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FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON. D. D.

BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO

THE LIBRARY OF

PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

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V

THE

SERVICE

DISCIPLINE

AND

FORME.

O F T H E

COMMON PRAYERS

AND

Adminiftration of the Sacraments,

U fed in the

Englifli Church of G E N E V A.

As it was approved by that mod reverend Diviae, M. lohnCalvin-, KnAihtO^mchoi Scotland.

Humbly prefcntcd to the oioft High Court of PARLAMENT5thisprefentyeare5i64i!

LONDON^ Printed for fVilliam Cookf at FurnifaUf lme» I tf 4 If

ih

,7J

a ii T -sj o

?-trirrrr-r- rP^,^-^ ,...,,.,..,,

WILLIAM STEWART TO THE

CHVRCHOF SCOTLAND.

Sonnet,

TUoH Utik Churchy to whom Chrijl hah refior*d The clcdre hfi light of hU Evangellpure : Th) God doth with all diligence procure^, That with his word:fhH msijl be Ji Hide cor* d.

Though tho^have long hit whokfome truth abh^rd^ Tet his great mercies did thy hlindntjjc curt^ Submitting thee^ unto the carcfuU cure^ Of/uchpaflours^as trnely teach his word.

Out ojwhofe hands(what great thanks)n0W receive f All Davids Pfalmes^fet forth in pleafant verje : j4 greater gift of them then could ft not crave ^ Whofe endlejfe fruit ^my pen cannot rehearfe ' For here thon haft^ for every accident That may occurre^adoflrinepertimnt*

T f-T F

C O N F E S S I Q N

OF o

F A I T E7

Ufcdiflthe EngliTh Cbhgregdtioriat

,.-'"-"-^-'' GENEVA;

Received and approved by the Church of SCOTLAND.

^^^Tf -a«»«aa»'7' ' Beleeveandcanfefle'nwLord .»„„, .„-

inGod t he ^s*KSbP^ "'■ ^^ j - u • /- • ' ^, Rom. lo;-

PathprAl ^^Gr«#L God cternaU,infipite , unmeafu- k G«n 17.

niiahtv ^Ml !^^ "'''^- incomprehenfibU and in- P'"'- «.J>

Heaven P^| ^^ ' '"■'^^ m P^non .Father, Sonne Eph.,. : mihmh. mA^^m^^lJi an<lholy Ghort, who by his Al- '' Gen. <• horl, „„. I c ™ghty <• power and wifdome, ' ',' '',8 ^H rh^nJ °i; ^ "•'^ nothing cr«ted Heaven.earth and ^h': : ' aHthmgs therein contained, and man after his own '- s. I'T'.^f'f '^'^ "I'ght inhim be ' glorified.but alfo ,' <^"- '• byh.s 'father^ providence governeth, maintaineth' 'puT "a:

ofJrwSi"" '^'^'"''' '""^"^'"s "» "'^ ' p^pof^ 'I'!;"

WCor.<SIoh.,7.Pr<,..,.,M,t.<r.Luke,7. , P« j. Phil.,. 1. Fp^h",': '"

• A I

a^ The Confejfionef the Faith.

I Believe alfo and confefle ^ Tefirs Chrift theonely Saviour and Mefrias,who being equall with " God,

KOc% 4*

b joh.i.* made himfelfc of no reputation , but t®oke on him

Phil.Ji thefhape of a fervant,and became 'man in all things

1 Tia. J. lilccuntous f finne except ) to ^ afTure us of mercy

Rom'/5>- and forgivencffc. For when through our Father And in Jc-

c Heb. 1. * Adams tranfgrefTion wee were become children of [us chrifl

Philip. 2. perdition, there was no meanes to bring us from his oncly

d RomV. that yoke of finne and damnation , ^ but onely le- Sonne our

I joh.2. fus Chrift our Lord : who giving us that by 8 grace, Lord.

c Geo. it^ which was his bv nature, made us through faith ^hichfirns

EpK ^he fa children of* God , who when the ' fulnefTe of -'""ived

Gal 9- time was come, was conceived by the power of the '"'5' ^^^^loly

f Ads 4. holy Gholl, borneof the virgin Mary according to ^^^^'

ifti'28 ""' the fleiTi,and preached inEarth the Gofpell of falva- ^.°"i! °^.

Rom 9- tion: till at length^y tyranny of the Priefts, he was X^ ^*rg»^

g Job. I- guiklefTe condemned under Pontius Pilate,the prefi- suffX'cd un.

Rom v. dent of lury, and moll fclanderoufly hanged on the dcr Pontiu*

Plalme* 2* crofle between two theeves as a notorious trefpaffer, ^''*.^*j "^**

I Gal. 3 where taking upon him the k puniflimentofour fins! ?"h and hn

fo?M. * ^c dellverecTus from the curfc of the Law. ""a.

£pb. 1.

^Gala.4.Roai.f.ira.t3. AQia.io.Ifa,7.Luke5. Rom. i. n A<2j, 12. Ioh.7.

Maus^ukeij. ^ Gala j.

1 Afts 2. And forafmuch as hee , being oncly God , could j?*^'** not feele death,neither being only man, could ovcf- «p*aUa, come death, he joyncd both together, and fuffered Mat. 27. his humanity to be punifhed with moft cruell death. He dcfccn- H*b?* feeling in himfelfe the anger and fevere judgment of dcd into XJal-i-Ri^ God, even as if he had beene in the extreme / tor- Hell. 5. ments of Hell , and therefore cryed with a loud

I Job,!* vcyyce , m My God,my God, why haft thou forfakcn mee ?

Thus of his free mercy without compulfion , hec offered up himfelfc as the only lacrificc to purge the fmncs of all the World , fo that all other facrifices for finne are blafpheraous and derogate from the fufficicncy hereof. The which deathjajbeit it did M- ■ C0I0.1, £cientlyw reconcile us to God, yet th» Scriptures

com-

thcConfejJionoftbcFuHht 3

commonly rioc attnlure ow regeneration to his ^ a m to. The third ^ Refurredion. For as bye rifing againe from the [^l^'^^^l^^ dny hcjcfc gj-iye the third day, hce a conquered death, even fo M\t ^i ag:iinc f 6 ^^^ yiftory of our faith Ibndeth in his Refurrcaion : ^ Cor. 15. the Earih. ^^ therefore without the one wee can not fcele the ^ ^P'* "•

\ encfit of the other. For as by death e finne was ta- 2 Cor.ij*

ken away, fo our righteoufneiTe was reftored by his 'R-cm 4*

P.erurre(fiion.

And becaufe hee would / accompli^ all things, ^ ^^^

and tal\e poirefTion for us in his Kingdome , hee ^ af-^ Joh.'i^". H^afcen- cended into Heave » to enlarge that fame Kingdome ephi. dcd into jjy (j,g aboundant powf r of his b Spirit : by whom Lukc*[* *^* Heaven. ^,gg ^j.^ ^qQ^ aflured of his continuall / incercefTion Aftsi. ^'

toward God the Father for us. And although hee »'Cor. 15.

be in j Heaven , as touching his corp®r*ll prefence, \^^^^ *^ Andfitteth where the Father hath now fet him at his h right Aa! z. at ihc right 'i^n*^* committing unto him theadminifbation of all ' Rom. 8. hand of <^ things, afwcll in Heaven above , as m the Earth f j^^',^ God the bcncath,yetis he i prefent withus his members,eYen 1 AiSs 1*0.^, Father Al - to the end of the World , in preforvi^g and gover- ^ Colo. ^ mifihty. ning us with his effeduall power and grace , whoy^j"'^',

!' when all things are e hjlfilLed , whi(3i God hatji u.*'* '*'' poken by the mouth of all his Prophets fince the < E^h- '• From World began ) will come in the / fame \ifible form, ?,^'/'^, *• thence in the which he afcended with an unfpeakable g Ma- a mVjI. (hall hce jgfty^ power and con-pany to feparate the Lambes « aOs 3. * come to from the Goates , the eledt from the reprobate : fo ^jjf* '* 3U(!gc the ^^t Ij none . whether hce be aUve then, or dead be- 'hUip^r* cjuick and fore.fliall efcape his judgement. n Mat t*.

the dead. r j z> ^^^^ ^^^

1 Cor. J 5. « Their, 4.1 Thcfl; u i Tia».4*

IbdicYc Ik ^Orcever . I bele«ve andconfcfle the holy * Mat. ;.

in the holy JVJ.G^ft* ' God cquall with the Father and the J J*/;

Choft. Sonne, who rcgcnerateth and fan(5tifieth us, ruleth 1 cor, i. andguideth us into all truth , perfuadingmoftafTn- J<*-»tf» redly in our ii confciences , that we be me children t roJ^J; of God, brethren to lefus Chrift, and fellow heircs oaUt. u^ ■with him of life ererlafting : yet notwithftanding it knot fttfiScieac to beleeve that God is omaipoceat^

A 1 and

4 The Confejjion af the Faith.

b Abac. 3.*rt^ merciful!, that Chrift hath made {ati$fadion,or

Rom. I 10, that the holy Ghoft hath his power and eflfed , ex-

1 loh.j. ™f ^cc (Joe ' apply the fame benefits to our felves

i Mat'iff*. "wnich are Gods ele<ft.

loh to. ' I beleeve therefore and confefTe one holy -fChurch, The holy :

Eph. $. which ( as : members ot lefus Chrift the onely Cuh )lick

cfn^!!.' /head thereof )' confent in faith, hope and cha- CImrch,

• EpK I. rity,ufing the gifts of God ^ h whether they be tern- • h^." com- CoicifT I. porall or fpiriniall , to the profic and furtherance of -Ki^ioa of 1 Pph ?' ^he fame, which Church is not feene no mans eye, ^'-ir^^S'

g Eph 4. but only knowne to God, who of the loft fonnes of Phil. 5. Adam , h^ ordamed fome as /^ veftels of wrath to *Aasi. 4. damnation,' and hath chofen others, as veftels of Rom. 11. bi^ mercy, to be faved : the which alfo in due time, I CoMj.' .jfce ' call th to integrity of life and godly con- ?E!^1* . veifation , to make them a glorious Church to him,

* rlom II, ^ .f ' ^

k Ro 9. lelte;

Eph I. But that Church which is //i vifible and feene to

1 Ro 8. ji^g gye^ hath three tokens , or markes , whereby it m mVm'?. may be knowne. Firft the /; word- of God contained I'Cor. 15/ in the old and new Teftament,which as it is above " M>^i3. the authority of the fame Church, and onely " fuffi- aCor. 5. cient to inrtruft us in all things, concerning falva- Eph.x tion, fo it is left for /ail degrees of men , toreade loh. 10. and underrtand. For without this word r neither

2 Pet"u Church,councell^ or decree,can eftablifh any point o Eph,2 touching falvation.

Mat 17. Thefecond is the holy '^Sacraments , to wit, of

fVkso. Baptifme and the Lords Supper, which Sacra-

a Tim j . ments Chrift hath left unto us , as holy fignes , and

q Tor. /. feales of Gods promifes. For as by Baptifme , once

r°Eph.*c. ^^^ •ived,is fignified that wee ( afwell infants , as o-

Mat. 15! thers of ige and difcretion ) being ftran2:ers from $ Mat.2<5 »8 God by originall Cinnc, are received into his family-

Eph'.' v. ^^^ congregation,with full afturancc , that although

« Ro-nly. thi^ rootc of finne lie hid in us , yet to the rhySl it

Eph. a (hall not bee imputed : fo the >- Supper declareth

Gab.ii ^^*' God,as a moft provident Father , doth not on-

Rom- 7.

»Ronj.4« Pralm:.3i,w x .Cor*iit

M

The CofifjpoHoftheFaiih. 5

ly feede our bodies , but alfo fpiritually nouriih our foules with the < graces and berjefits ofChri(i'( which «ich. tf, the Scripture calleth eating ot his fleih, and d inking of his blood) neither muft wcin theadminilhation of rhefe Sacraments follow mans phantadc , but as ]^^'^' Chriil himrdfe hath ordained , fo muft they be mi- x°viaV.8. niftred : and by fuchasby/ ordinary vocation are L-ke 17. thereunto called. Therefore whoiocvcr refervcth J^'l |^» and worlliippeth the-fe Sacraments, or contrariwife ,7c*)rs^l contcmncth them in time and place , prcaueth to b Rom 13/ himfelfe damnation. \Vu,6.

, The third marke of this Church is EcclcfiafHcali i p'tuL . difcipline, which ftandeth in admonition , ahd cor- ' ^^^ ^' re(5lion of faults. The finall end wiiefeof isexcom- , Knz.il2a munication, by the confent of the Church deter- ' chr.29.35. mined , if the offender be obftinate. And befidcs «; ''^*"^i« 4- this Ecclefiaflicall difcipline , I acknowledge to be- ^^^^ ^*^ lonCT to this Church a politicall > Magiflrate : who i,\ \^\ minifireth to every man julHce, defending the good, Heb. 9. 10; and punifliing the evill. To whom we muft render ^?V* j* honour and obedience in all things , which are not Ro"t^.7.' c contrary to the Word of God. G-Ia 5.

And as J Mofes^Ezechias, Iofias,and other godly Rom. 14. rulers purged the Church of God from fuperfiition, T*im.4. and idolatry, fo the defenfe of Chrifls Church ap ^^or '*'* pertaineth to the Chriftian Magillrates , againlt all \ CoxX 10. idolaters and heretikes,asPapills,Aaabaptifts, with - Cor, <s. fuch like lirnmes of Antichriff, to roote oat'all''"'^^''^* * £ clo(5lrrne of Devills and men, as the MafTe, purga- ^cot 2! tory , '.rimhm pjtnn^, prayers to Saints , and for the Gala. 4. dead, freewill, diftindlion of meates , apparrelland ^ ^^'''J^^' dayes,vowcs of fingle life, prefence at idole fervice, Tj,h^!,V.

The for- "^^"^ merits , with fuch like , which draw us from a Cor. j.

givencffe ^^^ Society of Chrilh Church , wherein Ihndeth ^^j^-* ^°'

of fins. 1 oncly remiftionof finnes, purchafed by Chrif^s g '^ p^j 2^ blood, to all them that belceve , whether they bee JuHe. lewcs or Gentiles, and lead us to vaine confidence ^""^ ^ in creatures , and truft in our owne imaginations. \ ^y* J**

Rcfurrefti- The punifhmcjnt whereof, although God oftentimes phiip.' 15'.

on of the^deferrethinthis ife : yet after the generali / Re-iThefl;^.

body. A 3 furre^tion.

6 Tfje Confijpm oftheFatth .

fiuTcd^ion , when our foules and bodies fliall rife The Rc- caTfcefl;4. againe to immortality , they lliall bee f damned to funcclton iJoh.i» unquenchable fire : and then wee , which have for- of the I (a.30, fjj^cn all mans wifdome to cleave unto Chrift , (hall Jcad. ^il\^i,2^, hcare the joyful! voycc^ /Come yee blelTedofmy Father, inherite yee the Kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the World , arid fofhall f iTher,4j5 go triumphing with him , m g body and foule , to ioh.5. remaine everlaftingly in glory , where wee fliall fee k*cor. n. G<xi k face to face, and thall no more neede one to I ioh.5* * inftru6t another : for wee fliall all know him from J^*J* the highefl to the loweft : to whom with the Sonne and the holy Ghoft bee all praife,iionouf , and glory now and ever. So be it.

OF

OFTHE MINISTERS and their Eledion.

Whac things are chiefly required IntheMinifters,

LEt the Church firft diligently confider that the Mini(!er^ * which is to be chofen, be not found culpable of any fuch faults , which Saint Paul reprehendeth in a man of that vocation : but contrariwife, indued with fuch ver- tucs,that he may be able to undertake his charge, and diligent- ly execute the fame. Secondly, that he diftribute faithfully the "VYord of G#d, and minifter the Sacraments (incerely, ever careful! not onely to teach his flocke publikely , but alfo pri- vatly to admorrifh them , remembring alwayes , that if any thing perifh through his default, the Lord will require it at his hands.

of their office and duty.

BEcaufe the charge of the Word of God h of greater t im- • « Cor. % portance, then that any man is able to difpenfe therewith, Lukixi. and Saint Paul exborteth to b efteeme them , as Miniftersof * i cor! Clirift,and difpofers of Gods myfteries, not c Lorcfs, or Rulers^ » Cor. 4. as Saint Peter faith , over the flocke : therefore the Pallors or ^ c^^^* Minifters chiefe offitfe , ftandeth in i preaching the Word of Ma^ao.' God, and miniftring the Sacraments, fo that in confolations, ^ Mat.2^.28 judgements,eledionsand other politicall affaires his e counfcll, ^^^' ^ rather then authority takcth place. And if fo bee the Congre- Aasj* ft*i ^« gation upon juft caufe agree to Excommunicate, then it be- icot.i.i5« fongcth eo the Minifter , according to their / gcnerall deter- * ^^' *®* mination , to pronounce the fentcnce,to the eiid that all things r , c^\ ^^ may be done^ oi?dcrly and without confoiion, 1 x Cor.i.

Thf-

8 , OftheMwiJl.

The manner of cle&ing the Paflonvr MHiJjfers.

T He N4inifters and Elders at fuch times , as there wjnteth a MinHter,aireinble the whole Congre^arion,exhoitingthem to advife and confider who may beft Terve in that roome and office. And if there ',be choife , the Church appoint two Of three upon fome certaineday to be examined by the Minil'^ers and Eiders.

Firil, as touching their doftrine, whether he that (hould be . Miniiler , have good and found knowledge in the holy Scrip- tures, and fit and apt gifts to communicate t c fame to the e- dification ofthe people. For the triall whereof , they.propofe him a theamc,or text to be treated privatly, whereby his habi- lity may the more manifelHy appcare unto them.

Secondly,they inquire of his life and converfation, if he have in times part lived without fiander, and governed himfelfe in fuch fort as the Word of God hath not he^rd evill, or beenfe flandred thrpugh his occafioii , which being feverally donc^ they fignifie unto the Congregation whofe gifts they find mofl meete , and profitable for that Miniftery : appointing alfo by a gcnerall confent eight dayes at the lead that every man may diligently inquire of his life and manners.

At the which time , the Minifter exhorteth them to humble

» Afls 15.& themfelves to God , by j failing and prayer, that both their e-

14- ledion may he agreeable to Iiis will , and alfo profitable to the

Luke 5. cluircji. And if in the meanefeafon , any thing be brought

againll him , whereby hee may be found unworthy by lawtuU

probations, then is he difmifred,and fome other prefentcd. if

nothing be alledged : upon fome certaine day , one of the Mi-

nifters at the nporning Sermon prcfentcth him againe to the

Church/raming his SermojJ , or fome part thereof,to the fet-

b I Cor. 10 ^^"s ^°^^^ ^^^^* ^"^y •

Coioffj. ' Then at after-noone,the Sermon ended, the Minifterexhor- M at. 9.' teth them to the eleftion^with the invocation of Gods Name, Coilnf^' 5" direding his prayer, as God fhall move his heart. In like EphV ^ manner after the eleftion, the Minifler giveth thankee to God Pfiilip.i. with rcqueft of fuch things , as ihall be nectary for his office^

After

Ofthenlderr:

After that he is appointed Minifter, the people fingaPfalMC and depart.

Of the BUersj and/fs teaching their of- fice and EU3ioH*

THe Elders muft be men of good life, "and godly converfati- on, without blame and all fufpition, carrfuU for the flock,

wife^and above all things, fearing God.

Whofe office ilandeth in governing with the reft of the Mi- nifters, in conful ing, admoniftiing , correcting and ordering all things appertaining to the ftate of the Congregation. And they differ from the Minifters,in that they preach not the word, nor minifter the Sacraments. In aflembling the people,neither they without the Minifters , nor the Minifters without them may attempt any thing. And if any of the juft number want, the Minifter by the confent of the reft , warneth the people thereof, and finally admonifhcth them to obferve the fame or- der,which was ufed in chufing the Minifters,as far forth as their vocation reqiiireth.

'Of the Deacons and their office andEk&ion.

THe J Deacons muft be men ©fgood eftimation and report, • ^as tf. difcreet, of good conrcience,charitable,wife,and finally in- ^ ^""• dued whith fuch vertucs , as Saint Paul reqiiireth in them. Their office is, to gather the almes diligently,and faithfully to j^ j. ^ , h diftribute it, with the confent of the minifters,and Elders : al- * '

fo to provide for the 1 ck and impotent perfons , having ever a diligent care , that the charity of godly men be not wafted up- on loyterers and idle vagabonds.Thcir eleftion is, as hath been afore re hcarfed in the Mmifters and felders.

JV^ a^fyj.Qt jgnorant that the Scrifif^rfs' maJ^ mrtticn c£a

. fourth kind of Mimfiers , /ffi to the Char ch (fC^^^t

which aifo Are a/try j>ro^iaihj^, wh<rt %ith« t^Mf^^^J.^.

I fcrmit. 3 Thcff

^o OfthtCanfiJtBrf

€ iCw, r. ji^yj Min^PS if^e ^alidd c Teachers or DoEim.-^hofe df^

ficeistoinftrHEl and teach the faifhffil/irt found doBrifie^

providiffg whh Ml diligence^ that the furity of the Gofftll

be not corrupt^ either through i^Horance, or evill epini-'

ons^ liotwithflandiv^ , conficLfring the prefent finite of

things, we comprehend undjr this title fUch m^jnes,^ as

Godhath in his (^hnrch y that it JhoHld nat hse left d-^f^

■ Utt , nor jet his io^rine decay ^ for difanlt of Adimfiers

. thereof

lUPrefffre 'td t'erffte it By a WTrdmore ufttn^l in theft our daye U

"^'v^e may call It the order of Schooles , wher/?in the hlghef

{decree andmofl annexed to the Minlflery and government

\ ^ihe (^hurchj is the expofition of Gods fVor^y contained

nii^thsrMandHewTefiament. , i .

,in : f3ut b4CS!4ft men cays net fo well, profit in that knotv*

^^'^fi^f^'t^c'^ft they ^firfi^ in^m^'ed in the tongues and

' ^umaffefciences^ ( for now God worketh net commonly by

^'miracles) it iSriece^ary that feed be fownefor the time

to cement 0 the intent that the (fharch be not left barrm^ C^

y^afltoourfofterity,andthxt Schooles alfo be ere5leJ, and

Qolledges nfointained with jufl drtd /undent ftipends

Tvhereinyouth may be traimd in the l^mledge and feare

ofGod^ that in their fife age th:y mAj prove worthy mem-

hersi ofoHY Lord leftn Qhrifi^hether it be to rmle in civill

' flsJifi^nr toferVe in thefpiritt^all mlniftery^ or elfe to live

TO the intent,that the Miniftery of Gods Word may be had in reverence , and not brought to contempt through the e- villconverfation of fuch , as are called thereunto, and alfo that feules and vices may Qocbylongfuflrrancc grow at length

to

:..m,,JiJ^^

iHterfretdti&ff. ij

to extreme idconvcnienccs : itisorciaiocdtfcatfiverfthurfdi^ the Minifters and Elders in their .^qfTetobly tor cotififlotyitlih- gently examine all fuch faults and fufpicions , as may be efpicd, uotonely among othcrs,but chiefly among thcmrclves,4eft^facy ^ fceme to be culpable of that which our Saviour Chrift j reprp-Lufc^^.*^* ved in the Pharifes,who could cfpy a mote in another mans eye, tVom-i. and could not fee a beame in their own.

And becaufe the b eye ought to be more cleare then the reft i> Mat. <?, of the body , the Minifter may not be fpotced with any vice, ^u^e n. but to the great llander of Gods Word, whofe meffage he bea- reth. Therefore it is to be underftood that there be certaine faults, which if they be deprehended in a Minillcr , hee ought tobedepofed jasherefie, papiftry, fchifme , blafphemy, per- juiy/ornication,theft, drunkenneffe, ufury, fighting, unlawful! games with iiichiik^., . ,' - rr • '^ !>• ;;'-;.>?) ^^ni^iH /^

Others are raov6 tolerable^ iffo ht th^t after, brot3ierri^a^ monition he amend /lis fault: as .ftrange and unprofitable fafliion in preaching the Scriptures^euriofity in feeking vaine queftions, negligence, afwell in his Sermons , and in ftudying the Scrip- tures, as in all other things coccerning his vocation, fcurrility^ flattering,lying, backbiting, wanton words, deceit,^covetouf-^ neire,tauntir>g, diiTolution in apparrell , geftur,eand other his doings , which vices as they be odious in all men , foin-him that ought to be as an example to others of perfection , in no wife are to bee futfered : efpeciaily^fo bee that according to Gods rule,being brotherly advcrtifed, . he acknowledge pot his fault and amend. jiiif t viv.; --::ir:

Jnierpretuiionof the Scriptures.

Every weeke once the Congregation aflemble to helre f^me place ofthe Scriptures. orderly exponnded. At which time k is lawful! for every man to fpeake or inquire as God fliall move his heart, and the Text minifter occafion , fo it be without pertinacity pr difdaine , as one that rather fecketh to ^ profit then to contend. And iffo be any contention rife , then filch as are appointed Mcdeiators, either fatisfie the party, oi c.fc if he fceme to cavill , exhort him to Jteep^fiieACe/efeft-ing "

B i 3:odo>,br::;:»^-'tfiW .

12 C^nfejjion.

the judgewent thereofto the Mini(lefs,and Elders, to be d^ter- snined in their affcmbly before mentioned.

ff ivkti the Con^egAilon if A^^mhUd at the h.^ure appointed^ the Aiinifter ufe)h thuconfejfion^or Hk^ in effe^^exhorting the people dili^entlj to ex Amine themfelves, folbwingin their Is^arts- the ttnor ofhU words.

THE CONFESSION OF

OEternall God and moft mcrcfuU Father, wee confofle,. and acknowledge here before thy divine Majefty,that we FfaT lY. ^^ miserable j itnncrs , conceived and borne in fin and

bGiil. 5, iniquity,fothatinus thereisno>goodnefle. For the c flelTi e-- c ic e. 3, vermore rebelleth againft the fpirit, whereby wee continually ' **'^* tranfgrcfle thine holy precepts, and Commandements, and fo purchafe to our felves through diy juft judgement death and damnation. Notwithftanding,0 heavenly Father, forafmuch as we are difpleafed with our Iclves for the finnes that we havc^ committed againft thee , and do unftiinedly repent us of the fame, wee moft humbly^ befeech thee for Jcfus Chrifts fake, to (hew thy mercy upon us,toforsive us all our finnes, and to in- creafe thine holy Spirit in us, that we acknowledging fromthc botomeofour hearts our own unriqhteoufnefTe , may from henceforth not only mortifie our finfufl lofts and aflfedlions, but alfo bring forth fuch fruits , as may be agreeable to thy moft blefled will : not for the worthinefle thereof,but for the merits of thy dearly beloved Sonne lefus Ghrift our onely Saviour, whom thou haft already given an oblation and offering for our finnes,and for whofcfake we are certainly perfi^aded, that thou wilt deny us nothing , that wee (hall askc in his name,accor- ding to thy will* For thy Spirit doth afliire our confcicnces, that thou art * our mercifull Father , and iio loveft us thy chil- dren through him,that nothing is able to remove thine heaven- ly grace and favour from as.To thee therefore, O Father, with the Sonne and the h©ly Ghoft be all honour and glory ,World withoutend,Sobcit.

AN-

ANOTHER CONFESSION AND

Prayer commonly ufed in the Church of

SdmboroMgh^on thcdayofcom- monPraycrfr

ODreadfull and moft mighty God, thou that from the bef- ginning haft declared thy felfe a confuming fire , againft the contemners of thy moft holy precepts,and yet to the penitent finners, haft alwayes. (hewed thy felfe , a favourable Father,and a God full of mercy ; we thy creatures , and work- manlliip of thine owne hands , confefTe our felves moft un- worthy to open our eyes unto the Heavens, bat farre lefle to appeare in thy prefence. For our confciences accufe us , and our manifeft iniquities have borac witncflfe againft us, that we have declined from thee. We have beene polluted with do- latry : wee have given thy glory to creatures, wee have fought fupport where it was not to be found , and have lightlyed thy moft holefome admonitions. The manifefl corruption of our lives in all cftates , evidently proveth , that we have not right- ly regarded thy ftatuces,lawes, and holy ordinances. And this was not onely done, O Lord , in the time of our blindneflc : but even now, when ofthy mercy thou haft opened unto us an entrance to thine heavenly Kingdome , by the preaching of thine holy E vangell , the whole body of this miferable Reaime ftill continueth in their former impiety. For the moft part, alas, following the footfteps of the blinde and obftinate Prin- ce{re,utterly crcfpife the light of thine Evangell, and delight in ignorance and idolatry : others live as a people without God, and without all feare ofthy terrible judgemems. And fome,0 Lord, that in mouth profefle thy blefted Evangell, by their flander,u«lifeblafpheme the fame. Weai*e nor ignorant , O Lord,that thou art a righteous iudge,that cannot fuflfer iniqui- ty long to beunpunifhed upon the obftinate tranfgreiTors.efpe- cially.O Lordj when that after folong blindneftfe and horrible 4cfefldon from thee/o lovingly , thou calleft us againe to thy

B 3 favouf'

14 ^Ffafcrs.

favour and fellowdiip, and that yet we doe obftinatly f ebelf, we have, O Lord , in ourextrcame oaifcry called unto thec^ yea, a^en Vt^ien ^e>af ptared utterly to have beene confumcd tn the fury of our cni{iniej,-7P.rth?T\ dnlft fhou ir.ercifully incline ttiine eiares lintjO us.Thoufouglitcn: For us' even by thine owne power, whetiinus there was neither wildome nor force. Thou alone brakeft theyoake from our necks , and fet us at liberty, • when wee by our foolLflineffe had made our fclves flavesunto ftrangers,and mercifully unto this day hall thou continued with us the light of thine Evangell, and lb -ceafell hot to laea^ liji- onusbenefit£,bcthfpintuallandtemporall. Butyetala$, O Lord, we clearl/ fee,that our gpeat ingratitude cravcth farther punifhment at thy hands , the fignes whereof are evident be- fore our eyes. (For thewhifperingof icdition : the contempt ofthy graces offered , and the maintenance of Idolatry, are afllired fignes of thy firther plagues to fall upon us in particu- lar for our grievous offences . And this unmeafurabh untcm- peratnefTcofthe ayre , doth alfo threaten thine accuftomed plague offamine , which commonly followeth ryotous exceffe andcontempt of the poore,wherewith alas, the whole earth is replenifhed )

We have nothing. O Xord, that we n?dy lay betwixt us and thy judgement,but thine only mercy , freely offered unto us in thy deare Sonne our Lord lefus Chrill , purchafed to us by hiis death and pafTion.For if thou wilt enter into judgement with us thy creatures, and keepe in minde our grievous finnes and of- feaccs.then can there no flefli efcapecondefn nation. And there- fore, we moft liumbly befeech thee, O Father of mercies, for Cbrift Tcfus thy Sonnes fake,to take from us,thefe llony hearts, who fo long have heard , afwell tliy mercies, as fcvere judge- mcnt5,and yet have not beene eflfedlually moved with the fame, and give unto us hearts mollified by thy fpirit , that may both conceive and keepe in mind the. reverence that is due unto thyMajefty. Looke,0 Lord,unto thy chofen children labor- ing under the imperfe£lions of the flcrh,and grant unto us that viSory that thou haft promifed unto us by lefus Chrift thy foil our only Saviour,Mediator and lawgiver. To whom with thee and the holy Ghoft be all honor and praife now and ever.

A ConfeJfioH, I J

A CONFESS ION OFSINNES.

and petitions made unto God inthetime of our

cxtrcamecroublcSjandyet c6mmonly ti(cd in the Churches oiScetUrJclhdQXQ the Sermor.

ETernall and everlafting God,father of our Lord lefus Chriff, thou that ilieweft mercy and keepeft covenant with them that love,and in reverence keepe thy comma ndements,cven when thou powrell forth thy hote difpleafure >and jiill judge- ments upon the obftinat inobedient : We here , proih ate our felves before the throne of thy Majefty , from owir hearts con- f effing, that julHythou hall nunifhed us by the tyranny of ftrangers.and that more juftly thou mayeft bring upon.us againe the bondage and yoake which of thy mercy for a feafon thou haft removed: our Kings, Princes, and people in WindnelTe have rcfufed the word of thine eternall verity , and in fo doing , we have refufed the league of thy mercy offered to us, in Ufus Chriftthyfonne, which albeit thou nowoi thy mecre mercy haft offered to us againe in fuch aboundance , that none can be cxcufed by reafon of ignorance , yet not the leffe to the judge- ment of men^impietv overfloweth the whole fecc of this realm. For the great multitude delight themfelves in ignorance and Idolatry : and fuch alas , as appeare to reverence End imbrace thy word , doe not exprcffe the fruits of Repentance, as it be- eommeth the people, to whom thou haft {hewed thy felfe fo mercifull,and favourable. Thefe are thy juft judgements O Lord,whereby thou punifheft fin by fin , and man by his ownc iniquity /o that there can be no end of fin,except thou prevent US with thy uhdefferved grace. Convert us therefore, Q Lord, andfYp-'dft^allbe c<myertcd , fuffer not our nnthatikfulneffeto ^focUreofthynKyftju!^ judgements, tRifftrangers againe im- pirc above us,netheryet that the light of thy Evangellbe taken ft-bm us.Bet howfoever it be , that the great multitude be alto- gether rebelUous.andalfo that inois there rcmaincth perpetuall

imptr-

l6 Trsyeru

impcrfcdions , yet for the glory of thy owne Namt , and for the glory of thy only beloved Sonne lefus Chrift, whofe verity and Evangell thou of thy mcere mercy haft manifefted amongft us : it wilTpleafe thee to take us into thy protcdHon , and in thy defence,that all the World niay know, that as ot thy meerc mercy, thou haft begim this worke of our falvation amongft us, fo ot this fame mercy thou v^'iU continue it. Grant us this: mercifull Father/or Chrift lefus thy Sonnes fake. So be it.

y Thi>6 done^the people fin^ a T^faime all together in a pUint tune: which ended^the A'finifitr prajeth for tlyc ajpftance. of Gods holy Spirit, as the fame fljdll move his hexrt^ and fo proceedeth to the Sermo/i^ uft»^ after the Sermon , this frajcr foUowing^or fnch iikf.

A

A rrayerforthcvohokfiateofChriJij church .

Lmighty God , and moft mercifull Father , we humbly fub.Tiit our felves and fall downe before thy, Ma;e%,4>e- fceching thee from the botomc of our hearts , thatithis; £eede of thy word, now fowne among us, may take fuch deep roote,that neither the burning heatc of perfccution caufe it to wither, neither the thorny cares of this life do choke it , but that as feede fown in cood ground , it may bring forth thirty, iixty and an hundred fold, as thine Heavenly wifdome Iiath. ap- pointed. And becaufe wee have needc <:ont4nually to crav^i many things at thine hands.wc humbly befeach thee , O Hea-. venly Fathcr,to grant us thine holy Spirit , todirefl our petiti- ons,that they may proceed from fuch a fervent oiind as may be agreeable to thy moft blefled will. € 1 Cor. 2. ^"^ feeing that our infirmity is able c to doe nethingwithouc loh. 19. * thine hclpe, and that thou art not ignorant with how ma- Phil.2. ny,and great ./ tentations we poore wretches arc -oh every fide iPet*i'.^° inclofed and compaflcd,let thy ftrength, O Lord, fuftaine our *weakcnefte,that we being defended with the force of thy grace ^ay bee fafely prefervcd againft all aflaults of Satan , who

VraytYs. 17

pocth about continually like a e roaring Lyon fcelcing to de- • jFet.j. >our: us. ; Ir.crcafc cur Faith,0 mcrcil'ull Farhcr,ihat we doe ^ Luke, ly* notfwanc at any time from thine Heavenly Word , but aug- ment in us hope & love,with a carefirll keeping of all thyCom- n.andements, that no ^ hardnefic ofhcarr,nohypocrifie, A no ^^^^'^^'*^* corcupifcence of the eyes, nor intifements of the World, doe h*j joti. draw us away from thine obedience. And feeing we live now in thefe moft perillous times , let thy fatherly providence de- i i Tim.4« fend us againft the violence of all cur enemies , which do every 2 Pet. ;• where puriue us, but chiefly againft the wicked rage and furi- ^^"' »' ous uproares of that Romifh idole, enemy /». to thy Chriih { Revel^ 12.

Furthermore , forafmuchas by thine holy Apoftle wc be taught to make our Prayers.and fupplications for all men , we pray not only for our felves here prefent,but befeech thee alfo, to reduce all fuch as be yet ignorant , from, the miferable cap- tivity of blind nefle and error, to the pure underftanding of thine heavenly truth , that we all tl'ith one confentand unity • of minds, may worfliip thee our only God and Saviour : and that all Paftors, fhepherds,and Minifters , to whom thou haft committed the difpenfation of thine holy word , and charge of thy chofen people/nay both in their life and dodh'ine,be found faithtttll, fett'ing only before their eyes thy glory , and that by them all poore ffieepe which wander and goe aftray , gcay be aathered and brought home to thy fold.

Moreover, becaufe the hearts of rulers are in thine hands, we befeech thee to direct and governe the hearts of all Kings, P inces, and Magiflrates , to whom thou haft committed the / fword : efpecially, O Lord, according to our boundenduty j rottj.ij. wc befeech thee to maintaine and increafe the noble eftate of joh, J9*. the Kings Ma jefty, and his honorable counfellwith all the eftate and whole body of the common W''ealth. Let thy father- ly favour fo preferve him, and thine holy Spirit fo governe his heart, that he may in fuch fort execute his office, tliat thy Religion may be purely maintainejd, -n. manners r^formed,3jQd " ^ '^''"•*« linne pudikcd according t;9 the j^recife rUle/of tbin^ hdly J*™*'* :

Word. ■ •^^:''\'-::';; ;•;.;■;.:"::"'•.■. . ^

And forthslt we be all 71 ' members of the myfticallBody of » * cw. u. Ciurift lefus, we make our re<juefts unto thee, O Heavenly Fa- ^o*^*** -ther, for all fuch as are 0 affliifledwith any Icinde of crofle or oj^. 5. Tribulation,as Warre,Plaguc,Faminc,licknefre, Poverty, Im-

C piifonmcnt.

l8 frdytu:

prifonment, Perfeaidon, Baniftiment, oranyother kindeof f I Cor. I. thyroddes : whether it be p gricfe of body, or unquietncffe of H«*^*J» imnd,that it would pleafe thee to give them patience and con- ftancy,till thou fend the full deliverance out of al their troubles. And finally , O Lord God, mod mcrcifuU Father , wee moil humbly befeech thee, to (hew thy great mercies upon our bre- thren, which are perfccut%l, caft in prifon, and daily condera • ncd to death for the teftimony of thy truth . And though they be utterly deftitute of all mans aid , yet let thy fweece comfort never depart from them, but fo inflame their hearts with thine holy Spirit , that they may boldly , and chearfuUy abide fuch tryall, as thy godly wifdome (hall appoint , fo that at length afwellby their death ,as by their life, the Kingdomc of thy Son lefus Chrift may increafe and (hine through all the World . In whofe name we mtke our humble petitions unto thee, as he hath taught us.

Our Father wUch art in Heaven^^&c-

Almighty and cverliving God,Youchfafe, we befeech thee, to grant us perfit continuance in thy lively faith , aug^ menting the fame in us daily ,till we grow to the fill mea- fureofourperfeftioninChriH, whereof we make ourconicf- flo«, faying.

IbeleeveinGod, &c.

f Then the feopleftng n ffalntf , xvhkh eyided^ thf Minifler pronoMnceth oae ofthefe hlejpngs^ andfo the C<^nqre(rati9n defdrtetk. " "^

Naa.tf. TrWe Lorf blc/Tc US and fave us : the Lord make his face Jt fliine upon u$,and be mercifull unto us : the Lordturne his countenance towards us, and grant us his peace,

> CM r. T *^*8*^« o^^ouf Lord Iefu$Chrift,the love ofGad,and com- • '!• J. munk>n of tlic holy Ghoft be with u$ all,'So be it.

fit

jT It fhall net if mc( ^^arj for the Mlnifttr dajty to rtpfate ail theft things before mtntioned^ but beginning Tfith [$mt manner of confrjfion^tofroceed to the Sirmon^ vfhicb en" ded^ he either ujeth i he Prayer for aU efintes before men- tioned, or elfe praji th, as the Spirit of Godfhall move hii heart , framing the fame according to the time andmatter •which he hath intreated of And if there fhall be at any time Levi.stf. any prefent plague, famine^ pefi Hence, war^ ^''A^^ ^''^^a PK^ng*.?! wUch be evident tokens of Gods wrath ^ as it is our part ^ xSa* 14. to acknowledge our fins to be the eccafion thereof^ foare we appointed by the Scriptures to give our f elves to mour' ^^^■^ y f^ft'^^'i 3 ^^^ prayer , as the meanes to turne away Gods heavy difpleafurem 7 herefore it Jhalt be convenient ^ that the Minifier atfuch time , doe not only ndmonijh the people thereof but alfo ufe fome for me of prayer , accw^ ding a.s theprefent necejftty requiteth, to the which he may appoint, by a common confent , fome fever all day after the Sermon^ee^ly to beobferved*

f^Thefe Tra'yers that follow^ are ufedin the French ^httrch ofGznts^ : the frft ferveth for Sunday after theSermcn^ and the other thatfolioweth^i^faid upon JVednefdaj^ which i6 the day of (fommon *Trajer^

Another manner of Prajie rafter the Sermon*

ALmighty God and Heavenly Father , fince thou haft pro- mil cd to grant our rcqucfts which we (hall make unto thee in the Name of our Lord Icfus Chrift thy wclbeloved Sonne : and we arc alfo taught by him and his Apoftles to tC' fcmblc our fclves in his name, promifing that he will be among us/ind make intcrceflion for us unto thee , for the obtaining of all fuch things,as wc ihall agree upon here in larth : y^t there- fore ( having iiiil thy Coinnaaikicment to pray for fudi as diou

C a haft

20 Praytrs*

haft appointed rulsrs and governours over us , and alfo for all things needfull both for thy people , and for al^ forts ofoicn, forafmuch as our fiith is grouided on thine holy word and promifes , and that W2 are here gathered toge- ther before thy fice and in the Na ne of thy Sonn^ our Lord Icfus > we,I fay,niike our earnell fupplication unto thee , our moft mcrcifull God md bountifull Father, that for .efus Chrifts fake our only Saviour and Mediator, it would pleafethee of thine infinite m^rcy , freely :o pardon our offences,ind in fdch forttodrawandhrtupourhe,irts and aflfedHons towards thee, that ourr-queftsmiy both procecdeof a fervent minde, and alfo be agreeable unto thy moft bleflcd will and plearurc,which is only to be accepted .

( . J We befeech thee therefore , O Heavenly Father, as touching all Princes and Rulers, unto whom thou haft commit- ted^theadminiftration of thy ju'^ice , and namely.as touching the excellent* eftate of the Kings Maefty and all his honorable counfellwith the reft of the Magiftrates and commons of the Rcalme, that it would pleafe thee to grant him thine holy Spirit, and increafe the fame, from time to time in him, that he may with a pure Faith acknowledge lefus Chrift thine on- ly Sonne our Lord , to be King of all Kings ,and Governour of all Governours , even as thou haft given all power unto him* both in Heaven and in Earth : and lo give himfclfe wholy to fcrve him , and to advance his Kingdome in his Dominions, (ruling by thy Word his fubjefls , which be thy Creatures, and the (heepe of thy pafture ) that we being maintained in peace and tran<^uillity, both here and every where, may ferve thee in all hohnefle and vcrtuc : and finally being delivered from all feare of cacmics, may render thanks unto thee all the dayesofourlifc.

We befeech thee alfo, moft deare Father and Saviour , for all fuch as thou haft appointed Minifters unfo thy taithfull peo- ple, and unto whom thou haft committed the ciiarge of fodls, and the Mimftrv of thine holv Gofpcll , that it would pleafe thee fa to guide them with tnine hohf Spirit,tbat they may be found faithtull and zelous of thy glory, directing alwayes their whole ftudies unto this end , that the poore fhecpe which he gon aftray out of the flock , may be fought out and brought ?£^ip€.u«to the Lord Icfus , who is the chdefc Shepherd and tlzi ' head

/•

Prayers* 2 1

head viaW Biiliops , ^o thd intent they may from day to day grov^and increafc in him, unto, all lighteoufncfle and holinefle: and on the other part, that it Would pleafe thee todeliver all thy Churches from the danger of ravening Solves , and frotm hireli gs^who feeke their own ambition and profic,and not the fbttingfoorth of thy glory, only^and the fafegard of thy flock.

Moreover , wee make our prayers unto thee, O Lord God; •nioftmercifull Father^for all men in generall, thaDas thou wilt be known to be the Saviour of all the World by the rcdcmj^ 2,^^ ii,t,b& on purchafed by thine only So.nhelefus Chriil: evetrfo.tii^ .z\udo fuch as have beene hitherto holdeh captive in darkenefle and ' ignorance for lack of the knowledge of thy Gofpell , may: ^ , through the preaching thereof, and the cleare light of thiii«r * holy Spirit.be brought into the right way of falvationj,, which! is to know that thou; art only very God ^ and that he ^ VhonY thou haft fent^is J efu5 ChriiV : . like wife that i.they whor^thoU fiaft already endued with thy grace^and iUiftninatied their hcim with the knowledge of thy Word, may continually increaic in codlinefle, and be plenteoully infiehed with fpiriaiall bcncfityt fo that wc may altogetl>er wori^ip thee ,,,kQth Wkh h^act and mouth, 2t]d render due honor aD$tf^vi(? i4at»)Ghrtd;Cttaa4iii fter,King and Lawpmaker. .' 3i.:j iujUii od: oi .iWooho^hni:

In like manner, O Lord of all trU0/C€tfp^oj!«,wC'CQihhiend titiij to thee in our prayers all fuch perfons , as thou haft vifitjedand chaftifed by thy croiTe and- tribulat-icfn , all fuch people as thoil • haft punilhcd with p€ltilence,war, g(r|amine; andallother per- fons afSided with poyer ty^imprifGBinent,riekheire,b3DitlimcnC; or any like bodily ad verfity, or ha^l other,wiCe- troubled and aJfSi»5ted in fpirit : that it would, pleafe th^e .to make theni> perceive thy fatherly affection toward them, that is, thatthef© crofles be chaftifings for their amendment, -to the intent thaD '" they (houldunfeinedly turneunco thee,and fp by clcaviragunto thee niight receive full comfort and be dehveried from.all man- ner of evill. But efpecially we dommend unto thy divinepxo- fedlion all fuch which are under the tyranny pf Anrichrift, and both lack this food of life , and hav€ npt fiber ty to call upon thy Name in open aflfembly : chiefly , our poore brethren whiphare imprifoned and perfecuted by the enemies of thy Oofpelljthat^t would pleafe thee, O Father, ofponfolatfons, . tovft^ngthen them by the ppwer of thine hply.SpiwcJp fuch : ttnam "^ ^3 ^^^^

fort as they never ftirinke backc , but that they may cor>flantIy perfevere m thine holy vocation , and Co to faccour and afTill ,them as thou knoweft to be moil expedient , comforting them 'in their affiidiions, maintaining them in thy fafegard againft the rage ot Wolves, and increaling in them the gifts of thy If tbc I ord$ Spirit,that they may glorifie thee their Lord God, both in their Supper bee life and in their death.

*he"'^!rhc% ^^"^^^y > ^ Lord God moft dcare Father , we befcech thee added this ^ grant unto us alfo , which are here gathered together in the cUufc, Name of thv Sonne lefus, to heare his word preached , * that •And tocc- ^p rnay acKnowledge truly and Mithout hypocrifie , in how holy Supper, r^'fcrable a Itate of perdition we are m by nature , and how worthily wc procure unto our felvcs everlafting damnation, htaping up from time to time thy grievous puniiliments to- ward us , through our wicked and finfull life , to the end that (feeing there r^maineth no fparke of goodnefle in our nature, and that there is notfeing in us , as touching our firfl Creation, and that which we receive of our parents , meete to enjoy the heritage of Gods Kirlgdome ) we maywholy render up our fclves with all our hearts and with an affured confidence unto th}^ldearely beloved Sonne Icfus our Lord, our only Saviour and Redeemer, to the intent that he dwelling in us, may mor- tifiu bnrcdd man, chat is to fay, our finfull affedlions, and that wc may be renewed into a more godly life,whcreby thine holy Hallowed j^jmefas it is worthy of all honor) may be advanced and mag- Jfjjjjg^ nificd throughout rhe World, and in all places : likewife that thou raayft have i he tuition and governance over us , and that we.may learne dayly more and more to humble and fubmic ourfelves unto thy Maj€tlly, in fuch fort that thou maill be Thy King- counted King and govcrnour Overall, guiding thy people with domecome. tjjc gceptcrotthv word-, and by the vertueofthinc holy Spi- rit, to the confufion of thine enemies , through the might of thy^truth 2nd righteoufneffc, fo that by this meanes all power and height which withlhndeth thy glory , may be continually throwen dowcn, and aboliihcd, unto fuch time, as the full an J perfcft face ot thy Kingdome (hall appeare , when thou (halt fbcw thy fclfc in judgement in the pcrfon of thy Son : wher- by alfo wc with the reft of thy Creatures, may render unto thee Thy will be pcrfeft andtnie obedience , even as thine heavenly Angels do doM. *pply thcmfclves only to the performing of thy Commande-

raents :

rrayert. 23

ments : fo tliat thine only will may be fulfilled without any contradidlion , and that every man may bend himfclfe to fervc and pleafe thce,renouncing their own wills.with all the affedi- on$ and defires of the flcfh. Grant us alfo,good Lord, that we Giveu<th'i» thus walking in the love and dread of thine holy Name , may ^^) t'ur be nouiilhed through thy goodnefTc, and that we may receive *^^'^^ ''^"^* atthine hands all things expedient and neceflary for us, and fo ufethy gifts peaceably and quietly, to this end , that when we fee that thou hall care of us, we may the more afFefhioufly ac- knowledge thee to be our Father, looking for all good gifts at thine hand, and by withdrawing and pulling back all our vaine confidence from Creatures,may fet it wholy upon thee, and fo reft only in thy moft bountiful mercy. And forfomuch as whiles we continue here in this tranfitory life, we are fo mife- rable,fo fraile,and fo much enclined unto fin, thatwefalicoo- tinually and fwarve from the right way of thy Comuund^ ments, we befeech thee parJon us our innumBrab/le Q(feiTCes, ^"<^ forgi^ whereby we arc in danger of thy judgement and c^ndemna- "^^s^ ^^ ' tion , and fargive us fo freely ,that death and fin may hereaf* ter have no title againft us , neither lay unto our charge the wicked roote of fin , which doth evermore remaine in us : but grant that by thy Gommandement we may fotget the wrongs which other do unto us , and in ftead of feeking vengeance, may procure the wealth of our enemies. And Jprafmuchas of our fclves we are fo weake, that we are not able to fiand up- And lead m right one minute of an houre , and alfo that we are fo belayd, "g^^aSon. and affaulted evermore with fuch a multitude of fo dangerous enemies,that the devill,the World, fin, anj our own concij- pifcences do never leave off to figjit againfl us : let it be thy good pleafure to ftrengthen uswith thy holy Spirit,and to arme us with thy grace, that thereby we may be able conftantly to withftand all tentations,aQd topcrfcverein this fpirituall battel againft iin,untill fuch time as we (hall obtaine the full vidory, and foat length may triumphantly rejoyce in thy Kingdom,with our Captaine,and govern- our lefiis Chrift our Lord.

f This

4rr ThisT^raycrfoilormno ts uftrl to hufArdttfrer the Sermon on thi ^AJ which i^appuintcd for common T'rayer : arMh u very proper for ourfiatc aytdtimr^ to mive us to tru* r:- fentance , and to turttf hac]^ Gods Jharfe rods -which yet threaten ju, . ' ![.,,_ ;,V ,,^. ;,■.,., ..:•■• ' •'" ■*

W frayer*

God Almighty and Heavenly Father, we acknowledge in our confciencesand conferfe, as the truth is , that we arc -jjfj 5I.O ,', * " ^ ' 1^^^ worthy: to lif pup our eyes unto Heaven , much lefTe ^ .*..,; Ttiiftcte to come into thy 'prcfence, arid to be bold to thtnke-that thou wilt heare bur Prayers , if thou have refped to that which is in us : for ourconfciences accufe us, and our own ( ns -doe beare witnefle againft us : yea^ and we know that thou art a.rightcousludge^whichdoell not count finners righteous, but 'p«ni(bc(l tlie faults of fuch as tranfgrcfle thy Comrtiandertiehts. Therefort^, O Lord, when we confidcr bur whole life ^' We: -are confounded in our own hearts, and cannot chufe but bebea- ttn down,and as it were defpaire, even as though we were al- ready fwallowcd up in the decpe goulfe of death. Notwith- ftandinginrioft meicifuU Lord ^fiace it hath pleafed thee of thine infinite mer<iy , to command us to call upon thee for heipe, *^ven from the deepe bottome of Hell : and that the more lack and default we feele in our felves, fo much the rather we fhould have recourfe unto thy Soveraighe bounty: fince alfo thouihafl promifed to heare and accept our requefts and fupplications without hafvingany refpecfl to bur worthineffe , but only in the Name,aiidfor-thc merits of oiir Lord lefus Chrift, whom alone thou hall appointed to be our interteflbr and advocate : we humble our felves before thee , renouncing all vaine confi- dence in mans helpe, and cleave only to thy mercy , and with foil confidence call upon thine holy Name to obuine pardon forourilns.

Firft,

Prayers. 25

• ^ -Piri^.P'lord, bcfides the innumerable benefits which thou . t!o6ft urt^ erfally bdlow up6iiall meftin Earth/tliou haft given ~ws luchTp^dall e;race$*,- that k i$ not pdfllble for us to rehearfe « tbqY^/ iio nfof- iHffic^htly to<!o'iiceive them in our minds. As fiin^ely; -k hatH j:)leafed thefc to call us to the knowledge of thine holy Gofpell drawing us out of the miferable bondage of the Devill , whofe flaves we were, and delivering us from moll cur-fed idolatry and wicked fuperllirion, wherein we were pfur^eii ; to bring us into the light of thy truth. Notwith- ftandlngfiichisourobftinacy and unkindnefTe , that not only we forget tliofe thy benefits , which we have received at thy bountifull hand : but have gone aftray from thee, and have tur- ned our felves from thy Law , to goe after our own concupi- fcence and lulls, and nether have given worthy honor and due obedience to thine holy word,nether have advanced thy gloiy, as our duty required. And although thou haft not ceafcd cdtl- ti'nually to admonilli us moft faithfully by thy word , yet we have not given eare to thy fatherly admonition.

Wherefore, O Lord, we have finned and have grievoufly of- fended againfl thee, fo that fiiame and confiifion appertaineth unto teiand^we acknowledge that we are altogether guilty be- fore thf' judgement, and that if thou wouldelt intreat us accor- ding to our demerits, we could looke for none other then death and everlafting damnation. For although we would goe about to cleare andcxcufe our felves , yet our own confci- .ence would accufe us, and ourwickednefle w^ould appeare be- fore thee to condemne us. And in very deede,0 Lord,wefec f^y the corredlions which thou haft already ufed towards us, cVhatWehave given thee great occafion to be difpleafcd with us : for feeing that thou art a iuft and an upright judge , it can. not be without caufe , that thou punifheft thy people. Wher- fore , forafmuch as we have felt thy ftripcs, we acknowledge that we have juftly ftirred up thy difplealure againft us,yea, and yet*we fee thine hand lifted up to bcate us a frefh : for the rods and weapons wherewith thou art accuftomed to execute thy vengeance , are already in thine hand : and the threatnings of thy wrath, which thou ufeft againft the wicked finncrs, be m full rcadinefte.

Now though thou (liouldeft punifh us , much more grie- voufly , then thou haft hitherto done, and that , whereas we

D have

62 Prdytn:

hiTc received one ftrioe , thou wouldeft give us an hundred : yea , if thou wouldcit make the curfes of thine old Telhment, which came then upon thy people ifrael, to fall upon us, we confefTe that thoa (houldeft doe therein very righteoufly, and wet can not deny , buc wee hare fully dcferved the fame.

Yet Lord, for fomuch as thou arc our Father, and we be but Earth and flymetfeeing thou art our maker, and we the work<?- manfhip of thine Hands ; fince chouart our Paftor,- and we tl>y flock : feeing alfo that thou art our Redeemer , and we are the people whom thou hall bought : finally , becaufe thou art our God , and we thy chofcn heritage, fuffer not thine anger fo to kindle againlt us , that thou fhouldeft punifli us in thy wrath, neither remember our wickcdnefle, to the end to tike venge- ance thereof, but rather chaftifc us gently according to thy mercy. . '

Truth it is, OLord, thatour mifdeeds have enflamcdd)y wrath againil us, yet confidering that we call upon thy Namp, and beare thy marke and badge , maintaine rather the work^ that thou hall begun in us by thy free grace,to the end that all the World may know that thou art our God and Saviour <Thpu knowefl that fuch as be dead in grave, and whom thou haft deftroyed and brought to confiilion , will not fet forth thy praifes , but the heavy foulcs , and comfortlefic, the humble hearts, the confciences opprefled and loden with the grievous burthen of their fins, and therefore thirll after ^y grace , d^cy feall fet forth thy glory and praife. :, ' r ( ; 2 : r.'j . lol

Thy people of /frie/of tentimes provoked, thee to anger through their wickednefTe, whereupon thou didft , as right required, punifTi them:but fofoone as they acknowledged their offences, and returned to thee, thou didft receive them alwayes to nier- cy : and were their enormities and fins never fo grievous , yet for thy covenants fake, which thou hadft made with thy ier- vants Abraham, Ifaak , and lakob, thou haft alwayes with- drawn from them the rods,and carTes which were- prepared for them , in fuch fort that thou didll never refufe to heare their Prayers.

We have obtained by thy goodnefie a far more excellcut Covenant which we may aliedge, that is , the covenant which tWu firi madcft aa4 cftahijih'ft by the Hand of Icfus our Savi-

our.

Friers. 27

our , and was alfb by thy Divine providence written with hij

Blood,and fcalcd with his Death and Paflion. Therefore,© Lord, wc renouncing our felves, and all vaine

confidence in mans helpc , have our only refuge to thisthy

mofl bleflcd Covenant, whereby our Lord lefus, through the offering up of his body in facrifice,hath reconciled us unto thee. Behold therefore, O Lord, in the face of thy Chrirt , and not in us, that by his interceflion thy wrath may be appeafed, and that the bright beames of thy countenance may fhinc upon us to our great comfort and afTured falvation : and from this time forward vouchfafe to receive us under chine holy tuition, and governe us with thine holy Spirit , whereby wc may be rege^ nerate anew unto a far better life , fo that thy Name may be fani^ified.

, Thj Ki>igdome come ^ Thy will he done even in Earth as it ii in Htaven : Give lu this day our daily bread: And forgive tu our detteSy even M -we forgive our detters - ^nd lead Hi not into tentatiim , hfit deliver us from evill ; for thine is the Kirgdome^and the power and the glory ^ forever and ever, Amen^

And albeit we are moft unworthy in our own felves, to open our mouths, and to intreate thee in our neceffities, yet for fo- much as it hath pleafed thee to command us to pray one for another, we make our humble prayers unto thee for our poore brethren , and members , whom thou doft vifite and chaftife with thy Rods and corredlions,moft inflantly defiring thee , to turne away thine anger from them. Remember, O Lord, wc befeech thee,that they are thy children, as we are : and thougji they have offencjed thy Majefly , yet that it would pleafe thee hottbceafetoproceede in thine accuftomed bounty and mer- cy \ Which thou haft promifed fliould evermore continue to* wards thine Eleft. Vouchfafe therefore, good Lord,to extend thy pity upon all thy Churches , and towards all thy people, •whom thou doft now chaftife cither with peftilencc , or War, or fuch HTce thine accuftotned Rods,whether it be by fickncfic, prifon or poverty, or any other affli6Hon ofconfcicnce and minde : that it would pleafe thee to comfort theos as thou knoweft to be mof expedient for them , fo that thy Rods may be inftrud^ions for them to afluji them of thy faYOMr , and for

D a their

'28 PrM)'en(f\ k

their JUncndmenr, when thou (halt give tiietmconfUnty aai patience , and alio afvvage and ftay thy corrcdtions : and fo at iengtii by dehvering them from all their troubles , give them m^Ditan-ipboccafiontorejoyce in thy mercy, and to praife thine holy N.imc : chiefly that thou v.-oiilddi, O Lord, have companion aCwell on all, as on every one of them that cmploy'^ tbeinfeives for the maintainance of thy truth : ftrengthen them O Lord , with an invincible conihncy , defend them, and af- fill them in all tilings and cveiy where : overthrow the crafty pradifes and confpiracies of their enemies and thine , bridle their r^ge , and let theii- bould enterprifes which they uixler- tsJve againft thee and the mejnbers of thy Sonne turne to their own conhilion r and fufix:r pot. thy Kingdome of Chriflian^- to be utterly dffolate, nether permit that ihe rcmembranceof thine holy Name be cleane aboliilied in Earth , nor that they, among whom it hath pleafed thee to have tjiy praifes cclebra^ ted, be dellroyed, and broi>ght to nouglit, and that the Turkes^ Pagans^Papi !s,and other Infidels flight boaft themfelves thcr-, • byandblafphemethy is'ame.

i'x;i.

bMters vsed in the

Cmnehc:solScotlancL,\nth(i.innQ<}( tneir per- f iepiit ion by the Frenchnicn, biK- priiidpajly when the Lords Table was to be inimrtred. •

ETcrnallajid evcrlivingGod^Father of our Lord lefus Chjift, wc thy Creatures and the workm^r^lhip oif thiae €»v^ hands, fometimcs dead by (inland thrall to Satau by ujcans of the fame , but now of thy meere mercy called to liberty, and life, by the preaching of thine Evangel, doe take upon us this boldncflfe, ( not of our felvcs, but of the Commandcmenc of thy deare Sonne our Lord lefus Chrift ^ to powrc forth be^ fore thee the petitions and complaints of*^our troubled hearts, oppreflfed with feare and wountied with for row. True it is, O Lord.that we are not worthy to appearc in thy prcfencc, by the rcafon ofour manifold offcnces,nether yet are wc worthytoob- uineany comfort ofthy hands,for any righteoufnes that is in us

Bup

fraytrs. 29

But feeing, .0 Lord, that to kiiine baclofroni thce/'and^mot to

call for thy ilipporr'in thetime oFour troubIe,it is theentcrancc CO denth , and the plains, way. to.defpej acion : we therefore confounded in our frlvqs ( as the people that on all fides is afl^ulted with fonrcwes) idoc preTent our (elves before d]y> Ma;e/ly,..as our SoA'craVgne Captainc and-ouly Redeemer lefus Ghrjit hatft commanded iis^nwhofe name;.ind tor w hole obe- dience \ve humbly crave o^diee rcmiAjon ofoii^ iormer iniqui- ties, alwell committed in matters ol Religicni , as mour lives and converlhtion. The examples of others that have called unto thee in- their like jreccljitie.s ;. give. unco \\i c;xpeiiti-:ce/ that thou wilt.iiotirc j.e6i:ii5 ,Oiqtbcr. >yjic fjiitfsT iis for c^'er ro be confounded. "-Thy pcopk'i&acl diA'ditcQr)times.dcclinefram thy Lawes , and did ioHvyw' xJie'vasit^'toffupcrlVvCionarjd.ido-r bfr)'; and ofieutimes didil thou.corre(5t and fharply puiiilr them, but thou didft never utterly^ defpife them, when in their [niferies uniainedlyithey turned unt^ tiiee. : Tl^',Churdl| of the le^'PJ Averd finnei-5,iiOjLard ,;«hd ;;h^ Ixraift 'j^rc of thp fainie' did eojifrnt .to.'tdle. d^attb ofi.tiiy iieaof Sanofe Qiii-iL6rd U^iliir GhHft, andyscd^dlh'rtorchofu .d^iic-.tiieir' prayofy ,. when im the time, of their ^ievous perfeciition flhey called for thyfup-i port. 'QXprdi^^ftiiou-hilt promifednoleiretoiis, then thou haft performed to (hem, and therefore taJce we boldneffe at chitte c>Mn ComniiJufiement ♦iifadil-^: the ptoaiife of our Lord: lcii\s Chrift,rablt:hunibly doi jcr««h£ of tho^.rhnt akithath plea- fed -tfcf rhercy, partly, to ret6oTCiMir ignorancfeand blindneffe,. by the light of thy bleflcd Evangc-U-, that fo it may pleafe rhee to continue the fame light with ui , till that thou deliver us from all calaraicie and trouble. And for this purpofe , O Lord, it will vleale thee to thruTtoutfaithftlll workemen in this thy harvelt withiti thij Realme gH'S-M \\ :d , to the which after fo longdarkneffe of Papiftry and fupcrftition, thou halboflfered the truth of thine Evangel in all purenefTe & fimplicity : con- tinue this thy grace with us, O Lord , and purge this Realme from all fjlfe teachers, from dum dogs, diflembled hypocrits, Crwell Wolves, and all fuch as fhew thcmfclves enemies to thy trwcReligion,(.) : * . :

But now . O Lord , the -dihgdrs whTch appearc and the trouble which increafeth by the cruell tyranny of forfworne ftraagers, compelleth us 10 comphine before the Throne

D 3 of

30 rraytrs.

of thy mercy , and to crave of thee protedion and defence againft their moft in juftperfecution. That Nation , O Lord, for whofe pleafure and for defence of whom we have offended thy Majefty , and violated our faith , oft breaking the leagues ot unity and concord, which our Kings and governours have contraded with our neighbours : that Nation , O Lord, for whofe alliance our fathers and ■ predecelTors have'ihed their blood,andwe ( whom now by tyranny they opprefle, ) have oft fuftained the hazard of battell : that Nation finally to whom alwayes we have beene faithful! , now after their long pradi - fed deceit, by manifell tyranny doe feeke our dellruflion, worthily and juftly mayllthou , O Lord , give us to be flaves unto fuch tyrants, becaufd for the maintainance of their friend- Ihip , we have not feared to breake our folemne othes made unto others , to the great difhonour of thine holy Name : and therefore julliy mayeft thou punifli us by the fame Nation for whofe pleafure we feared not to offend thy divine Majeliy. In thy prefence,C) Lord , We lay for our felves no kinde ofex- cufe,bpt f or thy deare Sonne lefus Chrilh fake, we cry for mercy, pardon and grace. Thou knowcll:, O Lord, that their crafty wits, in many things have abufcd our fimplicity : for under pretence of rhe maintenance of our liberty , they have fought,and have found the way ( unlelTe thou alone confound their counfels) to bring us in their -perpeaiall bondage. And now the rather, O Lord , doe they feeke our dellrudiion,be- caufewe have refiifed that Roman Antichrift, whofe Kingdome they defend, in dayly {heading the blood of thy Saints. In us, O Lord , there is no (hcngth, no Wifdome, no number nor ' judgement.to withfland their force,their craft , their multitude and diligence : and therefore , looke thou upon us, O Lord, according to thy mercy. Behold the tyranny ufed againft our poore brethren and fifters , and have thou refped to that deH piteiuU blafpheroy which unccfTantly they fpew forth againft thine eternall truth. Thou haft affifted thy Church even from the beginning, and for the deliverance of the fame, thou haft plagued the crucH perfecucors from time to time. Thy hand drowned Pharao : Thy fword devbured Amalcc : Thy powcf rcpulfed the pride of Senacherib : And thine Angcll fo plagued .Herod , that Wormes and Lice were punifliers of his pride. O Lord , thou remaincft one for cycr,tny natnrt is unchange- able.

Tracers, 5 1

ablcv ^iiOuxaiift not imt hate cni^lt)^, pride ^ opprefliofi and murder , whif|i now the m^ whom M'e p^ver offended pre- tend a'-jalnft ;US ;: Y^a iaxtherjj ^by all -oieanes they feeketo banish from this Realme thy deare Sonne pur Lord leiusChrift, the, true preaching of his word and faithfull Miniftcrs of the fame, and by tyranny they pretend to maintainemoftabho- niunable idolatry , and the pompe of that Roman Antichrift. I.oojkethou ^her^for e upon us , O ton^/in rh^ mphifude of thy mercies, .Ibetch out thine Artin^,and declare thyXelfePjro- 'cedor of tihy txuth, reprefTe the pride", anid d^nt thou thefuny of thefc cruell persecutors ; fuffer them never fo to prevailie againft us, thax the brightneffe of thy word be extinguiflied in this Realme, but whatsoever thou haft appointed in chine eter- nal) counfell to become of our bodies : yet we, moftchnmbly befeech thee for lefusChrifts thy Sonnfis falkeii fo to maintaine the purity of thine Evangel within this Realme ,that we and our pofterity may enjoy the fiaiition thereof, to the praife and glory of thine holy Name, and to our everlafting comfort. And this we moft affevShiouily defire of thy mercy, by the me;*- its,andinterceffioji^of our Lord iefus Chrift. Towhomwith thee and the holy Ghoft be ail honour,glory, praife, and bWc- di^on, now and ever. ' So be it* ^ ^

rMlic(!^nlmo3 p'rni ?w atri? ^ii^:>1 .bioJ ^JOX^JI

J"nv.i?ia rri.v . S': ^.Ti br- ';••:)-: 3fri v!i*j' ' j i. .:: Ow laft; O tord^^v^c that be, her^ afftmbWrto ceFebrate the Supper pf tjiy deare^^oaneouf LiOsdiQbrift, who did not only once otoiiis Body , . aa4 . iH<}id l4Sj Blpoi^ ixp^m the .CrctfTcfqpo^r&n redemption:,: to:2}&>^*)^&t^pe«>:m -15- *«fnt memory of that his fo-great a benefit. pj:f«twidedit[ii^bs 'Body aod Bloud (hud be given to us to the nourilhmcnt of ..ourfoules : We, I fay,, that prcfentb are conuened, to be par- takers of that his moft holy Talkie ,: ipoft humbly doe befeech , thee,to grant us grace , that infincettty ofheart , in true faith, .and with ardent and unfaincdzeak,' we fen^y receive of Jiim fo C:ea^a b^nofit,) to-wtfi !itet frukftiliy iinciiBay poflcflb his Mt)^y

and

32 Prayers.

onVor^Hx^CfeJiT^tt^^ftce' OL<Fathe!»-jT6tdcatehfs-fleffin . di'inke His: lilbod i, thaehfct^^irer' \v.^li\^e Wo i^hi ffl'^i; 1 and according to oiircomiptiiatme,buf^ha!t^he'maJ''live in us, - to condu6l and giiidc us to' that moll: bldTcd life tfhat aBiiith .'forever,- -'. - - ■ ■• " '■'■ ' ■ ; : ; ' jV T

'■ ) Grant untof ils^ O- k<?ayehly Fathef ; . --To 'to cVlebrUte tm^^ai' thilblefle'd'nit^Viidiy ofthy dtflre So^rtni^itfot wc mfly l^e iffurfc;^ of thy favour arid grke to\?ards us-. .H^t 'Oiir ^aith (o ^'e'e&i'- cifed,that not only we may f eele the increafe of the fame , but alfo , that the . cleare confefllon thereof , ^'ith the .good works proceeding of it , may appeare before men to the praife and glory of chine holy Name, Which irt Gdd 6verl^lling blcf- •fedforever. S6 be it. ■ . -'-^ , ./ ' ■ ''

M" A thank^fgiving-MYito Qqd after optr dc/ivcrafic^ fr^ .W. (hf ijra^fij ofthcFrenchmen ,j nvjth Traycrs ma^jfr d>e ^continH^yice dftloe peace (^etwjxp the Realnfci of,. Bngldkd arid Scotland,

NOw, Lord, feeing that we injoy comfort both in body a^dSpirft, by reafon. of cjiis quictneffe bftChy' mercy granted unto us, after our moil defperate troubles,in the whicfi we appeared utterly to have been overwhelmed : We praife and glorifie thy mercy and goodnefle , who pitioufly looked •Upk5n«s wben^eiii<)Hr<Jwnfelve$were utterly confounded. i-But feeine?,- 0%6tA^ chat to receive bctlefits at thy hands; and PftOPtotJefcbankfiiMfforthefame , is nothing elfe but a feafe a- -Blillft«sifltb<id^y^^«dgement 5 We moft humbly btfcech SCTiefc^ub^ramiuhtQ us hearts fo mindfull of the calamities paft, '^»^hat we continually may feare t05)rovoke thy ju(Hce to punifh -us with the like or worfe plagues. And feeing that when we by our own power were altogether unable to have freed our . felvcs from tne tyranny of (h-angers, and from the bondage and (,thraldome pretended againft us , thou of thine efpeciallgood- iieffcdidftmoYCthchcarUsofourneighbours ( of whom we \ , had

had defcrved no fuch favour) to take upon them the coftir mon burthen with us, and for our deliverance , not only to fpend the lives of many, but alfo to hazard the eftate and tran- quillity of their Realme and common- wealth : Grant unto us, O Lord , that with fuch reverence we may remember thy be- nefits received, that after this in our default,we never enter in- to holWity againllthe Realme and Nation of England. Suffer us never,0 Lord,to fall to that ingratitude and detcflable un- thankfulnefle , that we (hall feeke the deftruaion and death of thofe , whom thou haft made inftruments to deliver as fronu the tyranny ofmercyleffeftrangers.Diflipate fhou thecounfells of fuch as deceitfully travell to ftirre the hearts of the inhabi- tants of either Realme a^amft the other : Let their malicious pradifes be their own conmfion , and grant thou of thy mercy that love, concord,and tranquillity, may continue and encreafe amongft the inhabitants of this ifle , even to the comming of the Lord lefus Chrift, by whofe glorious Evangel,thou ef thy mercy doft call us both, to unity, peace and Chnftian concord; The full perfe6lion whereof we ftiall poffefle in the flilnefle of thy Kingdome, when all offences fhall be removed , iniquity fhall be fiipprefTed , and thy chofen children be fully endued with that perfect glory , in the which now our Lord lefus reigncth.To whom with thee and the holy Ghoft, be ail honour praife and glory now and ever. So be it. "

APRAYER VSED IN THE

aflembly of- theChurchjafwell par- ticular asgcncrall.

ETernalland everliving God, Father of our Lord lefus Chrift, thou that of thine infTnite goodneffc , haft chofen to thy felfe a Church, unto the which ever from the fell of man thou haft manifefted thy felfe , firft by thine own vdyce to Adam,v next to Abraham and his feede , then to all Ifrael, \yf the publication of thy holy Law, and laft by fending ofthy on- ly Sonne our Lord lefus Chrift, that great Angel ofthy Coun- fell into this World, and clad with 'our nature, to teach unto us thy holy will, and to put an end to all Revelations and pro-

E phecies :

$4 fr^^tn:

phecla : who tlfo clc£ted to himfelfe Apoftks, to whom after his RefuiTC^lion he gave commandcmcnttopublifli,and preach his Evangel to all Realmes and Nations , promifing to be with them cvcTitotheend of the World : yea, and moreover, that whercfoever two or three were gathered together in hi* Name, that he would be there in the midft of them, not only to inilru(5tand teach them, but alfo to ratihe and confirme fuch things as they (hall pronounce or ^tcx^z by thy word. Seeing,0 Lord, tliat this hath beene thy love and fatherly care towards thy Church,that not only thou plantedll it , rules and guides the chofen in the fame by tlune holy Spirit and bldfed Word : but alfo that when the externall face of the fame is polluted, and the vifible body falleth to corruption, then thou of thy mercies, provided that it may be purged , ar.d reftored againe to the former purity , afwell in dodrine as in manners, wher^clf thou haft given fufficient document from age to age, but c§>ecially now, O Lord, after this publike dcfe,5Son from ihy truth and bleflfcd ordinance , which our Fathers andwc have feene in that Romane Antichrift and in his ufurped au- thority.

Now ( I meane)0 Lord,haftthou reveiled thy felfe and thy beloved Sonne lefus Chrift^clearely to the World againe , by the true preaching of hi 5 bleflcd Evangel, which alfo of thy mercy is offered unto us within this Realme of Scotland , and of the fame thy mercy hafl made us Miniftei s, and burthencd us with a charge within thy Church.

But, O Lord, when we confider the multitude of enemies that opponc themfelves unto thy truth,the pradifes of Satan,& the power of thofe that refift thy Kingdome, together with our own weakneffe, few number and manifold imperfedions j we cannot but feare the fuddcn way taking of this thy great be- nefit : and therefore,defHtute of all worldly comfort, we have refuge to thy only mercy and grace , moft humbly befeeching thee for Chrifl lefus thy Sons fake,to oppone thine own power to the pride of our enemies, who ccafe not to blafpheme thine cternall truth.

Give unto us, O Lord , thar prcfently are aflTembled in thy Kame, fuch aboundance of thy holy Spirit, that we may fee thofe things that ilaall be expedient tor the advancement of *^hy glory , in the midf^ of this p?rvf f fc and ilubbo.a? genera-

of Baptifme. 55

tion,gi ve us grace, O Lord, that anivwfiilly among our fefves, wc may agree in the unity ef true doftrine. Prefcrve us from damnable errors , and grant unto us fuch purity andcleanneflc of life,that we be not flandefousto thy blefled Evangel.

Blcffe thou fo our weake labours, that the fruits of the fame may redomd to the praife of thy holy Name, to the profit ofthisprefeiitgcneration,and ofthepofterity to come, through lefus Chrift our Lord, to whona with thee and the holy Ghoft be all honor and praife now and ever.

The order of Baptifmc. greffion V

* Gods OxiU

naaoebcal-

ff Fir ft note , that forafmuch as it is not permkted hj Oods^^^^^, fVord^ that worn snJhaHldf reach or Minifter the Sacra* an<J i« com* mems^ and it is evident , that theSacramtnts are not or- !StS.Saft dained of God to be ufed in private cornets, as charmeSy or *nd forccry 4 JorcerieSyhftt left to the Co)}gregdtion , and neceffarily an^ ' 1?^^* . nexedto GodsfVord^ as jeales of the fame : therefore Z^^on aU« the infant which is to he baftifed^ fiall be brought to the^^J-'f^^^' ^htrch on the day appoint ed^to common Prayer and preach* tWngraftfy, ing , accompanied with the father and Godfather. So that d!e''i!jSat after the Sermon^the child being prefented to the Minifter^ 0^ God* he demandeth this ^ueftion, eJlmpfe ISIf

DOe you prefcnt this Child to be Baptifcd,eame{Hf dcfiriiig dab ft Abihi that he may be ingrafted la the mydicattbodyofiefusougbc TuflU Chrift? Theanfwcr. ZTx^ '

Yca,we require the fame. , Sam^

ft Sam« tf »

The Minifterfrcceedeth. l^,*f^:^'

THen let us confidcr , dearly beloved , how Almighty God ^ hath not only made us his children by a adoption, and re- GaJaTiv ccivcd us into the fellowfliip of his Church : but alfo hath oro- ^^.^9^ mifed that he will be our b God , and the God of our children ^ ®"- 13 unco the thoufandth generation.which thing as he coilftoed t^ ^t.^

1 1 hisKi.<7*

-^6 Of Bapfifme. >

« Oen.1 T. his people of the old Teftament bv the Sacrament of c Circum^

Rom. 4, cifion, fo hath he alCo renewed the fame to us in his new

a Colo. a. •T'Cftaineoc by the; Sacratnent of ii Baptifmc : doing is thereby

Gala.5, to wir." that oiw infants appercaine to him by covenant, and

*** :t^rtf0fe ought not to be defrauded of thole holy {ii»nes and

e Adi 10. -^^^gw f vyhprei^y his children are knownc from IniTdels and

* igagana.. , _ .

f> - rsei|:hflr;i$;it requifitei that ali thofe that receive this Sacra-

ment,have the ufe of und^^(J^ndingand Faith , but chiefly that

t hCtii, they be contained under the name of / Gods people : fothat

»Cor. 7, remiflfion of fins in the blood of Chrill lefus doth appertain*

•Ifu"'"' unto them by Gods promife, which thing is moft evident by

![' ^ Saint Paul, who pronounceth the children begotten and borne

'icD » .. • (either of the parents being faithfull) to be cleane and holy.

vjfiipirri hA gjVlfo out SiviouT Ghfift admitteth children to his prefence^ im-

• n'*^*^!' j ;J* ttracing and leiling them , which teftimonies of the holy

'"^'u/bj ■•'! 'Ghoft^afTure us, that ii f ints be of the number. of Gods people,

■^'■r'^ '"^ ^ and that remiflion offinnes doth alfo appertaine to them in

•X '_ ' Chrift. Therefore without injury they cannot be debarred

,^l from the common figne of Gods children. And yet is not this

r iU « joT • outward atSlion of fuch ncceflity,that the lack thereof fliould be

njnaoiii y j^yrtfuU to their falvation , ifthat,pr€vented by de^th,they may

t.ait:: ^ Jiotconvenientlybeprefentcd to the Church. Butwe(having

* r; ' refpeif^to that obedience , which Chrirtians owe to the voyce

ana ordinance of Chrift lefus , who commanded to preach and .. 1^ ^ baptife all without exception ; do judge them only unworthy

>/ r'l jm of any fellowfliip with him , who contemptuoufly refufe fuch •i!\ftn3. , ordinary meanes,as his wifdom hath appointed to the inf^rudi- V T*vf'^ ^ of <HUidutt'ienfeSi:qr --I od 01 1 Ir'D /i:hiM?'^:,- q rja 7 • • /^ Vcor le. Fu«hchno iieit is evident i thai Baptise w^jordainld fb » Eph, 2 be miniftred in the element of j^ water, to teach us, thatlike as

* ^J™ 7' water outwardly doth wafh away the filth of the body, fo in- G^fj 2/ ^ wardly doth the vertue of Chrifts blood purge our foules from

SiXrf|^a-impuff(iun.^ous, becaufct^^^^^ Chi-ill is. made

^!Ji!^i^ ' ) ,ouWi by JBajitjdGue; : not that we thinke any fuch, yertue or ^l*i7c' -P^^J^^ ^^ bf-i^cl^de'd , in- the vifi|)!c w^fer , on -. onward , adion

1 1 lid ^ r a '^"t

♦>

0/ Baptifmc, 57

but that our Saviour Chrift , who commanded Baptifmc to be

n«niilrcd,will by the power of his holy Spirit eff<r(ftually worke

in the hearts of his »* cle<ft in time convenient,all that is meant '"A<S.2 »j,

and fignified by the fame. And this the Scripture calleth our

w regeneration , which rtandeth chiefly in thefe two points,in » ^\\, n,

mortification, that is to fay, a refiftingof the rebellious ludes [^<*r- »^'

of the flefh, and in newnelfc of life , whereby we continually cuk>i^.^i

(Irive to walke in that pureneffe and perfection, wherew'ith we

areciadinBaptifme,

And although we in the journey of this ^life be' incumbred with many en -mies; which in thcway alTarle us, yet fight we not without fruit. Forthiscontinuallbattell which we fight againrt fin, death and Hell, is a moft infallable argument, that God the Father, mindfull of his promife made unto us in Chrill lefus , doth not only give us motions and courage to refill them, but alfoaffurance to overcome, and obtainc vidory. Wherefore,, dearly beloved, it is not only of neceflity that we be once baptifed, but alfo it much profiteth oft to-be prefent at the minilh-ation thereof, that we ( beingpntinminde ofthe league and covenant made between God and us , that he will ht our God.ahd we his people , he Durfather,and we his ch^- dren-) may have occafion afwell /to try our lives pall, asodr prefenc converfation, andtoprofve ourfelves, whether we ftand fall in the faith of Gods Ele6l , or contrariwife , have ftrayed from him through 0 incredulity and ungodly living : • Eph.3, vrherecfjfourconfciencesdoeaccufe us, yet by hearing the Col.?. loving promifes of our Heavenly Father ( who callethall men "^^* '♦ to mercy by f repentance- ) we -may from henceforth walke p Ezcch.ir, more warily in our vocation. Moreover, yee that be fathers A&i i u 1 3 . andiinothers may take hereby moft lingular comfort , to fee lS^['^* your children,thus received into the bofom of Chrifls Congre- ^^ ^''' gation , whereby you are dayly admonifhed , that ye noutifh •jind; bring up the children of Gods favour and mercy, over wbonlhi$ fatherly providence ^watGhechcominilally, which <i Mat. 18. thing as it ought greatly to rejoycc you,knowing that r nothing ' Mat. 6, can come unto ther\^ without his good pleafure, fo ought it " * '** to malce you diligent and carefull, to nurture and inftru(ft them iiijthe f true knowledge and feare of God. Wherein if you be f q^^ .. negligent, ye doe not only injurv to Our own children, hi- 6. 19. ding from them the good will s^a pl^irure o.f Almighty God '- ph.<^»

E 3 their

58 of SdptiffHe*

theirFather-.butalfoheape damnation upon your fdvcs, iit

fuffering his children , bought with the blood of kis deare

Sonnc,lo traiteroufly tor lack of knowledge to turne back from

him. Therefore it is your duty , with all diligence to provide

that your children in time convenient be inftrudled in all

t Gen. 18. t dodbine neceffary for a true Chriftian : chiefely that they be

Dcut. 5?. taught to reft upon the juftice of Chriil Icfus alone , and to ab-

Inhrca"? horrc and flee aU fuperftition, Papiftry and idolatry. Finally,

chifme^tothc to the intent that we may be aflured , that you the Father and

cjcectttion the Surety confent to the performance hereof , declare here

Jl^crf and ^^^^le God and the face of his Congregation the fum of that

godfaiers foith,wherein you belicve,and will inftrudl this child .

biadtiiem*

felvcs.

ff Then the father or in hit /th fence ^ the God-father , Jhall rehear fe the ArticUs of hit faith : which done^the Afinifier expianeth the fame oi After fotloweth,

THe Chriftian Faith whereof now ye have briefly heard the fum , IS commonly divided in tweluc Articles : but that we may the better undcrftand what is contained iw the (ame , we (hall divide it into foure principall parts. The firft fliall concerne God the Father. The Second lefus Chrift our Lord. The third fliall eippreffe to us our feith in the holy Ghoft. And die fourth and lad fliall declare what is our faith concer- I bclccve ia ning the Church , and of the graces of God freely given to MtA?iriRhl ^ ^"^- ^""^ of God wc confcflc three things, to wit, that ty, maker of be is our Father, Almiehty,maker of Heaven and Earth. Our Heavea ind Father WC Call him, and fo by faith believe him to be, not fo- ^''''^* muchbecaufe he hath created us ( for that we have common what the reft of Creatures,who yet are not called to the honor to have God to them a favourable Father) but wc call him Fa- ther , by reafon of his free adoption , by the which he hath chofen us to life everlafHng in lefus Chrift : and this his moft fingular mercy we prefcrre to all things earthly and tranfitory : for without this there is to mankind no felicity , no comfort, ^ nor no final! joy : and having this we are aflured that by the

^^^ liuDe love by the which broncc hach tccly chofen us, he fliaH

of Baptifme. 59

(b condu^ the whole courfe of our life,that in the end we (hall poffefle that immortall Kingdome that he hath prepared for \iis chofen children. ¥or from this Fountaine of Gods free mercy or adoption, fpringeth our vocation , our julHfication, our continual] fandihcation, and finally our glorification. As witnefleththe Apoftle.

Thefame God our Father, we confeffe Almighty, not only in refped of that he may do , but in confideration that by his power and godly wifdome are all creatures in Heaven and Earth,and under the Eai th,ruled, guided and kept in that order that his eternall knowledge and will hath appointed them. And that is it which in the third part we do confeire,that he is Crea- tor of Heaven and Earth, that is to fay, that the Heaven and Earth,and the contents thereof are fo in his hand , that there is nothing done without his knowledge , neither yet againft His will , but that he ruleththem fo , thatin theend his godly name (hall be glorified in them. And fo we confeffe and be- licve,that neither the Devils,nor yet the wicked of the World, have any power to moleft or trouble the chofen children of God , but in fo farre as it pleafeth him to ufe them as inftm- ments , either to prove and try our faith and patience , or elfe to ftirus to more fervent invocation of his Name, and to con- tinuall meditation ofthat Heavenly rert and ^oy thatabidethus after thefc tranfitory troubles. And yet (hall not this cxcufe the wicked, becaufe they never look irt their iniquity to pleafe God,nor yet to obey his will.

In lefus Chrifl we confeffe two dirtin6b and perfed^ natures. And in Jer«s towit,the eternall God-head , and the perf e(Sl man-hood joy- chrift bi» « ned together : fo that we confeffe and believe, that that etern- o"^'' Sonne all Word which was from the beginning , and by the which **"* * all things were created , and yet arc confervcd and kept in their being , did in the time appointed in the councell of his Heavenly Father, receive our nature of a Virgine , by opera- tion of the holy Ghoft. So that in his conception we acknow- conc^jved kdge and believe , that there is nothing but purity and fandli- bj-ihe holy fication,yca,even in fomuch as he is become our brother. For Ghoft, it behoved him that (hould purge others from their (innes, to be pure and cleane from all fpot of fin, even from this concep- tion. And as we confeffe and believe him conceived by the Bow? of bolvGhoft : fo do we confeifc and believe him to be borne of l*!^ * "*^"

a

^o of BaptifmC'

a Virgift named Mary, of the tribe of luda, and of the family of David , that the promife of God and the prophecy might be fulfilled, to wit, that the feed of the Woman {hould brcakc down the Serpents head , and that a Virgin ftiould conceive and bearc a child, whofe name fliould be Emanuel , that is to fay^God with us. The name lefus, which fignifieth a Saviour, was giren unto him by the Angcll , to afTure us , that it is he alone that faveth his people from their fins. He is called Chrift, that is to fay anoynted , by reafon of the offices given unto him,by God his Father, to wit, that he alone is appointed King,Priefl,and Prophet. King,in that, that all power is given to him in Heaven and earth , fo that there is none other but he in Heaven nor Earth,that hath jull authority and power, to make lawes to binde the confciences of men : nether yet is there any other that may defend our foules from the bondage of fin, nor yet our bodies from the tyranny of man : And this he doth by the power of his^word, by the Avhich he draweth us out of the bondage and flavery of Satan , and maketh us to reigne ovcriin,whiles that we live and ferve our Godin righte- oufneffe and holinefTe of our life. A Pnefl,and that perpetual] and everlalHng,we confeffe him, by reafon that by thcfacrificc of his own body,, which he once offered up upon the CrofTe, he hath fully fati^fied the juflice of his Father in our behalf e : fo that whofoever feeketh any meanes befldes his death & paf- fion in Heaven or in Earth to reconcile unto them Gods fa- vour , they do not only blafpheme , but alfo fo far as in them i$,renounce the fruit and cfticacy of that his only one facriiice. We confeffe him to be, the only Prophet , who hath revealed unto us , the whole will of his Father in all things pertaining to our falvation. This oyr Lord lefus , we confcfTe to be the only Sonne of God, becaufe there is none fuch by nature, but be alone. We confeffe him alfo our Lord, not only by reafon we are his Creatures, butchiefiy, becaufe he hath redeemed us by his pretious blood, and fo hath gotten juft dominion over us, as over the people whom he hath delivered from bon- dage of fin, death,hell and the divell, and hath made us Kings andPrieflsto God his Father. Suffered We farther confeife and believe, that the fame our Lord

^"'^p-!^^"' lefus was accufed before an earthly judge, Pontius Pilate : un- wascrucu ^^^ \\hom albeit oft and divers times he was pronounce^ to t^cd. be

of Baptifme. 4I

be innocent, he fuffered the death of the Croflc", hanged up- on a Tiee bctuixt ivo Thieves. 'Which<ieath as it was nr.oft ci uell and vile before the eyes of men : fo was it accnrfed by the mouth o! Gcd himfelfe, faying : COrfed is every one that hangeth on a Tree, And this kinde of death fuftained he in our perfon, becaufe he was appointed of God his Father to be our pledge, and he that fhould bearethepunifhment ofour tranfgrefllons. And fo we acknowledge and believe , that he hath taken away that curfe and maledidion that hanged on us by reafon of Cm, He verily, died rendringup his fpiritinto Dycdaad the hands of his Father, after that he had faid. Father into thy S^^^J^J hands I commend my fpirit. After his death , we confefTe his into HeM body was buried. And that he defcended to the Hell. But becaufe he was the author of life, yea , the very life it fclfe, it was impofTiblc that he fliould be retained under the dolors of death. And therefore the third day he rofe againe ,- vidor Jhcrhird and conquerer of Death and Hell : by the which his Refurrefti- J^^i^e i^o« on, he hath brought life againe into the World , which he by the deal the power of his holy Spirit , communicateth unto his lively members : fo that now unto them,corporali death is no death, but an entrance into that bleffed life , wherein our head lefus Chrill is bow entred. For afterthat he had fuffici^-ntly pro- ve^ his Refurredtion to his Difciples, and unto fuch as conffant- ly did abide with him to the death : he vifibly afcended to y^^ aft^nrfed the Heavens, and was taken from the tyts of men, and placed iaro Heaven, at the right.HandofGo4 the Father Almighty, where prefenc- h« fitteth ly he r^maineth in his glory, ; only head, only Mediator , and JJ^'^J ]^f only -advocate for all the mdmhers of his body. Of which we God rfie Fa- have moftefpeciall comfort. Firft for that , that by his afcen- ^^^ Almigh- fion the Heavens are opened unto us , and an entrance mad? ^- to us , that boldly we may appeare before the Throne of our Fathers mercy. And fecondarily, that we know that his honor and authority is given unto lefus Chrift our head in our name, and for our profit and utility. For albeit , that in body he now^ be in the Heaven, yet by the power of his fpirit, he is prefent herewith us , afwell to inftrufl us , as to comfort ancf main- tcTlui :o»e taineus in all our troubles and adverfities. From the which to judge ifac he fhall finally deliver his whole Church, and eveiy truemem- Tt"^J ^"/ berofthe fame, in»that day when he fhall vifibly appeare* " * agiinejudgeof the quick and tfie dead ; Fpr this finally we

F cott-

4a of BapUfme*

confcfle of our Lord lefus Chrift , that as he was fecne vifibly to afcend^ and fo left the World , as touching that body that foffred and rofe againe : fodo we conftantly believe , that he (hall come from the right Hand of his Father. When all eyes fliallfeehim : ye3,even thofe that have peirced him. And then (hall be gathered afwcU thofe that then fliall be found alive, as that before have flept. Seperation fhall be made , betwixt the Lambcs and the Goates , that is to fay , betwixt the ele^fl Mat. aj. and the reprobate : The oae ih?ll hearc this joykill voyce. Come yee bleffed of my Father , pofll'fle the Kingdome that is prepared for you, before the beginning of the World : The other fliiil heare that fearefuU and irrevocable fentence , De- part from me ye workers of iniquity , to the fire that never fhall be quenched. And for this caufe this day , in the Scrip- tures is called th^ day of refrefhing , and of the Revelation of allfecrets : bccaufe that then the jull fhall be delivered fi-onl all miferies, and fhall be pofleiTcd in the ftilneiTe of their glory. Contrariwife , the reprobate fliall receive judgement and recompenceofall their impiety , bee it openly or fccretly wrought. 1 belief e In As 3ye; conftantly believe in God the Father, and in lefus the Haly ^ Chriil,a$ before is faiij: So do we affurcdly believe in the 'Holy Oboft. <3hort, whom we confefle God equall with the Father and the Sonne,by whofe working & mighty operation, our darknelfe is removcd,our eyes fpirituall arc illuminated, our foules and con- fciences fprinkled with the blood of lefus Chrift,and we retain- ed in the truth ofGod,eve to our lives end. And forthefecaufes- we underrtand , that this eternall fpirit proceeding from the Father and the Sonne, hath in the Scriptures divers names. Sometimes called water, by reafon of purgation, and giving Ifrength to this our corrupt nature to bnng forth good fruit : without whom this our nature fhould utterly be barren , yea, it fhould utterly aboimd in all wickedncfTe. Sometimes the fame fpirit is called fire , by reafon of the illumination and burning heat of fire that he kiudlcth in our hearts. The fame fpirit alfo is called Oyle , or un<ftion , by reafon that his working moUifieth the hardncffe of our hearts, and maketh us receive the print of that image of Jefus Chrill , by whom only wearcfan<ftified. ' •. ■ r ii it .u ' ♦ ' ." - '

We conitamly believe, ihat^thereis,:^^*',' afri^ftrffiJe';

even

OfBaptifme^ 43

even till the ccn-mirg of the Lord Icfus , a Church , %hich is ^^e hr i» holy and univeifail, to wit, the Ccffiinunion cf Saints. This ^^^'j^J^'^* Cliurchisholy, bccaufe it receivcriifj^e rcmiffionof Cnnes, Ccicmunion snd that by Faith only in the blood of lefus Chrift. Secondly, of 8«4ntf. becaufe it being regenerate it receiveth the /piritof fardlifica- tion , andpoiver to walke in newnefTe of life, and in good works, which God hath prepared his chofen to walke in. Not that we thinke that the juflicc of this Church, or of any mem- ber of the fame, ever was , is , or yet fhall be fo full and per- fect, that itneedeth not to ftoupe under mercy : but that be- caufe the impcrfedions are parcfoned, and the juftice of Icfus Chrift imputed unto fuch as by true faith cleave unco him. Which Church we call uniyerfall , becaufe it confifteth and ftandeth of all tongues and Nations, yea, of all eflates and con- ditions of men and women, whom of his mercy God calletfc from darknefle to life , and from the bondage andthraldomc of (in, to hi$ fpirjtuall iervice and purity of life. Vnto whom alfoh«communic^ethlii$ holy Spirit, giving unto them «i^ Faith , one head and foveraignc Lord, nhe Lord lefus, one Baptifmc and right ufe of Sacraments : whofe hearts alfo he knitteth together in love and Chriflian concord. To this Church holy and uniycrCUl, wc acknowledge and believe three notable gifts to be granted , to wit , RemifTion of fins which T^forgi*!. by true Faith mufl be obtained in this life. Refurre^on of of fins^, thefiefh, which all fliall have, albeit not in cquall condition. The Refarr For the reprobate (as before is fayd) ihall rife,but to feare- [J^boj^/ fiill judgement and condemnation , and the juft ihall rife to be and the lift poffefTed in glory. And this Refurre6lion fhall nott)e an ima- ev«rlaftin§», gination , or that one body fhall rife for an other : but every man fhall receive in his owa body , as he hath deferved , be it good or evill. The jufl fhall receive the life cv^rlafting which ist^ free gift pjf God :giycji and ^chafed to his clK)fen by lefus Chrifl our only head and Mediator. To whorm with the Father and the holy Ghofl, be all honour and glory^ now i^ndcver.

I 2 Then

44 Prayers:

then foUovpttk thk Frayer.

Lmighty and everlafting God , which of thine infinite mercy and goodnclTe.hall promifed unto us^that thou wik not only beojir God,but alfo the God and Father of pur thildren- %e befecch thee, that ^s thou haft vouchfafed to call a Gal. 5. us to be partakers ofthis thy great merfcy in the 1 fellowfiiip of

1 Pet.u Fairh : fo it may pleafetheeto fandlifie with thy b Spirit , and f « ^' ^ to receive into the number of thy children this infent , whoni

2 CoM,^* wee (hall baptife accorditig t o thy c word , to the end that Rcm.8» he commingto perfit^^., m«i7 ^ confefle'thee only the . true c^M ^' 8 ^^^y ^^^ whom thoii hail Tent, lefus Chrift^and fo rcrve.fiimj^ Mar."*.* * and be eprofitabk^un^o his Chtirch, -in ;the whole cburfc.of Afts'a .' his life , that after this life be ended,' ' heinay' be brought as a 4 Rom. 19. jj^^jy member of his bodv unto the full fruition of thv /' joyes eVom. IX. in the Heavens, wher? thy 5onne oijr Saviour Chrift reigqeth I Cor. 12. World -A^ithout'CtKi; In whofe Name we pray as he hath

Tit. 5. ■ .- ^■■■'- .ri'^i)'.' ":^'^;/-^- •.■ ^ / ■ '

jF IVhen they have fray elin this fort ^ the MinlfterreqHi- reththeMdsnAmeytvhich knowen^

He faith.

: H^ 1 baptife thee ill the {Name of the Father, ofthe Sonne/ and of the holy Ghoft. is'rS^M brrnbnori

f And as he fpeakfth thefe words , he tak^th rrdter in l>ls hand^and Uyeth it upon the childes forehead ^ which done^ hegiveth thnnkes^as followeth,

FOrafmuch , moft holy and mercifkll Father , as thou doft noconclybeautiiicand blcfleus with common benefits

like

rhe Supper of the Lord. 4i

'ftceunto the reft of mankinde, but al fo heaped upon us nioft aboundantly rare and wonderfull grfts , ot duty wee lift up our eyes and mindes unto thee , and give thee

" " " ' " '^

free

_. , , ^his Sacrarpcnt as a fingular token and badge of thy love.' Where- fore,, moft loving Father, -though we be notable to deferve this fo great a benefit ( yea , if thou wouldeft handle us ac-i^ cording.to our merits , we fhould fuffer thepunifhrt]entpf e-^ tcrnall death and damnation ) yet for'Ghrifts fik^ W^ b'^feccfc thee , that thou wilt confirme this thy favour more andYnore* towards us , and take this infant into thy tuition and defence, whom we offer and prefent unto thee with common fupplica- tions,and never fuffer him to fall to fuch unkindnefTe , where- by he (liould J lofe the force of Baptifme , 'but that he may a a Cor. 5, perceive thee continually to be his'mercifiill Father , through thine holy Spirit, working in.his heart,b)f whofe djvi^e ppwcr^ hee may fo prevails a^inft Satan , that 'in the end , . bbt^ilfn^ th)evidlory,hemay be exalted into the liberty of tky KingdJjmt So be it, -- . ■- ■ ; ^ ' . '

> ■ftlUfbt)j.iofi/,t>"jnv/.)fl .irj.'/i Jtu'o iO':>iv>.v

- ' ' ' '■ .•■ :^/: -;.. <! . ..^!';{!iiM!h-w.,h.iJ... - rjnfiv-tfi))

'.:-'.-',l " .7/ :!j-ic:t \ :::wr:::.. ^I:^ .lorl -dl 3vi^^ y 7 hed,Vf vehcH the Lords Suffer is mimflr^d^ rv^ki' cpm-^ ' monlyisHffdoncea^moneth^^fo eft -as the C^^lt^!^^^^ J}>0ll'ttnnheXDedl^t'^'^th^ <^i^0er ufi(h,t9fijl ^^^^

'• .. . . -■ ^ ' : ■. ' " •)''.-■ ' v7 ,"'. ^r-' •^■' '

LEt us marke , dearc brethren , andconfider'^ h)ow lefus Chriftxiid ordaine unto us his holy Supper,according»5 S; Paul maketh rchcarfatl in. the ,iu. Chapti^r^pf tfe firft Bpiftlcrothe Cor. faying.' \[ ^". ',;;...'- / > > I have received of the Lord that which I have ideliver ed unco ? you> to wit, that the Lord lefus the fame night he was betray^ ed, tooke bread , and when he had given tffiinkes, he brake it, faying,^ Takeye,eate ye,this is my body^ wW^b is broken for y^tJ, doe you this in reiricmbrahce dtmc. iilcewife after

F 3 Supper

6 The Supper

Supper.hetookethcCup, iaying. This Cup i$ the ncwTe- flamenc or covenant in my blood : do ye this fo oft as ye lliall drink thereof, in remembrance of me. For fo oft as you fhall eit ^his Bread,ind drink of this Cup, ye flwll declare the Lords deaj^h Rhtill his comming. Therefore wtiofocver fhall eat this Bf-e:ad/ and drinke the Cup of ilie Lord unworthily , he fhall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Then fee that e- very man prove and try himfelfe , and fo let him eate of this Bread and drinke of this Cup : forwhofoever eateth ordrink- ^ch.unwort^ly , heeatetW anddiinketli his own damnation, for not having due regard and confideration of the Lords

■i 'lll'J i'Jll >Jlli» ■■■■mill' I ' — — . ————_____—

D"

y Thi6 done , the Minifter proceedeth to the Exhnnatio/t,

Earely beloved in the Lord , forafmuch as we be now 'aflembled to celebrate the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Chrift : let us confiderthefc words of Saint Paul , how he exhorteth all perfons diligently to try -aed -examine themfelves , before they prefumc to eate of that Bread and Drinke of that Cup. For as the benefit U great , if with a trucly penitent heart , and lively faith we re- Toh. 6, ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^y Sacrament ( for then we * fpiritually eate the flefh of Chrift, and drinke his blood rthen we dwell in Chrift, andChriftinus ; webeonewithChrift, and Chriflwithus ) fo is the danger great, if we receive the fame unworthily : for then we be guilty of the Body,and Blood of Chrift our Saviour, we eate and drinke our owne damnation , not confidering the Lords Body, wekindje Gods wrath againft us, and provoke him to plague us with Diverfe difeafes and fundry kinds of Death. 3 And'thetefore, in the Name and authority of the AternaJl God , and of fns Sgnne lefus Chpft/ 1 excohimunicate from thi5T»fele,ali-bliriyherners of God,aIl Idolaters^all murtherers, all adulterers , ^ that be in malice or envy , all difobedient perfons tofatlicr or mother , Princes or Magiftrates , Paftors^^ or Pjca<;hcrs t all thieves, and deceivers ofthcirneighbours ;,

Of tht Lffr*d^ 47

ind finally^ aM Ibch ai \^c a life dtredly fighting againft the will of 6od :charging them as they will anfwcr in. the prefencc of him who is the righteous judge , that th'eja prefume not to prophane this moft holy Table. And yet this ■^IpronoUnce not to feclude any penitent peifon^how gfievous that ^ver his fin^ before have been , fo that he feele ?rt his heart unfaincd repcri- tance for the fame : but onlyfuch as continue in fin without repentance.Neither yet is this pronounced againftfuchasafpire to a createi' perfc^ioB' , tfieti theyx^rt in't^iix preftntlifeatT

umeunto. ■ .. ■ ■ ' ^ .'".". ■'•■.■•'^:";'^; :;','/- ^1

Foralbeicwe feele in ourfelvesniuch'frailty'ahdwretthed- neffe , as that we have not our faith fo perfit, a'nd conrtant, as we ought, being many times ready to dillrult Gods good nefiTe through our corrupt nature , and atfo that wee are not fo throughly given to ferve God _, neither have fo fervent a zeale to fet forth his glory , as our duty requireth , feeling flill lucli rebellion in our felves , that we have neede daily to j fight *G*f. ^i againll the lufls of our fleOi : yet nevertheleffe, feeing that our Lord hath dealt thus mercifully with us , that he hath printed his b Gofpell in our hearts , fo that we are preferved from fal- •> Heb.R. ling into defperation and misbeliefe : and feeing alfo he hath ^^}^^>oU indued us with a c will , and dtfire to renounce and withfj^a4 ' Ronf 7

<Jljr own affections , with a longingf^^r Bis rightebUfne/r^fandi Philip.'r; the keeping of his Commandements ,' We may benoWrtgift well affured , that thofe defaults and manifold imperfedlions. in us , fhall be no hinderance at all againft us , ; tqcaufehim not to accept and impute us as woithy to come'td fJrs ^ritiiall. Table. Por the endof our commicg-thithi^ ,rs-h6tttnbxlfe, ^proteftation that we ace upight or jull^iri bar^liyi^s , , but ton- d lukei?,. trariwife, we come to fceke our life aiid peffedionin'lefiis'^ . ^ Chrift, acknowledging in the meane time,that we of oiirfelve?> Eph,a.». j^ be the children t'ofwrath and damnation. ^-^ "• ' / Lukt8. •

Let us confider then , that this SacramertHs a fiogjilar mel.. dicine for all poore fick Creatures , a c6iTifottablehelpetQV weakcfoulcs, and that our Lord re<^ireth no othcfr \Vorthi-; nefle on our parts, but that we unfainedjy acknowledge Qur naughtinefle, and imperfe6lion. Then to the end that we may be worthy partakers of his merits , and moft comfortable be- nefits ( which ( is the true eating^ofliis fleflr and drinkina of f rob^dt a ■ his blood ) let us not fuffcr ou^mi^k^'s foAwmder aSduttlft ' •: .'"ol O con- ''-•'■'''

^8 '^he Supper

confider2tion of thcfe earthly and corruptible things ( which we iee prefcnt to our c]fes, and fcele with our hands)' to {eckt Cihriil. bodily prefcnt la them - as if he were inclofed in the ^read or Wine , or as if ithefe elements were turned and chan- ged into the fubftance Of his flefh and blood. For the only way to difpofe our fouler to receive nouri£bment , reliefe and quickning of his fubftancejis to lift up our minds by faith above all things worldly and fenfible , and thereby to enter into Heaven, that we may find and receive Chrift,where he g d wel- t I r\mt6. leth undoiibtedly very God, and very man, in the incompre- henfible glory of hisFather : to whom be all praife,honour and clory,now and ever, A men.

-•i^-.'n •-■ii-- --..' J- ■- ^-^^' ^

o.u ^- f- ^n^v'vio'io;;::!!^!!:!--!! w.i / ;jiJ.'.r.-.4i;^:jo.::i

M!r' I * Stz 7**^'. ^xht/^mim tnM , • ^the : Mmiflcr bem^th ■ tlhwtt^ Lul^i ^t,: - ^^fiom^Jpf'Ptilph J andfttteth at theTable^every man ani y Cor.iu ^. yjf^^^„ f„ lil^g ^,/y^ taki*tg their flace Oi occafion befifer"

veth^therfhctnk^th'Brcadandgiveth tkartJ^s^ either m

thefi words follorving^orliks inejf<^,

h Rev(^ $. 'if'^:5f'?^H^^ of meccy and God of all confohtion, 'feeing1» al! '" ^^ treatures do knowledge and confeflc thee as Govcrnouri

and Lord , it becommeth us the workmanfhip of thine own hands at all times to reverence and magnifie thy godly kT h** MajeAy :firft, for that thou haft created us to thine own t image Gah I*. '* ^nd fimyitude, but chiefly becaufe thou haft delivered us from' Gen,3. that eveilaftinz k death and t^amnation ^ into the which Satan 1 Aas 4/, cfrew mankind by the meanes of fin : from the bondage where- RcvclVj. ^^* neithermannor Angel was / able to make us free , but n loh. ^. .thou,0 Lord,rich in mercy and infinite in goodnefle, haft pro- rS^h* '• vided our redemption to ftand in thine only and welbeloved p I pettj. Sonne , whoip ot very vi love-thou didft give to be made man ira,43.53. Ii1<e'ri unto us in. all things, fjnne 0 except, that in his body he «i Mar. 5. 17 might receive the punifliment of t oUr tranfgrefTion , by his HcU8 ^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ '/ fatiffadion to thy juftice , and by his Rcfur- Eom.j. redlion to r deftroy him that was author of death, andfoto ' "«J' 2- bring againe / life to the World, from the whole off-fpring of

Rom.;, ^_ ^ O Lord,

the Sypper of the Lord. 49

O Iord,\v'e acknowledge that no Creature is able to 11 com- « Eph 3* prchcnd the length and breadth the deepen cfTe and height of that thy ir.oft excellent love, ^\ hich moved thee to (hew mercy V here none was x deferved : to promife and give life , where x Eph.u death had gotten vi(flcry : to receive us in thy grace , when we could do nothing but rebell againll thy julHce. O Lr rd, the blind dulnefle of cur corrupt nature will not fuflfer us fuffici- ently to weigh thefc thy moll ample benefits : yetneverthe- leffeat the; Commandement of lefus Chrift our Lord, we pre- ^ Mat.r^. fent our felves to this his Tabic ( which he hath left to be ufcd Luke ia. ' in ^ remembrance of his death untill his comming againc ) to ^ ^ ^^^* '«• declare and witnefife before the World, that by him alone we have received j liberty . and life : that by him alone thou doft « Rem- '. ;icknowledge us thy children and b heii es : that by him alotie g^^*^'* we have r enterance to the Throne of thy grace -: that by him b Bph.?. alone we arc d poflbfled in our fpirituall Kingdome, to cate and Heb«4^ drinke at his e Table, with whom we have ; conv'erfation pre- i^'^' fently in Heaven , and by whom our bodies (hall be raifecfup g ai. 5*. againe from the duft, and fhall be placed with him in that end- « El** «• lelTc joy. which thou, O Father of mercy, haft prepared for joh^J* *^* thine ele(5t.^ before the Foundation of the World was layd.And i uke 13. thefemoft ineftimable benefits , we acknowledge and con- *Lukc2t. fcffe to have received of thy /; free mercy and grace , by thine fp{,y,*\ only beloved Sonne lefus Chrift : for the which therefore w« Eph.2*'' thy Congregation , i moved by thine*holy Spirit , render all e Eph, r, thankes,praife and glory, for ever, and ever. h fT* ' ^'

f This don^ythe Aiimfler hreaketh the^Bread^anddelivi^ ?Tn'i!*3, rcth it to the people , Tvho dijlrihute and divide the fame ' Ro™ '• Amon^ themft Ives, according to our Saviour Chrift f Com* * ' * * mandtrnftit ^ and HkeTvife giveth the Qup, During the which time Jfcme place of the Scriptures is read^ffhich doth lively fet forth the death of^orifl , to the intent that our tjes audfenfes may not only be occupied in thefe outwsord fignes of 'Bread and IVine , which are called the vifihU v>9rd^ hut that our hearts and minds alfo may he fully fixed in the contemplation of the Lords death , which ts hy this holy Sacrament reprefented. ^nd after the aBioa is dtne , hegiveth thankes , faying.

Q Mod

$6 The Supper oj the Lord*

MOfl mcrciflill Father,we render to thee all praife,thanks and glory, for that ic hath pleafed thee oi thy great mer- cies to grant unto us mifcrable finners fo excellent a gift and trcalure , as to receive us into the fellowQiip and company of thy deare Sonne lefus Chrift our Lord whom thou haft deli- vered to death torus , and haft given him unto us , as a neccf- fary food and nourilliment unto everlafting life. And now we befcech thee alb , O Heavenly Father,to grant us this re- queft , that thou never fuffer us to become fo unki.id, as to for- get fo worthy benefits, bat nther imprint and faften them « Luke 17. lure in our hearts, hat we may j grow and increafe daily more b Gai s* and more in true faith , which continually is ' exercifed in all manner of good workes : and fo much the rather , O Lord, c I Tim. 4. confirme us m thefe i perillous diyes and ragesof Satan , that ^^*^\ we may conftantly ftand and continue in the confeftion of tbe d Mat,5. fame, to the a v ancement of thy d glory ,which art God over I pet. a, all things blcfled for ever. So be it.

g- Thf aElion thus ended ^the p€opU ftna the 105. Tfjilmfy Mj foulegive Uttd^C'TC. orfome other of thanl^fgiving : which (fttded^one of the hleffmqj before mentionedyis recited, andfo they rife from the Tabls and depart.

To the Reader.

S" ^ff^ ^^ ^^^ ^^y Tv^ff^^ marve/I why we follow rather thid

Whvthis «^^^^ 3 then any other in the adminlfiration of this Sacra^

ordrr is ob • ment^let him diligently confidcr^ that fr ft of all we utterly

SheMhen* renounce the error of the Papifis, Secondly ^ we reftore un^

any oiber. to the Sacrament his own fuh fiance , and to Chrift his

proper place, ^y^nd as for the words of the Lorh Supper^

we rehecjrfe thrm , not becanfe they jljould change the fub'

fiance of the Bread or Wine , or that the repetition thereof

with the intent of the facrificer floouldmake the Sacrament

(as the TapaJsfalfely belifve^bm they are read and pro-

nouncedy

of Mar i age. 5 1

f! otitic €d ^ to l€^xh Hi hivp to ickaif ctr /(hrs in tkfit f.Oior^ urid that (^hrijl rrigkt wityrjff v no (p r /V///', /i/ itvpcrcrvithhuownmcmh^ that he hfith LYdain(d thcfe fjgm *'ft>r ourffirituatl ufe and cc mfert , we do fir ft t here • fore examine onrfelves ^ according to Saint Pauls rnk^ attd prepare our minds ^that voeemaj he worthy partakers of fo high mjffieries. Then taking Bread wee give tha»kesy hreakeanddiflrihuteit^ as (^hrift our Saviour hath taught us. Finally the miniftration ended ^ we give thnnkes againe^acccrditig to his example^ fo that without huwordandwarrant ^ there is nothing in this holy aClion attempted,

THE FORME OF MARIAGE-

C tAfter the banes or contraB hath heen publijhed three feverali dayes in the CongregationQo the intent that if any ferfon have inter efl or title to either of the par ties, they may have fufficient time to mak^ thsir chalenge ) the parties ajfimble at the beginning of the Sermon^ oftd the minifter at time cenvenicnt faith as foHovreth,

OF MARIAGE,

THE EXHORTATION.

D Early beloved brethren, we are here gathered together in the fight of God, and in the face of his Congregation, to knit and joyne thefe parties together in the honorable e- flate of Matrimony , which was inftituted and authorifed by God himfelfe in paradife , man being then in the ftate of inno- cency. For what time God made Heaven and Earth, and all that is in them , and had created and fafliioncd man alfo after his own fimilitude and likenefTcunto whom he gave rule and Lordfliip over all the bcafts of the Earth,fi{bes of the Sea , and fowles of the ayre,he f?id , It is not good that man live alone : kt us make him an helper like unto himfelfe. And God brought

G 1 a

5 2 Of Mori Age*

a fad fleepe upon him, and tooke one of his ribbes,and fliapej H.'^'j thereof, doing us thereby to underftand , that man and wife are one body , one flefh and one blooJ : lignifying alio a Fp!i.$. unto us, the j mylticill union that is betweene Chriil and his Nuto* ** Church, for the which caufe man ^ l:aveth his Father and Mo- Mir 13* thcr, andtakethhimto his wife, to keepe company with her: aCor.rf. the which alfo he ought to love, even as our Saviour loveth ^ |^^»7- his Chuich,that is to fayjiis c elefl and faithful! Congregation, Heb!/. forth^ which he gave his life.

1 Pet. 3- And fembla'^ly alfo it is the d wives duty toftudy to pleafe

^ ^»* 5* and obey her husband, ferving him in all thmgs that be godly

1 Pet 3, 2nd honert : for flie is in fubjedlion, and undrr the governance '

I Cor.i r. of her husband , fo long as they continue both alive. And this

J Tim. a. holy Marriage,being a thing moft honorable , is of fuch vertue

and force, that thereby the husband hath no more right or

power over his own body, but the wife : and Hkewifc the wife

hath no power over her own body , but the husband , foraf-

much as God hath fo knit them together in this mutuall fociety

to the procreation of children , that they ftiould bring them

up inthefeare of the Lord , and to the increafc of Chrills

KingJome.

Wherefore they that be thus coupled together by God, can ttot be fevered or put apart , unleflc it be for a feafon with the a{f-nt of both parties , to the end to give themfelves the more fervently to falling and pra)'er , giving diligent heed in the meane time, that their long being apart be not a fnare to bring them into the danger of Satan, through incontinency, and ther- fore to avoyd fornication every n-^an ought to have his owne wife, and every woman her own husband : fo that fo many as e Mat.T9 cannot live chart, are c bound by the Commandement of God

1 Cof. 7. to marry , that thereby the holy / Temple of God, which iswui f I Cor. 3. bodies , miy be kept pure and undefiled. For fince our bodies'

2 Cor. 6, 2re now beconie the very members of lefus Chrift, how horri- Uvit.x5. ble and deteftable a thing is it , to make them the members of '^^ThfT ^^^^^^^^ ? Every one ought therefore to keepe his veflellin Konu 11,^ ^" ^^^ ^ pareneflfe and holinefle : for whofoevcr /; poUuteth and Eph. J, * defileth the Temple of God, him will God deftroy.

* I Cor,}.

y Heer

7 he forme of Mtriage. 5 5'

C H re the AftKifi.'r fpeal^th to th^ farties th>J p^all bee marieJjtt thu wifi,

1 Require and charge you as you will anfwer at the day of* lO.r.^, ludcemcnt, when the / fecrets of all hearts fliall be difclofcd, J;^**^- 7- ' .p ' , r J 1 • f I ivoir, 2,

thatlfellheroryoudok^owanylmpedlment, why ye may not

be lawfully joyncd together in Matrimony, that ye confefTe it. For be ye well afllired.that fo many as be coupled otherwife then Go-ls word doth allow , are not joyned together by God, neither is their Matrimony lawfuU.

gr If no impedimertt be hj them declared^ tk n the Minifler. Jalth to the whole C^ngrxg at ion.

I Take yoU td witnefTe that be here prefent,bereeching you all to have good remembrance hereof : and moreover, if there be any of you , which knoweth that either of thefe parties be contracted to any other , or knoweth any other lawmll im- pediment,l€t them now make declaration thereof.

^ If no canfe be allc^gedjhetMinifierproceedeth faying,

FOrafmuch as no man fpeaketh againft this thing, you; N. {hail proteft here before God, and his holy Congregation, that you have taken, and are now contented, to havc,V. here prefent for your lawfuU wife, promiiing to keepe her, to love and intreat her in all things according to the duty of a faithful! husband,foriaking all other, during her life,and briefly to live in an holy converfation with her^keeping faithand truth in all points,according as the word of God and his holy Gofpel doth command.

Theanjifcr.

Even fo I tp.ke her before God , and in the prefcnce of this his Congregation.

G 3 Thi

Y:

k I Cor. II.

54 7 he forme ojMariage.

The Mzntjler to thjpoufe alfofdHh.

Ou, V.^all proteft here before the face of God, in the pre- fence of this holy Congregation , that ye have taken , and are now contented to have N. here prcfcnt for your law- fiill husband^promifing to him i^ fubjedlion and obedience, for- Coiofl; V faking all other , during his life , and finally to live in an holy I Tin».2. converfation with him,keeping faith and truth in all points, as I P-^f. 3- Gods word doth prefcribe.

The anfvper. Even fo I take him before G od , and in the prcfcnce of this his Congregation.

The Minifler thenfaith.

Give diligent eare then to the Gofpell, that ye may under- (tand how our Lord would have this holy contrad kept and obferved, and how fure and f'aft a knot it is, which may in no wife be loofcd, according as wc be taught in the ip, chap.of S.Matthewes Gofpell.

THe Pharifies came unto Chrift to tempt him and to grope his mind,faying. Is it lawfiill for a man to put away kis wife fo r every light caufe ? He anfwered, faying. Have ye not read, that he which created man at the beginning, made them male and female ? faying. For this thing fhall man leave fa- ther and mother, and cleave unto his wife , and they twaine fhal be one fle{h,fo that they are no more two,but are one flcfli. Let no man therefore put afunder that, which God hath coup- led together.

IF ye believe aflurcdly thefe words, which our Lord and Sa- viour did fpeake f according as ye have heard them now re- hearfed out of the holv Gofpell ') then may you be certainc, that God hath even fo Knit you together in this holy ftate of wedlock. Wherefore apply your fclves to live together in god- ly love, in Chriftian peace and good C5:ample,cver holding fall the band of charity without any br^^ach, keeping faith and truth the one to the othcr,cven as GodsWord doth appoint.

^ then

The Vifiution of the fick* 5 5

ff Then the Mimjler commenJfth them to (^od , in this or J4tch like fort.

The Lord fandlifie and blefTe you : the Lord powre the riches of his grace upon you,rhat ye may pleafe him,and live together in holy love to your lives end^ So be it.

y Then Mfun^ the 12^ Pfiifme , 'BUjfjdare they that fear e the Lori^ &c, or fona other appertM/Jing to the /ami ptfrpofr,

THE VISITATION OF THE

S I C K E.

BEcaufe the vifitation of the ficke i^ a thing very neceflary, and yetnotwirhftanding it is hard to prefcribe all rules ap^ pxertaining therennto, we refer it to the difcretion of the godly and prudent Minifler, who, according as he fecth the patient affli6ted,either may lift him up with the fweet promifes of Gods mercy through Chrift, if he perceive him much afraid of Gods threatnings : or contrariwile ^ if he be not touched with the feeling of his fins, may beate him down with Gods juftice : everir ore likea skilfull Phyfition, framing his medicine,accor- dingasthedifeaferequireth : and if he perceive him to want any necefTaries, he not only relicveth him according to his ha- biijty , but alfo provideth by others that he may be furniflied fofficiently. Moreover the party that is viiited,may at all times for his comfort fend for the Minirter : who doth not only make Prayers for him there prefently , but alfo if it fo require^com- racndcth him in thepublik prayers to the Congregation.

A PRAYER TO BE SAID

in vifiting of the ficke.

OOur good God, Lord and Father,the Creator and con- fefver of all things, thcfountaineofallgoodnefTe and

benignity.

The Vjjitathn of the frek*

benignit/, like as ( among other thine infinite benefits, which thou oi thy great goodncfle and grace doft dilhibutc ordinari- ly unto all men ) thou givcft them health of body , to the end that they iliould th ^ better know thy great liberality , £o that they might be tlvi more ready to ferve and glorific iheewith the fame : Co contrariwife^when we have il-bchaved c ur felves in offending thy Majelly^ thou haft accuftomed admonifh us, & call us unto thee by divers and fundry chaftifements^through the which it hath pleafed thy goodnefle to fubdue and tame our fraifc flefli : but efpecially by the grievous plagues of ick- nefle and difcafes , ufing the fame , as a meane , to awake and ftirup the great dulneflfe and negligence that is in us all , and advertifing us of^'our evill life by fuch infirmities and dangers, efpeciallywhenastheythrcatenthe very death, which (asaf- fured meflengers of the fame , ) are all to the fleili full of ex- treame anguirti and torments , although they be notwithftand- ing to the fpirit of the eledt, as medicines both good and whol- fome. For by them thou doft move us to returne unto thee for our falvation , and to call upon thee in our affliflions , to have thine help,which art our deare and loving Father.

In confideration whereof we moft earneftly pray unto thee our good God, that it would pleafe thine infinite goodnefle to have pity on this thy poore Cirature whom thou haft, as ic were , bound and tycd to the bed by moft grievous ficknefle^ and brought to great extremity by the heavinefte of thine hand.

O Lord , enter not into accompt with him , to render the reward due unto his workes , but through thine infinite mercy remit all his faultes , for the which thou haft chaftifed hitn fo gently ,and behold rather the obedience which thy deare Sonac lefus Chrift our Lord hath rendred unto thee, to wit, the facri- fke which it pleafed thee to accept as a lull recompence for all the iniquities of them that receive him for their juftice and fan* £Ufication,yea, for their only Saviour.

Let it pleafe thee, O God, to give him atrue zealeand af- fe6lion,to receive and acknowledge him for his only Redeemer, to the end alfo , that thou maift receive this fick perfon to thy mercy, qualifying all the troubles,which his finnes , the horror of death, and dreadfiill feare of the fame, may bring to his y^akc confcieuce : neither fuffer thou, O Lord, the affaults of

the

A Prayer for the fie k:

the mighty adverfary to prevaile/or take from him the comfor- table hope offalvation , which thou giveft to thy dearely be- loved children.

And forafmuch as we are all fubjccl to the like ftatc and condition, and to be vifited with like battell when it (hall plealb thee to call us unto the fame : we befeech thee mort humbly» OLord, with this thy poorcCreaturewhom thou now pre- fently chaftifeft, that thou wilt not extend thy rigorous judge • ment againft him , but that thou wouldeft vouchfafe to (hew him thy mercy for the love of thy deare Sonne lefus Chrill our Lord, who, having fuffered the moftlTiamefuIl, and extreme death of tlie CrolFe , bare willingly the fiiult of this poore pa- tient, tothe end that thou mighteft acknowledge him, as one redeemed with his precious blood, and received into the com- munion of his body, to be participant of eternall felicity in the company of thy blefled Angels : wherefore, O Lord, difpofe and move his heart to receive by thy grace with all meeknefle, this gentle and fatherly corredion , which thou haft layed up- on him, that he may indure it patiently and with willing obe- dience , fubmitting himfelfe with heart and minde to thy blef- fed will and favorable mercy, wherein thou now vifiteft him after this fort for his profit and falvation. It maypleafe thy goodneffe , O Lord , to aflift him in all his anguilhes and troubles. And although the tongue and voyce be not able to execute their office in this behalfe to fet forth thy glory : that yet at the leaft , thou wilt iHr up his heart to afpire unto thee only , which art the only Fountaine of goodnefle , and that thou faft roote and fettle in his heart, the fweet promifes which thou haft made unto us, in Chrift lefys thy Sonne our Saviour, to th € intent he may remaine conftant againft all the affaults and tumults, which the enemie of our falvation may raife up to trouble his confcience.

And feeing it hath pleafed thee , that by the death of thy deare Sonne life eternall (howld be communicated unto us, and by the fhedding of his blood the waftiingof ourfinnes ihould be <leclared, and that by his Refurredion alfo, both juftice and immortality fliould be given is : it may pleafe thee to apply tWs holy and wholfome medicine,to this thy poore Creature in fuch extremity , taking from him all trcmbding and dreadfull

H fearc

58 Atrgyerpr the lich

!^rfe,tnd lb j^ve him a ftout courage in the mids ^ all hiis |>it- Fent ad verities.

And forafmuch as all things , O Heavenly leather, be kno'^'n unto thee , and thou canft according to thy good pl:a- fure minifter unto him all fuch thing* &s lh«il he ncccfTary aftd expedient : let it plcafc thee,0 Lord , fo to fatisfie him hy thy giace.as may feemt; mod meete unto thy Divine Majefty.

Receive him. Lord, into thy protection : for he hath hi^rt- courfe and accefTe to thee alone, and make him conrtant and fintje in thy Commandementsand Promiles, and alfo pardon allhisfinnes both fecret, andthofe Mv'hich are manifelt : by the which he hath moll grievoufly provolced thy wrath and (cvere judgements again ff him, foas inp5'aceofdcath ( the which both he and all we have juftly merited ) thou wilt grtftt wito him that blelTed life , which we alfo attend and look^ f^r t y thy grace and mercy.

Neverthelefle , O heavenly Father, ifthy goodpleaftfre be that he (hall yet live longer in this World : it may tfjen plcafe thee to augment in him thy graces , fo as the fame ti\ty lerve unto thy glory : yea. Lord , to the intent he may conform himfelfe , the more diligently aud with more carefiilnefle , to the example of thy Sonne Chrift lefus : and that in rehounting himfelfe he may cleave folly unto him , who to give cortfokt- tion and hope unto all finiiers, to obtaineremi(fion of all their (inncs and offences , hath caried with him, into the heavehS, the Theefe which was crucified with him upon the Crofle.

Eut if the time by thee appointed be come that he (halltfe- partfromus unto thee , makeliimtofeckin hisconfciencfe, O Lord , the fruit and (Irength of thy grace , that thereby he may have a new tafte of thy Fatherly care over him , from the beginning of his life unto the very end of the fame, for the Iotc of thy deare Sonne lefus Chrift our Lord.

Give him thy grace , that with a good heart and fkH •ffunnce of faith , he may receive to his confolation fogrelt and excellent a treaftire, to wit , the remitrioti of his fimres in Chrift lefus thy Sornie, who ttow j^refetiteth him to this poott tjcrtbn in diftres , by the vcrtut of thy promifei revciled Unto him bv thy word , which hee hath exercifed with m% in tty Church »ttdCottgreg^t(»ft, tifkl^Ifo iti ufihg th^ Sdcramefttl,

which

which tfaott therein hall cfiabliihed for confirmation of all thcii . $l4(h that trufl in thee unfainedly .

Let true faith, O Lord, be unto him as a moft furc bucklei thereby to avoydthe aflaults of death, and more boldly \^alJcc foi; the advancement of etemall life, to the end, that he having a. moft lively apprehenfion thereof, may rejoycc with thee in the Heavens eternally.

Let him be under thy protedion and governance O hea- venly Father, and although he be fick , vet canft thou heale him : hec is caft downe , but thou canft lift him up : hec is fore troubled , but thou canft fend redreflfe : he is weakc, thou canft fend ftrength : he acknowledgeth his uncleanne/Fe, his fpots, his filthincflc and iniquitie$,butthou canft wafli him, and make him cleane, he is wounded , but thou canft miniftcf moft fovereigne falves : he is fearefull and trembling, but thoo canft give him good courage and boldnefle. To be ihopt , he is, as it were , utterly loft , and as a ftrayed (beepe : but thou canft call him ho re to thee againe. Wherefore, O Lord, feeing that this poore creature \ thine own workmanfhipj rc- fignetb him wholly into thy hands , receive him into thy mcr- cifuU protediion. Alio we poore miferabic creatHjes, which are, asicwere, in the field ready to fight till thot* withdraw us from^ the lame , vouchiafe to ftrengthen us by thine holy Spirit , that we may obtaine the vidory in thy Name againft our deadly and mortall enemy. And mrthermore, that the afflidion and combat of this thy poore creature in moft grie- vous torments, may move us to humble our felves with afl re- verent feare and trembling under thy mighty hand , knowing that we muft appeare before thy judgement feat when it fhafl pleafe thee fo to appoint. But, O Lord, the corruption of our traile nature is fuch, that we are utterly deftitutc of any meanc to appeare before thee ^ except it, pleaCb thee to make us fuch. as thou thy felfe requireft us to be : and further, that thou give us the fpirit of meekencfte and humility , to reft- and ftay. W-Holy on.thofe things which thooi pnly commandd}..

But fbraffhuch as we be alltpgcther unwoijth^, tacmpu ^ fuch benefits, we befeech thee to receive qs in the Name ofthji deare Sonne our Lord,and mafter,in whofe death and fatis^fh* OS ftandeth wholy the hope of our falvation.

H a Ic

6# A ?r dyer for the pck*

It may alfo pleafc thee , O Father of comfort and confoh- tion , to ftrengthen with thy grace thefe which imploy their travell and diligence to the ayding of chisfick pcrfon, that they feint not by overmuch and Continuall hbour, but rather to goe heartily and chcereflilly forward in doing their indevours towards him : and if thou take him from them , then of thy cbodneflc to comfort them , fo as they may patiently beare fuch departing and praife thy Name in all things. Alfo O hea- venly Father , vouchfafe to have pity on all other (ick perfons, and fuch as be by any other wayes or means afflidled , and alfo on thofe who as yet are ignorant of thy truth,and appertaine ncverthelefle unto thy Kingdomc. ^

In like manner on thofe that fuffer perfecutioa , tor- mented in prifons , or otherwife troubled by the enemies of tky verity for bearing teftimony to the fame. Finally , on all the neceiTities of thy people , and upon all the ruines orde- Ciyes which Satan hath brought upon thy Church. O Fa- ther of mercy fpread forth thy goodnefTc upon all thofe that be thine , that wee forfaking our felves , may be the more inflamed and confirmed to reft onely upon thee alone. Grant thefe our requefts, O ourdcare Father, for the love of thy deare Sonne our Saviour lefus Chrift , who li veth and reign - cth with thee in unity of the holy Ghoft , true God for ever- more. So be it.

OfBuriail,

T He corps is rcyerently brought to the Grave , accompani- ed with the Congregation , without any further ceremo- nies : which being buried , the Minifter if hee be prefcnt, and required,goethto the Church,if it be not far of,and makcth fome comfortable exhortation to the people , touching Death and RcfurredUon.

the

DiJcfpUme^ 6l

QJZ:

The Order efthe Ecckfidfikall DtfciflifU'

AS no City, Towne, Houfc or Family can maintainc their cftate, and prorper,wichout policy and governance :even fo the Church of God , which requireth more purely to rhe ncce/n- be governed , then any City or Family , can not without fpi- fy of Difd- rituall policy and Ecclefiafticall Difcipiins continue, increafe P^^'^** and flourini. And as the Word of God is the life and foule of this Church : fo this godly order and Difcipline, is as it were finnewes in the body ^ which knit and joyne the members to- gether with decent order and camlinefle. It is a bridle to fiay the wicked from their mifchiefes. It is a fpur to pricke for- ward fuch as be flow and negligent : yea , and for all men , it is the Fathers rod, even in areadinefletochaftifcgently the faults committed , and to caufe them afterward to live in more godly feare and reverence. Finally, it is an order left by God unto his Church , whereby men learne to frame their wills, and doings according to the Law of God , by inftrufling and ^j'*^ P'^^: admonilhing one another,yca,and by correcting and punifliing "^ '"*" al-obftinate rebells and contemners of the fame.

. There are three caufes chiefly which move the Church of Por whit God to the executing of Difcipline. Firft, that men of evill c»ufcs it converfation be not numbred among Gods children , to their °"^^' "* * Fathers reproch , as if the Church of God were a fauifhiary for naughty and vile perfons . The fecond refpeCl is,that the good be notinfefted with companying the evill : which thing Saint Paul forefaw, when he commanded the Corinthians to banifli from among them the inceftuous adulterer , faying , A little i levcn makcth fower the whole lumpe of dow. The third , , ^or.r caufe is, that a man thus correded, or excommunicated ,might oal. j. be b afliamed of his fault , and fo through repentance come to ,^ _. g. amendment : the which thing the Apoftle calleth delivering to ^\^q^^ ^* Satan , that his foule may be faved intheday ofthc Lord : meaning that he might be puniflied with excommunication, to the intent his foule ihould not pcrlfli for ever.

H 3 Firft,

The Order ^rk therefore it is to be lyoted, that this cenfupc , corre£^i- of proceed- oaorI>irciplir>e , is eith^? piiyate or pubJike : private, as if a vlte Dilci- man commit either in manners or dodrine againft thee, to ad- pline. monilli him brotMrly c between him anci thee.if ft> be he ftub-

c ^^*J-'8. burnly refift thy charitable ad.\(prurp{ieixts , or elfe by continu- lam!//* ance in his fault, declare that he amendeth not, then, after he Leuit. 19 hat;h beeathe fegond ti'^nc Warned in prefence of two or three 2 Their, ^. witnefles^ and contiaueth oblHoatly in his errour , he ought as. Publickc ourSa,vipiirChriftcommandeth, to bedifclofed and uttered Difcipline. to the Church , fo that according to publike Dircipline,he ei- ther may be received through repenunce, or elfe be punilhed, as his fault requireth. Whtt thing* And here , as touching private Difcipline, three things are arc to be ob- ^^ ^^ noted. Firft, that our admonitions pxoceede of a godly mivate Dif- ^cale and confcience , rather feeking to win our brother then ciplinc, to (lander him . Next,^ that we be auured , that his fault be re- proveable by Gods Word. And finally, that we ufe fuch mo-. defly and wifdpme, that if we fomewhat doubt of the matter, whereof we adn^onifli him , yet with godly exhortations he may be brought to the knowledge of his fault. O r if the fault appcrtaine to many, or be known of diverfe,that our admoniti- on be done in prefence of fome of them.

Briefly, if it concerne the whole Church , in fuch fort that the concealing thereof might procure fome danger to the iiime, thgtthen it be uttered to tne Minillers, and Seniors^ to whom th^ policy ot theChurcI>. doth appeitaine. of ^blick(c Alio m publike Difcipline it is to be obferved, thac the Mi- '^nl^''"d' ^*^^n^ pretermit nothing at any time unchaftilcd with one kind thereof." of punifhmqnt or other , if they perceive any thin^in the con- gregation, either evijlinexajqplp, (landerous in mannei?s , oc- not Defecraipg theif prpfcfTion : as if there be any coyetQus- perfon, any adulterc;r^or fornicr^tor^ forfwor^ie, thiefe, bril>er, falfe witncflTe bearer, blafphcmer,drunkard, flanderer,.ufiu;er, any perfon difobcdient , fcc|itioi|s or diflblMt^ , aqy hereficor fcft^as papifticall, Anabaptiilifall and fuch like : briefly, what-> . * Eph. v foever itbethatmight * fpot the Chriftian Congregation, yea^ rather whatfoevcr is not to cdificaao% ouglu notito cfcapc ci- ther admpnition or puniGimenp.

And becaufe it cotnme.tih, to paflcfemctinjom the Church

of

Dijcipline. ^3'

ofChrift.that when other remedies a(raycd,profit nothing,they muft proceed to the Apollolicall rod and corre»Stion, asunro Excommunication (^ which is the greateftand hfi: punifhment Excommi. belonging to the fpirituall Miniftciy ) it is ordained , that no- n-cnon i$ thing be attempted in that behalfe, v^'ithout the determination jj'^'^j'^^^'*' of the whole Church : wherein alfo tjiey mull beware anda^gf/rin take good heed, that they feeme not more ready to exptllfrom punifhmfnt the Congregation , then to receive againe thofcjin whom they ^ "^^j^^ ^ perceiveVorthy fruits of repentance to appeare : neither yet to forbid him the hearing of Sermons , which is excluded from q^^, ^^^^ the Sacraments and other duties of the Church^that he may is the oneiy have liberty and occafion to repent : finally , that ^"\«. o^ i^»^-

allpuniiliments, correflions, cenfuresand cip.iac.

admonitions ftretch no further , then Gods Word with mercy may lawfully beare.

Math. XVIIL

Jfanj rtfnfe to heare the QongregAt'ion , let him he to thee M an heal hen^and as a Pfti/ican,,

FINIS.

m

^

J	/\^«;/^
	. -yH/vO
iai!^^
	r

,^; /- •--^' -

THE PREFACE,

AFrgr thefe ddrkjtnd drtddfull dayes ofbarharoHS hltnd}?ejfe,& fHper- .ftitioy!ywhereinJ?y the deceit of dumb dogs, Uottdte warresfir ma^ year shad covered the face of this land^it plea fed the bonnttfulnefjeof God.tn that riches ofhts loveyOs not regarding the time of former ignorance, with a marvelloHS mercy to vifit this \R^alme^hj fending , not onej onah tofuch a Ntnivie , or one Phillip tofnch a Samaria, but fir ft few ^fwce many ^ and all faithfully holy, wife^fracl^to preach the (jofpeltn Scotland , as in another Antiochia. At the terrour of thefe Trumpets ^ likefmoake before the vfindcy were quickly driven away^ not onely the dark^neffe ofldolatriCj and damnable diffenfion among the members of this kingdom, wherein con-' ffled the flrength of that bloudie beafi^ by whofe tyrannous crueltie , And deceivahle wayes^ Princes andPeoplcy were fhamefully abufedy andoften, compelled with the clawes of violence tojhed the bloud of the Saints ; yea, to keep the booke of the unchangeable Tejlament of J e fas C^rifh^ under the cover ofaftrange tongue^ as a clafped bocke that itfhould not be read : but alfoy many of that Antichriflianfeli , who in the time of perfecution had nfed the curious Arts of that kingdom ofliesyandfervice of^z.dX^were turned to the truth of God, andpreached the word of his grace, fo that tn a fhort time that R§mijh Jericho/if//, the people that fate in dafkneffefaw a. great light > and where the power of Satan had prevailed, the Throne of Chrifl was fit up, the word mcreafed , and the Lord added to the Ktrke from day to day,fuch as were to be faved; fi magnifying the firength of his owne arme again/} his enemies ^ in that profperoustime , that neither proud ^nakims , nor craftie ^ibeonites , were able to fland before the Spirit thatfpakein thefe men of(jodywhen they were but few : and though they walked in thefiefh, yet did they not warrc after theflefh^but by thefpi^ rttuallarmes of bold Preachings reverent minifhation oft foe Sacraments y andfincere ruling oftheflocke ofChrifi with difcretion, and without par- tialitiCy and alwayes praying, and often faffing , they banifhed Atheifme, Barbaritie, andTapifirie , cjuenched the fire of contentions ^ prevented dangers, planted the Kirkes^teached and perfwaded great andfmall,poore and rich, andperfons ofalleflates, to profeffe the Evangel, And howfo- ever they W^€ datly crowed with deceit, and oppofition.fo led they diver fity

A % in

7hc Preface,

in the hand ofamttie^ that allthwgs conccrn'mg th^gtcat worke of thai glorioHs reformation ito thepraife ofGodyand the comfort of the godly ^\v ere wifelji and firmly appointed. In thofe happy dajes the ferv ants, of the Lord, in love were //% Jonathan 4;;^ David \ m courage like Gideons 300. in nnitie like the Saints that firfl received the Cjofpel ; in care and diligence Itke the bntlders of the wall of Jerufalemy andfo marching like the Lords Armies, Then were they neither defpifed nor abhorred but received as the jingels of God \ and yet in the Lords troupes^ neither for worke, nor war, were there to be found any pompous Prelate , cAbbot , Trior , 'Bijhopy or Archbijhopy that loves tojhme in dignitie, and re Joyce in rent , with the contempt of their brethren,and negleti of the Lords fervice.O Scotland ! what was then thy felicitie ? Then dtdfl thonjing &[hout with the voyce of joy : God will arife, and his enemies fliall be fcattered ; they aJfo fhac hare him iliallflye before him. Thou haft brought a Vine out of Egvpt. Thou hailcaft out the heathen, and planted ir. Thou madeltroome for it, and didrtcaufc it to take root, and in- filled the land, &c.

The fuperflitioHs ignorant y the perverfe PapiJ^, the craft ie Tarajite, and the felf 'loving Polititian^ the Chriflian coloured'B city- god y and the loofe-livery the time- fervery and all the forts of that filthy feD: , that lyates to bee reformed , often confpired againfl the building of that rrlo^ nous Temple y but all in vaine ; for by the power ofCjod they were difap- pointed. Tet in thefe lafl dayes fome dangerous Daiiiah hath betrayed Sampfon ; and told wherein his f^rength fay, withnoleffe hurt to this Kirkcy then was performed by the falfe brethren ywho were craftily fent in, and crept in privily among ft the faithfull , tof^ie out their liberty which they had in Chrtfi JefWy that they mi^ht bri>ig them into bondage. It is clecrly k^owneto many in this Kingdome, and in forraine parts , what a ff ail for defence y and a band for peace y and pr ogre jfe of the Gofpel,was that heavenly difcipline , whereby brotherly amitie , andfacred harmonic of Prince y Paflors and Profeffours, were fo continued andincreafcd.jthat ally as one man^ did H: and together for the Doftrine, Sacraments , and I^irke government, againjf the adverfaries, either lurking or profejfed. It was the hedge oftl^e Lords vineyardyandthe hammer whereby the homes both ofadverfaries , and difobeyers , were beaten and broken. <iAnd of this happy mean it might be truely faid, that in theflrength of it , more then by our owne vertuCy were we fir on g and prevailed: ^nd to parpen our love it is thus written by aftranger, but a friend. Albeit it be neceP farie, that they who have their Citie in heaven, repo/e altogether ihereupon,yctnothingfliouldlecusto behold^as it wercheaven

upon

iht Preface.

upon earth, that is, the power of God in his owne, &c. By moft evident reafons I judge the Kirkeof Scotland to be of this fort; In the which, the many mightie, and long continuing adaults of Satan, the like whereof, as Ithinke, no Nation fuftained , could neither defile thepuritie of dodlr^ne', nor bow the rule of right difcipline. This is a great gift of God, that he hath brought toge- ' ther to Scotland, both the puritie of Religion , and Di/cipline, whereby^, as in a bond, the do^rine h Mdy kept. I pray and be- feech you fo to keep thefe two together,as that ye may be aflTured, that if the one fall, the other can no wayes long Hand,

It camot he denyed^ bm by thefpace of fifty yeares and above ^Scotland YOnneipellytheT^olirineivdsin fuchfort f reached, and Difcipltne ap^ fo'tntedy andfra^iifed ; yea, both profejfed, efiab/ifhed , and confiantly ^<f- fended \ net onely by thofi faithful I men that went before , but by them tv ho followed, and yet live^ in fuch concord of Ktrk^ and foliciey that the like thereof is fcarcely to befonnd in Storie, orfeene with eyes in any 7^- tionyjince the revelation of the Myflerie of the Gofpel to the firli (iA^ forties. B fit now of /ate, withpitie to fpeake it, no nncircHmcifed Phili^ fiimy or Affyrian, bmfome of the T>ifciples , de [irons to fit at the right hand, and pretending to re ftore againethe Ktngdometo Ifrael, the Ktrk£ to her old rent s^ and prtviledges ^ at fir ft did mtnce and fparinglj fpeak^y but afterwardpra^ife and loudly preach ; that, except after the manner of other "T^tionfy the Kirke of Scotland adn?itted againe Prelates ythe Trin* cesofthat wicked Hierarchie, withfome untrufly traditions, and change of things indifferent y as theyterme them , but in ejfe^ithe dtfgracina of 'TafhorSy ejeBing of Elders, d^firoying of Affemblies , and Fajhionino-^ DoElrine, Difcipline, Sacraments^ConfeJfions of Faith, Formes of prayer, and all in a newfhape ; it cannot be faved , nor vindicate from povertie and contempt, but by the meanes of this mdadie obtruded for a remedies '2^t onely thefe evils, howfoever at the beginning feemingfmall , hath fo

frowne, that like nettles in a fowle ground, they not onely budandbloome\ Ut aburtdantly bring forth dtvifions, diffenfions, and unkindly contentions^ among brethren, to the great joy of the enemies, and grief e and offence of them that feare God. This jirange fire hath entred into the C^tie ofQod, andhorrihlic burnes on : and jet is it jo , that fuch as may ^v ill not^ and fuch as are wiHing^cannot, and they that fhould be fir Jl, are leafl z^ealons and forward to offer their paines^ either "to cleare and defend the truth , to pactfie their brethren, ortopleade the caufe of Difcipline again ft the ca-^ lumnies and cavillations of fuch as by promoting of novelties , feehes pro^ Tftotfon 'y but uncharitable fpecchcs , and pej^tferous penncs of diffenfion,

petting

The Preface.

fretting 4s (t canks^^increafeth unto more ungodlmejfe ; danger otu diffo- lutiony the danghtcr ofdivifiony and the undoubted fore-rHnner of defo^ I at ion ddilj froclatmcs the def tang, if not the fall of tins reformed Ktrk^ aAs if no care^ould he taken that the Sfoufe ofjcfw Chrtft,whofo long like a chafle Virgin hath Jhined in purity before her Lord m thts land, fhouldnoiv beftained with Corahs ambition yBcilsiSLms ivages,and E fan's profanenejfe. Altar againji Altar ^ and Brother againfi Brother, In this cafe ^foptttfull, and good caufe fo univerfally negleEiedy if not defer ted i itjhouldbe our hearts defire, and prayer to (fodto be found faithfnlli when rvithgriefe we mayjuBlyfay of the old friends , and new adver janes of T^ifcipline. It is time for the Lord to vvorke, for they have de- ftroyed thy Laws: And of her conftant friends boldly avow^ Therefore love they thy comraandements above gold, yea above moil Hue gold. C^uld this pragmaticall courfe of dangerous defertionfrom a truth fo long pro feffedywhereof none, or few can be ignorant, work^ in our heart St now almofl luke-warme , a laborious love, and holy sjeale for that truth •whereof we are perfvaded ^ we might then be fully affured. That as it wa^ faid in the booke of the warres of the Lord, what he did in the redfea, and in the brooks ofArnon, the banners of his power being df played for Ifrael^ as well at their entrie into C^^naan againji the l>{ations y as at their camming out of Egypt againfi Pharaoh : fo though the wonder full wor-" king of his equivalent power, and unchangeable love, itfhouldbe remem^ bred in the "Records of the reformed Kirkes of Scotland, that what he did firjl in fub fiance, that he didlajl in ceremonie, making the end of his own worke agaiifl aApoflates from DifcipltnCy profs ffed by themfelves^ and in that refpeli renters of brotherly unitie, and dividers of brethren, anfwera- ble to the happy beginnings thereof again jl cruell perfecutors , and wicked Heretickj'fs the Lord changed^becaufe he changes the manner of his wor- king? (J odforbid.For although hee declare not in out times who belong to him by miraculous fire fent from heaven ^as in the dayes ofRWah , the earth opens not her mouth , as in the dayes 0/ Corah ; loe raines notjhowers of Brimflone upon the Sodomite ^ of this age he turns not fuch as looke backe intopiHars offalttofeafon others ^neither is his favour manifejled towards his owne fecrct ones^in earthly & vifble blejfings^fo wonderfully as of old; yet the God oflfraelis our Gody& the God of the old Teflament is the(jod of the New y& better I'eflament Joavingflill a fecret & ecjutvalent provi- dence mofl wifely difpofedy& franudfor the weak of his Ktrk^ac cor ding to the diver Jit ie of the ages fucceeding one after another. So that no wife heart pcrceivingthe courfe thereofyCouldwifh another then the prefect jhowfoever thefollie of Infidclttie blindes men to afeU the miracles ^cafe, and outward

profperitie

The Preface;

fferkie of former generations y andifthefifa'tU, tocafl themfelveshetuU long in defperation, dcfeQion, or Atheifme, Tea , becaufa hee worses not ds before yin their hajiey they conclude , that he workes not at all. It were eurwifedome , who live m the lafl times , rather to determine with our felves J that oi in great and extraordinarie plagues, f mall and common dtfeajes are fwallowed uf ; fo will the Lord, leaving all other warnings ^ have all ear es to be lift up in fear e , to the hearing of the load Trumpet of the Gofpely fummoning allfiejh before the judgement feat ofChrifh , that they may mofi- of all tremble at that lafl fentence, which debarres men for ever from the face of God, andtn the meane time, will have the life of his ewne children htd with C^rifiy that in a holy conformitie with him^ they nuty by many affi5lions enter into his Kingdoms ^s theprefent profpe^ rttie of the common fort doth make their feare the greater ; fo the eroffes efthe Kirke IJfould make them with the greater courage to It ft up their heads ,and while the day of their redemption drawes neeryto walkjvith the greater fdelitie in their vocations y building the houfe of God with the one hand, & fighting with the other^ngainfl: enemies of all forts, efpec tally thefe Sanballats, and Tobiahs, who labour to make other Kirkes abroad , and a great number of the Taflors and People ax home y to thinke that a great part of the walls ofQhrif^s Kirke y budded within this Ration , fince our deliveriefrom the Romijh captivitie, arefo weake , that if a Foxfhallgoe up upon them, he fhould brea^e them downe* And nowforfooth the new worke rijing in ^Liee of the old to be more firme^andofthe old foundation, when the myftene ofiniquitie, after long working in fecret was feen mani^ fefted, there was a new face brought upon the Kirke. The pure fount aines of holy Scripture troubled with the puddle of trifling traditions, ceremonies brought iny and will- worjhipy and damnable Idolatrte fet up, Apofiolicall *Difitpline abolifhed, and Povifhpolicie exalted* Tet fuch is the wilful- nejfe of men^knowing the weakeneffe of errour, and force of the truthy that multitudes in the fucceeding times have not blujht to bring in t he fe novel- ties under the name of ancient verities \ yea y without (hame, or feare, to affrme that this la ft' was the primitive and naturall face of their mother. It may be feene in thefe dayeSy that after a large time, this fecondmyfivrie- working under cover, jet alwayes perceived by fome in this Landy ps now at lafl brought toltghl, according to the warnings of the wife watchmen of this Kirke, and hath changed the comely countenance ofChrifis Spoufey further then the lovers of the truth would have thought , into the Anti- chrsfiian complexion of that whore of Babel, and without Cjods preven- ting mercie, and our fpeedy repentance, the Icjfe ofagreatf^bfiance for a foule conformitie y andyet , hawfoever all men cry, that the ancient way

was

The Vrtfact. \»Ai the befl , atida^ they lovehonejhe, they ivill he thefofifjes ofcofjflatt^ cie,AKd firmety ret awe the nyictCKt 1)ifaflt?ieofthe reformed Kirke of Scotland. They have renoHncedyiothing^ they have abjurednothng 'yj^^> ff^^y rvhtfper of a fall from the frit love , they are qtackly ^narkta , as wtlffill pleading for {hadowes , and making offchijmes : andfofuch as wonldftrive to fland, mnjl fnjfcr for their fwlc , who hath tvroughi the change. As that old Painter y intendmg to reprcfeht the body ofHcrculeSy. exprejfed nothing of the lineaments ofhi5face,Jiaturey or members , con^ tenting btmfelfe with the rcfembUnce of the Lyons skinne , yvhich hee was wont to Carrie^ as the badge ofhisjlrength, and Trophic of his honour : So fome of his Prentices y for the beat^ntfullface of this Ktrke , and heavenly proportion of her divine Difcipiiyie^dofet before the eyes of men of this timcy ivho never farv the faire face, nor felt the flrength of ancient order , that roaring Lyons skinne of Epifcopacie^ the greateH monfler that this Kirke had confliEied with , in the mojl part of her meettngs ^ and whofe skin yvithin thefe few yeares was commonly repute among fi the re fi of the ffoyles taken from her enemies* As it was the courage of wife Cato a- gainji the bragges of arrogant Greekes , perverting all veritie and anti- quitie of Hyjlorie, andufurping the honour of the invention of all things, to write a booke do. Origlmhus fir vindicating the truth from ufurping prefumption : ^yfndas m later times many have happily labored m dif- coveringthe Roman inventions y and bringing to light the beginnings and progrejfe of err our and idolatrie^creeping in and corrupting that Kirke ; It were Ukewife to be wijhed , for the weale of this Kirke , and her caufe of contzoverfies, that the ay^lts ofthegenerall Affemblies, fo often vijited and prepared for pub licke ufe y were now according to the intention and care of the Kirke y together with thebookes of Difciplmey which jhould be lights for direction , and lawes fordicijion of controverjles arijtng thereabout, faithfully per u fed and printed.

For theprefent necejfitie,yehave here the firjl and ficond bookes ofDi" fciplincy with certain e A^s of the Kirke for clearing your doubt s^ and con- ^ firming the truth againfl fuchy 04 delight in vatles ofobfcuritie, and cir-' cuits of Circumvention, As there wa6 never any miracle wrought for con^ futing ofAtheifls becaufe every workj>fGod is a miracle again [I them\fo there needs no argument ^to flop the ntouthes of adverfaries forDifciplinCy who would feem to shand to their own oath and ancient profefs ion. becaufe every line almofl of thefe bookes , will be an argument again ft them. If trUtl) fhall obtrude her felfe to the knowledge of men, not fuffering them to be fo fotfetfullandignoranty as perhaps they would feeme^ Cjod forbid that anyfho'mdthtnke that his rcjol^m toJi^ch avdftatelj y fhould fo fup:

The Preface;

ffeffe his light , 4nd fiay h/s mind from thinking thnt trfU , yvhichwci rvonidwijh werefalfe, thatwerethe fmne of a wittte malignant : Hxc elt fumma delicti noJie agnolcere quod ignoraic nonpoces : Ictvere nmch hcttcTt that at many at through ignorance of the efl^hlt(^jcd order in the Kirke have beene mijled , wonla how repent thetr negligence and danger OM courfe^ when thej (hall fee a good daughter of an ev til mot her • This truth hoHght to light to be the fruit of our dtvtjio/ti As perfecu- tionin former times hath brought forth purity ^ and here fie the truth of dolkTtne\fo hath this fit of dijhaBion among brethren brought this draught ofT>ifciptine to the view of the world \ to [o many as have flood, by the grace of God ^ to the defence of their prof ejfion^ afirong confirmati- on ;and to fuch as are tojfed with doubtings, a cleere refolutton. Let it be no derogation to the truth here expreffed^ nor to the labours of thfc faithfu II Fathers, who penned and put in %egifler the fame , but a great imputation and gniltineffe lying upon the fucceeding age , who deprived themfelves of fuch o' benefit y Ofidthe Kirk^offuch a defence. 'Though the ' book^ of Gods covenant lay long hid in the Temple , yet Jofiahrejoyced •when it came to light. Very lezjibel could not be flayed from magnify- ing of Banl bjf all the dajhes heefuffered from heaven and earth : aAnd fhouldnot C^^^fli^^^ be afhamed to be leffe affectionate to Veritie ,then jhe to Idolatrie y and namely a trmh concerning Chrifts Kingly Office^ and the Minifiers of his Kingdome *y without the truth whereof we can neither have comfort of his ProphecienoK Prieflhood, It is the Lord his great mercy y that in the reformation of this Kirk, he hath beene preached, and profejfedj King, Priefl, and Trophet. And it fhall be the glory of this Land thanke fully to acknowledge that incomprehnfible benefit ^ and alwayes carefully to keepe whole without rent , and to carrie a reverent eflimatton to the great worki ^f the glorioM reformation of this Kirk^* For this effeElye muft arme your fclves again fl the Lords of tongues, who have faia jwizh our tongues will we prcvaik-Ofthat gener/ttion fome Will dajhyou by the name odiom of Pur it m,& yet one of that Lord- ly fort is forced to confejfe, that Scots Trofeffours are unto him Purttanes from the forme ef external! government , but not from Religion , which both Is and may be one and the fame ^ where the externall forme of govern- ment is different and contrary ; who albeit they be mi fer ably tak^niaith that thetr owne forme ^ yet in the refl of the dotirine they are faffciently Orthodox, Others^ Itke wicked creditors deftrojir.g the obligation whre- by they are bound for debt full obedience , fummanly deny, that evtr this^ Kirkjj'^dany approved dtfeipline, except that which is printed and placed in the Pfalmebookiu A thtrd forty. f^aki»gfnch Paflors , ir/w at the

B beginni^'g

The Preface.

beginning rfiffre CAlled SHfer-intendents^to be fgureSy fatternSy forerun* ncrSi or Uevtenants of Btjhofs^frch as now are , vpould move the world tobelceve that the, foU^ f^'^frfi ^ffiif line, t/i fourth kinde , wan- dering in the -^^^f'^^^^^^ of Unbounded f^dtfferencji, takes upon them to detey?f*ine all doubts ofdsfeipline, by honour, eafe^orgaine.tAndfome, of gallio's difpojition it maj be , hidfy ejleeming all Religion a matter of fpeechffpare not to proolaime^ that fir iving about fuch trifles is needlejfe. for your incouragemcnt againfhfuch, and others of the like difpojition , it hath pleafed the Lordtofet on rvorke our pens ; and in his omvne time, if prefumption bee objiinate , hee will infpire them with greater love of his truth, to whom he hath given knowledge in meafure above them who hath put to their hand; and tncreafe their knowledge y in who fj hearts he hath ■per ought fome love^ howfoever their knonvledge be far inferiour to many of theirs who ftandfor the truth.

It is to beremembred, that the true friends of difcipline are the lMH Titters of the bleffed Ic^v angel of fefm Chrifi, agreeing in doEhine , and adminiflration of the Sacraments, and the people of this Rea/me that pro* fefTe Chrifi, as he is now offered in his Evangel , and doe communicate with the holy Sacraments{as in the reformed Kirke of this Realme thy arepublickly adminiflred) according to the confeffion of Faith ; and that fuch as were clothedwith the Kirkjents, or greedily gaped a fer thefamf^ as Abbots yPriorSy ^rioreJfeSy Bifhops ,Commenaatairs , and other fa- crilegious ufurpers of Kirkz livings , as they had place inpolicie , and credit in C^urty or Councell, either profeffedly or craftily , have reftfled the courfe of the Gofpel, and the difcipline thereof as may befcen in thefe ^onfliEhs, whereby the K/rke hath ever flriven for deliverance from their ufurpation ; till now the z^ale of benefices having devoured the z.eale of difcipline^ old oppofites are thought to be her mo ft loving familiars , and her old friends her greatefi enemies, A firange C^fe^ and yet very ca- fuallfor the Kirk^by fieking worldly preferment , to lofe fpirituall fer-- vants^ as one fa id , Never a Miniller got a great Benefice^ but hec fpilt it, or it fpilt him.

Item, that under the name of difcipline is to be underHoodnot onelj the particulars expreffed in thefe two bookeSy but alfo the A Els, ^onfiitU'^ tions , and praiiifes agreed upon , and recorded in the %egiflers of the GenerallandProvinciall tAffemblies ^ Presbyteries , and Kir\^ Sefiions,

Thirdly y to conftder the different conditions of the Kirk^ in her infanciCy in her growing, and in her ripe age , and accordingly to accommoaate the difciphnetopraliife^ as th condition of the tme permttted or reqi*fr?d,

and

The Preface.

dnd mfdj to difihguijh hetwixt the Kirks fUrpofe And'mtention in every farttcnlar^ andthetrfojfihtlity to ferforme andpra^ife.as circHmfiances concmredyorrvere contrary : As for example ^ they intended re fident Mi^ fiiUerSyOne or moe,as Kirks were oflargenejfe , with Elders andT^ca- cons* Item, ^o^ors of Divinitie fir Schools y A^emhlies generally pro- vinciallyweekely meetings for the interpretation of the Scripture , which fiftemvard at Edinhnrgh the 7. day oi^tilyy ijy9* were judged to be a ^resbyterie : And they abhorred <ty^narchie , Oligarchies and Hierar" chie : but with great faines and frequent meetings was abufes condemn ned^nd order eflabltjhedifo that for lackjof ordinary Minifiers planted, & in that refpelk lackoflawfull Affembltes, they were forced occafionally toufe Super'intendents,andf^ijiters of Countries, who afterward in the generaU a/^ffemblte holden at Edinburgh the /\,of tAugujl i $r}0.when ^Presbyters were well and orderly conjiitute , were declared neither 1 0 be neceffary^ not expedient^

Fourthly y the fir fi andfecond booke ofDifciplinCy penned by the Mini^ nifiers of the reformed Ktrke, andthefirfl booke at the charge and com* tnandement of the great Councell of Scotland^ fubfcribedby the greatefi fart thereof y andafterward by many more, as may befeene in the tAtls ^ftheKirk^' the fecond booke Jlanding infertm publick^Regifler of the Kirk,y ordained to be fubferibed by divers ACis of the AJfemblie, and confirmed by praUifiy are both for one end : To wit, to direU reformatio on in DoUrtney Sacraments, andexercife of Difcipliney and to refifi Ido- latrie and corruptions^ The firfl hath more particular purpofes : The fecond fits down more fully, andparticularly the jurifdiEiion of the Kirk^ as tt agrees y or is diftinguifiedfrom the C^'^illPoliciey the Office- bearers of the Kirkrtnth their duttCy the Affemblies of the Kirk^,anddifiinBions thereof; the Patrimony of the Kirkj, and diflrtbution thereof ; the Office of a Chrifiian Magiflrate in the Kirk^ ; certaine heads ofrefor- mation, with the utility of the faidbookes , &c. Item , either ofthefaid bookes confirme the other , and neither of them abolifh , or innovate the other^

B2 ACTS

44-<t'^444<$'4'$'<l'«<$'44-44-4^4'4>4«^44>HH4444"l'<l><^<^

m w *^ c*?5 ^^*tm

^^■^ ^ "^' "^P ^V ^-- ^^' ^j^ -i«K ^-'^ "**-' '^' ""^ V ^i*';^ ^^ 'M^'MK^^ ^>-

ti^j<jjjjiij,t^jo*>J^i-*<»c^j-*ic*j ^jij5t^io*>i.J3s.^JJt» t .j^-|ii.**v|ii|^jv*jc^i.^;|ji|js^j«^«|i«^^jt|»^(|»

ACTS

OF THE GENERALL AS.

S E M B L Y FOR CLEnRING AND CONFIRMING THE SAID BOOKES . OF DISC IP LINEy AND AGAINST

THE ADVERSARIES THEREOF.

For the Firjl Beoke.

Ecaufc the lives of Miniders ought to bee Eda^burjh fuch, as thereby others may bcprovoked ^^^' jo» to godlincfTe, It becomes them firfttobc '^^^= tried, after the triail of the Superinten- dents, if any man have whereof to accufc them in life, dodrine, or execution of their office* AftcrtheMinifters,muft the Elders of every Kirk be tried j&c. /» that who/e erdinancB unent trial! yanJi in the CoH' 'ftitmisnfclloiving ancnt the fuhje^ion of ad forts of MmJ^crs to the UifcipUne of the Kirk^^ there is no mention of JSifhopSy or anjjorts ofTrelates, <ts not ack^oTvledged to have anyplace in the Minifirjofthe Reformed Kirkf.

Mr. Alexander Gordone 5 called BiQiop of Galloway, making ibidem. petition for thcSuperintendencic of Galloway, was refuted,becaufc hcc had not oblervcd the order of calling Superintendents, and in themeanc time was required to fubfcribe thebookeofDifcipline. where it t4 evident that by his Epifcofacj hf might exercifs no Aiini^ flcridl dntie^and aithoH^h he was preJfHtfd by the Lords^jet they would

C not

^ AHs 0fthc GenerallAJfemblies.

not (tdmlt him t$ he Super 'inteyidenf, exctpt hte juhfcrihed the hookt of V'lfciplins* And let this he rememhredfor the Jh hf crip t ion ef others ^ of rfhom there may hefeen: a great numher m the endofthefaidhooke, Ib'tilm, It is concluded by the whole Minillers aflcinbled.That all Mini- fters (hall be fubje.i to their Super- intendcnts, in all law full Ad- inonitiohs,a'i is prefcribed as well in the booke of Difcipline,as in the elecflion o^ Super- intendents. Here ohferve two things, Firfiythdt SHprr-intendcnts might not doe what f leafed tl: em: Sec ondh ^ that ohedi" cn:c to hce performed to them was injojncdhy the Kirk^^andfet downe in the hooks ofDifiipUne^a'rtdin the eUUion of SHpcr-tntendents, Uidm ^ M iniller lawfully admitted, Giali not bee removed, but accor- ding to the order of the booke of Difcipline; fo that thefaid booke is both the warranto! orderly admilTion, and orderly removing. Edinburjih According to the fouith head of the booke of Difcipline concer- !Dmw.2 5. j^jpjg ^^^g lawiuUelcdionof Miniftcrs,the Affemllieordaines,That * ^ ^* Inhibition fliall be made to all and fundry perfons, now frrving in the Miniftery, who have not entred into their charges t>y the order in this fame head appointed. And this A(fltohav^ nrengthas well againfl them that are called Bifliops, as others pietcnding any Mi- nirtery within the Kirk. Edinbtirfh It was thought need full, for further confirmation of the booke 7)ec€m. 1$. of Difcipline, that the Ea-'le Marjhal, Lord Rnrhwen, Lord Sccre* 1563. tttr^ theCommendator of Kilwinning, the Billiop of Orl^ay, Clerk oiRegifter^Iuftice Gierke Mx. Henry Balnaves^D avid Forrejler tZnd Mr. George BfichanaiijOr any three,or foure of them,fhould over- fee thefaid booke, and diligently confider the contents thereof,noting their judgement in writ, and report the fime to the next AfTem- bly gencrall of the Kirk: or,if any P.'^rliamcnt chance to be in the meanetime, that they report their judgements to the Lords of the Articlesjthat fhall happen to be chofen before the fnd Parliamert. By theft it is evident , that our Kirkjtck^owlcdged the firfi honke tehee the hooke of Difcipline y and no wayes to he aholified, hut for the nfc of the Kirkjo he further confirmed.

For the fccond Booke ofDifcifline.

Edinburgh A Ncnt the caufcsof theKirk, and jurifdic^ion thereof, the Afl

Jumi 15. jt\icmh\y appointed, the laird of Dunn, Mr. John hVinram, Mr*

■ ^^^ John Spottifwod, Mr. John ;f»Zfor/(^,Super-intcndentS;Mr.Mw Row,

George Ha J, Ro her t Pont, Chrijhpher Gffdman, Thomas Drumond^

I4m A'wAf , lohff Croig , John Rutherfurd , Qeorge Buchan^,

A6ts oft he GemrallAjfemblies. 3

Robert Udmmi'hcHn, Cleimnt Lht/eythc lairds of LttndUj EUfhtH-^ ftoun, KArttAliy Kers^ and Thomas Scot of Ahyottijhall^ to convccn the morn after the preaching, and to reafon and conferre ancnt the faid caufcs and jurifdidion.

Ordaines an humble fupplication to bee made to the Lords of Edirbunh Tccrct Councell, anent the commJlTionofjurifdidion,fupponcd 'Drcem.i^* granted to the BilliopofS. y^Wr^wr/.to thecfre<fl,thattheir ho- *^^^* nours miy ftay the famc^ in rcfped that thefc caufes, for the moll: part, )udgcd by his ufurpcd authority pertainc to the Kirk, ar.d hovvbeit for hope of good things the Kirk did over-fee the C^ueens Majellies Commiflion given to fuch in:n, who for the moft part were cur brethren, yet can the Aflembly no vvaycs be content that the Billiop of Saint tyfndrewiSy a conjured enemy to Chrift, ufethatjurildidion; as alfo in rcfpe<5lof that coloured commit- {ion,he might ufurpe againe,hi3 old ufurpcd authority ^and the fame might bee the meane to oppreffe the whole Kirk by his corrupt Judgement.

The whole Aflembly thought meet that certainc brethren be ap- Eiiyjhurg}$ pointed to concurre at all times with fuch perfons of Parliamentjof Txcem, tf . fecret Councell, as my Lord Regents Grace hath nominate for fuch ' J^7. affaires as pertain to the Kirk and /urifdidion thereof, ai-.d alfo for decilion of quedions that miy occurrein the meane time,t//t;. Mrs. lohn KrtoXf & lohn Craig Miniftcrs o^ Edinbnrghilhc Super-inten- dents o^ AngH4^ and Lothiane, David Bcrthuike^ Thomas MackcaU :^n, DavlX Ltndfay Miniltcr at Leith^ George Haj at Ruthveft^ and John Row at S. lohnjlonn.

Letters direil:d from the Affembly by their Commiffioners,to Editburgh the Earls, Lords,and Barons,-://^, the E^x\s,Humij, /^rgy/eyCaJfels, ^"^'^ *^* Rothes, MarJhaiyMftnteuh,^ndG/encarfie-^tothcLovds,Bojd,Drf(^ m3Kd^Sanchar,Heres^Teflery Cathcart ^Mr, ofGrabame,FiemmgyLe^ 'vlyt-7fton^Ff>rhes^Salton ^GUra€S^Ogilvie^}AT, of SincUre, Gray, OlU phant,Methvi'»^Ifinermeth,\\. oi Somcrve/l'^^^ronSyLochmvar^Gar" /ies,ShirQffo^Air,G/e»firejiftherySir la, HamiltoUrtyBoKin^ton'^ Com- mendatarcs, Arbroth Kilrfinmng.DHnfermling, Saint Co/mSy New* bottely Ha/jrood ho fife, ^cw'in^ them that the Affembly had of long time travelled both in publick and private , with alleftates, conti- nually craving of their honours in fpeciall, thit the courfe ofthe Evangell of falvation, now once of the libcrall mercy of God rc- floredto this Realme , might continue to all their comforts, and their pofterities. And that for the furthering and maintaining

C 2 there-

ij JBs0fthcGencrAllAjfemhlits.

thereof a pcrfcft policy and full liberty might bee granted to thii reformed Kirk within Scotland, &c. Edinburgh ^^ Article prcfcnted to my Lord llegent,That his Grace would fw/. I.I J6S, caufe fuch as arc appointed oF theCouncel^convene with them that are appointed of the Adembly, to confer anent the jurifdnl^ion of the Kirk,& to decide thcrein,that time & place may be condifcen- ded upon to that eflfed, and that it be done before the Parliament. £dir}bur^h My Lord Rcgenfs Grace ordaines the pcrfons nominate in the itf/.i.ij6p.a(f^ of Parliament to convene the time of the next chekker, and de incand limitatctliejurifdidionof the Kirk, according to the word of God, and aflof Parliament made there ancnt £.v/r4<r/. all. fecretari} confilil^ Alexander Haj, EdvjbuFh Articles pertainmg to the jurifdidion of the Kirk to be propo- CMmni 5. ned to the Regents Grace and fecret Coiincell, and (ought to bee '570. appointed by them, i . That the Kirk have t\\Q judgement of true and falie Religion, of doctrine, hcrefies, and fuch like, annexed to the preaching of the word, and miniftrations of tlic Sacraments. 2. Elcdiion, examination,and admiflion of them,that are admitted to the Miniftcry, or other fun(5lion5 of the Kirk, charge of iuulcs, and EcciefiiilicaU benefices , the fufpenfion, and deprivation of them there-from for lawful! caules. 3. All things concerning the Difcipline of the Kirk which (land in correction of manners, ad- monitions, excommunications, and receiving to repentance. 4, The judgement of Ecclefiailicail matters betwixt perlons that arc in the Kirk, and efpecially among them that are conllitutcin the Minillery, as well concerning bcneficiarie caufes, as others. 5* lurifdidion to proceedbyadmonitions, to theproceiTcofex- communication, ifneed be,againfUhem that rob the patrimony ofthc Kirk, pertaining totheMiniflery, or othcrwaycs intromct therewith unjuftly, whereby the Minilkry is in danger to decay by occafion of the poverty of the Minillcrs. 6. Andbecaniethc conjun(flion of Marriages pcrtaines to the Miniftery, the caufes of adherence and divorcements ought alio to pcrtaineto them, as naturally annexed thereto. Kdinbuuh Brethren appointed to make an overture of the policie, and ja- A^r, :4. riididion of the Kirk , &c. For theVVcll country, thcBifhjpof J^yS^SeJf. Clafgorv, Mrs. Androw Melvil^ Androw HayJ^atfcs Grai^.David ^* ^HrnHj^hamc; For LowthUne^^A xs . Robert Tont^ Urms Lowfon, :. ^-

vid Lindfajy Clement Lit til ^ and Ale tender Simme. For Jjfeythc Super-intendent thereof, with the principal! maftcracftlic Vni-

vcrfity.'

A£i$oftht Cm trail Ajfcmblies. 9

vcrfitic. For Artgns and Mcrns yXht Laird of D untie, WilUam Chrj- jiefone, lolon RoWy fyilliam Rtftd, lohnB^nkefone: for Aberdene^i^, John Cra'igy AUxAnder Arhuthnoty George Haj-i and their pcrfons to convcen, ilk country and rank in the places follow ipg,i'/'^. The Weft in Clafcovp: LcthUrf, in Edinburgh, Tjfei in Saint Andreyves: Angus y in Montr ois: the firft Tuciday of June next to come, to confer and advife upon the faid matter, and to have gen cr all meeting or conventions, two, or one at leaft , of ilk country^ in Stirling^ thelaft of lulj thereafter, to communicate and cognofcc upon their whole travels and bbcurs taken herein, and to con- ferre hereupon, and report what they have found, ar.d conceived in the faid matter, to the next AfTembly.

The brethren depute to the conceiving and forming of the heads Edirlurxh ohhepolicic ofthe Kirk, being called to give account of their di- ^^^^* '• ligence, prefentcd the fame as they had made partition thereof ^^''''* at the Aflembly in Stirling. The heads penned by M after lohn Row, and lames Lowfon, were read, and nothing faid againft, ex- cept that one of the faid Mr. John, his Articles was referred to fur- therdifputation. All raenbeing required, that had any good rca- fon or Argument to propone, in the contrary to allcdge the fame; or if tlKy would not publickly reafon on the faid head, to rcfort to the faid Commiflioners, wheretravell fhould bee taken to iatif- fie them; leaving to them liberty alfo, before the heads be rccol- ledcd and ordered in one body, to make argument, as they thinke good againft the fame..

The Laird ok Dun thought the head given to him obfcurc. The AfTembly defired him to couferre with the remanent CommilTio- ners the morne at 7. houres, that he may be refolvcd of the mean- in g; thereof.

The Remanent heads being prolix,were thought good to be con- traded m ihort propofitions to be prcfented to publick .reading, .

Sefs. 2. The head committed to Mr. Androw //.t^, being read in fece of the Alkmbly, nothing was proponed cgainft the fame, except the Article anent the lufpenfion of Mmifters,rcf erred to further renfo- ning. David Forgufone his part being read, the 1 8, Article was re- ferred,and nothing; fpoken againft the reft. The points committed to Mrs. udndrow Hay, Robert Ponty David Z»«^/4j,nothing alled- ged in the contrary. The heads committed to Mr. John Craig read , fome things were defired to be contraded, and others referred to further rcafoning. C 3 Sef;^

$ Affs of the Gencr^U Afemblics.

Sefs. 3. The whole labours ofthc brethren taken upon the matter ,and ar- gument of the policy being wholly read in publick audience ofthc Affembly, it was thought expedient that their whole travailcs and worke iw this matter being now difpcrfcd, (liould be revifcd and perufed by fomc brethreni and digcQed and dilpofed in good and convenient order,to be thereafter prefentcd to the Aflcmbly. And for that cfix:(5t the Aflcmbly appointed the brethren Mrs. Ia?K€s LowfoHC^ Androw MelviUylohn Crai^ ^Gcor^^e Hajytoconvccnc to» gcther to appoint the hourcs and place thereto, and to rcmainc tliereat while the matter be brought to an end. And in the mcane time, if it plcafe any to rcafon with them in the matter, to have ac- cede thereto.

Sefs,6.

Commiflioners direded from this Aflembly to ihc Regents Grace for informing his Grace ancnt the travels of the Kirk in the matter and argument of the policy, returned, and reported, his Grace liked well of their travels, and labours they tookeinthat matter ,requiringcxpedition,and hafly outrcd thereof.

Sefs, 9.

The brethren appointed to collecft the heads of the policie pre- fentcd ofbefore,rcported the fame gathered and colleded in order, and digefted in one body, and all men were required, that had good rcafon,or argument to proponent© offer them thereto, i hrec hcpds were called in doubt,One dcDiaconatHy^noihtx dejure PHtronAtiis^ the third de DivortiiSy wherein they were notreiolved, norfuif- fied. As to the reftjuothing was thought in the contrary, nor op- poncd thereto.

Thcfe three hc.vJs (landing in controverfic, and difputed mu- tram^ue partem, yet further dilputntion was relerved to the iuornc to any man that hkcdtotakc the part of reafoning upon hima- gainlt the faid heads. Becaufc the matter of the policy of the Kirkc colicded by the brethren, is not yet in fuch perfcd formc,as is rc- quifite, and fundry things arc largely intreated, which would bee more fummarily handled,others required further dilatation,for le- coUeding thereof, and putting the lame in good ordcr,and forme, »nd for avoiding of fuperfluity, and obfcurity , the liibftantialls being kept. The Aflembly prefcntly hath willed tlieir beloved bre- thrcn,Mrs. R. Po^at ^znd lamss Lowfon, to take travell and labour in the prcniifl'cs. And to the cffed, that the workc may bee the

better

Ads tftbt GeoerASAjfcmblies. 7

better complcat, and in rcadincflc againfl the next gcncrall Aflcm- bly, which is ordained to begin at Edinhffrgh the 25. of C^^^^rr next to come, the AfTembly hath ordained their brethren the Laird oi Dun, Mrs. AlcxuniUr Arhuthnot^ An^ovp MelviU, John Crai^, Andrew Hajy Gewgt Haj^ John Rsw, David Linde/ajy John Bunkifoneyio affemblc & convene together the 19. of O^ober next in Edmbur^h^xo rcvifc and confider the travels of the faid brethren, that the fame may be the more advifedly proponed publickly, as is faid. In the mean timefuchas pleafe torcafon in the matter, to have acceffe to the faid brethren. And like wife ordained the vifi- tours of Countries, to make intimation to the Barons, that the faid work is in hands, and to be treated in the next generall conven- tion, defiring their prefcnce and concurrence thereto.

Becaufe the matter of the policy, and jurildidion of the Kirk, ^^ttibur^b committed to therecolledling, forming, and difpofing of certain ^^^^^^T. brethren,being now prefcnted by them, was thought expedient to ' *''^*' be propounded and intreated themorne after the reading of the ge- nerall heads thereof, The whole brethren were required to ad- vife with themfelves, if they found any other head neccfTarie to be difputed thenthofe, and tofignifiethefame to the Afiemblythe morne. My Lord Regents grace deiircd the AlTembly to proceed forward earneftly in the poIicie,wherein they were labouring,and to put the fame to an end.

Thereftofthis day being conlumed in examination of the tra- vclls taken upon the policie, as is noted thereupon to the next ScC- fion, the Affcmbly ordaines it to be proceeded further in.

Sefs. 6, This Scflion being wholly imployed in realbning upon the heads of thejurifdidion of the Kirk^the fame argument was ordained to be followed out the morne, fo farreas time may lerve thereunto.

The heads of the policie and jurifdidion of the Kirk being Edinbur/b wholly read, and thought good that the fame fhould be prefcnted o^ofc ay* to my Lord Regents grace,as agreed upon by realbning ampng the * ?77. brethren, faving the head de D iaconatu j'which is ordained to be gi- ven in with a note,that the fame is agreed upon by the moll part of the Affembly,without prejudice of fiirtherreafoning, to the efFeflk that the faict heads may be put in Mnndo^ diipofed and fet in good order, according to the mind of the Afferably, The Aflembly hath willed Mrs. James Lowfon^ Robert Font, D avid Lindfajf, Sii:vi the ClerkeofthcAfifembly to labour with diligence thpreinj aod the

iamc

8 A{ti ofthcGemnllAlfemblies.

fame being put fV /^//«i? by them according to the originall to be rccne,andrc\rifecl, by John Dnnksfoit :T> avid For gufonythz Laird of Dun^ Mr. lam^s Carmchael , and John Brand, and being feen by them according to the faid originall, to be prefcntcd by the {aid Mrs. lanus Lowfon, Robert Ptf»r,and David Ltndfay, together with a fupplication penned and delivered to them by the AfTcmbly un- to my Lord Regents grace , and in cafe conference and rcafoning bee loughtby his grace upon th: faid heads prefented to his grace, the Affcmbly hath ordained the Laird o^Dnn^ Mr, PAtrkk^Adam" fan John Craigy lohnRow, Alexander A' buthnot^^y^Tidrow A^felvitl^ latws Lorvfon, Robert Pont^ David Lrndfay^ Androw Hay^Georqe H<«7,and lohn Dunks fon to concurrc and await upon the laid confc- rence,as they ftxall be advertifed by his Grace. EdiYihmgh ^or 3S much as the generall Aflcmbly hath thought meet, that AyriLi^. the travels taken by them upon th? poiicie, fhall bj prefented to »y';8. the Kings Majefty, and his highnefTc Councell, it was found meet that before the copies thereof were delivered, they (hould be yet reviewed and over-feen by Mrs, Robert Pont ^ lames LowfoHy^kvA DavidLindfajy and being written overjaccording to the originall, one copy fhould be prefented by them to his highneflc, with a lup- plication penned by themtothatefFccft, and another copy to the Counfcll. The time to be at the difcrction of the faid brethren, fo it be before the generall faft. And in cafe conference and reafoning be craved upon the fdd heads, the Affembly hath nominated Mr. John Craig, Alexander Arbuthnot, the Laird of Dun, JVilliam Chri^ flefonjohn Row, David Porgufon^ Robert Pom, lames Lowfon^David Lindfajy lohn Dunkcfon, Androw Ul'^elviHj Afid-'ow Hay^ lames Craigy to concurrc and convene atfuch times appointed by the King and Counfell as advertilement lliall be made to them by the faid three brethren. And that the faid CommilTioners at the {aid conferentc, rcafon alfo in the head of the ceremonies, and how farrc Miniftcrs may meddle with civill affaires , and if they may vote in Counfell or Parliament, Edinburxh It was required, that if any brother had any reaionable doubt, z^^j^ril^ or argument to propone anent the head de Diaconntu ^ thathee * ^^ • fhould be ready the mornc to offer his realbns, where hcc iliali bee heard and rcfolvcd.

According to the ordinance mad eyeftcrday, all pcrfonsthat have any reafon able doubt, or argument to propone againll the head of the policic, were required to propone the fame, and none offered any argument to the contrary. The

A6is of the Generali AjfmhlUs. p

Thcgcncrall Aflcmbly of the Kirk finding iiniverfall corruption ^^^"^f^* of the whole eftates of the body of this Rcalme , the great cold- neflc and (lackncflb in Religion in the greatcft part of the profefc fors ot the fame, with the dayly increafe of ail kind of fearefuU finncs and enormities, as inccft, adulteries, murthcrs, and namely recently committed in EdinhHr^h, ?nd Sterlingy curfed facriledgc, ungodly fcdition anddivifion within the bowels of the Realme, with all manner of difordered and ungodly living, which juftly hath provoked our Cod, although long- fuficring and paticnt,to flrctch out his at me in his anger, to corred and .vifite the iniquity otthchnd, andnalnely by the prefcnt penury, famine, and hua- gcr, joyned with the civill and inteiline feditions , whereunto doubtlciTc greater judgements muftfucceed,ifthefehiscorred:i- ons work no reformation nor amendment in mens hearts. Seeing alfo the bloudy coqclufions of the cruell CouncelsofthatiJ(?w^» beaft, tending to extermine, and rafc from the face of all Enrop, the true light of the blclfed word of falvation : for thefc caufes, and that God of his mercy would bleffe the Kings highncffc, and his regiment, and make him to have a happy and prolpcrous go-^ vernment,as alfo to put in his Highnes heart, and in the hearts of his noble Eftates of Parliament, not onely to make and eftablifh good politick lawes for the weale and good government of the Realme , but alfo to fet and eftabliili f^ch a policy , and difcipline in the Kirk, as is craved in the word of God, and is contained, and penned already to be prefcnted to his Highnes, and GouncCll,that in the one,and the other, God may have his due praife,and the age to come an example of upright and godly dealing. Therefore the Affembly hath ordained the Ad preceding hercanent, to be precifely kept in all points.

Foraimuch as in the laft Affembly commiffion was given to cer- sttrlivi tainc brethren to prefcnt to the Kings Highnes and Councel, the ?«»« lo; heads of the policie oftheKirk, withafupplicationtohisGrace; ^578. The AHembly dcfired the report of the brcthrens proceedings, who expounded, and (hew, that according to their commiflion, th^y exhibite to the Kings Ma jefty a copy of the heads of the poli- cy, with the fupplication unto his Grace, who gave a very comfor- table & good anfwer, That not only would he concur re with the Kirk in all things that might advance the true Religion, prcfently profefled within this Realm,but alio would be a protedor for the Kirk, and thereafter his G race prefcnted tp the CounccU the faid ' ■ ~ ' D ' fup-

IP AlisdftheGepUrdllAjfcnAlies,

(uppUcation, who nominate perfons to confcrrc in the matter, and by his Niajcftics procurement obtained ofthc Councell, that they might choofc fo m^y Minifters to conferrc, as was at length agreed upon,which conference is ready to be fhowen. EiinUtrxb Inreipcd that at the dclireof the Affembly, a certaine of the Offob.i^, Nobility were convened, -y/*. my Lord Chancellor, theEarleof ' J78. Montros, my Loxdi Sfatonn^ my Lord Lyndfay^ix. was exponcd and (howen to the Moderator of this AfTembly, what care, and ftudy the Affembly had taken to cntcrtaine and keepe the purity of the fincere wordof God, unmixed with the invention of their rwnc heads, which their fpcciall care was to referve to the pofterity hereafter. And feeing that the true religion is not able to continue, nor endure long, without a good difcipline and policy, in that part have they alfo imploycd their wit and ftudy, ana drawne forth out of the pure fountaines of Gods word, fuch a Difcipline as is meet to rcmainc in the Kirk, which they prefcnted to the Kings Majc- fly,with their fupplication, at whofc dircftion certaine Commii^ (loners were appointed to rcafon with fuch as were deputed by the Kirk, where the whole matter being difputed, was refolved and agreed, except a few heads, and thereafter againc prefcnted to the Lords of the Articles, that the laid Difciphne might have place, and bee eftabhftied by the ads and lawes ofthc Realmc, wherein no the leiTe their travells have not fuccceded, praying therefore the Nobility prcfent, as well openly to make profcllion to the Affcmbly, if they will allow, and maintaine the Rchgion prcfently cftablifhcd within this Realmc, as alfo the policy and difcipline already fpokei 1 of,and to labour at the King and Councels hands,for an anlwer to the heads folio wing,to wir,That his Grace and Q)unccll will cftabhrti i'uch hcadsof the pobcy, as were al- ready refolved and agreed uponby thefaid CommiflSoners, and caufe fuch others as were not finally agreed on to be rcafoned, and put to an end, and that his C;raceand Councell will reftore to the Kirk the ad of Parliament concerning the Thirds 1 And that none vote in the Parliament in name of the Kirk, except fuch as lliall have commiflion from the Kirk to that cfFed. And that prcfenta- tions to benefices be direded to the Commidioners of (Jountrics, where the benefices lie. And to the end that the matter may bee the better and fooncr exped, that their Lordfliips would ap- point fuch time convenient thereto,as they may beft lpare,that fuch of the brethren asfhallbce named thereto, may wait upon their

Ho-

AHs eft he Generall AJfemblies. 1 1

Honours. Hereunto the faid Noblemen anfwcrcdjthatapartof them had made a publick profe/Tion of this Religion bcforc,aI- wayes no\y they declare and profeflc the Religion prcfently pro- faffed within this Realmc, and that they (hall maintainc the fame to their power. As to the reft, they think good the King and his Councell bee fuited, and they fliall infift with the King for anfwcr thereto. The time to that cffcd they ihall notifie to the Affembly the mornc.

That becaufe in the laft conference holden at Sterling by his Kiirjburih Graces comm-ind concerning the policy of the Kirk, ccrtaine Ar- ^''''^ 7. tides there anent remainc yet unrciolved, and referred to further * ^^^* conference. Therefore the Affembly craves of his Ma jefty that per- (ons unfpotted of fuch corruptions asaredefired to be reformed, Uiaybe nominate by his Ma/efty to proceed in the further confe- rence upon the faid policy, and time and place to be appointed to that effcd,

Tlie queftion being proponed by the Synods ofLowthiane to the ibiJem, generall Affembly ancnt a generall order to be taken for ercdi'ng of Presbyteries in places where publick exercife is ufed, unto the timcjhe policy oftheKirkbe eftabliQicdbylaw; Itisanfwered, that the exercilc may be judged to be a Presbytery.

An Article propounded by the ComniiiTioners oftheKirkto Tiundie, his Majcfty and Councell , that the booke of policy may t>eeefta- im 12.] bliftied by an ad ofprivy Councell, while a Parliament bee had,at 1 580. which it may bee confirmed .

Forafmuch as traveils have beene taken in the forming of the Glaf^ow, policy of the Kirk, and divers luits made to the Magiftrate for ap- ji^rilu 14^ probation thereof, which albeit hath not yet taken the happy ef- ^i^** fed which good men would crave, yet that the polkrity (hould judge well of the prefent age, and of the meaning of the Kirk, the Affembly hath concluded, that the booke of policy agreed to in divers Affemblies before, fhould bee regillrate amongll the Ads of the Affemblies, and remainc therein ad perfet^iam ret memo* rUm: And the Copies thereof to be taken by every Presbytery, Of the which booke the Tcnour folio weth, &c.

For as much as it is ccrtaine, that the word of God cannot bee Edmburfh kept in the owne linccrity, without the holy Difciplinebehad in Uu^. 4. obiervance, Itis therefore by commonconfent of the whole lire- M90. thren^and Commiflioners pre fent,concludcd, that whofoever hath ^'^f^^^^^ borne office in the miniftery of the Kirke within thisRcalmc, or ^^^^^^^^<^^'

D z that

•^A

ti ABs ofthcGenerall AJfemhlies.

that prcfcntly bearcs, or fhall hereafter bcarc office herein, fliall bee charged by every particular Presbytery where their refidcnce is, to ful^fcrivetheheadsofDffciphneofthe Kirk of this Realmc, at length fct downe and allowed by adofthe wholeAffembly, in the book of policy, which is rcgiltrat in the Affembly-bookes, and namely the heads controverted by enemies of the Dilcipline ofthcrcform.'d Kirk of this Rcalme, betwixt and the ncxtSyno- dall Aflcmblies of the Provinces, under thepaine of excommuni- cation to be ej^ecuted againft the non-fubfcrivcrs , and the Presby- teries which (liall bee found remifl'e or negligent herein, to re- ceive publick rebuke ofthe whole Affembly. And to the eflfe^H: the (aid Difcipline may be knowne, as it ought to be,to the whole brethrenjt is ordained that the Moderator of each Presbytery fhall receive from the Gierke ofthe Affembly, a copy of the (aid bookc under his fubfcription, upon the expenles ofthe Presbytery^ be- twixt and the firftday of i^fp^fw^nexttocome, under the pain to bee openly accufcd in face of the whole Aflembly . Eiinlurgh The Affembly ordaines,that the Difcipline contained in the ads luUi 2. of the gcnerall Affembly be kept as well in A»gw ^nd ^fr«AJ,as *JP*- in all other parts,

ACTS CONCERNING THE

AdvCiftries of Difcipline,

It is to bee marfiedjheit fui^h ai adhered to Pafi[!ry,-wcrcaicmics both to reform^' tionandTiifciplifJe^ and fuih ai embraced the true RdfgiQ>i ^vrhahcr l\irl(n,cn or other Ptojcjfors^ind yet ^ofcjjed the Kj^k '"cw^^j ^^trc wt ovely tvihcany friends ,but^under colour and in poll cie, a^^rcai hnjdinrs ai lovers cfthtboi€' fees and livings belor^ir^ 40. the /irvice of God,

Ediyilwih \ Lexander Gordon, being Bifliop of ^^//^ii^^j, is no other wife

itt/»^5o. XXacknowled ged by the Affembly in refped of fpiricuall fui>

(fVion,then as a private man void of Jurifdnf^ion: and therefore hec

and the reft of that fort, are not (imply fct downe by their title of

Bi{hop,but by a note as it were ofdegradation, [Jo called^ to wit,

by cuftomc, but by no right.

Edinburgh The faid M r. Alexander Gordon without rcfpecl to his place ,or

Ticcem, I y. Bifhoprickc, is inrollcd after the Supcr-intcndents, and is thus de-

' J^*- figncd,Mr. Aiexandfr GordoKy intitulatc Bifhop ofGaliowaji^ and is

there leited fortheSupcr-intendcncieof/)/i;j/r/rf,Z,fV^;/^^;7/,and

Gal/ervajy^nd gets commiffion to prefcnt]VIiniftcrs,Exhorters,and

Readers, for planting of Kirkes, and to doc fuch other things as

hath becne heretofore accuflomcd. M after

A^s oft he GenerallAjfemblks. i^

lAr. Alexander Gordon yVx^iinQi Biflaop of 'Gal/orv^,vj3S removed, S.JihnOorj* oiitofthc Affemlly, and accufed by the Laird W^ C/?j>/<'j; his ex- ^««« »?• cufcs were not found altogether relcvant,and therefore the Aflcm- ^^^3- biy appointed order to be taken anent the matter conriplained upon.

The Aflembly ordained commiflions to be given to-the Bifhops ^^'^f*'. o^Gallorvay, Orknay and Catnes, for the fpace of a yere af tcr tne date hcreof,to plant Kirksj&c. within their ownc bounds,and that the Bifhop of Galloway haunt, as well the Shirefdome of TVig" touny^s the Steward ie of Ar/r;^/^r/^^^,reckoncd within his bounds.

It was then ordained , that when any benefice fliall chance to ^hidm, vake, or is now vacant, that a qualified perfon be pref^nted to the Supsr-intendent of that Province where, the benefice vakes, and that he being fufficicnt be admitted Minilier to that Kirk which is dertitute of a Paftor , that ignorant Idiots bee not placed in fuch roomes by them that are yet called Bi(hops,and are not.

Mr. Rohert Tont complained upon the Bifhop o{ Dunblane^ that ThUkm. the f-iid Billiop lately faid, and caufed fay Maftein DmhUue^ con- trary to the tenor of the Ad made thereanent, &c.

Remember to make fupplication to the Queenes Ma/efly and Uidtivi. her Councell , for remitting the thirds , or any part thereof to the Bifliops, that areeleded by the Kirk, to bee Commidioners to plant Kirkes within their bounds.

A fcntence of unquhile lames Bifhop of Roffe, Commiflioner to ibidem, unqubile lames Archbifhop of Saint Andrewes y^pxonomicc^ againfl: lames Hammiltoun oi Kincave I ywzs declared wicked,ungodly,and wrangufly led.

Bil"hops, Abbots, Priors, and other Perfons beneficed, being of Edinburgh the Kirk, who receive teinds and awaite not on the flock commit- 'decern, ly ted to their cure,nather prelent themfclves to the Gentrall AfTem- ' J^^ bly, are ordained to be lummoned by the Super-intendents to com- paireatthc next generall Affembly, to give their alTiftance and coanfell in fuch things as appertaine to Ghriftian Religion and preaching of the true word, and further to know the Ordinance of the Kirk to be made thereanent.

Adam, called Bi(hop of Orl^ayy and CommilTioncr, wasaccu- £^^„^yr^fc fed that he,being Billiop and Commiflioner occupied the roome of liacmfi y. a Magiftrate in the Sefrion,his iliecpe wandering without a Paftor, i ^ 67^ and rctaincs in his gompany Sir Irancis Bothwel, a rank Papifl, to whom he hath given benefices,and placed him as Minifterin thole Kirkes J as alfo that hec folemnized the marriage oftheQueene,

D 3 and

14 Alts ofthe GencrAllAjJemblies.

and Earleof Bothw:ll 6cc. and for ihz faid caiifes was deprived. IWJbi. Alexander called Bilhop oiGallorv^y^ Commiflioner, accufed thaths hath not vifitcd, thefe three yceres by-gone,or thereby ,his Kirkcs within his charge^thathehath given himl^lfc over altoge- ther to hant the Court, and clcane left the ortice of vifiting, and planting the Kirkcs, and hath now procured to be one of the Sedi- on, and privy Councell, which cannot agree with the o-ifice of a Pallor or Bi(hv:)p;and alfo hath refigncd Inch chnffrAj in favours of a yong child,and fet divers lands in fcw;Coinpciring,granted pub- Uckly that hce had offended in all things were laid to his charge. And for certaine confiderations the Affembly continued him dill, untill the next Affembly, upon certaine conditions of his diligence in his Charge. Edittburfh No man ought to injoy or poffeffe the patrimony of the Kirk, lulii I. without doing of their dutifull fcrvice. And becaule it is knowne M^8. ^hat jhci.g are many of that number, to whom God hath given luch gifts, wherethrough they might profit greatly in the Kirk of God, it was thought neceflary, that admonitions bee made by the whole Affembly, to fuch as brooke benefices, that they apply themfelves according to the gifts given to them by God, and as the Kirk Oiall judge them able, tocnteriniheMiniltcry, and continue therein. And becaufe all the faid Pcrfons are not prefent to hcare the voice ofthe Affembly, Ft is ordained,that Supcr-intei;dents and Commif^ fioners, that Hiall be appointed for planting,and vifiting of Kirkcs, give the iame admonitions particularly to the faid Pcrions within their bounds, requiring them in name of the Affembly to be at the next gencrall Affembly, &c. fbidem ^^ Article prelcnted to my Lord Regents Grace, bearing,that it is thought very unrcafonable that the Papiib, enemies to Gods Kirk,and this Common-wealth, and others, that labour not in the Mini[lery,fhall pofTeflc freely, without impofition,thc two part of the benefices, and the Kirk, which labours, ihall not poflefTe the third. Ibidem, ^^^ Bilhop of Orkney reftorcd againc, and Mr. /^«;i/;:j disap- pointed Commiflioner oi Galloway. Kdivburgb Ordaincs Alexander Gordane fometimes Commiffioncr of Gal* JuHt t. /^y^^j (o repaire to the next generall Aflcmbly of the Kirk, to an- ' ^^^* Iwcre to luch things as lliall bee laid to his ch^e, & c. and in the meanc time inhibited him to ufc any fun(flion within the Kirk of God, conform to the A& made againft him the 8, o(Mj i j 68.in the gencrall Affembly, Ad^m

AUs of the GeveranAjfernhlies. 15

AdAm B.of Orknaj was accufcd for not fulhlling of the iiijUndli- ihikm. onsappointcd to him by the AfTemblies in the m. of /«/t, 156S.

Adam of Orkriay being called to the office of a Bifhoprick, and snrliv^ promoted to the profits thereof, and fuffcrcd by the Kirk, receives ^<^''- *y charge to preach thcEvangcll, to bee alio Commillioncr of the '^^^* Country of Orknaj y which hce received, and cxerciled for a cer- taine fpace, while now of late he made a Simoniacali change with theAbbacie of Hali-rudhous, although yetbrooking the name, and ftilcd Rilliopof the fame; contrary to all lavves both of God and Man, made againll Simonj. Secondly, he dimitted his cure in the hands of an unqualiHcd pcrfon, without the conlentofthc Kiik, leaving the flock deflitute without a fhepheard, whereby not one- ly ignorance is increafed, but alfo moft aboundantly all vice and horrible crimes there are committed, as the number of 600. per- fons, convict of inceft, adultery and fornication, bearcs wicnes. Thirdly, hee hath given himfelfe daily to the cx:cution of the fun- iflion of a temporal! Judge, as to bee a Lord of SelTion, which re- quires the whole man, and io rightly in naither can hec cxercife both: And ftiles himlelfe with Romane titles, as Reverent Pathcr in G od , which pertainc s to no M inifter of Chrift 1 efus^nor is given to any of them in Scripture. Fourthly, in great hurt,and defraud of the Kirk, he hath bought all the thirds of the Abbacie of Halirud- hous, at leaf}, he hath made Simoniacali change thereof with the rents of C^ri^w/^'. Fifthly, he hath left theKirks,partly unplanted,and partly planted,but deftitute ofprovi(ion. Sixt]y,fome of the Kirkes are fheepfblds, and fome of them ruinous . Seventhly, he hath tra- duced both publickly and privatly the Minifters of Edinbur^^hy ab- leated himfelfe from preaching in that Kirk, and from receiving the Sacraments.

Excommunication dire(5led ogainft /'^m')^ called Bifhop of ^'^^^'^^^/^^ Murray, to bee executed by M r. Robert Pont Commiflioner their, ^"^'^ ' * with the a(Ti'>ancc of the Minifters of £^;;;^//r^/j.

Robert Bifliop of Catnes to aflift lohn Gray oi'Fordel in vifiting Edinburgh the Kirkes there. ^^'^' ^'

John Bifliop of Saint Avdremi accufed, firft that he had given a £ J°/;«;.^jj benefice to Mr. Ctfe^r^^ Lauder M\^zd: oi Papiflrie. 2. Thatheo- ^^u^. 6. vcrfaw adultery in Bruntiland, 3. He futfered M. Magnns HuLioi^7S* lie uncontroulcd underoldadulterie. 4. That he vifitcd by others, and not by himfelfe. 5. That in his default the excrcife of Saint Andrewes was likely to decay, d. That fuch ashadoft'endedin

x6 Aits ofthcGcnerallA(femhlics.

LowthiaKy hc receives in Saint Andrewes^zii\i admits fome to fun- dlipn in the Kirk that are not abk,and untried, chiefly fuch as come out oiLowthiane^ and Mers, Ibidem- The whole Affembly heares that he hath received the name of Mr . Jiwef BifliDp, but hath not qfed the olfice of a Billvop; within his bounds ^^!^l /^'°^ ^^^ ^^^^ "°^ proceeded againft Papifts, he is fufpeA of Simonj be- ^^^^^ • twixt the Earle o^ Argile and him,ancnt the profites of the Bilhop- rick; he is iufpcd of perjury in receiving the fame BiQioprick, be- caufe he gives acquittances, and the Earle receives the iilvcr of the Bilhoprick. ih'ikm, Alexander Gordon 'BKhop oi Galiowajzccukdy I. thatheein- trufcd himfelfe in the oificc of the Minillery, within the burgh of Edinhtirgh : 2. Hc pcrfwaded and enticed the people to rebella- gainit our Soveraigne Lord : 3 . Hce refufcd to pray for our Sove- raigne Lord, approving another Authority: 4. Being forbidden by the generall Aflembly to have any intromiflion with thePariiho- ners of Halyrud-hous, he compelled them to receive the Sacra- ment , then abufed by him within EdMurghyCmCmg, his pretended Baillies, and the men of warrc, to compell the faid poorc people: 5. Being fwornc by his folemne oath/or due obedience to our So- veraigne Lord, and his Graces Regent.and authority, brake his faid oath , by fitting in pretended Parliament for difpoCTeili.igofour faid SoveraigneLordofhisroyallcrowne, and authority: 6. O- pcnly inPulpi the gave thanks for the (laughter oi" Matt hew Earl of Lennox y of good memory ,faying that it was God mod juft judge- ment, and exhorted the people to doe the fame : 7. That hce was a perverter of the people^ not onely before the reformation, but alfo divers times fined t was concluded, that he iliould make publique repentance in S^kcloth three fevcrall Sundaies;Firft,in the Kirk of EdmbHrgh', Secondly ,in Halyrud-hous; Thirdly , in the Qucenes Collcdgc, under the paineofExcommunication. ibikm, Alexander H^y,Clerke to the fecret Councell,prefentcd certainc heads proponca by my Lord Regent to the prefent A{Tembly, whereof one followcs:My Lord Regents Grace mindes,that with all convenient diligence qualified perfons (hall be promoted to the Bifhopricks now vacant, the delay whereof hath not beciic in his owne Grace his default, but by rcafon fome entrcffc was made to thefe livings, in favours of certainc Noble-men before his accepta- tion of the Regiment; yet his Grace is perfwaded , that qualified perfons fli^Ul fpcedily bee prefentcd, and in cafe of failzie^ will

not

ASis dfthe Cet^tAA AjfemblUsl I ^

iiot failc without the others knowledge and confcnt toprcfcnf.

The Affembly hath concluded, thatthc JuriTdidionofBilliops ^^y^,^^^ in their EccIcfiafticaU hindion {h:Ii not exceed the Jurifdidion cMir* *. oi Super- intcndcnts, which heretofore they have had^and prefcntly ijzi-. have; and that they fhall willingly bee fub jed to the Difciplinc appointed by the gener/all AfTcmbiy, as members thereof,as the Su- per-intend en ts havebccnc heretofore in all forts; and that no Bi- lliops give collation of any benefice within the bounds of Super- imendcnts,withont their confeiit ,and tcftimoniall fubfcrived with their hands ; And that Bifliops in their owne Diocefes, vifit by themfclves, where no Superintendents arc,and give no collation of benefices, without conlent of three well qualified Minifters, &c.'

TheBirhopof/);/»i^;5f ordained to confelfe his fault pubiick- i^i^^^^^ ly in the Kirk ofDunksHyior not executing the fentcnce of the K irk againft the Earleof Atho/.

Geor^ey Bi(hoo of Murray ^ ordained to be fummoncd to make ibidev, his Purgation of the fornication alledged committed by him with the Lady Ardrojfe,

BifhopSjSuper-intendentSjOr Commidioners of Coiintries,that Kdinhurih be found negligent in their oiiice, or doe not their debtfull charge, -Juzud. 7.. either in their vifitation, teaching, or life, the Adembly hath dc- '574' creed and ordained, that they (hall be puniihed and correded ac- cording to the quality of their faults,either by admonition,pubIick repentance, fuipenfion or deprivation7/w;>//a>(fr, at the fight of the (aid Affembly^

Bifliop of D«»/^//,Bifliop of Brechin y^iOi^o^ of Mfirraj ^^i(hop Edinburgh cfGiaf£owjccmovcd, and particularly complained on. '^'*''- '^'

The Bifhops of Galloway, Bunk^ll^ Brechitty Dumblamey Tle^s, £ jj^2ttr^i& being prefent , lohn Durie one of the Minifters o^EdMuro^h pro- Au^/ti 6, tcfted,that the triall of Bifhops prej udge not the opinions and rea- i r? s . fons which hee, and other brethren of his minde, had to opponc a- gainft the faid officc,and qame of Billiop.

Ancnt the qacRion propounded by certaine brethren, whether ihidm. if the Bitliops , as they are now in Scotland^ have their fundion of the word of God, or not; or the Chapiters appointed for creating of them in this reformed Kirk : for better reibbrion hereof, the generall Afiembly of the Kirk appoints Mr. lolm Cr^/^,Minifter at Aiferd^ne^ Mr , Janics Loivfon , Minifierat i:^';*^/p-^^,and Mr. A»» drow //<:/f >7,principall of the coliedge o^GLtf^ow Oii the one ^part^ M r. Gc9r£€ Hay^ Commiffioner of Caitncsy mV, lohn /?«>»',Mini[icr

E of

X 8 A^s of the Gencrall Ajfemhlies.

ofP^anhy and Mr, DAvidLindfay Miniftcr at ZoVi^ on the other part,to convcenjreafon^and contcrreupon the faid qucftion, and to report their judgements and opinions thereupon to the Affcmbly betorc the diflblviiig thereof, if they be refolvcd betwixt and the fime. Ill km. They think it not expedient prefcntly to anfwer direflly to the firll queftion , but if any Bifhop {hall be cholen who hath no inch qualities as the word of God requircth, let him be tried by the ge- ncrall Affcmbl) d: r,ovo^ and fo depoied.

F

The joints wherein they agree concerning the Office

of a Bifhof or Sptper-intendent,

Irfl: , the name of Bifhop is common to all them that hath any particular flock , over the which hee hath a peculiar charge as well to preach the word,as to Minider the Sacraments,and to exe- cute the Ecclefiafticall Dircipline,with conlentof his Elders. And this is his chiefe fundion by the word of God,

Out of this number may be chofen fome to have power to vifit fuch rcafonable bounds, befides his o wne flock, as the generall hi- fembly (liall appoint ; and in thefe bounds to appoint Minilters, with confent of the Minifters of that Province, and the confent of the flock to whom they be appointed : Alfo to appoint Elders and Deacons in every particular Congregation , where there is none, with confent of the people thereof, and to fufpend Minifters for rcafonable caufes with confent of the Minifters forefaid. Edinhurih Bifhops being prefent,thcir diligence is tried, and they are accu- ,j^rilis ^ fed for want of particular flockcs, dilapidation, and other faults. i57^« Anent the advice and opinion of the brethren given concer-

ibidem, j^jpg ^\^Q queftion moved anent Bifliops , the whole Aflembly , for the greatefi part, after reafoning, and Ion:; difputation upon every Article of the faid brethrcns opinion, and advice, refolutelyatfir- medj and approved the fame, and every Article thereof, as is alio above fet downe. And,totheefied: that the faid Articles conde- fcend d upon by the faid Aflembly,may be the better followed out, and ready execution may cnlue thereupon, as appertaines, ordaines the Bifhops which hath not as yet received tnc charge of a par- ticular Congregation to condcfccnd the morne, wh?t particular flocks they will accept to take the aire of. iii^im, Tor the more comoiodious vifitation of Countries, there is ap- pointed

AHs of the Genernll Ajfemblies. 1 9

pointed for every Shire foureorfivc Billiops, Super- intcndentSj and MiniftcrSjand Articles of vifitation fct downc.

Ancnt the demand of Mr. Andrtnv Hay Vzx^on ok Rttnthroi^^it Uldenu every Vifiter wuhin his ownc bounds hath like power, and juri(^ didion to plant Minifters^lufpendjand depofe for reaionabU" caufe: The Aflembly rer)lved affirmative, that they have alike pov/er and juriididion therein, as is contained in the particular Articles con- cerning the JUT ifdidion of the Vifiters.

for as much as there is great corruption in the cftatcof Bi- Edishuf^h fhops, as they areprefently made in this Rcalme , whcrennto the ^pnld 24. Kirk would providefomeftay in time comming, fo farre as they ^57^- may, to the eft^d that further corruption may be bridled ;thercfore the Aflembly hath concluded, that no more Billiops (liall bee de- fied , or made hereafter before the next gencrall Aflembly of the Kirk,difcharging all Minifl:crs and Chapiters to proceed any wayes in the eleiflion of the faid Billiops in the meane time, under the painc of perpetual! deprivation from their orifices.

The A(fl above written extended to all times to come, and all sterrpi£ Billiops already eleOied required tofubmit themfclves to the ge- ruIUn, nerall Aflembly, concerning the reformation of the corruption of 1578% that cftate, which fubmiflfion the Bilhop oiDfinblat$e willingly offered to the Aflembly.

Sefs. 4. Forasmuch as the office otaBilliop, as it is now ufed, and T>widie, commonly taken within this Realme, hath no fure warraat,autho- luUi 12. rity, nor good ground oat of the Scriptures, but is brought in by '^^°* the folly and corruption of mens inventions , to the great ^ver-^,*^^"^^*^^ throw of the Kirk of God, The whole Afl'^mbly of the Kirk in one jud^eTua- voice, after liberty given to all men to reaion in the matt r, none lavvtull& opponing himfelFc in defending the faid pretended Oifice, Findes <l'Uhargcd/ and declares the fame pretended Ortice ufed and termed, as is a- bovefaid , unlaw full in the fcUe, as having neither fundament, ground, nor warrant within the word of God; and ordaines.That all fuch perfons as bruike,or lliall Sruikc, hereafter the fjid O flicc fhall be charged limply to dimit,quite,and leave off the fame as an Oftice where into they are not called of God ; And fuch like to de- lift,and ceafe from allpreaching,mir.iflration ofthe Sacraments,or ufing any way the Oftice o{ Pa(lors,while they receive de novo ad- mifl^on firom the gcnerall Aflembly, under the paine of Excom- munication to be ufed againft them. Wherein if they be found dif-

E a obedient.

io ''AHe/Pdrlimtint.

•bcdlait or contradift this ad in any point , the fentcnceof Ex- communication after due admonitions to bee executed againffc Symxlall them. And for better execution of the faid Ad, It isftatute,that Affcm. a Synodall Membly fhall be holden in every Province,where any pointer "^^P^"g Bi{hops arc, and begin the 1 8. of Augftft next to come, whereto they ihall be callcd^nd fummoncd by the Visitors of the faid Countries, to compeirc before their Synodall Affcmblics, and ' namely, the BilLop of Saint >^«^rrii?f/, to compeir in Saint Ah^ (drewesj he Bifliop of Absrdeng in Aberd/sne , The Billiop oi'CU/cQw in GUfioWy The Biiliop of Mnrrny in Elgyne^ to give obedience to the faid Adl ; which if they refufe to doe. That the faid Synodall Aflemblies Hull appoint certainc brethren of their Miniftery, to give them publick Admonitions out of the Pulpit,and warne them in cafe they difobey,To compeir before the ncxtgenerallAfsembly to be holden at Edmifurj^h, the 20. otonoherncxt to come, to heart the fentence of Excommunication pronounced againft them for their difobcdience. And to this Aft the Bilhop o^DunhlMH agreed , fubmitting himfelfe tobee ruled thereby.

T he twelfth Parliament holden at EdinbHrgh , the fifth of It*ne^ the yeare of God 1592. yeares> by the right cx- cellcnt^right high and mighty Prince I A m e % thcfixt, by the Grace ot God,King oiScott€s:mi\\ advice of his Three Eftatcs.

Matific4im cfthelihertj BfthitrMKirk-.OfgtntrAlldndSyno^ d^U U{f€mlli<s : OfPreshytericsiOfDifc\]^hnc. AlllicwtJ of Idolatry arc abrogate : Of Prcfentation to Bfneficts.

yiK Soveraigne Lord andEftates of this prcfent Parlia- ment, following" the laudable, and good example of their Predecefsors, hath ratified, and approved, and by the Tenour of this prefent Ad-, ratifies and approves all libcrties,priviledges,immunitics,and freedomes whatlocvcr,given and granted by his Highncisc, his Regents in his name, or any of his Prcdecefsours, to the true and holy Kirk prefently cftablillicd within this Realme,and declared inthefirft: Ad: of his Highnelsc Parh'amcnt the twenty day of OHrohery the yeare of God 157P. yearcs. And all, and whatfocverAfts of Parliament, and Statutes

mailc

A^ of Parliament. 21

made of before by his HighnelTc, and his Regents, ancnt the li- berty and f reed ome of the faid Kirk; and fpcciallythcfirft Acftof Parliament, holden at Edinbfirghy the twenty foure day of Oliohr^ the yearc of God I58i.yearcs, with the whole particular Ads there mentioned : Which (hall be as fufficient as if the feme were here exurcflcd : and all other Ads of Parliament made (ince-. in fa- vour ofthe true Kirk, and fuch like, ratifies and approvesrthe ge-- nerall Affcrablics appointed by the faid Kirk, and declares that it fliall bee law full to the Kirk and Miniders every yeare, at the Icaft, andoftner/>r(7r^»/^^, as occafion and ncceflity (hall require, to hold and keepe generall Aflemblies;Providing that the Kings Ma- jelly, or his G)mmiiIioncrs with them, to bee appointed by his Highneffe, bee prelent at ilk Generall Affembly, before the di(rol-. ving thereof, nominate and appoint time and place, when and where the next generall AiTembly rtiall bee holden : and in cafe neither his Majelly, nor his faid Commiffioner s be prefent for the time in that Towne, where the faid generall Aflembly is holden; Then and in that cafe it (liall bee leafiim to the faid generall Aflem- bly by thcmfelves to nominate and appoint time and place, where the next generall AiTembly of the Kirk (hall bee kept, and holden, as they have beene in ufe to doc in times, by paft. And alfo rati- fies and approves the Provincial! and Synodall /iffemblies to bee holden by the faid Kirk and Minifters twice ilk yeare, as they have beene, and prefently are in uie to doe within every Province of this Realme : And ratifies and approves the Presbyteries, and par- ticular Se/fions appointed by the fiid Kirk, with the vi hole Difci- pline and Jurifdidion of the fame Kirk agreed upon by his Ma/c-- ft.y in conference had by his Highneffe with ccrtaineof the Mint- fters, convecncdto thateffcfl. Of the which Articles the Tenour follow es : Matters to bee intreated in Provincial! Aflembhesi: Their Aflemblies are conftitute for weighty matters, neccflary to be intreated by mutuall confcnt, and afTiftance of bretiiren within the Province , as need requires. This Affembly hath power to handle, order, and redrcfTc all things omitted or done amilfe in the particular A(remblics. It hath power to depofe the office bearers ' of that Province, for good and juft caufcs deferving deprivation. And generally their A(femblies have the whole power of the par- ticular Elder ihips, whereof they arc collcdcd. Matters to be in- treated in the Presbyteries : The power of the Presbyteries is to'- ufe diligent labours in the bounds committed to their charge, that '

E 3 the

jj' 'A&^ dfParliment.

the Kirkcs be kept in good order;To enquire diligently'of naughty and Uiig »dly perl'ons,and to travdlto bring them in the way again by Aclmoiiition,or threatning of Gods judgcments,or by correfti- on. It appcrtaincs to the Elderlhip to take heed that the word of God bee piirciy preached within their bounds,. the Sacraments rightly miniftred , the DilcipUne entertained, and Ecclefiafticall goods uncorruptly dilhibuted. It belongs to this kind of Aflcm- blies, tocaule the ordinances made by the Aflcmblies Provinciall, Nationall & generall to be kept and put in execution,to make Con- ftitutions which concerne ro ^rpejiov in the Kirk for decent order in the particular Kirk where they govern ; Providing that they alter no rules made by the Provinciall,or generall Aflemblies; And that they make the Provinciall Affemblies forefaid, privie to the rules that they (hall make : and to abolifh Conftitutions tending to the hurt of the fame. It hath power to excommunicate theob- ftinate, formall proceffe being led, and due intcrvall of times ob- lerved. Anent particular Kirkcs,it they bee lawfully ruled by fuf- ticient Miniftcrs and Se{lion,they have power and Jurifdidion it\ their owne Congregation in matters Ecclehafticall; And decrees and declares the Aflemblies, Presbyteries, and SelTions, Jurifdidi- on and Difcipline forefaid, to bcc i ) all times comming, moft juft, good and godly in the felfe, Notwithftanding of whatfoever Sta- tutes, Ads, Canons, Civill or Municipall lawes mad-e to the con- trary : To the which, and every one of them their prefents (hall make exprefle derogation. And fcecaufc there are divers Ads of Parliament made in favour ofthePapifticall Kirk, tending to the prejudice of the liberty of the true Kirk of C>od prefently profcf- led within this Realme, Jurifdidion and Difcipline thereof; which ftand yet in the bookcs of the Ads of Parliament not abro- gated nor annulled, Therefore his Highncfseand Eftatcs forefaid, hath abrogated, cafsed,and annulled, and by the Tenour hcreof,ab- rogates, cafses, and annullcs, all Ads of Parliament made by any of his Highneise Predecefsours, for maintenance of fuperllition and idolatry withall, and whntlocver Ads, Lawes and Statutes made at any time before the day and date hereof, againft the liberty of the true Kirk, Jurifdidioji and Difcipline thereof, as the fame is ufed and exerciicd within this Rcalmc.

Andinfpcciall, that part of the Ad of Parliament, holdcnat Sterllngy the fourth day oi November^ the ycare of God 1445. ycarcs, commanding obedience to be given to £^^^»/w the Pope

for

AEt ofParliament. 2 3

for the time : The Kd: made by King lames the third, in his Par- liament holden at Edrnhnrghy the 24. of ?ebrHxrj,ih^ yearc of God 1480. yeares. And ail oth^r Ads whereby the Popes authority iseflablillicd. The Ad of Kin[^ /<««i<fj the third in his Parliament holden at Edl/ibnrgh the 20. of November ^thc ycare ofGod i^ 6p. yeares, anent the ^aturday, and other vigils to be holy dayes from Evenfong to Evenfong.

Item, that part of the Ad made by the Queene Regent, in the Parliament holden at EdinbHrgh the fir(l day offebrtiarj, the yearc of Cjod 1 5 5 I . yeares, giving Ipcciall licence for holding ot Palche and Zuill. Item, the Kings Ma/c(]y and Edates for efaid, declares, that the i ip. Ad of the Parliament holden at Edinburgh, the two and tv;entieth of y^-^', the yeare of God 1 5 84. yeares, lliall no wayes be prejudicial!, nor derogate any thing from the priviledge that God hath given to the fpirituall Otfice-bearers in the Kirk, concerning heads of Religion, matters of Hcrefie, excommunica- tion, collation, or deprivation ofMinifters, or any fuchlikeeC. fentiall cenlures, fpecially grounded and having warrant ofthe word of God. Item , our Soveraignc Lord, and Eftates of Parlia- ment fore- faid, abrogates, cafTcSjand annihilates the Ads ofthe fame Parliament holden Sit E disbar gh the faid yeare 1584. yeares, granting commiflion to Bifhops, and other Judges, conftitute in Eccleliafticall caufes, to receive his Highnefse pref^ntation to Be- nefices, to give collation thereupon, and to put order to all caufes Ecclefiafticall, which his Ma/efiy, and Eftates afore- faid declares to bee expired in the felfe, and to bee null in time comming, of noncavaile, force -or effed. And therefore ordaincs all Prefenta- tions to Benefices tobediredto the particular Presh)t^ricsinall time comming, with full power to give collation thereupon, and to put order to all matters and caufes Ecclefiafticall within their bounds, according to the Difciplinc ofthe Kirk; providing the fore-faid Pvcsbyterics be bound and altrided, to receive and ad- mit whatfocvcr qualified Mini- fter, prefented by his Maje- fty,orlaickePatror^^.

THE

THE

FIRST BOOKE OF

DISCIPLINE.

To the great Counccll o? Scotland no^ admitted to the Regiment, by the providence of God^and by the Com- mon confent of the Eftates thereof. Your Honours humble Servitours and Minifters of Chrift Jelus within the fame, wifh grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift,with the pcrpetuall ia- creale of the holy Spirit.

^ Rom jour Homtirs rvcereceiveda. charge dated of E- dinburghr/'iT 29. of A^nlyW the yeare of our Lord 1 5 60. requiring and commanding tts in the name of

the eternallGody as wee mU an fiver in hisvreftme,ta

commit to ivrim^g^ and in abooke deliver to jonr mfedomesoitt judgements touching the reformation of Religion which heretofore inthis Realme (as in others) hath heene utterly corrupted : upon the receit whereof (fo many of us as were in this Towne)did con- 'veene^ and tn unity of minde doe offer unto pur wifedomes thefi fubfecjHcnts for common order and uniformity to bee obferveditt this Realme concerning doctrine^ admimftratton of Sacraments^ cleHion ofMiniflers^ provifionfor their fujlentation, EcclefaJH^ call dijeif line y and folicj of the Church-^ Mofl humbly requiring your Honours^ that as youlookeforparticifation withChnf^e- [tis^ that neither "^e admit *\ny thing which Gods plaine word [hall pot approve^ neither yet that ye (hall reject fuch ordinances ase- qmty^jufiice^mdGods word doe fpeci fie. For^as wee will not bind

y^mr

Thefirjl Booke efDlfciplsne. a 5

j6ur f9ifed0m^s to our judgements further t6ef$ wee are able tc frove (y GodsfUine Scriptures: fo mttfi we mofi humbly crave ^fyeUy even as je wiiarijwer m Godsfrefence {before whom both yeandrveemuft af^eare to render accounts ofAllourf&Sis ) that ye repudiate nothing for pleafnre and affect ion of men , which ye bee not able to improve by Gods written and revealed word.

The firfi head of Doctrine.

SEing that Chrift Jefus is he whom God the Father hath com- manded onely to bee heard and followed of his flieepe, wee judge it ncceisary that his Gofpell bee trucly and openly preached in every Church and Alsembly of this Realme, and that all do- drine repugnant to the fame, be utterly reprefscd, as damnable to mans ialvation*

The explicationof the firft head.

LEft that upon this generality ungodly men take occafion to cavill, this wee adde for explication: By preaching of the Go- fpell wee underftand not onely the Saiptures of the new Tefta* ment, but alfo of the old,to wit,the Lavv,Prophets,and Hiftories, in which Chrift Jefus is no leffe contamed in figure, then wee have him now cxpreffcd in verity. Ajnd therefore with theApoftlc we affirme,that all Scripture infpircd of God is profitable to in flrud, to reprove, and to exhort.In which bookes of old and new TeftamentSi we affirme that all thing neceffary for the inftrudioa of the Church, and to make the man of ood perfed, is contained and Efficiently exprcfled.

By the contrary dodrinewee underftand whatfoevermcnby lawes, counfells,orconftitutions, have impofed upon the confci- cnces of men , without the cxpreffed commandement of Gods word/uch as bee the vowes oi chaftity, forfwcaring of marriage, binding of men and women to leverall and difguifcd apparells, to the fuperftitious obfcrvation of fafting daycs, difference of meat for conlciencc fake , prayer for the dca d , and keeping of holy daycs of ccrtalne Saints commanded by man, fuchas beeallthofqthat the Papifts have invented, as the feafts (as they termethcm^ of the Apofties, Marty rs,Virginc«, of Chriftmaffe, Circumciflon, E-

F piphany,

^6 rbt Tirfi Booke ^fDifufUm.

piphanic, Purification, anc other fond feaftcs of our Lady t which things bccauie in Gods Scriptures they neither have commandc- ment nor affurancc, wcc judge thcoi utterly to bee aboliihed fr^dm this Realmc ; affirming farther that the obftinate maiutamLrs and tcacheisof fuvh abhoroinations ought not to cfcape the puQifli- mcnt of the ciyill Magiftrate*

7h€fe€0Hd head of Sacraments*

TO Chrift Jcfus his holy Gofpell truly preached, ofneceflity it iSj that his holy Sacraments bee annexed, and truely mini- (Ircd, as feales and vilible confirmations of the fpirituall promifes contained in the word- and they bee two, to wit, Baptifme,and the holy Supper of the Lord Icfus, which arc then rightly mini- ftred,when by a lavvfuU Minifter the people, before the adminidra- tion of the fame, are plainely inftruded, and put in mind of Gods free grace and mercy, oflvred unto the penitent in Chrift Jefus: when Gods promifes arc rehearfcd, the end and ufe of Sacraments preached and declared , and that in fuch a tongue as the people doc underftand : when farther to them is nothing added, firom them nothing diminifhed, and in their pradlife nothing changed befidesthelnftitution of the Lord lelus, and pradife of his holy Apoftles. .

And albeit the order of Geneva which now is ufcd in fbmc of our Churches, is fufhcient to inftrud the diligent Reader how that both thefe Sacraments may bee rightly miniftrcd, yet for an uniformity to bee kept, wee have thought good to adde this as fu- pcraboundant.

In Baptifme wee acknowledge nothing to bee ufed except the clement of water onely (that the word and declaration of the pro- mifes ought to preceed we have faid before j wherefore whofoo- vcr prefumeth in Baptifme to ufe oyle, fait, waxe, fpittle conjura- tion and crofTing accufcth the pcrfcd inftitution of Chrif\ lefua, ol impcrfcdion. For it was void of all fuch inventions devifed by fnen,and fuch as would prefumc to alter Chrifts perfeft Ordi- nance you ought feverely to punifh.

The Table of the Lord is then moft rightly miniftred when it approacheth mofl ncareto Chriftsowncadion. But plainc it is, that at Supper Chrift lefus fate with his Difciples; and therefore doc wee judge that fitting at aTablcismoft convenient to that

holy

Th€ Firji Booke fifDifcifUnel ly

holy aftion, that bread and wipe ought to bee there, that thankee ought to bee given, diftribution of the fame made, and commande- ment given that the bread (hould bee taken and eaten , and that all (hould likewife drinkc of the cupof wine, with declaration what both the one and the other is : wee fuppole no godly man will doubt: For as touching the damnable errourofthe Papifts, who dare defraud the Common people of the one part of that holy Sacrament,to wit,of thecup of the Lords bloud,wee (uppofc their errour to bee fo manifeft, that it needeth no confutation: neither yet intend wee to confute any thing in this our fimplc Confeflion,but to oflfer publick difputation to all that lift oppugnc any thing affirmed by us.

That the Minifter breake the bread anddiftribute the fame to thofe that bee next unto him, commanding the reft, every one with reverence and fobriety to breake with other, weethinkeit neereft to Chrifts aftion, and to the perfed pra<5l:ife, as wee reade InSzint Paul; during the which adion wee thinke it neceffary, that fomc comfortable places of the Scripture bee read , which may bring in minde the death of Cbrift Jefus, and the benefit of the fame. For f:eing that in that aftion wee ought chiefly to remember the Lords death, wee judge the Scriptures making mention of the fame , moft apt to ftirre up our dull mindes then, and at all times* Let thcdifcretionof the Minifters appoint the places to bee read as they thinke good. What times wee thinke moft convenient for the adminiilration of the one and of the o- therof thefc Sacraments, ftiaU bee declared in the policy of the Church.

The third head touching the aboUflnffg df Idolatrie.

AS wee require Chrift Jefus to bee truly preached, andhfe holy Sacraments rightly miniftred , fo cannot ccrfc to require Idolatry, with all monuments and places of the fame as Abbeycs, Monkeries, Frieries, Nonrics, Chappcls, Chantcries, Cath.-drall Churches, Chanonrics, CoUedges, others then pre(ently are Parifli Churches or Schooles , to bee utterly lupprclTcd in all bounds and places of this Realme (ccccpt onely Palaces, Manfions, and dwelling places adjacent thereto, with Orchards and Yards of thclamej as alio that Idolatry maybcc rcmo ved from the pre-

F 2 jfencc

^% The Fir ft BoekeofDifiifUne*

fence of all perfonsj of what eftate or condition that ever thcybc* Within this Rcalmc.

For let your Honours aflurcdly be perfwaded. that where ido- latry is maintained, or permitted, where it may bcc lappre{kd,that there (hall Gods wrath raigne, not onely upon the blind and ob- ftinate idolater, but alfo the negligent fufFzrers, efpecially if God have armed their hands with power to luppreflclachabhomina- tion.

By Idolatry weeundcrdand, theMaffc, invocation of Saints, adoration of Images, and the keeping and retaining of the fame. And finally all honourmg of God , not contained in his holy word.

7 he fourth head concerning Minifters, and their Uypfvill Ele^ion*

IN a Church reformed, or tending to reformation, none ought to prefumc either to preach, either yet to Minifter the Sacra- ments, till that orderly they bee called to the lame. Ordinaric Vocatbn conlillcth in Eledion, Examination, and Admiffion. And becaufe that Eledion of Miniftcrs in thiscurfed Papiftric ' hath altogether bceneabufed, weethinke expedient to intreate it more largely . It appcrtaineth to the people, and to every fcvcrall Congregati.m to eled their Minifter ; And in cafe that they bee found negligent therein the fpace of fonrty dayes , The bell re- formed Church, to wit, the Uiurch of the Super-intcfident with his Councell, may prcfent unto them a man whom they judge apt, to feed the flock of Chrift Jelus, who muft bee cxaminated gs well in life and manners, asm dodrincand knowledge. And that this may bee done with more exad diligence, the perfons that are to bee examinated, muft bee commanded to appeare before men of founded judgement remaining in fomc principallTowne next adjacent unto them, as they thzthcQin Fjfe^ AngH4,Mcarnesov Straith/irrte, to prefcnt thcmfelves in Saint ^«</rf>r^j,Theie that bee in Lorvthian, Mtrfe or TtvidfLill to Edinburghy and likewifc thofe that bcc in other Countries muft refortto the bcft reformed City and Towne, that is, to the Townc of the Super- intcndcnt, where, firft in the Schooles, or, failing thereof, in open affembly, and before the Congregation, they muftgivc declaration of their gifts, utterance and knowledge, by interpreting (bmc place of

Scrip-

Tht Firfi BQdke ofDifiifline. %^

Scripture to bee appointed by the .\" iniftery; which being ended, the pcrfon that 15 prcfented, or that offcrcth himfelfe to ihcadmi-r niltration ot the Church, mull bee examined by the Miniftcrs and Eiders ofthe Church, and that openly, and before all that lift to hcare, in all the chiefc points that now bee in controver fie be- twixt lis and the Papifls, Anabaptifts, Arrians, cr other fuch ene- mies to the Cbriuian Religion. In which,ifhec bee found found^ able to perlwadc by wholefome doctrine,, and to convince the gaine-fayer, then mult bee bee direded to the Church and Congre- gation where hec ihould lerve, that there in open audience of his Flock in divcrk publick Sermons , hee may give confefHon of his faith in the article of Juftification, in the Orticeof Chrid Jefus, ofthe number, effed J and ufcofthe Sacraments, and finally of the whole Religion which heretofore hath beenc corrupted by the Papifts* Ifhis dodrinebeefound wholefome and able to inftruft thchmplc, and ifthcQiurch juftlycan reprehend nothing in his life, doctrine, nor utterance, tlenv/ee judge the Church, which before was deft itute, unreafonable, if they refufe him whom the Church did offer, and they fhould bee compelled by thecenfure of the CounccU and Church, to receive the perfon appointed, and approved by the judgement of the godly and learned : un- lefle that the fame Church, have prefented a man better,or as well qualiricd to the examination, before that this forefaid trial! was taken of the perfon prefented by the councell of the whole Church: As for example,The councell of thcChurch,prefents to any Church anaanto bee their Minifter, not knowing that they are other- wife provided : in the mcanc time, the Church is provided ofano* ther, iuiticicnt in their judgement for that charge, whom they prefent to the learned Miniders, and next reformed Church to be examined. In this cafe the prefentation of the people, to whom. hce (hould bee appointed Paftor, muft bee preferred to the pre-- lentation of the councell.or greater Church, unlcfl'e the perfon pre- fented by the inferiour Church bee judged unable of the Rcgi^ mentby the Learned, For altogether this is to bee avoided, that any man bee violently intruded or thruftin upon any Congrega- tion. But this liberty with all care muft bee rcferved to every ic- verall Church, to have their Votes and Suffrages in eledion of their Minillers. But violent intrufion wee call not, when the coun- cell of the Church in the fearc of God, and for the falvation of the. people, offcrethunto them a fufficient man to inftruil them, whom

F 3 they

JO 3"^^ ^i^fi ^^^*^ ^/ J^ifcifUne.

rticy (hall not bee forced te admit before juft examination, ?s bo^

foreisfaid,

W^>Ef4r may unahUanjfcrfon^thAt heemdy not bee Admit- ted to the Minifierj of the Church.

IT is to bccobfcrved , that no perfon, noted with publiquc in6- iiiy,or being unable to cdific theOiurch by wholcfomcdoftrinc, or being knowne of corrupt judgement, bee cither promoted to the regiment of the Church, or yet retained in Ecclefiafticaliad- miniftration.

Exflicatm. ^^^

BY publick infamy wee undcrftand, not the common finnes and offences which any hath committed in time of bhndnes, by fragility, (if of the fame by a better and more fober con verfa- tion hec hath declared himfelfc verily penitent) but fuch capitall aimcs as the Civill fword ought and may punilh with death by the word of God, For befides that the Apoftlc rcquireth the life of Minifters to bee fo irreprehenfible, that they have a good teftimonic from thofe that bee without, wee judge it a thing un- fecmly and dangerous, that hee fhall have publick authority to preach to others life cverlafting, from whom the Civill Magiftratc may take the life temporall for a crime publickly committed. And if any obj'cd, that the Prince hath pardoned his offence, and that hec hath publickly repented, and fb not only his life is in afTurancc, but alfotnat he may bee received to the Miniftery of the Church; Weeanfwcr, that repentance doth not take away the temporall punifhmcnt of the Law, neither doth the pardon of the Prince re- move his infamic before man.

That the life and converfation of the perfon prcfentcd, or to be clcded may be the more clearely knownc,publick edi(fls (liould be direfted to all parts of this Realme, or at the leaft to thofe parts where the perfon had bcene moftconverfant: as where hee was nourifhed in letters, or where hee continued fince the yeares of infahcie and childhood were paflcd. Straight commandcment would bee given that if any capitall crimes were committed by him, that they fhould bee notified; as if hee had committed wilfull murder, adultery, if hee were a common fornicator, a thiefc, a

drunkard.

The Firft Sc&keofBifeipline. ji

dninkard,a fighter, brawler, or contentious perfon. ThcfcEdidls ought to bee notified inthechicfe Cities, with the like charge and commandcmcnt, with declaration that luch as concealed hit finncs kno wne did deceive and betray (fo fir re as in them lay) the Church which is the Spoufe of Chrift Jefus, and did comiimnicate with the finncsof that wicked man^

Admifi$n»

THe Adraiffion of Minifters to their offices muft confift in con- fent of the people, and Church whereto they fhall bcappoin- tcd,and approbation of the learned Minifters appointed for their examination.

Wee judge it expedient that the Admiflion of Minifters bee in open audience,that fomc fpeciall Minifter make a Sermon touch- ing the dutic and office of Minifters, touching their manners, con- verfation and life:?s alfo touching the obedience which the Church oweth to their Minifters. Commandemcnt {hould bee given as well to the Minifter as to the people, both being prefent : to wit. That he with all careftill diligence attend upon the flock of Chrift Jefus over the which hee is appointed Preacher : That hcewill walkeinthe prefence of God fofincercly, that the graces ol the Holy fpirit may bee multiplied into him, and in the prefence of men io ioberly and uprightly, that his life may confirme in the eyes of men, that which by tongue and word hee perfwaded unto others. The people would bee exhorted to reverence and honor their Minifters, chofen as the fcrvants and Embaftadors of the Lord Jefus, obeying thecommandements which they pronounce from Gods mouth and book, even as they would obey God him- fclfc. For whofoever hearcth Chrifts Minifters ^ heareth him- felfe; and whofoever rejeftcth and defpifcth their miniftery and exhortation, rcjedeth and defpifeth Chrift lefus. Other ccremc- - ny then the publick approbation of the people, and declaration of thechiefe Minifter, that the perfon there prcfented is appointed toferve the Church, wee cannot approve; for albeit the Apoftlcs ufcd impofition of hand?, yet feeing the mirack is ccafcd, the ufing of the ceremony wee judge not neceflary.

The Minifter cleded, or prefented,examincd,and as faid is,pub- lickly admitted, nwy neither leave the ffocke at his picaiure to which hee had promifcd his fidelity and labours, neither yet may

the

ji The Firji 80oke ef Difciflhe.

the flock rc/cft nor change him at their appetite, unlcflc they bee able to convid him of fuch crimes as defcrve dcpofition, whereof we (hall after fpeakc. Wee mean not but that the whole Church, or the moft part thereof, for juft confidcratioqs, may transferre a minifter from one Church to another: neither yet meane wec,that men who now lerve as it were of benevolence, may not bee ap- pointed and eleded to fcrve in other places; but once being lo- lemnely eleded, and admitted, wee cannot approve that they fliould change at their owne pleafure.

Wee are not ignorant that the rarity of godly and learned men, (hallfeemeto fomea juft rcafon why that foftraitand (harpe ex- amination fliould not bee taken univcrfally, for Co it fli dl appcare, that the moft part of the Kirks Qiall have no Miniftcr at all Hut let thefe men underftand, that the lack of able men (hall not cxculc us before God, if by our confent unable men bee placed over the flock of Chrift Jefus. As alfo that amongft the Gentiles godly and learned men were alfo rare, as they bee now amongft us, when the Apoftle gave the fame rule to trie and examine Minifters, which wee now follow. And laft, let them underftand that it is alike to have no Minifter at all, and to have an Idollin the place of a true Minifter:Yea and in fome cafe it is worfe,for thofe that bee utterly deftitute of Minifters,will be diligent to fearch for them; but thoic that have a vain fliadow, doe commonly without further care con- tent themfelv^s with the fame,and fo rcmainc they continually de- ccivedjthmking that they have a Minifter,when in very deed they have none. For wee cannot judge him ad ifpenfator of Gods my- fterics, that in no wife can breake the bread ofhfe to the fainting and hungry foules. Neither judge wee that the Sacraments can bee rightly miniftred by him in whole mouth God hath put no Sermon of exhortation. The chiefeft remedy left to your Ho- nours, and to us, in all this raritie of trueMinifters, is fervent prayer unto God, that it will pleale his mercy to thruft out faith- full workmen in this his harveft. And next, that your Ho. with confent of the Church , are bound by your authority to compell fuch men as have gifts and graces able to edifie the Church of God, that they bdlow them where greateft nccellity fl^all bee knownc. For no man may bee permitted to live idle, or as them- selves lift; but muft bee appointed to travell where your wife- domes and the Church (hall thinkc expcdient:Wc cannot prcfcribe ijnto your Honours certainc rules how that ye (hall dillribute the

Mini-

The Firjl Bo^keofDifeipUne. 3 3

Miniftcrs and learned men, whom God hath already fcnt unto you. But hereof wee are aflurcd, that it greatly hiiidercth the progreffc of Chrifts Gofpell within this poorcRealmCjthatfofre altogether abftraft their Ubours from the Church, and others remaine alto- gether in one place, the molt part of them being idle. And there- fore of your Honors we require in Gods name,thatby yonr autho- rity ,which ye have of God,y c compcll all men to whom God hath given any Talent to perf wade by wholc-^onic dodrinc, to bcflow the fame, if they bee called by the Church,to the advancement of Chrifts glorie, and the comfort of his troubled flock. And that yc with the confent of the Church, aflignc unto your chicfclt workmen, not onelyTowncs to remaine in, but alfo Provinces; thatby their faithfull labours. Churches may bee ereftcd, and or- der eftablilTicd where none is now. And if on this manner yc fhall ufe your power and authority, chiefly feeking Gods glorie, and the comfort of your brethren, wcc doubt not but God (hall blcflc you and your cnterprifes.

For Readers.

TO the Churches where no Minifters can bee had prcfentiyi muft bee appointed the moft apt men that diftinftly can rcacf the common prayers and the Scriptures, to excrcife both them- felves and tha Church , till they grow to greater perfeftion; and in proceffe of timc,he that is but a Reader,may attame to a far- ther degree, and by confent of the Church, and difcreet Minifters, may bee permitted to minifter the Sacraments,but not before that hec bee able fomewhat to perf wade by wholcfome do(flrine,bcfidc his reading, and bee admitted to the Miniftery, as before is faidJ Some wee know that of long time have prof eflcd Chrift Jefus, whofchoncft converfation defervethpraifeofall godly men, and whofe knowledge alfo might greatly helpc the fimplc, and yet they onely content themlelves with reading; thefe muft bee ani- mated, and by gentle admonition encouraged by fo me exhortati- on to comfort their brethren, and fo they may bee admitted to ad- Biiniftration of the Sacraments; butfuch Readers as neither have had excrcife, nor continuance in Chrifts true religion, muft ab- ftaine from miniftration of the Sacraments, till they give decla- ration and witncfting of their honefty and further knowledge, that none bee admitted to prejch,but they that are qualified there-

G fore.

34 ^^ ^i^fl ^^^ke ofDifciflme.

fofle, but rather bcc retained Readers, and luch as arc Prcacbtrs already, not found quaiiticd tticrcfore, by the Supcr-intcnicnt,bcc placed to bee Readers.

The fifth hend coftcermng the provifim for the CMi- fierSy find for the difiribntion of the rents andpof'^ Jejfions ]HJilj Mf pert aiming t9 the Chftrch.

QEing that of our Mafter Chrift Jefus, and his Apoftle 'Paul k5^ wcc have, that the workman is worthy of his rcward,and that the mouth of the labouring oxe ought not to bee muffcled, of ne- ceflitie it is> that honcft provifion bee made for the Miniftcrs, which wee require to bee fuch, that they have neither occafion of folicitudc, neither yet of infolencie aud wantonnefTe. And this provifion mud bee made not onely for their owne fuftentation, duringrtheir lives; but alio for their Wives and Children after them. Por wee judge it a thing mod contrarious to reafon, god- liiicfe and equity, that the Widow and the Children of him who in his life did faithfully ferve in the Kirk of God, and for that caufc did not carefully make provifion for his family, fhould after his death bee left comfortlefTe of all provifion : which provifion for the Wives of the Mimflcrs after their deceafe is to bee re- mitted to the difcretion of the Kirk. Difficile it is to appoint a jfeverall ftipend to every Minifler, by reafon that the charge and ncceflity ©fall, will not bee ahkc. Forfome will bee continuers in one place, fomc will bee compelled to travcU, and oft to change their dwelling place (if theyfhallhavc charge of divers Kirk c^ j) among thcic fome will bee burdened with Wife and Children, and one with more then others, and fomc perhaps will bee finglc men. If cquall ftipends fhould bee appointed to thefe that in charge fhould bee fo unequall, cither fhoul4 the one faffer penorie, or elfe fhould the other have fuperfluity and too much. Wee judge therefore that every Minifler have fufficient where- upon to keepe an houfe, and bee fuftained honeflly in all things ne- ccffary as well for kacping of hishoufcand cloathes,fle{li,fifli, bookes, fewell, and other things neccffary, of the rents and trea- furic of the Kirk, at the difcretion of the Congreg;uion conforme to the qualit jf of the pcrfon aixi ncccffity of the time : Wherein

k

The Fkfi Booh ofDtfiipline] J j

it is thought good that cvay Miniftcr (hall have at leafl fourty bolls mcalc, twenty {\x bolls malt, to finde his houfe bread and drinkc, and more lb much as the difcretion of the Church findcs ncccflary; bcfidcs money for buying of other providon to his houfc and othernccefTancs : the modification whaeof is referred to the Judgement of the Kirk , to bee made every yeare at the choofing of the Elders and Deacocs of the Kirk. Providing alwayes that there bee advanced to every l^inifter fufficient provifion for a quarter of a yeare before-hand of all things. But to him thaf travels from place to place, whom wee call Super- intendent, whorcmaincsas it were a month or lefle in one place for cftabhlhing of the Kirk , and for the fame purpofe changing to another, muft conftderation bee had. And therefore to fuch wee thinkeiSx chaldcrsbecre, nine chaldersmcale, three cbalders oats, (ix hundreth merkes money, to bee eiked and paired at the dilaetion of the Prince and Councell of the Realme, to bee payed to him in manner forefaid. The Children of the Mini- ucrs muft have the liberties of the Cities next adj acent, where their Fathers laboured, freely granted. They mull have thcpri- viledgcsin Schooles, and burfiffes in Colled gcs; That is,tfeat tncy (hall be fuftained at learning, if they be found apt thereto: AnS failing thereof, that they bee put to fome handy-craft ^ or exercifed in fome vcrtuous induftry , whereby they may bee profitable members of theCommon-weaUb,and the fame we require of their Daughters : To wir , that they bee vertuoufly brought up, and ho- neftly doted when they come to maturity of yeares at the difcre- tion ofthc Kirk. And this in Gods prcfence wee witnefTe wee require not fo much for our felves, or for any thatappertaineto us, as that wee doe it for the increafe of vertue and learning, and for the profiteof the pofterity to comc» It is not to bee fuppofed that any aian will dedicate himfclfe and his Children fo to God, and to his Kirk, that they looke for no worldly commodity, but this cankered nature which wee beare is provoked to follow vertue when it feeth profite and honour thereto annexed; and contrarily, then is vertue in many defpifed, when vertuous and gcxlly men arc without honour : and lory would wee bee that poverty Ihould difcouragc men from ftudie, and following of the way of vertue , by which they might cdifie the Kirk and flock of Chrift Jcfus. Nothing have wee fpoken of the ftipend of Readers, becaufcifthey can doe nothing but rcade, they neither

Q z can

36 7he Tirft B0cke efDifciplwe.

cap bee called nor Judged true Minifters, and yet regard muft bee bad to their labours • but fo that they may bee f purred for- ward to vcrtuc, a/jd not by any ftipcnd appointed for their rea- ding to bee retained in that eilatc. To a Reader therefore that is nevrly cntred , fourty merkcs,or more orlefTe, as Parilliioners and Readers can agree, is furficient : Provided that hec teach the Oiildrcn ot the PariQi, which hee niud doe, befide the reading of the common prayers , and tookes of the old and new Teftamenr, If from reading hee begin to exhort, and cxplaine the Scriptures, then ought his iUpcnd to bee augmented, till finally hee come to thehonour ofalvlinifter. But if hec bee found unable after two yecres, then mud hee bee removed from that office,and difchargcd of all ftipcnd , that another may bee proved as Jong. For this al- wayes is to bee avoided, that none who is judged unable to come at any time to fome reafonable knowledge whereby hee may cdifie the Kirk, (hall bee perpetually fuftaincd upon the charge of the Kirk. Farther it muft bee avoided, that nochild, nor perfon within age, that is, within twenty one yca'-es of age, bee admit- ted to the office of a Reader. But Readers ought to bee endued with gravity and difcretion, Icfl: by their lightnefle the prayers or Scriptures read bee of l.ffcpriceor eftimation. It is to bee no-; ted that the Reader bee put in the Kirk at the adi^iffion of the Super-intendent. The other fort of Readers , who have long continued in godlincs, and have fome gift of exhortation, who ^rc of hope to attaine to the degree of a Minifter, and teach the Children; wxe thinke an hundred merkcs, or more or Icffe, at the difcretion of the Kirk, may bee appointed ; fo that difference bee made , as is faid , betwixt them and the Mini- fters , that openly preaches the word and minifters the Sacra- ments.

Refts yet two forts of people to b<5e provided for, upon that which is called the Patrimony of the Kirk, to wit, the poore, and teachers ofthe youth- head. Every feverall Kirk muftprovidcfor the poore within it felfe : For fearefull and horrible it is , that the poore, whom not oncly God the Father in his Law, but Chrift Jcfus in his Evangel), and the holy Spirit fpcaking by Saint Paftl bath foearneftly commended to our care, are univerlally lb con- temned and defpifed. Wee arc not Patroncs foritubborneand idle beggars, who running from place to place make a craft of their begging, whom the civUl Magiflrate ouglK to punifh : But

for

The tirfi S^he iff Difiif line. 37

for the Widow and Fatherkffc, ihc aged, impotent or lamed,' v^ho neither can, nor may travell for their fuftcntation; wccfiy that God commands bs people to bee carcfulJ, and therefore for fuch, as alfo forperfonsof honefty fallen into decay and poverty, ought £ich provinon to bee made, that of our aboundance their indigence might bee relieved. How this moft conveniently, and moft eafily may bee done in every Citie,and other parts of thij Realme, God will fhcw you wiredome, and the meanes, fothat your mindes bee godly inclined thereto. All mud notbcc fuf- fcred to bcgge th?t gladly would lo doe,ncither yet mtift beggers remaine where they would; but the ftout and ftrong beggers nauft bee compelled to worke ; and every perlon that may not worke, muft bee compelled to repairc to the place where hee or fhcc was bornCjUnleffe of long continuance they have^ remained in one place, and there rcafonable provifion mud bee made for fuflentation, as the Kirk (hall appoint. The order nor fummes in our judgements can not particularly bee appointed unto fuch times as the po©re- of every City, Towne and Parifh bee compelled to repaire to the places where they were borne, or of their refidence, where their names and number muft bee taken and put in roll, and then may the wifcdomc of the Kirk appoint ftipends accor« dingly.

The HeadofiheSuper^nmdents^^

BEcaufc wee have appointed a larger fljpend to them that ftiaH bee Super-intend ents then to the reft of the Minifters, we have thought good to fignific to your Honours fuch reafons as moved us to make difference betwixt Preachers at this time, as alfo how many Super-intend ents wee thinke ncceffary, with their bounds, office, elcdion and caufesthat may defcrve dcpofition from that charge,

Weeconfider, that ifthcMinifters whom God hath endowed with his lingular graces amongft us rhouidbee appointed to leve- rsdl phces there to make their continuall refidence, that then the greateft part of the Realme (hould bee deilitute of all dodrinc: which (hould not onely bee the occafion of great murmUr, but al^ fobec dangerous to the falvation of many. And therefore wcc have thought it a thing moft expedient at this time, that from the

G 3 wtolc

j^ The Firft SoikeifDlfcipline.

whole number of godly and l#arned men, now prcfently in thli Rcalme,bcc Meded ten or twckc ("for in fo many Provinces wee have divided the whole^ to whom charge and commandement (hould bcc given, to plant and eredt Kirkes, to fct, order, and ap- point Miiiltcrs, as the former order prefcribes, to the Countries that (liall bcc appointed to their care where none are now. And by their mcanes, your love and common care over all Inhabitants of this Realme, to whom you are equa'ly debtors, (hall evidently appcarc; as alfo the fimple and ignorant, who perchance have ne- ver heard Jeiiis Chrift truely preached , fhall come to fomc know- ledge : By the which many that are dead in fuperftition and igno- rance, fliall attainc to fome feeling of godlincfle, by the which they may bee provoked to fearch and feeke farther knowledge of God, and his true Religion and wor (hipping : whereby the contrary , if they (liall bee neglcded , then lliall they not onely grudge, but alfo feeke the meanes whereby they may continue in their bKndnes,orreturne to their accuftomed Idolatry; and there- fore nothing wee defire more carneftly then that Chrilt Jefus bee univerfally once preached throughout this Realme, which (hall not fuddcnlv bee, unlcfTe that by you men bee appointed, and com- pelled faithnilly to travell in fuch Provinces as to them (hall bcc affigned.

7'hemmcs ofthe^ldccs ofrepdcnce md fever all Dio^ cf£es of the Sufcr-intendents.

INprtmy, The Supcr-intcndentofOri^«y,whofcDiocc(rc(hall compreheTKl the lies, Ork^ay^ Zetland^ and Cdthftes, and StrA" nav^:nis refidcnce to bee in Kirkwall.

The Super-intendent ofiJ^jp-jwhofe DiocefTe fhall comprehend Roff^y Sutherland. MurTAjy with the north lies of the Sk}e , and Zrwf/ withthead/accnts: his re(idence to bee in the Channonrie of Roj^e.

TheSupcr-intcndcntofv^fgjf/^ whole Dioceffe (hall compre- hend Arrile^Kjntirvy Lome^ the fouth lies, Arr/ut and Bnlte with their ad jacoiti , with LochwhAber : his residence to bee in Ar^ Xlfle.

' The Super-intendent of Aberdcne^ whofc DioccITe i$ betwixt Det and Hfirj containing the Shirefdom of AbcrdcfK and B^tmfe: wh^lc rclidcHGC &aU bcc in old Ulmdene.

The

7 he Tirfi Bookeof Difcifline. ^^

The Supcv-'mtcndcnt of Brechen , whofc Dioccflc fliall bcc the whole Shircfdomes oithQ Mimesy Au^Wj and thcbraeof ,3/^rr^ XoDef: his rcfidcncc to bee in ^rtff ^«.

The Super-intendent of Fjfe and FothertnghAme to Stirling^ and rhf whole Shircfdome of Perth : his rcfidcncc to bcc in Saint Andreives^

The Super-intendent of BdinhHrj^h, whofe Dioceffc fihall com- prehend the whole Shirefdome of Lowthian and Stirling^ and the South-fide of the water of /"^^r/^ .• his relidence to bee 'mEMn-

The Super-intendent of leSurgh , whofe Dioceflc fhall com- prehend the whole Tivit(Uil,TypeddAil ^ Liddijdail, and tfaereto is addrdby content oftlic whole Kirk, the ^<r>y^j Lawder d^ U znd H^cddailly with the forreft of Etrickj his refidence to bee in led- ktir^,

Ttic Super-intendent of Clafgovp^ wbofe Dioceffe fliall com-

Jirchend CUd/dmll^Renfreyf^ Mer.tethy Lennox^ Kjieaud Cunrng" ame: his refidence to bee in Glafgoyp,

The Super-intendent of Dumfriejfe , whofe Dioceffe fliali comprehend GaUowar, Carrik^^ Nithtfdaly AnnandAtle with the reft of the dailcs in the Weft ; his lefidcncc to bee in Dum- frUfr.

Thofe men muftnotbee fuftcredto live as your idle Bifliops have done h*ctofore : neither muft they remjine where gladly they would, buc they muft bee Preachers thcmfclvcs, and luch as may not make long rciidence in any place till their Kirkej bee ■planted and provided of Minifters , or at the leaftof Readers. Charge muft bee given to them that they remainein nc^ace above twenty daycs in their viiitation , till they have pafled through their whole bounds. They muft thrice every wecke preach at thcleaft ; and when they rcrurne to their principallTowneand Refidence, they muft bee likewife cxercifed in preaching and edi- fication of the Kirk: and yet they mull not bee luftered to conti- nue there fo long , that they may fecme to ncgledl rheir other Kirkcs ; Bat after they have remained in their chicfe Townc three or foure Moneths at mo!l, they lliail bee compelled ( unlefle by fickncfTethey bee retained^ to re-enter in vititation. In which they ihall not onely preach, but alfo examii^u: the life., diligence and behaviour ot the Minifters, as alfo the order of the Kirkes, th^ manners of the people. Th^y muft turther con&lcr bow the poore

bee

^ Thefirfi Bookc dfDifciplhe.

bceproviici, how the youth bcc inftruded : Theymuftadmo- ni(h where admonition ncedeth, and drcffc fuch things as by good counicU they bee able to appeafc» And tinally they mud note fuch crimes as be hcynous,that by the cenlure of the Kirk the lame nuy be corroded. If the Supcr-intcndcnt be found ncghgent in any of the chiefe points of his office, and fpecially if he be noted neg- ligent in preaching of the word , and vifitation of the Kirkes; or ifhecbe convift oi fuch crimes, which in common Miniftersarc damned, hcc muft be depofed, without refpeft of his pcrfon, or office.

TheEleSHonrfSuptr-intendcnts.

IN this prefcnt ncceflity , the nomination,cxamination, and ad- miffionof the Super-intcndent cannot befoftraight, as we re- quire, and as afterward it muft be. For this prefent, therefore wee tnioko it expedient, that either your Honours by your felvcs no- minate fo many as may ferve the fore- written Provinces : or that yce give commiflion to fuch men asyefuppofe the feareofGoi to be in, to doc the fame. And the fame men being called in your prefence (hall bee by you, and fuch as your Hon. pleafes call unto you for confultation in that cafe , appointed to their ProvinceSr Wc thinke it expedient, and neceflary,that as well the Gentlemen, as Burgeife of esrery diocy bee made privy at the fame to the cle- dion of the Super-intend ent; as well to bring the Kirkinfomc pradlife of her liberty, as that the Paftor may be the better favored of the flock whom themfelves have chofen. If your Honours cannot finde for this prefent fo many able as neceffity requireth, then in our judgements,more profitable it is thofe Provinces vaikc till God provide better for them, then that men unable to edific and governc the Kirk, fofuddenly be placed in that charge; for ex- perience hath teached us what peftilence hath beene ingendred in the Kirk by men unable to difcharge their offices. When therefore after three yearcs any Supcr-intendeni fliall depart, or chance to be depolcd, the chiefe Towne within the Province, to wit, the Miniftcrs, Elders and Deacons, withthc Magiftratc and Counccll of the fame Towne, (hall nominate, and by publick Edifts proclaime, as well to the Supcr-intcndent , as to two or three Provinces next adjacent , two or three of the mpft learned

and

The Tirfi B coke of l^ifetf line] 4t

and godly Miniftcrs within the whole Realmc, that from amongft thcin, one with publick confcnt may be cleded and appointed' tothc office then vacant : And this the chiefe Townc (hall be bound to doe within the fpace of twenty dayes; which being expired, and no man prefented, then fha)l three of the next ad* jaccnt Provinces with conient of their Super-intendcnts, Mini- Iters and Elders, enter in the right and priviledgcofthcTownc^ and lliali prcfent every one of them, one or twa , ifthcy lift,to tijc chiefe Towne to be examined, as the order requires, Asalfo jt fhallbee lawhiU for all the Kirkes of the Dioceffc to nomi- nate within the fame time fuch pcrfons as they thinke wor- thy to ftand in Elcdion , who all muft bee put in an & diA.

After nomination to be made, puMick Edifts muft be fcnt forth, warning all men that have any exception againft the perfons no* flainate, or againft^ny of them, to be prefent in the chiefe 1 ownc at the day affixed, and place, to objcd what they can againft the cledion of any of them. Thirty day es we thinke fufficient to be afllgned thereto. Thirty dayes we mcane after the nomination be made; which day of the tledion being come, the whole Mini- ftcrs of the Province, with three or foure Super-intendents next adjacent, or tliat fliall bee thereto nominated, (hall examine, not oncly the Icamiiig, butairothemanncrs,prudenceandhabilityto govcrne the Kirk, of all thcie that be nominated :that he who (hall be found mod worthy miy be burdaicd with the charge. If the Miniftcrs of the whole Provinces (hould bring with them the votes of them that were <:ommitted to their care, theeledion (hould be the more free. But al way es the votes of them that con- vene, (hould be re<]uired. The examinations muft bcpnblictiy made. They that ftand in elcdion muft publickly preach, and men muft be charged in the name of God, to vote according to conlci-' cnce,and not after affecflion.

If any thing be objcdled againft him that ftandeth in eledion, the Super- intendents and Minifters muft confider whether the objedion be made of confcienccor malice, and they m«ft anfwerc accordingly. Other cereironics then ftiarp examination, appro- bation of the Minifters, and Super-intendents, with the publicke confcnt of the Elders and people, wee cannot allow. ' The Supcr-intendent being elc6lei,and appointed to his charge, muft be fubje(fltotheccnfureand c.rreftion of Miniftdrs and El-

H ders,

^z f^^ FiyflBookeofDifeiflintl

dcre>not ofhischicfc Towneonciy, but alfo of the whole PrcH;

vincCjOvcr :he which he is appointed Ov^erfccr.

Ifhi5 ofFciKe be knowne, and the Mmifters and Elders of the To Wine and Province be negligent in correding of him, then tha next one or two Super-intendents with theirMiniCkcrs andElders, may conven; him, and the Miniftcrs and Elders of his chief Town (provided that it be within his owne Province or chiefc Towne^ may accufe or corre(ft as well the Super-intendent in thef^ things that arc worthy of corredion, as the Miniflers and Elders of thck negligence and ungodly tolerance of his offence,

Whatloever crime deferves depofitionor correAionofanyo- ther Miniftcr, deferveth the fame in the Super- in tendent, without exception of perfons.

After that the Kirk is eftabliftied , and three yeares be paffcdjWC- require that no man be called to die otficeof a Super-intend ent,. who hath not at the leafl: two years given declaration of his faitlK lull labours in the miniftery of the fame Kirk.

No Super-intendent may be transferred at the pleafurc or re-» queft of any one Province, no not without the confcnt of the whole counccllof the Kirk, and that for grave caufes and confide* rations.

Ot one thing in the end we muft admoi.ith your Honours, to wit, that in the appointing of the Supcr-intendent^ for this pre- fcnt, \ e dif-appoint not your chief Townes, aiid where learning is cxcrcifeJ, of luch Minirters as more may profit by refidcnce in one place, then by continuall travdl from place to placc Eor tf ye fa. doe, t}*e youth in thcl: places Giali lack the profound interpre- tation of Scripture: and lo lliall it be long before your garden lend fc)rth many plants ; wh.re by the contrary, if on<z or two Townes- k^e continually cxercifeda they may, the Commonwealth (hall fliortly fcaft of their fruit, to the comfort of the godly.

FortheSchovles.

s

Eeing that the office and d-utic of the goJIy MagiHrate, is not _ 'onely to purge the Church of God from all fu peril iti on, and to fet it at libertv from tyranny and bondage, but alf . to provide at the utmoft of his power, how it may abide in fome purity in the poftcrity folio wmg > wee can but freely communicate our judge- jnents with your Honours in this bcl.alfc.

The Tirft Bcohe ^Difdfbm] |(f

l^he ncceptj $f Schooks.

SEcing that God hath determined that his Kirkc here in earth fhall be taught not by Angels, bat by men; and feeing that men arc borne ignorait of God, and ol all godlincfle, and leeingalfohc ccal'csto iliuminatf men miraculoufly, fiiGdcnly changing them as he did the Apollles^ and others in the primitive Kirkc:0^ necel- fity it is that your Honours be mod: carcfull for the vatuoiis edu- cation, a id godly up-bringing of the youth cfthis Realme: if ei- ther ye now thirft unfainedly the advancement of Chrifts glory, or yetdeiire the continuance of his benefits to the generation fol- lowing. For as the youth n:uft fuccecd to us, fo we ought to be carcfull that they have knowledge and erudition to profit and comfort that which ought to be moft deare to us, to wit, the Kirk and fpouie of our lord Jcfus. Of necelfity therefore w e judge it, that every fcveral I K:rk nave one Schoolmafter appointed, fucha one at Icall as is able to teach Grammar, and the Latine tongue, if the Towne bcofany reputation, Jf it bcup-a-land,whcre the peo- ple convene to the dodrine but once in tne weekc, then muft ei- ther the Reader, or the Miniftcr there appointed, take care over th: children and youth of the pari(h, to inlbu^ them in the firft rudimentSjand cf; ecially in the Catechifme as we have it now transbted inthcbooke of the commonorder, called the order of Geneva, And furder we ihinke it expedient, that in every notable Towne, and fpccially in the Towne of the Super- mtcndent. there be ereded a Colledge, in which the arts at leaft Logick a-.id Rhe- torick, together with the tongues, be read by fuihcient Mailer j, for whom honed Ripcnds mud be appointed. As alio provifion for thofethatbe poore , and not able by themfelves, nor by their friends to be ftidained at letters, and in (pecidl the fe that come from Landward. The fruit and commodity hcr,!of lliall fudden- ]y appcare. For firfr, the youth-head and tender children Hiall bee houriilisd, and broi^^ht up in vertuein prefence ofth:ir friends, by whofe good attendance mmy inconvcnicncei maybe avoid- ed, \n which the youth commo;Uy fall,eitl cr by over much liber- tie, which they have in drange and unAnowne places, while they cannot rule themfeives : or clfefor lackof good attendance, and fuch neceflity as their tender age requires. Secondly, the cxcrcife cfChildren in every Kirk, fliall be great inflru<aion to the aged, '"Ha ~ ■ lad,

^ 7he Firjl iookc ef DifcyUnei

Laft, the great Schxjlcs, called the Vnivcrfitics, (Kail be rcplcm- ftied with thcfe that JTiall l:^ apt to learning. For this mail be care- fully provided/hat no ¥ ather of what elktc or condition that ever he be,ufe his Children at his owne hntaic,cfpccially in their youth- head, but all mud be compelled to oring up their Qiiidrcn in lear- ning and vertuc*

The rich and potent may not be permitted to ftiffjr their Chil- dren to fpend their youth in vaine idlcnc{re,as beretobrc they have done : But they murt be exhorted, and by the cenlure of the Kirk compelled to dedicate their Sonnesbygood cxcrciles tothepro- fite of the Kirk, and Common-wealth; and th.t they muftdocof their owne expences, becaulc they are able. Ihe Children of the poorc rauftbe fupported and fuftained of the charge of the Kirk, triall being taken whether the Spirit of docility be in them found, or not : iTthcy be found apt to learning and letters, then mav they not(wemeane,neither the Sonnesofthe rich, nor yet of the poore} be permitted to rcj C(fV learning, but mdi be charged to continue their ftudy, fu that the Common-wealth may have fome comfort by them. And for this purpofe muft dilcreet, grave, and learned men be appointed to vifit Schoolcs for the try lloftheircxercife, profiteaiid continuance : To wit, the Minifterand I: ldcrs,and the reft of learned men in every Towne ihjll in every quarter make examination how the youth have profited.

And certaine times muft be appointed toreading and learning of the Catcchifme, and ceriainc to the Gramma: and to the Latino tongues,and a certaine to the Arts of Philofoj>hy,and the tongues;, and certaine to that ftudy in the wliich they intend chiefly to tra- veil for the pronte of the Com moi> weal tli. Which time being expired, we meanc in every courie,thc Children fliould either pro- ceed to the farther knowledge, or elfe they muftbefettofomc bandy-craft, or to Ibrae other proiitable cxercife; providing al- wayesthat firftthcy have further knowledge of Chriftian Reli- gion: To wit,the knowledge of Gods Law and Commandcmcnts, the ufc and oftice of the fame : the chicfc Articles of the bcleefe,. ibe right forme to pray unto God; the number, ufc, andcffc(flof the Sacrviments ; the true knowledge of Chrift Jcfus,of r is Oflficc and Natures, and fuch others, without the knowledge whereof neither any man deferves to be called a Chriftian,r.either ought any to be admitted to the participation of the Lords Table: and there- fore tlKir principles ought and muft b.c learnedin the youth-head.

7hs

ThtFlrfilc^keofBifcifline. Bg

The Times A^fointedto tverj courfe.

TWo yeares wc thinkc more then fufificicnt to Icarnc to read perfcdly .to anfwcrc to the Catechilmc,and to have lome en- tres in the firft Rudiracnrs of Grammar; to the full accomphrh- mcnc whereof ('we meancof the Grammar Jl we thinke ether three yeares or fourcat moft fiifficient tothc Arts,towit, Logickaiid Rhetor ick, and to the Greeke tongue fourc yeares, and the reft till the age of 24. yearcs,to be fpent in that ft udy , wbercin the Learner would profit the Church, or Gammon- wealth, be it in the Lawcs, Phyfick, or Divinity, which time of 24. yeares bcmg fpent in the Schools ,theLearner muft bcremoved to Lrve the Churcn or Com- mon-wcaith, unieffehebe found a neceffary Reader in this lame CbUcdgc or Vniverfity, If God fliall move your hearts to efta- blilli and execute this order, and put thcfc things in pradifc, your whole Realme,we doubt not, Within few yeares wDl fo vc it felfo of true Prcachcrs,and of other Otticers ncccflary for thQCommon- wealth.

of the Erelfien of Univerfitiep.

THe Grammar Schoole being cre(5led,and ofthetongues(as WC have faid^iiext we thinkc it neceffary there be 3 . Vniverfities in this whole Realme, eftablifhcd in j.Townesaccuftomed. The firft in S. Andrewfs^ the fecond in GlafgdWy and the third in jiber* iietn.\nd in the firft Vniverfity and principall,t//^.S.y^»i»^'»f/,that there be 3 . Golledgf s , and in the firft Golkdge, which is the entry of the Vniveificy, therebefoureclafies orfeagcs, the firft to the new SuppoQs (h^Aibconcly Diale^ke next ondy MMth^matica, the third oiFhjfickj)ne\yy the fourth of M'dictne, And \h the le- cond CoUedgc, two claffes or fcagcs,the firft o^MoraM Pkihfaphj, the fecond of the Laives, And in the third Colledge two claftcs. or feagcs, th^ firft of the tongues,to mt,Grcckc and fftir^w^thz fc* cond of Vwimifj,

Of Readers ^andoj the degrees mdtimeoffiudj^

ITemy\n the firft GoHedge and firft Claffe^Qiall be a Reader ofD/^ icltiea^vjho Ihall accomplifhhis courfc thereof in a year. In Ma^ ikffMtKa^ whkh is the kc^nd Claffe ihaU be a Reader which lliaU

H 3 ' caD>>

^ff 'The Firfi BoskcofDifcipline^^

CO .1 pleat hiscour(cof Anthmeticay Geometry ^ Cofm^jrraphjfj and Aftrology MoocjwCrc. in thethird claiVcihiiibeca Reader of na- turall Phihfephj y who ihiU complcat his coiirfc in one yecrc. And wh'> attcr thir three yeares \y^ trial! and cx^^mination, Lhaii be found fuiticiently inftruded in the forefaid fcicnccs, (hall be Lau* rcM^ and GV^/z^^^inPhilofophy. In the fourth clafTc, lliall t>ea Reader of Medicine, who llull compleat hiscourfein 5, yeares, after the ftudy of the which time, oeing by cxaouQation found fuf- ficient, they (hall be graduat in Medicine,

Item^ix the fecond Colled ge,in the hrft claffejonc Reader oncly in the Ethicks, O^conomicks, and Politicks, who (hall compleat hiscourfe in the fpaceof one ycare. In thefecondclanefhailbe two Readers in the Muncipall and Roman Lawes,who ihall com- pleat his courlc in 4. yeares, afta- which time being by examina- tion found fufficient, they (liall bee graduate in the La wes. ': Item, in the third colled ge, inthchrftclaflb, one reader of the Hcbrew,and another of the Grceke tongu?,who lliill compleat the Grammar thereof in 3. moneths,and the remanent of thcyeare,the Reader of the Hebrew fliall interpret one bookc of Mofcs.thc Pro^ phcts yor the Tfd/mesSo that this courie and clafle fliall co«ti.,ue one yearc.Thc Reader of the Greek (hall interpret lome book o¥P/at^, together with fomc place ofthenewTcilament. In thefecond claffc fliall be two Readers in Diuinity, the one in the new Tefta- mcnt, the other in the old, who Ihall compleat their courie in five yeares: after which time, who (l^all be found by examination fuf- ficientjthcy fnaU be graduate Din ivinity,

item, wee thinke expedient that none be admitted to the fir ft Colledgc, and to be Suppods of the Vniverfity, unlcflc he have from the Mailer of the ^cboole, andMinifter ofthe Town where he was in(\ru(fled in the tongues, and teftimony o( his learning^do- cility,a^e and parentage; and likewife triall be taken by certaine Examinators.depute by the Redor and Principals of the fame. And if he be found futiiciently inftrufled in the DUIeBica, he (liall in- continent the fam: year be promoted to the ch(^c of Af at hermticd. Item that none be admitted to the clafl'e of Mcdicine,but he that flial. have his teilimoniall of his time well fpent in DUk^ica.Aia* thematic4,2nd Phjfick^, an d of his docility in the laft.

Item chat noru: bcadmitted unto the claiTe of the Lawes, but he ihit Ihall have fulficient tcftimonials o£his time well fpent in Z)i4- hUks.Mathematkd, .''ib;/r4,Ethicks,Occonomicks,and Politicks, andgthisdg^ilityinthclaft. ' '~' "' Item,

7heFirfiBookeofDifciflifiel 4^

/f^j»,that none be admitted iinto the clallc & fcagecf Divinity, but he that (hall have lufficicnt teftimonials ot his time vrcll ipcnt in DidlcShca^Mat tnnU^^FhjJi ajJ:tbicM,Occ0wmicMy2iT)6F$iitka^ and the Hebrew tongue, and of his docility in the morall Ihilo^ fophy, and the Hebrew tcngue. But neither fhall luch as apply them to heare the Lawcs, be compelled to heare Medicine; neither fuch as apply them to heare DivUiity, be compelled to hcarc either Mcdicine^or yet the Lawes.

Itemy m the i. Vniverfity , which is Giafjicw, (h^W be two Col-i ledges only ;in the firft fhall be a clafle oiDialeEiUa^ another oiMit^ thematicayXh^xhii^ of Phyjtca^ov dcrcd in all lorts as S. y^ttJrerrtf.

Item, in the fecond, foure claffes, the firft of N- orall philoiophyi Ethicks, Oeconomicksyand Phyfick. The fecond of the Muncipall and Roman Lawes. The third, of the Hebrew tongue The fourth of Divinity, which (hal be ordered in all forts to that wc have writ* Icn in the order of the Vniverfity of S. wyfndrewfs.

The third Vniverfity of Aherdein fhall be conformc to this V^ niverfity of Gtafgow in all forts.

Item, wc thinke needfull that there be chofen of the body of the Vniverfity to every Colledge,a principall man of learning,dii^ cretion and diligence, who fhall receive the whole rents of tho Colledgc; and di(lribute the iameaccording to the eredion of tho Colledge, and ihall dayly hearken the dyet counts, adjoyning to him weckely ore of the Readers or Regents, above whom he fhall take attendance upon their d.iigence, as well in their reading ascx- ercifing of the youth in the matter taught upon the policy and up»^ hold of the place, and for punilhment of crimes (hall hold a wecke- ly convention with the whole members of the Colledgc. He fhall. be countable yearely to the Super-intendei>t,Redor,aDd the Prin-» cipals convened ,about the firft ofNovembtr His cledion fhall be 'vi\ thjsfort: Therefliallbethreeofthcmoli fufficient menoftheV- niverfity (not Principals already nominate by the raejnbcrs of thd GoUcdgc) fworn to folio iv their confciences whole Principall is departed, and publickly proponed through the wbole Vniverfity ; after the which time 8. dcyes, by the Super-intendent himfelfe, or his fpeciall Procurator, wi:h the Rcdorjand the refl of the Princi* pals, as a Chapter, convenit^fliallconiirme one of the three they thinke moft fufficicntjbong before fwornc to doe the fame with a fingle eye without rcfpeff to fe^d or favour.

Jtem^ in cvgry Colledge wc tfeinkc needfull at IcafV, a Steward.wT^

CooJg>

•48 Thcflrfi Bofike dfDifc'ipHael

Cooke, a Gardiner, ad Portwr, who ihAi oc luoj eft to DifcipEnc oi tnc Priiicipail, as the rdL

ItemJ^it every V lu/cruty hive a bcddall ful /cfl tofcrvc at all nones throughoat the whole Vniveriity, as the Kcdor and Prin- ci' all lliail command •

^Itentythzt every Vnivcrfity have a Rcftor chofcn from ycarc to ycarc.is (kill follow. T:ic t'rinapals. being convened with the whole Regents chaptcrly (hill be fvvorne, that every man in his roome (hall nominate iuch a one ns his confcicnc^ (hail tdiific to be moft futticient , to bcarc fuch charge and dignity : and three of them that (hall be ofteft nominated (hall beputincdidpublickly 1 5 . dayes before Michaelmas; and then (hall on Aiichiulmas even convcncpthc whole Principals, Regents,and Suppolts,t»iat arc gra- duat, or at the leaft ftudicd their time in Ethicks, Occonomicks, and Politicks, and na others yonger, and every one firft protcU in Gods prcfencc to follow thefince.c ditment of their confcicncc fliall nominate of the three, and he that hath moft votes (hall be conftrmd by the Super-intcndent and Principals, and his duety with an exhortation proponed unto him, and this to be the 28. day ofSeptemi^eTyZtid thereafter triall to be taken hinc inde of his ;u(i and godly government, and oftherefts lawful! fubmidion and obe- dience? he {hall be propincd by the Vnivcrfl ty at his entry with a new garmcnt.bcaring tnfignia MMiifirdtWyZnd he holden moneth* ly to vi(ite every CoUedgc, and with his preience decore and exa- mine tfjc ledions and excrciic thereof. His Aflc(rors ihall be a I aw- yerand a Thcologe, with whofe advice he ihall decide all qiiefti- ons civill betwixt the members of the Vniverlity. If any without the Vniverfity perfue a member thereof, or he be pcrfuedbya dcmbcr of the lame, he (ha-ll aflift the Provoft and Baillies in thefc calesjor other Judges competcnt,to fee jufticebc minittrcd : ] n like wife if any of the Vniverfity be criminally perfucd, he (hall aflift the Judges competent, and (ec that jufticc be miniftred.

/rrw. We thinke expedient thatin every CoUcdgein every V- niverfity, there be 24. burfars,divided equally in all the aa(res and leagcs as is al ove cxprcmit, that is, in S. Andrewes'ji, burfars, in CUfgovf 48. burfars, in^^herdeine^t, to be fuftaincd oncly in meat upon the charges of Colledge, and to be admitted at thcexami-» nation ofthe miniilery and chaptour of tlie Principals in the Vni- ven ity ,as well in the docility of the Perform offeree!, as ofthe abili- tv of their Parents to fuRaine them themlelves, and not to burden ^c Common-wealth with them. Of

Tffcjlr/l BcokeofBifcipline. 4p

Of the Stipends and Sx^enfes neccjfary,

I Tern 9 wethinke expedienc,thac the Univeriities be doted with remporall Iands,with rents & revewiues of the Bifhopricks tem- poralitie, and of the Kirkes collegiate To farre as their ordinary charges fhalJ rcqmre;and therefore that it would pleafeyour Hon: by advice of your Hon.Coun.and vote of Parliam.to do the fame. And to the eflc(5l the fame may be fliortiy expcd. we have recoi- led the fiimmes we thinkeneceffary for the fame.

Impr'tmis , for the ordinary ftipend of the Diale6lician Reader, the Mathematician, Phyfician and morall Philofopher, we thinke fiifficient an hundred pounds for every one of them.

ItemSo^ the f^ipena of every Reader in Medicine^and Lawes, a hundreth thirty three pounds 5.s. 8.d.

Item, to every Reader in Hebrew,Greek,and Divinitie, 2co.p.

Itentyto every Principall of a Colledge aoo.pounds.

Item, to every Steward 1 6.pounds.

Item, to every Gardiner,to every Cooke andPorter,to ilk one of them ten werkes.

Item, to the buird of every burfar without the clafTe of Theol. 20. pounds.

Item/in the clafTe of Theologie, which will be only twelve per- ions in S. Androes, 24.P.

Summe ofyearly and ordinary expences in the Univer- fiticof S. Androes, 3P7p.p.

Summe of yearly and ordinary cxpcaces of Glafgow. 2p22.p.

Abberdine as much.

Summe of the ordinary charges of the whole.

Item,thc Beddalls ftipend ftiall be of every intrant and fuppoff of the Univcrfity 2.f}iiiJings:ofevery one Graduate in PhilofophicJ. fiiiliings:of every one Graduate in Medicine or Iaws,4.fliilling$,in Theologic 5. fhillfngs : all Burxkrs being excepted.

/r^w, we have thought good for building and upholding of the places, a generall colled be made, and that every Earles fon, at his entry to the Univerfity,ftiall give 4o.s.and likcwife at every Gra- duation 40.f]iil. ItemyC^ch Lords fonne likewifeat fnch time, 30. fliil. each freeholding Barons ibnne 2 b.fhil. every fewar andfub- ftantious Gentlemans fonne,! .mark. Item,cvery fubftantious huf- band and Burges fon, ar each time i o-fliil' Item, every one of the reft, not excepting the burfars,5.niil.at each time. Ana that this be gathered in a common box, put in keeping to the principall of the

I Theologians .

50 The frft BoohofDifdfline.

Theologians, every principall having a key thereof, to be counted each year once with the reft ofprincipaHs to be laid in the fame>a- bout the 1 5. day ofTV^pz/.inprefence of the Superintendent , Rc- <5ior and wholePrincipalsjand with their whole confcnt,or at leaft ^ the moft part of themjrcferred,& imploied only upon the building and upholding of the piaces^Sc repairin^ofthe famcever as neccl- fitie/hall require. And therefore the Re*flor with his afsiftants, fliall be holden to vifit the places each year once,incontinent after he be promoted upon the Jaft of Odlober, or thereby. Of the priviledges of the Vniverfttie*

SEeing wee deiire that Innocencie fhould defend us rather then 'priviledge,we think that each perfon of the Univer/itie fliould anf.ver before the Provoft and Bailiffes of each Town, where the Univerfities are, of all crimes whereof they are accufed , only that the Re£lor be alkflor to them in rhefaid actions. In civill matters, if the queftion be betwixt members ofiheUniver/itie.on each fide making their refidence and exercife therein, for the time in that cafe thepartie called fliali not be holden to anfwer,but oneJy be- fore the Re61or and his afTeflbrs heretofore exprimed. In all other cafes of civill pur/iiit, the general! rule of the law to be obferved, tiUoY fequatUY forum ret, &c. '

ItemiVAzi theRe^^or and all in feriour members of the Univer/itie be exempted from all taxations, impofts, charges of warre,or any other charge that may oneratejorabftraifl him or them, frpm the care of his office, fuch as Tutorie, Curatorie, or any fuch like that are eftabli/Iied, or hereafter fliall be eftablidied in our Common- weal; to the effed that (without troubIc)they may wait on the up- bringing of the youth in learning,anc{beftow their time onelyin that moft neceflarie exercife.

All other things touching thebookes to be read in ilk clafle, and all fuch /ike particular aftaircs we referre to the diicretion of the MaftersjPrincjpals and Regent';, with theirAvell advifed coun- (tW ; not doubting but if God ftiall grant quietneftc,andgive your Wiledomes grace to fet forward 'etrersin thQ fort prefcribed, ye fliaJl leave wifedome ^v.d learning to your pofteririe , a treafijre more to be eftecmed then any earthly treaiure ; ye are able to amafteforrhem, which without wi/e ome are more able to be their ruin and con full on, iho^n help and comfct. And as this is moft true , ih we leave it wirh tht reft of the commodities to be weighed by your honours wilcdome, and fee forwards by your

authoritie

Thejirft B^okiof Difcifline. 51

authorltic to the mo(l high advancement of this Common-wealth committed to your char^.

The fixth head of the %ents and Pdtnmo^ie of the Church*

THir two forts ofmen, that is to fay, Minirters and the poore» together with the Schooles, when order iTiall be taken there- ancnt , muft bee liifteined upon the charges of the Kirk ; and therefore provihon mu(t bee made how, and by whom fijch iiimtnes mul^ be lifted. But before we enter in this head,we muft crave of your Honours , in the name of the eternaJl God, and of his Son Chri/i Jefus , that ye have rerpe6l to your poore brethren, the Labourers and Manurers of the ground; who by their crueil hearts the Papids have before been oppreft, that their Jife to them hath been dolorous and bitter. If yee will have God authour and approver of this reformation, ye muft not follow their foot-rteps, but yeemurt have compafsion of your brethren, appointing them topayreafbnablcteinds, that they may Hnde fome benefit of Chriiijefusnow preached unto them.

With the griefe ofourhearts we heare, that fome Gentlemen are now as crueil over their Tenants, as ever were the Papiih , re- quiring of them whatfoever they afore payed to the Kirk; {o that the PapilHcall tyrannie fliall only be changed into the tyrannic of theLord& Laird. We dare not flatter yourHonours,neither yet is it profitable for you that we Co doe.If we permit crueltie to be u/ed, neither (liall ye , who by your authoritie ought to gainftand &ch opprefsk)n,nor yet they that ufethe fame efcape Gods heaviealid fearefijli judgements. The Gentlemen, Barons,Earles, Lords and others > muf^ be content to liv^ upon their juft rents , and fuffer the Kirk to be reftored to her libertie ; that in her relHtution, the poore, who heretofore by the crueil Papilis have been fpoiledand oppreffed, may now receive fome comfort and relaxation , that their teinds and other exadl ions becleane diTcharged,andno more taken in times comming. The uppermoft claith, corpf-prefent ; clcrk-maile,the Pafche offering , teind-aile and all handlings upa- land can neither bee required, nor received of good confcience : Neither do we judge ic to proceed of juflite, that any man fhould poflelTe the teinds ofanother, but we think itamoft reafonabic thing that every man have the u fe of his owne teinds, provided that heanfwer to the Deacons and Treafurersof the Kirk,of that which jufHce fhall be appointed to him. ^ We require the Deacons

I 2 and

52 *The frji BookeofDifcifUne.

and Treafuresjrather to receive thererits,then the Minifters themr {clvts ; becaufe that of the tiends mull not oneJy the MLiiiier be fiifteined^but alfo thepoore and fchooles. And therefore we think it expedient that common Treafijrers; to wit, the Deacons be ap- pointed from yeare to yeare, to receive the whole rents appertai- ning to the Kirk, and that commandement be given that none be permitted either to receive,or yet to intromet with any thing ap- perteining to the fuiiinationofthe perfons forefaid, bntfuch as by common confent of the Kirk are thereto appointed.

If any think. this prejudiciall to the tackes and afTedations oF them that now pofleffe the tiends. Let them underliand,f hat their unju/l pofreflion is no poflefTion before God -, for they of whom they received their title, and prefuppofed right or warrant, were theeves and murtherers, and had no power io to alienate the pa- trimonii and common good of the Kjrk. And yet we are not fo extreme, but that we wim juft recompenceto bemadetofixch as have deburfed fummes of money to the unjuft profofTors, ib that it hath not been done of late dayes in prejudice of the Kirk. Buc {uch as arc found and known to bedoneofplainecolluhon, in no wayes ought to be maintained by you. And for that purpofe we thinke it molt expedient that whofoever have afledation of tiends and Kirks , be openly warned to produce their afledation and aflurance, that cognition being taken, the juft takefinen may have the juft and reasonable recompence for the yeares that are torunne, the profit of the yeares part being considered and de- duced, and the unjuft and furmifed may be ferved accordingly ; Co that the Kirk in the end may receive her libertieand freedom ,and that onely for the reliefe of the poore. Your Honours may ealilic underhand that we fpeake not now fof our k\\t% , but in favour ofthe Labourers defrauded and oppreft by the PrieHs, and by their confederate penfioners ; for while that the Prietts Pensioner his idle belly is dciicately fed, rhe poore, to whom the portion of that appertaines, was pined with hunger ; and moreover the true labourer was compelled to pay that which he ought not. For the , labourer is neither debtor to the dumb dog , called the Bifhop, neither yet to his hired penfioner; but is dcbter onely to the Kirk* And the Kirk is bound to fuliaine and nourilli of her charges, the perfons before mentioned, to wit, the Minirters of the word, the poore, and the teachers of the youth. But now to returne to the former head. The iiimmes able to fultainc the forenamcdperfom,

and

rhe firft t06ke of Difiipline. 5 j

and CO furnifhall things appertaing to the prefervation of good order and policie within the Kirk, muH bee lifted oft the tenths.to wit the tenth flieafe,hay,hemp,lint,fiflie5,tenth ca^fe.tenth Jamb, tenth wool, tenth folle, tenth cheefe. And became that we know that the tenth reafonably taken^as is before exprefled,wilJ not fuf- fice to difcharge the former necelTitie,we think that all things do- ted in holpitalitie, and annuall rents both in burgh and land, per- taining to the PrieHs,Chantorie Colledges, ChappcUaniies, & the Freeries of all orders, to the fillers of the Scenes, and iuch others, be reteinedftill in theufeofthe Kirk or Kirks within theTownes and parilhes where they were doted. Furthermore, to the uphol- ding of the Univerfities, and fuftentaaionofthe Superintendents, the whole revennue of the temporalitie of theBi(bops,Dcanes,and Archdeanes lands , and of all rents ot lands pertaining to the Ca- thedrall Kirks whatfoever. And further Merchants and rich crafts- men in free Burghs , having nothing to doe with rhe manuring of the ground, mult take fome provifion of their Cities.Towncs, and dwelling places for to fupporc the need of the Kirk.

To the Mini licrs, and failing thereof, the Readers, muft be re- flored their Manfes and Gleibsjfor elfe they cannot ferve the flock at alltimes . as their dutie is ; If any Gle.b exceed fix Acres of ground.tbe relt to remain in the hands of the poffelTours,tilI order

be taken therein. , , ^ ■ , • « t

The receivers and colleaorsof thefe rents and duties , muft be Deacons or Trcafurers appointed from yeare t o yeare in every JCit k,and by the common confent , and free eleilion of the IQrk. The Deacons muH dilkibuce no part of that which iscolleded, but by command of the Minifters and Elders. And that they may command nothing to be delivered.but as the Kirk hath before de- tcrminedjto wit, the Deacons (Tiali of the firit part pay the fums, either quarterly, or from baife yeare tohalfeyeare, totheM.ni- fters. which the Kirk hathappointed. The fame they-Oiall doe to the Schoolemarters, Readers, and Hofpitall, if any bee. receiving alwayes anacquittance for theirdifcharge. If any extraordinane fumines be to be delivered, then mu(i the Minifters, Eiders, and Deacons, confi.lt whether the deliverance of fuch Inmines , doth ftand withthecommonutilitieof the Kirk,ornor. .-^nd itthey do univerfaily condilcend and agree upon the affirmative or negat ive, then becaufe they are in credit and office for the yeare, they may doeasbeftfeemeJjbut if there be any controvcrfieatnongd ihem- ' le.ves

54 The ^rfl Booke of Di(cifline.

felves, the whole Kirk mufl: be made privicand after that the mat- ter be proponed,and the reafom ; the judgement of the Kirk with the Miniiiersconfentniall prevaile. The Deacons (liaJI becom^ pelled and bound to make accounts to the MinKler and Eiders of that which they received, as oft as thepoJiciefhaliflppcinttand the Elders when they are changed (which mult be every year e) mu(^ cleare their counts before fuch Auditers as the Kirk fliall ap- point : aud both the Deacons and Eiders being changed Oiali de- liver to them that Hiall be new eledled,ali fummes of monie corns and other profits rerting in their hands: The tickets whereof muft be delivered ta theSuper-intendants-in their vifitation,& by them tothe^greatcounceilof theKirk j that as well the abundance as the indigence, of every Kir*k may be evidently known, that a rea- fonableequalitie may be had throughout this whole Reaimc- If this order be perfedliy kepr,corruption cannot fiiddeniy enter. For the free and yearly eledion of Deacons and Eiders fhall fuffer none toufurpea perpetuall domination over the Kirk : the know- ledge of the rentall Hiall fuffer them to receive no more , then whereof they (liali be bound to make account$:the deliverance of. monie to the new officers (ball not fuffer private men ufe in their privare bufincfle, that which appertaines to the publick affaires of theKirk,

Thefeventh h^d ofEcclepafiic/iU ^ifc'tflme*

AS that no Common- wealth can flourifh , or long endure, without good Lawes and Hiarpe execution of the lame; (6 - neither can the Kirk of God be brought to puritie , neither yet be retained in the fame without the order of Ecclefiafticali Di- Icipline, which fhndsin reproving andcorrecflingof the faults, which the civill fword either doth negle«5l , or not punifh : blafphemie,adulreriejmurder,'perjurie, and other crimes capital!, worthy of death , ought not properly to fall under cenfijre of the Kirk; becaufe all fiich open trap {gredbrs of Gods lawes, ought to betakenaway by the civill fword. But drunkenncTe, excelle, be it in apparel I, or be it in eating and drinking, fornication , op- preHlng of the poore by exa6>ions , deceiving of them in buying and (^QlVm^^ by wrang m.'t and meafure , wanron words and licen- tious living tending to (lander ,doe open!y appertaine ro the Kirk of God to puniHi them , as Gods word commands. But becaufe this accurC'd Papi(irie hath brought in fuch confij/ion into the worId,that neither was venue rightly praifcd , ncitheryet vice /e-

verely

The frjl Bcoke cf Difiiplmc. 5 e

vcreJy puniflied,the Kirk of God is compelled to draw the fvvord, which of God flie hath received > againli (uch open and manifeft contemnersjcurfing and exctmmunicating all fuch, as well tho/c whom the civill fword ought to puniflij as the othcr,rrom all par- ticipation with her in prayers and Sacraments, till open repen- tance appearemanifeilly in them. As the order and proceeding to - excommunication ought to be flow and grave, fo being once pro- nounced againft any perfon of what eftate or condition th^t ever they be, it murt be kept with all feveritie. For lawes made and not kept, engender contempt ofvertuejand brings in confufion and lib^rtie to iinne. And therefore this order we think expedient to bcobferved afore,and after excommunication. Firfl, if the of- fence be fccret or known to few men,& rather /lands in fufpition then in manifeft probation , the offender ought to be privately admonifliedjto abrtaine from all appearance ofevill, which jlf hec promife to doe, and declare him felfefober, honeft, and one that feares God, and feares to offend his brethren, then may the fccret admonition fufiice for his corredion. But if he either contemne the admonition,or after promife made do fliew himfelfe no more circumfped then he was before, then muft the Minifkr admo- niOihim, to whom if he be found inobedient they mull pro- ceed according to the ruleof Chrift,as after Hiall be declared. If . the crime bepublick.and fuch as is hainous,as fornication , drun- kennefle, fighting, common fwearing,or execration, thenoughtf the offender to be called in prefenceofihe Minifkr, Elders and Deacons , -where- his finneand trefpafle ou^ht to be declared and aggre^ed ; fo that hi? confcience may feele now farre he hath of- fended God,and what flanderhehath raifed in the Kirk. If fignes ofunfained repentance appeareinhim , and if he require to be admitted to publick repentance , the Minifkr may appoint unto him aday,when the whole Kirk convenes together, that in pre- fcnce of all he may teflifiehis repentance , wnich before heepro- fcfled. Which if he accept, and with reverence confefle bis finne,. doing the fame, and earnefily deriring the Congregation to pray to God with him for mercy, and to accept him in their focictie: notwithltanding the former offence ; Then the Kirk may and • ought to receive him as a penitent. For the Kirk ought to be no more fevere, then God declares himfelfe to be, who witnelTes that in whatfocver houre a finner unfainedly repents, and turnes from ^^. his wicked way, that he will not remember one of his iniquities.

And

5 ^ The firft Booke of DifcipUne'.

And therefore ought the Kirk diJi^ently to advert ,that it excotn- municate not thole whom God abfolves. If the offender caJJed before the Minifterie be found l^ubborn, hard-hearted, or in whom noHgne of repentance appeares , then mui\ he be dimftted vs'ith an exhortation to confider the dangerous cftate in which hee ftands , anuringhim,thatif they findein him no other tokens of amendment oHife, that they will be compelled to feek a further reme<!^ie. If he within a certaine fpace (hew his repentance to the Minillerie, they may prelent him to the Kirk , as before is faid : Ifhecontinuenot in his repentance, then mu/l the Kirk be ad- vertifed, that fuch crimes are commited amongft them , which by the Minifkrie have been reprehended , and the perfons provo- ked to repent ; whereof becaufe no flgnes appeare unto them, they could not but fignifie unto the Kirk the crimes , but not the perfon ; requiring them earne/ily to call to God to move and touch the (leartofthe offender, fo that fiiddenly and earneftly hee may repent. If the perfon maligne , the next day of pub- iick Affemblie^the crime and the perfon muft be both notified un- to the Kirk, and their judgements muft be required, if that fuch crimes ought to be fuffred unpunidied amongfi them;requert alfo fliould be made to the moft difcreet and neared friend of the of- fender to travell with him to bring him to knowledge bf him lelf, and of his dangerous elkte, with a commandement given to all men to call to God for the converfion of the unpenitent. If a folemneand fpeciall prayer were drawne for that purpofe, the thing fliould be more gravely done. The third Sunday the Mini- fter ought to require , if the unpenitent ha\'e declared any fignes of repentance to one of the MiniRerie ; and if he have, then may the Minifier appoint him to be examined by the whole Minifkrie, either then inflantly, or another day affixed to the Confifkrie : and if repentance appeare , as well for his crime, as for his lon^ contempt, then he may be prefented to the Kirk ; and make his confefsionto be accepted as before is faid: But if no man fignifie his repentance, then ought he to be excommunicated, and by the mouth of the Minificr, and confent of the Minifkrie , and com- mandement of the Kirk muff fuch a contemner be pronounced excommunicate from God, and from all focietie of tfie Kirk. After which fentence may no perfon ( his wife and familie onely excepted) have any kindofconvcrfation with him, be it in eating anddrinking,buyingand fei.'ins;; yeajnfaluting or talking with

him.

The frfl Booke of Difcipline. ^j

him, except that it beatcommandcment or licence of the Mini- llerie for his converfion, that hee , by fuch meanes confounded, feeing himfelfe abhorred of the god>y and faithful], may have occahon to repent and To be iaved. The fenrence of excommuni- cation mult bee pubiifhed univerfalJy throughout the Realme, left that any man fliould pretend ignorance. His children begot- ten and borne after that ientence^ and before his repentance may not be admitted to Baptifme,till either they be of age to require tht fame, or ^\Ct that the mother, or fomeofhis ipeciall friends, members of the Kirk , offer and prefent the childe , abhor- ring and damning the iniquity , and obftinate contempt of the impenitent.

If any man fliouId thinkc it fevere that the child fhould be pn- nifliedfor the iniquitie of the father .-let him underhand that tht Sacraments appertaine to the faithfull and their feed ; but fuch as ftubbornly contemne all godlyadmonition,and obfiinate- Jy remaine in their iniquitie, cannot bee accounted amongft the faithiuU.

The order for publicly Ojfenders^

WEe have Ipoken nothing of them that commit horrible crimes , as murtherers<^ man flayers, adulterers ; for fiich , as we have faid,the civill fword ought to punifh to dead : But in cafe they be permitted to live , then muft the Kirk, as is before faid , draw the fword which of God fhee hath received, holding them as accurfed even in their very facFl.The offender be- ing firflcalled,and order of the Kirk ufed againll him in the fame manner,as the perfons for their obftinate impenitencyare publick- ly excommunicate.So that the obfiinate impenitent after the Ccn- tence of excommunication,and the murtherer or adulterer ftand in one cafe,as concerning the judgement of the Kirk. That is, nei- ther of both may be received in the fellowfliip oftheKirk to pray- ers orSacraments(but to hearing the word they mayjtil fir/t they offer themfelves to theMinirterie,humbIy requiring the Miniflers and Elders to pray to God for them, andalfo to be interceffors to the Kirk that they may be admitted to publick repentancc,&: to the fruition of the benefits of Chriftjefiisdiftributed to the mem- bers of his body. If this requefl be humbly made , then may not theMinirtersrefufeto fignifie the fame unto the Kirk, the next day of publick preaching, the Minifter giving exhortation to the Kirk,to pray to God to performe the worke which he appeares to

K ba^vc

•^ § the (irfl Booke ofDifc'ipline.

have bepnn^working in the heart of the oft-cnder, un fa ined re- pentance of his grievous crime & offence, and feeling of his great mercy by the operation of the holy Spirit .Therafcer one dayought pwblickly to bealTigned unto him to give open pi-ofellion of his offence & contcpr,& fo to make pub'ick fatisfa.'lion to theKirk of God:vvhich day the offender mu(l appear in prcferce of the vvhole Kirk, with his owne mouth damning his owne impiety, publickJy confefTinf^the fameidefiring God of hismcrcy &:grace,& his Con- oreoation^that it would pleafe them to receive him in their focie- ty^as before is faid.The Minifl.mufl: examin him dih'gcntJy whe- ther he findes a hatred or difpleafureofhis finne, as well of his contempt ^as of his crime : which if he confeflfe , hemuft travel! with him,to fee what hope he hath of Godsmercics; and if he find him reafonably inftru6led in the knowledge of Chriflje/us,in the vertueof his death,then may the Minirter comfort him with Gods infallible promifes, and demand of the Kirk if they be content to receive that creature of God whom Satan before had drawne in his nets , in the focietie of their body, feeing that hee declared himfelfe penitent. Which if the Kirk grant, as they cannot julHy deny the fame , then ought the MiniRer in publick prayer com- niend him to God, confefle th%finne of that offender before the whole Kirk,defiring mercy and grace for Chrifljefus fake.Which prayer being ended, the Minifter ought to exhort the Kirk to re- ceive that penitent brother in their favours, as they require God to receive themfelves when they offend. And in figne of their confent, the Elders, and chiefe men of the Kir k,flia] hake the pe- nitent by the hand, and one or two in the name of the red fliall kiffe and imbrace him with reverenge and gravity, as a member of Chrid Jefus. Which being done,the Minif^er (liall exhort the received that he take diligent heed in times comming that Satfaan ^vap him not in lirch crinies , admoniOiina him that he will not ce^tfe to tempt and try by all meanes poifible to bring him from that obedience which he bath given to God>and to the ordinance of Jefus Chrif!. The exhortation being ended,the Minirter ought to give publik thankes unto God for theconver/ion of their bro- ther,and for all benefits which we receive of Chrift Jefus , pray- ing fortheincrealeandcontinuanceofthefame. Ifthe penitent after he hath offered himfelfe unto the Miniftrie, or to u\t Kirk, be found ignorant of the principall points of our Religion , and chiefly in tne Arti/cles of Juftification;and of the office of Chrift

JefuJ,

The frfl Bookc of Difciplwe^ 59

Jefu5,then ought he to be exa6liyinftrufled beforehe be received: For a mocking of God it is to receive them to repei:r5nce j who Icnow not wherein ftandeth their remedy , when they repent their finne.

n^erfons fuhjcEl to Difcif}line*

TO Difcipline miilt all the e(lates within this Realme be fub- jedl , as well the Rulers, as they that are ruled: yea the Preachers themfelves, as well as the poore within the Kirk : And becaufe the eye and mouth of the Kiikought to be moli fingle, and irreprehenfible , the life and convcrfation of the Minilier ought to be diligently tryed , whereof we fliall fpeake after that we have fpokenof theEJei^tion of Elders and Deacons,who mull affift the Minifter in all publick affaires of the Kirk. The eight head touchiyig the eletlion of Elders and T)eacons»

MEN of bell knowledge in Gods word^and cleaned life,men faithfull and of moil honed conver/ation that can be found in the Kirk , mull bee nominate to be in ele;5lion , and their names mud be. publickly read to the whole Kirk by the Mi- nider,giving them advertifement, that from amongd them mud be chofen Elders and Deacons. If any of thefe nominate be noted with publicke infamy, he ought to be repelled.For it i% not feem- ly that the fervant of corruption fliall have authoritie to judge in the Kirk of God.

If any man know other of better qualities within the Kirk^then thefe that be nominate,let them be put in ele6lion,that the Kirk may have the choyce.

Ifthe Kirk be of fmaller number then that Seniors and Deacons C2Xi be chofen from amongd them^then may they well be joyned to the next adjacentKirks. For the plurality of Kirks without Mi- niders and order^diall rather hurt then edifie.

The eledion of Elders and Deacons ought to be ufcd every year once, which wee judge to be mod convenient at the fird day of Augudjled of long continuance of fuch oflicers,men preiume up- on the liberty of the Kirk. It hurteth not that one be received in office moe years then one,fo that he be appointed yearlyby com- mon and free eleflion \ provided alwayes that the Deacons and Thefaurersbenot compelled to receive the office againe for the fpace of three yeares. How the votes and fuflrages may be bed rcceived,fo that every

K 2 man

6o ^^^ ^^P BodkeofDifcipline.

man may give his vote tVcciy, every feverall Kirk may take iuch order 25 bcit icCmcs tfiem.

The Elders being elevi:^ed,mu ft be admoniHied of their oflficea which is to alfift the Mini fters in all pubiiJ<e affaires of the Kirk,to wit, in determining and judging caufes, in giving admonition to the licentious liver, in having relped to the manners and conver- fation ofall men within theircharge.For by the gravity of the Se- niors.the light & unbridled life of the licentious, mult be corre- ded,&bridled.YeatheSeniors ought totakeheedtothelikcman- ners, diligence and ftudy of their Mini/iers. If fie be worthy of admonition, they muftadmonifhhim ; of correi^ion, they muft corre6l him : and if he be worthy of depofition , they, with con- lent of the Kirk, and Super-intendent,may depofehim,fo that his crime deferve fo. If a Minifter be light of converfation,by his El- ders and Deacons he ought to be admonirtied. If he be negligent in ftudy,or one that vaikes not upon his charge, or flock , or one that propones not faithfull dodrine, he delerves fharper admoni* tion & corre6lion.To the which ifhee be found ftubborn and in- obedient.then may the Seniors of the Kirk complaine to the Mi- niftryof the two next ad;acentKirks,wheremen of greater gravi- tie are. To whofe admonition ifhe be found inobedient, he oughc to be difcharged of his Miniftrie, till his repentance appeare,and a place be vakand for him. If any Minifter be deprehended in any notable crime,as whordom,adultery5manflaughter,perjury,teach- ing of herelie,orany other deferving death,or that may be a note o/perpetuall infamie,he ought to be depofed for ever. By herefie we mean pernicious dodrine plainly tauoht,and openly defended, ai^ainft the foundations and principles of our faith rand iuch a crime we judge to deferve perpctuall depofition from theMiniftry* For moft dangerous we know it to be to commit the flocke to a man infected with the peftilence ofherefic Some crimes deferve depofition for a time,& while theperfon give declaration of grea- ter gravitieand honeftie.And if a Minifter be deprehended drink- ing,brawling , or fighting, an open flanderer, or infamer of his neighbours,fa»itious , and a fower of difcord.he muft be comman- ded to ceafefrom his Minirtrie,till he declare fome fign of repen- tance,upon the which the Kirk ftiall abide him the /pace of 20. <iayes,or further,a$theKirk flial think expedient,before they pro- ceed to a new eledlion.Every inferiour Kirk fliall by one of their Scnior$,and one of their Deaconsi once in the yeare^notifie unto

the

The fir Jl Booke of Bifiipline. Si

the Minifkrs of the Super-in ten dents Kirk^the lifejmannersjnudy ^ diligence of their Mini/kn, to the end the difcretionoffome may corred the Jevity of othcn.Not only mu(t the life & mancrs of Mini Hers come under cenfure & judgement oftheKirk,but al- fo of their vvive^jchildren and famihe, judgement niuR be taken, that he neither live riotoufly, neither yet avaritioufly; yea refpcvi^ muft be had how they fpend the fHpend appointed to their living. If a reafonable rtipend be appointed , and they live avaritioufly, they muft be admonidied to live as they receive : for as excefle & fuperfluitie is not tolerable in a Minifter,fo is avarice, & the care- full follicitude of money, utterly to be damned in ChriRs fervants, & cfpecially in them that are fed upon the charge of the Kirk. We judge it unfeemly and untolcrable,that Minifters fhall be bulrded in common Ale-houfes, or in Tavernes,neither yet mutt a Mini- fter be permitted to frequent & commonly haunt the Court, un- lefle it be for a time when he is either fent by the Kirk^either yet called for by theauthoritie/or hiscounlell & judgement incivill affaires,neither yet murt he be one of the Councell, be he judged never fo apt for thepurpb/e. But either muft he ceafe from the minirtery(which at his own pleafiire he may not doe)or elfe from bearing charge in civill affaires , unleffe it be to aflift the Parlia- ment, if they be called.

The office of Deacons,as before is faid.is to receive the rents, & gather the almes of the Kirk,to keep and diftribute the fame as by the Minfiers and Kirk fhall be appointed ; they may alfo adift in judgement with the Minifterand Elders , and may be admitted to read in affembly, if they be required, and be able thereto.

The Elders and Deacons with their wives and houfhold^fhould be under the fame cenfiarethat isprefcribed for the Miniffers.For they muft be carefiill over their office, and feeing they are judges over others manners, their own converfition ouoht to beirrepre- henfible. They muft be fober, lovers and mamtainers of con- cord and peace.-and finally, they ought to be examples of godlines toothers. And if the contrary thereof appeare, they muft be ad- monidied thereof by the Minifters, or fome of their brethren of the Miniftericif the fault be fecret : and if the fault be open and known,they muft be rebuked before the Minifterie,and the fame order kept againft the Senior and Deacon , that before isdefcri- bedagainft the Minifter. We chink it notneceffary, that any pub- lick ftipend fhall bcappointcd,either to the Elders , or yet to the

K 3 Deacons,

61 Jheprjh Bookof Difciflwe.

Deacons ^becaufe their travel] continues but for a ycare, and alfo beciuie that they are not io occupied with the atlaires oftheKirk, but that rcafonably they may attend upon their dome(iicalJ bu- rinclK*.

The Kiith headcmccni'tyig thefoltcie of the Kirl^

POlic'ie wee call an exercile oK the Kirk in fuch things as may bring the rude and ignorant to knowiedge,or elie inflame the iearned to greater fervencie, or to reteine the Kirk in good or- der : And thereof there bee two forts , the one utterly neceifa- ry.as that the word be truly preached,the facraments rightly mi- nillred.common prayers publickly made,that the children ^ rude perfos be infkudedin the chiefpointsofreligion,&that offences be correv^^ed& pun i Hied: Thefe things be foneceflary^thac with- out the fame there is no face of a vifible Kirk.The other is profi- table, but not meerly necefFary.That Pfalms iliould be fung,that certain places of the Scripture be read when there is no fermon, rhat this day or that , few or many in the week, the Kirk lliould aflemble : OHh^^Q andfijch others,wc cannot fee how a certaijie order can be eliablinied;For in fome kirkes the Pfalms may con- veniently be fung,in others perchance they cannot. Some kirkes convene every day,fome t\vice,fome thrice in the vvcek,fome per- chance but once. In this and fiich like mnil every particular kirk by their confent appoint their owne policie. In great Townes we thinke expedient that every day there be either Sermon,or com- mon piaycrs,with fome exercife of reading of Scriptures, What day the public k Sermon is, we can neither require nor greatly ap- prove that the common prayers be publickly ufed , left that wee Ihall either fof^er the people in ftiperfHtion , who come to the prayers,as they come to the MafTe ; or clfe give them occafion, that they think them no prayers, but which be made before and after Sermons.

In every notable town, we require that one day bcMe the Sun- day be appointed to the Sermon and prayers, which, during the time of Sermon,muft be kept free from all exercile of labour, as well of the Maf^r as of the Servant. In finaller townes, as wee have faid / the common confent of the kirk muf^ put order , but the Sunday mufl firaitly be kept both before & after noone in all townes.Before noone mufl the word be preached,and Sacraments minflred, as alfo marriage folcmnized, if occafion offer : after noone mufi the yong children be publickly examined in their Ca-

techifme

The firjl Booke of Difcivltnc. 6 1

rechifme in the audience ofnhe peop!e,whercof ihe Minifkr mult take great diligence , as well to caiife the people nndcrfbnd ihz o,ue(lions proponed asaniWcrs, and that doftrinc that may be colleiledrhereof^ The order,i^: how much f«; appointed for every Sunday is already dilHnguin-ied in rhc book of our common order,which Cacechifm h the mofl perfed that ever yet was ufed in the kirk ; and after noonemay Bap^fme beminiltrcd , when occafionis offered of oreat travell before noone. It isalfo to beobferved, that prayers be after noone upon Sunday,where there is neither preaching nor catechifme. It appertaines to thepolicie of the kirk to appoint the times when the Sacrarhents Oiali be minii'lred.Baptifme may be minillred whenfoever the word is preached : But we tfiink it more expedient that it beminiftred upon Sunday, or upon the day of prayers only after theSermon, Partly to remove this grofle errour,Dy the which many are deceived^thinking that children be damned if they die without Baptifm;and partly to make the peo- ple have greater reverence to the adminiftration of the Sacra- ments then they haverfor we fee the people begin already to wax weary by reafon of the frequent repetition of thofepromifes*

Foure times in the yeare we think lliflRcienc to the adminidra- tion of the Lords Table,which we defire to bediftinL^ed^that the fuperftition of times may be avoided fo farre as maybe- For your Honours are not ignorant how fuperftitioufly the people runne to that adion at Pafche^even as if the time gave vertue to the Sacrament; and how the rertof the whole year,they are care- Icfle and negligent, as if it appertained not unto them , but at that time onely. We think therefore moft expedient, that the hrft Sunday of March be appointed for one time, the firft Sunday of June for another,the fir/1 Sunday of September for therhird,the f\ti\ Sunday of December for the fourth. We doe not deny but any feverall kirk for reafonablecaufes may change the tim^ and may minifter oftner^but we fludy to repreffe fuperftition. All Mi- nirtersmuft beadmonifhedto be more care full toinflm,!:^ the ig- norant, then ready to lerve their appetite, and to ufe moreHiarp examination.then indulgence,in admitting to their great Mylle- ries fijch as be ignorant of the ute and vertue of the ^me. An^ rherfore we think that the adminifi ration of the Table ought ne- ver to be without examination palling bcfoi e,&:fpecially of thcni whofe knowledge is fufpe^.W e think that none are to be admit- ted

^4 Thefirjl Bookeof Difclpline.

red to this My faerie, who can not formally fay the Lordsprayer, the Articles of the Belicfe , and declare iht lummeof tht Law. Further,\ve think it a thing moil expedient & necefTary^that eve- ry Kirk have the Bible in KngliHi , and that the people be com- manded to convene and heare the plaine reading and interpretati- on of the Script ure,as the Kirk fliall appoint. By frequent reading, this grodeignorancejvvhich in this curled Papidry hath overflow- ed alXmay partly be removed. We thinkeit molt expedient that the Scripture be read in order : that is, that fome one book of the old or new Telhment be begun and orderly read to the end:And the fame we judge of preaching where the Minifkr for the mofl: part remaines in one place- For this skipping and divagation from place to place of Scripture, be it in reading, or be it in preaching we judge not fo profitable to edifie the Kirk, as the continuall fol- lowing of one text. Every Mafter of houdiold mull be comman- ded either to inftru6l:> or caufe to be inftruv5led, his children, fer- vants, and familie, in the principalis of the Chriftian Religion, without the knowledge whereof, ou^ht none to be admitted to the Table of the Lord Jefus. For fuch as be fo dull, and fo ig- norant,that they can neither try them/elves 9 nor ytt know the dignitie and myfterie of that aaion, cannot eat anci drink of that Table worthily. And therefore ofneceflfity we judge, that every yeare at the ieaft^publick examination be had by the Minifters &: Elders of the knowledge of every perfon, within the Kirk; to wit, that every Mafkrand Midrefle ofhouflioldcome themfelves,and their family,fo many as become to maturity. before the Miniftcr and the Elders,& giveconfelfionof their faith.If they underfhnd not,nor cannot rehearfe the commandements of Gods iavv,know not how to pray, neither wherein their righteoufnefTe ftands, or confifis,thcy ought not to be admitted to the Lords Table. And if they ftubbornly contemne, & fufter their children and fervanrs to continue in wilfull ignorance, the difcipline of the Kirk mu/l proceed again fl them to excommunication rand then mull that matter be referred to the Cix'iW Magilh*ate. For feeing that the jufl lives byhis own fairh,and Chrifl Jefus juflifies by knowledge oi himfelfe, infufferable we judge it that men be permitted to live and continue in ignorance, as members of the Kirk. • Moreover,men> women, Children, would be exh orted to exer- cife themfelvesin Pfalmes, that when the Kirke doth convene and Zing, they may be the more able together, with, common

hearts

7'hc firft Bookc of Difcifline. g^

hearts and voyces to praife God. In private houfes we think expe- dientjthat the mort grave and difcreet perfon ufe the common prayers at morne and at night,for the comfort and inftmdion of others. For feeing that we behold and fee the hand of God now prefently ttriking us with divers plagues, we thinke it a contempt of his judgements , or provocation of his anger more to be kind- led againlt us, if we be not moved to repentance of our former unthankfiilneflejand to earneft invocation of his name^whofe on- ly power may , and great mercy will , if we unfainedly convert unco him,remove from us their terrible plagues , which now for our iniquities hang over our heads. Convert us o Lord, and wcjhal! be converted^

. I4>r ^rofhecyif7g i or Interpreting of the i. ■ \. <).:'■' ■ Scriptures.

TO the end that the Kirk of God may have a tryall of mens knowledge , judgements , graces and utterances , as alfo itich that have fomewhat profited in Gods word , may from time to time: ^row in more full perfedion to ferve the Kirk, as neceflicy fhall rcquirejit is more expedient that in every towne, where Schoolcs and repaire of learned men are , there be in one certaine day every week appointed to that exercife,which S*Pau[ cals prophecying; The order whereof is exprefled by him in their words. Let two or three Prophets fpeake , and let the refi judge : But if any thing be revealed to him that fits hyj^et the former keep filence : yee may one by one allprophefie that all may learnCy andlallmay receive con^ folation.Andthefpirity that is, the judgements of the Prophets, arefub' jeH: to the Prophets, "By which words of theApoftle it is evident, that in the Kirk of Corinth,when they did aflemble for that pur- pofe, fome place of Scripture was read , upon the which onefirff gave his judgement to the inrtruition &.confoiation of the audi- torsrafter whom did another,either confirm what the former had faid, or added what he had omitted,or did gently corre6^., or ex- plaine more properly^where the whole veritie was not revealed to the former. And in cafe things were hid from the ore, and from the other^libefry was given for a third to fpeake his judgement to the edification of the Kirk. Above which number of three (as appeares) they parted not, for avoiding of confiifion. Thisexer- cife is aching moft .ncceflary for the Kirk of God this day hi Scotland. Foe thereby, as faid is,fhall the Kirk have judgement, and knowledge of the graces, gifts, and utterances of every man

L within

g g I'k firji Booke ofD ifcifUne.

withiii their body. The llmple, and fuch as have fomwhat profi* redjfhal be encouraged daily to (tudy,&to proceed in knowledge, the Kirk Hiall be edified. For this exercife mult be patent to hch as lift to heare and learne,& every man iliall have liberty to utter and declare his minde and knowledge to the comfort and confo- lation of the Kirk. But left of this profitable exercife there arife debate and ftrife , curious, peregrine, and unprofitable queftions are to be avoided. All interpretation difagreeing from the prin- ciples of our faith, repugning to charity , or that ftands in plaine contradidl:ion with any other manifeft place of Scripture > is to berejecled.The Interprcterin thisexcrcife may not take to him- felf the liberty of a publick PreacherCyea,although he be a Mini- fter appointed ) but he muft bindhimfelfe to his text , that hec enter not in digrelTion, or in explaining common places ;he mayj ufe no inve<^ive in that exercife, unlefleit be of I'obriety in con- futing herefies : in exhortations or admonitions he muft be ftiorr, that the time may be fpent in opening the minde of the Holy Ghoft in that place: following the fequeleand dependence of the text, and obfervin^ fuch notes as may iaftrui^ and edific the auditor for ayoicnng of contention : neither may the Inter- preter nor any in the Aflemblie move any que ftion in open au- dience , whereto himfeife is not able to give refolution, without reafoning with another, but every man ought to fpeake his own judgement to the edification of the Kirk.

If any be noted with curiofity of bringing in ®f ftrangedo- ftrine, he muft be admoniilied by the Moderator, Miniffers and Elders, immediatly after the interpretation is ended.

The whole Minifters, a number of them that are of the Af- fembiy , ought to convene together, where examination fliould be had, how the perfons that did interprete did handle and con- vey the matter ( ^^^Y them/elves being removed;} to every man muft be given hiscenfure* After the which, the perfbn being called ttie faults (if any notable be found)are noted, and the per- fon gerttlyadmoniflied.

In that Aflembly are all queftions and doubts, if any ari/e, re^ folved without contention ; the Minifters of the Parifti Kirks in Landwart adjacent to o^^ry chi^fc^ Town,andthe Readers,if they have any gift of interpretation, within fix miles , muft concurre and aflift thefc that prophecie within the townes, to the end that they thcmfclvcs may either iearne^or others may Jearne by them.

And

The (rfi Sooh of Difclplhel €y

And moreover ircn in vvhonr. is ruppofed to be any gift which might edifie the Church, if they were well imployed, muil be charged by the Minifler and Elders,to joyne themlelves with the feirion,and company of Inrerpreters,to the end that the Kirk may judge whether they be abJe to ferve to Gods glory & to the pro- fit of the Kirk in the vocation of Miniflers or not : And if any be found difobedient , and not vviJJing to communicate the gifts and fpeciall graces of God with their brethren, after /ijfficient ad- monition , Diiciph'ne muft proceed againft them, provided that thecivill Magiffrate concurre with the judgement and eIe6lion of the Kirk. For no man may be permitted as befl pleaieth him , to live within the Kirk of God, but every manmurt be conilrained by firaternall admonition and corredion , to bcltow his labours, when of theKirk he is required,to the edification of others. What day in the week is mort convenient for that exe^'cife, what books of Scripture Hiall be moil profitable to read,we refer to the judge- ment of every particular Kirk,we meanc,to the wifedome of the Miniftersand Elders.

Of cMarriage.

BEcaufe that Marriage , the blefTed ordinance of God, in this curfed Papiftrie,hath partly^ been contemned, and partly hath beene fo infirmed , that the parties conjoyned could never be aflured in confcience, if the Bifhops and Prelates lift to difToIve the (ame,wehave thought good to (Lew our judgements how fuch confufion in times comming may be avoided.

And hrft publick inhibition muft be made,that no perfon under the power or obedience of others , fuch as Tonnes and daughters, & thofe that be under curators^neither men nor women,contra6l marriage privately, and without knowledge of their parents, tu- tors or curators,under whofe power they are for the time: Which if they doe , the cenfure and difciplinc of the Kirk to proceed a- gainft them. If the fon or daughter , or other, have their heart touched with the de/ire of marriage,they are bound to give honor to their parents,that they open unto them their affection, asking their counfell and alTiftance, how that motion, which they judge to be of God,may be performed. If the father, friend or malier, gaineftand their requeft , and have no other caufe then the com- mon fort of men have ; to wit, lack of gooos , and becaufe they are not fo high borne , as they require, yet muft not the parties whofc hearts are touched, make any covenant till fiirtha: declara-

L a tion

68 rhefrjl Booke ef DifcipUnf.

tion be made unto the Kirk of God,and therefore after that they have opened their mindes to their parents, or fuch others as have charge over them, they mufl declare it to the Minifter alfo, or to thecivill Magiflrate,requiringthem totraveilwith their parents for their confent, which to doe they are bound. And if they, to wit, the Minifteror Magiflrarefindnocaufe, thatisjuft, why the marriage required niay not be fulfilled, then after fufficient admonition to the father, friend, mafler, or fiiperiour, that none of them refiit the work of God, the MiniRer or Magiftratemay enter in the place of parents , and be confenting to their jufl re- quefts,may admit them to marriage; For the work of God ought not to be hindred,by the corrupt affedions of worldly men. The work of God wecaIJ,when two hearts,without fiJthinefle before committed,are fojoyned,& both require and are content to live together in that holy band of Matrimony. If any commit forni- cation v\ith that woman hee requires in Marriage, they doe both lofethis forefaid benefit as well of theKirk,as of theMagiftrate; For neither of both ou^ht to be interceflbrs or advocats for filthy fornicators. But the fatner orneereft friend, whofe daughter be- ing a virgine is defloured^hath power by the law of God to com- pell the man that did that injurie to marry his daughter rand if the father wil not accept him byreafon of his ofrence,then mayhc require tht dowry of his daughrer,which if the offender be not a- bie to pay, then ought thecivill Magiftrate to punifli his body by fome other puniOiment. And becaufe whoredome, fornication, adulterie,are finnes moft common in this Realme, we require of your Honours in the name of the eternall God,that fevcre punifh- ment,accordingas God hath commanded , be executed againft fuch wicked contemners. For we doubt not, but fuch enormities and crimes openly committed, provoke the wrath of God,as the Aportle fpeaketh , not onely upon the offenders, but upon fuch places, where without punifhment they are comm itted.But to re- turn to our fomier purpole,Marriage ought not to be contracted amongf^ perfons^that have no election for lack of under/landing. And tlierefore we affirme that bairns and infants cannot lawfully be married in their minor age, to wit, the man within i^.yeares, and the woman i i.yearsat leafi. Which if it have been,and they have kept them/elves alwayes feparate, we cannot judge them to adhere,a$men & wives, by reafonof that promife which in Gods prefence was no promife at all;but if in ycares of judgement they

have

Thejirji Eodke of Difcipline. ^g

have embraced the one the orhcr^then by reafon ofthat h{{ con- fcnt.they have ratified that which others have permitted for them in their youth-head.

In a reformed Kirk Marriage ought not to be fecretJy ufcd.bnt in open Face^andpubh'ck audience of the Kirk.and for avoiding of dangers^expedient it is,that the band be publickly proclaimed 3. .Sundayes, unlefle the cerfons be fo knowne, that no fufpitionof danger may arife .-and then may the time be fliortned at ih^diC- tretion of the miniitrie. But no vvayes can we admit marriage to be ufed fecretly^how honourable foever the perfons be. The Sun- day before noon we think moft expedient for marriage,^ it beu-. fed no dayel/e, without the confent of the whole mini/iery. Marri- age once Jaw folly contradled, may not be diflblved at mans plea- fere, as our mafter Chrift Jefus doth witnes , unlefle adulterie be comitred; which being fufficiently proved in prefence of the civill iMagiftrate,the innocent (if chey fo require) ought to be pronoun- ced freehand the offender ought to liifter death, as God hath com-' manded.If the civill fword foolifhly fpare the Vik of the offender, yet may not the Kirke be negligent in their office, which is to ex- communicate the wickedjand to repute them as dead members,&: to pronounce the innocent party to be at freedome,be they never fo honourable before the world. If the li^t be fpared, as it ought " not to be to the offenders, & if fruits of repentance of long time appeare in them,and if they earnertly defire to be reconciled with ' the Kirk, we judge they may be received to the participation of the Sacraments,and other benefits of the Kirk. For we would not that the Kirk (liould hold them excommunicate, whom God ab- fblvedjthat is the penitent.If any demand whether that the offen- der after reconciliation with the Kirk,may not marry againe,We anfwer,that if they cannot livecontinently,and if the necefiity be fiich, as that they feare further offence of God, we cannot forbid them to ufe the remedy ordained of God. If theparty offended, - may be reconciled to the offender, thenweejudgethaton no wayes it /hall be lawful! to the offender to marry any o-^ " ther, except the party that before hath been offended ; and * the folemnization of the latter marriage mull be in the open face ofthe Kirk, like as the former, but without proclamation ofbands.

This we do offer as the bert counfell that God giveth unto us in fodoubtfomea cafe, but the moft perfedl reformation were, if

L 3 your

JO Thejirjl BookofDifclfUnf*

your Honours would give to God his honour and glory, that yee would preferrehisexpreflecommandement to your own corrupt judgments jcfpccially in punidiing of thefe crimes, which he com- mandeth to be punifhed with death. For fo fliould yee declare your felvesGods true obedient officiars.and your common- wealth lliould be fid of innumerable troubles.

We meane not that finnes committed in our former blindnefle (which be almoft buried in oblivion) i^all be called again to ex- amination and judgement. But we require that the Jaw may be now, and hereafter fo eftablidied and execute, that this ungodly impunity of finne have no place within this Realme. Forijnthc feare of God we figni fie unto your Honours, that whofcever per- fwades you that ye may pardon where God comma ndeth death, deceives your foules,and provokes you to offend Gods MajcfHe.

Of BurialL

BUriall in all ages hath beene holden ineftimation to fignifie that the fame body which was committed to the earth fliould not utterly peridi, but fhould rife againe, and the fame we would have kept within this Realme. Provided that fuperftition , ido- latry , and whatfoever hath proceeded of a hlfc opinion , and for advantage fake, may be avoided, and finging of MgLd'e, place ^a and dirt£e , and all other prayers over, or for the dead, which are not onely fuperftitious and vaine, but alio are idolatry , and doe repugne to the plaine Scriptures of God. For plaine it is, that eve- ry one that dyeth, departeth either in the faith of Chrill Jefijs,or departeth in incredulity. Plaine it is, that they that depart in the tme faith of Chrift Jcius reft from their labours, and from death doe goeto life everlafting , as by our Mafter and his Apoftles we are taught. Butwhofoever departeth in unbeliefe, or in incredu- lity , fliall never fee life, but the wrath of God abides upon him. And fo we fay , that prayers for the dead are not onely fiiperfti* tious and vaine, but doe exprefly repugne to the manifeft Scrip- tures and veritie thereof. For avoiding of all inconveniences wc judge it beft,that neither finging, nor reading be at buriall. For albeit things fung and read may admonidi fomeof the living to prepare themlelves for death , yet (liali fome /uperftitious think that finging and reading of the living may profit the dead. And therfore we think it moftexpedienr,that the dead be conveyed to the place of buriall with fbme honeft company ofthe Kirk, with- out either finging or reading ; yea, without all kind of ceremony

heretofore

The Jirjl Booh cfDifciplme. ji

heretofore ufed , other then that the dead be committed to the grave,with fuch gravity and Ibbrietyjas thofe that be prefent may feemeto feare the judgements of God, and to hate finne which is the caufe of death.

We are not ignorant,that fome require a Sermon at the buriaJl, or elfe Come place of Scripture to be read , to put the Jiving in mindcthat they are mortalJjand that iikewife they mni\ die.Buc let thefe men underftand,that the Sermons which be daily made ferve for that ufe ; which if men defpife , the funeral] Sermons fhall rather nouriOi /uperftition and a falie opinion, as before is faid,then that they Hiall bring fuch perfons to a godly coniidera- tion of their own eliate. A ttour either Hiall the Minilkrs for the moft part be occupied in funcrall Sermons,or elfe they fliall have refpe6l of perfons, preaching at the burials of the rich andhono- rable,but keeping filence when the poore and defpifed departeth; and this with fafe confcience cannot the MiniHer doe.For feeing that before God there is norefpeil of perfons.and that their Mi- niftrie appertaineth to all alike , whatfoever they doe to the rich In refpedl of their Miniftrie, the fame they are bound to doe to the pooreft under their charge. In re(pev5l of divers inconveni- ences we think it neither feemly that the Kirk appointed to prea- ching and minittration of the Sacraments fliall be made a place of buriall, but that fome other fecret andconvenient place, lying in the mofl free aire,be appointed for that ufe,which place ought to be walled and fenced a bout,and kept for that ufe onely. For repairation of the Kirki*

L Eft that the word of God , and miniftration of the Sacra- ments by unfeemlinefTe of the place come in contempt , of neceflity it is that the Kirk and place where the people ought publickly to convene be with expedition repaired with doores, windowes, thack,and with fuch preparation 'within, as appertai- neth as well to the Majeftie of God^as unto the eafe and commo- dity of the people. And becaufe we know the flothflilnefle ofmen in this bchalfe, and in all other, which may not redound to their private commoditie , ftrait charge and commandement muft be given,that within ane certaine day the reparation muft be begun, and within another day to be affixed by your Honours, that it may be finifhed.Penalties and furqmsof^mony muft be injoyned, and without pardon taken from the contemners. The reparation would be according to the ability and nun>-

ber

^i Tkfirjl Booh ofDi[cl{lme.

ber of Kirks. Every Kirk muft have doores , clofe windowes of olafle^thackabletovvich-holdrainja bell to convocate the people together, a pulpit, a bafen for baptizing , and table for miniftra- tion of the Lords Supper. In greater Kirks, and where the Con- gregation is great in number , mail reparation be made within the Kirk,for the quiet and commodious receiving of the people. The expenfes are to be lifted partly of the peopJe,and partly of ^he teinds, at the confideration of the Miniftry,

For fHmfhment of thofe that profane the Sacrarhents and con^

temne the word of God , and dare prefume to minifter

them not being thereto lawfully called,

AS Satan hath never ceafed from the beginning^to draw man- kind in one of two extremities, to wit, that men fliould ei" their be fo ravillied with gazing upon the vihble creatures, that forgetting the caufe wherefore they are ordained, they attribu- ted unto them a vertue and power, which God hath not granted unco them : or tKo. that men fhould io contemn and defpife Gods blefTed Ordinance^ and holy inftitutions, as if that neither in the right ufe of them there were any profit, neither yet in their pror fanations there were any danger. As this way, we {2iy Satan hath blinded the moftpart of mankinde. from the beginning ; fo doubt we not , but that he will ftrive to continue in his maiicc even to the end. Our eyes have feen, and prefently doe fee the experience of the one, and of the other. What was the opinion of the moft part of men,of the Sacrament of Chrifts body and bloud, durfn^^ the darknefle of fijperftition, is not unknowne.How it was gaze3 upon,kneeiedunto,born in proceflion, and finally worH-iipped & honoured as ChriR Jefus himfelfe. And fo long as Saraji mjoht then retaine men in that damnable idolatrie,he was quiet, as one thatpoflefled hiskingdomeofdarknes peaceably. But fince that it hath pleafed the mercies of God to reveale unto the unthankful! world the light of his Word , the right ule andadminiftration of hisSacramentSjhe afTayes man upon the contrary part. For where not long agoe men flood in luch admiration of that idol the MafTe, that none dur/l have prefumed to have iaid the Mafle, but the fliaven fort , the beads marked men j fome dare now be fo bold as without all vocation to minifter, as they iiippofcthe true Sacraments in open AiVemblies :and fome idiots (yet more wic- kedly and Hnpudentlyjdare counterfeit in their houfe^that which

the

The Firft BDoirfDifciplffte. 73

.the true Minifters doc in the open Congregations. They prefiime *re (ay, to doc it in houfes^withoiit reverence, without Word Prea- -thed, andwichou: Minirter. This contempt proceeds, no doubf, from the malice and craft of that Serpent , who firft deceived man, of purpo(c to deface the glory of Chrilh Evangcll , and to bring his blcfled Sacraments in a perpctuall contempt : And further, your Honors may cleerly (ee, how (Uibbornly and proudly the moft part defpifes the Evangel! of Chrift Jefus offered unto you,whom unlefle that flurply and ftoutly ye refill , we mean as well the n-'anifeft de- (pifer, as the prophaner of the Sacraments , ye (hall 6nde them per- nicious enemies ere it be long. And therefore in the Name of the Etemall God, and of his Son Chrift Ie(us, v/c require of youi Ho- nors, that without delay, ftrait La wes be made againft the one , and the other.

Wedarenot prescribe unto you, what penalties (hall be requi- red of ihch: Butthiswefcare not to affirme, that the one and the other deferve death. For if be who doth falfifie thefeale, (iibfcrip- tion, or coine of a King, is / udged worthy of death , what (hall we thiflkeofhim who plainly doth faUifie the Scales of Chrift Jcfos, Prince of the Kings oFihe earth ? If Vanw pronounced that a balk fliouid be taken from the hou(e of that man , and he hirafel^ hanged upon it, ihatdurft attempt to hinder the re-edifying of the materiall Temple, what ftiall we fay of chofe, that con- temptuoufly blalpheme God , and manifeftly hinder the Temple of GoJ, which is the foules and bodies of theelcft to be purged by the true Preaching of Chrift Jefus , from the fupcrlVuion and dam- nable Idolatry, in which they have been long plunged, and hol- den captive? If ye, as God forbid, declare your felves carckfle over the true Religion, God will not fufFer your negligence unpu» nilbed : and therefore more earneftly we require that ftrait Lawes may be mide againft the ftubborne contemners of Chrift lefus, and againft (uch as dare prcfume to minifter his Sacraments, not orderly called to that Office, leaft while that thtre be none found to gainftani impietie , the wrath of God be kindled againft the whole.

ThePapifticall Prieftshavc neither power , nor authoritie to minifter the Sacraments of Ghrift Jefus, bccaufe chat in their mouth i^^ not the Sermon of exhortation : and therefore to them muft ftrait Inhibition be made , notwichftanding any ufurpation they have had in the time of blbdnefle. It i s neither the clipping

M o^

74 The Firfi Book, rfDifciplme.

oftheircrownes, the greafipg of their fingers, not the blowing oF the dumbe doggcs, called the Biftops, neither the laying on of their hands, that niaketh Minifters of Chnft lefus. But the Spiric ofGod inwardly firft moving the hearts to feek Chrifts glory , and the profit of hisKiik, and thereafter the nomination of the people, the examination of the learned, and publiks admifllon ( as before is faid ) make men lawfull Miniikrs of the Word , and Sacraments. We (peak of an ordinary vocation 5 and not of that %6fhich is extraordinary, v^henGod by himielfe , and by his onely power, raifechuptoiheMinifteryiuch as beft pleafcth his wife- dome.

Tlf€ Conclnfion,

THUS have we in thcfe few heads offered unto your Ho- nors our judgements, according a s we were commanded, touching the reformation of things,u hich heretofore hare altogether been abufed in this curled Papiftrie. We doubt not but fome of our petitions (ball appearc ftrange unto you at the 4irft fight. But if your wifedomes deeply confider, that we muft an- fwere not only unto man, butalfo before the throne of the eter- nallGod, andof hisSonChriftlcTus, for the counfell which we giveinthisfograveamattcr, your Honors fhall eafily confider, that more aflured it is to us to fall in the difplcafure of all men in the earth, then to offend the Ma}cfiic of God , whofe jufticc can* not fuffcT flatterers, and deceitful] counfcllors unpunifhed. That we require the Kirk to be fct at fnch liberty, that (he neither be con>« pellcd to feed Idle-bellies , neither yet to fuftaine the tyrannic which heretofore hath betn by violence maintained : wee know we fhiall ofFerd many, but if we fhould keep filence hereof, wee are moftaffuredto oifend the juft and Righteous God , who by the mouth of his ApofUc hath pronounced this fentence, He that laboptf'- eth not, kt him Jiot eau If we in this bchalfe , or in any other , re- quire or askenny other thing then by Gods expreflc Conimande- roent, by equity and good confcience ye are bound to grant, kt it be noted , and after repudiate. But if wee require nothing which God rcquirethnotajfo, let your Honors take heed how ye gaincfhnd the charge of him, whofc hand and punifhnicnt yee cannot efcape. If blitide affections rather lead you to have rcfpeft tod^ fuftentation of ihcfc yoiw carnall friends, who tyrtnoufly

have

The Firfl deoii ofOifcipHne. 7 5

have irtpyred above the flock of Chriftlefus, then that thezealeof Chriftlcfus his glory provoke and move you to (cc his opprefled Kirk at fircedome and lioertie, wee feare your (harpc and fud*- daine punifhments , and that the glory and honor of this cn- cerprifcbc rcferved wnto others. And yet (hall this our judgemert abide to the generations following, for a monument and witnefle how lovingly God called you, and this nation to Repentance : what counfcllours God (ent unto you , and how you have uled the (ame. If obediently ye heare God now calling, we doubt not but heftallheaic yoa in your greateft nccelBcie. Bucif, following your owne corrupt judgements^ ye concemne his voice and voctti- on, we are aUured that your fcrnacr iniquitie 5 and prefent ingrati- tude, (hall together crave great puniQiment from God, who can^ not long delay to execute his molt juft judgements , when after ma- ny ofFer/ces, and long blindtiei3cj grace and mercy offered is con- tempt uoufly refu(ecL

God the Father of our Lord Icfus Chrift, by the power of his ho- ly Spirit, (b Illuminate your hcans, that ye may clccrly fee what is pleafing and acceptable in his prciencc , and Co bow the (ame to his obedience, that ye may preferre his revealed will to your owne affections. And (o ftrengthen you by the Spirit of Fortitude , that boldly yce may punifti vice , and niaintaine tertue within this Realnie , to the praife and glory of his holy Name , to the comfort and aflurance of your own confciences, and to the confolation, and the good example ofthe pofterity following, Am^.

. From Edinhurgh the 20,

*/May. 1560. HyyoHr HonoHrs

mofk humble ftrvitors.

Adt of Secret Counfell^ 1 7 Januarii anno 1560.

W E E which have fuWcribcdthir prefcnts, having advi- fed with the Articles herein fpecified, as is above men- tioned firora the beginning of this book , rhinkes the fame good and conforme to Gods Word In all points ; conforme to ihe notes and additions hereto cik«d : and promises to

M 2 fe

76 The Firft Boo{ #/ VifcipUnt.

let ihc fame forward to the utter moft of our powers. Providing that ihe Bifhops, Abbots, Priors , and other Prelates and bcnificed men, which elie have adjoyncd them to us, bruik the revenues of their benefices during their life limes, they fuftaining and upholding the MiniftryandMinifters^ashereinisfpccified^ for the Preaching of the Word , and miniftring o the Sacraments.

fie juhfcribitHr,

Jafrtes HantiltOHn.

Archbald^ Argyk.

James Stewart.

Rothes. ^

BoicL

William LordHay.

Alexander Cambell.

M. Alexander Gordmm.

Glencarne.

Vchiltrie.

Sanqnhare.

S. Jhones.

William ofCulroJfe.

Drnmlangrig. Bargannie yonger. Lochin^ar. Cnnninghamhead. James Haliburtonn. Ihone Lochart of Bar. Jom Schatp ofHalie. Scot ofHaning. James Maxwell. George Fentonn ofthatilh^ Andro Ker ofFadonnfide. Andro Hamiltoun ofLe- DeaneofMnrray. (thane.

Thi

77

The fecond BooJ^e ofDifcifline. Heads and Conclufions of the Policie

of the Kirk.

Chap. i. Of the Ktr\and policie thereof in getter all^and where- in it is different from the ci^iU policie.

THE Kirk of God (bmctinies is largely taken , for all ihemthat profefle the Evangcll of Icfus Chrift, and fo it is a company and fellowdip not oncly of the godly, but alfo of hypocrites, profcffing alwayes outwardly the true Religion.

Other times it is taken for the Godly and Eleft only , and (bme- times for them that exercise fpirituallfunftion in the congregation ofthcm thit profefle the truth.

The Kirk in this 'aft fenfe, hatha certain power granted by God, according to which it uies a proper jurifdiftion and government, exercifed to the comfort of the whole Kirk.

This power Ecclcfiafticali is an authi>ritie granted by God the Fathsr,through the Mediator lefus Cbrift, unto his Kirke gathered,: and having the ground in the Word of God to be put in execution by them, unto whom the fpiriiiull government ot the Kirk by law- full calling is committed.

The Policie of the Kirk flowing from this power, is an order or forme of fpirituall government , which is cxerciftd by the itiembers appointed thereto by the Word ofGodiand ihereforeis ^ivcn imme- diately to the ofBce-bearerSj b whom it is excrcilcd to the wcalc of the whole boiiy.

M :? This

78 ThefeccnJ Bool^pfDlfcipUne.

This power is diverfly ufcd ; for (bmctime it is feverally excrci- ied, chiefly by the teachers: foraetime conjundly by mutuall con- (ent of the m that bear the omce and charge, after the form of judgc- mctit. The former is onely called foufiaf ordinis ^ and the other to tefi Ai jurifdi&ionii,}

Thefe two kinds of power have both one authority, one ground, one finall caufe, but ar<J diffeteuc in the manner, and forme of exe- cution, as is evident by the peaking of our Maftcr in the 1 ^ and ig of Matthew.

This power and policy EccleGafticall is difFtrent and diftinft in the own nature frotti that power and policy which is called Civil! power, and appertaineth to the CiviJl government oFthe Common wealth ) albeit ihey be both of God , and tend to one end , if they be rightly u(ed,viz. to advance the glory of God,and to have godly and good fubje^ls.

For this power EcclefiafBcall floweth immediately from God, and the mediator Jefus Chrirt,and is (f)irituall, not having a tempo- rall head in the earth , but only Chrift, ihe only fpitituall King and governour of his Kirk.

It is a title falfly ufurped by Antichrift, tocallhimrelfheadof the Kirk, and ought not to be attributed to Angc],nor man,of what cfiate that ever he be, laving to Chrift the onely h«ad and Monarch in the Kirk.

Therefore this power and policy of the Kirk fliouldleanc upon the word immediatly, as the onely ground thereof, and (liouldbe taken from the pure fountains of thefcr!ptures,thcKirk hearing the voice of Chrift the only fpirituall King, and being ruled by his laws.

It is proper to Kings, Princes and Magiftrates to be called Lords, and dominators over their (iibjcfts whom they govern civilly , but it is proper to Chrift onely to be called Lord and Maftcr in the Spi- ritual! government of the Kirk^and all others that bear office there- in oui^hc not to ufurp dominion therein, nor be called Lordf , but only Minifters, Dilciples, and fervants. For it is Chrifts proper of- fice to command and rule his Kirk unlverfally, and every particular Ktrk through his fpirit and word, by the miniftery of men.

Notwithftanding, asthe Minifters and others of the Ecclcfiafticail cftate arc Tub jeft to the Magiftratecivill, fb ought the perfon of the Magiftrate be (iibjeft to the Kirk fpiritually ^ and in Ecclefia- fticall government. And the exercifc of both theft jurifdiftions can- not ftand in one perfcn ordin-wT.

The

The ^econdBoekj>fDifcipline. 79

The Chrill power is called the power of the Sword, and the other ihe powc r of the Keys.

Thccivill power (hould command the fpirituall toexercifc, and to doe their office according to the word of God; The fpirituall rulers (hould require the Chrilban niagiftrate to niinifterjuftice, and puniih vice , and to maincaine the liberty and quietncs of the Kirk within their bounds

The Magiftrate comtDandeth cxtemall things for exrernall peace and quietnede amongft the fubjcfts : the Miniftcr handleth exter- nall things onely for confcicnce cau(e.

The Magift rare handleth cxtcrnall things only, and aftions done before raen,buc the fpirituall ruler judgeth both inward afFeftions, andexternall aftions in refpeft of confciencCjby the word ofGod-

The Civill Magiftrate craves and gets obedience by the (word, and other externall meanes , but the Miniftery by the fpirituall fword, and fpiricuall means.

The Magiftrate neither ought to preach, minifter the fiicrament^, nor execute the cenfures of the kirk, nor yet prefcribe any rule how it fliould be done , but command the Minifters to obfcrve the rule commanded in the word , and punilli the tranlgreffors by Civill meaaes. The Minifters exerce not the Civill jurifdiftion, but t«ach the Magiftrate how it (hould bee exercifed according to the word.

TheMAgiftrate ought to alTift , maintaine and fortifie the jurifcli- ftionofcheKirk. The Minifters (hould alTift their Princes in all things agreeable to the word, providing they negleft not their own charge by involving themfelves in civill affaires.

Finally, as Minifters are fubjcft to the judgement and pun'fh* roent of the Magiftrate in externa II things, if they offend: foought the Miigiftraces CO fubmit themfelvcsto thedifcipjineof cheKirk ,if they craiifgrclfc in matters of Confcience and Religion.

C H A P. II.

Oftht Tolick of the KirJ^^ andperfons ajidofjicchearert^ to whom, the adntmiftration if committed,

AS inthecivill policy the whole C<Anmonweale con Gftcth in ihcm that are goveniors, or Magift*ate9,and them that are ga- veincd,or fubjefts : So in the policy of the Kirk fome are appoinred 10 be rulers, and the reft of the members thereof to be ruled , and

obey.

8 O ThefecondBool^ ofDffcipliMe.

obey according to the word of God , and inlpirationof hislpifft^al- waycs utidcT one head and chicfe gcvt rnour, fcfus Chrlft. • Again, the whole policy of che Kirk confiftech in three things, in Poftfine, Di^iplinc, and Diftribution. With Doftrine is annexed theadininiftration of Sacraments : and according to thcparcsof this di vjfion , ari/cth a fore of threefold officers in the Kii k, to wit, of Miniftjrs Preachers, Elders Govern.urs , and IXacons dittribu- ters. And all thefe may be called l)y a generail word, Minifters of the Kirk, For albeit the Kirk of God be ruled and governed by Jc- fus Chrift, who is the only King, high Prieft, and head thereof, yet he uftth the miniftcry of men , as tlie raoit neceflary middcs for this purpofe.

For Co he hath from rime to time , before the Law , under the Law,and in the time of the Evangcll for our great comfort raifed us men indued with the gifts of the fpirit , for the fpirituall govern- ment of his Kirk, exercifing by them his own power, through his fpirit and word to the building of the (ame.

And to take away alloccafion of tyranny, h« will that they ftould rule with mutuall confcnr of brethcr, and equality ofpower, every one according to their funftions.

In the new Teftament , and time of the Evangcll , he hath ufed thcMinifteryoftheApoftles, Prophets, Evangel i ft s, Paftbrs, and Dolors in adnuniftratlonofthe word : The ElderlLip for good order , and adminiftration of the Difripline : 1 he Deaconfliip to have the cure of the Ecclefiafticall goods.

Some of their Ecclefiafticall funf^ion arc ordinary, and Come ex- traordinary or temporary. There be three extraordinary ftjnftions; The office of the Apoftle , the Evangclift and of the Prophet, which are not perpccuall , and now have ceafed in the Kirk of God , ex- cept when it pleafed God extraordinarily for a time to llirre fonie of themupagaine.

There are fbure ordinary funftions or offices in the Kirk of God, the office of the paftc^r, Miniftcr or Bilhop, the Dcx^ar , Presbyter or Elder, and the Deacon.

Their offices are ordinary, and ought to continue perpetually m the Kirk, as ncccfliry for the government and policy thcreof,and no more offices ou^ht to be received or fuffcred in the Kirk of God, cftabliftud according to his word.

Therefore all the ambitious titles invented in the kingdome of Antichrift, and ip his ulurpcd Hierarchy, which arc not of one of

thefc

ihefe faurc forts, together if i A. the offices depending thereupon, in one word ought to be rejtfted.

Chap. III.

Hew tbtpsrfoHJ that hear EccUJijflicjiifftnfl/on, are te hadtmitedto their office.

Vocation or calling, is common to all that fliouldbearc office within the Kirk , which is a lawfull way, by the which quali- fied perfbns are promoted to any ipirituall office within the i^rk ofGod,

Without this lawfoll calling it was never leafome to any perfbn to meddle with any funftion Ecclefiafticail.

There are two (brta of Calling, one extraordinary by God imme- diately, as was of the Prophets and Apoftles, which in Kirks efta« bli filed, and well already reformcdhath no place.

The other calling is ordinary, which befides the calling ofGod^ and inward teftimony of a good confcience , is the lawfull approba- tion, and outward judgement of men , according to Gods word, and order eftablifliejd in his Kirk.

None ought ro prefume to enter in any office Ecclefiafticail with- out this good teftimony before Gpd, who onely knows the hearts of men. **'»*.. ^ !'

This ordinary and outward callfdg hath two parts, eleftion and ordination. Eleftion is the choofing out of a perlbn^or perfbns, moft able, to the office that vakes , by the judgement of the Elderfliip, and conftnc of the Congregation, to which ftiall be the perfon, or pei^- fbns appointed.

The qualities in gencrall requiGce in all them , who ftiould beare charge in the Kirk, confiftin foundnefle of Religion , andgodll- nefl& oflife,according as they are fufficiently fet forth in the VVord.

In the order of Eleftion it is to be efchewed , that any per/on be Intruded in anyoffices of the Kirk, contrary to the will of the con- gregation CO which they arc appointed, or without the voice of theElderflilp-

None ought to be intruded , or placed ip the places already plan- tefd , or in any room that vakes not , for any worldly refpe^ : and that which is called the benefice ought to be nothing elle , but the ftipend of the Minifters that are lawhilly called.

Ordination is the (eparation and fanftifying of the perfon appoin- ted to God and his Kirk, after he be well tried and found qualified.

N Tl^

B7 TheficdnJBco\ rf Difciplim.

The Ceremonies of Ordination arcfiifling, earneft Prayer , and impofii ion of hands of the Eldtrfhip.

All thir , as they muft be railed up by God , and by him made a- blcfor the work whereto they are called; foougnc they know cheir racffagc to be limited within Gods word, without the bounds of the which they ought not to paflc.

All thir fhould take chcfe titles and names onely ("left they be exalted and puf t up in themfelves ) which the Scriptures gives un- to them, as the(e which import labour, travel! and work, and are names of offices and fervice , and not of idleneflc , dignity, worldly honour or preheminence, which by Chrift our Mafterisexprefly reproved and forbidden^

AH thcfc office-bearers (hould have their own particular flocks fimongft whom they exercife their charge.

All (hould make refidence with them , and take the infpeftion and ovcrfighc of them, every one in his vocation.

And generally thir twa things ought they all to refpeft : the glo- iiyofGod, and edifying ofhis kirk I in diicharging their duties in their calling.

Chap. nil.

of the officebearers in particular , and firfi of the

Pajfor/ or Minifters.

PAfton,Bifhop$5orMinifters, are they who are appointed to particular Congregations,whlchthey rule by the word of God and over the which they watch. In refpeft whereof fometime they are called Paftors, becaufe they feed their Congregation; fome- time E/'j/c^ff , or Bifliops, becaufethey watch above their flock;, fomeiimcs Minifters, by reafbnof their fervice and office, and lometimesalfo Presbyters or Seniors, for the gravity in manners which they ought to have in taking care of the fpirituall govern- ment, which ought to be moft dcarc unto them.

• They that are called unto the Mioiftery , or that offer themfelves thereunto, ought not to be elefted without any certain flock be ^(^ figned unto ihcm.

No man ought to ingyre himfclfe , or ufiirpc his office without lawfull calling.

) They who are once called by God, and duely elcftcd by man^af- ^-rfthat they have once accepted the charge of Mifliflery , may not

jftvc their funftions. . The

the feeondBookfifDifcif line. 8g

ThedefcrtoursflioDldbetdinonifhed, and in caftof obflinacy^ finally, Excommunicate.

No Paftor may leave his flock without Liccnfe of the Provinciall or Nationall AQembly , which if he doe, afcer admonitions not o- beyed, let the ccnfurcs of the Kirk ftrikc upon hinu

Unco the Paftors apperteins teaching of the Word of God , in ftafonaniout;of (fa(bn,publikly andpri?atcly,alwaies travelling to cdifie,and diicharge his con(cience,as Gods word prefcribes to him.

Unto the Paftors onely apperteins the adrainlftration of the Sa- cramentSj in like manner as the adminiftration of the Word : For both are appointed by God , ai raeanes to teach us , the one by ths care, and the other by the eyes, and other (enfcsjthat by both, know- ledge may be transferred to the mindc.

It appertains by the fime reafbn to the Paftor to pray for the peo- ple, and namely, for the flock committed to his charge, and to bleflc them in the name of the Lord, who will not fuffer the blcflSngs of his faithfuil iervantsto befrufhate.

He ought alfo to watch above the manners of his flock , that the better he may apply the Doftrine to them in reprehending the dif- folute per(bns , and exhorting the godly to continue in the feare of the Lord.

It appertains to the Mlniftcr after lawful 1 proceeding bytheEI- derfhip , to pronounce the {entence of binding and loofing upon a- ny per(bn , according unto the power of the keys granted unto the Kiik.

It belongs to him Iikewi(e,afier lawfull proceeding in the matter by the Elder[hip,to (blcmnizatc mariage betwixt them , that are to be Joyned therein , and to pronounce the blefling of the Lord upon them that enter in at that holy Band in the feare of God.

And generally all publick denunciations that are to be made in the Kirk before the Congregation concerning the Ecclefiafticall aA faires belonging to the Office of a Minider : For he is as meflenger and Herauld betwixt God and the people in all thefe affaires.

o

Chap. V. of DoOors^andthcitOfficey mdofthe SchooUs.

N E of the two ordinary and perpetuall funftions chat tra« veil In the Word ^ is the Office of the Doftor, who may be

N a alfo

84 ThfecondBodk^ofDijcipUfie.

silfacalled Prophct,Birtiop,Elder, Catechifer, that is, t^ac&cf of^ie

Catechifme, and rudiraenw of Religion. <T. il- l

His office is to open up the niinde ofthc Spirit of God in the Scriptures limply , without fuch applications as the Minifters u(e, to the end that thefaithtullraaybeinftrufted, and found [>Q(S^nnc taught,and thattlie parity of the GofpelL be not corrupted through ignorance, or eviii opinions. : :,

He is different from the Paftor, not only in name , but in diverfi- ry of gifts. For to the Doftor is given the word of knowledge, to open up by firaple teaching the myfteries of faith ; toihePaltor the gift of wifdome , co apply the iame by exhortation to the man- ners of ihe flock, as occafion craveth.

Under the name and office of a Doftor wee comprehend alfo the order in Schooles, Collcdges , and Univerfities , which hath been from time to time carefully maintained , as well among the Jewes and Chriftians, as alfb among the prophane Nations.

The Doftor being an Elder , as is (aid, fliould ailirt the Paftor in the government of the Kirk , and concurrc with the Elders his bre- thren in all aflTenvblies; by rcalbn the interpretation of the Word, which is onely }udge in Ecclefialiicall matters , is committed to his charge.

But to preach unto the people , to Minifter the Sacraments , and ^ celebrate mariages, pertaine not to the Doctor, unlcflehebe otherwise called ordinarily ; howbeit the Paftor may teach in the Schooles, as he who hath the gift of knowledge, oftentimes meet for rfiat end, as the examples o^Folycarfus, and others tcftifie, &c.

Chap. VI. of Elders^ and their office.

THE word Elder in the Scripture, (ometime \i the name of Age, fometime of Otiice. W hen it is the name of asy Office , ilbmetime it is taken largely , comprehending as well the Pallors ^d. Doftors, as them who arc called Seniors or Elders.

In this our dlvifion, we call thefe Elders,whom the Apoftles call Prefidents or Governours. Their office as it is ordinary, fb is it per- petuall and alwayes nccedary inthcKirkofGod. TheElderfliipis 31 fpirituall fonaion,;as is the Miniftcry.

Eldersonce lawfully called to the office , and having gifts from 0od meet to exereifc the fame, may not leave it again. Albeit fiich ^aumUr of Elders may be chofen in certaiac Congregations , that

'one

TbefecondBodkjofBiCcipUtK. 8 5

one partof ihcm may relieve another for a rca/bnabk {pace , as was among the Lcvices under the Law in (erving of the Temple.

The numberofche Elders in every Congregicioncrmnot wc'I be limited, but fhould be according to the bounds and neceflity of the people.

It is not necefl&ry that all Elders be alfb teachers of the Word, albeit the chiefc ought to befuch and fvva are worthy of double-' honour.

What manner of pcrfbns they ought to bc,we refcrre it co the ex* preflc word, and namely the Canons written by the Apoftle Paul.

Their office is as well (cverally 5 as conjun£tly,to watch diligently"; upon the flock commictcd to their charge, both publ»kcly, and privately, that no corruption of Religion, cr manners, enter therein.

As the Paftorsand Doftors Qiould be diligent in teaching and fowing the feed ofthe Word , fo the Eld«;?rs Ihould be carefull in (ee- king the fruit ofthe (ame in the people.

It appertains to them coaflilt chePartoi: in examination of them that come to the Lords Table : item, in vifiting the fick.

They fhould caufe the afts ofthe aflemblies, as well particular as ^cncrall to be put in execution carefully.

They fhould be diligent in admonifhing all men of their duty according to the rule ofthe Evangell.

Things that they cannot correft by private admonitions they fhould bring to the Eldecfliip.

Their principall office is to hold Affcmblies wi( h the Paftors and Doftors who are alfb of their number, for eftablifhingof good order and execution of Difcipline , unto the which Aflemblies all perfbns are fubje^ that remain within their bounds.

Chjap. VIL ofthe Elderjhtps^ j^Jfemblief, and Difcipline.

ELderfliips and Aflemblies are commonly conftitute of Payors , Doftors , and fuch as we commonly call Elders, that labour no« in the word and Doftrine; of whom , and of whofe leverall power hath been fpoken.

Aflemblies arc oFfoureforts^ .For cither are they of particular Kirks and Congregations anc ormoe, or of a Province 9 oys^oi

• N 3 a

86 The ^econdBvok^ ofDifcipUae.

a whole Nation , or of all and divers Nations profefling one Jcfug Chrift.

All the Ecclefiafticall Aflemblics have power to convene lawful- ly together for treating of things concerning the Kirk, and pcrtaia, ingto their charge.

They have power to appoint times, and places to that effcft, and ac one morcing to appoint the dyec, time and place for another.

In all Aflcmblies an Moderatour fliould be chofcn by common conftnt of the whole brethren convened , who (hould propone matters, gather the votes , and caulc good order to be kept in aflem* blies.

Diligence (hould be taken, chiefly by the Moderator, that onely EccleiialHcall things be handled in the affemblies, and that there be no medling with any thing pertaining to the civill jurifdiftion.

Every Aflembly hath power to (end forth from them of their own number, ane or moe vifitouri to (ee how all things be ruled in the bounds of cheir jurifdiftion.

Vifitation of moe Kirks is no ordinary Office Ecdefiaftick in the pcrfbn of one man, neither may the name of a Bifhop be attribute to the vifitor one]y,ncither is it neceflary to abide alwayes in one mans per(bn , bat it is the part of the Elderfliip to fend out qualified per-, fbn»to \iRl pro re nata.

Thefinillendofaflenabliesisfirfttokcepthc Religion and Do- ftrine in purity without error and corruption. Next, to keepcom- lincfle and good order in the Kirk.

For this orders caufe, they may make ccrtainc rules and conftitu- tions appertaining to the good behaviours of all the members of the kirk in their vocation.

They have power alfo to abrogate and abolifli alhStatutes and'Or- dinances concerning Ecclefiftic«llmatterS5«that are found noyfb me and unprofitable, and agree not with the time, or are abufcdby the people.

They have power to execute Ecclefiafticall Discipline and pu- nifhmcnt upon all tranfgrcflbra, and proud contemners of the good order and policy of the Kirk, and (b the whole Difcip'ine is in their hands.

Thefifft kindeand (brcof affemblieSjalthough they be within par- ticular Congregation, yet they exerce the power, authority and jurifdiftion of the Kirk with routuall confcnt , and therefore bearc fcmctime the name of the Kirk.

When

ThefMffdBockj>fDifciplm. 87

When we fpeake of the Elders of the particular Congregations, we mean not chat every particular Pariih-kirk can or may have their own particular Eldcrfhips , fpecially in Landward ; but we thinkc three, foure, raoe or fewer particular kirks may have one Eldei (hip oommon to them all, to judge their Eccleliafticall caufes.

Yet this is meet, That (bme of the Elder* be chofen out of every particular Congregation, to coricnr with the reft of their brethren in the common Aflembly , and to take up the delations of offences within their own kirks, and bring them to the Aflembly. This we gather of the prafti(e of the Primuivc kirke , where Elders, or Colledges of Seniors were conftitute in Cities, and famous places.

The power of their particular Elderftips is to uCc diligent labors^ ID the bounds committed to their charge , that the kirks be kept in good'ordcr, to inquire diligently in naughty & unruly perfbns, and traveJl tobring ihcni in the way againe , either by admonition or threatning of Gods judgements, or by corrcftion.

It pcrtaines to the Eldcrfhip to take heed that the word of God be purely preached within their bounds, the Sacraments rightly mini- ftredjthe Difcipline rightly maintained ,3 nd the Ecclefiafticall goods uncorruptly diftributed.

It belongs to this kind of Aflembly, to caufe the ordinances made by the Aflcmblics proviiiCiall , nationall , and generall , to be kept and put in execution;

To make conftitutions which conccrne totj 6:TBr in the kirk , for the decent order of che(e particular kirks where they govern : Providing, they alter no rules made by general! or provincial! A A ftniblics, and that they make the provinciall Aflemblies fore-feen of thefe rules that they fliall make, and abolifli them that tend to the hurt of the fame.

It hath power to excommunicate the obftinarc.

The power of elcfVion of ihcm who beare Ecclefiafticall charges pertaincsfothiskiiideof Aflcnibly wiihin their own bounds, being wcllerefted, and conftituieof man^ Paftors and Elders offu/Hcicnt abiiicie.

By the like rcaibn their dcpofition aUbpertaines tothiskindeof Aflembly : as of them thar teach crronious and corrupt Doftrine, that be of flanderous life , and after admonition dcfift not j thai be given to Tchifmc or rebellion againft the kirk , manifeft blalphemy, fimony , corruption of bribes , fallhood , perjury, whore-

8 8 TkfkfpdBfol{ofDifdpiirfe.

rfome, theft, drunkenneficjfi^^hdng worchy ofpunifiimcntbyihe Law, ufury, dancing, infamy, and alloihers, iliaide(crve reparati- on from the kirk.

Thefe alR> who arc altogether found unfugicient to execute their charge fhould be depoled , whereof other kirks would be ad- vertifcd thax they receive not the perfv)ns dcpoled.

Yet chey ought not to be dcpoled, who through age , fickenefle, orotpcr accidents b:come unmeet to do their office , in which cafe their h:jnoLir (h>uld remaine to them , their kirk (hould nuintainc theni 5 and otr^trs ought to be provided to doc their office.

ProvinciAll allemb]e> we Call lawfull conventions of Pallors, Do- ftors^ and other Elders of a Province, gathered for the common af- fcircis of the kirk thereof , which alio maj be called the conference pfthe kirk and brethren. .

Their aflembles are inftitute for weighty matters to be intfcatcd bymutualleorirenc and alfillancc of the brethren within that Pro- vince, as nee i requires.

This aflcmbly hadi power to handIe,order,and rcdrcffe all things committed or done amille in the particular afferablics.

It hath power to depofe the office-bearers of that provincc'for good and jud caufes delerving deprivation.

And generally their aflTemblies have the whole power of the par- ticular Eldcrftiips whereof they are colJeftcd.

The Nationall affenibly, which is generall to us , is a lawfull con- vention of the whole kirks of the Realm or Nation where it is ufed and gathered , for the coitimou affaires of the kirk , and may be cal- led the generall E !derfhip of the whol kirks in the Realm. None are fubjeft to repaireto this afTembly to vote , but Eccleiiafticall perfbns to fuch a number, as (hall be thought good by the fame Aflcnibly , not excluding other perfbns that will repaire to the faid Affenibly to propone, hear, and reafbn.

ThisA{T;imblyisin(licute, that all ihings either committed , or done amiffe in tho Provinciall AfTcmbiies may be redrefled and han- dled, and things generally ferving for the wc ale of the whole body oftlic kirk within the Realm may be fore(een,intreated and fct forth to Gods glory.

Il (hould take care, that kirks be planred in places where they arc not planted.

It fh juld prefcribe the rule how the other two kindes of Aflem- bhcs fhould proceed in all things.

This

Thefecof^dBookpfDifciplim. 8 9

This Aflembly ftiould take heed , that the fpirltuall j urifdiftion, and civill, be not confounded to the hurt of the kirk ; That the Pa- trimony of the kirk be not confumed, nor abufed; and generally concerning all weighty affaires that concern the weale and good or- der ofthe whole Kirks ot the Realm, it ought to interponc autho- rity thereto.

There is befides theft, another moregenerall kinde of Aflera* bile , which is of all Nations , and all edates of perfbns within the kirk, rcprefenting the univerfall kirk of Chrift , which may be cal- led properly the Gcnerall Aflembly , or Gencrall GounccU of the kirk of God.

ThefcAflemblieswcre appointed and called together fpecially, when any great (chifmcor controvcrfie in Do&rine did arift in the kirk, and were convocate atcommand of godly Eroperours being for the tinje, for avoiding of fchifme within the Univerfall kirk of God, which becaufe they pertain not to the particular eftate of any Rcal» we ceafe further to fpeak of them.

Chap. VIII.

^Offhi Deacom snd their office^ the lafi Otdin4rjf$tt' SionintheKirkff

THE word^'<wtjm (bmetlmes is largely taken , comprehen- ding all them that bear o£Sce in the Miniftery , and fpiricuall funftion in the kirk.

But now, as we (peak, it is taken only for them , unto whom the colleftion and diflribution of the almcs ofthefaithfull and Eccle&- afticall goods doth belong.

The office ofrhe Deacons fb taken, is an ordinary and perpetu- all Ecclefiafticallifanftion in the kirk of Chrift.

Of what properties and duties he ought to be that is called to this funftion, we remit it to the manifeft Scriptures.

The Deacon ought to be called and elefted^as the reft of the Spiri- t«all Officers, of the which ele&ion was fpoken before.

Their Offlce and power is to receive , and to diftribute the whold Ecclefiafticall goods unto them, to whom they are appointed.

This they ought todoe according to the }udgement,and appoint- ment of the Presbyteries or Elderfliips ( of the which the Eieacons are not ) that the patrimony of the kirk and poore , be not conver- ted CO private mens ufes, nor wrongfully diftribute.

O Cufi

jO ThtftconitcoK ^fDifciflim^

Chap. IX.

O/tbe Vatrimotyofthe Kirb^ and difirihHtion ihtretf.

BY the Pattriiiiony of the Kirk , wc meane whatfocver thing hath been at any time before, or (hall be in times comming gi- ven, or by conicnc or univerlall cuftomc of Countries profeffing the Chriftian Religion applied tothepublick ufe and utility of the kirk.

So that under the Patrimony we comprehend all things given or to be given to the Kirk and (crvicc of God, as lands,bjggings, poflct fions, annuel rents, and all fuch like , wherewith the Kirk isdoted^ cither by donations, foundations, mortifications, or any ofher law- full titles of Kings, t^rinces, or any perfbns inferiour to them, toge- ther with the coni!nuall oblations of the faithfull.

We comprehend aHo all fuch things as by Laws or Ciiilome , or u(e of Countries have been applied to the u(e and utility of the Kirk J of the which fort are Tdnds,Man(es,Gleibs, and fuch like, which by common and municipall Laws and univerlall Cuftome are pofleffcciby thcKirk.

To take any of this patrimony by unlawfull means, and convert it to the particular andprophaneufeofany perfon, wc hold it a deteftatable fjcrilcdge before God.

The goods Ecclefiafticall ought ro be collefted , and diftributcd b V the Deacons, as the word of God appoints , that they who beare office in the Kirk be provided for without care or folicitudc.

In the Apoftolicajl Kirk , the Deacons were appointed ro colIeS anddiltributc what fumme (bever was collefted of the faithfull , to diftribute unto the necedity of the Saints, (bthat none lacked a- mongfl the f aithfulL

Thefe colle&ions were not onely of that which was collcfted in manner ofaIme3,asfbraefuppofe, but ofother goods moveable, aod unmoveablc ,of lands and pofledions , the pice whereof was brought to the feet of the Apoftles.

This office continued in the Deacons hands, who intromettcd with the whole goods of the Kirk, ay and while the cf^are thereof was corrupted by Antichrift,a8 the ancient Canons bear witnefTe,

The fame Canons make mention of a fourdfold difh-ibution of the Patrimony of the kirk , whereof one part was applycd to the Pa- ftoror Bilhop for his fuftentation and hofpitality; another tothe Elders ^nd E)cacoDs, and all the Clergy j the third to the poor,ficfc

pcrioBS

The fecund BmI^ ofDifdpUm. 9 1

pCTfom and ftrangcrt ; the fourth to the upholding other affaire j of chekirk,rpedally extraordinary.

Wc addc hereunto the Schoolcs and Schoolcmafter 1 al(b , which ought and may be well fudaincd of the (amc goods , and arc com- prehended uadcr thcCleargy. To whom wc joyne all Clerks of Aflembliet , as well particular as generall , Syndicks or Procutors of the kirk affaires, takers up of Pfalmcs, and fuch like other ordi- nary Officers of the Kirk, fo £irre as they are nece(&ry.

Chap. X. of the office of A Chrifihn Magiftrdte in the Kirk:

ALthough all the members of the Kirk be holden every one in their vocation^nd according thereto to advance the Kingdora of Jefus Chrift , (b farre as lyeth in their power, yet chiefly Chrifti- an Princes, and other Magiftrates, are holden to doe the fame.-

For they are called in the Scripture nourifhers of the Kirk , for fo much as by them it is^or at leaft ought to be maintained/oftered,up- holden and defended againft all that would procure the hurt therof;

So it pertains to the office of a Chriftian Magiftrate , to affift and fortific the godly proceedings of the Kirk in all bchalfcs jand name- ly to fee that the pnbliqnc cftare and Miniftery thereof be maintain- ed and fiiftaincd, as it appcnains, according to Gods Word.

To ice that the Kirk be not invaded , nor hurt by falfe Teachers, and Hirelings, nor the rooms thereof be occupied by dumb doggs, or idle bellies.

To afljft and maintain the Difcipline of the Kirk, and pnnifh them civilly, that will not obey the cenfureofthelame, without confounding alwayes the one jurifdiftion with the other.

To fee that fufEcientprovifion be made for the Miniftery , the Schoolcs , and the poore : and if they have not fufficicnt to awaitc upon their charges , to fupply their indigence even with their own rents, if need require.

To hold hand as well to the (avlng of their per(bn?from injury and open violence, as to their rents and poffeifions , that they be not defrauded, robbed, nor fpoilcd thereof.

Not to fuffcr the Patrimony of the Kirk to be applyed t% pro- phaneand unlawfull afes, or be devoured by idle bcllies,and fuch as havenolawfuU fun €t ion in the Kirk, to the hurt of the Miniftery, Schools , poore and other godly ufcs , whereupon the &me ought tobeboftowed O t To

9 2 ThefiCOndBovk^efjiifiiplm.

To majcclawes and conftkutions agreeable to Godf word, for advancement of the Kirk, and policie tnereof , wichouc ufurping any thing that pertains not to the civil (word, but belongs to the offices chat are meerly EcclefiaiUcall, as is the minilkrie of the Word and Sacraments, ufing Eccleiiafticall Difcipliue , and the fpirkuall exe- cution thereof, or any part of the power of the fpirituall key s^which our Maftcr gave to the Apoftles, and their true fucceflbrs-

And although Kings and Princes that be Godly, fomctinacs by their owne authority, when the Kirk iscorruptedjand all things out of order, place Minifters, and rcftorc the true (ervicc of the Lord, after the example offome godly Kings of Ji»</^, and divers godly Empeours, and Kings aifb in the light of the new Teftamcnt. Yet where the minifterie of the Kirk is once lawfully conftitote, and they that are placed, doe their office faithfully, all godly Princes and Magiftrates ought to heare, and obey their voice, and revcnencc the Majeftic of the Son of God fpeaking in them. CHAP. XI.

Oftbepnfent abuja remsiningw th Kirk^^ which vft defire to he re- formed.

ASicisthedutyofthegodly/Magiftratc to niaintalne the pre- sent libertie, which God hath granted by the Preaching of hii Word, and the true adminiftration of the Sacrament! withis this Realme : So is it to provide, that all abufes which yet temaine in the Kirk,be removed, and utterly taken away.

Therefore, firft the admiffion of men to papifticall titles of bene- fices, fufch as fcrve not, nor have nofunftion in the Reformed Kirk of Chrift, as Abbotes, Commendators, Priors, Priorefles, and other titles of Abbeys, whofe places are now for the moft part by the juft judgement of God demoliftied, and purged of idolatry , is plain abufe, and is not to receive the Kingdome of Chrift aroongrt us , but rather to refulc it. Such like that they that of old were called the Chapiters and Con- vents of Abbeys, Cathedrall kirks,and like places, (er?e for nothing now, but to (ct fc wes and tackj, if any thing be left of the kirk lands and teind 5, in hurt and prejudice I hereof, asdaily experience tca- cheth, and therefore ought to be utterly abrogate and aboliflied.

Of the like nature are the Deanes, Archo'eacons, Chantours, Subchantours,Thcraurer8, Chancellors and others having the like titles flowing from the Pope and Canon lawonely, who have no place InthereforRiedkirke

The

Tj)eficdndBcol{ ff Difcipline. 95

Th<! kitks alfc which are united together , and joyncd by annex- ation CO their benefices, ought to be feparated and divided , and gi- Ten to aualified Miniftcrs,asGods Word craves.

Neither ought fuch abufers^of the kirks patrimony to have vote in Parlianientjnor fit in Counccll under the name of the kirk and kirk- mcn,to the hurt and prejudice of thclibercie thereof, and laws of the Realnie made in favour of the Reforjncd kirk.

Much Itiie is it lawf ull,that any perfon amongft thefe men (hould havcfive,fixtcen, twenty or moc kirks, all craving the charge c4 fouls, and bruike the patrimony diereof, either by admiffion of the Prince, or of the kirk, in this light of the Evangell, For it is but a niockagc to crave reformation, where fijch like have place.

And in fo farre,as in the order taken at Lclth , in the yeere of our Lord 1 571, it appeares that fuch may be admitted, being found qualified^ either that pretended order is againft all goed order , or eife it mud be underftood not of them that be qualified in worldly affaires, or to (Irve in Court, but fuch as are qualified to teacn Gods Word^ having their lawful! admifQon of the kirk.

As to Bifliops, if the name v.^ifKovoi be properly taken , they arc all one with the Minifters, as before was declared. For it is not a name of fuperiority and lordlhip) but of office and watch- ing.

Yet becauf: in the corruption of the kirk, this nam^ ( as others ) have been abufcd, and yet is likely to be, we cannot allow the fafhi-^ onofthe(c new choicn Bifliops, neither of the Chapiters that are Elcftors of them to luch officeSjas ihey arechofen unto.

True Bifbops fliould addift therafelves to a particular flock, which (undry of them rcfufe , neither fliould they uliirpc Lordfljip over their brethren , and ovcj the inheritance of Chritt , as ihele men doc.

Paftors, in fo farre as they are Paftors , have not the office of Vi- fitation of moe kirks joyned to the paftorfliip , without it be given to them.

It is a corniptioii,that Bifliops fliould have further bounds to ti- fit, nor they may lawfully.

No man ought to have the office of Vifitation,but he that is law- fully chofen thereunto.

The Eldcrfliips being well eftabliflied , have power to (end out vifitours one or moe, withcommiffionto vifit the bounds within their Elderfliip, and likevviie a&er count taken of them, either

O 3 con-

94 ^^ fecond Bookjff Difciplipfe.

continue them, or remove them frura linic to tirac , to the which El-

dttlhips thev Ihall be al waycs fubje^t.

Criminail jurilciiftion in the perfon of a paftor, is a corruption.

It agreeth not with the word of God , that Bifhops fhould be Pa- yors of Paftors, Paftorsof many flocks ,[and yet without a ccnainc fljck, and without ordinary teaching.

Ic agreeth not with the Scriptures, that they rtiould be cxemcd from the corre6kion of their brethren , and Difcipline of the particu- lar Elderfhip of the Kirk, where they (hall fcr\'e, neither that they ufurpe the Office of Vifitation of other Kirk? ^ nor any other fun- ftionbcfidc other Miniikrs, butlbfarre asftall be committed to them by the kirk.

Wherefore, we defire the Bifhops that now arc, either to agree to that order that Gods word requires in them , as the generall kirk will prefcribc unto them , not palTing their boundsjeither in Ecclc- fianicall or Civill aflFaires, or clieto be depo(ed from all funftion in the kirk.

We deny not in the mcane time, but Minifkrs m^ and ftould affilt their Princes when they arc reqi3ired,in all things agreeable to the Word, whether it be in Councell,or ParliamentjOrotherwaycs; Providing alwayes, they neither negleft their own charges , nor through flattery of Princeshurt the publick eilate of the Kirk.

But generally , we lay, i;o pcrfbn under whatfoever tide of the Kirk, and fpecially the abufed titles in Papiftry , of Prelates, Con- vents, and Chapters, oughttoattcmptany aft in the Kirks name, either in Counccll , or Parliament , or out of Councell , having no Commiffion of the Reformed Kirk within this Realme.

And by Aft of Parliament it is provided, that the Papifticall Kirk and Juriffliftion (hould have no place within the fame, and no Bifhopnor other Prclace in times commin§fliouldu(c any juri/Hw ftion flowing from his auihority.

And againe , that no other Ecclefiafticall Jurifdiftion fhould be acknowledged w ithin this Realme , but that which is , and /hall be in the Reformed Kirk, and flowing therfrom.

So we cfl:c«m holding of Chapiters in papiflicall manner, either in Cathedrall kirks, Abbeyes, Colledges, or other convcntuall pla- ces, ufurping the name and authority of the kirk , to hurt the patri- mony thereof, or ufe any other Aft to the prejudice of the faaie, fincc iht ycarc of our Lord 1 5 6o yeares,to be abufc and corruption, coQ£r4ry co the liberty of the true kirk ^ ind lawcs of the Realme ;

and

the feccndBeekj^fDifcipUne. g 5

ind (hcf efore ought to be annulled, reduced, and in times comming utterly dilchargcA

Thedcpendancesalfo of the Papifticall jurlfdiftionaretobea- bolifliedj ofthe which fo^c is mingled juri/diftionoftheConimifi firs,, in Co farrc as they meddle with Eccle&afticall maitcrsjand have no Commiffion of the kkke thereto, but were elcfted in time of our Sovcraignes mother, when things were out of order. It is an abfurd ishing, thit (nndry of them having no funftion of the kirk, (houJd be Judges to Minifters, and dcpole themfrom their roomes. Therefore they either would be difcharged to meddle with Ecclefiafticall mat- ters, or it would be limited to themin what matters chcy might be Judges, and not hurt the liberty of the kirk.

They alfo that before were of the Ecclefiaftique eftateinthe Popes kirk, or that are admitted of new to the Papifticall titles, 'and now are tolleratc by the lawcs of the Realmeto poflcfle the two- part of their Ecclefiafticall rents, ought not have any furcher liber- ty , but to intromet with the portion adigned and granted to them for their l!fc-ti mes ; and not under the abufed titles which they had to difpon the kirk- rents, let tackcs and fewesihereofat their plea- fure, to the great hurt of the kirk, and poore labourers that dwell upon the kirk-Ian is, contrary to all good confcience and order.

Chap. xii. Cerfah jpeciall heads of Refarmation y tfbkhvpecrarre.

WHat(()ever hath been fpokcn o^the offices of the kirk, th« (everall power of the ofhce-bearerstheir con junft pow- er a!(b, andlaft of the patrimrny.ofthekirk, we undcr- ftand it to be the right Reformation which God craves atoarhands, that the kirk be ordered according thereto, as with that order which is moft agreeabk to the Word.

But becaufe fomothihg would be couched in particular , concern- ningthecftaceoftheCountrey, and that which we principally (eek to be reformed in the fame , we have collected them in thefe head3 following.

Seeing the ^\hole Countrcy is divided in ProvinceSjand thir Pro- vinces againeare divided in Parifhes , as well in land-ward , as in TowneS'jin every Parifh and reafbn able Congregation there would be placed oncormocPaftors to feed the flotk, and noPaftor or • Mi-

95 The^econdBool^ of Discipline.

Miniftcr alwayes to be burdened wich chc particiJar charge offfloe kirks or flocks then one alancrly.

And becaufeic will be thought hard to finde out Paftors or Mi- niftcrs to all the paroch kirks of the Realm , as well in Landward , as in Towns, we think by the advice of fuch as comraifTion may be given to by the kirk and Prince, Pariflies in landward or fmall Villages I may be joy ncd two or three or more , in fbme places to- gether,and the prihcipall and moft commodious kirks to ftand , and be repaired fufficiently, and qualified Minitters placed thereat ; and the other kirks, which are not found neccflary , may bcfuflfercd CO decay , their kirk-yards alwayes being kept for buriall placet, and in fome places where jneed requires, a Parifti, where the Congregation is over great for one kirk , may be divided in cwa or moc.

Doftors would be appointed in CIniverfities, Colledgcs, and In other places needfull, and fiifliciently provided for , to open up the meaning of the Scriptures , and to have the charge of Schoolcs, and teach the rudiments of Religion,

As for Elders, there would be (bmc to be ccnfurers of the man- ners of the people , one or moe in every Congregation , but not an Affembly of Elders in every particular kirk , but onely in Towns, and famous places , where relbrt of men of judgement and ability to ihateffcft may be had, where the Elders of the particu- lar kirks about may convene together, and have a common EI- der(faip , and aflembly-place among them , to treat of all things that concerns the Congregations of which they have the over- fight.

Andasthereoughttobemen appointed to unite and divide the Pariflies , as neceflity and commodity requires : So would there be appointed by the gencrall kirk , with affent of the Prince , fuch men as feare God , and know the eftatc of the Countries , that were able to nominate and defigne the places, where the particular EI- dcr(hips^ftiouM convene, taking conlidcration of the Dioceflc, as they were divided of old, and oftheeftate of the Countries, and provinces of the Realm.

Likewise concerning Provinciall and Synodall Aflcmblies con* ^deration were cafie to bg taken : How many and in what places they were to beholden, and how oft ihcyfliould convene, ought to be referred to the liberty of the gcoerall kirk, and order to be ap- pointed thcrejp,

Tb«

Tht fecond Bode ofDifcifUnel py

The Nationall A/Temblies of this Countrey, called commonly the Generall AfTembh'es , ought alwayes to be reteined in their own liberty, and have their ownc place.

With power to the kirk to appoint times and phcc^ convenient for the lame,and all nien,as well Magilirates , as inferioiu's to be fubjec^l: to the judgement of the fame in EcdtC\2Li\icdL\[ caufes^ without any reclamation or appellation to any Judge , Civiii or Eccle/iafticall within the Realm.

The liberty oftheeledlion of perfons called to the Ecclefiafti- call fun6^ion , and obierved without interruption , To long a? the kirk was not corrupted by Antichrill, we defire to be rellored and retained within this Realm.

So that none be intrufed upon any Congregation,either by the Prince,or any inferiour perfonjwithout lavvfull ele^lion, and the aflent of the people over whom the peribn is placed,as the pradife of the Apoftolicall and Primitive Kirk,and oood order craves.

And becaufe this order,which Gods word craves, cannot ftand with patronages and prefentation to benefices ufed in the Popes kirk, we defire all them, that truely feare God,earneftly to confi- der,that for as much as the names of patronages and benefices^to- gether with the efFe(5l thereof, have flowed from the Pope, and corruption of the Canon law onely , in fo farre as thereby any pertbn was intrufed or placed over Kirkes having Curam am^ marum.

And for as much as that manner of proceeding hath no ground in the word of God,but is contrary to the iame,and to the faid li- berty of ElciSlion, they ought not now to have place in this light of Reformation. And therefore , whofoever will embrace Gods worJ,and defirethe kin^dome of his Son Chrirt Jeltjs to be ad- vanced, they will alfo embrace, and receive that policie and order which the word of God , and upright eftateof his Kirk craves, otherwife it is in vaine that they aave profeft the fame.

Notwithftanding as concerning other patronages of benefices that have not curam animarnmyds they fpeak : fuch as arc chaplen* rics, prebendaries founded upon temporall lands,annuel$,ana fiicft like, may be referved unto the ancient Patrones,to difpone here- upon,when they vaike,co fchollers and burfers,as they are required by a<a of Parliament.

As for the Kir k rents m general! we defire that order be admit- ted and maincained amonsil us,that may ftand with the fincerity

P of

ij J The fimd Booke ofDifcifUne.

of Gods word, andpradi-ifeofthepurity of the Kirk of Chrifl:

To vvit,that»as was before fpoken,the whole rent and patrimony of the Kirk , excepting the ihiall patronages before mentioned, may be divided in foure portions:one thereof to be aiTigned to the Paftor for his entertainment, and horpitality;an other to the EI- dersjDeacon? and other officers of the Kirk, fuch as clerks of Af- fembiics, takers up of the Pfalmcs , Beadels and keepers of the Kirk, fo far as is neceflary : Joyning with them alfo the Doc'^ors, and SchooIcs,to help the ancient foundations where need req::ires: the third portion to be bettowed upon the poore members of the faithfull , and hofpiralls : the fourth for reparation of the Kirks, and other extraordinary charges as are pi of table for the Kirk, and alfo for the common-wealth, if need require.

We defire therefore the EccIefialHcall goods to be uplifted and diiiributed- faithfully to whom they appertaine , and that by ihc minirterie of the Deacons, to whofe office properly thecolle^lion and diiUibution thereof belongs,that the poore may be anfwered of their portion thereof, and they of the Mini(iery live withouc care and folicitude : as alfo the reft of the treafijry of the Kirk may be referved, and bellowed to their right ufes.

If thefe Deacons be eleded with fuch qualities as Gods word craves to be inthem,there is no feare.that they fhall abufe thcm- lelvc&in their office, as rhe profane Colle^"^or did of before.

Yet becaufe this vocation appeares to many to be dangerous, let them be oblifhed, as they vvere of old, to a yeare/y count to tiie Payors and Elderrhip;and if the Kirk and Prince think expe- dient,Iet cautioners be obliQied for ilieir fidelity, that tlie Kirk rents on na wayes be dilapidate

And to the cfficvf^ this order may take ptace,it is to be provided that all other intrometters with the Kirk rent,Co]le(5lors general! or fpeclall,whether it be by appointment of the Prince,or other- waies,may be denuded of further intromilTion therewith >and fuf- ferthe Kirk rents in time comming to be whollv intromctted with by the miniftric of the Deacons , and dWribute to the ufe before mentioned.

Aivj alfo, to the etfeifl that the Ecclcliafticall rentsmay fuffice :o thcic ufesforthe which they are to be appointed , Wee thinl^c i^ neceflary co be dcHred ,;hat all alienations , fctting of fcwcs , or lacks of i he rents of the Kirk, as well lands as tiends, in hurt and diminution of the old rentallsjbe reduced and an-

nulled^

The fecoftd BooU cfDlfcipJine. 9p

nulled, and the patrimony of the of Kirk reftored to the former old liberty.

Andlikewife^that in times comming thetiendsbe fet tonane, but to the labourers of the ground , or eJfe not (^t at all,as was a- greed upon, and liibicribed by the Nobility of before.

CHAP. 15.

The utilitie that Jh.ili flow from this reformation to all Efiates.

SEeing the end of this fpiritualJ government andpoJicie where- of we fpeak,i5,that God may be glorified,the kingdome ofje- fusChrift advanced,andaIlwhoare ofhis myfticall body may live peaceable in confcience;Therfore we dare boldly affirme,thac all thefe who have -true refped to thefe end5, will even for con- fciencecaufe gladly agree and conformethemlelves to thisorder, and advance the fame, fo farre as lyeth in tfiem,thar their coaici- cnce being fet at reft,they may be replenifhed with fpirkual glad- neffe in giving full obedience to that which Gods word, and the tedimony of their owneconfcience doth crave, and reftifing all corruption contrary to the fame.

Next wee fliall become an example and paterneofgoodanj godly order to other nations, countries, and Kirks pro felling the Sme Religion with us,that as they have glorified God in our con- tinuing in the fincerity of the word hitherto, without any errour?, praile be to his name : fo they may have the like occafion in one converfation , when as we conforme our i'^U^i to that difcipline, policie, and good order, which the lame word,and purity of rt'- formation craveth at our hands: Orherwife that fearfuil fentence may be juftly faid to us^ Th fervant knomngthe will of his Maftery and not doing it, &c.

Moreover,if we have any piety or refpe^f^ tothepoore mem- bers ofjefus Chrilt,who fo greatly increafe and multiply amcngll: us, we will not liiffer them to be longer defrauded of that part of the patrimony of the Kirjc,which jufUy belong*: nnto tht^mjaud by this order, if it be duly put to execution , the bnidon of thv ni fliall bee taken off us to our great comfort , the ilre:rs (liali be cleanfed of the cryings and murmu rings of them, as wc \\r^\i no more be any fcandall to other Nations,as we have hirhcrcolx.\:n, for not taking order with the poorc amongfl u.^ andcauhng tlie word which weprofefTe to be eviM Spoken of, giving occar"on of

Pa ilander

100 7hcfecond Book ofDlfcifUne.

{lander to the enemies, and ofFending the confciences of the fimple and godly.

Befides this^it fliail be a great eafe and commodity to the whole common people, in relieving them of the building and upholding their Kirks, in bigging of bri^ges.and other like publick workes : to the labourers of the ground in payment o^ their tiends , and fliortly in all thefe things, whereinto they have been hitherto ri-^ goroufly handled by them that were falfly called Kirk-men, their rackf-men, fad^ours, chalmerlanes and extortioners.

Finally, to the Kings Majellie, and common-wealth of the countrey this profit fliall redound. That the other affaires of the Kirk being fufficiently provided^ according to the dirtribution, of the which hath been ipoken ; the iuperplus being colle6led in the treafiirie of the Kirk may be profitably imployed, and liberally beftowed upon the extraordinary fupport of the affaires of the Prince and Common- wealth, and fpecially of that part which is appointed for reparation of Kirks.

So to concludcall being willing to apply themfelves to this or- der,the people iuffering themfe/vcs to be ruled according thereto: the Princes and Magif^rates not being exemed , and thefe that are placed in the Ecclefiaftieall ef^ate rightly ruling and gover- ning , God Hiall be glorified, the Kirk edified , and the bounds thereof inlarged, Chrirt Jcfus and his Kingdome fet up, Satan and his Kingdome fubverted,andGod fliall dwell in themidfl ofus,to our comfort, through Jelus Chrifl, who together with the Fa- ther and the Holy Ghofl, abides bleffed In alJ eternity, jimcn. ^

FINIS.

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