The Preface.

JEsus Christ, upon whose shoulders the Government is, whose name is called [Isa. 9.6,7,] Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of peace, of the encrease of whose Government and Peace there shall be no end, who sits upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with Judgment and Justice, from henceforth even forever, having all {2} power given unto him in Heaven and in Earth by the Father, who raised him from the dead and set him at his own Right Hand, far above all Principalities and Power, and Might and Dominion, and every Name that is named, not only in this World, but also in that which is to come, and put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things, to the Church, which is his Body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all; He being ascended up far above all Heavens, that he might fill all things, received gifts for his Church, and gave officers necessary for the edification of his Church, and perfecting of his Saints. [Matth. 28.18-20. Eph. 1.20-23. Compared with Eph. 4.8,11, and Psalm 68.18.]

Of the Church.

THere is one General Church visible, held forth in the New Testament, 1 Cor 12.12,13,28, together with the rest of the Chapter.

The Ministry, Oracles, and Ordinances of the New Testament, are given by Jesus Christ to the General Church visible, for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life, until his second coming, 1 Cor. 12.28. Eph. 4.4,5, compared with verses 10-13, 15, 16, of the same Chapter.

Particular visible Churches, Members of the General Church, are also held forth in the New Testament, Gal. 1.21,22. Rev. 1.4,20, and Rev. 2.1.  Particular Churches in the Primitive times were made up of visible Saints, viz. Of such as being of age professed faith in Christ, and obedience unto Christ, according to the rule of Faith and Life, taught by Christ and his Apostles; And of their children, Acts 2.38,41. Acts 2. verse last, {3} compared with Acts 5.14. 1 Cor. 1.2, compared with the 2 Cor 9.13. Acts 2.39. 1 Cor. 7.14. Rom. 11.16, and so forward, Mark 10.14, compared with Matth. 19.13,14. Luke 18.15.16.

Of the Officers of the Church.

THe Officers which Christ hath appointed for the edification of his Church, and the perfecting of the Saints, are,

Some extraordinary, as Apostles, Evangelists, and Prophets, which are ceased.[1]

Others ordinary and perpetual, as Pastors, Teachers, and other Church Governors and Deacons.

Pastors

THe Pastor is an ordinary and perpetual Officer in the Church, Jer. 3.15-17, Prophesying of the time of the Gospel, 1 Pet. 5.2-4. Eph. 4.11-13.

First, it belongs to his office;

To pray for and with his flock, as the mouth of the people unto God, Acts 6.2,3,4. Acts 20.36;  Where Preaching and Prayer are joined as several parts of the same Office, James 5.14,15.  The Office of the Elder, that is, the Pastor, is to pray for the sick, even in private, to which a blessing is especially promised, much more therefore ought he to perform this in the public execution of his Office as a part thereof, 1 Cor. 14. verses 15, 16.

To read the Scripture publicly, for the proof of which; {4}

1. That the Priests and Levites, in the Jewish Church, were trusted with the public reading of the Word, as is proved, Deut. 31.9-11. Nehem. 8.1, 2, and 13.

2. That the Ministers of the Gospel have as ample a Charge and Commission to dispense the Word as well as other Ordinances, as the Priests and Levites had under the Law, proved, Isa. 66.21, Mat. 23.34, where our Saviour intitleth the Officers of the New Testament whom he will send forth by the same names of the teachers of the Old.

Which Propositions prove, that therefore (the duty being of a Moral nature) it followeth by just consequence, that the public reading of the Scriptures belongeth to the Pastor’s Office.

To feed the Flock by Preaching of the Word, according to which he is to teach, convince, reprove, exhort, and comfort, 1 Tim. 3.2. 2 Tim. 3. verses 16,17. Titus 1.9.

To Catechise, which is a plain laying down the first principles of the Oracles of God, Heb. 5.12, or of the Doctrine of Christ, and is a part of Preaching.

To dispense other divine mysteries, 1 Cor. 4.1,2.

To administer the Sacraments, Matth. 28.19,20. Mark 16.15,16. 1 Corinth. 11.23-25, compared with 1 Cor. 10.16.

To bless the People from God, Numb. 6.23-26, compared with Rev. 14.5, (where the same blessings and Persons from whom they come are expressly mentioned) Isaiah 66.21, Where under the names of Priests and Levites to be continued under the Gospel, are meant Evangelical Pastors, who therefore are by Office to bless the People, Deut. 10.8. 2 Cor. 13.14. Epheſ. 1.2. {5}

To take care of the poor, Acts 11.30. Acts 4.34-37. Acts 6.2-4. 1 Cor. 16.1-4. Gal. 2.9,10.

And he hath also a ruling power over the flock as a Pastor, 1 Tim. 5.17. Acts 20.17, and 28. 1 Thess. 5.12. Heb. 13.7,17.

Teacher or Doctor.

THe Scripture doth hold out the name and title of Teacher, as well as of the Pastor, 1 Cor. 12.28. Epheſ. 4.11.

Who is also a Minister of the Word, as well as the Pastor, and hath power of administration of the Sacraments.[2]

The Lord having given different gifts, and divers exercises according to these gifts in the Ministry of the Word, Rom. 12.6-8, 1 Cor. 12.1, 4-7, Though these different gifts may meet in and accordingly be exercised by one and the same Minister, 1 Cor. 14.3, 2 Tim. 4.2, Titus 1.9, yet where be several Ministers in the same Congregation, they may be designed to several employments, according to the different gifts in which each of them doth most excel, Rom. 12.6-8, 1 Pet. 4.10,11, And he that doth more excel in exposition of Scriptures, in teaching sound Doctrine, and in convincing gain-sayers, than he doth in application, and is accordingly employed therein, may be called a Teacher, or Doctor, (the places alledged by the Notation of the Word doth prove the Proposition.)  Nevertheless, where is but one Minister in a particular Congregation, he is to perform, so far as he is able, the whole work of {6} the Ministry, as appeareth in the 2 Tim. 4.2, Titus 1.9, before alledged, 1 Tim. 6.2.

A Teacher or Doctor is of most excellent use in Schools, and Universities, as of old in the Schools of the Prophets, and at Jerusalem, where Gamaliel and others taught as Doctors.

Other Church Governours.

AS there were in the Jewish Church, Elders of the people joined with the Priests and Levites in the Government of the Church (as appeareth in the 2 Chro. 19.8-10,) So Christ, who hath instituted a Government, and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church, hath furnished some in his Church, beside the Ministers of the Word, with gifts for Government, and with commission to execute the same when called thereunto, who are to join with the Minister in the Government of the Church, Rom. 12.7,8, 1 Cor. 12.28, which Officers Reformed Churches commonly call Elders.

Deacons.

THe Scripture doth hold out Deacons as distinct officers in the Church. Phil. 1.1. 1 Tim. 3.8.

Whose office is perpetual, 1 Tim. 3, to verse 15, Acts 6.1-4.  To whose office it belongs not to preach the Word or administer the Sacraments, but to take special care in distributing to the necessities of the poor, Acts 6.1-4, and the verses following. {7}

Of particular Congregations.

IT is lawful and expedient that there be fixed Congregations, that is, a certain company of Christians to meet in one Assembly ordinarily for public worship.  When Believers multiply to such a number that they cannot conveniently meet in one place, It is lawful and expedient that they should be divided into distinct and fixed Congregations, for the better administration of such Ordinances as belong unto them, and the discharge of mutual duties, 1 Cor. 14. verse 26, Let all things be done unto edifying, and verses 33 and 40.

The ordinary way of dividing Christians into distinct Congregations, and most expedient for edification, is by the respective bounds of their dwellings.

First, Because they who dwell together, being bound to all kind of moral duties one to another, have the better opportunity thereby to discharge them; which moral tye is perpetual, for Christ came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfil it. [Deut. 15.7,11; Mat. 22.39; Mat. 5.17.]

Secondly, The Communion of Saints must be so ordered as may stand with the most convenient use of the ordinances, and discharge of Moral duties without respect of Persons, 1 Cor. 14.26, Let all things be done unto edifying. Heb. 10.24,25. Jam. 2.1,2.

Thirdly, The Pastor and People must so nearly cohabit together, as that they may mutually perform their duties each to other with most conveniency.

In this company some must be set apart to bear Office. {8}

Of the Officers of a particular Congregation.

FOr Officers in a single Congregation, there ought to be one at the least, both to labour in the Word and Doctrine, and to Rule, Prov. 29.18. 1 Tim. 5.17. Heb. 13.7.

It is also requisite that there should be others to join in Government, 1 Cor. 12.28.

And likewise it is requisite that there be others to take special care for the relief of the poor, Acts 6.2,3.

The number of each of which is to be proportioned according to the condition of the Congregation.

These Officers are to meet together at convenient and set times, for the well ordering of the affairs of that Congregation, each according to his Office.

It is most expedient that in these meetings, one whose Office is to labour in the Word and Doctrine, do moderate in their proceedings, 1 Tim. 5.17.

Of the ordinances in a particular Congregation.

THe ordinances in a single Congregation are, Prayer, Thanksgiving, and singing of Psalms, 1 Tim. 2. verse 1. 1 Cor. 14, 15, 16.  The word read (although there follow no immediate explication of what is read) the Word expounded and applied, Catechising, the Sacraments administred, Collection made for the poor, dismissing the people with a blessing. {9}

Of Church Government, and the severall sorts of Assemblies for the same.

CHrist hath instituted a Government, and Governours Ecclesiastical in the Church: to that purpose, the Apostles did immediately receive the keys from the hand of Jesus Christ, and did use and exercise them in all the Churches of the World upon all occasions.

And Christ hath since continually furnished some in his Church with gifts of Government, and with commission to execute the same, when called thereunto.

It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God, that the Church be governed by several sorts of Assemblies, which are Congregational, Classical, and Synodical.

Of the power in Common of all these Assemblies.

IT is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God, that the several Assemblies before mentioned have power to convent, and call before them any person within their several bounds, whom the Ecclesiastical business which is before them doth concern; proved by Mat. Chap. 18.

They have power to hear and determine such causes and differences as do orderly come before them.

It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God, that all the said Assemblies have some power to dispense Church censures. {10}

Of Congregationall Assemblies, that is, The meeting of the ruling Officers of a particular Congregation for the Government thereof.

[Of Kirk Sessions or Church Sessions.]

THe ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power authoritatively to call before them any member of the Congregation as they shall see just occasion.

To enquire into the knowledge and spiritual estate of the several members of the Congregation.

To admonish and rebuke.

Which three branches are proved by Heb. 13.17. 1 Thess. 5.12,13. Ezek. 34.4.

Authoritative suspension from the Lord’s Table of a Person not yet cast out of the Church, is agreeable to the Scripture:

First, Because the ordinance itself must not be profaned.

Secondly, Because we are charged to withdraw from these that walk disorderly.

Thirdly, Because of the great sin and danger, both to him that comes unworthily, and also to the whole Church, Mat. 7.6. 2 Thess. 3.6,14,15. 1 Cor. 11.27, to the end of the Chap. compared with Jude verse 23, 1 Tim. 5.22.  And there was power and authority under the Old Testament, to keep unclean persons from holy things, Levit. 13.5. Numb. 9.7. 2 Chro. 23.19. [Ezek. 22.26, compared with 44.23.] {11}

The like Power and Authority, by way of Analogy, continues under the New Testament.

The Ruling Officers of a particular Congregation have power Authoritatively to suspend from the Lord’s Table a Person not yet cast out of the Church:

First, Because those who have Authority to judge of, and admit such as are fit to receive the Sacrament, have Authority to keep back such as shall be found unworthy.

Secondly, Because it is an Ecclesiastical business of ordinary practice belonging to that Congregation.

When Congregations are divided and fixed, they need all mutual help one from another, both in regard of their intrinsical weaknesses and mutual dependence; As also in regard of enemies from without.

Of Classical Assemblies.

[Of Presbyteries.]

THe scripture doth hold out a Presbytery in a church, both in the first Epistle to Timothy, Chap. 4, verse 14, And in Acts 15, verses 2, 4, 6.

A Presbytery consisteth of Ministers of the Word, and such other public Officers as are agreeable to, and warranted by the Word of God, to be Church Governours, to join with the Ministers in the Government of the Church as appeareth, Rom. 12.7,8. 1 Cor. 12.28.

The Scripture doth hold forth, that many particular Congregations may be under one Presbyterial Government.

This proposition is proved by instances:

Of Synodical Assemblies.

THe Scripture doth hold out another sort of Assemblies for the Government of the Church, beside Classical and Congregational, all which we call Synodical, Acts 15.  Pastors and Teachers, and other Church Governours, (as also other fit persons, when it shall be deemed expedient) are members of those Assemblies which we call Synodical, where they have a lawful calling thereunto.

Synodical Assemblies may lawfully be of several sorts, as Provincial, National and Oecumenical.

It is lawful and agreeable to the Word of God, that there be a subordination of Congregational, Classical, Provincial, and National Assemblies for the Government of the Church. {15}

Of ORDINATION of MINISTERS.

UNder the head of Ordination of Ministers is to be considered, either the Doctrine of Ordination, or the Power of it.

Touching the Doctrine of Ordination.

NO man ought to take upon him the office of a Minister of the Word without a lawful calling, John 3.27. Rom. 10.14,15. Jer. 14.14. Heb. 5.4.

Ordination is always to be continued in the Church, Titus 1.5. 1 Tim. 5.21,22.

Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some public Church office, Numb. 8.10, 11, 14, 19, 22. Acts 6.3, 5, 6.

Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands, and Prayer with Fasting, by those Preaching Presbyters, to whom it doth belong, 1 Tim. 5.22. Acts 14.23, and Acts 13.3.

It is agreeable to the Word of God and very expedient, that such as are to be ordained Ministers, be designed to some particular Church, or other Ministerial charge, Acts 14.23. Titus 1.5. Acts 20.17, and 28.

He that is to be ordained Minister, must be duly qualified both for life and Ministerial abilities, according to the Rules of the Apostle, 1 Tim. 3.2-6, and Titus 1.5-9.

He is to be examined & approved by those by whom he is to be ordained, 1 Tim. 3. v. 7, and 10, and Chap. 5. v. 22.

No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation, if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him, 1 Tim. 3.2. Titus 1.7. {16}

Touching the power of Ordination.

ORdination is the act of a Presbytery. 1 Timothy 4.14.

The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination, is in the whole Presbytery, which when it is over more Congregations than one, whether those Congregations be fixed or not fixed, in regard of Officers or Members, It is indifferent as to the point of Ordination, 1 Timothy. 4.14.

It is very requisite that no single Congregation that can conveniently associate, do assume to itself all and sole power in Ordination.

1. Because there is no example in Scripture, that any single Congregation, which might conveniently associate, did assume to itself all and sole power in Ordination; neither is there any rule which may warrant such a practice.

2. Because there is in Scripture example of an Ordination in a Presbytery over divers Congregations; As in the Church of Jerusalem, where were many Congregations, these many Congregations were under one Presbytery, and this Presbytery did ordain.

The Preaching Presbyters orderly associated either in Cities or neighbouring Villages, are those to whom the imposition of Hands doth appertain, for those Congregations within their bounds respectively.

Some other particulars concerning Church Government, do yet remain unfinished, which shall be with all convenient speed prepared and presented to this Honourable House. {17}

1. NO man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Word, without a lawful calling, John 3.27. Rom. 10.14,15. Jer. 14.14. Heb. 5.4.

2. Ordination is always to be continued in the Church, Titus 1.5. 1 Tim. 5.21,22.

3. Ordination is the solemn setting apart of a person to some public Church office, Numb. 8.10, 11, 14, 19, 22. Acts 6.3, 5, 6.

4. Every Minister of the Word is to be ordained by imposition of hands and prayer, with fasting, by these Preaching Presbyters to whom it doth belong, 1 Tim. 5.22. Acts 14.23. Acts 13.3.

5. The power of ordering the whole work of Ordination, is in the whole Presbytery, which, when it is over more Congregations than one, whether those Congregations {18} be fixed, or not fixed, in regard of Officers or Members, it is indifferent as to the point of Ordination, 1 Tim. 4.14.

6. It is agreeable to the Word, and very expedient, that such as are to be ordained Ministers, be designed to some particular Church, or other Ministerial charge, Acts 14.23. Titus 1.5. Acts 20.17, and 28.

7. He that is to be ordained Minister, must be duly qualified, both for life and Ministerial abilities, according to the rules of the Apostle, 1 Tim. 3.2-6. Titus 1.5-9.

8. He is to be examined, and approved by those by whom he is to be ordained, 1 Tim. 3.7, 10. 1 Tim. 5.22.

9. No man is to be ordained a Minister for a particular Congregation, if they of that Congregation can shew just cause of exception against him, 1 Tim. 3.2. Titus 1.7.

10. Preaching Presbyters orderly associated, either in Cities, or Neighbouring Villages, are those to whom the imposition of hands doth appertain, for those Congregations within their bounds respectively, 1 Tim. 4.14.

11. In extraordinary cases, something extraordinary may be done, until a settled order may be had, yet keeping as near as possible may be to the Rule, 2 Chro. 29.34-36. 2 Chron. 30.2-5.

12. There is at this time (as we humbly conceive) an extraordinary occasion for a way of Ordination for the present supply of Ministers. {19}

The Directory for Ordination of Ministers.

IT being manifest by the Word of God, that no man ought to take upon him the Office of a Minister of the Gospel, until he be lawfully called and ordained thereunto; And that the work of Ordination is to be performed with all due care, wisdom, gravity, and solemnity; we humbly tender these directions as requisite to be observed.

1. First, He that is to be ordained, being either nominated by the People, or otherwise commended to the Presbytery for any place, must address himself to the Presbytery, and bring with him a Testimonial of his taking the Covenant of the three Kingdoms, of his diligence and proficiency in his Studies; What degrees he hath taken in the University, and what hath been the time of his abode there; and withal of his age, which is to be twenty four years; but especially of his life and conversation.

2. Which being considered by the Presbytery, they are to proceed, to enquire touching the Grace of God in him, and whether he be of such holiness of life as is requisite in a Minister of the Gospel; and to examine him touching his learning and sufficiency, and touching the evidences of his calling to the holy Ministry, and, in particular, his fair and direct calling to that place.

3. In all which he being approved, he is to be sent to the Church where he is to serve, there to Preach three several days, and to converse with the People, that they may have trial of his Gifts for their edification, and may have time and occasion to enquire into, and the better to know his life and conversation.

4. In the last of these three days appointed for the trial of his gifts in Preaching, there shall be sent from the Presbytery to the Congregation, a public intimation in writing, which shall be publicly read before the People; And after affixed to the Church door, to signify, that such a day, a competent number of the Members of that Congregation, nominated by themselves, shall appear before the Presbytery, to give their consent and approbation to such a man to be their Minister, or otherwise, to put in with all Christian discretion and meekness, what exceptions they have against him; and if upon the day appointed, there be no just exception against him, but the People give their consent, then the Presbytery shall proceed to Ordination.

5. Upon the day appointed for Ordination, which is to be performed in that Church where he that is to be ordained is to serve, a solemn Fast shall be kept by the Congregation, that they may the more earnestly join in Prayer, for a blessing upon the Ordinance of Christ, and the labours of his Servant for their good.  The {22} Presbytery shall come to the place, or at least three or four Ministers of the Word shall be sent thither from the Presbytery; Of which one appointed by the Presbytery, shall Preach to the People concerning the office and duty of Ministers of Christ, and how the People ought to receive them for their work’s sake.

6. After the Sermon, the Minister who hath Preached shall in the face of the Congregation, demand of him who is now to be ordained, concerning his faith in Christ Jesus, and his persuasion of the truth of the Reformed Religion according to the Scripture; His sincere intentions and ends in desiring to enter into this Calling; His diligence in Praying, Reading, Meditation, Preaching, Ministering the Sacraments, Discipline, and doing all Ministerial duties towards his Charge; His Zeal and Faithfulness in maintaining the Truth of the Gospel, and Unity of the Church against Errour and Schism; His care that himself and his Family may be unblameable, and examples to the Flock; His willingness and humility in meekness of Spirit, to submit unto the admonitions of his Brethren and Discipline of the Church; And his resolution to continue in his duty against all trouble and persecution.

7. In all which having declared himself, professed his willingness, and promised his endeavours by the help of God; The Minister likewise shall demand of the People, concerning their willingness to receive and acknowledge him as the Minister of Christ, and to obey and submit unto him, as having rule over them in the Lord, and to maintain, encourage, and assist him in all the parts of his Office.

8. Which being mutually promised by the People, the {23} Presbytery or the Ministers sent from them for Ordination, shall solemnly set him apart to the Office and Work of the Ministry, by laying their hands on him, which is to be accompanied with a short Prayer or Blessing to this effect,

   Thankfully acknowledging the great mercy of God, in sending Jesus Christ for the Redemption of his People, and for his ascension to the right hand of God the Father, and thence pouring out his Spirit, and giving gifts to Men, Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, Pastors, and Teachers, for the gathering and building up of his Church, and for fitting and inclining this man to this great Work;  [Here let them impose hands on his head.] To entreat him to fit him with his holy Spirit, to give him (who in his Name we thus set apart to this holy Service) to fulfil the Work of his Ministry in all things, that he may both save himself, and his People committed to his charge. [1 Tim. 4.16.]

9. This or the like form of Prayer and Blessing being ended, let the Minister who preached, briefly exhort him to consider of the greatness of his Office and Work, {24} the danger of negligence both to himself and his People, the blessing which will accompany his faithfulness in this life, and that to come;  And withal exhort the People to carry themselves to him as to their Minister in the Lord, according to their solemn promise made before; And so by Prayer commending both him and his Flock to the Grace of God, after singing of a Psalm, let the Assembly be dismissed with a Blessing.

10. If a Minister be designed to a Congregation, who hath been formerly ordained Presbyter according to the form of Ordination which hath been in the Church of England, which we hold for substance to be valid, and not to be disclaimed by any who have received it; Then, there being a cautious proceeding in matters of Examination, let him be admitted, without any new Ordination.

11. And in case any Person already ordained Minister in Scotland or in any other Reformed Church, be designed to another Congregation in England, he is to bring from that Church to the Presbytery here, within which that Congregation is, a sufficient testimonial of his Ordination, of his life and conversation while he lived with them, and of the causes of his removal; And to undergo such a trial of his fitness and sufficiency, and to have the same course held with him in other particulars, as is set down in the rule immediately going before, touching Examination and Admission.

12. That Records be carefully kept in the several Presbyteries, of the names of the Persons ordained with their testimonials, the time and place of their Ordination, of the Presbyters who did impose hands upon them, and of the charge to which they are appointed. {25}

13. That no Money or Gift of what kind soever shall be received from the Person to be ordained, or from any on his behalf for Ordination or ought else belonging to it, by any of the Presbytery, or any appertaining to any of them, upon what pretence soever.

Thus far of ordinary rules and course of Ordination in the ordinary way; That which concerns the extraordinary way, requisite to be now practised, followeth.

1. In these present exigences, while we cannot have any Presbyteries formed up to their whole power and work, and that many Ministers are to be ordained for the service of the Armies and Navy, and to many Congregations where there is no Minister at all; and where (by reason of the public troubles) the people cannot either themselves enquire out and find out one who may be a faithful Minister for them, or have any with safety sent unto them, for such a solemn trial as was before mentioned in the ordinary Rules, especially when there can be no Presbytery near unto them, to whom they may address themselves, or which may come or send to them a fit man to be ordained in that Congregation, and for that people: And yet notwithstanding, it is requisite that Ministers be ordained for them, by some who being set apart themselves for the work of the Ministry, have power to join in the setting apart of others, who are found fit and worthy.  In those cases, until by God’s Blessing the aforesaid difficulties may be in some good measure removed, let some godly Ministers in or about the City of London be designed by public authority, who being associated, may ordain Ministers for the City, {25} and the Vicinity, keeping as near to the ordinary Rules forementioned as possibly they may; And let this association be for no other intent or purpose, but only for the work of Ordination.

2. Let the like association be made by the same authority in great Towns, and the Neighbouring Parishes in the several Counties, which are at the present quiet and undisturbed, to do the like for the parts adjacent.

3. Let such as are chosen or appointed for the service of the Armies or Navy be ordained as aforesaid, by the associated Ministers of London, or some others in the Country.

4. Let them do the like, when any man shall duly and lawfully be recommended to them for the Ministry of any Congregation, who cannot enjoy liberty to have a trial of his parts and abilities, and desire the help of such Ministers so associated, for the better furnishing of them with such a Person as by them shall be judged fit for the service of that Church and People.

FINIS.

[ General Assembly at Edinburgh: ]

10. February 1645. Postmeridiem.

Sess. XVI.

Act of the Generall Aſſembly of the Kirk of

Scotland, Approving the Propositions

concerning Kirk-government and

Ordination of Ministers.

THe General Assembly, being most desirous and solicitous not only of the establishment and preservation of the Form of Kirk-government in this Kingdom, according to the Word of GOD, Books of Discipline, Acts of General Assemblies, and National Covenant; But also of an Uniformity in Kirk-government betwixt these Kingdoms, now more straitly and strongly united by the late Solemn League and Covenant: And considering, That as in former times there did, so hereafter there may arise through the nearness of Contagion, manifold mischiefs to this Kirk from a corrupt Form of Government in the Kirk of England: Likeas the precious opportunity of bringing the Kirks of Christ in all the three Kingdoms to an Uniformity in Kirk-government, being the happiness of the present times above the former; which may also by the blessing of GOD, prove an effectual mean, and a good foundation to prepare for a safe and well-grounded Pacification, by removing the cause from which the present Pressures and bloody Wars did originally proceed: And now the Assembly having thrice read, and diligently examined the Propositions (hereunto annexed) concerning the Officers, Assemblies, and Government of the Kirk; and concerning the Ordination of Ministers, brought unto us as the results of the long and learned Debates of the Assembly of Divines sitting at Westminster, and of the Treaty of Uniformity with the Commissioners of this Kirk there residing; After mature deliberation, and after tymous calling upon, and warning of all who have any exceptions against the same, to make them known, that they might receive satisfaction, Doth Agree to, and Approve the Propositions aforementioned touching Kirk-government and Ordination; and doth hereby Authorise the Commissioners of this Assembly who are to meet at Edinburgh, to agree to, and conclude in the name of this Assembly, an Uniformity betwixt the Kirks in both Kingdoms, in the aforementioned particulars, so soon as the same shall be ratified, without any substantial alteration, by an Ordinance of the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England; Which Ratification shall be timely intimate and made known by the Commissioners of this Kirk residing at London.  Provided always, That this Act shall be no ways prejudicial to the further discussion and examination of that Article, which holds forth, that the Doctor or Teacher, hath power of the administration of the Sacraments as well as the Pastor; As also of the distinct Rights and Interests of Presbyteries and People in the calling of Ministers: But that it shall be free to debate and discuss these points as GOD shall be pleased to give further light.

[ In the original 1645 printing of the Acts of General Assembly, the following note, in large text, was included after the text of the above Act: ]

The Propoſitions of Government, and Ordi­nation mentioned in the preceding Act, are not to be here Printed: but after the Ra­tification thereof by the Parliament of England, they are to be Printed by warrant of the Commiſsioners of this Aſſembly.

[ The above text of the Propositions concerning Church Government, etc., was prepared by taking the scanned text of this document, from the 1773 edition of the Confession, etc. and comparing this against the original 1647 printing published in Scotland after the Propositions were approved by the General Assembly.  Some modernization of language and corrections have been retained.  The single correction that involves a possible alteration of the meaning has been indicated in footnote 3.  Those interested in a more particular notice of variations/alterations, should consult the HTML source of this document and view the occasional HTML comments.    The text of the Act of General Assembly which follows the propositions has been re-typeset according to the text in the original 1645 printing of the Acts of General Assembly.    Footnotes and occasional bracketed text have been supplied by the present editor.

As the English Parliament never did ratify these Propositions, and as the Assembly’s Act only authorized the “Concluding” of “Uniformity” on this basis as dependent on the English ratification, it is therefore important to keep in mind that the actual Form of Presbyterian Government exercised in the Reformation Church of Scotland was already determined by existing implementations of Scriptural principles, such as those expressed in her old Books of Discipline, and various Acts of Assembly from the First Reformation.  As time continued, other Acts of the General Assembly in Scotland gave further definition to the Presbyterian Church Government of the Scottish Church, such as the Approval of 8 General Heads of Doctrine against Erastianism, Independency, etc. in 1647; An Act for Censuring Ministers for their Silence, and not speaking to the corruptions of the time, in 1648; and a Directory for Election of Ministers in 1649.—JTKer. ]

Footnotes:

1. Of extraordinary officers, the Church of Scotland’s Second Book of Discipline affirms the following in chapter 2: “There be three extraordinary functions; The office of the Apostle, the Evangelist, and of the Prophet, which are not perpetual, and now have ceased in the kirk of God, except when it pleased God extraordinarily for a time to stir some of them up again.”

2. See the related adopting act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and chapter 5 of the Church of Scotland’s Second Book of Discipline, for further information on the difference between the office of Doctor and Pastor.

3. The word “and” is inserted in later and modern editions of this document, but it is not found in either the original Scottish printing of 1647, or the English reprint thereof.  It may be considered as fairly implied, or necessitated, by the subsequent text, but it is noted here because it does alter the meaning of the rule by explicitly allowing a Presbyterial examination that goes beyond trials of preaching.