January 1648: An Ordinance for the speedy dividing and setling the several Counties of this Kingdom into distinct Classical Presbyteries and Congregational Elderships.

Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum, 1642-1660. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1911.

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'January 1648: An Ordinance for the speedy dividing and setling the several Counties of this Kingdom into distinct Classical Presbyteries and Congregational Elderships.', in Acts and Ordinances of the Interregnum, 1642-1660, (London, 1911) pp. 1062-1063. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/acts-ordinances-interregnum/pp1062-1063 [accessed 19 March 2024]

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.