Transactions. 33 



Chambers, in his Domestic Annals of Scotland, describes 

 it as " prepared by Laud on the basis of that commonly used 

 in England, but with a few innovations relishing of popery 

 and Ai-minianism." 



The popish tendency here referred to will be at once per- 

 ceived in the passages introduced into the consecration 

 grayer at the communion. 



There is also a general exaltation of the clergy, as in the 

 pfayer for clergy and people which is entitled a " Prayer for 

 the holy clergie." 



On the other hand, the Scottish people had, no doubt, to 

 be conciliated. So the priest is writ large, and becomes 

 " Presbyter," and it is the " Presbyter " who reads the com- 

 mandments and pronounces the Absolution. 



And the altar always appears simply as the Holy Table 

 and such like ; though it be covered with a carpet, and 

 fair white linen cloth, with other decent furniture, " fit for 

 the high mysteries there to be celebrated." 



The Book is of great interest and value in a theological 

 as well as historical and antiquarian point of view. 



It is in hlach letter, beautifully printed, and generally it 

 is in good order. But the binding is sadly gone by neglect, 

 and the volume is eminently worthy of being put in good 

 condition and preserved with care : such as to shew liow 

 worthy they are of the gift bestowed. 



Before concluding, I would here offer on behalf of the 

 Society our acknowledgments and thanks to Mr Underwood 

 and other members of Presbytery for their so kindly giving 

 us this opportunity of handling and examining this interest- 

 ing volume. 



