f time
shall they be challenged, whether after three years, the Minister having
been allowed and approved in life and doctrine by Synods, Presbyteries,
and Visitations.

What order shall be taken for keeping general Assemblies, when
Presbyteries send not the full number of Commissioners: Or when the
Commissioners abide not until the conclusion and dissolving of the
Assembly.

Order to be advised for Testimonials.

_The Assembly appoints the next Generall Assembly to hold at_ Edinburgh,
_the first Wednesday of August, 1643._

THE GENERALL ASSEMBLY AT _EDINBURGH_

Sess. 1. August 2. 1643.

The Kings Letter to the General Assembly.

_Presented by his Majesties Commissioner Sir_ Thomas Hope _of Craighall
Knight, His Majesties Advocate._

CHARLES R.

Trustie and welbeloved, We greet you well. The time now approaching for
the holding of the Generall Assembly of Our Kirk of Scotland, and We
having appointed Sir _Thomas Hope_ Our Advocate to be Our Commissioner
there; We thought good to present him there with these Our Letters, and to
take this occasion to minde you of the duty which you owe to Us your
Soveraigne, and to the peace of that Our Native Kingdome. How far We have
lately extended Our grace and favour towards satisfaction of your humble
desires, there is not any amongst you but may well remember: And therefore
in this conjuncture of Our affairs, it is but reasonable that We expect
from you such moderation in the dutifull proceedings of this Assembly, as
may concurre with our Princely inclinations and desires, to preserve that
Kirk and that our Kingdome in peace; having wel observed that alterations
in points of Religion, are often the inlets to civill dissentions, and the
hazard, if not overthrow of both Kirk and Kingdomes. Therefore of Our
great affection and speciall tendernesse to your peace (who of all Our
Dominions are yet happie therein to the envy of others) We conjure and
require you in the fear of God, and obedience of Us his Vicegerent, that
your endeavours and consultations tend onely to preserve peace and
quietnesse among you. And so We bid you farewell. Given at Our Court at
Oxford the 22. day of July, 1643.

_To our right trusty and welbeloved Counsellour, Sir_ Thomas Hope _Knight,
our Advocate general, and Our Commissioner at the generall assembly of the
Kirk in Our Kingdome of Scotland, and to the rest of the said Assembly now
conveened._

Sess. 2. August 3. 164