In the midst of Our great and weighty affaires of Our other kingdoms,
which God Almighty, who is privie to Our Intentions, and in whom We trust,
will in his own time bring to a wished and peaceable conclusion, We are
not unmindfull of that duetie which we owe to that Our ancient and native
Kingdome, and to the Kirks there, now met together by their Commissioners
in a Nationall Assembly. God whose Vice-gerent We are, hath made Us a King
over divers Kingdomes, and We have no other desire, nor designe, but to
govern them by their own Lawes, and the Kirks in them by their own Canons
and Constitutions. Where any thing is found to be amisse, We will
endeavour a Reformation in a fair and orderly way; and where a Reformation
is settled, We resolve, with that authoritie where with God hath in vested
Us, to maintain and defend it in peace and libertie, against all trouble
that can come from without, and against all Heresies, Sects, and Schismes
which may arise from within. Nor do We desire any thing more in that
Kingdom (and when We shall hear of it, it shall be a delight and matter of
gladnesse unto Us) then that the Gospel be faithfully preached throughout
the whole Kingdom, to the outmost skirts and borders thereof. Knowing that
to be the mean of honour to God, of happinesse to the people, and of true
obedience to Us. And for this effect, that holy and able men be put in
places of the Ministery, and that Schooles and Colledges may flourish in
Learning and true Pietie. Some things for advancing of those ends, We did
of Our own accord promise in Our Letters to the last Assembly, and We make
your selves Judges, who were witnesses to Our Actions, while We were there
in Person, whether we did not perform them both in the point of
presentations which are in our hands, and in the liberall provision of all
the Universities and Colledges of the Kingdome, not only above that which
any of Our Progenitors had done before Us, but also above your owne hopes
and expectation. We doe not make commemoration of this Our Beneficence,
either to please Ourselves, or to stop the influence of Our Royal
goodnesse and Bountie for afterward, but that by these reall
demonstrations of Our unfained desires and delight to do good, you may be
the more confident to expect from Us, whatsoever in Justice We can grant,
or what may be expedient for you to obtaine. We have given expresse charge
to Our Commissioner, to see that all things be done there orderly and
peaceably, as if We were present in Our Own Person; not doubting but in
thankfulnesse for your present estate and condition, you will abstaine
from every thing that may make any new disturbance, and that you will be
more wise then to be the enemies of your own peace, which would but
stumble others, and ruine your selves. We have also commanded Our
Commissioner to receive from you your just and reasonable desires, for
what may further serve for the good of Religion, that taking them to Our
consideration, We may omit nothing which may witnesse Us to be indeed a
nursing Father of that Kirk, wherein We were born and baptized, and that
if ye be not happy, you may blame not Us, but your selves. And now what
doe We again require of you, but that which otherwise you owe to Us as
your Soveraigne Lord and King, even that ye pray for Our prosperitie and
the peace of Our Kingdomes, that ye use the best meanes to keep Our People
in obedience to Us and Our Lawes, which doth very much in Our personall
absence from that Our Kingdom depend upon your preaching, and your owne
exemplary loyaltie and faithfulnesse, and that against all such
jealousies, suspitions, and sinister rumors as are too frequent in these
times, and have been often falsified in time past, by the reality of the
contrary events: Ye judge Us and Our professions by Our actions, which we
trust through God in despight of malice shall ever go on in a constant way
for the good of Religion, and the weal of Our People, which is the
Chiefest of Our intentions and desires. And thus We bid you farewell.
_Given at Our Court at_ Leicester, _the 23. of_ July, 1642.
_To Our trusty and wel beloved the Generall Assembly in our Kingdom of_
Scotland _conveened at_ S. Andrews.
Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642.
_Act for bringing in of the Synode Books yeerly to the General
Assemblies._
The Moderator calling to minde that which was forgotten in the preceeding
Sessions, the examination of the Provincial Books, caused call the Roll of
the Provinciall Assemblies, And the Assembly finding very few Provinces to
have sent their Books to this Assembly, notwithstanding of the ordinance
of the former Assembly thereanent, for the more exact obedience of that
ordinance hereafter, the Assembly in one voyce ordaines, That the Books of
every Provincial Assembly shall be brought and produced to every General
Assembly: And that this may be performed, ordaines that every Clerk of the
Provincials, either bring or send the said Books yearly to the General
Assemblies, by the Commissioners sent to the Assemblies, from these
Presbyteries where the Clerks reside. Which charge the Assembly also layes
upon the said Commissioners, sent from the saids Presbyteries where the
Clerks reside, may and while some meanes be provided, whereby the Clerks
charges may be sustained for coming with the saids Books themselves: And
that under the pain of deprivation of the Clerk, in case of his neglect,
and of such censure of the saids Commissioners, in case of their neglect
as the Assembly shall think convenient.
Act Sess 5. August 1. 1642.
_Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions._
Anent the question moved to the Assembly, concerning the election of Kirk
Sessions, The Assembly ordaines the old Session to elect the new Session
both in Burgh and Land. And that if any place shall vaik in the Session
chosen, by death or otherwise, the present Session shall have the election
of the person to fill the vacand roome.
Sess 6. August 2. 1642.
_The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at_ Edinburgh, _anent tryal
of Ministers._
The meaning of the foresaid Act, is not that an actual Minister to be
transported, shall be tried again by the tryals appointed for trying of
Expectants, at their entry to the Ministery, according to the Acts of the
Kirk; but only that he bringing a Testimonial of his former tryals, and of
his abilities, and conversation, from the Presbyterie from whence he
comes, and giving such satisfaction to the Parochiners Presbyterie whereto
he comes in preaching, as the Presbyterie finds his gifts fit and
answerable for the condition and disposition of the Congregation, whereto
he is presented. Because, according to the Act of the Assembly 1596.
renewed at _Glasgow_, some that are meet for the Ministery in some places,
are not meet for all alike: And Universities, Towns and Burghs, and places
of Noblemens residence, or frequencie of Papists, and other great and
eminent Congregations, and in sundry other cases, require men of greater
abilities, nor will be required necessarily in the planting of all private
small Paroches, the leaving of the consideration of these cases unto the
judgement and consideration of the Presbyterie, was the only intention of
the Act.
_The Assembly approves the meaning and interpretation foresaid: And
appoints the said Act, according to this interpretation, to stand in
force, and to have the strength of an Act and ordinance of Assembly in all
time coming._
Act Sess. 7. August 3. 1642.
_Act anent the order for making Lists to His Majestie, and other Patrons
for Presentations; The order of tryal of Expectants, and for trying the
quality of Kirks._
Forsameikle as His Majestie was graciously pleased in His Answer to the
Petition, tendred by the Commissioners of the late Assembly to His
Majestie, to declare and promise, for the better providing of vaiking
Kirks at His Majesties Presentation with qualified Ministers, to present
one out of a list of six persons, sent to His Majestie from the
Presbyteries wherein the vaiking Kirk lyeth, as His Majesties Declaration,
signed with his Royal hand at _White-hall_, the 3. of _January_ last,
registrate in the books of Assembly, this day at length beares. And
suchlike whereas the Lords of Exchequer upon a Petition presented to them
by the Commissioners of the Generall Assembly, and the Procurator and
Agent for the Kirk representing two Prejudices; one, that gifts obtained
from His Majestie of Patronages of Kirks, at His Presentation were passing
the Exchequer, without the qualification and provision of a List,
wherewith His Majestie was pleased to restrict himself; and the other,
that some were seeking gifts of patronage of Bishop-Kirks, which we
declared to belong to Presbyteries, to be planted by two Acts of the late
Parliament, The saids Lords have ordained that no signatory containing
gifts of patronages from His Majestie, shall passe hereafter, but with a
speciall provision that the same shall be lyable to the tenor of His
Majesties said Declaration. Ordaining also the Procurator & Agent of the
Kirk to be advertised, & to have place to see all signaters whatsoever,
containing any patronage, to the effect they may represent the interest of
the Kirk therein; as the said Act of the date the 27 of _June_ last,
registrate also in the Books of Assembly, this day at length beares.
Therefore that the saids Kirks which now are, or which were at his
Majesties presentation the sayd third day of _January_ last, may be the
better provided with able Ministers, when the samine shall vaik, The
Assembly ordaines that hereafter every Presbyterie shall give up yearly a
Roll of the ablest of their Expectants, to their Synods; and that the
Synods select out of these Rolls such persons whom they in certain
knowledge judge most fit for the Ministrie and worthiest of the first
place, With Power to the Synods to adde or alter these Rolls given by the
Presbyteries, as they thinke reasonable: And that the Synods shall send
the Rolls made by them in this manner, to the next Generall Assembly, who
shall also examine the Rolls of the Synods, and adde or alter the same as
shall be thought expedient. Which Roll made by the Generall Assembly,
shall be sent to every Presbyterie & that the Presbyterie, with consent of
the most or best part of the Congregation, shall make a List of six
persons willing to accept of the presentation out of that Roll of the
Assembly, upon every occasion of vacation of any Kirk within their bounds,
and shall send the samine together with a blank presentation: The which
(if His Majesty be Patron to the vacant Kirk) shall be sent by the said
Procurator and Agent, to such as the Commissioners of the Generall
Assembly, or in their absence the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_: shall direct
and think at that time most able and willing to obtain the presentation,
to be signed and filled up by His Maj. choise of one of the List. And if
the vacant Kirk be of a Patronage disponed by His Majesty since the 3. of
_January_, in that case either the Presbyteries themselves shall send a
List of six persons in maner aforesaid, with a blank presentation to the
Patron, to be filled up by his choise, & subscribed or send the samine to
the saids Officers of the Kirk, to be conveyed by them to the Patron of
the vaiking Kirk, as the Presbyterie shall think most expedient. It is
always declared, that this order shall be without prejudice to the
Presbyteries, with consent foresaid, to put actual Ministers upon the said
List of six persons, to be sent to the Patron of the said vaiking Kirks,
if they please. And least that the nomination of Expectants by
Presbyteries, Synods, or Assemblies, in their Rolls or Lists foresaid, be
mis-interpreted, as though the Expectants nominated in these Rolls and
Lists, were thereby holden & acknowledged to be qualified, which is not
the intention of the Assembly, who rather think, that in respect of this
Order, there should be a more exact tryal of Expectants then before:
Therefore the Assembly ordaines, that no Expectants shall be put on the
Rolls or Lists above-mentioned, but such as have been upon the publike
exercise, at the least by the space of half a year, or longer, as the
Presbyterie shall finde necessary. And suchlike ordaines, that hereafter
none be admitted to the publike exercise, before they be tried according
to the tryal appointed for Expectants, at their entrie to the Ministerie
in the late Assembly at _Glasgow_, in the 24. Article of the Act of the
23. Session thereof: which tryall of the Assembly appoints to be taken of
every Expectant, before his admission to the publike exercise. And
suchlike ordaines, That the samine tryall shall be again taken immediatly
before their admission to the Ministerie, together with their triall
mentioned in the advice of some Brethren deputed for penning the
corruptions of the Ministery, approven in the said Act of the Generall
Assembly at _Glasgow_. And because that Kirks of the patronages foresaids,
will vaik before the Rolls and Lists be made up by the Presbyteries,
Synods, and General Assemblies, in manner foresaid: Therefore in the
_interim_ the Assembly ordains the Commissioners of every Presbyterie here
present, to give in a List of the ablest Expectants within their bounds,
the morn, to the Clerk of the Assembly, that the Assembly may out of these
Rolls, make a List to be sent to every Presbyterie: Out of which the
Presbyteries shall make a List of six persons, with consent foresaid, and
send the samine upon vacancie of any Church within their bounds, together
with a presentation to His Majestie, or any other patron, in manner
foresaid. And because the Procurator and Agent of the Kirk cannot get
sufficient information to the Lords of Exchequer anent the Right and
Interest of the Kirk, and Presbyteries in Kirks, whereof gifts of
patronages may be presented to the Exchequer: Therefore the Assembly
ordaines for their better information hereanent, that every Presbyterie,
with all diligence, use all meanes of exact tryall of the nature and
qualitie of all Kirks within their bounds, as what Kirks belong to the
Kings Majesties patronage, what to other Laick patronages, what Kirks of
old were planted by the Presbyteries, and what by Prelates, and Bishops,
before the Assembly at _Glasgow_ 1638. what hath been the way and time of
the change of the planting and providing of the Kirks, if any have been
changed or any other thing concerning the nature and qualitie of every
Kirk within their bounds, and to send the same to the Procurator of the
Kirk with all diligence.
_Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the High-lands._
The Assembly considering that in _Argyle_, and in other places of the
_Irish_ language, there will not be gotten six expectants able to speak
that language, And therfore the Assembly is hopefull, that in these
singular cases, His Majestie will be pleased for Kirks vacand in the
_Highlands_, to accept of a List of so many expectants as can be had, able
to speak the _Irish_ language. And the Commissioners Grace promiseth to
recommend it to His Majestie.
_Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, and profaners of the
Sabbath._
The Assembly would draw up a Supplication to be presented by the
Commissioners of the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_ to the Councell at their
first meeting, for the due execution of the Acts of Parliament and
Councell against Papists, wherein it will be specially craved, that the
Exchequer should be the Intromettors with the Rents of these who are
excommunicate, and that from the Exchequer the Presbyterie may receive
that portion of the confiscate goods, which the Law appoints to be
imployed _ad pios usus_.
II. Every Presbyterie would conveen at their first meeting, all known
Papists in their bounds, and require them to put out of their company, all
friends and servants who are Popish within one moneth: Also within that
same space, to give their children, sons and daughters, who are above
seven yeers old, to be educate at their charges, by such of their
Protestant friends, as the Presbyterie shall approve, and finde sufficient
caution for bringing home within three moneths such of their children who
are without the Kingdom, to be educate in Schooles and Colledges at the
Presbyteries sight; to finde caution likewise of their abstinence from
Masse, and the company of all Jesuits and Priests.
III. That all, of whatsoever rank or degree, who refuse to give
satisfaction in every one of the foresaid Articles, shall be processed
without any delay; but those who give satisfaction shall be dealt with in
all meeknesse, after this manner: The Presbyteries shall appoint such of
their number as they shall find fittest to confer with them so frequently
as the Brethren are able to attend, until the midst of _October_ next,
against which time, if they be not willing to go to Church, they shall
give assurance to go and dwell in the next adjacent University Town,
whether _Edinburgh_, _Glasgow_, _St. Andrews_, or _Aberdene_, from
_November 1._ to the last of _March_, where they shall attend all the
diets of conference which the Professor and Ministers of the bounds shall
appoint to them: By which, if they be not converted, their obstinacy shall
be declared in the Provincial Synods of _April_, and from thence their
Processe shall go on to the very closure without any farther delay.
IV. That every Presbyterie, as they will be answerable to the next General
Assembly, be careful to do their dutie in all the premisses.
V. That there be given presently by the Members of this present Assembly
unto the Commissioners of the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_, a List of all
excommunicate Papists they know, and of all Papists who have children
educate abroad, that they may be presented, together with our Supplication
to the Councel, at their first sitting.
VI. That the Councel may be supplicate for an Act, that in no Regiment
which goes out of the Kingdom, any Papists bear office, and that the
Colonel be required to finde caution for this effect, before he receive
the Councels warrant for levying any Souldiers: Also that he finde caution
for the maintaining of a Minister, and keeping of a Session in his
Regiment.
_Item_, The Assembly would enjoyn every Presbyterie to proceed against
Non-communicants, whether Papists or others, according to the Act of
Parliament made thereanent. And suchlike, that Acts of Parliament against
prophaners of the Sabbath be put to execution.
_The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaid, and ordains
Presbyteries to put the samine to execution with all diligence:
And that the Commissioners of every Presbyterie give in a List of
the excommunicate Papists within their bounds, and of Papists
children out of the countrey to the Clerk, that the same may be
presented to the Councel by the Commissioners of this Assembly._
_Act anent the joyning of the Presbyterie of_ Sky _to the Synode of_
Argyle.
The General Assembly having considered the whole proceedings of the
Commissioners of the late General Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, anent
the reference made to them concerning the Presbyterie of _Sky_, together
with the whole reasons _pro & contra_ in the said matter, after mature
deliberation have ratified and approved, and by these presents ratifie and
approve the Sentence of the saids Commissioners thereintil. And further
ordains the said Presbytery of _Sky_, and all the Ministers and Elders
thereof, to keep the meetings of the Provincial Assembly of _Argyle_,
where they shall happen to be appointed in all time coming, suchlike as
any other Presbyterie within the bounds of the said Province of _Argyle_
uses to do: And that the samine Presbyterie be in all time hereafter
within the Jurisdiction of the said Provincial Assembly, without any
further question to be made thereanent.
Sess. 8. August 3. post Meridiem.
The Supplication of this Assembly to the KINGS MAJESTIE.
_To the Kings most Excellent Maj. the hearty Thanksgiving, and humble
Petition of the General Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland, _met at_ St.
Andrews, _July 27. 1642._
Our hearts were filled with great joy and gladnesse at the hearing of Your
Majesties Letter, which was read once and again in face of the Assembly,
every line thereof almost either expressing such affection to the Reformed
Religion, and such Royal care of us, as we could require from a Christian
Prince; or requiring such necessary duties from us, as we are bound to
performe as Ministers of the Gospel, and Christian Subjects: For which, as
solemne thanks were given by the Moderator of the Assembly, so do we all
with one voice in all humility, present unto Your Majestie the
thankfulnesse of our hearts, with our earnest prayers to God for your
Majesties prosperity, and the peace of Your Kingdoms, that Your Majestie
may be indeed a nursing Father to all the Kirks of Christ in Your Maj.
Dominions; & especially to the Kirk of _Scotland_ honoured with Your Birth
and Baptisme: Promising our most serious indeavours by doctrine and life,
to advance the Gospel of Christ, & and to keep the people in our charge in
Unity and Peace, and in all loyalty and obedience to Your Majestie and
Your Laws. Your Majesties commands to Your Commissioner, the Earle of
_Dumfermling_, to receive from us our just and reasonable desires for what
may further serve for the good of Religion here, the favours which we have
received already, and Your Maj. desires and delight to do good, expressed
in Your Letter, are as many encouragements to us, to take the boldnesse in
all humility to present unto Your Majestie (beside the particulars
recommended to Your Majesties Commissioner) one thing, which for the
present is the chiefest of all Our desires, as serving most for the glory
of Christ, for Your Majesties Honour and Comfort; and not onely for the
good of Religion here, but for the true happinesse and peace of all Your
Majesties Dominions; which is no new motion, but the prosecution of that
same by the Commissioners of this Your Majesties Kingdom in the late
Treatie, and which Your Majestie, with advice of both houses of
Parliament, did approve in these words: _To their desire concerning unitie
in Religion and uniformitie of Church government, as a speciall meanes of
conserving of Peace betwixt the two Kingdoms, upon the grounds and reasons
contained in the Paper of the 10 of_ March, _given in to the Treaty and
Parliament of_ England: It is answered upon the 15 of _June, That his
Majestie, with advice of both Houses of Parliament, doth approve of the
affection of His Subjects of_ Scotland, _in their desire of having the
conformity of Church-government, betwixt the two Nations, and as the
Parliament hath already taken into consideration __ the reformation of
Church government, so they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best
conduce to the glory of God, the Peace of the Church, and of both
Kingdoms, 11 of_ June 1641. In Our answer to a Declaration sent by the now
Commissioners of this Kingdom from both Houses of Parliament, we have not
onely pressed this point of unity in Religion and Uniformity of Church
government, as a meane of a firme and durable union betwixt the two
Kingdomes, and without which former experiences put us out of hope long to
enjoy the puritie of the Gospel with Peace, but also have rendred the
reasons of our hopes and confidence, as from other considerations, so from
Your Majesties late Letter to this Assembly, that Your Majestie in a happy
conjunction with the Houses of Parliament, will be pleased to settle this
blessed Reformation, with so earnestly desired a Peace in all Your
Dominions. And therfore we Your Majesties most loving Subjects, in name of
the whole Kirks of _Scotland_, represented by us, upon the knees of our
hearts, do most humbly and earnestly beg, that Your Majesty in the deep of
Your Royall Wisdom, and from Your affection to the true Religion, and the
Peace of Your Kingdoms, may be moved to consider, that the God of Heaven
and Earth is calling for this Reformation at Your hands, and that as you
are his Vice-gerent, so You may be his prime Instrument in it. If it shall
please the Lord (which is our desire and hope) that this blessed unitie in
Religion and Uniformity in Government shall be brought about; Your
Majesties Conscience, in performing of so great a dutie: shall be a
well-spring of comfort to Your Self, Your memory shall be a sweet favour,
and Your name renowned to all following generations. And if these unhappy
commotions and divisions shall end in this peace and unity; then it shall
appeare in the Providence of God, they were but the noyse of many waters,
and the voyce of a great thunder before the voyce of harpers harping with
their harps, which shall fill this whole Iland with melodie and mirth, and
the name of it shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.
_The Declaration of the Parliament of_ England, _sent to the Assembly._
The Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, finding to
their great grief, that the distractions of this Kingdome dayly increase,
and that the wicked Counsels and practises of a malignent party amongst us
(if God prevent them not) are like to cast this nation into bloud and
confusion, To testifie to all the World how earnestly they desire to avoid
a Civill Warre, they have addressed themselves in an humble Supplication
to His Majestie, for the prevention thereof. A Copy of which their
petition, they have thought fit to send at this time to the National
Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_, to the intent that that Church and
Kingdome (whereunto they are united by so many and so near bounds and
tyes, as well Spiritual as Civil) may see that the like minde is now in
them, that formerly appeared to be in that Nation. And that they are as
tender of the effusion of Christian bloud on the one side, as they are
zealous on the other side of a due Reformation both in Church and State.
In which work, whilest they were labouring, they have been interrupted by
the plots and practises of a malignant party of Papists, and ill affected
persons, especially of the corrupt and dissolute Clergy, by the incitement
and instigation of Bishops and others, whose avarice and ambition being
not able to bear the Reformation endeavoured by the Parliament, they have
laboured (as we can expect little better fruit from such trees) to kindle
a flame, and raise a combustion within the bowels of this Kingdom: Which
if by our humble supplication to His Majesty it may be prevented, and that
according to our earnest desire therein, all Force and Warlike
preparations being laid aside, we may returne to a peaceable parliamentary
proceeding, We do not doubt, but that by the blessing of Almighty God upon
our endeavours, we shall settle the matters both in Church and State, to
the encrease of His Majesties honour and State, the peace and prosperitie
of this Kingdome, and especially to the glory of God, by the advancement
of the true Religion, and such a Reformation of the Church, as shall be
most agreeable to Gods Word. Out of all which, there will also most
undoubtedly result a most firme & stable Union between the two Kingdomes
of _England_ and _Scotland_, which according to our Protestation, we shall
by all good wayes and meanes, upon all occasions, labour to preserve and
maintain.
_Subscribitur_
John Brown, _Cler. Parl._
_The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of the Parliament of_ England.
The Generall Assembly of the Kirk of _Scotland_ having received a
Declaration sent unto them by the Commissioners of this Kingdome, now at
_London_, from the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_
expressing their care to prevent the effusion of Christian bloud in that
Kingdome, and their affections to Reformation both in Kirk and State, and
having taken the same to such consideration as the importance of so
weighty matters, and the high estimation they have of so wise and
honourable a meeting as is the Parliament of _England_, did require; have
with universall consent resolved upon this following Answer.
I. That from the recent sense of the goodnesse of God, in their own late
deliverance, and from their earnest desire of all happinesse to our native
King and that Kingdome, they blesse the Lord for preserving them in the
midst of so many unhappy divisions and troubles from a bloudy Intestine
War, which is from God the greatest Judgement, and to such a nation the
compend of all calamities. They also give God thanks for their former and
present desires of a Reformation, especially of Religion, which is the
glory and strength of a Kingdome, and bringeth with it all temporall
blessings of prosperity and peace.
II. That the hearts of all the Members of this Assembly, and of all the
wel-affected within this Kingdome, are exceedingly grieved and made heavy,
that in so long a time, against the professions both of King and
Parliament, and contrary to the joynt desires and prayers of the godly in
both Kingdomes, to whom it is more deare and precious then what is dearest
to them in the world, the Reformation of Religion hath moved so slowly,
and suffered so great interruption. They consider that not only Prelates,
formall Professours, profane and worldly men, and all that are Popishly
affected, are bad councellours and workers, and do abuse their power, and
bend all their strength and policies against the Work of God; but the God
of this world also, with Principalities and powers, the rulers of the
darknesse of this world, and spiritual wickednesse in high places, are
working with all their force and fraud in the same opposition, not without
hope of successe, they having prevailed so farre from the beginning, That
in the times of the best Kings of _Juda_ of old, and the most part of the
Reformed Kirks of late, a through and perfect Reformation of Religion hath
been a work full of difficulties, Yet doe they conceive, that as it ought
first of all to be intended so should it be above all other things, with
confidence in God, who is greater then the World, and he who is in the
World, most seriously endeavoured. And that when the supream providence
giveth opportunity of the accepted time & day of salvation, no other work
can prosper in the hands of his servants, if it be not apprehended, & with
all reverence & faithfulnesse improved. This Kirk and Nation, when the
Lord gave them the calling, considered not their own deadnesse, nor
staggered at the promise through unbelief, but gave glory to God. And who
knoweth (we speak it in humility and love, and from no other mind then
from a desire of the blessing of God upon our King and that Kingdome) but
the Lord hath now some controversie with _England_, which will not be
removed, till first and before all, the worship of his name and the
government of his house be settled according to his own will? When this
desire shall come, it shall be to _England_ after so long deferred hopes,
a tree of life, which shall not only yeeld temporell blessings unto
themselves, but also shall spread the branches so far, that both this
nation and other reformed Kirks shall finde the fruits thereof to their
great satisfaction.
III. The Commissioners of this Kingdome in the late Treaty of peace,
considering that Religion is not only the meane of the service of God and
saving of Souls, but is also the base and foundation of Kingdomes and
Estates, and the strongest band to tye Subjects to their Prince in true
loyaltie, and to knit the hearts of one to another in true unity and love,
They did with preface of all due respect and reverence, far from arrogancy
or presumption, represent in name of this Kingdome, their serious thoughts
and earnest desires for unity of Religion, That in all His Majesties
Dominions, there might be one Confession of Faith, one directory of
worship, one publike Catechisme, and one form of Kirk Government. This
they conceived to be acceptable to God Almighty, who delighteth to see his
People walking in truth and unity, to be a speciall meanes for conserving
of peace betwixt the Kingdomes, of easing the Kings Majesty, and the
publike government of much trouble, which ariseth from differences of
Religion, very grievous to Kings and Estates, of great content to the King
himself, to his Nobles, his Court, and all his people, when (occasioned to
be abroad) without scruple to themselves, or scandal to others; all may
resort to the same publike worship, as if they were at their own
dwellings; of suppressing the names of Heresies, and Sects, Puritans,
Conformists, Separatists, Anabaptists, &c. Which do rent asunder the
bowels both of Kirk and Kingdome, of despaire of successe to Papists and
Recusants, to have their profession, which is inconsistent with the true
Protestant Religion, and authority of Princes, setup again, and of drawing
the hearts and hands of Ministers, from unpleasant and unprofitable
Controversies, to the pressing of mortification, and to Treatises of true
pietie, and practical Divinity. The Assembly doth now enter upon the
labour of the Commissioners, unto which they are encouraged, not only by
their faithfulnesse in the late Treaty, but also by the zeale and example
of the Generall Assemblies of this Kirk in former times, as may appeare by
the Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _Decemb. 25._ in the year 1566. which
ordained a Letter to be sent to _England_ against the Surplice, Tippet,
Cornercap, and such other Ceremonies as then troubled that Kirk, that they
might be removed. By the Assembly at _Edinburgh_, _April 24. 1583._ humbly
desiring the Kings Majesty to command his Ambassadour, then going to
_England_, to deale with the Queen, that there might be an Union and Band
betwixt them & other Christian Princes & Realmes, professing the true
Religion for defence and protection of the Word of God, and Professors
thereof, against the persecution of Papists and confederates joyned and
united together by the bloudy league of _Trent_: as also that his Majesty
would disburden their brethren of _England_ of the yoke of Ceremonies,
imposed upon them, against the liberty of the Word: And by the Assembly at
_Edinburgh_ _March 3. 1589._ ordaining the Presbyterie of _Edinburgh_ to
use all good and possible means for the relief and comfort of the Kirk of
_England_, then heavily troubled for the maintaining the true discipline
and government of the Kirk, and that the Brethren in their private and
publike prayers, recommend the estate of the afflicted Kirk of _England_
to God, While now by the mercy of God the conjunction of the two Kingdomes
is many wayes increased, the zeale of the Generall Assembly towards their
happinesse ought to be no lesse. But besides these, the Assembly is much
encouraged unto this duetie, both from the Kings Majesty and his
Parliament, joyntly, in their Answer to the proposition, made by the late
Commissioners of the Treaty, in these words: _To their desire concerning
unity of Religion, and uniformity of Kirk government as a speciall meanes
for conserving of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes, upon the grounds and
reasons contained in the paper of the_ 10 _of_ March, _and given in to the
treatie and Parliament of_ England: _It is answered upon the_ 15. _of_
June, _That his Majestie with advise, of both Houses of Parliament doth
approve of the affection of His Subjects of_ Scotland _in their desire of
having conformitie of Kirk government between the two Nations, and as the
Parliament hath already taken into consideration the Reformation of Kirk
government, so they will proceed therein in due time, as shall best
conduce to the glory of God, the peace of the Kirk, and of both
Kingdomes._ And also severally: for His Majestie knoweth that the custodie
and vindication, the conservation and purgation of Religion, are a great
part of the duetie of Civill authority and power. His Majesties late
practise while he was here in person, in resorting frequently to the
exercises of publike worship, His Royall actions, in establishing the
worship and government of this Kirk in Parliament, and in giving order for
a competent maintenance to the Ministery and Seminaries of the Kirk, and
His Majesties gracious Letter to the Assembly (seconded by the speech of
His Majesties Commissioner) which containes this religious expression:
_Where any thing is amisse, we will endeavour a Reformation in a fair and
orderly way, and where Reformation is settled, we resolve with that
authority wherewith God hath vested us, to maintain and defend it in peace
and liberty, against all trouble that can come from without, and against
all Heresies, Sects, and Schismes, wich may arise from within._ All these
doe make us hopeful that His Majestie will not oppose, but advance the
work of Reformation. In like manner the Honourable Houses of Parliament,
as they have many times before witnessed their zeale, so now also in their
Declaration sent to the Assembly, which not only sheweth the constancy of
their zeale, but their great grief that the worke hath been interrupted by
a malignant party of Papists and evill affected persons, especially of the
corrupt and dissolute Clergie, by the incitement and instigation of
Bishops and others, their hope according to their earnest desire, when
they shall returne to a peaceable and Parliamentary proceding, by the
blessing of God, to settle such a Reformation in the Church, as shall be
agreeable to Gods word, and that the result shall be a most firm and
stable union between the two Kingdoms of _England_ and _Scotland_, &c. The
Assembly also is not a little encouraged by a Letter sent from many
reverend Brethren of the Kirk of _England_, expressing their prayers and
endeavours against every thing which shall be found prejudiciall to the
establishment of the Kingdome of Christ, and the Peace of their
Soveraigne. Upon these encouragements, and having so patent a doore of
hope, the Assembly doth confidently expect, that _England_ will now
bestirre themselves in the best way for a Reformation of Religion, and do
most willingly offer their prayers and utter-endeavours for furthering so
great a Work, wherein Christ is so much concerned in his glory, the King
in his honour, the Kirk and Kingdome of _England_ in their happinesse, and
this Kirk and Kingdome in the purity and peace of the Gospel.
IV. That the Assembly also from so many reall invitations, are heartened
to renew the Proposition made by the aforenamed Commissioners of this
Kingdome, for beginning the Work of Reformation, at the uniformity of
Kirk-government. For what hope can there be of Unity in Religion, of one
Confession of Faith, one Form of Worship, & one Catechisme, till there be
first one Forme of Ecclesiasticall Government? Yea, what hope can the
Kingdome and Kirk of _Scotland_ have of a firme and durable Peace, till
Prelacie, which hath been the main cause of their miseries and troubles,
first and last, be plucked up, root and branch, as a plant which God hath
not planted, and from which, no better fruits can be expected then such
sower grapes, as this day set on edge the Kingdome of _England_?
V. The Prelaticall Hierarchie being put out of the way, the Work will be
easie, without forcing of any conscience, to settle in _England_ the
government of the Reformed Kirks by Assemblies. For although the Reformed
Kirks do hold, without doubting, their Kirk Officers, and Kirk government
by Assemblies higher and lower, in their strong and beautifull
subordination, to be _jure divinio_, and perpetuall: yet Prelacie, as it
differeth from the Office of a Pastor, is almost universally acknowledged
by the Prelates themselves, and their adherents, to be but an humane
ordinance, introduced by humane reason, and settled by humane Law and
Custome for supposed convenience: which therefore by humane authority,
without wronging any mans conscience, may be altred and abolished upon so
great a necessity, as is a hearty conjunction with all the Reformed Kirks,
a firm and well grounded Peace betwixt the two Kingdomes, formerly divided
in themselves, and betwixt themselves by this partition wall and a perfect
Union of the Kirks in the two Nations: which although by the providence of
God in one Hand, & under one Monarch, yet ever since the Reformation, and
for the present also, are at greater difference in the point of
Kirk-government, which in all places hath a more powerfull influence upon
all the parts of Religion, then any other Reformed Kirks, although in
Nations at greatest distance, and under divers Princes.
VI. What may be required of the Kirk of _Scotland_ for furthering the Work
of Uniformitie of Government, or for agreeing upon a common Confession of
Faith, Catechisme, and directory for Worship, shall according to the order
given by this Assembly, be most willingly performed by Us, who long
extreamly for the day when King and Parliament shall joyn for bringing to
passe so great, so good a Work, That all Warres and Commotions ceasing,
all Superstition, Idolatry, Heresie, Sects, and Schismes being removed, as
the Lord is one, so his name may be one amongst us; and mercy and truth,
righteousnesse and peace meeting together, and kissing one another, may
dwell in this Iland.
Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642.
_Overtures for transplantation of Ministers; and provision of Schools,
ordained by the late Assembly at_ Edinburgh _to be sent to Synods, and
reported to this Assembly._
Act Sess. 11. _Edinb._ August 5. 1642.
_These Overtures underwritten, anent the transporting of Ministers and
Professors to Kirks and Colledges, being read in audience of the Assembly,
and thereafter revised by a Committee appointed for that effect, The
Assembly appoints them to be sent to the severall Synods, to be considered
by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the next Generall
Assembly._
I. No transportation would be granted hereafter without citation of
parties having interest (_viz._ the Minister who is sought and his Parish)
to hear what they can oppose, and the matter is to come first to both the
Presbyteries (_viz._ that wherein the Minister dwels, whose transportation
is sought, and the other Presbyterie to which he is sought if the Kirks
lye in several Presbyteries) and if the Presbyteries agree not, then the
matter is to be brought to the Synod, or Generall Assembly (which of them
shall first occure after such transportation is sought) and if the Synod
(occurring first) agree not; or if there be appeale made from it, then the
matter is to come to the Generall Assembly.
II. A Minister may be transplanted from a particular Congregation (where
he can onely doe good to a part) to such a place, where he may benefit the
whole Kirk of _Scotland_ because, in reason the whole is to be preferred
to a part, such as _Edinburgh_.
1. Because all the great Justice Courts sit there, as Councell, Session,
Justice Generall, Exchequer, &c. and it concerns the whole Kirk, that
these Fountains of Justice be kept clean, both in the point of Faith, and
Manners.
2. Because there is great confluence to _Edinburgh_, from time to time, of
many of the chief Members of the whole Kingdome, and it concerns the whole
Kirk to have these well seasoned, who (apparantly) are to be the
Instruments of keeping this Kirk and Kingdome in good temper.
That this may be the more easily done, the Assembly first recommends to
_Edinburgh_, that some young men of excellent spirits may be (upon the
charges of the said Town) trained up, at home or abroad, toward the
Ministery from time to time. Secondly we meane not, that all the places of
the Ministrie of _Edinburgh_ be filled with Ministers to be transported by
Authority of this Act, but only till they be provided of one Minister
(transplanted by the Authority of the Assembly) for every Kirk in
_Edinburgh_, and that the rest of the places be filled either according to
the Generall Rules of transportation for the whole Kingdome, or by
agreement with actuall Ministers, and their Parishes, with consent of the
Presbyterie or Synod, to the which they belong.
III. In the next roome, we finde, that it is a transporting of Ministers
for publike good, that Colledges, (having the profession of Divinitie) be
wel provided of professors.
Wherin the Colledge of Divinitie in S. _Andrews_ is first to be served
without taking any Professors or Ministers out of _Edinburg_, _Glasgow_,
or _Aberdene_, and then the rest of the Colledges, would be provided for,
as their necessity shal require: yet (in respect of the present scarcity)
it were good for the Universities to send abroad for able and approved
men, to be Professors of Divinitie, that our Ministers may be kept in
their pastoriall charge as much as may be.
Towns also wherein Colledges are, are very considerable in the matter of
transportation.
IV. Also Congregations, where Noblemen have chief residence are to be
regarded, whether planted or unplanted, and a care is to be had, that none
be admitted Ministers where Popish Noblemen reside, but such as are able
men (especially for controversies) by sight of the Presbyterie: and
moreover it is necessary, that such Minesters as dwell where Popish
Noblemen are, and are not able for controversies, that they be
transported.
V. They who desire the transportation of a Minister should be obliged to
give reasons for their desire: Neither should any Presbyterie or Assembly,
passe a sentence for transportation of any Minister, till they give
reasons for the expediencie of the same, both to him and his Congregation,
&c. to the Presbyterie whereof he is a member. If they acquiesce to the
reasons given, it is so much the better: if they doe not acquiesce, yet
the Presbyterie, or Assembly, (by giving such reasons before the passing
of their sentence) shal make it manifest, that what they doe is not _pro
arbritratu, vel imperio_ onely, but upon grounds of reason.
VI. Because there is such scarcity of Ministers having the _Iris_ tongue,
necessity requires, that when they be found in the Low-lands, they be
transported to the High-lands: providing their condition be not made
worse, but rather better by their transportation.
VII. In the point of voluntary transportation, no Minister shal transact
and agree with any Parish, to be transsported thereto, without a full
hearing of him, and his Parish, before the Presbyterie to which he belongs
in his present charge, or superiour Kirk judicatories, if need shall be.
VIII. The planting of vacant Kirks, is not to be tyed to any (either
Ministers, or Expectants) within a Presbyterie: but a free election is to
be; according to the order of our Kirk, and Lawes of our Kingdome.
IX. The chief Burghs of the Kingdome are to be desired to traine up young
men of excellent spirits for the ministery, according to their power, as
was recommended to _Edinburgh_: Which course will in time (God willing)
prevent many transplantations.
-------------------------------------
_The Overtures under-written anent the Schooles being likewise read in
audience of the Assembly, they recommend the particulars therein
mentioned, anent the providing of the maintenance for School-masters to
the Parliament: And ordaine the rest to be sent to the Synods, to be
considered by them, and they to report their judgements thereof to the
next General Assembly, as said is._
I. Every Parish would have a Reader and a Schoole, where Children are to
be bred, in reading, writing, and grounds of Religion, according to the
laudable Acts, both of Kirk and Parliament, made before.
And where Grammar Schooles may be had, as in Burghs, and other
considerable places, (among which all Presbyterial Seats are to be
reputed) that they be erected, and held hand to.
II. Anent these Schooles, every Minister with his Elders shall give
accompt to the Presbyteries at the visitation of the Kirk: The
Presbyteries are to make report to the Synode, and the Synode to the
General Assembly, that Schools are planted, as above said, and how they
are provided with men and means.
III. And because this hath been most neglected in the High-lands, Ilands,
and borders. Therefore the Ministers of every Parish are to instruct by
their Commissioners, to the next General Assembly, that this course is
begun betwixt and then: and they are further to certifie from one General
Assembly to another, whether this course is continued without omission, or
not.
IV. And because the means hitherto named or appointed for Schooles of all
sorts, hath been both little, and ill payed, Therefore, beside former
appointments, (the execution whereof is humbly desired, and to be
petitioned for at the hands of His Majestie and the Parliament) the
Assembly would further supplicate this Parliament that they (in their
wisdome) would finde out how meanes shall be had for so good an use,
especially that the Children of poore men, being very capable of learning,
and of good engines, may be trained up, according as the exigence and
necessity of every place shall require. And that the Commissioners, who
shall be named by this Assembly, to wait upon the Parliament may be
appointed to represent this to his Majestie, and the Parliament, seeing
His sacred Majestie, by his gracious Letter hath put us in hope hereof,
wherewith we have been much refreshed.
V. The Assembly would supplicate the Parliament, that for youths of the
finest and best spirits of the High-lands, and borders, maintenance may be
allotted (as to Bursars) to be bred in Universities.
VI. For the time and manner of visitation of Schooles, and contriving the
best and most compendious and orderly course of teaching Grammar, we
humbly desire the Assembly to appoint a Committee for that effect, who may
report their diligence to the next General Assembly.
_The Overtures and Articles above-written being reported to this
Assembly, after reading and serious consideration thereof, the
Assembly approves the same, and ordaines them to have the strength
of an Act and ordinance of Assembly, in all time-coming._
Sess. 11. August 5. 1642.
_Act anent contrary Oaths._
The Generall Assembly finding the inconvenience of contrary Oaths in
trying of Adulteries, Fornications, and other faults and scandals, do
therefore for eviting there of, discharge Synods, Presbyteries and
Sessions, to take Oath of both parties in all time hereafter, Recommending
to them in the mean time all other order and wayes of tryall used in such
cases: And that there may be a common order and course kept in this Kirk
of trying of publike scandals, The Assembly ordains the Presbyteries to
advise upon some common order hereintill, and to report their judgements
to the next Assembly.
_Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, keeping of Synods and
Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and other grosse
sins._
_The Committee supplicates the Assembly_,
I. To urge the severall Synods and Presbyteries, especially these of the
North, that Family Exercise in Religion, visitation of the Churches,
Catechising, keeping of the Presbyteriall and Provinciall meetings (both
by Preaching and Ruling Elders) be more carefully observed.
II. That the Clerk at least subscribe every Book before it come to the
Assembly, and that every Act be noted on the Margent, for a directory of
expedition.
III. That the Assembly would seriously studie by all meanes and wayes how
to procure the Magistrates concurrence to curb and punish these notorious
vices which abound in the Land, especially in the Northern parts.
_The Assembly approves the Overtures foresaids, and ordains them
to be observed: and for the last, the Assembly being confident of
__ the readinesse of the Judge Ordinar to restrain and punish
these faults, Do therefore ordain all Presbyteries to give up to
the Justice, the names of the Adulterers, incestuous persons,
Witches and sorcerers and others guilty of such grosse and
fearfull sins within their bounds that they may be Processed and
punished according to the Laws of this Kingdom; and that the
Presbyteries and Synods be carefull herein, as they will answer to
the Generall Assemblies, And because that Witch craft, Charming,
and such like proceeds many times from ignorance, Therefore the
Assembly ordains all Ministers, especially in these parts where
these sins are frequent, to be diligently Preaching, Cathichising,
and conferring, to inform their people thereintill._
Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.
_Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in name of Ministers,
without their knowledge and consents._
The Generall Assembly being informed, that after the Petition presented to
the Lords of His Majesties Privie Councell by the Noblemen Burgesses, and
Ministers, occasionally met at _Edinburg_ the 31. day of _May_ last
by-past, had received a very gracious Answer, There was another Petition
given in to their Lordships upon the 2 day of _June_ last, entituled, The
Petition of the Nobilitie, Gentrie, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons: which
as it was not accompanied with any one Minister to the Lords of Privie
Councell, so all the Ministers of this Assembly, disclaimes and disavoweth
any knowledge thereof, or accession thereto, And the Assembly conceiving
that the Kings Majestie Himself, and all the Courts and Judicatories of
this Kingdome may be deluded and abused, and the Kirk in Generall, and
Ministers in particular injured and prejudged by the like practises
hereafter, Do therefore prohibite and discharge all and every one to
pretend or use the name of Ministers to any Petition, Declaration, or
suchlike at any time hereafter, without their knowledge consent and
assistance: And if any shal doe the contrary, ordaines Presbyteries and
Provinciall Assemblies to proceed against them with the highest censures
of the Kirk.
Sess 11. Aug. 5. 1642.
_Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of Counsell, and
Conservators of Peace._
The Assembly being most desirous to use all, and to omit no lawful meane
or occasion to testifie their zeale by dealing with God and man, for
furtherance of their desires of Unity in Religion and uniformity of
Kirk-government, And considering the great necessity, that the Kirk and
State contribute joyntly their best endeavours to this happy end:
Therefore enjoynes the Moderator, and the commissioners from the Assembly,
to supplicate with all earnestnesse and respect, the Lords of his
Majesties Honourable Privie Councel, and likewise the Commissioners
appointed by His Majestie, and the Parliament, for conservation of the
Peace, that they may be pleased to concur with the Kirk in the like
desires to His Majesty and the Parliament of _England_, and in the like
directions to the Commissioners of this Kingdome, at _London_ for the
time, that by all possible means, Civill, and Ecclesiastick, this blessed
Worke may be advanced, and a happy settling betwixt His Majestie and His
Parliament, may be endeavoured, and the common Peace betwixt the Kingdomes
continued and strengthened.
Sess. 11. Aug 5. 1642.
_The Assemblies humble desire to the Kings Majestie for the Signator of
500 l. Sterling and recommendation thereof to the Kings Commissioner._
The Generall Assembly having received the Report of the proceedings of the
Commissioners of the late Assembly, and specially that His Majesty was
graciously pleased, upon their humble Petition, solemnly to promise and
declare under his Royall hand, his pious resolution and dedication of 500.
l. sterling, out of the readiest of his Rents and revenues, to be imployed
yearly on publike necessary and pious uses of the Kirk, at the sight of
the Generall Assembly, as his Majestie gracious answer of the 3. of
_January_, 1642. registrate in their books at His Majesties own desire,
for their further assurance of his Majesties pious zeale, doth more fully
proport. Likeas being informed that His Majestie was gratiously pleased to
signe and send down to the Kirk the Signator of the said 500. l. yearly to
have past the Exchequer, albeit the samine is not as yet delivered; And
considering His Majesties pious directions to them by his Majesties Letter
to plant and visit the utmost skirts and borders of the Kingdome, as most
necessary for the glory of God, the good of the Kirk, and His Majesties
honour, and service, which is only stopped by the want of charges for
publike visitations, And withall to remonstrate to His Majestie by His
Commissioner, their just and necessary desires for what may further serve
to the good of Religion, whereunto His Majesties Commissioner promised his
best endeavours and assistance. Therefore the Assembly doth most earnestly
recommend to His Majesties Commissioner to represent to His Majestie, with
his best assistance, the humble and necessary desires of the whole
Assembly, that His Majestie will be graciously pleased to command that
Signator, already signed by His Royall hand (or to signe another of the
samine tenor, whereof they deliver the just double to his Maj Commissioner
for that effect) to be sent to this Kingdom, and delivered to the
Commissioners from this Assembly, who are to sit at _Edinburgh_, or to the
Procurator of the Kirk, whereby his Majestie shall more and more oblige
this whole Kirk to pray for a blessing from Heaven upon His Royal Person
and Government.
Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.
_The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at_ London.
_Right Honourable_,
We have received your Lordships Letter, with the Declaration of the
Parliament of _England_, and have sent this Noble bearer to His Majesty
with our humble Supplication, and to your Lordships with our Answer
earnestly desiring Unity of Religion, and Uniformity of Kirk-government,
to be presented by your Lordships, and this Noble bearer to the Honourable
Houses of Parliament. Your Lordships will perceive by the inclosed Copies,
and by our desires to His Majesties honourable Privie Councel and
Commissioners for the conservation of the Peace, to joyn their best
endeavours with his Majestie and the Parliament, and their directions to
your Lordships, by our leaving a Commission behinde us, to concur with
them in all Ecclesiastick wayes, and by our appointing publike Prayers,
and a solemn Fast through this Kirk, for the furtherance of this great
work of Reformation, and continuance of the common Peace, that this Unity
in Religion and uniformity of Kirk-government is the chiefest of our
desires, prayers and cares: Where unto as we have been encouraged by the
faithful labors of the Commissioners of this Kingdom in the late Treaty,
and continued and renewed by your Lordships; so we are assured, that your
Lordships will omit no lawful mean, argument, or occasion of seconding the
same there, And advertising our Commissioners at _Edinburgh_, wherein they
may further concur with your Lordships, for the furtherance of the Work,
which tends so much to the glory of God, advancement of Christs Kingdom,
increase of the honour and happinesse of our Soveraign, and the peace and
welfare of these Kingdoms, whereby your Lordships will oblige this Kirk
more and more to pray for a blessing on your persons and travels, and to
rest.
_Yours in the Lord_
_The Commissioners of the General Assembly._