THE General Assembly taking to consideration , the Overtures against Popery past in the last Assembly January 24 1698. the Tenor whereof followes .

1st . That Ministers study Popish Controversies more .

2. That all due endeavours be used , to Unite Protestants amonst themselves , seing the Adversaries get advantage by our Division .

3. That Ministers endeavour Faithfully to watch the Flock committed to them , and by publick Preaching , and private Instruction , and conference , to prevent Apostacie that way .

4. That Ministers deal wisely , and convincingly with the Consiences of these that have fallen to popery , and other Corrupt principles , for their Recovery .

5. That when other means are ineffectual , Presbytries would proceed to Church Censures , when they see it may be for the Edification of the Church .

6. That according to the Acts of former General Assemblies , and Acts of Parliament , The Names of popish Priests and Jesuits and Traffequing papists , and of these who have sent their Children to popish Colledges and Countreys , be given in to each provincial Synod , and by them Transmitted as Act Char . 2. Par. 3. Cap. 6.

7. That the General Assembly apply to the Privy Council for the Vigorous Execution of the Laws against papists , particularly Seminary priests , Popish School-Masters , Mistresses , Governours and Paedagogues , and Popish meetings ; and for seeing to the Training up of Popish Youth in the Protestant Religion ; In all which , some Inferiour Magistrates are justly complained of , as very defective , and that the said address be presented by such as the General Assembly shall appoint .

And the General Assembly having heard the Opinion , of the Commissioners from the several Presbytries , concerning the saids Overtures , and finding that there was no objection made against any thing therein contained , and that application being made to the Lords of His Majesties most Honourable Privy Council , conform to the seventh paragraph of the saids Overtures , their Lordships were graciously pleased to emit a Proclamation thereupon against papists ; and the General Assembly being well and ripely advised anent the premisses : They by their Vote unanimosly did , and hereby do approve of the saids Overtures , and appoints the same to have the full force and strength of an Act of the General Assembly , and to be observed in all time coming , and ordains Application to be made to the Civil Magistrat conform to the said seventh paragraph , as offen as need requires .

THE General Assembly considering , that there are many good Laws and Acts of Parliament , and Acts of General Assemblies , for erecting Schools in every parish , And wayes laid down for maintaining thereof , and being informed , That notwithstanding thereof , there are several Parishes , even in the Low-lands , that wants Schools ; Therefore the General Assembly did , and hereby do , Recommend to the several Presbytries within this National Church to use their endeavours that Schools be erected in every parish within their respective bounds , conform to the Acts of Parliament , and General Assembly , and it 's recommended to Synods to make particular enquiry how this Recommendation is observed .

THE which Day , there was read in presence of the General Assembly , the Overtures underwritten , which were transmitted to the General Assembly by their Committee for Overtures , and upon the 31 of January last , read in open Assembly , and the consideration thereof remitted to the said Committee , and any persons that had any thing to offer thereanent , were desired to attend that Committee , and represent the same to them . The Tenor of which Overtures follows .

1 , That any of the Twenty Probationers , Appointed by the last General Assembly , who have not obeyed , in going North , or not stayed in the North 12 moneths , but returned from it , without the allowance of the Presbytry of the bounds , where they were sent , shall upon the desire of that Presbytry , to the Presbytry where they now reside , be sent back to fulfil the 12 moneths .

2. That when any of these , who were born on the North side of Tay , are licenced by any Presbytry on the south side of Tay , he be sent North by that Presbytrie , within four moneths after his licencing , and it be remitted to the Commission to appoint the place , to which he should go , and the time of his stay , and that no Probationers born in the North side of Tay , be settled in any Congregation as Minister by South Tay , until the next General Assembly , unless they be of these who have been 12 moneths in the North , according to the appointment of the last General Assembly , but such , who during the 12 moneths of their mission , having received no call from any Congregation in the North , are deelared free to come South , and accept of an orderly Call from any Congregation in the south side of Tay ; It 's also allowed to the Town of Edinburgh , that if they call any North Countrey Probationer , he may be settled in that City , notwithstanding of this Overture .

3. And the General Assembly , hereby dischargeth any Presbytry on the south side of Tay , to settle any Probationer born in the North side of Tay , within the foresaid time , except in the cases above excepted ; with certification , that the Presbytry shall be Censured by the Commission or General Assembly , and the Probationer so settled is hereby declared ipso facto transportable , and that the Commission of this Assembly appoint him immediatly to repair to the North , and any place thereof they think fit , as an extraordinary Supply , and if a Call be given to him , the Commission transport him to the North .

4. It 's Overtur'd that other 20 Probationers be sent this year to the North also , and of these Twenty , as many as can be had , of such who were born on the North side of Tay , and that they be sent in the proportion following , viz. Three to the Presbytry of Perth , Auchterarder and Dunkeld , Six for the Province of Angus and Merns , because there are most Vacancies there , Four to the Province of Aberdeen , Three to the Province of Murray , Two to Ross , Sutherland and Caithness , and Two to Orkney , and that there be a Committee of one or two out of each Synod to nominat these Twenty Probationers , or the same referred to the Commission .

5. Thar these Probationers , so nominated go how soon possible without delay , to the places to which they are sent , and to stay in the North for 12 Moneths , And it 's hereby Referred to the Commission , to be appointed by this Assembly , to consider and determine of the Provinces , they should go to , and of the time of their stay , and abode in each Province .

6. That for the encouragement of each Probationer , who shall be thus sent , and to help to defray the Charges of their Journey , The General Assembly , do allow out of the Kings Gift , for defraying the publick Expences of the Church , to these who go to Perth , Auchterarder and Dunkeld , 40. lib . each one , to these who go to Angus 50 lib . to these who go to Aberdeen 100 Merks , to these who go to Murray 80 lib . to these who go to Ross , Sutherland and Caithness 100 lib . to these who go to Orknay 200 Merks .

7. That these Probationers be obliged to accept of Calls , whether Popular or Presbyterial , when presented to them by the Presbytries of any of the saids Provinces , with Certification if they refuse the same , the Presbytries within whose bounds they are called , shall have power to take their Licence from them , untill the next Assembly , yet that it be recommended to all Presbytries , not to make use of a Jus devolutum for the planting any Congregation till all other means be essayed .

8. That besides these Probationers , There be sent from the Synods of the South , some actual Ministers , for the Supply of the North : and seing diverse places of the North are better planted than formerly , the number of these Ministers to be sent for this year , for each four Moneths be Eleven , in manner after following , Five to Angus and Merns , Four to Aberdeen province , Two to Murray , out of the Synods following , viz. From the Synod of Merse and Teviotdale Two , to the Province of Angus ; out of the Synod of Lothian Three , Two to Aberdeen , and One to Murray ; out of the Synod of Glasgow Four , Two to Angus and two to Aberdeen ; out of the Synod of Fife Two , One to Murray , and One to Angus , and if the Commission find it needful to send one to Caithness , they be empowered to send one from the Synod of Lothian for the Moneths of April , May , and June , and one from the Synod of Glasgow for July , August and September .

9. That when an orderly Call , is designed to any Minister on the South-side of Tay , by any of the places priviledged by the 8th Act of the last General Assembly , yet Vacant , the proces of Transportation may be carried on , after the same manner prescribed in the said Act , and the Assembly renewes the Recommendation , mentioned in the said Act , to all Judicatories , who shall have occasion to judge , in any of these Transportations , and that they have a special respect to these places priviledged by the Assembly , when they represent any Call ; seing Ministers are freed from the fear of Presbyterial Calls .

10. That in regard of the Vacancies of the Town of Aberdeen , and that place is so considerable , and of such influence on the Northern parts , the General Assembly Recommends to the Synods of Lothian and Glasgow , that at least one of their Supplies each quarter , for the Province of Aberdeen , be a Grave and Experienced Man , suted for the Supply of the Town of Aberdeen , and that when the Town of Aberdeen presents a Call to a Minister , before any Church Judicatory , they have a special and tender regard to the Planting of that place ; and likewise the General Assembly doth Recommend to , and appoint Mr. William Moncreif Minister at Largo , to go and Supply the Town of Aberdeen , for the Months of April and May , and this over and besides the ordinary Supply of that Synod .

11. That Mr. Hugh Machendry , and Mr. John Macculloch , be sent to Angus or Perth , and have the allowance for their Journey out of the Kings Gift .

12. That it be referred to the Commission , to send Mr. Robert Burnet to Angus , after May next .

13. That seing it is regrated by some who are sent , as Supplies that they have much toill in Traveling , betwixt the Vacant Parishes of the Presbytries of Strathbogie , and Presbytrie Seat of Murray , Therefore the Assembly Recommends to the united Presbytries of Turref , Fordyce , and Alfoord , to take care of the Supplies of these Vacant Parishes , with the concurrence of Mr. William Chalmers Minister at Gairtly , untill the next General Assembly , but that the Planting of these Vacant Parishes , be with the consent and concurrence of the Presbytrie of Murray ; seing the Presbytrie of Strathbogie is within the bounds of the Province of Murray : And that it be recommended to the Commission , to send up one Probationer more if they have need , and if any difficulty arise in Planting Parishes , it be referred to the Commission .

14. That it be Recommended to Presbytries , to be careful that the allowance granted by the Act of Parliament to them who Supply the North , be punctually payed , and that the Presbytrie be careful , to provide commodious places for Ministers and Probationers , where they may reside , when sent to Supply any Parish ; seing they are to stay there for some time , and to Catechise the People according to 16th , Act of the General Assembly January 12. 1697. Sess. 10. & ultima paragraph . 8.

15 That it be Recommended to the Synods of Drumfrees Merse and Glasgow , to Supply the Presbytries of Wigtown and Stranrawer with Ministers and Probationers , and that they be careful to send such , as for Prudence and Piety , may be judged fittest for that Countrey , and that it be Recommended in particular to Mr. John Good Minister of the Gospel , to go to Galloway , in case that he be not shortly settled in a Parish else where .

And the General Assembly having duely and maturely considered the saids Overtures , They by their Vote unanimously did , and hereby do approve of the same , and Recommends , Refers , and appoints according thereto , in all points .

THE General Assembly of this National Church , considering that there are yet many Vacant Churches on the North side of Tay ; as likewise that there are several weighty affairs , which the said Assembly cannot overtake , Therefore the General Assembly finds it needful , that there be a Commission granted to some Ministers and Elders , for planting these Vacant Kirks , and doing what other affairs shall be referred to them , and for that end , do hereby Nominat and Appoint Mr. Andrew Roger Minister at Galstoun , Mr. Henry Osburn at Tarbolton , Mr. Patrick Liston at Air , Mr. John Galsgow at Kilbirnie , Mr. George Chalmers at Kilwining , Mr. Alexander King at Bonill , Mr. David Fleckfeild at Balfrone , Mr. Patrick Simpson at Renfrew , Mr. James Hutcheson at Killalan , Mr. John Stirling at Greenock , Mr. William Dunlop Principal of the Colledge of Glasgow . Mr. Alexander Heastie at Glasgow , Mr. David Ewing at Calder , Mr. Robert Wylie at Hamilton , Mr. John Murehead at Camnetham , Mr. John Bannatyne at Lanerk , Mr. Thomas Lining at Lesmehago , Mr. Daniel Campbel at Glassary , Mr. Walter Campbel at Denoon , Mr. Thomas Black at Perth , Mr. David Shaw at Aberdalgie , Mr. William Spence at Fossoway , Mr. John Forrester at Stirling , Mr. Hugh White at Larbert , Mr. Alexander Douglas at Logie , Mr. Michael Potter at Dumblain , Mr. John Anderson Principal of the Leonardine Colledge of St. Andrews , Mr. William Moncreif at Largo , Mr. Alexander Sheilds at St. Andrews , Mr. Edward Jameson at Monymail , Mr. Alexander Glass at Auchtermouchty , Mr. James Hadow at Couper , Mr. Archbald Riddel at Kircaldie , Mr. William Mackie at Markincb , Mr. John Shaw at Lesly , Mr. John Wylie at Saline , Mr. Samuel Charters at Innerkeithing , Mr. Allan Logan at Torrieburn , Mr. William Mitchel at Dundee , Mr. John Ramsay at Cortochie , Mr. Francis Melvil at Arbuthnet , Mr. William Arrot at Montrose . Mr. James Osburn at Aberdeen , Mr. Thomas Thomson at Turrif , Mr. Patrick Innes at Bamf , Mr. James Brown at Aberdour , Mr. William Johnston at Auchterless , Mr. Alexander Forbes at Dyck Mr. James Thomson at Elgin , Mr. Hugh Duff at Fern in Rosse , Mr. William Innes at Thurso in Caithnes , Mr. Thomas Baikie at Kirkwal in Orknay , Mr. Hugh Leigh at Bressay in Zetland , Mr. Gilbert Rule Principal of the Colledge of Edinburgh , Mr. William Crichton at Edinburgh , Mr. John Law there , Mr. George Meldrum , there , Mr. George Hamilton there , Mr. David Blair there , Mr. John Hamilton there , Mr. John Moncreif there , Mr. David Williamson at West-Kirk , Mr. Andrew Bowie at North-Leith , Mr. Thomas Wilkie in Canogate , Mr. John Forrest at Preston-Kirk , Mr. Robert Stark at Stenton , Mr. Andrew Brown at Spott , Mr. James Clerk at Dirletoun , Mr. Mungo Watson at Gladsmuir , Mr. Mathew Reid at Northberwick , Mr. William Trail at Borthwick , Mr. Patrick Cuming at Ormiston , Mr. Mathew Selkrig at Crichtoun , Mr. David Walker at Temple , Mr. William Macjore at Pennycook , Mr. George Barclay at Uphal , Mr. William Burnet at Falkirk , Mr. Thomas Miller at Kirklistoun , Mr. John Brand at Borrowstounnes , Mr. William Russel at Stobo , Mr. Robert Livingstoun at Bigger , Mr. John Sandilands at Dolphingtoun , Mr. Mr. Gabriel Semple at Jedburgh , Mr. Samuel Johnstoun at Southdean , Mr. Robert Wilson at Melross , Mr. John Gelen at Stitchell , Mr. John Dysert at Coldinghame , Mr. John Linlithgow at Swintoun , Mr. Alexander Colden at Duns , Mr. John Vetch at Westruther , Mr. George Johnstoun at Ersletoun , Mr. William Vetch at Drumfrees , Mr. Robert Paton there , Mr. James Elder at Keir , Mr. Thomas Gowdie at Kirkpatrick juxta , Mr. James Armstrang at Canabee , Mr. James Monteith at Borg , Mr. Robert Rowand at Pennyghame , Mr. William Boid at Dalry , Mr. Andrew Ewart at Kells , Ministers . George Earl of Melvil Lord President of the Privy Council ; George Earl of Sutherland , William Lord Forbes , Robert Lord Burleigh , William Lord Ross , John Lord Belhaven , James Master of Carmichael , Sir Hugh Dalrymple of Northberwick Lord President of the Session , Sir James Stewart of Goodtrees His Majesties Advocat , Adam Cockburn of Ormistoun Lord Justice-Clerk , Sir Alexander Swinton of Mersingtoun , Sir Collin Campbel of Aberuchel , Sir John Hamiltoun of Halcraig , Sir David Home of Crosrig four of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice , Mr. John Campbel Brother to the Earl of Argyl , Mr. Francis Montgomery of Giffan , Lodovick Grant of that Ilk , William Baillie of Lamingtoun , James Brodie of that Ilk , George Home of Kello Provost of Edinburgh , Sir John Riddel of that Ilk , Sir William Cuninghame of Cuninghamhead , Sir Collin Campbel of Ardkinlass Sir John Pringle of Stitchel , Sir John Clerk of Pennycook , Sir William Denholme of Westsheilds , Sir Archibald Mure of Thorntoun , Sir Thomas Burnet His Majesties Phisician , Sir William Baird of Newbaith , Lievtenent Collonel John Erskin of Carridden , Captain John Erskin , Adam Drummond of Meggins , John Alexander of Blackhouse , George Moncrief of Reedy , Mr. James Daes of Colding knows Advocat , Henry Rollo of Woodside Governour of the Castle of Blackness , Walter Stewart of Pardivan , James Hamilton of Pencaitland , Robert Martine of Burnbrae , John Anderson of Dowhill , and Mr. Archbald Dickson of Tourlands Ruling Elders . To be Commissioners of the General Assembly , to the effect aftermentioned : with full power and Commission to the saids persons , or their Quorum , which is hereby declared to be , any Fifteen of the saids Commissioners , whereof nine are alwayes to be Ministers , to meet and Conveen within the Assembly-house at Edinburgh , the first Munday after the dissolution of this Assembly , at Two of the Clock in the Afternoon , and afterwards to meet the first Tuesday of March , June , September and December and oftner , where or when they shall see needful , during the continuance of this Commission : And the General Assembly requires , all the Members of this Commission , to attend punctually , the Meetings thereof : with power to the said Commission to chuse their own Moderator and Clerk : and sicklike the General Assembly , fully impowers and Authorizes the saids Commissioners , or their Quorum , to consider , cognosce , and finally determine as they shall see cause , in every thing contained in , and conform to , the Instructions given them by this Assembly , as fully and freely as if the same were in these presents , at full length insert and set down ; As also , to consider and cognosce and finally determine , in all References , Appeals , and other Matters , particularly remitted to them , by any Act or order of this Assembly , all which are holden as herein exprest ; And the General Assembly , do hereby prohibit and discharge the saids Commissioners to meddle in any other matters than what is contained herein : Declaring also that in and for their Actings , they shall be countable to , and censureable , by the next ensuing General Assembly of this Church : And lastly Declares , that this Commission shall continue , until the Meeting of the next General Assembly .