History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600

some Bishops of that age were so zealous of their authority, and jealous of the prophecyings, that diligent Ministers must needs conform, or then the flocks shall want teaching; and the Queen must bear the blam of all. More of these trouble followers: here I add, that • . Whitgift succeeding to Grindal, was the first Reformed Bishop, that was Counselor of State, and most vehement in pressing conformity, yet not without many checks and lets. For not only did the Counsel sent Letters unto that Archbishop, willing him to relent of his severity, but (as the same author writes) in the Parliament A • . 1587. the House of Commons presented unto the House of Lord's a petition complaining that many parishes were destitute of preachers; and craving [amongst other things] that no oath nor subscription might be tendered to any at their entrance into the Ministry, but such as is expressly prescribed by the statutes of the realm, excep the oath against corrupt entering; That they may not be troubled for omission of some rites or portions prescribed in the book of Common prayer; That such as had been suspended or deprived for no other offense, but only for not subscribing, might be restored; and that the Bishops would forbear their excommunication, exofficio mero, of godly and learned preachers not detected for open offense of life or apparent error in doctrine, &c. And the Lord's rancountred the Bishops so hardly, especially against plurality of Benefices; that matters flying so high, the Archbishop conceived it the safest way to apply himself by petition unto the Queen in this manner; The woeful and distressed estate, whereinto we are like to fall forceth us with grief of heart in most humble manner to crave your Majesty's sovereign protection: For the pretence being made of the maintenance and increase of learned ministry, when it is thoroughly weighed, decrieth learning, spoileth their livings, takes away the set form of prayer in the Church, and it is the means to bring in confusion and barbarism. How dangerous innovations are in a settled Estate, whosoever hath judgment perceiveth. Set dangers apart, yet such great inconveniences may ensue as will make an estate lamentable and miserable. Our nighbours miseries may make us fearful, but that we know, who ruleth the same. All the Churches in Europe cannot compare with England in the number of learned Ministers. These benefits of your Majesty's most sacred and careful government with hearty joy we feel, and humbly acknowledge: senseless are they that repine at it. The respect hereof made the Prophet to say, Dij estis; All the faithful and discreet clergy say, O Deacerte. Nothing is impossible with God. Requests without grounded reasons are lightly to be rejected. We therefore not as Directors, but as humble Remembrancers beseech your Highness favorable beholding of our estate present; and what it will be in time to come, if the Bill against pluralities should take any place, &c. With this petition was annexed a catalogue of pretended inconveniences. So that in effect nothing was enacted in relation to this matter, but at the dissolution of the Parliament the Bishops were more • evere then before, as follows: But mark the different spirits and Genius of these two Archbishops, Grindal and Whitgift, appearing in their Letters, that were directed unto one and the same person. This is that Do. Whitgift, who bandied and rebandied with Thomas Carthwright, The Supplication or Admonition unto the Parliament in the year 1571. (whereof hereafter) and in defense of Episcopacy and all the other enormities made use of that invincible cannon, The Royal power and pleasure. And for his arguing thus, it was the Royal power and pleasure to make him Archbishop of Canterburry, even when Grindal was alive: but such was his modesty, that he would not accept it, until the old man under restraint was dead. Observe then, Some Ministers will be ambitious and superstitious, and impute all the disorders of the Church unto Royal power and pleasure. Pause a little, and we will hear another song. When men are obstupefied with this Medusa's head, the Prelates will chant; Episcopacy is De Jure Divino, and, No Bishop, no King: and authority may be enchanted to believe it. And then the old common tune may be heard again, Ego & Rex meus; as Wolsey Archbishop of York sang in former times; or the tune of Canterburry, You may not meddle with churchmen, how ever they live, or whatsoever they do; as Thomas Becket said to King Henry II. or the tune of Whinchester, I summon you to appear and answer in our Synod; as Bishop Henry of Bloys said unto his Brother King Steven. Who desireth to know those more particularly, may find them and more in the Antipathy of English Lordly prelacy both to Regal Monarchy and Civil unity written by William Prynne, Part. 1. & 2. Ann. 1641. Neither will they rest here, but they will aver, If no Bishop, then no Presbyter, and no Sacrament, and consequently no Church. And so both King and Church are established upon Episcopacy. What loyal heart, or who fearing God will not oppose such birds in the shell? What remains, but to say plainly, Episcopacy is the Rock, on which State & Church are built? Certainly a ground-stone, that bears so vast a burden (as the security, or rather the Being of both State and Church) must have a fast and sure foundation. But where shall we find that foundation? Not in the Scripture, unless we admit Popish miss-interpretations. And if these be admitted, we may not stay there, but foreward another step: and that is known, to wit, The Pope is the Rock. Pope Gregory I. did not suspect what mischief was to follow upon his Mass: nor did Hazael know what he was himself to do: but let every man look to the tendency of such Tenets.

11. The National assembly of Scotland conveens at Edinburgh Juny 25 An. 1564. By voices John Willock is continued Moderator. Many Noble men were in the town, but very few came the first day; wherefore many said, they wondered, why it was so. Lundy (of that ilk) said, I wonder not at their absence, but rather, that at the last assembly they drew themselves apart, and drew away some Ministers, and would had them to conclude things, that was never propounded to the public assembly, which is prejudicial to the liberty of the Church: therefore my judgment is, that they be informed of this offense, which many have conceived of their former acting; and that they be humbly required, that if they be Brethren, they would assist their brethren with their presence and Counsel, for we had never greater need: Or if they be minded to fall back from us, it were better, we knew it now than afterwards. All the assembly agreed, and gave commission to certain brethren, to signify the mind of the assembly unto the Lord's: which was done the same day. The next day came the Duke, Earls Argyle, Murray, Morton, Gleincairn, Marshall, the Officers of State, But they drew themselves apart, as before, and sent M. Geo. Hay Minister of the Court, to require the Superintendents and some other Ministers, to come and confer with them. The Assembly answereth, They are now convened, to deliberate on the common affairs of the Church, and they could not spare such men, whose judgment is necessary, nor was is it expedient • , that others should sit without them, as it were idle; and therefore (as they have told them before) if they acknowledge themselves members of the Church, they should join with others, and propound in public, what they thought good, and shall have the assistance of all: but to send a part, more hurt and scandal might arise, than profit or confort unto the Church, seeing it is to be feared, that all will not be content with the reasonings and conclusions of a few. They gave this answer, because the Courtiers had endeavored to draw some Ministers into their faction, and to have sustained their opinions & arguments. When the Lord's perceived, that they could not prevail by that means, they return and purge themselves, that they never meant to divide themselves from the Church, but only because they had certain Heads or articles, wherein they crave some conference, yet so, that no conclusion shall be taken, nor vote required, till the propositions and reasonings were heard and considered by the whole Body. Upon that condition three Superintendents and four Ministers were directed unto them: and because their questions did especially concern John Knox, they called for him: and they had long debates upon these points: 1. That subjects have delivered an innocent from the hands of their King, and therein had not offended God. 2. Subjects have refused to smite innocents, when the King had commanded; and in so doing denied not just obedience. 3. Subjects stricking an innocent at the command of their King, are murderers before God. 4. God hath not only of a subject made a King, but had armed subjects against their King, and commanded them, to take vengeance upon him according to His Law. 5. God's people have execute God's law, against their King, having no more regard unto him in that behalf, than if the had been a subject. They could not agree in these points, nor was any of them propounded in public. In Sess. 3. Commissioners were appointed to present unto the Lord's of the Secret Counsel, the articles following, and report answer unto the present Assembly; and if need shall be, to reason with the Lord's upon these articles: 1. That according to the Acts of Parliament before her Majesty's return, as also conform to her Majesty's promise after her arrival, Christ's true Religion be de novo approved, ratified and established throughout all the realm; and that all idolatry, especially the Mass, be abolished over all, so that no other face of religion be permitted; And for the same effect, that the Ministers be provided by a sure appointment, where they shall receive their livings, alswell for the time by past as for the time to come, and not to live as beggars, as presently they live. 2. To desire and with all humility to require, that transgressors of the ordinances alswell in time past as henceforth, may be punished according to these laws, especially the contemners of the laws, in Aberdien, Cars of Gourie, and other places as shall be specified. When the Noble men heard these articles, they said, they thought it not convenient, to propound them in that manner, but rather they would collect them into two heads, thus, First they would declare unto her Majesty the good minds and obedience of them there assembled; and as for religion, seeing it concerneth the said Lord's most especially being members of the Church, they would deal with her Majesty that the same may be observed according to the Order established at her Highness arrival; And they say, they doubt not, but they shall obtain so gracious answer from her Majesty, as may satisfy the assembly; And concerning the sustentation of the Ministers, they will likewise deal for it, and they hope, that they shall be reasonably satisfied. Thereafter the same Lord's declare, how they were not only accepted by her Majesty in good part, but that she had accorded to the performance of the petitions; and they promise in her Majesty's name unto the assembly the accomplishment: For [said they] if they were not persuaded in their hearts, that her Majesty meant sinceerly, they would not have been messengers of her answer. On the other side all the assembly thank God and her Majesty, that their reasonable petitions were so graciously answered; and they desire the same Lord's reciprocally, to promise unto her Majesty in their behalf all dutiful obedience, love and submission, which can be expected by any Christian Prince, of most faithful and humble subjects; Promising also, that, if any of their number shall happen to forget the duty of a good subject, in offending against her Majesty's laws, they all shall concur ingenuously to the punition of the offender according to the quality of the trespass, and as they shall be required. Item concerning the jurisdiction of the Church, the assembly nameth four Superintendents, Elleven Ministers, and four Gentle men, to convene the morn, and confer on the causes and jurisdiction pertaining unto the Church, and report their opinions. Item it is concluded, that a Minister being once placed, may not leave that congregation without the knowledge of the flock, and consent of the Superintendent or wholl Church, and his cause be considered, whither lawful or not. Item it is decerned, that Pa. Cowston shall not leave his congregation nor go out of the country, even albeit he petitioneth it for a time, to augment his knowledge. Item whereas the Commissioner of Murray had complained on Wi. Sutherland parson of Moy, that he had committed fornication, and when he was charged to marry the woman, he had despitefully torn the Commissioners letters; whereupon he was charged, to compear before this assembly and hath not come; the Assemblie deprives him of all ecclesiastical function, and ordains the Commissioner, to proceed, with censures against him for his contempt. On Decemb. 13. was a Parliam. at Edinb. But (saith the Hist. of Refor.) the Queen would not cause proclaim the Parliament, until she had desired the Earl of Murray (by whose means chiefly the Earl of Lennox came into Scotland, and was then to be restored) that there shall no word be spoken in the Parliament, or at least nothing concluded concerning Religion. But he answered, He could not promise it. Some articles were then presented by the Commissioners of the Church, especially for abolishing the Mass, and punishment of vice: but nothing was granted, excep, that it was statute, a hat scandalous livers shall be punished first by prison, and then publicly shown unto the people with ignominy. But this was not put in execution. The National assembly conveenes at Edinburgh Decemb. 25. Jo. Erskin Superintendent is chosen Moderator. It is ordained, that the public affairs shall first in order be treated; and then particulars shall be propounded in writ; and if any persons cause requires hasty resolution, it shall be dispatched in this assembly; or else it shall be referred unto the Superintendent of the bounds and certain Ministers, to examine it, and put their judgment in writ, which shall be reported unto the next assembly. 2. The assembly causeth propound unto the Lord's of Secret Counsel, the articles following and humbly require their H. H. to solicit the Queens Majesty for answer; 1. To signify that the transgressors of the proclamations, (that have been against the sayers and hearers of Mass, and the abusers of the sacraments) are so common, that it may be greatly feared, that judgments shall shortly follow unless remedy be provided in time. 2. To require the payment of Ministers stipends. 3. That Superintedents may be placed in such parts, where none are. 4. That these be punished, who do shut the church-doors against the preachers coming to preach the word. 5. humbly to require of her Majesty what the Church can expect of Benefices vaking or that shall vake. 6. By what means Ministers shall come to the possession of Manses & glebs, whither they be set in fue or not. 7. That the Act, concerning the reparing of churches, be put into execution. III. Because there is a common report, that many ignorants and of lewd conversation, are admitted to be Ministers and exhorters and Readers, the Superintendents of Anguise, Lothian and the West, were ordained to visit certain bounds alloted now unto them, and John Knox is to visit the Churches of Fife and Perth: and others to visit other parts, with power to try, suspend, depose, as they shall find cause. IV. Unto a supplication of Paul Meffan containing sundry particulars, it is answered, that the assembly is ready to accept him, if he shall present himself before them, showing signs of unfeigned repentance, and be willing to obey, as the Church shall appoint unto him: But to delete his process, the Church can no way condescend: nor think they, that petition to proceed from the Holy Ghost, seeing David was not ashamed to write his own offense, for glorifying God : And to admit him into the Ministry within the realm, it is judged no way tolerable, until the memory of his crime be more deeply buried, and some Church make request for him: And it is signified unto him, that the Church is grievously offended, that he being excommunicate in Scotland, hath taken upon him a Ministry in England. I omit the censures of Superintendents and Commissioners of visiting, because it was ordinary. Here also is mention of exhorters: these were men not furnished with sufficient gifts for the Ministry, and because of the scarcety of Ministers, were permitted not only to read in a Church, but to exercize also their talent in exhorting the people: and if they did increase in gifts, were admitted into the Ministry.

III. February following, the Queen was in Fife, and the Papists waxing more bold, went to Mass, and uttered words of blasphemy: Which was delated to the Lord's of Counsel; As also some Popish Bishops & Priests did brag, that they would say Mass at Easter. The Earl of Murray lamented this unto the Queen, and show what inconveniences shall follow, if this be permitted. After sharp reasoning it was promised, that the like shall not be done again: and for the same purpose order was sent to such places, as were delated, especially to the b. b. of Sant Andrew's and Aberdeen, that they should not say any Mass. At that time, the Queen was upon a purpose of marriage (as in two years space she was twice married) and though she never changed her mind to love religion, yet (upon many changes of her passions in that space of time) she gave more way unto the petitions of the Church; thereby to gain the affections of the subjects: And though there were frequent alterations in the country, somtrmes one party prevailing in Court, and sometimes another, so that it came to lifting arms; nevertheless the Church-men did still keep their assemblies. Juny 25. An. 1565. convene the Superintendents, Ministers and Commissioners of Shyres &. burghs. John willock is chosen Moderator. 1. The Assembly humbly requires the Nobility here present, to solicit the Queen, for execution of the laws & Acts lately made against the violators of the sabbath, adulterers and fornicators; And ordeines every Superintendent to supplicat for Cemmissions unto the Judges within their several bounds, giving them charge and power to execute punishment against the committers of these crimes. 2. Others were sent unto the Queen, to humbly supplicate (as in former assemblies) for abolishing the Mass, for establishing the true religion......and to complain that some vaking Benefices have lately been bestowed by her Maj. on Noble men and Barons, as a Benefice in Carrick was given to the Laird of Skeldrom; And to supplicate that none be permitted to have office in schools Colleges nor Universities, nor privately or publicly to teach the youths, but such as shall be tried by the Superintendents and Visitors of Churches, to be sound in the faith, and able to teach; Also for sustentation of the poor, that all lands, which in former times were doted unto hospitalls, be restored to the same use; and that all lands, annual rents and other emoluments pertaining any way to the friers of whatsoever order and annualrents, altarages, obites belonging then to priests, be applied to the sustentation of the poor and of schools in the towns or other places, where these things are to be paid; And that such horrible crimes now abounding in the realm without any correction, as idolatry, blasphemy, manifest breaking of the sabbath-day, witchcraft and enchantments, adultery, incest, maintaining of bordels, murder, reiff, and other detestable crimes may be severely punished, and Judges be appointed in every Province for execution there of; and that by Act of Pa, liament; Lastly that some order be devised and established for ease of the poor laborers of the ground concerning their tyths, which are oppressed by the Leasers of the tyths. 3. Some gentle men in Kile crave that Ministers be sent unto them, and they will provide them sufficiently, as the Assembly shall ordain them. 4. It is ordained that children shall not contract marriage without consent of their parents or in case of the parents unreasonably denying consent, they shall make suite unto the Church, to concur with them in their lawful proceedings. 5. Whereas some Beneficed men in time of Papistry were permitted to keep their Benefice, and now being converted, take upon them the ministry in another congregation: it is concluded generally, that none should have two benefices or livings. 6. It is ordained, that Io. Knox shall receive the answers from the Commissioners, which are now sent unto the Queen, and he shall send these answers unto the Superintendents; as also he shall advertise the faithful of things necessa • y that shall happen before the next assembly: which now is appointed to convene September. 25. at Edinburgh. The four Gentle men and one Burgher, that were appointed by the Assembly, to present thir petitions unto the Queen, went to Sainiohnstoun, and delivered them. The next day the Queen went to Dunkell, and they follow: when they had audience, they humbly crave her answer. She said, Her Counsel was not there, but she intends to be in Edinburgh within eight days, and then they shall have an answer. When these Commissioners had waited five days after the Queen came to Edinburgh, the matter was proposed in Council, and at last it was answered by the Secretary, The Queen's Majesty's command is, that the matter shall be reasoned in her presence, which for the gravity there of cannot be now concluded, albeit her Majesty's hath now heard more here of, than ever before: but with in eight days a great part of the Nobility is to be here, and then they shall have a final answer. August 21. they receive this answer in writ: To the first, desiring the Mass to be abolished in the head & members, with punishment against the controveeners: and the professed Religion to be established by Act of Parliament, It is answered for her Majestes part, That her Highness is no way yet persvaded in that religion, nor yet that any impiety is in the Mass: and therefore believes, that her loving subjects wi • l not press her, to receive any religion against her conscience, which shall be unto her a continual trouble by remorse of conscience, and there with a perpetual unquietnes. And to deal plainly with her subjects, her Ma. neither will nor may leave the religion, wherein she hath been brought up, and believes the same to be well grounded: Knowing, that besides the grudge of conscience, that she shall receive upon the change of religion, that she shall lose the friendship of the K. of France, the married Allya of this realm, and of other great Princes her friends and confederates, who take it ill, and of whom she may look for their great support in all her necessities, and having no assured consideration that may countervail the same, she will beloath to put in hazard all her friends at one instant; prayinig all her loving subjects, seeing they have had experience of her goodness, that she hath not in timepast, nor intends hereafter to press the conscience of any, but that they may worship God in such sort, as they are persuaded in their conscience to be best, that they also will not press her conscience. As for establishing religion in the Body of the realm, they themselves know, as appears by their Articles that the same cannot be done by consent of her Majesty only, but requires necessarily the consent of the States in Parliament: and therefore so soon as the Parliament holds, these things, which the States agree upon among themselves, her Majesty shall consent unto: and in the mean time shall make sure, that none be troubled for using Religion according to conscience: So that none shall have cause to doubt that for religions sake men's life's and heritages shall be in any hazard. To the second article, it is answered, that her Ma. thinks it no way reasonable, that she should defraud herself of so great a part of the patrimony of the Crown, as to put the patronage of Benefices forth of her hands: for her necessity in bearing her Port & common charges, will require the retention thereof, and that in a good part, in her own hands; Nevertheless her Majesty is well pleased, that consideration being had of her own necessi • y, and what may be sufficient for the reasonable sustentation of the Ministry, a special assignation be made to them in places most commodious: With which her Majesty shall not medle, but suffer it come to them. To the third article, it's answered, that her Majesty shall do therein, as shall be agreed by the States in Parliament. To the fourth, Her Majesty's liberality to the poor shall always be so far extended, as can be reasonably required at her hands. To the fifth and sixth articles, her Majesty referreth the taking order therein, unto the States assembled in Parliament. The National assembly conveenes in Edinburgh September. 25. Jo. Erskin is chosen Moderator. The answers of the Queen weregiven unto the Assembly and ordained to be registered And they return this answer: First where her Majesty saith, that she is not persuaded in religion, nor that she understands any impiety in the Mass......It is no small grieff to the Christian hearts of her godly subjects, considering that the Trumpet of Christ's evangell hath blown so long in this Country, and his mercy so plainly offered in the same; that her Maj. remains yet unpersuaded of the truth of this our religion: for our religion is nothing else, but the same Religion, which Jesus Christ hath in the last days reveeled from the bosom of his Father, where of he made his Apostls Messingers, and which they have preached & established among his faithful, until his coming again: and this differeth from the impiety of the Turks, the blaspheny of the Jews, and the vain superstition of the Papists, in this, that only our Religion hath God the Father, his only Sone Jesus Christ our Lord, and the Holy Ghost, speaking in his Prophets & Apostls, for the Authors thereof; and their doctrine & promise for the ground of it: The which no other religion upon the earth can justly allege or plainly prove: yea whatsoever assurance Papists have for their religion, the same have the Turks for maintaining their Alcoran, and the Jews far greater for the defense of their ceremonies, whither it be antiquity of time, consent of people, authority of promises, great number or multitude consenting together, or any other the like cloaks, that they can pretend: And therefore as we are dolorous, that her Majesty in this our religion is not persuaded, so most humbly we require in the name of the Eternal God, that her Highness would embrace the means, whereby she may be persuaded of the truth, which presently we offer unto her Grace, alsweell by preaching his word (which is the chief means appointed by God to persvade all his chosen children the infallible truth) as by public disputation against the adversaries of this our religion, and the deceivers of her Majesty whensoever it shall be thought expedient unto her Grace. As for the impiety of the Mass, we are bold to affirm that in that idol is great impiety from the beginning to the end: it is nothing else but a mass of impiety; the author or Father thereof is but man; the action itself, the opinion thereof, the hearets and gazers upon it, do avow sacrilege, pronounce blasphemy, and commit most abominable idolatry, as we have ever offered, and now offer ourselves to prove most manifestly. And where her Majesty esteems, that the change of religion shall dissolve the confederacy and alliance that she hath with the King of France and other Princes; assuredly Christ's true religion is the undoubted bond to knit up perfect and sure confederacy & friendship with Him, who is King of all Kings, and hath the hearts of all Princes in his hand: which should be more precious unto her Majesty than the confoederacy of all the Princes of the earth, and without which neither confoederacy, love nor kindness can endure. Concerning her Majesty's answer unto the second article, where she thinks it not reasonable to defraud herfelve of the patronage of Benefices, and that She is minded to retain a good part of the Benefices in her hand, for support..........Our mind is not that her Majesty, or any other patron should be defrauded of their just patronages, but we mean, whensoever her Majesty or any other patron do present any person unto a Benefice, that the person presented should be tried & examined by the judgment of learned men of the Church, such as are for the present the Superintendents; and as the presentation unto the Benefice appertains to the Patron, so the Collation by law and reason belongs unto the Church; and the Church should not be defrauded of the Collation, no more than the Patrons of their presentation: for otherwise if it be lawful to the Patrons, to present whom they please without trial or examination, what can abide in the Church of God, but mere ignorance? As for retention of a good part of the Benefices, this point abhorreth so far from good conscience of God's law, as from the public order of all common laws, that we are loath to open up the ground of the matter by many words: but we most reverently wish, that her Majesty would consider the matter with herself and her wise Counfell, that howbeit the patronage of Benefices may appertain unto herself, yet the retention thereof in her own hands, undisponed to qualified persons, is both ungodly and contrary to all public order, and brings final confusion to the souls of poor people, who upon those means should be instructed in their salvation. And where her Majesty concludes, that she is content, a sufficient & reasonable sustentation of ministers be provided by assignations to them, consideration being had of her necessity; as we are altogether desirous, that her Grace's necessity be considered, so our duty craves that we should notify to her Majesty the true order that should be observed to her in this behalf; which is, The tiths are properly to be reputed the patrimony of the Church, out of which, before all things, they that travel in the Ministry and the poor indigent members of Christ's body should be sustained, the churches repaired and the youth broughtup in good letters: which things being done, then other reasonable necessity might be supported, as her Majesty & godly Counsel can think expedient. And we cannot but thank her Majesty most reverently for her liberal offer of her assignation to be made unto the Ministers: which as yet is so generally conceived, that without more special condescending upon the particulars, no execution can follow: and therefore we most humbly crave of her Majesty that these articles may be reformed.....Beseeching God, that as they are reasonable & godly, so her Majesty's heart and the States presently convened may be inclined and persuaded, to the performance thereof. The next Session of that assembly was adiournied until December 25. At that time was on the one hand so great jovialty about the Queens marriage with King Henry, and on the other so great stir among the Nobility, because the marriage and title of King was given without advise of the Parliament; that in such business nothing could be done. When the assembly convene in December, another supplication was sent by the Lord Lindsay and another Elder, unto the Queen and the Counsel, complaining, that some had put violent hands on Ministers, and petitioning that they may live without molestation of wicked men. 2. Persons revolting from the profession of the gospel by offering their children to be baptized by priests, or themselves receiving the Sacrament of the altar; if they repent not after admonition, should be excommunicated. 3. No Minister should confirm the marriage of another parishon, without a sufficient testmoniall of the Minister of their own parishon that their bans have been proclaimed, and no impediment objected, Under the pain of deprivation from his Ministry, and other punishment, as the Church shall enjoin. 4. The Superintendent of Fife gives a complaint against the Minister of Creill for going-on in proclaiming the bans of some persons, notwithstanding woman's claim: The assembly refers this complaint unto the another Rector of the University, and a Regent, to hear the Superintendent's complaint, or of any other, and gives them power to give sentence according to God's word, and use the censures of the Church against the disobeiers. 5. No Minister may with safe conscience leave his flock and place appointed for his ordinary residence, whatsoever patrociny or oversight hath been by corruption of times, or negligence of rulers. 6. In the question Whither known murderers, convict adulterers and committers of such crimes, may upon the notoriety of their fault be excommunicated for declaration, that the Church abhorreth such impiety, the Church may & should purge herself of all such crimes, Providing that the offender be lawfully called and convicted, either by confession or witnesses. And the order to call them for the slander (Civil punishment we remitt to the Civil Magistrate) is; whensoever such fearful crimes are committed, if it be in the country [or land ward] the Minister, exhorter or Reader of the parishon, or if there be none, the Minister next adiacent, should show the fact unto the Superintendent, who without delay shall direct his summons, charging the slanderd persons to compear before him. But if it be done in a town, where order is established, the church-Session thereof shall call the offenders: where if they compear, and allege just defense, or show themselves penitent unfeignedly, then may the Superintendent, or Reformed Church without the Superintendent, dispense somewhat of the rigor of the censure, Secluding the offender only from participation of the Sacrament, until further trial of his repentance; And that both their diligence and sentence shall be publicly declared in the churches, where the offense is known; But if the offender be stubborn, as if he compear not, or show himself little moved for his offense, then should the Superintendent with the advice of the next reformed Church, decern him or them to be secluded from all participation of communion with the faithful members of Jesus Christ, and to be given to Satan for destruction of the flesh, whose flaves (by impiety committed, and manifest inpenitence) they declare themselves to be; And their sentence shall be published in all places, where the offense is known. 7. Whither baptism being administered by a Papistpriest or in the papistical manner, should be iterated? When such children come to years of understanding, they should be instructed in the doctrine of salvation: the corruption of Papistry must be declared unto them: which they must publicly renounce, before they be admitted unto the Lord's table: If this they do, the external sign needeth not to be iterated, seeing no Papist baptizeth without water and the form of words, which are the principal externals: we ourselves were baptized by Papists, whose corruptions and abuses now we damn, cleaving only to the simple ordinance of J. Christ and the verity of the H. Ghost which makes baptism to work in us the proper effects thereof, without iteration of the external sign. And if such children come never to the knowledge of the true doctrine, they are to be left unto the judgment of God. In these acts we may see Superintendents had not the power of B ^s . 2. Where they speak of a Reform. Church, it is to be understood of a Church, wherein is a Church-counsel constituted of Minister, Elders and Deacons, seeing at that time many Churches were not so well formed. After this Assembly the Superintendents of Lothian and Fife, and two Ministers went in name of the Assembly unto the King & Queen, showing that in all their Supplications the Church had most earnestly desired, that all idolatry and superstition, especially the Mass, should be quite rooted out of the realm; And their answer was, that they know no impediment in the Mass; therefore the Assembly desireth, that it may please their Highnesses, to hear disputation, to the end, that these who pretend to preach in the Chapel Royal, the Truth being tried by disputation, may be known to be deceivers; providing, that they submit themselves to the word of God, written in the Scriptures. And next they did lament the miserable estate of poor Ministers. To this it was answered by the Queen, That she was always minded, that Ministers stipends should be paid, and whatsoever fault was therein, came by some of their own sort: But hereafter by advice of the Counsel such order shall be taken, that none shall have cause to complain. As for the first, she could not jeopard her Religion upon such as are here now: for she knew well enough, that the Protestants are more learned. Upon the 28. day of January following, was an Act of Counsel proclaimed in name of the King & Queen, Ordaining that in time coming all small Benefices, Parsonages, Vicarages and others extending in yearly rentall to the sum of 300. pound or within, as they shall happen to vaike, shall be always disponed to such persons, as the Superintendents and assembly after due examination shall find qualified; And if any bishopric or other prelacy, as hath the patronage of such Benefices, shall happen to va • k, as also of all that are presently vaking, they shall retain in their hands the disposition of such small Benefices to the effect abovewritten; And if any of them shall be ignorantly disponed otherwise, by this same, that disposi • ion is declared null, that the keepers of the Seals should not admit them, but repute them as privy writings purchased in defraud; As also they give and grant unto all burghs and everyone of them within themselves, all the annuals of altarages, chaplanries and obites for entertainment of their Ministers; and the • uperplus thereof, if any shall by to be, distribute unto the poor and hospitalls within the burgh, as the alms of Minister and elders thereof.

IV. In Marth An. 1566. arose more strife twixt the King and Queen, for killing David Rizio her Secretary; and Juny 19. she was deliver of a sone. Juny 25. the National assembly conveenes in Edinburg: by plurality of voices, J. Erskine is continued Moderator. A supplication was sent unto the Lord's of Counsel and Session, that no excommunicate person have process before them, until they be reconciled unto the Church, especially when excommunication is notorious, and objected against them. II. Paul Meffan came, and openly with great expression of grieff for his adultery, craves to be absolved from the sentence of excommunication▪ he is conforted, and ordained to declare his repentance in some churches; and the next assembly shall discern. III. In respect of the dangers where with this Church is assaulted by mighty enemies, the Assembly ordains a public fast in all the Churches. Some mo particulares were handled. The Churches of Helvetia, Geneva and other Reformed Churches in France and Germany sent unto the Church of Scotland the sum or Confession of faith, desiring to know, if we agree in uniformity of Doctrine. Wherefore the Superintendents together with many other most qualified Ministers, convene in September at Saint Andrews, and having read the Letters and Confession, sent answer, that we agree in all points with these Churches and differ in nothing from them, except that we assent not in keeping festival days, seeing the Sabbothday only is keeped in Scotland. Decemb. 17. Prince James was baptized in Sterlin: in time of the solemnity, the Queen subscribe a writing for mantenance of the Ministers, by assignation of a part of the thirds of Benefices. The National assembly convened Decemb. 25. at Edinburgh: John Erskin is continued Moderator. 1. The assignation granted by the Queen, is delivered by Alexander (called Bishop of of Galloway, and at that time Lord of the privy Counsel) The answer of the assembly is, They having just title to crave their bodily sustentation at the hands of the people, which hear the doctrine of salvation from them, they are content with what it will please them to give for their sustentation, though it were but bread and water, nor will refuse nor desist from their vocation; but to take from others against their will, whom they serve not, they judge it not their duty, nor reasonable: And the assembly protests, that the acceptation of that assignation shall not prejudge the liberty of the Church, to suit the patrimony thereof in time and place convenient. Then it was demanded, Whither the tiths appertain properly unto the Church, and should only be employd to the sustentation of the Ministers, of the poor, mantaining of schools, repairing of churches and other godly uses at the discretion of the Church? Answered, affirmative without contradiction. Then it was demanded, Whither Ministers may with safe conscience keep silence, when the patrimony of the Church is most unjustly taken up, and wasted on vain things, by these that have no office in the Church, and in the mean time the ministry failing for necessity, the poor perishing for hunger, and churches falling to the ground? Answered, they should not be silent, but earnestly admonish every man of his duty. Thirdly, Whither the Church men may require all possessors to pay tiths unto the Church only, and inhibit all others to intromet therewith? Answered, After due admonitions used, and no obedience following, they should use the censure of the Church. 2. Albeit the Church wanted not their own troubles, yet they were not unmindful of the affliction of Jacob elsewhere, and especially their afflicted Brethren in England, as witnesseth this Letter sent by this Assembly with Jo. Knox; The Superintendents with other Ministers and Commissioners of the Churches of God in the Kingdom of Scotland, unto their brethren the Bishops & Pastors of God's Church, who have renounced the Roman Antichrist and do profess with them the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity desire the perpetual increase of the Holy Spirit. By word and writ it is come to our knowledge, Reverend Pastors, that diverse of our dear Brethren (of whom some are the best learned within that realm) are deprived from ecclesiastical function, and forbidden to preach, and so are hindered by you, to promote the kingdom of Jesus Christ, because their conscience will not suffer them, to take upon them, at command of authority, such garments as idolaters in time of blindenss have used in their idolatry, which brute cannot but be dolorous unto our hearts, mindful of that sentence of the Apostle, If ye bite and devour one another, take heed lest ye be consumed one of another. We intend not at this time to enter into the ground of that question, which, we hear, is agitated with greater vehemency by either party, than well lyketh us, to be accounted among things, tha are simply indefferent. But in the bowels of Christ Jesus we crave, that Christian charity may prevail in you, we say the Pastors and leaders of Christ's flock in that realm, that ye do not to others, what ye would not have others do unto you: ye cannot be ignorant, how tender a thing the conscience of men is: all that have knowledge, are not alike persuaded: your conscience reclaimes not at the wearing of such garments: but many thousands both godly & learned are otherwise persuaded, whose consciences are continually stricken with these sentences, What hath Christ to do with Belial? what fellowship hathlight with darkness? If Surplice, cornercape and tippet have been badges of idolaters in the very act of idolatry, what hath the preacher of Christian liberty, and the rebuker of all superstition to do with these dregs of that Romish beast? yea, who should not fear, either to take in his hands or forehead the print and mark of that odious beast? Our brethren that of conscience refuse that unprofitable apparel, do neither condemn nor molest you, that use such vain triffls: If ye shall do the like to them, we doubt not, but ye shall please God, and confort the hearts of many who are wounded by the extremities used against these godly & well-beloved brethren Colour of rhetoric or human persuasion we will use none, but charitably we desire you, to call that sentence of Peter to mind, Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge, caring for it, not by constraint but willingly; not as if ye were Lord's over God's heritage, but that ye may be exempls unto the flock. And moreover we desire you to meditate on that saying of the Apostle, Give no offense neither to the Jews nor Greeks, nor to the Church of God. In what condition of time ye and we both travel in the promoting of Christ's Kingdom, we suppose, ye are not ignorant: and therefore we are the more bold to exhort you, to walk more circumspectly, than for such vanities to trouble the godly. For all things, that may seem law • ull, edify not. If the commandment of Authority urge the conscience of you and our brethren more than they can bear, we unfeignedly crave of you, that ye remember, ye are called The light of the world and the salt of the earth. All civil authority hath not the light of God shining always before their eyes in their statutes and commandments, but their affections favor too much of the earth and of worldly wisdom: and therefore we think, ye should boldly oppose yourselves not only unto all that power, that will or dar extol the self against God but also against all such as dar burden the consciences of the faithful further than God hath burdened them by his own word. But here in we hope, ye will excuse our freedom in that we have entered further in reasoning, than we intended and promised in the beginning: therefore we briefly return to our former supplication, which is, that our brethren, who among you refuse the Romish rags, may find of you the Prelates such favor, as our Head & Master commandeth everyone of his members to show one to another: this we expect to receive of your courtesy, not only because ye fear to offend God's Majesty in troubling your brethren for such triffles, but also because ye will not refuse the humble request of us, your brethren and follow-preachers, in whom albeit appear no worldly pomp, yet we suppose, that ye will not so far despise us but that ye will esteem us to be of the number of them, that fight against the Roman Antichrist, and travel that the Kingdom of Christ Jesus may be universally advanced. The days are evil; iniquity abounds; Christian charity (alas) waxeth cold: therefore we should the more diligently watch: the hour is uncertain, when the Lord Jesus shall appear, before whom ye must give account of your administration; In conclusion, once again we crave favors to our brethren: which being granted, ye in the Lord may command us things of double more importance. The Lord Jesus rule your hearts in true fear unto the end, and give unto you and us victory over that conjured enemy of all true relgion, over that Roman Antichrist, whose wounded head Satan by all means strives to cure again: but to destruction shall he and all his members go, by the power of our Lord Jesus: to whose mighty protection we commit you. From Edinburg out of the general assembly and third Session thereof Decemb. 17. 1566. by your loving brethren and fellow preachers in Christ Jesus. 3. The same day this Supplication was ordained to be penned, and then sent unto the Lord's of the Secret Counsel The General assembly of the Church.... Unto the Nobility of this realm, which profess the Lord Jesus with them, and have renounced the Roman Antichrist; wish constancy in the Spirit of righteous judgment. Seeing Satan by all our negligences, Right Honorable, hath so far prevailed within this realm of late days, that we stand in extreme danger, not only to lose our temporal possessions, but to be also deprived of the glorious Evangel of Jesus Christ, and so our posterity to be left in damnable darkness; we cannot longer contain ourselves, nor keep silence, lest in so doing we might be accused, as guilty of the blood of such, who shall perish for lack of admonition, as the prophet threateneth. We therefore in the fear of our God, and with grieff and anguish of heart complain unto your Honors; (yea we must complain unto God, and all his obedient creatures) that that conjured enemy of Jesus Christ and cruel murderer of our dear brethren, most falsely styled Archbishop of Saint Andrews, is reponed and restored to his former tyranny: for not only are his former jurisdictions (as they are termed) of the wholl bishopric of Saint Andrews granted unto him, but also the execution of judgment, confirmation of testaments, and donation of his Benefices, as more amply in his Signature is expressed. If this be not to • ure the head of that venomous Beast, which once within this realm by the potent hand of God, was so banished and broken down, that by tyranny it could not hurt the faithful, judge ye. His ancient • urisdiction was that he with certain his colleagues collateral, might have damned of heresy upon probation as pleased him; and then to take all that were suspect of heresy (what they have judged heresy heretofore, ye cannot be ignorant) and whither they remain in their former malice, their facts & travels declare openly. The danger may be feared, say ye: but what remedy? It is easy, and at hand, richt Honorable, if ye will not betray the cause of God, and leave your brethren, which never will be more subject to that usurped tyranny, than they will unto the devil himself. Our Queen (by like) is not well informed: She ought not, nor justly may break the laws of this realm; and consequently she may not set up against us without our consents that Roman Antichrist again: for in a lawful and most free Parliament that ever was in this realm, was that odious beast deprived of all jurisdiction, office and authority within this realm: Her Majesty at her first arrival and by diverse her proclamations afterwards hath expressly forbidden all other form and face of religion, than that which she found published at her arrival: therefore she may not bring us the greatest part of the subjects of this realm back again to bondage, till that als real a Parliament, as justly damned that Antichrist and his usurped tyranny, have given decision betwixt us and him. If here of and of other things, which no less concern yourselves than us, ye will plainly admonish our Sovereign, and without tumult crave justice only, the tyrants dar not more be seen in lawful judgment than the Owls in the day light. Weigh this matter, as it is, and ye shall find it more weighty, than to many it appears, Further at this present we complain not, but humbly crave of your Honors a reasonable answer, what ye will do if such tyrants & devouring wolves begin to invade the flock of Jesus Christ within this realm, under whatsoever title that be: for we boldly profess that we will never acknowledge other Pastors to our souls, nor Judges to our causes. And if for denial thereof, we either suffer in body or goods, we doubt not but we have one Judge to punish them, that unjustly trouble us, but also an Advocate and strong champion in heaven to recompense them, who for his names sake suffer persecution, whose holy Spirit rule your hearts unto the end. your L. L. answer yet again we crave &c. 4. Questions were proponed. I a married man went to the wars in Denmark: four years thereafter his wife joineth herself in whoordom to another man; and now these two desire to be married, because they have attestation of two insuspect witnesses, which testify that they heard the first man's Captain declare, that he was slain in Denmark on such a day of Aprile last; Whither may these parties be married? In respect they are guilty of adultery, and so had sinned before they knew of the man's death, they should not be married. II. A. man being forewarned, that he should not marry his uncl's wife, was married in the Chapel-Royal; What order should now be taken with them? Their names should be delated unto the Migistrate, that they may be punished as incestuous. III. Several persons are divorced for adultery, and the offending parties seek marriage. Ans. All Ministers should be admonished, that they marry none such, under pain of deprivation. 5. It is ordained, that every Superintendent shall cause summon all bishops, abbots or whatsoever Benefi •• d persons (being of the Church) who receive tiths, and feed not a flock as their charge; and where no Superintendent is, that the nearest Superintendent shall send his letter to the Minister next adiacent, To summon such persons to compear at the next general assembly, to hear and know the ordinance of the Church in that case. By the first particular of this assembly, and the Supplication, it appears, that the Queen would yield somewhat to Protestants and Papists for her own ends: and The history of Reformat. shows that the arch b. went to Edinburg in January following, having the company of 100. horsemen or more, intending to take possession, according to his late gift: but when three or four of the Counsel went to him, and told him, if he attempt to do it, trouble may arise; he was persuaded to desist. Next from that Letter unto the Bishops of England, it appears what stir was there at that time: as also the same year 5. cal. Jul. Beza wrote his eight epistle unto the Bishop of London: it is long, but I shall only touch some passages of it. I think [saith he] that men should not desert their churches for such vestures: but first I do judge, that many things in themselves indifferent, are to be reckoned among superstitions, or certainly among these things, that tend to superstition, because of the opinion of worship, which cannot be eschued. Next it is to observed, that some things may be suffered for the infirm, which when they are once removed, should not be restored at all, because thus were not to trke away weakness, but rather to increase it, when it is in some measure taken away; and as it were to recall it, when it is away: and therefore I marvel not, that some are more nice to restore things, than they were before these were removed. And further it is a vainthing, to pretend infirmity in that Kingdom, where the Gospel had been preached and received so many years, and confirmed with the blood of so many excellent Martyrs: for if the Apostle did justly rebuke the Galatians, that when they had begun in the Spirit, they would return to the flesh; how much tather might that be said of you Englishes, if when ye have begun in the Spirit, ye would fall back, not as they unto flesh, that is, the rites of Moses, whereof God was the Author, but unto [nugas & quisquilias] the trifles of human traditions, which God forbids. And this I will not say, that if these do sin, which choose to leave their churches, rather than suffer such things to be thrust upon them against their consciences; these are far more guilty before God and his Angels, who will have flocks deprived of their Pastors, and the foundation of horrible dissipation laid in the Churches being deprived of their Pastors, rather than see ministers (otherwise blameless) clothed in this habit rather than that, and hungry sheep shall have no food, if they will not take it with geniculation or bowing of knees, Beza speaks there, [as also in his twelth epistle] more largely, and of other particulares: but all such writing was in vain: for some bishops continued in their willfulness, as appears by an epistle of Zanchius written from Heidlberg September. 10, 1571. (at the order of that religious Prince Palatine, as he writes) unto Queen Elisabeth, where he saith, To bring back these rotten rags and other rubbish of the Popish Church at this time into the Church, what is it else, but to give a fair occasion unto the Papists, to harden themselves and their followers in their superstitions? and truly as it were to push them thereunto? let us then hearken what the Prophet said unto Josaphat aiding A chab, Dar thou help the wicked, and love them which hate the Lord? therefore wrath from the Lord shall be upon thee. And what other is this, but to call back the weak from the study of pure religion, and privily bid them return into Egypt? for infirm persons are easily brought back into impiety; seeing naturally we are inclined unto superstition, &c.

V. Before I go fore ward, let us mark the special providence of God in Reforming the Church of Scotland as hath been declared; and that in two particulares. I. the Ministers were wrestling in zeal of the Reformation both of Doctrine and manners; wrestling [I say] with poverty, and against worldly power, yet not by violence, but by clea • ing fast to God's word, by supplications both unto God, and to the adverse power: for [excepting John Erskin, who was an ancient Baron] all or most part of these Ministers were of no patrimony. John Knox had waited on George wishart the Martyr. John row was a Frier at Rome, and was sent An. 1559. as Nuntio into Scotland; and when he saw the differences in the country, in steed of agenting the Pope's business, he turned preacher. John Craig was a Dominican at Bononia, where finding the Institutions of John Calvin, he embraces the truth in them, and one day conferring with an old man in the Monastery, he was confirmed by him in the same truth, but withal was warned, that he make not his mind known; because the times were perilous: nevertheless he would not dissemble, and was as an heretic sent to Rome, and after examination was imprisoned, and lay there in great misery the space of nine months: then▪ giving a clear confession of his faith before the Inquisitors, he was condemned to be burnt August. 19. The same night Pope Paul IV. dieth, and in a tumult of the people, all the prisons were broken up, and the prisoners set free: among others this man escapes, and at last comes home. John Willock and Christopher Goodman had been preachers in England, and in Queen Marie's persecution fled into Scotland. John Dury had been a Monk in Dumfernlin; and so many others were Monks in several parts of the Nation. So they had no earthly riches nor authority: and yet it pleased God by such weak instruments to make his glory so sensibly appear in the Land, that I may boldly say, Mercy and truth, righteousness and peace had never since Christ's coming in the flesh a more glorious meeting and amiable embracing on earth; even so, that the Church of Scotland justly obtained a name among the chief Churches and Kingdoms of the world. A people sitting in darkness hath seen a great light, and unto them who sat in the region of death light did spring up. As the darkness evanishes at the rising of the Sun, so God made all adverse power give way unto these weak instruments by degrees, as follows more clearly. To what Nation under heaven, since the Sun of righteousness had shined upon the most part of Europe, hath the Lord communicated the Gospel for so large a time with such purity, prosperity, power, liberty and peace? The hottest persecutions had not greater purity; the most halcion times had not more prosperity and peace: the best reformed churches in other places scarcely paralleled their liberty and unity. And all these with such continuance, that not only hath He made the truth to stay there, as He made the Sun to stay in the days of Joshua; But when the cloud of iniquities did threaten a going down, in his mercy he hath brought back the glorious sun by in any degrees. Christ not hath only been one, and his name made known in respect of his prophetical office for information: of his priesthood for the expiation of sins, and for intercession: But also had displayd his banner, and hath showed himself (few can say the like) a Sovereign King in the Land, to govern with his own Scepter of the Word, to cut off with the Civil sword all moniments of idolatry, and superfluity of vain rites, and to restore all the means of his Worship in doctrine, Sacraments and discipline, to the holy simplicity and integrity of the first pattern shown in the mount: from which by that wisdom of man (which ever is foolishness with God) they were fearfully and shamefully swerving. II. Another particular is; Some Noble men, namely, Lord James Steward and others were very zealous for the Reformation at the first; but when they were accustomed with the air of the Court, they cooled, were for toleration of the Mass, and relented, for their preferment; as he was made Earl of Morray, and others became officers of State. The Ministers admonished them, and threatened them for their lukewarmness. They despised admonitions, and would not use the preachers so familiarly, as before they were wont; though none of them turned Papist, (excep the Earl of Bothwell) and they heard the preachings. When the Queen intended to marry Henry Stuard sone to the Earl of Lennox, and sought not the consent of the Parliament, they oppose her marriage: and therefore were all exiled, and fled into England. Thus God made the threatenings true: but in mercy to the Land he wondrously brought them back: when variance fell betwixt the King and Queen, the King recalleth the exiled Noble men, of purpose to make himself the stronger by them. And when the King was murdered on February 9. by the Earl of Bothwel, and the Queen married that Earl; these same Noble men with other stood in defense of the young Prince, that he came not into the hands of him, who had killed his father. They went to the fields with armies on both sides, and the Queen's Army was the stronger: but they were stricken with such fear, that without stroke of sword the Earl fled away into Denmark, and the Queen went to the Lord's Juny 11. and renounced the Crown in favors of her sone, and did choose the Earl of Murray to be Regent of the Kingdom, enduring her Sone's minority. And then the Religion was established, as follows. So it pleased God to change things beyond the expectation of men.

VI. Soon after the Queens marriage, a proclamation was made, wherein the Queen declares, that She will confirm all that She had promised (at her arrival) concerning the Reformed Religion. This was to stop the people's mouths: But all in vain: For the people universally were against Bothwell: For some declared openly against him; some were Neuters; and a few of the Nobility did join unto him, especially the Bishop of Saint Andrews and the Earl of Huntly, who had been lately restored by the Queen. Within few days after the Queen came unto the Lord's, she would have gone from them: but they fearing what she might attempt, convoy her into the Castle of Lochlevin: then the Earl of Glencarn with his domestics went to the Chapel-Royal, and break down the Altars & Images. This fact did content the zealous Protestants, but did offend the Popish party. The Histor of Reformat. Lib. 5. On Juny 25. The National Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh: George Buchanan then Principal of S. Leonards College was chosen Moderator. 1. The Superintendent of Anguise, and Bergany were sent unto the Lord's of the Secret Counsel, to request their L. L. to convene with the Assembly, and give their assistance in such things as shall be thought good, for establishing true Religion and supporting the Ministry. 2. It is thought good by all that are convened, that this assembly shall convene July 20. next to come for setting foreward such things, as shall then be propounded: and for that purpose ordains to write Missives to all and sundry Earls, Lord's and Barons, requiring them to convene at that day; And to this effect appoints Commissioners, to deliver the Missives, and to require answer according to their Commission • . The tenor of the Commissions given to everyone follows; For so much as Satan this long time in his member • had so raged, and perturbed the good success & proceedings of Christ's Religion within this realm by crafty means & subtle co • spiracyes, that the same from time to time doth decay, and in hazard to be altogether subverted, unless • God of his mercy find hasty remedy, and that mainly through extreme poverty of the Ministers, who should preach the word of life unto the people, and are compelled thereby some to leave that Vocation alluterly, some others so abstracted, that they cannot insist so diligently in the exercise of the word as they would: Therefore the Church presently convened in this general Assembly, hath thought it most necessary, by these presents to request & admonish most brotherly all such persons as do truly profess the Lord JESUS within this realm, of whatsoever estate or degree, either of the Nobility, Barons and Gentle men, and all others true professors, to convene in Edinburgh July 21. next, in their personal presence, to assist with their counsel & power, for order to be taken alswell toward • the establishing of Christ's religion universally throughout the realm, and abolishing the contrary, which is Papistry; as the sustentation of the Ministers, not only for the present time and instant necessity, but also for a perfect order to be taken and established in all time coming concerning the wholl liberty of the patrimony of the Church, and the due restoring of it unto the just owners, according to the Word of God; With certification to all and sundry of what estate or degree soever they be, that compeares not, due advertisement being made unto them, that they shall be repute hereafter as hinderers of this most godly purpose and as dissimulate brethren, unworthy to be esteemed hereafter of Christ's, flock, Seeing God of his mercy at this present hath offered some better occasion, than in time by past, and hath begun to tread Satan underfoot: And for the due requisition & admonition in name of the eternal God, to the effect foresaid, of all and sundry the Brethren alswell in Burgh as Land, the Church presently convened in this General Assembly Giveth their full power & commission unto their beloveds N. & N. for the bounds of 〈1 span left blank〉 In verification heerof these are subscribed by the common Clerk of the Church in the General Assembly and second Session thereof at Edinburgh Juny 26. An. 1567. The Histor. of Reformat. Shewes, that the Assembly wa • induced to write these Missives and Commissions, by the Noble men, who had risen in defense of the young Prince, because the Hamiltons and others had declared themselves for the Queen, and many were Neuters. The assembly continued two days, especially, for their ordinary particulares. 3. It is ordained, that it is not lawful, that a man should marry her, whom before in his wife's time he had polluted with adultery. 4. A public fast is appointed, namely in Edinburgh, July 13. & 20. The Assembly conveens again July 21. where were four Earls, seven Lord's, many Barons and Commissioners of Burghs, besides Superintendents and Ministers. Many Noble men, which by Missives were required to come, would not, but sent excuses, that they could not repair to Edinburgh, because there was so strong a garrison there; but for the Church affairs, they would not be any way deficient. One of their Letters I transcribe, because it coutaines not only their purpose in time coming, but the sum of the other Missives; We have received your writing dated at Edinburgh, Iuny 26. showing, that albeit God of his goodness hath sent the light of the Evangel of salvation within this realm, to the great confort & prosperity of all the faithful and their posterity, nevertheless Satan with his Ministers at every light occasion hath frustrate in times bypast the Ministers of their life and sustentation, the lame and impotent members of Christ also ftustrat of their livings, lying in the streets both hungry and cold; And the wholl flock of Christ Jesus within this realm continually threatened to be made sacrifices by the practices of the enemies, as your writing contains at length: for remedying the which; ye desire us to be in Edinburgh the 21. of this instant at the Assembly of the Church, where a perpetual order may be taken for the liberty of the Church of God, the sustentation of the Ministry and failed members thereof, so that all the members of the Church might by sure union and conjunction be more able to gainstand the violence of the foresaid enemies; for answer it is not unknown unto you how the Nobility of the realm are divided, because the Queen's Maj. is holden where she is; and that the town of Edinburgh, where ye disire us to convene, is kept straitly by one part of the Nobility and men of war of their retinue, to whose opinion we are not adjoined as yet. And therefore we cannot think ourselves sure to convene the said day and place, ye desire us to keep; And also think marvel, that the whole multitude of Protestants have been desired to convene in such a place, the matter standing as it doth; Nevertheless we, shall be well willing for our own part to set forward at all times the light of Christ's Evangel to be truly preached, the Ministers thereof to be sustained; and the surth setting of the policy of the Church in all sorts, so far as it may stand by law even as we have been in all times by past, since it pleased God, to open our eyes and show the light of his blessed word; and thus we will comber you with no longer letter, prays God to have you in his eternal protection &c. The Lord's that were in Edinburgh, hearing these answers, gave upon July 23. unto the Assembly these articles, where upon they had agreed; 1. that the Acts of Parliament holden at Edinburgh August 14. An. 1560. concerning Religion, and abolishing the Popes authority should have the force of a public law, and that Parliament be defended as a lawful parliament, and be confirmed by the first Parliament, that shall convene. 2. That thirds or anymore reasonable portion of Benefices shall be allowed for mantenance of the Ministry; and that there shall be a charitable course taken concerning exaction of tiths from the poor Laborers; moreover that nothing shall pass in Parliament, till the affairs of the Church be first considered, approved & established. 3. that none should be received in the Universities, Colleges or Schools, for instruction of the youth, but after due trial of capacity and hability. 4. that all crimes and offenses against God, should be punished according to His word; and that there shall a law be made there upon, at the first Parliament. 5. As for the horrible murder of the late King, husband to the Queen, which was so heinous before God & man, all true Professors in whatsoever rank or condition do promise to strive, that all persons should be brought to condign punishment, who shall be found guilty of that crime. 6. They all promise to protect the young Prince against all violence, lest he be murdered as his father was; and that the Prince should be committed to the care of four wise and godly men that by good education he might be fitted for that High calling. 7. They promise to beat down and abolish Popery, idolatry and superstition, with anything that may contribute unto it. As also to set up and further the true worship of God, his government, the Church and all that may concern the purity of Religion and life; And for this end to convene and take Arms, if need require. 8. And that all Princes and Kings hereafter in this realm, before their Coronation, shall take oath to maintain the true Religion now professed in the Church of Scotland, and suppress all things contrary unto it, and that are not agreeing with it. These articles were subscribed by all the Earls and Lord's, and many Barons and Commissioners of Burghs, At the same time Commissioners were appointed to convene and advise upon the assignation of the stipends of the Ministry lately assigned by the Queens Majesty, and the payment thereof. The next Assenbly is appointed to convene Decemb. 25. at Edinburgh. The renunciation of the Crown and Royal power, by the Q • een in favor of the Prince her son, with a commission to invest him in the kingdom, and procuration given to the Lord's Lindsay and Ruthuen, to give up and resign the rule of the realm in presence of the States; together with another Commission ordaining the Earl of Murray Regent, during Prince's minority, if he will accept the Charge; Or if he refuse to accept it upon his single person, that he with the Duke, the Earls of of Lennox, Argyle, Athol, Morton, Glencairn and Marre should Govern conjunctly; These writes were published July 29. at the Market-cross of Edinburgh. Then the Prince was crowned at Sterlin. These two months the Earl of Mortay was not in the Country, and being recalled, returns in the beginning of August: he visits the Queen, and endeavors to join the Lord's, which had taken part with the Hamiltons, or Neuters: join them, I say, with these who had bound themselves for the Kings preservation: but his travel was to little purpose. August 20. he accepteth the Regency, and was proclaimed Regent. The other Lord's seeing, that all things grew strong on the Regents side, sent unto the Counsel: and by common advice it was decreed, that a Parliament be called for settling the affairs of the realm, at Edinburgh Decemb. 15. This Parliament was kept with such frequency, as the like was not remembered to have been seen. Beginning was made (after the approbation of the Queens renunciation, and Commission of Regency) at the affairs of the Church; and sundry Acts were unanimously concluded; one, abolishing the Popes jurisdiction; another, repealing all statutes made in former times, for mantenance of idolatry and superstition: contrary to the confession of faith, that was approved in the Parliament 1560. and now again ratified. 3. The Mass is abolished, and punishment appointed against all hearers and sayers of it. 4. Those are not to be esteemed members of the Church who refuse the participation of the sacraments, as they are now ministrat. 5. The examination and admission of Minist ^s is only in power of the Church now openly professed, and presentations should be directed unto the Supertendents or commissioners of the Church within six months or else the Church shall have power to dispone the same to a qualified person, for that time. 6. An oath to be given by the King at his coronation. 7. None may be a Judge, proctor, notary nor member of a Court, who professeth no • the true religion. 8. The thirds of all Benefices shall now instantly and in all time coming be first paid to the Ministers, ay and whill the Church come to the full possession of their proper patrimony, which is the tyths; providing that the Collectors make yearly account in the Checker, so that Ministers being first answered, the superplus be applied unto the Kings use. 9. All teachers of the youth should be tried by the Superintendents or Uisitors of the Church. 10. Provestries, prebendaries and chaplanries are appointed for entertaining Students in Colleges. Jem, Acts were made for punishing fornication, incest and marriages within degrees forbidden, by God's word. Item that the Queen should be detained in perpetual prison within the castle of Lochleuin. The Assemblie conveeneth Decemb. 25. John row Ministers at Santiohnstoun is chosen Moderator. 1. Commissioners are appointed to concur at all times with such persons of Parliament or Secret Counsel, as have been named by the Regent, to confer concerning the offenses, that appertain to the jurisdiction of the Church; as also for decision of questions, that may occur; these were two Superintendents and seven other Ministers. 2. Whereas the Earl of Argyle had given offense in putting away his wife, and some other particulares: he submits himself to the discipline of the Church: and the Assembly ordains the Superintendent of Argyle to try these slanders, and cause satisfaction b • made, as God's word appoints, and report his diligence to the next Assembly. 3. Because Adam (called Bishop of Orknay) had married the Quee • with the Earl of Bothuell, and so had transgressed an Act, in marrying Both well a divorced adulterer; the Assembly deprives hin from all fun •• ion in the Ministry. 4. John craig is accused for proclaiming the bans twixt the Queen and the Earl of Both • ell. He gives his purgation in write, after this manner: To the end that they who fear God, may understand my proceeding in this matter, I shall shortly declare, what I did, and what moved me to do it, leaving the judgment of all unto the Church: first at the request of Mr Thomas Hepburn in the Queen's name, to proclaim her with the Lord Bothuel, I plainly refused, because he had not her hand writ, and because the constant brute was, that he had ravished her, and keeped her in captivity. On wednesday next the Justice-Clerk brought me a writing subscribed with her hand, bearing that she was neither ravished nor detained in captivity: and therefore he charged me, to proclaim. My answer was, I durst proclaim no bans (and chiefly such) without consent of the Church. On thurseday next the Church after long reasoning with the Justice Clerk, concluded, that the Q ^s mind should be published to her subjects three next preaching days: but because the Gen. Assembly had prohibit all such marriages, we protested, that they would neither solemnize nor approve that marriage, but only would declaire the Queen's mind, leaving all doubts & dangers to the counselors, approvers and performers of the marriage. Upon fridday next I declared the wholl progress and mind of the Church [here he understands the Church-Session of Edinburgh] desiring every man in God's name, to discharge his conscience before the Secret Counsel; and to give boldness unto others, I craved of the Lord's there present, time, leave, and place, to speak my judgment before the parties; Protesting, if I were not heard, I either would desist from proclaiming, or declare my mind publicly before the Church: Therefore being admitted after noon before my L. in the Counsel, I laid to his charge, the law of adultery, the ordinance of the Church, the law of ravishing, the suspicion of collusion betwixt him and his wife, the sudden divorcement, and proclaiming within the space of four days, and last the suspicion of the Kings death, which his marriage would confirm. But he answered nothing to my satisfaction. Wherefore after many exhortations, I protested, that I could not but declare my mind publicly to the Church. So on sunday, after that I had declared what they had done, and how they would proceed, whither we would or not, I took heaven and earth to witness, that I abhorred and detested that marriage, because it is odious and slanderous to the world; and seeing the greatest part of the realm do approve it either by flattery or by silence, I craved the faithful to pray earnestly, that God would turn to the confort of this realm, that which they intend against reason and good conscience. Because I heard some persons grudging against me, I used these reasons for my defences; first I had broken no law by proclaiming these persons at their request. 2. If their marriage were slanderons and hurtful, I did well to warn all men of it in time. 3. as I had of duty declared unto them the Princes will, so did I faithfully teach them by word & example, what God craved of them. But on tuysday next I was called before the Counsel, and accused, that I had passed the bounds of my commission, in calling the Queens marriage odious & scandalous before the world. I answered, The bounds of my commission, which is the Word of God, good laws & natural reason, was able to prove whatsoever I spake: yea that their own consciences could not but bear witness, that such a marriage could not but be odious and scandalous to all that shall hear of it, if all the circumstances be rightly considered: But when I was coming to my probation, my Lord put me to silence, and sent me away. Upon wednesday I repeated all things before spoken, and exhorted the Brethren not to accuse me, if that marriage proceed, but rather themselves, who for fear would not appose it, but sharpened their tongues against me, because I admonished them of their duty, and suffered not the cankered consciences of hypocrites to sliep in rest, Protesting at all times to them, that it was not my proclaiming, but rather their silence, that gave any lewfulnes unto that marriage: for as the proclaiming. Did take all excuse from them, so my private and public impugnation did save my conscience sufficiently. And so far I proceeded in this marriage, as the Church of Edinburgh, Earls, Lord's and Barons, that heard, will bear witness: Now seeing I have been shamefully slandered both in England and Scotland by wrong information & false report of them, that hated my Ministry, I desire first the judgment of the Church, and next the same to be published, that all men may understand, whither I be worthy of such imputation or not. 5. A complaint is given against the Countess of Argile, that she being a prosessor of the Evangel, and having been admitted to the Lord's Table, had revolted, in giving her assistance & presence at the baptizing of the King in a Popish manner. This Lady compeares, and confesses her fault, and submitts herself unto the discipline of the Church. They ordain her to declare her repentance in the Chapel-Rojal of Sterlin upon a sunday and this to be don at such time as the Superintedent of Lothian shall appoint, Providing it be before the next assembly. 6. Ministers John. Craig. David Lindsay and Ge. Buchan. or any two of them are ordained to send edicts, not only through Fife but to the adiacent parts, that Ministers and Elders might compear in Couper January 22. with their complaints against the Superintendent of Fife: and to try them, and to repo • t unto the next Assemybl. 7. Alexander gordon called b. of Galloway, and Commissioner is accused, that he hath not visited the Churches these three years or there by; that he doth altogether hant the Court, and hath procured to be one of the Priuy Counsel, and of the Session, which cannot stand with the office of a Pastor; and also hath resigned the Abbey of Inchaffray in favors of a young child, and hath set lands in fue. He personally confesseth his fault in all these, that they had laid to his charge. Upon some considerations the Assembly continueth him until the next Assembly, upon condition of his diligence in his Visitation.

VII. In the Spring the Q. escapes out of Lochlevin; and sought to repossess the Governement. An Army flocketh unto her, and was routed by the Regents Army at Langside May 13. Then she fled into England. The Assembly conveenes at Edinb. July 1. J. Willock is chosen Moderator. Because heertofore all Ministers that would come, were admitted to have vote; and now the number is increased; and Commissioners of Shyres were chosen in the Shiref-Court; this Assembly makes an Act of three parts, concerning the admission of members: 1. That none shall have place to vote, but Superintendents, Commissioners for visiting Churches, Min. and Commiss. of Shyres and burghs chosen as follows, together with Commissioners of Universities. 2. Ministers and Commissioners of Shyres shall be chosen at the Synod of the bounds by the Ministers and gentle men convening there; and the Commissioners of Burghes shall be chosen by the Counsel and church-session of each town. 3. None to be received without commission in write: and lest this turn to a monopoly and perpetual election of a few, it is provided that the persons be changen at every Assembly. We will bear that this act and some other concerning the satisfaction of delinquents were afterwards changed again. 2. It was delated, that Thomas Bassenden Printer in Edinburgh had printed a book entitled The fall of the Roman Church, naming the King The Supreme Head of the Church: And he had printed at the end of the Psalm-book a bawdy song: He is ordained to call-in all these books, that he hath sold, and sell no moe until he change that title, and delete the bawdy song: And that in time coming he print not without license of the Supreme Magistrate, and revising the books appertaining to religion, by those that shall be appointed by the Church for that purpose: and they appoint Alex. Arbuthnot to revise that book, and report his judgment of it. 3. It is ordained, that Papists refusing to adjoin themselves unto the Church, after they have received sufficient admonitions, and remaining obstinate, shall be declared publicly in all churches requisite, to be out of the society of Christ's body, and excommunicated. 4. Seven Articles were sent unto the Regent, to wit. 1. That the assignations of Ministers stipends are not answered: nor are able (as they be ordered) to pay the half of the stipends, and in some places not the fourth part. 2. It is thoght unreasonable, that Papists, which are enemies to God's Church and the Commonwealth, and others who labor not in the Ministry do possess two parts of the Benefices without any imposition, and the Ministers do not possess the third: heerfore they propound humbly that the charges of the Commonwealth may be laid upon the two parts of the Benefices, and the third remain free unto the Ministers, and the superplus to be allowed for help of Schools, the poor: So that account thereof be made yearly unto the Counsel. 3. where as many Churches are now vaking; that he would present qualified persons unto them, or suffer the Church to dispose of them; and namely the Churches, that did appertain to Nunneries. 4. To give commmission for reforming the College of Aberdien, that corrupt teachers may be removed, and qualified persons placed in their rooms. 5. That order be taken for suppressing of vice, and justice be execute against odious crimes. 6. That such as were appointed by the Counsel may convene with these, that were appointed by the Assembly to decide the questions of the jurisdiction of the Church; and that time and place may be condescended-upon for that effect. 7. That in places where no Superintendents are, some may be placed. Answers were returned on July 8. giving (in a word) a favorable answer unto them all; and for the sixth article, the eight day of August was named: but that day was not kept, and so nothing was done therein. 5. None should bring unto the Gen. Assembly any question or complaint, that should and may be decided in a provincial Synod; or if they shall, they shall be rejected. 6. Because the Bishop of Orknay hath given obedience and submission, now upon his petition the Assembly restores him, Providing that on a certain day he shall have the Sermon in the Church of Halyrudhouse, and in the end theteof confess his offense in marrying the Queen with the Earl of Bothuell: which the Bishop promiseth to do. 7. The Bishop of Galloway is ordained to declare whither he will wait upon Court and Counsel, or upon preaching the word and visiting the Churches: the Superintendent of Fife, Lothian and Anguise are appointed to crave, and report his answer unto the next assembly; and in the mean time John row Minister at Santjohnstoun is appointed to visit the Churches of Galloway. 8. No man should possess the patrimony of the Church, and not do dutiful service: and because it is known that some of them have gifts, whereby they may be profitable in the Church, admonition is given to such that they shall apply themselves according to their gifts, and as the Church shall judge them able unto the Ministry; And because all such persons are not present, the Superintendenrs and Visitors of Churches shall cause warn them all to be present at the next general Assembly. When the 25. of December was come, few did convene, because a report was that the town was infected with the pest; and also were great storms both in the south and north: therefore letters of advertisement were sent to all Superintendents and Commissioners of visiting churches to keep the 25. day of February.

VIII. The Regent returns to Edinburgh, February 2. from a Treaty with the Queen of England concerning the proceedings of this Country with Queen Mary; and about the twenty day of the same month the Duke returns with commission from the Queen Mary to be her Deputy: he causeth publish Letters prohibiting the subjects to acknowledge any other Sovereign than the Queen. Wherefore the Regent by proclamation chargeth in the Kings name, the subjects to meet him at Glasgow March 10. The Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh February 2 • . to wit, Commissioners according to the Act of the former Assembly. Da. Lindsay Minister at Lieth is chosen Moderator. 1. A supplication is sent unto the Regent, craving to take order with such persons, as have received Benefices in time of Papistry, and because they had quite the thirds, think themselves free of all cure in the Church. 2. That no Minister of God's word have power to set tacks of his Benefice. 3. To reduce all Benefices given to any person contrary to the Acts of Parliament or Counsel granted in favor of the Church. The ordinary affairs were handled until March 7. when a Letter was brought from the Duke, showing his good affection unto the Religion, and his purpose to have all the subjects to live in a peaceable and quiet manner; under the obedience of the Queen our Sovereign; regrating the proclamations made by the Earl of Morray; and that not for fear of them, as not deserving such, and confident that the people and Nobil • ty, will not be against him; finally requiring to make his affairs and mind parent unto the people▪ Or if they find not on his part, that he offereth & seeks what duty requires of his Christian profession, that they would come and reason with him. When this letter was read, it was answered unto the bearer, that they would send and acquaint the Regent with it; and as it shall please please Him they will either write, or send some of their number unto the Duke. So they sent two Superintendents and a Minister unto the Regent, to know his pleasure therein. A • ter conference the result was, that the Assembly, should send unto the Duke, and confer with him and others of the Nobility, that may be with him, and use all means to reconcile both him and them unto the obedience of the King and his Regent. 3. A general fast is appointed to be kept throughout all the realm, to begin the 13. day of this instant in such places as may be timeously advertised by the Superintendents, and in other places so soon as they may be advertised, and to continue for eicht days inclusive, and in the mean time to use the exercise prescribed before, and to use sobriety in eating & drinking: praying namely, that God would be pleased to quench that appearing fire of intestine troubles. 4. Moe articles were sent unto the Regent, to wit. 1. That remedy may be provided against the oppression of the Earl Huntly and of others, who have opposed the Collectors of the Church, and tyrannously placed their own. 2. That it may please his Gr. and the Counsel, that the Church may proceed from admonitions to further censures against the said Earl, & all others guilty of the like oppression, even to excommunication in case of his and their contempt. 3. That the Church without offense may appoint Robert Pont in some other place where his labors may be more fruitful, than heertofore they have been in Murray. 4. That order be taken against such odious crimes: as provoke God's wrath against the wholl land: and if his Gr. send us to the Justice-Clerk, experience teaches sufficiently, what he had done in any such matter. 5. That once the Jurisdiction of the Church may be distinguished from that which is Civil. 6. That the Question of adultery may be determined, whither the adulterer shall be admitted to the benefit of marriage. After this Assembly and the fast, by means of these which were sent from the Assembly, an agreement was made betwixt the Regent and the Duke in this manner, that the Duke should submit himself to the Kings authority: he and his friends should be restored unto their honors and possessions, and that he should give surety for his & their continuing in obedience unto the King. The Earls Argile & Huntly refuse to be comprised under this agreement, but deal by themselves. When the Duke heard, that they would not accept the conditions: though he came to Edinburgh at the day appointed, he would have shifted the giving of his surety: and rashly vented his mind, that if he were free of that promise, he would never consent unto it. Therefore he and the Lord Hereis (who was thought to have diverted him) were imprisoned in the castle of Edinburgh. Then Argyle and Huntly made their submission and agreement. Then the Regent goeth into the North and settled all these parts in peace, and took pledges of them, for observing peace in time coming. At that time John Erskin Superintendent went to Aberdien according to his commission granted by the Counsel and Assembly in July bypast, to visit the College: and he with others, Ministers and Commissioners did summon the Principal, Subprincipall and the Regents to compear and give Confession of their faith. The Regent and Privy Counsel join with the Commissioners. The parties compear, and refuse to subscribe the Confession of faith: After two days conference, they continue obstinate. Wherefore by conjunct sentence of the Regent, the Counsel and the Commissioners of the Assembly, they all were declared dangerous persons and unmeet, to have charge in any School or College within the realm; and are charged instantly to remove out of the College. The tenor of the sentence is; I Jhon Erskine Superintendent of Anguise & Merns having commission of the Church to visit the Sherifdoms of Aberdeen & Bamf, by the advice, counsel and consent of the Ministers, Elders and Commissioners of the Church present, decern, conclude and for final Sentence pronounce that M ^r Alex. Anderson sometime principal, M. Andrew Galloway sometime Subprincipall, Masters And. Anderson, Tho. Austin & Dunkan nory sometime Regents in the College of old Aberdien are not to be reckoned Members of Christ's Church; and therefore secludes them and everyone of them to teach privately or publicly in time coming in that College or in any other part within this realm, and discern them to remove forth of the said College with all diligence, that other godly persons may be placed there for upbringing the youth in the fear of God and good letters: This our Sentence pronounced we ordain to be published and intimated to the said persons, and to the congregations of new and old Aberdien publicly the next Sunday the third of July instant. In that year was great business both in England & Scotl. for an intended marriage of Q. Mary, and a rebellion in the North of Engl. But through God's mercy all was discovered unto Q. Elisabeth, and she preveened the danger by imprisoning the chief authors. The National Assembly conveens at Edinb. July 5. Will. crysteson Min. at Dundy is chosen Moderator. When the Superintendents and Visitors of Churches had given account of their diligence, it is ordained. 1. That Alexander gordon sometime Commissioner of Galloway be charged to repair unto the next assembly to answer.........And in the mean time the Assembly inhibites him to use any function within the church conform to the Act made against him July 8. 1568. 2. Adam bishop of Orknay was accused for not fulfilling the injunction apppointed unto him by the assembly in the place and month fore said. 3. The Superintedent of the Isles was rebuked for accepting the bishoprik of the Isles without the knowledge of the assembly, and for riding at and assisting the Parliament holden by the Queen's faction after the murder of the King. 4. Whereas some persons guilty of capital ctimes have been summonedby Superintendents and established Churches to compear before this assembly, and these not compearing, It is concluded that the Superintendents and Ministers shall proceed against them, to excommunication inclusive; and to notify unto the Supreme Magistrate such as are already excommunicate for their offenses. 5. Certain articles were sent unto the Regent. 1. That order may be taken for sustentation of the poor, and a portion of the tithe be appointed for that end; And that the poor laborers of the ground may have liberty to lead their own tiths upon reasonable composition. 2. that those who have plurality of Benefices may be compelled to dimitt all but one. 3. That remedy may be provided against changing of benefices, and selling them, diminishing the rentalls, setting lang tacks in defraud of successors, and that all tacks set since the assumption of the thirds may be annulled, with express inhibition of the like in time coming. 4. That the jurisdiction of the Church may be distinguished from the Civil. Concerning this last article an Act of the Secret Counsel is instantly delivered under the Secretary's hand, that the persons named in the Act of Parliament, shall convene at the time of the next Exchecker, and define or limit the jurisdiction according to God's word and the said Act of Parliament. 6. Seeing it hath pleased God to move the hearts of the Superior powers and Estates, to grant the thirds of Benefices unto the Ministers; the Assembly give unto Superintendents and Commissioners of visitation power & commission that everyone of them within their several bounds by advice and consent of their Synodal Conventions, give to every Minister, exhorter & reader particular assignations ad vitam, as they shall think the same most expedient, And the provision and assignation to the Superintendents and Commissioners, to be made by the General Assembly; And that this Act may have full effect, the Assembly ordains a petition to be presented unto the Regent & Counsel, to interpone their authority, that when the particular assignations are presented unto them, letters may be directed at every man's instance in form of provision ad vitam, &c. 7. On July 9. this Letter was brought from the Regent unto the assembly, as follows: Seeing we cannot be present at this assembly, as our intention was, we thought it convenient, briefly to give you in write signification of our meaning: Of the which, we pray you, take good consideration, and accordingly give your advertisement. Ye are not ignorant, as we suppose what hath been the estate of the Church of God within this realm, both before we accepted the burden of Regiment, and since; how first the thirds of Benefices were granted, and the Ministry partly thereby relieved and sustained in such sort, that nothing was laking which our travels could procure. The first order indeed was sundry ways interrupted and broken, but chiefly in that year, when we were exiled in England, and all the Ministers that year were frustrate of their livings: the estate of government altering shortly at God's pleasure, and the King our Sovereign Lord being inaugurat with the Crown of this Kingdom, the first thing whereof we were careful, was that the true Religion might be established, and the Ministers made sure of their sustentations in time coming. Ye know, at the Parliament we were most willing, that the Church should have been put in full possession of the proper patrimony, and concerning the thirds we did expede in our travels, and there enlaked only a consent to the dissolution of the Prelacies: Whereunto although we were earnestly bent, yet the States delayd and would not agree thereunto. And since that time unto this hour, we trust, ye will affirm, that we have pretermitted nothing, that could advance the Religion, & put the Professors thereof in surety, wherein all and the only defect was by the Civil troubles, wherewith God hath suffered the Country to be plag • ed. Now the matter being after so great rage brought to some stay & quietness, it was convenient, that we return where matters left, and that we endeavor the reducing of them to the estate wherein they stood. One thing we may call to remembrance, that when we traveled in the Parliament, that the States would agree, that the thirds should be decerned to appertain unto the Ministry, they plainly opponed unto us, in respect of the first Act, alleging, that with the sustentation of the Ministry, regaird should be had to the support of the Prince in sustaining the public charges: wich if they had not some relief by that mean, the revenue of the Crown being so diminished, and the ordinary charges come to such greatness, they must be burdened with exactions: and so this dangerous argument compelled us to promise unto the States, that we would take upon us, the Act being granted unto the Church, they would satisfy, and agree to anything should be thought reasonable, for support of the King and us bearing the authority: which order had been sufficient for the wholl, if intestine trouble had not occurred: But the disobedience growing so vniuersaly, we are content to sustain our part of the enlake and loss for the time bypast: but because there hath been murmur and grudge for that thing assigned to the Kings house and ours, and some other n • edfull things in the State, as that thereby the Ministry were frustrate of their appointed stipends, Some communication was hade at Saint Andrews, and nothing concluded until the general Assembly of the Church: This now moveth us to write unto you, in this form, praying you, to consider rightly the necessity of the cause, and how the same hath proceeded from the beginming, having respect, that the Church will be very ill obeyd without the Kings authority and power; and that now the property of the Crown is not able to sustain the ordinary charges; how in the beginning the thirds had not been granted, if the necessity of the Prince had not been one of the chief causes; And at the Parliament (as we have written) the States stack to consent, that the wholl thirds should be declared to appertain unto the Ministry, until we took in hand, that they being made without condition in favor of the Church, the same would again condescend to so much, as might be sufficient to the support of the public affairs in setting forth the Kings authority; And that therefore ye will now agree and condescend to a certain & special assignation, of what shall be employd to this use: the quantity where of diverse of yourselves and the bearer hereof Master John wood our servant can inform you, that thereafter ye may distribute to every man having charge in the Church of God, his stipend according to the condition of the place he serves in, at your W. discretion; Heerby all confusion that along time hath troubled the estate of the Church about the stipends, shall be avoided, and some special provision being made for sustaining these public charges, we may the better hold hand, to see the Church obeyd in that, whereon Ministers should live, as we shall report, that during our travels in the North they have found our effectuous good will and travel in their furtherance. Further we show you briefly one thing, that occurred at our late being in Elgin: one, Nicol sutherland in Forress was put to the knowledge of an Assise, for incest, and with him the woman: the Assise hath convicted him of the fault: but the question is, whither the same be incest or not; So that we delayd the execution, until we might have your resolution. The case is: the woman before was harlot unto this Nicol's mother-brother: Heerin Master Ro. Pont can inform you more amply. And at our coming to Aberdeen come one Porterfield Minister provided before to the vicarage of Ardrossam, and required of us, that he might also have the vicarage of Stevinstoun, seeing both were little enough to sustain him, and the churches were near, that he might discharge the cure of both; we having him commended by sundry gentle men unto the same: but we thought good; to advertise you, that this preparative induce not an ill example and corruption: and if such things occur hereafter, let us understand, what ye would have us to do; As also concerning the Chaplanries, that shall happen to vaik: where in because as yet is no certain order prescribed, some confusion continues; some desiring them for life time, some for infants that are not fit for schools, and some for seven years. We are sometimes pressed to receive or confirm assignations or dimission of Benefices, the preparative where of seemeth to bring with it corruption. And we would be resolved how to proceed. Before our coming from • ife and since we have been very willing, to do justice on all persons suspect of witchcraft as also on adulterers, incestuous persons, and abusers of the sacraments: where in we could not have such expedition, as we wished, because we had no other probability but a general delation of names, the persons suspected being for the most part not tried nor convicted by order of the Church. This hindered many things, that otherwise might have been done. Therefore we pray you, appoint and prescribe, how the judgment of the Church may proceed and be executed against all such transgressors, before co • plaint be made to us, that when we come to the countries, we may execute the law, and be relieved of the trial & inquisition of them. We thought good to give you this advertisment, and so remitting these all to your care & diligence, Committs you to the protection of the eternal God; At Aberdien Juny 30. 1569. In answer unto these two particular questions, the Assembly resolves, that the case of Nicol is incest: and that Chaplanries should be disponed to the Colleges, or to the poor conform to the Act of Parliament and no otherwise. The next assembly is appointed to hold at Sterlin Februaty 25. next coming: but in the book of the Assemblies it is said expressly, Because of the troubles falling out by the slaughter of my L. Regent, it was delayd until March 1. and to begin at Edinburgh. It is to be marked in this former assembly that whereas of all the bishops three only did embrace or profess the Reformed religion, to wit, of Galloway, Orknay & Caitnes, none of them had any power in the Church, but by virtue of Commission, that was given them by the Assembly, upon account, that they had the Church-revenues in the places; and they might have supplied the place of Superintendents: but when the charge was committed unto them, they were always found deficient in exercise thereof; yea and guilty in joining with these, which did oppose present authority; as Adam bishop of Orknay joined in marriage the Earl of Bothvell (the murderer of the King) with the Queen; and the Author of Vindiciae Philadephi pag. 28. testifies, that it was clearly known to everyone, that the bishop of Galloway did join with them who opposed the Governement of the King, and did not only preach unto that faction, but did encourage them unto fighting as a just and necessary war, and afterwards did commend the man, which murdered the Kings grandfather. As for the b. of Caithnes, I find nothing written of him until the Assembly following. Then among all the Superintendents, none of them did assume the title of a Bishop, except the Superintendent of the Isles; and he took his patent from the Queen after she had renounced the government, and was prisoner in England, and did assist that faction, as it was laid to his charge by that assembly. Then concerning the death of him who hitherto hath been colled the good Regent, when that adverse faction saw, that he was more and more beloved, and did increase in authority, they took course to cut him off; and one James Hamiltoun of Bothuell haugh under took that misshant fact, and did it lurking privately in the bishop of Saint Andrews house within Lithgow; as the Regent was riding by that house, and the town was throng, that he could not pass speedily, that man killed him with a abullet, and escaped safe out of the Bishops house: Great lamentation was for the loss of him, seeing he had undertaken the government in a troublous and disordered time, and within 18. months had brought both south and north unto quietness by the blessing of God, and was a singular pattern of piety: for he did order himself and his family so, that it did resemble a Church more then a Court. Besids his devotion, which he constantly exercised, no wickedness nor unseemly wantoness was heard or seen in his family. I have also read of him, that by his Letters he did inform Queen Elisabeth. 1. Of the invaluable benefit of a faithful and free Ministry. 2. Of the excellency of the purity of God's ordinances therein. 3. Of the honor and happiness, that would attend her Crown and State upon the establishment of Christ's Governement. 4. Of the profitable uses, where unto the rich Benefices of Bishops might be applied, leaving enough unto the Ministry for their honest mantenance. 5. Albeit the glorious luster of Bishops may seem to honor the Nation, yet it justleth out God's honor, which should be more dear. And when the Bishops heard of the motion, they grumbled exceedingly, and they cast upon him the aspersion of usurpation; even albeit he was not in the Country, when he was first designed to be Regent; nor can any of his enemies say, that in all the time of his Governement he did attempt anything for himself or his private estate.

VIII. The National Assembly conveens at Edinb. March. 1. John craig is chosen Moderator. I. concerning order to be kept in the Assembly it is ordained, that the who was Moderator of the preceeding Assembly shall make the exhortation, and prayer in the following Assembly, and then another Moderator shall be chosen. Next after trial of Superintendents and Commissioners for visiting the Churches, shall be heard the accusations or complaints of these Superintendents or Commissiners, if they have any against a Minister. Thirdly the penitents that were remitted by the preceeding assembly unto the Superintendents and Commissioners, are to be received; and injunctions are to be given to other notorious and criminal persons, that are either summoned to compear, or of their own freewill and hatred of the crime are moved to present themselves. Fourthly to decide such things as were undecided in the preceeding assembly, and referred unto the next, or are referred by the Lord's of the Counsel, Session or Checker. II. Adam Bishop of Orknay is accused. 1. that he being called to the office of a Bishop, and the profits thereof, and having received charge to preach the gospel, and be Commissioner of Orknay, which he accepted and exercized for a time, but now lately he hath made a Simoniacal change with the Abbacy of Halirudhouse, retaining the name of the Bishop; contrary to all laws both of God and man made against Simony. 2. he dimittes his charge in the hands of an unqualified person, without the consent of the Church, leaving the flock without a shepherd, whereby not only ignorance is increased, but likewise most abundantly all vice & horrible crimes are committed there, as the number of 600. persons, convict of incest, adultery & fornication bear witness. 3. He hath given himself, to the daily attendance of the function of a temporal Judge, as he is a Lord of the Session, which requires the wholl man, and so rightly he cannot exercize both; and styleth himself with Roman titles, as, Reverend Father in God, which pertains not to a Minister of Christ Jesus, nor is given to any of them in the Scripture. 4. To the great hurt & defraud of the Church he hath bought all the thirds of the Abbacy of Halirudhouse, at least he hath made a Simoniacal change thereof with the rents of Orknay. 5. He hath left the churches partly unplanted, and partly planted, but without provision. 6. Some of the churches are sheepfolds, and some ruinous. 7. He hath traduced both privately and publicly the Ministers of Edinburgh; he absenteth himself from the preachings in that Church, and from recei • ing the Sacrament. III. Robert Bishop of Caitnes is ordained to assist John Gray of Fordell in visiting the Churches there. IIII. If persons, who are guilty of homicide, incest, or adultery, be not f • gitive from the laws, but continue suiting to be received to public repentance; all such shall be received to give the signs of their repentance in their own churches, according to the order prescribed, so that Ministers shall notify, their crimes. And if any guilty of these crimes be excommunicated, they may be admitted, to hear the Preaching, but shall be secluded from the prayers before and after Sermon; and when upon their repentance, they are received again, they shall bring their Minister's testimonial unto the next Assembly. V. They who will not abstain from the company of excommunicate persons, after due admonitions shall be excommunicate. VI. The children of excommunicate persons, are to be received unto baptism, by a faithful member of the Church. VII. A single woman committing adultery with a married man should be alike censured. VIII. When one forsakes wife and children without just cause, the Minister should endeavoure to reconcile them; and if his endeavor be in vain, the offended party may complain to the Magistrate. IX. If persons after the promise of marriage and publication of their bans, crave to be free, they should be freed, si res sit integra, but shall be censured for their levity. In the months following arose great division, some of the Nobility were for the preservation of the young K. and his authority; and some pretend the name and authority of the Q. on this side were all Papists, all Bishops (excep one) and may were Neuters. They who were against the King, were so many that they called a Parliament to assemble at Lithgow in August. They who were for the K. assemble in May, and July 12. these did choose Matthew Earl of Lennox (who was grand father of the King) to be Regent. He with 5000. men kept the day at Lithgow for the Parliament: but none of the adverse faction came. In his time the troubles ceased not: sometime, by the mediation of Queen Elisabeth, was a treaty twixt the parties, but it was neither to her contentment, nor would the Kings party yield any of his right: and so the treaty had no effect, yea and all the time the country had no quietness. They who were on the Queen's side had encouragement from France and Duke d'Alva Governor of Flanders: and in the year 1571. both parties conveenes a Parliament; the Queens party at Edinburgh, and the Kings party at Sterlin: where (as in time of peace) they kept not a watch: which the other party hearing, L. Claud hamilton came in the night time, and took the Regent out of his lodging in September, and when they saw others coming for his rescue, they killed him with • shot. George Bell the chief adviser of this enterprice, and Captain Lawder the murderer were taken and punished as traitors. I return unto the affairs of the Church. The Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh July 5. An. 1570. Robert Pont is chosen Moderator. 1. The Sentence of excommunication is directed against Patrick called Bishop of Morray, to be executed by Ro. Pont Visitor there, with the assistance of the Ministers of Edinb. 2. Ministers at their admission shall protest solemly, that they shall not leave their Vocation, under rhe pain of infamy & perjury &c. 3. Trial should be taken of young children, how they are brought up by their parents in the true religion: therefore Ministers and Elders of every parishon should examine the children, when they come to nine years of age and when they come to twelve years, and the third time, when they come to 14. years, that it may be known, how they have profited in the school of Christ. 4. Because some Noble men have made defection from the Kings lawful authority, certain brethren were directed to the Earls, Lord's and all which made that defection, to deal with them with earnest persuasions of reconciliation, with certification, if they continue in disobedience, the Church will use the sword against them, which God in his word hath committed unto them, And the Commissioners are to report their answers unto the next Assembly. 5. James Carmichell Schoolmaster of Saint Andrews accuseth Rob. Hamilton Minister there, of some points of doctrine delivered in a Sermon. The Clark register, and the Justice-Clerk and another Lord of the Session show in the L. Chancellors name, that he had heard of that controversy, and it contains some points tending to treason and against the Kings authority: and therefore they require, that the Assembly would not decide in that matter concerning the Kings authority, until the Nobility convene, which will be within few days: but in such things as concern heresy, or properly belong unto their jurisdiction they may proceed. Unto this protestation the assembly agreeth; and went-on in discussing the complaint in so far as is concerned doctrine and slander, that may arise thereupon. [But I find not the particulars.] 5. Conceilers of adultery should be called and examined, and if they be convict to have cloaked adultery wittingly, let the Rule have place, Agents & consentientes pari poená puniantur. 6. Quaeritur; A woman bringeth forth a child, and in time of her birth before the midwife depones, that such a man is the father of the child, and being called before a Judge is ready to swear the same; And that man is ready to swear, that he had never carnal dealing with that woman; and there is not other proof; to which of two should credit be given? Ans. Neutri credendum. 7. The Assembly gives commission unto certain Ministers, Barons and Burgesses, to compear at Edinburgh the twelth of the instant with continuation of days, or whensoever the Nobility shall convene before the time of the next Assembly, To require humbly an answer unto their articles and supplications with redress of their complaints according to equity, To assist, concur and assent to all and whatsoever shall be treated in the foresaid Convention, tending to the promoving of God's glory, the maintaining the true religion, the Kings authority, the common well and authority of the realm; As also to take cognition in all complaints, supplications and requests of brethren specially remitted unto them by this Assembly; And whatsoever shall be done by them in the premisses, to report the same unto the next general Assembly, which is appointed to be at Edinburgh March. 5. next to come; Promising to hold firm and stable whatsoever these brethren, or any eight or seven of them thinks good in the premisses to be done. 3. All assignations and pensions granted by the Church, during their will, to whatsoever person or persons before this Date are discharged, except only what is assigned to the Kings use.

X. At Edinb. March 5. conveenes the Assembly: Ge. Hay is chosen Moderator. I. All Superintendents & Commissioners to visit Churches should bring their book of visitat • on unto every Assembly next following, To be considered by such Brethren as shall be appointed by the Assembly, that the church may the better know their diligence in executing their office II. Six Articles concerning the jurisdiction of the Church, which are to be ptopounded unto the Regent and Counsel, and sought to be approved by them. 1. that the Church have the judging of true and false religion, doctrine, heresy, and such like, that are annexed to the preaching of the Word and ministration of sacraments. 2. election, examination and admission of them, which are to be admitted to the Ministry and other functions in the Church, to charge of souls and ecclesiastical Benefices, together with the suspension or deprivation of such, for lawful causes. 3. All things concerning the discipline of the Church, which stands in correction of manners, admonitions, excommunication & receiving to repentance. 4. The judgment of Ecclesiastical matters betwixt persons that are of the Church, especially that are of the Ministry, alswell in matters of Benefices as others. 5. Jurisdiction to proceed with admonitions to the process of excommunication, if need shall be, against them that shall rob the patrimony of the church appartaining to the Ministry, or other way intromet with it unjustly, whereby the Ministry is in danger of decay, by occasion of the poverty of the Ministers. 6. Because the conjunction of marriages pertains to the Ministry, the causes of adherence and divorcement ought also to appertain unto them, as naturally annexed thereunto. III. It is ordained, that adulterers and such other scandalous persons shall hereafter be called by the Superintendent or Commissioner of the Province, to compear before their Synodal Conuention, and there receive their injunctions, as before in the general assembly. 4. All questions should be propounded or represented to the Superintendents and Commissioners in the foresaid Synodal Conuentions, and there receive solution; Or if any question shall be hard for them, the Superintendent or Commissioner shall present these hard questions unto the next general assembly, and there receive solution; With certification, that none shall hereafter be received in the gen. assembly from a particular Minister. 5. All Superintendents and Commissioners of visitation are ordained to advise with their first Synodal Convention, and as they shall judge expedient, to appoint a fast within their own bounds in respect of the present troubles of the Country; And also that they appoint certain Brethren to use all means of unity and concord among the Nobility. 6. Where Ministers have not been in practice of excommunication, or their execution is like to be contemned, the Superintendent or some other sufficiently qualified and authorized by the Synod, shall execute the same. 7. Promise of marriage should be made per verba de fu • uro before the Minister, taking caution for abstinence until the marriage be solemnized. 8. If a man ravish a young woman against her will and the will of her Parents, and strick her parents under silence of night; and the Magistrate correcteth not the offender; whither may that particular Church proceed with admonitions unto excommunication, for removing the scandal? Ans. It is lawful. 9. If a woman commit fornication, and suffer the same man thereafter to marry her own sister. And hearing their bans proclaimed, by conceiling the crime, she is guilty of the incest following: and both she and he should be censured as incestuous; and the second woman cannot be his wife. 10. It is altogether unlawful, that any Minister of God's Word shall receive any Benefice by presentation under paction made with the Patron, tending to Simony, to wit, that the Patron shall have a great part of the tiths, and a Minister shall have a small portion thereof. It is to be marked, that where the appointing of a fast is referred unto the advice of the Provincial Synods, this was done, because in some Provinces the party adverse unto the King was so strong, that Ministers durst not pray for conservation of his Authority. Secondly it may be seen in all these Assemblies, that superintendents and commissioners of visitation had a like power in their own bounds, and neither the one sort nor the other had power to do anything (belonging to discipline) by themselves or without advice of their Synodal conventions; yea and sometime what was done by the Superintendents, was referred unto some Ministers, to be examined and censured. Thirdly observe, that howbeit the country was divided, and both parties were strong, yet they both gave way unto the Assemblies, and professed to matintain the true religion and liberties of the Church. The Assembly convenes at Sterline August. 6. Gilbert gairden Ministers at Monifieth is chosen Moderator. A Letter was delivered unto the Assembly, and sent by John Knoxe: this is printed with some omissions; I set it down as it is in the books of the Assemblies, thus; The mighty Spirit of wisdom and confort in God remain with you Dear brethren, if ability of body would have suffered me, I would not have troubled you with this my rude ditement. I have not forgote, what was laid to my charge by infamous libels in the last Assembly, and what a brag was made to accuse me personally at this Assembly: which I pray you, to hear patiently, judge of me, as ye will answer unto God: for unto you in that matter I submit myself, being assured, that I neither offended God nor good men in anything, that hitherto hath been laid unto my charge. And now, Brethren, because the daily decay of natural strength thereatneth unto me certain & sudden departing from the misery of this life; of love and conscience I exhort you; yea in the fear of God charge and command you, that ye take heed unto yourselves and to the flocks over which God hath placed you Pastors. To discourse of the behavior of yourselves, I may not: but to command you to be faithful unto the flock, I dar not cease: unfaithful and traitors to the flock shall ye be before the Lord JESUS CHRIST, if with your consent directly ye suffer unworthy men to be thrust into the Ministry of the Church, under whatsoever pretence it shall be. Remember the Judge, before whom ye must make account, and resist that tyranny, as ye would avoid hells fire. This battle I grant, will be hard; but in the second point it will be harder, that is, that with the like uprightness & strength in God, ye gainstand the merciless devourers of the patrimony of the Church. If men will spoil, let them do it, to their own peril & condemnation: but communicate ye not with their sins, of whatsoever estate they be, neither by consent nor by silence, but with public protestation make this known unto the world, that ye are innocent of robbery, which will, ere it be long, provoke God's vengeance upon the committers thereof, whereof ye will seek redress of God & man. God give you wisdom and stout courage in so just a cause, and me an happy end. At Sant Andrew's August 3. 1571. Your Brother in Christ Jesus. 2. The Assembly appoints certain commissioners to reason and conclude upon the heads, articles and desires, presented in the Regents name, unto this assembly; and to propound the humble requests and desires of the Assembly in such articles, and redress of complaints, as shall be given unto them by the Church: the one and the other to be concl • ded conform to the instructions, that shall be delivered unto them, These Commissioners were three Superintendents, four Commissioners of visiting Churches, two other Ministers, and eight Barons, or any elleven of them, To compear in Stirlin, the 22. day of this instant, to Counsel and reason, &c. As in the commission given in the last assembly, &c. The first part of this Letter, is to be understood of the threatenings which the adverse party unto the King, had belched out against Joh. Knox, and as it seems, they thought to had an assembly of their own color. But he could not live in Edinb. for fear of them, and went to Saint Andrews: there also he had little rest, and was vexed by some of that sort. For understanding the rest of that Letter, and also the Commission granted by the Assembly, I shall here first mark an Act of the ensuing Parliament, num. 38. Forsomuch as diverse subjects have sundry lands and possessions, obtained by them or their predecessors in heritage, of Priors, Prioresses, Mothers & Convents of sundry Friers or Nuns places...and now...these Superiors are for the most part deceased, and no others placed nor to be placed in their rowms.....whereby the heirs of these fewers....shall get no entry to their lands & heritages....for remedy thereof, it is statut & ordained, that all fuers or heritable tennents of such Friers & Nuns places, and their heirs....shall hold their fues and tenendries, of our Sovereign Lord and his successors.....and the fue maills, services & duties....shall appertain unto our Sovereign Lord &c. Hence it appears, that at that time, they were thinking upon security of the possessions, which before did appertain unto these that were called the Spirituality, and here the fues, services and such petty things are declared to belong unto the King: but at that time weightier matters were in hand: for others had gote the Lands and rents, stock and tiths, which they would not quite unto King nor Church: and thereupon the doubt arose, by what title and right they may possess them. Hither belongeth what is written in The Historical Narration of the Governement of the Church (which is common now in writ, and said to have been penned by William Scot, that eminent Minister at Couper, title The second course for Bishops, Superintendents and Commissioners. 1. Matthew Earl of Lennox, Regent holding a Parliament at Sterlin in August, year 1571. the Superintendent of Fife inhibited Master John Douglas Rector of the University of Saint Andrews (who a little before was presented unto the bishopric of Saint Andrews by means of the Earl Morton) to vote in Parliament in name of the Church, until he be admitted and allowed by the Church, Under pain of excommunication. The Earl of Morton commanded him to vote as Bishop of Saint Andrews, Under the pain of treason. The Regent was killed, and John Earl of Marre was chosen Regent. About the beginning of November, the Collectors of the Church were discharged by Letters proclaimed at Saint Andrews, to gather the thirds, because (as was alleged) Ministers stipend were not paid, nor the Superplus which was allotted to the Kings house out of the thirds. But it was judged that that Proclamation was procured at the instance of the Earl Mortoun, whom Master John douglas had informed by Letter, that the Collector would not suffer him to uplift certain duties belonging to the Bishopric. The Superintendent of Anguise in a prolixe Letter unto the Regent, complained of that inhibition, and that Benefices are conferred, and Bishops set-up without advice & consent of the Church. In another he complains of the great misorder at the last Parliament, in creating Bishops, planting them, and giving them vote in Parliament as Bishops, in despite of the Church, and high contempt of God, the Church opponing against that miss-order, Seeing the Church hath the power of examination & admission to Ecclesiastical offices & Benefices of spiritual cure, whither Bishoprics or inferior Benefices. Lest it should seem, that Ministers out of avarice or ambition sought the possession of great Benefices, he letteth his Gr. understand, that the Church hath continually suited in their Articles (consented-unto & subscribed by the most part of the Nobility) that when any Benefices shall vake, having many Churches, joined there unto, all the Churches should be divided, and conferred severally to several men, and every man to serve at his own Church: in which mind all that bear office, do continue. If the dismembering of great Benefices cannot be granted at this time, he doubteth not, but the Church will consent, that if the Benefices and offices belonging their unto; be conferred according to the order before mentioned, to assign such portion, as may be spared above the reasonable sustentation of the Ministry, of such Benefices, to the mantenance of the Kings house, and common affairs, till further order be taken in these matters. The Regent answereth, Their meaning was mis-taken: their meaning was and still is, to procure the reforming of things dis-ordered any way, als far as may be; and the fault is this: the Policy of the Church is not perfected, nor is there any sort of conference among godly men well minded according to God's judgment, how the matter may be amended: He sent also a discharge of that inhibition lately made. The Superintendent of Anguise at the Regent's desire wrote unto other Superintendents & Commissioners, that they would convene, to consult, what order shall be taken for provision to the Kings house out of the thirds, and upon some particulars concerning the Policy of the Church, and disposition of some Benefices. Upon the twelth of January 1572. (or 1571. according to the old reckoning the beginning of the year) the Superint. and Comm. of visitation, and Commissioners from some towns and Churches convene at Lieth. This meeting in the Register is called A convention: but in the second Session they concluded, It should have the force and power of a G. Assemb. Nevertheless they ordain, that the Moderator of the last assembly shall continue till the next ordinary assembly, and that all who are present now shall repair to it also. They declare in the third Session, that they had not t • me to stay, and therefore upon the 15 day gave power and commission to the Superintendents of Fife & Anguise, Willam Lundy of that ilk, Andrew hay Commis. of Cliddsdale, Da. Lindsay Commis. of Kile, Ro. Pont Commis. of Murray, John Craig one of the Ministers at Edinburgh, or any four of them, to compear before my Lord Regent and so many of the Secret Counsel, as he shall appoint in this month of January, to confer and reason upon such heads & articles as shall be propo • nded unto them by him, and the Counsel, to conclude conform to the Instructions given unto them by this assembly, and to report their conclusions to the next Assembly. Morton Chancellor, William L. Ruthuen Treasurer, Robert Commendator of Dumfernlin Secretary, James Macgill Clerk-register, Sir John Balantine Justice-Clerck, Colin Campbell of Glenurwhy, and Adam Bishop of Orknay were sent Commissioners from the Counsel on the 16. day of January, To convene all or any four of them with the Commissioners named by the Church, to treat and conclude on all matters tending to the ordering & establishing the Policy of the Church, the sustentation of Ministers, support of the Kings house, and common affairs of the realm, to continue in such order as shall be agreed upon, until his Highness perfect age, or till the same be altered by the three States of Parliament. The same day the Commissioners convene, and conclude, that the names and tittles of Bishops and Archbishops be not altered, nor the bounds of the old Diocies confounded; That there be a Chapter of Ministers annexed to every Metropolitan and Cathedral See, thath during the vacancy the Dean, or failing the Dean, the next in dignity of the Chapter, use the Jurisdiction in Spiritualibus, which the Bishop might have used; That the Archbishops and Bishops exerce, no farther Jurisdiction by their spiritual function, than the Superintendents had, and presently exerce, till the same be agreed-upon; The Archbishops and Bishops be subject to to the Church and G. Assemblies in Spiritualibus, as they are unto the King in Temporalibus: That they have the advice of six (at least) of the most learned in the Chapter, to the admission of such, as shall have function in the Church, and that als many other of the Chapter as please, may be present, and vote at the said admission; That Ministers and Readers be planted throghout the realm, and Readers especially be appointed at every church, where it may be done conveniently, who being found qualified by the Bishop or Superintendent, and entering by the lawful order of the true reformed Church, shall Minister the sacrament of baptism, and solemnize marriage after the lawful & orderly proclamation of bans; That all Common churches be disposed as Benefices to qualified persons: That no disposition be made of any Deanry, Provestry, collegiat church, or other Benefice whereunto other churches are annexed, till it be provided, how the Minist. of everyone of these several churches shall be sustained of the fruits of the same churches (if it be possible) by special assignation of so much yearly stipend, as shall be found reasonable; that who shall have the title of Abbot, Prior or Commendator be learned or well qualified, because he must have place in Parliam. That the King's Letters commendatory under the Signet being directed to the Archbishop or Bishop of the bounds, where the Abbay or Priory lieth, he shall try his ability & learving, and upon his testimonial from his Ordinary shall compeat before the King or his Regent, and give his oath in form as the Bishop gives; And because the persons of the Convent are departed this life, the Ministers serving the Churches of the Abbey or Priory, shall be the Chapter or assessors to the Commendator, in giving any infeftments, tacks, rights or dispositions of rents concerning the living; That the person admitted Commendator, may be promoted, if he shall be found worthy, to be a Senator in the College of Justice, or employd by the King in necessary affairs of the Common wealth; That first of all it be provided, how the Ministers of the Churches belonging to the Abbey or Priory shall be sustained of the fruits belonging to the same Churches. Sundry other articles & conclusions were agreed upon, concerning the disposition of Provestries, prebendaries, collegiat-Churches founded upon remporall lands or annuals; as also of chaplanries of the like foundation, for support of the schools; the chapters of Metropolitan and cathedral churches; the Kings recommendation with license to choose a bishop; the form of the edict, to convene the Chapter for his election; the testimonial of the Dean and the Chapter to be returned unto the King or his Regent; the confirmation, provision & regal assent upon the Chapter's certificat; the Kings command to consecrate him; his oath to be taken before the King or his Regent; the Kings restitution of the temporalities; the form of a Letter to be directed to the Ordinary, or (the See waking) to the Dean of the Chapter, in favors of a person to be promoted unto an Abbacy or Priory; the testimonial of the Ordinary returned to the King or his Regent; the gift of provision upon the Ordinary's certificat: the form of trial of Bursares (or Fellowes) and their gift or provision: the form of oath to be given by any person provided to any Benefice of cure at his admission, and of Bursares of Art, of Theology, Laws, Medicine at the time of receiving them into the Universities. These Articles and forms were considered by the Counsel, and approved by the Regent in the Kings name upon the first day of February following. This gallimafry (made with such hast) could not be well ma • e: here a fair show of restoring Benefices unto the Church: but in effect it was only to put Church-men in titles, to the end, Noble men might get the greater security from the Titulares, of the temporal lands to be fued unto them, ease of the • iths, and pensions to their servants and dependants. It had been good for the well fare of the Church, that such titles had never been hatched or suffered to keep any life. The Bishop of this forge were called Tulchan Bishops. A tulchan is a calves skinn stuffed with straw to cause a cow give milk: so the title of Bishop helped to cause the Bishopric yield commodity to the Lord, who procured it unto him. Edicts were affixed upon the churches-door and Abbey gate of Saint Andrews upon the Lord's day February. 3. By the Earl Mortons direction. On fridday February. 8. Patrick Adamson in his Sermon spake of three sorts of Bishops, My Lord Bishop, My Lord's Bishop, and the Lord's Bishop. My Lord Bishops (said he then) was the Bishop in time of Popery: my Lord's Bishop is now, when my Lord gets the Benefice, and the Bishop serves for a portion, to make my Lord's right sure. The Lord's Bishop is every true Minister of the gospel. Master John Douglas was chosen, howbeit many opposed to the election. George Scot Minister at Kirkady took instruments that he consented not: John Knox preached on Februay. 10. in presence of the Earl Mortoun, and refused to consecrate or ordain (as they called it) John douglas, yea there publicly he denounced auathema to the giver and to the receiver. After noon the Superintendent of Fife went up to the pulpit, he taught on Tit. c. 1. And after Sermon he followed the same order, which was used at the admission of Superintendents. But when the Bishop was demanded, Whether he would be obedient unto the Church, and usurp no power over the same? he answered, I will claim no greater power, than the Counsel and general assembly shall prescribe. It is likely that these bb. and the Court aimed at a greater power, than was already agreed upon; and that they hoped to obtain at the general assembly what they pleased, having sped so well at the Convention in Lieth: where it was agreed that Archbb. should exerce no greater jurisdiction in their spiritual function, than the Superintendents: but mark what follows, Whill the same be agreed upon. Hence appears, that farther was intended. John douglas answers unto eyery demand out of writ. The Bishops of Caitnes, the Superintendent of Lothian and David Lindsay sat by him, and rising laid their hands on him, and embraced him in sign of admission. When John Rutherford Provost of the old college had said, that Master John Knox's repining had proceeded from malecontement; the next Lord's day John Knox said in Sermon, I have refused a greater Bishopric than ever it was, and might have had it with the favor of greater men, than he hath this: but I did and do repine for discharge of my conscience, that the church of Scotland be not subject to that order. So far in that historical Narration. Hence appears. 1. What John Knox meaneth in his Letter unto the assembly by the word tyranny (to wit, episcopacy) and by the two points of the battle. that this work of setting up Bishops at that time was done without the knowledge of the assembly, seeing it was not proponed by the assembly, nor specified unto the assembly, but only unto these few at the Convention in Lieth, and agreed unto by their few deputies: and hastened before the Assembly did convene again. In the Acts of that convention it is also written this; The Church understanding, that my L. Regent and Counsel was desirous, that Robert Pont should accept the place of a Senator in the College of Justice, which he no way will accept without the advice of the Church; therefore all the Brethren assembled give license unto the said Robert, to accept & use that place of a Senator in the said College of Justice, at what time he shall be required there unto; Providing, that he leave not the office of the Ministry, but that he exercize the same, as he shall be appointed by the church; And this their license unto the said Robert, be no preparative unto any other Minister, to procure the like promotion without the advice of the church, and license had before and obtained there unto. The first part of this provision would seem to be oppositum in apposito. The General Assembly conveenes at Saint Andrews March. 6. where besides the ordinary members is mention of John Douglas archbishop of Saint Andrews. Robert Hamilton Minister at Saint Andrews is chosen Moderator. In the extract of the Assemblies is no more written of the first and second Sessions: but the historical Narration saith, 1. The Assembly holden at Saint Andrews in March next following, appointed twenty or any eight of them to convene in Masters Knox's house, to revise and consider the articles & conclusions agried-upon at Lieth, and to report unto the Assembly: but we find no report made, or insert in the Register [But in the next is some mention.] In Sess. 3. Was a contest betwixt the Superintendent of Fife and the Masters of the old College concerning the Vicaradge of Kilmeny: and the Superintendent was blamed for giving that Vicaradge to one, who is not a Minister, nor hath any function in the church, and so the Minister of that church (planted by himselle) is frustrate thereof. Sess. 4. The Assembly ordains the Superintendent of Fife to use his own jurisdiction as before, in the Provinces not yet subject unto the Archbishop of Saint Andrews, and also requests him to concur with the archbishop when he requires in his Visitation, or otherwise within his bounds, Until the next Assembly; And the said Superintendent to have his stipend as before; and in like manner shall the Superintendents of Auguise & Lothan without prejudice of the said Archb. It follows in the Hist. Narration; When Master Knox heard, that the Assembly had continued the Bishop notwithstanding a Bill given-in by some of the Uniuersity against him, he regrated, that so many offices were laid on an old man, which twenty men of the best gifts were scarcely able to bear: for he now was Archbishop, Rector of the Uniuersity, and Provost of the new College; and as he was unable in body to make travel, so he was unable to preach. But little respect had the Court to the ability of the person, if the commodity could be reaped by virtue of the title. This man had neither health nor wealth nor honor, as before. Mortoun and his friends took up a great part of his rent in fues, tacks and pensions. At that time Theodor Beza wrote his 79. epistle unto John Knox, dated at Geneva, Aprile 12. 1572. wherein he saith, This is a great blessing of God, that ye brought into Scotland both purity of religion and EUTAXIAN or good discipline, which is the bond of keeping the doctrine. I beseech and obtest you, keep ye still these two, and remember, that if the one be loosed, the other cannot continue long. This doth very nature teach (for who of sound judgment can hope, that laws can be observed, unless keepers or mantainers and avengers be established?) and the very teacher of fools, experience, by the example of these Nations, where it is certain, that they have chiefly erred in this which they will not suffer to be amended, that the Evangel is preached for judgment rather than for mercy (I except a few; the chosen of God.) But likewise I would thee, my Knox, and the rest of the brethren remember, which is now as before our eyes, that as the Bishops brought Papacy, so these false Bishops (the relics of Papacy) will bring Epicureism into the Land. Let them be wary of this plague, whosoever wish the savety of the Church: and seeing ye have once banished it out of Scotland, receive it never again, albeit it doth flatter with the show of retaining unity whereby many of the best Ancients were deceived &c. The General Assembly conveenes at Perth August. 6. John Erskin is chosen Moderator. Sess. 3. Forsomuch as in the assembly of the Church holden in Lieth in January last, certain Commissioners were appointed to deall with the Nobility and their Commissioners, to reason and conclude upon diverse articles & heads, thought good then to be conferred upon: according to which commission, they have proceeded in sundry conventions, and have concluded for that time upon the said heads & articles, as the same produced in this assembly proport: In which being and considered, are found certain names, as Archbishop, Dean, Archdean, Chanceler and Chapter which names were ever thought scandalous & offensive to th • ears of the brethren, and appear to sound towards Papistry: Therefore the wholl assembly in one voice, alswell they, that were then in commission at Lieth, as others, solemly protest, that they intend not by using such names, to ratify, consent nor agree unto any kind of Papistry or superstition, and wish rather the said names to be changed into other names, that are not scandalous or offensive; And likewise protest, that the saids heads and articles be only received as an Interim, till farther and more perfect order may be obtained at the hands of the Kings Majesty, Regent and Nobility: for the which they will endeavor, as occasion will serve. Unto which protestation the wholl assembly presently convened, in one voice adhere. Hence it is clear, that as these articles were concluded without the knowledge of the assembly, so the wholl assembly opposeth them earnestly, but for a time do yield unto Civil authority, yet so that they will endeavor to be free of these articles. In August was cessation of war, and then agreement of the dissenting parties; the Queens faction left Edinburgh: and the Regent died at Sterlin in October. John Knox returned to Edinburgh, but preached little more because of his sickness. At no time was he heard speak with greater fervency, and more content of the hearers, than in his last Sermon, at the admission of James Lowson: in the end of that Sermon, he took God to witness, that he had walked in a good conscience among them, not seeking to please men, nor serving his own or other men's affections, but in all sincerity & truth had preached the Gospel of Christ: and with most pithy words he exhorted them, to stand fast in the faith, they had received. In time of his sickness (which was not long thereafter) he was much visited by persons of all sorts, and spoke unto them confortably. He said unto the Earl Morton, in the audience of many others, My Lord, God hath given you many blessing he hath givens you wisdom, riches, many good & great friends, and is now to prefer you to the government of the r • alm: In his name I charge you, that you use these blessings aright, and better in time coming, than you have done in times past: in all your acti • ns seek first the glory of God, the furtherance of his Gospel, the mantenance of his Church and Ministry; and next be careful of the King, to procure his good, and the well fare of the realm: If you shall do this, God will be with you, and honor you: if otherwise you do it not, he will deprive you of all these benefits, and your end shall be shame and ignominy. John Knox two days before his death, sent for Da. Lindsay and James Lowson, and the Elders of the Church, and said to them; The time approaches, for which I have long thirsted, when I shall be relieved of all cares. And be with my Savior Christ forever, And now God is my witness, whom I have served with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son, that I have preached nothing but the true and solid doctrine of the Gospel, and that the end I proponed in all my preaching, was to instruct the ignorant, to confirm the weak, to confort the consciences of these, who were humbled under the sense of their sins, and beat down with the threatenings of God's judgments such as were proud & rebellious; I am not ignorant, that many have blamed, and yet do blame my too great rigor & severity: but God knows that in my heart I never hated the persons of these, against whom I threatened God's judgments: I did only hate their sin, and labored with all my power to gain them unto Christ; That I forbear none of whatsoever, condition I did it out of the fear of my God, who had placed me in the function of the Ministry, and I knew would bring me to an account: Now, Brethren, for yourselves, I have no more to say, but to warn you, rhat you take heed to the flock, over which God hath placed you overseers, and whom he hath redeemed by the blood of his only begoten S • n: And you, Master Lowson, fight, do the work of the Lord with courage and with a willing mind, and God from above bless you and the Church, weereof you have the charge &c. Then he dismisseth the Elders, and calling the two preachers, said, There is one thing, that grieveth me exceedingly: ye have sometime seen the courage & forewardness of the Laird of Grange in God's cause, and now unhappy man, he hath cast himself away: I pray you two, take the pains to go unto him, and say from me, that unless he forsake that wicked course, where in he hath entered, neither shall that rock, in which he confideth, defend him: nor the carnal wisdom of that man whom he counteth half a God [this was young Lethingtoun] make him help, but shamefully shall he be pulled out of that nest, and his carcass hang before the sun; The soul of that man is dear unto me, and if it be possible, I would fain have him to be saved. The two went, and conferred with Grainge: but prevailed not: which being reported to John Knox, he took it heavily. The last night of his life on earth, he sleeped some hours together, but with many sighs and groans: when he awoke, they asked him, how he did find himself, and what had moved him to mourn in his sleep? He answered, In my time I have oft been assaulted by Satan, and oft hath he cast my sins in my teeth, to bring me into despair; but God gave me grace to overcome all his temptations: And now that subtle S • rpent, who never ceaseth to tempt, hath taken another course: he seeks to persuade me, that my labors in my Ministry, and the fidelity, I have showed in in that service, hath merited heaven and immortality; But blessed be God, who brought to my mind these Scriptures, What hast thou, that thou hast not received? And, Not I, but the Grace of God in me. With which he hath gone away ashamed, and shall no more return: and now I am sure, my battle is at an end, and that without pain of body or trouble of Spirit I shall shortly change this mortal life with that happy & immortal life. When the prajer was made, one asked, Whither he had heard it? He answered, Would God, ye had heard it with such an ear and heart, as I have done. Then said he, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. After these words he spoke no more, but without any motion he ended this life. Within three days the Earl Morton was chosen Regent by consent of the States. The Laird of Grange was Captain of the castle, and when orhers of that faction did yield unto the agreement, he would not agree, because the Estates would not yield unto some high demands of his own: he gave a proclamation from the castle-wall, commanding all the Queens subjects, to depart out of the town within 24. hours: after which time he thundered with cannons against the town, to their great terror, yet not great hurt. In May following an assault was made upon the castle; the beseeged rendered themselves. Lethinton was sent to Lieth, and died suddenly through grief; and Grainge with his brother and two others were hanged in the market-striet of Edinburgh.

X. A Parliament was held in January: wherein many Acts were made, partly for maintaining the Kings authority, and partly for maintaining the true Religion: these two causes at that time were so linked, that the enemies of the one were esteemed enemies of the other. Therefore it was enacted, that none should be reputed loyal subjects unto the King or his authority, but be punished as rebels, who made not profession of the true Religion; And that all who made profession thereof, and were not obedient to the Kings authority, should be admonished by their Teachers, to acknowledge their offense, and return to his Majesty's obedience, or else should be excommunicated, as putrid members. The National Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh March 6. here were members according to the order, and John Archbishop of Saint Andrews. David Ferguson Minister at Dumfernlin is chosen Moderator. 1. Whereas a complaint was made against John Row for solemnizing the marriage of the Master of Crawford with the Lord Drummond's Daughter without proclamation of bans; and he did allege, that he did it by the order of the Session of the Church, whereof the Lord Ruthuen was one and present at that time; The Assembly ordains, that the Act made against Ministers solemnizing marriage of other parishoners without proclamation of bans, to have strength against John Row, and him to underly the censure, enduring the Church's will. 2. No collection for the poor shall be gathered in time of Sermon nor administration of the Sacrament, but only at the Churchdoor. 3. If any Minister reside not at the Church, where his charge is, he shall be summoned before the Superintendent or Commissioner of the Province, to whom the Assembly gives power to depose him; and ordains, that they report their diligence unto the next Assembly. 3. All Superintendents & Commissioners of visitation shall proceed summarily against all Papists within their Province, and charge them within eight days to join themselves unto the Religion presently established, by learning the Word of God, and then by partaking of the Sacrament; and to give their oath, and subscribe according to the Act of Parliament, and Acts agreed-upon betwixt the Regent, Counsel and Commissioners of the Church: and if any shall refuse, to proceed, &c. 4. All Bishops, Superintendents, and Commissioners of visitation shall be present the first day of the Assembly before noon, and continue until the end, Under pain of losing half of their stipend for a year, and nevertheless to continue in serving, during that time. 5. Concerning the desire of the Lord Regent to place some of the learned Ministers, Senators in the College of Justice; The Assembly after long reasoning hath voted and concluded, that none is able to bear these two charges: and therefore inhibites all Ministers, that none take upon them to be a Senator, except Robert Pont only, who is already entered by advice, &c. 6. Five articles are presented by the Superint. & Ministers of Lothian; to wit, 1. All the Acts of the G. Assembly should be copied and sent to every Exercise. 2. Such matters as fall out betwixt the Synodal conventions and the General Assemblies, shall be notified to every Exercise twenty days before the General Assembly, and be reported by them. 3. Such matters as are referred by the subordinate assembly unto the General, shall be penned faithfully by the Superintendent's Clerk, and reported unto the General assembly by the Superintendent. 4. that the General assemblies be frequented by the Nobility and Barons as in former times. 5. Ministers, who have not money to buy books, may at this time, have them lowsed unto them by the Collector, and the prices of them to be allowed in their stipends. The Assembly ratifieth all these as profitable. 7. Bishops, Superintendents and Commissioners shall without delay purchase Letters, commanding all men to frequent preaching and prayers, according to the order established in particular congregations; And to charge the Inferior Magistrate, to put into execution the Acts concerning the observance thereof, and for execution of discipline and punishing of vice. 8. If a man pass out of the country, and leaving his wife shall marry another woman; and his wife shall marry another man in his absence, both are adulterers, unless the sentence of divorcement hath been pronounced by the Judge. Whereas in these Acts mention is made of Exercise, it is to be marthat at that time Prsebyteries (or Classes, as others call them) were not erected but the Ministers of a burgh and circumjacent churches did convene of their own accord on a certain day of the week, in the burgh, and did preach publicly in the Church per vices for mutual edification and manifesting the increase of their gifts: and this meeting was called The Exercise. The Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh August. 6. Here were many Earls, Lord's, Barons, some Bishops, Superintendents &c. Alexander Arbuthnot Principal of the Coledge of old Aberdien is chosen Moderator. 1. The books of Bishops, Superintend. and Commissioners of visitation were produced, and certain Ministers are appointed to examine their diligence in visitation. John Douglas Bishop of Satandrews was accused for admitting a Papist Priest into the Ministry, to whom the Superintend. of Lothian had prescribed certain injunctions, and he had not obeyed them; for not visiting, nor preaching that half year; for giving collation of a Benefice (which was before bestowd on a Minister) to another suspect of Popery; for suffering the Exercise to decay through his default; for admitting some to function in the Church, who were unable and not examined, namely some coming out of Mers & Lothian; for visiting by others and not by himself. He answered unto the first, he admitted not that Priest, until he had recanted Popery openly in the Church of Sa • tandrews. The Assembly enjoins the Priest, to satisfy the injunctions prescribed in Lothian, which he had not obeyd: and in the mean time inhibites him, to exercise any function in the Church. To the next he answered. He had preached personally where he did visit: but • or si • knes did not visit since the last Assembly. And for other things he pretended ignorance, or weakness, &c. James Patoun B. of Dunkell was accused, that he had accepted the name of a Bishop, but hath not used the office of a Bishop: he had not proceeded against Papists within his bounds: he is suspect of Simony betwixt the Earl Argile and him, concerning the profits of the Bishopric: yea and of perjury, in that contrary to his oath at the receiving the Bi • hoprick, he gives Acquittances, and the Earl receives the silver. Alex. Gordon B. of Galloway i • accused that he intruded himself into the office of the Ministry within Edinb. he enticed the people to rebellion against our sovereign Lord: he refused to pray for our Sovereign, and approved another authority; he being forbidden by the G. Assembly to have any intromission with the parishoners of Ha •• rudhouse, yet compelled them to receive the Sacrament, and caused pretended Balies and men of war to compel the poor people; being sworn by solemn oath unto due obedience unto our Severain and his Regent and authority; he had brok • n his oath by sitting in the pretended Parliament for disposs • ssing our Sovereign of his royal Crown & aut • ority; he had given thanks publicly in pulpit for the slaug • ter of the Regent Matthew Earl of Lennox, and exhorted the people to do the like: •• e was a perverter of the people, not only before the Reformation, but at sundry other times. He answered, He was free of all these by the Act of pacification. It was replied, The States had not absolved him (a Bishop) from the censure of the Church in talibus. So he was ordained under the pain of excommunication, to make public repentance three severail Sundays, one in the Church of Edinburgh, another in Hal • rudhouse, and the third in the Queen's-college-church. Robert Pont was accused, that being Commissioner to visit Murray, he resideth not there, nor hath visited Churches these two years, excep the chief four he hath visited once. He alledgeth want of leisure, because he was ordained to attend the College of Justice. Whereupon the Superintendent of Lothian moveth the question, Whither it be lawful by the Word of God, that the administration of the Word and Sacraments, and the administration of criminal and civil Justice be so confounded, that one man may occupy both the charges? It was answered, It is neither agreeable with the Word of God, not practice of the primitive Church. 2. In Sess. 3 They who receive excommunicate persons should be censured with excommunication after due admonitions, if they desist not: and if they be guilty after admonition, though thereafter they desist, yet they shall make public r • pentance of that fault. 3. The Secretary of the Counsel presenteth certain heads concerning the assignation of Ministers stipends. 4. Licence is given to Bishops, Superientendents and Commissioners of visitation, to take notice of the situation of parish churches, and to change them for t • e commodity of the people: as also of the gleebs. 5. They who consult with witches or enchanters should be censured. 6. Great or rich men being guilty of crimes, should be censured even alike as poor men, and no dispensation should be granted unto them for money though ad pios usus. Where mention is made here of Bishops and Superintendents, it is to be observed, that at that time the Bishop of Saint Andrews had the visitation of Fife only; and John Winram had the visitation of Perth-shire; and John Spotswood continued in Lothian as before. Next concerning these assignations and change of Parish-churches, Bishop Spotswood in Histor. Libr. 5. Shewes, that this Regent subtly drew out of the power of the Church the thirds of Benefices, promising more sure and ready payment unto the Ministers, and to make every stipend local; with express promise, that if they shall find themselves prejudiced they should be reponed to their possession, whensoever they shall require it. But so soon as he was possessed of the thirds, he took course to join two or three or four churches to one Minister (who was tied to preach in them by turns); and he placed in every parish a Reader, to read prayers and the word, in the Ministers absence: and the Reader had 20. or 30. pounds Scots: and the Ministers were put to a necessity of attending the for mer assignation, and then a precept for payment: or if their necessity did urge to seek augmentation, a petty thing that was granted, was dear bought by the loss of time and charges in seeking it. The Superintendents were no better used: when they complained, that their portion was withheld: it was said, Theit office was no more necessary seeing, bishops now are in the Diocies, and the ecclesiastical jurisdiction belongs unto them. So the Regent seeking to enrich himself, loosed the Church: and when they sought to be restored to their former possession according to the Act of Parliament and his promise; after many shifts and delays he told them, Seeing the Superplus belongs unto the King, it was fitter, the Regent and Counsel should modifie the stipends of Ministers, than that they have the designation of the Superplus. Thirdly observe, that when the proposition was made fairly, to change and unite churches for the expediency of the people, the Assembly gave not power unto the Commissioners, to unite parishes at their pleasure, but gave way unto the proposition, in so far as expediency of the people required; as appears clearly by a Letter writ by John Erskin (the Superintendent) unto the same Assembly, in these words: Hearing that in my absence a complaint was given upon me, alleging that I had destroyed or caused destroy the church of Inshbrayak, and to have joined that parishon to the Church of Maritoun: I have thought good, to declare unto your Wi. my part in that cause: I never did destroy a parish-church, but would had the reparation of all; As to that church of Inshbrayak, I in my visitation finding it spoiled, and broken down. did request the parishoners there of, to resort unto the church of Maritoun, being near unto them, until their own church were bigged and repaired: to which they did consent, not to continue ever so, but for a time, until their own church were bigged: the which I wish to be done shortly; and what in me lieth to further the same, shall not be omitted; This is the truth of that matter : And if it be found otherwise, I shall build the church on my expenses; If your Wisdomes think any fault here-in, I am subdued, and shall obey your godly judgment. Under this Letter is written, thus; At Edinburgh August 10. 1573. The Church presently assembled findeth no fault in the premisses done by the Superintendent, but all his proceedings there in worthy of praise. And it is subscribed by the Clerk of the Assembly, J. Gray.

XI. The Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh March. 6. 1574. where were Earls, Lord's, Bb. Superintend. &c. Androw Hay Minister is chosen Moderator. 1. The Bishop of Dunkell is ordained to confess his fault publicly in the church of Dunk. for not executing the Sentence of the Church against the Earl of Athole. 2. George Bishop of Murray is ordained to be summoned to give his purgation of the fornication alleged to be committed by him with the Lady Ardross. 3. Commission was given to certain Ministers to summon the Chapter of Murray before them, to examine their proceedings, and what ground they had, to give unto the foresaid George douglas their testimonial without due trial of his conversation and literature. 4. Unto the L. Regent and Lord's of the Privy Counsel with others of the States now eonveened with his Grace, the Church general now assembled wisheth everlasting health in Christ; That holy mystery of God is not unknown, who hath ehosen unto himself a Church, and that from the beginning, which shall continue forever; And the same is the company of the faithful professors of Christ Jesus; And in his Church God hath appointed his holy mysteries to be ministered, and calleth men to be Ministers of them, that by the same Ministry the elect of God may be called, regenerate and nurished unto everlasting life; For preservation of the holy Ministry and Church in purity, the Lord hath appointed Assemblies & conventions not only of the persons appointed unto the Ministry, but also of all the members professing Christ: which the Church of God hath continually used, and useth the same assemblies sanctified by the word of God, and authorized by the presence of Jesus Christ; It is also known unto your Gr. that since God hath blessed this Country with the light of his Evangel, the wholl Church most godlily appointed, and the same by Act of Parliam, was authorized, that two Assemblies of the wholl general Church within this realm should be every year, alswel of all members thereof in all States, as of the Ministers: these assemlies have been continually from the first ordinance kept in such sort, that the most Noble and of the highest estate have joined themselves by their own presence in the assemblies, as members of one Body, concurring, voicing and authorizing in all things their proceedings with their Brethren; And now at this present the Church is assembled according to the godly ordinance, and looketh to have concurrence of their Brethren in all estates, and wisheth from God, that your Gr. and Lord's of Privy Counsel will authorize the Church in this present Ass. by your presence or by yours having your Commission in your Gr ^s and LL ^s names, as members of the Church of God: for as your Gr ^s . persence and the Nobilities should be unto us most comfortable, it is most earnestly wished of, So your Gr ^s . absence is unto our hearts most dolorous, and lamented: whereupon follows the want of a great part of the members, that cannot well be absent from treating these things, that appertain unto the Church & policy thereof, in assembly all together, to be handled by advice of all; and to which end the assemblies are appointed: the authority whereof, your Gr. knows to be such, as the contempt of it tendeth to the very dishonor of God: And therefore as ye esteem yourselves to be members of Christ and of his Church, show the fruits thereof, which it is not the least, to • oin yourselves unto the Church, not only by hearing the word, and receiving the Sacraments, but in convening also with your Brethren the holy assemblers; The which to do, we give you admonition in the name of the Lord, extending this our admonition to every person of whatever estate, that are present with your Gr. and L L. and especially we admonish the Bishops and such as are of the Ministry, to join themselves with us according to their duty: Otherwise they will be thought unworthy the office they bear: The time the Church will sit, will be short, and time would not be neglected: and yet the Church is not so precise, but that men may, a • ter their presence given in the assembly, have liberty, as time requires, to wait upon their lawful business: And this admonition we give your Gr. with all reverence & humility: and chiefly in respect, your Gr. by your own articles & questions sent to the Church, desireth first to be admonished charitably, whensoever offense ariseth, before the same be otherwise traduced. 5. Some were appointed topenne the heads of the jurisdiction of the Church, and to present them unto the assembly. 6. Concerning the jurisdiction of bishops in their ecclesiastical function, it is concluded, that the same shall not exceed the jurisdiction of Superintendents, which heretofore they have had, and presently have: And they shall be subject unto the discipline of the general assembly, as members thereof, even as the Superintendents have been heretofore, in all sort. 7. No Superintendent nor Commissioner of planting churches shall give Collation of Benefice, nor admit Ministers, without the assistance of three qualified Ministers of their Province, who shall give their testimonialls to the Superintendent or Commissioner, subscribed with their hands in sign of their consent: And likewise that no bishop give collation of any Benefice within the bounds of Superintendents within his Diocy, without their consent and testimonialls subscribed with their hands: And that Bishop within their Diocies visit by them • seves, where no Superintendents is: and give no collation of Benefice without consent of three well qualified Ministers, as said is of Superintendents &c. 8. Commissioners were appointed to convene with the L. Regent and the Lord's deputed by the Counsel, To confer and reason upon the heads of the jurisdiction and policy of the Church, and other heads & articles that shall be proponed by his Gr. unto them. 9. Concerning the appointing of many Churches unto one Minister, that the matter may be more plain, the Church declares, that howbeit sundry churches are appointed to one Man, yet shall the Minister make his residence at one Church, which shall be his charge properly, and he shall be called Minister of that Church: as for the others unto which he is nominat, he shall have the oversight of them, and help them so as the Bishop, Superint. or Commissioner shall judge expedient, and occasion shall permit from his principal charge, which he may no way neglect; And this order to remain only, whill God of his mercy send moe laborers into his harvest. For clearing the history, observe first; by comparing what is done in this assembly with what is written immediately before, we see a variance betwixt this Regent, and the Church: This variance was not reconciled all the time of his Regiment. It was for Episcopacy, and the uniting of Churches; and both these the Regent affecteth upon account of the Church-rents. And Bishop Spotswood in the Histor. Pag. 273. saith, Nor left he any means unassayed, that served to bring moneys into his cofers: which drew upon him a great deal of hatred. Secondly as the Bishops were intruded upon the Church unwillingly, howbeit way was given for a time, yet (as they said in the Act of accepting them) they delay not to curb the Bishops both in their jurisdiction and conversation. Thirdly when the Bishops were so hemmed-in, they are not contented, but seek to put away Superintendents (as appears by denying their stipends) and the liberty of meeting in Assemblies: and therefore this assembly do so much urge the authority and necessity of Assemblies. Fourthly they allege an Act of Parliament for assembling twice in the year: certanly they would not have alleged it in such a manner, if such an Act had not been: but whither it was in the Queens time, or in King James time, it is uncertance, because such an Act is not printed. Fifthly because it was alleged in the end of the former year, that the jurisdiction of the Church belongeth unto the Bishops, therefore the assembly sets upon a constant policy of the Church; and this was a work of some years, as follows; and the result was the Second book of Discipline. Sixthly the National Church was so far from barring the Supreme Magistrate and Counsellers out of the Assemblies (as a railer against the Scots discipline hath lately vented in print either ignorantly or impudently) that they did not only lament his and their absence, but charged him and them, in God's name, to be present, &c. And what was the practice after that time; de facto it will appear hereafter. The Assembly conveenes at Edinb. August 7. here were Barons, Bb. Superinten. &c. John Duncanson Min. at Tranent is chosen Moderator. 1. Because Alexander Bishop of Galloway had not satisfied according to the injunction of the Assembly in the year 1573. John Brand Min. at Halirudhonse is ordained under pain of deprivation, to excommunicate him, if he satisfy not. 2. If any Bishop, Superintendent or Commissioner of visiting churches shall be found negligent, or not to exerce their debtfull charge in visitation and teaching, or be culpable in life, he shall be censured according to the quality of the offense, either by admonition, public repentance, deprivation for a time or simpliciter. 3. No Minister shall use or exercize the office of Collectory or Chalmerlanery under any Bishop or Beneficed person whatever, because it is a distraction from his vocation, Under pain of deprivation. 4. Some articles were sent unto the Lord Regent, namely, that stipends be granted unto a Superintendent in every Province, whither it be, where no Bishop is, or whe • e is a Bishop who cannot dischage his office, as, Saint Andrews, Glasgow, That in every Church destitute of a Minister such persons may be presented, and • tipends be granted unto them, as are here present, and whose names shall be delivered by the Bb. Superint. or Commissioners. 5. A complaint was made against the Bishop of Dunkell for ministration of the Lord's Supper upon woe • k-days; and he is forbidden to do so again, but only upon the Lord's day, according to the order of other Churches. 6. If any Parliament shall be called, or any other weighty cause require the presence of the Body of the Assembly, the Superintendent of Lothian, James Lowson Minister at Edinburgh and David Lindsay Minister at Lieth, shall give timeous premonition unto the Brethren, to convene; and that Convention shall be reputed an Assembly. 7. The absents from the assembly shall be charged, to compear in the next, to be censured for their absence. Note, 1. James Boyd was induced by the Lord Boyd to accept the title of the Bishopric of Glasgow, which that Lord had purchased for his own gain of the revenues: and in the former Act he is named as unable unto the office: and in the same assembly he excused his negligence in the Church-affairs, because he was employd in other affairs of that office. 2. Within some weeks after that assembly John called Archbishop of Saint Andrews, went into the pulpit topreach, and falling down died. 3. By an Act under the privy Signet of the date November 21. 1574. it appears, that John erskin, so long as he had been Superintendent, had not been in the Shiref-court, though he was a Baron; and at that time had exemption granted both for time by past, and to come, during his continuance in that office.

XII. The National Assembly conveenes at Edinb. March. 7. (as they then did reckon) year 1574. where were Earls, Lord's, bb. Superindents &c. James Boyd Bishop of Glasgow is chosen Moderator. 1. The bb. of Dunkell, Brechin, Murray and of Glasgow were removed, and complaints made against everyone of them. Alexander Bishop of Galloway now submitteth himself. Upon his submission and by solicitation of the Lord Regent, he obtains dispensation to be accepted, if he will confesle his offense in the church of Halirudhouse only. 2. It is ordained, that none be admitted unto the office of a Bishop, unless he be examined and approved by the Assembly. 3. No Comoedies nor tragoedies or such plays should be made on any history of Canonical Scriptures, nor on the sabbath day: If any Minister be the writer of such a play, he shall be deprived of his Ministry; As for plays of another subject, they also should be examined, before they be propounded publicly. 3. Whereas Andrew Graham hath been presented unto the bishopric of Dunblain, undet the name of a Preacher, albeit he be not one; and it is alleged, that there hath been no conclusion, that all Bb. should first be Preachers; and so if he be qualified to be a Preacher, the presentation should be accepted; therefore the assembly appointeth him to preach on wednesday upon Rom. 5. 1. and nameth certain persons to be present. 4. Bishops, Superintendents and every Minister are enjoined, to admonish all such as were Papists within their bounds, and have subscribed the Confession of faith, according to the Act of Parliament, that they should also participate of the Sacrament duly with their own congregation, under pain, that they shall be held Relapse, and be censured with excommunication. It may appear from these, what manner of Bishops these were, and that the Presenters of them, aimed at their own advantadge, and not at the good of the Church. In the Assembly at Edinburgh August 6. were Bb. Superintendents, &c. Robert Pont is chosen Moderator. 1 When Bb. were removed to be censured, John Dury Minister at Edinburgh protesteth, that the trial of Bishops shall not prejudge the opinions and reasons which he and other Brethren have against the office of such Bishops. 2. Alexander Bishop of Galloway delivereth an attestation of his satisfaction according to the ordinance: he is restored to the liberty of preaching; and stands still suspended from commission of visitation: but is ordered, to assist John Row Commissioner of Galloway pro hac vice. 3. The Bishop of Dunkell is ordained, to reside with his family at Dunkell before the next Assembly, Under pain of deprivation. He is also accused of dilapidation of his Benefice: he craves, that he may have the liberty of an Advocate to plead for him: this is refused; but he should answer for himself, or choose a Minister, to argue for him, within three days. 4. Because comely and decent apparel is requisite in all men, especially in these, which have function in the Church; therefore all Ministers and Preachers are forbidden to have any broudering, bagaries of velvet on gown, on cloke or coat, or have any cutting out of their clothes, stitching with silk, pesments or lace; all variant colors on sherts, rings, bracelets, buttons of silver or of any metal, all velvet, satine, tafety, any licht color, but that all their habit be of grave color, to the end, the good word of God be not slandered by them and their immoderateness; And that their vifes be subject unto the same ordinance. 5. Because the long continuance of Commissioners may induce some ambition & other inconvenients; after long reasoning, it is concluded by the grearter part, that the Commissioners shall be changed yearly. 6. Eight Articles to be presented unto the Lord Regent. 1. for planting the word throghout the realm, it is petitioned, that such Ministers as are not as yet placed, may be received; Ministers which have many churches, may be relieved, and Commissioners be • ased, and Bb having too great a charge may be helped; And provision of Commissioners may be paid for these two years bypast, and in time coming. 2. That such impediments may be removed, which hinder the progress of the doctrine, such as, abundance of vice un punished, markets on the Lord's day, and the troubling of Ministers in execution of their Ministry. 3. That the order concerning the poor, which before was begun, may be put to full execution: and to that effect, a portion of the tyths, which is the Church's patrimony, a • swell of the two parts as of the thirds, may be employd for their sustentation, as necessity craves. 4. Because the Schools are the fountains, from which Ministers must flow, that provision may be made for them, not only for Students remaining within the realm, but for some men of good engine, which by this Church shall be found fit, to visit other Churches and Universities for their furtherance in learning: and namely for Glasgow, because it is lately erected, and hath not such provision as other Universities. 6. That all days, which heretofore have been kept holy, besides the Lord's day, to wit, Jule-day, Saints-days and such others be abolished, and a civil penalty be appointed against the keepers hereof by ceremonies, banketting, playing and such other vanities. 7. That all Ministers and Readers, who by infirmity and age become unable, may have their stipends enduring their life. 8. That the Clerk of the assembly be answered of the ordinary stipend appointed before in respect of his labors multiplied by writing letters Gratis for use of Minsters, &c. Concerning the Question, Whither Bishops, as they are now in Scotland, have their function from the Word of God, or not? And whit • er the Chapters, that are appointed for creating them, ought to be tolerated in this Reformed Church? for better resolution heerof the Assembly appoints John Craig, James Lowson, and Andrew Melvin Principal of the College of Glasgow on the one part; and George Hay, John Row and David Lindsay on the other part, To convene, reason and confer upon these questions; and to report their judgment and opinion, &c. After two days these make report, viz, They think it not fit, to answer unto the first question presently: but if any Bishop shall be chosen, which hath not such qualities as the word of God ptescribes, let him be tried by the General assembly de novo, and so let him be deposed. But the points whereon they agree concerning the office of a Bishop or Superintendent are. 1. The name of Bishop is common to all them, that have any particular flock, over which he hath a peculiar charge, alswell to preach the word as to Minister the Sacraments, and to execute ecclesiastical discipline with consent of his Elders; and this is his chief function by the word of God. 2. Out of this number may be chosen some to have power to oversee and visit such reasonable bounds (besides his own flock) as the General Church shall appoint; and in these bounds to appoint Ministers with consent of the Ministers of that Province, and consent of the flock, to whom they shall be appointed; also to appoint Elders & Deacons in every particular congregation, where are none, with consent of the people thereof; and to suspend Ministers for a reasonable cause, with consent of the Ministers foresaid. 8. The Church hath power to cognosce & decern upon heresies, blasphemy, witchcraft and violation of the Lord's day, Not prejudging the punishment of the Civil Magistrate. 9. There is no law, that when two persons have committed fornication, nor promise alleged by the woman, the man may be compelled by any particular Church at the suit of the woman or her parents, to marry her, or pay her dowry. 10. Children begotten before marriage, are lawful children. Note. If we compare what was done before in the assemblies, this question concerning the Bishops was not a new motion made by Andrew meluin come lately from Geneva: he had not power to command the meanest Minister, and far less to overrule the Assembly. The Church from the beginning of the Reformation did oppose that kind of Bishops: and howbeit some of the Popish Bb. had embraced the Reformation, yet had they not any power, but according to commission; and we have heard, how John Knox in his letter carried the office of Episcopacy under the name of tyranny: and when the conclusions at Lieth were obtruded upon the Church, though they did yield for a time, yet that office was limited, and in effect but the name remaining: nevertheless the Assembly did protest against the very names and whatsoever power was yielded unto. Master Meluin said then, The corruptions in the estate of Bishops are so great, that unless the Bishops be removed, it cannot go weell with the Church, nor can religion be preserved in purity. But he said not • o much, as Beza had written before in the year 1572. and experience hath confirmed their words: how far was these Nations gone in atheism, if God of his mercy had not stopped them? In that assembly were six Bishops besides Superintend. yet none of them did oppose the sifting of the question nor the concl • sions. 2. Howbeit in these conclusions they express not the negative, because they would not plainly oppose the particular interest of the Counsel seeking security of the possessions by the title of Bishops: yet these affirmatives take away the pretended office: and more follows.

XIII. The Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh Aprile 25. in the year 1576. were present six Bb, Superintendents, &c. John row is chosen Moderator. 1. Plurality of Offices is objected against Robert hamiltoun Minister at Saint Andrews: the matter was long debated, and concluded that in respect of that congregation two offices are incompatible in his person. 2. Concerning the advice of the Brethren in the former Assembly concerning Bishops, this assembly after long disputation upon every Article thereof, do resolutely approve and confirm that advice and every article thereof: and for the better execution thereof, the Assembly ordains Bishops, which have not as yet received the charge of a particular congregation, to declare the next day, what particular flock they will take the charge of. 3. Six Minister • and the Superintendent of Anguise are appointed to visit the Colle • ges in the University of Santandrewes, and consider the manner and estate thereof, and make report unto the next Assembly. 4. It is concluded, that they may proceed against the unjust possessors of the patrimony of the Church, in respect of the notorious scandal; to wit, by doctrine and admonition, and if need be, with other censure of the Church; And the patrimony of the Church, where upon the Ministry, the Schools and the poor should be sustained; is ex Jure Divino; leaving further disputation of this matter until May. 1. and then the description of the patrimony of the Church to be inquired, and reasoning to be, for full resolution of the question. 5. Certain Brethren are appointed, to make Overtures concerning the policy and jurisdicton of the Church; some to convene at Glasgow, some in Edinburgh, some in Saint Andrews, and some in Montross upon the first tuisday of July; and to make a general meeting of two or one at least from everyone of these four, in Sterline the last of July, To communicate, and cognosce of all their travels: and to confer universally together, and to report, what they shall conceive in this matter, unto the next Assembly, which is appointed to be in Edinburgh October 24. or if a Parliament shall convene, the assembly ordains the Ministers of Edinburgh to make intimation thereof unto the Bb. Superintendents and Commissioners of visitation, that the Assembly may be convened four days before the Parliament, and that the Barons or other Commissioners appointed by the Provincial Assemblies, be exhorted to be present. It is to be observed, that the wholl matter of jurisdiction was no committed unto everyone of these four parties: but particular heads was committed to every person; and their conceptions were to be examined in their particular convention, &c. as will appear by the next Assembly: which convened at Edinburgh October 24. where were two Bb. Superintendents, &c. John Craig is chosen Moderator. 1. Three Ministers were sent to petition the Lord Regents presence, or some authorized by his commission: they report his answer, that this advertisement was come so suddenly, that he could not be present, nor address Commissioners: but if the Assembly think it meet, he shall appoint some of the Counsel, to convene with their commissioners, To confer upon such things as may tend to the furtherance of God's glory. 2. It is thought good, that the things already penned concerning the Policy of the Church (as was ordained in the late assembly) should be revised, and other particulars, which now may be given-in should be heard and put in good form: The Assembly requesteth the Lord Chancellor, the Laird of Lundy, Ministers Andrew Hay, Andrew Melvin, James Lowson, John Dury, Robert Pont, James Wilky, George Hay, and Clement Little, To convene after noon daily, during this assembly, and confer what is already penned, with other things that may be given-in: advise thereupon, collect, and put in good form: and report the same unto the Assembly before dissolution hereof. 3. Because the multitude of particulares in the books of Commissioners spend much time, and they who are deputed to revise them, know them not so weell as the provincial Synods; It is appointed, that the books of the Visiters or Commissioners be tried in the provincial Synods, and subscribed by their Clerks, and reported again to each General assembly by the Commissioners, that the Church may know their diligence. 4. It is ordained that all Ministers within eicht Myls or otherwise at the discretion of the Visiter shall resort unto the place of Exercise each day of Exercise, and especially the Ministers, who are appointed to prophecy and ad: where in if either of these two shall fail, he shall be censured by the Exercise for the first fault: and by the Synod for the second fault: and if he incur the third time, he shall be summoned before the General assembly. 5. Whereas Patrick adamson is presented to the bishoprik of Saint Andrews, some do propound, that according to the ordinance of the Assembly concerning Bishops, he should be examined by the Assembly, before he be admitted by the Chapter. The said Patrick answereth, The Lord Regent had discharged to proceed in that manner, because the Act is not consented unto; And the Assembly consents, that answer shall be given to the Lord Regent by the Chapter. 6. Three are sent unto the Lord Regent, for provision to be made unto the Visitors, according to the order. Answer was returned the next day, that the Lord Regent will advise with the rols and the general Collector. 7. The Clerk of the Secret Counsel presenteth some questious, for the better expedition of Ministers stipends, and craves in the Regents name, the decision of these questions, at least, of so many of them, as may be for the time. The assembly appoints sixteen Ministers and the Superintendent of Anguise, to convene this day after the dissolution of the assembly, To visit and consider the Heads of the Policy, advise and consult diligently thereupon, and upon these questions, and report their judgments in write unto the next Assembly. 8. Androw hay Commssioner of Cli • sdale was summoned to compear before the Regent and the Counsel, and to bring with him the ordinance made by the Synodal assembly concerning the excommunication of the Captain of Crawford, with the Act whereupon it hath proceeded, that the verity may be known. The Assembly ordains him and others that were summoned, to give obedience. They went, and when they returned, they declare, that because they had not produced the ordinance and act foresaid (which they could not do, because the Clerk was taken up for the time) the Consell had suspended the Sentence of excommunication, until these were produced; and they had protested for the liberty of the Church. 9. Thomas hepburn was accused for teaching, Never a soul goeth to heaven before the later day. After reading of this article, the assembly without any exception condemneth it as heretical, and contrary unto the reueeled word of God; and inhibites all persons to maintain it privately or publicly; and appoint certain Brethren, to confer with this Thomas, for his resolution; and in the the mean time discharges him from entering into the Ministry, until the Church see further concerning him. 10. The Chapter of Saint Andrews gave up the examination of Patrick adamson, unto the assembly: and he refuses again, to submit unto the the Assembly. 11. Saltpans and other work which draws away people from hearing the word of God should not be permitted on the Lord's day; and the violaters to be debarred from the benefits of the Church, until they show their repentance. 12. No burials should be withim the walls of a church, and the contraveeners should be suspended from the benefits of the Church, till, &c. 13. James Bishop of Glasgow being required, to declare of what particular flock he would take the charge, gave this answer in write; Forsomuch as it is not unknown unto your W. that ye gave commission unto certain godly and discreet Brethren, to treat and conclude with certain Noblemen appointed Commssioners by John Earl of Marre the Kings Regent: in which Conference it was agreed by the Commissioners of both sorts, that the names, style and jurisdiction of Bb. with the form and manner of institution was ordained to remain and stand, enduring the Kings years of minority, or until a Parliament shall decide otherwise; and conform to that order I was received into the Bishopric of Glasgow, and gave my oath unto the Kings Majesty in things appertaining to his Highness; and if I would change anything appertaining to the order or power or privileges thereof, I should be afrajed to incur perjury, and may be called by his Majesty for changing a member of his State: But to the end, your W. may know, that I desire not to be exeemed from bestowing such gifts as God hath communicate unto me, I am content at your command to haunt a particular Church, and teach there; when I shall be in the Shirefdom of Air, at the sight and discretion of the Brethren of that Country; and when I am in Glasgow, to exercize likeways at some part where the Brethren there shall think most necessary......without the prejudice of the power and jurisdiction, which I received with the Bishopric, until the time prescribed in the said Conference......at which time I shall be content with all reformation, as shall be found expedient. The assembly is content with this answer until the next Assembly. Observe 1. That the articles of the discipline were debated at this Assembly, and further consulation was appointed. 2. Before this Assembly the Chancelor Lord Glamms had written unto the Church of Geneva for their advise in the point of jurisdiction: and after this Assembly Beza in answer sent his book, De triplici Episcopatu, Divino, Humano, & Satanico. It is true, that Saravia wrote an answer unto that book afterwards: but how therein appears the weakness of his judgment, and the partiality of his affection, I leave it to be considered. I add only. 1. It cannot be denied that those three sorts of Bishops have been in the Church. 2. When the device of man justleth out the appointment of God, that device cannot bring a blessing with it, but is rather permitted for a judgment.

XIIII. The Assembly coveenes at Edinburgh Aprile 1. year 1577. were present Bb. of Glasgow & Dunblain, Superintendents, &c. Alexander arbuthnot Principal of the college of Aberdien is chosen Moderator. 1. Because the Moderator was not in the preceeding assembly, and so knows not what was done; at his desire it is appointed, that the Superintendent of Anguise and other six Ministers shall concur with him at seven hours in the morning, to advise upon the things, that shall be thought good, to be handled in this assembly. 2. The principal matter to be handled is the policy of the Church: so the Brethren were called to give account of their diligence. The heads penned by John Row and James Lowson were read, and nothing was gain said, but only one argument was referred to further disputation, and all were required, if they had any argument in the contrary, to propound it; or if they would not argue publicly, to resort unto these Commissioners, for their satisfaction; Leaving also liberty to propound their argument in public, before the heads be recollected, and ordered in one body. The Superintendent of Anguise said, the head that was assigned unto him, was obscure: The assembly ordereth him, to confer with the other Commissioners the next morning at seven hours. The heads committed to Androw Hay were read, and nothing was opposed: only the article of suspending Ministers was referred to further reasoning. David Ferguson's part was approved; only one article was referred. Of what was committed to John Craig, some were ordered to be contracted, and others referred to further reasoning. When all was read, four Ministers were appointed to dispose them all in a convenient order; and if any man would object against any particular, he should have place. 3. Accusation was laid against Patrick Adamson, that he had entered into the Bishopric of Saint Andrews against the acts of the General assembly, and had usurped, the office of Visitation without commission, and left his office of Ministry. Because he is not present to answer, the assembly gives their full power to Robert Pont, James Lowson, David Ferguson and the Superintendent of Lothian conjunctly, or in case of the Superintendents inhability to David Lindsay or John Brand, To direct summons against the said Patrick to compear before them at such day or dajes, as they shall think good, Within Edinburgh, To try & examine his entry and proceedings to the said usurpation of visitation, and deserting his ordinary Office of the Ministry; With power unto them, to summon the Chapter of Saint Andrews, or so many of the Chapter, as they shall judge expedient, if need be; and the Ordainers or inaugurers of the said Patrick, as they shall think good for the better trial of the premisses; and what they shall find here-in, by process of examination report unto the next assembly; And in the mean time to discharge him of further visitation, until he be admitted by the Church. 4. James blakwood having two Benesices, the personage of Sawchar and Vicaradge of Salin, is ordained to dimit the one. 5. Certain Min. were directed, to inform the Lord Regent, that the Church is abont the matter or argument of the Church-policy: and when they shall have proceeded in it, they will give him advertisement. They went: and returning, report, that the Lord Regent is well pleased with their travels, and exhorts them to expede: And if anything occur in the mean time, let them give him information, and they shall have his answer. 6. Some petitions weresent unto the L. Reg as, that provision may be made for Visitors: that persons deprived by the Church for not doing of their Office, may be deprived of their Benefice: that he would put order to them who sell their Benefice: that when a Benefice, shall vake, it may be bestowed on him who serveth at that Church, and not on another not so well qualified, &c. These who were sent with these petitions, after they had waited some days for answer, return and report, that because they had not commssion in writ, his Gr. would give them no answer. 7. The Brethren that were appointed to collect and digest the heads of the policy, deliver them, and all men are required to propound, what argument they have against them. Three of them, de Diaconatu, de Divortiis & Jure Patronatus; were called into doubt, and nothing objected against the rest. These three were disputed In utramque partem, and it was appointed to argue more of them the next day. 8. The Assembly considering the iniquity overflowing the wholl face of this common-wealth in so great light and revelation of the true religion; and provoking the justice of God to take vengeance on so unthankful a Nation: And the many and perilous storms and rage of persecution against the true members of Christ in France and in other parts, Likewise the establishing of a settled order and policy in the Church being now in hands: Have thought good, that earnest recourse shall be had to God with common supplications: and so that a general fast be observed in all the churches of the realm with doctrine & instructions unto the people, to begin the second Sunday of July, and to continue until the next Sunday thereafter, &c. 9. Because the marter of the policy is not as yet in such form as is requisite, and some heads must be contracted, and others enlarged, for avoiding superfluity and obscurity, the substantials being kept; Some Ministers are appointed to use diligence in the premisses; And that the work may be the more perfected before the next assembly (which is ordained to begin at Edinburgh Octob. 25.) other Ministers are appointed to convene there Octob. 19. to consider the travels of the before named Ministers; And the Visitors of Provinces are ordained to make intimation unto the Noble men and Barons, that this work is in hand, and to be treated in the next Assembly, desiring their presence and concurrence, &c. Observe 1. In the first particular a little thing was begun for a personal use, and thereafter the same was continued and turned to a common evil. These who were appointed to inform the Moderator at that time, in the assemblies following were chosen under the name of The privy conference: and power was given unto them, to confer with the Moderator upon the purposes to be treated in the assembly, and to form the Acts before they were read in the assembly. This was like unto that, which in the Council of Trent was called The Congregation. Within some years all matters were debated and concluded in the Privy Conference; and the body of the assembly had little to do: namely, after the year 1597. such men were named to be on the Privy Conference, who for the most part were known to favor the purpose intended: and one or two whom the chief leaders knew to be contrary minded, were also named to be there, to the end, they might know, what the contrary party would object: and when the acts were in voting and penning, these two or mo could do nothing by their few votes: and when their conclusions were propounded in the open assembly, it was called presumption, to oppose what was debated and concluded by the Priuy conference: especially after the erection of Bishops, the Archbishop of Saint Andrews by his power did name the Privy conference: and so were things carried both in the General and Episcopal or Diocesan Synods. 2. The Author of Vindiciae Philadelphi, Pag. 53. Shewes, that Patrick adamson was a Minister soon after the reformation, and because of the small stipends at that time, left the Ministry, and went to France, to study the laws: and when he returned, he became an Advocate: thereafter he turned again into the Ministry, at Paisly: from that he removed to be Chaplain unto the Court, that so he might attain a Bishopric: for then the Courtiers sought men unto the name of Bishops, whom they could find contented with a cheap portion: and he accounted that portion better then a Ministers stipend; he gote the Bishopric of Saint Andrews, when he knew that the assemblies were going to abolish that Office (and we have heard before from The historical narration how he distinguished the three sorts of Bishops.) At that time when he was summoned before these Commissioners, he dissembled his mind, and promised to obey whatsoever the Church shall decern of Episcopacy: and nevertheless did (so far as he could) undermine what the Church was a doing. In the year 1582. he was taken with a lingering sickness, and sought the aid of a witche: when he had kept, within doors almost a year, scarcely having recovered health he in a Sermon before the King did inveigh bitterly against the Order of the Church & assemblies: to wit, being guilty of his offenses he both privately and publicly did strive against the Church as his mortal enemy. So far there. and more follows afterwards. In the next Assembly at Edinburgh Octber 25. David Lindsay was chosen Modarator, and the Privy Conference set, as is said before. 1. The assembly directs some Ministers unto the Lord Regent, entreating his presence or Commssioners in his name. Three several days they sent, and his answer still was, that he was so taken up with public affairs, that the could not be present, but he willed them to continue in the matter of the Policy. and put it to an end. 2. What was done in that matter, was propounded in the second Session, and all men were required, to declare the next day any other head or particular, if they knew any meedfull to be disputed. These heads (but no new ones) were disputed again and again in several days. 3. Patrick adamson brings from the Lord Regent, a Letter which was sent unto him from the Queen of England, showing that a Council was to be at Magdeburg, for establishing the Augustan Confession: and craving the advice of the assembly, whither they think good to sent thither any Ministers of this Nation, and whom they will name. The next day were named And. Melvin, Patrick adamson, David Cuningham, George Hay, David Lindsay, William Cristeson, Alex. arbuthnot, and Rob. Pont: John Craig was sent to show this nomination unto the Regent, that he may choose any two or three of them for that end. After two days John Craig reports, that the Regent was well pleased, they had given him the choice, and in his opinion Androw Melvin, George hay and Alexander arbuht not were meet: yet craving the advice of the assembly herein, that thereafter he may resolve with the Counsel. Three were sent again to know the Regents will concerning Andrew melvin & George hay: and •• as he would appoint the Modefiers of the Ministers stipend • to convene for ordering the Roles. They report, he was pleased with these two, and had appointed the Modefiers to convene. 4. In Session 13, the heads of the Policy of the Church were read publicly, and agreed upon, except that head De Diaconatu; as also that they shall be presented unto the Regent, as agreed upon, as said is: without prejudice of further reasoning. So James Lowson, Rob. Pont, David Lindsay and the Clerk of the Assembly are ordered to put them in mund • according to the original; and John Duncanson, David •• rguson and John Erskine of Dun • are appointed to revise them; and being found, conform • nto the original, the first three are ordered to present them with a Supplication in name of the Assembly. And if the Regent will crave conference upon these heads, the Assembly nameth Patrick adamson, John Erskin of Dun, John Craig, John Row, Alexander arbuthnot, Andrew meluin, James Lowson, Ro. pont, David Lindsay, An. Hay, Geo. Hay and John Duncanson to wait upon the Conference, when the Regent shall advertise.

XV. The Assembly conveenes at Edinb 24. 1578. And. Melvin is chosen Moderator. 1. Some are sent unto the King and Counsel, to petition, that he would send Commissioners in his M ^s name to assist the assembly with their presence and counsel. The answer was, Two shall be deputed the next day. 2. It is appointed, that Bishops and all others bearing ecclesiastical function shall be called by their own names, or Brethren. 2. The Brethren, that were appointed by the preceeding Assembly, declare that as they were ordered, they had presented unto the L. Regent the book of Policy and the Supplication; and a day appointed for a Conference: but the alteration of Authority hath interveened; and for preventing corruption in the the beginning of his Ma ^s Government, they had presented unto his Ma. and Counsel a Supplication with four articles, one for observing the Act of Parliament concerning these who bear Office in the realm; another for putting order to the late murder in Sterlin; a third for the policy of the Church: and a fourth for support against the appearing famine. The Lord Heres and the Abbot of Deir (who were sent by the Counsel) were asked their opinion concerning these Articles. They answer, They were sent, not to vote or conclude, but to hear and see the proceedings of the Assembly: and they would insist at the hands of the Counsel for answer unto their Articles. In the next Session some were directed unto the Lord Heres and the Abbot, to put them in remembrance of the answer unto the Articles that were sent unto the Counsel: and also to demand of the Counsel, Whither they were directed unto the Assembly to give their advice in all things tending to the glory of God and well of his Church, or only to hear? and if the Brethren find it expedient, themselves to propound unto the Counsel both the one and the other. When they returned, they reported, Some difficulties were in the Articles, and the Counsel hath appointed two to convene the next day at eight of the clock in the morning with such as the Assembly will appoint to argue: but they give them not power as Commissioners from the King to vote in the Assembly, because the King is not present, and they had not spoken with him of this point, yet as brethren and members of the Church they shall give their advice, & vote. The assembly appoints six Brethren to convene too morrow, to counsel and reason with the Commissioners of the Counsel. 3. A day was appointed, when every man, who had any doubt or argument against the book of discipline, should propound his argument. And at that time none offered any argument in the contrary. 4. The brethren that were appointed to confer with the Deputies of the Counsel, report that the Deputies willed the Assembly, to name the persons whom they do suspect of Papistry, and by some of their number to admonish these persons to subscribe the articles of Religion, or Confession; and if they be disobedient, to intimate that unto the counsel, and also to proceed against the disobedients with the censures of the church. The assembly nameth the Chancelor, the Earls of • aitnes & Mongumery, and the L. Ogilvy; and sent J. Row & Ja. Lowson to deal with the Chancelor; and J. Craig & J. Duncanson • nto the others. In the the fourth Session thereafter, these brethren report, that Earl of Cait • nes desireth to see and read the Confession. Ogiluy declares, that he had subscribed it before he went out of the country, and is willing to subscribe it again: and they had not occasion to meet with the others. The Ministers of these parts, where they shall make their repair, are ordained to admonish them; and if they find disobedience, to proceed with the censure of the Church against them. 5. Because there is great corruption in the estate of Bishops, as they are now made in this realm whereunto the Church would provide remedy in time coming; therefore it is concluded, that no Bishops shall be elected before the next Gen. Assembly; and discharges all Ministers & Chapters to proceed in the election of a Bishop in the mean time, Under the pain of perpetual deprivation from their Office; And that this matter be proponed first in the next Gener. Assembly, to be consulted what further Order shall be followed herein; And if any Benefice waikes where is a qualified Minister serving the Church, it is ordained, that no Visitors give Collation of these Benefices to any other person but unto the Minister of that church, before the next G. assembly. 6. It is appointed that Robert Pont, James Lowson, and David Lindsay, shall review the book of discipline, and being written according to the Original, one copy to be presented by them unto the King, with a Supplication penned to that effect, and another Copy unto the Counsel; The time to be at their opportunity, so that it be before the public fast; And if conference shall be craved, these brethren shall advertise John Craig, Alex. arbuthnot, John Erskin of Dun, W. Cristeson, John Row, David Ferguson, Ro. pont, James lowson, David Lindsay, John Duncanson, An. melvin, An. hay, To convene at the time appointed by the King & Counsel, &c, 7. The Assembly considering the universal corruption of the body of the realm; the great coldness and slackness of religion in the greatest part, with the daily increase of fearful sins, as incest, adultery, murders and namely recently committed in Edinburgh & Sterlin, cursed sacrilege, ungodly divisions within the bowels of the realm, with all manner of disorderly & ungodly living, which hath provoked our God although longsuffering, to streatch out his arm in anger, to correct and visit the iniquity of the Land, especially by the present dearth and famine, Joyned with the civil and domestical seditions, where upon doubtless greater judgments must succeed, if these corrections work not reformation or amendment in men's hearts: Seeing also the bloody conclusions of that Roman Beast tending to raze from the face of Europe the true light of the blest word of salvation: For these causes and that God of his mercy would bless the Kings Ma. and his regiment, and make his Government happy & prosperous; As also to put in His heart and the hearts of the States of Parliament, not only to make & establish good Politick laws for the we of the realm but also to set & establish such discipline in the Church as is craved by the word of God, and is alrealy penned to be presented unto his Ma. and Counsel, That in the one and other, God may have his due praise, and the age to come may have an example of upright & godly dealing: Therefore it is ordained that a fast be kept in all the churches, to begin the first sunday of Juny and to continue until the next sunday inclusive, with accustomed exercise of doctrine & prayer, &c. 7. The next Assembly is appointed to be July. 7. if the Parliament hold, which is already proclaimed Or if it hold at any othet time before October 24. that the brethren shall convene in the place four days before, and otherwise, to convene Octob. 24. at Edinburgh. Because the Parliament held at Sterlin in I • ny, therefore the Assembly conveenes at Sterlin Iuny 11. John Row was chosen Moderator. 1. Some were sent unto the King craving that Commissioners might be sent in his name unto the assembly. 2. The Act of the former assembly concerning the election of Bishops, this assembly in one voice concludes to be extended into all time coming: and that all Bishops already elected, shall be required particularly to submit themselves unto the General assembly, for reformation of that estate of Bishops in their persons, and if they refuse, after admonitions the censure of excommunication shall proceed against them. The Bishop of Dumblain offered his submission presently. 3. The act of the former assembly concerning Collation of Benefices, is confirmed until the next Assembly. 4. These which were appointed to present unto the King and Counsel, the copies of the book of discipline, show, that they had done according to the Commission; and his answer was, that not only would he concur with the Church in all things, that may advance true religion presently professed, but would also be a Proctor for the Church; and then he had presented their Supplication unto the Counsel; and they had appointed some unto a Conference, and what was done there, is ready to be showed. The next day these things were publicly read. I. In the beginning of the Conference it was thought good, that a Supplication be penned by the Assembly concerning those that shall vote in Parliament in name of the Church. This is appointed to be penned by John Row and Robert Pont, and be brought unto the Assembly on Mooneday. II. Concerning the Observations, the Assembly proceeds as follows. In Chap. 2. the 3. article is agreed-upon conform to the conference. In Chap. 3. the 7. article is to be further considered: the tenth article is thought plain in itself. Concerning the advice, what censure shall be put to non-residents, the Church thinks meet, a civil law be craved, decerning the Benefice to vaik for not-residence: In Chap. 4. the 9. article agreed conform to the conference: and desiring the penalty of persons excommunicate to be horning or caption, by special act of Parliament, to be executed by the Treasurer or others, whom it will please his Majesty to appoint. In Chap. 5. agreed with the two supplications desired. In Chap. 6. the perpetuity of the persons of the Elders agreed conform. Here the book of the Assembly wants two leafes. Then is some what of visitation of colleges, schools and hospitalls, and the book wants other two leafes. Then concerning commissioners of countries or Provinces: and other two leafes are wanting. The next assembly is appointed to convene at Edinb. Octob. 24. The historical Narration saith, All that could be obtained in this Parliament was a Commission to confer upon the Heads of the book: the Commissioners, which sought the ratification of it, took this for a shifting, seeing the book was before allowed in the conference, except four particulares wherein was no difficulty, and were now expla •• ed by the Assembly: and therefore they craved, that at last so many may be ratified as were agreed upon: that was not granted: for Morton was the chief leader in this Parliament. In the assembly October 24. David Ferguson is chosen Moderator. 1. The Noble men in the town are desired to be present. 2. At the desire of the assembly came the Lord Chancelor, the Earl of Montrose, the L. L. S • ton & Lindsay. It was showed by the Moderator, what care and study the church had taken to entertain and keep the purity of the sincere word of God unmixed with the inventions of their own heads: which their special care was to reserve unto the posterity: and seeing true religion cannot continue long without good Disciplin, in that part also they have employd their wit & study, and drawn forth of the pure fountain of God's word such a discipline as is meet to remain in the church: this they have presented unto the Kings M. with their supplication: at whose direction certain commissioners were appointed to reason with these who were appointed by the church: there the wholl matter being disputed, it was resolved and agreed, except a few heads: and thereafter being presented unto the Lord's of the articles, that the same discipline might take place, and be established by acts & laws of the realm: but their travels have not succeeded: praying therefore the Nobility present alswell openly to make profession to the assembly, if they will allow and maintain the religion presently established within the realm, as also the discipline and policy already mentioned: and to labor at the Kings and Counsels hands for answer unto the Heads after following, that is, that his Gr. and Counsel will establish such heads of the policy as were already resolved and agreed-upon by the Commissioners, and cause the others to be reasoned and put to an end: and that his Gr. and Counsel will restore the church unto the act of Parliament concerning the thirds: and that none vote in Parliament in name of the church, but such as shall have commission from the church for that effect: and that presentations of Benefices be directed to the commissioners of countries, where the Benefices lie: And to the end, the matter may be the better and sooner exped, that their Lordships would appoint a time convenient thereunto, as they may best spare, that such brethren as shall be named, may wait upon their Honors. The Noble men answered, that some of them had made public profession of the Religion heretofore: and all now declare, they embrace the religion, and shall maintain the same to their power: and in the other particulares, they think, that supplication be made unto the King and Counsel, and they will insist with the King for his answer: and they will show them tomorrow the time for that effect. 3. The act of the preceeding assembly concerning the suspension of Benefices, the Assembly otdaines it to stand in full strength until the next Assembly. 4. James boid Bishop of Glasgow being required to submit according to t • e Act of the last assembly, gave his answer in write as follows: I understand the name, office and reverence born to a Bishop to be lawful by the Scriptures of God: and being elected by the Church and King to be Bishop of Glasgow, I esteem my calling and office lawful: and as for my executing of that charge committed unto me, I am content to endeavor at my utmost ability, to perform the same and every point thereof, and to abide the judgment of the Church from time to time, if I offend in my duty: Craving always a brotherly construction at their hands, seeing the charge is weighty, and the claims to be laid to my charge are to be examined by the Canon left by the Apostle, 1 Tim. 3. as that place was pointed unto me at my reception, thereby to understand the duties of a Bishop; As for my living and rents and other things granted by the Prince unto me and my successors for serving that charge, I reckon the same lawful; As to my duty unto the Supreme Magistrate in assisting his Gr. in counsel or parliament, when I am craved thereunto, my subjection compelles me to obey it, and it's no hurt but good to the Church, that some of our number be at the making of good laws and ordinances; in the doing whereof I protest before God, I intend never to do anything but what I believe shall stand with the purity of the Scriptures and a well reformed country; As also a good part of the living, which I possess, hath been given for that cause. This answer was read, and after voting is judged not satisfactory: and therefore he is o • dered to return after noon with better resolution. Here the books of the Assembly want two leafes: and it appears, thaet asupplication was sent unto the King and Counsel by these imperfect words following, Vices universally abounding within this realm may be punished and bridled; and to insist with convenient, diligence with his Ma. & Counsel for granting the premisses: And to report 5. All that are now, or hereafter shall be deposed from the Ministry for their offenses, shall be charged by the commissioners of the bounds to dimitt their Benefice....and if they disobey, to proceed against them with censures of the church....6. Because Bihops are to be charged, to remove the corruptions of that estate; the particulares are named, to wit. 1. That they be content to be Pastors or Ministers of a flock. 2. They shall usurp no criminal jurisdiction. 3. they shall not in Parliament vote in name of the Church without commission from the Church. 4. That they take not up for mantenance of their ambition and riotousness the emoluments of the Church, which may sustain many Pastors, and help the Schools & poor, but be content with a reasonable living according to their Office. 6. They shall not domineer over the particular Eldership, but be subject unto it. 7. That they usurp not the power of Presbyteteries. 8. They shall not take further bounds of visitation, than the Church committs unto them. Withall they shall promise, that if the G. Assem. shall find any other corruption in that estate, they shall be content to be reformed by the assembly according to the word of God. VII. Because many send their children over sea into places where superstition and Papistry is maintained, Under pretence of seeking further learning; And others of perfect age go away under the same pretense; and become (for the most part) corrupt in religion; It is ordained, that the parents of these children, or that hereafter shall send their chidren into such places, shall be charged by their own Ministers, to call their children home again with all convenient expedition, Under the pain of excommunication; And they, who being of perfectage, have gone or shall go into such places, shall be charged in like manner to remove themselves out of these places. Observe. 1. how these lea • es of the books were taken away, it will appear hereafter at the year 1587. 2. The historical Narration shows, that James Bishop of Glasgow did not submit at that synod; but at last he did yield, and his submission in write was brought unto the next assembly; As also Commission was given in that Octob. unto certain Ministers to charge Patrick Bishop of Saint Andrews for transgressing the tenor of his former submission, and to charge him to forsake the corruptions of the estate of a Bishop in his person, as they shall be particularly specified unto him: and if he refuse after due admonitions, to excommunicate him. That commission was renewed in July, year 1579. to charge him de novo, to quite the particular corruptions: and to charge him with these offenses. 1. That having submitted unto the assembly, he went thereafter and voted in Parliament. 2. he gave Collation of a Vicarage, having no power where the Vicarage lieth. 3. albeit he had consented unto all the Heads of the Policy but four yet he opposed it in the Parliament. In a word all the Bishops were brought into subjection, did submit, and quite the corruptions of that estate, and obeyd the Act, that was made against Bishops in July 1580. In that assembly the Bishop of Dunkell, who had been deposed before, for not recovering a Tack made to the Earl of Argile was charged to dimitt his Bishopric, and report the loss of dilapidation of the rents, Under the pain of excommunication. So far there: which for brevity I conjoin here. Seeing Bishops had never the allowance of the National assembly, and being intruded were subdued in this manner at that time; how can any man say (unless he be ignorant of the estate of the Church, or petverse in mind) that the only government of the Church of Scotland was by Bishops and Superintendents, when the second Confession of faith was subscribed, to wit, in the year 1581?

XVI. The assembly conveenes at Edinburgh July. 7. year 1579. Thomas Smeton is chosen Moderator. 1. John Duncanson the Kings Minister brings a Letter from his Ma. in these words; Right trusty and well-beloved, we greet you heartily well. Understanding of your present assembly at Edinburgh and for the rumors, that pass of some things, that are to be treated among you, that may seem prejudicial to that good order of government of the church and ecclesiastical policy heretofore long travelled-in, and hoped-for; We have taken occasion to show our mind in this behalf, unto the Minister of our own house and some other of your number, happening to be present with us, in this cause We have thought meetest to use them as our Messingers, to carry our letter, whereby we will heartily desire and affectuously admonish you, that in this our young age, the time being subject to so many difficulties and imperfections, to bestow your common care and good wills, to entertain peace & quietness in God's fear and Our due obedience, forbearing any proceeding at this time, that may touch matters heretofore not concluded by Our laws, or received into practice: but whatever in the former Conferences touching the Policy of the Church was remitted to be reasoned and decided by Our States in Parliament, let it rest without prejudging the same by any of your conclusions at this time, seeing Our Parliament now so shortly approaches, and that We are well pleased and content, that before the same, such matters as are not yet fully reasoned, may be further consulted upon, and prepared to pass in form of laws; And the meetest for that work to be expressly emploid therein, to the end, the things conferred & agreed upon, may be presented to Our Estates, to be approved in Our said Parliament, and due execution to follow for the advancement of God's true religion, and the repose of you and other our good subjects the members of the church of God within our realm; and for this cause that ye will not only be the authors and persuaders of common peace & concord among all of your own function, but among all other Our subjects generally, as in the particular Churches, where ye travel, that some men too busy to work the contrary effects, may find themselves disappointed, and that Our wholl Estate by your example may be rather disposed to conform themselves to a godly & peaceable course of living, which we are assured, shall be pleasing to God, and to us it will be most acceptable, as ye may persuade yourselves of our willing inclination, to set forward this action according to God's will and word, with all the diligence and good means, that may be used: and so looking to be informed of this Our reasonable request & admonition, We commit you unto the protection of God. At our castle of Sterlin July 5. 1579. It was directed, To our trusty and well-beloved the Ministers and others of the Church presently assembled at Edinburgh. This Letter was humbly received, read, and ordained to be registered. In answer, after some days Commission and full power was given first unto ten Barons with all the Commissioners of Provinces and six other Ministers and such as shall be directed from the Burghs or the most put of that number, To convene where the Parliament shall hold, two days before it's meeting, and there advise, conceive and form such heads and articles as they shall think meet to be proponed in name of the Church unto the Parliament, for maintaining God's glory and the good of the policy of the Church; To desire with all humility and affectuously to crave the same to be granted: To confer and reason there, upon the said heads and such as shall be proponed unto them, Even so as the assembly might do, if they were present. Likewise power was given to John Erskin of Dun, John Dunkanson, Andrew Hay, John Craig, Thomas Smeton and And. Melvin to pass unto the Kings Majesty and Counsel in Sterlin with convenient expedition to present the heads, articles and complaints [after following] with humble reverence and instance...........1. The Church craves, his Majesty make general prohibition, that none of the inhabitants of the realm send their children to Paris or any other University or town professing Papistry, under such pain as his Majesty and Counsel shall think expedient. 2. That his Majesty would cause the Provests and Masters of the Colleges of the University of Saint Andrews, to produce the foundations [or primary Grants] of these colleges, to be considered by his Ma. and such as he shall appoint; that these may be sighted, and reformation made therein, as shall be judged expedient. 3. Because some Jesuits are already within this country, that order may be taken with them, as is requisite. 4. Because one Minister is not sufficient to wait upon his Majesty and house, To crave tha • his Majesty would be content another of the best qualities within the realm to be joined with John Duncanson in the whole Ministry of his house. 5. Because in the last Conference at Sterlin at his M ^s command concerning the Policy of the church, some articles were referred to further conference, To crave that persons unspotted with such corruptions as are desired to be reformed, may be named by his Majesty to proceed in further conference of the policy, and time and place to be appointed for that effect. 6. Because the Church understandes, that his Majesty by advice of his Secret-counsel directeth Letters to stay the execution of the Acts of the General assembly: As also summoneth Ministers, that proceed in trial of excommunication, (which is pronounced by them, according to the word of God and discipline of the Church) And stayth the pronouncing of the same (as the Commissioners will declare particularly;) therefore his Ma. hereafter would suffer the Acts of the General assembly to be put to execution, and namely, that excommunication being pronounced may have due execution. Likewise the proceedings of the former Conference at Sterlin, were now read and conferred with the book of discipline. 2. The assembly weighing the apostasy of Ninian daliel Master of the grammar-school of Dumfrise, deposeth him simpliciter from the function of the Ministry, and suspends him from teaching the School, until als good experience be had by them of his good life as they have of his defection; And in the mean time ordains one of the Doctors of the school (if he be sound in religion) to teach that school; And ordains him to confess his offense, in the face of the assembly; and thereafter in the Church of Dumfrise, and other parts where he hath abused the simple people; and also publicly in presence of the Commissioner to revoke his errors, and profess the contrary truth, craving God and his Church pardon; And that immediately after his and the Commissioners passing home, Under the pain of excommunication, &c. This Ninian Daliel delivereth unto the assembly his judgment concerning the heads of religion, subscribed with his hand, protesting before God, that not for favor nor fear of flesh he affirmed the doctrine contained therein, and is minded to live always and dy in it. This paper is found to agree in all points with the judgment of the the Church. 3. Some questions were propounded by the Provincial Synods. 1. Because great inconvenients have ensued; and daily do ensue by Readers, a wholl Synod hath inhibit all Readers to Minister baptism, or solemnize marriage, permitting to them, but the proclamation of the banns, and simple reading of the text of Scripture; And now that Synod desireth an uniform order may be established through all the Provinces. Resp. So many Readers as any Synod findeth unmeet to solemnize marriage, let them be inhibited by them. 2. Sundry Ministers have plurality of Benefices, where by some Churches are disappointed of Service; It is craved that an universal order may be prescribed, that the Minister shall serve where his Benefice lieth or that he make provision for the same. Resp. It is agreed. 3. Presbyteries would be erected, where the Exercise is used, until the Policy be established by a law. Resp. The Exercise is a Presbytery. 4. Whit her any may be suffered to read in a Church, in • ase of necessity, without admission, although he be an Elder or deacon. Resp. Negatur simpliciter. 5. Whither it be lawful to marry on week-days, a sufficient number being present, and joining preaching thereunto. Resp. It is lawful. 6. What order shall be taken with these who absent themselves from the Communion, alleging the cause to be envy against their nighbour? and whither others that will not salute nor bear familiar company with their nighbours, and being required by the Minister, should be admitted? Resp. the first should be admonished, and the other should not be admitted without reconciliation, if it stay on his side. 7. Persons that after admonition go to May-plays should not be admitted to the Sacrament without declaration of repentance for that fault. 8. If persons go to a Popish priest to be married, they should be called to satisfy as fornicators, and after proclamations they should be married again, rhe other being null; and the priest should be punished. Lastly the next assembly is appointed to beginn at Dundy the second tuisday of July next. According to these Commissions, in the Parliament at Edinburgh October 20. it was. 1. Declared, that the Ministers of the blest Evangel of Jesus Christ, whom God of his mercy hath now raised up among us, or hereafter shall raise, agreeing with them that now live, in doctrine and administration of the Sacraments, and the people of the realm that profess as he now offereth in his Evangel, do communicate in the holy Sacraments (as in the Reformed churches of this realm are publicly administrat) according to the Consession of saith, To be the true & holy Church of Jesus Christ within this realm; And decernes and declares, that all and su • dry, who either gainsay the Confession of faith, professed in Parliament in the year 1560. as also specified......, Or that refuse the participation of the Sacraments, as they are now ministrat, to no member of the said Church........so long as they keep themselves so divided. 2. The King with advice of his three Estates declares and grants jurisdiction to the Church, which consists and stands in preaching the true word of J. Christ, correction of manners, and administration of the holy Sacraments; and declares, that there is no other face of Church nor other face of religion, than is presently by the favor of God established within this realm: and that there be no jurisdiction ecclesiastical acknowledged, than which is, and shall be within the famine Church, or which flows there from, concerning the premisses. 3. All markets and fairs were forbidden to be kept on the Sabbath-day, or in any Church or churchyaird; so all handy-work on the Sabbath-day, all gaming, playing, passing to taverns and aile-houses, and willful remaining from their parish-church in time of Sermon or prayers; and a pecuniall mulct laid upon the transgressors respective to be paid for the use of the poor of the parish. 4. An Act was made concerning these, who send their children out of country. 5. Every householder having lands or goods worth 500. pounds was obliged to have a Bible (which at that time was printed in folio) and a Psalm book, in his house, for the better instruction of themselves and their families, in the knowledge of God. 6. In the table of Acts not printed is mention of a Commssion anent the Jurisdiction of the Kirk, the last part thereof. Observe. 1. The Parliament in the year 1560. is acknowledged to have been a lawful Parliament. 2. We may see, that the discipline at that time in the Church, was authorised, and ordained to continue, Moreover what was the estate of the Church at that time, we may learn from an Epistle of Andrew meluin unto The. Beza, dated November. 13. An. 1579. We have not ceased these five years to fight against pseudepiscopacy, (many of the Nobility resisting us:) and to press the severity of discipline: we have presented unto his Roiall Majesty and three Estates of the realm both before and now in this Parliament, the form of discipline, to be insert among the Acts, and to be confirmed by pulick authority: we have the Kings mind bended toward us, but many of the Peers against us: for they allege, if pseudepiscopacy be taken away, one of the Estates is pulled down: if presbyteries be erected, the Rojall Majesty is diminished: if Church-goods be restored unto the lawful use, the Kings treasury is emptied: Seeing the B. with Abbots and Priors make up the third Estate: and all jurisdiction both ecclesiastical and political belongeth unto the King and his Counsel: and things ecclesticall should by their Sentence be adjudged unto the Kings treasure. That they do speak or think so, the cause in many is ignorance; in others, a wicked life and evil manners; and in many, a desire to catch the goods of the Church, which yet remain; or fear of losing what they have taken: and what shall I say of that, they hold, that the Sentence of excommunication is not lawful, until the cause be known by the Kings Counsel: for they knowing their own guiltiness, are feared for the Sentence of the Presbytery, not so much for fear of God's judgment, as for terror of the civil punishments, which by our laws and practice do follow: lastly whill they have regard unto the wisdom of the flesh, more than unto the reveeled word of God, they wish, that all things should be carried in the name and at the beck of a Bishop or one perpetual overseer, and would have nothing administered by the common sentence of the Presbytery. The Lord in mercy sweep away these evils from his Church. This epistle is in Vindic. Philadelph. Pag. 41. Immediatly before this Parliament the Duke d'Obigny, (afterwards styled Earl of Lennox) came into Scotland, to wit, in the last week of September. as Spotswood shows in Histor. Pag. 308. Now if we confer that time with what is written in that page, his spleen may appear against the truth: for he makes the Duke's coming to be a cause of variance betwixt the King and the Church, at the Assembly preceeding; where no difference was appearing: but afterwards some what follows. Jelousies and emulations were in the winter following among the Noble men, as the Earl of Athol Chancelor was envied, and died; and others fled out of the Country: but no variance did as yet appear betwixt the King and the Church-men.

XVII. In Aprile, 1580. a Proclamation was made in the Kings name ex deliberatione Dominorum Consilii, charging all Superintendents and Comnissioners and Ministers serving at Kirks, to note the names of all the subjects alsweel men as women suspected to be Papists or......And to admonish them......To give confession of their faith according to the Form approved by the Parliament, and to submit unto the discipline of the true Church within a reasonable space......; And if they fail......That the Superintendent or Commissioners present a catalogue of their names unto the King and Lord's of the Secret Counsel where they shall be for the time between and the 15. day of July next to come, to the end, that the Acts of Parliament made against such persons may be executed. The Assembly conveens at Dundy July 12. here was the Laird of Lundy Commissioner from the King, Commissioners, &c. James Lowson is chosen Moderator. 1. Some spake against the Privy Conference, as if tyranny and usurpation might creep-in by it, and liberty were taken from other members: nevertheless after reasoning it was judged expedient to continue. 2. John Craig one of the Kings Ministers delivereth this Letter from the King; Trusty and well-beloved friends, We greet you well. We have directed toward you our trusty friend the Prior of Pettinweem and the Laird of Lundy, instructed with Our power, for assisting with their power and counsel in all things that they may, tending to the glory of God, and preservation of Vs and Our Estates; desiring you heartily to accept them and Our good will committed to them for the present in good part: so we commend you to God's blest protection. From our palace of Falkland July 11. 1580. 3. Forsomuch as the Office of a Bishop, as it is now used and commonly taken in this realm, hath no sure warrant, authority nor good ground out of the Scriptures of God, but is brought in by folly and corruption of men's inventions, to the great overthrow of the Church of God; The wholl assembly in one voice, after liberty given to ail men to reason in the matter, and none opponing himself to defend the said pretended Office, Finds and declares the same pretended Office, used and termed as is above said, Unlawfull in itself, as having neither ground nor warrand within the Word of God; And ordains all such persons as use or shall use hereafter the said Office, shall be charged, to dimit simpliciter, quite and leave-off the same, as an Office whereunto they are not called by God, And to desist and cease from all preaching, ministration of the sacraments, or using any way the office of Pastors, until they receive de novo admission from the General assembly, Under the pain of excommunication, &c. And for better execution of this Act, it is statute, that a Synodal Assembly shall be holden in every Province, where any usurping Bishop is, and to begin August 18. next, where the Bishops shall be called and summoned by the Visitors of these countries, To compear before the Synodal assembly: namely, the Bishop of Saint Andrews to compear in Santandr. the Bishop of Aberdien......To give obedience unto this Act: which if they refuse to do, the saids Synodal assemblies shall appoint certain Brethren of the ministry, to give them public admonition out of the pulpit and warn them if they disobey, to compear before the next Gen. Assembiy, which shall be holden at Edin. Octob. 20. next, to hear the sentence of excommunication pronounced against them, for their disobedience. Unto this Act the Bishop of D • nblain consenteth, submitting himself to be ruled thereby. 4. Albeit sundry Acts have before been concluded in sundry assemblies, to stay unjust alienation and wasting the Church-rents & patrimony by such of the Ministry as have Benefices: and yet neither respect or fear of God, nor reverence to his Church, nor good laws set out in the contrary hath repressed their insatiable and cursed avarice from • o inordinate dealing, to the heavy prejudice of the Church, and common grief of all good men: For remedy thereof, the Brethren assembled, after reasoning and mature deliberation, with uniformity of votes have thought meet and concluded, that all persons within the Ministry, both they who usurp the style of Bishops, and others that shall be tried hereafter, to diminish the rents of their Benefice either by diminution of the old rentall by setting victual for small prices, or within the worth, or any other way unjustly dilapidating and putting away the rent thereof, by the sight and judgment of the General Assembly, shall underly the Sentence of excommunication without further process. 5. For purgation of the Church from scandal, the Assembly requires in the name of God, and desireth all men either gentle Men or others, convened at this time, if they know any within the Ministry scandalous in life, unable to teach, unprofitable or curious teachers, negligent in preaching, non-residents or desertors, having plurality of Benefices and offices, dissolute in manners, having mixed jurisdictions, givers of pensions out of their Benefice, or receivers thereof: To give their names in writ unto the Moderator and his assessors tomorrow at seven hours in the morning, that order may be taken with them, &c. 6. The Assembly after long reasoning hath concluded, that the Office of Readers, who have no more gift but simple reading of the Scriptures, is not an ordinary Office in the Church: and because some have moved the question, Whither in respect of necessity and circumstance of time they may be suffered to continue? the disputation of this is delayed until the next day: and then it was concluded, that all Readers shall be tried de novo by the Commissioners of Countries and their assessors so far as possibly they may, before the next General assembly: and so many as shall be found to have travelled in reading two years, and have not so profited, that they are able to be Pastors, shall be deposed from their reading by the Commissioners, as is said: And their diligence to be reported.....And because such Readers have no ordinary office within the Church, no simple Reader shall be capable of any Benefice, nor possess any in time coming, nor possess the Manse or gleeb, where is a Minister actually serving. 7. In Sess. 7. A Letter was brought from the Earl of Lennox, as follows: It is not (I think) unknown unto yow, how it hath pleased God of his goodness, to call me by his grace to the knowledge of my salvation, since my coming into this Land: wherefore I render most earnestly humble thanks unto his Divine Majesty, finding my vojage towards these parts most happily bestowed in this respect: And albeit I have made open declaration of my calling first by my own mouth in the Church of Edinb. and next by my hand writing in the Church at Sterlin, where I subseribed the confession of faith; yet I have found, it was my duty, ye being generally convened, to send this G▪ Man my Cousin and friend accompanied with my Letter, towards you, to make unto you free and humble offer in my name of due obedience, and to receive your will in anything that shall please you. I did farther in the accomplishment of my said confession, assuring you, that I shall be ready to perform the same with all humility; as also to procure and advance all other things, that may further the glory of God, and increase of his Church, the common well of the Country, and of the Kings Ma. service at my utter possibility; And so hoping in all time coming to be participant in your godly prayers and favor, I salute you most lovingly in Jesus Christ our Savior. From Saint Andrews July 14. 8. The Assembly hath recommended the execution of the Kings proclamation concerning Papists, unto all the Commissioners, as they will answer unto his Hieness and the Church. 9. It is thought meet to crave of his Hieness, that the Church may be restored unto the benefit of the Act of Parliament concerning the thirds, &c. 10. Compeares Henry kier Servitor to the Earl of Lennox, and declares, that albeit he had long remained in blindness and papistry, it hath pleased God to illuminate and call him to the knowledge of the true word, wherein by his gtace he is now resolved, acknowledging the same word to be truly preached & professed within this realm, and by Act of Parliament established; and to be the only true religion of God: wherein he is content either now or when the Kings house shall be settled, with his heart to subscribe at the will of the Church, &c. 11. After long disputation it is concluded, that it is not lawful by the word of God, that a Pastor be burdened with the charge or feeding of two sundry flocks, nor bear the name or be called Pastor of moe congregations than one. 12. Compeares Captain Anstruther, and lamented that he being in France some years since had given his bodily presence unto the Mass. albeit in his conscience he hated it as idolatry, and always keeped upright mind toward the religion professed in this realm; and feeling grief in his conscience for his defection. is come to declare his repentance unfeignedly for the same; submitting him to whatsoever correction the church will enioyn him; desiring to be reconciled: And in token of his sinceer meaning he held up his hand: As to the butchery and massacre of Paris, he declares, he kept the Kings gate of Lour at that time, but went no further. 13. The Act made before concerning the suspending of Collation of Benefices shall stand in full strength, with this addition, If any Collation or admission shall be given by any Visitor against the tenor thereof, it shall be null: And all Collations or admissions, that shall be given hereafter by any pretending the style of a Bishop, shall be null in itself. 14. It is ordained-that all Pastors or Ministers shall diligently and zealously travel with their flocks, to convene unto Sermon after noon on sunday, both they that are in landward, and in Burgh, as they will answer unto God. 15. In every provincial assembly certain assessors shall be named by them, to concur with the Commissioner, and shall subscribe with him in all weighty matters. 16. Commission and full power is given to five Barons, elleven Ministers, and three Commissioners of burghs or any six of them, to pass with all convenient diligence unto the King and his Counsel, with these heads and supplications. 1. that order may be taken with these, who put violent hands in Ministers, or trouble them in exercise of their office. 2. that these who are deposed from the office of Ministry, may also lose their Benefice, and other qualified persons be provided thereunto. 3. That punishment may be inflicted on them, who go in pilgrimages to churches or wells, as they who went lately to the rood of Piebls. 4. that presentations be directed to none other but them who have commission from the Gen. assembly according to the Act of Parliament. 5. that all Benefices vaiking be given to Ministers serving the cure, unless they be found unworthy, &c. 6. That order be taken with the Printer, who hath printed the Bibles, and cause him deliver them, &c. 7. In respect the Earl of Arran hath always showed godly zeal in defense of the religion and the common wealth, It would please the King and Counsel to resolve upon some good order, that may serve both for health and cure of his body, and confort of his conscience. 8. That the book of discipline may be established by act of Privy Counsel, until it be confirmed by Parliament. 9. To recommend a Printer Vautrollier, who is banished for religion, that he may have license. The next assembly conveenes at Edinburgh Octob. 20. Androw Hay is chosen Moderator. 1. The Bishops of Saint Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdien and Murray ar called, and compear not. Because the act of the last assembly hath not been followed against the Bishops of Murray & Aberdien, the assembly ordains (as before) the Commissioners of these countries, to put that act to execution, With certification, if they fail, they shall make public repentance before the assembly; and certain persons are appointed to summon all the other Bishops, to compear before the next assembly, to give their submission unto the special heads conferred and agreed-unto by the Bishops of Saint Andrews, Glasgow and of the Isles, and these conditions to be expressed in the summons, With certification, &c. 2. Some petitions were sent unto the King and Counsel, and the next day the brethren report, that the King will give a resolute answer the fifteenth day of the next month: and desireth to delay the plat or model of presbyteries till then. 3. Henry Kier comes, and in name of the Earl of Lennox, showing, that he hath been disappointed of a Minister for his family, craves, that the assembly would writ unto the French Church at London, for a Minister, for whose entertainment he will provide; as also he promiseth. that in the affairs of the Church either general, or what particular shall be recommended unto him, he shall affectuously employ his labors; and desireth, that no other opinion should be conceived of him, but as one, that meaneth truly toward God. James Lowson is ordered to writ and direct a Letter, as was craved. 4. Whether a Minister may be removed from his flock without consent of the flock? Resp. for good and necessary causes the assembly may remove him. 5. It is evident, that lately many apostates are received into the country, and are spread, namely in Anguise and other parts: therefor the Commissioners of Countries are ordained to put former Acts to execution against them in all points. 6. Concerning the Visitor of Countries, it is thought to sound unto corruption and tyranny, that such power stands in the person of one man, which should flow from the Presbytery; and nevertheless the estate for the present time, and want of order for constituting Presbyteries, suffereth not present alteration, It is judged meet, that the Clerk-Register shall be requested to concur with John Erskin of Dun, Ro. Pont, James Lowson, David Lindsay, John Craig and John Duncanson, or any thry of them, to lay and advise a model of the Presbyteries and constitution of them, and report their judgment unto the next assembly; And in the mean time the Visitors shall continue in their Visitations. 7. Full power and commission is given to four barons, to John Craig, John Duncanson, Ro. Pont, Ja. Lowson, Pa. Adamson, James Boid. Da. Lindsay, Tho. Smeton, Ge. Hay, An. Hay, Adam Johnston, David Ferguson, David Macgill, and the Commissioner of Edinburgh or any six of them, To compear before the King and Counsel November 15, and crave answer unto the articles given since the former assembly, and to confer and reason upon them, With power unto them or the most part of them to resolve, decern and finally conclude in name of the Church with the King and his Counsel thereupon, &c. 8. The Assembly (having received the Kings consent in writ) removes Andrew Melvin from the College of Glasgow unto the new Celledge of Saint Andrews; and Thomas S • eton from the Church of Paisley unto the College of Glasgow. 9. Whither a Minister leaving his Ministry. and applying himself to a Civil office, may be chosen an Elder of a Church? Resp. he should not, but rather be challenged for his desertion. 10. John Brand is ordered to deliver unto the Justice-Clerk the Kings command in writ for raising Letters against Nicol burn. Observe. 1. How freely the assembly goeth-on in establishing the discipline: it was not done rashly, but after many reasonings and conferences both in public assemblies and other meetings appointed by the Chief Magistrate and the Church; liberty of opposing and arguing being granted to every man; and at last episcopacy was condemned, the Kings Commissioner consenting in the assembly, and four Bishops submitting, one in Dundy; and three expressly mentioned in this at Edinburgh, of whom we find two employd as Commissioners, to treat for closing the remaining differences. 2. If we look back to the years preceeding, we may understand, what was the power of Superintendents, to wit, more and more power was committed (according to the necessity of time) unto them, yer not unto them personally, but with concurrence of others; and so, that in every assembly they made their accounts of fidelity and diligence: but after the year 1576. they and others, which were called Commissioners of Countries, were called Visitors; and in this last assembly their power is declared to • ound unto corruption & tyranny: and because of present necessity are continued for a half year, until the Presbyteries were universally modeled. The Presbyteries were ever aimed at, and in some parts begun: but this winter following with consent of the King and by his commission they were constitute through all the realm, as follows in the next assembly. 3. We have heard a complaint here of many Apostates come into the country, and namely in the end is mention of Nicolburn: he was a professor of Philosophy in S. Leonards College, and became a Papist. At that time were found some dispensations sent from Rome, permitting Papists to promise, swear and subscribe, and do what other thing might be required of them, so that in mind they continue firm, and use diligence to advance privily the Roman faith. These dispensations were showed unto the King: for remedy at first he gives order unto one of his Ministers John Craig, to writ a form of abjuration of Papistry. In obedience John Craig writes a Confession relative unto the former Confession (which was wholly positive) and abjuring all the corruptions of Rome, both in doctrine and superstitious rites, and wholl hierarchy, together with a promise, to continue in the obedience of the doctrine & discipline of this Church, and to defend the same to our vocation and power all the days of our life's, under the pains contained in the law, and danger both of body and soul; And he addeth,

This Confession was subscribed by the King & his household January 28. 1580. or (according to the r • ckoning of other Countries) 1581. and a charge was given by the King March. 2. and it was proclaimed, commanding Commissioners and Ministers to urge their parishoners, to subscribe this Confession, and to delate the Refusers unto the Ministers of the kings house; that the K. and Counsel may take order with them; and more of it follows. In the mean time to-wit, December. 31, the Earl of Morton was challenged; Januar. 18. he he was imprisoned at Dunbarton: Juny 1. he was arraigned and condemned (for that he knew the plot against the kings father, and did not reveel it;) and the next day beheaded. A rare example of human frailty: he who lately was Governor of the realm, and in the preceding year wa • the object of the great Ones envy, was brought so unexpectedly to such a death. Before his execution he remembered what John Knox had said unto him, and called him a true Prophet.

XVIII. The Assembly conveens at Glasgow Aprile 24. year 1581. where was Will. Cuningham of Caprintoun commssioner from the king, Commissioners from Synods, &c. Robert pont is chosen Moderator. 1. Forsomuch as for purgation of the Ministry from unworthy persons in that function, Order was taken in the last Assembly, that all men whither Ministers or others should give up the names of scandalous Ministers, as they will answer unto God; yet by shortness of time no great effect followed; Therefore (as before) the Assembly requires all men, as they tender the glory of God and the weell of his Church, that they delate and give up the names of such persons in writ tomorrow after noon, &c. The Original Register wanteth the third and fourth Sessions. 2. Whereas in the Assembly at Dundy in the Act against Bishops some difficulty appeared unto some brethren by the word Office, what is meant by it; The Assembly present consisting (for the most part) of them, who were present, and voiced in that Assemb. to resolve men of the true meaning of that act, Declares, that they meaned, wholly to condemn the estate of bishops as they are now or lately were in Scotland, and the same was the determination of the Church at that time. 3. The Kings Commissioner delivereth the Kings Letter; together with certain rolls containing a form of planting particular churches and the number and names of the presbyteries, with the names of churches within every Presbytery. The Assembly appointes certain persons within several Provinces to convene tomorrow at six a clok in the morning, to sicht these rolls, and report, &c. 4. The Assembly having received from the King some demands propounded in writ, with the answers unto the Articles, that were presented unto his Ma. by the Church; and a Copy of a Letter to be directed unto Barons, and Ministers for union and division of Churches, with the names of the persons, that were appointed to travel in that work; And thereby understanding the godly and zealous mind of his Ma. did praise God heartily, the He had moved the Kings heart to have a care of his Church; An • first entering into consideration of the Answers thought good, to insist with the King and Counsel in these articles. 1. That it would please his Ma. to appoint a Judge in Edinburgh to cognosce and judge of injuries don to Ministers in execution of their Office, and to punish according to the quality of the crimes; and appoint a Proctor for the Ministers injured. 2. That an act of Parliament may be made, concerning the deprivation of scandalous Ministers, and the causes of deprivation to be expressed in the act. 3. That the Benefices vaking may be disponed unto the Ministers, where the Benefice vakes, if they be able, as it was agreed in the Conference at Sterlin. Followes the tenor of the Kings propositions given by his Commssioner, with this inscription; Instructions to our trusty and well-beloved Willam Cuningham of Caprintoun, directed by Us with advice of the Lord's of the Secret Counsel, Unto the Assembly of the Ministers of the Church convened at Glasgow Aprile 20. 1581. You shall deliver Our Letter unto them, and let them understand, that such of their number, as travelled with Us having desired Our answer unto their Articles sent from the Assembly in Dundy in July last, We caused some of Our Counsel confer with them at several times in Octobe • last, as also lately: which all find the matter concerning the thirds of the Benefices mentioned in the first of these Articles, as there required, not to be the readiest means either to make the Ministers assured of their stipends, or to make Us any reasonable support thereby for relieff of the common charges of our estate, there being so great alteration and diminution of the Rents, and so great confusion other ways entered in that matter, during these 20. years and more now by past; And therefore a form and order must be prescribed, likely to have continuance unto posterity, to the removing of all occasions of complaint: For furtherance thereof, there is (by commandment, and advice of such of our Counsel and Ministers, as conferred on this purpose) some form drawn, how Elderships may be constituted of parishons lying together; small parishons to be united, and the great divided for the better sustentation of the Ministers, and the more commodious resort of the people to their churches. There is also the form of Our Letter, to be written to some of the principal Noble and Gentle men and certain of the Ministers within the bounds of every Eldership, To convene advise and report unto Vs their advice in things required by Us in Our said Letter betwixt and the 24. day of Juny next. This we thought convenient, to communicate with you unto the assembly to be convened at Glasgow: Requiring them in Our name to consider thereof, and to send Vs their opinion and judgment concerning this intended work, and of anything, that they would wish either to be added or diminished in the form of Our Letter, or otherwise, before the same shall be directed: where in if care & diligence shall be taken by them, as Our intention (God willing) is to do for the furtherance thereof, as becomes Vs, We have no doubt, but God shall send fruitful success of Our travels, to the removing of the great disorder & confusion now standing, for want of reformation. These grounds advised well, and agreed-upon, apparently it shall not only with reasonable time make the Ministers to be finally provided of their livings, but it shall bring the Ecclesiastical discipline to be far better exercised and execut over all this real • , than it is presently: It being declared first, what every Presbytery may cognosce-upon; next what shall be in every Synodal Assembly: and last what causes shall be de • olved to the General assembly, and what persons shall orderly need to repair thereunto, and have vote There. The report of these Our Letters returning the sooner, it may be provided by diligent travels so, as the good order now intended may take beginning at the first day of November next without longer delay; and if our Parliament upon any necessary occasion shall be convened in the mean time, the said order, or so much thereof as shall be in readiness, may be past and approved in form of law. The second article was answered in such sort, as We trust they were satisfied with it. To answer the third Article, the desire thereof must be more special, before it receive a special answer: They have to consider, in whose default and negligence the persons complained-upon in the fourth Article, remain unpunished. Our answer to the fifth Article is sufficient, until upon farther advice it may be made more special. Order is taken concerning the desire of the seventh article. There is some order already begun for the further help and comfort of the Earl of Arran. which shall be followed, as occasion shall serve. We have caused and still will cause the Conference to be kept for furtherance of all things requisite, that may set foreward the Policy, whill the same may be established by law. Our former answers are reasonable, and no opposition hath been in the contrary. Moreover you shall let the assembly understand, that in the particular conference by past, sundry matters have been agreed-on in general terms, as they were talked-of, and put in memory; but not put in such form & terms, as is meet to be put in Articles unto Our Estats in Parliament, to be approved as particular laws: and therefore let the assembly appoint some of their number to extend and put these articles in such form and order, as they would wish them to be past in Parliament, specially in these Heads, That the assembly will inquire and cause inform Vs, of the special names of persons culpable in the faults noted in the Act of their assembly at Dundy, to wit, That the Bishops and Commissioners may be admonished, to refuse Readers the titles of Benefices vaking since November 1. although presentation hath happened to be. That the assembly declare, how many sufficient and welqualified Ministers are presently in Scotland, and in what place they wish them rather ro serve; And that they give their advice, how other churches, whereunto Ministers cannot be had presently, may be served, until mo Ministers may be had, and the present old possessors of the Benefices be departed this life. That they give us their opinion and advice of that portion of the rents perta • ning to the Churches before the alteration of religion, which they think shall fall unto Us, if all Benefices were now vaking; And in the mean time what we shall have yearly for suport of Our estate and public affai • s of Our realm; that they consider the form and proceeding, how the taxation for the spiritual men's part, shall be paid in time coming; as also to make us some likely & good overture for the persons, that shall occupy the place of the Spiritual Estate in Our Parliament in time coming, and after the decease of the present possessors of the place, in respect of the great decay of the rents: That they send Us their good advice, how a form of judgment may be established (until a Parliament) for calling of persons provided to Benefices since our coronation, to be deprived there from, upon the clauses irritant contained in their provisions, for not doing their duty in their vocations, bu • leaving their charges, and meddling with secular business; That the assembly give their advice upon the form of presentation that We shall give unto these, that shall be provided to Benefices, if this Order take effect, to whom our presentation shall be directed; what shall be the form and order of the trial or how shall the person be tried, and what form of admission and Collation. In answer the assembly propoundes these Heads to be considered as a ground; That (besides the diocies of Argyle and the I • les, of which bounds rentalls were never given up) there are in Scotland about nine hundred and twenty four churches: of these, sundry are small parishons, and some are of greater bounds, that the parishoners may not conveniently convene to their parish-churches: It is thought meet therefore, to reduce these 924. churches to 600. and every church to have a Minister; Their stipends to be in four degrees; an hundred at 500. Marks the piece; two hundred at 300. Marks the piece; two hundred at 100 pounds the piece; and one hundred at 100 Marks the piece; or somewhat more or less, as it may be modified according to the possibility of the rent paid in that place. These considerations are to be taken, although all the Benefices were presently vaking. Where the parsonage and Vicaradge at any church are now severed Benefices, to be all united or annexed into one for the better sustaining the Minister there; These 600. churches to be divided into 50 presbyteries, twelve to every presbytery or thereby; Three of these presbyteries, or mo or fewer, as the Country lieth to make one Diocy orsynod, according to a form after following, to be considered: of this certain number of Presbyteries shall be the Synodal assembly: and every Synod shall appoint the place within that Province for their next Synodal meeting: Of persons directed from the Synodal assemblies, shall G. Assem. consist: Churches thus divided into quarters to be provided unto one man; and if these quarters be annexed to another Benefice, the quarters to be dissevered out of the provisions of the persons to be provided unto these Benefices when they vake; The churches divided inter Pr • bendarios, to be given to the Ministers as they vake; All Benefices provided to Ministers, to be divided the year of their decease equally betwixt their wifes, children or exequitors, and the Intrant Ministers; young men coming from the Shools shall be only promoted to the stipends or Benefices of the lowest degree: and the eldest or of greatest learning, judgment & experience to be promoted to the highest rank, and so to ascend gradatim, as they shall be judged worthier from three year to three year for better eschuing ambition & avarice: and that the charge of the greatest congregations be not committed to the youngest Ministers a