r many sorrows and sufferings, a
taking away in a great measure, the reproach of the People of GOD, to the
stopping of the mouthes of Malignant and dis-affected persons, and an
opening unto us a door of hope, that GOD 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 Godlinesse,
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