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minister_n and_o teach_v the_o child_n we_o think_v a_o hundred_o merke_n or_o more_o or_o less_o at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o kirk_n may_v be_v appoint_v so_o that_o difference_n be_v make_v as_o be_v say_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o minister_n that_o open_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o minister_n the_o sacrament_n rest_v yet_o two_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o wit_n the_o poor_a and_o teacher_n of_o the_o youth-head_n every_o several_a kirk_n must_v provide_v for_o the_o poor_a within_o itself_o for_o fearful_a and_o horrible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o poor_a who_o not_o only_o god_n the_o father_n in_o his_o law_n but_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o evangell_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v by_o saint_n paul_n have_v so_o earnest_o commend_v to_o our_o care_n be_v universal_o so_o contemn_v and_o despise_v we_o be_v not_o patroness_n for_o stubborn_a and_o idle_a beggar_n who_o run_v from_o place_n to_o place_n make_v a_o craft_n of_o their_o beg_n who_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o punish_v but_o for_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o age_a impotent_a or_o lame_v who_o neither_o can_v nor_o may_v travel_v for_o their_o sustentation_n we_o say_v that_o god_n command_v his_o people_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o therefore_o for_o such_o as_o also_o for_o person_n of_o honesty_n fall_v into_o decay_n and_o poverty_n ought_v such_o provision_n to_o be_v make_v that_o of_o our_o abundance_n their_o indigence_n may_v be_v relieve_v how_o this_o most_o convenient_o and_o most_o easy_o may_v be_v do_v in_o every_o city_n and_o other_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n god_n will_v show_v you_o wisdom_n and_o the_o mean_n so_o that_o your_o mind_n be_v godly_a incline_v thereto_o all_o must_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o beg_v that_o glad_o will_v so_o do_v neither_o yet_o must_v beggar_n remain_v where_o they_o will_v but_o the_o stout_a and_o strong_a beggar_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o work_v and_o every_o person_n that_o may_v not_o work_v must_v be_v compel_v to_o repair_v to_o the_o place_n where_o he_o or_o she_o be_v bear_v unless_o of_o long_a continuance_n they_o have_v remain_v in_o one_o place_n and_o there_o reasonable_a provision_n must_v be_v make_v for_o sustentation_n as_o the_o kirk_n shall_v appoint_v the_o order_n nor_o sum_n in_o our_o judgement_n can_v not_o particular_o be_v appoint_v unto_o such_o time_n as_o the_o poor_a of_o every_o city_n town_n and_o parish_n be_v compel_v to_o repair_v to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v or_o of_o their_o residence_n where_o their_o name_n and_o number_n must_v be_v take_v and_o put_v in_o roll_n and_o then_o may_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o kirk_n appoint_v stipend_n according_o the_o head_n of_o the_o superintendents_a because_o we_o have_v appoint_v a_o large_a stipend_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v superintendents_a then_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o 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the_o like_a thereof_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v in_o story_n or_o see_v with_o eye_n in_o any_o nation_n since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o first_o apostle_n but_o now_o of_o late_a with_o pity_n of_o speak_v it_o no_o uncircumcised_a philistim_o or_o assyrian_a but_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n desirous_a to_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o pretend_v to_o restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n the_o church_fw-mi to_o her_o old_a rent_n and_o privilege_n at_o first_o do_v mince_v and_o spare_o speak_v but_o afterward_o practice_v and_o loud_o preach_v that_o except_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o nation_n the_o church_fw-mi of_o scotland_n admit_v again_o prelate_n the_o prince_n of_o that_o wicked_a hierarchy_n with_o some_o untrusty_a tradition_n and_o change_v of_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o they_o term_v they_o but_o in_o effect_v the_o disgrace_n of_o pastor_n eject_v of_o elder_n destroy_v of_o assembly_n and_o fashion_v doctrine_n discipline_n sacrament_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o all_o in_o a_o new_a shape_n it_o can_v be_v save_v nor_o vindicate_v from_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o malady_n obtrude_v for_o a_o remedy_n not_o only_o these_o evil_n howsoever_o at_o the_o beginning_n seem_v small_a have_v so_o grow_v that_o like_a nettle_n in_o a_o foul_a ground_n they_o not_o only_a bud_n and_o bloom_n but_o abundant_o bring_v forth_o division_n dissension_n and_o unkindly_a contention_n among_o brethren_n to_o the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o grief_n and_o offence_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n this_o strange_a fire_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o horrible_o burn_v on_o and_o yet_o be_v it_o so_o that_o such_o as_o may_v will_v not_o and_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a can_v and_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o be_v least_o zealous_a and_o forward_a to_o offer_v their_o pain_n either_o to_o clear_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n to_o pacify_v their_o brethren_n or_o to_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o discipline_n against_o the_o calumny_n and_o cavillation_n of_o such_o as_o by_o promote_a of_o novelty_n seek_v promotion_n but_o uncharitable_a speech_n and_o pestiferous_a pen_n of_o dissension_n fret_v as_o a_o canker_n increase_v unto_o more_o ungedlinesse_n dangerous_a dissolution_n the_o daughter_n of_o division_n and_o the_o undoubted_a forerunner_n of_o desolation_n daily_o proclaim_v the_o deface_a if_o not_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n as_o if_o no_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o spouse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o so_o long_o like_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n have_v shine_v in_o purity_n before_o her_o lord_n in_o this_o land_n shall_v now_o be_v stain_v with_o corahs_n ambition_n balaams_n wage_n and_o esau_n profaneness_n altar_n against_o altar_n and_o brother_n against_o brother_n in_o this_o case_n so_o pitiful_a and_o good_a cause_n so_o universal_o neglect_v if_o not_o desert_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o heart_n desire_v and_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o be_v find_v faithful_a when_o with_o grief_n we_o may_v just_o say_v of_o the_o old_a friend_n and_o new_a adversary_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v time_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o work_v for_o they_o have_v destroy_v thy_o law_n and_o of_o her_o constant_a friend_n bold_o avow_v therefore_o love_v they_o thy_o commandment_n above_o gold_n yea_o above_o most_o fine_a gold_n can_v this_o pragmatical_a course_n of_o dangerous_a desertion_n from_o a_o truth_n so_o long_o profess_v whereof_o none_o or_o few_o can_v be_v ignorant_a work_n in_o our_o heart_n now_o almost_o lukewarm_a a_o laborious_a love_n and_o holy_a zeal_n for_o that_o truth_n whereof_o we_o be_v persuade_v we_o may_v then_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o do_v in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n the_o banner_n of_o his_o power_n be_v display_v for_o israel_n as_o well_o at_o their_o entry_n into_o canaan_n against_o the_o nation_n as_o at_o their_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n against_o pharaoh_n so_o through_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o his_o equivalent_a power_n and_o unchangeable_a love_n it_o shall_v be_v remember_v in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o reform_a kirkes_n of_o scotland_n that_o what_o he_o do_v first_o in_o substance_n that_o he_o do_v last_o in_o ceremony_n make_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o work_n against_o apostate_n from_o discipline_n profess_v by_o themselves_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n renter_v of_o brotherly_a unity_n and_o divider_n of_o brethren_n answerable_a to_o the_o happy_a beginning_n thereof_o against_o cruel_a persecutor_n and_o wicked_a heretic_n be_v the_o lord_n change_v because_o he_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o work_n god_n forbid_v for_o although_o he_o declare_v not_o in_o out_o time_n who_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o miraculous_a fire_n send_v from_o heaven_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o eliah_n the_o earth_n open_v not_o her_o mouth_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o corah_n he_o rain_v not_o shower_n of_o brimstone_n upon_o the_o sodomite_n of_o this_o age_n he_o turn_v not_o such_o as_o look_v back_o into_o pillar_n of_o salt_n to_o season_v other_o neither_o be_v his_o favour_n manifest_v towards_o his_o own_o secret_a one_o in_o earthly_a &_o visible_a blessing_n so_o wonderful_o as_o of_o old_a yet_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v our_o god_n &_o the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a &_o better_a testament_n have_v still_o a_o secret_a &_o equivalent_a providence_n most_o wise_o dispose_v &_o frame_v for_o the_o weal_n of_o his_o kirk_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o age_n succeed_v one_o after_o another_o so_o that_o no_o wise_a heart_n perceive_v the_o course_n thereof_o can_v wish_v another_o then_o the_o present_a howsoever_o the_o folly_n of_o infidelity_n blind_v man_n to_o affect_v the_o miracle_n case_n and_o outward_a speritie_n of_o former_a generation_n and_o if_o these_o fail_v to_o cast_v themselves_o headlong_o in_o desperation_n defection_n or_o atheism_n yea_o because_o he_o work_v not_o as_o before_o in_o their_o haste_n they_o conclude_v that_o he_o work_v not_o at_o all_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n who_o live_v in_o the_o last_o time_n rather_o to_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o that_o as_o in_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a plague_n small_a and_o common_a disease_n be_v swallow_v up_o so_o will_v the_o lord_n leave_v all_o other_o warning_n have_v all_o ear_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o fear_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o loud_a trumpet_n of_o the_o gospel_n summon_v all_o flesh_n before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v most_o of_o all_o tremble_v at_o that_o last_o sentence_n which_o debar_v man_n for_o ever_o from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n will_v have_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o child_n hide_v with_o christ_n that_o in_o a_o holy_a conformity_n with_o he_o they_o may_v by_o many_o affliction_n enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n as_o the_o present_a prosperity_n of_o the_o common_a sort_n do_v make_v their_o fear_n the_o great_a so_o the_o cross_n of_o the_o kirke_n shall_v make_v they_o with_o the_o great_a courage_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o head_n and_o while_o the_o day_n of_o their_o redemption_n draw_v near_o to_o walk_v with_o the_o great_a fidelity_n in_o their_o vocation_n build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n with_o the_o one_o hand_n &_o fight_v with_o the_o other_o against_o enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n especial_o these_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah'ss_n who_o labour_n to_o make_v other_o kirkes_n abroad_o and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n at_o home_n to_o think_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o christ_n church_fw-mi build_v within_o this_o nation_n since_o our_o delivery_n from_o the_o romish_a captivity_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o if_o a_o fox_n shall_v go_v up_o upon_o they_o he_o shall_v break_v they_o down_o and_o now_o forsooth_o the_o new_a work_n rise_v in_o place_n of_o the_o old_a to_o be_v more_o firm_a and_o of_o the_o old_a foundation_n when_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n after_o long_o work_v in_o secret_n be_v see_v manifest_v there_o be_v a_o new_a face_n bring_v upon_o the_o church_fw-mi the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o holy_a scripture_n trouble_v with_o the_o puddle_n of_o trifle_a tradition_n ceremony_n bring_v in_o and_o will-worship_n and_o damnable_a idolatry_n set_v up_o apostolical_a discipline_n abolish_v and_o popish_a policy_n exalt_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o wilfulness_n of_o man_n know_v the_o weakness_n of_o error_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n that_o multitude_n in_o the_o succeed_a time_n have_v not_o blush_v to_o bring_v in_o
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
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
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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 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apparell_n to_o the_o superstitious_a
for_o reasonable_a cause_n may_v change_v the_o time_n and_o may_v minister_v often_o but_o we_o study_v to_o repress_v superstition_n all_o minister_n must_v be_v admonish_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a then_o ready_a to_o serve_v their_o appetite_n and_o to_o use_v more_o sharp_a examination_n than_o indulgence_n in_o admit_v to_o their_o great_a mystery_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o use_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o we_o think_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o table_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v without_o examination_n pass_v before_o &_o special_o of_o they_o who_o knowledge_n be_v suspect_v we_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o this_o mystery_n who_o can_v not_o formal_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o article_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o declare_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n further_n we_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n most_o expedient_a &_o necessary_a that_o every_o kirk_n have_v the_o bible_n 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the_o end_n that_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n may_v have_v a_o trial_n of_o man_n knowledge_n judgement_n grace_n and_o utterance_n as_o also_o such_o that_o have_v somewhat_o profit_v in_o god_n word_n may_v from_o time_n to_o time_n grow_v in_o more_o full_a perfection_n to_o serve_v the_o kirk_n as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v it_o be_v more_o expedient_a that_o in_o every_o town_n where_o school_n and_o repair_v of_o learned_a man_n be_v there_o be_v in_o one_o certain_a day_n every_o week_n appoint_v to_o that_o exercise_n which_o s._n paul_n call_v prophesy_v the_o order_n whereof_o be_v express_v by_o he_o in_o their_o word_n let_v two_o or_o three_o prophet_n speak_v and_o let_v the_o rest_n judge_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o former_a keep_v silence_n you_o may_v one_o by_o one_o all_o pprophecy_n that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v receive_v consolation_n and_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o 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