the_o spiritual_a ruler_n judge_v both_o inward_a affection_n and_o external_a action_n in_o respect_n of_o conscience_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n crave_v and_o get_v obedience_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o other_o external_a mean_n but_o the_o ministry_n by_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n and_o spiritual_a mean_n the_o magistrate_n neither_o aught_o to_o preach_v minister_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o execute_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n nor_o yet_o prescribe_v any_o rule_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v but_o command_v the_o minister_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n command_v in_o the_o word_n and_o punish_v the_o transgressor_n by_o civil_a mean_n the_o minister_n exerce_fw-la not_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n but_o teach_v the_o magistrate_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v exercise_v according_a to_o the_o word_n the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o assist_v maintain_v and_o fortify_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o kirk_n the_o minister_n shall_v assist_v their_o prince_n in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n provide_v they_o neglect_v not_o their_o own_o charge_n by_o involve_v themselves_o in_o civil_a affair_n final_o as_o minister_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o external_a thing_n if_o they_o offend_v so_o ought_v the_o magistrate_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n if_o they_o transgress_v in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o person_n and_o office-bearer_n to_o who_o the_o administration_n be_v commit_v as_o in_o the_o civil_a policy_n the_o whole_a commonweal_n consist_v in_o they_o that_o be_v governor_n or_o magistrate_n and_o they_o that_o be_v govern_v or_o subject_n so_o in_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n some_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v ruler_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o obey_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o inspiration_n of_o his_o spirit_n always_o under_o one_o head_n and_o chief_a governor_n jesus_n christ_n again_o the_o whole_a policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n consist_v in_o three_o thing_n in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o distribution_n with_o doctrine_n be_v annex_v the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o part_n of_o this_o division_n arise_v a_o sort_n of_o threefold_a officer_n in_o the_o kirk_n to_o wit_n of_o minister_n preacher_n elder_n governor_n and_o deacon_n distributer_n and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v call_v by_o a_o general_a word_n minister_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o albeit_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a king_n high_a priest_n and_o head_n thereof_o yet_o he_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n as_o the_o most_o necessary_a mid_n for_o this_o purpose_n for_o so_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o the_o law_n under_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o evangell_n for_o our_o great_a comfort_n raise_v we_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o his_o kirk_n exercise_v by_o they_o his_o own_o power_n through_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n of_o tyranny_n he_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v rule_v with_o mutual_a consent_n of_o brether_z and_o equality_n of_o power_n every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o function_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o time_n of_o the_o evangell_n he_o have_v use_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o doctor_n in_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n the_o eldership_n for_o good_a order_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n the_o deaconship_n to_o have_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a good_n some_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v ordinary_a and_o some_o extraordinary_a or_o temporary_a there_o be_v three_o extraordinary_a function_n the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o evangelist_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v not_o perpetual_a and_o now_o have_v cease_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n except_o when_o it_o please_v god_n extraordinary_o for_o a_o time_n to_o stir_v some_o of_o they_o up_o again_o there_o be_v four_o ordinary_a function_n or_o office_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n minister_n or_o bishop_n the_o doctor_n presbyter_n or_o elder_n and_o the_o deacon_n their_o office_n be_v ordinary_a and_o aught_o to_o continue_v perpetual_o in_o the_o kirk_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o government_n and_o policy_n thereof_o and_o no_o more_o office_n ought_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o suffer_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n establish_v according_a to_o his_o word_n therefore_o all_o the_o ambitious_a title_n invent_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o his_o usurp_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v not_o of_o one_o of_o these_o sour_a sort_n together_o with_o the_o office_n depend_v thereupon_o in_o one_o word_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v chap._n iii_o how_o the_o person_n that_o bear_v ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o office_n vocation_n or_o call_n be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o shall_v bear_v office_n within_o the_o kirk_n which_o be_v a_o lawful_a way_n by_o the_o which_o qualify_a person_n be_v promote_v to_o any_o spiritual_a office_n within_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n without_o this_o lawful_a call_n it_o be_v never_o leasome_a to_o any_o person_n to_o meddle_v with_o any_o function_n ecclesiastical_a there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o call_v one_o extraordinary_a by_o god_n immediate_o as_o be_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o in_o kirk_n establish_v and_o well_o already_o reform_v have_v no_o place_n the_o other_o call_v be_v ordinary_a which_o beside_o the_o call_n of_o god_n and_o inward_a testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o lawful_a approbation_n and_o outward_a judgement_n of_o man_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o order_n establish_v in_o his_o kirk_n none_o ought_v to_o presume_v to_o enter_v in_o any_o office_n ecclesiastical_a without_o this_o good_a testimony_n before_o god_n who_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n this_o ordinary_a and_o outward_a call_n have_v two_o part_n election_n and_o ordination_n election_n be_v the_o choose_v out_o of_o a_o person_n or_o person_n most_o able_a to_o the_o office_n that_o vake_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o person_n or_o person_n appoint_v the_o quality_n in_o general_a requisite_a in_o all_o they_o who_o shall_v bear_v charge_n in_o the_o kirk_n consist_v in_o soundness_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n of_o life_n according_a as_o they_o be_v sufficient_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n in_o the_o order_n of_o election_n it_o be_v to_o be_v eschew_v that_o any_o person_n be_v intrude_v in_o any_o office_n of_o the_o kirk_n contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v or_o without_o the_o volce_fw-mi of_o the_o eldership_n none_o ought_v to_o be_v intrude_v or_o place_v in_o the_o placea_n already_o plant_v or_o in_o any_o room_n that_o vake_v not_o for_o any_o worldly_a respect_n and_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o benefice_n ought_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o stipend_n of_o the_o minister_n that_o be_v lawful_o call_v ordination_n be_v the_o separation_n and_o sanctify_v of_o the_o person_n appoint_v to_o god_n and_o his_o kirk_n after_o he_o be_v well_o try_v and_o find_v qualify_v the_o ceremony_n of_o ordination_n be_v fast_v earnest_a prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n all_o their_o as_o they_o must_v be_v raise_v up_o by_o god_n and_o by_o he_o make_v able_a for_o the_o work_n whereto_o they_o be_v call_v so_o ought_v they_o know_v their_o message_n to_o be_v limit_v within_o god_n word_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v all_o their_o shall_v take_v these_o title_n and_o name_n only_o lest_o they_o be_v exalt_v and_o puff_v up_o in_o themselves_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o these_o which_o import_n labour_n travel_n and_o work_v and_o be_v name_n of_o office_n and_o service_n and_o not_o of_o idleness_n dignity_n worldly_a honour_n or_o pre-eminence_n which_o by_o christ_n our_o master_n be_v express_o reprove_v and_o forbid_v all_o these_o office-bearer_n shall_v have_v their_o own_o particular_a flock_n among_o who_o they_o exercise_v their_o charge_n all_o shall_v make_v refidence_n with_o they_o and_o take_v the_o inspection_n and_o overfight_a of_o they_o every_o one_o in_o his_o vocation_n and_o general_o their_o twa_fw-mi thing_n ought_v they_o all_o to_o respect_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o edify_v of_o his_o church_n in_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o
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
be_v advertise_v by_o his_o grace_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v think_v meet_a 1578._o edinburgh_n april_n 24._o 1578._o that_o the_o travel_v take_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o policy_n shall_v be_v present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o highness_n council_n it_o be_v find_v meet_a that_o before_o the_o copy_n thereof_o be_v deliver_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o review_v and_o over-seen_a by_o mrs._n robert_n pont_n james_n lowson_n and_o david_n lindsay_n and_o be_v write_v over_o according_a to_o the_o original_n one_o copy_n shall_v be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o his_o highness_n with_o a_o supplication_n pen_v by_o they_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o another_o copy_n to_o the_o counsel_n the_o time_n to_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o say_a brethren_n so_o it_o be_v before_o the_o general_a fast_o and_o in_o case_n conference_n and_o reason_n be_v crave_v upon_o the_o say_a head_n the_o assembly_n have_v nominate_v mr._n john_n craig_n alexander_n arbuthnot_n the_o laird_n of_o dun_n william_n christeson_n john_n row_n david_n forguson_n robert_n pont_n james_n lowson_n david_n lindsay_n john_n dunkeson_n androw_n melvill_n androw_n hay_o james_n craig_n to_o concur_v and_o convene_v at_o such_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n as_o advertisement_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o they_o by_o the_o say_v three_o brethren_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n at_o the_o say_a conference_n reason_n also_o in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o ceremony_n and_o how_o far_o minister_n may_v meddle_v with_o civil_a affair_n and_o if_o they_o may_v vote_n in_o counsel_n or_o parliament_n it_o be_v require_v 1578._o edinburgh_n 24_o april_n 1578._o that_o if_o any_o brother_n have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v anent_o the_o head_n de_fw-fr diaconatu_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v be_v ready_a the_o morn_n to_o offer_v his_o reason_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o resolve_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n make_v yesterday_o all_o person_n that_o have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n or_o argument_n to_o propone_v against_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n be_v require_v to_o propone_v the_o same_o and_o none_o offer_v any_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n find_v universal_a corruption_n of_o the_o whole_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o realm_n ibidem_fw-la ibidem_fw-la the_o great_a coldness_n and_o slackness_n in_o religion_n in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o with_o the_o daily_a increase_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o fearful_a sin_n and_o enormity_n as_o incest_n adultery_n murder_n and_o namely_o recent_o commit_v in_o edinburgh_n and_o sterling_a curse_a sacrilege_n ungodly_a sedition_n and_o division_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o realm_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o disorder_a and_o ungodly_a live_n which_o just_o have_v provoke_v our_o god_n although_o long-suffering_a and_o patient_a to_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n in_o his_o anger_n to_o correct_v and_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o land_n and_o namely_o by_o the_o present_a penury_n famine_n and_o hunger_n join_v with_o the_o civil_a and_o intestine_a sedition_n whereunto_o doubtless_o great_a judgement_n must_v succeed_v if_o these_o his_o correction_n work_v no_o reformation_n nor_o amendment_n in_o man_n heart_n see_v also_o the_o bloody_a conclusion_n of_o the_o cruel_a counsel_n of_o that_o roman_a beast_n tend_v to_o extermine_v and_o raze_v from_o the_o face_n of_o all_o europe_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o bless_a word_n of_o salvation_n for_o these_o cause_n and_o that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v bless_v the_o king_n highness_n and_o his_o regiment_n and_o make_v he_o to_o have_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a government_n as_o also_o to_o put_v in_o his_o highness_n heart_n and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o noble_a estate_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o to_o make_v and_o establish_v good_a politic_a law_n for_o the_o weal_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o realm_n but_o also_o to_o set_v and_o establish_v such_o a_o policy_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v crave_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v contain_v and_o pen_v already_o to_o be_v present_v to_o his_o highness_n and_o council_n that_o in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o god_n may_v have_v his_o due_a praise_n and_o the_o age_n to_o come_v a_o example_n of_o upright_a and_o godly_a deal_n therefore_o the_o assembly_n have_v ordain_v the_o act_n precede_v hereanent_a to_o be_v precise_o keep_v in_o all_o point_n forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o last_o assembly_n commission_n be_v give_v to_o certain_a brethren_n to_o present_a to_o the_o king_n highness_n and_o council_n 1578._o sterling_a junii_fw-la 10._o 1578._o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kirk_n with_o a_o supplication_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o assembly_n desire_v the_o report_n of_o the_o brethren_n proceed_n who_o expound_v and_o show_v that_o according_a to_o their_o commission_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n with_o the_o supplication_n unto_o his_o grace_n who_o give_v a_o very_a comfortable_a &_o good_a answer_n that_o not_o only_a will_v he_o concur_v with_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v advance_v the_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o also_o will_v be_v a_o protector_n for_o the_o kirk_n and_o thereafter_o his_o grace_n present_v to_o the_o council_n the_o say_a supplication_n who_o nominate_v person_n to_o confer_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o by_o his_o majesty_n procurement_n obtain_v of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o may_v choose_v so_o many_o minister_n to_o confer_v as_o be_v at_o length_n agree_v upon_o which_o conference_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v show_v in_o respect_n that_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1578._o edinburgh_n octob._n 29._o 1578._o a_o certain_a of_o the_o nobility_n be_v convene_v viz._n my_o lord_n chancellor_n the_o earl_n of_o montros_n my_o lord_n seatoun_n my_o lord_n lyndsay_n it_o be_v expon_v and_o show_v to_o the_o moderator_n of_o this_o assembly_n what_o care_n and_o study_v the_o assembly_n have_v take_v to_o entertain_v and_o keep_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o sincere_a word_n of_o god_n unmixed_a with_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o head_n which_o their_o special_a care_n be_v to_o reserve_v to_o the_o posterity_n hereafter_o and_o see_v that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a to_o continue_v nor_o endure_v long_o without_o a_o good_a discipline_n and_o policy_n in_o that_o part_n have_v they_o also_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o study_v and_o draw_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o pure_a fountain_n of_o god_n word_n such_o a_o discipline_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n which_o they_o present_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o their_o supplication_n at_o who_o direction_n certain_a commissioner_n be_v appoint_v to_o reason_n with_o such_o as_o be_v depute_v by_o the_o kirk_n where_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v dispute_v be_v resolve_v and_o agree_v except_o a_o few_o head_n and_o thereafter_o again_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o article_n that_o the_o say_a discipline_n may_v have_v place_n and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o act_n and_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n wherein_o no_o the_o less_o their_o travel_n have_v not_o succeed_v pray_v therefore_o the_o nobility_n present_a as_o well_o open_o to_o make_v profession_n to_o the_o assembly_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n present_o establish_v within_o this_o realm_n as_o also_o the_o policy_n and_o discipline_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o labour_v at_o the_o king_n and_o counsel_n hand_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o head_n follow_v to_o wit_n that_o his_o grace_n and_o council_n will_v establish_v such_o head_n of_o the_o policy_n as_o be_v already_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n and_o cause_v such_o other_o as_o be_v not_o final_o agree_v on_o to_o be_v reason_v and_o put_v to_o a_o end_n and_o that_o his_o grace_n and_o council_n will_v restore_v to_o the_o kirk_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n concern_v the_o three_o and_o that_o none_o vote_v in_o the_o parliament_n in_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n except_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n to_o that_o effect_n and_o that_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o country_n where_o the_o benefice_n lie_v and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v the_o better_a and_o soon_o exp_v that_o their_o lordship_n will_v appoint_v such_o time_n convenient_a there_o to_o as_o they_o may_v best_o spare_v that_o such_o of_o the_o brethren_n as_o shall_v be_v name_v thereto_o may_v wait_v upon_o their_o honour_n hereunto_o the_o say_a nobleman_n
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 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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 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