C&omas Proton, 
 Dalfceitfc* 
 
 < #1^4 
 
 C} L/ 
 

 
 I 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 
 in 2012 with funding from 
 
 Princeton Theological Seminary Library 
 
 http://archive.org/details/principallacts03chur 
 
THE 
 
 PRINCIPALL 
 
 ACTS 
 
 Of The 
 
 G E N E R ALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY, 
 
 CoNVEENED Ai* 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 Upon the laft VV ednesday of 
 May, the zp. of that Moneth, 
 in the year \6 4.4.. 
 
 m 
 
 EDINBURGH, 
 
 ^Printed {jEvan Tyler, Printer to the 
 l\ings rnojl Excellent <*5M[ajejlie->. 
 
 Anno Dom. 1 6 4. 4.. 
 

ag. i. 
 
 THE 
 GENER ALL 
 
 ASSEMBLY 
 
 i 
 At Edinburgh, 16^. • 
 
 Die fovis penult. Mail. SelT. 1 1. 
 
 Tide Letter from the ^Presbyterie with 
 
 the <tsfrmy in England, to the 
 
 (jenerall Ajjembly* 
 
 Right Reverend, 
 
 Aving the opportunity of the fitting of 
 this Venerable AlTembly, we thought 
 Ourfelves obliged to render fome ac- 
 comptof the eftate of our Affairs. It 
 hath pleafed the Lord to exercife us 
 fince our out-coming , with many 
 ftraits and difficulties , yet in the mids 
 thereof he hath wonderfully upheld 
 and carried us through. The depth of 
 his wifedome hath f ufpended us for a 
 time from any great action, to make us walk humbly before him, 
 and to keep us inacontinuall dependance upon himfelf: And yet 
 he hath by his own power fcattered before us the great Popifh 
 Army,and much diminifhed the number thereof, fo that they do 
 not now appeare againft us in the Fields •, that all may learne to 
 trufl: in G O D, and not in Man. It was farre from our thoughts 
 and intentions to have come this length at that inftant when the 
 courfe of Divine Providence pointed out our way unto us,which 
 led us on by fome long and fpeedie marches to joyne with my 
 Lord Fairfax and his Sonne their Forces. The City of Terk^ 
 wherein a fwarme of obftinate Papifts have taken ian&uary, 
 is blocked up •, now and then God favoureth us with fuccelle 
 
 A 2 in 
 
z TkeCfenerallvfjjembly, 1644. 
 
 in fome enterprifes about it , and wee look lor more if the 
 time be come which he hath appointed for the deliverance of this 
 People. 
 
 Oar Sdutes dOafehSfre the treacherous attempts of ©ur dif* 
 natured Gountreymen ^ that have endeavoured to make theif 
 native Kingdoms a feat of War re * arid out bowels within us Art 
 moved to think upon the maine mifchiefs, if not tymeoufly pre* 
 vented, that may follow upon the unnaturall Warres there -, like 
 
 UntO thefe Ufldcr -»vlli«lithi3 KIngJonna V, fl f n g roane£ J fgt a long 
 
 time. We have found none more malicious and ci«di againftus 
 than thefe of our own Nation* and we meafure thofe at horne 5 by 
 thefe her*» Curfedbe ttrti? rag^fer it tsfme , and their anger for it 
 is cruel. The prefent danger calls upon all to lay out of their 
 hands what ever may hinder their hafte , as one Man to come to- 
 gether for favirig the Vine yard that the wiide Boares would lay 
 wafte, and taking the Foxes that would deftroy the Vines* You" 
 are, right Reverend, now fet upon the higheft Watch-tower, 
 from whence ydu may difcover the dangers that threaten on all 
 coafts , and wee need not put you in minde to give warning to 
 the Watch- men in their feverall (rations s to rouze up the People 
 from their too great fecurity \ to call them to unfeigned Humi* 
 Jiation, and to ftirre them up to wreftle with G O D by prayer^ 
 that hee would preferve Truth and l?eace at home againft the 
 machinations of Malignants *, that hee would prepare the Peo* 
 pie here, and make them more fit to embrace the intended Re* 
 formation 5 and that hee would command thefe unnaturall and 
 bloudy Warres to eeafe, that Religion and Righteoufneffe may 
 flourim through the three Dominions. Praying GODto fend 
 upon you the Spirit of truth, who may lead you in all truth t 
 We rerriaine 
 
 Middh-tkt£ y io.iMdlt 
 
 I $44. Tour tcving tt&httn % *tht Prefi 
 
 bperie fifth Seottijh Jrmy 
 in England, 
 
 Matter Robert Doucla* 
 Moderator in their name. 
 
 The 
 
The (jencrall aJ/fembfy y 1644. 3 
 
 The Tetition from the diftrejjed Chrijiians 
 in the 3\(orth of Ireland. 
 
 To the Reverend and Honourable Moderator and remanent 
 Members of the Generall AfTembly of Scotland > conveened at 
 Edinburgh in May i 644. 
 
 The humble Petition of the dijtrejjed Chrijlians in 
 the North of Ireland. 
 
 Humbly fhtweth, 
 
 Jgg gg s g^g ^Hat whereas y6ur former enlarged bounty , and 
 our prefent overflowing ftraits would require a 
 gratefull acknowledgement of the one , and a 
 ferious reprefentation of the other : Our cafe is 
 fuch , as neither can be expected at our hands, 
 f£$5£3Ml being ftricken with aftonifhment,and full of th« 
 Furie of the Lord. We are thefe indeed who have feen affliction 
 by the rod of his wrath : So that it were more fit, we had a Cot- 
 tage in the WildernefTe amongft the O wles to mourn out our im- 
 bittered Spirits , then that by word or writ we mould compeer* 
 before any of his People : Although you cannot be wearied in 
 wel-doing , yet we fhall no way think it ftrange, if now you fhall 
 give over any more care of us •, Seeing the Lord hath teftificd 
 againfl: us, and the Almighty hath afflicted us. Your judgement 
 is with the Lord , and your reward is with God , not onely fof 
 your two years vifiting and watering a barren vineyard , but alfo 
 for your zeale and care to have your Reformation fpred amongft 
 other oppreft and borne-down Churches , whereof you have 
 
 fiven an ample and famous teftimony in fending hither that 
 lefled League and Covenant which wee much defired and 
 longed for , as by our Petitions to the Church and State of out 
 Native Kingdome is knowne unto you $ which hath had a wish- 
 ed and gracious fuccefle by the favour and blefling of God , ac- 
 companying the pains of thefe to whom the tendering thereof 
 was intrufted by you. And We conceiving a chief part of our mi- 
 ferie to confift in our want of opportunitie to joyne our fclves 
 with the People of God in the forefaid League - y Efteemingour 
 felves rejected of God and unfit to be joyned in any comfortable 
 fellowfhip in the Gofpel with them , when the (aid League and 
 Covenant was prefented to the Regiments 5 Wee made bold to 
 lay hold upon the opportunity ( though afflicted abjects ) and 
 cheerfully and unanimoufly joyned our fclves thereunto ; That 
 if wee perifh in our mifery , wee may die a Covenanted People* 
 and, if our miserable life be prolonged , we may hnde flicker and 
 
 A 1 rcfrelb- 
 
q. The Cj-etierallzAlfernblyy 164-4-* 
 
 refrefhment under the fliadow thereof in our fierie trials 4 confi- 
 dently expecting from the Lord by our neerer conjunction -With 
 you than of before , an accomplifhment of what is agreed into the 
 Covenant , which ye bountifully exprefled before we were one 
 with you , to your never-dying-commendation. Weare nothing 
 fhaken in our minds with the odious afperfions of fedition, cOrri= 
 bination againft the King,and overthrow ofMunicipal Laws,&c» 
 ( wherewith our Covenant is branded ) nor with the threats of 
 thefe who mould be comfortable to us in our troubles : But are 
 the more encouraged to beleeve that God ihall raife up the Ta* 
 bernacle of David that is fallen , and repair the breaches thereof t 
 For > fince we Covenanted with God , and united our felves to- 
 gether , our dying Spirits have revived , and we ring like thefe 
 who have come forth from their Graves, for God hath had mer- 
 cy on Jacob: In teftimony whereof he hath opened the bowels 
 of the Churches of Holland, who were ftrangers to us, and yet 
 dear Brethren , and tender Sympathizers with our afflictions and 
 forrows , who , when thefe who were left of the Sword were irt 
 danger to dye by famine , did plentifully relieve us in our ftraits, 
 notonely by comfortable encouragements to walk humbly with 
 God y and wait for him who hides his face from the houfe of 
 Jacob for a feafon 5 but alfo by their rich fupply in Victuals and 
 others necefTar for our relief and comfort , which we humbly de* 
 fire our Lord to repay feven-fold in their bofome , andbecoml 
 your Supplicants to joyne with us in a gratefull acknowledge^ 
 ment of their Angular favours : And upon the heels of thefe fa-* 
 vours you have continued your uriparalelled companions in keep* 
 ing your forces and enabling them, together with the Other For* 
 ces , for avenging the cruell murders , and effufion of Chriftiart 
 blood in this Land , notwithftanding of your owne multiplied 
 difficulties. The Lord hath begun to delight into us ^ and in £ 
 day of falvation hath helped us ( So happy are the people who 
 are in Covenant with God. ) We are thefe ( indeed ) who may 
 juftly be burnt up for our unfruitfulnefTe in the dayes of our plen- 
 ty, and ftubborneiTe in the dayes of our affliction , which hath 
 brought us fo low , that where we once enjoyed a bleffed plenty, 
 we muft now beg of the crumbs that fall from your Table : Wee 
 cannot dhTemble , but fo farre as we can dif cern our owne hearts* 
 wc would preferre the joyfull found of the Gofpel to Our much 
 wifhed Peace and precious lives : But it may be difcerned , yout 
 Confultations of before have been guided by the Spirit of the 
 Lord-, in that when wee twice in our forward hsiftingdefi res 
 begged the prefent looting and planting of fome Minifiers 
 amongft us , you judged it more convenient to fupply us by 
 turnes , as forefeeing that our Captivity was likely to endure t 
 Our hopes are fo far revived, that we truft to fee the day when he 
 (hall take the Cup of trembling out of our hands,and put it in the 
 hands of them that afflicted us. And 
 
Tbeljenerdll Ajjembly 9 164.4.. 5 
 
 And therefore , if you account us fellow-partners of the Pur- 
 chafed Inheritance , Yet again fuffer our neceflitie to plead with 
 you, that as it hath been by the Committee of Bils already advi- 
 fed, that a competent number of Minifters may be gifted to us 
 by your Commiflion when they fhall fee the Calling cleared,the 
 fame may be granted as a teftimony of your confidence , and ex- 
 pectation of our delivery ; And in the meane time fome others 
 may be fent by turnes to keep in the dying lives of above twenty 
 foure defolate Congregations , who are in danger to perifh for 
 want of Vifion : And although we do profeffe, we count not our 
 felves worthy of fuch favours , yet as we have refolved to dye 
 with the cry of hope in our mouthes to the Lords Throne; So in 
 obedience of the ufe of the means by him appointed , we ftretch 
 out our hearts and our hands to you for help , and have fent out 
 Brother William CMackenna Merchant at Belfa.fi , to attend what 
 anfwer it fhall pleafe the Lord by you to returne unto 
 
 Your difireffed Brethren 
 and Supplicants. 
 
 Subscribed by very many Bands* 
 
 — . 
 
 ^funii 164.4.. Antemeridiem. Seff. V» 
 
 ABfor theprefent Entrie of the new ereBed 
 Presbyterie at Biggar. 
 
 iHe which day anent the Supplication fubfcribed 
 ' and given in to the Generall Affembly by the 
 Minifters & ruling Elders of the Kirks of Biggar ^ 
 SkirlingtBrochtonfilencfuhome^Kelbocho^Culter^La* 
 myngtoun^Symontoun^Covingtoun,£luothqucn > Wel* 
 ^Xfioun^nd Dolphingtoun^making mention,Thatthe 
 Generall Aflembly at Edinburgh in Auguft 1643. years , by their 
 Act of the date of the twelfth day of the 'famine moneth and 
 year, did upon good grounds , and after tryall and hearing of all 
 -Parties to the full, erect a Presbyterie feat at Biggar , to confift of 
 the Kirks above- written •, And granted to their Presbyterie full 
 power of jurifdiction and exerceing Difcipline,with all other Li- 
 berties and Priviledges belonging to any other Presbyterie-, but 
 fufpended the entrie and pofleflion of this new erected Presbyte- 
 rie,duringthe pleafure of the Aflembly : And therefore defiling 
 the laid Genqjrall Aflembly to ordaineand appoint the entrie and 
 pofTeifionoftheforefaid Presbyterie at Biggar , now prefently*, 
 
 And 
 
6 Tloe Cjenera1lAj]embly> KJ4.4. 
 
 And to Declare, that it is their pleafure , that the entrie and f>of- 
 feflion thereof fliall be no ionger fufpended , as the Supplication 
 proports. Which Supplication being read in audience of the Ge a 
 nerall Aflembly , and thereafter the CommifTioners from the 
 Presbyteries of Lanerk and Peebles, and all others having entrefle" 
 to oppofe the defire Forefaid being publickly called, and the faids 
 CommifTioners For Peebles and Z<ww& perfonally prefent , being 
 at length heard in what they could fay or alledge therein: And the 
 faid Supplication and defire thereof, with the Alledgeances and 
 Objections madeagainft the faraine,being taken to confideratiori 
 by the Aftembly, and they therewith being fully and ripely advi* 
 fed: The AfTembly after removing of the Parties., and after con- 
 fideration of the premiffes and voycing of the forefaid defire , Of= 
 daines the entrie and poffefTion of the forefaid Presbyterie of Big^ 
 ^rjconfi fling of the particular Kirks above-mentioned, to begirt 
 now prefently*, And appoints and ordaines all the Minifters and 
 Ruling Elders of the forefaids Kirks above fpecified, whereof the 
 faid Presbyterie confifts, to meet and conveene as a Presbyterie 5 
 with all conveniencie, at the faid Kirk of Biggar , which is the 
 Place and Seat of the famine Presbyterie. And the Aflembly re- 
 fers to the CommifTioners to be appointed by them for the pub* 
 lick affairs of the Kirk , to determine to what Synod this the faid 
 new erected Presbyterie fliall be fubordinate-, As alfo to prefcribe 
 the order and folemnitics chat fhall be necefiar for entringancj 
 pofleffing the Minifters and Elders in the faid Presbyterie. 
 
 fund 7, 16^, SeC VI. 
 
 Ail concerning the^Declarationfubfcribed by 
 the Scottijh Lords at Oxford. 
 
 ■ He Generall Aflembly having received a Copy of* a 
 Declaration, made and fubferibed at oxford, fent untd 
 them from the honourable Convention of £ftates,and 
 having ferioufly confidered the tenour thereof , doth 
 finde the fame to be a perfidious Band and unnaturali confedera- 
 cy, to bring this Kirk and Kingdome to confufion, and to be full 
 of blafphemies againft the late folemne League and Covenant o? 
 the three Kingdomes , of vile afperfiohs of Treafon , Rebellion 
 and Sedition, moft falfly and impudently imputed to the Eftates 
 and the moft faithfull ahdjoyall Subjects ofthefe Kingdomes s 
 And feeing it is incumbent to the Affembly to take notice there- 
 of,and to flop the courfe ofthefe malicious intentions, in fo fane 
 as concernes them , Declare that the fubferibers of this or the 
 like Declaration or Band , or any that have been acceflbry to the 
 
 framing, 
 
The Cjenerall Affembly - \6^\\ 7 
 
 framing, or that has been , or fliall be acceiTory to the execution 
 thereor, defcrve the higheft cenfure of the Kirk : And therefore 
 gives power to the Commiffioners of this AlTembly appointed 
 for the publick affairs, to proceed a^ainft them to the fentence of 
 Excommunication, unlefle Chey make humble confeffion of their 
 offence publickly,in fuch manner,and in fuch places as the Com- 
 milTion fliall prefcribe - 7 Or other wife to refer the tryall and cen- 
 fure of fuch Delinquents to Presbyteries or Synods as they fliall 
 think convenient* And when the fentence of Excommunication 
 flial be pronounced,difchargesPresbyteries orSynods to relaxaiy 
 from the fentence, without the advice of the Generall AHcmbly , 
 or their Commifsioners, nifiin extremis. And in refpect of the 
 atrocitie of this Fact, the AlTembly in all humility , do ferioufly 
 recommend to the right honourable the Eftates of Parliament to 
 take fuch courfe, as the perfons that fliall be found guilty,may be 
 exemplarly puniflied, according to the merirof fo unnaturall and 
 impious an offence : And that fome publicknoteof ignominie 
 be put upon the Declaration and Bandit M£ , if their Honours 
 fliall think it meet. 
 
 AU avainfk the c B^ebells in the 
 3\(orth and South. 
 
 He Generall AlTembly confidering the juft fentence 
 pronounced againft the principal I Actors in that Re- 
 bellion in the North and South , by ordinance of 
 the Commifsioners of the late AlTembly ; And fin- 
 ding it moft hecefTIiry,that fuch as afsifted or joyned 
 with them in that impious and unnaturall FacT, be likew ife cenfu- 
 red -, Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Synods reflective , to 
 proceed againft them with the higheft Cenfures of the Kirk , if 
 they give not f'atisfa&ion by publick repentance ; And when the 
 fentence of Excommunication fnali be pronounced , The AlTem- 
 bly difcharges the faid Judicatories to relax any of them from 
 the fentence, without theadviceof the Generall AlTembly , or 
 their Commifsioners , nifiin extremis : To whom alfothe faids 
 Presbyteries and Synods lhall be anfwerable for their diligence 
 in the premiffes as they fliall be required. And the AlTembly doth 
 humbly recommend to the Honourable Eftates of Parliament,to 
 take fuch courfe as the Perfons that fliall be found guilty may be 
 exemplarly puniflied according to the merit and degree of their 
 offence. 
 
 B M 
 
8 tteQfenerallJjfembly, 1^44. 
 
 AU agdinft fecret d'tfajfeilers of the CovendnU 
 
 [§J5<g!J§J5J§3He Generall AlTembly underftandins that divers Pef- 
 Wl T 1 8S f° nsc iif- affected to the Nationall Covenant of thii 
 Wi A feS Kirk , and to the Solemne League and Covenant of 
 !§SS§Ii§!R§i c ' ie E ^ ree Kingdoms, do efcape their juft cenfure, ei- 
 ther by their private and unconftant abode in any 
 one Congregation, or by lecret conveyance of their malignant 
 fpeecbesana pradtifes-, Therefore ordains all Minifters to take fpe- 
 ciall notice when any fuch Perfon fliall come Within their Paro- 
 dies , and fofoon as they fhall know the fame, that without de- 
 lay they caufe warn them to appear before the Presbyteries with- 
 in which their Paroches lyes , or before the Commiffioners of 
 this AfTembly appointed for publick affairs , as they fhall fincte 
 moft convenient * which warning the AfTembly declares fhall be 
 a fufficient citation unto them : And als that all Minifters and El» 
 ders delate to the faids Judicatories rejpe£li<ve s every fuch disaffe- 
 cted Perfon, although without their own Paroch, To foon as they 
 fhall hearand be informed of them. And the AfTembly ordains 
 the faids Commiffioners not only to proceed toTryal & Cenfure 
 of fuch difaffecled Perfons,but alfo to take a fpecial account of the 
 diligence ofMinift- j rSjElderSj and Presbyteries hzxzihrcfpetfiwt 
 
 AB for fending zSMiniJlers to the Armie. 
 
 f^He Affembly underftanding that Minifters are not duly 
 fent forth to the Regiments of the Army , neither* 
 fuch as are fent duly relieved , which neglect falleth 
 out oftimes 5 by realon of queftions among Presbyte- 
 ries intereffed in the Regiments: Therefore for remedy hereof 
 thinks it convenient that this order be keeped hereafter * That a 
 Lift be made of three Minifters by the Colonels , or in their ab- 
 fence the chief Officers of everyRegiment,with advice & confenC 
 of the Presbyterie at the Army, & (ent to Presbyteries hereof ii 
 the lift be oi Minifters in divers Presbyteries to the Commiffio* 
 ners of the General AfTembly, that they may appoint one out of 
 that lift to be fent to the Regiment,to attend them for performing 
 Minifteriall duties?. Moneths- And that the relief of Minifters al- 
 ready fent or to be fent hereafter mail be in the fame manner* 
 And the AfTembly ordains Minifters who fhill be thus appointed 
 by Presbyteries or the Commiffioners of the AfTembly refpt* 
 Hive , to repair to the Armie with all diligence, underthepaing 
 of fufpenfion : And humbly recommends to the Honourable 
 Eftates of P arliament , to provide fome way whereby thefe Mi- 
 nifters may have due and ready payment of their allowance,from 
 the time of their going from their charges here. And it is decla- 
 red that this order fliall be alfo keeped for fending forth of Mini- 
 fters to the Regiments in the fecond expedition* 
 
l neLjenerati jijjetnviy y 104.4.. 
 
 Innovation of the Commtfion for the 
 c Pub!icl^affairs of the K^trl^. 
 
 rgh 
 Publick affairs of the Kirk , have not yet fully 
 '^^S&SS perfected that great Work for Unitie of Religi- 
 on, and Uniformitie of Kirk- Government in hisMajefties Do- 
 minions •, And that now in refpectof the prefent condition of 
 affairs in this Kingdome , their proceedings cannot be examined 
 at this time: Therefore finding it neceflar that thefaidCom- 
 miifion be renewed unto the Commiffioners therein mentioned, 
 and to the Perfons afternamed now thought fit to be added for 
 (he better expediting of the bufinede •, Do hereby appoint the 
 Perfons particularly nominate in the faid Commiffion,*A ; £. Ma- 
 tters , ^ylndrew Ram fay , Alexander Header (w , Robert Douglas , 
 William Colvill , Wdh am Rennet , George Gillefpie , John Oifwald, 
 CMttngo Law , John Adamfon, John Sharp , James Sharp, Wil- 
 l/am Dalgleifh , David C 'alder wood , Andrew Blackball , James F tee- 
 ming, Robert Ker, John Macghie , Oliver Colt, Hugh Campbell, 
 Adam Penman, Richard Dick (on, Andrew Stcvinf on, John Lawdcr i 
 Robert Blair, Samuel Rutherfitrd, ^Arthur Mortoun ? Robert Traill, 
 Frederick Carmichael, John Smith , Patrick Gillejpie, John Dun- 
 can, John Hume, Robert Knox, William Jamejon, Robert Murray, 
 H en/ v Guthrie, James Hamiltoun m Dumfreis , Bernard Sanderson, 
 John Levingfloun, James Bonar, Evan Camron, David Dick! on, 
 Robert Baihie, James Cuninghame, George Toung, Andrew Affleck, 
 David Lindfay, Andrew Cant, William Douglas , Murdo Mackeinz,ie, ' 
 Celine Mackemzie, John Monroe, Walter Stuart Minifters-, Archbald 
 Marqueffc of Argyle, Willi am Earle Mat •//; all , JohnEnvle of Su- 
 therland, Alexander Earle of Eglintoun , John Earle of Cafsils, 
 Charles Earle of Dumfermeling , John Earle of Lauderdale , John 
 Earle of Lindfay , JamesEnrlcof J>)ucensberry , Willi:.m Earle of 
 DaU'otific, Archbald Lord Angus, James Vicount of Dudhope, 
 John Lord Mainland, David Lord Elcho, John Lord Balmerinoch, 
 James Lord Cowper, Sir Patrick Hcpburne ofWaughtoua,S'it Arch- 
 baldJohnflounotWarifloun, Sir David Hume of Weddtrburne, Sir 
 Alexander Areskine of Dun,W\K William Cockburne of Langtoun, Sir 
 Thomas Ruthven of Frieland, Sir James Arnot of l : crnic,$\x Walter 
 M iddal l of that Ilk, Sir Lodovick Hovfloun of that Ilk, Sir William 
 Carmichael Fiar of that Ilk, Matter George Douglas of Bonjcdburgh, 
 Mailer George Winrame of Libbcrtoun '- Laird of Brcdic, Sir John 
 Smith, James Dcnmfloun, Matter Robert Barclay, John Rutherfitrd, 
 Wtlliam G lendunmng , John Sempill, John Kenedy, and Matter 
 
 B 2 Alexander 
 
io The (jenerall zAffembly, 1 6^* 
 
 Alexander Douglas Elders: And alfo Matters, D^^/W Dalgleijh^Afa 
 drew Bennet^fahn Moncreijf, Alexander Carfe ,1 homos Wilkiejfames 
 Guthrie ,Henry Levingjloun^David Drummond zx. Creiff^fahn Hay at 
 Renfrew jfohn Strang^Richard Inglis ^William Falconer, ^fohn Pater* 
 fon^Gilbert Ro(fe y RichardMaitland,GeorgeCumming,W/HiamCawpbd 
 Minifters, And William Earlc or Glancatrne^ William Eaile otLon* 
 thian , J-ames Lord Murray of Gask , fahn Lord Ycfier , Robert 
 <Jfy[aitland> Frederick Lyon of Brigtoun , zfamcs Cfrlacdcwell of 
 Garthland, David Beton ot Creich, Sir fames Stuart Sheriff of Buit y 
 Sir fahn Weemes of Bogie , Matter William Sandilands Tutor of 
 Torphichin, Archbald Sydferfe , Laurence Henderfon 5 J-ames Stuart \ 
 Thomas Paterfon, and Alexander tfaffray Elders now added by this 
 Aflembly, to meet at Edinburgh upon the fifth day of this inftant 
 moneth of June , and upon the laft Wednefday of Auguftnextj 
 the laft Wednefday of November next, and upon the laft Wed- 
 nefday of February next^and upon any other day, or in any other 
 place they ftial think meet: Giving and granting untothem,or any 
 fifteen of them, there being twelve Minifters prefent , full powef 
 and commifsion to profecute the faid work of unitie in Religion, 
 and uniformitie of Kirk government in all his Majefties Domini- 
 ons, and to do and performe all things particularly or generally 
 contained in the faid Commifsion of the preceding A flembly,- 
 or in an hCt of the faid Aflembly upon the faid 19. day of Au- 
 guft, intituled, A Reference to the Commission anent the Persons di» 
 Jignedto repair to the Kmgdome of England^ and to treat and deter- 
 mine therin 3 & in all other matters referred unto them by this A£ 
 fembly , ficlikc,and as freely, as if all thefe were herein exprefled, 
 and as the perfons nominal in the faidformer Commifsion might 
 have done by vertue of the faid A& and former Commifsion at 
 any time by-gone, and with as ample power as any Commifsion 
 of former Generall AfTemblies hath had,or been in ufe of before, 
 they being alwayes comptable and cenfurable for their whole 
 proceedings hereintill by the next Generall Aflembly. 
 
 r R s e notation of the Commifsion granted to 
 the ^Perfons appointed to repair to the 
 fQngdome #/~ England. 
 
 JHe Generall Aflembly , finding that the great 
 Work of unity in Religion , and uniformity of 
 Kirk-government in all his Majefties Domini- 
 ons is not yet perfe&ed,Do therefore renew the 
 Commifsion granted for that effect by the pre- 
 ceding Aflembly , unto the Perfons appointed 
 to repair to the Kingdome of England upon the ip.day of Auguft 
 1643. in the laft Sefsion thereof, Giving and granting to the Per- 
 fons 
 
The (jenerall (tAffimbly ? 1644. u 
 
 Tons therein mentioned,the fame power,to do all ahd every thing 
 particularly or generally contained in the faid Commifsion , in 
 the fame manner, and as fully, as if the fame were herein expref- 
 fed, and as they might have done at any time by-gone by vertue 
 of the former Commifsion. 
 
 The Ajfemblies an/werto the Tresbjterie 
 yp'ith the Armle. 
 
 Reverend and loving Brethren in the L OR £> 3 
 
 i5dJ^Q)E received yours of the 17. and 20. of May , and 
 ^ttt^| were much refrefhed wirh the knowledge you gave 
 Sr-X* u nt °u s therein , ofyourfenfe of our condition here, 
 &M£%@1 a nd of the Lords dealing with your felves there in 
 your (traits and difficulties : We rejoyce exceedingly to fee you 
 makefuchableffedufeoftheLordsdelayes , for your further 
 Humiliation and Dependence upon him : That Sanctuary, your 
 Enemies, and the Enemies of your GOD hath taken, (hall not 
 fave them : You have found by experience in your marches and 
 maintenance > that events are not ordered by the proportions of 
 men , but by the Providence and purpofe of G O D. There is a 
 time for every purpofe under Heaven , and the Cup of the Amo- 
 rites muft be rilled : Which being now full of every abominati- 
 on, yea of the blood of the Saints , the cry whereof cannot but 
 be heard in Heaven , and anfwered on Earth , prefageth no lefle 
 to us,than that the Lords time of his deliverance of his own , and 
 deftrudtion of his Enemies draweth near. 
 
 We are not unfenfible of your prefent eftate, and by the Lords 
 grace fliall be careful!, both here and with our Congregations at 
 home, to make all take the fame to heart. As for our condition 
 here remembred with fuch pious affe&ion by you , we doubt not 
 but ye have heard what the Lord hath done for us-, thefe happy 
 beginnings of the Lords fcatteringour unnaturall Enemies in the 
 North , gives us confidence of his affiftance in the midft: of diffi- 
 culties againft thefe that affault us in the South : It is nothing 
 with the Lord to help whether with many , or with them that 
 have no power. 
 
 The fecurity of this Nation indeed is great , it is our part to 
 blow the Trumpet to give warning to the People , and to rouze 
 them from that feaifull condition which threatneth [o much de- 
 fertion. And tothisendwehaveinjoynedafolemnc Faft , the 
 caufes whereof being more particularly cohfkiered by our Com 
 mifftoners here,will no queftion be fent unto you,that if the Lord 
 pleafe, you may joyne with us there in that Adion. 
 
 Wee have fet down an order to be kept hereafter, for fending 
 
 Minilters 
 
iz ( The(jenerall^Ajfembly > \6^* . 
 
 MiniftersuntotheArmie, which the Clerk will fend herewith 
 unto you. Now the Lord our G O D , in whofe Name his peo* 
 pie go forth againft his Enemies,help and alTift them , and covet! 
 their heads in the Day of Battel! 3 and be their Refuge > andi>le(T£ 
 your travels and endeavours t for the good of their fouls and his 
 own glory. 
 
 Edinburgh, 3 . June Subscribed in name of the Generall 
 
 1644. Cdjfemb I j by the Moderator* 
 
 4. fune \6/\.\> Seff. VIL 
 
 The Letter from the Qommifsioners 
 at London to the (je*» 
 nerall aAJJembly* 
 
 Right Honourable > Reverend, and Belovedin the Lo R i) , 
 
 IT was the earned defire of our hearts to have come ttffa 
 to you at this time > and to have brought with us th@ 
 defireable fruits of our weighty imploymenrs and la- 
 bours, to our common rejoycing in the mids of fo ma* 
 ny troubles both here and there : but our Lordinhiswifedomg 
 hath not judged it fitting, that this mould be the time of our joy* 
 full harveft^and-efbfinging our fheaves , to be matter of FacrificS 
 tohimfelf jandofflioutingtous* Both Nations as yet doebufi 
 go forth weeping and bearing their precious feed-, yet are we con* 
 fident through Jesus Christ, thatasitisa feed-timejifthe 
 Labourers (although other men before us have laboured, and ws 
 are entred into their labours ) prove faithfull unto the end , th6 
 harveft dial 1 come in due time,and in great plenty. 
 
 The common Directory for publick Worfhipirtthe Kirks of 
 the three Kingdomes is fo begun ( which we did make known to 
 the Commiffioners of the Generall Aflembly) that we could not 
 think upon any particular Directory for our own Kirk, and yet fo 
 not fo far perfected, that wee could prefent any part thereof uri^ 
 to your view : for although wee have exhibited unto the Grand 
 Committee(which is compofed of fome ofthe Members of both 
 Houfes,and ofthe AfTembly , with our felves ) the materials of 
 the publick Prayers ofthe Kirk , the method of Preaching * and 
 the order of adminiftration of both Sacraments,and have the Ca* 
 techifme in hand \ yet are they not throughly examined by the 
 Committee,noratall by the AfTembly o. Parliament, which we 
 cannot impute to any neglect or unwillingnefle, but to the muld- 
 plioity and weight of their affairs 3 by which they are fore preited, 
 and above their powers The 
 
The Cj encr all Aflembly y \6^ t 13 
 
 The Directory for Ordination of Minifters ( which upon the 
 extreme exigence of this Kirk was much prefled by the Parlia- 
 ment) is agreed upon by the Committee and Aflembly,and fome 
 dayes paft is prefented to both Houfes , but hath nor yet paired 
 their Vote. The Aflembly hath been long in debate about the 
 Officers and Government of the Kirk ( concerning which, we of- 
 fered the two Papers which wee drew up , according to the pra- 
 ctice of our own, and other Reformed Kirks, and fo neere as we 
 could conceive, to the minde of the Generall Aflembly , and di(j 
 fend to the Commifsioners of the Generall Aflembly ) and hath 
 patTed many votes about the one & the other,but hath notbroght 
 their thoughts to fuch ripenefle and perfection, that they could 
 think upon the publifhing of them , or prefenting them to your 
 {ight,nor is it in their power to do fo, without warrant of Parlia- 
 ment. Your wifedome will confider that they are not a Generall 
 AlTembly, but fome felect Perfons, called by Authority to give 
 their advice in matters of Religion,thatthey walk in a way which 
 hath not been troden by this Nation before this time, that many 
 things feeme new unto them, and cannot obtain their aflent, till 
 they lee them clearly warranted by the Word of G O D ^ That 
 matters of the Government of the Kirk have been much contro- 
 verted here, and the prejudices againlt Presbyteriall Govern- 
 ment are many and great •, That the two extremes of Prelacieand 
 Independencie,which latter is the generall claime of all Sects and 
 Sectaries , have prevailed molt in this Kirk , andnootherthing 
 known by the multitude but the one or the other •, That fuch as 
 look toward the Government of the Reformed Kirks , finde a 
 mighty party within and without oppofing them $ And that Re- 
 formation and Uniformitie mult therefore be a work fo full of 
 difficulty, that the hand of the mod high GOD, which is now 
 begun to be Itretched out in this Land, mult bring it to pafle. 
 
 There was alfo prefented to the Aflembly , a ne w Paraphrafe 
 of the Pfalmesin Englifli Meeter,which was well liked of , and 
 commended by fome of the Members of the Aflembly 5 But be- 
 caufe we conceived that one Pfalme Book in all the three King- 
 domes was a point of Uniformity much to bedelired , we took 
 the boldnes ( although we had no fuch exprefle and particular 
 Commiflion) to oppofe the prefent allowing thereof , till the 
 Kirk of Scotland fhould be acquainted with it •, and therefore 
 have we now fent an eflay thereof in fome Pfalmes. We have al- 
 fo fent another Specimen In Prinr, done by fome Minifters of the 
 City. Your wifedome hes to confider , whether it be meet to 
 examine them by your Commifsioners there ,that their judge- 
 ments be fent up unto the Aflembly here,both about the generall 
 of Uniformity in this point,and about the particular way of etfe- 
 ctingit, whether by either of thefe two ,"orby any other Pata- 
 phraie , or by changing fome exprefsions in the Books 
 
 now 
 
i^, The (jfenerall \Ajfembly i \6/\.^ 
 
 now in ufe , which is aymed at by the firft of thefe two. 
 
 As we cannot but admire the good hand of G O D in the great 
 things done here already, particularly •, That the Covenant ( the 
 foundation of the whole Work) is taken, Prelacie and the whole 
 train thereof,extirpated • The Service- Book in many places foi> 
 faken, plain and powerfull preaching fet up ; Many Colledges in 
 Cambridge provided with fuch Minift ers,as are molt zealous of the 
 beft Reformation^ Altars rembved-,TheCommunion infome plai- 
 ces given at the Table with fittihg-,The great Organs at Pauls & of 
 Peters in IVeflminftcr taken down •, Images and many other Monu- 
 ments of Idolacry defaced andaboliftied \ The Chappel- royal at 
 Whitehal purged and reformed-,& all by Authority in a quiet man* 
 ner at noon day, without tumult : So have we from fo notable ex- 
 periencejoyned with the promifes of the Word, fuffkient ground 
 ofconfidence,that GOD will perfect this Work againft all op- 
 pofition , and of encouragement for us all to be faithfull in the 
 Work of G O D, which is carried on by his mighty Hand, that 
 no man can oppofe it, but he muff be feen fighting againft GOD* 
 It is unto us no fmall matter of comfort,that we have heard of no 
 Minifter of the Gofpel ( except fuch as the Kirk hath rejected ) 
 joynihg with the Malignants there, in their ungodly and unnatu- 
 rail afflicting of that Kinsdome, while they are endeavouring the 
 relief of the afflicted in this Kingdome • and we pray and hope, 
 that they may carefully keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace, and walk worthy both of their holy calling, and of the 
 great Work , which the Lord is working by his own weak fer- 
 vants in Kirk and Policy. 
 
 Be pleafed to receive a Letter from the Aflemblyj unto which 
 you will return fuch an anfwer as fhal feem good unto your wife- 
 dome, and withall ( which is our humble defire ) fomc word of 
 your thankf ull acknowledgement of the refped and favours done 
 by them unto us. 
 
 We have at all occafions fince our coming hither , acquainted 
 the Commifsion with our proceedings, and by the help of God, 
 mall be induftrious in obeying your directions and theirs, during 
 our abode here, which through the power andblefsingof God, 
 bringing the a ft airs of his own Church to a peaceable and bleffed 
 fuccefte, wee wifh may be for a fhort time, and unto which your? 
 fervent prayers through Chrift may be very effectuall , which 
 therefore is the humble and earneft defire of 
 
 Worcefler houfe^ Tour affectionate fellow-labouring And fellovt* 
 
 London ',May 20. feeling Brethren in the Work of the Lord, 
 
 1 644. 
 
 * V* • 1 j Alex.Hcnderfon. S dm. Rutherford, 
 jo.Maitiana. Kobm £ ^ Qm ^ GilL ^ ki 
 
/j ^ i "TT 
 
 The Letter from the Synod of Divines in 
 theK^trk^of England y to the 
 (jenerall <zJtfemb{y. 
 
 Right Honourable , right Reverend^ and dearly beloved 
 Brethrenin Jesus Christ, 
 
 I^^^^^Heblefling and comfort of that inviolable Uni- 
 \^££&&ji*gk on wn ' cn 0Llr gracious GOD hath vouch- 
 tcpffil t^ ^ c .^)j fafedto both Churches and Nations , gave us 
 3§^ ^fil opportunity the laft year, to breath out fomeot 
 v8§^p'^^fe| our fighs into your companionate bofomes : 
 IplPspSpSp And fuch have been the foundings of your bow- 
 els , as have offered violence to Heaven by your effectual! fervent 
 prayers , and brought many fweet refrefhings to our languifhing 
 fpirits by your pious and comfortable Letters , in anfwer to ours. 
 
 This makes us ftudious of all means of acknowledging your 
 fender Sympathie, and of laying hold on all opportunities of re- 
 pairing again to the fame ftreams of confolation i for which end, 
 as we cannot but confefle , that in the midft of thofe boyfterous 
 waves wherein we have been daily toffed , wee have met with 
 many gracious and unexpected encouragements : fo we muft 
 needs renew our former mournings, & rend our hearts afrefh unto 
 you,with greateft inftance for all the affiftance that your Prayers, 
 Tears, Learning, Piety, and Largeneffe of heart can poflibly con- 
 tribute to your poor afflicted and ftill- conflicting Brethren : And 
 this we the rather beg of you, who,having bin firft in the furnace 
 of affli(5rion,and are come out of great tribulation, are meeteft to 
 commiferate , and beft able to comfort others in any trouble , by 
 the comforts wherewith you your felves have been comforted of 
 GOD. 
 
 It was in our defires to have prefented to your Venerable AC- 
 fembly,fome of our dearefl: ref peels in writing, by that eminently 
 learned & much honoredCommiffionerof yours,the Lord fVari- 
 /?0tfw:But his departure hence was fo fudden to us,& unepecled by 
 us 5 that we could not have time (as his Lordfliip can inform you) 
 to tender by him fuch a teftimony of our Brotherly arid intimate 
 affections , as may in fome meafure fuite with your manifold and 
 mod affectionate expreffions toward us , when our fighings were 
 many, and our hearts faint: For fuch hath been your love , that 
 no waters can quench it , and fuch the undertakings of the whole 
 Kingdome of Scotland ^ through your furtherance , that we alrea- 
 dy begin to reap the fruits of all that Piety , Prudence, and Va- 
 lour , which at this day render your Nation worthily renowned 
 in the Ghriftian World •, and us , exceedingly ftraitned and reit- 
 
 C leflc 
 
i6 K l pe yenerau jijjem uiy, i o 44 . 
 
 lefTe in our f elves , untill GOD pleafe to open a way for oU 
 endeavours, to make fome more anfwerable returnes. 
 
 Toward this, our thoughts and hopes were to have made, ere 
 now , fome proceedings of our Aflembly legible in yours. But 
 fuch are the 'continued diffractions which lye upon our fpirits, by 
 means of the fad and bleeding condition of this Kingdome , as 
 have caft us much behinde our own expectations , and hindred 
 that expedition which the neceffities of this Nation , and the de- 
 fires of our Brethren abroad, do earneftly call for at our hands. 
 
 Sometimes through GODS goodnelTe wee have a profpe- 
 rous Gale : Sometimes againe , we faile like Paul and his compa- 
 ny , vcryjlowly many dayes. And even then , when wee draw 
 near the fair H avcns , fome contrary Windes put us out into the 
 Deep again. We walk in paths that have hitherto been untrod- 
 den by any AiTembly in this Church : We therefore are inforced 
 to fpend more time in our inquiries , and in feeking of G O D a 
 right way for us , that at length we may put into that high way, 
 the way of holineffe , wherein Wayfaring men , though fools, 
 fhall not erre: And we will wait upon our GOD (before whom 
 we have been this Day humbling of our Souls ) untill he lead us 
 into all thefe Truths which we feek after $ and we fhall labour to 
 be yet more vile in our own eyes , as finding by experience that it 
 is not in man to direct his way. 
 
 Thofe Winds which for a while do trouble the Aire, do with- 
 all purge and refine it: And our truft is that through the moft wife 
 Providence and blefTing of GO D , the Truth by our fo long 
 continued agitations,will be better cleared among us , and fo our 
 fervice will prove more acceptable to all the Churches of Chrift, 
 but more efpecially to you,while we have an intentive eye to our 
 peculiar Proteftation , and to that publick Sacred Covenant en- 
 tred into by both the Kingdomes,for Uniformity in all his Maje- 
 fties Dominions. 
 
 Which Work we carry on ( againft what ever difficulties are 
 caft in our way ) with more eafe and comfort , by the great fedu- 
 lity and feafonable affiftance wee daily receive from your Noble 
 and Reverend Commiffioners fitting among us : Their Prudence 
 will ( we doubt not ) fufficiently furnifh you with more particular 
 information touching our affairs : And here, we cannot but ac- 
 knowledge that the affidious pretence of thefe our learned and 
 highly-efteemed Brethren among us , and their free and faithfull 
 contributing of their counfels to us , doe oblige us much to a 
 double duty - 7 the one of Thanks , which we now heartily ren- 
 der to you, for fending to us fuch excellent Helpers; the other 
 of Requeft , which wee earneftly make for their continuance 
 with us , untill the Work bee brought up to the finifhing Cu- 
 bite. 
 
 Now , the Great Mafter-Builder ( without wfaofc Almighty 
 
 concur- 
 
j. uc ^jeftcr an nuvmuiy 104.0-; 1/ 
 
 concurrence,the Builders labour but in vain) accomplifh and per- 
 fect all his own glorious Work in your handstand in ours alfo, to 
 his own Glory, the peace and edification of all the Churches,and 
 the comfort of our felves over all our travels and fufferings. 
 
 Weftminjler , May 17. 
 
 1644. Tour mo ft affectionate Brethren and 
 
 fervants in the L O R D y by the di- 
 rection , and in the Name of this 
 whole Affemblj, 
 
 William Twisse , Prolocutor. 
 Cornelius Burge s , AfTeiTor. 
 Henry Robrough, Scriba. 
 Adoniram By field, Scriba. 
 
 *The (jencraU Jffemblies dnfwer , to the right 
 'Reverend the Ajfembly of Diyines in 
 the K^rl^ of England. 
 
 Right Honourable^ right Reverend jindmoft dearly 
 beloved in our L R D, 
 
 ;E do thankfully acknowledge your refpe&full 
 remembrance of us by your Letters at allocca- 
 fions •, and not a little re Joyce to fee that happie 
 correfpondence and Chriftian communion fo 
 fweetly entertained amongfl: us, which is fo ac- 
 ceptable in the fight of the Lord,fo pleafant and 
 profitable, efpecially when kept and entertained betwixt Kirks 
 and Kingdomes about affairs of higheft and mod publick con- 
 cernment and intereft: We have nothing more in our defiresthan 
 to entertain that harmonious correfpondence,thatChriltian fym- 
 pathie and compafsion, that founding and refounding of bowels, 
 which well befeemeth Kirks and Nations , united by a folemn 
 League and facred Covenant, for mutuall endeavours, by all law- 
 full means , to a further unitie in that Faith once delivered to the 
 Saints,and greater Uniformitie in Divine Worliiip, Difcipline, 
 and Government, according to the Paterne. 
 
 The cafe and condition of your bleeding Kingdome is no leffe 
 fenfible to us,than if our felves were in affliction with you-, but we 
 truft all is working to your beft,& to our Lords glory .-That fome 
 of you lies fallen, it is to try you, purge you,andmake you white:If 
 the Lord by thofe means be with that Reformation of his Ordi- 
 nances , bringing alfo alongft that other Reformation of hearts 
 
 C a and 
 
1$ *lhe (jenerall^lfembly, 1644. 
 
 and lives,(hould it not be welcomed with all joy, although it bee 
 upon the expence of blood and lives? The Lord will turn the by- 
 gone rage of Man to his glory & your fpiritualgood-the remnant 
 of rage will hee reftraine. The Lord delivereth his owne by de- 
 grees, he ts with them in trouble , and deliver eth them , and honou- 
 reth them • He who hath been fenfibly with you hitherto,and up- 
 holden you in yourtrouble,will we truft,yet deliver you,and ho- 
 nour you: The more ye fow in teares , the greater fliall be your 
 harveft ofpeace and joy, when the Lord, according to the dayes 
 wherein he hath afflicted you,and the years wherein yee have feen 
 evill, fliall make you glad, and his Work to appeare untoyou,and 
 his glory unto your children , and the beautie of the Lord your 
 God to be upon you, and fliall eftablifh the work of your hands 5 
 yea,even eftablifh the work of your hands. 
 
 We fhould prove both unthankfull to God , and unfaithfull to 
 men, did wee not hold out unto you the Lords gracious and pow- 
 er full dealing with us in the like condition,and comfort you with 
 the confolations wherewith wee our felves have been comforted: 
 We were involved in the like difficulties •, we had the ftrong op- 
 pofuion of higheft Authoritie fet over two powerful Kingdoms, 
 befide this of ours-, and the unhappy providence of our wickedly- 
 wifeand wary Prelates, had done what in them lay,to make the 
 Miniftery ofthis Land (worn Enemies to the intended Reforma- 
 tion: So that we walked in a very wildernefle, in a labyrinth, and 
 as upon deep waters, wherein not onely did our feet lofe footing, 
 butalfo our eyes all difcovcring or difecmning of any ground % 
 yea, wee wereready to lofe our felves: Yet the Lord hath graci- 
 oufly rid us, and recovered us out of all thefe difficulties, and fet 
 our feet upon a rock,and ordered our goings. The experience wee 
 have had in our own perfons , afFoordeth us confidence and hope 
 concerning your affaires-, and wee truft this hope {hall not be dif- 
 appointed -, it is our duety to hope upon experience , and it is the 
 Lords word and promife, that fuch an hope fhall not be afhamed. 
 It cannot choofe but beget confidence in you, when yee fliall con- 
 fider,that ye have feen before your eyes your neighbouring Ship 
 ofthis Kirk and Kingdome, having (as it were) loofed from your 
 fide, in the like or felf-fame ftorme, notwithftanding all toffing of 
 windes and waves,yet {not by might y nor hy power, but by the Spirit 
 of the Lord ofhofls ) to have arrived fafe and found to the Port and 
 Harberie-, yea, and to have dared to put out again unto the ftorm, 
 to contribute her weak endeavours fcr your help. 
 
 We acknowledge your impediments to be great and many^ the 
 fufferings of your Brethren.the People of G O D, cannot choofe 
 but both damp your fpirits , and divide yourthoughts : Your 
 walking in an untroden and unknown way,muft putyou (though 
 never fo willing to go on fpeedily, yet) to take rime and leifureto 
 ask for the right way-, and yc want not the oppofrrion of fome a- 
 
 mongft 
 
l do Kjenerau (tAljemviy y 104.4.. l 9 
 
 mongfl: your felves,to whom notwithstanding we truft the Lord 
 will reveale his truth in his own time. Neverthelefle f much ho- 
 noured and dear Brethren) go on couragioufly againft the frream 
 of all oppofition •, every Mountain in the way of Zerubbabel , the 
 Lord (hall make plain-, and as many ofyou as are perfect, be thus 
 minded,that forgetting the things that are behinde, and looking 
 to the things that are before,you prefle hard towards the mark,as 
 having before you,not onely the prize of the high calling and re- 
 compence of reward , but alfoat the end of this race , thefe two 
 precious Pearls and ineftimable Jewels of Truth & Unity,and all 
 the Reformed Churches beholding and looking on, not onely as 
 witneffes, but alfo being ready to congratulate and embrace you. 
 We were greatly refrefhed to hear by Letters from our Com- 
 miffioners there with you, and by a more particular relation from 
 the Lord JYariflotw now with us, of your praife- worthy proceed- 
 ings,and of the great good things the Lord hath wrought among 
 you,and for you : Shall it feem a fmall thing in our eyes, that the 
 Covenant ( the foundation ofthe whole Work ) is taken? That 
 that Antichriftian Prelacy with all the traine thereof is extirpate i 
 That the door ofa right entrie unto faithful Shepherds is opened-, 
 many corruptions,as Altars , Images , and other Monuments of 
 Idolatry and Superftition removed , defaced and aboliflicd j the 
 Service-Book in many places forfaken , and plaine and powerful) 
 preaching fet up -, the great Organs at Pauls and Peters taken 
 oown •, That the Royal Chappell is purged and reformed , Sacra- 
 ments fincerely adminiftrate, and according to the paterne in the 
 Mount •, That your Colledges,the Seminaries of your Kirk, are 
 planted with able and fincere Prof eflors * That the good hand of 
 GOD hath called and kept together fo many pious, grave , and 
 learned Divines for fo long a time , and difpofed their hearts to 
 fearch his Truth by their frequent Humiliations,continuaIl Pray* 
 crs, and learned and peaceable debates < Should not all and each 
 one of thefe ftir up our fouls to blefT'c the Lord , and render both 
 you and us confident , that he who hath begun the good Work, 
 will perfect it , and put the Cope-ftone upon it ; That the beau- 
 ty ofa perfected Worke may fhine to all Nations , and we may 
 fay and fhout, Grace, Grace , unto it •, that the time may be when 
 full liberty and leafure (hall be to all the Builders of the Houfeof 
 GOD, to give them Pelves with both their hands to the build- 
 ing up andedifyng the people of G O D in thefe things that be- 
 long to life and Godlinefle, to the making of them wife to falva- 
 tion,&throughty furniflied to every good work,&when the Lord 
 (hall delight to dwell more familiarly, and to work more power- 
 fully in, and by his throughly purified ordinances t That you af- 
 flicted and tolled with tempefts and not comforted , fhall have 
 your ftones laid with fair Colours, your foundations with Sa- 
 phires, your Children fhall be taught of GOD, and (hall have 
 
 great 
 
20 The (general! ttAjjembly, i#44» 
 
 great peace, and no Weapon framed againft you (hall profper, 
 and every tongue that rifeth againft you in Judgement (hall bee 
 condemned •, That the Lord will awake as in the ancient dayes 4 
 as in the generation of old • That the Redeemed of the Lord (hall 
 come unto Zion with finging,and forrow and mourning (hall flee 
 away. 
 
 And as we are confident that the Lord who heareth Prayer, 
 and hath promifed to guide his fervants into all truth , will bring 
 your labours to a comfortable conclufion : So do all the Refor- 
 med Kirks, and the Kirk of Scotland above all others extreamly 
 long for the tafte of the fruits of their pious labours and continual 
 pains : And fo much the more,that we have fufpended fome ma- 
 teriall determinations amongft our felves,upon expectation of 
 "Uniformity*, and that in the meane time fo many fcandalous Pa* 
 pers come to our view , and to the hands of the People here, for 
 libertie of confcience , toleration of Sects , and fuch Practices as 
 are contrary to the Doctrine , Government , and Peace of all the 
 Reformed Kirks. For flopping and fuppreffing whereof, as wee 
 doubt not , but your Wifedome, and the Authoritiy of the Ho* 
 nourable Houfes of Parliament will ufe fome more effectual! 
 means ♦, So do we hope that your Determinations fliall carry fuch 
 evidence of Divine Truth , and demonftration of the Spirit, that 
 thofe unhappy Clouds of darknefle mall be fo fcatteredjthat they 
 fhall be no more gathered nor appear hereafter,to the diflionout 
 of God , the prejudice of his Truth , and the fcandalizing of fo 
 many Souls for which Chrift hath dyed. 
 
 We doe with hearty thankf ulnefle refent all the kindnefTe and 
 refpect you have mown to our Commiflioners , and your high 
 efteeme of them in love for the Works fake •, Although their pre- 
 fence here would be very comfortable unto us , very fteedable to 
 the publick, and neceflar in refpect of their great and important 
 particular charges and Stations •, yet do we willingly difpenfe 
 with all,yea nothing mall be too dear unto us, fo that this Work 
 be finifhed with joy ,and ferufalcm made the glory andpraife of the 
 whole Earth : Becaufeofthe honfe of the Lord our God, we will feck her 
 good : For our Brethren and Companions fake, we will now fay y Peace 
 be within her Walls ^profperity within her Palaces. 
 
 Subfcribed in name of the Generall 
 
 Edinburgh 4. June ^(fembly oft he Kirk of Scot- 
 
 1644. land , by the {^Moderator of 
 
 the \ldffembly. 
 
 The 
 
The Cjeneratt Aj[embly y \6\\. 21 
 
 The Ajfemhlies an fiver to their Qom^ 
 mijlioners at London. 
 
 Reverend and Beloved Brethren, 
 
 |T would have been the rejoycing of our hearts, and the 
 lightning of our countenances, to have feen your faces, 
 and injoyed your prefence here with us , efpecially, 
 mould yee have arrived unto us loaden with the fpoils 
 of Antichrift , the Trophees of the Kirk of Chrift , and the long 
 longed-for fruits of your painfull labours : But feeing it hath 
 pleafed the Lord whofe Intereft in the bufinefte is main and prin- 
 cipallotherwifetodifpole , it doth become us with all humility 
 to fubmit to his good pleafure , with faith and patience to attend 
 his leafure, for he that beleeveth maketh not hajle, and with more 
 frequency and fervencie in prayer feek to him who will be fought 
 forthefe things , and having begun the good work will ferfel't it> 
 and double the beneht by bellowing it in a more feafonable time 
 ' unto us. 
 
 We have not been a little refreshed with your Letters fent un- 
 to us and the Commiflioners of the preceding Aflembly , and 
 with thefe from the Reverend Synod of Divines , the anfwer 
 whereof you will be pleafed to prefent unto them : By all which, 
 and more particularly by a full Relation from the Lord Warijloun 
 afaithfull witneflfe and a fellow-labourer with 'you there, we fee 
 and acknowledge that by the Lords blefTmg, die Progrefle of the 
 Work is already more than we can overtake in the courfe of our 
 thankfulnefle, that your labours are very great, your pains uncef- 
 fant, your thoughts of heart many , that ye endure the heat of the 
 day ; but being confident of your patient continuance in wel-do- 
 ing , and that your labours (hall not be in vaine in the Lord , wee 
 have renewed your Commiflion , and returned the Lord Wari- 
 fioun unto you,according to your defire , that ye mayprofecute 
 that great Work which the Lord hath bleflTed fo farre in your 
 hands. 
 
 When the Ordination and entry of Minifters fnall be confor- 
 mable to the Ordinance of God, there is to be expected a richer 
 blelling (hall be powred out from above , both of furniture and 
 affiftance upon themfelves, and of fuccefle upon their labours-, for 
 which end as our earned defire is, that the Directory for it may 
 beeftablimed •, fo doe we exceedingly long to fee the common 
 Directory for worfliip perfected , which, may prove an happy 
 meane of that wiflied for Uniformity in the Kirks of the three 
 Kingdomes , (hall ( we truft ) direct by all Rocks ot offence and 
 occafions of Humbling , and (hall remove all thefe corruptions 
 
 where- 
 
it 1 he (jenerall \Affembly > 164.^. 
 
 wherewith the Lords facrifice and fervice hath been defiled* 
 That point concerning a change of the Paraphrafe of the 
 Pfalmes in Meeter , we have referred to the Commiffioners here, 
 whofe power and Commifsion granted by the preceding Aflem* 
 bly, we have renewed and continued. 
 
 That there be difficulties concerning Kirk- Government 3 wee 
 think it not ftiange for thefe reafons you lay out before us •, yet 
 becaufe the minds of men are ftill in fufpenfe upon the fuccefle of 
 the determination of that Reverend Affembly on the one hand, 
 and upon the I uccefle of the Warre on the other •, which doth not 
 a little faint their hearts and feeble their hands 5 both you and we 
 muftbeinftantwith God and man for a finall determination of 
 all thefe debates , and a happy and fpeedy conclufion of this great 
 affaire , fo much concerning his own glory and the good of his 
 Kirk. Now the Lord lead you in all truth , and give you understanding 
 in all things. 
 
 « Subfcribed in name oft hi 
 Edinburgh 4. June Generalli_siflemhlybj 
 
 1644. the (Moderator* 
 
 The zAjfemblies Letter to the IQrfy 
 in the Netherlands. 
 
 Eratres in Domino plurimum colendi, 
 
 •Udt anno fuperiore Ecclefiarum Zelandicamm MmU 
 1 ne, mjjf<e funt ad nos Litem , ut eas communis totim 
 Ecclefix. vejtrtt Belgicx -voluntatis tefies fuiffc in* 
 terpretaremur , effecit benevolentia veftra tot tan* 
 tijque officii* nobis fpeclata : quam fententiam nobis 
 confirmarunt eaqu& copiofe clarifsimux Eques D. 
 Archibaldusjonftonus Variftonus in foro fupremo Judex ^ a reli* 
 quis turn Ordtnum turn Ecclejixhujtfs Regni Delegatis Londino noft 
 itapridem remiffos^ in hac ipfa Synodo National* de eximio veftro ergd 
 nosftudio commemoravit : prafertim quanta fide , quhmjolicita dili- 
 gent ik nojiram , vel Domim potius no fir i Jefu Chrijli caujam % qus 
 nunc Londini agitur, & promoverittSy & promovere etiamnumfatA- 
 gatis. Jguo in negotio ,ex its , quorum ab eo recitata audivimus nomi* 
 na } depropenfa rcliquorum voluntate & curd, ut conciliand& Eccleftd' 
 rum Britannic arum unionis fteliciter fufcepta confilia , vejlrH ope & 0- 
 perk profperum mature fortiantur exitum , minimi obfcura fecimm in* 
 dicta. Sunt hac tarn illuflria benevolentix veftr* tejlimonia , ejr in o» 
 mnium bonorum oculis adeo perjpicua , ut eornm mtmoriam nulla un» 
 quam delere potuerint oblivia . Labor is autem & jam impenfi & pono 
 jufcepti ad controverjias in Synodo Londinenfi juborientes foeltcitcr 
 
 expe* 
 
i fjc vjencrau sj/jemviy 1044* 21 
 
 expediencies & decidendi nequando ptrniteat^ ex eo quern perdivinam 
 jam benediclionem fructum cepifis } optima qitefy in potter um (per are 
 confentaneum ejl\ 
 
 Huic tarn honorific* bene fcior um veftrorum commemoration} a D. 
 Ndinbonio fact* (up ervenerunt ex partibm Hibcrni* aquilonaribm 
 Liter* muhorum Cbirographis fubfignat* • Qui (ingularis gratia in 
 Mam Ecclcfiam dwlmitti effuf* , ex quo tempore in focietatcm feeder is 
 trium unitorum fub Rege noftro Regnorum admifsi Junt ,mentione fa~ 
 " tta, huym inquiunt divin* benedictions amplifsimum nuper habui- 
 ** mm tefimonium^ Sanctorum in Belgio liber -alitatem exirniam • qui 
 " nobis ^ ignotis licet & pcrcgrinis \ fratres fe noflri amantifsimos, & 
 11 malorum nojlroritm fenju tenerrimo compunctos aperte demonflr'%- 
 cc runt. Pauculos enim nos gladiofupcr slit cs^ & fame propediem inter- 
 <6 ituroSj omnibm extreynis circumventos , in ipfo articulo fublcva- 
 <c runt : nee tantum oratione ad confolationem compofita nobis animos 
 w confrmkrunt , bortantcs tit humiltter incedentes Deum liber atorcm 
 <c expectemm^qui non nifi ad breve tempm faciem fuam a domo Jacob 
 "abfconderefolct^ fed 'fubjidio infuperopulento cum annon*^ turn alia- 
 u rumrcrum ad no f ram in t ant is angufiis relaxationem et folatium ne- 
 cc ce(fariarum copiofe nos refocillarunt.Tantam munifuentiam cumfup- 
 splices a Deo contendimm^ ut feptuplam ipfs in finum rependat, turn 
 u demifs'e vos etiam dtuL etiam rogamus , ut intanti bencfeii agnitiom 
 " Ecclcfiis Bclgicis,nobifcum gratias agatis. H*c Mi. In quo quidem 
 officio fi Mis defimiiSj in nos par iter cr M&sgraviter peccemm. 
 
 x^Agnofcimm igittir Mnjlrifsimorum $* potentifsimorum Hollan- 
 diXyZ^hndix^aliorum^ Ordinum Belgicorum tarn exirniam bencfi- 
 centiam : quibm non conniventibm modo & pcrmitlcntibm ( quod ip- 
 Cum non vulgar e benejicium habendum efjet ) fed author ibm etiam y mo- 
 dumqus & rationem pr*fcribentibm, cxemplo qnoquc fr*euntibm :> in 
 fubfdium fatrum noflrorum Hibernenfium collccta per Ecclefias fa- 
 cta ad ipfos mature deport at a fit : \_Agnofcimm piorum in iifdem Ec - 
 clef is Belgicis tarn cxpromptam voluntatem cjr liber alitatem : agnof 
 cimm tantum benefcium non in ipfos magisfratres nofros, quam in il- 
 lorum perfona in nofmetipfos e(fe collatum : Vofque ( fratres Rcvcren- 
 di) obnixc rogatos volummjit quern ad. wodum nos adomnem grati ani- 
 mi (ignific ationem prompti femper erimm , it a qua vobis potifsimum 
 ratione commodum videbitur 3 iliuflrifsimis & potentijsimis Ordinibm 
 vofro nomine gratias agatis : populo autem Chrifliano cur* vefr* corn- 
 miff o tnm public e univcrfo, turn privatim fingulis ', ut eccafo tulerit^de- 
 monflrctisquam honorific^ dc ipfis fentiamm , ej* quantifaciamus tarn 
 exirniam bencvolcnliam & charitatem , qua in Ecclejiarum Hibemi- 
 carum confolatione vifecra noflra refocillaverunt. J^u* autem veflr* 
 fuerint partes, fratres charifsimi, quam pio fludio & labore, quam afsi- 
 dtu diligentia tanta charitatis femen in fegetem & maturam tandem 
 mejjem provexeritis, cum nos libentes agnofcimns , turn res ipfa lo- 
 quitur, & fuctm opimm abund'e tettatur. Jnprimis autem { quod 
 caput ejl ) tant& grati* authorem ejr largitorcm nos una cum I < 
 
 J) clepis 
 
2A. *Ihe GcncrallaJi\jembly > 164.4.. 
 
 clefds Hibemkis laudamus & celebramus: compr -ec antes ut in vos mi' 
 verfos, in F.cclcfias a Domino vo'ois commijjas jn illuflrifstmos Belgii 
 veftri Or dines Spir/tumfuum copiofe effundat , M qutmadmodum m 
 Hep. veslra adverfus hofiem potenttfswmm defendenda, <jr inter tan- 
 tas bellorum moles indies amplificanda , in Evangelii luce & ventati 
 incontaminatk centra infer or urn port as in veflris Ecclefiis prcpugnan* 
 da, at que inde latins propaganda , immenfa Dei vobis excubantis p» 
 tenti : a ^multiformis faptenti 'a ,<£* cximia benefcentia,per univcrfum ter~ 
 varum orbem bactenus celebrata eji • it a bonis omnibus vos deinceps cn- 
 mulare pwgat idem fons omnis bonitatis , utfrementibus religionts & 
 Itbertatis vcftr<z beftibus , fapicnt'u ejr opt im arum artiumjuvtaac ar» 
 morum triumpborumque gloria inter nobilijsimas gentes Rejp. veflri 
 feeder at a quotidie magis emineat,Ecclefiafacrorum puritate^ & coelefia 
 veritatts (plcndore pcrfpicuarefulgeat^ eoque profcer'e vobis cedanl vt* 
 jlraprudentifsima & faluberrima confili*, qut&us ccrtifsimum adfoeti- 
 citattm public am compendium vos capejjere demon fir at is jnec vobis tan* 
 turn confulitiSyfedde vicinis etiam Ecclefiis foliciti^qua opcra,qua con- 
 flio opibufque veflris cos fublevatis cjr confirm atis omnes , ejr quafi dt 
 fbecula univerfis profpicientes de periculis imminentibus commonefaci- 
 tis, & adruinam ab holiibus dolofe machinatam mature pr&cavendam 
 armatis. 
 
 Ergs quod anno fuperiori,vetuti fgnodato, Reformat as omnes Ec- 
 clefiasjnifsis ex Zelandia Uteris commonuisiis ,ut cum impoflorcsJeCti 
 nomen impudent er ementiti, c&terique Anticbrifiifatellites , quo f ecu- 
 rius in populum error ibus Pontifciis fafcinatnm grajfari , & pm torts 
 Chrifli Ecclejias funditus cxtirpare qucdnt, arctifsimk conjuratione ft- 
 ciati act impia confihapatranda fcfe accinxerunt $ Ha Ecclef'd quoqui 
 Reformats fine mora confilia in medium alacriter confer ant, ejr animoi 
 ac vires con] ungant,ut pemiciemfibi omnibus intent at am inboftitm 
 capita ret or que ant ; ni fecerint Jam pudenda ignavia excufatione apud 
 foflcritatem carituri., confilium non minus prudens &fdum, quamfte- 
 lix ejrfalutare libenter <$* turn agnovimus cjf nunc ipfo etiam event u 
 comprobamus. 
 
 Principio autem ad boc confequendum neceffarium videtur , ut fine 
 mora convolemus omnes ad Deum noflrum dementi fsimum , qui pofi- 
 quam Ecclefiarum Reformatarum mores minim'e reformatos mult is an- 
 nis longanimitate fua pcrtulijjet^ fcrulamprimum, mox etiam glactium 
 vibratum intermtnatus , tandem mbentem ejr madidum fuorumque f an- 
 guine calentcm & jpumantem per regiones plurimas \am diucircum- 
 tulit\ in nos demque reliquos nunc intent at , nifi mature refipuerimus, 
 ejr de domo ipfuts ampltw purganda , de gratia Domini mHri Jefu 
 Chriftj pluris faciendh, de cultu Dei ipfiufque injlitutis religiofius ha- 
 bendis, de Sabbatho ejus fantlificando , a quo nimiiim oculos noflros a- 
 vertimus^f de moribus adpietatis normam componendis magis fcrio 
 quam bactcnus a nobis factum eji, nobifcum flatuentes cum populo Dei 
 fub Nehemia , Jofia, reliquifque piis Gubernatoribus , religiofo fec- 
 dcre percujfo , tanquam frmifUmo vinculo Deo obltricii , nos inter 
 
 ms 
 
The CjeneraUAjfembly, 1644. 2 ? 
 
 ■no s arctius adverfus hofies univerimus , ut avert at Deus jamfuman- 
 tem & capitibus no fir is immincntcm iram , e^uam pec at a no fir a pluri- 
 ma & maxima adverfus nos provockrunt & accendcrunt. 
 
 Non tan turn nobis deferimus, nondnm eos renovato cum Deo fcedere, 
 & vet is nuncupatis dignos edidimiisfrucftls, ut nofirum excmplum vo- 
 bisproponcre libeat: Onodtamcn cxpcrtifumtts , de Dei erga nos gra- 
 tia^quod gratitudo ergo. Dcum , quod gloria ipfim a nobis flagitat^ce- 
 larc non audemus. fguacunque noflra male merita funt in confbeclu 
 Dei ejr hominum^ eerie ex quo die nos de religiofo feeder e cam Deo ejr 
 inter nos ineundocogitavimus, a port is infer or um revocari, & res no- 
 fir a omnes in Dcum nofirum neccfjarib conjefla melius habere ccepe- 
 runt,& foeltciore hacienus fuccejju proceffcrunt. Quodfi de feeder ts hu- 
 jufmodi religiofafocictate coeunda ( quodrerum vcflrarum cjr Reliv'to- 
 ms in Britannia no fir a ex feeder enupcr imto perpurganda eyfiabili- 
 enda commodo fieri pojsit ) vc'sira prudentia vifum f iter it cogitare, ejr 
 ex confilio eorttm quorum interefi fiatuere , ac cum aliis Rcformaiis Fc- 
 clefiis a?ere {pro ea qua apud omnes valetis gratia ) ut eandem vobif- 
 Cum meant rationem, non dubium eft , per Domini ac Dei noflri benig- 
 pifsimiJeCu Chrifti in Ecclcfias fuas gratiam, forest non modb, quod 
 certifsimum adverfus impendentiamala perfugium anno fupcr tore mi f- 
 fis ex Zelandia Uteris denunciafiis, Ecclefia Reformat* arciiorisfocie- 
 tatis vinculo inter fe unit a ad hoflium conatus impetufque frangendos 
 (orroborentur & confirmentur ^fed disjeClt etiam lapides Domus Dei 
 per Gcrmaniam ex ruder e & cmeribus redivivi recolligantur, ac glo- 
 riofum Domini nofiri Templum ibidem inHauretur : cjr purioris Rcli- 
 gionis Prof chores in iflis Ecclefiis , per refipifcentiam odeum qui per- 
 cufsit eos,reverfi, & quod nullis cane feat faculis fcedere, Domino no* 
 bifcum coadunatiy malts , fub quorum ponder e tot annos gcmifcunt, tan- 
 dem fttblcventur. gut dies longe optatifs'imus fi per Dei gratiam feme I 
 illuxerit •, de confiliorum commumone inter Reformat arum Ecclefiarum 
 Synodos per Legatosejr Lit eras concilianda iniri pofsit ratio, per quam 
 Ecclefia hofies compefcantur, harcfes opprimantur, & fchifmdta re far- 
 ciantur , fax cum Deo ejr inter Ecclefias firma eonfervetur, & glorio- 
 fum Dei opus in Evangelio per orbem t err arum propagando , & Anti- 
 $briHi regno abolendo promoveatur. £)uod ut optandum, rjr Jperan- 
 dum, pits cjrprudentibus vefiris meditationibus , ut bonum femen fce- 
 cundifsimo folo conimendamus. 
 
 Edinbnrgi, 4. Junii Veftra? Dignitati & Fraternitati addi- 
 
 1 644. c"H(iimi,Paftores & Seniores Natio- 
 
 nalis Synodi Scoticansc , & noftro 
 omnium nomine ac mandato 
 
 birtECt. Ja.Bonar Moderator. 
 
 Ecclefiis Dei , qua funt in unitis 
 Hollandia?, Zelandia?, aliifque 
 fcederati Belgii Provinciis . 
 
 D i Ordinance 
 
6 TheCjenerallzAjfembly, \6\^ 
 Ordinance concerning Hurfars. 
 
 He AfTembly underftanding that the Overture for 
 maintaining Burfars, in the AfTembly holden in the 
 year 1641. upon the 7. of Auguft, SefT. 15. is ne- 
 ver yet put in practice : Do therefore Ordain Pref- 
 ggjj hyteriesto put the fame in practice with all dill* 
 ^ence,and to make account thereof to the next Aflcmbly, 
 
 Ordinance for up-lifting and imploying 'Pe- 
 nalties contained in ABs of ^Parlia- 
 ment, upon pious ufes. 
 
 ^He AfTembly underftanding that the executing 
 of fome laudable Acts of Parliament , made 
 againft Non- Communicants and Excommuni* 
 cate perfons , and of divers other A els contain- 
 ing pecuniall pains for reftraining of Vice , and 
 advancing Piety , is much neglected by the 
 flowneffe of Presbyteries and Minifters , in feeking Exe- 
 cution thereof : Therefore ordains Presbyteries and Minifters 
 refpectiv} , to be diligent hereafter by all means , in profecuting 
 full and exact Execution of all fuch Acts of Parliament , for lift- 
 ing the faids Penalties contained in the fame,and for faithfull iffi- 
 ployment th<h*eof,upon pious ufes , and that every Presbyterie re- 
 port their diligence herein yearly to Generall AfTemblies. 
 
 An Overture concerning Tromifes of Marriage 
 
 made by Minors, to thofe with whom they 
 
 have committed Fornication* 
 
 •rfameikle as it is found by experience $ that £bme 
 young men being put to Colledges by their Wel-aflfe- 
 cted Parents, that they may be inftructed inthe<know- 
 ^642%;® ledge of Arts and Sciences , to the intent they may bee 
 more able for publick Imployments in theEcclefiaftick and Ci- 
 vill ftate,that the faid Children hes committed Fornication: And 
 theWoman and her friends hes leduced the forefaid Schollcrs be- 
 ing Minors,to make promife of Marriage to the party with whom 
 they have committed Fornication •, And thereupon intends to geE- 
 the bene fite of Marriage with the faid young men , notonely 
 without the confertt of their Parents, but to their great grief> and 
 to the great appearance of the ruine and overthrow of their eftate: 
 
 Which 
 
• I 
 
 Which may be the cafe of Noblemen and Gentlemens children, 
 as wel as of thefe of other eft ates & degrees within the Kingdom. 
 Wherefore if the Aflembly think it expedient,it would be decla- 
 red that all fuch promifes be made null and of none effect, efpeci- 
 ally where the maker of the promife is Minor, and not willing to 
 obfervethe famine , becaufe his Parents will not confent, but op- 
 pofe and contradict , threatning to make him lofe not onely his 
 favour but both blefsing and birth-right. This Ordinance flial not 
 onely be very expedient for many good civill caufes , but is very 
 confonant and agreeable to the Word of God , and will be very 
 comfortable to many Godly Parents,who otherwife may be dis- 
 appointed of their pious intentions, and have the. comfort they 
 expected, turned to an heavy and grievous crofle. 
 
 The Generall ^Ajfembly thinks it convenient at this time , to 
 delay any determination in I he matter above-written un- 
 til/ the next x^A^emhiy , That in the meane time every 
 Presbyterie may take the fame to their ferious consideration, 
 Aiid report their judgements to the K^Jjjcmbly, 
 
 AB concerning difjenting voices in "Tref- 
 bjteries and Synods. 
 
 S^He Aflembly thinks it neceflar , if any Member of 
 t£M$MM£k Presbyteries or Synods (hall finde in matters de- 
 §« pending before them , that the Moderator fhall re- 
 w^-^ft f" re t0 P llt an y tnm g °* Importance to voices ; Or 
 «K^^2S& if they findc any thing carried by plurality of voi- 
 ces to any determination which they conceive to 
 be contrary to the Word of God.the Acts of Affembly,or to the 
 received order of this Kirk , Th at in either of thefe cafes they 
 urge their diflent to be marked in theRegifter-, And if that be refu- 
 fed , that they proteft as they would delireto be free of common 
 cenfure with the reft : And the Aflembly declares the diflenters 
 to be cen fumble , if their diflentfhull be found other wife nor they 
 conceived. 
 
 All concermngthe ElcUwn of a Moderator 
 in Trovinciall Affemblies. 
 
 ^g[d|He Generall Aflembly underftanding that fome Pro- 
 JL vinciall Affemblies in choofing their Moderator , tye 
 .^,^| themfelves to thefe Perfons who have been before 
 SSK2#f named and deflgned in particular Presbyteries, which 
 is againfl: the libertie of the Provinciall Aflembly rTherefore dif- 
 charges Presbyteries to make any fuch nomination hereafter-, 
 
 And 
 
28 TheCfenerallAjjembly, 1644* 
 
 And ordain Provincials in their firft meeting,to eled their Mode* 
 rator,and to make their own Lift for that effect without any fuch 
 pra»limitation. 
 
 ABfor peeping of the Fajl by the Congrega* 
 
 tionsin the Tovone where the 
 
 Afjembly holds. 
 
 ggHe Afletnbly fudge it moft neceffar & comely, feeing 
 '"T ftg the firft day of the meeting of Generall Affemblies, 
 1 g|[ is by the laudable practice of this Kirk a day of Fa» 
 fting and Humiliation , for craving the Lords blef- 
 fing to that Meeting $ That not onely the Members 
 of the AfTembly,but that all the Congregations alfo of the Town 
 where the Aftembly holds bee foexercifed c -: And thatpublick 
 worfhip be in all the Kirks thereof that day for that effect. 
 
 T s He Generall K^ipmbly appoint i the meeting of the next x^Af* 
 fembly , to be upon the loft Thurfday of May, in theyeer I $45 . 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Of the ABs of the Afjembly holaen at 
 Edinburgh, 1644. not printed. 
 
 \Leftion ofMajier James Bonar ^Moderator. SefT. I. 
 Continuation of the decifion in the quefiion concerning thi 
 Commifsionfrom CmW^untill the appellation be difcuf 
 fed. lb. 
 
 Appointment of Committees for Bilts,Reports, &c. SefT.II. 
 Ca Letter from the Presbytery at the Armie concerning fending tMi* 
 
 nifers unto them, lb. 
 A Letttrfrem the Presbyterie in Ireland, lb* 
 TheAffemblics thankful refentment of the E.Louthitxisfufferings.lb. 
 The deflre of the Convention of E fates , to quicken the proceedings of 
 
 the A(fembly,and the Affemblies refolution thereinto. SefT. III. 
 Reference to the Commijsion to be appointed by the AJJ'embly, for pref eft- 
 ting Overtures ^yi tissue, to the Parliament. lb. 
 Renovation of the Ail of the preceding Ajfembly* for planting the new 
 
 Colledgi 
 
INDEX; 
 
 Collcdgcoj S. Andrews. lb. 
 
 Rif. tf/Denmures Bill. 
 
 Ref. o/'Aytouns Bill. 
 
 Committee to cor.fukr fome Overtures concerning Univerfities and 
 Schooles. SeiT.IV. 
 
 Com?nifsion granted to M.WiWnm Cockburn , M. Hugh Mackale 
 for thefrfl 3 Monetbs beginning the 1 .of Aug. next •, to M. George 
 Dick^and M.John Dick the next 5. Monet hs -, and to M.John Le- 
 \\ng(io^n^and M. Thomas \Ny\kfor the Lift -$.Monethsjo repair 
 tothc North of Ireland , hearing the fame power granted to the Per- 
 fons appointed for that imploymcnt by the preceding Afjembly. lb. 
 
 Renovation of the Commission for fending Expectants to Ireland . lb. 
 
 Recom.of Sir John Weenies ofRogkhifBitl. lb. 
 
 Commifsion for vifitation ^/Orkney, Zetland, Caithnes,Sutherland 
 andKoik, to CMafters William Falconer, and Murdo Mac- 
 kenzie, and Alexander Brodie of that Ilk. 
 
 \^i c~t for M. George HAyhuxtouns going to the Army. lb. 
 
 Report of the Lords of Exchequer their promife concerning payment of 
 fome of the arrcers of the annul tie of 500. lib. lb. 
 
 Aci and Reference concerning Af. James Wood. lb. 
 
 Reference to the Commifsion of this Affembly concerning the Papers 
 prefentedby my Lord Wariftoun , which were directed to the Corn- 
 mi fs toners of the preceding Ajfembly . Se ff. V . 
 
 Kef to the Commifsion for planting the NewColledge 0/Aberdene.Ib. 
 
 Tranjportation of CM .George Leflie to the Kirk of Lellie. lb. 
 
 A& concerning the planting of the Kirk of Syres. lb. 
 
 Refofthe Counteffe 0/Kinnowles Bill to the Commifsion. lb. 
 
 Alt concerning A/. Andrew Murray CMimftcrat Ebdie. lb. 
 
 Aft and Ref. concerning the planting of the Kirk 0/Lamingcoun. lb. 
 
 Ref.tothe Commifsion of the ^Afjembly concerning Overtures for U- 
 nivcrfities andSchcoles^Scc. Sell. VI. 
 
 Ref. to the faid Commifsion for planting the Kirk of Aberdene.Ib. 
 
 Jndid ion of aFafl. lb. 
 
 Renovation of the appointment of the preceding Ajfembly for framing a 
 Directory for Worflnp , and for try all of Synods , Presbyteries , and 
 Kirks. lb. 
 
 Act for the Clerks fubferibing the deliverance of the Committee of Bits 
 for charity to the difire(Jed people of Ireland . lb. 
 
 Ref. td the Commifsion for considering the formes and draughts of 
 Commtfsionsfor vifitation of Univerftties. lb. 
 
 Act recalling two Acts of the Commifsion for viftation of the Univer- 
 Jity of'S. Andrews, lb. 
 
 Recom.to the Commifsion concerning confirmation of CMiniflers Books 
 in their wives Teflaments . lb. 
 
 Recom.to the faid Commifsion concerning Witches and Charmers . lb. 
 ; Refofthe Overtures of the Synod of Murray to the faid Commifs. lb. 
 I Recom.of V. Adam Stuart. lb. 
 
 RemvM- 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Renovation of the Act concerning James Murray. SefT.uIt. 
 
 Continuation of the Commission of the preceding Affembly appointed to 
 ft at Air. lb. 
 
 Act concerning c/W.Robert Peirfon Minifier in Orkney, lb. 
 
 Recom.ofthe Lord Gasks Bill. lb. 
 
 Act concerning the Kirks of Aberchirdour ^sfEnnerkethenne.Ib. 
 
 Ref.ofM.Altx. Petries Letter to the Commifsion of AJfembly. lb. 
 
 Act concerning therepofition of M.John Muxwdfometime Cfrliniftcr 
 at Glafgow, iv/>^4/? Ordinance for his fubfcribing a particular De- 
 claration of the unlawfulnefje ofEpifcopacy. lb. 
 
 Ref. of my Lord Seatons Bill to the Commifsion of AJfembly. lb. 
 
 Letter from the Presbyterie at the Army, witha Reference to the Com- 
 mifsion concerning the rejlraint of ' ttanftorting Women to the Ar* 
 my. lb. 
 
 Ref.totheCommifsiou of AJfembly concerniug the Letters from the 
 Commifsioners at London, &c. and concerning the Paraphrafe of 
 the Pfalmes in Meeter. lb. 
 
 Ref of my Lord Yefters Bill to thefaid Commifsion. lb. 
 
 Act concerning M. Alexander Trotter. lb. 
 
 Ref. 0/Margaret Thorntons Bill to the Commifsion of AJfembly. lb. 
 
 Remit.tothePresb.of Achterardour , concerning the matter of M» 
 William Cook. lb. 
 
 Tran (plantation ofM. William Rait taBrechen. lb. 
 
 Ordinance for the Minifier s of the Presbytery of Peebles their acknow- 
 ledgement of their difobedience to the Alls both of the Generall 
 and Provincial! (^JJcmblies, in admitting M. John Hay, upon 
 their knees before the Provincial! of Louthian ; And approba-- 
 tionofthedijfenters •, with M. John Hayes Declaration , and the 
 Ajfembties Ordinance for his fubferibing a particular Declaration 
 concerning the unlawful nejfe of Epifcopdcie. lb. 
 
 Ref. concerning the Kirk 0/Tefmahago to their Provinci all. lb. 
 
 Ratification oj the Contract betwixt James Maxwel 0/Tnnerweeke, 
 and M John M9LCghk)Concermng augmentation of the Minifier s 
 provifion at Dirletoun , and of the Acts of Presbytery and Synod 
 thereanent. lb. 
 
 Ref. from the Presb. ofH&ti\n%toxm,andthe AJfemblies Anfwers. lb. 
 
 Act for Presb. of Erfiltouns furnijhing of Mtmflers to tbeMaflerof 
 Cranftouns Regiment 7 and for fending forth prefently M. Thomas 
 
 1 Donaldfon. lb. 
 
 Act for the Presb. of 'Dalkeith fending a CMiniHer toV&. Nidries 
 Regiment. lb. 
 
 Ref. to the Commifsion of AJfembly of the defires and Overtures of 
 . Caitnes.lb. 
 
 FINIS. 
 

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