9. Lifelesnesse in preaching, not studying to be furnished by Christ with power; and so the ordinance of God teacheth not to the conscience: and thereto belongeth the not applying of the doctrine unto the auditory and times.
10. The indiscreet curing of the indiscretion of pious people and Ministers, whereby godlinesse hath gotten a deep wound, and profanitie hath lifted up the head, contrary to that wise and gracious order set foorth in the Generall Assembly holden at Edinburgh, 1641.
11. Little care to furnish our Armie, either abroad or at home with Ministers; One of our grievous sins and causes of our calamity.
12. Last, it is to be feared that Ministers in secret are negligent to wrestle in Prayer, for a blessing to be poured out upon their labours, contenting themselves with their publike performances.
Remedies.
1. First, That Presbyteries make great conscience to have all vacant places within their several bounds filled with godly and able men, where ever they be to be found: and that under pretence of being a helper, or second to another, none be taken in, but such as are able for the same charge.
2. Whereas it is known, that private tryall in Presbyteries are for the most part perfunctorious, the Brethren are hereby exhorted to be more serious, and faithfull herein, as they will be answerable to Christ, the Chief Shepherd: and in a way previous thereto, that Brethren be free, in loving admonition one of another secretly, from time to time; and that whosoever keeps not the Presbyterie or Synod, after grave admonitions may come under further censures.
3. That accuracie be used as visitation of Kirks, and that the Elders one by one (the rest being removed) be called in, and examined upon oath upon the Ministers behaviour in his calling and conversation.
4. That course be taken to divide Congregations in parts, and by the help not only of Elders in their severall parts, but of neighbors also, the evils, and neglect of persons and families, may be found out and remedied.
5. That every Minister be humbled for his former failings, and make his peace with God, that the more effectually he may preach repentance, and may stand in the gap, to turne away the Lords wrath: runing between the Porch and the Altar, fighing and crying for all the abominations of the land.