House of Commons Journal Volume 4: 1 April 1645

Die Martis, Aprilis 1, 1645.

Prayers.

According to former Order, the Grand Committee of the whole House fat; and proceeded in the Consideration of the Papers presented from the Assembly of Divines, concerning That competent Knowledge of the Principles of Religion laid down in the Scriptures, which they conceive requisite to be in such Persons, as shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Mr. Whittacre in the Chair.
Mr. Speaker took the Chair.
Mr. Whittacre reports: And, upon Consideration thereof,

It is Resolved, upon the Question, That all such Persons, who shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, ought to know, first, That there is a God: Secondly, That there is but One ever-living and true God, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and Governor of all Things: Thirdly, That This only true God is the God whom we worship: Fourthly, That This God is but One; yet Three distinct Persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, all equally God.

Resolved, &c. That every Person, that shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, ought to have a competent Understanding, concerning the State of Man by Creation, and by his Fall.

Resolved, &c. That every Person, that shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, ought to have a competent Measure of Understanding, concerning the Redemption by Christ; and the Way and Means to apply Christ, and his Benefits.

Resolved, &c. That every Person, that shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, ought to have a competent Measure of Understanding, concerning the Nature and Necessity of Faith, Repentance, and a godly Life.

Resolved, &c. That every Person, that shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, ought to have a competent Measure of Understanding, concerning the Nature and Use of the Sacraments; and the Condition of Man after this Life.

Resolved, &c. That it be referred to the Assembly of Divines, to set down, in particular, What they conceive to be such a competent Measure of Understanding, concerning the State of Man by Creation, and by his Fall; the Redemption by Jesus Christ; the Way and Means to apply Christ, and his Benefits; the Nature and Necessity of Faith, Repentance, and a godly Life; the Nature and Use of the Sacraments; and the Condition of Man after this Life; without which, none shall be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

The House, according to the Resolution Yesterday, went up to the Conference desired by the Lords, touching Sir Tho. Fairefaxe's Commission.

Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Sollicitor, Mr. Sam. Browne, Sir Arth. Hesilrig, Mr. Ellys, Mr. Strode, Sir Jo. Evelyn, Mr. Maynard, Mr. Pierrepont, are appointed Reporters, and Managers of this Conference.

Mr. Pierrepont reports, from the free Conference, That the Lords said, That they were so well satisfied with the Reasons of the House of Commons, delivered at this free Conference, that they have passed the Commission for Sir Tho. Fairefaxe, as it was sent from hence.

Ordered, That those Officers, who are to be reduced, shall, upon Serjeant Major-General Skippon's Certificate of their good Comportment, have their Arrears forthwith cast up.

A Letter from Major-General Browne, of March 28 1644, from Abingdon, for supplying that Garison with some more Forces, a Fireworker, and some more Cannon, was this Day read.

It is Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee of both Kingdoms: And Sir Arthur Heselridge is to give the House an Account, To-morrow Morning, What they have done upon this Letter, and upon a former Letter from him, heretofore referred to That Committee.