the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n as_o it_o be_v former_o set_v forth_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o at_o this_o present_a command_v there_o to_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o say_v church_fw-mi anno_fw-la 1641._o together_o with_o some_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n clear_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o as_o also_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n by_o the_o king_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o scotland_n for_o rectify_v of_o the_o say_a discipline_n the_o first_o and_z second_o book_n according_a to_o all_o that_o i_o show_v thou_o after_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n even_o so_o shall_v you_o make_v it_o exod._n 25.9_o print_v by_o rob._n young_a his_o majesty_n printer_n for_o scotland_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n sweeting_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o angel_n in_o popes-head-allie_n 1641._o the_o preface_n after_o these_o dark_a and_o dreadful_a day_n of_o barbarous_a blindness_n &_o superstition_n wherein_o by_o the_o deceit_n of_o dumb_a dog_n bloody_a war_n for_o many_o year_n have_v cover_v the_o face_n of_o this_o land_n it_o please_v the_o bountifulness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o riches_n of_o his_o love_n as_o not_o regard_v the_o time_n of_o former_a ignorance_n with_o a_o marvellous_a mercy_n to_o visit_v this_o realm_n by_o send_v not_o one_o jonah_n to_o such_o a_o niniveh_n or_o one_o philip_n to_o such_o a_o samaria_n but_o first_o few_o since_o many_o and_o all_o faithful_a holy_a wise_a frack_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o scotland_n as_o in_o another_o antiochia_n at_o the_o terror_n of_o these_o trumpet_n like_o smoke_n before_o the_o wind_n be_v quick_o drive_v away_o not_o only_o the_o darkness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o damnable_a dissension_n among_o the_o member_n of_o this_o kingdom_n wherein_o consist_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o bloody_a beast_n by_o who_o tyrannous_a cruelty_n and_o deceivable_a way_n prince_n and_o people_n be_v shameful_o abuse_v and_o often_o compel_v with_o the_o claw_n of_o violence_n to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o to_o keep_v the_o book_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a testament_n of_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o cover_n of_o a_o strange_a tongue_n as_o a_o clasp_a boeke_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v read_v but_o also_o many_o of_o that_o antichristian_a sect_n who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n have_v use_v the_o curious_a art_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o lie_n and_o service_n of_o baal_n be_v turn_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n so_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n that_o romish_a jericho_n fall_v the_o people_n that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n see_v a_o great_a light_n and_o where_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n have_v prevail_v the_o throne_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o the_o word_n increase_v and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_fw-mi from_o day_n to_o day_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v save_v so_o magnify_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o arm_n against_o his_o enemy_n in_o that_o prosperous_a time_n that_o neither_o proud_a anakim_v nor_o crafty_a gibeonite_n be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o the_o spirit_n that_o speak_v in_o these_o man_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o though_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o war_n after_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o the_o spiritual_a arm_n of_o bold_a preach_v reverend_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sincere_a rule_v of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n with_o discretion_n and_o without_o partiality_n and_o always_o pray_v and_o often_o fast_v they_o banish_a atheism_n barbarity_n and_o papistry_n quench_v the_o fire_n of_o contention_n prevent_v danger_n plant_v the_o kirkes_n teach_v and_o persuade_v great_a and_o small_a poor_a and_o rich_a and_o person_n of_o all_o estate_n to_o profess_v the_o evangel_n and_o howsoever_o they_o be_v daily_o cross_v with_o deceit_n and_o opposition_n so_o lead_v they_o diversity_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o amity_n that_o all_o thing_n concern_v the_o great_a work_n of_o that_o glorious_a reformation_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v wise_o and_o firm_o appoint_v in_o those_o happy_a day_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o love_n be_v like_o jonathan_n and_o david_n in_o courage_n like_o gideon_n 300._o in_o unity_n like_o the_o saint_n that_o first_o receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o care_n and_o diligence_n like_o the_o bvilder_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o march_v like_o the_o lord_n army_n then_o be_v they_o neither_o despise_v nor_o abhor_v but_o receive_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o lord_n troop_n neither_o for_o work_n nor_o war_n be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v any_o pompous_a prelate_n abbot_n prior_n bishop_n or_o archbishop_n that_o love_v to_o shine_v in_o dignity_n and_o rejoice_v in_o rent_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o lord_n service_n o_o scotland_n what_o be_v then_o thy_o felicity_n then_o do_v thou_o sing_v &_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o joy_n god_n will_v arise_v and_o his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v scatter_v they_o also_o that_o hate_v he_o shall_v sty_n before_o he_o thou_o have_v bring_v a_o vine_n out_o of_o egypt_n thou_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o heathen_a and_o plant_v it_o thou_o make_v room_n for_o it_o and_o do_v cause_v it_o to_o take_v root_n and_o it_o fill_v the_o land_n etc._n etc._n the_o superstitious_a ignorant_a the_o perverse_a papist_n the_o crafty_a parasite_n and_o the_o self-loving_a politian_n the_o christian_a colour_a belly-god_n and_o the_o loose-liver_n the_o timeserver_n and_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o that_o filthy_a sect_n that_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v often_o conspire_v against_o the_o build_n of_o that_o glorious_a temple_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n they_o be_v disappoint_v yet_o in_o these_o last_o day_n some_o dangerous_a dalilah_n have_v betray_v samson_n and_o tell_v wherein_o his_o strength_n lay_v with_o no_o less_o hurt_n to_o this_o church_fw-mi then_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o false_a brethren_n who_o be_v crafty_o send_v in_o and_o creep_v in_o privy_o among_o the_o faithful_a to_o spy_v out_o their_o liberty_n which_o they_o have_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n it_o be_v clear_o know_v to_o many_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o foreign_a part_n what_o a_o wall_n for_o defence_n and_o a_o band_n for_o peace_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o heavenly_a discipline_n whereby_o brotherly_a amity_n and_o sacred_a harmony_n of_o prince_n pastor_n and_o professor_n be_v so_o continue_v and_o increase_v that_o all_o as_o one_o man_n do_v stand_v together_o for_o the_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o church_fw-mi government_n against_o the_o adversary_n either_o lurk_a or_o profess_a it_o be_v the_o hedge_n of_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n and_o the_o hammer_n whereby_o the_o horn_n both_o of_o adversary_n and_o disobeyer_n be_v beat_v and_o break_v and_o of_o this_o happy_a mean_v it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v that_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o more_o than_o by_o our_o own_o virtue_n be_v we_o strong_a and_o prevail_v and_o to_o sharpen_v our_o love_n it_o be_v thus_o write_v by_o a_o stranger_n but_o a_o friend_n albeit_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o who_o have_v their_o city_n in_o heaven_n repose_v altogether_o thereupon_o yet_o nothing_o shall_v let_v we_o to_o behold_v as_o it_o be_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o etc._n etc._n by_o most_o evident_a reason_n i_o judge_v the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n to_o be_v of_o this_o sort_n in_o the_o which_o the_o many_o mighty_a and_o long_o continue_v assault_n of_o satan_n the_o like_a whereof_o as_o i_o think_v no_o nation_n sustain_v can_v neither_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n nor_o bow_v the_o rule_n of_o right_a discipline_n this_o be_v a_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v bring_v together_o to_o scotland_n both_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o discipline_n whereby_o as_o in_o a_o bond_n the_o doctrine_n be_v safe_o keep_v i_o pray_v and_o beseech_v you_o so_o to_o keep_v these_o two_o together_o as_o that_o you_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o the_o one_o fall_n the_o other_o can_v no_o way_n long_o stand_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o the_o space_n of_o fifty_o year_n and_o above_o scotland_n run_v well_o the_o doctrine_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n preach_v and_o discipline_n appoint_v and_o practise_v yea_o both_o profess_a establish_a and_o constant_o defend_v not_o only_o by_o those_o faithful_a man_n that_o go_v before_o but_o by_o they_o who_o follow_v and_o yet_o live_v in_o such_o concord_n of_o kirk_n and_o policy_n that_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
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 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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
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
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