jesus_n then_o that_o the_o zeal_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o glory_n provoke_v and_o move_v you_o to_o set_v his_o oppress_a kirk_n at_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n we_o fear_v your_o sharp_a and_o sudden_a punishment_n and_o that_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o enterprise_n be_v reserve_v unto_o other_o and_o yet_o shall_v this_o our_o judgement_n abide_v to_o the_o generation_n follow_v for_o a_o monument_n and_o witness_n how_o love_o god_fw-we call_v you_o and_o this_o nation_n to_o repentance_n what_o counselor_n god_n send_v unto_o you_o and_o how_o you_o have_v use_v the_o same_o if_o obedient_o you_o hear_v god_n now_o call_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v hear_v you_o in_o your_o great_a necessity_n but_o if_o follow_v your_o own_o corrupt_a judgement_n you_o contemn_v his_o voice_n and_o vocation_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o your_o former_a iniquity_n and_o present_a ingratitude_n shall_v together_o crave_v great_a punishment_n from_o god_n who_o can_v long_o delay_v to_o execute_v his_o most_o just_a judgement_n when_o after_o many_o offence_n and_o long_a blindness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n offer_v be_v contemptuous_o refuse_v god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n so_o illuminate_v your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v clear_o see_v what_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a in_o his_o presence_n and_o so_o bow_v the_o same_o to_o his_o obedience_n that_o you_o may_v prefer_v his_o reveal_v will_v to_o your_o own_o affection_n and_o so_o strengthen_v you_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o fortitude_n that_o bold_o you_o may_v punish_v vice_n and_o maintain_v virtue_n within_o this_o realm_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n of_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o the_o consolation_n and_o the_o good_a example_n of_o the_o posterity_n follow_v amen_o by_o your_o honour_n most_o humble_a servitor_n from_o edinburgh_n the_o 20._o of_o may._n 1560._o act_n of_o secret_a counsel_n 17_o januarii_n anno_fw-la 1560._o we_o which_o have_v subscribe_v their_o present_n have_v advise_v with_o the_o article_n herein_o specify_v as_o be_v above_o mention_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n think_v the_o same_o good_a and_o conform_a to_o god_n word_n in_o all_o point_n conform_a to_o the_o note_n and_o addition_n hereto_o eik_v and_o promise_n to_o set_v the_o same_o forward_a to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n provide_v that_o the_o bishop_n abbot_n prior_n and_o other_o prelate_n and_o benificed_a man_n which_o else_o have_v adjoin_v they_o to_o we_o bruik_fw-mi the_o revenue_n of_o their_o benefice_n during_o their_o life_n time_n they_o sustain_v and_o uphold_v the_o ministry_n and_o minister_n as_o herein_o be_v specify_v for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o minister_a of_o the_o sacrament_n sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la james_n hamiltoun_n archbald_n argyle_n james_n stewart_n rothes_n boid_n william_n lord_n hay_n alexander_n cambell_n m._n alexander_n gordoun_n glencarne_v vchiltrie_n sanquhare_n s._n jhones_n william_n of_o culrosse_n drumlangrig_n bargannie_n young_a lochinvar_n cunninghamhead_n james_n haliburtoun_n ihone_v lochart_n of_o bar._n joan_n schaw_n of_o holy_a scot_n of_o haning_n james_n maxwell_n george_n fentoun_n of_o that_o ilk_fw-mi andro_n ker_n of_o fadounside_n andro_n hamiltoun_n of_o lethane_n deane_n of_o murray_n the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n head_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o kirk_n and_o policy_n thereof_o in_o general_a and_o wherein_o it_o be_v different_a from_o the_o civil_a policy_n the_o kirk_n of_o god_n sometime_o be_v large_o take_v for_o all_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o evangell_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o company_n and_o fellowship_n not_o only_o of_o the_o godly_a but_o also_o of_o hypocrite_n profess_v always_o outward_o the_o true_a religion_n other_o time_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o godly_a and_o elect_a only_o and_o sometime_o for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n the_o kirk_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n grant_v by_o god_n according_a to_o which_o it_o use_v a_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n exercise_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n this_o power_n ecclesiastical_a be_v a_o authority_n grant_v by_o god_n the_o father_n through_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o church_fw-mi gather_v and_o have_v the_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n by_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o lawful_a call_n be_v commit_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n flow_v from_o this_o power_n be_v a_o order_n or_o form_n of_o spiritual_a government_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o member_n appoint_v thereto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o the_o office-bearer_n by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v to_o the_o weal_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n this_o power_n be_v diverse_o use_v for_o sometime_o it_o be_v several_o exercise_v chief_o by_o the_o teacher_n sometime_o conjunct_o by_o mutual_a consent_n of_o they_o that_o bear_v the_o office_n and_o charge_n after_o the_o form_n of_o judgement_n the_o former_a be_v only_o call_v potestas_fw-la ordinis_fw-la and_o the_o other_o potestas_fw-la jurisdictionis_fw-la these_o two_o kind_n of_o power_n have_v both_o one_o authority_n one_o ground_n one_o final_a cause_n but_o be_v different_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o execution_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o speak_n of_o our_o master_n in_o the_o 16_o and_o 18_o of_o matthew_n this_o power_n and_o policy_n ecclesiastical_a be_v different_a and_o distinct_a in_o the_o own_o nature_n from_o that_o power_n and_o policy_n which_o be_v call_v civil_a power_n and_o appertain_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n albeit_o they_o be_v both_o of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o one_o end_n if_o they_o be_v right_o use_v viz._n to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v godly_a and_o good_a subject_n for_o this_o power_n ecclesiastical_a flow_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o the_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v spiritual_a not_o have_v a_o temporal_a head_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o only_o christ_n the_o only_a spiritual_a king_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o kirk_n it_o be_v a_o title_n false_o usurp_v by_o antichrist_n to_o call_v himself_o head_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o angel_n nor_o man_n of_o what_o estate_n that_o ever_o he_o be_v save_v to_o christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o monarch_n in_o the_o kirk_n therefore_o this_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n shall_v lean_v upon_o the_o word_n immediate_o as_o the_o only_a ground_n thereof_o and_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o kirk_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n the_o only_a spiritual_a king_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o law_n it_o be_v proper_a to_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o be_v call_v lord_n and_o dominator_n over_o their_o subject_n who_o they_o govern_v civil_o but_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n only_o to_o be_v call_v lord_n and_o master_n in_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o all_o other_o that_o bear_v office_n therein_o ought_v not_o to_o usurp_v dominion_n therein_o nor_o be_v call_v lord_n but_o only_a minister_n disciple_n and_o servant_n for_o it_o be_v christ_n proper_a office_n to_o command_v and_o rule_v his_o kirk_n universal_o and_o every_o particular_a kirk_n through_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n notwithstanding_o as_o the_o minister_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n civil_a so_o ought_v the_o person_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o kirk_n spiritual_o and_o in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o both_o these_o jurisdiction_n can_v stand_v in_o one_o person_n ordinary_a the_o civil_a power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o other_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o civil_a power_n shall_v command_v the_o spiritual_a to_o exercise_v and_o to_o do_v their_o office_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spiritual_a ruler_n shall_v require_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o minister_v justice_n and_o punish_v vice_n and_o to_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o kirk_n within_o their_o bound_n the_o magistrate_n command_v external_a thing_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o quietness_n among_o the_o subject_n the_o minister_n handle_v external_a thing_n only_o for_o conscience_n cause_n the_o magistrate_n handle_v external_a thing_n only_o and_o action_n do_v before_o man_n but_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
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
within_o the_o kirk_n for_o the_o quiet_a and_o commodious_a receive_n of_o the_o people_n the_o expense_n be_v to_o be_v lift_v partly_o of_o the_o people_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o teind_n at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o punishment_n of_o those_o that_o profane_v the_o sacrament_n and_o contemn_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v presume_v to_o minister_v they_o not_o be_v thereto_o lawful_o call_v as_o satan_n have_v never_o cease_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o draw_v mankind_n in_o one_o of_o two_o extremity_n to_o wit_n that_o man_n shall_v either_o be_v so_o ravish_v with_o gaze_v upon_o the_o visible_a creature_n that_o forget_v the_o cause_n wherefore_o they_o be_v ordain_v they_o attribute_v unto_o they_o a_o virtue_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v not_o grant_v unto_o they_o or_o else_o that_o man_n shall_v so_o contemn_v and_o despise_v god_n bless_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a institution_n as_o if_o that_o neither_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o there_o be_v any_o profit_n neither_o yet_o in_o their_o profanation_n there_o be_v any_o danger_n as_o this_o way_n we_o say_v satan_n have_v blind_v the_o most_o part_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o doubt_v we_o not_o but_o that_o he_o will_v strive_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o malice_n even_o to_o the_o end_n our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o present_o do_v see_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n during_o the_o darkness_n of_o superstition_n be_v not_o unknown_a how_o it_o be_v gaze_v upon_o kneel_v unto_o bear_v in_o procession_n and_o final_o worship_v &_o honour_v as_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o and_o so_o long_o at_o satan_n may_v then_o retain_v man_n in_o that_o damnable_a idolatry_n he_o be_v quiet_a as_o one_o that_o possess_v his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n peaceable_o but_o since_o that_o it_o have_v please_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v unto_o the_o unthankful_a world_n the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n the_o right_a use_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o sacrament_n he_o assay_v man_n upon_o the_o contrary_a part_n for_o where_o not_o long_o ago_o man_n stand_v in_o such_o admiration_n of_o that_o idol_n the_o mass_n that_o none_o dare_v have_v presume_v to_o have_v say_v the_o mass_n but_o the_o shave_a sort_n the_o beast_n mark_v man_n some_o dare_v now_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o without_o all_o vocation_n to_o minister_v as_o they_o suppose_v the_o true_a sacrament_n in_o open_a assembly_n and_o some_o idiot_n yet_o more_o wicked_o and_o impudent_o dare_v counterfeit_a in_o their_o house_n that_o which_o the_o true_a minister_n do_v in_o the_o open_a congregation_n they_o presume_v we_o say_v to_o do_v it_o in_o house_n without_o reverence_n without_o word_n preach_v and_o without_o minister_n this_o contempt_n proceed_v no_o doubt_n from_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o that_o serpent_n who_o first_o deceive_v man_n of_o purpose_n to_o deface_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n evangell_n and_o to_o bring_v his_o bless_a sacrament_n in_o a_o perpetual_a contempt_n and_o further_o your_o honour_n may_v clear_o see_v how_o stubborn_o and_o proud_o the_o most_o part_n despise_v the_o evangell_n of_o christ_n jesus_n offer_v unto_o you_o who_o unless_o that_o sharp_o and_o stout_o you_o resist_v we_o mean_v as_o well_o the_o manifest_a despiser_n as_o the_o profaner_n of_o the_o sacrament_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o pernicious_a enemy_n ere_o it_o be_v long_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n we_o require_v of_o your_o honour_n that_o without_o delay_n strait_a law_n be_v make_v against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o we_o dare_v not_o prescribe_v unto_o you_o what_o penalty_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o such_o but_o this_o we_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o deserve_v death_n for_o if_o he_o who_o do_v falsify_v the_o seal_n subscription_n or_o coin_n of_o a_o king_n be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o death_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o he_o who_o plain_o do_v falsify_v the_o seal_n of_o christ_n jesus_n prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o darius_n pronounce_v that_o a_o balk_v shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o house_n of_o that_o man_n and_o he_o himself_o hang_v upon_o it_o that_o dare_v attempt_v to_o hinder_v the_o re-edify_n of_o the_o material_a temple_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o those_o that_o contemptuous_o blaspheme_v god_n and_o manifest_o hinder_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o be_v purge_v by_o the_o true_a preach_v of_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o superstition_n and_o damnable_a idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v long_o plunge_v and_o hold_v captive_a if_o you_o as_o god_n forbid_v declare_v yourselves_o careless_a over_o the_o true_a religion_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v your_o negligence_n unpunished_a and_o therefore_o more_o earnest_o we_o require_v that_o strait_a law_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o stubborn_a contemner_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o against_o such_o as_o dare_v presume_v to_o minister_v his_o sacrament_n not_o orderly_o call_v to_o that_o office_n lest_o while_n that_o there_o be_v none_o find_v to_o gainstand_v impiety_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v kindle_v against_o the_o whole_a the_o papistical_a priest_n have_v neither_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n jesus_n because_o that_o in_o their_o mouth_n be_v not_o the_o sermon_n of_o exhortation_n and_o therefore_o to_o they_o must_v straight_o inhibition_n be_v make_v notwithstanding_o any_o usurpation_n they_o have_v have_v in_o the_o time_n of_o blindness_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o clip_n of_o their_o crown_n the_o grease_n of_o their_o finger_n not_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o dumb_a dog_n call_v the_o bishop_n neither_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n that_o make_v minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n inward_o first_o move_v the_o heart_n to_o seek_v christ_n glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o kirk_n and_o thereafter_o the_o nomination_n of_o the_o people_n the_o examination_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o public_a admission_n as_o before_o be_v say_v make_v man_n lawful_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n we_o speak_v of_o a_o ordinary_a vocation_n and_o not_o of_o that_o which_o be_v extraordinary_a when_o god_n by_o himself_o and_o by_o his_o only_a power_n raise_v up_o to_o the_o ministry_n such_o as_o best_a please_v his_o wisdom_n the_o conclusion_n thus_o have_v we_o in_o these_o few_o head_n offer_v unto_o your_o honour_n our_o judgement_n according_a as_o we_o be_v command_v touch_v the_o reformation_n of_o thing_n which_o heretofore_o have_v altogether_o be_v abuse_v in_o this_o curse_a papistry_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o of_o our_o petition_n shall_v appear_v strange_a unto_o you_o at_o the_o first_o fight_n but_o if_o your_o wisdom_n deep_o consider_v that_o we_o must_v answer_v not_o only_o unto_o man_n but_o also_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n for_o the_o counsel_n which_o we_o give_v in_o this_o so_o grave_a a_o matter_n your_o honour_n shall_v easy_o consider_v that_o more_o assure_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o fall_v in_o the_o displeasure_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o earth_n then_o to_o offend_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o justice_n can_v suffer_v flatterer_n and_o deceitful_a counsellor_n unpunished_a that_o we_o require_v the_o kirk_n to_o be_v set_v at_o such_o liberty_n that_o she_o neither_o be_v compel_v to_o feed_v idle-belly_n neither_o yet_o to_o sustain_v the_o tyranny_n which_o heretofore_o have_v be_v by_o violence_n maintain_v we_o know_v we_o shall_v offend_v many_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v keep_v filence_n hereof_o we_o be_v most_o assure_v to_o offend_v the_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n who_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o apostle_n have_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n he_o that_o labour_v not_o let_v he_o not_o eat_v if_o we_o in_o this_o behalf_n or_o in_o any_o other_o require_v or_o ask_v any_o other_o thing_n then_o by_o god_n express_a commandment_n by_o equity_n and_o good_a conscience_n you_o be_v bind_v to_o grant_v let_v it_o be_v note_v and_o after_o repudiate_v but_o if_o we_o require_v nothing_o which_o god_n require_v not_o also_o let_v your_o honour_n take_v heed_n how_o we_o gainstand_v the_o charge_n of_o he_o who_o hand_n and_o punishment_n you_o can_v escape_v if_o blind_a affection_n rather_o lead_v you_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o sustentation_n of_o these_o your_o carnal_a friend_n who_o tyranous_o have_v impyre_v above_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n
their_o bound_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o eldership_n assembly_n and_o discipline_n eldership_n and_o assembly_n be_v common_o constitute_v of_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o such_o as_o we_o common_o call_v elder_n that_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o who_o and_o of_o who_o several_a power_n have_v be_v speak_v assembly_n be_v of_o four_o sort_n for_o either_o be_v they_o of_o particular_a kirk_n and_o congregation_n one_fw-mi or_o more_o or_o of_o a_o province_n or_o of_o a_o whole_a nation_n or_o of_o all_o and_o divers_a nation_n profess_v one_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n have_v power_n to_o convene_v lawful_o together_o for_o treat_v of_o thing_n concern_v the_o kirk_n and_o pertain_v to_o their_o charge_n they_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n to_o that_o effect_n and_o at_o one_o meeting_n to_o appoint_v the_o diet_n time_n and_o place_n for_o another_o in_o all_o assembly_n a_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n convene_v who_o shall_v propone_v matter_n gather_v the_o vote_n and_o cause_v good_a order_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o assembly_n diligence_n shall_v be_v take_v chief_o by_o the_o moderator_n that_o only_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n be_v handle_v in_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n every_o assembly_n have_v power_n to_o send_v forth_o from_o they_o of_o their_o own_o number_n one_fw-mi or_o more_o visitour_n to_o see_v how_o all_o thing_n be_v rule_v in_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n visitation_n of_o more_o kirk_n be_v no_o ordinary_a office_n ecclesiastic_a in_o the_o person_n of_o one_o man_n neither_o may_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v attribute_n to_o the_o visitor_n only_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a to_o abide_v always_o in_o one_o man_n person_n but_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o eldership_n to_o send_v out_o qualify_v person_n to_o visit_v prore_n nata_fw-la the_o final_a end_n of_o assembly_n be_v first_o to_o keep_v the_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n in_o purity_n without_o error_n and_o corruption_n next_o to_o keep_v comeliness_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o kirk_n for_o this_o order_n cause_n they_o may_v make_v certain_a rule_n and_o constitution_n appertain_v to_o the_o good_a behaviour_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o vocation_n they_o have_v power_n also_o to_o abrogate_v and_o abolish_v all_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n concern_v ecclesisticall_a matter_n that_o be_v find_v noisome_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o time_n or_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o people_n they_o have_v power_n to_o execute_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o punishment_n upon_o all_o transgressor_n and_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o good_a order_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o so_o the_o whole_a discipline_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n the_o first_o kind_n and_o sort_n of_o assembly_n although_o they_o be_v within_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o they_o exerce_fw-la the_o power_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o therefore_o bear_v sometime_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a congregation_n we_o mean_v not_o that_o every_o particular_a parish-kirk_a can_v or_o may_v have_v their_o own_o particular_a eldership_n special_o in_o landward_o but_o we_o think_v three_o four_o more_o or_o few_o particular_a kirk_n may_v have_v one_o eldership_n common_a to_o they_o all_o to_o judge_v their_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n yet_o this_o be_v meet_v that_o some_o of_o the_o elder_n be_v choose_v out_o of_o every_o particular_a congregation_n to_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o common_a assembly_n and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o delation_n of_o offence_n within_o their_o own_o kirk_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o assembly_n this_o we_o gather_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a kirk_n where_o elder_n or_o college_n of_o senior_n be_v constitute_v in_o city_n and_o famous_a place_n the_o power_n of_o their_o particular_a eldership_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 kirk_n be_v keep_v in_o good_a order_n to_o inquire_v diligent_o in_o naughty_a &_o unruly_a person_n and_o travel_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o the_o way_n again_o either_o by_o admonition_n or_o threaten_v of_o god_n judgement_n or_o by_o correction_n it_o pertain_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 right_o maintain_v and_o the_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_a national_a and_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 church_n for_o the_o decent_a order_n of_o these_o particular_a kirk_n where_o they_o govern_v provide_v they_o alter_v no_o rule_n make_v by_o general_a or_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o provincial_a assembly_n fore-seen_a of_o these_o rule_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v and_o abolish_v they_o that_o 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 the_o power_n of_o election_n of_o they_o who_o bear_v ecclesiastical_a charge_n pertain_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o assembly_n within_o their_o own_o bound_n be_v well_o erect_v and_o constitute_v of_o many_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o sufficient_a ability_n by_o the_o like_a reason_n their_o deposition_n also_o pertain_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o assembly_n as_o of_o they_o that_o teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n that_o be_v of_o slanderous_a life_n and_o after_o admonition_n desist_v not_o that_o be_v give_v to_o schism_n or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o church_n manifest_a blasphemy_n fimony_n corruption_n of_o bribe_n falsehood_n perjury_n whoredom_n theft_n drunkenness_n fight_v worthy_a of_o punishment_n by_o the_o law_n usury_n dance_v infamy_n and_o all_o other_o that_o deserve_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n these_o also_o who_o be_v altogether_o find_v unsufficient_a to_o execute_v their_o charge_n shall_v be_v depose_v whereof_o other_o kirk_n will_v be_v advertise_v that_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o person_n depose_v yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v depose_v who_o through_o age_n fickenesse_n or_o other_o accident_n become_v unmeet_a to_o do_v their_o office_n in_o which_o case_n their_o honour_n shall_v remain_v to_o they_o their_o church_n shall_v maintain_v they_o and_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v provide_v to_o do_v their_o office_n provincial_n assemble_v we_o call_v lawful_a convention_n of_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o other_o elder_n of_o a_o province_n gather_v for_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n thereof_o which_o also_o may_v be_v call_v the_o conference_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n their_o assemble_v be_v institute_v for_o weighty_a matter_n to_o be_v entreat_v by_o mutual_a consent_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o brethren_n within_o that_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 commit_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-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 the_o nationall_n assembly_n which_o be_v general_a to_o we_o be_v a_o lawful_a convention_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o the_o realm_n or_o nation_n where_o it_o be_v use_v and_o gather_v for_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o general_a eldership_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n in_o the_o realm_n none_o be_v subject_a to_o repair_v to_o this_o assembly_n to_o vote_n but_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o such_o a_o number_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v good_a by_o the_o same_o assembly_n not_o exclude_v other_o person_n that_o will_v repair_v to_o the_o say_a assembly_n to_o propone_v hear_v and_o reason_n this_o assembly_n be_v institute_v that_o all_o thing_n either_o commit_v or_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n may_v be_v redress_v and_o handle_v and_o thing_n general_o serve_v for_o the_o weal_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o realm_n may_v be_v forescen_n entreat_v and_o set_v forth_o to_o god_n glory_n it_o shall_v take_v care_n that_o kirk_n be_v plant_v in_o place_n where_o they_o be_v not_o plant_v it_o shall_v prescribe_v the_o rule_n how_o the_o other_o two_o kind_n of_o assembly_n
officer_n of_o the_o kirk_n such_o as_o clerk_n of_o assembly_n taker_n up_o of_o the_o psalm_n beadel_n and_o keeper_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a join_v with_o they_o also_o the_o doctor_n and_o school_n to_o help_v the_o ancient_a foundation_n where_o need_n require_v the_o three_o portion_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o hospital_n the_o four_o for_o reparation_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o other_o extraordinary_a charge_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o the_o kirk_n and_o also_o for_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o need_v require_v we_o desire_v therefore_o the_o ecclesiastical_a good_n to_o be_v uplift_v and_o distribute_v faithful_o to_o who_o they_o appertain_v and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o deacon_n to_o who_o office_n proper_o the_o collection_n and_o distribution_n thereof_o belong_v that_o the_o poor_a may_v be_v answete_v of_o their_o portion_n thereof_o and_o they_o of_o the_o ministry_n live_v without_o care_n and_o solicitude_n as_o also_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v reserve_v and_o bestow_v to_o their_o right_a use_n if_o these_o deacon_n be_v elect_v with_o such_o quality_n as_o god_n word_n crave_v to_o be_v in_o they_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o they_o shall_v abuse_v themselves_o in_o their_o office_n as_o the_o profane_a collector_n do_v of_o before_o yet_o because_o this_o vocation_n appear_v to_o many_o to_o be_v dangerous_a let_v they_o be_v oblish_v as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a to_o a_o yearly_a count_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o eldership_n and_o if_o the_o kirk_n and_o prince_n think_v expedient_a let_v cautioner_n be_v oblish_v for_o their_o fidelity_n that_o the_o kirk_n rent_n on_o na_z way_n be_v dilapidat_fw-la and_o to_o the_o effect_n this_o order_n may_v take_v place_n it_o be_v to_o be_v provide_v that_o all_o other_o intrometter_n with_o the_o kirk_n rent_n collector_n general_a or_o special_a whether_o it_o be_v by_o appointment_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o otherways_o may_v be_v denude_v of_o further_a intromission_n therewith_o and_o suffer_v the_o kirk_n rent_n in_o time_n come_v to_o be_v whole_o intromet_v with_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o distribute_v to_o the_o use_n before_o mention_v and_o also_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a rent_n may_v suffice_v to_o these_o use_n for_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v appoint_v we_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o be_v desire_v that_o all_o alienation_n set_v of_o fewes_n or_o tack_n of_o the_o rent_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o well_o land_n as_o tiend_n in_o hurt_n and_o diminution_n of_o the_o old_a rentall_n be_v reduce_v and_o annul_v and_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o of_o kirk_n restore_v to_o the_o former_a old_a liberty_n and_o likewise_o that_o in_o time_n come_v the_o tiend_n be_v set_v to_o nane_fw-la but_o to_o the_o labourer_n of_o the_o ground_n or_o else_o not_o set_v at_o all_o as_o be_v agree_v upon_o and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o nobility_n of_o before_o chap._n 13._o the_o utility_n that_o shall_v flow_v from_o this_o reformation_n to_o all_o estate_n see_v the_o end_n of_o this_o spiritual_a government_n and_o policy_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n advance_v and_o all_o who_o be_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n may_v live_v peaceable_a in_o conscience_n therefore_o we_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o all_o these_o who_o have_v true_a respect_n to_o these_o end_n will_v even_o for_o conscience_n cause_n glad_o agree_v and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o this_o order_n and_o advance_v the_o same_o so_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o their_o conscience_n be_v set_v at_o rest_n they_o may_v be_v replenish_v with_o spiritual_a gladness_n in_o give_v full_a obedience_n to_o that_o which_o god_n word_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n do_v crave_v and_o refuse_v all_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o next_o we_o shall_v become_v a_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o good_a and_o godly_a order_n to_o other_o nation_n country_n and_o kirk_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n with_o we_o that_o as_o they_o have_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o continue_n in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o word_n hither_o to_o without_o any_o error_n praise_v be_v to_o his_o name_n so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o like_a occasion_n in_o our_o conversation_n when_o as_o we_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o that_o discipline_n policy_n and_o good_a order_n which_o the_o same_o word_n and_o purity_n of_o reformation_n crave_v at_o our_o hand_n otherwise_o that_o fearful_a sentence_n may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o we_o the_o servant_n know_v the_o will_n of_o his_o master_n and_o not_o do_v it_o etc._n etc._n moreover_o if_o we_o have_v any_o piety_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o poor_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o so_o great_o increase_v and_o multiply_v among_o we_o we_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v long_o defraud_v of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o just_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o by_o this_o order_n if_o it_o be_v due_o put_v to_o execution_n the_o burden_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v off_o we_o to_o our_o great_a comfort_n the_o street_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v of_o the_o cry_n and_o murmur_n of_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v any_o scandal_n to_o other_o nation_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v for_o not_o take_v order_n with_o the_o poor_a among_o we_o and_o cause_v the_o word_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o give_v occasion_n of_o slander_n to_o the_o enemy_n and_o offend_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o godly_a beside_o this_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n and_o commodity_n to_o the_o whole_a common_a people_n in_o relieve_v they_o of_o the_o building_n and_o uphold_v their_o kirk_n in_o big_v of_o brigge_n and_o other_o like_a public_a work_n to_o the_o labourer_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o payment_n of_o their_o tiend_n and_o short_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n whereinto_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o rigorous_o handle_v by_o they_o that_o be_v false_o call_v kirk-man_n their_o tacks-man_n factour_n chalmerlane_n and_o extortioner_n final_o to_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o country_n this_o profit_n shall_v redound_v that_o the_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v according_a to_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v the_o superplus_n be_v collect_v in_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v profitable_o employ_v and_o liberal_o bestow_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o special_o of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o reparation_n of_o kirk_n so_o to_o conclude_v all_o be_v willing_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o order_n the_o people_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v rule_v according_a thereto_o the_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n not_o be_v exeme_v and_o these_o that_o be_v place_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a estate_n right_o rule_v and_o govern_v god_n shall_v be_v glorify_v the_o kirk_n edify_v and_o the_o bound_n thereof_o enlarge_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o kingdom_n set_v up_o satan_n and_o his_o kingdom_n subvert_v and_o god_n shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o to_o our_o comfort_n through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n abide_v bless_v in_o all_o eternity_n amen_n finis_fw-la