The government and order of the Church of Scotland
         Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
      
       
         
           1641
        
      
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         99832618
         37092
         
           
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             The government and order of the Church of Scotland
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
          
           [12], 68 p.
           
             s.n.],
             [Edinburgh :
             Printed, anno MDCXLI. [1641]
          
           
             By Alexander Henderson.
             Place of publication from Wing.
             In two parts; register and pagination are continuous.
             Reproduction of the original in Dr. Williams' Library, London.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Church of Scotland -- Government -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           THE
           GOVERNMENT
           AND
           ORDER
           OF
           THE
           CHVRCH
           OF
           SCOTLAND
           .
        
         
           NVMB.
           23.
           and
           24.
           
        
         
           How
           goodly
           are
           thy
           tents
           O
           Iacob
           ,
           and
           thy
           Tabernacles
           O
           Israel
           :
           for
           this
           house
           full
           of
           silver
           and
           gold
           I
           would
           not
           curse
           ,
           for
           how
           shall
           I
           curse
           whom
           God
           hath
           not
           cursed
           ?
           or
           how
           shall
           I
           defie
           ,
           whom
           the
           Lord
           hath
           not
           defied
           .
        
         
           COL
           .
           2.
           5.
           
        
         
           Though
           I
           be
           absent
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           yet
           am
           I
           with
           you
           in
           the
           spirit
           ,
           joycing
           and
           beholding
           your
           order
           and
           the
           stedfastnesse
           of
           your
           faith
           in
           Christ.
           
        
         
           Printed
           ,
           Anno
           MDCXLI
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           MY
           desires
           at
           this
           time
           to
           know
           and
           to
           make
           known
           to
           others
           the
           form
           of
           Government
           and
           order
           of
           worship
           used
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           Scotland
           ,
           have
           brought
           these
           following
           lineaments
           to
           light
           .
           There
           come
           daily
           into
           my
           hands
           without
           my
           seeking
           ;
           some
           one
           forme
           of
           Church
           Government
           or
           other
           ,
           as
           the
           divers
           Authors
           ,
           from
           their
           love
           to
           Reformation
           in
           their
           judgements
           did
           conceive
           :
           But
           I
           must
           confesse
           they
           did
           the
           lesse
           relish
           with
           me
           that
           they
           were
           directions
           and
           modells
           without
           the
           example
           or
           practise
           of
           any
           of
           the
           Christian
           Churches
           ,
           and
           were
           
             Abstract
             Idea's
          
           of
           discipline
           in
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           and
           not
           
             Disciplina
             in
             Subjecto
          
           .
           One
           I
           had
           ,
           Titled
           
             The
             forme
             of
             government
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             ,
          
           but
           ,
           being
           nothing
           but
           an
           Abridgement
           ,
           and
           containing
           generalls
           onely
           ,
           It
           did
           not
           satisfie
           .
           I
           found
           also
           many
           of
           the
           godly
           much
           wearied
           of
           the
           Prelacy
           ,
           who
           yet
           bow
           their
           shoulder
           to
           bear
           ,
           and
           couch
           down
           between
           the
           two
           burthens
           ,
           because
           ,
           being
           unacquainted
           with
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           know
           what
           to
           choose
           ,
           and
           fear
           (
           as
           to
           them
           who
           are
           in
           the
           dark
           is
           usuall
           )
           they
           know
           not
           what
           .
           Such
           as
           these
           do
           rather
           suffer
           themselves
           to
           be
           led
           away
           with
           the
           policy
           of
           Pacuvius
           at
           Capua
           ,
           which
           in
           such
           a
           case
           was
           cmmendable
           ,
           then
           resolve
           to
           follow
           the
           faith
           of
           Abraham
           when
           the
           Lord
           called
           him
           ,
           
             Get
             the
             out
             of
             thy
             Countrey
             ,
             &c.
             into
             a
             Land
             which
             I
             will
             shew
             thee
             ,
             Gen.
          
           12.
           1.
           
           What
           he
           was
           to
           forsake
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Terminus
             à
             quo
          
           of
           his
           removing
           ,
           he
           did
           know
           ;
           But
           whether
           he
           
           was
           to
           go
           and
           the
           
             Terminus
             ad
             quem
          
           ,
           he
           did
           not
           know
           ,
           resting
           assured
           that
           God
           would
           shew
           it
           him
           .
           In
           our
           own
           affairs
           we
           may
           think
           the
           evill
           known
           to
           be
           better
           then
           the
           good
           unknown
           ;
           But
           it
           holdeth
           not
           in
           the
           matters
           of
           God
           ,
           nor
           when
           we
           speak
           of
           
             Malum
             turpe
          
           and
           
             bonum
             honestum
          
           ,
           the
           evill
           of
           sinne
           and
           the
           good
           of
           obedience
           .
           But
           as
           they
           who
           travell
           from
           the
           South
           to
           the
           North
           ,
           losing
           the
           sight
           of
           the
           one
           Pole
           come
           in
           sight
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           go
           on
           the
           North
           Pole
           is
           elevated
           to
           them
           by
           degrees
           :
           So
           is
           it
           here
           ,
           if
           men
           would
           once
           forsake
           and
           turn
           their
           back
           upon
           that
           which
           they
           know
           to
           be
           wrong
           ,
           and
           would
           ask
           the
           way
           to
           Zion
           with
           their
           faces
           thither
           ward
           ,
           the
           Lord
           would
           teach
           them
           his
           way
           .
        
         
           I
           must
           confesse
           that
           I
           did
           give
           too
           much
           ear
           and
           audience
           to
           the
           misinformation
           of
           many
           (
           so
           may
           I
           call
           it
           now
           after
           true
           imformation
           )
           who
           would
           have
           made
           me
           to
           believe
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           the
           true
           government
           of
           that
           Church
           was
           Episcopall
           ,
           and
           that
           beside
           the
           order
           of
           Episcopacy
           ,
           there
           was
           nothing
           in
           that
           Church
           ,
           but
           disorder
           and
           confusion
           through
           the
           Parity
           of
           their
           Ministers
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           that
           all
           did
           speak
           and
           no
           man
           did
           hear
           any
           thing
           of
           another
           .
           2.
           
           That
           they
           had
           no
           certain
           rule
           or
           direction
           for
           their
           publike
           worship
           ,
           but
           that
           every
           man
           following
           his
           extemporary
           fansie
           ,
           did
           preach
           and
           pray
           what
           seemed
           good
           in
           his
           own
           eyes
           .
           And
           3.
           (
           which
           was
           to
           me
           an
           huge
           rock
           of
           offence
           )
           That
           they
           were
           enemies
           to
           Kings
           for
           no
           other
           cause
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           are
           Kings
           :
           and
           ,
           out
           of
           a
           desire
           of
           Anarchy
           ,
           did
           preferre
           Democracie
           to
           Monarchicall
           Government
           :
           Great
           crimes
           I
           can
           not
           deny
           ,
           and
           much
           to
           be
           abhorred
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           destructive
           of
           all
           Ecclesiasticall
           and
           Civile
           Order
           ,
           and
           do
           break
           both
           the
           staves
           of
           beauty
           and
           of
           bonds
           .
        
         
         
           But
           upon
           tryall
           I
           did
           remember
           that
           ,
           if
           accusation
           were
           guiltinesse
           ,
           no
           party
           conld
           be
           innocent
           ,
           and
           found
           that
           it
           was
           nothing
           so
           as
           was
           alledged
           :
           for
           concerning
           the
           first
           ,
           I
           called
           to
           minde
           the
           practise
           of
           a
           painter
           of
           old
           ,
           who
           being
           desired
           to
           represent
           the
           body
           of
           Hercules
           ,
           did
           expresse
           nothing
           of
           the
           lineaments
           of
           his
           face
           ,
           stature
           or
           members
           ,
           but
           did
           onely
           make
           a
           resemblance
           of
           the
           Lyons
           skin
           ,
           which
           he
           was
           wont
           to
           carry
           about
           as
           the
           badge
           of
           his
           strength
           ,
           and
           the
           Trophee
           of
           his
           honour
           .
           Episcopacy
           was
           never
           the
           face
           nor
           order
           of
           that
           Church
           .
           In
           the
           most
           part
           of
           their
           assemblies
           have
           they
           conflicted
           with
           it
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           strength
           of
           God
           obtaining
           the
           victory
           both
           of
           old
           ,
           and
           much
           more
           of
           late
           They
           may
           well
           number
           it
           among
           their
           spoiles
           .
           The
           order
           of
           their
           Ministers
           each
           one
           standing
           in
           his
           own
           station
           ,
           and
           none
           usurping
           over
           another
           ,
           and
           the
           Subordination
           of
           their
           foure
           kindes
           of
           assemblies
           ,
           joyning
           the
           consent
           and
           obedience
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           are
           the
           face
           and
           strength
           of
           that
           Church
           .
           Against
           the
           second
           ,
           The
           form
           of
           prayers
           ,
           administration
           of
           the
           Sacraments
           ,
           admission
           of
           Ministers
           ,
           Excommunication
           ,
           solemnizing
           os
           marriage
           ,
           visitation
           of
           the
           sick
           ,
           &c.
           which
           are
           set
           down
           before
           their
           
           Psalm-Book
           ,
           and
           to
           which
           the
           Ministers
           are
           to
           conforme
           themselves
           ,
           is
           a
           sufficient
           witnesse
           :
           for
           although
           they
           be
           not
           tyed
           to
           set
           formes
           and
           words
           ;
           yet
           are
           they
           not
           left
           at
           randome
           ,
           but
           for
           testifying
           their
           consent
           and
           keeping
           unity
           ,
           they
           have
           thelr
           directory
           and
           prescribed
           order
           .
           No
           where
           hath
           preaching
           and
           the
           ministery
           more
           spirituall
           and
           lesse
           carnall
           liberty
           ,
           the
           Presbytery
           and
           assemblies
           encouraging
           to
           the
           one
           and
           restraining
           from
           the
           other
           .
           And
           against
           the
           third
           ,
           Their
           Confession
           of
           Faith
           ,
           the
           doctrine
           and
           prayers
           of
           their
           Church
           ,
           their
           late
           declarations
           
           and
           remonstrances
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           contained
           in
           ●he
           conclusion
           of
           this
           Treatise
           ,
           expresse
           as
           much
           respect
           and
           reverence
           to
           magistracy
           ,
           as
           any
           Christian
           Prince
           will
           require
           .
        
         
           I
           was
           also
           strongly
           drawn
           to
           the
           liking
           of
           that
           Church
           by
           the
           Testimonies
           given
           unto
           their
           Reformation
           by
           some
           of
           the
           most
           famous
           witnesses
           of
           this
           age
           .
        
         
           One
           is
           of
           that
           worthy
           Scottish
           Martyr
           Mr.
           
             George
             Wischeart
          
           .
           
             This
             Realm
             shall
             be
             illuminate
             with
             the
             light
             of
             Christs
             Gospel
             ,
             as
             clearly
             as
             ever
             was
             Realm
             since
             the
             dayes
             of
             the
             Apostles
             .
             The
             house
             of
             God
             shall
             be
             builded
             in
             it
             ,
             yea
             it
             shall
             not
             lack
             (
             watsoever
             the
             enemy
             imagine
             to
             the
             contrary
             )
             the
             very
             top-stone
             ;
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             shall
             evidently
             appear
             ,
             and
             shall
             once
             triumph
             in
             despight
             of
             Satan
             .
             But
             alas
             ,
             if
             the
             people
             shall
             be
             after
             unthankfull
             ,
             then
             fearfull
             and
             terrible
             shall
             the
             plagues
             be
             that
             after
             shall
             follow
             .
             
               Hist.
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 pag.
              
               108.
               
            
          
        
         
           Another
           of
           Beza
           .
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     
                       Magnum
                       hoc
                       Dei
                       munus
                       quod
                       una
                       &
                       religionem
                       purā
                       ,
                       &
                       
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                         〈◊〉
                      
                       ,
                       doctrinae
                       ,
                       viz.
                       retinendae
                       vinculum
                       ,
                       in
                       Scotiam
                       intulistis
                       .
                       Sic
                       obsecro
                       &
                       obtestor
                       haec
                       duo
                       simul
                       retinete
                       ,
                       ut
                       uno
                       amisso
                       alterum
                       diu
                       permanere
                       non
                       posse
                       semper
                       memimeritis
                       .
                       Sicut
                       Episcopi
                       papatum
                       pepererunt
                       ,
                       ita
                       pseudoepiscopos
                       papatus
                       reliquias
                       Epicureismū
                       terris
                       invecturos
                       :
                       hanc
                       pestem
                       caveant
                       ,
                       qui
                       salvam
                       Ecclesiam
                       cupiunt
                       ,
                       &
                       quum
                       illam
                       in
                       Scotia
                       in
                       tempore
                       profligaris
                       ,
                       ne
                       quaeso
                       
                       illam
                       unquam
                       admittas
                       ,
                       quantumvis
                       unitatis
                       retinendae
                       specie
                       ,
                       quae
                       veteres
                       etiam
                       optimos
                       multos
                       fefellit
                       ,
                       blandiatur
                       .
                       
                         Bez
                         Epist.
                         79.
                         
                      
                    
                  
                   
                   
                     
                       This
                       is
                       a
                       great
                       gift
                       of
                       God
                       ,
                       that
                       you
                       have
                       brought
                       into
                       Scotland
                       ,
                       together
                       pure
                       Religion
                       and
                       good
                       order
                       ,
                       which
                       is
                       the
                       bond
                       to
                       hold
                       fast
                       the
                       Doctrine
                       .
                       I
                       heartily
                       pray
                       and
                       beseech
                       for
                       Gods
                       sake
                       ,
                       Hold
                       fast
                       these
                       two
                       together
                       so
                       ,
                       that
                       you
                       may
                       remember
                       ,
                       that
                       if
                       one
                       be
                       lost
                       ,
                       the
                       other
                       cannot
                       long
                       remain
                       .
                       So
                       Bishops
                       brought
                       forth
                       popery
                       ,
                       so
                       false
                       Bishops
                       ,
                       the
                       reliques
                       of
                       popery
                       ,
                       shall
                       bring
                       into
                       the
                       world
                       Epicureism
                       .
                       Whosoever
                       would
                       have
                       the
                       Church
                       safe
                       ,
                       let
                       them
                       beware
                       of
                       this
                       pest
                       ,
                       and
                       seeing
                       you
                       have
                       timely
                       dispatched
                       it
                       in
                       Scotland
                       ,
                       I
                       beseech
                       you
                       never
                       admit
                       it
                       again
                       ,
                       albeit
                       it
                       
                       flatter
                       with
                       shew
                       of
                       the
                       preservation
                       of
                       unity
                       ,
                       which
                       hath
                       deceived
                       many
                       of
                       the
                       best
                       of
                       the
                       Ancients
                       .
                    
                  
                
              
            
          
        
         
           A
           third
           of
           the
           body
           of
           Confessions
           of
           faith
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     It
                     is
                     the
                     rare
                     priviledge
                     of
                     the
                     Church
                     of
                     Scotland
                     before
                     many
                     ,
                     in
                     which
                     respect
                     her
                     name
                     is
                     famous
                     ,
                     even
                     among
                     strangers
                     ,
                     that
                     about
                     the
                     space
                     of
                     four
                     and
                     fifty
                     years
                     without
                     schisme
                     ,
                     let
                     be
                     heresie
                     ,
                     she
                     hath
                     kept
                     and
                     holden
                     fast
                     unity
                     with
                     purity
                     of
                     doctrine
                     .
                     The
                     greatest
                     help
                     of
                     this
                     unity
                     ,
                     through
                     the
                     mercy
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     was
                     ,
                     that
                     with
                     the
                     doctrine
                     ,
                     the
                     discipline
                     of
                     Christ
                     and
                     the
                     Apostles
                     ,
                     as
                     it
                     is
                     prescribed
                     in
                     the
                     Word
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     was
                     by
                     little
                     and
                     little
                     together
                     received
                     ,
                     and
                     according
                     to
                     that
                     discipline
                     so
                     neer
                     as
                     might
                     be
                     ,
                     the
                     whole
                     government
                     of
                     the
                     Church
                     was
                     disposed
                     .
                     By
                     this
                     means
                     all
                     the
                     seeds
                     of
                     schism●s
                     and
                     errors
                     ,
                     so
                     soon
                     as
                     they
                     began
                     to
                     bud
                     ,
                     and
                     shew
                     themselves
                     ,
                     in
                     the
                     very
                     breeding
                     and
                     birth
                     ,
                     were
                     smothered
                     and
                     rooted
                     out
                     .
                     The
                     Lord
                     God
                     of
                     his
                     infinite
                     goodnesse
                     grant
                     unto
                     the
                     Kings
                     most
                     gracious
                     Maiesty
                     ,
                     to
                     all
                     the
                     rulers
                     of
                     the
                     Church
                     ,
                     to
                     the
                     powers
                     that
                     are
                     the
                     Nursers
                     of
                     the
                     Church
                     ,
                     that
                     according
                     to
                     the
                     Word
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     they
                     may
                     keep
                     perpetually
                     that
                     unity
                     and
                     purity
                     of
                     doctrine
                     ,
                     Amen
                     .
                  
                
                 
                   
                     Est
                     illud
                     Ecclesiae
                     Scoticanae
                     privilegium
                     rarum
                     prae
                     multis
                     ,
                     in
                     quo
                     etiam
                     ejus
                     nomen
                     apud
                     exteros
                     fùit
                     celebre
                     ,
                     quod
                     circiter
                     annos
                     plus
                     minus
                     54.
                     sine
                     schismate
                     nedum
                     haeresi
                     unitatem
                     cum
                     puritate
                     doctrina
                     servaverit
                     &
                     retinuerit
                     .
                     Hujus
                     unitatis
                     adminiculum
                     ex
                     Dei
                     misericordia
                     maximum
                     fuit
                     ,
                     quod
                     paulatim
                     tum
                     doctrina
                     ,
                     Christi
                     &
                     Apostolorum
                     disciplinam
                     ,
                     sicut
                     ex
                     verbo
                     Dei
                     est
                     praaescripta
                     ,
                     una
                     fuit
                     recepta
                     ,
                     &
                     ,
                     quam
                     proixme
                     fieri
                     potuit
                     ,
                     secundum
                     eam
                     totum
                     regimen
                     Ecclesiasticum
                     fuit
                     administratum
                     H●e
                     ratione
                     omnia
                     schismatum
                     atque
                     errorum
                     semina
                     quam
                     ,
                     prinum
                     pullulare
                     ,
                     aut
                     se
                     exerere
                     visa
                     sunt
                     ,
                     in
                     ipsa
                     quasi
                     herba
                     &
                     partu
                     sunt
                     suffocata
                     &
                     extirpata
                     .
                     Det
                     Dominus
                     Deus
                     ,
                     pro
                     immensa
                     su
                     a
                     bonitate
                     Regiae
                     Majestati
                     Serenissimo
                     ,
                     omnibusque
                     Ecclesiarum
                     gubernatoribus
                     ,
                     potestatibus
                     Ecclesiae
                     nutritiis
                     ,
                     ut
                     ex
                     Dei
                     verbo
                     illam
                     unitatem
                     &
                     doctrinae
                     puritatem
                     perpetuo
                     conservent
                     ,
                     Amen
                     .
                     
                       Corp.
                       Confess
                       .
                       fidei
                       ,
                       pag.
                       6.
                       
                    
                  
                
              
            
          
        
         
         
           The
           fourth
           of
           King
           Iames
           of
           happy
           memory
           .
           
             The
             Religion
             professed
             in
             this
             Countrey
             ,
             wherein
             I
             was
             brought
             up
             ,
             and
             ever
             made
             profession
             of
             ,
             and
             wishes
             my
             son
             ever
             to
             continue
             in
             the
             same
             ,
             as
             the
             onely
             true
             form
             of
             Gods
             Worship
             ,
             &c.
             
             I
             do
             equally
             love
             and
             honour
             the
             learned
             and
             grave
             men
             of
             either
             of
             these
             opinions
             ,
             that
             like
             better
             of
             the
             single
             form
             of
             policy
             in
             our
             Church
             ,
             than
             of
             the
             many
             Ceremonies
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             England
             ,
             &c.
             
             I
             exhort
             my
             son
             to
             be
             beneficiall
             to
             the
             good
             men
             of
             the
             Ministry
             ,
             praising
             God
             that
             there
             is
             presently
             a
             sufficient
             number
             of
             good
             men
             of
             them
             in
             this
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             yet
             are
             they
             all
             known
             to
             be
             against
             the
             form
             of
             the
             English
             Church
             .
             Basildor
             .
             To
             the
             Reader
             ,
             And
             in
             the
             Assembly
             1590
             his
             Majesty
             praised
             God
             ,
             for
             that
             he
             was
             born
             to
             be
             a
             King
             in
             the
             sincerest
             Church
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           The
           fift
           is
           of
           Brightman
           ,
           our
           own
           Countryman
           ,
           who
           joyneth
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             Helvetia
             ,
             Suevia
             ,
             Geneva
             ,
             France
             ,
             Holland
             ,
          
           SCOTLAND
           ,
           all
           together
           into
           one
           Church
           ,
           for
           the
           Counter-payn
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Philadelphia
           ,
           because
           ,
           
             saith
             he
          
           ,
           
             they
             almost
             live
             by
             one
             and
             the
             same
             laws
             and
             manner
             of
             Government
             ,
             as
             touching
             any
             matter
             of
             moment
             .
             Neither
             doth
             the
             distance
             of
             place
             break
             off
             that
             society
             which
             the
             Conjoyning
             of
             mindes
             and
             good
             will
             coupleth
             together
             ,
             having
             thus
             joyned
             them
             into
             one
             Church
             ,
             he
             subjoyneth
             concerning
             it
             .
             Loth
             would
             I
             be
             to
             provoke
             any
             man
             to
             envy
             ,
             or
             to
             grieve
             him
             with
             my
             words
             ,
             yet
             this
             I
             must
             say
             there
             is
             no
             place
             ,
             where
             the
             doctrine
             soundeth
             not
             more
             purely
             ,
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             is
             exercised
             more
             uncorruptly
             :
             where
             more
             faithfull
             diligence
             of
             the
             Pastors
             doth
             flourish
             ,
             or
             more
             free
             aud
             willing
             obedience
             is
             given
             by
             the
             people
             ,
             nor
             yet
             where
             there
             is
             greater
             reverencing
             of
             the
             whole
             Religion
             among
             all
             orders
             .
             And
             afterward
             ,
             Neither
             doth
             it
             onely
             keep
             the
             doctrine
             of
             salvation
             free
             from
             corruption
             ,
             but
             it
             doth
             also
             both
             deliver
             in
             writing
             and
             exercise
             in
             practice
             that
             sincere
             manner
             of
             government
             ,
             whereby
             men
             are
             made
             partakers
             of
             salvation
             ,
             
               
                 Revel
                 .
                 of
                 the
                 Apocal.
                 Chap.
              
               37.
               
            
          
        
         
           To
           these
           may
           be
           added
           what
           upon
           the
           one
           hand
           is
           
           said
           by
           these
           of
           the
           separation
           in
           their
           first
           petition
           to
           to
           King
           Iames
           ,
           insert
           in
           their
           Apology
           to
           the
           Doctors
           of
           Oxford
           .
           
             We
             are
             willing
             and
             ready
             to
             subscribe
             to
             these
             grounds
             of
             Religion
             published
             in
             the
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             made
             by
             the
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             ,
             hoping
             in
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             same
             Faith
             to
             be
             saved
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             :
             being
             also
             like
             minded
             for
             and
             with
             other
             Reformed
             Churches
             in
             points
             of
             greatest
             moment
             .
             And
             upon
             the
             other
             hand
             ,
             That
             the
             meetings
             of
             Ministers
             for
             interpreting
             Scripture
             ,
             like
             unto
             their
             Presbyteries
             were
             allowed
             by
             
               Arundell
               ,
               Hutton
            
             and
             Matthew
             ,
             three
             Archbishops
             in
             England
             ,
             and
             proved
             very
             profitable
             in
             the
             Northern
             parts
             for
             increase
             of
             knowledge
             both
             in
             Ministers
             and
             People
             .
          
        
         
           But
           all
           these
           and
           the
           like
           testimonies
           were
           to
           me
           but
           like
           the
           saying
           of
           the
           woman
           of
           Samaria
           to
           her
           Countrey-men
           ,
           till
           I
           did
           more
           fully
           understand
           the
           constitution
           and
           order
           of
           that
           Church
           .
           Then
           did
           I
           believe
           ,
           not
           because
           of
           their
           testimonies
           ,
           but
           because
           I
           did
           see
           and
           know
           .
           And
           from
           that
           which
           I
           have
           seen
           and
           do
           now
           know
           when
           I
           have
           walked
           and
           gone
           round
           about
           that
           Church
           ,
           when
           I
           have
           told
           the
           Towers
           thereof
           ,
           marked
           well
           her
           Bulwarks
           ,
           and
           considered
           her
           pallaces
           ,
           I
           may
           without
           offence
           affirm
           three
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           God
           hath
           not
           dealt
           so
           with
           every
           nation
           ,
           if
           envy
           would
           permit
           ,
           I
           might
           say
           ,
           any
           nation
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           dealt
           with
           them
           .
           Whereof
           no
           cause
           can
           be
           given
           but
           his
           own
           good
           pleasure
           ,
           he
           showeth
           mercy
           ,
           and
           maketh
           his
           Sunne
           to
           shine
           on
           whom
           and
           were
           he
           will
           ,
           and
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           through
           him
           ,
           and
           for
           him
           are
           all
           things
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           no
           marvail
           if
           that
           Nation
           stand
           to
           the
           defence
           of
           their
           Reformation
           ,
           had
           the
           Lord
           been
           pleased
           to
           blesse
           us
           with
           the
           like
           at
           the
           time
           of
           our
           Reformation
           
           we
           would
           not
           have
           been
           so
           unwise
           as
           to
           make
           exchange
           of
           it
           with
           Prelacy
           ,
           we
           would
           have
           forsaken
           all
           things
           rather
           then
           have
           forsaken
           it
           ,
           It
           is
           more
           strange
           that
           any
           should
           have
           been
           found
           amongst
           them
           at
           any
           time
           to
           speak
           or
           to
           do
           against
           their
           own
           Church
           :
           
           But
           after
           you
           have
           with
           your
           reason
           and
           minde
           made
           a
           generall
           survey
           of
           all
           societies
           there
           is
           none
           more
           grave
           ,
           more
           dear
           then
           that
           which
           each
           one
           of
           us
           hath
           with
           his
           Countrey
           ;
           Parents
           are
           dear
           ,
           Children
           ,
           Friends
           ,
           familiars
           are
           dear
           ;
           But
           our
           native
           Countrey
           alone
           taketh
           all
           these
           within
           her
           compasse
           ,
           for
           which
           what
           good
           man
           would
           doubt
           to
           die
           ,
           could
           his
           death
           serve
           her
           for
           good
           ?
           So
           much
           the
           more
           detestable
           is
           their
           barbarity
           ,
           who
           have
           with
           all
           kinde
           of
           wickednesse
           rent
           asunder
           their
           native
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           both
           are
           and
           have
           been
           exercised
           in
           overturning
           her
           from
           the
           very
           foundation
           .
           If
           a
           Patriote
           spoke
           so
           of
           his
           Countrey
           ,
           a
           Citizen
           so
           of
           his
           Republike
           ,
           what
           should
           the
           Christian
           born
           ,
           baptized
           ,
           and
           bred
           in
           Scotland
           think
           and
           say
           ,
           if
           he
           have
           been
           borne
           there
           not
           only
           to
           this
           mortall
           ,
           but
           to
           that
           immortall
           and
           everlasting
           life
           :
           No
           children
           on
           earth
           have
           better
           reason
           to
           say
           ,
           Wee
           are
           not
           ashamed
           of
           our
           Mother
           ,
           and
           it
           were
           to
           be
           wished
           that
           the
           saying
           were
           reciprocally
           true
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           having
           the
           pattern
           of
           all
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           this
           example
           so
           neer
           unto
           us
           ,
           what
           need
           we
           to
           stand
           amazed
           ,
           as
           not
           knowing
           what
           to
           choose
           ;
           To
           abide
           that
           which
           we
           have
           been
           ,
           is
           neither
           profitable
           nor
           possible
           ,
           To
           conjoyn
           the
           two
           in
           one
           is
           but
           the
           mixture
           of
           Iron
           with
           Clay
           ,
           and
           must
           needs
           
           make
           the
           distemper
           greater
           .
           It
           were
           well
           for
           us
           (
           and
           no
           other
           well
           for
           us
           can
           I
           see
           )
           that
           laying
           aside
           our
           high
           conceit
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           the
           low
           esteem
           of
           other
           reformed
           Churches
           We
           would
           resolve
           to
           follow
           them
           as
           they
           follow
           Christ
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           despise
           the
           government
           of
           Christ
           ,
           because
           they
           seeme
           to
           be
           but
           Mole-hils
           ;
           But
           to
           conforme
           to
           them
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           conforme
           to
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           pattern
           shewed
           in
           the
           Mountain
           .
           What
           reciprocation
           of
           giving
           and
           receiving
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           ,
           hath
           beene
           betweene
           this
           and
           the
           Scottish
           Nation
           may
           be
           knowne
           by
           the
           words
           of
           Beda
           ,
           
           but
           speaking
           in
           his
           own
           idiome
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           grounds
           of
           popery
           .
        
         
           Not
           long
           after
           the
           Monkes
           of
           the
           Scottish
           Nation
           ,
           who
           lived
           in
           the
           Iland
           Hii
           ,
           with
           the
           Monasteries
           under
           their
           power
           were
           brought
           into
           the
           rite
           of
           observing
           of
           Easter
           ,
           and
           of
           shaven
           Crownes
           .
           The
           Lord
           bringing
           it
           so
           to
           passe
           (
           he
           should
           have
           ascribed
           it
           to
           another
           spirit
           )
           .
           Which
           certainly
           was
           done
           by
           the
           marvellous
           dispensation
           of
           divine
           mercy
           ,
           that
           because
           that
           Nation
           ,
           who
           had
           the
           science
           of
           divine
           knowledge
           ,
           did
           willingly
           and
           without
           envy
           communicate
           the
           same
           to
           the
           people
           of
           England
           ;
           that
           the
           same
           Nation
           afterward
           should
           by
           the
           Nation
           of
           the
           English
           attain
           unto
           the
           perfect
           rule
           of
           living
           in
           these
           things
           which
           they
           had
           not
           before
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           The
           Governement
           and
           Order
           OF
           The
           Church
           of
           Scotland
           .
        
         
           A
           Description
           and
           not
           a
           Demonstration
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Scotland
           is
           intended
           ;
           
             non
             jus
             sed
             factum
          
           ,
           their
           doing
           simply
           and
           not
           the
           reason
           of
           their
           so
           doing
           is
           desired
           :
           The
           delineation
           therefore
           of
           the
           face
           of
           that
           Church
           ,
           without
           artificiall
           Colours
           and
           dispute
           of
           her
           comelinesse
           and
           beauty
           ,
           is
           nakedly
           expressed
           in
           two
           Parts
           :
           The
           one
           of
           her
           Officers
           ,
           the
           other
           of
           her
           Assemblies
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           first
           part
           .
        
         
           
             I.
             Of
             the
             Officers
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             BEside
             the
             ordinary
             and
             perpetuall
             Officers
             ,
             which
             are
             
               Pastors
               ,
               Doctors
               ,
               Elders
            
             ,
             and
             Deacons
             .
             The
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             hath
             no
             other
             at
             this
             time
             ,
             nor
             did
             at
             any
             time
             acknowledge
             any
             other
             :
             These
             being
             warranted
             by
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             the
             extraordinary
             Ministers
             unto
             whom
             his
             will
             was
             revealed
             ,
             and
             being
             sufficient
             for
             all
             the
             necessary
             uses
             of
             the
             Churches
             ,
             as
             Exhortation
             ,
             Teaching
             ,
             administration
             of
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             Government
             ,
             and
             distribution
             .
          
           
             The
             Offices
             of
             Apostles
             ,
             Evangelists
             ,
             and
             Prophets
             were
             extraordinary
             ,
             and
             continued
             in
             the
             Christian
             Church
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             by
             the
             Will
             of
             God
             ,
             it
             was
             needfull
             for
             the
             well
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             who
             although
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             order
             ,
             degree
             ,
             manner
             of
             
             Ministration
             ,
             and
             the
             places
             ,
             which
             they
             did
             hold
             ,
             which
             is
             called
             
               successio
               in
               gradum
               eundem
            
             .
             They
             have
             properly
             none
             to
             succeed
             them
             :
             yet
             in
             respect
             of
             their
             doctrine
             ,
             holinesse
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             substance
             of
             their
             Ministery
             ,
             which
             is
             
               successio
               in
               caput
            
             ,
             all
             faithfull
             Pastors
             ,
             lawfully
             called
             to
             their
             functions
             ,
             are
             their
             successors
             :
             And
             in
             this
             sense
             not
             only
             their
             first
             reformers
             ,
             who
             had
             somewhat
             extraordinary
             ,
             but
             all
             their
             faithfull
             Ministers
             since
             ,
             who
             have
             laboured
             in
             the
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             for
             the
             planting
             ,
             preserving
             and
             purging
             of
             Religion
             to
             the
             edification
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             no
             other
             ,
             are
             successors
             to
             the
             Apostles
             .
          
           
             The
             Office
             of
             a
             Bishop
             consisting
             in
             power
             or
             priority
             above
             a
             Pastor
             ,
             as
             having
             no
             warrant
             in
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             being
             a
             member
             of
             the
             wicked
             Hierarchy
             of
             the
             Pope
             (
             for
             ,
             although
             this
             priority
             of
             Prelates
             had
             place
             in
             the
             Church
             before
             the
             Pope
             ascended
             to
             the
             top
             of
             his
             Ambition
             ;
             yet
             every
             corruption
             in
             doctrine
             ,
             worship
             ,
             but
             especially
             in
             government
             ,
             which
             ,
             since
             the
             mystery
             of
             iniquity
             began
             to
             work
             ,
             is
             retained
             by
             the
             Pope
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             authority
             is
             
             obtruded
             upon
             the
             Church
             ,
             they
             conceive
             to
             be
             His
             )
             and
             as
             a
             cursed
             tree
             ,
             which
             amongst
             them
             hath
             brought
             forth
             no
             better
             fruits
             ,
             then
             heresie
             ,
             and
             errors
             in
             doctrine
             ,
             idolatry
             and
             superstition
             in
             worship
             ,
             Tyranny
             and
             persecution
             in
             Government
             ,
             and
             leudnesse
             ,
             and
             profanity
             of
             life
             both
             in
             Pastors
             and
             People
             ;
             They
             have
             abjured
             and
             removed
             out
             of
             their
             Church
             ,
             together
             with
             all
             the
             branches
             of
             that
             Hierarchy
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             offices
             ,
             titles
             ,
             dignities
             ,
             and
             courts
             depending
             thereupon
             as
             may
             be
             seen
             in
             their
             confession
             of
             faith
             ,
             Books
             of
             discipline
             ,
             and
             acts
             of
             assemblies
             of
             old
             ,
             and
             of
             late
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             beginning
             of
             their
             reformation
             they
             had
             no
             constitute
             Presbyteries
             ,
             nor
             such
             provinciall
             and
             generall
             assemblies
             as
             they
             had
             afterward
             ,
             and
             upon
             the
             other
             part
             they
             had
             
               superintendents
               ,
               visiters
               of
               certain
               parts
               of
               the
               Countrey
               ,
               and
               Commissioners
               for
               Provinces
               :
            
             But
             they
             who
             desire
             to
             know
             the
             constitution
             and
             condition
             of
             that
             Church
             ,
             must
             distinguish
             between
             her
             infancy
             ,
             and
             her
             riper
             age
             ,
             between
             her
             desires
             ,
             designes
             ,
             and
             endevours
             ,
             and
             her
             attainments
             ,
             proceedings
             and
             performances
             ;
             
             for
             how
             soon
             it
             was
             possible
             for
             them
             ,
             presbyteries
             and
             assemblies
             ,
             which
             from
             the
             beginning
             had
             been
             intended
             ,
             were
             erected
             and
             established
             ;
             And
             no
             sooner
             was
             this
             brought
             to
             passe
             ,
             But
             superintendents
             and
             all
             others
             of
             that
             kinde
             ,
             which
             at
             first
             were
             of
             necessary
             use
             in
             visiting
             the
             Country
             ,
             and
             in
             planting
             of
             Churches
             ,
             were
             declared
             to
             be
             neither
             necessary
             nor
             expedient
             for
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             The
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             hath
             been
             disquieted
             and
             much
             troubled
             with
             Episcopacy
             since
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             at
             last
             by
             the
             ambition
             of
             vain
             men
             ,
             by
             the
             power
             and
             working
             of
             civill
             authority
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             corrupt
             assemblies
             of
             Ministers
             ,
             had
             some
             footing
             ,
             and
             was
             in
             end
             raised
             to
             a
             great
             height
             ,
             and
             did
             become
             a
             mountain
             .
             And
             yet
             the
             office
             of
             a
             Bishop
             was
             never
             received
             in
             that
             Church
             .
             But
             when
             some
             Ministers
             ,
             who
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             benefices
             were
             called
             Bishops
             ,
             had
             ,
             by
             their
             own
             usurpation
             and
             the
             slavish
             disposition
             of
             their
             brethren
             ,
             obtained
             some
             degree
             and
             power
             over
             them
             .
             They
             did
             come
             into
             England
             ,
             and
             ,
             without
             the
             consent
             or
             knowledge
             of
             the
             
             Church
             ,
             received
             consecration
             ,
             and
             returning
             home
             ,
             did
             consecrate
             others
             like
             themselves
             .
          
        
         
           
             II.
             Of
             their
             calling
             .
          
           
             AS
             no
             man
             ought
             to
             presume
             to
             enter
             into
             any
             office
             Ecclesiasticall
             without
             an
             inward
             calling
             from
             God
             ,
             who
             only
             discerneth
             the
             intentions
             ,
             and
             desires
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             whether
             they
             be
             earthly
             or
             heavenly
             ,
             whether
             they
             be
             set
             upon
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             edifying
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             or
             upon
             the
             means
             of
             this
             life
             ;
             So
             are
             there
             none
             here
             admitted
             without
             the
             approbation
             and
             judgement
             of
             men
             according
             to
             the
             rules
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             and
             the
             received
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             This
             outward
             calling
             of
             the
             Officers
             of
             the
             Church
             doth
             consist
             in
             Election
             and
             Ordination
             ,
             after
             due
             triall
             and
             examination
             of
             their
             soundnesse
             in
             religion
             ,
             and
             godlinesse
             of
             life
             :
             For
             the
             better
             understanding
             of
             the
             order
             of
             the
             calling
             of
             their
             Ministers
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             considered
             ,
          
           
             That
             in
             every
             one
             almost
             of
             their
             Classes
             ,
             or
             greater
             Presbyteries
             ,
             there
             be
             Students
             of
             
             Divinity
             ;
             whereof
             some
             ,
             if
             they
             have
             opportunity
             of
             their
             Studies
             ,
             do
             make
             their
             abode
             within
             the
             bounds
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             attend
             the
             meetings
             thereof
             :
             Others
             ,
             who
             are
             the
             greater
             part
             ,
             stay
             at
             the
             Universities
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             time
             of
             vacation
             come
             home
             and
             wait
             upon
             the
             Presbytery
             .
          
           
             The
             abilities
             of
             both
             the
             one
             sort
             and
             the
             other
             ,
             are
             tryed
             in
             private
             ,
             before
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             how
             soon
             they
             are
             found
             fit
             to
             come
             in
             publike
             ,
             they
             enter
             upon
             the
             exercise
             or
             prophecy
             with
             the
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             at
             sometimes
             are
             employed
             and
             allowed
             to
             preach
             before
             the
             people
             :
             By
             which
             mean
             their
             gifts
             and
             abilities
             are
             known
             to
             the
             people
             ,
             as
             their
             manners
             are
             manifest
             by
             their
             conversing
             amongst
             them
             .
          
           
             Out
             of
             the
             number
             of
             these
             Proposants
             ,
             or
             (
             as
             they
             call
             them
             )
             Expectants
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             is
             nominated
             to
             the
             vacant
             place
             by
             the
             Eldership
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Minister
             ,
             if
             any
             be
             ,
             with
             the
             consent
             and
             good
             liking
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             can
             pitch
             upon
             none
             within
             the
             bounds
             of
             their
             own
             Presbytery
             they
             have
             their
             liberty
             to
             make
             their
             choice
             of
             an
             Expectant
             
             of
             good
             esteem
             and
             report
             in
             some
             other
             Presbytery
             .
          
           
             The
             Person
             thus
             known
             and
             nominated
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             particular
             Eldership
             ,
             named
             to
             the
             greater
             Presbytery
             ,
             where
             he
             is
             examined
             of
             his
             skill
             in
             the
             Languages
             ,
             
               Latine
               ,
               Greek
            
             ,
             and
             Hebrew
             ,
             in
             his
             interpreting
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             in
             the
             controversies
             of
             Religion
             ,
             in
             his
             gift
             of
             exhortation
             ,
             in
             the
             holy
             and
             Ecclesiasticall
             History
             and
             Chronologie
             ;
             And
             first
             of
             all
             ,
             Of
             his
             life
             and
             manner
             of
             conversation
             ;
             wherein
             if
             he
             be
             found
             vitious
             or
             scandalous
             ,
             he
             is
             not
             to
             be
             admitted
             to
             any
             other
             examination
             ;
             Being
             thus
             examined
             ,
             and
             found
             qualified
             for
             that
             charge
             ,
             he
             is
             sent
             to
             the
             vacant
             place
             ,
             that
             the
             people
             hearing
             him
             ,
             may
             have
             the
             greater
             assurance
             of
             his
             gifts
             for
             edification
             .
          
           
             After
             the
             people
             have
             heard
             him
             ,
             some
             Minister
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             is
             appointed
             to
             preach
             to
             that
             people
             of
             the
             necessity
             of
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             of
             the
             excellency
             of
             a
             faithfull
             Minister
             ,
             of
             the
             qualities
             of
             a
             Minister
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             obedience
             due
             to
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             or
             of
             some
             such
             Theme
             :
             And
             at
             the
             same
             time
             a
             publike
             Edict
             is
             served
             ,
             That
             if
             any
             person
             or
             
             persons
             ,
             have
             any
             thing
             to
             object
             against
             the
             literature
             ,
             doctrine
             ,
             or
             life
             of
             such
             a
             man
             ,
             why
             he
             may
             not
             be
             a
             profitable
             Minister
             of
             such
             a
             Parish
             ,
             They
             shall
             appear
             before
             the
             Presbytery
             in
             such
             a
             place
             ,
             and
             at
             such
             a
             time
             ,
             that
             their
             objections
             may
             be
             tryed
             and
             discussed
             .
          
           
             Upon
             the
             day
             appointed
             ,
             the
             Door-keeper
             of
             the
             Presbyterian
             meeting
             ,
             doth
             call
             three
             severall
             times
             ,
             if
             there
             be
             any
             to
             object
             against
             the
             Person
             nominated
             ,
             and
             if
             any
             thing
             be
             alleadged
             against
             him
             by
             any
             of
             that
             particular
             flock
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             to
             whom
             he
             is
             known
             ,
             it
             is
             duely
             and
             equally
             pondered
             by
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             be
             found
             to
             have
             any
             weight
             ,
             or
             the
             case
             be
             doubtfull
             ,
             the
             ordination
             is
             suspended
             till
             a
             more
             perfect
             triall
             ;
             Otherwise
             if
             there
             be
             nothing
             but
             silence
             ,
             they
             use
             to
             proceed
             .
          
           
             So
             that
             no
             man
             is
             here
             obtruded
             upon
             the
             people
             against
             their
             open
             or
             tacite
             consent
             and
             approbation
             ,
             or
             without
             the
             voices
             of
             the
             particular
             Eldership
             with
             whom
             he
             is
             to
             serve
             in
             the
             Ministery
             .
             But
             if
             the
             person
             nominated
             be
             a
             Pastor
             of
             some
             other
             flock
             ,
             and
             his
             faithfulnesse
             known
             in
             his
             
             former
             charge
             ,
             this
             processe
             is
             spared
             ,
             and
             his
             translation
             more
             speedily
             expede
             ,
             if
             there
             be
             no
             impediments
             of
             another
             kinde
             .
          
           
             Upon
             the
             day
             appointed
             for
             accomplishing
             his
             election
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             ordination
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             due
             time
             made
             known
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             agreed
             upon
             with
             them
             ,
             a
             Fast
             is
             ordained
             to
             be
             kept
             ,
             with
             more
             than
             ordinary
             supplication
             for
             the
             assistance
             and
             blessing
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             a
             work
             of
             so
             great
             concernment
             :
             And
             one
             of
             the
             Pastors
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             is
             appointed
             to
             preach
             to
             that
             people
             of
             the
             mutuall
             duties
             of
             Pastor
             and
             people
             .
             All
             which
             being
             done
             ,
             the
             party
             ,
             (
             who
             ,
             during
             the
             time
             of
             the
             exercise
             of
             publike
             worship
             ,
             hath
             been
             sitting
             in
             a
             conspicuous
             place
             before
             the
             Pulpit
             ,
             accompanied
             with
             the
             Elders
             ,
             and
             some
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             )
             is
             called
             up
             ,
             and
             demanded
             concerning
             his
             willingnesse
             and
             desire
             to
             serve
             the
             Lord
             JESUS
             ,
             for
             the
             good
             of
             that
             people
             ;
             with
             other
             questions
             of
             that
             kinde
             ;
             and
             the
             people
             also
             are
             demanded
             ,
             whether
             they
             will
             receive
             him
             for
             their
             Pastor
             ,
             and
             submit
             themselves
             unto
             his
             Ministery
             in
             the
             Lord.
             Both
             having
             declared
             their
             readinesse
             
             and
             mutuall
             consent
             ,
             The
             Minister
             cometh
             from
             the
             Pulpit
             ,
             and
             with
             so
             many
             of
             the
             Ministers
             present
             ,
             as
             may
             conveniently
             come
             neer
             ,
             lay
             their
             hands
             upon
             his
             head
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             JESUS
             do
             appoint
             him
             to
             be
             the
             Pastor
             of
             that
             people
             ,
             praying
             that
             from
             JESUS
             CHRIST
             ,
             who
             is
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             giveth
             gifts
             unto
             men
             ,
             he
             may
             finde
             the
             demonstration
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             and
             blessing
             of
             GOD
             in
             his
             Ministery
             ,
             to
             the
             comfort
             of
             that
             people
             .
             Therafter
             the
             whole
             Eldership
             give
             unto
             him
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             fellowship
             .
             And
             last
             of
             all
             ,
             the
             Minister
             goeth
             to
             the
             Pulpit
             ,
             and
             concludeth
             the
             whole
             action
             with
             pertinent
             thanksgiving
             and
             prayers
             ,
             a
             Psalm
             is
             sung
             ,
             and
             the
             Assembly
             dissolved
             with
             the
             blessing
             .
          
           
             By
             this
             it
             may
             appear
             that
             Pastors
             or
             Presbyters
             are
             not
             there
             admitted
             at
             large
             ,
             without
             assignation
             to
             a
             particular
             flock
             ,
             like
             Masters
             of
             Art
             ,
             or
             Doctors
             of
             Physick
             .
             They
             conceive
             it
             to
             be
             as
             preposterous
             for
             Ordination
             to
             go
             before
             the
             Election
             of
             Ministers
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             first
             to
             Crown
             a
             King
             ,
             or
             Install
             a
             Magistrate
             ,
             and
             thereafter
             
             to
             choose
             him
             :
             next
             in
             the
             ordination
             of
             their
             Ministers
             they
             use
             none
             of
             the
             ridiculous
             toyes
             ,
             and
             apish
             conceits
             of
             Popery
             ;
             but
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             simplicity
             of
             the
             Apostolicall
             and
             ancient
             Church
             ,
             content
             themselves
             with
             Fasting
             ,
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             Imposition
             of
             hands
             ;
             Prayer
             ,
             to
             bring
             down
             a
             blessing
             upon
             the
             person
             on
             whose
             head
             the
             hands
             are
             laid
             ,
             and
             Fasting
             ,
             to
             make
             the
             prayer
             to
             ascend
             the
             more
             fervently
             .
          
           
             This
             liberty
             of
             Election
             is
             in
             part
             prejudged
             &
             hindred
             by
             Patronages
             and
             Presentations
             which
             are
             still
             in
             use
             there
             ,
             not
             by
             the
             rules
             of
             their
             discipline
             ,
             but
             by
             toleration
             of
             that
             w
             ch
             they
             cannot
             amend
             ,
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             procuring
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             case
             of
             presentations
             by
             Patrons
             ,
             the
             examination
             and
             tryall
             by
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             is
             still
             the
             same
             .
             The
             Congregation
             ,
             where
             he
             who
             is
             presented
             is
             to
             serve
             ,
             is
             called
             ,
             if
             they
             have
             ought
             to
             object
             against
             his
             Doctrine
             or
             life
             ,
             after
             they
             have
             heard
             him
             ,
             or
             that
             their
             consent
             may
             be
             had
             .
             And
             if
             he
             be
             found
             
               Reus
               ambitus
            
             ,
             or
             to
             have
             gone
             about
             to
             procure
             a
             presentation
             ,
             he
             is
             repelled
             ,
             &
             declared
             incapable
             of
             that
             place
             .
          
           
             No
             Pastor
             may
             thrust
             himself
             upon
             a
             
             flock
             ,
             nor
             after
             his
             entry
             ,
             desert
             his
             charge
             ,
             or
             remove
             himself
             to
             another
             Congregation
             at
             his
             own
             pleasure
             .
             The
             Deserters
             ,
             if
             any
             be
             ,
             are
             appointed
             to
             be
             admonished
             ,
             and
             in
             case
             of
             obstinacy
             ,
             to
             be
             excommunicated
             .
             If
             a
             Minister
             ,
             upon
             lawfull
             and
             urgent
             causes
             ,
             desire
             to
             remove
             from
             one
             Congregation
             to
             another
             ,
             of
             if
             a
             Minister
             be
             called
             to
             another
             Congregation
             ,
             for
             which
             he
             is
             more
             fit
             ,
             or
             be
             called
             forth
             upon
             grave
             considerations
             for
             some
             publike
             employment
             ,
             tending
             to
             the
             common
             benefit
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             This
             is
             not
             done
             by
             private
             transaction
             ,
             and
             particular
             agreement
             of
             Ministers
             and
             Congregations
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             wisedom
             and
             authority
             of
             the
             Presbyteries
             or
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             Nor
             is
             it
             done
             by
             them
             ,
             but
             upon
             such
             reasons
             as
             should
             move
             that
             Church
             ,
             wherein
             for
             the
             present
             he
             ministreth
             ,
             to
             give
             her
             consent
             :
             for
             whose
             supply
             also
             ,
             either
             a
             convenient
             course
             is
             presently
             taken
             ,
             or
             the
             way
             of
             supply
             is
             seen
             to
             be
             easie
             .
          
           
             The
             Minister
             thus
             removed
             from
             one
             Church
             to
             another
             ,
             receiveth
             no
             new
             ordination
             ,
             but
             by
             vertue
             of
             his
             first
             ordination
             he
             serveth
             in
             the
             place
             ,
             unto
             which
             he
             is
             
             called
             and
             elected
             :
             Only
             at
             his
             admission
             one
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             who
             is
             appointed
             to
             preach
             of
             the
             duty
             of
             Pastors
             and
             people
             ,
             and
             to
             pray
             for
             a
             blessing
             ,
             recommendeth
             him
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             who
             have
             before
             declared
             their
             willingnesse
             and
             desire
             to
             receive
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             Congregation
             to
             his
             care
             and
             fidelity
             ,
             And
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             if
             any
             be
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             Elders
             ,
             with
             whom
             he
             sitteth
             before
             the
             Pulpit
             ,
             take
             him
             by
             the
             hand
             .
          
           
             Pastors
             and
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             through
             old
             age
             ,
             sicknesse
             ,
             or
             other
             infirmitie
             being
             disabled
             to
             bear
             the
             weight
             ,
             and
             discharge
             the
             duty
             of
             their
             Pastorall
             charge
             ,
             Do
             notwithstanding
             still
             retain
             the
             honour
             of
             their
             office
             ,
             and
             comfort
             of
             maintenance
             during
             their
             lifetime
             .
             And
             they
             performing
             what
             they
             are
             able
             in
             reaching
             ,
             government
             ,
             visitation
             and
             catechising
             ,
             others
             are
             joyned
             with
             them
             by
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             people
             to
             be
             their
             fellow
             labourers
             ,
             and
             to
             undergo
             the
             main
             charge
             .
          
           
             The
             same
             course
             of
             election
             and
             admission
             for
             substance
             ,
             and
             in
             form
             according
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             their
             office
             ,
             is
             observed
             in
             the
             calling
             of
             other
             Officers
             ,
             as
             
               Ruling
               Elders
            
             ,
             
             and
             Deacons
             :
             At
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             where
             there
             be
             none
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             with
             the
             gravest
             ,
             holiest
             ,
             and
             those
             of
             the
             soundest
             judgement
             ,
             and
             best
             affection
             to
             Religion
             ,
             do
             choose
             them
             with
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             people
             .
             And
             where
             particular
             Elderships
             are
             already
             constitute
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             and
             the
             Elders
             who
             are
             now
             in
             office
             ,
             do
             choose
             such
             as
             are
             to
             succeed
             those
             who
             are
             removed
             by
             death
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             way
             ,
             or
             by
             vicissitude
             are
             to
             relieve
             such
             as
             are
             now
             in
             place
             ;
             And
             that
             the
             election
             of
             one
             or
             moe
             at
             first
             ,
             or
             afterward
             may
             proceed
             with
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             their
             names
             are
             published
             and
             made
             known
             to
             the
             congregation
             by
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             that
             if
             ought
             may
             be
             objected
             against
             any
             of
             them
             ,
             why
             they
             may
             not
             be
             received
             to
             the
             office
             of
             an
             Elder
             or
             Deacon
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             examined
             ,
             and
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             found
             important
             ,
             others
             may
             be
             chosen
             .
             When
             the
             day
             of
             their
             admission
             cometh
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             having
             fram'd
             his
             doctrine
             to
             the
             purpose
             ,
             calleth
             them
             up
             ,
             and
             remembring
             both
             them
             of
             their
             duty
             in
             their
             charge
             ,
             and
             the
             people
             of
             their
             submitting
             themselves
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             ar●
             solemnly
             received
             with
             
             lifted
             up
             hands
             ,
             giving
             their
             promises
             to
             be
             faithfull
             .
          
        
         
           
             III.
             The
             discharge
             of
             their
             duties
             in
             particular
             ,
             and
             first
             of
             the
             Pastor
             .
          
           
             
               1.
               
               The
               order
               kept
               in
               Preaching
               .
            
             
               THe
               Pastor
               is
               bound
               to
               teach
               the
               Word
               of
               God
               in
               season
               and
               out
               of
               season
               ,
               and
               beside
               all
               occasionall
               ,
               and
               week
               day
               Sermons
               ,
               which
               in
               Cities
               and
               Townes
               use
               to
               be
               at
               least
               two
               dayes
               every
               week
               ,
               The
               Congregation
               doth
               assemble
               twice
               on
               the
               Lords
               day
               ,
               and
               for
               this
               end
               notice
               is
               given
               of
               the
               time
               by
               the
               sound
               of
               a
               Bell.
               When
               so
               many
               of
               all
               sorts
               ,
               men
               and
               women
               ,
               masters
               and
               servants
               ,
               young
               and
               old
               ,
               as
               shall
               meet
               together
               ,
               are
               assembled
               ,
               The
               publike
               worship
               beginneth
               with
               prayer
               ,
               and
               reading
               some
               portion
               of
               holy
               Scripture
               both
               of
               the
               Old
               and
               New
               Testament
               ,
               which
               the
               people
               hear
               with
               attention
               and
               reverence
               ,
               and
               after
               reading
               ,
               the
               whole
               Congregation
               joyneth
               in
               singing
               some
               Psalm
               .
               This
               reading
               and
               singing
               do
               continue
               till
               the
               Preaching
               begin
               ;
               At
               which
               time
               the
               Minister
               having
               prefaced
               a
               little
               for
               quickening
               and
               
               lifting
               up
               the
               hearts
               of
               the
               people
               ,
               first
               maketh
               a
               prayer
               for
               remission
               of
               sin
               ,
               Sanctification
               ,
               and
               all
               things
               needfull
               ,
               joyning
               also
               confession
               of
               sins
               ,
               and
               thanksgiving
               ,
               with
               speciall
               relation
               to
               the
               hearers
               .
               After
               which
               ,
               in
               the
               forenoon
               is
               another
               Psalm
               ,
               and
               after
               the
               Psalm
               a
               prayer
               for
               a
               blessing
               upon
               the
               preaching
               of
               the
               Word
               .
               His
               Text
               is
               ordinarily
               some
               part
               of
               that
               Book
               of
               Canonicall
               Scripture
               ,
               which
               in
               his
               judgement
               he
               conceiveth
               to
               be
               fittest
               for
               the
               times
               ,
               and
               the
               condition
               of
               his
               flock
               .
               The
               Doctrine
               deduced
               ,
               is
               explained
               and
               confirmed
               by
               Scripture
               ,
               and
               fitly
               ,
               and
               faithfully
               applyed
               ,
               all
               in
               such
               methode
               ,
               manner
               ,
               and
               expression
               as
               may
               most
               edifie
               the
               hearers
               .
            
             
               After
               Sermon
               he
               praiseth
               God
               ,
               and
               prayeth
               again
               for
               a
               blessing
               ,
               joyning
               earnest
               petitions
               for
               the
               Church
               Vniversall
               ,
               and
               for
               the
               coming
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               Christ
               ,
               for
               all
               the
               afflicted
               Churches
               ,
               for
               the
               Churches
               in
               his
               M
               ajest
               .
               Dominions
               ,
               for
               the
               Church
               of
               Scotland
               ,
               Ministery
               and
               People
               ,
               for
               the
               King
               ,
               the
               Queen
               ,
               the
               Prince
               ,
               and
               their
               whole
               Royall
               Progeny
               ,
               for
               all
               the
               members
               of
               that
               particular
               Congregation
               ,
               as
               well
               absent
               in
               their
               
               lawfull
               affairs
               as
               present
               ,
               for
               all
               that
               are
               afflicted
               among
               them
               in
               body
               ,
               minde
               or
               means
               .
               The
               prayer
               ended
               ,
               a
               Psalm
               is
               sung
               ,
               and
               the
               people
               dismissed
               with
               a
               blessing
               .
            
             
               In
               the
               afternoon
               either
               the
               same
               order
               in
               all
               things
               almost
               ,
               is
               followed
               in
               performing
               the
               parts
               of
               publike
               worship
               ,
               or
               some
               part
               of
               the
               Catechisme
               is
               expounded
               ,
               and
               thereafter
               so
               much
               time
               as
               may
               be
               spared
               is
               bestowed
               in
               Catechising
               some
               part
               of
               the
               Parish
               warned
               particularly
               to
               attend
               .
            
             
               Beside
               the
               publike
               means
               they
               have
               other
               three
               helps
               for
               edification
               ,
               one
               is
               an
               ordinary
               course
               of
               Catechising
               on
               such
               dayes
               of
               the
               week
               ,
               as
               are
               judged
               to
               be
               fittest
               by
               the
               Pastor
               ,
               and
               Eldership
               .
               Another
               is
               the
               visitation
               of
               families
               by
               the
               Pastors
               ,
               and
               the
               Elders
               each
               one
               in
               his
               own
               quarter
               ,
               for
               trying
               the
               manners
               of
               the
               people
               ,
               whether
               they
               walk
               worthy
               of
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               for
               setting
               ,
               and
               holding
               up
               religious
               exercise
               in
               families
               .
               And
               that
               the
               Pastor
               from
               his
               particular
               knowledge
               of
               the
               flock
               committed
               to
               him
               ,
               may
               apply
               his
               doctrine
               ,
               and
               pray
               the
               more
               pertinently
               in
               publike
               The
               third
               is
               ,
               Examination
               of
               all
               sorts
               of
               persons
               ,
               who
               are
               not
               known
               to
               have
               some
               good
               measure
               of
               knowledge
               ,
               before
               the
               
               Communion
               .
               All
               these
               parts
               of
               the
               Ministery
               in
               publike
               and
               private
               are
               performed
               more
               diligently
               ,
               or
               negligently
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               faithfulnesse
               or
               unfaithfulnesse
               of
               the
               Minister
               ,
               who
               hath
               according
               to
               his
               work
               ,
               his
               praise
               ,
               or
               censure
               at
               the
               visitation
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               by
               the
               greater
               Presbytery
               .
            
             
               No
               Minister
               there
               ,
               is
               suffered
               to
               be
               a
               non-resident
               ,
               or
               to
               have
               the
               charge
               of
               more
               Churches
               ;
               But
               if
               two
               small
               contiguous
               Parishes
               be
               united
               by
               the
               assembly
               ,
               to
               make
               up
               a
               competent
               congregation
               ,
               he
               Preacheth
               sometime
               in
               the
               one
               ,
               and
               sometime
               in
               the
               other
               Church
               ,
               as
               the
               people
               do
               desire
               ,
               and
               the
               Eldership
               doth
               direct
               .
            
          
           
             
               2.
               
               The
               order
               of
               Baptisme
               .
            
             
               NO
               other
               but
               the
               Pastor
               ,
               who
               preacheth
               the
               Word
               hath
               the
               power
               of
               the
               Ministration
               of
               the
               Sacraments
               ;
               And
               concerning
               Baptisme
               it
               useth
               not
               to
               be
               hastened
               before
               some
               day
               of
               the
               publike
               meeting
               of
               the
               Congregation
               ,
               nor
               delayed
               after
               ,
               but
               upon
               necessary
               impediments
               ,
               and
               is
               never
               ministred
               in
               private
               houses
               .
               Notice
               is
               given
               thereof
               in
               due
               time
               to
               the
               Pastor
               ,
               and
               that
               by
               the
               Father
               of
               the
               child
               ,
               if
               he
               be
               not
               justly
               hindered
               ,
               that
               a
               word
               may
               be
               spoken
               to
               him
               in
               season
               .
            
             
             
               After
               Sermon
               on
               the
               week
               dayes
               ,
               and
               after
               Sermon
               in
               the
               afternoon
               ,
               on
               the
               Lords
               day
               ,
               The
               Pastor
               remaining
               in
               the
               same
               place
               ,
               where
               he
               hath
               Preached
               ,
               and
               having
               water
               in
               a
               large
               Basin
               provided
               ,
               with
               a
               fair
               Linnen-cloth
               ,
               in
               a
               convenient
               place
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               decent
               manner
               ;
               The
               Father
               ,
               or
               in
               his
               necessary
               absence
               ,
               some
               other
               man
               ,
               who
               is
               reputed
               godly
               ,
               presenteth
               the
               child
               to
               be
               Baptized
               .
            
             
               The
               action
               is
               begun
               with
               a
               short
               and
               pertinent
               prayer
               ,
               next
               ,
               some
               words
               of
               instruction
               touching
               the
               Author
               ,
               nature
               ,
               use
               ,
               and
               end
               of
               this
               Sacrament
               ,
               the
               duties
               to
               be
               performed
               ,
               in
               the
               one
               time
               ,
               of
               the
               person
               to
               be
               Baptized
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               parent
               or
               viceparent
               .
               Thirdly
               ,
               he
               that
               presenteth
               the
               childe
               ,
               maketh
               confession
               of
               the
               Faith
               ,
               into
               which
               the
               childe
               is
               to
               be
               Baptized
               ,
               and
               promiseth
               to
               bring
               up
               the
               childe
               in
               that
               Faith
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               fear
               of
               God.
               Fourthly
               ,
               the
               Minister
               being
               informed
               of
               the
               name
               of
               the
               childe
               ,
               Baptizeth
               the
               childe
               so
               named
               ,
               by
               sprinkling
               with
               water
               ,
               
                 Into
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 Son
                 ,
                 and
                 holy
                 Ghost
                 .
              
               Lastly
               ,
               the
               Minister
               concludeth
               ,
               as
               well
               the
               publike
               worship
               ,
               for
               that
               time
               ,
               as
               the
               action
               ,
               with
               thanksgiving
               for
               the
               Word
               ,
               and
               Sacraments
               ,
               and
               with
               prayer
               for
               a
               blessing
               ,
               and
               with
               such
               Petitions
               ,
               
               as
               he
               useth
               at
               other
               times
               after
               Sermon
               ,
               and
               in
               end
               dismisseth
               ,
               the
               Congregation
               with
               the
               blessing
               .
            
          
           
             
               3.
               
               The
               order
               of
               ministring
               the
               Communion
               ,
               or
               the
               Lords
               Supper
               .
            
             
               THe
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               Lords
               Supper
               ,
               is
               more
               frequently
               ministred
               in
               some
               Congregations
               ,
               then
               in
               other
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               number
               of
               the
               Communicants
               ,
               and
               the
               Proficiency
               of
               the
               People
               in
               the
               way
               of
               Christ
               ;
               and
               in
               some
               places
               upon
               one
               Sabbath
               ,
               in
               other
               places
               upon
               two
               ,
               or
               three
               Sabbaths
               ,
               as
               it
               may
               be
               done
               most
               conveniently
               ,
               which
               is
               determined
               by
               the
               Minister
               ,
               and
               Eldership
               of
               the
               Church
               .
            
             
               None
               are
               admited
               ,
               to
               the
               Lords
               Supper
               ,
               but
               such
               as
               upon
               examination
               are
               found
               to
               have
               a
               compe●ent
               measure
               of
               knowledge
               in
               the
               grounds
               of
               Christian
               Religion
               ,
               and
               the
               doctrine
               of
               the
               Sacraments
               ;
               and
               are
               able
               according
               to
               the
               Apostles
               Commandement
               ,
               and
               professe
               themselves
               willing
               ,
               to
               examine
               themselves
               ,
               and
               to
               renew
               their
               Covenant
               made
               with
               God
               in
               Baptisme
               ,
               promising
               to
               walk
               as
               beseemeth
               Christians
               ,
               and
               to
               submit
               themselves
               to
               all
               the
               Ordinances
               of
               Christ.
               The
               ignorant
               ,
               the
               Scandalous
               ,
               the
               obstinate
               ,
               and
               
               such
               as
               are
               under
               Censure
               ,
               or
               publike
               admonition
               in
               the
               way
               to
               censure
               ,
               are
               not
               admitted
               ;
               Neither
               are
               strangers
               received
               ,
               but
               upon
               sufficient
               testimony
               ,
               or
               otherwise
               be
               very
               well
               known
               .
            
             
               The
               Sabbath
               day
               next
               before
               the
               Communion
               shall
               be
               celebrated
               ,
               publike
               warning
               thereof
               is
               made
               by
               the
               Pastor
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               doctrine
               of
               preparation
               ,
               to
               be
               taught
               the
               last
               day
               of
               the
               week
               ,
               or
               at
               least
               toward
               the
               end
               of
               the
               week
               ;
               That
               the
               Communicants
               may
               be
               the
               better
               prepared
               ,
               by
               the
               use
               of
               the
               means
               ,
               both
               in
               private
               and
               publike
               .
            
             
               Upon
               the
               day
               of
               the
               Communion
               (
               notice
               being
               given
               after
               the
               doctrine
               of
               preparation
               ,
               of
               the
               houres
               of
               meeting
               ,
               which
               useth
               to
               be
               before
               the
               ordinary
               time
               observed
               other
               Sabbaths
               )
               a
               large
               Table
               decently
               covered
               ,
               is
               so
               placed
               ,
               as
               that
               the
               Communicants
               may
               best
               sit
               about
               it
               ,
               and
               the
               whole
               Congregation
               ,
               may
               both
               hear
               and
               behold
               .
            
             
               The
               Preface
               ,
               prayers
               ,
               and
               preaching
               of
               that
               day
               ,
               are
               all
               framed
               to
               the
               present
               matter
               of
               the
               Sacrament
               ,
               and
               the
               duties
               of
               the
               receivers
               ;
               after
               Sermon
               immediatly
               the
               Pastor
               use●h
               an
               exhortation
               ,
               and
               debarreth
               from
               the
               Table
               all
               ignorant
               ,
               prophane
               ,
               and
               scandalous
               
               persons
               ,
               which
               being
               done
               ,
               he
               goeth
               from
               the
               Pulpit
               ,
               and
               sitteth
               down
               with
               the
               people
               at
               the
               Table
               ,
               where
               the
               bread
               standing
               before
               him
               in
               great
               Basins
               ,
               fitly
               prepared
               for
               breaking
               and
               distribution
               ,
               and
               the
               wine
               in
               large
               Cups
               in
               like
               manner
               ,
               he
               first
               readeth
               ,
               and
               shortly
               expoundeth
               the
               words
               of
               Institution
               ,
               shewing
               the
               nature
               ,
               use
               ,
               and
               end
               of
               the
               Sacrament
               ,
               and
               the
               duties
               of
               the
               Communicants
               ;
               next
               he
               useth
               a
               prayer
               ,
               wherein
               he
               both
               giveth
               thanks
               ,
               especially
               for
               the
               Inestimable
               benefit
               of
               Redemption
               ,
               and
               for
               the
               means
               of
               the
               Word
               and
               Sacraments
               ,
               particularly
               of
               this
               Sacrament
               ,
               and
               prayeth
               earnestly
               to
               God
               for
               his
               powerfull
               presence
               ,
               and
               effectuall
               working
               ,
               to
               accompany
               his
               own
               Ordinance
               ,
               to
               the
               comfort
               of
               his
               people
               now
               to
               communicate
               .
            
             
               The
               Elements
               thus
               being
               Sanctified
               by
               the
               Word
               and
               Prayer
               ,
               the
               Minister
               Sacramentally
               breaketh
               the
               bread
               ,
               taketh
               and
               eateth
               himself
               ,
               and
               delivereth
               to
               the
               people
               ,
               sitting
               in
               decent
               and
               reverent
               manner
               about
               the
               Table
               ,
               but
               without
               difference
               of
               degrees
               ,
               or
               acceptions
               of
               persons
               ;
               these
               that
               are
               neerest
               the
               Minister
               ,
               having
               received
               the
               bread
               ,
               do
               divide
               it
               from
               hand
               to
               hand
               amongst
               themselves
               ;
               when
               the
               Minister
               delivereth
               the
               bread
               ,
               according
               to
               
               the
               commandment
               and
               example
               of
               Christ
               ,
               he
               commandeth
               the
               people
               to
               take
               and
               eat
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 Take
                 ye
                 ,
                 eat
                 ye
                 ;
                 this
                 is
                 the
                 Body
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 broken
                 for
                 you
                 :
                 Do
                 it
                 in
                 remembrance
                 of
                 him
                 .
              
               After
               all
               at
               the
               Table
               have
               taken
               and
               eaten
               ,
               the
               Minister
               taketh
               the
               Cup
               ,
               and
               drinking
               first
               himself
               ,
               he
               giveth
               it
               to
               the
               neerest
               ,
               saying
               ,
               
                 This
                 Cup
                 is
                 the
                 New
                 Testament
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Blood
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Iesus
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 shed
                 for
                 many
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 remission
                 of
                 sins
                 ;
                 drink
                 ye
                 all
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 ye
                 do
                 eat
                 this
                 Bread
                 ,
                 and
                 drink
                 this
                 Cup
                 ,
                 ye
                 do
                 shew
                 the
                 Lords
                 death
                 till
                 he
                 come
                 .
              
               All
               this
               time
               the
               Elders
               ,
               in
               a
               competent
               number
               ,
               and
               in
               a
               grave
               and
               reverent
               manner
               ,
               do
               attend
               about
               the
               Table
               ,
               that
               all
               who
               are
               admitted
               to
               the
               Table
               ,
               may
               have
               the
               bread
               and
               wine
               in
               their
               own
               place
               and
               order
               of
               sitting
               ,
               the
               Minister
               also
               ,
               continuing
               in
               his
               place
               ,
               after
               the
               giving
               of
               the
               Elements
               ,
               doth
               either
               by
               his
               own
               speech
               ,
               stir
               up
               the
               Communicants
               to
               Spirituall
               meditations
               of
               faith
               ,
               of
               the
               great
               love
               of
               God
               in
               Christ
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Passion
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               to
               holy
               affections
               of
               love
               ,
               joy
               ,
               godly
               sorrow
               ,
               thankfulnesse
               ,
               and
               whatsoever
               may
               concern
               them
               at
               that
               time
               ,
               or
               causeth
               be
               read
               the
               history
               of
               the
               Passion
               ,
               or
               some
               other
               part
               of
               Scripture
               ,
               which
               may
               work
               the
               same
               effect
               .
            
             
             
               After
               all
               at
               the
               Table
               have
               received
               the
               Cup
               ,
               they
               rise
               from
               the
               Table
               ,
               and
               return
               in
               a
               quiet
               manner
               ,
               to
               their
               places
               ,
               another
               company
               cometh
               to
               the
               Table
               ,
               and
               so
               a
               third
               and
               a
               fourth
               ,
               till
               all
               have
               received
               in
               the
               same
               manner
               as
               the
               first
               ,
               during
               which
               time
               of
               removing
               of
               the
               one
               ,
               and
               approaching
               of
               the
               other
               ,
               the
               whole
               Congregation
               singeth
               some
               part
               of
               a
               Psalm
               ,
               touching
               the
               Passion
               ,
               or
               the
               love
               and
               kindenesse
               of
               God
               to
               his
               people
               ,
               as
               Psal.
               22
               ,
               or
               103
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               After
               the
               last
               company
               hath
               received
               ,
               the
               Minister
               rising
               from
               the
               Table
               ,
               goeth
               to
               the
               Pulpit
               ,
               where
               ,
               after
               a
               short
               speech
               ,
               tending
               to
               thanksgiving
               ,
               he
               doth
               againe
               solemnely
               give
               thankes
               unto
               God
               for
               so
               great
               a
               mercy
               ,
               and
               prayeth
               as
               on
               other
               Sabbaths
               ;
               The
               prayer
               ended
               ,
               all
               joyn
               in
               singing
               a
               Psalm
               of
               praise
               ,
               sutable
               to
               the
               occasion
               ,
               and
               are
               dismissed
               with
               the
               blessing
               ,
               before
               which
               none
               are
               to
               depart
               ,
               unlesse
               in
               case
               of
               necessity
               .
            
             
               The
               Communion
               being
               thus
               celebrated
               in
               the
               forenoon
               ,
               the
               people
               meet
               again
               in
               the
               afternoon
               ,
               at
               which
               time
               ,
               the
               Minister
               teacheth
               the
               Doctrine
               of
               thanksgiving
               ,
               and
               closeth
               the
               publike
               and
               solemn
               worship
               of
               that
               day
               ,
               from
               which
               the
               people
               use
               to
               depart
               ,
               refreshed
               with
               
               the
               grace
               and
               peace
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               strengthened
               ,
               with
               new
               and
               fresh
               resolutions
               to
               serve
               the
               Lord.
               
            
          
           
             
               4.
               
               The
               order
               of
               publike
               fasting
               or
               humiliation
               .
            
             
               SOmetimes
               the
               fast
               or
               humiliation
               is
               of
               larger
               extent
               ,
               to
               be
               observed
               by
               all
               the
               Churches
               in
               the
               Kingdome
               ,
               sometime
               more
               particular
               ,
               of
               one
               or
               more
               Congregations
               ;
               Sometimes
               the
               fast
               is
               kept
               one
               day
               only
               ,
               sometimes
               all
               the
               dayes
               of
               the
               week
               ,
               Sometimes
               on
               the
               Sabbath
               only
               ,
               especially
               in
               the
               Countrey
               Churches
               ;
               Sometimes
               upon
               some
               day
               of
               the
               week
               also
               ,
               as
               in
               Cities
               or
               Towns
               ;
               They
               neither
               make
               difference
               of
               dayes
               for
               humiliation
               ,
               nor
               do
               they
               keep
               any
               set
               fasts
               or
               feasts
               :
               all
               is
               disposed
               and
               done
               ,
               according
               as
               the
               occasions
               ,
               and
               causes
               do
               presse
               or
               require
               ,
               as
               may
               serve
               most
               for
               the
               end
               intended
               ,
               and
               may
               best
               ply
               with
               the
               opportunities
               ,
               and
               necessities
               of
               the
               Congregation
               .
            
             
               The
               Sabbath
               next
               before
               the
               fast
               ,
               notice
               is
               given
               of
               the
               Causes
               of
               humiliation
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               times
               to
               be
               observed
               ,
               with
               earnest
               exhortation
               to
               the
               people
               ,
               to
               prepare
               themselves
               for
               afflicting
               their
               soules
               ,
               and
               extraordinary
               humiliation
               .
            
             
               In
               many
               places
               especially
               in
               Cities
               ,
               Towns
               ,
               and
               greater
               Villages
               ,
               or
               where
               the
               people
               may
               conveniently
               assemble
               ,
               The
               day
               before
               the
               fast
               ,
               the
               doctrine
               of
               preparation
               to
               the
               fast
               ,
               is
               taught
               expressing
               the
               nature
               ,
               and
               use
               thereof
               ,
               for
               averting
               the
               wrath
               of
               God.
               
            
             
               The
               dayes
               of
               the
               fast
               from
               morning
               to
               evening
               ,
               
               are
               kept
               holy
               unto
               the
               Lord
               in
               the
               nature
               of
               an
               Extraordinary
               Sabbath
               ,
               with
               abstinence
               from
               meat
               ,
               and
               drink
               ,
               from
               delights
               and
               worldly
               labours
               ,
               with
               the
               exercises
               of
               reading
               the
               Law
               ,
               plain
               preaching
               ,
               interpretation
               ,
               and
               particular
               application
               ,
               deep
               humiliation
               ,
               and
               renting
               of
               the
               heart
               for
               sin
               ,
               large
               ,
               and
               hearty
               confessions
               of
               sin
               ,
               fervent
               supplications
               ,
               and
               earnest
               seeking
               of
               God
               ,
               by
               prayer
               for
               pardon
               ,
               with
               singing
               of
               penitentiall
               Psalms
               ;
               after
               which
               they
               have
               many
               times
               ,
               found
               wonderfull
               deliverances
               ,
               and
               extraordinary
               blessings
               from
               Heaven
               .
            
          
           
             
               5.
               
               The
               order
               of
               marriage
               .
            
             
               ALthough
               marriage
               be
               no
               Sacrament
               ,
               nor
               part
               of
               the
               Worship
               of
               God
               ,
               yet
               they
               conceive
               that
               the
               Matrimoniall
               conjunction
               of
               Christians
               ,
               and
               members
               of
               the
               Church
               is
               most
               conveniently
               solemnized
               in
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Congregation
               ,
               with
               instruction
               out
               of
               Gods
               Word
               ,
               of
               the
               Institution
               ,
               use
               ,
               and
               ends
               of
               marriage
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               duties
               of
               married
               persons
               ,
               and
               with
               blessing
               by
               the
               Minister
               ,
               and
               with
               the
               prayers
               of
               the
               Church
               .
            
             
               The
               parties
               are
               contracted
               before
               they
               be
               married
               ,
               and
               before
               they
               be
               contracted
               ,
               if
               there
               be
               any
               suspicion
               of
               their
               ignorance
               ,
               they
               are
               examined
               in
               the
               grounds
               of
               Religion
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               knowledge
               of
               the
               mutuall
               duties
               ,
               which
               they
               owe
               each
               to
               other
               .
               Notice
               also
               is
               given
               of
               the
               consent
               of
               Parents
               ,
               or
               vice-Parents
               ,
               and
               that
               neither
               of
               them
               is
               contracted
               
               before
               to
               any
               other
               party
               ,
               nor
               any
               impediment
               from
               the
               degrees
               of
               Affinity
               ,
               or
               Consanguinity
               prohibited
               ;
               The
               contract
               and
               purpose
               of
               marriage
               is
               also
               published
               ,
               three
               severall
               Sabbaths
               before
               the
               same
               be
               solemnized
               ,
               and
               if
               there
               be
               nothing
               objected
               to
               hinder
               their
               marriage
               ,
               then
               are
               they
               solemnly
               married
               ,
               in
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Congregation
               ,
               before
               the
               ending
               of
               40
               dayes
               from
               the
               time
               of
               the
               contract
               .
            
             
               They
               require
               for
               marriage
               the
               free
               consent
               of
               the
               parties
               come
               to
               the
               yeers
               of
               discretion
               ,
               and
               the
               knowledge
               and
               consent
               of
               the
               Parents
               ;
               they
               do
               not
               allow
               of
               the
               marrige
               of
               Infants
               ,
               nor
               secret
               and
               clandestine
               contracts
               and
               marriages
               ,
               nor
               do
               they
               use
               any
               idle
               rites
               or
               superstitious
               Ceremonies
               ,
               in
               the
               time
               of
               the
               Solemnization
               .
            
          
           
             
               6.
               
               The
               Order
               of
               Buriall
               of
               the
               dead
               .
            
             
               THough
               Buriall
               be
               no
               part
               of
               the
               Worship
               of
               God
               ,
               nor
               of
               the
               work
               of
               the
               Ministry
               ;
               yet
               they
               think
               meet
               that
               an
               honest
               and
               competent
               number
               of
               Christians
               ,
               accompany
               the
               Christian
               friends
               of
               the
               dead
               unto
               the
               Grave
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               confer
               and
               comfort
               one
               another
               by
               the
               way
               ,
               and
               to
               see
               the
               Buriall
               done
               in
               a
               grave
               and
               decent
               manner
               ,
               remembring
               that
               sin
               is
               the
               cause
               of
               death
               ,
               that
               Christ
               hath
               overcome
               death
               and
               the
               grave
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               who
               die
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               shall
               rise
               again
               to
               life
               everlasting
               .
            
             
               Their
               Burials
               are
               without
               singing
               or
               reading
               ,
               which
               the
               superstitious
               do
               conceive
               to
               be
               profitable
               
               for
               the
               dead
               ;
               without
               Funerall
               Sermons
               ,
               which
               do
               beget
               superstition
               ,
               and
               tend
               to
               flartery
               ,
               make
               the
               Gospel
               to
               be
               preached
               with
               respect
               of
               persons
               ,
               and
               are
               most
               pressed
               by
               such
               as
               do
               least
               regard
               Sermons
               at
               other
               times
               ;
               and
               without
               Feasting
               ,
               with
               affectate
               shews
               of
               mourning
               ,
               and
               any
               further
               pomp
               or
               Ceremony
               ,
               than
               civill
               differences
               and
               respects
               do
               require
               .
            
             
               They
               conceive
               ,
               for
               many
               reasons
               ,
               that
               the
               places
               of
               the
               assembling
               of
               the
               people
               for
               the
               Word
               and
               Sacraments
               ,
               ought
               not
               to
               be
               places
               of
               Buriall
               ,
               which
               is
               therefore
               forbidden
               ,
               and
               ,
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               is
               forborn
               in
               that
               Kingdom
               .
            
             
               Registers
               are
               ordained
               to
               be
               kept
               ,
               of
               the
               nam●●
               and
               times
               of
               all
               that
               are
               baptized
               ,
               of
               all
               that
               are
               married
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               are
               married
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             IV.
             Of
             Doctors
             ,
             and
             their
             Office
             ,
             and
             of
             Schools
             .
          
           
             THe
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             hath
             had
             no
             other
             Doctors
             ,
             but
             Masters
             and
             Professors
             of
             Divinity
             ,
             in
             Universities
             and
             Colledges
             ,
             of
             which
             ,
             some
             use
             to
             be
             chosen
             to
             be
             Elders
             of
             particular
             Churches
             ,
             and
             Commissioners
             to
             the
             Nationall
             Assembly
             ,
             and
             besides
             these
             the
             Teachers
             of
             more
             private
             and
             particular
             Schools
             .
          
           
             They
             use
             to
             be
             examined
             and
             tried
             ,
             both
             in
             their
             learning
             ,
             and
             life
             ,
             by
             the
             Presbitery
             ,
             and
             their
             charge
             is
             not
             only
             to
             bring
             up
             their
             schollers
             in
             humane
             literature
             and
             liberall
             Arts
             ,
             but
             also
             in
             Civill
             Conversation
             
             and
             good
             manners
             ,
             but
             especially
             in
             the
             Grounds
             of
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             by
             way
             of
             Catechisme
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Doctors
             of
             Colledges
             do
             keep
             the
             meetings
             of
             the
             Presbitery
             ,
             and
             by
             course
             do
             prophesie
             ,
             or
             make
             the
             exercise
             with
             the
             Ministers
             ,
             so
             also
             do
             the
             masters
             of
             private
             Schooles
             for
             the
             greater
             part
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             therefore
             are
             a
             part
             of
             the
             Seminarie
             of
             the
             publike
             Ministery
             ,
             are
             numbred
             among
             the
             expectants
             ,
             how
             soon
             they
             are
             enabled
             ,
             to
             enter
             upon
             the
             exercise
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             are
             imployed
             by
             the
             Ministers
             to
             help
             them
             ,
             in
             teaching
             and
             Catechising
             of
             the
             people
             .
          
           
             The
             Universities
             also
             use
             to
             be
             visited
             by
             Commissioners
             delegated
             from
             the
             Nationall
             assembly
             ,
             that
             there
             be
             nothing
             taught
             by
             the
             Professors
             and
             Doctors
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             sound
             and
             consonant
             to
             the
             confession
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             the
             received
             doctrine
             ,
             and
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             and
             to
             see
             that
             both
             Masters
             ,
             and
             Schollers
             do
             their
             duties
             diligently
             ,
             especially
             that
             their
             be
             no
             scandall
             nor
             corruption
             of
             maners
             .
             In
             like
             maner
             the
             more
             private
             schooles
             ,
             are
             visited
             by
             the
             Presbiteries
             ,
             poore
             schollers
             of
             good
             ingines
             and
             expectation
             are
             provided
             in
             a
             great
             part
             of
             their
             maintenance
             ,
             by
             places
             of
             the
             foundation
             of
             Colledges
             ,
             which
             are
             appointed
             by
             the
             Founders
             ,
             or
             Reformers
             ,
             for
             that
             use
             ,
             and
             others
             are
             maintained
             ,
             by
             Contribution
             of
             particular
             Churches
             within
             every
             Presbitery
             ,
             which
             the
             Pastor
             or
             Elder
             bringeth
             
             unto
             them
             ,
             so
             soone
             as
             they
             are
             chosen
             by
             the
             Presbitery
             .
          
        
         
           
             V.
             Of
             Elders
             and
             their
             Office.
             
          
           
             THe
             Calling
             ,
             Election
             ,
             and
             admission
             of
             Elders
             is
             before
             spoken
             of
             .
             The
             number
             of
             Elders
             in
             every
             Parish
             is
             not
             definit
             ,
             but
             doth
             vary
             according
             to
             the
             number
             ,
             and
             necessity
             of
             the
             people
             ;
             In
             some
             parishes
             ó
             ,
             in
             some
             10
             ,
             or
             12
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Such
             are
             chosen
             to
             be
             Elders
             as
             come
             neerest
             to
             the
             gifts
             ,
             and
             qualities
             required
             ,
             by
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             and
             after
             they
             are
             chosen
             ,
             are
             at
             all
             occasions
             exhorted
             by
             the
             Pastor
             to
             be
             ensamples
             to
             the
             flock
             ,
             and
             to
             watch
             over
             them
             faithfully
             ,
             against
             all
             corruptions
             ,
             in
             religion
             and
             life
             .
             And
             as
             the
             Pastor
             should
             bee
             diligent
             in
             teaching
             and
             sowing
             the
             seed
             ,
             so
             are
             the
             Elders
             desired
             to
             be
             carefull
             in
             seeing
             and
             seeking
             the
             fruits
             in
             the
             people
             .
          
           
             The
             Elders
             do
             attend
             with
             the
             Pastor
             in
             Chatechising
             the
             people
             ,
             do
             assist
             him
             In
             visiting
             the
             sick
             ,
             In
             admonishing
             all
             men
             of
             their
             duty
             ,
             and
             if
             any
             will
             not
             heare
             them
             ,
             they
             bring
             the
             disobedient
             before
             the
             Eldership
             ;
             In
             causing
             the
             acts
             of
             the
             assemblies
             ,
             as
             well
             particular
             as
             generall
             ,
             to
             be
             put
             in
             execution
             ;
             But
             a
             principall
             part
             of
             their
             duty
             is
             to
             joyne
             alwayes
             ,
             with
             the
             Pastor
             in
             the
             particular
             Eldership
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             other
             assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             they
             shall
             be
             called
             ,
             for
             exercising
             of
             discipline
             ,
             and
             governing
             the
             whole
             Congregation
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             VI.
             Of
             the
             Deacons
             and
             their
             Office.
             
          
           
             WHat
             maner
             of
             persons
             the
             Deacons
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             is
             plain
             ,
             and
             such
             they
             make
             choise
             of
             as
             are
             so
             qualified
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             may
             be
             ;
             The
             forme
             of
             their
             election
             is
             before
             expressed
             .
             Their
             number
             must
             be
             considered
             of
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             number
             of
             the
             poore
             ,
             and
             the
             proportion
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             as
             we
             spake
             before
             ,
             of
             the
             Elders
             .
          
           
             Their
             maine
             duty
             ,
             is
             to
             collect
             ,
             receive
             ,
             and
             distribute
             ,
             not
             onely
             the
             almes
             ,
             for
             the
             poore
             ,
             but
             the
             whole
             Ecclesiasticall
             goods
             ,
             which
             are
             not
             assigned
             and
             appointed
             ,
             for
             the
             maintenance
             of
             particular
             persons
             .
          
           
             These
             duties
             they
             must
             performe
             ,
             at
             the
             dscretion
             and
             by
             the
             appointment
             of
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             and
             Elders
             ;
             for
             which
             cause
             ,
             and
             not
             for
             government
             ,
             they
             are
             to
             be
             present
             at
             the
             ordinary
             meetings
             of
             the
             Eldership
             .
          
           
             The
             meanes
             for
             the
             maintenance
             of
             the
             poore
             are
             collected
             ,
             by
             the
             Deacons
             ,
             the
             first
             day
             of
             the
             weeke
             ,
             and
             other
             dayes
             of
             the
             publike
             assembling
             of
             the
             people
             to
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             at
             the
             entry
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             And
             if
             this
             prove
             not
             a
             competency
             ,
             then
             do
             the
             people
             either
             bring
             in
             their
             Charity
             ,
             on
             such
             dayes
             as
             are
             appointed
             by
             the
             Eldership
             ,
             or
             are
             willing
             to
             be
             taxed
             ,
             according
             as
             they
             shall
             be
             judged
             to
             be
             able
             .
             In
             some
             Cities
             ,
             and
             Parishes
             ,
             where
             
             this
             order
             hath
             been
             carefully
             observed
             ,
             none
             have
             been
             suffered
             to
             beg
             ,
             and
             none
             have
             lacked
             .
          
           
             Their
             Ministers
             ,
             beside
             their
             Gleab
             and
             Manse
             ,
             are
             all
             provided
             to
             certaine
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             part
             ,
             to
             competent
             stipends
             ,
             which
             are
             paid
             either
             in
             victuall
             or
             moneys
             ,
             or
             in
             both
             :
             And
             if
             the
             charge
             of
             their
             family
             be
             great
             ,
             and
             their
             children
             put
             to
             Schooles
             or
             Colledges
             ,
             they
             are
             helped
             ,
             and
             supplied
             by
             the
             charity
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             which
             useth
             also
             to
             be
             extended
             ,
             if
             need
             be
             ,
             toward
             their
             widows
             and
             Orphanes
             ,
             after
             their
             decease
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             whole
             Eldership
             hath
             a
             speciall
             care
             .
          
           
             Every
             parish
             almost
             hath
             some
             stock
             for
             the
             reliefe
             of
             strangers
             ,
             and
             for
             supply
             of
             the
             extraordinary
             necessities
             ,
             of
             their
             owne
             poore
             :
             Hospitalls
             have
             their
             owne
             rents
             ,
             and
             the
             publike
             buildings
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             are
             upholden
             ,
             by
             the
             Patron
             ,
             and
             the
             Freeholders
             of
             the
             Parish
             ▪
             unto
             which
             ,
             if
             any
             be
             unwilling
             ,
             he
             is
             constrained
             by
             Law
             to
             pay
             his
             proportion
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           The
           Second
           Part.
           
        
         
           
             I.
             Of
             the
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             first
             in
             Generall
             .
          
           
             NO
             man
             here
             ,
             were
             he
             never
             so
             eminent
             above
             others
             ,
             for
             Piety
             ,
             Wisdome
             ,
             or
             Learning
             ,
             or
             doth
             he
             never
             so
             much
             arrogate
             authority
             ,
             to
             himself
             ,
             hath
             the
             rains
             of
             Church
             Government
             in
             his
             hands
             to
             determine
             ,
             or
             to
             doe
             what
             seemeth
             good
             in
             his
             own
             eyes
             ;
             But
             all
             matters
             are
             advised
             ,
             determined
             ,
             and
             judged
             with
             common
             consent
             in
             the
             meetings
             ,
             and
             assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             for
             this
             end
             are
             of
             foure
             sorts
             and
             degrees
             ,
             which
             are
             commonly
             called
             by
             the
             names
             of
             Church
             sessions
             ,
             or
             particular
             Elderships
             ,
             or
             Consistories
             ;
             Presbyteries
             ,
             or
             Classes
             ;
             Provinciall
             Synods
             ,
             and
             Nationall
             or
             Generall
             Assemblies
             .
          
           
           
             Each
             of
             these
             assemblies
             ,
             hath
             a
             President
             or
             Moderator
             ,
             who
             beginneth
             ,
             and
             endeth
             with
             prayer
             ;
             propoundeth
             matters
             to
             be
             treated
             ;
             procureth
             them
             to
             be
             debated
             if
             need
             bee
             ,
             in
             an
             orderly
             way
             ,
             that
             all
             may
             be
             heard
             ,
             and
             none
             interrupted
             ,
             unlesse
             he
             speak
             too
             much
             ;
             gathereth
             the
             voices
             ,
             which
             are
             noted
             by
             the
             Clerk
             ;
             and
             pronounceth
             the
             sentence
             ,
             or
             if
             there
             be
             an
             equality
             ,
             remitteth
             it
             to
             the
             greater
             Presbyterie
             ;
             each
             of
             them
             hath
             a
             Clerk
             ,
             or
             a
             Notary
             ;
             and
             a
             Register
             of
             all
             things
             debated
             and
             done
             by
             them
             ,
             especially
             of
             such
             matters
             as
             may
             be
             of
             future
             use
             .
          
           
             None
             of
             these
             assemblies
             ,
             from
             the
             least
             to
             the
             greatest
             are
             to
             treat
             of
             matters
             pertaining
             to
             the
             civill
             Jurisdiction
             and
             Magistrate
             ,
             but
             only
             of
             matters
             Spirituall
             and
             Ecclesiasticall
             ,
             that
             the
             doctrine
             and
             worship
             may
             be
             kept
             in
             purity
             ,
             all
             things
             be
             done
             decently
             ,
             and
             in
             order
             ,
             in
             the
             particular
             Churches
             ,
             and
             that
             all
             the
             members
             of
             the
             Churches
             may
             walke
             worthy
             of
             the
             Gospell
             .
          
           
             The
             lesser
             and
             inferiour
             assembly
             is
             subordinate
             to
             the
             superiour
             and
             greater
             ,
             so
             that
             if
             any
             person
             ,
             shall
             think
             himselfe
             wronged
             or
             distressed
             ,
             by
             the
             unjust
             proceeding
             of
             the
             inferiour
             
             assembly
             ,
             it
             is
             lawfull
             for
             him
             to
             seek
             reliefe
             of
             the
             greater
             ,
             providing
             ,
             it
             be
             done
             in
             an
             humble
             and
             peaceable
             way
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             right
             order
             ,
             by
             proceeding
             to
             the
             next
             greater
             assembly
             ,
             and
             so
             of
             the
             rest
             ,
             if
             need
             be
             ,
             taking
             them
             in
             their
             subordination
             untill
             either
             he
             be
             satisfied
             ,
             or
             ,
             which
             rarely
             commeth
             to
             passe
             ,
             he
             ascend
             unto
             the
             highest
             of
             all
             .
          
           
             In
             matters
             difficult
             or
             such
             as
             belong
             to
             superiour
             assemblies
             ,
             References
             from
             the
             lesser
             are
             ordinary
             ,
             but
             nothing
             belonging
             to
             an
             inferiour
             assemblie
             is
             brought
             before
             a
             greater
             ,
             til
             either
             it
             cannot
             be
             setled
             or
             be
             disorderly
             done
             by
             them
             ,
             or
             some
             complaint
             arise
             .
             And
             in
             that
             case
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             may
             stand
             with
             truth
             and
             peace
             ,
             the
             greater
             assemblie
             is
             carefull
             to
             preserve
             the
             power
             and
             authoritie
             of
             the
             lesser
             ;
             and
             therefore
             matters
             belonging
             to
             inferiour
             assemblies
             are
             commonly
             remitted
             unto
             them
             by
             the
             greater
             .
          
           
             There
             ,
             one
             Church
             were
             it
             never
             so
             great
             ,
             hath
             not
             authoritie
             over
             another
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             governed
             by
             any
             extrinsecall
             power
             ;
             but
             all
             the
             particular
             Churches
             are
             of
             equall
             power
             and
             authority
             ,
             and
             are
             ruled
             and
             judged
             by
             themselves
             and
             their
             owne
             intrinsecall
             power
             in
             
             assemblies
             composed
             ,
             and
             consisting
             of
             their
             officers
             and
             commissioners
             from
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
             II.
             Of
             Particular
             Elderships
             in
             Parishes
             .
          
           
             THe
             particular
             Eldership
             or
             Church-session
             consisteth
             of
             one
             or
             moe
             Ministers
             and
             of
             Elders
             so
             many
             in
             number
             as
             the
             proportion
             of
             the
             Congregation
             doth
             require
             ,
             who
             ordinarily
             do
             meet
             once
             in
             the
             week
             .
          
           
             The
             Deacons
             are
             alwayes
             present
             with
             the
             Elders
             ,
             not
             for
             government
             ,
             but
             that
             they
             may
             make
             knowne
             the
             case
             and
             necessities
             of
             the
             poore
             ,
             and
             may
             consult
             and
             receive
             direction
             for
             their
             supply
             .
          
           
             The
             Minister
             of
             the
             parish
             is
             alwayes
             moderator
             of
             this
             Meeting
             ,
             and
             if
             there
             be
             moe
             Ministers
             then
             one
             ,
             the
             moderator
             is
             either
             chosen
             or
             they
             doe
             moderate
             by
             course
             ,
             providing
             that
             none
             bee
             moderator
             while
             any
             matter
             is
             treated
             ,
             which
             concerneth
             his
             own
             particular
             .
          
           
             The
             matters
             treated
             by
             this
             eldership
             ,
             are
             such
             particulars
             as
             concerne
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             in
             that
             Church
             ,
             as
             ,
             what
             dayes
             of
             the
             week
             are
             meetest
             for
             assembling
             to
             the
             publick
             worship
             ,
             if
             it
             may
             be
             had
             &
             be
             thought
             necessary
             ,
             
             what
             houres
             on
             the
             Lords
             day
             before
             and
             after
             noone
             ,
             which
             are
             variable
             according
             to
             the
             length
             or
             shortnesse
             of
             the
             day
             ,
             in
             Summer
             and
             Winter
             ,
             what
             times
             are
             fittest
             for
             publick
             Catechising
             ,
             and
             for
             visiting
             of
             particular
             families
             ,
             how
             often
             ,
             and
             at
             what
             times
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             is
             most
             seasonably
             ministred
             :
             all
             which
             are
             proper
             for
             keeping
             of
             order
             in
             that
             Church
             ,
             and
             cannot
             be
             so
             fitly
             determined
             by
             a
             superiour
             assemblie
             ;
             the
             Elders
             also
             do
             here
             delate
             scandalous
             persons
             ,
             and
             bring
             them
             to
             publick
             repentance
             according
             to
             the
             forme
             prescribed
             in
             the
             greater
             assemblies
             :
             But
             if
             there
             be
             any
             doubt
             or
             difficultie
             ,
             or
             if
             the
             offences
             and
             scandals
             be
             great
             and
             hainous
             ,
             or
             if
             the
             delinquents
             adde
             obstinacie
             and
             impenitencie
             to
             their
             fault
             ,
             then
             are
             they
             warned
             to
             appear
             before
             the
             greater
             Presbyterie
             there
             to
             receive
             order
             for
             their
             censure
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             sent
             home
             again
             to
             give
             satisfaction
             ,
             or
             to
             make
             their
             repentance
             in
             their
             owne
             Church
             where
             they
             have
             given
             offence
             ,
             and
             where
             the
             fault
             was
             committed
             :
             For
             example
             ,
             a
             man
             behaving
             himselfe
             scandalouslie
             with
             a
             woman
             ,
             both
             unmaried
             and
             single
             persons
             ,
             is
             first
             admonished
             and
             rebuked
             ,
             if
             fornication
             appeare
             ,
             he
             is
             called
             before
             
             the
             Eldership
             ,
             brought
             to
             the
             sense
             and
             confession
             of
             his
             fault
             ,
             and
             ordained
             to
             make
             his
             publick
             repentance
             according
             to
             the
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             to
             abstaine
             from
             all
             scandalous
             behaviour
             afterward
             .
             But
             if
             he
             prove
             obstinate
             ,
             hee
             is
             conveened
             before
             the
             greater
             Presbyterie
             ,
             the
             matter
             is
             examined
             ,
             and
             either
             he
             promiseth
             to
             give
             obedience
             to
             his
             owne
             Eldership
             ,
             or
             in
             case
             of
             continued
             obstinacie
             ,
             the
             censures
             of
             the
             Church
             proceed
             against
             him
             .
             But
             if
             there
             bee
             a
             scandall
             of
             adulterie
             or
             murder
             ,
             the
             noise
             and
             scandall
             whereof
             is
             far
             spread
             ,
             and
             filleth
             all
             mens
             eares
             round
             about
             ,
             the
             parties
             are
             brought
             before
             the
             greater
             Presbyterie
             ,
             and
             the
             particular
             Eldership
             doth
             before
             prepare
             the
             parties
             for
             their
             appearance
             before
             the
             Presbyterie
             .
          
           
             The
             same
             faults
             which
             are
             brought
             before
             the
             particular
             or
             greater
             Presbytery
             in
             an
             ecclesiasticall
             way
             ,
             are
             also
             punished
             by
             the
             civill
             magistrate
             ,
             and
             the
             pecuniall
             mulct
             or
             penalty
             is
             given
             to
             the
             Deacons
             to
             bee
             kept
             in
             the
             Church
             treasure
             for
             the
             benefit
             of
             the
             poore
             ,
             or
             other
             pious
             uses
             .
          
           
             Nothing
             useth
             to
             bee
             done
             by
             the
             lesser
             or
             greater
             presbytery
             in
             ordering
             the
             publicke
             
             Worship
             ,
             in
             censuring
             of
             delinquents
             or
             bringing
             them
             to
             publick
             repentance
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             the
             setled
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             with
             expresse
             or
             tacite
             consent
             of
             the
             congregation
             ,
             and
             if
             there
             be
             any
             new
             emergents
             that
             cause
             doubting
             or
             haesitation
             ,
             the
             matter
             is
             remitted
             to
             the
             greater
             assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
        
         
           
             III.
             The
             Order
             of
             Excommunication
             .
          
           
             ALL
             baptized
             persons
             ,
             when
             they
             come
             to
             age
             and
             discretion
             ,
             are
             not
             admitted
             to
             the
             Lords
             table
             ;
             but
             such
             onely
             as
             either
             upon
             examination
             are
             found
             to
             have
             a
             competent
             measure
             of
             knowledge
             in
             the
             principles
             of
             Religion
             ,
             doe
             professe
             that
             they
             are
             beleevers
             and
             doe
             live
             unblameably
             ,
             or
             comming
             from
             another
             Congregation
             bring
             with
             them
             sufficient
             testimonie
             that
             they
             are
             such
             ,
             or
             are
             otherwise
             well
             knowne
             and
             approved
             .
          
           
             The
             Minister
             and
             Elders
             use
             all
             meanes
             in
             private
             and
             publick
             to
             bring
             all
             others
             within
             the
             parish
             to
             knowledge
             ,
             faith
             ,
             and
             holinesse
             of
             life
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             fitted
             for
             the
             Lords
             Table
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             not
             admission
             to
             the
             Communion
             is
             one
             thing
             ,
             and
             excommunication
             of
             haynous
             
             or
             obstinate
             offenders
             is
             another
             thing
             very
             different
             .
          
           
             In
             case
             of
             obstinacie
             and
             wilfull
             impenitencie
             ,
             even
             when
             the
             offences
             are
             not
             so
             great
             and
             scandalous
             ,
             they
             proceed
             to
             excommunication
             ,
             but
             with
             great
             meeknesse
             ,
             longsuffering
             ,
             and
             by
             many
             degrees
             ,
             the
             censure
             being
             so
             weighty
             ,
             and
             they
             desirous
             to
             gaine
             the
             sinner
             to
             repentance
             .
          
           
             If
             any
             person
             walke
             unworthy
             of
             the
             Gospell
             ,
             or
             commit
             any
             trespasse
             ,
             he
             is
             (
             unlesse
             the
             scandall
             bee
             publike
             and
             notorious
             )
             admonished
             first
             secretly
             by
             one
             ,
             next
             by
             two
             or
             three
             more
             .
             And
             thirdly
             ,
             If
             he
             contemne
             both
             ,
             then
             according
             to
             the
             order
             prescribed
             by
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             Mat.
             18.
             
             The
             matter
             is
             brought
             before
             the
             Minister
             and
             Elders
             where
             he
             is
             accused
             both
             of
             the
             trespasse
             and
             of
             the
             contempt
             .
             If
             he
             cannot
             yet
             be
             brought
             to
             repentance
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             matter
             in
             some
             measure
             made
             knowne
             unto
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             hee
             called
             before
             the
             greater
             Presbytery
             ;
             where
             if
             he
             give
             signes
             of
             his
             repentance
             ,
             he
             is
             remitted
             to
             satisfie
             his
             owne
             session
             .
             But
             if
             he
             persist
             in
             his
             obstinacie
             ,
             then
             by
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             the
             particular
             eldership
             
             is
             to
             proceed
             against
             him
             with
             the
             censures
             of
             the
             Church
             even
             to
             excommunication
             .
          
           
             The
             matter
             being
             thus
             heard
             knowne
             and
             judged
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             processe
             revised
             by
             the
             greater
             presbytery
             ,
             the
             next
             Sabbath
             without
             delay
             ,
             the
             trespasse
             and
             order
             of
             admonitions
             are
             declared
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             the
             person
             without
             specification
             of
             his
             name
             ,
             admonished
             yet
             to
             satisfie
             :
             Which
             if
             he
             still
             refuse
             to
             doe
             ,
             the
             next
             Sabbath
             his
             name
             with
             his
             offence
             and
             contempt
             ,
             are
             published
             ,
             if
             he
             yet
             continue
             obstinate
             ,
             then
             the
             next
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             third
             Sabbath
             ,
             is
             he
             charged
             publickly
             to
             satisfie
             for
             his
             offence
             and
             contempt
             under
             the
             paine
             of
             excommunication
             .
             If
             now
             he
             offer
             himselfe
             to
             the
             particular
             Presbyterie
             ,
             then
             do
             they
             at
             the
             appointment
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             ,
             give
             order
             for
             his
             publick
             repentance
             ,
             the
             removing
             of
             the
             scandall
             ,
             and
             his
             reconcilement
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             otherwise
             the
             Minister
             proceedeth
             in
             this
             ord●r
             .
          
           
             The
             Sabbath
             after
             the
             third
             publick
             admonition
             ,
             the
             Minister
             with
             consent
             of
             the
             Eldership
             ,
             is
             to
             make
             knowne
             to
             the
             Congregation
             that
             such
             a
             person
             is
             to
             be
             excommunicated
             ,
             
             warning
             all
             that
             have
             any
             thing
             to
             object
             against
             it
             ,
             that
             they
             appeare
             the
             next
             session
             day
             :
             And
             for
             the
             present
             ,
             that
             the
             whole
             Congregation
             powre
             forth
             their
             supplications
             ,
             that
             God
             would
             grant
             him
             repentance
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             out
             of
             the
             snare
             of
             the
             devill
             .
             If
             nothing
             be
             objected
             ,
             or
             if
             none
             for
             him
             witnesse
             any
             appearance
             of
             repentance
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             danger
             of
             the
             person
             ,
             and
             the
             weight
             of
             the
             sentence
             laid
             open
             the
             next
             Sabbath
             ,
             and
             he
             the
             second
             time
             prayed
             for
             publickly
             .
             If
             at
             last
             upon
             the
             next
             Sabbath
             there
             be
             no
             signe
             of
             repentance
             ,
             then
             is
             he
             praied
             for
             the
             third
             time
             ,
             and
             there
             being
             no
             meane
             unassaied
             ,
             nor
             remedy
             left
             to
             reclaime
             him
             ,
             hee
             is
             strucken
             with
             the
             terrible
             sentence
             of
             excommunication
             ,
             with
             calling
             upon
             the
             Name
             of
             God
             to
             ratifie
             the
             sentence
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             people
             warned
             to
             hold
             him
             as
             an
             Heathen
             ,
             or
             a
             Publican
             ,
             and
             to
             shun
             all
             communion
             with
             him
             ,
             except
             in
             naturall
             and
             civill
             duties
             to
             be
             still
             performed
             by
             such
             as
             are
             bound
             .
             It
             is
             to
             bee
             understood
             ,
             that
             where
             the
             crimes
             are
             such
             that
             they
             cry
             to
             the
             heavens
             for
             revenge
             ,
             waste
             the
             conscience
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             law
             of
             God
             deserve
             death
             ,
             and
             the
             transgressor
             certainly
             
             knowne
             ,
             the
             processe
             may
             be
             more
             summarie
             ,
             &
             excommunication
             more
             hastned
             ,
             as
             on
             the
             other
             part
             of
             absolution
             ,
             the
             time
             would
             be
             longer
             ,
             and
             the
             triall
             of
             repentance
             more
             exact
             .
          
           
             After
             excommunication
             ,
             he
             is
             permitted
             to
             come
             to
             the
             preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             yet
             so
             as
             it
             may
             appeare
             that
             he
             commeth
             as
             one
             not
             having
             communion
             with
             the
             Church
             .
             Neither
             is
             he
             debarred
             from
             private
             counsell
             ,
             instruction
             ,
             admonition
             ,
             and
             prayer
             ,
             that
             in
             end
             his
             spirit
             may
             be
             saved
             .
             If
             after
             excommunication
             the
             Eldership
             finde
             the
             signes
             of
             repentance
             ,
             as
             the
             good
             life
             and
             behaviour
             of
             the
             excommunicate
             ,
             declaration
             of
             the
             griefe
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             and
             his
             humble
             submission
             to
             the
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             that
             may
             reconcile
             him
             to
             God
             and
             his
             people
             ,
             they
             shall
             with
             joy
             of
             heart
             make
             it
             knowne
             to
             the
             Congregation
             by
             the
             Minister
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             also
             have
             joy
             over
             their
             brother
             repenting
             :
             or
             if
             they
             have
             ought
             to
             object
             against
             ●he
             ●uth
             of
             his
             repentance
             ,
             they
             may
             give
             notice
             thereof
             at
             the
             next
             meeting
             of
             the
             Eldership
             ,
             where
             if
             nothing
             be
             alleaged
             against
             him
             ,
             after
             he
             hath
             obeyd
             the
             injunctions
             of
             the
             Eldership
             
             for
             his
             further
             humiliation
             and
             the
             better
             tryall
             of
             his
             repentance
             ,
             he
             is
             either
             brought
             before
             the
             greater
             Presbyterie
             ,
             as
             all
             other
             penitents
             for
             great
             crimes
             ,
             or
             by
             relation
             from
             his
             owne
             Eldership
             ,
             is
             to
             give
             them
             satisfaction
             in
             the
             signes
             of
             his
             repentance
             that
             he
             may
             be
             absolved
             .
          
           
             As
             all
             publick
             penitents
             are
             received
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             excōmunicate
             absolved
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             congrega●ion
             ,
             before
             whom
             being
             brought
             by
             the
             Elders
             at
             the
             time
             appointed
             ,
             he
             maketh
             free
             confession
             of
             his
             sinne
             and
             mourneth
             for
             it
             ,
             cryeth
             to
             God
             for
             mercie
             ,
             seeketh
             to
             be
             reconciled
             to
             the
             Church
             and
             promiseth
             new
             obedience
             ;
             with
             which
             all
             being
             satisfied
             and
             willing
             to
             receive
             him
             into
             their
             common
             and
             mutuall
             consolation
             ,
             the
             Minister
             who
             preacheth
             for
             that
             time
             pronounceth
             him
             upon
             his
             repentance
             to
             bee
             absolved
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             Christ
             from
             his
             sinne
             ,
             and
             free
             of
             the
             censurs
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             have
             right
             through
             faith
             to
             Christ
             and
             all
             his
             benefits
             and
             ordinances
             ,
             praising
             God
             for
             his
             grace
             ,
             and
             praying
             that
             he
             may
             be
             fully
             accepted
             to
             his
             favour
             ,
             loosed
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             heare
             the
             voice
             of
             joy
             and
             gladnesse
             .
          
           
           
             After
             the
             sentence
             of
             absolution
             ,
             the
             Minister
             speaketh
             to
             him
             as
             to
             a
             brother
             exhorting
             him
             to
             watch
             and
             pray
             ,
             or
             comforting
             him
             if
             he
             have
             need
             ,
             the
             Elders
             imbrace
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             congregation
             keepeth
             communion
             with
             him
             as
             if
             he
             had
             never
             offended
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Presbyterie
             excommunicateth
             profane
             professors
             ,
             so
             doth
             it
             also
             depose
             Preachers
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             teachers
             of
             corrupt
             Doctrine
             ,
             if
             their
             lives
             continue
             scandalous
             after
             admonition
             ,
             if
             they
             be
             busie
             in
             renting
             the
             Church
             a
             sunder
             by
             schisme
             and
             division
             ;
             if
             they
             be
             given
             to
             blasphemie
             ,
             profanation
             of
             the
             Lords
             day
             ,
             simonie
             ,
             perjurie
             ,
             drunkennesse
             ,
             fighting
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             sinne
             ,
             for
             which
             ,
             whether
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             greatnesse
             of
             the
             sinne
             ,
             or
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             contempt
             and
             obstinacie
             when
             the
             sinne
             is
             not
             so
             great
             ,
             private
             persons
             are
             excommunicated
             ;
             and
             although
             they
             be
             upon
             their
             repentance
             absolved
             from
             the
             sentence
             of
             excommunication
             ,
             yet
             in
             some
             cases
             especially
             ,
             where
             the
             crime
             inferreth
             a
             perpetuall
             infamie
             ,
             are
             they
             never
             readmitted
             to
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             except
             upon
             the
             unanimous
             and
             most
             earnest
             desire
             of
             the
             whole
             Church
             where
             they
             served
             before
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             IV.
             Of
             greater
             Presbyteries
             or
             Classes
             .
          
           
             THe
             Presbyterie
             or
             Classicall
             meeting
             doth
             consist
             of
             particular
             neighbouring
             Churches
             in
             such
             a
             circuite
             as
             may
             conveniently
             meet
             together
             ,
             to
             the
             number
             of
             ten
             ,
             sixteene
             ,
             twentie
             ,
             or
             so
             many
             as
             the
             vicinitie
             of
             the
             places
             ,
             and
             parishes
             may
             well
             accommodate
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             supposed
             that
             the
             whole
             particular
             Elderships
             cannot
             well
             assemble
             in
             one
             place
             ordinarily
             ,
             neither
             is
             it
             necessarie
             .
             There
             be
             therefore
             beside
             the
             Minister
             or
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Congregation
             who
             are
             supposed
             to
             be
             perpetuall
             members
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             ,
             some
             of
             speciall
             note
             chosen
             out
             of
             the
             Elders
             &
             by
             them
             ,
             who
             receiving
             from
             them
             commission
             may
             represent
             the
             whole
             ;
             from
             each
             particular
             Eldership
             ,
             one
             of
             the
             Elders
             with
             the
             Minister
             or
             Ministers
             repaireth
             to
             the
             place
             of
             meeting
             :
             so
             that
             the
             members
             of
             this
             Presbyteriall
             meeting
             are
             all
             the
             Ministers
             within
             the
             Circuit
             ,
             and
             one
             Elder
             delegated
             from
             each
             particular
             Eldership
             .
          
           
             None
             of
             the
             Ministers
             are
             permitted
             to
             be
             absent
             ,
             unlesse
             they
             be
             detain●d
             by
             necessarie
             
             impediments
             or
             extraordinarie
             imployments
             .
             And
             therefore
             the
             day
             of
             the
             meeting
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             may
             not
             be
             destinate
             to
             ordinarie
             preaching
             ?
             Nor
             are
             they
             to
             wait
             that
             day
             upon
             solemnizing
             of
             mariages
             .
             The
             names
             are
             called
             by
             the
             Clerk
             ,
             and
             the
             absents
             are
             noted
             and
             examined
             the
             next
             day
             upon
             the
             reasons
             of
             their
             absence
             ;
             and
             if
             any
             happen
             to
             absent
             themselves
             many
             dayes
             without
             reasonable
             causes
             ,
             they
             are
             set
             apart
             and
             censured
             as
             guiltie
             of
             the
             contempt
             or
             neglect
             of
             the
             order
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             But
             the
             Elders
             are
             not
             so
             strictlie
             tied
             to
             ordinarie
             attendance
             ;
             but
             if
             there
             be
             any
             matter
             of
             great
             weight
             to
             be
             handled
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             warned
             to
             be
             present
             :
             And
             if
             hee
             who
             was
             formerly
             Commissioner
             may
             not
             assist
             ,
             another
             Commissioner
             in
             his
             place
             may
             bee
             chosen
             by
             the
             Eldership
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             permitted
             to
             the
             expectants
             having
             entered
             before
             upon
             the
             publick
             exercise
             or
             prophesie
             to
             sit
             by
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             in
             the
             meeting
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             their
             judgement
             of
             the
             doctrine
             ,
             but
             they
             have
             no
             voice
             when
             matters
             of
             doctrine
             or
             discipline
             are
             debated
             .
             And
             in
             the
             handling
             of
             some
             matters
             which
             are
             thought
             fit
             to
             be
             concealed
             and
             
             kept
             secret
             ,
             till
             they
             be
             by
             common
             consent
             published
             ,
             they
             use
             to
             be
             removed
             .
          
           
             Because
             the
             whole
             discipline
             in
             a
             manner
             is
             in
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             ,
             they
             are
             to
             meet
             once
             a
             week
             or
             fortnight
             upon
             a
             certaine
             day
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             certain
             place
             ,
             but
             in
             some
             places
             ,
             through
             the
             length
             and
             deepnesse
             of
             the
             way
             in
             winter
             ,
             they
             do
             not
             meet
             so
             often
             .
          
           
             The
             subject
             and
             matters
             treated
             in
             the
             Presbytery
             are
             all
             the
             Ecclesiasticall
             matters
             of
             weight
             ,
             which
             concern
             the
             particular
             Churches
             there
             represented
             ,
             as
             the
             examination
             ,
             ordination
             ,
             suspension
             ,
             and
             deposition
             of
             Ministers
             ;
             scandals
             of
             Ministers
             in
             doctrine
             ,
             life
             ,
             or
             any
             part
             of
             their
             calling
             ;
             the
             decerning
             of
             excommunication
             ,
             references
             ,
             and
             appellations
             from
             particular
             Elderships
             ,
             and
             the
             amending
             of
             any
             thing
             that
             hath
             beene
             negligently
             or
             weakly
             done
             by
             them
             ;
             the
             answering
             also
             of
             questions
             and
             requests
             from
             other
             Presbyteries
             ,
             Churches
             ,
             or
             persons
             ,
             or
             sending
             of
             Commissioners
             in
             some
             cases
             to
             other
             Churches
             or
             Presbyteries
             ,
             whether
             to
             admonish
             or
             advise
             them
             ,
             or
             to
             seek
             counsell
             from
             them
             ,
             but
             so
             that
             they
             have
             no
             autho●ity
             wi●hout
             the
             limi●s
             of
             their
             own
             consociation
             .
          
           
           
             The
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             who
             are
             Commissioners
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             expectants
             and
             others
             who
             are
             pleased
             to
             be
             present
             ,
             meeting
             in
             the
             place
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             day
             and
             houre
             appointed
             ,
             which
             useth
             to
             be
             one
             halfe
             houre
             after
             nine
             a
             clock
             in
             the
             forenoone
             ,
             whereof
             warning
             is
             given
             by
             the
             sound
             of
             a
             bell
             ,
             that
             so
             all
             the
             affaires
             of
             that
             day
             (
             unlesse
             there
             be
             somewhat
             extraordinary
             to
             hold
             them
             longer
             )
             may
             bee
             exped
             against
             mid-day
             ,
             doe
             begin
             with
             prayer
             ,
             and
             proceed
             to
             the
             textuall
             interpretation
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             which
             is
             done
             by
             the
             Ministers
             ,
             each
             one
             in
             his
             own
             place
             by
             course
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             expectants
             ,
             whose
             names
             are
             set
             forth
             in
             a
             table
             ,
             or
             written
             in
             the
             Register
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             for
             that
             end
             ;
             after
             the
             first
             speaker
             ,
             some
             other
             who
             followeth
             in
             order
             ,
             and
             is
             also
             appointed
             by
             the
             Presbyterie
             the
             day
             before
             ,
             speaketh
             in
             the
             second
             place
             ,
             collecting
             some
             doctrines
             one
             or
             moe
             upon
             the
             text
             expounded
             and
             shewing
             the
             use
             thereof
             .
             The
             second
             speaker
             having
             ended
             about
             eleven
             a
             clock
             ,
             the
             exercise
             is
             closed
             with
             thanksgiving
             by
             him
             who
             spake
             first
             .
             The
             matter
             of
             each
             dayes
             exercise
             is
             some
             portion
             of
             that
             particular
             book
             
             of
             the
             Old
             or
             New
             Testament
             agreed
             upon
             in
             the
             Presbyterie
             :
             once
             every
             moneth
             some
             common
             place
             or
             controversie
             is
             handled
             ,
             unto
             which
             the
             exercise
             giveth
             place
             for
             that
             day
             .
             The
             ground
             is
             read
             in
             Scripture
             ;
             the
             state
             of
             the
             question
             propounded
             ,
             the
             arguments
             for
             the
             truth
             pressed
             and
             vindicated
             from
             the
             Sophistication
             of
             the
             adversaries
             ;
             but
             the
             arguments
             contra
             are
             left
             to
             bee
             proponed
             in
             the
             Presbyteriall
             meeting
             by
             such
             Ministers
             as
             are
             called
             by
             the
             Moderator
             to
             dispute
             upon
             the
             propositions
             ,
             or
             Theses
             exhibit
             ,
             the
             day
             of
             the
             meeting
             next
             before
             ,
             by
             the
             contraversar
             ,
             and
             are
             propugned
             by
             him
             ,
             the
             Moderator
             being
             praeses
             of
             the
             disputation
             .
             That
             the
             Presbyterie
             may
             go
             thorow
             all
             the
             controversies
             ,
             they
             have
             also
             a
             table
             wherein
             they
             are
             all
             digested
             in
             order
             ,
             so
             that
             each
             minister
             or
             expectant
             knoweth
             a
             moneth
             before
             what
             is
             next
             to
             be
             treated
             .
          
           
             The
             exercise
             or
             common
             head
             of
             controversie
             ended
             in
             publick
             ,
             the
             people
             depart
             ,
             and
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             with
             others
             ,
             who
             are
             permitted
             to
             bee
             present
             ,
             goe
             to
             the
             private
             place
             of
             their
             meeting
             ,
             where
             all
             being
             set
             in
             
             order
             ,
             and
             the
             Moderator
             having
             begun
             with
             prayer
             ,
             the
             doctrine
             delivered
             in
             publick
             is
             examined
             ,
             and
             each
             one
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             and
             expectants
             ,
             either
             approveth
             ,
             or
             in
             charity
             and
             sobernesse
             of
             spirit
             ,
             propoundeth
             his
             doubt
             against
             any
             point
             spoken
             of
             ,
             which
             being
             done
             ,
             the
             speakers
             for
             that
             day
             are
             called
             upon
             (
             they
             being
             apart
             at
             this
             time
             )
             their
             interpretation
             and
             doctrine
             approved
             ,
             and
             they
             encouraged
             or
             (
             if
             there
             be
             cause
             )
             they
             are
             in
             a
             brotherly
             manner
             admonished
             .
             The
             doctrine
             censured
             (
             for
             this
             they
             call
             the
             censure
             of
             the
             doctrine
             .
             )
             The
             matters
             before
             mentioned
             to
             be
             the
             subject
             of
             the
             Presbyteriall
             jurisdiction
             ,
             are
             propounded
             ,
             modestly
             debated
             ,
             and
             either
             concluded
             ,
             or
             taken
             to
             further
             deliberation
             ,
             or
             remitted
             to
             the
             Synod
             ,
             and
             so
             the
             meeting
             concluded
             with
             prayer
             .
             The
             Moderator
             either
             continueth
             in
             his
             place
             betweene
             one
             Provinciall
             Synod
             and
             another
             ,
             or
             for
             a
             shorter
             time
             ,
             but
             they
             think
             it
             not
             fit
             to
             change
             the
             Moderator
             at
             every
             meeting
             .
          
           
             The
             Presbyteries
             also
             do
             visit
             the
             severall
             Churches
             within
             their
             bounds
             ,
             either
             by
             holding
             their
             full
             meetings
             at
             the
             Churches
             ,
             or
             by
             
             sending
             their
             commissioners
             thither
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             see
             how
             the
             ordinances
             of
             Christ
             are
             used
             and
             obeyed
             ,
             by
             the
             Minister
             ,
             Eldership
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             congregation
             ,
             and
             that
             if
             any
             thing
             be
             amisse
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             rectified
             .
          
        
         
           
             V.
             Of
             Provinciall
             Synods
             .
          
           
             THe
             whole
             Kingdome
             is
             by
             the
             wisdome
             of
             the
             Generall
             assemblie
             ,
             so
             divided
             in
             Provinces
             ,
             as
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             may
             ,
             for
             vicinity
             of
             place
             ,
             best
             meet
             in
             Provinciall
             Synods
             ,
             without
             respect
             to
             Episcopall
             Dioceses
             ,
             the
             particular
             Churches
             whereof
             are
             so
             far
             cast
             a
             sunder
             in
             Scotland
             that
             they
             cannot
             conveniently
             joyne
             in
             provinciall
             Synods
             .
          
           
             The
             provinciall
             Synode
             is
             of
             the
             same
             constitution
             with
             the
             Presbyterie
             ,
             and
             doth
             consist
             of
             all
             the
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             one
             Elder
             having
             commission
             ,
             as
             before
             ,
             from
             each
             particular
             Church
             within
             the
             province
             .
          
           
             It
             meeteth
             ordinarily
             twice
             a
             yeare
             ,
             but
             the
             place
             &
             the
             time
             of
             the
             meeting
             are
             chosen
             according
             to
             the
             conveniencie
             of
             the
             Churches
             of
             the
             province
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             exigence
             of
             their
             affaires
             
             doth
             require
             .
             The
             Moderator
             of
             the
             former
             Synod
             ,
             openeth
             the
             Synod
             with
             a
             Sermon
             ,
             fit
             for
             such
             an
             assembly
             ;
             and
             after
             Sermon
             setting
             himselfe
             downe
             in
             his
             place
             ,
             with
             the
             clerk
             of
             the
             Synod
             (
             who
             for
             the
             most
             part
             is
             one
             of
             the
             Ministers
             chosen
             by
             plurality
             of
             voices
             )
             beginneth
             with
             prayer
             ,
             causeth
             the
             names
             of
             the
             Ministers
             to
             be
             read
             ,
             who
             not
             only
             answer
             for
             their
             owne
             presence
             (
             the
             absent
             being
             noted
             )
             but
             also
             give
             up
             the
             names
             of
             the
             Commissioners
             from
             the
             severall
             Churches
             ,
             which
             are
             written
             ,
             down
             by
             the
             Clerk
             ,
             and
             their
             commissions
             also
             read
             ,
             if
             need
             be
             ,
             and
             proceedeth
             to
             the
             choosing
             of
             a
             new
             moderator
             .
          
           
             The
             Moderator
             is
             thus
             chosen
             .
             A
             list
             is
             made
             by
             the
             former
             moderator
             of
             foure
             or
             five
             of
             the
             ablest
             men
             for
             wisdome
             ,
             authority
             and
             dexterity
             for
             such
             an
             employment
             which
             is
             approved
             by
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             Synod
             .
             And
             if
             any
             member
             of
             the
             Synod
             be
             pleased
             to
             adde
             any
             other
             so
             qualified
             to
             the
             list
             ,
             his
             name
             is
             joyned
             with
             the
             former
             ,
             and
             out
             of
             this
             list
             the
             Moderator
             is
             chosen
             by
             the
             suffrages
             of
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             ,
             and
             set
             in
             the
             place
             of
             the
             former
             Moderator
             .
          
           
           
             The
             new
             Moderator
             first
             of
             all
             calleth
             for
             the
             Registers
             of
             the
             severall
             Presbyteries
             ,
             and
             putteth
             them
             in
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Ministers
             of
             other
             different
             Presbyteries
             to
             be
             revised
             and
             examined
             ,
             That
             by
             the
             Records
             it
             may
             bee
             knowne
             how
             they
             have
             kept
             order
             ,
             and
             performed
             what
             hath
             beene
             recommended
             unto
             them
             by
             the
             preceeding
             Synods
             .
             And
             what
             and
             how
             matters
             have
             been
             treated
             by
             them
             at
             every
             session
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             censured
             or
             allowed
             ,
             which
             upon
             the
             report
             of
             the
             revisers
             is
             accordingly
             done
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             Synod
             .
          
           
             If
             there
             be
             any
             references
             from
             the
             Synode
             before
             ,
             they
             are
             first
             debated
             and
             determined
             ,
             and
             thereafter
             new
             matters
             are
             brought
             into
             deliberation
             .
             What
             was
             obscure
             or
             difficult
             for
             the
             Presbyteries
             ,
             or
             might
             concerne
             them
             all
             in
             common
             ,
             is
             here
             resolved
             and
             ordered
             ,
             what
             hath
             beene
             done
             amisse
             is
             redressed
             .
             And
             if
             any
             difficultie
             arise
             which
             doth
             not
             fall
             under
             some
             Church
             constitution
             ,
             it
             is
             referred
             to
             the
             nationall
             assemblie
             .
          
           
             Before
             the
             assemblie
             be
             desolved
             ,
             each
             Presbyterie
             is
             set
             a
             part
             by
             course
             and
             enquirie
             made
             from
             the
             rest
             ,
             if
             there
             bee
             any
             knowne
             
             scandall
             ,
             fault
             ,
             or
             negligence
             amongst
             them
             ,
             That
             it
             may
             be
             in
             a
             brotherly
             manner
             censured
             ,
             like
             as
             upon
             the
             day
             of
             the
             meeting
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             next
             going
             before
             the
             Synod
             ;
             all
             the
             members
             of
             the
             Presbyterie
             suffer
             the
             like
             inquirie
             each
             one
             a
             part
             by
             all
             the
             rest
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             Moderator
             beginneth
             and
             endeth
             everie
             session
             before
             and
             after
             noon
             with
             prayer
             ,
             so
             doth
             he
             somewhat
             more
             solemnlie
             close
             the
             Synod
             with
             some
             pithie
             and
             pertinent
             exhortation
             ,
             and
             heartie
             thanksgiving
             and
             praier
             unto
             God.
             
          
           
             All
             matters
             ,
             where
             these
             Synods
             are
             ordinarily
             kept
             ,
             are
             with
             such
             diligence
             exped
             That
             the
             Ministers
             (
             none
             of
             them
             having
             above
             a
             short
             daies
             journey
             ,
             and
             Tuesday
             being
             usually
             the
             first
             day
             of
             their
             meeting
             )
             may
             return
             to
             their
             charge
             against
             the
             Lords
             day
             ,
             having
             notice
             of
             the
             day
             and
             place
             of
             the
             next
             following
             Synod
             ,
             and
             carrying
             with
             them
             such
             acts
             as
             are
             necessarie
             that
             they
             may
             be
             made
             known
             to
             their
             particular
             Elderships
             and
             congregations
             .
             And
             thanks
             may
             be
             given
             in
             every
             Congregation
             for
             the
             good
             proceedings
             of
             the
             Synod
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             libertie
             of
             the
             Churches
             .
          
           
           
             These
             Synods
             are
             not
             alwaies
             held
             at
             one
             time
             ,
             and
             therefore
             if
             there
             be
             cause
             ,
             some
             Commissioners
             are
             sent
             from
             one
             Synod
             to
             another
             ,
             for
             their
             judgement
             and
             advice
             in
             matters
             of
             difficultie
             ,
             which
             is
             reported
             at
             the
             following
             Synod
             for
             their
             further
             resolution
             ,
             and
             that
             so
             farre
             as
             is
             possible
             there
             may
             bee
             a
             conformitie
             in
             all
             things
             .
          
        
         
           
             VI.
             Of
             Nationall
             Synods
             or
             Generall
             Assemblies
             .
          
           
             THe
             nationall
             assemblie
             meeteth
             once
             in
             the
             yeare
             ,
             and
             the
             time
             of
             the
             following
             assembly
             agreed
             upon
             before
             the
             rising
             of
             the
             former
             ,
             or
             oftner
             
               pro
               re
               nata
            
             ,
             concerning
             which
             some
             Ministers
             have
             commission
             and
             warrant
             from
             the
             assemblie
             to
             give
             timely
             advertisement
             to
             the
             Presbyteries
             for
             choosing
             and
             sending
             their
             Commissioners
             .
          
           
             This
             great
             assemblie
             useth
             to
             bee
             honoured
             with
             the
             Kings
             Majesties
             presence
             either
             in
             his
             royall
             Person
             ,
             or
             by
             his
             High
             Commissioner
             ,
             who
             doth
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             a
             Supreame
             Civill
             President
             .
             In
             a
             peaceable
             ordering
             of
             the
             
             whole
             proceedings
             of
             so
             frequent
             and
             holy
             a
             meeting
             ,
             that
             all
             mens
             reasons
             and
             voices
             may
             be
             heard
             ,
             and
             in
             acquainting
             himselfe
             with
             the
             grounds
             of
             every
             constitution
             that
             shall
             be
             agreed
             upon
             ,
             that
             by
             his
             Princely
             authoritie
             they
             may
             be
             observed
             ,
             and
             if
             need
             require
             the
             sanction
             of
             the
             Civill
             Law
             may
             be
             added
             ,
             for
             which
             end
             also
             certaine
             Commissioners
             from
             the
             assemblie
             are
             sent
             to
             attend
             the
             Parliament
             .
          
           
             It
             doth
             Consist
             of
             Commissioners
             from
             the
             Presbyteries
             or
             Classes
             ,
             three
             Ministers
             and
             one
             Eld●r
             from
             each
             Presbyterie
             ,
             who
             are
             chosen
             by
             the
             voices
             of
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             sent
             from
             the
             particular
             Elderships
             ,
             and
             of
             one
             Commissioner
             from
             the
             Church
             session
             of
             every
             royall
             Burgh
             ,
             that
             there
             may
             bee
             some
             proportion
             and
             equalitie
             .
             Others
             also
             are
             permitted
             although
             not
             to
             voice
             ,
             yet
             to
             heare
             ,
             propound
             ,
             and
             debate
             ,
             provided
             that
             they
             first
             obtaine
             leave
             of
             the
             Moderator
             :
             and
             that
             it
             may
             appear
             to
             be
             done
             
               animo
               aedificandi
               ,
               non
               tentandi
            
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             day
             of
             the
             assemblie
             is
             kept
             with
             a
             solemne
             fast
             and
             humiliation
             ,
             wherein
             the
             
             whole
             Citie
             or
             Towne
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Seat
             of
             the
             assemblie
             ,
             useth
             to
             joyne
             with
             powerfull
             preaching
             and
             earnest
             praiers
             from
             morning
             till
             night
             .
          
           
             The
             particular
             Churches
             also
             throughout
             the
             Kingdome
             ,
             upon
             the
             daies
             of
             their
             publick
             meeting
             ,
             pray
             to
             God
             for
             his
             direction
             ,
             assistance
             ,
             and
             blessing
             unto
             the
             assemblie
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             bee
             led
             into
             all
             truth
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Churches
             be
             refreshed
             with
             the
             sweet
             fruits
             thereof
             .
          
           
             The
             next
             day
             the
             Moderator
             of
             the
             preceding
             assemblie
             beginneth
             with
             praier
             ,
             causeth
             the
             Clerk
             call
             the
             Presbyteries
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             the
             names
             of
             the
             Commissioners
             ,
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             Elders
             ,
             who
             give
             in
             their
             Commissions
             ,
             which
             being
             read
             ,
             examined
             ,
             and
             allowed
             ,
             they
             proceed
             to
             the
             chusing
             of
             a
             new
             Moderator
             ,
             keeping
             the
             same
             order
             which
             is
             set
             downe
             before
             in
             choosing
             the
             Moderator
             of
             the
             Provinciall
             Synod
             .
          
           
             The
             new
             Moderator
             calleth
             for
             the
             Records
             of
             the
             Synods
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             voices
             of
             the
             assemblie
             chooseth
             a
             Committee
             for
             perusing
             and
             trying
             them
             ;
             a
             Committee
             for
             the
             bils
             ,
             
             complaints
             ,
             and
             petitions
             to
             be
             presented
             to
             the
             assemblie
             ,
             and
             such
             other
             Committees
             as
             are
             ordinarie
             for
             preparing
             of
             weightie
             matters
             for
             the
             assemblie
             ,
             and
             for
             cutting
             off
             idle
             and
             impertinent
             things
             ,
             that
             the
             dispatch
             may
             be
             the
             more
             speedie
             and
             easie
             ,
             when
             they
             shall
             be
             brought
             to
             open
             debate
             and
             voycing
             ;
             all
             references
             from
             Synods
             ,
             appellations
             ,
             grievances
             ,
             complaints
             ,
             petitions
             ,
             are
             here
             examined
             and
             answered
             ;
             Acts
             and
             constitutions
             for
             all
             the
             Churches
             are
             agreed
             upon
             with
             common
             consent
             ,
             and
             if
             there
             be
             any
             considerable
             contradiction
             ,
             and
             the
             doubts
             and
             scruples
             ,
             which
             are
             made
             be
             not
             satisfied
             ,
             matters
             are
             remitted
             to
             further
             deliberation
             till
             the
             next
             assemblie
             ;
             course
             is
             taken
             for
             planting
             of
             Churches
             ,
             with
             able
             Ministers
             ,
             that
             the
             Gospell
             may
             be
             spread
             through
             the
             whole
             Nation
             ;
             Rules
             are
             set
             downe
             by
             which
             the
             inferiour
             assemblies
             shall
             bee
             directed
             in
             all
             their
             proceedings
             ;
             all
             meanes
             used
             that
             the
             Church
             be
             not
             wronged
             ,
             neither
             by
             confounding
             the
             Civill
             and
             Ecclesiasticall
             jurisdiction
             ,
             nor
             by
             the
             abusing
             or
             interverting
             the
             patrimonie
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
           
             The
             Commissioners
             of
             each
             Presbyterie
             do
             carrie
             home
             with
             them
             a
             true
             copie
             of
             all
             such
             acts
             as
             doe
             concerne
             all
             the
             Churches
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             walk
             by
             one
             and
             the
             same
             rule
             .
          
           
             The
             Moderator
             giveth
             forth
             Summons
             signed
             with
             his
             own
             hand
             ,
             and
             the
             hand
             of
             the
             Clerke
             ,
             for
             citing
             of
             persons
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             assemblie
             to
             compare
             before
             the
             next
             meeting
             thereof
             ,
             with
             certification
             of
             the
             censures
             of
             the
             Church
             in
             case
             of
             disobedience
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Conclusion
               .
            
             
               IN
               the
               authoritie
               of
               these
               assemblies
               Parochiall
               ,
               Presbyteriall
               ,
               Provinciall
               ,
               and
               Nationall
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               subordination
               of
               the
               lesser
               unto
               the
               greater
               ,
               or
               of
               more
               particular
               Elderships
               to
               the
               larger
               and
               generall
               Eldership
               ,
               doth
               consist
               the
               externall
               order
               ,
               strength
               ,
               and
               stedfastnesse
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               Scotland
               ,
               which
               is
               lovely
               and
               comfortable
               to
               all
               fearing
               God
               ,
               whether
               Pastor
               or
               professors
               ,
               and
               hath
               beene
               very
               awefull
               and
               terrible
               ,
               as
               an
               Armie
               with
               Banners
               ,
               to
               all
               Papists
               ,
               to
               all
               Hereticks
               ,
               Schismaticks
               ,
               
               Hirelings
               ,
               and
               all
               ungodly
               persons
               :
               As
               upon
               the
               one
               part
               they
               break
               not
               the
               bruised
               reed
               nor
               quench
               the
               smoaking
               flax
               ,
               but
               do
               cherish
               and
               labour
               to
               bring
               to
               ripenesse
               and
               use
               ,
               the
               graine
               of
               Mustardseed
               in
               sincere
               beginners
               ,
               and
               the
               smallest
               talent
               in
               Preachers
               having
               the
               zeale
               of
               God
               :
               So
               upon
               the
               other
               part
               ,
               no
               scandall
               of
               proud
               sinners
               escapeth
               censure
               ,
               no
               heresie
               or
               error
               is
               sooner
               hatched
               ,
               but
               is
               either
               presently
               spied
               out
               and
               crushed
               by
               some
               of
               the
               inferiour
               assemblies
               ,
               or
               ,
               if
               it
               be
               kept
               on
               foot
               and
               gather
               strength
               ,
               it
               is
               quite
               suppressed
               and
               extinguished
               in
               the
               generall
               assemblie
               which
               meeteth
               once
               in
               the
               year
               ,
               and
               never
               suffereth
               such
               bastard
               births
               to
               grow
               to
               be
               one
               yeare
               old
               ,
               which
               is
               a
               true
               and
               maine
               cause
               why
               no
               sects
               nor
               errours
               have
               appeared
               in
               the
               reformed
               Church
               of
               France
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Churches
               of
               Scotland
               ,
               &
               of
               the
               Low-Countries
               ,
               so
               long
               as
               they
               enjoyed
               the
               libertie
               and
               happinesse
               of
               assemblies
               ,
               which
               they
               did
               no
               sooner
               by
               the
               mercie
               of
               God
               recover
               ,
               but
               immediately
               at
               their
               brightnesse
               ,
               the
               mists
               and
               mildewes
               gathered
               before
               were
               scattered
               and
               evanished
               .
               And
               as
               ,
               by
               the
               order
               and
               power
               of
               these
               assemblies
               ,
               
               Foxes
               are
               taken
               that
               they
               spoile
               not
               the
               Vines
               ,
               and
               Gangrenes
               are
               prevented
               that
               they
               spread
               not
               against
               truth
               and
               unity
               ,
               all
               sorts
               of
               lewd
               and
               wicked
               men
               are
               discouraged
               and
               put
               to
               shame
               :
               So
               is
               there
               excited
               among
               the
               Godly
               Ministers
               an
               holy
               emulation
               by
               acquaintance
               ,
               conference
               ,
               and
               by
               perceiving
               the
               gifts
               one
               of
               another
               ,
               which
               maketh
               them
               returne
               from
               the
               assemblies
               ,
               with
               a
               meane
               and
               humble
               conceipt
               of
               themselves
               ,
               and
               with
               new
               and
               strong
               resolutions
               for
               greater
               diligence
               in
               their
               studies
               ,
               and
               faithfulnesse
               in
               every
               Pastorall
               duty
               ,
               to
               the
               common
               benefit
               and
               edification
               of
               all
               the
               Churches
               ;
               all
               the
               Ministers
               are
               made
               more
               wise
               in
               matters
               of
               Governement
               ;
               and
               all
               the
               Congregations
               are
               affected
               with
               reverence
               to
               what
               is
               required
               of
               them
               by
               their
               particular
               Elderships
               ,
               as
               having
               the
               consent
               and
               approbation
               of
               the
               whole
               Church
               .
               Many
               such
               fruits
               are
               reaped
               of
               these
               assemblies
               ,
               which
               without
               them
               no
               particular
               person
               or
               congregation
               can
               have
               any
               ground
               to
               hope
               for
               or
               expect
               .
            
             
               They
               have
               no
               Arch-bishops
               ,
               Diocesan
               Bishops
               ,
               Suffraganes
               ,
               no
               Chapters
               ,
               no
               Curats
               ,
               
               dumbe
               nor
               idle
               Ministers
               ,
               no
               hirelings
               ,
               non-residents
               ,
               nor
               pluralists
               ,
               no
               Deanes
               nor
               Arch-Deacons
               ,
               no
               Chanters
               ,
               Sub-chanters
               ,
               nor
               Treasurers
               ,
               no
               Chancellors
               ,
               Officials
               ,
               nor
               Apparitors
               ,
               no
               Canons
               ,
               Peti-canons
               ,
               Prebends
               ,
               Singingmen
               nor
               boyes
               ;
               And
               yet
               without
               these
               and
               the
               like
               ,
               they
               have
               practise
               and
               use
               of
               all
               the
               ordinances
               of
               Christ
               ;
               all
               matters
               Ecclesiasticall
               determined
               ,
               remitting
               questions
               of
               tithes
               ,
               mariages
               ,
               divorcements
               ,
               &c.
               to
               the
               civill
               Judge
               to
               whom
               they
               properlie
               do
               belong
               ,
               and
               all
               petitions
               ,
               complaints
               ,
               and
               Church
               grievances
               heard
               and
               redressed
               ,
               which
               they
               esteeme
               as
               the
               sweet
               yoke
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               think
               it
               a
               great
               ease
               both
               to
               their
               consciences
               and
               estates
               to
               be
               free
               of
               such
               bundles
               and
               burthens
               of
               trash
               and
               superfluities
               .
               They
               conceive
               that
               to
               erect
               Presbyteries
               ,
               Synods
               ,
               and
               Nationall
               assemblies
               ,
               and
               still
               to
               keepe
               Prelates
               and
               the
               members
               of
               that
               Hierarchie
               is
               ,
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               Church
               government
               ,
               not
               unlike
               the
               Popish
               adding
               of
               Traditions
               to
               Scripture
               in
               the
               rule
               of
               faith
               ,
               or
               works
               unto
               faith
               in
               the
               point
               of
               justification
               ,
               &c.
               additions
               to
               Christs
               institution
               ,
               being
               not
               only
               in
               respect
               of
               their
               
               author
               humane
               inventions
               ,
               and
               for
               any
               use
               they
               can
               have
               idlements
               ,
               vanities
               ,
               and
               follies
               ;
               but
               that
               they
               do
               also
               corrupt
               the
               purity
               ,
               and
               eat
               out
               the
               life
               of
               the
               ordinances
               of
               Christ.
               
            
             
               Here
               there
               is
               a
               superiority
               without
               tyrannie
               ,
               for
               no
               Minister
               hath
               a
               Papall
               or
               Monarchicall
               Jurisdiction
               over
               his
               own
               flock
               ,
               far
               lesse
               over
               other
               Pastors
               ,
               and
               over
               all
               the
               Congregations
               or
               a
               large
               Dioces
               .
               Here
               there
               is
               a
               paritie
               without
               confusion
               and
               disorder
               ,
               for
               the
               Pastors
               are
               in
               order
               before
               the
               Elders
               ,
               and
               the
               Elders
               before
               the
               Deacons
               ;
               the
               Church
               is
               subordinate
               to
               the
               Presbyterie
               ,
               the
               Presbyterie
               ,
               to
               the
               Synod
               ,
               and
               the
               Synod
               to
               the
               Nationall
               assembly
               .
               One
               Pastor
               also
               hath
               priority
               before
               another
               ,
               for
               age
               ,
               for
               zeale
               ,
               for
               gifts
               ,
               for
               his
               good
               deservings
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               each
               one
               honouring
               him
               whom
               God
               hath
               honoured
               ,
               and
               as
               he
               beareth
               the
               image
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               was
               to
               bee
               seene
               amongst
               the
               Apostles
               themselves
               .
               But
               none
               hath
               power
               or
               jurisdiction
               above
               others
               :
               even
               as
               in
               nature
               one
               eye
               hath
               not
               power
               over
               another
               ,
               only
               the
               head
               hath
               power
               over
               all
               ,
               even
               as
               Christ
               over
               his
               Church
               .
               The
               same
               may
               bee
               seene
               in
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               and
               in
               some
               of
               
               the
               offices
               of
               the
               Roman
               Church
               it selfe
               .
               And
               lastly
               ,
               here
               there
               is
               a
               subjection
               without
               slaverie
               ,
               for
               the
               people
               are
               subject
               to
               the
               Pastors
               and
               Assemblies
               ,
               yet
               there
               is
               no
               Assemblie
               wherein
               everie
               particular
               Church
               hath
               not
               interest
               and
               power
               ;
               nor
               is
               there
               any
               thing
               done
               ,
               but
               they
               are
               ,
               if
               not
               actually
               ,
               yet
               virtually
               called
               to
               consent
               unto
               it
               .
            
             
               As
               they
               have
               done
               and
               suffered
               much
               for
               vindicating
               and
               maintaining
               the
               libertie
               of
               their
               Religion
               ,
               that
               what
               belongeth
               unto
               God
               may
               be
               rendred
               unto
               God
               ;
               So
               do
               they
               desire
               ,
               that
               according
               to
               the
               rule
               of
               righteousnesse
               ,
               each
               man
               have
               his
               owne
               ,
               and
               above
               all
               men
               ,
               That
               the
               things
               which
               are
               Caesars
               be
               rendred
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               to
               give
               him
               that
               which
               is
               Gods
               were
               a
               wronging
               both
               of
               God
               and
               Caesar.
               They
               have
               ever
               beene
               willing
               to
               taxes
               and
               to
               pay
               subsidies
               above
               that
               w
               ch
               they
               were
               able
               .
               They
               joyne
               w
               th
               the
               inward
               reverence
               of
               their
               hearts
               ,
               externall
               honour
               and
               obedience
               in
               all
               things
               lawfull
               .
               They
               powre
               forth
               their
               prayers
               to
               God
               in
               private
               and
               publick
               ,
               for
               all
               blessings
               spirituall
               and
               temporall
               upon
               his
               Royall
               Person
               and
               Government
               ,
               and
               upon
               his
               Progenie
               ;
               
               and
               for
               the
               same
               blessings
               upon
               the
               Queenes
               Majestie
               ,
               especially
               that
               God
               by
               his
               Spirit
               would
               give
               unto
               her
               the
               knowledge
               and
               love
               of
               the
               truth
               .
               They
               long
               for
               her
               conversion
               as
               an
               happinesse
               to
               her selfe
               ,
               and
               a
               meane
               of
               great
               happinesse
               to
               the
               King
               ,
               to
               their
               Children
               ,
               and
               to
               all
               their
               Subjects
               .
               And
               ,
               that
               the
               Lord
               may
               answer
               their
               praiers
               ,
               they
               think
               it
               incumbent
               to
               the
               Church
               of
               England
               ,
               nor
               can
               any
               bond
               whatsoever
               oblige
               them
               to
               the
               contrarie
               ,
               to
               use
               the
               best
               and
               most
               powerfull
               meanes
               ,
               and
               would
               most
               willingly
               in
               all
               humilitie
               ,
               love
               and
               respect
               ,
               joyne
               their
               endeavours
               for
               that
               blessed
               end
               .
               And
               as
               they
               thus
               present
               their
               best
               desires
               and
               prayers
               ,
               so
               are
               they
               readie
               to
               sacrifice
               their
               lives
               to
               God
               for
               his
               Majesties
               good
               ,
               and
               in
               their
               hearts
               are
               grieved
               that
               their
               loyaltie
               ,
               which
               they
               account
               their
               no
               small
               glorie
               ,
               should
               have
               beene
               called
               in
               question
               .
            
             
               Neither
               is
               this
               all
               .
               But
               moreover
               they
               doe
               acknowledge
               that
               his
               Majestie
               ,
               as
               supreame
               Magistrate
               ,
               hath
               not
               onely
               charge
               over
               the
               Common-wealth
               ,
               but
               doth
               watch
               and
               hath
               inspection
               over
               the
               Church
               and
               Church
               matters
               ,
               but
               in
               a
               civill
               way
               .
               
                 Vos
                 Episcopi
                 in
                 Ecclesia
              
               
               (
               saith
               
                 Constantine
                 )
                 Ego
                 extra
                 Ecclesiam
                 Episcopus
                 à
                 Deo
                 constitutus
                 sum
                 .
              
               And
               therefore
               that
               he
               is
               ,
               by
               his
               high
               calling
               and
               place
               ,
               
                 Custos
                 utriusque
                 tabulae
              
               ,
               to
               command
               the
               precepts
               of
               the
               first
               table
               as
               well
               as
               of
               the
               second
               table
               to
               bee
               obeyed
               :
               That
               he
               is
               
                 Vindex
                 Religionis
              
               by
               his
               sword
               ,
               as
               the
               Spirit
               of
               God
               in
               Scripture
               is
               Iudex
               ,
               and
               the
               Church
               is
               Index
               :
               That
               hee
               hath
               power
               to
               turn
               the
               constitutions
               of
               the
               Church
               into
               lawes
               ,
               and
               to
               confirme
               them
               by
               the
               civill
               sanction
               in
               Parliament
               :
               That
               he
               may
               constraine
               all
               his
               subjects
               to
               do
               dutie
               in
               matters
               of
               religion
               ,
               and
               may
               punish
               the
               transgressors
               :
               That
               when
               debates
               arise
               about
               Religion
               ,
               hee
               hath
               power
               to
               call
               the
               Assemblies
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               to
               be
               present
               and
               civilly
               preside
               in
               them
               ,
               and
               to
               examine
               their
               constitutions
               ,
               that
               he
               may
               discerne
               of
               them
               both
               as
               a
               Christian
               caring
               for
               his
               own
               soule
               ,
               and
               as
               supreame
               Magistrate
               watching
               over
               his
               people
               :
               and
               that
               he
               may
               do
               all
               things
               which
               can
               prove
               him
               to
               be
               a
               kinde
               and
               carefull
               nursing
               Father
               .
               They
               account
               all
               that
               is
               vomited
               out
               to
               the
               contrarie
               ,
               [
               as
               ,
               that
               they
               liked
               Anarchie
               better
               then
               Monarchie
               ,
               and
               that
               they
               would
               turne
               a
               Kingdome
               
               into
               a
               democratie
               ,
               ]
               to
               be
               but
               the
               fictions
               and
               calumnies
               of
               the
               malitious
               enemies
               of
               God
               and
               his
               truth
               ;
               not
               unlike
               the
               lies
               which
               were
               devised
               against
               the
               Christians
               of
               old
               :
               their
               consciences
               ,
               their
               words
               ,
               writings
               ,
               and
               actions
               ,
               even
               then
               when
               the
               world
               did
               put
               the
               worst
               constructions
               upon
               them
               ,
               were
               witnesses
               of
               the
               integritie
               of
               their
               hearts
               .
               They
               doe
               still
               hold
               that
               there
               can
               bee
               no
               antipathy
               betwixt
               one
               ordinance
               of
               God
               and
               another
               .
               
                 By
                 him
                 Princes
                 do
                 reigne
              
               ,
               and
               hee
               hath
               also
               appointed
               the
               Officers
               and
               Government
               of
               his
               own
               house
               .
               They
               do
               desire
               nothing
               more
               then
               that
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               may
               reigne
               ,
               and
               that
               with
               and
               under
               the
               Sonne
               of
               God
               ,
               the
               King
               may
               command
               ,
               and
               they
               ,
               as
               good
               subjects
               to
               Christ
               and
               the
               King
               ,
               may
               obey
               .
            
             
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A43314-e80
           
             Sed
             quum
             omnia
             ratione
             animoque
             lustraris
             ,
             omnium
             societatum
             nulla
             est
             gravior
             ,
             nulla
             carior
             ,
             quum
             ea
             quae
             cum
             Repub.
             unicuique
             nostrum
             est
             .
             Cari
             sunt
             Parentes
             ,
             Cari
             liberi
             ,
             propinqui
             ,
             familiares
             ;
             sed
             omnes
             omnium
             caritates
             patria
             una
             complexa
             est
             ,
             pro
             qua
             quis
             dubitet
             mortem
             oppetere
             ,
             si
             ei
             sit
             profuturus
             ?
             quo
             est
             detestabilior
             istorum
             immanitas
             qui
             lacerarunt
             omni
             scelere
             patriam
             &
             in
             ea
             funditus
             delenda
             occupati
             sunt
             &
             fuerunt
             ,
             
               Cicer.
               Offi.
               l.
            
             1.
             
          
           
             Nec
             multo
             post
             illi
             quoque
             qui
             insulam
             Hii
             incolebant
             Monachi
             Scoticae
             Nationis
             ,
             cum
             bis
             quae
             sibi
             subdita
             erant
             monasteriis
             ,
             ad
             ritum
             paschae
             ,
             &
             tonsurae
             Canonicum
             ,
             domino
             procurante
             ,
             perducti
             sunt
             &c.
             
             
               And
               afterward
            
             ,
             Quod
             mira
             divinae
             factum
             constat
             dispensatione
             pietatis
             ,
             ut
             quoniam
             Gens
             illa
             qua
             noverat
             scientiam
             divinae
             cognitionis
             ,
             libenter
             ac
             sine
             invidia
             ,
             populo
             Anglorum
             communicare
             curavit
             ,
             ipsa
             quoque
             postmodum
             per
             Gentem
             Anglorum
             ,
             in
             eis
             quam
             minus
             habuerat
             ,
             ad
             perfectam
             vivendi
             norman
             perveniret
             .
             
               Beda
               eccles
               .
               hist.
               gentis
               Angl.
               l.
               5.
               c.
            
             23.