answer_v that_o a_o part_n of_o they_o have_v make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o this_o religion_n before_o always_o now_o they_o declare_v and_o profess_v the_o religion_n present_o profess_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v maintain_v the_o same_o to_o their_o power_n as_o to_o the_o rest_n they_o think_v good_a the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n be_v suit_v and_o they_o shall_v insist_v with_o the_o king_n for_o answer_v thereto_o the_o time_n to_o that_o effect_n they_o shall_v notify_v to_o the_o assembly_n the_o morn_n the_o because_o in_o the_o last_o conference_n hold_v at_o sterling_a by_o his_o grace_n command_n concern_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n 1579._o edinburgh_n julii_fw-la 7._o 1579._o certain_a article_n there_o anent_o remain_v yet_o unresolved_a and_o refer_v to_o further_a conference_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n crave_v of_o his_o majesty_n that_o person_n unspotted_a of_o such_o corruption_n as_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v reform_v may_v be_v nominate_v by_o his_o majesty_n to_o proceed_v in_o the_o further_a conference_n upon_o the_o say_a policy_n and_o time_n and_o place_n to_o be_v appoint_v to_o that_o effect_n the_o question_n be_v propon_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o lowthiane_fw-la to_o the_o general_a assembly_n anent_o a_o general_a order_n to_o be_v take_v for_o erect_v of_o presbytery_n in_o place_n where_o public_a exercise_n be_v use_v ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la unto_o the_o time_n the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v establish_v by_o law_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o exercise_n may_v be_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o presbytery_n a_o article_n propound_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o council_n 1580._o dundie_n julii_fw-la 12._o 1580._o that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o a_o act_n of_o privy_a council_n while_o a_o parliament_n be_v have_v at_o which_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v forasmuch_o as_o travel_n have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o form_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n 1581._o glasgow_n aprilis_fw-la 24._o 1581._o and_o divers_a suit_n make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n for_o approbation_n thereof_o which_o albeit_o have_v not_o yet_o take_v the_o happy_a effect_n which_o good_a man_n will_v crave_v yet_o that_o the_o posterity_n shall_v judge_v well_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o assembly_n have_v conclude_v that_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n agree_v to_o in_o divers_a assembly_n before_o shall_v be_v registrate_n among_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o remain_v therein_o ad_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la rei_fw-la memoriam_fw-la and_o the_o copy_n thereof_o to_o be_v take_v by_o every_o presbytery_n of_o the_o which_o book_n the_o tenor_n follow_v etc._n etc._n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a moderator_n edinburgh_n aug._n 4._o 1590._o p._n galloway_n moderator_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o own_o sincerity_n without_o the_o holy_a discipline_n be_v have_v in_o observance_n it_o be_v therefore_o by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n and_o commissioner_n present_a conclude_v that_o whosoever_o have_v bear_v office_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi within_o this_o realm_n or_o that_o present_o bear_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o bear_v office_n herein_o shall_v be_v charge_v by_o every_o particular_a presbytery_n where_o their_o residence_n be_v to_o subscrive_v the_o head_n of_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n at_o length_n set_v down_o and_o allow_v by_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n which_o be_v registrat_n in_o the_o assembly-booke_n and_o namely_o the_o head_n controvert_v by_o enemy_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o reform_v kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n betwixt_o and_o the_o next_o synodall_n assembly_n of_o the_o province_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v execute_v against_o the_o non-subscrivers_a and_o the_o presbytery_n which_o shall_v be_v find_v remiss_a or_o negligent_a herein_o to_o receive_v public_a rebuke_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o to_o the_o effect_n the_o say_a discipline_n may_v be_v know_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a brethren_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o moderator_n of_o each_o presbytery_n shall_v receive_v from_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o say_a book_n under_o his_o subscription_n upon_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o presbytery_n betwixt_o and_o the_o first_o day_n of_o september_n next_o to_o come_v under_o the_o pain_n to_o be_v open_o accuse_v in_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n the_o assembly_n ordain_v 1991._o edinburgh_n julii_fw-la 2._o 1991._o that_o the_o discipline_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n be_v keep_v as_o well_o in_o angus_n and_o mernis_n as_o in_o all_o other_o part_n act_n concern_v the_o adversary_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v that_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o papistry_n be_v enemy_n beth_fw-mi to_o reformation_n and_o discipline_n and_o such_o as_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n whether_o kirkman_n or_o other_o professor_n and_o yet_o possess_v the_o kirk_n rent_n be_v not_o only_o unhearty_a friend_n but_z under_o colour_n and_o in_o policy_n as_o great_a hinderer_n as_o lover_n of_o the_o benefice_n and_o living_n belorge_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n alexander_n gordon_n 1562._o edinburgh_n julii_fw-la 30._o 1562._o be_v bishop_n of_o galloway_n be_v no_o other_o wise_a acknowledge_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a function_n then_o as_o a_o private_a man_n void_a of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o sort_n be_v not_o simple_o set_v down_o by_o their_o title_n of_o bishop_n but_o by_o a_o note_n as_o it_o be_v of_o degradation_n so_n call_v to_o wit_n by_o custom_n but_o by_o no_o right_n the_o say_a mr._n alexander_n gordon_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o place_n 1562._o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1562._o or_o bishopric_n be_v enrol_v after_o the_o superintendents_a and_o be_v thus_o design_v mr._n alexander_n gordon_n intitulate_v bishop_n of_o galloway_n and_o be_v there_o leit_v for_o the_o super-intendencie_a of_o dunfrice_n liddisdaill_n and_o galloway_n and_o get_v commission_n to_o present_a minister_n exhorter_n and_o reader_n for_o plant_v of_o kirkes_n and_o to_o do_v such_o other_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o accustom_v mr._n alexaxder_n gordon_n name_v bishop_n of_o galloway_n be_v remove_v 1563._o s._n ichnston_n junii_fw-la 25._o 1563._o out_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o accuse_v by_o the_o laird_n of_o gairle_n his_o excuse_n be_v not_o find_v altogether_o relevant_a and_o therefore_o the_o assembly_n appoint_v order_n to_o be_v take_v anent_o the_o matter_n complain_v upon_o ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la the_o assembly_n ordain_v commission_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n orknay_n and_o catnes_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o date_n hereof_o to_o plant_v kirk_n etc._n etc._n within_o their_o own_o bound_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n haunt_v as_o well_o the_o shirefdome_n of_o wigtoun_n as_o the_o stewardie_a of_o kirkubright_n reckon_v within_o his_o bound_n it_o be_v then_o ordain_v ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la that_o when_o any_o benefice_n shall_v chance_v to_o wake_fw-mi or_o be_v now_o vacant_a that_o a_o qualify_a person_n be_v present_v to_o the_o superintendent_a of_o that_o province_n where_o the_o benefice_n vake_v and_o that_o he_o be_v sufficient_a be_v admit_v minister_n to_o that_o kirk_n which_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o pastor_n that_o ignorant_a idiot_n be_v not_o place_v in_o such_o room_n by_o they_o that_o be_v yet_o call_v bishop_n and_o be_v not_o mr._n robert_n pont_n complain_v upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o dunblane_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la that_o the_o say_a bishop_n late_o say_v and_o cause_v say_v mass_n in_o dunblane_n contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o act_n make_v thereanent_a etc._n etc._n remember_v to_o make_v supplication_n to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o her_o council_n for_o remit_v the_o three_o ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la or_o any_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v commissioner_n to_o plant_v kirkes_n within_o their_o bound_n a_o sentence_n of_o unquhile_n james_n bishop_n of_o rosse_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la commissioner_n to_o unquhile_n james_n archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n pronounce_v against_o james_n hammiltoun_n of_o kincavel_n be_v declare_v wicked_a ungodly_a and_o wrangus_o lead_v bishop_n abbot_n prior_n and_o other_o person_n benefice_v 1566._o edinburgh_n decem._n 25_o 1566._o be_v of_o the_o kirk_n who_o receive_v teind_n and_o await_v not_o on_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o cure_n another_o present_n themselves_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v summon_v by_o the_o superintendents_a to_o compare_v at_o the_o next_o general_a
orknay_n clerk_n of_o register_n justice_n clerk_n mr._n henry_n balnave_n david_n forrester_n and_o mr._n george_n buchanan_n or_o any_o three_o or_o four_o of_o they_o shall_v oversee_v the_o say_a book_n and_o diligent_o consider_v the_o content_n thereof_o note_v their_o judgement_n in_o writ_n and_o report_v the_o same_o to_o the_o next_o assembly_n general_a of_o the_o kirk_n or_o if_o any_o parliament_n chance_n to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o they_o report_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o the_o say_a parliament_n by_o these_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o kirk_n acknowledge_v the_o first_o book_n to_o be_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v abolish_v but_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v further_o confirm_v for_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n a_o nent_fw-la the_o cause_n of_o the_o kirk_n 1564._o edinburgh_n junii_fw-la 25._o 1564._o and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o the_o assembly_n appoint_v the_o laird_a of_o dunn_n mr._n john_n winram_n mr._n john_n spottiswod_n mr._n john_n willock_n superintendents_a mr._n john_n row_n george_n hay_o robert_n pont_n christopher_n gudman_n thomas_n drumond_n john_n knox_n john_n craig_n john_n rutherford_n george_n buckhanan_n robert_n hammiltoun_n clement_n little_a the_o laird_n of_o lundie_n elephiustoun_n karnall_n ker_n and_o thomas_n scot_n of_o abbottishall_n to_o conveen_v the_o morn_n after_o the_o preach_n and_o to_o reason_n and_o confer_v anent_o the_o say_a cause_n and_o jurisdiction_n ordain_v a_o humble_a supplication_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o secret_a council_n anent_o the_o commission_n of_o jurisdiction_n 1566._o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1566._o suppon_v grant_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o s._n andrew_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o their_o honour_n may_v stay_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n that_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o most_o part_n judge_v by_o his_o usurp_a authority_n pertain_v to_o the_o kirk_n and_o howbeit_o for_o hope_n of_o good_a thing_n the_o kirk_n do_v oversee_v the_o queen_n majesty_n commission_n give_v to_o such_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v our_o brethren_n yet_o can_v the_o assembly_n no_o way_n be_v content_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n a_o conjure_a enemy_n to_o christ_n use_v that_o jurisdiction_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o colour_a commission_n he_o may_v usurp_v again_o his_o old_a usurp_a authority_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v the_o mean_a to_o oppress_v the_o whole_a kirk_n by_o his_o corrupt_a judgement_n the_o whole_a assembly_n think_v meet_v that_o certain_a brethren_n be_v appoint_v to_o concur_v at_o all_o time_n with_o such_o person_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1567._o of_o secret_a council_n as_o my_o lord_n regent_n grace_n have_v nominate_v for_o such_o affair_n as_o pertain_v to_o the_o kirk_n and_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o and_o also_o for_o decision_n of_o question_n that_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n viz._n mrs._n john_n knox_n &_o john_n craig_n minister_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o superintendents_a of_o angus_n and_o lothiane_fw-la david_n borthuike_a thomas_n mackcalzan_n david_n lindsay_n minister_n at_o leith_n george_n hay_n at_o ruthven_n and_o john_n row_v at_o s._n johnstonn_n letter_n direct_v from_o the_o assembly_n by_o their_o commissioner_n 1567._o edinburgh_n junii_fw-la 25._o 1567._o to_o the_o earl_n lord_n and_o baron_n viz._n the_o earl_n huntly_n argyle_n cassels_n rothes_n marshal_n munteith_n and_o glencarne_v to_o the_o lord_n boyd_n drumond_n sanchar_n heres_fw-la yester_n cathcart_n mr._n of_o grahame_n fleming_n levingston_n forbes_n salton_n glames_z o_o gilvis_fw-la mr._n of_o sinclare_v grace_n oliphant_n methven_n innerm_v m._n of_o somervell_n baron_n lochinvar_n garly_n shireff_a of_o air_n glenurquher_n sir_n ja._n hamiltoun_n bonington_n commendatares_n arbroth_n kilwinning_n dunfermling_n saint_n colms_n newbottel_n halyrood_n house_n show_v they_o that_o the_o assembly_n have_v of_o long_a time_n travel_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a with_o all_o estate_n continual_o crave_v of_o their_o honour_n in_o special_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o evangell_n of_o salvation_n now_o once_o of_o the_o liberal_a mercy_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o this_o realm_n may_v continue_v to_o all_o their_o comfort_n and_o their_o posterity_n and_o that_o for_o the_o further_a and_o maintain_v thereof_o a_o perfect_a policy_n and_o full_a liberty_n may_v be_v grant_v to_o this_o reform_a kirk_n within_o scotland_n etc._n etc._n a_o article_n present_v to_o my_o lord_n regent_n 1568._o edinburgh_n jul._n 1._o 1568._o that_o his_o grace_n will_v cause_v such_o as_o be_v appoint_v of_o the_o council_n convene_v with_o they_o that_o be_v appoint_v of_o the_o assembly_n to_o confer_v anent_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n &_o to_o decide_v therein_o that_o time_n &_o place_n may_v be_v condescend_v upon_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o that_o it_o be_v do_v before_o the_o parliament_n my_o lord_n regent_n grace_n ordain_v the_o person_n nominate_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o convene_v the_o time_n of_o the_o next_o chekker_n 1569._o edinburgh_n jul._n 1._o 1569._o and_o desine_fw-la and_o limitate_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v there_o anent_o extract_n act_n secretarii_fw-la consilii_fw-la alexander_n hay_o article_n pertain_v to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v propon_v to_o the_o regent_n grace_n and_o secret_a council_n 1570._o edinburgh_n martu_fw-la 5._o 1570._o and_o seek_v to_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o kirk_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n of_o doctrine_n heresy_n and_o such_o like_a annex_v to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 2._o election_n examination_n and_o admission_n of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n or_o other_o function_n of_o the_o kirk_n charge_v of_o soul_n and_o ecclesiastical_a benefice_n the_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o they_o therefrom_o for_o lawful_a cause_n 3._o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o stand_v in_o correction_n of_o manner_n admonition_n excommunication_n and_o receive_v to_o repentance_n 4._o the_o judgement_n of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n betwixt_o person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o kirk_n and_o especial_o among_o they_o that_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o ministry_n as_o well_o concern_v beneficiarie_n cause_n as_o other_o 5._o jurisdiction_n to_o proceed_v by_o admonition_n to_o the_o process_n of_o excommunication_n if_o need_v be_v against_o they_o that_o rob_v the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n pertain_v to_o the_o ministry_n or_o otherways_o intromet_n therewith_o unjust_o whereby_o the_o ministry_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o decay_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o minister_n 6._o and_o because_o the_o conjunction_n of_o marriage_n pertain_v to_o the_o ministry_n the_o cause_n of_o adherence_n and_o divorcement_n ought_v also_o to_o pertain_v to_o they_o as_o natural_o annex_v thereto_o brethren_n appoint_v to_o make_v a_o overture_n of_o the_o policy_n 6._o edinburgh_n apr._n 24._o 1576._o sess_n 6._o and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o west_n country_n the_o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n mrs._n androw_n melvil_n androw_n hay_o james_n graig_n david_n cuninghame_n for_o lowthian_n mrs._n robert_n pont_n james_n lowson_n david_n lindsay_n clement_n littil_n and_o alexander_n simme_v for_o fyfe_n the_o superintendent_a thereof_o with_o the_o principal_a master_n of_o the_o university_n for_o angus_n and_o merns_n the_o laird_n of_o dunne_n william_n chrystesone_n john_n row_n william_n rind_n john_n dunkesone_n for_o aberdene_n mrs._n john_n craig_n alexander_n arbuthnot_n george_n hay_o and_o their_o person_n to_o conveen_n ilk_fw-mi country_n and_o rank_n in_o the_o place_n follow_v viz._n the_o west_n in_o glascow_n lothian_n in_o edinburgh_n fyfe_n in_o saint_n andrew_n angus_n in_o montrois_n the_o first_o tuesday_n of_o june_n next_o to_o come_v to_o confer_v and_o advise_v upon_o the_o say_a matter_n and_o to_o have_v general_a meeting_n or_o convention_n two_o or_o one_o at_o least_o of_o ilk_fw-mi country_n in_o stirling_n the_o last_o of_o july_n thereafter_o to_o communicate_v and_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o their_o whole_a travel_n and_o labour_v take_v herein_o and_o to_o confer_v hereupon_o and_o report_v what_o they_o have_v find_v and_o conceive_v in_o the_o say_a matter_n to_o the_o next_o assembly_n the_o brethren_n depute_v to_o the_o conceive_n and_o form_v of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n 1577._o edinbudgh_o octob._n 1._o 1577._o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o their_o diligence_n present_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v make_v partition_n thereof_o at_o the_o assembly_n in_o stirling_n the_o head_n pen_v by_o
spiritual_a key_n which_o our_o master_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o true_a successor_n and_o although_o king_n and_o prince_n that_o be_v godly_a sometime_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n when_o the_o kirk_n be_v corrupt_v and_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o order_n place_n minister_n and_o restore_v the_o true_a service_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o example_n of_o some_o godly_a king_n of_o juda_n and_o divers_a godly_a empeour_n and_o king_n also_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v once_o lawful_o constitute_v and_o they_o that_o be_v place_v do_v their_o office_n faithful_o all_o godly_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v their_o voice_n and_o reverence_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o present_a abuse_n remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o bereform_v as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o godly_a magistrate_n to_o maintain_v the_o present_a liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o true_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n within_o this_o realm_n so_o be_v it_o to_o provide_v that_o all_o abuse_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n be_v remove_v and_o utter_o take_v away_o therefore_o first_o the_o admission_n of_o man_n to_o papistical_a title_n of_o benefice_n such_o as_o serve_v not_o nor_o have_v no_o function_n in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o christ_n as_o abbot_n commendator_n prior_n prioress_n and_o other_o title_n of_o abbey_n who_o place_n be_v now_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n demolish_v and_o purge_v of_o idolatry_n be_v plain_a abuse_n and_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o but_o rather_o to_o refuse_v it_o such_o like_a that_o they_o that_o of_o old_a be_v call_v the_o chapiters_n and_o convent_v of_o abbey_n cathedral_n kirk_n and_o like_a place_n serve_v for_o nothing_o now_o but_o to_o set_v fewes_n and_o tack_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v leave_v of_o the_o church_n land_n and_o teind_n in_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_v thereof_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v utter_o abrogate_v and_o abolish_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v the_o dean_n archdeacon_n chantour_n subchantour_n thesaurer_n chancellor_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a title_n flow_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o canon_n law_n only_o who_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o kirk_n also_o which_o be_v unite_v together_o and_o join_v by_o annexation_n to_o their_o benefice_n aught_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o divide_v and_o give_v to_o qualify_a minister_n as_o god_n word_n crave_v neither_o ought_v such_o abuser_n of_o the_o kirk_n patrimony_n to_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n nor_o sit_v in_o council_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kirkman_n to_o the_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o and_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a that_o any_o person_n among_o these_o man_n shall_v have_v five_o sixteen_o twenty_o or_o more_o kirk_n all_o crave_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n and_o bruike_v the_o patrimony_n thereof_o either_o by_o admission_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o evangell_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mockage_n to_o crave_v reformation_n where_o such_o like_a have_v place_n and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o order_n take_v at_o leith_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1571_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o may_v be_v admit_v be_v find_v qualify_v either_o that_o pretend_a order_n be_v against_o all_o good_a order_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o of_o they_o that_o be_v qualify_v in_o worldly_a affair_n or_o to_o serve_v in_o court_n but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v to_o teach_v god_n word_n have_v their_o lawful_a admission_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o bishop_n if_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v proper_o take_v they_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o minister_n as_o before_o be_v declare_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o name_n of_o superiority_n and_o lordship_n but_o of_o office_n and_o watch_v yet_o because_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n this_o name_n as_o other_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o yet_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v we_o can_v allow_v the_o fashion_n of_o these_o new_a choose_a bishop_n neither_o of_o the_o chapiters_n that_o be_v elector_n of_o they_o to_o such_o office_n as_o they_o be_v choose_v unto_o true_a bishop_n shall_v addict_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n which_o sundry_a of_o they_o refuse_v neither_o shall_v they_o usurp_v lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n do_v pastor_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v pastor_n have_v not_o the_o office_n of_o visitation_n of_o more_o kirk_n join_v to_o the_o pastorship_n without_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v further_a bound_n to_o vifit_n nor_o they_o may_v lawful_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o office_n of_o vifitation_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lawful_o choose_v thereunto_o the_o eldership_n be_v well_o establish_v have_v power_n to_o send_v out_o visitour_n one_o or_o more_o with_o commission_n to_o vifit_n the_o bound_n within_o their_o eldership_n and_o likewise_o after_o count_v take_v of_o they_o either_o continue_v they_o or_o remove_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o which_o eldership_n they_o shall_v be_v always_o subject_a criminal_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v a_o corruption_n it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o bishop_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o pastor_n pastor_n of_o many_o flock_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o certain_a flock_n and_o without_o ordinary_a teach_n it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v exeme_v from_o the_o correction_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o shall_v serve_v neither_o that_o they_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o visitation_n of_o other_o kirk_n nor_o any_o other_o function_n beside_o other_o minister_n but_o so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o desire_v the_o bishop_n that_o now_o be_v either_o to_o agree_v to_o that_o order_n that_o god_n word_n require_v in_o they_o as_o the_o general_a church_n will_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o not_o pass_v their_o bound_n either_o in_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a affair_n or_o else_o to_o be_v depose_v from_o all_o function_n in_o the_o church_n we_o deny_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o minister_n may_v and_o shall_v affist_n their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o otherways_o provide_v always_o they_o neither_o neglect_v their_o own_o charge_n nor_o through_o flattery_n of_o prince_n hurt_v the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o general_o we_o say_v no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o special_o the_o abuse_a title_n in_o papistry_n of_o prelate_n convent_v and_o chapter_n aught_o to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o the_o kirk_n name_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o out_o of_o council_n have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o reform_a kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n and_o jurisdiction_n shall_v have_v no_o place_n within_o the_o same_o and_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o time_n come_v shall_v use_v any_o jurisdiction_n flow_v from_o his_o authority_n and_o again_o that_o no_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therfrom_o so_o we_o esteem_v hold_v of_o chapiters_n in_o papistical_a manner_n either_o in_o cathedral_n kirk_n abbey_n college_n or_o other_o conventuall_a place_n usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o hurt_v the_o patrimony_n thereof_o or_o use_v any_o other_o act_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o same_o fince_n the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1560_o year_n to_o be_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v annul_v reduce_v and_o in_o time_n come_v utter_o discharge_v the_o dependence_n also_o of_o the_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v of_o the_o which_o sort_n be_v mingle_v jurisdiction_n of_o the_o commissar_n in_o so_o
needless_a for_o your_o encouragement_n against_o such_o and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a disposition_n it_o have_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o set_v on_o work_v our_o pen_n and_o in_o his_o own_o time_n if_o presumption_n be_v obstinate_a he_o will_v inspire_v they_o with_o great_a love_n of_o his_o truth_n to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v knowledge_n in_o measure_n above_o they_o who_o have_v put_v to_o their_o hand_n and_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n in_o who_o heart_n he_o have_v wrought_v some_o love_n howsoever_o their_o knowledge_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o many_o of_o they_o who_o stand_o for_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o true_a friend_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n agree_v in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v in_o his_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_v church_fw-mi of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administer_v according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o kirkrent_n or_o greedy_o gape_v after_o the_o same_o as_o abbot_n prior_n prioress_n bishop_n commendatair_n and_o other_o sacrilegious_a usurper_n of_o kirk-living_n as_o they_o have_v place_n in_o policy_n and_o credit_n in_o court_n or_o council_n either_o profess_o or_o crafty_o have_v resist_v the_o course_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o these_o conflict_n whereby_o the_o church_fw-mi have_v ever_o strive_v for_o deliverance_n from_o their_o usurpation_n till_o now_o the_o zeal_n of_o benefice_n have_v devour_v the_o zeal_n of_o discipline_n old_a opposite_n be_v think_v to_o be_v her_o most_o love_a familiar_n and_o her_o old_a friend_n her_o great_a enemy_n a_o strange_a case_n and_o yet_o very_o casual_a for_o the_o kirk_n by_o seek_v worldly_a preferment_n to_o lose_v spiritual_a servant_n as_o one_o say_v never_o a_o minister_n get_v a_o great_a benefice_n but_o he_o spill_v it_o or_o it_o spill_v he_o item_n that_o under_o the_o name_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o particular_n express_v in_o these_o two_o book_n but_o also_o the_o act_n constitution_n and_o practice_n agree_v upon_o and_o record_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o general_n and_o provincial_n assembly_n presbytery_n and_o kirk_n session_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o different_a condition_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o her_o infancy_n in_o her_o grow_n and_o in_o her_o ripe_a age_n and_o according_o to_o accommodate_v the_o discipline_n to_o practice_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n permit_v or_o require_v and_o wise_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o kirk_n purpose_n and_o intention_n in_o every_o particular_a and_o their_o possibility_n to_o perform_v and_o practice_v as_o circumstance_n concur_v or_o be_v contrary_a as_o for_o example_n they_o intend_v resident_a minister_n one_o or_o more_o as_o kirk_n be_v of_o largeness_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n item_n doctor_n of_o divinity_n for_o school_n assembly_n general_a provincial_a weekly_a meeting_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o afterward_o at_o edinburgh_n the_o 7._o day_n of_o july_n 1579._o be_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o they_o abhor_a anarchy_n oligarchie_n and_o hierarchy_n but_o with_o great_a pain_n and_o frequent_a meeting_n be_v abuse_n condemn_v and_o order_n establish_v so_o that_o for_o lack_v of_o ordinary_a minister_n plant_v &_o in_o that_o respect_n lack_v of_o lawful_a assembly_n they_o be_v force_v occasional_o to_o use_v superintendents_a and_o visiter_n of_o country_n who_o afterward_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 4._o of_o august_n 1590._o when_o presbyter_n be_v well_o and_o orderly_o constitute_v be_v declare_v neither_o to_o be_v necessary_a nor_o expedient_a four_o the_o first_o and_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n pen_v by_o the_o miinister_n of_o the_o reform_a kirke_n and_o the_o first_o book_n at_o the_o charge_n and_o commandment_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n subscribe_v by_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o and_o afterward_o by_o many_o more_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o second_o book_n standing_z insert_v in_o public_a register_n of_o the_o kirk_n ordain_v to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o divers_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o confirm_v by_o practice_n be_v both_o for_o one_o end_n to_o wit_n to_o direct_v reformation_n in_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n and_o to_o resist_v idolatry_n and_o corruption_n the_o first_o have_v more_o particular_a purpose_n the_o second_o set_v down_o more_o full_o and_o particular_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o it_o agree_v or_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o civil_a policy_n the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o their_o duty_n the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o distinction_n thereof_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o distribution_n thereof_o the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o kirk_n certain_a head_n of_o reformation_n with_o the_o utility_n of_o the_o say_a book_n etc._n etc._n item_n either_o of_o the_o say_a book_n confirm_v the_o other_o and_o neither_o of_o they_o abolish_v or_o innovate_v the_o other_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n for_o clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o say_a book_n of_o discipline_n and_o against_o the_o adversary_n thereof_o for_o the_o first_o book_n because_o the_o life_n of_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o 1562._o edinburgh_n jul._n 30._o 1562._o as_o thereby_o other_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o godliness_n it_o become_v they_o first_o to_o be_v try_v after_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o superintendent_o if_o any_o man_n have_v whereof_o to_o accuse_v they_o in_o life_n doctrine_n or_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n after_o the_o minister_n must_v the_o elder_n of_o every_o kirk_n be_v try_v etc._n etc._n in_o that_o whole_a ordinance_n anent_o trial_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n follow_v anent_o the_o subjection_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o minister_n to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o bishop_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o prelate_n as_o not_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o reform_a kirke_n mr._n alexander_n gordone_v call_v bishop_n of_o galloway_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la make_v petition_n for_o the_o superintendencie_n of_o galloway_n be_v refuse_v because_o he_o have_v not_o observe_v the_o order_n of_o call_v superintendent_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v require_v to_o subscribe_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o his_o episcopacy_n he_o may_v exercise_v no_o ministerial_a duty_n and_o although_o he_o be_v present_v by_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v he_o to_o be_v superintendent_a except_o he_o subscribe_v the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o let_v this_o be_v remember_v for_o the_o subscription_n of_o other_o of_o who_o there_o may_v be_v see_v a_o great_a number_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o say_a book_n it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o whole_a minister_n assemble_v ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la that_o all_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o their_o superintendents_a in_o all_o lawful_a admonition_n as_o be_v prescribe_v as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n as_o in_o the_o election_n of_o superintendents_a here_o observe_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o superintendents_a may_v not_o do_v what_o please_v they_o second_o that_o obedience_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o they_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o in_o the_o election_n of_o superintendents_a a_o minister_n lawful_o admit_v ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la shall_v not_o be_v remove_v but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n so_o that_o the_o say_a book_n be_v both_o the_o warrant_n of_o orderly_a admission_n and_o orderly_o remove_v according_a to_o the_o four_o head_n of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n concern_v the_o lawful_a election_n of_o minister_n 1562._o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1562._o the_o assembly_n ordain_v that_o inhibition_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o all_o and_o sundry_a person_n now_o serve_v in_o the_o ministry_n who_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o their_o charge_n by_o the_o order_n in_o this_o same_o head_n appoint_v and_o this_o act_n to_o have_v strength_n as_o well_o against_o they_o that_o be_v call_v bishop_n as_o other_o pretend_v any_o ministry_n within_o the_o kirk_n it_o be_v think_v needful_a 1563._o edinburgh_n decem._n 25._o 1563._o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n that_o the_o earl_n marshal_n lord_n ruthwen_n lord_n secretary_n the_o commendator_n of_o kilwinning_n the_o bishop_n of_o
be_v advertise_v by_o his_o grace_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v think_v meet_a 1578._o edinburgh_n april_n 24._o 1578._o that_o the_o travel_v take_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o policy_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o highness_n council_n it_o be_v find_v meet_a that_o before_o the_o copy_n thereof_o be_v deliver_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o review_v and_o over-seen_a by_o mrs._n robert_n pont_n james_n lowson_n and_o david_n lindsay_n and_o be_v write_v over_o according_a to_o the_o original_n one_o copy_n shall_v be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o his_o highness_n with_o a_o supplication_n pen_v by_o they_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o another_o copy_n to_o the_o counsel_n the_o time_n to_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o say_a brethren_n so_o it_o be_v before_o the_o general_a fast_o and_o in_o case_n conference_n and_o reason_n be_v crave_v upon_o the_o say_a head_n the_o assembly_n have_v nominate_v mr._n john_n craig_n alexander_n arbuthnot_n the_o laird_n of_o dun_n william_n christeson_n john_n row_n david_n forguson_n robert_n pont_n james_n lowson_n david_n lindsay_n john_n dunkeson_n androw_n melvill_n androw_n hay_o james_n craig_n to_o concur_v and_o convene_v at_o such_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n as_o advertisement_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o by_o the_o say_v three_o brethren_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n at_o the_o say_a conference_n reason_n also_o in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o how_o far_o minister_n may_v meddle_v with_o civil_a affair_n and_o if_o they_o may_v vote_n in_o counsel_n or_o parliament_n it_o be_v require_v 1578._o edinburgh_n 24_o april_n 1578._o that_o if_o any_o brother_n have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v anent_o the_o head_n de_fw-fr diaconatu_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v be_v ready_a the_o morn_n to_o offer_v his_o reason_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o resolve_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n make_v yesterday_o all_o person_n that_o have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v against_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n be_v require_v to_o propone_v the_o same_o and_o none_o offer_v any_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n find_v universal_a corruption_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o realm_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la the_o great_a coldness_n and_o slackness_n in_o religion_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o with_o the_o daily_a increase_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o fearful_a sin_n and_o enormity_n as_o incest_n adultery_n murder_n and_o namely_o recent_o commit_v in_o edinburgh_n and_o sterling_a curse_a sacrilege_n ungodly_a sedition_n and_o division_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o realm_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o disorder_a and_o ungodly_a live_n which_o just_o have_v provoke_v our_o god_n although_o long-suffering_a and_o patient_a to_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n in_o his_o anger_n to_o correct_v and_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o land_n and_o namely_o by_o the_o present_a penury_n famine_n and_o hunger_n join_v with_o the_o civil_a and_o intestine_a sedition_n whereunto_o doubtless_o great_a judgement_n must_v succeed_v if_o these_o his_o correction_n work_v no_o reformation_n nor_o amendment_n in_o man_n heart_n see_v also_o the_o bloody_a conclusion_n of_o the_o cruel_a counsel_n of_o that_o roman_a beast_n tend_v to_o extermine_v and_o raze_v from_o the_o face_n of_o all_o europe_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o salvation_n for_o these_o cause_n and_o that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v bless_v the_o king_n highness_n and_o his_o regiment_n and_o make_v he_o to_o have_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a government_n as_o also_o to_o put_v in_o his_o highness_n heart_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o noble_a estate_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o to_o make_v and_o establish_v good_a politic_a law_n for_o the_o weal_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o realm_n but_o also_o to_o set_v and_o establish_v such_o a_o policy_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v crave_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v contain_v and_o pen_v already_o to_o be_v present_v to_o his_o highness_n and_o council_n that_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o god_n may_v have_v his_o due_a praise_n and_o the_o age_n to_o come_v a_o example_n of_o upright_a and_o godly_a deal_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n have_v ordain_v the_o act_n precede_v hereanent_a to_o be_v precise_o keep_v in_o all_o point_n forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o last_o assembly_n commission_n be_v give_v to_o certain_a brethren_n to_o present_a to_o the_o king_n highness_n and_o council_n 1578._o sterling_a junii_fw-la 10._o 1578._o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o a_o supplication_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o assembly_n desire_v the_o report_n of_o the_o brethren_n proceed_n who_o expound_v and_o show_v that_o according_a to_o their_o commission_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n with_o the_o supplication_n unto_o his_o grace_n who_o give_v a_o very_a comfortable_a &_o good_a answer_n that_o not_o only_a will_v he_o concur_v with_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v advance_v the_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o also_o will_v be_v a_o protector_n for_o the_o kirk_n and_o thereafter_o his_o grace_n present_v to_o the_o council_n the_o say_a supplication_n who_o nominate_v person_n to_o confer_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o by_o his_o majesty_n procurement_n obtain_v of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o may_v choose_v so_o many_o minister_n to_o confer_v as_o be_v at_o length_n agree_v upon_o which_o conference_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v show_v in_o respect_n that_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o edinburgh_n octob._n 29._o 1578._o a_o certain_a of_o the_o nobility_n be_v convene_v viz._n my_o lord_n chancellor_n the_o earl_n of_o montros_n my_o lord_n seatoun_n my_o lord_n lyndsay_n it_o be_v expon_v and_o show_v to_o the_o moderator_n of_o this_o assembly_n what_o care_n and_o study_v the_o assembly_n have_v take_v to_o entertain_v and_o keep_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n unmixed_a with_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o head_n which_o their_o special_a care_n be_v to_o reserve_v to_o the_o posterity_n hereafter_o and_o see_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v nor_o endure_v long_o without_o a_o good_a discipline_n and_o policy_n in_o that_o part_n have_v they_o also_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o draw_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n such_o a_o discipline_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o their_o supplication_n at_o who_o direction_n certain_a commissioner_n be_v appoint_v to_o reason_n with_o such_o as_o be_v depute_v by_o the_o kirk_n where_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v dispute_v be_v resolve_v and_o agree_v except_o a_o few_o head_n and_o thereafter_o again_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n that_o the_o say_a discipline_n may_v have_v place_n and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n and_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n wherein_o no_o the_o less_o their_o travel_n have_v not_o succeed_v pray_v therefore_o the_o nobility_n present_a as_o well_o open_o to_o make_v profession_n to_o the_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n present_o establish_v within_o this_o realm_n as_o also_o the_o policy_n and_o discipline_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o labour_v at_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n hand_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o head_n follow_v to_o wit_n that_o his_o grace_n and_o council_n will_v establish_v such_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n as_o be_v already_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n and_o cause_v such_o other_o as_o be_v not_o final_o agree_v on_o to_o be_v reason_v and_o put_v to_o a_o end_n and_o that_o his_o grace_n and_o council_n will_v restore_v to_o the_o kirk_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n concern_v the_o three_o and_o that_o none_o vote_v in_o the_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n except_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n to_o that_o effect_n and_o that_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o country_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v the_o better_a and_o soon_o exp_v that_o their_o lordship_n will_v appoint_v such_o time_n convenient_a there_o to_o as_o they_o may_v best_o spare_v that_o such_o of_o the_o brethren_n as_o shall_v be_v name_v thereto_o may_v wait_v upon_o their_o honour_n hereunto_o the_o say_a nobleman_n