in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o perpetual_a deprivation_n from_o their_o office_n the_o act_n above_o write_v extend_v to_o all_o time_n to_o come_v 1578._o sterling_n julti_fw-la 11._o 1578._o and_o all_o bishop_n already_o elect_v require_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n concern_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o estate_n which_o submission_n the_o bishop_n of_o dunblane_n willing_o offer_v to_o the_o assembly_n sess_n 4._o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v discharge_v dundie_n julii_fw-la 12._o 1580._o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v judge_v unlawful_a &_o discharge_v and_o common_o take_v within_o this_o realm_n have_v no_o sure_a warrant_n authority_n nor_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n invention_n to_o the_o great_a overthrow_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o one_o voice_n after_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o matter_n none_o oppon_v himself_o in_o defend_v the_o say_a pretend_a office_n find_v and_o declare_v the_o same_o pretend_a office_n use_v and_o term_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a unlawful_a in_o the_o self_n as_o have_v neither_o fundament_n ground_n nor_o warrant_v within_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ordain_v that_o all_o such_o person_n as_o bruike_v or_o shall_v bruike_v hereafter_o the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v charge_v simple_o to_o dimit_v quite_o and_o leave_v off_o the_o same_o as_o a_o office_n where_o into_o they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a to_o desist_v and_o cease_v from_o all_o preach_n ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o use_v any_o way_n the_o office_n of_o pastor_n while_o they_o receive_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la admission_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v against_o they_o wherein_o if_o they_o be_v find_v disobedient_a or_o contradict_v this_o act_n in_o any_o point_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n after_o due_a admonition_n to_o be_v execute_v against_o they_o appoint_v synodall_n assem_fw-la bly_n appoint_v and_o for_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o say_a act_n it_o be_v statute_n that_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o every_o province_n where_o any_o usurp_a bishop_n be_v and_o begin_v the_o 18._o of_o august_n next_o to_o come_v whereto_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v and_o summon_v by_o the_o visitor_n of_o the_o say_a country_n to_o compeire_n before_o their_o synodall_n assembly_n and_o namely_o the_o bishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n to_o compeir_n in_o saint_n andrew_n the_o bishop_n of_o aberdene_n in_o aberdene_n the_o bishop_n of_o glascow_n in_o glascow_n the_o bishop_n of_o murray_n in_o elgyne_n to_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o say_a act_n which_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o do_v that_o the_o say_v synodall_n assembly_n shall_v appoint_v certain_a brethren_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o give_v they_o public_a admonition_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n and_o warnethem_n in_o case_n they_o disobey_v to_o compeir_n before_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 20._o of_o october_n next_o to_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n pronounce_v against_o they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o to_o this_o act_n the_o bishop_n of_o dunblane_n agree_v submit_v himself_o to_o be_v rule_v thereby_o the_o twelve_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o five_o of_o june_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1592._o year_n by_o the_o right_n excellent_a right_a high_a and_o mighty_a prince_n james_n the_o sixth_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o scot_n with_o advice_n of_o his_o three_o estate_n ratification_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o gener_fw-la all_n and_o synodall_n assembly_n of_o presbytery_n of_o discipline_n all_o law_n of_o idolatry_n be_v abrogate_v of_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o estate_n of_o this_o present_a parliament_n follow_v the_o laudable_a and_o good_a example_n of_o their_o predecessor_n have_v ratify_v and_o approve_v and_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o present_a act_n ratify_v and_o approve_v all_o liberty_n privilege_n immunity_n and_o freedom_n whatsoever_o give_v and_o grant_v by_o his_o highness_n his_o regent_n in_o his_o name_n or_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n to_o the_o true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n present_o establish_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o act_n of_o his_o highness_n parliament_n the_o twenty_o day_n of_o october_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1579._o year_n and_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o act_v of_o parliament_n and_o statute_n make_v of_o before_o by_o his_o highness_n and_o his_o regent_n anent_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o say_v kirk_n and_o special_o the_o first_o act_n of_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o twenty_o four_o day_n of_o october_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1581._o year_n with_o the_o whole_a particular_a act_n there_o mention_v which_o shall_v be_v as_o sufficient_a as_o if_o the_o same_o be_v here_o express_v and_o all_o other_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v since_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n and_o such_o like_a ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o general_a assembly_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_v kirk_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o the_o kirk_n and_o minister_n every_o year_n at_o the_o least_o and_o often_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la as_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n shall_v require_v to_o hold_v and_o keep_v general_a assembly_n provide_v that_o the_o king_n majesty_n or_o his_o commissioner_n with_o they_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o his_o highness_n be_v present_a at_o ilk_fw-mi general_n assembly_n before_o the_o dissolve_v thereof_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v hold_v and_o in_o case_n neither_o his_o majesty_n nor_o his_o say_a commissioner_n be_v present_a for_o the_o time_n in_o that_o town_n where_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n be_v hold_v then_o and_o in_o that_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v leasum_fw-la to_o the_o say_v general_a assembly_n by_o themselves_o to_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o hold_v as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n to_o do_v in_o time_n by_o past_a and_o also_o ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o provincial_n and_o synodall_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o say_v kirk_n and_o minister_n twice_o ilk_fw-mi year_n as_o they_o have_v be_v and_o present_o be_v in_o use_n to_o do_v within_o every_o province_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o ratify_v and_o approve_v the_o presbytery_n and_o particular_a session_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_v kirk_n with_o the_o whole_a discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o same_o kirk_n agree_v upon_o by_o his_o majcsty_n in_o conference_n have_v by_o his_o highness_n with_o certain_a of_o the_o minister_n convene_v to_o that_o effect_n of_o the_o which_o article_n the_o tenor_n follow_v matter_n to_o be_v entreat_v in_o provincial_n assembly_n their_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v for_o weighty_a matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v entreat_v by_o mutual_a consent_n and_o assistance_n of_o brothren_n within_o the_o province_n as_o need_n require_v this_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o handle_v order_n and_o redress_v all_o thing_n omit_v or_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o particular_a assembly_n it_o have_v power_n to_o depose_v the_o office_n bearer_n of_o that_o province_n for_o good_a and_o just_a cause_n deserve_v deprivation_n and_o general_o their_o assembly_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n whereof_o they_o be_v collect_v matter_n to_o be_v entreat_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v to_o use_v diligent_a labour_n in_o the_o bound_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o the_o kirkes_n be_v keep_v in_o good_a order_n to_o inquire_v diligent_o of_o naughty_a and_o ungodly_a person_n and_o to_o travel_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o way_n again_o by_o admonition_n or_o threaten_v of_o god_n judgement_n or_o by_o correction_n it_o appertain_v to_o the_o eldership_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o preach_v within_o their_o bound_n the_o sacrament_n right_o minister_v the_o discipline_n entertain_v and_o ecclesiastical_a good_n uncorrupt_o distribute_v it_o belong_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o assembly_n to_o cause_v the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o the_o assembly_n provincial_n nationall_n &_o general_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n to_o make_v constitution_n which_o concern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o kirk_n for_o decent_a order_n in_o the_o particular_a kirk_n where_o
they_o govern_v provide_v that_o they_o alter_v no_o rule_n make_v by_o the_o provincial_n or_o general_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o provincial_n assembly_n aforesaid_a privy_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v and_o to_o abolish_v constitution_n tend_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o same_o it_o have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o obstinate_a for_o maul_v process_n be_v lead_v and_o due_a interval_n of_o time_n observe_v anent_o particular_a kirkes_n if_o they_o be_v lawful_o rule_v by_o sufficient_a minister_n and_o session_n they_o have_v power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o decree_n and_o declare_v the_o assembly_n presbytery_n and_o session_n jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n foresay_a to_o be_v in_o all_o time_n come_v most_o just_a good_a and_o godly_a in_o the_o self_n notwithstanding_o of_o whatsoever_o statute_n act_n canon_n civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o which_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o their_o present_n shall_v make_v express_a derogation_n and_o because_o there_o be_v divers_a act_n of_o parliament_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n present_o profess_v within_o this_o realm_n jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o which_o stand_v yet_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n not_o abrogate_a nor_o annul_v therefore_o his_o highness_n and_o estate_n aforesaid_a have_v abrogate_a cass_v and_o annul_v and_o by_o the_o tenor_n hereof_o abrogate_v cass_n and_o annulle_n all_o act_n of_o parliament_n make_v by_o any_o of_o his_o highness_n predecessor_n for_o maintenance_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n withal_o and_o whatsoever_o act_n law_n and_o statute_n make_v at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o day_n and_o date_n hereof_o against_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o as_o the_o same_o be_v use_v and_o exercise_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o in_o special_a that_o part_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n hold_v at_o sterling_n the_o four_o day_n of_o november_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1443._o year_n command_v obedience_n to_o be_v give_v to_o eugenius_n the_o pope_n for_o the_o time_n the_o act_n make_v by_o king_n james_n the_o three_o in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 24._o of_o february_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1480._o year_n and_o all_o other_o act_n whereby_o the_o pope_n authority_n be_v establish_v the_o act_n of_o king_n james_n the_o three_o in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 20._o of_o november_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1469._o year_n anent_o the_o saturday_n and_o other_o vigil_n to_o be_v holy_a day_n from_o evensong_n to_o evensong_n item_n that_o part_n of_o the_o act_n make_v by_o the_o queen_n regent_n in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o first_o day_n of_o february_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1551._o year_n give_v special_a licence_n for_o hold_v of_o pasche_n and_o zuill_a item_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o estate_n aforesaid_a declare_v that_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o two_o and_o twenty_o of_o may_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1584._o year_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a nor_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n special_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n item_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n foresaid_a abrogate_v cass_n and_o annihilate_v the_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o say_a year_n 1584._o year_n grant_v commission_n to_o bishop_n and_o other_o judge_n constitute_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n to_o receive_v his_o highness_n presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a which_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n aforesaid_a declare_v to_o be_v expire_v in_o the_o self_n and_o to_o be_v null_a in_o time_n come_v of_o none_o avail_v force_n or_o effect_n and_o therefore_o ordain_v all_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n in_o all_o time_n come_v with_o full_a power_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n provide_v the_o foresaid_a presbytery_n be_v bind_v and_o astrict_v to_o receive_v and_o admit_v whatsoever_o qualify_a minister_n present_v by_o his_o majesty_n or_o laicke_a patron_n the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n now_o admit_v to_o the_o regiment_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o estate_n thereof_o your_o honour_n humble_a servitor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o the_o same_o wish_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o perpetual_a increase_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o your_o honour_n weereceive_v a_o charge_n daze_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 29._o of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1560._o require_v and_o command_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n as_o we_o will_v answer_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o in_o abooke_n deliver_v to_o your_o wisdom_n our_o judgement_n touch_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o heretofore_o in_o this_o realm_n as_o in_o other_o have_v be_v utter_o corrupt_v upon_o the_o receipt_n whereof_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v in_o this_o town_n do_v convene_v and_o in_o unity_n of_o mind_n do_v offer_v unto_o your_o wisdom_n these_o subsequent_o for_o common_a order_n and_o uniformity_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o realm_n concern_v doctrine_n administration_n of_o sacrament_n election_n of_o minister_n provision_n for_o their_o sustentation_n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n most_o humble_o require_v your_o honour_n that_o as_o you_o look_v for_o participation_n with_o christ_n jesus_n that_o neither_o you_o admit_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n plain_a word_n shall_v not_o approve_v neither_o yet_o that_o you_o shall_v reject_v such_o ordinance_n as_o equity_n justice_n and_o god_n word_n do_v specify_v for_o as_o we_o will_v not_o bind_v your_o wisdom_n to_o our_o judgement_n further_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v by_o god_n plain_a scripture_n so_o must_v we_o most_o humble_o crave_v of_o you_o even_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v in_o god_n presence_n before_o who_o both_o you_o and_o we_o must_v appear_v to_o render_v account_n of_o all_o our_o fact_n that_o you_o repudiate_v nothing_o for_o pleasure_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n which_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o improve_v by_o god_n write_v and_o reveal_v word_n the_o first_o head_n of_o doctrine_n see_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v he_o who_o god_n the_o father_n have_v command_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o follow_v of_o his_o sheep_n we_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o his_o gospel_n be_v true_o and_o open_o preach_v in_o every_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o that_o all_o doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o same_o be_v utter_o repress_v as_o damnable_a to_o man_n salvation_n the_o explication_n of_o the_o first_o head_n jest_n that_o upon_o this_o generality_n ungodly_a man_n take_v occasion_n to_o cavil_n this_o we_o add_v for_o explication_n by_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n we_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o of_o the_o old_a to_o wit_n the_o law_n prophet_n and_o history_n in_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v no_o less_o contain_v in_o figure_n than_o we_o have_v he_o now_o express_v in_o verity_n and_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v of_o god_n be_v profitable_a to_o in_o strike_v to_o reprove_v and_o to_o exhort_v in_o which_o book_n of_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a be_v contain_v and_o sufficient_o express_v by_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n we_o understand_v whatsoever_o man_n by_o law_n counsel_n or_o constitution_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o conseience_n of_o man_n without_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n word_n such_o as_o be_v the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n for_o swear_v of_o marriage_n bind_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o several_a and_o disguise_a apparell_n to_o the_o superstitious_a
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
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