ajS* GENERAL ASSEMBLY. 



with your royal proteflion, and that it is your Majefty's de^ 

 termination to maintain and fupport the Church of Scotland 

 as eftablifhed by law, in the full and free enjoyment of all 

 her juft rights and privileges, at once fill ua with the moft 

 lively gratitude, and encourage us to repofe the greateft con- 

 fidence in your Majefty's goodnefs. 



We beg leave to affure your Majefty, that it fliall be our 

 ftudy to direft our proceedings in future to the fame laudable 

 purpofes as heretofore, and to continue our attention to fuch 

 meafures as are beft calculated for diffufing the principles of 

 genuine Chriftianity, and for inftilling into the minds of all 

 ranks of men committed to our care a confcientious regard to 

 moral duties, and a ftrict obedience to the laws, and for pro- 

 moting the general peace and happinefs of fociety ; and, to 

 give dignity and authority to our proceedings, we fhall be 

 careful to avoid all unne ceflary difputes and fuperfluous dif- 

 cnfTions, and to maintain that harmony which hitherto has 

 obtained your Majefty's gracious approbation. 



We confider your Majefty's appointment of David Earl of 

 I^evcn again to reprefent your royal perfon in this Aflembly 

 as a frefh mark of your gracious condefcenfion and goodnefs 

 to us. His known loyalty to your Majefty, his attachment, 

 like that of his anceftors, to the Church of Scotland, his ten- 

 der regard to the interefts of religion and virtue, and the fide- 

 lity with which he has fo frequently difcharged the duties of 

 the high and important office which he now fills, render him 

 moft acceptable to us. 



We accept of your Majefty's donation of one thoufand 

 pounds, for the propagation of the proteftant religion in the 

 Highlands and Iflands of Scotland, as a frefli mark of your 

 Majefty's paternal care of all your fubjefts. As we feel our- 

 felves highly honoured in being made the inftruments of your 

 Majefty's pious intentions, it fhall be our ftudy to fulfill them 

 hy the moft prudent and effedual application of the fum that 

 is intrufted to us. 



We truft that all our proceedings fliall be conducted with 

 that charity, unanimity, and brotherly love, and with that 

 moderation, which your Majefty's paternal care leads you fo 

 anxioully to defire ; and we accept of your earncft wifhes for 

 our pro'pcrity and welfare as a moft endeai'ing proof of your 

 Majefty's favour and atTedion. 



That the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour Jefus 

 Chrift may dired your Mnjefty's Councils to the public good ; 

 that he may blefs you witi every domeftic comfort ; that he 

 may blefs the Queen, the Prince of Wale?, and all the Royal 

 Family ;— that, after prefcrving your Majefty long to be the 

 guardian of our free conftitution, and of the rights of your 



