13.Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem.Sess. Ult.

13.Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem.Sess. Ult.Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, and other superstitious dayes, especially if they be Schollars.The General Assembly taking to their consideration, The manifold Abuses, Profanitie, and Superstitions, committed on Yule-day and some other superstitions dayes following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby Ordains, That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall be found guilty in keeping of the foresaid superstitious dayes, shall be proceeded against by Kirk Censures, and shall make their publick Repentance therefore in the face of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And that Presbyteries and Provinciall Synods Take particular notice how Ministers try and censure Delinquents of this kinde, within the severall Parochines. And because Schollars and Students give great scandal and offence in this, That they (being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of Schools or Colledges be accessorie to the said superstitious profanitie, by their connivence, granting of liberty of Vacance to their Schollars at that time, or any time thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compeir before the next ensuing Generall Assembly, there to be censured according to their trespasse; And if Schollars[pg 286](being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, or be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be not received in any other Schoole or Colledge within the Kingdom.Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions in Schooles.In respect of the paucitie of men, fit and willing to professe Divinitie in the Schooles, by reason that few frame their studies that way, The Generall Assembly thinks it fit, That the Provincials diligently consider and try who within their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in the Schooles, And report their names to the following Generall Assembly, that such may be stirred up and encouraged by the General Assembly, to compose and frame their studies, that they may be fit for such places.Act for restraining Abuses at Pennie Brydals.The Generall Assembly, considering the great profanitie and severall Abuses which usually fal forth at Pennie-Brydals proving fruitful Seminaries of all lasciviousnesse and debausherie, as well by the excessive number of people conveened thereto, as by the extortion of them therein, and licentiousnesse thereat, To the great dishonour of God, the scandall of our Christian Profession, and prejudice of the Countreys welfare; Therefore they Ordain every Presbyterie in this Kingdome, To take such special care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes foresaid, as they shall think fit in their severall boundsrespectivè: And to take a strict accompt of every Minister and Session of their obedience to the Ordinance of the Presbyteria[pg 287]theyeanent, at the Visitation of every Parish Kirk in their Bounds.Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former Places.The Generall Assembly, considering the manifold prejudices redounding to the Kirk in Generall, and private Congregations in particnlar; through the restoring of Ministers once deposed to the same places wherein formerly they served: As also, how derogatorie it would prove to the weight of that sentence of Deposition; Do therefore ordain, that no Minister deposed, shall be restored again into that place where formerly he served.Renovation of the Commission for the publick Affairs of the Kirk.The General Assembly taking to their consideration, That in respect the great Work of Uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions, is not yet perfected, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Doe therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted for the publick Affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assembly, held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. upon the fifth day of Augustpost meridiem, Sess, 12. And by the Generall Assembly held in Edinburgh in the year 1643 upon the 19. day of August, Sess.ult.And by the late Generall Assembly held at Edinburgh in the year 1644. upon the third of June, Sess. 6. to the Persons afternamed,viz. Mr Andrew Ramsay, Mr Alexan. Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, Mr John Oswald, Mr Mungo Law, Mr Robert Lawrie,[pg 288]Mr John Adamson, D. John Sharp, Mr George Leslie, Mr Andrew Fairfowle, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr James Fleeming, Mr Robert Ker, Mr John Macghie, Mr John Dalyell, Mr Andrew Stevenson, Mr Robert Lander, Mr James Robertson, Mr Patrick Sibbald, Mr Robert Carson, Mr Alex. Spittall, Mr Alex. Dickison, Mr James Smith, Mr John Gibbison, Mr James Symton, Mr Ephraim Melvill, Mr Alex. Somervell, Mr Robert Eliot, Mr George Bennet, Mr Robert Blair, Mr David Forret, Mr Arthur Mortoun, Mr Samuel Rutherfurd, D. Alex. Colvill, Mr Andrew Bennet, Mr James Wedderburn, Mr Walter Greg, Mr John Moncreiff, Mr John Smith, Mr Frederick Carmichaell, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, Mr James Sibbald, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Hume at Eccles, Mr Mungo Dalyell, Mr Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr William Turnbull, Mr James Guthrie, Mr Thomas Donaldson, Mr William Jameson, Mr David Fletcher, Mr Andrew Dunkison, Mr Robert Murray, Mr David Weemes, Mr John Hall, Mr John Freebairn, Mr David Drummond at Creist, Mr George Murray, Mr Henry Guthrie, Mr Robert Wright, Mr Andrew Jaffray, Mr Bernard Sanderson, Mr Alex. Iran, Mr Thomas Chalmers, Mr Andrew Lawder, Mr Hugh Henderson, Mr John Levingstoun, Mr James Blair, Mr James Bonar, Mr John Burne, Mr John Bell, Mr Hugh Mackale, Mr Matthew Birsbane, Mr David Elphingstoun, Mr David Dickson, Mr George Young, D. John Strang, Mr Robert Baillie, Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr Evan Camron, Mr George Symmer at Megle, Mr Andrew Fleck, Mr Patrick Lyon, Mr John Lindsay, Mr Sylvester Lammie, Mr George Fogo, Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr William More, Mr William Davidson, Mr John Paterson, Mr William Jaffray, Mr Thomas Mitchell, Mr George Cummin, Mr Joseph Brodie, Mr William Lawder, Mr David Rosse, Mr Ferquhard Mackleman,Ministers; AndArchbaldMarquesse of Argyle,JohnEarle of Crawfurd-Lindsay,AlexanderEarle of Eglintoun,WilliamEarle of Glencarne,JohnEarle of Cassils,CharlesEarle of Dumfermling,JamesEarle of Tullibarein,JohnEarle of Lauderdale,JamesEarle of Annandale,WilliamEarle of Lothian,JamesEarle of Queenesberry,WilliamEarle of Dalhousie,WilliamEarle of Lanerick,ArchbaldLord Angus,[pg 289]Vicount of Arbuthnet,JamesVicount of Frendraught,AlexanderLord Carleys,JamesLord Johnstoun,JohnLord Yester,JohnLord Balmerino,AlexanderLord Balcarras,JohnLord Loure,JohnLord Barganie, SirPatrick Hepburnof Wauchtoun, SirJohn Hopeof Craighall, SirArchbald Johnstounof Waristoun, SirDavid Humeof Wedderburn, SirFrederick Lyonof Brigtoun, SirAlexander Areskineof Dun, SirAlexander Fraserof Phillorth,Sir William Baillieof Lammingroun,Haddingof Glennegies, SirThomas Ruthvenof Freeland,James Macdougallof Garthland, SirAlexander Murrayof Blackbarronie,William Drummondof Rickartoun, SirWilliam Scotof Hardin, SirAndrew Kerof Greenhead, SirWilliam Stuart, SirAlexander Schawof Sauchie,Alexander Brodieof that Ilk, MrGeorge Humeof Kimmerjame, SirJohn Smith, MrAlexander ColvillJustice Depute,John Binnie,Archbald Sydsers,Laurence Henderson,James Stuart Gilbert Sommernell,John Semple,MrRobert Barclay, Patrick Leslie,James Law, MrRobert Cuninghame,George Gardin,William GlendunningElders. And for discharging the said Commission, Appoints the persons aforesaid, or any ninteene of them, whereof fifteen shall be Ministers, to meet at Edinburgh upon the 14. of this moneth of February and upon the second Wednesday of May, August, November, and of February next to come, and upon any other day, or in any other Place they shall think meet. Giving unto them full power and Commission to do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to an happy conclusion, conforme to the former Commissions granted by the saids Assemblies thereanent: And further, Renewes to the Persons afore-named, the power contained in the Act of the said Assembly, 1643 Intituled,A reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England, As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said late Assembly 1644. Sess. 16. madeAgainst secret dis-affecters of the Covenant, and,For sending Ministers to the Army. With full power to them, to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, & in all other matters referred[pg 290]unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely, as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being alwayes for their whole proceedings countable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly.Renovation of the Commission to the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdom, ofEngland,for prosecuting the Treaty of Uniformitie in Religion.The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration, that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same, Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted to the Persons formerly nominate by the two preceding Assemblies, and by their Commissioners sitting at Edinburgh, for prosecuting the said Treatie of Uniformitie with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by them. Giving unto them full power to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring the said Treatie to an happy conclusion conforme to the former Commissions granted to them thereanent.The General Assemblies Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England.Right Reverend and welbeloved in the Lord Jesus,Amidst the manifold troubles in which this Kingdome hath been involved, and under which it still laboureth, we greatly rejoyced when it was testified unto by us[pg 291]our reverend Brethren, and under your hands in your Letter, and these Papers by them presented to us from you, what progresse you had made in the much desired Work of Uniformities and acknowledge that the same hathcomforted us concerning our work and toile of our hands, and seemeth to us as an olive branch, to prognosticate the abating of the waters, which overflow the face of the Earth.When we consider, that you have walked in pathes unusuall, which have not been haunted by Travellers there, as the publick way, though pointed out as the good old way by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder that you have carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure ground; When we behold that strong and high tree of Episcopacie so deeply rooted by continuance of time not loosed of the Branches, and thestumpe of the root left in the Earth, with a band of iron and brasse, but pluckt up by the roots; We do confesse that the Carpenters, though prepared have a hard task, requiring time to hew it down, and root it up: And when we call to minde how much the Service-Book hath been cryed up as the only way of GODS Worship, how many thereby have had their wealth, and how difficult it is to forgoe the accustomed way; We admire the power and wisdom of the good GOD who hath prospered you in your way, and led you this length, through so many straits, and over so many difficulties in so troublous a time.We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most heartily and gladly embrace the Directory of Worship, as a common Rule for the Kirks of GOD in the three Kingdoms, now more straitly and firmly united by the solemne League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice blesse the Lord, who hath put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, Learned, and Pious Assembly of Divines and then, of the Honourable Houses of Parliament. To agree upon such a Directory as doth remove what is none of Christs, and preserve the purity of all his Ordinances, together with Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we have thought necessary, to declare and make known, That the Clause in the Directory for the administration of the[pg 292]Lords Supper, which appointeth the Table to be so placed that the Communicants may orderly sit about it, or at it, is not to be interpreted as if in the judgement of this Kirk it were indifferent for any of the Communicants not to come to and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Ministers to each Communicant, & not by the Communicants among themselves: In which particulars, we still conceive and believe the order & practice of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable & sutable to the Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the nature of that Heavenly Feast and Table. Neverthelesse, in other particulars we have resolved, and do agree, to do as ye have desired us in your Letter, That is, not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawfull in themselves, and not condemned in this Directory, but to lay them aside for the nearer Uniformitie with the Kirk of England, now nearer and dearer to us than ever before; A Blessing so much esteemed, and so earnestly longed for among us, that rather than it faile on our part, we do most willingly part with such practices and customs of our own, as may be parted with safely, and without the violation of any of Christs Ordinances, or trespassing against Scripturall Rules, or our solemne Covenants.We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Proportions touching Kirk-government and Ordination; and have given power to our Commissioners who are to meet in Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an Uniformitie therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, so soon as the same shall be without any substantiall alteration Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England according to our Act of Approbation sent to our Commissioners with you.As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the counsel and assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good use to us in these difficult times, and their particular stations and imployments importune the stay of these who are come unto us, and the returne of these who stay with you, yet preferring the publick good, and looking upon the profit may redound unto all by their continuing with[pg 293]you, we have satisfied your desire, & renewed their Commission; Praying GOD they may (as we are confident they shall) prove answerable to our trust, and to your expectation.Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we apprehend no great difficultie: And to that which remains to be perfected in the matter of Kirk-government, we do believe, and both you and we know by experience, thatthere is no word impossible withourGod. He that hath begun a good work among you, will also perform itof his good pleasure. Go on in the Lord your strength, andthe Spirit of truth lead you in all truth: The God of all grace and peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, & by himhath called us unto his eternall glory, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you, and by you, and among you, that which is well pleasing in his fight, stablish, strengthen, settle you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by the Moderator of the Assembly.The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk ofScotland,met at Edinburgh the 13. day of February, 1645.TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE.As our Record is on high, and our conferences within us bear us witnesse, so the many former Supplications and Remonstrances to your Majestie, from this Kirk and Kingdome, our solemne Covenants, and the whole course of our proceedings from time to time in the prosecution of this Cause; Do make known to the World, and we trust[pg 294]also to your own consience, our loyaltie and faithful subjection, and how far our intentions are from the diminution of your Majesties just Power and Greatnesse; And although the successe of many of our humble addresses to your Majesty, hath been such as did frustrate our desires and hopes, yet this hath not blotted our of our hearts our loyaltie, so often professed before God and the World; but it is still our Souls desire, and our Prayer to God for you, that your Self and your Posterity may prosperously reigne over this your antient and Native Kingdome, and over your other Dominions. And now as we have published a solemn and free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrons, Ministers, and Commons of this Kingdome, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So when we call to minde, that God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the greatest are not to be winked at in their sins; We assure our selves, that the best and most reall testimony which we can give at this present of the tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection to your Majesties true Happinesse is this our humble and faithfull Representation of your Majesties great and growing dangers, and the causes thereof. Of which, if we should be silent, our consciences would condemne us, andthe stones themselves would immediatly cry out.The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, & our fear increased in your Majesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience is above measure tempted, & is like a cart prest down with sheaves, and ready to break, while as beside many former designes and endeavours to bring desolation and destruction upon us, (which were (and we trust all of that kinde shall be) by the marvellous and mercifull providence of God discovered and disappointed). Our Countrey is now infested, the blood of divers of our Brethern spilt, and other acts of most barbarous and horrid cruelty exercised, by the cursed crew of the Irish Rebels and their Complices in the Kingdome, under the conduct of such as have Commission and Warrant from your Majestie. And unless we prove unfaithfull both to God and to your Majestie, we cannot conceale another danger which is infinitely[pg 295]greater than that of your Peoples displeasure: Therefore we the servants of the most high GOD, and your Majesties most loyall Subjects in the humility and grief of our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the Name of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the world in righteousnesse, both great and small, and in the Name of this whole Nationall Kirk, which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty freely, that the guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty and to your Throne, is such, as (whatsoever flattering preachers, or unfaithfull counsellours may say to the contrary) if not timely repented, cannot but involve your Self and your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living GOD, For your being guiltie of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of your Majesties best Subjects; For your permitting the Masse, and other Idolatry, both in your own Family and in your Dominions; For your authorizing by the Book of Sports the profanation of the Lords Day; For your not punishing of publick scandals, and much profanenesse in, & about your Court; For the shutting of your eare, from the humble and just desires of your faithfull Subjects; For your complying too much with the Popish party in many wayes, and namely, by concluding the Cessation of Armes inIreland, and your embracing the counsels of those who have not set GOD nor your good before their eyes; For your resisting and opposing this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of GOD, your own honour and happinesse, and the peace and safetie of your Kingdomes; and for what other causes your Majesty is most conscious, and may best judge and search your own conscience (nor would we have mentioned any particulars, if they had not been publike and knowne.) For all which it is high time for your Majesty to fall down at the footstool of the King of Glory, to acknowledge your offence to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST, (whose blood is able to wash away your great sinne) and to be no longer unwilling that the Son of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms in his pure Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These[pg 296]things if your Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto you afterward; a blessing is reserved for you, and you shall finde favour with GOD, and with your People, and with all the Churches of Christ; But if your Majesty refuse to hearken to this wholsome counsell (which the Lord forbid) we have discharged our own consciences, we take GOD and Men to witnesse That we are blamelesse of the sad Consequences which may follow, and we shall wait upon the Lord, who,when he maketh inquisition for blood, will not forget the cry of the humble. In the mean while, beseeching your Majesty to take notice That we are not staggering or fainting through diffidence of the successe of this Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto which, as GOD hath already given manifold Testimonies of his favour and blessing; so it is our stedfast and unshaken confidence, that this is the Work and Cause of GOD, which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, we shall never suffer our selves to be divided or withdrawn, but shall zealously and constantly in our severall Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and Lives, the pursuing and promoving thereof.That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion between both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered to your Majestie from the Commissioners of this Kingdom, for your Royall Consent and Ratification. Although your Majestie was not pleased to vouchsafe us the presence of your Commissioner, according to the supplication of the Commissioners or the preceeding Generall Assembly, yet we have proceeded with as much respect to your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance of our duty, as if your Royall Person had been present in the mids of us: And we shall still continue our Prayers for you, that GOD would graciously incline your heart to the counsels of Truth and Peace, and grant unto your Majestie a long and happy Raign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all Godlinesse and Honestie.[pg 297]The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners atLondon.Reverend and beloved Brethren,These sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the Lord entrusted to you, brought to us at this time by these two of your number, whom you were pleased to send, were received by us with no small joy and rejoycing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of our Souls desire, in that so much longed for, so much prayed for happy Uniformity of these Kirks and Kingdoms: And an evident Demonstration to us, that the Lord hath not, even in this time of his seen and felt displeasure, so covered himself with the cloud of his anger, that our Prayers should not passe through.The great and main difficulties through which the Lord hath carried this Work, as we do acknowledge, ought mainly to be made use of, for the praise and glory of his power, who is the great Worker of all our works for us; So your overcoming of them is to us no small Demonstration of your zeal, wisdom, and faithfulnesse, which without great Injurie both to the Lord the prime Worker, and to you his instruments, we cannot but acknowledge, hath been much manifested in the whole managing of this work in your hands.The full answer to all the particulars you write of in your Letters, we leave to the Relation of those that come from you, and are now appointed to return to you: And as with much thankfulnesse we acknowledge your fidelity in what ye have done already; so we have again renewed your Commission for the continuance of your Imployment there, for the perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the furthering whereof, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD for his blessing upon your labours, so for your help and assistance, we have appointed a commission to sit at Edinburgh, to which at all occasions you may have your recourse, as the exigence of the Work shall require.[pg 298]How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to us by our Brethren from you, was to us, we leave it rather to their relation at their return; being ear and eye witnesses to the manifold expressions of our joy and gladnesse, then offer to represent it to you in a Letter: The Act herewith sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Directory, will sufficiently declare our hearty approbation of it: Our judgement also concerning the proportions of Government and Ordination, and our earnest desire to have the Work of Uniformity promoved and perfected in that particular also, will appear to you by the other Act which herewith you will receive: Our zeal and desire to have that Work fully closed with so much harmonie as becometh the work of GOD, will appear to you in our resolution and answer to that particular in the point of Excommunication, concerning which you write.These particular differences hinted in the Assemblies Letter, for uniformitie with that Kirk so much endeared to us, we have resolved to lay aside, and have taken course for preserving harmonie amongst our selves, whereof our Brethren will give you more particular account. Anent your desire ofMr Alexander Hendersonhis attending the Treatie, we are confident ere this you have received our resolution.Amidst the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the Lord to presse us, as we thought it necessar to publish and send forth a Warning to all sorts of Persons in this Kirk and Kingdom, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So we thought it incumbent to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can give at this present to his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him faithfully The great and growing dangers his Majesty is now under, and the causes thereof. This Remonstrance we have sent to you, to be presented to his Majesty, by such means, and at such time, as you who are there upon the place shall judge fittest.And now dear Brethren go on with cheerfulnesse in the Work of the Lord: Let no discouragement or opposition make your heart to faint, or your hands wax feeble: Perswade[pg 299]your self the Lords hand shall still be made known toward his servants, and his indignation against his Enemies. Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but also to make and end, and is abundantly able to supply all your need according to the riches of his glory. Be confident therefore of this thing, that he who hath begun this good Work by you, will also in due time accomplish it to his own praise. To his gracious assistance we heartily recommend you.Postscript.Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.It is earnestly desired That the Directorie for Worship be sent to Ireland, and that you recommend to the honourable Houses of the Parliament, To think upon the best way for the establishment & practice of it in that Kingdom. And that the like course may be taken with the government, and other parts of the Uniformity, so soon as they shall be agreed upon.Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland by the Moderator of the Assembly.The General Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, To consider these matters referred to their consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to report their judgement therein to the next Assembly.The Generall Assembly Appoints the meeting of the next Assembly to be at Edinburgh the first Wednesday of June, in the yeer 1646.

Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, and other superstitious dayes, especially if they be Schollars.The General Assembly taking to their consideration, The manifold Abuses, Profanitie, and Superstitions, committed on Yule-day and some other superstitions dayes following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby Ordains, That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall be found guilty in keeping of the foresaid superstitious dayes, shall be proceeded against by Kirk Censures, and shall make their publick Repentance therefore in the face of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And that Presbyteries and Provinciall Synods Take particular notice how Ministers try and censure Delinquents of this kinde, within the severall Parochines. And because Schollars and Students give great scandal and offence in this, That they (being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of Schools or Colledges be accessorie to the said superstitious profanitie, by their connivence, granting of liberty of Vacance to their Schollars at that time, or any time thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compeir before the next ensuing Generall Assembly, there to be censured according to their trespasse; And if Schollars[pg 286](being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, or be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be not received in any other Schoole or Colledge within the Kingdom.

The General Assembly taking to their consideration, The manifold Abuses, Profanitie, and Superstitions, committed on Yule-day and some other superstitions dayes following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby Ordains, That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall be found guilty in keeping of the foresaid superstitious dayes, shall be proceeded against by Kirk Censures, and shall make their publick Repentance therefore in the face of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And that Presbyteries and Provinciall Synods Take particular notice how Ministers try and censure Delinquents of this kinde, within the severall Parochines. And because Schollars and Students give great scandal and offence in this, That they (being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of Schools or Colledges be accessorie to the said superstitious profanitie, by their connivence, granting of liberty of Vacance to their Schollars at that time, or any time thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compeir before the next ensuing Generall Assembly, there to be censured according to their trespasse; And if Schollars[pg 286](being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, or be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be not received in any other Schoole or Colledge within the Kingdom.

Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions in Schooles.In respect of the paucitie of men, fit and willing to professe Divinitie in the Schooles, by reason that few frame their studies that way, The Generall Assembly thinks it fit, That the Provincials diligently consider and try who within their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in the Schooles, And report their names to the following Generall Assembly, that such may be stirred up and encouraged by the General Assembly, to compose and frame their studies, that they may be fit for such places.

In respect of the paucitie of men, fit and willing to professe Divinitie in the Schooles, by reason that few frame their studies that way, The Generall Assembly thinks it fit, That the Provincials diligently consider and try who within their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in the Schooles, And report their names to the following Generall Assembly, that such may be stirred up and encouraged by the General Assembly, to compose and frame their studies, that they may be fit for such places.

Act for restraining Abuses at Pennie Brydals.The Generall Assembly, considering the great profanitie and severall Abuses which usually fal forth at Pennie-Brydals proving fruitful Seminaries of all lasciviousnesse and debausherie, as well by the excessive number of people conveened thereto, as by the extortion of them therein, and licentiousnesse thereat, To the great dishonour of God, the scandall of our Christian Profession, and prejudice of the Countreys welfare; Therefore they Ordain every Presbyterie in this Kingdome, To take such special care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes foresaid, as they shall think fit in their severall boundsrespectivè: And to take a strict accompt of every Minister and Session of their obedience to the Ordinance of the Presbyteria[pg 287]theyeanent, at the Visitation of every Parish Kirk in their Bounds.

The Generall Assembly, considering the great profanitie and severall Abuses which usually fal forth at Pennie-Brydals proving fruitful Seminaries of all lasciviousnesse and debausherie, as well by the excessive number of people conveened thereto, as by the extortion of them therein, and licentiousnesse thereat, To the great dishonour of God, the scandall of our Christian Profession, and prejudice of the Countreys welfare; Therefore they Ordain every Presbyterie in this Kingdome, To take such special care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes foresaid, as they shall think fit in their severall boundsrespectivè: And to take a strict accompt of every Minister and Session of their obedience to the Ordinance of the Presbyteria[pg 287]theyeanent, at the Visitation of every Parish Kirk in their Bounds.

Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former Places.The Generall Assembly, considering the manifold prejudices redounding to the Kirk in Generall, and private Congregations in particnlar; through the restoring of Ministers once deposed to the same places wherein formerly they served: As also, how derogatorie it would prove to the weight of that sentence of Deposition; Do therefore ordain, that no Minister deposed, shall be restored again into that place where formerly he served.

The Generall Assembly, considering the manifold prejudices redounding to the Kirk in Generall, and private Congregations in particnlar; through the restoring of Ministers once deposed to the same places wherein formerly they served: As also, how derogatorie it would prove to the weight of that sentence of Deposition; Do therefore ordain, that no Minister deposed, shall be restored again into that place where formerly he served.

Renovation of the Commission for the publick Affairs of the Kirk.The General Assembly taking to their consideration, That in respect the great Work of Uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions, is not yet perfected, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Doe therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted for the publick Affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assembly, held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. upon the fifth day of Augustpost meridiem, Sess, 12. And by the Generall Assembly held in Edinburgh in the year 1643 upon the 19. day of August, Sess.ult.And by the late Generall Assembly held at Edinburgh in the year 1644. upon the third of June, Sess. 6. to the Persons afternamed,viz. Mr Andrew Ramsay, Mr Alexan. Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, Mr John Oswald, Mr Mungo Law, Mr Robert Lawrie,[pg 288]Mr John Adamson, D. John Sharp, Mr George Leslie, Mr Andrew Fairfowle, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr James Fleeming, Mr Robert Ker, Mr John Macghie, Mr John Dalyell, Mr Andrew Stevenson, Mr Robert Lander, Mr James Robertson, Mr Patrick Sibbald, Mr Robert Carson, Mr Alex. Spittall, Mr Alex. Dickison, Mr James Smith, Mr John Gibbison, Mr James Symton, Mr Ephraim Melvill, Mr Alex. Somervell, Mr Robert Eliot, Mr George Bennet, Mr Robert Blair, Mr David Forret, Mr Arthur Mortoun, Mr Samuel Rutherfurd, D. Alex. Colvill, Mr Andrew Bennet, Mr James Wedderburn, Mr Walter Greg, Mr John Moncreiff, Mr John Smith, Mr Frederick Carmichaell, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, Mr James Sibbald, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Hume at Eccles, Mr Mungo Dalyell, Mr Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr William Turnbull, Mr James Guthrie, Mr Thomas Donaldson, Mr William Jameson, Mr David Fletcher, Mr Andrew Dunkison, Mr Robert Murray, Mr David Weemes, Mr John Hall, Mr John Freebairn, Mr David Drummond at Creist, Mr George Murray, Mr Henry Guthrie, Mr Robert Wright, Mr Andrew Jaffray, Mr Bernard Sanderson, Mr Alex. Iran, Mr Thomas Chalmers, Mr Andrew Lawder, Mr Hugh Henderson, Mr John Levingstoun, Mr James Blair, Mr James Bonar, Mr John Burne, Mr John Bell, Mr Hugh Mackale, Mr Matthew Birsbane, Mr David Elphingstoun, Mr David Dickson, Mr George Young, D. John Strang, Mr Robert Baillie, Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr Evan Camron, Mr George Symmer at Megle, Mr Andrew Fleck, Mr Patrick Lyon, Mr John Lindsay, Mr Sylvester Lammie, Mr George Fogo, Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr William More, Mr William Davidson, Mr John Paterson, Mr William Jaffray, Mr Thomas Mitchell, Mr George Cummin, Mr Joseph Brodie, Mr William Lawder, Mr David Rosse, Mr Ferquhard Mackleman,Ministers; AndArchbaldMarquesse of Argyle,JohnEarle of Crawfurd-Lindsay,AlexanderEarle of Eglintoun,WilliamEarle of Glencarne,JohnEarle of Cassils,CharlesEarle of Dumfermling,JamesEarle of Tullibarein,JohnEarle of Lauderdale,JamesEarle of Annandale,WilliamEarle of Lothian,JamesEarle of Queenesberry,WilliamEarle of Dalhousie,WilliamEarle of Lanerick,ArchbaldLord Angus,[pg 289]Vicount of Arbuthnet,JamesVicount of Frendraught,AlexanderLord Carleys,JamesLord Johnstoun,JohnLord Yester,JohnLord Balmerino,AlexanderLord Balcarras,JohnLord Loure,JohnLord Barganie, SirPatrick Hepburnof Wauchtoun, SirJohn Hopeof Craighall, SirArchbald Johnstounof Waristoun, SirDavid Humeof Wedderburn, SirFrederick Lyonof Brigtoun, SirAlexander Areskineof Dun, SirAlexander Fraserof Phillorth,Sir William Baillieof Lammingroun,Haddingof Glennegies, SirThomas Ruthvenof Freeland,James Macdougallof Garthland, SirAlexander Murrayof Blackbarronie,William Drummondof Rickartoun, SirWilliam Scotof Hardin, SirAndrew Kerof Greenhead, SirWilliam Stuart, SirAlexander Schawof Sauchie,Alexander Brodieof that Ilk, MrGeorge Humeof Kimmerjame, SirJohn Smith, MrAlexander ColvillJustice Depute,John Binnie,Archbald Sydsers,Laurence Henderson,James Stuart Gilbert Sommernell,John Semple,MrRobert Barclay, Patrick Leslie,James Law, MrRobert Cuninghame,George Gardin,William GlendunningElders. And for discharging the said Commission, Appoints the persons aforesaid, or any ninteene of them, whereof fifteen shall be Ministers, to meet at Edinburgh upon the 14. of this moneth of February and upon the second Wednesday of May, August, November, and of February next to come, and upon any other day, or in any other Place they shall think meet. Giving unto them full power and Commission to do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to an happy conclusion, conforme to the former Commissions granted by the saids Assemblies thereanent: And further, Renewes to the Persons afore-named, the power contained in the Act of the said Assembly, 1643 Intituled,A reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England, As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said late Assembly 1644. Sess. 16. madeAgainst secret dis-affecters of the Covenant, and,For sending Ministers to the Army. With full power to them, to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, & in all other matters referred[pg 290]unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely, as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being alwayes for their whole proceedings countable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly.

The General Assembly taking to their consideration, That in respect the great Work of Uniformitie in Religion in all his Majesties dominions, is not yet perfected, (though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same) there is a necessity of renewing the Commissions granted formerly for prosecuting and perfecting that great Work; Doe therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted for the publick Affairs of the Kirk by the Generall Assembly, held in S. Andrews in the year 1642. upon the fifth day of Augustpost meridiem, Sess, 12. And by the Generall Assembly held in Edinburgh in the year 1643 upon the 19. day of August, Sess.ult.And by the late Generall Assembly held at Edinburgh in the year 1644. upon the third of June, Sess. 6. to the Persons afternamed,viz. Mr Andrew Ramsay, Mr Alexan. Henderson, Mr Robert Douglas, Mr William Colvil, Mr William Bennet, Mr George Gillespie, Mr John Oswald, Mr Mungo Law, Mr Robert Lawrie,[pg 288]Mr John Adamson, D. John Sharp, Mr George Leslie, Mr Andrew Fairfowle, Mr David Calderwood, Mr Andrew Blackhall, Mr James Fleeming, Mr Robert Ker, Mr John Macghie, Mr John Dalyell, Mr Andrew Stevenson, Mr Robert Lander, Mr James Robertson, Mr Patrick Sibbald, Mr Robert Carson, Mr Alex. Spittall, Mr Alex. Dickison, Mr James Smith, Mr John Gibbison, Mr James Symton, Mr Ephraim Melvill, Mr Alex. Somervell, Mr Robert Eliot, Mr George Bennet, Mr Robert Blair, Mr David Forret, Mr Arthur Mortoun, Mr Samuel Rutherfurd, D. Alex. Colvill, Mr Andrew Bennet, Mr James Wedderburn, Mr Walter Greg, Mr John Moncreiff, Mr John Smith, Mr Frederick Carmichaell, Mr Patrick Gillespie, Mr John Duncan, Mr James Sibbald, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Hume at Eccles, Mr Mungo Dalyell, Mr Alex. Kinneir, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr William Turnbull, Mr James Guthrie, Mr Thomas Donaldson, Mr William Jameson, Mr David Fletcher, Mr Andrew Dunkison, Mr Robert Murray, Mr David Weemes, Mr John Hall, Mr John Freebairn, Mr David Drummond at Creist, Mr George Murray, Mr Henry Guthrie, Mr Robert Wright, Mr Andrew Jaffray, Mr Bernard Sanderson, Mr Alex. Iran, Mr Thomas Chalmers, Mr Andrew Lawder, Mr Hugh Henderson, Mr John Levingstoun, Mr James Blair, Mr James Bonar, Mr John Burne, Mr John Bell, Mr Hugh Mackale, Mr Matthew Birsbane, Mr David Elphingstoun, Mr David Dickson, Mr George Young, D. John Strang, Mr Robert Baillie, Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr Evan Camron, Mr George Symmer at Megle, Mr Andrew Fleck, Mr Patrick Lyon, Mr John Lindsay, Mr Sylvester Lammie, Mr George Fogo, Mr David Strachan, Mr Andrew Cant, Mr William More, Mr William Davidson, Mr John Paterson, Mr William Jaffray, Mr Thomas Mitchell, Mr George Cummin, Mr Joseph Brodie, Mr William Lawder, Mr David Rosse, Mr Ferquhard Mackleman,Ministers; AndArchbaldMarquesse of Argyle,JohnEarle of Crawfurd-Lindsay,AlexanderEarle of Eglintoun,WilliamEarle of Glencarne,JohnEarle of Cassils,CharlesEarle of Dumfermling,JamesEarle of Tullibarein,JohnEarle of Lauderdale,JamesEarle of Annandale,WilliamEarle of Lothian,JamesEarle of Queenesberry,WilliamEarle of Dalhousie,WilliamEarle of Lanerick,ArchbaldLord Angus,[pg 289]Vicount of Arbuthnet,JamesVicount of Frendraught,AlexanderLord Carleys,JamesLord Johnstoun,JohnLord Yester,JohnLord Balmerino,AlexanderLord Balcarras,JohnLord Loure,JohnLord Barganie, SirPatrick Hepburnof Wauchtoun, SirJohn Hopeof Craighall, SirArchbald Johnstounof Waristoun, SirDavid Humeof Wedderburn, SirFrederick Lyonof Brigtoun, SirAlexander Areskineof Dun, SirAlexander Fraserof Phillorth,Sir William Baillieof Lammingroun,Haddingof Glennegies, SirThomas Ruthvenof Freeland,James Macdougallof Garthland, SirAlexander Murrayof Blackbarronie,William Drummondof Rickartoun, SirWilliam Scotof Hardin, SirAndrew Kerof Greenhead, SirWilliam Stuart, SirAlexander Schawof Sauchie,Alexander Brodieof that Ilk, MrGeorge Humeof Kimmerjame, SirJohn Smith, MrAlexander ColvillJustice Depute,John Binnie,Archbald Sydsers,Laurence Henderson,James Stuart Gilbert Sommernell,John Semple,MrRobert Barclay, Patrick Leslie,James Law, MrRobert Cuninghame,George Gardin,William GlendunningElders. And for discharging the said Commission, Appoints the persons aforesaid, or any ninteene of them, whereof fifteen shall be Ministers, to meet at Edinburgh upon the 14. of this moneth of February and upon the second Wednesday of May, August, November, and of February next to come, and upon any other day, or in any other Place they shall think meet. Giving unto them full power and Commission to do all and every thing for prosecuting, advancing, perfecting, and bringing the said Work of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions to an happy conclusion, conforme to the former Commissions granted by the saids Assemblies thereanent: And further, Renewes to the Persons afore-named, the power contained in the Act of the said Assembly, 1643 Intituled,A reference to the Commission anent the Persons designed to repair to the Kingdom of England, As also the power contained in two several Acts of the said late Assembly 1644. Sess. 16. madeAgainst secret dis-affecters of the Covenant, and,For sending Ministers to the Army. With full power to them, to treat and determine in the matters aforesaid, & in all other matters referred[pg 290]unto them by this Assembly, as fully and freely, as if the same were here particularly expressed, and with as ample power as any Commission of former General Assemblies hath had, or been in use of before; They being alwayes for their whole proceedings countable to, and censurable by the next General Assembly.

Renovation of the Commission to the Persons appointed to repair to the Kingdom, ofEngland,for prosecuting the Treaty of Uniformitie in Religion.The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration, that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same, Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted to the Persons formerly nominate by the two preceding Assemblies, and by their Commissioners sitting at Edinburgh, for prosecuting the said Treatie of Uniformitie with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by them. Giving unto them full power to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring the said Treatie to an happy conclusion conforme to the former Commissions granted to them thereanent.

The Generall Assembly, Taking to their consideration, that the Treaty of Uniformity in Religion in all his Majesties Dominions is not yet perfected, though by the Lords blessing there is a good progresse made in the same, Do therefore Renew the Power and Commission granted to the Persons formerly nominate by the two preceding Assemblies, and by their Commissioners sitting at Edinburgh, for prosecuting the said Treatie of Uniformitie with the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, and the Reverend Assembly of Divines there, or any Committees appointed by them. Giving unto them full power to do all and every thing which may advance, perfect, and bring the said Treatie to an happy conclusion conforme to the former Commissions granted to them thereanent.

The General Assemblies Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of Divines in the Kirk of England.Right Reverend and welbeloved in the Lord Jesus,Amidst the manifold troubles in which this Kingdome hath been involved, and under which it still laboureth, we greatly rejoyced when it was testified unto by us[pg 291]our reverend Brethren, and under your hands in your Letter, and these Papers by them presented to us from you, what progresse you had made in the much desired Work of Uniformities and acknowledge that the same hathcomforted us concerning our work and toile of our hands, and seemeth to us as an olive branch, to prognosticate the abating of the waters, which overflow the face of the Earth.When we consider, that you have walked in pathes unusuall, which have not been haunted by Travellers there, as the publick way, though pointed out as the good old way by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder that you have carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure ground; When we behold that strong and high tree of Episcopacie so deeply rooted by continuance of time not loosed of the Branches, and thestumpe of the root left in the Earth, with a band of iron and brasse, but pluckt up by the roots; We do confesse that the Carpenters, though prepared have a hard task, requiring time to hew it down, and root it up: And when we call to minde how much the Service-Book hath been cryed up as the only way of GODS Worship, how many thereby have had their wealth, and how difficult it is to forgoe the accustomed way; We admire the power and wisdom of the good GOD who hath prospered you in your way, and led you this length, through so many straits, and over so many difficulties in so troublous a time.We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most heartily and gladly embrace the Directory of Worship, as a common Rule for the Kirks of GOD in the three Kingdoms, now more straitly and firmly united by the solemne League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice blesse the Lord, who hath put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, Learned, and Pious Assembly of Divines and then, of the Honourable Houses of Parliament. To agree upon such a Directory as doth remove what is none of Christs, and preserve the purity of all his Ordinances, together with Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we have thought necessary, to declare and make known, That the Clause in the Directory for the administration of the[pg 292]Lords Supper, which appointeth the Table to be so placed that the Communicants may orderly sit about it, or at it, is not to be interpreted as if in the judgement of this Kirk it were indifferent for any of the Communicants not to come to and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Ministers to each Communicant, & not by the Communicants among themselves: In which particulars, we still conceive and believe the order & practice of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable & sutable to the Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the nature of that Heavenly Feast and Table. Neverthelesse, in other particulars we have resolved, and do agree, to do as ye have desired us in your Letter, That is, not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawfull in themselves, and not condemned in this Directory, but to lay them aside for the nearer Uniformitie with the Kirk of England, now nearer and dearer to us than ever before; A Blessing so much esteemed, and so earnestly longed for among us, that rather than it faile on our part, we do most willingly part with such practices and customs of our own, as may be parted with safely, and without the violation of any of Christs Ordinances, or trespassing against Scripturall Rules, or our solemne Covenants.We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Proportions touching Kirk-government and Ordination; and have given power to our Commissioners who are to meet in Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an Uniformitie therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, so soon as the same shall be without any substantiall alteration Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England according to our Act of Approbation sent to our Commissioners with you.As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the counsel and assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good use to us in these difficult times, and their particular stations and imployments importune the stay of these who are come unto us, and the returne of these who stay with you, yet preferring the publick good, and looking upon the profit may redound unto all by their continuing with[pg 293]you, we have satisfied your desire, & renewed their Commission; Praying GOD they may (as we are confident they shall) prove answerable to our trust, and to your expectation.Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we apprehend no great difficultie: And to that which remains to be perfected in the matter of Kirk-government, we do believe, and both you and we know by experience, thatthere is no word impossible withourGod. He that hath begun a good work among you, will also perform itof his good pleasure. Go on in the Lord your strength, andthe Spirit of truth lead you in all truth: The God of all grace and peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, & by himhath called us unto his eternall glory, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you, and by you, and among you, that which is well pleasing in his fight, stablish, strengthen, settle you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by the Moderator of the Assembly.

Right Reverend and welbeloved in the Lord Jesus,

Amidst the manifold troubles in which this Kingdome hath been involved, and under which it still laboureth, we greatly rejoyced when it was testified unto by us[pg 291]our reverend Brethren, and under your hands in your Letter, and these Papers by them presented to us from you, what progresse you had made in the much desired Work of Uniformities and acknowledge that the same hathcomforted us concerning our work and toile of our hands, and seemeth to us as an olive branch, to prognosticate the abating of the waters, which overflow the face of the Earth.

When we consider, that you have walked in pathes unusuall, which have not been haunted by Travellers there, as the publick way, though pointed out as the good old way by the Reformed Kirks, we do not wonder that you have carefully adverted in every step to set foot upon sure ground; When we behold that strong and high tree of Episcopacie so deeply rooted by continuance of time not loosed of the Branches, and thestumpe of the root left in the Earth, with a band of iron and brasse, but pluckt up by the roots; We do confesse that the Carpenters, though prepared have a hard task, requiring time to hew it down, and root it up: And when we call to minde how much the Service-Book hath been cryed up as the only way of GODS Worship, how many thereby have had their wealth, and how difficult it is to forgoe the accustomed way; We admire the power and wisdom of the good GOD who hath prospered you in your way, and led you this length, through so many straits, and over so many difficulties in so troublous a time.

We do for our part not only admit and allow, but most heartily and gladly embrace the Directory of Worship, as a common Rule for the Kirks of GOD in the three Kingdoms, now more straitly and firmly united by the solemne League and Covenant; And we do all in one voice blesse the Lord, who hath put it in the hearts, first, of the Reverend, Learned, and Pious Assembly of Divines and then, of the Honourable Houses of Parliament. To agree upon such a Directory as doth remove what is none of Christs, and preserve the purity of all his Ordinances, together with Uniformity and Peace in the Kirk. Only we have thought necessary, to declare and make known, That the Clause in the Directory for the administration of the[pg 292]Lords Supper, which appointeth the Table to be so placed that the Communicants may orderly sit about it, or at it, is not to be interpreted as if in the judgement of this Kirk it were indifferent for any of the Communicants not to come to and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Ministers to each Communicant, & not by the Communicants among themselves: In which particulars, we still conceive and believe the order & practice of our own Kirk, To be most agreeable & sutable to the Word of GOD, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the nature of that Heavenly Feast and Table. Neverthelesse, in other particulars we have resolved, and do agree, to do as ye have desired us in your Letter, That is, not to be tenacious of old Customs, though lawfull in themselves, and not condemned in this Directory, but to lay them aside for the nearer Uniformitie with the Kirk of England, now nearer and dearer to us than ever before; A Blessing so much esteemed, and so earnestly longed for among us, that rather than it faile on our part, we do most willingly part with such practices and customs of our own, as may be parted with safely, and without the violation of any of Christs Ordinances, or trespassing against Scripturall Rules, or our solemne Covenants.

We do in like manner agree to, and approve the Proportions touching Kirk-government and Ordination; and have given power to our Commissioners who are to meet in Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in our Name an Uniformitie therein, betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, so soon as the same shall be without any substantiall alteration Ratified by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England according to our Act of Approbation sent to our Commissioners with you.

As for the returning of our Commissioners; though the counsel and assistance of our Reverend Brethren might be of good use to us in these difficult times, and their particular stations and imployments importune the stay of these who are come unto us, and the returne of these who stay with you, yet preferring the publick good, and looking upon the profit may redound unto all by their continuing with[pg 293]you, we have satisfied your desire, & renewed their Commission; Praying GOD they may (as we are confident they shall) prove answerable to our trust, and to your expectation.

Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we apprehend no great difficultie: And to that which remains to be perfected in the matter of Kirk-government, we do believe, and both you and we know by experience, thatthere is no word impossible withourGod. He that hath begun a good work among you, will also perform itof his good pleasure. Go on in the Lord your strength, andthe Spirit of truth lead you in all truth: The God of all grace and peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, & by himhath called us unto his eternall glory, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you, and by you, and among you, that which is well pleasing in his fight, stablish, strengthen, settle you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.

Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, by the Moderator of the Assembly.

The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk ofScotland,met at Edinburgh the 13. day of February, 1645.TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE.As our Record is on high, and our conferences within us bear us witnesse, so the many former Supplications and Remonstrances to your Majestie, from this Kirk and Kingdome, our solemne Covenants, and the whole course of our proceedings from time to time in the prosecution of this Cause; Do make known to the World, and we trust[pg 294]also to your own consience, our loyaltie and faithful subjection, and how far our intentions are from the diminution of your Majesties just Power and Greatnesse; And although the successe of many of our humble addresses to your Majesty, hath been such as did frustrate our desires and hopes, yet this hath not blotted our of our hearts our loyaltie, so often professed before God and the World; but it is still our Souls desire, and our Prayer to God for you, that your Self and your Posterity may prosperously reigne over this your antient and Native Kingdome, and over your other Dominions. And now as we have published a solemn and free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrons, Ministers, and Commons of this Kingdome, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So when we call to minde, that God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the greatest are not to be winked at in their sins; We assure our selves, that the best and most reall testimony which we can give at this present of the tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection to your Majesties true Happinesse is this our humble and faithfull Representation of your Majesties great and growing dangers, and the causes thereof. Of which, if we should be silent, our consciences would condemne us, andthe stones themselves would immediatly cry out.The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, & our fear increased in your Majesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience is above measure tempted, & is like a cart prest down with sheaves, and ready to break, while as beside many former designes and endeavours to bring desolation and destruction upon us, (which were (and we trust all of that kinde shall be) by the marvellous and mercifull providence of God discovered and disappointed). Our Countrey is now infested, the blood of divers of our Brethern spilt, and other acts of most barbarous and horrid cruelty exercised, by the cursed crew of the Irish Rebels and their Complices in the Kingdome, under the conduct of such as have Commission and Warrant from your Majestie. And unless we prove unfaithfull both to God and to your Majestie, we cannot conceale another danger which is infinitely[pg 295]greater than that of your Peoples displeasure: Therefore we the servants of the most high GOD, and your Majesties most loyall Subjects in the humility and grief of our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the Name of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the world in righteousnesse, both great and small, and in the Name of this whole Nationall Kirk, which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty freely, that the guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty and to your Throne, is such, as (whatsoever flattering preachers, or unfaithfull counsellours may say to the contrary) if not timely repented, cannot but involve your Self and your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living GOD, For your being guiltie of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of your Majesties best Subjects; For your permitting the Masse, and other Idolatry, both in your own Family and in your Dominions; For your authorizing by the Book of Sports the profanation of the Lords Day; For your not punishing of publick scandals, and much profanenesse in, & about your Court; For the shutting of your eare, from the humble and just desires of your faithfull Subjects; For your complying too much with the Popish party in many wayes, and namely, by concluding the Cessation of Armes inIreland, and your embracing the counsels of those who have not set GOD nor your good before their eyes; For your resisting and opposing this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of GOD, your own honour and happinesse, and the peace and safetie of your Kingdomes; and for what other causes your Majesty is most conscious, and may best judge and search your own conscience (nor would we have mentioned any particulars, if they had not been publike and knowne.) For all which it is high time for your Majesty to fall down at the footstool of the King of Glory, to acknowledge your offence to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST, (whose blood is able to wash away your great sinne) and to be no longer unwilling that the Son of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms in his pure Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These[pg 296]things if your Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto you afterward; a blessing is reserved for you, and you shall finde favour with GOD, and with your People, and with all the Churches of Christ; But if your Majesty refuse to hearken to this wholsome counsell (which the Lord forbid) we have discharged our own consciences, we take GOD and Men to witnesse That we are blamelesse of the sad Consequences which may follow, and we shall wait upon the Lord, who,when he maketh inquisition for blood, will not forget the cry of the humble. In the mean while, beseeching your Majesty to take notice That we are not staggering or fainting through diffidence of the successe of this Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto which, as GOD hath already given manifold Testimonies of his favour and blessing; so it is our stedfast and unshaken confidence, that this is the Work and Cause of GOD, which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, we shall never suffer our selves to be divided or withdrawn, but shall zealously and constantly in our severall Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and Lives, the pursuing and promoving thereof.That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion between both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered to your Majestie from the Commissioners of this Kingdom, for your Royall Consent and Ratification. Although your Majestie was not pleased to vouchsafe us the presence of your Commissioner, according to the supplication of the Commissioners or the preceeding Generall Assembly, yet we have proceeded with as much respect to your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance of our duty, as if your Royall Person had been present in the mids of us: And we shall still continue our Prayers for you, that GOD would graciously incline your heart to the counsels of Truth and Peace, and grant unto your Majestie a long and happy Raign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all Godlinesse and Honestie.

TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE.

As our Record is on high, and our conferences within us bear us witnesse, so the many former Supplications and Remonstrances to your Majestie, from this Kirk and Kingdome, our solemne Covenants, and the whole course of our proceedings from time to time in the prosecution of this Cause; Do make known to the World, and we trust[pg 294]also to your own consience, our loyaltie and faithful subjection, and how far our intentions are from the diminution of your Majesties just Power and Greatnesse; And although the successe of many of our humble addresses to your Majesty, hath been such as did frustrate our desires and hopes, yet this hath not blotted our of our hearts our loyaltie, so often professed before God and the World; but it is still our Souls desire, and our Prayer to God for you, that your Self and your Posterity may prosperously reigne over this your antient and Native Kingdome, and over your other Dominions. And now as we have published a solemn and free Warning to the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burrons, Ministers, and Commons of this Kingdome, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So when we call to minde, that God accepteth not the persons of men, and that the greatest are not to be winked at in their sins; We assure our selves, that the best and most reall testimony which we can give at this present of the tendernesse and uprightnesse of our affection to your Majesties true Happinesse is this our humble and faithfull Representation of your Majesties great and growing dangers, and the causes thereof. Of which, if we should be silent, our consciences would condemne us, andthe stones themselves would immediatly cry out.

The troubles of our hearts are enlarged, & our fear increased in your Majesties behalf, perceiving that your Peoples patience is above measure tempted, & is like a cart prest down with sheaves, and ready to break, while as beside many former designes and endeavours to bring desolation and destruction upon us, (which were (and we trust all of that kinde shall be) by the marvellous and mercifull providence of God discovered and disappointed). Our Countrey is now infested, the blood of divers of our Brethern spilt, and other acts of most barbarous and horrid cruelty exercised, by the cursed crew of the Irish Rebels and their Complices in the Kingdome, under the conduct of such as have Commission and Warrant from your Majestie. And unless we prove unfaithfull both to God and to your Majestie, we cannot conceale another danger which is infinitely[pg 295]greater than that of your Peoples displeasure: Therefore we the servants of the most high GOD, and your Majesties most loyall Subjects in the humility and grief of our hearts, fall down before your Throne, and in the Name of our Lord and Master JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the world in righteousnesse, both great and small, and in the Name of this whole Nationall Kirk, which we represent, We make bold to warn your Majesty freely, that the guilt which cleaveth fast to your Majesty and to your Throne, is such, as (whatsoever flattering preachers, or unfaithfull counsellours may say to the contrary) if not timely repented, cannot but involve your Self and your Posterity under the wrath of the ever-living GOD, For your being guiltie of the shedding of the blood of many thousands of your Majesties best Subjects; For your permitting the Masse, and other Idolatry, both in your own Family and in your Dominions; For your authorizing by the Book of Sports the profanation of the Lords Day; For your not punishing of publick scandals, and much profanenesse in, & about your Court; For the shutting of your eare, from the humble and just desires of your faithfull Subjects; For your complying too much with the Popish party in many wayes, and namely, by concluding the Cessation of Armes inIreland, and your embracing the counsels of those who have not set GOD nor your good before their eyes; For your resisting and opposing this Cause, which so much concerneth the glory of GOD, your own honour and happinesse, and the peace and safetie of your Kingdomes; and for what other causes your Majesty is most conscious, and may best judge and search your own conscience (nor would we have mentioned any particulars, if they had not been publike and knowne.) For all which it is high time for your Majesty to fall down at the footstool of the King of Glory, to acknowledge your offence to repent timely, to make your peace with GOD through JESUS CHRIST, (whose blood is able to wash away your great sinne) and to be no longer unwilling that the Son of GOD reign over you and your Kingdoms in his pure Ordinances of Church-government and Worship. These[pg 296]things if your Majesty do, it shall be no grief of heart unto you afterward; a blessing is reserved for you, and you shall finde favour with GOD, and with your People, and with all the Churches of Christ; But if your Majesty refuse to hearken to this wholsome counsell (which the Lord forbid) we have discharged our own consciences, we take GOD and Men to witnesse That we are blamelesse of the sad Consequences which may follow, and we shall wait upon the Lord, who,when he maketh inquisition for blood, will not forget the cry of the humble. In the mean while, beseeching your Majesty to take notice That we are not staggering or fainting through diffidence of the successe of this Cause and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, unto which, as GOD hath already given manifold Testimonies of his favour and blessing; so it is our stedfast and unshaken confidence, that this is the Work and Cause of GOD, which shall gloriously prevail against all opposition, and from which, with the assistance of the grace of GOD, we shall never suffer our selves to be divided or withdrawn, but shall zealously and constantly in our severall Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and Lives, the pursuing and promoving thereof.

That which we have concluded concerning Uniformity in Religion between both Kingdoms, is to be humbly offered to your Majestie from the Commissioners of this Kingdom, for your Royall Consent and Ratification. Although your Majestie was not pleased to vouchsafe us the presence of your Commissioner, according to the supplication of the Commissioners or the preceeding Generall Assembly, yet we have proceeded with as much respect to your Majesties honour, and as much remembrance of our duty, as if your Royall Person had been present in the mids of us: And we shall still continue our Prayers for you, that GOD would graciously incline your heart to the counsels of Truth and Peace, and grant unto your Majestie a long and happy Raign, that we may live under you a peaceable and quiet life, in all Godlinesse and Honestie.

The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners atLondon.Reverend and beloved Brethren,These sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the Lord entrusted to you, brought to us at this time by these two of your number, whom you were pleased to send, were received by us with no small joy and rejoycing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of our Souls desire, in that so much longed for, so much prayed for happy Uniformity of these Kirks and Kingdoms: And an evident Demonstration to us, that the Lord hath not, even in this time of his seen and felt displeasure, so covered himself with the cloud of his anger, that our Prayers should not passe through.The great and main difficulties through which the Lord hath carried this Work, as we do acknowledge, ought mainly to be made use of, for the praise and glory of his power, who is the great Worker of all our works for us; So your overcoming of them is to us no small Demonstration of your zeal, wisdom, and faithfulnesse, which without great Injurie both to the Lord the prime Worker, and to you his instruments, we cannot but acknowledge, hath been much manifested in the whole managing of this work in your hands.The full answer to all the particulars you write of in your Letters, we leave to the Relation of those that come from you, and are now appointed to return to you: And as with much thankfulnesse we acknowledge your fidelity in what ye have done already; so we have again renewed your Commission for the continuance of your Imployment there, for the perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the furthering whereof, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD for his blessing upon your labours, so for your help and assistance, we have appointed a commission to sit at Edinburgh, to which at all occasions you may have your recourse, as the exigence of the Work shall require.[pg 298]How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to us by our Brethren from you, was to us, we leave it rather to their relation at their return; being ear and eye witnesses to the manifold expressions of our joy and gladnesse, then offer to represent it to you in a Letter: The Act herewith sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Directory, will sufficiently declare our hearty approbation of it: Our judgement also concerning the proportions of Government and Ordination, and our earnest desire to have the Work of Uniformity promoved and perfected in that particular also, will appear to you by the other Act which herewith you will receive: Our zeal and desire to have that Work fully closed with so much harmonie as becometh the work of GOD, will appear to you in our resolution and answer to that particular in the point of Excommunication, concerning which you write.These particular differences hinted in the Assemblies Letter, for uniformitie with that Kirk so much endeared to us, we have resolved to lay aside, and have taken course for preserving harmonie amongst our selves, whereof our Brethren will give you more particular account. Anent your desire ofMr Alexander Hendersonhis attending the Treatie, we are confident ere this you have received our resolution.Amidst the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the Lord to presse us, as we thought it necessar to publish and send forth a Warning to all sorts of Persons in this Kirk and Kingdom, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So we thought it incumbent to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can give at this present to his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him faithfully The great and growing dangers his Majesty is now under, and the causes thereof. This Remonstrance we have sent to you, to be presented to his Majesty, by such means, and at such time, as you who are there upon the place shall judge fittest.And now dear Brethren go on with cheerfulnesse in the Work of the Lord: Let no discouragement or opposition make your heart to faint, or your hands wax feeble: Perswade[pg 299]your self the Lords hand shall still be made known toward his servants, and his indignation against his Enemies. Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but also to make and end, and is abundantly able to supply all your need according to the riches of his glory. Be confident therefore of this thing, that he who hath begun this good Work by you, will also in due time accomplish it to his own praise. To his gracious assistance we heartily recommend you.Postscript.Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.It is earnestly desired That the Directorie for Worship be sent to Ireland, and that you recommend to the honourable Houses of the Parliament, To think upon the best way for the establishment & practice of it in that Kingdom. And that the like course may be taken with the government, and other parts of the Uniformity, so soon as they shall be agreed upon.Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland by the Moderator of the Assembly.The General Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, To consider these matters referred to their consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to report their judgement therein to the next Assembly.

Reverend and beloved Brethren,

These sweet Fruits of your long continued Labours in the Work of the Lord entrusted to you, brought to us at this time by these two of your number, whom you were pleased to send, were received by us with no small joy and rejoycing, as being, in great part, the satisfaction of our Souls desire, in that so much longed for, so much prayed for happy Uniformity of these Kirks and Kingdoms: And an evident Demonstration to us, that the Lord hath not, even in this time of his seen and felt displeasure, so covered himself with the cloud of his anger, that our Prayers should not passe through.

The great and main difficulties through which the Lord hath carried this Work, as we do acknowledge, ought mainly to be made use of, for the praise and glory of his power, who is the great Worker of all our works for us; So your overcoming of them is to us no small Demonstration of your zeal, wisdom, and faithfulnesse, which without great Injurie both to the Lord the prime Worker, and to you his instruments, we cannot but acknowledge, hath been much manifested in the whole managing of this work in your hands.

The full answer to all the particulars you write of in your Letters, we leave to the Relation of those that come from you, and are now appointed to return to you: And as with much thankfulnesse we acknowledge your fidelity in what ye have done already; so we have again renewed your Commission for the continuance of your Imployment there, for the perfecting of the Work so happily begun: For the furthering whereof, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers to GOD for his blessing upon your labours, so for your help and assistance, we have appointed a commission to sit at Edinburgh, to which at all occasions you may have your recourse, as the exigence of the Work shall require.

How satisfactory that Directory of Worship presented to us by our Brethren from you, was to us, we leave it rather to their relation at their return; being ear and eye witnesses to the manifold expressions of our joy and gladnesse, then offer to represent it to you in a Letter: The Act herewith sent, and ordained to be prefixed unto the Directory, will sufficiently declare our hearty approbation of it: Our judgement also concerning the proportions of Government and Ordination, and our earnest desire to have the Work of Uniformity promoved and perfected in that particular also, will appear to you by the other Act which herewith you will receive: Our zeal and desire to have that Work fully closed with so much harmonie as becometh the work of GOD, will appear to you in our resolution and answer to that particular in the point of Excommunication, concerning which you write.

These particular differences hinted in the Assemblies Letter, for uniformitie with that Kirk so much endeared to us, we have resolved to lay aside, and have taken course for preserving harmonie amongst our selves, whereof our Brethren will give you more particular account. Anent your desire ofMr Alexander Hendersonhis attending the Treatie, we are confident ere this you have received our resolution.

Amidst the many difficulties wherewith it pleaseth the Lord to presse us, as we thought it necessar to publish and send forth a Warning to all sorts of Persons in this Kirk and Kingdom, concerning the present affliction of this Nation, and their sins procuring the same; So we thought it incumbent to us in duty, as the best Testimony which we can give at this present to his Majesty, to remonstrate unto him faithfully The great and growing dangers his Majesty is now under, and the causes thereof. This Remonstrance we have sent to you, to be presented to his Majesty, by such means, and at such time, as you who are there upon the place shall judge fittest.

And now dear Brethren go on with cheerfulnesse in the Work of the Lord: Let no discouragement or opposition make your heart to faint, or your hands wax feeble: Perswade[pg 299]your self the Lords hand shall still be made known toward his servants, and his indignation against his Enemies. Remember the Work is his, who useth not to begin, but also to make and end, and is abundantly able to supply all your need according to the riches of his glory. Be confident therefore of this thing, that he who hath begun this good Work by you, will also in due time accomplish it to his own praise. To his gracious assistance we heartily recommend you.

Postscript.

Edinburgh 13. Feb. 1645.

It is earnestly desired That the Directorie for Worship be sent to Ireland, and that you recommend to the honourable Houses of the Parliament, To think upon the best way for the establishment & practice of it in that Kingdom. And that the like course may be taken with the government, and other parts of the Uniformity, so soon as they shall be agreed upon.

Subscribed in name of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland by the Moderator of the Assembly.

The General Assembly Recommends to Presbyteries, To consider these matters referred to their consideration by preceding Assemblies; and to report their judgement therein to the next Assembly.

The Generall Assembly Appoints the meeting of the next Assembly to be at Edinburgh the first Wednesday of June, in the yeer 1646.

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