THE Generall Assembly taking to their consideration, The manifold Abuses, Profanitie, and Superstitions, committed on Yule-day, and some other superstitious dayes following, Have unanimously concluded, and hereby Ordains, That whatsoever Person or Persons hereafter shall be found guilty in keeping of the foresaid superstitious dayes, shall be proceeded against by Kirk Censures, and shall make their publick Repentance therefore in the face of the Congregation where the offence is committed: And that Presbyteries and Provinciall Synods Take particular notice how Ministers try and censure Delinquents of this kinde, within the severall Parochines. And because Schollars and Students give great scandal and offence in this, That they (being found guilty) be severely disciplined and chastised therefore by their Masters: And in case the Masters of Schools or Colledges be accessorie to the said superstitious profanitie, by their connivence, granting of liberty of Vacance to their Schollars at that time, or any time thereafter, in compensation thereof, That the Masters be summoned by the Ministers of the Place to compeir before the next ensuing Generall Assembly, there to bee censured according to their trespasse: And if Schollars (being guilty) refuse to subject themselves to Correction, or be Fugitives from Discipline, That they be not received in any other Schoole or Colledge within the Kingdom.
Act for encouragement of Schollars to Professions in Schooles.
IN respect of the paucitie of men, fit and willing to professe Divinitie in the Schooles, by reason that few frame their studies that way, The Generall Assembly thinks it fit, That the Provincials diligently consider and try who within their Bounds most probably may bee for a Profession in the Schooles, And report their names to the following Generall Assembly, that such may be stirred up and encouraged by the Generall Assembly, to compose and frame their studies, that they may be fit for such places.
Act for restraining Abuses at Pennie-Brydals.
THE Generall Assembly, considering the great profanitie and severall Abuses which usually fall forth at Pennie-Brydals, proving fruitful Seminaries of all lasciviousnesse and debaushtrie, as well by the excessive number of people conveened thereto, as by the extortion of them therein, and licentiousnesse thereat, To the great dishonour of GOD, the scandall of our Christian Profession, and prejudice of the Countreys welfare; Therefore they Ordain every Presbyterie in this Kingdome, To take such speciall care for restraining these Abuses flowing from the causes foresaid, as they shall think fit in their severall bounds respective: And to take a strict accompt of every Minister and Session of their obedience to the Ordinance of the Presbyterie thereanent, at the Visitation of every Parish Kirk in their Bounds.