Chapter I: Part 1

The Acts

Of The

General Assemblies

Of The

Church of Scotland

From The Year 1638 to the Year 1649.

Inclusive.

Printed in the Year 1682.

To which are now added

The Index of the Unprinted Acts of these Assemblies;

and the Acts of the General Assembly 1690.

Printed in the year 1691.

CONTENTS

To The Reader.
The General Assembly, At Glasgow.
Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638.
Act. Sess 7. November 28.
_Act. approving the Registers._
Act. Sess. 12. December fourth.
_The six late pretended Assemblies condemned._
_Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Linlithgow,
1606.
_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Linlithgow, 1608.
_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Glasgow, 1610.
_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1616.
_The nullitie of the pretended Assembly at_ Saint Andrews, 1617.
_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Perth,
1618.
Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638.
_Against the unlawfull oaths of intrants._
Act. Sess. 14. December 6. 1638.
_Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, Book of Ordination,
and the high Commission._
_Sentence of deposition and excommunication against Mr._ John
Spottiswood, _pretended Archbishop of St._ Andrews; _Mr._ Patrik
Lindsay, _pretended Archbishop of_ Glasgow: _Mr._ David Lindsay,
_pretended Bishop of_ Edinburgh: _Mr._ Thomas Sidserfe, _pretended
Bishop of_ Galloway: _Mr._ John Maxwell, _pretended Bishop of_
Rosse: _Mr._ Walter Whyt-foord, _pretended Bishop of_ Brechen.
_Sentence of deposition and excommunication, against_ Mr. Adam
Ballantyne, _pretended Bishop of_ Aberdeen, _and Mr. James
Wedderburn pretended Bishop of_ Dumblane.
_Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Guthry, _pretended
Bishop of_ Murray: _Mr._ John Grahame, _pretended Bishop of_ Orknay,
_Mr._ James Fairlie, _pretended Bishop of_ Lismoir: _Mr._ Neil
Cambell, _pretended Bishop of_ Isles.
_Sentence of deposition against Maister_ Alexander Lindsay
_pretended Bishop of_ Dunkell.
_Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Abernethie _pretended
Bishop of_ Cathnes.
Act of the Assembly at _Glasgow_, Sess. 16. December 8. 1638.
_Declaring Episcopacie to have been abjured by the Confession of
Faith_, 1580. _And to be removed out of this Kirk._
Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638.
_The Assembly at_ Glasgow, _declaring the five Articles of_ Perth
_to have been abjured and to bee removed._
Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638.
Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18.
Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638.
Act. Sess. 25. December 19. 1638.
_Against the civil places and power of Kirk-men._
Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.
Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.
Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.
Act Sess. 26. December 20.
Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.
_Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately
subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner, and urged to be subscribed
by others._
Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638.
_Concerning yearly generall Assemblies._
_Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the Kings Majestie._
The General Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1639.
Sess. 8. August 17. 1639.
_Master_ George Grahame _his renouncing and abjuring of
Episcopacie._
Sess. 8. August 17. 1639.
_Act containing the Causes and Remedie of the by-gone Evils of this
Kirk._
Sess. 18. Aug. 26. 1639.
_Act approving an old Register of the Generall Assembly._
Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639.
_Act approving the deposition of the Ministers by the Committees._
Act Sess. 20. Aug. 28. 1639.
_Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers._
Act Sess. 21. August 29. 1639.
_Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day._
Act Sess. 22. Aug. 29. 1639. _a Meridie._
_Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly._
Sess. 23. August 30. 1639.
_The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings Majesties
Commissioner, concerning the Book, called_, The large Declaration.
_The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties High
Commissioner, and the Lords of secret Councell._
_The Act of the Lords of Councel at_ Edinburgh, August 30. 1639.
_containing the_ Answer _of the preceding_ Supplication.
_The Kings Majesties Commissioners Declarations._
_Like as his Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the
Declaration following, of his consent to the Act of the Assembly_
17. August, _anent the causes of our by gone evils._
_Like as His Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the
Declaration following:_
_Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession of Faith and
Covenant, with the Assemblies Declaration._
_Act anent Appellations._
_Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries before
determination in Novations._
_Act anent Ministers Catechising, and Family Exercises._
Sess. 24. Aug. 30. _a meride._
_The Assemblies Supplication to the_ KINGS MAJESTIE.
The Generall Assembly, Conveened at Aberdene, July 28. 1640.
Sess. 2. July 29. 1640.
_Overtures given in by the Committee appointed by the last Assembly,
anent the ordering of the Assembly-house: Which being read in
audience of the Assembly they approved the same._
_Act anent the demolishing of Idolatrous Monuments._
_Act against Witches and Charmers._
Sess. 5. Aug. 1. 1640.
_Act for censuring speakers against the Covenant._
Sess. 10. Aug. 5. 1640.
_Act against Expectants refusing to subscribe the Covenant._
The Generall Assembly, Holden at St. Andrews, and Edinburgh. 1641.
Sess. 1. July 20. 1641.
Sess. 3. July 28. 1641.
Sess. 5. July 30. 1641.
_Act anent old Ministers bruiking their Benefices._
Sess. 8. Aug. 2. 1641. a meridie.
_Act against sudden receiving Ministers deposed._
Sess. 9. Aug. 3. 1641.
Sess. 10. August 4. 1641.
_Act against Impiety and Schisme._
Sess. 14. August 6. 1641. a Meridie.
Act _anent Novations_.
Act. Sess. 15. August 7. 1641.
_Overtures anent Bursars, and Expectants._
Act Sess. 17. August 9. 1641.
_Act against unlawfull Bands._
Sess. 18. August 9. 1641. a meridie.
_A Letter from some Ministers in_ England _to the Assemblie._
_The Assemblies Answer to the English Ministers Letter._
_The Assemblies Answer to the Kings Majesties Letter._
_Act anent the Kirk of_ Campheir.
The Generall Assembly, Conveened at S. Andrews, July 27. 1642.
Act Sess. 1. July 27. 1642.
_The Kings Letter to the Generall Assembly, presented by His
Majesties Commissioner, the Earle of_ Dumfermling, _July 27. 1642._
Act Sess 3. July 29. 1642.
_Act for bringing in of the Synode Books yeerly to the General
Assemblies._
Act Sess 5. August 1. 1642.
_Act anent the choosing of Kirk Sessions._
Sess 6. August 2. 1642.
_The Report of the Interpretation of the Act at_ Edinburgh, _anent
tryal of Ministers._
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._
_Act anent Lists for the Kirks in the High-lands._
_Overtures against Papists, non-Communicants, and profaners of the
Sabbath._
_Act anent the joyning of the Presbyterie of_ Sky _to the Synode of_
Argyle.
Sess. 8. August 3. post Meridiem.
The Supplication of this Assembly to the KINGS MAJESTIE.
_The Declaration of the Parliament of_ England, _sent to the
Assembly._
_The Assemblies answer to the Declaration of the Parliament of_
England.
Act Sess. 8. Aug. 3. 1642.
Act Sess. 11. _Edinb._ August 5. 1642.
Sess. 11. August 5. 1642.
_Act anent contrary Oaths._
_Overtures anent Family Exercises, Catechising, keeping of Synods
and Presbyteries, and restraint of Adulteries, Witch-crafts, and
other grosse sins._
Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.
_Act against Petitions, Declarations, & suchlike in name of
Ministers, without their knowledge and consents._
Sess 11. Aug. 5. 1642.
_Act anent the Assemblies desires to the Lords of Counsell, and
Conservators of Peace._
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._
Sess. 11. Aug. 5. 1642.
_The Assemblies Letter to the Commissioners of this Kingdom at_
London.
_A Letter from some Ministers of_ England.
_Answer to the Ministers Letter._
_Act for the Lord_ Maitlands _presenting the Assemblies Supplication
to His Majestie, and for going to the Commissioners at_ London,
_with the Answer to the Parliament of_ Englands _Declaration_.
Sess. 11. August 5. post meridiem.
_Commission for publike affairs of this Kirk, and for prosecuting
the desires of this Assembly to His Majestie, and the Parliament of_
England.
Sess. 13. Aug. 6. 1642.
_A Petition from some distressed Professors in_ Ireland.
_Commission to some Ministers to go to_ Ireland.
Sess. 13. August 6. 1642.
_Act against slandering of Ministers._
_Act anent ordering of the Assembly House._
_Act for remembring in publike Prayers the desires of the Assembly
to the King and Parliament, and indiction of a publike Fast._
_Reference from the Presbyterie of_ Kirkcaldie.
_Reference frrom the Synode of_ Fyffe.
_Overtures to be advised by Presbyteries against the next Assembly._
The Generall Assembly at _Edinburgh_
Sess. 1. August 2. 1643.
The Kings Letter to the General Assembly.
Sess. 2. August 3. 1643.
_Overtures anent Bills, References, and Appeales._
Sess. 3. August 4. 1643.
_Act for election of Professours to be Commissioners to Assemblies
by Presbyteries._
Sess. 4. Aug. 5. 1643.
The Petition of the distressed Professours in Ireland for Ministers.
Sess. 6. August 8, 1643.
_Acts for subscribing the Covenant._
Sess. 7. August 9. 1643.
_Act for searching Books tending to Separation._
_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the last
Assembly._
Sess. 8. August 10. 1643.
_Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of
England to a Committee, to be presented by them to the Assembly._
_A Declaration of the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of
England, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland._
_A Letter from some Brethren of the Ministerie in the Kirk of_
England, _to the Assembly._
Sess. 9. August 11. 1643.
_Act against Burials and hinging of Honours, &c. in Kirks._
Sess. 10. August 12. 1643.
_Act anent reposition of Ministers, deposed by Superiour
Judicatories._
Sess. 11. Aug. 14. 1643.
_Act against Masters who have Servants that prophane the Lords day._
Sess. 12. Aug. 15. 1643.
_Act for preparing the Directorie for the worship of God_.
_Propositions from the English Commissioners presented this day to
the Assembly._
_The Paper before-mentioned, delivered August 12. to the Convention,
and this day to the Assembly_
Sess. 13. Aug. 16. 1643.
_Recommendation to the Presbyteries and Universities anent Students
that have the Irish language._
Sess. 14. August 17. 1643.
The Letter from the Assembly of Divines in the Kingdome of England.
_The Result of the Debates and Consultations of the Committees of
the Convention of Estates and General Assembly, appointed to meet
with the Commissioners of the Parliament of England._
_Approbation of the League and Covenant above mentioned._
Sess. Ult. August 19. 1643.
_The Assemblies humble desires to his Majestie anent the Lists for
Presentations: With a Recommendation to Presbyteries._
_Overtures anent Witch-craft, and Charming, &c._
_Commission for Ministers to go to_ Ireland.
_Act against Ministers haunting with excommunicate persons._
_Act anent an order for using civil Execution against Excommunicate
Persons._
TO THE KINGS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE,
_The Answer of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to
the Declaration of the honourable Houses of the Parliament of
England._
_The Assemblies Answer to the right reverend the Assembly of Divines
in the Church of England._
_The Assemblies Answer to the Reverend their beloved Brethren,
Ministers in the Church of England._
_Commission of the Generall Assembly, for these that repair to the
Kingdome of England._
_Reference to the Commission, anent the Persons designed to repair
to the the Kingdome of England._
_Commission for the Publick Affairs of this Kirk._
The Generall Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1644.
Die Jovis penult. Maii, Sess. 2.
_The Letter from the Presbyeerie with the Army in_ England, _to the
Generall Assembly._
_The Petition from the distressed Christians in the North of_
Ireland.
3. _Junii 1644. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 5.
_Act for the present Entrie of the new erected Presbyterie at_
Biggar.
_Junii_ 3. 1644 Sess.
_Act concerning the Declaration subscribed by the Scottish Lords at_
Oxford.
_Act against the Rebells in the North and South._
_Act against secret disaffecters of the Covenant_
_Act for sending Ministers to the Armie._
_Renovation of the Commission for the Publick affairs of the Kirk._
_Renovation of the Commission granted to the Persons appointed to
repair to the Kingdome of_ England.
_The Assemblies answer to the Presbyterie with the Armie._
4. _June_ 1644. Sess 7.
_The Letter from the Commissioners at_ London _to the General
Assembly._
_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in the Kirk of_ England, _to
the Generall Assembly._
_The Generall Assemblies Answer to the right Reverend the Assembly
of Divines in the Kirk of_ England.
_The Assemblies answer to their Commissioners at_ London.
_The Assemblies Letter to the Kirks in the_ Netherlands.
_Ordinance concerning Bursars._
_Ordinance for up lifting and imploying Penalties contained in Acts
of Parliament, upon pious uses._
_An Overture concerning Promises of Marriage made by Minors, to
those with whom they have committed Fornication._
_Act concerning dissenting voices in Presbyteries and Synods._
_Act concerning the Election of a Moderator in Provinciall
Assemblies._
_Act for keeping of the Fast by the Congregations in the Towne where
the Assembly holds._
Meeting announcement.
Letter.
_The Letter from the Synode of Divines in_ England, _to the Generall
Assembly._
_28 Jan. 1645. Post meridiem. Die Martis._ Sess. 5.
_Approbation of the Proceedings of the Commission of the two
preceding Assemblies._
_3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunæ, Post meridiem._ Sess. 10.
_Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland, for the
establishing and putting in execution of the_ Directory _for the
publick Worship of GOD._
_7. February, 1645. Post meridiem._ Sess. 14.
_Overtures for advancement of Learning and good Order in Grammar
Schools and Colledges._
_The Humble Petition the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland.
_Overtures propounded by the Committee, appointed by this venerable
Assembly, for ordering of the Bursars of Theologie, and maintaining
of them at Schools of Divinitie._
_The opinion of the Committee for keeping the greater Uniformitie in
this Kirk, in the practice and observation of the Directory in some
points of publick Worship._
_10. February, 1645. Postmeridiem_ Sess. 16.
_Act of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland, _Approving
the Propositions concerning Kirk government and Ordination of
Ministers._
_12. Feb. 1645. Post meridiem_ Sess. 18.
_A Solemne and Seasonable Warning To the Noblemen, Barons,
Gentlemen, Burrows, Ministers, and Commons of_ Scotland; _As also to
our ARMIES without and within this Kingdom._
_Act against Lykwakes._
_Act recommending to Sessions To have the Printed Acts of
Assemblie._
13. _Februar. 1645. Postmeridiem._ Sess. Ult.
_Act for censuring the Observers of Yule-day, and other
superstitious dayes, especially if they be Schollars._
_Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions in Schooles._
_Act for restraining Abuses at Pennie Brydals._
_Act Discharging deposed Ministers to be reponed to their former
Places._
_Renovation of the Commission for the publick Affairs of the Kirk._
_Renovation of the Commission to the Persons appointed to repair to
the Kingdom, of_ England, _for prosecuting the Treaty of Uniformitie
in Religion._
_The General Assemblies Answer to the Right Reverend the Assembly of
Divines in the Kirk of England._
_The humble Remonstrance of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_
Scotland, _met at Edinburgh the 13. day of February, 1645._
_The Assemblies Answer to their Commissioners at_ London.
The Generall Assembly Met at _Edinburgh_ Junii 3. 1646.
Edinb. 4. Junii 1646. Sess. 2.
_The Kings Letter to the Assembly, presented by M._ Robert Douglas
_Minister at Edinburgh._
_6. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 4.
_Act concerning the Registers and Acts of Provinciall Assemblies._
11. _Junii 1646. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 7.
_Act concerning the publike satisfaction of Married persons, for
Fornication committed before Marriage._
_13. Junii 1646. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 10.
_Ordinance for Excommunication of the Earle of Seafort._
_Enormities and Corruptions observed to be in the Ministery, with
the Remedies thereof._
_Commission of the Approbation of the proceedings of the preceding
Assembly._
_15. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 11.
_Act for joyning of the Presbyteries in_ Orkney _and_ Zetland _to
the Provincial of_ Cathnes.
_17. Junii 1646. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 14.
_Act concerning Expectants Preaching in Publike._
_Act for censuring the Complyers with the publike Enemies of this
Kirk and Kingdom._
_Act concerning_ James Grahams _Proclamation._
_18. Junii 1646. Antermeridiem._ Sess. Ult.
_Act against loosing of Ships and Barks upon the Lords Day._
_Act anent Children sent without the Kingdom._
_Overtures presented to the Assembly._
_Renovation of the Commission for the publike affairs of the Kirk._
_Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for
Uniformity in_ England.
The Assemblies Answer To The Kings Maiestie.
_The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lords and Commons
in the Parliament of_ England _Assembled at_ Westminster.
_The Assemblies Letter to the Right Honorable the Lord_ Major
Aldermen, _and_ Common-Councel _of the City of_ London.
_The Assemblies Letter to the right Reverend the Assembly of Divines
in the Kirk of_ England _assembled at_ Westminster.
_Recommendation to Presbyteries and Provincial Assemblies._
_Act for a publike Fast before the next Assembly._
The Generall Assembly, At _Edinburgh_ 4. August. 1647.
August. 16. 1647 Postmeridiem. Sess. 2.
_Act allowing the half of the Ministers in the Presbyterie of_
Zetland _only, with their Ruling Elders, to keep the Provincial
Assembly._
_20. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 15.
_A Declaration, and Brotherly Exhortation of the General Assembly of
the Church of_ Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England.
_24. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 19.
_Act for observing the Directions of the Generall Assembly for
Secret and Private Worship, and mutuall edification, and censuring
such as neglect Familie Worship._
_The Directions of the Generall Assembly, for Secret and Private
Worship & mutuall edification, for cherishing Piety, for maintaining
Unitie, and avoiding Schisme and Division._
_Act against such as withdraw themselves from the publike Worship in
their own Congregation._
_26. August 1647. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 22.
_Approbation of the preceedings of the Commission of the preceeding
Assembly._
_27. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 23.
_Approbation of the Confession of Faith._
_Edinburgh 28. August 1647. Postmeridiem._ Sess. 25.
_Act for revising the Paraphrase of the Psalmes brought from_
England, _with a recommendation for Translating the other Scriptuall
Songs in Meeter._
_Act recommending the execution of the Act of Parliament at Perth,
for uplifting pecuniall paines to bee imployed upon pious uses, and
of all Acts of Parliament made against excommunicate Persons._
_Ult. August 1647. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 26.
_Act discharging the importing, venting or spreading of erronious
Books or Papers._
_Act for debarring of Complyers in the first Classe from
Ecclesiastick office._
_Act for pressing and furthering the plantation of Kirks._
_Act for censuring absents from the Generall Assembly._
_Renovation of former Acts of Assembly for Triall and Admission of
Expectants to the Ministrie._
_Eodem die_, Sess. 28. _Postmeridiem._
_Renovation of the Commission for prosecuting the Treaty for
Uniformity in_ England.
_Renovation of the Commission for the publike affaires of the Kirk._
_Desires and Overtures from the Commissioners of Universities, and
the Assemblies answer thereto._
_Edinburgh 1. September 1647._ Sess. Ult.
_The Assemblies Letter to their Countreymen in_ Poleland, Swedland,
Denmarke, _and_ Hungarie.
_Act concerning the Hundred and eleven Propositions therein
mentioned._
_Desires and Overtures presented from Presbyteries and Synods, with
the Assemblies answer thereunto._
The Generall Assembly, At _Edinburgh_.
Iuly 12. 1648. _Post meridiem,_ Sess. 1.
_The Letter from the Synod of Divines in_ England _to the Generall
Assembly._
Iuly 15 _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 4.
_Act concerning Commissions from Burghs._
Iuly 18. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 6.
_Act concerning the examining of the proceedings of the
Commissioners of Assemblies._
Iuly 18. 1648. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 7.
_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commission of the preceeding
Assembly,_
July 20. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 10.
_Approbation of the larger Catechisme._
_July 21. 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 11.
_Act against sudden admitting deposed Ministers to particular
Congregations._
July 25. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess. 14.
_The Assemblies Answer to the Paper sent from the Committee of
Estates of the 24. July._
July 28. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 18.
_Act and Declaration against the Act of Parliament & Committee of
Estates ordained to be subscribed the 10. and 12. of June, and
against all new Oathes or Bands in the common Cause imposed without
consent of the Church._
_Eodem die Postmeridiem._ Sess. 19.
_Approbation of the shorter Catechisme._
_Act discharging a little Catechisme printed at_ Edinburgh, 1647.
_Ult._ Iuly 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 21.
_A Declaration of the Generall Assembly concerning the present
dangers of Religion, and especially the unlawfull engagement in War,
against the Kingdom of_ England; _Together, with many necessary
exhortations and directions to all the Members of the Kirk of
Scotland._
_August. 1. 1648. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 22.
_The General Assemblies Answer to the Paper presented from the
Honourable Committee of Estates of the Date_ Iuly 28. 1648.
_Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 23.
_A Declaration and Exhortation of the Generall Assembly of the
Church of_ Scotland, _to their Brethren of_ England.
August. 2. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 26.
_Answer to the Letter of the Reverend Assembly of Divines in_
England.
_Eodem die Postmeridiem_, Sess. 25.
_The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly, To the Right
Honourable the Committee of Estates._
August 3. 1648. _Antemeridiem_, Sess. 26.
_Act for censuring Ministers for their silence, and not speaking to
the corruptions of the time._
August 4. 1648. _Postmeridiem_, Sess. 21.
_Overtures concerning the education of the Hie-land Boys in the
Province of_ Argyle.
August 5. 1648. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 30.
_Explanation of the fifth Article of the Overtures concerning
Appeals past in the Assembly, 1643._
_Eodem die 1648. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 30.
_Act discharging deposed or suspended Ministers from any exercise of
the Ministery, or medling with the stipend._
August 7. 1648. _Antemeridiem._ Sess 31.
_The Assemblies Declaration of the falsehood and forgerie of a lying
scandalous Pamphlet put forth under the name of their Reverend
Brother Mastr_ Alexander Henderson _after hes death._
_Act for taking the Covenant at the first receiving of the Sacrament
of the Lords Supper, & for the receiving of it also by all Students
at their first entry to Colledges._
_Eodem die Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 32.
_Act concerning Presbyteries maintaining of_ Bursars.
August 9. 1648. _Antemeridiem_ Sess. 25.
_Act for dis-joyning the Presbyteries of_ Zetland, _from the
Provinciall Synod of_ Orkney _and_ Cathnes.
Aug. 10. 1648. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 38.
_Overtures for the Remedies of the grievous and common Sins of the
Land in this present time._
_Act for examining the Paraphrase of the Psalms and other
Scripturall Songs._
_Overtures concerning Papists, their children, and Excommunicate
Persons._
Aug. 11. 1648 _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 39.
_Act for prosecuting the Treaty for the Uniformity in Religion in
the Kingdom of England._
_Act Renewing the Commission for the publick Affairs of this Kirk._
August 11. 1643. _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 40.
_Exemption of_ Murray, Rosse, _and_ Caithnesse _from the
contribution granted to the boyes of_ Argyle, _with a Recommendation
to Presbyteries, to make up what is taken of them by that
exemption._
_Act concerning Collection for the Poor._
_Recommendation for securing provisions to Ministers in Burghs._
_The Humble Supplication of the Generall Assembly of the Kirk of_
Scotland, _met at_ Edinburg August 12 _unto the Kings Most Excellent
Majeste._
August. 12. 1648, Sess. _Ult._
_Act discharging Duels._
_Act concerning deposed Ministers._
The Generall Assembly, Holden at _Edinburgh, July 7. 1649._
July 7. 1649. Antemeridiem, Sess 4.
_Approbation of the proceedings of the Commissioners of the Generall
Assembly._
July 10. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 6.
_Approbation of the Commissioners sent to his Majesty._
July 19. 1649 _Postmeridiem,_ Sess. 18.
_Act discharging promiscuous Dancing._
July 20. 1649. _Antemeridiem,_ Sess. 19.
_Act concerning the receiving of Engagers in the late unlawfull War
against_ England, _to publick Satisfaction, Together with the
Declaration and Acknowledgement to be subscribed by them._
_The Declaration and Acknowledgement before mentioned._
July 24. 1649. _Postmeridiem._ Sess. 23.
_Letter to the High & Honourable Court of Parliament._
_27. July, 1649. Antemeridiem._ Sess. 27.
_A seasonable and necessary Warning and Declaration, concerning
Present and Imminent dangers, and concerning duties relating
thereto, from the Generall Assembly of this Kirk, unto all the
Members thereof._
_30. July 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 30.
_Act concerning Catechising._
_4 Aug. 1649. Antemeridiem_ Sess. 40.
_Commission for publick Affaires._
_Directorie for Election of Ministers._
_6. August, 1649. Antemeridiem,_ Sess. Ult.
_A Brotherly Exhortation from the General Assembly of the Church of_
Scotland, _to their Brethren in_ England.
_Act for a Collection for entertaining Highland Boyes at Schooles._
_Commission for a conference of Ministers, Lawyers and Physitians,
Concerning the tryal and punishment of Witch-craft, Charming and
Consulting._
_Recommendation for maintenance for Schoolmasters and Precenters._
_Acts concerning Persons to be admitted Bursars._
_Reference to the Commission for publick affaires for re-examining
the Paraphrase, of the Psalmes and the emitting the same for
publicke use._
Letter to the Kings Majestie.
The Principal Acts of the General Assembly of the Church of _Scotland_
holden at _Edinburgh_ the 16th day of _October_ 1690.
Edinburgh _16 of October 1690. Post Meridiem._ Sess. 1.
I. _The Meeting of the_ General Assembly, _and the Recording of
Their Majesties_ Commission, _to_ John _Lord_ Carmichael, _for
Representing Their Majesties therein._
Edinburgh 17 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 2.
II. _His_ MAJESTIES _Gracious Letter to the Assembly._
Edinburgh _18th._ October 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 4.
III. _The Assemblies Answer to His Majesties Gracious Letter._
IV. _Appointment of a Diet, to be kept by the Assembly for Prayer._
Edinburgh _25th._ October 1690. _Ante Meridiem._ Sess. 9.
V. _The proceedings of the Assembly, anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and
Others._
Act _anent Mr._ Thomas Lining _and Others._
Edinburgh 28 of October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 11.
VI. _Act anent Ministers that observe not the publick Orders of the
Church._
Edinburgh 29 October 1690. _Ante Meridiem,_ Sess. 12.
VII. _Act approving several Overtures._
VIII. _Act approving the Associations of Presbyteries._
Edinburgh 31 October 1690, _Ante Meridiem_ Sess. 15.
IX. _Act against Ministers Removing out of this Church._
X. _Act anent the Administration of the Sacraments._
Edinburgh 11 November 1690. _Post Meridiem_ Sess. 24.
XI. _Act approving Overtures anent the_ Irish _Bibles, &c._
_At_ Edinburgh, November 12. 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 25.
XII. _Act anent a Solemn National Fast and Humiliation, with the
Causes thereof._
XIII. _Act anent Sentences past against Ministers from the Year
1650. &c._
Edinburgh 13 of November 1690. _Post Meridiem._ Sess. 26.
XIV. _The Assemblies Letter to His Majesty._
XV. _Instructions to the Commissions for Visitations on the South
and North sides of Tay._
XVI. _Commission for Visitations on the South side of_ Tay.
XVII. _Commission for Visitations on the North side of_ Tay.
XVIII. _Commission for_ Mr. Gilbert Rule _and_ Mr. David Blair, _to
wait upon His Majesty anent the Affairs of this Church._
_INDEX of the Unprinted Acts, &c. Of the General Assembly, 1690._
An INDEX Of the Principal unprinted Acts of the Assembly at _Glasgow_,
1638.
_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at_ Edinburgh, 1639, _not
Printed._
_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1640, _not
Printed._
_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly holden at_ St. Andrews, _and_
Edinburgh 1641. _not Printed._
_Index of the Principal Acts of the Assembly holden at_ St. Andrews, 27.
_July_, 1642. _not Printed._
_Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh, 1643, _not
Printed._
_Index of the Acts of the Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh, 1644, _not
Printed._
_INDEX of the ACTS of this Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh 1645. _not
Printed_.
_Index of the Acts of the General Assembly not Printed 1646_.
_Index of the Acts of the General Assembly holden at_ Edinburgh, 1647,
_not printed_.
_INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the General Assembly held at_ Edinburgh.
1648.
_INDEX of the Unprinted ACTS of the Assembly._ 1649.
Footnotes

TO THE READER.

[Transcriber’s Note: This 17th-century book was printed in the typographical conventions and spelling of that time; for instance, the printed book used the long _f_-shaped glyph for the letter _s_, it included old spellings such as _Kingdome_, _civill_, and _publick_, and old words such as _hes_, _samine_, and _welas_, and numbers generally are ended with a period. In this transcription, archaic printing is replaced with modern characters, so the letter _s_ appears as _s_, with the effect that what in the original book would look like _Minifters_ is here transcribed _Ministers_, but archaic spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and usage are transcribed as they appeared in the printed book.]

It were long, neither do we now intend, to represent, what in the beginning, by the Mercies of our _God_ and Ministry of his faithful Servants, was the reformation of this Kirk: what purity of Doctrine and Worship, what Order, what Authority, and what Unity continued for many years, by the Prayers and Labours of Ministers and Professors, what Novations and Corruptions have been introduced upon us of late, in the time of our Division and Detection, by such as have ever been enemies to the Cross of _Christ_, and who have minded earthly things: How manifold and how comfortable experience we have at this time of the care and compassions of our _Lord_ and _Saviour_ preventing the utter ruine of Religion, and the horrible vastation of this Kirk, by looking upon the afflictions of his people, by hearing their groans, mocked by the World: And by moving the Heart of our gracious and dread Soveraign the Kings Majesty to conveen a free national Assembly for redressing the wrongs done to Religion, and what undeniable testimonies, and notable manifestations of the divine presence and assistance of _Christ_, have accompanied this meeting and whole work. _Who so is wise and observeth these things will see the loving kindness of the Lord_.

For the present it seemed necessary that such of the Acts and Constitutions of the Assembly as are of most general concernment should be published in print; the correct writing of so many Copies as were called for, not being possible to be exped in due time, and the Kirk having resolved upon this course in former times, which, had it been keeped, our defection through the almost invincible ignorance of the proceedings of the Kirk, had not proven so dangerous and deplorable.

In these Acts and Constitutions special regard was had to our _National Confession of Faith_, as it was at first and diverse times after professed and is now of late sworn and subscribed, that all mens minds, who delight not to cavil, might rest satisfied in the true meaning thereof, found out by the diligent search of the Ecclesiastick Registers. Our care was also rather at this time to revive and bring to light, former laudable Acts, than to make any new ones, reflecting as little as might be upon the reformation of other Kirks, and choosing to receive our directions from our own _Reformation_, approven by the ample testimony of so many _Forreign Divines_: according to the example of the venerable Assembly at _Dort_, where special caution was, that the 30. and 31. article of the Confession of the _Belgick_ Kirks touching _Ecclesiastick Order_ should not be examined by _Strangers_, there being a _Difference_ touching that point amongst _Reformed Kirks_, So many as were present can bear witness that all the _Members of the Assembly_ were many times called on, and required to propone their _Doubts_, and to give their _Judgments_ of every _Article_, before it was Enacted, that every one might receive _Satisfaction_, and from the full perswasion of his mind might give his _Voice_: Wherin the _Unanimity_ and _Harmony_ was the more admirable, that many parting from their _preconceived Opinions_, which had possessed their _Minds_, did most willingly receive the _Light_, which did now unexpectedly appear from the _Records_ of the _Kirk_.

That this _Extract_ shall stop the _Mouthes_ of the malicious, is more than we can promise, or should be expected, We know there be some Incendiaries who would with great joy and content of mind, seek their lost penny in the ashes of this poor Kirk and Kingdom: And we have already found, that our _Laboures_ and the grounds whereupon we have proceeded, before they be seen, are misconstrued by so many as finds their hopes blasted, and are come short of their earthly projects: but our comfort is that we have walked in the truth of our hearts as in the sight of God, That the Adversaries of the Kirk have not transformed themselves into Angels of light, nor can say they are doing _God_ service, but are seen in their colours, and do seek themselves, and that so many as have erred before, not knowing the order and constitutions of this Kirk, will as absent Children to their mother speaking plainly and powerfully of old and now after long silence opening her mouth again, and uttering her mind in a free Assembly, hear her voice, and with that reverence that beseemeth under the supreme Majesty of _Christ_, obey her directions, that being all of one mind, peace may be upon us, and upon the Kirk of _God_; and the _God_ of peace, and love may be with us. 1639.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AT GLASGOW.

Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638.

The testimony of the Committy for tryall of the Registers, subscribed with their hands, being produced, with some reasons thereof in another paper, and publickly read; _My Lord Commissioner_ professed that it had resolved him of sundry doubts, but desired a time to be more fully resolved.

The Moderatour desired that if any of the Assembly had any thing to say against the said testimonie for the books, that they would declare it, and finding none to oppon, yet be appointed the day following, to any to object any thing they could say; and if then none could object the Assembly would hold the Registers as sufficient approven.

Act. Sess 7. November 28.

_Act. approving the Registers._

Anent the report of the Assemblies judgement of the authority of the books of Assembly; The Moderatour having desired that if any of the Assembly had any thing to say, they would now declare it, otherwise they would hold all approved by the Assembly.

The Commissioner his Grace protested that the Assemblies _approving these books, or any thing contained in them_ be no wayes prejudicial to his Majestie, nor to the Archbishops, and Bishops of this Kingdome, or any of their adherents; because he had some exceptions against these books. My Lord _Rothes_ desired these exceptions to be condescended on, and they should be preferably cleared, and protested that these books should be claimed authentick and obligatorie hereafter.

The whole Assembly all in one voice approved these books, and ordained the same to make faith in judgement, and out with, in all time commitit, as the true and authentick Registers of the Kirk of Scotland, conform to the testimonie subscribed by the Committie, to be insert with the reasons thereof in the books of Assembly: Whereof the tenour followeth.

We under-subscribers, having power and commission from the generall Assembly now presently convened, and sitting at _Glasgow_, to peruse, examine and cognosce upon the validity, faith and strength of the books and registers of the Assembly under-written, to wit: A register beginning at the Assembly holden the twentie day of _December_ 1566. and ending at the fourth session of the Assembly held in the 28 of _December_ 1566.

Item another register beginning at the generall Assembly, holden the second day of June 1567. and ending at the fourth session of the Assembly holden at _Perth_ the ninth day of _August_ 1572, which register is imperfect, and mutilate in the end, and containeth are no leaf nor page after that page which containeth the said inscription of the said fourth session, which two registers bears to be subscribed by _John Gray_ scribe.

Item a register of the Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the seventh day of _August_ 1574, and ending with the twelfth session, being the last session of the Assembly 1579.

Item another register beginning at the Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_ the tenth of _May_ 1586. and ending in the seventeenth session of the Assembly holden in _March_, 1589.

Item another register being the fifth book, and greatest volume, beginning at the Assembly holden in _Anno_ 1560, and ending in the year 1590.

Having carefully viewed, perused and considered the first registers, and every one of them, and being deeply and maturely advised, as in a matter of greatest weight and consequence, do attest before God, and upon our conscience declare to the world and this present Assembly, that the saids foure registers above expressed, and every one of them, are famous, authentick and good registers: which ought to be so reputed and have publick faith in judgement and out with ad validem it the records in all things, and that the said fifth & greatest book, beginning at the Assembly 1560. and ending 1590. being by the hand writs of the Clerk, cognosced, and tryed, and agreeable to the other four registers, in what is extant in them, ought be free of all prejudice and suspicion, and received with them. And in testimonie of our solemne affirmation, we have made these presents with our hands.

Subscribitur, Master Andrew Ramsay. Master John Adamson. Master John Row. Master Rohre Murray. Master Alexander Gibson. Master James Boner. Master Alexander Peerson. Master Alexander Wedderburn.

_Reasons prooving the five Books and Registers produced before the Assembly to be authentick_.

The books now exhibited unto us underscribers, which we have revised and perused by commission from the generall Assembly, are true registers of the Kirk: to wit, Five Volumes, whereof the first two contain the acts of the Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1572. all subscribed by _John Gray_ Clerk. The third from the year of God 1574. to the year 1579. The fourth from the year of God 1586. to the year 1589. At which time _Master James Richie_ was Clerk, who hath frequently written upon the margine of the saids two last books, and subscribed the said margine with his hand-writing. And the fifth book being the greatest Volume, containing the acts of the generall Assembly, from the year of God 1560. to the year 1590. which agreeth with the foresaids other foure books and registers, in so far as is extant in them, and further recordeth, what is wanting by them, passing by what is mutilate in them, and which with the two Volumes produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_ from the year 1590. to this present, maketh up a perfect register.

I. For the first two Volumes subscribed by _Ionn Gray_, albeit it be not necessar in such antiquietie to proove that he was Clerk, seeing he designes himself so by his subscription, yet the same is manifest by an act mentioned in the third book, in the time of _Master James Richie_, who succeeded him in the said office, and his hand-writ was acknowledged by sundry old men in the ministery.

II. The uniformitie of his subscriptions through both Volumes, evident by ocular inspection above the ordinarie custome of most famous Notars, delivers the same from all suspicion _in facto tam antiquo_.

III. There be many coppies, specially of general acts, yet extant, which do not debord from the saids registers, but are altogether agreeable thereto.

IV. It is constant by the universal custome of this Kingdome, that all registers are transmitted from one keeper to his successour; and so comming by progresse and succession from the first incumbent to the last possessour, are never doubted to be the registers of that judicatorie, whereof the last haver was Clerk; and therefore it is evident, that these books comming successfulie from _John Gray_, _Master James Richie_, and _Master Thomas Nicolson_, who were all Clerks to the Assembly, into the hands of _Master Robert Winrame_, who was constitute Clerk depute by the said _Master Robert Nicolson_ (as his deputation here present to show, will testifie) are the undoubted registers of the Assembly: like as _Alexander Blair_ succeeded the said _Master Robert_ in his place of Clerkship to the assignations and modifications of Ministers stipends; and during _Master Robert_ his life-time, was his actual servant, and so had the said books by progresse from him, which the said _Alexander_’s readie presently to testifie.

V. The two registers of _Master James Richie_, albeit not under his own hand, yet are frequently margined with his own hand-writ, and the same marginal additions subscribed by him, which hand-writ is seen and cognosced by famous men, who knoweth the same, and it is evident, being compared with his several writings and subscriptions yet extant.

VI. The said registers are more perfect, lesse vitiated, scored, and interlined, then any other authentick and famous registers of the most prime judicatories within this Kingdom:

VII. _Master Thomas Sandilands_, in name of his father, who was late Clerk by dimution of _Master Thomas Nicolson_, hath produced a Volume, which proveth the saids two registers of _Master James Richie_ to be sufficient records; because that same Volume is begun by that same hand, whereby the said _Master James Richie_ his registers are written, and is subscribed once in the margine by _Master James Richie_ his hand, and followed forth, and continued in the same book by _Master Thomas Nicolson_, who succeeded him in the place, and was known by most men here present to be of such approven worth and credit, that he would never have accomplished a register which had not been famous and true: and whereof the hand-write, had not then been known to him sufficiently.

VIII. That register produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_, and prosecuted by _Master Thomas Nicolson_, proves the first part of that register to be true and famous, and that first part being by ocular inspection of the same hand writ, with _Master James Richies_ registers, and subscribed in the margine with the same hand writ, proveth _Richies_ two books to be good records, and _Richies_ registers doth approve _Grays_ books by the act of Assembly before written: specially considering the same hath come by progresse and succession of Clerks, in the hands of _Alexander Blair_, now living, and here present.

IX. The compts anent the thirds of benefices between the Regent for the time, and the Assembly, in the second volume, pag. 147. are subscribed by the Lord Regents own hand, as appeareth: for it is a royall-like subscription, and there is no hand writ in all the book like unto it, and beareth not _Sic subscribitur_, which undoubtedly it would do, if it were a coppie.

X. _Master Iames Carmichell_ was commanded by the generall Assembly 1595, Sess. 9, in the book produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_, to extract the generall acts forth of their books; and it is evident that these books are the same which he perused for that effect, because he hath marked therein the generall acts with a crosse, and hath designed the act by some short expression upon the margine, which is cognosed and known to be his hand writ, by famous and worthy persons: which is also manifest by the said _Master James_ his hand and subscription, written with his own hand in the last leafe of the said books; as also acknowledged in the said book, produced by _Master Thomas Sandilands_, wherein the said _Master James Carmichell_ granteth the receipt of these, with some other books of the Assemblies.

XI. The registers produced, are the registers of the Assembly, because in _Anno_ 1586, the Assembly complaineth that their registers are mutilate: which hath relation to _Richies_ third book, which is lacerat and mutilate in divers places without any interveening of blank paper, or any mention of _hic deese_.

XII. If these were not principall registers, the enemies of the puritie of Gods worship, would never have laboured to destroy the same which notwithstanding they have done; as appeareth by the affixing and battering of a piece of paper upon the margine, anent a condition of the commission not to exceed the established discipline of this Kirk; subscribed by the Clerk, book 3, pag. 147, and the blotting out the certification of the excommunication against Bishop _Adamson_, book 4, pag. 30, who in his Recantation generally acknowledgeth the same: but which, without that recantation, cannot be presupposed to have been done, but by corrupt men of intention to corrupt the books, which were not necessary, if they were not principall registers.

XIII. In the Assembly 1596, the Church complained upon the Chancelour his retention of their registers, & desired they might be delivered to their Clerk, which accordingly was done; as a memorandum before the beginning of the first book, bearing the redeliverie of these foure books to _Master James Richie_, clerk proporteth; which clearly evinceth that those foure books are the registers of the Assembly.

XIV. The said fifth book and greatest Volume, is also marked on the margine, with the hand-writ of the said _Master James Carmichell_; (which is cognosced) who was appointed to peruse the books of the Assembly as said is, and would not have margined the same by vertue of that command, nor extracted the general acts out of it, if it were not an approbation therof, as an authentick and famous book.

XV. The said fifth Volume doth agree with the other foure books; in all which is extant in them, and marketh the blanks, which are lacerate and riven out of the same; and compleateth all what is lacking in them.

XVI. In the book of Discipline pertaining to _Master James Carmichel_, superscribed by himself, and _Master James Richie_, there are sundry acts and passages quoted out of the said fifth great Volume, saying, It is written in such a page of the book of the Assembly, which agreeth in subject and quotation with the said fifth book, and cannot agree with any other; so that _Master James Carmichel_ reviser of the Assembly books, by their command, would not alledge that book, nor denominate the same a book of the Assembly, if it were not an authentick famous book.

XVII. Though the corrupt nature of man hath been tempted to falsifie particular evidents, yet it hath never been heard that any whole register hath ever been counterfeited; neither can it bee presupposed that any will attempt that high wickednesse, seeing the inducements anwerable to that crime, can hardly be presupposed.

XVIII. It is certain, and notour to all these who are intrusted with the keeping of the publick records of the Kingdome, that the same are never subscribed by the Clerk, but only written and filled up by servants, and most frequently by unknown hands, yet they and the extracts thereof make publick faith, and the same are uncontrovertedly authentick registers; and when the most publick registers of the Kingdom shall be seen, and compared with these registers of the Assembly, it shall be found that these other registers of the most soveraigne judicatories ever unsubscribed are more incorrect, oftner margined, scored, and interlined, made up by greater diversitie of unknown hand writs, than these books of the Assembly, which by special providence are preserved so intire, that in the judgement of any man acquainted with registers, they will manifestly appear at the very sight to be true, famous, and authentick.

XIX. The fame and credit of ancient registers in this Kingdome, is so much reverenced that if any extract be different or discontinuous from the register, that extract albeit subscribed by the person who for the time had been of greatest eminence in the trust of registers, will be rectified, conform to the register, and have no force, so far as it debordeth therefrom; although the registers be written with an obscure, unknown hand, and unsubscribed.

Act. Sess. 12. December fourth.

_The six late pretended Assemblies condemned._

Anent the report of the Committie, for trying the six last pretended Assemblies: They produced in writ sundrie reasons, clearing the unlawfulnesse and nullitie of these Assemblies; which were confirmed by the registers of the Assembly, the books of Presbyteries, the Kings Majesties own letters, and by the testimonie of divers old reverend Ministers, standing up in the Assembly, and verifying the truth thereof. The Assembly with the universall consent of all, after the serious examination of the reasons against every one of these six pretended Assemblies apart, being often urged by the Moderatour, to informe themselves thoroughly, that without doubting, and with a full perswasion of minde, they might give their voices, declared all these six Assemblies of _Linlithgow_ 1606. and 1608, _Glasgow_ 1610, _Aberdeen_ 1616, St. _Andrews_ 1617, _Perth_ 1618. And every one of them to have been from the beginning unfree, unlawfull, and null Assemblies, and never to have had, nor hereafter to have any Ecclesiasticall authoritie, and their conclusions to have been, and to bee of no force, vigour, nor efficacie: Prohibited all defence and observance of them, and ordained the reasons of their nullitie to be insert in the books of the Assembly: _Whereof the tennour followeth._

_Reasons annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Linlithgow, 1606.

I. From the indiction of it. It was indicted the third of _December_ to bee kept the tenth of _December_. And so there was no time given to the Presbyteries, far distant, neither for election of Commissioners nor for preparation to those who were to be sent in Commission. The shortnesse of the time of the indiction is proved by the Presbyterie books of _Edinburgh_, _Perth_, and _Hadingtonn_, &c.

II. From the want of a lawfull calling, to these who went to the meeting, seeing they were not at all elected by their Presbyteries, but were injoyned to come by the Kings letters. This also is proved by the foresaids books of the Presbyteries, and by his Majesties letters.

III. From the nature of that meeting, which was only a private meeting, or convention, for consultation to be taken by some persons of sundry estates written for, as the Kings letters and the Presbyterie books do acknowledge.

IV. From the power of those ministers who were present. Their Presbyteries did limitate them: First, That they should give no suffrages in that meeting as a generall Assembly. Secondly, That they agree to nothing that may any wayes be prejudiciall to the acts of the generall Assemblies, or to the established discipline of the Kirk. Thirdly, That they should not agree to resolve or conclude any question, article, or mater whatsoever, the decision whereof is pertinent, and proper to a free generall Assembly. Fourthly, If any thing be concluded contrary thereunto, that they protest against it. These limitations are clear by the Presbyterie books.

V. The acts of this meeting were not insert in the book of Assemblies, as is evident by the register.

VI. The next pretended Assembly at _Linlithgow_, 1608, doth acknowledge the Assembly, Whereof _Master Patrick Galloway_ was Moderatour, to have been the last immediate Assembly, preceding it selfe: and that Assembly whereof he was moderatour, was the Assembly holden at _Halyroodhouse_, 1602. So they did not acknowledge that meeting at _Linlithgow_, 1606. for any Assembly at all. This is clear by the registers of the Assembly, 1608, in the entrie thereof.

_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Linlithgow, 1608.

I. Manie of the voters in that pretended Assembly had no lawfull commission from the Kirk, to wit, 42 Noble men, officers of state, councellours, and Barrons, also the Bishops, contrare to the act of _Dundie_, 1597. And one of their caveats, the Noble men, were as commissioners from the King, the Bishops had no commission at all from the Presbyterie, for every Presbyterie out of which they came, had their full number of Commissioners beside them, as the register of the Assembly beareth.

II. In a lawfull Assembly there should be none but Commissioners from Presbyteries, Burghs, and Universities, and but three ministers at most, with one Elder, Commissioners from every Presbyterie, according to the act made at _Dundie_, 1597. But in that pretended Assembly, there were foure ministers from the severall Presbyteries, of _Edinburgh_, and _Cowper_, five from the Presbyteries of _Arbroth_, as the roll of the said pretended Assembly beareth, whereas there were no ruling Elders sent from Presbyteries, according to the book of policie and act of _Dundie_.

_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Glasgow, 1610.

I. The Commission of the pretended Commissioners to the meeting was null. 1. Because the election of them was not free, seeing they were nominate by the Kings Letters, as the Presbyterie books of _Edinburgh, Perth_, and _Hadingtoun_ declare. And the Bishop of St. _Andrews_ in his letter to some Presbyteries required them to send such commissioners as the King had nominate: assuring them, that none other would be accepted. This the Bishops letter registered in the Presbyterie books of _Hadingtoun_ doth cleare. 2. And whereas there were no ruling Elders sent from the Presbyteries to that pretended Assembly, as the roll of Commissioners sheweth; yet there were moe ministers from undue severall Presbyteries then three, as five from _Brechen_, five from _Arbroth_, five from _Kirkenbright_, seven from the Presbytery of _Argyl_, foure from the Presbyterie of _Cowper_, foure from _Linlithgow_, foure from _Pasley_, foure from _Hammilton_, foure from _Drumfreis_, foure from _Dunkell_: as the register of that Assembly beareth.

II. There where thirtie voters of Noble men and Barrons, beside the pretended Bishops, who had no commission from any Presbyterie. In the fourth Session of this pretended Assembly it is plainly said, That the Noble men and Barrons came to it by the Kings direction.

III. The voting of the commissioners was not free: for by the Kings Letter to the Assembly they were threatned, and it was declared that their content was not needfull to any act to be made there: The King might doe it by his own power, yet they were allured to vote by a promise that their good service in so doing should be remembred and rewarded thereafter.

IV. The principall acts which were made, were set down _verbatim_ in the privie conference, which chiefly consisted of the Kings Commissioners and pretended Bishops, and only read to be ratified in the Assembly.

V. Sundrie ministers then present, doe now declare, that they knew the ministers who voted the wrong way, to have received their present reward, and that money was largely dealt unto them.

_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1616.

I. There was no election of a Moderatour: but that place usurped by the pretended Bishop of Saint _Andrews_, as the Register beareth.