 
 not to infnare by new Oaths, or Bonds thofe that make confer- 
 ence of the great Oath of their Solemn Covenant , and hitherto 
 have proven faithfull and conftant in promoving joyntly all the 
 ends thereof. 
 
 If this our faithfull warning finde favourable acceptance, fo that 
 the grievous things already ena<5ted,be no more profecuted and 
 prefled,we fhall blefle God who reigns in the Kindoms and Coun- 
 cells of men : But if it fall out otherwife ( as God forbid ) we have 
 liberate our fouls of the guiltinelTe of thisfinfull way of Engage- 
 ment, and of all the miferies that fhall en fue thereby upon this 
 Kirk and Kingdom, And (hall lament before the Lord that our la- 
 bours have not as yet had the defaed f uccefle. In the mean time, 
 we dare not caft away our confidence , but trufting in the name of 
 the Lord, and flaying upon our God, fhall by his grace and aisift- 
 ance continue ftedfaft in our Solemn Covenants , and faithfull in 
 all the duties of our Calling. 
 
 Auguft 1. 164.8. Antemeridieniy SefT.XXII. 
 
 The Qeneratt Affemblies Anfvper to the Taper 
 Jent from the Honourable Committee of E^ 
 (lates, of the Date Iuly 28. 1 6 4. 8. 
 
 H E General AlTembly having confidered the Pa- 
 per of the a8. of July } delivered rothem from 
 the Honourable Committee of Eftates,Do finde 
 that the firft part thereof concerning the great 
 Offers made by the Parliament and Committee 
 of Eftates for the fecurity of Religion s isno other 
 but what was fully anfwered in our laft Paper of 
 the 25. of jMf> delivered to their Lord(hips,wheieinit was plain- 
 ly demonstrate by Theologicall reafons ( though their Lord- 
 fhips are p leafed to call them Politick) that the prefent Engage- 
 ment is inconfiftent with the fafety and fecurity of Religion. Next 
 whereas it is affirmed in their Lordfhips Paper, that thefe grounds 
 and reafons are the fame which were fully anfwered before, we 
 
 wifh 
 
TheCjenerall djjembly, 16*4.8. 27 
 
 wifh it had been inftanced when and where they were anfwered, 
 for we know no fuch thing. 
 
 Another refle&ion upon that former Paper of ours is thusex- 
 prefled, That the General Ajjembly hat b proceeded to (uch a Declarati- 
 on before they had in an Eccleftaflick way from clear teftimonies out of 
 the word of God or convincing of our conferences, demonstrate the tin- 
 lawfulneffeof the undertaking: Where we can fee no reafon why 
 it (hould feem fo very ftrangeto the Honourable Committee,that 
 the Generall Aflembly hath fo proceeded to a Declaration of their 
 judgement concerning this bufinefle. For as it hath been no unufu- 
 all thing, but very ordinary that approved Synods, both Provin- 
 cial!, National, and Oecumenicall have declared their judgement, 
 without publifhing the particular grounds & reafons thereof from 
 Scripture (a work more proper for full Tractates then for Syno- 
 dicall Decrees or Cannons.) So if their Lordfhips had been plea- 
 fed to attend (for many attended not) the late Parliament-Ser- 
 mons mainly intended for their Lordfhips information, and had 
 with mindes unprejudiced, hearkened thereunto, and fearched in- 
 to all the Papers lately publifhed in Print by the Commifsion of 
 the laft AfTembly, they might have been by the blefsing of God 
 convinced from the Word of God of the unlawfulnefTe of the 
 prefent Engagement. 
 
 There are three things which may juftly feem to us more ftrange: 
 One is,That the Declaration of Parliament hiving given aflurance 
 in this manner , We are reftlvcd not to ingage in any War before the 
 necefsity and lawfulneffe thereof be cleared , fo as all who arc ivel-af- 
 feiied way be fatisfied therewith • yet now they have ingaged in 
 War without any fuch clearing of the necefsity and lawfulnelTe 
 thereof , or fatisf action given to the wel- affected. 
 
 Another is, that although there are fo great profefsions and of- 
 fers in the generall to fatisfie what can be defired for the fecurity 
 of Religion, yet none of thofe particulars defired by the late 
 Commifsion of the Kirk for the fecurity of Religion have been 
 granted. We (hall here onely give inftance in one of thofe defires, 
 which was, that his Majefties concefsions and offers concerning 
 Religion,fent home from the Ifle of wight , having been found by 
 the faid Commifsion unfatisfaftory&deftruclive to the Covenanr, 
 mi^ht be by the Parh declared tmfatisfactory to their Lordfhips. 
 In this great point there hath been no fatisfaction given,onely it 
 was lightly touched in one claufe of the Parliaments Declaration, 
 and fo ambiguoufly expreffed, as might fuflfer many interpretati- 
 ons, and although this ambiguity was clearly laid open by the 
 Commifsioners of the laft Generall Affembly in then* Represen- 
 tation •, yet to this day there hath been nothing publifhed neither 
 by the Parliament nor Committee of Eftates to give any clearer 
 fatisfaction, by difclaiming thofe offers and concefsions as unfa- 
 
 risfattory 
 
28 The (jenerall djfembly, 16^8. 
 
 fatisfa&ory to the Parliament : So that this (if there were no 
 more) gives us great caufe to apprehend that there is a greater 
 myftery latent in that bufinefTethen yet appeareth. 
 
 A third thing which feemeth ftrange to us is, That their Lord- 
 fhips dcfire of arguments from Scripture to prove the unlawf ul- 
 nefle of this Engagement was not propounded to the Commifsi- 
 onersof thelaft Aflembly, before the emitting of the Declara- 
 tion of Parliament, and before the Levies (when it had been moft 
 orderly and feafonable) but is now propounded after publickRe- 
 folutions and Declarations , yea not till thofe refolutions are put 
 in acluall execution. 
 
 However feeing their Lordfhips do now defire proofs from 
 Scripture for the unlawfulnefTe of the Engagement. 
 
 Weanfwer, That as joyning and concurring in this Engage- 
 ment is unlawf ull to all the wel-affe&cd in this Kingdom , their 
 confciences being altogether unfatisfied in the lawfulneffe thereof- 
 and as it is unlawfull in the manner of putting it in execution, 
 being accompanied with fo many injuries, opprefsions, and cry- 
 ing abominations , and with fo much perfecution of piety -, fo it 
 is unlawfull in the own nature of it , and as it is ftated upon 
 the grounds of the Declarations of Parliament, and Committee 
 of Eftates. And this unlawfulnefTe of the Engagement in it felf , 
 we have demonstrate in the Declaration herewith communicate to 
 their Lordfnips , unto which we remit them for fatisfa&ion in 
 that point, and do not doubt but their Lordfhips maybe convin- 
 ced thereby of the evil of their way, and that it is fo farj from be- 
 ing a pious & neceffary Engagement (as their Lordfhips are pleafed 
 to call it) that it is a moft unlawfull and finfull Engagement to be 
 repented of, and forfaken by all that have any hand in it , as they 
 defire to make their peace with God. And we heartily wifh that 
 their Lordfhips fubfequent proceedings may be reall teftimonies, 
 that their calling for Scripture proofs was from a reall defire to be 
 informed and edified. 
 
 As to their Lordfhips other defire of our demonftrating from 
 the Word of God , that the Kirk hath intereft in the under- 
 takings and Engagements in War, and what that intereft is, We 
 had thought this point to be without controverfie in this King- 
 dom , not onely in refpect of Kirk and State , their joyning 
 and co-operating (each in their proper fphere) in the former 
 Expeditions of this Kingdom into England , but alfo becaufe 
 the very Conferences which have been between Committees 
 of Kirk and State concerning this undertaking and Engage- 
 ment, doth -plainly fuppofe an intereft of the Kirk in fuch 
 affairs. 
 
 If their Lordfhips mean any politick intereft in fuch un- 
 dertakings, we claim no fuch thing, if the meaning be of a 
 Spirit uall intereft and fo far as concerncth the point of Con* 
 , fcience, 
 
The (jenerall Ajfembly, 164.8. 29 
 
 fcicnct, there can be no doubt thereof made by fuch as do with 
 David make the teftimonies of the Lord their Counfellers, 
 Pfalm 119.24. And confult with God as he ufed to do in un- 
 dertaking War : It is alfo to be remembredthat Jojhuamd all 
 the Congregation of Israel were commanded to go out and in 
 at the word of Eliazer the Prieft, who was toaske councell of the 
 Lord for them, Numb.2j.2S. Hach not the Word of God pre- 
 ferred to the ChriftianMagiftrate the Rules of a lawfulf War, 
 And doth it not belong to particular Minifters, much more to 
 the Afiemblies of the Kirk, to declare the minde of God from 
 Scripture, for all forts of duties , and againft all forts of fins. 
 And if the prefent War be a cafe of confeience, and alledged 
 to be the moft fit and neceflary means for prefcrvation of Re- 
 ligion, who leeth not that the Kirk hath an undoubted inte- 
 reft in refolving and determining fuch a cafe of Confeience from 
 the word of God. This we fhall onely adde, that whereas in the 
 Parliaments Letter to the Presbyceries three inftances were 
 adduced by way of reflection upon the proceedings of the late 
 Commiflion , as medling with Civill matters in which they 
 had no Intereft , The Commifsion did in their Printed Vin- 
 dication fo clear from Scripturall grounds their Intereft in fuch 
 things, as their Lordfhips might have been eafily fatisfied in 
 that point. We fhall here onely mention one paffage con* 
 taining a good and fafe rule for fuch Cafes, The Duties of 
 the fecond Table , as well as of the firft , as namely , The 
 Duties between King and Subject. Parents and Children, 
 Husbands and Wives , Mafters and Servants , and the like 
 being contained in , and to be taught and cleared from the 
 Word of God , are in that refped, and fo far as concerneth 
 the point of Confeience , a fubjeft of Minifteriall Doctrine, 
 and in difficult cafes a fubjedt of cognizance and Judgement, 
 to the Afiemblies of the Kirk. 
 
 Eodi 
 
 em 
 
^o The (jenerall Jjfembly, 164.8. 
 
 Eodem dieToJlweridiem, SeffXXIIL 
 
 AT>eclarationand Exhortation of the (jenerall 
 Ajfembly oj the Qhurch of Scotland , to their 
 brethren of England. 
 
 S the necefsity of preferving a right underftand- 
 (landing and mutuall confidence betwixt the 
 Churches of Chrift in both Kingdoms con- 
 flrainsus, fo the good acceptance and the fui- 
 table affe&ions that the Declaration of the Iaft 
 Generall Affembly met with in England from 
 the Lovers of the Covenant and prelent Refor- 
 mation, together with the many Teftimonies that have of late 
 been given unto the Truth in that Land, invites and incourages us 
 to make known unto our Brethren there, our fenfe of the prefent 
 condition of publick affairs, fo far as concerns Religion and the 
 point of Confcience. 
 
 The difpenfation of God in ruling of the Nations, and in the 
 revolutions of his Providence towards them, is full of wonder 
 in all the earth ^ And we, who live in this Ifland, have caufe to 
 look upon it with fpeciall obfervation , in regard of that which 
 concerns our felves. For many generations thefe two Kingdoms 
 flood at odds and were the inftruments of many fufferings and 
 calamities one to another, untill at laft the Lord having com- 
 pafsion upon both, did unite them under one King •, which great 
 and long defired Blef sing hath received fuch increafe from our be- 
 ing united together in one League and Covenant as doth adde 
 much to the good and happinefle of both Nations : Therefore is 
 it to be looked upon by all the Lovers of Truth and Peace in thefe 
 Lands as a juft ground of much thankfgiving and many praifes 
 unto God, even in the day of our greateft calamity and afflicti- 
 on what ever befall , as we know no caufe why we fhould forget 
 fo great a mercy or repent of fo good a work. 
 
 But as the common Enemies of thefe Kingdoms ftudied by all 
 means to keep them from entring into that Covenant, fo hath all 
 their power and policy, now, for five years pair, been imployed 
 to bring it to nought : As foon as it had being the Popifh, Prela- 
 ticall and Malignant Party did bend all their forces againft it •, and 
 when by the mighty hand of God they were kattered and 
 brought to confufion, in their (lead flood up in England a gene- 
 ration who have perverted the Truth, and by turning afide into 
 Errour have obftructed the work of Reformation •, and by forfa- 
 
 king 
 
TbeCjenerall Jjfembly, 164.8. 31 
 
 king of the Covenant , and forgetting of the Oath of G O D, 
 have brought a great reproach upon his Name , and made the 
 Enemy to blafpheme-, whofeunthankfulnefleand unftedfaftnefle, 
 with the many provocations of thefe Lands , hath provoked the 
 Lord again to raife out of the duft the horn of IVhlignanrs, and to 
 arm them with fuch power as is terrible to his People, and threa- 
 tens his Work with ruine. And albeit , we acknowledge our 
 felves bound and are ftill refolved to preferveand defend his Ma- 
 jeures Perfonand Authority in the prelervation and defence of the 
 true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms : Yet it is unto us 
 matter of very great forrow and grief that fomany in our Land 
 fhouldfofar joyn in Malignant Defignes, and that there mould 
 be found amongft us who have undertaken and are now putting in 
 execution an unlawfull War for promoving their ends andoppo- 
 fing and making void (fo far as in them lies) the Ends of the 
 Covenant : Neverthelede in this we cannot but rejoyce that they 
 went not without a WitnelTe and a Warning diflwadmg them 
 to go. 
 
 And we defire our Brethren of England to know ^ that as a 
 very confiderable number of the Members of the Parliament did 
 diflent from and proteft againft the proceedings of the major part 
 in reference to this Engagement, fo all the particular Synods and 
 Presbyteries in this Kingdom, excepting fome few, whobyrca- 
 fon of their remotenefle and (nortneiTe of time had not the op- 
 portunity , have moft harmonioufly foyned with and feconded 
 the Defircs of the Commifsioners of the Generall AiTembly for 
 preventing founlawfull a War: And now the Commiflioners out 
 of all the Provinces conveened in this Nationall AiTembly, as af- 
 ter an exacT examination they have unanimoufly approved the 
 proceedings ot the Commifsioners of the former AiTembly 
 againft that Engagement - fo have they emitted a Declaration to 
 all the People of GOD in this Land, mewing it to be contrary 
 to GODS Word and to the folemn League and Covenant. Nei- 
 ther have Minifters onely by their preaching, and Kirk Judicato- 
 ries by their Petitions and Declarations given teftimony againft 
 it-, butmany others in this Land alfo by fupplicating the High 
 and Honourable Court of Parliament for iatisfacTion to their 
 Confciences thereanent : and when it could not be obtained, many 
 have chofen rather to fufter the fpoilingof their goods with joy, 
 then to fin againft GOD by complying with an evil courfe. And 
 many of the Officers of our former Army, who are of (peciall 
 note for their good carriage and delerving in the Caufe of GOD, 
 have rather chooled to quit their chargesthen to joyn in it : Nay, 
 the wel-afTocled, both Minifters and People ,.as they do beai te- 
 ftimony againft it before men, fo groan under it before GOD. So 
 that this character may juftly be put upon it by all who fliall fpeak 
 of it now or in after Ages, That as it is a foul breach of theCo- 
 
 fcl venant 
 
^z The (jenerall Ajjembly, 164.8. 
 
 venant under a pretence and profeflion of being for tht ends of the 
 Covenant, fo being tcarryed on againft the Conferences of the 
 people, and contrary to the moft harmonious and univerfall Te- 
 stimonies of many Presbyteries and Synods that have been given 
 againft it, it is a finning with many WitnefTes. A paralell will 
 hardly be found in this or in any other Land wherein a publick 
 finfull courfe hath been carried on with fo high a hand againftthe 
 Confciences of the People of God, and againft fo many Warn- 
 ings of the Servants of GOD, and generall oppofition from the 
 Judicatories of the Kirk •, which yet is the lefs to be wondred at, 
 becaufe the greateft part of ihofe who have been moft active in 
 contriving and carrying on of the fame, were either once open E- 
 nemies, or always fecret underminers, or indifferent and neutrall 
 in the Caufeof God. 
 
 But whatfoever be the falling away of fuch, wefhall defire and 
 do expect that our Brethren in England, who continue faithful], 
 may reft confident of the generality of alliuch of this Kingdom 
 as wereatfirft active in promoting the Covenant and Work of 
 Reformation,that they are alf o ftill faithfull in adhering thereunto, 
 and walking after their former principles do refolve to abide fted- 
 faft and to hold faft the bands of Brotherhood and union between 
 thefe Kingdoms : Neither are we lcfie confident of the like Re- 
 solutions and Affections of our Brethren in England: The many 
 Testimonies which the Truth and Caufe of C h r i s t , ihe 
 Covenant and Presbytcriall Government have lately received 
 from that cloud of WitnefTes of the Miniftery in feverall Provin- 
 ces and Counties of that Kingdom, after the example of the wor- 
 thy Miniftery of the City of London againft theErrours of Indt- 
 fendencf^ t^yinabaptifm, K^intinomianifm^ ^Armmani[m y Sociriia- 
 nifm, Famili(m,Libertinifm,Sceptifm,Eraftianifnt, and other new 
 and dangerous Doctrines fpred and received amongft many in that 
 Nation 5 As they are unto us matter of great praife and hearty 
 thankfgiving unto GOD, fo alfo an evidence of the ftedfaftnef s 
 of many in England, and a token for good, and a wide door of 
 hope that the Lord will perfect his Work & bring forth the head- 
 ftoneof his Houfc in that Land. It fhall be the wifdom of each 
 Nation to keep the golden path of truth and righteoufneffe be- 
 twixt the crooked and corrupt wayes of Malignants upon the one 
 hand and Sectaries upon the other , and for each of the Nations 
 fo to look upon another, as to diftinguifh betwixt the prevalent 
 part and the better part,and betwixt friends and foes. 
 
 We conceive it to be high time for both Nations to fearch and 
 try their ways and turn again to the LoRD,that he who hath woun- 
 ded us may heal us, and he who hath broken us may binde us up. 
 The fin of both hath been the departing from the rule of the Co- 
 venant, and that we did not truft God for the perfecting of his 
 Work, walking by the rule of piety, but took our felves to hu- 
 mane policies , and endeavoured to carry it on by carnall and 
 
 worldly 
 
TheCjenerall Jffembly, \6$. 33 
 
 worldly means. For as Scotland, did coo much connive at and com- 
 ply with Malignants, which is the immediate and neereft caufe of 
 all our prefent troubles and diftractions •, fo England neglecting to 
 hold faft the truth and to fubmit themfelves to the Government 
 of Jefus Chrift, fo clearly held forth by the pious and learned Af- 
 femblyof Divines, did connive at many abominable Blafphe- 
 miesand Errours, and complying with Sectaries, gave way to 
 their wickedToleration:Neither is it the leaftpartof the fin of both 
 Lands,that they have more minded the outward then the inward 
 Reformation, the erecting of the outward Fabrick of G O DS 
 Houfe,then the providing furniture for it by advancing the power 
 of the Gofpel, that his glory may befeen in his Temple. Be- 
 caufe of thefe things is there great wrath from the Lord againft 
 thefe Kingdoms, and his controverfie (hall be continued untill we 
 really turn away from our crooked paths. Therefo:e as we wifh 
 that none of this Land may flatter themfelves in their evil waye?, 
 but repent and amend^fo we defire our Brethren of England tocon- 
 fider what hath been the bitter fruits of their flow progrefle in and 
 neglect of the Work of Reformation, and of their connivance at 
 and complying wich Sectaries , and to do no more fo , but that 
 whatfocver is commanded by the God of heaven, it be diligently 
 done for the Houfe of the God of heaven. 
 
 We'truft that the Parliament of England will be wife to remem- 
 ber and confider the great mercies of Go^ to wardsthem in delive- 
 ring thtm from all their Enemies,and the many opportunities put 
 into their hands for advancing and eftablifhing the work of Re- 
 formitijn 5 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 fetling the order of his 
 Houfe. God forbid that they fhould run from one extream to ano- 
 ther, from compliance with Sectaries to compliance with Ma- 
 lignauts, and hearken to terms of an unlafe and finfull Peace, We 
 cannot but abhor the purpofes of anywhominde the fubverfion 
 of Monarchical Government, which we heartily wifh to be pre- 
 served and continued in his Majefties Perfon, and Pofteri- 
 ty 5 and we do no lefle diflike the Practifes of thofc who 
 deal fo hardly with his Majefties Perfon, earneftly defiling 
 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 againft the reftoring of the King to 
 theexercife of his power in aright order and way. Yet confidering 
 what great e x psr^ce of blood and pains thefe Kingdoms have been 
 at for maintaining their juft Liberties and bringing the Work of 
 Reformation this length -, And confidering his Majefties great 
 averfnelfe from fetling Reformation of Religion,and his adhering 
 ftillto tpilcopacy •, Wetruftthat fecurity will be demanded and 
 had from his Mijefty for Religion , before he be brought to one 
 of hisHoulcsinorneer about London^ with Honour, Freedom 
 
54- *I'he Cjenerall rfffembly, 164.8. 
 
 and fafcty. And considering of what importance the folemn 
 League and Covenant is unto all the ;nterefts of both Kingdoms 
 concerning their Religion, Liberties and Peace, to make an agree- 
 ment without eftablifhing of it, were not only to rob thefe Na- 
 tions of the blefiings they have already attained by it, buttoo- 
 pen a door to let in all the corruptions that have beenformeily in 
 the Kirks of God in thefe Lands, and all the abuks artdufurpati- 
 ons that have been in the Civili Government, and again to divide 
 thefe two Kingdoms that are now fo happily united and conjoyn- 
 cd : And therefore as we wifli that all mif-underftandings betwixt 
 the Nations , and betwixt the King and his people may be remo- 
 vedjthat there may be a happy and lading Peace,fo that there may 
 be no agreement without eftablifhing and en joyning the Co venant 
 in all thefe three Kingdoms -and that for this end God would 
 givewifdom to all that are intruded in the managing of publick 
 affairs that they may feafonably difcover and carefully avoid 
 all fnares which may be laid either by Seclarics , or Malignants, 
 or both , under colour of a Treaty of Peace. And we are confi- 
 dent , through the Lord , that all the obftru&ions and oppofi- 
 tions, by which his work has been retarded and interrupted in this 
 I{land,fhall not onely be taken out of the way,but mall turn to the 
 advantage and furtherance of it at laft. The onely wife God can 
 and willbring about his holy purpofes by unlikely,yea by contrary 
 means: And God forbid that either our Brethren of England or 
 our felves mould give way todefpondency of fpirit, and caftaway 
 the hopes of that io much prayed for and fo much wifhed for Re- 
 formation of Religion, and Uniformity in all the parts thereof ac- 
 cording to the Covenant : And now it is our hearts defire and 
 prayer to God, that amidft the many trials and tentations of thefe 
 times , none of the fervants of God and witneffes of Jefus Chrift 
 may be deferted , or left to themfelves to comply either with the 
 Malignant 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 fufTered a while, 
 make you perfect, ftablifh, ftrengthen and fettle you. 
 
 Jugujl 
 
 
The general/ Ajfembly, i6^$. 25 
 
 Auguft 2. 1 64.8- Antemeridiem, Sell. XXIV. 
 
 Anfwer to the Letter of the %eyerend AJfem* 
 bly of 'Divines in England. 
 
 Right Honourable , Right Reverend and jvel- beloved in 
 our LO RD y 
 
 Eceafenot to give thanks to the Father of our 
 LordJefus,by whofeitrength you keep the Word 
 of his patience now in thefe times, when many 
 depart from the Faith, giving heed to feducing 
 Spirits 5 As alio > that he who hath founded 
 Zion, hath been pleafed,by our Covenant fvvorn 
 to the moft high God , to lay the hopefull foundation of a glori- 
 ous Work in thefe three Kingdoms, to unite his Peopie therein, 
 as one fticfe in the hand of the LOR D. 
 
 We cannot but acknowledge to the Honour and Glory of the 
 Lord, Wonderfull in counfell and excellent in working, that hee 
 hath ftrongly united the fpiritsof all the godly in this Kingdom, 
 and of his Servants in the Miniftery , firft in the feverall Rresby- 
 teries and Synods, and now in this Nationali Aflernbly,in an una- 
 nimous and conftant adhering to our firft Principles and the So- 
 lemn League and Covenant, And particularly in giving a teftimo- 
 ny againft the prcfent unlawfull Engagement in War: Yet it feem- 
 eth good to the LORD who hath his Fire in Zion and Furnace 
 in frrufalern, for the purging of thevellelsof his houfe to fuffer 
 manyadverfuriesto arife with violence to obftruct and ftop this 
 great and effeetuall door , which the Lord hath opened unto us. 
 But we know that he openeth,and no man fhutteth, and flutteth, 
 and no man openeth : yea, he will caufe them who fay they are 
 for the Covenant and are not,but are Enemies thereto,and do aflb- 
 ciate with Malignantsor Sectaries, to acknowledge that God hath 
 loved us,& that his truth is in us & with us. And now dearly belo- 
 ved, feeing the Lord hath kept you together fo many years, when 
 the battel of the Wan tour hath been with confuted noife,and gar- 
 ments rolled in blood, the Lord alfo fitting as a refiner to purifie 
 the Sons of Levi, and blefsing you with un.ty and foundnefTe in 
 the Faith, we a:e confident you will not ceafe to give a publick 
 teftimonyfor Chrift , both againft Sectaries and all Seducers, 
 whoprophecieliesinthcnameof the LORD, and againft Ma- 
 Jignants and Incendiaries (the Prelaticall and Popifh Faction,) 
 whu now again beftir themfelves to hold up the rotten and tott 
 ing throne of Antichrift , and are (whatever they pretend) the 
 
 reall 
 
%6 Hoe Cjenerall *JjJembly 7 164.8. 
 
 reall enemies of Reformation: Asalfo, that as the Embafifadors 
 of zfeftts Chrift and his Watchmen, you will give feafonable war- 
 ning to the Honourable Houfes of Parliament, that now fafcer 
 the Iofle of the opportunity of To many years) they would , in 
 their places, repair the Houfe of the L 6 R D, that lyeth fo long 
 defolate, and promove the work of Reformation and Uniformity 
 according to the Covenant. 
 
 For if the Honourable Houfes of Parliament had timely made 
 ufe of that power, which God had put in their hands for fuppret- 
 fing of Sectaries, and had taken a f peedy courle for fetling of Pres- 
 byteriall Government, (a fpeciall and effectuall means appointed 
 by God to purge his Church from all fcandals in Doctrine and 
 Practife,) Thenhadnottheinfolencieof that party arifen to fuch 
 a height, as to give occafion to the Malignants of both Kingdoms 
 to juftifie and blefTe themfelves in their old oppofition to the 
 work of Reformation, and to encourage one another, to new and 
 more dangerous attempts • Neither had the Malignant party ever 
 grown fo ftrong in this Kingdom , if the Sectaries had not been 
 connived at in E n g l a n d 5 For their prime pretence 
 (for their prefent tiling in Armes) is , that they may fupprefs 
 the Sectaries, and vindicate the King from that bale condition, un- 
 to which he is brought by that party: Yet thefe do not wifely, 
 nor well, who avoiding or oppofing Se£ta;ifme, fplit themfelves 
 upon the rock of Malignancy, and by taking that party by the 
 hand now, do own all the cruelty , bloodfhed and other ungodly 
 and unjuft Acts, which they have done fince the beginning of this 
 Reformation. And as we take thankfully your teftimony of our 
 fteiring fo fteady and even a courfe between the dangerous rocks 
 of Prophanefle and Malignancy on the one hand, andofErrour, 
 Schifme, Herefie and Blafpheme on the other hand -, So wetruft 
 ye will not ceafe to give teftimony againft both thefe evils, and re- 
 prefent the fame to the Honourable Houfes of Parliament, as you 
 mail have fit occafion • And that you will gravely warne your cif- 
 fenting Brethren what a door they keep open for Errors and 
 Herefies, by their tenet of Independency - 7 Whereby they leave 
 no means of Authoritative Ecclefiaftick Supprefsion of Er- 
 rours- If an Independent Congregation will pleaie to own them. 
 We alfo are confidentthat you will be remembrancers to that fa- 
 mous City of London, and the whole Kingdom , of their Engage- 
 ment to the LOR D, in the folemn League and Covenant: Nor 
 willwefuffer our felves to believe thai the wel-affected in the 
 Houfes of Parliament, In the City of London y and throughout 
 that whole Kingdom will agree or harken to the motions of any 
 fuch Treaty of Peace, as leaves out the beft fecurity for Religion, 
 the Caufe of GOD, and the folemn League and Covenant. 
 Thusdefiring the continuance of your Prayers to God for us , in 
 this hour of temptation - 7 and promising (through his grace and 
 
 ftrength) 
 
The Qenerall AJJembly, \6\%. rj 
 
 ftrength) to continue in prayers for you, We commit you to the 
 infinite Wifdom , Power, Goodnefle, and FaithfulnefTe of our 
 blefled GOD and Father in Chriji, in whom we arc, 
 
 2. Augufi 1548. Tour very loving and affectionate 
 
 Brethren to [erve you, 
 
 DirecJ, The Minifters and Elders con- 
 To the Right Honourable, veened in the G e n e r a l 
 and Right Reverend the A s s e m b l y of the Kirk 
 Aflembly of Divines in of Scotland. 
 England now aflembled 
 at weflminfter. 
 
 Eodem dieToJlmeridiem, Seff XXV' 
 
 J be Humble Supplication of the Cjeneralt Aj~ 
 Jembly, To the %ight Honourable the Corn*- 
 mitteeof Eftates. 
 
 [Hereas the High and Honourable Court of Par- 
 liament and your Lordfliips were pleafed to in- 
 joyn thefublcriptionof a Declaration and Band 
 ot the date June 10. 1648. And we having 
 found after luch examination and tryall , as is 
 competent tothe Servants ot G O D in an Ec- 
 clefiaftick way, that the fameisafnateto the 
 Confciences of the People of GO D in this L and to involve them 
 m guilcinefle, and to draw them from their former principles and 
 Vows in the folemn League and Covenant , as doth more fully 
 appear in our Act concerning the fame herewith prefented unto 
 your Lordfhips. Therefore from our zeal tothe glory of GOD 
 and tender care of the fouls committed unto us, and for our ex- 
 oneration , As we do ferioufly exhort that your Lordfliips 
 wouldbelenfibleof the guilt that you have already brought up- 
 on your fclves and others , by injoyning and urging that fub- 
 fcription, Sowedoearneftly and in the bowels of $e[us Chriji 
 intrear, That your Lordfliips would take f uch order and courfc as 
 that it may be no further prefled upon the people of G O D 
 throughout the Land. 
 
 And becaufe the people groan under the violence and opptei- 
 fionof Officers and Souldiers in their Quarterings or otherwiie 
 throughout all the corners of the Countrey (which as it hath al- 
 fcended into the ears of the Lord of Hofts , fo we doubt not 
 but it is come to your knowledge,) We conceive it to be incum- 
 bent 
 
38 The (jenerall idjjetnbly, 164.8. 
 
 bent to us to reprefent the fame to your Lordfhips, befeeching 
 and obtefting you that as you would cot defire that the Lord 
 lhould vifit becaufe of thefe things, you would think upon an ef- 
 fectuall remedy for puniftiing and redrefsing what is paft, and pre- 
 venting the like in time coming. 
 
 And whereas by an Acl: and inhibition of your Lordfhips, The 
 Liberty of Printing being one of the Kirks Priviledges confirmed 
 by Parliament is reftrained, Therefore we intreat that the inhibi- 
 tion upon the Printers may be taken off. 
 
 And now having condifcended upon a Declaration to all the 
 Members of' this Kirk concerning preient dangers and duties. We 
 do in all humility offer the fame to your Lordfhips (together with 
 our Anfwer to the Paper laft fent to us from your Lordfhips) pro- 
 fefsingjn the fight of GOD (whofe 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 5 
 And therefore intreats your Lordfhips, that you would ferioufly 
 ponder the fame without prejudice, and as you defire to be com- 
 forted in the day of your accompts, to make right ufe of the light 
 that is holden forth therein from Gods Word. 
 
 Auguft 3. 164.8. Jntemeridiem,Seff.XXVL 
 
 JB for cenfuring zfMiniflers for their Jilence, 
 and not fpeafyng to the corruptions of the 
 time. 
 
 \H E Generall AfTembly, taking to their ferious 
 confideration , the great fcandals which have 
 lately encreafed, partly through fome Minifters 
 their referving and not declaring of themfelves 
 againft the prevalent fins of the times , partly 
 through the fpite, Malignity, and infolency of 
 others againft fuch Minifters as have faithfully and freely repro- 
 ved the Sins of the times without refped of perfons, Do there- 
 fore for preventing and removing fuch fcandals hereafter, Ap- 
 point and Ordain, that every Minifter do by the word of Wifdom 
 apply his Doctrine faithfully againft the publick Sins and Cor- 
 ruptions of thefe times , and particularly againft the Sins and 
 Scandals in that Congregation wherein he lives, according to 
 the Ad: of the Generall Aflembly 1596. revived by the Af- 
 fembly at Glafgow 1638. Appointing that fuch as fhall be 
 found not applying their Do&rine to corruptions , which is the 
 Paftorall gift, cold, and wanting of Spirituall zeal, flatterers 
 
 and 
 
TbeCjenerall AJJembly, 1&J.8. 39 
 
 and diflembling of publick fins,and efpecially of great Perfonages 
 in their Congregations, that all fuch perfons be cenfured accord- 
 ing to the degree of their faults and continuing therein be depri- 
 ved •, A nd according to the Ad of the Generall Affembly 1646. 
 Se(f. 10. That befide all other fcandals, filence, or ambiguous 
 fpeaking inthepublike Caufe, much more detracting and dif- 
 affected fpeeches be feafonably cenfured: As therefore the Errours 
 and cxorbitancies of Sectaries in England are not to be patted in fi- 
 lence, but plain warning to be given of the danger of fo near a 
 contagion, that people may beware of it, and fuch as neglect this 
 duty to be Cenfured by their Presbyteries, So it is thought fit and 
 Appointed by the Aflembly, conform to the forefaid Acts , That 
 the main current of applications in Sermons may run along againft 
 the evils that prevail at home,and namely againft the contempt of 
 the Word, againft all profaneffe, againft the prefent defection 
 from the League and Covenant, againft the unlawfull Engage- 
 ment in War, againft the unlawfull Band and Declaration of the 
 date of the 10. of June ordained to be fubfcribed by all the Sub- 
 jects , and other unjuft Decrees eftablifhed by Law, againft the 
 Plots and Practifesof Malignants, and agiinft the Principles and 
 Tenents of Eraftianifot, which fprcad among divers in this King- 
 dom •, For the better confutation whereof, it is hereby Recom- 
 mended to the Miniftery to ftudy that point of controverfie we4I> 
 that they may be the more able to ftopthe mouths of gainfayers : 
 Tisalfo hereby Recommended to thefeverall Presbyteries and 
 Provinciall Synods , that they make fpeciall enquiry and trial! 
 concerning all the Miniftery in their bounds, And if any be found 
 too fparing generall , or ambiguous in the forefaid applications 
 and reproofs that they be fharply rebuked, dealt with, and warned 
 to amend under the pain of fuipenfion from their Miniftery •, And 
 if after fuch warning given theyamend not,that fuch be fufpended 
 by Presbyteries, and in cafe of their negligence by the Synods till 
 the next Generall AfTembly 5 But if there be any, who do neglect 
 and omit fuch applications and reproofs, and continue in fuch ne- 
 gligence after admonition and dealing with them, they are to be 
 cited, and after due triall of the offence to be depofed , for being 
 pleafersofmen rather then fervants of c£r/^.forgivingthemfelves 
 to a deteftable indifferency or neutrality in the Caufe of God,and 
 for defrauding the fouls of people, yea for being highly guilty of 
 the blood of fouls in not giving them warning: Much more are 
 fuch Miniftersto be cenfured with Depofition from their Miniftry 
 who preach for the lawfulnes or pray for the fuccefs of the prefent 
 unlawfull Engagement, or that go along with the Army them- 
 felvcs, or who lubfcribe any Bands or take any Oaths not appro- 
 ved by the General Aflembly or their Commifsioners, or bv their 
 counfcl,countenance or approbation make themfclves acceflbry to 
 
 F the 
 
^o The Cjenerall Affernbly, i <J^8. 
 
 the taking of fuch Bands and Oaths by others :It isto be underftood 
 that if anyMinifter preach in defence of or pray for the fuccefle 
 to the Se&aiies in England , he is likewayes to be cenf ured by de- 
 pofition. And this we adde as a generall rule to beobferved on 
 both hands, but not as if we had found any of the Miniftery of 
 this Kingdom to be favourers of the Sectaries in England. 
 
 And in cafe any Minifter for his freedom in preaching, and 
 faithfull difcharge of his confeience (hall be in the face of the 
 Congregation or elfevvhere upbraided , railed at, mocked, or 
 threatened, or if any injury or violence be done to his perfon, or 
 any flop and difturbance made to him in the exercife of his Mini- 
 fteriali calling, The Presbyterie of the bounds fhall forthwith 
 enter in procelTe with the offender,and whoever he beCharge him 
 to fatisfie the Difcipline of the Kirk by publick Repentance, 
 which if any do not , or refufe to do, That then the Presbyterie 
 proceed to Excommunication againft him • In all which Presby- 
 teries and Synods are to give an account of their diligence: And 
 the Affembly Appoints this Acl; to be intimate in the fevcral Con- 
 gregations of this Kirk. 
 
 Auguft 4. i<H 8 ' ^ of meridiem, SefT. XXIX. 
 
 Overtures concerning the education of the Hie- 
 land 'Boys in the Troyince of Argyle, 
 
 His 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 
 Generall Affembly to us concerning the Hie^land 
 Boys {who are given up to be fourty in number of good fpi- 
 rits and approven by the Province of ArgyleJ Do humbly 
 think that four of them who arc ready for the Colledge fbould 
 be recommended to the Univerjities to get Burfcs on in every 
 Colledge. As for the reft of the 40. who are to be brought up 
 at Grammar Schools, The Committee thinks that if the fatel 
 'Boys (bould be fcattered through the Kingdom they Jhould 
 lofe the IrijJ) language, and fo the Affembly [lull fail of their 
 furpofe to make them ufefull for the Hie-Unds : And there- 
 fore do humbly conceivethat it were fitting that every Congre- 
 gation pay yearly fourty Jhillings Scots for maintaining the 
 faidBoysat Schools in Glafgow, or in other places where 
 many of them may be together accepted of and that the money 
 be brought in yearly to the Generall Affembly by the Commif- 
 fsioners of Presbyteries, and that Presbyteries augment or di- 
 
 minifb 
 
TheCjenerall AJJembly, 1648. 41 
 
 minifh the [aid proportion according to the ability of every 
 Congregation. 
 The Aflembly having confidered the forefaid Repoit, Ap- 
 proves the fiift Overture, And recommends Colin Campbell 'to the 
 Univeifityof Aberdeen, Duncan Campbell to Edinburgh, Patrick 
 Campbell to Glafgow^Zaehary CMacculltunio St. Leonards Colledge 
 in St. Andrews: As al/o Approve the fecond Overture, ferioufly 
 Recommending to Presbyteries, That the faid fourty (hillings be 
 collected careiully and lent to Glafgow, And the Minifters oiGlaf- 
 gotv fhall appoint (ome fufficient man in that Town to receive the 
 laid Collection f rom Presbyteries, And to take charge of the 
 boording and entertainment or the faids Boys in Glafgox* at 
 Schooles , and they (hall fend in the names of the Boys 
 with a Certificate of their proficiency yearly to the Generall 
 Aflembly : And this Collection (hall onely endure for the 
 (pace of twelve years. 
 
 Auguft 5. 1648. Antemeridiem, Seff XXX* 
 
 Explanation of the fifth Article of the Over* 
 tures concerning Appeals pafl in the Af* 
 jemhly^ 164.3. 
 
 ^HE Generall Aflembly for clearing the fenfe of 
 the filth Article of the Overtures concerning 
 Appeals in the Aflembly, 1643. Seff.z. Do De- 
 clare, that if Appellations, PoHlatam fententiam 
 be not prefentcd to the Judicatory when the fen- 
 , tence is pronounced : The party .fhall then im- 
 mediately after the fentence proceftfor liberty of Appeal, as he 
 fhall fee caufe •, And accordingly within ten dayes (hall give in his 
 Appeal in writ under his hand, either to the Judicatory or the 
 Moderator thereof, otherwife the Appeal is not to be relpected. 
 
 F 2 Eodem 
 
q.z The (jenerall Jffembly, 164.8. 
 
 Eeodem die \6/\S>. Ante meridiem, Seff XXX- 
 
 JB discharging depojed or fufpended Minijlers 
 from any exercife of the <z5\d inijlery y or 
 medling with the Jlipend. 
 
 IHE Generall AlTembly confidering that accord- 
 ing to the ancient practife and order of this Kirk, 
 the Cenfure or Sufpenfion and Depofition of 
 Miniftersisboth ab officio and a beneficio^ as is 
 alio acknowledged by the 20. A& of the Parlia- 
 ment, Anno 1644. And that the continuance of 
 fufpended or depofed Minifters in the exercife 
 of theMinifteryor in the poffefsion of their ftipend hath been 
 and ought to be accompted and cenfured as a grett contempt of 
 the Authority and Ceniures of the Kirk, Confidering alio that 
 the continuance of depofed Mitiifters in the poffefsion of the fti- 
 pend, is a great prejudice and obftru&ion to the planting of the 
 vaikingKhk,andtothefervice of God there. Therefore do de- 
 clare and Ordain, That whofcever after the fentence of Depo- 
 fition pronounced againft them, Do either exercife any part of the 
 Minifteriall calling in the places they formerly ferved in,or elfe- 
 where, ordopofiefle, meddle, or intromet with the ftipend or 
 other benefits whatfoever belonging to thefe Kirks they ferved 
 at , They mail be proceeded againft with Excommunication - y 
 And if any fufpended M nifter during > his fufpenfion , ekher. 
 exercife any part of the Minifteriall Calling, or intromet with the 
 Stipend, that he be Depofed, And after depofition, continuing in. 
 either of thefe faults, That he be proceffed with Excommuni- 
 cation- But prejudice always to them of theii ftipend refting for 
 by-gone lervice, and of any recompence due for building or re- 
 pairing of the Manfe according to the ordinary praclife. And 
 cheAflembly recommends to Presbyteries ferioufly to be care- 
 full of the putting of this Acl in execution^ 
 
 Auguft 
 
The gcnerall JJfembly, 164$. 4, 
 
 Auguft 7. 164.8. Antemeridiem. SefT.XXXI. 
 
 The sjffemblies "Declaration of the faljhood 
 and forgerie of a lying fc and alous Taml 
 phlet put forth under the name of their T^ 
 Verend "Brother M after Alexander Hen- 
 derfon after his death. 
 
 |H E Generall Aflembly of this Kirk having (ten 
 a Printed Paper, Intituled, The Declaration of 
 <JMr. Alexander Henderfon principall dlini- 
 fter of the Word of G O D at Edinburgh and chief 
 Commissioner from the Kirk of Scotland tothePar- 
 tiament and Sjncd of 'England made upon his death- 
 bed. And taking into their ferious confederation 
 how many grolTe lies and impudent calumnies are herein contain- 
 ed $ Out or the tender relpecl which they do bear to his name 
 (which ought to be very precious to them and all pofterity , for 
 his faithfull fervicein the great Work of Reformation in thefc 
 Kingdoms, wherein the Lord was pleafed to make him eminent- 
 ly instrumental!) and left through the malice of fome, and igno- 
 rance or others the laid Pamphlet fhould gain belief among the 
 weaker fort, They have thought fit to make known and declare 
 concerning the fame as followeth, 
 
 That after due fearch and tryall they do tinde that their worthy 
 brother Mafter Alexander Henderfon did horn the time of his 
 coming from London to Newcafile till the laft moment of his de- 
 parture out of this life upon all occafions manifeft the conftancy 
 of his judgement touching the Work of Reformation in thsfe 
 Kingdoms-, Namely, in all his diicourfes and conferences with 
 his Majefty, and with his Brethren who were employed with him 
 in the fame Truft at Newcafile^ In his Letters to the Commifsio- 
 nersat London , and particularly m his laft difcourfc to his Maje- 
 ftie at his departing from Netvcaftle , being very we3k and greatly 
 decayed in his Naturall ftrength. When he was come from New- 
 caftleby Seatoth s Kingdom, he was in fuch a weak worn and fail- 
 ed condition, as it was evident to all who faw him, that he was 
 not able co frame any fuch Declaration, for he was fo fpent that he 
 died within eight dayes af:er his arrival! 5 And all that he was able 
 to fpeak in that time did clearly (hew his judgement of,and affecti- 
 on to the Work of Reformation and Caufeot God, to be every 
 way the fame then, that it was in the beginning and progrefle 
 
 thereof 
 
4.4- TheQenerall srfjjembly, 1648. 
 
 thereof, as divers Reverend Brethren who vifited him have decla- 
 red to this Aflembly ,and particularly two Brethren who conftanc- 
 ly attended him from the time he came home till his breath expi- 
 red. A further reftimony may be brought from a fhorr Confefsion 
 of Faith under his hand found amongft his Papers, which is ex- 
 prcfled as hislaft Words, wherein among other mercies he decla- 
 reth himfelf mofl of all obliged to the grace and goodneffe of Cod for 
 calling him to believe the Promifes of the Gofpcl, and for exalting him 
 to be a Preacher of them to others, and to be a willing though weak, in- 
 flrument in this great and wonder full worl^of Reformation, which he 
 eameflly befeecheth the Lord to bring to a happy conclufion. Other rea- 
 fons may be added from the levity of the liile and manifeft ab- 
 furdities contained in that Paper. Upon confideracion of all which 
 this Aflembly doth condemn the faid Pamphlet as forged, fcan- 
 dalous, and falfe, And further Declare the author and contriver of 
 the fame to be void of charity and a good confeience, and a grofle 
 Jyar and calumniator led by the Spirit of the accufer or the 
 Brethren. 
 
 AB for taking the Covenant at the Jirjl re- 
 ceiving of the. Sacrament of the Lords Sup- 
 per, and for the recehingof it alfo by all 
 Students at their firjl entry to Colledges. 
 
 >H E Generall Aflembly according to former re- 
 commendations, Deth Ordain that all young 
 Students take the Covenant at their firft entry 
 to Colledges •, And that hereafter all Perfons 
 whatfoever take the Covenant at their firft recei- 
 ving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper : Requi- 
 ring hereby Provinciall AfTemblies , Presbyteries and Univerfi- 
 ties to be carefull that this A<5tbe obferved, and accompt thereof 
 taken in the vifitation of Univcrikies and particular Kirks, and in 
 thetryallof Presbyteries. 
 
 Eodem 
 
The (jenerall AJJembly, \6$>. 4.5 
 
 Eodem die Toflmeridiem, Sell. XXXII. 
 
 nAB concerning Tresbyteries maintaining of 
 Burfars. 
 
 JHE Generall Aflcmbly Vnderitanding that the 
 frequent Recommendation of preceding Aflem- 
 blies for maintaining Burfars, is by many Pref- 
 byteries neglected, Do therefore Ordain Synods 
 to crave accompt thereof from Presbyteries at 
 every Provincial! meeting, Which with the 
 Presbyteries anfvver, fliall be put upon record, 
 That fothe part both of Presbyteries and Synods and their neg- 
 ligence or diligence in fo pious a work may be known by the ex- 
 amination of the Provinciall bocks to each Generall Aflembly, 
 
 i 
 
 Auguftp. 164-8. JntemeridiemSc{[.XXX\/. 
 
 All for dis^oyhing the T 'res by terj of Zetland, 
 from the ^Provincial! Synod of Orkney and 
 Cathnes. 
 
 44«H"H44"HHE General Aflembly now after exact tryal,finding 
 ^ .^W^/%, that the Presbytery of Zetland cannot meet with 
 J$l f W% tne Provincial of Cathnes & Qrknay 10 which it was 
 zMt^mMZ ad ]°y nedb yan Act of the Aflcmbly 1d46.SefT.11 
 S^f***** And that the allowance and difpeniation granted 
 in the preceding Aflembly for thehalfeof their 
 number to keep the meetings of the faid Provinciall cannot be 
 obferved in refpect of the great diftance of that Ifle by feafrom 
 the land, and the dangeroufnefs of the feas there, andofthepaf- 
 fage through them, Therefore after hearing the parties intercfled 
 and ferious deliberation of the matter, The Aflembly doth hereby 
 Dis joyn thePiesbytery of Zetland from the Provincial of Cathnes 
 ScOrknay, And Declares for thefe reafons,That the (aid Presbytery 
 is to be hereafter iubordinate immediately to the Generall Aflem- 
 bly, For which caufe, their Commiflloncrs are to be fent to 
 each Generall Aflembly the more carefully, And it is hereby Re- 
 commended to them that they fend to the next Aflembly a par- 
 ticular information of the quality and condition of all their Kirks 
 according to the direction of the act of the preceding Aflembly 
 Sett. 27. Entituledan act for preflingand furthering the plant- 
 ing of Kirks. Aug. 
 
q.6 The(jenerall lAJfembly, 164.8. 
 
 Aug.10. 164.8. ToJlrneridiem.SettXXXVUl. 
 
 Overtures for the "Remedies of the grievous 
 and common Sins of the Land in this pre- 
 fent time. 
 
 TH E Sins of the Land and the Caufes and occafions there- 
 of being confidered, The following Remedies of thefe 
 Sins were propounded. 
 
 Civill Remedies. 
 For the prefect, untill the Overtures prepared to be prefented to 
 the Parliament, It is to be Recommended to every Congregation to 
 make ule of the 9. Aft of the Parliament 1645. at Perth, for ha- 
 ving ^Magifirates and Rupees in every Congregation , and of the 
 8. Act of the faid Parliament againfi Swearing , Drinking and 
 mocking of Piety, and all other Acts of Parliament for refraining 
 er punijhing of Vice - y particularly for the better retraining of the 
 fin of Whoredom that each CMagifirate in evtry Congregation exacJ 
 and make comptlo the Sefsion of fourty pounds for each Fornicatour 
 and Fornicatrix, of an hundreth Merks for each one of their relatfe 
 in Fornication, of an hunireth pounds for each Adulterer and Adul- 
 ter e(s according to evprefs ^Atls of Parliament which is to be exacted 
 of thofe who may pay it > and the difcretion of the Magistrate it to 
 modi ft it according to the ability or inability of each Delinquent. 
 
 Domeftick Remedies. 
 1 . Let care be ta^en of con fcionable receiving of few ants , that 
 they have tefimonials of their hone ft behaviour : And let all fuch 
 as give tefimonials take heed that thefe to whom they give them, be 
 free of fcolding, [wearing, lying and fuch like more common fins, 
 as well as fornication, adultery, drunkenneffe and other groffe and 
 hainom evils - 7 let the ordinary time of giving Tefimonials be in 
 face of Sefsion : K^ind if an extraordinary exigent be : let it be gi- 
 ven by the Minifier with consent of the elder of the bounds, wherein 
 the per f on craving the Tefiimoniall hath reftded ; If they have fallen 
 or re lap fed in fcandalous Jins^ let their Tefiimoniall bear both their 
 fall and Repentance. 
 
 2 . Let care be had that the Worfhip of God be practifed , and Dif- 
 cipline cxercifed in Families, according to the Directory for Family 
 Wor(bij> in all things as was appointed in the General Affembly 1 647. 
 efpecially in the Minifers conftant Catechizing of the Family , and 
 tn the performance of the Duties of the Sabbath by all the mem- 
 bers thereof. 
 
 3. Let perfons to be married and who have children to he bap- 
 tized 
 
TbeCjenerall JJJcmbly, I&J.8. 4.7 
 
 tized, who are very rvde and ignorant, be ftirredup and exhorted, 
 as at all times, (o efpccially at that time, to attain fame meafure of 
 Chriflian knowledge in the grounds of Religion , that they may give 
 to the Mimfier, before the Elder of the Bounds wherein they live, 
 fome accompt of their knowledge, that fo they may the better teach 
 their family and train up their children. 
 
 4. Let every family that hath any in it that can read , have a 
 'Bible and a Pfalm-'Sook, and make ufe of them • and where none can 
 read, let them be ftirredup to traine up their children in reading, 
 and ufe any other good remedie the Miniflcr and Sefsion can 
 fall on. 
 
 Generall Ecclefiaftick Remedies, 
 
 1. Let the Remedies which were given at Perth 1645. and 
 are n.ontitncdin the Generall Afjembly 1646. anent the Sins of Mi- 
 nisters be put in execution. 
 
 2 . Let fufpenfion from the Lords Sacrament be more carefully 
 executed. 
 
 3 . Let perfons relapfe In Adultery[or above)qnadrilapfe in For- 
 nication (or above) or often guilty of other grower fcandals, be Ex- 
 communicat fomewhat more fummarly nor in an ordinary proceffe 
 (except there be more nor ordinary fignes, and an eminent meafure of 
 Rebcntance made known to the Sefsion and Presbyterie) both for the 
 hainoufnefs of the fins and continuance therein, and aljo for terrour 
 to others ; And thefe not to be relaxed from thefentence of Excommu- 
 nication without evidence ', and undeniable fignes of Repentance. 
 
 4. Let unpartiall proceeding be ufed againfl men of all quality, 
 for their fcandalous walking , and in particular for drunkennejjc, 
 fwearing, and other fcandalous fins. CAnd this to be tryedat the 
 
 Vifitation of Kirl^s. 
 
 , Particular Ecclefiaftick Remedies: 
 and 1. againft Ignorance. 
 
 1. Let CMiniflcrs Catechize one day every week^ (whereon alfo 
 they may Baptise and Lecture or Preach) and let them Preach every 
 Lords Day both before and after noon, according to former Alls of 
 Generall t^dJfemblies,Let Presbyteries and Synods be very careful I of 
 this •, And let every Provinciall Book , contain an exact accompt 
 thereof. 
 
 1. Let CM iniflers examine all of every quality of whofe know- 
 ledge they have no certain notice. 
 
 3. Let young perfons be Catechised by the Minifler from the 
 time they are capable of inftruClion, and let them not be delayed till 
 they be of age to Communicat. 
 
 4. Let perfons grojly ignorant be debarred from the Commu- 
 nion ; for the firfl and fecond time, let them be debarred, fupprcsfmg 
 their names, for the third time, expref sing their names, for the fourth 
 time, bring them to publtck Repentance • all this is to be under flood of 
 thofe that profit nothing, and labours not for knowledge : But if they 
 be profiting in any meafure, or labouring that they may profit , tht ir 
 
 G cafe 
 
zj.8 IheLjeneraU Mjjembiy y 164.0. 
 
 cafe is very con ffder able, they ought to have more forbearance. 
 2. Ecclefiaftick Remedies againft Prophanefle. 
 
 1. Let ignorant and fcandalous perfons he put off, and kept off 
 Kirk. Sefsions. 
 
 2. Let every Elder have a certain bounds af signed to him that 
 he may vifit the fame every moneth at leaf, and report to the Sefsion 
 what fcandalls and abufes are therein, or what perfons have entered 
 without Testimonials. 
 
 3 . Let allfcandalous perfons befufpendedfrom the Lords Supper. 
 
 4. Let the CMinifler deal in private with them.that are prof ef- 
 fing publick. Repentance before the Elder of the bounds , thus to try 
 the evidence of their Repentance, 
 
 5 . Let thefe who have fallen in fornication make publick pro- 
 fefsion of Repentance three fever all Sabbaths , who is guilty of re- 
 lap fe in Fornication fix Sabbaths, who is guilty of trelapfe in Forni- 
 c at ion } or hath once fallen in Adultery 26. Sabbaths, and thefe fins 
 to be confeffed both in one habit e, \\z.in Sackcloth, Quadrilapfe in 
 Fornication and relapfe in Adultery, three quarters of a year, Incefi 
 or ^Murder a year, or 52. Sabbaths, in cafe the Magi fir ate do not 
 his duty in punifhing fuch crimes capitally h T'hey that fall in For- 
 nication or relapfes therein, arc fir ft to confeffc their Sin before the 
 
 . Sefsion, and thereafter before the Congregation 5 They that are guil- 
 ty of greater degrees of that Sin and of the other Sins mentioned in 
 this Article, art to confefs their Sin both before the Sefsion and Pref- 
 byterie, and there tofoew fome fignes of Repentance before they be 
 brought to the Congregation. 
 
 6. Some are to be rebuked at the time ofCatechizing,who deferve 
 more nor aprvatc reproof , and yet needs not to be brought to publick 
 Repentance. 
 
 7. It will be a good remedie againft Sabbath- breaking by Carriers 
 and Travellers, That the UMiniflers where they dwell caufe them to 
 bring Teftimonials from the place where they reftedon thefe Lords 
 dayes wherein thty were from home. 
 
 8. Let all perfons who flit from one Paroch to another have fuf- 
 ficient Teftimonials, This is to be extended to all Gentlemen and Per- 
 fons of quality and all their followers , who come to re fide with their 
 Families at Edinburgh, or elfewhere, and let the CMinifler from 
 whom they flit advertife the Minifter to whom they Ait , if (id bis 
 knowledge) they be lying under any fcandall 
 
 p. Let Miniflers be free with perfons of quality for amendment 
 of their faults, and (if need ft all be) let them take help thereto of 
 fome of the Brethren of the Presbyterie. 
 
 10. Let the Presbyteries take fpeciall notice of Minifter s whtdo 
 converfs frequently and familiarly with Malignant s, and with fcan- 
 dalous & prophane perfons, efpecially fuch as belong to other Paroches, 
 
 11. Let privie Cenfures of Presbyteries and Synods be performed 
 with more Accuracie, Diligence and Zeal. 
 
 12. For 
 
TheCjcncrall Affembly, 1648. 4? 
 
 ia. For better keeping of the Sabbath, let every Elder take no- 
 tice of [itch as are w< thin bis bounds, bow they keep the Kirk, how 
 the time is [pent before , betwixt, and after the time of public'^ 
 Worfhip. 
 
 1 3 . Let no CMinifter refort to any Excowmmicatc perfon with- 
 out lie enfe from the Presbyterie nifi inexcrtmis, and let Mimflers 
 take fpcci all notice of fuch perfons as haunt with Ex communicants 
 and proceffe them. 
 
 14. Frequent correfpondence betwixt Presbyteries U agoodrcmedie. 
 
 15. Atthevifitationof each Congregation, let the Sefsion Book be 
 well vifuedy and for that effect, let it be delivered to two or three 
 Brethren feven or eight dayes before the vijitation, that their report 
 of it may be in readmeffe again f: the day of Fifrtatton. 
 
 The Aflembly allows ot all thefe Overtures and Remedies 
 of the Sins or the Land-, And Ordains all of them co 
 be carefully and confeionably put in practife.. 
 
 AB for examining the Taraphrafe of the Tfalms 
 and other Scriptural! Songs. 
 
 >H E Generall Aflembly Appoints Roufe Para- 
 ' phraic of the Pfalms,with the corrections there- 
 of now given in by the Perfons appointed by 
 the laft Aflembly tor that purpoie, to be lent to 
 Presbyteries, That they may carefully revifeand 
 examine the fame, and thereafter fend them 
 with their corrections to the Commiflion of this 
 Aflembly to be appointed for pubiick affairs , Who are to have a 
 catc to caule re- examine the Animadverlions of Presbyteries, and 
 prepare a report to the next Generall Aflem b!y ; Intimating here- 
 by, That if Preebyteries be negligent heieof > the next Generall 
 Aflembly is to go on and take the fame Paraphrafe to their confe- 
 deration without more delay : And the Aflembly Recommends 
 to Mafter John Adamfon and Mr. Thomas Crafurd to revife the La- 
 bours of Mr. Zachary Boyd upon the other Scnptui all Songs, and 
 to prepare a report thereof to the faid Commifsion for pubiick af- 
 fairs, That after their examinational^ fame may be alfo reported 
 to the next Generall Aflembly. 
 
 G z Overtures 
 
5o TbeCjenerall Jjfembly, 164.8. 
 
 Overtures concerning Tapijls, their children, 
 and Excommunicate Terjons. 
 
 H E General Aflembly confidering the manifold 
 inconveniences that follow upon the fending of 
 the children of Noblemen and others of quality 
 to Forraign Countries wherein Popery is profef- 
 fed, efpecially that thereby fuch children are in 
 perillto be corrupted with Popery, and fo cor- 
 rupt thefe Families and Perfons to which they 
 belong, whereby that wicked root of damnable Idolatry, Errour 
 and Herefie may again be occafioned to fpring up and trouble ma- 
 ny, and provoke the moft High G O D to wrath , and to caufe 
 his Majeftie leave this Land to ftrong delufions to believe lies; 
 Therefore They Do in the name of G O D, Charge and Require 
 all the Presbyteries of this Kingdom toobferve and pradtife the 
 Rules and Directions which are-made in former Generall AfTem- 
 blies for preventing of the faid fearf ull inconveniences, and name- 
 ly the Overtures againft Papifts, non- Communicants, and Pro- 
 faners of the Sabbath approven in the Generall Aflembly held at 
 St. Andrews in the year of God, 1642. and the Act anent chil- 
 dren fent without the Kingdom made in the Generall AfTembly at 
 Edinburgh^ ^4nnoi6c^6. And that they ufeall diligence for put- 
 ting in execution the Acts of Parliament and feciet Councell 
 made againft Papifts and Excommunicate Perfons •, And that they 
 regifter , their diligences thereanent in their Presbyterie Books 
 which are fummanly to be recorded in the Synod Books from 
 time to time, That the Generall AfTembly may fee how thefe 
 laudable Acts are put in execution, which here are prefented with 
 fome necefTary additions in one view. 
 
 1 . That every Presbyterie give a Lift of all Excommunicate Pa- 
 -piftsthey know to be within their bounds to the Commifsioners 
 of the Generall AfTembly, and of all Papifts , yea of them alfo 
 who profefte to have renounced Popery , but yet have their chil- 
 dren educated abroad, with the names of thefe children that are 
 abroad, according to the fifth Overture of the Generall AfTem- 
 bly 1642. 
 
 2. That every Presbyterie conveen at their fir ft meeting all 
 known Papifts within their bounds, and fuch as having profefTed 
 to renounce Popery have their children abroad , and caufe them 
 finde fufficient caution for bringing home within three moneths 
 fuch of their children as are without the Kingdom, to be educated 
 in Schools and Colledges at the Presbyteries fight if they be Mi- 
 nors •, and to be wrought upon by gracious conference, and other 
 
 means 
 
^The (jcnerall Ajjembly> \6\%. 51 
 
 means of inftruction to be reclaimed from Popery if they be 
 come to perfect age. 
 
 3. The Parents, Tutors orFrinds of Children and Minors 
 fliall, befoie they fena them without the Kingdom, fii ft acquaint 
 the Presbyterie where they refide , that they may have their Te- 
 ftimoniall directed to the i'resbyterie or ClafTe within the King- 
 dom or Dominion beyond Seas whither they intend to fend their 
 Children 5 Andatthetimeofthefe Childrens return , thatthey 
 report a Teftimoniall from the Presbyterie or Synod where 
 they lived without the Kingdom , to the Presbyterie who gave 
 themaTeftimoniallattheir going away, according to the Act 
 anent Children fent without the Kingdom ^Anno 1646. 
 
 4. That all Presbyteries give the names of fuch Psedagogsas 
 were abroad with the children of Noblemen within there 
 bounds, and diligently enquire whether thefe Pzdagogs do conti- 
 nue fteadfaft in the true Religion, and continue in their fervice, or 
 whither thefe Pa?dagqgs do either become corrupt in Religion, or 
 ( continuing conftant ) are removed from their charge and by 
 whom they are removed , and that they fignifte thefe things to 
 the Generall AiTembly from time to time or their Commiflio- 
 ners, That they may reprefent the fame to the High Court of 
 Parliament, Lords of fecret Counfell or Committee of Eftates, 
 for fuch remedie as fliall feem expedient to their Honours, for 
 preventing of, and purging the land from the Plague of I- 
 dolatrie. 
 
 5. That fuch Parents, Tutors or Friends as either fend away 
 Children to forraign parts infected with Idolatry without fuch 
 Teftimonialls as aforefaid , or do not recall them who are already 
 abroad within fuch time as is above prefixed , or do remove 
 from them their Proteftant Psedagogs (that they may the more 
 eafily be infected with Popery ) be procefled , and in cale of not 
 amending thefe things,be Excommunicated. 
 
 6. That the names of fuch as are Excommunicated for thefe 
 or any other caufes , be fent in to the Generall AiTembly from 
 ■year to year , that ( from thence ) their names may be notified in 
 all the Kingdom , and that the Acts of Parliament and fecret 
 Counfell may be put to execution againft them , and all diligence 
 
 : ufed for that effect-, and that by the effectuall dealing of the Ge- 
 nerall AiTembly, with the Parliament,Lordsof fecret Counfell, 
 or Committee of Eftaces.their Lordfhips may Enact fuch further, 
 juft and fevere civill Punifhment on fuch Excommunicants for 
 Terror to others, as fliall be found neceflary for purg'ng this Co- 
 venanted Land from all Abominations. 
 
 Becaufe perfons addicted to Idolatry will ufe all means for 
 their own hardening in their Superfluous and Idolatrous way, 
 even within the Countrey •, Therefore all known Papifts , or 
 perfons fufpect of Poperieupon probable grounds , aretofinde 
 
 Caution 
 
$i The (Jfenerall zjjjembly, 164.8. 
 
 Caution before their Presbyteries, for their abitinence from 
 MaiTe,and from the Company of all Jefuits,and Priefts according 
 tothefecond Overture againft Papifts, madeo47?00 1642. Alio 
 Presbyteries are to prefTe 'them to flnde Juch Caution • And 
 to obferve what perfons put their Sons or Daughters to fuch 
 Families as are tainted with Popery within the Land , rhefame 
 being a fpeciall mean to corrupt them with Idolatry h And to 
 caufe fuch Parents recall their Children , or elfe proceed with the 
 Cenfuresof the Kirk againft them. 
 
 All which Overtures , Presbyteries are ferioufly required and 
 Ordained to obferve diligently with Certification; That they 
 fhall be ieveerly cenfnred , If iheyfhallbe found rem iffe or neg- 
 ligent in any of thefe points, which are foneceiTaryforkreping 
 of the LORDS Houie and People unpoluted with Error, 
 Idolatry, or Superftition. 
 
 Aug. 11. i6<\&. Ante meridiem >Seff XXXIX- 
 
 tAB for profecutiug the Treaty for the Vni<- 
 formity in Religion in the Kingdom of 
 
 , En G L A N D. 
 
 HE Generall Affembly, Taking to their confi- 
 deration that the Treaty of Uniformity in Re- 
 ligion in all His Majefties Dominions is not yet 
 perfected 5 Therefore , Renews the Power and 
 Commifsion granted by preceeding AfTemblies 
 for profecuting that Treaty unto thefe Perfons 
 afternamedwz>. Mr. Robert Doivgl Us ,Mr. Samuel 
 Rutherford , Mr. Robert Baillie , Mr. George Gillcfpie Minifters. 
 And John Earle of Cafsills, John Lord Balmerinech, and Sr. Arch, 
 fohnfton of Warifon Elders-, Authorizing them with full power 
 to profecute the laid Treaty of Uniformity with the Honourable 
 Houfes of the Parliament or England, and the Reverend A f- 
 fembly of Divines there,or any Committees Appointed by them : 
 Mnd to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, an d 
 bring that Treaty to an happie conclulion , conform to the Com- 
 mifsions given thereanent. 
 
 J3 
 
The (fencrall Ajfembly, 164.8. 53 
 
 AB %enemngthe Commifsionfor the publickjif^ 
 fairs of this Kirl^. 
 
 H E Generall Aflembly Taking to their confide- 
 1 ration, that in refped: the great work of Unifor- 
 mity inReligion in al his Majefties Dominions is 
 not yet perfe&ed (chough by the Lords blefsmg 
 there is a good progrefs made ir. the fame) There 
 is a necefsity of renewing the Commifsions 
 granted formerly for profecutingand perfe&ing 
 that great Work 5 Do Therefore Renew the Power and Com- 
 mifsion granted for the Publick Affairs of the Kirk by the Gene- 
 rall A (Temblies held at Saint Andrews, 1642. and at Edinburgh 
 1643. 1644. 1645. 1646. and 1647. unto the perfons following, 
 vt\. Mafters, John Latvder , Andrew Wood , David Calderwood, 
 Robert Ker , John CMackghic , John Knox , John Sinclar, John 
 Adamfon, Robert Dorvglas, George Gillefpie, James Hamilton, Mungo 
 Law, John Smith, Robert Lawrie, George Lejly , John Weir, Robert 
 Eliot , Alexander Dickson, Patrick Flee??wg, Thomas Vafiie, Ephraim 
 Melvill, Hew Kennedie, Kenneth Logie, Alexander Levijloun, George 
 Rennet, David Weems , William Row, Robert Toung, William Men- 
 kes , John Fricbairne , John Givan , Harie Guthrie , Andrew 
 Rind,David Auchterlony, Samuel Oufteen, Thomas Henderfon, Charles 
 Archibald, Andrew Lawder,Jobn Leviflon, John Macklellan, Alex- 
 ander Turnbull, William Foullerton, George Hutchefon, John Genell, 
 Patrick Colvill, James Fergufon,Hew Peebles, John Hamilton, Alex- 
 ander Dunlope, David Ephtfton, David Dickfon,Rober Baillie, Robert 
 Ramfay, Patrick Gillcfpie, Patrick Sharpe, James Nafunth , John 
 Home, Evan Camron, Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfurd, David For- 
 ret , Robert Traill , Andrew Bennett, Walther Greg, John Macgill 
 younger, John Moncreiff,FredrickjCarmichacll,Jthn Chalmers, John 
 Duncan, Andrew Donaldson, Wil. Oliphant, George Simmer, Andrew 
 Affleck^ Arthur Granger \ David Strachen, K^indrcw Cant, John Rew, 
 John Paterfon , Alexander Cant, JohnToung, John Scat on, David 
 Lindfayat Belhelvie , Nathaniel Mar tine , John Annand, William 
 / alconer,Jofevh Brodie, Alexander Summer, William Ch aimer , Gilbert 
 Anderson, David Rofjc, George Gray, Robert Knox, William Penman, 
 James Guthrie, Thomas Donaldfon, William Jamcfon, Thomas Wil- 
 kie, James Ker, John Knox, Andrew Dunncafon Minifters : K_Archi- 
 bald Marques of Argile, Alexander Earle of Eglintoun, John Earle 
 ofCafsils, r'Villtam Earle of Lothian, Archibald Lord Angus, 
 William Lord Borthwick , John Lord Torphichen , John Lord 
 Balmerino , Robert Lord Burly, James Lord Couper, 
 Lord Kilcudbright, Alexander Lord hlcho , Sir Archibald John- 
 fionoi Warifton, Sir John Hope of Cnighall , Arthur Er skin of 
 
 Scotfcnig, 
 
54- The (jenerall ^Jjjembly > 164.8. 
 
 Scotfcraig, Sir fohnMoncreiffot that ilk, Itoftw 
 
 of Crcigh, Sir fohn Wauchhope of Midrie, Sir Thomas Buthven of 
 Frieland, Six George il/d.x:ii^//ofNethei'pollock, Sir fames Frafer 
 of Brae, SitfdmesHackdtfoiPitfixtm, Six William Carmichaell 
 younger of that ilk , Walter Dundas younger of that ilk , Thomas 
 Craigs of Ricarton, Mr. George Winrain of Liberton, Sir Alexander 
 Inglis of \x\°\\$LOxi y Alexander Brodie of that ilk, Forbes 
 
 of Eight, William Moore of Glanderfton, -fohn Ker of Lochtour, 
 Alexander Pringi Hot Whitbank, VValther Scot of Whitflaid, John 
 Crafurdoi CrafurdIand,Sir fehn chijly of Car (well, Bobert Monroe 
 of Obfteall, Cornwall of Bonhard , George Dundas of 
 
 Dudingfton, Sir lames. Stewart of Kirkfield, Mr. Alexander Colvill 
 of Blair, Mr. Alexander Peirfon^ Mr. Bobert Burnet younger, Mr. 
 Thomas Murray George Pott er -field ', Mr James Campbell, lames Hamil- 
 ton, Lawrence Henderfon, Mr. Bobert Barclay, Mr. William CMore, 
 William Glendoning Doctor , Dowglas , lames Sword, 
 
 Gideon lack, Mr. Dongall Campbell, John Bofwall, Iohn Brown, Wil. 
 Brown , Bobert Brown and William BuJJ'ell Elders : Giving unto 
 them full Power and Commifsion , to do all and every thing for 
 prefervation of the Eftabliflied Doctrine,Difcipline, Worfhip and 
 Government of this Kirk, againft all who (hall endeavour to in- 
 troduce any thing contrary thereunto, and for profecuting, advan- 
 cing , perfecting and bringing the laid Work of Uniformity in 
 Religion in all His Majefties Dominions to a happy conclufion, 
 conform to the former Commifsions granted by proceeding A f- 
 femblies thereanent , And to that effect- Appoints them, or any 
 feventeen of them , whereof thirteen (hall be Minifters to meet 
 herein this City to morrow the n th « of this Moneth,And there- 
 after upon the laft Wednefday,of November, February, and cMay 
 next , and upon any other day , and in any other place they fhall 
 think fit. Renewing alfo to the Perfons before named the power 
 contained in the Act of the Aflembly 1643. Intituled A Beferenct 
 to the Commission anent the Per (om designed to repair to the Kingdom 
 of England. And further, incafe Delinquents have no conftanc 
 rcfidencc in any one Presbyterie, or if Presbyteries be negligent 
 or overawed, in thefe cafes The Aflembly gives to the perfons 
 before named, fuch power of cenfuring complyers and perfons 
 difaffected to the Covenant according to the Acts of the Aflem- 
 bly, Declaring al wayes and providing, that Minifters (hall not be 
 depofed , but in one of the quarterly meetings of this Commif- 
 fion-, And further Authorifes them as formerly with full power 
 to makeSupplications,Remonftrances,Declarations and Warnings 
 to Indict Fafts and Thankfgivings as there fhall be caufeto Pro- 
 teft againft all encroachments upon the Liberties of the Kirk, 
 And to cenfure all fuch as interupt this Commifsion or any other 
 Church Judicatory, or the execution of their Cenfures or of any 
 other fentences or Acts ifluing from them, And with full 
 
 power 
 
TheCjenerall AJfembly, i<fy8. 55 
 
 power to them to treat and determine in the matters referred un- 
 to them by this Aftembly , as fully and freely as if the fame were 
 here fully expreiTed, and with as ample power as any Commiflion 
 of any former Generall Aflemblies hath had or been in ufc of 
 before: Declaring alfo that all oppofers of the authority of this 
 Commifsionin matters intruded to them fhall beholden as op- 
 pofers of the authority of the Generall AiTembly , And this 
 Commifsionin their whole proceedings are comptableto, and 
 cenfurable by the next Generall AiTembly. 
 
 Auguftn. \6^%' C PoJlmeridiem i SelT. XL, 
 
 Exemption of Murray, RofTe^ and CaithnefTc 
 from the contribution granted to the bqyes of 
 ' Argylc y with a %ecomendation to Tref- 
 byteries, to makg up what is tafyn of them by 
 that exemption, 
 
 concerning the overture anddefireof the Com- 
 mifsioners of the Presbyteries of CMurraj, Roje, 
 and Caithneffe for an exemption from that con- 
 tribution of fourty fhillings , recommended for 
 entertainment of the /W/ft-boyes in KArg-jU^ 
 The AiTembly having confidered thereof, and 
 of their offer in the name of the faid Presby- 
 teries,if that exemption be granted, Do Approve their offer , And 
 Therefore hereby Exonersthe faid Presbyteries of the faid con- 
 tribution of fourty fhillings toward the entertainment of the 
 boyes in Argyle , And Ordains for that exemption according to 
 the offer of their faid Commifstoners , that each Presbyterie of 
 the faid Provinces entertaine one of the Irtjh language at 
 Schooles, and if any be found already fit for Colledges, they fhall 
 maintain them at Philof ophie , and fo forward , untill they be fit 
 for the Miniftry : And Becaufe by this exemption the contribu- 
 tion for the boyes in Argjle will be fo much lefTened. Therefore 
 The AiTembly Recommends to all other Presbyteries to think 
 upon fome way how by the charitable fupply that may be made 
 up unto them. 
 
 H JB 
 
56 The (jenerall Jjfembly, 1^4.8. 
 
 AB concerning Collection for the 7 J oor. 
 
 H E Aflembly Underftanding that the col- 
 lections for the poor in fome Kirks in the 
 Countrey , are taken in the time oi Divine Ser- 
 vice, which being a very great and unleemly 
 disturbance of Divine Wormip, Do Therefore 
 hereby Inhibit and difcharge the fame. And 
 Ordains that the Minifter and Sefsion appoint 
 fome other way and time for receiving the (aid Collections. 
 
 Recommendation for Jecuring prwifims to 
 <s5\4 inijlers in Tittrgbs. 
 
 N regard that the ftipends of many Minifters in 
 Burghs are not fecured unto them and their fuc- 
 ceflors 3 Therefore the Afferably Do ferioufly 
 Recommend to the Honourable Commifsion 
 of Parliament for planting of Kirks,, to provide 
 realtand valide (ecurity of competent ami honeft 
 meanesto the prefent Minifters of Burghs and 
 their fucceflbrs , where they are not fufficiently provided or fe- 
 cured already • Ordaining Presbyteries to u(e all neceffary dili- 
 gence- for profecucing thereof before the faid Commifsion for 
 planting Kirks. 
 
 The Humble Supplication of the (jenerall ^Af 
 fembly of the KjfK, ^/Scotland, met at 
 Edinburgh Auguft 12. unto the Kings 
 Mojl Excelhni i^Adaje/lie. 
 
 [Lbeit your Majeftie through the fuggeftions of 
 evil men, may haply entertain hard thoughts of 
 us and our Proceedings , yet the Searcher of 
 hearts knowes , and our confeiences bear re- 
 cord unto us, that we bear in our fpirits thefe 
 humble anddutifull refpects to your Majeftie, 
 that loyall fubjects owe to their native So- 
 veraigne , and that it would be-one of our greateft contentments 
 upon earth, to fee your Majeftie reigning for the L O R D > in 
 
 Righte- 
 
The (Jfenerall Jjjembly, 1*54.8. 57 
 
 Righteoufneffe and Peace over thefe Nations: And therefore as 
 we do bow our knees daily before the Throne of Grace on your 
 behalf, and the behalf of your Pofterity •, So we finde our felves,as 
 heretofore, obliged faithfully and freely to warn your Majeftie 
 of your danger and dutie •, Vetoing, and hoping that the LORD 
 will incline your Royall heart , from the fence of che evil which 
 h:.th befallen You, through the (lighting of former Warning, to 
 be more attentive unto this. Weare very fenfibleof your Ma- 
 jeures fufferings , and low condition , and do not in the leaft 
 me;ifure approve, but from our hearts abhorre any thing that 
 hath been done to your Majefties Perfon , contrary to the com- 
 mon rcfolutions of both Kingdoms : Yet it (hall be your Ma- 
 jefties wifdom , in this as in all that hath befallen you thefe 
 years paft , to read the righteous hand of the L O R D, writing 
 bitter things againftyou, as for all your Provocations, foefpc- 
 cially for refilling his Work , and authorifing by your Com- 
 milsionsthe fheddingof the blood of his People, for which it 
 is high time to repent, that there be no more wrath againft yon 
 and your Realms. 
 
 The Commifsionof the prceding AfTembly, whole proceed- 
 ings are unamimoufly approven by this Aflembly , Having read 
 your Majefties Letter of the date at Carisbrool^dfik, December 
 27. And perufed your Concefsions, did finde fome of thefe Con- 
 cefsions deftru&ive to the Covenanted all of them unfatisfaCto- 
 rie,and did therefore emit a Declaration concerning the fame, leaft 
 your Majefties Subjects in this Kingdom mould have unawares 
 imbarked themfelvesin an Engagement upon grounds not con- 
 fiding with the good of Religion, and the Solemn League and 
 Covenant. For preventing whereof, they did alfo prefent mod: 
 juft and neceftary defires unto the high [and honourable [Court 
 of Parliament of this Kingdom •, whicryf they had been granted, 
 might have through the Blefsing of G O D, either procured ( up- 
 on Treaty ) your Majefties re-eftablifhment , and a folide Peace, 
 orlaidopentheexpediencieandnecefsityof a lawfull War, and 
 have united this Kingdom therein for the good of Religion , of 
 your Majeftie, and of your Kingdoms. When the Parliament 
 was pie afed without fatisf action to aoy of thefe defires, to go 
 on towards the determining of a War upon ihe grounds con- 
 tained in their Declaration , As many of their own Members who 
 have been faithfull in the Caufe of G O D from the beginning, 
 did diflent from their proceedings , fo mod of all the Presby- 
 teries and Synods of this Kingdom, and the Committees of War 
 in feverall Shires did by humble Supplication reprefent to 
 the Parliament , how unfatisfied they were in their conferen- 
 ces concerning the prefent Engagement : Notwithftanding of 
 all which, the Engagement hath been carried on without clear- 
 ing either of the lawfulnefle or necefsity thereof. There- 
 
 H 2 fore 
 
58 The Cjenerall Affembly, \6ifi. 
 
 fore, We having now examined the fame by the Rule of 
 Gods Word, and having found it unlawfull , as we have warned 
 the whole Kingdom of the danger thereof,So we hold it our Duty 
 alio to warne your Majeftie as the Servants of the raoft High 
 GOD, and in Name of the Lore} fejus Cbrift, who muft 
 Judge the quick and dead , Earneftly befeeching your Majeftie 
 chat as ye would not draw new guilt upon your Majefties Throne, 
 and make thefe Kingdoms again a field of Blood, you would be 
 far from owning or having any hand in this fo unlawfull an En- 
 gagement-, Which as it hath already been thecaufeof fo much 
 forrowandmanyfufferingsto the People of God in this Land, 
 who choofeafflidion rather then fin, So ittendethto the undo- 
 ing of the Covenant and Work of Reformation : As we do not 
 oppofethe restitution of your Majeftie tothe exercife of your 
 Royall Power 5 So we mud needs defire that that which is 
 GODS be given unto Him inthefirft place, 3nd that Religion 
 may be fecured before the fetling of any humane intereft-., Being 
 confident that this way is not only moft for the Honour of GOD, 
 butalfo for your Majefties Honor & Safety. And therefore as it was 
 one of ourDefirestotheHighand Honourable Court of Parlia- 
 ment chat they would folicite your Majeftie for fecuring of Reli- 
 gion, and eftabliming the Solemn League and Covenant in all 
 your Dominions, that your Majeftie might know that what they 
 inteud on your behalf was with a fubordination to Religion 5 So 
 we do now from our felves make this humble addrefs unto your 
 Majeftie, intreating your Majeftie as you tender Truth and Peace, 
 you would be plea fed to fuffer your felf to be poffefled with right 
 thoughts of the League and Covenant, and of the proceedings of 
 your Majefties loyal 1 Subjeds in relation thereunto, and give your 
 Royall aflent for injoyning of it in all your Dominions. If your 
 Majeftie had been pleafed to hearken to our Counfell hereanent 
 iome years ago, the blood of many thoufands, which now lyes 
 upon your Majefties Throne, might have been fpared, Popery, 
 Prelacy, Idolatry, Superftition , Prophanefle , Herefie, Errour, 
 Seds and Schifmes which are now grown to fo great a height in 
 England, might have been extirpate, and your Majeftie fitting in 
 Peace in your own Houfe, Reigning over your Subjeds withmuch 
 mutuall contentment and confidence. And if your Majeftie fhall 
 yet fearch out and repent of all your fecretand open Sins, And 
 after fo many dear-bought experiences of the danger of evil 
 Counfell, be now fo wife as to avoid it, and to hearken to us 
 fpeaking unto you in the Name of the Lord, We are confident 
 by this means your Majeftie may yet be reftored , and a fure and 
 firme peace procured. Wetakeitasagreatmercy, andasadoor 
 of hope, that GOD ftillinclines the hearts of all his Servants to 
 pray for your Majeftie •, And we would not have your Majeftie fo 
 look upon it as a light thing , that you have been preferved alive, 
 
 vvhen 
 
The (jenerall Affernbly, \6\%. ?$> 
 
 when many thoufands have by your means and procurement fal- 
 len on your right hand and on your leit hand. God forbid that 
 your Majeftie fhould any longer defpife the word of exhortation, 
 the riches of his goodnelTe, forbearance and long fuffering, not 
 knowing that the goodnefle of God leads you unto Repentance 5 
 For if your Majeftie do fo, As we are afraid, all Counfels and En- 
 deavours for your Majefties re-eftablifhment ("hall be in vain and 
 without fuccefle, becaufeof the Wrath of the LORD of Hofts, 
 who brings down the mighty from his Throne, and fcatcers the 
 proud in the imaginations of their hearts •, So we (hall mourn in 
 fecretforit, and for all the miferies that are like to come upon 
 your Throne & your Dominions,& comfort our felves in this,that 
 we have delivered our own fouls. But we defire to hope better 
 things, and that your Majeftie will humble your felf under the 
 mighty hand of God, and be inclined to hearken to the faithfull 
 advifeof &is Servants, be willing to fecure Religion, and imploy 
 your Royall Power for advancing the Kingdom of the Son of 
 GOD, which will turn as well to the Honour and Happinefle 
 of your Ma/eftie as to th#>eace and Safety of your Subjeds. 
 
 Auguft iz. 164.8. Sefl! Vlu 
 AB dif charging Duels. 
 
 \W E General A fiembly taking in confideration the 
 many Duels and combats that have been fought, 
 and Challenges that have been made, and ear- 
 ned, and received in this Land of late. And be- 
 ing fenfible of the exceeding great offence that 
 comjsby (o horrible and hainousafin ■ which 
 is a grofle preferring of the fuppofed credit of 
 the Creature unto the Honour of the moft High God, and an 
 ufurpation upon the office of the Magiftrate by private mens ta- 
 king of the b word, And a High degree of murther both of body 
 and foul, by (bedding the blood of the one,& cutting off the other 
 from time of repenting-, And which doth ordinarily produce many 
 wofull confequents, Therefore doth enatft And Ordain that all 
 Perforrs of whatfbever quality who fhall either fight Duels , or 
 make, or write, or receive, or with their knowledge carry Chal- 
 lenges, or go to the fields, either as Principals, or as Seconds 
 to fight Duels and Combats, that they fhall without refpeiftot 
 Perionsbe proceffed with the Cenfures of the Kirk and brought 
 before the Congregation two fcvcrall Lords-dayes; In the firft 
 whereof they ate fharply to be rebuked and convinced of the hai- 
 noumefleof their fin and offence, and on the next to make a fo- 
 lcmnpublick Con felsion thereof, and profefsion of their unfained 
 
 Humili- 
 
60 The Cjenerall Afernbly, 164.8. 
 
 Humiliation and Repentance for the lame. And if the Perfon 
 guilty of my of the former offences be an Elder or Deacon, he is 
 to be removed from his office, and whatfoever perfon guilty of 
 auy of thefc offences, fhall refufe to give obedience according to 
 thetenour of this Act, fhall be proceffed to Excommunication: 
 Declaring always, that if any be killed at fuch Duels, the killer 
 fhall be proceeded againft by the Kirk as other murtherers. 
 
 AB concerning depofed Adinifters. 
 
 H E Affembly confidering that divers Minifters de- 
 pofed for Malignancy, and complying with the Ene- 
 mies of this Kirk and Caufeof God, maybe fuited 
 by, and hope to get entry in fome Congregation 
 where a Minifter depofed for Malignancy hath been, 
 and may be fuppofed to have put on the people a (tamp and im- 
 prefsion of Malignancie, and being by the Aft of the Generall 
 Affembly in i^nm 1645. Paft allhoptof being reftored to the 
 place out of whilk he was caft : Now alfo Ordains and enacts that 
 no Minifter depofed for Malignancy and complyance forcfaid 
 (when it fhall fall out that he be put in a capacity of admifsion to 
 the Miniftry) fhall enter into the Congregation of any other Mi- 
 nifter who alfo hath been depofed for Malignancy and comply- 
 ance, as laid is. 
 
 'HE General Affembly not having now time to con- 
 fider the References of preceding Aflemblies, and the 
 moftpart of Presbyteries not having fent their opini- 
 ons in Writ , Therefore do yet again Recommend to 
 Presbyteries and Provinciall Aflemblies to confider all matters re- 
 ferred by this or by any former Aflemblies, are to fend their opi- 
 nions therein in writ to the next Generall Aflembly. 
 
 HE meeting of the next Generall Affembly is hereby Appointed 
 to be at Edinburgh the firft Wedncf day of July, 164?. 
 
 T 
 
 A.K 
 
 £ R. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Of the Vnf Tinted Acts of the Cje^ 
 
 nerall Affembly , held at 
 
 Edinburgh, 164.8. 
 
 Ledtion of Mr. George Gillefpie Moderator Sef i . 
 
 Recom. to the Magistrates of Edinburgh for 
 
 accommodating the Aflembly- houie for 
 
 the Members thereof. Sef II. 
 
 Committee for the concr aver ted Commif- 
 
 fiorrs. lb. 
 Committee for References and Appeals. lb. 
 Committee for Bills and Overtures. lb. 
 Comm ttee for trial! of the proceedings of the Commifsion of 
 
 the preceding Aflembly. lb. 
 Committee for levifing the Provinciall Books, lb. 
 Committee for appointing Minifters to Preach during the Sit- 
 ting of the Aflembly. lb. 
 Committee to confidcr the prefent dangers and duties of tbefe 
 
 times,and other public k matters. lb. 
 Rcf . to the Committee to confider of the faid Elections of Com- 
 
 mifsioners horn Burghs. lb. 
 Act concerning the Commifsion from Ireland. lb. 
 Acl rejecting the Commifsion from the Presbyterie of Chirn- 
 
 fitk. Sef IU. 
 Letter to the Laird of Blacader, Elder in the faid Commifsion, to 
 
 alftar the Aflemblies refpedts to him. lb. 
 K£t Refuting the Commifsion from Dunce, lb. 
 Meeting of the Commifsioneis from feverall Provinces to try 
 the blalphemies and infolences of the Army , now forth in the 
 late Engagement a^iinft England^nd to report. lb. 
 Act concerning Mr. ^ames Aitkin. Sef. IV. 
 CommHsion for Vilitation of die Presbyteries of Dunce and 
 
 Chirnftde. lb. 
 Comm.tteefor hearing the report concerning the Paraphrafcof 
 
 the Pfaimes in Meeter. lb. 
 Ref. to the Committee for publick matters, to take in the re- 
 ports concerning the Directorie of Government , Catec hif me, 
 and CXI. propofitions. lb. 
 
 Recom. 
 
I N D EX. 
 
 Recom.in favours of the reli&s of Dodor Sharp and Mt.R.Broun- 
 lies to the Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 
 Petition from the Army lately gone to England, Sejf.r. 
 
 The offers and defires of the Committee of Eftates of the 17. 
 July. lb. 
 
 Quseretothe Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Lord Theafaurer f or the arrears of the annuity of 
 500.U. Sterl. lb. 
 
 Anfwcr to the Quaere from the Committee of Eftates 17. 
 fuly. lb. 
 
 Return to the Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 
 Ref. Petitions from Ireland for Minifters to a Commitee. lb. 
 
 Modification to Mr. David Calderwood for his publick employ- 
 ments. Seff.6. 
 
 Modification to the Clerk of the Affembly for his fervice. lb. 
 
 Paper from the Committee of Eftates of the 18. July. lb. 
 
 The Affemblies return to the faid Paper, lb. 
 
 The Committee of Eftates anfwer to the faid return. lb. 
 
 The Affemblies Return to the faid anlwer. lb. 
 
 Another Paper from the Committee of Eftates of the 18. Iuly. 
 SejJ. VII. 
 
 Anfwer to the Paper laft fent from the Committee of Eftates, 
 bearing a power to certain Members of the Affembly to con- 
 fer with their Lord (hips. lb. 
 
 Anfwer to Mr. ^Patrick, Hammiltoun, denying his defire for open- 
 ing his mouth, with a Recommendation in his favours. 
 SefVIIl. 
 
 Remit, Mr. fames Roffe to Presbyterie and Synod; lb. 
 
 Recom. Co Presbyterie of Dunkeld concerning vaiking Stipends./^. 
 
 Approbation ot the A& of the Commifsionof the preceding Af- 
 fembly concerning the Collecting of the Hiftory of the t'une.Ib. 
 
 Recom. to the Clerk for Printing the publick Papers. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Clerk for reprinting the Confefsion of Faith with 
 the Affemblies Approbation. SeJf.lX. 
 
 Recom. to Mr.Robert Dowglas for printing two of his Sermons./^. 
 
 Ref. concerning Major Turner and Lieut. Colonel Hurrie to the 
 . Comraifsion for publike affairs, lb. 
 
 Remit, to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh concerning the Service- 
 books and Idolatrous monuments, now lying in the high- 
 School- yard, lb. 
 
 Committee for confidering fames CMurrays bufineffc. lb. 
 
 Paper from the Committee of Eftates of the 20. Iuly. Sejf.io. 
 
 The A ffemblies Anfwer thereto with an appointment for confe- 
 rence, lb. 
 
 Order for citing Patrick^ Lejly Proveft of Aberdeen. lb. 
 
 Recom* to the Committee of Eftates concerning his raifcar- 
 
 riage. lb. 
 
 Ref. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Ref. concerning in folences and blafphemies of the fouldiers to 
 
 the Commifsion for publick affairs. SejJ. XI, 
 Paper from the Committee of Eftates ot the 22. July concerning 
 
 the conference, and concerning Patrick Lejly, Seff. XII, 
 The Aflerablies anfwer to the faid Paper, lb. 
 Ad concerning Mr. George Clerk. lb. 
 A& refufing Mr. George Hutchefons tranfportacion to Air. lb. 
 Motion verballie from the Committee for Minifters to the Army, 
 
 with the Aflemblies anfwer thereunto, lb. 
 Acl: concerning Vatrtek.Lef.ies anfwers. lb. 
 Paper from the Committee of Eftates of the 24 July. Seff, XIII. 
 Re f . of the faid Paper to the Committee for publick bulinefle to 
 
 confider of an anfwer,and report their opinions. lb. 
 Act concerning Patrick Lejly. lb. 
 Appointment of a letter to Mr. Hew Henderfon for fetling in 
 
 Dumfries according to the fentcnce of cranf port at ion. lb. 
 Ref. for planting a Collegue in Air to the Commifsonfor pub- 
 lick affairs, lb, 
 Ref. of the remedies of the fins of the times, to the Committee 
 
 which was appointed for trial 1 of the Commifsion of the pre- 
 ceding Aflembly. lb, 
 Ref. Mr. Walter Comrtcs tranfportation to the Committee of 
 
 bills, and they to report. lb. 
 Appointment that all bills»appeals, references, reports, &c. be 
 
 given in before wednefday next. lb. 
 Paper from the Committee concerning Patrick Lejley . Seff, 14. 
 The AfTcmblies anfwer thereunto. lb, 
 Ref. Patrick Lejley to a Committee for conference ./£. 
 SufpenfionMr. Harie Cockburn. Seff. XV. 
 Vote fuftaining the fummons concerning the tranfportation of 
 
 Mr. lohn Leviftonio Ancrum. lb. 
 Recom. Mr. lohn Durie 10E. Hadington, Seff. XVI, 
 Ref, Mr. Samuel Dowglas to the vifitation of Dunce and Chin- 
 
 fide, lb, 
 Ref. the diffent of the Brethren in the Provinciall of Her ft and 
 Tcuiotdatll to the (awl vifitation . lb . 
 Ref. concerning Minifters to Ireland to the Commifsion to be 
 
 appointed for publick affairs. lb. 
 Advile concerning difciplkie to be ufed , with the Garifons and 
 
 Regiments in Ireland. lb, 
 
 Letter to Generall Major Homo. lb. 
 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk oiBrmtiUndto the Commifsion to be 
 
 appointed for publick affairs. Seff. XVII. 
 
 Recom. concerning James Hurrayes children. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Commifsion of Parliament tor planting of Kirks 
 
 the adjovning Sutherland, Smherlandhall , &c.toZ./Wf*»and 
 
 making it a diftinttparoch. lb. 
 
 I Recom. 
 
I N D EX. 
 
 Recom. forkeepnginthewttr/w.theKirkof Galofieills. lb. 
 Recom. in favours of Mr. James CMorifon Minifter at Erne and 
 Randell,or his executors for the payment of a fomeof mony by 
 the next intrant, lb. 
 Recom. for planting Kirks in Badinoch to the Commifsion for 
 
 planting of Kirks. lb. 
 Recom. totheCommifsion/or publick affairs to think upon and 
 profecute fome wayes for planting a Miniftery in Lochabar. lb. 
 
 Recom. to Presbyteries to fend a more particular information of 
 the infolencies and mifcariages of the fouldiers and the eviden- 
 ces t hereof totheCommifsion for publick affairs, lb. 
 
 Ref. to the Committee of bills to diftribute the petitions for 
 charitie. lb-. 
 
 Recom. Mr. Robert Lin fay es relief and children. Sejf. XV 111. 
 
 Rccom. Mr. Patrick.Linfa<fe$ children, lb. 
 
 Paper from the Committee of Eftates of the 28. ok. July, lb. 
 
 Recom. to Presbyteries to fupplie the places of the brethren lent 
 in Commifsion to the Generall AlTembly, or that attend the 
 meetings of the Commifsion of the Aflembly. Se(f. XIX. 
 
 Act for conference with Earle of Abercorne untill the firft of March 
 Seff. 20. 
 
 Committee for confidering the hofpitalls, and to report their con- 
 dition, lb. 
 
 Commifsion for vifiting Rofle, Sutherland, Cathncs,Orknay ,and Zet- 
 land, with a Reference concerning Mr. lames Iohnjlon. jb. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation of StirliHg,and Dumblane Presbyteries, 
 with a Reference for the particular concerning Mr. ^Andrew 
 lajfray. lb. 
 
 Ref . to the Commifsion for publick affairs for the triall of the 
 P rovincialt book of Argyle. lb. 
 
 Aft appointing the Clerk to print the Declaration with the firft 
 convenience and to fend it to Presbyteries. Sejf. XXI I. 
 
 Vote for removing theCommifsieners in the Province of Galloway 
 in the matter concerning Mr. John Levijlons tranfportationto 
 tsfnerum. lb. 
 
 Declaration in favour of the Presbytcrie of Jedburgh , forprcfer- 
 
 v ing their right and interell: in planting Ancrum froprio Jure. lb. 
 
 Tr asportation of Mr. John Zeviftemo K^/lncrum. lb. 
 
 Order for fome Brethrens prefenting the * Declaration to the 
 Committee of Eftates. Seff. XXiil. 
 
 Ref. to the Committee appointed for publick matters toconfider 
 of the macerialls and draught of a petition to the Committee 
 Eftates. lb. 
 
 Ref. for planting Kirealdie to the Commifsion for publick af- 
 fairs. XXI 1 II- 
 
 Approbation of the manner and order of the calling and fetling 
 a Collegue in the Kirk of Culrofle. lb. . 
 
 Com- 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Committee concerning Mr. I Ames Row. lb. 
 
 Committee for examining Witnefles upon the injury done to Mr. 
 
 Robert Melvill. lb. 
 Committee f or examining a fcandalous Pamphlet falflyput forth 
 
 under the name of Mr. Alexander Hcnderfon. SeJf.XXF. 
 TheAflfembliesanfwer Refilling the defire of the Ifleof Makghie 
 
 in Ireland for Mr. John Dicl^. lb. 
 Vote for Maccutlooi Cdrdwell his purgation by oath. lb. 
 
 Warrant for citing the perfons that injured Mr. Robert Melvill. lb. 
 Vote concerning Patrick. Lejlie, Sefi.XXVU. 
 Approbation of the Excambion mentioned in the contract be- 
 twixt Sir William Scot and the Minifter of Mertoun contented to 
 
 by the Presbyterie, and approven by the Synod, lb. 
 Ref. Mr. William Home to the Vifitation of Dunce and Chirn- 
 
 ftde. lb. 
 Liberty tor UhnGillonio preach untill the next Aflembly fof exer- 
 
 cifeof his gift. lb. 
 Ref. concerning the Qua»re from the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, 
 
 touching the marriage of a young gentlewoman minor without 
 
 confent of her tutors, to a Committee, lb. 
 Ad refuting the defire of Mr. lames Row for opening his mouth, lb. 
 Remit, the appeal of the Parochiners of Schots , concerning the 
 
 admifsion of Mr. Francis Ki made to the Presbyterie and Synod 
 
 refpeCHvely of confent. lb. 
 A& refuting the tranfporting of Doctor ColviU 10 the Colledge of 
 
 Edinburgh. SeJJ.XXlX. 
 Ref. Mr. William Sanders to the Commifsion for planting of 
 
 Kirks, lb. 
 Ref. diflent in the Presbyterie of Chirnfide to the vifitation of 
 
 Dunce m&Chirnfidt. Sejf.XXX. 
 Act for conference with the Lady Mordingten. lb. 
 Ref. to the Vifitation of Itowffortryallof that murther commit- 
 ted in the Lord Mordingtons houfe lb. 
 Appointment of Mr. Alexander Levifion to go to Ireland firft,next 
 
 Mr. Hary Sempell t Mr. Androw Lawder in the third place, and Mr. 
 
 lohn D/Vj^the laft three moneth. lb. 
 Recom. Some Brethren to fpeak again the Lord Theafaurer for 
 
 paymentof by gonesof the annuity of ^oq. X.Sterling, lb. 
 Vote for laying afidc the queftion concerning Mr. lohn Lawes 
 
 appeal. lb. 
 Ref. to a Committee to confider of fome Overtures concern- 
 ing Papifts and their children and Excommunicate perfons and 
 to report, lb. 
 Recom. to the Presbyterie of Chirnfide, concerning Mordingtons 
 
 family, lb. 
 A& concerning Patrick^ Lejlies acknowledgment and promife of 
 
 1 i better 
 
INDEX. 
 
 better behaviour, With a Reference to the Commifsion for 
 publick affairs if he keep not his promife. Sefxxxi. 
 
 Committee for confidering the Petition of the great Sefsioa of 
 Edinburgh for Minifters, and to report. lb. 
 
 Continuation of the examination of the Directory of Govern- 
 ment, and the CXI. Proportions untillche next Affembly. 
 Sefi. XXXII. 
 
 Recom. to Univerfkies to bring to the next Affembly the 
 grounds and evidences of their Commilsions to Affern- 
 blies. lb. 
 
 Commifsion for Vifitation of Glafgow. lb. 
 
 Commifsion for Vifitation of Aberdeen. lb. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation of Edinburgh. lb. 
 
 Letter to the Officers of the Army now in MttgUtudn Anfwer 
 to their Letter and Petition co the Affembly lor Mini- 
 fters. lb. 
 
 Act reponing Mr. William Dowglas. lb. 
 
 A £t reponing Mr. John Logic. lb. 
 
 Recom. certain perfons for charity. lb. 
 
 Act for delaying the Communion. Ib» 
 
 Recom. for repairing of Kirks, and founding of Schools in the 
 Presbyterie of Sl^y. Sejf.xxxiII- 
 
 C ontinuation of Mr. Andrew Ramfay untill the mo me. lb. 
 
 Sufpenfion of Mr. Andrew Ramfay , untill the next General! Af- 
 fembly. Stff. XXXIV. 
 
 Ref. Mr. William Colvill to a conference , and they to re- 
 port, lb. 
 
 Citation of MrJVi/liam Cohill apudafta to anf wer for not reading 
 the Caufes of the late Faft. lb. 
 
 Ref. Doctor John Baron to a conference. lb. 
 
 Recom. Mr. George C^k. to the Presbyteries within Fife, Angus, 
 and Mew, and Aberdeen. Sef XX XK 
 
 Commifsion for Vifitation of the Uuiverfitie of St. An- 
 drews, lb. 
 
 Act for vifiting Hofpitals and Mortifications. lb. 
 
 Recom. tothcProvinciall of Argyle tovifit the Presbyterie of 
 sky- lb. 
 
 Ad vile to the Presbyterie to depofe Mr. mlliam Edmifton with a 
 Recommendation to the Juftice to proceed againft him for A- 
 dultery. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Presbyterie of sky to cenfure Profanation of the 
 Sabbath. lb. 
 
 Approbation of the report for planting of the Kirks of Edinburgh. 
 Sef XXXVU 
 
 Committee for naming a Lift of fix Minifters for Edfa- 
 burgb. lb. 
 
 Vote 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Vote concerning Mr. William Cfilvillsintwering prefently for not 
 reading the Caufes of the Faft. lb. 
 
 Continuation of Mr. w'dliam Cohill untill the morn. lb. 
 
 Continuation of Doctor Baron untill the morn- lb. 
 
 Continuation of the 20«s. payed out of every Kirk for dis- 
 patches, lb. 
 
 Sufpenfionof Mr. William Colvill. sef XXXVII. 
 
 Sufpenfion of Doctor 'Baron with a Reference to the Vifitation of 
 the Univerfitie of St. Andreivsznd Commifsion for publick af- 
 fairs refpec"tively. lb. 
 
 Recom. of the Minifter of Cameron to the Commifsion of Parlia- 
 ment for planting of Kirks. Sejf.XXXVUL 
 
 Recommendation to Matter fames Hamiltoun and Mafter fames 
 Guthrie to draw in Articles the duties of Elders , and a 
 forme of Visitation of Families, and to prepare a report to the 
 next Alterably, lb. 
 
 Recom. to Mr. David C alderrvood to draw a drought of a forme of 
 violations of particular Congregations, and to prepare a re- 
 port to the next AfTembly. lb. 
 
 R com. to Mr. fobn Smith and the Clerk,to draw out all the Acts 
 of Parliament and Aflembly, for Kirk Discipline and Penalties 
 for fcandalous Sins, and to report to the next AfTembly. lb. 
 
 Lift of fix Minifters to Edwbnrgh. lb. 
 
 Ref. to the Commifsion for publick affairs to plant four Minifters 
 out of the laid Lift in the Kirks of Edinburgh. lb. 
 
 Declaration of theunfatisfactorinefteof the Obfcrvations of the 
 Committee of Eftates upon the Aflemblies Declaration, with a 
 
 Reference to the Commifsion for publick affairs, to put forth an 
 
 Anf wer thereto- Seff. XXXIX. 
 
 Appointment of the firft dyet of Citations in the matter of 
 tranfportations not to be before the laft jyednefdaj of otto- 
 Iter, lb. 
 
 The Aflemblies Anfwer to a Quaere from the Presbyterie of El- 
 gin, concerning the tranfporting from the Hie- lands a Minifter 
 to trie Low- lands. Seff.XL. 
 
 Letter to their Brethren in Ireland. lb. 
 
 Letter to the Lord ChanceUour. lb. 
 
 Indiction ot a Faft on the tecond Sabbath of September, with the 
 caufes thereof. lb. 
 
 Recom. concerning Mr. Her* Bender /<w. lb. 
 
 Recom. for the people in Liblrcrtovto repair to the Kirk of Qtnd- 
 qttex. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Parliament for diflolucion the benefice of Kin- 
 kell. lb. 
 
 Act for proceeding againft Captain Maxwell and J-ohn Sumervail 
 and Coronet Weir. lb. 
 
 Hccora. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Recom. for planting in Inn erne fs another Minifter that huh the 
 Irifh tongue. lb. 
 
 Recom. for planting a Kirk in Glad [mure and that fome Brethren 
 fpeak to the E. Hadington that by his pretence to the Patronage 
 he do not obftru& fo good a work. lb. 
 
 Remit. Mr. John Law toihe Provinciall oi Glafgow. lb. 
 
 Ref. concerning Mr. lames Aitkin to the vifitation of Rofje and 
 Caithnes, &c. lb. 
 
 Ref- Mr. Donald Rojfe Minifter at Lochbroom to the faid vifi- 
 tation. lb. 
 
 Ref. Mr. Uhn Duncan to the faid Vifitation. lb. 
 
 Recom. tothePresbyterie of Dingwall concerning Mr. Ctourdo 
 Mackenzie late Minifter at Suddie. lb. 
 
 A& declaring Mr. Murdo Mackenzie late Minifter at Dingwall, un- 
 capable for ever of the Miniftery , with a Recommenda- 
 tion to the Presbyterie to proceed againft him with Ex- 
 communication, lb. 
 
 Depofition Mr. wUliam Cowper Schoolmafter at chanrieirom that 
 charge. lb. 
 
 Continuation of the matter concerning Mt.JohnRojfeztLunfa- 
 man, to the next Aflembly , Seff. Ult, 
 
 Acl: Ordaining the Presbyterie or Elgin to proceed againft mafter 
 Thomas Gilzeam and John Gordon, lb. 
 
 Ref. mafter Francis Omey to the Ptovinciall of Perth. lb. 
 
 Refufall of mafter George Hannaes defire, andhiscenfureforhis 
 mifcarriage. lb. 
 
 Recom . in favours of his wife and children. 
 
 Recom. concerning the Kirk of Mordington, to the vifitation of 
 Dunce and Cbirnjide. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Provinces of Aberdeen, Angus and Murray to fup- 
 ply the vaiking Kirks in Badinocb, Locbabcr, ejrc refpecfively in 
 their own bounds. lb. 
 
 Kef. of Sir Lachlan Mackean to the Commifsion for publick af- 
 fairs, lb. 
 
 Ordinance for the Presbyterie of Sky to proceed with Excommu* 
 nication againft Mr. Lachlane Frafer. lb. 
 
 Ref. Concerning the particulars given in by mafter James More* 
 Jon againft the Presbyterie of Kirwall to the vification of Rojfe 
 and fiutbnes. lb. 
 
 Renovation of the Commifsion of the preceding Affembly 
 in Seff. 26. concerning Witchcraft. lb. 
 
 Recommendation mafter Alexander Mackean to Presbyteries and 
 Univerfities for a Burfar, and particularly to the Presbyterie of 
 Edinburgh, lb. 
 
 Acl concerning the tryall of mafter William Home and citing of 
 Witncffes. lb. 
 
 Com- 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Commifsion to Mr. John Tringill and Mr. John Stw fort to 
 
 examine Witneffes in that matter. lb. 
 Recom. to the Commifsioners of the Presbyterie of Ghfeow 
 
 for fending to the Clerk an exact report of the condition of 
 
 their Kirks , with their provifions , the extent of Paroches 5 
 
 and number of Parochincrs. lb. 
 Aft for intimating the Vifitation of Donee and Chirn- 
 
 fide. lb. 
 Recommendation Matter VViUtAm Dorvglts to the Committee 
 
 of Eftates. lb. 
 
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