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DIVINITY SCHOOL
TROWBRIDGE LIBRARY

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS

WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES
WHILE ENGAGED IN PREPARING THEIR
DIRECTORY FOR CHURCH GOVERNMENT,
CONFESSION OF FAITH, AND
CATECHISMS
(NOVEMBER 1644 TO MARCH 1649)

JFrom transcripts of tfje ©rigtnals
PROCURED BY
\ COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

EDITED FOR THE COMMITTEE BY THE
REV. ALEX. F. MITCHELL, D.D.
PROFESSOR OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS

REV. JOHN STRUTHERS, LL.D.
MINISTER OF PRESTONPANS

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS
EDINBURGH AND LONDON
l874

KP52
W52?^

TO THE
VENERABLE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OF
THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
Cl)i$ Volume
PUBLISHED BY THEIR DESIRE
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED

PREFACE.

THE Manuscript Minutes of the Assembly of Divines,
of which a transcript has been made for the Church of
Scotland, are at present contained in three volumes of not
quite equal-sized foolscap folio, and are in the custody
of the Trustees of Dr. Williams' Library, lately removed
to Grafton Street, Fitzroy Square, London. The volumes
are plainly bound, in a style which was common in the
latter half of last century. They have, in a modern hand,
at the beginning of the first and second, the title, ' Minutes
of the Sessions of the Assembly of Divines, from August
4th, 1643, to April 24th, 1652.' At the beginning of the
third volume is found the more strictly accurate title,
' Minutes of the Sessions of the Assembly of Divines, from
August 4th, 1643, to March 25th, 1652.' It is not very
precisely ascertained how they came into the hands of
their present custodiers. It was supposed by the Rev.
R. Brooke Aspland, the late Chairman of the Trustees,
that they were included in the rare and valuable collection
of Dr. William Bates, which was purchased by Dr.
Williams for his Library. In the unprinted catalogue of
the MSS. in the Library, it is merely said, ' It does not
appear when these volumes were deposited in this Library.
They came, most probably, with Morrice's MSS.'
The volumes are pronounced by several competent
judges to be almost entirely in the handwriting of Ado-
niram Byfield, one of the scribes of the Assembly of
Divines. His name is written several times on the first

VI PREFACE.
page of the second volume, apparently in the same hand
writing as the greater part of the volumes; and on the
occasions when he can be shown to have got temporary
leave of absence, the scroll minutes are continued in a
different hand.
Though the Minutes are now collected into three
volumes, each volume appears to consist of two or more
fasciculi, which may originally have been separate. On
this account, some who have not inspected them have
sought to identify them with the fourteen or fifteen vol
umes of notes of the Assembly's proceedings which Dr.
Thomas Goodwin is reported to have written. But Dr.
Goodwin's son, who states that his father did write such
notes, states also that they were in octavo ; ' while those
in Dr. Williams' Library are, as already mentioned, in
folio, and cannot in many cases be described as brief.
Besides, full accounts of the proceedings, and even of
speeches delivered in sessions when we know that Good
win was not present, are given in the same hand as the
other minutes.
The first volume consists of three fasciculi. The first
of these extends from folio I to folio 149, and from session
45 to session 86; the second extends from folio 150 to'
folio 295, and from session 87 to session 119; the third
begins with folio 296, and ends with folio 443, extending
from session 155 to 198. The volume accordingly embraces
part of the debates on the revision of the English Articles,
and the first part of those on Church Government ; but' it
has no record of proceedings from 1st July to 3d August,
during which interval forty-four sessions must have been
held ; nor of those from December 20th, 1643, to Febru
ary 15 th, 1643-4, during which thirty-six sessions were
held, and debates of considerable importance carried on.
1 ' I shall only take notice that he took a brief account of every day's trans
actions, of which I have fourteen or fifteen volumes in 8vo, wrote with his
own hand. '— Memoir of Goodwin, by his Son.

PREFACE. VU
The second volume appears to be formed of two fasci
culi bound together. The first ends at folio 148, which
is a blank leaf, having its outside soiled, as if by exposure
and use before it was bound up in its present form. The
second begins at folio 149, and ends at folio 297, and, like
the first one, has blank leaves at the beginning and end.
It is a continuous record of the sessions from April 12th,
1644, to November 15th, 1644, and contains the main part
of the Assembly's debates on Church Government and on
the Directory for Public Worship.
The third volume appears to be formed of four fasciculi,
three only of which, however, are connected with the West
minster Assembly. The first, consisting of 140 folios,
contains memoranda of the several sessions from 324 to
604 or from November 18th, 1644, to March 16th, 1645-6.
The last thirteen pages are blank, and the notes of the
proceedings are occasionally very meagre, though at other
times pretty full notes of speeches are inserted. The
second, consisting of 97 folios, numbered from 141 to 238,
contains similar but generally more full memoranda
(written out with some formality) of the sessions from 601
to 900, under dates from March 9th, 1645-6, to August
1 6th, 1647. In this fascicle six pages at the beginning and
eight at the end are blank. The third, consisting of 148
folios, numbered from 239 to 387, and apparently a con
tinuation of fascicle 1, contains somewhat similar, but
usually more brief, memoranda of the sessions from 604 to
1 163, under dates from March 16th, 1645-6, to February
22d, 1648-9, as well as of the sessions which are not
numbered, and which extend from March ist, 1648-9, to
March 25th, 1652. These last record little more than the
bare names of the persons examined and approved by the
Assembly. The fourth fascicle, consisting of 40 folios,
written in a younger and more distinct hand, or perhaps
in several such hands, contains what appear to be scroll
minutes of the Provincial Assembly or Synod of London.

Vlll PREFACE.
The third volume is in many respects the most important
of all. If it contains generally less copious notes of
speeches, it has, especially in its middle fascicle, more
regular minutes of the meetings, and is the only known
record of the Assembly's proceedings while engaged in
the formation of its Directory for Church Government,
Confession of Faith, and Catechisms.
The ' Minutes,' with the exception of the second fascicle
of this third volume, are written in a peculiarly hurried
and indistinct hand, hardly more easy to be deciphered
at times, as Dr. Stoughton has remarked, than the short
hand occasionally employed by the scribe. They are,
with the same exception, rather notes of speeches and
debates jotted down by the scribe during the session, along
with the resolutions of the Assembly respecting them,
than formal and carefully extended minutes. Still these
notes, as proceeding from an official person, are at least
of equal value with those of Gillespie and Lightfoot, and
often enter orders and resolutions of the Assembly in a
fuller and more formal way than they have done. The
record in the second fascicle is more carefully composed
and more legibly written, and may fairly claim to be
received in the strictest sense as the 'Minutes of the
Sessions of the Assembly of Divines' from March 9th,)
1645, to August 1647, though even in it many documents
or parts of documents sanctioned are not entered at
length. It is round this, its central portion, that the main
interest of the volume is gathered ; and to the illustration
of it, and the recovery from the Journals of Parliament of
as many of the omitted documents as possible, that most
attention has been given. In regard to the other portions
which contain notes of debates, it is hardly necessary to
add that the Assembly is to be held responsible only for
its own resolutions and declared conclusions, not for the
sentiments of individual speakers. These, when the senti
ments expressed by many, may be a help to the interpre-

PREFACE. IX
tation of resolutions, though even then the Assembly is
responsible for the resolutions alone ; but when they are
those of one or a few, they are not to be so used with any
confidence. What the Sub-committee on Accommodation
asserted in their reply to the Dissenting Brethren must be
admitted to have a general application, 'This we know,
that no member of the Assembly could give any other
sense but their own as single persons, nothing being the
sense of the Assembly but what appears to be so by their
order or resolve ; and that if one speak anything as his
sense, the rest being silent, their silence is not to be taken
for a consent1 (p. 109).
The transcripts from which this volume has been printed
were made by E. Maunde Thompson, Esq., Assistant
Keeper of MSS. in the British Museum, and the Rev. Dr.
Struthers of Prestonpans. But the Minutes* throughout
stand in the text as, after repeated and careful revision,
it was fixed by Mr. Thompson, save that irregularities in
spelling have not generally been preserved. Various
readings or conjectural emendations which either editor
thinks worthy of mention are given in the notes. Those
who wish to see what the spelling is deemed to be
by a most competent judge, may consult his transcripts
deposited in the Library of the Church. At the meeting
of the Committee in 'May 1872, a unanimous wish was
expressed that the portion of the Minutes published should
be so in modern spelling. Though not altogether without
reluctance, we acquiesced — ist, Because, from the frequent
abbreviation of words or parts of words, and the running
of certain letters into one another, the spelling is to a
certain extent conjectural, and must be given in modern
form ; 2d, Because even where it can be incontrovertibly
ascertained, it is not that of the speakers, nor by any
means the same as that used in their published writ
ings, and notes of speeches preserved by themselves;
id, Because a similar course appears to have been fol-

X PREFACE.
lowed in editing the contemporary Journals of Parlia
ment. Where proper names nearly resemble the forms still in
common use, they have been retained. With respect to
some which vary further from the forms now used, the
example set by the learned editor of Baillie's Letters and
Journals has been followed.1 Accordingly, Chillingworth
has been substituted for Shillingworth, Cheynell generally
for Channell, Chanel, and Cheinel ; and the names of the
Scotch Commissioners especially have been given in the
forms which most nearly resemble those still used in
Scotland. The best thanks of the editors are due to the Trustees
and Librarian of Dr. Williams' Library, Grafton Street,
London, for their great courtesy and kindness in allowing
free access to the original Minutes ; and to E. M. Thomp
son, Esq., for the great labour he bestowed in securing a
thoroughly accurate transcript ; also to David Laing, Esq.,
LL.D., of the Signet Library, for much valuable counsel ;
and to Professor Birrel, St. Andrews, for kind aid in
revising the proof-sheets.
The Index to the volume has been prepared by Dr.
Struthers. Professor Mitchell alone is responsible for the
Introduction, and also for the notes to the Minutes, unless
when these have the initials of the transcriber or of Dr.
Struthers. 1 ' Here, and in the subsequent account of the Assembly of Divines at West
minster, the incorrect orthography of the names of persons, as written by
Baillie's amanuensis, has not been retained.'— Baillie's Letters, vol. ii p 102

INTRODUCTION.

' On Saturday last, the Assembly of Divines began at
Westminster, according to the Ordinance of both the
Houses of Parliament, where Dr. Twist of Newbery, in
the county of Berks, their Prolocutor, preached on John
xiv. 1 8 : "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come
unto you," — a text pertinent to these times of sorrow,
anguish, and misery, to raise up the drooping spirits of
the people of God who lie under the pressure of Popish
wars and combustions. But we shall forbear to relate any
of the points thereof, because we suppose his said sermon
will be published in print for the satisfaction and comfort
of all that desire to read it. The number that met this
day were threescore and nine, the total number being
(including the members of both the Houses of Parliament,
which are but thirty) 151, whereof if only forty meet the
first day, it maketh the Assembly valid according to the
Ordinance.' l
Such is the brief and modest account given in the
Parliamentarian newspaper for the week of the opening
of the Westminster Assembly. To that great meeting of
1 Certain Information from several parts of the Kingdom, etc., No. 25, from
3d to iofh July 1643. The Royalist account is subjoined from Mercurius
Aulicus for Friday, July 7, 1643 :— ' It was advertised this day, that the
Synod, which by the pretended Ordinance of the two Houses was to begin
on the ist of July, was put off till the Thursday following, being the sixth of
this present month, that matters might be prepared for them whereupon to
treat, it being not yet revealed to my Lord Say, Master Pym, and others
of their associates in the Committee for Religion, what gospel 'tis that must
be preached and settled by these new evangelists. Only it is reported that
certain of the godly ministers did meet that day in the Abbey Church to a
sermon, and had some doctrines and uses, but what else done, and to what
purpose that was done, we may hear hereafter.'

Xll INTRODUCTION.
divines and laymen many of the worthiest sons of Britain
had looked forwafd with eager expectation for the removal
of acknowledged abuses, and the restoration of peace as
well as purity to the distracted churches. To it, not
withstanding many admitted shortcomings, not a few still
look back with veneration and gratitude, as having nurtured
Puritanism for the terrible conflict through which it had
soon to pass, and moulded it into the form it has so long
retained in Britain and America.
It is not my intention in the present Introduction to
enter into the general history of that eventful period, or
even of this memorable Assembly. That has been fully
and ably, candidly and impartially, done of late by men
of various schools of thought j1 and to be done again in ac
cordance with the materials at my disposal, would require
a volume to itself. Besides, it will come in time enough,
if it come at all, along with the parts of the Assembly's
Minutes which yet remain to be published. At present
my observations may fairly be limited to that department
of the Assembly's work with which this volume is chiefly
occupied — the doctrinal standards prepared by it. The
history of these, and their relation to the theological
opinions of the time at which, as well as of the time before,
they appeared, has never yet been made the subject of
very detailed examination, nor could well be till these
Minutes were again deciphered. It appears to me, that it
may be treated of quite apart from the history of those
discussions -regarding the polity and worship of the Church
which occupied much of the time of the Assembly, and
which bulk largely in all accounts of its proceedings during
the years 1643 and 1644. It should be of far more general
interest than the other. It was the department of its
work in which Presbyterians, Independents, and evan
gelical Episcopalians were most nearly agreed. The
simple history of it should tend to remove misunderstand
ings which have long alienated those who were then so
1 Marsden's History of the Later Puritans, Stoughton's Church of the
Cvuil Wars, Masson's Life of Milton in connection with the History of his
Timr, and M'Cne's Annals of English Presbytery.

INTRODUCTION. xiii
closely associated, and lead them again to think and
speak more kindly of the Westminster divines, and the
work they sought to forward, of uniting all true Protes
tants in the defence of the principles of the Reformation.
I am not without hope that it may lead others to be less
confident than some of them have lately been, that ' the
Westminster Confession stands at an extreme point in
the development of Calvinism,' and, 'though not like the
Formula Consensus Helvetici, a special polemic against
the via media, was still as explicit and decided in its
antagonism.' I only regret that I cannot well take up
the subject without special reference to a paper on 'The
Westminster Confession of Faith and Scotch Theology,'
by the Rev. A. M. Fairbairn, which appeared in the Con
temporary Review rather more than a year ago.
The facts brought to light in these Minutes have a rather
intimate bearing on the question whether that Confession
of Faith is ' so sectional that the most latitudinarian terms
of subscription could not catholicize it,' and I trust may
lead not a few in England to entertain a more favourable
view of the Westminster Assembly and its symbolical
books than for a long time past they have done. It may
be admitted that 'the cultured intellect of the day,',
especially in the southern division of our island, has to
a very considerable extent changed the matter and form
of its beliefs, and lost firm faith in much that we Cal-
vinists still contend for, and in not a little besides which
good Arminians were wont to maintain. But the question
remains, whether the decisions of this cultured intellect
must now be accepted as final, and at its bidding a theory
of the authority of Scripture alien to the conceptions not
only of the Westminster Assembly, but of all the Protes
tant churches, and subversive of the things most surely
believed in them, must forthwith be accepted ; or whether,
as in the past, the cultured intellect may not again see
cause to modify the views which for a time it has ac
cepted. To those who are conversant with the history of
opinion in our own or other countries, such revivals or
reactions are not unknown. In the end of last century,

XIV INTRODUCTION.
a celebrated professor in Germany, writing of the history
of doctrine as developed by the Reformers, confidently
affirmed that the subject "before him was one in which the
theological public of his time could hardly be expected
to take a real interest, since not only had most of the
doctrinal questions themselves about which the Reformers
and their successors contended 'entirely lost for our
present theology the importance they once possessed,
but their history also has lost for the spirit of our age
even the negative interest with which the slowly maturing
aversion to these questions could for a long time clothe
it. Ten years ago they might have been dwelt upon with
some interest, because ten years ago they had not wholly
lost their power over the mind of the age ; . . . but now
this bond also is gone, and an entirely new theology has
arisen. Not only those forms, but many of the old funda
mental ideas, have been left behind ; nor have we any fear
that the spirit of our theology can ever return of itself or
be forced back to them ; and we view them accordingly
as perfectly indifferent antiquations.' x Yet these dry bones
have been made to live again. What to Planck and to
many of his contemporaries seemed perfectly indifferent
antiquations, have again come to be regarded as questions
of engrossing interest and vital importance, to the illustra
tion of which a Dorner, a Winer, and a Hagenbach have
devoted themselves with zest and good success, and to
the formal proof of which even 'cultured' theologians
have not been ashamed again to contribute. Is it vain
to hope that some similar change may yet pass on the
cultured intellect nearer home, — that under the combined
influence of deeper piety, sounder philosophy, and more
impartial critical research, the Church of the future may
return to its former faith in many of those great truths
which have been the life and strength of the Church in
ages past; and that even in England the theology of
Augustine and Anselm, of Bradwardine and Wycliffe,
of Hooker, Bacon, and Ussher, as well as of Calvin and.
1 Planck's Geschuhte der Protestantischen Theologk, vol. iv nD vi vii
The translation is Dr. Schaff's. " '

INTRODUCTION. XV
Knox and their Puritan disciples, may be again more
highly valued and more generally followed ?
I do not believe that the influence of these last has yet
sunk so low as Mr. Fairbairn seems to suppose. I can
say but little of Twisse's sermons, for it has not been my
lot to fall in with them ; but Fuller, who was no blind
admirer, said of him that ' his plain preaching was good,
solid disputing better, pious living best of all good.' ' With
respect to Rutherford, it is so far from being the case, that
any Scotch Calvinist who should deliver a sermon of his
would have good cause to fear that the people would either
refuse to listen, or would listen only to execrate, that I
can testify that one of his discourses republished in our
own day has been more than once read in public with
great acceptance. With all their faults of prolixity and
quaintness, no writings in practical divinity have been so
extensively read, none have so long maintained their hold
on the minds of the religiously disposed in Britain and
America, as those of the great Puritan, divines of the
seventeenth century. In their own day the power of their
preaching was widely felt, and we fall very far "short of
the true conception of that time unless we remember that
it was a season of spiritual revival as deep and extensive as
any that has since occurred in the history of the British
Churches. Neither have their doctrines lost their power
in the hands of their like-minded successors in more recent
days ; nor have any enjoyed a wider or more deserved
popularity than Chalmers and some others, in Britain and
America, who have adhered closely to them, and to whom
even men of cultured intellect have not disdained to listen.
Mr. Fairbairn says, that 'rightly to appreciate the his
torical position and significance of the Westminster Con
fession, we must first look at certain tendencies operative
throughout Protestantism in general, and the Reformed
Churches in particular, in the century that succeeded the
Reformation.' I admit that we must do so, and I regret
that I cannot at once accept his own statement as to these
tendencies. The earlier Protestant theology was no doubt
1 Worthies of England, vol. i. p. 93.

XVI INTRODUCTION.
more spontaneous than the later, but it was at the same
time less carefully drawn, and often more polemically ex
pressed. The later, if more logical, was also more critically
exact and more carefully balanced. The main difference
between Luther and Calvin arose from the fact that the
latter came after the former, and had his experience and
the counsels of others to guide and sustain him in those
conflicts through zvhich he had to pass} But that he as well
as Luther was first drawn towards the truth by the felt
wants of his spiritual nature, and that it was only after
the work of grace had made some progress in his soul that
he set himself to the systematic study of the word of God,
— and that quite as much for practical as for scientific'
purposes, — has been established beyond the possibility of
doubt by his recent biographers. That his theology was. a
living growth, and not a series of additions without any
organic connection, must be granted by every one who
studies it ; but that it was an early arrested growth, can
be imagined only by those who forget that his Institutes,
as originally published, were a very different book from
what they ultimately became, and that it was not till his
fiftieth year he brought them into the shape in which they
are now.2 If some, in their abhorrence of one of his dogmas,
will overlook all that Hales, and Hooker, and Horsley
have said in his honour, they must not expect to be allowed
to ignore what impartial men among their contemporaries
have freely granted. The Rationalistic Professors of
1 ' What brought Luther to doubt in Romanism was the feeling of sin, and the
impossibility of finding peace in the expiations indicated to him by the Church.
He sought, and was in torment till he found, peace. . . . Calvin in this re
spect had not to seek ; Olivetan perhaps, and Wolmar certainly, told him
what Luther had found, and justification by faith was early pointed out as the
solution of the grand problem. But to know the solution was a small thing j
it was requisite that it should become true for him, for his own soul. ... It
was on this ground that the conflict took place, and to it apparently the Re
former alluded in the somewhat vague details he gave of the state of his soul
at that epoch, in his preface to his Commentary on the Psalms. '— Bungener's
Calvin, p. 22. See also Dr. Merle D'Aubigne's interesting and exhaustive
account of Calvin's earlier life.
2 'During twenty-four years the book increased in every edition, not as an .
edifice to which additions are made, but as a tree which developes itself freely,
naturally, and without compromise of its unity. ' — Bungener's Calvin, p. at.

INTRODUCTION. XVli
Strassburg, who are no blind admirers, and who in the edi
tion of his works they are publishing are rearing a noble
monument to his memory, have not shrunk from acknow
ledging him as ' theologorum principem et antesignanum: 1
The earliest edition of the Institutes contained less of dis
tinctively Augustinian teaching than the earlier editions of
the Loci Communes of Melanchthon;.and the remark might,
with far more appearance of truth, have been made of him
than of Calvin, that his early theology was not so much a
product of his spiritual experience as of his logical faculty,
—a deduction a priori,— and that 'he assumed from Augus
tine certain principles as to the natures and relations of God
and man, and built on these, by the aid of syllogism and
exegesis, his entire system.' The Strassburg Professors
call special attention to the fact, that those 'loci' on which
the whole system is said by Mr. Fairbairn to be built, are
barely touched on in the earliest edition of the Institutes.2
Calvin's theology, therefore, must have had a basis and
a character independent of them ; and it is vain to deny
1 Si Lufherum virum maximum, si Zuinglium civem Christianum nulli
secundum, si Melanthonem praeceptorem doctissimum merito appellaris,
Calvinum jure vocaris tJieologorum principem et antesignanum. In hoc enim
quis linguarum et literarum praesidia, quis disciplinarum fere omnium non
miretur orbem? De cujus copia doctrinas, rerumque dispositione aptissime
concinnata, et argumentorum vi ac validitate in dogmaticis, de felicissima
perspicuitate, sobrietate ac sagacitate in exegeticis, de nervosa eloquentia et
libertate in paraeneticis ; de prudentia sapientiaque legislatoria in ecclesiis
ordinandis ac regendis incomparabili, inter omnes viros doctos, et de rebus
evangelicis libere sentientes jam abunde constat. . . . Quae cuncta . . .
praecipue relucent in immortali ilia Institutione religionis Christianas quae
omnes ejusdem generis expositiones inde ab apostolorum temporibus con-
scriptas, adeoque ipsos Melanthonis Locos theologicos, absque omni contro-
versia longe antecellit, atque eruditum et ingenuum lectorem, etiamsi alicubi
secus senserit, hodieque quasi vinctum trahit et vel invitum rapit in admira-
twnem. — Pmfatio, pp. ix. x. 'Calvin succeeded because he was the most
Christian man of his age.' — Renan, as quoted by Bungener.
2 Plurima eaque non parvi momenti vix obiter attinguntur, quod et in
Melanthonis locis observari nemo est qui nesciat. . . . Hac pertinent apud
Calvinum locus qui est de Dei natura et operibus et qua; de hominis naturali
indole dicenda erant, turn trinitatis, christologiaa, paedobaptismi pradestina-
tionis formula et fundamenta, in quibus omnibus, aliisque ejusdem generis haud
paucis has theologiae Calvinianae primitiae eo minus tibi rem confecisse vide-
buntur, quo diligentius postea et subtilius autor ipse Mas retractavit. — Prole
gomena, p. xxxi.

xviii INTRODUCTION.
that, leaving out of sight these mysterious topics altogether,
there is much in his book and his system for which the
Church of Christ has abundant cause to be grateful to
him. Complementary truths are often found stated by
him more exactly than either by Luther or Melanchthon.
Even in the latest edition of the work revised by him, I
question if there is any passage so strongly assertive of
the doctrine of necessity as some which occur in the earlier
editions of Melanchthon's Loci, and especially in that edi
tion of which Luther said that it was an unanswerable book.1
It is with Calvin's teaching, and with the earlier rather
than the later forms of it, that the Confessions of the
Reformed Churches are most closely to be identified; and
though subsequent developments at Geneva, Heidelberg,
and Leyden may not be unworthy of attention, it must
never be forgotten that these, so far as they were supra-
lapsarian, were only the teaching of individual professors,
and did neither legally narrow the creeds of their respec
tive churches, nor at any period command general assent
in the Reformed Churches. At the Synod of Dort, the
Professors of Heidelberg, in common with all the foreign
deputies, expressed themselves decidedly in favour of the
infralapsarian theology. Pareus, who was too old to be
present, wrote a long letter, in which he not only expressed
1 Nay, the most recent historian of the Reformation tells us that ' predesti
nation is asserted by Luther in his book on the Servitude of the Will, even in
relation to wickedness, in terms more emphatic than the most extreme state
ments of Calvin. Melanchthon for a considerable period wrote in the same
strain ; and Zuingle, in his metaphysical theory, did not differ from his brother
Reformers.' He holds that 'Calvin was not a speculative philosopher, who
thought out a necessitarian theory and defended it, for the reasons that he
considered it capable of being logically established. . . . The direct grounds
and sources of his doctrine were practical. Predestination to him was the
correlate of human dependence ; the counterpart of the doctrine of grace ; the
antithesis to salvation by merit ; the implied consequence of man's complete
bondage to sin, In election, it is involved that man's salvation is not his own
work, but wholly the work of the grace of God ; and in election also there is
laid a sure foundation for the believer's security under all the assaults of temp
tation. It is practical interests which Calvin is sedulous to guard ; he clings
to the doctrine for what he considers its religious value ; . . . and whether
consistently or not, there is the most earnest assertion of the moral and respon
sible nature of man.'— The Reformation, by G. P. Fisher, D.D., of Yale
College, pp. 200, 201,

INTRODUCTION. XIX
his concurrence in the views of his colleagues, but went
nearly as far as some of the Bremen divines in the same
direction as Davenant.1 The Heidelberg Catechism, which
was approved by the Synod, has generally been regarded
as one of the most moderate and cautious of the Reformed
symbolical books, as it certainly was one of the most
widely received.
Besides the mere logical evolution of its principles,
various outer events are referred to by Mr. Fairbairn,
which 'combined to make Calvinism, on the one hand,
define and ground its first principles, and on the other,
apply and defend its conclusions.' ist, It is said that the
persecutions and civil wars in France and Holland natu
rally prepared men to accept a high and stern Calvinism as
their religious faith. But it may be replied that they were
Calvinists before the wars began, and that there is at least
much more appearance of truth in the remark of Michelet,
that it was their religious faith mainly which nerved them
for the terrible conflicts through which they had to pass.
2d, It is said, and may be granted, that the tendency of
the Tridentine teaching was not quite in harmony with
the 'Paul of Augustine;' but it must be added that the
Council of Trent in its decrees did not venture to condemn
much, save certain supposed excesses of Luther and Calvin,
and that the opponents' of Augustinianism were so care
fully watched by its defenders, that they gained but little
direct advantage over them at that time, ^d, It is said,
and may be granted, that the Arminian controversy did
lead not a few Calvinists to carry their principles to a more
extreme length; but it must be added that the controversy
had an opposite effect on many in England as well as in
1 ' Mors Christi enim ratione amplitudinis atque potentiae suae remedium est
peccatis omnium et singulorum hominum expiandis sufficientissimum ; neque
ad realem reconciliationem deest quicquam omnibus et singulis earn fide accipien-
tibus. Hoc sensu Christus pro omnibus et singulis hominibus mortuus esse
dici potest : eodemque dicta Scripturae, ubi Christus dicitur mortuus esse pro
omnibus (i Tim. ii. 6) gustasse mortem pro omnibus (Heb. ii. 9) propitiatio
esse pro peccatis totius mundi (1 John ii. 2) vulgo non incommode intelli-
guntur; licet etiam strictius accipi possint. '— Acta Synodi Nationalis Dor-
drechtancz, p. 302.

XX INTRODUCTION.
France: The letters written to the English ambassador
at the Hague by Balcanquhal, one of the British deputies
to the Synod of Dort, clearly show that these deputies
were to a certain degree divided in opinion as to the exact
extent of the death of Christ. Part were satisfied with the
old distinction, that while sufficient for all, it was efficient
only for the elect ; and part, not fully satisfied with this,
advocated views which it is difficult to distinguish from
those of Cameron and the more liberal Calvinists in
France. These last appear to have had the support of
the ambassador, and they claim to have moderated the
decisions of the Synod on the subject of the extent of the
Saviour's death, as well as on that of reprobation. Their
views were advocated with great ability by Ussher, Hall,
and Davenant. They were accepted by many who were
accounted good Calvinists, and among others by Dr.
Edmund Calamy and Dr. John Arrowsmith.
To me it does not seem altogether so clear as Mr. Fair
bairn would have it, that the Westminster Assembly meant
definitively to pronounce against, or peremptorily to refuse
to tolerate, these more liberal views advocated in its debates
by Calamy and others. In fact, it was not till several years
after the Confession was completed, and the star of Owen
was in the ascendant, that, under the spell of a genius and
learning only second to Calvin's, English Puritanism so
generally identified itself with what is termed the less
liberal view. This, I am inclined to think, may be attri
buted more to Owen's influence than to the direct teaching
of the Confession ; and among the early English Presby
terians there were not wanting several who adhered to the
views of Calamy and Arrowsmith.
Let us now turn to a narrower field of inquiry, and
following in the track of Mr. Fairbairn, endeavour to
'ascertain the relation of the Westminster divines to the
course of religious thought at home.' It is granted to us
that the original Reformed theology, both in England and
Scotland, had been on the whole moderate, but moderate
Calvinism or Augustinianism. Tyndall, it is admitted
- was a pronounced Augustinian, and he, it is now coming

INTRODUCTION. XXI
to be recognised, was one of the main authors of the
English Reformation. Bucer and Martyr, who, under the
sanction of Edward VI. and of Archbishop Cranmer, were
brought over to teach divinity in Oxford and Cambridge,
and train the future ministers of the English Church, were
both high Augustinians. Their published Commentaries
on the Romans and on the Ephesians, which embody the
substance of their University lectures, contain a predesti-
narian doctrine quite as high as has been generally taught
in Scotland. ' Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer, were no
doubt very mild predestinarians.' But Hooper and Becon,
as well as Bradford, Dean Nowell, and Bishops Jewell,
Sandys, and Pilkington, were more decided, and certainly
mentioned election for other purposes than ' to warn the
people against trusting to it.' A large number of the
bishops and archbishops, during the reigns of Elizabeth
and James, held similar opinions. The Irish bishops not
only accepted the Lambeth Articles, but in 1615 drew
up those fuller Calvinistic Articles of their own, which
were afterwards taken as the basis of the chapter in the
Westminster Confession respecting God's eternal decree.
Thomas Rogers, the chaplain of Archbishop Bancroft,
whose Catholic Doctrine of the Church of England is, so
far as I know, the first detailed exposition of the XXXIX.
Articles, gives a distinctly Calvinistic interpretation to
Article XVII. His book passed through several editions,
and was dedicated to the Archbishop. No one who re
members this, as well as what was asserted by the English
deputies at the Synod of Dort, and what was admitted by
Bishop Burnet considerably later, will be greatly moved
by what is said of Archbishop Lawrence having proved
the Article to be Arminian.
' In Scotland,' it is said, ' the earliest Protestant theology
was of the milder Lutheran type.' But it appears to be
forgotten that Lutheranism, when Scotchmen first came in
contact with it, was not of the milder type it ultimately
assumed. The teaching of Patrick Hamilton was no doubt
substantially that of Luther; but both Luther and Melanch
thon were at that time Augustinians, and Tyndall and

XXII INTRODUCTION.
Lambert, with whom Hamilton was more intimately asso
ciated at Marburg, were still more decided Augustinians.
There is nothing in Hamilton's recorded teaching incon
sistent with the theology which came ultimately to prevail
in Scotland ; and among the articles laid to his charge by
Archbishop Beaton, there is one which seems to show that
he held that doctrine 1 at least in germ, and another which
is only explicable on the supposition that he favoured the.
views at that time inculcated by Luther and Melanchthon,
'de servo libero arbitrio.'2 The position of Wishart is
more significant still. It was not Anglican in any dis
tinctive sense, or else he was an Anglican before the
Anglicans themselves ; nor was it the early Lutheran so
much as the early Swiss. He translated into English the
earlier Swiss Confession, and by a few words he inserted
in the title-page, has shown unmistakeably what churches
he deemed most worthy to be followed by his countrymen.
The position of Erskine of Dun may be still more deter-
minately fixed. Whatever sympathy he may have had
either with Anglicans or with Lutherans, he not only
accepted the old Scotch Confession, and answered in the
affirmative the questions put to superintendents and mini
sters, when admitted as superintendent of Angus and
Mearns, and again when collated to the parsonage of Dun;
but he also, along with other superintendents and ministers
of the Church, met in General Assembly at St. Andrews
in 1566, expressed his assent to the later Swiss Confession
as 'most faithfully, holily, piously, and indeed divinely,'
explaining all that he and his colleagues had been teach
ing during the eight years preceding.8 The incident just
mentioned would suffice to fix Knox's position also, if
there could be supposed to be any serious dubiety respect
ing it. It may be admitted that he was not so much a
theologian as a statesman and patriot,— a prince not so
1 'That none be saved but they are before predestinated. '— Foxe's Acts
and Monuments, vol. iv. p. 560, Seeley's edition.
2 'That no man by the power of his will can do any good,' or 'that man
natn no tree will.
3 Knox's Works, vol. vi. p. 546 ; Zurich Letters, 2d series, p. 362.

INTRODUCTION. XXU1
much in speculation as in polity and action, — and still it
may be contended that his acceptance of the predestinarian
doctrine was the result of his own independent study of
the Scriptures and the writings of St. Augustine, long
before he came under the fascinating influence of 'the
calm clear intellect of Calvin.' The suggestion that it was
his love of the church polity and discipline of Calvin
which led him to adopt as his own the theological system
which was the basis of that order, as well as the assertion
that 'he never held that system in its principles and de
tails, with the comprehension and tenacity of its author
and his more distinguished scholars,' could not have been
hazarded by any one who had carefully examined his
treatise, Concerning God's Predestination} the largest and
most important theological treatise he composed. If he
has stated the doctrine in more general terms in some of
his confessions, he has in this only followed the example
of Calvin himself. Indeed, I am not sure that, in any of the
confessions drawn up or sanctioned by the Genevese Re
former, there is to be found a more terse and pronounced
statement of the doctrine than Knox has given in the
Confession prepared for his English congregation at
Geneva, which is said to have been received and approved
by the Church of Scotland, and continued occasionally to
be bound up with Scotch Bibles as late as 1638. The
following is the brief but significant statement to which I
refer : ' Which church is not seen to man's eye, but only
known to God, who of the lost sons of Adam hath ordained
some as vessels of wrath to damnation, and hath chosen
others as vessels of his mercy to be saved.' 2
The most eminent among the early theological teachers
of the Reformed Church of Scotland was Andrew Melville.
It might have been supposed that, as the attached friend
and pupil of Beza, he would have been tempted to take up
an extreme position on the subject of predestination. But
from his Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, lately
published by the Wodrow Society, it is evident that he, like
1 It has been reprinted in vol. v. of Dr. Laing's edition of Knox's Works.
2 Dunlop's Confessions, vol. ii. p. 8.

XXIV INTRODUCTION.
Knox, held by the more old-fashioned doctrine, and that his
views on this head were not less moderate 1 than his views
on the article of justification had been long known to be.
With respect to the latter, Dr. M'Crie tells us that some
of the ministers of the French Protestant Church had dis
approved of the doctrine of Piscator, that it was the passive
obedience only of Christ which was imputed to believers in
justification, and consulted Melville about it. He replied
that the opinion was one which might fairly enough be
tolerated among those who were agreed in other respects
on the doctrine of justification by faith, and his reply,
with others, contributed to restore peace to the distracted
churches. No one had more influence in training the
future ministers of the Church for half a century than
Melville, and we cannot doubt that he imbued them in a
good measure with his own views. Mr. Robert Bruce, one
of the most famous and influential of his pupils (and one
who, like himself, suffered much at the hands of King
James), certainly held the infralapsarian doctrine.2 It
is so far from being the case that covenanting Scotland
could not tolerate the infralapsarianism of Strang,8 that it
hardly admits of question that the same views were taught
by Baillie in Glasgow and Leighton in Edinburgh, and by
one if not both the colleagues of Rutherford in St. Mary's
1 Quos enim indurat Deus in suis sordibus, nisi sua culpa conspurcatos ?
Itaque induratio hie praesupponit voluntariam corruptionem et antegredifens
peccatum. — Melville on Rom. ix.
2 ' When all men and women suld have died for ever, it pleasit him of his
infinite mercy to select out of all, and to elect, a certain number out of the lost
race of Adam, that suld have perished for ever.' ... 'He selects a certain
number out of this rotten race. '—Bruce's Sermons, p. i iS.
3 It was something less even than infralapsarianism that Strang was charged
by some with holding. Yet his dictates were not condemned by the Assembly
and Baillie expresses himself in the following sensible and liberal terms respect
ing the differences between him and his opponents : ' I do not like his withdraw
ing from the divine decree the act and entity of any sin, much less of free and
indifferent actions. In this I think he sways too much to the one hand But
I fear those he refutes shall be found in alse dangerous errors. He indeed
handles these questions in such a way that I do prize the man's ingyne and
learning much more than before, and think him now among the best scholars
m he Reformed Church. It will be my endeavour that our Assembly meddle
not with such subtle questions, but leave them to the schools: -Baillie's Letters
vol. in. pp. 5, 6. _««'.>,

INTRODUCTION. XXV
College itself. It is quite true that the intercourse between
the Church of Scotland and the Reformed Churches of
France and Holland was very close and cordial, and was
not without its influence on the theological opinion of the.
North. Yet the case of Melville above referred to shows
that the Scotch divines could think for themselves, and,
when occasion called, could give effective expression to
their views; and that the foreign churches did not disdain
to consult them in their difficulties, and to defer to their
counsels, as well as to take several of their theological
teachers and professors from among them. Considering
how small the Scottish Church was, and how few theological
scholars of any eminence the country had produced before
the Reformation, I do not think we have any cause to be
ashamed of our Melvilles, Rollocks, Calderwoods, Came-
rons, Boyds, and Colvilles (for these last three taught in
Scotland as well as in France). Their repute in their
own day, and while Latin continued to be the language
of learned Europe, was quite as great as that of most of
their contemporaries in South Britain. Principal Smeton's
defence of the Reformed Church of Scotland against the
calumnies of the apostate Hamilton,1 is appreciably diffe
rent in its views from similar works published on the Con
tinent, and yet it was highly valued there. Calderwood's
Altare Damascenum was still more highly valued there,
and it will not be thought meanly of yet by any who have
the patience to read it. The Commentaries of Rollock
were republished at Geneva and elsewhere on the Continent.
Several of Cameron's minor works were deemed worthy of
being translated into English, and published at Oxford ;
and Bishop Hall has admitted that this distinguished
scholar was an honour to his country. Boyd, in his Com
mentary on th6 Ephesians, which doubtless formed in part
at least the substance of his theological lectures, draws far
more largely on Augustine, Prosper, and Fulgentius, than
on Calvin or Beza, for the confirmation of his predesti-
1 ' Ad virulentum Archibaldi Hamiltonii apostate Dialogum de confusione
Calvinianse sectae apud Scotos impie conscriptum Orthodoxa Responsio.' —
Thoma Smetonio Scoto auctore.

Xxvi INTRODUCTION.
narian views, as does also Dr. John Forbes of Aberdeen,
who, though deposed for refusing to take the Covenant,
was not charged with unsoundness in doctrine. Nay, in
Holland itself opinion had considerably moderated before
the meeting of the Westminster Assembly, and the Synopsis
Purioris Theologies— -a decidedly infralapsarian treatise-
then in its third edition, was generally accepted in Britain
as fairly representing the opinions of the Dutch divines.1
Even the opinions of more liberal French Calvinists were
so far from being decisively pronounced against by the
English Puritans, that Baillie in the most express terms
admits they were viewed with favour by many in the West
minster Assembly itself; and though he may not have
made sufficient allowance for the fact that there were
native influences predisposing to these opinions, and that
they were derived from Davenant and Ussher more than
from Cameron or his pupil, his testimony must be accepted
as substantially correct.2

1 ' Diligenter notandum est hanc praeteritionem non omnem gratiam in pras-
teritis tollere aut negare, sed earn tantum quae electis est peculiaris. Ea vero,
quae per communis providential administrationem, sive sub lege naturae sive
sub gratia Evangelica, hominibus vario dimenso dispensatur, per hunc prae-
teritionis actum non adimitur, sed potius prcesupponitur ; quia non electi, sub
ilia communi providential divinas gubernatione et arbitrii sui exercitio relin-
quuntur. Haec autem communis providential administratio earn beneficiorum
externorum atque internorum communicationem semper conjunctam habet,
quae in natura quidem integra ad salutem sufficiebat, ut in angelis rejectis et
genere humano toto in primo parente ante lapsum considerate manifestum est ;
in natura vero corrupta, tanta reliqua facta est, aut nature sub Evangelio super-
addita, ut omni excusationis praetextu coram divino judicio nudati ac privati
sint. ' That was the avowed teaching, not of Amyraut, but of Rivet and the
other Leyden Professors, at the time of the Westminster Assembly. Has Dr.
Crawford done anything more than state the same thing in other words, when
he says that on our principles the atonement does as much for ALL, as on
the principles of our opponents it does for ANY, and that ' the common bene
fits held by' Arminians and semi-Arminians 'to flow frftm the Redeemer's
sacrifice to all mankind, are really no other than those which we, whp differ
from them respecting the destination of the atonement, do nevertheless admit
to have flowed from it with the same unrestricted and indiscriminate univer
sality'? See his Fatherhood of God, p. 369.
2 ' Unhappily Amyraut's questions are brought in on our Assembly. Many
more loves their fancies here than I did expect. It falls out ill that Span-
heim's book is so long a-coming out ; whileas Amyraut's treatise goes in the
Assembly from hand to hand.' — Baillie's Letters, vol. ii. p. 324.

INTRODUCTION. Xxvii
The Westminster Assembly was called together chiefly
for two purposes: viz. ist, To vindicate the doctrine of
the Church of England from misrepresentation, and to
show that it was in harmony with that of the other
Reformed Churches; and, 2d, To effect such changes
on her polity and worship as would bring her into closer
union with the Church of Scotland and the Reformed
Churches on the Continent. Of course the Assembly was
not intended to embrace those who were charged with
having corrupted the doctrine of the English Reformers,
enforced the observance of the old ceremonies with a
rigour which had not been attempted in former times,
and imposed many new ones, which, if not meant, like
the Scotch Prayer-Book ' and Canons, to widen the gulf
between them and their Puritan brethren, and to prepare
the way for the restoration of semi-Popish doctrines and
practices, were, to say the least, singularly ill-timed.
1 One, of whom no friend of the Church of Scotland will speak save in
terms of honour and esteem, even when constrained to differ from him, has
maintained that, with one exception, this Prayer-Book was not, as is" often
erroneously supposed by both sides, more Roman and less Protestant than
the English, but in all essential points more Protestant and less Roman. It
has been replied to him that it does not much matter if it were so, as at any
rate it was attempted to be forced in without the authority of the Kirk.
This, however, was not the chief argument then put in the foreground, nor was
it that which united the nation almost as one man against it. Much was said
by Baillie and Gillespie of the character of the book and its ceremonies, and,
it humbly appears to me, can be no more gainsaid than can the fact that
it was from this source several alterations favouring High Church views were
introduced into the English Prayer-Book of 1661. It may be admitted that
in the Scottish Prayer-Book of 1637, commonly known as Laud's Liturgy,
several important concessions were made to Scottish feelings and prejudices,
and that one or two substantial improvements were introduced. The epistles,
gospels, and the prose psalms were all taken from King James' version, and
not from the earlier versions retained at that time in the English book. The
lessons from the Apocrypha, if not altogether omitted, were certainly reduced
to a minimum, though, while the principle of reading it as Holy Scripture
was asserted, the question of maximum or minimum was one of little
moment. The word 'presbyter' was also substituted for that of 'priest,'
and required to be so to give the book a chance in Scotland ; but if ever
there was a case in which new presbyter was but old priest writ large, it was
in this book. The rubric of the Edwardian Liturgy, 'The absolution or
remission of sins to be pronounced by the minister alone, ' was changed into,
' The absolution or remission of sins to be pronounced by the presbyter alone,
he standing up and turning himself to the people, but they still remaining

Xxviii INTRODUCTION.
They who had pledged themselves to the policy of Laud
in these matters, and regarded themselves as bound by
oath not to consent to any alteration of the government
and doctrine of the Church, could hardly expect to be
asked to attend ; but all other parties within the Church
were meant to be fairly represented in the Assembly.
The prevailing opinion has been, that the members of it
were chosen from the several counties by the members
of Parliament for these counties, and the burghs within
them. The balance of the evidence seems to me to be
in favour of this opinion. Yet, in a pamphlet bearing
date 1 6th May 1642, and entitled His Majesty's Resolu
tion concerning the Establishment of Religion and Church
Government, I find it stated that he ' hath consented that
the main matters of difference which have occasioned all
humbly upon their knees ; ' and this, with the change of presbyter into priest,
is substantially in the English book now. The prayer, ' Almighty and ever
lasting God, who alone workest great marvels,' etc., was furnished with the
title, 'A Prayer for the holy Clergy ;' and for ' bishops and curates ' it read,
'bishops, presbyters, and curates.' The petition in the Edwardian Litany,
and in the prayer for ' the whole state of Christ's Church militant here in
earth,' for 'all bishops, pastors, and ministers of the Church,' was changed
into one for all 'bishops, presbyters, and ministers of the Church;' and this
in the English book of 1661 passed into 'all bishops, priests, and deacons,'
in which form it has ever since continued. The Scottish form of ordination
composed in 1620, which 'left out the most essential words in conferring
priests' orders,' or rather which did not profess to confer priests' orders at
all, but only to ordain ministers, was so far from being approved of by Laud,
that it was ordered to be superseded on that very account. It is, however,
in the Communion office that the true character and tendency of the book
especially comes out. Beyond all question, it was modelled on, and in a great
measure taken from, that in the first Prayer-Book of Edward vi. That was
so far from being more Protestant than the communion office in his Second
Book, that it had been definitely objected to by Knox and others as not being
sufficiently Protestant. The prayer of oblation which it is said embodies the
true doctrine of spiritual sacrifice, makes with the ' holy gifts ' the memorial
which, it says, Christ willed to be made. In the formula addressed to each
communicant, the words which the Scotch Reformer got inserted in the Second
Prayer-Book of Edward VI. were left out, and those he regarded as counte
nancing the old superstition of a material presence were alone retained.
The rubric he contended for as necessary to render kneeling even allowable
was, as in Elizabeth's Book, left out. The intention of these things, and the
tendency of the whole office against Knox's as well as Melville's opinions,
and towards what we would now term Anglo-Catholic, or what our fathers
termed Popish views, is unmistakeable. The communion table, according
to the English Book, might stand in the body of the church, whereas accord-

INTRODUCTION. xxix
these distractions shall be framed and discussed by a
number of grave, wise, and religious divines, which shall
be thought fit by the Houses of Parliament ; every county
electing two for this so great and weighty a business, that
so all things being, according to God's true word, scanned
and examined by the judicious and religious judgments
of those worthy persons, the truth may appear, light and
instruction may be given unto authority, and by their
power an uniformity of government and worship, agreeable
to God's word, may be settled in the Church.' From
this it would seem as if it had been intended that the
members of the Assembly were rather to be selected by
the several counties than merely nominated by their
representatives in Parliament ; and we know that by
this time there were in several of the counties committees
ing to the Scotch Book it was to stand in the chancel or upper part of the
church. It was, according to the English Book, to have on it a fair linen
cloth ; according to the Scotch, 'a carpet, with a linen cloth upon it,' and
' other decent furniture meet for the high mysteries there to be celebrated, ' which
one can hardly doubt was meant to permit both crosses and candles. Accord
ing to the Scotch office, as Laud wished it to be, the presbyter was to stand
' before the altar, ' that is, with his back to the people, when consecrating the
elements; according to the Book as ultimately adjusted, he was to be 'at
liberty to stand at such a part of the holy table as he may with more ease and
decency use both his hands.' This granted virtually all that ancient and
modem Ritualizers of the extremest type desire, though the Scotch bishops
shrank from granting it openly and in express terms. In the latter, as in the
communion office in the First Prayer-Book of King Edward, the lawfulness
of using wafer bread is incidentally asserted, no doubt to leave the way open
for its introduction if that should be found practicable. And, finally, while
the Second Book of Edward VI. gave no direction what was to be done
with the elements that remained after all had communicated, the Scotch did,
and required that till the service was over they should be covered with a fair
linen cloth or corporal. This last word could not have come there without
full intention, for it does not occur in this place in the First Liturgy of King
Edward. What did it mean, if no real presence in the High Church sense
was implied ? Was Laud likely to insert such words without meaning what
they naturally suggest? If a Ritualism and semi-Romanism, unknown in
Scotland since the Reformation, were not meant td be tolerated, nay, even
encouraged, it had ill luck to be so like it. There can be no clearer proof
than this office of the truth of King James' saying, that Laud ' did not know
the stomach of the Scotch,' and that in his anxiety to gratify a little knot of
innovators in Scotland, and to take away from Puritans in England the sup
port the customs of the Scottish Church still afforded them, he provoked a
storm which all his efforts and those of his royal master were powerless to
allay, and the sad effects of which on British Protestantism are not yet exhausted.

XXX INTRODUCTION.
with whom the members of Parliament were wont to
consult in other matters of difficulty. The other course,
however, was advocated at the time in a very remarkable
Latin treatise, and most believe it was in the end adopted.
However this may be, no one who remembers that the
ordinance embraced the names of Archbishop Ussher,
Bishops Prideaux,2 Brownrigg, and Westfield, Drs. Feat-
ley, Hammond, Holdsworth, Sanderson, Morley, and
Downing, as well as those of Drs. Twisse, Temple, Mr.
Gataker, and several others who were in favour of a
reduced Episcopacy, can doubt that it was fairly enough
constituted, and that, had the King only allowed the
Royalist divines to attend its meetings, some happier
and for England more lasting compromise as to the future
constitution of the Church might have been devised.
Even in 1647, the King and his advisers do not appear to
have thought the Assembly so radically defective that
more was needed to ensure such a compromise than the
addition of nearly the same number of Royalist divines
as had been originally summoned to it.
But Mr. Fairbairn objects to its constitution, and says
that nothing but a sectional creed could have been ex
pected to proceed from it. From what he says, one would
imagine that the usual practice in preparing creeds which
have stood the test of time, had been singularly violated
in this case. But is it indeed so ? Did the Thirty-nine
Articles proceed from such a carefully selected Assembly,
or the old Scotch Confession of Faith, or that Confession
1 Ubi ipse clerus . . . virulentis contentionibus, et mutuis odiis inter fratres
laborat ; atque corruptissimi quique tam in moribus quam in doctrina sugges-
tum invaserunt ; non dubium est quin Magistratus Christianus . . . teneatur
malo urgenti adhibere remedium petitum quidem non ab iis a quibus frustra
exspectes sanationem morbi, quem accersent . . . sed ab iis quibus non
tantum morbus est oneri, sed et curatio cordi. Hie hodie res agitur nostra ;
cum enim illustrissimi Senatores observassent Archiepiscopi Laudi ejusque
sectatorum artibus, non uno in loco Anglise suffectos viros de religione male
sentientes et Papismo addictos, prudenter cavent ne ab ejusmodi deputantibus
ejusdem farinae deputati subnascantur. Quid ? an altaricola qui citari debet
ad Synodum rationem redditurus malae suae doctrinae . . . allegabitur ut
Synodi fiat membrum ? — Consilium de Reformandd Esclesid Anglicand.
2 Prideaux's name appears to have been omitted in the Ordinance as finally
passed in June 1643.

INTRODUCTION. XXXI
by which the Scotch bishops tried to supersede it ? So
far from it, that Cranmer could not have hoped to secure
the full assent of a majority of his brethren to his Articles
had he submitted them to free discussion. An objection
similar in kind was taken by the Remonstrants against
the constitution of the Synod of Dort, of which Hales of
Eton gives the following pithy account : — ' The second
part of their oration was a mere chimera saltans in vacuo —
a strange fancy of such a Synod as never was nor can be.
I had thought to have taken an abstract of it, but the
tediousness of it deterred me. I will give your Honour
a taste or two of it. There were but two ways of insti
tuting a Synod for the ending of these quarrels. The first
was by seeking out everywhere certain select men who
all this time of contention had taken part with neither
side, but kept themselves impartial. Secondly, if a Synod
of such could not be found (as I think it could scarcely be
found in the Netherlands, though the sun itself should
seek it), then such a Synod should be framed as in which
should be an equal number of both parties each with their
several praeses and assessors, and they should debate the
matter betwixt themselves ; and if they could not agree
(as it is likely they would not), what then, thought I ?
Shall they part as they came ? No, forsooth. The civil
magistrate — tanquam Deus e machina — he must come in,
and prescribe the moderamen, from which neither party
must appeal ; provided always that he laboured only for
accommodation, and not to determine decisively for one
part. And so I awoke.'1 If ever on earth an attempt
was made to bring together a Synod of men of different
judgments in all non-essential matters, it was in the case
of that of Westminster.2 If the Parliament which sum-
1 Hales' Letters from the Synod of Dort, pp. 37, 38. Edition of 1673.
2 ' What you have done hath been done with much prudence, in that you
have given way for the admittance of divines of different judgments to be
chosen, to whom a liberty is not denied to plead every one for his own party.
And not only so, but you have also embodied divers of your worthy ones of
both Houses as members of our Assembly, by which privilege we have many
and singular advantages.' — Bowles' Sermon preached before the Assembly of
Lords, Commons, and Divines, at their solemn fast, July 7th, 1643, in the
Abbey Church.

XXXU INTRODUCTION.
moned it did not bind itself to keep within the limits
suggested by the Remonstrants, it in fact observed them.
It secured to all liberty of discussion, required that dis
sents, and the reasons of them, should be reported along
with the resolutions of the Assembly, and enacted almost
nothing in matters of faith which had not been passed
unanimously by the divines. Though few of the Royalist
divines attended the meetings, the Minutes of the As
sembly show that Dr. Featley did attend regularly for
a time, and take a prominent part in the debates on the
revision of the English Articles — perhaps as important
doctrinal debates as any which appear to have occurred
in the Assembly. If Ussher, the greatest of all these
divines, was conspicuous by his absence, yet did the
Assembly give the most incontrovertible proof of its high
regard for him, and its earnest desire to comprehend
within the Church those who agreed with him in doctrine,
by drawing its statement of several of the most important
doctrines mainly from the Articles prepared under his
superintendence by the Irish Church. And though the
Parliament, on his declining to attend in 1643, appointed
another in his place, yet when he came to London in
1647, and was admitted as preacher at Lincoln's Inn, he
was again appointed a member of the Assembly.1
With all admitted defects, then, this was no ordinary
Assembly. In one important respect it resembled the
celebrated Council of Nicaea itself. Not a few of those
who composed it had been honoured to suffer in defence
of the truths to which they clung, and many of them had
the courage afterwards to brave suffering, insult, and
poverty, rather than renounce their creed and their views
of church polity and discipline. Nay, they may be said,
by the very act of their meeting, to have put their livings,
' 'The humble petition of Dr. James Usher was read. Resolved, etc.,
That Dr. James Usher shall have leave to preach at Lincoln's Inn, according
to the desire of his petition. Resolved, etc., That Dr. James Usher shall
have leave to go to sit with the Assembly of Divines as one of the said
Assembly.'— Journals of House of Commons, vol. .v. p. 423. By a previous
resolution of the House (p. 393), he had been required to take the negative
oath. There is some doubt, however, whether he actually did so.

INTRODUCTION. XXXU1
if not their lives, in jeopardy, and so to have given the
strongest proof of their deep sense of the necessity of
the work to which they then addressed themselves ; for
the King by proclamation had prohibited their meeting,
and had vehemently threatened them with the loss of all
their ecclesiastical livings and promotions if they disobeyed
his injunctions.
Even the twenty names of special eminence with which
Mr. Fairbairn credits the Assembly, would be a larger
proportion of the whole than may at first sight appear ;
for they are the names of men who were regular in their
attendance, and form nearly a third of those who were
so. But more may fairly be claimed for them and several
of their companions than has been conceded. Twisse,
the Prolocutor, was a man not only of subtle and specu
lative genius, but of profound learning, and also one of
the most influential theologians of his day, held in honour
by all the Reformed Churches. Sir John Savile, who had
sought the assistance of Hales for his edition of Chry-
sostom, was not ashamed to call in the aid of Twisse in
preparing for the press Bradwardine's great work, De
Causd Dei adversus Pelagium ; and Bishop Hall did not
hesitate to say of him that he was ' a man so eminent in
school divinity that the Jesuits have felt, and for aught I
see shrunk, under his strength.' Yet, with all his eminence,
he did not claim, nor, proud as his brethren were of him,
did they consent to have inserted in their Confession his
peculiar views either as to the order of the divine decrees,
or as to the power of God to have pardoned sin without
requiring an atonement to be made for it. He had
suffered • greatly in the war, and though Prolocutor of the
Assembly, he died in great straits. Dr. Edward Reynolds
was a divine ' eloquent, learned, cautious ; ' and this may
have been the reason why the Assembly devolved on a
Committee of which he had charge, the adjusting of that
much-maligned sentence in their Confession respecting
Reprobation.1 Calamy was a more liberal and cautious
Calvinist still ; and no one can read the Minutes of
1 Minutes of Sessions of the Assembly of Divines, p. 161.

XXxiv INTRODUCTION.
the Assembly's debates on the extent of Redemption,
without acknowledging that he was a true disciple of
Ussher and Davenant, and feeling thankful that he and
Baxter saw fit to hold by their Nonconformist brethren
when Reynolds and Wallis abandoned them. Lightfoot,
Coleman, and Gataker were all distinguished Oriental
scholars ; and the last-named was not only a distinguished
classical scholar,1 but also one of the first in Britain to
write in defence of the opinion, then much questioned,
but now universally received, that the Greek of the New
Testament was of a different character from that of the
classical authors, and abounded in Hebraisms.2 He was
the friend of Ussher and Selden, and after them was
accounted the most learned man then in England. He
was, besides, an eminent and acceptable preacher, and
was distinguished by the quaint richness of his style, and
the argumentative power of his controversial works. In
the Antinomian controversy, on which he brought all his
powers to bear, and for his services in which he repeat
edly received the thanks of the Assembly,3 Mr. Marsden
says that he answered the leaders, as Hooker answered
his adversary, ' with the same profound love of truth, the
same ponderous and varied learning, the same gentle
spirit, . . . and the same devoted adherence to evan
gelical doctrine, which he showed to be as much opposed
to formalism on the one hand, as to these excesses on the
other.' Like Twisse, he seemed as anxious to shun pre
ferment as others to obtain it. The age is acknowledged
to have been an age of great preachers ;4 and in the first
1 Hallam says of his edition of Marcus Antoninus, that his annotations
' evince a very copious learning, and the edition is still perhaps reckoned the
best that has been given of this author. '
2 Thomae Gatakeri Londinatis, de Novi Instrument! stylo Dissertatio ; qua
viri doctissimi Sebastiani Pfochenii de linguae Graecae Novi Testamenti
. puritate . . . diatribe ad examen revocatur. Londini, 1648.
3 Minutes of the Sessions of the Assembly, pp. 281, 443.
4 ' The pulpit of the metropolis displayed a galaxy of light and genius such
as it had never before, and perhaps has never since, exhibited. Its influence
was never greater. The printed sermons of the great Puritan preachers in
vast numbers are still extant, and these sufficiently vindicate their reputation.
They were no adventurers. They had been brought up in the Church of
England ; they were entitled to its best preferments ; and they might have

INTRODUCTION. XXXV
rank of these there fall to be numbered Dr. Gouge, ' the
father of the London Puritan ministers,' on whose preach
ing Ussher and other scholars then congregated in the
metropolis did not disdain at times to attend ; Dr. Manton,
in whom ' clear judgment, rich fancy, and happy eloquence
met;' Stephen Marshall, whose yet more impressive
eloquence as a preacher is said to have secured him
greater influence with the Parliament than ever Laud
enjoyed with the Court ; Calamy, who ' delighted in that
experimental strain of discourse which ever touches the
hearts of men ; ' Palmer, who could preach to purpose
in French as well as in English ; Burro ughes and Green-
hill, ' the morning and the evening stars ' of Stepney ;
Caryl, long popular with the learned audience of Lincoln's
held them in their youth from Laud, in their grey hairs from Charles n.,
had not their own consciences forbidden.' — The Later Puritans, p. no.
In the Conformists' plea for Nonconformists, the power of their preaching
is often and gratefully acknowledged. ' I am obliged to acknowledge the
efficacy of the Holy Spirit upon the preaching of several of them towards
my salvation ; and having known the proof and power of Christ speaking in
them, I dare not deny them before men, lest I also deny Christ Jesus my
Saviour in them. There are several learned, holy, laborious, and successful
ministers that were our instructors in our younger time, who have conformed,
but not so many as refused to conform, within my knowledge, . . . and in
these times all these seemed to be of one mind in the Lord. I and many
more rejoiced in their light ; and some of them were among preachers as the
apple-tree is among the trees of the wood. We sat under their shadow with
great delight, and their fruit was pleasant to our taste. I could name the wise
master builders that laid the foundation other than which no man can lay ;
I could name the Paul, and the Apollos, and the Peter, that preached to the
heart ; the Barnabas and the Boanerges ; the friends of the Bridegroom that
wooed and besought us, and would not be denied till our souls had received
Christ Jesus the Lord. Some of them are at rest in the Lord, and let their
names be blessed ; and others are in the cloud, and storm, and warfare, and
to add bonds to their many afflictions is no small unkindness to religion.' —
Third Plea for Nonconformists, p. 34.
'Who maintained Protestant doctrines, preached for conviction, conver
sion, holiness, and righteousness more than they? Who vindicated all
ordinances from some that pretended to live above them ? from others that
denied the necessity and use of them? and from the profanation of sacred
things? And who did more forwardly assist and concur to settle the govern
ment upon ancient foundations, and in the inheritor of the Royal throne?
Who were more hated by impious sects, and laboured more to convince and
reduce them, than they ?' — lb. p. 45.
Such was the effect of their preaching and life on those who witnessed and
could appreciate both, and pled for them on other than latitudinarian grounds.

XXXvi INTRODUCTION.
Inn ; and Dr. Thomas Goodwin, eminent as a scholar and
divine, and one of the most successful expository preachers
of the age. These are not more shadowy to the cultured
even yet than Whitaker, White, and Harris, whom Mr.
Fairbairn singles out ; and to the humble, pious Puritans
of England and Scotland, they, along with Howe, Owen,
Ambrose, Baxter, and Bunyan, have ever since furnished
their chief spiritual nourishment. Arrowsmith and Tuck-
ney, Professors of Divinity at Cambridge, were not
merely clever college tutors, but, as several of their pub
lished works clearly indicate, men of high scholarship and
considerable mental breadth, and not without influence as
preachers. With these University men must be conjoined
Dr. Hoyle, the friend of Ussher, and Professor of Divinity,
first at Dublin and afterwards at Oxford, who is admitted
to have been profound in the faculty of divinity and in
patristic learning ; as well as Dr. Wallis, Savilian Professor
of Geometry at Oxford, whose attainments as a theologian
were only cast into the shade by his greater attainments
as a mathematician, and these last are said to have been
only inferior to those of Newton himself. He was the
friend of Boyle, Gregory, and Newton, the untiring oppo
nent of Hobbes and the Socinians, and one of the authors
as well as of the earliest expounders of the Shorter Cate
chism. His works were republished at the expense of
the University of Oxford in 1699, and his manuscripts are
said to be still preserved in the public library there, and
in the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.
Hallam, therefore, has done the members of the West
minster Assembly nothing more than justice, when he
admits that they were * perhaps equal in learning, good
sense, and other merits, to any Lower House of Convoca
tion that ever made a figure in England.'1 It cannot be
denied, moreover, that in two important respects they had
the advantage of any Lower House of Convocation which
has yet been constituted. There were called in to the aid
of the divines some of the laymen of England, distin-
1 Constitutional History of England, vol. ii. p. 198, note. What he says
about their intolerance will be noticed subsequently.

INTRODUCTION. XXXvii
guished among their fellows in Parliament as statesmen,
scholars, or lawyers. Selden himself did not disdain for a
time to take an active and not unkindly part in their pro
ceedings ; and if, after repeated keen combats with George
Gillespie, he chose rather to watch from his place in the
House of Commons than to mingle actively in the debates,
there were others who followed a different course. One
well-known member of the House of Commons, Francis
Rouse, not only took an intelligent interest in the debates,
but put his special gifts at the service of the Assembly.
In accordance with suggestions made by its members, he
revised his metrical version of the Psalms, which, after some
further changes made in the North, was to be for so long
the book of praise for the churches in Scotland. Then,
when under the Solemn League and Covenant the origi
nal purpose of the Assembly was extended, there were
associated with these English divines and laymen the
very ilite of the Scottish ministers and elders, — Hender
son, whose learning and culture even Royalists admit ;
Rutherford, twice invited to a professorship in Holland ;
Gillespie, the prince of disputants, who ' with the fire of
youth had the wisdom of ages ;' and Baillie, who has
embalmed in graphic narrative their debates and gossip ;
together with Johnstone of Warriston, and the great Mar
quis of Argyle, who both suffered afterwards on account
of their principles ; Loudon, the Chancellor of the king
dom, and the engaging but versatile Lord Maitland.
No doubt Clarendon has spoken of the members of the
Assembly with great contempt, and Milton in terms of
lofty scorn.1 But it was only after their difference on the
question of divorce that Milton expressed himself so
bitterly respecting them, and on that question at least
1 The anonymous satirists of the day, of course, followed the example of
the great poet, and aimed their keenest shafts at the obnoxious Assembly.
Several specimens of bitter satire may be found in the Catalogue of Prints and
Drawings in the British Museum, Division I, vol. i. published in 1870. The
following comparatively mild specimen is copied from one of the volumes of
the King's Pamphlets :
' Pretty Synod does it sit, But such as Ordinance are called,
Voyd of grace as well of wyt — Which have the very souls enthralled
And make no canons. Of every man on's.

XXXV1U INTRODUCTION.
they have carried with them the judgment of succeeding
times. Clarendon's account, again, did not see the light
till after he had got their aid for the restoration of
his master and his friends, had failed to make good the
promise of ' ease to tender consciences ' that he had given,
and had striven in vain both by kindness and threats, both
by promotion offered and punishment inflicted, to bend
them to his purposes. He who has dealt such scrimp justice
to others, who did not belong to his own exclusive circle,
could hardly be expected to give any other than a partial
and prejudiced judgment of the leaders of a party which
he had treated unfairly, and which, when all other con
stitutional means proved ineffectual, continued by passive
resistance and patient endurance to bear testimony against
his policy, and meekly to plead for the indulgence it had
done so much to merit.
Even so decided an Episcopalian as Bishop Hall did
not disdain, under an assumed name, to address a respect
ful letter to his ' learned and reverend brethren ' 1 of the
Assembly. Some, more moderate than he, took a deep
interest in its proceedings, and also lauded its Confession
of Faith. The Independents, moreover, and the Baptists,
too, bore most emphatic testimony to its value. The
former in 1658 approved the Confession substantially
in the form in which it passed the English Houses of
Parliament, and said that they and their brethren in New
Now from black Tom and blacker From the Synod's nonsense and their
Noll, treason,
That kill and flay without control, And from their catechistick reason-
Thereby to end us, Good Heaven defend us.'
1 So he styles them at the commencement of his letter; and after confess
ing, like Ussher, that in some things there was ' fault enough to ground both
a complaint and Reformation,' pleading earnestly for a modified Episcopacy
and showing how far that might be brought into harmony with the practice
of the Church of Scotland, he concludes as follows : 'The rest to the wise
application of the powerful and judicious. It is enough for me to have thus
boldly shot my bolt amongst you, and to have thus freely discovered my
honest and well-meant thoughts to so able judgments. What I want in my
poor endeavours shall be supplied in my prayers.' The letter was written
in September 1644, or more than a year after the Assembly began its

INTRODUCTION. XXXIX
England ' fully assent ' to the substance of it.1 The latter
in 1688 followed a similar course, 'the more abundantly
to manifest their consent,' both with the Assembly and
those of the Congregational way, ' in all the fundamental
articles of the Christian religion.' 2
Considerable weight is also due to the admissions frankly
made by the five Dissenting Brethren and the Scotch Com
missioners. If the former had not had a high regard for
the character and attainments of those with whom they
were associated in the Assembly, and a hopeful expecta
tion of ' a happy latitude and agreement ' by their means,
they would, as themselves tell us, ' have declined this
theatre, of all others the most judicious and severe, — an
Assembly of so many able, learned, and grave divines,
where much of the piety, wisdom, and learning of two
kingdoms are met in one, honoured and assisted with the
presence of the worthies of both Houses.' 3 If the latter,
again, had not held their English associates in high esteem,
they would neither have spoken of them nor acted towards
them as they did, nor have cherished such a warm affec
tion for them in after years.
Finally, the opinion of Baxter, who more than almost
any other clergyman then living was competent to form
a calm and unprejudiced judgment of the matter, is un
equivocally favourable. His words, though often quoted,
may be here repeated : ' The divines there congregate j
were men of eminent learning and godliness, and mini
sterial abilities and fidelity ; and being not worthy to be
one of them myself, I may the more freely speak that
truth which I know, even in the face of malice and envy,
that, as far as I am able to judge by the information of all
history of that kind, and by any other evidences left us,
the Christian world, since the days of the apostles, had
never a Synod of more excellent divines (taking one thing
with another) than this Synod and the Synod of Dort
1 Declaration of the Faith and Order owned and practised in the Congre
gational Churches in England, agreed on at the Savoy, 1658.
2 Confession of Faith put forth by the elders and brethren of many congrega
tions of Christians (Baptists), agreed on at London, 1688.
3 Apologetical Narration, p. 27.

xl INTRODUCTION.
were.'1 'This,' as Dr. Stoughton well observes, 'is high
praise ; but it comes nearer the truth than the condem
natory verdicts pronounced by some others. . . . The
Westminster divines had learning — scriptural, patristic,
scholastical, and modern — enough and to spare ; all solid,
substantial, and ready for use. . . . Moreover,' he adds,
'in the perception and advocacy of what is most character
istic and fundamental in the gospel of Jesus Christ, they
were as a body considerably in advance of some who could
put in a claim to equal and perhaps higher scholarship.'2
But it is said that, however good those who attended the
Westminster Assembly may have been, there were men
better fitted to frame a Confession for British Protestants
who were not invited, or at least were not present there.
After what I have already stated regarding Ussher, I
should hope that no more needs to be said about his
absence. There was no theologian for whom the English
Puritans had a higher regard than for him ; and had the
King only allowed him to gratify the wishes of the Parlia
ment by attending the Assembly, perhaps his scheme for
a union of Episcopacy and Presbytery would have met
with only less favour at its hands than his system of
doctrine did. Perhaps the difficulties of his master him
self would have been greatly lessened, and many of the
succeeding troubles have been avoided.. Whether the
others Mr. Fairbairn singles out are really to be deemed
better fitted to frame a Confession and Form of Govern
ment for the Church than those summoned to do so, would
depend very much on the character the Confession was
to assume, and in regard to that there was pretty general
agreement among moderate Episcopalians and Puritans.
If the doctrine taught by Anselm, Bradwardine, Wycliffe,
Tyndall, Ussher, Whitgift, and Abbot, and more mode
rately by a host of others in England, was not then to be
pronounced false at the foundation, or to be ignored ; if
the Church, which up to the time of Laud had been in
doctrinal harmony with the Reformed Church abroad, was
- ' Baxter's Life and Times, Pt. i. p. 73. See also Neal, vol. iii. p. S7
Stoughton's Church of the Civil Wars, p. 453. See also Marsden, p. 82.

INTRODUCTION. xii
not to be revolutionized, then the Assembly may not have
suffered so much as he supposes from the absence of the
men he names. If credence is to be given to Baillie, that
' pleasantest of letter gossips,' there was in the Assembly
no lack of men of sharpness, quickness, and subtlety of
wit, nor, while Twisse, Lightfoot, Coleman, Gataker, Gil
lespie, and Rutherford were there, was there lack of others
who were walking libraries. We do not read that the quiet
recluse of Eton was called to any of the Convocations held
by his patron Laud; and even after he bade good-night
to John Calvin, there is, as has been said, no evidence that
he ever said good-morning to Arminius. It is known that,
on the important point of the right of the Church to
require the observance of things in their own nature in
different, his judgment remained with the Assembly rather
than with its opponents.1 He suffered for a time, I admit
with sorrow, from the Parliamentary troops, though not
more than Dr. Twisse and others did at the hands of the
Royalists. But it has yet to be clearly made out whether
it was then that he was finally deprived of preferment, or
whether, after the first excitement of the war was over, he,
like many others, was allowed to enjoy his fellowship in
peace till after the execution of the King, and then, along
with not a few loyal Presbyterians, was dispossessed for
not taking the oath of fidelity to the new regime. At least
I have failed to find his name in the Journals of the
Houses among the fellows who were deprived in 1644-5,
1 Prayer, confession, thanksgiving, reading of the Scriptures, and admini
stration of the sacraments in the plainest and simplest manner, were matter
enough to furnish out a. sufficient liturgy, though nothing either of private
opinion or of church pomp — of garments or prescribed gestures, of imagery, of
music, of matter concerning the dead, of many superfluities which creep into
the church under the name of order and decency — did interpose itself. To
charge churches and liturgies with things unnecessary was the first beginning
of all superstition ; and when scruple of conscience began to be made or pre
tended, there schism began to break in. If the special guides and fathers of
the Church would be a little sparing of encumbering churches with superfluities,
or not over-rigid either in reviving obsolete customs or imposing new, there
would be far less cause of schism or superstition ; and all the inconvenience
were likely to ensue would be this : they should in so doing yield a little to the
imbecility of their inferiors,— a thing which St. Paul would never have refused
to do. Meanwhile, wheresoever false or suspected opinions are made apiece of a

xiii INTRODUCTION.
and that of Penwarden, who was his successor, among those
appointed ; and Chalmers says expressly that it was for
refusing the engagement he was finally deprived.1
Complaint is made of the absence of Chillingworth from
the Assembly. But he was even a keener Royalist than
Hales, and had been a member of the notorious Convo
cation of 1640, in which the innovations of Laud were
sanctioned, and severe penalties decreed against Puritans
of every grade. I can find no evidence that he there at
tempted to give practical effect to his principles, or that he
dissented from or actively opposed the extreme measures
then resolved on. From the circumstances of his life, it is
not to be wondered at that he should have been left out,
or that his works did not immediately command the rever
ence and esteem that has been accorded to them in suc
ceeding times. But it is altogether a mistake to represent
the Westminster Assembly as in any sense responsible for
the follies of Cheynell, his erratic antagonist. Chilling-
worth is at least once referred to in its debates, and on
that occasion his views in regard to 'fundamentals' are
mentioned 2 in such a way as to show that he was held in
respect by members of Assembly more influential than
Cheynell. Neither was Ralph Cudworth in the Assembly ;
but both he and Whichcott were held in high esteem by
its members, and in 1645 both were approved by the
Assembly3 as worthy of the appointments in the Uni
versity of Cambridge, to which they had been designated
by the Earl of Manchester. It is acknowledged, I think,
church liturgy, he that separates is not the schismatic; for it is alike unlawful
to make profession of known or suspected falsehood, as to put in practice un
lawful or suspect actions. - Tract concerning Schism, p. 4S. Hales's authority
was pleaded, and this passage specially referred to, in the papers prepared by
the Puritans m connection with the Savoy Conference. There is much in
his sermons on John xiv. 27 and 1 Tim. iv. 8 to incline one to the opinion,
that on other points his sympathies were rather with Martinius of Bremen
than with Episcopius, as Chalmers had inferred from his letters
| He continued in his fellowship at Eton although he refused the covenant,
but was ejected upon his refusal to take the engagement 'to be faithful to the
Commonwealth of England, as then established without a King or a House of
.Lords. —Chalmers' Biographical Dictionary, vol. xvii. p. 36.
2 Minutes of the Sessions of the Assembly, p. 25.
3 Ibid. pp. 59, 91, sessions 3S2, 434.

INTRODUCTION. Xliii
by one whose authority Mr. Fairbairn will not call in
question, that at that time they were both moderate
Calvinists. In Cudworth's noble discourse before the
House of Commons, to which he has definitely referred,
I can see nothing really inconsistent with this view, and
there are some passages in it which he and his friends
would do well to note.1 Bryan Walton also was absent,
and at the time the Assembly met he was known chiefly
as one skilled in the law of tithes. But there were other
scholars there no way inferior to him in any learning
needed for the formation of a Confession of Faith, and
safer guides as to the comparative trustworthiness of the
Hebrew original and the Septuagint version of the Old
Testament than he ultimately became. It is quite possible
that, though a great scholar, Walton may, in his youth,
and while absorbed in the study of tithe-law, have been
but indifferently attentive to the ordinary duties of a parish
1 ' The great mystery of the gospel, it doth not lie only in Christ without us
(though we must know also what he hath done for us), but the very pith and
kernel of it consists in Christ inwardly formed in our hearts. . . . We can
receive no virtue from it till it be inwardly digested, and concocted into our
souls ; till it be made ours, and become a living thing in our hearts. . . .
Christ, indeed, hath made an expiation for our sins upon his cross, and the
blood of Christ is the only sovereign balsam to free us from the guilt of them ;
but yet, besides the sprinkling of the blood of Christ upon us, we must be
made partakers also of his Spirit. Christ came into the world as well to
redeem us from the power and bondage of our sins, as to free us from the
guilt of them. . . . The end of the gospel is life and perfection, — 'tis a divine
nature — 'tis to make us partakers of the image of God in righteousness and
true holiness, without which salvation itself were but a notion. Christ came,
indeed, into the world to make an expiation and atonement for our sins, but
the end of this was that we might eschew sin, that we might forsake all un
godliness and worldly lusts. The gospel declares pardon of sin to those that
are heavy laden with it, and willing to be disburdened, to this end, that it
might quicken us to new obedience ; whereas otherwise the guilt of sin
might have detained us in horror and despair, and so have kept us still more
strongly under the power of it, in sad and dismal apprehensions of God's
wrath provoked against us, and inevitably falling on us. ' — Sermon before House
of Commons, p. 42. He does not seem to me to give up the doctrine of
predestination any more than that of the atonement. The differences between
him and his most pronounced Puritan colleagues were small in amount com
pared with the differences between him and later latitudinarians. When the
school which is so eager to claim him shall accept this noble sermon as a
summary of the things most surely believed by it, Puritans and Broad Church
men may be content to forget their differences.

xliv INTRODUCTION."
minister, or that he may have been so actively hostile to.
the Parliament, that their committee, on this ground alone,
may have deemed themselves warranted to mete out far
harder measure to him than calmer times will approve.
At any rate, those who deem it necessary to bring up this
should not have forgotten to mention what Cromwell and
his Puritan brother-in-law Wilkins did to help forward
the publication of Walton's great work ; nor what that
' pleasantest of letter gossips,' Baillie, has said of him in a
work which perhaps only a Dr. Dryasdust may be supposed
now to have the patience to master, though no one who
aspires to write with accuracy on the men of that time,
and to guide opinion in regard to their character and work,
has a right jauntily to dispose of it and many others of the
same class with a sneer or a sarcasm. ' Brianus Waltonus/
says Baillie, after referring to some other advocates of the
superior claims of the Septuagint chronology, 'Prolego-
menorum suorum nono in fine, etsi multo modestius, acriter
tamen satis, et quam potest serio, eadem oberrat chorda,
quod mihi permolestum accidit. Nam Waltono, ob in-
signem et laudatissimam suam operam in nobilissimorum
polyglottorum Bibliorum, Londini, editionem valde faveo,
doleoque serio virum tanti in omnes Ecclesias meriti, istius
Novaturientium sectae laqueis ullatenus irretitum.' x Is
there not more charity and kindliness shown here to
Walton, than some of Walton's friends seem yet prepared
to concede to Baillie and his Puritan colleagues ?
But, after all that may be said on such points, it is
mainly by their work that the Westminster Assembly
must submit to be judged. If it really be the case that
that is of so extreme a kind as Mr. Fairbairn and others
assert, and that it is intentionally so, no argument from
the general character and attainments of its members will
avail in arrest of the judgment he pleads for against them ;
l Operis Historici et Chronologici Libri Duo, p. 7. Nay, at the time of the
Restoration, when the old man was still deluding himself with the vision of a
Covenanting King and Presbyterian Church, he expressed to Sharp in Lon
don his desire that Dr. Walton, though bitterly Episcopal, should, on account
of-nis great work, be cherished, and have some such- place as the Provostry of
Eton College bestowed on him. See his Letters, vol. iii. p. 401

INTRODUCTION. xiv
while, if it be not the case that their work is of such a kind,
it would matter but little though their general character
and attainments were less clearly established. Is, then,
the view he takes of the Assembly borne out by its
Minutes or its symbolical books, or by the private writings
of the more prominent of its members ? So far from it,
that, on the contrary, it may be clearly shown that hardly
any Synod since the first Council of Nicea has taken
more care that all its decisions in matters of faith, deemed
worthy of a place in its Confession, should be practically
unanimous, and all its regulations in matters of polity
should admit of very considerable latitude and variation
in points of detail. With respect to matters of discipline
and government, the Assembly strove earnestly to secure
an accommodation wherever serious differences of opinion
emerged among its members j1 and if it sometimes failed
in its efforts, the blame rests quite as much with the Par
liament as with it. Gillespie, in his speech to the As
sembly, before going down to Scotland in 1644, expressly
advocated this course.2 The Assembly followed it, with
' In particular, the Scotch Commissioners take credit to themselves for
having earnestly followed this course. In their paper, entitled Ihe Refor
mation of Church Government in Scotland cleared from some Mistakes,
they say : ' This our profession, we are confident, will find credit with all
that know us, and have observed our ways since our coming into this king
dom, which have been, and so far as the truth will suffer us, ever shall be, to
unite and not to divide, to compose rather than to create differences, which
we conceive to be also one principal end of the calling of the Assembly of
divines, and which all the members of the Assembly, against all particular
interests, are after a special manner engaged to aim at ' (p. 2).
2 See p. 28 of these Minutes. He hoped that common opposition to Eras-
tianism would draw together many who differed on subordinate points of
Church government, and was willing to make as well as ask concessions for
the sake of union. In his controversy with Coleman, he said : ' We will
never despair of an union with such as are sound in the faith, holy in life,
and willing to a Church-refining and sin-censuring government in the hands
of Church officers' (Nihil Respondes, p. n); and in a sermon before the House
of Lords he expresses himself still more earnestly : ' When I speak against
liberty of conscience, it is far from my meaning to advise any rigorous or
violent course against such as, being sound in the faith, holy in life, and not
of a turbulent or factious carriage, do differ in smaller matters from the common
rule. "Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither
let the light shine upon it," in which it shall be said that the children of God
in Britain are enemies and persecutors of each other. He is no good Christian

xlvi INTRODUCTION.
the full approval of the Scotch Commissioners, in its
resolutions with regard to the office and duties of elders,
and strove hard to carry it out in the important matter
of Church censures,1 so as to allow the Independents, as
one has said, ' to have their chapels apart, if they would
only consent to enter them by the door of the great
national cathedral.' Nay, even in regard to Presbytery
itself, they were content to determine that it was lawful
and warrantable rather than that it was absolutely im
perative. A similar course was followed, only still more
decidedly, in their Directory for Public Worship, — many
of its regulations being recommendations rather than
injunctions, and that on the express ground lest they
should impose a burden on weak consciences, or, as
Gillespie on one occasion expressed it, should ' cross the
principles of the good old Nonconformists.' 2 Did they
act in a different spirit in framing their Confession of
Faith ? I think we are now in a position to pronounce
that they did not.
Some time ago, I endeavoured to show that the As
sembly's Confession was not derived from foreign sources,
either Genevan or Dutch, but that, both in its general
plan and in the tenor of its more important articles, it
was drawn from native sources other than Scotch, and in
who will not say Amen to the prayer of Jesus Christ, that all who are his
may be one in him. If this be heartily wished, let it be effectually en
deavoured; and let those who will choose a dividing way rather than a
uniting way bear the blame.'
1 In the last paper given in by them to the Sub-committee on Accommoda
tion, in answer to the proposals of the majority, that they should statedly join
in the ordinary worship of the parochial congregations where they lived, and
be under the congregational eldership, but should not be obliged to receive
the Lord's Supper there, nor to be subject to the censures of Classes or
Synods, they reply that this supposes what is contrary to their professed
judgment, viz. that they should be members and pastors of parishes as then
constituted ; but .as the Houses had not thought meet as yet to give power by
a law to purge the congregations, and as the rule for purging proposed by the
Assembly was not only short, but exclusive of what they thought was required
in Church members, the object they had in view was not how the parishes
should be reformed, so far as would satisfy their consciences, but how they
might be considered for forbearance apart.
2 His letter is given in vol. ii. pp. 505, 506, of Dr. Laing's edition of
Baillie's Letters.

INTRODUCTION.

xlvii

particular from those confessedly Augustinian or Calvin
istic Articles,1 which, even before the Synod of Dort was
summoned, or the Arminian controversy had become so
embittered, had been adopted by the Convocation of the
Irish Church. An examination of the Minutes of the

1 These Articles, agreed to by the archbishops, bishops, and Convocation of
the Irish Church, and approved of by the Viceroy in 1615, were held in high
repute by almost all the sound Protestant ministers in England and Scotland.
They embodied the mature opinions of Ussher, then Professor of Divinity at
Dublin, and of several other learned and orthodox divines who scrupled at
no ceremony required in the Book of Common Prayer, shrunk from no com
pliance .with the absolute will of the King in things indifferent, and were in no
sense liable to the charge of Puritanism — if that is anything else than a con
venient nickname. In these Articles, as it humbly appears to me, we have
the main source of our Confession of Faith, and almost its exact prototype in
its statement of all the more important and essential doctrines of Christianity.
In the order and titles of many of its chapters, as well as in the language of
whole sections or subdivisions of chapters, and in many single phrases and
voces signatce occurring throughout their Confession, the Westminster divines
appear to me to have followed very closely in the footsteps of Ussher and his
Irish brethren. The headings of those chapters which cannot be clearly
traced to this, source may generally be found in a ' Body of Divinity,' which
was published in his name while the Assembly was sitting, and which, though
he declined to sanction it as a statement of his own opinions, he admitted that
he had, in early life, compiled from the writings of others. The following are
the headings of most of the chapters or larger sections in the two formularies,
and it is hardly necessary to do more than set them over against each other to
show their close affinity : —

IRISH ARTICLES.

WESTMINSTER CONFESSION.

I. Of the Holy Scripture and the
Three Creeds.
II. Of faith in the Holy Trinity.
III. Of God's Eternal Decreeand Pre
destination.
IV. Of the Creation and Government
of all things.
V. Of the Fall of Man, Original
Sin, and the State of Man be
fore Justification (including the
English Article of Free Will).
VI. Of Christ the Mediator of the
Second Covenant.
VII. Of the communicating of the
Grace of Christ.
VIII. Of Justification and Faith,

IX. Of Sanctification
Works.

and Good

I. Of the Holy Scripture.
II. Of God, and of the Holy
Trinity.
III. Of God's Eternal Decree.
IV. Of Creation. V. Of Provi
dence.
VI. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin,
and of the Punishment
thereof. IX. Of Free
Will.
VII. Of God's Covenant with Man.'
VIII. Of Christ the Mediator.
X. Of Effectual Calling.
XI. Of Justification. XIV. Of
Saving Faith.
XIII. Of Sanctification. XVI. Of
Good Works.

xlviii

INTRODUCTION.

Assembly confirms me in this view.1 I do not venture
to assert that in no case has it determined points which

XXI. Of Religious Worship, and
the Sabbath Day.
XXII. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows.
XXIII. Of the Civil Magistrate.
XXV. Of the Church. XXVI. Of
Communion of Saints.
XXX. Of Church Cen
sures.
XXXI. Of Synods and Councils.

XXVII. Of the Sacraments.
XXVIII. Of Baptism. XXIX. Of the
Lord's Supper.
XXXII. Of the State of Man after
Death, and of the Resur
rection of the Dead.
XXXIII. Of the Last Judgment.

XV. Of the State of the Old and New XIX. Of the Law of God.
Testament (including Doc
trine as to Moral and Cere
monial Law).
X. Of the Service of God (including
teaching as to Oaths and the
Lord's Day).
XI. Of the Civil Magistrate.
XIII. Of the Church and outward
Ministry of the Gospel (in
cluding teaching as to Excom
munication, Absolution, etc.)
XIV. Of the Authority of the Church
General Councils, and the
Bishop of Rome.
XVI. Of the Sacraments of the New
Testament.
XVII. Of Baptism. XVIII. Of the
Lord's Supper.
XIX. Of the State of the Souls of Men
after they be departed out of
this Life, together with the
General Resurrection and the
Last Judgment.
Perhaps it may be said that this resemblance is nothing more than might be
expected from the common system on which both of these, and in fact most
of the Reformed Confessions of the previous century were framed. But if the
order of the chapters of those other Confessions be compared with these two,
it will be at once perceived that the resemblance between the Articles of the
Church of Ireland and the Westminster Confession is something more and
closer than can be thus explained. For instance, all the other Confessions,
with the exception of the Swiss, place the chapter on God before that on
Holy Scripture ; all which have a chapter on Predestination or God's' Eternal
Decree, place that chapter not before those on creation and providence, but
after those on the fall of man and original sin, or later in order still. Most
give the chapters relating to the Church and the Magistrate in an order
different from that which is followed by the Irish and the Westminster Con
fessions. Further, the headings of the chapters are too closely alike in
language to allow us to suppose the later could have been drawn up without
reference to the earlier. Thus we find in both, ' of Holy Scripture,' and ' of
God's Eternal Decree,' when in each case the plural nouns might have been
used, as they are in our Catechisms ; we have the same qualifying adjectives
employed in both, in these and in other headings, and we have the same
descriptive epithets used even when others are preferred in the English
Articles. Finally, the statements of the two Formularies in several of the
more important doctrines of our faith, have only to be placed in juxtaposition
to show that the resemblance between the two is very close and striking in
language as well as in general arrangement.
1 On various occasions (pp. 126, 127, etc.) discussions arise about words not
found in the Confession as finally adopted, but found in the Irish Articles. On

INTRODUCTION. xlix
the Irish Synod had left open. But I do say that these
points are not many nor important, and that it is clear
the Assembly took the greatest possible pains to express
its views in such a way as to obviate objections which had
been or might have been taken either to the words or to
the matter of the Irish Articles. I endeavoured once
already to show how carefully balanced the statements of
the Confession were.1 Let me, now that I have access to
the Minutes of the Assembly, attempt this again.
I. The Scriptures. — The Westminster divines, like the
Irish, place this Article at the head of their Confession.
This, and not the doctrine of the Decree, is the point from
which their whole system is sought to be evolved, although
that doctrine is placed by them, as it had been by the
Irish divines, in its logical rather than in its natural order.
If any chapter in the Confession was more carefully framed
than another, it was this, ' of the Holy Scripture.' It formed
the subject of repeated and earnest debate in the House
of Commons as well as in the Assembly ; and I think it
requires only to be fairly examined to make it appear that
its framers were so far from desiring to go beyond their
predecessors in rigour, that they were at more special pains
than the authors of any other Confession — I. To avoid
mixing up the question of the canonicity of particular
books with the question of their authorship, where any
doubt at all existed on the latter point ;2 2. To leave open
all reasonable questions as to the mode and degree of
one occasion a paragraph is at first adopted in the very words in which it is
found in the Irish Articles ; but when it comes to be fitted into its place in the
chapter to which it belongs, several changes have to be made on it (p. 278).
And when the Confession is completed, a proposal is made for a Committee to
consider of errors not obviated by the Confessions of England, Scotland, and
Ireland, which it might be expedient to refer to in the new one (p. 286).
1 'The Westminster Confession of Faith; a contribution to the study of its
historical relations and the defence of its teaching. '— Edinr. 1866. I have to
some extent availed myself of its materials.
2 Any one who will take the trouble to compare their list of the canonical
books with that given in the Belgian Confession or in the Irish Articles,
may satisfy himself that they held, with Dr. Jamieson, that the authority of
these books 'does not depend on the fact whether this prophet or that wrote
a particular book or parts of a book ; whether a certain portion was derived
from the Elohist or the Jehovist ; whether Moses wrote the close of Deutero-
d

1 INTRODUCTION.
inspiration which could consistently be left open by those
who accepted the Scriptures as the infallible rule of faith
and duty ; 3. To refrain from claiming for the text such
absolute purity, and for the Hebrew vowel points such
antiquity, as was claimed in the Swiss Formula Con-
cordice, while asserting that the originals of Scripture
are, after the lapse of ages, still pure and perfect for all
those purposes for which they were given ;' 4. To declare
nomy, Solomon was the author of Ecclesiastes, or Paul of the Epistle to the
Hebrews ; but on the fact that a prophet, an inspired man . . . wrote them,
and that they bear the stamp and impress of a divine origin.'
Belgian Confession.
Veteris quidem Testamenti, Quinque libri Mosis ; nempe, Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numeri, Deuteronomium, . . . Item, Psalmi Davidis, tres libri
Salomonis, videlicet Proverbia, Ecclesiastes, et Canticum canticorum, quatuor
prophetae majores, Esaias, Jeremias cum ejusdem Threnis, Ezechiel et Daniel :
. . . Novi vero Testamenti, quatuor evangelistae Sanctus scilicet Matthasus,
Marcus, Lucas et Johannes ; Acta Apostolorum ; quatuordecim epistola Sancti
Pauli quae sunt ad Romanos, ad Corinthios duae, Galatas, Ephesios, Philip-
penses, Colossenses, ad Thessalonicenses duae, ad Timotheum duae, ad Titum,
Philemonem, Hebraeos; et septem epistolae reliquorum apostolorum, nempe
Jacobi, Petri duae, Johannis tres, Judae, Apocalypsis denique S. Johannis
Apostoli. Westminster Confession.
Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the word of God written, are now
contained all the books of the Old and New Testament, which are these : —
Of the Old Testament.
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth,
1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, I Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra,
Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs,
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah,
Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi.
Of the New Testament.
The Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John ; the Acts of the
Apostles ; Paul's Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians 1, Corinthians 2, Gala
tians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians 1, Thessalonians 2,
to Timothy 1, to Timothy 2, to Titus, to Philemon ; the Epistle to the
Hebrews, the Epistle of James, the first and second Epistles of Peter ; the
first, second, and third Epistles of John, the Epistle of Jude, the Revelation.
1 Not even the text they adduce in proof of this statement will suffice to
fix down its meaning to the sense which Lee and others have sought to im
pose on it ; for Lightfoot, who in matters critical was regarded as one of
their highest authorities, has expressly stated that the words one iota or one
tittle are by our Lord himself used interchangeably with ' one of the least of

INTRODUCTION. Ii
that the sense of Scripture in any particular place is not
manifold, but one, and so raise an earnest protest against
that system of spiritualizing the text which had been too
much countenanced by some of the most eminent of the
Fathers, and many of the best of the mystics.
II. Of the Trinity, and of Christ the Mediator. — I can
only repeat what I have already said as to the care and
caution the Westminster Divines have shown in these
chapters. Where shall we turn for a more full and scrip
tural exhibition of the attributes of God ? where for a
more sober yet definite statement of the doctrines of the
Trinity, of the hypostatical union of the divine and human
natures1 in our ' Mediator and Surety,' or of the nature and
efficacy of his redemptive work ? While the doctrine of the
Trinity is clearly asserted, the so-called Athanasian Creed
is shrunk up into the single sentence : ' The Father is of
none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally
begotten of the Father ; the Holy Ghost eternally proceed
ing from the Father and the Son.' Some rash speculations
respecting the mode of the Sonship, which the Irish divines
were blamed for inserting, were passed over by the West
minster divines. In revising the English Articles on the
subject of this chapter, they first changed the eighth into
the following form : ' The creeds that go under the name of
the Nice Creed, Athanasian Creed, and that which is com
monly called the Apostles' Creed, are thoroughly to be
received and believed, for that the matter of them may be
proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture.'2

these commandments ;' and that his meaning in both cases is not that no letter
or part of a letter should be lost or corrupted, but that not a particle of the
divine meaning should be so — ' eousque incorruptam immortalitatem ac
puritatem textfis sacri asserere ut non peritura sit ulla sensus sacri particula
a capite legis ad calcem.' To the same effect Vines says that ' the Scripture
stands not in cortice verbarum, but in medulla sensus ;' and shows that he
not only knew of varies lectiones in the Hebrew, but held that some in the
margin were ' truer ' than those in the text. Tuckney expresses himself in
similar terms, and so does Ussher in his famous letter to Cappellus.
1 Dr. Schaff says it contains one of the most comprehensive statements of
the Chalcedonian doctrine.
2 Lightfoot's Journal of the Proceedings of the Assembly, p. 10. The form
into which they ultimately cast this article will be found in the Appendix.

Iii INTRODUCTION.
And then they had 'long agitation about setting some
gloss upon the preface and conclusion of Athanasius'
Creed, which seems to be something harsh.' Have the
Reformers in the English Church at the present day as
yet got farther than these divines were willing to go?
Have they even yet succeeded in fixing definitely the
sense in which the minatory clauses are to be interpreted ?
The more rigid Calvinists have been blamed for attempt
ing to define with a minuteness, as novel as uncalled for,
that in which the atonement of our blessed Lord consisted ;
while those of another school, in opposing their extrava
gances, have explained away what is said in Scripture of
his mysterious agony and sorrow of soul, of his vicarious
sacrifice and death. The Westminster divines, with rare
judiciousness, avoid both extremes, following closely the
language of the Irish Articles, save that they omit the
expression, ' to reconcile his Father unto us,' retained in
them and in the English Articles. For the reasons given
by Archbishop Magee and Principal Hill, I myself am
satisfied this expression is warrantable ; but I admit it is
scrupled at by some of whose orthodoxy I cannot enter
tain a doubt.
III. Of God's Eternal Decree. — This chapter, as will be
seen from the note below, is taken almost entirely from
the Irish Articles.1 The only additions worth naming are
1 WESTMINSTER CONFESSION. IRISH ARTICLES.
Chapter III.— Of God's Eternal Article III.— Of God's Eternal
Decree. Decree and Predestination.
I. God from all eternity did, by the n. God from all eternity did, by his
most wise and holy counsel of his own unchangeable counsel, ordain whatso-
will, freely and unchangeably ordain ever in time should come to pass • yet
whatsoever comes to pass : yet so, as, so as thereby no violence is offered to
thereby neuher ,s God the author of the wills of the reasonable creatures,
sin, nor is violence offered to the will of and neither the liberty nor the contin-
the creatures, nor is the liberty or con- gency of the second causes is taken
tingency of second causes taken away, away, but established rather
but rather established.
I II. Although God knows whatsoever
may or can come to pass upon all sup
posed conditions ; yet hath he not de
creed anything because he foresaw it as
future, or as that which would come to
pass upon such conditions.

INTRODUCTION.

liii

Section II., which pronounces against the scientia media
of the Jesuits, and the slight enlargement of the state
ment on Reprobation in Section VII. The latter is quite

III. By the decree of God, for the
manifestation of his glory, some men
and angels are predestinated unto ever
lasting life, and others fore-ordained to
everlasting death.
IV. These angels and men, thus pre
destinated and fore-ordained, are par
ticularly and unchangeably designed ;
and their number is so certain and
definite, that it cannot be -either in
creased or diminished.

V. Those of mankind that are pre
destinated unto life, God, before the
foundation of the world was laid, ac
cording to his eternal and immutable
purpose, and the secret counsel and
good pleasure of his will, hath chosen
in Christ unto everlasting glory, out of
his mere free grace and love, without
any foresight of faith or good works,
or perseverance in either of them, or
any other thing in the creature, as con
ditions, or causes moving him there
unto ; and all to the praise of his
glorious grace.

VI. As God hath appointed the
elect unto glory, so hath he, by the
eternal and most free purpose of his
will, fore-ordained all the means there
unto. Wherefore they who are elected
being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by
Christ ; are effectually called to faith in
Christ by his Spirit working in due
season ; are justified, adopted, sancti
fied, and kept by his power through
faith unto salvation. Neither are any
other redeemed by Christ, effectually
called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and
saved, but the elect only.

ia. By the same eternal counsel, God
hath predestinated some unto life, and
reprobated some unto death : of both
which there is a certain number known
only to God, which can neither be in
creased nor diminished.

13. Predestination to life is the ever
lasting purpose of God, whereby, be
fore the foundations of the world were
laid, he hath constantly decreed in his
secret counsel to deliver from curse
and damnation those whom he hath
chosen in Christ out of mankind, and
to bring them by Christ unto everlast
ing salvation, as vessels made to
honour. 14. The cause moving God to pre
destinate unto life, is not the foresee
ing of faith, or perseverance or good
works, or of anything which is in the
person predestinated, but only the
good pleasure of God himself. For
all things being ordained for the mani
festation of his glory, and his glory
being to appear both in the works of
his mercy and of his justice ; it
seemed good to his heavenly wisdom
to choose out a certain number towards
whom he would extend his undeserved
mercy, leaving the rest to be spectacles
of his justice.
T5. Such as are predestinated unto
life, be called according unto God's pur
pose (his Spirit working in due season),
and through grace they obey the calling,
they be justified freely, they be made
sons of God by adoption, they be made
like the image of his only begotten Son
Jesus Christ, they walk religiously in
good works, and at length, by God's
mercy, they attain to everlasting feli
city. 32. None can come unto Christ un
less it be given unto him, and unless the
Father draw him. And all men are not
so drawn by the Father that they may

liv INTRODUCTION.
as guarded as the language used by Ussher in his Method
of the Christian Religion;1 and, as I have already stated,
it was drawn up by a committee of which the cau
tious Reynolds had charge. The former was the least
that could be expected in a Synod over which Dr.
Twisse presided. But it is remarkable that, though the
Assembly met after the Synod of Dort, and had for its
president one whose opinions on these mysterious sub
jects were almost as pronounced as those of Gomarus
himself, it fell back not on the decrees of that Synod, but
on the Articles of the Irish Church, which had been'
drawn up before the Synod of Dort was summoned, or
the controversies its decrees occasioned had waxed so
fierce. The debates of the Assembly clearly show that
its members did not wish to determine several particulars
decided by the Synod of Dort, far less to determine them
VII. The rest of mankind, God was come unto the Son. Neither is there
pleased, according to the unsearchable such a sufficient measure of grace vouch- ,
counsel of his own will, whereby he safed unto every man whereby he is
extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he enabled to come unto everlasting life.
pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign But such as are not predestinated to
power over his creatures, to pass by, salvation shall finally be condemned for
and to ordain them to dishonour and their sins.
wrath for their sin, to the praise of his
glorious justice.
VIII. The doctrine of this high 17. We must receive God's promises
mystery of predestination is to be in such wise as they be generally set
handled with special prudence and forth unto us in Holy Scripture ; and
care, that men attending to the will of in our doings, that will of God is to be
God revealed in his Word, and yield- followed, which we have expressly de-
ing obedience thereunto, may, from the clared unto us in the Word of God.
certainty of their effectual vocation, be
assured of their eternal election. So
shall this doctrine afford matter of
praise, reverence, and admiration of
God, and of humility, diligence, and
abundant consolation to all that sin
cerely obey the gospel.

1 This work, published by him in his youth, but revised and republished a
year or two before his death, contains the following question and answer :
' Q. Did God then, before he made man, determine to save some and reject
others ?— A. Yes, surely,— before they had done either good or evil, God in
his eternal counsel set some apart upon whom he would in time show the
riches of his mercy, and determined to withhold the same from others, upon
whom he would show the severity of his justice.'— See it in his Works, as
edited by Elrington, vol. xi.

INTRODUCTION. Iv
more rigidly than it had done. They even intentionally
left open one point which the Irish divines thought fit to
determine. They spoke indifferently of the 'decree' and
of the 'decrees' of God, while the Irish divines speak of
only one and ' the same decree ;' and from the notes of
their debates given below,1 it will be seen that this was
done because all were not agreed upon the point, and in
order that every one might enjoy his own sense ! The same
care was taken to avoid the insertion of anything which
could be regarded as indicating a preference for supra-
lapsarianism ;2 and for this purpose, the words, 'to bring
this to pass, God ordained to permit man to fall,' were
changed into ' they who are elected, being fallen in Adam,
are redeemed by Christ,' etc. Did these divines mean to
follow an opposite policy in regard to the point on which
Calamy, Arrowsmith, Vines, Seaman, and other disciples
of Davenant, or according to Baillie of Amyraut, differed
from the more exact Calvinists ? After repeated perusal
of their debates, I cannot take upon myself certainly to
affirm that they did, though I admit that this matter is
not so clear as the others above referred to. No notes of
the debate in its latest stage are given, nor is any vote or
dissent respecting it found in these Minutes. Calamy,
who spoke repeatedly in the debate on the Extent of
Redemption, avowed that he held, in the same sense as
the English divines at the Synod of Dort,8 'that Christ
by his death did pay a price for all, with absolute inten-
1 ' Mr. Rutherford — All agree in this, that God decrees the end and means,
but whether in one or more decrees is not agreed. Say, ' ' God also hath
decreed." It is very probably but one decree, but whether fit to express it
in a Confession of Faith . . .
'Mr. Gillespie — When that word is left out, is 'it not a truth? and so every
one may enjoy his own sense.
'Mr. Reynolds — Let us not put in disputes and scholastical things into a
Confession of Faith. I think they are different decrees in our manner of
conception. ' Mr. Calamy — That it may be a truth, I think, in our Prolocutor's book,
he gives a great deal of reason for it ; but why should we put it in a
Confession of Faith?'— Notes of Speeches in Minutes— see pp. 150, 151.
2 ' I desire that nothing may be put in one way or other. ' — Calamy's Speech,
Ibid. p. 151. See also p. 152.
* See entries on p. 160 of these Minutes in sessions 526, 527.

lvi INTRODUCTION.
tion for the elect, with conditional intention for the re
probate in case they do believe; that all men should
be salvabiles non obstante lapsu Adami . . . ; that Jesus
Christ did not only die sufficiently for all, but God did
intend, in giving of Christ, and Christ in giving himself
did intend, to put all men in a state of salvation in case
they do believe.' Seaman, Vines, Marshall, and Harris in
part at least, agreed with him.1 And though I cannot find
that Dr. Arrowsmith took part in this debate, yet he was
attending the Assembly, was a member of the Committee
on the Confession, and in his writings has repeatedly ex
pressed his leaning towards the same opinion.2 In the
progress of the debate, the proposition that Christ re
deemed the elect only, was exchanged for this other, that
Christ did intend to redeem the elect only. The final
decision of the Assembly, as has just been stated, is not
inserted in these Minutes ; and though at first sight it may
not seem easy to reconcile the opinions of these divines
with the language of the sixth section of this chapter of the
Confession, it would be rash for me to say it is impossible.
They certainly did not succeed in getting any positive
1 See the notes of the debate (pp. 152, 153, etc.) during sessions 522, 523,
and 524. The following are the passages in the theses of the English divines
at the Synod of Dort, to which reference is made by Calamy and Marshall :
' Sic ergo Christus pro omnibus mortuus est, ut omnes et singuli, mediante
fide, possint atrixurpou hujus remissionem peccatorum et vitam eternam con-
sequi. Sic pro electis mortuus est ut, ex merito mortis ejus secundum
aeternum Dei beneplacitum specialiter illis destinato, et fidem infallibiliter
obtineant et vitam aaternam. ' — Acta Synodi Dordtrechtance, p. 603. ' Nemo
mortalium est qui non possit vere et serio per ministros evangelii vocari ad
participationem remissionis peccatorum et vitae aeternae per hanc mortem
Christi. . . . Evangelio autem nihil falsum aut simulatum subest, sed quic-
quid in eo per ministros offertur aut promittitur hominibus, id eodem modo
ab autore evangelii offertur et promittitur iisdem. ' — Ibid. p. 602.
2 He says of Davenant, ' Cujus memoria apud orthodoxos in benedictione
sempiternapermanebit;' and of himself, 'Rev' admodum Davenantii, pralec-
tiones et determinationes imbiberam, exegetica, polemica et Synodica scripta.
perlegeram et ipsius dogmata fere quidem omnia in succum et sanguinem
vertere conatus sum ' (Tactica Sacra, p. 223); and of the particular question
here discussed, 'sanguinem foederis pro eis (i.e. electis) effusum, si non solis,
modo, saltern, et intentione speciali. '
In his sermon on Rev. xii. 1, 2, making a comparison between the natural
sun and Christ the Sun of righteousness, he thus expresses himself : ' No
visible creature but shares more or less in the benefit of this influence. So

INTRODUCTION. Ivii
approbation of their opinions inserted ; but it is just pos
sible that the language of this section may have been so
arranged, that they felt warranted in accepting it as not
positively condemning them. Those who in modern
times have pronounced most confidently that the more
restricted view is exclusively intended, seem to me to have
unconsciously construed or interpreted the words, ' neither
are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justi
fied, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only,' as if
they had run, ' neither are any other redeemed by Christ,
or effectually called, or justified, adopted, sanctified, and
saved, but the elect only.' But these two statements do
not necessarily bear the same meaning. Calamy, Arrow-
smith, and the others who agreed with them, may have
felt justified in accepting the former, though they might
have scrupled to accept the latter.1
It may be argued, however (and it is better to advert to
it here), that even if the opinions of these divines were not
positively excluded by the language of this section, they
Christ, being the light that lighteth every one that cometh into the world,
there is no man but partakes of his goodness in one kind or other, though
with much variety in the success. '
In his Chain of Principles (p. 182), Arrowsmith, like Calamy, interprets
John iii. 16 not of the 'elect world,' but of 'the undeserving, yea ill-deserv
ing world of mankind.' Gataker, in his book, de Stylo Novi Testamenti
(p. 56), adopts a similar interpretation of this passage. Of course Caryl,
Burroughs, and Strong, the members who recommended the Marrow of
Modern Divinity, may fairly be held as concurring in this interpretation,
though, like several who did so in the succeeding century, they may not have
accepted the detailed theory which the author of that book has built on it.
Calvin himself has been held by Overall, Hall, and others, to have counte
nanced the same interpretation, when he says, in his commentary on the passage,
' Universalem notam apposuit, turn ut promiscue omnes ad vitae participa-
tionem invitet, turn ut praecidat excusationem incredulis. Eodem etiam
pertinet nomen mundi quo prius usus est. Tametsi, enim, in mundo nihil
reperietur Dei favore dignum, se tamen toti mundo propitium ostendit, quum
sine exceptione omnes ad fidem Christi vocat, quae nihil aliud est quam in-
gressus in vitam. Caeterum meminerimus ita communiter promitti omnibus
vitam in Christo, qui crediderint, ut tamen minime communis omnium sit
fides. Patet enim omnibus Christus ac expositus est, solis tamen electis oculos
Deus aperit.'
1 This concatenation may be what Gillespie points at in his speech, p. 153,
when he says they must look beyond the proposition, and see what they held
concerning that which in order goes before and what in order follows after.
He himself did not accept even their view of John iii. 16.

Iviii INTRODUCTION.
must be held to be so by that used in chap. viii. sec. 8 :
'To all those for whom Christ hath purchased redemption
he doth certainly and effectually communicate and apply
the same.' It is quite possible that, in the progress of the
debate, they may have yielded somewhat, especially after
having secured, in chap. vii. sec. 3, words sufficient to guard
the truth they were mainly anxious to conserve, — that
under the covenant of grace, and by the preaching of the
gospel, the Lord 'freely offereth unto sinners life and sal
vation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him that
they may be saved.' Besides, they had admitted (p. 159)
a distinction between the propositum morientis and the
meritum mortis. Still, it is also just possible that they
may have accepted the words 'purchased redemption,'
in the eighth chapter, as Baxter was willing to do, not
of every fruit of Christ's death, but of ' that special re
demption proper to the elect,' 'which was accompanied
with an intention of actual application of the saving
benefits in time.' Ussher and some of his immediate dis
ciples, of whose own position there seems to be little doubt,
appear occasionally to have used the phrase in the same
sense,1 and speak of the differences between Spanheim
and Amyraut, the representatives of the two continental
Calvinistic schools, as rapipya qucedam, which should
not alienate those who in common rejected Pelagianism
and semi-Pelagianism.2 Dr. Ames, again, who himself
belonged to the stricter school, and who may be regarded
as in fact one of the English Puritans, maintains that the
1 This may be seen in his letter on the intent and extent of the death of Christ,
and in his vindication of that letter ( Works, vol. xii. ). In the former he dwells
chiefly on the point on which he and Davenant differed from the older school;
but in the latter he gives greater prominence to the point in which he differed
from the Arminians, and says that impetration, in the sense these attached to
the term, was not of wider extent than application, and that ' forgiveness of
sins is not impetrated for any unto whom the merit of Christ's death is not
applied.' Some suppose that Ussher's views changed a good deal in his
later days ; but if Baxter's, or even Hammond's, account of interviews with
him shortly before his death are carefully compared with this letter, and the
vindication of it, his later opinions will be found to be as nearly as possible
identical with his earlier. To the last he denied that Christ died for all men
\\ i<rM). For his latest views on predestination and reprobation, see p. liv.
2 See his letter to Spanheim in vol. xvi. p. 95 of his Works.

INTRODUCTION. Hx'
chief cardo controversies between Remonstrants and Contra-
Remonstrants was not an pro omnibus et singulis mortuus
sit Christus t sed quis finis et fructus sit Christi in eis pro
quibus est mortuus, not whether he died for all in some
way, but whether he died for all equally, and whether the
end and fruit of his doing so was merely to remove legal
obstacles, and render salvation possible ; or whether it did
not also secure the salvation of a certain definite number,
and that not a small, but large, number of our lost race.1
But at any rate, the adoption of the eighth paragraph
in chap. viii. of the Confession did not end the contest
between the divines, and set them altogether at one.
These Minutes show that, when the Larger Catechism was
being prepared, another effort was made by the represen
tatives of the Davenant school to get their opinions
distinctly sanctioned and positively expressed in that
formulary. A committee, apparently of English members
only, prepared and brought up for discussion (p. 369) the
following questions and answers : — ' Q. Do all men
equally partake of the benefits of Christ ?— A. Although
from Christ some common favours redound to all man
kind, and some special privileges to the visible Church,
yet none partake of the principal benefits of His mediation
but only such as are members of the Church invisible.
Q. What common favours redound from Christ to all
mankind ? — A. Besides much forbearance and many sup
plies for this life, which all mankind receive from Christ

1 Si vago sensu quaeratur an Christus aliquo modo recte dicatur mortuus pro
electis ; an vero aliquo modo pro omnibus, nulla est hie una certa et deter-
minata qusestio. Neque etiam potest vel posterior pars a nostris vel prior a
Remonstrantibus absolute negari. Sunt inter nostras, quod Remonstrantes
non latet, qui simul utramque partem defendunt : 'Christum scilicet pro
electis mortuum esse quoad efficaciam, et tamen pro omnibus quoad sufficien-
tiara. Non desunt etiam qui utramque partem simul negant, Christum scilicet
mortuum esse pro eis qui (ordine intuitus divini) prius fuerunt electi et mor
tuum eum esse pro omnibus (collective sumptis) ex aequo. Docent enim
Christum Dominum, in praescientia Dei, antequam intelligatur electio homi
num, satisfactionem suam obtulisse Patri ut aliqui designarentur a Patre in
quibus ilia satisfactio salutis effectum consequeretur, materialem tamen desig-
nationem, illorum eligendorum voluntati Dei reliquisse.' — Amesii A ntisynodalia
Scripta, p. 176.

Ix INTRODUCTION.
as Lord of all, they by him are made capable of having
salvation tendered to them by the gospel, and are under
such dispensations of Providence and operations of the
Spirit as lead to repentance.'1 These questions and answers
were first agreed to be discussed, and then referred back
to a Committee with which the Scotch Commissioners
were associated. The questions and answers adopted
in session 873 (pp. 392, 393) are probably to be regarded
as their report ; and the answer to the question, Are all
they saved by Christ who live within the visible Church
and hear the gospel ? wears the look of an attempted
compromise, admitting on the one side that ' the gospel,
where it cometh, doth tender salvation by Christ to all,
testifying that whosoever believes in him shall be saved,
and excludeth none that come unto him ; ' and affirming on
the other, that ' none do or can truly come unto Christ, or
are saved by him, but only the members of the invisible
Church.' This affirmation is warranted both by the Lam
beth and the Irish Articles ; but there are few nowadays
who will not grant that it was more cautiously expressed in
1 The answers to these questions have rather a marked similarity to the
following paragraph (pp. 205, 206) of Ball's Treatise of the Covenant of
Grace,— a. work published in 1645,— which was held in high esteem by the
Puritans, and recommended by Reynolds, as well as Calamy and several
other members of the Westminster Assembly : ' The second sort of divines
(Contra-Remonstrants) distinguish the sufficiency and efficiency of Christ's
death. In respect of the worth and greatness of the price, he died for all
men : because it was sufficient for the redemption of every man in the world
if they did repent and believe ; and God might, without impeachment of
justice, have offered salvation to every man in the world had it been his
pleasure. In the efficiency, as every man or any man hath fruit by the death
of Christ, so Christ died for him. But this is not of one kind : some fruit is
common to every man ; for as Christ is lord of all things in heaven and earth,
even the earthly blessings which infidels enjoy may be termed fruits of Christ's
death. Others proper to the members of the visible Church, and common to
them, as to be called by the word, enjoy the ordinances of grace, live under
the covenant, partake of some graces that come from Christ, which, through
their fault, be not saving ; and in this sense Christ died for all that be under
the covenant. But other fruits of Christ's death, according to the will of God
and intention of Christ as Mediator, be peculiar to the sheep of Christ, his
brethren, them that be given unto him of the Father, as faith unfeigned,
regeneration, pardon of sin, adoption, etc. ; and so they hold Christ died
efficiently for his people only, in this sense,— namely, so as to bring them
effectually to faith, grace, and glory. '

INTRODUCTION. lxi
the shape in which it ultimately appeared in the answer
to the sixty-eighth question of the Larger Catechism :
'All the elect, and they only, are effectually called,
although others may be, and often are, outwardly called
by the ministry of the Word, and have some common
operations of the Spirit, who, for their wilful neglect and
contempt of the grace offered them, being justly left to
their unbelief, do never truly come to Christ.'
One subject more in this important chapter must yet be
noticed. It has been said even recently, by a dignitary
of the sister Church, that the statement in Section 7 is a
melancholy one, and complaint is made that it has not
yet been expunged. May it not be fairly replied, that
they have no right to speak severely of this who have not
yet made up their minds to expunge the minatory clauses
from the Athanasian Creed, and that they who think that
the apparent severity of these clauses would be sufficiently
mitigated by a Synodical declaration should be the last
to refuse to us, in explanation of this sentence, the benefit
of the Synodical declaration long before made by the
Synod of Dort, with the full assent of the Anglican
divines ? That Synod place among other obloquies which
they say the Reformed Churches not only do not admit,
but also detest with all their heart the opinion, ' that as
election is the fountain and original cause of faith and
good works, so in like manner reprobation is the cause of
infidelity and wickedness.' To the same effect Calamy
says : ' It is most certain that God is not the cause of any
man's damnation. He found us sinners in Adam, but
made none sinners.'1 And Arrowsmith, in explaining
Rom. ix. 22, 23, says : —
' I desire to have it punctually observed, that the vessels of wrath
are only said to be fitted to destruction, without naming by whom,
God, Satan, or themselves ; whereas, on the other side, God himself is
expressly said to have prepared his chosen vessels of mercy unto
glory. Which was purposely done (as I humbly conceive) to intimate
a remarkable difference between election and preterition, in that
election is a proper cause not only of salvation itself, but of all the
1 Sermon before House of Commons, p. 32.

Ixii INTRODUCTION.
graces which have any causal tendency thereunto, and therefore God
is said to prepare his elect to glory ; whereas negative reprobation is
no proper cause either of damnation itself, or of the sin that bringeth
it, but an antecedent only; wherefore the non-elect are indeed said to
be fitted to that destruction which their sins in conclusion bring upon
them, but not by, God. I call it a remarkable difference, because
where it is once rightly apprehended and truly believed, it sufficeth to
stop the mouth of one of those greatest calumnies and odiums which
are usually cast upon our doctrine of predestination, viz. that God
made sundry of his creatures on purpose to damn them, — a thing
which the rhetoric of our adversaries is wont to blow up to the
highest pitch of aggravation. But it is soon blown away by such as
can tell them, in the words of the excellent Dr. Davenant, " It is true
that ,the elect are severally created to the end and intent that they
may be glorified, together with their head, Christ Jesus ; but for the
non-elect we cannot truly say that they are created to the end that
they may be tormented with the devil and his angels. No man is
created by God with a nature and quality fitting him to damnation.
Yea, neither in the state of his innocency nor in the state of the fall
and his corruption doth he receive anything from God which is a
proper and fit means of bringing him to his damnation." '] Sedgwick,
in his Riches of God's Grace Displayed, says : ' The just cause of a
sinner's damnation is of and from himself; never lay it on God's
decrees, or want of means or helps.' ' What could Christ do more ?
He calls, and cries, and knocks, and entreats, and waits, and weeps ;
and yet you will not accept of him, nor of salvation by him. Thou
must thank thyself for all thy miseries. Thou wilt confess one day,
I might have had mercy. I was offered Christ and grace. I felt him
knocking by his Spirit ; but I slighted him, grieved him, and rejected
him, and now it is just with God to shut the door of mercy against
me.' — P. 42.
Had these statements been found in the writings of any
modern Scotch divine, they would probably have been
pointed to as a signal but melancholy proof how far men
can be persuaded to stretch the meaning of their creed
to reconcile it with modern ideas and kindly feeling, when,
if they were true to their convictions, they ought rather
to abandon or modify it. But occurring as they do in the
writings of men who took an active part in framing the
Westminster Confession, and continued to be held in
honour and put in places of high trust by the Puritan
party, they seem sufficient to show that a Calvinism less
pronounced than can be attributed to Dr. Crawford and
1 Arrowsmith's Chain of Principles, pp. 335, 336, etc., edition 1659.

INTRODUCTION. lxiii
his friends, had its defenders and representatives in the
Westminster Assembly, and that those who have failed to
discover any traces of this are no safe guides in regard
to the opinions of the Assembly, and the comparative
liberality or narrowness of its teaching. I believe Dr.
Crawford1 only fairly represents that of the more moderate
divines both in the quotation already given (p. xxvi.), and
when he says : —
' The decrees of God are merely his purposes. He alone, except
when they are prophetically announced, is cognizant of them ; and
he alone, if we may so speak, is influenced by them ; at least they
have no direct influence on any besides him. They are God's secret
designs for the regulation of his own procedure. But they are not
rules or laws prescribed for the guidance of others, still less are they
powers or agencies exerted for the coercion of others. ... It is not
by his purposes at all, but only by his actual procedure, that any
influence, whether compulsory or otherwise, can be exerted over us.
A further error in reference to this subject has arisen from ignoring
or overlooking the fact that the purposes of God are to a great extent
only permissive. That they are so, is evidently the doctrine of our
Confession of Faith. For while we are there told that God from
all eternity did unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass, it is
added immediately after, as a qualification of this statement, yet so
as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered
to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second
causes taken away, but rather established. These words plainly
imply that the purposes of God are only permissive in so far as they
have respect to those events which are to be brought about by the
will of free agents, and more particularly in so far as they have
respect to the commission of sins of which it would be gross impiety
to suppose that God is in any sense the originator.'
And I am satisfied that, in the quotation he adduces from
Dr. South, he has furnished all that is needed as an answer
to that so often adduced from Tillotson, if indeed more
1 The very phrase which some suppose to be an invention of his or some
modern Calvinist was not unknown to the divines of the Assembly. Dr.
Harris, in a sermon preached before the House of Commons, from Luke xviii.
6, 7, 8, says : ' God's adversaries are in some way his own. He is a piece of
a Father to them also. For he is a common Father by office to all, a special
Father by adoption to saints, a singular Father by nature to Christ. A Prince,
besides his particular relation to his children, is Pater patrice, . . . and is
good to all, though with a difference. So here, though Christ hath pur
chased a peculiar people to himself, to the purpose of salvation, yet others
taste of this his goodness.' — P. 32.

lxiv ' INTRODUCTION.
is needed than Dr. Arrowsmith has said. South, as well
as Tillotson, was trained under the Puritans, and had less
sympathy with them in many things ; but his clear, strong-
intellect led him to reject with scorn the flimsy argu
ments by which it was sought to cover with obloquy or
contempt a doctrine which had commanded the reverence
of Augustine, Anselm, Bradwardine, Hooker, Ussher, and
even Lord Bacon, as well as of Calvin and the Puritans.
Speaking of the divine purposes, South says : ' Be they
never so absolute, yet they have no causal influence upon
sinful actions ; no, nor indeed upon any actions else, for
asmuch as the bare decree or purpose of a thing produces
or puts nothing in being at all. It is, as the schools call
it, an immanent act — that is, such a one as rests wholly
. within God, and effects nothing without him.'
The ninth chapter, ' of Free-will,' supplies another strik
ing proof of the caution and judgment of the framers of
the Confession. Differences had shown themselves among
the Continental divines at least early in the seventeenth
century, respecting the nature of this freedom. Several of
them had abandoned the more simple teaching of Calvin
for a system apparently more philosophical. The full
development and scientific statement of this system was
reserved for Jonathan Edwards in the following century.
It is not the case, however, as some assert, that Edwards
> was the first who attempted to wed predestinarianism to
necessity. During the seventeenth century, several of the
Continental divines had laboured to effect the same object.
If Chaucer is to be trusted, a similar attempt had been
made in England by Bradwardine even before the Refor
mation. The idea is present, in germ at least, in the
writings of Tyndall,1 one of the most noted of the English
Reformers, and in a more developed form in the writings
of some of the later Puritans. I cannot doubt, therefore,
that the Westminster divines were acquainted with it.
Yet they have contented themselves with the older and
> ' The wit, without help of the will, gives the light of the understanding ;
neither does the will work at all until the wit have determined this or that to
be good or bad. '— Tyndall's Lively Description of our Justification

INTRODUCTION. ' lxv
apparently less philosophical view, and may claim from
us some credit for their far-sighted wisdom. The system
of Edwards which fascinated Principal Hill and Dr.
Chalmers has not commended itself, either to the greatest
Scottish philosopher or the ablest defender of Scottish
Calvinism in our day,1 as an aid in the defence of the
Scripture doctrine ; and most of us would refuse to stake
our creed on the truth of this questionable and much
questioned system.
The teaching of Chapter XI. on Justification has been
charged by some as being exaggerated. There is hardly
any charge which, in my humble opinion, could be made
with less foundation. It is true that in this chapter the
teaching of the Church of Rome is directly negatived, and
that this may not be done in those earlier Confessions
which were drawn up before the Council of Trent had
closed its sittings. But surely this can be no great stum
bling-block to any true son of the Reformed Church ;
nor should the articulus stantis vel cadentis ecclesice, as
here set forth, prove a ' rock of offence ' to really earnest
and inquiring men. Hardly in any confession will a
more cautious and carefully balanced statement be found
of this doctrine, and the related doctrines of faith, and
the assurance of faith, and of the complementary truths
brought into prominence in the Antinomian controversy.
It is in substantial harmony with the teaching of Hooker
and Ussher, and free from the exaggerations with which
some of the early Reformers, and even Bishop Downame,
have been charged. The fact and order of union with
Christ is more prominently brought out in the Catechisms
than in the Confession, but they are presupposed in the
latter too. The phrase, 'the obedience and satisfaction
1 See Sir William Hamilton's Discussions on Philosophy, p. 626, and Prin
cipal Cunningham's Theology of the Reformation, pp. 511, 517.
Baxter takes the same view of this chapter, and maintains that ' our own
Assembly gave an example of modesty in these points to those that will
follow it.' He adds shortly after the following words, which I commend
to the thoughtful consideration of those who imagine that the Assembly was
too ready to bind heavy burdens on men's consciences: — 'Many other
moderate passages I could show in our Assembly's Confession to those that
have need to imitate them.' — See his Confession of his Faith, chap. ii. sec. 6.
e

lxvi INTRODUCTION.
of Christ,' was in all probability meant to indicate a leaning
towards the view made exclusive in the revised Articles
of 1643 and in the Independent Confession of 1658: ' His
whole obedience and satisfaction ;' ' Christ's active obedience
unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death.'
But it is at least more indeterminate than the latter
phrases ; and as it was suggested and accepted by Mr.
Gataker l during the revision of the Articles, may have to
be read in the light of the debates which took place when
that revision was being made. These are not contained in
this third volume of the Minutes of the Assembly, having
taken place in 1643, shortly before the Scotch Commis
sioners came up. The speeches of Dr. Featley, who seems
to have led the debate on one side, were published at the
time ; and these, taken in connection with the notes con
tained in the first volume of the MS. Minutes, are sufficient
to give a general idea of the course of the discussion. The
main question which occasioned difference among the
divines, was that which had been raised by Piscator and
Tilenus on the Continent, viz. whether it was not the
passive obedience or satisfaction of Christ alone which
was imputed to believers for justification. This view was
ably defended by Gataker, Twisse, and some others. The
more generally received view was advocated with no less
ability by the Episcopalian Featley and many others,
and the majority of the Assembly appeared to be in
favour of that view. Then Dr. Featley (as the Prolocutor
Twisse had previously done) called the attention of the
Assembly to a letter of King James, written to the Re
formed Church in France on this very controversy, and
recommending that it should be consigned to oblivion as
one ' plane nova nee necessaria,' ' a conciliis non definita,
a patribus non tractata nee denique a scholasticis ipsis
agitata.' 2 This was probably the reason,, that though most
of them favoured the views of Ussher and Featley, they
were content with a more general expression than they
1 ' If no more . . . than obedience, no sticking at it, but the word whole?
This word whole does not appear before ' obedience ' in the Confession.
2 Featley's Dippers Dipped, p. 2IJ.

INTRODUCTION. Ixvii
at first used, and that in return Gataker agreed to abstain
from further controversy about the matter.
The chapters in the Confession on Sanctification and on
the Law of God — so strongly yet so carefully worded — are
such as could hardly have been looked for in the earlier
days of the Reformation. But as the gross excesses of the
Anabaptists in Germany, and the Spiritualists of Geneva,
led Calvin to elaborate his chapter on the Decalogue into
one of the most masterly disquisitions in his Institutes ; so
the turbulence and licence of the Antinomians in England
in the time of the Civil Wars, led the Westminster divines
to examine these matters more narrowly, and to affirm in
the most positive manner, the necessity of sanctification
and the perpetual obligation of the moral law. The lan
guage of both chapters, it will be seen from pp. 272, 274, etc.,
was very carefully discussed and somewhat altered before
they finally passed in the Assembly. In particular, the
last five words were left out in the following clauses,
' which power is not contrary to the work of the Spirit of
Christ, . . . but sweetly complying with it, and is subordi
nate unto it;' one member having objected to them. In
regard to the fourth commandment, they teach a higher
and more consistent doctrine than was maintained by
Luther, or perhaps even by Calvin, yet not higher than
had been embodied in the Irish Articles, and in the second
book of the Homilies of the English Church, as well as in
Acts of the Scottish Parliament and General Assembly in
the time of Knox.
In Chapters XXIV. and XXV., on the Church and the
Communion of Saints, we have a doctrine taught even
more thoroughly catholic, as it seems to me, than that
which is set forth in the Articles of the Irish Episcopal
Church, of the teaching of which the compilers of our Con
fession have so largely availed themselves. In addition to
one invisible Church, to which all the true elect of God are
acknowledged to belong, and particular visible churches
composed of professing believers in particular nations (both
of which are expressly owned in both formularies), the
.Westminster Confession recognises one visible Church, to

lxviii INTRODUCTION.
which all throughout the world who profess faith in Christ
and union with him ought to feel that they belong, and
with the members of which they are bound, as God gives
them opportunity, to cultivate union and communion. In
almost identical terms with the other Reformed Confes
sions, it propounds the positive marks which indicate the
purity and standing of any particular branch of the one
Church. Yet, with a moderation rare in such times, it ab
stains from inserting the negative statement found in the
old Scotch and several contemporary Confessions, viz. that
' neither antiquity nor title usurped, nor lineal descent1 nor
multitude of men approving, are assured tokens whereby
the immaculate spouse of Christ is known.' This state
ment, if but calmly weighed by certain controversialists,
would, methinks, induce them to reconsider - their hasty
verdict on the two Confessions, at least to the extent of
owning that the former is as little to their mind as the
latter. The doctrine taught in Chapters XXVII., XXVIII., and
XXIX., as to the nature of the sacraments generally, and
of the Lord's Supper especially, is such as could have
grown up nowhere else so surely as on British soil, where
the truth was slowly and gradually developed in the minds
of the Reformers, was watered by the blood of the martyrs, i
and so was finally and firmly rooted in the affections of
their countrymen. It is, in brief, the teaching of Cranmer,
Latimer, and Ridley; of Hooker, Ussher, and many others,
their true-hearted successors in the south, as well as of
Knox, who from his long residence in England, and with
English exiles on the Continent, has thoroughly caught up
their warm and catholic utterances.' This teaching is as
far removed from the bare remembrance theory attributed
to the early Swiss Reformers, as from the consubstantiation
of Luther and the local or supra-local presence contended
for by Roman Catholics and Anglo-Catholics. It is so
spiritual, yet so really satisfying, that even some High
Churchmen have owned that it would be difficult to find
1 'Nee a successione perpetua episcoporum discerni possit. '—Archbishop
Adamson's Latin Version,

INTRODUCTION. lxix
a better directory in the study of questions relating to this
sacrament than is supplied in the Confession of Faith ;
while those of another school freely grant that, on the
doctrine of the sacraments, they ' do not perceive a shade
of difference from the teaching of the Church of England.'
The language throughout Chapter XXIX. is as nearly as
possible identical with that of the Irish Articles.
The chapter on the Civil Magistrate, while adhering
closely in some parts to the very words of the Irish
Articles, emphatically sets out a different doctrine as to
the limits of his power. Its doctrine in those days would
probably have been admitted by few who did not belong
to the Puritan party; but the Revolution Settlement of
1688 rests on it. The question whether the magistrate was
under Christ as Mediator was intentionally left open (p.
3 1 o). The sentiments expressed are in several places nearly
akin to those of Article XXXVI. of the Belgian Confes
sion. It is the only chapter in which a close resemblance
can be traced between the two, and I consider it not a
little remarkable that the Westminster divines should be
found turning to Holland just for that which, from its his
tory and conflicts, Holland was best fitted to teach. Some,
I know, will have it, that though the limits of civil obe
dience are rightly defined in this chapter, too much is
allowed to the magistrate in connection with religion. But
such should consider that what is here allowed is less than
was claimed for him in the old Scotch and other early re
formed confessions, and far less than was conceded in the
English and the Irish Articles. Nor, in fairness to the
compilers, must it be forgotten that the assertion of the
magistrate's rights circa sacra is accompanied by an explicit
statement of the manner in which his rights are to be
exercised, and that the two must be taken in connection.1
1 ' For the better effecting whereof, he hath power to call synods, to be
present at them, and to provide that whatsoever is transacted in them be
according to the mind of God. ' Reynolds' commentary on this is : ' The
Christian magistrate may interpose by his authority (if necessity require)
to forbid and moderate ' disputes, ' He may . . , call conventions and
colloquies, wherein there may be a fraternal and amicable debate and com
posure of them, And if, after all this, differences be not perfectly healed . . .

1XX INTRODUCTION.
All that is here claimed for the magistrate is needed to
vindicate the course followed both in England and in
Scotland at the time of the Reformation, and less than is
here given cannot well be demanded while an established
church continues to subsist. It may be said, however that
if the statements in Chapter XXIII. are pretty carefully
guarded, those in the last section of Chapter XX. are less
so. I admit at once that the language there used is
capable of a harsh construction, and probably was so con
strued by stricter English and Scottish Covenanters. Yet
the words do not necessarily require such a construction,
and were not so construed by all who assented to them.
If an unlimited toleration of all teaching however blas
phemous, and of all practices however revolting, is not to
be openly proclaimed (and no Christian state has yet ven
tured to proclaim it, nor any Christian church to re
commend it), and if all power is not to be taken from the
magistrate of guarding the sanctity of the Lord's day and
the marriage bond, and of preserving peace between con
tending sects, both Christian and non-Christian, I do not
see how less can well be affirmed, to bring out the truth
that men are not to, turn liberty into licentiousness, but
are responsible to God and to society when they abuse it.
It was surely expedient that such a declaration should
follow the noble statement then for the first time en
shrined in the confession of a Christian church : ' God
/alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath set it free from
|i the doctrines and commandments of men which are in any-
i thing contrary to his word or beside it, if1 matters of faith
and worship ; so that to believe such doctrines or to obey
such commandments out of conscience is to betray true
liberty of conscience ; and the requiring of an implicit
faith and an absolute blind obedience is to destroy liberty
brethren must mutually bear with one another, and pray for one another, and
love one another. ' ' In making laws and penalties, be tender towards the
weak consciences of your brethren. . . . Magistrates do with good reason
expect to have their sanctions obeyed rather than disputed; but they must
remember that they are brethren as well as magistrates, and therefore must
take heed of writing or binding heavy burdens.' — Sermons in 1657-8.
1 This is the reading of the earliest English editions of the Confession.

INTRODUCTION. Ixxi
of conscience and reason also.' The principle here
enunciated, it appears to me, is the very root of Puri
tanism,1 and the goodly tree which has sprung from
1 Some will have it, that English Puritanism from its origin was narrow and
illiberal, and that it lagged behind all other parties in the matter of religious
toleration. It cannot be denied, at least, that it led the van and bore the
brunt of the battle in the struggle for civil liberty ; and that shows unmis-
takeably in what direction its principles tended. Its ecclesiastical struggle was
also from the first a struggle for liberty, at least in things indifferent, and things
not expressly enjoined by Scripture ; and to the last it was more willing to
tolerate differences within than without the Church. It objected to the
gradual tightening of the subscriptions in the English Church, desiring that
these should be limited to the Articles, and to those of them directly relating to
matters of faith. Among its first uses of its victory in 1640 were the abolish.
ing of the Court of High Commission, and setting aside the canons of Arch
bishop Laud, which had required the clergy should bind themselves by oath
never to consent to changes in the government of the Church. The West
minster divines themselves, from their earnest desire to form one comprehen
sive Church, did not require subscription to their directories for worship and for
church government, or exact conformity to their minute details, as Laud had
done to those of the Prayer-book. It has been, doubted whether the English
section of them meant to make their- Confession more than the norm of public
teaching, like the Irish Articles of 1.615. A sentence of Tuckney's has. been
often quoted, in which he says, that ' in the Assembly he gave his vote with,
others that the Confession, of Faith put out by authority should not be either
required to be sworn or subscribed to . . . but [only] so, as not to be publicly
preached or written against.' But in his famous sermon on 2 Tim. i. 13, a
copy of which is still preserved in the University Library at Cambridge, he ad
vocates such forms of sound words not only as declarations of what we our
selves believe and judge that all should believe,, and ' desire and require that
all should profess, or at least not openly contradict, with whom we join in
nearest church communion ;.' but also ' as communionis tessera et judices ' —
badges of our Christian church communion, and great helpers and furtherers of
it, ' whereby uncomfortable divisions may be prevented, and the peace of the
Church the better preserved, while we all profess the same truth and speak
the same thing.' Cheynell shows the same toleration in his sermon before
the House of Commons in March 1646 ; and as much has been said, of his
extravagances, it is right this should be recorded to his credit :. ' I conceive it-
is requisite to a Christian state to hold forth the Christian religion in a whole
some form of sound words that cannot be condemned, that there may be a,
sweet harmony between all the churches, of Christ; and if a Christian state
shall find it necessary to descend to some disputable points in their, Confession,
, that they may top the- rising errors of the time, I shall never move that learned
men of a different persuasion should be forced, or by preferment tempted to
subscribe or swear, to that form against their judgment, to which the civil
sanction is annexed, because I know full well what a great temptation it was
to young and old in the time of the Prelates' reign to subscribe to such forms,
as they had never thoroughly examined, because they could not be preferred
unless they subscribed. Yet I humbly move that men's mouths may be
stopped from blaspheming or reviling the truth of God, held forth for the

lxxii INTRODUCTION.
it will not die while Christianity lives. It is no longer,
thank God, the principle of a party, but is almost univer
sally admitted ; and many seem disposed to forget who
first so announced it, and finally made the announce
ment a reality by years of stormy conflict and heroic
suffering, while others stood aloof or acted the easy part
of candid friends. It may be that the Westminster
divines did not at once fully perceive all the consequences
of this noble principle, and that it was necessary they
should be taught by adversity what they had failed in
part to apprehend in the day of their prosperity. But
this will ever remain as their unquestioned honour, that
they first reclaimed for liberty a large province in which
the civil and ecclesiastical authorities had previously
claimed an absolute and arbitrary sway. In addition to
a considerable amount of toleration within the Church in
things of minor importance, they ultimately acquiesced
in a larger amount of it without the Church than had
been enjoyed in England before.1 If that toleration was far
increase of Christian uniformity.' The Church of Scotland, however, while
agreeing with the English Puritans as to the details of worship and govern
ment, has always required her ministers to regard her Confession of Faith as
something more than a norm of teaching, to which they were to conform in
their public ministrations ; and by Act 1693 she was specially empowered to
require all her ministers to own it as the confession of their faith, and the true
doctrine to which they will constantly adhere. When we look at the history
of Presbyterianism in England and in our own country since the seventeenth
century, we think we have good cause to be thankful for the course the Church
of Scotland has followed in this matter.
1 Hetherington's History of the Westminster Assembly, pp. 331, 332, etc.;
M'Crie's Sketches, p. 306, etc. See also p. 418 of this volume.
The full history of toleration has yet to be written. Professor Masson,
who in vol. iii. of his recent Life of Milton has made such an admirable con
tribution to it, has frankly admitted that the Church of England was more
tolerant than the Church of Rome, and Scottish Presbyterianism or Scottish
Puritanism was more tolerant (though the reverse is usually asserted) than the
Church of England prior to 1640. He adds, that he believes the honour of the
first perception of the full principle of liberty of conscience, and its first
assertion in English speech, has to be assigned to the Independents generally,
and to the Baptists in particular. But it grew of suffering, and there were
far more Roman Catholic than Baptist sufferers at that time. In 1601,
Bacon in a letter to Cecil advocated the toleration of Irish Papists. Six
years before the Baptist Confession there appeared ' A Refutation of an
Epistle Apologetical written by a Puritan Papist to persuade the permission
of the promiscuous use and profession of all sects and heresies.' Of course,

INTRODUCTION. Ixxiii
less liberal than is now enjoyed, or than the principle of the
Confession would have warranted, it was greater than the
gifted author of the Liberty of Prophesying is said himself
to have advocated or practised when prosperity dawned
on him. There are times when, in the interest of liberty
itself, some restraints must be placed on it ; and if ever
there was such a time, it was at that in which the
Assembly met, when the popular party were accused by
their opponents of wishing to introduce anarchy in Church
and State ; and the House of Commons itself found it
necessary to repudiate the charge. It is not strange if
af such a crisis there were fears we now deem groundless,
and misunderstandings we now deplore. But the Assembly,
by limiting obedience to the lawful commands of civil and
ecclesiastical authority, by limiting lawful commands in
matters of faith and worship to things positively enjoined
in the Word of God, or by fair inference deducible from
it, and by recognising the right of the civil authority to
form an independent judgment in things religious, helped
if the refutation appeared in 1605, the Epistle or Apology itself must have
appeared a little earlier. I know it only through the refutation, in which it
seems to be pretty fully embodied. The author of the latter is probably
right in asserting that the writer of the Epistle was a Papist in disguise ; but
it is rather remarkable, if the common prejudice in regard to the Puritans was
well founded, that he should have assumed the disguise of a Puritan. The
following brief extracts may suffice to show the general purport of the Epistle :
' Let us hold on the same moderate course, and strive to prevail not by the
temporal sword of His Majesty's power, but endeavour to overcome by the
eternal sword of God's Holy Word, which, though it be sweet and not violent,
yet is it a two-edged sword that entereth on every side, and pierceth more
deeply to win the heart of man and alter his understanding for planting the
gospel than any human force whatsoever. ' ' To destroy all those that are in
faith opposite to us were overmuch cruelty ; to compel them to an external
worship against their conscience were no less dangerous and damnable to us
than for them ; to impoverish them by statute laws were to impoverish our
selves, being so linked to them as many ways we are, — yea, it were a great
weakening of the whole body of the estate to the detriment of our Sovereign
Prince and of the Commonwealth ; for the wealth of the subject is the treasure
of the King, and the multitude of his people is his strength and glory.'
Afterwards the author refers to the parable of the tares, and the lord's
answer, 'Let them both grow together,' etc.; and says, 'If Christ will
have it thus, why do you blame my advice, that a Christian king should do
the same rather than use the sword of force and violence upon any the like
occasions?' It is quite true that in 1644 the Assembly of Divines petitioned
against a legal toleration of all sects and heresies, that very extreme things were

Jxxiv INTRODUCTION. *
to forward the cause of freedom both in Church and State,
and to plant the seed from which, as the Word of God
was better studied, a fully developed system of toleration
could not fail to grow.
Such, I believe, is the general character of the West
minster Confession of Faith, such its thoroughness, yet
such, on the whole, its moderation and catholicity. It is
lined and scored with the marks of conflict, but the deepest
and the broadest lines are those which run', through all the
Christian ages ; which appear distinctly either in the Creeds
of the early Councils, or in the writings of the greatest of
the Latin Fathers, or which, if they are not found so pro
minently there, appear broad and deep in the teaching of
the ablest theologians of the middle ages, and. in a few
instances are to be traced more certainly in the one or in
the other, than perhaps in the teaching of Calvin, certainly
than in that of Luther. The Assembly of divines which
framed it, may be said, humanly speaking, to have come
just at the last moment of time when such an Assembly

said by many of its members, and that even the more moderate of them were
pressing a comprehension rather than a toleration,, just as many,, who get far
more credit, did thirty years later. But glimmerings.of the truth were gaining
access to the minds of the more moderate of the English Presbyterians, and
find partial expression in the- sermons of Calamy, Vines, and Manton, by
1647, and as full expression in the sermons of Reynolds under the Common
wealth, as in those of the more moderate Independent divines. Presby
terianism, it appears to me, never really had a fair chance in England
till (see p. 418) 1659 ; and in the exuberance of an unsuspecting loyalty, it
threw it away, and recalled the heir of the Stuarts without conditions. The
main obstacle to its success in 1644 was, that it would not bow before Crom
well and his coterie, who consciously or unconsciously were following a
course which could only end in revolution. Neither the virtues of his
character, nor the glory and beneficence of his rule, must blind us to the fact
that he and his friends are largely responsible for the defeat of moderate
counsels in 1648, and for the terrible reaction against Protestantism in France,
as well as against Puritanism in England, which followed his brief supremacy.
The ordinance against blasphemies and heresies, harsh and cruel as it seems
to us, was not a tightening, but a relaxation,, of the law put in temporary abey
ance by the abolition of the Court of High Commission, and of the office
of bishop. Offenders were no longer to be punishable for opinions held, but
for opinions deliberately expressed. They were not obliged to clear them'
selves by oath, but must be convicted by the testimony of two credible
witnesses, or by their own voluntary confession. The charge must be
prosecuted and proved in the civil courts,, and as I take it, at least in

INTRODUCTION. IxxV
was possible — when Conformist and Nonconformist were
not yet formally separated, — when men trained in the
study of the Fathers, yet familiar with the principles and
tendencies of the Reformation, were not so rare as they
now are, — when the Church was still under the happy
influence of a marvellous revival, — when the word of God
was felt as a living, quickening, transforming power, and
preached not as a tradition, but as the very power and wis
dom of God, by men of ripe scholarship and devoted piety,
who have remained our models of earnest preaching, and
our guides in practical godliness, even unto this day.
If the Church's faith is to be, on the whole, a growing
faith— a building up on a foundation already laid deep
and firm in the past, and not a demolition of the earliest
and most massive substructures,, and even a remodelling
of the foundation itself,; — it is expedient that from time to
time account be taken of the progress made, and attention
be called to the structure as a whole. It would have been
matter for real regret, had an age of such deep piety, and
graver cases, before a jury. Cromwell himself, when at the height of his
power, found it necessary to set limits to toleration and the freedom of
church courts ; and when the Toleration Act was passed at the Revolution, it
was so not in general or latitudinarian. terms, but to the definite and limited
extent desired by the Puritans, the Baptists, and the Quakers. King William
III., though probably as wise a monarch as ever sat on the throne of Britain,
gave his assent to an Act for suppressing blasphemy and profaneness, by
which it was provided, that if any persons having been educated in, or at any
time having made profession of, the Christian religion within this realm,
should by writing, printing, teaching, or advised speaking, deny any one of
the persons in the Holy Trinity to be God, or should assert or maintain there
are more Gods than one, or should deny the Christian religion to be true, or
the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be of divine authority, he
should the first time be subject to severe legal disabilities, and the second
should suffer imprisonment for three years, Tillotson's successor in the See of
Canterbury wrote,, in support of these Acts and the King's injunctions, to the
following effect : ' Every pious person of the laity should, if need be, be put
in mind by the clergy, that he ought to think himself obliged to use his best
endeavours to have such offenders punished by the civil magistrate, as can no
otherwise be amended.. And that when he hears his neighbour swear or blas
pheme the name of God, or sees, him offend' in drunkenness or profanation of
the Lord's day, he ought not to neglect to, give the magistrate notice of it.'
Even the melancholy words of Rutherford were but the echo of those of the
judicious Hooker (Bk. 8), that in matters of faith 'law should set down a
certainty which- no man afterwauds is to gainsay.'

Ixxvi INTRODUCTION.
earnest action, and laborious learning, been allowed- to pass
without leaving some such record of its attainments as we
have in the Confession of the Westminster Assembly of
divines. To this, the product of their mature thought—
the deliberate record of their common faith and principles
— rather than to any extreme statement drawn up by
-isolated and crotchety individuals, it becomes us to turn,
if we would know them as they really were, and would be
qualified to judge of what they did to vindicate the truth
of Christ, and work out our freedom, both civil and eccle
siastical. We may legitimately have recourse to their true-
hearted successors, just as we may have recourse to the
writings of individual members of the Assembly for help
in understanding their common teaching ; but if we do so,
we must be religiously on bur guard against importing
into it aught which is merely a peculiarity of theirs, or is
added on as a further development of its principles and
teaching. Still more does it become us, while we refuse to
make any one an offender for words uttered, it may be,
lightly, and endeavour to construe the old creed as tole
rantly as we fairly can,1 yet to hold by it, as containing
' the sum and substance of the doctrine of the Reformed
Churches,' and to decline all tampering with it. It will
be time enough to think of change, when a school of theo
logians of riper scholarship and' more patient study, of
higher culture and deeper piety, shall arise among us, — not
content to pick up their opinions even on minor matters
at second-hand, but qualified, by acquaintance with the
writings of these old divines and their true-hearted suc
cessors, to do them full justice.
But was not the Westminster Confession rejected in the
land which gave it birth ere many years had passed?
Indeed it was ; and so, in a great measure, was all regard
for God and things divine, and men surrendered them
selves up to every excess of riot. The very King for
1 'Si quis tamen verbum aliquod durius, vel locutionem amplecti nequeat,
modo conveniat de re ipsa, tolerari forte poterit ejus infirmitas.'-C_W*
Letters, p. 462 ed 1617.. See also Dr. Hodges' most seasonable paper,
What is meant by adopting the Westminster Confession.

INTRODUCTION. lxxvii
whose sake so much was done and suffered, it is now
proved, was not well seated on his throne when he began
to plot for the reconciliation of his kingdom to the See of
Rome. The court he gathered round him was the most
dissolute and worthless which England for centuries has
seen, and they, of whom better things might have been
expected, contended but feebly against iniquity in high
places. Those of whom the world was not worthy were
sent forth to wander as outcasts from society, and from
the Church of their native land, to prove, under contempt
and persecution, the reality of the Christian principles they
had professed in their prosperity, and their deep attach
ment to the constitution of their country. But though
their Confession was cast off, its theology lived on not
withstanding, — lived on in the Episcopal Churches of
England and Scotland, in the teaching of Leighton and
Reynolds, and others of their old associates, who were
faithful to God in the midst of abounding defection,
— lived on, too, in the teaching of those who went forth
from the National Churches, clave to, it at all hazards,
preached it by their lives when they could no longer preach
it by their lips, and out of their deep poverty enriched
future generations by those practical treatises, in which
its theology will live, while the English language continues
to be spoken.
Moreover, when cast out in the land of its birth, it was
taken in elsewhere. It was voluntarily taken in on the
other side of the Atlantic by the children of the pilgrim-
fathers, who under its tuition have grown into a great
and noble nation, heirs with us of the Puritan traditions,
and having at the present day, in addition to an Episcopal
Church, which has yielded most of the minor changes
sought by English Puritans, more than six thousand
Presbyterian ministers, united in substantial adherence
to its standards, and a large number of Independent, and
of German and Dutch Reformed pastors, following closely
its Augustinian type of doctrine.
This supplies the answer I give to those who assert that
the Confession has failed in the object it sought to accom-

Ixxviii INTRODUCTION.
plish, and therefore ought now to be abandoned by the
Church of Scotland. True, it has failed to bind together
the Established Churches of England and Scotland; but it
has not failed to bind the Church which has held by it, to
many sister and daughter Churches of which she has no
cause to be ashamed. It. binds her to xmany in Scotland
who have gone out from her, but who still cling to her
standards and forms of worship, and perhaps at times
rebuke her the more sharply just because they still love
her. It binds her to the orthodox Presbyterian Churches
in England and Ireland, in Canada and Australia, as well
as to the great Presbyterian Churches in the United States
of America. Our only hope of a really united Presby
terian Church lies in substantial adherence to it ; and if we
will only be true to our Church, and vigilantly improve
our opportunities, I do not think we have any cause to
despair of this, and even more extensive good. She
needs no blank shield nor banner with new device, but
only her old faith, and life in Christ .; and He who has pre
served her as a witness for truths precious to the greatest
doctors of the West, and bound up with their deepest
spiritual experiences, may yet own her as evidently as He
has lately done the little Jansenist Church of Holland,
and say of her, ' Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it.'
She has once already saved the Reformation in England,,
and may help to do it again. :'
Such happy results, however, must be sought for in a
really Christian and unselfish spirit. If there be one
lesson which the history of the Westminster Assembly
teaches more emphatically than another, it is this, that
lasting union and reform cannot be forced by any amount
of skilful manipulation, but must spring and grow up from
'¦the plentiful outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. For this
let us labour and pray, till He pour us out _ blessing, so
that there shall not be room enough to receive it, and
cause us all to ' come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto
the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.'
ALEX. F, MITCHELL.

BAILLIE'S DESCRIPTION OF THE WESTMINSTER
ASSEMBLY.
(Letters, Vol. II. pp. 107, 108, 109.)
' On Monday morning we sent to both Houses of Parliament for a
warrant for our sitting in the Assemblie. This was readilie granted,
and by Mr. Hendersone presented to the Proloqutor ; who sent out
three of their number to convoy us to the Assemblie. Here no mortal
man may enter to see or hear, let be to sitt, without ane order in
wryte from both Houses of Parliament. When we were brought in,
Dr. Twisse had ane long harangue for our welcome, after so long
and hazardous a voyage by sea and land, in so unseasonable a tyme
of the year : When he had ended, we satt doun in these places which
since we have keeped. The like of that Assemblie I did never see,
and, as we hear say, the like was never in England, nor any where is
shordie lyke to be. They did sit in Henry the 7th's Chappell, in the
place of the Convocation^ but since the weather grew cold, they did go
to Jerusalem chamber, a fair roome in the Abbey of Westminster,
about the bounds of the Colledge fore-hall, but wyder.1 At the one
end nearest the doore, and both sydes are stages of seats as in the
new Assemblie-House at Edinburgh, but not so high ; for there will
be roome but for five or six score. At the upmost end there is a chair
set on ane frame, a foot from the earth, for the Mr. Proloqutor Dr.
Twisse. Before it on the .ground stands two chairs for the two Mr.
Assessors, Dr. Burgess and Mr. Whyte. Before these two chairs,
through the length of the roome, stands a table, at which sitts the two
scribes, Mr. Byfield and Mr. Roborough. The house is all well hung,
and hes a good fyre, which is some dainties at London. Foranent
the table, upon tie Proloqutor's right hand, there are three or four
rankes of formes. On the lowest we five doe sit. Upon the other, at
our backs, the members of Parliament deputed to the Assemblie. On
the formes foranent us, on the Proloqutor's left hand, going from
the. upper end of the house to the chimney, and at the other end of
the house, and backsyde of the table, till it come about to our seats,
are four or five stages of fourmes, whereupon their divines sitts as
they please ; albeit commonlie they keep the same place. From the
chimney to the door there is no seats, but a voyd for passage. The
Lords of Parliament uses to sit on chaires, in that voyd, about the fire.
We meet every day of the week, but Saturday. We sitt commonlie
from nine to one or two afternoon. The Proloqutor at the beginning
and end hes a short prayer. The man, as the world knows, is very
learned in the questions he hes studied, and very good, beloved of all,
and highlie esteemed ; but merelie bookish, and not much, as it seems,
1 This has generally been supposed to be the hall fronting the High Street,
which continued till recently the Hall of Glasgow College. But the propor
tions of the Jerusalem chamber are altogether different from those of that hall.
It is not wider but narrower than it, and considerably higher in proportion
to the width. The only explanation I can suggest is, that Baillie spoke of a
fore-hall or high hall which was demolished even in his own lifetime, and which
probably was of different proportions. In his letter to Spang, of date 31st
Jan. 1 661, complaining of Principal Gillespie's extravagance, he says : ' His
next motion was to pull down the whole fore-work of the College, the high
hall and Arthurlie, — very g;ood houses, all newly dressed.' Baillie, very
grieved, first opposed the motion, and then pleaded for delay in carrying it
out, ' but all in vain ; presently the hall was pulled down. '

IxXX BAILLIE'S DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSEMBLY.
acquaint with conceived prayer, [and] among the unfittest of all the
company for any action; so after the prayer he sitts mute. It was
the canny convoyance of these who guides most matters for their own
interest to plant such a man of purpose in the chaire. The one
assessour, our good friend Mr. Whyte, hes keeped in of the gout since
our coming; the other, Dr. Burgess, a very active and sharpe man,,
supplies, so farr as is decent, the Proloqutor's place. Ordmarhe there
will be present above threescore of their divines. These are divided
in three Committees ; in one whereof every man is a member. No
man is excluded who pleases to come to any of the three. Every
Committee, as the Parliament gives order in wryte to take any pur
pose to consideration, takes a portion, and in their afternoon meeting
prepares matters for the Assemblie, setts doune their mmde in distinct
propositions, backs their propositions with texts of Scripture. After
the prayer, Mr. Byfield the scribe, reads the proposition and Scrip
tures, whereupon the Assemblie debates in a most grave and orderlie
way. No man is called up to speak ; bot who stands up of his own
accord, he speaks so long as he will without interruption. If two or
three stand up at once, then the divines confusedlie calls on his name
whom they desyre to hear first : On whom the loudest and maniest
voices calls, he speaks. No man speaks to any bot to the Proloqutor.
They harangue long and very learnedlie. They studie the questions
well before hand, and prepares their speeches ; but withall the men
are exceeding prompt, and well spoken. I doe marvell at the very
accurate and extemporall replyes that many of them usuallie doe
make. When, upon every proposition by itself, and on everie text of
Scripture that is brought to confirme it, every man who will hes said
his whole minde,.and the replyes, and duplies, and triplies, are heard;
then the most part calls, To the question. Byfield the scribe rises
from the table, and comes to the Proloqutor's chair, who, from the
scribe's book, reads the proposition, and says, as many as are in
opinion that the question is well stated in the proposition, let them
say I ; when-I is heard, he says, as many as think otherwise, say No.
If the difference of I's and No's be cleare, as usuallie it is, then the
question is ordered by the scribes, and they go on to debate the first
Scripture alleadged for proof of the proposition. If the sound of I
and No be near equall, then sayes the Proloqutor, as many as say I,
stand up ; while they stand, the scribe and others number them in
their minde ; when they sitt down, the No's are bidden stand, and
' they likewise are numbered. This way is clear enough, and saves a
great deal of time, which we spend in reading our catalogue. When
a'question is once ordered, there is no more -debate of that matter ;
but if a man will vaige, he is quicklie taken up by Mr. Assessor, or
many others, confusedlie crying, Speak to order, to order. No man
contradicts another expresslie by name, bot most discreetlie speaks to
the Proloqutor, and at most holds on the generall, The Reverend
brother, who latelie or last spoke, on this hand, on that syde, above,
or below. . I thought meet once for all to give yow a taste of the out
ward form of their Assemblie.'

The Vow or Protestation taken by every member admitted to sit in
the Assembly.
' I do seriously promise and vow in the presence of Almighty
God, that in this Assembly whereof I am a member I will maintain nothing
in point of doctrine but what I believe to be most agreeable to the Word of
God, nor in point of discipline but what may make most for God's glory and
the peace and good of his Church.'

LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE WESTMINSTER
ASSEMBLY,
In the order in which their names appear in the Ordinance calling the
Assembly, or were subsequently added by the two Houses.

[An asterisk has been placed before the name of every one who, from these
Minutes, or from Lightfoot's Journal or Gillespie's Notes, has been found at
any time to have attended the meetings, and of every one who, in old
editions of the Confession of Faith, is reported to have signed the protesta
tion required to be taken by every member admitted to sit in the Assembly.
The names of members added subsequently to the meeting of the Assembly
are printed in italics, as are also the few particulars about the original
members which are not taken from the Ordinance. Two very accurate lists
of the members of Assembly have already been given to the public — the one
by Mr. Meek, prefixed to Gillespie's 'Notes,' and the other by Professor
Masson, in his recent ' Life of Milton.' It is with great diffidence, and only
in a few minor points, I venture to differ from either. But having had to
examine the Journals of Parliament, the MS. Minutes of the Assembly, with
many contemporaneous documents, and the works of Wood, Fuller, Palmer,
Brook, Neal, and Reid, I give the result of my own researches. Following
the Ordinance as finally printed by order of the Houses on 20th June 1643, I
include among the original members both Simeon Ashe and John Erie of
Bishopton, and make the number of the divines to be 121, not 119 or 120.
In the copy of the Ordinance inserted in the Lords' Journals of T2th June, the
name of Ashe appears, but those of Sterry and Erie are omitted. In the
printed copy, issued separately, the name of Shute is retained, and, as in that
of 20th June, those of Sterry and Erie are inserted. The Ordinance being
given at length in ordinary editions of the Confession, is not reprinted here.
The names of Prideaux, Levet, Crook, Jennison, Lloyd, Soames, and March,
should not be placed in the list of members. Whether those of Dillingham,
C. Love, Moore, and Newscore, should stand in the list of superadded:
divines, I have been unable as yet positively to determine. — A. F. M.]

PEERS.

•Algernon, Earl of Northumberland.
William, Earl of Bedford.
•Philip, Earl of Pembroke and Mont
gomery.
•William, Earl of Salisbury.
Henry, Earl of Holland.
•Edward, Earl of Manchester.
•William, Lord Viscount Say and Seale.
Edward, Lord Viscount Conway.

/

•Philip, Lord Wharton.
•Edward, Lord Howard of Escrick.
Basil, Earl of Denbigh;
Oliver, Earl of Bolingbroke ;
William, Lord Grey of Warke;
vice Bedford, Holland, and Conway.
'Robert, Earl of Essex, Lord General.
*Sobert, Earl of Warwick, Lord Ad
miral.

lxxxii

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE"

COMMONERS.

•John Selden, Esq.
•Francis Rous, Esq. •
•Edmund Prideaux, Esq.
•Sir Henry Vane, Knt. , senior.
•John Glynn, Esq., Recorder of London.
•John White, Esq.
•Bouldstrode Whitlocke, Esq.
•Humphrey Salloway, Esq.
Mr. Serjeant Wild.
•Oliver St. John, Esq., His Majesty's
Solicitor.
•Sir Benjamin Rudyard, Knt.
•John Pym, Esq.
•Sir John Clotworthy, Knt.
•John Maynard, Esq.
•Sir Henry Vane, Knt., junior.

William Pierpoint, Esq. ¦
•William Wheeler, Esq.
•Sir Thomas Barrington, Knt.
Walter Young, Esq.
•Sir John Evelyn, Knt.
"Sir Robert Harley, v. Pym, decea.
"Sir William Massam, or Masso\
Barrington, deceased.
• William Stroud, v. White, deceai
* Sir Arthur Haselrig \ added alof
Robert Reynolds, Esq. J with ."
*Zouch Tate, Esq.
*Sir Gilbert Gerard (?}. -
"Sir Robert Pye (?).
*Sir John Cooke.

DIVINES.

•Herbert Palmer, B.D., of Ashwell,
Herts, Assessor after White, and Mas
ter of Queen's College, Cambridge.
•Oliver Bowles, B.D., of Sutton, Bedf.
•Henry Wilkinson, sen., B.D., of Wad-
desdon, Bucks.
•Thomas Valentine, B.D., of Chalfont,
St. Giles, Bucks, aft. of London.
•William Twisse, D.D., of Newbury,
Berks, Prolocutor.
•William Raynor, B.D., of Egham,
Surrey, aft. of St. John Bapt., Lon.
Hannibal Gammon, M.A., of Mawgan,
Cornwall.
•Jasper or Gaspar Hickes, M.A., of
Lanrake, Cornwall.
•Joshua Hoyle, D.D., of Dublin, after
wards of Stepney and Oxford.
•William Bridge, M.A., of Yarmouth.
Thomas Wincop, D.D., of Ellesworth,
Cambridge.
•Thomas Goodwin, B.D., of London,
aft. of Magdalen College, Oxford.
•John hey.M.A., of Budworth, Cheshire.
•Thomas Case, M.A., of St. Mary's,
Milk Street, London.
John Pyne, of Bereferrers, Devon.
Francis Whidden, M.A., of Moreton-
Hampstead, Devon.
Richard Love, D.D., of Ekington, and
of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
•William Gouge, D.D., of Blackfriars,
London, Assessor after Palmer.
Ralph BroWnerigg, D.D., Bishop of
Exeter, sent excuse for non-attendance.
Samuel Ward, D.D., Master of Sidney
Sussex College, Cambridge:
•John White, M.A., of Dorchester,
Assessor.
•Edward Peale, of Compton, Dorset.
•Stephen Marshall, B.D., of Finching-
field, Essex.
•Obadiah Sedgewick, B.D., of Cogges-
. hall, or of Farnham, Essex.
 Carter, M. A. , of York or Camberwell.
•Peter Clerk, M.A., of Carnaby, after
wards of Kirkby, York.

•William Mew, B.D., of Estington, or
Eastington, Gloucester.
Richard Capell, M.A., Pitchcombe,
Gloucester.
•Theophilus Bathurst, or Theodore
Backhurst, of Overton Watervile,
Wilts.
•Philip Nye, M.A., of Kimbolton,
Hunts.
•Brocket (or Peter) Smith, D.D., of
Barkway, Herts.
•Cornelius Burges, D.D., of Watford,
Herts, Assessor.
•John Green, of Pencombe, Hereford.
•Stanley Gower, of Brampton Bryan,
Hereford.
•Francis Taylor, B.D. , of Yalding, Kent.
'Thomas Wilson, M.A., of Otham, >
Kent.
•Antony Tuckney, B.D., of Boston,
aft. Master successively of Emmanuel
aud St. John's, Cambridge, and Pro
fessor of Divinity after Arrowsmith.
•Thomas Coleman, M.A., of Blyton,
Lincoln, and of St. Peter's, Cornhill.
•Charles Herle, M.A., of Winwick,
Lancashire, Proloc. after Dr. Twisse.
•Richard Herrick, or Heyrick, M.A.,
Warden of Christ's College, Man
chester.
•Richard Cleyton, M.A., of Shawell,
Leicester.
•George Gibbs, or Gippes, of Ayleston,
Leicester.
Calibute Downing, LL.D., of Hackney,
Middlesex.
•Jeremy Burroughes, M.A., 'Morning
Star,' of Stepney.
•Edmund Calamy, B.D., of Alderman-
bury, London.
•George Walker, B.D.t of St. Johns,
Watling Street, London.
•Joseph Carrill, M.A., Preacher at Lin
coln's Inn, aft. of St. Magnus, London.
•Lazarus Seaman, B.D., of All Hai-
• lows, Bread Street, afterwards of
Peter House, Cambridge..

WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY.

IxXXi

Jdhn Harris, D.D., Warden of Win
chester College, 'took Covenant and
tether oaths. ¦'
GeWge Morley, D.D., of Mildenhall,
Wilts, aft. Bishop of Winchester.
* Bplward Reynolds, M. A . , of Braunston,
.Northampton, aft. Dean of Christ
i^hurch, Oxfi, and Bishop of Norwich.
•Thomas Hill, B.D., of Titchmarsh,
Northampton, afterwards Master of
"trinity College, Cambridge, andD.D.
RoBert Sanderson, D.D., of Boothby
Pannell or Pagnell, Lincoln, after
wards Bishop of Lincoln.
•John Foxcroft, ALA., of Gotham,
Notts.
•John Jackson, M.A, of Marske, York
shire, also preacher at Gray's Inn.
•William Carter, of London.
•Thomas Thoroughgood, of Massing-
ham, Norfolk.
•John Arrowsmith, B.D., of King's
Lynne, Norfolk, afterwards Master
successively of St. John's and Trinity,
Cambridge, and Professor of Divinity.
•Robert Harris, B.D., of Hanwell,
Oxford, aft. of Trinity College there.
•Robert Crosse, of Lincoln College,
Oxford.
James [Ussher], Archbishop of Armagh.
•Matthias Styles, D.D., of St. George's,
Eastcheap, London.
•Samuel Gibson, of Burleigh, Rutland.
•Jeremiah Whitaker, M.A., of Stretton,
Rutland, afterwards of Bermondsey.
•Edmund Stanton, D.D., of Kingston-
on-Thames, afterwards President of
Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
•Daniel Featley, D.D., of Lambeth,
' Third and last Provost of Chelsea
College. '
Francis Coke, or Cooke, of Yoxhall,
Staffordshire.
•John Lightfoot. M.A., of Ashley,
Staffordshire, afterwards Master of
Catherine Hall, Cambridge, andD.D.
•Edward Corbet, M.A., of Merton
College, Oxford, and Rector of Char-
tham, Kent, succeeded Dr. Hammond
as University Orator and Canon of
Christ's Church, Oxon.
Samuel Hildersham, B.D., of West
Felton, Shropshire.
•John Langley, M.A., of West Tuder-
ley, or Tytkerley, Hampshire.
•Christopher Tisdale, or Tesdale,
M.A., of Uphurstborne, or Hurst-
bome-Tarrant, Hampshire.
•Thomas Young, M.A., St. And., of
Stowmarket, Suffolk, aft. D.D., and
Master of Jesus College, Cambridge.
•John Phillips, of Wrentham, Suffolk,
brother-in-law of Dr. Ames,
Humphrey ChamEers, B.D., ofClaver-
on, Somerset, aft. ofPewsey, Wilts.
n Conant, B.D., of Lymington,
\erset, aft. of St. S'ephen's, Walbrook.
_;Hall, B.D., of Norwich.

Henry Hutton, M.A., of Caldbeck,
Cumberland, and Prebendary of
Carlisle.
•Henry Scudder, of Collingborne, Wilts.
•Thomas Baylie, B.D., of Manning-
ford-Bruce, Wilts.
•Benjamin Pickering, of-East Hoateley,
or of Buckstead, Sussex.
Henry Nye, of Clapham.
•Arthur Sallaway, or Salway, M.A.,
of Seavern Stoke, Worcester.
•Sydrach Simpson, of London, after
wards succeeded Vines in Pembroke
Hall, Cambridge.
"Antony. Burgesse, or Burges, M.A., of
Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire.
•Richard Vines, M.A., of Calcot, or
Weddington War. , Master of Pem
broke Hall, Cambridge, anda minister
in London.
•William Greenhill, M.A., 'Evening
Star,' of Stepney.
William Moreton, of Newcastle.
Richard Buckley, or B-ulkley, B.D.
•Thomas Temple, D.D., of Battersea,
Surrey.
•Simeon Ashe, of St. Bride's, after
wards of St. Michael's, Basingshaw,
appointed in room of Josiah Shute,
who died before Assembly met.
William Nicholson, M.A., Archdeacon
of Brecknock.
•Thomas Gattaker, B.D., of Rother-
hithe, Surrey.
•James Weldy, or Welby, • of Selattyn,
Shropshire.
Christopher Pashley, D.D., of Hawar-
den, Flintshire.
•Henry Tozer, B.D., Fellow of Exeter
College, Oxford.
•William Spurstow, D.D., of Hampden,
Bucks, then of Catherine Hall, Cam
bridge, afterwards of Hackney.
•Francis Cheynell, or Channell, - of
Oxford, aft. MasterofSt.John' s.D.D.,
and Margaret Professor of Divinity.
Edward Ellis, B.D., of Guilsfield,
Montgomery,
John Hacket, D.D., of St. Andrew's,
Holbome, aft. Bishop of Lichfield.
•Samuel De la Place, \ of French Ch.
•John De la March, j London.
•Matthew Newcomen, M.A., of Ded-
ham, Essex.
William Lyford, B.D., of Sherborne,
Dorset.
•[Thomas] Carter, M.A., of Dynton,
Bucks, aft. of Olave's, Hart Street.
•William Lance, of Harrow, Middlesex.
•Thomas Hodges, B.D. , of Kensington,
afterwards Dean of Hereford.
•Andreas Perne, M.A., of Wilby,
Northampton.
•Thomas Westfield, D.D., of St. Bar
tholomew the Great, Bishop of Bris
tol, attended at least the first meeting.
Henry Hammond. D.D., of Penshurst,
Kent, and Canon of Christ's Church.

1.x:

xxiv

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE

^Nicholas Prophet, or Proffet, of Marl
borough, Wilts, aft. of Edmonton.
*Peter Sterry, B.D., of London.
John Erie, D.D., of Bishopton, Wilts,
afterwards Bishop of Worcester, then
of Salisbury.
*John Gibbon, or Guibon, M.A., of'
Waltham.
*Henry Painter, B.D., of Exeter.
•Thomas Micklethwaite, M.A., of
Cherry-Burton, Yorkshire.
•John Whincop, D.D., of St. Martin's
in the Fields, and Clothall, Herts.
?William Price, B.D., St. Paul's, Covent
Garden, and of Waltham Abbey.
•Henry Wilkinson, jun., B.D., after
wards D.D., and Principal of Mag
dalen Hall, Oxford.
Richard Holdsworth, or Oldsworth,
D.D., Master of Emmanuel College,
Cambridge.
William Dunning, M.A., of Cold
Aston, Glome, or Godalston, Notts.
* Francis Woodcock, B.A., of St. Law
rence, Jewry, v. Moreton, of New
castle, deceased.
'John Maynard, M.A., of Mayfield,
Surrey, v. H. Nye, deceased.
Thomas Clendon, of All Hallows,
Barking, v. Nicholson, who failed to
attend.
'Daniel Cawdrey, M.A.,v. Dr. Harris,
of Winchester, excused.-
*JohnDury,or Durie, 'thelearnedjohn
Dury, a Scot' (whose father had been

banished for taking part in the Ab
deen Assembly), v. Dr. Downing, -.
ceased, probably because of his w; til
known efforts to promote union amjjong
Protestants. JL
'William Rathbone, or Rathband^of
Highgate, v. Morley.
'John Strickland, of New Saru
Dr. Ward, deceased.
'William Good, B.D., of Denton
folk.
'John Bond, D.C.L., Master
Savoy, v. Archbishop Ussher.
'Humphrey Hardwick, of Hafham
Magna, Herts.
'John Ward, of Ipswich and of Bramp
ton, v. Painter, deceased.
'Edward Corbet, of Norfolk, or North
Reppis, Norfolk, v. H. Hall, of Nor
wich.
'Philip Delml, or Delmy, of French
Church, Canterbury, v. Rathbone,
deceased.
'Thomas Ford, M.A., of St. Faith's,
London, v. Bowles, deceased.
'Richard Byfield, of Long Ditton, Sur
rey, v. Dr. Featley, deceased.
* William Strong, preacher in West
minster Abbey, v. Peale, deceased.
*Robert Johnston, of York, v. Carter,
deceased.
'Samuel Boulton, of St. Saviour's,
Southwark, afterwards D.D., and
Master of Christ' s College, Cambridge,
v. Burroughs, deceased.

SCRIBES OR CLERKS OF THE ASSEMBLY.
Henry Roborough, or Rodborough, of St. Leonards, Eastcheap, London.
Adoniram Byfield, M.A., afterwards of Fulham.
Amanuensis or Assistant — John Wallis, M.A., afterwards D.D., Savilian
Professor of Geometry, Oxford.

f

Commissioners appointed by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland,
or its Commission, ' to propose, consult, treat, and conclude with the Assembly of
Divines, or any Commissioners deputed by them, or any Committee or Commis
sioners deputed by the Houses of Parliament, in all matters which may further the
union of this island in one form of Kirk-government, one Confession of Faith, one
Catechism, and one Directory for the worship of God,' and admitted by the two
Houses to be present in the Assembly, and ' to debate upon occasion.'

Ministers.

Alexander Henderson, of Edinburgh.
Robert Douglas, of Edinr. [never sat].
Samuel Rutherford, of St. Andrews.

Robert Baillie, of Glasgow.
George Gillespie, of Edinburgh.
Robert Blair, of St. A ndrews [see p. 539],

Elders.

John, Earl of Cassilis [never sat].
John, Lord Maitland, afterwards Earl
of Lauderdale.
Sir Archibald Johnston, of Warriston.
Robert Meldrum, in absence of Johnston.
John, Earl of Loudon.

Sir Charles Erskine.
John, Lord Balmerino, v. Loudon.
Archibald, Marquis of Argyll.
George Winrham, of Libberton,
Argyll.

Admitted to sit and hear in October 1644, the Prince Elector Palatine, and
on one occasion permitted to speak.

WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY.

lxxxv

The Names of the Members of the Assembly {regarded
as on the Roll at] 12th April 1644.1

[First Committee.]

Dr. Stanton.

Mr. Palmer.

Mr. Lightfoote.

Mr. Bowles.

Mr. Corbett.

Mr. Wilkenson, senr.

Mr. Langley.

Mr. Valantine.

Mr. Tisdale.

Mr. Rayner.

Mr. Young.

Dr. Hoyle.

Mr. Phillips.

Mr. Bridge.

Mr. Connant.

Mr. Goodwin.

Mr. Chambers.

Mr. Ley.

Mr. Hall.

Mr. Case.

Mr. Scudder.

Dr. Gouge.

Mr. Bayly.

Mr. White.

Mr. Pickering.

Mr. Marshall.

Mr. Cawdry.

Mr. Sedgwicke.

Mr. Strickland.

Mr. Clarke.

Mr. Bond.

Mr. Bathurst.

Mr. Harris.

Mr. Ny.
Dr. Smith.

[Third Committee.]

Dr. Burgis.

Mr. Salloway.

Mr. Greene.

Mr. Simpson.

Mr. Gower.

Mr. Burgis.

Mr. Taylor.

Mr. Vines.

Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Greenhill.

Mr. Tuckney.

Dr. Temple.

Mr. Coleman.

Mr. Ash.

Mr. Herle.

Mr. Gataker.

Mr. Hericke.

Mr. Spurstow.

Mr. Mew.

Mr. Channell.

Mr. Wrathband.

Mr. Delamarch.

Mr. Hickes.

Mr. Newcoman.

Mr. Carter of D.

[Second Committee.]

Mr. Hodges.

Mr. Clayton.

Mr. Peme.

Mr. Gipps.

Mr. Prophet.

Mr. Buroughes.

Mr. Sterry.

Mr. Calamy.

Mr. Guibon.

Mr. Walker.

Mr. Michaelthwaite.

Mr. Carrill.

Dr. Wincop.

Mr. Leaman.

Mr. Price.

Mr. Reynolds.

Mr. Wilkenson, junr.

Mr. Hill.

Mr. Woodcocke.

Mr. Jackson.

Mr. Delaplace.

Mr. Carter of L.

Mr. Maynhard.

Mr. Thorowgood.

Mr. Paynter.

Mr. Arrowsmith.

Mr. Good.

Mr. Gibson.

Mr. Hardwicke.

Mr. Whitaker.

1 By this date some had died, Dr. Featley and a few who refused the
Covenant had retired, Mr. Ford and one or two others were detained at
home by the state of the country, and several of the superadded divines were
not yet received. Up to that date the allowance promised to the members
had been very irregularly paid.

lxxxvi APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE
EXCERPTS from Vol. II. of the MS. Minutes, containing
the first appointment of Committee to prepare a
Confession of Faith.1
Sess. 269.— August 20, 1644. — Tuesday morning.
A Committee to join with the Commissioners of the
' In his public letter, in, October 1644, Baillie writes : 'The Confession of
Faith is referred to a Committee, to be put in several of the best hands that
are here;' and in that of 21st November, he reports that 'the Catechism is
drawn up, and I think shall not take up much time ; I fear the Confession of
Faith may stick longer. ' Again, on 26th December, he writes : ' We have
near also agreed in private on a draught of Catechism, whereupon when it
comes in public we expect little debate. I think we must either pass the
Confession to another season, or if God will help us, the heads of it being dis
tributed among many able hands, it may in a short time be so drawn up as the
debate of it may cost little time.' Once more, on 25th April 1645, he writes:
' The Catechism and Confession of Faith are put in the hands of several Com
mittees, and some reports are made to the Assembly concerning both; we
expect not so much debate upon them as we have had in the Directory and
Government.' In all probability, therefore, the matter for the Confession
was to a certain extent prepared by the above-mentioned Committee, and the
Committee appointed on 12th May 1645 (p. 91) would enter on its work with
a certain amount of material already collected, though not digested into a
formal 'draught. ' After the several paragraphs, draughted by that Committee,
were disposed of in the Assembly, they were again remitted to a small Com
mittee for the review and final wording and methodizing of the Confession
(pp. no, 168, 245, etc.), all being once more reported to the Assembly.
The Catechism which Baillie reports to have been drawn up, and near
agreed on in the end of 1644, was, of course, neither of the two ultimately
adopted, but either that which had been almost completed, and to a consider
able extent passed, in the Assembly (pp. 281, 282, etc.) before it was resolved
to have two ; or it may be that it was that Catechism still preserved in MS. in
the Library of the University of Edinburgh, and ascribed to Samuel Ruther
ford. This probably had the approbation of the Scotch Commissioners, and
would repay publication yet, though the Westminster Assembly do not ap
pear to have availed themselves much either of its method or matter. The
Larger Catechism, it will be seen, was drawn up before the Shorter; and
though perhaps the latter embodies more of the materials of the original
Catechism than the Larger does, and has been the most widely popular of
the Assembly's symbolical books, it was that in the perfecting of which the
Scotch Commissioners had least to do. Rutherford alone remained when it was
being discussed in the Assembly. Tradition connects the name of Gillespie
with its answer to the question, What is God? but it is doubtful if the answer
to that question, even in the Larger Catechism, had been cast into the shape
it now bears when Gillespie left for Scotland. Tuckney, it is admitted, took
the chief part in preparing that Catechism. He was Convener also of the
Committee which prepared the Shorter, though its more concise and severely
logical answers are generally supposed to have been finally adjusted by Wallis.

TO PREPARE A CONFESSION. lxxxvii
Church of Scotland to prepare matter for a joint Confes
sion of Faith.

R. neg. 12.

R.

affirmat. 9 [to be

a Committee].

Dr. Gouge.

Mr. Burges.

¦

Mr. Gataker.

Mr. Vines.

or any 5
of them.
Mr. Arrowsmith.
Mr. Goodwin.
Dr. Temple.
Dr. Hoyle.
Mr. Burroughs.
Sess. 278. — September 4, [1644]. — Wednesday morning.
Report from the Committee for the Confession of Faith.
They desire an addition of those persons to the said
Committee —
Ordered— -Mr. Palmer, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Herle, Mr.
Reynolds, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Tuckney, Dr. Smith, Mr.
Young, Mr. Ley, Mr. Sedgwicke, be added to the Com
mittee for the Confession of Faith.
CORRIGENDA.
Page 103, line 7, 'Lawes,' perhaps ' Lance.'
line 29, transpose ' Ordered ' to line 30, after ' Conant.
Page 108, line 27, 'Hall' should be ' Hull.'
Page 113, note, '71' should be 'vii.'
Page 130, line 34, 'Gomer' should be 'Gower.'
Page 169, line 15, ' N[orwich] ' should be ' N[orfolk].'
Page 178, line 20, ' Peake ' should be ' Peale. '
Page 179, line 16, after ' Ward ' insert ' [to pray].'
Page 189, line 6, ' D[udley] ' should be ' D[ynton]. '
Page 198, line 28, 'last' should be 'least.'
Page 258, note 2, 'they' should be 'their.'
Page 269, line 24, 'Mazy,' perhaps 'Masy,' for 'Massey.'
Page 298, line 22, 'Daux,' perhaps 'Dunn.'
Page 307, last line, ' Banke ' should be ' Bankes. '
Page 346, line 15, ' 8th ' should be ' 18th. '
Page 372, line 28, dele ' [see] ; ' for ' and ' read ' end. '
Page 477, line 2, ' Day ' should be ' Dury. '
Page 480, ' R. Prophet ' should be ' N. Prophet. '

N.B . — The transcriber is now of opinion that the various readings suggested in
note 1 on pp. 155, 156, 159, and 431 are to be preferred to those in the text.

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

Sess. 324. — November 18, 1644. — Monday morning. Sess. 324.
Nov. 18,
A REPORT, made by Dr. Gouge from the ministers ap- 1644.
pointed to ordain, about Mr. Robinson ; it is as followeth : —
R : — That the case propounded shall be taken into con
sideration by this Assembly.
Mr. Marshall — I conceive the ordination he hath received Debate
is a sufficient ordination. I cannot learn that Christ deacons'
instituted any man to have authority to preach the word orders 1
and administer the sacraments, but one that's to be looked for :
upon as a preaching presbyter. For those two arguments min
propounded . . . The calling of him a deacon is but a mis
calling of him. True, the Scripture owns none but pres
byters under that name ; but if a man be ordained to
another work, whatsoever his name be, it is not material.
The power of ordination doth not depend upon the inten
tion of the ordainers. I do not think it is unlawful for
them to be ordained again.
Mr. Palmer — Speak a word concerning this business.
I conceive the ordination of deacons is not good to all
purposes without a new ordination. The Scripture . . .
negative they did intend they should not be presbyters ; the
persons ordained did not intend it, and it was the general
intent of the Church.
Mr. Young — Concerning this question now before us. Debate of
Preface of
Ordered — That the report and this vote be transcribed Directory.
A

2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 324. and sent to both Houses of Parliament by the ministers
N°g" l8' appointed to ordain that are members of this Assembly,
 with humble submission of the whole matter to their
wisdom. [Mr. Ralph Robinson chosen to be pastor of the parish
church of Mary Woolnoth, London, not being a presbyter,
repaired to the ministers appointed to ordain, desiring to
be ordained a presbyter for the charge aforesaid, and sub-
Report on mitted himself to examination ; but after some proceed-
son'sTcase '°£s therein, he declined the ministers and way of ordina
tion ; alledging that he is already deacon, and supposeth
that to be enough ; and in case it be not, he hopes that
within a year, there will be another more settled way of
.ordination, and then he may be ordained. This act of his
the ministers appointed to ordain do conceive to be a
waving and weakening of the ordinance ; and that there
.is a necessity of having recourse both to the Assembly
and to the Houses of Parliament for their direction and
declaration herein, as well for the point of his admission
to his charge upon a presentation to the place actually
void, as ,the sufficiency of his ordination already attained.
Monday the 18th of November 1644.
The Assembly of Divines upon the debate of this case
have resolved upon the question as followeth : —
1. This Assembly doth advise that they who have
hitherto been ordained deacons only, according to the
Form of Ordination used in the Church of England, be
ordained presbyters before they undertake a pastoral
charge in any congregation.
2. Those ministers appointed to ordain, who are mem
bers of this Assembly, shall carry up this case and the
vote of this Assembly thereupon to the Honourable Houses
of Parliament; with humble submission of the whole
matter to their wisdom/]
Sir William Allison reported the necessity of sending
down ministers to York.
1 Report and vote not in MS., but given in Journals of House of Lords vol
vii. p. 70.

'ote

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3
Mr. Palmer made report from the Committee for the Sess. 324.
reasons of the dissenting brethren. It was read. N,<J£4l8'
Ordered — To report the Preface to the Directory, and 
that concerning the Sabbath-day. Directory
for Public
Sess. 325. — November 19, 1644. — Tuesday morning. Worship
Ordered — The Committee for the north do upon Friday rePorted-
next give an account to the Assembly of what is done
about the motion concerning Cumberland and Westmore
land. Ordered — That in the Directory for the Sabbath-day Debate on
something be expressed against parish feasts, commonly to^L for
called by the name of rushbearings, whitsunales, wakes, the Sab-
' , . .. . & bath-day.
as profane and superstitious.
Some motions made about holy days, to express some
thing against them.
Ordered — Being the only standing holy day under the
New Testament to be kept by all the churches of Christ.
Consider of something concerning holy days and holy
places, and what course may be thought upon for the
relief of servants {to meet to-morrow in the afternoon),
wakes and feasts, whitsunales, rushbearings, and garlands,
all other such like superstitious customs : Mr. Coleman,
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Delaplace, Mr. Hickes,
Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Harris, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Price, Mr.
Corbet, Mr. Delamarch, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Bathurst, Mr.
Maynard, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Woodcocke, Mr. Langley,
Mr. Mew, Mr. Salway.
Dr. Burges — Give an account of the message, (1) for that
of the Reasons . . . from the House of Commons they are
pleased that you should take your own time, but so as
that what speed may be, may be made in it : the other,
the House of Commons will take into speedy considera
tion. No answer from the Lords ; they were delivered.
From the House of Commons, given us in charge, they
desire to hasten up the Directory, and all such parts as
are already prepared.
Report of the Preface. Debate of it. Proceed in the g*j£ °ff
debate of the Preface. Directory.

4 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 326. Sess. 326. — November 20, 1644. — Wednesday morning.
Ni64420' Ordered— That Mr. Wallis have a certificate without
coming up to the Assembly.
An order from the House of Commons concerning the
message about the reasons of dissenting brethren.1
Further Dr. Burges moved that the debate yesterday being
PrefacVto against a resolution] of the Assembly, that it may be put
Directory. to the Q. whether there shall be leave to debate that
business again.
Mr. Marshall—! crave leave to speak a little . . .
Dr. Gouge — This motion is not seasonable ; to question
the covenant will not be seasonable.
R. — That Mr. [Marshall shall have liberty, or anybody
else, to speak to that branch of the Preface concerning the
Covenant. Mr. Marshall — I did really understand that part to
refer to the taking away the old ... I desire the sense may
be so explained as that the sense may not be contrary to
our consciences. A Directory that I do receive by virtue
of an antecedent oath must have an influence upon me for
the observation of it. Then whatsoever you do not leave
me at that freedom which God's word leaves a man that is
unsworn. . . . That if it be possible one word or two might
be put into the Preface to prevent the snares, I desire not
to have it left out. . . . Add the word only.
Mr. Ny — That word takes off his scruple, but not mine;
because I except against the influence of this oath upon
the positive part.
Dr. Burges — I accord with him that desires to express
his scruple ... if our solemn vow and covenant do make . . .
but if nothing to impose anything new upon us, then it is
all one, covenant or not covenant ... If you will put in that
word ' only,' you may do it, but will not satisfy him ; let
him als  . . .
Mr. Ny—U the clause in the oath be extended to pru
dentials, as well as things of divine institution, then this is
well expressed  My sense of the covenant is, that it
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iii. p. 699.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5
binds us "to endeavour a uniformity, but only in insti- Sess. 326.
tutions. N-420'
Mr. Goodwin — I have always expressed the sense thus : 
So far as we do agree, we should walk by the same rule, and to the
that in institutions. ... I did fall off from the ceremonies p°yenant
in Preface.
upon this ground, such things ought not to be put upon
the churches of Christ ; and I think this is of the same
nature. Mr. Calamy — That which lies before us is not to show
the meaning of the covenant. I am willing to put in the
word ' only ' . . . the covenant doth express those four par
ticulars, in one Directory for . . .
Mr. Marshall — The force of the word ' only ' is . . . this
Directory, in the true, proper, native scope and intent of it,
be a help for ministers, etc.
Mr. Herle — I am not against the putting in of the word
' only.' ... I do not understand, but we have sworn to
endeavour uniformity in matters of prudence . . . but con
sider the fitness of it here . . . the great business is carried
on in a design, as, first in Scotland, then in Ireland ... so
it is said it is so here; first, a covenant must be taken,
and then a debate upon pretence of prudence, and yet a
pre-engagement . . . now if we make mention of this . . .
will it not be make1 use of in an advantage on the other
side. Dr. Burges — Seeing it pleased this brother to declare
to us a story, yet we may not lay it aside upon that con
sideration, except we be guilty of any such design ... if
any reason proper for this Assembly to take notice of . . .
upon the same ground you must never plead the covenant,
nor use it, but throw it aside.
Mr. Marshall— . . .
Mr. Ny — Let the words go ... ' our meaning therein ' . . .
' that contain the substance of the worship of God.'
Ordered — Dr. Burgess, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Gouge, Mr.
Reynolds, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Burroughs,
Mr. Calamy — To carry up the Directory and Preface to
morrow morning. 1 Sic in MS. for ' made.'

6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 326. A Report of the Sabbath-day. — Debate about the
1644°' title, The Lord's Day.
 An addition offered by Dr. Burges — concerning keep-
Further . , , , .
debate on mg themselves to their own congregation.
forTab^ Mr- Marshall— Your care will be to direct only those
bath-day. things that are proper to the particular business ... for a
family to do this is a question . . . whether it belong to the
sanctification of the Lord's day or no . . . what is fit to be
ordered about that belongs to discipline, and there take
that course as near as God's word doth guide you.
Dr. Burges — Had you done no more than direct, what
is- to be done in the public service, then it had been proper
to have left this out . . . You know the giddiness of the
straggling people in this kind.
Mr. Sedgwicke — Two things taken for granted: (1)
That there be a good minister in every congregation ;
(2) that every church will hold all, but this cannot be
as yet.
Mr. Palmer — I desire you would take a serious con
sideration of this business before you. ... for the words or
syllables before you, you may dispose of them . . . but for the
other, it is of that extreme necessity as that, without some
care of it, all your order will be altogether in vain. . . . Hun
dreds of people will come to no church at all . . . nothing
more destructive to the right performance of family duties
than that one should go to one place, and another to
another. ... A double objection made: (1) Concerning
conscionable ministers in every place; (2)1 . . . Neither
of these ought to stand. . . . You make a discipline for
congregations that have sufficient ministers ... for that
of churches . . . that weighs with me more than all the
rest . . . be[cause] so many churches that cannot contain
. . . therefore they should be assigned that we make
known where to build more.
Ordered— The Directory for marriage be reported to
morrow morning, and debated.
1 [Sufficiency of churches.]

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

Sess. 327.— -November 21, 1644. — Thursday morning. Sess. 327.
CVafera^— That Mr. Vaughan have no certificate from 1644.'
this Assembly. 
A report from the 2nd Committee of a Directory for Directory
marriage— read and debated. riagTread
Mr. Henderson moved to speak something of espousals and de-
before marriage . . . Motion to leave out that ..." no- part
of the worship of God.' ... I doubt it is not a mere carnal
contract : it is the covenant of God . . . civil contract may
be dissolved with consent of parties.
Ordered— The 2nd Committee do consider of some
thing concerning contracts or espousals to be added to the
Directory of marriage, and make report to this Assembly.
They are to meet this afternoon;
Debate about that ' civil contract.'
Mr. Wilson — It may be a civil contract, though Called
the covenant of God. So is magistracy.
Mr. Goodwin — 8 Eccl. : Keep the king's command- Eccl. viii.
ments in regard of the oath of God. True, the oath is a 2'
worship ; but the business about which he swares is not of
that nature.
Mr. Lightfoote — That oath of God is peculiar to the
throne of David, — the oath from God unto David, not
from David to the people, or the people to David.
Mr. Seaman— -If this relates to magistracy amongst the
heathens . . .
Mr. Palmer — To order. . . . Two things- spoken to to
gether . . . consider that first 'no part of God's worship.' . . .
Certainly this is a truth : nothing that is of the second
table properly can be a part of worship' . . . that which is
altogether common to heathens that have no knowledge
of God can be no part of worship. . . . Alter them thus
... It is no ordinance of the first table, nor peculiar to
the Church.
Mr. Gillespy — Leave out all that first clause, begin with
the positive . . .
Mr. Rutherford — The former part denies marriage to be
a sacrament ; so there is good reason to deny it to be a

8 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 327. part of God's worship, be[cause] divers hold it to be a
Nio44.'' sacrament . . . there is some divine thing in some civil
 contracts as in magistracy, so something more than that
is merely civil in marriage . . . formally it is no wor
ship. Mr. Buroughes — I think it should be put out, be[cause]
there being so much given to the minister, the people will
think it to be a part of God's worship.
Mr. Goodwin — I desire a great consideration of this
thing, because many stumble at the point of marriage,
because appropriated to a ministry ; and by the law no
man may be married lawfully but by a minister. ... In
the Old Testament, marriage was not appropriated to a
priest, but — as in the case of oath — to the elders of the
city. . . . That there is something divine in marriage must
needs be acknowledged ; and as in the marriage of the
heathen, I do not know but that that is a type of Christ
and His Church.
Called to order.
Mr. Bathurst — Marriage cannot be denied to be a wor
ship of God . . . was not amongst the heathen . . . said a
vow betwixt man and man is no part of God's worship,
Ezek. xvii. but I never heard that it was any other. ... 17 Ezek.
16 v. Here is covenant betwixt man and man done in a
sacred manner. This is termed the oath of man, and yet
God owns it for His,— a worship done to Him.
Dr. Temple—Where is there a vow betwixt man and
man that is not made to God, and so must be a part of
worship ?
Mr. Buroughs— I know no difference betwixt a vow
betwixt man and man and a promise.
Mr. Rutherford— -This is taken for granted by those that
hold it a worship : that it, if formaliter, is a vow. This is
to be proved. Marriage is only the consent of parties ; a
vow is annexed unto it. There is a covenant of God in
marriage, but that formally it is anything but the consent
cannot be proved.
Mr. Seaman- -If the formality lies in the consent of the
parties only, then what need we have all this ... if he

1 j

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 9
take for1 formality for essentiality ... for that of marriage Sess. 327.
being before the magistrate, the family and posterity being N°£ 2I'
concerned in it, therefore the magistrate must come in . . .  "
the concurrence of the minister is not virtute officii, but Dh-ectory"
delegationis. f?r mar-
Earl of Pembroke — . . . Not meddle with the learned tinued.
part . . . beg to take a care of the manner of doing of it ;
it is of great consequence. ... I would be sorry any child
of mine should be married but by a minister.
Dr. Temple — . . . Offer a word . . . said marriage is
not formaliter a vow ... I deny that, upon this reason,
be[cause] the consent may be still kept, and yet the mar
riage dissolved.
Mr. Rutherford — I never heard it denied but that the
formality and essentiality of marriage consists in the con
sent of the parties . . . confounds marriage and the solem
nization of marriage . . . This Directory concerns the
solemnization . . . The vow belongs to this, but is not
the formality of the marriage itself; for then they that are
married without any vow or oath of God, as amongst the
heathen, are not lawful marriages. . . . Said marriage
may be dissolved, and yet the consent of the parties
standing. This a paradox to me, that they should be
married parties when the oath is broken. . . . that which
Christ saith of His command, that uncleanness may dis
solve, there will not be a warrant in that text for separa
tion of marriage.
Mr. Henderson — Here are questions that are not very
necessary. Mr. Walker — This controversy might easily be decided :
marriage betwixt heathens and Christians for substance
are one and the same ; yet be[cause] marriage amongst
Christians must be solemnized with prayer, exhortation,
and instruction, therefore the best way is to . . . For that
example of Ruth . . . the elders of the city were not
only elders of the people, but there were Levites amongst
them. Mr. Herle — Scarce ever doubted but that matrimo-
1 Sic in MS., — ' for' probably redundant.

IO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 327. nium fundatum necesse sic, but then that consensus must
N°g^1' be finalis. . . . The solemnization of marriage may have
 that in it that may be called worship, and to be done . . .
the minister is Judex and Preco; has not only to pronounce
them man and wife, but to judge of it as for the rules of
marriage. ... It will be better thus far alter your vote — of
the solemnization of marriage.
Mr. Wilkinson — I humbly present something that I do
not find so manifest in the Directory as I wish it were.
It is a remedy of God for preservation of chastity . . .
desire there may be some strong bonds expressed to bind
us unto chastity ... if death in a contracted person, if . . .
Mr. Hardwicke — An easy and fair way out of this
debate by . . .
Mr. Seaman — . . . The question is of the essential consti
tuents . . . said marriages amongst the heathens solemnized
... if the magistrate make no law for the solemnization.
Mr. Harris — I look upon this- day's work as a sad
business. We can express nothing, do nothing, but one
thing or other east into the way to hinder us.
Mr. Palmer moved to recommit it . . . and to express
something that may express wherein the validation of
marriage doth consist.
Directory Ordered — To recommit the Directory for marriage: they
for mar- . . ' . "' '
riage re- are to make report again to-morrow morning.
commit-
ted- Sess. 328. — November 22, 1644. — Friday morning.
Ministers Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Hill, Mr. Carter, for Lords and Com-
wi_ray mons. and Committee of both kingdoms.
Lords, etc. Mr. Chambers informed the Assembly of one [Webb]1
that hath undertaken to preach in a house before a great
company, and tendered such blasphemies as we are spe
cially bound to take notice of them. They were read.
Mr. Carrill attests that he hath heard the same things
attested. Ordered— That Mr. Chambers do go with this to the
Lords. 1 Blank in MS. For name and charges, see Journals of House of Lords,
vol. vii. p. 71.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 I
Report of the 2nd Committee of the Directory for Sess. 328.
marriage recommitted. It was debated. . . . Debate about N°gV?2'
those words, ' ordained in the state of innocency,' as a rea- 
son ... as the first man and first woman were joined Directory
together and blessed by God Himself. f?r mar"
D J nage re-
Report made by Dr. Burges from the House of Lords : sumed.
they had delivered the Directory . . . the information was
given against those blasphemers . . . they drew up an
order1 to be pres[ent]ly executed upon the parties whom
it doth concern^
Sess. 329. — November 25, 1644. — Monday morning.
Mr. Coleman made report of the Directory for holy days Directory
and holy places. It was read. days^tlx-
Directory for marriage . . . Memorandum that something read-
be prepared for the Assembly concerning the degrees of con
sanguinity and affinity prohibited, by the 2nd Committee.
That the Directory for marriage be committed to Mr. Directory
Palmer, to report on Thursday morning. riage again
commit-
Sess. 330. — November 28, 1644. — Thursday morning. ted-
Mr. Palmer made report of the business of marriage Directory
... , , , ¦ for mar-
committed to him. riage again
Mr. Marshall — Most of those rules are fit to be con- debated.
sidered . . . but the penalty is something too high ... for
the usual hours that would not be fit counsel to give,
something may fall out to make a marriage to be this day,
and yet without great inconvenience it cannot be this
morning.. The Lord hath not appointed any set time . . .
you may say nothing of the time, so it be done with suffi
cient testimony. A clandestine marriage may be in those
hours . .. .. And for that not valid that is not done in that
hour, if it should be a nullity, I question whether it be fit
to give this advice . . . Say no marriage approved of but that
that is done by a lawful minister before the congregation.
Mr. Gillespy — To second that last said ; the words, as
they are,, will make a great debate . . ..that of 8 and 12,
1 See Journals of House of Lords, vol. vii. p. 71, etc.; and for submission
of Webb, p. 80.

I 2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 330. the Papists give the reason because the mass is before 12
°l'^ ' of the clock, and the sacrament before 12 o'clock.
 Mr. Ley — Though you do not limit it to the hours of 8
and 1 2, yet you may limit it to daylight.
Mr. Vines — I think it may be done by candle-light as
as well as daylight ... If there be testimony from an
eldership, you may recommend it to be done in the church;
but otherwise I know not but it may be done in a chamber
as well as a church.
Mr. Calamy — Here are two things in question : (1) Not
valid except publicly solemnized . . . Many think no neces
sity of a solemnization. I think marriages a civil ordinance.
... If the civil state will say that marriage is not valid
without the solemnization of it in public, then it is not
valid. If we advise this, we shall do God a good service.
Mr. Palmer . . .
Mr. Marshall — Those will be requisite to be considered
in due time, but whether put it into the Directory. ... We
may desire the Parliament to think of some fitting penalty
for those that shall . . .
[No account of Session 331 in MS.]
Sess. 332. — December 2, 1644. — Monday morning.
Mr. Dale . . .
Mr. Marshall— That ministers be left free upon that
day to . . .
Ordered— The Committee to consider of Burial meet this
afternoon, and make report of it to-morrow morning.
Speech by Lord Chancellor of Scotland— The General Assembly of
Chancellor Scotland to meet the beginning of January next. There
l°_idCOt" 'S S° near a conJunction betwixt those two . . . that they
.will be desirous at that time to know what government
progress is made at this time  The Directory is a great
step; and if the government of the Church could be
resolved upon the grounds I understand ... if put in such
a readiness . . . before some of the Commissioners do
repair to the General Assembly, it would be a great
encouragement.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 3
Ordered — Mr. Marshall, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen, Sess. 332.
Mr. Hill, be added to Mr. Palmer for hastening the ^f'2'
Catechism. — -
Ordered — The Draught of Government already voted in for'hasten-
the Assembly be brought in upon Thursday next. ins th^.
Mr. Marshall made report of their answer to the first
main argument. Sess. 333. — December 3. — Tuesday morning.
Report from the Committee about Burial. Report of
Mr. Marshall — Be[cause] the drawing up of these rea- fo^buS.
sons doth concern ourselves as distinct from the dissenting
brethren . . . therefore you would please to bestow an
afternoon or two to accompany the Committee appointed,
that the body of all the members being present, they may
be read over, and only read over and so passed.
Ordered — That the Answers of the Assembly to the rea- Answers
sons of the dissenting brethren shall be first considered 0f th^dis-
in a Committee of the whole Assembly — the dissenting senting
, . _ brethren to
brethren excepted ; this Committee to meet in the after- be con-
noons till the answers be perfected, and then the answers sldJred '"
to be read in the full Assembly of all the members that tee of
will be present. And that the several Sub-committees do ^L^bly. S
first meet one afternoon and compare all the parts of
their answers, to prepare them for the Committee of the
Assembly. Ordered — The dissenting brethren may read over their
reasons, and what additions or alterations of words or
sentences that were mistaken or omitted in the tran
scribing shall be set down in a paper and first reported to
the Assembly before the alteration be so made.
Debate about the report of Burial. Debate on
Debate about the use of exhortations at burial. fo^burial.
Mr. Wilson — . . .
Mr. Rutherford — . . .
Mr. Herle — A Directory, the end of it is for worship.
Now, how this will fall under that, I know not. This will
multiply our work. The apostles did avoid all over
burdening of themselves with serving tables. ... It may

14 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 333. prove a great snare. If exhortation, I know not why
Dj^' word and prayer shall not go together.
Mr. Whitakers — I do not see any force of argument
why this Directory may not yet stand. ... I think that a
minister stands in a general relation to all his people, and
every man in all the providences of God is to get his heart
affected ... to be sensible of the death of his people is
his duty . . . Said why a Directory for men when buried
and not born ; you know that presently after birth they
are brought to baptism, something is done presently after.
. . . Said if a Directory for some, then for all. ... I see
not why not for all . . . Dorcas . . . Said the apostles
would not serve tables . . . there is no transgression . . .
rules in Scripture to take all occasions of doing good. . . .
At death of friends to be sensible . . .
Dr. Burges moved that the Committee would bring in
something concerning visiting of the sick.
Mr. Marshall— But one only thing worthy of your con
sideration in this business, whether the minister, when he
is present, may give a word of exhortation. To say he
should be invited to be there as a minister would press far
that it is a ministerial work.
Mr. Hill — Two things may be hinted : (1) No necessity
that the corpse be carried into the church ; (2) The corpse
be first buried.
A motion to recommit it.
Directory To recommit this business of burial, and that Com-
lor burial . .
recom- mittee in the close of the Directory for the visiting of the
mitted- sick. Mr, Gillespy — ... a man.
Directory Report made of the Directory of marriage drawn up to
riag™" be sent to both Houses of Parliament. It was read.
finallydrawn up. Sess. 334.— December 4, 1644.— Wednesday morning.
Debate on Debate about burial.
for'buriall Mr. Palmer— I desire we should take away all supersti-
resumed. tioa and declare against it ... but I do not think a dumb
show becomes Christians. ... If this ground be good,
Christians ought not to meet but to meet as Christians.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 5
Mr. Rutherford — The Doctor gave a . . . Sess. 334.
Mr. Price-l . . . ^
Mr. Whitaker — I see no ground why exhortations are 
not of use.
A letter brought from the classis of Walacria, and a Letter
book presented to all the members of the Assembly.1 classis of
The letter was read, and book delivered to the several Walche- ren.
members of the Assembly.
That thanks shall be given by word of mouth, and after
wards in writing.
R:
They were called in.
Reverend and worthy brethren, this Assembly having Thanks
received a letter and booke presented by your hands ...
they have read the letter . . . and find in it many ex
pressions of the pious and large affections of our reverend
brethren in those parts, that having suffered do the better
know how to comfort with the comfort they . , . who are
able to speak by experience to us. . . . We did not think fit
to call you in to acknowledge the receipt of a book till we
had read the autograph. . . . All we have been able to
do is to read the letter. We are not able to give so full
an answer, but it is resolved that there shall, with what
convenient speed we can, [be] an answer given in writin[g]
both by way of acknowledgment of the book and letter . . .
and am to give you thanks for being the hand. This
Assembly do hold themselves to be much indebted and
engaged. Ordered^-Mr, Arrowsmith, Mr, Corbet, Mr. Reynolds,
to draw up an answer to the classis of Wala[cria] by way
of thankful acknowledgment for this letter and book with
all convenient speed.
Ordered — To advise what is further to be done about
burial to-morrow morning.
Sess. 335. — December 5, 1644. — Thursday morning.
Report made of the votes concerning discipline. Read Report of
votes con-
1 For letter and book see 'Consideratio quarundam controversiarum, etc, ceming
ex mandato Classis Walachrianse conscripta a Gul, Apollonii. ' discipline.

1 6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 335. by Dr. Temple ... and the second time compared with
i6^5' the votes in the book.
. — '- Ordered—Mr. Marshall and Mr. Palmer do prepare the
^fasting Directory of fasting, and Mr. Goodwin do give in to them
to be pre- hjs conections to that purpose.
; Ordered— To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 336.— December 6. — Friday morning.
Mr. Taylor, Mr. Stanton, Mr Lightfoote, to pray the
week following.
Debate on The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the report of
Temple's the frame of government reported by Dr. Temple.
Report. Debate about those words, ' Church governed by several
sorts of Assemblies.'
Ordered — Dr. Temple, Mr. Herle, Mr. Reynolds, to
withdraw a little to consider of this, and make report
presently. Debate about the scribes entering the reasons of the
dissenting brethren before the emendations are brought
in. R : — That the scribes shall go on in entering the reasons
of the dissenting brethren into the record of the As
sembly.
Directory Report made of the Directory for tThanksgiving drawn
givingTeTd" UP for the Parliament, read and voted.
and voted. Debate about burial . . . and about the place of burial.
Ordered— Dr. Temple make his report on Monday
morning. Ordered— -To proceed in the debate of the Directory for
Burial. Sess. 337. — December 9, 1644. — Monday morning.
Protestation read.
Further Debate of the Directory for Burial. . . . Nevertheless,
Directory this doth not inhibit any minister at that time being pre-
for burial, sent to give some seasonable word of exhortation.
Mr. Marshall offered a paper to express the affirmative
part. Debate about something to be added to the negative.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 7
Dr. Temple made report of the alterations in the frame1 Sess. 337.
of government. D5C- 9>
Ordered — This Draught of Government be transcribed 
to be sent to both Houses of Parliament. pk' makes
Mr. Burroughs enters his dissent from the subordination rport .of
of Assemblies in that proposition, ' it is lawful and agree- _
,.,,,-., & Draughtto
able, and that ' of particular congregations assuming the be sent up
power of ordination,' and that 'of the church of Ephesus,' £ PaXf
if you mean that they were 3cvcral congregations fixsd. ment.
Mr. Ny enters his dissent to the same propositions. Burroughs
Mr. Carter desires the same. dissent.
Mr. Simpson desires the same. He also desired that
Mr. Goodwin's dissent may be entered, he being not well.
Ordered — That he have leave against to-morrow.
Mr. Bridge desires the same.

Sess. 338. — December 10, 1644. — Tuesday morning.
Debate upon the title — ' Of the power of particular con
gregations.' The amendments considered.
(Upon a motion Dr. Gouge.)
Report ' of holy places ' debated. Debate of
Mr. Palmer — . . . The general notion of holiness, as it j;eP°rj as
relates to man for all and outward things, is such a dedica- places.
tion to God as that it becomes His, and so no longer ours.
If it were so under the Old Testament, I would be glad to
know why it is not so now. That it was so in the Old is
plain, in that 'burnt all the houses of God in the land.' This Ps. Ixxiv.
can be no other but the synagogue, which had no typical '
relation. Mr. Rutherford — This is acknowledged by all divines.
No holiness in the time of gospel in any place. They say
that the holiness in the Old Testament was all typical
holiness. In New Testament there is no more holiness of
place than of time, except the Lord's day. The time may
be called holy, be[cause] the action performed in it is holy,
and this will not bring any denomination of holiness . . .
Synagogues only called God's houses because God was
1 Draught written above ' frame ' in MS.
B

1 8 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 338. worshipped there, and the burning of them was a profana-
D^°' tion of worship secundario, in respect that they are set
 apart for order's sake to the worship of God. We desire
Debate on ^ tQ be proved) that jt is the Lord's will to appropriate
places. any piace so to Himself as that it shall not be ours. . . ,
The houses of the New Testament have the same civil use
that they would have had in the Old Testament.
Mr. Gillespy — I speak to your order . . . consider
whether not ... no contrary opinion in the negative that
no one place is holier than another in the time of the
gospel. Dr. Burges moved to reduce the three propositions to
the last, which is comprehensive of what is necessary to
the Directory.
Mr. Seaman — There is no way to expedite ourselves
but consider how much is necessary upon this head for
the Directory. . . . Confine yourselves to the affirmative
de futuro. ... If you form any proposition, it must be
doctrinal, though it be negative.
Mr. Marshall — I do not yet understand any necessity
of meddling with the business at all. It is a thing that is
done. We have churches everywhere. No doubt about
it, some1 only two sorts of people : (1.) Some who think
places not fitly prepared without a consecration ; (2.)
Others think that places having been consecrated are so
polluted that the servants of God should not make use of
them. Mr. Palmer-^So as the place ... As no dedication or
consecration doth make the place 2 more acceptable].
Mr. Goodwin being absent yesterday, desired to have
his dissent entered to those propositions his brethren dis
sented to before.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate to-morrow morning.
Upon a motion that the Committee for the drawing up
the Directory or others that may be gotten,
Ordered— The same Committee that presented the
Directory to send up the Draught of Government to-mor
row morning.
1 Sic in ms., perhaps for ' save.' 2 Service written above « place ' in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 9
Sess. 339. — December 11, 1644. — Wednesday morning. Sess. 339.
Dec. 11,
Debate upon the Directory for days. l644-
Report of Directory for visiting of the sick . . . debated Directory
and voted. £ne rick^
Motion to make some provision for clandestine mar- debatedand voted.
nages. Mr. Greenhill desires to enter his dissent as the rest of Mr.Green-
the dissenting brethren. ^LT'
Sess. 340. — December 12. — Thursday morning.
Dr. Burges made report of the delivery of the Draught
of Government.1
The reasons of our dissenting brethren against the three Dissenting
former propositions, mentioned in their dissents entered, brfngT"
were brought in and read by Mr. Carter. reasons of
Ordered — The former Committee appointed to consider
of the former reasons of our dissenting brethren shall take tee to
these reasons into consideration, and draw up answers to ans Ul :I

reasons.

them, and make report to the Assembly with all con
venient speed. R : — No new Committee.
R : — ]$ neg. Something put into the Directory for
preventing of clandestine murders.2
A message from the House of Commons [for translation
of Directory into Welsh].3
Neg : Resolved — The report concerning holy days shall
not be waived. (?)
Ordered — Committee meet to-morrow in the afternoon
to prepare Directory for Psalms.
Mr. Seaman enters his dissent to that clause in the Seaman
Directory for vi[si]tation concerning the poor, and so doth son dis!; "
Mr. Wilson. sent-
Sess. 341. — December 13, 1644. — Friday morning.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Langley for L. G, and To pray,
Committee of both kingdoms.
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iii. pp. 72 1, 722.
2 Sic in MS. for 'marriages.'
8 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iii. p. 723.

20 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 341. Report from the Committee for Singing.
Dje£J I3' Report for thanksgiving for women's deliverance from
 childbirth.
Director^ Report for fasting.
for fasting Mr. Mar\shalf\ moved to refer this of fasting to a Corn-
recommit- L . 1 ¦»«¦ Tl 1
ted. mittee of one or two, with Mr. Palmer.
Ordered—Mr. Marshall, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Calamy, Mr.
Tuckney, Mr. Harris, Mr. Ley, Mr. Ny, Mr. Herle, Mr.
Carrell, Dr. Smith, or any three, to be a Committee to
join with Mr. Palmer to consider of this report, and to
present unto the Assembly what they think fit upon Mon
day morning.
Directory Debate about churching, whether any Directory . . .
churching The Directory for thanksgiving for women's churching
of women shau be waived. R : aff
Dr. Burges reported the delivery of the Directory, and
we promised they should have it next week.
Something to be considered about the head of petition.
Ordered — To go on with the Directory for singing Psalms.
Sess. 342. — December 16, 1644. — Monday morning.
Debate on Report of the Directory for visitation of the sick to he
visrtation01 sent up to the Parliament. Read.
of sick. Mr. Tuckney moved to add something about the sacra
ment. R : — The word[s] ' out of displeasure for sin ' shall stand.
Ordered — Those words, ' out of love,' left out.
R : — Those words, ' if but light it were heavy and press
ing,' shall be left out.
R •• — Those words, ' being lost in himself,' shall stand.
Ordered—' To an humbled sinner,' left out.
Ordered— Instead of ' persuade,' ' advise.'
Report made by Mr. Palmer of the Directory for fasting
formerly recommitted.
Addition An addition concerning the sacrament to the Directory
saTramen? of visitation of the sick.
ado ted R ;— Notning added to the Directory for visitation con
cerning sacrament.
Ordered— That the Committee for answering the reasons

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 I
of the dissenting brethren make their report to-morrow Sess. 342.
coming. ***
Ordered — That Dr. Burges inform the HonbIe. Houses 
of Parliament that the reason why the Assembly have sent tion why
up nothing in the Directory concerning the Creed and the 5j;reed and
Ten Comm[andmen]ts, is because they reserve it for the mand-
Directory for catechizing, where they conceive it will be j^s"^^^
most proper.1 Directory.
Sess. 343. — December 17. — Tuesday morning.
An order from the Lords and Commons for admitting
of Sir William Massam to the Assembly as a member.2
The answer to the reasons of dissenting brethren
brought in and read.
R. N C. — That the Committee to whom it was referred Answersto
to draw up the answers shall take care for the drawing it dissent
up and transcribing it to be sent up to both the HonbIe. aSam ,
r iii referred to
Houses of Parliament, allowing them liberty to avoid Commit-
expressions, which upon suggestion shall appear unfit, tee-
without altering the matter : and give an account of the
alterations to the Assembly.
Ordered — To debate the report of singing of Psalms the
next session.
Ordered — To adjourn till Thursday.
Sess. 344. — December 19. — Thursday morning.
Debate about singing of Psalms.
Ordered—Mr. Marshall, Mr. Hill, Mr. Ley, Dr. Burges, Christmas
to be a Committee to go up to the Honble. Houses of ^J. l°s ^e
Parliament to desire that they would be pleased to take fast.
some order about the solemn keeping of the next fast, and
that notice may be given of it in the several churches.3
Ordered — That the Commissioners of Scotland be
desired to present something to the Assembly concerning
the third proposition in the Directory for singing of Psalms
to-morrow morning, to be considered of in the Assembly.
Debate about fasting. Debate on
Directory
1 See Journals of House of Lords, vol. vii. p. 103. * Ibid. p. 89. for fast.
3 Journals of House of Lords, vol. vii. pp. 105, 106. ing.

22 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 344. Debate about the time — a natural day. . . . Debate about
Di644.9' the authority. . . . Debate about the revolution of several days.
Ordered—Mr. Samuel Ball, Mr. James Ball, Mr. Samuel
Nicholls, Mr. John Pypard, be approved to be Fellows in
the Colleges to which they shall be appointed.
Sess. 345. — December 20, 1644. — Friday morning.
Directory Mr. Young, Mr. Connant, Mr. Chambers, [to pray, etc.].
of F-„dmsg Mr. Henderson made report of that committed to them.
ordered. It was ordered.
Further Proceed in the debate of the Directory for fasting.
Directory Debate about that of fasting and eating.
for fast- Report of ministers for Durham.
Mr. Agas was excepted against by Dr. Stanton.
Ordered — The information against Mr. Agas to be
examined by that Committee upon Monday next.
That the ministers to be sent down be heard to preach
by some appointed by the Committee, before they be sent
down to any place in the counties of Durham, Northum
berland, etc.
An order for the sending up the reasons.1
Resolution A Directory for the practical part of discipline and
to draw up , . . ,
Directory government to be drawn up.
cMrneand ^ Committee for the carrying up the reasons — (Mr. Mar-
Church"1 shall, Mr. Vines, Mr. Herle, Mr. Hodges).2 The same Com
ment™" mittee tnat carried up the votes carr —
Dr. Smith, Dr. Temple (Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney),2
Mr. Prophet, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Salway, Mr. Herle, Mr.
Wilson, Mr. White, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Hill, Mr.
Stanton, Mr. Cawdry — to be a Committee to meet this
afternoon to examine what is written of reasons or answers
to them. . . . To consider . . .
Ordered— -To proceed in the debate where we left in the
Directory for fasting.
Sess. 346.— December 23, 1644.— Monday morning.
Ordered— That the Committee that is to go up with the
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iii. p. 730.
2 The names within parentheses are enclosed as if meant to be left out.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 23
reasons and answers do signify that there shall be some- Sess. 346.
thing about excommunication shall be considered of, and D^' 2 3'
sent up as speedily as we can.1 - —
A letter from the Earl of Manchester for Dr. Love, to excommu-
be Master of Trinity College in Cambridge. nication to
R : — That Dr. Love be approved by this Assembly as sidered.
fit to be Mr. of Trinity College in Cambridge.
Debate upon the asserting of liberty of families together
fasting. The Directory concerning fasting shall be drawn up, to Directory
be worded and reported to the Assembly on Thursday ^ ast"
morning. R: f^. — That the liberty of the persons of divers families
meeting together in private to fast shall be next de
bated. Sess. 14.7.
Lord Warriston. . . . Lord War-
Mr. Marshall— As this noble Lord hath honoured us thanks^
with his presence and assistance, and manifested his returned
integrity and love to the public cause . . . desire that you
would be pleased, in the name of the Assembly, to return
our thankful acknowledgment.
Which was accordingly done by the Prolocutor.
Sess. 348. — December 27, 1644 — Friday morning.
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Strickland, to pray.
Report of the Appendix concerning days and places for
public worship.
Report of the Directory for fasting drawn up and read, Directory
and debated in the Assembly. [°gfast"
R: — Those words, 'as on a Sabbath,' shall be waived, adopted.
R. N. C. — This Directory for fasting shall be sent up to
both Houses of Parliament.
Report of the Directory for singing of Psalms ordered to Directory
De Sent up. of Psalms
Debate about holy days. to be sent
Ordered— To take into consideration the report con- up"
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iii. p. 733.

_4 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 348. cerning excommunication, — Mr. Marshall, Mr. Seaman, Mr.
Di644?7' Herle, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Vines.
Sess. 349. — December 30, 1640. 1 — Monday morning.
Letter to Ordered — A letter to be drawn up to the General
Assembly Assembly of Scotland by Dr. Burges, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
of Church Arrowsmith, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Reynolds,
land to be Mr. Vines. The heads of those things passed the As-
prepared. semkiy t0 be put into the letter, and to give them of Scot
land an account of how far the Assembly hath proceeded.
A motion about the Directory in Welsh.
Memorandum — To represent something to Parliament,
to desire them to review the superstitions that may be in
the order of knighthood.
Commit- A Committee to consider of this, and of all matters in
sider of * which there use to be any forms of prayers, or any
forms of religious ceremony, in the Universities or elsewhere.
prayerused in Ordered — Mr. Seaman, Mr. Perne, Mr. Herle, Mr.
monies in Rayner, Mr. Ny, Dr. Temple, Mr. Hodges, Dr. Stanton,
Universi- to be a Committee for this purpose.
Memorandum — To consider of something to express
concerning Registers for burials and baptizings.
Directory A paper read by Mr. Marshall about Church censures
forChurch in a Directory.

censures

given in. R : — This paper be considered to-morrow morning.
Ordered — That the Appendix be sent up to-morrow
morning. A letter from [a minister of Zurich] 2 read.
Sess. 350.— December 31, 1644.— Tuesday morning.
Srlx °ry Debate about the Directory for excommunication. First
munica°m" branch ordered. Upon the second branch 
ordered"17 Mr' Goodw^-Where have you any ground for so dif-
Rest de- fering Proceedings ? It is worth our debate to consider
bated. what sins they are that must be the object of excommuni
cation. . . . Said signs of repentance must be clear and
evident ; so it must be in every case. Why, then, is it
added there ?
1 Sic in MS. ; should be 1644. 2 Gillespie's Notes of Debates, p. 97.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 25
Mr. Ny . . . Sess. 350.
Mr. Marshall— AH that is held out in this may be D^4!'
proved out of the story of the incestuous Corinthian, in . 
_ r^ r 1 Directory
1 Cor. [v.]. for excon;.
Mr. Herle — I do agree we should be very careful in this m"nica-
0 J tion de-
WOrk ; but if we should take in hand to set in a catalogue bated.
of sins, we should do as they go to the Rota to learn to sin.
. . . Why should it rest in the nature of sin to make it liable
to excommunication . . . Sin hath its height from the will,
then the least sin that is may arise to a contumacy ... A
little stone thrown with a strong hand may kill a Goliah.
Mr. Marshall — To order.
Mr. Ny — We grant that if any sin come to obstinacy, it
is liable to excommunication ; but this branch speaks of a
case in which there are some atrocious sins committed . . .
There may be a fundamental error in one age, that is not
a fundamental error in another, as the resurrection to be
denied now is a fundamental error.
Mr. Henderson — In the matter of excommunication, this
difference of sins use to be observed by divines ... I think
the words of this paper are the words of that treatise on
the power of the keys set out by our brethren.
Mr. Vines — For that of fundamental . . . there is some
thing like it in Chillingworth . . . If fundamentum in se, it Pt. I. ch.
is semper . . . We need not talk of obstinacy here, for that ™' |^13'
is when one is convicted ; this is founded upon the noto
riety of the heinous sin. . . . The sin being heinous, we
need not go to name it. We only name it by those aggra
vations which is the proper naming of sin to excommuni
cation. . . . All the reason is not to call the sinner to
repentance, but to purge the Church from scandal.
Dr. Gouge — It is true that there are some sins in their
own nature not to be suffered. . . . One word may be put
in to satisfy all, ' as incest and such like.'
Mr. Gillespy — Much hath been spoken that needs not at
this time . . . All that is spoken to specify that sort of sin
that deserves excommunication, that is not before you . . .
But for the ground of such a different proceeding in several
sorts of public sins . . . the ground of that will appear

26 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 350. from the vote in the Assembly . . . Voted the suspension
D^431' of a person not yet cast out of the Church. There is
 gradus to excommunication. They will not say that the
forlKom- incestuous Corinthian should first have been suspended
munica- from the sacrament. ... In other cases there is a proceed-
bated.6" ing by more degrees, as that place, ' a heretic after once or
Tit. iii 10 twice admonition reject' . . . and that place, 'them that sin
lGTimVav.)' reprove before all men, that others may fear.'
2°- Mr. Goodwin — I observe your Directory is defective in
the main thing.
Mr. Reynolds^A sin may be heinous two ways.
Mr. Goodwin — Whether there may be an excommuni
cation without admonition in case of heinous sins, this is
the question.
Mr. Marshall — It is stated in the paper, in such sins
they may proceed against them without the usual degrees.
Mr. Goodwin— ^Without the usual degrees, that is admo
nition. Then doth not the apost. in the 1 Corin. v. make
all other sins parallel to that of incest ? The doctrine is for
one as well as another .. . . You have but this example of
excommunication, and here is also the rule.
Mr. Marshall — ... a short answer to this argument,
because both in the same place. . . . Because they are
named in the same chapter, it doth not follow that they
are parallel sins, or must be dealt with in the same way.
. . . Those sins are condemned in other epistles, and [he]
doth not will them to excommunicate for them.
Mr. Rutherford — There should have been an argument
against the very words of the, Directory. . . . There is
nothing in this paper for excommunication ipso facto, nor
anything that doth exclude all the degrees of process . . .
Only the paper saith there is no necessity to proceed in
those usual degrees, yet there are degrees in the paper to
such, as in case they be swallowed up in grief. . . . This to
be proved, that there are no sins so atrocious but the
Church ought to. proceed against them with all the degrees
of . . .
Mr. Calamy— That part of the 1 Cor. doth not speak of
sacramental eating. ... Dr. Ames puts this question, whe-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 27
ther he [that] is contumax be «__»« statim excommuni- Sess. 350.
candus,1 he resolves that the ap[ostle] judges so in the . . . ^I'J1'
Mr. Wilson — I have one scruple about the usual degrees. • 
1 Tim. v. 20. Those that sin are to be rebuked, and re
buked publicly. There is to be an increpation before
excommunication. ... 2 Cor. ii. 7.
Mr. Ley — I question not but a difference of sins, but my
scruple is whether it be put in the right place.
Sess. 351. — January 1, 1644. — Wednesday morning.
R. — That Mr. Goodall shall not have a certificate with
out further inquiry.
Ordered — That Mr. Goodall bring a, testimony under
the hands of Mr. Coales and other known ministers about
Nottingham, and then he is to have his [certificate].
Debate upon the Directory for excommunication. Debate
Debate about that 'longer delay the admitting to the' . . . fo^xcom-
Memorandum — That either in the Discipline or Direc- munica-
tory, something be expressed concerning receiving of oaths. sume<j."
Memorandum — That something be considered of to set
out what sins are to, be taken cognizance of by the elder
ship for Church censures.
Sess. 352. — January 2, 1644. — Thursday morning.
A paper was brought from the Commissioners of
Scotland.2

Sess. 353. — January 3. — Friday morning.
Mr. Harris, Mr. Salway, Mr. Simpson, To pray
Ordered— Mr. Calvert for York. ™*,_ '
Ordered — Mr. Rogers for Barney Castle.
Report of a letter from the Committee to, be sent to the
Assembly of Scotland, read . . . Debated.
Resolved upon the Q., that those words shall stand.
Resolved — Those words, ' the common interest,' and ' to
us and you,' shall stand.

Lords, etc.

1 Amesii de Conscientia, lib. iv. cap. xxix. quest. 8.
2 Reformation of Church Government in Scotland cleared from some Mis-
Jakes and Prejudices. Edin. 1644,

28 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 353. Mr. Gille[s]py — I acknowledge it to be one of the
^164!' greatest mercies that I ever received in this world to have
. — ; t liberty . . . that I might contribute . . . and be edified . . .
speedTbe- and now when I am called away, I thank God for it. I
fore going g0 away more confirmed in my own conscience that the
land. government is most agreeable to the word of God ... And
what I say for myself, Mr. Bayly is of the same mind . . .
I must return humble thanks ... I am assured that my
infirmities have appeared too much in this Assembly, that
at some times I have offended some, and that at some
times I have taken up time in speaking, to hinder others
that would have spoken better . . . and ... I am confident
that He that hath begun the good work will finish it . . .
Your difficulties have been many . . . The greatest difficul
ties sometimes was the Prelacy and Book of Common
Prayer . . . but other impediments are fallen in, which I
pray God may . . . You have here some dissenting brethren
to whom I owe great respect ... a word of love and affec
tion ... I wish they prove to be as unwilling to divide from
Prefers us, as we have been unwilling to divide from them. I
dation'to'" wlsn tnat instead of toleration, there may be a mutual
toleration, endeavour for a happy accommodation . . . There is a cer
tain measure of forbearance, but it is not so seasonable
now to be talking of forbearance, but mutual endeavours
for accommodation ... It is true two are better than one,
but it is not true of parties . . . since God hath promised
to give His people one heart and one way . . . Now, if you
have any other commands for us that are going home,
we shall be careful of them ; though we go from you, we
shall [be] present with you in spirit.
Dr. Burges — It hath pleased the Commissioner to ac
knowledge it a great happiness that he had opportunity to
be amongst us so long. I think the Assembly will ac
knowledge it a happiness to have enjoyed their help . . .
For his modest expression of speaking in the Assembly,
the Assembly acknowledgeth with all thankfulness . . . It's
a pious and Christian close . . . What he hath desired is the
desire of us all ... I hope you will be pleased to let them
know how much we do value their pains.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 29
Prolocutor ordered by ... I am unfit for such an em- Sess. 353.
ployment that divers times do fall upon me . . . All of us ^iJhj5'
have had great experience of your learned pains ; for my- 
self, I have taken great comfort in your learned discourses, tor's reply.
That this letter be transcribed, and something added by Letter
Mr. Marshall concerning . . . a^te_i.
0 with addi
tion to be
Sess. 354. — January 6, 1644. — Monday morning. made by
Mr. Mar-
Report of some alterations in the letter sent to Scotland, shall.
Ordered.
Proceed in the debate of Directory for excommuni- Debate on
Cation- for'excom-
Debate about the ministers expressing of the penitent's munica-
- , . tion re
sign of his repentance. sumed.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left.
Sess. 355. — January 7, 1644. — Tuesday morning.
Report made by Mr. Ley of the distribution of books to
several members of the Assembly._
Proceed in debate of the Directory for excommuni
cation.
Mr. Goodwin — . . .
Mr. Marshall — This paragraph is no more than what
any one would promise and say. ... If any will draw an
error out of a truth, his weakness will appear.
Dr. Burges — If they have anything to say against this
proposition in debate, it is reason we should hear them ;
but if we . . .
Debate about the word ' proceed.'
Next paragraph proceed [ed] in.
Mr. Marshall — Now come upon that branch of the
Church censure deservedly acknowledged to be the great
est .. . wherein the servants of Christ have the greatest
variety of their senses and apprehensions, and amongst
ourselves hardly anything before you wherein we have
found more too to differ ; and an irreparable division may be
of as sad consequence as in any other point . . . And there
fore I desire the Lord of Heaven to direct us in it, and
compose our spirits so that we may . . . The reason of pre-

30 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 355. senting us this is of purpose to prevent long, dangerous,
Ji6447.' and difficult debate. Three sorts of opinions in this
 Assembly: (1) some hold it only in the congregational1
Directory11 presbytery ; (2) others think that both the congregation
for excom- an(j greater assemblies may do it ; (3) others, it may be,
mumca- ° .
tion. think that particular congregations may not do it . . .
Directory These words are so tied down as that all they who
iar as pos- can but submit to have the business carried before a
sibleto greater assembly may enjoy their own way, their own
of different opinions, and practice . . . The most obvious objection is,
views- we were better speak out where it will become this Assem
bly to do it ambiguously . . . But I shall tell you what
satisfied me ... I look upon our present divisions . . . We
have another party to contend with who may be much
helped . . . But their hopes and expectations may be frus
trated ; and therefore I thought, if at the present we can
settle it in such a way as that men of several judgments, it
would be a great mercy at the present, and it may please
God that we may grow up together.
Dr. Burges— I only move this for our better and more
orderly proceeding . . . Looke upon this as a point of
practice ... if any debates against it contain ourselves
within the limits of our paper.
Mr. Goodwin- ^The business hath been of long expecta
tion, and needs a great deal of composedness of spirit to
proceed in the debate about it ... I am sorry that there
fell out any occasion of heat amongst Us, than which there
could not be a greater ... I hope for this debate it shall
not any way unsettle our spirits . . . There is use of
synods to frame up the spirits of men to a way of
peace ... I think the winding up of things in a way of
peace and accommodation should not be when things are
brought in by a committee or brethren as this was, but
after debates of things . . . That this may be made up so
as to satisfy two differing judgments in this Assembly . . .
But it had been well if you had taken in some of the other,
that they also might have been consulted with in it ... I
desire in the debate nothing may be stated.
Mr. Marshall— Said things that are for accommoda-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 I
tion are done after debates, when the divisions do ap- Sess. 355.
Pear- J^6447'
A. — I think this did appear abundantly in former 
debates ... If it had been only a suspected thing, it Directory
might have been too much care or fear aforehand, but for excom-
1 • 1 1 1 1 1 1 • • munica-
nothing is more clear than the declared opinions of tion.
brethren on this point . . . That which seems most of all
to touch upon those that present the paper is, that it was
not communicated ... If any neglect in it, it is to be im
puted me. . . . After some few of us had digested it, few
days before I presented it to you . . . One of the brethren
that are dissenting I advised with, and gave it home with
him one night, and did not limit him to communicate it to
whom he pleased . . . The Commissioners of Scotland did
really intend that it might suit with their way, so that it
might be but heard in the classis.
Mr. Henderson — The differing judgments of some of the
brethren in the Assembly are very well known already,
and as well as can be made known by a debate . . . For
this exception there is as much spoken as may give satis
faction ... I humbly move that if any conference with
our dissenting brethren may prepare it more for the public
debate, it may be done ... I have heard some of our
brethren say, if they could get satisfaction in this, they did
not see any great difference.
Mr. Goodwin — The motion now made is a good one,
only I do not know what you can well go to.
Mr. Rutherford — I conceive the question how will be
whether this controversy will be tanti that the Assembly
must determine what is the primum subfectum potestatis
furisdictionis. There is no necessity to determine this,
be[cause] many writers learned have written accurately of
it, and yet never settled this controversy ... 2. Not a
Protestant Synod that can be produced that hath deter
mined it on either side . . . The words will carry nothing
that may condemn either side . . . Though it be not com
mitted by the Assembly, yet there are divers things that
are equivalent to a commitment.
Mr. Palmer — . . .

32 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 355. Dr. Burges— -I desire we may not cast any prejudice
Jag- 7' upon this paper, which was drawn up to prevent heats . . .
 ' If you commit this, I desire it may be to think of some
Dntctorf way to make this passable, and not draw us to other
for excom- debates.
munica- „ _ , _
tion Mr. Ny— . . .
Mr. Goodwin — If you had any other thing to be dis
puted, it were well if either you entered upon now or
resolved to do it ... I suppose this paper hath lain long
upon the thoughts of many ... It will concern us to have
time more than an afternoon.
Mr. Reynolds — This put into the hands of our dissenting
brethren, and they to consider how far they can agree, and
where they stick.
Mr. Ny — There is no reason for that motion . . . This
is as if this paper were a rule, which is no more a rule than
any paper. . . . Let us frame new propositions de novo
without looking upon this paper.
Mr. Rutherford — The whole Assembly did agree of a
commitment of this ; the end is unity and peace, without
any hurt or violation of truth, the same is recommitted
. . . This paper is ordered to be taken into consideration,
and therefore the recommitment is no reversing of your
former order.
Mr. Palmer — I desire you would continue your thoughts
. . . One thing I desire may be avoided . . . not to speak
of three parties . . . For your Committee I desire the
Assembly may be a Committee, that the Assembly may
meet as a Committee, and then no man shall be excluded.
Mr. Marshall—I apprehend the fewer there are that do
this, the sooner it will be done . . . That this be committed,
toabegrePh 6' ^"^ That the Paragraph in the remaining part of the
commit- Directory for excommunication now in debate be recom-
ted' mitted for accommodation, the number to be 6.
Ordered— Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Ny, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Vines, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Seaman. The Commissioners of
the Church of Scotland are desired to be assisting to that
Committee, to meet in the afternoon, and to make report
.to-morrow morning.
¦ •' ¦ .';i '-.'V'. . .

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 33
Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Young, Mr. Reynolds added. Sess. 355.
The Assembly to proceed in the debate of the rest of ^a^.7.
Directory. 
Sess. 356. — January 8, 1644. — Wednesday morning.
That the Committee . . .
A letter brought from the ministers of York, and a peti
tion to be presented to the House of Commons.
Memorandum — The Parliament be desired to think of
an honourable maintenance for ministers, the dues being
now taken off by the Directory.
Ordered— Mr. Marshall, Dr. Burges, Mr. Strickland, Mr.
Michaelthwaite, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Whitaker, to present this
petition from York, and also to desire some course to be
taken that ministers put into seques[tra]tions may not be
ou[s]ted upon the resignation or death of those.
That the petition of the Yorkshire ministers to the House Petition of
of Commons, now read, shall be from this Assembly pre- Yo™shire
sented, and recommended to that Honble. House, with recom-
request that it may be speedily taken into consideration. House of°
Debate on that paragraph of the Directory concerning Commons.
shunning of communion with the excommunicate person.
Sess. 357. — January 9, 1644/ — Thursday morning.
Mr. Marshall made report [that he had presented the
petition to the House of Commons, and that it was read ;
but not being brought in regularly, the House proceeded
no farther upon it].1
Ordered — The petition from the ministers of Yorke be
delivered to Sir Thomas Widrington.
Report made from the Committee appointed to consider
of the paragraph in the Directory.
Ordered — Mr. John Wolfhall, Stamfdrdham in North
umberland. Dr. Gouge moved concerning Mr. Agas, the Committee
thought him fit.
Debate upon the excommunicate coming to the preach-
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 14. rf **
C If — '¦«¦ -
((YALE DIVINITY SO

54 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 357. [A blank page.]
Ji6449' Mr- Coleman— -This proposition takes for granted— (1)
 that the preaching is no peculiar privilege, but the sacra-
fxcom6 °" ments are ; (2) that the sacraments are no converting
municated ordinances — I mean the second conversion ... I see no
amending difference why the sacraments may not as well work upon
preaching. R man fajlen ag the m}njstry of the word.
Mr. Ny — . . . For that of private exhortation therefore;
public. A. Two differences: (1) private is to be formed
directly to this man's state to make him more ashamed,,.
but in the public you may preach six or seven sermons
that may not reach him for humiliation. (2) There is
nothing of the honourable communion of saints in private.
It is no more than a family communion.
Mr. Hodges — If the minister should in public reprove
this man, would it not tend more to his shame, than to do
it in private ?
Mr. Marshall — For that, that the communion of saints
doth not lie in private conversation, but in public ordi
nances ... A. Church communion doth carry the private
communion of saints as well as the public. ... If divers
duties are to be performed in private virtute communionis,
then the communion of saints reacheth to the private . . .
If excommunicating shut out from communion of saints,
then look what falls under that notion, that 1 he must be
debarred from.
Mr. Delaplace — I know not what excommunication
means except ab omnibus sacris ; and we have types of it
in the law, etc.
Mr. Palmer — It is not enough to exclude the excom
municate from the preaching of the word, except we can
find a rule in the word to debar them of it. . . . If it be
in the word, it must be in one of those, let him be a pub
lican, etc., or put him away from amongst you, and deliver
ing unto Satan.
Ordered—Mr. Abner Coe approved of for a Fellowship
in Keyes 2 College.
To debate . . .
1 In MS. that that notion. 2 Query— Caius College.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 35 Sess. 358.
Sess. 358. — January 10, 1644. — Friday morning. Jan- IO>
Mr. Burges, Mr. Vines, Mr. Ash. 
Report made by Mr. Marshall from the Committee for ° pray'
accommodation. Read and debated.
Mr. Carter desired to debate as upon Monday, that there
might be time to consider of it for one day till the next
session. Debate about excommunicate person joining in prayer. Debate on
Mr. Rutnerford — He that joins in prayer prays with nf£°tm^u"
the Church, and saith Amen, but not so in hearing of the resumed.
word.. . . The minister may pray with him, but not for him ;
and therefore there is not par ratio.
Mr. Calamy — Consider the state of the question. You
must suppose he comes not as a member, and you must
suppose him to be a child of God ; and then prayer may
be used for his recovery out of that sin, as well as hearing.
. . . He is not excommunicated from the invisible Church,
nor from the inward communion with Jesus Christ. . . . He
is to be admitted to the prayers because he is fit to pray,
and to join in prayer he is fitter than a heathen. . . . This
will be an argument to show that we prefer the prayers of
the Church before preaching. . . . The reason why excom
municate persons were not admitted in primitive times was
because the Liturgy was in order to the sacraments, from
which they were excluded.
Mr. Rutherford — It is granted that those that have an
internal communion with the invisible Church may be ex
communicated . . . and so it is argued they are fit to pray
be[cause] of that communion. ... A. The fitness must be
a visible and external fitness, else he speaks nothing. . . .
If he speaks of an inward fitness in regard of faith, then he
is as fit for the sacrament of the Lord's Supper as for the
prayers of the Church. 2. Said the Church may pray for
him, therefore with him. ... I deny the consequence, and
the words out of the ' Synopsis Purioris Theologiae ' ' do.
not affirm so much. . . . True, in ancient times they were
1 Synopsis Purioris Theologiae, Disput. xlviii. Thes. xlvii.

36 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 358. debarred from the prayers, but not in order to the sacra-
Jan. 10,
1644. ment.
_ ;  Dr. Temple — Upon the same ground you have admitted
Debate on . . , , . _lr , r , . , ,IT,
excommu- him to the mystery x of the Word for his restoring. . . . Why
mcatidn. should there not be the same act of Church fellowship in
joining in hearing God speak to us that there is in our
speaking to God ?
Mr. Marshall—! cannot dispute against the thing. That
of joining in prayer is darker to me ; not satisfied that he
should come to join in prayer. . . . Not that T think the
one to be more an act of communion, but upon this ground ;
he is not to be admitted to those ordinances, but only as
means to bring him to repentance. If any of those ordi
nances could reach him with as good effect in his absence,
then he ought not to be present at any of them ; but
preaching cannot do it, prayer may.
Mr. Reynolds — He hath prevented me. . . . Two argu
ments afoot : one from the parity of the ordinances, the
other from the mystical communion. For the former there
is not a parity. ... In the business of prayer the case is
others.2 . . . Joining in prayer is formaliter communion.
For the other. . . . True, a regenerate person may be ex
communicate ; yet it follows not that because he is in the
body of Christ he may join in such. . . . There is communio
habitualis . . . yet, quoad exercitium, this actual communion
may be suspended.
Mr. Carter — There is an apparent difference betwixt. . . .
Prayer is a communion out of the whole company, but
taking in the word is a particular act.
Mr. Ny — For that of interruption of our communion with
Christ quoad exercitium [it] is not safe.
Mr. Coleman— For the different nature of the preaching
of the word and prayer. . . .
Ordered— Mr. Samuel Langden, Mr. William Moses, Mr.
John Fairfaxe, approved for Fellows.
Ordered— Mr. William Beecher,3 Mr. of Arts; Mr.
George Sickes, for Fellows.
1 In MS. mistery. Perhaps it may be for ministery.
2 Probably for otherwise. 3 Or Becetor.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 37
Sess. 359.— January 13, 1644. — Monday morning. Sess. 359.
Debate about admitting the excommunicate person to 16443'
public prayers. . . . Debate about the meaning of it. 
Ordered— A Committee to consider of the business of
the excommunicate person's presence at the hearing of
the word and the public prayers, and also to consider
of the causes for which any person is to be excommu
nicated. The former Committee that are appointed to consider of
that branch in the Directory concerning excommunication
by the Eldership shall be a Committee.
Dr. Temple, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Bridge,
Mr. Gataker, added to this Committee— to meet upon
Tuesday, in the afternoon.
The Commissioners of Scotland are desired to be assist
ing to this Committee.
Debate about the degrees of admonition.
Sess. 360. — January 14, 1644. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Field be approved for a Fellow in
Christ College.
R. — That Mr. Agas shall be approved by this Assembly
for that place the Committee for the North shall think him
meet for.
Ordered — The remainder of that Directory for excom- Remainder
munication be recommitted ; yet so as to proceed in the tory
debate to-morrow, if nothing be reported, ^Th"
Sess. 361. — January 15, 1644. — Wednesday morning.
Report about the Directory for excommunication com- Report
mitted. Debate upon it. brought
Debate about that the minister pronouncing the sen- UP-
tence. Mr. Ny — This act is one of the least ministerial acts, . . .
The main work is despatched by the suffrage of many.
Mr. Rutherford—This divine argues thus : The ruling
elder may do that which is more, therefore the less. ... A.
This argument will conclude that he may baptize. There
may be a controversy whether, such a. child is to be bap-

Debated.

38 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 361. tized. In this case the elder is a judge, but he will not
1644?' therefore say that he may baptize. ... It is altogether
 denied that the single suffrage of one ruling elder is of
Debate , , , ¦ r __ 7 u __
continued, more worth than the pronouncing of the sentence by the
minister. . . . That any should preach the word, or pray
publicly, but only the pastor, I think will be denied by the
Assembly. Mr. Vines — What act to be done in the congregation
that may be done by a ruling officer.
Mr. Ny — The elder may speak in the presbytery, classis,
provincial and national, and therefore why not in the con
gregation ?
Mr. Rutherford — He speaks in the eldership in his own
name as a particular elder, but in the Church he speaks in
the name of the Church and . . . Said ruling officers may
prophesy. . . . 1 Cor. xii. How can the word of God ascribe
prophes[y]ing, since the word restricts it only to govern
ing? Mr. Marshall — It is one thing to say a gifted man may
preach, but another thing to say a ruling elder qua ruling
elder, by virtue of his office, may do it.
Sess. 362. — January 16, 1644. — Thursday morning.
Dr. Hoyle made report of a letter to Ireland.
Letter as Ordered— Dr. Hoyle, Dr. Temple, Dr. Gouge, and the
to Ireland <./¦_.,./- •_. • , , \ ,
to be sent rest ot that Committee appointed to draw up the letter
daises in sha11 acquaint the House of Commons with this letter, and
Holland, desire that it may be sent to the several classes in Holland.
Ordered— That this letter be sent in the name of the
Assembly to the several classes in Holland.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Tuckney, it was
Ordered— Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Wilkinson, jun., be sent as
from the Assembly to visit the assessor, Dr. Burges.
Ordered— Dr. Temple, Dr. Hoyle, and Dr. Smith to
address themselves to the Committee of both kingdoms,
to desire them to acquaint their agents in Ireland with
that report of the Assembly writing a letter.
Further Mr. Marshall made report of the Report concerning the
report as tv . r . . A *>
Directory for excommunication.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 39
It was considered and ordered. Sess. 362.
Mr. Marshall delivered the words of the prayer to be ^A '
used, which was read and debated. — —
Debate about those words, ' that God would ratify this tory for
sentence.' x ST""mcatiOn.
Ordered — This recommitted.
Sess. 363. — January 17, 1644. — Friday morning.
[Mr. Greenhilll, Dr. Temple, Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Carter. To pray
Mr. Marshall made report from the Committee about the LGrds. etc.
Directory for excommunication.
Mr. Greenhill excused upon his alleging of his weakness.
The paper reported being voted, there was some debate
about what we should next debate. . . . There was some
thing remaining in the report not yet concluded in the
Committee, which was a great stick, about going to the
presbytery in case of absolution . . . which be[cause] the
Committee could not meet about it in the afternoon, the
Assembly entered upon the debate and consideration of it,
to see if there may be anything found out to satisfy all
sides. . . . Some forms were tendered, and were debated in Proposed
the Committee, but not concluded. Of the forms were Directory
these : ' Where, if nothing be alleged against him, he may fpr absolu-
be brought before the classical presbytery, which being excommu-
also satisfied with his humiliation and trial of his repent- mcatlon-
ance, he is to be absolved from the sentence of excom
munication by the particular eldership, and before the
congregation where the offence is given, which may be
done in this manner ' ... or thus : ' The classical presby
tery may also be satisfied from him with the signs of his
unfeigned repentance, and when his repentance is mani
fested, he is to be absolved from the sentence of ex
communication, which may thus be done ' . . . This last
was testified by Mr. Marshall ; the Commissioners of Scot
land were willing to assent unto if one word may be put
in, viz. upon examination. . . . Mr. Henderson offered
two more . . . ' An[d] all who have power and interest be
satisfied therewith, the penitent' ... or, 'If after the excom-
1 See Government and Order of the Church of Scotland, p., 42.

40

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Dissentingbrethren assent to
last of
proposed
forms. Debate on
this.

Sess. 363. munication the signs of his repentance appear, the pen[i-
Jai6447' tent].' The dissenting brethren do consider of those four
 forms presented against Monday morning.
Sess. 364. — January 20, 1644.— Monday morning.
Dr. Burges — I know not how sufficiently to acknowledge
my thankfulness to this Assembly for their great and
unexpected respect in sending to visit me.
The dissenting brethren brought in the paper again, and
did assent to the last form : ' The signs of his, repentance
appear,' etc., which was debated.
Dr. Temple — I fear this will be a seed of perpetual
division. Mr. Marshall — I think rather it may be a means of
concord. . . . We are not to expect that we shall be able to
carry all things in practice first; that may be another
work at another time. . . . Therefore what we can attain at
the first, let us receive it.
Dr. Gouge — I desire the accommodation may be upon
equal terms, no mention of the congregation.
Mr. Henderson —
Prolocutor by order of the Assembly spoke to Sir
Charles Erskine, one of the Scotch Commissioners now
added to the Assembly,
The dissenters declare that they give their affirmative
to that vote, they gave their negative unto in the former
vote, upon the carrying of the second question negative.
Moved by the Commissioners of Scotland that the dis
senters would declare whether they did all agree to the
Directory of Ordination.
Lord Chancellor — Honble. Houses . . . The Parliament
. . . that religion may be settled ... In the propositions it
is but a general (?)... and now some things are given in
as the Directory . . . and some propositions for . . . If any
thing be before you ... as the reasons and solutions of
the Assembly, etc.
That the Committee for answering the reasons of the
dissenting brethren do hasten their report unto the
Assembly.

Welcomeof Sir C.
Erskine,
an addi
tional ScotchCommis
sioner.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 4 1
Sess. 365. — January 21, 1644. — Tuesday morning. Sess. 365.
Report made by Mr. Marshall of the mould of the 1644.'
Directory as it was altered and transposed by the Com- d;,- t~-
mittee. It was read, and considered, and ordered. as altered,
Mr. Henderson brought in a paper of form of prayer and ordered.
absolution of the penit[ent].
Sess. 366. — January 22, 1644. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. French, of Emanuel College ; ~>
Ordered — Mr. Bradshaw, of Trinity College ; ) P"
for Fellows in the Colleges they shall be designed unto.
Dr. Stanton attend the Committee of plundered ministers.
Report made by Mr. Marshall of the sins worthy of DAate on
.• sins worthy
excommunication. ofexcom-
Debate whether those propositions shall be taken into munica-
debate. Mr. Henderson — This is a matter of the greatest import
ance that ever you took in hand. ... It were to be wished
that we might clearly see no church hath gone so far on as
this paper doth. ... I offer it that some general rules . . .
Mr. Marshall — If the Socinians nor Arminians do not
overthrow. Mr. Bridge — This cannot open- a gap for the Arminians
and Socinians. ... I think they are heretics, and blas
pheme too, etc.
Mr. Ny — If the Arminian be not a heretic, how will
you. . . .
Dr. Burges — If you enter upon a debate of this kind,
wherein there will be such difference, worthy of your con
sideration, whether you will not waive it altogether.
Mr. Reynolds — It was referred to a committee to con
sider of it, and they have reported.
Sess. 367.11
Ordered — To examine Mr. Howard.
Sr. Goodday, Sr. Simonds, approved for Fellows.
Commissioners brought in a paper concerning the causes r
of excom[munication]. 1 The minutes of this Session are in another hand.

continued.

42 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 367. Ordered— That this paper and the other reported yester-
day shall be compared.
Ordered—' Such sins as subvert the faith, or any other
errors which overthrow the power of godliness, if he that
hold them spread them, seeking to draw others after
him.' Sess. 368. — January 24, 1644. — Friday morning.
To pray. Mr. Hodges, Mr. Perne, Mr. Prophet.
Debate Debate upon the sins for excommunication. ¦¦ Both papers
compared together. . . . Sins in practice.
Mr. Calamy — Whatsoever sin is admonishable, that sin
in excommunicable.
Debate about the third branch, ' tend to subvert and dis
turb,' etc.
Mr. Bridge — Whether the breach of the order of the
Church be the materiale of the censure of excommunica
tion, I think not. . . . None but lost men . . . None but shut
out of the kingdom of heaven.
Mr. Ny — There may be some practices against order so
manifest as may tend to the subversion ... I do not think
that every particular breach of order . . .
Sess. 369. — January 27, 1644, — Monday morning.
Debate upon the negative part of the report in both
papers. Mr. Henderson— . . . We desire the Assembly will not
mistake us so far as to think that we set down our paper
by way of antithesis. . . . We cannot accommodate further
than we have set down in this, paper. . . . That in this paper
... If you give way to that paper, I see not how any error
can be suppressed.
Mr. Bridge—! know not how that paper ' of Reformed
Churches ' can stand. ... I must enter my dissent to the
former vote.
Mr. Rutherford — The latter proposition hath been
spoken against, but they have not contradicted the words
of the proposition. . . . Something said against that ' errors
in Reformed Churches,' but it is said 'commonly held in the

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 43
best Reformed Churches.' . . . For that ' such errors the Sess. 369.
Lord may leave His own to,' the Lord may leave His own -'a04^7'
to fundamental errors. . . . Said this is opposed to the first 
TT . . . , Debate
proposition. . . . Here is no restriction in the first. continued.
Mr. Marshall- — I am sorry that they do still harp upon
that string, as if the Committee did hold out any such
thing. ... If the proposition stood alone, the most clear
sense of it will be that which the Commissioner makes ; but
take it as it is, a negative of the other affirmative.
Mr. Henderson — We conceive that a man may be ex
communicated for an error that is not fundamental, though
he do not hold it against the light of his conscience.
A form was tendered by Dr. Burges. . . . ' But for other
errors, sins, and practices, as the truly godly may some
times be left unto, although all should endeavour to help
their brethren against them, we do not judge that they
should be shut out of the communion of the Church.'
Dr. Temple — I offer another way : put both the propo
sitions into one ; one will explain another.
Mr. Reynolds offers this . . . ' Such other errors in judg
ment as are matters not of faith, but opinion, not being in
their own nature pernicious, but such wherein the learned
and godly men may and do usually differ.'
Mr. Ny offers one word to be added, ' pernicious to god
liness.' Moved to add ' possibly,' which was resolved.
Moved to add ' the best Reformed Churches.'
Mr. Goodwin — This puts the renown1 upon the Reformed
Churches, which the Scripture doth not upon any Churches
in the world. . . . This is to set all truth in the pillory, and
Reformed Churches over them.
Debate upon the negative in point of practice.
Debate upon the 3rd.
Mr. Ny — I think neither of those papers will serve in this.
An order from the Lords and Commons for admitting
of Mr. Edward Corbet.
Mr. Edward Corbet appeared in the Assembly, and took
the protestation. 1 renowne in MS., or corowne, for crown.

44 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 369. Mr. Ny — We do not rightly understand order, nor the
Ja,6 27' hedge. ... If by the hedge you mean the prudential rules
 of men, it cannot be of more value than . . . Where is the
continued, word unity applied to any particular visible Church, but
only to the general . . . Wherein is this unity ? Is it in
doctrine ? That you will not say. Is it in practice ?
Dr. Burges — Always ready to be under the pedagey ' of
this brother. ... It may be he will think everything in
discipline must be an institution . . . and we may agree to
prudentials. Mr. Sed[g]wicke offered this . . . ' But such as cannot
come up in their practice to, everything established, and do
not subvert the order appointed by Christ in His Church.'
Sess. 370. — January 30, 1644. — Thursday morning.
Proceed in the debate of sins of excommunication.
Dr. Temple — To me the question is : What is the hedge
to preserve the government, whether excommunication or
some power of the civil magistrate.
Mr. Reynolds offered a form.
Mr. Chambers offered a form.
A Committee to consider of this clause, and all other
cases in which the Parliament may be desired to make
such provision as they shall conceive meet for conserva
tion of government and points of doctrine or life which do
not fall under excommunication, and what proceedings
they shall think fit with those that stand out excommu
nication. An order from the House of Commons to write to thd
distressed Protestants of Ireland : read.
Ordered— Mr. Goodwin,. Mr. Ny, Mr. Reynolds, Mr.
Young, Mr.. Chambers, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Palmer, Mr.
Herle,, Dr. Temple, to meet to-morrow in the afternoon.
The Commissioners of the Church of Scotland are to
assist. Sess. 371. — January 31, 1644. — Friday morning.
Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Wincop, Mr. Guibon, to pray.
1 Sic in MS., probably for pedagogy (¦rxiixyuyix).

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 45
Debate of the formale in the sins worthy of excommu- Sess. 371.
nication. Ja"- 3'.
1644.
Mr. Rutherford — There is one thing in the first paper, 
' impenitently persisted in,' I desire that may be left out, resumed.
and this put in, ' when sufficiently convinced of them.' In
matters of doctrine it is a hard thing to convince that the
erroneous person is convinced in his own conscience.
Mr. Ny — The reason of the Committee is a principle, I
think, granted amongst us ; we are so to bind on earth as
in heaven. I think the sin is not bound in heaven except
impenitently persisted in.
Mr. Rutherford — This is an argument brought before,
and it received an answer. The cause and reason is if the
delinquent be convinced by sufficient evidence and testi
mony of the fact. . . . To say that impenitency must be
as clear as the fact itself, I conceive this is formaliter in
the mind and heart.
Mr. Newcomen — You have agreed to excommunicate
for the sin you do not say contumaciously persisted in.
Mr. Ny — We say atrocious sins may be excommuni
cated ; but what will you call atrocious sins, such as are
materially so ?
Mr. Rutherford — The atrocity itself is called a leaven,
and the apostle charges that that be purged out.
Ordered — The Committee formerly appointed for the Commit-
wording of the votes of the Assembly do draw up the }eet0 P"'
Directory for excommunication, and report on Monday Directory
for excom-
morning. munica-
Dr. Burges, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Chambers. tion-
Mr. Rutherford — I think this the saddest session that
ever I sat in regard of the reverend brethren's renouncing
of the whole accommodation. ... I desire to know whether
we shall proceed in the way of argumentation or in the
way of accommodation in the receiving x particulars.
Sess. 372. — February 3, 1644.
An order for admitting Mr. Ward to the Assembly.
Mr. John Ward appeared, and took the protestation.
1 Query, remaining.

46

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 372.
Feb. 3,
1644.
Report
again given
in and
debated. Earl of
Manches
ter's mes
sage from
House of
Lords.

Report of the Directory for excommunication read.
Debate upon the alterations.
Any of those [81] left out.
Earl of Manchester — We have received a letter from
the Commissioners at Ux[bridge] . . . Lords command
me to desire to hasten what is behind of Church govern
ment, because this makes some stop in the business there.
Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Ny, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Bridge, Mr.
Carter gave in a paper of their dissent and reasons.
A Committee to answer the reasons upon the dissent of
our brethren.
Ordered — Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Young,
Mr. Palmer, Mr. Seaman.
Sess. 373. — February 4, 1644. — Tuesday morning.
An order from the House of Commons to send up what
is remaining in government.2
Debate on Report made from the Committee for answer to the
_ssentS ° Reasons and dissent of the brethren read.
from Mr. Goodwin — I did use those very words, ' that this
for excom- thing was professedly ambiguously penned ' . . . For the
business itself . . . this accommodation running upon those
terms ... for us to go to enter this in the practice ... I
appeal whether the end will be attained, whether it will not
be a great prejudice. . . . To me it is no accommodation.
Debate about the withdrawing of their dissent. . . . We
withdraw the sending of them up. . . . We withdraw the
entering of them under the notion of a dissent.
Prolocutor — The dissenting brethren are desired to
express themselves whether [they] will withdraw their
dissent. Mr. Ny — If the other way remain upon record, then so,
otherwise not.
Mr. Goodwin—! say, and said before, desire the dissent
may stand.
Mr. Bridge — The same.
Mr. Carter — The same.
Mr. Simpson — I desire to enter my dissent.
1 Erased. 2 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 40.

munica tion.

Dissents
adhered to.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 47
Sess. 374 — February 5, 1644. — Wednesday morning. Sess. 374.
An order for admitting Mr. Delmy. He appeared, and ^644?'
took the protestation. 
Debate upon the answer of the Assembly to the Reasons
of the dissenting brethren against the Directory of Excom
munication. The business of a Committee for a Directory for Dis
cipline. That it be taken into consideration to-morrow morning.
Ordered— Mr. Palmer, Mr. Herle, Dr. Temple, Mr. Sea
man, Mr. Bridge, to be added to the Committee for con
formation of government, to meet this afternoon.
Sess. 375. — February 6, 1644. — Thursday morning.
A report from the Committee about the conformation of
government. Sir William Massam appeared and took the protes
tation. Upon a motion made by Dr. Burges of some reports in
the city, that the reason of the entering the dissent was
be[cause] himself and some others did say1 the accom
modation. A debate thereupon.
Resolved — The Assembly did never give or hold fit to
give any sense of the accommodation at all, but what the
very words thereof do properly bear and express.
Prolocutor- — Desire they would declare whether they will
withdraw. Mr. Ny — Our mind is fully known. ... If nothing may
be left in the room by us, we have well considered both
before and since ... we ... if ever any action seriously, we
did this seriously. . . . The rest said they were of that mind.
Mr. Carter — In all accommodations every man. . . . If we
can have no security, I hope you will not desire we should
withdraw. . . . The dissenting brethren withdrew to see if
they could add a word. . . . They brought in a form. The
vote before made thus altered : ' The Assembly did never Assembly
give or hold fit to give any sense of the words of the J^ of
1 Query, sense.

48 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 375. accommodation, but leave them to that sense which the
Fio446' words do bear ; neither do they think fit to restrain them
 from their full latitude.'
tobeCtaken Ordered — That the Dissent and Answer be not carried
foil Uti UP be^re the Assembly sit to-morrow.
tude. •
Sess. 376. — February 7, 1644. — Friday morning.
To pray. Mr. Maynard, Mr. Michaelthwaite,1 Mr. Wilkinson, jun.,
Mr. Woodcocke.
Mr. Tate — I think it is a breach of privileges to meddle
with the interpretation of anything that is now before the
Houses. Mr. Marshall — If the Assembly go about to declare
anything against what is in the Houses, it were a . . .
The reason of it is to show that our brethren were mistaken.
Mr. Tate — You have acquainted the Houses that there
was a dissent, and therefore now you cannot enter upon
this debate.
Ordered — Mr. Alexander Achhurst, Mr. Peter Vinche,
approved for Fellows of Colleges.
A Committee to draw up something about appeals, and
what other parts of government do yet remain.
Ordered — The Committee that drew up the Directory
for excommunication.
Mr. Hill, Mr. Herle, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Delmy, Mr?
Harris, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Ward, Mr. Coleman,
added to the former Committee.
fndDdm Ordered— Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Delmy, be added to the
added to Committee for the Catechism.
Commit-Cate" Sess- 37/ '.—February 10, 1644.— Monday morning.
chism. The protestation read
The covenant was taken by Mr. Harris, Mr. Ward, Mr.
Corbet, Mr. Delmy.
rvomcom- Dr% Stanton made report from the Committee for per
mittee fecting of government concerning appeals.
appeals!^ Debate uPon the proposition about the word ' may be.'
1 Mr. Maynard's name is written above Mr. Michaelthwaite's, which is
underscored.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 49
Mr. Rutherford — I speak it to this, that causes may not Sess. 377,
be drawn at first to that which we do not judge to be the ,6^°'
only proper court. ... I desire to know whether a congre- 
gational assembly may not draw to themselves all the appeals.
questions in primo itistanti till they be taken from them
by appeal or transmission.
Dr. Gouge — Agreeableness to the word of God doth
not impose a necessity.
Mr. Gataker — I think it should rather be said, ' be.'
Dr. Smith — I think it should be said, ' should be.'
Mr. Seaman — There is a mistake ... for there can be
no appeal but grounded upon one of those two supposi
tions : either the judge is not competent, or the cause he
is not to meddle in . . . The lawfulness of the point of
appeal is the first thing to be debated, and so it is a pro
per expression that ' it may be.'
Mr. Rutherford — If a congregational assembly judge of
heresy, is not this of common concernment, and so belongs
to a national assembly? . . . That 'is agreeable' doth neither
infer a negative or affirmative precept, it. . . .
Mr. Seaman — If nobody questioned the lawfulness of
appeals, then it were well, but I would we were over that
rub. Mr. Henderson — The word appeal is sometimes taken
more largely, and sometimes more strictly. . . . Properly,
appellation is from a competent judge, but he finds a gra
vamen he proceeds unjustly.
Mr. Herle — We take the word appeal too largely and
too strictly.
Mr. Reynolds — Say ' may be, which being they are to be
from the inferior to the superior.'
Mr. Carter — It hath not been the manner of this
Assembly. . . .
Mr. Bridge — I give a reason against the proposition.
You have not said what you mean by an appeal. Your
second reason doth express it . . . That such an one may
not be. To me it seems diverse and opposite to the way
of the Old and New Testament. ... 17 Deut. the place
brought for appeals . . . This place is diverse from, if not
D

50 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 377. opposite unto that. (1) It is in case a matter too hard for
Fjg4?0' their judgment, therefore only in that ease ; (2) it is not
 the person wronged, but the judge, to carry it up ; (3) all
continued, that this judge was to do, was only to declare what ought
to be done. He was not to be cut off by that court . . .
For that of the New Testament; 18th of Matthew is against
it. There the sentence is to be executed by the Church. A
Synod or Sanhedrim is nowhere called Ecclesia . . . Said
1 5 Acts : Paul and Barnabas were sent up, but was there
any person wronged, and did they rescind the sentence ?
Mr. Seaman — He speaks of three places of Scripture.
Touching the last place, I should not instance in that as
touching appeal. That proves a transmission, but not an
appeal. . . . But for that of 18th of Math., I cannot but
wonder that he should think it so strange for the word
Ecclesia to be taken for an assembly of officers. It is a
company of this sort or that sort, applied according to the
nature of the company and business for which they meet.
... It is the weakest argument in matters of divinity to
build our opinions upon dictionaries and grammars. . . .
For that in Deut. there is a distinguishing of causes greater
and lesser, and in that there is an appeal implied. Suppose
an inferior court would meddle with the thing too hard
for them, what relief is there for the oppressed man ? . . .
For that observation this court hath power of sentence, but
not of execution, then there must be a greater court than
this, and so three courts; but clearly he is to sentence
definitively, so. as that there is no appeal to any other,
except from the same to another.
Mr. Herle — You do a little overrun yourselves. You
are fallen upon the proofs, when yet the proposition is
before you. ... If this be brought by way of argument, it
lies thus : there is nothing spoken but in difficult cases,
ergo, no appeal. I deny the consequence. . . . Suppose
those places do not hold it out so clearly, yet it follows
not, but [?] it may be in other Scriptures.
Mr. Rutherford— We did draw arguments out of those
places to prove the proposition is not true. . . . The first
argument is not against the proposition. Said 17th Deut.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5 I
is opposite to appeals, be[cause] it is when the case is diffi- Sess. 377.
cult ... I deny the consequence. The difficulty of the ^4!°'
cause is but one case of appeals. There is a gravamen that 
is the ground also of appeal.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left. Debate on
appeals
Sess. 378. — February 11. — Tuesday morning. adjourned.
A petition about Printing ... an invention of Blake,
committed to the Committee for Printing.
Ordered — The Assembly meet as a Committee in the
afternoon to hear the report of the answers of the Assem
bly to the Reasons of dissenting brethren against subordi
nation of Assemblies.
Proceed in the debate. Debate on
The dissenting brethren shall be a Committee to bring aPPeals
0 _ ° resumed.
in propositions concerning appeals.1
Mr. Bridge — I take it for granted that this is the sense, an
appeal to a hig[h]er that hath power to rescind the sentence.
Mr. Herle — Appeals are larger than the rescinding of
the sentence.
Mr. Bridge — The argument was this : that which is
diverse from and opposite to the way of Old and New
Testament, is not agreeable to the Word . , . Not from the
18th of Math. ... In that place the power of sentence and
censuring is put into the hands of Ecclesia, and therefore
we must inquire what that is , . . Carolus Sigonius saith
this2 . . . All agree in this, it is taken for such a court where
the people are a part of the court. . , . Ecclesia in the Old
Testament is never put for elders alone. ... If so, the power
of censuring cannot be in a Synod alone . , . Again, accord
ing to that, the Church or court told hath the power of cen
sure; but if a man do appeal then, they have not, for appella
tion hinders the sentence, and so they cannot reduce this
into act. . . . By the 18th of Math,, the Church is commanded
to excommunicate the person that doth not hear, but in
this way he shall not do it . . . By this a man shall never
be obstinate till the National Assembly have admonished
him. ... It is agreeable to the 18th that the censure should
1 This is partially erased in MS. 2 De Republica Hebrceorum, p. 696.

52 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 378. be with the consent of the people ; how can this be in a
1644.1' National Assembly ?
 Mr. Goodwin — Add one thing. ... If the sentence of
appeal! °" excommunication be pronounced by the Church, there is
continued. a binding in heaven. . . . Where the power lawfully lies
to excommunicate, there is in the 18th of Math, a binding
in heaven ; but this all the power on earth cannot rescind.
Mr. Herle — The first part of his argument was answered
yesterday, or the text will answer it to take in the coetus
will not stand with this two or three. . . . Said, then the
Church shall not be able to do that which it is bid to
do. . . . He doth restrain the word Church too much. A
congregation is not only here meant, nor hearing and tell
ing the Church is only meant excommunication. . . . Said
the party may not come to be excommunicated till he
comes to highest Assembly. True, it may be so ; yet he
hears the Church still . . . when such a judicatory doth
pass a sentence from which there lies no appeal, or the
party doth not appeal.
Mr. Palmer — Concerning this of 1 8th of Math, the
argument reduced to four heads: (1) From the word
Ecclesia. For this I am not able to give at present any
particular instance where the Septuagint doth use. . . .
Congregation often used in the Old Testament for only
the congregation of elders. 82d Psalm . . . where the
words do signify the people ; yet it must be taken re
spectively. . . . 9th Joh. . . . 1 2th John ... for fear of
the Jews, that was not the common people. ... (2) For
the necessity of proceeding, there are two sorts of appeals
— a gravamine; a sententia. Though the first be granted,
yet . . . (3) For the binding in heaven. . . . That is a
mistake. . . . Where there is a lawful authority, if they use
that authority lawfully, then it is bound in heaven. . . .
But if this doth not appear ... In case he be indeed
wronged, is it bound in heaven ? . . . They confess another
Church may relieve him. Certainly this they cannot do if
bound in heaven. ... (4) For that consent of the people,
I conceive this place in the 18th of Math, doth not
imply the people. Shall there be two distinct bodies—

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 53
the eldership and people — that have a plurality of voices, Sess. 378.
that sit . . . and all this called one Ecclesia. Fe!?" "*
1044,
Mr. Seaman — For that word Ecclesia . . . Do they 
verily believe the word must be interpreted by heathen continue-.
authors, or parallel words in Old Testament, or a peculiar
use of it in the New Testament ? ... If by heathen
authors, then it must be interpreted according to those
several policies in which they live and about which they
treat. ... In Scripture we are not to interpret the original
word by the Septuagint, but the Septuagint by the original.
. . . Christ doth allude to the policy of the Jews. Take
out but those two word[s] die ecclesia?, and it may be
understood of the Jewish policy. . . . For that appeals
suspend a sententia, and then the power of the Church
may be frustrate. . . . There are appeals before the sen
tence, and after the sentence. . . . Said it is bound in
heaven. . . . Consider out of the circumstances of the text
a double power of binding and loosing held out : (1) That
in a particular brother. . . .
Sess. 379. — February 1 2. — Wednesday morning.
Proceed in the debate. Debate
Mr. Simpson — An appeal, is thus described a provocation resum
from a lesser to a superior judicatory. ... It lies not in
numbers. . . . Then there should be appeals from greater.
. . . Called to order be[cause] they are the same argu
ments. . . . He proceeded. ... Or else there must be
some law of God, and this either: (l) The law of nature,
or [2] Some Scripture injunction. . . . The law of nature
teacheth a man to appeal' as well from those who do
most gravare, and therefore from a national Assembly 
The law of nature teacheth to go to any that can relieve
them. . . . Neither is it any Scripture injunction. . . . The
law of God saith sit tibi ethnicus, and yet the appeal saith
not so. . . . Nothing of an appeal in the 1 Cor. v. . . .
You lay this upon the law of nature, contradistinct from
an instistutution.1 . . . All that is said is a consequence
from Math. 18. Authority can never be raised" by a con-
1 Sic in MS. for institution.

54 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 379. sequence. (2) If there be appeals, then Synods are not
Fio44.2' elective. In the 15th Acts the persons were elective. . . .
 '¦ According to the law and the reason of the thing, the
Debate on , . - . , j- ¦ ,
appeals common law makes two sorts of judges— ordmarius and
continued. arnter% From the latter there lies no appeal. (3) There
can be no greater punishment for the appellant than in
a particular congregation. (4) There are many incon
veniences upon those appeals: 1. Vexatious suits bred
and continued ; 2. You will defer for a long time the using
of the means of repentance to the offender — at least a
year ; 3. In those appeals you lay down a ground of
monarchy and primacy : the Pope argues from appeals ;
4. Then you may appeal from King and Parliament to a
national assembly; 5. Ames, in his 2d tome, 139 page.1
Mr. Herle — For that against subordinations, it is one
part of the proposition [in] deba[te]. . . . Two heads of
his argumentation: (1) Not by the law of nature, be
cause] that prompts to any help. . . . The law of nature
here is taken too largely. . . . You must take it here for
the reasonable law of nature for the governing of men,
which cannot be done without order. ... A law properly
is that rule that hath a moral obligation, and then it must
imply a reasonable creature. . . . Said if the law of nature,
... a gravamen in the highest Court. . . . The law of
nature hath its sphere in this reasonable capacity. It is
bounded when its extent . . . though possibly in that
highest bound there may be a gravamen, yet the law
doth not put any notion beyond its sphere. . . . We can
not possibly in any society to 2 arrive to a certainty of
relief; if we can attain to that which is the most moral
and rational help it is sufficient. . . . For that of Scripture
it hath no rule. . . . That of the 18th of Math, next
spoken to, and the rest, do but amount to a negative
argument. . . . For the inconveniences . . . said it will lose
time and hinder dispatch. ... A. The canons say this,
excommunicatio et articulus mortis equiparantur, and no
time is too long when we consult about the lives of men.
The like may be said of civil courts. . . . Said an institu-
1 Perhaps Amesii Bellarminus Enervatus. 2 Sic in MS. for too.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 55
tion must require not a consequence, but have an imme- Sess. 379.
diate authority. . . . The law of nature, taken in its right le^f'
sense, is a good institution. . . . Said a judicibus electis - —
non provocatur. . . . True, but so that they be elected to continued.
that very purpose, but not if they chosen to have an
appeal from, as there are some judges that are to im-
petrate, others that are [to] fill up and end the cause.
. . . Said there is no greater punishment, therefore no
provocation to a higher. A. There is a greater punish
ment, as the apostle holds out in the case of the inces
tuous Corinthian. . . . As in matters of civil death, there
is as much difference betwixt two deaths as betwixt life
and death. . . . For that of vexatious. ... It is better
to admit of a mischief than an inconvenience. . . . For
that the Popes claim ... he doth it personally as Christ's
vicar, and they make it summum (?) rei Christiana. . . .
But to unite all under one counsel, no men deny. It is
not the claiming power of appeal, but his power of ap
peal. Mr. Seaman — The arguments seem to be well composed,
and therefore deliberate. . . . Four arguments used: (1)
From the description of an appeal out of the proposition.
The main argument, no law of nature. . . . Some of his
expressions do savour of a self-conviction, if it teach a
man to appeal from most wrong to those that are able to
relieve him. ... A Church is of a double confederation, —
a common confederation as a society, and as such a society.
. . . Why should those privileges that belong to human
society be denied unto them except there be an institution
to the contrary ? ... It is lawful to appeal from any servant
to Jesus Christ. . . . For that application of marriage, a
question whether that be only of the law of nature nega
tively. . . . Said the law teacheth to appeal from a national
Synod as well as others. ... A. There is no end of
appealing in regard of time, though in regard of policy
you may come to the highest pitch. You may appeal
from them at that time to another time. . . . For that ' no
Scripture injunction ; ' that hath * [best] be left till we come
1 Stein MS. for 'had.'

56 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 379. to the affirmative. . . . Said then Synods are not to stand.
Fi644.2' * do not apprehend that consequence.
 Mr. Simpson — Said I took the law of nature in too large
appeal! °n a sense. ... I suppose I did not; since the ground of appeals
continued. js oppression, I am to take it as large as that principle . . .
If taken for the principles of reason, I do not think that
the law doth bind a man. . . . Said the civil policy bounds
the appeal. . . . This is to refer all ecclesiastical power for
mally into the Synod. . . . Said that it is the most likely
way. (2) Better than ... It is not the likeliest way, for
the greatest number is an Ecumenical Council . . . Said
the arguments are only negative. . . .
Mr. Goodwin — [A blank space].
Dr. Burges — It is asserted that upon the point the busi
ness will be the greatest part of it in the clergy ... He
knows the contrary when ruling elders are joined with it.
. . . Reasons against an appeal except to an elective judge.
. . . Said not known to those remote . . . The more reason
they should meddle with it.
Mr. Seaman — To appeal is nothing else but to call in
another for some aid and help. . . . This doth suppose some
power, authority, and ability to help, or else you take away
the ground of the action whether you call this a moral or
political power. . . . Amongst the civilians appellare and
querulare are all one, equivocal terms. . . . The Church is the
kingdom of Jesus Christ, and kingdom is a political word.
Ordered— Mr. Houlden, Sr Reading examined and
approved for St. John's College.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left.
Sess. 380. — February 13, 1644. — Thursday morning.
Debate Proceed in debate.
Mr. Goodwin urged an argument against appeals. Was
answered by Mr. Palmer and Mr. Rutherford.
[A blank page.]
Mr. Herle — Said he allows of a moral and not a politic
power. True, the critics do differ about that word  The
force of the arguments from the word rescinding, coercive

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5 7
power, and excommunication of a Church. . . . For the word Sess. 380.
rescinding there may be a double — a declarative and ^qV3'
destructive. . . . Here it is only interpretative, not by making 
it no sentence, but no just sentence. . . . Said to rescind a continued.
sentence doth deny that congregation a power to take in
that party cut off. . . . Take away the liberty of a congre
gation in admission of his members. . . . This party is a
member of the whole, and so it is not debarred of any
right but that by consent given to the whole . . . An argu
ment against a coercive power is to argue against our
Assembly, and the ordinance by which we sit. So govern
ment, and what government can there be without a coercive
power, a power proper to that government ? ... If there be
no government, it is not regnum, but tumultus . . . For that
of excommunicating a church . . . Said it is morally untrue ;
it ought not so to be, for so a church should be deprived
of ordinances ... A. I ask them whether they did not in
the urging of this argument conceive that our opinion is a
sufficient answer. . . . We say none, but the governors are
active in this, not the people, as if we hold that every
member is equally joined . . . What inconvenience more in
excommunicating a whole Church ? . . . For that historical
truth it hath not been done, that is so much the more for
our advantage.
Mr. Calamy — Our brother doth argue thus if after the
sentence a man be bound. . . . Then there must be a key to
unlock three locks, and that we had need to have authority
from Scripture. ... A.. In the Old Testament there was
such a key, and in the New Testament it is one of our
privileges. . . . By way of retortion, if a man be unjustly
excommunicated, I demand what is his misery to have
no key. . . . For the coercive power . . . consider it
would be hard that the government of Christ should be
inferior to the Old Testament, there was a help for it in
the Old ... If none, then no help for a church when it
proves heretical. ... It will appear by the 18th of Math, a
pari ratione, if a member be excommunicated for heresy,
then a church. . . . Said it could not be done, be[cause]
where no Christian magistrate they cannot excommuni-

58 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 380. cate. . . . But in the way of non-communion we can refuse
Fjg- I3' to have communion with him. . . . Suppose one of their
 ' members would come and thrust in, they say they will
appeal's °n suffer him to take it, I demand in their way how they can
continued, hinder an intruder.
Mr. Goodwin — This general answer is given, that the
argument is therefore founded wrongly, be[cause] it is an
appeal only in the case of an unjust sentence. Whilst
there is an appeal, the question is whether this be just or
unjust. ... If it be a mere declaring it to be unjust, I shall
not contend. . . . Said there is not a coercive power parallel
to that of excommunication. If that may be asserted, my
argument also falls if you will hold it out. . . . Take excom
munication out of the government, that those Assemblies
shall not practise it, and then I am satisfied. . . . Said the
elders only are in the fault, and so to be' excommunicate.
... A. It is not in their power alone to receive him, it must
be the whole Church. ... In this way you contend for a
power that was never practised, and you say there was no
occasion. There were Arminian churches, and yet not
excommunicated. Sess. 381. — February 14.: — Friday morning.
To pray. Mr. Price, Mr. Bond, Mr. Tisdale.
Ordered — Mr. William Clarke. Approved — Mr. Samuel
Vandelure, Mr. Alexander Gibson.
Debate on Proceed in the debate.
resumed. Mr. Carter — There is no superior juridical power to
which appeals may lie from a presbytery of . . . That
Assembly which is the body of Christ hath no juridical
ecclesiastical power above it . . . The body of Christ is
invested with the power of Christ ... All ecclesiastical
power is given as to His body, and therefore there can
be but an equal, not a superior power . . . For the
minor. ...
To go on in the report.
ft-orr?" Eari Sess. 382. — February 17, 1644. — Monday morning.
of Man- .
Chester, A letter from the Earl of Manchester.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 59
R. — Mr. Whitchcott be approved for Provost of King's Sess. 382.
College. Ff644'7'
R. — Mr. Hill for Master of Emmanuel College. 
Whitch-
R. — Mr. Spurstow for Master of Clare Hall. cottap-
Proceed in the debate upon the first argument. KinVe'd f°r
Mr. Whitakers — If subordination ... do not infer a College.
power of rescinding, then the power of a particular con- Debate on
gregation is so full as that the sentence is unreversible. . . . sumea.S Xt~
There is no such clear institution for an independent con
gregation to have such a power. . . . This, of all others,
needs a most clear institution, because it crosseth the law
of nature, and therefore must stand merely upon the in
stitution. . . . Yea, it claims a power more than any classis,
provincial or national Assembly. . . . though our brethren
have not cleared this institution . . . That which hath
neither precept in Scripture nor any practice, and so can
have no promise, that is not by institution. . . . That
government that carries with it absurdities and inconsis
tencies, and opens a door to schism and finds no way to
shut it ... it crosseth the nature of government in general
as it is now practised. It is no government at all, no
more than a painted fire is fire, if two or three join in a
body and claim all power. ... In New England they will
not allow any to gather churches without going to the
civil magistrate. . . . This crosseth the end of government.
. . . Thus the whole body must be joined together, then
there must be some ligaments . . . and this was the end
why Christ ascended. . . . (3) It crosseth and takes off from
the glory of censures ; that that makes the censures ridicu
lous, and emboldens him to scorn all censures, that is
not the way. . . . (4) It opens a way to schisms, and no way
to shut them. If it do so, it is a way to be avoided and
not countenanced. . . . This may seem to be too heavy a
charge. ... I would know whether they limit the nature
of schism to one particular congregation, if so ... If a
man will join to no congregation at all, and condemn
all churches, then he is no schismatic. I think him the
greatest schismatic. ... If a man go out of this Church,
can they censure him ? . . . An inconsistency with their

60 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 382. own precepts. ... In their apology, 24th page, they disclaim
Fi644.7' all independency. . . . This the most abhorred maxime
_ ;  that any congregation ... or to be censurable by them.
Debate on Tr , ' , * 6 , . , ,, . .
appeals If they be bound to give an account, then a classis
continued. may. cajj them to an account. if censurable by them,
then they have power to do it. . . . Strange that God
should provide a remedy against offending brother, and
not an offending church. ... If particular churches be
bound to associate themselves, and this be a holy and
wholesome ordinance of Jesus Christ . . . 54th page of Mr.
Cotton.1 . . . Then Christ must give them power to attain
those ends. ... If there be some particular cases wherein
the Church's censures are null and void, not bound in
heaven, then it is no great power to rescind that sentence.
Mr. Rutherford — When I read through that treatise of
the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven,1 1 thought it an easy
labour for an universal pacification, he comes so near unto us.
Mr. Herle — I conceive it is a part of our unhappiness
when we are upon disputation we fall accommodating, and
when accommodating then disputing ... we have . . . You
are now only to prove that be[cause] this proves subordi
nation, it proves also appeals.
Mr. Burroughs — Here are new arguments.
Mr. Seaman — I think that subordination doth in the
very nature of the thing prove appeals. Subordination
doth prove the liberty of appeals in civil government.
Ordered — Proceed: in the debate.
Sess. 383. — February 18, 1644. — Tuesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded to debate the second reason
from the light of nature. [A blank page.]
Mr. Herle — Said; if this be of the law of nature, then it
is indispensable andi unalterable ; but this is alterable, for
in a democracy there is no appeal. I do not see how this
hold[s]. It may be in a democracy. ... Said if this be agree-
1 Keys of Kingdom of Heaven, by John Cotton.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 6 I
able to the law of nature, then it must take its rise either Sess. 383.
from the principia prima or . . . Not from the prima prin- \^2. '
cipia ... I think it may be from these that are primo prima 
of the highest nature. . . . The government, as laid upon continued.
Christ's shoulder, is not laid upon the law of nature, yet
there may be something in this government and tending to
it that may be of the law of nature. . . . Said this discourse
is human, and therefore the argument must be so too. . . .
A. The error is in this. We do not maintain that this
government is grounded only upon the discourse of men,
but we say this, appeal in this government is grounded
upon the light of nature. . . . Said against the nature of
excommunication because of the precedaneous consent of
the people. ... A. The precedaneous consent of the
people is not causa sine qua non. . . . Whatsoever a thing
cannot be without, that must concur to the essence of a
thing ; but this is extrinsical to the thing, and therefore
cannot be of the essence. . . . Said whatsoever is de jure
natur& must be a Deo tanquam author\e~\ natura, but this
is not so. . . . Said if agreeable to nature, yet not from the
inferior to the superior, but only from one to another . . .
Said if from nature, then go no further than nature. ... A.
The natural light in this appeal is in the inferiority and
superiority : for men in their generical nature, there is
no difference at all. . . . The light in nature is from
the generical nature of appeals. The end is relief of
wrong. Dr. Hoyle — Concerning the jus naturae, we are not only
to consider the natural deduction, but the conditional. A
man must defend himself when put to it. . . . If he had read
Demosthenes, he would have known that in democracy
there is an appeal.
Mr. Seaman — For that of appeals in democracy, I
think he means that when you come down to the last
concio of the people, from that there is no appeal. ... In
such governments they have divers courts, and from them
there is no appeal. . . . It's as if he should say there is
no appeal from the supreme judicatory. . . . For that of
Frankfurt there was a great contest concerning the power

62 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess, 383. 0f fae officers and people, and never determined, but the
^"1644. ' Church dissolved in that contest. . . . For that the Scrip-
 tures lays the government upon the shoulder of Christ,
continued, and founds it upon the incarnation of Christ, and there
fore not upon the light of nature. . . . God's will and God's
nature, they do not destroy one another. ... In the incar
nation, nature and institution do also agree well together.
... In no institution did God go against nature, but made
His institutions salvd naturd.
Mr. Reynolds — Said the precepts of nature are indis
pensable. ... A. We do not intend them to he juris natu-
ralis in regard of an obligatory precept, but of a direction.
. . . The precepts of nature may not be dispensed with,
but the direction may. . . . Said our law condemns without
appeal. ... A. There is something analogous to an appeal
in our law. In matters of fact there is no difficulty, but
in the judgment of the fact. ... A man hath liberty to take
his exceptions against the jury. . . . Said the government
would be merely human if this be admitted. ... By this
argument many theological doctrines will be human too,
which must be proved by discourse from principles of
reason. . . . Said the people must have an antecedent con
sent in rescinding of the sentence. . . . This is not yet
resolved by any in this Assembly. Yet admit it, consent
is involved in the subordination.
Sess. 384. — February 19. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Thomas Cummins ordered for a Fellow.
Ordered— That no minister do pass this Assembly upon
any former certificate, till he have first satisfied the Com
mittee for the examination of ministers of the reason of
his remove, to be reported to the Assembly.
Report Report from the Committee about Synods read and
__tafo_l* debated, ist proposition debated.
Directory Ordered — Proceed in the debate.
about Sess. 385.— February 20.— Thursday.
Mr. Bellchambr, John Ley, Peter Smith, John Guibon,
Sam. Delaplace, Tho. Wilson, certifped].

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 63
Sess. 386. — February 21. — Friday morning. Sess, 3g6.
Feb. 21,
Mr. Sterry, Mr. Foxcraft, Mr. Channell, for the Lords 1644.
Commons. A letter from the Hertfordshire ministers read, and the
petitions to the Houses.
They were called in, and told they did commiserate
their case. But we cannot appear as the body of an As
sembly in this business, but particular members of the
Assembly shall solicit in their behalf.
Ordered — Mr. Rosewell (?) and Mr. Balson for the north.
Report by Dr. Stanton of the proposition committed to Debate on
them . . . debated. ,RePort as
to Synods.
Mr. Seaman — I move it may be waived wholly. I was
never satisfied with two etceteras.
Mr. Rutherford — This proposition was drawn up to
satisfy, the censure was of all of different judgments. . . .
Said the Nonconformists' etcetera could never be under
stood. ... A. The particulars in the proposition takes
away this, for there is this specification, ' those particular
circumstances which are inseparable from the acts of
worship, etc' . . . The proposition only saith they may not
impose and command ; but there is difference betwixt
directing, and imposing, and commanding. . . . Said the
places speak not of a Synod. . . . True, but it will prove
that they ought to command nothing but that that will
tend to decency and edification.
Mr. Buroughes — Said there is no truth in this x this pro
position, because all the power of governments lies in in
different things. . . . This, I think, is not good. This hath
brought a great mischief. . . . It's honour enough to gover
nors that they have power to look to worship of God, that
it be observed according to the mind of Christ.
Dr. Hoyle . . .
Dr. Temple — In this proposition, some things in it upon
which we may waive the proposition. You will find it a
great debate, whether there be not some authority to
determing 2 things ad unum in things indifferent. . . . The
1 Sic in Ms. * Sic in M9. for ' determine. '

64

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Debate
about power of
Synods.

Sess. 3S6. affirmative in the proposition is not so large as the negative
F1o44.1' 1S- Some things they may not enjoin, and others you say
 they may declare.
Mr. Wilson . . .
Mr. Herle — I would have this waived . . . All that you
have to do is included in the negative. Here is either an
etcetera or an imperfection. . . . They were to bring in
what Synods may do, and they tell us what they may
not do.
Dr. Burges — I am of the same opinion. It will be
better to waive this proposition.
Mr. Price — I subscribe to their opinion, be[cause] one
part of this proposition is opposite to the other.
Mr. Seaman — I humbly and ingenuously give you an
account of the meaning of this proposition. ... I was
always cast behind rocks. . . . All authors do grant this
doctrinal proposition, that there is a power somewhere to
regulate those things indifferent which the Nonconformists
express to be time and place, etcetera, or such like ; and
so it is here.
Mr. Hill — Not only myself but many others are en
gaged for the truth of this proposition. . . . Said then we
must bid farewell to all policy. Their power is to order
as far as the word of God doth. . . . Necessary things we
may command . . . Expediency we may advise . . . In-
differencies we must leave at liberty ... as, for instance,
preaching in a gown or cloak ... I think it seasonable . . .
If power in Synods to command indifferent things, and
judge what is indifferent ; and then what shall we come
unto ?
Dr. Temple— -For his own instance of a cloak or gown . . .
Suppose it come to this, the congregation is divided, one
will have it in a cloak. ... If no power to determine this, I
desire to know what is to be done.
Mr. Hill—! think here is a confusion of things expe
dient and purely indifferent.
Mr. Rutherford— Loath to propound any arguments if
I thought this proposition would entangle the Assembly.
... I thought it would have passed with the liking of

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 65
all. . . . All the ceremonies intruded upon the consciences Sess. 386.
of the people were intruded under this notion, the church Fe^. 2*'
may command in those things indifferent. . . . Where there 
are conveniences to ground a determination upon, that will
warrant the de[te]rmining it. . . . But if there be no neces
sity or conveniency, then it is purely indifferent. . . . Said
who shall judge of the expediency or indifference. A.
The word of God is so perfect as that it shows what is
necessary and expedient, hie and nunc, and what indif
ferent. Mr. Seaman — The reverend brother drives things some
what low. He saith there is . . .
Mr. Buroughs — The case is only in this when themselves
declare it to be indifferent, and that hie and nunc, yet they
will impose it.
Mr. Herle — I think this distinction of necessary, expe
dient, and indifferent, will entangle you. . . . The question in
the Bishops was whether that the command of the Church
did not make thing[s] indifferent to become necessary. . . .
But we do not say this doth make it . . . but only declares
a thing that in his nature is indifferent, yet in its use it is
expedient. Sess. 387. — February 24, 1644. — Monday morning.
Dr. Burges moved the Assembly from the Lord Mayor Complaint
about a letter from a grave divine of the Assembly con- *s '^^g
cerning the Uxbridge treaty. He thinks many passages of the As-
in it tend to sedition ; but because there is the name of sem y'
a divine of the Assembly, and he would first acquaint the
Assembly with it if any of the Assembly will own it . . .
If not, then he shall take a course to find out the author,
and to vindicate the Assembly and do justice.
R. — The Assembly doth disclaim this letter.
Ordered — Dr. Burges, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Calamy to
acquaint the Lord Mayor with this, and to give him thanks
for his great respect showed unto this Assembly.
Protestation was read.
Debate of the 3d proposition. ' Synodical Assemblies
may excommunicate.' E

66 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 388. Sess. 388.— February 27, 1644.— Thursday morning.
Feb. 27,
1644. Debate upon the proposition.
DebatTon Mr. Goodwin—!i they may excommunicate, they may
Synods excommunicate a church.
Ordered— That the scribes take care of the printing of
[sic] Ordinance of Parliament for the taking
the Directory for worship, and that they do appoint who
shall print it.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left.
Ordered—Mr. Bine approved for Fellow.
Sess. 389. — March I.
To pray. Mr. Greenhill, Mr. Good, Mr. Ward.
Ordered — Mr. Holcroft approved for Fellow.
Upon a debate about the order of printing the Directory,
it was concluded that it was ordered the day before.
Dr. Temple, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Burges, Mr Herle, a Com
mittee to draw up something to be humbly presented to both
Houses of Parliament, to preserve the sacraments pure.
Sess. 390. — March 3, 1644. — Monday morning.
Ordered — The scribes shall inquire of a fit man to be the
doorkeeper, in the room of Mr Frame (?), and present one
to the Assembly to be approved of for that service.
Debate on Debate upon the reason to prove the proposition.
power of
Synods •¦••-.....
resumed. Mr. Marshall— -F 'rom the parity of reason.
Mr. Marshall—! think this argument will not do it, for
a man may find a distinction of binding by doctrine and
censure. . . . The thing to be proved is that a Synodical
Assembly is a ministerial Church.
Mr. Herle—! think there is such a distinction as that the
one doth imply the other ; that if it have power to bind by
doctrine, it must have the other. . . . Said this is not a
church. . . . They are a body, whereof Christ is the head,
and have right to ordinances, and power to make decrees ;
and therefore a church.
Mr. Ny— Why should not the formality of a church be
as well gathering together in the name of Christ as binding

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 67
and loosing? ... I say they have not power of all ordinances Sess. 390.
. . else you must make two sorts of churches — one sort j0^3'
capable of all ordinances, and another not capable ; and 
then you must show us that distinction.
Mr. Herle — He should have taken notice of the argu
ment. . . . It's proved to be an assembly for government,
and power to make decrees, and therefore must have
power to back them. . . . Why may they not have all
ordinances ? . . . Said they have not constantly those,
neither hath a congregation all those.
Mr. Coleman — The meeting of the officers in the church
of the Jews is called the Church. . . . Scriptures to prove
meeting of officers to be a church : 27 Numb., 5 Prov. 14
for illustration ; 1 Kings, 12, 20, 35 Numb. 12, 24. Unto
this doth Christ allude in 18th of Math.
Mr. Herle — That power must be either in a synod or
congregation, and in some cases cannot be in a congrega
tion . . . that in some cases must be in a synod.
Mr. Vines — I desire to make a motion. . . . You have
ordered appeals. . . . This form must be pursued as well in
synods and classes — say, then, as classis and synod.
R. — Proceed in the debate to-morrow morning.
Sess. 391. — March 4.
Report of the title for the Directory.
Ordered — Dr. Temple, Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Proposal
Gataker, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Carrell, to be a latin^'the
Committee to think of fit men to be employed in the Directory
translating of the Directory into Welsh, to make report to Welsh.
the Assembly.
Ordered — Dr. Stanton, Mr. Delaplace, Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Hill, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Whitakers, added to the Com
mittee for the title, and the title recommitted.
Report of an additional report to the proof of Synodical
Assemblies excommunicating.
R. — Second proof to be debated to-morrow.
Sess. 392. — March 5, 1644. — Wednesday morning.
Report from the Committee for preserving the sacra
ments pure.

68

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 392. Mr Seaman enters his dissent against that vote, ' against
io44.5' wnom the Assembly hath no just exception.'
 Mr. Palmer — If those words must stand, I desire to
enter my dissent.
They recall their dissents upon the altering of the words.

Leather-
head ad
mitteddoorkeeper.

Sess. 393. — March 6, 1644. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Letherhead (?) be admitted to waite upon
the Assembly, in the room of Mr. Frame, lately dead.
Debate about the alterations in Directory last made ;
moved by Dr. Temple.
Proceed to the debate of the second reason.
Sess. 394. — March 7, 1644. — Friday morning.
Mr. Michaelth waite and Mr. Corbet to pray.
Mr. Langly.
Ordered — That the letter and book [to] be now given in
the Assembly shall be taken into consideration on Monday
next, when the book is read by the several members, and
that the scribes do put the Assembly in mind of it.
Proceed in the debate of the second reason.
Lord Warwicke desired the Assembly to think of some

Lord
asks mini- ministers to go to sea with him.
sters for
fleet.

The members of the Assembly do give an account of
those ministers that they can think of, to be recommended
to the Lord Admiral.
To proceed in the debate of the 3d reason on Monday
morning.

-Monday morning

Sess. 395.— March 10, 1644.-
Protestation read.
Dr. Temple gives an account of Mr. Watson, for the
Lord of Warwicke, for the sea ; and
Mr. Mew names Mr. Norris for one of the greater ships.
Ordered— That the several members of the Assembly
that are to preach on Wednesday be entreated to recom
mend this to the people, to be helpful to the furnishing of
ministers for the ships.
Debate about the book presented on Friday last.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 69
Mr. Young and Mr. Calamy to give notice to Mr. Harl- Sess- 395-
lip x that it will not be fit for this Assembly to meddle in 1644. '
such a business. It may be to their prejudice, and there-
fore to let the minister know from whom he received the
letter, that this Assembly doth take notice of their condi
tion, and will commend it to God ; and doubt not but
that God will direct them, as He hath done already in that
answer they have given and now presented.
Debate upon the 3d proof for Synods excommunicating.
An order from the House of Commons for the next
Wednesday, to be kept as a day of thanksgivings.
Debate about the waiving of this proposition.
This 3d proof shall be recommitted.
Sess. 396. — March 13, 1644. — Thursday morning.
A letter was read by Dr. Hoyle of thanks to the classes
of Holland. Read and ordered.
Report was made of the 3d reason recommitted. It was
brought in again in the same terms.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the 3d reason. Debate on
Mr. Goodwin — This reason . . . (1) Supposeth the Synods"
Church universal to be a politic body ; (2.) The institution resumed.
of elders to fall primarily upon elders as of the universal
Church ; (3.) . . .
Ordered — To proceed.
Sess. 397. — March 14, 1644. — Friday morning.
Mr. Delmy, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Hardwicke. To pray.
Proceed in the debate. . . . Q. That the question shall
be put. . . . Res[olved] aff That the arguments brought
against the reason are answered, ^8.
Ordered — To go on.
Sess. 398. — March 17, 1644. — Monday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate where they left. Debate
R. — That the arguments against the reason in debate
is answered, etc. Aff.
R. — Whether this question shall be put. Aff. Q.
Res. Aff. 1 Perhaps Hartlieb.

70 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 398. R. Neg— To go on with the debate of the reason to-
U7<h:7' sorrow.
 R. Aff. — A report shall be received from the sub-com
mittee to-morrow touching the classes.
Sess. 399. — Tuesday, March 18, 1644.
Report brought in by Dr. Temple, read and debated.
ist Proposition resolved.
The rest of the report recommitted.
Ordered — The Committee to consider of what is fit to
be added to this report in reference to the present condi
tion of our Church. They are to meet this afternoon, and
to make report to-morrow morning.
Sess. 400. — Wednesday morning. — March 19, 1644.
Upon information made by Mr. Wilson, that another
man was in the same place by the certificate from the
Assembly, and debate thereupon.
R. — Mr. Bladen shall have his certificate.
Mr. Reynolds made report of that committed to them
the former session. Debate thereupon.
Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Pal
mer, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Herle, Mr. Arrowsmith. The
same Committee appointed to consider of the power of
classes shall meet this afternoon, to make report to-mor
row morning.
The Committee appointed to consider of congregations
shall make report to-morrow morning
Sess. 401.
Mr. Jno. Bevane, Mr. Ley, John Guibon, Tho. Thorough-
good, Ed. Corbett, Humph. Hardwieke:
Sess. 402. — March 21. — Friday morning.
Mr. Valentine, Mr. Rayner, Dr. Hoyle, to pray.
That the dissenting brethren do bring into the Assembly
what they think fit for the right, and power, and practice
of particular congregations not yet concluded in the As
sembly.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 7 1
Mr. Ny, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Sess. 402.
Carter. Mr. Buroughs, and Mr. Greenhill, U&[t^1'
A Co_i~.:ttc3 may bring in what they would have 
further in the reformation [of] our particular congrega
tions, and what they would have in reference to their own.
Sir Robert Harley brought an order from the House of
Commons. Also to take care how Sir Thomas Fairfaxe may have
ministers, their pay is settled 8s. a day.
Ordered — The former appointed to consider of some
thing to preserve the sacraments pure.
A Committee for to prepare something for to report to
the Assembly according to this order of the Honble-
House of Commons.
Dr. Smith, Mr. Young, Mr. Carrell, Mr. Burges, Mr.
Mew, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Gower, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Delamarch,
added to the Committee, or any 5 of them — to meet this
afternoon, to make report to this Assembly on Monday
morning. The members of the Assembly are desired to think of
that supply of ministers for Sir Thomas Fairfaxe his army
against Monday morning.
Sess. 403. — March 24, 1644. — Monday morning.
Report from the Committee appointed to consider of Report of
the particulars of that ignorance and scandal for which tee on e^_
persons should be excluded from the sacrament. elusion of
ignorant
It was debated. and scan-
Ld. Admiral desired, inasmuch as he was to go to sea fral£utshe
this week, the Assembly would pray for him especially sacrament.
upon the first day.
For Mr. Reading, Mr. Ley, Mr. Guibon, Mr. Delamarch,
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Foxecroft.
Sess. 404. — March 27, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Sr Damnell x approved for a Fellow.
A petition concerning Bibles was brought in.
The Committee for printing to meet to-morrow, in the
1 Or Danniell.

72 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 404. afternoon, to consider of this petition, and other abuses of
Majj£s27, the like nature, concerning the suppressing of Bibles.
Mr. Coleman, Dr. Temple, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Tuck
ney, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Ley,
Dr. Burges, Mr. Gataker, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Palmer, Mr.
Herle. Mr. Ny, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Wilkinson, junr., added
to the Committee.
A paper of dissent brought in and read.
Ordered— The Committee, for answer to the reasons of
the dissenting brethren about subordination of Assemblies,
are to meet forthwith.
Ordered — Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Strickland, to go and
visit Mr. Assessor White, in the name of this Assembly.
Ny's pro- Mr. Ny brought in certain propositions, which conduce
positions to tbe settling: of your congregations.
asto power a j o o
of congre- They were read by Mr. Ny.
gations. jj^. Seaman — If they bring in those propositions, with
their prefaces (?) annexed, we shall receive them.
Debate on Mr. Rutherford — Those propositions concern Church
Ny's pro- government in general. ... If you create new debates, you
positions. ° a '
will be longer than you have been already.
Mr. Marshall — So far as I can remember what he had,
they may be brought to two heads. . . . Some concern
Church government general, and some particular congre
gations. . . . The first run upon this a jus divinum of a
platform, and of the particular officers. . . . Concerning
this, by a vote in the Assembly you did lay aside the dis
puting of that point, whether a perfect platform of govern
ment. . . . And for the jus divinum, you have been careful
to go this way not to seek for a divine institution. It's
contrary to the whole way you have gone, and to the
intent and purpose of the Parliament. . . . For that con
cerning particular congregations. ... I thought they would
have pitched upon something concerning the moulding of
Assemblies rather than the point of excommunication.
There is something sent up by way of accommodation
and ordination 's passed too. ... If they will give any pro
position tending to the constraining (?) of congregations
in their numbers, this will be of great use.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 73
Mr. Henderson — This notion crosses, and is contrary to Sess. 404.
our desires. We thought we had been near to the har- ^f}^7'
bour, and now we are sailing out into the deep. ... I desire

you would enter upon some compendious way how the continued.
matter may be concluded.
Mr. Ny — I think there is a mistake of our intentions in
this. There was a necessity for us to do it to discharge
our consciences. . . . We are called to this work, and you
must give us leave to make our own consciences the rule.
. . . For that of calling back that again rejected or con
cluded, that was said before. . . . All those propositions
appertain to particular congregations. They are natural
to it. . . . And they do not transgress upon the accommo
dation sent up. . . . We conceive, in the forming of a con
gregation, it will conduce much to the members to know
that it is the authority of Jesus Christ. . . . For the consti
tution of churches, we know not whether it be committed
to you.
Mr. Seaman — None of all this was committed to them,
or desired of them.
Mr. Henderson — I desire the Assembly would enter
upon that which is yet to be done, and necessary to be
done. Mr. Herle — It is in your choice where you will begin.
You may begin at the 7th, the latter part.
Mr. Newcomen — If you accept of any of those propo
sitions, you hinder the last you have done already.
Mr. Carter — I offer one word concerning the jus divi
num ; if there be a jus divmum, this will be an addition
worth the while.
Mr. Marshall — True, we had need to underlay it well.
If we let it go up under this notion as agreeable to the
word, is it not sufficient ?
Mr. Burroughs — I desire you would . . .
The dissenting brethren be desired to bring in a plat
form of government concerning particular congregations.
The Committee for the considering of what is remaining
in government do meet in the afternoon, and make report
to-morrow morning.

74 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 405. Sess. 405. — Friday morning.
To pray. M_- , _^_ .,„-,, -Mf. Gs73s, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Sedgwicke.
Mr. Marshall moved in regard of late coming, which
was a great loss of time. The Assembly might first meet
in a Committee.
fronf Sir Robert Harley and Mr. Tate brought an order from
House of the House of Commons, to set down what we mean by a
competent measure of knowledge, and understanding con
cerning God the Father, etc.
R. — 10 at the least.
Ordered — The members of this Assembly that shall
come first into the place of the Assembly every morning,
shall be a Committee to consider of the work of the day,
and prepare it for the Assembly, and that all the members
of the Assembly that shall come in afterwards shall have
votes with them, and that when the number is full, to
make an Assembly, the Prolocutor may be called into the
chair. The order of the House of Commons was debated.
R. — A Committee of 6 : Mr. Marshall, Mr. Newcomen,
Dr. Stanton, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Vines, to be a
Committee to consider of this, and prepare an answer for
the House of Commons.
Reynolds' Mr. Reynolds made report concerning congregations.
concerning It was read and debated.
congrega- lst Proposition debated.
tions. Report made from the Committee to prepare an answer
to the Parliament about a competent measure of know
ledge concerning God. It was debated.
Mr. Palmer enters his dissent against this vote, leaving
out ' almighty, most wise, eternal spirit'
Mr. Corbet and Mr. Young make this information known
against Mr. Bridges to the Committee of our members.
Mr. Wilkinson to be spoken with about Mr. Bridges.
Sess. 406. — March 31, 1645.— Monday morning.
Protestation read. 5 th Proposition debated. Moved to
be waived.

to Prolo
cutor.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 75
'A minister ought to have the rational and regulated Sess. 406,
consent of the people before he sit down with them.' March 31,
Ordered — Mr. Byfield do pay Ten pounds to Mr. Dela- 
place. Dr. Burges, Dr. Temple, Dr. Wincop, to go and visit the
Prolocutor. Sess. 407. — April 1, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Dr. Wincop made report from the Prolocutor, that he Report as
was very sick, and in great straits.
Ordered — That this business concerning supply of the
members of the Assembly be taken into consideration on
Thursday morning.
Report made from the Committee for supplement of Additional
government, and the Committee of the Assembly met gCevpe(rn-0n
this morning. ment-
Three propositions by both Committees, a 4th added,
and 3 more by the Committee of the Assembly ; 3 latter
only voted for debate.
Proceed to debate the 4 propositions. Debate
Debate the first. thereupon.
Debate about the people's power of refusing.
R. — When any minister is to be ordained for a parti- People to
cular congregation, or translated from one place to another, ^e hijardt
the people of that congregation to which he is to be exceptions.
ordained or admitted shall have notice, and be heard in
all their just exceptions. Sess. 408.
Dr. Hoyle made report of Timothy Wade, approved of
by the Committee to be a Fellow.
Report made by Dr. Gouge from the Committee of the
Assembly. It was read and debated.
An argument brought by Mr. Ny.
R. — That this argument shall be further debated.
R. — That Mr. Wade's approbation shall be respited till
a testimonial from the College be brought.
An order brought from the House of Commons to give
in what we mean by a competent measure of knowledge.

76 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 408. Ordered— This order be referred to the Committee that
were appointed to preserve the sacraments, to consider
what answer to be given to this order. They are [to] give
an account with all convenient speed.
Sess. 409. — Thursday morning. — April 3, 1645.
Ordered — Sr Stanely approved for a Fellow.
Ordered — That Mr. Blakewell have a certificate from
this Assembly upon his former examination.
Dr. Gouge made report from the Committee of the
Assembly of the alterations in the propositions for debate.
ist Proposition debated.
Sess. 410. — April 4, 1645. — Friday morning.
To pray. Mr. Clayton, Mr. Wilson for Mr. Ny, Mr. Gower.
Ordered — Sr Clarkeson, Sr Palmer, Sr Clarke, approved
for Fellows.
An order from the Lords and Commons, and another
from the House of Commons, about ^1000 for the As
sembly, as followeth i1
Mr. Palmer made report from the Committee in answer
to the order of the House of Commons. It was read.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Newcomen, the dissenting
brethren made a Committee.
Sess. 411. — April 7. — Monday morning.
Ordered— 'Sf Wade approved for a Fellow in Cam
bridge.
^20 to be Ordered — The Prolocutor have twenty pounds paid unto
semly to ^m presently out of this hundred pounds.
Prolo- Mrs. Hall.
R. — A Committee of 7, or any 5 of them, to b. . . .
R— Dr. Gouge, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Herle, Mr. Rayner,
Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Spurstow, a Committee
to meet at convenient time, and to make report to the
Assembly. Dr. Burges, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Spurstow,
declare they desire none of the present pay : others to
declare to the Committee.
1 Order not in MS. See it in Journals of Lords and Commons for 2d April 1645..

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 77
Mr. Ny moved that the former vote might be considered Sess. 411.
and another put, whether for the substance of it the thing Af£}J'
be not true. 
R. — To proceed to debate Mr. Palmer's report to-morrow
morning. Sess. 412. — April 8, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Sess. 413. — April 9, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Proceed in the debate of the report of Mr. Palmer, and Debate on
the alterations by the Committee of the Assembly. Re^n're-
The Commissioners of Scotland returned from the sumed.
Church of Scotland. ^etu™ °f
Mr. Gillespy — If the relation that we are to make of the Commis-
letter we bring seem too late . . . desire you to take notice S10ners-
of the first excuse. . . . We did intend to be here a month ^ech"6'8
ago, but were carried away to Holland. . . . We are com
forted to see this. . . . Present the great respects of the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and to
assure you their hearts are much with you. . . . Men
tioned in their prayers both publicly and privately. . . .
For the account. . . . The Directory accepted with great
joy and contentment, both to the General Assembly and
Parliament, approved in both without one contrary vote
in either. ... So much comforted by those first-fruits, that
it makes them long for the full harvest. . . . They pray,
and are confident the Lord will not desert the work in
your hand. . . . The propositions of government and ordi
nation are also approved. . . . The Psalms sent down with
us they have put it in the hands of a select Committee.
In the general the[y] like very well the correcting and
amending of the Psaltery, and they wish the work may be
carried on. ... It is desired that we may be as quickly at
home as possible.
A letter from the General Assembly of Scotland read,
and a paper of the renewing of the Commission.
Lord Chancellor — We desire that the Grand Committee Scotch
might meet that what might best advance this and bring \0™\\~
it to perfection. . . . quest.

78 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 413. Prolocutor — Our reverend brethren . . . This Assembly
Ai6459' is so unanimously affected with joy in the good accept-
 ance of our endeavours here, and the good success . . .
tor's reply. Accepted with his people, and such a people expressing
so much zeal, not loving their lives unto the death. ... As
for the letter ... it could never come soon enough to
satisfy our expectations ; and how late soever it comes, it
come[s] with great acceptation and thankfulness. . . . We
rejoice that there is such a concurrence in such a prudent
state. ... I hope your eyes do now see, and your hearts
shall more . . . We doubt not of the zeal of the Honble.
Houses of Parliament. They will take care that it shall
be observed with that . . . For the business of our
government. . . .
Answer to Ordered — Dr. Burges, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr.
uetdoTeTter Newcomen' Mr- Tuckney, Mr. Reynolds, a Committee to
from Scot- draw up a letter in answer to this from Scotland.
land. Sess. 414. — April 10, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Report on Mr. Ley made report of the business of printing, ' That
Bibies!S ° tne Master and Wardens of the Stationers having made
proof of many gross corruptions of two editions of Bibles
imported from beyond sea, had authority from the Com
mittee of the Honble. House of Commons for printing to
seize on such Bibles, and that divers have complained
they have seized on other Bibles which are true, and not
convicted of such or so great or many corruptions as
should make them liable to the like seizure. That the
Assembly will be pleased to take it into consideration how
the kingdom may be furnished with true Bibles upon as
easy rates as may be afforded.'
Mr. Ley, Mr. Herle, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Tuckney, or any
3. of the Committee of Bibles, shall, in the name of the
Assembly, acquaint the Committee of printing with the
[seizing1 of all Bibles having only to the Assembly com
plained of two impressions] complaint and information
brought into the Assembly by sundry merchants of the
1 The whole of this paragraph is full of corrections, and Byfield has evi
dently forgotten to erase the words in brackets.— Tr.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 79
city of London against the Master and Wardens of the Sess. 414.
Company of Stationers, who, having complained of the A^"4510'
faults in two impressions of Bibles brought from beyond 
seas, and so by the mediation of the Assembly with the
HonbIe. House of Commons complaining of those said two
impressions, they have procured an order for the seizing of
the said Bibles, and had, under this colour, seized upon
many impressions, whether true or false, which is conceived
to be a prejudice both to the Assembly and the parties
interested in those copies so seized upon ; and further, to
inform the said Committee that there are also many faults
in the Bibles printed in London, and therefore the As
sembly doth desire that such course may be taken that
the Bibles may be truly printed for the time to come, and
a cheap rate set upon them ; and further, to inform them
that the Committee of the Assembly, being now a pre
paring of something to offer to the said Committee to that
purpose [and that upon a former complaint to that . . .
Dr. Temple, Mr. Whitaker to go to visit Mr. Assessor
White . . . who are to inquire also into his estate.
That ^20 be sent to Mr. Assessor White out of the [Erased.]
hundred pounds lately brought into the Assembly from
the Committee for Haberdashers' Hall.
Debate upon the 2d and 3d propositions in the report of Debate on
the Committee of the Assembly. c_5__°f
govern-
S<?.«\ 415. — April II, 1645. ment.
Mr. Case, Mr. Smith, Mr. Ny. To pray.
Report of the alteration of the 2d proposition read and
voted. Third proposition debated. . . . ' Congregations being Debate
constituted according to the votes formerly passed, and resumed-
enjoying ordinances formerly agreed on.'
A letter from the Earl of Manchester.
R. — Mr. Hill be approved as fit and worthy, and so to Hill and
be recommended for Master of Trinity College. tobe"^
R. — Mr. Tuckney also for Master of Emmanuel College. Masters of
Colleges at
Cam
bridge.

80 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 416. Sess. 416. — April 14, 1645.— Monday morning.
April 14,
1645- A paper from the Grand Committee, brought in by
Scotch Commissioners to the said Committee, read.1
Debate on The Assembly proceeded in debate of the proposition.
Church T, , ,
govern- It was resolved.
mem- Debate about those words, ' notwithstanding such defects.'
Mr. Seaman enters his dissent to that word 'such' added
before the vote.

resumed.

Sess. 417. — April 15, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Alteration in the 2d proposition reported by the Com
mittee. The word ' lawful ' left out.
Debate on 2d Proposition debated and resolved.
govern- The next pro[po]sition, ' In regard of the government of
ment con- them.' . . . This proposition to be debated.
tinued. 1 This paper was presented to the Houses of Parliament as well as to the
Assembly, and is here given from the Journals of the House of Lords : —
' The return of our brethren from the late General Assembly of the Kirk
of Scotland hath occasioned us to desire the meeting of this honourable and
reverend Committee at this time, that we might make known unto them, and
by them to the honourable Houses of Parliament and the reverend Assembly
of Divines, that the Directory for the Public Worship of God, and the pro
positions concerning Kirk Government and Ordination agreed upon by both
Houses according to the advice of the Assembly of Divines, was not only
acceptable to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, and to the Par
liament of that kingdom, but was also received of them as a matter of thanks
giving unto God, who had so far promoted his own work of refreshment unto
themselves in this time of their trouble, and of encouragement in their constant
assistance by their joint prayers, counsels, and forces, till, by the blessing of
God, the work be finished, and this kingdom settled in peace.
' And that, from their zeal to uniformity according to the Covenant, having
parted with some lawful customs universally practised in that Kirk ever since
the first Reformation of religion, they, by their several acts and authority
respectively, have ordained the Directory to be forthwith printed, and there
after to be observed in all the kirks of the kingdom, and in the armies.
' That they have also agreed unto and approved of the aforementioned pro
positions, as a ground-work of the intended Uniformity in Kirk Government,
according to the Covenant.
' And that their ernest and incessant desire is, that the Directory for Public
Worship, which, after so long time and so much travell, is at last brought to
a final conclusion by the Assemblies and Parliaments of both kingdoms, may
be presently put in execution in all the parts thereof ; and that neither mini
sters nor people, of whatsoever quality or degree, be permitted to preach or
write against it, or to practise that which by public authority is abolished,
which, beside the dishonour done to the name of God, and provoking of His
displeasure, would prove nothing else but a contempt of order and authority,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 8 I
Sess. 418. — April 16, 1645. — Wednesday morning. Sess. 418.
Ordered — Mr Carrill was approved of by the Assembly 1645.
for St. Magnus.
Debate about the proposition of renouncing membership
in regard of the government of churches, etc. . . in regard
of their subjecting of themselves to presbyterial and syno
dical government.
Mr. Goodwin read his paper.
Ordered — To debate the proposition for gathering of
churches in case this proposition be not concluded on.
Sess. 419. — April 17, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Dr. Temple made report that they had laid aside the
proposition concerning separation, and thought there would
be occasion to debate that in the business of gathering of
churches. Report from the Committee of the Assembly.
a real proclamation of liberty, a destroying of that which hath been in build
ing, and a frustrating of all future endeavours for reformation.
' And it is with no less zeal and earnestness desired and expected by that
whole Kirk and kingdom, that the remanent parts of Uniformity be expedited,
especially that the materials of Kirk Government, which hath been so long in
the hands of the Assembly of Divines, may be formed into a practical Direc
tory with all possible diligence, which, beside the Uniformity longed for by all
the Reformed Kirks, especially by the Kirk of Scotland, will be a hedge and
fence to the Directory of Worship, a mean to procure ready obedience to the
ordinances of Parliament, a settling of the minds of such as are hovering and
halting betwixt two opinions, a remedy of many doubts and jealousies, a pre
servative against errors and schisms, a terror and matter of despair to the
common enemy, and a mighty confirmation of the hearts of the godly in their
adventuring and undertaking for defence of religion and order of the Kirk once
established, and of that power without which religion can neither be reformed
nor preserved.
' We therefore, according to the commandment which we have received,
and the great trust put upon us, do move and entreat that this honourable and
reverend Committee may be pleased to represent to the honourable Houses
and reverend Assembly, that acceptation, and these desires of the Parliament
of Scotland, and the National Assembly of that Kirk, that in their wisdom,
the best and readiest ways may be found out and prescribed, for bringing
matters so necessary, after so long deliberation, to a wished conclusion ; and
we may have their answer, to be sent to the Committees of the Parliament
and Assembly in Scotland, for our exoneration and their satisfaction. What
we have moved concerning the Directories for Public Worship and Kirk
Government, we desire may be extended to the Church and kingdom of Ire
land.' — Journals of House of Lords, vol. vii. pp. 317, 318.
F

82

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 419.
April 17,
i°4S-
Debate on
Church
government con
tinued.

^20 voted
to Mr.
Reynolds.Report of
proposition on
gathering churches.

Debate whether it be order.
r. Neg.— -The order of yesterday concerning debating of
gathering of Churches shall not stand.
Debate about that of joining.
Mr. Goodwin — Would you have the man to be without
ordinances all his days. If you cannot excommunicate
him, you cannot keep him without ordinances.
Mr. Palmer —
Mr. Gillespy — There is no necessity of living without
ordinances all his days. He may see his error, so the
necessity is not absolutely. ... He must have the ordi
nances, but how ? In a lawful way. He must not do evil
that good may come of it. Separation is an unlawful
way, etc. . . . They will insist upon that, he is persuaded
it's unlawful. The argument will resolve upon this. Upon
this corrupt principle I must rather do that which is in
itself a sin, than do that which appears to be a sin.
Ordered — To debate the gathering of churches to-mor
row morning. Sess. 420. — April 18, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Goodwin, to pray with
the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both king
doms. Ordered — That Mr. Reynolds have twenty pounds paid
unto him out of the monies brought into the Assembly.
Report from the Committee of the Assembly about the
proposition for gathering of churches.
Debate about the stating of the controversy.
Sir Robert Harley brought an order to send ministers to
Ireland.1 Two petitions from Ireland.
Dr. Temple, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Herle, Dr.
Hoyle, Mr. Gower, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Ny, Mr. Palmer, Dr.
Stanton. Ordered — To be a committee to join with Sir Robert
Harley : Sir John Clotworthy, Colonel Jephson, Mr. Sal-
way, and Mr. Tate.
The Commissioners of Scotland to be assisting]— to
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 1 13.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 83
meet this afternoon at . . . and to make report with all con- Sess. 420.
venient speed. A?2sl8,
A Committee to put this order 1 into an . . 
Ordered— -Mr. ¦^-^-1--", M^- -g_=___a, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Sic.
Tuckney, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Young, Mr. Whitaker, Mr.
Rayner, Mr. Vines, Mr. Delamarch, to consider of this
order. They are to meet this afternoon, and to make
report on Monday morning.
Report made by Dr. Stanton from the Committee for Repon
perfecting of government, of 4 propositions. mittee on
R. — To go on in the debate of gathering of churches next Church
. " govern-
time. ment.
Sess. 421. — April 21, 1645. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Dr. Temple, Mr. Hickes, Mr. Hodges, to speak
with Sir Robert Harley about the ministers for the army.
Report from the Committee — desire the 39 Articles may
be reviewed.
Ordered — That the 39 Articles be reviewed by the for- Thirty-
mer Committee, and the Committee to consider how far ";™gS to"be
they or any of them may be useful to be recommended reviewed.
to both Houses of Parliament for the present, till a Con
fession of Faith can be drawn up by this Assembly, to
meet this afternoon.
R. — To be referred to one Committee.
Ordered — The Committee for Confession of Faith do Commit-
meet on Wednesday, in the afternoon. Confession
Ordered — -The Committee for printing to meet on ofFaith
Wednesday, in the afternoon, and take this petition into meet_
consideration. They are . . .
Debate about the stating of the former proposition for Debate on
gathering of churches. A form offered by Mr. Vines was ofchu™hes
debated. resumed.
Sess. 422. — April 22, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Debate of the proposition, whether the question shall
be put. 'Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 114.

84 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 422. The dissenting brethren coming in, it was debated.
Ato4S22' Dr- Gouge— This is an argument that any heretic or
- — schismatic may use.
gathering" Mr. Case — Said if he can, with a good conscience, gather
of churches chUrches in a congregational . . . True, it is unlawful to him
continued. _ _ '
to join ; but the question is not what is unlawful to him,
but what is unlawful in itself.
Dr. Temple — That which is an erroneous conscience is
not a good conscience.
Mr. Burroughs — No heretic can say he can do it with a
good conscience. . . . Suppose the Presbyterial government
lawful, yet if another be lawful too, and I cannot be con
vinced. . . .
Mr. Gillespy — That supposition being laid, destroys the
argument. The conscience is erroneous that judgeth it
unlawful ... so that it resolves into the binding power of
an erroneous conscience. ... It is a common maxim con-
scientia errans ligat non obligat . . . This makes the con
science obligare to the positive duty of gathering churches
into an independent form of government.
Mr. Burroughs — I do not aim at any strength for the
bond for erring conscience. . . . When I see 2 things, though
both lawful, yet if I see the one to be more apparently
lawful, I may choose that. . . . Suppose a man do doubt
whether it be lawful to eat flesh, I appeal whether it be a
sin to eat herbs.
Mr. Marshall — . . Our question is not of the joining
. . . but the gathering of such churches out of churches
under a Presbyterial government.
Dr. Burges — He illustrates his argument by an instance
of eating flesh and herbs. ... It is one thing to consider
of things that are neither commanded nor forbidden . . .
and another to speak of things commanded and forbidden.
Dr. Temple — This is the thing to be proved, that they
cannot join with the Presbyterial government and un
lawful . . . and that without all doubt that indep[end]ent
Sic in ms. form is unlawful.
Mr. Ny—rlere are many questions that lie far before
you in this proposition. . . . Say but upon what part you

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 85
place your emphasis ; we shall speak to it as we are able. Sess. 422.
Thp APril 22>
• • • ine- • ¦ 1645.
Mr. Marshall — Said in that comparison, suppose a sheep 
must starve if he come into that pasture again. . . . There- continued.
fore saith he, the Lord would have churches, to give leave
to them to join with such churches. . . . This will follow,
if in churches of a classical government any be scrupled,
they ought to give leave ... by the same rule, in the
independent way any scruple, they must give them leave
to join with the Brownists, and the Brownists with the
Anabaptists. Mr. Burroughs — Answer very briefly. . . . This will very
well hold if 2 before me, and this I think lawful, and
another government is lawful too. ... I think I were bound
to let him go if I did think that government lawful. ... If
the Church is bound in such a case to let members go,
then gathering is lawful.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate of the report of Dr.
Stanton to-morrow morning.
Sess. 423. — April 23.
Ordered — Elias Pledger approved for a Fellow.
For Mr. Chandler, Mr. Ley, Mr. Delamarch, Mr. Picker
ing, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Gower.
Debate upon the first proposition, • of positive signs of Debate on
conversion.' f^- Church
c /1 tt • members.
Sess. 424. — April 24. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Browning approved of for a Fellow.
Sess. 425. — April 25, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Coleman, Mr. Herle, Mr. Herricke. To pray.
Ordered — Sr Woodcocke approved for a Fellow.
Proceed in the debate. Debate of
By scandalous we understand the omission of necessary s;ns_
duties, as well as the commission of gross sins.

86 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 426. Sess. 426. — April 28, 1645.
Apnl 28, Ordered—Mr. Alderson's certificate be stayed till he
 bring a testimonial from his neighbour ministers.
Ordered — Mr. Westwood's order be respited.
Ordered—Mr. Alerton's order be respited.
Ordered — Mr. Daniel Delaplace approved for a Fellow.
Debate on Debate about the proposition of going from their own
uonPOSI congregation, whether waived or not
about Mr. Burroughs — I cannot see by the words of the propo-
going from sition how you will be able to justify practices in England
their own wnich you all grant. Suppose a man be for some time
congrega- J D *¦ L
tion. from home, he must ordinarily. . . .
Mr. Marshall — I am persuaded of the truth of the propo
sition. He that is a church member in a place, and ordinarily
goes for his food in another place when he may at home,
doth transgress from the rule, but it would be unseasonable.
Mr. Ley — I think the season is very fit, and the way will
carry great force with it. Many straggle from their pastors
be[cause] they are orthodox.
Mr. Seaman — . . . How far we shall prevail in it I know
not ; but yet let us exonerate our consciences. ... I think
it is a seasonable and necessary truth.
Mr. Whitaker— Said it is true and expedient, and that
expediency is so great, as that in a degree of necessity,
be[cause] of that of the seekers, they take themselves to
be above ordinances : they will not go to hear at all.
Mr. Herle—! question the truth of the proposition in
the bi 
Mr. Marshall— Said if there be a concurrence in the
truth, order it, and then debate the expediency of it This
is a strange course to me. If it be inexpedient for us to
give up our advice of it to the Parliament, shall we go to
debate the truth of it.
Mr. Ny—! think there was a mistake. ... I think you
have not voted your former propositions as seasonable to
be sent up.
Mr. Palmer— -To grant that liberty is to destroy all
congregations ; as you will not grant that liberty, you must
hold it out  It is so absolutely and essentially necessary

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 87
to the being of government, that I know not how it can be Sess. 426.
granted. AP£l 28>
Debate upon the 3d proposition, ' anticipating the deter
minations of the Parliament.'
Ordered — Proceed in the debate.
Sess. 427. — May 1, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Proceed in the debate of the proposition about antici
pating the determinations of the Parliament, by setting up
a new form of government, and about the meaning of it.
An order from the House of Commons.1 Order for
(Ordered) R.—Mr. Edward Rayner shall be recom-afast-
mended by this Assembly as a man fit for Lincoln.
A letter from York for the approbation of Mr. Nathaniel
Wrathband. Ordered — That Mr. Nathaniel Wrathband shall be re
commended by this Assembly as fit to be the 4th minister
for York.
The former proposition waived.
Debate upon the 4th proposition about the power of the Debate on
Magistrate in suppressing of heresies. Magistrate.
Sess. 428. — May 2. — Friday morning.
Mr. Mew, Mr. Hickes, Mr. Gippes. To pray.
Ordered — Mr. Corbett have £15, paid by the scribe.
Ordered — That Mr. Alderson have his testimonials back
again. Report from the Committee of the Assembly of the
proposition committed to them — in 2 propositions. The
first ordered to be debated in the Assembly, the second
drawn up, but not concluded of.
The former proposition ordered, the second debated.
A letter from Norwich.
Ordered — A Committee to consider of this letter, and
of all other requests made to this Assembly of the like
nature, that the substance of them may be represented to
both Houses, with humble request to them for expedition
7- 1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 124.

88

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 428,
May 2,
1645.

Thanksgiven to
LordLauder
dale.

Letter to
be sent to
Scotland.Report
concerning Civil Ma
gistrate to
be sent to
House of
Commons.

Ordered— Dr. Burges, Mr. Ward, Mr. Herricke, Mr.
Young, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Thorowgood,
Mr. Case, to be this Committee, — to make report on
Monday morning.
Ld. Lotherdale1 — The honour I have had to be so long
amongst you lays an obligation upon me to take my
leave. I hope to be there by the sitting of the Com
missioners of the General Assembly. I therefore come to
receive your commands.
Prolocutor, by order of the Assembly, gave him thanks
in the name of the Assembly, for his presence and assist
ance in the Assembly.
Ordered — The Committee appointed to draw up a letter
to Scotland, to meet this afternoon, to prepare a letter to
Scotland. Mr. Spurstow to be added to this Committee.
Sess. 429. — May 5, 1645. — Monday morning.
Report made from the Committee of a letter to be sent
to the Commissioners of the General Assembly of the
Church of Scotland. It was read.
Ordered — That Mr. Allerton have his testimonial.
Ordered — That Mr. Knightbridge be approved of for
Fellow. Mr. Ward made report from the Committee of the
letters. They conceive that the House of Co[mmons] have
the same matter depending before them.2 They hope they
will prevent this Assembly. ... In case the House be hin
dered by any intervening business, then they will be ready
to receive the commands of this Assembly.
The letter was debated.
Debate about that of ' not in a syllable condemn our
practice.' Ordered— That this letter be sent to the General As
sembly of Scotland in the name of the Assembly.
Report by Dr Stanton concerning Civil Magistrate, read.
Dr. Burges to deliver it to Mr. Rolfe, to acquaint the
House of Commons.
Ordered— To debate this report to-morrow morning.
1 Sic for Lauderdale. 9 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 131.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 89
Sess. 430. — May 6, 1645. — Tuesday morning. Sess. 430.
Ordered — That Mr. Tompson be approved of for Hoi- ^gL6'
den, in Yorkshire. ¦ 
Report from the Committee of the Assembly of the Report
alterations in the propositions concerning Civil Magistrate. m°™ee °m
The first proposition was thus altered. altering
' The Civil Magistrate hath authority, and it is his duty to tions con-
provide that the word of God be truly and duly preached, ^e.™lnS
the sacraments rightly administered, church government Magistrate.
and discipline established and duly executed according to
the word of God.'
Debate whether to bring this under the head of govern
ment or a Confession of Faith, ... or the contracting of
them for the present.
The propositions waived in reference to the discipline.
Ordered — A Committee of 7 : Mr. Marshall, Mr. Palmer, Committee
Mr. Gataker, Mr. Delmy, Dr. Burges, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. devotes
Herle, Mr. Young, — a Committee to consider of what on Church
• • govern-
votes are already passed this Assembly concerning go- ment not
vernment not yet sent up to Parliament, and to put them ^etts0epar.
into their method, and consider what is wanting — to meet liament.
this afternoon, and to make report to-morrow morning.
Ordered — The proposition concerning the Magistrate to
be considered to-morrow morning, in case there be nothing
ready for the Committee.
Sess. 431. — May 7, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Report made from the Committee for considering what
is wanting in government.
Something added to that, ' concerning the moderator.' Additions
Something concerning ruling elders' summoning. Some- ^J^™*
thing concerning the manner of ruling elders' electing and g^ing
choosing. and ruling
Debate whether the ruling elders should summon the elders-
persons before them.
Sess. 432. — May 8, 1645.— Thursday morning.
R.—Mr. Marmaduke Mason, Mr. John Lindsey, Mr.
William Lodgerd, shall have a certificate from this As-

90 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 432. sembly, (according) x upon the testimonials brought in con-
Uills-' cerning them, in case they shall be upon examination
 approved by the ministers whom the Lord Fairfaxe hath
associated to advise in Church affairs.
Debate Report from the Committee of the Assembly about the
add_io3_ 3d (¦) addition,— agreed by the Committee to be waived.
Debate whether waived.
An order from the L[ords] & Co[mmons] for dispatch.
Debate whether those words ' by the eldership ' shall
stand. Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 433. — May 9, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Carter, and Mr. Walker to pray.
Several Proposition concerning inspection by several officers in
congrega- several parts of the congregation debated and voted.
tion to be ^ report from the Committee of an addition to that
inspected /
by several proposition and other propositions.

Debate about the addition, ' visiting the several families.'

officers.
as t0 Mr. Ny enters his dissent against the addition of those
visiting. WOrds by them.
Nydis- Ordered — That the Assembly consider on Monday
sents. ' '
„ morning the best way to expedite the Confession of Faith,
mittees on . . . and that the two Committees for the Confession of
of°Ffarth°to Falth be Put into one-
be con
joined. Sess. 434. — May [12]. — Monday morning.
R. Byfield An order for admitting of Mr. Byfield to the Assembly.2
membefof He took the protestation.
Assembly. Mr. Tate took the protestation also.
3 Letters from the Earl of Manchester for
Spurstow R. — The Assembly doth approve of the removal of Mr.
worihap- Spurstow to Catherine Hall.
proved as R. — The Assembly doth approve of the nomination of
Masters of
Colleges Mr. Ralph Cudworth to be master of Clarehall, in Cam-
atCam- bridge.
bridge. R. — The Assembly doth approve of the nomination of
1 Inserted above ' upon ' in MS.
"Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 127.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

91

Mr. Craddocke, Master of Arts, of Immanuel College, to Sess. 434.
be a Fellow of Trinity College. l6a^
Report of the Confession of Faith read and debated. 
The first voted. Debate about the Committee for draw- concerning
ing up the Confession. of°F_th°n
The first draught of the Confession of Faith shall be
drawn up by a Committee of a few.
R. — The Committee shall be —

Dr. Gouge.
Mr. Reynolds. |
Mr. Vines.
Mr. Tuckney. I
Dr. Hoyle.
Mr. Herle.
Mr. Gataker. ,

Mr. Gataker, Mr. Harris.
Dr. Temple.
Mr. Burges.
Mr. Reynolds.
Dr. Hoyle.
Mr. Herle.

They are to meet
this afternoon.

Commit tee for
Confes
sion.

/?.— Mr.

for Mr. Tuckney.

..o—.... __fa_
The Commissioners of the Church of Scotland are de
sired to be assisting to this Committee.
R. — Mr. Tuckney and Mr. Vines be exchanged for Dr.
Temple and Mr. Burges. Mr. Harris be for Mr. Palmer.
Ordered — Sr Loase x (?) be approved of by this Assembly.
Ordered — The Committee for the Catechism do meet Commit-
this afternoon. Catechism
Ordered — Mr. Dods' certificate be respited, be[cause] to meet
the Assembly is informed that he is unwilling himself to
accept it at the present
Ordered — To proceed in the report about government.
Sess. 435. — May 13. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Harrington approved for a Fellow.
Report from the Committee about the Catechism. Report
r from Com-
Debated. mittee on
Catechism.
Mr. Rutherford — ... I would not have those questions Debate on
to be cardinal and principal questions, but printed in a toothed
smaller letter . . . Said the apostles did not use such a way. of cate-
I think they did use it : 'Is then the law of God of none
effect ? ' . . . The answer is easy to it. . . . It should be in
1 Perhaps Joase.

chizing.

92 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 435. the plainest and easiest way. It is a feeding of the
Ma6y4'3, lambs  Said it takes away the proper work of the
 : minister. There is as much art in catechising as in any-
catoch_iTg thing in the world. It may be doubted whether every
continued, minister do understand the most dexterous way of doing it.
Mr. Marshall—! confess the pains which that brother
that brought in the report is both accepted with God and
hath been blessed by Him. . . . But I crave leave to give
a few dissenting thoughts to the method propounded 
Said people will come to learn things by rote, and can
answer it as a parrot, but not understand the thing. True,
I think it a good way to be so done in the catechiser, but
put it into the catechism, and it produceth no other effect
but what the proposition doth. He got that by heart as
he doth the other. ... I think if you could set down
questions in propositions, this will not do the deed ; but
let it be the care of godly ministers to try all ways. . . .
I like it well, that in your preface you should commend
all this. ... I think you do not intend to tie them to
those words, and no other. Let your Catechism be as
the Directory : ' those, or to that effect.'
Mr. Bridge — I conceive there are two ends of cate
chism : (1.) Increase of knowledge ; (2.) To give you some
test of their knowledge. For the first there should be an
explication of the terms of divinity : the terms of re
demption and sanctification must be first explained. 2.
The matter should run both affirmatively and negatively.
. . . For the test of their knowledge it is better that
answers should be made by sentences than by aye and
no. Not amiss to have such an expression as this, that
you intend not only the words, but to express the sense.
Mr. Gillespy — This is a profitable discourse, which is
the best way of catechising. ... I like well the form offered
to you, the capital questions by themselves, and parti
cular questions by aye and no, both put together in the
body of the Catechism. . . . When we were lately in Scot
land, in conference, we had occasion to speak of this way,
and showed them the example of it, and they all liked it
very well. . . . For the objections made against it. . . . For

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 93
the Directory. ... It never entered into the thoughts of Sess. 435.
any to tie to the words and syllables in that Catechism, Ul? I3'
as in the Directory of preaching. You may use the words - —
in the preface as in the Directory for preaching. . . . Many COntinued.
need no helpe in that kind, yet many do ; and though no
ministers to1 need help, yet masters of families may need
it. . . . For that, ' the formality of the thing,' the same for
mality and inconvenience is in both. — A. The same incon
venience is not. There may be a degenerating of the
best thing into formality. ... But this will not so soon
degenerate into formality as the other, where there is both
general and particular answers, that must needs inculcate
more knowledge than one of them alone. . . . For that
other way, it may suffice to recommend it in a preface.
I offer this, longum iter per precepta. ... It will be easier to
set down an example. . . I offer this reason for the thing.
. . . The light of nature and natural reason leads men this
way in the explanation of things. . . . As in disputing to
go upon induction of particulars, if scholars have need of
light in this kind. ... So in Scripture questions.
Dr. Gouge — There is a difference, when one thing is in
question to enlarge that, and to enlarge every point in reli
gion. . . . Ministers are physicians : they must observe the
patient. Mr. Herle — I would have aye and no to be expressed,
but not distinct It should be the first word of the answer.
Mr. Seaman — There are two distinct things before us :
about a catechism, and about catechising. . . . The Cate
chism is a Directory, both to the catechiser and the child.
. . . For the minister, it is a little too much to prescribe
to him in this form or that form. . . . The greatest care
should be taken for the answer, and yet 2 to be formed, not
to the model of knowledge that the child hath, but to that
the child ought to have. ... I desire you would make
those two distinct.
Mr. Reynolds — We all agree that way which is most
for ingenerating knowledge is most to be used. . . . But
that this way before you is the best way, I cannot discern.
1 Sic in MS., perhaps for do. 2 Or yt for that.

94 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 435. You resolve it shall be but a Directory, then how shall
164513, those ayes or noes be of use. . . . You will obtain your end
 as well by setting it down in the preface to the Catechism.'
Mr. Delmy — In this matter we are to consider the na
ture of a catechism, the propounding of doctrine in the
most familiar manner. . . . That manner which answers
most to this is best, that which brings and conveys the
knowledge of religion. . . . We must consider the choice
ends of catechism : to inquire into the measure of the
knowledge of the party .... The experience of the Re
formed churches is to be considered.
Mr. Palmer — If I had not a peculiar interest in this I
should have spoken more. . . . Something I am unsatisfied
in. . . . Much is spoken of children, but we have some
others to deal withal than children.
Sess. 436. — May 14. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Lawson have an approbation from this
Assembly, according to the order of the Committee of
plundered ministers, without any further examination.
Debate Debate about the alterations in the business of deacons.
deacons. Debate about the deacons and churchwardens doing
that which belongs to the overseers and churchwardens.
Sess. 437. — May 15. — Thursday morning.
Sr Dodwell is to bring another testimonial from mini
sters amongst whom he hath conversed.
Committee Ordered — That Mr. Seaman, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Vines,
__£rf Mr- Hodges, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Ward, shall be a Com-
from taxes, mittee to consider of a way of presenting something from
the Assembly to the HonbIe Houses of Parliament for
the easing of godly ministers from immoderate taxes and
free quarter, and that they have encouragement and some
course taken for the receiving of their dues, and also fur
ther to consider of such as preach in the meantime Armi-
Additions nian!sm' and agairist the Sabbath : they are to meet about
to Com"" '* tm's afternoon.
cturcrT Ordered— Mr. Seaman and Mr. Vines added to the
govern- Committee for perfecting of government.
ment.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 95
Sess. 438. — May 16, 1645. — Friday morning. Sess. 438,
Mr. Carrill, (Mr. Seaman,) Mr. Hill,1 Mr. Reynolds. M,a^6'
Ordered — Mr. Carey, Mr. John Wilkinson, Mr. Nicholas 
Pitt, approved, upon the examination of the ministers ap- ° pray'
pointed to ordain.
A petition from the parish. . . . Thirty-four. Clerks.
Their petition hath been read.
R. — We cannot interpose ourselves in this business of
the ordinance ?] and it is now before the Houses, and . . .
And though the Assembly cannot own them under the
notion of parish clerks and church officers, yet as they
may be serviceable to the minister and congregation, the
Assembly shall be ready to give them encouragement.
This answer to be returned by Dr. Burges and Mr. Vines.
Report from the Committee of the Assembly about the Deacon's
deacon's continuance in his office — debated. office.
Moved to put the word (?) ' deacons ' to the former vote of Deacons
ruling elders. added
0 to ruling
A proposition voted. elders as
Mr. Seaman enters his dissent. ptrricukr
Debate about the sending up of the Draught of Govern- congrega-
, tions.
ment Ordered — The Committee for the perfecting and metho
dising of government to meet this afternoon.
Mr. Reynolds to be added to it.
Ordered — The sub-Committee concerning the classical
Presbytery do make report of that committed to them on
Monday morning.
Sess. 439. — May 19, 1645. — Monday morning.
R. — Mr. Dodwell have his certificate from this As
sembly. Mr. Hughes, his business respited till the Assembly is
informed more concerning the nature of the place to which
he is sent.
Dr. Ordered — Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Wilkinson, jur., to visit
Mr. Corbet of Merton College.
1 Mr. Hill's name is written above Mr. Seaman's.

96 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 439. Mr. Reynolds made report from the Committee con-
Mi64S.9' cerning classical Presbyteries . . . read.
 : Debate upon that addition to the 5th proposition ' of the
concerning officers of a particular congregation.'
classical Debate upon the additions to classical Presbyteries.
Prcsbytc-
ries read To proceed in the debate to-morrow morning.
and de-
bated- Sess. 440. — May 20, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Upon information against Mr. Knowles, his preaching
in private, and venting his Antinomian opinions.
Ordered— Dr. Burges, Mr. Vines, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Ley,

Mr. Ward, Mr. Calamy, |Mr. Tuckney|, Mr. Spurstow,
Mr. Walker, — a Committee to consider of this complaint,
and of all other disorders formerly complained of, or fit
to be complained of, to be of the like nature.
Debate of Proceed in the debate of scandalous sins in a minister.
scandalous Debate about this whether a catalogue of sins.
Debate about the adjourning of the Assembly to-mor
row, by reason of a fast by the London ministers.
R. — To adjourn this Assembly till Friday, at 8 of the
clock. The Committee. . . .
R. n. c. 44 — promise to endeavour to be present at the
Assembly every forenoon session by 9 of the clock in the
morning. Ordered — The rest of the members of the Assembly, as
they come in to the Assembly, to promise to endeavour
the like. Sess. 441. — May 23, 1645. — Friday morning.
To pray. Mr. Seaman, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Thorowgood.
Commit- Ordered— Mr. Ny, Dr. Smith, Mr. Herle, Dr. Stanton,
endeavour Mr- Hill> Mr- Case> Mr- Lee> Mr- Young, shall be a Corn-
to get mittee, to move the Committee of the revenue for the
ofArch- settling of the revenue of the Archbishop of Canterbury
bishop of upon the Assembly, that it be constantly paid unto
bury them.
the As0" An order for admitting of Mr. Ford. He appeared, and
sembly. took the protestation.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 97
Debate about the sins of ministers. Sess. 441.
R. — The offences of ministers be recommitted. The ^.r3'
Committee meet to this purpose in the afternoon. 
Sess. 442. — May 26, 1645. — Monday morning.
Upon a motion about printing of the Bibles, it . . .
Dr. Burges, Mr. Ley, Mr. Hodges, to go to the House
of Commons, according to the message formerly sent to
the Committee of printing concerning Bibles.
An order from the Sub-committee of the Grand Com- Orderfrom
mittee of the House of Commons,1 about the way of con- -^teg0^
stituting of congregational, etc. — read and debated. Committee
Ordered — Mr. Gibson to pray for Mr. Thorowgood. 0f Com-
Mr. Ley made report, the[y] could not be heard, because mons'
the House had entered upon a great business, and could
not quickly dispatch it, and so they promised to wait upon
that House some other time.
Dr. Burges — (1.) That all those Assemblies be settled
all together ; (2.) Though begun with congregational As
semblies, yet to consider what latitude you will cast a
province into, and then you may discern how many classes
to divide it into.
Ordered — Commissioners of Scotland assisting.
Ordered— Mr. Delmy, Mr. Wilkinson, sen., Mr. Herle,
Mr. Hill, Mr. Gataker, Mr. Greene, Mr. Bathurst, Mr.
Ford, Mr. Mew, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Newcomen, Mr.
Byfield, Dr. Stanton, Dr. Temple, Mr. Delamarch, Mr.
Delaplace, Mr. Spurstow, Dr. Smith, Mr. Hodges, Mr.
Gibson, — a Committee to consider of this order of the Committee
Sub-committee, and to prepare something to present answer tcT
by way of advice to the said Committee concerning a tnis order.
way for the constituting of a congregational, classical,
provincial, and national eldership, and for choosing of
elders. They are to make report on Thursday morning.
1 This order is not found in the Journals of the House, but it was meant to
prepare the way for the Ordinance on Church Government subsequently
passed.

98 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 443. Sess. 443.— May 29, 1645. — Thursday morning.
May 29,
1645. Ordered — Mr. Melvin (?) approved.
Rep^r7of Report made by Mr. Reynolds from the Committee for
answer. advice to the Sub-committee.
A motion made from the L. Mayor of York, desiring,
in a letter to Sir William Allinson, that the Assembly
would write a few lines to the parishioners at Sowerby, to
submit to their vote for his removal to York, which would
satisfy both Mr. Wrathband and his people.
A draught was drawn to that purpose and debated, but
nothing concluded in it.
Debate on Debate upon that ' provinces in every county.' Question
report for , ,
advising resolved.
the sub- jjr. Burges enters his dissent, and offers to bring in his
Committee ' .
ofHouse of reasons to-morrow morning.
Commons. Debate about the people's nominating of the elders in a
congregation. Debate about the word ' nominate' to be put in instead
of choose.
About the people's nominating.
Ordered to proceed in the debate.
Sess. 444. — May 30, 1645. — Friday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Archer's certificate shall pass.
Mr. Langley,1 (Mr. Thorowgood), Mr. Whitakers, and Dr.
Stanton, to pray with the House of Lords, Commons, and
Committee of both kingdoms.
Upon a debate about the paper drawn up in answer
to the desire of the Mayor of York, it was taken into
consideration, and voted to be sent in the name of this
Assembly.
Debate Proceed in the debate about the nominating and choos-
resumed. jng 0f the officers.
The proposition voted negative.
Debate about the other particulars to be advised.
R. — To debate that of a select company of ministers
and discreet persons, etc. It was debated.
1 Mr. Langley's name is written above Mr. Thorowgood's.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 99
Ordered — Dr. Burges, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Herle, Mr. Sess. 444.
Vines, to be a Committee, to carry up this advice, and to ^Lf3'
intimate that there is something more to be presented. 
Committee
to carry up
Sess. 445. — June 2, 1645. — Monday morning. Report.
A report from the Committee about the sins of the
minister. Report made from the Committee appointed to attend Report by
the sub-Committee of the House of Commons, that they mittee
had delivered . . . They desired some addition ; what shall witl?
¦l 1 1 , 1 • • 1 further re-
be done in case the people and ministers do not agree quest from
upon a fit choice, and where any elder shall be presented, su^-ConY
whether by consent or without consent, if they shall find House of
that they are not fit, or will not choose fit, then they shall Commons-
choose better themselves. Where ministers and people shall
either nominate none at all, or persons unfit for the office,
they shall be required by the said ministers of the classical
or provincial division, by a certain time, to nominate fit
persons ; wherein if they fail, then the said ministers shall,
and those other elders already allowed, shall nominate fit
persons for them. . . . The persons fit to be chosen are
such as we have described. . . . The correctors formerly
given, . . . whereof themselves may be part in their several
divisions. Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 446. — June 3, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Proceed in the debate.
Ordered — Add ' and admit ' in the vote 402 concerning Addition
the classical presbytery.1 to votes.
r J J concerning
Ordered — The remaining part of government be tran- classical
scribed to be reported to the Assembly. teriesy"
Debate about provincial Assemblies. Debate
Ordered — This advice to the sub-Committee be drawn about pro-
up against the2 to-morrow morning. semblies.
1 ' To examine, ordain, and admit ministers.' Directory for Church
Government. 2 Sic in MS.

IOO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 447. Sess. 447— June 4.
June 4, . , , ,
1645- Ordered— Dr. Temple, Mr. Whitakers, be added to the
Additions Committee for the methodising of the votes concerning
to Com- government
Church0" The draught of the advice to the sub-Committee was
Govem- d d it was moved to add something concerning the
ment. '
scandalous sins.
Ordered—Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hill be added to the
Committee for giving advice to the sub-Committee of the
House of Commons.
A vote. Mr. Lightfoot's dissent to that of ' saved ' (?).
Dr. Burges, Mr. Herle, enter their dissent, and give in
their reasons.
A letter from Hanaw read.
Sess. 448. — June 5, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Sub-Com- Mr. Palmer made report from the sub-Committee.
House of They accepted your advice, and desire the Assembly to
Commons consider of a catalogue of sins to be added.
sembly to" A motion to adjourn the Assembly for an hour into
draw up a Committees, to consider of the scandalous sins for which
catalogue of scanda- any are to be kept from the sacrament.
loussms. g — -t;0 adjourn the Assembly for an hour into the 3
general Committees.
The Assembly adjourned for an hour, and met again.
Report made from the ist Committee by Mr Palmer.
Mr. Harris made report from the 2d Committee.
Mr. Vines from the 3d Committee.
Committee Ordered — Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Spurstow,
this'cate-' Mn Palmer> Mr- Reynolds, and Mr. Vines, do compare
logue. those three reports together, and make one draught out of
them, to be presented to the Assembly to-morrow morning,
and to add if they shall think fit.
Sess. 449. — June 6, 1645.
To pray. Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Tisdale.
Report of Report from the Committee of the scandalous sins to
debated. ** rje added to the former for suspension from the sacrament.
Debate upon the . . .

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. IOI
Debate about picture of Christ.1 Sess. 449.
Debate about absence from parochial congregations. i6_;
Ordered — Proceed in the debate. 
Sess. 450. — June 9. — Monday morning.
Proceed in the debate. Debate
Debate about naked breasts,1 etc. resumed'
Sess. 451. — June 10. — Tuesday morning.
A packet from York. A letter from the ministers of Opinions
York about the blasphemous opinions of one Paul Best. ]gestau
The letter was read, and the . . .
Mr. Tate — The Parliament hath received letters from
the armies : they are in a good posture. . . . They desire
that you would set apart to-morrow to pray for a blessing Day to be
set apart
upon our armies. to prpay for
Mr. Millington brought a message from the House of a blessing
Commons that the House desires as far as their urgent mentary
occasions will give them leave [they] may join too that he armies-
that is to pray to-morrow may in a more solemn manner. . .
Ordered — Mr. Tate to acquaint the House of Commons
with the desire of the Assembly to have the day of prayer
as public as may be in the city and in Westminster.
R. — That the whole Assembly shall appear to complain Assembly
to the House of Commons of those horrid blasphemies J^pUrin0
complained of by the ministers of York. to House
Ordered — The two assessors shall speak in this business mons 0f
besides the Prolocutor. t!Je blas_ ,
phemies of
Ordered — That the like shall be presented to the House Best.
of Lords. Also to
R.—To desire that they would use that authority that £0™sse of
God hath put into their hands for the vindicating the
honour of God and of Jesus Christ. . . . The opinions
under the pretence of liberty of conscience vented in
books might be suppressed — the unbounded liberty of
conscience mentioned in books and otherwise.
1 Neither of these appears in the list of scandalous sins inserted in the Rules
and Directions for suspension from the Lord's Supper approved by the Lords
and Commons on 20th October 1645.

prayer.

1 02 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 451. Ordered — The liberty of all opinions and religions, under
^1645°' tlie pretence of liberty of conscience, maintained in books
 and otherwise, lately published, may be speedily sup
pressed, which hath been the occasion of those and the
like blasphemous opinions.
The Assembly adjourned to go to the House, and
returned again.1
Mr. Tate reported that he had acquainted the House
with the resolution of the Assembly, and they did not
debate it
Ordered — Mr. Lightfoot to attend the House of Com
mons.
Arrange- Ordered — The day of prayer to be kept in six churches
ments for ;n Lond0n liberties, and one in Westminster ; Andrew's
services on ' '
day of Holbourne, Aldermanbury, Paul's, Bottolph Bishopsgate,
Peter's Cornhill, Aldgate, Clement's Danes, Criplegate,
Margaret's Westminster.
Andrew's Holbourne : Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Case, Mr.
Wilson, Mr. Chambers. Paul's : Dr. Burges, Mr. Gower,
Dr. Gouge, Mr. Connant. Aldermanbury : Mr. Calamy,
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Burges, Mr. Ash. Peter's Cornhill : Mr.
Coleman, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Guibon. Cle-
1 * The House being informed that the body of the Assembly of Divines
were at the door,
' They were called in : And Mr. Prolocutorand the two assessors represented
severally the blasphemies of one Paul Best against the Deity of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost, contained in books, treatises, and notes
of his ; and in his answer to twelve interrogatories drawn out of the writings
of the said Paul Best : and they desired that the Parliament would use that
authority they were entrusted with for executing of condign punishment upon
an offender of so high a nature ; that, in reference to the crime, he may be
made exemplary ; that all the world may know how much you detest such
prodigious blasphemies, and heresies of so fearful a nature.
' The interrogatories and answers were severally read.
• And the divines were again called in : And Mr. Speaker by command of
the House acquainted them, that the House did acknowledge the assistance
they had received from them ; and had ever found their care and desire of
suppressing erroneous opinions, that spread too much abroad in this town and
elsewhere : And for this particular, the House returns the Assembly thanks,
both for their care in it, and for their speedy acquainting the House with it :
And for the things themselves, the House will take them into consideration ;
and put them into such a way, that there may be condign punishment executed
for so horrid a blasphemy. '—Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 170.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

ment's Danes, Criplegate : Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Fox- Sess. 451.
June 10,

croft,| Mr. Carrill. Clement's Danes : Mr. Vines, Mr. Gips, i°45-
Mr. Ford, Mr. Cawdry. Bottolph Bishopsgate : Mr. Harris,
Dr. Hoyle, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Delmy. Margaret's West
minster : Dr. Smith, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Good, Mr. Greene,
Mr. Gibson, Mr. Lawes, Mr. Herle, Mr. Woodcocke, Mr.
Whitaker, Mr. Lee.
Sir Robert Harley saith the House have appointed a
Committee to take it into examination, and this must be
put into such a way as the
Sess. 452. — June 12, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Debate about love locks. Debate on
Debate about previous admonition. scandalous
L . . sins
Ordered — A Committee to peruse this catalogue, and resumed.
single out such sins as are unquestionable, and to draw up
something to be added by way of desire that there may
be some general proposition to leave it to presbytery to
proceed in other cases or scandals of the like nature as in
those, and some reasons for such a clause, — Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Vines, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Reynolds, Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Temple, Mr. Herle, Mr.
Rayner. The Commissioners of Scotland are desired to be assist
ing to them.
The Committee to meet this afternoon, and to make
report to-morrow morning.
Sess. 453. — June 13, 1645.
Ordered to pray, — Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Young, Mr.
Connant, Mr. Gosbrough, Mr. Saunders.
Report from the Committee for the reviewing of the
catalogue of sins, etc. It was read.
Debated and voted.
Debate about adding another reason to show and hold Debate
out the jus divinum. We claim our power from Jesus ab°?t in"
Christ. divinum.
Mr. Marshall added to the Committee for carrying up
of the advice of this Assembly to the sub-Committee.

IO4 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 453. Ordered — The Committee for the Draught of Govern-
1645?' ment to meet this afternoon.
Sess. 454. — June 16. — Monday morning.
Mr. Price gave thanks to the Assembly.
Dr. Temple brought a paper from Sir John Lenthall, —
an information against some Anabaptists, etc. Sir John
Lenthall desired the advice of this Assembly.
Ordered — Dr. Temple do inform the Committee of plun
dered ministers with this information.
Mr. Marshall gave account to this Assembly that the
sub-Committee did think it was most proper to carry that
business to the House, as being most proper for them.
Debate about leaving out the catalogue.
Committee Ordered — A Committee to draw up a preface to the
prefece ^to advice to be sent up to the Parliament ; and so much of
advice. this advice as they shall think fit to be sent to the
Honble House of Commons, and to make report to this
Assembly. Ordered — Mr. Marshall, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney,
to be this Committee.
Alterations The Draught of Government was read, and some altera-
of Govern- tions made by the Committee, and approved by the As-
ment ap- sembly.
proved. A report was made by Mr. Tuckney about the advice
concerning the sacrament.
Ordered — This draught be delivered to the Committee
to perfect it, and make report with all convenient speed. 6.

Committee Mr. Marshall, Dr. Burges, Mr. Vines, Mr. Tuckney,

up "advice Dr. Gouge, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Gataker, Mr. Newcomen,
of Com-6 Mr" Herle' Mn Arrowsmith, Mr. Calamy, to be a Com
mons, mittee to carry up this humble advice to the House of
Commons. A petition from the mayor and others of Salisbury
read. Referred to the Committee for the north.
Sess. 455. — June 17, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Wilson moved the Assembly about the Friday

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 105
thanksgiving in the country in the same week that the Sess. 455.
fast is kept. That the Committee appointed to attend i^4l7'
the House of Commons desire both Houses of Parliament, 
that in regard of the difficulty of having both the days of
fast and thanksgiving duly observed in the country the
next week, that the day of fast may for that week be
turned into a day of thanksgiving.
R. — This debate shall be waved.
The wardens of the stationers informed the Assembly
of a book which they had taken this morning, with the
person divulging of it, containing dangerous expressions
against the Parliament. . . . Debate about it.
Ordered — Dr. Gouge, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Marshall, to
give them thanks, and desire them to take that course
they shall think fit.
Ordered — Catalogue of sins in a minister added unto the
body of government.
Debate about expressing what sins a man should be
deposed for.
The Committee for the methodising of government do
consider what is fit to be done about a catalogue of sins of
a minister, for which he should be deposed. Nothing con
cluded in this.
Upon the motion for the better orderingof the Assemblies, Regula-
Ordered— That the members of the Assembly do not ^°s^°dbe
bring any news books 1 or other books into the Assembly to bersof""
read privately during the sitting of the Assembly,1 — books
or papers to read privately in the Assembly during the
sitting of the Assembly.
Ordered — That the members of the Assembly do for
bear private communication during the sitting of the
Assembly. Ordered — That the members of the Assembly do for
bear ordinary going from one place to another in the
Assembly. Ordered — That in case any member have an occasion to
be out of his place, that then he be uncovered.
1 Both these clauses are meant to be deleted;

106 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 455. The Sheriffs were called in : We are sent as messengers
JUi6457' from the Lord Mayor and our C[ourt] of A[ldermen].
¦ — A day of thanksgiving is set apart on Thursday next,
and that both Houses do intend to meet at Christ Church.
Assembly The Court have invited both Houses to a short dinner,
dinewith and present the like request, ... at a place near unto the
Lord church.
Court of They were called in and told, the Assembly gives them
Aldermen. thanks for this kindness, and they shall accept of it
Sess. 456. — June 20, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Chambers, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Bond, to pray.
Report made from the Committee for the methodising
of government concerning some alterations in the Draught
of Government. It was read.
Lord The Lord Loudon appeared in the Assembly to take
Loudon jjjg leave of them, being to go into Scotland. He sigfnified
takes leave °
of the that there would be a Parliament the 8th of the next
Assembly. moI,j:i1) and therefore desired that the Assembly would
hasten their advice, to, be transmitted to the Parliament,
which would be acceptable news to their Parliament, if
they could but hear that it were out of our hands.
The Prolocutor, in the name and by order of the
Assembly, gave him thanks for his pains for the good of
both kingdoms and the Church, and promised the prayers
of the Assembly for his safe return.
Upon a motion, it was ordered that the Committee that
drew up the last letter for Scotland should draw up a
letter now, to be sent from this Assembly by the Lord
Loudon. The report of the Committee was debated.
Besides those votes in the report, it was resolved,
New pro.- R. — That the new propositions, with Scriptures an-
wUhScrip- nexed, which have not formerly been carried up, shall be
tures an- carried up in a paper by themselves.
nexed,to be car- ~
ried up in ¦ o^sx 457. — June 23, 1645. — Monday morning.
separate paper. Dr. Burges made report of a letter to the Commissioners
Letter to of the General Assembly in Scotland. It was read.
Commis-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I07

R. ^ — Those words be left out, ' and know how to value Sess. 457.
a most faithful, prudent, pious, industrious councillor and 1645. '
patriot' . ,
r sioners of
Ordered — That this letter be sent in the name of this Assembly
Assembly to the Commissioners of the General Assembly jandCde-
in Scotland. bated-
Ordered — That Dr. Burges, Dr. Smith, do go to acquaint
some members of the House of Commons to acquaint the
House of Commons with this letter.
Upon a motion made by Dr. Burges, that in case the
House should be so busy that they could not speak with
Mr. Rouse or Mr. Tate, that then they might have liberty
to go to the bar of the House themselves and deliver this
letter. Ordered — That it be referred to their discretion.
The Assembly proceed in the debate of the votes for
government. Dr. Burges made report that the House is in extraordi
nary business, and therefore they cannot speak with them ;
. . . and he did hint this, that the House did not much
affect to be troubled with our letters ; but Mr. Rouse To be
hath promised to revise it about 2 o'clock in the after- ^vls^d by
1 Mr. Rouse.
noon.

Sess. 458. — June 26, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Salway, Mr. Burges. To pray.
That a Committee 5 of this Assembly do examine Mr.
Theodorick and Mr. Freeman to-morrow morning, and
that their certificate be published in the Assembly upon
Monday morning.
A letter from the ministers of Durham was brought in
and read.
Ordered — This letter be referred to the Committee for
the north, and that the members of this Assembly that
are of that Committee do make report on Monday morning
what they think fit to be done.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the report of Church
the Committee for methodising of government. manT""
resumed.

108 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 459. Sess. 459. — June 30, 1645. — Monday morning, A. Do.
June 30, ,
1645. The Assembly proceed in the debate of the votes of
government put into method.
Mr. Prideaux brought an order from the House of
Commons to set apart Tuesday next to pray for the
forces. R. — 10 churches, — 4 ministers for each church.
Westminster Abbey : Dr. Smith, Mr. Herle, Mr. Mar
shall, Mr. Gibson. Aldermanbury : Mr. Calamy, Mr.
Good, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Hickes, Mr. Burges. Dun-
stan's West : Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Gipps, Mr.
Vines. Christ Church : Mr. Strong, Mr. Strickland, Mr.
Whitakers, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Mew. Michael's Cornhill :
Mr. Coleman, Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Carter, jun., Mr.
Prophet, Mr. Burroughs. Blackfriars : Dr. Gouge, Mr.
Connant, (Mr. Foxcraft), Mr. Walker. Aldgate : Mr.
Valentine, Mr. Scudder, Mr. Ford, Mr. Ash. Olave's
Southwarke : Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Foxcraft,
Mr. Tisdale. Dunstan's East : Mr. Wilkinson, jun., Mr.
Young, Mr. Harris, Mr. Carter, sen.
Sess. 460. — July 2, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
R. — That Mr. Freeman shall not have his certificate at
this present.
[For] Mr. Freeman, Mr. Ley, Mr. Delamarch, Mr. May-
nard, Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Langley, Mr. Salway.
A letter from Hall about Mr. Best.
Mr. Herle, Dr. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Coleman, Mr.
Rayner, Mr. Bathurst, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Langley, Mr.
Delamarch, Dr. Hoyle, Mr. Foxcraft, Mr. Young,— a
Committee to attend the Committee of plundered mi
nisters.
Debate as Debate about the word perpetual added to the deacon's
t0P^r" , office.
petuity of
deacon's The Committee for the perfecting of the Draught of
Government is to meet presently and hasten the perfecting
of the body of government, and make report to-morrow
morning.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. IO9
Sess. 461. — July 3, 1645. — Thursday morning. Sess. 461.
Report made from the Committee of the Draught for 1645^'
Government. It was read and debated, and upon some ^ 7 r
' r Draught of
alterations, voted to be sent up. Govern
ment voted
Sess. 462. — July 4, 1645. — Friday morning. ° e
An alteration in the number of the delegates from the
province, brought in by the Committee of the Assembly,
was read and debated.
Dr. Temple, Mr. Ash, Mr. Newcomen. To pray.
Ordered — A Committee to carry up the humble advice
of this Assembly to both Houses of Parliament on Mon
day morning, — Mr. Marshall, Dr. Temple, Dr. Gouge, Mr.
Hodges, Mr. Ash, Dr. Smith.
Debate about the Confession of Faith.
That the sub-Committee for the Confession of Faith Committee
shall make report to the Assembly on Monday morning ^*'
of what is in their hands concerning God and concerning make re-
the Scriptures. Monday.
Sess. 463. — July 7, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mr. Marshall informed the Assembly that they had Draught of
delivered it to the House of Commons,1 etc. Govern
ment
1 ' The House being informed that some of the Assembly of Divines were delivered.
at the door,
' They were called in, and Mr. Marshall acquainted the House, That
whereas the House had been pleased, at several times, to order the Assembly
of Divines to send to them such propositions as they had finished ; which they
had done ; that there are some more which needed some proofs out of Scrip
ture, and had been under debate with them and were now finished : They
had cast their votes into a model and method ; and now the House may see all
before them. They have left out the proofs, both of Scripture and reason,
having sent them in with their former votes ; but if the House please to com
mand the Assembly to give in the proofs, they are ready to do it. Some of
these votes are plainly held out by Scripture ; others have reasons agreeable to
Scripture, and have been alleged : And such as have the light of nature are
received and practised in all Reformed Churches. This work, though it
appears short, yet hath spent much time, by reason of dissenting judgments ;
that, if possible, they might be satisfied. To this short paper of additional
votes they have given in the proofs out of Scripture ; and if those proofs, at
the first reading, be not convictive, in regard that God hath not laid down the
points of Church discipline in such clear texts ; they desire they may not be
laid aside, but that the House will command them to give in the proofs at
large.' — Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 199.

I IO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 463. Dr. Temple made report of that part of the Confession
Ji64S7, of Faith touching the Scriptures. It was read, debated.
 ' Mr. Knightly informed the Assembly that they were
Temple commanded to desire the Assembly to appoint some of
reports their own number, or others, to bestow their pains amongst
Confession the prisoners in the several prisons where they are now
ofFaith. bestowed.
concerning ¦-"— "-""^ _
the Scrip- 7, or any 3 of them, to be a Committee, — Mr. White,
tures. Dr_ BurgeS; Dr_ Qouge, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Marshall,
Mr. Rayner, Mr. Coleman, to meet to-morrow in the
afternoon. Ordered — To proceed in debate.
Sess. 464. — July 8, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Carter to pray with the Committee of both king
doms in the room of Mr. Newcomen.
Dr. Gouge made report from the Committee for the
north of their answer to the letter of the northern mini
sters. It was read. This to be referred to the Committee
of the north that are members of this Assembly, to draw
up what they think fit to present to the Parliament.
Ordered — Mr. Carrill, Mr. Corbet, to be added to the
Committee. Dr. Gouge made report from the morning Committee of
an alteration in the report concerning their places (?).
Mr. Herle, Mr. Newcomen,
Reynolds, That Mr. Reynolds A be desired to take care of the
have ° wording of the Confession of Faith, as it is voted in the
charge of Assembly from time to time, and to report to the As-
wording of 1,1 1 , . . - , ,,
Confes- sembly when they think fit there should be any alteration
tcnreOTt *n ^ words. They are first to consult with the Corn-
to Assem- missioners from the Church of Scotland, or one of them,
alterTtfons Defore they report to the Assembly.
needed. A Committee to consider of the causes of the seldom .
and late coming of the members of this Assembly, and
going away before the adjourning of the Assembly, and
the way how it may be redressed, to meet to-morrow in
the afternoon, and to make report with all convenient
speed,— Dr. Gouge, Mr. Herle, Mr. Ny, Dr. Smith, Dr.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I I I
Burges, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sed[g]wicke, Dr. Sess. 464.
Temple, Mr. White, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Guibon, Mr. Chambers, J?64l'
Mr. Cawdrey, Mr. Ash. 
Ordered to proceed in the debate.
Sess. 465. — July 9, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Report from the Committee of the Assembly. It was
read and voted.
Proceeded in the debate.
Dr. Burges moved from the Earl of Essex about Mr.
Freeman excepted against by the Assembly.
Ordered — That Mr. Freeman be examined again to
morrow morning.
That the
Sess. 466.— July 10, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Report made from the Committee for redress of seldom
coming, etc. It was read and debated. A part first
reported, and then report made of the names of those
members of the Assembly that fail of their duty in pre
sence, etc. Sess. 467. — July 11. — Friday morning.
Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Guibon. To pray.
Debate about the rules to be sent up.
Ordered — The Committee appointed to consider of the
seldom and late coming of the members of the Assembly,
and how it may be redressed, — to consider of the rules
formerly voted for sitting by 9 o'clock in the morning,
and for diligent attending of Committees and regulating
the Assembly, — and to make report to the Assembly
which of them are fit to be presented to both Houses of
Parliament to be confirmed. They are to meet in the
afternoon, ... at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Debate about the Scriptures where we left ; about the Debate
knowledge of the divine authority of the Scripture. Scriptures
A motion about a book that maintains God to be the resumed.
author of sin.

1 1 2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 467. Ordered — Dr. Gouge, Mr. Gataker, Mr. Walker, Mr.
164V' White, Mr. Byfield, shall carry this information concerning
 those passages in the book complained of to both Houses
of Parliament, and desire the suppressing of this book, all
seized upon, and burning all the copies ; the printer and
licencer questioned.
Thelrady Ordered — Monday morning to divide the body of the
fession to " Confession of Faith to the three Committees.
be dis-
the'thr'1 '° Sess. 468. — July 14, 1645. — Monday morning.
Commit- f)r Gouge made report that they had been with the
House of Lords, and acquainted with the position. They
gave thanks to the Assembly for their care in observing
such matters as might disturb the Church. The printer
is to be sent for, the books to be burned by the public
hangman, the Assembly to declare the[ir] de[te]station of
that opinion. . . . We were this day with the House of
Commons. They, hearing the author was dead, and a
man of good note, they would inquire who should put in
such positions. A Committee to inquire after that. .
They concurred in the damning of the book, . . . burnt by
the public hangman in Westminster, in Paul's Church
yard, in Cheapside, Paul's Exchange, with the sheriffs 
Desired some of our members to write about the position,
and . . . the House did account it a very acceptable
service. Mr. Marshall made report.

Ordered— Mr. Reynolds be added to the Committee for
the book complained ; the Committee to take into con
sideration what is required by the Lords and Commons. x
Mr. Marshall made report from the Committee for con
sidering of seldom and late coming, etc. It was read.
Vote about sending up names to the Parliament.
Mr. Woodcocke enters his dissent.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Calamy,
Dr. Burges, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Calamy, so
many of the Assembly as are willing to join in a petition
to the Parliament for a supply of the rest of the members
of the Assembly that want.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 1 3
Mr. Simpson saith that he hath occasion for his health Sess. 468.
to be absent for two or three days. Jul£ 14'
Debate about dividing of heads of confession.
R. — The Committee for the Confession of Faith shall Heads of
meet this afternoon to draw up some heads of the Confes- ^be^re"
sion, to be presented to-morrow morning. pared.
Debate about the Scriptures where we left. Debate
Debate about the proposition ordered concerning the a,bo.ut the
... . Scriptures
necessity of inward illumination for understanding, etc. resumed.
Mr. Goodwin desired to be excused for his absence.
Sess. 469. — July 15, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Bond, excuseth his absence, be[cause] of a journey
to the waters for his health.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of an addition Debate
about the necessity of the inward illumination of the Spirit Pnroceeded
for the understanding of such things as are revealed.
R. — The word 'saving' be added.1
To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 470. — July 16, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Freeman being passed the Assembly upon a further
examination of him, it was ordered that Dr. Burges should
present this certificate to the Earl of Essex, who had
formerly moved in behalf of him.
Report made from the Committee of the heads of Con- Report of
fession read. *ethheeads
Dr. Gouge read the order of the House of Commons, Confession
concerning the burning of the book complained of. The
order is as followeth : —
Ordered — A declaration to be drawn up in detestation of
the book complained of, by the Committee that carried up
the complaint concerning it. . . . This declaration to be
presented to House of Commons, with desire that it may
be printed, and the same printed declaration published by
some public officer at the time of the burning of the book.
That the Honble Hou^e of Commons sha^ be humbly
desired to Excuse the members of the Assembly from their
presence at ,the time of the bu\ning of the said b\>ok,
1 'For the saving understanding,' etc., Confession of Faith, chap. I. sec. 71.
H

114 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 470. The Committee is to meet this afternoon, and to bring
1645.' in the detestation to-morrow morning.
:  Mr. Marshall informed that he was commanded to go
into Scotland, and moved that he might carry a letter to
the Commissioners of the General Assembly.
Ordered — Dr. Burges, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Newcomen,
draw up a short letter to the Commissioners of the General
Assembly in Scotland, to be sent from this Assembly by
Mr. Marshall.
Heads of Ordered — The first Committee to prepare the Confession
distributed of Faith upon these heads: God and the Holy Trinity;
to several God's decrees, Predestination, Election, etc. ; the works of
tees_ Creation and Providence ; Man's Fall.
Ordered — The second Committee : Sin, and the punish
ment thereof ; Free-will ; the Covenant of Grace ; Christ
our Mediator.
Ordered— The third Committee : Effectual Vocation ;
Justification ; Adoption ; Sanctification.
Ordered — Those three Committees to meet to-morrow
in the afternoon.
Ordered— !i they think fit to leave out any of those
heads, or add any other, they are to make report to the
Assembly.
Debate The Assembly proceeded in the debate concernine the
_?__?? Scriptures.
tures re-
sumed. Sess. 471. — July 17, 1645. — Thursday morning.
An order from the Committee of plundered ministers
concerning Paul Best.
Ordered— That the Committee appointed to attend the
Committee about the said Paul Best, do confer with him
according to this order.
Report of a letter to the Commissioners of the General
Assembly of Scotland read. Ordered to be sent.
Report of the declaration at the burning of the book
complained of.
abo'ufiite- proceed in the debate about ' literal sense.'
ral sense
of Scrip- Sess. 472.— July 18, 164$.— Friday morning.
To pray. Mr- Greenhill, Mr. Perne, Mr. Wilkinson, jun.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I I 5
Proceed in the debate of the Scriptures. Sess. 472.
Report concerning God, by Dr. Temple, read and de- ^L!8'
bated. 
Report
Sess. 473. — July 23. — Wednesday morning. GocTread8
A letter from Dr. Wincop to the scribe was read. bated.6
Ordered — The Committee for the Catechism to meet in
the afternoon, and to prepare something to be reported to
the Assembly on Monday morning.
Proceed in debate about the propositions concerning God. Debate
Report made from the Committee of the article of the ^0^'
Trinity. concerning Trinity.
Sess. 474.

Sess. 475. — July 25, 1645. — Friday morning.
Upon motion that some members of the Assembly should
be appointed to attend the burning of the book. It was
debated. R. — Four to be present at the burning of the book at
each place.
R. — These twelve or1 the number (?) to be present — Dr.
Gouge, Mr. Coleman, MF. Walker, Mr. Foxcraft, Mr.

Burges, Mr. Greenhill, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Corbet,| Mr. Ny,
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Case.
R. — These eight added : Mr. Calamy, Mr. Newcomen,
Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Carter of London, Mr.
Burroughs, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Cawdry.
At Westminster — Mr. Case, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Gibson,
Mr. Ny.
In Smithfield — Dr. Gouge, Mr. Carter, Mr. Foxcraft,
Mr. Spurstow.
In Paul's Churchyard — Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Calamy, Mr.
Burroughs, Mr. Reynolds.
In Cheapside — Mr. Walker, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Burges,
Mr. Delmy.
At Exchange — Mr. Coleman, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Green-
hill, Mr. Seaman.
1 Perhaps 'ar,' for are.

1 1 6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 475. The scribes of the Assembly shall send in the name of
JUi64S5' this Assembly to those members that are absent to attend
 this House.
Ordered— Dr. Burges, Mr. Herle, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Vines,
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Ny, Dr. Smith, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Bridge,
Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Spurstow, to draw up a pet[it]ion and
a narrative to be presented to both Houses of Parliament,
for the better settling of a constant supply of the members
of the Assembly — To meet this afternoon.
Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Harris, to pray.
Ordered — Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Chambers,
Mr. Rayner, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Ward, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Burges,
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Delaplace, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Byfield,
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Delamarch, they or any 5
[sic.] of them to be a Committee to prepare a pet[it]ion, R. and
a narrative to be presented to both Houses for the hasting
of business of the sacraments.
R. ~ neg. — To adjourn till Monday, 3 o'clock.
Upon a motion be[cause] the Assembly could not meet
on Monday, in case so many must attend the service at the
burning of the book.
Ordered— Mr. Walker, Dr. Gguge, Dr. Smith, Mr. Fox
craft, Mr. Corbet, to be present in London in the several
places at the burning of the said book, instead of all those
.before appointed.
Sess. 476. — July 28, 1645. — Monday morning.
A petition to the House reported — debated and ordered.
Assembly R. — This petition be transcribed and sent up to both
both'01 Houses of Parliament in the name of this Assembly.1
Houses. Sess. 477.— July 31, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Dr. Smith, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Corbet, be
added to the Committee for the North.
Ordered — That the ministers approved of by the said
Committee or the Committee of the Assembly, to be sent
1 The petition was ' in pursuance of their humble advice concerning per
sons not to be admitted to the sacrament' —Journals of House of Commons,
-vol. iv. p. 226.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES, I I 7
down into the North shall be reported to the Assembly Sess. 477.
before they receive any certificate from that Committee. 1045!'
Report from the Committee for the petition to the 
Parliament] about the hasting the business of the sacra
ment read.
Debated and ordered.
That Mr. Coleman hath not given a negative to any
vote in this Assembly this day, but only to that of Erastus
his learning.
R. — not to be carried up by the whole Assembly.
Ordered — This to be carried up by the Committee that
drew it up, and delivered by Mr. Newcomen.
Upon a complaint about a sermon preached by a member Coleman's
of this Assembly against the vote of the Assembly . . . sermon.
Sess. 478. — August 1, 1645.: — Friday morning.
Mr. Ward, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Corbet. To pray.
Upon debate about Mr. Coleman: . . . That the House Debate
would enable us, or require him,, to give an account of the ae™on
notes he preached. preached
R. — That something shall be delivered to the House of myan before
Commons by way of message in writing concerning Mr. House of
Coleman's sermon.
Ordered — Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Herle to draw it up.
Mr. Palmer made report of the Catechism. Debated.
Another report brought in concerning Mr Coleman's
sermon. R. — Report shall be made. It was made by Mr.
Reynolds, and debated.
Ordered — That Mr. Giles have a certificate.
It was moved that Mr. Coleman might be heard to speak
if he would voluntarily recant.
For much of what is reported, I deny .... What I have Coleman
acknowledged it is my judgment. I am sorry I have given eg^reetSSana
offence, both to this Assembly and the Commissioners of promises
the Church of Scotland. . . . And for the printing of the print ms
sermon, I shall not do it. sermon.

I 1 8 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 479. Sess. 479.— August 4, 1645.— Monday morning.
^645!' Mr. Coleman— Either to release me of my promise or
Desire! to take order for the occasion (?) ... I protest it to be uncon-
withdraw sidered, and null, and void.
intse™" The Assembly called to the work of the day.
Debate Debate upon the Catechism.
Catechism Debate about the creed to be expressed.
Mr. Newcomen gave an account of the delivery of the
petition to both Houses. ... To the House of Commons
on Friday. . . . Told that they had read our paper, and it
was the business they had been about all this morning, and
they would proceed with all the speed they could. To the
House of Lords this morning . . . Told they had caused our
petition to be read, and would take it into consideration.
Sess. 480. — August 5, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered—Mr. Whitakers and Mr. Burges to visit Mr.
Gataker, in the name of this Assembly, this afternoon.
Debate Debate about the Catechism concerning God.
Catechism Ordered— An addition to the Committee for Best : Mr.
concerning Ward, Mr. Wilkinson, jun., Mr. Chambers, Mr. Whitakers,
God' Mr. Carrill, Dr. Temple, Mr. Harris, Mr. Guibon, Mr.
Lightfoot, Mr. Price, to meet this afternoon.
Sess. 481. — August 6, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Upon an order from the Broad Seal concerning approv
ing of Mr. Kirby for the having of the Rectory of Hope
All Saints . . . He hath another living, and the Assembly
is desired to signify their opinion whether he be fit for
both. Ordered — This return to be made, ' The Assembly can
not approve of any man's having two places till they be
united by authority.'
Upon a motion made by Mr. Vines, to consider of some
thing to move the Houses for the preserving of the sacra
ments pure, be[cause] the ordinance is drawing up only
for seven sins,
R. — A Committee to consider what is fit further to be
done by this Assembly, to discharge their duties and con-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 119
sciences in the business of the sacrament for the preserving Puss. 4S1
of it pure. ' A;|456'
Mr. Lightfoot enters his dissent. —
R. — 6. Ordered that four more be added.

Ordered— Mr. Reynolds, |Mr. HerleJ Mr. Whitakers, Mr.

Seaman, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Vines, Mr Palmer, |Mr. Ny,| Dr.
Temple, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Ward, to meet
this afternoon.
The Commissioners of Scotland desired to be present.
Mr. Calamy desired leave to be absent this afternoon
and a fortnight.
Dr. Temple moves leave to be absent for four or five days.
Sess. 482. — August 7, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Kirby to have a certificate that the Assembly
Assembly doth not approve of pluralities, yet in case they approve 0f
be united by authority he may be admitted. pluralities.
Ordered — That the Chairman of the Committee for
plundered ministers be desired that, inasmuch as Mr.
Michell doth not appear to be examined according to their
order, though he was yesterday appointed by the Assembly
to attend this morning, that he may not gather in the
profits of this year.
Instructions for Mr. Bewicke were read.
Ordered — The members of this Assembly that are of the
Northern Committee shall take these into consideration, to
meet to-morrow in the afternoon.
Mr. Bewicke was called in and thanked for his care, and
desired to be present with this Committee.
Report of the Committee for a petition to the Houses
of Parliament about the sacrament.
Read and debated, and voted to be sent up.
Sess. 483. — August 8, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Byfield, Mr. Ford, Mr. Bridge. To pray.
Upon a motion by Mr. Ward,
Mr. Lee, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Reynolds, Mr.
Tuckney, Mr. Delmy, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Bathurst, Mr. Caw
dry, Mr. Herle, Mr. Byfield, a Committee to hear the

120 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 483. differences betwixt Alborough and Waxfield,1 according to
A,uf458, the order of the Committee of plundered ministers.
 Rm ?£ _ A Committee to carry up this petition to both
Houses of Parliament.
R.— Mr. Assessor White shall present this to both
Houses of Parliament.
Dr. Gouge, Mr. Ley, Mr. Vines, Mr. Newcomen, Mr.
Herle, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Rayner,
Mr. Sed[g]wicke, Mr. Walker, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Ward, Mr.
Carter, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Gower, Mr. Price,
Mr. Strickland, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Bond, Mr. Perne, Mr.
Maynard, Mr. Wilkinsons, both, Mr. Delmy, Dr. Stanton.
R. neg_ — The number of 20 and no more shall not be
put to the question.
R. — The number named shall stand.
The Assembly adjourned till the return of those that
went up to present the petition. They . . .
The Assembly met again, and Mr. Assessor White in
formed the Assembly that they had delivered the petition,
and received this answer, that they had read the petition,
and had considered of the desires of it, and would take it
into further consideration.
Mr. Rouse informed the Assembly, ' There is a sub-
Committee appointed, and they desire the advice of such
members of the Assembly as you shall think fit. They
do meet on Monday in the afternoon.' This Committee is
to be named on Monday morning.
Sess. 484. — August 11, 1645.
An order about the Committee of the Assembly to attend
the sub-Committee of the House of Commons was read.
The Committee to be 12 ; 7 more to be added.
R. — Mr. Palmer, Mr. Vines, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Burges,
Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Herle, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Whitakers,
Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Tuckney, Dr. Burges, Mr. Reynolds,
Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Sed[g]wicke, Mr. Ward, Mr. Cawdry,
Mr. Byfield, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Delaplace, Mr. Delamarch.
Ordered — The Committee are to move the sub-Com-
1 Whattisfield or Watchfield in Suffolk.— T.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 2 I
mittee that the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland Sess. 484.
may be by them desired to be assistant to this Committee ^f,}1'
of the Assembly in this business. - —
Ordered— Mr. Ny, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Philips, Mr. Sterry,
be added to this Committee.
Ordered — This Committee is to advise and debate with
the sub-Committee of the House of Commons concerning
a course to be settled touching suspension from the sacra
ment of the Lord's Supper.
Ordered — This Committee is not to present any list Instruc-
of scandalous sins till they have further order from the commh-
Assembly, nor in the debate and advice to reced[e] from tee-
the sense of the Assembly declared in their votes, and in
those petitions presented formerly by the Assembly to
the Honble Houses, till the Assembly be acquainted .there
with. Ordered — Nor to conclude anything de novo till the
Assembly be acquainted with it.
Ordered — The Committee are to apply themselves espe
cially to those two particulars in their advice and debate :
(1.) The jus divinum of a power in Church officers to keep
scandalous persons from the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper ; (2.) The impossibility, by any enumeration of
sins, to make a catalogue so sufficient as to preserve the .
sacraments pure.
Ordered — Mr. Reynolds. This Committee is to prepare
a character of scandalous sins, and to report it to the
Assembly with all convenient speed.
Sess. 485. — August 12, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That no testimonials be accepted by the As
sembly for any minister to be examined for any sequestra
tion or rectory, except it be signed by the hands of those
ministers themselves who do attest them, and the originals
to remain in the Assembly.
An order for Mr. Duty admitted to the Assembly. He
appeared and took the protestation.
An order was read from the sub-Committee of the Orderfrom
House of Commons as followeth : Ordered by this Com- ^t^of

122 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 485. mittee that the divines be desired to advise what notorious
A"|- I2' and scandalous sins besides those that are already voted
 ' by the Houses, and how such persons as are guilty of them
Commol. shall be suspended from the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper, and touching a course to be settled for suspension
from the said sacrament.
This was debated.
Res. — An enumeration of some particular sins shall be
added by way of instance.
Ordered — The whole business recommitted.
Sess. 486. — August 13, 1645.- — Wednesday morning.
The business of Alborough to be taken into debate to
morrow morning.
About the Parliament. . . .
r± _?. — This distribution shall stand.
Ordered — That the members that shall receive any
money shall pay 2d. in the pound to the scribe for the
charges.
Report Report made from the Committee about the answer to
£S_T7- the Committee read.
Assembly The reporter was called upon to read another paper in
to Com" answer to the second (?) part of the order of the Com
mittee of mittee.
House of ,,,, ,— • r
Commons. R. — This advice shall be sent up to the Committee of
Report the House of Commons.
adopted. That the committee that preSents it desire liberty to
ad 
[sic] Sess. 487. — August 14, 1645, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Debate about the case of the inhabitants of Alborough
and Wattilsfield, which of those places Mr. Ray shall be
settled in.
Transla- R. — This answer shall be returned to the order of the
R°ay0fMr' Committee of plundered .ministers : That this Assembly
refused. having heard the cause betwixt the inhabitants of Al
borough and Watisfield, and considered the allegations on
both sides, do conceive that, all circumstances considered,
(it is most fit the said Mr. Ray should continue in Watis-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 23
field 1), (there is not any sufficient reason1), it is not fit that Sess. 487.
Mr. Ray should remove from Watisfield to Alborough. Aufp I4,
Upon complaint of disorderly meeting, discountenanc
ing of ministers in their public ministry, a revolting to
Anabaptism, and yet remaining in their public ministry,
Ordered — A Committee to consider of all complaints of
this kind, either received or that shall be brought in after
wards, and to make report to the Assembly what they
think fit to be done in it.
Ordered — 12. — Mr. Valentine, Dr. Smith, Mr. Bathurst,
Mr. Simpson, Mr. Rayner, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Wilson, Mr.
Harris, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Ford, Mr. Bridge,
to meet on Friday in the afternoon.
The Assembly debated a further answer to the Com- Debate of
mittee of the House of Commons concerning the business ™rther
*"• answer to
of the sacrament. Committee
Ordered— Mr. Connant, Mr. Bathurst, Mr. Wilson, Mr. $ ]?™e
Guibon, Mr. Gower, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Prophet, Dr. Stanton, mons-
be added to the Committee for the sacrament.
Mr. Taylor, Dr. Hoyle.
Sess. 488. — August 15, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Phillips, Mr. Pickering, Mr. Scudder. To pray.
An order from the Committee of Examinations to make
a return upon the preface (?) of Bibles.
Ordered — That report already voted for printing be
presented, and the Committee of the Assembly have
power to present to the Assembly what they have further
to inform concerning the corrupt printing of Bibles.
Dr. Gouge moved about some young men fit for the Question
ministry, but scruple ordination . . . whether they may, as whether
expectants, employ their talents for a time. may be
This was debated and respited. tTpreach
A letter was read from Mr. Michaelthwaite. for a time.
Ordered — The scribe be 2 [? to write] to Mr.
Michaelthwaite, to let him know that the summons was
not intended to do him any prejudice.
1 Meant to be erased. 2 A blot in MS.

124 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
sess. 488. R.— Mr. Seaman, Mr. Ny, Mr. Hodges, shall consider
A?f4515' and make report how this £200 shall be distributed.
 Mr. Seaman made report about money.
distributee! -S-— This distribution brought in by the Committee shall
among stand with those alterations.
ofTs1!"3 Ordered— -This Committee and the former Committee
sembly. to brmg in a further report of the equality for the future.
Those members of the Assembly that do receive any
thing upon ticket as members of the Assembly . . .
Mr. Street be approved of.
Sess. 489.— August 18, 1645. — Monday morning.
Report of Report from Mr. Palmer of Rules about suspension from
suspension the sacrament . . . Debated and ordered.
from sacra- Report made by Dr. Burges of the examples and in-
bated and stances of the discipline of other churches, read.
ordered. Ordered— That this be also presented.
Sess. 490. — August 19, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Upon a debate about a testimonial,
R. — This testimony shall be allowed of.
Debate about the Catechism.
Sess. 491. — August 20, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Foxcroft, Dr. Temple, Mr. Hill, Mr.
Hodges, Mr. Woodcock, to visit Mr. Wilkinson.
Ordered. — The scribe to send him £10 upon account.
Upon a debate about Mr. Neale,
Ordered — Mr. Neale bring a hand one or two of some
ministers known to this Assembly, of his convers[at]ion
for these two last years.
For Mr. Beech,
R. — That Mr. Beech shall have a certificate.
Upon a motion about the printing of the directions
about church government,
A Committee of 6 : Mr. Whitakers, Dr. Temple, Mr.
Vines, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Palmer, to be a
Committee to draw up a petition to both Houses about
the printing of this book intituled, Directions of the Lords

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 2 5
and Commons.1 To meet this afternoon and make report Sess. 491.
on Monday morning. A"64S2°'
Debate about the Catechism ... A Committee of 3. 
R. — Mr. Palmer, Dr. Stanton,2 Mr. Young, to draw up Whole
the whole draught of the Catechism with all convenient CatechLn
speed, and make report to this Assembly. t0 be Pre-
Ordered — The Committees for the Confession of Faith do _,
. •««¦ 1 • Committee
meet this afternoon, and make report on Monday morning, on Con
fession to
Sess. 492. — August 25, 1645. — Monday morning. farther
Ordered — Dr. Wingham have a certificate from this As- repm '
sembly without examination.
Dr. Temple made report from the Committee about a
petition to the Parliament about the directions for settling
presbyterial government The petition was read and de
bated. Ordered — This be recommitted.
Sir Robert Harley and Mr. Tate brought a message and
order from the House of Commons about one to pray next
Wednesday in reference to Scotland.
Sess. 493. — August 28, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Neale brought . . .
R. £ neg. — That this additional testimonial shall suffice
to giving a certificate upon from this Assembly.
R. neg. — That Mr. Morris' certificate shall not be accepted.
R. — That Mr. Thompson shall have the certificate of this
Assembly not appearing to be examined.
R. — To resume the debate of the business concerning
the printing of the late directions.
Ordered — The 3 Committees do meet 2 days in every
week — Monday and Wednesday ; and Thursday in the
1 ' Directions of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, after ad
vice had with the Assembly of Divines for the electing and choosing of Ruling
Elders in all the congregations, and in the classical assemblies for the cities of
London and Westminster, and the several counties of the kingdom.' It was
ordered to be printed on 19th Aug. 1645.
2 Dr. Stanton's name is erased, but it appears later that he was retained on
the Committee. The names of Messrs. Guibon, Reynolds, Delmy, Young,
and Cawdry are also erased. — T.

126 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 493. fast week if there be need. R. — And the number of the
"I45. ' Committee to be 8 at the least.
R. — These Committees are to meet presently.
Sess. 494. — August 29, 1645. — Friday morning.
To pray. Mr. Palmer, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Rayner.
Order Ordered — That no man be examined by the Committee
minations °^ tne Assembly but those whose orders and testimonials
have first been published in the Assembly.
Ordered — That Dr. Gouge be desired to acquaint the
Chairman of the Committee of plundered ministers of the
proceedings of the Assembly in Mr. Morris his business ;
and Mr. Richard Byfield, Mr. Ford, Mr. Duty, took the
covenant of the three kingdoms and subscribed their names.
Report Report from the first Committee concerning God's decrees.
anTsicond Report made by the second Committee of. Christ the
Commit- Mediator.
cerning " Ordered — Mr. Appollonius1 shall be desired at some time
articles of convenient when the Prolocutor shall be present, to come
Confes- 1 a 1 1
sion. to the Assembly to receive public thanks in the name of
the Assembly by the Prolocutor.
Ordered — Dr. Hoyle, Dr. Smith, and Mr. Dury to give
him notice of this.
Debate on Debate on the report of the first Committee of God's
report con- ,
cerning Qecree.
God's Debate upon the title.
decree. Debate about the word ' counsel,' about those words
• most holy wise,' and about those words ' his own.'
Debate about that word ' time,' about the word ' should.'
Debate about the transposing.
Ordered— Mr. Ward, Mr. Young, to desire Sir Robert
Harley and Mr. Tate, that a day may be appointed for a
fast for Scotland.
Ordered— To proceed in debate where we left.
Sess. 495. — Sept. 2, 1645.— Monday morning.
Upon another testimonial brought in concerning Mr.
Neale — it was debated, 1 As to Apollonius, see Appendix.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 2 J
This certificate shall be given to the Commissioners of Sess. 495.
the Great Seal concerning Mr. Neale, ' That he is well ^g1.,2'
approved of for his sufficiency and ministerial abilities, but 
for his convers[at]ion, it hath been such as formerly hath
he professeth a resolution
given offence, yet at present some hope is conceived f"v-]
of reformation
of his A but this we humbly leave to the wisdom of the
Honble Commissioners.'
R. — That Mr. Neale shall not have his certificate for the
present. Proceed in the debate of the report of decrees. Debate of
Debate of Christ the Mediator. de"ee/'and of
Christ the
Mediator.
Sess. 496. — Sept. 3, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered— That the Prolocutor have £10 paid unto him ^10 to be
upon account. g£}0*.
Ordered — Dr. Smith and Mr. Waller do visit the Pro- tor.
locutor in the name of the Assembly, and deliver the ten
pounds unto him upon account.
Report from the first Committee about adding the word Debate on
'absolutely '-debated. ^,.
not being moved thereunto by any
Absolutely without any foresight of anything without [sic.]
himself as a condition moving him thereunto.
Ordered — This recommitted.
Debate about the 2d Committee's report of Christ the Debate on
Mediator. . . Debate about ' a ' and ' the,' ' the prophet' . . . m^J^*6
Debate about giving [from] all eternity. resumed.
Mr. Seaman — What is this to our purpose, how they in
terpret this Scripture ... Is it his opinion that there is no
giving to Christ from eternity.
Mr. Woodcock — I think that those places do not enforce
it, but they may relate to that first promise.
Dr. Hoyle — The words answer it. . . . Whatsoever was
before beginning was everlasting.
Mr. Bridge — If he be of that mind, that they were not y
given from all eternity, let him
Mr. Woodcock — If by giving you mean decreeing, I

128

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 496.
Sept. 3,
1645.

Debate of
Christ the
Mediator.

Henderson
on the
order of
justifica tion and
sanctification,

think they are decreed ; but I think giving is not meant of
the decree.
Mr. Price — Though we are not elected for Christ, yet in
Christ. Debate about the words ' to be his seed.'
Debate about expressing sanctification.
Mr. Seaman—The using of the word will not conduce
anything to the times. The use of it to that end will be
in the head of sanctification.
Dr. Burges — So you will have a head of vocation and
justification, etc.
Dr. Hoyle — 2 Thess. ii. : He hath chosen you through
sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
Mr. Seaman — The word sanctified is an ambiguous
word. Mr. Henderson — I think the sanctification in nature is
posterior to justification. . . . Some say sanctification is
before faith ; I think it is always after faith and justifica
tion. Mr. Whitakers

To pray.
Debatecontinued.

' Blessed '
not to be
retainedbefore ' Virgin. '
Dr. Bur
gess dis
sents,

Sess. 497. — Sept. 4, 1645.
Mr. Bridge, Dr. Hoyle, Dr. Gouge.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate about Christ the
Mediator. Debate about the adding of those words 'in
time.' Debate about that 'sin only excepted.'
Debate about calling the Virgin ' Blessed Virgin.'
R. — Blessed shall not stand. Dr. Burges enters his
dissent. Sess. 498. — Sept. 8, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Ward and Mr. Whitakers to visit Mr.
Young in the name of the Assembly.
Upon a motion about Mr. Appollonius, his entertainment
in the Assembly.
Ordered— That he be entertained in the Assembly upon
Wednesday by Dr. Burges, and notice be given unto him
to come upon Wednesday morning.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 29
Ordered — That Mr. Delmy do give him notice of it, and Sess. 498.
desire him to be present about eleven of the clock on Wed- S?$\ 8'
nesday next. 
Dr. Gouge offered a report of an addition, though the Suggested
Committee was not a full number, but 7. He read it ; addl,tl0n t0
' ' ' head of
but the Assembly thought not fit to meddle with it, be- God's
cause they were not a Committee. The addition was, ecree'
without respect to anything foreseen, to be added after
freely and unchangeably.
The number of the quorum of the 3 Committee[s] shall
be reduced to 7.
R. -. — The number of each Committee shall be lessened
13
for the quorum.
R. — . — The chairman of each Committee shall name
9
who were present at the said Committee when he makes
his report.
R. I* — Not 7 of the quorum.
R. ?|. — 6 of the quorum. Prolocutor casts it affirmative.
Proceed in the debate of Christ the Mediator. Debate Debate of
about ' one person.' Mr. Reynolds made report addi- ^dktor6
tional of Christ the Mediator. resumed.
Ordered — That the Committees are to meet by 2 of the
clock ; and in case they do not come by 3, the company
to dissolve, and to make report of the names of those that
were present.
Ordered — Proceed in the debate.
Sess. 499. — Sept. 9, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Mr. Daniel Dike shall have his testimonial.
Report made by the first Committee — additional con- Additional
cerning God's decree. concerning
Dr. Stanton made report additional of Christ the Medi- God's _______ _._t(_
ator. Mr. Prophet made report of Effectual Calling. Christ the
Debate upon the report yesterday brought in additional Mediator.
to Christ the Mediator. f^f
Debate about the anointing with the Holy Spirit, and calling.
about the word ' sanctified.' I

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 499.
Sept. 9,
1645.
Debate concerningChrist the
Mediator
resumed.

Further
debate aboutGod's
decree.

To pray.

Mr. Lightfoot enters his dissent to that of Christ's ' suf
fering grievous torments in soul.'
Debate the report of the decree.
Sess. 501. — Sept. 11, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Ley, Dr. Stanton, be desired to move the
Committee of Plundered Ministers that Mr. Prophet may
have the sequestration of Abinger, in Surrey.
Mr. Harris made report concerning Mr. Neale and Mr.
Maris, that both those persons did concur in this : they did
make confession of their offences past, professing sorrow
therefore, and did promise amendment for the future.
Mr. Neale did mingle his confessions with some tears,
and did desire to be employed as a probationer for proof.
They further add that for themselves they have not as yet
received so full satisfaction in the premises as they do
desire, but submit all to the grave and mature judgment
of the reverend Assembly.
Ordered — This answer to be given to Mr. Neale and Mr.
Marris. Though they have passed many trials, that they
have not given that satisfaction that may amount unto the
credence of a certificate.
Report from the 2d Committee about Christ the Media
tor, — the conclusion of that report.
Report from the morning Committee that they think
the former vote of the Assembly sufficient to print ? the
conditional decree.
Further report from the ist Committee additional.
Proceed in the debate about the decree.
An order concerning Paul Best.
Ordered— The Committee formerly appointed to speak
with him do send for him to-morrow in the afternoon.
Sess. 502. — Sept. 12, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Gomer, Dr. Smith, Mr. Greene.
Ordered— Mr. John Dryland have a certificate upon his
approbation by the ministers for ordination.
Ordered— Dr. Smith, Mr. Ward, to move the Committee
about Mr. Prophet.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 3 I
Mr. Prophet made report additional. Mr. Wilson made Sess. 502.
report concerning the Psalms. Mr. Rouse made report j^/2'
from the House of Commons, that they desire the As- 
sembly would hasten the Confession of Faith.
This Assembly doth humbly advise and desire that R0USe's
those Psalms set forth by Mr. Rouse, with such alterations metr'ca'
J version of
as are made .by the Committee of the Assembly appointed Psalms.
to review it, may be publicly sung in churches, as being
useful and profitable to the Church.
That the Psalms be read openly in this Assembly ; and
that, upon the days appointed for the reading of them, the
reading of them shall begin at 9 of the clock in the morn
ing peremptorily, by so many as shall be , then present ;
and that at the reading of them there be no debates.
Those that desired to be satisfied in anything, they are to
consider of it, together with the Committee that have
already examined.
Res. neg. — That the Assembly shall not read the Psalms
upon Monday morning, 9 of the clock.
Ordered — The Psalms shall be read over in a grand To be read
Committee of the Assembly in the afternoons, the next corn_ittee
convenient opportunity. in after-
Debate of the report of the second Committee concern- _ ' ,
_, . , , , , . Debate of
ing Christ the Mediator. Christ the
Mr. Bridge, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Dury, be added to the %£j££
Committee for Paul Best.
Sess. 503. — Sept. 15, 1645. — Monday morning.
A report concerning Paul Best read.
Ordered — That this be presented to the Committee of
plundered ministers, Wednesday in the afternoon, by the
Committee of the Assembly appointed to attend upon the
business of Paul Best.
Proceed in the debate ' of Christ Mediator.' Debate
Debate about the obedience of Christ to be inserted. continued.
Sess. 504. — Sept. 16, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Proceed in debate.
Debate about ' from the beginning of the world.'

T32 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 504. The motion about the Annotations of the Bible. Some
S<?64S.6' things in them against the Covenant and the votes of the
— - Assembly. Sess. 505. — Sept. 17, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
To pray. Mr. Delmy, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Tuckney.
Debate of Debate about Effectual Vocation.
cdling?1 [Ord.~] Proceed in the debate. Debate about the Anno
tations. Sess. 506. — Sept. 22, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mr. Crompton, Mr. Ley, Mr. Delaplace, Mr. Bathurst,
Mr. Delamarch, Mr. Maynard.
Petition A petition from one Mahomet, a Turk, was brought into
Turk* the Assembly and read. Because the Assembly cannot
take cognizance of this business, Dr. Smith and Mr. Delmy
are to answer according to their own discretion.
Mr. Palmer made report about the Annotations. The
stationers desired that some animadversions may be
made suddenly, and they promised to sell no more till to
morrow. A motion made by Mr. Whitakers, that the brethren
that were a Committee for a Draught of Government,
would make a report of what they have done.
That this Assembly made the dissenting brethren to be
a Committee to bring in the whole frame of their judg
ments concerning Church government in a body, with their
grounds and reasons, April the 4th, and that this was
R.— They accepted by them, that the advice of the Assembly con
ned to^7 cerning government was not sent up to both Houses till
bring in July 4, that Mr. Goodwin desired to be excused from his
their report, attendance here because the Assembly had engaged them
fortnight. uPon that work' which w°rk hath been long expected
and earnestly desired by the Assembly; therefore it is
now ordered that the said Committee shall, by Monday
come se'nnight, report to the Assembly what they shall
think. R. N. C. — This declaration shall be entered :

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 33
' The Assembly doth declare, That in the order of the Sess. 506.
Committee to bring in the whole frame of their judgment Se?g ?2'
concerning Church government in a body, with their 
grounds and reasons, was and is included the business of
gathering of churches.'
Sess. 507. — Sept. 25, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Ley gave an account of the antidote prepared
against the particulars complained of in the Annotations of
the Bible.
Ordered — That the Committee for plundered ministers
be moved again in the behalf of Mr. Prophet for Abinger
in Surrey.
Ordered — The Committee be also desired that Croydon,
being so near the city, may be reserved for the accommo
dation of some member of the Assembly, if any may be
had, and that Dr. Smith be propounded in case he shall
think fit to accept of it.
Dr. Stanton, Dr. Temple, Mr. Hodges, Mr Ley, to move
this. Debate about effectual calling. Further
Proceed in debate. debate of
effectualcalling.
Sess. 508. — Sept. 26, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Calamy, Mr Good. To pray.
R. — Wednesday next spent as a day of humiliation in Day of
.1 • 1 humilia-
this place. tionap.
Ordered — 5 members of the Assembly — 3 for prayer, 2 pointed.
for exhorting.
Time to begin at 9, to end at 4 o'clock.
Ordered — For exhortation : Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Palmer.
For prayer : Dr. Burges, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Sed[g]wicke.
Report made by the Committee of the Assembly.
Sess. 509. — Sept. 29, 1645.— Monday morning.
R. — Mr. Colson shall be examined according to this
order. Debate — Effectual Calling.

1 34 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 509. Memorandum — That something be expressed in fit place
164529' concerning infants' regeneration in their infancy.
 Ordered — That the day of humiliation in the Assembly
randum be put off for 1 Wednesday next because of the thanks-
concerning giving: on Thursday, and that some day next week be
regenera- 00 J J
tion of spent in it, to be considered of upon Monday next.
infants. Ordered— Dr. Smith, Dr. Stanton, to visit the Prolocutor.
Day of
tion put Sess. 510. — Sept. 30, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Dearsly have a certificate upon his appro
bation by the ministers appointed for ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Hardwicke to pray with the Committee of
both kingdoms in the room of Mr. Good.
Proceed in the debate.
Sess. 511. — October 3, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Simpson, Mr. Sterry, Mr. Walker.
To pray. Ordered — That the scribes do send to Mr. Herring to
desire him to come to the Assembly, and bring with him
those of the people whom he shall think fit that so upon
hearing of them . . .
Additional Report additional to the article of Predestination De-
Sr" bate about it.
predestina-tion- Sess. 512. — October 6, 1645. — Monday morning.
Upon an order from the Commissioners of the Great
Seal for one Mr. Rutter, the Assembly being informed by
Mr. Bond that he was of late a drunkard, it was ordered
that Mr. Bond inform some of the Commissioners of this.
Mr. Walker made report from the 2nd Committee.
Upon debate about the fast in the Assembly,
R.—A fast shall be held some day this week by this
Assembly in this place ... to humble ourselves for our
failing in this Assembly, and for the further carrying on
of our advice to the Parliament that God may guide and
direct them in a due way.
R. — That wording of the causes shall be revoked.
R.—A fast shall be held some day this week by this
1 Perhaps fr, i.e. from.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 35
Assembly to humble ourselves before God, and to pray Sess. 512.
for direction and blessing upon the work that is committed ,g^,
to the Assembly. 
R. — That Wednesday next shall be the day of the fast.
Ordered — Mr. Ash shall supply the room of Mr Sed[g]-
wi[ck]. Ordered — That the persons formerly agreed on shall
perform the service of that day.
Mr. Ny — When this order was made, some of the
brethren were out of town. . . . Some things in the scribes'
books we were desired to see, therefore we desire to search
the scribes' books, and some time to do it.
Ordered — Monday1 next they are to make their report.
Prolocutor — There is notice by letter to Mr. Speaker Prayer for
that our forces that are in the siege of Chester have re- Chester.
solved this day to fall upon the storming of the city. . . .
Thus the advice of Mr. Speaker that this Assembly would
bestow the remainder of this morning in this work, to pray
for a blessing upon this work.
That Prolocutor and Mr. Woodcocke . .
Sess. 513. — October 7. — Tuesday morning.
The Assembly was turned into a Grand Committee for
the reading of the Psalms.
Sess. 5 14. — October 8.
The Assembly met to humble themselves before God, Day of
and to pray for direction in and a blessing upon the work t^^
that is committed to the Assembly. prayer.
Dr. Burges began with prayer.
Mr. Reynolds, after a short prayer, preached upon xvi. Notes of
Math., 24 : Then said Jesus to His disciples, If any man s^^°lds'
will come after me, let him deny himself.2 We may
observe of Christ, that when there appeared any special
evidences of human frailty in Him to take off the offence
1 Written above Thursday in MS.
2 This sermon was published in 1646, and inserted among Reynolds' printed
sermons in his collected works. In the edition of 1826 it will be found, vol.
iv. p. 318, etc.

136 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 514. that might be taken, He did at the same time give some
!64V singular demonstration of His divine power, so in birth,
 temptation, agony, as in the fig tree, the appearing the
Reynolds' infirmity of a human mistake, He was pleased that with all
sermon to manifest His divine power. ... When holy men have been
continued. r
honoured by God, . . . lest they should be transported, He is
pleased to humble them. It was so with Paul ii. Cor. 12.
And so with Peter in this chapter. He made a glorious
confession of Christ to be the Messiah, and Christ honoured
him ; but as soon as Christ begins to acquaint His disciples
with His suffering ; Peter, that had been honoured to be
the first that should preach the gospel to the Jews . . .
Peter begins to be offended, and advises Christ to take
pity of Himself. Christ reprehends him : Thou art an
offence unto me ... In this reprehension, 1. Personal corrup
tion v. 23. 2. A doctrinal instruction. . . . They that would
own Christ for their King must not expect great things. . . .
Herein He doth assure them they shall secure their own
lives. 25 v. and that by . . . The words are a character of
a disciple of Christ, consisting of self-denying and suffer
ing, and of suffering to the uttermost, pain 1 and
ignominy . . . Take it up . . . willingly and obediently  I
have singled out the article of self-denial. Consider what
is meant by denying, and what by a man's self-denying.
The original word is emphatical — to deny thoroughly and
totally. Let him, as it were, cast himself off. It is a
law word — a thrusting off a graceless child. ... A man's
self. Man is taken chiefly in these 3 ways : — originally as
he comes from Adam, . . . naturally as created by God . . .
graciously as renewed by God ... A man's sinful self, and
so it is to deny ungodliness and sinful work ... A man's
natural self either in regard of being or well-being. This
last to 3 heads : 1. External relations ... 2. Special gifts
and endowments ... 3. Common ends which men naturally
propose to themselves to pursue ... To these may be re
duced ... A man's renewed self, his gracious self, as the
lusts of our corrupt nature are the members of the old man,
so the graces of the spirit of the new man ... 3 branches
1 Blank in MS., 'death' in printed sermon.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 3 7
of this duty of self-denial . . . 1. Some things to be denied Sess. 514.
simply and absolutely, so our sinful self, two manner of °^.f'
ways ... 1. Generally as it importeth the whole body of 
concupiscence revenge the blood of Jesus Christ upon our Reynolds'
own corruption. Herein required a continual actual serm.on
* ¦"¦ continued.
exercise of our grace, be[cause] things that are natural will
return unto the strength again if not weakened J over, as a
stone and water ... 2. Specially in regard of our individual
and more personal corruptions xviii. Psalm 23 . . . As the
juice and sap of the earth is the fomes and matter of all
fruit, yet in one field it will take better to wheat and in
another to barley. . . . Hence in the Scripture mention of
national sins . . . and personal sins the pride of Pharaoh.
. . . By this sin it is that particular persons do most of all
dishonour God, resist the grace of God, defile their own
consciences. This makes the greatest struggling in con
version, and therefore in repentance. Though it drive away
all sins, yet this sin above others is singled out. [2] For
our natural self, to deny that hypothetically and with con
dition when God calls us to it. [1] God doth never call us
to deny ourselves whole and wholly. We are allowed to
seek ourselves and salvation. ... 2. Neither doth He call us
to any morose and superstitious self-denial — not to enjoy the
things that God gives . . . Superstitions like that of Baal's
priests and that of the Flagellantes. A story of this in the
fourth part of the Warfare2 to show to what sordidness the
superstitious devotion of that Church doth carry men unto.
. . . God calls when anything that is dear and near to us
stands in opposition to Christ . . . and in this we are always
to deny ourselves in preparation of heart and actually when
. . . As Paul, Acts xx. 24, xxi. 13. Michaiah did not regard
his own safety, 1 King. xxii. 14. Nor Levi regard his father
and mother, xxxiii. Deut. 9. Ezekiel xxiv. 16. Nor
Matthew the gain of his custom. ... In this case we are to
deny ourselves 2 ways : 1. When anything is a snare unto
us, either a fruit of sin, or temptation to sin . . . xiii. Deut.
1 Perhaps ' watched. '
2 Climacus and Lewes of Granada in the fourth part of his Christian War
fare. — Printed Sermon.

138 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 514. 6. . . . Though idols made of silver or gold, yet if idols they
0iC64s8' must be thrown away . . . The brazen serpent when a snare
,T  , unto sin ... 2 King-. Txviii. 4.] Zaccheus denies all his unjust
Reynolds' gain. ... 2. To deny them as oblations when Christ calls
sermon tl t be dedicated to him — when Abraham was called
continued. from his own country, Daniel to be cast into the den, Moses,
the disciples, Paul — none of those do consult with flesh and
blood. . . . All that we are and have is upon those con
ditions, — to use them to His honour, and part with them
when called for. ... 3. Our renewed self — our virtues and
graces in some sense to be denied comparatively with
respect to salvation. ... In the nature of duties we are to
prize them ; but in the notion of the covenant of life, we must
esteem them as loss for the ... To hang the weight of a
soul upon anything that hath imperfection is dangerous. . . .
Nothing we are to call our righteousness but the Lord our
righteousness. . . . Faith justifies, as a window is said to en
lighten the room, because it is most apt to let in that light
which comes from another body. . . . Application : [As] when
Christ did preach His sermon to His disciples, viii. Mark,
34 ... it shall be double. In the general relation as the
people of Christ and as ministers of Christ. As people of
' Christ : 1. Take heed of that sin which is most formally
opposite to self-denial ; self-love, a comprehensive sin, a
seminal sin, at the root of every sin. The apostle puts
it as the commander, in describing a whole regiment of
sins. ... 2. Great branches : self-seeking as the end, and
self-depend[ing] as the means to that end . . . Self-seeking
wholly taken up in serving yourselves . . . ii. Phil. 21.
When men are like to the prophet's vine, x. Hos., this is
the greatest self-hatred in the world. . . . Order our love in
proportion to our life. Whence we derive our life we should
turn all our love . . . Self-depending when we do put con
fidence in our own graces, or in men, strength, horses, and
chariots . . . This is a great sin . . . injurious to the attributes
of God, His wisdom, goodness, etc. Our confidence should
be in those — those are unmov[able]. ... 2. Let us be ex
horted to the practice of this duty. 1. Let us exalt the
word of God and counsel of God. Let the wisdom of our

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 39
God prevail, Pro. xxiii. 4. 2. Exalt the authority of God Sess. 514.
in all our wills and affections. If a man can but deny his °jl'f'
own will. ... 3. Exalt the honour of God in all our own aims 
and designs, 2 Sam. xv. 25 ... 4. Set up the love of Christ Reynolds'
and His Church uppermost in our hearts. This will con- serm°n
.,,. _. continued.
strain us and make us willing, teach us to say as Esther, Est. iv. 16.
cry down all private interests, and make us to say as Elisha Tg/'Jy1 '
to Gehazi, or as Jeremiah to Baruch. ... 2. Encourage- Si 6-
ments in the text to this duty : 1. It enables us to take
up the cross. It is both a step to it and a means too. The
less we value ourselves, the less we shall be troubled with
the cross. 2. It will enable us to follow Christ : what
Christ commands us to do He doth enable us to do by
following His example. Self-seeking ever proceeds from
lowliness1 of mind. . . . Amongst the creatures, those that
live only to themselves, they are either base or wild ; but
the noblest creatures, they have spheres of activity. . . .
God hath planted a natural self-denial in every creature :
moral self-denial in heathen. . . . But we are never enough
out of ourselves till Christ have divided all our spoils. . . .
2. To us as ministers the disciples of Christ. . . . 1. That
we would be ordered to pray for. 2. To practice this.
1. To pray for it. Nothing more dangerous to a Church
and State than self-seeking, one which2 in a . . . one string
in an instrument and spoil. . . . Private interests ever be
obstructing necessary duties. This made Pharaoh oppress
Israel, Jeroboam set up his calves, Jews crucify Christ,
Demetrius . . . As little ditches being joined to the side of Acts xix.
a river, draw it out of its own channel. ... 2. Self-denial
is a most admirable preparation to all public employments.
. . . What God offered Moses in destroying Israel, and to
make of him a great nation, Moses does not have ... So
Joshua divides to the tribes, and had no portion till after
wards for himself. . . . xix. Jos. 48 ... v. Neh. 14. . . . How
low was Paul in his own eyes. . . Before we use great
timber in building, or bricks, we fit them for building, that
the self-moisture may be drawn out, that it may not warp
in the building. . . . High buildings laid in low foundations,
1 For lowness ; see printed sermon. * Perhaps notch.

140 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 514. richest treasures out of the deepest mines. ... I. Luke 48.
°i6a5' • • • What graces doth that1 honour, but self-denying graces,
 faith and repentance. ... 3. No conditions of life which are
Reynolds' not subject to temptations of self-seeking. Some men
sermon gam by2 public troubles, others gain by the crimes of men.
ton mue . ^e & strjct reformation, less water would run into their
mill. . . . We have our temptations too. ... If so much
preaching and so much superintendency, we must resolve
to live a tedious life. . . . Therefore pray that God would
pour out a large spirit of self-denial. . . . The daughter of
Pharaoh not fit to be Solomon's wife till she did forget her
own kindred. ... A man that is all for himself is like a
standing pool — good for little. [Let us pray] ... for the
King. ... It was a low expression, but a kingly resolution
in David, 2 King. vi. 22. . . . And for the Parliament that
God would double upon them the spirit of self-denial. . . .
To seek wealth of his people, as Mordecai x. Est. 3. ... To
speak comfortable to the Levites. ... 2 Chron. xxix. 30
. . . that no jealousies may break asunder the civil and
ecclesiastical dispensation, . . . and for the armies that God
would hold in them that noble spirit of self-denial.3 . . .
And for ourselves, that we may in all things of duty deny
ourselves. The Galatians received Paul as an angel of
God. . . . But it is our duty to prescind and abstract the
interest of our master from our own reward. ... In our
humble advices we have not pursued any private int[erest].
Yet because some are jealous ... let us be jealous with a
jealousy of caution, that it may not be so, and pray that
we may be furnished with such self-deny [ing] hearts. . . .
that as we preach not ourselves so, that we do not de
sire or affect a domination, but desire the promoting of
the ordinances, that we may be the servants of the Church.
... 2. An exhortation to the prac[t]ice of this duty. . . .
1. Concerning our general ministry. . . . Study to deny
ourselves in those weaknesses that are most peculiar and
special to us as ministers of the gospel. ... As affectation
of new lights of doctrine. . . . Such men do captare tempora
1 Perhaps Xt for Christ. * ' But ' in MS.
3 This clause is not inserted in printed sermon.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 141
impacata. . . . Many itching and wanton wits of an Athenian Sess. 514.
temper. . . . Tell new truths. ... I never could fancy pro- ° g" 8'
jectors in any being.1 They delude others and undo them- 
selves. But of all, a projector in learning, and especially Reynolds'
in divinity. . . . Such were the ancient heretics . . . amuse sermon
, , . , , ,.,,..,, continued.
the people with strange words and unintelligible ex
pressions". ... I doubt not but there will be further light to
the predictions of the prophets ; but in truths doctrinal,
and especially evangelical, to cry up new lights, and asto
nish the people with metaphysical fancies, is to introduce
scepticism into the Church of Christ. Let our ministerial
prudence and zeal teach us to deny all pride and wanton
ness of wit, . . . and content ourselves with the words of
truth and soberness. 2. Deny ourselves in the affectation
of new senses and meaning of Scriptures. — I say in the
affectation of them. ... I do not forbid . . . only . . . 1.
With humility . . . not magisterially. ... 2. In this business
take heed of departing from the analogy of the faith, and
that which is according to godliness. Judge those ex
pressions, that are most orthodox and tend to godliness, be
the best. ... 2. Hard in the service of the Church, to deny
our natural selves, willing to be spent and spend. . . . Many
things call. . . . 1. The prejudices and jealousies of men, as
if we drew a design, and affected domination. Many bear
an evil eye upon our outward condition. ... It becomes us
to maintain and vindicate jura, . . . but it must be done
with tenderness, be[cause] it will be difficult to take off the
prejudice of seeking ourselves in it . . . managing it pru
dently without excess. ... 2. The weaknesses of other
men. We must deny our parts and learnings, and produce
milk for babes. . . . The fewer sails you spread, the swifter
your motion will be. . . . 3. The frowardness and humours
of many men calls upon us for self-denial. . . . Take
heed of being tempted to forbear an unwelcome truth.
Cowardice in a minister is a baser thing than in a soldier.
... 4. The state of the Church doth mainly call upon us,
1. To deny our private and proper interests ; let us not say
let the difference yet continue ; let parties be balanced ;
1 Perhaps 'thing.'

sermoncontinued.

142 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 514. [oh] that when the Church is in a flame, any should come
'10458' witl1 such a mind to serve their own turns by the common
 fire, ... 2. To deny our judgments and opinions1 rather than
Reynolds' by them to hinder the peace of the Church. ... A divided
ministry fomented by an Episcopal interest. . . . But
whence is it that still we must have a divided ministry ?
. . . Will not this be an advantage for the common enemy ?
. . . Let us on all hands endeavour, so far as the mutual
condescensions of brethren can reach [to] take off the heat.
No man may, under pretence of humility, prejudice a
public right. ... If I had a single opinion, . . . and confi
dence enough to value it, . . . 2. For the service of this
Assembly, . . . 1. That we would deny ourselves in our
private affairs in our time. . . . The eyes of friends are
upon us, expecting our best,2 and of enemies deriding our
slowness, and of the Churches. When we had knotty
arguments, then we kept all together ; but now that it will
be carried on with unity and consent let us not faint in
our minds. ... 2. In matter of property and pay I con
ceive it may be improper and unseasonable to insist too
emphatically upon that point. . . . Happy if suggestions of
this nature proceed rather from others than ourselves. . . .
3. Reference to our speeches and debates. . . . Many have
excellent abilities of copious speaking, but considering the
. . . fitter to speak Sallust 3 than Cicero  4. In the business
of heats and passions, those are seldom friends to business,
ordinarily, like an edge turned, misty, obstructive, and
have much of darkness in them. . . . Conclude all with the
apost[le's] exhortation : Look not on our own things, but
the things of others. Let the same mind be in you that
was in Christ.
Mr. Whitakers prayed.
Notes of Mr. Palmer, after a short prayer, preached on Zach. iii.
6, 7. A text suitable to the Assembly. Posture we are
in, and the world's esteem of us in the following words . . .
1 ' They being not in themselves matters of faith and moral duty, but
matters merely problematical and of private persuasion, wherein godly men
may be differently minded without breach of love or hazard of salvation.'—
Printed Sermon.
2 Haste, Printed Sermon. 5 ' Aristotle ' in printed sermon.

Palmer's sermon

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 43
After a great many years' captivity, God looks upon His Sess. 514.
people with mercy, and brings back His people, sets them °^'.f'
upon building of His temple. . . . The work is interrupted, 
and after some years God stirs up the spirits of His pro- paimer's
phets. . . . Zachariah, in a vision, encourageth his people sermon
., , ' , , , , r continued.
to go on in the work. The glory of his temple inferior to
Solomon's, as appears by the mourning (?) of those. . . .
The priesthood was contemptible. . . . Through their frailties
and weaknesses (?) they did deserve from God reproach
and contempt. ... To remedy all this, God represents in
the 1 v[erse]. . . . Christ interposes and rebukes Satan,
and acknowledgeth that His power had rescued Joshua
and the priests as a brand plucked out of the fire. . . . Here
comes in the free grace of Christ that pardons and takes
away the filthy garments, and gives him glorious garments.
Here is something to recover the honour of the priesthood,
but that all this might not be abused, here is a solemn
protestation. In these words we have what it is that God
requires as a duty, and what He doth encourage them
withal upon that condition what God stands upon. It is
purely1 (?) authoritative and majestical. . . . And it is a kind
of an oath to Joshua. He would employ him and entrust
him. . . . This very much belongs to us. . . . We have seen
though not all those things every way parallel. The word
of God hath that that no story can reach. We have been
recovered out of Babylon. We are a second time upon a
Reformation. We have seen our forefathers cast out and
made base before all the people. . . . We are men wondered
at . . . and have Satan and Satan's instruments to accuse
us. But in Christ we trust to appear clothed with His
robes. Therefore He protests the same thing to us that to
Joshua and his fellows. This is my faith if God give us
this grace to fulfil this charge. He will He2 make good the
same to us. . . . There are some under the New Testament
that are to judge them that are within — some to be
governments — and if we be not amongst the number of
those men it were strange. . . . For no civil governments to
whom Christ gave spiritual gifts at this time. . . . Because
1 Perhaps 'partly.' 2 iii: in MS.

sermoncontinued

I44 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 514. of the straits of time to speak something by way of ex-
1645.' hortation and consolation. . . . 1. What God would have us
 do. Be ruled by Him in the generality of our conversa-
Notes of . . . _ .
Palmer's tion, and particularly of our car[najge. 2. Consider that
here is something that concerns us as Christians, and that
that is to be reduced to our office. ... In the first only re
member you. ... 1. Negatively. Not to follow the ways
of our own hearts or the sight of our own eyes, xi. Eccl.,
Ivii. Esa. Those whom God smites, they sometimes go on
frowardly in the ways of their own hearts. The following
of Christ is the way we should walk in, i. Tim. 6. A charge
as we are ministers to take heed of the love of money. . . .
2 Tim. ii. . . . We are to have our eye so upon the will and
word of God as thereby to choose our way. . . . 1. Take
heed of the ways of covetousness, that we be not of the
number of those that devour widows' houses . . . that by
engaging ourselves in the businesses of the world we
neglfect] our duty . . . that we do not sell the souls of the
people for gain. ... 2. Take heed of the ways of ambition,
drawing disciples after us, following our own opinions and
conceits, . . . pride : now reason to take heed of it when such
jealousies are cast upon us. . . . Take heed of that ambi
tion whereby we would think to rule and sway all. ... 3.
Take heed of ways of pleasure, idleness, wantonness, and
lasciviousness, false prophets— they followed the lusts of
uncleanness  Avoid all the appearances of evil, what
soever might give the least shadow of any offence  2.
Positively walk in the ways of God ; give good example ;
be as the salt to season the people of God, and not be
unsavoury. . . . Every minister of God is a captain, and he
must lead  iii. Phil. 17, 20  We shall never answer
it to God if we be not patterns. 2. Keep my charge, a
remembrance of what we must do in our office— particu
larly we must teach and look diligently, that everything be
according to the will of God  Keep the charge of God
in the administration of all things according to the neces
sity of the souls of the people. Take heed of force and
cruelty ... and strengthen the diseased, heal the sick, seek
that which is lost. Keep the charge of God in our doctrine

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 45
. . . not to please men, i. Gal. 10, and yet becoming all Sess. 514.
things to all men, 1 Cor. 9 . . . and yet with all meekness, ^jV8'
instructing those that oppose, and restoring those that are 
fallen through infirmity. All this is specially the charge Palmer's
which we are to keep, and all this with prayers for the serm.on ,
_,, . , . continued.
flock. . . . There is something that we are to consider, as
especially employed in this great service . . . with all dili
gence attending upon it as the greatest work, one of them,
ever put into the hands of any . . . affording our presence
our attention and intention. . . . Many things may per
suade us . . . Remember how God hath cast off those that
were before us, and so God might upbraid, as Jeroboam,
who did worse than Solomon. ... 2. We are to consider
how great a God it is whose charge we are to keep. ... 3.
Consider what it is for ; what doth it tend to ? Immedi
ately to the saving of many thousand souls. ... If we have
not more zeal, humility, diligence, meekness of spirit, how
shall we be able to answer for it to God ? . . . That God
should single us out ... let us reflect upon ourselves. . . ,
Remember how true many of those confessions, acknow
ledgments, have been concerning us. . . . If we find that
the work of God stops and goes not on ... if there be
any danger or likelihood that we shall not be employed, is
not God just in this ? . . . Look forward and consider how
God protests . . . This is the awakening of us to consider
while yet it is time. Bethink what we must resolve. . . .
Resolve to walk in God's ways and keep His charge. If
we do resolve this and begin with our diligence, here we
have a fair encouragement. . . . But otherwise, can we ex
pect that shall be anywhere at any ... If now we are
afraid of men, and will comply with men and drive designs,
there will be the same hazards ; there are temptations in
every condition. ... If we here be unprofitable, and have a
name of being employed in God's work and do Him no
service. ... 2. The comfortable part of it . . . Here is the
encouragement that God gives to His servants. If we
either consider the ability of God or His willingness, we
may be strengthened that this in due time shall be fulfilled
to us. . . . 1. How able is God to do it. . . . What can
K

146 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 514. hinder it ? All that is is in the hearts of men ; and who
°g' 8' commands the hearts ? . . . Was it not strange that all
 Egypt should be content to be ruled by Joseph ? . . . that
Palmer's Joshua be the governor when Moses is dead. . . . xxix. Pro.,
sermon lXxv. Psal. . . . Were we as vile and poor as children, yet
the promise is, xi. Esa. : a child shall lead them. . . . God
hath a mighty overruling power in all the dispositions of
all things in the world. . . . Ezra iv. 12. The suggestion
was, the king should lose his authority, vi. Ezra . . . Ezra
vii. A new commission — a commission to judge. At first
it was apprehended to be a great mischief to set it up, but
now it is turned. . . . ii. Neh. ... It is God, saith David,
that subdues the people under me. If men be never so
full of jealousies, yet it shall go on ; all shall agree on it.
... 2. How many engagements may be apprehended that
God doth declare that He will do this work. . . . 1. This is
the foundation we go upon. It is the will of God that His
house should be so judged and so kept. 2. As it is the
command of God, so that by which the kingdom of Christ
shall be set up ; and hath not God sworn to set up the
kingdom of Christ, and engaged His zeal to do it ? 3. It
concerns the souls of thousands — thousands that yet remain
in extreme darkness in regard of ignorance and profane-
ness ; and can it be imagined a disgraced and discontinued
ministry that hath not the power of Christ put into their
hands shall do the work to gain so many souls ? ... In all
ages of the Church, was there not either miracles or perse
cutions, or the power of them that are in authority to bring
men unto Christ ? . . . 4. In regard of the love that God
hath to the comfort of His servants ; how long have the
servants of God groaned under the ignorance and profane-
ness ? . . . 5. Mention made of the stopping of the mouth
of iniquity. ... 6. That that God hath specially regard
unto is the prayers of His people, x. Psal. 15, 16, 17 
How many thousands of prayers for the settling of the
power of the kingdom of Christ. ... 7. Manifold promises
of great and glorious things that God will do for His
people— purge out the dross and take away the tin, and
how shall this be done if there be not a power? ... 8.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 47
When doth God use to do all these things ? A. When He Sess. 514.
hath prepared the hearts of His people — then His work 0,64r8'
hastens. ... If God do but give us a spirit to be faithful to 
Him, we have cause to encourage ourselves that the thing paimer's
shall be done. . . . Consider with ourselves that which the serm°n
. continued.
Psalmist expresseth : evi. Ps. [v. 3.] . . . We must resolve to
keep righteousness . . . keep close to God to fulfil the will
of God, and maintain His truth with that humility and
faithfulness that behoves us. . . . If in times of difficulty we
be faithful, when Christ comes to settle His power, those
are the men whom He will employ. . . . But on the other
side, Moses and Joshua. . . .
Mr. Ash concluded with prayer.
Sess 515. — October 9.
The collection at the fast was 2 . . .
R. — The servants of the Assembly shall not have the
money collected.
R. — The money shall be distributed to Mrs. Hale, Mr.
Rathband, Mrs. Herle.
A collection was made for the servants ; it was 41s. 6d.
Resolved, that a letter be sent to Mr. Herring's parish.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the report Debate of
concerning the Covenants]. SgThe
An order was brought from the House of Lords about covenants.
Mr. Barton's Psalms.1 Order as to
Barton s
R. — It be referred to the Committee for the Psalms to Psalms.
consider of this order of the Lords, and to make report
what answer shall be returned.
R. — 10 ; an addition to the Committee — to meet to
morrow. R.—6 added : Dr. Temple, Mr. Walker, Mr. Byfield,
Mr. Bathurst, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Seaman.
A letter from one Mr. Newman to the Assembly about
his examining of a minister.
Sess. 516. — October 10, 1645.— Friday morning.
Ordered — That the letter and testimonial of . . .
1 Journals of House of Lords, vol. vii. p. 627.

148 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 516. Mr. Carrill, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ford, to pray.
0i645°' Proceed in the debate about the first proposition in the
 report concerning the Covenant. A proposition added by
God's,60 Mr. Reynolds. Debate about ' condescension.'
covenants. 2^ proposition debated— about the first covenant, and
that of personal obedience.
Ordered— That the Assembly do not hold it fit that Mr.
Dollinder shall have his certificate.
Report from the Committee of Printing.
Sess. 517. — October 13, 1645. — Monday morning.
The Committee for to provide a minister for Wapping
do meet and think of a fit minister, and make report to the
Assembly with all convenient speed. Dr. Gouge be added
to this Committee.
jf2oo for Ordered — Mr. Reynolds, Dr. Temple, Dr. Smith, Mr.
oTAssem- Ley, ^r- Stanton, to be a Committee to dispose of the
Wy- .£200 brought from Haberdashers Hall.
Answers to Mr. Tuckney made report of the answer to the reasons
dissenting °^ Dissenting Brethren about the instance of the Church
brethren, of EpheSUS.
Mr. John Kid was examined for his fitness for Winston
in the Bishoprick of Durham, being to be sent thither by
the Committee for the North. He was, upon examination,
approved by Dr. Gouge, Dr. Smith, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr.
Arrowsmith, and Mr. Tuckney.
Ordered — This Assembly doth approve of this answer
to the reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against the in
stance of the Church of Ephesus.
Mr. Simpson made report1 from the Committee of the
Dissenting Brethren concerning reasons why they did not
think fit to bring in their model of government; and it
was as followeth.2 . . .
Sess. 518. — October 14, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Ley published a testimonial concerning Bunning,
whereupon it was ordered he should have a certificate.
1 From this to the end of Session 518 the minutes are in another hand.
2 Not in MS., but given in Hanbury's Memorials, vol. iii. pp. 2, 3, etc.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 49
On a motion of Mr. Coleman that the report from the Sess. 51S.
Committee concerning printing be taken into consideration, 164c.4'
after consideration had of it, it was . . . 
R. — That a former report agreed upon Apr[il] 10, to be
made to the Committee of the House of Commons for
printing, shall be reported mutatis mutandis to the Com
mittee of Examination in satisfaction to their order.
Ord. — That Mr. Ley, Mr. Ny, and as many more of that
Committee as can conveniently, do attend the Committee
of Examinations on Friday next to present that report.
Ord. — The Committee of the Assembly for printing do
proceed to examine other false impressions of the Bibles
which shall be brought unto them, and for that purpose to
meet once a week, and to consider about the cases of Bibles.
Dr. Temple made report concerning the £200 brought Report for
into the Assembly, that £20 of it being already disposed J^"^"'
of, and they hearing these shall have £300 more brought £200.
in before long, they had agreed about distributing the
whole equally amongst such members of the Assembly as
do attend the service — it amounting to £6 a piece, with
some remainder ; and that money already received of it to
be distributed forthwith to 30 of the Assembly, whereupon
it was Resolved — That the Assembly doth approve of what the
Committee hath done.
The Assembly, taking into consideration the report
brought in yesterday by the Committee of the Dissenting
Brethren, it was
Resolved — To refer the consideration of that report of the
Brethren brought in yesterday to a Committee to be con
sidered of by them, and to report their thoughts about it
to this Assembly.
Res. — That it be referred to the Committee which
brought in the answer to the reasons of the Dissenting
Brethren. Res. — To adjourn the Assembly till Friday morning.
Ordered — That the three Committees do meet immedi
ately after the rising of the Assembly ; and that they meet
again to-morrow at nine of the clock.

150 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 519. Sess. 519. — October 17, 1645. — Friday morning.
Oct 17
1645. ' Mr. Seaman, Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Reynolds.
_ An order for Mr. Bridges.
To pray. °
Ordered — This order be communicated to the Chairman
of the Committee of Examinations to inquire of them con
cerning the charge against Mr. Bridges in their Committee.
Reports Report from the first Committee concerning Predes-
from first tinati
and second
Commit- Report from the second Committee concerning the
tees. r*Covenants.
Report Debate upon the report of the first Committee concern-
££__£*_ Predestination.
tion de- Debate about those words, ' unto everlasting glory,'
whether they be not superfluous.
Sess. 520. — Oct. 20, 1645. — Monday morning.
Dr. Temple made report concerning Mr. Bridges ; the
Committee was not satisfied concerning him ; they had
ordered the clerk to bring a note of what was done.
Ordered — That Mr. Bridges' examination be respited
till the Assembly be further satisfied.
Debate Proceed in the debate about permission of man's fall ;
resumed. about ' the same decree.'
Mr. Rutherford . . .
Mr. Seaman — If those words ' in the same decree ' be
left out, will involve us in a great debate.
Mr. Rutherford— All agree in this, that God decrees the
end and means, but whether in one or more decrees is not
. . . Say God also hath decreed ... It is very probable but
one decree, but whether fit to express it in a Confession of
Faith . . .
Mr. Seaman . . .
Mr. Rutherford— -If there can be any argument to prove
a necessity of one and the same decree, we would be glad
to hear it.
Mr. Whitakers — If you take the same decree in reference
to time, they are all simul and semel : in eterno there is not
prius and posterius.
Dr. Gouge—! do not see how the leaving out of those

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 5 I
words will cross that we aim at ; I think it will go on Sess. 520.
roundly without it. °?64™'
Mr. Whitakers — Our conceptions are very various about 
the decrees, but I know not why we should not say it.
Mr. Seaman — All the odious doctrine of Arminians is
from their distinguishing of the decrees, but our divines
say they are one and the same decree.
Mr. Gillespie — When that word is left out, is it not a Gillespie
a truth, and so every one may enjoy his own sense. everyone
Mr. Reynolds — Let not us put in disputes and scholas- may enjoy
tical things into a Confession of Faith ; I think they are sensei
different decrees in our manner of conceptions.
Mr. Seaman — You know how great a censure the Remon
strants lie under for making 2 decrees concerning election,
and will it not be more concerning the end and means ?
Mr. Calamy — That it may be a truth, I think in our
Prolocutor's book he gives a great deal of reason for it ; but
why should we put it in a Confession of Faith ?
Mr. Calamy — I question that 'to bring this to pass ;' we
assert massa pura in this ... I desire that nothing may be
put in one way or other ; it makes the fall of man to be
medium executionis decreti.
Mr. Palmer — You will be in a worse snare in leaving it out.
Mr. Woodcocke — I desire to know whether this be meant
of the decree or the execution of it.
Mr. Gillespie — Say, 'For the same end God hath ordained
to permit man to fall." . . . This shows that in ordine natura
God ordaining man to glory goes before His ordaining to
permit man to fall.
Sess. 521. — October 21, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Report made from the first Committee sitting before the Report
Assembly. concerning
J predestma-
Resolved by them, that mention be made of man's fall. tion.
Resolved by them, that those words 'to bring this to J
pass' shall not stand.
Dr. Wincop to pray with the House of Lords next week.
Debate about those words, ' to bring this to pass.' Debate
Mr. Reynolds offered something : ' As God hath ap- resumed'

152 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 521. pointed the' elect unto glory, so hath He by the same
°io4s!' eternal and most free purpose of His will fore-ordained all
 the means thereunto, (which He in His counsel is pleased
to appoint for the executing of that decree j) wherefore
they who are endowed with so excellent a benefit, being
fallen in Adam(are called in1 according to God's purpose.'
Mr. Chambers offered something.
Ordered— To debate the busin[ess] about Redemption of
the elect only by Christ to-morrow morning.
Sess. 522. — October 22, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Upon a debate about Mr. Bridges, the report from the
Committee of Examinations concerning him was brought
in and read.
Ordered — Respited till Friday morning.
Debate about Redemption of the elect only by Christ.
Debate Mr. Calamy — I am far from universal redemption in the
demption Arminian sense ; but that that I hold is in the sense of
of elect our divines in the Synod of Dort,2 that Christ did pay a
price for all, — absolute intention for the elect, conditional
intention for the reprobate in case they do believe, — that
all men should be salvabiles, non obstante lapsu Adami . . .
that Jesus Christ did not only die sufficiently for all, but
God did intend, in giving of Christ, and Christ in giving
Himself, did intend to put all men in a state of salvation
in case they do believe.
Mr. Palmer — He would distinguish from the Arminians ;
they say all equally redeemed, but not so the other, and
Mr. Reynolds — This opinion cannot be asserted by any
that can say he is not of the Remonstrants' opinion . . .
upon a condition that they cannot perform, and God never
intends to give them.
Mr. Calamy — The Arminians hold that Christ did pay
a price for this intention only, that all men should be in an
equal state of salvation. They say Christ did not purchase
any impetration. . . . This universality of Redemption]
doth neither intrude upon either doctrine of special elec
tion or special grace.
1 Sic in MS. 2 Acta Synodi Dordtrechtance, p. 603, Th. iii. ed. 1620.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 53
Mr. Seaman — It is nothing whether the opinion of Re- Sess. 522.
monstrants or not We must debate the truth and false- °f^ 22'
hood of it. . . . He doth not say a salvability quoad 
homines, but quoad Deum ... so far reconciled Himself Continued.
to the world, that He would have mercy on whom He
would have mercy.
Mr. Palmer — I desire to know whether he will under
stand it de omni homine.
Mr. Calamy — De adultis.
Mr. Whitakers . . .
Mr. Young — This controversy, when first started in the
Church, they used a distinction : they said it was pro
natura humana. ... In the application he expresseth it
only electis. Some speak of the forrher branch as that . . .
Mr. Gillespie — Nothing to the thing itself ; but for the
state of the question, let more be looked upon than that
expressed in the proposition, because there is a concatena
tion of the death of Christ with the decrees ; therefore we
must see what they hold concerning that which in order
goes before and what in order follows after. . . . Camero[n]
saith for all upon condition of believing, but Amyrauld he
hath drawn it further. . . . Whether he hold an absolute
reprobation of all that shall not be saved. . . . A parte post
what follows upon that conditional redemption.
Mr. Calamy — In the point of election, I am for special
election ; and for reprobation, I am for massa corrupta. . . .
Those to whom He ... by virtue of Christ's death, there
is ea administratio of grace to the reprobate, that they do
wilfully damn themselves.1 I neither hold sufficient grace
nor special grace.
Mr. Marshall — For order, you shall not need to know
what this or that man's opinion is ; if you dispute the
thesis, you will state it so as that it rejects all contrary
opinions. Mr. Reynolds — The Synod intended no more than to
declare the sufficiency of the death of Christ ; it is pretium
in se, of sufficient value to all, — nay, ten thousand worlds.
There are two Adams, — one a fountain of misery, and the
1 Acta Synodi Dordtrechtana, p. 603, Th. v. ed. 1620.

7 154 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 522. other of mercy. ... To be salvable is a benefit, and there-
°i6452' fore belongs only to them that have interest in Christ.
 ' Mr. Seaman — All in the first Adam were made liable
confirmed, to damnation, so all liable to salvation in the second
Adam.
Proposi- This proposition to be debated : ' That Christ did intend
d'ebated.6 to redeem the elect only.'
Mr. Calamy — I argue from the iii. of Joh[n] 16, in which
words a ground of God's intention of giving Christ, God's
love to the world, a philanthropy the world of elect and
reprobate, and not of elect only ; it cannot be meant of
the elect, because of that ' whosoever believeth' . . . xvi.
Mark, 15. 'Go preach the gospel to every creature.' If
the covenant of grace be to be preached to all, then Christ
redeemed, in some sense, all — both elect and reprobate;
but it is to be preached to all ; there is a warrant for it.
. . . For the minor, if the universal redemption be the
ground of the universal promulgation, then . . . the minor,
else there is no verity in promulgation. All God's pro
mulgations are serious and true. . . . Faith doth not save
me, but only as an instrument to apply Christ. There is
no verity in the universal offer except founded in the . . .
Mr. Rutherford — All the argument comes to this : there
can be no truth in this proposition except this be first
granted, that Christ died in some sense. ... I deny this
connection . . . be[cause] it holds as well in election, justi
fication, as in redemption ; if he believe, he is as well
elected and justified as redeemed.
Mr. Calamy — We do not speak of the application, for
then it would bring it in, but we speak of the offer. It
cannot be offered to Judas except he be salvable.
Mr. Rutherford — There is no difference betwixt redemp
tion and justification in this. . . . The promise of justifica
tion is made no less to Judas than of redemption. . . . The
ground of his is to make all salvable, and so justifyable.
Mr. Seaman — He makes it absurd. . . . But there is
none. It comes only to this : look as every man was
damnabilis ... so is every man salvabilis ; and God, if
He please, may choose him, justify him, sanctify him.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 5 5
Mr. Walker ... ^ Sess. 522'
Mr. Marshall — The strength of his argument is either °f^ 22'
not taken [or] is not answered. ... It is in this that there 
can no falsum subesse to the offer of the gospel. continued.
Mr. Wilkinson — You know they cannot be partakers of
redemption against whom Christ takes special exception ;
Christ prayed not for the world.
Mr. Gillespie — In answer to the two arguments, — one
from the iii. Joh[n] 16. A. 1. The brother takes for
granted that by the world is meant the whole world. It
is a point much controverted. Our divines do deny that
the word world must in some places be taken in another
sense. . . . For that of the philanthropy it makes much
against it. ... I cannot understand how there can be
such a universal love of God to mankind as is maintained.
Those that will say it must needs deny the absolute repro
bation ; then alonei^to those whom God hath absolutely
reprobated both from salvation and the means of salvation.
. . . For the next argument from xvi. Mark. . . . He con
ceives the ground of this universal offer is the institution2 of
Christ in dying. . . . For that of the truth . . . There is a
truth in it : the connection of those two extremes must
ever hold true faith and salvation. But what is that to a
reprobate ? He[re] is the mistak[e]. The voluntas decreti
and mandati are not distinguished. ... A man is bound
to believe that he ought to believe, and that by faith he
shall be saved. It is his duty. The command doth not
hold out God's intentions ; otherwise God's command to
Abraham concerning sacrificing of his son . . . Said I can
not say so to a devil. . . . True ; but reason is, that it is the
revealed will of God that devils are absolutely excluded,
but not so any man known to me.
Mr. Marshall — This distinction, there is use of it if
rightly understood. We say more : there is not only a
mandatum, but a promise.
Dr. Burges — You say the novum fozdus doth intend ;
then there be either two covenants ; one general to the elect,
and another special to the elect.
^ Perhaps 'a love.' * Sic in MS., perhaps for 'intention.'

/ 156 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
/
Sj.ess. 522. Mr. Calamy — The difference is not in the offer, but in
f Oct. 22
1645. ' the application. . . . That voluntas decreti comes only in the
D ~~ application. . . . For the word world ... I grant it signifies
continued, the elect sometimes, but sometimes it signifies the whole
world, and so it must do, here. . . . For this love he saith he
under  . . . There is a double love : general and special.
A general love to the reprobate, and the fruit of this, a
general offer, and general grace, and general reformation.
Mr. Gillespie — It is acknowledged the word world may
suffer another sense — the elect, but said it must be a larger
thing than believers. ... A. This is still taken for granted,
which is to be proved, for I say it is very good sense. God
so loved the elect, that whosoever believes in Him . . . The
reconciling of a general love with absolute reprobation is
not answered. . . . The general offers of the gospel are not
grounded upon the secret decree.
Mr. Lightfoot — I understand the word world in a middle
sense. It is only in opposition to the nation of the Jews.
. . . For the universal offer God intends as the salvation of
the elect, so the inexcusableness of the wicked.
Mr. Price — For the first text suppose mankind be meant,
yet it doth not follow that Christ intended all . . . For the
latter text, it doth not follow that Christ did die inten
tionally for the redemption of all. . . . Prove that there is
such a covenant with mankind. If so, why mention the
children of the covenant? . . . Then the signs of the
covenant might be generally administered (?) . . . Said this
may be a truth, though to a congregation of reprobates the
reason of the prescious 1 (?) offer is be[cause] we do not
know who is elect and reprobate.
Mr. Vines — That said of the covenant relates to the
application. Is not the gospel a covenant, and is not that
propounded to every creature ? . . . What is the gospel
preached to every creature founded upon but the blood of
Christ  By 'the world' I do not understand the Gentiles,
but if I did, it were all one  As is whether the world
here do not signify more than the elect. It seems it doth,
be[cause] the words do not else run well. This word de-
' Perhaps pro[mi]scuous.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 57
notes an intention in the gift and in the love. We could Sess. 522.
not live if there were not a general love of man1 to man- °J0'.c2'
kind. . . . For that xvi. Mark, 15. . . . What is the gospel 
but a conditional proposition of a covenant ? . . . What is continued.
this founded upon but the blood of Christ ? We must
either deny that there are effecting, etc.
Mr. Good . . .
Ordered — To proceed in the debate to-morrow morning.
Sess. 523. — October 23, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Marshall moved about the Ordinance come out Parlia-
about the sacrament. ... It is so short in some things, that "finance
according to my present light we shall not be able to pro- at>out
ceed in our ministry with a good conscience. If you do objected
intend to petition the Honourable Houses to consider to-
further of this business, we can never do it more season
ably than now.
Mr. Lightfoot — I desire that arguments may be rather
sent than petitions.
R. — A Committee to draw a petition to both Houses of
Parliament to desire some further relief in the business of
the sacrament — one only dissenting.
Ordered—Mr. Marshall, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Vines, Mr.
Palmer, Mr. Young, to be a Committee to prepare a petition.
Proceed in the debate.
Mr. Goodwin — Two arguments brought . . . Said univer- Debate on
sal redemption must be the foundation of the preaching of tfon re-
the gospel to every creature. True, it must be preached to sumed.
every creature ; but then the question is, What is the
gospel there ? The message is reconciliation, ' God was in
Christ,' and this contains a reconciling only of such a world
to whom God doth not impute their trespasses. The de
crees of God concerning the world of His elect kept up in
indefinite expressions, that is the world ; and hence there
is a universal obligation of ministers to preach it to every
creature, and upon every creature to come unto Christ. . . .
I exemplify it by that in the [iv.J 1 1 to the Hebrews : Some
must enter into this rest, therefore let us labour to enter
1 Sic in MS.

158 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 523. into this rest. And so God doth but speak as He means.
°i_i23' • • • Said that whoever believes shall have eternal life. To
me there is this distinction . . . [Said] the Scriptures mean

continued, the rather, that if all mankind believe they shall be saved,
for Christ did not die for propositions, but for persons. . . .
But the sense is rather . . .
Mr. Rutherford — For the two scriptures alleged yes
terday desire when I give a reason of the denial of a pro
position. . . . For that of iii. Joh. 16, three grounds of an
argument taken from this place : 1. From the word loved ;
a general love to elect and reprobate. 2. From the word
world, generally taken, be[cause] distributive afterwards.
3. Grounded upon God's intention upon condition of faith.
. . . For the first Christ speaks of a particular special love.
. . . This all one with those places. . . . This love is parallel
Rom. v. 8, with that expressed in those three places. . . . The love of
one giving his life for his friends . . . the love that moved
Him to send His only-begotten Son. ... If the love in the
iii. of John be the same with those, as in those places is
meant the special particular love of God commensurable
with election . . . not one scripture in all the New Testa
ment where it can be expounded for the general ... 2.
The love in the iii. of John 16 is restricted to the Church ;
v. Eph. 21, restricted to a Church ... so ii. Gal. 20:
loved me ; the apost[le] who lives the life of God by faith,
... v. Rom. 8, the sinners and ungodly are set down to be
the justified by faith. . . . Such a love as moved the husband
Christ to give His life for His spouse, such as moved . . .
such as God commends, for the highest love is a restricted
special love. ... 3. It is an actual saving love, and there
fore not a general love.
Report was made from the Committee of a petition to
the Parliament about the Sacrament.
Mr. Goodwin—! must give my No to this, befcause]
something of setting up presbyterial classical government
. . . and we have before dissented against that sent up con
cerning the Sacrament as imperfect.
Moved to leave out ecclesiastical assemblies.
Answered by them : it would not satisfy them.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 59
Sess. 524. — October 24, 1645. — Friday morning. oct-.' 24,"
1645.
Dr. Wincop, Mr. Hill, Mr. Arrowsmith, to pray.
Ordered — Mr. Dollinder having been charged before the
Committee, and not appearing before the Committee to
make his defence, he is not acquitted in the judgment of
the Assembly till he have cleared himself before the
Assembly. Ordered — Mr. Ley and Mr. Foxcroft shall inform the
Committee of plundered ministers that Mr. Bridges hath
relinquished his claim to the place of Croydon.
Mr. Marshall gave an account to the Assembly that they
had not yet an opportunity to deliver the petition, but
should give them a further account concerning it.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate. Debate on
Mr. Vines — A connexive proposition if it be impossible tfo„ _£"
in the assumption (?) . . . He that believes not shall be sumed.
damned. This is so positively set down as that it implies
not only to be a sin against a law, but a sin against a
remedy. . . . They have some fruits of the death of Christ
and the benefits thereof. . . . Whether this tends to make a
man salvable we cannot so well say.
Mr. Harris— -That which the brother last spake, his con
clusion I wholly agree with. . . . Distinguish betwixt
meritum mortis and propositum morientis. . . . 1. About the
stating of this question — a noble question. Objections
strong on both sides ; I see more than I can answer. The
best way to answer an erroneous opinion is well to state
the question. ... I doubt whether there be any such thing
at all as conditional decree ... or, if there be any such
thing, whether the condition founded upon a possibility. . . .
Those two arguments mentioned, they are in part answered ;
by world there is meant the world of the Gentiles, as v
appears in the whole chap[ter]. His discourse is with Nico-
demus, a Jew. . . . That of love is the highest love and
highest expression of love that can be. . . . That that holds
out the highest love that ever God sealed up to mankind,
that cannot be meant of common love. . . . For that of work1
1 Probably Mark [xvi. 15].

l6o MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 524. sufficiently answered . . . Only move that the reverend
0i64s4' brother may produce the rest of the arguments.
 Ordered— Proceed in debate.
Sess. 525. — October 27.
An addition offered to the petition to the House of
Commons by Mr. Reynolds. Read and debated.
Ordered—Mr. Palmer, Mr. Dury, Mr. Newcomen, Mr.
Spurstow, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Chambers, Mr.
Ward, to meet this afternoon and to make report on
Thursday morning. Sess. 526. — October 30. — Thursday.
The Committee for the petition made report that, in
regard of the weightiness of the business, they desire further
time to consider of it.
Debate The Assembly proceeded in the debate.
resumed. ^n order brought from the House of Commons by Sir
rartherf°r Robert Harvey and Mr. Tate for a further enumeration.1
enumera- Ordered — That Sir Robert Harley, Mr. Tate, Mr.
scandalous Marshall, Mr. Vines, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Reynolds, Mr.
sins. Burroughs, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Calamy, Dr. Temple, Mr.
Ny, Mr. Young, Mr. Ward, Mr. Palmer, be a Committee
to consider of a further enumeration according to this order,
to meet to-morrow in the afternoon. The Commissioners
of the Church of Scotland are desired to be present.
Sess. 527. — October 31, 1645.
Mr. Gibson, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Gipps, [to pray].
Proceed in the debate about Redemption.
Sess. 528. — November 3, 1645. — Monday.
Debate on Debate about leaving out those words, ' fore-ordained to
reproba- everlasting death.'
tion. &
Ordered — Mr. Rouse be added to the Committee for the
enumeration. Sess. 529.— November 6, 1645. — Thursday.
The paragraph concerning Reprobation referred to the
Committee, to make report to-morrow morning.
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 324.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. l6l
Debate upon the Covenants. Sess. 529.
Debate about those words, 'thereunto belonging.' °$' '
Debate about the three periods. 
Ordered — The second Committee make report of the covenants
whole business of the Covenant on Monday morning. resumed.
Report from the third Committee of Effectual Calling, effectual
Debated . . . Debate about that ' to the knowledge of callir,g-
Jesus Christ'
Sess. 530. — November 7, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Carter,1 (Mr. Case), Mr. Whitakers, Dr. Stanton. To pray.
Report made of the enumeration of sins to be presented
to the Parliament.
Ordered — Mr. Braine's reasons be referred to Mr. Ley's
Committee. Debate upon the enumeration ... If any can add any
thing in the enumeration, it be considered on Monday
morning. Report made by Mr. Reynolds about Reprobation. Reynolds'
report
Sess. 531. — November 10, 1645. — Monday morning. reproba- S
Upon a motion,
R. — Enter upon debate of the neglect of family duties
in reference to the catalogue of scandalous sins.
Debate upon it.
R. ^| neg. — This shall be put into the catalogue of scan
dalous sins, ' Those who after admonition do ordinarily
(and usually) neglect daily prayer with their families.'
R. — This catalogue shall be sent up by the Committee
that drew it up to-morrow morning.
Ordered— Mr. Calamy, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Case, Mr.
Newcomen, to visit Prolocutor and Assessor White.
Sess. 532. — November II, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Marshall made report that they were advised not to
bring in the catalogue this morning, because the House sit
in a grand Committee about propositions, and to-morrow
is the day for religion.
1 Mr. Carter's name is written above that of Mr. Case.
L

tion.

1 62 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 532. Ordered— That it be carried up to-morrow morning.
Ni645"' "^Debate the report of Reprobation. . . . Debate about that
 ' sovereign power.' Report from the third Committee read.
reproba°n Upon a complaint of Dr. Hammond's book[s] of Cate-
bated C" cllism and Conscience, that Mr. Cheynell and Mr. Tuckney
do peruse them.
Sess: 533. — November 12. — Wednesday morning}
Certificate] for Mr. Flower.
Report Mr. Marshall acquainted the Assembly that the Com-
from Com- mi^ee had delivered to the House of Commons the cata-
mittee on
catalogue logue of some other scandal[ous] offenders, to be added to
dalous those already voted as fit to be kept from the Lord's
offenders. Supper, and that the House had ordered to take it into
debate.2
Report Mr. Tailor acquainted the Assembly that the Committee
from Com- for the Psalms had read over the Psalms before so many
mittee on J
Psalms, of the Assembly as pleased to be present, and had corrected
those faults observed.
On a motion of Dr. Burges, the Committee was called
upon to bring in somewhat to be returned to the order of
the Lords recommending Mr. Barton's Psalms to be con
sidered by the Assembly.
Dr. Gouge acquainted the Assembly that a late paper
given in to the Assembly by Mr. Simpson from the Com
mittee of the Dissenting Brethren, showing that they thought
not good to bring in a model of their judgments, was
printed. It was thereupon
Ordered — That the Committee appointed to draw up the
answer to that paper do hasten it, and bring it into the
Assembly by Friday morning.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the report of
the third Committee brought in yesterday.
Dr. Stanton [made] report from second Committee.
Sess. 534.— November 13, 1645.— Thursday morning.
Debate " Proceed in debate about elect of infants.
about elect
of infants. ' The minutes of this session are in another hand.— T.
2 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 339.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 63
Sess. 535. — November 14, 1645. — Friday morning. Sess. 535.
' " Nov. 14,
Mr. Case, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Pickering. 1645.
R. neg. — That upon the reading of this paper the men To"pTav
mentioned in it shall be examined.
Mr. Strickland and Mr. Whitakers to visit Mr. Assessor
White. Mr. Reynolds made a report of an answer to the
Lords about Mr. Barton's Psalms. It "was read and de
bated. . . This answer to the House of Commons.
Ordered — That whereas the Honble House of Commons Report on
hath, by an order bearing date the 20th of November 1643, version of
recommended the Psalms set out by Mr. Rouse to the Psalms.
consideration of the Assembly of Divines, the Assembly
hath caused them to be carefully perused, and as they
are now altered and amended, do approve of them, and
humbly conceive that it may be useful and profitable to
the Church that they be permitted to be publicly sung.1
Ordered — The Committee that perused the Psalms shall
carry this up to the Honble House of Commons.
Dr. Temple, Dr. Smith, Dr. Wincop, to carry up the
answer to the House of Lords.
Debate of the additional report concerning Christ the Debate
Mediator. Debate of the additional report concerning Christ™"6
the Covenant. Mediatorand the
Sess. 536. — November 17, 1645. — Monday morning.
Ordered— That Mr. Braine have a certificate from this
Assembly upon his former examination.
Ordered — The rest of the members of Assembly that
attend, that have not received any of the last distribution,
shall receive £6 a-piece, and then the rest of the £1000
to be disposed of by Committee formerly appointed, and
they to make report to the Assembly.
An order from the L[ords] and Comm[ons] for the
Committee of Accommodation.2
1 The House in consequence resolved 'that this Book of Psalms set forth by
Mr. Rouse, and perused by the Assembly of Divines, be forthwith printed. ' —
Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 342.
2 ' To take into consideration the differences in opinion of the members of
the Assembly in point of Church government, and to endeavour an union if it

1 64 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 536. R. — Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Simpson, Mr.
1645. ' Burroughs, Mr. Dury, |Dr. Gouge, Mr. Case, Mr. Ash,|
added to the Committee appointed to treat with the Com
missioners of the Church of Scotland and Committees of
both Houses.
Reports Report additional concerning the Covenant about the
concerning fuiness 0f the administration under the Old Testament
covenant, etc. debated. Report concerning Fall of man, Sin, and the
Punishment thereof. Report from the first Committee
concerning Creation. Sess. 537.1 H«*.\% )^>,
> Dr. Gouge published order for Nathan Cotton, and
Report reasons for his removal. Dr. Gouge [made] report from First
creaHot1^ Comnlittee of Creation. Mr. Whitakers from the Second
etc. Committee, of the Fall of man, of Sin, and the Punish
ment thereof. The Third Committee made no report.
Mr. Whitakers moved, that the Second Committee having
finished all the heads of the Confession, there might be more
heads distributed, and accordingly there were referred :
To the First Committee, Perseverance, Christian Liberty,
the Church, the Communion of Saints ;
To the Second Committee, Officers and Censures of the
Church, Councils or Synods, Sacraments, Baptism, and
the Lord's Supper ;
To the Third Committee, the Law, Religion, Worship.
Debate of The Assembly proceeded upon the debate of the report
report con- 0f the First Committee about Creation
cerning
creation. Sess. 538.— November 19, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
!To debate the regulating of the Assembly.
To go on first to the business appointed for
the day.
Further Debate of Creation of Man.
debate of , .. , , . ,
creation. be Posslble> and ln case that cannot be done, to endeavour the finding out some
way how tender consciences, who cannot in all things submit to the common
rule which shall be established, may be borne with according to the Word, and
as may stand with the public peace,' etc.— Journals of House of Commons,
vol. iv. p. 342.
1 The minutes of this session are in another hand. — T.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 65
R. — The Committee of the Assembly meet in the after- Sess. 538.
noon to hear the answer to the Remonstrance. ioa?9'
Sess. 539. — November 20, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Certificate for Mr. Shipden. Order for Mr. Jno. Massey.
Mr. Thoroughgood, Dr. Smith, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Gibson,
Mr. Guibon, Mr. Bathurst, Mr. Wilson, added to the Com
mittee for Printing.
Mr. Prophet brought in a report from the Third Com
mittee about Adoption, and another report from the same
Committee about Sanctification.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the report of Report of
,- . • j _ • _ j creation
Creation, and finished. finished.
The Assembly then proceeded to debate the report of Report of
the Fall of man, of Sin, and the Punishment thereof. etc^d™*"' bated.
Sess. 540. — November 21, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Salway for Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Young, Mr. Connant. To pray.
Debate of Fall of man, sin, and the punishment thereof. Debate
Mr. Reynolds made an addition concerning death.
The last clause considered in the head of the Last Judg
ment. A letter from the colony of Guernsey read.
Ordered — This letter deferred till Monday.
Mr. Reynolds' paper was as followeth ; ' Death did notReynolds'
flow out of the condition of the created nature of man, as ^once
the proper cause thereof, but was brought into the world
only by sin. . . . Eternal death is not the extinguishing,
abolishing, or annihilating of reprobate men and angels,'
but their being everlastingly separated from the glory of)
God, and undergoing of those hellish torments which the
wrath of God shall inflict upon them.'
Ordered— An order concerning Mr. Neale ; a certificate
returned that the Assembly is not satisfied concerning his
conversation, and they are informed the doctor hath been
articled against for keeping him a drunken curate.
Sess. 541. — November 24, 1645. — Monday morning.
Report made from the Committee for Printing.

concerningdeath.

1 66 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 541. Ordered— Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Prophet, added to the
N°6454' Committee for Printing.
 Ordered — That Mr. Westwood bring a testimonial of his
conversation. Ordered— -Mr. Delmy, Mr. Dury, Mr. Delaplace, Mr.
Delamarch, Dr. Smith, Mr. Young, Mr. Ward,— a Com
mittee to consider of the petition and letter from Guernsey,
and make report to the Assembly.
Report Debate about Sanctification.
concerningsanctifica- Sess. 542. — November 27, 1645. — Thursday morning.
bated. Report made from the First Committee about Pro
vidence. Ordered— Dr. Smith, Mr. Bathurst, Mr. Gibson, Mr.
Hardwicke, to carry the Report concerning printing to the
Committee for Examinations.
Mr. Hath way have his certificate upon his approbation
and ordination.
Ordered — The 3 Committees meet in the afternoon to
make report to-morrow morning of some perfect report.
Report made by Mr. Newcomen of the answer to the
paper of the Dissenting Brethren.
R. — This shall be the answer to the paper of the Dis
senting Brethren.
The Committee for the answer of the reasons of the Dis
senting Brethren do bring in their answer with all speed.
Sess. 543. — November 28, 1645.
Mr. Marshall excused from praying.
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Cheynell, Mr. Chambers, to pray.
Additional Report made from the First Committee additional to
provi- °n the doctrine of Providence. Debated.
dence. Debate about ' great.' Debate about ' devils.'
Debate Sess. 544. — December 1, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mr. Westwood have a certificate.
Lord's °" Report from the Second Committee of the Lord's Supper.
Supper
brought in. Sess. 545. — December 2, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
]__&_* ReP°rt from Mn Cheynell of Justification.
tion.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 67
Mr. Gille\s]pie informed that the Assembly of Scotland Sess. 545.
sent a letter to this Assembly . . . and a list of the names ^il'.f'
of those ministers that have been excommunicated and are 
received in England.
Report from the First Committee of Providence con- Debate
cerning God's induration. Debate upon it by a resolve denceTe-
upon the q[uestion]. Debate about that of hardening. sumed.
R. — Second Committee bring in ' of the Sacraments in
general ' before the debate of the Sacrament of the Lord's
Supper. Ordered — Mr. Valentine inquire concerning Mr. Close.
Sess. 546. — December 3, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Viner bring a testimonial from the neigh
bour ministers.
Debate upon the report of Justification. Debate of
Dr. Gouge, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Ley, to visit the Prolocutor j^fica"
and carry him notpce ?].
Sess. 547. — December 4, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Viner have a certificate upon his
former examination.
Dr. Gouge made report from the Committee additional Additional
about Providence, concerning God's induration and ex- ^°^ °
cecation. dence.
Ordered — That Mr. Gray shall have his certificate.
Upon a motion made by Mr. Dury, according to the
desire of Mr. Rivett, that the Assembly would purge him
from a charge of complaining against Amyraldus to this
Assembly, Ordered — The Prolocutor and scribes do sign a certifi
cate that neither in his name nor in any other man's name
any such complaint hath been brought into this Assembly.
Proceed in debate of Providence. Debate on
Mr. Marshall informed the Assembly he had a letter P™™"
from York about a case of observing of Christmas day. He
craves the advice of the Assembly in it. observin
Sess. 548. — December 5, 1645. — Friday morning. „as d"y_"
Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Bond. To pray.

1 68 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 548. That Mr. Neale do bring a testimonial from the mini-
1645. sters that do preach the lecture at . . .
¦ — Ordered — That Mr. Neale shall not have a certificate
from this Assembly till he bring a further testimonial
from godly ministers to be approved of by this Assembly.
Mr. Dury read a paper to be subscribed in the name of
the Assembly to Mr. Andrew Rivett.
Ordered — That this be sent under the hand
Order to An order from Lords and Commons about the late com-
Confos-the m& of the members of the Assembly and the hasting.1 . . .
sion. Ordered — That the scribes do call the names of all" the
members of the Assembly every morning that the Assembly
sit at 9 of the clock.
Report of Report from Dr. Stanton of the Sacraments in general.
Ordered — To debate Justification.

the sacra
ments in
general.

Sess. 549. — December 8, 1645. — Monday morning.
Debate of Debate of Justification.
tionfiCa" Ordered— Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Newcomen,
Committee Mr. Whitakers, a Committee to review the Confession of
to review Fait;h as ;t js finished in the Assembly.
Confession *
as it is
passed. Sess. 550. — December 9. — Tuesday morning.
Further Debate of Justification, and the continuance of Justifica-
Sca-f tion" • ¦ " Proceed in the debate.
tion. Sess. 551. — December 10. — Wedfiesday morning.
R- — There shall be a Committee to examine ministers
between 8 and 9 in morning before the sitting of the As
sembly. Report made additional to the answer to the Remon
strance of the Dissenting Brethren, of some of their papers
inserted, and the additions thereupon.
R. N. C. — This now read is also added as the residue of
the Answer to the Remonstrance of the Dissenting Brethren.
Debate The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Justification
resumed. upon those words, ' continue to justify.'
Mr. Cheynell have leave to go into the country.
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 365.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 69
Sess. 552. — December 11, 1645. — Thursday morning. Sess. 552.
Dec 1 1
Report of a petition to both Houses for publishing their 1645. '
Answer in print.1 
R. N C. — Those petitions shall be sent to the Honbl°
Houses of Parliament.
Ordered — Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Perne, Mr. Case, Mr. Cole
man, Dr. Smith, to the House of Lords and Commons.1
R. — That Mr. Britten have his certificate upon his
former examination.
Proceed upon the debate. . . . Recommitted. Debate of
Report of Sacraments in general debated. Debate about {^ and of
the word ' mystery.' sacra-ments.
Sess. 553. — December 12, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Foxcroft, Mr. Corbet of N[orwich], Mr. Byfield. To pray.
Dr. Smith informed that they attended both Houses
with the petitions. The House of Peers gave us this
answer, that our request was granted.1
The House of Commons had referred the business to a
Committee, and they required that some of us should
attend.2 Ordered — Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Calamy,
Mr. Ward, Mr. Byfield, to be joined with the Committee
that carried it, to attend that Committee.
Debate of Sacraments in general.
Mr. Ny moved about the Bibles. There is a kind of
necessity that something should be done. The stationers
prosecute the printing of an ordinance. If it pass that
any party have power solely to print those books, they
will put what rates they please . . . Let the chairman
give a report what answer the stationers did give of the
rates. Mr. Ley made report from the Committee for Printing
of reasons of their inability for present to set down the
prices3 of the Bibles.
R. — The Committee for Printing do meet on Tuesday in
the afternoon to consider of the prices 3 of Bibles.
1 See Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. pp. 36, 37.
2 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. pp. 372, 373. 3 In MS., prizes.

sacra ments.

I 70 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 553. R.— They are also to draw up and prepare matter for a * ,
DI645.2' petition to the Parliament about the price x of Bibles.
R. ^ neg. Shall not be added to the last vote.
Ordered— That Mr. Ley give notice to the stationers of
this vote.
The clause of the report of Sacraments recommitted — to
be brought in on Monday morning.
Ordered— Dr. Smith, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Delaplace, to visit
the Prolocutor. Sess. 554. — December 15, 1645. — Monday morning.
Report of Dr. Gouge made report about Free-will.
and Tf Mr. Arrowsmith made report of that committed con
cerning the Sacraments. It was read.
Debate upon the additional report of the Sacraments.
Debate about distinction by the Sacraments.
Sess. 555. — December 16, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Debate about moving Mr. Millington to hasten the busi
ness of Paul Best.
Com- R. — That the Committee of Plundered Ministers be
against acquainted with the informations given by some members
Paul of this Assembly concerning Paul Best, his venting by
writing and otherwise, and spreading of his blasphemous
heresies since the time of his restraint (?) ; and to desire
that some speedy course may be taken for the preventing
of it. . . . This done by the Committee of Mr. Paul Best.
Debate of Proceed in the debate of Sacraments in general.
mentis and Debate of the additional of Justification.
of justifica-
tion- Sess. 556. — December 17, 1645.
Report from the Committee for Printing.
R. — Mr. Viner have a certificate upon his former exami
nation. Ordered — The Committee for Printing to consider fur
ther of what is fit to be added concerning the printing and
prices1 of Bibles.
Debate of Debate of the report of Free-will.
free-will. In MS., prize, and prizes.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 7 1
Sess. 557. — December 19, 1645. — Friday. Sess. 557.
Dec. 19,
Mr. Dury, Mr. Mainard, Mr. Burges. 1645.
Ordered — Mr. Craddocke have a certificate upon his To
former examination.
Dr. Smith made report from . . .
R. — The whole Answer shall be delivered in to the Com- Assem-
mittee [of the] House of Commons in the afternoon, sJel a"~
Ordered — and that Committee be desired to communi- dissenting
cate [it] to the Honble House of Commons.
R. — A copy of the same Answer sent to the House of
Lords x by the same Committee, with this reason, be[cause]
it is presented to the House of Commons.
Report from the First Committee of Perseverance.
Mr. Keeling' s certificate,
Mr. Ley, Mr. Walker, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Ford, Mr. To ex-
Wilkinson, jun. amine-
Sess. 558. — December 22, 1645. — Monday morning.
Dr. Smith made report from the Committee : they
desire a brief of the matter of scandal to the Assembly.
Ordered — The Committee draw up an extract, and pre
sent it to the Committee of the House of Commons on
Wednesday next.
Mr. Marshall made report from the Committee of the
North. Debate about sending some ministers not yet
ordained. That this answer shall be returned to the Committee of
the North that are of the House of Commons, by the
Committee of this Assembly for the North,
Ordered — That this Assembly doth not find any such
expedient for this evil in the North as in the hastening of
the settling of the government of the Church, and that
they will be willing to their utmost to inquire out ministers
for the North, some being mentioned to them.
Ordered — To visit Dr. Gouge, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. New
comen. Compelled to adjourn for want of an Assembly.
1 Journals, vol. viii. p. 53. For answer see Hanbury, vol. iii. p. 6, etc.

I 72 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 559. Sess. 559. — December 23, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Dec 2"z
1645 R. — Mr. White be respited for his certificate till Thurs-
day fortnight.
Ordered— Mr. Gibbart(?) bring in a testimonial of his
conversation for the last two years.
Ordered— Mr. Ley and Mr. Whitakers to visit Mr. Ro-
brough. Ordered— Mr. Coleman and Mr. Strickland to visit Mr.
Harris. Ordered — Dr. Temple to visit Mr. Wilkinson.
Debate of Debate of the Covenant.
nantCre-e" Report made by Mr. Ward, from the Committee for St.
sumed. Peter's Port, in Guernsey island.
Sess. 560. — December 24, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Langley's certificate be respited.
Ordered — Mr. Smart have a certificate from the As
sembly. Ordered — The scribe is to write a letter to them of
Guernsey.
Report of Debate the report of the Sacraments.
mentsCra Ordered — The examination of ministers be upon Tues-
debated. days and Thursdays, in the afternoons — 2 o'clock ; and
that the members of the Assembly attend it in their turns,
by 5 each [?] days, to be nominated in the Assembly by
the scribe in order, as their names are in the scribe's book,
each of them for a week.
The nomination to be upon Fridays. — Monday and
Thursday in the first week.
Ordered — Mr. Palmer, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Rayner, Dr.
Hoyle, Mr. Ley, Mr. Cotton, to attend examination this
week. Sess. 561. — December 25, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Langley and Mr. Moore's certificate be
respited. Dr. Gouge moved about Mr. Tombes, his book,1 and the
Committee licenser. A Committee to consider of something to be
to consider 1 An Apology, etc., with appendix concerning infant-baptism,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 73
presented to the House of Commons about the late licens- Sess. 561.
ing of a book of Mr. Tombes by Mr. Batchelour, now . . . De^ 2S'
and they are to consider of something to be presented to 
the Assembly concerning the blasphemies and heresies, mies^nd6"
and other dangerous opinions printed and published and heresies.
spread abroad, and many of them licensed, together with
dangerous and schismatical practices.
R. 4.— Mr. Vines, Mr. Ward, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Case, Mr.
Ley, Mr. Gower. This Committee to meet to-morrow in
the afternoon, or any three.
Debate of the Sacrament.
Sess. 562. — December 26, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Vines, Dr. Temple, Mr. Ash, to pray.
Dr. Gouge, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Bathurst,
Mr. Ny, to attend the Committee of Examination.
Proceed in debate of Lord's Supper. Debate of
Lord's
Sess. 563. — December 29, 1645. — Monday morning. uPPer
Debate of Perseverance. Debate of
Mr. Calamy made report of Baptism. ance6^
R. — Mr. Moore have a certificate. Report of
The Committees do meet in the afternoons according to baPtlsm-
order, and not at dinner-time.
Sess. 564. — January 1, 1645. — Thursday morning. -
Dr. Burges moved, that in regard of his present weak
ness, fearing a fever, that one might be chosen to be an
assessor in the room of himself or Mr. White during their
infirmity, that the business of the Assembly might not be
hindered. R. — Mr. Palmer be assessor pro tempore, in the absence Mr.
°f Mr. White. £__£
Mr. Palmer took his place accordingly. pro tem-
Dr. Wincop made report from the Third Committees
about the Law of God. the law
Debate upon the Sacrament of Baptism. °
Ordered—Mr. Case, Mr. Newcomen, to visit the Pro- b^t_m°n
locutor.

I 74 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 564. Lord Balmerino came into the Assembly as one of the
^1645.' Commissioners appointed to sit in the Assembly.1
 Earl of Lauderdale delivered a letter from the Corn-
merino a' missioners of the General Assembly of the Church of
Commis- Scotland. It was twice read.
sioner to
Assembly. Prolocutor by order of the Assembly spoke to welcome
Lord the Lord Balmerino.
dale de- ^r- Burges—We know your Lordship's worth to be
livers letter such ... It is our desires to acknowledge the great assist-
land. ance from that kingdom which you come to represent. . . .
I hope it is the desire of us all to promote all ways and
means for the performing of that happiness in such a union.
. . . There be many difficulties in this great work, and your
Lordship is not insensible of it ; and therefore we have
the more need of such workmen as your Lordship. . . .
We shall humbly pray that your Lordship and the rest
may be so useful to this kingdom . . .
Letter A Committee to bring in a report upon Monday morn-
Commit- ° in_> to consider what is fit to be done with this letter.
tee. Ordered — Dr. Smith, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Whitakers, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Ward, the Committee.
Letter A letter from the ministers of London was brought by
sters of™" some of themselves. Presented and read in the As-
London. sembly. They that presented it withdrew, and it was de
bated. They were called in and received thanks, by order
of the Assembly.
Referredto This letter be referred to the sub-Committee of this
Assembly that are to join with the Committee of Lords
and Commons and Commissioners of the Church of Scot
land, and they are to . . .
Sess. 565. — January 2, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Palmer supplied the place of the Prolocutor.
Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Carter, Mr. Hodges, to pray.
To ex- Dr. Smith, Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Coleman. Ordered — Mr. Horley be spoken with, and give an
1 He was only authorised by the English Parliament to do so on 29th
January. See Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 421.

sub-Cornmittee,

amine.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 75
account of the reasons of his removing himself, and how Sess. 565.
the place he leaves may be supplied before the next ,g' f'
profits of the said living come in. 
A petition from Paul Best was read.
Debate of Baptism. Debate about dedication to God. Debate on
baptism.
Sess. 566. — January 5, 1645. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Vines and Mr. Whitakers to give thanks
to Mr. Reynolds in the name of the Assembly for his
sermon. Report from the Committee for the letter from the
Church of Scotland.
Ordered — That a letter be drawn to the Commissioners Letter
of the Church of Scotland, according to the particulars in land to be
this report by the same Committee, — the report to be answered.
made upon Friday morning next.
Debate upon Baptism ; ' the grace of God bestowed Debate
, , , resumed.
sometimes before.
Mr. Whitakers. — That it doth confer grace I do not Whitakers
find, but our divines do hold it . . . When they oppose of God in
the Papists, they say it is more than a sign and seal. . . . baptism.
Chamier saith the grace that is signified is exhibited, so it
is in the French Confession ; it doth efftcaciter donare. . . .
I conceive that it doth not confer it ex opere operato. That
union is not so universal, ad . . . Arguments : I. That
which the Scripture ascribes to baptism we are to ascribe.
Baptism is an ordinance to effect those ends. ... an ordi
nance of engrafting into Christ, and of our spiritual rege
neration and new birth. . . . Baptized into the remission of
sins. . . . Baptism saves, 1. Accompanied with the sign
and thing signified, it is a saving ordinance. . . . For
without grace none of those things can be. 2. A com-
paratis, if the word of God do instrumentally confer grace.
... 3. From the Eucharist, if that be a sacrament of our
spiritual growth, be [cause] an ordinance to confer that
growth . . . with what proportion of reason I can say
that of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper a means of
conferring growth where is grace already, in the same
proportion of reason it will hold about Baptism. . . . Said

I 76 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 566. circumcision a sign of that which he had, being uncircum-
Ja£" s' cised. . . . A. Those were extraordinary cases. . . . Those
 things that work only by signification, they work by the
continued, intervention of reason. . . . From the union of the sign and
thing signified which is in the analogy, . . . and in con-
juncla exhibitione as Ursin[us]. . . . when we lawfully re
ceive it, God doth promise to bestow the inward . . . That
which a minister is bound to pray for, that he is bound to
believe.
Palmer on Mr. Palmer — I think we have not said enough con-
same sub- cernjn~ the grace 0f baptism ; but all that he hath said
doth not warrant the proposition before you. ... In his
sense the proposition is not proper. . . . There is something
more than a bare sign, especially sometimes he under
stands thereby the first grace, and that his arguments
have not proved . . . What the Scripture speaks of efficacy
of baptism, it speaks of those that are grown up. We
must suppose the person to be baptized to be a believer.
. . . For that of the word there is a great difference, the
word either external or internal as a necessary means. . . .
For the parallel between two Sacraments. ... I deny the
consequence — the parallel — a thing may be instrumental
to convey when there is a possibility of receiving of it ;
but he that is without the just1 grace hath nothing to make
him in a capacity of receiving ; he is dead. ... By the
same argument it may be supposed that one sacrament
may as well convey grace of conversion as the other. . . .
For the union between sign and thing signified . . . true,
they are not naked signs ; there is no nakedness in a seal.
... A further union in the sacrament ; it is such a union
as that whatsoever is promised by the word, that is granted
unto him by the participation of the sign.
Mr. Whitakers— -In the first argument he did not answer,
the Scriptures. . . . The Scripture speaks more about con
ferring than it doth either of signing and sealing. . .
Sess. 567. — January 6, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
R.—Mr. Jagard's reasons of removal are approved.
1 Perhaps 'first,' as line 16.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 77
Ordered — That all the members of this Assembly that Sess. 567.
are in or near the town be desired to be present at the Jag' '
Fast, on the 14th of January, and that notice be given to 
those members of the Assembly that do not appear in the
interim. R. — Mr. Horrocks have his certificate. The Assembly
was satisfied with the passing of it without giving any
reasons of his removal, be[cause] he was never settled in
that place for which he was formerly examined, — the place
being otherwise disposed of.
Proceed in the debate about grace in Baptism. Debate on
R. — Mr. Farrar be examined according to those rules baSumed
for examination. Sess. 568. — January 7, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Horley have his certificate.
Report was made concerning Mr. Farrar, that he was
found very insufficient in the very grounds and funda
mentals of religion.
The Committee is to certifyed.1
Debate of the Law of God. Debate on
Mr. Lightfoot enters his dissent to that about the leav- e£dlaw of
ing out of creation.
Debate about that of 'the law for the the2 substance of it.'
Sess. 569. — January 8, 1645. — Thursday morning.
R. — Mr. Smith shall have a certificate without coming
up to be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Pinckney have his certificate upon former
examination. Ordered — Mr. White's business be respited for a month.
Ordered — Mrs. Carter, a widow of a member of this
Assembly, be taken into consideration when the next
money for the Assembly comes in.
Report of that clause of Baptism committed.
Report of a Lawful Oath by Mr. Prophet.
Resolved — To reserve the debate of the report about
Baptism. 1 Sic in MS. ; perhaps for ' certify it.' 2 Sic in MS.
M

I 78 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 570. Sess. 570. — January 9, 1645. — Friday morning.
Jag • 9' Ordered— Mr. Ward do bring a testimonial of his con-
 versation, and the reason of his remove under his own hand.
Mr. Perne, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Ford, to pray.
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Gipps, Mr. Burroughs, Mr.
Calamy, for the Committee of examination of ministers.
Debate of Debate of grace of God in Baptism. The proposition
GoThf recommitted to be reported on Friday next.
baptism, Debate of the Law of God.
fanw.0fthe Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Sed[g]wicke, visit Mr. Marshall.
Mr. Ward, Dr. Smith, visit the Prolocutor.
Sess. 57*1. — January 12, 1645. — Monday morning.
Debate of Debate of the Law . . . about the Law ceremonial, and
resumed about the meaning of the description of ceremonial and
judicial. A Committee to consider of those propositions.
An order for Mr. Strong to be a member of the
Assembly.1 Proceed in a debate.
Sess. 572. — January 13, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Strong appeared in the room of Mr. Peake and took
the protestation.
Debate of Debate of the Law binding in respect of the matter (?).
and 'of Debate of Oaths.
oaths. Sess. 573. — January 15, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. East be returned to the Committee as
insufficient. Mr. Strickland informed the Assembly of a desire from
the Committee for Cumberland that some ministers may be
sent to them — some that are not in orders — which he doth
the rather desire because so great a charge is laid upon
that Committee of the Assembly by by2 some of the
Assembly, instancing in Mr. Burroughs.
The Assembly cannot swerve from the rules given unto
them. 1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. pp. 392, 395.
a Sic in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 79
Mr. Tuckney made report of a letter to the Commis- Sess. 573.
Sioners of General Assembly. A part of the letter not ^a04c5'
taken notice of in the materials, which which1 is now added. 
It was read and debated.
R. — This letter shall be transcribed and sent to the
Reverend Commissioners of the General Assembly of the
Church of Scotland.
Proceed in debate ' of Oaths.' Debate of
R.— That Mr. Marshall and Mr. Whitakers have thanks resumed.
from this Assembly by Mr. Newcomen and Mr. Tuckney
for the great pains they took yesterday in their sermons
they preached before this Assembly.
R. — The three Committees do meet this afternoon.
Sess. 574. — January 16, 1645. — Friday morning.
Dr. Wincop, Mr. Price, Mr. Ward, Mr. Walker, Mr.
Seaman, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Carter, Mr. Gibson, to attend the
Committee of Examination.
Mr. Strong took the Covenant and subscribed.
Report of that Committee about Baptism. Report of Further
that Committee about Oaths. concerning
Debate of Baptism. ^5'!.™
An order for Mr. Millar from the Broad Seal.
Upon information of Mr. Pickering,
Ordered — The Chairman shall certify the Lords Com
missioners of the Broad Seal of the information given of his
scandalous walking, and the insufficiency of his testimonials.
Sess. 575. — January 19, 1645. — Monday morning.
That when anything spoken in this Assembly by way
of testimony against any minister to be examined,2
Ordered — That when any information is given in this
Assembly by any member of it against any minister to
be examined, the name of the member shall not be made
known to the party complained of or any other by any
member of the Assembly.
Ordered — That Mr. Ley be desired to repair to the
Chairman of the Committee of Plundered Ministers to in-
1 Sic in MS. ! This ought to have been erased in MS.

and oaths.

180 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 575. quire whether Mr. Lilly be passed that Committee, and to
Jag I9' inform him of the exceptions taken against him in this
 ¦ Assembly, and that he never had the approbation of the
Assembly. Debate of the report of Oaths.
Ordered — Report of that Committee concerning Baptism
(be taken1) be made on Wednesday morning.
Debate of Debate upon that ' what he believeth so to be.'
oaths. jyrr^ Qfflgspje — ln some cases it is his duty to take it,
though he do not believe the thing to be just . . . Her
Proceed in debate.
Sess. $76. — January 20, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
The Committee for Printing do meet to-morrow at 1
o'clock, and make report on Monday morning next.
Report Mr. Coleman made report from the Committee of the
rJrittefof1" North : ' That Sir Henry Vane desired it may be reported '
North. what progress hath been made in settling the presbyterial
government according to the Speaker's letter. . . . Also a
reverend minister, Mr. Burnham, seated in Morpeth, the
minister of the place is dead, and so his sequestration is
void, he is now by the Committee removed to Durham.
They desire he may be approved by the Assembly ; also
they want ministers in Cumberland and Westmoreland. . . .
Two ministers appeared before the Committee yesterday,
only they are not in orders. They do not scruple orders,
but would accept it if any to ordain them. The Committee
would not send them down without orders, but desire to
take this hint to send a message to the House of Commons
that they would set up a way of ordination.'
Ordered — That Mr. Burnham be approved of by the
Assembly for the third minister for Durham.2
Debate about moving for ordination.
Ordered — The Committee for the North of this Assembly
do meet speedily themselves, and [consider] what may be
fit to be done in this business about ordination, and make
report to this Assembly on Monday morning.
Debate about Oaths.
1 Not erased in MS. - Or Duresme.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. l8l
Sess. $77. — January 21, 1645. — Wednesday morning. Sess. 577
Jan. 21,
Report from the second Committee about Baptism, 1645.
Report from the third Committee of additional to Oaths. Re ts
Resolved — To debate the report of Oaths. at>°"t
Debate of additional of Oaths. and oaths.
Debate of the clause concerning Baptism. Debates
upon them.
Sess. 578. — January 22, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Austin have a certificate upon his
former examination.
Report from the Committee for Printing. A letter
from the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge.
Ordered — To go on with the report of Printing.
Debated and votes upon it.
Ordered — To consider the letter from Cambridge to
morrow morning.
Mr. Gillespie moved to alter the title of St. Matthew, Gillespie
etc., in the printing of the Bible, and some places in the ™°™ so'°
New Testament, that prelatical men make use of, etc., as St. before
Matthew,etc., in the
Sess. 579. — January 23, 1645. — Friday morning. printing of
Upon debate about Mr. Whitting,
R. — neg. — That there shall be a general rule in this
case, 'That in case any man , be recommended to this
Assembly for approbation from the Committee for Plun
dered Ministers, who hath been formerly ejected by
them or any other Committee, he shall not have an
approbation from this Assembly till that Committee of
that hath ejected him
(Plundered Ministers) have certified his discharge from
the accusation, and that they are satisfied concerning him.'
R. — That Mr. Whitting be not approved by this As
sembly till he bring a certificate fro[m] the Committee of
Plundered Ministers that they are satisfied concerning him.
Ordered — The meeting of the stationers' business be
respited till Thursday next, afternoon.
R. neg. — That Mr. Hardwicke attend the House of
Commons.

1 82 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 579. R. — This last vote shall be revoked.
Ji6453' Mr- Wilkinson, jun., Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Strong, Mr.
 Whitaker, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Corbet of
M[erton College], Mr. Langley, Mr. Tisdale.
Debate of
Committee Ordered — Mr. Palmer, Mr. Vines, Mr. Seaman, Mr.
of tCem-ider Arrowsmith, Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen,
porary ex- to be a Committee to consider of an expedient for present
wayof °rway of ordination, to be presented to both Houses of
ordination. pariiament — to report on Monday next.
Sess. 580. — January 26, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mr. Simpson was published to pray with the Lords the
week following.
Ordered — Dr. Smith, Mr. Salway, give thanks to Mr.
Rouse for his care in the business of the Psalms, and his
respect to this Assembly. They are also to visit the Pro
locutor in the name of the Assembly.
Further Debate of the proposition concerning Baptism. Mr.
concerning Henderson offered a proposition.
baptism. Sess. 581. — January 29, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Palmer and Mr. Whitakers to visit Mr.
White. Ordered — That Mr. Gilbert have a certificate upon his
former examination.
An order published for Mr. Talbot.
Reports Mr. Coleman made report of Christian Liberty. Mr.
Chi_t_ng Dury made report from the Second Committee of Church
liberty and Officers and Censures.
church
officers and Ordered — Mr. Wheatly have a certificate from the As-
censures. sembly upon his former ordination.
Ordered — The Committee for the letter to Cambridge
to make report on Monday morning next.
Debate of Debate of Christian Liberty.
rlbenrtyan Mr- Newcomen, Mr. Dury, Mr. Delmy, Dr. Temple, Dr.
Gouge, added to the Committee for report about the Law ;
to report to-morrow morning. Friday morning.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 83
Sess. 582. — February 2, 1645. — Monday morning. Sess. 582.
An order for examining the sufficiency of Mr. Mitchell. F,e^|c2'
Ordered — That Mr. Ley make certificate to the Com- 
mittee of Plundered Ministers of the great insufficiency of
Mr. Mitchell for the place mentioned, or any other mini
sterial charge.
A petition was brought from Mr. Adams.
Ordered — The Assembly cannot approve of Mr. Adams,
except he do appear to be examined, and that he give
good testimony of his conversation from known and ap
proved ministers near to the place of his last abode before
he be approved by this Assembly.
Report from the Committee of Printing read.
Report made of the propositions for Ceremonial and J u- Report
dicial Laws committed formerly. Debate upon that report, ceremonial
Sir Robert Harley brought a message from the Grand and judi-
Committee to represent some doubts of theirs that there and debate
is not so clear an expression of some things in the enume- upon ll-
ration of scandals as, ' 3. Any who shall purposely buy, tobsome°nS
sell, give, or keep any images or pictures of the Trinity, or expres-
any person thereof undefaced.' Our exceptions are, you tne"paper
leave this loose, and it reacheth to all public and private °n ,scan:
1-1-11 1111 1 • - daloussins.
libraries that have books that have those pictures in them ;
they desire clearly to express that there may be a salvo
for this. And there are many seals by which men
hold their estates that have those pictures in them, and so
keeping those things, I may be subject in the letter of the
law to scandal, and so kept from the sacrament.
Debate upon it.
Mr. Marshall moved to add, 'purposely keep for the
picture's sake or for devotion's sake.'
A Committee to consider of this.
Ordered — Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Burges, Mr.
Rayner, Mr. Case, Mr. Byfield, to meet this afternoon, and
to make report to-morrow morning.
Sess. 583. — Februarys, I64[5]. — Tuesday.
Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Tisdale, Mr. Clayton. To pray.
R. — The names of those that are to pray with the

184 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 583. Lords, Commons, and Committee of both kingdoms, be
16453' returned to both Houses weekly.
 An order for approving three ministers for Winchester.
Ordered — Dr. Dury be approved for the place men
tioned. R. — That this Assembly cannot give advice for the
removal of Mr. Ellis from the place where he is to Win
chester. Report made by Mr. Whitakers of an addition to the
former vote about images,
' Any who shall buy, sell, give, or keep any images or
pictures of the Trinity, or any Person thereof — purposely
in reference unto, and in esteem of the said pictures —
undefaced.' Debate upon it.
Sess. 584. — February 6, 1645. — Friday morning.
Another order was brought about Mr. Whitting.
Report of Report of the Committee for Printing. Debate about
Committee ;t ancj aDOUf- bringing in the men.
forprmtmg ' ° °
Bibles, and R. — That Mr. Ny and Mr. Coleman do produce those
abouUt. persons upon Wednesday next, who will do1 the Bibles
according to the prices2 above mentioned upon Wednesday
next, in the afternoon, before the Committee for Printing.
Sess. 585. — February 9, 1645. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Ward be approved upon his former certi
ficate. Dr. Gouge moved about Mr. Batchelor, his licensing of
books, having licensed Dr. Crompton's book.
Ordered— Dr. Gouge, Dr Smith, Mr. Newcomen, be
added to the Committee the 25th of December, to consider
of heresies and blasphemies published and licensed, to
meet to-morrow in the afternoon, and make report on
Wednesday morning.
Ordered— The Committee for ordination do meet and
make report on Thursday morning.
1 'Print' written above 'do' in MS. 2 ' Prizes ' in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 85
Ordered — That Mr. Cooke be approved without ex- Sess. 585.
amination. ^foc9'
Debate about the Ceremonial and Judicial Laws' abro- 
Debate on
gation. abrogation
A letter from the Committee of Cumberland about of ce?s; ,
— , 1 momaland
Robinson and Chambers. Referred to the Committee of judicial
the North. laws-
Ordered — Debate of Christian Liberty.
Sess. 586. — February 10, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Tutty be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — The Committee for the North a[nd] the
heads of Colleges in Cambridge that are of this Assembly
do meet this afternoon, and prepare a petition to be pre
sented to both Houses of Parliament for the settling of a
way of ordination in the several presbyteries.
Debate of Christian Liberty. Debate on
Sir Henry Mildmay desired the Assembly to consider of f^f*"1
the business of Mr. Ellis, he being appointed by the Com
mittee of the county to represent it to the Assembly.
That the business concerning Mr. Ellis be taken into
further consideration to-morrow morning.
Sess. 587. — February 11, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
The order of the Committee of Hampshire was read
again, and debate about Mr. Ellis' admission to Winchester.
That upon the desire of the Honble Committee that
moved in behalf of Mr. Ellis, that Mr. Ellis may appear
before the Assembly to be examined, and that he do bring
with him a testimonial of his conversation from known and
approved ministers amongst whom he hath last lived.
Ordered — That the Committee that wrote for Mr. Ellis
be certified by some members of the Assembly, that in
case they do insist upon the approbation of this Assembly
for his being at Winchester, that the Assembly cannot
determine for him till they have spoken with him and
received further satisfaction concerning him, and till he
have performed the order of the Assembly in bringing
sufficient testimonials from known and approved ministers

1 86 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 587. where he last resided and now is, and have satisfied the
^645'' Assembly in the reasons of his removal from a pastoral
 charge to a sequestration, and, if they think fit he should
come up, that this day three weeks be the day of his
appearing at the Assembly. Mr. Guibon, Mr. Ward, do
give notice of this to Sir Henry Mildmay.
Further Debate of Christian Liberty.
debate of
nb_ty.an Sess- 588- — February 12, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Ward be approved on his former certificate.
Dr. Gouge made report that the men could not meet
about the prices of Bibles.
Ordered — That in case Mr. Ny and Mr. Coleman do not
bring forth their men upon Monday next in the afternoon,
the Assembly will take the offer of the Stationers into
further consideration.
Upon debate
Petition to That a petition be drawn up to both Houses of Parlia-
cOTcemm* ment to this purpose, ' whereas it hath pleased the Honble
ordination. Houses of Parliament to pass an ordinance for Ordination
of Ministers in the several classical presbyteries, there is an
extraordinary necessity that this should forthwith be put
into execution, therefore the presbyteries may be com
manded to be settled as to that purpose and to act as to
that part, and that where there cannot at the present be
any presbyteries settled, the next presbytery adjoining
may have power to ordain for those that want, and humbly
to desire that the rest of the government with all con
venient speed may be settled.'
Ordered — Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Vice-Chancellor, Mr.
Arrowsmith, to draw up this petition presently.
A testimonial was brought for Mr. Millar.
R.— The Assembly is not satisfied with this testimonial
concerning Mr. Millar.
Further Debate of Christian Liberty.
Christian Mr. Reynolds made report of a petition to both Houses.1

liberty.

1 This petition is given in the Journals of the House of Lords, vol. viii. p.
166 ; the substance of the speech made by Dr. Smith in presenting it is given
in the Journals of the House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 443.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. I 87
Sess. 589.— February 13, 1645. — Friday morning. Sess. 589.
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Cheynell, Mr. Guibon, [to pray]. ^s'3'
Dr. Smith informed the Assembly the House of Com- 
mons were not then at leisure, but would . . .
Lords give thanks for their care, and they will presently Petition
take the business into consideration, and they had appointed presented
a speedy day for it.
Ordered — Mr. Carrill have the certificate of the Assembly
upon his former approbation.
Mr. Burges, Mr. Vines, Dr. Temple, Mr. Ash, Mr. Cheynell. To exa-
Dr. Burges moved concerning that speech in the As- mme'
sembly, that the ' covenant was made use of as a staff to
beat all sorts of men.'
R. — — ' The speech spoken yesterday in this Assembly Coleman's
by Mr. Coleman, a member of it, viz. : that the covenant tocovenant
is made use of to beat all with, or words to that effect, is T°Jed scan"
scandalous,' R. 9 — Added, ' both to the Parliament and Assembly.'
Mr. Newcomen's words if this brother had not added
obstinacy to deny his folly yesterday.
That the occasion of his words was as a reason against
the putting in of those words into the petition according
to our solemn covenant
Sess. 590. — February 16, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mr. Pickering to pray in the House of Lords the week
following. Dr. Smith made report from the House of Commons. Petition
They had delivered the petition, and they would take it t0 Com

mons.

into consideration on Wednesday next — the day appointed
for religion.
Debate about Christian Liberty.
R. — The former vote for not recommitting revoked.
R. — That this whole head of Christian Liberty shall be Hea<* °f
Christian
recommitted. liberty
R.— This shall be recommitted to a select Committee, recommit-
Ordered — Mr. Seaman, Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Temple,
Mr. Dury, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Ward, Mr.

1 88 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 590. Cawdry, Mr. Cheynell, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Sedg-
Fi64s6, wicke, Mr. Conant, Mr. Wilkinson, jun., to meet to-morrow
 in the afternoon.
Debate Debate of the Church — about those words, '[a]nd, are,
concerning , ,, , ,
the or shall be.
Church. Sess. 591. — February 17, 1645.- — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Ley made report from the Committee for Printing,
of one Mr. Bently that undertakes
R. j* — This question shall be put.
R. ^ — The prices1 offered by the Stationers, and the price1
offered by Mr. Bently, shall be both expressed in our peti
tion to the Parliament.
That some reasons for the trusting of the Stationers of
London, or the two Universities, with the printing of the
Bibles at their rates be also expressed in the same petition.
These two questions put successively.
The Parliament shall be moved.
R. — neg. — The Company of the Stationers of London,
and the two Universities, shall be trusted at the rates
offered by the Stationers of London.
That for this purpose reasons shall be given in the
petition. Mr. Hodges enters his dissent. Mr. Newcomen enters his
dissent. Dr. Burges, the Prolocutor, enters his dissent. Mr.
Gouge enters his dissent. Dr. Temple enters his dissent.
Dr. Smith enters his dissent. Dr. Hoyle enters his dissent.
Mr. Ley also.
A letter from the ministers of York, enclosed in a letter
to the Lord Fairfaxe ; it was read.
That this be communicated to the Committee of the
North, with desire that they would take some course for
the acquainting of the House with it, if they in their
wisdom shall think fit.
Report of the Committee of the Communion of Sacra
ments.2 1 'Prizes' and 'prize,' as elsewhere, in MS.
2 Apparently 'sacr— ts' in MS., but probably for 'saints.' See Sess. 597.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 89
Sess. 592. — February 20, 1645. — Friday morning. Sess. 592.
Feb. 20,
Mr. Pickering, Mr. Rayner, Dr. Hoyle. l64S-
Ordered — Mr. Tristam Hinsham (?) have his certificate To pray.
without coming up.
Mr. Delamarch, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Carter of D[udley],
Mr. Hodges, Mr. Perne, to examine in the Committee of
Examinations. Sir Henry Mildmay informed the Assembly that Mr.
Ellis was without, to be examined by the Assembly.
The former order concerning the day of Mr. Ellis, his
appearance in this Assembly, shall be revoked.
This last Q[uestion] shall be put.
R. — The business concerning Mr. Ellis shall be now
taken into consideration, notwithstanding the former order
of the Assembly for the day of his appearance.
Ordered — Dr. Gouge, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Hodges, Mr.
Ny, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Seaman, to go out to examine Mr.
Ellis. Dr. Gouge made report from Mr. Ellis, 'brought in
reasons of his removal, and he hath given us satisfaction,
and is to bring in ' . . .
R. — The Assembly is satisfied in the reasons brought in
for Mr. Ellis, his remove.
This Assembly hath received satisfaction concerning
Mr. Ellis for the present, and that in case there be no
further information concerning him by the day appointed
in the former order of the Assembly, then this approba
tion shall be certified to the HonbIe Committee of Plun
dered Ministers.
Mr. Ellis bring in under his hand, . . . that in case any
have anything to say . . .
Sess. 593. — February 23, 1645. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Watts his certificate be respited till
Thursday morning, if nothing be objected then . . .
Ordered — That Mr. Holland be examined.
That the Committee for Printing shall take into con
sideration any such propositions that

190 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 593. A letter was brought from the ministers of Essex and
1645.3 read, and the originals brought in.
 Sir Henry Mildmay moved again in behalf of Mr. Ellis.
Ellis A paper was brought in from Mr. Ellis, was brought in1
approved. ana^ read in the Assembly, and
R. — That Mr. Humphrey Ellis be approved by this
Assembly to preach and officiate in the Cathedral Church
of Winchester.
R . — That the minister that brought this letter shall be
called in [and] have thanks both for himself and the rest,
from whence he comes, according to the effect of the
ministers of London['s] letter.
They were called in. Prolocutor spake unto them ac
cording to the former vote.
The Committee for Christian Liberty to meet on Thurs
day.
Further Ordered — To the First Committee, in chief heads, —
Confession Christian Sabbath, the Civil Magistrate, Marriage and
distributed Divorce.
three Com- T° the Second Committee, — Certainty of Salvation, Lies
mittees. and Equivocation, the State of the Soul after death.
To the Third Committee, — the Resurrection, the Last
Judgment, Life Eternal.
Debate Debate of the report of the Church.
oftheP°rt Lord Lauderdale acquainted them with a letter from
Church, the Parliament of Scotland. It was read twice.
foomPar- Mr- Marshall desired the Prolocutor to signify that we
liament of are sensible of the great respect this Parliament of Scot
land hath put upon this Assembly.
Ordered — That it be performed accordingly.
Acknow- The Prolocutor accordingly : — My Lord, though I can-
Prdofod by not but account it matter of great joy to have the honour
to be so often the mouth of this Assembly in things so
acceptable to the Assembly, but 2 I count it a great alloy
that I am to do it, and cannot do it with that thankfulness
as it requires  It is a great happiness that that ancient
kingdom should now at length bring forth so much fruit
in old age, and that it should bring forth so much fruit to
'.Skin MS. a Perhaps 'yet'

cutor,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 9 I
this kingdom with so much affection, constancy, expense Sess. 593.
of treasure and blood, and that not in any particular cause j6* 2 3'
or quarrel from self [ish] ends, but as proceeding from a 
public spirit, aiming at the glory of God. . . . The great
affections expressed to the Honble Houses of Parliament
matter of great rejoicing, and the affections now declared
in the ack[nowledg]ing of our poor endeavours . . . our
own modesty or deserts could hardly have expected or
reached unto. . . . That they have declared their zeal for
God and our Church, we want words [to] say what
becomes us. ... I doubt not but this expression, together
with all others, shall have this effect upon our hearts and
spirits, that in all our addresses at the throne of grace . .
in all ready and cheerful performance of our vow and
covenant, ... as becomes the servants of Jesus.
Sess. 594. — February 26, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Debate of the visibility of the Church. . . . To the Debate of
Mr. Ny, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Carter, enters his dissent assure!/0
an article of faith. Ny and
An order from the Lords for printing the Answer of the °tners dis-
Assembly [to the Dissenting Brethren].1 , this being
made an
Sess. ^.—February 27, 1645. a^le of
Mr. Greenhill, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Spurstow. To pray.
Ordered — That Mr. Watts be examined.
Debate of the Church. Further
Ordered— Mr. Ley certify the insufficiency of Mr. Adams. ^rfThe church.
Sess. 596. — March 2, 1645. — Monday morning.
Debate of the Church. Debate
Dr. Burges moved, in consideration of the pains taken
by a learned member of the House of Commons,
Ordered — Dr. Burges, Dr. Smith; Dr. Temple, Mr. Ley, Thanks to
Mr. Burges, Mr. Mainard, Mr. Wilkinson, to give thanks r- eig '

to Mr. Ley for his worthy pains in his book Critica Sacra,
and his respect to this Assembly in his dedication.
Proceed in debate of the Church.
1 Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 185.

192 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 597. Sess. 597. — March 3, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
1643. ' The Assembly entered on the debate of Communion of
Deoat7of SaIntS-
the com- A letter from the Commissioners of the General As-
s_r_r of sembly of Scotland read. Prolocutor by order of the
Letterfrom Assembly gave thanks to the Lord Warriston.
Scotland. Lord Warriston . . .
Ordered — The Committee that drew up letters to the
Commissioners of the Church of Scotland do prepare a
letter in answer to the letter now received.
Proceed in the debate.
Sess. 598. — March 4, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Upon a motion that Mr. Rastall, having been ordained
by the Bp. of Lincoln, since the ordinance passed,
R. — That Mr. Rastall shall have his certificate.
Further Debate of Communion of Saints.
commu-0f Ordered— That Mr. Gore have a certificate by the scribe
nion of of the Assembly without examination, and that this be no
precedent for the future.
Ordered— The Committee for Liberty meet in afternoon.
Ordered— The First Committee to meet in afternoon
about the Church.
Sess. 599— March 5, 1645.— Thursday.
A petition was offered from Mrs. Barker about the print
ing of the Bibles, because it was proper for the Assembly.
Various Report from Dr Gouge about the Church recommitted.
heads'of " Mr- Prophet made report of Religion and Worship.
sTonfand Debate of the additional proposition in Communion of
debates Saints against restraining the duties only to members of the
uponthem. partjcuiar congregation. Resolved to be waived.
Debate of the report of the Church.
A petition from the merchant booksellers about the
printing of the Septuagint.
Ordered— The former Committee do recommend this to
both Houses of Parliament1
1 This matter was first brought under the notice of the House of Commons
by the Assembly on 3d January 1644-5, when a Committee, with JohnSelden

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 93
Sess. 600. — 1645. — Friday. Sess. 600.
1645.
Mr. Bridge, Mr. Case, Dr. Gouge, to pray. 
R. — That Mr. Smith be examined.
Debate about the Church — instituting of ecclesiastical Debate
government, ^
' That J[esus] C[hrist] as K[ing] and H[ead] of His andinstitu-
Church hath appointed an ecclesiastical government in ecelesias-
His Church in the hand of Church Officers distinct from tlcal £°-
, . ., vernment.
the civil government.
Sess. 601. — March 9, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mr. Reynolds moved in behalf of Mr. Wood.
Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Tuckney,
enter their dissent to the approbation of Mr. Wood.
Ordered — That Mr. Ley do move the chairman of the
Committee of Plundered Ministers that Mr. Wood's certifi
cate from this Assembly may be respited for a day or two
till the Assembly do give a further account concerning it.
Debate of the proposition. Debate of
Mr. Coleman moved to pass the proposition brought in ^^that
by the Committee, which would pass without any question. Jesu.s
Mr. Coleman — Before I can enter [in]to any argument King and
[I wish to know] if I dispute against this proposition Head> etc-
whether I might without breach of covenant and charge of
perjury make such a dispute.
It was debated. . . . To the argument,
Mr. Coleman — The Church of the New Testament doth
as Convener, was appointed ' to consider of the best course for the speedy
printing of the ancient copy of the Septuagint in His Majesty's Library,' and
then in the custody of Mr. Patrick Young. This 'ancient copy' was the
famous Alexandrian Codex presented to Charles 1. by the Patriarch of Con
stantinople. Patrick Young, or Junius, the Keeper of the King's Library
(who sought the aid of the Assembly and Parliament to enable him to give
the text of this MS. to the world), was a Scotchman, and an M.A. of the
University of St. Andrews, who had been incorporated into the University of
Oxford, and was regarded by Wood as the most learned Grecian of his time.
In July 1645 a pension of ^400 per annum was voted to him by the House
of Commons, and in January 1647-8 this was commuted for a single payment
of ^2000. He only lived to edit the Epistles of Clement, and specimens of
the text of the Old Testament. His Annotationes on the Pentateuch up to
Numbers xv. were printed in vol. vi. of Walton's Polyglott.
N

194 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 601. not hold out any such distinction betwixt civil and ecclesi-
Mia64s 9' astical • • • Called to prove the matter.
 C. — If [so] then either in the xviii. of Math, or v. Cor. or
coMlnued. some other Scripture . . . Neither of those Scriptures hold
out two distinct governments.
Mr. Ny — It will not follow they must be held out both
in one place ; there is the fallacy.
Mr. C — Called to prove the major that it must hold
them out in the ... If you mean that where the magistrate
is heathen, then the Church government must be distinct,
Yields the I yield the proposition. . . . There is a necessity on prin-
tionwhere ciples of nature and Christian prudence that the Church
the magis- have a distinct government ... If y*>u take government, as
trate is
heathen, you do, distinct from the doctrinal part, then I deny it to be
distinct from the civil magistrate. . . . Instance in the xviii.
of Matthew, there is not a distinct government by appoint-
[ment]. . . . There is no government there, for no party
named in whom the government is, and no act of govern
ment by that person, nor anything else. . . . Both are denied
be[cause] not a sufficient enumeration. The minor if1 a
person then either a private person, or the two or three, or
the church to whom he doth appeal, but neither of those
are not 2 the subject of government ... if in this Scripture
there be no act of government at all . . . There is no act of
government be[cause] no act at all appointed to be done
by this church. ... If the nomination of the church makes
him the subjectum capax, then the party offended is the
subjectum capax. . . . Consequence is denied. ... If nothing
be said of one that is not said of the other, then there is no
more regimen to one than another. . . . The minor is denied
... If the party's being acquainted with that is the only
thing, [it] is said of the one and the other, but . . . The minor
is denied. . . .
Mr. Gillespie— Three things said of the Church that is
not said of the party.
Mr. C— True, there is a difference in order ... Let
him be to thee as a heathen or publican, I deny that
. . . whereas we speak concerning this no act . . . it is
1 Perhaps 'is.' "Sic in us.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 95
supposed in relation to government . . . There is nothing Sess. 601.
said that the Church did — not any one act. If there be no ag" 9'
one act at all that the Church did or might do by virtue 
of the precept in this place, then there is nothing said con
cerning the Church that is not said . . . The minor is denied,
to that of might do. ... If there be something that the
Church might do by virtue of this place, then some com
mand from Christ to do it ; but Chrtet hath not com
manded anything in this place to be done.
Mr. Seaman — Two things set down in the text do
suppose necessarily a third thing that must intervene.
Mr. C. — If Christ have given any precept, then the
Church hath power to exercise any jurisdictive act upon
his contumacy. . . . The consequence is denied be[cause]
the Church hath a power before it come to contumacy, for
this contumacy cannot be judged till some other act do
pass upon it. . . . If the Church hath here any authoritative
act, then the hearing the Church is an authoritative act.
... If those words, Let him be to thee a heathen and a
publican, be not a Church act, then it is not a Church Admits
censure . . . Both propositions denied. ... It is confessed church
r r censure
that here is no Church censure, but suppose Church cen- supposed
 • 7 • though not
sure, m hoc acquiesco. expressed.
Ld. of Warwick desired ministers to be supplied for the
summer fleet
That the members of the Assembly think of some of
their acquaintance and propound them to the Assembly,
that there may be a return to the noble Lord.
Ordered — To proceed in this debate on Friday.
Report of the Sabbath.
Debate of Religion and Worship. Debate of
religionand
Sess. 602. — March 10, 1645. — Tuesday morning. worship.
Ordered— That Mr. Sarson have a certificate without
coming up to be examined, in regard much of his time for
absence from the College is almost expired.
Ordered — That Mr. Watkins have his certificate.
Debate of Religion and Worship. Debate
resumed.

I96 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 602. Mr. Seaman made report of Christian Liberty and
March 10, T •, , r .-.
l64S Liberty of Conscience.
 Ordered — Mr. Smith have his certificate.
Sess. 603. — March 13, 1645. — Friday morning.
Ordered — That no testimonial be received in this As
sembly without a date.
Ordered — That' Mr. Atwood Rotheram shall have his
certificate.
Debate Mr. Coleman — How unwilling I was and am to this
proposU°n opposition, this whole Assembly will bear me out, and . . .
tion, 'That I foresee the consequent will not be so good 1 as was desired.
Christ as ¦ • ¦! was of the Committee, and brought in a proposition
King and that I suppose will pass nemine contradicente. I move
His again that that may be put to the Q. I suppose this will
Church,' not be thought fit to be in the Confession of Faith. . . .
{Sic. ) I desire to premise this word ; I entreat that we may not
have any ill terms. . . . Only recapitulate one word given by
Repeats way of answer. If they will confirm2 now, the argument is
at at * an end, viz. the jurisdictive power is not expressed in
this text, but supposed. . . . Concerning the word power, I
hesitate, but will not litigate ; but if you mean only a de
clarative power. . . .
Mr. Marshall — I hope the Assembly doth very well
remember what the argument and words were.
Mr. Rayner — You might draw this to a short conclusion
concerning this text ; this brother doth deny only a
jurisdictive power. . . . Called to order 
I oppose the answer as not sufficient. . . .
Desired to go on in a continued discourse.
Mr. Coleman — I have contracted my thoughts to four
things, whether this place holds out an ecclesiastical juris
dictive power in the Church to proceed to censure ; for the
negative those four things. As I rise in number, so in
strength. . . . 1. Here is no expression of it  Where there
is power given, there it is expressed clearly. For the Old
Test. I think that Scripture ' if he will not hear the priest
or judge:' there is the particular censure. In the New
1 In MS. god. 2 Or conform. 3 Sic in MS.

his admis
sion.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 1 97
Test, 2 Thess. iii. [14], 'if a[ny man],' etc. ... 2. This Sess. 603.
is Era[s]tus, let him be to thee, (i.)1 the same thee meant M"ch '3.
in former verses. Nothing follows upon the contumacy -__
of the party but to leave the party offended to take ^f^ d
what course he pleaseth. ... 3. ' As a heathen and publi
can,' this can be no Church censure, or consequent of a
Church censure, for then it must be an exclusion
from Church ordinances. 1. Concerning the publican ;
if publicans were not excluded from any Church ordi
nances then, ... for I can for this give such a demon
stration as I challenge any man living to give an answer.
It is this : he was an Israelite. It's answered that there
were publicans that were not Israelites. ... 2. For the
heathen ; -said publican from civil, heathen from spiritual,
but I say both of them must be of one. . . . The ordinances
and duties of Israel were of two sorts : either ceremonial
or moral. C.2 (z'.)s offerings, M.2 (i.)3 prayer and praises of
God. Concerning the first, to some of those the heathen
were admitted as to the free-will offerings ; but for the moral
duties, it was not their vice, but their birth, that excluded
from them. For the moral duties, to all those duties the
heathen were admitted, as 1 King. viii. 41 ; so that a
heathen had liberty to come to perform any moral duties
of piety, and had a place appointed them in the Temple
for those ordinances. . . . Add parallel places in the New
Testament, as xii. John certain Greeks came up to worship
. . . xiii. Act. 42, Scaliger Gentiles adorabant immolabant . . .
4. To interpret this scripture ' be a heathen and a publican ;'
this makes this to be contrary to another scripture. Com
pare it with 2 Thess. iii. 14. Hearing in both, the same
punishment, in both, the same consequent is contrary one
to another ; ' count him not as an enemy, but admonish
•him as a brother ' . . . I appeal to that book of Church
government by Divine Right,4 230 page, 2 50 p. . . . If he that
1 For i.e. " Ceremonial], M[oral]. * For i.e.
• The Divine Right of Church Government and Excommunkationhy Samuel
Rutherford. It bears the date of 1646, but the Scotch commissioners in Eng-
land appear to have followed the Scotch practice, and dated the commence
ment of the year from ist January, while the English still deferred it to 25th
March.

198 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 603. is excommunicated must be accounted a publican and a
Mar6bs13' heathen, that is an enemy, but if this place of Thess. say . . .
 That which makes a man an enemy is not excommunica-
continued. tion, but to be a publican and sinner is to be an enemy.
Mr. Rutherford— I conceive I have this argument very
Pp. 230, often in that book. . . . He who refuseth to hear the Church
25°. etc. ancj Defore was esteemed a brother, but now upon his
refusal is to be esteemed as a heathen and publican, is ex
communicated. The major proposition I prove out of the
definition of all our divines, the minor out of the text. . . .
For the two places . . . Calvin and Beza, Baines and Pis-
cator, expound that place of excommunication, but this
Assembly hath voted that place of suspension from the
See also sacrament of the Lord's Supper. . . . There is no contradic-
rfPres- tlon between those two. ... to be as a publican and ad-
byteries, p. monished as a brother. . . . These two differences . . . 1.
' The party thus cast out is under the medicine of the
Church, and therefore but ' as a heathen.' ... 2. In respect
ing him as a heathen, the Church is to intend that he may
may be gained, which is a spiritual end, and therefore the
Holy Ghost should say he is to be esteemed so. ... ' Ad
monish as a brother' is not inconsistent with that of a
heathen and publican. ... To admonish as a brother is
actus juris nature — as a brother, but not as Church brother.
He builds much upon the word heathen and publican;
they are taken copulative, and not distributive. . . . We lay
the last weight upon the word publican as separated from
heathen, but take them both together. ... To thee, (i.) to
{Sic in ms.) any man, for so the whole law is is ... A publican is esteemed
a profane and flagitious man. Said they were not excluded
from Church ordinances ; but he should have proved that
dejure they were not excluded  Publicans and heathens
so remaining were excluded and secluded from many, and
he saith it was for their birth, and not for their vice  If
for their birth, then it was typical that in the New Testa
ment those that are not brethren in a church fellowship are
certainly (?) to be excluded, xliv. Ezek. 8, 9  Though
the heathen at some times were admitted to some, yet it
proves that there was a sort of debarring, and is not this a

THE ASSEMBLY OF .DIVINES. 1 99
sort of debarring? ... But he hath not told us what is Sess. 603.
meant by the word Church — if the Sanhedrim meant . . . Ma^s I3'
Said there was not such a thing as a Christian Church 
when Christ uttered the same word xvi. Matth. ; there was continued.
not then a Christian formed Church, but in the xvi. of
Matth. he must mean a Christian Church — not the San
hedrim, for then the sense must be, I will build my San
hedrim upon this rock, and the gates of hell shall not
prevail against the Sanhedrim.
Mr. Gillespie — The strength of the argument is no juris- See Gil-
diction. If all this were true, it is not against the proposi- Aaron's
tion that Christ hath instituted a government distinct . . . Rod Bios-
For his four particulars . . . Said this place doth not iii. ch. 2, 3!
express any censure. . . .. To prove it, he cites two places
where the power is express ; xvii. Deut. ... A. The parallel
is made in this particular ... It is not said the judge shall
put him to death. He may bring it from other scriptures.
... It holds out that he shall die, but by whose hand is not
said. . . . That of 2 Thes. iii. 14, . . . if 'to thee' be meant of a
private man, then it implies a contradiction, that Christ will
have one and the same person, to be so to one single per
son and a brother to the whole Church. ... I take an Erasti
argument of Erastus to prove that the whole Church C-f^fir^
should forgive the offender when he testifies his repent- ii. p. 158.
ance, be[cause] Christ commands this to a private brother,
xvii. Luke. The same thing commanded to one must be a
duty to the whole Church. . . . ' To thee ' is not meant only
of a particular person, but he must be to the whole Church
by this necessary consequence. ... If one single person
must be so to a single brother when he offends, then much
more when he offends the whole Church, . . . otherwise
Christ gives more power to one single person than He
gives to the whole Church. . . . For his third, said heathens
and publicans were not excluded from public ordinances.
. . . This brother can never prove that heathens and publi
cans were not excluded from Church ordinances. . . . Said
publicans were Israelites ; all Israelites were not admitted
to ordinances. . . . Philo and Josephus both say profane,
notorious, scandalous sinners were debarred from the

200 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 603, Temple,— publicans, (i.e.) prophane and scandalous publi-
Marg£ I3' cans. That of the publican that went up to the Temple
 to pray that might be atrium Gentilium, often called
com_ued. the Temple. . . . ' Even as this publican,' an emphasis in
that, a publican that was not a profane, scandalous man.
. . . For the point of the heathens it cannot be proved ; for
that of Scaliger, I deny it not, but admit it as true. They
had not a fellowship in Church ordinances as Church mem
bers. . . . They were admitted as Proselytes when the[y]
gave proof of their piety. . . . For the 4th : The seeming
contradiction betwixt xviii. Matth. I only add this place
is taken for an argument. . . .
Mr. Lightfoot — I think both the opponent and answerer
do not take up the right sense. . . . Publicans amongst the
Jews had as free access to the Temple as any Jew what
soever. The reason of their offence was their office, —
betrayers of their own nation into slavery : they were not
secluded from the Temple. . . . Not as heathens came to
the Temple, but when proselytes. . . . The sense of it in
this place is not in reference to admission or suspension
from the public ordinances, but in regard of civil con
verse. Mr. Seaman — Whatsoever becomes of this place, the
argument is not strong against the proposition. Though
there were no excommunication, yet there may be a
government. ... I suppose he grants the word Church
relates to a Church Assembly. ... As touching those
arguments he brings, be[cause] there is nothing ex
pressed, we deny this consequence, for many places
where power is implied, and yet no censure set down 
He will say. he grants it quoad nos. ... It is considerable
how this text hath been interpreted in all ages ; this made
use of with reference to all ecclesiastical assemblies. . . .
For that of heathens and publicans, I wonder at the con
fidence of the brother. . . . For that of the opposition
betwixt xviii. Matth. [and iii.] Thess. there is a distinction
about excommunication. Those places have no contra
diction at all.
Mr. Lightfoot— . . .

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 201
Mr. Coleman — Said grant it doth not hold out excom- Sess. 603.
munication, then it doth not hold out  ^i^!3'
Mr. Vines — Saith x there is no particular expressed. . . . 
There is no sin expressed, and yet there is an offence. . . . continued.
There is no enumeration. ... 2. Here is a particular
expressed. ... 1. A declaration to be made or informa
tion to be given to the Church, and then some act of the
Church upon it declarative he allows. . . . And that there
is a particular by way of sentence be[cause] there is an
execution of that sentence. This is not an arbitrary thing,
but in way of putting in execution the sentence of the
Church. . . . For the 2d, Christ having spoken in the im
mediate coherence about seeking a lost sheep, He comes
in with this, ' if thy brother shall offend,' showing how the
Church should gain a lost brother, and seek 2 (?) him, a
lost sheep. . . . And this must needs be a Church act. . . .
A brother — what, a Jew brother ? No, a Christian brother.
What should Christian brothers do before the Sanhedrim ?
. . . Gained thy brother, (i.)3 brought him to repentance
. . . from a sin sinned against God, and so Christ pursues
the same thing in coherence. . . . For the way of bringing
this man unto repentance, it is here set down. . . . The
Church must bring this man to repentance for his sin, if
he will not be gained. . . . ' To thee,' saith he, no Church
act. ... A. Not to thee, till he have not heard the Church,
so that some sentence of the Church must go before. . . .
To thee — it is in the second person, but that is the result
of his not hearing the Church. . . . ' Verily I say to you,
whatsoever [ye shall] bind on earth.' He doth not speak
this to me, but of the Church that binds him. Those are
still upon the same process and proceeding. ... It is not to
repair an injury in matter of meum and tuum, but to bring
him to repentance. . . . For heathen and publican, said
taken both in a notion. We say he deals with me as a
Jew and Turk. . . . For his last argument 'contrary to
another text' . . . The proper work of excommunication
is not so much to throw men out, as by the throwing out
to bring them in.
1 Sic in MS. 2 Or save. 3 For i.e.

202 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 603. Mr. Palmer — His argument is for an enumeration. It
Mai64s!3' is not a g°od argument to say, here is no censure, and
 therefore no power, Tit. iii. 1. . . . For his second ' let him
continued, be to thee,' though primarily it may be meant of a parti
cular wrong. . . . but there is consequence, that' be[cause]
Christ doth direct His speech to them whom He spoke to
first, therefore no Church censure. ... Is it a punishment
or not ? . . . Christ's meaning is not here, to prescribe any 1
for satisfaction of a particular wrong, . . . but of gaining a
man to repentance. ... In the v. of Matth. Christ saith,
' if a man smite thee on the one cheek, turn the other.' . . .
It seems to be acknowledged by him, that the. Church
here was the Church Christian. ... I desire to know
whether this be a precept or no, or a permission. If a
precept, what kind of precept is it ? Had it its being
aforehand ? . . . Where is this in all the Old Testament ?
... It is so far from being a worldly recompense, that this
be a course to put me into worse condition than I was ever
in before. . . If a precept, whether it be a perpetual precept
or no, written for our learning, for the Sanhedrim was not
long-lived. It was not the heathen magistrate, be[cause]
the apost[le] forbids it. . . . When was this precept written ?
Spoken when Christ was upon earth, but written many
years after by Matthew. Did not this gospel concern all
Christians ? ... If it be Church Christian, then here must
be a censure. . . . The meaning of that is, let there be no
familiar converse between thee and them.
Mr. Mainard — I desire to satisfy my conscience. That
which most sticks with me — it seems to me to be almost
cardo questionis, whether this be a command, and what that
Church is spoken of. . . . Said this must be that Church
which Christ spoke of — ' upon this rock I will build my
Church.' The word Church doth trouble us more than it
need. ... It cannot be understood of the same ; for there
Christ speaks of His Church from the foundation of the
world to the end of it — the universal Church.
Mr. Seaman — . . .
Mr. Gillespie — . . .
1 Perhaps a wy for a way.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 203
Mr. Vines — For that of xvi. Matth. and 18 [v.] I am of Sess. 603,
his sense, in that it is meant of the invisible Church, but it Mar6d\ I3'
may be meant of the Christian Church. . . . For personal 
injuries, ... let us prove what is here meant in bringing a c^tfnued.
man from his sin to repentance.
Ordered — Proceed in the debate, Monday morning.
Sess. 604. — March 16, 1645.
[The leaves following in the MS. down to fol. 140, the
last of the first fascicle, are blank, with the exception of
three lines of shorthand jottings on fol. 136.]

204 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Debate of
Church

Sess. 601. Sess. 601. — March 9, 1645.1 — Monday morning.
March 9,
1645. Mr. Reynolds moved, that in regard that Mr. Wood had
lately in his absence passed the approbation of the As
sembly, against whom he conceived there was great cause
of exception, that he might have liberty to enter his dis
sent ; and accordingly Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Seaman, Mr.
Tuckney, and Mr. Palmer, did enter their dissents as to
the approbation of Mr. Wood. . . . Upon farther debate
concerning him, it was Ordered that Mr. Ley do move the
chairman of the Committee ' of Plundered Ministers,' that
Mr. Wood's certificate from this Assembly may be respited
for a day or two, till the Assembly do give a further account
concerning him.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the proposi-
govern- tion, ' That Jesus Christ, as King and Head of His Church,
handVof ^atn appointed an ecclesiastical government in His Church,
Church in the hand of Church officers, distinct from the govern
ment of the civil magistrate.'
Mr. Coleman moved to pass the proposition brought in
by the Committee, and not to debate this proposition ; but
that being not hearkened unto, because of the order of the
Assembly for this debate, he moved again, that before he
did enter upon the debate, the Assembly would determine
whether, if he did dispute against the proposition, he might
do it without breach of covenant and charge of perjury.
1 This minute is the commencement of the second fascicle of the volume,
extending from f. 141 to f. 237 of the MS. (ff. 141-143 and 234-237 being
left blank), and from Session 601 to Session 900. Mr. Thompson says, ' It is
evidently a fair copy, drawn up by Byfield at his leisure ; and the reports of
Sessions when he was absent are still written in his hand.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 205
This was debated, and the Assembly thought not fit to Sess. 601.
pass any resolution upon that, it being free to any member ' ^Lc9'
of the Assembly to speak his conscience in the Assembly ; 
and so he was called unto the argument.
His argument he framed to this purpose : The Church Mr. Cole-
of the New Testament doth not hold out any such dis- ^J^ent
tinction betwixt civil and ecclesiastical government. If it against.
do so, then it is either in the xviiith of Matth., or I Cor. v.,
or in some other Scripture ; but neither of these Scriptures
doth hold out two distinct governments, ergo . . . He began
with the xviiith of Matth., and the debate of this session
was upon that Scripture syllogistically. After debate,
because Mr. Coleman could not be in the Assembly the
next day, it was ordered to proceed in the debate of this
Scripture on Friday.
Report was made ' of the Sabbath.'
Ordered — To debate the report ' of Religion and
Worship.' Sess. 602. — March 10, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Sarson have a certificate without
coming up to be examined, in regard that he cannot be
dispensed with for his absence from the College.
Ordered — That Mr. Watkins have his certificate.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of Religion and Debate of
Worship ; and upon debate it was woreWp!
Ordered — That the head of Religion be laid aside.
Ordered — That the title be ' of Religious Worship.'
This proposition was debated : ' The ingested principle
and dictate of a natural conscience in man concerning a
Deity having lordship and sovereignty over all, doth incline
him to give the chiefest reverence and worship thereto.'
Resolved upon the Q[uestion], the word ' incline' shall not
stand. The rest was referred to farther debate.
Mr. Seaman made report of ' Christian Liberty and
Liberty of Conscience.'
Ordered — That Mr. Smith have his certificate.

206 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 603. Sess. 603. — March 13, 1645. — Friday morning.
March 13,
1643. Mr. Goodwin.
Ordered — That no testimonial be received in the As-.
sembly without a date.
Ordered — That Mr. Atwood Rotheram shall have his
certificate.
Mr. Cole- The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the former
man T\- proposition, according to the order of the Assembly ; and
argument. Mr. Coleman, after some offers to lay the debate aside and
return to the proposition of the Committee, according to
the desire of some in the Assembly, proceeded to urge
what he had to say upon the xviiith of Matth. against the
proposition ; unto which many answers were given ; and
upon the desire of Mr. Coleman, that he might have time
till the next session to gather up what had been spoken,
and to give answer to it, it was referred to a further debate
the next session.
Sess. 604. — March 16, 1645. — Monday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ; and after a
large debate, it was
Ordered — To proceed in the debate the next session.
Sess. 605. — March 17, 1645. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Tuckney and Mr. Wilson do visit
the Prolocutor.
The Assembly proceeded] in the debate upon the
xviiith of Matth. After a full debate, it was
Assembly Resolved upon the Q., that the arguments brought by
arguments the Reverend Brother, Mr. Coleman, against the proposi-
answered. tion in debate, have been answered.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 606. — March 18, 1645. — Wednesday morning.
Upon a debate about Mr. Wood, it was Respited till
those brethren that spake concerning him do come into
the Assembly.
Ordered— That the Committee for Plundered Mini-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 207
sters be moved in the behalf of Mr. Good, a member of Sess. 606.,
this Assembly, that he might be put in the sequestration U"^.lS'
of Bushey, as fit for the said place. 
An order was brought into the Assembly for the admit- be'To™61
ting of Mr. Johnson a member of the Assembly, in the Assembly.
room of Mr. Carter, deceased.1 He was called in and
took the Protestation.
The Assembly called to the order of the day — to pro- Objections
ceed in the debate. Mr. Coleman was not present. The tiorTby0131"
Assembly proceeded in the debate upon occasion of some members
. of House
other objections made by some members of the House of 0f Com-
Commons ; and after some debate, it was respited to mons-
further debate.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 607. — March 19, 1645. — Thursday morning.
Upon information in the Assembly by some members,
it was Ordered — That the Committee for Plundered Ministers Wood's
be desired that the certificate given from this Assembly ^h.0*6
for Mr. Wood may be withdrawn. drawn.
The Assembly being informed that Mr. Coleman was
not well, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Strickland and* Mr. Valentine do
visit Mr. Coleman in the name of this Assembly.
Upon a motion about the Assembly asserting the jus Divine
divinum of Church government, it was debated ; and upon c|urc^
debate of this Q., ' whether there shall be a Committee to govern-
search the votes of the Assembly, to find out what the hands of
Assembly hath asserted in the point of Church govern- c^urcl1
ment, which is jure divino', it was Resolved negatively.
Upon the offer of something else instead of the former, it
was Resolved upon the Q., That this Question shall be
put. Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee
to prepare something for the Assembly to assert the jus
divinum of Church censures, and in whose hands jure
divino these censures are. Resolved upon the Q., This
Committee shall not be but five. Resolved upon the Q.,
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. pp. 458, 459.

208 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 607. This Committee shall be seven, and no more, or any
Margs.19' three of them.
Ordered— That Mr. Vines, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr.
Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Reynolds,
shall be this Committee, to meet to-morrow in the after-
Scottish noon. The Commissioners of Scotland are desired to be
present at this Committee.

Commis
sioners.

Sess. 608. — March 20, 1645. — Friday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Prophet and Mr. Gibson do move
the Committee for Plundered Ministers in the behalf of
Mr. Good for Bushey.
To pray. Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, Mr. Tuckney, were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
Mr. Strickland informed the Assembly, that he did visit
Coleman Mr. Coleman, who returns thanks to this Assembly. He
bu^wishes 1S verv ^- He desires to be heard further in the argument,
to continue when he shall be able to come unto the Assembly, and
" therefore desires the Assembly would leave that debate
till his coming.
Scruples of Upon a motion made by Mr. Marshall, that since an
conscience Ordinance of Parliament was now published for Church
as to Par- r
liamentary government, speedily to be put in execution ; and since
or mance. there were some things in that Ordinance which did, lie
very heavy upon his conscience and the consciences of
many of his brethren ; though he did bless God for the
zeal in the two Houses expressed in settling of Church
government, yet being much pressed in heart with some
things passed in that Ordinance, that the Assembly would
consider what is fit to be done in this business. Upon
debate it was
Ordered— That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Vines, Mr. Seaman,
and Mr. Newcomen, should be a Committee to consider
what in point of conscience may press this Assembly to
make their humble address to the Parliament, by way of
petition ; and they are to prepare a petition to that pur
pose, and to make report to this' Assembly. Accordingly
they withdrew to prepare the petition, and the Assembly

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 209
proceeded in the debate of Religious Worship ; and upon Sess. 608.
debate it was ^6^°'
Resolved upon the Q., ' The light of nature showeth 
that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over
all, and is therefore to be worshipped.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' but the acceptable worship of
the true God is ordained and limited by the revealed will
of God Himself.'
Mr. Marshall made report of a petition to be presented
to both Houses of Parliament. It was read and debated ;
and after some few alterations in it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That this shall be transcribed
and sent up to both Honble Houses of Parliament.
Resolved upon the Q. That it be presented to both Houses
of Parliament by a Committee of the whole Assembly.
Resolved upoft the Q., That Mr. Marshall do present it
to both Houses.
Ordered — That it be presented on Monday morning.
Sess. 609. — March 23, 1645. — Monday morning.
The Assembly met, and adjourned to carry up the Petition
petition and return again. They met again, and Mr. presented.
Marshall informed the Assembly that he had delivered
the petition to the House of Commons, and they had
appointed Friday next to take the petition into considera
tion, both for the matter and manner ; and also to the
House of Lords, and they had appointed a set day to take
the petition into consideration.1
1 This petition, like so many others ^drawn up by the Assembly, is not
inserted in their minutes ; but it is so important to the understanding of sub
sequent occurrences, that it is here given at length, from the Journals of the
House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 232 : —
To the Right Honourable House of Peers assembled in
Parliament,
The humble Petition of the Assembly of Divines, now sitting by Ordinance
of Parliament at Westminster ;
Humbly sheweth,
That your petitioners cannot but with joy remember the marvellous good
ness of God, in calling and continuing this Parliament in the time of this
nation's greatest trouble and danger, and in making it singularly useful
O

2IO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 609. Ordered — That Mr. Topham have a certificate upon his
M¥o45.23, former approbation.
 Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Rochet shall not have
his certificate.
Ordered — That if nothing of exception come in against
him upon Thursday next, that then he have his certificate.
Sess. 610. — March 26, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Johnson be added to the Committee
for the North.
Report was made from the Committee about the Magis
trate. It was read.
Debate of The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Religious
worlhip? Worship ; and upon debate it was
Ordered — ' Religious worship is to be performed unto
God alone, and is not to be given to any creature.'
towards the saving of these Three Nations from the bondage of tyranny and
idolatry, by taking off many yokes and burthens, both in matters of Religion
and of Civil concernment, by laying the foundations and beginnings of a
positive reformation, and by engaging this kingdom in that Solemn and
Sacred League and Covenant, which, with our hands lifted up to the Most
High God, we have sworn ; and, as we esteem ourselves always hound to
acknowledge these and many other blessings, which the God of heaven hath
made this Honourable Parliament His instruments to convey unto these
poor kingdoms, with all affectionate thankfulness to God and to the Honour
able Houses, so we profess ourselves the more obliged hereby to show all
active readiness to promote all the commands of Parliament tending to
Reformation of Religion ; and that nothing but conscience of our duty to God,
to yourselves, and the souls of the rest of our brethren, the people of the
Lord, could excuse us in any seeming backwardness to act according to your
Vote and Ordinances leading thereunto. Yet are we, to our grief, con
strained at this time, in all humility and faithfulness, to represent to the
Honourable Houses, that there is still a great defect in the enumeration of
scandalous sins, very many scandalous sins ordinarily committed in all places,
and formerly presented by your Petitioners, being still omitted ; and that the
provision of Commissioners to judge of scandals not enumerated, appears to
our consciences to be so contrary to that Way of Government which Christ
hath appointed in His Church, in that it giveth a power to judge -of the
fitness of persons to come to the Sacrament unto such as our Lord Christ
hath not given that power unto; and also layeth upon us a necessity of admit
ting some scandalous persons to the Sacrament, even after conviction before
the Eldership, and to be so differing from all example of the best Reformed
Churches, and such a real hindrance to the bringing of the Churches of God
in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity, and in all
these respects so disagreeable to our Covenant, that we dare not practise
according to that provision ; and we do evidently foresee, that such Com-

conscience.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 I I
Having finished the Report of Religious Worship, the Sess. 610.
Assembly entered upon the Report of Christian Liberty, Har6cb626'
etc. ; and upon debate it was 
Resolved upon the Q., This shall be the title, 'Of Debate of
Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience.' Resolved w^^a
upon the Q., ' The liberty which Christ hath purchased liberty of
by His death for believers.' Resolved upon the Q., There r ""
shall be no addition after the word ' death.' Resolved upon
the Q., ' under the gospel consists, especially in freedom
from the guilt and power of sin, from bondage to Satan,
from the condemning wrath of God, from the ceremonial
and judicial law, and from the curse of the moral.' Re
solved upon the Q., ' as also in a right, title, and interest
in justification, adoption, and eternal life, with all the
means tending thereunto ; that we might not only be
delivered out of the hands of our enemies, to serve Him
missioners will not only be offensive to the Reformed Churches abroad, but a
discouragement to those amongst ourselves who are or shall be chosen elders,
and a stumbling-block to very many of our best and conscientious people,
Who have long waited for Reformation, and are endangered to be cast upon
the snare of separation, and no way left to reduce them or others who are
already fallen into it ; Insomuch that we cannot forbear to profess our fears of
God's sad displeasure if this should be continued, and the just imputation of
sin unto us, if we, who have been held worthy by the Honourable Houses
to be called to give them Advice in matters of Religion, should altogether hold
our peace at this time.
Wherefore your Petitioners, in discharge of their fidelity to God, to His
Church, and to your Honours, do humbly pray, that the several elderships
may be sufficiently enabled to keep back all such as are notoriously scandalous
from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, of which we must, as formerly in
our Petition we have done, say [it] expressly belongeth to them by divine right,
and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ, which, with the help of
superior Assemblies, in cases of appeal or mal-administration, will prevent
(through the blessing of God) all the feared inconveniences ; and the Magis
trate (to whom we profess the Church to be accountable for their proceedings
in all their Elderships and Church Assemblies, and punishable by him with
civil censures for their miscarriages) may be so abundantly satisfied of the
righteousness and equity thereof, as we still hope God will inspire the Honour
able Houses with such wisdom and zeal, as by their authority to strengthen
the hands of his Officers in their duties herein, and even to command them to
act zealously and faithfully in them.
And your Petitioners shall pray, etc.
Cornelius Burges, Prolocutor pro tempore.
John White, Assessor.
Henry Roborough, Scriba.
Adoniram Byfield, Scriba.

2 I 2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 610. without fear, but have access with boldness to the throne
Mar^626' of grace, and be filled with joy and peace in believing.'
 Ordered — That the Committee for the jus divinum make
report on Tuesday.
Ordered — That Mr. Rochet have his certificate.
Sess. 611. — March 27, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Case, Mr. Good, Mr. Hickes, were appointed to pray
with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both kingdoms.
Upon some debate about Mr. Wood, and a paper of infor
mation brought into the Assembly against him, it was
Mr. Wood. Ordered — That this Assembly doth not think fit to do
anything with this information against Mr. Wood, but
desire it may be referred to the Committee for Plundered
Ministers ; and the Assembly doth declare that this As
sembly did never either send unto him, or receive any
advice from him.
Ordered — That this Assembly is not satisfied with Mr.
Bunning his testimonial.
Monsieur Upon a debate about Monsieur Deperier, who desires
epener. ^e approbation of the Assembly to be admitted to a
French Church, and a letter brought from Sir Theodore
Meherne concerning him, it was
Ordered — That this business be referred to the French
Church, as being not proper for the Assembly to inter
meddle in, and that Sir Theodore Meherne be acquainted
with this, that the Assembly cannot intermeddle with this
business. Mr. Marshall made report of a paper 1 from the Com
missioners of the Church of Scotland. It was read.
Ordered — That Mr. Dickes have a certificate upon his
former approbation.
Ordered — That the Committee for a letter to the Com
missioners of the Church of Scotland do prepare a letter
in answer to the letter last received ; and they are to take
notice of the letter from the Parliament, and of this paper
brought in this morning.
1 Reported to Lords and Commons the same day, but not engrossed in their
Journals, nor in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 1 3
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Liberty of Sess. 611.
Conscience ; and upon debate it was tflf?'1'
Ordered — ' None may practice any sin, or cherish any 
lust, or oppose any lawful power, or the lawful exercise of conscience.
it, whether it be civil or ecclesiastical, upon pretence of
Christian liberty, — the liberty which is of Christ's procur
ing, and the powers which are of God's ordaining, not
being opposite, or intended by God to destroy, but mu
tually to uphold and preserve one another.'
The Assembly was informed that some Aldermen and
others of the Common Council were without, desiring to
deliver a message to the Assembly. They were called in ;
and Alderman Foulke did, in the name of the Lord invitation
Mayor, Common Council, and city of London, invite the f°om"Lord
Assembly of Divines to dine with the two Houses of Par- Mayor,
liament at Grocers Hall, on Thursday next. They with
drew, and the Assembly accepted of the invitation, and
ordered they should be called in, a[nd] have thanks given
by the Prolocutor in the name of the Assembly, which was
accordingly done by the Prolocutor.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 612. — March 30, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Dickes have his certificate upon his
former examination.
The Assembly was invited to Mr. Coleman his funeral. Mr. Cole-
Ordered— That the members of the Assembly do attend m^a,
Mr. Coleman his funeral in the afternoon.
An order was read from the House of Commons about
Paul Best, for some members of the Assembly to speak
with him, and labour to convince him. It is as fol-
loweth1 . . .
Ordered— That Mr. Millington is to be desired to give
power to send for him to the Assembly.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Liberty of Debate of
Conscience. The next proposition, viz., ' They who re- JqIZ
quire absolute and blind obedience unto all superiors in science.
all things for conscience sake, do destroy liberty of con-
1 Not in MS., but given in Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 493.

214 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 612. science and reason,' was debated ; and upon debate it
March 30, was

1645.

Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' in all things,' shall
not stand.
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' and reason,' shall
stand. Resolved upon the Q., That the proposition shall be put
to the question.
Resolved upon the Q. ' They who require absolute and .
blind obedience unto superiors for conscience sake, do
destroy liberty of conscience and reason.'
Resolved upon the Q. There shall be an addition.
Resolved to recommit it to bring in an addition.
Sess. 613, — March 31, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Paul Best1 was brought before a Committee of the
Assembly. He persisted in his errors.
1 Though so frequent reference is made to Paul Best in these minutes, there
is no detailed statement of the heretical opinions with which he was charged.
This omission, however, is supplied in the Journals of the House of Commons,
to whose bar he was repeatedly brought. Under date 4th April 1646, we
have the following entry : ' Paul Best was brought in by the Serjeant to the
Bar, and kneeled, the Serjeant standing by him on the outside of the Bar.
Mr. Speaker commanded him to stand up, and acquainted him that he was
brought to the Bar, upon information, given to this House of some horrid
opinions maintained by him in writing, and wished him to hearken to what
he should be charged with by a member of the House. Mr. Millington stood
up, and charged the said Paul Best with several horrid blasphemies, proved
against him before a Committee of this House, to whom the examination of
his crimes was referred and delivered in the charge, and the books that were
sent up with the said Paul Best. Mr. Speaker told him that he was to give
answer to the charge. Paul Best, standing at the Bar, answered, that he
acknowledged the holy and heavenly Trinity, and doth not speak against it,
but hoped to be saved by it ; but said further, that he denieth the Triper-
sonality of Athanasius, and that it is Romish and Popish, and doth detest it
till he be otherwise convinced. Diverse other questions arising from the
matter of his charge were appointed by the House to be propounded to him
by Mr. Speaker : which were propounded to him accordingly, and particular
answers given by him to the said questions, wherein he did deny, that the
Godhead of Jesus Christ is co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existent with the God
head of the Father,'
A Committee of the House was appointed to deal with him, and also a
Committee of divines, who held repeated conference with him. But they
do not appear to have succeeded in convincing him of his errors ; and though
he was kept in prison, he was so far from being intimidated by this, that
he published soon after a pamphlet, bearing the pungent title, ' Mysteries

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

215

The Assembly proceeded in the debate of ' Christian Sess. 613.
Liberty and Liberty of Conscience.' Upon debate it was Mar9h 3i,
Resolved upon the Q., Not to recommit the rest of 
the Report
Sess. 614. — April 3, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Delmy, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Clayton were ordered
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms. The Assembly returned to the debate of the proposition Debate of
concerning ' the Church.' Diverse arguments against the Govern-
proposition in debate were urged by Mr. Lightfoot, both ment
out of the Old Testament and the New, and diverse
answers were given by several members of the Assembly.
After a large debate it was, upon the motion of Mr. Light
foot, Ordered — To proceed in the debate on Tuesday morning.
Sess. 615. — Aprils, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Tutchin have a certificate without
coming up unto the Assembly to be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Glisson be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Morton have his certificate without
coming up to be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Paine's examination be respited till
this day seven night, unless satisfaction be given before.
The Assembly entered upon the debate ' of the Sab- Debi^ of
„.i,,,,. tne Sab
bath ; and upon debate it was bath.
Resolved upon the Q., The title shall be, ' Of the Sab
bath day.' Upon some debate about this proposition,
' Light of nature teacheth that a time be set apart for the
solemn worship of God,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall not stand.
Resolved upon the Q., That something be spoken in
this proposition concerning the light of nature.
Discovered, or a Mercurial Picture, pointing out the way from Babylon to
the Holy City, for the good of all such as, during that night of general error
and apostasy, have been so long misled with Rome's Hobgoblins.' This was
ordered to be burned by the common hangman, and the ordinance previously
brought in for punishing him was again considered, but does not appear to
have been finally passed.

2 1 6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 615. Resolved upon the Q., 'Light of nature teacheth that
^646.6' some set times be observed for the worship of God.'
 Resolved upon the Q., ' God in His word hath ap
pointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy
unto Him.'
Ordered—' which from the beginning of the world to
the resurrection of Christ was the last of the week, and
Sic in MS. R
from the resurrection to the end of the world the first of
the week.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' consisting of 24
hours,' shall be waived in this place.
Sess. 616. — April 7, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ordered for the
day ; and after a large debate it was referred to further
debate. Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 617. — April 8, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi
tion ; and after a large debate it was referred to further
consideration. Sess. 618. — April 9, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Barton's An order was brought from the House of Lords about
Mr. Barton's Psalms. It was read, and is as followeth1 . . .
Ordered — That Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Tuckney,
Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Ny, Mr. Strickland, shall be a Com
mittee, to consider of an answer to the order of the Lords,
and to make report to the Assembly with convenient
speed. Mr. Marshall having this morning presented his book
written against Mr. Tombes unto the Assembly, and
dedicated it unto them, it was moved that thanks might
be given to Mr. Marshall, for his great pains and respect
1 ' Upon reading the petition of Mr. William Barton, concerning his trans
lation of his Book of the Psalms, it is Ordered to recommend the same to the
Assembly of Divines, to certify to this House why these Psalms may not be
sung in churches as well as other translations, by such as are willing to use
them.' — Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 236.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 1 7
to this Assembly in his dedication ; which was accordingly Sess. 618.
done by the Prolocutor. APril69.
Upon some debate about the proposition, it was
Resolved upon the Q., To proceed upon the affirmative
arguments to confirm the proposition. Accordingly, the
Assembly debated the affirmative proofs ; and upon debate
it was Resolved upon the Q., ' These scriptures, 1 Cor. xii. 28 ; The
Acts xx. 17, 28 ; 1 Thess. v. 12 ; 1 Tim. v. 17 ; Heb. xiii. ^J
7, 17 ; do prove that Jesus Christ hath appointed some to govern-
rule in His Church who are not civil magistrates ; and ment'
hath committed unto them a government which the people
are commanded to yield obedience unto, distinct from the
civil government.'
Ordered — That Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Tuckney,
Dr. Smith, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Price, be a Committee to
put these texts, or any other texts or arguments, into
form, to prove this proposition, and to make report to
morrow morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Lowther be approved for the North.
Sess. 619. — April 10, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Sterry, Mr. Gipps, Mr. Burroughs, were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms. Upon some debate about Mr. Gobbert, the Assembly
would not meddle with it, because not referred to the
Assembly by the Committee.
Report was made from the Committee for drawing up of proofs for
the arguments for the proof of the proposition recommitted !™errcbors
the former session. It was read and debated, and upon distinct
debate, the first prc-of, viz. ' Because Jesus Christ hath magis.
appointed officers in His Church, who are not civil magis- trates.
trates, and yet by Him are appointed to rule, and the
Church is commanded to obey and submit unto them.'
The Scriptures also for the proof of the same were resolved
upon. Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left.

2l8

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 620.
April 13,
1646.

Sess. 620. — April 13, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Good have a certificate for Bushey,
as other members of the Assembly.
Ordered — That Mr. Paine have his certificate.
A letter was brought from the ministers of Norfolk. It
was read, and is as followeth . . .
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the 2d proof
for the proposition, viz. 'Because we find in Scripture
several acts of government, which these officers of the
Church are directed to do, commended for doing and
blamed for neglecting.' This proposition together with
Sic in ms. the proofs, upon debate were also assented to.
Ordered— That Mr. Herle, Mr. Gower, Dr. Smith, Mr.
Goodwin, be added to the Committee for the proof of the
proposition. Ordered — To proceed in the debate.

Proofs of
Church
government.

Proofs of
Church
government.

Sess. 621. — April 14, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Report was made of a third proof for the proposition,
viz. 'Because the Church of Christ for more than two
hundred years had had no government at all unless they
had had a church government in the hand of officers of
their own, distinct from the civil government.' This proof
was debated, and upon debate assented unto. The three
proofs are as followeth. . . .
Ordered — That the Committee do proceed in the pre
paring of arguments for the proof of the proposition.
Ordered— That Mr. Ley, Mr. Gower, Mr. Herle, Mr.
lousbooks. Newcomen, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Corbet, Mr. Case, Mr. Ward,
Mr. Byfield, and Mr. Hodges shall be a Committee to
consider of and to inquire after those scandalous books
written and licensed against the Government and the
Assembly, and they are to meet this afternoon, and to
make report to this Assembly.
Sess. 622. — April 15, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi-
and Mr. Palmer urged another argument for it from

Scanda-

tion

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 1 9
the xviii* of Matth. It was debated, and after a large Sess. 622.
debate it was April 15,
1646.
Resolved upon the Q., This text of Matth. xviiith doth 
prove the proposition before us. govem-
Ordered — That this be drawn up by the former Com- ment-
mittee against to-morrow morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Reynolds be added to this Com
mittee. Sess. 623. — April 16, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Sedgwick was dispensed with for his attendance for
a time for his health's sake.
Ordered — That Mr. Beaumont be approved without
coming up to be examined.
The Committee for drawing up the argument from the
xviii. of Matt[hew] made report that they could not finish
their Report so soon as was desired, but hoped to be ready
by the next sitting. Mr. Palmer urged another argument
from the 1 Cor. v. It was debated, and upon debate it
was Resolved upon the Q., This text of 1 Cor. vth chap.
doth prove the proposition in debate.
Ordered — This argument be referred to the same Com
mittee to put it into form.
Ordered — That Mr. Vines be added to the Committee.
Mr. Gippes craved leave to go into the country for a
little time.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 624. — April 17, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Walker, Mr. Herricke, and Mr. Herle were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Johnson be approved of without
coming up to be examined.
Another argument was urged for the proof of the pro
position from the xvith of Matth. It was debated and
waived as a distinct argument in this place.
Ordered— That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Herle, Mr. Hodges, Distribu-

2 20 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 624. Dr. Temple, Mr. Walker, Mr. Gower, Dr. Smith, Mr.
Ai64.617' Whitakers, and Mr. Spurstow shall be a Committee to
 dispose of the .£4.00 from the Committee of the Revenue.
tion of ^ ^
""''"' Sess. 62 5 . — April 20, 1 646. — Monday morning.
Report was made from the Committee for the disposing
of the £400. The names were read without the sums ;
and it was
Resolved upon the Q., The paper with the sums shall
not be read ; but upon a second motion it was
Resolved upon the Q., The former vote shall be re
voked ; and accordingly the names and sums were read.
Ordered — That consideration shall be had of the widows
of the members of the Assembly in the next distribu
tion. In the further debate of the proofs for the proposition,
an argument was urged from 1 Tim. iii. and 1 Peter v. ;
but upon a motion to add no further1 proofs, befcause] the
former proofs were sufficient, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The question shall be put.
Resolved upon the Q., That no more arguments shall be
urged for the proof of the proposition.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the rest of the
report concerning the Church, and in particular of the
necessity of discipline to the wellbeing of a Church.
It was Referred to further debate.
Sess. 626. — April 21, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered— -That the Committee for Mr. Barton's Psalms
do meet in the afternoon, and make report to-morrow
morning,
Debate of The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Report
fea\e_sS-" concerning the Church. This proposition was debated:
cipline. 'Ecclesiastical discipline is very necessary for the well-
being of Churches, yet not so necessary as that the want
of it, or defect in it, should make a Church to be no
Church.' Resolved upon the Q., To proceed no further at this
1 In ms., fruther is added after further.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 221
time in the matter of discipline or censures of the Church, Sess. 626.
as to the being or wellbeing of the Church. Apre6 ''
Upon debate of the next proposition, viz. 'In visible 
Churches there hath always been a mixture of good and
bad persons, which yet is no sufficient ground of separa
tion,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., To waive that proposition at this
time in this place.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 627. — April 22, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Because the Committee for Mr. Barton's Psalms had not Barton's
met to prepare a Report, three of them were sent out of Psalms-
the Assembly to make it ready, and report it presently.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Report
'of the Church ;' and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Although the Church hath many Church.
and great privileges, especially in respect of having the
Word of God, the Holy Scripture, committed to it, and of
the assistance of God's Spirit to understand and hold forth
that truth, yet the purest Churches on earth are subject to
error.' Resolved upon the Q., The word 'interpret' shall not be
added to the word ' understand.'
The Committee made report of an answer to the House Barton's
of Lords about Mr. Barton's Psalms. It was read ; and Psalms-
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., To be transcribed and sent to
the Lords as the answer of this Assembly to their order.
Mr. Carter, jun., enters his dissent to this vote of sending
up this answer to the Lords.
Ordered— That Mr. Walker, Mr. Strickland, and Mr.
Newcomen do carry this answer to the Lords.1
1 This answer is not inserted in the Minutes, but it has been preserved in
the Journals of the House of Lords, and is as follows : —
To the Right the House of Lords assembled in Parliament.
The Assembly of Divines received April 9th from this Honourable House
an Order, bearing date March 20th, 1646, to certify this Honourable House
why the translation of the Psalms made by Mr. Barton may not be used and

22 2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 628. Sess. 628. — April 23, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ai64623' The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Report
 concerning ' Church Officers ;' and upon debate it was
officers. Ordered— The title ' Of Church Officers and Church
Censures.' Resolved upon the Q., 'The Church being the house of
God, is to be under a spiritual government,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' which belongeth to such Church
officers as Jesus Christ hath appointed and are lawfully
called thereunto.'
Ordered — When Christ ascended He gave gifts unto
men for the good of His Church ; to which He gave some
apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, which were
extraordinary ; and some others, which are ordinary.
The next proposition, viz. ' The officers which now are
of an ordinary and continual use are pastors and teachers,
elders, deacons,' was debated ; [and] it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' This proposition shall not now
be debated.'
Resolved upon the Q., The rest of the Report concern
ing Censures shall be now debated.
Resolved upon the Q., 'Those that are rulers of the
Church have the keys of the kingdom of heaven com
mitted to them, to shut it against the impenitent, and open
it to the penitent sinner,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' both by the ministry of the word
and by censures and absolution respectively as occasion
requires to retain or remit sins.'
sung in churches, by such as shall desire it, as well as any other translation ;
do humbly return this answer : That whereas on the 14th of November 1645,
in obedience to an order of this Honourable House concerning the said Mr.
Barton's Psalms, we have already commended to this Honourable House one
translation of the Psalms in verse, made by Mr. Rouse, and perused and
amended by the same learned gentleman, and the Committee of the Assembly,
as conceiving it would be very useful for the edification of the Church in
regard it is so exactly framed according to the original text : and whereas
there are several other translations of the Psalms already extant : We humbly
conceive that if liberty should be given to people to sing in churches, every
one that translation which they desire, by that means several translations
might come to be used, yea, in one and the same congregation at the same
time,'v which would be a great distraction and hindrance to edification.—
Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. pp. 283, 284.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 223
Ordered — ' The ends for which censures are to be inflicted Sess. 628.
are to purge the leaven out of the Church, which might Pg.| 3'
infest1 many,' 
Ordered — 'to vindicate the honour of God and the
holy profession of the gospel, and to reclaim and regain
the sinner.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' To this purpose they are to pro
ceed to admonition, suspension from the sacrament for a
season, and excommunication from the Church, as the
cause shall require.'
Ordered — To debate the Report ' of the Civil Magistrate'
Sess. 629. — April 24, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Mew, Mr. Thorrowgood, Mr. Arrowsmith, were
appointed to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Com
mittee of both kingdoms, the week following.
The Assembly debated the Report ' of the Civil Magis
trate.' Ordered— The title ' Of the Civil Magistrate.'
Ordered — ' Magistracy is ordained of God for the good,
safety and tranquillity of the people.'
Resolved, upon the Q., ' It is lawful for a Christian to Civil
bear the office of a civil magistrate being called thereunto.' tra^.
Resolved upon the Q., The word 'rightly' shall not be
added before the word ' called.'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition to
the proposition last voted.
Upon debate of the next proposition, viz. ' No foreign
power hath or ought to have superiority and authority
over magistrates in their own dominions,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., This proposition shall be re
committed to the same Committee.
Sess. 630. — April 27, 1646. — Monday morning.
Upon an order from the Committee of Plundered
Ministers, nominating a minister for Bath, it was
Ordered— That the Committee for Plundered Ministers
1 Or infect.

224 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 630. be desired to have a special care about the said place, it
Ai64627' being a place of great consequence.
 Ordered — That Mr. White's business be respited till
Thursday morning for further consideration.
Debate of Report was made from the Committee of the proposi-
magis- tion concerning the 'Civil Magistrate.' It was debated;
trate. ancj Upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' The Pope hath not, nor ought
to have, by any title or pretence whatsoever, any power
or jurisdiction over magistrates in their own dominions, or.
over any of their people.'
Ordered — ' It is the duty of the civil magistrate, accord
ing to his place, to take order that the ordinances of God
in His Church be duly settled, administered, and observed.'
This order was, upon debate, altered thus :
Resolved upon the Q., 'Although the civil magistrate
may not challenge authority and power of ministry of
Sic in MS. R
divine offices, nor the power of the keys in the Church, yet
he hath authority, and it is his duty, according to his place,
to take order that the ordinances of God be duly settled,
administered, and observed,'
Resolved upon the Q., 'and that able and faithful
ministers be provided throughout his dominions.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall not stand,
' and that they and the people do their duty, and be kept
from violence and contempt'
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 631. — April 30, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Man be examined, and his certificate
stayed for a few days.
Ordered — That Mr. Bayley have his certificate.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. White shall not be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Cole have a certificate without
coming up to be examined.
Ordered— That Mr. Blany be respited till further satis
faction. Ordered— That Mr. Watts be respited till he bring a
better certificate.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 225
A Committee from the HonbIe House of Commons came Sess. 631.
to the Assembly by order from that House to acquaint Api6a|0'
the Assembly that they had broken the Privileges of 
Parliament in the late petition, presented to the House of prices
Commons in the name of this Assembly, against the Com- of Parha-
missioners lately established by ordinance of Parliament, petition. '
Sir John Evelyn, Mr. Nathaniel Fi[en]nes, and Mr. Browne
spoke in the Assembly,1 and gave the sense of that House
concerning the said breach of privilege. After their
speeches, Sir John Evelyn acquainted the Assembly, that
the House of Commons had commanded them to deliver
to this Assembly certain questions, which they desire to
be satisfied in by the Assembly of Divines, and the Order
of that House thereupon,2 which was read by himself, and
1 Notes of their speeches will be found in Fascicle III.
a The following are the famous Questions, and the Order of the House of
Commons regarding them : —
Whereas it is resolved by the House of Commons, that all persons guilty
of notorious and scandalous offences shall be suspended from the sacrament of
the Lord's Supper : The House of Commons desires to be satisfied by the
Assembly of Divines in these Questions following :
I. Whether the Parochial and Congregational Elderships appointed by
Ordinance of Parliament, or any other Congregational or Presbyterial Elder
ships, are jure divino and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ, and
whether any particular Church government be jure divino ; and what that
government is ?
II. Whether all the members of the said Elderships, as members thereof,
or which of them, are jure divino and by the will and appointment of Jesus
Christ? III. Whether the superior Assemblies or Elderships, viz. the Classical,
Provincial, and National, whether all or any of them are jure divino and by
the will and appointment of Jesus Christ ?
IV. Whether appeals from Congregational Elderships to the Classical,
Provincial, and National Assemblies, or to any of them, and to which of them,
are jure divino and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ ; and are their
powers upon such appeals jure divino and by the will and appointment of
Jesus Christ?
V. Whether Oecumenical Assemblies are jure divino ; and whether there
be appeals from any of the former Assemblies to the said CEcumenical jure
divino and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?
VI. Whether by the Word of God the power of judging and declaring,
What are such notorious and scandalous offences for which persons guilty
thereof are to be kept from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and of con-
venting before them, trying, and actual suspending from the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper such offenders accordingly is either in the Congregational
Eldership or Presbytery, or in any other Eldership, Congregation, or Per-
P

226

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Day of
humiliation ordered.

Sess. 631. afterwards read by the scribe. After the reading of this
Api"1|0' the second time, the Assembly adjourned to the next
 session.

Sess. 632. — May 1, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Seaman, were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms. The paper brought from the House of Commons yester
day was read again. Upon a motion made by Mr. Palmer
it was Ordered — That a day of humiliation be kept by this
Assembly in this place the next week, in reference to this
great business that now is before us.
Resolved upon the Q., that Tuesday next shall not be
the day.
Resolved that Wednesday next shall be the day of our
humiliation. Ordered — That five be employed in the work of that
day.
sons ; and whether such powers are in them only or in any of them, and in
which of them jure divino and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?
VII. Whether there be any certain and particular rules expressed in the
Word of God, the Elderships or Presbyteries, Congregations or Persons, or
any of them, in the exercise and execution of the powers aforesaid ; and what
are those rules ?
VIII. Is there anything contained in the Word of God, that the supreme
Magistracy in a Christian State may not judge and determine, What are the
aforesaid notorious and scandalous offences, and the manner of suspension for
the same : and in what particulars concerning the premises is the said supreme
Magistracy, by the Word of God, excluded ?
IX. Whether the provision of Commissioners to judge of scandals not
enumerated (as they are authorized by the Ordinance of Parliament) be con
trary to that way of Government which Christ hath appointed in His Church,
and wherein are they so contrary ?
In answer to these particulars, the House of Commons desire of the
Assembly of Divines their proofs from Scripture ; and to set down the several
texts of Scripture in the express words of the same. It is Ordered that every
particular minister of the Assembly of Divines, that is or shall be at the debate
of any of these Questions, do upon every Resolution which shall be presented
to this House concerning the same, subscribe his respective name, either with
the affirmative or negative as he gives his vote : And that those that do
dissent from the major part shall set down their positive opinions, with the
express text of Scripture upon which their opinions are grounded.— Journals
of House of Commons, vol. iv. pp. 519, 520.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 227
Ordered— -Mr. Palmer, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Arrowsmith, Sess. 632.
Mr. Case, Mr. Cawdry, shall be the five to be employed ; M$J'
three of them to pray, and two of them to preach, as they 
shall conclude amongst themselves.
Upon a debate about the attendance of the members of
the Assembly in all this debate, it was
Ordered — That letters be sent to all the members of Attend-
Assembly to desire their attendance, according to the order members
of the Lords and Commons. Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Ley, Mr. ordered.
Spurstow, and Dr. Temple, their reasons for necessary
absence for a time were allowed by the Assembly.
Resolved upon the Question, To debate the nature of
a jus divinum on Monday morning.
Sess. 633. — May 4, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Jones be respited till he bring a
better testimonial.
The Protestation was read.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the jus divi- one.a'e
num. Upon a debate it was divinum
Ordered — To inquire how many ways the will and ap- egun'
pointment of Jesus Christ is set out in Scripture.
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' in reference to
Church government,' shall not be added.
Sess. 634. — May 5, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Chandler be approved, and have a
certificate. Ordered — That Mr. Morton be approved, and
have a certificate.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the ways by Debate
which the will and appointment of Jesus Christ is set out J^^m
in Scripture ; and upon debate it was may be
Ordered — ' That the jus divinum and the will and ap
pointment of Jesus Christ is set out several ways in
Scripture.' Ordered—' One way wherein the will and appointment
of Jesus Christ is set out in Scripture, is in express words.'
Resolved upon the Q., The next work shall be to in-

2 28 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 634. quire whether the will and appointment of Jesus Christ be
UrfJ' not held out in Scripture by ' necessary consequence,' as
 one way for the manifesting thereof.
Ordered — The exercise of the day, to-morrow, to begin
at nine of the clock, and to end at four.
Sess. 635. — May 6, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
How Fast The Fast was kept in the Assembly according to the
observed. former order_ After tne prolOCutor had begun the As
sembly with prayer, Mr. Palmer began the work of the
day with prayer, Mr. Cawdry preached on 1 Tim. i. 19,
Mr. Whitakers prayed, and Mr. Arrowsmith preached on
Esay ix. 6, and Mr. Case concluded the work of the day
with prayer.1 A collection was made, and the sum col
lected was ' Three pounds four shillings and two pence,'
which was ordered to be disposed by the brethren that took
pains that day as they shall think fit. The Prolocutor
concluded with prayer, and adjourned the Assembly.
Sess. 636. — May 7, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Scot be respited till the Assembly
be better satisfied concerning his conversation.
An order was brought from the House of Commons to
dispense with Mr. Conant and Mr. Strickland for their
attendance for a time to go to Salisbury. It is as fol
loweth.2 ...
Jus The Assembly proceeded to debate about ' necessary
may'bT consequences' ; and upon debate it was
proved by Resolved upon the Q., ' Another way wherein the will
necessary - ' ' . T . _
conse- and appointment of Jesus Christ is set out in Scripture is
quence. ^y. necessary consequence.''
Upon a debate about the addition of proofs, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The proofs shall not be added
now. Ordered— That the proofs of this shall be prepared
1 Full notes of the sermons preached by Mr. Cawdry and Mr. Arrowsmith
will be found in the scribe's notes of this session, preserved in Fascicle III.
2 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 532. ' Ordered— That Mr.
Strickland and Mr. Conant, two members of the Assembly of Divines, shall
have leave, and are hereby desired to go to Salisbury.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 229
when the Preface shall be drawn up, if the Assembly shall Sess. 636.
think fit to add any Preface. Ma/7,
J 1040.
Resolved upon the Q., That there be three Committees 
to consider of answers to these questions from time to
time, as the Assembly shall appoint.
Sess. 637. — May 8, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Taylor, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Harris were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Collier have his certificate upon his
former examination.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Horton be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Reynolds shall be
examined upon this certificate.
The Assembly debated the manner of proceeding in the
Questions ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., That the nature of jus divinum, Questions
in reference to Church government in general, shall be °jf"s
0 ** divinum
considered by the first Committee. remitted
Resolved upon the Q., The nature of Church govern- coni^ee
ment, and wherein it doth consist, shall be considered by mittees.
the second Committee.
Resolved upon the Q., Whether this Church govern
ment be in the hands of Church officers only, shall be con
sidered by the third Committee.
It was moved by one of the Dissenting brethren, that Dissenting
the Assembly would make them a Committee by them- ^k tobe
selves, to bring in their judgments upon the Questions ; a Com-
mift_&
and it was debated and well approved by many of the
Assembly, but because it was late, and the Assembly not
a full number to put the question, it, was respited.
Sess. 638. — May 13, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Nuthall be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Ordered— That Mr. Case ,and Mr. Arrowsmith visit the
Prolocutor in the name of this Assembly.
It was moved again in the Assembly, that the Brethren,

23O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 638. according to their desire yesterday, may be a Committee
1640!3' ^y themselves ; and Mr. Bridge was desired to speak
 whether it were still desired by them. Mr. Bridge an
swered that he did not move for it yesterday, that they
that did are not present, and he can say nothing to it, but
desires to be silent in it ; whereupon it was laid aside for
that time.
Resolved upon the Q., To adjourn the Assembly into
three Committees till twelve of the clock. It was accord
ingly done, and at the time appointed the Assembly did
meet again ; and report was made from the first Com
mittee. Ordered — That Mr. Reynolds his business be laid aside
till he bring a testimonial to satisfy the Assembly, and
then to be taken into further consideration ; and that Mr.
Ley be entreated to speak to the chairman of the Com
mittee for Plundered Ministers, that there be no further
proceedings in the business of Mr. Reynolds till the As
sembly be further satisfied concerning him.
Ordered — That the three Committees do meet in the
afternoon. Sess. 639. — May 14, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Mells shall be exa
mined. Ordered— That Mr. Blany be respited till Tuesday
next. Upon debate about Mr. Sprigge, who had lately been
ordained by the B[isho]p of Lincoln, it was
Ordered— That Mr. Sprigge shall be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., That the chairman of the Com
mittee shall testify the dislike of the Assembly of this act
of his, in going to the B[isho]p for ordination.
Resolved to enter upon the work of the day.
Report was made additional to the Report of the first
Committee made yesterday.
Mr. Ny moved again that they might be a Committee,
according to their former motion. It was debated ; and
upon debate it was

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 23 I
Resolved upon the Q., ' Whereas Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Ny, Sess. 639.
Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Greenhill, ^g4,
Mr. Carter, junior, and Mr. Phillips, have desired to have 
liberty to be a Committee to bring into the Assembly senting 1S
what they shall think fit upon these questions, This As- brethren to
, , 11-1 , Be a Com-
sembly doth grant them liberty so to do, provided that mittee.
they do so order their Reports as that the Assembly may
not be delayed in the debate of anything prepared for the
Assembly by any of the three Committees.'
Upon the resolving of this Q., Mr. Ny entered his dis
sent, because this did bound them more than they pro
pounded in their desire.
Ordered — That the same liberty be granted to them from
time to time when any questions shall be given forth by
this Assembly to the three Committees. Ordered — To
debate the Report of the first Committee the next session.
Sess. 640. — May 15, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Gibson, Mr. Whitakers, Dr. Stanton, were ordered
to pray with the Lords and Commons and Committee of
both kingdoms.
Ordered — That Mr. Haine bring a testimonial, according
to the order of the Assembly, from the hands of known
ministers where he last resided.
Ordered — That Mr. Bedford's examination be respited.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Report
of the first Committee.
Proofs that a necessary consequence is a sufficient argit- Argument
ment of Christ's will. < from con"
J sequences
Resolved upon the Q., First proof ; ' Christ proves the for jus
resurrection in Matt. xxii. 31, 32 : " As touching the resur- dwmum-
rection of the dead, have you not read that which was
spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abra
ham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ? God
is not the God of the dead, but of the living ;" which is a
proof of the resurrection of the dead by a consequence
only.' This proof ; '- Christ, John x., refutes the Jews reproaching
Him with blaspheming for saying that He and the Father

Debate of
conse-

232 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 640. were one, by a consequence drawn from Scriptures,' calling
Mia6465' princes gods.
Resolved upon the Q., Acts xiii. 34, ' And as concern
ing that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more
quences. ^Q return to corruption, He said on this wise, I will give
you the sure mercies of David,' which proves the resurrec
tion of Christ by a consequence only.
Resolved upon the Q., Heb. i. 6, ' And again, when He
bringeth in the first Begotten into the world, He saith, And
let all the angels of God worship Him,' where it is proved
that Christ is the Son of God by a consequence.
Sess. 641. — May 18, 1646. — Monday morning.
The Protestation was read.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of ' conse
quences ' ; and upon debate it was
Ordered — 'And this may be cleared by sundry other
instances, many more of the articles of faith being proved
by Christ and His apostles out of the Old Testament only
by consequence.' Sess. 642. — May 19, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Upon an order from the Committee for Plundered
ministers to return an answer concerning the reasons why
they have not approved of Mr. Scot for Fobbing, it was
Ordered — That the Chairman acquaint the Committee
with the reason, and the testimonies of his conversation.
Upon a motion it was
Ordered — That the Chairman do acquaint the Com
mittee for Plundered Ministers that the Assembly hath
not yet received satisfactory testimony concerning the
conversation of Mr. Reynolds, appointed to be examined
for Rodwihter.
Mr. Nathaniel Bacon brought an order from the House
of Commons concerning a further enumeration of scan
dalous sins. It was read, and is as followeth . . }
1 'Resolved, etc., That a Committee be nominated to consider of a farther
enumeration of scandalous offences for which a person guilty may be sus
pended from the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and to advise herein with

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 233
Ordered— That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Vines, Mr. Palmer, Sess. 642.
Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Seaman, M,^619'
Mr. Herle, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Newcomen, Mr Sedgwicke,  ¦
¦Mr. Ash, Mr. Ny, Mr. Goodwin, or any four of them, shall
be a Committee to attend on the Committee of the House
of Commons to that purpose. They are to meet this after
noon, and consider of what hath been already presented to
the Parliament in this business.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi- Debate of
tions concerning examples, and upon some debate it ™plefs
was jus
Resolved upon the Q., The proposition in debate shall divinum-
be recommitted.
Resolved upon the Q., That it be recommitted to the
three Committees ; each of them to bring in their sense
concerning it.
Resolved upon the Q., The Committees shall not meet
presently (it being neare 12 o'clock).
Resolved upon the Q., The Committees to meet at 2 of
the clock. Sess. 643. — May 20, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Thorpe's examination be respited
till Monday next.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Haine shall have his testi
monial from this Assembly upon his former examination.
Ordered — That Mr. Blany his business be respited till
Friday next.
Report was made from the Committee of the enumera
tion of scandalous sins. Report was made from the third
Committee of Church Government in Church Officers only.
Ordered — That Mr. Ballam be approved upon his former
examination. Report was made from the first Committee about
examples. The Assembly entered upon debate of the catalogue of Further
sins to be added to the enumeration ; and in the debate of^f?6
, , , , „ 1 ¦ 1 c > daloussins.
the Assembly of Divines, or such of them as the Assembly shall think tit. —
Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 549.

234 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 643. of the particulars, because the sins brought in were for-
Mi646°' merly passed in the Assembly, it was
 Resolved upon the Q., ' That so much of this Report
formerly voted in this Assembly and presented to the
House of Commons shall stand without farther debate.'
Upon a debate about adding ' drinking of healths,' it was
Drinking Resolved upon the Q., That that addition concerning
added. ' S drinking of healths shall be put to the question.
Resolved upon the Q., ' Such as use drinking of healths '
shall be added to the enumeration. Dr. Burges enters his
dissent to that of drinking of healths to be added, as not
clearly stated. These words, ' and such as are guilty of
any other sin which the Scripture saith would exclude
from the kingdom of heaven, if persisted in without
repentance,' were waived. The rest was ordered.
Resolved upon the Q., That this be transcribed and sent
up to the Committee of the House of Commons. Mr.
Lightfoot entereth his dissent. The enumeration is as
followeth . . .
Sess. 644. — May 21, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Ashton have a certificate upon his
former examination.
Upon debate about Mr. Bedford's business it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Bedford's business be
referred to a Committee.
Ordered— That Mr. Seaman, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Ash,
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Tuckney,
Mr. Calamy,1 Mr. Woodcock, be this Committee, that time
be given till this day month for their report.
Ordered— That Mr. Byfield, one of the scribes of the
Assembly, be dispensed for his attendance on the As
sembly for a fortnight, because of occasions to go into the
country. The Assembly proceeded in debate of some additional
sins to the enumeration. And upon debate it was
Ordered—' All capital offenders not enumerated to be
likewise mentioned and certified as those already enume-
1 Mr. Calamy's name has been entered twice by an error of the scribe.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 235
rated.' Upon debate about ' neglect of family duties,' Sess. 644.
it was May;>
Resolved upon the Q., The question shall be put. 
Resolved upon the Q., ' Such as usually neglect prayer
in and with their family.' Dr. Burges enters his dissent.
Resolved upon the O., These last votes be transcribed
and sent up to the Committee to be added to the cata
logue.1 Sess. 645. — May 22, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Philips, Mr. Carter, jun., and Mr. Langley were
ordered to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee
of both kingdoms, the week following.
Upon debate about Mr. Blany, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The Assembly is not satisfied
concerning Mr. Blany and his testimonial.
Upon a motion about the two last votes concerning Enume-
addition to the catalogue of sins [that they] might beratedsins'
ordered to be sent up, it was
Ordered — That those votes formerly passed shall be
transcribed and sent up to the Committee, to be added to
the rest of the catalogue.
Upon a debate, it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Such as neglect to instruct their
families in those necessary principles of religion, the igno
rance whereof is a sufficient cause to debar them from
the sacrament.'
Resolved upon the Q., That this be added to the
enumeration, and sent up to the Committee.
Sess. 646. — May 25, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Bretton his certificate be respited
till Monday.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Boden's business be
farther respited till his coming up.
Mr. Carter, jun., desiring to be excused for praying with
the House of Commons this week, it was
1 Erased again in MS., but finally passed next session.

236 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 646. Ordered — That Mr. Young do1 pray with the House of
"ffi Commons.
 Upon a motion that the 9 questions might be committed
tions toeS' to 9 Committees, it was
three com- Resolved not to proceed upon the debate of the motion
mittees. „
concerning 9 Committees.
Resolved upon the Q., That the 9 questions shall be
distributed to the 3 Committees.
Resolved upon the Q., The 1, 2, 6 questions be com
mitted to the ist Committee.
Resolved upon the Q., That the 3, 4, 5, 7 shall not be
committed to the second Committee.
Resolved upon the Q., The 3, 4, 5 shall be committed
to the same Committee.
Resolved upon the Q., The ,7, 8, 9 shall tie committed to
the third Committee.
Upon a motion ' That delinquents that have imbrued
their hands in blood may be put into the enumeration of
scandalous offenders not to be admitted to the sacrament
without evidence of his2 repentance/ it was
Resolved upon the Q., That this shall be waived.
Ordered — To proceed the next day concerning the busi
ness of jus divinum.
Sess. 647. — May 28, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Upon a motion about Mr. Watts, it was
Ordered— That Mr. Ley make return to the Committee
for Plundered Ministers that the Assembly is not yet
satisfied in any testimonial brought for Mr. Watts.
Ordered— That Mr. Duffy, formerly ordained at Sion
College, shall have a certificate from this Assembly upon
his former approbation.
Ordered— That Mr. Thorpe, formerly respited, shall be
examined. Ordered— That Mr. Cade have his certificate without
coming up to be examined.
Jus_ Resolved upon the Q., To proceed in the debate of the
proveTby Report of the first Committee concerning the force of
examPles- 'In MS. to. * Sic in us.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 237
examples in general. After some debate upon that pro- Sess. 647.
position, ' some examples show a jus divinum, and the will U^^8'
and appointment of Jesus Christ,' and the instance of the 
first day of the week kept for a Christian Sabbath, it
was Ordered — That that proposition be recommitted to be
brought in to-morrow morning.
Sess. 648. — May 29, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Carter, jun., Mr. Conant, Mr. Chambers, were
appointed to pray with the Lords and Commons and
Committee of both kingdoms the week following.
A testimonial was brought into the Assembly for Mr.
Reynolds for Rodwinter, and after a large debate about it,
it was Resolved upon the Q., To put a final question concern
ing Mr. Reynolds' certificate.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Reynolds shall not
have a certificate.
The Committee having made no report about the pro
position recommitted, the Assembly, after some debate
upon the proposition,
Ordered — That the Committee meet this afternoon, and
make report on Monday morning'.
Sess. 649. — June 1, 1646. — Monday morning-
Ordered— -That Mr. Selby have a certificate upon his
former examination.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Bretton (formerly
respited till this day), shall have his certificate.
A testimonial was published for Mr. Watts, but it did
not satisfy the Assembly.
Report was made from the first Committee about the
proposition recommitted concerning examples. It was
debated ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Some examples show a jus Proof by
divinum and the will and appointment of God ; as in the examP e
Old Testament the building of altars to the Lord and
offering of sacrifices by the fathers from Adam to Abraham,

238 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 649. which was done in faith and acceptance, for which there is
Jjj^g1' no foregoing precept recorded in Scripture.'
 Resolved upon the Q., ' The same may be said of the
examples, duty of the surviving brother's marrying the wife of his
brother deceased without issue, of which we have no
evidence that it was the will and appointment of God
before the law given by Moses, but the example of Judah's
sons, Gen. xxxviii.
Resolved upon the Q., ' The like also we may say of
Jews having of synagogues and worshipping of God in
them, and in particular of their reading of Moses and the
prophets there every Sabbath-day.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' In the New Testament we have
the like instances of the observation of the first day of the
week for the Christian Sabbath.'
Resolved upon the Q., 'and of baptizing persons but
once.' . . . Mr. Seaman enters his dissent
Resolved, upon the Q., ' In all which examples, as we
have cause to believe that the fathers at the first had a
command from God for those things whereof we now find
only their example for the ground of their posterity's like
practice for many generations, so likewise, though we be
lieve that Christ, in the time that He conversed with His
disciples before and after His resurrection, did instruct
them in all things concerning the kingdom of God, yet
nothing is left recorded to show His will and appointment
of the things instanced in, but the example and the prac
tice of the apostles and the churches in their time.'
Ordered — To proceed in the debate to-morrow morning.
Ordered — That the 3 Committees do meet this after
noon. Sess. 650. — June 2, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
An order was brought from the Committee for Plundered
Ministers concerning a certificate of the proceedings of the
Assembly concerning Mr. Reynolds, formerly sent unto the
Assembly by order of that Committee.
Mr. Rey- Resolved — To consider of this business of Mr Reynolds'
nolds. ,,
presently.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 239
Resolved upon the Q., That this be referred to a Com- Sess. 650.
mittee to make report to-morrow morning. 16462'
Ordered— That Mr. Ley, Mr. Gower, Mr. Marshall, Mr. —
Salway, Mr. Raynor, Dr. Temple, Mr. Byfield, Mr.
Calamy, Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Corbet of Norfolk, Mr.
Ward, and Mr. Good shall be this Committee, they or any
5 of them ; to meet this afternoon, and consider what
answer to give to this order.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of examples ; and
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Those examples show a jus What
divinum and the will and appointment of Jesus Christ, so prov?a%.r
as still to remain, which are nowhere in Scripture dis- divinum.
allowed, and whose particular reason still abides,' — These
words shall be the next subject of our debate.
Sess. 651. — June 3, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
An order was brought from the Committee" for Plun
dered Ministers concerning the examining of Mr. Watts,
his sufficiency in learning, notwithstanding any allegations
against him in conversation.
Ordered — There shall be a Committee to consider of
what answer to give to this order of the Committee for
Plundered Ministers concerning Mr. Watts.
Ordered— That Mr. Wilson, Mr. Vines, Mr. Tuckney,
Mr. Herle, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Gower, Mr.
Simpson, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Valentine, shall be this Com
mittee ; to meet this afternoon, and to make report to
morrow morning.
Mr. Ley made report from the Committee concerning
the business of Mr. Reynolds. It was debated ; and upon
debate, Resolved to be sent up to the Committee for
Plundered Ministers by the Committee that drew it up.
Sess. 652. — June 4, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Gregory be approved of by this
Assembly for Lambeth.
Ordered— That Mr. Thorpe his certificate be respited

24O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 652. till Wednesday next. If nothing be objected against him,
16464' tnen ne is to have 'his certificate.
 Resolved upon the Qs, That Mr. Paston shall not have
his certificate for Solhill.
Ordered — That Mr. Sap have a certificate without
coming up to be examined.
Mr. Wilson made report from the Committee about the
answer to the order of the Committee for Plundered
Ministers concerning Mr. Watts.
The Assembly debated an additional report to the
answer of the Assembly concerning Mr Reynolds. It was
agreed to, and the whole answer is as followeth . . .
Resolved upon the Q., To debate the Report brought in
by Mr. Wilson. Upon debate, it was
Resolved upon the Q., To be recommitted.
Sess. 653. — June 5, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Pickering, Mr. Cawdry, and Mr. Strickland were
appointed to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Com
mittee of both kingdoms the week following.
Orders as The orders from the Committee for Plundered Ministers
to subjects ... c , . _
of exami- being in a new form, only to examine sufficiency in learn-
nation. jng> jt was ordered that there be no return made from this
Assembly to any of these orders till the case be determined
in the Committee for Plundered Ministers.
Report was made by Mr. Tuckney in answer to the
order from the Committee for Plundered Ministers about
Mr. Watts.
Resolved upon the Q., That this paper shall be read.
It was debated, and upon debate, Resolved' and ordered to
be sent to the Committee for Plundered Ministers. It is
as followeth . . .
Debate of The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi-
examples ,• . , r 1
continued. tl0n concerning examples ; and after some debate, it was
respited till the next session.
Sess. 654. — June 8, 1646. — Monday morning.
A letter was brought from the Earl of Pembroke about
Mr. Owen to be approved for a parsonage in Wales.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 24 1
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Owen be examined Sess. 654.
presently by the Committee. "^o8.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of Examples ; and 
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Those examples, either of the Examples
apostles, evangelists, or of the Churches planted and y™vlng
ordered by them, which are recorded in the New Testa- divinum.
ment, and are nowhere therein disallowed, and the par
ticular reason whereof still abides, do show a jus divinum,
and the will and appointment of Jesus Christ so as still to
remain.' Ordered — That Mr. Owen be approved of by this
Assembly. Ordered — To debate the Report of the second Com
mittee to-morrow morning.
Sess. 655. — June 9, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Dr. Smith deliver the paper to the Com
mittee for Plundered Ministers concerning Mr. Watts, and
that he deliver this message with it, ' That though the Subjects
Assembly send in an answer to one particular order, yet ^^,i
finding the form of all orders of late to be varied — " to ministers.
examine only in point of learning" — we desire this answer
may be taken as to them all, and that the Assembly may
make certificate for those that are now before them as
they have formerly done ; ' and Dr. Smith is to give reasons
why it is most proper for the Assembly to consider of the
certificates before them ; and no way proper for them to
be informers.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Report Church ,
of the second Committee concerning Church Govern-^."1'
ment. Resolved upon the Q., To go on with the Report as it
is brought in by parts.
Resolved upon the Q., 'Church government is that
power and authority which Christ hath appointed to be
exercised in His Church for the good thereof.'
Resolved upon the Q., 2 Cor. xiii. 10, ' Therefore. I
write,' etc., shall be brought for the proof of it.

242 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 656. Sess. 6$6. — June 10, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
^"1640°' Dr. Smith made report from the Committee for Plun-
- — dered Ministers, that they had considered of the message
of exam!- from the Assembly ; and that they were resolved that
nation. from henceforth the Assembly should have power in their
order to certify both learning and conversation ; and that
those orders before the Assembly should be recalled, and
others sent in the like form.
Debate of The Assembly proceeded in Debate of Church Govern-
govern- ment ; and upon debate it was
ment. Resolved upon the Q., 'This government is not civil,
but spiritual ; Matth. xx. 25, 26, 27 ; John xviii. 36/
Resolved upon the Q., 'not original, but derivative,
John xx. 21/
Resolved upon the Q., 'not supreme, but subordinate
to Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. iv. 1,'
Resolved upon the Q., 'not lordly, but ministerial, 2
Cor. i. 24 ; 1 Pet. v. 3 ;' ' not arbitrary, but limited by the
Word of God, Matth. xxviii. ult, teaching them, etc'
Resolved upon the Q., Matth. xx. 25, 26, 27, shall be added
to prove that this government is not civil but spiritual.
Resolved upon the Q., ' This government doth consist
not only in preaching of the word and administering the
sacrament (by virtue of an office), Matth. xxviii. 19, 20 ;
Rom. x. 15 ; Heb. xiii. 7 ; but also in the ordaining of
officers ; 1 Tim. iv. 14 ; 1 Tim. v. 22 ; and in dispensing
of censures ; 1 Cor. v. 12 ; 2 Cor. ii. 6.'
Dr. Burges entered his dissent to the last vote, and so
did Mr. Sedgwicke.
Sess. 657. — June 1 1, 1646. — Thursday morning.
The Assembly entered upon the debate where they left.
Upon a motion for leave to speak to that question last
passed,1 it was granted and debated ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The proposition last passed x shall
be submitted to a further debate ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be an alteration in
this proposition. 1 In Ms. past.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 243
Resolved upon the Q., ' This government doth consist Sess. 657.
in ordaining of ministers for the preaching of the word, ^i6eDn'
and for administration of the sacraments, and in dispensing 
of Church censures by Church officers.' govern-
Resolved upon the Q., That this text, 1 Tim. iv. 14, ment-
proveth this branch of the proposition, that government
doth consist in ordaining of ministers.
Resolved upon the Q., 1. Tim. v. 22 shall be added to
the proof.
Ordered — That Mr. Pulley and Mr. Rainbow's examina
tion be respited till further satisfaction.
Sess. 658. — June 12, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Bond, Mr. Foxcroft, and Mr. Harris were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
An information being brought concerning Mr. Anthrobus,
it was ordered that the Chairman of the Committee do
inform the Committee of Plundered Ministers of this in
formation concerning Mr. Anthropus.
Ordered — That Mr. Gere be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Calamy and Mr. Case do visit the
Prolocutor. Ordered — That Mr. Whitakers and Mr. Woodcocke do
visit Mr. Gataker.
Ordered— That Mr. Hodges and Mr. Byfield do visit Mr.
Wilkinson. The Assembly proceeded in debate of Church Govern- church
Ordered — That these words, ' by the Church officers,'
shall be left out of the last proposition.
Ordered — 1 Cor. v. throughout proves that clause, 'in
dispensing of Church censures.'
Resolved upon the Q., 2 Cor. ii. 6 shall be added to the
former proof.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no farther debate
about an addition to this proposition.
Resolved upon the Q., ' That Church Government is in

244 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 658. the hands of Church officers only as contra-distinct to the
Ji64612' civil Magistrate.' Sess. 659. — June 15, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Burvill be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Wing be approved.
Ordered — That Mr. Be[e]cher be approved.
Debate of The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proof of
govern- the proposition concerning ' Church Government in the
ment. hands of Church officers only.'
Resolved upon the Q., The proofs voted in the
Assembly before for this proposition shall stand here.
Mr. Goodwin entered his dissent.
The Assembly debated the manner of taking the sub
scriptions of the Assembly upon the Questions ; and upon
debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., No more shall be said to this
business. Resolved upon the Q., To adjourn the Assembly till
Wednesday morning.
Sess. 660. — June 1 7, 1 646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Leaver bring a better testimonial
out of the place where he last lived.
Ordered — That Mr. Man be approved upon his former
examination and approbation.
The Assembly being informed that there was £600 to
be disposed of amongst the members of the Assembly,
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a new Committee
^600 for appointed for the distribution of the £600.
rionamong Ordered— Mr. Rayner, Mr. Ny, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Sedg-
members of wicke, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Seaman, Dr. Smith, Mr. Walker,
Assembly. Dr Gouge) Mr# Spurstow, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Wilson, or any
7 of them, shall be a Committee ; they are to meet in the
afternoon. Report was made ' of Marriage.' 3
Report was made from the Committee about ' the per
fecting of the Confession of Faith.'
1 In MS. mariadge.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 245
Ordered — That Mr. Arrowsmith be added to the Com- Sess. 660.
mittee for [perfecting] the Confession of Faith. Upon a ^A7'
debate about the ' reading of the Report again,' it was 
Resolved upon the Q., ' Not to be read again entire, but Confession
in parts.' It was debated, and the Assembly began with £e read in°
the Scriptures ; and part of that head was ordered. Parts.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left.
Sess. 661. — June 18, [1646]. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Blakerby be approved upon his
former examination.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Confession Ch. i.
of Faith concerning 'the Scriptures;' and upon debate or ere '
the whole head concerning the Scriptures was ordered ;
and it is as followeth1 . . .
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Article con- Ch. ii.
cerning 'God and the Holy Trinity;' and upon debate
that head also was ordered ; and it is as followeth . . .
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Article ' of Ch. Hi.
God's Eternal Decree ; ' and upon debate part of it was 0nrdered.
ordered. Upon debate about the last clause of it, con
cerning the handling of this doctrine, it was
Resolved upon the Q., To refer this till to-morrow
morning. Ordered— That Mr. Bedford's business be respited till
this day fortnight ; and Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Rayner, Mr.
Valentine, be added to that Committee.
Sess. 662. — June 19, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Byfield, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Salway, were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Presbury be examined to-day.
Ordered— That Mr. Holden be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Ordered—' That the Committee for wording and metho- Powers of
dizing of the Confession of Faith shall have liberty, as they m^X
see things imperfect, to complete them ; and to make ™g?°n-
report unto the Assembly.'
1 These heads or chapters are not inserted in the MS.

246 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 662. Report was made from the same Committee of those
1646.9' heads of the Confession of Faith concerning 'The Fall of
 Man, and Sin, and Punishment thereof.'
Ch. iii. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Confession
of Faith ; and upon debate, that head ' of God's Eternal
Decree' was ordered, and is as followeth . . .
iv. and The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Article ' of
Creation ; ' and it was ordered, and is as followeth . . .
v. ordered. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Article 'of
Providence ;' and upon debate it was ordered, and is as
followeth . . .
Upon Report from the Committee for Distribution of
Money, was read,1
Resolved upon the Q., The distribution of money now
read shall stand.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Younger shall be approved
of without coming up to be examined.
Sess. 663. — June 22, 1646. — Monday morning.
A petition being brought into the Assembly from the
inhabitants of Barkamstead parva in Hertfordshire, and
some exceptions against Mr. Bush, it was ordered that
Mr. Bush be respited till the inhabitants of Barkam
stead have spoken with him upon the particulars men
tioned.
Part of The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Confession
ordered. of Faitn about the Fall of Man ; and upon debate part of
that Article was ordered.
Sess. 664. — June 25, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Boyford be respited till Thursday
come sevennight.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Fall of
Ch. vi. Man ; and upon debate the whole was ordered, and is as
vii. and followeth . . . And in debate ' of God's Covenant with
Man ; ' and it was ordered, and is as followeth . . .
ordered The Assembly proceeded in debate of that Article in
the Confession of Faith concerning ' Christ the Mediator;'
1 Sic in MS.; perhaps for 'which was read.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 247
and upon debate the whole Article was ordered, and it is Sess. 664.
as followeth . . . J™^,
Sess. 665. — June 26, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Simpson, Mr. Vines, Mr. Greenhill, were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms. Ordered — That Mr. Shorter be respited till better satis
faction in his testimonial and sufficiency.
Ordered — That Mr. Low be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Dr. Gouge, Mr. Prophet, and Dr. Smith
do carry ten pounds to the Prolocutor, and that they do,
in the name of the Assembly, visit the Prolocutor, and also
satisfy him that there hath been no money paid by any
order of Parliament to his use that hath been detained
from him.
Upon debate about the neglect of attendance contrary Attend -
to the Order of the Lords and Commons, the Order was members.
read ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., That this Order last read shall
from henceforth be duly executed by all persons whom it
doth concern in all the parts of it.
Sess. 666. — June 29, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Anthropus his testimonial doth not
satisfy the Assembly.
Upon a motion about Mr. Presbury, that in regard the
gentleman that informed against him doth not insist upon
his information but recalls it, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Presbury be approved upon his
former examination.
Report was made by Mr. Tuckney ' of Free Will.' It Additions
1 c to cn- vl-
v/as read, and also some additionals to the Article 'of ordered.
the Fall of Man.' The additionals were debated, and
ordered to be added.
The Assembly debated the Report ' of Free Will ;' and
upon debate about the first branch of it concerning ' the
natural liberty in the Will,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., To be recommitted.

248 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 667. Sess. 667. — June 30, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
June 30, Ordered—That Mr. Roberts have a certificate without
 coming up to be examined.
Ch. ix. and Report was made from the Committee of the proposi
tion concerning Free Will recommitted. It was read and
debated, and the whole Article assented to. It is as
followeth . . .
_ passed. Report was made from the Committee for the wording
and methodizing of the Confession of Faith concerning
Effectual Calling. It was read and debated; and upon
debate assented to ; and it is as followeth . . .
The first Committee was desired to meet in the after
noon to prepare something for the Assembly in answer to
the Questions propounded by the House of Commons.
Arrange- Ordered — That in case there be not enough present at
Commit-10 the Committee appointed to sit, and that there be no
tee. Committee sitting, then all that come may have votes.
Sess. 668. — July 1, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. North be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Read be approved upon his former
examination. Upon information of some unworthy ministers gotten
into sequestrations, it was
Unworthy Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to
admutedto consider of those that have got into livings without appro-
livings, bation of the Assembly, contrary to the Order of the
House of Commons directed to this Assembly.
Ordered — That Mr. Ley, Mr. Gower, Dr. Stanton, Dr.
Smith, Mr. Bond, Mr. Salway, Mr. Burroughs, and Mr.
Seaman, or any 4 of them, shall be this Committee. They
are to meet to-morrow in the afternoon.
Answers Report was made by Mr. Marshall that at the first
dons from Committee a paper was presented in reference to the
House of answering of the Questions propounded by the House
of Commons. The paper was drawn by some brethren
that had attended that business. The answer to the
first Q[uestion], which is most comprehensive, they had

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 249
read to the first Committee ; and upon the reading of it, Sess. 668.
the major part of the Committee did signify their willing- Jul/i'
ness to have it presented to the Assembly as from the first 
Committee, but because there were some brethren that did Some ob-
oppose the passing of it in such a way, those brethren that {^ct^°
had taken pains in drawing of it up did therefore think
fit to present this answer as from themselves, and the
Assembly might do what they please in this business.
Whereupon it was
Ordered — That this paper be read. It was read by Mr.
Palmer. Ordered — That those brethren that have taken so great
pains in this Report shall be a Committee to bring in the
answer to the rest of the Questions, and they have thanks
for their learned pains in this Report.
Ordered — To take this Report into debate to-morrow
morning. Sess. 669. — July 2, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., The testimonial for Mr. Clopton1
doth not satisfy.
Ordered — That Mr. Jenkins be approved upon his
former examination. Ordered — That Mr. Wells be also
approved, and Mr. Blakemore.
Ordered — That Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Sedgwick, and Mr.
Tuckney do visit Mr. Rutherford 2 in the name of this
Assembly. The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Report in
answer to the Questions. Upon debate about the manner
of putting the Questions, and the subscriptions in order Salvo for
to the answer to those Questions, and upon debate of a ^not* °
salvo to be entered in the scribes' book, that those that do tally con-
subscribe may not be interpreted to subscribe to every
clause in the answer, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The question shall be put.
Resolved upon the Q., ' The several subscriptions at the
1 Or Clapton.
2 Shortly after Baillie refers to the variable health of Gillespie as well as
Rutherford. See Laing's Ed. of his Letters, vol. ii. p. 392.

250 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 669. close of the several Articles, or branches of them, are not to
1646.' be interpreted as assent by each of them that do subscribe
 to every particular clause in the answer, but to the suffi
ciency of the proof of that answer. This to remain as a
memorandum in the scribes' book.'
Upon a debate about the adding the word 'proof after
the word ' clause,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., That there shall be no addition
to this proposition. Sess. 670. — July 3, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Ash, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Scudder, were appointed to
pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Shorter shall have his certificate.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Bedford's business be re
ported on Tuesday morning next.
Ordered — That Mr. Whitfield be approved upon his
former examination.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Report
of the Answer to the first Question ; and first of the Pre
face to that Answer. After some debate of it, the Preface
was laid aside till the other branches of the answer be con
sidered. The Answer to the first branch of the first Question
was read and debated, and Respited to further consideration.
Sess. 671. — July 6, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Peachy be respited till Wednesday
next. Upon a debate about Mr. Gobert, it was
Ordered — That the Committee and those that have
known his Popish opinions do meet and confer with him,
and see what satisfaction they can receive concerning him.
Ordered — That the Committee for Mr. Bedford do meet
at the rising of the Assembly ; and that the Committee
for Mr. Gobert do meet to-morrow morning.
The Assembly proceeded to debate the first branch of
the first Question ; and upon debate this was also Respited
till the report of the second Question. The answer to the
third branch was read and debated ; and upon debate it was

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 25 I
Resolved upon the Q., ncminc contradicente — ' That Sess. 671.
Jesus Christ, as King and Head of His Church, hath ^g6'
Himself appointed a Church Government,' 
Resolved upon the Q., 'Distinct from the civil' shall be Himself1'11
added. appointeda Church
govern-
Sess. 672. — July 7, 1646. — Tuesday morning. ment.
Report was made from the Committee about Mr. Bed
ford ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Bedford shall be
examined. Ordered — That Mr. Scargill bring a better testimonial.
Resolved upon the Q., This course shall be observed in Regula-
our Answer to the nine Questions, 'That the reports in ^"5^°
answer to the nine Questions brought in by the Committee the ques-
shall be passed the Assembly if the major part do approve by House
of them ; and then the names of all that are present are to of Com"
L mons.
be taken by the scribes, as the several members shall give
their votes, either for the affirmative or the negative, and
their names to be read in the Assembly ; and that those
members that are for the negative shall bring in their
positive, and then both to be referred to a Committee to
be chosen out of the Assembly, and those that are
negative to consider how far they may agree, and to
make report unto the Assembly.'
Resolved upon the Q., That the former vote, that there
shall be no addition to the memorandum,1 shall be
revoked. Resolved upon the Q., That the words 'or proof shall
be inserted after the word ' clause.'
Upon some debate about the proof of the proposition
formerly voted, 'That Jesus Christ as King and Head of
His Church hath Himself appointed a Church government
distinct from the civil,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., That this proposition is suffi
ciently proved by the proofs last read.
The names of the members of Assembly that were for
'This memorandum was adopted in Session 669, and the addition then
refused was now accepted.

252 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 672. the affirmative — Mr. White, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Wincop, Mr.
Ji6467, Ley, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Walker, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Marshall,
 Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Delmy,
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Perne, Mr. Scudder, Dr.
Smith, Dr. Stanton, Dr. Hoyle, Mr. Bayly, Mr. Taylor,
Mr. Young'Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Ash, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Good,
Mr. Vines, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Corbet of
Merton, Mr. Dury, Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Salway, Mr.
Hardwick, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Langley, Mr.
Simpson, Mr. Carter, jun., Mr. Connant, Mr. Goodwin, Mr.
Ny, Mr. Greene, Mr. De la March, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Herle,
Mr. De la Place, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Price, Mr.
Rayner, Mr. Gower ; 52. For the negative — Mr. Light
foot. Resolved upon the Q., These words shall stand : ' This
Church Government stands not in any power of external
coertions,i in inflicting bodily punishments, fines, or mulcts,
upon men's persons, or otherwise ruling and disposing of
men's estates.' These members of the Assembly were for the
affirmative : Mr. Palmer, Mr. White, Dr. Wincop, Mr. Ley,
Dr. Gouge, Mr. Walker, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Perne, Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Whitakers, Mr.
Delmy, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Prophet, Dr. Smith, Mr. Scudder,
Dr. Hoyle, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Bayley, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Young,
Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Ash, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Good, Mr. Vines,
Mr. Corbet of M[erton], Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Gibson, Mr.
Dury, Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Carrill, Mr. Salway, Mr. Lang
ley, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Connant, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. De la
March, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Greene, Mr. De la Place, Mr.
Valentine, Mr. Gower, Mr. Price, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Wilson ;
47. For the negative, Mr. Ny.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 673. — July 8, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Wells be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Wright be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered— That Mr. Back be also approved.
1 Sic in ms., or else coactions.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 253
Ordered — That Mr. Clopton shall be examined. Sess. 673.
Ordered — That Mr. Anthropus shall not be examined as \L§ '
to Bromley. 
Ordered — That Mr. Scargill bring a better testimonial.
Resolved — That Mr. Gobert shall not have his certifi
cate. Resolved — That the first order of this Assembly shall be
yet observed concerning him.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Peachy shall not be
examined. The Assembly proceeded in the former debate ; and
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., This shall be part of our answer
to the nine questions, ' But it consists in applying spiritual
means for the better ordering of the spiritual life, and pre
venting and removing of scandals ; and the end of it is
for edification ; 2 Cor. x. 8, " For though I should boast
somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath
given us for edification and not for your destruction, I
should [not] be ashamed," and 1 Cor. v. 5, " To deliver such
an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the
spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." ' This
Question was Resolved nemine contradicente — These mem
bers voting in it, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Wincop, Mr. Ley, Dr.
Gouge, Mr. Walker, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Perne, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Delmy, Mr.
Taylor, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Bayly, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Spur
stow, Dr. Hoyle, Mr. Scudder, Dr. Stanton, Dr. Smith, Mr.
Case, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Young, Mr. Price, Mr. Ash, Mr.
Corbet of M[erton], Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Chambers,
Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Bond,
Mr. Carrill, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Salway, Mr. Langley, Mr.
Greenhill, Mr. Ny, Mr. Connant, Mr. Goodwin, Mr.
Burroughs, Mr. Greene, Mr. Carter, jun., Mr. Byfield,
Mr. Gower, Mr. De la Place, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Wilson ;
49- The Assembly was informed that the Marquesse1 of
Argile was without ; and an order for his admission into
1 Sic in MS., Marquesse being corrected from Earle.

254 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 673. the Assembly was read from the Lords and Commons. It
Jfgjfr is as followeth1 . . .
 ' Ordered— That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Ny,
Mr. Perne, shall go forth and bring him in unto the As
sembly. The Marquesse of Argile being brought into
the Assembly, delivered a letter to the Assembly from the
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The letter
was read, and is as followeth2 . . . The Prolocutor, by order
of the Assembly, did speak unto him, and congratulate his
coming into the Assembly.3
Sess. 674. — July 9, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Upon a debate about Mr. Gobert, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Gobert shall have his
certificate. Mr. Palmer enters his dissent. Upon a farther
debate of the same vote, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Gobert be examined again before
he have his certificate.
1 In the Journals of the House of Lords, under date of 7th July, the fol
lowing entry is made, engrossing at length the Commission to the Marquis of
Argyle : ' A paper was read, delivered in from the Scots Commissioners.
" Edinburgh, ult. Junii 1646.
" The Commissioners of the General Assembly, considering that the Lord
Balmerino, who is appointed by the late Assembly to be one of the Com
missioners for the Kirk, for endeavouring the intended uniformity in Religion
and Kirk Government betwixt the kingdoms, is not now to repair to London,
having certain knowledge of the faithfulness and abilities of the Right Honour
able Archibald Lord Marquis of Argyle, who is now there ; do therefore,
according to the power granted to them, nominate his Lordship in the place
of the said Lord Balmerino ; giving hereby to him full power to join with the
remanent Commissioners in prosecuting the Treaty for Uniformity with the
Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England and the Reverend Assembly
of Divines there, or with Committees from them, and to do all things neces
sary with the said Commissioners for promoving the work aforesaid, as freely
and fully as any of the Commissioners, or as if his Lordship had been parti
cularly nominated to that effect by the General Assembly."
' Ordered — That this House approves of the Marquis of Argyle to be one
of the Assembly of Divines in the place of Lord Balmerino.'
The concurrence of the House of Commons was asked to this Order, and
on the same day that House resolved ' that the Marquis of Argyle be ad
mitted to the Assembly of Divines here.'
2 This letter, as well as that addressed to the Houses of Parliament, was
inserted among the printed Acts of Assembly of that year, and is given in
Peterkin's Records of the Kirk, pp. 451, 452.
3 Notes of the Prolocutor's address will be found in Fascicle in.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 255
Ordered— That Mr. Prime1 be approved upon his former Sess. 674.
examination. J1^9' 1646.
Ordered — That Mr. Audley be respited for a little time. 
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the answer to
the Questions ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall stand as part
of our Answer, ' Furthermore (not to discuss the points of
election, ordination, and removing of ministers from one
place to another, or disposing things orderly in the Church),
the government, which we conceive this Question aims at,
stands in the due application of the censures which Christ
hath appointed, which are to be dispensed as the nature of
the fault or scandal doth require.'
These members of the Assembly voted for the affirma
tive, — Mr. Taylor, Mr. Whitakers, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Spur
stow, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Perne, Mr. Calamy, Mr. New
comen, Mr. Prophet, Dr. Smith, Mr. Herricke, Dr. Hoyle,
Dr. Stanton, Mr. Case, Mr. Bayly, Mr. Young, Mr. Rey
nolds, Mr. Ash, Mr. Vines, Mr. Corbet of M., Mr. Bond,
Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Chambers, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Gibson,
Mr. Carril, Mr. Langley, Mr. Connant, Mr. Greene, Mr.
Woodcocke, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Hardwick, Mr. Herle, Mr.
Price, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Gower, Mr. De la Place, Mr. Valen
tine, Mr. Wilson ; 39. For the negative — Mr. Seaman.
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall stand as part
of our answer, ' Admonitions are first to be used (ac
cording as is farther expressed in the answer to the 7th
Question), wherein this order is to be observed — if the
offence or fault be private, the method appointed, Matth.
xviii. 15-16, is to be followed, " Moreover, if thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between
thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained
thy brother ; but if he will not hear thee, then take with
thee one or two more," etc. ;, if public, that method is not
necessary ; 1 Tim. v. 20, " Them that sin rebuke before
all, that others also may fear." ' This question was Resolved
nemine contradicente, these members voting in it — Mr. Ley,
Mr. Taylor, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
1 Or Prince, or Prinne.

256 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 674. Perne, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Spurstow, Dr.
JSl.' Smith, Mr. Prophet, Dr. Hoyle, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Herricke,
 ' Mr. Case, Mr. Bayly, Mr. Young, Mr. Ash, Mr. Carrill,
Mr. Vines, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Corbet of M[erton], Mr,
Gibson, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Bond, Mr.
Langley, Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Greene, Mr. Connant, Mr.
Price, Mr. Herle, Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Goodwin, Mr.
Byfield, Mr. Gower, Mr. Valentine, Mr. De la Place, Mr.
Wilson ; 39.
Sess. 675. — July 10, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hodges, Mr. Perne, Mr. Prophet were appointed to
pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Gobert shall not have
his certificate,
The Assembly being informed that Mr. Clarke was for
merly, by the Committee of Plundered Ministers, ejected ;
and he is one of the first century, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The Assembly 'shall proceed no
farther in this business of Mr. Clarke.
Jus The Assembly proceeded in the debate ; and upon de-
divmum .
for exclud- bate it was
dafous"1" Resolved upon the Q., This shall be next debated, ' That
offenders it is the will and appointment of Jesus Christ, that noto-
Lord's e rious and scandalous offenders should be kept away from
Supper, the sacrament of the Lord's supper.'
Upon a debate of adjourning the Assembly by reason
of two days in the next week, one for a fast and another
for a thanksgiving, it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' The Assembly shall not be ad
journed till Friday next.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Not to adjourn the Assembly
till Wednesday next.'
Upon a motion, after leave obtained, it was Resolved
upon the Q., To revoke the former vote of not adjourning
till Friday next.
Resolved upon the Q., To adjourn the Assembly till
Friday next.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 257
Sess. 676. — July 17, 1646. — Friday morning. Sess. 676.
Mr. Cheynell, Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Price, were appointed. ^%A7'
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both 
kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered— That Mr. Lawson be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Ladbroke be approved upon his
former examination.
Ordered — That Mr. Perkins be approved upon his former
examination. Upon a debate about Mr. Clarke, it was ordered that
the Assembly doth insist upon the former vote.
Ordered — That the Three Committees do meet on
Wednesday, in the afternoon.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Proposi- Farther
tion ; and upon debate it was ^bate of
Resolved upon the Q., ' It is the will and appointment divinum.
of Jesus Christ that notorious and scandalous offenders
should be kept away.' This question was Resolved nemine
contradicente — These members voting for it : Mr. White,
Mr. Palmer, Mr. Ley, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Walker, Mr. Sedg
wicke, Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Perne, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Pro
phet, Mr. Cheynell, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Harris, Mr. Arrow-
smith, Dr. Hoyle, Mr. Bayly, Mr. Case, Dr. Smith, Dr.
Temple, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Herrick, Mr. Price, Mr. Cawdry,
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Ash, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Ward, Mr.
Gibson, Mr. Wilkinson, jun., Mr. Corbet of M[erton], Mr.
Strong, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Bond, Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Wood-
cocke, Mr. Connant, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Greene, Mr. By-
field, Mr. Herle, Mr. De la Place, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Gower ;
43- Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Carter, jun., being
present in the Assembly, declared that they did forbear to
give their vote in this till they see the scope of it.
Resolved upon the Q., The proofs brought in by the
Committee shall be debated next in order, in reference to
the proof of the proposition last voted,

R

258

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 677.
July 22,
1646.
Death of
ProlocutorTwisse.

Mr. Herle
succeeds
him.

House of
Commons
wish com
pletion of
Confessionof Faith
and Cate
chism.

Dr.
Twisse's funeral.

Sess. 677. — July 22, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
In the time of the last Recess of the Assembly, Dr,
Twisse the Prolocutor died ; whereupon, when the members
of the Assembly met in the place of the Assembly, they
thought fit to acquaint both Houses of Parliament with
his death, and to desire their further order ; which was
accordingly done by Dr. Burges. The Houses of Parlia
ment, taking it into consideration, sent an Order to the
Assembly for Mr. Herle to be Prolocutor in the stead of
Dr. Twisse, lately dead. The Order was read ; and Mr.
Herle was called to the Chair.1
Mr. Rouse and Mr. Tate being sent with the Order
above mentioned, did also inform the Assembly that ' they
were commanded by the House of Commons to desire the
Assembly to hasten the perfecting of the Confession of
Faith and the Catechism, because of the great use there2
may be of them in the kingdom, both for the suppressing
of errors and heresies, and the informing of the ignorance
of the people.'
The Assembly took into consideration how the funeral
of Dr. Twisse should be ordered, it being by his friends
referred wholly to the Assembly ; whereupon it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Harris shall be desired
to preach at the funeral of Dr. Twisse, late Prolocutor.
Ordered— The day for his funeral shall be on Friday,
and the time in the afternoon.
Ordered— That Dr. Smith and Mr. Byfield do move the
Committee for Westminster College, that his body may
be interred in some convenient place in the Abbey, and
1 ' The House being informed that diverse ministers of the Assembly of
Divines were at the door. They were called in, and Dr. Burges acquainted
the House that Dr. Twisse, Prolocutor of the said Assembly, died on Sunday
morning last, and humbly desired to know the pleasure of the House for the
further ordering of themselves and their proceedings upon this occasion . . .
Resolved, etc., That this House doth nominate and approve of Mr. Herle, one
of the members of the Assembly of Divines, to be Prolocutor of the Assembly
of Divines, in the place of Dr. Twisse, late Prolocutor, deceased. . . Mr.
Tate being appointed, carried the same to the Lords for their concurrence . . .
Mr. Tate brings answer that the Lords do agree That Mr. Herle be Pro
locutor of the Assembly of Divines. ' —Journals of the House of Commons,
vol. iv. p. 622.
2 In MS. they.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 259
that the place for the entertainment of his friends at the Sess. 677.
funeral may be the College. ^idLf2'
Ordered — That the Committees about the Confession of 
Faith do meet this afternoon.
Ordered— That Report be made from the Committee
for wording and methodizing of the Confession of Faith,
to-morrow morning.
Ordered—' That Mr. Ward be added to the Committee Catechism.
for the Catechism.'
Ordered — That Mr. Gibson have his certificate.
Sess. 678. — July 23, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Report was made by Mr. Arrowsmith ' of Justification Ch. xi.
and Adoption.' The Report was debated, and upon agreed to.
debate agreed to ; and it is as followeth . . .
Ordered— To debate the Report ' of Marriage ' to-mor
row morning. Sess. 679. — July 24, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Wilkinson, jun., Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Guibon, were
appointed to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Com
mittee of both kingdoms the week following.
Two Reports were made from the Second Committee
' of Certainty of Salvation' and ' of the State of the Soul
after death.'
Ordered — To debate the Report concerning ' the Cer- Debate of
tainty of Grace and Salvation.' The Assembly entered o/^lva-
upon that debate, and upon debate it was tion-
Ordered— This to be the title — ' Of the Certainty of
Salvation.' Ordered — ' Although hypocrites and other wicked men
may vainly deceive themselves with false hopes and carnal
presumptions of being in the favour of God and state of
R. |not to stand,' and be as a spider's web.[
salvation (which hope of theirs shall perish), yet such as
truly believe in the Lord Jesus, and love Him in sincerity,
endeavouring to walk in all good conscience before Him,
may in this life be assured that they are in the state of
1 i.e. The words, ' and be as a spider's web,' were to be struck out.

260 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 679. grace, may know that they have eternal life, and that
JUi6464' tney dwe11 in Cnrist and He in them, and may rejoice in
 the hope of the glory of God, which hope shall never
make them ashamed.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' This certainty is not a bare,
moral, conjectural, or probable persuasion, grounded upon
R. not to stand ' full '
a fallible hope, but is an infallible assurance, founded upon
the divine truth of the promises of salvation,'
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
July 27, 1646. — Monday morning.
There wanted some members to make a full Assembly,
and therefSre they sat in a Grand Committee.
Sess. 680. — July 30, 1646. — Thursday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate where they left ;
and for the better connecting of the words following to
those going before, for the clearing of some difficulties in
the debate, it was agreed to leave out the word ' upon,' and
the mention of the particular graces, and so the words
following were
Assurance Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added to the
of salva- former, ' the inward evidence of those graces unto which
these promises are annexed, and the testimony of the Spirit
of adoption witnessing with our spirits that we are the
children of God, which Spirit is the earnest of our inheri
tance, whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption.'
Ordered — ' This infallible certainty whereby the believer
knows himself to be in the state of grace and salvation,
doth not so belong unto the essence of faith as that a man
cannot be a true believer or justified person without it,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' yet a true believer being
enabled by the Spirit to know the things that are freely
given him of God may without extraordinary revelation
in the right use of ordinary means attain thereunto.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' And therefore it is the duty of
every one to give all diligence to make his calling and
election sure, that thereby his heart may be enlarged in

tion.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 26 1
love and thankfulness unto the Lord, in strength and Sess. 680.
cheerfulness in the duties of obedience and inward peace ^"(O0'
and joy in the Holy Ghost' 
Ordered — ' This assurance of salvation may several ways
in true believers be shaken, diminished, and intermitted,'
Resolved upon the Q., 'by negligence in preserving of
it ; by falling into some special sin, which woundeth the
conscience and grieveth the Spirit ; by some sad and heavy
temptation, or by God's own withdrawing the light of His
countenance and suffering even such as fear Him to walk
in darkness and have no light ; '
Ordered — ' yet true believers are never utterly destitute
of that seed of the Spirit, and life of faith and love of
Christ and of the brethren, and conscience of duty, out of
which this assurance may in due time arise and revive
again, and by the which in the meantime their spirit is
supported from utter despair.'
Mr. Palmer entered his dissent to the word ' or,' 1 before
' by God's own withdrawing.'
Mr. Gillespie gave his books2 dedicated unto the Mr. Gil-
Assembly to the Prolocutor and the rest of the members j^JtTji?""
of the Assembly then present, for which he had thanks book.
returned by the Prolocutor in the name of the Assembly.
Sess. 681. — July 31, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Ford, Mr. Ward, and Mr. Corbet of M. were
appointed to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Com
mittee of both kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Baker be approved upon his former
examination and approbation.
The Assembly debated the report ' of the State of the Debate of
Soul after Death' ; and upon debate it was soul after
Ordered— For the title, 'Of the State of the Soul after death.
death.' Resolved upon the Q., ' The souls of men, being sepa-
1 Probably in consequence of Mr. Palmer's dissent, this ' or ' appears to have
been ultimately left out.
2 This was his great work : ' Aaron's Rod Blossoming ; or, the Divine
Ordinance of Church Government Vindicated.' It was dedicated 'to the
Reverend and Learned Assembly of Divines, convened at Westminster,' and
was published in London in 1646.

262 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 68i. rated from their bodies by death, having an immortal sub-
1646.1' sistence, do immediately return unto God who gave them,'
— ~ Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' to be by him dis
posed of in their own places,' shall not stand.
State of Resolved upon the Q., ' So as the souls of the righteous
soul after . , , T , _ _, . , ,
death. are with the Lord Jesus Christ,
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' in the third
heaven,' shall not stand.
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall follow, 'in
R
everlasting habitations in the highest heavens, and being
made perfect in holiness do enjoy the face of God in light
and glory ; and the souls of the wicked are in hell in ever
lasting torments.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' And besides these two places for
souls separated the Scripture acknowledgeth no other.'
Sess. 682. — August 3, 1646. — Monday morning.
The Protestation was read.
Ordered — That the 2d and 3d Committees do meet this
afternoon. The Assembly debated the Report ' of Marriage ' ; and
upon debate it was
Ordered — The title ' Of Marriage.'
Debate of Resolved upon the Q., ' Marriage between one man and
 nage' one woman is ordained of God, for the mutual help of one
another, for the increase of mankind with a legitimate
R
issue, and of the Church with an holy seed, and for pre
venting of uncleanness, and it is lawful for all sorts of
people,' Resolved upon the Q., ' who are able with judgment to
give their consent.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words, 'Persons before
they marry ought to be able to perform necessary marriage
duties, and to make a good choice, or with judgment to
give their consent,' shall not stand.
Resolved upon the Q., ' Christians ought to marry in the
Lord.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 263
Resolved upon the Q., To go on in the debate of the Sess. 682.
Report as brought in by the Committee. ^ofo3'
Ordered — ' Marriage ought not to be within the degrees 
of consanguinity and affinity forbidden by the Word of
God.' Resolved upon the Q., ' The man may not marry any of
his wife's kindred nearer than he may of his own ; nor the
wife of her husband's kindred nearer than of her own.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall not stand,
' Children under parents' government ought to have their
parents' consent to their marriage, yet so as they be not
forced against their own liking.'
Resolved upon the Q., This last proposition shall be
recommitted. Ordered — These words, ' It is meet that persons to be
married be first contracted, and after that within some
competent time the marriage be publicly solemnized.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' Marriage betwixt
cousins-german1 and others beyond the degree of cousins-
german is lawful,' shall be waived.
Resolved upon the Q., The unlawfulness of marrying2
with idolaters shall be recommitted.
Ordered — That Mr. Dalton and Mr. Reeve be approved
upon former examination.
Sess. 683. — August 4, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Woodroff be approved upon his former
examination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Boden shall have a certificate.
Ordered — That Dr. Gouge, Dr. Temple, and Mr. Ley
be desired to wait upon the Committee of Plundered
Ministers and acquaint them with the smallness of his (?)
means for3 that place, and to desire such course may be
taken as may give encouragement to a minister in a place
of so great consequence.
Report was made from the4 Committee of that com- Debate of
mitted about Marriage. marriage-
1 In MS. apparently ' cousin-germanes.' 2 In MS. marring or marriag.
3 Apparently corrected into ' in.' * Sic in MS., quaere 1st.

264 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 683. Report was made from the second Committee about
16464' Synods and Councils.
Report was made from the 3d Committee about the
Resurrection. The Assembly debated the report of that committed
about Marriage, and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The former proposition about
' consent of.parents' be waived.
Resolved upon the Q., That mention shall be made con
cerning Papists and other Idolaters.
Resolved upon the Q., That some others besides Papists
and other Idolaters shall be mentioned.
Resolved upon the Q., ' Such as profess the true
Reformed religion ought not to marry with Papists,
Infidels, or other Idolaters,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' nor ought such as are godly to
be unequally yoked with such as are notoriously wicked in
their life,'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a further addition.
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added, ' or
maintain damnable heresies.'
Ordered — To debate the Report of Synods.
Sess. 684. — August 5, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Debate of The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Report of
syno s. Synods ; and upon debate it was
Ordered — The title ' Of Synods or Councils.'
Upon a motion to leave this head out of the Confession
of Faith, it was
Resolved upon the Q., To go on with this Report.
Resolved upon the Q., No mention to be made of the
constituent members of Synods in the first proposition.
Resolved upon the Q., ' For the better government and
further edifying of the Church, there ought to be such
Assemblies as are commonly called Synods or Councils.'
Mr. Ny, Mr. Simpson, entered their dissent
Resolved upon the Q., ' As Magistrates may lawfully call
a Synod of Ministers and other fit persons to consult and
advise with about matters of religion, so the ministers of

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 265
Christ, of themselves, by virtue of their office, or they with Sess. 684.
other fit persons, upon delegation from their churches, may "f ' 65'
assemble if the Magistrates be open enemies to the Church.' 
Resolved upon the Q., ' It belongeth to Synods and synods.
Councils ministerially to determine controversies of faith
and cases of conscience, and to set down rules and direc
tions for the better ordering of the public worship of God
and government of His Church ; and their decrees are to
be received with reverence and submission.'
Resolved upon the Q., This to be debated in this
form : ' Synods or Councils made up of ministers, and other
ruling officers of the Church have not only a directive
power in things ecclesiastical, but a corrective power also,
and may rescind an1 evil sentence, if adhered unto in any
inferior Assembly, and excommunicate such persons as are
otherwise incorrigible.'
Sess. 685. — August 6, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Barton have a certificate upon his
former examination.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Goodwin's business be
stopped, and he have no certificate from hence.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi
tion about Synods ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The question shall be whether
this proposition shall be debated in order to the Con
fession of Faith.
Resolved upon the Q., This shall be debated in order
to the Confession of Faith.
Ordered — That they who will shall have liberty to pro
ceed upon the negative to-morrow morning ; and if not,
then to proceed upon the affirmative.
Sess. 686. — August 7, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Wincop, Mr. Spurstow, were
appointed to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Com
mittee of both kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered— That Mr. Bould have a certificate without
coming up to be examined. ' In MS. ' and.'

266 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 686. An order was brought from the House of Lords to
Ai6467' certify their opinions of allowing Mr. Cradocke, Mr.
 Simonds, and Mr. Walter1 to be Itinerant Preachers in
synods. Wales. It was read, and is as followeth 2 . . .
The Assembly proceeded in the debate. An argument
was urged for the negative ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q.,8 The argument now urged hath
been answered.
Ordered — To go on in the debate of the argument from
the ivth of Ephesians.
Sess. 687. — August 10, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That the Orders for the regulating of the de
bates of the Assembly be read the first Monday in every
month [to begin the next month].4
Dr. Gouge made Report ' of Divorce.'
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the argument
from the ivth of Ephesians ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., This argument from the ivth of
the Ephesians hath been sufficiently answered.
Another argument was urged for the negative ;5 and
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The argument last urged hath
been now answered.
Sess. 688. — August 11, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Continued Ordered — That Mr. Creyton be approved upon his
opposition r ...
to chap, former examination.
on synods ' Resolved upon the Q., The former order concerning Mr.
inserted in Scot shall Stand.
sfon.feS Upon the desire of some members of the Assembly, it
was Resolved upon the Q., That motions shall be heard and
made concerning the waiving of the debate of this proposi
tion ordered for debate or the committing of it.
1 Or Walker. 2 Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 454.
s R- fs {Fasciculus III.) 4 This added in Fascicle III.
5 ' Nothing of the Ruler elder's ordination, office, qualification, or work,
nothing in matter of fact recorded of him in particular.' (Fascicle III.)

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 267
Upon a large debate about the waiving of the proposi- Sess. 688.
tion in order to a Confession of Faith, it was Au_ _' ''
1 040.
Resolved upon the Q., This proposition shall stand to 
be debated in order to the Confession of Faith.
Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Ny, did enter their
dissent. Ordered — That the whole Assembly sit as a Committee
on Friday in the afternoon to receive the Report of the
Answer of the Assembly to the Reasons of the Dissenting
Brethren, as hath been formerly done in the like Reports.
Sess. 689. — August 12, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Upon a caveat put in from Sir Henry Vane, senr.,
against Mr. Wildbore upon complaints against him from
diverse ministers in the country, it was Ordered — That Mr.
Wildbore be respited till further satisfaction.
Upon a motion to take the Order of the Lords concern
ing the three Itinerant Preachers into consideration, it was
Resolved upon the Q., A message shall be now returned
to the House of Lords in answer to their Order.
Resolved upon the Q., This message shall be sent : ' That Message as
this Assembly have not hitherto been able to satisfy their preachers.
Order, because the persons mentioned in that order have
not appeared before them ; and the Assembly is informed
that two of them were gone into Wales some weeks before
the Order came to this Assembly ; and this Assembly
doth not think fit to give any approbation of these men
for Itinerant Preachers without conference first had with
them.' 1
Ordered — That Dr. Gouge, Dr. Smith, Dr. Temple, Dr.
Hoyle, Dr. Stanton, and Mr. Byfield do deliver this
message -to the HonbIe House of Lords.
Sess. 690. — August 13, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Wood be excused from 2
not coming up to be examined and approved of by this
Assembly. 1 Given more fully in Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 463.
2 Sic in MS., but in Fascicle III. ' for not coming.'

268 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 690. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi-
164.63' ti°n ; and another argument was urged for the negative
 against the power of Synods as to excommunication ; and
Debate of , , , .,
synods. upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The argument last urged against
the proposition is answered.
[Dr. Smith made report from the House of Lords. They
give thanks to this Assembly for their care in observing of
their order, and that they have no further to desire of the
Assembly at the present.] x
Ordered — -To proceed in the debate to-morrow morn
ing. Sess. 691. — August 14, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Tisdale, Mr. Hardwicke, Mr. Good, were appointed
to pray with the Lords, Commons, and Committee of both
kingdoms, the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Ley do certify the Committee of
Plundered Ministers that this Assembly is not satisfied.
concerning the fitness of Mr. Robert Anthrobus2 for
Bromley, in the county of Kent.
Argument The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the proposi-
r__gSt t'on as t0 tne negative ; and another argument was
elders held brought against Pvuling Elders their being constituent
swered. * members of a Synod ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The argument last urged hath
been answered.
Ordered — That Mr. Brian be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 692.— August 17, 1646. — Monday morning.
The Protestation was read.
Ordered — That Mr. Underwood's examination be
respited. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the power of
J Addition in Fascicle III., also in Lords' Journals, vol. viii. p. 463.
2 The spelling of this name varies in different parts of the MS., and here it
is difficult to decide whether the writer meant to correct/ into b, or b into/.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 269
Synods ; and another argument was urged against the pro- Sess. 692.
position ; and after some debate it was Au|' Y1'
Resolved upon the Q., This argument is sufficiently 
answered. Upon a motion to put the proposition to the question,
it having been so long debated and formerly proved in the
Assembly, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The proposition shall be put to
the question.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be 2 questions.
Resolved upon the Q., This proposition is true, viz. Truth of
'Synods or Councils made up of ministers and other j£,°posi"
ruling officers of the Church have not only a directive affirmed.
power in things ecclesiastical, but a corrective power also,
and may rescind an evil sentence if adhered unto in any
inferior Assembly, and excommunicate such persons as
are otherwise incorrigible.'
Resolved upon the Q., This proposition shall not stand Yet not to
in this Confession of Faith. *tan? iu.
Confessionof Faith.
Sess. 693. — August 18, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Becke be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Mazy be approved upon his former
examination. Mr. Palmer informed the Assembly that the Committee Answer to
formerly appointed to draw up an Answer to reasons of di_ent_g
the Dissenting Brethren against the subordination of As- brethren.
semblies had prepared an Answer to the said Answer, and
read it over in a Committee of the whole Assembly, and
they had ordered him to acquaint the Assembly that the
Report was ready, if it pleased the Assembly to hear it.
Hereupon it was
Resolved upon the Q., This Report shall be now read
in the Assembly. It was read by Mr. Palmer : and be
cause of the length of it, the Answer to the three first
arguments of the Dissenting Brethren was only read this
session ; and upon the reading of it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., This Answer to the three first

270 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 693. arguments of the Dissenting Brethren against the subordi-
A"|46. ' nation of Assemblies shall stand as the Answer of this
 ¦ Assembly. Resolved upon the Q., The rest of the Answer shall be
read to-morrow morning.
Ordered— That Mr. Lewis be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Sess. 694. — August 19, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Additions Resolved upon the Q., These heads of Faith, Repent-
fession " ance, and Good Works shall be referred to the three Com
mittees in their order to prepare something upon them
for the Confession of Faith.
Report was made of the remainder of the Answer to the
Reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against subordination
of Assemblies ; and after the reading of it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The rest of the Answer to the
Reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against the subordi
nation of Assemblies shall stand as the Answer of this
Assembly. The whole Answer is as followeth * . .' .
Ordered— To proceed in the debate of the Report of
Synods and Councils.
Sess. 695. — August 20, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Baker shall not have his cer
tificate from the Assembly till he bring a better testimonial.
Resolved upon the Q., Dr. Wells shall be approved
upon his former examination.
Ordered— That Mr. Bennet be approved upon his former
examination. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Synods ; and
upon a motion it was
Resolved upon the Q., That an addition shall be made
to the proposition last voted.
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added to the
proposition last voted, after these words, ' and submission,'2
1 Not in MS., but printed in ' The Grand Debate between Presbytery and
Independency. '
2 See in Sess. 684.

Synods.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 7 1
not only for their agreement with the word, but also for Sess. 695.
the power whereby they are made, as being an ordinance ^f,™'
of God appointed thereunto.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added,
' They have likewise power to receive complaints in cases
of mal-administration, and authoritatively to determine
the same.' To this last addition some brethren1 entered
their dissent as followeth . . .
Resolved upon the Q., Synods or Councils are to handle
and conclude nothing but that which is ecclesiastical, and
are not to intermeddle with civil affairs which concern the
commonwealth, unless by way of advice, for satisfaction
of conscience, they be thereunto required by the Civil
Magistrate. Resolved upon the Q., ' All Synods or Councils, since
the Apostles' time, whether general or particular, may err,
and many have erred, and therefore are not to be made a
Rule of faith and practice, but to be used as a help in both.'
Ordered — To debate the Report of the Resurrection.
' The Assembly after this session did not sit as an
Assembly for divers days till the ist of Sep
tember, because there wanted such a full
number as are ordered to be present at the
debating and voting of anything for the Par
liament, and in the interim, upon the several
days of their meeting, after adjournment to the
next day, they sat as a Grand Committee, and
prepared something for the Assembly. On the
said days the certificates for the ministers to
the Committee of Plundered Ministers were
passed, and several Reports from Committees
received — as about Saving Faith, the Last
Judgment, and some additional propositions
concerning the Law. And Mr. Valentine and
Mr. Rayner were appointed to pray with the
Lords and Commons one week, and Mr Good
win and Dr. Hoyle the week following.
1 'Mr. Simpson, Mr. Greenhill, and Mr. Woodcocke.' Fascicle III.

the law.

272 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 696. Sess. 696. — Sept. 1, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
S%6h Ordered— That Mr. Cawdry be added to the Committee
 for the perfecting of the Confession of Faith.
The Assembly debated the additional Report concern
ing the Law ; and upon debate it was
Debate of Resolved upon the Q., After these words, ' in respect of
the authority of God, the lawgiver,' these words shall be
added, ' from whom it should always have had that bind
ing power, though it had never received any corroboration
from Christ in the gospel, which doth no way dissolve, but
doth much strengthen that obligation.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Although the faithful be said to
be dead to the law, and not to be under it either in respect
of justification, as by which they neither are nor can be
justified, or of condemnation, there being no condemning
power in the law over any that are in Christ ; yet are
there many and .special uses of the law to believers as well
as to others.'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition to the
words last voted.
Resolved upon the Q., ' It serves as a rule of our life,
whereby being informed of the will of God and the duty
of man, which are both revealed therein, we are directed
to walk accordingly, to the embracing of that which is
good and avoiding of that which is evil,'
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' and bound,' shall
be added to the last proposition after the word ' directed.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' which power is not contrary to
the work of the Spirit of Christ, freely and cheerfully
leading God's children in all the ways of God, but sweetly
complying with it,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' and is subordinate to it,'
Resolved upon the Q., 'the spirit of Christ subduing
and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheer
fully, which the will of God revealed in the law requires to
be done.'
Mr. Seaman enters his dissent to those words, ' and is
subordinate to it,' as not true.
Upon some debate about the next paragraph, ' concern-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 2 ^T,
ing the use of the promises and threatenings of the law,' Sess. 696.
it was %>'
Resolved upon the Q., That this shall be recommitted. 
Resolved upon the Q., This shall be recommitted to a the law.
special Commitee.
Ordered— [Mr.] Goodwin, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Palmer, Dr.
Temple, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Seaman, and Mr. Strong shall
be this Committee, or any 5 of them. They are to meet
this afternoon, and to make report to-morrow morning.
Sess. 697.— Sept. 2, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
After the publishing of an order for Mr. Smith for
Armington in the county of Devon, the Assembly was
informed that the Committee for the West did desire
this business might be respited ; it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Smith his approbation
for this place shall be respited for a time.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Ley, a member of this
Assembly, shall have an approbation from this Assembly
for the sequestration of Ashbury in the county of Chester.
Report was made from the Committee of the proposi
tion concerning the use of the promises and threatenings
of the law recommitted yesterday. It was debated, and
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' The law is of use to the regene
rate, to restrain their corruptions by forbidding sin. The
threatenings of the law are of use to show them what even
their sins deserve from God,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' and what temporal chastise
ments they may expect for their sins.' Dr. Burges enters
his dissent.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be an addition.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 698. — Sept. 3, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Harris be approved for Petersfield.
Report was made by Dr. Temple ' of Good Works.'
Ordered— The Committee for the perfecting of the Con
fession of Faith do prepare a title for it.

274 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 698. The Assembly proceeded in the debate, and upon debate
was Resolved upon the Q., This addition shall be made,

^o3' it was

the law 'though freed from the curse thereof threatened in the
continued. j_w >
Resolved upon the Q., The word ' afflictions ' shall be put
in instead of the word ' chastisements.'
Upon a debate about the promises, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The question shall be put.
Resolved upon the Q., ' The promises of the law show
God's approbation of obedience,'
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 699. — Sept. 4, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Case and Mr. Palmer were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons for the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Wildbore have no approbation from
this Assembly, and that a return be made to the Com
missioners of the Great Seal.
Resolved upon the Q., That the Assembly shall sit in the
afternoons after Wednesday next
The Assembly proceeded in the debate.
Resolved upon the Q., An addition shall be considered
in reference to the last proposition.
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added, ' and
what they may expect of temporal blessings in a way of
faithfulness.' Resolved upon the Q., 'Neither is it an evidence that
a man is under the law, and not under grace, when he
refrains from evil and doeth good, because the law
encourageth to the one and deters from the other,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' but rather a sign of the power of
God's grace in him, when his heart is subdued conscien
tiously to live according to the Rule, though in things
contrary to the dictate of corrupt nature, from the con
sideration of God's goodness in rewarding freely those that
do well, and of his justice in punishing them that do ill.'
Ordered—' As a glass, wherein we may see the defor
mities of our natures, and the transgressions of our lives,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 275
and to examine ourselves by it, we may be more convinced, Sess. 699.
and humbled, and self-condemned for, and brought to a ^'s4'
greater hatred against, sin ; as thereby appearing to be so 
hateful in God's sight'.
Report was made from the Grand Committee of the
Assembly concerning 'the Resurrection of the Dead.' It
was debated, and upon debate it was
Ordered — The title ' Of the Resurrection of the Dead.' Debate of
Resolved upon the 0., 'There is no resurrection of the tion of the
soul, for the souls of men do neither die nor sleep with their deadi
bodies in death, but the bodies of all shall be raised up at
the last day, the self same bodies and no other, with
different qualities, and shall be united again to their souls
for ever.' R. — ' The bodies of the unjust shall by the power
of Christ be raised to dishonour, the bodies of the just by
his Spirit to honour.'
The Assembly debated the Report ' of the Last Judg
ment ;' and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The title ' Of the Last Judgment
and Life Eternal.'
Ordered — ' There shall be a day wherein the world shall
be judged in righteousness by Jesus Christ, the Son, to
whom all power and all judgment is given of the Father.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' In which day not only the Last judg-
Apostate angels shall be judged, but likewise all persons men "
that have lived upon earth shall appear before the tribunal
of Christ to give an account of their thoughts, words, and
deeds unto God, and to receive according to what they
have done in the body whether good or evil.'
Ordered — 'As Christ would have us to be certainly
persuaded that there shall be a time of judgment,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' both to deter all men from sin,
and for the greater consolation of the godly in their
adversity,' Ordered — ' so he will yet have the day of judgment to
be unknown to men,'
Ordered — 'that they may shake off all carnal security,
being always watchful and prepared because -they know
not at what hour the Lord will come.'

276 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 699. Ordered — 'The end of God's appointing this day of
"1646.4' judgment is for the manifestation of the glory of his
 mercy and goodness to them that believe, and of his truth
and justice against them that are wicked and disobedient,
in the eternal salvation of the elect and damnation of the
reprobate.' Ordered — ' For then shall the righteous go into everlast
ing life and receive that fulness of joy and refreshing, which
shall come from the presence of the Lord ; but the wicked,
who know not God and obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ,
shall be cast into eternal torments, and be punished with
everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and
the glory of his power.'
Resolved upon the Q., No more shall be added to the
Report of the Last Judgment.
Ordered to debate the Report ' of Faith,' the next Ses
sion. Sess. 700. — Sept. 9, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Dr. Stanton made Report of the Article concerning
Repentance. It was read.
Debate of The Assembly entered upon the debate ' of Faith ;' and
upon debate it was
Ordered — The title ' Of saving Faith.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Saving faith is a grace wrought
by the Spirit of Christ in the hearts of the elect, enabling
them to believe to the saving of the soul.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' This faith is ordinarily wrought
by the ministry of the word.'
Resolved upon the Q., 'By this faith a Christian believeth
whatsoever is revealed in the Word to the soul to be true,
for the authority of God himself speaking therein.'
Ordered—' As faith thus extends itself to every word of
God in Scripture, so doth it further act differently upon
that which each particular passage containeth in it.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' The principal acts of Saving
Faith are accepting, receiving, and resting upon Christ |
alone, for justification, sanctification, and eternal life, by
virtue of the Covenant of grace.'

faith.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 277
Ordered — 'It likewise resteth upon every other promise Sess. 700.
of God even for this life also.' Sept 9,
1646.
Ordered — ' It worketh by love, in yielding obedience to —
the commands, and by fear in trembling at the threaten
ings of the Word.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' This faith is different in degrees,
weak or strong ; may be assailed with doubting, but gets
the victory ; cannot wholly fail or be lost, but at length
obtaineth the end thereof, the salvation of the soul, Christ
the author being the finisher thereof
Sess. 701. — Sept. 9, 1646. — Wednesday afternoon.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the article
concerning ' Good Works ;' and upon debate it was
Ordered— The title ' Of Good Works.'
Ordered — ' Good works are the fruits of a true and lively
faith.' Ordered — ' We cannot by our best works merit the pardon
of sin or- eternal life ; because when we have done all we
can, we have done but our duty and are unprofitable
servants; and also because there is always much weakness
and imperfection in them, so that they cannot endure the
severity of God's judgment, neither can they make any
satisfaction for sin past, nor hold any proportion with glory
to come.'
Ordered — ' Yet notwithstanding they are through Christ Debate of
pleasing and acceptable to God, whose workmanship we |,°0°rks
are, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God
hath before ordained that we should walk in them,'
Resolved upon the Q., ' so as having our fruit unto holi
ness we shall have the end eternal life.'
Ordered — ' It is the Spirit of Christ in regenerate persons
that enables them to all that good which at any time they
do, and they are so far from having any strength in them
selves for holy performances that notwithstanding the
graces they have already received there is always required
a continued influence from the same holy and blessed
Spirit to work in them both to will and to do.'
Ordered — ' Yet are not regenerate persons thereupon to

278 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 701. grow negligent as if they were not bound to any duty but
Si6469' uPon a special motion of the Spirit, but they are always
 to stir up the grace of God in them.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Works done by persons unre-
Sic. R
generate though for the matter of them they may be the
things God commands, yet because they proceed not from
a heart purified by faith and are not done in a right
manner, nor to a right end, the glory of God, they cannot
make men meet to receive grace from God, but they are
sinful, and cannot please God.'
Debate of Resolved upon the Q., ' They who in their obedience
works. attain to the greatest height, which is possible in this life,
are yet so far from being able to supererogate, and to
do more for God than God requires of them, as that they
are never able to do so much as in duty they are bound
to do.'
Resolved upon the Q., To add after these words, ' please
God,' ' yet, notwithstanding, the neglect of duties in them is
more displeasing.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' The persons of believers being
accepted through Christ, their works, though imperfect and
defective, are also accepted in him, yet not as if through
Christ their works were made perfectly holy and good and
so unblameable and unreproveable in God's sight in this
life ; but that God looking upon them in Christ is pleased
to accept that which is sincere though accompanied with
much weakness and imperfection.'
Resolved upon the Q., 'The works which God would
have his people to walk in are such as he hath commanded
in his holy Scrip'ture, and not such works as men have
devised out of their own brain, of a blind zeal and devotion
without the warrant of the word of God.' These words to
be added after the first paragraph.
Sess. 702. — Sept. 10, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Debate of The Assembly entered upon the debate of Repentance ;
ance" anc^ uPon debate it was
Ordered— The title ' Of Repentance unto Life.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 279
Resolved upon the Q., ' Repentance unto life is an evan- Sess. 702
gelical grace, whereby a sinner, out of sight of the filthiness Se,16t'610'
and odiousness of sin as contrary to the holy and righteous 
law of God, and upon the apprehension of God's mercy in
Christ to penitent sinners, grieves so and hates his sins,
that he purposeth and endeavoureth to turn from all sin
unto God.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Although repentance be not the Of repent-
cause for which a sinner is pardoned, nor required as a ance'
satisfaction for sin, or to be rested in or trusted unto for
itself ; and although the pardon of sin be the act of God's
free grace in Christ ; yet, notwithstanding, repentance is
so necessary to a sinner as that he may not expect pardon,
that doth not truly repent/
Ordered — ' Men ought not to content themselves with a
general repentance, but it is every man's duty to endeavour
to repent of his particular sins particularly.'
Resolved upon the Q., 'He that hath scandalized the
Church of Christ ought to be willing to declare his repent
ance to the Church by a public confession of his sin and
sorrow for it.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' As there is no sin so small but it
is damnable, so there is no sin so great that [it] can damn
those who truly repent.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' It is the duty of every minister
of the gospel to preach the doctrine of repentance as well
as of faith in Christ.'
Sess. 703. — September 10, 1646. — Thursday afternoon.
The Assembly entered upon the debate ' of Divorce ; ' Debate of
and upon debate it was divorce.
Ordered — The title ' Of Divorce.'
Resolved upon the Q., 'Adultery or fornication com
mitted after a contract, being detected before marriage,
giveth just occasion to the innocent party to dissolve that
contract.' Resolved upon the Q., ' In the case of adultery after
marriage, it is lawful for the innocent party to sue out a
divorce,'

280 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 703. Resolved upon the Q., ' and upon the divorce to marry
SeIP646°' another as if the offending party were dead.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be waived :
' Death doth so fully dissolve the bond of marriage that
the surviving party may marry another.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be waived:
' If either of the married persons forsake their yokefellow,
and by no means that can be used by the party forsaken,
or friends, or magistrate, will be reduced, after sufficient
time set down by the magistrate, and made known to the
party that so desireth, it is lawful for the innocent party
to marry another.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Wilful and obstinate desertion
of one married party giveth just cause to the other, after
all means used to reduce the offending person, to sue out
a divorce and for liberty to marry another.'
Sess. 704. — September 11, 1646. — Friday morning.
Dr. Gouge and Mr. Marshall were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Upon a motion that the Assembly would consider of an
addition to the head of Baptism, about the children that
are to be baptized, whose children maybe admitted to that
ordinance, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Good, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Whitaker,
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Burroughs, Dr. Temple, Mr. Palmer, Mr.
Marshall, Mr. Woodcocke, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Guibon, shall
be a Committee to consider what children are to be
baptized. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Divorce, and
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Other causes of divorce between
two parties lawfully married besides these the Scriptures
do nowhere allow.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added in
the head of Marriage : ' And such incestuous marriages
no law of man nor consent of parties can ever make lawful,
so as those persons may live together as man and wife.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 28 1
Ordered— -To make report of the Catechism ' in the Sess- 7°4-
afternoon.' ep646. '
Sess. 705. — September 14, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Gower and Mr. Greenhill do visit
Dr. Hoyle from this Assembly.
Mr. Palmer offered to the Assembly the Report of the
Catechism, which he could not make on Friday in the
afternoon, because there was no Assembly at that time.
The report was read.
Report was made by Mr. Tuckney ' Of Perseverance
and Certainty of Salvation.'
Mr. Gataker sent his books to the Assembly, in answer
to Mr Saltmarsh,1 whereupon it was
Ordered — That Mr. Taylor and Mr. Whitaker do visit
Mr. Gataker, and in the name of this Assembly give him
thanks for his great respect to this Assembly.
The Assembly debated the report ' of Perseverance,' and Ch. xvii.
upon debate it was assented to, and is as followeth . . . assente
Sess. 706. — September 14, 1646. — Monday afternoon.
The Assembly debated the Catechism,2 and upon Catechism,
debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The former answer shall be thus
expressed : ' The only rule of faith and obedience is the
written Word of God, contained in the Bible or the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testament.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What special proofs are there
that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the
very Word of God ? '
.Sess. 707. — September 15, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
A petition was brought in to the Assembly from Mr.
Gobert, and upon debate of it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Mr. Gobert shall have a certifi
cate from this Assembly.'
' ' Shadows without substance or pretended new lights.' 0 London, 1646.
2 Fascicle III., adds here : ' Debate of reciting the Creed. This left till
the end of the Catechism, the Assembly now only considering of the materials.'

282 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 707. Upon an order from the Committee of Plundered
^lli!" Ministers to send a more particular account concerning
 Mr. Anthrobus, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That this answer shall be re
turned to the Committee for Plundered Ministers : ' That
this Assembly hath taken the business of Mr. Anthropus
into consideration, according to their order, and do make
this return, that they are not satisfied concerning the
fitness of Mr. Anthropus for that place.'
Ch. xviii. The Assembly debated the report ' of Assurance of
assen e Qrace and Salvation/ and upon debate it was assented to,
and is as followeth . . .
Report was made from the Committee for perfecting
the Confession of Faith ' of the Law.' It was read and
debated, and upon debate much of it was assented to, the
rest referred to the Committee.
Sess. 708. — September 15, 1646. — Tuesday afternoon.
Catechism. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Cate
chism, and upon debate it was
Ordered [as answer to Q. in sess. 706] — ' A. The Scrip-
R. neg.
tures are

specially proved to be the very Word of God

by their majesty and holiness of doctrine,'
Ordered — ' and the fulfilling of the prophecies,'
Ordered — 'by their exalting God and debasing man,
and yet offering him sufficient means of comfort and
salvation,' Ordered — ' and by their light and power in convincing
and converting.'
Upon a debate about putting the next answer into the
former, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The next answer shall be to a
distinct question. The question and answer were1 as
followeth : —
' Q. May not all these excellencies and perfections be
found in other books besides the Scriptures ? A. No
words or writings of men have all these excellencies and
1 In MS. 'was.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 283
perfections in them but as they agree unto and are taken Sess. 708.
from the Scriptures.' ^V 5'
Resolved upon the Q., The former question and answer 
, ,, , . , Catechism.
shall be waived.
Ordered — That the former vote of an answer to a
distinct question shall be waived.
Resolved upon the Q., ' 5 Q. Are all these proofs
sufficient of themselves to persuade a man to believe that
the Scriptures are the Word of God ? A. It is only the
Spirit of God that makes any proofs effectual to assure
the soul of this truth, that the Scriptures are the Word of
God.' Resolved upon the Q., ' 6 Q. What do the Scriptures
teach us to conceive of God ? A. God is a most glorious
being, infinite in all perfections.'
Ordered — ' 7 Q. Are there many Gods, or is there but
one God ? A. There is but one God.'
Ordered — '8 Q. How many persons are there in the
Godhead ? A. There are three persons in the Godhead,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and these three
are but one God.'
Ordered — '9 Q. Is the Son equal with the Father in
the Godhead ? A. The Son of God, who is the only
begotten of the Father from all eternity, is true God,
equal with the Father.'
Ordered — ' 10 Q. Is the Holy Ghost also God, equal
with the Father and the Son ? A. The Holy Ghost, who
from all eternity proceeds from the Father and the Son,
is also true God, equal with the Father and the Son.'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be several questions
upon the several attributes.
Resolved upon the Q., ' 1 1 Q. Hath God any body, or
is He to be seen with bodily eyes ? A. God is a spirit,
invisible, without body or bodily parts, not like a man or
any other creature.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' 12 Q. Is God contained in any
one place in heaven or earth ? A. God is everywhere, and
fills both heaven and earth, yet is not contained in any
place.'

Catechism.

284 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 708. Ordered — ' 13 Q. What are we to believe concerning
SeIp6t46'5' the power of God ? A. God is almighty, and can do all
things ; nothing is too hard for him.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' 14 Q. What are we to believe of
the wisdom and knowledge of God ? A. God is most wise,
knowing all things past, present, and to come, even the
secrets of all hearts, and cannot be deceived.'
The Assembly being informed that one Mr. Cloggey
had lately passed the approbation of the Assembly, and
that he was a Chaplain in the King's Army, and was taken
prisoner in Wor[ce]stershire, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Ley desire the Committee of Plun
dered [Ministers] that Mr. Cloggey his certificate from the
Assembly may be withdrawn.
Ordered — That Mr. Salway be desired to signify unto
the Committee for Wor[ce]stershire that Mr. Cloggey his
approbation from this Assembly may be withdrawn, be
cause the Assembly did not understand that he had been
in the King's Army, and now for that reason they cannot
approve of him.
Sess. 709. — Sept. 16, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Greenwood be respited!
Ch. xiii. Mr. Tuckney made report of Sanctification and Saving
ordered. Faitn- They were debated, and upon debate ordered, and
they are as followeth. . .
Sess. 710. — Sept. 17, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ch. xix. Mr. Tuckney reported some alterations in the article of
ordered. The Law They W£re cons;dered and voted and the whole
is as followeth. . .
Mr. Tuckney made report of the article of ' Repentance
unto life ;' and the Assembly entered upon the debate of
it. Upon a debate upon these words in the second para
graph, 'and odiousness of sin as contrary to the holy
nature of God,' and they being voted, Mr. Palmer entered
his dissent ; and so also did Mr. Herle, the Prolocutor, if
he may do it, and so also Mr. Walker.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 285
Sess. 711. — Sept. 17, 1646. — Thursday afternoon. sess. 711.
Sept. 17,
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ; 1646.
and upon debate it was Catochism.
Resolved upon the Q., '15 0. What are we to believe
concerning the holiness of God ? A. God is most perfectly
holy, and neither causeth nor alloweth any to sin.'
Resolved upon the Q., '16 Q. What are we to believe
concerning the justice or righteousness of God ? A. God
is always most just and in all things, punishing all sin,
either in the sinner or in Christ the surety.'
Resolved upon the Q., '17 Q. What are we to believe
concerning the goodness or mercy of God ? A. God is
infinitely good and merciful, both in giving and forgiving
freely.' Ordered — ' 18 Q. What are we to believe concerning the
eternity of God ? A. God is eternal, from everlasting to
everlasting, having no beginning or end.'
Ordered — ' 19 Q. Is God subject to any change or
changeableness ? A. God is always the same unchange
ably notwithstanding the changes in all other things.'
Ordered — ' 20 Q. What are we to believe concerning the
truth of God ? A. God is most true in all his words,
particularly in his promises and threatenings, and it is not
possible for him to lie.'
Ordered — ' 2 1 Q. What are we to believe concerning the
blessedness of God ? A. God is in himself most blessed,
every way, and for ever, neither can any creature add to
his happiness or take anything from it.'
Sess. 712. — Sept. 18, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Sedgewick and Mr. Ny were appointed to pray the
week following.
The Assembly proceeded] in the debate of Repentance, Ch. xv.
and upon debate the whole was assented to and is as t0
followeth. . .
Mr. Rouse informed the Assembly that he had an order
from the House of Commons for the hastening of the

286 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 712. Confession of Faith. It was read, and the order is as
ST6468, followeth.1..
 Upon a motion to appoint a Committee to consider of
the Confession of Faith, what errors are not obviated in it,
and to that end 2 that there be a review of the Articles of
England and Ireland, it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no Committee to
consider of the reviewing of the Articles what errors are
not obviated in them.3
Mr. Tuckney made report of the head ' of Good Works.'
It was debated and much of it assented unto, and it was
Ordered — To proceed in the debate where we left.
Sess. 713. — Sept. 21, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Dr. Burges made report of the Confession of Faith
transcribed, so much of it as the Assembly had perfected.
It was read, and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' The several heads of the Con
fession of Faith shall be called by the name of Chapters.'
Resolved upon the Q., That the several sections be
distinguished by figures only.
Ch. xvi. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Good Works,
assented anj Upon debate the whole was assented to, and it is as
followeth. . .
Sess. 714. — Sept. 22, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Upon some exceptions against Mr. Greenwood, it was
ordered that this return be made to the Committee con
cerning Mr. Greenwood, that this Assembly is not satisfied
concerning his fitness for a pastoral charge.
1 Ordered—' That the members of this House that are of the Assembly of
Divines do from this House desire the Divines of the Assembly to send in to
this House the Confession of Faith, or so much thereof as they have perfected.
And the care hereof is especially recommended to Mr Rouse.'— Journals of
House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 671.
2 In MS. ' and. '
3 The following is the entry on this matter in Fascicle III. :— ' A new Com
mittee to consider of all the errors unobviated in several Confessions of Eng
land, Ireland, and Scotland, to give in the catalogue of these errors to the
Committee for the wording. _.— No Committee to consider of the review
ing Articles what errors are not obviated in them.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 287
Mr. Prophet moved to consider of an addition to be Sess. 714.
made to the head of Good Works— viz., ' Yet doth God SeIp6t4622'
command all men to repent and be converted and to 
attend the ordinances wherein he gives converting grace addition to
according to his own good pleasure, and therefore is a ch- xvi-
neglect of them more displeasing to God, and shall receive
greater damnation ;' and upon debate of it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., Not to take this paper now read
into debate.
Ordered — To proceed in debate of the Catechism. Catechism.
Accordingly the Assembly proceeded in the debate, and
upon debate it was
Ordered — ' 22 Q. Since you say God cannot be seen,
how do you know that there is a God ? A. I am sure
there is a God, because the things that are in the world
could neither have their being nor their preservation nor
be ordered as they are without God.'
Resolved upon the Q., This question shall not be inserted,
'Who is this God?'
Ordered — ' 23 Q. Were all things in the world made
by God ? A. God by his word alone made the world and
all things therein, both visible and invisible.'
Ordered — ' 24 Q. Of what was the world made ? A.
The world and all things therein were made out of nothing.'
Ordered — ' 25 Q. For what end was the world made ?
A. God made all things for himself to his own glory.'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a distinct question
concerning the goodness of things at their creation.
Ordered — ' 26 Q. In what state and condition were the
creatures made at first ? A. God made all things very
good and perfect in their kind.'
Ordered — That the Committee consider of somewhat
concerning the Decrees.
Ordered — ' 27 Q. How is the world preserved and
ordered ? A. The power and wisdom of God is that which
preserveth and ordereth all things throughout the world,
even to the least circumstances.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' 28 Q. In what estate was man
at the first created ? A. Man was created at the first

288 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 714, in a very happy estate, after the image of God, and had
SeIp5t4622' dominion given him over the creatures.'
 Resolved upon the Q., '29 Q. Wherein stood God's
image in man ? A. God's image in man stood chiefly in
knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness.'
Mr. Walker enters his dissent to the last answer.
Ordered — That Mr. Jackson be approved upon his former
examination. Sess. 715. — Sept. 23, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Saunders be approved upon his
former examination.
Upon a motion for renewing the consideration of the
former addition to ' Good Works,' it was
Resolved upon the Q., This proposition shall not be added.
Palmer Mr. Palmer, upon the motion of the Prolocutor, was
called to take the place of Assessor in the absence of Mr.

Assessor in absence
of White. White

Upon a motion about revising of the Chapter of Sancti
fication, it was
Ordered — That Dr. Burges, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Whitakers
do withdraw and consider of the head of Sanctification,
and offer their thoughts of it for an addition.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Cate
chism ; and upon debate it was
Ordered — '291 Q. In what condition is man now by
nature ? A. Man is now naturally in a very miserable
condition by reason of sin and punishment for sin.'
Ordered — ' 30 Q. What is sin ? A. Sin is the trans
gression of God's law.'
Ordered—' 3 1 Q. How came man to be sinful ? A. By
the first man's eating the forbidden fruit all mankind
Sess. 717.2
became sinful ; being all conceived and born in sin.'
Ordered — ' 32 Q. How far are all men corrupted with
sin ? A. All men have lost the image of God, and are by
1 There seems to be a mistake in numbering this and the following ques
tions, as the last one voted in the previous session was numbered 29 Q.
2 i.e. The last clause of the answer was added in Sess. 717.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 289
nature wholly corrupted with sin both in soul and body, Sess. 715.
being inclined to all evil and enemies to all good.' SeP'- i?3>
Dr. Burges made report of some additions and altera-  ¦
tions in the chapt[er] of Sanctification. It was debated, ^chap"8
and upon debate assented to, and the whole is as xiii- agreed
followeth ...
Sess. 716. — Sept. 23, 1646. — Wednesday afternoon.
Mr. Whitakers moved an alteration in these words in the
chapt[er] of Predestination, viz. ' and some ordained x to
everlasting death.' It was debated, and upon debate it
was Resolved upon the Q., The words shall stand without
alteration. Mr. Whitakers enters his dissent.
Mr. Arrowsmith made report of Christian Liberty.
Ordered — That this report be taken into debate [on]
Thursday in the afternoon.
Sess. 717. — Sept. 24, 1646. — Thursday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism. Catechism.
The next question and answer, viz., Q. ' Are children also
thus guilty of sin and corrupted with it? A. All children
conceived in a natural way are conceived and born in sin,
and so was I too,' was waived.
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' being all conceived
and born in sin,' shall be added to the answer last voted.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition.
Resolved upon the Q., This question and answer, viz. : —
' Q. If all mankind be thus corrupted, how comes any
one to be better than another? A. It is God's grace only
that makes one man better than another, restraining all
and sanctifying some,' shall be waived in this place.
Resolved upon the Q., '33 Q. What is the punishment
due to sin ? A. The punishment due even to the least sin
is death, together with all curses in this life and eternal
damnation afterward.'
1 In Fascicle III., the words objected to by Mr. Whitakers stand as they
do now in the Confession of Faith, ' and some foreordained to everlasting
death.'- T

29O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 7 [7. Resolved upon the Q., '34 Q- What think you of y°ur
Sei64624' own sins: do they deserve such Punishment ? A- Even
 ' my sins deserve damnation and all other punishments
Catechism. , , ,
whatsoever. Resolved upon the Q., '35 Q- Shall all sinners be
punished alike ? A. They that are greater sinners, if they
repent not, shall receive greater judgment.'
Sess. 718.— Sept. 24, 1646.— Thursday afternoon.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the report
concerning Christian Liberty ; and upon some debate it
was recommitted.
Ordered— That Dr. Burges prepare a title to the Con
fession of Faith.
Sess. 719. — Sept. 25, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Burges and Mr. Sterry were appointed to pray.
Confession Report was made of the title to the Confession of Faith ;
of Faith. and it was
Ordered— This to be the title : ' To the Honble the
House of Commons assembled in Parliament, The humble
Advice of the Assembly of Divines, now by authority
of Parliament sitting at Westminster, concerning part of a
Confession of Faith.'
Report was made from the Committee of that recom
mitted concerning ' Christian Liberty.'
Dr. Burges made report of the 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 chap
ters of the Confession of Faith ; and after the reading of
them it was
Resolved upon the Q., That the 19 first chapters of the
Confession of Faith shall be sent to the House of Commons
in obedience to their last order for sending so much of the
Confession of Faith as is already perfected. Ordered—
That Dr. Burges, Dr. Temple, Mr. Ward, Mr. Tuckney,
Dr. Gouge, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Cawdry, and Mr. Sedge-
wicke do carry up this part of the Confession of Faith.1
1 This was done the same day, for, under date of September 25, we have the
following entry in the Journals of the House of Commons (vol. iv. p. 677) : —
' The House being informed that some of the Divines of the Assembly were

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 29 1
Sept. 28, 1646. — Monday morning. Sept. 28,
The Assembly sat not this day, because there was not l646,
a full number. To those that were present, Dr. Burges
made report that he had delivered part of the Confession
of Faith to the House of Commons, according to the order
of the Assembly. Sess. 720. — Oct. 1, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That a Duplicate of that part of the Con
fession of Faith sent to the House of Commons be sent to
the House of Lords by the same Committee.1
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Marriot be approved upon
his former examination.
at the door ; They were called in, and Dr. Burgesse acquainted the House,
That according to the Order of this House to expedite the Confession of
Faith and send in the same to this House, or so much thereof as was
finished, the Assembly had diligently pursued that Order, and had com
manded them to deliver in as much thereof as is already done, which was
nineteen heads — the which he presented to the House. '
These heads were ordered to be read on Friday morning next ; and they
were actually read on Friday, 9th October, and ordered to be printed.
1 Fascicle III. has, ' there being added, Being a duplicate of what was pre
sented to the Honble House of Commons on Friday last, Sept. 25, 1646.'
This duplicate was presented to the House of Lords on October Ist, and under
that date the following entry appears in their Journals (vol. viii. p. 505) : —
' Mr. Doctor Burges, with some others of the Assembly of Divines, presented
a paper directed in hcec verba : —
" To the Right Honourable the House of Lords assembled in Parliament.
"The Humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines, by authority of Parlia
ment sitting at Westminster, concerning part of a Confession of Faith ; being
a duplicate of what was presented to the Honourable House of Commons on
Friday last, September 25, 1646." The said paper was read in part.'
The whole had been read a first and second time before November 6th, and
under that date we have the farther entry in their Lordships' Journals (vol.
viii. p. 588) :— ' Next was read a third time that part of the Confession which
was lately presented to this House from the Assembly of Divines as their
Advice. And the question being put, " Whether to agree to the Confession of
Faith now read?" It was Resolved in the Affirmative.'
Ordered— That the Confession of Faith now passed shall be sent down to
the House of Commons, with this recommendation, ' That the Lords have
received these Articles of Faith, which, after due consideration, they have
passed, and desire the concurrence of the House of Commons therein ; it
being necessary that the Protestant Churches abroad, as well as the people of
this kingdom at home, may have knowledge how that the Parliament did never
intend to innovate matters of Faith. ' No definite action, however, was taken
by the House of Commons till after the whole Confession had been presented.

292 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 720. The Assembly debated the Report concerning Christian
°ri'J' Liberty ; and despatched some of it.
 Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
October 2, 1646. — Friday morning.
The Assembly sat as a Committee for want of number.
Mr. Bridge and Dr. Burges were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons.
Ordered — That Mr. Marsden be excused from coming up
to be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Newton be excused from coming up
to be examined.Sess. 721. — October 6, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Bennet be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Whitting be approved upon his
former examination.
The Assembly debated what course was fit to be taken
that the members of Assembly might attend more dili
gently ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., That the Question shall be put.1
Resolved upon the Q., That the Order of the Lords
and Commons of the 4th of December shall be strictly
Attend- observed ; and to that end that the scribes [do] forthwith
anceof prepare the names of the members of the Assembly
Members. * . '
according to their absence or presence, and that the names
of the most negligent shall be returned to both Houses of
Parliament. Resolved upon the Q., That the time of reckoning their
diligence in attendance shall be since the date of the Order
of Lords and Commons.
The Assembly being informed that Mr. Craddocke did
present himself unto the Assembly to be examined, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Craddocke shall be
admitted to examination, and the order of the House of
Lords prosecuted on his behalf.
1 This Resolution is inserted in the MS. after that which follows, but in the
margin this is numbered I, and that which follows 2.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 293
Ordered — That a testimonial for Mr. Craddocke shall be Sess. 721.
read in the Assembly before he be examined. °i64.6 '
Sess. 722. — October 7, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Moore be approved upon his former
approbation by the ministers appointed for ordination.
Ordered — That Mr. William Moore do send up a testi
monial. Upon an order from the Committee for Plundered
Ministers for a particular account to be given in the busi
ness concerning Mr. Greenwood, it was
Resolved upon the Q., A particular account shall be
given to the Committee for Plundered Ministers in the
business of Mr. Greenwood.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ' of Christian Debate of
Liberty and Liberty of Conscience ; ' and much debate Chrlstian
was upon that clause that ' for publishing of such opinions
and maintaining of such practices as are contrary to the
light of nature,' etc., and upon debate that clause was
resolved. Mr. Ny, Mr. Carter, jun., and Mr. Simpson
enter their dissent. And the next clause, 'contrary to
the known principles of Christianity, whether concerning
faith, worship, or conversation,' was also debated and
resolved. Mr. Carter, jun., enters his dissent.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 723. — October 8, 1646. — Thursday morning.
A testimonial was brought for Mr. Craddocke. Resolved*
upon the Q., That Mr. Craddocke shall upon this testi
monial be admitted to examination.
Report was made of an answer to the Committee for
Plundered Ministers concerning Mr. Greenwood, and it was
Resolved upon the Q., That this answer shall be returned
to the order concerning Mr. Greenwood . . .
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ' of Liberty of
Conscience,' and had some debate concerning that clause,
'or the peace of the Church ;' and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., To be recommitted.
1 In Fascicle R. ?.

294 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 724. Sess. 724. — October 9, 1646. — Friday morning.
°6469' Mr- Green and Mr. Corbet of Nforfolk] were appointed
 to pray with the Lords and Commons.
Debate of The Assembly proceeded in the debate, and finished
Hberty!*11 that clause concerning the peace of the Church, and
concerning the proceeding against them by the censures
of the Church.
Sess. 725. — October 12, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Houghton be approved upon his
former examination, as also Mr. Woodman and Mr.
Knight. Ordered — That Mr. Pryor be approved without coming
up to be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ' of Liberty of
Conscience ;' and upon a motion to add the word ' obsti
nate ' to the words in the last vote, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The word ' obstinate' shall not
be added. Mr. Carter entered his dissent to that vote.
Mr. Tate brought an order from the House of Commons
about the printing of the Confession of Faith, so much as
is sent up, and annexing Scriptures thereunto. It is as
followeth1 . . .
Upon debate of it, it was . Resolved upon the Q., There
1 It does not follow, however, in tjh'eMS., but it is entered in the Journals of
the House of Commons (vol. iv. p. 688) in the following form : —
' According to former Order, the Grand Committee of the House sat to
take into consideration the Advice of the Assembly of Divines concerning a
part of the Confession of Faith — Mr. Whittacre in the chair.
' Mr. Speaker resumed the chair. Upon Mr. Whittacre's report from the
Grand Committee, It is Resolved, etc., That Five Hundred Copies of the
Advice of the Assembly of Divines, concerning part of a Confession of Faith,
brought into this House, and no more, be forthwith printed for the use of
the Members of both Houses only, with some expression in the title page that
they are printed to the end that the members of both Houses may advise
thereupon ; And that the Divines be desired to put in the margin the proofs
out of the Scripture to confirm what they have offered to the House in such
places as they shall think it most necessary.
' Ordered — That Mr. Selden and Mr. Tate do acquaint the Assembly of
Divines with this Order : And that according to the meaning and purport of
the said Order, Mr. Selden and Mr. Tate do likewise prepare some convenient
expression to be put upon the title page that the said books are printed, to the
end the Members of both Houses may advise thereupon.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 295
shall be a Committee to consider of this order how obedi- Sess. 725.
ence may be yielded thereunto. Ordered — That Mr. °,C(h612'
Simpson, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Seaman, Mr.  '
Calamy, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Vines, or any three of them,
shall be a Committee — to meet this afternoon, and to
make report to-morrow morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report ' of Religious Worship and
Sabbath-day,' ' of Lawful Oaths and Vows,' ' of the Civil
Magistrate,' ' of Marriage and Divorce.'
Sess. 726. — October 13, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Palmer made report of the Answer to the House of
Commons concerning the annexing of Scriptures to the
Confession of Faith and printing the same. It was de
bated, and upon debate assented to.
Resolved upon the Q., That this answer shall be tran
scribed and sent to the House of Commons, to be pre
sented by the Committee that drew it up. The answer is
as followeth1 . . .
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the chap[ter] Debate
of ' Liberty of Conscience' and the power of the Civil resume
Magistrate in punishing such as maintain and publish
opinions against the light of nature, etc.
Sess. 727. — October 14, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Crompton do bring a better testi
monial. Mr. Marshall brought another Order in answer to the
1 The Answer is not inserted at length either in the minutes of the Assembly
or in the Journals of the House, but its purport may be gathered from the
following entry in the Journals (vol. iv. p. 692) : —
'The House being informed that some Divines of the Assembly were at the
door ; They were called in : and Mr. Marshall acquainted the House, That
the Assembly having received an Order from this House of 90 Octobris 1646,
they did humbly return this answer, and do desire that they may know the
farther pleasure of this House thereupon. The Divines being withdrawn, the
answer was read . . . Resolved, etc., That five hundred copies of the Con
fession of Faith be forthwith printed for the service of the Houses, without
annexing of the texts of Scripture for the present : Yet, notwithstanding, the
House does expect that the Divines should send in the texts of Scripture with
all convenient speed. . . . The Divines were again called in, and Mr. Speaker
acquainted them with this Order.'

296 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 727. message sent to the House of Commons about the printing
Oct 14, 0f the Confession of Faith. The order is as followeth1 . . ,
___' Ordered— That the scribes do take care of the exact
Debate of printing- of the Confession of Faith.
power of r ° , , , . , , , , . , , _
magistrate. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the power of
the Civil Magistrate in punishing heresies, etc.
Sess. 728. — October 15, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Tuppes be respited till he bring a
better testimonial.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate about the power
of the Magistrate. An argument was used for the affirma
tive that the Magistrate hath such a power; and upon
debate it was Resolved upon the Q., This argument hath
not been sufficiently answered. An argument was also
urged for the negative ; and upon debate it was Resolved
upon the Q., This argument hath been answered.
Sess. 729. — October 16, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Gower and Mr. Taylor were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Upon a debate about Mr. Tuppe, and some information
brought in against him, it was
Ordered — That this answer be returned to the Committee
for the County of Worcester, That Mr. Tuppe is not thought
fit by the Assembly for any ministerial charge.
Ordered — That Mr. Francklin have his certificate upon
his former examination.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of that part of the
chapter ' of Liberty of Conscience' concerning the peace of
the Church in reference to the power of the Civil Magistrate.
October 19, 1646. — Monday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. James have a certificate
upon his former examination.
Ordered — That the Scribe do give a copy to Mr.
Craddocke of his certificate sent unto the Lords, signed
with his hand. 1 See it in note on p. 295.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 297
Sess. 730. — October 20, 1646. — Tuesday morning. Sess. 730.
The Assembly debated the putting of the proposition °^A°'
concerning the power of the Civil Magistrate into the Con- 
fession of Faith.
Sess. 731. — October 21, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Marshall did, in the name of the executors of the
Earl of Essex, invite the Assembly to attend the funeral of
the Earl of Essex the next day from Essex House.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Report
' of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience ;' and
upon debate of the arguments against the putting of this
proposition into the Confession of Faith, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That the arguments brought Proposi-
against the putting of the proposition last voted into the stand in
Confession of Faith are answered. Resolved upon the Q., Confos-
That this proposition shall stand in the Confession of
Faith : ' That for their publishing such opinions or main
taining such practices,' etc. (as before voted), ' may be law
fully called to account and proceeded against by the power
of the Civil Magistrate.' Mr Simpson, Mr. Burroughs, Mr.
Greenhill, entered their dissent. Mr. Carter entered his
dissent to the truth of it.
October 23, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Calamy and Mr. Walker were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Sampson Bond's certificate be
respited for a month, and that he bring a testimonial of
his good conversation since his last approbation by the
Assembly. Ordered— That Mr. John Wall be approved upon his
former examination.
Sess. 732. — October 29, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Report was made from the Committee concerning the
absence of the members of the Assembly, and the means
to provide an Assembly for the time to come. Ordered-^-
That the list of the names, with the reasons annexed unto

298 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 732. them, be recommitted. The rest of the report was de-
°i6469' bated, and is as followeth . . .
 • Ordered— That Mr. Hart be approved upon his former
examination. Sess. 733. — October 30, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hickes and Mr. Johnson were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., that Mr. Leaver be approved upon
his former examination.
Chap. xx. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the last clause
concluded. of the chapter of Liberty of Conscience ; and upon debate
that clause was laid aside, and the whole was concluded,
and is as followeth . . .
Chap. xxi. The Assembly debated the Chapter ' of Religious
agreed to. -^^3^ .' and up0n debate it was assented to, and is as
followeth . . .
November 2, 1646.- — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Richard Moore have a certificate
upon his ordination.
Sess. 734. — November 3, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Daux, Mr. Charles, and Mr. Sander
son be approved upon their former examination.
Ordered— That Mr. Green, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Prophet, Mr.
Salway, Mr. Ward,be added to the Committee for the North.
An order was brought from the House of Lords to
approve of Mr. Simonds and Mr. Walter. It was read,
and is as followeth x . . .
Report was made of the chapt[er] ' of Oaths and Vows.'
It was debated. Ordered — That Mr. Palmer, Mr. Mar
shall, Mr. Ny, Mr. Bridge, shall be a Committee to consider
something about the usual ceremony of an oath.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate ' of Oaths and Vows.'
Sess. 735. — November 6, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Carrill, Mr. Burroughs, were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
1 Not in MS., but given in Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 541.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 299
Ordered— Mr. Wright be approved upon his former Sess. 735.
examination. Nov. 6,
1646.
Ordered — Mr. Tompson be respited a little. 
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Swaine shall be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in debate 'of Lawful Oaths Chap. xxii.
and Vows ; ' and upon debate the whole was assented to, agree to'
and is as followeth . . .
Sess. 716. — November 9, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Hunt be examined, and Mr. Smithies
excused from coming up to be examined, and Mr. Made-
well J have a certificate upon his former examination, and
Mr. Grew be dispensed with from coming up to be
examined. Ordered — That Mr. Boyer be respited till a certificate
from ministers be brought for him ; and that Mr. Ricards
be respited till Wednesday.
The Assembly debated the chapter ' of Civil Magis- Chap.
trate ;' and upon debate it was assented to, and is as ^sented
followeth ... to.
The Assembly debated the chapter ' of Marriage and Debate of
Divorce;' and upon debate those paragraphs concerning an(jr
wilful desertion were recommitted.2 divorce.
Sess. 717. — November 10, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Hunt shall have his
certificate. Ordered — That Mr. Wright have an approbation upon
his former examination.
Report was made from the Committee of the Sacra- Chap.
ments; it was debated, and upon debate the chapter of xxviii. a"
the Sacraments and of Baptism was assented to, and is as assented
followeth ...
Report was made of that clause committed concerning
wilful desertion.
1 Madwell in Fascicle III., Maidwell in Nonconformists Memorial.
2 In Fascicle III. the entry is : — ' The clause concerning wilful desertion
respited for a day or two till the Committee meet to prepare something. The
Committee is the brethren that did except against that clause.'

3QO

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 738.
Nov. 11,
1646.

Clause of
wilfuldesertionand ch.
xxiv.assented to.

Of the
Lord's Supper.

Sess. 738. — November II, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr Howard1 be approved upon his
former examination.
Ordered— That it be certified to the Committee of Wor
cester that Mr. Ricards is thought unfit for a ministerial
charge, and that the information now brought in against
him be returned to the same Committee to consider of.
Ordered— That Mr. Tompson be examined.
Ordered— That Mr. Calamy and Mr. Case do visit Mr.
Burroughs. The Assembly debated the clause concerning wilful de
sertion, and upon debate it was assented to. The chapter
'of Marriage and Divorce' is as followeth . . .
The Assembly debated the Report concerning the sacra
ment of the Lord's Supper ; and it was
Ordered — That this chapter be referred to Dr. Burges,
Mr. Calamy, and Mr. Whitakers.
Sess. 739. — November 12, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Pettit be approved.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Masterton2 be approved.
Ordered — That Mr. Cawthorne be approved.
Ordered — That Mr. Wells be approved upon his ordi
nation. Ordered — That those ministers that come with orders to
this Assembly to be examined, and have been ordained by
any Classis, do bring a copy of the testimonial of their
conversation, signed under the hand of the Registrar* of
the said Classis.
Report was made of the chapter of the Lord's Supper.
It was debated, and part of it assented to.
Sess. 740. — November 13, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Gippes and Mr. Carter, jun., were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Crumpton4 have a cer
tificate.

1 Or Haward.
3 In MS., Register.

2 Or Masterson.
4 Or Crampton.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3OI
Ordered— That all ministers that are to pass the appro- Sess. 740.
bation of this Assembly for any place do bring the reasons N°6-613'
of their removal, to be published together with their order 
and testimonial.
Ordered— That Mr. Ley, Mr. Delmy, and Dr. Smith do Mr. Taylor
move the Committee of Plundered Ministers in the behalf mended
of Mr. Taylor, a member of this Assembly, that he may be for Can-
put in to the place of Dr. Jackson to preach in the Cathedral Cathedral.
Church of Canterbury.
Report was made from the Committee of the remaining
chapters of the Confession of Faith — ' of the Church,' ' of
Officers,' ' of Synods,' [and] ' of the Communion of Saints.'
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ' of the Sacra
ment of the Lord's Supper.'
Ordered — That Mr. Webb be approved of.
Sess. 741. — November 16, 1646. — Monday morning.
An order was brought from the House of Lords for the
approbation of Mr. Launce. It was read, and is as
followeth.1 ... It was debated, and upon debate it was
Ordered — That Mr. Launce his business be respited till
further consideration.
The Assembly debated the answer to the Lords' Order
concerning Mr. Simonds and Mr. Walter ; and upon
debate it was
Ordered — That this answer shall be returned — ' That
they have not appeared ; and it was Resolved upon the Q.,
It shall be signified that we hear that they are in Wales,2
and that the Assembly cannot give any approbation of
these men for Itinerary Preachers without conference first
had with them. Ordered — That Mr. Ley and Dr. Smith
do carry this3 answer to the Lords.
1 The inhabitants of the parish of Edmund the King in Lombard Street had
petitioned that Mr. William Launce might be presented to be their minister;
and because that he, being one of the Assembly of Divines, had for some time
absented himself from the said Assembly, the House, on 30th October,
ordered, ' that the Assembly of Divines do certify their opinions concerning
the said Mr. Launce.' Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 550.
2 In Fascicle III., R. ^. 'That we hear they are in Wales.'
3 Or ' the.' It was transmitted to the Lords the same day ; yet the House
forthwith read a third time and passed the Ordinance sent up by the Commons

302 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 741. The Assembly debated the chapter of the Lord's
N°646l6' Supper; and upon debate it was assented to, and is as
 followeth . . .
Chap.
xxix. as- Sess. 742. — November 17, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered— That Mr. Perrot be approved upon his former
examination.
Chap. xxv. The Assembly debated the chapter 'of the Church;'
assented an(j upon debate it was assented to. It is as followeth . . .
The Assembly debated the chapter ' of the Communion
of Saints,' and finished part of it. The rest was recom
mitted. Sess. 743. — November 19, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Report was made of that committed concerning the
Communion of Saints. It was debated, &__-_p_?-i£fe_te
t^*,3^n..^.G ..O. j. _C vv_^*.J ^_cv^^w* 1L> «_> lilil.j .. «~i„ . . .
Sess. 744. — November 20, 1646. — Friday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Rogers have an approbation.
Chap -^n addition was offered to the chapter ' of the Com-
xxvi. munion of Saints.' It was debated and concluded. The
agree 0. wjj0le chapter is as followeth . . .
Dr. Burges offered an addition to the head ' of Worship.'
It was debated, and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition con
cerning Praise and Thanksgiving. Resolved upon the Q.,
These words — 'Reverend and devout reading' — shall be
revoked. Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addi
tion concerning catechising.1
/The addition is as followeth 2 . . .
Sess. 745. — November 23, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Wright be approved upon his former
examination.appointing Simonds and Walter, as well as Craddock, itinerant ministers in
South Wales, and allowing them .£300 per annum out of the revenues of the
Deans and Chapters of the Cathedrals of St. David's and' Landaff. Simonds
was approved of by the Assembly in Session 765.
1 Fascicle III. gives the state of the vote in each case. ' R. neg. ". An
addition concerning Praises and Thanksgiving. R. ^. Reverend and devout
reading shall be revoked. R. ^. No addition concerning catechising.'
2 Perhaps chap. xxiv. sec. v., or a part thereof.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 303
Ordered— That Mr. Craddicot be approved upon his Sess. 745.
former examination. Ni6463'
Ordered — That Mr. Vaughan be examined. 
Dr. Burges moved for an addition to that of a lawful
oath, viz., ' an occasional and extraordinary part of God's
worship ;' and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Extraordinary' shall not stand.1
Resolved upon the Q., Something shall be added to the
head of Religious Worship ; which was accordingly done.
The Assembly debated ' of Church Officers.'
Sess. 746. — November 26, 1646. — Thursday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ' of Church chap. xxx.
Officers and Censures ;' and upon debate it was assented assented
to, and is as followeth . . .
The Assembly debated of ' Synods and Councils ; ' and Chap.
upon debate it was assented to, and is as followeth . . . sented^o
The Assembly debated 'of the State of Man after chap.
death ;' and upon debate it was assented to, and is as xxxu- as-
' r sented to.
followeth . . .
The Assembly debated ' of the Last Judgment ;' and Chap.
YVY111 3.Q-
upon debate it was assented to, and is as folloWeth . . . sented to.
The Confession of Faith was finished this day, and by Confession
order of the Assembly the Prolocutor gave thanks, in the fi"^d'k
name of the Assembly, to the Committee that had taken given to
so good2 pains in the perfecting of the Confession ofte°™m1'
Faith. Resolved upon the Q., The whole Confession of Faith To be sent
shall be transcribed and read in the Assembly, and sent up "la-ent*
to both Houses of Parliament.
Ordered — That the last part of the Confession of Faith
not sent up formerly shall also be transcribed and sent up
to both Houses of Parliament, together with the whole.
Mr. Ny, Mr. Carter, jun., and Mr. Greenhill, enter their
dissent to the sending up of the Confession of Faith in
order to the Preface.
Ordered— Before the Confession of Faith be sent up, the
1 In Fascicle' III. it is ' R. j. Extraordinary shall not be added. '
a In Fascicle III., 'great.'

304 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 746. preface shall be debated and prepared to be sent up with
Nov. 26, JT X"
1646. it, if any be made.
Pro_osed Ordered — To proceed in the debate of the Catechism.
preface to Ordered — That the scribes do make search in their
fession"" boo[ks] for the several dissents entered to any part of the
Dissents Confession of Faith.
to be
searched Sess. 747. — November 27, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Whitaker, were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Taylor be approved of upon his
former examination.
Ordered — That Mr. Shiene be approved of upon his
former examination.
£500 to be The Assembly being informed that that 1 there was
a"mongUted an Order for £500 for the members of the Assembly,
members it was
sembly. Ordered — That Mr. Prolocutor, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Smith,
Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Ward, Dr. Burges, Mr. Cawdry, Mr.
Seaman, Mr. Salway, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Maynard, and Mr.
Perne be a Committee to consider of the disposal of the
said money. They are to meet in the afternoon, and make
report to the Assembly.
The Assembly being informed by Mr. Byfield, Scribe of
the Assembly, of a great aspersion cast upon the Assembly
by Mr. Price, a member of it, upon debate of it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Byfield hath in this
information done nothing but what was his duty to do.
Ordered — That the Committee about the baptizing of all2
infants do meet again.
Some Dr. Burges moved for some alterations in the Confession
fnConfes- of Faith in some words, which were assented to.
sion of The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ;
agreed to. and upon debate it was 8
Catechism Ordered — ' Q. Why is our Saviour called Christ ? A.
proceeded 0ur Saviour is called Christ, that is, Anointed, because
1 Sic in MS. 2 In Fascicle III. ' all ' is omitted.
3 The MS. here inserts, but again erases, the question and answer resolved
on in Session 748.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3O5
he is set apart of God and perfectly furnished for the Sess. 747.
offices of Prophet, Priest, and King to His Church.' N?64627'
Ordered — ' Q. How did Jesus Christ become man ? A. — -
Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a ec lsm'
the Virgin Mary.'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition.
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. Was Christ such a man as
other men are ? A. Christ was conceived and born with
out sin.' Resolved upon the Q., ' and also lived and died
without any sin, but else was like other men.'
Upon further debate, these two last votes were revoked,
and instead of them it was Resolved upon the Q., ' Christ
had the same nature and common infirmities with other
men, but otherwise was altogether without sin.'
The other questions concerning the death of Christ were
referred to the Committee ; and something to be added
concerning the active obedience of Christ and His suffering
in soul. Sess. 748. — November 30, 1646; — Monday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Burton, Mr. Jackson, and
Mr. Bowfield be excused from coming up.
Resolved — Mr. Garthwaite be respited.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What
do you call the general company of those that are re
deemed by Christ ? A. The whole company of those that
are redeemed by Christ is commonly called the Holy
Catholic Church.'
Dr. Smith made report of the distribution of the
money. Sess. 749. — December 1, i646.-^Tuesday morning.
The Assembly debated about the Creed to be put into Debate as
the Catechism; and upon a motion to proceed in the ^ePCreed
Report, it was in Cate-
Resolved upon the Q., ' A question shall be put con
cerning the going on in the Report now before us.' Re
solved upon the Q., There shall be a further debate about
U

306 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 749. the method of proceeding.1 Resolved upon the Q., The
1646.' question shall not be put again.
— ; Upon a motion for an alteration in the chap[ter] of
in chap, of Censures in the Confession of Faith, it was
'Censures' Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no alteration.
refused. * , ^.
Ordered — That the brethren that drew up the Confession
of Faith do assist Dr. Burges in reading over the Con
fession of Faith with one of the scribes.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism.
Ordered — To go on in the debate of the Commandments
for the Catechism.
Addition Resolved upon the Q., There shall be an addition to
mittee on the Committee for the Catechism. Ordered — That Mr.
Catechism. Whitakers, Mr. Ny, Mr. Byfield, and the brethren that are
for the methodizing of the Confession of Faith be added to
the Committee.
Sess. 750. — December 2, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Hampton be approved.
Catechism The Assembly debated the Catechism, beginning with
w™h.eeded trie questions concerning Repentance before the Command
ments ; and upon debate it was
Ordered — ' Q. Who are they that shall be saved by
Christ? A. Those only are saved by Christ that repent
of their sins and believe in Christ.' Ordered — ' Q. What
is Repentance? A. Repentance is a grace of the gospel
whereby a sinner acknowledging his sins with sorrow,
shame, and hatred, turneth from all sin to God.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Hatred [to] stand in this place.'
Resolved upon the Q., It be referred to the Committee to
bring in an addition.
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. How far doth sin remain in
those that truly repent ? A. Those that truly repent have
sin still dwelling in them, but they yield not up them
selves any more to be servants to obey it in the lusts
thereof.' 1 In Fascicle III. the entry is : ' Again g. R. g. A further debate about
the method of proceeding. '

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

307

Sess. 751. — December 3, 1646. — Thursday morning. Sess. 751.
Ordered — Mr. Pinney be approved upon his former ex- ^'s3'
amination. Ordered — Mr. Swan be respited. Ordered — 
Mr. Heyson1 be examined. Resolved upon the Q., Dr.
Biram be examined.
Upon a motion made by Dr. Burges for some alterations Some
in the Confession of Faith, upon debate thereof it was farther
Ordered in chap, xix., paragraph 6 — ' thereof,' to be put in Confes-
instead of, ' of them.' Faith.
Ordered — Chap. xxii. 7 — The word ' lawfully,' to be put
out. Resolved upon the Q. — chap. xxii. 3— These words
shall be added after 'perform:' 'yet it is a sin to refuse
an oath touching any thing that is good and just being
imposed by lawful authority.' Resolved upon the Q., No
further addition.
Ordered — Chap. xxi. 6, for ' may be directed,' read ' is
directed.' Ordered — Chap. xxxi. 5 — These words shall be added
at the end of the paragraph, ' or by way of humble petition
in cases extraordinary.' Resolved upon the Q., The last
words shall be transposed. Mr. Ny, Mr. Simpson, Mr.
Carter enter their dissent.
Resolved upon the Q., in chap, xxix — These words,
' and high presumption,' shall be left out. Resolved upon
the Q., These words, ' or be admitted thereunto,' shall be
added. The Committee do consider of that which is propounded
concerning the chapter of the Civil Magistrate.
Ordered— Dr. Smith, Mr. Ny, Mr. Whitakers, and Mr.
Ward shall be a Committee to move both Houses for a
general Fast by reason of the weather.2
Sess. 752. — December 4, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Tuckney, Dr. Stanton, were ordered to pray with
the House of Lords and the House of Commons, the week
following. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Swan bring a better testi
monial. Ordered—Mr. Banke bring a good testimonial.
1 Or Heyton. 2 Journals of House of Commons, vol. iv. pp. 737, 738.

308 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 752. Dr. Smith made report that they had attended the House
^646?' °f Commons ; and the said House had ordered a Fast on
 Wednesday next in the City, and the Wednesday fortnight
ordered, in the Country.
Resolved upon the Q., Dr. Biram 1 have his certificate.
Report was made of the remaining part of the Confession
of Faith by Dr. Burges.
Gillespie Upon a motion by Mr. Gillespie for an alteration in the
_i°IiTerfa- chapt[er] about the Civil Magistrate, and upon debate it
tl0n in ... was Resolved upon the Q.,2 ' That in the said chapter for the
word " Christ," the word " God," shall be put in three
Dr. Burges places.' Dr. Burges enters his dissent.
dissents. Memorandum. — 'This vote was not intended to deter-
memcf- mine the controversy about the subordination of the Civil
randum. Magistrate to Christ as Mediator.'
Thanks re- Ordered — That thanks be returned to the Assessor, Dr.
turne to Purges, for his great pains in transcribing the Confession
Burges. Gf Faith, which was done by the Prolocutor.
Confession Resolved upon the Q., This s shall be presented to both
to be pre- ,.-,-.
sented by 0r Blron-
the whole 2 In Fascicle III. the entry is — ' R. '2a. For the word "Christ," ihe word
Assembly. "God " in those three places.'
3 This, i.e. the transcribed and finally adjusted copy of the Confession of
Faith. This was presented to the House of Commbns the same day, and the
following is the entry in their Journals on the matter (vol. iv. p. 739) : —
' The House being informed that the Divines of the Assembly were at the
door ; they were called in : and the Prolocutor informed the House that the
Assembly of Divines had now finished the latter part of the Confession of
Faith : which they desire humbly to present to the House : and for the more
conveniency of the business they had reduced both parts likewise into one entire
body ; They do desire, that if either the thing do seem long, or that they have
been long in perfecting of it, that you will consider that the business is matter
of great weight and importance.
' Ordered, etc. — That on Monday morning next, the first business, this part
of the Confession of Faith, this day presented by the Assembly of Divines, be
read, and immediately after the reading thereof and such order as shall be
made thereupon, Mr. Speaker do leave the chair, and the House meet in a
Committee to take into consideration the Ordinance for preventing the spread
ing and growth of blasphemies and heresies according to the former Order.'
It is not till 7th December, however, that we find the following entry in the
Journals of the House of Lords (vol. viii. p. 597): — 'This day Mr. Prolocutor,
with many others of the Assembly of Divines, presented the remainder of the
Articles of the Confession of Faith : one part whereof they brought up formerly,
which their Lordships have passed ; and because of the great concernment of

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 309
Houses of Parliament by the whole Assembly. The Con- Sess. 752.
fession of Faith as it was presented is as followeth J . . . ^ie±i'
Sess. 753. — December 7, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Hooke have a certificate upon his
former examination. Ordered — That Mr. Heiron2 be
approved without coming up to be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism, Catechism
and upon debate it was resumed'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What is it to believe in
Christ? A. To believe in Christ is to receive Christ
according to God's offer, resting on him alone for pardon
and all grace and salvation.' Resolved upon the Q., ' Q.
What ground or warrant have you, being a sinner, to believe
in Christ? A. The ground of my believing in Christ is
God's offer of Him in His word to me as well as to any
other man, and His commanding me to believe in Him,
as well as to believe or obey any other thing in His word.'
Sess. 754. — December 10, 1646. — Thursday morning.
An order was brought from the House of Commons by
Mr. Rouse to send up what is finished upon the Articles of
the Church of England, and the Scriptures for it ; and to
prepare the Answer to the Queries. It is as followeth3 . . •
Ordered — That Dr. Temple, M. Seaman, Mr. Bond, Dr.
Stanton, be a Committee to consider of what is done in the
Articles of Religion. They are to meet in the afternoon.
Ordered — That Mr. Boyer be approved upon his former
approbation.
it, they have likewise now brought it up in one entire body ; and he gave their
Lordships thanks for their many encouragements they have received from this
House. ' The House received the said remainder of the Confession, and Ordered
— That the Speaker should let them know that this House hath passed the
first part of the Confession, and have sent the same to the House of Commons,
and likewise that they shall have thanks returned them for their great pains
they have expressed in giving their advice in the matters concerning matters
of religion ; and to signify to them that this House will be ready to give them
all further encouragement in their progress of the work . . The Prolocutor and
the rest of the Assembly were called in again, and the Speaker spake to them
to the effect aforesaid. '
1 Not inserted^in MS., but given in Appendix from earliest edition.
2 Or Hieron. 3 Journals of House of Commons, vol. v. p. 2.

3IO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 754- Resolved upon the Q., That the Reasons of the removal
Di646°' of the ministers that are brought before the Assembly be
 duly weighed in the Assembly, and sufficient satisfaction
be given of the truth of them under the hands of credible
persons. Ordered— That Mr. Wethered be respited.
Ordered — That Mr. Watts bring a testimonial from the
time that he was sequestered.
Order for Another Order was brought for the printing of the Con-
t™Con- fession of Faith ; it was read and is as followeth l . . .
fession. Ordered — That the Scribes take care of the exact print
ing of the Confession of Faith.
Debate of The Assembly proceded in debate of the Catechism ; and
Catechism , , ..
resumed, upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. How are they bound to lead
their lives who do believe in Christ ? A. They who believe
in Christ are bound to serve God.' Upon a debate about
the former answer, it was Resolved upon the Q., The ques
tion shall not be put again. Resolved upon the Q., ' Q.
Which are those commandments.'
Sess. 755. — December 11, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Seaman, Mr. Chambers, were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered— That Mr. Wetherhead be approved upon his
former examination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Jackson
be examined. Ordered — Mr. King be approved upon his
former examination.
£500 for The Assembly being informed that there was £500 for
the mem- ,, a 11
bers of the Assembly, it was
Assembly. Resolved upon the Q., The former Committee shall stand
to dispose of the said money.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The former question shall be
revoked. Resolved upon the Q., This shall be added to
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. v. p. 2. It directs that 600 copies
only be printed for the service of the two Houses and of the Assembly, and
that the care of the printing be devolved on the Assembly.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 1 1
the last answer, after 'serve God' [Sess. 754] ' according Sess. 755.
to the rule of holiness and righteousness contained in the Bel V'
ten commandments.' x Ordered — ' Q. Which is the first of 
the ten commandments? A. The first commandment is
contained in these words, " Thou shalt have no other Gods
before me." '
Resolved upon the Q., The commandments shall be
rehearsed in one entire answer.
Sess. 756. — December 14, 1646. — Monday morning.
The Prolocutor made report of the delivery of the Con- Prolocutor
fession of Faith to both Houses, and the good acceptance *eP°rts the_
» » sr delivery of
of the pains of the Assembly by both Houses. the Confes-
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ; j^'0
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. Which Houses.
are those ten commandments? A. The ten command- Debate of
ments are those which God spake, saying, " I am- the Lord,
etc.'" Resolved— That it be referred to the Committee to con
sider of the preface.
Ordered — ' Q. Which is the first commandment ? A.
The first commandment is contained in these words,
" Thou shalt have no other Gods before me," '
Sess. 757- — December 15, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Bankes be respited awhile. Ordered — Mr.
Watts be respited for a week or two.
Report was made from the Committee for the Catechism.
Report was made from the Committee for the money.
Resolved upon the Q., This Report shall stand. Resolved
upon the Q., ' That the distribution of money for the time
to come shall be exactly according to the presence or
absence of the members of the Assembly from this day
forwards.'2 Resolved upon the Q., No further question
shall be put concerning this business.
1 Here and elsewhere in MS., ' commtts.'
2 Between this and the immediately succeeding resolution, Fascicle III. has
the following additional entries : ' That the absence or presence of members of
the Assembly shall be read weekly in the Assembly by the scribes every
Friday after 12 o'clock.' 'That the absence or presence of the members of

Catechism,

3 1 2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 757. Ordered— That the Committee for the Articles of Reli-
1646. gi°n do meet this afternoon.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the command
ments ; and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., ' Q.
What doth the first commandment require? A. The
first commandment requires us to know, acknowledge,
obey, worship, and glorify the one only true God, as God,
and as our God, with our whole man for ever.'
Sess. 758. — December 16, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Report was made from the Committee for the Catechism
concerning the first and second commandment[s] ; and
the Assembly did debate it ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be an addition to the
affirmative part. Resolved upon the Q., This shall be
added, ' And accordingly, to love and fear Him, and rest
upon Him as our God.' Ordered — These words to be
added, ' with the whole man all the days of their lives ' —
after the words ' serve God.' Resolved upon the Q., This
answer to stand, ' Ans. The first commandment requires
us to know, acknowledge, love, fear, trust in, obey, wor
ship, and glorify the one only true God, as God, and as our
God.' Resolved upon the Q., That somewhat be added
about calling upon God. Mr. Palmer enters his dissent to
that of calling upon God.
Sess. 759. — December 17, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Bankes shall be examined.
Upon a debate about some members of the Assembly
the Assembly be reckoned according to the order of both Houses of Parlia
ment, they meeting at 9 and sitting till 12. An account to be given of this
weekly every Friday, before the rising of tire Assembly, by the scribes.' The
two are but different versions of one proposal, and the immediately succeeding
resolution perhaps shows that they were not adopted. In the same Session,
the following entry occurs : — ' Mr. Hodges went away, and was called by the Pro
locutor, and would not return. ' It was no doubt in consequence of this that the
Resolution entered in Fascicle III., under date Deer. 17, was proposed :— '_.
In case any member of the Assembly go out of the Assembly during the sittings
of it, and be called to stay by the Prolocutor, and do not stay or give reason
of his going out, to be approved by the Assembly, then he shall be reckoned as
absent for the day.' But this also appears to have been waived.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 1 3
going out and dissolving of the Assembly, some things Sess. 759.
were offered for the preventing of it for the time to come ; i^q7'
but it was Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no question 
put about this business.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., These words,
' called upon,' shall be added after those words, 'trusted in,'
in the former answer.
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What sins are forbidden by
the first commandment ?'
Resolved upon the Q., 'A. The sins forbidden in the first
commandment are denying that there is a God, imagin
ing more Gods than one, not giving to the only true God
that worship and glory that is due to Him, or giving it or
any part of it to any other thing whatsoever.'
Sess. 760. — December 18, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Langley, Mr. Scudder, were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Hawkins shall have his certi
ficate. Ordered — Mr. Gilbert Seabrooke bring a better testi
monial, and the causes of his remove attested by others.
Ordered — Mr. Troy have a certificate. Ordered — Mr. Jack
son be certified insufficient.
Resolved upon the Q., That the members of this Assem- Promise
bly do promise not to publish and make known to the squired of
parties concerned, or any other, the names of any mem-ofAssem-
bers of the Assembly that shall at any time speak their bly'
consciences in the Assembly concerning any minister in
question before them, unless the Assembly give leave.
Ordered— That those that are stopped in the Assembly
do repair to the scribe to receive an account of it, and to
this end the scribe is to certify the party concerned of the
reason of his stop.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism; Debate of
and upon debate it was Catechism
Ordered—' Q. Which is the second commandment ? A. ™m^

314 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 760. The second commandment is contained in these words,
Di646.8, " Thou shalt not make unto thee, etc.'"
 Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What sins are forbidden in
the second commandment ? A. The sins forbidden in the
second commandment are all devising, using, approving
any religious worship not appointed by God Himself, and
particularly all representing and worshipping Him by any
image or resemblance, and neglecting any of that worship
which He hath enjoined.' Resolved upon the Q., The
former words be altered thus, ' and particularly all repre
senting Him by any image or resemblance, or worshipping
it or Him by it, and neglecting, etc'
Ordered — Mr. Drake have a certificate upon his former
ordination. December 21, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Coppin be approved upon his ordina
tion. Ordered — Mr. Shingle be approved upon his former
ordination. Ordered — Mr. Harrison be approved upon his former
examination. Sess. 761. — December 24, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Cuffe be respited till the reason of
his remove be certified, according to the order of the
Assembly. Ordered— That Mr. Hitche be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Ordered— That Mr. Malthouse be examined upon his
testimonial now brought in. Ordered— That Mr. Hore be
approved upon his former ordination. Ordered— That Mr.
Smith be approved upon his former ordination.
Ordered— That Mr. Roberts be respited for a while.
Ordered— That Mr. Moore bring a testimonial.
Mr. Gillespie informed the Assembly that some of their
number are about to return to Scotland, and they desire to
deliver a paper unto the Grand Committee; and therefore
they desire they may meet to-morrow in the afternoon ;
whereupon notice was given accordingly.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 I 5
Upon a debate about Mr. Launce, it was Sess. 761.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to Dj0' I4'
consider of the whole business concerning Mr. Launce.1 
Ordered— That Mr. Ley, Mr. Wilson, Dr. Gouge, Mr.
Walker, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Palmer,
and Mr. Whitakers shall be this Committee ; they are to
meet this afternoon.
Sess. 762. — December 25, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Gibson and Mr. Dury were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons for the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Samon be approved upon his former exa
mination. Ordered — Mr. Cranadge2 be approved without
coming up to be examined. Ordered — Mr. Mosier8 be
approved upon his former ordination. Ordered — Mr.
Streete be approved upon his former ordination.
Report was made concerning Mr. Launce that they were
not satisfied concerning his fitness for that place ; and
there was some debate about it, and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., That the former Committee shall
admit of Mr. Launce to have conference with him upon the
whole business, and they are to consider of the whole
business. Resolved upon the Q., The Committee do not
meet on Thursday next in the afternoon. Resolved upon
the Q., The Committee to meet on Friday next.4
The Lord Chancellor of Scotland came into the Assem- Earl of
bly to take his leave of the Assembly before his return into takes leave
Scotland, being commanded thither by the Parliament of ofthe As-
Scotland to render an account of their negotiation; and
gave thanks to the Assembly for their great zeal, piety,
and indefatigableness in the work of the Lord now in their '
hands, and also for the respects of the Assembly to their
nation ; and he did signify that if the Assembly had any
commands to lay upon them, they were ready to serve
them. 'In Fascicle III., ' R. % A Committee to consider of the whole busi
ness, etc'
2 Or Cramidge. 3 Or Mesier.
4 In Fascicle III. this is entered — ' R. jf cast by Prolocutor, Friday next. '

3 1 6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 762. Mr. Baillie, one of the Commissioners from the Church
164.6. ' °f Scotland, being to return to the Church of Scotland, he
~ — did also thankfully acknowledge the favours and respect
takes of this Assembly, promising to make mention of this
eave. Assembly in his prayers, both public and private.
The Prolocutor, by order of the Assembly, did return
the thankful acknowledgment of the Assembly of the
great encouragement and assistance the Assembly hath
always found from those noble and worthy Commissioners,
and of their faithfulness in the public service they have
been employed in.1
Sess. 76$. — December 28, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. John Seabrooke be respited upon
exceptions from Colonel Puresey.2 Ordered— -Mr. Watts
be respited for a further time.
Mr. Palmer made report of a paper from the Commis
sioners of the Church of Scotland, and read it. It is as
followeth.* . .
Ordered — The Committee for drawing up the Articles
and Proofs formerly passed the Assembly do meet this
afternoon, and make report on Wednesday come seven-
night next, and Mr. Gower and Mr. Profitt be added to
the Committee.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Nothing
shall be added to the negative part of the [ 2d ] command
ment. 1 Notes of the speeches of the Commissioners and of the Prolocutor are
given in Fascicle III.
2 Or Purefoy.
3 It is given at length in the Journals of the House of Lords (vol. viii. pp. 630,
631), and urges, inter alia, the speedy ratification of the Confession of Faith,
the approval of Rouse's amended metrical version of the Psalm's, the more
complete establishment of the presbyterial government, and the suppression of
heresies and scandalous pamphlets ' against magistracy and ministry, and par
ticularly against the authority of Parliament, against the Reverend Assembly
of Divines, against the Covenant and the Public National Reformation, against
the union of the two Kingdoms, against the Church and Kingdom of Scotland
and all the Reformed Churches ; yea, against Jesus Christ Himself and the
sacred Word of God.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 1 7
Sess. 764. — December 31, 1646. — Thursday morning. Sess. 764.
Ordered — Mr. Robert Cassinghurst be respited for two 164I.1'
weeks. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Gilbert Seabrooke have 
his testimonial.
Upon another order from the Committee for the county
and city of Worcester concerning Mr. Tuppe, discharging
him from the articles against him, and desiring a further
examination of him by the Assembly, it was ordered that
this return be made to the said Committee: ' That in regard
of other informations from other places and persons con
cerning the conversation of Mr. Tuppe, the Assembly is
not satisfied concerning his fitness for a ministerial charge.'
Ordered — That Mr. Cuffe be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered— That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Salway, Dr. Temple,
and Mr. Maynard, be added to the Committee for Mr.
Launce. Ordered— That Mr. Slaney do bring a testimonial of his
conversation and the reasons for his removal from Lincoln
shire, where he so long exercised his ministry.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ; Catechism
and upon debate it was command-
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. Which is the third command- ment-
ment ? A. The third commandment is contained in these
words, "Thou shalt not take, etc.'"
Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What doth the third com
mandment require? A. The third commandment requires
the reverent and right using of God's titles, attributes, word,
ordinances, and works.'
Resolved upon the Q., These words, ' and other,' shall
not be added before the word, ' ordinances.'
Sess. 765. — January 1, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Cawdry and Mr. Bond were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered— That Mr. Herbert do bring a better testi
monial. Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Tuppe shall not
have a copy of his testimonials. Ordered— That Mr.
Simonds be approved.

3 1 8 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 766. Sess. 766. — January 4, 1646. — Monday morning.
*6464' Ordered— That Mr. John Ny be approved upon his former
 examination. Ordered— That Mr. Robert Smith be ap
proved upon his former examination.
Catechism The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ;
command- and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. Which
ment. js trie fourth commandment? A. The fourth command
ment is contained in these words, " Remember, etc." '
There were two questions propounded by the Committee,
viz. 'What doth the fourth commandment require?' and,
' What is the chief time which God hath appointed for His
solemn worship?' and upon debate it was Resolved upon
the Q., To reduce these two questions and answers into
one. Resolved upon the Q., ' Q. What doth the fourth com
mandment require? A. The fourth commandment requires
that one whole day of seven be in all ages kept holy to the
Lord, which day under the Old Testament was the last day
of the week, and under the New Testament is the first,
called the Lord's day.'
Sess. 767. — January 5, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. William How be approved upon his
former examination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Wm.
Whitting be examined.
Old Eng- The Old Articles and the Scriptures for the proof of
them were read and examined in part. The remaining
part was respited till the next day.
Sess. 768. — January 6, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Newberry have his examination.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Whitting shall have his certi
ficate. Ordered — That Mr. Thomas Warren be approved
upon his former examination.
The remaining part of the old Articles and the Scrip
tures for the proof of them were read and examined ; and
it was Ordered — That they be transcribed to be sent up to
the House of Commons.
Ordered— That Mr. Wilson, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Gower, be

lish Ai
tides,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 1 9
a Committee to prepare Scriptures for the1 Confession of Sess. 768.
Faith Jan- 6>
raitn- 1646.
Sess. 769. — January 7, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Moore be certified to the Committee
as not giving satisfaction to the Assembly in his testi
monial. Report was made of the Scriptures for the Proof of the Scripture
first chapter of the Confession of Faith, concerning ' the c™ °f^ for
Holy Scriptures.' sion.
Ordered — That the Members of the Assembly do bring
their books of the Confession of Faith, whilst the Scriptures
are in debate.
The Assembly entered upon the debate of the Scriptures Debate of
for the proof of the first chapter, ' of the Holy Scriptures,' proofs!"6
and agreed on the proofs for the first paragraph. The said
proofs are inserted in the margin of the Confession of
Faith, in the book appointed for the votes of the Assembly
thereupon ; to which we do refer throughout the whole
Confession. Sess. 770. — January 8, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Strickland and Mr. Connant were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Herbert be approved.
The business of Mr. Malthus 2 was debated ; and upon
debate he was approved by the Assembly, and so certified
to the Committee for Plundered Ministers.3
Mr. Wilson made report of the Scriptures for the proof
of the 2d chapter, ' of God and of the Holy Trinity.'
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures for
the proof of the first chapter, concerning ' the Holy Scrip
tures,' and agreed upon the Scriptures for the proof of the
2d paragraph of that chapter, as they are entered in the
margin of the said book.
1 It does not seem quite clear whether in this case an original a is meant to be
changed into the, or an original the into a. In Fascicle III., the only is found.
2 In Session 761, Malthouse.
3 In Fascicle III. the entry is added, ' R. Nothing shall be spoken of this
business.'

320 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 771. Sess. 771.— January 11, 1646.— Monday morning.
Ji646.J' An order was brought from the Committee for Berkshire
 for Mr. Spinnage, to approve of him without any place
assigned. Upon debate it was
Ordered — That he should be informed that the Assem
bly cannot give any approbation except they know the
place he is assigned unto.
Proofs for The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures for
E_greedh' the proof of the first chapter concerning ' the Holy Scrip-
1°; tures;' and agreed upon the Scriptures for the proof of the
3d, 4th, and part of the 5th paragraphs of that chapter, as
they are entered in the margin of the said book.
Sess. 772. — January 12, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered— That this Return be made to the Right Hon.
the Commissioners for the Great Seal, that this Assembly
is not satisfied with the testimonial for Mr. Lukey.
Ordered — That Mr. Cooper be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Casinghurst be respited
till Tuesday come fortnight, if there be need.
Ordered — That return be made to the Committee for the
County of Berks concerning Mr. Spinnage, that the Assem
bly doth not use to certify the fitness of any man for the
ministry without a place designed.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures
for the proof of that chapt[er] ' of the Scriptures,' and agreed
to the proofs for the remaining part of the 5th paragraph,
as they are entered in the margin of the said book.
Earl of The Earl of Lauderdale,1 one of the Commissioners
takes his from the Church of Scotland, took his leave of the Assem-
leave. bly, being the next morning to set forwards towards Scot
land ; and the Prolocutor, in the name of the Assembly;
gave him thanks for his great respect unto the Assembly.
Sess. 77%. — January 13, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
There was an Order brought from the Committee for
1 Lotherdale in MS. In Fascicle III. he is designated by his old title of
Lord Maitland, and notes of his speech and the Prolocutor's address are
given.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 32 I
Plundered Ministers for Mr. Sidrach Simpson to be ap- Sess. 773.
proved of for to preach in the afternoon at the Chapel in Jang g3'
Somerset House. It was debated, and upon debate it was 
Ordered — That there shall be a Committee to consider
what answer is fit to be returned to this order. Ordered —
That Dr. Temple, Mr. Bond, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Wilson, Dr.
Smith, Dr. Burges, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Vines, Mr. Cawdry,
Mr. Ny, Mr. Hodges, shall be a Committee for this pur
pose, or any five of them. They are to meet on Monday
in the afternoon.
Ordered — That Mr. Fetherstone be respited for a time.
Report was made by Mr. Wilson of Scriptures for the
proof of the 3d chapter of the Confession of Faith concern
ing the Decrees.
Sess. 774. — January 14,1 1646. — Thursday morning*
Upon a motion made by Mr. Vines, it was Ordered—
' That the Committee for the Catechism do prepare a Two Cate-
draught of two Catechisms, one more large and another ewsms to
more brief, in which they are to have an eye to the Con- pared.
fession of Faith, and to the matter of the Catechism already
begun.' The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures
for the proof of the first chapter of the Confession of Faith
concerning ' the Holy Scriptures,' and agreed to the Scrip
tures for the proof of the 6th and 7th paragraphs, as they
are entered in the margin of the said book.
Sess. 77$. — January 15, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Dury and Mr. Maynard were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Upon a debate about Mr. Fetherstone, it was
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Fetherstone shall pass without
coming up to the Assembly. Upon a motion concerning
the said business, it was Resolved upon the Q., The ques
tion shall be put again. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Fether
stone shall not pass without coming up to be examined.2
In MS. 15, by an error of the scribe.
2 In Fascicle HI. there are the following additional entries, which perhaps
X

322 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 775- Ordered— That Mr. Griffith be approved upon his former
"046. examination.
 ' Mr. Wilson made report of the Scriptures for the proof
of the 4th chapter—' of Creation.'
Proofs for The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures
rest of ch. for the proof Df the first chapter of the Confession of Faith
T __P")"P__L
to. concerning ' the Scriptures,' and agreed to the Scriptures
for the proof of the remaining paragraphs of that chapter,
as they are entered in the margin of the said book.
Sess. 776. — January 18, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Dod be approved upon his former
approbation.
Scripture The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of
ch?„.S °r the 2d chapter of the Confession of Faith concerning ' God
agreed to. an(j trie Holy Trinity;' and agreed to the Scriptures for
the proof of that chapter, as they are entered in the margin
of the said book.
Sess. 777. — January 19, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Richard Edwards be approved upon
his former examination. Ordered — That Mr. Sagge be
approved without coming up to be examined. Ordered—
That Mr. Richard Spinnage be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Warren his business be
respited for a month, till Mr. Salway inform himself con
cerning him. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Fetherstone be
approved without coming up to be examined.
Part of The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of
proofs of J r r
ch. iii. the three first paragraphs of the 3d chapter of the Confes-
agree 0. gjon Q^ paj|.j1 concerning God's Eternal Decrees ; x and
agreed to them as they are entered in the margin of the
Confession of Faith.
explain the resolution adopted by the Assembly at a subsequent session : —
' That none shall pass this Assembly without coming up to be examined except
a testimonial be brought. That Mr. Fetherstone do send a testimonial from
the next classis ; or from the ministers at York of his ordination, and of his
fitness for the ministry. '
1 Sic in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 323
Sess. 778. — January 20, 1646. — Wednesday morning. Sess. 778.
Ordered — That Mr. Debanke be approved upon his ^'J°'
former examination. 
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of Further
the 4th, 5th, and 6th paragraphs of the 3d chapter x concern- P'°?f? for
ing 'God's Eternal Decrees;' and they were agreed unto agreed to.
as they are entered in the margin of the Confession of
Faith. Sess. 779. — January 21, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Seth Elcocke be approved without
coming up to be examined.
Mr. Wilson made report of the Scriptures for the proof
of the 7th chapter of the Confession of Faith.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures Proofs for
for the proof of the 7th and 8th paragraph^] of the 3d ^¦£i,a£td
chapter ; and of the first and part of the 2d paragraph of agreed to.
the 4th chapter, 'of Creation ;' and upon debate they were
agreed to, as is set down in the margin of the Confession of
Faith. January 22, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Salway and Mr. Vines were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Sinckler be approved
without coming up to be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Smelt 2 shall send up a
testimonial of his conversation from his neighbour ministers
such as shall be approved of by the Assembly.
January 25, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Saxby be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Collins be respited till
Mr. Wilson comes.

Sess. 780. — January 28, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Casinghurst have his ce
ite. 1 Here and often after in MS. ' chapt.' 2 Or Snell.

324 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 780. Mr. Whitakers made report concerning Mr. Launce,
Jag ?8' ' That they were not satisfied in conscience to give him
 their approbation for any place in the city.'
Because this report was general, he was Ordered— -To
make report of the particular reasons inducing them to that
resolution.
Proofs for The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures
iv^lnd" °h' f°r tne Pr°of of tne remaining part of the 4th chapter, ' of
agreed to. Creation,' and of the ist and 2d para[gra]phs of the 5th
chapter, ' of Providence ; ' and upon debate, they were
assented to, as is set down in the margin of the Confession
of Faith. Sess. 781. — January 29, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Simpson and Mr. Burges were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Pettit and Mr. Roberts be approved.
Further The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures for
proofs or ^e pr0of of the 3d and part of the 4th paragraph, ' of Pro-
agreed to. v;dence ;' and upon debate they were assented to, as is set
down in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 782. — February 1, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Burney be respited till this day
sevennight. Ordered — That Mr. Neale J be respited till he
bring a better testimonial of his former conversation.
Further The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures for
ch.° v.S °r the remaining part of the chapter, ' of Providence ; ' except
the latter part of the 5 th paragraph, which was recommited.
The proofs are entered in the margin of the Confession of
Faith. Sess. 783.— February 2, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Carpenter shall not be admitted
to examination. Resolved — That an answer shall be drawn
up to be sent to the patron, to signify that the Assembly
is not satisfied concerning his conversation, and so concern
ing his fitness for a ministerial charge.
1 Or Nevile.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 325
Mr. Whitakers made report concerning Mr. Launce. It Sess. 783.
was debated and voted as followeth : — ' They cannot in I0462'
conscience give Mr. Launce his approbation as fit for 
Edmund's, Lombard Street, London, upon these reasons : concerning
1. Because we find him sequestered by the Committee for ^r-
* J .Launce.
Plundered Ministers upon diverse articles, from Michael's
Ouerne, London ; and [he] yet still continueth under the
said sequestration. 2. Upon sight and consideration of
diverse things much unbeseeming a minister of the gospel
objected against him during the time of his title to Harrow
Hill ; and having heard his personal answer thereunto, in
which, notwithstanding his protesting to speak as in God's
presence the truth only, the Committee finds upon enquiry
from persons of undoubted credit, that in this his answer,
instead of that ingenuity and truth which might be
expected from a minister of Christ, he hath added to his
former miscarriages diverse words of falsehood.'
Resolved upon the Q., This shall be transcribed and sent
up to the Honble House of Lords.
Mr. Wilson made report of the Scriptures for the 9th
chapter of the Confession of Faith.
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of Proofs for
the 6th chapter in the Confession of Faith, ' of the Fall of ch' V1- ,
r ' agreed to.
Man, of Sin, and the Punishment thereof.' They were
assented unto, and are entered in the margin of the Con
fession of Faith.
Sess. 784. — February 3, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Report was made by Mr. Wilson of the Scriptures for
the proof of the 10th chapter in the Confession of
Faith. The Assembly debated the proofs of the four first para- pr0ofs for
graphs of the 7th chapter, ' of God's Covenant with Man ;' P*^
and upon debate they were assented unto, as they are agreed to.
entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Ordered — That Mr. Bound x bring a better testimonial.
Ordered— That Mr. Collins be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., The Old Committee shall stand
1 Or Brand.

326 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 784. for the distribution of the money. Resolved upon the Q.,
Fie6463.' There shall be no addition to this Committee.
Sess. 785.— February 4, i646.—7hursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Neale be examined. Resolved upon the
Q., Mr. Allen shall be again examined by the Com
mittee.
Examinees Ordered — That the Chairman of the Committee for
whether"5 examination of ministers do specially enquire of all the
they be ministers that come for approbation from the Assembly
presbyters. *
whether they be presbyters or no ; a'nd that at the report
he gives to the Assembly of his approbation he do inform
the Assembly that he is a presbyter.
Ordered — That Mr. Bound be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Smelt have an approbation upon
his former examination.
Mr. Wilson made report of the Scriptures for the proof
of the nth chapter.
Report was made from the Committee of the business of
Mr. Simpson's preaching at the Chapel of Somerset House,
in answer to the Order of Committee of the House of
Commons ; and some debate was upon it, but respited for
further consideration.
Ordered — That Mr. Bennet be respited till a better testi
monial. Sess. 786. — February 5, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Greenhill and Mr. Pickering were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons for the week following.
Mr. Wilson made report of the Scriptures for the proof of
the 12th, 13th, and 14th chapters of the Confession of Faith.
Ordered — That Mr. Beane be excused from coming up.
Remaining The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures
ch? vfi.f°r for the Proof of the remaining part of the 7th chapter, ' of
agreed to. God's Covenant with Man ;' and upon debate they were
assented to, as they are entered in the margin of the Con
fession of Faith.
The answer to the House of Lords concerning Mr.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 327
Launce was read and assented to. It is as followeth1 . . . Sess. 786.
Dr. Smith and Mr. Whitakers were ordered to carry ^6S'
it up. 
Another certificate was read and assented to concerning
Mr. Carpenter ; to be sent to Mr. Jennings, the patron.
Ordered — Mr. Shaw be respited for a fortnight.
Sess. 787. — February 8, 1646. — Monday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Allen shall have his certificate.
Ordered — Mr. Chudsley be approved upon his former exa
mination. Ordered — Mr. Howes 2 be respited for ten days.
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of Proofs for
the 8th chapter, ' of Christ the Mediator ; ' and upon de- agreed to.
bate it was assented to, as it is entered in the margin of
the Confession of Faith.
Ordered — Mr. Christopher Wright be approved upon his
former examination.
Sess. 788. — February 9, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Floyd be respited. Resolved upon
the Q., Mr. Samford3 be approved upon his former exa
mination. Report was made of the distribution of money, and it
was assented to.
Ordered — That Mrs. Ny and Mrs. Hall, widows of two
members of this Assembly, ' deceased,' shall be considered
in the next distribution.
Resolved upon the Q., The Scribes do weekly give an
account of the names of the members of the Assembly,
their presence and absence.
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of Proofs for
the 9th chapter, 'of Free Will;' and of the 10th chapter, ^^-
' of Effectual Calling ; ' and upon debate it was assented agreed to.
to, as it is entered in the margin of the Confession of
Faith. 1 Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 15. 'After all due means to inform them
selves concerning him, they cannot in conscience give him their approbation
as fit to be minister in the said place.'
2 Or Hawes. 3 In Fascicle III., Sanford.

328 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 789. Sess. 789. — February 10, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Fi646.0' Ordered— That Mr. Burney be respited till he bring a
 better testimonial.
parto/" The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of
ch- xi- the two first paragraphs of the nth chapter, ' of Justifica-
agreed to. , . , .. • 1
tion ; ' and upon debate it was assented to, as it is entered
in the margin of the Confession.
The Assembly had some debate of the Report concern
ing Mr. Simpson ; and after some debate it was
Ordered — To proceed in the debate on Tuesday next.
Ordered — That Mr. Reimes be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Hall be respited till he
bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 790. — February n, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That the inhabitants of Thaxstead have a fort
night's time to produce their exceptions against Mr. Hall.
Ordered — That the Chairman of the Committee for [the]
examination of ministers do not henceforward examine
any ministers till the Scribe deliver unto him the names
of those ministers that are to be examined, and the place
they are designed to.
Ordered — That Mr. Bond be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Ordered — That it be certified to the Commissioners of
the Great Seal that the Assembly is not satisfied concern
ing the fitness of Mr. Lloyd for that place that he is designed
unto. Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Clopton have his certi
ficate upon his former examination.
Proofs for The Assembly proceeded in the debate of Scriptures for
and„ii. tne proof of the remaining part of the nth chapter, and
agreed to. the 1 2th chapter of the Confession of Faith concerning
' Adoption.' Upon debate they were assented unto, as
they are entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 791. — February 12, 1646. — Friday morning.
Dr. Temple and Mr. Ash were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 329
Ordered — That Mr. Bound and Mr. French be approved Sess. 791.
upon their ordination. \bcfi.'
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of the ' 
13th chapter, 'of Sanctification ;' and of the 14th chapter,
'of Saving Faith;' and of the 15th chapter, ' of Repentance
unto Life.'
Ordered — That Mr. Fisher be approved upon his former
examination. Sess. 792. — February 15, 1646. — Monday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. [Newall] x be examined
upon his testimonial. Ordered — That Mr. Thomas Spend-
low be approved upon his ordination.
The Assembly debated some informations brought in
against Mr. Warren ; and after some debate it was
Ordered — That Mr. Warren's business be respited till
Thursday next.
Ordered — That there be a Committee to prepare some- Committee
thing to be presented to the House of Lords to prevent the to Pyeve.nt
coming in of scandalous ministers by institution and in- of scan-
duction ; and that there may be a Registry to which men ministers.
may resort to find who is instituted and inducted. Ordered
—That Dr. Burges, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Strong, Mr. Ley, Dr.
Stanton, and Dr. Gouge, or any three of them, be that
Committee ; and they are to meet this afternoon.
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of Proofs for
the 16th chapter, ' of Good Works ; ' and upon debate ™eed to.
they were assented to, as they are entered in the margin of
the Confession. Sess. 793. — February 16, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Walwin be approved without
coming up to be examined. Ordered — That Mr. Thomas
Watts be respited till Monday.
Ordered — That Mr. Bosse bring the reasons of his remove.
Resolved upon the Q., That his examination be respited for
three weeks, that the Assembly may be better satisfied con
cerning the reasons of his remove.
1 A blank is left in MS. here, but in Fascicle III. Newell or Newall is the
name given.

330 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 793. Dr. Burges made report of a Petition to be sent to the
Fj646i6, Right Honble House of Peers about a Registry, and the
77- trial of the fitness of ministers to be admitted to institu-
Houseof tions by some fit persons appointed thereunto. It was
Peers re- debated, and upon debate it was recommitted.
committed. r .
Upon Mr. Simpson s desire, by reason of his necessary
absence, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Simpson's business be respited till
Thursday come sevennight
Sess. 794. — February 17, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Garthwaite be excused from
coming up.
Some complaints being brought against Mr. Fetherstone,
who lately had the approbation of the Assembly, it was
Ordered — That this information against Mr. Fetherstone
be returned to the Committee of Plundered Ministers.
New Com- An Order was brought into the Assembly from the Lords
missioner ancj cornmons for admitting Mr. Winrham, a Commissioner
land. from the Church of Scotland, to sit in the Assembly. It
was read and is as followeth x . . . He was brought into
the Assembly by some2 members appointed thereunto,
and the Prolocutor, by order of the Assembly, did con
gratulate his admission into the Assembly.
The Assembly debated the proofs of Scripture for the
17th chapter, 'of Perseverance of the Saints ;' and the two
first paragraphs of the 18th chapter, 'of Assurance of Grace
and Salvation ; ' and upon debate they were assented to, as
entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
' The following Order was passed by the House of Lords on 10th February :
' Ordered— That this House appoints Mr. George Winraham to be admitted
of this Assembly as the other Commissioners from Scotland were ; and that
the concurrence of the House of Commons be desired herein.' Their con
currence was given on February 14. Winraham's commission is inserted at
length in the Journals of the House of Lords, vol. viii. pp. 716, 719. It is
from the Commissioners of the General Assembly, and authorizes him, ' in
absence of the said Lord Balmerino, and of any other formerly designed and
appointed in his Lordship's place, or in the absence of the said Lord Warris
ton, to join with the remanent Commissioners at London in prosecuting the
treaty of uniformity with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England,
and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or with Committees from them.'
2 In Fascicle III., 'the commissioners and two members of the Assembly.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 33 1
Ordered — That Mr. Clarke be approved upon his former Sess. 794.
ordination. \o^
Sess. 795. — February 18, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That the Committee for [the] examination of
Ministers do speak with Mr. Fetherstone to hear him
before return be made to the Committee for Plundered
Ministers. The Assembly debated the business of Mr. Warren ; and
upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Warren shall not have the
approbation of this Assembly. Ordered — That this shall
be certified to the Committee of Worcester.
Report was made by Mr. Wilson of the Scriptures for
the proof of the 21st and 22d chapters of the Confession of
Faith. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Howes be admitted to his
examination. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures for Proofs for
the proof of the remaining part of the 18th chapter, con- 0f ch. xvlii.
cerning ' Assurance of Grace and Salvation ; ' and upon agreed to.
debate it was assented to, as it is entered in the margin of
the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 796. — February 19, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Mew, Mr. Carter of Dinton, appointed to pray, the
week following, with the Lords and Commons.
Ordered — Mr. Edmund Thorpe be approved upon his
former examination. Ordered — Mr. Ainsworth be approved
upon his former examination.
The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of Proofs for
the four first paragraphs of the 19th chapter, ' of the Law p"x°x.
of God ;' and upon debate they were assented to, as they agreed to.
are entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Report was made by Dr. Burges of the Petition recom
mitted to be sent to the Lords. It was read and debated,
and upon debate assented to.
Resolved upon the Q., That this shall be transcribed and
sent to the House of Lords. Mr. Carter, jun., entered his

332 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 796. dissent. Mr. Hodges entered his dissent to all except the
Fi6469' third paragraph. The Petition is as followeth1 . . .
 Ordered— That Mr. Burney be not admitted to exami
nation. Sess. 797. — February 22, 1646.— Monday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Watts be respited till Mr.
Guibon comes.
Proofs for The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of
chStx°ix. the remaining part of the 19th chapt[er] of the Confession
agreed to. 0f Faith, 'of the Law of God ;' and upon debate it was
assented to, as is entered in the margin of the Confession
of Faith. Sess. 798. — February 2$, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Francis Merricke be respited till this day
sevennight. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Wood shall have
no approbation till he come up to be examined. Resolved
upon the Q., Mr. Sellinger 2 shall be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Simpson's business be debated on Tuesday
next peremptorily.
Proofs for The Assembly debated the Scriptures for the proof of
of ch.2xx3 the three first paragraphs of the 20th chapter, ' of Christian
agreed to. Liberty and Liberty of Conscience;' and upon debate it
was assented to, as it is entered in the margin of the Con
fession of Faith.
Ordered — Mr. Burt be examined.
Sess. 799. — February 26, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Spurstow and Mr. Hodges were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons for the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Lawry be examined. Ordered — Mr.
David - Floyd be examined. Ordered — Mr. Thomas
Brewer be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Freeman be approved upon his former exa
mination. Ordered — Mr. Gilbert Seabrooke be approved
upon his former examination. Ordered — Mr. John New-
ham be approved upon his former examination.
1 Journals of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 31. 2 Or, as in Sess. 810, Jellinger.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 333
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to Sess. 799.
consider of a way concerning the examination of ministers Fjg' 626
to be settled and approved in Wales. Ordered — Mr. Sal- 
way, Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Spurstow, £°^id_
Dr. Temple, Mr. Mew, Mr. Ley, Mr. Case, to be this ofwa7 of
_ . ri-1,1 r 1 • ,.,.— examina-
Committee ; [andj the care of the meeting of this Com- tion of
mittee be referred to Dr. Temple. ™^e's
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures proofs for
for the proof of the 4th paragraph of the 20th chapter, ' of Part of § 4
Of C_L XX
Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience ; ' and upon agreed to.
debate they were assented to, as they are entered into the
margin of the Confession of Faith.
Report was made concerning Mr. Fetherstone.
Ordered — That Mr. Richard Williams be approved upon
his former examination. Ordered — That Mr. Ward be
approved upon his former examination.
Sess. 800. — March 1, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Cappage be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Hinton be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Gaiton be approved.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Fetherstone's approbation
shall not be recalled. Ordered — Mr. Samuel Jones be
approved. Ordered — That Mr. William Davis be respited
till Mr. Wilson come.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. James shall have his cer
tificate. Ordered — Mr. Francis Merricke do bring a better testi
monial of his conversation from some ministers or others
known to the Assembly, and the reasons of his remove.
Sess. 801. — March 2, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Congham1 be respited for
three weeks, and do bring a better testimonial of ministers,
and a certificate of his taking the Covenant, and his orders.
Ordered — Mr. Browne be approved upon his former
approbation. Ordered — Mr. Simpson's business be respited till he be
so well as to come to the Assembly, and then a day to be
1 Or Longham.

334 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 8oi. set by the Assembly for the hearing of it. Resolved upon
1646. ' the Q., There shall not1 be Committee appointed to give
 reasons to the Committee of Plundered Ministers of the
delay of Mr. Simpson's business in this Assembly.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures
for the proof of part of the 4th paragraph of the 20th
chapter of the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 802. — March 3, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Herbert Hackwell be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Robert Stansby be approved without
coming up to be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Nesbitt be admitted to
examination upon those certificates now brought in.
Mr. Tabor brought a copy of an order from the Com
mittee for Plundered Ministers to the Assembly for the
examination of the said Mr. Tabor, signed by the Regis
trar's 2 hand of the 7th Classis. Upon some debate about
it, it was
Resolved upon the Q.,3 That ' no question shall be put
concerning this business.'
An order was brought from the Committee for Plun
dered Ministers for Mr. Carre and Mr. Worley for Chig-
wall. After some debate of it, it was
Ordered — Mr. Worley have a week's time to bring in a
testimonial of his conversation.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Carre shall be admitted to
examination upon the certificate brought in.
Ordered— That there be a Committee to consider what
the Assembly shall do with those ministers that are
sent for approbation of the Assembly, and come out of
enemies' quarters. Ordered— -That Mr. Palmer, Mr. Ray-
nor, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Byfield, Dr. Temple,
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Case, Mr. Calamy, Mr.
Valentine, or any five of them, to meet to-morrow in the
afternoon. The care of this is referred to Mr. Raynor.
1 In Fascicle III. the entry is—'R. | neg.' 2 in MS Register's.
3 In Fascicle III. the entry is— ' R. f6 cast neg. by the Prolocutor.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 335
Ordered— That Mr. Walway1 be approved upon his Sess. 802.
former ordination. Mi"646.3'
Report was made of the Scriptures for the proof of the 
23d, 24th, 25th, 26th chapters of the Confession of Faith.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Scriptures Debate of
for the proof of the 4th paragraph of the 20th chapter of §4°°cfn °xx.
the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 803. — March 4, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Tabor be approved upon
his ordination.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Garthwaite shall be approved
without coming up to be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Lea shall have a certificate
without coming up to be examined.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Daniel Evans shall
have the certificate of this Assembly upon the knowledge
that they have of him.
Ordered — That Mr. Whitsey be approved upon his
ordination. An order was published for Mr. Dicks for Tiverton.
Upon debate of it, by reason of the desire of his parish
ioners in Bride's, London, it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to
consider of Mr. Dickes his business. Ordered — That Dr.
Gouge, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ash, Mr. Bond, Mr.
Hicks, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Hardwicke, Dr. Temple, and
Mr. Vines shall be a Committee to consider of this busi
ness. They are to meet on Monday in the afternoon.
The care of this business is referred to Dr. Gouge.
Ordered — Mr. Paine be respited for a better testimonial.
Ordered — Mr. Meredith be examined. Ordered — Mr.
Merricke's business be respited till Monday. Ordered —
Mr. Gone 2 and Mr. Bacon's order be respited till to-morrow
sevennight. The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scrip
tures for the proof of the 4th paragraph of the 20th chapter
of the Confession of Faith.
1 Or Walley. 2 Or Gore or Gove.

2)$6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 804. Sess. 804. — March 5, 1646. — Friday morning.
,5^ ^' Mr. Perne and Mr. Price were appointed to pray with
 the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Bond be excused from his attend
ance for a time, upon the desire of the gentlemen of the
county for his assistance in the county of Devon, for the
settling of the Government.
Examinees Resolved upon the Q., That the Chairman of the Com-
if thevS e mittee for examination of Ministers shall examine those
have taken that come before them whether they have taken the
nant. " Covenant, and make report of it to this Assembly.
Report was made of the Scriptures for the proof of the
29th, 30th, 31st, 32d, 33d chapters of the Confession of
Faith.
Thanks Ordered — That thanks be returned to the Committee for
Committee the Scriptures, for their great pains and diligence in that
on Scop- business ; which was accordingly done by the Prolocutor.
ture proofs. -,,,—,,,
Committee Ordered— That Mr. Burges, Dr. Smith, Mr. Calamy,
to revise Mr. Palmer, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Spurstow,
the proofs. Mr Case> Mr_ Scudderj and Dr Hoyle, or any three of
them, shall be a Committee to join with the Committee
for the Scriptures, to review the Scriptures. They are to
meet on Thursday next in the afternoon. The care of this
Committee is referred to Mr. Scudder.
Ordered— That Mr John Leare be respited till Monday.
Ordered — That Mr. Drayton be approved upon his former
examination.
Further The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the 4th para-
pooftof §raPh of the 2°th chapter of the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 805. — March 11, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Hill be examined.
Ordered—Mr. John Twisse be approved upon his ordina
tion. Ordered— Mr. John Masy be approved upon his
former examination.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. William Watts be admitted
to examination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Merricke be
examined. Ordered— That Mr. Henry Goodyere be approved upon

§4-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 337
his former approbation. Ordered — Mr. William Davis be Sess. 805.
examined. Ordered— That Mr. Leere do bring a better Mar6ch611'
testimonial. 
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures Debate
for the proof of the 4th paragraph of the 20th chapter 0fresumed-
the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 806. — March 12, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Wilkinson, jun., and Mr. Hodges were appointed
to pray with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Richard Saunders be approved upon his
ordination. Ordered — Mr. John Hill be examined. Ordered — Mr.
Samuel Hall be respited for a week. Ordered — That Mr.
Gone be examined in the afternoon.
Ordered — That the Committee for Mr. Dickes do meet
this afternoon. Ordered — Mr. Paine be approved upon his
former examination.
Resolved upon the Q., That the names shall be called.1
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Halifax shall be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Scriptures Proofs of
for the proof of the 4th paragraph of the 20th chapter of Li^ed to?
the Confession of Faith ; and the Scriptures were assented
to as in the margin of the Confession. Mr. Carter enters Carter's
his dissent to the proofs about the Civil Magistrate. dissent.
Sess. 807. — March 15, 1646. — Monday morning.
Upon some debate about Mr. Bacon, a testimonial being
produced, for him, it was
Resolved upon the Q., The testimonial for Mr. Bacon is
not satisfactory.
Ordered — That the whole business concerning Mr. Bacon Committee
be referred to a special Committee to speak with him, as business" S
they shall see cause, and to consider of his testimonial.
Ordered— That Mr. Seaman, Mr. Ley, Dr. Gouge, Dr.
Smith, Mr. Gower, Mr. Scudder, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Calamy,
1 In accordance with the Resolution adopted in Sess. 721. In Fascicle
HI. this is inserted after the memorandum of the debate of the Scripture
proofs. Y

338 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 807. Mr. Burges, Mr. Byfield, Mr. Walker, Dr. Temple, Mr.
Mi6C4h6.15' Prophet, Dr. Hoyle, Mr. Sedgwicke, and Mr. Young shall
 be this Committee, or any five of them. They are to meet
on Wednesday at 2 of the clock in the afternoon. The
care of it is referred to Mr. Ley.
Ordered— That the Committee for Mr. Dickes do meet
this afternoon at 2 of the clock, and that Mr. Gibson, Mr.
Thorrowgood, Mr. Wilkinson, jun., be added to this
Committee. Ordered— That Mr. Bolch and Mr. Simner be examined.
Sess. 808.— March 16, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
An order was brought from the House of Peers for
examining of Ministers that offer themselves upon presen
tations. It was as followeth.1 . . .
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Waite 2 shall have an appro
bation without coming up to be examined.
Ordered — That Mr. Dickes be respited till Tuesday.
An order was brought from a Committee of the House
of Lords concerning Mr. Launce. It is as followeth3 . . .
Ordered — That the Committee for Mr. Launce do meet
this afternoon, and prepare something to report to the
Assembly to-morrow morning, to be presented to the
Committee of the House of Peers according to their order.
Ordered — Mr. Archibald Simner be approved upon his
former examination.
Ordered — That Mr. Mapleden be approved upon his
former examination.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Allen shall be examined.
Order An order was brought from the House of Peers about a
Luther's translation of Dr. Martin Luther's Last Discourses. It is
last dis- as followeth4 . . . Ordered— That Mr. Dury, Mr. Hodges,
Dr. Temple, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Smith, Mr. Delmy, Mr. De la
March, Mr. De la Place, shall [be] a Committee to consider
of this order. They are to meet on Thursday at 2 of the
clock. The care of this business is referred to Mr. Palmer.
Report was made concerning the business of Mr. Dickes
1 Not discovered in Journals of House of Lords. 2 Or Waile.
3 Journals of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 75. * Ibidem.

courses.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 339
his remove, and debated and assented to as followeth. . . . Sess. 808.
Ordered — That the Committee do draw up an answer to MaDcli l6'
the Committee of Plundered Ministers in answer to their 
order concerning Mr. Dickes.
Sess. 809. — March 17, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Upon a debate about an order concerning Mr. Reading
and Mr. Vintnor, both recommended to one place, it was
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Reading shall not be ad
mitted to examination for Weston. Ordered — That Mr.
Vintnor be admitted to examination.
Ordered — Mr. Cresswell Wheatley be approved upon a
presentation. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Allen shall be admitted to
examination. Ordered — That Mr. Shaw do bring a better
testimonial. Ordered — That Mr. Burney be certified as
unfit. Report was made of the answer to the Committee con
cerning Mr Dix.1
Report was made by Mr. Whitakers concerning the
business of Mr. Launce. It was debated and resolved, and
is as followeth . . .
Sess. 810. — March 18, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— That Mr. Thomas Jesop be certified to the
Committee for Plundered Ministers to have passed the
approbation of the Assembly formerly, but by reason of
the long distance of time and some informations concern
ing him, it is desired that he may be examined again.
Ordered — That Mr. Jellinger be examined again.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Thomas Bowes be exa
mined. Resolved upon the Q., That the examination of Mr.
Vintnor shall stand as sufficient. Resolved upon the Q.,
Mr. Ventnor shall have his certificate upon this examina
tion. Ordered— That the Committee do draw up reasons
why they do not examine Mr. Reading to be sent with
this certificate. 1 i.e. Dickes.

34O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 810. Mr. Worley 1 having, according to the order of the
Mai646.18' Assembly, produced a better testimonial, it was
 Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Worley shall be admitted to
examination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Allen shall have his certificate
now. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Shaw shall not be ad
mitted to examination for Appleby. Resolved upon the
Q., Mr. Jonadab Birch shall not be admitted to examina
tion upon these testimonials for Esington in Yorkshire.
Sess. 8 1 1. — March 19, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Newcomen and Mr. Good were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That the Committee for Plundered Ministers
be certified concerning Mr. Jesop that he was duly ex
amined, and the Assembly is fully satisfied concerning his
sufficiency. Report was made of the answer to the Committee about
Mr. Vintner and Mr. Reading ; and it was debated and
agreed to, and is as followeth . . . Ordered — Dr. Smith
and Mr. Ley do carry it up.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee of
seven to consider of a way of expediting the examination
of ministers. Ordered — Mr. Newcomen, Dr. Burges, Dr.
Smith, Mr. Ny, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Seaman, and Mr. Valen
tine shall be this Committee ; and the care of it is referred
to Mr. Seaman. They are to meet on Monday afternoon,
and make report on Wednesday.
Report was made about Mr. Bacon and Mr. Gone.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Bacon is not fit to officiate
the cure of2 Andrew's Wardrobe. Resolved upon the Q.,
It shall be added, ' nor for any other ministerial employ
ment in regard of his erroneous and dangerous opinions.'
Sess. 812. — March 22, 1646.— Monday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Batchelor be respited till Monday next.
Ordered — Mr. Robert Congham be examined.
Mr. Tate moved the Assembly by order of the Com-
1 Or Morley, as in Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 232. 2 Or ' at.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 34 r
mittee of the House of Commons for the examination of Sess. 812.
those that preach without ordination, that they would Ma™h622>
appoint some members of the Assembly to confer with 
one Mr. Tiffin according to his own desire to that Com
mittee. Ordered — That Mr. Hall do bring a better testimonial
of his good conversation from ministers known unto the
Assembly. Ordered — Mr. Palmer, Mr. Young, be added to the
Committee for the consideration of the Examination of
Ministers. Ordered — Mr. Boyer be approved upon his former ordi
nation. Ordered — Mr. Luke Saunders be approved upon
his former ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Chase be respited because ' sequestered,'
and the Assembly not satisfied concerning his testi
monial. Ordered — That Mr. Seaman and Mr. Burges do speak
with Mr. Kiffin1 according to his desire to speak with
some members of the Assembly.
Sess. 813. — March 23, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Congham be returned as in
sufficient Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Merricke be returned
as insufficient
Upon a debate about Mr. Dicke,2 against whom some
exceptions are brought in by the inhabitants of Croydon,
it was Ordered— That Mr. Raynor, Dr. Smith, Mr. Byfield, Dr.
Temple, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Thorrowgood, Mr. Good, Mr.
Johnson, shall be a Committee to consider of this business ;
and the care of this business is referred to Mr. Byfield.
Ordered — Mr.8 bring a better testimonial of his
conversation for a longer time.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Wood shall not be
examined here.
Ordered — That in case Mr. Worley do not come in by
1 K or R in this place, though T before. 2 Or Picke.
3 Blank in MS. Perhaps Dickes, or, as in Fascicle III., Daux.

suitable
ness

342 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 813. Friday next to be examined, then Mr. Carre shall have his
1646.23' testimonial. Ordered—Mr. Deacon be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered—Mr. William Swain be examined.
Ordered— That Mr. Seaman make report to-morrow
morning the first thing.
Sess. 814. — March 24, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Seaman made report of the way for expediting of
the Examination of Ministers. It was read, debated, and
assented to, and is as followeth . . .
Ordered— Mr. Swain be approved. Resolved upon the
Q., Mr. Benjamin Bell be excused from coming up to be
examined. Ordered—Mr. Isham1 (?), Mr. Hall, Mr. Harwood, be
respited till the afternoon.
Ministerial Upon a motion to consider of the business of Mr. Hall
presently, because there was no expectation of an Assembly
in the afternoon, it was Resolved upon the Q., To go on
upon Mr. Hall's business ; and upon debate of it, it was
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Hall shall not be examined.
Resolved 'upon the Q., This answer shall be returned, that this
Assembly is not satisfied concerning his fitness for Thax-
stead in Essex. Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no ad
dition concerning his fitness or unfitness for any other place.
Sess. 815. — March 25, 1647. — Thursday morning.
A testimonial was brought for Mr. Chase, and respited.
Ordered— Mr. Cheshire be respited till afternoon on Monday.
Ordered — Mr. Watnough be excused from coming up to be
examined. Sess. 816. — March 26, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hardwicke and Mr. Young were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Lawry be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Stephen Mun be approved
upon his former ordination. Ordered— Mr. James Orton
be approved upon his former ordination.
1 So also in Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 122.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 343
Ordered—Mr. John Orton be respited till Mr. Burges do Sess. 816.
speak with Mr. Roberts, and make report on Monday Mar6ch _26'
morning. Ordered— Thomas Gilbert be examined. - — -
Mr. Gillespie informed the Assembly that the fire in Gillespie
their kingdom is not yet quenched ; their army is now rekf t0.
gone forth, and they desire the prayers of the Assembly Scotland,
for their army, both publicly and privately. prayeJof
Ordered — Mr. John Taylor be examined. Ordered — Mr. the Assem-
Richard Farrer be examined. Ordered — Mr. George Smith y'
be examined if he bring a testimonial.
Sess. 817. — March 29, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Burges informed the Assembly concerning Mr.
Orton that he is a great malignant. Ordered — That Mr.
John Orton be certified as one of whose fitness for that
sequestration the Assembly is not satisfied.
Ordered — That Mr. Byfield, one of the Scribes, have
leave from this Assembly to go into the country upon his
necessary occasions for eight or ten days.1
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Isham (?) shall be examined.
Upon debate of the return to the Committee concerning
Mr. Dix, it was Resolved upon the Q., This answer shall
be returned to the Committee of Plundered Ministers. It
is as followeth . . .
Upon debate about Mr. Collyer, it was Resolved upon
the Q., Mr. Collyer shall not be returned as fit for
Blockley. Upon debate about Mr. Chase, it was Resolved upon the
Q., Mr. Chase shall not be admitted to examination.
1 Accordingly, from 2d to 9th April, the penmanship and phraseology of
the minutes, as given in the primary or original scroll, contained in the 3d
fascicle of vol. iii. of the MS. in Dr. Williams' library, are markedly different
from what they are under the preceding and subsequent dates ; while again in
the revised scroll, of which the present is a copy, some of the phraseology of
these entries is altered, so as seemingly to make it more nearly conformable to
what preceded and followed, and the penmanship throughout is obviously by
the same hand. All these circumstances seem to confirm the prevalent
belief, that certainly the whole of the 2d fascicle, and all but the whole of
the others, are the work of Adoniram Byfield, the chief Scribe of the
Assembly. — S.

344 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 818. Sess. 818. — April I, 1647. — Thursday morning.
h\^]n' An order was brought into the Assembly from the Lords
— ¦ and Commons for the admitting of Mr. Bolton into the
Samuel Assembly as a member thereof. It was read, and is as
B?lt?" , followeth.1 . . . Mr. Bolton came into the Assembly, and
admitted a , ¦» »¦ t i 1 ¦» x -n 1
memberof took the protestation ; and Mr. Johnson and Mr. Bolton
Assembly. tQok ^ Covenant
Ordered—Mr. Woodward be examined. Ordered— Mr.
Isham be approved.
Ordered— That Mr. Davis his business be respited to
be considered in the Assembly on Monday afternoon.
Ordered — Mr. Hall's business be referred till Monday
next in the afternoon. Ordered— Mr. Death be respited
till Monday next afternoon.
Ordered — Mr. Baker be approved upon his former ordi
nation. Ordered — Mr. Welding2 be respited till Monday next.
Ordered — Mr. Foyson be examined. Ordered — Mr.
Palmer's business be respited till Monday next.
An order was brought for to return Mr. Harwood his
testimonial to the Committee for Plundered Ministers.
Ordered — That Mr. Harwood's business be respited till
Monday next.
Sess. 819. — April 2, 1647. — Friday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Samuel Smith be respited. Ordered —
Mr. Jonathan Boole be approved upon his ordination by
the first classis.
Report Mr. Richard Byfield made report from the Committee
concerning about jyrr £){_<_/ that there were diverse things charged
Dickes. upon him, and he appointed a time to clear himself, but
did not appear ; whereupon it was Resolved — That a return
be made that the Assembly is not satisfied concerning Mr.
Dicke, and it be signified that he appeared not to answer
exceptions against him upon notice given, and that a par
ticular Committee was appointed for it.
1 Journals of House of Lords, vol. viii. p. 719 ; and Journals of House of
Commons, vol. v. p. 121.
2 Or Wilding. s Qr Picke.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 345
Mr. Bridge and Mr. Valentine were appointed to pray Sess. 819.
with the Lords and Commons the week following.1 i^lo.2'
Sess. 820. — April 5, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Ward's business be respited, because
his order is out of date.
The Confession was finished.2
Upon a motion by Mr. Seaman that something be
annexed by way of caution to show how the proofs are to
be applied, it was
Resolved upon the Q.,s There shall be no further debate
about cautions to be added about the proofs of Scripture.
Resolved upon the Q., That the Review of the Confession
of Faith be considered of by the three Committees of the
Assembly. Ordered— That the Committees appointed for
the Review of the Confession make report to-morrow
morning what they have done about it.
Afternoon.
Resolved upon the Q., To return a negative about Mr
Hall. Ordered— That Mr. Randolph Davies be examined.
Ordered— That Mr. Death do bring a better testimonial.
Ordered— That Mr. Samuel Smith be approved upon his
ordination by the first classis of Londbn.
Resolved— That Mr. Thomas Palmer be examined.
Resolved— That Mr. Wm. Wilding be examined. Resolved,
etc.— That Mr. Simon Linch be examined. Resolved, etc'
—Mr. Thomas Cheshire do bring a better testimonial'
Sess. 821.— April 6, 1647.— Tuesday morning.
Upon a report by Mr. Palmer from the Committee of
Review for the business of Ministers, it was Ordered— That
Mr. Collier be approved upon former examination. Ordered
1 In Fascicle III there is the following additional entry in this Session-
Proofs voted for chap. 30 and 31 of Confession.'
2 Between this and the previous entry a blank space is left in the MS In
£__£• entiy 1S : ' Proofs voted for chap- 32' 33' and the c«L__
3 '_. g. No further debate,' etc. Fascicle III.

346 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 821. — Mr. Broome1 be approved upon his former examina-
April 6,
1647. tion. Upon a letter from Mr. Proud and Mr. Bradley, who
were desired to confer with Mr. Wood, and to certify the
Assembly, it was
Ordered— That Mr. Wood be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Mr. Scudder made report of the Review of the proofs of
the Confession of Faith for the seven first chapters and part
of the 8th ; and upon debate of it, it was assented to as the
proofs are entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Ordered— That the rest of the 8th chapter, and chapters]
9th to the 17th be referred to the First Committee to
review ; and from chapter 8th to the 25 th to the Second
Committee, and from chapter 26th to the end of the Con
fession to the Third Committee.2
Sess. 822. — April 7, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That a return be made to the Committee for
Plundered Ministers that the Assembly is not satisfied with,
nor do approve of Mr. Burney as sufficient.
Ordered — That Mr Brian be approved upon his ordina
tion by the 7th classis of London. Ordered — That Mr.
Hewet be examined ; and Henry Cooke approved, without
coming up.
Upon Mr. Ley's report that it was not clear that Mr.
Wetherhead had taken the Covenant, it was
Ordered — That he be respited till he bring a testimonial
of his taking the Covenant3
Mr. Palmer made report from the First Committee of
1 Or Brome, for Brougham.
2 In the rough scroll contained in Fascicle III. the minute of this Session,
which is written by another than the ordinary scribe, is worded somewhat
differently from the extended minute given above, and in this extended minute
there are one or two things omitted as being seemingly not deserving of a
place in the more permanent record. The following are the additional
entries: — 'Mr. Ley publ. certif. for Tho. Palmer; Randolph Davies ; Pre
sentation of Ambrose Wethered. Ordered — That he be examined. Present.
of Edw. Brome ; approved upon former examination.' — S.
3 In Fascicle III. the entry is : ' Mr. Ley reported that upon examination
of Ambrose Wethereld, he seemed to hold bishops distinct from presbyters

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 347
the review of the Scriptures of the residue of the 8th sess. 822,
chapter, and it was debated and assented to, as it is Ap6ll'_7'
entered in the margin. 
Mr. Young reported from the 2d1 Committee the Scrip
tures reviewed for the 18th chapter. It was debated and
assented to as it is entered in the margin.
Mr. Prophet reported from the 3d Committee the review
of the 26th chapter, which was debated and voted as it is
entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Sess. 823. — April 8, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Samuel Glover be approved upon his
ordination by the 7th classis of London. Resolved upon
the Q., Mr. John Leer be examined. Upon testimony that
Mr. Wetherhead had taken the Covenant, it was
Resolved noon the Q., That Mr. Wetherhed be examined.
Dr. Gouge reported from the First Committee a review
of chapters] 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, which were de
bated and voted as they are entered in the margin of the
Confession of Faith.
Sess. 824. — April 9, 1647. — Friday morning.
Dr. Hoyle and Mr. Case were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Report was made from the Second and Third Com
mittees of the Review, and they were debated and voted as
they are entered in the margin of the Confession of Faith.
Ordered — That the Committee for the Catechism make
report on Monday morning of what they have done.
Ordered — Mr. David James be approved upon his former
ordination if he bring a copy of his testimonial.
Sess. 825. — April 12, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Foulkes be respited for a while. Mr.
Robert Andrews and Mr. Haward are to be examined.
jure divino, and that it was not clear that he had taken the Covenant. It was
respited till he brought a testimonial of his taking the Covenant.'
1 Apparently 3d in MS., but the report of the 3d Committee follows. In
Fascicle III. it is distinctly 2d.

348 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 825. Mr. Young made report of the review of the 22d and
1647!.2' 23°^ chapters, and they were debated and assented to.1
 Ordered — That Mr. Wetherhed have an approbation.
Ordered — That there be a Committee to consider of
something to be presented to the House of Commons,
together with the former votes of the old Articles. Ordered
— That Dr. Burges, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Gower,
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Greene, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Seaman, Dr.
Smith, Mr. Sedgwicke, and Mr. Ny shall be this Com
mittee. The care of it is referred to Mr. Gower. They
are to meet in the afternoon.
Sess. 826. — April 13, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Silverwood be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Fen be approved upon his
former ordination.
An order was brought for Mr. Hall, and upon debate of
it, it was
Ordered — That there shall be a Committee to consider
of an answer to this order concerning Mr. Hall ; and that
Dr. Temple, Mr. Sedgwicke, Dr. Smith, Mr. Gower, Mr.
Seaman, Mr. Salway, Mr. Young, Mr. Good, Mr. Johnson,
Mr. Greene, Mr. Cawdry, to2 be this Committee. They
are to meet this afternoon.
Mr. Prophet made report from the Third Committee of
review of the Scriptures for the 31st chapter, and it was
debated and assented to.
Mr. Gower made report of the Preface to the old Articles.
Sess. 827. — April 14, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— That Mr. Kent be examined. Ordered— That
Mr. Foulkes be respited till Monday next.
Report was made of the answer to the Committee of the
House of Commons for Plundered Ministers concerning
Mr. Hall. It was read and debated, and upon debate
voted, and is as followeth. . . . Ordered — To be carried up
1 In Fascicle III. the following entry immediately succeeds the above :—
'Mr. P:_^'.-:t r._I; -y ~:t ;: i_y-_r;; f;r ;:;t iL-,,1., and reported just
nothing.' 2 Sic in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 349
by the Committee, and (that) Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Corbet, Sess. 827.
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Scudder, Mr. Ny, and Mr. Prophet be ^g1'4'
added to that Committee. 
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. James be approved upon his
former approbation.
The Assembly debated the Report about the Preface to
the 39 Articles, and upon debate it was recommitted.
Report was made from the Committee for the Catechism,
of some part of the Larger Catechism by Dr. Stanton.
Ordered — Mr. Clark be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered — That a return be made concerning Mr. Burney,
that the Assembly do not think him fit for any ministerial
employment. Ordered — To debate the Catechism to
morrow. Sess. 828. — April 15, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Dr. Smith made report from the Committee for Plun
dered Ministers that the Committee did concur with the
Assembly in both their requests.
Ordered— That Mr. Wilson, Mr. Gower, and Mr. Wallis
do draw up, in the margin of two books of the Confession
of Faith, the Scriptures, to be presented to the Parliament.
Ordered — That the Scribes do write out what is done
upon the old Articles, and insert the Scriptures in the
margin to be presented to the Parliament.
The Assembly entered upon debate of the Larger Debate of
Catechism ; and upon debate it was ^Catfehism
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the chief and highest/
end of man ? A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify
God, and [fully to enjoy Him for ever.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How doth it appear that there
is a God ? A. The very light of nature in man, and the
works of God, declare plainly that there is a God ; but
His word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually
reveal Him unto men for their salvation.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the word of God ?
A. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament
are the word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.
1 i.e. Scripture-proofs.

350 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 828. Resolved upon the Q., Q. How doth it appear that the
APi64715' Scriptures are the word of God ? A. The Scriptures
 manifest themselves to be the. word of God by their
Catechism, majesty and purity ; by the consent of all the parts, and
the scope of the whole, which is to give all glory to God ;
by their light and power to convince and convert sinners,
to comfort and build up believers unto salvation.
Upon debate about the next question, 'What is able
fully to persuade the heart the Scriptures are indeed the
word of God ?' and the answer to it, it was Resolved
upon the Q., Not to stand in two answers. Resolved to
stand in one answer. Resolved upon the Q., This addition
shall be made unto the former answer : ' But the Spirit of
God bearing witness by and with the Scriptures in the
heart of man, is alone able fully to persuade it that they
are the very word of God.'
Ordered — Q. What do the Scriptures principally teach ?
A. The Scriptures principally teach, what man is to be
lieve concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What do the Scriptures make
known of God? A. The Scriptures make known what
God is, His properties, the persons in the Godhead.
Sess. 829. Resolved upon the Q., It shall be added, ' His decrees,
and the execution of them.'
Ordered — Q. What is God ? A. God is a Spirit, infinite
in being and perfection.
Ordered — Q. Are there more Gods than one ? A. There
is but one only, the living and true God.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are the properties of
God ? A. God is almighty, all-sufficient, eternal, unchange-
{Sk) R. able, everywhere present, knowing all things, most wise,
most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-
suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How many persons are there
in the Godhead ? A. There be three persons in the God
head, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; and these
three are one true, eternal God, equal in substance, power,
and glory.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is proper to each of

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 35 I
these persons ? __. It is proper to the Father to beget the Sess. 828.
Son, and to the Son to be begotten of the Father, and to Af^J5'
the Holy Ghost to proceed from the Father and the Son 
from all eternity.
Ordered — Mr. Whelpdale bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 829. — April 16, 1647. — Friday morning.
Dr. Gouge and Mr. Sedgwicke were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Arnaker1 be examined. Ordered — Mr.
Chetwin be approved upon his ordination. Ordered — Mr.
Foulkes be examined. Ordered — Mr. Yaxley 2 be approved
upon his former approbation.
The parts of the translation of Martin Luther's last Luther's
Discourses were delivered to the several members of the j^^s"
Assembly to read over, and to certify their thoughts of
them to the Assembly on Thursday next.
Ordered — That Mr. Sedgwicke and Mr. Strong do visit
Mr. Perne in the name of the Assembly.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism, Larger
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What Catechlsm-
are the decrees of God ? A. God's decrees are the wise,
free, and holy acts of the counsel of His will, whereby, from
all eternity, He hath for His own glory, unchangeably fore
ordained whatsoever comes to pass in time, especially con
cerning angels and men.
Upon a debate about adjourning, the question was put,
for 8 and 9 o'clock on Monday morning, and carried nega
tive ; and then the question was put for ten o'clock, and
carried affirmative. April 19, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Deane be examined.
April 20, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
[A blank here, and in Fascicle III.]
April 21, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Packwood be approved. Ordered — Mr.
Ward be examined.
1 Arwaker in Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 146. 2 Or Yasley.

352 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 829. Ordered— Mr. Estrop be respited till to-morrow morn-
A_647.r' inS> and inquiry be made of the Order of the House of
 Commons. Ordered— That the former vote for the sitting of the
Assembly and debating no business of ministers in the
morning session till the Confession of Faith be finished,
shall be observed till the finishing of the Catechism.
The several members that had read over the parts of the
translation of Martin Luther's last Discourses made report
of what they observed in the books read by them, to this
purpose, that * they did not think them fit to be published,
though some good things were in them, yet many things
are unworthy of him.'
Sess. 830. — April 22, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Worthington x be approved without
coming up to be examined. Resolved — Mr. Withers
shall not come up to be examined. Resolved upon the
Q., Mr. Watson be excused from coming up to be
examined. Ordered — Mr. Clark bring a better testimonial. Ordered
— Mr. Crosse be approved upon his former ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Giles be approved upon his former exami
nation. An Order was brought from the House of Commons
about the Articles and Confession of Faith. It was read,
and is as followeth2 . . .
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism
concerning the decrees concerning angels and men ; and
1 Perhaps Worthington, Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, who
had gone, like Sprigge (Sess. 639), to the Bishop of Lincoln for ordination, and
had been chosen as one of the University preachers. See his ' Diary,' pp.
26, 27.
2 Resolved, etc. — That the Assembly be required to send into this House,
according to former order, the former Articles of the Church of England, so
far as they have proceeded in them, with the texts of Scripture to them ; and
that they be sent in by Tuesday next.
Resolved, etc.— That on this day sevennight the House do take into con
sideration the Confession of Faith, presented from the Assembly of Divines,
and that the Assembly be required in the meantime to send in the texts ol
Scripture to them so far as they have proceeded in them. — Journals of House
of Commons, vol. v. p. 151.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 353
upon debate the Question and Answer concerning the said Sess. 830.
, April 22,
decrees were i647
Resolved upon the Q., Not to stand as brought in ; and 
Resolved upon the O., To be recommitted.
The return to the Order of the Honbk House of Peers
concerning the Translation of Martin Luther's last divine
Discourses was debated and assented to, and is as fol
loweth1 . . .
Sess. 831. — April 23, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Ny and Dr. Smith were appointed to pray with the
Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Withers be approved without coming
up to be examined. Ordered — Mr. Simpkins be approved
upon former examination. Ordered— Mr. Richard Ward
be approved upon his former examination. Ordered — Mr.
Edmund Hall be examined. Ordered — Mr. Robert Cocke
be examined.
The Assembly debated the Preface to the old Articles,
and upon debate it was recommitted ; and some to with
draw and alter some things in it.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism
concerning the decrees of God concerning angels and
men; and upon debate it was respited to further con
sideration. Report was made of the alterations in the Preface to the
old Articles; and upon debate it was assented to and
ordered to be transcribed, and is as followeth2 . . .
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Battell be examined.
1 As usual, the return is wanting in the MS. , but has been inserted in the
Journals of the House of Lords (vol. ix. p. 175).
' The Assembly of Divines ... do humbly certify that they have perused
the translation of the said Luther's Discourses (a man whose praise is
throughout all the churches of Christ), and do find in them many good things,
the most whereof are extant in his known and approved works ; but withal
there are very many passages contrary to such gravity and modesty, so as we
humbly conceive they are very unfit for public use, notwithstanding the great
pains of the translator.'
The book appears, notwithstanding this unfavourable opinion of the
Assembly, to have been published in 1651.
2 Not inserted in MS. nor in Journals of either House of Parliament.
Z

354 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 832. Sess. 832. — April 26, 1647. — Monday morning.
K\^\^' Ordered— -That Dr. Smith, Mr. Greene, Mr. Gibson, Mr.
 Corbet, Mr. De la Place, Mr. Salway, Mr. De la March, Mr.
Gower, Mr. Dury, shall be a Committee to carry up the
Scriptures for the Confession of Faith and the old Articles
to both Houses of Parliament1
The Assembly debated the Catechism about the De
crees ; and upon debate it was
Larger Resolved upon the Q., Q. What hath God decreed con-
' cerning angels and men?' A. God, by an eternal and im
mutable decree, out of his mere love, for the praise of his
glorious grace, to be manifested in due time, hath elected
some angels to glory ; and hath in Christ chosen some men
to eternal life, and the means thereof: and also, according
1 They were presented to both Houses on 29th April. The Journals of the
House of Lords simply bear that ' a message was brought from the Assembly
of Divines by Dr. Smyth, etc., to present the proofs of Scripture upon which
every Article of the Confession of Faith is grounded. ' The Journals of the
House of Commons contain the following more detailed account of the busi
ness : — 'The House being informed that, according to the Order on Tuesday
last, divers of the divines of the. Assembly were at the door ; They were called
in, and Dr. Smyth acquainted the House that, according to two Orders that
the divines of the Assembly had received from this House,' he was commanded
to present to this House the texts of Scripture applied to the Articles of the
Confession of Faith, and the proceedings they have made upon the Nine-and-
thirty Articles. Resolved, etc. — That on Wednesday next come sevennight the
first business, and nothing to intervene, the House do take into consideration
the Confession of Faith, with the places of Scripture annexed, and the pro
ceedings the divines have made in the Nine-and-thirty Articles. Ordered—
That six hundred copies, and no more, of the Advice of the Assembly of
Divines concerning the Confession of Faith, with the quotations and texts of
Scripture annexed, presented to this House, and likewise six hundred copies
of the proceedings of the Assembly of Divines upon the Nine-and-thirty
Articles of the Church of England, be forthwith printed for the service of
both Houses and of the Assembly of Divines ; and the printer is enjoined
at his peril not to print more than six hundred copies of each, or to divulge or
publish any of them. It is further Ordered— That no person presume to
reprint, divulge, or publish the said Advice or proceedings, or any part of
them, till further order be taken by both or either of the Houses of Parliament.
Ordered— That thanks be given to the Assembly of Divines for their great
pains in these services. The divines of the Assembly were called in, and Mr.
Speaker, by the command of the House, did accordingly give them thanks for
their great pains in these services, and did acquaint them that this House had
appointed a day to take into consideration the matters now presented, and
had made an Order for their printing six hundred of each with all speed as
maybe' (vol. v. p. 156).

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 355
to his sovereign power, and the unsearchable counsel of his Sess. 832.
own will (whereby he extendeth or withholdeth favour as Ap04726'
he pleaseth), hath passed by and foreordained the rest to 
dishonour and wrath, to be for their sin inflicted, to the Catechism.
praise of the glory of his justice.
Ordered — Q. How doth God execute his decrees ? A .
God executeth his decrees in his works of creation and
providence. Ordered — Q. What is the work of creation? A. The
work of creation is that wherein God did in the beginning,
by the word of his power, make of nothing the world, and
all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days,
and all very good.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did God create the
angels ? A. God created all the angels spirits, holy,
immortal, mighty in power, to execute his commandments,
and to praise his name, yet subject to change.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did God create man ?
A. God on the sixth day formed man's body of the dust
of the ground, breathed into it a living, reasonable, and
immortal soul, made him after his own image in know
ledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the
creatures, yet subject to fall.
Ordered — Q. What are God's works of providence ? A.
God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and
powerful preserving and governing of all his creatures,
ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is God's providence
towards the angels ? A. God by his providence permitted
some of the angels to fall irrecoverably into sin and damna
tion, established the rest in holiness and happiness, employ
ing them all at his pleasure in the administrations of his
power, mercy, and justice.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the providence of God
towards man ? A. The providence of God towards man
is the preserving, governing, and ordering him in his several
estates.

356 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 833. Sess. 833. — April 29, 1647. — Thursday morning.
164729' Ordered — That Mr. Dickenson be examined. Ordered
 — Mr. Bayley be examined. Ordered — Mr. Higgenbotham
be respited till he bring a better testimonial from Mr.
West.
Larger The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
ec ism. an^ Up0n debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What
was the providence of God towards man in his first
estate ? A. The providence of God towards man in his
first estate was placing him in paradise, appointing him to
dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth,
putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining
marriage for his help : in affording him communion with
himself, instituting the Sabbath, entering into a covenant
of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and
perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge,
and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil, upon pain of death.
Dr. Smith informed the Assembly that they had de
livered the Confession of Faith with Scriptures, and the
old Articles, to both Houses of Parliament ; and that the
House of Commons had appointed the Assembly to print
600 copies of them both.
The Earl of Lauderdale J came into the Assembly, and
presented a letter from the Parliament of Scotland to the
Assembly. It was read, and is as followeth 2 . . . Upon
the reading of the letter, the Prolocutor, in the name and
by the order of the Assembly, declared to that noble Lord
how thankfully the Assembly doth take the great honour
the Parliament of Scotland hath been pleased to put upon
this Assembly in writing to them ; and that what is want-
' In MS., Lotherdaile. The notes of the Prolocutor's address, found in
Fascicle III., are even more brief than the summary given above.
2 Not in printed proceedings of Scotch Parliament of 1647. Probably it
was of the same tenor as the letter to the English Parliament inserted in the
Journals of the House of Lords on 27th April 1647. This letter intimates that
the Commissioners of the Scotch Parliament are authorized .to join with those
of the English in urging forward a treaty of peace, and expresses the earnest
desire of the former, ' that reformation of religion and uniformity, which was
the chief ground of our engagement in the cause, may be speedily settled and
put in practice.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 357
ing in our return shall be supplied in our prayers for them, Sess. 833.
and in our endeavours for expedition in the work that is Ap6479,
before us. 
Upon a testimonial for Mr. Higgenbotham from Mr,
West, it was
Ordered — That Mr. Higgenbotham be examined.

-April 30, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Guibon and Dr. Burges were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Higgenbotham be respited
till Wednesday next. Ordered — Mr. Dickenson be re
spited till the next afternoon.
Ordered — A return be made concerning Mr. Wilson, that
the Assembly hath already passed another for the same
place by a presentation.
Ordered — That Mr. Gone be respited till satisfaction
concerning the reasons of his remove.
A letter was brought from Utrecht concerning Mr.
Remington ; it was read, and is as followeth . . . Ordered
— That Dr. Burges, Mr. Johnson, Dr. Gouge, and Dr.
Smith, shall be a Committee to prepare an answer to this
letter.1 Ordered — That a return be made to the Committee for
Plundered Ministers that Mr. Ward is not a presbyter, and
so the Assembly cannot examine or approve the fitness of
the said Mr. Ward for the cure mentioned in the Order of
that Committee. Sess. 834. — May 3, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Lawson be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Greene be respited till the
Assembly be better satisfied with his testimonial. Ordered
— Mr. Crabb be approved upon his ordination.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was
1 In Fascicle III., the following additional entry is made : ' Upon a motion
from the Committee for expediting the work of Assembly [_.] ; the said Com
mittee do meet and consider of this business, and make report on Wednesday
next.'

358 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 834. Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did man fall from that
^73' first estate of innocency ? A. Our first parents being left
 to [the] freedom of their own will, through the temptation
Catechism, of Satan, transgressed the commandment of God in eating
the forbidden fruit, and thereby fell from the state of
innocency. The Answer to the next question, viz. ' Did all mankind
fall in that first transgression ?' was recommitted.
Ordered — Mr. Rees1 Price be respited till a better testi
monial from ministers. Ordered — Mr. Smith be approved
upon his former ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Gere2 be respited till satisfaction about
his taking of the covenant.
Ordered — Mr. Higgenbotham be approved. Ordered—
Mr. Chaplyn be approved upon his former examination.
Sess. 835. — May 4, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Greene, Mr. Clarke be
examined. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism,
and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What estate did the fall bring
mankind into ? A. The fall brought mankind into an
estate of sin and misery.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is sin? A. Sin is any
want of conformity unto, and3 transgression of, the law of
God, given as a rule to the reasonable creature.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Wherein consisteth the sinful
ness of that estate whereinto man fell ? A. The sinfulness
of that estate whereinto man fell, consisteth in the guilt of
Adam's first sin, the want of that righteousness wherein he
was created, and the corruption of his nature, whereby he
is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite unto all
that is spiritually good, and wholly inclined to all evil, and
that continually ; which is commonly called Original Sin,
and from which do proceed all actual transgressions.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is original sin conveyed
from our first parents unto their posterity? A. Original
1 Or Rice. 2 Or Gore. s sic in MS

Altered Sess. 839-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 359
sin is conveyed from our first parents unto their posterity Sess. 835.
by natural generation, so as all that proceed from them in ^aJ74'
that way are conceived and born in sin. - —
Ordered — Q. What misery did the fall bring upon man- catechism.
kind? A. The fall brought upon mankind the loss of
communion with God, his displeasure and curse ; so as we
are by nature children of wrath, bond slaves to Satan, and
justly liable to all punishments in this world, and that
which is to come.
Ordered — Q. What are the punishments of sin in this
world? A. The punishments of sin in this world are
either inward, as blindness of mind, a reprobate sense, strong
delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile
affections ; or outward, as the curse of God upon the crea
tures for our sakes, and all other evils that befall us in our
bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments, together
with death itself.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are the punishments of
sin in the world to come ? A. The punishments of sin in
the world to come, are everlasting separation from the
comfortable presence of God, and most grievous torments,
without intermission, in hell-fire for ever.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Doth God leave all mankind to
perish in the estate of sin and misery ? A. God doth not
leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery,
into which they fell by the breach of the first covenant,
commonly called the Covenant of Works, but of his mere
love and mercy delivereth his elect out of it, and bringeth
them into an estate of salvation by the second covenant,
commonly called the covenant of grace.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. With whom was the covenant
of grace made ? A. The covenant of grace was made with
Christ as the second Adam, and in him with all the elect
as his seed.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is the grace of God mani
fested in the second covenant? A. The grace of God is
manifested in the second covenant, in that freely offering
life and salvation to sinners by Jesus Christ, and requiring
of .them faith in him and obedience to him, he giveth to

360 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 835. all the elect his Holy Spirit to work in them that faith,
Mi647.' which he requireth, and all other graces accompanying
 salvation. Ordered— That Dr. Stanton, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Tuck
ney, and Mr. Ash be added to the Committee for expedi
tion of the business of the Sacrament.
Sess. 836. — May 5, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Price be examined. Resolved upon the Q.,
Mr. Nevill be examined.
Larger The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
' and considering the question and answer recommitted [in]
sess[ion] 834, it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. Did all man
kind fall in the first transgression ? A. The covenant being
made with Adam as a publick person, not for himself only,
but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by
ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in
that first transgression.
Ordered — Q. Was the covenant of grace always admini
stered after one and the same manner? A. The covenant
of grace was differently administered under the Old Testa
ment and under the New.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How was the covenant of grace
administered under the Old Testament ? A . The covenant
of grace was administered under the Old Testament by
promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, passover, and
other types and ordinances, which did all fore-signify Christ
then to come, and were for that time sufficient to build up
the elect in faith in the promised Messiah, by whom they
then had full remission of sin, and eternal salvation.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How was the covenant of grace
administered under the New Testament? A. Under the
New Testament, when Christ the substance was exhibited,
the same covenant of grace was and still is to be admini
stered in the preaching of the word, and the administration
of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper ; in
Sic. which grace and salvation is held forth in more fulness,
evidence, and efficacy, to all nations.
Resolved upon the Q., Q, Who is the Mediator of the

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 36 1
covenant of grace ? A. The only Mediator of the covenant Sess. 836.
of grace is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal ^ay s'
Son of God, of one substance and equal with the Father, 
in the fulness of time became man, and so was and con- catechism.
tinues to be God and man, in two entire distinct natures,
and one person, for ever.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How doth it appear that Jesus
Christ is the very and true God ? A. The Scriptures mani
fest that Jesus Christ is the very and true God, ascribing
to him such names, attributes, works, and worship as are
proper to God only.1
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did Christ, being the Son
of God, become man ? A. Christ the Son of God became
man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable
soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in
the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance, and born
of her, yet without sin.
An order was made authorizing Mr. Byfield, one of the
Scribes, to receive the Revenues of the Archbishopric of
Canterbury from the Trustees of London for the use of
the Assembly. It is as followeth . . .
Dr. Stanton made report of some alterations in the Cate
chism committed.
Ordered — Mr. Dickenson be approved.
Sess. 837. — May 6, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Rees Price have his certificate
upon the testimonial of his taking the covenant.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Clarke shall be examined
again. The Assembly debated the Catechism ; and upon debate
it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. Why was it requisite that
the Mediator should be God ? A.!t was requisite that the
Mediator should be God, that he might sustain and keep
the human nature from sinking under the infinite wrath of
God, give worth and efficacy to his sufferings, obedience,
and intercession, and so satisfy God's justice, procure his
favour, purchase a peculiar people, give his Spirit to them,
1 Subsequently included in the answer to Q. 11.

362 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 837. conquer all their enemies, and bring them to everlasting

May 6,
1647.

salvation. Resolved upon the Q., Q. Why was it requisite that the

Catechism. Mediator should be man ? __. It was requisite that the
Mediator should be man, that he might advance the nature
of man, perform obedience to the law, suffer and intercede
for us in our nature, have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities,
that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have com
fort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Why was it requisite that the
Mediator should be God and man in one person ? A. It
was requisite that the Mediator, who was to reconcile God
and man, should himself be both God and man, and this
in one person, that the proper works of each nature might
be accepted of God for us, and relied upon by us, as the
works of the whole person.
Ordered — Q. Why was our Mediator called Jesus ? A.
Our Mediator was called Jesus, because he saveth his
people from their sins.
Ordered — Q. Why was our Mediator called Christ? A.
Our Mediator was called Christ, because he was anointed
with the Holy Ghost above measure, and so set apart, and
fully furnished with all authority and ability, to execute
the offices of prophet, priest, and king of his church, in the
estate both of his humiliation and exaltation.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How doth Christ execute the
office of a prophet? A. Christ executeth the office of a
prophet, in his revealing to the church, in all ages, by his
Spirit and word, in divers ways of administration, the
whole will of God, in all things concerning their edification
and salvation.
A letter was brought into the Assembly by the Commit
tee to be sent to the Classis of Utrecht, in answer to their
letter concerning Mr. Remington. It was debated and
assented to, and is as followeth . . .

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 363
Sess. 838. — May 7, 1647. — Friday morning. Sess. 838.
r-r* __"elV *7
Resolved upon the Q., That the Assessors be excused ^47. '
from praying [with the Lords and Commons].
Ordered — Mr. Lightfoot and Mr. Raynor were appointed
to pray with the Lords and Commons, the week following.
Mr. Assessor Palmer, notwithstanding the former vote,1
tendered himself to pray with the House of Commons the
week following, and accordingly he supplied Mr. Raynor's
turn. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ; Larger
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How Catechism.
doth Christ execute the office of a priest ? A. Christ
executeth the office of a priest, in his once offering himself
a sacrifice without spot to God, to be a reconciliation for
the sins of his people, and by making continual interces
sion on their behalf.
The next question, How doth Christ execute the office
of a priest ? 2 and the answer to it, was recommitted.
Sess. 839. — May 10, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. John Hanley3 be respited. Ordered — Mr.
Robert Powell be examined. Ordered — Mr. Newman be
approved upon his former ordination and examination,
An order was brought from the Committee for Plundered
Ministers to certify the causes of the Assembly's refusing
to approve of Mr. Warren ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to
consider of an answer ; but upon further debate it was
Ordered — That the information received now in the hands
of Mr. Gower be drawn up by Mr. Gower against to-morrow
morning. The Assembly proceeded 'in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What
was the state of Christ's humiliation ? A. The estate of
Christ's humiliation was that low condition, wherein he for
our sakes, emptying himself of his glory, took upon him
1 i.e. the vote exempting the Assessors from taking their turn with other
members. in praying with the Lords and Commons.
2 Put by a clerical error for ' king,' as appears from minute of Sess. 841.
3 Or Stanley, as in Sess. 849, and Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 209.

364 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 839. the form of a servant, in his conception and birth, life, death,
16471.0' and after his death, until his resurrection.
 Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did Christ humble himself
Catechism, in his conception and birth ? A. Christ humbled himself
in his conception and birth, in that, being the Son of God
from all eternity, in the bosom of the Father, he was pleased
in the fulness of time to become the Son of man, made of
a woman of low estate, and to be born of her with divers
circumstances of more than ordinary abasement.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did Christ humble him
self in his life? A. Christ humbled himself in his life, by
subjecting himself to the law, which he perfectly fulfilled,
and by conflicting with the indignities of the world, tempta
tions of Satan, and infirmities in his flesh, whether common
to the nature of man, or particularly accompanying that
his low condition.
Sess. 840. — May 11, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. John Bennet be approved upon his former
examination and ordination. Ordered — Mr. Bankes be ap
proved upon his former ordination. Ordered — Mr. Smal-
wood be approved upon his former approbation.
Mr. Gower reported the reasons of the refusal of Mr.
Warren. It was debated and assented to.
Resolved upon the Q., That this be transcribed and sent
to the Committee. It is as followeth . . .
Upon Mr. Hodges his suggestion that he had some
letters at home that would serve to the clearing of Mr.
Warren, it was Ordered— That Mr. Hodges do bring his
letters to clear Mr. Warren to-morrow morning if he have
any. Sess. 841. — May 12, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered—Mr. Mawdit be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered—Mr. Gladman be approved upon his former exa
mination. Mr. Scudder had leave to go into the country.
Mr. Hodges being desired to produce any letters that he
had in behalf of Mr. Warren, he said he had before de-

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 365
livered the letters and testimonial to the party whom it did Sess. 841
concern. M^2>
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ; 
and upon debate of the former question about the kingly Catechism.
office of Christ formerly recommitted, it was
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How doth Christ execute the
office of a king ? A. Christ executes the office of a king,
in calling out of the world a people for his name, and giving
them officers, laws, and censures, by which he visibly governs
them ; in bestowing saving grace upon his elect, rewarding
their obedience, and correcting them for their sins, preserv
ing and supporting them under all their temptations and
sufferings, restraining and overcoming all their enemies, and
powerfully ordering all things for his own glory and their
good ; and also in taking vengeance on the rest, who know
not God, or obey not the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mr. Ny and Mr. Simpson enter their dissent to these Ny and
words, ' by which he visibly governs them.' dissect" S
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How did Christ humble him
self in his death ? A. Christ humbled himself in his
death, in that, having been betrayed by Judas, forsaken
by his disciples, scorned and rejected by the world, con
demned by Pilate, and tormented by his persecutors,
having also conflicted with the terrors of death and the
powers of darkness, felt and borne the weight of God's
wrath, he laid down his life an offering for sins, enduring
the painful, shameful, and cursed death of the cross.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Wherein consisted Christ's
humiliation after death ? A. Christ's humiliation after his
death consisted in his being buried, and continuing in the
state of the dead, and under the power of death till the
third day, which hath been otherwise expressed in these
words, He descended into hell.
Mr. Ny enters his dissent. disJent.
Sess. 842. — May 13, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered— -That Mr. Gale be approved upon his ordination.
Upon an order for approbation of Mr. Crosse, a member
of this Assembly, for a sequestration, it was

366 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 842. Ordered— That1 it be signified to Mr. Crosse that he is
MaZ713' a member of the Assembly, and the Assembly doth desire
 his presence, and then they shall speak with him about
the business.
Upon a debate concerning Mr. Wilson, ordered by the
Committee for Plundered Ministers, to be examined, it
was Resolved upon the Q., That a return be sent to the
Committee for Plundered Ministers, That the Assembly
had approved another for the same place upon a presen
tation before their order for Mr. Wilson was received.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism,
Catechism, and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What
was the estate of Christ's exaltation ? A. The estate of
Christ's exaltation comprehends his resurrection, ascen
sion, sitting at the right hand of God2 the Father, and his
coming again to judge the world.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How was Christ exalted in his
resurrection ? A. Christ was exalted in his resurrection,
in that, not having seen corruption in death (of which it
was not possible for him to be held), and having the very
same body in which he suffered, with the essential pro
perties thereof (but without mortality, and other common
infirmities belonging to this life), really united to his soul,
he rose again from the dead the third day by his own
power ; whereby he declared himself to be the Son of
God, to have satisfied divine justice, to have vanquished
death, and him that had the power of it, to be Lord of
quick and dead : all which he did as a publick person,
the head of his church, for their justification, quickening
in grace, support against enemies, and to assure them of
their resurrection from the dead at the last day.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How was Christ exalted in
his ascension ? A . Christ was exalted in his ascension, in
that having often appeared unto and conversed with His
apostles, speaking to them of the things pertaining to the
1 In MS. 'that that.'
2 In MS. the word ' God' had originally stood before ' the Father,' but it
seems to have been erased by a stroke of the pen.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 367
kingdom of God, and giving them commission to preach Sess. 842.
the gospel to all nations, forty days after his resurrection, Mrf.~3'
he, in our nature, and as our head, triumphing over 
enemies, visibly went up into the highest heavens, there 847! 4 '
to receive gifts for men, to raise up our affections thither,
and to prepare a place for us, where himself is, and
is to continue till his second coming at the end of the
world. Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is Christ exalted in his
sitting at the right hand of God ? A. Christ is exalted in
his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he
is advanced to [the] highest favour with God the Father,
"g-1 873,
with all fulness of joy, glory, authority! and power over Sess- |46,
all things in heaven and earth ; and doth gather and
defend his church, and subdue their enemies ; furnisheth
his ministry and people with gifts and graces, and maketh
intercession for them.
Sess. 843. — May 14, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Greene and Mr. Rayner were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Floate and Mr. Eve2 be approved
upon their former examination.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism, Larger
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How a ec ism-
doth Christ make intercession ? A. Christ makes inter
cession, by his appearing in our name3 continually before
the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and
sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to
all believers ; answering all accusations against them, pro
curing for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily
failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and
acceptance of their persons and services.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is Christ to be exalted
1 Neg. or negative, i.e. the vote was not to retain ' authority' in the Answer,
and the word authority was struck out in one of the Sessions named on the
margin. 2 See Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 197. 3 Sic in MS.

368 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 843. in his coming again to judge the world ? A. Christ is to
164714' De exalted in his coming again to judge the world, in that
 he, who was unjustly judged and condemned by wicked
Catechism, men, shall come again at the last day in the full manifes
tation of his great power and glory, and of his Father's,
with all his holy angels, with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trumpet of God, to judge the world
in righteousness.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How do we come to be made
partakers of the benefit[s] which Christ hath purchased for
us? A. We are made partakers of the benefits which
Christ hath purchased for us by the application of them
to us, which is the work especially of God the Holy Ghost,
the very and true God.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How doth it appear that the
Holy Ghost is God ? A. The Scriptures manifest that the
Holy Ghost is God, the very and true God, ascribing to
him such names, attributes, works, and worship as are
proper to God only.1
Sess. 844. — May 17, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Marshall be approved upon his former
ordination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Browne be excused from com
ing up to be examined. Ordered — Mr. Hanly2 be respited
till Wednesday.
Ordered — The two assessors and scribes do consider how
much money hath been received by the Assembly, and
what is due in arrear to the Assembly. Ordered— That
there be another Committee to audit the accounts of the
Assembly for all the members of it.3 Ordered— That Dr.
Smith, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Spurstow, Mr.
Hickes, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Price, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Good,
shall be this Committee, and the care [of it] to be referred
to Mr. Seaman.
1 Subsequently embraced in the Answer to Question 11.
2 Or Stanly. See note 3, p. 363.
3 Fascicle III. here adds, ' See Mr. Robrough's book,' which seems to show
the scribes had other books than those still extant in Byfield's handwriting.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 369
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism, and Sess. 844.
upon debate it was ^ »7»
Resolved upon the Q., These two questions and answers, 
' Q. Do all men equally partake of the benefits of Christ ? Catechism.
A. Although from Christ some common favours redound to
all mankind, and some special privileges to the visible church,
yet none partake of the principal benefits of his mediation
but only such as are members of the church invisible.
' Q. What common favours redound from Christ to all
mankind ? A. Besides much forbearance and many sup
plies for this life, which all mankind receive from Christ as
Lord of all, they by him are made capable of having salva
tion tendered to them by the gospel, and are under such
dispensations of providence and operations of the Spirit as J
lead to repentance,' —
shall stand for debate in order to the Catechism.
Dr. Burges made report of the arrears to be certified
to the Treasurers ; and it was assented to, and is as fol
loweth . . .
Ordered — Mr. Esthorpe be approved and his approba
tion certified to the Honble House of Commons.
Sess. 845. — May 18, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
The order of the Assembly for Mr. Byfield to receive
the money from the Trustees had some alterations in it,
and it was assented to by the Assembly.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism,
and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., The two former questions and
answers shall be recommitted ; x and the Commissioners
from the Church of Scotland are desired to be present.
Ordered — Mr. Miles be respited. Ordered — Mr. Wilson
be approved upon his former examination.
An Order was brought from the House of Lords con
cerning Mr. Hall. It is as followeth2 .... The former
Committee were appointed to prepare an answer.
1 Fascicle III. adds, ' Mr. Delmy, Mr. Raynor, Mr. Bridge, Mr. Guibon,
Mr. Strong, Dr Gouge the Committee.'
2 Printed in the Journals of the House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 192.
2 A

Catechism.

370 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 846. Sess. 846. — May 19, 1647.— Wednesday morning.
Mi647?' An answer to the Lords of an Order concerning Mr. Hall
 was read, and upon debate1 ordered to be sent to the
House of Lords. Ordered— That Dr. Smith, Dr. Burges,
Mr. Gower, and Mr. Greene shall carry it up.2
Ordered — That Mr. Batchelor be certified as one whom
the Assembly cannot approve of, because they have received
from the Committee of Kent his name as 3 one who was a
principal actor and abettor of the insurrection in Kent.
Ordered — Mr. Burrell be approved upon his former ex
amination. Sess. 847. — May 20, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Latham be approved upon his former
ordination. Ordered — Mr Hopkins approved upon his
former ordination. Ordered — Mr. Vaughan be respited
from examination for the present for a better testimonial.
Larger The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism,
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
effectual calling ? A. Effectual calling is the work of
God's almighty power and grace, whereby (out of his free
and special love to his elect, and from nothing in them
moving him thereunto) he doth, in his accepted time,
invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his word and
Spirit, savingly enlightening their minds, renewing and
powerfully determining their wills, so as they (although in
themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able
freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the
grace offered and conveyed in it.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Are the elect only, effectually
called ? A. All the elect, and they only, are effectually
called, although others may be, and often are, outwardly
called by the ministry of the word, and have some com
mon operations of the Spirit, who, for their wilful neglect
and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly
left in their unbelief, do never truly come unto Jesus Christ.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the communion in
1 In MS. 'debated.'
2 Given at length in the Journals of the House, vol. ix. pp. 201 and 202.
3 In MS. 'as as,' or 'as of.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 3 7 I
grace which the members of the invisible church have with Sess. 847.
Christ? A. The communion in grace which the members i$J?'
of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking 
Larger
of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification, adop- Catechism.
tion, sanctification, and whatever else in this life manifests Se!,s- 855-
their union with him.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is justification ? A.
Justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners, in
which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth
their persons righteous in his sight, not for anything
wrought in them, or done by them, but only for the per
fect obedience and full satisfaction of Christ, by God
imputed to them, and received by faith alone.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is justification an act of
God's free grace ? A. Although Christ, by his obedience
and death, did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to
God's justice in the behalf of them that are justified ; yet
inasmuch as God accepteth the satisfaction from a surety,
which he might have demanded of them, [and] did provide
this surety, his own only Son, imputing his righteousness
to them, and requiring nothing of them for their justifica
tion but faith, which also is his gift, their justification is to
them of free grace.
Resolved upon the Q., The old Committee shall stand
for the distribution of the money now received for the use
of the Assembly. Resolved upon the Q., This Committee
shall proceed according [to] the late rules for distribution.
Ordered — The Committee to meet this afternoon.
Ordered — Mr. Whelpdale be examined.
Sess. 848. — May 21, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hickes and Mr. Gower were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons.
Ordered— That Mr. Mell1 be approved upon his former
examination. A letter was brought into the Assembly from the
Churches of Switzerland.2 It was read, and is as fol-
1 So also in Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 203.
2 In Fascicle III., 'the divines of Tigurine,' i.e. Zurich, town or canton,
or perhaps East Switzerland generally.

372 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 848. loweth . . . Ordered— That Mr. Marshall, Mr. Seaman, Dr.
164721' Purges, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Arrowsmith, and Mr. Sedgwick,
 or any 3 of them, shall be a Committee to consider of this
letter, and to give an account of it on Friday next. Mr.
Marshall is to take care of it.
Ordered — Mr. Blichard1 be approved upon his former
ordination. Sess. 849. — May 24, 1647. — Monday ¦morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Stanly be examined.
Larger -phe Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism,
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
justifying faith ? A. Justifying faith is a saving grace,
wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and word of
God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery,
and of the disability of himself and all other creatures to
recover him out of his lost condition, not only assenteth to
the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receiveth and
resteth upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held
forth, for pardon of sin, and for accepting and accounting
of his person, righteous in the sight of God for salvation.
Sess. 850. — May 27, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Burney brought an order for the certificate of his
examination to be returned. The order did bear date
March 25. Ordered — That Mr. Byfield, one of the scribes,
do acquaint Mr. Burney that the Assembly doth take it
ill, that he should thus abuse them and trouble them with
an order of so old a date, after a return hath been made
from this Assembly concerning him.
Ordered— That the Assembly do constantly sit at 9
o'clock ; and that the scribes do [see] to that, and attend
to call names.
Ordered— That the former Order of the Assembly be
observed, to debate no business concerning ministers in
the morning session, but only the Catechism till it be
finished. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
1 Blickard in Journals of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 208.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 373
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How Sess. 850.'
doth faith justify a sinner in the sight of God ? A. Faith MaJ 27'
justifieth a sinner in the sight of God, not because of those 
other graces which do always accompany it, or of good Catechism.
works which are the fruits of it, nor as if the grace of faith,
or any act thereof, were imputed to his justification ; but
only as it is an instrument by which he receiveth and
applieth Christ and his righteousness.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is adoption ? A. Adop
tion is an act of the free grace of God, in and for his only
Son Jesus Christ, whereby all those that are justified are
received into the number of his children, have his name
put upon them, the Spirit of his Son given to them, are
under his fatherly care and dispensations, admitted to all
the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs
of all the promises, and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory.
Sess. 85 1. — May 28, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Delmy and Mr. Johnson were appointed to pray
with the House[s] of Lords and Commons the week fol
lowing. Ordered — Mr. Burton be excused from coming up to be
examined. Ordered — Mr. Nehemiah Holmes be approved
upon his former examination. Ordered — Mr. Ringwood
be excused from coming up. Ordered — Mr. Tompson
be respited.
The Assembly proceed upon debate of the Catechism ; (Sic.)
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
sanctification ? A. Sanctification is the work of God's
grace, whereby all those that are justified, having, in their
effectual calling and regeneration, received the seeds of all
graces, are, through the powerful operation of the Spirit
dwelling in them, and applying the death and resurrection
of Christ unto them, further renewed in the whole man
after the image of God, and have all their graces so
quickened, strengthened, and increased, as that they die
unto sin and live unto righteousness, perfecting holiness in
the fear of God.
Upon further consideration of this question and answer,

374 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 851. it was in session 852 recommitted ; and something instead
16472 ' of it was offered session 853 ; and afterwards, upon further
T debate in1 session 85 5,2 it was
Larger JJ
Catechism. Resolved upon the Q., This answer to the former ques
tion shall stand instead of the former answer — ' Sanctifi
cation is a work of God's grace, whereby they whom God
hath, before the foundation of the world, chosen to be holy,
are in time, through the powerful operation of the Holy
Spirit applying the death and resurrection of Christ unto
them, renewed in their whole man after the image of God,
having the seeds of all saving graces put into their hearts,
and those graces so stirred up, increased, and strengthened,
as that they more and more die unto sin, and rise unto
newness of life.'
Sess. 852. — May 31, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Congham3 be examined. Ordered — Mr.
Humphry Lloyd and Mr. Knoles be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. Wherein
doth justification and sanctification differ? A. Although
sanctification be inseparably joined with justification, and
is the evidence thereof, yet they differ, in that justifica
tion is by righteousness imputed, sanctification by grace
inherent ; in the one sin is pardoned, in the other it is
subdued : the one is equal in all believers, and perfect in
this life ; the other, not being equal in all believers, groweth
up in every one of them by degrees unto perfection.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Are any of the regenerate
perfectly sanctified in this life ? A. As all the regenerate
1 Mr. Thompson says the MS. has here ' on ' instead of ' in. '
2 The account here given regarding the amendment of the answer to the
foregoing question, plainly shows that these extended MS. Minutes must have
been drawn up at some short distance of time, possibly a week or two, after
the brief scroll contained in 3d fasciculus of vol. iii., which may have been
taken during session. It would appear also that the author of these extended
MS. Minutes must have had in his possession reports of committees, or other
separate and full details of the conclusions arrived at in each debate ; inasmuch
as the brief scroll already referred to contains simply the remark under the
sessions mentioned, 'The Catechism debated.' — S.
3 So also in Journals of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 352, though Cougham,
p. 267.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 375
are not equally, so none of them are perfectly sanctified in Sess. 852
this life ; but through the remnants of sin abiding in every U^l^1'
part of them, and the perpetual lustings of the flesh against 
the spirit,1 they are often foiled with temptations, and fall
into many sins, are hindered in all their spiritual services,
and their best works are imperfect and defiled in the sight
of God.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. May not true believers, by
reason of their imperfection and the many temptations and
sins they are overtaken with, fall away from the state of
grace? A. True believers, by reason of the unchangeable
love of God, and his decree and covenant to give them
perseverance, their inseparable union with Christ, his con
tinual intercession for them, and the seed of God abiding
in them, can neither totally nor finally fall away from the
state of grace, but are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Can true believers be in
fallibly assured that they are in the estate of grace, and
that they shall persevere therein unto salvation ? A. Such
as truly believe in Christ, and endeavour to walk in all
good conscience before him, may, without extraordinary
revelation, by faith grounded [upon] the truth of God's
promises, and by the Spirit enabling them to discern in
themselves those graces to which the promises of life are
made, and bearing witness with their spirits that they are
the children of God, be infallibly assured that they are in '
the state of grace, and shall persevere therein to salvation.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Are all true believers at all
times assured of their present being in the state of grace,
and that they shall be saved ? A. Assurance of grace and
salvation not being of the essence of faith, true believers
may wait long before they obtain it ; and, after the enjoy
ment thereof, may have it weakened and intermitted,
through manifold distempers, sins, temptations, and deser
tions ; yet are they never left without such a presence and
support of the Spirit of God as keeps them from sinking
into utter despair. 1 Sic in MS. and in early editions of the Catechism.

376 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 853. Sess. 853.— June 1, 1647.— Tuesday morning.
^1647!' Ordered— Mr. Hawkins be approved upon his former
 examination. Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Tompson be
approved upon former examination. Ordered — Mr Cong-
ham be approved.
Sess. 854. — June 2, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Rolt be approved upon his ordination by
the 5 th classis.
Larger -phe Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
Catechism. J r
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
the communion in glory which the members of the invisible
church have with Christ? A. Besides the sense of God's
love, peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost com
municated from Christ to the saints as the first-fruits of
glory in this life, their souls immediately after death enter
into a state of eternal happiness and glory with Christ in
heaven, to be further completed in the glorification of the
whole man at the resurrection.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are the outward and
ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church
the benefits of his mediation ? A. The outward and ordi
nary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the
benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances ; especially
the word, sacraments, and prayer ; all which are made
effectual to the elect for their salvation.
The Committee for the Catechism made further report
of it.
Ordered— Mr. Clarke be respited for a day or two.
Ordered—Mr. Watts come up to be examined.
Sess. 855. — June 3, 1647. — Thursday morning.
An order was brought from the Lords concerning Mr.
Hall. It is as followeth . . . Ordered— That Mr. Marshall,
Dr. Smith, Mr. Ny, and Mr. Gower shall be a Committee
for this business.
Ordered—Mr. Laite have his order back again, because
not directed to the Assembly.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism;

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 377
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is Sess. 855.
the word made effectual to salvation? A. The Spirit of ^e-3'
God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of 
the word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, Catfchism.
and humbling sinners, of driving them out of themselves,
and drawing them unto Christ, of conforming them to his
image and subduing them to his will, of strengthening
them against temptations and corruptions, of building
them up in grace, and establishing their hearts in holiness
and comfort through faith unto the coming of the Lord.
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Rayner, Dr. Hoyle, dissent to that of Dissents.
' reading.' Mr. Marshall made report of the answer to the Order of
the Lords concerning Mr. Hall. It was read and debated,
and assented to, and is as followeth1 . . . Ordered — Mr.
Becke be respited for a fortnight. Ordered — Mr. Estman
be approved upon his ordination by the 5th classis, only
he is to bring a copy of his testimonial from the classis.
Sess. 856. — June 4, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Clayton and Mr. Foxcroft were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Resolved upon the Q., To proceed to the work of the
day ; and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. Is
the word of God to be read by all ? A. Although all are
not to be permitted to read the word publicly to the con
gregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it
apart by themselves, and with their families : to which end
the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original
into vulgar languages.
Ordered— Q. How is the word of God to be read ? A.
The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and
reverent esteem of them, with a firm persuasion that they
are the very word of God, and that he only can enable us
to understand them, with desire to know, believe, and
obey the will of God revealed in them, with diligence, and
attention to the matter and scope of them, with medita
tion, application, self-denial, and prayer.
1 They offer to make good their exceptions against Mr. Hall. A Committee
is appointed to hear them. — Lords' Journals, vol. ix. p. 236.

37^ MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 856. Resolved upon the Q., Q. By whom is the word of God
164V?' to De preached ? A. The word of God is to be preached
 only by such as being sufficiently gifted are duly approved
Catechism, and called unto that office.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is the word of God to be
preached by those that are called thereunto ? A. They
that are called to labour in the ministry of the word are
to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of
season ; plainly, not in the enticing words of man's wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit, and power ; faithfully,
making known the whole counsel of God ; wisely, apply
ing themselves to the necessities and capacities of their
hearers ; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls
of his people ; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their
conversion, edification, and salvation.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is required of those that
hear the word preached ? __. It is required of those who
hear the word preached, that they attend upon it with
diligence, preparation, and prayer, examine what they
hear by the Scriptures, receive the truth with faith, love,
meekness, and readiness of mind, as the word of God,
meditate, and confer of it, hide it in their hearts, and
bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.
Sess. 857. — June 7, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Clarke be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Ordered — Q. How do the sacra
ments become effectual means of salvation ? A. The
sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by
any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the
piety or intention of him by whom they are administered,
but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the bless
ing of Christ by whom they are instituted.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is a sacrament? A.
A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his
church, to signify and seal unto those that are in the cove
nant of grace, the benefits of his mediation to strengthen
and increase their faith, and all other graces, to oblige

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 379
them to obedience, to testify and cherish their love and Sess. 857.
communion one with another, and to distinguish them ^V'
from those that are without. 
Larger
Sess. 858. — June 8, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded upon debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What
are the parts of a sacrament ? A. The parts of a sacra
ment are two, the one an outward and sensible sign, used
according to Christ's own appointment, the other an in
ward and spiritual grace thereby signified.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How many sacraments hath
Christ instituted in his church under the New Testament ?
A. Under the New Testament, Christ hath instituted in
his church only two sacraments, baptism and the Lord's
Supper. Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is baptism ? A . Baptism
is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein Christ
hath ordained washing with water in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, to be a
sign and seal of ingrafting into himself, of remission of
sins by his blood and regeneration by his Spirit, of
adoption, and resurrection unto everlasting life, and
whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into
the visible church, and enter into an open and professed
engagement to be wholly and only the Lord's.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is our baptism to be Sess. 874.
improved by us ? A. The needful but much neglected
duty of improving our baptism is to be performed by us
all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and
when we are present at the administration of it to others,
by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it,
and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges
and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn
vow made therein ; by being humbled for our sinful de
filement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the
grace of baptism, and our engagements ; by growing up
to assurance of pardon of sins, and of all other blessings

380 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 858. sealed to us in that sacrament ; by drawing strength from
Ji6478' the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are
 baptized, for the mortifying of sin and quickening of grace ;
Catechism, and by endeavouring to live by faith, to have our conver
sation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have
therein given their names to Christ ; and to walk in
brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into
one body.
Ordered—Mr. Williams be examined. Ordered— Mr.
Gone1 be approved upon his former examination.
Sess. 859. — June 10, 1647. — Thursday morning.
The Assembly proceeded upon the debate of the Cate
chism ; and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q.,
Q. What is the Lord's Supper? A. The Lord's Supper is
a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein, by giving
and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment
of Jesus Christ, his death is showed forth ; and they that
worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to
their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace, have
their union and communion with him confirmed, testify
and renew their thankfulness, and engagement to God,
and their mutual love and fellowship each with other, as
members of the same mystical body.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How hath Christ appointed
bread and wine to be given and received in the sacrament ?
A. Christ hath appointed the ministers of the word, in the
administration of the sacrament, to set apart the bread and
wine from common use, by the word of institution, thanks
giving, and prayer : to take and break the bread, and to give
both the bread and the wine to the communicants ; who
are, by the same appointment, to take and eat the bread,
and to drink the wine, in thankful remembrance that the
body of Christ was broken and given, and his blood shed,
for them.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. How do they that worthily
communicate in the Lord's Supper feed upon the body
and blood of Christ therein ? A. As the body and blood
1 Perhaps should be read Gore, for in Fascicle III. it is written Gower.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 38 1
of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, Sess. 859,
or under the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper, and yet i64710'
are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less 
truly and really than the elements themselves are to their Catechism.
outward senses ; so they that worthily communicate in the
sacrament of the Lord's Supper do therein feed upon the
body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal,
but in a spiritual manner, yet truly and really, whilst by
faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ cruci
fied, and all the benefits of his death.
Sess. 860. — June 11, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Calamy and Mr. Gipps were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — That Mr. Hackesworth1 bring a better testi
monial. Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism concerning
'The Lord's Supper.' The Assembly proceeded in the
debate of it ; and upon debate it was Resolved upon the
Q., Q. How are they that receive the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper to prepare themselves before they come
unto it ? A. They that receive the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves there
unto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ,
of their sins and wants, of the truth and measure of their
knowledge, faith, repentance, love to God and the brethren,
charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them
wrong, of their desires after Christ, and of their new
obedience ; and by the renewing of the exercise of these
graces, by serious meditation and fervent prayer. Vide
Sess. 876 and 877.
Sess. 861. — June 14, 1647.- — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Addams be approved without coming up
to be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
required of them that receive the sacrament in the time of
the administration of it ? A. It is required of them that
1 Or Huckesworth ; in Fascicle III. Hawkesworth.

382 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 861. receive the sacrament, that, during the time of the admini-
li647.4' stration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they
L wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the
Catechism, sacramental elements and actions, heedfully discern the
Lord's body, and affectionately meditate on his death and
sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to an actual
exercise of their graces, in judging themselves, and sorrow
ing for sin, in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ,
feeding on him by faith, receiving of his fulness, trusting in
his merit, rejoicing in his love, giving thanks for his grace,
in remembering of their covenant with God, and love unto
all saints.
An Order was brought from the Lords' Committees1
about Mr. Hall. It is as followeth . . .
Ordered — That the Committee for Mr. Hall do attend
the Committee of the House of Peers according to the
former instructions.
Sess. 862. — June 15, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
the duty of Christians after they have received the sacra
ment of the Lord's Supper ? A. The duty of Christians,
after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's
Supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved
themselves therein, and with what success ; if they find
quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, beg the con
tinuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfil their vows, and
encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that
ordinance : but if they find no present benefit, more exactly
to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacra
ment, in both which, if they can approve themselves to
God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the
fruit of it in due time : but if they see they have failed in
either, they are to be humbled, and to attend upon it after
wards with more care and diligence.
Resolved upon the Q., That something be expressed con
cerning the keeping of unworthy persons from the sacra-
1 Sic in MS. Next paragraph shows the purport of this Order.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 383
ment of the Lord's Supper.1 Resolved upon the Q., That Sess. 862.
it be referred to the Committee to bring in somewhat ^ei5'
concerning keeping away of persons unworthy from the 
Larger
sacrament Catechism.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Wherein do the sacraments of
baptism and the Lord's Supper agree? A. The sacra
ments of baptism and the Lord's Supper agree, in that the
author of both is God ; the spiritual part of both is Christ
and his benefits ; both are seals of the same covenant, are
to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel, and none other,
and to be continued in the church of Christ until his second
coming. Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition about
their succeeding the sacraments of the Old Testament.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Wherein do the sacraments of
baptism and the Lord's Supper differ ? A. The sacra
ments of baptism and the Lord's Supper differ, in that
baptism is to be administered but once, with water, to be
a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into
Christ, and that even to infants ; whereas the Lord's
Supper is to be administered often, in the elements of
bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual
nourishment to the soul,2 and to confirm our continuance
and growth in him, and that only to such as are of years
and ability to examine themselves.
Ordered — Mr. Ward, Mr. Calamy, Dr. Temple, Mr. Sea
man, be added to the Committee concerning Mr. Hall.
Ordered — Mr. Wilmot bring the reasons of his remove.
Sess. 863. — June 16, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Richardson be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
prayer? A. Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto
God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit, with
1 In Fascicle III. the entry is : ' Upon a motion whether there should be a
question about the persons that are to be admitted to the sacrament, and the
Officers and censures. R. — That something be expressed concerning keeping
of unworthy persons from the sacrament by the Officers.'
2 The transcriber thinks this word had been at first ' son ' in the MS., and
that an ' 1 ' had been added afterwards as if to turn it into soul.

384 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 863. confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his
Tune 16,
1647. mercies.
.  Mr. Palmer enters his dissent to these last words.
Larger' Resolved upon the Q., Q. Are we to pray unto God
Catechism. Qnjy. ? ^_ q0(j oni_ being able to search the hearts, hear
the requests, pardon the sins, and fulfil the desires of all,
and only to be believed in, and worshipped with religious
worship ; prayer, which is a special part thereof, is to be
Sess. 864.1
made by all to him alone, and to none other.
Ordered — Mr. Wilmot be approved upon his former
examination. Sess. 864. — June 17, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Corbet of Norfolk be approved for
Croydon. Ordered — Mr. Duncan be examined. Ordered
— Mr. Pettit be respited till Friday morning.
Informations were brought into the Assembly against
Mr. Becke ; and upon debate of them it was
Resolved upon the Q., That it be certified to the Com
mittee for Plundered Ministers that the Assembly is not
satisfied concerning the fitness of Mr. Becke for this or
any other ministerial charge.
Mr. Tuckney made report of some addition,2 and moved
for the Ten Commandments to be considered by those of
the Committee that reside about Westminster ; and it was
ordered. Upon some debate about Mr. Burney, it was Ordered—
That Mr. Wi[l]son be written to about Mr. Burney, to make
a return against to-morrow sevennight.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is
it to pray in the name of Christ ? A. To pray in the
name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in
confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake ;
not by bare mentioning of his name, but by drawing our
encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and
hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation.
1 i.e. The words 'by all' were added in Sess. 864. 2 See previous note.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 385
Ordered — Q. Why are we to pray in the name of Christ ? Sess. 864.
A. The sinfulness of man, and his distance from God by i^*7'
reason thereof being so great, as that we can have no access , 
into his presence without a mediator, and there being none Catechism.
in heaven or earth appointed to, or fit for, that glorious
work but Christ alone, we are to pray in no other name
but his only.
Ordered — Q. How doth the Spirit help us to pray? A.
We not knowing what to pray for as we ought, the Spirit
helpeth our infirmities by enabling us to understand both
for whom, and what, and how prayer is to be made, and
by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in
all persons and at all times, in the same measure) those
apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite
for the right performance [of] that duty.
Ordered — Q. For whom are we to pray ? A. We are
to pray for the whole Church of Christ upon earth, for
magistrates and ministers, for ourselves, our brethren,
yea, our enemies, and for all sorts of men living, or that
shall live hereafter, but not for the dead, nor for those
that are known to have sinned the sin unto death.
Ordered — Q. For what things are we to pray ? A. We
are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, the
welfare of the Church, our own or others' good, but not
for anything that is unlawful.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition.
Sess. 865. — June 18, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Johnson and Mr. Pickering were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Precious bring a better testimonial from
the ministers about York.
Mr. Tuckney made report concerning the Lord's Prayer.
Ordered — Mr. Malins be approved upon his former ex
amination. The Assembly proceeded upon debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How are
we to pray ? A. We are to pray with an awful appre
hension of the majesty of God, and deep sense of our own
2B

386 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 865. unworthiness, necessities, and sins ; with penitent, thank-
^lo^y.8' ful> and enlarged hearts; with understanding, faith, sin-
 cerity, fervency, love, and perseverance, waiting upon him,
Catechism, with humble submission to his will.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What rule hath God given for
our direction in the duty of prayer ? A. The whole Word
of God is of use to direct us in praying, but especially the
rule of direction is that form of prayer (commonly called
the Lord's Prayer) which our Saviour Christ taught his
disciples. Sess. 866. — June 21, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism.
Ordered — Mr. Martin and Mr. Eldred be approved upon
former examination.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Cate
chism ; and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q.
How is the Lord's Prayer to be used ? A. The Lord's
Prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according
to which we are to make other prayers ; but may also be
used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding,
faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right
performance of the duty of prayer.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. Of how many parts doth the
Lord's Prayer consist ? A . The Lord's Prayer consists of
three parts, a preface, petitions, and a conclusion.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What doth the preface of the
Lord's Prayer teach us ? A. The preface of the Lord's
Prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in
heaven) teacheth us, when we pray, to draw near to God
with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest
therein, with reverence, and all other childlike disposi
tions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions of his
sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension : as
also, to pray with and for others.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no1 division of the
petitions. 1 In ms., as generally, 'noe.' The meaning of the resolution probably is,
there shall be no classifying or grouping of the petitions, as into, ut, Those

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 387
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What do we pray for in the Sess. 866.
first petition ? A. In the first petition (which is, Hallowed ]xx^'
be thy name), acknowledging the utter insufficiency and 
indisposition that is in ourselves and all men to honour
God aright, we pray that God would by his grace enable
and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and
highly to esteem him, his titles, attributes, ordinances,
word, works, and whatever he is pleased to make himself
known by, and to glorify him in thought, word, and deed ;
that he would prevent and remove atheism, ignorance,
idolatry, profaneness, and whatsoever is dishonourable to
him ; and, by his overruling providence, direct and dispose
of all things to his own glory.
Sess. 867. — June 22, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Stephens be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Goldsmith be approved with
out coming up to be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What do
we pray for in the second petition ? A. In the second
petition (which is, Thy kingdom come), acknowledging our
selves and all mankind to be by nature under the dominion
of sin and Satan, we pray that the kingdom of sin and
Satan may be destroyed, the gospel propagated through
out the world, the Jews called, the fulness of the Gentiles
brought in, the Church furnished with all gospel officers
and ordinances, purged from corruption, countenanced and
maintained by the civil magistrate ; that the ordinances of
Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to
the converting of those that are yet in their sins, and the
confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are
already converted : that Christ would rule in our hearts
here, and hasten the time of his second coming, and our
having more immediate reference to God ; id, Those having more immediate
reference to ourselves. In the Catechism or ' Body of Divinity, ' which circulated
under the name of Archbishop Ussher, the answer to the question, How many
petitions are there in the Lord's Prayer ? is, ' Six (equally divided as it were
into two tables, whereof three do concern God, as doth the first table of the law ;
three do concern ourselves and our neighbours, as doth the second table).'

388 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 867. reigning with him for ever : and that he would be pleased
1647.2' s0 to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world,
 as may best conduce to these ends.
Catechism. Resolved upon the Q., Q. What do we pray for in the
third petition ? A. In the third petition (which is, Thy
will be done on1 earth, as it is in heaven), acknowledging
that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable
and unwilling to know and do the will of God, but prone
to rebel against his word, to repine and murmur against
his providence, and wholly inclined to do the will of the
flesh and of the devil, we pray that God would by his
Spirit take away from ourselves and others all blindness,
weakness, indisposedness, and perverseness of heart, and
by his grace make us able and willing to know, do, and
submit to his will in all things, with the like humility,
cheerfulness, faithfulness, diligence, zeal, sincerity, and
constancy, as the angels do in heaven.
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition.
Sess. 868. — June 23, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — That the several commandments shall be
considered of by several Committees : —
Mr. Simpson and Mr. Greenhill for the first command
ment. Mr. Burges and Mr. Calamy for the second command
ment. Mr. Profit and Mr. Gower for the third.
Mr. Palmer and Mr Cawdry for the fourth.
Dr. Hoyle and Mr. Green for the fifth.
Mr. Corbet of N[orfolk] and Mr. Gibson for the sixth.
Mr. Sedgewick and Mr. Good for the seventh.
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Strong, Mr. Perne, for the eighth.
Mr. Maynard and Mr. Gippes for the ninth.
Mr. Delmy, Mr. Salway, Dr. Smith, for the tenth.
The general rules for expounding the commandments
to Dr. Gouge and Mr. Walker ; and Report to be brought
in to-morrow sevennight to the Committee, of whom Mr.
Tuckney is in the chair.
1 Sic in MS. and in early editions of the Catechism.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 389
The Assembly proceeded upon the debate ; and upon Sess. 868.
debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What do we pray ,647."*
for in the fourth petition ? A. In the fourth petition

(which is, Give us this day our daily bread), acknowledg- Catechism.
ing that in Adam, and by our sins, we have forfeited our
right to all the outward blessings of this life, and deserved
not only to be wholly deprived of them by God, but to
have them cursed to us in the use of them ; and that
neither they of themselves are able to sustain us, nor we
to merit, or by our own industry to procure them, but
prone to desire, get, and use them unlawfully : we pray
for ourselves and others, that both they and we, waiting
upon the providence of God from day to day in the use of
lawful means, may, of his free gift, and as to his fatherly
wisdom shall seem best, enjoy a competent portion of
them ; and have the same continued and blessed unto us
in our holy and comfortable use of them, and contentment
in them ; and be kept from all things that are contrary to
our temporal support and comfort.
Sess. 869. — June 24, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Roswell be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Lambe be respited.
The Assembly being informed of an order for £300 for
the Assembly, it was
Ordered — That the former Committee do consider of the
disposal of it according to the former rule ; they are to
meet this afternoon.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What do
we pray for in the fifth petition ? A. In the fifth petition
(which is, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors),
acknowledging that we and all others are guilty both of
original and actual sin, and thereby become debtors to the
justice of God; and that neither we, nor any other creature,
can make the least satisfaction for that debt : we pray for
ourselves and others, that God of his free grace would
acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin,
through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, appre-

Catechism.

39O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 869. hended and applied by faith, accept us in his Beloved,
1647?' continue his favour and grace to us,
Sess. 870.— June 25, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Walker and Mr. Carrill were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons for the week following.
Upon debate about Mr. Jerom, it was
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Jerom shall not be ex
amined and approved by this Assembly. Resolved upon
the Q., This return shall be made, that the Assembly is
not satisfied concerning his fitness for that place.
Larger The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
' and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., These words
shall be added to the former answer — 'Pardon our daily
failings, and fill us with peace and joy, in giving us daily
more and more assurance of forgiveness ; which we are the
rather emboldened to ask, and encouraged x to expect,
when we have this testimony in ourselves, that we from
the heart forgive others their offences.'
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no addition.
Sess. 871. — June 28, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Wade be approved without coming up to
be examined.
Report was made of the distribution of the money, and
it was assented to.
Ordered — Mr. Brumshill shall have his certificate upon
his examination. Ordered — Mr. Bigmore be approved
upon his ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Prince bring reasons of his removal, and
a better testimonial.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What
do we pray for in the sixth petition ? A. In the sixth
petition (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil), acknowledging that the most wise,
righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends,
may so order things that we may be assaulted, foiled, and
1 In ms. ' incouraded.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 39 1
for a time led captive by temptations ; that Satan, the Sess. 871.
world, and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside, ^ly8'
and ensnare us ; and that we, even after the pardon of our 
sins, by reason of our corruption, weakness, and unwatch- Catechism.
fulness, are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to
expose ourselves unto temptations, but also of ourselves
unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them,
and to improve them, and worthy to be left under the
power of them : we pray that God would so overrule the
world and all in it, subdue the flesh, and restrain Satan,
order all things, bestow and bless all means of grace, and
quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and
all his people may by his providence be kept from being
tempted unto sin, or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we
may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the
hour of temptation ; or, when fallen, raised again and
recovered out of it, and have a sanctified use and improve
ment of it, that our sanctification and salvation may be
perfected, Satan trod[den] under our feet, and we fully freed
from sin, temptation, and all evil, for ever.
Sess. 872. — July 1, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Dingly be approved upon his former
ordination. Ordered — Mr. Lambe be respited till this day
sevennight Mr. Walker made report of the rules for the expound
ing of the Law. Dr. Smith made report of the tenth
commandment. Both these reports were delivered to the
Committee for the Catechism.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What
doth the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer teach us ? A.
The conclusion of the Lord's Prayer (which is, For thine is
the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen)
teacheth us to enforce our petitions with arguments, which
are to be fetched, not from any worthiness in ourselves, or
in any other creature, but from God ; and with our prayers
to join praises, ascribing to God alone eternal sovereignty,
omnipotence, and glorious excellency ; in regard whereof,

392 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 872. as he is able and willing to help us, so we by faith are
^Ll' emboldened to plead with him that he would, and quietly
— - to rely upon him, that he will fulfil our requests : and to
Catechism, testify this our desire and assurance, we say, Amen.
Sic A question and answer was brought in concerning the
order and connection of the petitions ; and upon debate it
was Resolved that this concerning the order and connection
shall not stand.
Ordered — Mr. Mason be excused from coming up.
Sess. 873. — July 2, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Seaman, Mr. Thorrowgood, were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Home be approved upon his former
ordination, in case he bring a testimonial of his conver
sation. Mr. Sedgwick made report of the seventh command
ment. Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of some things
recommitted concerning Christ and the Holy Ghost ; and
upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What benefits
hath Christ procured by his mediation ? A. Christ, by
his mediation, hath procured redemption, with all the
benefits of the covenant of grace.
Ordered — Q. How do we come to be made partakers of
the benefits which Christ hath procured? A. We are
made partakers of the benefits which Christ hath pro
cured, by the application of them to us, which is the
work especially of God the Holy Ghost.
Ordered— Q. How doth it appear that the Holy Ghost
is the very and true God ? A. The Scriptures manifest
that the Holy Ghost is the very and true God, ascribing
to him such names, attributes, works, and worship as are
proper to God only.
Ordered— Q. Who are made partakers of redemption
by Christ ? A. Redemption is certainly applied, and
effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ
hath purchased it, who are in time by the Holy Ghost
enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.

393

Resolved upon the Q., Q. Can they who, having never Sess. 873.
heard the gospel, do not know Jesus Christ, be saved by ^g7-2'
their living according to the light of nature ? A. They 
who, having never heard the gospel, know not Jesus Christ, ciechfsm.
and believe not in him, cannot be saved, be they never
so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of
nature, or the law of that religion which they profess ;
neither is there salvation in any other but Christ alone.
Ordered — Q. Are all they saved by Christ who live
within the visible church and hear the gospel ? A.
Although the visible church (which is a society made up
of such as in all ages and places of the world do profess
the true religion, and of their children) do enjoy many
special favours and privileges whereby it is distinguished
from other societies in the world, and the gospel where it
cometh doth tender salvation by Christ to all, testifying
that whosoever believes in him shall be saved, and ex-
cludeth none that come unto him ; yet none do or can
truly come unto Christ, or are saved by him, but only the
members of the invisible church, which is the whole num
ber of the elect that have been, are, or shall be, gathered
into one under Christ their head.
Ordered — Q. What benefits are the elect made partakers
of by coming unto Christ ? A. The elect, by coming unto
Christ, are made partakers of union and communion with
him in grace and glory.
Ordered — Q. What is that union which the elect have
with Christ? A. The union which the elect have with
Christ is the work of God's grace, whereby they are
spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably,
joined to Christ as their head and husband ; which is done
in their effectual calling.
Sess. 874. — July 5, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — That the Committee for the distribution of
the money do meet this afternoon, and dispose of the 192
pounds now brought1 for the Assembly.
Ordered—Mr. Smith be approved without coming up to
1 In Fascicle III., ' brought in.'

394 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 874. be examined. Ordered — Mr. John Eyre be approved
1647.' upon his former examination.
 Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Scott shall not have an
approbation without coming up to be examined.
Mr. Gip[pe]s made report of the ninth commandment.
Ordered — That Dr. Gouge and Mr. Walker and Mr.
Scudder do bring in something about the aggravations of sin.
Mr. Calamy made report of the second commandment.
Winrham Mr. Winrham made report to the Assembly of his call-
Scotland.0 mS mto Scotland, to return unto the Church of Scotland,
and desired that the Assembly would give him their com
mands to the Church of Scotland. Upon debate, it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to
consider what is fit to be done by the Assembly to testify
their respect to the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, upon the return of the HonbIe and learned Com
missioner, Mr. Winrham, to the Church of Scotland.
Ordered— Dr. Temple, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Thorrowgood, Mr.
Hickes, Mr. Burges, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Good, shall be this
Committee. The care of it is committed to Dr. Temple.
Mr. Tuckney made report of some thingfs]1 recommitted
in the Catechism. The Assembly proceeded in the debate,
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is
baptism to be improved by us ? A. The needful but much
neglected duty of improving our baptism, is to be per
formed by us all our life long, especially in the time of
temptation, and when we are present at the administration
of it to others ; by serious and thankful consideration of
the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted
it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby,
and our solemn vow made therein : by being humbled for
our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking con
trary to, the grace of baptism ;
Sess. 87$.— July 6, 1647.— Tuesday morning.
Ordered— -Mr. Philips be approved upon his former ex
amination.2 1 In Fascicle III., 'some recommittments.' See minute of Sess. 858
2 Fascicle III. adds here, 'Mr. Dodridge approved upon his ordination.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 395
Mr. Salway made report of the distribution of the £192, Sess. 875.
us., and it was approved. ^i'
Report was made from the Committee appointed by the 
Assembly to consider what is fit to be done upon the
return of Mr. Winrham to the Church of Scotland. It
was read and assented to, and is as followeth J . . .
Dr. Hoyle made report of the fifth commandment.
Upon a debate about the money to be paid to the mem
bers of the Assembly last reported, it was
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be no further debate
of this business.
The Prolocutor, by order of the Assembly, did, in the Thanks re
name of the Assembly, give thanks to Mr. Winrham for ^rm^n l^
his honouring of the Assembly so long with his presence
and assistance, and did desire him to present the respects
of this Assembly to the Commissioners of the Church of
Scotland, assuring them of the constant resolutions of the
Assembly to cleave unto their covenant.2
Mr. Tuckney made report of an addition to the Cate- Larger
chism about the Sacrament. Catechism.
The Assembly proceeded in debate ; and upon debate it
was Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added to
the former answer — ' by growing up to assurance of pardon
of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacra
ment ; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection
of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of
sin, and quickening of grace ; and by endeavouring to live
by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteous
ness, as those that have therein given their names to Christ,
and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the
same Spirit into one body.'
Sess. 876. — July 7, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Precious have an approbation from the
ministers of York before he be excused from coming up.
1 Not in MS., but its purport is shown by the Prolocutor's speech.
2 Fascicle III. states in addition, that ' Mr. Winraham spake acknowledg
ing the great favours of this Assembly. . . . Though the face of the reformation
be overclouded for a season, He will clear His work. ... As I think it the
greatest honour ... so happiness to be a servant to ' . . .

396 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 876. The Assembly proceeded in the debate ; and upon debate
X647. ' it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. May one who doubteth of
£ his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the
Catechism, sacrament of the Lord's supper? A. One who doubteth
of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the
sacrament of the Lord's supper, may have true interest in
Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof, and in God's
account hath it, if he be truly affected with the appre
hension of the want of it, and unfeignedly desireth to be
found in Christ, and to depart from iniquity: in which
case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is
appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Chris
tians) he is to bewail his unbelief, and labour to have his
doubts resolved ; and, so doing, he may and ought to come
unto the Lord's supper, that he may be further strength
ened. Sess. 877. — July 8, 1647. — Thursday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. May any
who profess the faith, and desire to come unto the Lord's
supper, be kept from it? A. Such as are found to be
ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of
the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, may
and ought to be kept from the sacrament, until they
receive instruction, and manifest their reformation.
Resolved upon the Q., The word ' prophane ' shall be
Dissent, left out. Mr. Simpson and Mr. Carter enter their dissent.
Ordered— Q. What rules are to be observed for the right
understanding and expounding of the ten commandments?
A. For the right understanding and expounding of the ten
Commandments, these rules are to be observed :
2. That it is spiritual, and so reacheth the understanding,
will, affections, and all other powers of the soul ; as well
as words, works, and gestures.
Sess. 878. — July 9, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Taylor and Mr. Wilson were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 397
Mr. Walker made report of ' the aggravations of sin.' Sess. 87
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Rules for ^f »'
expounding the Commandments ; and upon debate it 
was Resolved upon the Q., ' 1. That the law is perfect, and
so bindeth every one to full conformity in the whole man
unto the righteousness thereof, and unto sincere, entire
obedience for ever.'
Resolved — ' 3. That where a duty is commanded, the
contrary sin is forbidden, and where a sin is forbidden, the
contrary duty is commanded.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' That what God forbids is at no
time to be done ; what he commands is always our duty,
but not to be done at all times.'
Ordered — ' That under one sin or duty, all of the same
kind are forbidden or commanded, together with all the
causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and
provocations thereunto.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' That what is forbidden or com
manded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places,
to endeavour that it may be avoided or performed by
others.' Resolved upon the Q., 'That [in1] what is commanded
to others, we are bound, according to our places, to be help
ful to them ; and to take heed of partaking with others in
what is forbidden them.'
Sess. 879. — July 12, 1647. — Monday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Rules for
expounding of the Commandments ; and upon debate,
some alterations were made on the former votes the former
session, as followeth . . .
Ordered — ' 1. That the law is perfect, and bindeth every
one to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteous
ness thereof, and unto entire obedience for ever ; so as to
require the highest pitch of every duty, and to forbid the
least degree of every sin.'
1 This word is said to have been added in the MS. in another hand, but it is
necessary to the sense, and is in the earliest editions of the Catechism.

398 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 879. ' 2. That it is spiritual/ etc.
JUi6472' Resolved upon the Q., ' 3. That one and the same thing,
 in divers respects, is commanded or forbidden in several
Catedusm. commandments.' Resolved upon the Q., ' 4. That as, where a duty is com
manded, the contrary sin is forbidden ; and where a sin is
forbidden, the contrary duty is commanded : so, where a
promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included ;
and where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise
is included.'Resolved upon the Q., ' 5. That what God forbids, is at
no time to be done, what he commands, is always our
duty, [and1] yet every particular duty not to be done at
all times.'
' 6. That under one sin,' etc.
' 7. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves,'
etc. ' 8. That [in] what is commmanded to others,' etc.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Maison2 be excused from
coming up to be examined.
Sess. 880. — July 13, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Tulley be admitted to a special examina
tion to-morrow morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the aggravations of sin ;
it was debated, and upon debate it was Ordered — Q. Are
all sins equally heinous in themselves, and in the sight of
God ? A. Although every sin be very heinous, in that it
is against the sovereignty, goodness, and righteous law of
God, is the work of the devil, and deserves everlasting
damnation, and cannot be expiated but by the blood of
the Son of God ; yet some sins by reason of several aggra
vations are more heinous in themselves, and in the sight of
God, than others.
Sess. 881. — July 14, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. West shall be approved with
out coming up to be examined.
1 * And ' wanting in MS. and in some early editions.
5 In Fascicle III., Masson ; in Lords' Journals, Musson.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 399
Ordered— That Mr. Tulley do preach at Paul's the next Sess. 881.
Tuesday ; and the members of the Assembly that reside ^-.l4'
thereabouts are desired to hear him ; and he is to preach 
on that text, John iii. 36.
Ordered — Mr. Rawlins be approved upon his former
examination. Ordered — Mr. Richards be respited till to
morrow morning ; and the scribes see what was done by
this Assembly in the former business.
Mr. Simpson made report of the first Commandment.
Ordered — Dr. Temple and Dr. Gouge do bring in some
thing of the sin against the Holy Ghost.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ; and upon de- Larger
bate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are those aggra- Catechlsm"
vations which make some sins more heinous than others ?
A. Sins receive their aggravations, —
1. From the persons offending ; if they be of riper age,
greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts,
place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely
to be followed by others.
Ordered — ' From the parties offended : if immediately
against God, his attributes, and worship ; against Christ,
and his grace ; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings ;
against superiors, and men of eminency, and such as we
stand especially related and engaged unto ; against any of
the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or
any other, and the common good of all or many.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' From the nature and quality of
the offence : if it be against the express letter of the law,
break many commandments, contain in it many sins : if
not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words
or actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation :
if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, con
viction of conscience, publick or private admonition, cen
sures of the church, civil punishments; and our own prayers,
purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to
God and men : if done deliberately, wilfully, presump
tuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently,
obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after
repentance.'

400 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 88i. ' From circumstances of time and place: if on the Lord's
JUr6 ^ day> or otner times of dlvine worship ; or immediately be-
 fore or after these, and other helps to prevent or remedy
Catechism. such miscarriages : if in public, in the presence of others,
especially if before such who are thereby likely to be pro
voked and defiled.'
Sess. 882. — July 15, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Report was made from the Committee about Mr. Jerom ;
and upon debate it was
Ordered — That forasmuch as the Assembly perceives
there is an evil fame doth follow him in all or most of
those places where he hath lived, therefore the Assembly
cannot recall their former vote; and the Committee for
the Review have power to receive what informations shall
be brought in concerning him, and make report unto the
Assembly.
Additions Ordered — That Mr. Burges, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Bond,
to Com- Mr Bolton, Mr. Chambers, be added to the Committee for
mittee on
Catechism, the Catechism.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate, and upon de
bate it was
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the moral law ? A;
The moral law is the declaration of the will of God to man
kind, directing and binding every one to personal, perfect,
and perpetual conformity and obedience thereunto, in the
whole disposition and frame of the soul and body, and in
performance of all those duties of holiness and righteous
ness which he oweth to God and man : promising life upon
the fulfilling, and threatening death upon the breach of it.
Sess. 883. — July 16, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Chambers and Mr. Gibson were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered— Mr. Richards be examined. Ordered— -Mr.
Greenwood be respited for a time.
Mr. Byfield made report from the Committee for Review
concerning Mr. Waile. They conceive the business of Mr.
Waile is weighty and worthy of the consideration of this

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 40 1
Assembly, if they think this matter to be before them ; Sess. 883.
and upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Waile's \^7'
business is not before the Assembly.
Report was made by Mr. Tuckney about the moral law Larger
and the use of it, and the Assembly proceeded in debate Catechlsm-
of it; and upon debate it was Ordered — Q. What is the
moral law ? A. The moral law is the declaration of the
will of God to mankind, directing and binding every one
to personal, perfect, and perpetual conformity and obedi
ence thereunto, in the whole disposition and frame of the
soul and body, and in performance of all those duties of
holiness and righteousness which he oweth to God and
man. Resolved upon the Q., Q. To whom was the moral law
first given? A. The moral law was first given to Adam
in his estate of innocency, and in him to all his posterity,
promising life upon the fulfilling and threatening death
upon the breach of it.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the use of the moral
law after the fall ? A. Although the moral law after the
fall cannot give righteousness and life to any, yet by the
working of the Spirit of God it is of great use.
Mr. Gillespie, a Commissioner from the Church of Scot- Gillespie
land, took his leave of the Assembly, and by order of the ta,kf leave
Assembly the Prolocutor spake unto him ; and 'it is as fol- sembly.
loweth1 . . .
Sess. 884. — July 19, 1647.— Monday morning.
Ordered—Mr. Strut2 be respited till this day seven-
night A presentation of Mr. Richard Hunt was read ; but be
cause he had been sequestered, and the Parliament had
made an Order none such should be admitted again with
out order of both Houses of Parliament, therefore they
cannot approve him.
1 No notes of this speech are given in the MS., though it was evidently
intended to be recorded at length. Fascicle III., perhaps on this very
account, merely states that ' Mr. Gelespi took leave of the Assembly '
2 Or Strat, or Street. 2C

402 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 884. Report was made by Mr. Tuckney of the moral law ;
J^4y.9, and the Assembly proceeded in the debate ; and upon
 debate it was
Catfchism. Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added to
the former answer, ' Unto all men, to inform them of the
holy nature and will of God, and their duty, binding them
to walk accordingly ; to convince them of their disability
to keep it, and of the sinful pollution of their nature, hearts,
and lives ; to humble them in sense of their sin and misery,
and thereby help them to a clearer sight of what need they
have of Christ, and of the perfection of his obedience.'
Ordered — ' Unto unregenerate men, to awaken their
consciences to fly from wrath to come, and to drive them
to Christ ; or, upon their continuance in their estate and
way of sin, to leave them inexcusable, as continuing under
the curse thereof.'
Ordered — ' Unto believers, (although they be delivered
from it as a covenant of works, so as thereby they are
neither justified nor condemned, yet), besides the former
general uses thereof common to them with all men, it is of
special use, to show them how much they are bound to
Christ for his fulfilling it, and enduring the curse of it in
their stead, and for their good ; and thereby to provoke
them to more thankfulness, and to express the same in
their greater care to conform themselves thereunto as the
rule of their obedience.'
Ordered — Q. Where is the moral law summarily com
prehended? A. The moral law is summarily comprehended
in the ten commandments, which were delivered by the
voice of God upon Mount Sinai, and after written by him
in two tables of stone ; the four first commandments con
taining our duty to God, and the other six our duty to
man.' Report was made by Dr. Gouge of the sin against the
Holy Ghost ; and upon debate of it, it was recommitted to
Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Woodcock, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Price, Mr.
Thorrowgood ; they are to consider of it, and make report
on Friday morning.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 403
Sess. 88$. — July 20, 1647. — Tuesday morning. Sess. 885.
Ordered — Mr. Sam. Smith be approved without coming ^fg 2°'
up to be examined. 
Testimonial was given by diverse members of the Assem
bly in approbation of Mr. Tully, who preached this morn
ing according to order of the Assembly. Ordered — Mr.
Tully be approved by this Assembly.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Evans be approved without
coming up to be examined.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ; Larger
and upon debate it was Ordered— Q. What is the first com- Catechlsm-
mandment ? A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt
have no other gods before me.
Ordered — Q. What are the duties required in the first
commandment? A. The duties required in the first com
mandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to
be the only true God, and our God ; and to worship and
glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remem
bering, highly esteeming, honouring, adoring, choosing,
loving, desiring, fearing of him, believing him ; trusting,
hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him ; being zealous for him,
calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yield
ing all obedience and submission to him with the whole
man, being careful in all things to please him, and sorrow
ful when in anything we offend him, and walking humbly
with him.
Sess. 886. — July 21, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report from the Committee concern
ing the first commandment, the negative ; and the Assem
bly debated it, and upon debate it was Resolved upon the
Q., Q. What are the sins forbidden in the first command
ment? A. The sins forbidden in the first commandment
are, atheism, in denying or not having a God ; idolatry,
in having and worshipping more gods than one, or any
with or instead of the true God; the not having and
avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or
neglect of anything due to him, required in this command
ment ; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false

404 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 886. opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him ; bold
J"1^1' and curious searching into his secrets ; all profaneness,
 hatred of God, self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordi-
Catfchism. nate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affec
tions upon other things, and taking them off from him in
whole or in part ; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbe
lief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, insensibleness under
judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal
security, tempting of God, using unlawful means, and
trusting in lawful means; carnal delights and joys; cor
rupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal ; lukewarmness and dead-
ness in the things of God ; estranging and apostatizing
from God ; praying, or giving any religious worship, to
saints, angels, or any other creatures ;
Sess. 887. — July 22, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Abbot be approved upon his former exa
mination. Ordered — Mr. Byfield do attend the Commissioners of
the Great Seal, and acquaint them with the forging and
counterfeiting of the approbation of the Assembly for Mr.
Cresswell. Report was made by Mr. Palmer about the ways of par
taking of other men's sins.
Report was made by Mr. Tuckney about the preface to
the ten commandments.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the sins
against the first commandment ; and upon debate it
was Ordered — These words shall be added, 'All compacts
and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his sug
gestions ; making men the lords of our faith and conscience ;
slighting and despising God and his commands ; resisting
and grieving of his Spirit, discontent and impatience at
his dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils he
inflicts on us ; and ascribing the praise of any good we
either are, or have, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any
other creatures.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 405
Sess. 888. — July 23, 1647. — Friday morning. Sess. 888.
Mr. Carter of London, and Dr. Stanton, were appointed ^Ly3'
to pray with the Lords and Commons, the week following. 
Ordered — Mr. Lewis be approved upon his ordination.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the report Larger
concerning the preface to the ten commandments ; and Catechlsm-
upon debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What special
things are we to consider in the ten commandments ? A.
We are to consider, in the ten commandments, the pre
face, the substance of the commandments themselves, and
several reasons annexed to some of them, the more to
enforce them.
Ordered — Q. What is the preface to the commandments?
A. The preface to the commandments is contained in
these words : / am the Lord thy God, which hath brought
thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage :
wherein God manifests his sovereignty, as being Jehovah,
the eternal, immutable, and almighty God, having his
being in and of himself, and giving being to all his word l
and works : and to be a God in covenant, as with Israel of
old, so with all his people ; who, as he hath brought them
out of their bondage in Egypt, so he delivereth us from
our spiritual thraldom ; and that therefore we are bound
to take him for our God alone, and to keep all his com
mandments. Ordered — Q. Why are these words, ' before me,' added
in the first commandment ? A. These words, ' before me,'
or before my face, are added in the first commandment
to tell us that God, who seeth all things, takes special
notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having
any other god : that so it may be an argument to dissuade
from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provoca
tion ; as also to persuade us to do as in his sight, whatever
we do in his service.
Sess. 889. — July 26, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Woodcock made report of the description of the sin
against the Holy Ghost. It was read, but because not
1 Sic in MS.

406 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 8S9. drawn up by the Committee, it was recommitted. The
July 26, Committee are to meet this afternoon and to make report
1647. on Friday morning.
Larger Mr. Tuckney made report of the second commandment.
Catechism. It wag rgad and debated ; and upon debate it was Ordered
— To begin with the affirmative in all the commandments.,,
Ordered— Q. Which is the second commandment ? A.
The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make to
thyself?- etc.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are the sins forbidden
in the second commandment? A. The sins forbidden in
the second commandment are, all devising, counselling,
commanding, using, and any wise approving, any religious
worship not instituted by God himself,
Sess. 890. — July 29, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Conningham be approved upon his ordina
tion. Ordered — Mr. Martin Simpson be approved upon
his former ordination.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was
Ordered — These words shall be added to the former :
' and particularly the making of any representation of God,
of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our
mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any
creature whatsoever ; all worshipping of it, or God in it or
by it ; the making of any representation of feigned deities,
and all worship of them, or service belonging to them ;
all superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God,
adding to it, taking from it, whether invented or taken up
of ourselves, or received by tradition from others, though
under the title of antiquity, custom, devotion, good intent,
or any other pretence whatsoever ; all neglect, contempt,
hindering, and opposing of the worship and ordinances
which God hath appointed.'
Resolved upon the Q., ' Tolerating a false religion ' to
be added as a breach of the second commandment.
1 These words, and those in Sess. 899, seem to be taken from the Prayer-
book version of the commandments.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 407
Sess. 891. — July 30, 1647. — Friday morning. Sess. 891.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Scudder be excused from ^L3,0'
praying till his return. Mr. Young and Mr. Cawdry be 
appointed to pray with the Lords and Commons the week
following. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ; Larger
of the duties required in the second commandment. Catechism.
Sess. 892. — August 2, 1647. — Monday morning.
Resolved upon the Q., That Mr. Carter's reasons of re
moval be admitted, and he approved!
Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a Committee to
withdraw, and forthwith to present something to the As
sembly to be fit to be presented to the Parliament, City,
and Army, from this Assembly. Ordered — Mr. Palmer,
Mr. Gower, Mr. Whitakers, Dr. Temple, and Mr. Ny to be
this Committee.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Bath1 bring the hands of some
ministers known to this Assembly.
The Committee returned and made report of the mes
sage ; and upon debate it was assented to, and is as
followeth2 . . . Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Assessor Palmer
be desired to deliver this petition to the Lords and Com
mons assembled in Parliament.
Resolved upon the Q., Mr. Spurstow and Mr. Gower be
desired to deliver the same to the Lord Mayor, Common
Council, and Committee for Militia.
Ordered — Mr. Ny be desired to present the same to Sir
Thomas Fairfax.
Sess. 893. — August 3, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Palmer made report of the delivering of the petition
to both Houses of Parliament, and that they had thanks
from the House of Commons, and leave to present the
same both to the City and Army ; and thanks also from
the House of Lords [for their good affection to the good
and peace of the kingdom].2
1 Batt in Fascicle III., but probably Bath of Rochdale, who had married
Archbishop Laud's niece, is meant.
2 Journals of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 368. Do. of Commons, vol. v. p. 267.

408 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 893. Mr. Gower made report from the Common Council of
Ai6473' tne delivering of the same petition to them, and of their
 thankful acceptance of it.
Larger The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the Catechism ;
Catechism. and upon debate ;t was Resoived upon the Q., Q. What are
the duties required in the second commandment ? A- The
duties required in the second commandment are, the re
ceiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such
religious worship and ordinances as God hath instituted
in his word ; particularly prayer and thanksgiving in the
name of Christ, and as means to obtain good things ; the
reading, preaching, and hearing of the word ; the admini
stration and receiving of sacraments, church government and
discipline ; the ministry and maintainance thereof ; religious
fasting ; swearing by God's name, and vowing unto him : as
also the disapproving, detesting, and opposing all false
worship ; and, according to each one's place and calling,
removing it, and all monuments of idolatry.
Memorandum. — To consider of days of thanksgiving in
the fourth commandment.
Sess. 894. — August 5, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Dashfield be respited. Ordered — Mr.
Sarson be approved upon his former approbation.
Mr. Marshall informed the Assembly that their petition
to the General was delivered by Mr. Ny, and the General
had desired him to acquaint the Assembly that he did
take it very kindly and thankfully from the Assembly,
and doth desire they would be assured it shall ever be
acceptable to him to endeavour anything that shall be
acceptable to the Assembly, and desires their constant
prayers in perfecting of all things that may tend to peace.
An order was read from the House of Lords of thanks
for their petition, and leave to present their petition to
whom they shall think fit. It is as followeth x . . .
Resolved upon the Q., The Shorter Catechism shall be
gone in hand with presently by a Committee now to be
chosen. Ordered— -Mr. Prolocutor, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple,
' Journals of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 371.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 409
Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Green, Mr. Delmy, shall be this Com- Sess. 894.
mittee ; and they are to meet this afternoon ; Mr. Palmer i04'7.S'
is to take care of it.1 
Sess. 895. — August 6, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Byfield and Mr. Maynard appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Dashfield be respited for a better testi
monial. Mr. Tuckney made report of the reasons to enforce the Larger
second commandment ; and it was debated, and upon Catechism.
debate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are the
reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more
to enforce it? A. The reasons annexed to the second
commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in those
words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God — are,
besides God's sovereignty over us, and property 2 in us, his
fervent zeal for his own worship, and his revengeful indig
nation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whore
dom ; accounting the breakers of this commandment his
enemies and such as hate him, and therefore threatening
judgment to them and their posterity to diverse genera
tions ; and esteeming the observers of it his friends and
such as love him and keep his commandments, and accord
ingly promising mercy to them and their posterity to many
generations. Sess. 896s — August 9, 1647. — Monday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in debate of the Catechism ;
and upon debate it was Ordered — Q. Which3 is the third
commandment? A. The third commandment is, Thou
shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, etc.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is the duty required in
the third commandment? A. The duty required in the
third commandment is the holy and reverent using of
God's titles, attributes, ordinances, works, and whatever else
he makes himself known to us by, in thought, meditation,
1 That is, ' to be Convener of it. ' 2 Sic in MS. and in early editions.
3 'What' has been altered into 'which,' or the reverse.

4IO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 896. word, writing, holy profession, and answerable conversation,
Ai6S479' and particularly the word, sacraments, prayers, oaths, vows,
— and lots, and all to the glory of God and the good of our
selves and others.
Report of Resolved upon the Q., There shall be a report of the
CatecWsm Short Catechism ; which was accordingly made by Mr.
called for. Palmer. Ordered— Mr. Calamy and Mr. Gower be added to the
Committee for the Catechism.
Ordered—Mr. Dashfield bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 897. — August 10, 1647. — Tuesday morning
Ordered — Mr. Walker be respited till to-morrow seven-
night. Dr. Temple made report of the Lesser Catechism. Mr.
Tuckney made report of the third commandment.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the third
commandment ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What are the sins forbidden
in the third commandment ? A. The sins forbidden in the
third commandment are, the not using of God's name as
is required ; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irre
verent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning or
otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works,
by blasphemy, perjury ; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows,
and lots ; violating of our lawful oaths and vows, and ful
filling them, if of things unlawful ; murmuring and quar
relling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's
decrees and providences ; misinterpreting, misapplying, or.
any way perverting the word, or any part of it, to profane
jests, abusing it, or anything contained under the name of
God, to charms, curious or unprofitable questions, vain
janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrine, or sinful
lusts and practices ;
Sess. 898. — August 11, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate of the sins
against the third commandment ; and upon debate it was
Resolved upon the Q., These words shall be added, ' The

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 4 1 I
maligning, scorning, reviling, or any wise opposing of God's Sess. 898.
truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in Au|' u'
hypocrisy, or for sinister ends ; being ashamed of it, or a 
shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and Catechism.
offensive walking, or backsliding from it.'
Ordered — Q. What reasons are annexed to the third
commandment ? A. The reasons annexed to the third
commandment, in these words (The Lord thy God, and, For
the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name
in vain), are, because he is the Lord and our God, and
therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused
by us ; especially because he will be so far from acquitting
and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as
that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judg
ment, albeit many such escape the censures and punish
ments of men.
Sess. 899. — August 13, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Salway and Mr. Simpson were appointed to pray
with the Lords and Commons the week following.
Ordered — Mr. Mason be approved upon former exa
mination. Ordered — Mr. Whitfield be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered — The Committee for the money do meet this
afternoon and make distribution of the ^300 according
to the former order of the Assembly.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the fourth commandment.
Ordered — The Committee do omit the entering upon par
ticulars in the fifth commandment.
Ordered — Mr. Harley be approved upon his former exa
mination. The Assembly proceeded in debate of the fourth com
mandment; and upon debate it was Ordered — Q. Which
is the fourth commandment ? A. The fourth command
ment is, Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day, etc.
Resolved upon the Q., Q. What is required in the fourth
commandment? A. In the fourth commandment is re
quired of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God
such set time as he hath appointed in his word, expressly

412 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 899. one whole day in seven, which was the seventh from the
A"|4y'3' beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and
 the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to
Catfchism. the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath, and
in the New Testament called the Lord's Day.
Sess. 900. — August 16, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Seaman made report of the distribution of the
£300, and it was ordered.
The Assembly proceeded in the debate ; and upon de
bate it was Resolved upon the Q., Q. How is the Sabbath
or Lord's day to be sanctified ? A. The Sabbath or Lord's
day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not
only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even
from such worldly employments and recreations as are on
other days lawful, and making it our delight to spend the
whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken in x in
works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private
exercises of God's worship : and, to that end, we are to
remember it before it come, in so preparing our hearts,
and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, dispos
ing and seasonably dispatching our worldly businesses
that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that
day.

NOTE. — This may be the most suitable place to relate
the further proceedings of the two Houses, and those of
the Scotch Assembly and Parliament, regarding the Con
fession of Faith.
It has been mentioned in the notes on pp. 291, 308, that
on the 6th November 1646 the first nineteen chapters were
passed by the House of Lords in the exact form in which
they had been sent up by the Assembly of Divines. The
Journals of that House (vol. ix. pp. 17 and 18) bear that
on the 1 6th February 1646-7 'The Confession of Faith
was read the second time ; and the House was adjourned
into a Committee during pleasure to read it in parts and
1 Sic in MS. for up.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 413
consider of it. The first Chapter, being in number 20th,
was agreed to. The 21st, of Religious Worship and the
Sabbath-day, was agreed to. The 2 2d, of Lawful Vows and
Oaths, was agreed to. The 23d, of the Civil Magistrate, was
agreed to. The 24th, of Marriage, agreed to. The 25th, of
the Church, agreed to. The 26th, of the Communion of
Saints, agreed to. The 27th, of the Sacraments, agreed to.
The 28th, of Baptism, agreed to. The 29th, of the Lord's
Supper, agreed to. The 30th, of Church Censures, agreed
to. The 31st, of Synods and Councils, agreed to. The
32d, of the Resurrection, agreed to. The 33d, of the Day of
Judgment, agreed to. The House was resumed ; and the
said Confession was read entirely, and Resolved — To pass
upon the Question.' The same day ' a message was sent to
the House of Commons by Dr. Aylett and Dr. Heath to
deliver to them the residue of the Confession of Faith with
this sense, " That the Lords sent part of the Confession of
Faith long since to the House of Commons, and have now
passed this ; to both which the Lords desire their speedy
concurrence in regard of the Fast appointed by both
Houses for heresies and schisms, which is to be on the 10th
of March next, and [it] would seem strange if before that
time a Confession of Faith, agreed to by both Houses, be
not published to the kingdoms." This message was de
livered to the House of Commons on Saturday, the 20th of
February, and was ordered to be taken into consideration
on the Friday following ; and on the 29th April, when the
Scripture proofs for the Confession were presented, it was
resolved, as mentioned on p. 354 (note), that on Wednesday
next come sevennight the House should proceed to consider
the Confession of Faith and the proceedings the Divines
have made in the Nine-and-thirty Articles. But it was not
till Wednesday, the 19th of May, that they were able to
carry out this resolution. On that day ' the House, accord
ing to former Order, proceeded to the consideration of the
humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines concerning a
Confession of Faith, presented by the Assembly of Divines,
with the texts of Scripture in the margin. The first para
graph of the first Chapter, concerning the Holy Scriptures,

414 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
and likewise the Sixth Article of the Nine-and-thirty
Articles, were read.' Almost the whole of this session was
occupied with the consideration of chapter i., which was
discussed, and put to the question paragraph by paragraph.
A separate question was even put, whether the words,
'those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his
people being now ceased,' should stand. Apparently
without a division, ' it passed with the affirmative,' both as
regards these, and also the whole of the ist, 2d, 3d, 4th,
5 th, 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th paragraphs of this chapter.
But the 8th paragraph was respited, and ordered to be
taken into consideration at the next sitting of the House
on this business. This was on Friday, 28th May, when it
was referred to those members of the House that were of
the Assembly of Divines ' to confer with the divines of the
Assembly upon the said paragraph, and to report it on
Wednesday next.' At the same sitting, chapters ii. and iii.
of the Confession were considered paragraph by paragraph,
and adopted apparently without division. Owing to the
political disturbances of that summer, it was not till the 2d
of October that the House resumed consideration of the
Confession, passed chapter iv. and part of chapter v., and
resolved to go on every Wednesday till the whole was
ended. But no further entry occurs on the subject in their
Journals till the 4th February 1647-8, when they proceeded
to consider of the 4th paragraph of chapter xx., entitled ' of
Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience,' and resolved
that that paragraph should be again ' taken into considera
tion when the House comes to consider of the Thirtieth
Chapter, concerning Church Censures.' At the same
sitting the House adopted, paragraph by paragraph, chap
ters xxi. and xxii., and the first three sections of chapter
xxiii. Before the 4th section of that chapter was adopted,
the phrase, ' pay them tribute and other dues,' was changed
into ' pay them their dues ;' and the words ' magistrate's'
into 'magistrates',' ' him ' into ' them,' and ' due ' into 'just;'
and the consideration of the clauses respecting the Pope's
assumed power was deferred till the Thirtieth chapter
should be considered. The first two sections of chapter

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 415
xxiv., ' of Marriage and Divorce,' were also approved at the
same sitting. On the nth February, before the 3d sec
tion of that chapter was adopted, the qualified proposition,
' It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry ivho are able
with judgment to give their consent] was exchanged for the
general one, ' It is lawful for all sorts of people to marry.'
On the 1 8th of February the 4th section of this chapter
was discussed clause by clause. The two first clauses were
agreed to. But 'the question being put for agreeing to
the last clause of the 4th paragraph . . . viz. " the man may
not marry any of his wife's kindred nearer in blood than
he may of his own ; nor the woman of her husband's kindred
nearer in blood than her own," the House was divided. The
Yeas went forth —
Sir Robert Pye, . . ( Tellers for the Yea. ) L 40.

,;:{

Sir Antony Irby, . 4. With the Yea,
Sir William Armyn, f Tellers for the No. )
Mr. Knightley, . . I With the No, ) 7*'
So that the question passed with the Negative.' The
House resumed consideration of this chapter on 3d March ;
and the question being put for agreeing to the 5 th para
graph, it passed with the Negative; and the question being
put for agreeing to the 6th paragraph, it passed also with
the Negative. On 10th March the House took into con
sideration, and adopted paragraph by paragraph, chapters
xxv., xxvi., xxvii., xxviii., xxix., xxxii., and xxxiii. On
17th March the House resumed consideration of the 8th
paragraph of chapter i., and agreed to it as originally
framed by the Assembly. They next considered of the
title to be given to the book, and ' the question being pro
pounded, that these words, " A Confession of Faith," be in
the question, the question was put whether this question
shall be put ; the House was divided. The Noes went forth —
Sir Richard Houghton, f Tellers for the No. > ,
Mr. Rous, .... { With the No, ) *'
Sir Walt. Erie, ¦ ¦ ¦ S Tellers for the Yea. >
Colonel Lee, . . . • 1 With the Yea, ) 4*'

416 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
So that the question passed with the Negative ;' and it
was resolved that this shall be the title, 'Articles, of Chris
tian Religion approved and passed by both Houses of Par
liament, after advice had with the Assembly of Divines by
authority of Parliament, sitting at Westminster.' Confer
ence was then desired with the Lords, who had passed the
whole of the Confession in its original form, and apparently
more than one conference took place. At the first of
these, held on 22d March 1847-8, Rushworth states (Hist.
Coll. Pt. iv. p. 1035) that the Commons 'presented the
Lords with the Confession of Faith passed by them, with
some alterations, viz. That they do agree with their Lord
ships, and so with the Assembly, in the doctrinal part,
and desire the same may be made public ; that this king
dom a7id all the Reformed Churches in Christendom may see
the Parliament of England differ not in doctrine. In some
particulars there were some phrases altered, as in that of
"tribute" being due to the magistrate, they put "dues;"
to the degree of marriage they refer to the law established ;
particulars in discipline are recommitted ; and for the title
they make it not " A Confession of Faith" because not so
running / confess at the beginning of every section, but
" A rticles of Faith agreed upon by both Houses of Parlia
ment',' as most suitable to the former title of the Thirty-
nine Articles.' It was not till 3d June 1648 that the
House of Lords sent a message to the Commons to let
them know that ' they agreed to all the alterations in the
Confession of Faith, excepting to that concerning marriage.'
And it was only on 20th June that the House of Commons
took this message into consideration, and ' Ordered — That
the Articles of Christian Religion sent from the Lords with
some alterations, the which were this day read, and upon the
question agreed unto, be forthwith printed and published.'
Next day it was Resolved — That the texts of Scripture be
printed with the Articles of Faith. This was accordingly
done, and a copy of the authorized edition of these Articles
is still to be found in the Library of the British Museum.
It omits the whole of chapters xxx. and xxxi. of the
Assembly's Confession, also the 4th paragraph of chapter

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 4 1 7
xx., and part of the 4th, and the whole of the 5 th and 6th
paragraphs of Chapter xxiv. The clause originally struck
out of the 3d paragraph of that chapter by the Commons
seems to have been the .only one restored in consequence
of the firmness of the House of Lords.
Nor was this the last word of an English House of
Commons on the Confession of Faith. When the Long
Parliament was restored in 1659, and the members who
had been secluded in 1648 were recalled, a Committee on
Religion was appointed, with Colonel Harley as Convener.
This Committee, on 2d March 1659-60, reported, inter
alia, ' the Confession of Faith presented from the Assembly
of Divines by Dr. Burgess and others of the Assembly, the
25th September1 1646, which was read;' and it was there
upon ' resolved that this House doth agree to this public
Confession of Faith contained in all the chapters except
the^oth and 31st,' and also ' ordered that it be referred to
the Committee which brought in this Confession of Faith *
to bring in an Act declaring and owning this to be the
public Confession of Faith of the Church of England.'2
It was further ' ordered that the 30th chapter, of Church
Censures, and the 31st chapter, of Synods and Councils, be
referred back to the same Committee that brought in the
Confession of Faith to consider thereof, and to confer with
such persons thereupon as they shall think fit, and present
their opinion therein to the Parliament'1 On 5 th March
there was reported from the same Committee, ' An Act
declaring the public Confession of Faith of the Church of
England ;' which having been read the first and second
time, it was ' resolved that this Act be now read the third
time. The said Act was read the third time accordingly,
and upon the question passed, and ordered to be printed
and published.' It was ' referred to Dr. Reynolds, Mr.
Calamy, and Mr. Manton to examine the same at the
press, and' also to examine the Scriptures for proof of every
1 Only the first nineteen chapters of the Confession were presented on 25th
September. The whole was not presented till 4th December 1646. See
notes on pp. 290, 308.
2 Journals of House of Commons, vol. vii. p. 858.
'2D

41 8 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
article, and insert the same in the margin of the book.'1
On 14th March a bill was passed for the Presbyterian
government of the Church, according to the ordinance of
Parliament in 1648, entitled ' The Form of Church Govern
ment to be used in England and Ireland.' 2 Thus presby
tery may be said to have been re-established, while by the
resolution of the House of 21st May 1659 a considerable
amount of liberty was reserved to ' tender consciences '
differing from the form established.3
The proceedings of the Assembly and Parliament of
Scotland may be more shortly related. The Confession of
Faith, as printed without proofs in January 1646-7, was
brought down by Baillie the same month, along with
Rouse's Psalter, and presented by him to the Commission
of the General Assembly.4 Some have supposed that it
was forthwith printed and sent to the several presbyteries
that they might report their opinion of it to the ftext
General Assembly. I have not succeeded in finding any
trace of such an edition, and I can hardly think that if
copies had been issued and transmitted to presbyteries,
the Assembly would have omitted to mention this fact in
their Act, as explicitly as in the following year they men
tioned the fact that the Larger Catechism had been so
transmitted. In all probability they were induced to follow
a more expeditious course than they otherwise would, by
the assurances of their commissioners, that it would con
duce much to ensure the adoption of the Confession in
its entirety by the English Parliament, that it had been
already received in this manner by the Assembly or Par
liament of Scotland.5 The edition of the Confession, with
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. vii. p. 862.
3 Ibid. pp. 874, 875. •
* Ibid. p. 662.
4 Baillie's Letters, vol. iii. p. 2. For a full and interesting account of
Rouse's and other versions of the Psalms in metre, see Appendix, p. 525.
6 Accordingly an edition of the Confession, etc., as approved by the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was published in London in 1648.
The publisher was called to account by the House of Commons, who at once
divined why this had been done. This edition was allowed to be circulated
with a new title page ;- but its origin may still be traced by its peculiar read
ings derived from the Scotch edition of 1647.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 419
proofs, printed at London in May, was probably brought
down to Scotland by Gillespie before the meeting of the
Assembly in 1647, and in Session V. of that Assembly
orders were given for printing 300 copies for the use of the
members of the Assembly.1 In Sessions IV., XV., and
XIX.,2 all who had doubts or objections regarding any
head or article of the Confession of Faith, were invited to
state them to a special Committee of Assembly. Thus the
objectors were satisfied, and in the XXIII. Session the Act
approving of the Confession of Faith was passed nemine
contradicente? This Act of Assembly, along with the Acts
in approbation of the Larger and Shorter Catechisms passed
in 1648, was ratified by the Scottish Parliament on 7th
February 1649. That ratification of course was annulled
by the general Act Rescissory of 1661 ; but [a certain
degree of deference continued to be given to the Confes
sion in the episcopal times.4 By Act V. of the Parliament
of 1690 it was anew ratified and established as the public
and avowed Confession of this Church, containing the sum
and substance of the doctrine of the Reformed Churches,
and by Act XXII. of Parliament 1693, the terms in which
it was to be subscribed were appointed. A formula in
the terms prescribed by this statute was adopted by the
Assembly in 1694. In 171 1 this was exchanged for the
formula still in use. These Acts of Assembly and Parlia
ment, or such parts of them as relate to the Confession of
Faith, are subjoined, along with the formulae of 1694 and
1711. 1. Act of Assembly 1647, Sess. 23, approving of the
Confession of Faith : —
Assembly at Edinburgh, August 27, 1647. Sess. 23.
A Confession of Faith for the Kirks of God in the three kingdoms,
1 Peterkin's Records of Kirk, p. 480, No. 15. 2 Ibid. pp. 480, 481.
3 Baillie's Letters, vol. iii. p. 20. Probably it was to satisfy these objectors
that definite explanations of the sense in which the Assembly understood
some things in the Confession were embodied in their Act.
1 See preface to ' Case of Suffering Church of Scotland.' Burnet, in his
History of his Own Times, says, ' The bishops had left it in possession,
though the authority which enacted it was annulled.'

42O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
being the chiefest part of that uniformity in religion which, by the
Solemn League and Covenant, we are bound to endeavour : And there
being accordingly a Confession of Faith agreed upon by the Assembly
of Divines sitting at Westminster, with the assistance of Commis
sioners from the Kirk of Scotland ; which Confession was sent from
our Commissioners at London to the Commissioners of the Kirk met
at Edinburgh in January last, and hath been in this Assembly twice
publickly read over, examined, and considered ; copies thereof being
also printed, that it might be particularly perused by all the members
of this Assembly, unto whom frequent intimation was publickly made,
to put in their doubts and objections, if they had any : And the said
Confession "being, upon due examination thereof, found by the As
sembly to be most agreeable to the Word of God, and in nothing con
trary to the received doctrine, worship, discipline, and government of
this Kirk : And, lastly, It being so necessary, and so much longed
for, that the said Confession be, with all possible diligence and expe
dition, approved and established in both kingdoms, as a principal
part of the intended uniformity in religion, and as a special means for
the more effectual suppressing of the many dangerous errors and
heresies of these times ; the General Assembly doth therefore, after
mature deliberation, agree unto, and approve the said Confession, as
to the truth of the matter ; (judging it to be most orthodox, and
grounded upon the Word of God ;) and also, as to the point of uni
formity, agreeing for our part, that it be a common Confession of
Faith for the three Kingdoms. The Assembly doth also bless the
Lord, and thankfully acknowledge His great mercy, in that so excel
lent a Confession of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon in
both kingdoms ; which we look upon as a great strengthening of the
true reformed religion against the common enemies thereof. But,
lest our intention and meaning be in some particulars misunderstood,
it is hereby expressly declared and provided, That the not mentioning
in this Confession the several sorts of ecclesiastical officers and assem
blies, shall be no prejudice to the truth of Christ in these particulars,
to be expressed fully in the Directory of Government. It is further
declared, That the Assembly understandeth some parts of the second
article of the thirty-one chapter only of kirks not settled, or consti
tuted in point of government : And that although, in such kirks, a
synod of ministers, and other fit persons, may be called by the magis
trate's authority and nomination, without any other call, to consult
and advise with about matters of religion ; and although, likewise, the
ministers of Christ, without delegation from their churches, may of
themselves, and by virtue of their office, meet together synodically in
such kirks not yet constituted, yet neither of these ought to be done
in kirks constituted and settled ; it being always free to the magis
trate to advise with Synods of ministers and ruling elders, meeting
upon delegation from their churches, either ordinarily, or, being in
dicted by his authority, occasionally, and pro re nataj it being also
free to assemble together synodically, as well pro re nata as at the

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 42 I
ordinary times, upon delegation from the churches, by the intrinsical
power received from Christ, as often as it is necessary for the good of
the Church so to assemble, in case the magistrate, to the detriment
of the Church, withhold or deny his consent ; the necessity of occa
sional assemblies being first remonstrate unto him by humble sup
plication. A. KER.
2. Act XVI. of Parliament 1649, anent the Catechisms,
Confession of Faith, and Ratification thereof : —
At Edinburgh, February 7, 1649.
The Estates of Parliament, now presently convened in this second
Session of the second triennial Parliament, by virtue of an Act of the
Committee of Estates, who had power and authority from the last
Parliament for convening the Parliament, having seriously considered
the Catechisms, viz. the Larger and Shorter ones, with the Confession
of Faith, with three Acts of Approbation thereof by the Commis
sioners of the General Assembly, presented unto them by the Com
missioners of the said General Assembly ; do ratify and approve the
said Catechisms, Confession of Faith, and Acts of Approbation of
the same, produced as it is ; and ordains them to be recorded, pub
lished, and practised.
3. Excerpt from Act V. of Parliament 1690, ratifying
the Confession of Faith, and settling Presbyterian Church
Government : —
Our Sovereign Lord and Lady, the King and Queen's Majesties,
and Three Estates of Parliament, conceiving it to be their bounden
duty, after the great deliverance that God hath lately wrought for
this Church and kingdom, in the first place to settle and secure
therein the true Protestant religion, according to the truth of God's
Word, as it hath of long time been professed within this land : As
also the government of Christ's Church within this nation, agreeable
to the Word of God, and most conducive to the advancement of true
piety and godliness, and the establishing of peace and tranquillity
within this realm . . . Therefore their Majesties, with advice and
consent of the said Three Estates, do hereby revive, ratify, and per
petually confirm all laws, statutes, and Acts of Parliament made
against Popery and Papists, and for the maintenance and preserva
tion of the true Reformed Protestant religion, and for the true
Church of Christ within this kingdom, in so far as they confirm the
same, or are made in favours thereof. Likeas they by these presents
ratify and establish the Confession of Faith now read in their pre
sence, and voted and approven by them, as the public and avowed
Confession of this Church, containing the sum and substance of the

422 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
doctrine of the Reformed Churches (which Confession of Faith is
subjoined to this present Act). As also they do establish, ratify, and
confirm the Presbyterian government and discipline, that is to say,
the government of the Church by kirk-sessions, presbyteries, pro
vincial synods, and General Assemblies, ratified and established by
¦ the 114 Act, Ja. vi. Pari. 12, anno 1592, entituled Ratification of the
Libertie of the True Kirk, etc.
4. 'Excerpt from Act XXII. of Parliament 1693, for
settling the quiet and peace of the Church : —
Our Sovereign' Lord and Lady, the King and Queen's Majesties,
with advice and consent of the Estates of Parliament, ratify, approve,
and perpetually confirm the fifth Act of the second session of this
current Parliament, entituled, Act ratifying the Confession of Faith
and settling Presbyterian Church government in the whole heads,
articles, and clauses thereof : And do further statute and ordain,
that no person be admitted or continued for hereafter to be a minister
or preacher within this Church, unless that he ... do also subscribe
the Confession of Faith ratified in the aforesaid 5th Act of the second
session of this Parliament, declaring the same to be the confession
of his faith, and that he owns the doctrine therein contained to be
the true doctrine, which he will constantly adhere to : As likewise,
that he owns and acknowledges Presbyterian Church government,
as settled by the aforesaid fifth Act of the second session of this
Parliament, to be the only government of this Church, and that he will
submit thereto, concur therewith, and never endeavour, directly or
indirectly, the prejudice or subversion thereof, etc.
5. Formula authorized by the Assembly of 1694: —
I, , do sincerely own and declare the above Confession
of Faith, approven by former General Assemblies of this Church,
and ratified by law in the year 1690, to be the confession of my
faith, and that I own the doctrine therein contained to be the true
doctrine, which I will constantly adhere to ; as likewise, that I own
and acknowledge Presbyterian Church government of this Church
now settled by law, by kirk-sessions, presbyteries, provincial synods,
and General Assemblies, to be the only government of this Church,
and that I will submit thereto, concur therewith, and never endea
vour, directly nor indirectly, the prejudice or subversion thereof ;
and that I shall observe uniformity of worship and of the administra
tion of all public ordinances within this Church, as the same are at
present performed and allowed.
6. Formula enjoined by Act X., Assembly 17 11 : —
Ji , do hereby declare, that I do sincerely own and believe

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 423
the whole doctrine contained in the Confession of Faith approven by
the General Assemblies of this national Church, and ratified by law
in the year 1690, and frequently confirmed by diverse Acts of Parlia
ment since that time; to be the truths of God ; and I do own the same
as the confession of my faith : As likewise I do own the purity of
worship presently authorized and practised in this Church, and also
the Presbyterian government and discipline now so happily estab
lished therein ; which doctrine, worship, and Church government I
am persuaded are founded on the Word of God, and agreeable
thereto : And I promise that, through the grace of God, I shall firmly
and constantly adhere to the same, and to the utmost of my power
shall, in my station, assert, maintain, and defend the said doctrine,
worship, discipline, and government of this Church, by kirk-sessions,
presbyteries, provincial synods, and General Assemblies ; and that I
shall in my practice conform myself to the said worship, and submit
to the said discipline and government, and never endeavour, directly
nor indirectly, the prejudice or subversion of the same ; and I
promise that I shall follow no divisive course from the present
establishment in this Church, renouncing all doctrines, tenets, and
opinions contrary to or inconsistent with the said doctrine, worship,
discipline, or government of this Church.

Between Fascicles II. and III. is a torn sheet of paper not fastened into
the book, containing a number of miscellaneous jottings by the Scribe-
chiefly the names of presentees who were to be examined, and of those who
were to examine them, or of those who had lodged caveats against them.
Fascicle III. extends from f. 239 to 382 of the volume, and contains the scroll
minutes or rough jottings of the Assembly's proceedings from Session 604 to
Session 1163, when the sessions ceased to be numbered, and thence onward
to March 25, 1652, when their sittings as an examining board also ceased.
All is in the handwriting of Byfield, save the minutes of sessions at which he
was not present. The facts that the minutes on these occasions are in another
hand, as well as that the minutes of the earlier sessions in the Fascicle
frequently contain extensive notes of the speeches delivered in the debates,
seem to make it probable that these rough jottings were taken down during
the several sessions, and along with the recollections of the Scribe were the
source from which the more finished and generally fuller minutes in Fascicle
II. were framed. It has not been deemed necessary, therefore, to give the
minutes in this Fascicle from Sessions 604 to 900, save when they contain
notes of speeches made in the debates, or some information not given in
the previous Fascicle or the notes upon it. The minutes from Sessions 900
to 1163 are given in full. Folio 239, besides a number of miscellaneous
jottings similar in character to those on the torn leaf which precedes it, and
two or three partial lists of members of Assembly, or of Committees of
Assembly, contains in a later hand the words ' Sessions 604 to 1164,' which
were probably meant as a title to the Fascicle, though, as stated above,
Session 1163 is the last which bears a number.

424 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 604. Sess. 604. — March 16, 1645. — Monday morning.
Mar. 16, ' '
l645- Proceed in debate.
Mr. Coleman — The first thing offered was this: No
jurisdictive power here expressed ; proved by parallel scrip
tures. To those they answered Deut. xvii. 12. To this
said : This did not do any such thing, be[cause] no men
tion who should put him to death. A. Two words follow
ing show it, ' you shall take away evil.' For 2 Thess. ii. 14,
the power is placed in the Church, to this it was said : he
yields excommunication. A. I speak here according to
your opinion . . . Said it will not follow, no censure because
no authority . . . Those texts Tit. and Pet. there is the
word 'obey' and 'submit,' which is not in the other place . . .
A doctrinal declarative power is granted ... 2d arg. ' let
him be to thee.' Said then a private person might have
more privilege than a church wronged . . . A. This is
denied . . . Here is no more power in the church over the
per ... 3d a[rg.] ' a publican and heathen.' This would
not be an ecclesiastical censure. A publican was an
Israelite, and admitted to the ordinances. Said the publi
cans were not admitted to the ordinances ; another said,
de facto they were admitted. When those [2] were agreed
which they will stand to I will answer them. Said, they
must not be taken disjunctively] but copulatively ; let
them agree . . . Said the least weight put upon the word
publican, but why less weight upon that ... 4 [arg.] For
the contradiction of this scripture to that in those . . . Said
that was not formally excommunication ... To reconcile
the Scriptures said, excommunication major and minor . . .
It is true something spoken concerning the matter that it
was not civil but ecclesiastical. A. For the present I say
only, this is not to the argument . . . Said all fathers (I)1
1 Or persons (?). One word appears to be written over the other.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 425
from the beginning of the world did interpret this place Sess- 6o4-
thus . . . But what if they did not, was not that too con- 1645. '
fident an if,1 for some others interpret this of a particular
person. Any particular person may bind and loose, and
Augustine ... 2. Some say this is a private injury, Theo-
phylact on 18th of Matth. . . . this is only a ministerial
power by preaching, Jerome upon Esa. lib. 6, cap. 14 . . .
TertuUian, Act 2 (?).
Mr. Palmer — We did say the scope of our Saviour in
this place is not to make a particular reparation, but to
bring the party to repentance.
Mr. Coleman — Grant it for the present, that here is no
authoritative power in case he did not repent . . .
Mr. Seaman — Only take up that that hath reference to
that that concerns myself. He need not have searched
1 The reference here is probably to Rutherford or Gillespie. At least asser
tions somewhat like that here commented on occur in their writings. As these
will form a welcome supplement to the notes of their speeches, and give in a
more complete form the authorities relied on by them and their friends, one
or two of them are here subjoined : —
' I might cite TertuUian, Cyprian, Augustine, Chrysostom, Theophylact,
Hieronymus, and all modem interpreters, both popish and orthodox, for this
interpretation, not any of them dreaming of the insolent opinion of Erastus,
who misapplieth Augustine and Theophylact for his own way, as Beza cleareth. '
— Rutherford's Divine Right of Church Government, p. 237.
' That this power is juridical or forensical ... I do the rather observe,
because Erastus and Grotius allege some of the ancients for their exposition of
Matth. xviii. 18, that this binding or loosing is by the offended brother. That
which Augustine, Origen, and Theophylact say of one brother's binding or
loosing is but spoken tropologically, and not as the literal sense of the text ;
yea, Theophylact, in that passage cited by Erastus and Grotius,. doth dis
tinguish between the ministerial or ecclesiastical binding and loosing and the
party offended his binding and loosing : " non enim solum qua solvunt sacer-
dotes sunt soluta sed qucecunque et nos," etc. Theophylact doth also find ex
communication in that text. ... I further appeal to Augustine himself, Epist.
75, where, speaking of excommunication and anathema, he distinguisheth it
from corporal punishment ; and after he hath spoken of the temporal sword,
he addeth : " Spiritualis autem poena qu&fit quod scriptum est, quce ligaveris
in terra erunt ligata in ccelo animas obligat." . . . Again, in his 6th tome, lib.
i., contra adversarium legis et prophetarum, cap. 17, he doth most plainly in
terpret Matth. xviii. 1 8 of church discipline and binding by censure. Hierome,
both in his commentary on Matth. xviii. and in his [ist] epistle to Heliodorus,
speaketh of this power of binding as a judicial forensical power belonging to
the ministers or officers of the Church.' — Gillespie's Aaron's Rod Blossoming,
B. III. ch. 6, pp. 409, 410. He refers for additional authorities to Bishop
Bilson's Perpetual Government of Christ's Church.

426 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 604. those authors. That which he should have proved is, that
^645'6' the censure of the Church is no other, but the same that
 a private person ... If both the opinions of some of the
members do militate against him, he should have answered
both. Mr. Coleman — . . .
Mr. Gillespie — Many things replied unto he hath not
answered to ... As for that no censure expressed. If that
be all the reply, that [it] doth not express it ; ' thou ' is in
Math. 18, but it is not said 'thou' is the judge or the civil
magistrate . . . Said to thee ... I replied ... I. This place
must be understood of the judgment of the Church as well
as of a single person, otherwise Christ would have contra
dicted judgments to be in the Church. 2. I answered by
an argument that Erastus useth. He proves that the
whole Church should forgive be[cause] commanded to one
person. 3. By a necessary consequence from the text, if
Christ laid so m[uch] weight in the case of a private
offence — an offender being contumacious — then much more
when the whole Church is offended. If he but grant that
the Church hath as much power as one single person, then
. . . For his third argument if any power of Church censure,
then heathens and publicans were secluded from the public
ordinances. I marvel he hath not brought a proof of it
. . . For his testimonies he will gain little, if he will but
stand to their testimonies we shall soon . . .
Mr. Coleman — For that of Deut. it is not fixed who is
this 'thou.'
Mr. Gillespie — By xvii. of Deut. he makes the San
hedrim at Jerusalem to have no more power, but doc-
trinally to admonish.
Mr. Coleman — They had in other cases.
Mr. Maynard — This a cause of great expectation and
consequence. Let him answer what he thinks fit.
Mr. Gillespie — But the Q[uestion] is whether xvii. of
Deut. do not prove the supreme power of the Sanhedrim ;
if it do prove the supreme authority of the Sanhedrim. . . ,
Mr. Coleman — I do not bring this to prove the authority
of the Sanhedrim, but of the inferior court I acknowledge

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 427
the supreme power of the Sanhedrim, and in this place the Sess. 604.
supreme directive power. ^iIa*6'
Mr. Gillespie — If only a directive power, then he that 
will not hear the directive power then he must die.
Mr. Coleman — For that 2d ' to thee.' To this 2 things
replied. To the first I answer, this supposeth the Q. . . .
Otherwise, what inconvenience will follow from it, but,
make what other course thou canst to get satisfaction
without offence to the Church.
Mr. Coleman — I will prove that heathen and publican is
not a Church censure, not ecclesiastical. 3 things : 1.
Because in Math, and in Luke it is always said offend thee
or sinned against thee. 2. It is a particular injury, be
cause] the particular person hath power to forgive him.
3. Can this of 70 times 7 times hold good in an ecclesias
tical censure ?
Mr. Palmer — He doth not speak to that we desire he
should speak to, that it is not to bring a man to repentance.
Dr. Gouge — Those of Luke and Matth [ew] are two
stories, and not spoken at the same time to the same end.
Mr. Gillespie — The meaning of ' trespass against thee ' is
only if he scandal thee. There is nothing (?) in the xviii.
of Matth. of private offences but of scandals . . . ' Gain ' is
meant of gaining his soul. All that in Luke is another
passage which this is not parallel unto.
Mr. Seaman — This argument is very good if he can
make it out . . . Suppose not of ecclesiastical then either
moral proceeding betwixt man and man, or civil proceed
ing before civil judicatories . . . He saith ' sin against thee.'
That relates to that sin Christ speaks of in the chapter.
Mr. Coleman — All the answer is upon a positive inter
pretation of Scripture he himself gives. I desire him to
make this out that the word ' to sin against thee ' is inter-
pretable this way.
Mr. Palmer — 1 Cor. viii. 10, 11, 12.
Mr. Calamy — The words are preceptive. Christ hath
not laid a command upon aiiy to speak with the brother
before he go to law with him, etc.
Mr. Gillespie— -Will he deny but a scandalous sin is a

428 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 604. trespass against a brother and his soul ; if scandalum be
Mtag- l6) peccatum contra legem caritatis ... 2. We make the debate
 • longer than we need to do. Let him prove that trespass
is meant of private injuries.
Mr. Coleman — That place quoted hath such a sensible
difference as that it cannot be parallel.
Mr. Maynard— xvii. of Luke is agreed to be of a par
ticular injury, and yet the word is the same in both.
Mr. Vines — That which he did demand was where the
phrase is so anywhere used. True the word may be so
taken, yet in the very notation of the word there is some
reference to God in which respect it is called a sin. The
brethren of Joseph are said to have sinned against Joseph,
Gen. xiii. 22, so Jonathan to David, 1 Sam. x.1 . . . Though
the matter be different, yet the phrase is the same, and
that it must be the meaning in this text is very probable.
Christ doth not here set up any political laws ; he hath
not ordinarily done so, but he sets up that that should
obtain in his Church . . . The first word seems to be of some
weight, but if thy brother ; — 17, 18, Christ speaks of those
that give scandal, and having done with that he comes to
speak of those that receive the scandal.
Dr. Temple — 1 Cor. ix. 19 ; 1 Pet. iii. 1 . . . The fathers
have all gone upon this in their interpretations of this place
. . . Grotius is clear that this place proves an endeavour
to bring a man to repentance.
Mr. Maynard — To propound my own doubts : I am at
the same stay now both for the matter before you and
for the manner of proceeding in it . . . all the weight of the
argument for jurisdiction lies in the latter end of it . . .
Observe to what end, in what sense, this brought in,
whether this such a truth as to be an article of Faith.
Then the question is whether proves it be such a truth as
makes it to be an article of Faith . . . It's not enough to
say this text may signify, but he must say it must signify
a public scandal . . . There is much said to prove that it
may signify otherwise . . . Said this was not sq much
giving a rule in the particular comparison directly as a
1 Sic in MS., but probably 1 Sam. xix. 4, 5 is meant.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 429
heathen or publican, but as we express it ... So then it is Sess. 604.
not related to the condition of a heathen and publican, and ^a-16'
so there is nothing of religion to be gathered from, it . . . 
Some take this place as relating to civil injury. A heathen
might not be sued by the Romans, nor a publican, being a
privileged person . . . Others as a direction either [for] an
injury or scandal ; where it is a scandal, satisfaction as to a
scandal, if not tell it more publicly . . . The last is the thing
in question before you. For that of ' gained thy brother,'
admit it do signify by repentance, must that drive it into
a jurisdiction ; as put a case, a man make a profession of
religion and doth me some great injury . . . Said do we
think that Christ had care of ... It is not a good way of
argument to say, Do we think that Christ would do so or
so ? we must think well of it,1 Christ did . . . For that of
the Corinthians . . . Taking the state of it to be this : taken
as an article of Faith, it is rather you do not propound
the Church hath this and this government, but it hath a
government, and this is it. This rather a way of inquiry
by dispute as an advantage, and the rather pressed to
speak this to you. If you had set2 before this, you mean
by the Church this and by the government this . . . You
seem to dig a sawpit, wherein both parties fight together,
can never be reconciled . . . The rent that this will make
. . . Those that do differ from you you cannot admit.
Mr. Rouse — I think he hath not put you out of the way
yet, nor will you' turn out of the way you are in. Your
work is to go forwards and examine by this and other texts
whether there be a discipline or no in this text ; you
cannot carry many things to a civil court.
Mr. Maynard — He did oppose the opinion I did not
hold. For that of politic ends ... I think there's a Chris
tian policy as well as Christian simplicity. If you should
say it is not jure divino, I think it is something.
Mr. Palmer — Three things he is pleased to speak : 1.
The difficulty of putting this question into the Confession
of Faith . . . For the second, the thing that we have before
us hath a double consideration . . .
1 i.e. that which Christ did. 2 Perhaps ' said. '

43O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 605. Sess. 605.— March 17, 1645.— Tuesday morning.
Mia64s!7' Ordered— Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Wilson, visit the Prolocu-
 tor . . . Proceeded in the debate.
Sess. 606.— March 18, 164$.— Wednesday morning.
The Assembly called to the order of the day. Mr.
Coleman was not present.
Mr. Ley offered a scruple about binding and loosing . . .
[Blank space in MS.]
Mr. Ny — I speak if there be any terms obscure, we
may have liberty to it.1 You may assert an ecclesiastical
jurisdiction and the kinds of church officers, and that jure
divino. Sir John Cooke — You say if any terms fit to be ex
plained. This word church is of several senses : whether
the visible Church, elected and not elected, and whether
the Church reputed (?) be in the same sense ? . . .
Mr. Gillespie — In divinity the word church may have
many senses, but not here ; it's a visible ministerial
Church. Sir John Cooke — I am satisfied . . . Whether Christ be
in the New Testament named the king and head of a
visible political ministerial Church ?
Mr. Gillespie — That is a question worthy of debate2 . . .
The kingly office of Christ proved both "in Old and New
Testament ; Christ is called the king of the house of Jacob
. . . and head of the Church ... In what relation is Jesus
Christ a prophet in the Church, in the same relation he is
a king ; his kingly is to add efficacy to his prophetical . . .
Christ is a prophet not only to [the] elect, but to the
visible, political, and ministerial Church. There is a place
in the Gospel which I think holds out this business : ' not
see death till the kingdom of God come ;' some interpret
it of the government of the Church, and the sending
forth the apost[les] and other ministers to rule the Church ;
1 Some word probably omitted before ' it, ' as ' explain. '
2 See his Aaron's Rod Blossoming, p. 292, etc.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 43 I
and some of them did not see death till an order and Sess. 606.
policy in the churches were settled. ^64/ 8'
Dr. Burges — ' King and head,' if we speak of [such] a 
head as hath an influence . . . but if we speak of a head as
the New Testament doth, then though he be a head to the
body, yet he is Head over all . . .
Mr. Seaman — He desires to know where Christ is called
king and head of a political body. Christ is king and
head of the Church as visible and as visibly political . .
That Christ is the king of his Church is express Zech. ix. 9 :
and he did truly act the part of a king without leave from
the Roman empire ; acted in the Temple . . . ' The king
dom of God is within you.' Some say this relates only
to the internal kingdom, but it is clear, by all the force of
the text, that it comes not by observation, be[cause] it is
with you or amongst you, though you speak of it as yet to
come. [He is prophesied of] as king to the Church of the
Jews — ' thy king cometh ' — therefore king of the Church
visible ; so that 1 Cor. xi. ' Christ the head of every man.'
This is understood politically, for the husband is not a
natural head of the wife, but in reference to order ... It is
one of the great arguments against Popery and Prelacy.
They were a power in the Church of Christ that did not
flow from Jesus Christ [as king]. Go, ' teach and baptize.'
That implies a policy ; they cannot do it, but called to it
... No man can exercise this office but by delegation from
Jesus Christ ; he is the proton decticon of all church power
. . . under Jesus Christ.
Sir John Cooke — I intended not a dispute, but only to
?mderstand what you did intend about the Church.
Mr. Ny — Offered ' whether any Scripture ; ' I suppose
there are 2 or 3 Scriptures ; all those terms of relation
between Christ and his Church as head and members, root
and branch, foundation and building . . . Eph. ii. 21. 1 Cor.
xii. 27.
Dr. Temple — One place more to add — Eph. iv. 1 2. This
must be meant of the visible body of Christ. ... I cannot
take those words 1 in the sense of a visible Church ; I take
1 i.e. Eph. ii. 21, or perhaps Eph. i. 22.

432 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 606. it in a larger sense ; over all the Church whether militant
1645. ' or triumphant ; Church in the second place must needs be
restrained [to the visible Church], etc.
¦ Mr. Gillespie — I offer this further for clearing that word.
Some places that tell us of those that were types of Christ
as king, if we compare the type with antitype [throw light
on the nature of his kingdom], as David had a visible ad
ministration ... so Solomon ; Eliakim a type of Christ as
a ruler x . . . a parallel betwixt Christ and Moses, Heb. iii. ;
2 Cor. v. 20 if [ministers are] ambassadors for Christ to the
visible Church, then Christ is a king to a ministerial Church
. . . Rom. xii. ; 1 Cor. xii. — both these places show that
the Church visible is the body of Christ ; he speaks of such
a Church wherein there are divers administrations.2
Mr. Henderson — I remember one testimony of learned
and judicious Bucer. He wrote 2 books, de Regimine
Christi. He that is lawgiver is King, so is Christ . . .
and . . .
To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 607. — March !9, J645. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — That the Committee of Plundered Ministers
be desired that the certificate given from this Assembly
for Mr. Wood may be withdrawn.
Mr. Strickland, Mr. Ley, Mr. Valentine, to visit Mr.
Coleman, and know when he will attend the debate.
Debate about asserting the jus divinum of Church
government. R. neg. — That there be a Committee to search the votes
of the Assembly to find out what the Assembly hath
asserted in point of Church government which is jure
divino. R. — This question shall be put.
R- — A Committee to prepare something for the
Assembly to assert the jus divinum of Church censures ;
and in whose hands jure divino those censures are.
R. neg. — This Committee to be but 5.
R. 7 — and no more, or any three of them.
1 Isa. xxii. 20 ... 22. 2 See his Aaron's Rod, p. 200.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 433
Ordered — Mr. Vines, Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Sess. 607.
Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Reynolds, 1645!9'
shall be this Committee, to meet to-morrow afternoon. 
The Commissioners of Scotland are desired to be present
at this Committee.
Sess. 608. — March 20, 1645. — Friday morning.
Mr. Prophet and Mr. Gibson do move the Committee of
Plundered Ministers in behalf of Mr. Good of Bushey.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, Mr. Tuckney [to pray].
Mr. Strickland informed [the Assembly] that he did
visit Mr. Coleman, and finds him very ill. He is willing
to dispute further, and therefore desires the Assembly to
go upon something [else].
Mr. Marshall — It hath pleased the HonbIe Houses ofParlia-
Parliament, after a long and serious debate, to put out an Ordinance
Ordinance for Church government, which now is [in] every J°r Church
man's hand, and I think ere long it will be put in execution ment.
. . . and expected that we that have had the honour to
advise, that we should go before others in helping to put
that [in execution] . . . Some things in the ordinance that
will lie so heavy upon the consciences of many of our
brethren ... I am one of them — in my heart and spirit
pressed in some things in the ordinance, though I bless
God for the zeal in the two Houses . . . Consider whether
anything further to be done.
Mr. Vines — The intention of that reverend brother was
not to this purpose, as that if there were some things of a
lesser nature and consequence in it that you should make
a business of it . . . but that which presseth upon con
science [should be stated] ... I beseech you to appoint a
Committee to represent unto you some such things.
Mr. Seaman — I cannot but conceive1 with those reverend
brethren that have moved, and that there might be no
great debate . . .
Ordered—Mr. Marshall, Mr. Vines, Mr. Seaman, Mr.
Newcomen, to consider what point of conscience may
press this Assembly to make their humble address to the
1 Perhaps 'concurre.'
2E

434 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 608. Parliament by way of petition, and they are to prepare a
Mi6452°' petition to that purpose, and to make report to this As-
 sembly . . . Debate of religious worship.
Mr. Marshall made report of a petition to be presented
from this Assembly to the Honble Houses of Parliament :
it was read, [and after some few alterations agreed to].1
Sess. 609.— March 23, 1645.— Monday morning.
The Assembly adjourned to carry the petition and meet
again. Mr. Marshall informed the Assembly they had presented
it to the House of Commons ; they have appointed Friday
next to take our petition into consideration, both for the
matter of doing (?) it and manner of bringing it in ;2 and
1 See p. 209 and note, where the petition has already been given.
2 ' It is Resolved, etc., That on Friday next the House do take this
petition into consideration, both concerning the manner of the coming of it
in, and the matter of it, and what is fit to be done upon it' {Journals
of House of Commons, vol. iv. p. 485). On Friday, in accordance with
the above resolution, it was agreed that the House ' be resolved into a
Grand Committee on Wednesday morning next, to take into consideration
the manner of the bringing in of the petition . . . and likewise the matter
of it, and [to] have power to propound to the divines what questions they
shall think fit, and receive their answer in writing thereunto' (p. 492).
This Grand Committee met on the 1st, 3d, and 8th of April, but appa
rently without being able to come to full agreement ; and accordingly, on
the 9th April, it was ' Ordered, — that to-morrow morning Mr. Speaker do
take the chair at eight of the clock, and that the House do resume to them
selves the consideration of the petition last presented from the Assembly of
Divines, in the same manner as it was formerly referred to the Grand Com
mittee of the whole House' (p. 503). On the nth the House, according to
order, took into consideration the petition, and by a majority of 88 to 76,
resolved, ' That this petition thus presented by the Assembly of Divines is a
breach of privilege of Parliament,' and 'That the House do on Wednesday
next take into consideration in what fitting and fair manner this vote shall be
communicated to the Assembly of Divines, and what is further fit to be done
upon it ' (p. 506). On the 16th of April the House resolved, ' That a Com
mittee be nominated to state the particulars of the breach of privilege in the
petition from the Assembly of Divines upon the debate had in the House, and
to present them to the House, that upon their approbation they may be
presented to the Assembly of Divines.' The Committee consisted of Sir
Harry Vane, junior, Mr. Selden, Sir John Evelyn of Wilts, Mr. Solicitor,
Mr. Holies, Sir Arthur Haselrigge, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Nathaniel Fiennes,
Mr. Whitelock, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Sergeant Wilde, Sir Thomas Widrington,
Mr. Samuel Browne, Mr. John Stephens, Mr. Ashurst, Mr. William Lewes,
Mr. Marten, Sir Peter Wentworth, Sir John Coke, Sir William Masham,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 435
from the House of Lords they have appointed a set day to Sess. 609.
take our petition into consideration. ifoif3'
Ordered — Mr. Topham have his certificate upon his 
former approbation.
R. neg. — That Mr. Rocket shall have his certificate.
Ord. — If nothing come in on Thursday he is to have it.
Sess. 610. — March 26, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Johnson be added to the Committee for
the north.
Upon a motion about the Committee for the jus divi
num of . . .
Report was made from the Committee about the magis
trate : it was read.
Debate of Religious Worship and finished.
Mr. Recorder, Sir Henry Vane, Mr. Rouse, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Lisle, Mr.
Ellis, Mr. Knightley, Sir Gilbert Gerard ; and Sir Arthur Haselrigge and
Mr. Marten were to have the care of it. It was some days before the
Committee reported; but on the 17th the House thought fit, for, their own
vindication against the Assembly, the city, and the Scotch, to make a declara
tion 'of their true intentions concerning the ancient and fundamental govern
ment of the kingdom, the government of the Church, the present peace,
securing the people against all arbitrary government, and maintaining a right
understanding between the two kingdoms of England and Scotland, accord
ing to the Covenant and treaties' (p. 513)- In this declaration they assert,
that to concede the demands of the Assembly would be to grant ' an arbi
trary and unlimited power and jurisdiction to near ten thousand judicatories
to be erected within the kingdom,' and to set aside its fundamental laws,
which devolve supreme jurisdiction on the Parliament. They further assert,
that their ' [unjwillingness to subject themselves and the people of the land to
this vast power, hath been a great cause that the government hath not been
long since established,' and that they had ' the more reason by no means to part
with this power out of the hands of the civil magistrate,' because experience
manifests ' that the reformation and purity of religion, and the preservation
and protection of the people of God in this kingdom, hath under God been
by the Parliament, and their exercise of this power. ' What the Presbyterians
thought fit to say in reply to this charge may be seen in Gillespie's Aaron's
Rod Blossoming, or the Divine Order of Church Government Vindicated,
book III. ch. iii. p. 177 (ed. 1646) : 'I dare confidently say, that if compari
sons be rightly made, Presbyterial government is the most limited and least
arbitrary government of any other in the world.' After entering into details
to make good this assertion in regard to the Papal and Prelatical forms of
government, he proceeds (p. 189) to maintain that the Independents, who
exempted single congregations ' from being accountable to and censurable by
classes and synods, must needs be supposed to exercise much more unlimited
or arbitrary power than the Presbyterial churches do, especially when this

436 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 610. Debate of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience.
M,ag4|6' Ord.— The Committee for jus divinum make report on
 Tuesday. Ord. — Mr. Rocket have his certificate.
Sess. 611. — March 27, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Case, Mr. Good, Mr. Hickes [to pray].
Concerning Mr. Wood, Ordered— That the Assembly
doth not think fit to do anything with [th]is information
against Mr. Wood, but desire it may be referred to the
Committee for Plundered Ministers ; and the Assembly
doth declare that this Assembly did never either send
unto him or receive any letter or advice from him.
Ordered— The Assembly is not satisfied with Mr. Bun-
ning his testimonial.
Upon a debate about Monsieur De Perier to be admitted
to a French church, and a letter from Sir Theodore Mey-
herne concerning him,
Ordered — That this business be referred to the ministers
of the French church beside the Exchange, as not proper
for this Assembly to intermeddle, and that Sir T. Meyherne
be acquainted with this, that the Assembly cannot meddle
with this business.
shall be compared and laid together with one of their three grand principles,
which disclaimeth the binding of themselves for the future unto their present
judgment and practice, and avoucheth the keeping of this reserve to alter and
retract. By which it appeareth, that their way will not suffer them to be so
far . . . bounded within certain particular rules (I say not with others, but
even among themselves) as the Presbyterian way will admit of.' Finally, he
denies, that in claiming a distinct government for the Church, the Presby
terians meant to deprive the Christian magistrate of that power and authority
in matters of religion which the word of God and the Confessions of the
Reformed Churches recognised as belonging to him. On the contrary, he
maintains (p. 182), that not only in extraordinary cases, ' when Church
government doth degenerate into tyranny, ambition, and avarice,' or those
who manage it make defection from the truth, the Christian magistrate may
and ought to ' do divers things in and for religion, and interpose his authority
divers ways, so as doth not properly belong to his cognizance, decision, and
administration ordinarily, and in a well-constituted Church,' but also that in
ordinary cases he is free to act as his own conscience directs, in giving or
refusing his sanction to the discipline of the Church ; and that if he is offended
at any sentence given by its Courts, ' they ought to be ready to give him an
account of their proceedings, and by all means to endeavour to satisfy his
conscience, or otherwise to be warned or rectified if themselves have erred.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 437
Mr. Marshall made report of a paper from the Com- Sess. 6n.
missioners of the Church of Scotland : it was read by i64e7'
him. 
Ordered — That Mr. Dickes have a certificate upon his
former approbation.
Ordered — That the Committee for a letter to the Com
missioners of the Church of Scotland do prepare a letter
in answer to the letter last received, and they are to take
notice of the letter from the Parliament, and of this paper
brought in this morning.
Debate of Liberty of Conscience and Christian Liberty.
Alderman Foulke — It pleased both Houses of Par- Speech of
liament to condescend so far as to send divers worthy and Foulke.
honourable members (?) to our common counsel. The city
of London have thought fit to make their address. . . . The
end of both is peace — a holy and just peace, and the only
way is justice — to give to God His due and to men their
due. They were pleased to show us the way, by acknow
ledgment of God's mercies. That God hath been seen in
the moment of our extremities, before our armies came to
the Mount in Cornwall ... at Edgehill . . . They have
been pleased to let us know ; it concerns us to be most
sensible (?) for the care . . . end this1 . . . for our parts . . .
and that we may endeavour an union amongst ourselves,
they thought fit to encourage and invite us to appoint a
day for solemn thanksgiving, and to invite us to that feast,
where we cannot but expect good cheer, and shall find it
to be like the manna. And as they have been pleased to
call us, so we desire to improve it to the uttermost to get
a right understanding between us . . . We remember the
prayer Christ made that they might be one. If we be
not wanting to ourselves, God will bring His own purpose
to pass ... It is the desires of the city of London to meet
this reverend Assembly at Christ Church, and enjoy after
wards [y]our company at dinner . . . That which is our
aims . . . really endeavour, the union betwixt England and
Scotland, and union betwixt Parliament and city of Lon
don, and that every one endeavour union and unity betwixt
1 The transcriber reports that this line is very indistinct.

Gen. iii.

438 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 611. God's own people . . . God hath approved of some kind of
Mjag4!7' divisions, as the woman and the serpent . . . said of one
and other . . . We rest upon that God that hath ever
made use of Satan's policies ... I have done with the
request of the city. Nothing remains but this, that God
would so bless . . .
Ordered — That the Prolocutor do return them thanks.
Prolocu- They were called in, and the Prolocutor [said] by order
Address. °^ ^e Assembly : Honoured senators and worthy citizens
of that renowned city, it is not only a great content, but an
addition to our happiness, to see the sense of God's great
and wonderful mercies to this kingdom, Parliament, city,
and this Assembly, to have so vigorous an operation upon
your hearts as to take all ways for promoting that which
is only due to God, the Author of this happiness, and to
use all means for begetting a right understanding between
the Parliament and city — people of God. We cannot but
be thankful unto God, that hath put it into your hearts to
make it a part of your request that God may have His
due, and it is our part to promote it with all due means,
as . . . that God, in regard of His truth and honour, may
not in the least degree suffer. God hath made that hon
oured city great instruments ... It is indeed a great
honour that the city will be pleased to give us such an
honourable invitation. We accept it with all thankfulness,
and desire you will accept it, and be our mouths. As for
peace, truth, and unity, it hath been our care ; that prayer
which you were pleased to make we cannot but heartily
say Amen to it, and entreat you to pray that prayer of
Him for us, not that we doubt of it, but we value the
prayers of God's people . . . We are as you are, labouring
in our spheres as you in yours . . . We, have therein been
faithful and done our duties ; all that we aim at and labour
for is, that God may be honoured, religion may flourish,
that . . . that His ordinances maybe kept pure, that Christ
may govern in His house ... In these we have travailed,
and in these we shall continue, till God . . .
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 439
Sess. 613. — March 31. — Tuesday morning. Sess. 613.
Mar. 31,
1646.
Debate of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience. 
' Private persons may inquire,' etc. Res. neg. -^. The
remainder of this report not to be recommitted. Ordered —
To go on with the report of the Church on Friday morning.
Sess. 614. — April 3, 1646. — Friday morning.
Mr. Delmy, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Gippes [to pray].
Debate of the proposition concerning the Church.
Mr. Lightfoot. — I dare not purposely oppose it and Debate
contrary it, because I know the consent of so many learned resumed-
men. I desire to propound my doubts. 1. Because I find
not any plain footsteps in Scripture for such a distinction
of ecclesiastical and civil . . . and [2] because the grounds
you go upon are not convincing . . . No such distinction in
the Old Testament It was ever in one hand, the first
form1 in the family was both Priest and Prince ; it is con
fessed by the Christian doc[tors ?] ; it is generally held so
by the Jews . . . Both ministry and magistracy was then
in one hand in the times of the law, where was a distinc
tion of functions, yet no distinction of government . . .
partly by consideration of the proprieties of the priest
hood, they consisted in offering sacrifices and incense, in
praying for the people, propounding the law, in judging of
the leprosy. In all those I see no sign nor glimpse at all
of government, and in those things you count (?) eccle
siastical, as trial of heresy . . . those were indifferently ad
ministered by others as well as the priest ... I deny not
but there was a 3 fold Sanhedrim2 . . . another of 23 in the
gate of the house, and 23 in the gate of the mount ; but
all those were mixed. There was not one that3 was a civil
and ecclesiastical court . . . And in the New Testament
the elders of the people had their votes in trial of heresy
1 Perhaps first-born ; vide Lightfooti Opera, vol. i. p. 16.
2 Uti magnum synedrium sedebat in Templo, ita etiam duo minora
synedria viginti trium virorum, alterum quidem in porta Shushan vel porta
montis Templi, alterum vero in hac porta Nicanoris seu Atrii. — Lightfooti
Opera, vol. i. p. 605.
3 Or but.

44° MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 614. as well as the priests, and did join together in that judi-
^146 3' cature, and for those things most ecclesiastical as excom-
 munication ; in the Jewish authors excommunication was
continued, of a civil import 1. Because it was indifferently admi
nistered, [by] the civil officer as well as the ecclesiastical,
and for the loosing of excommunication there was the like
indifferency ... [2] Where binding and loosing is spoken
concerning persons ? It is not whomsoever you bind, but
whatsoever ... If one place in any Rabbinic author where
this is taken in reference to persons it would sway my
mind . . . Maimonides applies it to the permission or re
striction of such a thing in the law; so in the 6th of Deut. ;
xviiith of jn tne _ agreeable to speech of Christ to the apostles,
Matth. , , . , , , , . r t
they did act and had a necessity of such a commission as
this . . . Something in Moses' law was to stand and some
things to fall : Whatsoever you prohibit to be used, and
whatsoever you shall enlarge in the law, you shall have
the assistance of the spirit. . . . Their other text I shall crave
respite, [as I have not my notes by me].1
Mr. Price — I suppose all that he spake till he came to
that text in Matthew, is not to the proposition ... If we
begin with the government in families. This is so far from
excluding ministers from spiritual as that it rather entitles
them to civil. For the proprieties of the priest's power he
was to judge, and so may the minister I think . . . For the
Sanhedrim's there hath been a large dispute in the Assem
bly . . . For that of excommunication, a civil thing, amongst
the Jews he doth affirm it ; however it might be when it
was purely judicial, yet that will be no good argument now
for Christians . . . For that place in Matth[ew], the keys of
the kingdom of heaven . . . For the person Peter, he thinks
it was confined to himself. I know he . . . What is spoken
to one is afterwards enlarged ... Is it not of things in
reference to persons ?
Mr. Seaman — He speaks of his not having of his notes
by him . . . For the Old Testament . . . Those things he
argues out of, both do confirm me. Said there was but
one government. This is advantageous. Whatsoever that
1 See Seaman's speech on same page.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 44 1
kingdom of Israel was in the whole of it, it was a type of Sess. 614.
the kingdom of Christ. At the end all the governments A^63'
of the world shall resolve themselves into the government 
and kingdom of Christ . . . That that he should prove is conthlued.
that the priest had no government . . . He instances in the
priest's work, but he leaves out that which is the main in
the 17th of Deut. in case of appeals . . . I desire he would
not only look to the history of the Old Testament, but
the prophecies of the Old Testament as of another king
dom . . . For the New Testament, he runs upon the ex
position of the Rabbins. I desire him to consider whether
this be a safe principle to go upon in exposition of Scrip
ture . . . The disciples of Christ had a notion about the
kingdom of God ; whence did they learn it but from the
ancient Rabbins? Christ takes them off from the tradition
of the elders . . . For those 2 phrases . . . 1. Of the keys
[2 of binding, etc.], he takes it for granted that we take
them both in the same latitude. I do not so, yet there is
no opposition . . . Keys in Scripture ever relate unto
authority . . . For that of binding and loosing, he saith it
relates per modum prohibitiotds . . . Amongst the Jews the
tradition of the elders went for a law . . . Said it is always
applied to things, and not to persons. I look upon this
as of Chrysostom's opinion of Anathema . . . There is 2
ways of doctrinal proceeding : one of an individual person
. . . but when we come to decide a case of conscience, they
meddle with the person as well as with the thing.
Mr. Marshall—! desire that in this debate you will hold
to that that concerns the controversy. . . You debate of the
government before the law, and so little against us in that
that it will not give light, and for that under the law . . .
Mr. Lightfoot — A large discourse concerning the
economy before the law : the father a magistrate, the son
a priest; I would gladly see it proved. 35 Gen. . . . For
the propriety of the priesthood, Uriah ; all this is granted,
but I see no government in this . . . For that of judging of
the leprosy, was this any part of government? In one1
sense it was a physical thing and a miraculous thing . . .
1 In MS. 'once.'

442 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 614. Said, priests and porters that did prohibit, a sanhefdrim]1^)
16463' Dut wno appointed them but David . . . Said the kingdom
r — of Israel was a type of the kingdom of Christ The king-
continued, dom of David was so, but that the Sanhedrim and their
government was so, I am yet to learn.
Mr. Gillespie — For the argument from the Jewish govern
ment, it doth not come home to the proposition ; it is all
one though it be granted, there is not par ratio ; their
government was so intermixed ; the priests and Levites
made a great part of their civil court ... 3. I deny that,
that is taken for granted, that there is no distinct govern
ment in the Jewish Church . . . We will prove from the
Talmudical writers an excommunication . . . That of bind
ing and loosing, the context carries it to persons . . . The
Jews had a binding and loosing of persons, as Buxtorf tells
us . . . The strength of these arguments drives at this to
anticipate positive arguments.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate oh Tuesday morning.
Sess. 616. — April 7, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Proceed in the debate of the proposition ordered for the
day. Mr. Lightfoot — If any have anything to speak further
to what was spoken by me as it was offered the last time,
I desire to hear them.
Sess. 617. — April 8, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Proceed in the debate.
Mr. Vines — We are now upon the right point. I desire
he would not tell us how he finds in Jewish authors, but
what he finds in the Word of God, whether judging finally
and acting upon that judgment were not in the priests . . .
Of leprosy, if a man be suspected, it's said he shall be
brought to the priest, for it was a thing of great difficulty,
and the priest is to pronounce him unclean, and he shall
shut him up 7 days and go to see if it spread, and . . .
never any reference made in cases of difficulty to the San-
1 Or sama[ritan] ; or perhaps, asaria[h withstood Uzziah].

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 443
hedrim . . . That place in Ezekiel refers to the time past, Sess. 617.
Ezek. xliv. 24 . . . Said you must not make a porter a Af^6_'
judge ; true, but we may make him officer to the priest. 
I believe that case of the jealous husband as an act of
government . . .
Mr. Lightfoot — Well spoken concerning the leper, and
produced as government. I see more1 in it. It was only in
regard of contagion and defiling, ... a physician nay.2 . . .
Sess. 618. — April 9, 1646. — Thursday morning.
An order brought from the House of Lords about Mr.
Barton's psalms.
Ordered— Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Newcomen, Mr. Ny, Mr. Strickland, a Committee to con
sider of an answer to the order of the Lords, and to make
report to the Assembly with convenient speed.
Dr. Gouge moved that there shall be public thanks given
to Mr. Marshall for his respect to this Assembly in dedi
cating his book3 to the Assembly, which was accordingly
done by the Prolocutor.
Debate about the proposition. R. — To proceed upon
affirmative arguments to confirm the proposition. The
Assembly debated the affirmative.
Mr. Gillespie — When the Assembly was upon the duty
of pastors, you did declare that ruling doth belong to the
duty of pastors, and for proof of that, added 1 Thes. v. [12],
Heb. xiii. 7, 17 . . . Jesus Christ hath appointed rulers and
governors in his Church which are not magistrates . . . and
have . . . Because if Jesus Christ hath instituted such church
officers as are church governors, and have a government
committed to them distinct from the civil government, and
that Christians are commanded to yield obedience there
unto, then Jesus Christ, as king and head of His Church,
hath appointed a government in His Church in the hand
of church officers distinct from the civil government. But,
etc., ergo, . . .
1 Or ' none. ' * Perhaps ' may. '
3 A Defence of Infant Baptism, in answer to Mr. John Tombes. The dedi
cation bears date 2d April 1646. His ' Sermon on the Baptizing of Infants,'
to which Tombes replied, had also been dedicated to the Assembly.

444 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 6 1 8. Those Scriptures, I Cor. xii. 28, 1 Thes. v. 12, 1 Tim. v.
1646.9, I7> Heb. xiii. 7, 17, Acts xx. 17, 28, 24, do prove that Jesus
„ , Christ hath appointed some to rule in His Church who
R. n. ci1 are not civil magistrates, 'and hath committed to them'
a government which the people are commanded to yield
obedience unto, distinct from the civil government.
Ordered — Mr. Palmer, Dr. Temple, Mr. Tuckney, Dr.
Smith, Mr. Newcomen, Mr. Price, to be a Committee to put
this text or any other into form to prove this proposition,
and to propound any other texts or arguments to-morrow
morning. Ordered — That Mr. Lowther be approved for the north.
Sess. 621. — April 14, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Report made of the additional reasons to the proposition2
. . . Debated.
Mr. Lightfoot — The Church might make a civil magis
trate of their own.
Mr. Marshall — This is a point of dangerous consequence
for the Church to take upon them to set up a civil magis
trate of their own.
Upon a motion. Ordered — Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Wood
cock to visit Mr. Gataker, and to return the public thanks
of this Assembly for his pains in this book. 8
Ordered — The Committee to proceed in the preparing
of argument. Sess. 622. — April 15, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Proceed in the debate of the proposition.
Mr. Palmer urged an argument from the 1 8th of Matthew.
If it may appear that here is a church sentence, and this
is the ratification of that sentence . . . Consider the scope of
these words, not to give direction for reparation of a parti
cular injury, but the bringing of the man to repentance,
which is properly an ecclesiastical thing . . . The whole
chap[ter] runs in that strain. * Christ is come to save that
[which was] lost,' and ' it is not God's will that one of the
' i.e. Resolved nemine contradicente. ' See it in full p. 218.
3 A Mistake or Misconstruction removed.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 445
little ones should perish.' . . . Christ doth not use to meddle Sess. 622.
with such things as reparation of civil injuries as Luke xii. ^.o!5'
So the words gaining thy brother, which is the constant 
Debate
language of the New Testament, signifies bringing them to continued.
repentance, as in many places ; not one place to be found
where it is otherwise. This means is after divers attempts
to bring to a judicial proceeding, therefore witnesses not
arbitrators . . . The Church here can signify nothing but
the Christian Church. The Sanhedrim had a power to
compel the man to make satisfaction if it were a civil
injury ... If the apostle afterwards did forbid Christians
to go to law before the civil magistrate, then Christ will
not bid them go to the Roman governor. The Sanhedrim
was near his1 end at this time ; for 2 hundred years no
Christian magistrate.
Mr. Lightfoot — That the scope is not of private injuries,
that not meant of the Sanhedrim, and not of the civil magis
trate, I consent to all these ; but I differ in some things . . .
I question whether this place do speak anything, but refer
ring to the ministerial function, referring to the apostles.
Se[e] the story in other evangelists. Christ called the 12
unto him ... It drives at this to temper the 12 apostles in
a repute and carriage, one towards another . . . He gives
caution concerning their demeanour, if others offend them
. . . The offence may be a private offence . . . That concern
ing witnesses is not witnesses of the fact, for the offence may
be private, but to be witnesses of admonition. The gaining
is to repentance, to keep him from falling to exorbitancy
against Christian charity ... I cannot see a juridical censure
here ... If I construe, 'tell the Church,' the company, it may
have warrant for it ... ' Hear the Church' is the 2 witnesses;
may be of counsel as well as judicature.
Mr. Palmer — He grants very materially that urged for
the scope and gaining, which are fair advantages. Three
things he pitches upon. 1. It is a secret injury ... A. It
cannot be simply understood of such a secret injury, though
sometimes it may be so . . . There is no possibility of a
harming the Church in a secret injury, which a man will
1 i.e. its end.

446 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 622. deny, be[cause] that cuts off all proceeding : therefore it is
1646! 5' either of. such ... 2. It is a new notion to me that here
 should be meant none but the apostles . . . By what cogent
continued, argument can he restrain those words to the apostles ; if it
were particular unto them, why was it written ? . . . What
reason can be given why this should be observed by one
apostle to another, and not one minister and one Christian
to another ... It is said before not ... 3. For the Church,
that's a new interpretation, that the apostles that had the
power of binding and loosing, that they should be brought,
and none else to be shamed . . . And how shall this be
done if no sentence be passed, what shall they do in it . . .
I grant the words do not formally signify excommunication,
but it is an effect of it . . .
This text as it hath been opened and debate[d] . . .
The arguments brought from the 1 8th of Matthew, as it
hath been ' this day ' opened and debated, doth prove the
proposition in debate.
R— This text of the 18th of Matth. doth prove the
proposition before us. Ordered — This to be done by the
former Committee against to-morrow morning. Ordered
— Mr. Reynolds added to the Committee.
Sess. 623. — April 16, 1646. — Thursday morning.
The Committee for drawing up the argument from the
1 8th of Matth. made report that they could not finish
their report so soon, but hoped to be ready by the next
sitting. Mr. Palmer offered another argument.
Mr. Palmer — From the 1 Cor. v. — the putting away the
incestuous Corinthian. It was an act of government to
put any man out of a society ; and . . . intimations that the
like is to be done in several cases . . . First the apostle
begins with the crime v. 1, in the 2d v. he shows what
should have been done ... v. 5, whether delivering to Satan
may signify something more than excommunication is not
now before us, — v. 7, he doth reiterate the charge to purge
out the old leaven, and confirms it afterwards by a like

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 447
direction concerning others — with such an one, no, not to Sess. 623.
eat, with a double negative ... If not a civil converse with APg 6* '
them so much as with heathens, then much less, be amongst 
you in ecclesiastical assemblies ; and then he tells them continued.
they have power to do this.
Mr. Lightfoot — I cannot conceive this place in his
sense. 1. Doubt giving up to Satan. You know how this
is variously interpreted ... 2. The taking away was extra
ordinary, not only in regard of scandal, but in another
regard. There were divisions amongst them, and this man
was cherished by one of the parties. You apply it to one
equally offensive to all the Church, but I do not find that
he was so.
Mr. Marshall—! desire [to speak] to the order of your
debate, you would first consider whether to draw an argu
ment from hence, be[cause] you have already taken the
strength of the argument into your reason before.
Mr. Rutherford — I wonder at that conjecture of his ; the
incestuous persons siding with one of the factions ; for the
ap[ostle] doth not insinuate any such fault in him . . .
Though that of traditio Satano? be laid aside, yet it may
prove excommunication which is an act of censure, proved
so in other places of the chapter.
Mr. Lightfoot — The ground of my selection is to me
very apparent . . . 1. There was a faction is apparent . . .
and then I cannot tell how to make construction of that :
' you are puffed up,' and ' your boasting is not good.'
Mr. Rutherford — Not mourned, i.e. not humbled for his
sin, but rather gloried.
Mr. Palmer — He seems to me wholly to grant my argu
ment. Grant that one of the factions did side, yet what is
the result of all this, but that he be cast out and put away.
Mr. Lightfoot — I am not yet satisfied in that ' your
boasting is not good.' I desire a clear interpretation of it.
The apostle doth frame his style according to the divisions
in that Church.
Br. Smith — Their boasting was in those teachers that
they had chosen to themselves, and yet they did not cast
out the wicked one.

448 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 623. Mr. Newcomen — If you grant that he saith, you do not
1646! ' weaken your argument.
 Mr. Lightfoot—! understand the putting away in oppo-
contfnued. sition to cherishing, and not in reference to Church ordi
nances. Mr. Rutherford— This precept is directed but to a part
of the Church of Corinth by this argument; not cherishing,
as a duty, belongs to single members ; but in the 12 v. he
speaks of a judicial censure.
Mr. Lightfoot — I conceive the judging is spoken con
cerning miracle.
R. — This text ' of ' 1 Cor. ' 5 th chap.' doth prove the pro
position in debate. Ordered — This argument referred to
the same Committee to put it into form. Ordered — Mr.
Vines added to the Committee.
Mr. Gippes craved leave to go into the country.
Ordered — To proceed in the debate.
Sess. 631. — April 30, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Message The Committee from the House of Commons came with
Ho'u'se'of a message from [that House]. ,
Commons. Sir John Evelyn — The House of Commons having not
long since received a paper, . . . which bore the title of a
petition, they did observe many things in it hardly con
sistent with the nature of that title . . . But considering
from whom it came and what it did pretend to, they thought
it fit to take time to consider of it, and accordingly they
spent several days — whole days — and afternoons delibe
rating]. They did find things in it that did strike at the
foundation and roots of the privileges of Parliament. Had
this come from any but from this place, or from any assem
bled [by any other authority] . . . but they do have that
respect to the persons of those that are called here, that
they have commanded us to let you know that what they
offer to you is with a great deal of trouble . . . The matter
contained in it . . . The substance of it they have prepared
questions . . . that ... I must needs say upon a very late oc
casion . . . those questions being come, I wish they may not

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 449
find that sense here as we have lately heard with our own Sess. 631.
ears . . . that those questions are sent . . . Those things ^i°'
deserve the serious consideration of all men, and [your — -
opinions about them] will be received [by the House] with Evelyn's
that respect that is due unto them . . . You will allow us sPeech-
the freedom of our reason, and liberty of our judgment . . .
The House of Commons is very sensible of the faithful and
useful endeavours of yourselves ; and though they had not
been so often remembered of it, they would not have forgot
ten it . . . [We trust that no division is now to arise between
us.] If there shall, you will give occasion to all the world
to say that, as you were willing to serve the Parliament a
while, so you were willing to have them serve you for ever
after . . . We do desire that that respect hitherto borne to
that House may be continued ... I cannot but remember
that as you have done that which we do acknowledge to
be very useful to the Parliament, so I would not have you
to forget what the Parliament hath done for you . . . Do
not think the Parliament is unwilling to submit their yoke1
to Jesus Christ ; his yoke is easy. If it be a galling,
vexing yoke, it is not his, and we [will not bear it].
Mr. Fi[en]nes — I cannot without some regret and sadness Mr.
speak what now I am to deliver unto [you], but I conceive Fieimes'
therein I do not express my own sense, but the sense of all
those that sent me for . . . Having observed upon all
occurrences, even particularly upon this late unhappy
occasion, with what tenderness the House of Commons
have always looked on this Assembly, I may with the
more confidence assure [you] it is no pleasing subject
about which they have been necessitated to send us ; and
that it would have pleased them much better to remember
you of your duties . . . and2 (?) put you in mind of their
privileges . . . which they are necessitated to . . . Amongst
those privileges none more essential than this : that in
them resides the power of making laws, and once passed
all are to be subject unto them . . . Whosoever shall infuse
anything to the contrary in the mind of those that should
obey them [are guilty of a great offence] ... If an assembly •
1 Perhaps 'neck.' 2 Perhaps 'than.'
2 F

450 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 631. shall, so soon as a law is made, set a brand upon it as con-
Ai6463°' trarv t0 the Wl11 of God and mind of Jesus Christ tand]
 our Covenant, what can more stifle it in the birth, and
Fiennes' make it of none effect ? So tender were the Houses in this
speech, p,-,^ and sensible of inconveniences upon [it], as that
when they first took into consideration the ordinance of
the calling of this Assembly, [they] expressly provided
you should speak of nothing but what was propounded to
you by both Houses, or deliver your advice but in such a
way and so often [as they should ask for it] . . . Can it
therefore enter into the thought of any man that the
Houses, having with so much reason and circumspection
settled [your powers] . . . Can any imagine that by the
second ordinance, whereby they will you to be ratified,
they let all loose again and authorise you to offer what
you would as often as you would without any limit ? or
can any man imagine that after, in pursuance of this 2nd
order, you had given your advice about church government,
and that in this particular, and so fixed it as by the divine
right, that after this, under colour of this order, as you had
done before, so again interpose your opinion, and that in
order to making of a law, yea of retracting a law so lately
settled with great deliberation . . . Can any man call that
to be an advice, or rather a controlling and contradiction of
what was already done ? . . . Did the Houses of Parliament
give any colour of power to this Assembly to give any
interpretation of the national covenant, especially in rela
tion to making of laws ? Did it give authority to this
Assembly to give their judgment after a law settled ? . . .
Not a particular member may speak against a vote without
leave, and shall [you claim] not only to debate, but to
arraign and condemn it, nay to pass the highest doom
upon it, that it [is] contrary to the will of God and the
national Covenant? Truly, had you but exceeded the
power granted by Parliament, yet what was more amounted
to the breach of privilege of Parliament. Not that the
breach of every ordinance is a breach of privilege, but the
breach of such an ordinance as gives power to do such a
thing, without which you could not have done it . . . Now,

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 45 I
for any without authority to interpose their advice is to Sess. 631.
encroach upon that which is proper to the great counsel of i1^30'
the kingdom: therefore whatever is more, exceeding it, — —
you have broken the privileges of Parliament. How much Fiennes'
more to set up judgment against judgment, altare contra sPeech-
altare, tie them up to a particular sense, and that under
pain of breaking God's law, and incurring the censure of
breach of Covenant ... To arm the hands of the subjects
against the authority and power of the Parliament, every
one knoweth what it is; and to arm the hearts and con
sciences against it is the next kin to it, and the one but
the high road to the other . . . The Parliament doth not
pretend to an infallibility of judgment, and the Parliament
suppose this Assembly will not do so neither. If, there
fore, the question be but of a human judgment subject to
error, preserved only by means common, they must and
do claim privilege that they have the supreme judgment
in making laws . . . Whether a man's reason and judgment
be not sovereign within itself, is not the question at this
present, [but] whether a law should stand according to
your mind or theirs that made it . . . You do not petition
for your own interest, but for all the kingdom . . . What
you do as an Assembly must relate to the generality of
the kingdom . . . You are not to make use of the public
character the Houses have put upon you, to contradict to
their votes . . . Why would you have, as it were, the last
word of a Parliament ? . . . Some things you may do as an
Assembly, not as private men ; other things you may do
as private men, and not as an Assembly . . . The influence
of an Assembly upon a kingdom is far greater than [that
of private men] ... It is one thing for a man to desire an
ease and exemption from the law where it pincheth it . . .
It's one thing to desire an exemption, another to desire . . .
Something in the matter . . . That all power in all causes
should be derived from them. You derive it in part from
Jesus Christ, to the presbyteries. For that concerning the
divine right, though the Houses have not been so positive,
yet till that be made clear unto them . . . The question is
not whether subjects] may petition against a law and the

452

MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. 631
April 30,
1646. Mr.
Fiennes' speech.

Mr. Browne's
speech.

execution . . . but whether they may make a resistance of
that that the law is unlawful to be made . . . There have
been petitions against laws, but how ? to inform the law
makers . . . But was it ever proved in matter of right that
any be[ing?] servants ... In the time of Richard the Second
a commission issued out . . . against which . . . What became
of those judges I need not tell you. In matter of fact the
Parliament may be ignorant, but in matter of right none
ought to imagine any dishonourable thing of the Parlia
ment . . . The magistrate advises with several men in their
professions as lawyers . . . Put the case the judges . . .
Though they might deliver only their judgment, but not
their reasons, yet they are pleased to take this course with
you . . . Those things are not the way of Englishmen,
Christians, and ministers of Christ . . . We come to speak
plainly to you, and plain English ; it is not in the thoughts
of the House to disgrace or discourage you in your
ministry ...
Mr. Browne — The knights citizens . . . have commanded
us to deliver their sense upon acts of yours framing, con
triving, delivering, and voting of a petition . . . This day
that's done that never was done to any Assembly or Con
vocation ... to send members of their own to give satisfac
tion to you . . . We were commanded to have attended this
service this day sevennight . . . They have declared that by
the fundamental laws the Parliament is the supreme judi
cature . . . spiritual and ecclesiastical . . . There was never
any writte but for matters concerning the Church ... In
the first of Elizabeth ... if the Parliament of England had
not settled it then good . . . This power of judicature they
may delegate to what person they please ... If any man
doth wilfully break this privilege, I do not know but that
he is a breaker of the Covenant. We are all equally
bound to the Covenant ; you to preserve the privileges
[of Parliament], we to defend them . . . The fact of the
case in question well stated to you [by the previous
speakers], they have declared the manner and proceedings
to state it with all clearness to you . . . They have power
to call Assemblies, and by their power you now sit . . . By

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 453
the first ordinance you were to treat such things and no Sess. 631.
other, and are not to assume any power, jurisdiction, and Aj6403°'
authority . . . That of October 1643 ¦ • • triat second ordi- 
nance . . . When you in pursuance of both those presented Browne's
your judgments], the House of Commons took them into sPeech-
consideration, and did make a law whereby they did
establish . . . and instead . . . They declare you were not
demanded by them to deliver your opinion concerning
this law . . . This delivering, framing, and ... by those
that did frame it, pass it, vote it, and present it was a
breach of privileges ... If it had been passed by without
taking notice of it, [much harm might have arisen].
Privilege of Parliament is a word not usual . . . What a
breach of Privilege is— privilegium persona et curia . . . [1]
Of the person every member of the Lords' House of Com
mons 1 hath, a personal privilege for his person. [2] Curio?.
If any man deny the power and jurisdiction of the court,
this is a breach of privilege. Our ancestors have been
very severe [in punishing this]. Decimo octavo of Edward
the First — the Earl of Cornwall coming into the hall,
Hugo de Clare delivered him a paper to appear personally
before the Archbishop of Canterbury. The party that did
it for the trespass done did pay ^2000 to the King, 1000
marke to the Lord, and submitted himself to fine and
ransom . . . Since in later times tricesimo sexto of H. 8 a
servant of the King's arrested to the Counter (?) a Parlia
ment man. The House of Commons sent for him ; the
Sheriffs would not deliver him ... It was resolved that -
this was a wrong done to the King and kingdom and . . .
for the contempt of the court ... to the House of
Commons a member of their own House. 23d of Queen
Elizabeth, one Mr. Hall wrote a book against the power of
the Parliament ; this was a breach of the privilege of Par
liament . . . This is only to explain this, that there is such
a thing as breach of privilege of Parliament. This [offence
of yours] is in respect of both ; . . . a contempt of the court
and of the persons, inasmuch as they are judged as to the
Covenant . . . Suppose in primo of Q. Eliz[abeth] that all
1 Sic in _s. ; probably should be, [and House] of Commons.

454 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 631. the Bishops and clergy in that time disagreeing to that
A?6463.0' passed in the Lords' House, if they had come into the
 Convocation, and put it to the question whether this ordi-
Browne's nance be according to the Word of God or no . . . But
speech. wnerein is this breach? Doth not this petition deliver
your opinions that in your consciences this is against the
Word of God ... As the exceeding of your power reflects
upon the power of the Parliament or persons of Parlia
ment . . . You will not say we are bound to judge as you
do. A case something near this ... By disaffirming that
the Parliament did ... 7 year of Hen. 8 a law made that
such as should commit such an offence should have no
clergy . . . An Abbot at Paul's Cross said this law was
made against the law of God . . . The King took this into
consideration at the effectual instance of Lords and Com
mons . . . Dr. Standish being but sent for by the Convoca
tion for pleading for the King, all the Convocation was
resolved on (?) a premunire ... It is hard over the young (?) 1
governments upon implications. When the questions are
agreed upon, I hope we may all agree . . . You as private
men may petition . . . Many a man fined and imprisoned
for petitioning in the name of it . . . but who shall judge of
this ? Who else should judge if there be a higher court,
let them judge it ; but if neither, then they must judge it . . .
and because we have all took the freedom . . . that there
may be a settlement that these distractions may not de
stroy us all . . . But the great question is whether of divine
right it's fit that those that are to declare it so should
find it to be so ? Nothing come to them yet hath satisfied
them [on this] . . . Heretofore both Lords and Commons
have been very serious in considering of anything offered
to he jure divino . . . Many things offered to the Parliament
jure divino that the Parliament hath been very careful to
weigh and consider . . . and is it not cause they should ?
... If it be of God, it must not alter ... It is much pressed
for the point of the Covenant. We all agree that the
Word of God is the rule, and must be the rule ; but say
there be no positive rule in the Word, are we by the Cove-
1 Hard to find a meaning, unless this is to be read ' overthrowing.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 455
nant bound to follow the practice of Reformed Churches Sess. 631.
in case it be against the fundamental law of the kingdom ? A ^glg0'
You must interpret the Covenant so as that all parts may 
stand. • We are bound to maintain the liberties of Parlia- Browne's
ment and kingdom. If I do any act against this I am a speech.
breaker of the Covenant. If I should encourage any by
petition . . . For this of Commissioners, this unheard of
word, it hath been in the English Church ever since the
Conquest to judge of ecclesiastical things. 37 of Queen
Elizabeth, the judges did resolve that the King x might
grant a Commission in ecclesiastical causes to determine
spiritual causes ... 37 of H. 8 ... It is the doctrine of the
Pope to take from princes the power that God committed
to them, to judge of the maladministration . . . For this
exorbitant power we have smarted for it, and you have
smarted with it ... If arbitrary judgment, what confusion
will there be ; one parish judges one way, another another.
And for those powers, how unfit at this time is the kingdom
of England to judge in this case. There are other things
which . ¦. . They do hope that this was rather thorough 2
mistake than wilfully ; though it be against the order of
the House to consider of the petition . . . yet to satisfy
they have framed several questions.
Sir John Evelyn — It is far from them to dishonour or Sir J.
disoblige you. They hope after this they shall not be^,1^'5
troubled with anything of this nature ... [It had been but
reasonable,] since it stands so clear in your own judgment
that we had been sooner acquainted with it . . . To go on
in a prudential way so long, it is much like to that of him
who would persuade a man to . . . [We are instructed] to
read and to leave those Q[ueries] with you.
Sir Benjamin Rudyard — The matter you are now about, Sir b,
the jus divinum, is of a formidable and tremendous nature. s^<2o.. %
It will be expected you should answer by clear, practi
cal (?), and express Scriptures ; not by far-fetched argu
ments which are commonly told before you come to the
matter ... I have heard much spoken of ' the pattern in
the mount' so express ... I could never find in the New
1 Sic in MS. 2 i-e- through.

456 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 631. Testament [such a pattern]. The first rule is, ' Let all
APg4|°' things be done decently and in order,' to edification.
- — Decency and order are variable, . and therefore cannot be
Rud^ard's jure divino ; discipline is but the hedge. I desire you
speech. would make your answer in plain terms. I have heard it
often very well said, the present Assembly are pious and
learned men, but a Parliament is to make laws for all
sorts of men ... It hath been often objected this power
is so strongly opposed be[cause] it makes a strict discipline
. . . We are pres[s]ed [as] to our Covenant. I believe we
have done nothing against the Word of God, neither do all
the churches agree throughout . . . The civil -magistrate is
a church officer in every Christian commonwealth ... In
Scotland [the] nobility and gentry live commonly in the
country, and so the clergy are moderated as by a scattered
Parliament. The paper read.1
1 Probably this paper was simply that containing the 9 Queries referred to
above, and given at length in the note on p. 225. At the same time, another
carefully prepared paper was inserted by the House of Commons in their
Journals (vol. iv. p. 518) on April 21st. This, whether formally communi-
. cated to the Assembly or not, supplied the text on which the deputies of the
House of Commons were to enlarge in their speeches, and was doubtless in
tended to vindicate the action of the House in the eyes of the public. It is
therefore inserted here : —
Statement The House, according to Order, this day, the first business, resumed the
of case by consideration of the narrative of the matter of fact concerning the breach of the
House of privilege of Parliament, by the last petition of the Assembly of Divines, the
which was voted clause by clause, and was in hac verba, viz. —
A Narrative of the Matter of Fact concerning the Breach of the Privilege
of Parliament by the Petition of the Assembly of Divines.
The Parliament, by the fundamental laws and constitutions of this kingdom,
hath this great Privilege, to be the supreme Judicatory ; and hath jurisdiction
in all causes, spiritual and temporal, and to delegate so much of this power as
they think fit; and when they have declared their Judgments and given their
directions in a, law, the same is binding to all persons of this kingdom, of
what quality soever.
The Assembly of Divines, called by Ordinance of Parliament, are authorized
and enjoined by the said Ordinance, from time to time, during this present
Parliament, or until further order be taken by both the said Houses, to treat
of such matters therein mentioned as shall be proposed unto them, from time
to time, by both or either of the Houses of Parliament, and no other ; and to
deliver their opinions and advices, of or touching the matters aforesaid, as shall
be most agreeable to the Word of God, to both or either of the said Houses,
from time to time, in such manner and sort as by both or either of the said

mons.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 457
Sess. 6%2. — May I. — Friday morning. Sess. 632.
J J J May 1,
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Seaman [to pray.] l646-
Houses shall be required ; with a prohibition, that they do not assume to Statement
exercise any jurisdiction, power, or authority, ecclesiastical whatsoever, or of House
any other power, than what in the said Ordinance is particularly expressed.
The Assembly are further authorized, by Ordinance of Parliament, the
twelfth of October 1643, to treat among themselves of such a discipline and
government as may be most agreeable to God's holy Word, and most apt to
procure and preserve the peace of the Church at home, and nearer agreement
of the Church of Scotland and other Reformed Churches abroad ; and to
deliver their opinions and advices therein, with all convenient speed, to the
Houses : whereupon they gave their advice, before the Houses declared their
judgment in the Ordinance for Commissioners.
The Parliament having received the advice of the Assembly concerning
presbyterial government ; and particularly, that Jesus Christ hath placed in
the ministers and elders of his Churches the power of keeping away scandalous
and unworthy persons from the Lord's table; Both Houses, after mature
deliberation had thereupon, did, notwithstanding, ordain by a law, that, in
cases not enumerated, the Commissioners by them to be appointed according
to the said law should exercise so much of the said power as in that law is
provided. The Assembly are not authorized, as an Assembly, by any Ordi
nance or Order of Parliament, to interpret the Covenant, especially in relation
to any law made or to be made ; nor, since the law passed both Houses
concerning the Commissioners, have been required by both or either of the
Houses of Parliament, or had any authority before by Parliament, to deliver
their opinions to the Houses in matters already judged and determined by
them : neither have they power, either to debate or vote, whether what is
passed as a law by both Houses be agreeing or disagreeing to the Word of
God, until they be thereunto required.
Matter of Fact arising from the Petition itself.
The Assembly of Divines, under the name of a petition, dated March 23d,
1645, attested by the Prolocutor and the two Scribes ;
First, Do oppose their judgment, as an Assembly, in relation to a law
passed both Houses, unto the judgment of Parliament, being not thereunto
authorized nor required ; affirming, that the Provision of Commissioners to
judge of scandals, not enumerated, appears to their consciences to be so con
trary to that way of government which Christ hath appointed in his Church,
in that it giveth power to judge of Persons to come to the sacrament, unto
such as Christ hath not given that power ; and to be, in many respects in the
said petition mentioned, so disagreeable to the Covenant, that they dare not
practise according to that provision.
Secondly, The Assembly, in their petition, do declare that the power of
judging in cases not enumerated (placed, in part, by the said laws in Com
missioners), and to keep back from the sacrament all such as are notoriously
scandalous, doth belong to the several Elderships by divine right, and by the
will and appointment of Christ ; excluding thereby the said Commissioners,
and in them the Parliament, from the power and right to judg;e in cases of
scandal not enumerated. This being taken into consideration by the House
of Commons, after a long and serious debate had thereupon, they have

458 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 632. The paper brought from the House of Commons was
^lll' read again.
 Mr. Palmer — Because the work is God's, I desire we
may begin with [seeking him] with fasting and prayer
some day next week in this place.
Mr. Whitakers — For that of seeking God, I desire you
would order that.
Day of Ordered— A day of humiliation to be kept by this
tion tobe Assembly in this place the next week in reference to this
kept. great business that now is before us. R. g — Tuesday
' not ' be first put. R . — That Wednesday shall be day of
our humiliation.
Ordered—Five to be employed that day. Ordered—Mr.
Palmer, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Arrowsmith, Mr. Case, Mr.
Cawdry — these to be the five, 3 to pray, 2 to exhort, as
they shall conclude amongst themselves.
Debate about the attendance of members of the As
sembly. Lord Wariston — You have a business that concerns
Christ most of anything on earth, and it concerns the 3
kingdoms ... It will be the means of continuing or ending
of our troubles. When the greatest business is before you
[every member should do his utmost to attend the meetings].
. . . Never was such a thing demanded before ; the benefit
of an Assembly is by mutual debate and consultation ... I
wish that every one would put aside all excuses [and attend].
Ordered — That letters be sent to all the members of the
Assembly to desire their attendance, according to the order
of the Lords and Commons. reasons of absence for a short time is allowed
Ordered — Mr. Reynolds excused from his attendance —
sickness. R. — Mr Ley his reasons of absence for a
resolved and declared that this petition, thus presented by the Assembly of
Divines, is a breach of Privilege of Parliament.
Mr. Samuel Brown, Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Natha. Fi[en]nes, Mr. Marten,
Mr. John Stephen, Sir John Evelyn of Wilts, Sir Arthur Haslerigg, Sir
Peter Wentworth, Mr. Rouse, Mr. Tate, Mr. Gurdon ; This Committee is
appointed to communicate, in a fair manner, unto the Assembly of Divines,
the vote of this House upon the breach of Privilege in their petition ; and are
to enlarge themselves upon the several heads of the narrative brought in from
the Committee, and resolved on by the House.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 459
month is allowed of: to visit his people in Cheshire after 4 Sess. 63
years' absence. Ordered — Mr. Spurstow — the same : ' for ^U'
a short time ' to preach at Cambridge. Dr. Temple upon 
special occasions.
Lord Wariston — Having the honour to be assisting to Johnston
this debate, and not able to attend at all times, I beg your °iston^"
patience ... I am glad it is before you, glad to hear the speech.
willingness of the Parliament to give Christ his full right
and due. Now they have laid it on your shoulders, it lies
at your door . . . All men are bound to give a testimony
to the truth when called to it. But it is your function . . .
In former times Christ hath gotten testimonies to [his]
prophecy1 and priesthood, now he looks for it to his
kingdom.'. . . Christ is born for a crown, and now are all
bom 2 to this end, to give testimony to this . . . Said well
yesterday many may do as private persons . . . When not
only the magistrate calls you . . . but by their own good
example they did assert before you their civil rights and
privileges ... A ground to you fully to assert the privileges
of Jesus Christ  I hope it will be seen to all the world.
There can be. no question you have a committee 3 both
from God and man to consider ... If this be a part of that
kingdom which to come we daily pray, then it is ... In
this there is no prudential waiving of the business, but a
full, clear, plenary declaring of the truth . . . The salvation
of souls . . . but the happiness of churches is more . . . but
in this you have that that is far above them all . . . His (?)
anger is the greatest . . . The Assembly their serving of the
Parliament will by no means be to serve themselves. All
your endeavours will be to serve Him who rules over all . . .
We may hear of breach of Covenant in civil privileges . . .
Who reads the preface [will at once perceive what things
are paramount in it] 4 . . . all the rest are subordinate, and
subordinata non pugnant.
1 i.e. Prophetical office. 2 Qr bound.
Sic in MS., perhaps for commission or comm"., i.e. commandment.
' Having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ... for the preservation of
ourselves and our religion from utter ruin and destruction.'

460 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 632. The queries are before you . . . Whatsoever differences
^646!' of opinion be, yet let us all as in the sight of God give
 our opinions ... 2 passages of a letter by this Assembly
o°f War" ... In all endeavours it should be that to the uttermost
iston's rwe] endeavour to exalt Christ as the only Lord over His
SDe_cl_ Church ... To use all freedom in all your debates.
R. _. To debate the nature of a jus divinum on
'7
Monday.
Sess. 633. — May 4, 1646. — Monday morning.
Ordered— -Mr. Jones be respited till he bring a better
testimonial . . . The protestation was read.
What Debate of the nature of a jus divinum.
meant by ¦r)r gurges> p — j think by the order hyjus divinum, they
divinum. mean that which is the will and appointment of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Gouge — Jus divinum will be taken in opposition to
that which is jus humanum.
Dr. Temple — The Parliament will bind us to that your
self have said, but the question is how this appointment
doth appear, whether in express words or consequences,
and what those consequences are.
Mr. Whitakers — I think we may prove that by the will
and appointment of Jesus Christ, we do not limit it [to]
express Scriptures . . . [Inquire] what is the will and ap
pointment of Jesus Christ concerning church government.
Ordered — To inquire how many ways the will and ap
is set macU R. neg.
pointment of Jesus Christ may be set1 out in Scripture in
reference to church government : . . Precepts, consequences,
examples.
.tain ms. Sess. 634. — May 5, 1645, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Debate of the ways [in which] the will and appointment
of Jesus Christ is set out in Scripture.
Debate about precepts . . . express Scriptures . . . De
bate of consequences.
[Ord.] To debate the business of consequences.
1 i.e. ' May be set out ' was first changed into ' may be made out,' and then
into 'is set out.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 46 1
Ordered — The exercise of the day to-morrow to begin at Sess. 634.
nine of the clock, and end at four. ^646.'
Sess. 635. — May 6, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
The Fast was kept in the Assembly according to the Fast kept.
former order . . . Prolocutor began with prayer.
A psalm was sung. Mr. Palmer began with prayer . . .
Mr. Cawdry, after a short prayer, [preached from] 1 Tim. Cawdry's
i. 19. The life of a [Christian] sometimes compared to a sermon-
wayfare, warfare, seafare. Wayfare, and their ministers
called guides ; Warfare, so our apostle bids Timothy show
himself a good soldier of Jesus Christ ; Seafare, as here in
the metaphor used in the text, ministers are the pilots to
guide and steer the ship ; the apostle made use of two of
the metaphors. He gives a great charge to Timothy to
discharge that office of minister laid upon him, and so com
mends to him the instruments or weapons whereby he
must maintain the fight, faith and a good conscience, but
especially the latter . . . An explication of the particular
words — 1. What is meant by faith, taken sometimes objec
tively for the doctrine of faith or the gospel . . . Subjec
tively, either actively, that whereby we believe upon God,
or passively that faith whereby others believe us — fidelity
in God, 23 ... 2. What by a good conscience, a reflex1 act
of the soul upon itself, goodness of it in the peace of it, or
integrity and sincerity of it, iii. 9. 'A pure conscience:'
this our Saviour in the parable of the seed calls ' a good
and honest heart ' . . . 3. [What] by holding faith ? The
word is having faith ; but not amiss rendered by holding,
or as the Apostle in [Tit i. 9] 3 holding fast ... 4. Put away
a good conscience not out of ignorance and negligence as
out of knowledge . . . The word used by Stephen in Act vii.
S. Made shipwreck. We compare faith to the merchan
dise, and a good conscience to the ship, the jewel and
cabinet, the treasure and treasury . . . The sense [is] this :
I commit this charge to thee, and that thou mayest so do,
desire thou hold the truth of the gospel firm, and above
all be sure to keep a good conscience . . . Doct[rine] when
1 In MS. 'reflect.' 2 Blank in MS.

462 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 635. a man's life is wicked and sinful, his doctrine [apt to be so].
MtfJ' An unsound heartwill make an unsound judgment, a corrupt
 ( heart, a corrupt head . . . The apostle hath often pressed it.
sermoZ S He begins in this chapter 5, 6, 7 v. with x pure heart, good
conscience. Chap. iii. 9 implying unless the conscience be
kept pure, the gospel will not long stay there. 1 Tim.
vi. 5, Men of corrupt minds destitute of the truth ... 2 Tim.
iii. 8 . . . Psalm xiv. 1, etc., Zeph. iii. 4 . . . Reasons : 1.
Sinful lusts allowed by an impure conscience. • They do
hinder true spiritual light. Of all things that open the
way for spiritual light, repentance is one of the first . . .
2 Tim. ii. 25 . . . Repentance is the minister's best com
ment upon his text, and the hearer's best comment upon his
sermon . . . Matt. v. ' The pure in heart shall see God ' . . .
Joh. vii. 17. 'If any man will do his will, he shall know,'
etc. God suspends the influence of light to that soul that
darkens itself in lusts . . . Acts ii. 26 . . . Ps. xxv. Teach
the meek ... 2. As it hinders spiritual, so it puts out
natural and acquired light . . . Eph. iv. 18 ... A wicked
man and a fool are synonymous. No man is wicked but a
fool, for if he were wise he would be good ... 3. It corrupts
right reason — that knowledge which men have — and turns
it not only from, but against the truth . . . 1 Tim. v. 6.2 . . .
As it was in the Church of Rome [they] first found out
a religion that might serve their pride, and then set their
wits to work to maintain it ... 4. It corrupts the affections.
All judgment is lost when truth is put to the arbitrament
of the affections, Joh. iii. 19. Lest the word should correct
him, he will corrupt the word, 2 Tim. iv. 3, 4 . . . Seek out a
teacher that shall speak just as they would have him, speak
to their lusts (z>.)to allow them ... 5. A sinful lust will by
little and little stupify conscience, and this can be only done
by corrupting of the . . . An instance of Hymenseus and
Philetus. 2 Tim. [ii.] 16, 17. It is the just judgment of God
* upon men, that when they will not see the truth, they shall
not see it ; for full emphasis (?) unnatural men. Rom. i. [28] ;
of Christians, 2 Thes. ii. [10, 11, 12]. Use— respects either
the people or ministers ... I shall only speak of the mini-
1 'which' in MS. 2 Sic in MS., but perhaps chap. vi. 5 is intended.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 463
sters ... 1. Desire you to observe the miserable depravation Sess. 635.
of our nature, that now we are our own worst enemies. It's ^6466'
a question whether Adam's understanding or affections 
were first corrupted, but with our our understand [ing]s, Sic in ms.
corrupt affections, and affections corrupt understandings
. . . True, Solomon saith, without knowledge the mind
cannot be good, and as true that the head cannot be good
[if] the heart be corrupt ... 2. We may cease to wonder
to consider how many errors there are in the world against
the clear truths of God, 1 Tim. ii. 4 . . . Look upon the
prevalency of Popery in former times. We cannot but
wonder how many did fall off to the apostacy of the See '
of Rome. The Church of Rome [is represented in Rev.
xvii. 4 as] a harlot that hath a cup of fornication in her
hand, and it is a golden cup . . . Look upon these later
times . . . How many do fall away from the old truths.
A sad observation that the professing part of the Church
of England were like a fair looking-glass all of one piece,
but one image to be seen in it, but now look, all in pieces.
This is not only by the vulgar sort of people, but by
the ancient and great professors of opinion. Their hearts
were rotten and corrupt before, and now their heads are
corrupt ... 2 Tim. ii. . . . Avoid profane and vain babblings
. . . Instanced in one example of Hymenseus and Philetus,
who denied the resurrection, to still and quiet their con
science ... So many of those opinions are for some such
reason as this . . . What do you think of that doctrine,
the immortality of the soul ? . . . That of ... A lust that
betrays men into most of the errors in these times . . . Lust
after liberty . . . Gal. v. 13... There is a possibility in the
nature of men to run after liberty . . . As it is in the state
we cry out for liberty well from oppression, but when they
will overthrow government and monarchy . . . The com
mon bait that catcheth is in the Antinomian ; Anabaptist,
— liberty from magistrate, from any superior ecclesiastical
power, from the Sabbath : Brownist — liberty from classes,
superior powers, every one to have a vote ; the seeker
that hath lost his religion [claims] a toleration of all
religion, and this he calls liberty of conscience. 3. By

464 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 63;. way of exhortation . . . That as we do desire to keep the
Ui7j.' faith °f God entire and Pure> Pet us take care] esPecially
 , to look well to our consciences. At sea the pilot must
semon? be careful of the ship. If you would keep the jewel of the
faith, look to the cabinet of the conscience . . . Previse a
few cautions ... 4 things fatal rocks, that makes men to
make shipwreck : 1. Covetousness, 1 Tim. vi. 10, Tit. i.
7, 8, 9, Jer. vi. 13, 14 . . . [3. Love of applause] ; what made
Simon Magus to continue so long in his enchantments,
but the great applause of the people ... 4. Take heed of
self-love. That will betray judgment when it comes to
a case of suffering for the truth. Acts xv. They preach
persecution,1 lest they should be persecuted. 3 or 4
motives : 1. Consider how easily our own hearts may
deceive us, even the very best of us ; a secret deceitful
lust, so the apostle calls it. . . . There may be a way pre
tended to be the ways of Christ . . . That we do not trust
too much to our own hearts ... 2. Consider if our hearts
do deceive us, there is a great deal of danger in it ... to
defend it, and not only to defend it, but to pro[p]agate it
. . . Error hath been too apt to be propagated when it hath
had great leaders. The greatest heretics not the most
vicious men in the Church ... 3. Consider the weight of
that great business now before us ... to bear testimony
to the kingly office of the Lord Jesus Christ. If [we are]
prejudiced with any ends, interests, engagements of our
own, God will not guide us.
Mr. Whitakers prayed.
Arrow- Mr. Arrowsmith preached [from] Esah.2 ix. 6. Govern-
sSmra. ment uPon his snoulder ¦ • • What government? 1. Of
the whole world ... 2. Of the church. A rujer in Israel ;
king of the saints ... a list of his properties as such . . .
1 Tim. i. 17 . . . Why upon his shoulder? [1.] I am not
able to bear all this people [Numb. xi. 14]. The church
lay heavy upon Jesus Christ, especially at his death. 2.
In reference to an ancient type of the high priest under the
law — Exod. xxviii. 12. ... 3. In reference to the stability
of Christ's government. Here I might take occasion to
1 Sic for circumcision. 2 i.e. Isaiah.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 465
skirmish with the papists that speak of tutelary saints and Sess. 635.
angels, laying1 part of the government upon their shoulders. ^L6,
The work of this day is not to make a fence, — no need of 
thorns, — but to dig a well, and to build a tower of con- smith's
fidence, and that's the use I shall make of this ; therefore sermon.
it shall go well with his Church ; Christ is such a King as
is able to subdue all his enemies . . . Psal. xiv. furnished
with all sorts of reasons . . . ' Desperassem,' saith Luther,
' si Christus non fuisset caput ecclesiae ' . . . A king rules
for his subjects' good ; therefore Augustus, when he could
not call to mind any petition he had granted, he said,
' hodie non regnavi ' . . . As Csesar said to the shipmaster,
[so may our King to us] : ' Be of good comfort, you carry
Christ and his interest along with you ' . . . 3. The title of
this King . . . His name shall be called — he shall really be,
and he shall be called so . . . Wonderful. [1] He is so in
his person, God and man in one ; a super-excellency of
worth in Christ . . . Wonder at strange things ... [2]
Look to what he said ; his doctrine was wonderful, made
up of paradoxes ... 3. Look to what he did ; his actions
wonderful ... 4. To what he suffered ; his passions won
derful.. . . 1. Let us learn to wonder at him . . . Most of
the things that concern Christ are ushered in with an Ecce
. . . Behold the Lamb of God . . . Look to Jesus . . . This is
not only a ravishing but a transforming sight ... 2. Expect
wonders from him, [1] wonders of grace . . . Saints called
to a marvellous light ; regeneration, an epitome of all
wonders ... [2] Wonders of providence ; we may look to
those as much as to2 any people under heaven . . . Esa.
lxiv. That we looked not for . . . Which of us could
have expected such Acts of Parliament, Ordinances of
Parliament, such deliverances . . . We expect more won
ders still ; his arm (?) is not shortened (?) 2. Counsellor.
Christ is both King and counsel . . . Counsellor in relation
to the Father in the bosom of the Father . . . God the
Father consulted with him as with his own wisdom. None
[can] open the book of secrets, but the Lamb ... In rela
tion to the Church, gospel called the counsel of God . . .
1 In MS. lieyng or beyng. 2 Sic in MS.
2G

Arrow smith'ssermon

466 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 635. Joh. xv. 15 ... Be encouraged from hence to believe con-
^lll' fidently that the Church's cause shall go well, be[cause]
Christ is of the counsel. 2. Be exhorted to look to Him
smith's for counsel in the great business now before us, the work
of every day ... If ever we needed counsel, we need it
now, therefore take heed of leaning to our own under
standings . . . Think, how it was with Israel in the wilder
ness; if they should have pitched tents, and removed of
their own heads, they had perished ; but following the pillar
and cloud, they were safe . . . We have this : a cloud in the
Old Testament, a pillar in the New . . . We bless God that
put it into the hearts of the House. Some treatises of this
subject write1 as if they knew all ; others have too much of
the sceptic, then , call all in question . . . The th[o]rough
pursuance of this course will prevent both these. Let us
search the Scriptures, and pray for the Spirit ... 3. The
mighty God. Christ is God. The work of creation shows
it ; [but it is shown] especially by his preserving of the
Church . . . u[se~] Then let not Christians fear the might of
creatures . . . The Church hath mighty enemies ... 4. Ever
lasting Father ; everlasting in regard of his essence . . .
Father, upon him he hath stamped his image. upon his
children . . . Father is a word of tenderness, as in regard
of the love he bears them, so of the provision he makes for
them . . . u\se~\ Here is another fresh spring of everlasting
consolation. This sweetens all the former attributes . . .
Wonderful might astonish us . . . but this assures us ; all
these are in a Father's hand. Christ's eternity and pater
nity ; from both abundance of comfort . . . Eternity, Heb.
i. 12 ; Paternity, Esa. Ixiii.
5. Prince of peace . . . Some princes delight in names
from their wars and conquests. Christ carries peace in his
title ; born in the most peaceable times ; typified by Mel-
chisedec ... To him the peace-offerings . . . Angels sang
peace at his birth ; he taught peace in his life ; made
peace their lesson, and left peace as their legacy ; and now
his kingdom is set up, peace is one? . . . Dearest brethren,
whom I love in my heart, if Christ be Prince of Peace, how
1 Perhaps for 'writ.' 2 Perhaps for 'won.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 467
is [it] that we are such men of commotion ; do we not Sess. 635.
preach the gospel of peace ? ... Is not our King a prince of ^g6'
peace ; why [are we] not conformable to our prince ? . . . 
The Lord humble us for all our carnal differences and srnTth's
sinful animosities . . . Let the peace of God rule in your sermon.
hearts ; [let us] all resolve in the strength of Christ to
consult the peace of the Church as much as we may with
the peace of our own consciences .... of that poor Church
so rent and torn with such variety of sects . . . Torinus, a
late Jesuit, on Jer. . . . [Let us] labour for a unity of judg
ment ; it is not impossible to be had . . . Christ of those 12
apostles [chose] 3 pair of natural brethren that there might
be the better agreement amongst them. Six witnesses,
' 1 Joh. v.,' agree in one testimony ; prophe[t]s all but one
mouth (?), Luke i. 70 . . . Take one consideration more . . .
It is our duty to have some respect to our reputation. Our
reputation goes very low with all the sectaries in the king
dom ... If you would have your reputation grow, you must
agree. Remember, question is with the peace of our own
consciences ... It is long since we all took a protestation
... I will tell you what rules I have set myself to walk by.
1. Take heed of voting against light. 2. Take heed of
voting without light ; let every one be fully persuaded ;
he hath to subscribe with a trembling hand. 3. Take
heed of refusing to bring thy judgment to light by thy
vote . . . Take a short view of the royal titles of Christ
together . . . One in which there is nothing wanting to
make Him complete ; not activity, not policy, not prowess,
not clemency, not quiet . . .
Mr. Case prayed. A psalm was sung. The collection
was £1, 4s. 2d. Ordered to be disposed of by the brethren
that took pains that day.
Sess. 636. — May 7, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Debate about necessary consequence. Debate about
proofs for it. be thanked for their
The brethren that took pains in the Assembly yesterday

ge thanked for their pains in preaching and prayer).

468 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 636. The Assembly after some debate of this called to the
Mi6467' order of the day- Debate about the order of proceeding.
 A motion for 3 Committees.
Sess. 637. — May 8, 1646. — Friday morning.
Debate of the manner of proceeding in the questions.
Debate about first1 proceeding upon those things
wherein we all agree in the first place.

Sess. 639. — May 14, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Debate about Mr. Sprigge, who was lately ordained by the
Bishop of Lincoln. Ordered — Mr. Sprigge shall be examined.
The chairman of the Committee is [to] (deal with him
about),2 'represent to him the dislike of this Assembly' of
this act of his ' in going to the Bp. for ordination,' to see
whether he can give satisfaction to the Assembly in this
business. R. 33. — The chairman of the Committee shall
testify the dislike of the Assembly of this act of his in
going to the Bp. for ordination.
R. — To go to the work of the day. Report additional
to the report of the first Committee made yesterday.
Mr. Ny — Moved they might be a Committee ac
cording to the former desire. Debate upon it.. _?. —
Whereas Mr. Goodwin, Mr. Ny, Mr. Burroughes, Mr.
Bridge, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Greenhill, Mr. Carter, jun., Mr.
Phillips, have desired to have liberty to be a Committee to '
bring in to the Assembly what they shall think fit upon
these questions ; this Assembly doth grant them liberty
so to do, provided that they do so order their reports as
that the Assembly may not be delayed in the debate of
anything prepared for the Assembly by ' any of the 3
Committees. Ordered — The same liberty be granted to
them from time to time when any questions shall be given
forth by this Assembly to the 3 Committees.
Ordered — ' Debate of the report of the 1st Committee.
1 Sic in MS. * Passage a good deal corrected.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 469
Sess. 641. — May 18, 1646. — Monday morning. Skss. 641.
Report from the 2d Committee about Church govern- \l^'
ment.

Debat
Proceed in the debate of consequences. oijus
Debate about examples.

iivinum.

Sess. 646. — May 25, 1646. — Monday morning.
Mr. Carter desired that his wife's being sick might be
admitted as his excuse for absence and late coming since
the beginning of February.
Mr. Newcomen moved that the nine questions be com
mitted to nine Committees. R. 2. — Not to proceed upon
the debate of the motion concerning nine Committees.
Upon a motion of Mr. Whitaker. R. — That the 9 ques
tions shall be distributed to the 3 Committees. R. — That
the i, 2, 6 questions be committed to the first Committee.
R. n[eg.] j?. — The 3, 4, 5, 7, not committed to the second
Committee. R. — The 3, 4, 5 committed to the second
Committee. R. — The 7, 8, 9 committed to the third Com
mittee. Mr. Whitaker moved that ' delinquents that have em-
trued their hands in blood ' may be put into the enumera
tion of scandalous offenders not to be admitted to the
sacrament without evidence of repentance. R. — That this
shall be waived.
Ordered — To proceed the next- day concerning the
business of jus divinum.
Sess. 657. — June 11, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Debate, where we left, of government. Upon a motion
for leave to speak to the Q[uestion] last passed, R. |. —
The proposition last passed shall be submitted to a further
debate. R. f. — There shall be an alteration in this propo
sition. Sess. 660. — June 17, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Report from the wording Committee about the Con-

470 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 660. fession of Faith. Ordered — Mr. Arrowsmith added to the
JuI646.7' Committee for the wording of the Confession of Faith.
 Upon a debate about the reading of it x again, it was
R. — Not to read again entire, but in parts.
Sess. 661.

Sess. 671. — July 8, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
Marquess The Assembly was informed that the Marquess of
admitted Argyll was without. An order for it 2 was read from the
Lords and Commons.
Ordered— Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Ny, Mr.
Perne, to bring him in. Earl of Argyll delivered a letter
from the Assembly of Scotland. The letter was read.
Prolocutor spake unto him : In the midst of all difficulties
... we have ever found encouragement from that . . . famous
religious and pure Church implanted in that kingdom ... .
We have found it abundantly in this place . . . And to
crown all the rest, it is the joy of our hearts to find a
person of so great and famous renown and honour ... in
which the greatest safety of the kingdom of Scotland is
reposed . . . But we look not upon those things of greatest
eminency and observation ... we look upon your lordship
as one of the greatest instruments under God [for the for
warding of this work.]
Sess. 677. — July 22, 1646. — Wednesday morning.
The Prolocutor being dead, an order was brought from
both Houses for Mr. Herle to be Prolocutor. It was read,
and he called to the chair. And the House desired the
Assembly to hasten the Confession of Faith and Cate
chism. R. g. — Mr. Harris to preach for the Prolocutor at his
funeral. Ordered— The day to be Friday in the afternoon.
Ordered — The Committee for Westminster College be
desired that his body may be interred in some con-
1 i.e. the Confession of Faith. 2 i.e. his admission. See it, p. 254.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 47 1
venient place in the Abbey, and that his body may [be] Sess. 677.
brought from the said College . . . and that this be pro- ^\l?£'
pound[ed] . . .
Sess. 762. — December 25, 1646. — Friday morning.
Lord Chancellor1 [of Scotland] came into the Assembly Part °f
Scotch
[and spoke as follows] : The desires of the Church and Commis-
kingdom of Scotland to assist their brethren moved them j1?"6,"
to enter into a league, and send in an army in pursuance
of those ends. Some of us have had the honour . . . The
Scotch army is to return ; and I hope they will remove
very speedily with that zeal . . . There is a Parliament
now sitting at Edinburgh . . . Some of our number are to
render them an account of our negotiations] ... [I beg]
to acknowledge with all gratefulness the zeal, piety, and
indefatigableness . . . your respects to our nation, your
civility and real favours . . . What hath been already con
cluded in Reformation, . . . there is so solid a foundation
laid of a lasting unity, as we are confident no power will
be able to overturn it . . . If you have any commands to
lay upon us to . . .
Lord Wariston — I intend. ... I owe that respect.
Mr. Baillie— Nothing to add. I cannot but heartily
'acknowledge the favours and respect I have found here
. . . For all I can return nothing but the promise of a
double duty : 1. To profess the great piety, wisdom [mani
fested in this Assembly], I2 more than this day are to be
found in any one place of the whole world ... 2. I shall
make constant mention of this worthy Synod in my
prayers, both public and private. In this duty I have the
concurrence of very many. I leave my best wishes with
the whole company, and with every one of my dear and
gracious brethren.
Dr. Burges— -Mr. [Prolocutor], you see and hear what great
cause we have to be thankful . . . You know how long they
have been employed [in this work], how diligent [they have
1 John, Earl of Loudon, Chancellor of the Kingdom, and also of the Uni
versity of St. Andrews.
' i.e. ay more.

472 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 762. shown themselves], how wise in passing by many things
1646 • • • how gracious God is, notwithstanding the attempts of
 [the] old man to make division, to continue a firm union
[between us]. [This is indeed] a comfortable close, and
brotherly departure ... I desire you would express the
sense of this Assembly to those [brethren].
Address of Prolocutor — Amongst all the several societies in this
Prolocutor. ,., , . , ° , , ¦ 1
kingdom which your Lps . . . have honoured with your pre
sence, assistance, and countenance, this Assembly doth
command me to make tender of [their acknowledgments]
how much they have been dignified with your presence
and assistance ; we have had much encouragement both
from your Lps' presence and assistance . . . We are con
fident the whole kingdom will by their counsel1 represented
make a due and thankful acknowledgment of your faith
fulness ; and therefore [we] presume not to undertake and
anticipate that great task, which becomes a great deal better
. . . and yet though here, in another sphere, we cannot be
ignorant . . . though it be not our profession, insensible of
the long marches (?), many lives sacrificed, and many sieges,
successes, victories, and battles. . . . Had you but met us
with bread and water in your hands to have refreshed us,
it had been a matter of great obligation. But you met us
with your blood in your hands. Next under God whom ,
we serve [in the gospel of his Son], we ascribe the happy
posture that things are now in to that covenant . . . It's a
cause2 is worthy the sacrifice of lives, because it is, God's
cause . . . We do all retain such impressions of his memory,3
as that no cause but that could be worthy of a life so
precious. We must with all humility acknowledge, as we
have found great encouragement and assistance . . . Our
humble suit is, that we may be confident in your neces
sary absence . . . you would afford your noble testimony
to this Assembly, that the difficulties we encounter withal,
the cause of the sticking of things so long in our hands,
1 Perhaps Council representative. 2 Qr case_
s The reference in this incomplete sentence is to Henderson, who had left
London in May, spent some time in treaty with the king at Newcastle, and
died at Edinburgh on 12th August 1646.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 473
and not any unwillingness . . . And for our reverend Sess- I62-
brother, we have many hearty and humble thanks . . . It's 1040. '
our great comfort that yet you leave behind you 2 such
pledges of the love of the nation 1 . . . Our prayers shall
unite upon the throne of grace in behalf of [you, that]
your pains, and patience, and useful endeavours may be
returned into your bosoms.
Sess. 769. — January 7, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Report made of the Scriptures, to prove the Confession
of Faith upon the first article. Debate of it.
Ordered— The members of the Assembly do bring their
books of the Confession of Faith whilst the Scriptures are
in debate. [Ordered]— Luke i. 34 ; Prov. xxii. 19, 20, 21 ;
Rom. xv. 4 ; Math. iv. 4, 7, 10 ; Esa. viii. 19, 20.2
Sess. 772. — January 12, 1646. — Tuesday morning.
Lord Maitland came, to take leave of the Assembly, Earl of
[and said], I intend this night or to-morrow morning to daje takes
set forwards towards Scotland. I come to receive your leave for a
time.
commands ... I will not interrupt your debates.
Prolocutor [replied] — This Assembly, as we have cause,
with all thankfulness take notice of your lordship's desire
to show your respects unto it. . . . We, as we have great
reason, are sensible of the great advantage and safety in
sitting here . . . and we do owe this mercy much to the
counsels and arms of that renowned kingdom. Your Lord
ship hath much adorned this Assembly, so we are confi
dent . . . Your iiifluence hath always cast beams of respect
and encouragement . . . All that we can [do is to] testify
respects . . . They will follow with our prayers . . . and
keep a fresh record . . .
1 In MS. ' natation ' for nation.
1 These are part of the texts adduced in proof of the first chapter of the
Confession, and are the only ones that have been entered in the minutes of the
Assembly.

474 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 774. Sess. 774. — January 14, 1646. — Thursday morning.
J 1646.4' Mr. Vines moved, by order from the Committee for the
 catechising, for 2 Catechisms, one more large [than that in
hand].
Two cate- Ordered — The Committee for the Catechism do prepare
bepre- ° a draught of 2 Catechisms, on[e] more large, and the other
pared. more brief, having an eye to the Confession of Faith, and
the matter of the Catechism already begun.
Sess. 794. — February 17, 1646. — Wednesday morning.

A Committee to consider of some rules for the pro
ceeding in examination 'of ministers,' for the preventing
of ministers passing the approbation of the Assembly that
have been in the King's army or in arms against the Par
liament. Sess. 810. — March 18, 1646. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Birch bring a testimonial of his now being orthodox
from the ministers in those parts.
[__] — This Assembly being informed that Mr. Jonadab
Birch hath been very erroneous in his judgment, and hath
published many dangerous errors in the country to the
paining of the people there, and therefore do not think fit
to admit him to examination till he have given public
satisfaction in the country where he hath so leavened or
scandalized t_e p-sople,1 and that this be certified to this
Assembly under the hands of known and approved mini
sters thereabouts.
R. 2 neg. — Mr. Jonadab Birch shall ' nqt ' be examined
upon those testimonials for Essington in Yorkshire.
21 st of April 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Gower made report of his part of Luther's last
works :2 He thinks them not fit to be published. Many
things will not advantage the work of Reformation ; little
1 Erased in MS. * Or words.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 475
good in it. Mr. Sedgwicke — I do find many good things, April 21,
but some of the oddest concerns ; I never met with the like. ^.'
So Prolocutor ; so Dr. Hoyle ; so Mr. Young — 'Take it
•generally, I know nothing that may be of use to be pub
lished ;' so Mr. Corbet of N. ; so Mr. Pickering.
Sess. 833. — April 29, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Earl of Lauderdale1 came into the Assembly and Letter
brought a letter from the Parliament of Scotland ; it was f^ment'or
read. Scotland.
Dr. Burges — It is a great honour that the Parliament of
Scotland have been pleased to put upon us. We are sen
sible of the condition wherein we are, as that we cannot
return anything in writing without leave from those by
whose authority we [sit]. Such a letter as this should not
pass without some acknowledgment.
Prolocutor — In this I shall speak the unanimous sense
of this Assembly, that, as in all, we have received encou
ragement from that noble and faithful nation, and all the
societies of it . . . What is wanting shall [be] supplied in
our prayers and endeavours to use expedition [in the work
entrusted to us].
Sess. 845. — May 18, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
The order of the Assembly for Mr. Byfield to receive
from the trustees the money for the Assembly was altered
and agreed according to the desire of the trustees.
Debate of the Catechism about the benefits by Christ
the Mediator . . . Recommitted. Mr. Delmy, Mr. Raynor, Mr.
Bridge, Mr. Guibon, Mr. Strong, Dr. Gouge, the Committee.
Sess. 853. — June 1, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Debate about an order concerning Mr. Ash to remove
from the cure of Bashinshaw, London, and settle himself
within one month next ensuing in the Church of Lough
borough in the county of Leicester, in default whereof the
Committee will settle some other minister there.
1 In MS. , Lotherdaile.

476 MINUTES OF' THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 862. Sess. 862. — June 15, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
1647.5, Debate upon the Catechism. Upon a motion whether
 , there should be a question about the persons that are
Catechism, to be admitted to the Sacrament, and the officers and
censures. R. — That something be expressed concerning
keeping of unworthy persons, from the Sacrament by the
officers. Sess. 882. — July 15, 1647 .—Thursday morning.
Report from the Committee about Mr. Jerome : ' They
do not yet see any reason to revoke their former thoughts
concerning him, but conceive it's reason to have time to
inquire further concerning him.' [Ord.] — Forasmuch as
the Assembly perceives there is an evil fame doth follow
him in all or most of those places where he hath lived,
therefore the Assembly cannot recall their former vote,
and do refer it to the Committee. Ordered — The Com
mittee for the review have power to receive what informa
tions shall be brought in concerning him, and report them
to the Assembly. Sess. 883. — July 16, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Gillespie took leave of the Assembly.
[Minutes of Sessions not contained in Fascicle II.]
Sess. 901. — August 17, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Cuffely be examined. Mr. Craddocke be approved
upon former examination.
Proceed in debate. R. — Mr. Vaughan be excused from
coming up.
Sess. 902. — August 18, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Seaman be approved- upon his ordination by the
first classis.
Dr. Stanton made report of the 5th Commandment.
Proceed in debate.
Sess. 903. — August 19, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Proceed in the debate;

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 477
Sess. 904. — August 20, 1647. — Friday morning. ' Sess. 904.
Mr. Young, Mr. Day, to pray. Ordered—Mr. Byfield AlI0472°'
do name the members of the Assembly that are to pray 
upon any day of the week as he shall see cause.
Ordered — Mr. John Bateman approved without coming
up. Mr. Calamy made report of the 6th Commandment.
Sess. 905. — August 21, 1647. — Monday morning.
Rt — Mr. Stockes be examined. Ordered — Mr. Denny
be approved upon his former examination.
Resolved— Nothing added particularly of the duty and
power of the Christian magistrate. Proceed in the debate.
Sess} 906. — August 26, 1647. — Thursday.
Certif [icate] for Joh. Buckly and Alex. Stokes. Ordered
— Wm. Reeve approved on former examination.
Debate Catechism : 7th Commandment.
Sess. 907. — August 27, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Ash, Mr. Corbet of Nor[folk]. To pray.
Proceed in debate.
Sess. 908. — September 1, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Harris be examined. Mr. Richner be examined.
Mr. Taylor made report of the 8th Commandment.
Sess.. 909. — September 2, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Proceed in debate. Dr. Temple, Mr. Carter of Dpnton]
to pray the week following.
Report of the 9th Commandment by Mr. Gower.
Sess. 910 — September 3, 1647. — Friday morning.
Dr. Temple, Mr. Carter of D[inton]. To pray
Proceed in the debate. Report of 10th Commandment.
Sess. 911. — September 8, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Wilson added to the Committee for Catechism.
1 The minutes of this Session are in another hand.

478 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 911. Ordered— That the Committee for Plundered Ministers
Si£47f' be moved to consider of the approbation given lately by
 this Assembly to Mr. Davis, the Assembly having since
heard so ill of him, which they refer to the said Committee.
Mr. Wilson made report of the Catechism.
Mr. Henry Cusington bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 912. — September 9, 1647. — Thursday morning.
R.—Mr. Hallet be admitted to examination upon this
certificate . . . Proceed in the debate.
Mr. Corbet be desired to certify the Committee of
Plundered Ministers of those things he hath informed the
Assembly of concerning Mr. Gobert. Mr. Corbet be
desired to send to the ministers in Norfolk concerning
Mr. Gobert, and in the meantime to stay his order from
the Committee.
Mr. Hodges, Mr. Hardwicke, to pray.
Ordered — To send to the members of the Assembly
that are absent to attend the service of the Assembly
presently. Sess. 913. — September 10, 1647. — Friday morning.
LastQues- Mr. Hodges, Mr. Hardwicke [to pray]. Mr. Gower
Larger made report of the last questions of the Catechism.
Catechism g — Mr. Godlv be approved. Proceed in the debate.
reported. ' rL
Sess. 914. — September 13, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Bridge, Mr. Greenhill.
Lord Lauderdale — We have instructions from the
General Assembly to communicate to both Houses of
Parliament and to the Assembly, and therefore desire a
Committee.1 1 The Assembly which met at Edinburgh in August 1647, adopted and
published, both among their printed Acts and separately, a Declaration and
Brotherly Exhortation to their brethren of England (see Peterkin's Records of
the Kirk, p. 468, etc.), and inserted among their unprinted Acts {Ibid. p. 481)
one authorizing their Commissioners in London to present the Declaration to
the Parliament, the City of London, and Synod of Divines, and also to crave
an answer to the paper of 25th December preceding, the substance of which
has been given in note 3, p. 316.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 479
Mr. Pickering, Mr. Good, Mr. Case, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sess. 914.
Tuckney, Mr. Newcomen. SePt- '3>
Ordered — Mr. Nathaniel Ward be approved without 
examination . . . Proceed in the debate.
Sess. 915. — September 14, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Proceed in the debate.
Report was made from the Grand Committee of the Papers
Lords, Commons, and Assembly, and Commissioners of church of
the Church of Scotland of 2 papers ; they were read. Scotland.
Sess. 916. — September 15, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Rutlierford moved the Assembly to consider of that
passage in the paper from Scotland to petition for a general
Fast according to the desire of the Assembly of the Church
of Scotland . . . After some debate the Assembly went to
the work of the day.
Sess. 917. — September 16, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Debate about the 10th Commandment.
Ordered — To proceed in the little Catechism.
Sess. 918. — September 17, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Bridge, Mr. Greenhill, to pray. Ordered — Mr.
Marshall bring a better testimonial.
Ordered — Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, Mr. Salway, Dr.
Temple, Dr. Smith, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Whitakers, Mr.
Prophet, to be a Committee to consider of the ministers
for Wales. The care of it to Mr. Greene ; to meet on
Monday in the afternoon.
Mr. Tuckney made report of some alteration about Altera-
the angels as there ord[ered] — all to be left out at the L°"se°n
desire of the Commissioners of Scotland, and about trans- Catechism.
posing the asserting of the Deity of Christ and the Holy
Ghost as it was resolved to be in the first place after the
Trinity, and in the 76 question to leave out ' every one,'
and say towards perfection ; and it was resolved the words
'every one' [be] left out ; and a1 instead of 'being
1 A blank in MS.

480 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 918. gifted and approved,' say 'be gifted and also duly called
1647.17' and approved;' and in the 4th petition, to leave out the
 words 'not only,' 'but,' which was ordered, [and to put
tions on instead], 'and to have them cursed to us in the possession
l?lsel. and use of them.'
Catechism. Sess. 919. — September 20, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Clarke be approved upon his former appro
bation. R. — There shall be a question put about this business.
R. — The speaker of the House of Commons be attended
upon to be acquainted that the Assembly doth weekly
appoint members to attend the service of the House in
praying with them, and to that end the Assembly may not
suffer in the neglect of any particular member, they have
ordered a note of the names of those persons that are
appointed to pray, shall be delivered to the Clerk of that
House every Friday.
R. — The same for the House of Lords.
Sess. 920.1 — September 21, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Bucke bring a better testimonial.
Mr. Burges, Mr. Gc=d, Mr. R. Prophet,2 to pray.
Mr. Tuckney made report of some alterations in the
Large Catechism, which were debated and ordered.
Sess. 921. — September 22, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report of some alterations in the
Larger Catechism ; it was debated and assented [to].
Sess. 922. — September 23, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. ' Isaac ' Smithes be approved upon his
former ordination.
Mr. Hunchsett . . . Ordered— A letter be written to those
ministers that subscribed the testimonial for Mr. Hunchset
to know whether they give this testimony of him of their
knowledge, because there is a caveat put in against him.
1 This Session in another hand.
2 i.e. Mr. Good was first appointed, and Mr. Prophet afterwards substituted.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 48 I
Ordered — Mr. Bucke be examined. Ordered — Mr. Sess. 922.
Weeckes be examined presently. ^ll'J}}'
Mr. Tuckney made further report of the Large Cate- —
chism. Upon debate about those words which hath been other
wise expressed in those words, ' He descended into hell.' __
R. 2. — That the report of the Committee shall stand. R.
—There shall be a review in the Committee.
[A3.] — Mr. Price, Mr. Smith, be examined. Ordered —
Mr. Thompson be excused from coming up to be examined.
Sess. 923. — September 24, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Burges, Mr. Prophet [to pray].
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism ; and it was
debated and assented to.
Mr. Marsdale be approved without coming up.
Sess. 924. — September 27, 1647.- — Monday morning.
Mr. Whitakers to pray with the Lords. Ordered — Mr.
Laus-Deo Maiden be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered — Mr. John Gough be examined presently.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism.
Ordered — Mr. Ganon1 Egglesfield (?) be examined. R.
— Mr. Marshall's testimonial now brought in doth satisfy
this Assembly . . . Mr. Gerrard . . . Ordered — Mr. Higgin-
son be approved upon his ordination.
Sess. 925. — September 30, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Gerrard be examined . . . Mr. Spurstow,
Mr. Whitakers ... Mr. Corbet of N. made report from
Norfolk ministers concerning Mr. Gobert, and another
letter from Mr. Gobert himself. Respited till his other
letter come promised. Ordered— Mr. Snelling bring a
better testimonial from known men.
Mr. Whitakers reported something about Repentance,
added after Sanctification.
Ordered— -Dr. Nells2 (?) approved upon former examina
tion. 1 Probably Gawin. See Nonconformists' Memorial, vol. i. p. 389,
2 Perhaps- Wells. See as above, vol. ii. p. 222.
2H

482 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 926. Sess. 926. — October 1, 1647. — Friday morning.
°f47'' Mr. Spurstow, Mr. Whitakers, to pray . . . Proceed in the
 debate . . . Ordered — Mr. Simon Simpson approved with
out coming up.
Sess. 927. — October 4, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Cushington's testimonial doth not satisfy.
Mr. Whitakers made report of the Catechism. Upon
a debate about Sacrilege, it was voted to stand without
addition . . . Dr. Burges enters his dissent be[cause] of the
application of it that may be made to the proceedings of
the Parliament in the sale of the Bishops' lands upon this
pretence . . .
Ordered — Mr. Woodroofe be approved upon his former
approbation. Sess. 928. — October 5, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Remmington be approved upon his former
approbation. Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism ; and it was
debated. An order was brought from the House of Com
mons for care in the attending upon the service of that
House in praying with them ; it was read.1
Sess. 929. — October 6, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
R. — Mr. Lei (?) ' not ' to come up to be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Lawry be approved upon former examina
tion. R. — Mr. White bring a better testimonial. R. — Mr.
Porter's business respited.
Mr. Good, Mr. Price, to pray.
Mr. Corbet be desired to acquaint the Committee of
Plundered Ministers with the letters from Mr. Gobert, and
to let them know the thoughts of this Assembly, but they
desire he may not have any further addition upon the
credit of the former approbation.
Ordered — Mr. Nicholson2 approved upon his former
ordination. Ordered — Mr. Biggs be respited.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism.
1 Order not traced in Journals of House. 2 In MS. Nichosson.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 483
Sess. 930. — October 7, 1647. — Thursday morning. Sess. 930.
Mr. Tuckney made report further of the Catechism ; and °§ 7'
it was debated and assented to.  '
Sess. 931. — October 8, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. White respited . . . Some informations being read
against Mr. Bigges. R. — That Mr. Bigges shall not be
examined. R. — He is not fit for that place or any other.
This be certified to the Commissioners of the Great Seal.
Mr. Byfield do make this return to the Commissioners.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism ; and it was
assented to.
Sess. 932. — October 11, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Langley [to pray].
Ordered — Mr. Greg[son(?)]1 be approved upon his ordina
tion. Ordered — Mr. Casle2 be approved.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism. Mr.
Wallis read over all that had been passed in the Assembly
since there was a full Assembly, for the vote of the Assem
bly there being now a full Assembly. Resolved — All shall
stand. Mr. Carter enters his dissent to that clause in the
2d com[mandment] ' tolerating a false religion.'
Sess. 933. — October 12, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
R- — That Mr. Jones shall not have his approbation.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism.
Sess. 934. — October 13, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
R.—Mr. Johnson shall be approved without further
examination. Ordered—Mr. Mitchell be approved without
coming up to be examined.
Mr. Tuckney made report [of the Catechism].
The papers3 that concern the Assembly be sought for,
that were in Mr. Palmer's hand, and brought into the
Assembly. 1 An alteration in MS. 2 Perhaps Castle.
3 Probably ' The Answer to the Reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against
the Proposition concerning Ordination,' which was published early in 1648.

484 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 935. Sess. 935. — October 14, 1647. — Thursday morning.
1647. Mr. Owen be examined.
 " Ordered — The papers for ordination late in Mr. Palmer's
hand be read in the Assembly the first day there is an
opportunity . . . (Mr. Lucas be approved upon his former
approbation.) Sess. 936. — October 15, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Scudd[e]r, Mr. Langley, to pray.
Ordered — The Assembly doth approve of Mr. Wales'
removal from Carlisle. Ordered — That Mr. Joseph Old-
worth be approved withdut coming up to be examined.
(Mr. Lucas be approved 'upon his former approbation.)
Ordered — Mr. Whitfield bte approved upon his former

approbation. Ordered — Mr

Wyrly be approved upon his

former approbation. Ordere d — Mr. Scudd[e]r, Mr. Salway,
Mr. Corbet, Mr. Ward, Mr. Whitakers, to be a Committee
to consider of the reasons oj^M>.J_ucas his remove. Mr.
Nathaniel Hanson (?) bejexaminea:\
Larger Mr. Tuckney made ireport The Gsiechism- being com-
cimpteted. pteted, it was R— This should be transcribed to be sent
to both Houses of Parliament. >
Ruther- Upon a motion made by Mr. Rutherford, it was Ordered
motion — That it be recorded in the Scribes' b'poks ' The Assembly
hath jenjoyed the assistance of the Honble Reverend and
learnld Commissioners from the Church of Scotland in
the work of the Assembly;'1 during all the time of the
debating and perfecting of the 4 things mentioned in the
Covenant, viz. the Directory for Worship, the Confession
of Faith, Form of Church Government, and Catechism,
some of the Reverend and learned Divines Commissioners
from the Church of Scotland have been present in and
assisting to this Assembly.
Sess. 937. — October 18, 1647. — Monday morning.
R. — Mr. Lucas be approved upon his former examina
tion. Ordered — Mr. Fiddes respited a while. Mr. Shaw
bring a better testimonial.
1 These first words seem to have been inserted last.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 485
Sess. 938. — October 19, 1647. — Tuesday morning. Sess. 938.
Mr. Howell bring a testimonial. 0cj' I9,
Ordered— Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Ward, to — -
prepare the Short Catechism . . . Ordered— Mr. Byfield do catechism
write in the name of this Assembly to get Mr. Tuckney t0 be Pre-
excused from his attending at Cambridge be[cause] of the
special employment imposed upon him by the Assembly.
Ordered — Mr. Morris Owen be approved.
Sess. 939. — October 20, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Hodges be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Stor[e]r(?) be approved upon his former
examination. R. -. — The title shall be ' A Larger Cate
chism.' The whole Catechism was read over by Dr. Larger
Burges. Catechism
_u.sv._ reacj oyer
Sess. 940. — October 21, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Lesser Catechism ; and
' one in substance ' Sic.
it was debated. Moved ' substance' be left out in both
Catechism[s] . . . What those Decrees are . . . Anything
more of. . . .
Sess. 941. — October 22, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Wilkinson, jun., Dr. Hoyle [to pray].
Ordered— Mr. Hunt approved upon his former exa
mination. Mr. Jones be examined. Mr.. Chaplin be
examined. The Larger Catechism was ordered to be sent up to Larger
both Houses of Parliament by the Prolocutor attended ^ SS
with the whole Assembly. up to both
Ordered— Leave for Mr. Byfield to go into the country Houses'
for a week.
Sess. 942. — October 25, 1647.— Monday morning.
Report was made by the Prolocutor of the delivery of
the Catechism.1
1 The following is the account of this matter in the Lords' Journals (vol. ix.
p. 488) : —
' A message was brought by Mr. Prolocutor from the Assembly of Divines,

486 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 942. Ord.— Henry Bignell and Math. Fowler to be examined.
°iC6475' Ord- — Henry Simson approved without coming up. Pre-
 sent[ation] for Hugh Cox ; to be examined.
Debate the Lesser Catechism.
Sess. 943. — October 28, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Certificate for Hugh Cox. R— Henry Pibus to be exa
mined. Ord. — John Comins to be examined.
Debate Lesser Catechism.
Sess. 944. — October 29, 1647. — Friday.
Certificate] for Math. Fowler. R— Certificate] for
Mr. Pibus. R. — His certificate not to be delivered till
Tuesday. Mr. Valentine, Mr. Raynor, to pray.
Deb[ate] Catechism.
Sess. 945. — November 1, 1647. — Monday.
[A blank page.]
Sess. 945. — November 1, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Commins be certified as insufficient.
Ordered — Mr. Benjamin Bourne to be examined. Ordered
—Mr. Poole bring a better testimonial. Ordered — Mr.
who said, " The Assembly of Divines have made a Long Catechism which they
present to their Lordships' consideration ; and they intend shortly to prepare a
Shorter Catechism. " The House return thanks to the Assembly for their ready
observance to the orders of Parliament, and for their great labour and pains
in compiling this Long Catechism, and desire them to go on in making the
Short Catechism, which their Lordships shall be ready to receive.' That in
the Journals of the Commons (vol. v. p. 368) is as follows : ' The House being
informed that divers Divines of the Assembly were at the door, they were
called in ; and Mr. Herle, the Prolocutor, acquainted the House, that upon
the orders and directions of this House they had finished a Catechism to which
they have given the title of " A Larger Catechism ; " that they were in hand
with a briefer, which they did hope would be finished within few days.
Ordered — That thanks be returned to the Divines of the Assembly for their
great pains in this Catechism . . . The Divines of the Assembly were called
in ; and Mr. Speaker, by command of the House, did return the thanks of
this House to the Divines of the Assembly, and did acquaint them, that this
House had ordered the printing of 600 copies and no more of the said Cate
chism for the use of the Houses and of the Assembly of Divines.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 487
Bentham bring a testimonial from the ministers of the Sess. 945.
country. »-/'
Proceed in the debate of the Catechism. 
Mr. Hawling be examined.
Sess. 946. — November 2, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Poole be examined.
Debate of the Catechism.
Mr. Rowlet (?) be approved upon his ordination.
Sess. 947. — November 3, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sedgwicke [to pray ?].
Ordered — Mr. Poole be approved. Mr. Bradly be exa
mined. Mr. Pibus be respited till the Assembly satisfied
concerning him, it being certified that he hath been ejected.
R. — The Committee for Plundered Ministers be certified
that Mr. Bourne is not fit for this place. No other question
put A letter [to be ?] written to the Commissioners of the
Church of Scotland by Mr. Marshall, Mr. Tuckney.
Sess. 948. — November 8, 1647. — Monday morning.
Report of the letter to the Commissioners of the Church
of Scotland read and debated.
A5.— Commandments, Lord's Prayer, and Creed, added
[to Catechism].
Ordered — Old Committee and the former rule to be
observed in the disposing of .£400. Ordered — Mr. Parker
be approved upon his former examination. Mr. Taylor be
respited. Sess. 949. — November 9, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Rutherford took his leave of the Assembly.1 The
1 The Scottish Assembly, on 24th August 1647, had authorized his return,
and recommended the Commission for visitation of the University of St.
Andrews to appoint him to the office of Principal of the New College, in
which he had previously held the office of second master, or Professor of
Divinity. He was inducted into his new office immediately after his return,
See Peterkin's Records, p. 482 ; Reports of Universities Commission, 1830,
vol. iii. p. 211.

488 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 949. Prolocutor, by order of the Assembly, in the name of the
Ni°6479' Assembly. gave him thanks for the great assistance he
 ' hath afforded to this Assembly, in his constant attendance
upon the debates of it.
Upon a motion by Mr. Gower
Sic. what the Assembly is to do
A Committee to consider of what is fit to be done when
the Catechism is finished.
Ordered—Mr. Seaman, Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Gower,
Mr. Vines, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Ny, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Case,
Mr. Rayner, Mr. Hicks, Dr. Temple, Mr. Bond, Mr. Ash,
Mr. Salway, Mr. Delmy, Dr. Temple ; Mr. Gower to take
care of it.
Mr. Burges, Mr. Cawdry, added to the Committee for
review [of the Catechism] ; Mr. Wallis to attend it.
Sess. 950, — November 10, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Report was made from the Committee for the money,
and approved of.
Mr. Pibus be approved. Ordered — Mr. Clopton ap
proved upon former examination. Ordered — Mr. Samuel
Becke be approved, and excused from coming up to be
examined. Mr. Tuckney made report of the review of the Catechism.
Sess. 951. — November 11, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Proceed in the debate of the Catechism.
. Dr. Burges made report from the Lords. They do not
approve of this draught [letter] ; but if the Assembly will
draw up a letter wherein is nothing but civility and
courtesy to the Assembly, or any approbation of Mr.
Rutherford, if we present it to that House they will take
it into consideration.1
1 A message was brought from the Assembly of Divines by Dr. Burges,
etc. , to acquaint the House that they have received divers letters from the
Assembly of Scotland, to which they have returned no answer, by reason
they cannot do it without the leave of either House of Parliament ; and Mr.
Rutherford, one of the Assembly of Divines, sent from them, is now going
away ; and they have framed a draught of a letter, which they offer to their
Lordships' consideration,, whether they may send it or not. The draught of

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 489
Sess. 952. — November 2, 1647. — Friday morning. Sess. 952.
Mr. Case, Mr. Foxcroft, to pray. Mr. Retchford (?) be N°£7''
approved upon his former examination and approbation. 
Mr. Higgins be examined.
Upon a motion to appoint an Assessor in the room of
Mr. Palmer . . .
Sess. 953. — November 15, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Perkin approved upon former examina
tion. Ordered — Mr. Richard Woolhauson 1 (?) approved
upon his ordination. Ordered — Mr. John Jones approved
upon his ordination. Mr. Marshall to be examined. Mr.
Launcelot Wharton be examined.
Proceed in the debate.
Ordered— That those members of the Assembly that
enter their presence and go away before the rising of the
Assembly without leave, ' they ' shall be accounted as
absent for that day.
The Catechism was read to the 4th commandment, and
it was R. — To be transcribed. Order[ed]— The Committee
do prepare a preface to the Catechism.
Sess. 954. — November 16, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Mr. Thomas Thornehill be examined. R. n. c. — Mr.
Becke be returned to the Lords as unfit.
Mr. Tuckney made report of ' remainder of ' the Cate
chism. Ordered — Mr. Crosse be approved upon his ordination.
Upon the reading [of remainder of Catechism], R. — The
Catechism last read shall be transcribed, to be sent up
to both Houses.
Ordered — Mr. Eglesfeld shall shall have his certificate Sic
upon his ordination.
a letter was read, which was not approved of by this House as it is drawn.
They were called in. And the Speaker returned them this answer : ' That
the Lords do not like the draught of this letter ; but if the Assembly of
Divines here will frame a letter, expressing nothing but courtesies, civilities,
and respects to the General Asembly of Scotland and to Mr. Rutherford, and
tender the same to this House, their Lordships will consider of it.'— Journals
of House of Lords, vol. ix. p. 516.
1 Perhaps Mulhausen or Malkinson.

490 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 955. Sess. 955. — November 17, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Nov 17
1647. ' Mr. Thornehill be certified as insufficient. R. — Mr.
Bentham not examined upon this testimonial. Ordered —
Mr. Copelstone be respited for one day . . . Mr. Evan Loyd.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the Catechism that re
mains. Mr. Ny enters his dissent to the Creed mentioned
in the Catechism. Mr. Rayner enters his dissent to the
same. Mr. Greenhill, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Valentine.
R. — All read upon the review to pass and be sent up to
the Houses.

Sic.

R. a neg. — That this shall be the question, [whether
there shall] be any debate upon the adding of the Creed.
Mr. Byfield, Mr. Ny, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Case, Mr.
Vines, Mr. Gower, added to the Committee, Mr. Wilson,
Dr. Temple, Mr. Calamy, — to prepare the preface to
morrow morning.
Sess. 956. — November 18, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Ganning1 (?) be approved without coming
up to be examined. Mr. Taylor be certified as unfit.
R. neg. — Mr. Coppelstone ' not ' admitted to examination
[till] further satisfaction about his orthodoxness and piety.
Mr. Sumnes2 be approved without coming up.
The Committee appointed to consider of what is fit for
the Assembly to do when the Catechism is finished [to
make report].
The Committee made report of the addition to the
Short Catechism.
Sess. 957. — November 19, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Strickland, Mr. Ny [to pray]. Mr. Gaspar Binner
be examined. Mr. Cummin be examined. Mr. Kent be
examined. Mr. Tuckney made report of the preface or postscript
It was debated R. 2 .— The explanation of those words,
' ' he descended into hell,' made by the Assembly, shall stand.
R. — In the margin.
1 Or Gunning. » Or Simmes.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 49 I
Ordered — Mr. Toulderley be excused from coming up Sess. 957.
to be examined. 1647! 9'
R. — [Catechism] carried up by the whole Assembly to 
both Houses.
Sess. 958. — November 22, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Young be examined. Ordered — Mr. Prine pass
upon his former examination.
R. — The addition was read again, and voted in a full
Assembly. R. — Something ' by speech or writing ' shall
be sent up to the Houses with this Shorter Catechism.
R.— The Report brought in by Mr. Lightfoot shall be
again read and debated.
Dr. Burges, Pro[locutor] pro tempore, enters dissent. It
was read. R. — ' Not' taken into further debate.
R. — A Committee to draw up something against Thurs
day morning, to be presented to the Assembly, to be . . .
in reference to that suggested since the laying aside of the
other paper. Mr. Marshall, Mr. Ward, Mr. Gower, Mr.
Whitaker, Mr. Ny, or any 2 of them, to make report.
Sess. 959. — November 25, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Lawrence be examined. Ordered — Mr.
Tise be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered— Dr. Temple, Dr. Smith, Mr. Carter of D., Mr.
Hodges, Mr. Carter of London, Mr. Valentine, a Com
mittee to consider of Mr. Harward's case, and make
report to this Assembly ; the care of it referred to Mr.
Valentine. Report was made by Mr. Ward of the message of1 the
House of Commons, to be sent up with the Shorter Cate
chism. A3.— Something be said to the House of Commons ' at
delivery of the Catechism ' concerning the queries.
Mr. Bladworth be respited.
R— This message [to the House of Commons] to be
delivered [by word of mouth .

1 Perhaps by a clerical error for ' to. '

492 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 960. Sess. 960.— November 26, 1647.— Friday morning.
Ni6472.6' Mr- Ward> Dr- Smith> t0 Pray-
 Mr. Richard Ward approved upon former examination.
The Prolocutor informed the Assembly that he had
delivered the Short Catechism and message to the House
of Commons [25 th November] ... the Short Catechism be
printed as the Larger, and Scriptures affixed to the mar
gins of both the Catechisms ; and that as we desired, so
the House desired, we should go on in answer of the
Queries, and he gave us the special thanks of that House
for our care and pains in that Catechism.1
Delivered also to the Lords [26th November]. They
thank the Assembly for all the care and pains in this
business ; both [to be] printed, and Scriptures annexed.2
Ordered — Mr. Byfield take care of the printing ' of both'
the Catechisriis. Ordered— Mr. Wilson, Mr. Gower, Mr.
Byfield, Mr. Strickland, Mr. Hickes, Mr. Rayner, Com
mittee for the Catechism, to meet on Monday in the after
noon. Ordered— Mr. Marshall, Mr. Vines, Mr. Young,
Mr. Seaman, Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Calamy, Mr.
Ward, Mr. Newcomen, a Committee for the queries, to
meet on Monday afternoon.
1 The full entry in the Journals of the House of Commons (vol. v. p. 368)
is : The House being informed that divers divines of the Assembly of
Divines were at the door, they were called in, and did present a Catechism,
styled by them 'A Shorter Catechism.' Ordered — That the Assembly of
Divines be desired to print the like number of this Catechism as of the
former, in like manner as the former is appointed ; and that they do add both
to the Larger Catechism and this Shorter the texts of Scripture. Resolved,
etc. — That the Divines of this Assembly be desired to proceed in giving their
answer to the Queries formerly propounded unto them by this House.
Ordered — That Mr. Speaker do return the Divines of the Assembly the
thanks of this House for the great pains and care they have taken in this
Catechism. The Divines of the Assembly were called in, and Mr. Speaker,
by command of the House, did give them the thanks of this House accord
ingly, and did acquaint them with the other resolutions and desires of the House.
2 The entry in the Journals of the House of Lords (vol. ix. p. 543) is : ' A
message was brought from the Assembly of Divines by Dr. Burges, etc. , who
presented a short Catechism which they have made, and they offer it to their
Lordships' consideration. The House received it, and gave them thanks for
their constant and great pains, and desired that some copies of this short
Catechism, and also the long Catechism, may be printed for the members of
the Houses to consider of them, and that they would affix the texts of the
Scriptures in the margin. '

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 493
Ordered— That Dr. Gouge be an Assessor in the room Sess. 960.
of Mr. Palmer, late deceased. Ordered— Dr. Smith, Mr. N,°6V'726'
Walker, Mr. Delmy, chairmen, for examination of mi- 
nisters. Sess. 961. — November 29, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. William Smith be examined.
Sess. 962. — November 30, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
R. — That a Committee of this Assembly shall be ap
pointed, [who] shall humbly move the Honble House of
Commons to take the pains of Mr. Young in the printing
of the Septuagint into their consideration, that he may
have encouragement to proceed in so good a work.1
Ordered— Dr. Smith, Mr. Marshall, Dr. Temple, Mr. Dury,
Mr. Hodges, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Ward, to be this Com
mittee. Mr. Partree approved without coming up to be exa
mined. Mr. Witham be examined. Mr. Jefferyes be
examined. Dr. Gouge was called to the chair as Assessor, according
to the former vote. Debate of the Scriptures for the Cate
chism. Sess. 963. — December 1, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
R. neg. — Mr. Fiddis shall [not] be examined upon the
testimonial till satisfied about taking the Covenant.
Dr. Gouge to take the place of Assessor, and to execute
the office.
The Committee for Mr. Young's business to move the
House of Commons concerning him have power to move
the said House when they shall see cause. R. " neg. —
The former order concerning Mr. Young shall stand.
Debate of the Scriptures for the Catechism.
Sess. 964.— December 2, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Robert Ruddock be examined. Mr. Bennett be
examined. Mr. Connington be examined.
1 See note on pp. 192, 193.

494 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 965. Sess. 965. — December 3, 1647. — Friday morning.
Di6473' Mr- Greene, Mr. Gower [to pray]. Ordered—Mr. Peirce
 be respited. Ordered — Mr. Jacob Stepes be approved
upon his ordination.
Sess. 966. — December 6, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — The former Committee for the money to meet
this afternoon for the distribution of ^400. Ordered —
Mr. William Warren be approved upon his former ordi
nation. Sess. 967. — December 7, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
A letter was brought from the Church of Scotland ; it
was read, and ordered to be read in a full Assembly.1
Debate of the Catechism. Report was made of the
money. Sess. 968. — December 8, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Dr. Gouge and Dr. Burges to sit as Prolocutor alternis
vicibus.
» The letter was read again.
Sess. 969. — December 9, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Wilson . . . Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 970. — December 10, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Wilson, were appointed to pray with
the Lords and Commons the week following.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 971. — December 13, 1647. — Monday morning.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sr William Masson brought an order from the House
1 Probably from the Commission of the General Assembly. The Assembly
which had met in August, and had addressed a ' Declaration and Brotherly
Exhortation' to their brethren in England, also referred it to their Com
mission for public affairs, to print some papers concerning the treaty of
uniformity and matters handled in the Synod of Divines in England.  Peter-
kin's Records of the Kirk, p. 483.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 495
of Commons to send the letter from the General Assem- Sess. 971.
bly.1 Ordered— That the letter be delivered, which was Di64J.3'
accordingly done. 
Ordered — Mr. Pledger be approved upon his ordination.
Sess. 972. — December 14, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Perry be respited till he bring a testimonial and
reasons of his remove. Ordered — Mr. Redgrave be ap
proved. R. ±. — Cast affirmative by Prolocutor. — Mr. Lesly
be examined ; Mr. Daffy be respited for a while ; R. — Mr.
White shall be examined.
Proceed in debate of the Scriptures.
Ordered — Mr. Tracy be respited till a better testimonial
and further satisfaction.
Sess. 973. — December 15, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. John Burges be approved upon his ordi
nation. Mr. Daffy be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Tracy be certified to the Committee as
unfit. Debate of the Scriptures.
Ordered— -Mr. Parry approved upon his former examina
tion. R. — Mr. Garley be admitted to examination.
Sess. 974. — December 16, 1647. — Thursday morning.
R. — Mr. Wallis' business ; [to] be a Committee, — Dr.
Gouge, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Seaman, Dr.
Temple, Mr. Calamy, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Salway, Mr.
Whitaker, or any 5, — to meet to-morrow morning.
Ordered— Mr. Garley bring a better testimonial from
known ministers. Mr. Peirce bring a ' better ' testimonial
on Wednesday next Ordered— -Mr. Partridge be approved
upon his ordination.
Sess. 975. — December 17, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Tuckney, to pray with the Lords and
Commons the week following. Mr. Vigors be respited.
Mr. William Cleaver be approved upon his ordination.
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. v, p. 378.

496 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 975. Debate of the Scriptures.
Di6477' Another order was brought for Mr. Rogers to be exa-
 mined, and to certify whether . . . Ordered — Mr. Rogers be
examined on Monday morning. Mr. Whitakers made
report concerning Mr. Wallis ; it was debated and assented
to. Sess. 976. — December 20, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Baxter be approved without coming up
to be examined. Ordered — Mr. Ward be respited till
to-morrow, that Mr. Whitakers be spoken with. Mr.
Whitakers coming in and being satisfied, it was ordered
that Mr. Ward be examined. Mr. Rogers was certified
by the Committee to be found fit ; but because Mr. Vigors
was ordered to be examined for the same place, it was
respited till to-morrow, to see whether Mr. Vigors will
appear and apply himself to the satisfaction of the As
sembly. Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 977. — December 21, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Mr. Rogers, all things considered, shall be approved
as the fitter of the two . . . Proceed in debate of the
Scriptures. Sess. 978. — December 22, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Marshall be approved upon his former
approbation. Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 979. — December 23, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Review of Ordered — Mr. Prophet, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Burges, Mr.
L_gerf0r Calamy, Mr. Ash, Mr. Thorowgood, to review the Scrip-
Catechism, tures for the Catechism ; Mr. Prophet to take care of this
Committee. Proceed in the debate.
Mr. Ley respited. Ordered— Mr. Peirson respited ten
days longer. Mr. Bladworth be certified, ' not satisfied.'

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 497
Sess. 980. — December 24, 1647. Sess. 980.
Mr. Delmy, Mr. Strong [to pray]. Ordered— Mr. John Ul^'
Thompson be approved upon his ordination. Ordered — 
Mr. Shone (?) be respited for a better testimonial.
Mr. Ley be respited till a better testimonial from known
godly ministers. R. — Mr. Garnons Daunser be approved
without coming up to be examined.
Sess. 981. — December 27, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Justice be respited. Debate of Scriptures.
Sess. 982. — December 28, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Proceed in debate of Scriptures.
R. — Mr. George Scotorers1 be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Sess. 983. — December 31, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Gippes, to pray.
Ordered — Mr. William Cleaver (?) approved upon his
ordination. Mr. Burwood be examined. Mr. Bury be
examined. Mr. Gilley be examined.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 984 — January 3, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Gelly be approved without coming up to
be examined. Ordered — Mr. Esekias King be approved
upon his former approbation. Ordered — Mr. Heiron be
approved upon former examination.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 985. — January 4, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. George Fish be approved upon his ordina
tion. Mr. Sheffield be approved upon his former exa
mination. Mr. Crab examined ?]. Ordered — Mr. Peirce
be certified the Assembly is not satisfied concerning him.
Sess. 986. — January 5, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
R.—Mr. Woodhouse bring a testimonial from known
1 Perhaps Scortwreth. See Nonconformists' Memorial, vol. ii. p. 427.
2 I

• 498 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 986. and approved ministers. Mr. Whitakers, Mr. Cawdry, to
^647^' visit Mr- Bond
 Debate of Scriptures.
Sess. 987. — January 6, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Debate of the Scriptures.
R. — Mr. Crab have his certificate from this Assembly.
Ordered— Mr. Smith be approved upon his former exa
mination. Mr. Lidston be examined.
Sess. 988. — January 7, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Carrill, Mr. Thorowgood, to pray with Lords and
Commons. Ordered — Mr. Norris be approved upon his
former examination.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 989. — January 10, 1647. — Monday morning.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 990. — January 11, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Janis (?) x be approved upon his former
examination. A letter from the Committee of Plundered Ministers
about ministers. A Committee to consider what is fit to
be done by this Assembly to prevent the inconveniences
mentioned in the letter : Dr. Temple, Mr. Gower, Mr.
Rayner, Mr. Salway, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Simpson, ' Mr. Byfield,' Mr. Walker, or any 3 ; Mr. Gower
to take the care : to meet to-morrow morning.
Ordered — Mr. Wilmott be respited for a fortnight.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Sess. 991. — January 12, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Gower made report from the Committee about
examination ; it was debated and ordered. Ordered — Mr.
Tookey be examined.
Ordered — The Committee for review do meet on Monday
next in the afternoon, two o'clock, to consider of Mr. Peirce
his business . . . Mr. Taylor be examined.
1 Perhaps James or Jeunes.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 499
Sess. 992. — January 13, 1647. — Thursday morning} Sess. 992.

1647.

Sess. 993. — January 14, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Whitaker, Dr. Stanton, Mr. Delmy the chairman for
examination of ministers. R. — Mr. Osborne admitted to
examination for a presentation from a sequestration.
A letter brought to this Assembly from the General,
directed to Mr. Herle, Prolocutor ; it was opened and
read. Mr. Vines, Mr. Marshall [to pray].
R. — A Committee to go out to draw an answer presently :
Dr. Burges, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Ny.
Ordered — Mr. Osbourne be approved. An order from
the Committee of Plundered] Ministers to certify about
Mr. Marsden ; it was certified that the said Mr. Marsden
was examined.
Dr. Burges made report of an answer ; it was voted.
Ordered — Mr. Jennings be approved.
Sess. 994. — January 17, 1647. — Monday morning.
Debate of the Catechism.
Sess. 995. — January 18, 1647. — ' Tuesday' morning.
Debate of the Catechism.
Sess. 996. — January 19, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Alflat be approved. Ordered— Mr. Mor
ton be examined.
Ordered — That in case of desire to excuse any from
coming up to be examined, the Assembly be fully satisfied
' upon every2 approved testimony' concerning them before
they be excused from coming up ; and in case of any dis
satisfaction, the Scribes do write to some known and
approved ministers residing near to the place of the said
minister's employment to certify their knowledge of him.
R. — Mr. Robinson shall not be excused from coming up
till further satisfaction, and to that end Mr. Byfield write
1 Nothing is entered. * Perhaps ' very.'

500 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. 996. to the ministers of York to certify the Assembly what they
Ja"g *9, know concerning the said Mr. Robinson, and those that
 certify for him.
R. — Mr. Whitakers be added to the Committee for
review of the Catechism.
Ordered — Mr. Giles Allen be examined.
Sess. 997. — January 20, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Morton approved of upon examination.
Mr. Allen was not examined be[cause] he had not taken
the Covenant, and was not yet satisfied about it ; he was
respited for a week to receive satisfaction.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Mr. Richard Martin — nothing was done concerning this
business, be[cause] no reasons of his remove. Mr. Peirce
was respited till Mr. Delmy's answer.
Sess. 998. — January 21, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Seaman, Mr. Cawdry, to pray.
Dr. Smith to be chairman for examination of ministers.
Debate of the Scriptures.
Mr. Hickes be examined. Mr. Robert Henson's busi
ness be respited till Monday. Mr. Wore : be examined.
Sess. 999. — January 24, 1647. — Monday morning.
R. — The consideration of Mr. Henson's examination
shall be respited till Friday next. Ordered — Not satisfied
with Mr. Woodhouse his testimonial now brought in.
Sess. 1000. — January 27, 1647. — Thursday morning.2

Sess. 1 00 1. — January 28, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Byfield, Mr. Maynard, to pray ; Mr. Greene to
examine. Ordered— Mr. John Couch be examined. Ordered— Mr.
Clay bring better testimonial.
R. — Mr. Henson, the minister of West Lin, shall be
1 Perhaps More or Moore. * Nothing entered.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5OI
admitted to examination upon a presentation to the Sess.
benefice of North Line. jan. 2s,
1647.
Sess. 1002. — January 31, 1647.— Monday morning.
Mr. Fuller be examined. Mr. Jennway (?) be examined.
Debate of the Catechism.
Ordered — Mr. Couch be approved. Ordered— Mr. Woore l
be approved. Mr. Creswicke be examined. Mr. Edmund
Skipp be examined. Mr. Richard Hooke be examined.
Sess. 1003. — February 1, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Carter, jun., Mr. Dury, to pray.
Mr. Skipp approved. Mr. Richard Hooke approved.
Mr. William Jennway approved. Mr. Creswicke approved.
Mr. John Fuller approved. Mr. Rich. Orme to be exa
mined. Mr. Kennity be respited for a testimonial. Mr.
Barnsdale be examined.
Debate of the Catechism.
Sess. 1004. — February 2, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Barnesdale approved. Mr. Draper bring a better
testimonial. Upon a debate about Mr. Henson, it was
R. — Mr. Henson's business be determined now. [R.] — Mr.
Henson shall have the approbation of this Assembly as
fit for this cure. R. — This business be referred to a parti
cular Committee. Ordered — Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Dury,
Mr. Case,

Mr. Tuckney|, Dr. Smith, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Gipps, Mr.

Salway, Mr. Valentine, or any 3 of them ; the care of it
to Dr. Smith : to meet to-morrow morning.
Sess. 1005. — February 3, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Orme approved. Mr. Langley respited. Mr. Firmin
be examined. Dr. Smith made report of Mr. Henson's
business.2 Shall have the present approbation of the [Assembly],
R— Mr. Porter be examined. R. — Notice concerning Mr.
Langley to the Committee of Plundered Ministers.
1 Or Moore. ' Sic in Ms.

502 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 1006. — February 4, 1647. — Friday morning.
F'eb.64, Mr. Carter, jun., Mr. Dury, to pray ; Mr. Tuckney to
1647- examine. Ordered — Mr. Bladworth be respited for a
better testimonial. Mr. Langley — not satisfied with the
reasons of his remove.
Sess. 1007. — February 7, 1647. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Sereard x approved. Ordered — Mr. John
Ventris approved. Ordered — Mr. Workeman approved
without coming up to be examined. Ordered— -Mr. John
Gibson be examined upon bringing] in his reasons.
Ordered — Mr. James Rawson to be examined upon bring
ing in his reasons. Mr. Peirce his business was moved
again. A Committee for Mr. Peirce. Ordered — Mr.
Gower, Mr. Salway, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Seaman, Dr. Stan
ton, Mr. Thorowgood ; Mr. Salway to take care of it ; to
meet presently.
Sess. 1008, — February 8, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Report of Mr. Peirce shall be now made. R. —
Question shall now be put. Mr. Peirce shall be admitted
to examination. Tha[t] Mr. Peirce is a fit man for this
place. R. n. c. — That this return shall be made to the
Committee of Plundered Ministers, that the Assembly is
not satisfied concerning fitness of Mr. Peirce to officiate
the cure [of] Chipstead. R. — An addition to this return.
R. — Or any other ministerial employment.
R. — Mr. Robinson shall have the approbation of this As
sembly without coming up to be examined. Mr. Gibson
approved upon examination. Mr. James Rawson approved
upon examination. Mr. Collins be examined. Mr. William
Francis be examined.
Sess. 1009. — February 9, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
R. — Mr. Elliston, upon former examination, shall have
an approbation of this Assembly.
R. — No other Committee for the Scriptures. R. — There
shall be an addition to this Committee. Ordered — Mr.
Sedgwicke, Mr. Cawdry, Mr. Scudder, Mr. Valentine,
1 Perhaps Seward or Sereard.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 503
Mr. Strong, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Greene, be Sess.
added to the Committee : to meet this afternoon. Feb'o
Upon information that the business before the Assembly 1647.
concerning Mr. Peirce was related to him, the members of
the Assembly did particularly purge themselves.

Sess. 1010. — February 10, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Debate of the Catechism. Ordered — 3 Committees meet
to prepare the Scriptures. The Assembly to meet and
adjourn. Mr. Isaac Rose be examined. Another testimonial was
brought for Mr. Garley. Ordered — Mr. Francis is ap
proved. Ordered — Mr. Garley bring a testimonial of his
conversation. Ordered — Letters be sent [to] ,the members
to attend. Sess. 1011. — February 11, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Bond, Mr. Salway [to pray]. Mr. Burges [to exa
mine]. R. — Mr. Levitt have his approbation. Ordered — Mr.
Rosse approved. Ordered — Mr. Latham be examined.
Sess. 1 01 2. — February 14.
Sess. 1013.
Mr. Lile be examined. Mr. Morgan Haine be carefully
examined. Mr. Maclean Whitakers be examined.
Sess. 1014. — February 16, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Prophet to take report to-morrow morning of what
they did, and then the first Committee to make their
report, and the Assembly to proceed upon them.
Mr. Lile1 be approved. Mr. Whitakers approved. Mr.
Diamond be examined. Mr. Morgan Haines ; the Com
mittee cannot approve of him for that place ; this recom
mitted to that Committee. Mr. Lactantius Cawsey2 bring
a better certificate from known ministers]. Mr. Job
Watson be examined. Mr. Thomas Long ; inquiry be
1 Or Lisle. 5 Perhaps Cansey for Chaunsey.

504. MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. made of the ministers that attest his testimonial. Mr.
Feb!4i6, Bladworth brought in another testimonial. Mr. Bladworth
l647- be examined.
Sess. IQ15. — February 17, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Report was made concerning Mr. Harward. Mr. Blad
worth approved. Mr. Diamond approved. Mr. Harward
his business be respited till Monday next. Mr. Job
Watson approved. R. — Mr. Hunt approved without
coming up to be examined. Mr. Robert Smith be exa
mined. Mr. Pue x be examined.
R. — Reports be made to-morrow morning from all the
Committees to whom the Scriptures for the Catechism were
referred. Sess. 1016. — February 18, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Burges, Mr. Prophet [to pray], Mr. Simpson's turn.
Mr. Gower [to examine].
Mr. Pugh approved. Mr. Burges ? Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Seaman, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Cawdry, to examine Mr. Haine
presently. Report was made by Mr. Prophet of the review by the
Committee formerly appointed.
Ordered — They cannot approve of Mr. Haine as fit for
that place.
Sess. 1017. — February 21, 1647. — Monday morning.
Mr. Williams respited. R. — Thomas Wilmot be re
ferred to a Committee. Mr. Cawdry, Dr. Stanton, Mr.
Case, Dr. Smith, to be this Committee. Mr. Wallis made
report concerning Mr. Harward — respited till the Assembly
be further satisfied.
The Committee for the disposing of the money do meet
this afternoon to dispose of the £300 now named by Mr.
Byfield. Sess. 1018. — February 24, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Edward Harrington to be examined again be[cause] in
sufficient. Mr. John Wilmot be approved.
1 i.e. Pugh.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 505
Sess. 1019. — February 25, 1647. — Friday morning. Sess.
Mr. Corbet of N[orfolk], Mr. Greenhill, to pray ; Mr. jr^'9^
Prophet to examine. 1647-
R. neg. — Mr. Pritty shall have his approbation without
coming up. R. — He shall produce a testimonial from the
minister's hands near unto him. Mr. Prichard respited.
Debate about Mr. Paine. R. — Return that the order not
received till this day, and cannot examine this business
without further time.
Mr. Southwicke respited.
Sess. 1020. — February -28, 1647. — Monday morning.
Upon complaint of a book of Jacobus Acontius, de- Committee
manded by a member of this Assembly, and that book of ^*sof
ad legem et testimonium, it was Resolved upon the Q. —
This book shall be referred to a Committee to consider of
it. Mr. Wilkinson, jun., Mr. Cheynell, Mr. Seaman, Mr.
Burges, Dr. Temple, Mr. Dury, Mr. Simpson ; the care of
it referred to Mr. Cheynell.
A letter from Dr. Hill . . . Mr. Harrington be returned ;
we do not hold him fit -for that place.
Sess. 102 1. —February 29, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. George Cudworth be examined. Mr. Prichard be
examined. Mr. Bolt be examined. Mr. Astill — not satis
fied with reasons of his remove.
Sess. 1022.— March 1, 1647. — Wednesday morning. From this
Certificate] [for] George Cudworth and Mr. Prichard. s^iols
Upon a letter from Mr. Hain, desiring it. R. — That Mr. in an°Aer
Hain be again examined.
Presentation] for Wm. Elks.
Debate review of the proofs of the Catech[ism].
Sess. 1023. — March 2, 1647. — Thursday.
Cert, [for] Jonathan Devereux. Pres. for Samson Smart.
Ordered — John Wallis have a certificate]. Res. —
Nathan Rawlins to be examined.
Res. — That a question be put about further direction for

506 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. the Committee of review. Res. — The Committee to con-
Ma?3^ s'der onry °f sucn places as they judge impertinent.
1647. Debate proofs of the Shorter Catechism.
Sess. 1024. — March 3, 1647. — Friday.
Mr. Ash, Dr. Temple, to pray with the Houses of Lords
and Commons. Mr. Whitaker, chairman of the Com
mittee for examination of ministers for the week fol
lowing. Certificate] for Sampson Smart. Ord. — For Ignatius
Fuller to be approved upon his ordination, and a large
testimony of some of the Assembly.
Upon a motion of Mr. Cheynell to enlarge the Com
mittee to consider of the book of Acontius ; it was Or
dered — Mr. Gower, Mr. Reinolds, Mr. Bond, Dr. Stanton,
added to that Committee. Debate the review of the large
Cat[echism] and proofs to the Shorter.
Sess. 1025. — March 6, 1647. — Monday.
Ord. — Mr. George Long and Mr. William Russel be
examined. And r Ord[er] from the House of Peers con
cerning Mr. Lance to officiate in Lumbard Street. R. —
Not to take it in debate now. Res. — To be referred to the
Committee formerly appointed to consider of it. Mr. Case
appointed to inform Mr. Lance, which attended without,
that it was referred to a Committee, and that he should
have notice if there were occasion.
Ord[er for] Mr. Henry Ballard. Res. — Approved upon
his ordination.
Debate the review of the proofs of the Large Cate
chism]. Deb[ate] proofs of Shorter Catech[ism].
Sess. 1026. — March 7. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Trenchfield shall be examined. Mr. Floyd
be respited till he come himself and bring a testimonial.
Mr. Long be approved. Mr. Rushell 2 be approved. Mr.
Issackson brought another testimonial, and upon debate it
was Ordered — Mr. Isackson bring a better testimonial.
1 For 'an.' * Sic in MS.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 507
Sess. 1027. — March 8. — Wednesday ?norning. Sess. 1027.
Ord. — The Committee for Mr. Lance meet this afternoon. Mar- 8-
R. — No more added to that Committee. 4 '
Mr. Cheynell made report from the Committee appointed f^jj^f 7
to consider of Acontius his book. Ord. — The Assembly in another
do return thanks to the Committee, particularly to that an.'.
reverend brother for the pains taken therein; and that iftoTookof
himself or any other of the Committee shall as from them- Acontius-
selves publish anyfthing] for vindicating of the truth and
discovering the danger in that book, it will be acceptable
to the Assembly.
Debate proofs of Lesser Catech[ism].
Sess. 1028. — March 9, 1647. — Thursday.
Ord. — Mr. John Walker to be examined. Ord. — Mr.
William Cusanes respited fortnight.
Upon a report by Mr. Sedgwick 1 . . . Mr. Morgan Hain
having signified that he declineth the business concerning
Hemingford Abbot, and it being moved that a return
might be made, this being the last day in his order, it
was R. — The return be made to-day.
R. — That this question be put, etc. R. — This return not [sic]
to be made, that the Assembly is satisfied, etc. R. — That
this return be made, that the Assembly is not satisfied
of the fitness of Mr. Morgan Hain to officiate the cure of
Hemingford Abbot. . . . Upon a further testimony concern
ing the orthodoxness of Samuel Pretty, Res. — That he be
approved upon former examination.
Debfate] proofs of the Lesser Catechism.
Sess. 1029. — March 10, 1647. — Friday morning.
Mr. Foxcroft, Mr. Carter, sen., to pray ; Mr. Cawdry to
examine. Mr. Elkes bring a better testimonial from known
persons. Debate of the Catechism.
Mr. Walker be approved. Upon a debate about sending
1 These words written over some shorthand in explanation.

508 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. a letter of civility to the Commissioners of the General
Mar?9io Assembly in Scotland, jf. — Adjourned.
1647. ' Sess. 1030. — March 13, 1647. — Monday morning.
Debate of the Scriptures for the Catechism. Dr. Stanton,
Mr. Cawdry added to the Committee.
Mr. Strong, Mr. Gower, Mr. Simpson, added to Mr.
Lance his Committee.
Sess. 103 1. — March 14, 1647. — Tuesday morning.
A letter was brought from Zurich — the same that was
sent before ; it was read.
Sess. 1032. — March 15, 1647. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Clark approved. R. — Mr. Martin be approved with
out coming up, upon his former examination. Mr. Astel
be further respited.
Report made of the distribution of the money, £600.
The whole report was upon the Q[uestion] assented to.
R. — Now there is a full Assembly to read over the
Scriptures for the Catechism, to pass the vote of the
Assembly ; which was done accordingly.
Sess. 1033. — March 16, 1647. — Thursday morning.
Upon a report of a hundred pound[s], it was referred to
the Committee to distribute it.
The Scriptures were read in a full Assembly.
Sess. 1034. — March 17. — Friday morning.
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Hodges [to pray]; Mr. Calamy to
examine. Mr. Webb be approved. Mr. Gilbert bring a better
testimonial. The distribution of the money read in the Assembly.
Sess. 1035. — March 20, 1647. — Monday morning.
Some of the proofs read.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 509
Sess. 1036. — March 21, 1647. — Tuesday morning. Sess.
Mr. Binckes  1036-
Mar. 21,
The Assembly adjourned into a Grand Committee for 1647.
to consider of Mr. Lance his business.
Prolocutor took the chair.
Mr. Sickes be examined. R. — Mr. White approved
without coming up to be examined in regard of his age
and the testimony some of the Assembly give unto him.
Ord. — Mr. Harward be certified as sequestered, and so the
Assembly cannot approve of him.
The proofs were read.
Sess. 1037. — March 22, 1647.
The Scriptures read for the Catechism.
Sess. 1038. — March 23, 1647.
Ord. — Mr. Douglas approved without coming up to be
examined. Ord. — Mr. Trigge approved without coming
up to be examined. Mr. Young bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 1039. — March 24. — Friday.
[Blank.]
Sess. 1040. — March 27. — Monday morning.
[Blank.]
Sess. 1041. — March 30, 1647.1 — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Baxter be approved without coming up.
Mr. Jeafferson be examined.
[Res.] — The proofs read [shall] stand and be transcribed
to be sent to the Houses.
Sess.' 1042. — March 31. — Friday morning.
Mr. Herrick, Mr. Vines, to pray ; Mr. Walker to
examine. Sess. 1043. — April 3, 1648. — Monday morning.
Mr. Nevill be examined presently.
1 Should be 1648.

5IO MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 1044. — April 4, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
1044.
.pril 4
1648.

Aprl? 4, Mr- Launce his business.

Sess. 1645. — April 5, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Launce his business.
6>_r. 1046. — April 6, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Launce his business. '
_V_r. 1047. — April 7, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Launce his business.
Mr. Sterry, Mr. Spurstow [to pray].
_>._•. 1048. — April 11, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
A debate about getting an Assembly. An order about
Mr. Paine. Mr. Paine be examined, and upon his examina
tion the whole business to be considered. R. — Mr. Paine
not admitted to examination.
Sess. 1049. — April 12, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
The Assembly read the remaining part of the proofs.
R. — The proofs this day read shall stand and be tran
scribed, and sent up to the Honble Houses of Parliament.
Catechism R- — The proofs for the Shorter Catechism shall stand
withproofs and be transcribed and sent.
to be sent
up. R. — The proofs for both the Catechisms shall be tran
scribed, and sent up to both Honble Houses of Parliament.
Ordered — To be carried up on Friday morning by the
Prolocutor with the Assembly.
Sess. 1050. — April 13. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Paine be certified as not satjsfied.
Ordered — Mr. Wharfe (?) be admitted.
Ordered — Mr. Eleazor Gilbert be examined.
R. — Mr. Mathew[s] shall be examined for his fitness to
officiate in the cure of Andrew Wardrop.
Ordered — Mr. Jones be examined.
Debate upon the queries.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5 I I
Sess. 105 1. — April 14, 1648. — Friday morning. Sess. 105 1.
Mr. Bridge, Mr. Gibson [to pray]. April 14,
Mr. Wharfe approved. Mr. Eleazor Gilbert approved. ___'
Mr. Robert Mathews approved.
Prolocutor informed the Assembly he had delivered the Report of
Catechisms [to the House of Commons], and was called in cate-
and told that they had ordered 600 copies with those proofs chlsms-
to be printed for the use of the Assembly and 2 Houses,
and give thanks to the Assembly for the same.1
Report was made from the Committee concerning Mr.
Launce. R.— The reasons of the 'Committee's' approba
tion of Mr. Launce shall [be] drawn up by the Committee
and presented to the Assembly. [1.] This Assembly doth
approve of Mr. Launce as fit to be minister of Edmund's
Lombard Street, London. [2.] There shall be a question
1 1 subjoin here from the Journals of the House of Commons the notice of
the presentation of the Catechisms with proofs, and of the subsequent pro
ceedings of the House in regard to both, so far as I have been able to trace
them 1 —
' The House being informed that divers divines of the Assembly were at
the door desiring to present something to the House ; they were called in,
and Dr. Burges acquainted the House that the Assembly, according to the
Order of this House, had perfected their advice concerning a Catechism ; and
had fixed their proofs out of Scripture. The divines withdrew. Ordered —
That, as formerly, 600 copies of the Catechism, with the texts of Scripture
affixed, be forthwith printed in the same manner as oilier things, presented
from the Assembly of Divines, were formerly ordered to be printed for the
use of the Houses and the Assembly only. Ordered — That thanks be given
to the Assembly of Divines for their care and pains in this service. The
divines of the Assembly were called in : and Mr. Speaker, by command of
the House, acquainted them with the Order concerning the printing of 600
copies of the Catechism, with the texts of Scripture in the margin, for the use
of the Houses of Parliament and the Assembly only, as formerly; and that he
was commanded to give them the thanks of the House for their care and pains
herein' [p. 530]. 'Ordered— That no man do print any copies of the late
Catechism presented from the Assembly of Divines without order and licence
of this House ; and that Mr. Byfield do take care thereof [p. 557]. . . . Accord
ing to former Order, the House took into consideration the Humble Advice of
the Assembly of Divines concerning a Larger Catechism ; and it is Resolved,
etc. — That this House doth agree to the question and answer following, viz.
[p. 633 ; but no question or answer follows]. Ordered — That as to the word
" usury" in the paragraph of the Large Catechism, [it] be recommitted to
the Assembly of Divines to explain what they mean by the word " usury " in
that place, and to return their opinions to the House . . . Ordered— -That the
clause, viz. " aggravating smaller faults, hiding, excusing, or extenuating sins
when called to a free confession," be recommitted to the Assembly of Divines

5 I 2 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. put about the report of Mr. Launce. [3.] The Assembly
April 14, d°th approve of the opinion of the Committee. [4.] That
1648. this Assembly doth approve of Mr. Launce as to his
examination. Resolved upon the Q[uestion]. All those four questions
shall not be put.
R. — The ' first ' question shall be first put. R. neg. The
[sic] second|last| question shall be next put. The 3d Q[uestion] not
put. R. ;|. — The 4th Q[uestion] put and R. neg.
Sess. 1052. — April 17, 1648. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Brocklehurst approved.
Dr. Burges made report of the presenting of the Cate
chism to the House of Lords j1 they did return [thanks to
the Assembly].
to explain their meaning thereby ; and they are to return their sense thereupon
to the House forthwith. Resolved, etc. — That these words in the loth, nth,
and 1 2th lines in the 42d page [among sins forbidden by the ninth Command
ment], "aggravating smaller faults, hiding, excusing, or extenuating sins when
called to a free confession, " be omitted and left out in the said Catechism . . .
According to former Order, the House proceeded in reading the Larger Cate
chism ; and the same being read, upon the Question assented unto and ordered
to be sent unto the Lords for their concurrence, and it is Ordered — That the
Lords be desired to concur with this House that the said Catechism be forth
with printed and published [p. 645]. . . . A message from the Lords . . . The
divines of the Assembly have tendered a title to be prefixed to the Shorter
Catechism, which the Lords approve of, and desire the concurrence of this
House [p. 686]. An Order for printing the Shorter Catechism and the title
thereto were read, and agreed unto, with a proviso for the continuance of
restraining the printing of this Catechism, that it shall continue for a twelve
month and no longer ; and it is Ordered — That the Lords' concurrence be desired
herein [vol. vi. p. 27]. Sir Antony Irby carried to the Lords, for their con
currence, the Ordinance for printing the Little Catechism, which was
returned to the Lords with one proviso thereunto added, that the same should
continue for six months, no longer [p. 32]. Sir Antony Irby brings answer
that the Lords do agree ... to the Ordinance for printing the Little Cate
chism ' [p. 33]. The Ordinance itself is not given at length in the Journals of
the House of Commons, but it will be inserted in the note on p. 513, as it is
found in the Journals of the House of Lords.
1 Dr. Burgess, with others of the Assembly of Divines, brought in the proofs
to this House for the Catechisms before delivered in. Ordered — That they
should be called in and have thanks given them ; which they had accordingly.
— Journals of Lords, vol. _ p. 204.
The Peers did not show the same alacrity in approving of the Catechisms
as of the Confession. The following are the other entries in their Journals

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5 I 3

Ordered.— A stop be made of Mr. Gilbert's business in Sess. 1052.
pril r,
1648.

Mr. Phelps his hand. IOS2-
r April 17,

Sess. 1053. — April 18, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Robert Gifford respited for a better testimonial, and
reasons of his removal. The Assembly was in a Grand
Committee about the Queries.
Sess. 1054. — April 19, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Robert Gifford be examined. Ordered —
Mr. Forbes be examined.
respecting them : — ' A message was brought from the House of Commons by
Sir Robert Harley, Knight, who brought up a vote for approving of the
Large and Short Catechism presented to them from the Assembly of Divines,
wherein they desire their Lordships' concurrence. The answer returned was :
To the . . . vote concerning the approving of the two Catechisms their Lord
ships will take the same into consideration, and will send an answer by mes
sengers of their own ' [p. 394]. 'Next the Shorter Catechism was read the
third time and agreed to, and ordered to be printed and published. The
question being put, whether the Larger Catechism shall be recommitted ? it
was Resolved in the affirmative' [p. 452]. ' A title to the Shorter Catechism,
and also an order for the printing of it, was read and agreed to ; and to be sent
to the House of Commons for their concurrence ' [p. 455]- It is accordingly
sent [p. 460] ; and about a month after, as stated in the note, preceding, ' a
message was brought from the House of Commons by Sir Anthony Irby,
Baronet, who brought up divers particulars, wherein they desire their Lord
ships' concurrence. . . . An order for printing the Shorter Catechism. Agreed
to.' 'It is this day Ordered hy the Lords and Commons in Parliament assem
bled, that the Shorter Catechism be forthwith printed and published ; wherein
Mr. Henry Roborough and Mr. Adoniram Byfield, scribes of the Assembly of
Divines, are required to use all possible care and diligence, that it be from
time to time faithfully and exactly done. And for preventing of all abuses
therein, it is further Ordered that no person whatsoever do presume to print
or reprint the same in any volume, but only such as shall be appointed and
authorized thereunto by the said scribes ; and that no person or. persons shall
presume to sell, barter, or any way to spread or convey any book or copies of
the said Catechism printed without the appointment above said, upon pain of
forfeiture of the whole impression, if any such be so printed, and of all such
books or copies thereof as shall be offered for sale, barter, or be any other ways
spread abroad ; and all and every person offending in any of the premises to
be liable to such further punishment as the contempt of an ordinance of Par
liament shall deserve : provided that this restriction of printing shall continue
for one whole year and no longer.'
The Title, ' The Grounds and Principles of Religion contained in a Shorter
Catechism (according to the advice of the Assembly of Divines sitting at
Westminster), to be used throughout kingdom of England and Dominion of
Wales' [p. 51 1].
Nearly six week's after, ' a message was brought from the House of Commons
2 K

5 14 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. The papers of ordination were tendered out. R. — The
Aprii4i 9, Answer of the Assembly to the reasons [of dissenting
1648. brethren] concerning ordination. It was read. R. — This
Answers Answer formerly voted in the Grand Committee of the
to Dis- Assembly, and now read, shall be the Answer of the
senting J
Brethren Assembly to the reasons of the Dissenting Brethren

on ordina
tion,

against the proposition concerning Ordination.
Mr. Taverner bring reasons of his remove.
Sess. 1055. — April 20, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Selsby be examined. Mr. Aldus be examined.
Sess. 1056. — April 21. — Friday morning.
Mr, Simpson, Mr. Rayner [to pray]. Mr. Selsby ap
proved. Mr. Bridge be examined. Ordered — To take
this into consideration on Monday morning.
Sess. 1057. — April 24, 1648. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Estbrooke be examined presently. R. —
by Mr. Boyce, to desire their Lordships would expedite the passing of the
Larger Catechism. The answer returned was, that this House will take their
message into speedy consideration, and send an answer by messengers of their
own ' [p. 573] ; but no answer had been sent up to Feb. 6th, 1648-9, when, in
consequence of the vote in the House of Commons, the sittings of the House
of Lords were discontinued. In the course of his negotiation with the two
Houses in the autumn of 1648, the king offered to license the printing of the
Shorter Catechism with a suitable preface ; but as the treaty was broken off,
this was never done.
The Larger Catechism, without proofs, was printed before Rutherford left
London,and probably was brought down by him. At any rate, it was reprinted
in Edinburgh before the close of the year,- and along with the Directory for
Church Government, and the cxi. Propositions, was transmitted to presbyteries,
to be examined and reported on by them to the General Assembly which was
to meet in Edinburgh in July 1648. That Assembly, on 20th July, in its tenth
session, passed an Act of Approbation of the Larger Catechism ; and on the
28th July, in its nineteenth session, an Act of Approbation of the Shorter
Catechism, both of which are here subjoined : —
' The General Assembly having exactly examined and seriously considered
the Larger Catechism, agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at
Westminster, with assistance of Commissioners from this Kirk, copies thereof
being printed, and sent to Presbyteries, for the more exact trial thereof;
and publick intimation being frequently made in this Assembly, that every one
that had any doubts or objections upon it might put them in ; do find, upon
due examination thereof, That the said Catechism is agreeable to the word of

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.. 5 1 5
Mr. Aldus his testimonial shall be accepted. R. — Mr. Sess.
Rood be approved. R. — Mr. Alexander Burnet be ap- April 24,
proved. R.— Mr. John White be approved. Ordered— ^
Mr. Bridge approved.
Sess. 1058. — April 27, 1648.— Thursday morning.
Mr. Case, Mr. Mew (Mr. Strong for him), to pray ; Mr. [sic.]
Burgess to examine.
R— Mr. Alport not satisfied of his testimonial. R. —
A return made. R— This return : not fit for this place.
A5.— This return : not satisfied concerning the fitness of
the said Mr A[l]port. R.— Mr. Simpson approved of
Sess. 1059. — May 1, 1648.— Monday morning.
Ord— -Mr. Rastall be approved. Ordered— Mr. Prichard
be returned as insufficient. Ordered—Mr. Albright be
respited. Ordered — Mr. Lawson be examined. Ordered
—Letters shall be sent to the members of the Assembly
[to secure a full Assembly].
God, and in nothing contrary to the received doctrine, worship, discipline,
and government of this Kirk ; a necessary part of the intended uniformity in
religion, and a rich treasure for increasing knowledge among the people of
God : and therefore the Assembly, as they bless the Lord that so excellent a
Catechism is prepared, so they approve the same, as a part of uniformity ;
agreeing, for their part, that it be a common Catechism for the three king
doms, and a Directory for catechising such as have made some proficiency in
the knowledge of the grounds of religion. '
' The General Assembly having seriously considered the Shorter Catechism
agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, with assist
ance of Commissioners from this Kirk ; do find, upon due examination
thereof, that the said Catechism is agreeable to the word of God, and in
nothing contrary to the received doctrine, worship, discipline, and govern
ment of this Kirk. And therefore approve the said Shorter Catechism, as a
part of the intended uniformity, to be a Directory for catechising such as are
of weaker capacity. '
These Acts, along with that in approbation of the Confession of Faith, were
ratified by the Estates of the Scottish Parliament on 7th February 1649.
Their Act, which has been already given (p. 421), was repealed in 1661; and
no express mention is made of the Catechisms in Act V. Pari. 1690, which
anew ratified the Confession of Faith, and established Presbyterian govern
ment in Scotland. Both, however, continue to have ecclesiastical sanction ;
and the use of the Shorter Catechism as a means of instructing the young in
the knowledge of Christian truth has been often and urgently enjoined on
parents, teachers, and ministers by the Assemblies of the Church.

5 1 6 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 1060.— May 2, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
May5-, i?.— That till the Assembly shall order otherwise, to
1648. adjourn from Friday to Tuesday.
Sess. 1062. — May.
[Blank.]
Sess. 1063. — May 5, 1648. — Friday morning.
Dr. Chambers, Mr. Sedgwicke, to pray ; Dr. Smith [to '
examine]. R. — No address to be made to the House for to have a
supply of an Assembly before the return of the members.
R. — To wait upon the success of the letters till Tuesday
fortnight. R. ™ — ' Sessions to be ' 3 days in the week till
Tuesday fortnight. Dr. Burges and Dr. Gouge, Mr.
Whitaker, enter their dissent. R. — These 3 days succes
sively together. R. — The days to be Tuesday, Wednes
day, Thursday. Mr. Seaman enters his dissent to the
whole. Upon consideration of the case above stated, we conceive
that there may be a union of those parishes.
Sess. 1064. — May 9, 1648. — Tuesday morning. A full
Assembly.
Ordered — Mr. Barton be approved. Mr Ellis be re
spited till Mr. Blackston be spoken with.
R. — This brother shall be heard to speak what he can
say concerning Mr. Launce.
Debate about the Queries. R. neg. — To proceed accord
ing to the method of the Question for our own debate.
R. — To go on upon the first question of the 9 to-morrow
morning — the parochial ' and ' congregational elderships.
R- — 'That there is a "particular" church government
jure divino; ' this shall be the Qfuestion] to-morrow.
Sess. 1065. — May 10, 1648. — Wednesday morning:
Mr. Roberts respited.
Debate of the proposition. [/?.]— That this shall be a

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5 I 7
part of our answer: That there is a particular church Sess.
government jure divino. ut\0
Mr Simons be examined. 1648.

Sess. 1066. — May 11, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Good, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Gower.
Ordered — Mr. Ellis be examined.
2.1 R. n. c. — That there is a particular church government
jure divino. . . . All marked present.
I.1 R. — There is a government of the Church jure divino.
R. — This question shall be ' first' put.
At the resolving of this Q[uestion] all that are marked
in the Session were present except Dr. Chambers, Mr.
Johnson. A. — Prolocutor, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Bridge,
Mr. Case, Dr. Gouge, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr.
Ny, Dr. Smith, Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, Mr. Tuckney, Mr.
Strong, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Clayton, Mr. Gips, Mr. Calamy,
Mr. Walker, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Seaman, Dr. Stanton, Mr.
Young, Mr. Gibson, Dr. Chambers, Mr. Scudder, Mr.
Cawdry, Mr. Corbet of N., Mr. Byfield, Mr. Maynard, Mr.
Salway, Mr. Burgess, Greenhill, Ash, Delamarch, Mr.
Perne, Mr. Prophet, Mr. Delaplace, Mr. Good, Mr. Hard
wicke, Mr. Ward. . . . Dr. Burges, not till he see the proofs.
Suspenders — Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Carter of D[ynton],
Mr. Hodges. Sess. 1067. — May 16, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Mr. Thomas Ellis for Atwicke approved. Ord. —
Mr. Jasper Simons for Newton Longueile approved.
Ordered — Mr. Partington respited till further satisfaction.
Ordered — Mr. Dorwood for Painswicke be respited till
the several patrons do agree in the presentation of him
a caveat being put in in the names of divers of them.
Ordered — Mr. Silverwood be approved upon his former
examination. 1 The figures show that the Resolutions should have been entered in reverse
order.

5 1 8 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 1066. — May 18, 1648. — Thursday}
1 066.
Mr*y l8> Mr. Young, Mr. Ward, to pray ; Mr. Prophet to examine.
 Ordered — Mr. Partington be examined. Ord. — James
Cresset to be examined upon a presentation. Ord. — John
Swan respited. Ord. — Benjamin Bourn respited to bring
certificate]. . . . Mr. Young, Mr. Ward [to pray].
Mr. Marshall moved . . . Res. — A committee to prepare
somewhat for the answer of the Queries : Mr. Marshall, Mr.
Tuckney, Mr. Ny, Mr. Simson, Mr. Young, Dr- Temple,
Mr. Carter, sen., Mr. Bridge, Mr. Strong.
Sess. 1067. — May 23, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
Upon information that Mr. Cresset did pray for success
of Prince Maurice and against the rebels, Ordered — Mr.
Cresset be respited till Thursday fortnight. Mr. Parting
ton. Mr. Manias. Ordered — Mr. Clare be approved upon
his former approbation.
Mr. Whitakers made report concerning Mr. Launce ; it
was read, and after the reading it was R. — Mr. Launce
shall pass to examination. R. — Mr. Bourne be respited
till [a] better certificate upon further inquiry. Ordered —
Mr. Partington be approved.
Sess. 1068. — May 24, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Manias approved. Mr. Coltman be ex
amined. Ordered — Mr. Banbury be excused upon his
former approbation. Mr. Roberts be respited for a week.
A Committee about the paper against Mr. Byfield.
Ordered — The business of accommodation to-morrow in
a Committee immediately upon the Assembly's sitting.
Sess. 1069. — May 25, 1648. — Thursday morning.
R. — Mr. Wells shall pass upon his ordination.
Ordered — Mr. Coltman be approved.
Upon a motion concerning Mr. Delaplace, R. 25 — For
1 This minute is in another hand, and numbered as Sess. 1066 instead of
Sess. 1068. Two sessions are thus lost in numeration.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 519
their own parts willing that 50 pounds shall be paid to Sess.
Mr. Delaplace out of the next money. ,o69-
May 2%
Report made by Dr. Temple about the jus divinum. 1648. '
Mr. Calamy added to the Committee for the Queries.
R. — The Assembly adjourned till to-morrow morning.
Sess. 1070. — May 27, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Marshall, Mr. Ny, to pray; Mr. Whitakers to
examine. R. % That this report brought in for the approbation
of Mr. Launce as fit for Edmunds Lombard Street shall
stand. Dr. Temple made report additional to the report of jus
divinum. R. £. — Adjourn till Monday.
Sess. 1071. — May 29, 1648. — Monday morning.
Ordered — The informations against each other to be re
turned to the Committee with this, that not satisfied at the
present with either of them. Ord. — Mr. Balham approved
upon his former examination.
Mr. Marshall made report that the Committee had read
a paper drawn up by Mr. Byfield, and examined the origi
nals, and did conceive that it was a full vindication in
every particular layed against him . . . We have . . . The
paper was read in the Assembly.
Ordered — Mr. Theoderick be approved without coming
up to be examined.
Sess. 1072. — June 1, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, [to pray] ; Mr Cawdry [to ex
amine]. Ordered — Mr. Thomas Fothergill approved without
examination. Ordered — Mr. John Garret be approved
upon his ordination.
£400. Ordered — The old Committee for the money to
consider of the distribution of the money : any member
present to have a vote; the Committee to meet to
morrow morning.

520 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF

Sess. Mr. Swan. R. p neg. — The question last put shall now
June i, be put again. Mr. Launce his business be respited till
l648- Tuesday next.
Sess. 1073. — June 2, 1648. — Friday morning.
Letter to Mr. Marshall moved for a letter to be written to the
to Church Church of Scotland, to take notice of their constancy and
of Scot- faithfulness in the cause of God wherein they and we have
been engaged, and to speak what words of comfort we
shall think fit. R. — A Committee to draw up a letter ac
cording to the motion of this reverend brother. Dr. Burges
saith no, because no order to write a letter in this juncture
[sic.] of time. R. 3.— Mr. Marshall, Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Ward,
Mr7 Ny, Mr. Calamy, or any 3 of them.
Mr. Cox bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 1074. — June 5, 1648. — Monday morning.
Dr. Burges made report of the distribution of the money.
The business of arrears upon the last distribution waived
for the present. R. — -This report shall stand.
Upon a debate about Mr. Delaplace, R. — Subscribe -for
the whole, and abate I2d. in the pound. R. — The 7 pound
remaining added to him.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the letter; read and de
bated. Mr. Hodges, Mr. Seaman, Mr. Price, Dr. Temple,
Mr. Vines, enters his dissent. Ordered — The Committee
to meet, and any dissenters to any phrase in it to meet
with them, to qualify any expressions in it that may seem
harsh. Sess. 1075. — June 6, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. Tuckney made report of the alterations in the letter-
Debate of the alterations. R. — ' Schism'1 not added. Mr.
Hodges, Mr. Rayner, Mr. Lightfoot, Dr. Burges, Mr.
Seaman's [dissent] withdrawn.2
1 It appears, however, in the copies of the letter inserted in the Lords'
Journals, and in the printed Acts of the General Assembly of 1648.
2 A number of names are erased here.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 5 2 I
Upon the change of the former vote, the dissents were S ess.
-.1 i '°75.
Withdrawn. Tunc 6,
The scribe do certify the House of Lords the case of ,648-
Mr. Cresset as it stands in the Assembly.
Ordered— Mr. Batchelor approved without coming up to
be examined.
Mr. Launce his business till Thursday.
Sess. 1076. — June 7, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Marshall made report of their attendance [on] both
Houses of Parliament,
[The House of Commons], and presented the letter to
them, and they read and considered the letter ; and he was
ordered to declare they were willing it should be sent with
the approbation of that House ; * Lords ' give thanks for
their constant care to do good offices,' and they were
willing the letter should be sent with approbation of that
House.2 Mr. John Samon be approved upon his former exami
nation. R. neg. — There shall be a question put about a
Committee for adjourning. The Assembly debated Mr.
Byfield's business.
Sess. 1077. — June 8, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Stanley respited till satisfied about his testimonial
from known persons.
' Ordered — That Dr. Smith, Mr. Valentine, and Mr.
Rayner do acquaint the Speaker of the House of Peers
with the business about Mr. Cresset, getting an order from
their Lordships, when his approbation was depending in
the Assembly ; and this day appointed for the hearing of
exceptions against him, and to inform him of Mr. Maurice
his attempt to get their Lordships' order, he having been
excepted against as insufficient by the Assembly.
1 Journals of House of Commons, vol. v. pp. 587, 588.
2 Journals of House of Lords, vol. x. p. 310. ' House approved it, and
gives way that they send it to the Assembly in Scotland.'

522 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Debate of Mr. Launce. R. — Pass upon his exami-
June78, natlon-
1648. Sess. 1078. — June 9, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Valentine [to pray] ; Mr. Calamy -[to
examine]. Ordered — Mr. Edward Hacket do come up to the As
sembly when he is called, and then lie is to be examined.
Ordered — Mr. Stanley be examined. Ordered — Mr. Gar-
lake approved without coming up, upon his former exami
nation. [1.] Vote yesterday was rightly carried in the business
of Mr. Launce. 2. R. — [The] vote yesterday put was a
Mr. vote in the business of Mr. Launce. 3. That it was rightly
business! carried according to the rules of the Assembly. R. —
That read shall be 2 questions. This vote shall be drawn
up and carried up to the House of Lords. R. p. — The
approbation of Mr. Launce, yesterday voted for Edmund's
Lombard Street, shall be sent to the Lords.
Mr. Seaman dissent[s to . . . ].
Mr. Ny to both. Mr. Simpson, Mr. Gower, Mr. Johnson,
Mr. Salway, Mr. Greene, Mr. Carrill, Mr. Greenhill, Mr
Bond, enter their dissents to both. The sum of what
[was] brought in by the chairman concerning Mr. Launce
was read, and debated, and assented, to.
Ordered — Mr. Hart be examined.
Sess. 1079. — June 12, 1648. — Monday morning.
Mr. Hart approved. Mr. Stanley. R— That the Com
mittee that present the business of Mr. Launce do acquaint
the Lords that theVe are divines of the Assembly have
entered their dissent against it.
Mr. Halliday be ex[amined].
Sess. 1080. — June 13,. 1648.— Tuesday morning.
Mr. Whitakers made report : he delivered the paper.
' The Assembly having received an answer, could not make
a speedy return, because they found the case very difficult.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 523
Many brethren were not satisfied, and had entered their Sess.
dissent.' J T Io8°-
June r3"
An order was read from the House of Lords about Mr. l648-
Launce. Ordered—Mr. Halliday be examined. R. — Mr.
Stanley be respited till a better testimonial from known
ministers. Mr. Marshall moved the Assembly, to appoint the Motion as
members of the Assembly, according to their judgments to(2uenes-
upon the Queries, to draw up apart their answers to the
Queries, and report them to the Assembly. R. ^. — That
the Assembly shall be divided into several Committees, to
draw up their several answers to the Queries, according
as their judgments are for the affirmative or negative of
the Queries, and those answers to be reported to the As
sembly . . . And to this purpose, upon the meeting of the
Assembly, every session after prayer the Assembly is to
be adjourned, for all the members to meet together as they
shall please with any of their brethren, for the preparing
of an answer, according to their sense and judgment of the
Queries. Sess. 1081. — June 14, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
The Assembly adjourned into a Committee, according
to the former [resolution].
1 A message was brought from the Assembly of Divines by Mr. Whitaker
and others, who brought a resolution of the Assembly concerning Mr. Launce,
to be minister of Edmund's Lombard Street : —
To the Right Honourable the House of Peers.
The Assembly having received an order from your Honours, desiring them
to examine Mr. Wm. Launce, minister of the word, concerning his fitness to
officiate the cure of the parish church of Edmund, Lombard Street, London,
do hereby certify your Honours, That this Assembly having heard Mr.
Launce's humble voluntary confession of his former miscarriages, and having
read his papers signed with his own hand, wherein he professeth that the
iniquity of the times swayed him, and that through the corruption all his . . .
heart he was transported to do those things for which since he hath con
demned himself, and cried to God for mercy to pardon those faults and
failings, and that his heart for these miscarriages is laid lower than his words
can express ; and also having read his promises, that he resolves, by the
assistance of Almighty God, to join with his brethren in promoting God's
glory, the orthodox faith and the peace of the Church, and that [he] be-

i648.

524 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 1 082. — June 1$, 1648. — Thursday morning.
1082.
JT^iS5' Mr Hooke approved upon his former examination. The
Assembly adjourned into a Committee. Ordered — Mr.
Mathewes approved upon his ordination. Ordered — Mr.
Leake approved upon his ordination.
Sess.,id&i. — June 16. — Friday morning.
Dr. Smith, Mr. Tuckney to pray ; Mr. Walker to exa
mine. Sess. 1084.— June 19, 1648. — Monday morning.
Ordered—Mr. Culverwall be examined. Ordered— -Mr.
Culverwall approved.
The Assembly adjourned to a Committee.
Sess. 1085. — June 20, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Mr. Cushing be approved upon his ordination.
R. — The whole story concerning Mr. Gilbert shall be cer
tified to the Committee of Plundered Ministers.
The Assembly adjourned to a Committee.
Sess. 1086. — June 21, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
R — Mr. Nathaniel Byfield shall pass to examination.
seecheth that these several acknowledgments of his many faults may be taken
as true evidences of his being otherwise minded than he was. Upon these
reasons this Assembly approve him for the cure above said.
June the <)th, 1 648. Charles Herle, Prolocutor.
Wm. Gouge, Assessor.
Henry Roborough, Scriba.
It was also said at the bar by Mr. Whitaker, that there were some dissents
entered in the Assembly when this passed there.
It is Ordered — That this House will this day sevennight hear the matter of
fact which is objected against Mr. Launce, and also what he can say for his
own defence. It was not till the 30th June, however, that the House read
and considered of the certificate of the Assembly of Divines, date the gth of
June 1648, concerning Mr! Launce, minister. And it is Resolved— That this
House rests satisfied with what the Assembly of Divines certified the 9th of
June 1648 concerning Mr. Launce. Resolved— That Mr. Launce shall be
admitted to be minister of Edmund's, Lombard Street, London.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 525
Mr. Marshall made report of the votes of the Committees. Sess.
The Committee for the proof of the 3d Proposition : ' The TJ°f 2,
government that is jure divino is that which is by preaching 1648.
and ruling elders, in presbyteries and synods, by way of Report as
subordination and appeals. The persons that are of the t0 Queries-
judgment of the truth of the 3d Proposition, and willing
to be a Committee to bring in the proofs of it, are, Dr.
Gouge, Mr. Case, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Delmy, Mr. Cawdry,
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Young, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Ash, Mr.
Seaman, Mr. Gipps, Mr. Greene, Mr. Delamarch, Mr.
Perne, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Walker, Dr. Burges,
Mr. Bond, Mr. Valentine, Mr. Connant, Mr. Strickland.
The persons that are for subordinations and appeals, and
that . . .
R. — The brethren that are not of these 2 Committees
are desired to bring their judgments of the Queries,
backed with reasons, to the Assembly . . . According to
order, that this question be put. R. ne. — An addition to
this. Accordingly, the brethren were desired to bring in
their judgments of the Queries, backed with reasons by the
Prolocutor. Ordered — Mr. Packe approved.
Sess. 1087. — June 22, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Dorwood for Pa[i]nswicke be examined.
R. — Mr. Byfield's business respited. Ordered — Till Tues
day fortnight Sess. 1088. — June 23, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Strickland, Mr. Connant [to pray].
Ordered — Mr. Jones for Corfe, in Gloucester, bring a
testimonial from ministers. Ordered — Mr. William Samp
son be- examined. Ordered — Mr. Hugh Edwards be
examined. Ordered — Mr. William Cage bring a better
testimonial. Ordered — Mr. Rowland Gowen be respited
till Thursday. Ordered — Mr. Bartholomew Gibbon for
Carisbrooke, a better testimonial. Ordered — Mr. George
Drake, upon the bringing] in a testimonial of his weak-

1648.

526 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. ness, to be excused from coming up. • R. — Mr. Dorwood
]*°e%, be examined. Sess. 1089. — June 26, 1648. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Horrockes be approved. Mr. Edwar-ds
be approved. R. — Mr. Dorwood be respited for 3 weeks,
except he bring a presentation sooner. Ordered — Mr. Port
»be respited till this day sevennight. Ordered — Mr. Bayly
bring a better testimonial Ordered — Mr. Gibbons be
examined, but no certificate to be given of him till he
bring a testimonial under Mr. Bushell his hand.
Sess. 1090. — June 29, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Cox be examined. Ordered — Mr. Williams
be examined. Ordered — Mr. Dorwood be approved. Or
dered — Mr. Stanley bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 1091. — June 30, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Delmy, to pray ; Mr. Tuckney to exa
mine.
Sess. 1092. — July 3. — Monday morning.
Mr. Halliday be examined again. Mr. Richard Bayly
respited till to-morrow. Mr. Gawen1 be examined.
Sess. 1093. — July 4. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Bayly be returned as unsatisfied concern
ing him. R. — Mr. Williams be returned as unfit for Mun-
den in Essex ; Mr. Byfield to make this return. R. — Mr.
Halliday be approved. R. — Mr. Port be approved. R.—
Mr. Peapes pass upon his former examination.
Sess. 1094. — July 5.
R.— Mr. Adams respited for a testimonial from the
ministers where he dwells, and better express the reasons
of removal. 1 Or Gowen. See Session 1088.

1648.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 527
Sess. 1095. — July 6, 1648. — Thursday morning. Sess. i°9S-
The Assembly was informed of .£200 ready for them. JuJy 6>
Ordered — The Committee withdraw, and prepare a report,
for the distribution of it before the Assembly rises. Report
was made of the distribution of the money.
Sess. 1096. — July 7, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Johnson, Mr. Gipps, to pray ; Mr. Delmy to exa
mine. Ordered — Mr. Gawen be approved.
Sess. 1097. — July 10. — Monday morning.
Sess. 1098. — July 11. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Thomas Kidner be examined. Mr. Ca-
becke be approved. Mr. Price be examined presently.
Sess. 1099. — July 12, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Upon debate about a case from a parish of Norwich,
R. — There shall be an answer given to the inhabitants of
Norwich. The paper brought.
Sess. 1 100. — July 13, 1648. — Thursday morning.
R. — Mr. Nathaniel Byfield be approved. R. — Mr.
Gibbings (?) be approved.
Sess. 1101. — July 14, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Calamy, Mr. Carrill, to pray ; Mr. Gower to exa
mine. Ordered— Mr. Adams be returned as insufficient.
Sess. 1 102.— July 20, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Draper be examined.
Sess. 1 103. — July 21, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Thorowgood, Mr. Carter [to pray] ; Mr. Prophet to
examine.

528 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF «
Sess. Ordered — Mr. Burges be approved upon his former
1 103.
illy 21,
1648.

July 21 examination.

[«-l

Sess. 1 1 04. — July 27, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ord. — Mr. Samon be approved upon his former exami
nation. Ord. — Mr. Jackson approved upon his ordina
tion. Ord. — Mr. Parrie be approved. R. — Mr. Bayly be
examined. Ord. — Mr. Stooke be approved without
coming up. Ordered— Mr. Harrison be approved upon
his ordination. R. — Mr. Cooke pass to examination. Mr.
Tuckney recalls his hand. Mr. Stileman be approved.
Ordered — Mr. Edwards be examined. Mr. Port . . .
Sess. 1105. — July 28. — Friday morning.
Mr. Cawdry, Dr. Stanton [to pray] ; Mr. Walker [to
examine]. R. — Mr. Litall, Mr. Edwards, Mr. Jones, Mr. Bayly, ap
proved. Ordered — Mr. Cooke, a return — not satisfied with
him. Sess. 1 106. — July 31, 1648. — MoHday morning.
A paper brought from Mr. Cooke was read. R. neg. —
This paper doth „ give any ' further ' satisfaction con
cerning Mr. Cooke than formerly they had. R. — A return
shall be made that the Assembly is not satisfied.
Ordered — That Wednesday next the Assembly do take
into consideration how the members of the Assembly may
improve their time better in the work of the Assembly or
about an adjournment.
Sess. 1 1 07. — August 1, 1648. — Tuesday mornings
Ordered — Mr. Bolt be examined.
Sess. 1 108. — August 2, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Bolt be approved. R. — Mr. Draper shall

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 529
be approved. Ordered — Mr. Kimberley be approved with- Sess.
out coming up to be examined. Dr. Burges delivered a Aug. 2,
message from the Lord Admiral, hopes that he shall sud- l648-
denly put out to sea, but unminister[ed] yet. R. — Mr.
Cooke be examined before a return if he desire it.
R. — To debate a way of adjourning now.
Sess. 1 109. — August 4, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Byfield, Mr. Salway [to pray] ; Mr. Tuckney [to
examine]. Ordered — Mr. Woodbridge be approved. R. —
Mr. East be approved upon his former examination.
An order brought from the House of Commons to pro- Ministers
vide 8 ministers for the navy : brought by Mr. Strickland vy'
and Mr. Bence. [R.] — That any member of the As
sembly nominating a fit man for the navy, the scribe of
the Assembly shall give him his recommendation in the
name of the Assembly.
Sess. 1 1 10. — August 7, 1648. — Monday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Franke be approved without coming up
to be examined. Mr. Michaell be examined ; and he was
approved. Mr. Marshall read a letter to be sent to Dr. Drake, to
invite him to go to the Earl of Warwick, Admiral, as a
chaplain ; it was approved. Ordered — Mr. Swift be ap
proved of for a chaplain to the navy.
R. neg. — Mr. Cooke shall have an approbation without
further examination. R. — That he shall be further exa
mined. R. — Not to adjourn to-morrow. R. — Till Friday
morning. Sess. 1112.1 — August 11, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Prophet, Mr. Case [to pray] ; Mr. Greene to exa
mine. Ordered — Mr. Sampson approved. Ordered — Mr. Lagat
be examined. R. — No presentation here accepted but
1 There is no session numbered 1 1 1 1 in the ms.
2 L

53O MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. such as will pass in the House of Lords. Ordered — Mr.
Aug!2! i, Crosfield be examined. Ord. — Mr. Morley be examined.

1648.

Sess. 1 1 13. — August.
Dr. Annileys and Mr. West be commended to the Lord
Admiral. Mr. Dobson be examined. Upon examination of him,
it was found that he had not taken the Covenant, and
would not take it.
Sess. 1 1 14. — August 16, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
[Blank]
Sess. 1 1 15. — August 17, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Ash, Mr. Carter of D[ynton] to pray ; Mr. Gower
[to examine].
Ordered — Mr. Robert Lancaster do bring a better testi
monial. R. — Mr. Thomas Pie be examined. R. — Mr.
Thomas Py be approved.
Sess. 1 1 16. — August 22, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
Mr. King be examined. Ordered — That the scribe do
give a certificate of the receipts and arrears of Mr. White,
late a member of this Assembly. R. — Mr. Arnold be
approved. Sess. 1 1 17. — August 23, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
[Blank.]
Sess. 1 1 18. — August 24, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Ny [to pray] ; Mr. Prophet [to
examine]. Mr. Hall beapproved upon his testimonial. Mr. Corbet
... Mr. Martin . . . R. — Mr. Beere be approved. R. — Mr.
Hill be approved. R. — Mr. Pisce be approved without
coming up to be examined upon the reasons of . . . R. —
Mr. Spurstow excused for the next week to pray.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 53 1
Sess. 1 1 19. — August 31, 1648. — Thursday morning. Sess. 1119.
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Taylor, to pray ; Mr. Greene to examine. Aug. 31,
Ordered— Mr. Smith be approved without coming up to be ___
examined. Sess. 1 1 20. — September 1, 1648. — Friday morning.
Ordered— Mr. Paine be examined.
Sess. 1 121. — Septetnber 4, 1648. — Monday morning.
[Blank.]
Sess. 1 122. — September 8, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, to pray ; Mr. Delmy to examine.
R. — Mr. ' Thomas ' Attwood, Rotheram, be approved
upon former examination. R. — Mr. Rholt be approved
upon his former examination. R. — Mr. Wells have a
copy of his former approbation by this Assembly. R. —
Mr. John Vicars be approved upon his former exami
nation. Sess. 1 1 23. — September 14, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Tuckney, Mr. Hickes, to pray ; Mr. Cawdry to
[examine]. R. — Mr. Jackson be approved without coming up. R. —
Mr. Lancaster not admitted to examination upon this
testimonial. The reason, be[cause] his heterodox opinions
were discovered before, and he doth not now reclaim
them. Sess. 1 1 24. — September 20, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Rayner, Mr. Delmy [to pray] ; Mr. Walker [to
examine]. Ord. — Mr. Sharpe bring a better testimonial.
Ordered — Mr. Byfield do move the Committee of Plun
dered Ministers, that no certificates from this Assembly
to them concerning their approbation of any ministers
may by their clerk be delivered out to any ministers to
make use of them abroad.
Dr. Stanton to speak with the Lord of Kent.

532 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Mr. Whitakers and Mr. Hickes do move the Speaker
Sept! _o, of the House of Commons to hasten the Little Catechism.
1648. ' Mr. Ash do speak with the Lord of Manchester, to desire
Shorter [the Lords] to send a message to the House of Commons
Catechism. for that purpose.
Sess. 1125. — September 21, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ordered—Mr. Tatham be approved upon his former
approbation. Mr. Strachin bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 1 1 26. — September 28, 1648. — ' Thursday' morning.
Mr. Strong, Mr. Carter, jun. [to pray] ; Mr. Delmy [to
examine]. Ordered — Mr. Flower be examined. R. — Mr. Ed. Rigby
be approved without coming up. Ordered — Mr. Darrell
do bring a better testimonial from known ministers. Or
dered — Mr. Gardner bring a better testimonial. R. — Mr.
Flower be approved.
Sess. 1 127. — October 4, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Dr. Smith, Mr. Thorowgood [to pray] ; Mr. Greene [to
examine]. Peter Dormer to be examined. Stephen Man approved
upon his former examination. Mr. Nicholas Levitt to be
examined. He was examined, and respited to another
examination. R. — To sit 2 days a week till further order. R. — To
begin the next week. R. — Wednesdays and Thursdays,
the 2 set days, till further or[der].
Sess. 1 128. — October 11, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Ord. — Mr. Levitt approved. Ord. — Mr. Ambrose ap
proved. Ord. — Mr. Greene approved.
Sess. 1 1 29. — October 12, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Gibson, Mr. Pickering, to pray; Dr. Smith [to
examine]. Mr. Carleton be examined.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 533

Sess. 1 1 30. — October 13, 1648. — Friday morning. Sess. 1 1 30.
R. — Mr. Cooke be approved. Ordered — Mr. Clarke be Oct. 1;
approved. r648'

Sess. 1 1 31. — October 18, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Morris be examined. Ordered — Mr. Ball
be examined. Mr. Miles pass upon his ordination. Mr.
John Allen be examined. R. — Mr. Carleton be approved
without coming up. Mr. Ball approved. Mr. Morice ap
proved. Sess. 1 132. — October 19, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Sparkes be approved without coming up.
Ordered — Mr. Jenkinson be taken into consideration when
the 2 parishes are united. Mr. Benjamin Coxe. . . . Mr.
Hill[i]ard be examined. Mr. Morris be respited for a fort
night, and bring a better testimonial.
Sess. 1 133. — October 20, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Scudder, Mr. Langley, to pray ; Mr. Walker to
examine. R. — Mr. Johnson's case be not respited. R. — Mr. Jen
kinson be not examined. Mr. Coxe sent a paper of his
acknowledgment of his errors. R. — Mr. Coxe be exa
mined. Ord. — Mr. Hiliard be approved. R. — That Mr.
Ben. Coxe shall have his approbation when he brings
' certificate of taken1 the Covenant. Dr. Burges enters his
dissent. Sess. 1 1 34. — October 26, 1648.— Thursday morning.
Mr. Downes2 be approved. R— Mr. Jenkinson shall not
be examined to officiate the fitness of those 2 cures.
Ordered— That the Assembly cannot approve of the Refusal to
1 approve of
officiating of those 2 churches in 2 counties by one man. a£jurality.
Mr. Ward and Mr. Delmy do carry it up to the Committee
of Plundered Ministers. 1 Sic in MS. for taking or [having] taken.
2 Or Dawes.

1648.

534 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 11 35. — October 27, 1648. — Friday morning.
1135.
Oct. 27, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Corbet [to pray] ; Mr. Cawdry to
examine. Ordered — Mr. Swinhoe shall pass upon former appro
bation. Sess. 1 1 36. — October 31, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
R. — Mr. Bordman be approved upon his former exami
nation. Ordered — Mr. Harrison be approved upon his
ordination. Ordered — Mr. Jenkinson be examined pre
sently. And he is approved, and upon certificate of his
resignation, accepted by Mr. Boulton ; he is to have a
copy of his approbation.
Sess. 1 1 37. — November 3, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Ward, Mr. Bond [to pray].
R. — Mr. Maurice shall not pass. Respited for three
weeks, and bring a better testimonial.
Mr. Hall passed upon his ordination. Mr. Everndon be
examined. Mr. Upton for Long Whaddon be examined.
R. — Mr. Serle be approved upon his former approbation.
Sess. 1 138. — November 9. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Tudder to be examined. R. — Mr. Gage
be approved upon former examination. R. — The scribe
do certify the reason of the refusal of Mr. Greenhead.
Ordered — Mr. Everdon be approved without coming up to
be examined. Mr. Wood to be examined, and R. — He
was approved. Mr. Tudder. . . .
Sess. 1 1 39. — November 10. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hickes, Dr. Stanton, to pray ; Mr. Tuckney [to
examine]. Ord. — Mr. Wood respited for a week.
Sess. 1 140. — November 16, 1648. — Thursday morning.
£yx> to be distributed. R. — Mr. Steynmer be approved.
R. — Mr. Alexander be approved upon his former exami
nation. Ordered — Mr. Claxton be examined. R. — Mr.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 535
Burges approved upon his former examination. Mr. Collier Sess.
be examined. xrII4°',
Nov. 16,
R. — To approve of the distribution. 1648.
Sess. 1 141. — November 17, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Simpson, Mr. Ash, to pray.
Ord. — Mr. Peircevall be examined. R. — Mr. Win be
examined. Mr. Richards be exa[mined]. Ord. — Mr. Sedden
be examined. R. — Mr. Sharpe have ' not' an approbation
without examination till he bring a better testimonial.
Ord. — Mr. Bennitt be approved.
Sess. 1 142. — November 23, 1648. — Thursday.
Mr. Lucas be approved upon ordination. R. — Mr.
Sprigge (?) be approved upon his former examination. R.
— Mr. Raymond be approved upon his former examina
tion. Mr. Walter Darrill 1 respited. Mr. Thomas Darrill T
respited. Ordered — Mr. Granger be respited upon excep
tions against him for a month.
Sess. 1 143. — November 24, 1648. — Friday morning.
Mr. Hodges, Mr. Carrill, to pray ; Mr. Gower to ex
amine. Sess. 1 144. — November 30, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ord. — Mr. Mason be examined. Ord. — Mr. Agus2 be
approved upon his ordination. Ord. — Mr. Loe be ap
proved upon his approbation.
Sess. 1145. — December 1, 1648. — Friday morning.
Dr. Temple, Mr. Carter, sen. [to pray] ; Mr. Walker [to
examine]. R. — Mr. Hailing be approved upon his former examina
tion. R.— Mr. Thomas Goodwin be approved upon. . . . R —
Mr. Barlow be approved, but not delivered out till after
noon. R— Mr. Alsop shall have approbation of this As
sembly, but not delivered till he bring a good testimonial.
R.— Mr. Spalding shall have an approbation upon his
1 In Lords' Journals, Dayriell. 2 Agas in Lords' Journals.

536 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. former approbation. R— Mr. Harrison be approved upon
^\f\ his ordination, but not taken out till he brought testimonial
1648. of his life and conversation.
Sess. 1 1 46. — December 6, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Lawrence be approved.
Sess. 1 147. — December 7, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Prophet, Mr. Hardwicke, to pray ; Mr. Delmy [to
examine]. R. — Mr. Hewett be approved upon his former examina
tion. R. — Mr. Crumpe approved upon his ordination by
the classis in Kent.
Sess. 1 1 48. — December 13, 1648.1 — Wednesday morning.
R. — Mr. Maston approved without coming up, upon the
commendation of ministers well known. R. — Mr. Carrill
shall have approbation, provided a testimonial be brought
in of his conversation. Ordered — Mr. Padfield bring a
better testimonial, only he is for the present to be exa
mined, and his approbation respited till a better testi
monial. Upon his examination he was approved. Ord. —
James Beversham approved upon his ordination by the
first classis, London. Ord. — John Cooper approved upon
his ordination by the 3d classis in London. An order for
Mr. Robert Booth, Mr. Richard Bonner, to certify the
fittest of them. Ordered — To examine the said persons
mentioned in the order on this day 3 weeks.
Report was made of the distribution of £200, and it was
approved. Sess. 1 149. — December 14, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Greene, Mr. Gower, to pray; Mr. Whitakers to
examine. Ordered—Mr. Padfield to bring a testimonial
from the ministers where he hath lived.
Sess. 1 1 50. — December 20, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
[Blank]
1 The minute of this session is partly in another hand.

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 537
Sess. 1151. — December 21, 1648. — Thursday morning. Sess.
Mr. Bolton, Mr. Thorowgood, to pray. Ord. — Mr. D"SI'
Foster be examined. R. — Mr. Clarke be approved upon 1648. '
his former examination. R. — Mr. Gower be approved.
Ord. — Mr. Foster be approved. Mr. Morice bring a better
testimonial. Sess. 1 1 52. — December 28, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Hickes, Mr. Maynard [to pray].
Mr. Maris respited till Mr. Cawdry be spoken with.
Mr. Winney be approved upon his ordination. Mr.
Wallis his business be respited for a week.
Sess. 1153. — January 3, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
R. — Mr. Tooley approved upon his former approbation.
R. — Mr. Sharpe be approved without coming up to be
examined. R. — Mr. Whitting be approved upon former
approbation. R. — Mr. Maris bring a better testimonial.
R. — Mr. Lightfoot be respited for praying for this week.
Mr. Corbet to pray for his co[u]rse.
Sess. 1154. — January 10. — Wednesday morning.
Ord. — Mr. Walley1 to be examined. R. — Mr. Maris be
examined. Ord. — Mr. Joseph Lambe be approved upon
examination. Ordered — The order for Mr. Booth and Mr.
Bonner be respited till this day five weeks.
Sess. 1155. — January 11, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Marshall, Mr. Dury, to pray.
R. — Mr. Heiron shall be excused from coming up. Mr.
Walley approved. Mr. Maris approved.
Sess. 1 156. — January 17, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Hogg was examined and approved. Mr. Harvey
bring a better testimonial from known ministers. Mr.
Higgins approved upon ordination. Mr. Skynes was
examined and approved. Mr. Mallowes to be examined.
1 Or Wolley.

538 MINUTES OF THE SESSIONS OF
Sess. Sess. 1157. — January 18, 1648. — Thursday morning.
1 157.
Jan. 18, Mr. Sedgwicke, Mr. Whitaker [to pray] ; Mr. Cawdry [to
1 4 " examine]. Mr. Harvey be examined now, and to send up a better
testimonial before he have the approbation of this As
sembly. Ordered — Mr. Graile be examined presently; and
he was approved upon examination.
Sess. 1 158. — January 24, 1648. — Wednesday morning.
Mr. Rayner, Mr. Ny [to pray]. Ord. — The former order
for Mr. Harvey to stand. Ordered — Mr. Bentham bring a
better testimonial.
Sess. 1159. — January 25, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Ordered — Mr. Fairefax be approved upon his ordination.
Ordered — If Mr. Mew do certify the Assembly either con
cerning Mr. Harvey or concerning the men that have sub
scribed it, then he be approved.
Sess. 1 1 60. — February 1, 1648. — Tuesday morning.
Ordered — That Mr. Salway and Mr. Corbet be desired
to pray with the Lords and Commons till the Assembly
can meet again to put that business into order ; and they
are to receive the allowance of the Assembly, 4/ a day for
the days of their attendance. Ordered — That Mr. Byfield
be desired to attend the Committee of Plundered Mini
sters, to assist them in the business of ministers, till the
Assembly can meet again. Ordered — That the scribe do
make return of those ministers that bring their ordi
nations. Sess. 1 161. — February 8, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Carter of London to pray. The Assembly met and
adjourned to the scribe's chamber in a Committee. Or
dered — Mr. Jones be approved. Mr. Taylor be approved.
Upon a letter from Mr. Mew in approbation of Mr. Harvey,
it was ordered that he be approved. Upon a new testi
monial for Mr. Bentham, it was Ordered— To be examined ;
which was done, and he was certified by the Committee of

It

THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES. 539
examination for his sufficiency, but upon desire it was Sess.
Ordered— That Mr. Bentham's approbation be respited till "6lg
Thursday next. Ordered— The distribution of £200 was
made and assented to. Mr. John Goodman be respited for
a better testimonial.
Sess. 1 162. — February 1$, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Hardwicke to pray next week ; Mr. Cawdry to
examine. Ordered — Mr. Cooper be approved, and Mr.
Bentham be discharged, according to the order of the
Committee. Mr. Shallibras be approved upon his former
examination. Sess. 1 163. — February 22, 1648. — Thursday morning.
Mr. Johnson to pray. Mr. Craddocke be approved.
R. — Mr. Savory respited till this day fortnight. Ord. —
Mr. Dawson be approved upon his ordination. Ord. —
Mr. Horson be approved upon his former approbation.
Ord. — Mr. Ackworth be examined. Ord. — Mr. Mason be
approved. R. — The hundred pounds now to be distributed shall be
distributed according to the rule observed in the last dis
tribution. It was done accordingly, and approved of.

[Note. — This is the last of the sessions that is numbered, and after this
date the Assembly was little more than a Committee for the examination of
ministers. No trace of the presence of a Scotch Commissioner is found in
these Minutes after 9th November 1647 ; but in the Life of Mr. Robert Blair
it is recorded that in October 1648 he 'was sent from the Commission of the
Kirk to London for promoting the work of Reformation, etc. There was
sent with him from the Committee of Estates, Lothian, William Glendinning,
and Sir John Chiesley, unto the Parliament, as Mr. Blair was sent to the
Assembly of Divines, and to attend these three Commissioners,' etc. (p. 211).
From the Journals of the House of Commons it appears that the letter of the
Commissioner of the General Assembly was laid before that House, and that
it was resolved by them 'that Mr. Blaire be admitted to the Assembly of
Divines,' and that the Lords' concurrence thereto was to be desired (vol. vi.
p. 61). It is not recorded in the Journals of the House of Lords, however,
that their concurrence was given, and no mention is made of Mr. Blair in
these Minutes. The probability rather is, that after his repeated avoidance
of Cromwell he did not obtain leave to sit in the Assembly any more than to
visit the King. His biographer says that the King, being refused the company

54O MINUTES OF THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES.
of his own chaplains during his close imprisonment, • did at last, shortly
before his death, earnestly desire that Mr. Blair might be permitted to come
to him, and be with him at his death ; ' but ' he could not obtain liberty, nay,
not so much as to speak with the King ; ' and he often afterwards said, that if
he had obtained liberty to be with the King at his death, ' he was resolved so
to speak and carry on the scaffold, testifying against that horrid murder, that
he laid his account to die with the King ' (p. 215).
It is only due to the Assembly of Divines to state, that though no reference to
the sad events then occurring is found in their Minutes, it is known that almost
to a man they shared the sentiments of the King's Scotch chaplain. Neal
states that Hugh Peters was sent by the officers of the army to endeavour to
gain them over, or at least persuade them to remain neutral ; . ' but they de
clared unanimously for the release of the King. ' Soon after, those of them
whose charges lay in London or the neighbourhood, in concert with many
other ministers about the city, drew up first a serious and faithful representa
tion of their judgment, and then a vindication of themselves from aspersions
cast on them, in both of which they protested in the most emphatic manner
against the army's drawing on themselves and the kingdom the blood of the
sovereign.]

APPENDIX.

No. I.— WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY'S PREFACE TO
THE XXXIX ARTICLES.
In note 2, p. 357, it has been mentioned that this preface has
not been entered either in the Minutes of the Assembly or in
the Journals of the Houses of Parliament. The articles which
were revised by them have been often reprinted. They appear,
however, to have been so, not in the exact form in which they
were sent up by the Assembly, but in the form in which, by
authority of the Houses, they were inserted among the proposi
tions sent to the King in the Isle of Wight. The only difference
of the least moment between the two is, that the former contains
a revision of Article viii. on the three creeds, which is omitted in
the other. It is given below, after the preface, from a volume of
tracts (E 516) in the Library of the British Museum. The other
fourteen articles revised by the Assembly may be found in the
Appendices to Neal's and Stoughton's Histories, and in Hall's
Harmony of Protestant Confessions. They appear to have been
constituted by the Houses a sort of negative Confession, contain
ing those Christian verities against which no minister of any
tolerated sect was allowed to preach. The preface of the As
sembly shows distinctly that the need for a new Confession was
acknowledged by the English as well as by the Scotch members
of Assembly.
The Proceedings of the Assembly of Divines upon the Thirty-nine Articles of the
Church of England.
Te the Honourable House of Commons assembled in Parliament.
The Assembly at their first sitting received an order from both the Honour
able Houses of ParUament, bearing date July 5," 1643, requiring them to take
into their consideration the ten first articles of the Thirty-nine Articles of the
Church of England, to free and vindicate the doctrine of them from all asper-

542 APPENDIX.
sions and false interpretations. In obedience whereunto, they forthwith took
the said ten first articles into consideration. Afterwards they received another
order for the nine next following ; and accordingly took the same into con
sideration. But being limited by the same orders only to the clearing and
vindicating of them, though we found ourselves necessitated for this end to
make some, yet we made fewer alterations in them, and additions to them,
than otherwise we should have thought fit to have done, if the whole matter
had been left to us without such limitation, conceiving many things yet re
maining to be defective, and other expressions also fit to be changed. And
herein we proceeded only to the finishing of fifteen articles, because it pleased
both Houses, by an order bearing date October 12, 1643, to require us to lay
aside the remainder, and enter upon the work of Church Government. And
afterwards, by another order, to employ us in framing a Confession of Faith
for the three kingdoms, according to our Solemn League and Covenant ; in
which Confession we have not left out anything, that was in the former
articles material, necessary to be retained. Which having finished and pre
sented to both Houses, we should have forborne the tendering of these fifteen
articles (both as a piece several ways imperfect, and the whole as relating only
to the Church of England), but that we were commanded otherwise by an
order of the Honourable House of Commons, bearing date December 7, 1646.
According whereunto we present them as followeth : —

Article viii. — Of the three Creeds.
The creeds that go under the name of the Nicene Creed, Athanasius' Creed,
and that which is commonly called the' Apostles' Creed, are thorowly to be
received and believed, for that they may be proved by most certain warrant
[sic] of Holy Scripture.
Lightfoot in his Journal gives the article probably as it stood at an earlier
stage of the debate, the last clause reading, ' for that the matter of them may
be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture. '

No. II.— COMMITTEE FOR PLUNDERED MINISTERS
—SEQUESTRATIONS.
Soon after the commencement of the Civil War, numbers of
the Puritan ministers whose benefices lay in the districts occupied
by the Royalist troops, being exposed to the harshest usage, or
even stripped of their property and driven from their homes,
came to London, and applied to Parliament for relief from the
sad state to which they had been reduced. The House of
Commons, on 31st December 1642, appointed a Committee ' to
consider of the fittest way for the relief of such godly and well-
affected ministers as have been plundered ; and likewise to con
sider what malignant persons have benefices here, in and about
this town, whose livings being sequestered, these may supply
their cures, and may receive their profits.' On 27th July 1643

APPENDIX. 541
this Committee was further authorized to consider of informations
against scandalous ministers, though there were no malignancy
proved against them, and to put out of their cures those whose
scandal was sufficiently proved. By an Ordinance, of date 2 2d
January 1643-4, the Earl of Manchester was empowered to ap
point Committees in all the associated counties, who might call
before them ' all ministers and schoolmasters ' ' that were scan
dalous in their lives, or ill-affected to the Parliament, or fomentors
of this unnatural war.' And by a resolution of the House, of date
7th July 1645, the Committee for Plundered Ministers were in
structed ' to consider of some means for providing a competent
maintenance for settling a good ministry in such counties and
places as shall desire it' Four of the Order Books of the Com
mittee are still preserved in the Record Office in London.
These relate almost exclusively to this last part of their com
mission. This they appear to have carried out systematically,
requiring delinquent laymen, who held impropriate rectories, or
had long leases of tithes at nominal rents, to surrender a part
of their profits. These were appropriated to increase the income
of the minister of the parish, or of some neighbouring chapel,
or to found a lectureship in some neighbouring market town.
While they diminished the revenues of the Church by the aliena
tion of the temporal lands of the bishops and cathedral clergy,
not even Archbishop Laud himself could have laboured more
strenuously than this Committee of a Puritan Parliament to
recover the tithes, or seized more eagerly the opportunity the
civil war had brought them of securing considerable augmen
tations to many of the smaller benefices, by requiring at least
partial restitution of alienated tithes. The largest of the four
volumes contains about 800 orders for restitution in part of the
tithes out of the estates of ' delinquents.' As the ministers put
into sequestrations, as well as those appointed to lectureships and
augmented livings, were required to be examined by the West
minster Assembly, and as there is constant reference to this Com
mittee in the Minutes, I append' two or three extracts from these
order books, to show how they carried on the somewhat miscel
laneous work entrusted to them. The first relates to the settle
ment of a minister in the living sequestered from a ' scandalous
minister ; ' the second secures the fifth part of the living to the
wife and children of the sequestered minister, and provides that
the sequestration shall be void if the fifth* is not regularly paid

544 APPENDIX.
over ; the others secure grants of tithes from the forfeited estates
of delinquent laymen.
I. My Lord of Manchester's Order for Settling the Parsonage and Vicaridge of
Godney.
Whereas Mr. William Howe, minister of Godney in the county of Lincolne,
hath attended the Assembly of Divines by my direction, and they having
tryed his abilityes and sufficiencyes, found him to be every way well qualified
for the ministery, I doe therefore, according to the Ordinance of Parliament,
and upon the humble request of the parishioners of Godney aforesaid, autho
rize and appoint the said Mr. William Howe to officiate and exercise the office
of a minister, and to preach and catechize there ; And I do likewise authorize
and appoint the said Mr. William Howe, or such as he shall appoint, to
take into his possession the parsonage house, glebe lands, and vicaridge there,
And from henceforth to demand, receive, and take up of the parishioners of
Godney all such tythes, profitts, immunityes, and rents as are or shall be due
and belonging to the said parsonage and vicaridge there, in as ample manner
as any other heretofore received and enjoyed the same, and hereby requiring
all officers and soldiers in the countie of Lincolne, as all chief constables,
petty constables, and other His Majesty's officers, to be ayding and assisting
to you for the taking and receiving of said tythes and profitts, in case they be
refused by the parishioners of Godney aforesaid. And for soe doing these
presents shall be your and their warrant.
Given under my hand and seale this 14th day of March l643[-4].
Manchester.
2. A Coppy of the Order for the Ffifth Part.
Whereas certain articles have been exhibited unto and proved upon oath
before the Committee for examination of scandalous ministers within the
county of Lincolne, for many misdemeanours committed by Doctor Weemes
Parson of Godney, in the said county of Lincolne ; whereupon I have eiected
him out of his said parsonage, and have appointed sequestrators to receive the
tythes and profitts thereof : And whereas Jane Weemes, wife of the said Dr.
Weemes, hath by her petition desired to have some maintenance for herself
and children out of the tythes and profits thereof, I do therefore, according
to the Ordinance of Parliament, order and appoint that the said Mrs. Weemes
shall be paid the ffift part of the value of the said parsonage of Godney, as
the value thereof shall be certified upon the oaths of credible witnesses before
the committee of the said county of Lincolne, which said ffift part shall be
paid by the sequestrators and others that do receive or enioy the profitts and
tythes thereof, quarterly, the first payment at Michaelmas next,
or withm one , and so to continue for and during [the sequestration
of the] sayd Dr. Weemes. And I doe hereby require the sequestrators and
others that receive the tythes and profitts thereof, that they pay the said ffift
part, according as I have hereby appointed, which, in case they refuse to doe,
I doe then order the sequestration thereof to be voyd.
Given under my hand and seal the nynth day of September 1644.
Manchester.

APPENDIX. 545
3. Grant of Tithes from the Estate of a Delinquent.
At the Committee of Lords and Commons for Sequestrations, May 10, 1644.
Upon the petition of the inhabitants of Leighton Beudessert in Com. Bed
ford, It is thought fit and ordered by this Committee, according to an order of
reference by the House of Commons, that ffifty-five pounds per annum be
allowed out of the tythes of the said parish in lease to the said Sr Thomas
Leigh, and under sequestration for his delinquency, and alleged to be worth
five hundred pounds per annum, towards the maintenance of such able, ortho
dox, and godly preacher there, as shall be viccar there, to be approved by the
Assembly of Divines ; the same to be paid to him quarterly, and to begin at
Midsommer next : And the Committee for Sequestrations of the said county
are desired to see the same performed accordingly.
Vera copia ex» per me. R. Vaughan.

4. Care taken to secure Continuance of the Grant.
At the Committee for Plundered Ministers, Octobris 70, Anno Dni. 1646.
Whereas the Committee of Lords and Commons for sequestrations, the
tenth of May 1644, Ordered that the yearly sum of five and ffifty pounds
should be paid out of the tythes of the Impropriate Rectory of Leighton
Beudesert, in the county of Bedford, which are sequestrated from Sr Thomas
Leigh, delinquent, towards y<= maintenance of a godly minister to officiate the
cure of the Church of Leighton Beudessert aforesd, the same being a great
market town, and the said parish consisting of one thousand souls, and the
present maintenance belonging to the said church being but fforty pounds a
year in the best times, as by the said may appear : This Committee
doe certify the same to the Committee sitting at Goldsmiths' Hall, who are
desired to take such course as they shall think meete, that the said grant be
not prejudiced by the said Sr Thomas Leigh compounding for his estate.
Gilbt. Millington.

5. Further Grant of Tithes out of Estate of same Delinquent.
At the Committee for Plundered Ministers, Augusti 12, A.D. 1648.
Whereas the Committee of Lords and Commons for sequestrations of Papists'
and delinquents' estates have, by their Order of the 10th May 1644, Ordered
Thirty pounds per annum out of the tithes of the villages of Heath and
Reath, in the parish of Leighton Buzzard, in the county of Bedford seques
tered from Sr Thomas Leigh, lessee thereof, should be paid to and for he
maintenance of such a godly and orthodox divine as should by ^Assembly
of Divines be approved of to officiate the cure of the chappel of Heath and
Reath aforesaid : This Committee do confirm the said Order, and doe hereby
order and require the sequestrators of the premisses to pay the said thirty
pounds ^r annum out of the said tithes quarterly, together with the arrears
thereof, according to the said Order of the said Committee of Lords and
Commons. JoHN pHILps
Vera copia ex» per me. J
2 M

546 APPENDIX.
6. Grant of Tithes from another Delinquent' s Estate.
At the Committee for Plundered Ministers, Julii 40, Anno Domini 1646.
By virtue of an Order of both Houses of Parliament of the second of May
last, It was ordered that the yearlie summe of ffifty pounds be paid out of the
profitts of the impropriate Rectory of Ormschurch, in the countie of Lancaster,
sequestered from the Earle of Derby, delinquent, to and for increase of the
maintenance of William Dunn, minister of Ormschurch aforesaid, and ffortie
pounds yearlie more out of the profits of the said Rectorie for the maintenance
of an assistant to the said Mr. Dun in the said church, in regard the said
parish is a market towne, and with between two and three thousand
communicants, and the vicarage thereof is worth but ffortie marks per annum :
And the sequestrators of the premisses, are required to paie the same accord-
inglie at such tymes and seasons of the yeare as the said profits are due and
payable. Har. Grimston.

It was originally intended to add in the Appendix brief notices of the
members of the Westminster Assembly, and of the foreign divines mentioned
in their Minutes, and to reprint their Confession of Faith from the earliest
authentic edition. But it has been found that this would extend this volume
much beyond the limits prescribed for it. And it is therefore now proposed
by Professor Mitchell to publish, along with other documents connected with
the Westminster Assembly, the Act calling the Assembly, brief biographical
notices of the members, and a careful collection of the earlier editions of the
Confession.

INDEX.

[The names of places are printed in italics; * is prefixed to the names of members
of Assembly, and \ to names of Commissioners from the Church of Scotland.
The figures that are underlined refer to the notes.~\

Abbot, Mr., 404.
Achburst, Mr. Alexander, 48.
Ackworth, Mr., 539.
Adams, or Addams, Mr., r83, roi, 38r,
526, 527.
Agas, or Agus, Mr., 22, 33, 37, 535.
Ainsworth, Mr., 331.
Albright, Mr., 515.
Alderston, Mr., 86, 87.
Aldus, Mr., 514, 515.
Alerton, Mr., 86, 88.
Alexander, Mr. 534.
Alflat, Mr., 499.
Allen, Mr., 326, 327, 338, 339, 340; Mr.
Giles, 500 ; Mr. John, 533.
Allison, Sir William, 2, 98.
Alport, Mr,, 513.
Alsop, Mr., 535.
Ambrose, Mr., 532.
Andrews, Mr. Robert, 268, 282.
Annileys, J3r. , 530.
Antrobus, or Anthropus, Mr., 243,. 247,
253 ; Anthrobus, Mr. Robert, 268,
282.
Apollonius, or Apolonij, Mr., 126, 128.
Archer, Mr., 98.
tArgyll, or Argile, Marquis of, 253, 470.
Armyn, Sir William, M.P., 4T5-
Arnaker, or Arwaker, Mr., 351.
Arnold, Mr., 530.
•Arrowsmith, Mr. (or Dr. John),. 15,.
, 24, 227, 257, 259, 289, 464.
"Ash, Mr. Simeon, 102, 252, 475, 506,
S32-
Ashton, Mr., 234.
Astel, or Astill, Mr., 505, 508.
Atwood, Mr., 19s, ; Mr. Thomas, 53T.
Audley, Mr., 255.
Austin, Mr., 181.
Abinger, 130.
Aldhorough, 120, T22.
Alwicke, 517.
Andrew's, Wardrobe, 340.
Appleby, 340.
Ashbury, 273.

Back, Mr., 252.
Bacon, Mr. Nathaniel, M.P., 232; Mr.,
335- 337> 34°-
fBaiilie,. Mr. Robert, 28, 316, 471.
Baker, Mr..,, 261, 270, 344.
Ball,. Mr.. James, 22 ; Mr. Samuel, 22 ;
Mr., 533.
Ballam,. or Balham, Mr. , 233, 519.
Ballard, Mr. Henry, 506.
f-Balmerino, Lord,. 174.
Balson, Mr., 63.
Banbury, Mr., 518.,
Banks, or Bankes, Mr., 307, 311, 3T2,
364-
Barker, Mrs.,. 192.
Barlow, Mr., 535?
Barnsdale, Mr., 501.
Barton, Mr., 265, 516.
Barton's Psalms, T47,. 162, 163, 216,
220.
Batchelor, Mr., 184, 340, 370, 521.
Bateman, Mr. John, 477.
*Bathurst, or Backhurst, Mr. (Theo-
philus, or Theodore),, 8,. 97.
Bath, or Batt, Mr.,, 407.
Battell, Mr., 353.
Baxter, Mr., 496, 509.
•Bayley, Mr. (Thomas,, M.A.), 252 ;
Mr., 224, 356, 526,; Mr.. Rich., 526,
S28.
Beane, Mr., 326,
Beaumont, Mr.,. 219..
Becke, Mr., 269, 377,, 384 ; Samuel,
488.
Bedford, Mr., 231, 234, 245, 250, 2sr.
Beech, Mr., 124.
Beecher, or Becetor, Mr. William, 36,,
244.
Beere, Mr.,Sj3°-
Bell, Mr. Benjamin, 342.
Bellchamber, Mr,, 62.
Bence, Mr., 529.
Bennet, or Bennitt, Mr. John, 270, 292,
326, 364, 493, 535.
Bentham, Mr., 487, 490, 538, 539.

548

INDEX.

Bently, Mr., r88.
Best, Paul, ioi, 114, ri8, 130, 131, r7o,
i7S. 213.
Beversham, James, 536.
Bewicke, Mr., 119.
Biggs, Mr., 482, 483.
Bigmore, Mr., 390.
Bignell, Henry; 486.
Binches, Mr., 509.
Binner, Mr. Gaspar, 490.
Biram, or Biron, Dr. , 307.
Birch, Mr. Jonadab, 340, 374.
Blackston, Mr., 516.
Bladworth, Mr., 49r, 496, 502, 504.
•fBlair, Mr. Robert, 539.
Blake's Printing, 51.
Blakemore, Mr., 249.
Blakerby, Mr., 245.
Blakewell, Mr., 76.
Blany, Mr., 224, 230, 233, 235,
Blichard, or Blickard, Mr. , 372.
Boden, Mr., 235, 263.
Bolch, Mr., 338.
Bolt, Mr., 505, 528.
* Bolton, Mr. Samuel, 344, 494. 537.
•Bond, Mr. (John), 58, 113, 253, 336,
498, 522 ; Mr. Sampson, 297, 328.
Bonner, Mr. Richard, 536, 537.
Boole, Mr. Jonathan, 344.
Booth, Mr. Robert, 536. S37-
Bordman, Mr., 534.
Bosse, Mr,, 329.
Bould, Mr., 265.
Boulton, Mr., 534.
Bound, or Brand, Mr., 325, 326, 329.
Bourne, Benjamin, 486, 487, 518.
Bowes, Mr. Thomas, 339.
Bowfield, or Borofield, Mr., 305.
Boyer, Mr., 299, 309, 341.
Boyford, or Beyiford, Mr., 246.
Bradley, Mr., 346, 487.
Bradshaw, Mr., 41.
Braine, Mr., 161, 163.
Brewer, Mr. Thomas, 332.
Brian, Mr., 268, 346.
•Bridge,. Mr. William, 17, 42, 49, 51,
92, 231, 253, S" ; Mr., 514, 515.
Bridges, Mr., 150, 152, 159.
Britten, or Bretton, Mr., 169, 235,
237-
Brocklehurst, Mr., 512.
Brome, or Broome, or Brougham, Mr. ,
346.
Browne, Mr., ,333, 368.
Browne, Mr., M. P., 225, 452.
Browning, Mr., 85.
Brumshill, Mr., 390.
Bucke, Mr., 480, 48r.
Buckly, John, 477.
Bunning, Mr,, 148, 212.
•Burges, Dr. Cornelius, assessor, 3-5,
n, 14, 18-21, 24, 28-44, 56. 65, 84,
91, 128, 155, 173-4, 211, 258. 29L
306, 308, 330, 431, 460, 471, 475, 482,
483, 488, 491, 494, 499, 512, 520, 533.
Burges, Mr. John, 495, 528, 535.
•Burges, Mr. (Anthony), 515.
Burnet, Mr. Alexander, 515.

Burney, Mr., 324, 328, 332, 339, 346,
349. 372, 384-
Burnham, Mr., 180.
Burrell, or Burrill, Mr. , 244, 370.
•Burroughs, Mr. Jeremiah, M. of A.,
8, 17, 63, 84, 178, 231, 253, 297, 300.
Burt, Mr., 332.
Burton,- or Barton, Mr. , 305, 372.
Burwpod,Mr., 497.
Bury, Mr.', 497.
Bush, Mr., 246.
Bushell, Mr., 526.
•Byfield, Mr. Richard, 90, 126, 252,
341, 344, 361, 400, 490, 492, 498, 531,
538.
Byfield, Mr. Adoniram (chief Scribe),
75, 211, 234, 304, 343, 369, 404, 475,
477, 485, 492, 499, 518, 519, 521, 525.
526 ; Mr. Nathaniel, 524, 527.
Barney Castle, 27.
Bashinshaw, 475.
Bath, 223.
Berhamstead, 246.
Blockley, 343.
Bride's, London, 335.
Bromley, 253, 268, 282.
Bushey, 207, 208.
Cabecke, Mr., 527.
Cade, Mr., 236.
Cage, Mr. William, 525.
*CaIamy, Mr. (Edmund), 5, 12, 26, 35,
42, 57. i5!-4. 252, 394, 477. 490, 5°8,
5i9-
Calvert, Mr., 27.
Cambridge, Vice-Chancellor of (Hill),
•Heads of Colleges of, 181, 186.
Canterbury, Archbishop of, 96, 361.
Cappage, Mr., 333.
Carey, Mr., 95.
Carleton, Mr., 532, 533. '
Carpenter, Mr., 324, 327.
Carre, Mr., 334, 342.
•Carter, Mr. (Samuel)?; Mrs., his
widow, 177, 207.
•Carter, Mr. (Thomas), senior, 108, 252,
. 5l8. 535 ; °f Dinton, 189, 331, 477,
49L 517-
•Carter, Mr. (William), 17, 19, 36, 47,
58, 191, 469 ; junior, 22r, 231, 252,
293. 297. 3°3. 3°7. 33*. 337. 396.
483 ; of London, 115, 491, 538.
*Caryl, or Carrill, Mr. (Joseph), io, 81,
187, 252, 498, 522; Mr., 536.
*Case, Mr. Thos., 79, 228, 253, 467, 515.
Casinghurst, or Cassinghurst, Mr.
Robert, 317, 320, 323.
Casle, Mr., 483.
Causey, orCawsey, Mr. Lactantius, 503.
,*Cawdry, Mr. (Daniel), 22, 227, 252,
272, 460, 534. 537- .
Cawthorne, Mr., 300..
?Chambers, Mr. (or Dr. Humphrey),
3, 10, 252, 516.
Chaplyn, or Chaplin, Mr., 358, 485.
Charles, Mr., 298.
Chase, Mr., 341-3.
Cheshire, Mr., 342.

INDEX.

549

Chetwin, Mr., 351.
•Cheynel, or Channell, Dr. (Francis),
63, 162, 168, 505-7.
Chudsley, or Chadsley, Mr., 327.
Clare, Mr., 518.
Clark, Mr., or Mr. William, 58, 256,
257. 33L 349. 352. 358, 361. 376, 378,
480, 508, 533, 537; Sr (fellow), 76.
Clarke, Mr. Seth, 323.
Clarkeson, Sr (fellow), 76.
Claxton, Mr., 534.
Clay, Mr., 500.
'Clayton, Mr. (Richard), 76, 215, 517.
Cleaver, Mr. William, 495-7.
Cloggey, Mr., army chaplain, 284.
Clopton, or Clapton, Mr., 249, 253,
328, 488.
Close, Mr., 167.
•Clotworthy, Sir John, 82.
Coales, Mr., 27.
Cocke, Mr. Robert, 353.
Coe, Mr. Abner, fellow of Keyes or
Caius College, 34.
Cole, Mr., 224.
•Coleman, Mr. (Thomas), 3, n, 34, 67,
117-8, 182, 187, 193-7, 204-8, 213,
424-8.
Collier, Mr., 229, 345, or Collyer, 343,
535-
Collins, Mr., 323, 325, 502.
Colson, Mr., 133.
Coltman, Mr., 518.
Comins, or Commins, John, 486.
Congham, or Longham, Mr., 333 ;
Robert, 340, 341, 374, 376.
•Connant, Mr. (John), 22, 228, 252,
525-
Conningham, Mr., 406.
Connington, Mr., 493.'
Cooke, Mr., 185, 528, 529, 533; Henry,
346; "Sir John, 430, 431.
Cooper, Mr., 320; John, 536, 539.
Coplestone, Mr., 490.
Coppin, Mr., 314.
•Corbet, Mr. (Edward), of Merton Col
lege, 3, 43, 87, 95, 252, 256.
•Corbet, Mr. (Edward), of Norfolk,
239, 294, 384, 477, 47s. 481. 482,
5°S. 534-
Cotton, Nathan, 164.
Couch, Mr. John, 500, 501.
Cox, Hugh, 486 ; Mr., 520, 525 ; Mr.
Benjamin, 533.
Crabb, or Crab, Mr., 357, 497. 498-
Craddicot, Mr., 303.
Craddocke, Mr., Fellow Trinity Col
lege, 91, 171.
Cradocke, B.D., Mr., Itin. Preacher,
266, 293, 296, 476.
Cranadge, or Cramidge, Mr., 315.
Cresset, Mr., 518, 521.
Cresswell, Mr., 404.
Creswicke, Mr., 501.
Creyton, Mr., 266.
Crompton, Mr., 295, 300.
•Crosse, Mr. (Robert), 365, 366; Mr.,
352. 489.
Crossfield, Mr., 530.

Crumpe, Mr., 536.
Cudworth, Mr. Ralph, 90 ; Mr. George,
5o5-
Cuffe, Mr., 314, 317,
CufTely, Mr., 476.
Culverwall, or Culverwell, Mr., 524.
Cummin, Mr., 490.
Cummins, Mr. Thomas, Fellow of  ,
62.
Cusanes, Mr. William, 507.
Cushing, Mr., 524.
Cusington, or Cushington, Mr. Henry,
478, 482.
Cambridge, city or shire, 485 ; Univer
sity of, 23, 90, 185.
Canterbury, Cathedral, 301.
Carisbrooke, 525.
Carlisle, 484.
Chester, 135.
Chigwall, 334.
Chipstead, 502,
Corfe, 525.
Croydon, 133, 159, 341, 384.
Cumberland, 3, 178, 180, 185.
Daffy, Mr. , 495 ; vid. Duffy.
Dale, Mr., 12.
Dalton, Mr., 263.
Danniell, or Damnell, Sr, Fellow of  ,
7i-
Darrell, Mr., 532 ; Mr. Thomas, 535 ;
Mr. Walter, 535.
Dashfield, Mr., 408, 409, 410.
Daunser, Mr. Garnons, 497.
Daux, or Dunn, 298.
Davis, or Davies, Mr. William, 333,
337, 344, 478 ; Mr. Randolph, 345.
Dawson, Mr., 539.
Deane, Mr., 351.
Death, Mr., 344, 345.
Debanke, or Debarke, Mr., 323.
•Delamarch, Mr. (John), 3, 252, 517.
•Delaplace, Mr. (Samuel), 3, 34, 62, 75,
252, 518, 520.
Delaplace, Mr. Daniel, Fellow of  ,
86.'
•Delmy, Mr. (Philip), 48, 94, 252, 475,
493. 499. 533-
Denny, Mr., 477.
Deperier, or De Perier, Monsieur, 212.
Devereux, Jonathan, 505.
Diamond, Mr., 503, 504.
Dickenson, Mr., 356, 357, 361.
Dickes, Diks, or Dix, Mr., 212, 213,
235. 237. 238- 239. 341. 343. 344-
Dike, Mr. Daniel, 129.
Dingly, Mr., 391.
Dobson, Mr., 530.
Dod, Mr., 91, 322.
Dodwell, Mr., 95.
Dollinder, Mr., 148, 159.
Dormer, Peter, 532.
Dorwood, Mr., 517, 525, 526,
Douglas, Mr., 509.
Downes, or Dawe,s, Mr., 533.
Drake, Mr., 314 ; Mr. George, 525, 529.
Draper, Mr., 501, 527, 528.
Drayton, Mr., 336.

55°

INDEX.

Dryland, Mr. John, 130.
Duffy, Mr. , 236 ; vid. Daffy.
Duncan, Mr., 384.
Dunn, Mr. [not Daux], 298.
*Dury, Mr. (John), 121, 126, 252, 477,
493. S°r-
Durham. 22, 107, 180.
Devon, 336.
East, Mr., 178, 529.'
Edwards, Mr. Richard, 322 ; Mr. Hugh,
525, 526,, 528.
Egglesfield, Mr. Ganon (?) or Gawin,
481, 489.
Elcocke, vid. Clarke, Mr. Seth, 323.
Eldred, Mr,, 386.
Elks, William, 505, 507.
Ellis, Mr. Humphry, 184, 185, 189, 190 ;
Mr. Thomas, 516, 517.
Ellistom, Mr., 502.
Erie, Sir Walter, M.P., 415.
f Erskine, Sir Charles, 40.
•Essex, The Earl of, 111 ; Funeral of,
297.
Estbrooke, Mr., 514.
Esthorpe, Mr., 369 ; vid. Estrop.
Estman, Mr., '377.
Estrop, Mr., 352.
Evans, Mr. Daniel, 335, 403.
Eve, or Rees? Mr., 367.
•Evelyn, Sir John, M.P., 225, 448, 455.
Everdon, or Everndon, Mr., 534.
Eyre, Mr. John, 394.
Ermington, 273.
Esington, York, 340.
Essex, 190;
Fairfax, Sir Thomas, afterwards Lord,
71, 90, 188, 407, 408 ; ' The General, '
499 ; Mr. John, Fellow of  , 36 ;
Mr., 538.
Farrar, Farrer, Mr., 177 ; Mr. Richard,
343.
Fen, Mr., 348.
Fetherstone, Mr., 321, 323, 330, 331,
333-
Fiddes, Mr., 484, 493.
Field, Mr., Fellow of Christ College, 37.
Fiennes, Mr. Nathaniel, M.P^ 225, 449.
Firmin, Mr., 501.
Fish, Mr. George, 497.
Fisher, Mr., 329.
Floate, Mr., 367.
Flower, Mr., 162, 532.
Floyd, Mr., 327, 506 ; David, 332. '
Forbes, Mr., 513.
*Ford, Mr. (Thomas), 96, 126.
Foster, Mr., 537.
Fothergill, Mr. Thomas, 519.
Foulke, Alderman (of London), 213,
437; Mr., 347, 348, 351.
Fowler, Mathew, 486.
•Foxcroft, or Foxeroft, Mr. (John), 63,
124, 489, 507.
Foyson, Mr., 344.
Frame, Mr., doorkeeper, 68.
Francis, Mr. William, 502, 503.
Francklin, Mr., 296.

Franke, Mr., 529.
Freeman, Mr., 107, 108, in, 332.
French, Mr., of Emanuel College, 41 ;
Mr., 329.
Fuller, Mr. John, 501 ; Ignatius, 506.
Fobbing, 232.
Gage, Mr., 534.
Gaiton, Mr., 333.
Gale, Mr., 365.
Ganning, or Gunning, Mr. , 490.
Gardner, Mr., 532.
Garlake, Mr., 522.
Garley, Mr., 495, 503.
Garret, Mr. John, 519.
Garthwaite, Mr., 305, 330, 335.
*Gataker, Mr. (Thos.), 67, 91, 118, 243,
281, 444.
Gelley, or Gilley, Mr., 497.
Gerrard, Mr., 481.
Gibbart, or Gilbert, Mr., 172, 182, 217,
497, 508 ; Thomas, 343 ; Mr. Eleazor,
510, 511, 513, 524.
Gibbings, Mr., 527.
Gibbon, Mr. Bartholomew, 525.
Gibson, Mr. Alex., 58 ; Mr. John, 502.
*Gibson, Mr. (Samuel), 3, 252, 298.
Gifford, Mr. Robert, 513.
Giles, Mr., 117, 352.
•fGillespie, Mr. George, 7, n, 18, 25, 28,
77, 82, 84, 92, 151, 181, 194, 199 ; his
book, 261 ; 308, 314, 343 ; takes leave
of Assembly, 401 ; 430-2, 442-3.
•Gipps, or Gippes, Mr. (George), 87,
219. 394. 517-
Gladman, Mr., 364.
Glisson, Mr., 215.
Glover, Mr. Samuel, 347.
Gobert, Mr., 250, 253, 254, 255, 281,
478, 481..
Godly, Mr., 478.
Goldsmith, Mr., 387.
Gone, or Gove, Mr., 335, 337, 340, 357,
380 ; vid. also Gore.
*Good, Mr. (William), 66, 207, 208,
218, 252, 479.
Goodall, Mr., 27.
Goodday, Sr, Fellow of  , 41.
Goodman, Mr., 539.
•Goodwin, Mr. (afterwards Dr. Thos.),
5, 7, 8, 18, 24, 26, 30, .32, 43, 46, 52,
58. "3. 157. I58. 231,-244, 252 ; Mr.,
265, 535.
Goodyere, Mr. Henry, 336.
Gore, Mr., 192, 358 ; or Gere, 243 ; vid.
also Gove.
Gosbrough, Mr., 103.
*Gouge, Dr. (William), assessor after
Palmer, 1, 25, 40, 93, no, 171, 252,
335. 347. 4°2, 443, 460, 493, 494, 524,
525-
Gough, Mr. John, 481.
Gowen, Mr. Rowland, 525, 526, 527.
*Gower, Mr. (Stanley), 71, 252, 348,
408, 474, 477, 478, 488, 498, 537.
Graile, Mr., 538.
Granger, Mr., 535.
Gray, Mr., 167.

INDEX.

551

*Greene, Mr. (John), 19, 252, 479, 500;
Mr., 357, 358, 532.
Greenhead, Mr., 534.
*Greenhill, Mr. (William), 19, 231, 253,
297. 3°3. 49°-
Greenwood, Mr., 284, 286, 293, 400.
Gregory, Mr., 239.
Gregson, Mr., 483.
Grew, Mr., 299.
Griffith, Mr., 322.
*Guibon, Mr. (John), 44, 62, 332.
Guernsey, 165, 166, 172.
Hackesworth, or Hawkeworth, Mr.,
381.
Hacket, Mr. Edward, 522.
Hackwell, or Huckwell, Mr. Herbert,
334-
Haine, Mr., 231, 233; Mr. Morgan,
503, 504, 505, 507.
Hale, Mrs., 147.
Halifax, Mr., 337.
Hall, Mrs., widow of *H. Hall, 327.
Hall, Mr., 328; Samuel, 337, 341, 342,
344, 345, 348; Edmund, 353, 369,
370, 376. 377. 382. 383. 53°. 534-
Hallet, Mr., 478.
Halliday, Mr., 522, 523, 526.
Hailing, Mr., 535.
Hammond, Dr., 162.
Hampton, Mr., 306.
Hanley, Mr. John, 363, 368.
Hanson, Mr. Nathaniel, 484.
•Hardwicke, Mr. (Humphry), M.A.,
10, 252, 478, 536.
•Harley, Sir Robert, M.P., 71, 74, 82,
125, 183 ; Colonel, 417.
Harrington, Mr., 91 ; Edward, 504, 505.
*Harris, Mr. (Robert, afterwards Dr.),
10, 91, 100, 159, 258 ; Mr., 273, 477.
Harrison, Mr., 314, 528, 534, 536.
Hart, Mr., 298, 522.
Hartlip, or Hartlieb, Mr. (Samuel), 69.
Harvey, Mr., 537, 538.
Harward, Mr., 491, 504, 509.
Harwood, Mr., 342, 344.
*Haselrigge, Sir Arthur, 435.
Hathway, Mr., 166.
Haward, Mr., 347.
Hawkins, Mr., 313, 376.
Hawling, Mr., 487.
Heiron, or Hieron, Mr., 309, 497, 537.
fHenderson, Mr. Alexander, 7, 9, 22,
25, 31, 41, 42, 43. 49. 73. Is8. 432.
Henson, Mr. Robert, 500.
Herbert, Mr., 317, 319.
•Herle, Mr. (Charles, Prolocutor after
Dr. Twisse), 5, 9. *3. 25, 52. 54. 56.
60, 65, 66, 67, 91, 252; Prolocutor,
258, 472, 473, 475. 485. 49L 499. 524.
Herle, Mrs., 147.
•Herricke, Mr. (Richard), 255, 509.
Herring, Mr., 134, 147-
Hewet, Mr., 346, 536.
Heyson, Mr., 307.
•Hickes, Mr. Qaspar), 3, 298, 368, 495.
526, 532; Mr., 500.
Higgenbotham, Mr., 356, 357. 358-

Higginson, or Higgins, Mr., 481, 489,
537.
•Hill, Mr. (Thomas), 14, 22, 59, 64, 79 ;
Dr., 505.
Hill, Mr., 336; Mr. John, 337, 530.
Hillard, or Hiliard, Mr. , 533.
Hinsham, Mr. Tristam, 189.
Hinton, Mr., 333.
Hitche, Mr., 314.
•Hodges, Mr. (Thomas), 22, 34, 332,
364, 47S, 493, 517; Mr., 485.
Hogg, Mr., 537.
Holcroft, Mr., Fellow of  , 66.
Holden, Mr., 243.
Holmes, Mr. Nehemiah, 373.
Hone, Mr., 348.
Hooke, Mr., 309; Mr. Richard, 501,
524-
Hopkins, Mr., 370.
Hore, Mr., 314.
Horley, Mr., 174, 177, 411.
Home, Mr., 392.
Horrocks, Mr., 177, 526.
Horson, Mr., 539.
Horton, Mr., 229.
Houghton, Mr., 294; Sir Richard, 415.
Houlden, Mr., of St. John's College, 56.
How, Mr. William, 318.
Howard, or Haward, Mr., 41, 300.
Howell, Mr., 485.
Howes, or Hawes, Mr., 327, 331.
•Hoyle, Dr., 61, 69, 91, 252, 281, 377,
395. 485-
Hughes, Mr., 95.
Hunchsett, Mr., 480.
Hunt, Mr., 299, 485, 504 ; Mr. Richard,
401.
Hampshire, 185.
Hemingford Abbot, 507.
Hertfordshire, 63.
Holden, 89.
Holland, 38.
Hull, 103.
Irby, Sir Antony, M.P., 415.
Isackson, Mr., 506.
Isham, Mr., 342, 343.
Ireland, 38, 44, 82.
Jackson, Mr., 288, 305, 310, 313, 528,
531 ; Dr., 301.
Jagard, Mr., 176.
James, or Janis, Mr., 296, 333, 498 ;
David, 347, 349.
Jefferson, or Jeafferson, Mr., 509.
Jefferyes, Mr., 493.
Jellinger, or Sellinger, Mr., 332, 339.
Jenkins, Mr., 249; or Jenkinson, Mr.,
533. 534-
Jennings, Mr., 327, 499. ,
Jennway, or Janeway, Mr. William,
501.
Jephson, Colonel, 82.
Jerom, Mr., 390, 400, 476.
jesop, Mr. Thomas, 339, 340.
Joase(?), Sr., 91.
•Johnson, Mr. (Robert), '207, 210, 219,
298, 344. 527, 539 I Mr-- 483. 533-

552

INDEX.

Jones, Mr., 227; Samuel, 333, 483.
485 ; Mr. John, 489 ; Mr., 510, 525,
528, 538.
Justice, Mr., 497,
Keeling, Mr., 171.
Kennity, or Kennedy, Mr., 501.
Kent, Mr., 348, 490.
Kidner, Mr. Thomas, 527,
Kimberley, Mr., 529.
Kiffin, or Tiffin, 341.
King, Mr., 310; Mr. Esekias, 497, 530.
Kirby, Mr., 118, 119.
Knight, Mr., 294.
Knightbridge, Mr., Fellow of  , 88.
Knightley, Mr., M.P., 415.
Knowles, or Knoles, Mr., 96, 374.
Kent, 370.
Ladbroke, Mr., 257.
Lagat, Mr., 529.
Laite, Mr., 376.
Lambe, Mr., 389, 391 ; Mr. Joseph, 537.
Lancaster, Mr. Robert, 530, 531.
•Lance, or Launce, Mr. (William), 301,
3J5. 3Z7. 324. 325. 327. 33s. 339.
506-23.
Langden, Mr. Samuel, Fellow of  ,
36-
•Langley, Mr. (John), 3, 172, 252, 483 ;
Mr., 501, 502.
Latham, Mr., 370, 503.
^Lauderdale," John Earl of, 88, 190, 320,
35°. 473. 475. 47»-
Lawrence, Mr., 491, 536.
Lawry, Mr., 332, 342, 482.
Lawson, Mr., 94, 257, 357, 515.
Lea, or Lei, Mr., 335, 482.
Leake, Mr., 524.
Leare, Leer, or Leere, Mr. John, 336,
337. 347-
Leatherhead, Mr., 68.
Leaver, Mr., 244, 298.
Lee, Colonel, M.P., 415.
Leigh, Mr., 191.
Lenthall, Sir John, M. P. (Speaker of
House of Commons), 104.
Leslie, Mr., 495.
Levitt, Mr., 503 ; Mr. Nicholas, 532.
Lewis, Mr., 270, 405.
•Ley, Mr. (John), 12, 27, 29, 78, 86,
227, 252, 273, 338, 430, 458 ; Mr.,
496, 497.
Lidston, Mr., 498.
•Lightfoot, Mr. (afterwards Dr. John),
7, 102, 130, 156, 157, 177, 200, 215,
252. 439-48. 49i. 533. 537-
Lile, Mr., 503.
Lilly, Mr., 180.
Linch, Mr. Simon, 345.
Lindsey, Mr. John, 89.
Litall, Mr., 528.
Lloyd, Mr. , 328, 358 ; Humphry, 374.
Loase, Sr., 91.
Lodgerd, Mr. William, 89.
Long, Mr. Thomas, 503 ; Mr. George,
506.
Longham; vid. Congham.

fLoudon, Earl of, 12, 77, 106, 174,
3^5. 47i-
•Love, Dr., Master of Trin. Cam., 23.
Low. or Loe, Mr. , 247, 535.
Lowther, Mr., 217.
Lucas, Mr., 484, 533.
Lukey, Mr., 320.
Lambeth, 239.
Lin, or Lyn, West, 500 ; North, 501.
Lincoln, 87.
London, Churches, 102 ; Service in,
108 ; Ministers of, 174 ; Trustees of,
361 ; St. Edmund's, 522.
Long Whaddon, 534,
Loughborough, 475.
Madewell, Mr., 299.
Maitland, Lord; vid. Lauderdale.
Maiden, Mr. Laus Deo, 481.
Malins, Mr., 385.
Mallowes, Mr., 537.
Malthouse, or Malthus, Mr., 314, 319.
Man, Mr. , 224, 244 ; Mr. Stephen, 342,
532-
•Manchester, Earl of, 23, 46, 58, 90,
532-
Manias, Mr., 518.
Mapleden, Mr., 338.
Marriot, Mr., 291.
Marsdale, Mr., 481.
Marsden, Mr., 292,- 499.
Marshall, Mr., 368, 479, 481, 489,
496.
•Marshall, Mr. (Stephen), 1, 4-6, 11-25,
29-41, 48, 72, 85, 86, 92, 109, 114,
r53> r55> z57. x79> x83. sg6, 216, 248,
252, 297, 433, 434, 485, 487, 491, 492,
518, 520, 523, 525.
Martin, Mr., 386 ; Mr. Richard, 500,
508.
Mason, Mr. Marmaduke, 89, 392, 411,
535. 539-
•Massam, Sir William, 21, 47 ; vid.
Masson.
Massey, Mr. John, 165.
•Masson, Sir William, M. P. , 494 ; Mr. ,
389 ; vid. Massam.
Masterton, or Masterson, Mr., 300.
Maston, Mr., 536.
Masy, Magy, or Mazy, Mr., 269 ; Mr.
John, 336.
Mathews, Mr., 510, 511, 524.
Maurice, Mr., 521, 534.
Mawdit, Mr., 364.
•Maynard, Mr. (John), 3, 202, 428,
429, 500.
Mazy, Mr., vid. Massy, 269.
Meherne, or Meyherne, Sir Theodore,
212.
M ells, Mr., 230; Mell, Mr., 371.
Melvin, Mr., 98.
Meredeth, Mr., 335.
Merricke, Mr. Francis, 332, 333, 335,
336, 341.
•Mew, Mr. (William), 3, 515, 538. ,
Michael, Mr., 529.
•Michaelthwaite, Mr. (Thomas), 48,
123.

INDEX.

55;

Michell, or Mitchell, Mr., 119, 183, 483.
"Mildmay, Sir Henry, 185, 189, 190.
Miles, Mr., 369, 533.
Millar, Mr., 179, 186.
Millington, Mr., 170, 213.
Moore, Mr., 172, 173, 293, 298 ; Mr.
William, 293, 314, 319.
Morley, or Worley, Mr. , 340, 530.
Morris, or Morice, or Maris, Mr., 125,
126, 130, 533, 537.
Morton, Mr., 215, 227, 499.
Moses, Mr. William, Fellow of  ,
36-
Mosier, or Mesier, Mr. ,315.
Mulhausen, or Woolhausen, Mr. Rich.,
489.
Mun, Mr. Stephen; vid. Man.
Morpeth, 180.
Munden in Essex, 526.
Nathall, Mr., 229.
Neale, or Nevill, Mr., 124-7, I3°> I65.
168, 324, 326, 360, 509.
Nells ; vid. Wells. "
Nesbitt, Mr., 334.
Newall, Mr., 329.
Newberry, Mr., 318.
•Newcomen, Mr. (Matthew), 13, 24,
208, 252, 469.
Newham, or Newburn, Mr. John, 332.
Newman, One, 147 ; Mr. , 363.
Newton, Mr., 292.
Nicholls, Mr. Samuel, Fellow of  ,
22.
Nicholson, or Nichosson, Mr., 482.
Norris, Mr., navy chaplain, 68, 498.
North, Mr., 248.
•Ny, or Nye, Mr. Philip, 4, 5, 17, 25,
32, 34, 38, 43-7, 73, 84, 169, 194, 230,
231, 252, 303, 307, 365, 430, 431, 490,
518, 538 ; Mr. John, 318 ; Mrs. , widow
of Mr. •Henry, 327.
Newton Longueile, 517.
Norfolk, 239, 478 ; Norwich, 87.
Northumberland, 22.
Nottingham, 27.
Oldworth, Mr. Joseph, 484.
Orme, Mr. Richard, 501.
Orton, Mr. James, 342, 343 ; Mr. John,
343-
Osborne, Mr, 499.
Owen, Mr., 240, 241, 484 ; Morris, 485.
Packe, Mr., 525.
Packwood, Mr., 351.
Padfield, Mr., 536.
Paine, or Peine, Mr., 215, 218, 335, 337,
505, 510, 531.
•Palmer, Mr. (Herbert, assessor after
White), 1, 3, 6, 7, 10, 14, 17, 18, 20,
32, 34, 52, 86, 94, 100, 132, 142-7,
151-3, 173-4, 176, 202, 218, 226, 227,
249, 252, 269, 312, 316, 338, 363, 384,
, 407, 409, 425-9, 444-7, 4?3. 484. 489 ;
Sr, Fellow of  , 76 ; Mr. Thomas,
345-
Parker, Mr., 487.

Parry, or Parrie, Mr., 495, 528.
Partington, Mr., 517, 518.
Partree, Mr., 493.
Partridge, Mr., 495.
Paston, Mr., 240.
Peachy, Mr, 250, 252.
•Peale, Mr., 178.
Peapes, Mr., 526.
Peirce, Mr., 494, 495, 497, 498, 500,
5°2. 5°3-
Peircevall, Mr., 535.
Peirson, Mr., 496.
•Pembroke, Earl of, 9, 240.
Perkins, Mr., 257, 489.
•Perne, Mr. (Andrew), 24, 252, 304,
35L 517-
Perrot, Mr., 302.
Pettit, Mr., 300, 324, 384.
Phelps, Mr., 513.
•Phillips, Mr. (John), 123, 231, 394.
Pibus, Mr. Henry, 486-8.
•Pickering, Mr. (Benjamin), 82, 479.
Pinckney, Mr., 177.
Pinney, Mr., 307.
Pisce, Mr., 530.
Pitt, Mr. Nicholas, 95.
Pledger, Elias, Fellow of  , 85 ; Mr. ,
495-
Poole, Mr., 486, 487.
Port, Mr., 526.
Porter, Mr., 482, 501.
Powell, Mr. Robert, 363.
Precious, Mr. 385, 395.
Presbury, Mr., 245, 247.
•Price, Mr. (William), 3, 64, 104, 156,
252, 304, 440, 482 ; Mr. Rees, 358,
360, 361.
Prichard, Mr., 505, 515.
Prideaux, Mr., 108.
Prime, Mr., 255.
Prince, Mr., 390.
Prine, Mr., 491.
Prior, or Pryor, Mr, , 294.
Pritty, or Pretty, Mr., 505; Mr. Samuel,
5°7-
•Prophet, Mr. (Nicholas), 22, 129, 133,
165, 252, 347, 480, 496, 503, 504.
Proud, Mr., 346.
Pue, or Pugh, Mr., 504.
Pulley, Mr., 243.
Purefoy, or Puresey, Colonel, 316.
Pye, Mr. Thomas, 530 ; Sir Robert,
M.P.,415.
Pypard, Mr. John, Fellow of  , 22.
Painswicke, 517, 525.
Petersfield, 273.
Rainbow, Mr., 243.
Rastall, Mr., 192, 515.
•Rathband, Mr., 147; vid. Wrathband.
Rawiins, Mr., 399 ; Nathan, 505.
Rawson, Mr. James, 502.
Ray, Mr., 122.
Raymond, Mr., 535.
•Rayner, Mr. (William), 22, 87, 196,
252. 334. 377, 49°-
Read, Mr., 248.
Reading, Mr., 71, 239-40.

554

INDEX.

Redgrave, Mr., 495.
Rees, or Eve, Mr., 367.
Reeve, Mr., 263; William, 477.
Reimes, Mr., 328. (
Remington, Mr., 357, 362, 482.
Retchford, Mr., 489.
•Reynolds, Mr. (afterwards Dr. Ed
ward), 24, 26, 32, 36, 62, 82, 9r, no,
129, 135-42, 151-4, 165, 175,. 227,
255. 417-
Reynolds, Mr., 229, 23o-i9.
Rholt, or Rolt, Mr., 376, 531.
Ricards, or Richards, Mr., 299,, 300,
399, 400, 535.
Richardson, Mr., 383.
Richner, Mr., 477.
Riffin ; vid. Tiffin.
Rigby, Mr. Edward, 532.
Ringwood, Mr., 373.
Rivett, Mr. Andrew, 167, 168.
Roberts, Mr., 248, 314, 324, 343, 516,
518.
Robinson, Mr. Ralphs ±, 2 ; Mr. , 499,
502.
Robrough, Mr. (scribe), 172, 211, 368,
524-
Rochet, or Rocket, Mr., 210, 212.
Rolfe, Mr., 88.
Rood, Mr., 515.
Rose, Mr. Isaac, 503.
Rosewell, Mr., 63, 389.
Rosse, Mr., 503.
•Rouse, Mr. (Francis, M.P.), 107, 120,
131, 258, 287, 309, 415, 429 ; Rouse's
Psalms, 131, 163, 418.
Rowlet, Mr., 487.
Ruddock, Mr. Robert, 493.
•Rudyard, Sir Benjamin, 455.
Russel, or Rushell, Mr. William, 5p6.
fRutherford, Mr. (Samuel), 7-9, 17, 26,
31-8, 42-9, 63, 64, 91, 150-3, 196,
249. 448, 479. 484, 487-
Rutter, Mr,; 134.
Rodwinter, 232, 237.
Rotheram, 195.
Sagge, Mr., 322.
"Salway, Mr. (Arthur), 3, 22, 234, 252,
395. 484. 5°2,'528.
Samford, or Sanford, Mr., 327.
Samon, Mr., 315; Mr. John, 521, 528.
Sampson, Mr. William, 525, 529.
Sanderson, Mr., 298.
Sap, Mr., 240.
Sarson, Mr., 195, 408.
Saunders, Mr., 103, 288; Richard, 337;
Luke, 341.
Savory, Mr., 539.
Saxby, Mr., 323.
Scargill, Mr., 251, 252.
Scot, Mr., 228, 232, 266, 394.
Scotorers, or Scortwerth (?), Mr., 497.
•Scudder, Mr. (Henry), 108, 252, 346,
364, 407, 483, 502.
Seabrooke, Mr. John, 316 ; Mr. Gilbert,
. 3i3, 3T7. 332-
•Seaman, Mr. (afterwards Dr. Lazarus),
7, 8, 10, 18, 19, 24, 49, 50-6, 61-8, 86,

93-5, 150-4, 195. 2ir, 252, 340, 368,
412, 425, 433, 440 ; Mr., 476.
Sedden, Mr., 535.
•Sedgwicke, Mr. (Obadiah), 5, 6, 44,
219, 252, 392, 475, 493, 5°3, 5°7-
Selby, Mr., 237.
Sellinger ; vid. Jellinger.
Selsby, Mr., 514.
Sereard, or Seward, Mr., 502.
Serle, Mr., 534.
Shallibras, Mr., 539.
Sharpe, Mr.,, 531, 535, 537.
Shaw, Mr., 327, 339, 340, 484.
Sheffield, Mr., 497.
Shiene, Mr., 304. — — "
Shingle, Mr., 314.
Shipden, Mr., 165.
Shone, or Jones (?), Mr., 497.
Shorter, Mr., 247, 250.
Sickes, Mr. George (Fellow of  ),
36; Mr., 509.
Silverwood, Mr., 348, 517.
Simmes, or Samnes, Mr., 490.
Simner, or Simmer, Mr. Archd., 338.
Simonds, Sr (Fellow of  ), 41 ; Mr.,
2661 298, 301, 317.
Simons, Mr. Jaspar, 517.
Simpkins, Mr., 353.
•Simpson, Mr. (Sidrach), 17, 46, 53,
231, 252, 293, 297, 321, 328, 330-3,
365, 396>.399> 535,; Mr- Martin, 406;
Mr. Simon, 482, 515,
Simson, Henry, 486.
Sinckler, or Sinclair (?), Mr., 323.
Skipp, Mr. Edmund, 501.
Skynes, Mr., 537.
Slaney, Mr., 317.
Smalwood, Mr. , 364.
Smart, Mr., 172; Samson, 505, 506.
Smelt, or Smell, Mr., 323, 326.
•Smith, Dr. (Brocket, or Peter), 22, 133,
241, 252, 308, 349, 391, 447, 493, 500,
501, 521 ; *Smith, Peter, 62.
Smith, Mr. Robert, 193, 196, 318, 504 ;
Mr. Samuel, 344, 345, 403 ; Mr.
George, 343; Mr., 177, 314, 358, 393,
481, 498, 531.
Smithies, Mr., 299; Mr. Isaac, 480.
Snelling, Mr., 481.
Southwicke, Mr., 505.
Spalding, Mr., 535.
Sparkes, Mr., 533.
Spendlow, Mr. Thomas, 329.
Spinnage, Mr. Richard, 320, 322.
Sprigge, Mr., 230, 468, 535.
*Spurstow, Mr. (afterwards Dr. Wil--
ham), 59, 88, 90, 227, 252, 459, 481,
530.
Stanely, Sr (Fellow of  ), 76.
Stanly, or Stanley, Mr., 372, 521, 522,
523, 526.
Stansby, Mr. Robert, 334.
•Stanton, Dr. (Edward), 22, 41, 88, 129,
252, 276, 349, 361, 476, 531.
Stepes, Mr. Jacob, 494.
Stephens, Mr., 387.
•Sterry, Mr. (Peter), 63.
Steynmer, Mr., 534.

INDEX.

555

Stileman, Mr. , 528.
Stockes, Mr., 477; Alexander, 477.
Stooke, Mr., 528.
Storer, Mr., 485.
Strachan, Mr., 532.
Street, or Strut, Mr., 124, 315, 401.
•Strickland, Mr. (John), 23, 208, 228,
490; Mr., 529.
•Strong, Mr. (William), 178, 179; 257,
5°3-
Swaine, Mr. , 299 ; William, 342.
Swan, Mr., 307, 518, 520.
Swift, Mr., 529.
Swinhoe, Mr., 534.
Salisbury, 104, 228.
Scotland, 5, 106, 114, 125, 126, 190, 343.
Scotland, General Assembly of Church
of, 24, 27, 88, 114, 167, 174, 479, 494,
508, 520.
Scotland, Commissioners from, 21, 27,
29, 32, 37, 39- 40, 44. 77. 8°. 82, 88,
91, 103, 106, no, 117, 119, 121, 164,
r74. J75. *79, x92. 207, 212, 356, 369,
479. 484. 487-
Sion College, 236.
Solhill, 240.
Sowerby, 98.
Stamfordham, 33.
Switzerland, 371.
Tailor, Mr., 162.
Tabor, or Taker, Mr., 334, 335.
Talbot, Mr., 182.
•Tate, Mr. (Touch, M.P.), 48, 74, 90,
101, 107, 125, 258, 294, 340.
Tatham, Mr., 532.
Taverner, Mr., 514.
•Taylor, Mr. (Francis), 16, 252, 301,
304, 477; Mr. John, 343; Mr., 487,
490, 498, 538.
•Temple, Dr. (Thomas), 8, 9, 16, 17,
44, 63, 81, 84, 91, no, 394, 410, 428-
31, 460, 490, 519.
Theodorick, Mr., 107, 519.
Thompson, Mr., 125, 481; John, 497.
Thornehill, Mr. Thomas, 489, 490.
•Thorowgood, Mr. (Thomas), 3, 97,
496, 537.
Thorpe, Mr., 233, 236, 239; Edmund,
331.
Tiffin, or Kiffin, Mr., 341.
•Tisdale, Mr., 58, 268.
Tise, Mr., 491.
Tombes, Mr., 172, 216.
Tompson, Mr., 89, 299, 30a, 373, 376.
Tookey, Mr., 498.
Tooley, Mr., 537.
Topham, Mr., 210.
Toulderly, Mr., 491.
Tracy, Mr., 495.
Trenchfield, Mr., 506.
Trigge, Mr., 509.
Troy, Mr., 313.
•Tuckney, Mr. (afterwards Dr. An
thony), 13, 20, 79, 91, 247, 281, 284,
295, 381, 384, 386, 388, 394, 395. 398,
401, 402, 479-89, 495, 496> 502. 520.
528.

Tudder, Mr., 534.
Tulley, Mr., 398, 399, 403.
Tuppe, or Tuppes, Mr., 296, 317.
Turk, A, 132.
Tutchin, Mr., 215.
Tutty, Mr., 185.
•Twisse, Dr. William, or Prolocutor,
29. 75. 76, 78, 134. 161, 167. 173- r78,
182, 190, 206, 228, 229, 243, 247, 258,
438.
Twisse, Mr. John, 336.
Thaxstead, 328, 342.
Tiverton, 335.
Underwood, Mr., 268.
Upton, Mr., 534.
Utrecht, 357, 362.
•Valentine, Mr. (Thomas), 70, 94,
252, 486, 490, 491.
Vandelure, Mr. Samuel, 58.
*Vane, Sir Henry, senior, 267, 435 ;
•junior, 180, 434.
Vaughan, Mr., 303, 370, 476.
Ventris, Mr. John, 502.
Vicars, Mr. John, 531.
Vigors, Mr., 495, 496.
Vinche, Mr. Peter (Fellow of  ), 48.
Viner, Mr., 167, T70.
•Vines, Mr. (Richard), 12, 24, 25, 67,
91, 100, 156, 159, 201, 203, 252, 321,
428, 433, 442, 499.
Vintner, or Vintnor, Mr., 339, 340.
Wade, Timothy, Sr (Fellow of  ,
Cambridge), 75, 76 ; Mr., 390.
Waile, Mr., 400, 401.
Waite, or Watt, Mr., 338.
Wales, Mr., 484.
•Walker, Mr. (George), 9, 252, 288,
391. 397, 493. 531; Mr-. 4i°; Mr-
John, 507.
Wall, Mr. John, 297.
Wallis, Mr. (John), 4 ; Scribe, 349, 483,
488, 495, 496, 504, 505, 537.
Walter, Mr., 266, 298, 301.
Walway, or Walley, Mr. , 335, 537.
Walwin, Mr., 329.
•Ward,, Mr. (John), 45, 184, 298, 484,
485, 491, 493, 518 ; Mr. Nathaniel,
479 ; Mr. Richard, 492, 496 ; Mr.,
333. 345. 35L 353. 357-
Wardrop, Andrew, 510.
Warren, Mr. Thomas, 318, 322, 329,
331, 363, 364; Mr. William, 494.
fWarriston, Sir Archibald Johnston of,
23, 192, 458, 459, 47i-
•Warwicke, Earl of, 68, 195 ; The
Admiral, 529.
Watkins, Mr., 195.
Watnough, Mr., 342.
Watson, Mr., 68, 352 ; Mr. Job, 503,
5°4-
Watts, Mr., 189, 224, 236, 237, 239,
310, 311, 316, 376 ; Mr. Thomas,
329, 332 ; Mr. William, 336.
Webb, a blasphemer, 10 ; Mr., 301,
508.

556

INDEX.

Weeckes, Mr., 481.
Welding, or Wilding, Mr., 344, 345.
Wells, Mr., 249, 252, 270, 300; Dr.,
481, 518, 531.
West, Mr., 356, 357, 398, 530.
Westwood, Mr., 88, 166, 252.
Wethered, or Wetherhead, Mr. Am
brose, 310, 346, 347, 348.
Wharfe, Mr., 510, 511.
Wharton, Mr. Launcelot, 489.
Wheatly, Mr. , 182 ; Cresswell, 339.
Whelpdale, Mr., 351, 371.
•Whitakers, Mr. (Jeremiah), 14, 15, 59,
86, 150, 151, 175, 179, 227, 252, 289,
444, 460, 469, 481, 482, 495, 496, 500,
506, 522, 532 ; Mr. Maclean, 503.
Whitchcott, Mr. (Prov. King's Coll.),
59-
•White, Mr. (John, Assessor), 22, 72,
79, 120, 160, 163, 173, 182, 211, 252,
530; Mr., 172, 177, 224, 482, 483,
495, 5°9 I Mr. John, 515.
Whitfield, Mr., 250, 411, 484.
Whitsey, Mr., 335. s
Whitting, Mr., 181, 184, 292, 537 ;
Mr. William, 318.
Widrington, Sir Thomas, 33.
Wildbore, Mr., 267, 274.
•Wilkinson, Mr. (Henry), 10, 124, 155,
172, 243 ; Mr., * junior, 485 ; Mr.
John, of Magdalen Hall, 95.
Williams, Mr. Richard, 333, 380, 504,
526, 527.
Wilmot, Mr., 383, 384, 498 ; Thomas,
504 ; Mr. John, 504.
•Wilson, Mr. (Thomas), 7, 19, 27, 62,
131, 252, 321, 325, 333, 349, 357, 366,
377, 384, 477, 478, 49°, 492; Mr.,
369-
Win, or Wynne, Mr., 535.
•Wincop, Dr., 44, 252.
Wing, Mr., 244.
Wingham, Dr., 125.
Winney, Mr., 537.
fWinrham, Mr., 330, 394, 395.
Witham, Mr., 493.

Withers, Mr., 352, 353.
Wolfhall, Mr. John, 33.
Wood, Mr., 193, 206, 212, 267, 332,
341, 346, 534.
Woodbridge, Mr., 529.
•Woodcocke, Mr. (Francis), 3, 243,
252, 405 ; Sr.- (fellow), 85.
Woodhouse, Mr., 497, 500.
Woodman, Mr. 294.
Woodroff, Mr., 263, 482.
Woodward, Mr., 344.
Woolhauson, or Mulhanson, Mr.
Richard, 489.
Wore, or More, or Moore, Mr., 500,
501.
Workeman, Mr., 502.
Worley, orWyrly, Mr., 334, 340, 341,
484.
Worthington, Mr., 352.
Wrathband, Mr. Nathaniel, 87, 98 ;
vid. Rathband.
Wright, Mr., 252, 299, 302 ; Chris
topher, 327.
Wyrly ; vid. Worley.
Walcheren, or Walacria, 15.
Wales, 266, 479.
Wapping, 148.
Waxfield, or Wattsfield, 120, 122.
Westminster, 102, 258.
Westmoreland, 3, 180.
Weston, 339.
Winchester, 184, 185, 190.
Winston, 148.
Woolnoth, Mary, London, _
Worcester, 331.
Yaxley, Mr., 351.
*Young, Mr. (afterwards Dr. Thomas),
1, 128, 153, 252, 347, 348, 475, 518,
525 ; Mr. Patrick, 193 ; Mr., 491, 493,
5°9-
Younger, Mr., 246.
York, or Yorkshire, 3, 27, 33, 87, 98,
101, 188, 500.
Zurich, 24, 508.

THE END.

YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

3 9002 03224 5459

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