Chapter 7

VIII. Anent the _competencie of Presbyteries and parochins_, that some proportion may be keeped, both anent the number and distance of place: It would seem expedient that this generall Assembly should appoint a Commission for every Shyre, where there is such necessitie, that the particular Parochins and Presbyteries within the bounds be duely considered, and overtures be these of the same commission given in to the provinciall Synods, and by them to the generall Assembly, that there they may be advised, and ratified.

_The Assembly referreth this to the care of the particular presbyteries._

IX. Anent the _entrie and conversation of Ministers_: It is expedient that the act of Assembly holden at _Edinburgh_, _March 24. 1595._ Sess. 7. be ratified, and put in execution in every Presbyterie, and to that end, that they get a coppie thereof, under the Clerks hand whereof the tennour followeth.

Act Sess. 7. March 26. of the Assembly at _Edinburgh_ 1596.

“_Concerning the_ defections in the ministerie, _the same being at length read out, reasoned, and considered; The brethren concluded the same, agreeing there-with: and in respect that by Gods grace, they intend reformation, and to see the Kirk and ministery purged; to the effect the worke may have better successe, they think it necessar that this Assembly be humbled, for wanting such care as became in such points, as is set down; and __ some zealous and godly brethren in doctrine, lay them out for their better humiliation; and that they make solemne promise before the Majestie of God; and make new covenant with him for a more carefull and reverent discharge of their ministerie. To the which effect was chosen_ Mr. John Davidson; _and Twesday next at nine houres in the morning appointed, in the new Kirk, for that effect: whereunto none is to resort, but the ministrie: the forme to bee advised the morne in privie conference._”

The tennour of the advise of the brethren; depute for penning the enormities and corruptions in the ministerie, and remead thereof, allowed by the generall Assembly here conveened. 1596.

_Corruptions in the office._

“_For as much as by the too sudden admission and light tryall of persons to the ministrie, cometh to passe that many scandals fall out in the persons of ministers: it would be ordained in time comming, that more diligent inquisition and triall be used of all such persons as shall enter into the ministrie._

“_As specially these points. That the intrant shall be posed upon his conscience, before the great God, (and that in most grave manner) what moveth him to accept the office and charge of the ministrie upon him._

“_That it be inquired, if any by solistation, or moyen, directly or indirectly, prease to enter in the said office: And, if it bee found, that the solister be repelled; and that the Presbyterie repell all such of their number from voting in the election or admission as shall bee found moyeners for the soliciter, and posed upon their conscience to declare the truth to that effect._

“_Thirdly, because by presentations, many forcibly are thrust into the ministery, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter that they were not called by God: It would bee provided that none seeke presentations to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie within the bounds whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the contrarie, they to be repelled as_ rei ambitus.

“_That the triall of persons to be admitted to the ministrie hereafter, consist not only in their learning and abilitie to preach, but also in conscience, and feeling, and spiritual wisedome, and namely in the knowledge of the bounds of their calling in doctrine, __ discipline, and wisedome, to behave himselfe accordingly with the diverse ranks of persons within his flock, as namely with Atheists, rebellious, weak consciences, and such other, wherein the pastoral charge is most suited, and that he be meet to stop the mouthes of the adversaries; and such as are not qualified in these points to be delayed to further tryal; and while they be found qualified. And because men may be found meet for some places who are not meet for other, it would be considered, that the principall places of the Realme be provided by men of most worthie gifts, wisedome and experience, and that none take the charge of greater number of people nor they are able to discharge: And the Assembly to take order herewith, and the act of the provinciall of Louthain, made at_ Linlithgow, _to be urged._

“_That such as shall bee found not given to their book and studie of Scriptures, not Carefull to have books, not given to sancification and prayer, that studie not to bee powerful and spiritual, not applying the doctrine to corruptions, which is the pastorall gift, obscure and too scholastick before the people, cold, and wanting of spiritual zeal, negligent in visiting of the sick, and caring for the poore; or indifferent in chosing of parts of the word not meetest for the flock, flatterers and dissembling at publick sins, and specially of great personages in their congregations, for flattery, or for fear, that all such persons bee censured, according to the degree of their faults, and continuing therein, bee deprived._

“_That such as be slothfull in the ministration of the Sacraments and irreverent, as prophaners receiving the cleane and uncleane, ignorants and senselesse prophane, and making no conscience of their profession in their calling and families, omitting due tryall or using none, or light tryall, having respect in their tryall to persons, wherein there is manifest corruption; that all such bee sharply rebuked, and if they continue therein, that they be deposed._

“_And if any be found a seller of the Sacraments, that hee bee deposed_ simpliciter: _and such as collude with slanderous persons in dispensing and over-seeing them for money, incurre the like punishment. That every Minister be charged to have a Session established of the meettest men in his Congregation, and that Discipline strike not only upon grosse sins, as whoredome, blood-shed, &c. but upon sins repugnant to the word of God, __ as blasphemie of God, banning, profaning of the Sabbath, disobedient to parents, idle, unruly ones without calling, drunkards, and such like deboshed men, as make not conscience of their life and ruling of their families, and specially of education of their children, lying, slandering, and backbiting and breaking of promises: and this to be an universal order throughout the Realme, &c. and such like as are negligent herein, and continue therein after admonition, be deposed._

“_That none falling in publick slanders, be received in the fellowship of the Kirk, except his Minister have some appearance and warrand in conscience, that hee hath both a feeling of sin, and apprehension of mercie, and for this effect, that the Minister travell with him, by doctrine, and private instruction to bring him here-to, and specially in the doctrine of repentance, which being neglected, the publick place of repentance is turned in a mocking._

“_Dilapidation of benefices, dimitting of them for favour, or money, that they become laick patronages, without advise of the Kirk, and such like interchanging of benefices, by transaction and transporting of themselves by that occasion, without the knowledge of the Kirk, precisely to be punished: Such like, that setting of acts without the consent of the Assembly, be punished according to the acts: and that the dimitters in favours for money, or otherwise to the effect above-writen: bee punished as the_ dilapidators.”

Corruptions in their persons and lives.

“_That such as are light and wanton in their behaviour, as in gorgeous and light apparell; in speech, in using light and prophane companie, unlawfull gaming, as dancing, carding, dycing and such like; not beseeming the gravitie of a Pastour, bee sharply and gravely reproved by the Presbyterie, according to the degree thereof: and continuing therein after due admonition, that hee bee depryved, as slanderous to the Gospel._

“_That Ministers being found swearers, or banners, prophaners; of the Sabbath, drunkards, fighters, guiltie of all these or any of them, be deposed simpliciter; and suchlike, lyars, detracters, flatterers, breakers of promise, brawlers, and quarrellers, after admonition continuing therein, incurre the same punishment._

“_That Ministers given to unlawful and incompetent trades and occupations for filthie gain, as holding of ostleries, taking of ocker beside conscience and good lawes, and bearing worldly offices in noblemen and gentlements houses, marchandise, and such like, buying of victuals, and keeping to the dearth, and all such worldly occupations, as may distract them from their charge, and may be slanderous to the pastorall calling, be admonished and brought to the acknowledging of their sins, and if they continue therein, to be deposed._

“_That Ministers not resident at their flocks, be deposed according to the acts of the generall Assembly, and laws of the Realme: otherwise the burthren to be laid on the Presbyteries, and they to be censured therefore._

“_That the Assembly command all their members, that none of them await on the court and afairs thereof without the advice and allowance of their Presbyterie. Item, that they intend no action civill without the said advice; except in small maters: and for remeding of the necessitie, that some Ministers hath to enter in plea of law, that remedie bee craved, that short processe bee devised, to bee used in Ministers actions._

“_That Ministers take speciall care in using godly excercises in their families, in teaching of their wives, children, and servants, in using ordinarie prayers and reading of Scriptures, in removing of offensive persons out of their families, and such like other points of godly conversation, and good example, & that they at the visitation of their Kirks, try the Ministers families in these points foresaid, and such as are found negligent in these points, foresaid after due admonition, shall be adjudged unmeet to govern the house of God, according to the rule of the Apostle._

“_That Ministers in all companies strive to bee spirituall and profitable, and to talke of things pertaining to godlinesse, as namely of such as may strengthen us in Christ, instruct us in our calling, of the means how to have Christs Kingdome better established in our Congregations, and to know how the Gospel flourisheth in our flocks, and such like others the hinderances, and the remeeds that we finde, &c. wherein there is manifold corruptions, both in our companying with our selves, and with others: and that the contraveeners thereof be tryed, and sharply be rebuked._

“_That no Minister be found to contenance, procure, or assist a publick offender challenged by his own Ministers, for his publick offence, or to bear with him, as though his Minister, were too severe upon him, under pain of admonition and rebuking._”

Anent generall Assemblies.

“_To urge the keeping of the Acts anent the keeping of the Assembly, that it may have the own reverence and majestie—_”

_The Assembly having heard the whole act read, most unanimously alloweth and approveth this article._

X. Anent the defraying of the expenses of the Commissioners to the generall Assembly, referreth and recommendeth the same unto the particular Presbyterie, and especially to the ruling Elders therein, that they may take such courses whereby, according to reason and former acts of Assemblies, the Commissioners expenses to this Assembly, and to the subsequent, may be born by the particular parochins of every Presbyterie, who sendeth them in their name, and to their behalf, and for that effect, that all sort of persons able in land or moneys proportionally, may bear a part of the burthen, as they reap the benefit of their paines.

_The Assembly referreth this unto the care of the particular Presbyteries._

XI. Anent the _repressing of poperie and superstition_; It seemeth expedient that the number and names of all the _Papists_ in this Kingdome be taken up at this Assembly, if it may be conveniently done, and if not, that it be remitted to the next provincial Assemblies, that it may appear what grouth poperie hath had, and now hath through this Kingdome, what _popish priests_, and _Jesuit_ there be in the land; and that all persons of whatsoever state and condition, be obliged to swear and subscribe the confession of Faith, as it is now condescended upon by this general Assembly, that they frequent the word and Sacraments in the ordinar dyets and places, otherwise to proceed against them with the censures of the Kirk, and that children be not sent out of the countrey without license of the Presbyteries or provinciall Synods of the bounds where they dwell.

_The Assembly referreth this article to the severall Presbyteries._

XII. Anent order to be taken that the _Lords Supper be more frequently administrat_ both in burgh and landward, then it hath been in the year by gone: It were expedient that the act at _Edinburgh_ _December 25. 1562._ Sess. 5. bee renewed, and some course bee taken for furnishing of the elements, where the Minister of the Parish hath allowance only for once in the year.

_The Assembly referreth this to the consideration of Presbyteries, and declareth that the charges be rather payed out of that dayes collection, then that the Congregation want the more frequent use of the sacrament._

XIII. Anent the entrie of Ministers to the ministrie: The Assembly thinks expedient that the act holden at St. _Andrews_, _April 24. 1582._ Sess. 7. Touching the age of _twenty five years_ be renewed, and none to be admitted before that time, except such as for rare and singular qualities shall be judged by the general or provincial Assembly to be meet and worthie thereof.

_The Assembly approveth this article._

XIV. Anent _mercats on Monday and Saturday_ within Burghs, causing intollerable profanation of the Lords Day, by carying of loads, bearing of Burthens; and other work of that kinde: It were expedient for the redresse thereof, that the care for restraining of this abuse be recommended by the Assembly unto the severall Burghs, and they to bee earnestly entreated to finde out some way for the repressing of this evill, and changing of the day; and to report their diligence there anent to the next generall Assembly.

_The Assembly referreth this article to the consideration of the Burrows._

XV. Anent _the profanation of the Sabbath day in Landward_, especially for want of divine service in the afternoone: The Assembly ordaineth the act of Assembly holden at _Dundie, __ July 12. 1580._ Sess. 10. for keeping both dyets, to be put in execution.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

XVI. Anent _frequenting with excommunicat persons_: The Assembly ordaineth that the act at _Edinburgh_, _March 5. 1569._ Sess. 10. to wit, _That these who will not forbear the companie of excommunicat persons after due admonition, be excommunicat themselves, except they forbear_, to be put in execution.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

XVII. Whereas the _confession of the Faith_ of this Kirk, concerning both Doctrine and Discipline, so often called in question by the corrupt judgement and tyrannous authoritie of the pretended Prelats, is now clearly explained, and by this whole Kirk represented by this generall Assembly concluded, ordained also to bee subscribed by all sorts of persons within the said Kirk and Kingdome: The Assembly constitutes, and ordaines, that from henceforth no sort of person, of whatsoever quality and degree, be permitted to speak, or write against the said Confession, this Assembly, or any act of this Assembly, and that under the paine of incurring the censures of this Kirk.

_The Assembly alloweth this Article._

XVIII. Anent _voicing in Kirk Sessions_: It is thought expedient that no Minister moderating his Session, shall usurpe a _negative_ voice over the members of his Session, and where there is two or moe Ministers in one Congregation, that they have equall power in voicing, that one of them hinder not the reasoning or voicing of any thing, whereunto the other Minister or Ministers, with a great part of the Session inclineth, being agreeable to the acts and practise of the Kirk, and that one of the Ministers without advice of his colleague appoint not dyets of Communion nor examination, neither hinder his colleague from catechising and using other religious exercises as oft as he pleaseth.

_The Assembly referreth this article to the care of the Presbyteries._

XX. Since the _office of Diocesane_, or lordly Bishop, is utterly abjured, and removed out of this Kirk: It is thought fit that all titles of dignitie, favouring more of poperie than of Christian libertie, as _Chapters_ with their elections and consecrations, _Abbots_, _Priors_, _Deans_, _Arch-deacons_, _Preaching-deacons_, _Chanters_, _Subchanters_, and others having the like title, flowing from the Pope and canon law only, as testifieth the second book of Discipline, bee also banished out of this reformed Kirk, and not to bee usurped or used hereafter under ecclesiastical censure.

_The Assembly alloweth this Article._

XX. Anent the _presenting either of Pastours or Readers and School-masters_, to particular Congregations, that there be a respect had to the Congregation, & that no person be intruded in any office of the Kirke, contrare to the will of the congregation to which they are appointed.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

XXI. Anent _Mariage without proclamation of bans_, which being in use these years by-gone hath produced many dangerous effects: The Assembly would discharge the same, conforme to the former acts, except the Presbyterie in some necessarie exigents dispense therewith.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

XXII. Anent _the buriall in Kirks_, the Assembly would be pleased to consider anent the act of Assembly at _Edinburgh_ 1588. Sess. 5. if it shall be put in execution, and to discharge funeral sermons, as favouring of superstition.

_The Assembly referreth the former part of this article anent buriall in Kirks to the care of Presbyteries, and dischargeth all funerall sermons._

XXIII. Anent _the tryall of Expectants_ before their entrie to the ministrie, it being notour that they have subscribed the confession of Faith now declared in this Assembly, and that they have exercised often privatly, and publickly, with approbation of the Presbyterie, they shall first adde and make the exercise publickly, and make a discourse of some common head in _Latine_, and give propositions thereupon for dispute, and thereafter be questioned by the Presbyterie upon questions of controversie, and chronologie, anent particular texts of Scripture how they may be interpreted according to the analogie of Faith, and reconciled, and that they be examined upon their skill of the _Greek_ & _Hebrew_, that they bring a testificat of their life and conversation from either Colledge or Presbyterie, where they reside.

_The Assembly alloweth this article._

XXIV. The Assembly having considered the order of the provincial Assembly, given in by the most ancient of the Ministrie within every Province, as the ancient plate-forme thereof, ordained the same to be observed, conforme to the roll, registrat in the books of Assembly, whereof the tennour followeth.

_The order of the Provincial Assemblies in_ Scotland, _according to the Presbyteries therein contained._

1. _The Provincial Assembly of_ Mers _and_ Tividail.

The Presbyteries of _Dunce._ _Chirnside._ _Kelso._ _Ersliltoun._ _Fedburgh._ _Melros._

The bounds. _Mers._ _Tividail._ _The Forrest._ _Lauderdail._

To meet the first time at _Fedburgh_, the third Twesday of _April_.

2. _The Provincial of_ Louthian.

The Presbyteries of _Dumbar._ _Hadingtoun._ _Dalkeeth._ _Edinburgh._ _Peebles._ _Linlithgow._

The bounds. east _Louthian._ w. _Louthian._ _Tweeddail._

To meet the first time at _Edinburgh_ the third Twesday of _April_.

3. _The Provincial of_ Perth.

The Presbyteries of _Perth._ _Dunkel._ _Aughterardor._ _Striviling._ _Dumblane._

The bounds. The Shyresdome of _Perth_ and of _Striviling Shire_.

To meet the first time at _Perth_, the second Twesday of _April_.

4. _The Province of_ Drumfrees.

The Presbyteries of _Dumfrees._ _Penpont._ _Lochmabane._ _Middilbee._

The bounds. _Niddisdaill._ _Annandaill._ _Ewsdaill._ _Eskdail._ _Wachopdaill._ & a part of _Galloway._

To meet the first time at _Drumfrees_, the second Twesday of _April_.

5. _The Provincial of_ Galloway.

The Presbyteries of _Wightoun._ _Kirkubright._ _Stanraver._

The bounds. The Shyresdome of _Wigtoun_, and _Stemartie of Kirkubright_.

To meet the first time at _Wigtoun_, third Twedsay of _April_.

_The Provincial Synod of_ Aire _or_ Irwing.

The Presbyteries of _Aire._ _Irwing._

The bounds. The Shyresdome of _Aire_.

To meet with the Provincial Synod of _Glasgow_ _pro hac vice_, the first Twesday of _April_.

6. _The Provincial Synod of_ Glasgow.

The Presbyteries of _Pasley._ _Dumbartane._ _Glasgow._ _Hammiltoun._ _Lanerik._

The bounds. The Shyr. of _Lennox_, the Barrony of _Renfrow_, the Shy. of _Clydsdail_ over and nether.

To meet with the Provinciall Synod Synod of _Aire_ and _Irwing_ at _Glasgow_, _pro hac vice_.

7. _The Provincial Synod of_ Argyl, _desired to bee erected in several Presbyteries, according to the note given in._

The Presbyteries of _Dunune._ _Kinloch._ _Inneraray._ _Kilmoir._ _Skye._

The bounds. The Shyrisdomes of _Argil_ & _Boot_, with a part _of Loohabar_.

To meet the first time at _Innereray_, the fourth Twesday of _April_.

8. _The Provincial Synod of_ Fife.

The Presbyteries of _St. Andrews._ _Cowper._ _Kirkadie._ _Dumfermling._

The bounds. The Shyresdome of _Fife._

To meet the first time at _Cowper_ in _Fife_ the first Twesday of _April_.

9. _The Provincial Synod of_ Angus _and_ Merns.

The Presbyteries of _Meegle._ _Dundie._ _Arbroth._ _Forfair Brechen Merns._

The bounds. The Shyresdomes of _Forfair_ and _Merns_.

To meet the first time at _Dundie_, the third Twesday of _April_.

10. _The Provincial Synod of_ Aberdene.

The Presbyteries of _Aberdene._ _Kincairdin._ _All-foord._ _Garioch._ _Ellan Deer._ _Turreffe._ _Fordyce._

The bounds. The Shyresdomes of _Aberdene_ and _Bamfe_.

To meet the first time at _new Aberdene_ the 3 Twesday of _April_.

11. _The provincial Synod of_ Murray.

The Presbyteries of _Innernes._ _Forresse._ _Elgin._ _Strabogie._ _Abernethie._ _Aberlower._

The bounds. The Shyresdomes of _Innernes_ in part, _Nairn_ in part, _Murray Bamf_ in part, _Aberden_ in part.

To meet the first time at _Forresse_ the last Twesday of _April_.

12. _The provincial Synod of_ Rosse.

The Presbyteries of _Chanrie._ _Taine._ _Dingwall._

The bounds. The Shyresdome of _Innernes_ in part.

To meet the first time at _Chanrie_, the second Twesday of _April_.

13. _The provincial Synod of_ Cathnes.

The Presbyteries of _Dornoch._ _Weeke._ or _Thurso._

The Bounds: _Cathnes._ _Sutherland._

To meet the first time at _Dornoch_, the third Twesday of _April_.

14. _The provincial Synod of_ Orkney _and_ Zetland.

The Presbyteries of _Kirkwall._ _Scalloway._

The Bounds: The Shyresdome of _Orkney_ and _Zetland_.

To meet the first time at _Kirkwall_, the second Twesday of _April_.