asscribe or take upon them any part thereof in placing or displacing Ministers of Gods word in spirituall livings or offices without the Churches admission or in stopping the mouths of preachers or taking upon them the judgement and tryall of doctrin or of hindering or dis-annulling the censures of the Church or exeeming any offender there from 2. That the Presbyteries consisting of Pastors or Teachers and such as are commonly called Elders according to Gods word and now according to his Ma s direction appointed in diverse parts of this realm for disciplin and keeping order in ecclesiasticall affaires Be approved established by authority and paines prescribed against them that stubbornly oppose themselves 3. That the Synodall assemblies consisting of sundry Presbyteries and Nationall consisting of the wholl be approved and by vertue Act of Counsell presently and of Parliament hereafter have power to conveen so oft as occasion shall require to advise treat conclude and make ordinances in such things as concern the well of the Church and their charge in doctrin and disciplin with liberty to appoint times places for that effect 4. That Presbyteries and such as they will direct of their own number have the same power in designing manses gliebs and repairing of Churches as Bishops or Commissioners had before 5. That every Church have their severall Pastor to be sustained on the tyths of the parish where he serves and to that end the manses of churches that are annexed to great Benefices or prelacies be dissolved pensions given out of the tiths and tacks of the same set by the Collectors or possessors may be revoked c. Likewise a Supplication unto the King and Counsell was read for redress of many enormities 1. That the slanderous proclamation at Perth July 12. and published in all townes and parish-churches and to the perpetuall infamy of Gods servants is printed may be perused and diligently considered and triall be made whither any Minister be culpable of such odious crimes and if they be culpable that they be punished with all rigor of law And otherwise that the givers out of so blasphemous reports and devisers and diters of that infamous libell be punished accordingly And that by Act of Counsell and open proclamation the Ministry be declared innocent of such wicked and hainous crimes 2. That the unaccustomed violence used against Jo. Howeson drawing him out of the seat of the presbytery ...... And against David Weemes Minister be so punished that none be bold to attempt the like hereafter 3. That Colin Campbell Archbald and Wi. Heggets burgesses of Glasgow with their complices be punished according to justice for the uproar made by them against the Students and shedding their blood 4. that the proclamation lately made for the liberty of the Assemblies may be enlarged and more plainly cleared 5. That your Lp s will give his Majesty to understand how wicked instruments they are who persuaded his Gr. to allow and take upon himself all the mischiefs and ungodly proceedings whereby his Gr. and the Church Country were brought into such misery and danger 6. That all Acts of Counsell made against Presbyteries assemblies charging them to desist from proceeding in discipline and ecclesiasticall censures against scandalous persons be annulled and deleted and the Act made against J. Dury 7. That his Majesty and Lords will weigh what great inconvenients and absurdities fall out upon the Act of Counsell made concerning the absolute power and for removing them to delete that Act never to be remembred 8. That his Gr. and Lords provide carefully foresee that by wicked practise of dimission or association of authority the Church the Kings Majesty and country be not hurt and that the same be stayd in time 9. That the stipend appointed unto the Minister of Sterlin and now wickedly purchased by Ro. Mongomery to his young son be restored for sustentation of a qualified man to teach that flock which by his ungodly dealing and apostasy hath been destitute so long time 9. That it would please your Majesty and Lords to have compassion upon that Noble and godly man James Hamilton Earle of Arran somtyme a comfortable instrument in Reforming the Church of God and now visited by the hand of God and bereft under pretence of Law 10. That Commissioners be deputed in each part for visiting the Colledges The Assembly gives commission unto nyneteen Ministers with the Ministers of the Kings house to present this Supplication unto the Kâ—ng and the Estates now conveened at Halirud house or unto the Parliament when it shall be holden crave answer c. In the next Session these brethren report that the Lords crave the advice of the Church who should sit in their names to vote in Counsell and Parliament seing now they are about the taking order for a Counsell consisting of three Estates For better resolution in this particulare it was thought meet to enquire of the Lords what is their meaning in this proposition In the following session answer was returned that the meaning is Whither the Church will consent that some of the Bishops should for the Church be upon the Counsell The assembly resolves they can not agree that any shall vote in name of the Church but they who bear office in the Church and are authorized with commission thereunto Two Ministers are appointed to return this aâ—swer unto the Lords In this Convention of Estates nothing was done in the affaires of the Church they were all for securing themselves XX. On January 28. year 1583. the King withdrew himselfe from the 1583. Another change of Court Nobility that had separated the Duke and Arran from him and he went unto the Castle of Santandrews untill he sent for other Noble men to be of his Counsell and the entituled Earle of Arran was let out of Duplin and came unto the King whereupon in the end of that year followed great alteration The Generall assembly conveenes at Edinb April 24. Tho. The 45. Assembly Smeton is chosen Moderator I. Three Ministers were sent unto the King to humbly desire Commissioners for assisting the assembly in treating and concluding c. And seing his Majesty had sent Ambassadors into England that he would be pleased to endeavoure an union be made betwixt the two Kingdoms and other Christian Princes and Nations professing the true religion against the persecution of Papists and them that are confederat in that bloody League of Trent and also that her Majesty would disburden their Brethren of England from the yoke of ceremonies imposed upon them against the liberty contained in Gods word Likewise in Sess 5. others were ordained to supplicate his Majesty earnestly that the French Ambassador may be sent away because his travell is suspected to tend against religion and the Commonwell That a Jesuit Holt may be tryed and according to his offense punished That the Lord Seton's son may be accused for his Letters unto Jesuits That a brother of
when they shall arrive As appeares their intention is by their preparation force and armour and leagues of friendship which they are dayly binding up 2. Many Jesuites and excommunicat Papists are keept within the Country detaining such as they have perverted in their errors and seducing others into the same corruption and holding them in hope of the Papist Lords with assistance of strangers such are Robert Abercromy Alex. Macquhirry the Abbot of New-abbay John Gordon of Newton Pat. Con Alexander Lesly of Piell young Bonitoun Alexander Ramsay and many others 3. In many places people are altogether ignorant of their salvation and that for want of Pastors and maintenance nor know they their duty unto God or their King and so the Land is overflowed with atheism and all kind of vice There be 400 Paris-churches destitute of the Ministry of the word besids the Churches of Argile and the Isles 4. It is universally lamented by his Majesties subjects that by delaying perverting and eluding of justice murders oppression incests adulteries and all kind of hainous crimes abound 5. It is heavily lamented that the Ministers who have obtained some small provision by assignation in An. 1595. are frustrated by the Lords of Session refusing to decide the suspensions according to the Act of February 1587 year The overtures for remedy were adioyned as they are related before in Sess 5. IX In Sess 10. John Preston and Edward Bruce Commendator of Kinloss Commissioners from his Ma. do give-in these articles or instructions 1. Yee shall shew unto the Assembly our good will to have al the Churches of Scotland planted with Ministers and sufficient livings to the great hurt of our own revenue and that portion of the thirds which was assigned to our house and our Counptrollars in possession thereof but finding that all the thirds is not sufficient to plant all the Churches nor is it commodious for Ministers to serve in one place and have their livings in another far distant from their cure Therefore we have thought good to set forward an order for locall stipends founded on this ground that all the churches of Scotland shall have Ministers and all Ministers shall have stipends within their own parishon of such value as by our authority on the one part and by concurrance and procurement of the Church on the other may be obtained from the tacks-men of tyths and present possessors of them for which effect wee have caused an Act of Parliament to be made in the year 1592. granting Commission to certain Noble men Counsellers Officers and Ministers on the one and other parts To treat of and prosecute this matter and also have given command particularly to certain of our Lords of Checker to help by their advice and labors to bring this matter unto some perfection wherein as wee understand some thing is done as part of the brethren can testify As wee continuing in our good mind to have in our time the Church setled with livings and not entangled yearly with process and to have all our churches planted within the realm By these presents offer and promitt unto the Assembly to cause our Commissioners Counsellers and Officers to conveen presently before the expiring of this Assembly with the saids Commissioners from the Church to begin this good purpose and to lay the ground and to set down the order time and place of conveening to prosecute the same unto the end conform to the Act of Parliament So that if any stay shall bee it shall be on the Church's part as oft before and not on our part 2. Yee shall shew them that it is a stay of this good work that by some of their preachings the people are made to understand that wee and our Counsell would stay the planting of churches and take away the livings possessed by Ministers albeit the contrary is true that wee and our Counsell are most willing that the churches be wholly planted and the provision of Ministers be augmented so far as lawfully may be obtained with consent of our Nobility and other tacks-men of tyths whose rights without order of law wee can not empare and therefore this form of preaching discourageth our good Counsellers most willing of the work and is an heavy slander upon the Ministers wherein yee shall crave order be taken and the like be not done in time coming 3. Yee shall desire those your instructioes in our name to be registred in the books of the Assembly as a perpetuall testimony of our good will and also that answers be given particularly by a generall vote of the wholl Ass and no way to be referred to a privat Conference and the answers so voted to each particulare head to be registred in like manner and the extract of all these articles and the answers to be delivered unto you and to be reported unto us Sic subscribitur James R. In Sess 13. with the above named overtures these petitions were sent unto the King 1. That his Maj. would prosecute his good purpose and intention declared concerning the planting of all the churches with qualified Ministers and sufficient provisions for their entertainment And for that effect that he would give commission to the Visitors named by the Asseâ—bly to take inquisition of all churches within the boundes of their visitation and to deal in his Majesties name with the tacks-men possessors of the tiths for sufficient provision unto the Ministers out of the every parish and to report their diligence unto his Majesties Commissioners appointed for the work of the Plat and to provide for the charges of the Visitors in that journy 2. That his Majesty would be pleased to take order substantiously by advice of his Counsell and Estates how the Principall Judgement-seats and other inferior Judicatories may be purged of unqualified and corrupt persons and filled with others meet to discharge that Calling faithfully for the comfort of his Majesties peaceable and well disposed subjects 3. That his Majesty would command and ordain the Lords of Session to administrat justice unto the Ministers who have obtained a small augmentation of their stipends or new provision by the Modefiers in the year 1595. and according to the Act of Febru in the year 1587. as they are bound by their solem oath and promise Seing the extraordinary dearth urgeth them with so great necessity that unless his Maj. have consideration of their estate they and their families are driven to extream poverty and want X. Articles propounded by the Commissioners of the constant Plat to be advised by the Assembly and passed in Acts 1. It is thought requisit that the Assembly would ordain that the Moderators of each Presbytery should give presentations jure devoluto of all Benefices of cure belonging to Laick patrons that have not presented qualified persons within sixe months after the decease of the last possessor and also of these Benefices which heerafter shall vaik if these patrons neglect to present within sixe months Under the pain
the presbytery alledging that they had not power to take away any action from them which was in process and not decided They made also a Visitation of the Colledges and made new canones concerning the election of the Rector and his continuance to be but for a year and the exemption Anotheâ— step was the vote in Perliament of all the Masters from the Church Session Concerning the next stepp unto Prelacy which was the vote in Parliament The Historicall Narration saith At the Parliament in December 1597. the workmen for Episcopacy the commissioners of the Assembly presented a petition in name of the church that Ministers may have vote in Parliament They had not commission to petition it either for the Church in generall or for Ministers in particulare It is true it was an old complaint of the Generall assemblies that others who had the Benefices of the Prelacies did vote in Parliament in name of the Church and therefore they petitioned that none do vote in name of the Church but they who shall have commission from the Church if there were any necessity that some must vote in name of the Church but that Ministers in particulaâ—e should vote in Parliament was not petitioned The Assembly in October 1581. being required by the King to give some Overture how he shall not be prejudged seing they have damned the office of Bishops whereunto is annexed a temporall jurisdiction by whom the Prince was served by voting in Parliament assisting in Counsell contributing in taxations and the like Thretty Barons and Commissioners from Burrous and Ministers were appointed to consult apart upon it After consultation they returned to the Assembly with this Overture that for voting in Parliament and assisting in Counsell commissioners from the Generall assembly shall supply the place of Prelates as for exercing criminall and Civill jurisdiction the head Bailives may exerce it The Assembly allowed the Overture but did not determin to send commissioners for that effect When the same question was propounded by the Convention of Estates in Octob. 1582. answer was returned from the assembly that they would not consent any should vote but they who bear office in the Church and were authorized with commission from the Church but they did not determin whither Min. or Barons or Burgesses who were Elders The Assembly in May 1592. enjoined every brother to consider whither Minister may vote in Parliament in place of the old Prelates but no conclusion was resolved-upon So the Assemblies were never earnest for vote in Parliament but complained that the Lords which had the abbacies priories and Bishopricks voted in name of the Church by whom the Church was damnified in sufficient maintenance for the Service of God or answered to the King complaining for the want of the third Estate But the ground is not right that of necessity the Church must be an Estate of Parliament for by the Church is meaned either the Ministry only according to the Popish sense taking the Clergy only for the Church Ot the Ministry together with the commonality of Professors which is the right acceptation of the word Ministers may not lawfully sit as members in Parliament because the Parliament is a Civile Court or great Counsell conveened for making Lawes concerning rights of inheritances weights and measures forfeitures losse of limbs or life and the like whereof Ministers should not make lawes seing they are set apart to preach the gospell c And howbeit Church-affaires or matters of religion be somtime treated in Parliament yet it is a Civile assembly and their proceeding or sanction of such lawes is Civile If yee will comprehend all the pâ—ofessors or members of the Church under the name of the Church then all the subjects within the kingdom shall make but the third Estate or the wholl Country is but a part of the Parliament Moreover the subjects being considered materially they are the same persons both in the Church and Commonwealth but considered with diverse respects they are distinguished formally as citizens of the Kingdom their body is represented in Parliament as members of the Church they should medle only with things spirituall in their Judicatories and Councells The truth is None voteth in Parliament in name of the Church or as ecclesiasticall persons but only as Barons or in respect of the Baronies annexed to the Bishoprick abbacy or priory So that if prelates were not Barons the Church would have no vote I grant Ministers may be present at Parliaments but with the book of God in their hands if they be required in any doubt nor should the Estates make any Act eoncerning religion without the advice and consent of her representative Body but Ministers should not be members of that Court nor none other in name of the Church The Noble men who possessed the great How it was carried Benefices and so many others as they could move to assist them opposed this vote but by the Kings earnest dealing with sundries it was granted that so many as his Majesty shall provide to the office place title dignity of Bishop abbot or other prelate shall at all times have vote in parliament It was thought no honest man in the Ministry would accept these titles dignities and the Estates were the more liberall in their grant The consideration of the office was remitted to the consultation agreement of the King generall assembly but expressely without prejudice of the Jurisdiction disciplin of the Church in Generall or Provinciall assemblies presbyteries Sessions But what office of Bishop abbot or prior should be and not prejudiciall to the disciplin of the Church is hard to determin The Commissioners as if they had procured a great benefite to the Church sent their Missives to the presbyteries to inform them with what difficulty they had obtained this and what danger was in delay and therefore had anticipate the time of the Assembly and with the Kings consent had appointed it to be holden the seventh of March. Under fair pretenses the diets appointed by ordinary assemblies were altered and either anticipated to surprize men or prorogated till they had prepared persons or dressed purposes till at last the whole liberty of appointing any diet at all was reft out of their hands In the Missives they inform lykewise what order was taken for the Plat and provision of stipends to make the other point the more acceptable XXXVI Nevertheless the judicious and sinceerer sort of the Ministry 1598. discover the Mystery of iniquity lurking in this pretended benefite of ministers-Ministers-vote in Parliament at the Synode especially of Lothian and Fife about the end of February In the Synod of Fife David Ferguson the antientest Minister of Scotland had a discourse of the travell and paines taken by the Ministry to purge this Church from the corrupt estate of Bishops But now sayd he I perceive a purpose to erect it again I can compare the manner of bringing it in to
voter in Parliament shall give account Annuatim and lay down his office at the feet of the Assembly to be continued or altered as c. They communicate this device unto the King who set down the conclusion so and so it was written The Bb. did never attempt to annuall these cautions and so these being established by the Assembly with consent of the King were the grounds of deposing and excommunicating the Bb. in the Astembly in the year 1638. Then The historicall Narration sets down some pranks as he speaks of the Commissioners 1. The Ministers of Edinburgh were charged August 12. by the King and Counsell to depart out of the town all excep the two young men that entred last and discharged to preach within the Kings dominions because they would not professe unto the people that they were persuaded the Earle of Goury and his brother would have killed the King in Perth on the fifth day of August and persuade the people to believe it They profered to thank God for the Kings delivery out of danger to rehearse faithfully unto the people the history as his Majesty had delivered it and to speak nothing in the contrary But that was not accepted Not long after their places were declared vaking by the Commissioners of the Generall assembly September 5. they were charged to compear before the king and Counsell in Sterlin to hear further punishments decerned against them William Watson John Hall Walter Balcanquall and James balfour professed that they were resolved and were appointed to declair their resolution in other churches as was designed unto them and to confesse their error and incredulity Robert Rolock was departed this life in the year preceeding The Court said These were sent to make their repentance Robert Bruce professed that he was not yet resolved and craved time to try search He is ordained to depart out of the Country not to teturn into Scotland nor England without his Majesties licence and to remain in Airth untill he departe 2. The king with advice of the Commissioners of the Generall assembly calleth a meeting of two out of every Synod to be holden at Edinburgh in October to take order with the churches of Edinburgh and to consult with the Commissioners upon such things as were to be propounded unto the ensuing Parliament At this meeting the King was earnest to have others planted in the Ministers roomes of Edinburgh albeit they had declared their resolution as they were enâ—oined excep John Hall whom said the king I will take in my own hand It was answered That could not be done unless they were deposed by the Church or cutt off by some Civill Judicatory The king was so earnest that they said they would try the Ministers own minds whither they be content with transportation rather than suffer their churches to be destitute William Scot James Melvin and John Carmichell were directed to deal with them When these were gone unto the Ministers the king and commissioners propounded to name three to vote at the Parliament which is to be holden in November and obtained it to wit Peter Blackburn David Lindsay and Goerge Gladstanes were named without regard of the order and cautions concluded in the late Assembly The three that weresent forth knew nothing of the matter till the meeting was dissolved nor were the Churches of Edinb provided before the next Generall assembly 3. In the Parliament where Goury was forfeited these three which were named before did vote David Lindsay as Bishop of Ross Pater Blackburn as Bishop of Aberdien George Glaidstanes as Bishop of Caitnes In the Synod of Fife at Santand in February An. 1601. George Glaidstanes was accused and confessed that he had sitten in the Parliament and had answered as Bishop of Caitnes when he was called but said he it was against my heart nor would they name mee otherwise Such were the slight shifts they had when they were found guilty of any breach Da. Lindsay was rebuked in the Synod of Lothian in Aprile So soon were the cautions or Caveats contemned I have written of these Assemblies particularly the rather that they have never been in Print before And many either of malice or ignorance and some of both have published much venom against them And now I conceive that some may think Seing these Assemblies were confirmed by authority of the King and Parliament how left they off therefore I adioyn a continuation of them unto their End A Continuation of the History of SCOTLAND'S ASSEMBLIES I. THE Commissioners of the Assembly had a meeting with 1601. some other Ministers at Bruntelan in March year 1601 there they agreed to entreat the King for restoring the Ministers of Edinburgh unto their places and for a free Nationall assembly to determin all matters then in controversy The Commissioners promised to deal earnestly in both But how did they perform their promise saith the Author of the historicall Narration Concerning the first some of them said unto the King Sir They are out now blame not us but your self if ever they offend you again And in the other point an assembly was called but no controversy was handled At that time John Hamilton and Edmund hay two Jesuits came into the countrey the King understanding that they were factious and busy men sent forth a proclamation inhibiting them to remain under pain of treason and declaring that he would no otherwise judge of such who shall receive them but as the pursuers of his own life Nevertheless they were keept in the North parts untill after some years John Hamilton was apprehended and sent to the Tower of London where he died By the Kings proclamation the Assembly conveens at Bruntelan May 12. there the King was present and Commissioners John Hall is chosen Moderator I. A generall The 63. Assembly complaint was of the want of purity zeal and practise of the true Religion in all Estates which must end in papistry or atheism within a short space in the just judgement of God unless substantious remedies be provided in due time Nor can this malady be sufficiently cured unless the originall causes and speciall occasions thereof be riped up The Brethren were exhorted The causes of dection to think upon this weighty matter and the meeting is adjournied for two dayes Then the causes of this defection were judged to be 1. The just wrath of God for the unreverent estimation of the Gospell and for the sins of all Estates in dishonoring their profession 2. Want of diligence on the part of Ministers in discovering them who make apostasy into Papistry and negligence in executing the lawes and disciplin against them who are discovered 3. Want of Pastors at unplanted churches and displanting of churches by diminution of the thirds 4. Neglecting of towns and churches that are of greatest inportance to the interest of Religion or not planting them with qualified Pastors such as the Kings house the Prince's house the houses of
admission vow single life He sent unto Paul Bishop of Constantinople exhorting him to forsake his errour but Paul was so far from regarding his Ambassage that he abused his Messengers and sent them into sundry Islands Wherefore the Pope assembled a Synod at Rome of 150. Bishops and reneweth the damnation of Syrus Bishop of Alexandria of Sergius and Pirrhus Bishops of Constantinople and he accurseth Paul Platina makes no mention that he did Excommunicate the Emperour Certain it is that the Emperour commandeth his Eparch Olympius either to kill Martin or if he could send him to Constantinople because he had conspired against the Emperour as appears in his own Epistle written to Theodorus the former Eparch Olympius sent a servant to kill him in St. Maries Church Platina saith the servant was miraculously stricken with blindness The Emperour restored Theodorus and gave him the same Commission he was received by the Romans very graciously because he had foughten against the Lombards Then professing to visit the Pope at the first meeting causeth him to be bound and sent him to Constantinople where he had his tongue cut out and was sent to Chersonesus and died in great necessity After he had sate 7. years his See was vacant 14. moneths because they had not had intelligence of his death 12. EUGENIUS I. receiveth Letters from Peter Bishop of Constantinople The Pope is censured coming nearer the truth than his Predecessour Paul yet because he did not express the two natures and wills in Christ the Clergy of Rome did inhibit Nota the Pope to say Mass until he abjured those Letters of Peter Platin. He commanded that Bishops should have Prisons for malefactors Bishops have prison-Prison-houses and so they began to meddle with civil punishment Catal. test ver lib. 7. He ordained that Monks should not come out of their Cloisters without express licence from their Superiour He sate 2. years and 9. months 13. VITALIAN ordained a new order in the Church especially of Musical instruments singing and for the better harmony he brought in the Organs Platin. That new order of singing must be understood of some new sort of musick for Psalms were sung in the Church before and Bellarmin de bon oper lib. 1. cap. 7. saith Organs were not heard in the Church before the year 820. and Thomas Aqui. 2. 2. qu. 91. ar 2. saith in the Old-Testament was use of musical instruments because people were rude and carnal and therefore had need to be stirred up by these instruments as they were by earthly promises as also they did prefigure something And in object 4. of the same article he saith The Church suffers not musical instruments as Cythars and Psalteries in the praising of God lest they seem to Judaize Whence it appears as Card. Cajetan hath observed in that place that Organs were not in the Church in the daies of Thomas Aqu. In the year 666. he ordained that all service in the The number 666. Churches every where should be done in the Latine language and so the number of the Beast agreeth to his time and language that he commandeth But hence it appears that at that time the Nations had used their vulgar languages in the Churches and this Pope began to restrain them Pope Martine had ordained that Priests should not marry and now Vitalian reproves Priests for their marriage as appears by his Epistle to the Bishop of Creta wherein he findeth fault that the Bishops of that Island had wives He commanded shaving and anointing and under these signs he gave liberty of buying and selling Catal. test ver lib. 7. Three things at that time were Three wonders called wonders Monasteries with fair buildings Kings become Monks and whoredom of Priests was thought no fault He sate 14. years 14. ADEODAT followed him Now a wondrous Comet was seen the space of three months and also were extraordinary thunderings and inundations Wherefore the Pope made frequent prayers that God would avert the Prayers without repentance are idle evils which those prodigies seemed to pretend but repentance and abolishing of idolatry was not conjoined with their prayers so follows great dearth of corn an the Sarazens entred into Sicily He sate 2. years 15. DONUS or Domnio sate 5. years Theodore Bishop of Ravenna submits his See unto him To maintain the invocation of Saints the Papists say that at that time the soul of Dagobert King of France was delivered out of the hands of the Divel by Dionisius and Maurice Martyres and Martine the Confessour whom Dagobert had worshipped 16. AGATHO obtained from the Emperour Constantine a discharge Election of the Pope of the mony which the Pope was wont to give unto the Emperour for his confirmation yet so that when the Election should be made he who is chose should not be ordained until a general Decree be made according to the old custom Gratian. dist 63. ca. Agatho Platina saith the sixth general Councel was called by Agatho but the Books of Councels shew expressely Councels were called by Emperours that it was called by the Emperour in the daies of Pope Donus and the Divalis sacra was directed unto Donus requiring him to send worthy and learned men unto the Councel which the Emperour had proclaimed Donus died and the Divalis was delivered unto Agatho who in his Epistle to the Emperor as it is Registred in the 4. Session of the same Councel acknowledged that at his direction and for obedience which he oweth unto him he had called a Synod of 125. Bishops whose names and subscriptions are extant with the Acts of that Synod at Rome for due preparation unto the Councel and in that Epistle he calleth himself often the Emperours servant John Bishop of Portua and John a Deacon of Rome were sent unto the Councel they said the first Latine Mass in the Church of St. Sophia at Constantinople The first Latine Mass in Greece the Emperour being present This one practice made the greater way unto the fore-named Decree of Pope Vitalian in all other places In the Synod at Rome he made the Canon in Gratian. di 19. All the Decrees of the Apostolick See are to be embraced as established by the divine voice of St. Peter When Theodore Bishop of Ravenna died the Clergy could Contention in election of a Bishop not agree in the Election Theodoricus one of the Competitours hastneth to Rome and was confirmed by Pope Agatho the people of Ravenna took it impatiently that their Church which was wont to contend with Rome in dignity was now by the foolishness or madness of Theodoricus become subject to Rome and they took part with Felix that he should be their Bishop and maintain the libertie of their Church The Emperour Justinian gives order to Theodore the Eparch to go with 8. ships to Ravenna and cause Felix to give satisfaction to the Bishop of Rome and if he refused that he should send Felix with the head-men of
have any propriety but they may have the use of utensils of books and other moveables that they shall get lawfully and the Friers may use such things as their General or Provincials shall think good reserving the dominion of the houses and places unto such as is known it belongeth unto neither may they sell their moveables or give them away from their Order unless a Cardinal of the Roman Church who shall be Governor of the Order shall give power and consent unto their General or Provincials Innocentius the IV. declared that the propriety of the Minorites goods belongeth unto the Apostolical See and he gave them power to appoint Procurators who might sell or any way change their goods for their use and to change the Procurators as they thought good And so though they had vowed simple poverty yet they devised ways of possession yea they sought the possessions of other Monks and as Matth. Paris saith ad An. 1235. it was told them It is a shame unto them and scandal unto others to change their rule and profession so soon Their way of purchasing was thus They had liberty to hear confessions as the Dominicans had to preach and they did ask persons of whatsoever quality Hast thou made thy confession If it were answered Yea they said To whom if it were answered To our Priest the Frier said What an idiot is that he never learned Divinity nor hath he read the Decrees nor hath he learned to solve a question those Priests are blinde guides of the blinde come unto us we can distinguish between leprosie and leprosie unto us are the mysteries and secrets of God revealed confess unto us to whom so great priviledges are granted by the Apostolical See Therefore many Nobles and others left their Bishops and Priests and made their confessions unto the Friers and gave them their tithes and offerings as is manifest by the querulous Letters that were collected by Petrus de Vineis Epist lib. 1. And then the Friers began to rear up georgeous buildings for themselves and the Priests were for the most part but contemned and poor Some Popes made Decree in favor of the Friers for the benefit of the Church and some made contrary Decrees for them Honorius the IV. Gregory the IX Alexander the IV. Clemens the IV. and V. against them and for the Curates was especially John the XXII who made himself Pope and others after him In his time some that were called pauperes de paupere vita and Beguini separated themselves from their Order and returned to their Institution Pope John condemned them and their constitution but these were zealous of their first rule even so zealous that at Massiles four of them were condemned by their own Order the Inquisitors and were burnt because they would not consent unto the dispensation that was granted unto them Others in many places of France called these four Martyrs and said If the Pope hath consented unto their death he is an Heretick Such doings and speeches provoked Pope John the XXII first to suspend and then to condemn the Decrees of his Predecessors that had confirmed the Institution of that Order as commanded and practised by Christ Geo. Calixtus in his book De nova arte hath those things at more length ex Nic. Eimer the Author of Directori Inquisitor and Alvar. Pelagius de Planctu Eccles After Pope John were many Bulls both for and against the Friers Then starteth up a new controversie between the Friers and the Priests The Priests said Of Tithes The Tithes being the proper patrimony of the Church should be paid unto them who serve in the Church and not unto idle bellies who have not charge in the Church The Friers move other two questions 1. By what Law should Tithes be paid 2. Unto whom they should be paid For the first they say It was the uniform consent of the Church that God commandeth the payment of Tithes under the Gospel as under the Law So Origen on Numer cap. 18. August de temp Ser. 219 48. and such was the practise in many ages saith Concil Matiscon 2. cap. 5. But at that time the Friers held It was a judicial Law binding the Jews only yet so as it may be continued by Princes and the Church hath enjoyned the payment of the tenth part of the increase neither may any refuse to pay the Tithe and more also if the Church shall enjoyn more as she hath power indeed Tho. Aquin. in Sum. 2. 2. qu. 87. The other question was before without scruple that Tithes should be paid unto Church-men and a division should be of them as of all other Church-goods one unto the Bishop another for the Curate and a third for the fabrick of the Church and the fourth for the poor and strangers But the Friers made a new distinction saying In Tithes two things are to be considered to wit the power of receiving them and the Tithes themselve the power is spiritual and belongeth unto them that serve at the altar for their service but the things called Tithes are corporal and therefore may be given unto Laicks Tho. Aquin. ib. By this distinction the Priests were cheated and afterwards the Tithes were given to Abbeys and Monasteries By the way note that the Frier Thomas calleth the Friers Laicks as they were never reckoned among the Clergy unless they were promoted and received Orders And we may Their subdivisions see how the Franciscans were subdivided as also other Orders into Sects some kept the first Institution and go coursely apparelled living onely by begging and others want not their ease nor abundance they say They have nothing and yet enjoy plenty and they excuse their practise which is contrary unto their profession with a distinction They have riches in common but nothing in propriety This cause why Friers are so many ways subdivided is marked by Bellarmin de Monach. l. 2. c. 2. Every Sect saith he is hot at the beginning and then they become colder then ariseth some one or other who reduceth the Sect to the first Institution with some particular Rite in remembrance of himself and this is called a new Religion Until this day these two Orders kept the Office of Inquisition wheresoever the Pope commandeth Their office saith Francis Pegna in Directo Inquisitor but principally the Fransciscans exercise it How they discharge this Office Agrippa de vanitat scien cap. 96. sheweth saying Whereas their jurisdiction should be grounded upon Theological traditions and holy Scriptures they exercise it according to the Canon-Law and Papal Decrees as if it were impossible the Pope can err and they throw away the holy Scriptures as a dead letter or but a shadow of truth yea and they say as a buckler and fortress of Hereticks neither admit they the ancient traditions of Fathers and Doctors saying Those might be deceived and deceive but the holy Church of Rome cannot err nor the Pope the head thereof and they set before
election Behold what a fire the Pope had kindled if the wisdom of Lewis had not been singularly patient He would not renounce his Imperial Title but he returned to Burgravia where by procurement of the Pope he was poisoned with a drink which the Dutchess of Austria presented unto him An. 1347. and therefore he was called a Martyr Clemens had sent his Bulls unto the Princes of Germany commanding them to accept the before named Charls as their lawful Emperor And he had obtained from Charls that from thenceforth none should be accounted Emperor until he be confirmed by the Pope and to believe otherwise is a pernicious heresie The Princes and other States understanding this thought Charls unworthy of the Diadem and they said Will that Servant of Servants rage always in pride and ambition that he dare with a shameless face more then manifestly surpass the wickedness of the most cruel Tyrants that ever was read of Wherefore after the death of Lewis they assembled to a new election The Bishop of Mentz and three Secular Electors the other Bishops came not chose Edward the III. King of England and Brother in law of Lewis the V. He gave them thanks but refused because he was troubled with wars in France Then they chose Frederick Marquess of Misnia Son in law of Lewis Charls gave him a sum of money that he should not accept Thirdly An. 1350. they chose Gunther Earl of Swarzenburgh they were so resolved not to accept an Emperor from the Pope and he was presently after poisoned by his Physician Findank who also died within three days having at his Master's command tasted first of the same potion Thus were they all made away who withstood the Pope Gunther knowing that he must die and being desirous to leave Germany in peace rendered his Title unto Charls And so after long contention the honor of the Emperor is brought to a meer Title nor could the most puissant Emperors prevail because the people were perswaded that they drew their swords against Heaven if they did resist the Pope as if they had presumed like the ancient Gaints to climb into the skies and pull God from his Throne and the thundering excommunications were judged not so much menaces of death which peradventure might have been avoided or contemned but of damnation which as it is most terrible so it was thought unavoidable 4. CHARLS the IV. was a weak Prince in courage and prudence through ambition he did extreamly weaken and debase the Empire he approved that form of Coronation of the Emperors which is kept in the Vatican and containeth many servile Ceremonies As The Emperor supplieth the office of a Sub-Deacon in ministring unto the Pope and saying Mass and Divine Service being ended he must hold the stirrup while the Pope mounteth on his horse and for a certain space must lead the Pope's horse by the bridle Also he obliged himself that he should stay no longer in Italy then while he were crowned so whereas many Emperors had for some ages displayed their forces to drive the Popes from Rome now the Popes without any forces have removed the Emperors from the Tower of the Empire and made themselves absolute Lords Hence also it appeareth that now the Emperors are but the images of the ancient Emperors and the Popes give spirit unto the image Naucler writeth that Charls entered into Rome on foot in derision whereof a Senator began an Oration before the people in these words Behold thy King cometh unto thee with meekness and lowliness He was crowned by two Cardinals deputed by the Pope and the next day took his journey into Germany At that time Petrarcha wrote many things between derision and disdain in his Epistles partly unto Charls and partly unto others In his second Book De vita solitar sect 4. cap. 2. he saith Caesar hath taken the Crown and is gone into Germany contenting himself with the lurking holes of his Country and the name of Emperor he embraceth the lowest members and forsaketh the head who we thought should have recovered hath lost it ...... I confess his oath bindeth him and he excuseth himself that he hath sworn to abide in Rome but a day Oh infamous day oh shameful covenant oh Heavens behold an oath behold Religion behold godliness the Bishop of Rome hath left Rome so that he will not suffer another to dwell in it c. P. Morn in Myster pag. 472. As Charls came to the Empire by miserable ambition so he may be called the first Emperor which ruined the Revenues thereof for he did first consent that the Viscount of Millain should be the perpetual Vicar of the Empire and the Viscount having once full Authority usurped liberty And to the end he might tie the Princes Electors unto him and his Son after him he promised to give them great sums of money and for payment thereof he gave them discharges of their taxes and tributes of their Lands unto the Empire which covenant being once made they cause the Emperor when he is at first chosen to swear that he shall never revoke So the tributes of many Lands and Towns of Germany which anciently was the Emperor's patrimony is dispersed among the Princes and free Cities Then also was the order of the Electors changed it was appointed that the Bishop of Mentz should ask the votes 1. Of the Bishop of Trevers 2. Of the Bishop of Colein 3. Of the King of Bohemia 4. Of Prince Palatine of Rhine 5. Of the Duke of Saxony 6. Of the Marquess of Brandenburgh And lastly give his own vote But in procession the three Bishops should go foremost and the Bishop of Trevers in the midst and the three Princes should follow them and the Duke of Saxony in the midst then the Emperor and immediately after him the King of Bohemia Bulla Aurea in Fascic rer expetend And they have a third order in serving the Emperor at his table on the solemn days In the year 1359. Charls had a conference at Mentz with the three Electoral Bishops and Pope Innocentius sent thither the Bishop Calvacen for a Subsidty unto his Treasury and gave him power to dispense with the Clergy who had not Canonically purchased Benefices either Curata vel sine cura There was also the Dukes of Saxony and Bavier The Emperor called the Legate and heard his Commission then said Charls Lord Legate the Pope hath sent you into Germany to require a great sum of money but you reform nothing among the Clergy Cuno a Canon of Mentz was standing by with a costly hat or cap and many golden and silken fantasies about it the Emperor said to him Lend me your cap then laying aside his own the Emperor put on the Canon's cap and said unto the Princes Am I not now more like a Soldier then a Clark and so he rendered the cap unto Cuno Then he said unto the Bishop of Mentz Lord Arch-Bishop We command you that with the fidelity wherewith you
his flock But the Pope of Rome was so busie against the Pope of Avenion that neither of them had leasure to attend such matters and Wickliff did return It happened that he became sick and there was little hope of his recovery the Friers sent four of their Order and four elder men unto him and wished him then in the hour of his death to recant his former opinions He desired his friends to set him up and then said with a loud voice I shall not die but live and declare the most wicked facts of Friers they left him with confusion and he did recover and wrote a Treatise against the Order of Friers of which Treatise Doctor James maketh mention in his Book called Wickliff's conformity to the Church of England An. 1382. they assembled a Convocation against him to condemn his Doctrine and Books in the very hour of their first meeting all England was shaken with an earth-quake that all who were assembled thought it expedient to surcease for that time At last he died in peace in Lutterworth where he had been Parson An. 1387. Such a God is the Lord that whom he will keep nothing can hurt John Bale hath a catalogue of his Books in five full pages and Aen. Silvius in Histor Bohem. testifieth that more of his Books were extant than of Augustine The late Papists do impute many errors unto him and so did the Councel of Constance but others have cleared him of those imputations especially the above named Antiquary Doctor James And that the reader may see the falshood of those criminations this is one that he condemned all oaths therein savoring of Anabaptism But by the testimony which I have cited out of The path-way it is clear that he speaketh of customary and false swearing and in that same Chapter he saith that to swear by any is the honor of God alone and therefore it is Idolatry to swear by any Saint or creature and by this one instance it may be judged of others The Councel of Constance ordained to take up his body and burn it and so the English Prelates took up his bones forty and one years after his death to burn them such was their rage against the professors of truth At that time happened a rebellion in Ireland Richard A prank of the Bishops the II. went to suppress it while he was there Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the other Bishops stole away the hearts of his subjects from him because he had hearkened to the doctrine of Wickliff and perswaded them to advance Henry Earl of Derby to the Crown to the end that both they might be rid of such a Soveraign and have a King for ever obliged to authorise their bloody designs against God's people but all their treason and cruelty could not smother the truth It is bitterly enough marked saith Io. Bale Cent. 6. 25. in Appen that the Earl of Salisbury despised confession Many were called Lollards and the Popish Sacraments at his death Sir John Montague threw down all Images within his Lands John Purvey wrote Books in defence of his Master's Lessons he wrote a Commentary on the Revelations where he saith Seven years are past since the Pope of Rome was generally made known to be the Antichrist to wit from the year 1382. Behold how God bringeth light out of darkness I had not written such things against Antichrist and his Prelates if they had not imprisoned me lest I did speak against them There he applieth all the prophesies concerning Antichrist and the Whore unto the Pope and his Court. The Arch-Bishop had imprisoned this Purvey and by cruel torments caused him to recant seven godly Articles at Paul's Cross but when he was at liberty he spoke more boldly and accused the Pope for denying that the Word of God is sufficient to salvation without the Decrees and Decretals He said also Spiritual men write Books against the Pope and these Books are either hid or burnt nor is any man suffered to preach but which are devoted unto the Pope and good men are drawn into prison but said he more Books and more vehement shall be written against the Pope For these and such other things Henry Chichelay Successor to Thomas imprisoned him again An. 1393. Walter Bruite was in question before the Bishop of Hereford and delivered a book yet extant saith Geo. Abbot against Hill in answer to the first reason in the Register of that Diocy wherein he wrote these and many such positions Bread remaineth in the Sacrament after the consecration the Pope is the Antichrist nothing is to be believed as necessary to salvation but what may be confirmed by Scripture the City described in Revel 7. is Rome justification is freely by Christ alone miracles now are no assurance of truth infants dying before baptism are not therefore condemned auricular confession is not prescribed in the Scriptures the Canon Law is ill grounded the numeral letters of DVX CLERI make up the number 66â— worship of Images is Idolatry that men are not rashly to be reputed Saints the Pope hath no power beyond other Saints nor is the head of the Church Papists mistake the keys of binding and loosing the Pope deceiveth men in his pardons absolution is to be sought at the hands of God only Priests use vain prayers in the Mass exorcisms and holy water are unlawful Priests do sin who bargain to sing for the souls of men departed religious men and women are the devourers of widows houses selling of Orders and Dirges is naught the Pope is the Beast with the two horns like the Lamb while he challengeth the double sword temporal goods may be taken from the Clergy offending The same Author loc cit sect 25. saith Yea so far was the Doctrine of Wickliff spread the Pope Gregory XI in the year 1378. did direct his Bull to the University of Oxford against the Doctrine and Articles of that learned man even Rome it self ringing of his opinions in that University neither did his followers die when he died but long after that Pope Gregory the XII did direct another Bull to Oxford in which he useth the same words which his Predecessor had that is that Wickliff did follow the doctrine of Marsilius of Padua and of John of Gandune of unworthy memory Which speech is worth the marking saith Abbot to shew that this man had his predecessors The Copy of this latter Bull is to be seen in a Book which that worthy lover of Antiquities Mr. Hare gave to our University saith he 13. In time of the rebellion against King Richard amongst all the Bishops only Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlile was for him In the Parliament they were not content to depose him but were devising more mischiefs against him Then said Thomas None here present is worthy to pass his sentence on so worthy a King whom they have obeyed as their lawful Prince full twenty two years this is the part of traitors cut-throats
their part These which were called Ambassadours kept up their commission saith the historie of Reforma but Buchanan saith they craved from twelve Lords which were at Edinburgh a day to be appointed for hearing their commission and it was answered unto them They sought not peace but war for what els did so many armed men declare nor could they be so simple as to come into Conâ—erence where they might be forced to accept conditions at the pleasure of their enemies but if peace was their aime they should dismiss their banded companies that so it may appear they yâ—eld unto equity and not forced by the sword and on the other side they would use the like diligence No more was heard of their commission The Regent sent many letters both unto them which were indifferent and to these which were for the Reformation solliciting them severally to come unto her the one sort would not receive her Letters according to their bond and from their meeting they sent the reasons of their refusing and declared their intentions and complained of the violation of the appointment especially in bringing so many Frenches fortifying of Lieth and putting out the Indwellrs Many Declarations and proclamations did passe on both sides untill Octob. 21. when the Noble men and others after warning being frequently conveened in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh the question was propounded Whither she that contemptuously refuseth the most humble requests of the borne Councellers of the realme being also but a Regent whosepretenses threaten the bonâ—age of the whole common wealth ought to be suffered so tyrannically to domineer A Sentense of suspension against the Regent over them After deliberation it was concluded without any contrary vote in this manner At Edinburgh October 21. 1559. The Nobility Barons and Burgesses conveened to advise upon the affaires of the Commonwealth and to aide and support the same perceiving and lamenting the enterprised destruction of their said Common wealth and overthrow of the Liberties of their native Countrie by the means of the Queen Regent and certain strangers her privy Counsellers plain contrary unto our Souverain Lord and Ladies mind and direct against the Counsell of the Nobility to proceed by little and little even to the uttermost ruin So that the urgent necessity of the Commonwealth may no longer suffer delay and earnestly craves our support Seing therefore that the said Queen Regent abusing and overpassing our Soverain Lord and Ladyes commission given and granted unto her hath in all her proceedings pursued the Barons and Burgesses within this realme with weapons and armour of strangers without any process and order of Law they being our Soverain Lord and Ladies true Lieges and never called nor convinced of any crime by any judgement lawfull as â— at Santiohnstoun in the month of May she assembled and causes thereof her armie against the town and inhabitants thereof never called nor convinced of any crime only because they professed the true worship of God conform to his sacred word 2. in the moneth of Juâ—y last without any order or calling going before invaded the persons of sundrie Noble men and Barons with force of arms conveened at Saintandrews only for the cause of Religion as is notoriously known they never being called nor convinced of any crime 3. again layd garrisons the same moneth upon the inhabitants of the said town oppreâ—sing the Liberties of the Queens true Lieges for fear of which her garrisons a great part of the inhabitants thereof fled from the town and durst not resort again unto their houses heritages untill they were restored by aâ—ms they notwithstanding not being called nor convinced of any crime 4 further at the same time did thrust-in upon the in habitants of the said town Provest and Bailifs against all order of election as lately in this month of September she hath done in other towns of Edinburgh and Jedburgh and dâ—verse other places in manifest oppression of our Liberties 5. Declaring herevill mind toward the Nobility Commonalty and wholle nation she hath brought-in strangers and dayly pretends to bring greater force of the same pretending a manifest conquest of our native rooms and Countrie as the deed itself declares in so far as she having brought-in the said strangers without any advice of Councell Nobility and contrary to their expresse minde sent to her in Writing hath placed and planted her said strangers in one of the principall towns and parts of the realm sending continually for greater forces willing thereby to suppresse the Common wealth and liberty of our native countrie to make us and our posterity slaves to strangers for ever which as it is intolerable to Commonwealths and free Countries so it is very preiudiciall to ouâ— Soverain Lady and her Heirs whatsoever in case our Souverain Ladie decease without Heirs of her person And to perform these her wicked enterprises conceived as appeares of inveterate malice against our whole countrie and nation caused without any consent or advice of the Councell or Nobility to coin lead money so base and of such quantity that the whole realm shal be depauperated and all traffique with forrein Nations everted thereby 6. She placeth and maintaineth against the pleasure of the Counsell of this realme a stranger in one of the greatest Offices of credite in this realm that is in keeping the great Seal thereof wherein great perils may be engendred to the Common weale and Liberty thereof 7. Further sent the great Seal forth of this realâ—e by tâ—e said stranger against the advise of the said Counsell to what effect God knoweth 8. And hath also by this mean altered the old Law and custom of this our realm ever observed in the Graces and pardons granted by our Soveraines to all their Lieges being repentant of their offences committed against their Majesties or the Lieges of the Realm And hath introduced a new captious stile and forme of the said pardons and Remissions conform to the practises of France tending thereby to draw the said Lieges of this realm by processe of time into a deceivable snare and further shall creep-in the whole subuersion and alteration of the remanent Lawes of this realme contrary to the Contents of the Appointment of marriage 9. And also Peace being accorded among the Princes retaineth the great Army of strangers after commandement sent by the King of France to retier the same making excuse that they were retained for suppressing the attempts of the Lieges of this realm albeit the whole subjects thereof of all estates is and ever have been ready to give all dutifull obedience to their Soverains and their lawfull ministers proceeding by Gods Ordinance And the same Army of strangers not being paied their wages was layd by her upon the necks of the poor Commonalty of our native Country who were compelled by force to defraud themselves their wives and children of that poor substance which they might purchase with the sweat of their brows to satisfiy their
or heritable tennents of such Friers Nunnes places and their heires .... shall hold their fues and tenendries of our Soverain Lord and his successors ..... and the fue maills services duties .... shall appertain unto our Soverain Lord c. Hence it appeares that at that time they were thinking upon security of the possessions which before did appertain unto these that were called the Spirituality and here the fues services and such petty things are declared to belong unto the King but at that time weightier matters were in hand for others had gote the Lands and rents stock and tiths which they would not quite unto King nor Church and thereupon the doubt arose by what title and right they may possesse them Hither belongeth what is written in The Historicall Narration of the Governement of the Church which is common now in writ and said to have been penned by William Scot that eminent Minister at Couper title The second course for Bishops Superintendents and Commissioners 1. Mathew Earle of Lennox Regent holding a Parliament at Sterlin in August year 1571. the Superintendent of Fife inhibited Master John Douglas Rector of the University of Santandrews who a litle before was presented unto the bishoprick of Santandrews by meanes of the Earle Morton to vote in Parliament in name of the Church untill he be admitted and allowed by the Church Under pain of excommunication The Earle of Morton commanded him to vote as Bishop of Santandrews Under the pain of treason The Regent was killed and John Earle of Marre was chosen Regent About the beginning of November the Collectors of the Church were discharged by Letters proclamed at Santandrews to gather the thirds because as was alledged Ministers stipend were not payd nor the Superplus which was allotted to the Kings house out of the thirds But it was judged that that Proclamation was procured at the instance of the Earle Mortoun whom Master John douglas had informed by Letter that the Collector would not suffer him to uplift certain duties belonging to the Bishoprick The Superintendent of Anguise in a prolixe Letter unto the Regent complained of that inhibition and that Benefices are conferred and Bishops set-up without advice consent of the Church In another he complaines of the great misorder at the last Parliament in creating Bishops planting them and giving them vote in Parliament as Bishops in despite of the Church and high contempt of God the Church opponing against that miss-order Seing the Church hath the power of examination admission to Ecclesiasticall offices Benefices of spirituall cure whither Bishopricks or inferior Benefices Lest it should seem that Ministers out of avarice or ambition sought the possession of great Benefices he letteth his Gr. understand that the Church hath continually suted in their Articles consented-unto subscribed by the most part of the Nobility that when any Benefices shall vake having many Churches joyned there unto all the Churches should be divided and conferred severally to severall men and every man to serve at his own Church in which mind all that beare office do continue If the dismembring of great Benefices can not be granted at this time he doubteth not but the Church will consent that if the Benefices and offices belonging their unto be conferred according to the order before mentioned to assigne such portion as may be spared above the reasonable sustentation of the Ministry of such Benefices to the mantenance of the Kings house and common affaires till further order be taken in these matters The Regent answereth Their meaning was mis-taken their meaning was and still is to procure the reforming of things dis-ordered any way al 's far as may bee and the fault is this the Policy of the Church is not perfected nor is there any sort of conference among godly men well minded according to Gods judgement how the matter may be amended He sent also a discharge of that inhibition lately made The Superintendent of Anguise at the Regent's desire wrote unto other Superintendents Commissioners that they would conveen to consult what order shall be taken for provision to the Kings house out of the thirds and upon some particulars concerning the Policy of the Church and disposition of 1572. The Conference at Lieth some Benefices Upon the twelth of January 1572. or 1571. according to the olde reckoning the beginning of the year the Superint and Comm. of visitation and Commissioners from some towns and Churches conveen at Lieth This meeting in the Register is called A convention but in the second Session they concluded It should have the force and power of a G. Assemb Nevertheless they ordain that the Moderator of the last assembly shall continue till the next ordinary assembly and that all who are present now shall repair to it also They declare in the third Session that they had not tâ—me to stay and therefore upon the 15 day gave power and commission to the Superintendents of Fife Anguise Willam Lundy of that ilk Andrew hay Commis of Cliddsdale Da. Lindsay Commis of Kile Ro. Pont Commis of Murray John Craig one of the Ministers at Edinburgh or any four of them to compear before my Lord Regent and so many of the Secret Counsell as he shall appoint in this month of January to conferre and reason upon such heads articles as shall be propoâ—nded unto them by him and the Counsell to conclude conform to the Instructions given unto them by this assembly and to report their conclusions to the next Assembly Morton Chancellor William L. Ruthuen Treasurer Robert Commendator of Dumfernlin Secretary James Macgill Clerk-register Sir John Balantine Justice-Clerck Colin Campbell of Glenurquhy and Adam Bishop of Orknay were sent Commissioners from the Counsell on the 16. day of January To conveen all or any four of them with the Commissioners named by the Church to treat and conclude on all matters tending to the ordering establishing the Policy of the Church the sustentation of Ministers support of the Kings house and common affaires of the realm to continue in such order as shall bee agreed upon untill his Highness perfect age or till the same be altered by the three States of Parliament The same day the Commissioners conveen and conclude that the names and tittles of Bishops and Archbishops be not altered nor the bounds of the old Diocies confounded That there be a Chapter of Ministers annexed to every Metropolitane and Cathedrall See thath during the vacancy the Dean or failing the Dean the next in dignity of the Chapter use the Jurisdiction in Spiritualibus which the Bishop might have used That the Archbishops and Bishops exerce no farther Jurisdiction by their spirituall function than the Superintendents had and presently exerce till the same be agreed-upon The Archbishops and Bishops be subject to to the Church and G. Assemblies in Spiritualibus as they are unto the King in Temporalibus That they have the advice of sixe
Presbyteries were ever aimed at and in some parts begun but this winter following with consent of the King and by his commission they were constitute through all the realm as followes in the next assembly 3. Wee have heard a complaint here of many Apostates come into the country and namely in the end is mention of Nicolburn he was a professor of Philosophy in S. Leonards Colledge and became a Papist At that time were found some dispensations sent from Rome permitting Papists to promise swear and subscribe and do what other thing might be required of them so that in mind they continue firm and vse diligence to advance privily the Roman faith These dispensations were shewd unto the King for remedy at first he gives order unto one of his Ministers John Craig to writ a form of abiuration of Papistry In obedience John Craig writes a Confession relative unto the former Confession which was wholly positive and abjuring all the corruptions of Rome both in doctrin and superstitious rites and wholl hierarchy together with a promise to continue in the obedience of the doctrin disciplin of this Church and to defend the same to our vocation and power all the dayes of our lifes under the paines contained in the law and danger both of body and soule And he addeth and seing many are stirred up by Satan and that Roman Antichrist to promise swear subscribe and for a time use the holy sacraments in the Church deceitfully against their own consciences minding thereby first under the externall cloak of religion to corrupt and subvert secretly Gods true religion within the church and afterward when time may serve to become open enemies and persecutors of the same under vain hope of the Popes dispensation devised against the word of God to his greater confusion and their double condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus Wee therefore wilâ—ng to take away all suspicion of hypocrisy and such double dealing with God his Church protest and call the Searcher of all hearts to witness that our minds hearts do fully agree with this our Confession promise and subscription so that we are not moved for any worldly respect c. These words were added for the better tryall of Papists and the sincerity of professors This Confession was subscribed by the King his houshold January 28. 1580. or according to the râ—ckoning of other Countries 1581. and a charge was given by the King March 2. and it was proclamed commanding Commissioners and Ministers to urge their parishoners to subscribe this Confession and to delate the Refusers unto the Ministers of the kings house that the K. and Counsell may take order with them and more of it followes In the mean time to-wit December 31 the Earle of Morton was challenged Januar. 18. he he was imprisoned at Dunbarton Juny 1. he was arraigned and condemned for that he knew the plot against the kings father and did not reveel it and the next day beheaded A rare exemple of humane frailty he who lately was Governor of the realm and in the preceding year waâ— the object of the great Ones envy was brought so unexpectedly to such a death Before his execution he remembred what John Knox had said unto him and called him a true Prophet XVIII The Assembly conveens at Glasgow Aprile 24. year 1581. where 1580. The 40. Assembly was Will. Cuningham of Caprintoun commssioner from the king Commissioners from Synods c. Robert pont is chosen Moderator 1. Forsomuch as for purgation of the Ministry from unworthy persons in that function Order was taken in the last Assembly that all men whither Ministers or others should give up the names of scandalous Ministers as they will answer unto God yet by shortness of time no great effect followed Therefore as before the Assembly requires all men as they tender the glory of God and the wee ll of his Church that they delate and give up the names of such persons in writ tomorrow after noon c. The Originall Register wanteth the third and fourth Sessions 2. Whereas in the Assembly at Dundy in the Act against Bishops some difficulty appeared unto some brethren by the word Office what is meant by it The Assembly present consisting for the most part of them who were present and voiced in that Assemb to resolve men of the true meaning of that act Declares that they meaned wholly to condemn the estate of bishops as they are now or lately were in Scotland and the same was the determination of the Church at that time 3. The Kings Commissioner delivereth the Kings Letter together with certain rolls containing a form of planting particular churches and the number and names of the presbyteries with the names of churches within every Presbytery The Assembly appointes certain persons within severall Provinces to conveen tomorrow at sixe a clok in the morning to sicht these rolls and report c. 4. The Assembly having received from the King some demandes propounded in writ with the answers unto the Articles that were presented unto his Ma. by the Church and a Copy of a Letter to be directed unto Barons and Ministers for union and division of Churches with the names of the persons that were appointed to travell in that work And thereby understanding the godly and zealous mynde of his Ma. did praise God heartily the He had moved the Kings heart to have a care of his Church Anâ— first entring into consideration of the Answers thought good to insist with the King and Counsell in these articles 1. That it would please his Ma. to appoint a Judge in Edinburgh to cognosce and judge of injuries don to Ministers in execution of their Office and to punish according to the quality of the crimes and appoint a Proctor for the Ministers injured 2. That an act of Parliament may be made concerning the deprivation of scandalous Ministers and the causes of deprivation to be expressed in the act 3. That the Benefices vaking may be disponed unto the Ministers where the Benefice vakes if they be able as it was agreed in the Conference at Sterlin Followes the tenor of the Kings propositions given by his Commssioner with this inscription Instructions to our trusty and welbeloved Willam Cuningham of Caprintoun directed by Us with advice of the Lords of the Secret Counsell Unto the Assembly of the Ministers of the Church conveened at Glasgow Aprile 20. 1581. You shall deliver Our Letter unto them and let them understand that such of their number as travelled with Us having desired Our answer unto their Articles sent from the Assembly in Dundy in July last Wee caused some of Our Counsell conferr with them at severall times in Octobeâ— last as also lately which all find the matter concerning the thirds of the Benefices mentioned in the first of these Articles as there required not to be the readiest means either to make the Ministers assured of their stipends or to make Us any reasonable
the Benefices were presently vaking Where the parsonage and Vicaradge at any church are now severed Benefices to be all united or annexed into one for the better sustaining the Minister there These 600. churches to be divided into 50 presbyteries twelve to every presbytery or thereby Three of these presbyteries or mo or fewer as the Country lyeth to make one Diocy orsynod according to a form after following to be considered of this certain number of Presbyteries shall be the Synodall assembly and every Synod shall appoint the place within that Province for their next Synodall meeting Of persons directed from the Synodall assemblies shall G. Assem consist Churches thus divided into quarters to be provided unto one man and if these quarters be annexed to another Benefice the quarters to be dissevered out of the provisions of the persons to be provided unto these Benefices when they vake The churches divided inter Prâ—bendarios to be given to the Ministers as they vake All Benefices provided to Ministers to be divided the year of their decease equally betwixt their wifes children or exequitors and the Intrant Ministers young men coming from the Shools shall be only promoted to the stipends or Benefices of the lowest degree and the eldest or of greatest learning judgement experience to be promoted to the highest rank and so to ascend gradatim as they shal be judged worthier from three year to three year for better eschuing ambition avarice and that the charge of the greatest congregations be not committed to the youngest Ministers aâ— the first nor they preferred to the eldest of gravity judgement the estate of the Prebandries to be congnosced considered which are â—ounded upon the tiths of the parish and which on temporall lands to the effect that such as are founded upon tiths may accrease to the living of the Ministers serving at the churches and the others to be provided for help of schools in the best form that may be devised And always the Laick patronages to remain wholl and uniointed or undivided unless it be with consent of the Patrone There followes a rolle of the Presbyteries which I omitte because afterwards was another Division and insome Provinces three were divided into four or five And to the effect this order may be established certain brethren were named to call the Presbyteries before the last day of May in severall towns ordaining every Presbytery to chuse a Moderator who shall continue untill the next Synod In Sess 9. the Assembly concludes that the book of Policy being agreed-unto in diverse Assemblies before should be registred ad perpetuam memoriam and copies thereof to be taken by every Presbytery And in the same Session the Confession of faith lately set forth by his Ma. proclamation and subscribed by him the Assembly in one voice acknowdges it to be a true Christian and faithfull Confession and the tenor thereof to be followed out as is ordered in the proâ—amation Because Abbots Commendators Priors Prioresses and Bishops provided of old under the names of Ecclesiasticall persons do possess the revenues of the Churches without exercing any spirituall function thereof or acknowledging the true Church and devore the patrimony and are dayly diminishing the rents of the Benefices the Assem hath determined that all such persons shall be cited by the Presbteries to compear before the next G. Assembly to submit themselves c. Likewise ordaines the Commissioners of countries to give-in the names after noon of the persons they think meet to judge of the union and division of Churches and certain persons are appointed to form the Articles agreed-on in the Conference and the advice of the Assembly concerning the directing of presentations is that they be directed unto Presbyteries For performance of the intended work they â—rave of his Ma. that Prelacies be dissolved The next Assembly was held The 41. Assembly at Edinburgh October 18. where were Commissioners c. John Craig is chosen Moderator 1. Adam Johnstoun and John Dury Ministers were sent to desire the King to direct his Commissioners unto the Assembly when they returned they declare that for sundry affaires of the Counsell he could direct none before thuirsday and then he will send some instructed with his Commission 2. All the Bishops were called none is present at first but the Bishop of Dumblain 3. They to whom the charge of constituting the Presbyteries was committed shew their diligence which is referred to further deliberation 4. It is concluded that no marriage be celebrat nor Sacrament be administred in a privat house but solemly according to the good order hitherto observed Under pain of deposition of that Minister who shall do otherwise 5. Commission is given to the Presbytery of Dundy to call before them the Master of Gray to give Confession of his faith and if he refuse to proceed against him according to the Acts of the Church and that with all possible diligence 6. The Kings Commissioners inquire If the Church condemn the office of Bishops whereunto is annexed a temporall jurisdiction wherein the Church hath served by voting in Parliament assisting in his Highness Counsell contribution in taxations and such like what overture they will shew whereby the King be not prejudged by the taking away that Estate For advising this Head the Assembly nameth twelve Barons five Commissioners of Burghs and eight Ministers with sixe that were upon the Conference To conferre c. Who thereafter reported that after long reasoning they had agreed so far that for voting in Parliament assisting in Counsell Commissioners from the G. Assembly should supplee the place of Bishops And for exercing civill or criminall jurisdiction the heritable Balives of the bishoprick should use the same Reserving to the judgement of the Church to consider of their answer The assembly allowes the judgement of their Brethren and think meet it be communicat unto the Kings Commissioners 7. Whereas some Ministers have been negligent in prosecuting the Act of the last Assembly concerning the late Confession of faith the Assembly enjoynes all Ministers within their bounds with all possible dilgence to execute the tenor of his Mas. proclamation before the Synodall Assembly of every Province and report to the Moderator thereof and to be reported unto the next Generall Assembly Under the pain of deprivation of the negligent Minister 8. Compeares James meluin Gentle man of the Kings Chamber and presenteth a writing from the King craving tryall to be taken of some words alledged to have been spoken by Wa. Balcanquell in a Sermon lately against the Duke of Lennox with credite to the bearer who shews that he had so far credite to speak that because of the late calling of John Dury and the said Walter before the Privy Counsell upon account of their Sermons offence was taken by the Church therefore his Gr. now lamentes the matter unto the Assembly willing them to try the matter and to take order there-in The words wherewith
directed to see whither the king thought good that certain of his Counsell shall be appointed with certain brethren to be named by the assembly to consider that process and appellation before it be brought to the publick judgement of the assembly His Ma s answer is reported that he is willing it be so In Sess 16. They who were appointed to consider that process begin to report their advice So many of the Ministers of Fife as were present were bidden to remove These do protest that the assembly should proceed in that matter formally and tak-in the appellation and the process hear the alledging of the appellant and their answers and they offer themselves ready to answer and accordingly to proceed and judge and otherwise that howsoever that action shall be judged it shall be no prejudice to their process and Sentence nor unto the Churches of Scotland These are removed The brethren of the Assembly do for the most part vote that it is not expedient to enter into the rigorous discussing of that appellation and process but a midst to be taken in it as it was propounded and publickly read whereof the tenor is If the Bishop by his hand-writ or personall compearance in the Assembly will professing in the presence of God deny that he ever did publickly professe or mean in any way to exercize a supremacy or to be Judge of other Pastors or Ministers or ever allowed the same to have a ground in Gods word and if he had so done it had been an error and against his conscience and knowledge 2. If hee will deny that in the last Synod he sought to be Judge thereof or if he did that in that he had erred and in that imperious behavior contempt of the Synod and his brethren he shall crave that it may be overpassed and promise good behavior in time coming 3. If he will promise that he shall take upon him no further power than he may justly by Gods word and according to the late Conference and endeavoure in all respects to shew himselfe in all time coming a moderate Pastor and so far as he may be a Bishop prescribed by Paul and submitt his life doctrine unto the judgement censure of the Generall assembly without any reclamation provocation or appellation from it in any time coming in that case for his Ma s satisfaction and to give testimony with what good will wee would obey his Majesty â—o â—or as wee ought or in conscience may and for the good assurance wee have of hâ—s Ma s favorable concurrence in building the house of God and for quietnes to continue in the Church of God within this realm And because the process of excommunication was led and the sentence pronounced during the time of the conference whereupon his Ma. hath taken occasion of offence which for many good causes were convenient to be removed wee will forbear to examin the said process or to decide whatsoever provocation or appellation or call into doubt the legality or form of the said process or condem the Synod yet for the respects foresaids and upon good and weighty consideration wee hold the said process as unled or undeduced and the Sentence as unpronounced and repone the said Bishop in all respects so far as may concern the said process Sentence of excommunication into thr former estate he was in immediatly before the same as if no process or sentence had been led or deduced against him Providing always he observe what hath been promised by himselfe dutifully in his vocation in all time coming In Sess 17. Andrew hunter a Minister made protestation publickly as followes Seing the Provinciall Assembly of the church of God gathered in his name at Santand Aprile 12. 1586. for manifest crimes upon contumacy hath justly and formally according to the word of God and sinceer custom of the Church of God excommunicated Patrik adamson And that in this assembly they take on them to absolve the said Patrick from the said Sentence the process not being tryed nor heard in publick the person excommunicat declaring no signe of true repentance nor craving the absolution by himselfe nor his proctors before the very time wherein they absolve him He therefore for his part and in the name of all other true brethren and Christians who will be participant hereof taketh God to record of the dealing of that Provinciall and this Generall Assembly and protestes before the Almighty God his holy Angels and Saints here conveened that he hath no assurance in Gods word or of conscience to assent allow or approve this absolution And therefore untill the time he perceive the mans conversion to be true effectuall he can not but hold him a man justly delivered to Satan notwithstanding the said absolution And this his protestation subscribed with his hand he craves to be registred ad perpetuam rei memoriam And there-with gave-in the speciall reasons moving him here unto premitted to the said protestation made Andrew Melvin and Thomas Buchanan do adhere unto this protestation made Patrick Adamson had subscribed the conditions propounded by the Assembly at Halyrud house May 20. 1586. with his declaration thereupon for the which cause the Assembly didabsolve him and for these causes as they be contained in the said proposition at length they declare as is before In Sess 18. concerning the execommunication of Ja. Melvin Minister at Kilrinny and some other brethren of Fife by Patrick Hamiltoun and Samuell Cuninghan The Assemb ordaines the Presbytery of Santand to take tryall in that matter and put order to the same according to the quality of the offense VIII In Sess 17. All Ministers are exhorted and admonished to judge charitably of others albeit there be diversity of opinions and votes remitting every man to God and his own conscience and that none publickly or in pulpit quarrell or impugne the determination of the G. Ass concerning the appellation from the Sentence of the Synod of Fife IX In Sess 16. Articles were read and ordained to be presented unto and craved of his Majesty It may please your Maj. to take some substantious order how the Country may without delay be purged of the pestiferous Sect of the Jesuits specially of those who for their friendship in the North are highly authorized albeit they have been summoned to underly the law and an assise was summoned for that effect yet their non-compearance is dispensed with and they go through the Country freely meaning nothing lesse than to depart and Jesuites repair unto them a new out of the South and out of France 2. Seing Papistry aboundes in the North for the want of qualified Ministers there and this is partly for lack of sufficient provision stipends therefore assignations would be made unto them conform unto the Ministry in the South and let not the thirds there be assigned unto the churches of the South untill their own churches be first provided sufficiently and such as have been
true pastors can not without treason against their spirituall king abstain from fighting against such proceedings with such sprirituall armor as are given them potent throgh God for overthrowing these bulwarks mounts erected for sacking the Lords Jerusalem Decemb. 10. Da. Black was charged to go north within sixe dayes and remain by north the North-water till his Majesty declared his will Under the pain of rebellion and putting him to the horn Decemb. 11. the Commissioners were informed that a great number of missives were written and ready to be directed through the Countrey for calling a convention of Estates and a Generall assembly the tenor followes Wee greet you well As wee have ever carryed a speciall good will to the effectuating of the policy of the Church of which wee have often conference with the Pastors and Ministry so wee and they both resolving now in end that the whole order of the said policy shall be particularly condescended agreed upon for avoiding sundry questions controversies that may fall out to the slander danger of religion Wee have for that effect appointed alswell a generall Convention of our Estates as a Generall Assembly of the Ministry to hold here in Edinb the first day of February next To treat and resolve all questions standing in controversy or difference between the Civill and Ecclesiasticall judgement or any way concerning the policy and externall governing of the Church and therefore will wee effectually desireand request you that you fail not all excuses set apart to be present at our Convention the day place foresaid precisely to give your best advice opinion in that matter as you tender the effectuating there of the well of religion and Estate and will shew yourselves our dutifull and affected subjects So wee committ you to Gods protection From Halirud house the day of Decemb. 1596. Here the reader may more clearly perceive that the alteration of the established government was intended before the 17. day of December and that not only the marches of the Jurifdiction Civille and ecclesiastcall were sought to be ridd but the order of the church-government was to be called into question howbeit thereafter nothing was pretended at first but the restraint of application of doctrine and Ministers vote in Parliament to vindicat them from poverty and contempt because otherwise strong opposition was feared On decemb 14. the Commissioners of the Generall assembly exhorted the Ministers of the presbytery of Edinburgh as they will answer unto God and the Church in so necessary a time To call before them such persons of highest ranks as are known or may be found to be malicious enemies and to proceed against them to excommunication The same day the charge that was given out against the Commissioners of the Church was proclamed with sound of trumpet After advisement they thought it lawfull to disobey so unlawfull charges but nedless and not expedient seing after them others might succed and so the work might proceed So they resolve to depart committing the cause unto God and the diligent care of the presbytery of Edinburgh but fearing the fearfull tentation of poverty micht prevaile with the weaker sort and move them to subscribe a Band which might captiously import the King and Counsells power to judge of Ministers doctrin be cause the King had said the day prâ—ceeding They who will not subscribe shall want their stipends they thought it requisite to send unto every presbytery a declaration of their proceedings The minute of their proceedings I have now set down In their declaration they write plainly that when they were insisting with his Majesty to appear in action against the forfeited Earls he had converted all his actions against the Ministry with hoter intention than he could be moved against the adversaries this long time that so they may be driven from prosecuting their suits against the Papists and to employ themselves wholly in defense of preaching disciplin that the restraint of rebuking censuring sin was the principall Butt aimed at in all this action because the mystery of iniquity which hath been intended begun and is going forward whither the purpose be to thrall the gospell by Injunctions or by a policy equivalent to injunctions or to bring-in liberty of conscience or if to draw more papistry which is to be feared for many reasons and will be reveeled in time being such as can not abide the light of reprehension the only advantage of their cause is thought to consist in extinguishing the light which can discover the unlawfulness of it that so they may walk-on in darknes without all challenge untill the truth be overthrown And because impiety dar not as yet be so impudent to crave in express termes that swine be not rebuked it is sought only that his Majesty and Counsell be acknowledged judges in matters Civile and criminall treasonable and seditious which shall be uttered by any Minister in his doctrin thinking to draw the rebuke of sin in King Counsell or their proceedings under the name of one of these crimes and so either to restrain the liberty of preaching or to punish it under the name of some vice by a pretense of law and justice and so by time to bind the word of God and let sin pass with lifted up hand to the highest c. Yee see now whaâ— was the controversy betwixt the King and the Ministry The sum of all The King would have the Ministers to heare the offers made by the forfeited Earls that they might be reconciled unto the Church On the other side Ministers urge that they be removed out of the Country again and that he do the office of a Magistrate as becomes him for their treasonous conspiracy the pardon whereof he had professed in the beginning to be above his reach and their offers import conference but no confession of an offense nor were made in sincerity as the event did prove This could not be obtained therefore pulpits sounded against the favorers of these as became faithfull watchmen to discharge duty in so dangerous a time Publick rebuke of publick and crying sins was called into question and so was the established disciplin and they were driven from the offensive to the defensive part The Ministry craved but the tryall of Ministers in the first instance to be appertaining unto the Ecclesiasticall Judicatory for application of doctrine to the rebuke of corruptions and publick offenses as they should be by the word of God practises in former times but it was refused What sins did reigne in the land the catalogue drawn up by the late assem witnesseth ..... Had they not reason then to blow the trumpet and forewarn the people of Gods judgements and now when the chief enemies forfeited for unnaturall conspiracy were suffered to return and abide in the Country The wild border-men stood in greater awe of excommunication by a presbytery than of Letters of horning I know a Noble man confessed that
subjects the colder adversaries against them who intend any commotion For remedy it is thought good that his Ma. be informed hereof that by his care and providence so ungodly counsels and plots may be disappointed and that Ministers deal with their congregations auditors upon all occasions both publickly in their teaching and in their privat conferences with the Noble men and others of credit and power to persuade them of the Kings honest mind toward the established religion and the execution of justice and of his steadfast resolution to hazert his estate life and crown in the cause of the Gospell with the standing falling whereof he thinks his own standing and â—alling to be inseparably conjoyned And that they mark carefully the actions of all men specially of such as either for religion or execution of justice or the necessity of their own estate do grumble against the present government and are enclined unto novation And whom they shall find in any extraordinary kind of business bâ—sids their custom they should acquaint his Majesties Ministers thereof not ceasing in the mean while to bring them unto a quiet mind And for this effect in all their ordinary meetings as of Sessions presbyteries and synods there should be a privat and particular inquisition in this point if need shall require and his Majesty should be advertised with all expedition As also it is thought expedient that his Majesties Ministers should inform the Presbyteries of things occurring so far as the good of Religion shall require And that this advertisment should be extracted and sent with diligence unto every presbytery XVIII The next assembly is appointed to be at Aberdien the last tuysday of Iuly in the year 1604. In one copy I have found this modell following The order of proceeding in the Provinciall Synods 1. The seÌ„cing or sitting down 1. By the Moderator that last was in exhortation prayer and delivering the books of the Assembly with the Acts formed booked and subscribed by him and ordering by liet and votes the election of another Moderator 2. By the chosen Moderator in appointing the hours of meeting and other things concerning good order in censuring the absents from the preceeding Assembly and noting if all the members be present when the role of Ministers Elders and Commissioners is to be called II. things to be treated 1. The books of every Presbytery should be sighted whether the Presbyteries be duly keept in conveening exercizing having monthly common-heads and disputes visiting the Churches 2. Pastors in their office severally or together Severally it is to be enquired into their teaching at their own Churches and disciplin every one is to be enquired concerning the place of Scripture handled by them since the last Assembly and the administration of the communion and diligence in examination of young and old passing before in the points of Catechism and concerning their keeping the Session weekly and things done therein for which effect they should bring their books containing those and the names of baptized and married persons and of slanderous or scandalous persons 2. They should be examined in their manner of conversation whether it be not only without scandall but edificative 3. Concerning their provision by stipend or Benefice gleeb manse c. 2. If Ministers have questions or bils for resolution or furtherance in their office livings let them be answered If any bils or accusations against them be given by any let them be heard and so if by any of them 3. If any appellations references or summons be from Presbyteries let them be decided 4. If any references from the last generall Assembly or supplication unto the next Parliament or generall Assembly or any instructions thereunto 5. Concerning the people whether any scandalous persons and their repentance III. Conclusion absents are to be marked appointing time and place of the next Assembly thanksgiving It may be marked that this nomination of Voters in Parliament was not according to the cautions that were concluded in the Assembly of the year 1600. but they were lesse looked-upon afterwards when others were chosen who were not in this number As for Robert Bruce he saw that the other Ministers who had confessed their fault were not restored unto their places and therefore he would not make the publick confession as it was enioyned him for his refusing he was confined some years in the north and then to his own house of Kinnaird III. Aprile 3. year 1603. the King had a publick Speach in the great Some occurrents in Aun 1603. 1604. church of Edinburgh two dayes before he took journy unto England there he thanked God that both Church and kingdom were setled in that estate which he intended to change no way his subjects living in peace He promised again the same concerning the disciplin Aprile 5. unto the Commissioners of the Synod of Lothian meeting him above Hadintoun but he would not yeeld to release Andrew Melvin and John Davidson from their confinement nor grant Robert Bruce to re-enter into Edinburgh A little before Ormeston made supplication for John Davidson but the King said His hands were bound up by a promise unto the Commissioners of the generall Assembly Though the chief Watch-towers of the Church towit Edinbuâ—gh and Santandrews were spoiled of their faithfull watch-men yet the plotters of Episcopacy perceived that their course could not be easily advanced as they would unless the Church were deprived of their liberty to indict hold free generall Assemblies And because they were accountable unto those assemblies they endeavoured that no assembly should bee untill they had purchased power to over-rule them nor then but when they pleased This was perceived by the judicious Ministers who used means for preserving the liberty of the Church The Synod of Fife dealt with John hall to entreat that â—he assembly might conveen before the ensuing Parliament An. 1604. according to the custom in former times Afterwards he aâ—ported that he had written so unto the King but could not obtain it The presbytery of Edinburgh wrot unto Patrik Galloway then at Court for the same effect after sundry delaying answers he promised at last to return for that end but when he and the entitled Bishop of Ross returned they report in a full convention of Ministers directed from the Synods that the King said It is needless because nothing is to be handled in the next Parliament but the union of the two Kingdoms whereby the order and disciplin of the Church should be no way prejudged The Ministers alledged The Union can not be concluded without union of the Churches in government and form of worship and that the Voters in name of the Church were tied by cautions not to propound in Parliam or other Convention without express warrant and direction of the Assembly The new-named Bishops and other advancers of that course were not pleased with such answers and brake up the Conference as they were wont when they