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 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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 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the_o first_o day_n of_o february_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1551._o year_n give_v special_a licence_n for_o hold_v of_o pasche_n and_o zuill_a item_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o estate_n aforesaid_a declare_v that_o the_o 129._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o two_o and_o twenty_o of_o may_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1584._o year_n shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a nor_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n in_o the_o kirk_n concern_v head_n of_o religion_n matter_n of_o heresy_n excommunication_n collation_n or_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n or_o any_o such_o like_a essential_a censure_n special_o ground_v and_o have_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n item_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o estate_n of_o parliament_n foresaid_a abrogate_v cass_n and_o annihilate_v the_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o say_a year_n 1584._o year_n grant_v commission_n to_o bishop_n and_o other_o judge_n constitute_v in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n to_o receive_v his_o highness_n presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a which_o his_o majesty_n and_o estate_n aforesaid_a declare_v to_o be_v expire_v in_o the_o self_n and_o to_o be_v null_a in_o time_n come_v of_o none_o avail_v force_n or_o effect_n and_o therefore_o ordain_v all_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n to_o be_v direct_a to_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n in_o all_o time_n come_v with_o full_a power_n to_o give_v collation_n thereupon_o and_o to_o put_v order_n to_o all_o matter_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a within_o their_o bound_n according_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n provide_v the_o foresaid_a presbytery_n be_v bind_v and_o astrict_v to_o receive_v and_o admit_v whatsoever_o qualify_a minister_n present_v by_o his_o majesty_n or_o laicke_a patron_n the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o scotland_n now_o admit_v to_o the_o regiment_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o estate_n thereof_o your_o honour_n humble_a servitor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o the_o same_o wish_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o perpetual_a increase_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o your_o honour_n weereceive_v a_o charge_n daze_v at_o edinburgh_n the_o 29._o of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1560._o require_v and_o command_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n as_o we_o will_v answer_v in_o his_o presence_n to_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o in_o abooke_n deliver_v to_o your_o wisdom_n our_o judgement_n touch_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o heretofore_o in_o this_o realm_n as_o in_o other_o have_v be_v utter_o corrupt_v upon_o the_o receipt_n whereof_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v in_o this_o town_n do_v convene_v and_o in_o unity_n of_o mind_n do_v offer_v unto_o your_o wisdom_n these_o subsequent_o for_o common_a order_n and_o uniformity_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o realm_n concern_v doctrine_n administration_n of_o sacrament_n election_n of_o minister_n provision_n for_o their_o sustentation_n ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n most_o humble_o require_v your_o honour_n that_o as_o you_o look_v for_o participation_n with_o christ_n jesus_n that_o neither_o you_o admit_v any_o thing_n which_o god_n plain_a word_n shall_v not_o approve_v neither_o yet_o that_o you_o shall_v reject_v such_o ordinance_n as_o equity_n justice_n and_o god_n word_n do_v specify_v for_o as_o we_o will_v not_o bind_v your_o wisdom_n to_o our_o judgement_n further_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v by_o god_n plain_a scripture_n so_o must_v we_o most_o humble_o crave_v of_o you_o even_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v in_o god_n presence_n before_o who_o both_o you_o and_o we_o must_v appear_v to_o render_v account_n of_o all_o our_o fact_n that_o you_o repudiate_v nothing_o for_o pleasure_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n which_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o improve_v by_o god_n write_v and_o reveal_v word_n the_o first_o head_n of_o doctrine_n see_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v he_o who_o god_n the_o father_n have_v command_v only_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o follow_v of_o his_o sheep_n we_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o his_o gospel_n be_v true_o and_o open_o preach_v in_o every_o church_n and_o assembly_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o that_o all_o doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o same_o be_v utter_o repress_v as_o damnable_a to_o man_n salvation_n the_o explication_n of_o the_o first_o head_n jest_n that_o upon_o this_o generality_n ungodly_a man_n take_v occasion_n to_o cavil_n this_o we_o add_v for_o explication_n by_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n we_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o of_o the_o old_a to_o wit_n the_o law_n prophet_n and_o history_n in_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v no_o less_o contain_v in_o figure_n than_o we_o have_v he_o now_o express_v in_o verity_n and_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v of_o god_n be_v profitable_a to_o in_o strike_v to_o reprove_v and_o to_o exhort_v in_o which_o book_n of_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a be_v contain_v and_o sufficient_o express_v by_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n we_o understand_v whatsoever_o man_n by_o law_n counsel_n or_o constitution_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o conseience_n of_o man_n without_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n word_n such_o as_o be_v the_o vow_n of_o chastity_n for_o swear_v of_o marriage_n bind_v of_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o several_a and_o disguise_a apparell_n to_o the_o superstitious_a
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
it_o be_v of_o benevolence_n may_v not_o be_v appoint_v and_o elect_v to_o serve_v in_o other_o place_n but_o once_o be_v solemn_o elect_v and_o admit_v we_o can_v approve_v that_o they_o shall_v change_v at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o rarity_n of_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n shall_v seem_v to_o some_o a_o just_a reason_n why_o that_o so_o strait_a and_o sharp_a examination_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v universal_o for_o so_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o kirk_n shall_v have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o but_o let_v these_o man_n understand_v that_o the_o lack_n of_o able_a man_n shall_v not_o excuse_v we_o before_o god_n if_o by_o our_o consent_n unable_a man_n be_v place_v over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o also_o that_o among_o the_o gentile_n godly_a and_o learned_a man_n be_v also_o rare_a as_o they_o be_v now_o among_o we_o when_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v minister_n which_o we_o now_o follow_v and_o last_o let_v they_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v alike_o to_o have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o and_o to_o have_v a_o idol_n in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o true_a minister_n yea_o and_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v worse_o for_o those_o that_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o minister_n will_v be_v diligent_a to_o search_v for_o they_o but_o those_o that_o have_v a_o vain_a shadow_n do_v common_o without_o further_a care_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o same_o and_o so_o remain_v they_o continual_o deceive_v think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o minister_n when_o in_o very_a deed_n they_o have_v none_o for_o we_o can_v judge_v he_o a_o dispensator_fw-la of_o god_n mystery_n that_o in_o no_o wise_a can_v break_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n to_o the_o faint_a and_o hungry_a soul_n neither_o judge_v we_o that_o the_o sacrament_n can_v be_v right_o minister_v by_o he_o in_o who_o mouth_n god_n have_v put_v no_o sermon_n of_o exhortation_n the_o chief_a remedy_n leave_v to_o your_o honour_n and_o to_o we_o in_o all_o this_o rarity_n of_o true_a minister_n be_v fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n that_o it_o will_v please_v his_o mercy_n to_o thrust_v out_o faithful_a workman_n in_o this_o his_o harvest_n and_o next_o that_o your_o ho._n with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o your_o authority_n to_o compel_v such_o man_n as_o have_v gift_n and_o grace_n able_a to_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o they_o bestow_v they_o where_o great_a necessity_n shall_v be_v know_v for_o no_o man_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o live_v idle_a or_o as_o themselves_o listen_v but_o must_v be_v appoint_v to_o travel_v where_o your_o wisdom_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v expedient_a we_o can_v prescribe_v unto_o your_o honour_n certain_a rule_n how_o that_o you_o shall_v distribute_v the_o minister_n and_o learned_a man_n who_o god_n have_v already_o send_v unto_o you_o but_o hereof_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o great_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christ_n gospel_n within_o this_o poor_a realm_n that_o some_o altogether_o abstract_n their_o labour_n from_o the_o church_n and_o other_o remain_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o be_v idle_a and_o therefore_o of_o your_o honour_n we_o require_v in_o god_n name_n that_o by_o your_o authority_n which_o you_o have_v of_o god_n you_o compel_v all_o man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v any_o talon_n to_o persuade_v by_o wholesome_a doctrine_n to_o bestow_v the_o same_o if_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o church_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n glory_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o trouble_a flock_n and_o that_o you_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n assign_v unto_o your_o chief_a workman_n not_o only_o town_n to_o remain_v in_o but_o also_o province_n that_o by_o their_o faithful_a labour_n church_n may_v be_v erect_v and_o order_n establish_v where_o none_o be_v now_o and_o if_o on_o this_o manner_n you_o shall_v use_v your_o power_n and_o authority_n chief_o seek_v god_n glory_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o your_o brethren_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n shall_v bless_v you_o and_o your_o enterprise_n for_o reader_n to_o the_o church_n where_o no_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v present_o must_v be_v appoint_v the_o most_o apt_a man_n that_o distinct_o can_v read_v the_o common_a prayer_n and_o the_o scripture_n to_o exercise_v both_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n till_o they_o grow_v to_o great_a perfection_n and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v that_o be_v but_o a_o reader_n may_v attain_v to_o a_o far_a degree_n and_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o discreet_a minister_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o before_o that_o he_o be_v able_a some_o what_o to_o persuade_v by_o wholesome_a doctrine_n beside_o his_o read_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n as_o before_o be_v say_v some_o we_o know_v that_o of_o long_a time_n have_v profess_v christ_n jesus_n who_o honest_a conversation_n deserve_v praise_n of_o all_o godly_a man_n and_o who_o knowledge_n also_o may_v great_o help_v the_o simple_a and_o yet_o they_o only_o content_v themselves_o with_o read_v these_o must_v be_v animate_v and_o by_o gentle_a admonition_n encourage_v by_o some_o exhortation_n to_o comfort_v their_o brethren_n and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o such_o reader_n as_o neither_o have_v have_v exercise_n not_o continuance_n in_o christ_n true_a religion_n must_v abstain_v from_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n till_o they_o give_v declaration_n and_o witness_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o further_a knowledge_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o preach_v but_o they_o that_o be_v qualify_v therefore_o but_o rather_o be_v retain_v reader_n and_o such_o as_o be_v preacher_n already_o not_o find_v qualify_v therefore_o by_o the_o superintendent_a be_v place_v to_o be_v reader_n the_o five_o head_n concern_v the_o provision_n for_o the_o mistress_n and_o for_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o rent_n and_o possession_n just_o appertain_v to_o the_o church_n see_v that_o of_o our_o master_n christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n paul_n we_o have_v that_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o that_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o labour_a exe_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v mussele_v of_o necessity_n it_o be_v that_o honest_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o minister_n which_o we_o require_v to_o be_v such_o that_o they_o have_v neither_o occasion_n of_o solicitude_n neither_o yet_o of_o insolency_n and_o wantonness_n and_o this_o provision_n must_v be_v make_v not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o sustentation_n during_o their_o life_n but_o also_o for_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n after_o they_o for_o we_o judge_v it_o a_o thing_n most_o contrarious_a to_o reason_n godliness_n and_o equity_n that_o the_o widow_n and_o the_o child_n of_o he_o who_o in_o his_o life_n do_v faithful_o serve_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n do_v not_o careful_o make_v provision_n for_o his_o family_n shall_v after_o his_o death_n be_v leave_v comfortless_o of_o all_o provision_n which_o provision_n for_o the_o wife_n of_o the_o minister_n after_o their_o decease_n be_v to_o be_v remit_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o kirk_n difficile_fw-la it_o be_v to_o appoint_v a_o several_a stipend_n to_o every_o minister_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o charge_n and_o necessity_n of_o all_o will_v not_o be_v alike_o for_o some_o will_v be_v continuer_n in_o one_o place_n some_o will_v be_v compel_v to_o travel_v and_o oft_o to_o change_v their_o dwell_a place_n if_o they_o shall_v have_v charge_n of_o divers_a kirkes_n among_o these_o some_o will_v be_v burden_v with_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o one_o with_o more_o than_o other_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v single_a man_n if_o equal_a stipend_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o these_o that_o in_o charge_n shall_v be_v so_o unequal_a either_o shall_v the_o one_o suffer_v penury_n or_o else_o shall_v the_o other_o have_v superfluity_n and_o too_o much_o we_o judge_v therefore_o that_o every_o minister_n have_v sufficient_a whereupon_o to_o keep_v a_o house_n and_o be_v sustain_v honest_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a as_o well_o for_o keep_v of_o his_o house_n and_o clothes_n flesh_n fish_n book_n fuel_n and_o other_o thing_n necessary_a of_o the_o rent_n and_o treasury_n of_o the_o kirk_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o congregation_n conform_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v think_v good_a that_o every_o minister_n shall_v have_v at_o least_o forty_o boll_n meal_n twenty_o six_o boll_n malt_n to_o find_v his_o house_n bread_n and_o drink_n and_o more_o so_o much_o as_o the_o diseretion_n of_o
privilege_n of_o the_o town_n and_o shall_v present_v every_o one_o of_o they_o one_o or_o twa_fw-mi if_o they_o listen_v to_o the_o chief_a town_n to_o be_v examine_v as_o the_o order_n require_v as_o also_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o all_o the_o kirkes_n of_o the_o diocese_n to_o nominate_v within_o the_o same_o time_n such_o person_n as_o they_o think_v worthy_a to_o stand_v in_o election_n who_o all_o must_v be_v put_v in_o a_o edict_n after_o nomination_n to_o be_v make_v public_a edict_n must_v be_v send_v forth_o warn_v all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o the_o person_n nominate_v or_o against_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o chief_a town_n at_o the_o day_n affix_v and_o place_n to_o object_v what_o they_o can_v against_o the_o election_n of_o any_o of_o they_o thirty_o day_n we_o think_v sufficient_a to_o be_v assign_v thereto_o thirty_o day_n we_o mean_v after_o the_o nomination_n be_v make_v which_o day_n of_o the_o election_n be_v come_v the_o whole_a minister_n of_o the_o province_n with_o three_o or_o four_o superintendents_a next_o adjacent_a or_o that_o shall_v be_v thereto_o nominate_v shall_v examine_v not_o only_o the_o learning_n but_o also_o the_o manner_n prudence_n and_o hability_n to_o govern_v the_o kirk_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v nominate_v that_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v find_v most_o worthy_a may_v be_v burden_v with_o the_o charge_n if_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n shall_v bring_v with_o they_o the_o vote_n of_o they_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n the_o election_n shall_v be_v the_o more_o free_a but_o always_o the_o vote_n of_o they_o that_o convene_v shall_v be_v require_v the_o examination_n must_v be_v public_o make_v they_o that_o stand_v in_o election_n must_v public_o preach_v and_o man_n must_v be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o vote_n according_a to_o conscience_n and_o not_o after_o affection_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v object_v against_o 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youth_n of_o the_o parish_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o catechism_n as_o we_o have_v it_o now_o translate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o common_a order_n call_v the_o order_n of_o geneva_n and_o further_a we_o think_v it_o expedient_a that_o in_o every_o notable_a town_n and_o special_o in_o the_o town_n of_o the_o superintendent_a there_o be_v erect_v a_o college_n in_o which_o the_o art_n at_o least_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n together_o with_o the_o tongue_n be_v read_v by_o sufficient_a master_n for_o who_o honest_a stipend_n must_v be_v appoint_v as_o also_o provision_n for_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o not_o able_a by_o themselves_o nor_o by_o their_o friend_n to_o be_v sustain_v at_o letter_n and_o in_o special_a these_o that_o come_v from_o landward_o the_o fruit_n and_o commodity_n hereof_o shall_v sudden_o appear_v for_o first_o the_o youth-head_n and_o tender_a child_n shall_v be_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o 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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 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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 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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
shall_v proceed_v in_o all_o thing_n this_o assembly_n shall_v take_v heed_n that_o the_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o civil_a be_v not_o confound_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o consume_v nor_o abuse_v and_o general_o concern_v all_o weighty_a affair_n that_o concern_v the_o weal_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o whole_a kirk_n of_o the_o realm_n it_o ought_v to_o interpone_v authority_n thereto_o there_o be_v beside_o these_o another_o more_o general_a kind_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o estate_n of_o person_n within_o the_o church_n represent_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v be_v call_v proper_o the_o general_n assembly_n or_o general_n council_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n these_o assembly_n be_v appoint_v and_o call_v together_o special_o when_o any_o great_a schism_n or_o controversy_n in_o doctrine_n do_v arise_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v convocate_v atcommand_n of_o godly_a emperor_n be_v for_o the_o time_n for_o avoid_v of_o schism_n within_o the_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n which_o because_o they_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a estate_n of_o any_o realm_n we_o cease_v further_a to_o speak_v of_o they_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o deacon_n and_o their_o office_n the_o last_o ordinary_a function_n in_o the_o kirk_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o be_v large_o take_v comprehend_v all_o they_o that_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n but_o now_o as_o we_o speak_v it_o be_v take_v only_o for_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o ecclesiastical_a good_n do_v belong_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n so_o take_v be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a ecclesiastical_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o what_o property_n and_o duty_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o function_n we_o remit_v it_o to_o the_o manifest_a scripture_n the_o deacon_n ought_v to_o be_v call_v and_o elect_v as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o spiritual_a officer_n of_o the_o which_o election_n be_v speak_v before_o their_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o distribute_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a good_n unto_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v appoint_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n of_o the_o which_o the_o deacon_n be_v not_o that_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o poor_a be_v not_o convert_v to_o private_a man_n use_n nor_o wrongful_o distribute_v chap._n ix_o of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o distribution_n thereof_o by_o the_o partrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o mean_v whatsoever_o thing_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o or_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n come_v give_v or_o by_o consent_n or_o universal_a custom_n of_o country_n profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n apply_v to_o the_o public_a use_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o under_o the_o patrimony_n we_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n give_v or_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o kirk_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o land_n bigging_n possession_n annuel_fw-ge rent_n and_o all_o such_o like_a wherewith_o the_o kirk_n be_v dote_v either_o by_o donation_n foundation_n mortification_n or_o any_o other_o lawful_a title_n of_o king_n prince_n or_o any_o person_n inferior_a to_o they_o together_o with_o the_o continual_a oblation_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o comprehend_v also_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o by_o law_n or_o custom_n or_o use_v of_o country_n have_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o use_n and_o utility_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o the_o which_o sort_n be_v teind_n manse_v gleibs_n and_o such_o like_a which_o by_o common_a and_o municipal_a law_n and_o universal_a custom_n be_v possess_v by_o the_o kirk_n to_o take_v any_o of_o this_o patrimony_n by_o unlawful_a mean_n and_o convert_v it_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o profane_a use_n of_o any_o person_n we_o hold_v it_o a_o detestatable_a sacrilege_n before_o god_n the_o good_n ecclesiastical_a ought_v to_o be_v collect_v and_o distribute_v by_o the_o deacon_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n appoint_v that_o they_o who_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o kirk_n be_v provide_v for_o without_o care_n or_o solicitude_n in_o the_o apostolical_a kirk_n the_o deacon_n be_v appoint_v to_o collect_v and_o distribute_v what_o sum_n soever_o be_v collect_v of_o the_o faithful_a to_o distribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o none_o lack_v among_o the_o faithful_a these_o collection_n be_v not_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v collect_v in_o manner_n of_o alm_n as_o some_o suppose_v but_o of_o other_o good_n movable_a and_o unmoveable_a of_o land_n and_o possession_n the_o price_n whereof_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o office_n continue_v in_o the_o deacon_n hand_n who_o intromet_v with_o the_o whole_a good_n of_o the_o kirk_n ay_o and_o while_o the_o estate_n thereof_o be_v corrupt_v by_o antichrist_n as_o the_o ancient_a canon_n bear_v witness_v the_o same_o canon_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o fouresold_a distribution_n of_o the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o one_o part_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n for_o his_o sustentation_n and_o hospitality_n another_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o glergy_n the_o three_o to_o the_o poor_a sick_a person_n and_o stranger_n the_o four_o to_o the_o uphold_v other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n special_o extraordinary_a we_o add_v hereunto_o the_o school_n and_o schoolmaster_n also_o which_o ought_v and_o may_v be_v well_o sustain_v of_o the_o same_o good_n and_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o clergy_n to_o who_o we_o join_v all_o clerk_n of_o assembly_n as_o well_o particular_a as_o general_a syndicks_n or_o procutor_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n taker_n up_o of_o psalm_n and_o such_o like_a other_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o kirk_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a chap._n x._o of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o kirk_n although_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v hold_v every_o one_o in_o their_o vocation_n and_o according_a thereto_o to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n yet_o chief_a christian_a prince_n and_o other_o magistrate_n be_v hold_v to_o do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n nourisher_n of_o the_o kirk_n for_o so_o much_o as_o by_o they_o it_o be_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v foster_v uphold_v and_o defend_v against_o all_o that_o will_v procure_v the_o hurt_n thereof_o so_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o assist_v and_o fortify_v the_o godly_a proceed_n of_o the_o kirk_n in_o all_o behalf_n and_o namely_o to_o see_v that_o the_o public_a estate_n and_o ministry_n thereof_o be_v maintain_v and_o sustain_v as_o it_o appertain_v according_a to_o god_n word_n to_o see_v that_o the_o kirk_n be_v not_o invade_v nor_o hurt_v by_o false_a teacher_n and_o hireling_n nor_o the_o room_n thereof_o be_v occupy_v by_o dumb_a dog_n or_o idle_a belly_n to_o assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o punish_v they_o civil_o that_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o same_o without_o confound_v always_o the_o one_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o other_o to_o see_v that_o sufficient_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o ministry_n the_o school_n and_o the_o poor_a and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a to_o await_v upon_o their_o charge_n to_o supply_v their_o indigence_n even_o with_o their_o own_o rent_n if_o need_v require_v to_o hold_v hand_n as_o well_o to_o the_o save_n of_o their_o person_n from_o injury_n and_o open_a violence_n as_o to_o their_o rent_n and_o possession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o defraud_v rob_v nor_o spoil_v thereof_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o profane_a and_o unlawful_a use_n or_o be_v devour_v by_o idle_a belly_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o lawful_a function_n in_o the_o kirk_n to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o ministry_n school_n poor_a and_o other_o godly_a use_n whereupon_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v bestow_v to_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n for_o advancement_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o policy_n thereof_o without_o usurp_v any_o thing_n that_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a sword_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n that_o be_v mere_o ecclesiastical_a as_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n use_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o the_o spiritual_a execution_n thereof_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o
spiritual_a key_n which_o our_o master_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o true_a successor_n and_o although_o king_n and_o prince_n that_o be_v godly_a sometime_o by_o their_o own_o authority_n when_o the_o kirk_n be_v corrupt_v and_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o order_n place_n minister_n and_o restore_v the_o true_a service_n of_o the_o lord_n after_o the_o example_n of_o some_o godly_a king_n of_o juda_n and_o divers_a godly_a empeour_n and_o king_n also_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o where_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o kirk_n be_v once_o lawful_o constitute_v and_o they_o that_o be_v place_v do_v their_o office_n faithful_o all_o godly_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o hear_v and_o obey_v their_o voice_n and_o reverence_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o present_a abuse_n remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o bereform_v as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o godly_a magistrate_n to_o maintain_v the_o present_a liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o true_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n within_o this_o realm_n so_o be_v it_o to_o provide_v that_o all_o abuse_n which_o yet_o remain_v in_o the_o kirk_n be_v remove_v and_o utter_o take_v away_o therefore_o first_o the_o admission_n of_o man_n to_o papistical_a title_n of_o benefice_n such_o as_o serve_v not_o nor_o have_v no_o function_n in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o christ_n as_o abbot_n commendator_n prior_n prioress_n and_o other_o title_n of_o abbey_n who_o place_n be_v now_o for_o the_o most_o part_n by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n demolish_v and_o purge_v of_o idolatry_n be_v plain_a abuse_n and_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o but_o rather_o to_o refuse_v it_o such_o like_a that_o they_o that_o of_o old_a be_v call_v the_o chapiters_n and_o convent_v of_o abbey_n cathedral_n kirk_n and_o like_a place_n serve_v for_o nothing_o now_o but_o to_o set_v fewes_n and_o tack_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v leave_v of_o the_o church_n land_n and_o teind_n in_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_v thereof_o as_o daily_a experience_n teach_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v utter_o abrogate_v and_o abolish_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v the_o dean_n archdeacon_n chantour_n subchantour_n thesaurer_n chancellor_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a title_n flow_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o canon_n law_n only_o who_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o kirk_n also_o which_o be_v unite_v together_o and_o join_v by_o annexation_n to_o their_o benefice_n aught_o to_o be_v separate_v and_o divide_v and_o give_v to_o qualify_a minister_n as_o god_n word_n crave_v neither_o ought_v such_o abuser_n of_o the_o kirk_n patrimony_n to_o have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n nor_o sit_v in_o council_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kirkman_n to_o the_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o and_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a that_o any_o person_n among_o these_o man_n shall_v have_v five_o sixteen_o twenty_o or_o more_o kirk_n all_o crave_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n and_o bruike_v the_o patrimony_n thereof_o either_o by_o admission_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o light_n of_o the_o evangell_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mockage_n to_o crave_v reformation_n where_o such_o like_a have_v place_n and_o in_o so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o order_n take_v at_o leith_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1571_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o may_v be_v admit_v be_v find_v qualify_v either_o that_o pretend_a order_n be_v against_o all_o good_a order_n or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v not_o of_o they_o that_o be_v qualify_v in_o worldly_a affair_n or_o to_o serve_v in_o court_n but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v to_o teach_v god_n word_n have_v their_o lawful_a admission_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o bishop_n if_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v proper_o take_v they_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o minister_n as_o before_o be_v declare_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o name_n of_o superiority_n and_o lordship_n but_o of_o office_n and_o watch_v yet_o because_o in_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n this_o name_n as_o other_o have_v be_v abuse_v and_o yet_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v we_o can_v allow_v the_o fashion_n of_o these_o new_a choose_a bishop_n neither_o of_o the_o chapiters_n that_o be_v elector_n of_o they_o to_o such_o office_n as_o they_o be_v choose_v unto_o true_a bishop_n shall_v addict_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a flock_n which_o sundry_a of_o they_o refuse_v neither_o shall_v they_o usurp_v lordship_n over_o their_o brethren_n and_o over_o the_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n as_o these_o man_n do_v pastor_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v pastor_n have_v not_o the_o office_n of_o visitation_n of_o more_o kirk_n join_v to_o the_o pastorship_n without_o it_o be_v give_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o corruption_n that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v further_a bound_n to_o vifit_n nor_o they_o may_v lawful_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o office_n of_o vifitation_n but_o he_o that_o be_v lawful_o choose_v thereunto_o the_o eldership_n be_v well_o establish_v have_v power_n to_o send_v out_o visitour_n one_o or_o more_o with_o commission_n to_o vifit_n the_o bound_n within_o their_o eldership_n and_o likewise_o after_o count_v take_v of_o they_o either_o continue_v they_o or_o remove_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o which_o eldership_n they_o shall_v be_v always_o subject_a criminal_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v a_o corruption_n it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o bishop_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o pastor_n pastor_n of_o many_o flock_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o certain_a flock_n and_o without_o ordinary_a teach_n it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v exeme_v from_o the_o correction_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o particular_a eldership_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o shall_v serve_v neither_o that_o they_o usurp_v the_o office_n of_o visitation_n of_o other_o kirk_n nor_o any_o other_o function_n beside_o other_o minister_n but_o so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o desire_v the_o bishop_n that_o now_o be_v either_o to_o agree_v to_o that_o order_n that_o god_n word_n require_v in_o they_o as_o the_o general_a church_n will_v prescribe_v unto_o they_o not_o pass_v their_o bound_n either_o in_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a affair_n or_o else_o to_o be_v depose_v from_o all_o function_n in_o the_o church_n we_o deny_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n but_o minister_n may_v and_o shall_v affist_n their_o prince_n when_o they_o be_v require_v in_o all_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o otherways_o provide_v always_o they_o neither_o neglect_v their_o own_o charge_n nor_o through_o flattery_n of_o prince_n hurt_v the_o public_a estate_n of_o the_o kirk_n but_o general_o we_o say_v no_o person_n under_o whatsoever_o title_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o special_o the_o abuse_a title_n in_o papistry_n of_o prelate_n convent_v and_o chapter_n aught_o to_o attempt_v any_o act_n in_o the_o kirk_n name_n either_o in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o out_o of_o council_n have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o reform_a kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n and_o jurisdiction_n shall_v have_v no_o place_n within_o the_o same_o and_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o time_n come_v shall_v use_v any_o jurisdiction_n flow_v from_o his_o authority_n and_o again_o that_o no_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therfrom_o so_o we_o esteem_v hold_v of_o chapiters_n in_o papistical_a manner_n either_o in_o cathedral_n kirk_n abbey_n college_n or_o other_o conventuall_a place_n usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o hurt_v the_o patrimony_n thereof_o or_o use_v any_o other_o act_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o same_o fince_n the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1560_o year_n to_o be_v abuse_n and_o corruption_n contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v annul_v reduce_v and_o in_o time_n come_v utter_o discharge_v the_o dependence_n also_o of_o the_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v of_o the_o which_o sort_n be_v mingle_v jurisdiction_n of_o the_o commissar_n in_o so_o
far_o as_o they_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n and_o have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o kirk_n thereto_o but_o be_v elect_v in_o time_n of_o our_o sovereign_n mother_n when_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o order_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n that_o sundry_a of_o they_o have_v no_o function_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v judge_n to_o minister_n and_o depose_v they_o from_o their_o room_n therefore_o they_o either_o will_v be_v discharge_v to_o meddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o it_o will_v be_v limit_v to_o they_o in_o what_o matter_n they_o may_v be_v judge_n and_o not_o hurt_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n they_o also_o that_o before_o be_v of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a estate_n in_o the_o pope_n church_n or_o that_o be_v admit_v of_o new_a to_o the_o papistical_a title_n and_o now_o be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n to_o possess_v the_o two-part_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a rent_n ought_v not_o have_v any_o further_a liberty_n but_o to_o intromet_n with_o the_o portion_n assign_v and_o grant_v to_o they_o for_o their_o lifetime_n and_o not_o under_o the_o abuse_a title_n which_o they_o have_v to_o dispon_n the_o kirkrent_n set_v tack_n and_o fewe_n thereof_o at_o their_o pleafure_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o poor_a labourer_n that_o dwell_v upon_o the_o kirk-land_n contrary_a to_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o order_n chap._n xii_o certain_a special_a head_n of_o reformation_n which_o we_o crave_v whatsoever_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n the_o several_a power_n of_o the_o office-bearer_n their_o conjunct_a power_n also_o and_o last_o of_o the_o patrimrny_a of_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v the_o right_a reformation_n which_o god_n crave_v at_o our_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n be_v order_v according_a thereto_o as_o with_o that_o order_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o because_o something_o will_v be_v touch_v in_o particular_a concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o which_o we_o principal_o seek_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o the_o same_o we_o have_v collect_v they_o in_o these_o head_n follow_v see_v the_o whole_a country_n be_v divide_v in_o province_n and_o their_o province_n again_o be_v divide_v in_o parish_n as_o well_o in_o land-ward_n as_o in_o town_n in_o every_o parish_n and_o reasonable_a congregation_n there_o will_v be_v place_v one_o or_o more_o pastor_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o no_o pastor_n or_o minister_n always_o to_o be_v burden_v with_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o more_o kirk_n or_o flock_n then_o one_o alanerly_a and_o because_o it_o will_v be_v think_v hard_a to_o find_v out_o pastor_n or_o minister_n to_o all_o the_o paroch_n kirk_n of_o the_o realm_n as_o well_o in_o landward_o as_o in_o town_n we_o think_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o such_o as_o commission_n may_v be_v give_v to_o by_o the_o church_n and_o prince_n parish_n in_o landward_o or_o small_a village_n may_v be_v join_v two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o in_o some_o place_n together_o and_o the_o principal_a and_o mest_z commodious_a kirk_n to_o stand_v and_o be_v repair_v sufficient_o and_o qualify_v minister_n place_v thereat_o and_o the_o other_o kirk_n which_o be_v not_o find_v necessary_a may_v be_v suffer_v to_o decay_v their_o kirk-yard_n always_o be_v keep_v for_o burial_n place_n and_o in_o some_o place_n where_o need_n require_v a_o parish_n where_o the_o congregation_n be_v over_o great_a for_o one_o church_n may_v be_v divide_v in_o twa_fw-mi or_o more_o doctor_n will_v be_v appoint_v in_o university_n college_n and_o in_o other_o place_n needful_a and_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o to_o open_v up_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o school_n and_o teach_v the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o elder_n there_o will_v be_v some_o to_o be_v censurer_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n one_o or_o more_o in_o every_o congregation_n but_o not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n but_o only_o in_o town_n and_o famous_a place_n where_o resort_n of_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o ability_n to_o that_o effect_n may_v be_v have_v where_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a kirk_n about_o may_v convene_v together_o and_o have_v a_o common_a eldership_n and_o assembly-place_n among_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o oversight_n and_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n appoint_v to_o unite_v and_o divide_v the_o parish_n as_o necessity_n and_o commodity_n require_v so_o will_v there_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o general_a church_n with_o assent_n of_o the_o prince_n such_o man_n as_o fear_n god_n and_o know_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o country_n that_o be_v able_a to_o nominate_v and_o design_n the_o place_n where_o the_o particular_a eldership_n shall_v convene_v take_v consideration_n of_o the_o diocese_n as_o they_o be_v divide_v of_o old_a and_o of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o country_n and_o province_n of_o the_o realm_n likewise_o concern_v provincial_n and_o synodall_n assembly_n consideration_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v take_v how_o many_o and_o in_o what_o place_n they_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v and_o how_o oft_o they_o shall_v convene_v aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o general_a church_n and_o order_n to_o be_v appoint_v therein_o the_o nationall_n assembly_n of_o this_o country_n call_v common_o the_o general_n assembly_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v retain_v in_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o have_v their_o own_o place_n with_o power_n to_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v time_n and_o place_n convenient_a for_o the_o same_o and_o all_o man_n as_o well_o magistrate_n as_o inferior_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o same_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n without_o any_o reclamation_n or_o appellation_n to_o any_o judge_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a within_o the_o realm_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o election_n of_o person_n call_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o observe_v without_o interruption_n so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n be_v not_o corrupt_v by_o antichrist_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o retain_v within_o this_o realm_n so_o that_o none_o be_v intruse_v upon_o any_o congregation_n either_o by_o the_o prince_n or_o any_o inferior_a person_n without_o lawful_a election_n and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o people_n over_o who_o the_o person_n be_v place_v as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a kirk_n and_o good_a order_n crave_v and_o because_o this_o order_n which_o god_n word_n crave_v can_v stand_v with_o patronage_n and_o presentation_n to_o benefice_n use_v in_o the_o pope_n church_n we_o desire_v all_o they_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n earnest_o to_o consider_v that_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o patronage_n and_o benefice_n together_o with_o the_o effect_n thereof_o have_v flow_v from_o the_o pope_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n only_o in_o so_o far_o as_o thereby_o any_o person_n be_v intruse_v or_o place_v over_o kirkes_n have_v curam_fw-la animarum_fw-la and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o manner_n of_o proceed_v have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o same_o and_o to_o the_o say_a liberty_n of_o election_n they_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o have_v place_n in_o this_o light_n of_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o will_v embrace_v god_n word_n and_o desire_v the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v advance_v they_o will_v also_o embrace_v and_o receive_v that_o policy_n and_o order_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o upright_a estate_n of_o his_o kirk_n crave_v otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a that_o they_o have_v profess_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o as_o concern_v other_o patronage_n of_o benefice_n that_o have_v not_o curam_fw-la animarum_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v such_o as_o be_v chaplenry_n prebendary_n found_v upon_o temporal_a land_n annuel_n and_o such_o like_a may_v be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o ancient_a patroness_n to_o dispone_v hereupon_o when_o they_o vaike_fw-mi to_o scholar_n and_o burser_n as_o they_o be_v require_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o for_o the_o kirk_n rent_n in_o general_n we_o desire_v that_o order_n be_v admit_v and_o maintain_v among_o we_o that_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n word_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n that_o as_o be_v before_o speak_v the_o whole_a rent_n and_o patrimony_n of_o the_o kirk_n except_v the_o small_a patronage_n before_o mention_v may_v be_v divide_v in_o four_o portion_n one_o thereof_o to_o be_v assign_v to_o the_o pastor_n for_o his_o entertainment_n and_o hospitality_n a_o other_o to_o the_o elder_n deacon_n and_o other_o