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
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 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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
far_o as_o they_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n thereto_o but_o be_v elect_v in_o time_n of_o our_o sovereign_n mother_n when_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n that_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v no_o function_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v judge_n to_o minister_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o room_n therefore_o they_o either_o will_v be_v discharge_v to_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o it_o will_v be_v limit_v to_o they_o in_o what_o matter_n they_o may_v be_v judge_n and_o not_o hurt_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n they_o also_o that_o before_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a estate_n in_o the_o pope_n church_n or_o that_o be_v admit_v of_o new_a to_o the_o papistical_a title_n and_o now_o be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n to_o possess_v the_o two-part_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a rent_n ought_v not_o have_v any_o further_a liberty_n but_o to_o intromet_n with_o the_o portion_n assign_v and_o grant_v to_o they_o for_o their_o lifetime_n and_o not_o under_o the_o abuse_a title_n which_o they_o have_v to_o dispon_n the_o kirkrent_n set_v tack_n and_o fewe_n thereof_o at_o their_o pleafure_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o poor_a labourer_n that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o kirk-land_n contrary_a to_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o order_n chap._n xii_o certain_a special_a head_n of_o reformation_n which_o we_o crave_v whatsoever_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n the_o several_a power_n of_o the_o office-bearer_n their_o conjunct_a power_n also_o and_o last_o of_o the_o patrimrny_a of_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v the_o right_a reformation_n which_o god_n crave_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n be_v order_v according_a thereto_o as_o with_o that_o order_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o because_o something_o will_v be_v touch_v in_o particular_a concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o which_o we_o principal_o seek_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o the_o same_o we_o have_v collect_v they_o in_o these_o head_n follow_v see_v the_o whole_a country_n be_v divide_v in_o province_n and_o their_o province_n again_o be_v divide_v in_o parish_n as_o well_o in_o land-ward_n as_o in_o town_n in_o every_o parish_n and_o reasonable_a congregation_n there_o will_v be_v place_v one_o or_o more_o pastor_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o no_o pastor_n or_o minister_n always_o to_o be_v burden_v with_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o more_o kirk_n or_o flock_n then_o one_o alanerly_a and_o because_o it_o will_v be_v think_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o pastor_n or_o minister_n to_o all_o the_o paroch_n kirk_n of_o the_o realm_n as_o well_o in_o landward_o as_o in_o town_n we_o think_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o such_o as_o commission_n may_v be_v give_v to_o by_o the_o church_n and_o prince_n parish_n in_o landward_o or_o small_a village_n may_v be_v join_v two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o in_o some_o place_n together_o and_o the_o principal_a and_o mest_z commodious_a kirk_n to_o stand_v and_o be_v repair_v sufficient_o and_o qualify_v minister_n place_v thereat_o and_o the_o other_o kirk_n which_o be_v not_o find_v necessary_a may_v be_v suffer_v to_o decay_v their_o kirk-yard_n always_o be_v keep_v for_o burial_n place_n and_o in_o some_o place_n where_o need_n require_v a_o parish_n where_o the_o congregation_n be_v over_o great_a for_o one_o church_n may_v be_v divide_v in_o twa_fw-mi or_o more_o doctor_n will_v be_v appoint_v in_o university_n college_n and_o in_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o to_o open_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o school_n and_o teach_v the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o elder_n there_o will_v be_v some_o to_o be_v censurer_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n one_o or_o more_o in_o every_o congregation_n but_o not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n but_o only_o in_o town_n and_o famous_a place_n where_o resort_n of_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o ability_n to_o that_o effect_n may_v be_v have_v where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a kirk_n about_o may_v convene_v together_o and_o have_v a_o common_a eldership_n and_o assembly-place_n among_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o oversight_n and_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n appoint_v to_o unite_v and_o divide_v the_o parish_n as_o necessity_n and_o commodity_n require_v so_o will_v there_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o general_a church_n with_o assent_n of_o the_o prince_n such_o man_n as_o fear_n god_n and_o know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o country_n that_o be_v able_a to_o nominate_v and_o design_n the_o place_n where_o the_o particular_a eldership_n shall_v convene_v take_v consideration_n of_o the_o diocese_n as_o they_o be_v divide_v of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o country_n and_o province_n of_o the_o realm_n likewise_o concern_v provincial_n and_o synodall_n assembly_n consideration_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v take_v how_o many_o and_o in_o what_o place_n they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o how_o oft_o they_o shall_v convene_v aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_a church_n and_o order_n to_o be_v appoint_v therein_o the_o nationall_n assembly_n of_o this_o country_n call_v common_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v retain_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o have_v their_o own_o place_n with_o power_n to_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n convenient_a for_o the_o same_o and_o all_o man_n as_o well_o magistrate_n as_o inferior_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o same_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n without_o any_o reclamation_n or_o appellation_n to_o any_o judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a within_o the_o realm_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o election_n of_o person_n call_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o observe_v without_o interruption_n so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o antichrist_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o retain_v within_o this_o realm_n so_o that_o none_o be_v intruse_v upon_o any_o congregation_n either_o by_o the_o prince_n or_o any_o inferior_a person_n without_o lawful_a election_n and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o people_n over_o who_o the_o person_n be_v place_v as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a kirk_n and_o good_a order_n crave_v and_o because_o this_o order_n which_o god_n word_n crave_v can_v stand_v with_o patronage_n and_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n use_v in_o the_o pope_n church_n we_o desire_v all_o they_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n earnest_o to_o consider_v that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o patronage_n and_o benefice_n together_o with_o the_o effect_n thereof_o have_v flow_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o thereby_o any_o person_n be_v intruse_v or_o place_v over_o kirkes_n have_v curam_fw-la animarum_fw-la and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o manner_n of_o proceed_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o the_o say_a liberty_n of_o election_n they_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o have_v place_n in_o this_o light_n of_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o will_v embrace_v god_n word_n and_o desire_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v advance_v they_o will_v also_o embrace_v and_o receive_v that_o policy_n and_o order_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o upright_a estate_n of_o his_o kirk_n crave_v otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o they_o have_v profess_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o as_o concern_v other_o patronage_n of_o benefice_n that_o have_v not_o curam_fw-la animarum_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v such_o as_o be_v chaplenry_n prebendary_n found_v upon_o temporal_a land_n annuel_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o ancient_a patroness_n to_o dispone_v hereupon_o when_o they_o vaike_fw-mi to_o scholar_n and_o burser_n as_o they_o be_v require_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o for_o the_o kirk_n rent_n in_o general_n we_o desire_v that_o order_n be_v admit_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o that_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n word_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o be_v before_o speak_v the_o whole_a rent_n and_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n except_v the_o small_a patronage_n before_o mention_v may_v be_v divide_v in_o four_o portion_n one_o thereof_o to_o be_v assign_v to_o the_o pastor_n for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o hospitality_n a_o other_o to_o the_o elder_n deacon_n and_o other_o
sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o grace_n regent_n and_o authority_n break_v his_o say_a oath_n by_o sit_v in_o pretend_a parliament_n for_o dispossess_v of_o our_o say_a sovereign_a lord_n of_o his_o royal_a crown_n and_o authority_n 6._o open_o in_o pulpi_n the_o give_v thanks_o for_o the_o slaughter_n of_o matthew_n earl_n of_o lennox_n of_o good_a memory_n say_v that_o it_o be_v god_fw-we most_o just_a judgement_n and_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o do_v the_o same_o 7._o that_o he_o be_v a_o perverter_n of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o before_o the_o reformation_n but_o also_o divers_a time_n since_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v public_a repentance_n in_o sackcloth_n three_o several_a sunday_n first_o in_o the_o kirk_n of_o edinburgh_n second_o in_o halyrud-hous_n three_o in_o the_o queen_n college_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n alexander_n hay_o ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la clerk_n to_o the_o secret_a council_n present_v certain_a head_n propon_v by_o my_o lord_n regent_n to_o the_o present_a assembly_n whereof_o one_o follow_v my_o lord_n regent_n grace_n mind_n that_o with_o all_o convenient_a diligence_n qualify_v person_n shall_v be_v promote_v to_o the_o bishopric_n now_o vacant_a the_o delay_n whereof_o have_v not_o be_v in_o his_o own_o grace_n his_o default_n but_o by_o reason_n some_o entresse_n be_v make_v to_o these_o live_n in_o favour_n of_o certain_a nobleman_n before_o his_o acceptation_n of_o the_o regiment_n yet_o his_o grace_n be_v persuade_v that_o qualify_v person_n shall_v speedy_o be_v present_v and_o in_o case_n of_o failzie_n will_v not_o fail_v without_o the_o other_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n to_o present_v the_o assembly_n have_v conclude_v 1573._o edinburgh_n mar._n 6._o 1573._o that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n shall_v not_o exceed_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o superintendents_a which_o heretofore_o they_o have_v have_v and_o present_o have_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v willing_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o member_n thereof_o as_o the_o superintendents_a have_v be_v heretofore_o in_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o no_o bishop_n give_v collation_n of_o any_o benefice_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o superintendent_o without_o their_o consent_n and_o testimonial_a subscrive_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o that_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o diocese_n visit_v by_o themselves_o where_o no_o superintendents_a be_v and_o give_v no_o collation_n of_o benefice_n without_o consent_n of_o three_o well_o qualify_v minister_n etc._n etc._n the_o bishop_n of_o dunkell_n ordain_v to_o confess_v his_o fault_n public_o in_o the_o kirk_n of_o dunkell_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la for_o not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o kirk_n against_o the_o earl_n of_o athol_n george_n bishop_n of_o murray_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la ordain_v to_o be_v summon_v to_o make_v his_o purgation_n of_o the_o fornication_n allege_v commit_v by_o he_o with_o the_o lady_n ardrosse_n bishop_n superintendents_a or_o commissioner_n of_o country_n 1574._o edinburgh_n august_n 7._o 1574._o that_o be_v find_v negligent_a in_o their_o office_n or_o do_v not_o their_o debtfull_a charge_n either_o in_o their_o visitation_n teach_v or_o life_n the_o assembly_n have_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v and_o correct_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o fault_n either_o by_o admonition_n public_a repentance_n suspension_n or_o deprivation_n simpliciter_fw-la at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n bishop_n of_o dunkell_n bishop_n of_o brechin_n bishop_n of_o murray_n 1574._o edinburgh_n mar._n 7._o 1574._o bishop_n of_o glasgow_n remove_v and_o particular_o complain_v on_o the_o bishop_n of_o galloway_n dunkell_n brechin_n dumblaine_n yle_n 1575._o edinburgh_n augusti_fw-la 6._o 1575._o be_v present_a john_n durie_n one_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n protest_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o bishop_n prejudge_v not_o the_o opinion_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o and_o other_o brethren_n of_o his_o mind_n have_v to_o oppone_v against_o the_o say_a office_n and_o name_n of_o bishop_n anent_o the_o question_n propound_v by_o certain_a brethren_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la whether_o if_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o scotland_n have_v their_o function_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o or_o the_o chapiters_n appoint_v for_o create_v of_o they_o in_o this_o reform_a kirk_n for_o better_a resolution_n hereof_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n appoint_v mr._n john_n craig_n minister_n at_o aberdene_n mr._n james_n lowson_n minister_n at_o edinburgh_n and_o mr._n androw_n melvil_n principal_a of_o the_o college_n of_o glasgow_n on_o the_o one_o part_n mr._n george_n hay_o commissioner_n of_o caitnes_n mr._n john_n row_n minister_n of_o pearth_n and_o mr._n david_n lindsay_n minister_n at_o leith_n on_o the_o other_o part_n to_o conveen_n reason_n and_o confer_v upon_o the_o say_a question_n and_o to_o report_v their_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n thereupon_o to_o the_o assembly_n before_o the_o dissolve_v thereof_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v betwixt_o and_o the_o same_o they_o think_v it_o not_o expedient_a present_o to_o answer_v direct_o to_o the_o first_o question_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la but_o if_o any_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v who_o have_v no_o such_o quality_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v let_v he_o be_v try_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n de_fw-fr novo_fw-la and_o so_o depose_v the_o point_n wherein_o they_o agree_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_a first_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v common_a to_o all_o they_o that_o have_v any_o particular_a flock_n over_o the_o which_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a charge_n as_o well_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o execute_v the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n with_o consent_n of_o his_o elder_n and_o this_o be_v his_o chief_a function_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n out_o of_o this_o number_n may_v be_v choose_v some_o to_o have_v power_n to_o visit_v such_o reasonable_a bound_n beside_o his_o own_o flock_n as_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v appoint_v and_o in_o these_o bound_n to_o appoint_v minister_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o province_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o flock_n to_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v also_o to_o appoint_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v none_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n thereof_o and_o to_o suspend_v minister_n for_o reasonable_a cause_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n aforesaid_a bishop_n be_v present_a ibidem_fw-la edinburgh_n april_n be_v 5._o 1576._o ibidem_fw-la their_o diligence_n be_v try_v and_o they_o be_v accuse_v for_o want_n of_o particular_a flock_n dilapidation_n and_o other_o fault_n anent_o the_o advice_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o brethren_n give_v concern_v the_o question_n move_v anent_o bishop_n the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o the_o great_a part_n after_o reason_v and_o long_a disputation_n upon_o every_o article_n of_o the_o say_v brethren_n opinion_n and_o advice_n resolute_o affirm_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o and_o every_o article_n thereof_o as_o be_v also_o above_o set_v down_o and_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o the_o say_v article_n condescend_v upon_o by_o the_o say_a assembly_n may_v be_v the_o better_o follow_v out_o and_o ready_a execution_n may_v ensue_v thereupon_o as_o appertain_v ordain_v the_o bishop_n which_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n to_o condescend_v the_o morn_n what_o particular_a flock_n they_o will_v accept_v to_o take_v the_o cure_n of_o for_o the_o more_o commodious_a visitation_n of_o country_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la there_o be_v appoint_v for_o every_o shire_n four_o or_o five_o bishop_n superintendents_a and_o minister_n and_o article_n of_o visitation_n set_v down_o anent_o the_o demand_n of_o mr._n androw_n hay_o parson_n of_o ranthrow_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la if_o every_o vifiter_n within_o his_o own_o bound_n have_v like_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o plant_v minister_n suspend_v and_o depose_v for_o reasonable_a cause_n the_o assembly_n resolve_v affirmative_a that_o they_o have_v alike_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n therein_o as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o particular_a articy_n concern_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o visiter_n for_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v great_a corruption_n in_o the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v present_o make_v in_o this_o realm_n 1578._o ediuburgh_n aprilis_fw-la 24._o 1578._o whereunto_o the_o kirk_n will_v provide_v some_o stay_n in_o time_n come_v so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v to_o the_o effect_n that_o further_a corruption_n may_v be_v bridle_v therefore_o the_o assembly_n have_v conclude_v that_o no_o more_o bishop_n shall_v be_v elect_v or_o make_v hereafter_o before_o the_o next_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n discharge_v all_o minister_n and_o chapiters_n to_o proceed_v any_o way_n