January, 1647/8
[29 January, 1647/8.]
Who shall divide the Counties.; Divisions to be certified.; Universities.; Classical Presbyteries shall constitute Congregational Elderships.
The Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled,
being resolved speedily and more effectually to settle the Presbyterial Government, do Ordain, and be it Ordained by the authority
of the same, That the Committees and Commissioners for the
sixty thousand pounds per mensem. or any three or more of them
of the several Counties of this Kingdome, with the assistance of
such Ministers and others as they shall think fit, do forthwith
meet, and divide their respective Counties into distinct Classical
Presbyteries where they are not already divided, and certifie such
Divisions of the said several Classes which they either have, or
shall make to the Committee of Lords and Commons for judging
of scandal; together with the names of such Ministers, and others
as are fit to be of each Classis: And that the Chancellours, ViceChancellours, and Heads of the Universities, do likewise consider
how the Colledges may be put into Classical Presbyteries, and do
before the twenty five of March next, certifie the same up to the
said Committee of Lords and Commons, according to the Ordinance of Parliament, dated the nineteenth of August, One thousand
six hundred fourty five; which Committee of Lords and Commons
is required to approve and confirm the same as they shall think
fit, immediately upon receipt of such Certificate, after which said
approbation of such Classical Presbyteries, or any of them by the
said Committee of Lords and Commons, the said Classical Presbyteries shall, and hereby have power within their several Precincts,
to constitute Congregational Elderships, according to the aforesaid
Ordinance of the nineteenth of August, One thousand six
hundred fourty five.
Provincial Assemblies.
And be it further Ordained by the authority aforesaid, That
the said Committee of Lords and Commons shall have power to
bound the Provincial Assemblies in this Kingdome, and to increase
the number of Delegates which are, or shall be sent to any Provincial Assembly as they shall think fit.
Who shall constitute Tryers in London.
And the said Committee of Lords and Commons shall also have
power to constitute Tryers within the Province of London, where
need shall require.