_3. Februar. 1645. Die Lunae, Post meridiem._ Sess. 10.

_Act of the Generall a.s.sembly of the Kirk of Scotland, for the establishing and putting in execution of the_ Directory _for the publick Worship of G.o.d._

Whereas an happy Unity and Uniformity in Religion amongst the Kirks of Christ in these three Kingdoms; united under one Soveraigne, hath been long and earnestly wished for by the G.o.dly and well-affected amongst us, was propounded as a main Article of the large Treaty, without which Band and Bulwark no safe well-grounded and lasting Peace could be expected; And afterward with greater strength and maturity, revived in the Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdomes; whereby they stand straitly obliged to endeavour the neerest Uniformity in one forme of Church-government, Directory of Worship, Confession of Faith, and forme of Catechising: Which hath also before and since our entring into that Covenant, been the matter of many Supplications and Remonstrances and sending Commissioners to the Kings Majestie, of Declarations to the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_, and of Letters to the Reverend a.s.sembly of Divines, and others of the Ministerie of the Kirk of _England_, being also the end of our sending Commissioners, as was desired from this Kirk, with Commission to treat of Uniformitie in the foure particulars afore-mentioned, with such Committees as should be appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of _England_, and by the a.s.sembly of Divines sitting at Westminster: And beside all this, it being in point of conscience the chief motive and end of our adventuring upon manifold and great hazards, for quenching the devouring flame of the present unnaturall and b.l.o.o.d.y Warre in _England_, though to the weakning of this Kingdome within it self, and the advantage of the Enemy which hath invaded it, accounting nothing too dear to us, so that this our joy be fulfilled. And now this great Work being so far advanced, that a Directory for the publick Worship of G.o.d in all the three Kingdomes, being agreed upon by the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of _England_, after consultation with the Divines of both Kingdomes there a.s.sembled, and sent to us for our Approbation, that being also agreed upon by this Kirk and Kingdome of _Scotland_, it may be in the name of both Kingdomes presented to the King, for his Royal consent and Ratification. The General a.s.sembly having most seriously considered, revised, and examined the Directory afore mentioned, after several publick readings of it, after much deliberation, both publickly, and in private Committees, after full liberty given to all to object against it, and earnest, invitations of all who have any scruples about it to make known the same; that they might be satisfied, Do unanimously, and without a contrary Voice, Agree to, and Approve the following directory, in all the Heads thereof, together with the Preface set before it: And doth require, decerne, and ordain, That according to the plain tenour and meaning thereof, and the intent of the Preface, it be carefully and uniformly observed and practised by all the Ministers and others within this Kingdome, whom it doth concerne; which practice shall be begun, upon Intimation given to the several Presbyteries, from the Commissioners of this General a.s.sembly, who shall also take special care for the timeous Printing of this Directory, that a printed Copy of it, be provided and kept for the use of every Kirk in this Kingdome; Also that each Presbyterie have a printed Copy thereof for their use, and take special notice of the Observation or neglect thereof in every Congregation within their bounds, and make known the same to the Provincial or General a.s.sembly, as there shall be cause. Provided alwayes, that the Clause in the Directory, of the Administration of the Lords Supper, which mentioneth the communicants sitting about the Table, or at it, be not interpreted, as if in the judgement of this Kirk, it were indifferent and free for any of the Communicants, nor to come to, and receive at the Table; or as if we did approve the distributing of the Elements by the Minister to each Communicant, and not by the Communicants among themselves. It is also provided, That this shall be no prejudice to the order and practice of this Kirk, in such particulars as are appointed by the Books of Discipline, and Acts of General a.s.semblies, and are not otherwise ordered and appointed in the Directory,

Finally, the a.s.sembly doth with much joy and thankfulnes acknowledge the rich blessing and invaluable mercy of G.o.d, in bringing the so much wished for uniformity in Religion, to such a happy Period, that these Kingdoms once at so great distance in the form of Worship, are now by the blessing of G.o.d brought to a neerer Uniformity than any other Reformed Kirks, which is unto us the return of our Prayers, and a lightning of our Eyes, and reviving of our hearts, in the midst of our many sorrows and sufferings, a taking away in a great measure, the reproach of the People of G.o.d, to the stopping of the mouthes of Malignant and dis-affected persons, and an opening unto us a door of hope, that G.o.d hath yet thoughts of Peace towards us, and not of evil, to give us an expected end: In the expectation and confidence whereof we do rejoyce, beseeching the Lord to preserve these Kingdomes from Heresies, Schismes, Offences, Prophanesse, and whatsoever is contrary to sound Doctrine, and the power of G.o.dlinesse, and to continue with us and the generations following, these his pure and purged Ordinances, together with an increase of the power and life thereof, To the glory of his great Name, the enlargement of the Kingdom of his Son, the corroboration of Peace and Love between the Kingdoms, the unity and content of all his People, and our edifying one another in love.

_The_ Directory _for Worship, mentioned in the preceeding Act, needs not to be here printed, because it is to be printed in a Book by it self._

_7. February, 1645. Post meridiem._ Sess. 14.

_Overtures for advancement of Learning and good Order in Grammar Schools and Colledges._

I. That every Grammar School be visited twice in the year by Visitors, to be appointed by the Presbyterie and Kirk-Session in Landward Parishes, and by the Town-Councel in Burghs, with their Ministers; and where Universities are, by the Universities, with consent alwayes of the Patrons of the School, that both the fidelitie and diligence of the Masters, and the proficiencie of the Schollars in Pietie and Learning may appear, and deficiencie censured as well; And that the Visitors see that the Masters be not attracted by any other imployments, which may divert them their diligent attendance.

II. That for the remedie of the great decay of Poesie, and of abilitie to make Verse, and in respect of the common ignorance of Prosodie, no School-master be admitted to teach a Grammar School, in Burghs, or other considerable Paroches, but such as after examination, shall be found skilfull in the Latine Tongue, not only for Prose, but also for Verse; And that after other trials to be made by the Ministers, and others depute by the Session, Town, and Paroch for this effect, that he be also approven by the Presbyterie.

III. That neither the Greek Language, nor Logick, nor any part of Philosophie be taught in any Grammar School, or private place within this Kingdom, to young Schollers, who thereafter are to enter to any Colledge, unlesse it be for a preparation to their entrie there: And notwitstanding of any progresse, any may pretend to have made privately in these studies, yet in the Colledge hee shall not enter to any higher Cla.s.se, then that wherein the Greek Language is taught, and being entred, shall proceed orderly through the rest of the Cla.s.ses, until he finish the Ordinary course of four years: Unlesse after due triall and examination, he be found equall in Learning, to the best or most part of that cla.s.se, to which he desires to ascend, by over-leaping a mid-Cla.s.se, or to the best or most part of those who are to be graduat, if he supplicate to obtain any degree before the ordinary time. And also, That there be found other pregnant reasons to move the faculty of Arts to condescend thereto; And otherwise that he be not admitted to the Degree of Master of Arts.

IV. That none be admitted to enter a Student of the Greek tongue in any Colledge, unlesse after triall he be found able to make a congruous Theame in Latine, or at least, being admonished of his errour, can readily shew how to correct the same.

V. That none be promoved from an inferiour Cla.s.s of the ordinary course to a superiour, unlesse he be found worthy, and to have sufficiently profited: otherwise, that he be ordained not to ascend with his con-disciples, and if he be a Burser, that he lose his Burse. And namely, it is to be required, That those who are taught in _Aristotle_, be found well instructed in his Text, and be able to report in Greek, and understand his whole definitions, divisions, and princ.i.p.all precepts, so far as they have proceeded.

VI. Because it is a disgrace to Learning, and hinderance to Trades and other Callings, and an abuse hurtfull to the Publick, that such as are ignorant and unworthy, be honoured with a Degree or publick Testimony of Learning; That therefore such triall be taken of Students, specially of Magistrands, that those who are found unworthy, be not admitted to the Degree and honour of Masters.

VII. That none who have entred to one Colledge for triall or studie, be admitted to another Colledge, without the Testimonial of the Masters of that Colledge wherein he entred first, both concerning his Literature, and dutifull behaviour, so long as he remained there: at least, untill the Masters of that Colledge from whence he cometh, be timely advertised, that they may declare if they have any thing lawfully to be objected in the contrary. And that none be admitted, promoved, or receive Degree in any Colledge, who was rejected in another Colledge for his unfitnesse and unworthinesse, or any other cause repugnant to good Order, who leaves the Colledge where he was for eschewing of Censure, or chastising for any fault committed by him; or who leaves the Colledge because he was chastised, or for any other grudge or injust Quarrell against his Masters.

VIII. That none of those who may be lawfully received in one Colledge, after he was in another, be admitted to any other Cla.s.se, but to that wherein he was or should have been in the Colledge from whence he came, except upon reasons mentioned in the third Article preceding.

IX. That at the time of every Generall a.s.sembly, the Commissioners directed thereto, from all the Universities of this Kingdom, Meet and consult together, for the establishment and advancement of Pietie, Learning, and good Order in the Schools and Universities, and be carefull that a correspondence be kept among the Universities, and so farre as is possible, an Uniformitie in Doctrine and good Order.

_The Generall a.s.sembly, after serious consideration of the Overtures and Articles above written, Approves the same, and ordains them to be observed, and to have the strength of an Act and Ordinance of a.s.sembly in all time-coming._

_The Humble Pet.i.tion the Generall a.s.sembly of the Kirk of_ Scotland.

To the Honourable and High Court of Parliament.

According to the constant and commendable practice of the Generall a.s.semblies of this Kirk, Wee judge it inc.u.mbent to us, Right Honourable, when the displeasure of the Almighty, and the extream danger of this Kirk and Kingdome is so undenyably demonstrate to the eyes of the whole World, by the Invasion, Increase, and Successe of these Barbarous Irishes, and treacherous Countrey-men joyned with them (Not onely out of conscience of the trust committed unto us), To proceed with the censures of the Kirk, against these who have joyned, or shall happen to joyne themselves with these Enemies of G.o.d and his Cause, To appoint a Solemne Fast and Humiliation through the Kingdom, and to give Warning to all the Ministers and Members of this Kirk of the dangers and duties of the time; But also, out of respect to your Honours, _who judge not for man, but for the Lord: Who is with you in the Judgement: and standeth in the Congregation of the mighty_: Humbly to present your Honours with our thoughts and desires concerning the duties which the exigency of this time expecteth from your hands.

The impunity of known Incendiaries and Malignants, as by the course of Divine providence (permitting those who have formerly escaped the hand of Justice to be the prime instruments of our present Troubles) it is held forth for a cause of the Wrath which yet burneth more and more; So hath it been acknowledged before G.o.d in our publick Humiliations, to be a maine cause of G.o.dS Controversie with the Land, and an accession to the guiltinesse of the cruelty, villainy, and other mischiefs committed by them and their followers: And to lye still under the guilt after solemne Confession, were an high provocation of G.o.d, and an heavy aggravation of our sinne; And on the one part, doth grieve the G.o.dly, discourage their hearts, and weaken their hands, On the other part, doth harden them who are already engaged, to persist in their unnaturall and bloudy practices, heartneth others, who have not hitherto avowed their Malignancy, openly to declare themselves, and is laid hold upon by the disaffected, who lye in wait to finde occasions, as fitting to work the People to an unwillingnesse of undergoing necessary Burthens imposed for publick good.

Although the Lord hath shewn unto us great and sore Troubles, and our heart may be broken with reproach, shame, and dishonour, put upon us by the vilest among men; Yet hath he made known unto us the power of his working amidst these manifold troubles, bringing forward the much desired Work of Uniformity in Worship and Government to a greater perfection then was expected (as your Honours and wee did see the other day with joy of heart) which is a Testimony from Heaven, That the Lord hath not left us in the fiery Furnace, but dwelleth still in the midst of the burning Bush, and should rouze up our drouping spirits to follow G.o.d fully, and quicken our slownesse to hasten and _help the Lord against the mighty_. In delay there is perill of strengthening the arme of the intestine Enemie, making faint the hearts of our Neighbours and Friends, and disabling us for reaching help unto those who are wrestling against much opposition to perfect the Work of Reformation. The reproach under which we lye almost buried, should bee so farre from r.e.t.a.r.ding proceedings, that it should insend the Spirit into a higher degree of desire, and expede the hand to speedier action for vindicating our own name, and _that Name which is above all names_ from the daily _reproach of the foolish_.

May it therefore please your Honours, in the zeal of the Lord, To proceed with some speedy course of Justice against such persons as are known to have joyned themselves, either actually in Arms, or by their counsell, supplies, encouragements, have strenghtened the hands of the b.l.o.o.d.y Enemies, whereby a cause of the Controversie shall be removed, the Land cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, the cruell and crooked generation disheartned, the fainting hearts of the G.o.dly refreshed, and their feeble knees strengthened; And cheerfully and unanimously to resolve upon, and put in execution all lawfull and possible wayes of speedy and active pursuing and extirpating these barbarous and unnaturall Enemies within the Kingdom: Whereby your thankfulnesse to G.o.d for promoving his owne Work, and your endeavours of uniformity, shall be testified; your sense of the dishonour of this Nation, and of the danger of delay expressed; and your conscience of the Oath of G.o.d upon you manifested. Wee are confident of your Honours conscience, and care, onely we exhort you in the Lord, to unite your Spirits and accelerate your counsels and endeavours: And pray the Lord of Hosts to prosper your enterprises, according to the engagement of his Name, interest of his Work, and necessity of his People, to his own glory, the establishment of the Kings Throne in righteousnesse, the comfort of his Saints, and the conversion or confusion of Enemies. _Be of good courage, and behave your selves valiantly, for our people, and for the cities of our G.o.d. Arise, and the Lord be with you._

_Overtures propounded by the Committee, appointed by this venerable a.s.sembly, for ordering of the Bursars of Theologie, and maintaining of them at Schools of Divinitie._

I. That every Bursar have yearly payed him for his maintenance 100. l. at the least.

II. That the said maintenance be taken forth of the Kirk penalties, according to the intention of the first Act for maintaining of Bursars.

III. That every Presbyterie consisting of twelve Kirks in number, maintain a Bursar yearly at the University.

IV. And where the Presbyteries are fewer in number, that they joyne with other Presbyteries to make up their number: And the superplus of the number to be ordered and disposed by the Presbyteries and Synods: And that their Books bear Records thereof.

V. That the Kirks of these Presbyteries be proportionally stented according to the number of the communicants in each Parochin.

VI. That the said maintenance be collected by the Moderatour of every Presbyterie, by equall divided portions, and the one half to be brought in to the Winter Synod, and given to the said Bursars, and the other half at the Summer Synod, to be sent unto them: And that the severall Synods take an exact compt hereof, and see that all be rightly done, and that their Books bear the report hereof to the Generall a.s.sembly.

VII. That the time of Bursars abode at the Schools of Divinity exceed not foure years: which being expired, or in case before the expiring of the said time, any be removed either by death, or by some Calling to a particular Charge, another be presented to the said Benefit.

VIII. That in case any prove deficient in payment of the said maintenance for the time to come, That it shall be carefully exacted by the Synods, and sent over to the General a.s.sembly, to be disposed upon by them, as they shall finde expedient; that no Person may have benefit in their slacknesse and neglect.

IX. That all Bursars of Theologie bring sufficient Testimonies yearly from the Universities where they are bred, of their proficiencie and good behaviour: And that they be also ready to give a proof of their labours at the severall Synods, if it shall be required. And if they be found deficient, that they be denuded of the said benefit, and others more hopefull placed in their rooms.

_The General a.s.sembly approves these Overtures above-written, And Ordains the same to be observed in all time coming. And that Presbyteries (who have not already done it) begin and enter to the maintaining of their Bursars, in manner foresaid, in this present year 1645. And recommends to Presbyteries, to make choice of such for the Burse, as are of good report, inclined to Learning, and have past their course of Philosophie, And to try their qualifications before they send them to Universities._

_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._

I. It is the Humble Opinion of the Committee for regulating that Excercise of reading and expounding the Scriptures read upon the Lords Day, mentioned in the Directory, That the Minister and People repair to the Kirk, half an hour before that time at which ordinarily the Minister now entreth to the publick Worship; And that, that Exercise of reading and expounding, together with the ordinary Exercise of Preaching, be perfected and ended at the time which formerly closed the Exercise of publick Worship.

II. In the Administration of Baptisme, it will be convenient, That, that Sacrament be administred in face of the Congregation, that what is spoken and done, may be heard and seen of all, and that it be administred after the Sermon, before the Blessing.

III. In the Administration of the Lords Supper, it is the judgement of the Committee.