n as to the truth of
the matter (judging it to be most orthodox and grounded upon the Word of
God) and also as to the point of Uniformity. Agreeing for our part that it
be a common Confession of Faith for the three Kingdomes. The Assembly doth
also blesse the Lord; and thankfully acknowledge his great mercy, in that
so excellent a Confession of Faith is prepared, and thus far agreed upon
in both Kingdomes; which we look upon as a great strengthning of the true
Reformed Religion against the common enemies thereof. But lest our
intention and meaning be in some particulars misunderstood, It is hereby
expresly Declared and Provided, that the not mentioning in this Confession
the several sort of Ecclesiastical Officers and Assemblies, shall be no
prejudice to the Truth of Christ in these particulars to be expressed
fully in the Directory of Government. It is further Declared, that the
Assembly understandeth some parts of the second Article of the thirty one
Chapter, only of Kirks not settled or constituted in point of Government,
And that although in such Kirks, a Synod of Ministerrs and other fit
persons may be called by the Magistrates authority and nomination without
any other Call, to consult and advise with about matters of Religion; And
although likewise the Ministers of Christ without delegation from their
Churches, may of themselves, and by vertue of their Office meet together
Synodically in such Kirks not yet constituted; Yet neither of these ought
to be done in Kirks constituted and setled: It being always free to the
Magistrate to advise with Synods of Ministers and ruling Elders meeting
upon delegation from their Churches, either ordinarly, or being indicted
by his Authority occasionally and _pro re nata_; It being also free to
assemble together Synodically, as well _pro re nata_, as at the ordinary
times upon delegation from the Churches, by the intrinsical power received
from Christ, as often as it is necessary for the good of the Church so to
assemble, in case the Magistrate to the detriment of the Church withhold
or deny his consent, the necessity of occasionall Assemblies being first
remonstrate unto him by humble supplication.

_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._

The General Assembly having considered the report of the Committee,