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THE 
 
 PRINCIPALL 
 
 ACT S. 
 
 Of The 
 
 L 
 
 G EN ERALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY, 
 
 C 
 
 ONVEENED 
 
 A 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 Uoon the firjft VV ednesday of 
 
 August, the 4.. of that Moneth, 
 
 in the year 164,7. 
 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 T? Tinted by Evan Tyler, T* inter to the 
 icings moft Excellent zSMajeJlic 
 
 AnnoDom. i6q.y* 
 
Pag. r. 
 
 ####|'#| , #####'|'### c *?# i S##$| , f»# 
 
 ■ THE 
 
 GENERALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY, 
 
 At EDINBURGH, 
 
 4* <*AUgUjl. I 6 \ 7. 
 
 4! 
 
 zAugujl 16. \6yj. Tojtmeridtem. ocii. 11. 
 
 Act allowing the half of the *5\4inijlers in 
 
 the Treshyterie of Zetland only , with 
 
 their %uling Elder x, to l^eep the 
 
 Troyineiall <±Affembly> 
 
 He Gcnerall A (Terribly, Undemanding 
 that the whole Members of the Prel- 
 byterie or Zetland , adjoyned to the 
 Provincial of Canhnes and Sutherland 
 upon weighty con fide racions by the 
 preceeding Aftembly , cannot be pre- 
 sent at the meetings of that Provincial!, 
 without great prejudice to the particu- 
 lar Congregations within that Pref- 
 byteric , and many other inconveni- 
 ences-, That Ifle being of great diftance from Land , andthepaf- 
 fage from and to the fame being uncertaine and dangerous : 1 )oc 
 therefore Declare and Ordaine , That the whole Minifters and 
 Elders of the Presbyterie of Zetland , (hall not be tyed hereafter 
 to come to the meetings of their laid Provincial-, But that the halt 
 of the number of the Minifters with their Ruling Hlders J fliall be 
 onelyobliegedto keepthe mettingsot the laid Provincial Af- 
 iembly in time coming. 
 
 Al 2 0. Jl'tlijl 
 
b> TheCfemrattAjfembly, \6\.j. 
 
 zo.dtigujli^j, Antemeridiem. SeCXV, 
 
 A Declaration , md 'Brotherly Exhort ati^ 
 
 on of the general! Ajjemhly of the 
 
 Church of Seotjapd, to their 
 
 'Brethren of England ? > 
 
 )Hc conference of our dutie r,p Ggd obliging us 
 ' to give l teftimony to, his Trueth , and to the 
 Kingdom of his Sonne Jefus Chrift , now fo 
 rquch ref|$e4 anjl oppofed by many, and fo little 
 owned by others : Tjie laudable cuflome and 
 example of correfpondency between Neigh- 
 bouring Churches, exhorting, encouraging, and ( in cafe of pub- 
 like feandall ) admonishing in love one another , as well as 
 {ingle Brethren ought to adrnonifh one another in lpve , in, the 
 cafe of private offence .• Our nearer relation and more jpeciall 
 affection to our Brethren of England , making us to fympathize 
 witlj them in their danger and afrli&ion as pur p^n , both %. [ng- 
 domes being united as one entire Body in one Covenant , for pur- 
 i uing the common caufe and ends therein exprefled : Yea, com- 
 mon reafon and experience it felf teaching us that wee have no 
 caufe to conceive our Religion , the liberties, of this Church , 
 or our felves to be in a condition of fafety, when ever the ene- 
 mies of our Religion and Liberties are growing to a prevalency 
 in the Neighbour Kingdom. Anyone of thefe confiderarions, 
 much more all qf them together 9 cry aloud upon us to break our 
 filepce in this prefent Juncture of Affaires 5 yet wee hope to cx- 
 prefle pur felyes both concerning the prefent Dangers and prefent 
 puetjes , as in a confeionabje and BrQth e rly freedorne , fo in a 
 fair and inorfenfjvs way 5 for wee have no pleafure nor purpofe 
 to provoke any Perfon or Party whatsoever , nor to encreafe, but 
 to endeavour the allying and compofing of the prefent unhappy 
 differences. If any frail offend at our jo* jfcharging our confidence 
 and dping our duty , yet wee fhaU rather choofe to take our 
 hazard of that, then of difpleafing Cpu 1 by neglect of duty. But 
 we hope betrer things , then to be mif-underftood , or mif inter- 
 preted by fiich as defire a eandi^e interpretation of their owne 
 anions or expreflions. 
 
 Firft of all , whatfpever the prefent difcouragemenrs, difficul- 
 ties or (dangers are , or whatfoever for the future they may bee, 
 we cannot but commemorate to the glory of Cod, .and we doubt 
 not it fhall be remembred to his glory in the Church throughout 
 alj ages, flow great a falvation h)s Mighty Hand and Outflretched 
 
 Arms 
 
The QeneraU 4tfvnkh * 1^4.7. 3 
 
 Arme hajft Wrought for thefie three Kingdomes j How he ftirrad 
 up the Spirits of his People \\\ this Kingdome ten yeares agoc, 
 % o begin to fhake pfF thp Yqjce of Prelaticall tyrannie , and or 
 Popifh Ceremonies pbtruded Mpou us , contrary to the Lawe§ of 
 £od and Men •, Hpw he led us on from fo fmall beginnings, and 
 frgm one degree to another, till wee were United in a Nationall 
 Cpvenant ; Hpw he gave us a Banner \o bee dif played for the 
 Trwth » and fo bleffed us in the. profecution of that Covenant, 
 that the Kings? Majefty was gracioufly pleafed upon the hinnble 
 Petitions of h(s Loyal| Supje,#s in this Nation, to indict a Geoer 
 rall AfiTembly and Parliament for healing tpe grievances or ChuFfh 
 ^d State refpe^ively , As likewife to grant his Royall content 
 |pr Confirming and Ratifying by Acts of Parliament our Natip- 
 naji Covenant , and the Government and Liberties of this 
 Church. After which the- new Troubles raifed againft us by 
 the malice and treachery of our enemies , did occasion the firft 
 expedition of this Nation into England, ( upon which followed 
 p\$ calling of the Parliament there , and the large Treaty ) and 
 intheiflue, the return pf that Army was with an Olive branch 
 of Peace, ? and not without the beginnings of a Reformation in 
 ZngUfli ' In which work while the Parliament was interrupted 
 andppjppffd,. and a Wppcjy War begun with great fuccefle pp 
 that fide which oppofed the Parliament and the begun Reforma- 
 tion 7 from whence alfo did accre w great advantage to the Pppilh 
 Party ( whereof the Cefiation of Arms concluded in Ireland may 
 beinfteadof many teftjmonies -, ) Commissioners were fent hi- 
 ther from both Houfes , earneftly inviting and perfwading to a 
 nearer Union of the Kingdomes, and defiring Afliftance frpm 
 this Nation to their Brethren in that their great diftrefle ; And 
 this by thegood Hand of God produced the Solemne League and 
 Covenant of the three Kingdomes, to theterrour of the Popifh 
 and Prelaticall party our common Enemies , and to the great 
 comfort of fuch as were wifhing and waiting for the Reforma- 
 tion of Religion , and the recovery of juft Liberties. And al- 
 though for the conjunction of the Kingdomes in Covenant , and 
 Armcs ( being a fpeciall means tending to the extirpation of Pa- 
 pery, and ftrengthening the true Reformed Religion) this King- 
 dome ha.th been invaded and infefted by the bloody lri{\> Rebels, 
 aided and ftrengthened by fome degenerate and perfidious Coun- 
 trey-men of ourovvnc: Although alfo in Englmd there werf 
 not wanting incendiaries, who hating and envying nothing mote 
 then the Union of the Kingdomes in fuch g Covenant , were 
 very vigilant to catch, and active to improve all occafions of roa» 
 Jung divifive motions , and creating Nationall Differences \ Vet 
 God hath been gracioufly pleafed to break our Enemies ftrength 
 at Home when it was greateft , and to guide us through thele 
 Tqalonfies and Differences fomented by difaffecled Perfbns bc- 
 
 A } iwcen 
 
4- tffa (jenerall dffembly , \6\j. 
 
 tween the Kingdomes ; So that in ftead of a fplitting upon thefe 
 Rocks ( the thing hoped for by our Enemies ) there was a peace- 
 ableand friendly parting : Since which time God hath furcher. 
 blefled our Army at Home , to the expelling of the Enemie 
 out of our own Borders. Nor can we palle in filence the hapfyy 
 prOgrefTe which hath been made in the Reformation of the 
 Church Of England • Ke that hath brought the Children to the 
 birth , can alio give ftrength to come forth ; And bee whofe 
 hand did caft out Prelacie and the Book of Common Prayer 
 ( although ftrOngly rooted in ftanding Lawes- ) and who en- 
 clined the Parliament of Englandio Owne no other Church Go- 
 vernment but the PresbyteriaH , f'Thoughit bee not. yet fully 
 fettled according to the Word of God , and the example of the 
 beft Reformed Churches ) can as eafily encline when hee thinks 
 good both the King and them , arid the body of that Kingdome 
 to a thorow and perfect. Reformation. He that made the Affem- 
 bliesand Parliaments of both Kingdomes to agree upon one Di- 
 rectory for the Publike Worfhip of God , can alfo when he will 
 imke an agreement in the other Parts of Uniformitie, COnfeflion 
 of Faith, form of Church Government, and Catechifme ♦, In 
 all which there hath beene alfo a good progrefTe made in the 
 Reverend and Learned Aflemblie of Divines through the good 
 hand of God fo long upon them. 
 
 ■Having now teen fo much of God both in the beginning and 
 progrefTe of this his great Work •, And his Hand having donefo 
 wondrous things for his People in their greateft extremities of 
 danger , and having difcovered and defeate the plots of Enemies, 
 making them fall even by their own Counfels ; Thefe things wee 
 refolveto keepftiH fixed in our hearts, and as memorials be- 
 fore our eyes , that remembring the Works of the Lord, and the. 
 Yiiars of the Right Hand of the mofl: High, wee may neither 
 want matter of Praifes and Thankfgivings, nor experience to 
 breed hope. Although the building of the Houfe of the Lord in 
 England be not yet , after fo long expectation, finifbed, and now 
 alfo the Workceafeth; Yet wee doe from our hearts blcfTe the 
 Lord for the hying of the Foundation , and for fo much progrefTe 
 as hath been made in the Work; Having ftill confidence in the 
 Almighty, to whom nothing is impoflible or too hard, that eve- 
 ry Mountaine which doeth or (hall ftand in the way lhall become 
 aplaine, and that the Head-Ssone mail bee brought forthwith 
 fhoutings of Joy , Grace, Grace unto it. 
 
 NeverthelefTe, we are alfo very fenfible of the <*reat and immi- 
 nent dangers into which this Common Caufe of Religion is now 
 brought by the growing and fpre.iding of mofl: dangerous errours 
 in England , to the obltructing and hindering of the begun Refor- 
 mation , as namely ( befide many others ) Socinianifme , Armi- 
 
 nianifmc 
 
The (jenerall Affembly , 164.7. 5 
 
 nianifme , Anabaptifme , Antinomianifme , Brownifme , Eraf- 
 tianifme, Independency, and that which is called (byabufeof 
 the word ) Liberty or Confcience , being indeed Liberty ot 
 Errour, Scandal!, Schifme, Herefie, diflionouring God , oppo- 
 fing the Truth , hindering Reformation, and (educing others * 
 Whereuntoweaddethofe Nullifidians, or men of no Religion, 
 commonly called Seekers: Yea, wee cannot but look upon the 
 Dangers of the true Reformed Religion in this Ifland , as greater 
 now then before-, Not onely for that thofe very principles and 
 fundamentals of Faith which under Prelacy , yea, under Popery 
 itfelf, were generally received as unconcrovtrted , are now by 
 theScepticiimeof many Sectaries of this time either oppugned, 
 or called in queftion •, But alfo, becaufe in (lead of carrying on the 
 Reformation towards perfection , that which hath beene already 
 built is in part caft down, and indanger to be wholly overthrowne 
 through the endeavours of Sectaries to comply with many of the 
 Prelaticall and Malignant , and even the Popilh party ; and their 
 joyning hand in hand , and carting in their Iocs , and interweaving 
 their incerefts together in way of Combination, againfl: the Co- 
 venant and Presbyteriali Government ; Yea, the unclean fpirit 
 which was caft out , is about to enter againe with feven other (pi- 
 nts worfe then himfelfe, and lo the latter end like to be worfe then 
 the beginning. 
 
 We are extremely forry that we have caufe to aggravate thefe 
 evils from the crying fin of breach of Covenant ; Whereof if we 
 ihould hold our peace , yet according to the Word of the Lord, 
 other Nations will fay , and many among them do fay , Where- 
 fore hath the Lord done thus unto this People f and what mean- 
 eth the heat of this great anger * And they an(wer one another, 
 Becaufe they have forfaken the Covenant of the Lord their God. We 
 would not be underitood as if wc meant either to Juftific this Na- 
 tion , or to charge fuch a fin upon all in that Nation. We know 
 the Covenant hath been in divers particulars broken by many in 
 both Kingdomes, the Lord pardon it, and accept a Sacrifice - y 
 And wee doe not doubt but there are many feven thoufands in 
 England who have not onely keptthemfelves unfpotted, and re- 
 tained their integrity in that bufineiTe , but doe alio mourne and 
 groane before the Lord for that fin of others. Yet we fliould but 
 deny our own fence and betray the Truth , if we fliould not refenc 
 fo great a finne and danger , as is the breach of a Solemne Cove- 
 nant , fworn with hands lifted up to the moft High God : Which 
 breach however varnifhed over with fome colourable and hand- 
 fome pretexts , one whereof is the Liberty and Common Right 
 of the free People of England , as once Saul brake a Covenant 
 with the Gibeonites , In his %cal to the Children of I frael and $»- 
 idah: Yet God could not thcn,and cannot now be mocked; Yea,it is 
 
 too 
 
6 TheCjenerall Ajjembly, 164.7. 
 
 too apparent and undeniable , that among thofe who did take the 
 Covenant of the three Kingdomes , as there are many who have 
 given them (elves to a deteftable indifferency or neutralise, fo 
 there is a Generation which hath made defection to the contrary 
 Part ; Perfecuting as far as they could that true Reformed Reli- 
 gion,in Doctrine, Woifhip, Difcipline,and Government , which 
 by the Covenant they ought to preferve againft the common Ene- 
 mies ; hindering and refitting that Relormation and Unifor- 
 mity , which by the Covenant ought to bee endeavoured ; 
 preierving and tolerating thofe curfed things which by the Cove- 
 nant ought to be extirpate $ efpecially Herefieand Schifme, en- 
 croaching upon,yea offering violence unto the Rights, Priviledges, 
 and Authority or Magiftracie-, Protedting and alfifting fuch as by 
 the Covenant ought to have been brought to condigne triall and 
 punifhment, and perfecuting thofe who by the Covenant ou^ht to 
 be.afMed and defended; Endeavouring alfo a breach in ftead 
 of a firme Peace and Union between the Kingdomes : So that 
 there is not any one Article of the Solemne League and Cove- 
 nant which hath not been finfully and dangeroufly violated be- 
 fore God , Angels, and Men. Now if a Covenant for the Pre- 
 fervation and Reformation of Religion , the Maintenance and 
 Defence of Liberties was juftly thought a fit an$ excellent means ^ 
 not only to Jlr engt hen and f or tife the Kingdomesagainft the com- 
 mon Enemie of the true Reformed Religion , publike Peace and 
 Profperity ; But alfo , to acquire the favour of^yilmightie GOD 
 towards the three Kingdomes , of England , Scotland , and Ire- 
 land, as is exprefTed in the Ordinance of the Lords and Com- 
 mons for the taking of the Covenant , dated February 2. 1643. 
 Surely then the Authors and chief Inftruments of the breach of 
 that Covenant, are to be looked upon as thofe who ftrengthen 
 the hands of the common Enemie, and provoke the wrath of 
 Almighty God againftthefe Kingdomes. Yea, if this Cove- 
 nant was the Soveraigne and onely meanes of the recovery of thefe 
 embroiled bleeding Kingdoms, as is exprefled in the exhortation 
 of the AiTembly of Divines to the taking of the Covenant , ap- 
 proved and ordered to be Printed by the Houfeof Commons? 
 'fhede{pifing,refufing,andcafting afide of that remedy, muft 
 needs render the difeafe much more defperate. And if by the De- 
 claration of both Kingdomes jonyed in kxms-yAnno 1643. fuch 
 as would not take the Covenant , were declared to bee publike 
 Enemies to their Religion land Countrey, and that they are to be cen- 
 tred and purified as profiled Adversaries and Malignants. Who 
 feeth not now a Grange tailing away from thefe firft Principles 
 and Profeffions, among thefe who either magnifie and cry up, or 
 at leaft connive at and comply with fuch as have not taken the 
 Covenant , yea , arc known Enemies to it , and cry down fuch 
 as are moft zealous for it ? *n 
 
The (jfenerall Affembly > ^+7. 7 
 
 In this cafe , while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the ftaves of 
 Beauty and Bands , Covenant and Brother-hood are broken by 
 many , the home of Malignants and Sectaries exalted , the beft 
 afle&ed born down , Reformation ebbing , Herefie and Schifme 
 flowing ; It can hardly bee mavelled at by any Perfon of pru- 
 dence and difcretion, if we be full of fuchfearcs and apprehen- 
 sions as ufe to be in thofe who dwell near a Houfe fet on fire, or 
 a Family infected, efpecially being taught by the fad experience 
 of the Prelaticall times , how eaiily a Gangrene in the one half of 
 this Ifland may fpread through the whole ; Knowing alfo the in- 
 veterate and infatiable malice of the Enemies of this Caufe and 
 Covenant againft this Church and Kingdome » which we cannot 
 be ignorant of, unlefTe we would (hut our eyes and ftop our ears. 
 
 Our prefent purpofe leadeth us ro touch fomewhat of the pro- 
 ceedings o( the Army in England this Summer , fo far as Religi- 
 on is therein concerned ; As wee are confident, divers have gone 
 along with them in the fimplicity of their hearts, and we preiume 
 not to judge the thoughts and intentions of any, it being Gods 
 owne prerogative, to bring to light the hidden things of darknes^ 
 and to make manifeft the counfels of the hearts ; So it cannot be 
 denied , that upon thele paiTages and proceedings hath followed 
 the interrupting of the fo much longed for Reformation of Reli- 
 gion , of the ferling of Presbyteriall government , and of the 
 fupprefling of herefies and dangerous errors, ( which works the 
 Parliament had taken in hand ) the retarding and delaying the re- 
 lief of Ireland , the fowing of the feeds of another War in Eng- 
 land^ the ftrengthning of the hands of the Malignant and Epif- 
 copall party , the weakning and wounding both of Magiftracy 
 and Miniftery : In all which, whether the Army bee blamelefle 
 and innocent , from miniftring occafion to fo great evils, or whe- 
 ther there be not caufe for them to repent and do the firft works, 
 and to practife more of that love , moderation, and meeknefTc of 
 Spirit, and of that zeal againft Malignants and Prelaticall perfons, 
 which they have from the beginning profefTed , and the want 
 whereof ( when f ufpected in others ) they did fo much cenfure ; 
 or whether there be fuch a thing among them , as adjoyning with 
 thofe againft whom , and againft thofe with whom the Covenant 
 was taken $ We leave them in all thefe to the fearch and examina- 
 tion of their own conferences, that they may ftand or fall unto 
 God. For our part, we cannot conceive how the late Propofals 
 of that Army for fetling of a Peace, do in point of Religion con- 
 fift with the folemn League and Covenant , or with the Propor- 
 tions of Peace, formerly agreed upon by both Kingdomes ; there 
 being fo confiderable omiifions of divers materiall delires con- 
 tained in thofe former Proportions , concerning the abolition 
 of Prelacy •, concerning the injoyning of the taking of the Co. 
 
 B venmt 
 
8 The (jenerall Ajjernbly, 164.7. 
 
 venant by all his Majefties Subjects, under fuch penalties as the 
 Parliaments fhould agree upon ; concerning the fetling of Religi- 
 on in England and Ireland ^ according to the Covenant, in inch 
 manner as both Houfes of Parliament (hall agree on , after advice 
 had with the Afiembly of Divines-, concerning the fetling of uni- 
 formity between the Churches of God in both Kingdomes, ac- 
 cording to the Covenant , in fuch manner as fiiall be agreed on by 
 both Houfes of the Parliament of England , and by the Church, 
 and Kingdome of Scotland , after advice had with the Divines of 
 both Kingdomes ; Alfo concerning an A& of Parliament to con- 
 firm the calling and fitting of the Aflembly of Divines: All which, 
 with fome other particulars concerning Religion, exprefl'ed in the 
 former Proportions, if they mould now be omitted in the fetling 
 of a Peace , the progrefle already made , not only in the Aflem- 
 bly of Divines, but in the Houles of Parliament in fetling Pref- 
 byteriall Government, with the Confeffion of Faith, yea the Di- 
 rectory of publike Worthip ( though agreed upon by the AiTem- 
 blics and Parliaments of both Kingdomes,) fhall bee but fo much 
 loft labour. But befide thefe omiffions it may bee juftly doubted 
 whether there be not in thefe Propofals of the Army , fomewhat 
 for Epifcopacy , and againft the Covenant ; For wee cannot un- 
 derftand the eleventh Propofall, in any other fenfe, but that it 
 fuppofeth the.continuance of the Ecclefiafticall office of Bifhops 
 or Prelats,as well as of any other Church Officers, and taketh no 
 more from the Prelats , but coercive power or jurifdiction exten- , 
 ding to civill penalties , which indeed belongeth to no Eccle- 
 fiafticall Officers. In the twelfth Propofall , we do not fee, how 
 it can avoid or fliun the toleration of Popery, Superftition , He- 
 refie, Schifme , ProfannelTe , or whatfoever works of darkneffe 
 fhall be pra&ifed by fuch as defpife the publike Worfliip of God 
 in the Church, and have the moft unlawfull and wicked meet- 
 ings elfewhere under a profeilir.n of Religious duties, exercilcs or 
 ordinances. From the thirteenth Propofall , wee can make no 
 other refult , but that in ftead of enjoyning the taking of the Co- 
 venant , under fuch penalties as the Parliaments in their wildome 
 fhall agree upon, the former ordinance of Parliament enjoyning 
 the taking of it, is defired to be repealed : and then what may bee 
 the danger of thofe that have taken, or fhall take an oath of 
 that kinde, not enjoyned nor ratified by authority, wee leave it 
 to bee judged by thofe who know beft the Lawes of that 
 Kinsdome. 
 
 One thing more wee cannot paffe , that whereas in the Armies 
 Declaration, or Reprefentation to the Parliament, dated June 14. 
 1647. they mention their Brethren of Scotland, as having pro- 
 ceeded in the vindication and defence of their juft rights and liber- 
 ties , much highet then that Army hath done 5 Wee arc necef- 
 
 fittlcd 
 
TkeCjenerall JJfcmbly, 164.7. 9 
 
 fitated to fay this much for clearing of thefe proceedings in this 
 Nation reflected upon : They ot this Church and Kingdom who 
 Joyned together and aiTociacedthemfelves in thisCaule, firftby 
 humble Petitions, and afterwards by Covenant, were fo far from 
 flighting or breaking that Covenant which was taken, tint it was 
 the fpecial vifible character by which the friends of the Caufe were 
 diftinguifhed from the enemies thereof; and they were fo far either 
 from crying down the Miniftery and Ecclefiafticall Aflcmblies, 
 or from difobeying any Orders or Commands ot Parli iment,that 
 a Generall Aflembly of the Church, and a Parliament, were two 
 chief Heads of their Petitions and defires, at that time when they 
 had neither ; And when they had obtained a Generall Aflembly 
 and Parliament, they chearfully fubmitted to both refpe&ively. 
 
 And now the dangers of Religion in this Iiland being fo great, 
 as there hath been lately a Solemne Humiliation throughout this 
 Land , upon occafion of thefe great and growing dangers •, f o we 
 cannot but frill look upon them as matters of frequent Prayer and 
 Humiliation to our felves, as well as our Brethren inEngUnd^ 
 there being much fin in both Kingdomes procuring all this evill, 
 and juftlycfefervingthefe,and heavier judgements. And as wee 
 defire in the firft place to be humbled for our own fins, and the 
 fins of this Nation, fo we truft,our Brethren will bee willing to be 
 put in minde of theneceffity of their Humiliation and Repentance 
 for the Nationall fins of that Kingdome ; which wee fhall wifh 
 rather to be fadlyconfideredbythem.thenexprefledbyus. One 
 thing we are confident of, that God hath had a fpeciall controvert 
 fie againft his People of old for the fin of a broken Covenant, and 
 unwillingnelTe to bee Reformed and Purged according to the 
 Word of the Lord •, and that till thefe finnes were acknowledged 
 and repented, his controverfie did not take an end. We are no 
 lefTe confident that the godly and well affected will in tendernefle 
 of confeience timely fearch out, weigh well,mourn for, and Iludy 
 to remove all the caufes of the Lords prefent controverfie againft 
 that Nation. What the honourable Houfes of Parliament have 
 to bee humbled for, and to reform or amend , they have been 
 (and we truft ftill are) put in minde by fuch as are AmbafTadours 
 to them in Chrifts ftead at their folemn humiliations. For our 
 part,as we have alwayes mentioned them in our prayers , with 
 thankfgivingsalfo in their behalfe, fo we now moft numbly be- 
 feech the Lord, to direct and blefle them, and in their prefent diffi- 
 culties to keep them by his Grace from all finfull compliance, 
 efpecially from eftablifhing iniquity by a Law -, to fhew them why 
 he contendeth with them , that the true caufe of his controverfie 
 may be removed, and that the glory of his Name, the Kingdome, 
 Crown, and Scepter of his Sonjefus Chrift, with his Word, 
 Lawes, Ordinances, Trueth, Minifters, maybe yet more fct by 
 
 B 2 
 
 in 
 
6 TbeCfenerali Ajjembly, \6^~t. 
 
 in their eyes,that they alio mayfindea furtberperformance of the 
 Word of the Lord : Exalt her and fie [hall promote thee. And , 
 them that honbur met^ I mil honour. 
 
 We (hall now by the mercies of God,and in the bowefcof Jefus 
 Chrift , earneftly befeech all thofe of whatfoever quality or con- 
 dition in England, who have entred into the fame League and Co- 
 venant with us, and efpecially the Houfes of Parliament, the City 
 of London , and Affembly of Divines , that with found Humilia- 
 tion , fervent Prayer, and making fure their Peace with God, they 
 may joyne all cafe , faithfulnefle and zeal, to hold faft the profef- 
 fionof their Faith without wavering, againft the many herefies 
 and errors of thefe times*, that they may according to their places 
 and callings endeavour to the utmoft of their power to prevent or 
 hinder the laying afide or flighting of the Covenant , the re-efta- 
 blifhmentof Epifcopacy , and the toleration of Popery, Prelacy x 
 Herefie, Schifme, Superftition , orProfannefle, and not fufter 
 themfelves, directly or indirectly , by whatfoever combination,, 
 perfwafion or terrour, to bee divided and withdrawn from that 
 blefled Union and Sacred Covenant , either to the contrary fide, 
 or to a neutrality in thisCaufe,which fo much ccncerneth the glo- 
 rie of God , the good of the Kingdomes, and the Honour of the 
 King- but all the dayes of their lives zealoully and conftantly 
 continue therein againft all oppofition , and promote the fame ac- 
 cording to their power againft all lets and impediments whatfo- 
 ever , which things both they and wee have folemnly and in the 
 fight of God fworn unto. And as we defired them to reft confi- 
 dent of the coriftancy of their Brethren in this Nation , in adhe- 
 ring to that Covenant in all the Articles thereof,which we mail by 
 the Grace of Chrift (without Which we are nothing J fincerly, 
 really, and conftantly purfue and promote,fo far as concerneth our 
 Places and Callings-, ufing our utmoft endeavours towards the fup- 
 preffion of thofe errors, which have fo dangeroufly hurt Religion 
 in this Ifland : So, we expect confidently the like of our Brethren 
 in BngUnd united in Covenanant with us, and that what ever they 
 may have caufe to fear or bee called to fuffer, yet the Lord will 
 fo ftrengthen them by his grace, as that they may be able to fay, 
 K^iUthis is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee , neither have 
 we dealt falfe/y in thy Covenant. And here is the wif dome and pa- 
 tience of the Saints,to choofe affliction rather then iniquity, to do 
 doety in the Worft of times , and to truft God with events 3 and in 
 fo doing , to hope to the end and wait upon the Lord, untill hee 
 plead their caufe and execute judgement for fhem : So (hall they 
 bee more purified and not made blacker (as, alas , fome are) 
 but whiter in times of tryall. 
 
 More particularly, wee do defire that Presbyteriall Govern- 
 ment may be fetled and put in praftifcthroughout that Kingdom, 
 
 according 
 
The (jenerall Ajfembly , 164 7- 9 
 
 according to the Word of God, and example of the beft Refor- 
 med Churches: for without this wee know no other proper and 
 effe&uall remedy againfl the prefent dangers of Religion there \ 
 or for purging the Church from fcandals, which are deftrudive 
 either to found Doctrine, or to Godlinefle : And herein we are 
 confident, the experience of all the Reformed Churches will bear 
 witnefle with us. Nor do we doubt but in England alfo, time 
 and experience will more and more commend, not only the beau- 
 tifull order , but the great utility, yea, neceflity of this Govern- 
 ment, and difpell all the clouds of afperfions and prejudices which 
 it lieth under among fuch as know it not, who ought therefore 
 to beware of fpeaking evill of the things they underftand not. 
 Yet we would not have our zeal for Presbyteriall Government 
 mil-underftood , as if it tended to any rigour or domineering 
 over the flock, or to hinder and exclude that inftrucling in meek- 
 neffethem that oppofe them felves, which. the Apoffcolicall rule 
 holds forth; or as if wee would have any fuch to bee intrufted 
 with that Government, as are found not yet purged, either 
 from their old profanneffe, or from the Prelaticall principles and 
 pra&ifes which were but to put a piece of new cloath unto an old 
 garmcnt,and fo to make the rent worfe ; or to put new wine into 
 old bottles, and fo to lofe both wine and bottles. Yea who 
 knows whether this may not be one of the caufes, (and not 
 the leaft ) why the prefent Reformation, fucceeds the worfe, even 
 becaufe of fo little repentance^ither for the profanneffe, or Prela- 
 ticall errours and corruptions of divers who Iwvc a&cd in it: 
 Neverthelcffe, the right hand of fellowfhip is to bee given to 
 all fuch as bring forth fruits meet for repentance , whatfoever their 
 former errours or failings were. And to our great joy,we under- 
 ftmd that there are many learned, able, godly, and prudent Mini- 
 fters in that Kingdome, fit to be imployed in thai Government, 
 together with fuch able and pious men, as are to bejoynedwith 
 them in the capacity of ruling Elders. It fliall be apart of our 
 prayers, that the Lord of the Harveft may fend forth many more 
 labourers in that Kingdome, where the Harveft is fo great , and 
 the Labourers fo few proportjonably • and in the meane while, 
 th?tfuchas he hath already thruft out, may not be unemployed, 
 as to the point of Difcipljne and Government. 
 
 Norlaftly, doth our zeal forthe Covenant and Presbyteriall 
 •Government abate or diminifh any thing at all from our Loyalty 
 and Duety to the Kings Majefty, although Incendiaries and Bner- 
 Hiies (pare not to reproach this Church and Kingdome with Dif- 
 loyakie; Yet fuch calumnies will eafily be repudiate by all who 
 will examine the whole courfe of the publicke proceedings in this 
 Nation, in reference to the King-, and particularly the .Declaration 
 of the Parliament of this Kingdome, dated $AM*ryi6. 1647. 
 
 Wherefore 
 
ia TbeijenerallAjfembly^ 164.7. 
 
 Wherefore pafling all fuch calumnies, which cannot but be hate- 
 full to God and good Men, wee do clearly and candidly profeffe, 
 That the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government are fo far from 
 hindering or excluding our duety to (he King , that it is thereby 
 very much ftrengthcned and fupported •, for our giving to God 
 what is Gods doth not hinder us , but help us, to give unto C*far 
 what is Caefars. And wee earneftly wifh his Ma/efties Royall 
 heart may bee gracioufly inclined to the juft defires of his good 
 Subjects in both Kingdomes , and to that happy fettlement of 
 Truth and Peace, Religion and Righteoufneffe, which may bee as 
 well for the eftablifhment of his own Throne , as for the good 
 of his people. 
 
 Now the Prince of Peace Himfelf,grant this afflicled People,tof- 
 fed with tempefts and not comforted,a fafe & wel-grounded Peace, 
 bring light out of the prefent darkneffe, and order out of all thefe 
 confufions , give unto ail who are waiting for the confolation of 
 Krael good hopeth ough grace , comfort their hearts, Jfablif}) them in 
 in every good word and work, make his Caule to triumph at lad 
 over all oppofition , and the enemies foot to flide in due time, and 
 fo put a new Song of praif e in the mouths of his people. Amen. 
 
 24.. Angujl 164.7. sAntemeridiem. Sett. 19. 
 
 <tAB for observing the DireBions of the Cje* 
 
 nerall Ajjembly for Secret and ^Private 
 
 Jffarjbip, and mutuall edification i and 
 
 for cenfuring fuch as negletl 
 
 Familie Worfbip. 
 
 §^§SSS?^§ **E Generall AlTembly, after mature deliberate 
 ' on, doth approve the following Rules and Di- 
 rections , for cherifhing Piety and preventing 
 Divifion and Schifme , and doth appoint Mini- 
 fters and Ruling Elders in each Congregation to 
 take fpeciall care that thefe Directions be obfer- 
 ved and followed ; As likewife that Presbyteries and Provinciall 
 Synods enquire and make tryall whether the faids Directions bee 
 ducly obferved in their bounds, and to reprove or cenfure ( accor- 
 ding to the quality of the offence ) fuch as fhall bee found to bee 
 reproveable or ccnfurable therein. And to the end that thefe Di- 
 rections may not be rendred ineffectual! and unprofitable among 
 
 ibme 
 
The (jenerall Affembly, \6/\rj. 13 
 
 fome through the ufuall neglect of the very fubftance of the duty 
 of Family Worfhip , The Afiembly doth further require and ap- 
 point Minifters and Ruling Elders , to make diligent fearch and 
 enquiry in the Congregations committed to their charge refpe- 
 dively, whether there bee among them any Family or Families 
 which ufe to neglect this neceffary duty ; And if any f uch Family 
 be found, the head of that Family is to be firft admonifhed pri- 
 vately to amend this fault ; And in cafe of his continuing therein, 
 he is to be gravely and fadly reproved by the Seffion. After which 
 reproof , if he be found ftill to negled Familie Worfhip, Let him 
 be for his obftinacy , in fuch an offence , fufpended and debarred 
 from the Lords Supper, as being juftly eftecmed unworthy to 
 communicate therein till he amend. 
 
 The DircUions of the Cjenerall Ajfemhly , for 
 Secret and Trivate JVorfhip and mutu^ 
 all edification , for cherijhing Tiety i for 
 maintaining Vnitie , and avoiding Schifme 
 and Divifon. 
 
 t^g^^l&^Efides the publike Worfhip in Congregations, 
 feS^^5^% mercifully cftablilhed in this Land, in great pu- 
 "j^ -d %!§§ rit Y 5 ^ * s expedient and neceffary, that Secrec 
 r Worfhip of each perfon alone , and Private 
 Worfhip of Families be prefled and fet up: That 
 with Nationall Reformation , the profeflion 
 and power of GodlinefTe both Perfonall and Domeftick bee 
 advanced. 
 
 I. And firft for Secret Worfhip ; It is moft neceflar,that every 
 one apart and by them Pelves be given to Prayer and Meditation , 
 Theunfpeakable benefit whereof is beft known to them who 
 are moft exercifed therein .• This being the meane whereby in a 
 fpeciall way communion with God is entertained , and right pre- 
 paration for all other duties obtained : And therefore it becometh 
 not onely Paftors , within their feverall Charges , to prefle Per- 
 sons of all forts to performe this dutie Morning and Evening,and 
 at other occasions, but alfo it is incumbent to the head of eve- 
 ry Family, to have a care that both themfelves and all within their 
 charge be daily diligent herein. 
 
 II. The ordinar duties comprehended under the exercifc of 
 Pietie, which fhould be in Families when they ire conveencd to 
 that effect , arethefe: Firft, Prayer and Praifes performed, with 
 t fpeciall reference as Well to the publike condition of the Kirk of 
 God and this Kingdomc, as to the prefent cafe of the Familie, 
 
 anil 
 
 ■^ ,: 
 
14 TbeCjenerall Ajjernbly, \6^j. 
 
 and every member thereof. Next, Reading of Scriptures with 
 Catechizing in a plaine way* that the understandings of the fimp- 
 ler may be the better enabled to profit under the publike Ordinan- 
 ces, and they made more capable to underftand the Scriptures 
 when they arc read ; Together with godly conferences tending to 
 the edification of all the members in the mod holy faith : As alio 
 admonition and rebuke upon juft reafons from thefe who ha\e 
 Authority in the Familie. 
 
 III. As the Charge and Office of interpreting the holy Scrip- 
 tures, is a part of the Minifteriall calling, which none (howfoever 
 otherwife qualified) fhould take upon him in any place , but he 
 that is duely called thereunto by God and his Kirk : So in eve y 
 Familie where there is any that can read , The holy Scriptures 
 mould be read ordinarily to the Family ; And it is commendable 
 that thereafter they confer , and by way of conference make fome 
 good ufe of what hath beene read and heard : As for example, if 
 any fin be reproved in the Word read , ufe may bee made thereof, 
 to make all the Familie circumfpeft and watchfull againft the 
 fame^ Or, if any judgement be threatned or mentioned to have 
 beene inflicted in that portion of Scripture which is read , ufe may 
 bee made to make all the Familie fear, left the lame oraworfe 
 judgement befall them , unlefle they beware ofthe fin that procu- 
 red it : And finally , if any duety bee required , or comfort held 
 forth in a promife, ufe may bee made to ftirre up themfelves to im- 
 ploy Cbrift for ftrcngth to enable them for doing the commanded 
 duty, and to apply the offered comfort-, In all which the Mafter of 
 the Familie is to have the chief hand, And any member ofthe Fa- 
 milie may propone ane queftion or doubt for refolution. 
 
 Ill I. The head of the Family is to take care that none of the 
 Familie withdraw himfelf from any part of Familie Worfhip : 
 And feeing the ordinar performance of all the parts of Family- 
 worfhip belongeth properly to the head ofthe Family , The Mi- 
 nifter is to ftirre up filch as are lafie, and traine up fuch as are weak 
 co a fitnefle for thefe exercifes. It being alwayes free to perfons of 
 quaJitie to entertain one approven by the Presbyterie for perfor- 
 ming Familie Exercife 5 And in other families where the head of 
 the Familie is unht, that another conftantly refiding in the Familie 
 approven by the Minifter and Seffion, may be imployed in that 
 fervice-, Wherein the Minifter and Seflion are to be countable to 
 the Presbyterie. And if a Minifter by divine providence bee 
 brought to any Familie , It is requifite, that at no time he conveen 
 a part of the Familie for Worfhip fecluding the reft; Except in 
 lingular cafes, fpecially concerning thefe parties , which (in Chri- 
 stian prudence) need not , or ought not to bee imparted to others. 
 V. Let no Idler who hath no particular calling, or vagrant pcr- 
 fon under pretence of acalling , be fuffered to perform Worfhip in 
 
 Families, 
 
Ihe Ljeneratt Jjjembly , 164.7. 1? 
 
 Families , to or for the fame : Seeing perfons tainted with errours 
 or aiming at divifion, may be ready (after that manner) to creep 
 into houfes and lead captive filly and tin (table fouls. 
 
 VI. AcFamily Worfhipafpeciallcareistobehad, that each 
 Familie keep by themfelves ; Neither requiring, inviting, nor ad- 
 mitting perlons from divers Families ; Unlefle it be thefe who are 
 lodged with them or at meal, or ochcrwife with them upon fome 
 lavvfulloccafion. 
 
 VII. Whatfoever hath been the effects and fruits of meetings 
 of perfons of diveis Families in the times of corruption or trouble 
 ( in which cafes many things are commendable, which othervvife 
 are not tolerable ) Yet when God hath blefled us with Peace and 
 the purity of the Gofpel, luch meetings of perfons of divers Fa- 
 milies ( except in the cafes mentioned in thefe Directions) are to 
 be disapproved , as tending to the hinderance of the Religious 
 exercife of each Familie by it felf, to the prejudice of the publike 
 Miniltery, to the renting of the Families of particular Congre- 
 gations ,. and (in progreffe of time) of the whole Kirk • befides 
 many offences which may come thereby, to the hardning of the 
 hearts of carnall men, and grief of the godly. 
 
 VIII- On the Lords Day , after every one of the Family 
 apart , and the whole Family together have fought the Lord ( in 
 whofe hands the preparation of mens hearts are ) to fie them for 
 the publike Worfhip , and to blefl'e to them .tjie publike Ordi- 
 nances-, The Matter of the Familie ought to ta$e care that all with- 
 in his charge repair to the publike Worfhij^ that he and they may 
 joyne with the reft of the Congregation > And,the publike Wor- 
 fhip being finifhed,aiter prayer,hefhould take an account what they 
 have heard, And thereafter to fpend the reft of the time which 
 they may fpare , in Catechiflng and in fpirituall conferences upon 
 the Word of God \ Or elfe ( going apart ) they ought to af>ply 
 themfelves to reading , meditation, and fecret prayer , that they 
 may confirme and increafe their Communion with God ; That 
 fb the profit which they found in the publike Ordinances may 
 bee cherifhed and promoved , and they more edified unto eter- 
 
 nall life. 
 
 • IX. So many as can conceive prayer, ought to make ufe of 
 that gift of God : Albeit thefe who are rude and weaker may be- 
 gin at a fet form of prayer $ But fo, as they bee not fluggifh in ftir- 
 ringupin themfelves ( according to their daily neceifities) the 
 fpirit of prayer, which is given to all the children of God in fome 
 meafure. To which effc<5t , they ought to bee the more fervent 
 and frequent in fecret prayer to God , for enabling of their hearts 
 to conceive , and their tongues to expreffe convenient defircs to 
 God for their Familie. And in the mean time , for their greater 
 
 C encouragement, 
 
\6 TiieCfenerail Afjembly, 164.7. 
 
 encouragement , let tbele materialls of prayer be medicated upon , 
 and made ufe of, as followeth. 
 
 Let them confefle to God how unworthy they are to come m 
 his prefence, and how unfit toworfhip his Majefty; And there- 
 fore earneftly ask of God the fpirit of prayer. 
 
 They are to confefle their fins , and the fins of the Familie, ac- 
 cufing, judging, and condemning themfelves for them, cill they 
 bring their fouls to fome meafure of true humiliation. 
 
 They are to pour out their fouls to God,in the Name of Chrift, 
 by the fpirit , for forgivinefle of fins, for Grace to repent, to be- 
 lieve , and to live foberly, righceoufly, and godly $ and that they 
 may ferve God with joy and delight , walking before him. 
 . They are to give thanks to God for his many mercies to his 
 People, and to themfelves, and efpecially for his love m Chrntj 
 and for the light of the Gofpel. 
 
 They are to pray for fuch particular benefits, Spirituall and 
 Temporall , as they ftand in need of for the time , ( whether it be 
 Morning or Evening J as health or ficknelTe , profpeniie or 
 adverfitie. 
 
 They ought to pray for the Kirk of Chrift in general,forall the 
 Reformed Kirks, and for this Kirk in particular, and fgr all that 
 fuffer for the Name of Chrift, for all our Superiours , The Kings 
 Majefty, theQueene, and their Children, for the Magiftrates, 
 Minifters, and whole body of the Congregation whereof they 
 are members , as well for their Neighbou/s abfent in their lawf ull 
 affaires, as for thofe tjiat are at home. 
 
 The prayer may be^clofed with an earneft defire,that God may 
 be glorified in the comming of the Kingdome of his Son , and in 
 the doing of his wil-, And with aflurance that themfelves are accep- 
 ted,and what they have asked according to his will fhall be done. 
 
 X. Thefeexercifes ought to be performed in great finceritie 
 without delay , laying afide all Exercifes of worldly bufinefleor 
 hinderances, Notwithftanding the mockings of Athcifts, and 
 profane men*, In refpedt of the great mercies of God to this 
 Land, and of his fevere Corrections wherewith lately he hath ex- 
 ercifed us. And to this effect, perfons of eminency ( and all El- 
 ders of the Kirk ) not onely ought to ftir up themfelves and their 
 Families to diligence herein ; But al(o toconcurre eftcdtuafly, that 
 in all other Families, where they have Power and Charge , the 
 laid exercifes be confeionably performed. 
 
 XI. Befides the ordinary duties in Families which are abore^ 
 mentioned, extraordinary duties both of humiliation and thanfcf- 
 giving are to bee carefully performed in Families, when the Lord 
 by extraordinary occafions ( private or publike ) callech for them* 
 
 XII. Seeing the Word of God required! , That wee fhould 
 
 confider 
 
The (jenerall Jffembly , \6\y. 17 
 
 confider one another to provoke unto love and good works ; 
 Therefore, at all times, and fpecially in this time wherein profa- 
 nitie abounds , and mockers walking after their own luffs think 
 it ftrange that others run not with them to the fame excefle or 
 riot, Every member of this Kirk ought to ftir up themfelves'and 
 one another to the duties of mutuall Edification, by inftru&ion, 
 admonition, rebuke, exhorting one another to manifeft the Grace 
 of God, in denying ungodlinefTe and worldly lufts, and in living 
 godly, foberly,and rishteoufly in this prefent world, by comfor- 
 ting the feeble minded , and praying with, or, for one another 5 
 Which duties refpe&ively are to be performed uponfpeciall occa- 
 fions offered by divine providence*, As namely, when under any 
 calamity, crofTe, or great dif ficultie, counfell or comfort is fought, 
 Or when an offender is to bee reclaimed by private admonition, 
 and if shat bee not effectuall , by joyning one or two more in the 
 admonition, according to the rule of Chrift. that in the mouth 
 of two orthree witnefles every word may be eftablimed. 
 
 XIII. And becaufe it is not given to every onetofpeaka word 
 in feafon to a wearied or diftrefled conference , It is expedienc,thac 
 aperfon ( in that cafe ) finding no eafe after the ufe of all ordi- 
 nary means private and publike , have their addreffe to their own 
 Paftnir, or fome experienced Chriftian: But, if the perfon trou- 
 bled in confeience be of that condition, or of that fex , that dif- 
 crction, modefty, or fear of fcandall, requireth a godly grave and 
 fecret friend to be prefent with them in their faid addreilc , It is 
 expedient that fuch a friend be prefent. 
 
 X I V. When perfons of divers Families are brought together 
 by divine providence , being abroad upon their particular Vocati- 
 ons, or any neccflary occafions , As they would have the Lord 
 their God with them whitherfoever they go, they ought to walk 
 with God,and not neglect the duties of Prayer and Thankfgiving, 
 but cake care that the fame be performed by fuch as the company 
 fhall judge fitted: And that they likewife take heed that no corrupt 
 communicationproceedoutoftheirmouthjbutthatwhichisgood, 
 totheuieof edifying, that it may mi'nifter grace to the hearers: 
 
 The drift and fcope of all thefe Dire&ions is no other, but that 
 upon the one part , the power and practice of godlinefTe among 
 all the Minifters and Members of this Kirk, according to their 
 feverall places and vocations, may be cheriQied and advanced, and 
 all impictie aud mocking of Religious Exercifes fuppreflcd ; And 
 Upon the other part , that under the name and pretext of Religious 
 Exercifes, no fuch meetings or practices be allowed, as are apt 
 to breed Error, Scandall, Schifme , contempt or mif-regard 
 of the publike Ordinances and Minifters, or neglect of chc duties 
 of particular Callings, or fuch other evils as arc the works not of 
 the Spirit but of the Flefli, and are contrary to Truth and Peace. 
 
 C a <j^/» 
 
i8 TbeCjeneratt Ajfembly, \6\q. 
 
 All againjl fuch as withdraw themfehes from the 
 publikg JVorfhip in their own Congregation. 
 
 Tnce it hath pleafed God of his infinite goodnefle 
 " to blcfiTe his Kirk within this Nation , with the 
 riches of the Gofpei , in giving to us his Ordi- 
 nances in great purity , liberty , and withall , a 
 comely and well-eftablifhed order : The Aflem- 
 w bly,in the zeal of God,for preferving Order, Uni- 
 tie and Peace in the Kirk, for maintaining that refpecl which is due 
 to the Ordinances and Miniftcrs of Jefus Chrifl: , for preventing 
 Schifme, noyfomc Errours , and all unlawful! Practices , which 
 may follow on the Peoples withdrawing themfeives from their 
 own Congregations , Doth charge every Minifter to bee diligent 
 in fulfilling his Miniftcrie, to be holy and grave in his converfa- 
 tion , to be faithfull in Preaching, declaring the whole counfell 
 of God, and as he hath occasion from the Text of Scripture to re- 
 prove the (ins and errours, and prefTe the duties of the time * and 
 in all thofe, to obferve the rules prefcribed by the A&s of Aflem- 
 bly«, wherein if he be negligent, heistobecenfured by his own 
 Presbytery. As alfo Ordains every Member in every Congre- 
 gation to keep their own ParochKirk, to communicate there in 
 the Word and Sacraments* And if any perfon or perfons fhall 
 hereafter ufually abfent themiclves from their own Congregations, 
 except in urgent cafes made known to, and approven by the Pref- 
 bytery,TheMiniftersof thefe Congregations whereto they re- 
 fort , fhall both in publike by Preaching, and in private by admo- 
 nition, fhew their dill ike of their withdrawing from their own) 
 Minifler* That info doing, they may witnefle to all that heare 
 them, their due care to ftrengthen the hands of their fellow la- 
 bourers in the work of the Lord, and their dcteftatiqn of any thing 
 that may tend to feparation, or any of the abovementioned evils 3 
 Hereby their own Flock will be confirmed in their ftedfaftnefle, 
 and the unliable fpirits of others will be rectified. Likeas the Mi- 
 nifter of that Congregation from which they do withdraw, mail 
 labour firft by private admonition to reclaim them^ And if any af* 
 ter private admonition given by their own Paftour do not amcnd,in 
 that cafe the Paftour fhall delate the f orfaid perfons to the Seffion, 
 who fhall cite and cenfurethem as contemners of the comely order 
 of the Kirk •, And if the matter be not taken order with there, It 
 is to bee brought to the Presby r ery : For the better obferving 
 whereof, the Presbyteries at the Vifitacion of their feverall Kirks, 
 and Provincial! Aflemblies, in their cenf tire of the feverall Pref- 
 byteries, ffiall enquire hereanent : Which inquirie and report fh::Il 
 be regiftrate in the Provinciall Books, that their diligence may be 
 feen in the Generall Aflembly. a6 Augnfl 
 
T*he (jenerall Affembly , i<£f 7. I? 
 
 16. Augujl \6\"j .Tojlrneridiem. SefT.XXII. 
 
 <tA r f probation of the proceedings of the Com<> 
 mifswn of the preceeding Ajfe/nbly. 
 
 ! ^gp^|lHe Gencrall AiTembly after mature deliberation, 
 •V^| do ratifie and approve the whole Acts and Conclu- 
 fions of the Commiflioners of the preceeding Af- 
 i fembly for publike affaires now tryed and exami- 
 tgMJjjfel! ned ; Declaring that they have proceeded there- 
 in with much zeal j wiidome, vigilancie, and according to 
 their Commillion. 
 
 27. Augujl \6\rj. Jntemeridiem. SclT.XXIII. 
 
 (•Approbation of the Confefion of Faith. 
 
 $8ffi$*g®$$ Confeflion of Faith for the Kirks of God in the 
 ^^WwS^-'W-. three Kingdomes,bcing the chiefeft part of that 
 §Sm a £0lj& Uniformity in Religion which by the folemnc 
 (&$$* K^%) League & Covenant we are bound to endeavour; 
 ^^T^ } Ji^^S And there being accordingly a Con fellion of Faith 
 $%&*ti®)jim agreed upon by the AiTembly of Divines fitting 
 at Wejlminfler^w'xih the afliftance of Commiflioners from the Kirk 
 of Scotland; Which Confeflion was fent from our Commiffio- 
 nersat London to the Commiflioners or the Kirk met at Edin- 
 burgh in J-anuarj laft, and hath been in this Affembly twice pub- 
 likely read over, examined, and confidered ; Copies thereof be- 
 ing al(o Printed, tint it might be particularly perufed by all the 
 Members of this Affembly, unto whom frequent intimation was 
 publikely made, to put in their doubts and objections if they had 
 any •, And the (aid Confeflion being upon due examination there- 
 of found by the Aflemblyto bee raoft agreable to the Word of 
 God, and in nothing contrary to the received Doctrine, Worfhip, 
 Dilcipline, and Government of this Kirk : And laftly , it being 
 fo necefTarv and fo much longed for , That the faid Confeflion be 
 with all poffible diligence and expedition approved and cftablifhed 
 in both Kingdoms,as a ptincipall part of: the intended Uniformity 
 in Religion , and as a fpeciall means rorthe more tffecluall fup- 
 preffingof the many dangerous errours and herefics of thefe times; 
 The Generall Affembly doth therefore after mature diliberation 
 Agree unto and Approve the faid Confeflion as to the truth of the 
 
 matter 
 
20 TheGfenerallAjfembly, 16^71 
 
 matter ( judging it to be moft orthodox and grounded upon the 
 Word of God) andalfoastothe point of Uniformity, Agree- 
 ing for our part that it be a common Confeflion of Faith for 
 the three Kingdomes. The AfTembly doth alfo blefle the 
 Lord, and thankfully acknowledge his great mercy, in that fo ex- 
 cellent a Confeflion of Faith is prepared , and thus far agreed 
 upon in both Kingdomes; which we look upon as a great ftrength- 
 ning of the true Reformed Religion againft the common enemies 
 thereof. But left our intention and meaning be in fome particulars 
 mifunderftood , It is hereby exprefly Declared and Provided, 
 that the not mentioning in thisConfeffion the feverall forts of Ec- 
 cleiiafticall Officers and Aflemblies, fhall be no prejudice to the 
 Truth of Chrift in thefe particulars to be exprcfied fully in the 
 Directory of Government. It is further Declared,that the AfTem- 
 bly underftandeth fome parts of the fecond Article of the thirty 
 one Chapter, only of Kirks not fettled or conftituted in point of 
 Government ; And that although in fuch Kirks, a Synod of Mi- 
 nifters and other fit perfons may be called by the Magiftrates au- 
 thority and nomination without any other Call , toconfultand 
 advife with about matters of Religion * And although likewife 
 the Minifters of Chrift without delegation from their Churches, 
 may of themfelves, and by vertue of their O ffice meet together 
 Synodically in fuch Kirks notyet conftituted^ Yet neither of thefe 
 ought to be done in Kirks conftituted and fetled : It being alwayes 
 free to the Magiftrate to advife with Synods of Minifters and ru- 
 ling Elders meeting upon delegation from their Churches, either 
 ordinarly,or being indicted by his Authority occafionally and 
 fnrentta-. It being alfo free to aflemble together Synodically, 
 as wt\\ f re re nata 9 as at the ordinary times upon delegation from 
 the Churches , by the intrinficall power received from Chrift, as 
 often as it is neceflary for the good of the Church fo to afTcm ble, . 
 in cafe the Magiftrate to the detriment of the Church withhold 
 or deny his content, the neceflity pf occafionall AfTemblies being 
 firft remonftrate unto him by humble fupplication. 
 
 Edinb. 
 
The Cjenerall Ajfembly 7 \6tf. %i 
 
 Edinburgh 28 Augufl \6 '4.7 '. ^ntemeru 
 dxem. Sefli XXV. 
 
 J& for revifing the Taraphrafe of the Tfalmes 
 brought from England , with a recommen- 
 dation for Tranflating the other Scriptural! 
 Songs in Adeeter. 
 
 He Generall Aflembly, having confidered ?he re- 
 port of the Committee, concerning the Para- 
 phrafe 0/ the Pfalmes fent from England : And 
 finding that it is very neceflary, that the faid Pa- 
 raphrase be yet revifed •, Therefore doth appoint 
 Mafter John Adamfon to examine the firft fourty 
 Pialmes, Mafter Tboma* Craufurd the feconci fourty, Mafter John 
 Jtorv the third fourty ,and Mafter John Ne-vey the laft thirty Pialms 
 of that Paraphrafe ; and in their Examination-they fhall not only 
 obferve what they think needs to bee amended, but alfo to fet 
 downe their own eflay for correcting thereof* And for this 
 purpofe recommends to them , to make ufe of the travels of 
 jtowdUen, Mafter Zachary Boyd, or of any ether on that fubjeft, but 
 efpeciallyof our own Paraphrafe, that what they finde better in 
 any of thefe Works may bechofen : and likewifethey fhall make 
 ufe of the animadverfions fent from Presbyteries, who for this 
 caufe are hereby defired to haften their obfervations unto them; 
 And they are to make report of their labours herein to the Com- 
 miffion of the AfTembly for publike affaires againft their firft 
 meeting in February next : And the Commiffion after revifing 
 thereof, fhall fend the fame to Provinciall Affemblies, to bee 
 iranfmitted to Presbyteries, that by their further confederation, 
 the matter may be fully preparecf to the next Aflembly : And be- 
 tfaufe fome Pfalmes in that Paraphrafe fent from England are 
 compofed in verfes which do not agree with the Common- runes, 
 Therfore it is alfo recommended that thefe Pfalms be like wife tur- 
 ned in other verfes which may agree to the Common- tunes, that 
 is, having the firft line of eight fyllabs , and the iecond line of 
 fix, that fo both verftons being together , ufe may bee made of 
 either of them in Congregations as (ball bee found convenient : 
 And the Aflembly doth Further recommend , That M. Zachary 
 Boyd be at the paines to tnwflate the other Scripturall Songs in 
 Bieeter,and to report his travels alfo to the Commiffion of Aflem- 
 bly, thwafter their Examination therof, they may fend the fame 
 to Presbyteries to be there confidered untill the next General' 
 AfTembly. .. •*#* 
 
iz The(jenerallAjfembly > \6^y. 
 
 M recommending the execution of the AB of 
 Parliament at Terth, for uplifting pecuniall 
 painestohee imployed upon pious ujes y and 
 of allABsof ^Parliament made agawjl ex- 
 communicate Terfons. 
 
 He Generall Aflembly doth ferioufty Recommend 
 and Ordaine, That Presbyteries diligently enct - 
 vour, that the ninth Ad or the Parliament holden 
 at Perth , ^yinno 1645. Concerning the uplifting 
 ilfSP ^g ^i of pecuniallpaines to bee imployed upon pious ufes, 
 may bee put to due execution within their feverall hounds 5 And 
 alfo that the A&s of Parliament againft excommunicate Perf >ns, 
 efpecially the twentieth A& of the Parliament in March laft,be al- 
 io carefully execute: And that they caufe life all diligence to that ef- 
 fect, And account hereof mall bee required in Provinciall and 
 Generall Aflemblies. 
 
 Vlt Augujl 164.7. Antemeridiem. 
 Scff. XXVII. 
 
 <tAB difcharging the importing ^ venting or 
 fpreading of erronious Soo^f or Tapers. 
 
 : He Generall Affembly confidering how theer- 
 rours of Independency and Separation ( have in 
 our Neighbour Kingdomeof England) fpread 
 as a Gangra?n , and do daily eat as a Canker • In 
 fo much that exceeding many Errours, Hereiies, 
 Schifmes, and Blafpemies, have iflued there- 
 from , and are fheltered thereby 5 And how poflible it is , for the 
 fame evils , to invade , and overfpread this Kirk and Kingdome, 
 ( lying within the fame Ifland ) by the fpreading of their erro- 
 nious Books, Pamphlets, Lybels, and Letters, andbyconver- 
 ling with them that are infected with thefc errours , except the 
 fame bee timeoufly prevented^ Doe therefore , In the Name of 
 God , Inhibit and Difcharge all Members of this Kirk and King- 
 dome, to converfe with Perfons tainted with fuch errours • Or to 
 import , fell, fpread, vent, or difperfe fuch erronious Books or 
 Papers: But that they beware of, and abftain from Books main- 
 taining Independencie or Separation , and from all Anttnomiari, 
 
 AnabaptifHcall, 
 
The Cjcncratt AJfembly , \6^.y. 23 
 
 An3b*pti(ricall , and other erronious Books and Papers; Re- 
 quiring all Minifters to warne their flocks againft fuch Bookes in 
 generall , and particularly fuch as are mod: pliufiblc , inilnuating, 
 and dangerous : And to try carefully from time to time if any 
 fuch Bookesbec brought into this Countrey from BngUnd , or 
 from beyond Seas (which is efpecially recommended to iMini- 
 fters on Sea Coafts, or Towns where any Stationers are ) and if 
 any (hall bee found, to prefent the fame to the Presbyterie, that 
 fomecourfe may be taken to hinder the difpeifing thereof : And 
 hereby all Presbyteries, and Synods, are ordained to try and Pro- 
 ceffeftich as (hall tranfgreTe againft the prcmifTes or any part of 
 the fame. And the Allembly alio doth ferioufly. recommend to 
 Civill Magiffrates , that they may be pleafed to be aififting to Mi- 
 niftersand Presbyteries in execution of this Act, andtoconcurre 
 with their authority in every thing to that effecl. 
 
 A3 for debarring of Comply ers in the firjl 
 Clajje from Ecclejiajlick^ office-. 
 
 iHe Generall AlTembly Declares and Ordaines^ 
 That no Pcrfon who is guilty of Complyance in 
 the firft C'alTe mentioned in the Ad of the pre- 
 ceeding Aflembly , (hall bee received in any Ec- 
 defiafticall charge , untill the evidence of his re- 
 pentance before the Presbyterie and Congrega- 
 tion be reported to the Synode to which he belongs , and to the 
 Generall Aflembly , and their confent obtained for his bearing 
 office. And if any fuch Perfon be already received unto the El- 
 derfhip of any particular Congregation, yet he (hall not be admit- 
 ted to be a Member of any Presbyterie, Synode, or Generall Af- 
 femblie , untill (upon the evidence of his repentance) thecori- 
 fent and approbation of thefe Judicatories reipectively bee obtai- 
 ned thereto. 
 
 A3 for prejsing and furthering the 
 plantation of Kjrks. 
 
 jHe Generall AlTembly confidering how the Work of 
 Provifion , Plantation , convenient Dividing , Di(- 
 membring , better uniting or enlarging of Parifli 
 Kirks is hitherto foreflowed, to the great prejudice of 
 many Minifters , many good People, and hindcrance 
 of tire Work of Reformation 5 Doth therefore Ordaine , That 
 all Presbyteries have fpeciall care that the prefent opportunity bee 
 
 D diligently 
 
%\ ^TbeCjenerall Ajjemhly, \6yj. 
 
 diligently'improved by all their Members , as need is, before the 
 Commiflion for Plantation of Kirks, as they would nor be found 
 cenfurable for negled. And that every Presbycery fend in to the 
 next Generall Atlembly the names of all their Primes, with 
 declaration which of them have Minifters, which not, what is 
 the largenetfe of the bounds , commodious or inoommodiou* {]- 
 tuationof each Parifli Kirk , what is the number of Communi- 
 cants, what Kirks are under Patrons, whatnot, who are the fe- 
 verall Patrons, what is the nature and OjUanririe of the prefent 
 .provifion, or poffible ground of further provifionfor competent 
 Maintenance, where the fame is not fufficiencly provide^ already: 
 As alfo , what Parifhes are united or difunited or bettered already, 
 and in what meafure by the laid Commillion 5 That the General! 
 AfTembly being acquaint therewith , may doe accordingly both 
 for cenfuring Negleders, and finding out Overtures for hater fur- 
 therance of the Work for time to come. Moreover it is hereby 
 Ordained , That the next enluir.g Provinciall Synodes, crave ac- 
 count of the feverall Presbyteries their diligence, And preflfe that 
 they have it ready in writ to prefent to the Provincial! Synodes in 
 April next to come, that fo all may bee in readinefTe and the full 
 account made at the next Generall AfTembly. 
 
 JB for cenfuring abfents from the 
 (jenerall Affernblit^, 
 
 vJwJ^all He Generall AfTembly confidering the abfence of 
 
 y*&&V.£.'? „_„.- r> :rr. • . ~l: i _~i •• 
 
 1 many Commmiflioners in this and other proceeding 
 Aflemblies, and that many of tho'e prefent have 
 
 w 
 
 e 
 . gone from the AfTembly before thediffolvingtherc- 
 KiJ of: Therefore, for remedie hereof in time coming, 
 Doth Ordaine, that hereafter , Every Commitfioner from Pref- 
 byteries and Univerfities who fhall be abfent from the Aflembly 
 without a reafonable excufe notified to the Aflembly , Or who 
 being prefent fhall goe from the AfTembly before the difTolving 
 thereof without licence , fhall be fufpended by the Aflembly un- 
 til! the Provinciall Synode next thereafter following. 
 
 %g}Ovation 
 
The (jenerall Jffembly , 1^4.7. 23? 
 
 %enoyation of former Jcls of Jjfemblj for 
 Triall and jidmijsion of Expcclants to the 
 cSMinijlerit^. 
 
 tf^Ms&Hc Generall Aflembly, doth hereby renew and con- 
 $g~ T J5 Hnne all former Ads an J Ordinances for tnall and ad- 
 
 ^S§_ . -J«Y miffion of Fxne&:mt«; to the Mt'nifterv. F 
 
 N ^^ million of Expectants to the Miniftery- Efpecially 
 Mxs& d ie Articles thereanent allowed by the Generall Af- 
 fembly i 596. andapproveninthe Aflemblieat Gbfgow 1638- 
 The thirteenth Article concerning the age of intrants to the Mini- 
 jftety and the twentie fourth Article concerning the trial 1 of 
 Expectants, Of an Ad of the Paid Aflembly at Glafgow, SefT. 25. 
 And the Ad of the Aflembly at S. Andrews 1 642. Sell. 7. concer- 
 ning Lifts for prefenrations from the King, and the trial of Expe- 
 dants,^'. Ordaining Presbyteries to obfervc the fame careful- 
 ly in all time coming. 
 
 Modern die 7 Sell. XXVIII. Tofkmeridicm. 
 
 T^enovdtion of the Commifsion for frofecuting 
 the Treaty for Uniformity in England. 
 
 :He Generall Aflembly , Taking to their confede- 
 ration that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion 
 in all his Majefties Dominions is not yet perfe- 
 cted ; Therefore, Renews the Power and Com- 
 milTion granted by preceeding Aflemblies tor 
 profecuting that Treaty , unto thefe Perfons af- 
 ternamed , viz. Matter Robert Douglas , Mafter Samuel Ru- 
 therfurd , Mafter Robert Baillie , Mafter George Gillefti*^> 
 Minifters : And John Earle of Lauderdaill,^^» Lord Balmerino, 
 and Sir Archibald Johnftoun of Wariftoun Elders •, Authorizing 
 them with full Power to profecute the (aid Treaty of Uniformity 
 with the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament of England , and 
 the Reverend Aflembly of Divines there , or any Committees 
 appointed by them: And to doc all and every thing which may 
 advance, perfit , and bring that Treaty to an happy conclufion, 
 conforme to the Commillions given thercancnt. 
 
 D z %gnova< 
 
%6 The (ferieratt Affembly y 164.J. 
 
 I^enoyationof the Commifsion for the 
 publike affaires of theKjrk^ 
 
 He Gcnerall Aflfembly taking to their confidera- 
 tion , that in refpect the great Work of Unifor- 
 mity in Religion in all his Majefties Dominions 
 is not yet perfected, (though by the Lords blef- 
 fing there is a good pro'greiTe made in the fame ) 
 there is a neceffity or renewing the Commiflions 
 granted formerly for profecuting and perfecting that great Work 5 
 Doe therefore renew the Power and ComrnifTion granted for the 
 publike Affaires of the Kirk by the Generall Aflemblres held in 
 S. Andrews 1642. and at Edinburgh 1643. 1544. 1645. and 1646. 
 tinto the Perfons following, viz,. Mailers, t_xf lex anderCaffe ^Sa- 
 muel Douglas, Robert Knox, Willi'am Penman, James Guthrie, Robert 
 Cuninghame, David Fletcher, Robert Larvdcr, Andrew Stevenfon y Ro- 
 bert Davidfon, David Calderwood, James Flemings Robert Ker, 
 James Fairlie, Oliver Colt, Patrick Sibbald, Andrew Ramfay, John 
 Adamfon, Robert Douglas > William Colvill, George ^illefpie, <JMungo 
 Law, Andrew Fairfoul, George Lefty, Robert Lawric, ^Alexander 
 Spittle, Alexander Dickfm, John Hay, 7 homos Vasfie y Ffhraim 
 Melvitl, Patrick Scheill, Alexander Simmer vail .George Bennet, Alex- 
 ander Levingftoun> Robert CMurr ay, Kyilexander Rollock , William 
 Menkes, Alexander Ireland y John Friebairn, George CMurray, Hemic 
 Guthrie, William Jufiice, Robert Wright, Henric Li vingfloun garnet 
 ffammiltoun, George Gladflanes, Bernard Sander fon, Andrew Law- 
 der, George Rutherfurd , John Lev ingflon, George Hntchefm, J*hn 
 Bell, Heugh C^lackaile,John Nevey, Matthew Brisbane, John Ham- 
 tniltoun , K^dllan Fergu fan , David Dickfon , Zacharj Bvyd , Robert 
 Ramfay, Robert Baittic, James Nafmith , Francis Aird , Robert Bir~ 
 me, Thomas Kirkaldie, Evan Cameron, Robert Blair , Coline Adam, 
 George Bammiltoun , Samuel Rutherfurd , Alexander Colvill , John 
 Ramfay, James Martetn, William Levingfloun, Thomas Mclvili, John 
 Smith, Fredrick Carmichaell, Patric^Gillef^ie, Alexander Moncrief^ 
 John Duncan, James Sibbald, Walter Bruce , George Pittillo, ^An- 
 drew Affleck, John Barclay, Thomas Peirfon , William Rait , David 
 Strachan , Andrew Cant „ William Douglas , John Forbes, George 
 Sharp , William Ch aimer , Jofefh Brodie , Alexander Simmer , Gil- ■ 
 btrt Anderfon, William Smith Minifters ; And Archibald Marques 
 of Argile , John Earle of Crawford , Alexander E. of Eglin- 
 toun 5 William E. of Glencairne , John E. of Caffils , James E. 
 of Home,James E. of Tullibairdine,Fr^f^ E.of Ytukzhucb, John 
 E of Lawderdaill, William E. of Lothian, James E. of Finlatour, 
 William E. of Lanerk, James Earle of Callendar, Archibald Lord 
 Angus, George L. Brichen, John L. Yefter , John L. Balmerino, 
 
 Ja&cs 
 
tfhe (jencrall Ajfemhlj y NJ47. zj 
 
 fames L. Covrper , John Lord Barganie , Sir Archibald John- 
 jf?0w;ofWariftoun,Sir John Hops o{ Cxz\%h2\\^Artbur Artskjneo£ 
 Scocifcraig, Alexander Frafer of Phillorth, Frederick Lyon of Brig- 
 toun, Jamct LMackdougalt of Garthland , Sir William Cockburnt 
 of Langton, Sir Andrew Ker of Grdnheid, Sir Beugh Campbell of 
 Cefnock,Sir James Levingstow of rvilfyth.Sir Thomas Ruthven of 
 Frccland, Sir Gilbert Ramjay of Balmayne, John Bender (on of F©r- 
 dell, Walter Dundas younger of that ilk , Sir WilUam Sett younger 
 of Harden, Sir LodovickjOordbun , Mafter George Winrhametf Li- 
 beftoun, Alexander Levingftomt of Saltcoats , John Birsbane of 
 . Bifhoptoun, Sir Robert Douglas of Tillrquhiliie , James Pringfe of 
 • Torwoodlie, Sir lames Nicolfone of Colbrandfpith , William Ker 
 ofNewcoun*, William Forbes younger of Lefty, John Kennedy of 
 'Carmucks , Robert Arburthnot of Findowrje, Alexander Brodieot 
 Letham, Mafter Robert Name younger of St rathurd, Mafter James 
 Schoneir of Caskeberrie, James Ruchheid y Lawrence Bender \onc_j y 
 .James Stewart ,David Douglas, John Jajf ray, George forterfield^John 
 Semple, John Kennedy, William Glendtnning, Mafter John Cowan, 
 John Mill Elders: Giving unto them full Power and Commiifion, 
 to ooe all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing > perfecting, 
 and bringing the faid Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his 
 IvUjefties Dominions to a happy conclusion , conform to the for- 
 mer Commiffions granted by preceding Aftemblies thereanent. 
 And to thateffecl:, Appoints them or any feventeeneof them, 
 whereof thirteene (hall bee Minifters, to meet heer in this City in 
 the afternoons at four houis , and thereafter upon the laft Wcd- 
 nefdayes of November , February , and May next , and upon 
 any other day , and in any other place they mail think fit. Re- 
 newing alfo to the Perions before named, the Power contained in 
 the A&of the Aftembly 1643. intituled , A reference to the 
 Commission anent the perfons defigmd to repaire to the Kingdome 
 «f England x, As likewiic the Power contained in the Act of 
 Aftemblie 1644. SefT. 6. for fending Minifter* to the Armie. 
 And further, in cafe Delinquents have no conftant refidence in any 
 one Presbytcrie , Orif Presbyteries be negligent or overawed, in 
 thefe cafes, The Aftemblie gives to the Perfons before named, 
 full power of cenfuring Complyers and Perfons difaffecled to the 
 Covenant accordingto the Ads of Aftemblie 5 Declaring always 
 and Providing , that Minifters fhall not bee depofed but in one of 
 the Quarterly meetings of this Commiflion ; With full power 
 to them to treat and determine in the matters aforefaid , and in all 
 other matters referred unto them by this Aftemblie , as fully and 
 freely as if the fame were here particularly exprefted , and with as 
 ample power as any CommifTion of any former Generall Aftem- 
 blies hath had, or been in ufe of before , They being alwayes for 
 their whole proceedings countable to , and cenfurable by the next 
 Generall Alterably. Defrrts 
 
28 TTheCjenerall Jjffemblj, i6^.f. 
 
 Dejires and Overtures from the £ornmif- 
 Jtoners of < Vnherfities , and the 
 djjemblies dnjyper thereto. 
 
 i. C^S?/I ^ e CommiiTioners or Univerfities reprefcnts to die 
 p| Aflembly : Firft , That the Overtures of the Ailem- 
 ;£ bly 1643. for the vilitaiionof Schools and advance- 
 ^ merit ot Learning are very much neglected. 
 The <^d(Jembly recommends to Synodes to take account of the 
 observation of tbefe Overtures. 
 
 That it were good to exhort aU the Univerfities,co be carefull 
 to take account ot" all their Schollerson the Sabbath-day of the 
 Sermons , and or their leflons ot the Catechifme. 
 
 The Affembly approves this Overture, and recommends ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 That alltheUniverfitiesbee exhorted to fend their Commif- 
 fioners inftru&ed with anfwers to the Overtures agreed upon by 
 the Commiflionersof Univerfitief. and which from this meeting 
 of their Commiflioners (hall bee communicate to them, and 
 this to bee when their Commiflioners come in Februar.or Marcb 
 tothe Commmiifion of the Kirk. 
 
 The r^djfemblie recommends to Univerfities to bee carefull 
 hereof. 
 
 That the Overtures concerning the providing of Burfarsfor 
 Divinity be recommended to Presbyteries and Synodes , and 
 that they report their diligence to the next Aflembly. 
 
 The Jffembly allowes this Article , and reconmtnds Accor- 
 dingly. 
 
 Edinb. 
 
 
The Cjener all Ajfemhly , 164.7. 2 9 
 
 Edinburgh 1. September 164.7. SefT. Ult. 
 
 77?? Affemblies Letter to their Countrcymcn 
 in Poleland , Swedland , Denmarke, and 
 Hungarie. 
 
 Unto the Scots CUer chants and others our Cottntrej ^People fcattered in 
 Poleland, Swedland, Denmarke, and Hungary \ ThcGenerall 
 Aflcmbl] of th: Kirk of Scotland tvifiab Grace Mercy and Peace 
 frOiTi God our Father, and from the Lord fcf.'s Chrifi. 
 
 iW/^^^^Lthough this Kirk of Scotland , whiles fpoiled of 
 W<^jW&i her Liberties under the Prelicical! tyrannie , had 
 
 *W$lWu ™>ch difficultic and wrefHing to'preferve the 
 ■fi " fv,"^f true reformed Religion from being qrite exrin- 
 pi guiflied among our (elves -, yet fince the mighty 
 : S& and out-.ftretched arme of the Lord our God 
 hath brought us out of that Egftt, and hath reftored to us well 
 conftituted and free narionall Synods , It hath been our defire and 
 endeavour to fer forward the Kingdom of our Lord Jefus Chrift 
 and the purity of his Ordinances, nor only throughout this Na- 
 tion, but in other parts alio fo far as God gas'e us a call and oppor- 
 tunity and opened a way unto us. And among other things of this 
 nature we have more particularly tafeen into our ferious thoughts 
 the fad and lamentable condition of many thoufandsof you~our 
 Country-men who are fcattered abroad as fheepe having no fliep- 
 herd and are through the want of the meanes of knowledge 
 orace'and falvation , expofed to the greateft fpirituall dangers, 
 whether through ignorance or through manifold tentations to er- 
 rors and falfe Religions , or through the occafions and fnares 
 
 of finne. 
 
 Wee have therefore thought it incumbent to us to put you in 
 mfodeof the one thing necefTary , while you are focaref till and 
 troubled about the things of the world. And although we do not 
 difallow your going abroad to follow any law full calling or way 
 of livelvhood,vc- teeing it cannot profit a man although he fliould 
 gain the whole world and lofc his own (oul, and feeing you have 
 travelled fo farre , and taken fo much pains to get uncertain riches 
 which cannot deliver in the day of the wrath of the Lord, and 
 which men know not who fhall inherit , We doe from our atte- 
 ntion te the falvation of your immortall fouls moft earneftly be- 
 feech and warn you to cry after knowledge and life ftp your yoyce 
 forunderftandi,\:deckip" her as filver,and fetching for her as for 
 hid treafures , and iop'.ay the wife Merchants in . putchafingt! e 
 Pearl of price', anc in- lading up a fure foundation for the time I I 
 come, by acquainting your fouls with JefusChiift, andbyhitli 
 
 caking 
 
^o The(jemraU Ajfembly, \6^rj. 
 
 taking hold ofhimwhofe free grace is now offered and held out 
 to finners, excluding none among all the kindreds of the earth who 
 will come unto him. God forbid that you fhould let flip the time 
 and offers of grace,or neglect any warning of thisfcinde lent to you 
 in the name of the Lord. We fhall hope better things of you, 
 and that knowing the acceptable time and the day of faivation wit 
 not al wayes laft , butthe Lord Jefus is to be revealed from heaven 
 with his mighty Angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them 
 that know not God and obey not the Gofpel, you will the rather 
 beftirre your felves timely and with all diligence to feek the Lord 
 while he may bee found, to endeavour that you may have among 
 you the ordinary means of grace and faivation, to pray that God 
 would give you Pallors according to his heart, who (hall feede 
 you with knowledge and underftanding,to conlult alfo and agree 
 among your felves with confentof your Superiors under whom 
 you live { whofe favour and good will we truft will not be wanting 
 to you in fogood and neceflary a work) for fetting up the worfhip 
 of God and Ecclefiafticall Dilcipline among ycu according to the 
 form eftablifhed and received in this your mother Kirk, and for a 
 way of fetled maintenance to Paftors and Teachers-, Which if you 
 do,our CommifiTioners appointed to meet from time to time in the 
 intervall betwixt this and the next Nationall Aflembly, will bee 
 ready ( upon your defire made known to them ) to provide fome 
 able and godly Minifters for you, aslikewifeto communicate to 
 you our Directory for the publike worfhip of God, and our form 
 of Ecclefiafticall Governement and Difcipline 5 together with 
 the Confeflion of Faith and Catechifme. 
 
 And in the meane time we exhort you that ye neglect not the 
 worfhip of God in fecret and in your families, and that ye conti- 
 nue ftcdfaft in the Profellion of that faith in which yee was bapti- 
 fed j and by a godly, righteous , and fober conversation adorn the 
 Gofpel ♦, and with all,that diftance of place make you not the lefle 
 fenfible of your Countries fufferings , both in refpectofthejuft 
 judgements of God for the finnes of the land, and in refpect of the 
 malice of Enemies for the Common Caufe and Covenant of the 
 three Kingdoms, of which happie conjunction , notvvirhfhnding 
 we do not repent us,but by the grace of God iball continue faithful 
 and ftedfa ft therein. 
 
 This Letter wee have thought fit to bee Printed and publifhed, 
 that it may be with the greater eafe and conveniency conveyed to 
 the many feverall places of .your habitation or traffique. Confider 
 what we have faid , and the Lord give you underft anding in all 
 things. The grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift be with you all, Amen. 
 
 EDINBURGH, Subscribed in name of the Generall 
 Augufti 3 1 . 1 647. Jffembly of the Kirk of Scotland, 
 
 <JMr Robert Douglafie Moderator. 
 
 Aft 
 
1 he (jencrall Ajjemblj , \6^.j. . 31 
 
 mAcT: concerning the Hundred and 
 
 e ley en Tropojitions therein 
 
 mentioned. 
 
 Eing tender of Co great an ingagementby Solemn 
 Covenant , (incerely , really, and conftanrly to 
 endeavour in our Places and Calling?, the prefer- 
 vation or the Reformed Religion in this Kirk cf 
 Scotland, in Doctrine, Worihip, Discipline, and 
 Government, the Reformation of Religion in 
 the Kingdomesof England, and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worihip, 
 Difciplir.e, and Government, according to the Word of God, 
 and the example of the bell Reformed Kirks, and to endeavour 
 the neareft Conjunction and Uniformity in all thefe , together 
 with the extirpation of Herefie, Schifme, and whatsoever fhall 
 bee found contrary to foun- Doctrine : And confidering withall 
 that one of the fpcciall meanes which it beco neth us in our Places 
 and Callings to ufe in purfuance of theie ends , is in zeal for the 
 true Reformed Religion, to give our publike teftimony agiinft. 
 the dangerous Tenents of Erajlian/fme, Independenc/c, and which 
 is fallcly called Liberty of Conjlience , which are not only contra- 
 ry to found Doctrine , but more fpeciall lets and hinderancesas 
 well to the prefervation of our own received Doctrine, Worfnip, 
 Difcipline, and Government, as to the Work of Reformation 
 and Uniformity in England and Ireland. The Generall Aflem- 
 blv upon thefe confiderations, having heard publikely read the 
 CXI * following Propofitions exhibited and tendered by fome 
 Brethren, who were appointed to prepare Articles or Propofiti- j, C eJ p^™ j e 
 ons for the vindication of theTruethin thefe particulars, Doth but bcaufe they 
 unanimoufly approve and aqree unto thefe ei"ht qenerall Heads of '\ lin s » bce 
 Docxrine therein contained and afierted, Viz,, i. That the Mi- r .iily,tiiisA& 
 nifteryof the Word and the Administration of the Sacraments dfi*» bee pre- 
 the New Telfament , Baptifme and the Lords Supper , are ihn- llxcd totli 
 ding Ordinances inftituted by God himfclf, cocontinueinthe 
 Church to the end of the Woild. 2. That fuch as Adminilter 
 the Word and Sacraments , ought to be duely called and ordained 
 thereunto. 3. That fome EcclefiafUcall cenfures are proper and 
 peculiarto be inflicted onely upon fuch as bear Office in the Kirk-, 
 Other cenfures are common and may bee inflicted both on 
 
 E Minifters 
 
 Not thic 
 
1% The Cjcnerall Jjjembly^ 164.7. 
 
 Minifters and other Members of the Kirk. 4. That thecen- 
 fureof fufpenfion from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, in- 
 flicted becaufe of grofle ignorance, or becaufe of a fcandalous 
 life and conversion ; Aslikewife, the cenfure or Excommuni- 
 cation or cafting out of the Kirk flagitious or contumacious offen- 
 ders, both the one cenfure and the other is warrantable by and 
 grounded upan the Word of God , and is neceflary (innefpeQ 
 of divine inftitution) to"beinthe Kirk. 5. Thatasthe Rights, 
 Power, and Authority of the Civill Magiftrate are to bee main- 
 tained according to the Word of God, and the ConfefTions of 
 the Faith of the Reformed Kirks ; So.tis no Iefie true and cer- 
 taine, that Jefus Chrift, the onely Head and onely King of the 
 Kirk , hath inftituted and appointed a Kirk Government diftinct 
 from the Civill Governmenr or Magiftracie. 6. That the Eccle- 
 fiafticall Government is committee and intruded by Chrift to 
 the AiTemblies of the Kirk, made up of the Minifters of the 
 Word and Ruling Elders. 7. That the lefler and inferiourEc- 
 clefiafticall AiTemblies, ought to bee iubordinate and fubjedt unto 
 the greater and fuperiour AiTemblies. 8. That notwithstanding 
 hereof, the Civill Magiftrate may and ought to fupprefTe by cor- 
 porall or Civill puniftiments , fuch as by fpreading Errpur or He- 
 refie, or by fomenting Schifme , greatly dishonour God, dange- 
 roufly hurt Religion and difturbe the Peace of the Kirk. Which 
 Heads of Doctrine ( howToever oppofed by the authors and fo- 
 mentersof the forefaid errours refpe&ively ) the Generall Af- 
 fembly doth firmely beleeve, own, maintaine, and commend un- 
 to others, as Solide , True, Orthodoxe, grounded upon tha 
 Word of God , confonant to the judgement both of the ancient 
 and the beft Reformed Kirks. And becaufe this Aflembly 
 (through the multitude of other neceflary and prefling buflinelle ; 
 cannot now have fo much leifure, as to examine and confider par- 
 ticularly the forefaid CXI. Proportions -, Therefore, a more 
 particular examination thereof is committed and referred to the 
 Theologicall faculties in the four Untveriities of this Kingdome, 
 and the judgement of each of thefe faculties concerning the Tame, 
 is appointed to bee reported to the next Generall Aflembly. In 
 the meane while, thefe Propofitions fhall bee Printed , both that 
 Copies thereof may bee fent to Presbyteries, and that it may 
 be Tree for any that pleafeth to perufe them , and t© make known 
 or fend their judgement concerning the fame to thefaid next 
 Aflembly. 
 
 T>efi) 
 
 ires 
 
± rje \jcwrau sijjcmLHj , I0<1~. 5? 
 
 Deftres and Overtures prc/ented frcm T^ref* 
 byterics and Synods , with the Jjjemblies 
 anjwcr thereunto. 
 
 >T is humbly preferred to the Aflembly , that the 
 
 children of many of the ordinary beggars want bap- 
 
 cifme , Themfeives aHo living in great vilenefle, and 
 
 therefore defire that fome remedie may be provided for 
 
 thefe abufes. 
 
 "The ^(jembly doth ferioujlf recommend to Presbyteries to 
 consider of the befl remedies , and to report their opinions 
 to the next AJjembly. 
 
 That all Students of Philofophie at thfir entry and at their 
 Lawreation, bteholdento fublcribe the League and Covenant 
 and be urged thereto , arid all other Perlons as they come to age 
 and difcrttion b^roie their firft receiving the Sacrament of the 
 Lords Supper. 
 
 The Affembly approves this Overture. 
 
 Whereas divers Minifters want ManfTesnnd Glcebs , and 
 others, have their Gleeb fo divided in parcells , or lying fo farre 
 from their Charge as the Minifters arechereby much prejudged : 
 We defire that this Generall Aflcmbly will recommend it to bee 
 helped by the Parliament, or Committee for planting of Kirks, 
 in the beft manner that their Lordfhipscan advife. 
 
 Whereas divers Kirks were incommodioufly united in cor- 
 rupt times , we defire that the fame be now difmembered and ad- 
 joyned to other Kirks , or erected in Kirks by themfeives alone, 
 and when the prefent incumbents agrees thereto , wee defire the 
 fame to bee recommended to the Parliament and Committee for 
 plantation of Kirks* Provided alwayes, that the prefent Mini- 
 fters who have laboured and indured the heat of day , may enjoy 
 the b'encfic of fuch parcells as are taken from them during 
 cheir life. 
 
 The csfffembly doth approve thefctwo Articles^ and Recom- 
 mends to the Commissioners for publike Affaires, to of sift any 
 int ere fled in the particulars for prosecuting the fame before 
 the Honourable V flat cs of Parliament , or the Commifsion 
 appointed by them for plantation of Ktrhj. 
 
 E 2 The 
 
5^ TheCfenerall AJfembly, i6^.y. 
 
 He Generall Aflembly , Doe yet againe recommend to 
 
 P resbyteries and Provinciall Affemblies, toconfider 
 
 all matters formerly referred unto them by preceding 
 
 Affemblies , and defires chat their opinions concerning 
 
 the fame, be reported in writ to the next Generall Aflembly. 
 
 T is this day appointed , that the next Generall Jffembly fhall ixcct 
 at Edinburgh the Jccond Wednejday of July 1648. 
 
 o4\ Kcr. 
 
 I 
 
 35 $ i$ (p $ j,; 5 if, jp -* ;i«s «3S i5G JJ5 if; V 0$ Sf. * ^ C 3 * * * s^ 
 
 INDEX 
 
 0[ the dJEsof this (jenerall Ajjem- 
 hilts not Printed. 
 
 gl^jjfJLe&ion of Matter Robert Vouglaffe Moderator. Sc([. I. 
 t§5 p Wt Committee for the contravened Commiflions. Sejj.II. 
 §|^£|j Committee of Reports, References and Appeals. lb. 
 SeaSsEE'&a Committee of Bills and Overtures. lb. 
 Committee for examining the proceedings of the Commiflion of 
 
 the preceding Aflembly for publike Affaires. lb. 
 Committee for examining the Synode Books. lb. 
 Commiflion from the Brethren in Ireland wiihthz Scots Armie 
 
 there, lb. 
 Committee for appointing Minifters to Preach. lb. 
 Papers produced by Matter Robert Baillie t and M. Gsorge Gillefyie. 
 
 Seflll. 
 Act concerning their Report and Approbation. lb. 
 Committee for examining the Confeflion of Faith, RotifcVzxz- 
 
 phrafe, Catechifme, ejrc and to receive any fcruples and obje- 
 ctions, and to report, lb. 
 Act appointing fome Brethren to prefent to the Committee of 
 
 Eftates, the progreffe of Uniformity. lb. 
 Invitation of all that had objections againft any thing in the Con- 
 
 f;flion,to repaire to the Committee. Sejf. IF. 
 A Latine Letter from Helvetian Churches to the Aflembly. lb. 
 Act for Printing 300. Copies of the advife of the Aflemblieof 
 
 Divines in England, ■ Concerning a Confeflion of Faith, for the 
 
 wfe of the Members of the Aflembly. Se(f. V. 
 
 Recom. 
 
1 M. LI Jfci A. 
 
 Recom. to the Coramiflion for planting of Kirks, for a provision 
 
 to another Minifter in Aire, lb. 
 RefF. to the Committee for Preaching to appoint Minifters to the 
 
 Army, with addition of others to that Com mirtee. lb. 
 Appointment of Mafter Robert Toting tor Lodovick Lcfiws Regi- 
 ment. Seff.rl. 
 Committee tor confidering the dangers that are eitlier from with- 
 in or without this Kirk, and the belt remedies for preventing 
 the fame, and to report. lb. 
 Committee concerning John Wilkieund Mafter Tho. Ramfty. lb. 
 Remttc. John Johnjlouns defire of relaxation from Excommiinici- 
 . tion to the Provincial! of Drumfrcis. lb. 
 Committee forthc vaking Stipends in Dunkeld. lb. 
 Recom. UWarjoric Smith for charity. lb. 
 Remitt. Mafter James Roffe a depofed Minifter to Presbyterie an J 
 
 Synode. Sejf. VII. 
 Ref. Mafter James Nafmith to the Committee for appointing Mi- 
 _ nifterstothe Army. lb. 
 Committee for conftdering a Procefle in dependance before the 
 Presbyterie of Peebles , concerning a ilundall upon the relict 
 of umquhile Marl^Harnmiltoun. lb. 
 Continuation of the Town of Edinburgh* Bill for Matter John 
 
 Smithy till Saturday . lb. 
 Advife and Ordinance for profecuting the ProcefTe againft Agnes 
 
 Ster9art y re\i£tot~ umquhile Mar^Bammiltoiin. SeJJ. fill. 
 Recom. Mafter George Gleghorne that nee fufTer no prejudice in his 
 
 old age. lb. 
 Tranfportation of M. John Scot from SchottU to Glenluce. Se(J. IX. 
 A<5t refufing Mafter Andrew //wyflM/wtrafportauOn to Craill. lb. 
 Tranfportation of Mafter James Hammiltoun from Drumjreis to 
 
 Edinburgh, lb. 
 Act concerning the planting of Eymotitb Kirk upon the fubmiffion 
 
 of Earlc of Home and Wedderburne. SejJ'.X. 
 A ft concerning the tryall of Mafter William Home. lb. 
 Tranfportation of Mafter John Smith from BruntiUnd to Edin- 
 burgh, lb. 
 Act for providing a college to Mafter Thomas IVyllie. lb. 
 Recom Thomas Burnet to the Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 Recom. M. <JVLarti;ie Mackjerfonto the Committee of Eftates. il. 
 Recom. Mafter Neill Mackinnan to the Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 Aft concerning the Vi(itation of Kal^ae and Lyhe. Sejf. XI. 
 Recom. Mafter John Houjiou/is petition to the Coinmilfiori for 
 
 planting of Kirks. lb. 
 Act for Excommunicating of William Forbes of Skelletcr , his 
 : . committing a late murther being fufticiently evidenced. lb. 
 Tranfportation of Mafter Walter Comrieto Dnnkrld. lb. 
 
 F Ml 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Aft for conference with fames Urquhan of old Craige, defiring to 
 
 be relaxed from Excommunication, lb. 
 Aft appointing Mafter John Lothian to bee relaxed from the fen* 
 
 tence of Sufpenfion. lb. 
 llecom. Petition of the Presbyterie of Wigtoun , for erecting a 
 
 Kirk for Pennighame and Moniga}e, To the Commimon of Par- 
 liament for plancing of Kirks, lb. 
 Committee for the matter betwixt John FVilkie of Fonlden, and 
 
 Mafter Thomas Ramfay. lb. 
 Aft appointing the Committee of Bills, to divide the Petitions 
 
 foi charity amongft Presbyteries and Provinces Se(f. XII, 
 Aft appointing the Committee concerning Doctor Strung to 
 
 meet, lb. 
 Aft refufing Mafter John Levingflouns tranfportation to Glaf- 
 
 goto. lb. 
 Refer, to the Committee of dangers , to give opinion in the qne- 
 
 ftion concerning the carriage of Our Commiffioners at London 
 
 in the cafe propounded, lb. ^ 
 
 Ref. to the Committee of dangers, concerning choofing a Mode- 
 rator, and cenfure of abfents from the Atfembly. Sejf, Xllh 
 Ref. James Urquhart of old Crdige , concerning his relaxation 
 
 from Excommunication, to the Provinciall of Murray. lb. 
 Committee appointed to confer in fome particulars, concerning 
 
 Minifters proviflons with my Lord \dvoctte. lb. 
 Committee concerning the particulars of Mafter tleazar Gilberts 
 
 petition, lb. 
 Ref. Gilbert Ogilvie of Craige , Major John Ogilvie , and Patrkk^ 
 
 Ogilvie of Brigend of Lentrathane , to the Presbyterie of 
 
 Meegill, lb, 
 Inftruftion with a Letter to the Commifltoners at London, lb. 
 Appointment of fome to fpeake Earle Bukclcuch , concerning the 
 
 Kirk of Borthmck. lb. 
 Ref. concerning Mafter Zacharie Boyds labours to the Committee 
 
 for the Confeflion of fcaith . lb. 
 Committee to confider of Miniftefs for Ireland, lb. 
 A<^ continuing the Declaration for England , to be again read and 
 
 further considered. Sejf, XIV, 
 Committee forbearing the Objections of the Perfons appointed 
 
 for Ireland, lb, 
 Recom. to Presbyteries for encouraging Expectants to embrace a 
 
 calling from Ireland, lb. 
 Ref. to the Committee for Preaching, to heat the realonS alledg- 
 
 ed by fome Minifters why they mould not go to the Ar- 
 
 mie. lb. 
 Aft refufing Mafter John Robeftfofis petition* fttf opening his 
 ^ mouth, lb, Apprefea- 
 
1 JNL U Jb A. 
 
 Approbation of the Declaration for England. Seff. XV. 
 
 ^cl for authorizing the Commiffioncrs at London , to prefer* the 
 Declaration to the Parliament of England , City of London, 
 andSynodcof Divines, and to crave an anfwer to the Paper 
 of the 2 £ of December, lb. 
 
 A ct appointing fome Brethren to prefent the Declaration for Eng- 
 land to the Committee of Eftates, and to crave their Lordfhips 
 concurrance in the like defires. lb. 
 
 ^ct continuing the Directions for Private and Family Worfhip, 
 to bee further Confidered and againe read , with an Invitation 
 to all that had any fcruples to propone them to the Committee 
 of dangers, lb. 
 
 Act for joyningthe Committee for the Confeffionof Faith to 
 the Committee for the dangcrs,together to be One Committee, 
 and their place of meeting to be the old Seflion houfe. lb. 
 
 Invitation of all that had any fcruples or objections concerning 
 any Article in the Confeflion , to propone the fame to the 
 Committee, lb. 
 
 Report of the Committee touching the particulars in Mafter Gil- 
 berts petition , with an appointment for drawing a Letter to 
 thofe of the Scottifh Nation in Pole-land, frc. lb. 
 
 Appoint, for drawing a Letter to Licutcnnant Generall David 
 Lejlj. Seff. If I. 
 
 Appointment of Minifters for Ireland, lb. 
 
 Letter to Generall Major Munro. lb. 
 
 Continuation of the Directions for Worfhip, to bee againe read 
 and confidered upon Tuefday, and all invited to addrefle them- 
 felves tothe Committee who had doubts or objections. lb. 
 
 Committee for thinking on Overtures for planting the Kirks ift 
 the Uielands, and advancing Piety and Learning there, lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Minifters of Edinburgh for their afliftance to Mini- 
 fters before the CommifTion for planting of Kirks, *b. 
 
 Committee toconferre with the Lord Thcfaurcr, concerning the 
 Kings gift of the patronage of Laner)^ and to advife with rhe 
 Committee for the dangers upon the Kirks iatereft therein- lb. 
 
 Recom. of the petition of the Presbyteries of Deir ? Ellon, and 
 Turref, to the CommifTion for planting of Kirks, lb. 
 
 Recom. M. Neil Mackinnan and M. Martine Mackfer[on y to be fup- 
 ported out of the vaking ftipends in the Sky. U. 
 
 Rcf. to the CommifTion for publike affaires for the planting of 
 Drumfreis , with a recommendation to the Thefaurer for a pre- 
 sentation. J b. 
 
 Recom. to the Committee of Eftates , concerning the houfe of 
 Dalgetie. lb. 
 
 ^ct appointing M. Gabriell dlaxtvell for the Lieutenant General, 
 Matter J-ames Najmith for Generall Major Holhrns Regirnent, 
 
 F a Mafter 
 
I N D E X. 
 
 M. George Pittulo for the Generall of Artilleries Regiment, M.. 
 
 George Bennet tor the Troups of Horfe v/ith the Generall Lieu- 
 tenant, and M. John Lothian for the Squadron of Horfe with 
 
 Generall Major Middletoun. 
 Remit. M. Francis Omey to the Presbyterie and Synode. Scff.XVJ. 
 Ordinance for admiflion of Matter John Baillie to the Kirk of 
 
 Cambujlang. lb. 
 Committee to confer with Earie of Fglintoun, concerning his pe- 
 tition touching planting the Kirk of Eglifham. lb. 
 Recem. to the Committee of Eftates, of the petition of Aberdene 
 ■ concerning a Jeluite there, lb. 
 Remit. Mailer Matthew Ramfay to the Presbyterie of Hammiltotm 
 
 for opening his mouth, lb. 
 Ref. and Commiffton concerning the Kirk of Lyndean. lb. 
 Committee for revifing the Collectors counts* and to report, lb. 
 Report of the Brethren lent to the Commitcee of Eftates, concer- . 
 
 ningthehoufcot Dalgety, artd the Jefuite in Aberdem. lb. 
 Advile to the Presbyterie of Stranr&uer^ concerning their procee- 
 ding in the triall of the fcandall upon At dwell, lb. 
 Rcf. to the Commute of dangers , to think upon fome Overtures 
 
 for commodious planting, dividing, andunitirigof Kirks, and 
 
 to report. Sejf.XFUf. 
 Recom. of fome Perfons for charity to Presb. and Provinces, lbs 
 Recom. of the petition concerning Glencorfe to the Lord Thefau-r 
 
 rer, and the Lords of Exchequer, lb. 
 Rcf, Sir Lauchlen Macklen to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, lb. 
 Recom. to the Committee of Eftates, of the petition of Mafter 
 
 Adam Barclay, lb. 
 Recom. of the petition of M. Fatrich^Lindfay to the Committee 
 
 of Eftates , andtothecharitieof the Presbyteries within the' 
 
 Province of Aberdene. lb> 
 Recom . to the Presbyterie of Stranraucr and the Lord Advocate, 
 
 concerning the Kirk oiGlenluce. \b. 
 Addition of the Lord Marquefle of ^Argilc to the Committee for' 
 
 thedansers. lb. 
 Appointment of the Committee concerning Do&or Strang , to. 
 
 make report and to receive any objections that any had againft 
 
 his dictates, lb. 
 Warrand for Mafter Samuel Rut her fur v& return. ScJf.XTX., 
 A Letter to Generall Lieutenant David Lejlie. lb. 
 Invitation of all to propone their doubts or objections agitnft any 
 
 head or Article in the Confeflion ojf Faith,to the Committee./^. 
 Recom. to the ComrrufiSon, tor vifitation of the Univerficie of S. 
 
 Andrews ', for Mafter Samuel Rutberfurd to bee Principall of the 
 
 new Colkdge there, lb. 
 Approbation of tfce report concerning planting ©f Sglifhame. 
 
 SefXX. ' Recom. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Recom. M. Robert Lindfayes wife,& M. James Kirk to Provinces. $» 
 Appointment of fome Brethren to vifit the Idolatrous Monuments 
 
 brought from the late Marques of Huntlies houfe. \b. 
 A&refufingthe petitioner Mafter John Annans tranfportatiDnto 
 
 Edinburgh, lb. 
 Att concerning the dyet of Mafter James llammiltoun and Mafter 
 
 John Smiths coming to Edinburgh, lb. 
 Recom. to the Town of Edinburgh to plant all their Kirks with two 
 
 Ministers with diligence, lb. 
 Querae proponed by theCommiflionersof thePresbyteiiecf Chirn- 
 
 fide, with the Ailemblies advife thereanent. lb, 
 Recom. of petitions for charity. lb. 
 Appoint, of Mafter John Forbes for Colonell Scots Regiment, and 
 
 Mafter Rtbert Cowdanio Pitfcottis. ScjJ. XXI. 
 "Nomination of a lift for the Kirk of Gordon, lb. 
 Ref. concerning Mafter David Leith. jb. 
 Recom. concerning the contribution for the diftrefled people in Ar- 
 
 gyle. lb. 
 Approbation of the report of the Committee for the vaking Stipends 
 
 in Dunkeld. SejJ. XXII. 
 Recom. M. Robert Brounlies wife to the Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 CommifTion for planting the Kirk of Lithgow. lb. 
 Declaration that fomc votes of the Commiflion of the preceding Af- 
 fembly upon the 2 1 of Auguft 1646. and an Adtofthe22.of the 
 famemoneth, are not to be examined by the Atfembly. lb. 
 Committee for the triall of fome fpeaches fpoken by fomeof the 
 
 Presbyterie of Dunkeld concerning the Commiflion. lb. 
 Ref. concerning Mafter William Hay. lb. 
 KGt concerning the committing of the plantation of the Kirk of 
 
 Glafgow. lb. 
 Ref. to the CommifTion for publike affairs of the Earle of Calenders 
 petition , concerning the adjoyning Falkirk , Slammtino , and 
 UVLorrwingfide to the Presbyterie of Sterlings with power to hear 
 parties, vifit, and report. Sejf. XX III. 
 Conference appointed with the Ea-rle of Abercorne. ib. 
 Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affaires, for planting in Aim 
 
 colleague to Mafter William Adair, lb. 
 Report concerning Doctor Strangs diclats. Ib. 
 hCt appointing the Clerk to redeliver Doitor Strangs dictats unto 
 him. lb. 
 
 Refer, concerning Mafter JohncJlfackenzie. Seff. XX l F. 
 Approbation of the Collectors accounts, lb. 
 Ref . to the Minifters of Edinburgh , to take courfe with the Monu- 
 ments of Idolatric brought from the North, lb. 
 Recom. of the petition for a Minifter to Chanjic of Ro(fe to the 
 Commiflion for planting of Kirks, lb. 
 
 C» Recom. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Recom. Mafter Alexander Fctrie. lb. 
 
 Recom. Mafter Elea^ar Gilbert, lb. 
 
 Rccom. Mafter William Douglas to the Committee of Eftates. lb. 
 
 Recom. Mafter George Sbarpe to the Committee of Eftates for repa- 
 ration of his loiTes. *b. 
 
 Ref. complyers in Murray to the Provincial!. ] b. 
 
 Recom. to the Commiflion for planting of Kirks, concerning provi- 
 fions to Minifters in the Presbyterie of Kirkcudbright. Sefl.XX?'. 
 
 Acl appointing conference with Earle Abcrcorne, untill the laftof 
 March, lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Synode of Murray of the petition of Badinoch^ concer- 
 , ning Mafter $ohn Dollar. lb. 
 
 Recom. concerning the Miniftcr of Corrie and Button, lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Commiflion for planting of Kirks, concerning the 
 ad joy ning fome lands to the Parifh of Monfaall. lb. 
 
 h€t tor Printing the Dire&orie for Church Government, to be exa- 
 mined by Presbyteries againft the next AfTembly , and for Prin- 
 ting the Catechifme alfo when it (hall be perfected. lb. 
 
 A<5t concerning the contribution for the diftrefied people in Ar- 
 gile. lb. 
 
 Recom. to Committee for dangers, to confiderof a Letter for the 
 Scets in Pole land, &c. lb. 
 
 Ref. to the Committee appointed for tryall of proceedings of the 
 Commiflion of AfTembly , to confiderof the procefieof Mafter 
 fohn Eejj'e, and to report, lb. 
 
 A6t concerning the tryall of the payment of the contribution for di- 
 ftrefied people of ^Argyle. lb. 
 
 Aft concerning fames Murray. Se(J. XXpI. 
 
 , Act for collecting the contribution for the Province of Argile, in 
 thefe parts that have not yet contributed, and fending it to the re- 
 ceivers, lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Synode of Glafgorv , concerning a fecond Minifter to 
 Dumb art an. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Lords of Privie Counfell for punifhing an injurie done 
 to a Presbytery about burying in a Kirk. lb. 
 
 Act appointing a conference with fome Divines, Lawyers, and Phy- 
 fitians, concerning witchcraft and charming. lb. 
 
 Report of the tryall of the Synods Books with the Aflemblies cen- 
 fure. lb. 
 
 Appointment of fome to falute the LieutenancGeneral now in Town, 
 and Generall Major Middletoun when he comes. SeJJ. XXVII. 
 
 Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affaires to endeavour for obtai- 
 ning from the Parliament, fome reftraint of burialls in Kirks. lb, 
 
 Commiflion for vifitation ofLechaber, Bacltntch^ and the Ifks. lb. 
 
 Recom. to the Commiflion of Parliament for planting of Kirks, for 
 providing fome courfe for the payment of the charges of Commif- 
 fioners to the Generall Affembly. lb. Ref. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affairs, for Printing of fome Pa- 
 pers concerning the Treaty or Uniformity, and matters handled in, 
 the Synode of Divines in England. lb. 
 Ref. and warrand to the Commiflion for publike affaires , to give li- 
 cence for Printing, lb. 
 Recom. to the Lords of Exchequer , concerning the pahW of «ifcs 
 
 of the Prebendaries. lb. 
 Report from Robert Brj(ones relicl , concerning the Printing of 
 
 Trochrtgs Works. lb. 
 Warrand given to the Moderator and Clerk, and fome others , to 
 agree with Evan Tyler far Printing the Works of Trochrig upon 
 the condition promifed to Robert Bryfon. lb. 
 Ref. John Wilkie of Fotdden and Mafter thomai Ramfay to the Com- 
 miflion for publike affaires. lb. 
 Aft concerning the choofing of the Moderator of the GenerallAf- 
 
 femblie. lb. 
 Act tor changing every Aflerftbly therolls of the Commiffioners 
 
 bycourfes, accordingto the order of Provinces. lb. 
 Commiflion for vifiting the Univerhty of S. Andrews. lb. 
 Commiflion for vifiting the Univerfity of K_Abcrdcne. lb. 
 Commiffion for vifiting Orkney and Zetland. lb. 
 Appointment of fome Brethren to fpeake to the Lord Thefaurer, 
 
 concerning pafling of gifts of Patronages. lb. 
 Ref. Mafter John Roffe at Lunfannan. Seff. XXVIU. 
 Approbation of the report concerning planting of Kirks in the Hie- 
 
 lands. lb. 
 Ref. John Gillon to the Presbytery of Edinburgh for private try- 
 all, lb. 
 Renovation of the Commiflion for publike affairs. lb. 
 Warrand for Mafter James Gordon to come to Sterling- (hire, for 
 
 drawing the mappe thereof. Seff'. lilt. 
 Ref. of Gortbie Inchbrakie and Lindfay of Maines , their petitions for 
 relaxation from the fentence of Excommunication, to the Com- 
 miflion for publike affaires. lb. 
 Recom . in favours of Sir William Dick,, lb. 
 Ref. Mafter James Row. lb. 
 Ref. to the Commiflion for publike affaires, concerning the Scots 
 
 in Poleland, ejrc lb. 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk and ColledgeOf Aberdene to the Com- 
 miflion for publike affaires. lb. 
 Ref. concerning Mafters William Douglas, John Logic, George H an- 
 na, Richard Maitland, and Coline Mackenzie. lb. 
 Ref. and Commifsion concerning the tryall of Mafters CMurdo Mac- 
 
 kenfre, John Duncane } and William Cowber. lb. 
 Recom. Mafter William chdmber to the Committee of Efhtes. lb. 
 Ref. James Grahamt of Claypots to the Presbyterie of Dundiet lb. 
 
 G a Recom. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Rccom . of fome Pcrfons for char itie. lb. 
 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk of Bruntiland to the Commifsion for 
 publikc affaires, lb. 
 
 Ref . concerning the planting of the Kirk of Preftoun to the Com- 
 mifsion for publike affaires. lb. 
 
 Ref. for planting the vaking Kirk in Glafgow to the Gommifsion 
 for publike affaires. lb. 
 
 Ref.theLord Ray his Son and fomc ofhisfriends>to the Commifsion 
 for publike affaires. lb. 
 
 Ref. Mafter Gilbert Gordon^totht Commifsion for publike affairs. lb. 
 
 Recom . for Mafter George Hannayes wife and children. lb. 
 
 A& for prefenting the Confeffion of Faith to the Parliament. lb. 
 
 Act concerning the Tranflaters of the Dutch N otes. lb. 
 
 Rccom. and Ref. concerning the collecting of the Paflagesand Oc- 
 curences of thefe late times , to the Commiflion for publike 
 affaires. lb. 
 
 Ref. for planting the Kirk of Ancrum, to the Commifsion for pub- 
 like affaires, lb. 
 
 Renovation of the Commifsion for vifitation of the Univerfity of 
 Glafgow. lb. 
 
 Ref. Mafter John Rojfe at Birfe, to the Synode of Aberdene. lb. 
 
 Ref. of Mafter Thomas Ram/ay younger, his petition to the Commit. 
 fion for publike affaires. lb. 
 
 Indi&ion of a Tbankfgiving and of a Faft. lb. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 
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