In these Acts and Constitutions special regard was had to our _National Confession of Faith_, as it was at first and diverse times after professed and is now of late sworn and subscribed, that all mens minds, who delight not to cavil, might rest satisfied in the true meaning thereof, found out by the diligent search of the Ecclesiastick Registers. Our care was also rather at this time to revive and bring to light, former laudable Acts, than to make any new ones, reflecting as little as might be upon the reformation of other Kirks, and choosing to receive our directions from our own _Reformation_, approven by the ample testimony of so many _Forreign Divines_: according to the example of the venerable Assembly at _Dort_, where special caution was, that the 30. and 31. article of the Confession of the _Belgick_ Kirks touching _Ecclesiastick Order_ should not be examined by _Strangers_, there being a _Difference_ touching that point amongst _Reformed Kirks_, So many as were present can bear witness that all the _Members of the Assembly_ were many times called on, and required to propone their _Doubts_, and to give their _Judgments_ of every _Article_, before it was Enacted, that every one might receive _Satisfaction_, and from the full perswasion of his mind might give his _Voice_: Wherin the _Unanimity_ and _Harmony_ was the more admirable, that many parting from their _preconceived Opinions_, which had possessed their _Minds_, did most willingly receive the _Light_, which did now unexpectedly appear from the _Records_ of the _Kirk_. That this _Extract_ shall stop the _Mouthes_ of the malicious, is more than we can promise, or should be expected, We know there be some Incendiaries who would with great joy and content of mind, seek their lost penny in the ashes of this poor Kirk and Kingdom: And we have already found, that our _Laboures_ and the grounds whereupon we have proceeded, before they be seen, are misconstrued by so many as finds their hopes blasted, and are come short of their earthly projects: but our comfort is that we have walked in the truth of our hearts as in the sight of God, That the Adversaries of the Kirk have not transformed themselves into Angels of light, nor can say they are doing _God_ service, but are seen in their colours, and do seek themselves, and that so many as have erred before, not knowing the order and constitutions of this Kirk, will as absent Children to their mother speaking plainly and powerfully of old and now after long silence opening her mouth again, and uttering her mind in a free Assembly, hear her voice, and with that reverence that beseemeth under the supreme Majesty of _Christ_, obey her directions, that being all of one mind, peace may be upon us, and upon the Kirk of _God_; and the _God_ of peace, and love may be with us. 1639. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, AT GLASGOW. Act Sess. 6. November 27. 1638.