The Acts of the General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland

by Church of Scotland. General Assembly

Edinburgh 11 November 1690. Post Meridiem Sess. 24.

XI. Act approving Overtures anent the Irish Bibles, &c.

This day the Overtures following anent the Irish Bibles, New Testaments and Catechisms, were read in presence of the Assembly.

1. That a Letter of Thanks be written to these concerned, whether in this, or our Neighbour Nation, for their Care of, and Liberal Charity towards the Highlanders of this Kingdom, in their so Liberally Contributing, for the saids Irish Bibles, &c. And that Mr. David Blair be appointed to write the said Letter in the Name of this Assembly.

2. The whole Money so Charitably contributed, being expended, Therefore, and for making up of the same, and for Defraying of the necessary Charges of Transporting the saids Bibles, &c. to Scotland; It is thought most needful, that there be an advance of One thousand Pounds Scots, and that Their Majesties Privy Council be supplicat, for as much of some Vacant Stipends of Parishes, where the King is Patron, as will make up the said sum for the ends foresaid.

3. That it be Recommended to the Kirk Sessions, Heretors and others concerned in the Highlands, to see the Act of Parliament anent Erecting of Schools in every Parish, duely Execute, and the Fonds established by Law, for the same, made effectual.

4. That it be Recommended to the Agent for the Kirk, to Receive the foresaid sum, and to Deburse the same at the sight of Mr. John Law and Mr. David Blair, for the said use: And also to receive the Books above-mentioned, being three Thousand Bibles, one Thousand New Testaments, and three Thousand Catechisms, from London.

5. That the several Synods, who have Highland Parishes in their bounds, appoint one of their Number, to receive their proportion, of the saids Bibles, New Testaments, and Catechisms: And that in order thereto, the Ministers and Elders having Interest in the Highlands, present in this Assembly, shall meet and appoint some to receive these Bibles, &c. And proportion the number that each Parish shall have thereof.

6. That it be Recommended to the Ministers, concerned in the Highlands, to dispatch the whole Paraphrase of the Irish Psalms, to the Press. And if the Principal Copy can be Recovered, to expede the same; But that any other Copy they have, be Revised by the Synod of Argyle, and being approven by them; That the same be Printed.

The Assembly having considered these Overtures, they approve thereof, and Recommend and Appoint accordingly.