THE
GENERALL
ASSEMBLY
,
At
EDINBURGH
1639.
Sess.
VIII
.
August
17.
1639.
Master
George
Grahame
his
renouncing
and
abjuring
of
Episcopacie
.
The
which
day
there
was
given
in
to
the
Assembly
,
direct
from
M.
George
Grahame
,
sometimes
pretended
Bishop
of
Orknay
,
an
abjuration
of
Episcepacie
,
subscribed
with
his
hand
,
which
was
publickly
read
in
andience
of
the
Assembly
;
and
thereafter
they
ordained
the
same
to
be
regestrat
in
the
Assembly
Books
ad
perpetuam
rei
memoriam
,
whereof
the
tenor
follows
.
TO
all
and
sundry
whom
it
effeirs
,
to
whose
knowledge
these
presents
shall
come
,
specially
to
the
reverend
and
honourable
Members
of
the
future
Assembly
to
be
holden
at
Edinburgh
the
twelfth
day
of
August
1639.
years
:
Me
Master
George
Graham
,
sometime
pretended
Bishop
of
Orknay
,
being
sorry
and
grieved
at
my
heart
that
I
should
ever
for
any
worldly
respect
have
embraced
the
order
of
Episcopacie
,
the
same
having
no
warrant
from
the
Word
of
God
,
and
being
such
an
order
,
as
hath
had
sensibly
many
fearfull
and
evill
consequences
in
many
parts
of
Christendome
,
and
particularly
within
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
as
by
dolefull
and
deplorable
experience
this
day
is
manifest
,
to
have
disclaimed
,
like
as
I
by
the
tenor
hereof
doe
altogether
disclaime
and
abjure
all
Episcopall
power
and
jurisdiction
,
with
the
whole
corruptions
thereof
,
condemned
by
lawfull
Assemblies
within
the
said
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
in
regard
the
same
is
such
an
order
as
is
also
abjured
within
the
said
Kirk
,
by
vertue
of
that
Nationall
Oath
which
was
made
in
the
years
1580.
and
1581.
promising
and
swearing
by
the
great
Name
of
the
Lord
our
God
,
That
I
shall
never
whiles
I
live
,
directly
or
indirectly
,
exerce
any
such
power
within
the
Kirk
,
neither
yet
shall
I
ever
approve
or
allow
the
same
,
not
so
much
as
in
my
private
or
publike
discourse
:
But
on
the
contrary
,
shall
stand
and
adhere
to
all
the
Acts
and
Constitutions
of
the
late
Assembly
holden
at
Glasgow
the
21.
of
Novem
.
1638.
last
by-past
,
and
shall
concurre
to
the
uttermost
of
my
power
,
sincerely
and
faithfully
,
as
occasion
shall
offer
,
in
executing
the
said
Acts
,
and
in
advancing
the
Work
of
Reformation
within
this
Land
,
to
the
glory
of
God
,
the
peace
of
the
Country
,
and
the
comfort
and
contentment
of
all
good
Christians
,
as
God
shall
be
my
help
.
In
testimony
of
the
which
premisses
,
I
have
subscribed
thir
presents
with
my
hand
at
Breeknes
in
Stronnes
,
the
eleventh
day
of
February
,
the
year
of
God
1639.
years
,
before
thir
witnesses
Master
Walter
Stuart
,
Minister
at
Southronnaldsay
,
Master
James
Heynd
,
Minister
at
Kirkwall
,
Master
Robert
Peirson
,
Minister
at
Firth
,
and
Master
Patrick
Grahame
,
Minister
at
Holme
,
my
son
.
Sess.
VIII
.
17.
Aug.
1639.
Act
containing
the
Causes
and
Remedie
of
the
by-gone
evils
of
this
Kirk
.
THe
Kings
Majestie
having
graciously
declared
,
That
it
is
His
Royall
will
and
pleasure
,
that
all
questions
about
Religion
,
and
matters
Ecclesiasticall
be
determined
by
Assemblies
of
the
Kirk
,
having
also
by
publike
Proclamation
indicted
this
free
nationall
Assembly
,
for
settling
the
present
distraction
of
this
Kirk
,
and
for
establishing
a
perfect
peace
,
against
such
divisions
and
disorders
as
have
been
sore
displeasing
to
His
Majestie
,
and
grievous
to
all
his
good
Subjects
.
And
now
His
Majesties
Commissioner
John
Earle
of
Traquair
,
intrusted
and
authorized
with
a
full
Commission
,
being
present
,
&
sitting
in
this
Assembly
,
now
fully
conveened
and
orderly
constitute
in
all
the
members
thereof
,
according
to
the
order
of
this
Kirk
,
having
at
large
declared
His
Majesties
zeal
to
the
reformed
Religion
,
and
His
Royall
care
and
tender
affection
to
this
Kirk
,
where
his
Majestie
had
both
His
Birth
and
Baptisme
,
His
great
displeasure
at
the
manifold
distractions
and
divisions
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
and
His
desires
to
have
all
our
wounds
perfectly
cured
with
a
fair
and
fatherly
hand
:
And
although
in
the
way
approven
by
this
Kirk
,
tryall
hath
been
taken
in
former
Assemblies
before
from
the
Kirk
registers
,
to
our
full
satisfaction
,
yet
the
Commissioners
Grace
making
particular
enquiry
from
the
members
of
the
Assembly
,
now
solemnely
conveened
,
concerning
the
reall
and
true
causes
of
so
many
and
great
evills
as
this
time
past
had
so
sore
troubled
the
peace
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
It
was
represented
to
His
Majesties
Commissioner
by
this
Assembly
,
That
beside
many
other
,
the
maine
and
most
materiall
causes
were
,
First
,
The
pressing
of
this
Kirk
,
by
the
Prelates
with
a
Service
Book
,
or
Book
of
Common
Prayer
,
without
warrand
or
direction
from
the
Kirk
,
and
containing
beside
the
Popish
frame
thereof
,
divers
Popish
errors
and
ceremonies
,
and
the
seeds
of
manifold
grosse
Superstitions
and
Idolatry
,
with
a
Book
of
Canons
,
without
warrand
or
direction
from
the
Generall
Assembly
,
establishing
a
tyrannicall
power
over
the
Kirk
in
the
person
of
Bishops
,
and
overthrowing
the
whole
discipline
and
government
of
the
Kirk
by
Assemblies
,
with
a
Book
of
Consecration
and
Ordination
,
without
warrand
of
Authoritie
,
Civill
or
Ecclesiasticall
,
appointing
offices
in
the
house
of
God
,
which
are
not
warranted
by
the
word
of
God
,
and
repugnant
to
the
discipline
and
Acts
of
our
Kirk
,
and
with
the
high
Commission
,
erected
without
the
consent
of
the
Kirk
,
subverting
the
jurisdiction
and
ordinary
Judicatories
of
this
Kirk
,
and
giving
to
persons
meerely
Ecclesiasticall
,
the
power
of
both
swords
,
and
to
persons
meerly
Civill
,
the
power
of
the
Keys
and
Kirk-sensures
.
A
second
cause
was
the
Articles
of
Perth
,
viz.
the
observation
of
Festivall
dayes
,
kneeling
at
the
Communion
,
Confirmation
,
Administration
of
the
Sacraments
in
private
places
,
which
are
brought
in
by
a
null
Assembly
and
are
contrary
to
the
Confession
of
Faith
,
as
it
was
meant
and
subscribed
Anno
1580.
and
divers
times
since
,
and
to
the
order
and
constitutions
of
this
Kirk
.
Thirdly
,
the
changing
of
the
government
of
the
Kirk
,
from
the
Assemblies
of
the
Kirk
to
the
persons
of
some
Kirkmen
,
usurping
prioritie
and
power
over
their
Brethren
,
by
the
way
,
and
under
the
name
of
Episcopall
government
,
against
the
Confession
of
Faith
,
1580.
against
the
order
set
downe
in
the
Book
of
Policy
,
and
against
the
intention
&
constitution
of
this
Kirk
from
the
begining
.
Fourthly
the
Civill
places
and
power
of
Kirk-men
,
their
sitting
in
Session
,
Councell
and
Exchequer
,
their
Riding
,
Sitting
,
and
voting
in
Parliament
,
and
their
fitting
in
the
Bench
as
Justices
of
peace
,
which
according
to
the
constitutions
of
this
Kirk
are
incompatible
with
their
spiritual
sanction
,
lifting
them
up
above
their
Brethren
in
worldly
pomp
,
and
do
tend
to
the
hinderance
of
the
Ministrie
.
Fiftly
the
keeping
&
authorizing
corrupt
Assemblies
at
Linlithgow
,
1606.
and
1608.
At
Glasgow
,
1610.
At
Aberdene
,
1616.
At
S.
Andrews
,
1617.
At
Perth
,
1618.
which
are
null
and
unlawfull
,
as
being
called
and
constitute
quite
contrary
to
the
order
and
constitutions
of
this
Kirk
received
and
practised
ever
since
the
Reformation
of
Religion
,
and
withal
laboring
to
introduce
novations
into
this
Kirk
,
against
the
order
and
Religion
established
.
A
sixth
cause
is
the
want
of
lawfull
and
free
Generall
Assemblies
,
rightly
constitute
of
Pastors
,
Doctors
,
and
Elders
yearly
,
or
oftner
prore
nata
,
according
to
the
libertie
of
this
Kirk
,
expressed
in
the
Book
of
Policy
,
and
acknowledged
in
the
Act
of
Parliament
,
1592.
After
which
the
whole
Assembly
in
one
heart
and
voyce
did
declare
,
that
these
and
such
other
,
proceeding
from
the
neglect
and
breach
of
the
Nationall
Covenant
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
made
in
Anno
1580.
have
been
indeed
the
true
and
maine
causes
of
all
our
evills
and
distractions
.
And
therefore
ordain
,
according
to
the
constituiions
of
the
Generall
Assemblies
of
this
Kirk
:
and
upon
the
grounds
respective
above-specified
,
That
the
foresaid
Service
Book
,
Books
of
Cannons
,
and
Ordination
,
and
the
high
Commission
,
be
still
rejected
;
that
the
Articles
of
Perth
,
be
no
more
practised
:
That
Episcopall
Government
,
and
the
Civill
places
and
power
of
Kirk-men
be
holden
still
as
unlawfull
in
this
Kirk
:
That
the
above
named
pretended
Assemblies
,
At
Linlithgow
1606.
and
1608.
At
Glasgow
1610.
At
Aberdene
1616.
At
S.
Andrews
1617.
At
Perth
1618.
be
hereafter
accounted
as
null
,
and
of
none
effect
.
And
that
for
preservation
of
Religion
,
and
preventing
all
such
evills
in
time-coming
,
Generall
Assemblies
rightly
constitute
,
as
the
proper
and
competent
judge
of
all
matters
Ecclesiasticall
,
heereafter
be
kept
yearly
and
oftner
,
prore
nata
,
as
occasion
and
necessity
shall
require
;
The
necessity
of
these
occasionall
Assemblies
being
first
remonstrate
to
His
Majestie
by
humble
snpplication
:
As
also
that
Kirk
Sessions
,
Presbyteries
and
Synodall
Assemblies
,
be
constitute
and
observed
,
according
to
the
order
of
this
Kirk
.
After
the
voycing
of
the
Act
(
anent
the
causes
of
our
by
gone
evills
)
His
Majesties
Commissioner
consented
verbally
to
the
said
Act
,
and
promised
to
give
into
the
Clerk
in
writ
,
the
Declaration
of
His
consent
,
and
that
he
should
ratifie
this
Act
in
the
ensuing
Parliament
.
Sess.
XVIII
.
26.
Aug.
1639.
Act
approving
an
old
Register
of
the
Generall
Assembly
.
The
whole
Assembly
(
upon
the
report
made
to
them
anent
the
old
Register
of
the
Assembly
,
gotten
from
Master
John
Rig
)
All
in
one
voice
approved
the
said
Register
,
And
ordained
the
same
to
make
faith
in
judgement
,
and
outwith
in
all
time
coming
,
as
a
true
and
authentick
Register
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
conforme
to
the
testimonie
subscribed
by
the
Committee
,
to
be
insert
in
the
Books
of
Assembly
:
whereof
the
tenor
followeth
;
WE
under-subscribers
,
Forsameikle
as
the
late
Generall
Assembly
holden
at
Glasgow
,
gave
power
and
Commission
to
us
,
To
peruse
,
examine
,
and
cognosce
upon
the
validity
,
faith
,
and
strength
of
the
books
and
Registers
of
the
Assembly
,
particularly
set
down
in
the
Commission
given
to
us
thereanent
:
According
whereunto
we
did
carefully
view
,
peruse
,
and
consider
the
saids
Registers
,
and
gave
our
testimony
thereof
under
our
hands
,
of
the
validity
and
sufficiencie
of
the
samine
,
to
the
said
Generall
Assembly
.
And
now
having
a
new
Commission
given
to
us
from
the
Generall
Assembly
now
presently
conveened
and
sitting
at
Edinburgh
,
To
peruse
,
examine
,
and
cognosce
upon
the
validity
,
faith
and
strength
of
another
Register
of
the
Assembly
,
which
was
not
set
down
and
recommended
to
us
by
the
said
former
Commission
,
which
Register
beginneth
at
the
Assembly
holden
at
Edinburgh
the
sixth
day
of
March
1572.
and
endeth
at
the
Assembly
likewise
holden
at
Edinburgh
1573.
we
have
carefully
viewed
,
perused
,
and
considered
the
said
Register
:
And
being
deeply
and
maturely
advised
,
as
in
a
matter
of
greatest
weight
and
consequence
,
do
attest
before
God
,
and
upon
our
consciences
declare
to
the
world
,
and
this
present
Assembly
,
That
the
said
Register
above
exprest
,
is
a
famous
,
authentick
,
and
good
Register
,
which
ought
to
be
so
reputed
,
and
have
publike
faith
in
judgement
and
outwith
,
as
a
valid
and
true
Record
in
all
things
,
And
finds
the
same
to
be
of
the
same
hand-writ
,
and
subscribed
by
the
same
Clerk
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
as
divers
of
the
said
other
Registers
(
formeely
perused
by
us
)
are
.
And
in
testimonie
of
our
solemne
affirmation
we
have
subscribed
these
prefents
with
our
hands
,
at
Edinburgh
the
〈◇〉
day
of
August
1639.
Act
Sess.
XIX
.
Aug.
27.
1639.
Act
approving
the
deposition
of
the
Ministers
by
the
Committees
.
THe
Assembly
,
after
the
receiving
of
the
whole
reports
from
the
Committees
,
appointed
for
revising
of
the
processes
and
sentences
,
led
,
deduced
,
and
pronounced
before
,
and
by
the
severall
Commissions
granted
by
the
Assembly
at
Glasgow
,
All
in
one
voice
approved
the
saids
whole
processes
as
orderly
proceeded
,
and
the
whole
sentences
pronounced
thereintill
,
as
just
and
lawfull
decrees
,
without
prejudice
of
any
favour
that
can
be
showne
to
any
person
or
persons
,
against
whom
the
said
sentences
are
pronounced
upon
their
supplications
,
or
of
Justice
to
such
as
complain
of
their
processe
,
and
offers
to
reduce
the
same
upon
whatsoever
reason
competent
,
by
the
Constitutions
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
before
the
Generall
Assembly
,
and
the
Commissioners
thereof
,
they
being
appointed
for
that
effect
.
Act
Sess.
XX
.
28.
Aug.
1639.
Act
anent
receiving
of
deposed
Ministers
.
THe
which
day
the
Generall
Assembly
upon
the
report
of
the
Committees
anent
these
who
are
deposed
by
Synods
,
Doe
make
this
Generall
Act
,
recommending
to
the
Synods
all
these
who
are
deposed
before
them
for
subscribing
of
the
Declinator
,
and
reading
of
the
Service-Book
and
for
no
other
grosse
cause
,
That
upon
their
true
repentance
and
submission
to
the
Constitutions
of
this
Kirk
,
and
upon
their
purgation
and
clearnesse
from
any
grosse
Faults
laid
to
their
charge
in
any
new
processe
against
them
,
they
may
be
found
by
the
Synods
capable
of
the
Ministrie
,
when
God
grants
them
an
ordinary
and
lawfull
calling
by
admission
from
the
Presbyterie
,
either
in
the
Church
they
served
in
before
,
or
in
any
other
Church
.
Act
Sess.
XXI
.
29.
Aug.
1639.
Act
anent
the
keeping
of
the
Lords
Day
.
The
Generall
Assembly
recommendeth
to
the
severall
Presbyteries
the
execution
of
the
old
Acts
of
Assembly
,
against
the
breach
of
the
Sabbath
day
,
by
going
of
Mylnes
,
Salt
.
Pannes
,
Salmond
fishing
,
or
any
such
like
labour
;
and
to
this
end
revives
and
renues
the
Act
of
the
Assembly
holden
at
Haly-rudehouse
,
1602.
Sess.
5.
whereof
the
tenor
follows
:
THe
Assembly
considering
that
the
conventions
of
the
People
,
specially
on
the
Sabbath
day
are
very
rare
in
many
places
,
by
distraction
of
labour
not
only
in
harvest
and
seed-time
,
but
also
every
Sabbath
,
by
fishing
both
of
white
fish
,
and
Salmond-fishing
,
and
in
going
of
Mylnes
.
Therefore
the
Assembly
dischargeth
and
inhibiteth
all
such
labour
of
fishing
as
well
white
fish
as
Salmond-fish
,
and
going
of
Mylnes
of
all
sorts
upon
the
Sabbath
,
under
the
pain
of
incurring
the
censures
of
the
Kirk
:
And
ordaines
the
Commissioners
of
this
Assembly
,
to
mean
the
same
to
His
Majestie
,
and
to
desire
that
a
pecuniall
paine
may
be
injoyned
upon
the
contraveeners
of
this
present
Act.
Act
Sess.
XXII
.
29.
Aug.
1639.
à
meridie
.
Articles
and
Overtures
approved
by
the
Assembly
.
THat
some
Commissioners
be
appointed
to
visit
and
peruse
the
whole
Acts
of
Generall
Assemblies
,
and
to
marke
such
Acts
as
are
for
the
use
of
the
Kirk
in
Generall
,
To
extract
the
same
out
of
the
Registers
,
to
the
effect
that
after
they
be
tryed
,
they
may
be
printed
according
to
the
old
Acts
of
the
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
March
7.
1574.
Session
9.
The
Assembly
appoints
the
Presbyterie
of
Edinburgh
to
have
a
care
of
this
article
,
and
to
report
their
diligence
to
the
next
Assembly
.
That
course
may
be
taken
for
restraining
of
people
from
passing
to
England
to
marry
,
which
is
the
occasion
of
great
inconveniencies
.
The
Assembly
alloweth
this
article
,
and
recommends
to
the
Parliament
,
that
they
would
appoint
a
pecuniall
snmme
to
be
payed
by
the
contraveeners
.
That
the
Acts
for
furnishing
expences
to
Commissioners
,
sent
by
the
Presbyteries
to
the
Generall
Assembly
,
and
sent
in
Commission
by
Generall
Assemblies
,
may
be
explained
;
And
it
be
declared
that
all
such
Commissioners
whatsoever
,
by
their
stipends
may
be
furnished
by
the
Kirks
of
the
Presbyterie
,
according
to
the
order
set
down
in
the
Act
of
the
last
Assembly
,
since
the
errand
is
common
,
and
the
benefit
concerneth
all
:
and
that
order
may
be
taken
,
how
that
an
expedient
voluntarie
course
,
thought
fit
by
the
Assembly
,
shall
by
advise
of
Parliament
,
have
the
force
of
a
law
,
for
compelling
these
to
pay
who
are
stented
,
both
for
the
last
and
this
Assembly
,
and
in
time
to
come
.
The
Assembly
allowes
this
article
,
and
referres
the
same
to
the
Parliament
.
That
the
Session-Books
of
every
Paroche
be
presented
once
a
year
to
the
Presbyteries
,
that
they
may
be
tryed
by
them
.
The
Assembly
alloweth
this
article
.
That
the
Act
of
the
38.
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
,
October
24.
1578.
Sess.
8.
ordaining
Ministers
who
are
deposed
,
to
be
charged
under
the
pain
of
excommunication
,
to
dimit
their
places
,
that
they
may
be
unquestionably
vacand
,
may
now
be
renewed
.
The
Assembly
alloweth
this
article
,
and
remits
the
same
to
the
Parliament
.
The
Assembly
would
revive
or
renew
all
former
Acts
of
Assembly
against
Papists
,
and
excommunicate
persons
,
against
haunters
with
them
and
receivers
of
them
.
The
Assembly
alloweth
this
article
.
That
an
uniforme
Catechisme
may
be
appointed
to
be
used
throughout
this
whole
Kingdome
in
the
examinations
before
the
Communion
.
The
Assembly
alloweth
this
article
.
That
all
Ministers
or
Intrants
presented
to
Kirks
,
be
tryed
before
their
admission
,
if
they
be
qualified
for
the
places
to
which
they
are
presented
,
besides
the
ordinary
tryalls
of
Expectants
before
their
entrie
to
the
Ministerie
.
The
Assembly
alloweth
this
article
.
Sess.
XXIII
.
30.
Aug.
1639.
The
Supplication
of
the
Generall
Assembly
to
the
Kings
Majesties
Commissioner
,
concerning
the
Book
,
called
,
The
large
Declaration
.
WEe
the
Members
of
this
present
Assembly
,
for
our selves
,
and
in
name
of
the
severall
Presbyteries
,
Burghs
,
and
Universities
,
for
which
we
are
Commissioners
,
resenting
the
great
dishonour
done
to
God
,
our
King
,
this
Kirk
,
and
whole
Kingdome
,
by
the
Book
called
,
A
large
Declaration
,
have
here
represented
the
same
to
your
Grace
,
and
have
collected
some
amongst
many
of
false
grosse
&
absurd
passages
,
That
from
the
consideration
therof
,
your
Grace
perceiving
the
intolerable
evills
foresaids
contained
therein
,
may
be
pleased
to
represent
the
same
to
our
gracious
Soveraigne
,
and
in
our
behalfs
humbly
to
beseech
his
Majestie
,
so
much
wronged
by
the
many
foul
and
false
relations
,
suggested
and
perswaded
to
him
as
trueths
,
and
by
stealing
the
protection
of
His
Royall
Name
and
Authoritie
to
the
patrocinie
of
such
a
Book
:
To
be
pleased
first
to
call
in
the
said
Book
,
and
thereby
to
shew
his
dislike
thereof
:
Next
to
give
Commission
and
warrant
,
To
cite
all
such
parties
as
are
either
knowne
or
suspect
to
have
hand
in
it
,
and
to
appoint
such
as
His
Majestie
knowes
to
be
either
authors
,
informers
,
or
any
wayes
accessarie
,
being
Natives
of
this
Kingdome
,
To
be
sent
hither
to
abide
their
tryall
and
censure
before
the
Judge
Ordinary
,
and
in
speciall
Master
Walter
Balcanquell
,
now
Deane
of
Durham
,
who
is
known
and
hath
professed
to
be
the
author
,
at
least
a
vower
and
maintainer
of
a
great
part
thereof
;
that
by
their
examplar
punishment
,
others
may
be
deterred
from
such
dangerous
courses
,
as
in
such
a
way
to
raise
sedition
betwixt
the
King
and
His
Subjects
,
Gods
honour
may
be
vindicate
from
so
high
contempt
,
His
Majesties
justice
may
appear
,
not
only
in
cutting
away
such
Malefactors
,
but
in
discouraging
all
such
under-miners
of
His
throne
,
His
loyall
and
loving
Subjects
shall
be
infinitly
contented
to
be
cleared
before
the
world
of
so
false
and
unjust
imputations
,
and
will
live
hereafter
in
the
greater
securitie
,
when
so
dangerous
a
course
of
sedition
is
prevented
,
and
so
will
have
the
greater
and
greater
cause
to
pray
for
His
Majesties
long
and
prosperous
Reigne
.
His
Majesties
Commissioner
in
Councell
having
received
the
said
supplication
,
promised
to
impart
the
same
to
His
Majesty
,
and
to
report
his
diligence
therein
.
The
Supplication
of
the
Assembly
to
His
Majesties
High
Commissioner
,
and
the
Lords
of
secret
Councell
.
WEe
the
Generall
Assembly
,
considering
with
all
humble
and
thankfull
acknowledgement
,
the
many
recent
favours
bestowed
upon
us
by
His
Majestie
,
and
that
there
resteth
nothing
for
crowning
of
His
Majesties
incomparable
goodnesse
towards
us
,
but
that
all
the
members
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdom
be
joyned
in
one
and
the
same
Confession
and
Covenant
with
God
,
with
the
Kings
Majestie
,
and
amongst
our selves
:
And
conceiving
the
main
lett
and
impediment
to
this
so
good
a
work
,
and
so
much
wished
by
all
,
to
have
been
the
Informations
made
to
His
Majestie
,
of
our
Intentions
to
shake
off
civill
and
dutifull
obedience
due
to
Soveraignity
,
and
to
diminish
the
Kings
greatnesse
and
authoritie
,
and
being
most
willing
and
desirous
to
remove
this
and
all
such
impediments
which
may
hinder
and
impede
so
full
and
perfect
an
Union
,
and
for
clearing
of
our
loyaltie
,
WEE
in
our
own
names
,
and
in
name
of
all
the
rest
of
the
Subjects
and
Congregations
whom
we
represent
,
do
now
in
all
humility
represent
to
your
Grace
,
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
and
the
Lords
of
His
Majesties
most
Honourable
Privie
Councell
,
and
declares
before
God
and
the
world
,
that
we
never
had
nor
have
any
thought
of
with-drawing
our selves
from
that
humble
and
dutifull
obedience
to
His
Majestie
,
and
to
his
government
,
which
by
the
descent
and
under
the
reign
of
107.
Kings
is
most
chearfully
acknowledged
by
us
and
our
predecessors
:
and
that
we
never
had
,
nor
have
any
intention
nor
desire
to
attempt
any
thing
that
may
tend
to
the
dishonour
of
God
,
or
the
diminution
of
the
Kings
greatnesse
and
authoritie
:
But
on
the
contrary
,
acknowledging
our
quietnesse
,
stabilitie
and
happinesse
to
depend
upon
the
safety
of
the
Kings
Majesties
Person
,
and
maintenance
of
His
greatnesse
and
royall
authority
who
is
Gods
Vice-gerent
set
over
us
,
for
the
maintenance
of
Religion
and
ministration
of
Justice
,
Wee
have
solemnly
sworn
and
do
sweare
,
not
only
our
mutuall
concurrence
and
assistance
for
the
cause
of
Religion
,
and
to
the
uttermost
of
our
power
,
with
our
means
and
lives
,
to
stand
to
the
defence
of
our
dread
Soveraigne
,
his
person
and
authority
,
in
preservation
and
defence
of
the
true
Religion
,
Liberties
and
Lawes
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
but
also
in
every
cause
which
may
concerne
His
Majesties
honour
,
shall
according
to
the
Lawes
of
this
Kingdome
,
and
the
dueties
of
good
Subjects
,
concurre
with
our
friends
and
followers
in
quiet
manner
,
or
in
Armes
,
as
we
shall
be
required
of
His
Majestie
,
His
Councell
,
or
any
having
his
authority
.
And
therefore
being
most
desirous
to
cleare
our selves
of
all
imputation
of
this
kinde
,
and
following
the
laudable
example
of
our
predecessors
,
1589.
do
most
humbly
supplicate
your
Grace
,
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
and
the
Lords
of
His
Majesties
most
honourable
Privie
Councell
,
to
enjoyn
by
Act
of
Councell
,
that
this
Confession
and
Covenant
,
which
,
as
a
testimony
of
our
fidelity
to
God
,
and
loyaltie
to
our
King
,
we
have
subscribed
,
be
subscribed
by
all
His
Majesties
Subjects
,
of
what
rank
and
quality
soever
.
The
Act
of
the
Lords
of
Councell
at
Edinburgh
,
Aug.
30.
1639.
containing
the
Answer
of
the
preceding
Supplication
.
THe
which
day
in
presence
of
the
Lord
Commissioner
and
the
Lords
of
Privie
Councell
,
compeired
personally
John
Earle
of
Rothes
,
James
Earle
of
Montrose
,
John
Lord
Lowdoun
,
Sir
George
Stirling
of
Keir
Knight
,
Sir
William
Douglas
of
Cavers
Knight
,
Sir
Henry
Wood
of
Bonytoun
Knight
,
John
Smyth
Burgesse
of
Edinburgh
,
Mr.
Robert
Barclay
Provest
of
Irwing
,
Mr.
Alexander
Henderson
Minister
at
Edinburgh
,
and
Mr.
Archbald
Johnstoun
Clerk
to
the
Generall
Assembly
,
and
in
the
name
of
the
present
sitting
Generall
Assembly
,
gave
in
to
the
Lord
Commissioner
and
Lords
of
Privie
Councell
,
the
Petition
above
written
;
which
being
read
,
heard
,
and
considered
by
the
saids
Lords
,
they
have
ordained
,
and
ordain
the
same
to
be
insert
and
registrate
in
the
books
of
Privie
Councell
,
and
according
to
the
desire
thereof
,
ordaines
the
said
Confession
and
Covenant
to
be
subscribed
in
time
coming
by
all
His
Majesties
Subjects
of
this
Kingdome
,
of
what
ranke
and
quality
soever
.
The
Kings
Majesties
Commissioners
Declarations
.
THe
which
day
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
and
Lords
of
Councell
,
after
the
receiving
of
the
Supplication
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
anent
the
subscribing
of
the
Covenant
,
having
returned
to
the
Assembly
,
His
Majesties
Commissioner
in
name
of
the
Councell
,
declared
;
that
he
had
received
the
Supplication
of
the
Assembly
,
desiring
that
the
Covenant
might
receive
the
force
of
an
Act
of
Councell
,
to
be
subscribed
by
all
His
Majesties
Subjects
,
that
they
had
found
the
desire
so
fair
and
reasonable
,
that
they
conceived
themselves
bound
in
duety
to
grant
the
same
;
and
thereupon
have
made
an
Act
of
Councell
to
that
effect
:
and
that
there
rested
now
the
Act
of
Assembly
.
And
that
he
himself
was
so
fully
satisfied
,
that
he
came
now
as
His
Majesties
Commissioner
to
consent
fully
unto
it
:
and
that
he
was
most
willing
that
it
should
be
enacted
here
in
this
Assembly
,
to
oblige
all
His
Majesties
Subjects
to
subscribe
the
said
Covenant
,
with
the
Assemblies
explanation
.
And
because
there
was
a
third
thing
desired
,
His
subscription
as
the
Kings
Commissioner
,
unto
the
Covenant
,
which
he
behooved
to
do
,
with
a
Declaration
in
writ
,
and
he
declared
as
a
Subject
,
he
should
subscribe
the
Covenant
as
strictly
as
any
,
with
the
Assemblies
Declaration
;
but
as
His
Majesties
Commissioner
in
his
name
behooved
to
prefix
to
his
subscription
,
the
Declaration
following
,
which
no
Scots
Subjects
should
subscribe
,
or
have
the
benefit
of
,
no
not
himself
as
Earle
of
Traquair
.
The
tenor
whereof
follows
:
SEeing
this
Assembly
,
according
to
the
laudable
form
and
custome
heretofore
kept
in
the
like
cases
,
have
in
an
humble
and
dutifull
way
,
supplicate
to
us
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
and
the
Lords
of
His
Majesties
most
honourable
Privie
Councell
,
That
the
Covenant
,
with
the
explanation
of
this
Assembly
,
might
be
subscribed
:
And
to
that
effect
that
all
the
Subjects
of
this
Kingdome
by
Act
of
Councell
be
required
to
doe
the
same
:
And
that
therein
for
vindicating
themselves
from
all
suspitions
of
disloyaltie
,
or
derogating
from
the
greatnesse
and
authoritie
of
our
dread
Soveraigne
,
have
therewith
added
a
Clause
,
whereby
this
Covenant
is
declared
one
in
substance
with
that
which
was
subscribed
by
His
Majesties
Father
of
blessed
memory
1580
,
1581
,
1590.
and
oftner
since
renewed
.
Therefore
I
as
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
for
the
full
satisfaction
of
the
Subjects
,
and
for
settling
a
perfect
Peace
in
Church
and
Kingdome
,
doe
according
to
my
foresaids
Declaration
and
Subscription
,
subjoyned
to
the
Act
of
this
Assembly
of
the
date
the
17.
of
this
instant
,
allow
and
consent
that
the
Covenant
be
subscribed
throughout
all
this
Kingdome
.
In
witnes
whereof
I
have
subscribed
the
premisses
.
Like
as
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
read
and
gave
in
the
Declaration
following
,
of
his
consent
to
the
Act
of
the
Assembly
17.
August
,
anent
the
causes
of
our
by-gone
evils
.
I
John
Earle
of
Traquair
,
His
Majesties
Commissioner
in
this
present
Assembly
,
doe
in
His
Majesties
Name
declare
,
that
notwithstanding
of
His
Majesties
own
inclination
,
and
many
other
grave
and
weightie
considerations
,
yet
such
is
His
Majesties
incomparable
goodnesse
,
that
for
settling
the
present
distractions
,
and
giving
full
satisfaction
to
the
Subject
,
He
doth
allow
,
like
as
I
His
Majesties
Commissioner
do
consent
to
the
foresaid
Act
,
&
have
subscribed
the
premisses
.
Like
as
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
read
and
gave
in
the
Declaration
following
:
IT
is
alwayes
hereby
declared
by
me
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
That
the
practise
of
the
premisses
,
prohibited
within
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
outwith
the
Kingdome
of
Scotland
,
shall
never
bind
nor
inferre
censure
against
the
practises
outwith
the
Kingdome
:
which
when
the
Commissioner
required
to
be
insert
in
the
Register
of
the
Kirk
,
and
the
Moderator
in
name
of
the
Assembly
,
refused
to
give
warrant
for
such
practise
,
as
not
agreeable
with
a
good
conscience
,
His
Grace
urged
,
that
it
should
be
recorded
,
at
least
that
he
made
such
a
Declaration
,
whatsoever
was
the
Assemblies
Judgement
in
the
contrair
:
And
so
it
is
to
be
understood
to
be
insert
here
onely
recitative
.
Act
ordaining
the
subscription
of
the
Confession
of
Faith
and
Covenant
,
with
the
Assemblies
Declaration
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
considering
the
great
happinesse
which
may
flow
from
a
full
and
perfect
Union
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
by
joyning
of
all
in
one
and
the
same
Covenant
with
God
,
with
the
Kings
Majestie
,
and
amongst
our selves
,
having
by
our
great
Oath
declared
the
uprightnesse
and
loyaltie
of
our
intentions
in
all
our
proceedings
,
and
having
withall
supplicated
His
Majesties
high
Commissioner
,
&
the
Lords
of
His
Majesties
honorable
Privie
Councell
,
to
injoyn
by
Act
of
Councell
,
all
the
Lieges
in
time
coming
to
subscribe
the
Confession
of
faith
and
Covenant
,
which
as
a
testimogy
of
our
fidelity
to
God
and
loyaltie
to
our
King
,
we
have
subscribed
;
And
seeing
His
Majesties
high
Commissioner
,
and
the
Lords
of
His
Majesties
honourable
Privie
Councell
,
have
granted
the
desire
of
our
Supplication
,
ordaining
by
Civill
authority
,
all
His
Majesties
Lieges
in
time
comming
,
to
subscribe
the
foresaid
Covenant
,
that
our
Union
may
bee
the
more
full
and
perfect
,
We
by
our
Act
and
Constitution
Ecclesiasticall
,
do
approove
the
foresaid
Covenant
,
in
all
the
Heads
and
Clauses
thereof
,
and
ordains
of
new
,
under
all
Ecclesiasticall
censure
,
that
all
the
Masters
of
Universities
,
Colledges
,
and
Schooles
,
all
Schollers
at
the
passing
of
their
degrees
,
all
persons
suspect
of
Papistry
,
or
any
other
errour
;
and
finally
,
all
the
members
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
subscribe
the
same
with
these
words
prefixed
to
their
subscription
:
The
Article
of
this
Covenant
,
which
was
at
the
first
subscription
referred
to
the
determination
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
being
determined
.
And
thereby
the
five
Articles
of
Perth
,
the
government
of
the
Kirk
by
Bishops
,
the
civill
places
and
power
of
Kirk
men
,
upon
the
reasons
and
grounds
contained
in
the
Acts
of
the
Generall
Assembly
declared
to
be
unlawfull
within
this
Kirk
,
we
subscribe
according
to
the
determination
foresaid
.
And
ordains
the
Covenant
,
with
this
Declaration
,
to
be
insert
in
the
Registers
of
the
Assemblies
of
this
Kirk
,
Generall
,
Provinciall
,
and
Presbyteriall
,
ad
perpetuam
rei
memoriam
;
and
in
all
humility
supplicates
His
Majesties
high
Commissioner
,
and
the
honourable
Estates
of
Parliament
,
by
their
authority
,
to
ratifie
and
injoyne
the
same
under
all
civill
paines
,
which
will
tend
to
the
glory
of
God
,
preserv●●●●●
of
Religion
,
the
Kings
Majesties
honour
,
and
perfect
peace
of
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
.
Aug.
30.
1639.
Act
anent
Appellations
.
THe
Assembly
appointed
that
in
all
time
hereafter
,
no
Appellations
should
be
,
leaping
over
either
Presbyterie
or
Synod
,
but
to
ascend
by
degrees
as
from
the
Kirk
Session
to
the
Presbytry
,
or
from
the
Presbyterie
to
the
Synod
,
and
from
the
Synod
to
the
Generall
Assembly
,
except
it
be
after
the
Synod
be
past
,
and
immediatly
before
the
Generall
Assembly
,
or
in
the
time
thereof
,
and
renews
all
former
Acts
made
to
this
effect
.
Act
anent
advising
with
Synods
and
Presbyteries
before
determination
in
Novations
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
desiring
that
the
intended
Reformation
being
recovered
,
may
be
established
,
Ordains
,
that
no
Novation
which
may
disturbe
the
peace
of
the
Church
,
and
make
division
,
be
suddenly
proponed
and
enacted
:
But
so
as
the
motion
be
first
communicate
to
the
severall
Synods
,
Presbyteries
and
Kirks
,
that
the
matter
may
be
approved
by
all
at
home
,
and
Commissioners
may
come
well
prepared
,
unanimously
to
conclude
a
solide
deliberation
upon
these
points
in
the
Generall
Assembly
.
Act
anent
Ministers
Catechising
,
and
Family
Exercises
.
THe
Assembly
considering
that
the
long
waited-for
fruits
of
the
Gospel
,
so
mercifully
planted
and
preserved
in
this
Land
,
and
the
Reformation
of
our selves
,
and
Families
,
so
solemnly
vowed
to
God
of
late
in
our
Covenant
,
cannot
take
effect
,
except
the
knowledge
&
worship
of
God
be
caried
from
the
Pulpit
to
every
family
within
each
Parish
,
hath
therefore
appointed
that
every
Minister
,
besides
his
paines
on
the
Lords
day
,
shall
have
weekly
catechising
of
some
part
of
the
Paroch
,
and
not
altogether
cast
over
the
examination
of
the
people
,
till
a
little
before
the
Communion
.
Also
that
in
every
Familie
the
worship
of
God
be
erected
,
where
it
is
not
both
Morning
and
Evening
,
and
that
the
Children
and
Servants
be
catechised
at
home
,
by
the
Masters
of
the
Families
,
whereof
account
shall
be
taken
by
the
Minister
,
and
Elders
assisting
him
in
the
visitation
of
every
Family
:
And
lest
they
fail
,
that
visitation
of
the
severall
Kirks
be
seriously
followed
by
every
Presbyterie
,
for
this
end
among
others
.
The
execution
and
successe
whereof
,
being
tried
by
the
Synods
,
let
it
be
represented
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
.
Sess.
XXIIII
.
30.
Aug.
à
meridie
.
The
Assemblies
Supplication
to
the
Kings
Majestie
.
Most
Gracious
Soveraigne
,
WEe
Your
Majesties
most
humble
and
loyall
Subjects
,
the
Commissioners
from
all
the
parts
of
this
your
Majesties
ancient
and
Native
Kingdome
,
and
members
of
the
Nationall
Assembly
,
conveened
at
Edinburgh
by
Your
Majesties
speciall
indiction
,
and
honoured
with
the
presence
of
Your
Majesties
high
Commissioner
,
have
been
waiting
for
a
day
of
rejoycing
,
and
of
solemne
Thanksgiving
to
be
rendred
to
God
by
this
whole
Kirk
and
Kingdome
,
for
giving
us
a
King
so
just
and
religious
,
that
it
is
not
only
lawfull
for
us
to
be
Christians
under
Your
Majesties
government
,
which
sometime
hath
been
the
greatest
praise
of
great
Princes
,
but
also
that
it
hath
pleased
Your
gracious
Majestie
,
to
make
known
that
it
is
Your
Royall
will
and
pleasure
,
that
all
matters
Ecclesiasticall
be
determined
in
free
Nationall
Assemblies
,
and
matters
civill
in
Parliaments
;
which
is
a
most
noble
and
ample
expression
of
Your
Majesties
justice
,
and
we
trust
shall
be
a
powerful
mean
of
our
common
happinesse
under
your
Majesties
most
blessed
Reign
.
In
the
mean
while
we
do
most
humbly
,
upon
the
knees
of
our
hearts
,
blesse
your
Majesty
for
that
happinesse
already
begun
in
the
late
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
;
in
the
proceedings
whereof
,
next
under
God
,
we
have
laboured
to
approve
our selves
unto
Your
Majesties
Vice-gerent
,
as
if
Your
Majesties
eyes
had
been
upon
us
,
which
was
the
desire
of
our
souls
,
and
would
have
beene
the
matter
of
our
full
rejoycing
,
and
doe
still
continue
Your
Majesties
most
humble
supplicants
for
Your
Majesties
civill
sanction
and
ratification
of
the
constitutions
of
the
Assembly
in
Parliament
;
That
your
Majesties
Princely
power
,
and
the
Ecclesiasticall
Authority
joyning
in
one
,
the
mutuall
embracements
of
religion
and
justice
,
of
truth
and
peace
may
be
seen
in
this
Land
,
which
shall
be
to
us
as
a
resurrection
from
the
dead
,
and
shall
make
us
,
being
not
only
so
farre
recovered
,
but
also
revived
,
to
fill
Heaven
and
Earth
with
our
praises
,
and
to
pray
that
King
CHARLES
may
be
more
and
more
blessed
,
and
His
throne
established
before
the
Lord
for
ever
.
THe
Assembly
appoints
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
to
sit
at
Aberdene
the
last
Tuesday
of
July
next
,
1640.
years
.
And
warneth
all
Presbyteries
,
Universities
and
Burrows
,
to
send
their
Commissioners
,
for
keeping
the
samine
.
And
thereafter
the
Assembly
was
concluded
by
giving
of
thanks
by
the
Moderator
,
and
singing
of
a
Psalme
,
according
to
the
custome
.
FINIS
.
THE
GENERALL
ASSEMBLY
,
HOLDEN
AT
S.
ANDREWS
and
EDINBURGH
1641.
Sess.
I.
20.
July
1641.
Iohn
Earle
of
Weymes
,
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
presented
His
Majesties
Letter
to
the
Assembly
,
whereof
the
tenor
followeth
.
CHARLES
R.
TRustie
and
welbeloved
,
Wee
greet
you
well
.
It
is
no
small
part
of
Our
Royall
care
and
desires
,
that
the
true
Reformed
Religion
,
wherein
by
the
grace
of
God
,
We
resolve
to
live
and
dye
,
be
settled
peaceably
in
that
Our
ancient
and
native
Kingdome
of
Scotland
,
and
that
the
same
be
truly
taught
,
and
universally
received
and
professed
by
Our
Subjects
there
,
of
all
degrees
.
For
preventing
of
all
division
and
trouble
hereafter
,
We
did
intend
in
Our
Own
Royall
Person
,
to
have
been
present
at
this
Assembly
;
but
conceiving
it
to
be
unfitting
,
to
detaine
the
Ministers
from
their
particular
charges
,
till
the
time
of
Our
coming
to
the
Parliament
,
We
have
resolved
to
make
knowne
unto
you
by
these
,
and
by
Our
Commissioner
,
That
in
the
approching
Parliament
,
it
is
Our
intention
by
Our
authority
,
to
ratifie
and
confirm
the
Constitutions
of
the
late
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
,
that
they
may
be
obeyed
by
all
Our
Subjects
living
in
that
Our
Kingdome
.
And
that
We
will
take
into
Our
Royall
consideration
,
by
what
meanes
the
Churches
belonging
to
Our
presentation
,
when
any
of
them
shall
happen
to
vaik
,
may
be
best
provided
with
well
qualified
Preachers
:
Like
as
We
are
not
unwilling
to
grant
presentations
unto
such
as
in
these
times
of
trouble
have
entred
into
the
Ministerie
,
providing
they
have
been
examined
by
the
Presbyteries
,
and
approved
by
them
:
Because
We
want
not
Our
own
feares
of
the
decay
of
Learning
in
that
Church
and
Kingdome
,
We
intend
also
to
consider
of
the
best
meanes
for
helping
the
Schooles
and
Colledges
of
Learning
especially
of
Divinity
,
that
there
may
be
such
a
number
of
Preachers
there
,
as
that
each
Parish
having
a
Minister
,
and
the
Gospel
being
preached
in
the
most
remote
parts
of
the
Kingdome
,
all
Our
Subjects
may
taste
of
Our
care
in
that
kinde
,
and
have
more
and
more
cause
to
blesse
God
that
we
are
set
over
them
.
And
finally
,
so
tender
is
Our
care
,
that
it
shall
not
be
Our
fault
if
the
Churches
and
Colledges
there
flourish
not
in
Learning
and
Religion
:
For
which
Royall
testimonie
of
Our
goodnesse
,
We
require
nothing
upon
your
part
,
but
that
which
God
hath
bound
you
unto
,
even
that
you
be
faithfull
in
the
charge
committed
unto
you
,
and
care
for
the
soules
of
the
people
:
That
you
study
Peace
and
Unity
amongst
your selves
,
and
amongst
the
people
,
against
all
Schisme
and
Faction
;
and
that
you
not
only
pray
for
Us
,
but
that
you
teach
the
People
,
which
We
trust
are
not
unwilling
to
pay
that
honour
and
obedience
which
they
owe
unto
Us
,
as
his
Vicegerent
set
over
them
,
for
their
good
;
wherein
We
expect
you
will
by
your
good
example
goe
before
them
.
Which
hoping
you
will
doe
,
We
bid
you
farewell
.
From
Our
Court
at
Whitehall
,
the
10.
day
of
July
1641.
Sess.
III
.
28.
July
1641.
Act
approving
the
Overtures
of
the
Assembly
at
Aberdene
,
for
ordering
the
Assembly-House
.
THe
Overtures
for
ordering
the
Assembly-House
,
given
in
to
,
and
approved
by
the
Assembly
of
Aberdene
the
29.
July
1640.
Act
Sess.
2.
were
openly
read
,
and
again
approved
by
this
Assembly
,
and
ordained
to
be
kept
the
whole
time
thereof
.
Sess.
V.
30.
July
1641.
Act
anent
old
Ministers
bruiking
their
Benefices
.
THe
Assembly
having
considered
the
Supplication
given
in
by
Doctor
Robert
Howie
,
Provest
of
the
New
Colledge
of
S.
Andrews
,
whereby
he
craved
,
that
(
notwithstanding
of
his
dismission
of
his
charge
)
he
should
not
be
prejudged
of
his
full
provision
and
maintenance
during
his
life
time
:
The
Assembly
thinks
it
fit
and
necessary
,
that
his
provision
and
maintenance
should
not
be
diminished
,
but
that
he
should
injoy
the
same
fully
,
as
of
before
,
during
all
the
dayes
of
his
life-time
,
and
craveth
his
dismission
to
be
only
but
a
cessation
from
his
charge
,
because
of
his
age
and
inability
:
And
declares
,
that
old
Ministers
and
professors
of
Divinitie
,
shall
not
by
their
cessation
from
their
charge
,
through
age
and
inabilitie
,
be
put
from
injoying
their
old
maintenance
and
dignity
.
And
recommends
this
and
others
the
like
things
,
concerning
the
estate
of
that
Universitie
of
S.
Andrews
,
to
the
Parliament
,
and
the
Visitation
to
be
appointed
from
the
Assembly
and
Parliament
.
And
likewise
the
Assembly
being
informed
,
that
the
said
Doctor
Howie
hath
been
very
painfull
in
his
charge
,
and
that
he
hath
divers
papers
which
would
be
very
profitable
for
the
Kirk
:
Therefore
they
think
fit
,
that
the
said
doctor
Howie
be
desired
to
collect
these
papers
,
which
doeth
concerne
,
and
may
be
profitable
for
the
use
of
the
Kirk
,
that
the
samine
may
be
showne
to
the
Visitors
of
the
said
Universitie
.
Sess.
VIII
.
2.
Aug.
1641.
à
meridie
.
Act
against
sudden
receiving
Ministers
deposed
.
THe
Assembly
ordaines
,
that
Ministers
who
are
deposed
either
by
Presbyteries
,
Synods
,
or
Generall
Assemblies
,
or
Committees
from
Assemblies
for
the
publike
cause
of
the
Reformation
and
order
of
this
Kirk
,
shall
not
be
suddenly
received
againe
to
the
Ministerie
,
till
they
first
evidence
their
repentance
both
before
the
Presbyterie
and
Synod
,
within
the
bounds
where
they
were
deposed
,
and
thereafter
the
samine
reported
to
the
next
ensuing
Generall
Assembly
.
Sess.
IX
.
Aug.
3.
1641.
The
Overtures
under-written
,
concerning
the
Uniuersities
and
Colledges
of
this
Kingdome
,
to
be
represented
by
the
Generall
Assembly
,
to
the
Kings
Majesty
and
Parliament
,
being
openly
read
,
the
Assembly
approved
the
saids
Overtures
,
and
ordained
them
to
be
recommended
to
the
Parliament
.
FIrst
,
because
the
good
estate
both
of
the
Kirk
and
Commonwealth
,
dependeth
mainly
upon
the
flourishing
of
Universities
and
Colledges
,
as
the
Seminaries
of
both
,
which
cannot
be
expected
,
unlesse
the
poore
meanes
which
they
have
,
be
helped
,
and
sufficient
revenues
be
provided
for
them
and
the
same
well
imployed
:
Therefore
that
out
of
the
rents
of
Prelacies
,
Collegiat
or
Chapter-Kirks
,
or
such
like
,
a
sufficient
maintenance
be
provided
for
a
competent
number
of
Professors
,
Teachers
,
and
Bursers
in
all
faculties
,
and
especially
in
Divinitie
,
and
for
upholding
,
repairing
,
and
enlarging
the
Fabrick
of
the
Colledges
,
furnishing
Libraries
,
and
suchlike
good
uses
in
every
Universitie
and
Colledge
.
Next
for
keeping
of
good
order
,
preveening
and
removing
of
abuses
,
and
promoving
of
pietie
and
learning
,
it
is
very
needfull
and
expedient
,
that
there
be
a
communion
and
correspondencie
kept
betwixt
all
the
Universities
and
Colledges
.
And
therefore
that
it
be
ordained
,
that
there
be
a
meeting
once
every
year
at
such
times
and
places
as
shall
be
agreed
upon
,
of
Commissioners
from
every
University
and
Colledge
to
consult
and
determine
upon
the
common
affairs
,
and
whatsoever
may
concerne
them
,
for
the
ends
above-specified
,
and
who
also
,
or
some
of
their
number
may
represent
what
shall
be
needfull
and
expedient
for
the
same
effect
,
to
Parliaments
and
Generall
Assemblies
.
Item
,
that
speciall
care
be
had
that
the
places
of
the
Professors
,
especially
of
Professors
of
Divinity
in
every
University
and
Colledge
,
Be
filled
with
the
ablest
men
,
and
best
affected
to
the
Reformation
and
order
of
this
Kirk
.
Sess.
X.
Aug.
4.
1641.
Act
against
Impiety
and
Schisme
.
THe
Assembly
seriously
considering
the
present
case
and
condition
of
this
Kirk
&
Kingdom
,
what
great
things
the
Lord
hath
done
for
us
,
especially
since
the
renewing
of
our
Covenant
,
notwithstanding
our
former
backsliding
and
desertion
;
and
if
we
shall
either
become
remisse
in
the
dueties
of
Piety
,
or
shall
not
constantly
hold
&
keep
our
Religion
,
unto
which
we
have
bound
our selves
so
straitly
&
solemnly
,
what
dishonour
we
doe
unto
the
name
of
God
before
men
,
who
have
their
eyes
upon
us
,
and
how
great
judgements
we
bring
upon
our selves
,
upon
these
and
the
like
considerations
,
The
Assembly
doth
finde
it
most
necessary
to
stirre
up
themselves
,
and
to
provoke
all
others
both
Ministers
and
people
of
all
degrees
,
not
only
to
the
religious
exercises
of
publike
worship
in
the
Congregation
,
and
of
private
worship
in
their
Families
,
and
of
every
one
by
themselves
apart
,
but
also
to
the
dueties
of
mutuall
edification
,
by
instruction
,
admonition
,
exhorting
one
another
to
forwardnesse
in
Religion
,
and
comforting
one
another
in
whatsoever
distresse
;
and
that
in
all
their
meetings
,
whither
in
the
way
of
civill
conversation
,
or
by
reason
of
their
particular
callings
,
or
any
other
occasion
offered
by
divine
providence
,
no
corrupt
communication
proceed
out
of
their
mouth
,
but
that
which
is
good
to
the
use
of
edifying
,
that
it
may
minister
grace
unto
the
hearers
:
And
because
the
best
means
have
been
,
and
may
still
be
despised
or
abused
,
and
particularly
the
duetie
of
mutuall
edification
,
which
hath
been
so
little
in
use
,
and
so
few
know
how
to
practise
in
the
right
manner
,
may
be
upon
the
one
part
subject
to
the
mocking
of
ungodly
and
worldly
men
,
who
cannot
endure
that
in
others
,
which
they
are
not
willing
to
practise
themselves
,
and
upon
the
other
part
,
to
many
errors
and
abuses
,
to
which
the
godly
through
their
weaknes
may
fall
,
or
by
the
craftinesse
of
others
may
be
drawn
into
,
such
as
are
Error
,
Heresie
,
Schisme
,
Scandall
,
Self-conceit
,
and
despising
of
others
,
pressing
above
the
common
calling
of
Christians
,
&
usurping
that
which
is
proper
to
the
Pastoral
Vocation
,
contempt
or
misregard
of
the
publike
means
,
idle
and
unprofitable
questions
which
edifie
not
,
uncharitable
censurings
,
neglect
of
duties
in
particular
callings
,
businesse
in
other
mens
Matters
and
Callings
,
and
many
such
others
in
doctrine
,
charity
,
and
manners
,
which
have
dolefully
rent
the
bowels
of
other
Kirks
,
to
the
great
prejudice
of
the
Gospel
.
Therefore
the
Assembly
,
moved
with
the
zeal
of
God
against
all
abuses
and
corruptions
,
and
according
to
their
manifold
obligations
,
most
earnestly
desiring
and
thirsting
to
promove
the
work
of
Reformation
,
and
to
have
the
comfort
&
power
of
true
godlinesse
,
sensible
to
every
soul
,
and
Religion
to
be
universally
practised
in
every
Family
,
and
by
every
person
at
all
occasions
,
Doth
charge
all
the
Ministers
and
Members
of
this
Kirk
whom
they
doe
represent
,
that
according
to
their
severall
places
and
vocations
,
they
endeavour
to
suppresse
all
impiety
and
mocking
of
religious
exercises
,
especially
of
such
as
put
foule
aspersions
,
and
factious
or
odious
names
upon
the
godly
.
And
upon
the
other
part
,
that
in
the
fear
of
God
they
be
aware
and
spiritually
wise
,
that
under
the
name
and
pretext
of
religious
exercises
,
otherwayes
lawfull
and
necessary
,
they
fall
not
into
the
aforesaid
abuses
;
especially
,
that
they
eschew
all
meetings
which
are
apt
to
breed
Error
,
Scandall
,
Schisme
,
neglect
of
dueties
and
particular
callings
,
and
such
other
evills
as
are
the
works
,
not
of
the
spirit
,
but
of
the
flesh
,
and
are
contrary
to
truth
and
peace
;
and
that
the
Presbyteries
and
Synods
have
a
care
to
take
order
with
such
as
transgresse
the
one
way
or
the
other
.
Sess.
XIIII
.
6.
Aug.
1641.
à
meridie
.
Act
anent
Novations
.
SInce
it
hath
pleased
God
to
vouchsafe
us
the
libertie
of
yearly
Generall
Assemblies
,
It
is
ordained
according
to
the
Acts
of
the
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
1639.
and
at
Aberdene
,
1640.
that
no
Novation
in
doctrine
,
worship
,
or
government
,
be
brought
in
,
or
practised
in
this
Kirk
,
unlesse
it
be
first
propounded
,
examined
,
and
allowed
in
the
Generall
Assembly
,
and
that
transgressors
in
this
kinde
be
censured
by
Presbyteries
and
Synods
.
Act
Sess.
XV
.
7.
Aug.
1641.
Overtures
anent
Bursars
,
and
Expectants
.
The
Overtures
under-written
being
openly
read
in
audience
of
the
Assembly
,
were
approved
,
and
declared
by
them
to
be
Acts
of
the
Assembly
,
in
all
time
coming
,
to
be
observed
respective
,
as
the
samine
bears
.
THe
Assembly
thinks
meet
for
maintaining
of
Bursars
of
Divinitie
,
that
every
Presbyterie
that
consists
of
twelve
Ministers
,
shall
maintain
a
Bursar
,
and
where
the
number
is
fewer
nor
twelve
,
shall
be
joyned
with
these
out
of
another
Presbyterie
where
their
number
exceeds
:
where
this
course
is
not
already
kept
,
it
is
to
be
begun
without
longer
delay
,
and
every
Provinciall
is
ordained
to
give
an
accompt
of
their
number
of
Bursars
,
that
is
constantly
to
be
entertained
by
their
Province
,
at
the
next
ensuing
Generall
Assembly
.
No
Expectant
shall
be
permitted
to
preach
in
publike
before
a
Congregation
,
till
first
he
be
tryed
after
the
same
manner
,
how
beit
not
altogether
with
that
accuracie
which
is
injoyned
by
the
Act
of
the
Assembly
of
Glasgow
1638.
which
prescribes
the
order
and
manner
of
tryall
,
that
is
to
be
kept
with
these
who
are
to
be
admitted
to
the
holy
Ministrie
:
and
none
so
tryed
shall
preach
in
publike
,
without
the
bounds
of
the
University
or
Presbyterie
where
he
past
his
tryalls
,
till
he
first
make
it
known
to
the
other
Presbyteries
,
where
he
desires
to
be
heard
,
by
a
testimoniall
from
the
Universitie
or
Presbyterie
where
he
lived
,
that
he
hath
bin
of
an
honest
conversation
,
and
past
his
tryalls
conform
to
the
order
here
prescribed
:
Which
being
done
in
the
meeting
of
the
Province
or
Presbyterie
,
where
he
desires
to
be
heard
;
he
is
to
be
allowed
by
them
to
preach
within
the
bounds
of
that
Province
or
Presbyterie
,
without
any
further
tryall
to
be
taken
of
him
.
Expectants
being
educate
in
a
Colledge
that
was
corrupt
,
or
under
a
corrupt
Minister
,
if
they
themselves
have
been
known
to
have
been
tainted
with
error
,
or
opposite
to
our
Covenant
,
and
the
blessed
Work
of
Reformation
within
this
Kirk
,
the
same
order
is
to
be
kept
in
admitting
them
to
the
holy
Ministrie
,
or
to
any
place
in
the
Colledges
or
Schooles
of
this
Kingdome
,
that
was
ordained
to
be
kept
in
admission
of
these
Ministers
who
fled
out
of
the
Countrey
,
and
shew
themselves
opposite
to
our
Covenant
and
Reformation
.
Act
Sess.
XVII
.
Aug.
9.
1641.
Act
against
unlawfull
Bands
.
THe
Assembly
taking
to
their
consideration
the
question
proponed
unto
them
concerning
the
Band
,
the
copy
whereof
was
presented
before
them
from
the
Parliament
,
doth
find
and
declare
that
Bands
of
this
and
the
like
nature
,
may
not
lawfully
be
made
:
By
which
Declaration
the
Assembly
doth
not
intend
to
bring
any
censure
for
what
is
past
,
and
by
the
wisedome
and
care
of
the
Committee
of
the
Parliament
is
taken
away
,
upon
any
person
,
who
being
required
by
the
Moderator
and
the
Clerk
,
shall
under
his
hand
declare
before
them
,
That
as
the
Assembly
doth
finde
that
the
subscribers
are
not
astricted
by
their
Oath
to
the
tenor
of
the
said
Band
,
so
he
findeth
himself
not
to
be
astricted
by
his
Oath
to
the
tenor
thereof
;
but
the
intention
of
the
Assembly
is
meerly
to
prevent
the
like
in
time
coming
.
Sess.
XVIII
.
9.
Aug.
1641.
à
meridie
.
A
Letter
from
some
Ministers
in
England
to
the
Assemblie
.
Right
Reverend
and
dear
Brethren
,
now
conveened
in
this
Generall
Assembly
.
WEe
most
heartily
salute
you
in
the
Lord
,
rejoycing
with
you
in
his
unspeakable
goodnesse
,
so
miraculously
prospering
your
late
endeavours
,
both
for
the
restoring
and
settling
of
your
own
Liberties
and
Priviledges
,
in
Church
and
common
wealth
(
which
we
heare
and
hope
he
is
now
about
to
accomplish
)
as
also
for
the
occasioning
and
advancing
of
the
Worke
of
Reformation
among
our selves
;
for
which
as
we
daily
blesse
the
highest
Lord
,
sole
Author
of
all
our
good
,
so
doe
we
acknowledge
your selves
worthy
Instruments
thereof
.
And
for
that
(
besides
all
other
respects
)
doe
,
and
ever
shall
(
by
the
help
of
God
)
hold
you
deare
unto
us
,
as
our
own
bowels
,
and
our selves
obliged
to
render
unto
you
all
due
correspondence
according
to
our
power
,
upon
all
good
occasions
.
And
now
(
deare
Brethren
)
forasmuch
as
the
Church
of
Christ
is
but
one
body
,
each
part
whereof
cannot
but
partake
in
the
weale
and
woe
of
the
whole
,
and
of
each
other
part
;
and
these
Churches
of
England
and
Scotland
,
may
seem
both
to
be
imbarqued
in
the
same
bottome
,
to
sink
and
swim
together
,
and
are
so
near
conjoyned
by
many
strong
tyes
,
not
only
as
fellow-members
under
the
same
Head
Christ
,
and
felow-subjects
under
the
same
King
;
but
also
by
such
neighbour-hood
and
vicinity
of
place
,
that
if
any
evill
shall
much
infest
the
one
,
the
other
cannot
bee
altogether
free
:
or
if
for
the
present
it
should
,
yet
in
processe
of
time
it
would
sensibly
suffer
also
.
And
forasmuch
as
evills
are
better
remedied
in
their
first
begining
,
then
after
they
have
once
taken
deep
root
;
therefore
we
whose
names
are
here
under-written
,
in
the
behalf
of
our selves
,
and
of
many
others
,
Ministers
of
the
Church
of
England
,
are
bold
to
commend
to
your
consideration
(
being
met
together
in
this
venerable
Assembly
)
a
difference
of
great
concernment
,
which
you
may
please
(
in
brief
)
thus
to
understand
.
Almighty
God
having
now
of
his
infinite
goodnesse
raised
up
our
hopes
of
removing
the
yoke
of
Episcopacie
(
under
which
we
have
so
long
groaned
)
sundry
other
forms
of
Church-government
are
by
sundry
sorts
of
men
projected
,
to
be
set
up
in
the
roome
thereof
:
one
of
which
(
amongst
others
)
is
of
some
Brethren
that
hold
the
whole
power
of
Church-government
,
and
all
Acts
thereunto
appertaining
(
as
Election
,
Ordination
,
and
Deposition
of
Officers
,
with
Admission
,
Excommunication
,
and
Absolution
of
Members
)
are
by
divine
Ordinance
in
foro
externo
,
to
be
decreed
by
the
most
voyces
,
in
,
and
of
every
particular
Congregation
,
which
(
say
they
)
is
the
utmost
bound
of
a
particular
Church
,
endued
with
power
of
government
,
and
only
some
Formalities
of
solemne
execution
to
be
reserved
to
the
Officers
(
as
servants
of
the
saids
Church
)
if
they
have
any
,
or
if
none
,
then
to
be
performed
by
some
other
members
,
not
in
office
,
whom
the
said
Church
shall
appoint
thereunto
:
And
that
every
of
the
said
particular
Congregations
(
whether
they
consist
of
few
or
many
members
,
and
be
furnished
with
Officers
or
not
)
lawfully
may
and
ought
to
transact
,
determine
and
execute
all
matters
pertaining
to
the
government
of
themselves
,
amongst
and
within
themselves
without
any
authoritative
(
though
not
consulatory
)
concurrence
or
interposition
of
any
other
persons
or
Churches
whatsoever
,
condemning
all
imperative
and
decisive
power
of
Classes
,
or
compound
Presbyteries
and
Synods
,
as
a
meere
usurpation
.
Now
because
we
conceive
that
your
judgement
in
this
case
may
conduce
much
by
the
blessing
of
God
,
to
the
settling
of
this
question
amongst
us
;
Therefore
we
doe
earnestly
intreat
the
same
at
your
hands
,
and
that
so
much
the
rather
,
because
we
sometimes
hear
from
those
of
the
aforesaid
judgment
,
that
some
famous
and
eminent
Brethren
,
even
amongst
your selves
,
doe
somewhat
encline
unto
an
approbation
of
that
way
of
government
.
Thus
humbly
craving
pardon
for
our
boldnesse
,
leaving
the
matter
to
your
grave
considerations
,
and
expecting
answer
at
your
convenient
leasure
,
We
commit
you
,
and
the
successe
of
this
your
meeting
,
to
the
blessing
of
the
Almighty
,
in
whom
we
shall
ever
remain
,
London
,
12.
July
.
1641.
Your
faithfull
Brethren
to
serve
you
in
all
offices
of
love
.
The
Assemblies
Answer
to
the
English
Ministers
Letter
.
Right
reverend
and
dearly
beloved
Brethren
in
our
Lord
and
common
Saviour
Jesus
Christ
.
WEe
the
Ministers
and
Elders
met
together
in
this
Nationall
Assembly
,
were
not
a
little
refreshed
and
comforted
by
the
good
report
which
we
heard
of
you
,
and
others
of
our
Brethren
of
the
Kirk
of
England
,
by
some
of
our
Ministers
,
who
by
the
good
providence
of
our
Lord
had
seen
your
faces
,
and
conversed
with
you
.
But
now
yet
more
comforted
by
your
Letters
which
we
received
,
and
which
were
read
in
the
face
of
the
Assembly
,
witnessing
your
Christian
love
,
and
rejoycing
with
us
in
God
for
his
great
and
wonderfull
Work
in
the
Reformation
of
this
Kirk
,
and
in
the
beginning
of
a
blessed
Reformation
amongst
your selves
,
and
that
you
are
so
sensible
of
your
communion
and
fellowship
with
us
,
and
to
desire
to
know
our
minde
and
judgement
of
that
which
some
Brethren
amongst
you
hold
,
concerning
Kirk-government
.
We
doe
with
our
hearts
acknowledge
and
wonder
at
the
great
and
unspeakable
wisedome
,
mercie
,
and
power
of
our
God
,
in
restoring
unto
us
the
truth
and
puritie
of
Religion
,
after
many
Back
slidings
and
defection
of
some
in
this
Kirk
,
and
desire
not
only
to
confesse
the
same
before
the
world
,
and
all
other
Christian
Kirkes
,
but
also
doe
pray
for
grace
to
walk
worthy
of
so
wonderfull
a
love
:
We
have
been
helped
by
your
prayers
,
in
our
weak
endeavours
,
and
you
have
mourned
with
us
,
(
we
know
)
in
the
dayes
of
our
mourning
;
and
therefore
is
it
that
you
doe
now
rejoyce
and
praise
God
with
us
:
Neither
are
we
out
of
hope
,
but
the
same
God
shall
speedily
perfect
that
which
he
hath
begun
amongst
you
,
that
your
joy
may
be
full
:
which
is
the
desire
of
our
soule
,
and
for
which
we
doe
now
pray
,
and
in
our
severall
Congregations
will
be
instant
at
the
throne
of
grace
,
for
this
and
all
other
spirituall
and
temporall
blessings
upon
the
Kirk
and
Kingdome
of
England
,
by
name
,
expecting
the
like
performance
of
mutuall
love
from
you
,
and
others
equally
minded
with
you
,
for
your
parts
,
till
a
common
consent
may
be
obtained
,
even
that
you
will
recommend
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
by
name
in
your
prayers
to
God
.
Thus
shall
we
be
as
one
people
,
mourning
and
rejoycing
,
praying
and
praising
together
;
which
may
be
one
meane
of
the
preservation
of
Unity
,
and
of
many
other
blessings
to
us
both
.
We
have
learned
by
long
experience
,
ever
since
the
time
of
Reformation
,
and
specially
after
the
two
Kingdomes
have
been
(
in
the
great
goodnesse
of
God
to
both
)
united
under
one
Head
and
Monarch
,
but
most
of
all
of
late
,
which
is
not
unknown
to
you
,
what
danger
and
contagion
in
matters
of
Kirk-government
,
of
divine
worship
,
and
of
doctrine
,
may
come
from
the
one
Kirk
to
the
other
,
which
beside
all
other
reasons
,
make
us
to
pray
to
God
,
and
to
desire
you
,
and
all
that
love
the
honour
of
Christ
,
and
the
peace
of
these
Kirks
and
Kingdomes
,
heartily
to
endeavour
,
that
there
might
be
in
both
Kirks
,
one
Confession
,
one
Directory
for
publike
worship
,
one
Catechisme
,
and
one
Forme
of
Kirk-government
.
And
if
the
Lord
who
hath
done
great
things
for
us
,
shall
be
pleased
to
hearken
unto
our
desires
,
and
to
accept
of
our
endeavours
,
we
shall
not
only
have
a
sure
foundation
for
a
durable
Peace
,
but
shall
be
strong
in
God
,
against
the
rising
or
spreading
of
Heresie
and
Schisme
amongst
our selves
,
and
of
invasion
from
forraine
enemies
.
Concerning
the
different
Formes
of
Kirk-government
,
projected
by
sundrie
sorts
of
men
,
to
be
set
up
in
place
of
Episcopall
Hierarchie
,
which
we
trust
is
brought
near
unto
its
period
,
we
must
confesse
,
that
we
are
not
a
little
grieved
that
any
godly
Ministers
and
Brethren
should
be
found
,
who
doe
not
agree
with
other
Reformed
Kirks
in
the
point
of
government
as
well
as
in
the
matter
of
Doctrine
and
worship
;
and
that
we
want
not
our
own
feares
,
that
where
the
hedge
of
Discipline
and
Governmens
is
different
,
the
Doctrine
and
Worship
shall
not
long
continue
the
same
without
change
:
yet
doe
not
marvell
much
,
that
particular
Kirks
and
Congregations
which
live
in
such
places
,
as
that
they
can
conveniently
have
no
dependencie
upon
superiour
Assemblies
,
should
stand
for
a
kind
of
independencie
and
supremacie
in
themselves
,
they
not
considering
that
in
a
Nation
or
Kingdome
,
professing
the
same
Religion
,
the
government
of
the
Kirk
by
compound
Presbyteries
and
Synods
is
a
help
and
strength
,
and
not
a
hinderance
or
prejudice
to
particular
Congregations
and
Elderships
,
in
all
the
parts
of
Kirk
government
;
and
that
Presbyteries
and
Synods
are
not
an
extrinsecall
power
set
over
particular
Kirks
,
like
unto
Episcopall
dominion
,
they
being
no
more
to
be
reputed
extrinsecall
unto
the
particular
Kirks
,
nor
the
power
of
a
Parliament
,
or
Convention
of
Estates
,
where
the
Shires
and
Cities
have
their
own
Delegates
,
is
to
be
held
extrinsecall
to
any
particular
Shire
or
City
.
Our
unanimous
judgement
and
uniforme
practice
,
is
,
that
according
to
the
order
of
the
Reformed
Kirks
,
and
the
ordinance
of
God
in
his
Word
,
not
onely
the
solemne
execution
of
Ecclesiasticall
power
and
authoritie
,
but
the
whole
acts
and
exercise
thereof
,
do
properly
belong
unto
the
Officers
of
the
Kirk
;
yet
so
that
in
matters
of
chiefest
importance
,
the
tacite
consent
of
the
Congregation
be
had
,
before
their
decrees
and
sentences
receive
finall
execution
,
and
that
the
Officers
of
a
particular
Congregation
,
may
not
exercise
this
power
independently
,
but
with
subordination
unto
greater
Presbyteries
and
Synods
,
Provinciall
and
Nationall
:
which
as
they
are
representative
of
the
particular
Kirks
conjoyned
together
in
one
under
their
government
;
so
their
determination
,
when
they
proceed
orderly
,
whether
in
causes
common
to
all
,
or
many
of
the
Kirks
,
or
in
causes
brought
before
them
by
appellations
or
references
from
the
inferiour
,
in
the
case
of
aberation
of
the
inferiour
,
is
to
the
severall
Congregations
authoritative
and
obligatorie
and
not
consultatory
only
:
And
this
dependencie
and
subordination
,
we
conceive
not
only
to
be
warranted
by
the
light
of
nature
,
which
doth
direct
the
Kirk
in
such
things
as
are
common
to
other
societies
,
or
to
be
a
prudentiall
way
for
Reformation
,
and
for
the
preservation
of
Truth
and
Peace
,
against
Schisme
,
Heresie
,
and
Tyranny
,
which
is
the
sweet
fruits
of
this
government
wheresoever
it
hath
place
,
and
which
we
have
found
in
ancient
and
late
experience
;
but
also
to
be
grounded
upon
the
word
of
God
,
and
to
be
conforme
to
the
paterne
of
the
Primitive
and
Apostolicall
Kirks
:
and
without
which
,
neither
could
the
Kirks
in
this
Kingdome
have
been
reformed
,
nor
were
we
able
for
any
time
to
preserve
Truth
and
Unity
amongst
us
.
In
this
forme
of
Kirk-government
,
our
unanimity
and
harmony
by
the
mercy
of
God
,
is
so
full
and
perfect
,
that
all
the
Members
of
this
Assembly
have
declared
themselves
to
be
of
one
heart
,
and
of
one
soule
,
and
to
be
no
lesse
perswaded
,
that
it
is
of
God
,
then
that
Episcopall
government
is
of
men
;
resolving
by
the
grace
of
God
,
to
hold
the
same
constantly
all
the
dayes
of
our
life
,
and
heartily
wishing
that
God
would
blesse
all
the
Christian
Kirks
,
especially
the
famous
Kirk
of
England
,
unto
which
in
all
other
respects
we
are
so
nearly
joyned
with
this
divine
Forme
of
government
.
Thus
having
briefly
and
plainly
given
our
judgement
for
your
satiffaction
,
and
desiring
and
hoping
that
ye
will
beleeve
against
all
mis-reports
,
that
we
know
not
so
much
as
one
man
,
more
or
lesse
eminent
amongst
us
,
of
a
different
judgement
,
we
commend
you
unto
the
riches
of
the
grace
of
Christ
,
who
will
perfect
that
which
he
hath
begun
amongst
you
,
to
your
unspeakable
comfort
.
Subscribed
by
our
Moderator
and
Clerk
.
Edinburgh
9.
Aug.
1641.
The
Assemblies
Answer
to
the
Kings
Majesties
Letter
.
Most
gracious
Soveraign
,
BEside
the
conscience
of
that
duetie
which
we
owe
to
supreme
Authority
,
we
are
not
only
encouraged
,
but
confirmed
by
the
Royall
favour
and
Princely
munificence
,
expressed
in
Your
gracious
Majesties
Letters
,
which
filled
our
hearts
with
joy
,
and
our
mouths
with
praise
,
to
offer
up
our
prayers
with
the
greater
fervencie
to
God
Almightie
for
Your
Majesties
happinesse
,
our selves
for
our
own
parts
,
and
for
the
whole
Kirks
of
this
your
Majesties
Kingdome
,
which
we
doe
represent
,
to
serve
Your
Majestie
in
all
humble
obedience
,
our
faithfull
labours
for
preserving
Trueth
and
Peace
amongst
all
Your
Majesties
Subjects
,
and
our
example
(
according
to
Your
Majesties
just
commandments
laid
upon
us
)
to
be
a
presedent
to
others
in
paying
that
honour
,
)
which
by
all
Lawes
divine
and
humane
,
is
due
unto
Your
sacred
Majestie
,
being
confident
that
your
Majestie
shall
finde
at
your
coming
hither
much
more
satisfaction
and
content
then
can
be
expressed
by
Your
Majesties
most
humble
Subjects
and
faithfull
servants
,
the
Ministers
and
Elders
met
together
in
the
venerable
Assembly
at
S.
Andrews
,
July
20.
and
Edinburgh
,
July
27.
1641.
Act
anent
the
Kirk
of
Campheir
.
THe
which
day
a
motion
was
made
in
the
Assembly
,
that
it
seemed
expedient
for
correspondencie
that
might
be
had
from
forraigne
parts
,
for
the
weal
of
this
Kirk
,
That
the
Scots
Kirk
at
Campheir
were
joyned
to
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
as
a
Member
thereof
:
Which
being
seriously
thought
upon
and
considered
by
the
Assembly
,
they
approved
the
motion
,
and
ordained
M.
Robert
Baillie
Minister
at
Cilwinning
,
to
write
to
M.
William
Spang
Minister
at
Campheir
,
and
Kirk
Session
thereof
,
willing
them
to
send
their
Minister
,
and
a
ruling
Elder
,
instructed
with
a
Commission
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
to
be
holden
at
S.
Andrews
,
the
last
Wednesday
of
July
1642.
at
which
time
they
should
be
inrolled
in
the
Books
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
as
Commissioners
of
the
Generall
Assembly
of
Scotland
,
from
the
Scots
Kirk
at
Campheir
.
THe
Assembly
appoints
the
next
Generall
Assembly
to
be
holden
at
S.
Andrews
,
the
last
Wednesday
of
July
next
1642.
FINIS
.
THE
GENERALL
ASSEMBLY
,
CONVEENED
At
S.
ANDREWS
July
27.
1642.
Act
Sess.
I.
27.
July
1642.
The
Kings
Letter
to
the
Generall
Assembly
,
presented
by
His
Majesties
Commissioner
,
the
Earle
of
Dumfermling
,
July
27.
1642.
CHARLES
R.
IN
the
midst
of
Our
great
and
weighty
affaires
of
Our
other
kingdoms
,
which
God
Almighty
,
who
is
privie
to
Our
Intentions
,
and
in
whom
We
trust
,
will
in
his
own
time
bring
to
a
wished
and
peaceable
conclusion
,
We
are
not
unmindfull
of
that
duetie
which
we
owe
to
that
Our
ancient
and
native
Kingdome
,
and
to
the
Kirks
there
,
now
met
together
by
their
Commissioners
in
a
Nationall
Assembly
.
God
whose
Vicegerent
We
are
,
hath
made
Us
a
King
over
divers
Kingdomes
,
and
We
have
no
other
desire
,
nor
designe
,
but
to
govern
them
by
their
own
Lawes
,
and
the
Kirks
in
them
by
their
own
Canons
and
Constitutions
.
Where
any
thing
is
found
to
be
amisse
,
We
will
endeavour
a
Reformation
in
a
fair
and
orderly
way
;
and
where
a
Reformation
is
settled
,
We
resolve
,
with
that
authoritie
wherewith
God
hath
vested
Us
,
to
maintain
and
defend
it
in
peace
and
libertie
,
against
all
trouble
that
can
come
from
without
,
and
against
all
Heresies
,
Sects
and
Schismes
which
may
arise
from
within
,
Nor
do
We
desire
any
thing
more
in
that
Kingdom
(
and
when
We
shall
hear
of
it
,
it
shall
be
a
delight
and
matter
of
gladnesse
unto
Us
)
then
that
the
Gospel
be
faithfully
preached
throughout
the
whole
Kingdom
,
to
the
outmost
skirts
and
borders
thereof
.
Knowing
that
to
be
the
mean
of
honour
to
God
,
of
happinesse
to
the
people
,
and
of
true
obedience
to
Us.
And
for
this
effect
,
that
holy
and
able
men
be
put
in
places
of
the
Ministery
,
and
that
Schooles
and
Colledges
may
flourish
in
Learning
and
true
Pietie
.
Some
things
for
advancing
of
those
ends
,
We
did
of
Our
own
accord
promise
in
Our
Letters
to
the
last
Assembly
,
and
We
make
your selves
Judges
,
who
were
witnesses
to
Our
Actions
,
while
We
were
there
in
Person
,
whether
we
did
not
perform
them
both
in
the
point
of
presentations
which
are
in
our
hands
,
and
in
the
liberall
provision
of
all
the
Universities
and
Colledges
of
the
Kingdome
,
not
only
above
that
which
any
of
Our
Progenitors
had
done
before
Us
;
but
also
above
your
owne
hopes
and
expectation
.
We
doe
not
make
commemoration
of
this
Our
Beneficence
,
either
to
please
Our selves
,
or
to
stop
the
influence
of
Our
Royall
goodnesse
and
bountie
for
afterward
,
but
that
by
these
reall
demonstrations
of
Our
unfained
desires
and
delight
to
do
good
,
you
may
be
the
more
confident
to
expect
from
Us
,
whatsoever
in
Justice
We
can
grant
,
or
what
may
be
expedient
for
you
to
obtaine
.
We
have
given
expresse
charge
to
Our
Commissioner
,
to
fee
that
all
things
be
done
there
orderly
and
peaceably
,
as
if
We
were
present
in
Our
Own
Person
;
not
doubting
but
in
thankfulnesse
for
your
present
estate
and
condition
,
you
will
abstaine
from
every
thing
that
may
make
any
new
disturbance
,
and
that
you
will
be
more
wile
then
to
be
the
enemies
of
your
own
peace
,
which
would
but
stumble
others
,
and
ruine
your selves
.
We
have
also
commanded
Our
Commissioner
to
receive
from
you
your
just
and
reasonable
desires
,
for
what
may
further
serve
for
the
good
of
Religion
,
that
taking
them
to
Our
consideration
,
We
may
omit
nothing
which
may
witnesse
Us
to
be
indeed
a
nursing
Father
of
that
Kirk
,
wherein
We
were
born
and
baptized
,
and
that
if
ye
be
not
happy
,
you
may
blame
not
Us
,
but
your selves
.
And
now
what
doe
We
again
require
of
you
,
but
that
which
otherwise
you
owe
to
Us
as
your
Soveraigne
Lord
and
King
,
even
that
ye
pray
for
Our
prosperitie
and
the
peace
of
Our
Kingdomes
,
that
ye
use
the
best
meanes
to
keep
Our
People
in
obedience
to
Us
and
Our
Lawes
,
which
doth
very
much
in
Our
personall
absence
from
that
Our
Kingdome
depend
upon
your
preaching
,
and
your
owne
examplary
loyaltie
and
faithfulnesse
,
and
that
against
all
such
jealousies
,
suspitions
and
sinister
rumors
as
are
too
frequent
in
these
times
,
and
have
been
often
falsified
in
time
past
,
by
the
reality
of
the
contrary
events
:
Ye
judge
Us
and
Our
professions
by
Our
actions
,
which
We
trust
through
God
in
despight
of
malice
shall
ever
go
on
in
a
constant
way
for
the
good
of
Religion
,
and
the
weal
of
Our
People
,
which
is
the
Chiefest
of
Our
intentions
and
desires
.
And
thus
We
bid
you
farewell
.
Given
at
Our
Court
at
Leicester
,
the
23.
of
July
,
1642.
To
Our
trusty
and
wel
beloved
the
Generall
Assembly
in
Our
Kingdom
of
Scotland
convcened
at
S.
Andrews
.
Act
Sess.
III
.
July
29.
1642.
Act
for
bringing
in
of
the
Synode
Books
yeerly
to
the
Generall
Assemblies
.
THE
Moderator
calling
to
minde
that
which
was
forgotten
in
the
preceeding
Sessions
,
the
examination
of
the
Provinciall
Books
,
caused
call
the
Roll
of
the
Provinciall
Assemblies
,
And
the
Assembly
finding
very
few
Provinces
to
have
sent
their
Books
to
this
Assembly
,
notwithstanding
of
the
ordinance
of
the
former
Assembly
thereanent
,
for
the
more
exact
obedience
of
that
ordinance
hereafter
,
the
Assembly
in
one
voyce
ordaines
,
That
the
Books
of
every
Provinciall
Assembly
shall
be
brought
and
produced
to
every
Generall
Assembly
:
And
that
this
may
be
performed
,
ordaines
that
every
Clerk
of
the
Provincialls
,
either
bring
or
send
the
said
Books
yearly
to
the
Generall
Assemblies
,
by
the
Commissioners
sent
to
the
Assemblies
,
from
these
Presbyteries
where
the
Clerks
reside
.
Which
charge
the
Assembly
also
layes
upon
the
said
Commissioners
,
sent
from
the
saids
Presbyteries
where
the
Clerks
reside
,
ay
and
while
some
meanes
be
provided
,
whereby
the
Clerks
charges
may
be
sustained
for
coming
with
the
saids
Books
themselves
:
And
that
under
the
pain
of
deprivation
of
the
Clerk
in
case
of
his
neglect
,
and
of
such
censure
of
the
saids
commissioners
,
in
case
of
their
neglect
as
the
Assembly
shall
think
convenient
.
Act
Sess.
V.
Aug.
1.
1642.
Act
anent
the
choosing
of
Kirk
Sessions
.
ANent
the
question
moved
to
the
Assembly
,
concerning
the
election
of
Kirk
Sessions
,
The
Assembly
ordaines
the
old
Session
to
elect
the
new
Session
both
in
Burgh
and
Land
.
And
that
if
any
place
shall
vaik
in
the
Session
chosen
,
by
death
or
otherwise
,
the
present
Session
shall
have
the
election
of
the
person
to
fill
the
vacand
roome
.
Sess.
VI
.
2.
Aug.
1642.
The
report
of
the
interpretation
of
the
Act
at
Edinburgh
,
anent
tryall
of
Ministers
.
THe
meaning
of
the
foresaid
Act
,
is
not
that
an
actuall
Minister
to
be
transported
,
shal
be
tried
again
by
the
tryals
appointed
for
trying
of
Expectants
,
at
their
entry
to
the
Ministery
,
according
to
the
Acts
of
the
Kirk
;
but
only
that
he
bringing
a
Testimoniall
of
his
former
tryalls
,
and
of
his
abilities
,
and
conversation
,
from
the
Presbyterie
from
whence
he
comes
,
and
giving
such
satisfaction
to
the
Parochiners
Presbyterie
whereto
he
comes
in
preaching
,
as
the
Presbyterie
finds
his
gifts
fit
and
answerable
for
the
condition
and
disposition
of
the
Congregation
,
whereto
he
is
presented
.
Because
,
according
to
the
Act
of
the
Assembly
1596.
renewed
at
Glasgow
,
some
that
are
meet
for
the
Ministery
in
some
places
,
are
not
meet
for
all
alike
:
and
Universities
,
Towns
and
Burghs
,
and
places
of
Noblemens
residence
,
or
frequencie
of
Papists
,
and
other
great
and
eminent
Congregations
,
and
in
sundry
other
cases
,
require
men
of
greater
abilities
,
nor
will
be
required
necessarily
in
the
planting
of
all
private
small
Paroches
,
the
leaving
of
the
consideration
of
these
cases
unto
the
judgement
and
consideration
of
the
Presbyterie
,
was
the
only
intention
of
the
Act.
The
Assembly
approves
the
meaning
and
interpretation
foresaid
:
and
appoints
the
said
Act
,
according
to
this
interpretation
,
to
stand
in
force
,
and
to
have
the
strength
of
an
Act
and
Ordinance
of
Assembly
in
all
time
coming
.
Act
Sess.
VII
.
3.
Aug.
1642.
Act
anent
the
order
for
making
Lists
to
His
Majestie
,
and
other
Patrons
for
Presentations
;
the
order
of
tryal
of
Expectants
,
and
for
trying
the
quality
of
Kirks
.
FOrsameikle
as
His
Majestie
was
graciously
pleased
in
His
Answer
to
the
Petition
,
tendred
by
the
Commissioners
of
the
late
Assembly
to
His
Majestie
,
to
declare
and
promise
,
for
the
better
providing
of
vaiking
Kirks
at
His
Majesties
Presentation
with
qualified
Ministers
,
to
present
one
out
of
a
list
of
six
persons
,
sent
to
His
Majestie
from
the
Presbyteries
wherein
the
vaiking
Kirk
lyeth
,
as
His
Majesties
Declaration
,
signed
with
his
Royal
hand
at
White-hall
,
the
3.
of
January
last
,
registrate
in
the
books
of
Assembly
,
this
day
at
length
beares
.
And
suchlike
wheras
the
Lords
of
Exchequer
upon
a
Petition
presented
to
them
by
the
Commissioners
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
and
the
Procurator
and
Agent
for
the
Kirk
representing
two
Prejudices
;
one
,
that
gifts
obtained
from
His
Majestie
of
patronages
of
Kirks
,
at
His
Presentation
were
passing
the
Exchequer
,
without
the
qualification
and
provision
of
a
List
,
wherewith
His
Majestie
was
pleased
to
restrict
Himself
;
and
the
other
,
that
some
were
seeking
gifts
of
patronage
of
Bishop-Kirks
,
which
are
declared
to
belong
to
Presbyteries
,
to
be
planted
by
two
Acts
of
the
late
Parliament
:
The
saids
Lords
have
ordained
that
no
signator
,
containing
gifts
of
patronages
from
His
Majestie
,
shall
passe
hereafter
,
but
with
a
speciall
provision
that
the
same
shall
be
lyable
to
the
tenor
of
His
Majesties
said
Declaration
.
Ordaining
also
the
Procurator
and
Agent
of
the
Kirk
to
be
advertised
,
and
to
have
place
to
see
all
signators
whatsoever
,
containing
any
patronage
,
to
the
effect
they
may
represent
the
interest
of
the
Kirk
therein
;
as
the
said
Act
of
the
date
the
27.
of
June
last
,
registrate
also
in
the
Books
of
Assembly
,
this
day
at
length
beares
.
Therefore
,
that
the
saids
Kirks
which
now
are
,
or
which
were
at
His
Majesties
presentation
the
said
third
day
of
January
last
,
may
be
the
better
provided
with
able
Ministers
,
when
the
samine
shall
vaik
,
The
Assembly
ordaines
that
hereafter
every
Presbyterie
shall
give
up
yearly
a
Roll
of
the
ablest
of
their
Expectants
,
to
their
Synods
;
and
that
the
Synods
select
out
of
these
Rolls
such
persons
whom
they
in
certain
knowledge
judge
most
fit
for
the
Ministrie
,
and
worthiest
of
the
first
place
,
With
Power
to
the
Synods
to
adde
or
alter
these
Rolls
given
by
the
Presbyteries
,
as
they
thinke
reasonable
:
And
that
the
Synods
shall
send
the
Rolls
made
by
them
in
this
manner
,
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
who
shall
also
examine
the
Rolls
of
the
Synods
,
and
adde
or
alter
the
same
as
shall
be
thought
expedient
.
Which
Roll
made
by
the
Generall
Assembly
,
shall
be
sent
to
every
Presbyterie
,
and
that
the
Presbyterie
,
with
consent
of
the
most
or
best
part
of
the
Congregation
,
shall
make
a
List
of
six
persons
willing
to
accept
of
the
presentation
out
of
that
Roll
of
the
Assembly
,
upon
every
occasion
of
vacation
of
any
Kirk
within
their
bounds
,
and
shall
send
the
famine
,
together
with
a
blank
presentation
:
The
which
(
if
His
Majesty
be
Patron
to
the
vacant
Kirk
)
shall
be
sent
by
the
said
Procurator
and
Agent
,
to
such
as
the
Commissioners
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
or
in
their
absence
the
Presbyteie
of
Edinburgh
,
shall
direct
and
think
at
that
time
most
able
and
willing
to
obtain
the
presentation
,
to
be
signed
and
filled
up
by
His
Majesties
choise
of
one
of
the
List
.
And
if
the
vacant
Kirk
be
of
a
Patronage
disponed
by
His
Majesty
since
the
3.
of
January
,
in
that
case
either
the
Presbyteries
themselves
shall
send
a
List
of
six
persons
in
maner
aforesaid
,
with
a
blank
presentation
to
the
Patron
,
to
be
filled
up
by
his
choise
,
and
subscribed
,
or
send
the
samine
to
the
saids
Officers
of
the
Kirk
,
to
be
conveyed
by
them
to
the
Patron
of
the
vaiking
Kirk
,
as
the
Presbyterie
shall
think
most
expedient
.
It
is
alwayes
declared
,
that
this
order
shall
be
without
prejudice
to
the
Presbyteries
,
with
consent
foresaid
,
to
put
actuall
Ministers
upon
the
said
List
of
six
persons
,
to
be
sent
to
the
Patron
of
the
said
vaiking
Kirks
,
if
they
please
.
And
least
that
the
nomination
of
Expectants
by
Presbyteries
,
Synods
,
or
Assemblies
,
in
their
Rolls
or
Lists
foresaid
,
be
mis-interpreted
,
as
though
the
Expectants
nominated
in
these
Rolls
and
Lists
,
were
thereby
holden
and
acknowledged
to
be
qualified
,
which
is
not
the
intention
of
the
Assembly
,
who
rather
think
,
that
in
respect
of
this
Order
,
there
should
be
a
more
exact
tryall
of
Expectants
then
before
:
Therefore
the
Assembly
ordaines
,
That
no
Expectants
shall
be
put
on
the
Rolls
or
Lists
above-mentioned
,
but
such
as
have
been
upon
the
publike
exercise
,
at
the
least
by
the
space
of
half
a
year
,
or
longer
,
as
the
Presbyterie
shall
finde
necessary
.
And
suchlike
ordaines
,
that
hereafter
none
be
admitted
to
the
publike
exercise
,
before
they
betrayed
,
according
to
the
tryall
appointed
for
Expectants
,
at
their
entrie
to
the
Ministerie
in
the
late
Assembly
at
Glasgow
,
in
the
24.
Article
of
the
Act
of
the
23.
Session
thereof
:
which
tryall
,
the
Assembly
appoints
to
be
taken
of
every
Expectant
,
before
his
admission
to
the
publike
exercise
.
And
suchlike
ordaines
,
That
the
samine
tryall
shall
be
again
taken
immediatly
before
their
admission
to
the
Ministerie
,
together
with
their
tryall
mentioned
in
the
advice
of
some
Brethren
deputed
for
penning
the
corruptions
of
the
Ministery
,
approven
in
the
said
Act
of
the
Generall
Assembly
at
Glasgow
.
And
because
that
Kirks
of
the
patronages
foresaids
,
will
vaik
before
the
Rolls
and
Lists
be
made
up
by
the
Presbyteries
,
Synods
,
and
Generall
Assemblies
,
in
manner
foresaid
:
Therefore
in
the
interim
the
Assembly
ordains
the
Commissioners
of
every
Presbyterie
here
present
,
to
give
in
a
List
of
the
ablest
Expectants
within
their
bounds
,
the
morn
,
to
the
Clerk
of
the
Assembly
,
that
the
Assembly
may
out
of
these
Rolls
,
make
a
List
to
be
sent
to
every
Presbyterie
:
Out
of
which
the
Presbyteries
shall
make
a
List
of
six
persons
,
with
consent
foresaid
,
and
send
the
famine
upon
vacancie
of
any
Church
within
their
bounds
,
together
with
a
presentation
to
His
Majestie
,
or
any
other
patron
,
in
manner
foresaid
.
And
because
the
Procurator
and
Agent
of
the
Kirk
cannot
get
sufficient
information
to
the
Lords
of
Exchequer
,
anent
the
Right
and
Interest
of
the
Kirk
,
and
Presbyteries
in
Kirks
,
whereof
gifts
of
patronages
may
be
presented
to
the
Exchequer
:
Therefore
the
Assembly
ordaines
for
their
better
information
hereanent
,
that
every
Presbyterie
,
with
all
diligence
,
use
all
meanes
of
exact
tryall
of
the
nature
and
qualitie
of
all
Kirks
within
their
bounds
,
as
what
Kirks
belong
to
the
Kings
Majesties
patronage
,
what
to
other
Laick
patronages
,
what
Kirks
of
old
were
planted
by
Presbyteries
,
and
what
by
Prelates
,
and
Bishops
,
before
the
Assembly
at
Glasgow
1638.
what
hath
been
the
way
and
time
of
the
change
of
the
planting
and
providing
of
the
Kirks
,
if
any
have
been
changed
or
any
other
thing
concerning
the
nature
and
qualitie
of
every
Kirk
within
their
bounds
,
and
to
send
the
same
to
the
Procurator
of
the
Kirk
with
all
diligence
.
Act
anent
Lists
for
the
Kirks
in
the
High-lands
.
THe
Assembly
considering
that
in
Argyle
,
and
in
other
places
of
the
Irish
language
,
there
will
not
be
gotten
six
expectants
able
to
speak
that
language
,
And
therfore
the
Assembly
is
hopefull
,
that
in
these
singular
cases
,
His
Majestie
will
be
pleased
for
Kirks
vacand
in
the
Highlands
,
to
accept
of
a
List
of
so
many
expectants
as
can
be
had
,
able
to
speak
the
Irish
language
.
And
the
Commissioners
Grace
promiseth
to
recommend
it
to
His
Majestie
.
Overtures
against
Papists
,
non-Communicants
,
and
profaners
of
the
Sabbach
.
THe
Assembly
would
draw
up
a
Supplication
to
be
presented
by
the
Commissioners
of
the
Presbyterie
of
Edinburgh
to
the
Councell
at
their
first
meeting
,
for
the
due
execution
of
the
Acts
of
Parliament
and
Councell
against
Papists
,
wherein
it
will
be
specially
craved
,
that
the
Exchequer
should
be
the
Intromettors
with
the
Rents
of
these
who
are
excommunicate
,
and
that
from
the
Exchequer
the
Presbyterie
may
receive
that
portion
of
the
confiscate
goods
,
which
the
Law
appoints
to
be
imployed
ad
pios
usus
.
Every
Presbyterie
would
conveen
at
their
first
meeting
,
all
known
Papists
in
their
bounds
,
and
require
them
to
put
out
of
their
company
,
all
friends
and
servants
who
are
Popish
within
one
moneth
:
also
within
that
same
space
,
to
give
their
children
,
sons
and
daughters
,
who
are
above
seven
yeers
old
,
to
be
educate
at
their
charges
,
by
such
of
their
Protestant
friends
,
as
the
Presbyterie
shall
approve
,
and
finde
sufficient
caution
for
bringing
home
within
three
moneths
such
of
their
children
who
are
without
the
Kingdom
,
to
be
educate
in
Schooles
and
Colledges
at
the
Presbyteries
sight
;
to
finde
caution
likewise
of
their
abstinence
from
Masse
;
and
the
company
of
all
Jesuits
and
Priests
.
That
all
,
of
whatsoever
rank
or
degree
,
who
refuse
to
give
satisfaction
in
every
one
of
the
foresaid
Articles
,
shall
be
Processed
without
any
delay
;
but
those
who
give
satisfaction
shall
be
dealt
with
in
all
meeknesse
,
after
this
manner
:
The
Presbyteries
shall
appoint
such
of
their
number
as
they
shall
find
fittest
to
confer
with
them
so
frequently
as
the
Brethren
are
able
to
attend
,
untill
the
midst
of
October
next
,
against
which
time
,
if
they
be
not
willing
to
go
to
Church
,
they
shall
give
assurance
to
go
and
dwell
in
the
next
adjacent
University
Town
,
whether
Edinburgh
,
Glasgow
,
S.
Andrews
,
or
Aberdene
,
from
Novemb
.
1.
to
the
last
of
March
,
where
they
shall
attend
all
the
diets
of
conference
which
the
professors
and
Ministers
of
the
bounds
shal
appoint
to
them
:
by
which
if
they
be
not
converted
,
their
obstinacy
shal
be
declared
in
the
Provincial
Synods
of
April
,
and
from
thence
their
Processe
shall
go
on
to
the
very
closure
without
any
farther
delay
.
That
every
Presbyterie
,
as
they
will
be
answerable
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
be
carefull
to
do
their
dutie
in
all
the
premisses
.
That
there
be
given
presently
by
the
members
of
this
present
Assembly
unto
the
Commissioners
of
the
Presbyterie
of
Edinburgh
,
a
List
of
all
excommunicate
Papists
they
know
,
and
of
all
Papists
who
have
children
educate
abroad
,
that
they
may
be
presented
,
together
with
our
Supplication
,
to
the
Councell
,
at
their
first
sitting
.
That
the
Councell
may
be
supplicate
for
an
Act
,
that
in
no
Regiment
which
goes
out
of
the
Kingdom
,
any
Papists
bear
office
,
and
that
the
Colonell
be
required
to
finde
caution
for
this
effect
,
before
he
receive
the
Councels
Warrant
for
levying
any
Souldiers
:
also
that
he
finde
caution
for
the
maintaining
of
a
Minister
,
and
keeping
of
a
Session
in
his
Regiment
.
Item
,
the
Assembly
would
enjoyn
every
Presbyterie
to
proceed
against
non-Communicants
,
whether
Papists
or
others
,
according
to
the
Act
of
Parliament
made
thereanent
.
And
suchlike
,
that
Acts
of
Parliament
against
prophaners
of
the
Sabbath
be
put
to
execution
.
The
Assembly
approves
the
Overtures
foresaid
,
and
ordains
Presbyteries
to
put
the
samine
to
execution
with
all
diligence
:
and
that
the
Commissioners
of
every
Presbyterie
give
in
a
List
of
the
excommunicate
Papists
within
their
bounds
,
and
of
Papists
children
out
of
the
Countrey
,
to
the
Clerk
,
that
the
same
may
be
presented
to
the
Councell
by
the
Commissioners
of
this
Assembly
.
Act
anent
the
joyning
of
the
Presbyterie
of
Sky
to
the
Synode
of
Argyle
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
having
considered
the
whole
proceedings
of
the
Commissioners
of
the
late
Generall
Assembly
holden
at
Edinburgh
,
anent
the
reference
made
to
them
concerning
the
Presbyterie
of
Sky
,
together
with
the
whole
reasons
pro
&
contra
in
the
said
matter
,
after
mature
deliberation
have
ratified
and
approved
,
and
by
these
presents
ratifie
and
approve
the
Sentence
of
the
saids
Commissioners
thereintill
.
And
further
ordains
the
said
Presbytery
of
Sky
,
and
all
the
Ministers
and
Elders
thereof
,
to
keep
the
meetings
of
the
Provincial
Assembly
of
Argyle
,
where
they
shall
happen
to
be
appointed
in
all
time
coming
,
suchlike
as
any
other
Presbyterie
within
the
bounds
of
the
said
Province
of
Argyle
uses
to
do
:
And
that
the
samine
Presbyterie
be
in
all
time
hereafter
within
the
jurisdiction
of
the
said
Provincial
Assembly
,
without
any
further
question
to
be
made
thereanent
.
Sess.
VIII
.
3.
Aug.
post
meridiem
.
The
Supplication
of
this
Assembly
to
the
KINGS
MAjESTIE
.
To
the
Kings
most
Excellent
Majestie
,
the
hearty
thanksgiving
,
and
humble
Petition
of
the
Generall
Assembly
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
met
at
S.
Andrews
July
27.
1642.
OUr
hearts
were
filled
with
great
joy
and
gladnesse
at
the
hearing
of
Your
Majesties
Letter
,
which
was
read
once
and
again
in
face
of
the
Assembly
,
every
line
thereof
almost
either
expressing
such
affection
to
the
reformed
Religion
,
and
such
royall
care
of
us
,
as
we
could
require
from
a
Christian
Prince
;
or
requiring
such
necessary
duties
from
us
,
as
we
are
bound
to
performe
as
Ministers
of
the
Gospel
,
and
Christian
Subjects
:
For
which
,
as
solemne
thanks
were
given
by
the
Moderator
of
the
Assembly
,
so
do
we
all
with
one
voice
in
all
humility
,
present
unto
Your
Majestie
the
thankfulnesse
of
our
hearts
,
with
our
earnest
prayers
to
God
for
your
Majesties
prosperity
,
and
the
peace
of
Your
Kingdoms
,
that
Your
Majestie
may
be
indeed
a
nursing
Father
to
all
the
Kirks
of
Christ
in
Your
Majesties
Dominions
;
and
especially
to
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
honoured
with
Your
Birth
and
Baptisme
:
promising
our
most
serious
indeavours
by
doctrine
and
life
,
to
advance
the
Gospel
of
Christ
,
and
to
keep
the
people
in
our
charge
in
Unity
and
Peace
,
and
in
all
loyalty
and
obedience
to
Your
Majestie
and
Your
Laws
.
Your
Majesties
commands
to
Your
Commissioner
,
the
Earle
of
Dumfermling
,
to
receive
from
us
our
just
and
reasonable
desires
for
what
may
further
serve
for
the
good
of
Religion
here
,
the
favours
which
we
have
received
already
,
and
Your
Majesties
desire
and
delight
to
do
good
,
expressed
in
Your
Letter
,
are
as
many
encouragements
to
us
,
to
take
the
boldnesse
in
all
humility
to
present
unto
Your
Majestie
(
beside
the
particulars
recommended
to
Your
Majesties
Commissioner
)
one
thing
,
which
for
the
present
is
the
chiefest
of
all
Our
desires
,
as
serving
most
for
the
glory
of
Christ
,
for
Your
Majesties
Honour
and
Comfort
;
and
not
onely
for
the
good
of
Religion
here
,
but
for
the
true
happinesse
and
peace
of
all
Your
Majesties
Dominions
;
which
is
no
new
motion
,
but
the
prosecution
of
that
same
which
was
made
by
the
Commissioners
of
this
Your
Majesties
Kingdom
in
the
late
Treatie
,
and
which
Your
Majestie
,
with
advice
of
both
Houses
of
Parliament
,
did
approve
in
these
words
:
To
their
desire
concerning
unitie
in
Religion
and
uniformitie
of
Church
government
,
as
a
speciall
meanes
of
conserving
of
Peace
betwixt
the
two
Kingdoms
,
upon
the
grounds
and
reasons
contained
in
the
Paper
of
the
10.
of
March
,
given
in
to
the
Treaty
and
Parliament
of
England
:
It
is
answered
upon
the
15
of
June
,
That
His
Majestie
,
with
advice
of
both
Houses
of
Parliament
,
doth
approve
of
the
affection
of
His
Subjects
of
Scotland
,
in
their
desire
of
having
the
conformity
of
Church-government
betwixt
the
two
Nations
,
and
as
the
Parliament
hath
already
taken
into
consideration
the
reformation
of
Church
government
,
so
they
will
proceed
therein
in
due
time
,
as
shall
best
conduce
to
the
glory
of
God
,
the
Peace
of
the
Church
,
and
of
both
Kingdoms
,
11.
of
June
1641.
In
Our
Answer
to
a
Declaration
sent
by
the
now
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdom
from
both
Houses
of
Parliament
,
we
have
not
onely
pressed
this
point
of
unity
in
Religion
and
Uniformity
of
Church-government
,
as
a
meane
of
a
firme
and
durable
union
betwixt
the
two
Kingdomes
,
and
without
which
former
experiences
put
us
out
of
hope
long
to
enjoy
the
puritie
of
the
Gospel
with
Peace
,
but
also
have
rendred
the
reasons
of
our
hopes
and
confidence
,
as
from
other
considerations
,
so
from
Your
Majesties
late
Letter
to
this
Assembly
,
that
Your
Majestie
in
a
happy
conjunction
with
the
Houses
of
Parliament
,
will
be
pleased
to
settle
this
blessed
Reformation
,
with
so
earnestly
desired
a
Peace
in
all
Your
Dominions
.
And
therfore
we
Your
Majesties
most
loving
Subjects
,
in
name
of
the
whole
Kirks
of
Scotland
,
represented
by
us
,
upon
the
knees
of
our
hearts
,
do
most
humbly
and
earnestly
beg
,
that
Your
Majesty
in
the
deep
of
Your
Royall
Wisdom
,
and
from
Your
affection
to
the
true
Religion
,
and
the
Peace
of
Your
Kingdoms
,
may
be
moved
to
consider
,
that
the
God
of
Heaven
and
Earth
is
calling
for
this
Reformation
at
Your
hands
,
and
that
as
you
are
his
Vice-gerent
,
so
You
may
be
his
prime
Instrument
in
it
.
If
it
shall
please
the
Lord
(
which
is
our
desire
and
hope
)
that
this
blessed
unitie
in
Religion
and
Uniformity
in
Government
shall
be
brought
about
;
Your
Majesties
Conscience
,
in
performing
of
so
great
a
dutie
,
shall
be
a
well-spring
of
comfort
to
Your Self
,
Your
memory
shall
be
a
sweet
favour
,
and
Your
name
renowned
to
all
following
generations
.
And
if
these
unhappy
commotions
and
divisions
shall
end
in
this
peace
and
unity
,
then
it
shall
appeare
in
the
Providence
of
God
,
they
were
but
the
noyse
of
many
waters
,
and
the
voyce
of
a
great
thunder
before
the
voyce
of
harpers
harping
with
their
harps
,
which
shall
fill
this
whole
Iland
with
melodie
and
mirth
,
and
the
name
of
it
shall
be
,
THE
LORD
IS
THERE
.
The
Declaration
of
the
Parliament
of
England
,
sent
to
the
Assembly
.
THe
Lords
and
Commons
in
this
present
Parliament
assembled
,
finding
to
their
great
grief
,
that
the
distractions
of
this
Kingdome
daily
increase
,
and
that
the
wicked
counsells
and
practises
of
a
malignant
party
amongst
us
(
if
God
prevent
them
not
)
are
like
to
cast
this
nation
into
bloud
&
confusion
,
To
testifie
to
all
the
World
how
earnestly
they
desire
to
avoid
a
Civill
Warre
,
they
have
addressed
themselves
in
an
humble
Supplication
to
His
Majestie
,
for
the
prevention
thereof
.
A
Copy
of
which
their
Petition
,
they
have
thought
fit
to
send
at
this
time
to
the
Nationall
Assembly
of
the
Church
of
Scotland
,
to
the
intent
that
that
Church
and
Kingdome
(
whereunto
they
are
united
by
so
many
and
so
near
bonds
and
tyes
,
as
well
Spirituall
as
Civill
)
may
see
that
the
like
minde
is
now
in
them
,
that
formerly
appeared
to
be
in
that
Nation
.
And
that
they
are
as
tender
of
the
effusion
of
Christian
bloud
on
the
one
side
,
as
they
are
zealous
on
the
other
side
of
a
due
Reformation
both
in
Church
and
State
.
In
which
work
,
whilest
they
were
labouring
,
they
have
been
interrupted
by
the
plots
and
practises
of
a
malignant
party
of
Papists
,
and
ill-affected
persons
,
especially
of
the
corrupt
and
dissolute
Clergy
,
by
the
incitement
and
instigation
of
Bishops
,
and
others
,
whose
avarice
and
ambition
being
not
able
to
bear
the
Reformation
endeavoured
by
the
Parliament
,
they
have
laboured
(
as
we
can
expect
little
better
fruit
from
such
trees
)
to
kindle
a
flame
,
and
raise
a
combustion
within
the
bowels
of
this
Kingdom
:
Which
if
by
our
humble
supplication
to
His
Majesty
it
may
be
prevented
,
and
that
according
to
our
earnest
desire
therein
,
all
Force
and
Warlike
preparations
being
laid
aside
,
we
may
returne
to
a
peaceable
Parliamentary
proceeding
,
We
do
not
doubt
,
but
that
by
the
blessing
of
Almighty
God
upon
our
endeavours
,
we
shall
settle
the
matters
both
in
Church
and
State
,
to
the
encrease
of
His
Majesties
Honour
and
State
,
the
peace
and
prosperitie
of
this
Kingdome
,
and
especially
to
the
glory
of
God
,
by
the
advancement
of
the
true
Religion
,
and
such
a
Reformation
of
the
Church
,
as
shall
be
most
agreeable
to
Gods
Word
.
Out
of
all
which
,
there
will
also
most
undoubtedly
result
a
most
firme
and
stable
Union
between
the
two
Kingdomes
of
England
and
Scotland
,
which
according
to
our
Protestation
,
we
shall
by
all
good
wayes
and
meanes
,
upon
all
occasions
,
labour
to
preserve
and
maintain
,
Subscribitur
Jo
.
Brown
Cler
.
Parl
.
The
Assemblies
Answer
to
the
Declaration
of
the
Parliament
of
England
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
having
received
a
Declaration
sent
unto
them
by
the
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdome
,
now
at
London
,
from
the
Honourable
Houses
of
the
Parliament
of
England
,
expressing
their
care
to
prevent
the
effusion
of
Christian
bloud
in
that
Kingdome
,
and
their
affections
to
Reformation
both
in
Kirk
and
State
,
and
having
taken
the
same
to
such
consideration
as
the
importance
of
so
weighty
matters
,
and
the
high
estimation
they
have
of
so
wise
and
honourable
a
meeting
as
is
the
Parliament
of
England
,
did
require
;
have
with
universall
consent
resolved
upon
this
following
Answer
.
That
from
the
recent
sense
of
the
goodnesse
of
God
,
in
their
own
late
deliverance
,
and
from
their
earnest
desire
of
all
happinesse
to
our
native
King
and
that
Kingdome
,
they
blesse
the
Lord
for
preserving
them
in
the
midst
of
so
many
unhappy
divisions
and
troubles
from
a
bloudy
Intestine
War
,
which
is
from
God
the
greatest
Judgement
,
and
to
such
a
nation
the
compend
of
all
calamities
.
They
also
give
God
thanks
for
their
former
and
present
desires
of
a
Reformation
,
especially
of
Religion
,
which
is
the
glory
and
strength
of
a
Kingdome
,
and
bringeth
with
it
all
temporall
blessings
of
prosperity
and
peace
.
That
the
hearts
of
all
the
members
of
this
Assembly
,
and
of
all
the
welaffected
within
this
Kingdome
,
are
exceedingly
grieved
and
made
heavy
,
that
in
so
long
a
time
,
against
the
professions
both
of
King
and
Parliament
,
and
contrary
to
the
joynt
desires
and
prayers
of
the
godly
in
both
Kingdomes
,
to
whom
it
is
more
deare
and
precious
then
what
is
dearest
to
them
in
the
world
,
the
Reformation
of
Religion
hath
moved
so
slowly
,
and
suffered
so
great
interruption
.
They
consider
that
not
only
Prelates
,
formall
Professours
,
profane
and
worldly
men
,
and
all
that
are
Popishly
affected
,
are
bad
councellours
and
workers
,
and
do
abuse
their
power
,
and
bend
all
their
strength
and
policies
against
the
Work
of
God
;
but
the
God
of
this
world
also
,
with
Principalities
and
Powers
,
the
rulers
of
the
darknesse
of
this
world
,
and
spirituall
wickednesse
in
high
places
,
are
working
with
all
their
force
and
fraud
in
the
same
opposition
,
not
without
hope
of
successe
,
they
having
prevailed
so
farre
from
the
beginning
,
That
in
the
times
of
the
best
Kings
of
Juda
of
old
,
and
the
most
part
of
the
Reformed
Kirks
of
late
,
a
through
and
perfect
Reformation
of
Religion
hath
been
a
work
full
of
difficulties
,
Yet
doe
they
conceive
,
that
as
it
ought
first
of
all
to
be
intended
,
so
should
it
be
above
all
other
things
,
with
confidence
in
God
,
who
is
greater
then
the
world
,
and
he
who
is
in
the
world
,
most
seriously
endeavoured
.
And
that
when
the
supreame
Providence
giveth
opportunity
of
the
accepted
time
and
day
of
salvation
,
no
other
work
can
prosper
in
the
hands
of
his
servants
,
if
it
be
not
apprehended
,
and
with
all
reverence
and
faithfulnesse
improved
.
This
Kirk
and
Nation
,
when
the
Lord
gave
them
the
calling
,
considered
not
their
own
deadnesse
,
nor
staggered
at
the
promise
through
unbelief
,
but
gave
glory
to
God
.
And
who
knoweth
(
we
speak
it
in
humility
and
love
,
and
from
no
other
mind
then
from
a
desire
of
the
blessing
of
God
upon
our
King
and
that
Kingdome
)
but
the
Lord
hath
now
some
controversie
with
England
,
which
will
not
be
removed
,
till
first
and
before
all
,
the
worship
of
his
name
and
the
government
of
his
house
be
settled
according
to
his
own
will
?
When
this
desire
shall
come
,
it
shall
be
to
England
,
after
so
long
deferred
hopes
,
a
tree
of
life
,
which
shall
not
only
yeeld
temporall
blessings
unto
themselves
,
but
also
shall
spread
the
branches
so
far
,
that
both
this
nation
and
other
reformed
Kirks
shall
finde
the
fruits
thereof
to
their
great
satisfaction
.
The
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdome
in
the
late
Treaty
of
peace
,
considering
that
Religion
is
not
only
the
meane
of
the
service
of
God
,
and
saving
of
Souls
,
but
is
also
the
base
and
foundation
of
Kingdomes
and
Estates
,
and
the
strongest
band
to
tye
Subjects
to
their
Prince
in
true
loyaltie
,
and
to
knit
the
hearts
of
one
to
another
in
true
unity
and
love
,
They
did
with
preface
of
all
due
respect
and
reverence
,
far
from
arrogancy
or
presumption
,
represent
in
name
of
this
Kingdome
,
their
serious
thoughts
and
earnest
desires
for
unity
of
Religion
,
That
in
all
His
Majesties
Dominions
,
there
might
be
one
Confession
of
Faith
,
one
directory
of
worship
,
one
publike
Catechisme
,
and
one
form
of
Kirk
Government
.
This
they
conceived
to
be
acceptable
to
God
Almighty
,
who
delighteth
to
see
his
People
walking
in
truth
and
unity
,
to
be
a
speciall
meanes
for
conserving
of
peace
betwixt
the
Kingdomes
,
of
easing
the
Kings
Majesty
,
and
the
publike
government
of
much
trouble
,
which
ariseth
from
differences
of
Religion
,
very
grievous
to
Kings
and
Estates
;
of
great
content
to
the
King
himself
,
to
his
Nobles
,
his
Court
,
and
all
his
People
,
when
(
occasioned
to
be
abroad
)
without
scruple
to
themselves
,
or
scandall
to
others
,
all
may
resort
to
the
same
publike
worship
,
as
if
they
were
at
their
own
dwellings
;
of
suppressing
the
names
of
Heresies
,
and
Sects
,
Puritans
,
Conformists
,
Separatists
,
Anabaptists
,
&c.
which
do
rent
asunder
the
bowels
both
of
Kirk
and
Kingdome
;
of
despaire
of
successe
to
Papists
and
Recusants
,
to
have
their
profession
,
which
is
inconsistent
with
the
true
Protestant
Religion
,
and
authority
of
Princes
,
set
up
again
,
and
of
drawing
the
hearts
and
hands
of
Ministers
,
from
unpleasant
and
unprofitable
Controversies
,
to
the
pressing
of
mortification
,
and
to
Treatises
of
true
pietie
,
and
practicall
Divinity
.
The
Assembly
doth
now
enter
upon
the
labour
of
the
Commissioners
,
unto
which
they
are
encouraged
,
not
only
by
their
faithfulnesse
in
the
late
Treaty
,
but
also
by
the
zeale
and
example
of
the
Generall
Assemblies
of
this
Kirk
in
former
times
,
as
may
appeare
by
the
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
,
Decemb
.
25.
in
the
year
1566.
which
ordained
a
Letter
to
be
sent
to
England
against
the
Surplice
,
Tippet
,
Cornercap
,
and
such
other
Ceremonies
as
then
troubled
that
Kirk
,
that
they
might
be
removed
.
By
the
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
,
April
24.
1583.
humbly
desiring
the
Kings
Majesty
,
to
command
his
Ambassadour
,
then
going
to
England
,
to
deale
with
the
Queen
,
that
there
might
be
an
Union
and
Band
,
betwixt
them
and
other
Christian
Princes
and
Realmes
,
professing
the
true
Religion
for
defence
and
protection
of
the
Word
of
God
,
and
Professors
thereof
,
against
the
persecution
of
Papists
and
confederates
joyned
and
united
together
by
the
bloudy
league
of
Trent
:
as
also
that
her
Majesty
would
disburden
their
brethren
of
England
of
the
yoke
of
Ceremonies
,
imposed
upon
them
,
against
the
liberty
of
the
Word
:
And
by
the
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
,
March
3.
1589.
ordaining
the
Presbyterie
of
Edinburgh
,
to
use
all
good
and
possible
means
for
the
relief
and
comfort
of
the
Kirk
of
England
,
then
heavily
troubled
for
the
maintaining
the
true
discipline
and
government
of
the
Kirk
,
and
that
the
Brethren
in
their
private
and
publike
prayers
,
recommend
the
estate
of
the
afflicted
Kirk
of
England
to
God
.
While
now
by
the
mercy
of
God
the
conjunction
of
the
two
Kingdomes
is
many
wayes
increased
,
the
zeale
of
the
Generall
Assembly
towards
their
happinesse
ought
to
be
no
lesse
.
But
besides
these
,
the
Assembly
is
much
encouraged
unto
this
duetie
,
both
from
the
Kings
Majesty
and
his
Parliament
,
joyntly
,
in
their
Answer
to
the
proposition
,
made
by
the
late
Commissioners
of
the
Treaty
,
in
these
words
:
To
their
desire
concerning
unity
of
Religion
,
and
uniformity
of
Kirk
government
,
as
a
speciall
meanes
for
conserving
of
peace
betwixt
the
two
Kingdomes
,
upon
the
grounds
and
reasons
contained
in
the
paper
of
the
10
of
March
,
and
given
in
to
the
Treatie
and
Parliament
of
England
:
It
is
answered
upon
the
15.
of
June
,
That
his
Majestie
with
advice
of
both
Houses
of
Parliament
,
doth
approve
of
the
affection
of
His
Subjects
of
Scotland
,
in
their
desire
of
having
conformitie
of
Kirk-government
between
the
two
Nations
,
and
as
the
Parliament
hath
already
taken
into
consideration
the
Reformation
of
Kirk-government
,
so
they
will
proceed
therein
in
due
time
,
as
shall
best
conduce
to
the
glory
of
God
,
the
peace
of
the
Kirk
,
and
of
both
Kingdomes
.
And
also
severally
:
for
His
Majestie
knoweth
that
the
custodie
and
vindication
,
the
conservation
and
purgation
of
Religion
,
are
a
great
part
of
the
duetie
of
Civill
authority
and
power
.
His
Majesties
late
practise
while
he
was
here
in
person
,
in
resorting
frequently
to
the
exercises
of
publike
worship
,
His
Royall
actions
,
in
establishing
the
worship
and
government
of
this
Kirk
in
Parliament
,
and
in
giving
order
for
a
competent
maintenance
to
the
Ministery
and
Seminaries
of
the
Kirk
,
and
His
Majesties
gracious
Letter
to
the
Assembly
(
seconded
by
the
speech
of
His
Majesties
Commissioner
)
which
containes
this
religious
expression
:
Where
any
thing
is
amisse
,
we
will
endeavour
a
Reformation
in
a
fair
and
orderly
way
,
and
where
Reformation
is
settled
,
we
resolve
with
that
authority
wherewith
God
hath
vested
us
,
to
maintain
and
defend
it
in
peace
and
liberty
,
against
all
trouble
that
can
come
from
without
,
and
against
all
Heresies
,
Sects
,
and
Schismes
,
which
may
arise
from
within
.
All
these
doe
make
us
hopefull
that
His
Majestie
will
not
oppose
,
but
advance
the
work
of
Reformation
.
In
like
manner
the
Honourable
Houses
of
Parliament
,
as
they
have
many
times
before
witnessed
their
zeale
,
so
now
also
in
their
Declaration
sent
to
the
Assembly
,
which
not
only
sheweth
the
constancy
of
their
zeale
,
but
their
great
grief
that
the
worke
hath
been
interrupted
by
a
malignant
party
of
Papists
and
evill
affected
persons
,
especially
of
the
corrupt
and
dissolute
Clergie
,
by
the
incitement
and
instigation
of
Bishops
and
others
,
their
hope
according
to
their
earnest
desire
,
when
they
shall
returne
to
a
peaceable
and
Parliamentary
proceeding
,
by
the
blessing
of
God
,
to
settle
such
a
Reformation
in
the
Church
,
as
shall
be
agreeable
to
Gods
word
,
and
that
the
result
shall
be
a
most
firm
and
stable
union
between
the
two
Kingdoms
of
England
and
Scotland
,
&c.
The
Assembly
also
is
not
a
little
encouraged
by
a
Letter
sent
from
many
reverend
Brethren
of
the
Kirk
of
England
,
expressing
their
prayers
and
endeavours
against
every
thing
which
shall
be
found
prejudiciall
to
the
establishment
of
the
Kingdome
of
Christ
,
and
the
Peace
of
their
Soveraigne
.
Upon
these
encouragements
,
and
having
so
patent
a
doore
of
hope
,
the
Assembly
doth
confidently
expect
,
that
England
will
now
bestirre
themselves
in
the
best
way
for
a
Reformation
of
Religion
,
and
do
most
willingly
offer
their
prayers
and
uttermost
endeavours
for
furthering
so
great
a
Work
,
wherein
Christ
is
so
much
concerned
in
his
glory
,
the
King
in
his
honour
,
the
Kirk
and
Kingdome
of
England
in
their
happinesse
,
and
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
in
the
purity
and
peace
of
the
Gospel
.
That
the
Assembly
also
from
so
many
reall
invitations
,
are
heartened
to
renew
the
Proposition
made
by
the
aforenamed
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdome
,
for
begining
the
Work
of
Reformation
,
at
the
uniformity
of
Kirk-government
.
For
what
hope
can
there
be
of
Unity
in
Religion
,
of
one
Confession
of
Faith
,
one
Form
of
Worship
,
and
one
Catechisme
,
till
there
be
first
one
Forme
of
Ecclesiasticall
Government
?
Yea
,
what
hope
can
the
Kingdome
and
Kirk
of
Scotland
have
of
a
firme
and
durable
Peace
,
till
Prelacie
,
which
hath
been
the
main
cause
of
their
miseries
and
troubles
,
first
and
last
,
be
plucked
up
,
root
and
branch
,
as
a
plant
which
God
hath
not
planted
,
and
from
which
,
no
better
fruits
can
be
expected
then
such
sower
grapes
,
as
this
day
set
on
edge
the
Kingdome
of
England
?
The
Prelaticall
Hierarchie
being
put
out
of
the
way
,
the
Work
will
be
easie
,
without
forcing
of
any
conscience
,
to
settle
in
England
the
government
of
the
Reformed
Kirks
by
Assemblies
.
For
although
the
Reformed
Kirks
do
hold
,
without
doubting
,
their
Kirk
Officers
,
and
Kirkgovernment
by
Assemblies
higher
and
lower
,
in
their
strong
and
beautifull
subordination
,
to
be
jure
divino
,
and
perpetuall
:
yet
Prelacie
,
as
it
differeth
from
the
Office
of
a
Pastor
,
is
almost
universally
acknowledged
by
the
Prelates
themselves
,
and
their
adherents
,
to
be
but
an
humane
ordinance
,
introduced
by
humane
reason
,
and
settled
by
humane
Law
and
Custome
for
supposed
conveniecie
:
which
therefore
by
humane
authority
,
without
wronging
any
mans
conscience
,
may
be
altred
and
abolished
upon
so
great
a
necessity
,
as
is
a
hearty
conjunction
with
all
the
Reformed
Kirks
,
a
firm
and
well
grounded
Peace
betwixt
the
two
Kingdomes
,
formerly
divided
in
themselves
,
&
betwixt
themselves
by
this
partition
wall
,
and
a
perfect
Union
of
the
Kirks
in
the
two
Nations
:
which
although
by
the
providence
of
God
in
one
Iland
,
and
under
one
Monarch
,
yet
ever
since
the
Reformation
,
and
for
the
present
also
,
are
at
greater
difference
in
the
point
of
Kirk-government
,
which
in
all
places
hath
a
powerfull
influence
upon
all
the
parts
of
Religion
,
then
any
other
Reformed
Kirks
,
although
in
Nations
at
greatest
distance
,
and
under
divers
Princes
.
What
may
be
required
of
the
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
for
furthering
the
Work
of
Uniformitie
of
Government
,
or
for
agreeing
upon
a
common
Confession
of
Faith
,
Catechisme
,
and
directory
for
Worship
,
shall
according
to
the
order
given
by
this
Assembly
,
be
most
willingly
performed
by
Us
,
who
long
extreamly
for
the
day
when
King
and
Parliament
shall
joyn
for
bringing
to
passe
so
great
,
so
good
a
Work
,
That
all
Warres
and
Commotions
ceasing
,
all
Superstition
,
Idolatry
,
Heresie
,
Sects
,
and
Schismes
being
removed
,
as
the
Lord
is
one
,
so
his
name
may
be
one
amongst
us
;
and
mercy
and
truth
,
righteousnesse
and
peace
meeting
together
,
and
kissing
one
another
,
may
dwell
in
this
Iland
.
Act
Sess.
VIII
.
Aug.
3.
1642.
Overtures
for
transplantation
of
Ministers
,
&
provision
of
Schools
,
ordained
by
the
late
Assembly
at
Edinburgh
to
be
sent
to
Synods
,
and
reported
to
this
Assembly
.
Act
Sess
XI
.
Edinb
.
Aug.
5.
1641.
These
Overtures
underwritten
,
anent
the
transporting
of
Ministers
and
Professors
to
Kirks
and
Colledges
,
being
read
in
audience
of
the
Assembly
,
and
thereafter
revised
by
a
Committee
appointed
for
that
effect
,
The
Assembly
appoints
them
to
be
sent
to
the
severall
Synods
,
to
be
considered
by
them
,
and
they
to
report
their
judgements
thereof
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
.
NO
transportation
would
be
granted
hereafter
without
citation
of
parties
having
interest
(
viz.
the
Minister
who
is
sought
and
his
Parish
)
to
hear
what
they
can
oppose
,
and
the
matter
is
to
come
first
to
both
the
Presbyteries
(
viz.
that
wherein
the
Minister
dwels
,
whose
transportation
is
sought
,
and
the
other
Presbyterie
to
which
he
is
sought
if
the
Kirks
lye
in
several
Presbyteries
)
and
if
the
Presbyteries
agree
not
,
then
the
matter
is
to
be
brought
to
the
Synod
,
or
Generall
Assembly
(
which
of
them
shall
first
occure
after
such
transportation
is
sought
)
and
if
the
Synod
(
occurring
first
)
agree
not
;
or
if
there
be
appeale
made
from
it
,
then
the
matter
is
to
come
to
the
Generall
Assembly
.
A
Minister
may
be
transplanted
from
a
particular
Congregation
(
where
he
can
onely
doe
good
to
a
part
)
to
such
a
place
,
where
he
may
benefit
the
whole
Kirk
of
Scotland
,
because
,
in
reason
the
whole
is
to
be
preferred
to
a
part
,
such
as
Edinburgh
.
1.
Because
all
the
great
Justice
Courts
sit
there
,
as
Councell
,
Session
,
Justice
Generall
,
Exchequer
,
&c.
and
it
concerns
the
whole
Kirk
,
that
these
Fountains
of
Justice
be
kept
clean
,
both
in
the
point
of
Faith
,
and
Manners
.
2.
Because
there
is
great
confluence
to
Edinburgh
,
from
time
to
time
,
of
many
of
the
chief
Members
of
the
whole
Kingdome
,
and
it
concerns
the
whole
Kirk
to
have
these
well
seasoned
,
who
(
apparantly
)
are
to
be
the
Instruments
of
keeping
this
Kirk
and
Kingdome
in
good
temper
.
That
this
may
be
the
more
easily
done
,
the
Assembly
first
recommends
to
Edinburgh
,
that
some
young
men
of
excellent
spirits
may
be
(
upon
the
charges
of
the
said
Town
)
trained
up
,
at
home
or
abroad
,
toward
the
Ministery
from
time
to
time
.
Secondly
we
meane
not
,
that
all
the
places
of
the
Ministerie
of
Edinburgh
be
filled
with
Ministers
to
be
transported
by
Authority
of
this
Act
,
but
only
till
they
be
provided
of
one
Minister
(
transplanted
by
the
Authority
of
the
Assembly
)
for
every
Kirk
in
Edinburgh
,
and
that
the
rest
of
the
places
be
filled
either
according
to
the
Generall
Rules
of
transportation
for
the
whole
Kingdome
,
or
by
agreement
with
actuall
Ministers
,
and
their
Parishes
,
with
consent
of
the
Presbyterie
or
Synod
,
to
the
which
they
belong
.
In
the
next
roome
,
we
finde
,
that
it
is
a
transporting
of
Ministers
for
publike
good
,
that
Colledges
,
(
having
the
profession
of
Divinitie
)
be
well
provided
of
Professors
.
Wherein
the
Colledge
of
Divinitie
in
S.
Andrews
is
first
to
be
served
,
without
taking
any
Professors
or
Ministers
out
of
Edinburgh
,
Glasgow
,
or
Aberdene
,
and
then
the
rest
of
the
Colledges
,
would
be
provided
for
,
as
their
necessity
shall
require
:
yet
(
in
respect
of
the
present
scarcity
)
it
were
good
for
the
Universities
to
send
abroad
for
able
and
approved
men
,
to
be
Professors
of
Divinitie
,
that
our
Ministers
may
be
kept
in
their
pastorall
charge
asmuch
as
may
be
.
Towns
also
wherein
Colledges
are
,
are
very
considerable
in
the
matter
of
transportation
.
Also
Congregations
,
where
Noblemen
have
chief
residence
are
to
be
regarded
,
whether
planted
or
unplanted
,
and
a
care
is
to
be
had
,
that
none
be
admitted
Ministers
where
Popish
Noblemen
reside
,
but
such
as
are
able
men
(
especially
for
controversies
)
by
sight
of
the
Presbyterie
:
and
moreover
it
is
necessary
,
that
such
Ministers
as
dwell
where
Popish
Noblemen
are
,
and
are
not
able
for
controversies
,
that
they
be
transported
.
They
who
desire
the
transportation
of
a
Minister
should
be
obliged
to
give
reasons
for
their
desire
:
Neither
should
any
Presbyterie
or
Assembly
,
passe
a
sentence
for
transportation
of
any
Minister
,
till
they
give
reasons
for
the
expediencie
of
the
same
,
both
to
him
and
his
Congregation
,
and
to
the
Presbyterie
whereof
he
is
a
member
.
If
they
acquiesce
to
the
reasons
given
,
it
is
so
much
the
better
:
if
they
doe
not
acquiesce
,
yet
the
Presbyterie
,
or
Assembly
,
(
by
giving
such
reasons
before
the
passing
of
their
sentence
)
shall
make
it
manifest
,
that
what
they
doe
is
not
pro
arbitratu
,
vel
imperio
onely
,
but
upon
grounds
of
reason
.
Because
there
is
such
scarcity
of
Ministers
having
the
Irish
tongue
,
necessity
requires
,
that
when
they
be
found
in
the
Low-lands
,
they
be
transported
to
the
High-lands
:
providing
their
condition
be
not
made
worse
,
but
rather
better
by
their
transportation
.
In
the
point
of
voluntary
transportation
,
no
Minister
shall
transact
and
agree
with
any
Parish
,
to
be
transported
thereto
,
without
a
full
hearing
of
him
,
and
his
Parish
,
before
the
Presbyterie
to
which
he
belongs
in
his
present
charge
,
or
superiour
Kirk
judicatories
,
if
need
shall
be
.
The
planting
of
vacant
Kirks
,
is
not
to
be
tyed
to
any
(
either
Ministers
,
or
Expectants
)
within
a
Presbyterie
:
but
a
free
election
is
to
be
,
according
to
the
order
of
our
Kirk
,
and
Lawes
of
our
Kingdome
.
The
chief
Burghs
of
the
Kingdome
are
to
be
desired
to
traine
up
young
men
of
excellent
spirits
for
the
Ministery
,
according
to
their
power
,
as
was
recommended
to
Edinburgh
:
Which
course
will
in
time
(
God
willing
)
prevent
many
transplantations
.
The
Overtures
under-written
anent
the
Schooles
being
likewise
read
in
audience
of
the
Assembly
,
they
recommend
the
particulars
therein
mentioned
,
anent
the
providing
of
the
maintenance
for
School
masters
,
to
the
Parliament
:
and
ordaine
the
rest
to
be
sent
to
the
Synods
,
to
be
considered
by
them
,
and
they
to
report
their
judgements
thereof
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
as
said
is
.
EVery
Parish
would
have
a
Reader
and
a
Schoole
,
where
children
are
to
be
bred
,
in
reading
,
writting
,
and
grounds
of
Religion
,
according
to
the
laudable
Acts
,
both
of
Kirk
and
Parliament
,
made
before
.
And
where
Grammar
Schooles
may
be
had
,
as
in
Burghs
,
and
other
considerable
places
,
(
among
which
all
Presbyteriall
Seates
are
to
be
reputed
)
that
they
be
erected
,
and
held
hand
to
.
Anent
these
Schooles
,
every
Minister
with
his
Elders
,
shall
give
accompt
to
the
Presbyteries
at
the
visitation
of
the
Kirk
;
the
Presbyteries
are
to
make
report
to
the
Synode
,
and
the
Synode
to
the
Generall
Assembly
,
that
Schools
are
planted
,
as
above-said
,
and
how
they
are
provided
with
men
and
means
.
And
because
this
hath
been
most
neglected
in
the
High-lands
,
Ilands
,
and
borders
.
Therefore
the
Ministers
of
every
Parish
are
to
instruct
by
their
Commissioners
,
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
that
this
course
is
begun
betwixt
and
then
:
and
they
are
further
to
certifie
from
one
General
Assembly
to
another
,
whether
this
course
is
continued
without
omission
,
or
not
.
And
because
the
means
hitherto
named
or
appointed
for
Schooles
of
all
sorts
,
hath
been
both
little
,
and
ill
payed
,
Therefore
,
beside
former
appointments
,
(
the
execution
whereof
is
humbly
desired
,
and
to
be
petitioned
for
at
the
hands
of
His
Majestie
and
the
Parliament
)
the
Assembly
would
further
supplicate
this
Parliament
that
they
(
in
their
wisdome
)
would
finde
out
how
meanes
shall
be
had
for
so
good
an
use
,
especially
that
the
children
of
poore
men
,
(
being
very
capable
of
learning
,
and
of
good
engines
)
may
be
trained
up
,
according
as
the
exigence
and
necessity
of
evey
place
shall
require
.
And
that
the
Commissioners
,
who
shall
be
named
by
this
Assembly
,
to
wait
upon
the
Parliament
,
may
be
appointed
to
represent
this
to
his
Majestie
,
and
the
Parliament
,
seeing
His
sacred
Majestie
,
by
His
gracious
Letter
hath
put
us
in
hope
hereof
,
wherewith
we
have
been
much
refreshed
.
The
Assembly
would
supplicate
the
Parliament
,
that
for
youths
of
the
finest
and
best
spirits
of
the
High-lands
,
and
borders
,
maintenance
may
be
allotted
(
as
to
Bursars
)
to
be
bred
in
Universities
.
For
the
time
and
manner
of
visitation
of
Schooles
,
and
contriving
the
best
and
most
compendious
and
orderly
course
of
teaching
Grammar
,
we
humbly
desire
the
Assembly
to
appoint
a
Committee
for
that
effect
,
who
may
report
their
diligence
to
the
next
Generall
Assembly
.
The
Overtures
and
Articles
above-written
being
reported
to
this
Assembly
,
after
reading
and
serious
consideration
thereof
,
the
Assembly
approves
the
same
,
And
ordaines
them
to
have
the
strength
of
an
Act
and
ordinance
of
Assembly
in
all
time
coming
.
Sess.
XI
.
5.
Aug.
1642.
Act
anent
contrary
Oaths
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
finding
the
inconvenience
of
contrary
Oaths
in
trying
of
Adulteries
,
Fornications
,
and
other
faults
and
scandals
,
do
therefore
for
eviting
thereof
,
discharge
Synods
,
Presbyteries
and
Sessions
,
to
take
Oath
of
both
parties
in
all
time
hereafter
,
Recommending
to
them
in
the
mean
time
all
other
order
and
wayes
of
tryall
used
in
such
cases
:
And
that
there
may
be
a
common
order
and
course
kept
in
this
Kirk
of
trying
of
publike
scandals
,
The
Assembly
ordains
the
Presbyteries
to
advise
upon
some
common
order
hereintill
,
and
to
report
their
judgements
to
the
next
Assembly
.
Overtures
anent
Family
Exercises
,
Catechising
,
keeping
of
Synods
and
Presbyteries
,
and
restraint
of
Adulteries
,
Witch-crafts
,
and
other
grosse
sins
.
The
Committee
supplicates
the
Assembly
,
I.
TO
urge
the
severall
Synods
and
Presbyteries
,
especially
these
of
the
North
,
that
Family
Exercise
in
Religion
,
visitation
of
the
Churches
,
Catechising
,
keeping
of
the
Presbyteriall
and
Provinciall
meetings
(
both
by
Preaching
and
Ruling
Elders
)
be
more
carefully
observed
.
II
.
That
the
Clerk
at
least
subscribe
every
Book
before
it
come
to
the
Assembly
,
and
that
every
Act
be
noted
on
the
Margent
,
for
a
directory
of
expedition
.
III
.
That
the
Assembly
would
seriously
studie
by
all
meanes
and
wayes
how
to
procure
the
Magistrates
concurrence
to
curb
and
punish
these
notorious
vices
which
abound
in
the
Land
,
especially
in
the
Northern
parts
.
The
Assembly
approves
the
Overtures
foresaids
,
and
ordains
them
to
be
observed
:
and
for
the
last
,
the
Assembly
being
confident
of
the
readinesse
of
the
Judge
Ordinar
to
restrain
and
punish
these
faults
,
Do
therefore
ordain
all
Presbyteries
to
give
up
to
the
Justice
,
the
names
of
the
Adulterers
,
incestuous
persons
,
Witches
and
Sorcerers
,
and
others
guilty
of
such
grosse
and
fearfull
sins
within
their
bounds
,
that
they
may
be
Processed
,
and
punished
according
to
the
Laws
of
this
Kingdom
;
and
that
the
Presbyteries
and
Synods
be
carefull
herein
,
as
they
will
answer
to
the
Generall
Assemblies
.
And
because
that
Witch-craft
,
Charming
,
and
such
like
,
proceeds
many
times
from
ignorance
;
Therefore
the
Assembly
ordains
all
Ministers
,
especially
in
these
parts
where
these
sins
are
frequent
,
to
be
diligently
Preaching
,
Catechising
,
and
conferring
,
to
inform
their
people
thereintill
.
Sess.
XI
.
5.
Aug.
1642.
Act
against
Petitions
,
Declarations
,
&
such
like
in
name
of
Ministers
,
without
their
knowledge
and
consents
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
being
informed
,
that
after
the
Petition
presented
to
the
Lords
of
His
Majesties
Privie
Councell
by
the
Noblemen
Burgesses
,
and
Ministers
,
occasionally
met
at
Edinburgh
the
31.
day
of
May
last
by
past
,
had
received
a
very
gracious
Answer
,
There
was
another
Petition
given
in
to
their
Lordships
upon
the
〈◇〉
day
of
June
last
,
entituled
,
The
Petition
of
the
Nobilitie
,
Gentrie
,
Burrows
,
Ministers
,
and
Commons
:
which
as
it
was
not
accompanied
with
any
one
Minister
to
the
Lords
of
Privie
Councell
,
so
all
the
Ministers
of
this
Assembly
,
disclaimes
and
disavow●●
any
knowledge
thereof
,
or
accession
thereto
.
And
the
Assembly
conceiving
that
the
Kings
Majestie
Himself
,
and
all
the
Courts
and
Judicatories
of
this
Kingdome
may
be
deluded
and
abused
,
and
the
Kirk
in
Generall
,
and
Ministers
in
particular
injured
and
prejudged
by
the
like
practises
hereafter
,
Do
therefore
prohibite
and
discharge
all
and
every
one
to
pretend
or
use
the
name
of
Ministers
to
any
Petition
,
Declaration
,
or
such
like
at
any
time
hereafter
,
without
their
knowledge
,
consent
and
assistance
:
And
if
any
shall
doe
the
contrary
,
ordaines
Presbyteries
and
Provinciall
Assemblies
to
proceed
against
them
with
the
highest
censures
of
the
Kirk
.
Sess.
XI
.
5.
Aug.
1642.
Act
anent
the
Assemblies
desires
to
the
Lords
of
Counsell
,
and
Conservators
of
Peace
.
THe
Assembly
being
most
desirous
to
use
all
,
and
to
omit
no
lawfull
meane
or
occasion
to
testifie
their
zeale
by
dealing
with
God
and
man
,
for
furtherance
of
their
desires
of
Unity
in
Religion
and
uniformity
of
Kirk-government
,
And
considering
the
great
necessity
,
that
the
Kirk
and
State
contribute
jointly
their
best
endeavours
to
this
happy
end
:
Therefore
enjoynes
the
Moderator
,
and
the
Commissioners
from
the
Assembly
,
to
supplicate
with
all
earnestnesse
and
respect
,
the
Lords
of
his
Majesties
Honourable
Privie
Councell
,
and
likewise
the
Commissioners
appointed
by
His
Majestie
,
and
the
Parliament
,
for
conservation
of
the
Peace
,
that
they
may
be
pleased
to
concur
with
the
Kirk
in
the
like
desires
to
His
Majesty
and
the
Parliament
of
England
,
and
in
the
like
directions
to
the
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdome
,
at
London
for
the
time
,
that
by
all
possible
means
,
Civill
,
and
Ecclesiastick
,
this
blessed
Worke
may
be
advanced
,
and
a
happy
settling
betwixt
His
Majestie
and
His
Parliament
,
may
be
endeavoured
,
and
the
common
Peace
betwixt
the
Kingdomes
continued
and
strengthened
.
Sess.
XI
.
Aug.
5.
1642.
The
Assemblies
humble
desire
to
the
Kings
Majestie
for
the
Signator
of
500
l.
Sterling
,
and
recommendation
thereof
to
the
Kings
Commissioner
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
having
received
the
Report
of
the
proceedings
of
the
Commissioners
of
the
late
Assembly
,
and
specially
that
His
Majesty
was
graciously
pleased
,
upon
their
humble
Petition
,
solemnly
to
promise
and
declare
under
his
Royall
hand
,
his
pious
resolution
and
dedication
of
500.
l.
sterling
,
out
of
the
readiest
of
his
Rents
and
revenues
,
to
be
imployed
yearly
on
publike
necessary
and
pious
uses
of
the
Kirk
,
at
the
sight
of
the
Generall
Assembly
,
as
His
Majesties
gracious
Answer
of
the
3.
of
January
,
1642.
registrate
in
their
books
at
His
Majesties
own
desire
,
for
their
further
assurance
of
His
Majesties
pious
zeale
,
doth
more
fully
proport
.
Likeas
being
informed
that
His
Majestie
was
gratiously
pleased
to
signe
and
send
down
to
the
Kirk
the
Signator
of
the
said
500.
l.
yearly
to
have
past
the
Exchequer
,
albeit
the
famine
is
not
as
yet
delivered
;
And
considering
His
Majesties
pious
directions
to
them
by
his
Majesties
Letter
to
plant
and
visit
the
utmost
skirts
and
borders
of
the
Kingdome
,
as
most
necessary
for
the
glory
of
God
,
the
good
of
the
Kirk
,
and
His
Majesties
honour
,
and
service
,
which
is
only
stopped
by
the
want
of
charges
for
publike
visitations
,
And
withall
to
remonstrate
to
His
Majestie
by
His
Commissioner
,
their
just
and
necessary
desires
for
what
may
further
serve
to
the
good
of
Religion
,
whereunto
His
Majesties
Commissioner
promised
his
best
endeavours
and
assistance
.
Therefore
the
Assembly
doth
most
earnestly
recommend
to
His
Majesties
Commissioner
to
represent
to
His
Majestie
,
with
his
best
assistance
,
the
humble
and
necessary
desires
of
the
whole
Assembly
,
that
His
Majestie
wil
be
graciously
pleased
to
command
that
Signator
,
already
signed
by
His
Royall
hand
(
or
to
signe
another
of
the
samine
tenor
,
whereof
they
deliver
the
just
double
to
His
Majesties
Commissioner
for
that
effect
)
to
be
sent
to
this
Kingdom
,
and
delivered
to
the
Commissioners
from
this
Assembly
,
who
are
to
sit
at
Edinburgh
,
or
to
the
Procurator
of
the
Kirk
,
whereby
His
Majestie
shall
more
and
more
oblige
this
whole
Kirk
to
pray
for
a
blessing
from
Heaven
upon
His
Royall
Person
and
Government
.
Sess.
XI
.
5.
Aug.
1642.
The
Assemblies
Letter
to
the
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdom
at
London
.
Right
Honourable
,
WE
have
received
your
Lordships
Letter
,
with
the
Declaration
of
the
Parliament
of
England
,
and
have
sent
this
Noble
bearer
to
His
Majesty
with
our
humble
Supplication
,
and
to
your
Lordships
with
our
Answer
,
earnestly
desiring
Unity
of
Religion
,
and
Uniformity
of
Kirk-government
,
to
be
presented
by
your
Lordships
,
and
this
Noble
bearer
to
the
Honourable
Houses
of
Parliament
.
Your
Lordships
will
perceive
by
the
inclosed
Copies
,
and
by
our
desires
to
His
Majesties
honourable
Privie
Councell
and
Commissioners
for
the
conservation
of
the
Peace
,
to
joyn
their
best
endeavours
with
His
Majestie
and
the
Parliament
,
and
their
directions
to
your
Lordships
,
by
our
leaving
a
Commission
behinde
us
,
to
concur
with
them
in
all
Ecclesiastick
wayes
,
and
by
our
appointing
publike
Prayers
,
and
a
solemn
Fast
through
this
Kirk
,
for
the
furtherance
of
this
great
work
of
Reformation
,
and
continuance
of
the
common
Peace
,
that
this
unity
in
Religion
&
Uniformity
of
Kirk-government
is
the
chiefest
of
our
desires
,
prayers
and
cares
:
whereunto
as
we
have
been
encouraged
by
the
faithfull
labors
of
the
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdom
in
the
late
Treaty
,
and
continued
and
renewed
by
your
Lordships
;
so
we
are
assured
,
that
your
Lordships
will
omit
no
lawfull
mean
,
argument
,
or
occasion
of
seconding
the
same
there
,
And
advertising
our
Commissioners
at
Edinburgh
,
wherein
they
may
further
concur
with
your
Lordships
,
for
the
furtherance
of
the
Work
,
which
tends
so
much
to
the
glory
of
God
,
advancement
of
Christs
Kingdom
,
increase
of
the
honour
and
happinesse
of
our
Soveraign
,
and
the
peace
and
welfare
of
these
Kingdoms
,
whereby
your
Lordships
will
oblige
this
Kirk
more
and
more
to
pray
for
a
blessing
on
your
persons
and
travels
,
and
to
rest
Yours
in
the
Lord
The
Commissioners
of
the
Generall
Assembly
.
S.
Andrews
5.
Aug.
1642.
A
Letter
from
some
Ministers
of
England
.
Reverend
and
wel-beloved
in
our
Lord
and
Saviour
,
WE
received
with
much
joy
and
satisfaction
,
the
Answer
which
your
Generall
Assembly
vouchsafed
us
to
our
Letters
of
the
last
yeer
.
Some
of
us
in
the
name
of
our
Brethren
thought
it
then
fit
by
M.
Alexander
Henderson
(
a
Brother
so
justly
approved
by
you
,
and
honoured
by
us
)
to
return
our
deserved
thanks
.
And
we
now
further
think
it
equall
upon
this
occasion
,
to
make
a
more
publike
acknowledgement
of
such
a
publike
favour
.
You
were
then
pleased
to
give
us
fair
grounds
,
to
expect
that
brotherly
advice
and
endeavours
,
which
the
common
cause
of
Christ
,
and
the
mutuall
interest
of
the
united
Nations
,
command
us
now
again
to
ask
,
if
not
to
chalenge
.
We
doubt
not
but
your
experience
,
together
with
your
intelligence
,
abundantly
informes
you
of
our
condition
,
what
various
administrations
of
providence
we
have
passed
through
,
and
we
still
lye
betwixt
hopes
and
feares
,
a
fit
temper
for
working
;
the
God
of
all
grace
enable
us
to
improve
it
.
As
our
hopes
are
not
such
as
may
make
us
fear
,
so
neither
doe
our
Feares
prevail
,
to
the
casting
away
our
confidence
.
Your
own
late
condition
,
together
with
this
Declaration
of
ours
present
,
may
acquaint
you
with
the
certain
,
though
subtil
,
authors
and
fomentors
of
these
our
confused
conflicts
:
which
we
conceive
to
be
the
Hierarchical
faction
,
who
have
no
way
to
peace
and
safety
,
but
through
the
trouble
and
danger
of
others
.
Our
prayers
and
endeavours
,
according
to
our
measure
,
have
been
,
and
shall
be
for
the
supplanting
and
rooting
up
whatsoever
we
finde
so
prejudiciall
to
the
establishment
of
the
Kingdome
of
Christ
,
and
the
peace
of
our
Soveraigne
.
And
that
this
Declaration
of
our selves
may
not
leave
you
unsatisfied
,
we
think
it
necessary
further
to
expresse
,
That
the
desire
of
the
most
godly
and
considerable
part
amongst
us
,
is
,
That
the
Presbyterian
Government
,
which
hath
just
and
evident
Foundation
both
in
the
Word
of
God
,
and
religious
reason
,
may
be
established
amongst
us
,
and
that
(
according
to
your
intimation
)
we
may
agree
in
one
Confession
of
Faith
,
one
directorie
of
Worship
,
one
publike
Catechisme
and
form
of
government
:
Which
things
,
if
they
were
accomplished
,
we
should
much
rejoyce
in
our
happy
subjection
to
Christ
our
Head
,
and
our
desired
association
with
you
our
beloved
brethren
.
For
the
better
effecting
whereof
,
we
thought
it
necessary
,
not
only
to
acquaint
you
with
what
our
desires
are
in
themselves
,
but
likewise
to
you
,
that
is
,
That
what
way
shall
seem
most
fit
to
the
wisedom
of
that
grave
and
religious
Assembly
,
may
be
taken
for
the
furtherance
of
our
indeavours
in
this
kind
.
We
understand
that
our
Parliament
hath
been
beforehand
with
us
in
this
intimation
,
and
it
cannot
but
be
our
duty
,
who
are
so
much
concerned
in
the
businesse
,
to
adde
what
power
the
Lord
hath
given
us
with
you
to
the
same
purpose
.
This
designe
and
desire
of
ours
hath
enemies
on
the
Left-hand
;
and
dissenting
brethren
on
the
Right
;
but
we
doubt
not
,
that
as
our
hearts
justifie
us
that
our
intentions
are
right
,
and
such
as
we
conceive
tend
most
to
the
glory
of
God
,
and
the
peace
of
the
Churches
of
the
Saints
;
so
(
by
your
brotherly
concurrence
in
the
most
speedy
and
effectuall
way
you
can
find
out
)
the
Work
will
in
Gods
due
,
time
receive
a
prayed
for
,
hoped
for
issue
.
We
shall
not
need
by
many
arguments
from
mutuall
Nationall
interest
(
though
we
know
you
will
not
overlook
them
)
to
inforce
this
request
,
the
firme
bond
wherewith
we
are
all
united
in
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
we
are
assured
will
alone
engage
your
faithfull
endeavors
in
this
businesse
.
To
him
we
commit
you
,
with
these
great
and
important
affairs
you
have
in
hand
.
Be
pleased
to
accept
of
these
as
the
expression
of
the
mindes
of
our
many
godly
and
faithfull
Brethren
,
whose
hearts
we
doubt
not
of
,
neither
need
you
,
though
their
hands
in
regard
of
the
suddennesse
of
this
opportunity
could
not
be
subscribed
together
with
ours
,
who
are
Your
most
affectionate
friends
and
brethren
in
the
Work
of
the
Lord
.
London
22.
July
1642.
Answer
to
the
Ministers
Letter
.
Right
Reverend
and
beloved
in
the
Lord
Jesus
.
BY
our
Answer
to
the
Declaration
sent
unto
us
from
the
honourable
Houses
of
Parliament
,
ye
may
perceive
that
your
Letter
which
came
into
our
hands
so
seasonably
,
was
not
only
acceptable
unto
us
,
but
hath
also
encouraged
us
to
renew
both
to
the
Kings
Majestie
and
the
Houses
of
Parliament
,
The
desires
of
the
late
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdome
for
Unity
in
Religion
,
in
the
four
particulars
remembred
by
you
,
we
cannot
be
ignorant
but
the
opposition
from
Satan
and
worldly
men
in
Kirk
and
Policy
,
will
still
be
vehement
as
it
hath
been
already
,
But
we
are
confident
through
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
that
the
prayers
and
indeavours
of
the
godly
in
both
Kingdoms
,
will
bring
the
work
to
a
wished
,
and
blessed
Issue
.
This
whole
nationall
Kirk
is
so
much
concerned
in
that
Reformation
and
Unity
of
Religion
in
both
Kingdomes
,
that
without
it
we
cannot
hope
for
any
long
time
to
enjoy
our
puritie
and
peace
,
which
hath
cost
us
so
dear
,
and
is
now
our
chiefest
comfort
and
greatest
treasure
:
Which
one
cause
(
beside
the
Honour
of
God
,
and
the
happinesse
of
the
People
of
God
in
that
Kingdome
,
more
desired
of
us
then
Our
lives
)
is
more
then
sufficient
to
move
us
,
To
contribute
all
that
is
in
our
power
for
bringing
it
to
passe
.
And
since
we
have
with
so
great
liberty
made
our
desires
and
hopes
known
both
to
King
and
Parliament
,
it
is
a
duety
incumbent
both
to
you
and
us
,
who
make
mention
of
the
Lord
,
and
are
Watch-men
upon
the
Walls
of
Jerusalem
,
never
more
to
keep
silence
nor
to
hold
our
peace
day
nor
night
,
till
the
righteousnesse
of
Sion
go
forth
as
brightnesse
,
and
the
salvation
thereof
as
a
lamp
that
burneth
.
And
if
it
shall
please
the
Lord
to
move
the
hearts
of
King
and
Parliament
,
to
hearken
unto
the
motion
,
for
which
end
we
have
resolved
to
keep
a
solemne
Fast
and
Humiliation
in
all
the
Kirks
of
this
Kingdome
,
the
mean
by
which
we
have
prevailed
in
times
past
,
we
wish
that
the
Work
may
be
begun
with
speed
,
and
prosecuted
with
diligence
by
the
joint
labours
of
some
Divines
in
both
Kingdoms
,
who
may
prepare
the
same
for
the
view
and
examination
of
a
more
frequent
Ecclesiastick
meeting
of
the
best
affected
to
Reformation
there
,
and
of
the
Commissioners
of
the
Generall
Assembly
here
,
that
in
end
it
may
have
the
approbation
of
the
Generall
Assembly
here
,
and
of
all
the
Kirks
there
,
in
the
best
way
that
may
be
,
we
wish
and
hope
at
last
in
a
nationall
Assembly
;
Our
Commissioners
at
Edinburgh
,
shall
in
our
name
receive
and
returne
answers
for
promoving
so
great
a
Work
,
which
we
with
our
heart
and
our
soule
recommend
to
the
blessing
of
God
,
we
continue
,
Your
loving
brethren
and
fellow-labourers
.
Act
for
the
Lord
Maitlands
presenting
the
Assemblies
Supplication
to
His
Majestie
,
and
for
going
to
the
Commissioners
at
London
,
with
the
Answer
to
the
Parliament
of
Englands
Declaration
.
THe
General
Assembly
considering
the
necessity
of
sending
some
person
of
good
worth
and
quality
for
to
present
their
humble
Supplication
to
His
Majestie
,
and
to
deliver
their
directions
to
the
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdom
,
now
at
London
,
with
their
Declaration
to
the
Parliament
of
England
,
and
Answer
to
some
wel-affected
Ministers
of
that
Kirk
:
And
having
certain
knowledge
of
the
worth
,
ability
,
and
faithfulnesse
of
John
Lord
Maitland
,
one
of
their
number
,
who
being
witnesse
to
all
their
intentions
and
proceedings
,
can
best
relate
their
true
loyaltie
and
respect
to
their
Soveraign
,
and
brotherly
affection
to
the
Kirk
and
Kingdom
of
England
therein
;
Therefore
do
unanimously
require
his
Lordships
pains
,
by
repairing
to
Court
and
to
London
for
the
premisses
,
which
hereby
they
commit
to
his
diligence
and
fidelity
,
willing
his
Lordship
to
make
account
of
his
proceedings
herein
to
their
Commissioners
appointed
to
sit
at
Edinburgh
.
Sess.
XII
.
5.
Aug.
post
meridiem
.
Commission
for
publike
affairs
of
this
Kirk
,
and
for
prosecuting
the
desires
of
this
Assembly
to
His
Majestie
and
the
Parliament
of
England
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
considering
the
laudable
custome
of
this
Kirk
for
to
appoint
some
Commissioners
in
the
interim
betwixt
Assemblies
,
for
presenting
of
Overtures
and
prosecuting
the
other
desires
of
the
Kirk
to
His
Majestie
,
the
Lords
of
His
Councell
,
and
the
Estates
of
Parliament
;
And
taking
to
their
consideration
the
present
condition
of
the
Kirk
of
England
,
with
the
Declaration
thereof
sent
down
from
the
Parliament
,
and
some
reverend
Brethren
of
the
Ministery
there
,
with
their
own
Answer
to
the
Parliament
and
Ministery
,
and
their
humble
Supplication
to
His
Majestie
for
Unity
of
Religion
and
Uniformity
of
Kirk-government
.
And
withall
remembring
their
desires
to
the
Honourable
Lords
of
His
Majesties
secret
Councell
,
and
to
the
Commissioners
appointed
by
the
King
and
Parliament
,
for
conservation
of
the
common
Peace
,
That
they
would
joyn
their
concourse
in
their
desires
to
His
Majestie
and
Parliament
,
and
directions
to
the
Commissioners
of
this
Kingdom
at
London
for
the
time
.
And
likewise
considering
their
good
hopes
from
Gods
gracious
favour
to
this
Island
,
that
by
his
good
providence
he
will
in
his
own
way
and
time
settle
this
great
Work
through
this
whole
I
le
;
And
that
it
is
both
our
earnest
desire
and
Christian
duty
to
use
all
lawfull
means
and
Ecclesiastick
wayes
for
furtherance
of
so
great
a
Work
,
continuance
of
the
common
peace
betwixt
these
nations
,
and
keeping
a
brotherly
correspondence
betwixt
these
Kirks
.
Therfore
the
Assembly
thinks
it
necessary
before
their
dissolving
,
to
appoint
,
&
by
these
presents
do
nominate
and
appoint
,
Masters
,
Andrew
Ramsay
,
Alex
.
Henderson
,
Robert
Dowglas
,
William
Colvill
,
William
Bennet
Ministers
at
Edinburgh
,
M.
William
Arthur
Minister
at
S.
Cuthbert
,
M.
James
Robertson
,
John
Logan
,
Robert
Lighton
,
Commissioners
from
Dalkeith
to
this
Assembly
:
Masters
,
Andrew
Blackhall
,
James
Fleeming
,
Robert
Ker
,
Commissioners
from
Hadingtoun
to
this
Assembly
:
Masters
,
George
Hamilton
,
Robert
Blair
,
Arthur
Mortoun
,
David
Dalgleish
,
Andrew
Bennet
,
Walter
Greg
,
John
Moncreff
,
John
Smith
,
George
Gillespie
,
John
Row
,
John
Duncan
,
Walter
Bruce
,
Commissioners
for
the
Presbyteries
within
the
Province
of
Fyffe
:
M.
David
Calderwood
Minister
at
Pencaitland
,
M.
John
Adamson
Principal
of
the
Colledge
of
Edinburgh
,
M.
John
Strang
Principal
of
the
Colledge
of
Glasgow
,
M.
David
Dickson
,
M.
James
Bonar
,
M.
Robert
Bailie
,
M.
John
Bell
,
M.
Robert
Ramsay
,
M.
George
Young
,
M.
Henry
Guthrie
,
M.
Samuel
Oustein
,
M.
John
Robertson
Minister
at
S.
Johnstoun
,
M.
John
Robertson
Minister
at
Dundie
,
M.
John
Hume
Minister
at
Eckills
,
M.
Andrew
Cant
,
M.
William
Guild
,
M.
Samuel
Rutherfurd
,
M.
James
Martin
,
M.
Alexander
Monroe
,
M.
Robert
Murray
,
M.
John
Maclellan
,
Andrew
Doncanson
,
M.
Silvester
Lambie
,
M.
Gilbert
Ross
,
Ministers
:
Marquesse
of
Argyle
,
Earles
of
Lauderdaile
,
Glencarne
,
Kinghorne
,
Eglintoun
,
Weemes
,
Cassils
:
Lords
,
Gordoun
,
Maitland
,
Balcarras
,
Sir
Patrick
Hepburne
of
Wauchtoun
,
Sir
David
Home
of
Wedderburne
,
Sir
David
Creightoun
of
Lugtoun
,
Sir
David
Barclay
of
Cullearnie
,
John
Henderson
of
Fordell
.
M.
George
Winrame
of
Libertoun
,
Sir
Robert
Drummond
,
Sir
William
Carmichaell
,
John
Binnie
,
Thomas
Paterson
,
John
Sempill
,
John
Kennedy
of
Air
,
John
Leslie
from
Aberdene
,
William
Glendining
Provest
of
Kirkubright
,
John
Colzear
,
Ruling
Elders
,
with
the
concurse
of
the
Procurator
of
the
Kirk
:
And
grants
to
them
full
Power
and
Commission
in
this
interim
,
betwixt
and
the
next
Assembly
,
for
to
meet
and
conveen
at
Edinburgh
upon
the
17.
day
of
this
moneth
of
August
,
and
upon
any
other
day
,
or
in
any
other
place
,
as
they
shall
think
convenient
:
And
being
met
and
conveened
,
or
any
fifteen
of
them
,
there
being
alwayes
twelve
Ministers
present
:
With
full
power
for
to
consider
and
performe
what
they
finde
necessary
for
the
Ministerie
,
by
preaching
,
supplicating
,
prepairing
of
draughts
of
one
Confession
,
one
Catechisme
,
one
directory
of
publike
Worship
(
which
are
alwayes
to
be
revised
by
the
next
Generall
Assembly
)
and
by
all
other
lawfull
&
Ecclesiastick
wayes
,
for
furtherance
of
this
great
Work
in
the
Union
of
this
Iland
in
Religion
and
Kirk-government
,
and
for
continuance
of
our
own
peace
at
home
,
and
of
the
common
peace
betwixt
the
Nations
,
and
keeping
of
good
correspondence
betwixt
the
Kirks
of
this
Iland
.
Like
as
if
it
shall
please
God
to
blesse
the
prayers
and
endeavours
of
his
Saints
for
this
blessed
Union
,
and
that
if
either
the
Lords
of
Councell
,
or
Commissioners
for
the
Peace
shall
require
their
concurse
at
home
or
abroad
,
by
sending
Commissioners
with
theirs
to
His
Majesty
and
Parliament
for
that
effect
,
or
that
they
themselves
shall
finde
it
necessary
;
The
Assembly
grants
full
power
to
them
,
not
only
to
concurre
by
all
lawfull
and
Ecclesiastick
wayes
,
with
the
Councell
and
Conservators
of
the
Peace
at
home
,
but
also
to
send
some
to
present
and
prosecute
their
desires
and
humble
advice
to
His
Majesty
and
the
Parliament
,
and
the
Ministerie
there
,
for
the
furthering
and
perfecting
o●
so
good
and
great
a
Worke
.
Like
as
,
with
power
to
them
to
promove
their
other
desires
,
overtures
and
recommendations
of
this
Assembly
,
to
the
Kings
Majestie
,
Lords
of
Councell
,
Session
,
Exchequer
,
and
Commissioners
of
Parliament
,
for
plantation
of
Kirks
,
for
common
burdens
,
or
conservation
of
the
common
peace
,
and
to
the
Parliament
of
this
Kingdom
,
in
case
it
fall
out
pro
re
nata
before
the
next
Assembly
.
And
such
like
,
with
as
full
power
to
them
to
proceed
,
treat
and
determine
in
any
other
matters
to
be
committed
to
them
by
this
Assembly
,
as
if
the
famine
were
herein
particularly
insert
,
and
with
as
ample
power
to
proceede
in
the
matters
particularly
or
generally
above-mentioned
,
as
any
Commissioners
of
Generall
Assemblies
have
had
,
and
have
been
in
use
of
before
:
They
being
alwayes
comptable
to
,
and
censurable
by
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
for
their
proceedings
thereanent
.
Sess.
XIII
.
6.
Aug.
1642.
A
Petition
from
some
distressed
Professors
in
Ireland
.
To
the
reverend
and
right
Honourable
the
Moderator
and
remanent
members
of
the
Generall
Assembly
of
Scotland
,
conveened
at
S.
Andrews
,
July
1642.
The
humble
Petition
of
the
most
part
of
the
Scottish
Nation
in
the
North
of
Ireland
,
in
their
own
names
,
and
in
name
of
the
rest
of
the
Protestants
there
.
Humbly
sheweth
,
THat
where
your
Petitioners
,
by
the
great
blessing
of
the
Lord
,
enjoyed
for
a
little
while
a
peaceable
and
fruitfull
Ministerie
of
the
Gospel
,
yet
through
our
own
abuse
of
so
rich
a
mercy
,
and
through
the
tyrannie
of
the
Prelates
,
we
have
been
a
long
time
spoiled
of
our
Ministers
(
a
yoke
to
many
of
us
heavier
then
death
)
who
being
chased
into
Scotland
,
were
not
altogether
un-usefull
in
the
day
of
your
need
;
And
we
having
been
since
oppressed
and
scattered
;
as
sheep
who
have
no
shepherd
,
now
at
last
the
wise
and
righteous
hand
of
the
Lord
,
by
the
sword
of
the
Rebels
,
hath
bereft
us
of
our
friends
,
and
spoiled
us
of
our
goods
,
and
left
us
but
a
few
,
and
that
a
poor
handfull
of
many
,
and
hath
chased
from
us
the
rest
that
were
called
our
Ministers
;
the
greatest
part
whereof
we
could
scarce
esteem
such
,
as
being
rather
Officers
to
put
the
Prelats
Injunctions
in
execution
,
then
feeders
of
our
souls
:
So
that
now
being
visited
with
sword
and
sicknesse
,
and
under
some
apprehension
of
famine
,
if
withall
we
shall
taste
of
the
sorest
of
all
plagues
,
to
be
altogether
deprived
of
the
Ministery
of
the
Word
,
we
shall
become
in
so
much
a
worse
condition
then
any
Pagans
,
as
that
once
we
enjoyed
a
better
:
Neither
know
we
what
hand
to
turn
us
to
for
help
,
but
to
the
Land
so
far
obliged
by
the
Lords
late
rare
mercies
,
and
so
far
enriched
to
furnish
help
of
that
kinde
;
a
Land
whence
many
of
us
drew
our
blood
and
breath
,
and
where
(
pardon
the
necessary
boldnesse
)
some
of
our
own
Ministers
now
are
,
who
were
so
violently
plucked
from
us
,
so
sore
against
both
their
own
and
our
wills
;
yea
,
the
Land
that
so
tenderly
in
their
bosoms
received
our
poor
out-casts
,
and
that
hath
already
sent
us
so
rich
a
supply
of
able
and
prosperous
Souldiers
to
revenge
our
wrong
.
Therefore
,
although
we
know
that
your
zeale
and
brotherly
affection
would
urge
you
to
take
notice
without
our
advertisement
,
yet
give
us
leave
in
the
bowels
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ
,
to
intreat
,
if
there
be
any
consolation
in
Christ
,
if
any
comfort
of
love
,
if
any
fellowship
of
the
spirit
,
if
any
bowels
of
mercy
,
that
now
in
this
nick
of
time
,
when
the
sword
of
the
Enemie
making
way
for
a
more
profitable
entertaining
the
Gospel
,
having
also
banished
the
Prelates
,
and
their
followers
,
when
our
extremity
of
distresse
,
and
the
fair
hopes
of
speedy
settling
of
peace
,
hath
opened
so
fair
a
doore
to
the
Gospel
,
you
would
take
the
cause
of
your
younger
sister
,
that
hath
no
brests
,
to
your
serious
consideration
,
and
pity
poore
Macedonians
crying
to
you
that
ye
would
come
over
and
help
us
,
being
the
servants
of
the
God
of
your
Fathers
,
and
claiming
interest
with
you
in
a
common
Covenant
,
that
according
to
the
good
hand
of
God
upon
us
,
ye
may
send
us
Ministers
for
the
house
of
our
God
.
We
do
not
take
upon
us
to
prescribe
to
you
the
way
or
the
number
,
but
in
the
view
of
all
,
the
finger
of
the
Lord
points
at
these
,
whom
though
persecution
of
the
Prelats
drew
from
us
,
yet
our
interest
in
them
could
not
be
taken
away
,
wherein
we
trust
in
regard
of
several
of
them
,
called
home
by
death
,
your
bounty
will
super-adde
some
able
men
of
your
own
that
may
help
to
lay
the
foundation
of
Gods
house
,
according
to
the
Pattern
.
But
for
these
so
unjustly
reft
from
us
,
not
only
our
necessity
,
but
equity
pleads
,
that
either
you
would
send
them
all
over
,
which
were
a
Work
to
be
parallelled
to
the
glories
of
the
Primitive
times
,
or
at
least
that
ye
would
declare
them
transportable
,
that
when
Invitators
shall
be
sent
to
any
of
them
,
wherein
they
may
discerne
a
call
from
God
,
there
may
be
no
difficultie
in
their
loosing
from
thence
,
but
they
may
come
back
to
perfect
what
they
began
,
and
may
get
praise
and
fame
in
the
Land
,
where
they
were
put
to
shame
.
Neither
are
you
to
question
your
power
over
us
so
to
doe
,
or
crave
a
president
of
your
own
practise
in
that
kind
,
for
our
extraordinary
need
calling
on
you
,
furnisheth
you
with
a
power
to
make
this
a
president
for
the
like
cases
hereafter
:
herein
if
you
shall
lay
aside
the
particular
concernment
of
some
few
places
,
which
you
may
easily
out
of
your
rich
Nurseries
plant
again
,
and
make
use
of
your
publike
spirits
,
which
are
not
spent
,
but
increases
by
your
so
many
noble
designes
;
you
shall
leave
upon
us
and
our
posteritie
the
stamp
of
an
obligation
that
cannot
be
delete
,
or
that
cannot
be
expressed
;
you
shall
send
to
all
the
neighbouring
Churches
a
pattern
,
and
erect
for
after-ages
a
monument
of
self-denying
tender
reale
;
you
shall
disburden
the
Land
of
the
many
out-casts
,
who
will
follow
over
their
Ministers
;
and
you
shall
make
it
appear
,
that
the
churlish
bounty
of
the
Prelats
,
which
at
first
cast
some
of
these
men
over
to
us
,
is
not
comparable
with
the
cheerfull
liberalitie
of
a
rightly
constitute
Generall
Assembly
,
to
whom
we
are
perswaded
,
the
Lord
will
give
seed
for
the
loane
which
you
bestow
on
the
Lord
;
yea
,
the
day
may
come
,
when
a
Generall
Assembly
in
this
Land
may
returne
to
you
the
first
fruits
of
thanks
,
for
the
plants
of
your
free
gift
.
And
although
you
were
scant
of
furniture
of
this
kinde
your selves
,
or
might
apprehend
more
need
then
formerly
,
yet
doubtlesse
,
your
bowels
of
compassion
would
make
your
deep
povertie
even
in
a
great
tryal
of
affliction
,
abound
to
the
riches
of
your
liberalitie
.
But
now
seeing
you
abound
in
all
things
,
and
have
formerly
given
so
ample
a
proof
of
your
large
bestowing
on
Churches
abroad
in
Germanie
and
France
,
knowing
that
you
are
not
wearied
in
well-doing
,
we
confidently
promise
to
our selves
in
your
name
,
that
ye
will
abound
in
this
grace
also
,
following
the
example
of
our
Lord
and
the
Primitive
Churches
,
who
alwayes
sent
out
disciples
in
paires
.
But
if
herein
our
hopes
shall
faile
us
,
we
shall
not
know
whether
to
wish
that
we
had
died
with
our
Brethren
by
the
Enemies
hand
;
for
we
shall
be
as
if
it
were
said
unto
us
,
Goe
serve
other
Gods
;
yet
looking
for
another
kinde
of
Answer
at
your
hands
,
for
in
this
you
are
to
us
as
an
Angel
of
God
,
we
have
sent
these
bearers
,
M.
John
Gordoun
and
M.
Hugh
Campbell
our
Brethren
,
who
may
more
particularly
informe
you
of
our
case
,
and
desire
that
at
their
returne
,
they
may
refresh
the
bowels
of
Your
most
instant
and
earnest
Supplicants
.
Commission
to
some
Ministers
to
go
to
Ireland
.
THe
Assembly
having
received
a
Petition
subscribed
by
a
considerable
number
in
the
North
of
Ireland
,
intimating
their
deplorable
condition
,
through
want
of
the
Ministerie
of
the
Gospel
,
occasioned
by
the
tyrannie
of
the
Prelats
,
and
the
sword
of
the
Rebels
,
and
desiring
some
Ministers
,
especially
such
as
had
been
chased
from
them
,
by
the
persecution
of
the
Prelats
,
and
some
others
to
be
added
,
either
to
be
sent
presently
over
to
reside
amongst
them
,
or
declared
transportable
,
that
upon
invitation
from
them
,
they
might
goe
and
settle
there
;
together
with
some
particular
Petitions
,
desiring
the
returne
of
some
particular
Ministers
,
who
had
laboured
there
before
:
All
which
the
Assembly
hath
taken
to
their
serious
consideration
,
being
most
heartily
willing
to
sympathize
with
every
member
of
Christs
Body
,
although
never
so
remote
;
much
more
with
that
Plantation
there
,
which
for
the
most
part
was
a
Branch
of
the
Lords
Vine
,
planted
in
this
Land
.
In
which
sollicitude
,
as
they
would
be
loath
to
usurpe
without
their
own
bounds
,
or
stretch
themselves
beyond
their
own
measure
;
so
they
dare
not
be
wanting
,
to
the
enlargement
of
Christs
Kingdome
,
where
so
loud
a
cry
of
so
extreame
necessitie
,
could
not
but
stirre
up
the
bowels
of
Christian
compassion
.
And
although
they
conceive
,
that
the
present
unsettled
condition
both
of
Church
,
and
State
,
and
Land
,
will
not
suffer
them
as
yet
to
loose
any
to
make
constant
abode
there
;
yet
they
have
resolved
to
send
over
some
for
the
present
exigent
till
the
next
Generall
Assembly
,
by
courses
to
stay
there
four
moneths
allanerly
:
And
therefore
doe
hereby
authorize
and
give
Commission
to
the
persons
following
,
to
wit
,
M.
Robert
Blair
,
Minister
at
S.
Andrews
,
and
M.
James
Hamilton
,
Minister
at
Dumfreis
for
the
first
four
moneths
:
M.
Robert
Ramsay
,
Minister
at
Glasgow
,
and
M.
John
Maclelland
Minister
at
Kirkudbright
,
for
the
next
four
moneths
:
and
to
M.
Robert
Baillie
,
professor
of
divinitie
in
the
Universitie
of
Glasgow
,
and
M.
John
Levistoun
,
Minister
of
Stranraire
for
the
last
four
moneths
:
To
repair
into
the
North
of
Ireland
,
and
there
to
visit
,
comfort
,
instruct
and
encourage
the
scattered
flocks
of
Christ
,
to
employ
to
their
uttermost
with
all
faithfulnesse
and
singlenesse
of
heart
,
in
planting
and
watering
,
according
to
the
direction
of
Jesus
Christ
,
and
according
to
the
doctrine
and
discipline
of
this
Church
in
all
things
,
And
if
need
be
(
with
concurrence
of
such
of
the
Ministers
of
the
Army
as
are
there
)
to
try
and
ordain
such
as
shall
be
found
qualified
for
the
Ministerie
,
Giving
charge
unto
the
persons
foresaid
in
the
sight
of
God
,
that
in
doctrine
,
in
worship
,
in
discipline
,
and
in
their
dayly
conversation
,
they
studie
to
approve
themselves
as
the
Ministers
of
Jesus
Christ
,
and
that
they
be
comptable
to
the
Generall
Assembly
of
this
Kirk
,
in
all
things
.
And
in
case
if
any
of
the
above-mentioned
Ministers
be
impeded
by
sicknesse
,
or
otherwise
necessarily
detained
from
this
service
,
the
Assembly
ordaines
the
Commissioners
residing
at
Edinburgh
,
for
the
publike
affairs
of
the
Church
,
to
nominate
in
their
place
well
qualified
men
,
who
hereby
are
authorized
to
undertake
the
foresaid
imployment
,
as
if
they
had
been
expressely
nominate
in
the
face
of
the
Assembly
.
And
this
,
although
possibly
it
shall
not
fully
satisfie
the
large
expectation
of
the
Brethren
in
Ireland
,
yet
the
Assembly
is
confident
they
will
take
in
good
part
at
this
time
,
that
which
is
judged
most
convenient
for
their
present
condition
,
even
a
lent
mite
out
of
their
own
,
not
very
great
plenty
,
to
supply
the
present
necessity
;
requiring
of
them
no
other
recompence
,
but
that
they
in
all
cheerefulnesse
may
embrace
and
make
use
of
the
message
of
salvation
,
and
promising
to
enlarge
their
indebted
bounty
at
the
next
Assembly
,
as
they
shall
finde
the
Worke
of
the
Lord
there
to
require
.
In
the
meane
while
,
wishing
that
these
who
are
sent
,
may
come
with
the
full
blessing
of
the
Gospel
and
peace
,
and
recommending
them
,
their
labours
,
and
these
to
whom
they
are
sent
,
to
the
rich
blessing
of
the
great
shepherd
of
the
flock
.
Sess.
XIII
.
6.
Aug.
1642.
Act
against
slandering
of
Ministers
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
considering
the
malice
of
divers
persons
in
raising
calumnies
and
scandalls
against
Ministers
,
which
is
not
onely
injurious
to
their
persons
,
and
discreditable
to
the
holy
calling
of
the
Ministerie
,
but
doth
also
prove
often
a
great
prejudice
and
hinderance
to
the
promoving
of
the
Gospel
:
Doe
therefore
ordain
Presbyteries
and
Synods
to
proceed
diligently
in
processe
against
all
persons
,
that
shall
reproach
or
scandall
Ministers
,
with
the
censures
of
the
Kirk
,
even
to
the
highest
,
according
as
they
shall
finde
the
degree
or
quality
of
the
scandal
deserve
.
Act
anent
ordering
of
the
Assembly
House
.
THe
Assembly
for
better
order
in
time
coming
ordains
the
Act
of
the
Assembly
at
Aberdene
for
ordering
the
House
of
the
Assembly
to
be
kept
hereafter
punctually
.
And
for
that
effect
,
that
the
samine
be
reade
the
first
Session
of
every
Assembly
.
Act
for
remembring
in
publike
Prayers
the
desires
of
the
Assembly
to
the
King
and
Parliament
,
and
indiction
of
a
publike
Fast
.
THe
Generall
Assembly
being
desirous
to
promove
the
great
work
of
Unity
in
Religion
,
and
Uniformity
in
Church-government
,
in
all
thir
three
Dominions
,
for
which
the
Assembly
hath
humbly
supplicate
the
Kings
Majestie
,
and
remonstrate
their
desires
to
the
Parliament
of
England
,
lest
they
should
be
wanting
in
any
meane
that
may
further
so
glorious
and
so
good
a
Work
:
Doe
ordain
,
that
not
only
the
said
Declaration
to
the
Parliament
,
and
supplication
to
the
Kings
Majestie
,
shall
be
accompanied
with
the
earnest
Petitions
and
prayers
of
the
whole
Brethren
in
private
and
publike
,
for
the
Lords
blessing
thereunto
,
according
to
the
laudable
custome
of
our
predecessors
,
who
in
the
year
of
God
1589.
ordaines
that
the
Brethren
in
their
private
and
publike
prayers
,
recommend
unto
God
the
estate
of
the
afflicted
Church
of
England
:
But
having
just
cause
of
fear
,
that
the
iniquities
of
the
Land
,
which
so
much
abound
,
may
marre
this
so
great
a
Work
,
doe
also
ordain
a
solemne
Fast
to
be
kept
on
the
second
Lords
day
of
September
,
and
the
Wednesday
following
throughout
the
whole
Kingdome
for
the
causes
after
specified
.
Grosse
ignorance
and
all
sort
of
wickednesse
among
the
greater
part
,
security
,
meer
formality
and
unfruitfulnesse
among
the
best
,
and
unthankfulnesse
in
all
.
The
sword
raging
throughout
all
Christendome
,
but
most
barbarously
in
Ireland
,
and
dayly
more
and
more
threatned
in
England
,
through
the
lamentable
division
betwixt
the
King
and
the
Parliament
there
,
tending
to
the
subversion
of
Religion
and
Peace
in
all
the
three
Kingdomes
.
That
God
may
graciously
blesse
the
supplication
of
the
Assembly
to
the
Kings
Majesty
,
and
their
motion
to
the
Parliament
of
England
,
for
Unitie
in
Religion
,
and
Uniformity
of
Kirk-government
,
and
all
other
meanes
which
may
serve
for
the
promoving
of
so
great
a
Worke
,
and
advancement
of
the
Kingdome
of
Christ
every
where
.
That
God
may
powerfully
overturne
all
wicked
plots
and
designes
of
Antichrist
and
his
followers
,
and
all
divisive
motions
against
the
course
of
Reformation
,
and
the
so
much
longed
for
Union
of
the
King
and
Parliament
.
That
God
may
blesse
the
harvest
.
Reference
from
the
Presbyterie
of
Kirkcaldie
.
ANent
the
Acts
of
Assemblies
,
for
observation
of
the
Lords
Day
,
profaned
by
going
of
Salt-pannes
,
That
this
Assembly
would
declare
the
limits
of
the
Sabbath
,
during
which
the
Pannes
should
stand
.
THe
Assembly
referres
the
Answer
of
this
Question
,
to
the
Acts
of
former
Assemblies
.
Reference
from
the
Synode
of
Fyffe
.
THat
the
Provincial
of
Angus
keep
their
meeting
on
the
same
day
with
the
Synod
of
Fyffe
,
which
breakes
the
correspondence
between
them
,
appointed
by
the
Generall
Assembly
of
Glasgow
.
ANSWER
.
THe
Assembly
ordaines
the
Provinciall
Assembly
of
Angus
to
keep
their
first
meeting
upon
the
third
Tuesday
of
April
,
conforme
to
the
Act
of
the
said
Assembly
of
Glasgow
.
Overtures
to
be
advised
by
Presbyteries
against
the
next
Assembly
.
HOw
Appeals
shall
be
brought
in
to
the
Generall
Assemblies
,
and
by
what
sort
of
citation
.
What
shall
be
the
prescription
of
scandalls
,
within
what
space
of
time
shall
they
be
challenged
,
whether
after
three
years
,
the
Minister
having
been
allowed
and
approved
in
life
and
doctrine
by
Synods
,
Presbyteries
,
and
Visitations
.
What
order
shall
be
taken
for
keeping
Generall
Assemblies
,
when
Presbyteries
send
not
the
full
number
of
Commissioners
:
Or
when
the
Commissioners
abide
not
untill
the
conclusion
and
dissolving
of
the
Assembly
.
Order
to
be
advised
for
Testimonialls
.
THe
Assembly
appoints
the
next
Generall
Assembly
to
hold
at
Edinburgh
the
first
Wednesday
of
August
,
1643.
FINIS
.