s and reasoning especially,
in their publick Doctrine, they declare themselves freely, and faithfully,
as they would eschew the wrath of GOD, due for a violated Covenant, and as
they would escape the censures of the Kirk; and let all Presbyteries be
watchful within their bounds, and carefully, wisely, and zealously to
inflict Ecclesiastick censures.

Finally, we exhort all civil Iudicatories, and every one intrusted with
power to manage the present affairs, That they would seriously remember
the strict account they are to give before the Iudge of the quick and the
dead, Considering deeply how fearful a thing it is to oppresse the
consciences of their Brethren, either by pressing them to act where they
finde no satisfactory warrant or by putting heavy pressures upon them for
not acting according to their injunctions, and especially that they offer
not to insnare by new Oaths, or Bonds those that make conscience of the
great Oath of their Solemn Covenant, and hitherto have proven faithful and
constant in promoving joyntly all the ends thereof.

If this our faithful warning finde favourable acceptance, so that the
grievous things already enacted, be no more prosecuted and pressed, we
shall blesse God who reigns in the Kingdoms and Councels of men: But if it
fall out otherwise (as God forbid) we have liberate our souls of the
guiltinesse of this sinful way of Engagement, and of all the miseries that
shall ensue thereby upon this Kirk and Kingdom, And shall lament before
the Lord that our labours have not as yet had the desired successe. In the
meantime, we dare not cast away our confidence, but trusting in the name
of the Lord, and staying upon our God, shall by his grace and assistance
continue stedfast in our Solemn Covenants, and faithful in all the duties
of our Calling.

_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.

The General Assembly having considered the Paper of the 28. of _July_,
delivered to them from the Honourable Committee of Estates, Do finde that
the first part thereof concerning the great Offers made by the Parliament
and Committee of Estates for the security of Religion, is no other but
what was fully answered in our last Paper of the 25. of _July_, delivered
to their Lordships, wherein it was plainly demonstrat by Theologicall
reasons (though their Lordships are please