Chapter XIV: Part 14

Fitteresso.
Dunnotter.
Garvock.
Catterling.
Fordoune.
Conveth.
Kineth.
Bernire.
Rescoby.
Arbuthnot.
Benholme.
Eglesgreig.
Aberluchoch.
Glenbervie.
Fettercarne.
Newdesk.
Breichine.
Buttergill.
Killiemure.
Serminvel.
Cruikestone.
Stracatrow.
Lethnoche.
Lochlea.
Navar.
Fynaven.
Kincardrin.
Netherellie.
Kerremure.
Aberlemno.
Aldbar.
Edzell.
Drumlappie.
Glames.
Clova.
Luntrathane.
Forfar.
Restennet.
Nethie.
Kinnettles.
Tannodyne.
Essie.
Ederaritie.
Kirkbuddo.
Corchie.
Montrose.
Dune.
Eglishem.
Guthrie.
Ewie.
Dunnityne.
Lady Montrose.
Inchbracock.
Memmure.
Marie-Ettone.
Lownan.
Ennerkeillour.
Eithie.
Aberbroth.
St Vigians.
Kinnell.
Barrie.
Abirlot.
Dundie.
Maines.
Logie Dundie.
Liphe.
Ennergowrie.
Murrous.
Balumby.
Monyfurth.
Monikei.
Panbryde.
Fowls.
Langforgan.
Inchture.
Kinnaird.
Rossie.
Abernytt.
Bennvy.
Lundie.
Auchterhouse.
Teilling.
Logie.
Alloway.
Strathmartine.
Newtyll.
Navar.
Migle.

_Perth._

Malar.
Kinowll.
Kinfawns.
Scone.
Cambusmichell.
St Martine’s Kirk.
Auld Melgidge.
Kilspindie.
Reatt.
Erroll.
Inchmartine.
St Marroys.
Aberneithie.
Dron.
Dumbarnie.
Pottie.
Montcreiff.
Forgundine.
Fortiviot.
Eglismagredell.
Mowcarsie.
Dunnyn.
Rynd.
Tibbermure.
Aberdagie.
Pitcairne.
Kintaill.
Maidartie.
Methven.
Logiearde.
Roggartowne.
Collas.
Trinitie-Gask.
Findo-Gask.

_Dunkeld._

Dawallie.
Inchaddan.
Cluny.
Forthragill.
Weyme.
Kilmarwock.
Strowall.
Lud.
Ramach.
Dow.
Garntullie.
Fosse.
Logiereat.
Kirkmichell.
Mulyne.
Ardunan.
Strath-Phinane.
Kilen.
Lundyffe.
Rattray.
Cargill.
Blair.
Kapeith.
Cluny.
Brunithy.
Allicht.
Ruthven.
Glenaylla.
Kinclevine.
Monyday.

_Dumblane._

Kilbryde.
Kilmadock.
Kincardin.
Port.
Gilmahug.
Callendreich.
Lenie.
Aberfule.
Baqwhidder.
Comrie.
Strowen.
Tillieheithlie.
Muthill.
Strogeith.
Achterardour.
Aber Ruthven.
Monyvaird.
Monychie.
Fowls.
Creiche.

_Striveling._

Striveling.
Logie.
Lecrope.
Cambuskenneth.
Kippand.
St Ninians.
Kirk-in-Mure.
Lairbaire.
Dunnypace.
Airthe.
Bothkinner.
Clackmannan.
Tulliebodie.
Tulliallane.
Fossochie.
Tulliboyle.
Glendowan.
Muckart.
Dolour.
Alnethe.
Tulliecowtrie.
Fawkirk.
Slamanane.

_Fyffe._

St Androis.
St Leonards.
Dinmow.
Craill.
Kilrainnie.
Anstruther.
Pittenweyme.
Abercrombie.
Kilconquhar.
Newburne.
Largo.
Seres.
Kembock.
Dairsie.
Balmirrinoch.
Logie-Murdo.
Lewchars.
Forgan.
Cowper.
Kilmeny.
Auchtermoonsay.
Creich.
Dunbogi.
Flisk.
Monymaill.
Collessie.
Auchtermuchtie.
Ebdie.
Stramiglo.
Arngask.
Falkland.
Lathrisk.
Kirkforther.
Kirkaldie.
Scoonie.
Kennoquhy.
Markinch.
Methel.
Weymes.
Dysart.
Kinghorne.
Auchertoole.
Bruntiland.
Auchterdyrie.
Balingrie.
Leslie.
Dumfermling.
Kinglassie.
Portmuck.
Urvell.
Kinrosche.
Cleische.
Saling.
Carnock.
Culros.
Crumbie.
Enderkeithing.
Rossey.
Aberdour.
Dalgatie.
Baith.
Torrie.

_Lynlythgow._

Carden.
Bynnie.
Kinnell.
Caldercults.
Strabrock.
Eglischemachen.
Kirklistoune.
Dummany.
Torphichen.
Bathcat.
Livingstowne.
Abercorne.
Athcathie.
Kirknewtowne.
Calder-Cleir.

_Edinburgh._

St Cuthbert’s Kirk.
Corstorphine.
Halyrudehouse.
Castle of Edinburgh.
Leith.
Dudingstoune.
Halis.
Restalrig.
Cramont.
Ratho.
Gogar.
Curry.
St Catherine-in-Hopes.
Mussillbrugh.
Natowne.
Libbertoune.
Dalkeith.
Laswad.
Glencorce.
Mewill.
Newbottle.
Cockpen.
Pentland.
Pennycuik.
Month-Lawthian.
Temple Borthwick.
Caringtowne.
Clarkingtowne.
Creightoune.
Ormistoune.
Fawla.
Fintra.
Cranstoune.

_Haddingtowne._

St Martine’s Kirk.
Elstineford.
Boultone.
Bothaines.
Morchame.
Barrow.
Garvet.
Northbervick.
Gulane.
Aberladie.
Settone.
Tranent.
Pinkieclend.
Saltowne.
Keithniby.
Keithmitchell.
Dunass.
Spote.
Enderwick.
Auld Hamstiks.
Coldbrandspeth.
Aldcammis.
Qwhittinghame.
Dunninghame.
Stentowne.
Qwhytkirk.
Aldhome.
Basse.
Coldinghame.
Aittowne.
Lambertowne.
Haltowne.
Swyntowne.
Homdene.
Fischweick.
Piltoun.
Chirnside.
Bunkle.
Prestoune.
Caunell.
Simprem.
Langtowne.
Fergo.
Polwart.
Dinne.
Qwhitsone.
Mordingtowne.
Lanfurmagus.
Ellanane.
St Cuthberts.
Fowldoune.
Edrum.
Cranschaws.
Kelso.
Meychell.
St James’ Kirk.
Spreustoune.
Limpitlaw.
Ednem.
Zittame.
Lyntowne.
Marbottle.
Mow.
Hoome.
Auld Roxburgh.
Mackerstowne.
Montharnay.
Grimland.
Duillis.
Gordoune.
Stitchell.
Melros.
Lessindine.
Maxtoune.
Smatthane.
Mortoune.
Ligerwood.
Bassinden.
Hessitoune.
Lawder.
Chingclek.
Stow.
Bundane.
Langnewtoune.
Lillieschleiffe.
Selcraig.
Leindene.
Nook of Ettrick.
Rankilburne.
Askirk.
Geddart.
Crailling.
Nisbet.
Oxnem.
Ankrum.
Mynto.
Bedrewll.
Abbots Rowle.
Hopes Kirk.
Hassinden.
Cawers.
Hawick.
Viltoune.
Kirknewtoune.
Suddune.
Ekfurde.
Cassiltoune.
Ettiltowne.
Peibles.
Maner.
Ennerlethane.
Hopculcheuor.
Traquare.
Etleistoune.
Newlands.
Kirkurd.
Stobo.
Drumalcheour.
Dalvick.
Brodtowne.
Glenqwhairne.
Stralling.
Kilbuthie.
Lin.
Lantowne.
Lanereik.
Carloouch.
Pittinaine.
Cothqwhan.
Libbertoune.
Crowartoune.
Thankertoune.
Carnwath.
Robertstowne.
Carstaires.
Simontoune.
Vischtoune.
Crawfurd John.
Crawfurd Douglass.
Hartsyde.
Lamintoune.
Culter.
Velstoune.
Dunschyre.
Dolphingtowne.
Bigger.
Dowglass.
Carmichell.
Leschmahago.
Stenhouse.

_Glasgow._

Calder.
Monkland.
Bothwell.
Schotts.
Cambuschnethane.
Dalzell.
Strathaven.
Hamiltoune.
Dalserff.
Glasford.
Cambuslang.
Carmunnock.
Torrence.
Blantyre.
Kilbryde.
Rutherglaine.
Cathcart.
Givane.
Campsie.
Lunchie.
Monyabroche.
Peslay.
Neiles.
Kiberchane.
Eistwoode.
Nerriness.
Ranfrow.
Inchschinane.
Erskine.
Egleschame.
Lochquinchoche.
Howstone.
Kilmacome.
Killellane.
Enderkirks.
Dumbartane.
Caldrosse.
Bulill.
Lowss.
Kilmahow.
Rosnethie.
Kilterne.
Fintrie.
Strablane.
Kilmaronock.
Drimmen.
Balthrone.
Kirkpatrick.
Bothernock.
Inchcalcheaur.
Irving.
Perstoune.
Largiss.
Cumrie.
Kilbryde.
Ardrossan.
Kilwinning.
Dunlop.
Baith.
Stainsone.
Dalie.
Kilburnie.
Kilmarnock.
Lundene.
Kilmaves.
Stewartone.
Dreghorne.
Aire.
Alloway.
Tarboltoune.
Barnwell.
Craige.
Ricartowne.
Monktowne.
St Cavocks.
Prestick.
Dundonald.
Corsbie.
Simontowne.
Vchiltrie.
Auchinleck.
Machlen.
Kirk of Mure.
Gastoune.
Darympill.
Querltoune.
Dalmelingtoune.
Mayboll.
Kirkoswald.
Kirk Michell.
Clamonell.
Stratowne.
Kirkcudbright.
Daylie.
Girvane.
Schaschank.
Glenluice.
Inchie.
Salsit.
Kirkholme.
Lesswall.
Stanie Kirk.
Tostartowne.
Kirkmadin in Ryndis.
Wigtowne.
Qwhitterne.
Conglingtoun.
Kirkcowan.
Kirkmadane.
Sorbie.
Kirkinner.
Mochrum.
Pennynghame.
Glassertowne.
Kirkmadan in Fairnes.
Kirkcudbright.
Galney.
Dunrod.
Balmache.
Kylchryst.
Twinen.
Tungland.
Borge.
Kirkaiders.
Sandweck.
Girtowne.
Anvethe.
Kirkmabreck.
Kirkdaill.
Monygaff.
Drundennane.
Bowthill.
Geltoune.
Gilkstoune.
Kirkormoch.
Corsmichall.
Partoune.
Dalry.
Kellis.
Balmaclellane.
Drumfreiss.
Troqueir.
Terngliss.
Newabbay.
Hallywood.
Guddick.
Lochrawne.
Kirkunchean.
Kirkpatrick.
Irwing.
Kirkpatrick in the Muire.
Kirkblaine.
Cowane.
Callaroch.
Torquhorrell.
Kirkmahe.
Penpont.
Tyrewyne.
Dowrisdaire.
Kilbryde.
Mortun.
Kirkonell.
Sanquhar.
Closeburne.
Dalgairne.
Dunskyre.
Glencairne.
Lochmabane.
Muffet.
Kirkpatrick-juxta.
Johnstoune.
Wanfray.
Kirkmichel.
Trailflate.
Dongraine.
Kirkwall.
Meikledaltoune.
Litledaltoune.
Muswald.
Ruthwall.
Huttoune.
Aplegarthe.
Drysdaill.
Sibelly.
Annand.
Dronock.
Castlemilk.
Cummertries.
Lwiff.
Pennerfacks.
Trailnow.
Eglischame.
Mordenlie.
Torrie.
Kirkonell.
Caruthers.
Tonargirthe.
Gratnay.
Reid Kirk, alias Kirk Pato.
Vachope.
Cannobie.
Mortun.
Vastraker.
Stapplegratoun.
Nether Kirk of Elis.
Over Kirk of Elis.

[FIFTY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY.]

The Generall Assembly of the Kirk, conveint at Edinburgh, the
20th day of Junii 1587, qwhair there was assemblit the King’s
Commissioners, my Lords Chancellour and Blantyre, with the
Commissioners with the Brethrene.

Exhortatione made be Mr David Lyndsay. Leets, Mr Nicoll Dalgleische, Patrick Galloway, Thomas Buchanane, and Andrew Melvill: The said Mr Andrew, be pluralitie of votis, was chosen Moderator, _hac vice_. At the said Mr Andrew his desyre, Mrs David Lyndsay, Nicoll Dalgleische, Patrick Galloway, Paull Fraser, Thomas Buchanan, Robert Pont, Robert Bruce, Robert Craigie, Walter Balcanquall, Patrick Simsone, James Brysone, Peter Blackburne, and Androw Hay, were nominat Assessors.

Sessio 2.

Mrs David Lyndsay and John Durie, qwho were direct to my Lord Secretar anent his Majestie’s Commissioners, reportit, That his Heines had nominat my Lords Secretar and Justice-Clark, qwha wald be present and concurre as their opportunitie might serve--alwayes willing the Assembly according to his Heines mynde, before any uther thing, be intreatit the cause of Mr John Cowper: Nottheless, after some reasoning, was content they sould be delayed till the morne, and that the brether qwho are on the conferrence sould meit and reasone something concerning that matter.

Anent the Books of the Assembly: Seing the King’s Majestie’s Commissioners hes offerit their concurrence to the recovering thereof, if it may be knowne in qwhais hands they are, The Moderator desyrit the brether that could give any light in this matter, and namelie Mr Patrick Gallaway, quho was direct in the last Assembly to the King’s Majestie to sute the delyverance of the said Register, and his Heines answer thereanent; qwho declareit his Majestie had promised to cause them be delyverit. Thairafter it was testified be John Braid, that at the last Assemblie, in his awne house, Mr Patrick Adamsone, Bischop of St Androis, in presence of David Fargysone, confessit where the same were, and at command obtained be the King’s Grace, he sould cause delyver the same: Lykeas it was testified by John Durie that he heard him lykewayes grant the having thereof: Qwhilks testificatione being considerit be the Assembly, they concludit that charge sould be gine against him; and for the better advyce in that matter, direct Mr David Lyndsay to my Lord Secretar; qwho returning with his answer, thocht meit ane supplicatione sould be gine to the Lords of Counsell to obtaine charges against the said Mr Patrick, and lykewayes that the Kirk sould of their awne charges and authoritie, according qwherunto the Kirk ordaynit ane supplicatione to be pennit, and gine to the Lords, the morne; and sicklyke ane charge to pass from this Assembly, chargeing the said Mr Patrick to exhibite the said booke before them, to be delyverit to the Kirk within thrie dayes after the charge, or to schaw ane reasonable cause why; and sicklyke to compear within the said space personallie, to answer for his absence from this Assemblie, and to such other accusationes as sould be layit to his charge, under the paine of the censures of the Kirk.

Sessio 3.

All quarters sall resorte to the Assemblie every day, at the dew houre appoynted therto, and remaine to the end every day, under the paine of the payment of ane groat, _toties quoties_.

Sessio 4.

It was thocht expedient, notwithstanding of the ordinance made yesternight against Mr Patrick Adamsone, for delyvering of the Register, That before the same be put to executione, ane humble supplication be made to the King’s Majestie for that effect, qwhilk the breither desyrit Mr David Lyndsay and John Duncansone to forme.

Forsuameikle as there hath been ane matter of grief conceived be the King’s Majestie againes Mrs John Cowper and James Gibsone, movit privilie to the Moderator; It is thocht expedient be the haill Assembly that the said cause be first privilie treattit and considerit be the Laird of Dune, Mrs Peter Blackburne, Johne Porterfield, Thomas Buchanane, David Lindsay, Nicoll Dalgleische, and David Fargysone, qwham the Assembly nominat to travell, reasone, and conferre with the saids pairties, and to sie if they can take up the matter be their own advyce, utherwayes to propone the same to the full Assemblie, that the matter may be heard and reasonit there; and to that effect, ordaynit the saids brethrene to pass out of the Assemblie, and the saids Mrs John and James to passe with them.

Seeing his Majestie is now of perfect age, and ane Parliament is appoynted in the next moneth; It is thocht expedient that the acts of Parliament made be oure Soveraigne Lord, his Heines’ predecessor and Regent for the tyme, for the libertie of the trew Kirk of God and Christ’s religione presently professit within this realme, and for repressing of Papistrie and Idolatrie, collectit together and craved to be confirmed; and lykewyse the executione of the saids acts may be considerit, and what order aither excommunicatione or law shall be desyrit against the saids Papists and Idolaters, as also such lawes and constitutiones as are made to the derogatione of the said libertie, or to the prejudice or stay of the course of the Evangell, may be likewise collectit, to that effect their abrogatione may be sought: Qwhairunto they nominat the Laird of Dun, Mrs Robert Pont, Nicoll Dalgleische, David Lyndsay, and Paull Fraser.

Sessio 5.

The Commissione gine in the last Assemblie to the Presbytries of Glasgow and Strivilling, anent Mr David Cunnynghame, concernyng the sclander of adulterie with Elspeth Sudderland, or any uther persone, is continued.

Anent the diverse and grievous complaynts of syndrie breither against Mr Patrick Adamsone, Bischop of St Androis, at qwhais instance he is registrat at the horne for non-payment of their stipends assignit to them, and specially of Mrs William Strang, David Spense, Adam Johnstoune, and uthers, of the sclander that he lyes at the horne for not furnisching two gallons of wyne for the communione: This matter being heavilie regraitit to the King’s Commissioners, promise was made be the Pryor of Blantyre to communicat the matter to the rest of the King’s Majestie’s Commissioners, qwhais advyce for redress heirof he should report to the Assembly. As to the regraite of some breither, that pairtly be his rebellione and lying at the horne, pairtly be his suspensione, some divisione ryses, that certaine resorts not to his sermones nor to the administratione of the sacraments made be him or uther sarvice, as humiliatione--uthers repairs thairto--so appeares some divisione qwhilk wad be redresst: The breither thinks meet, that, before they enter herein, some answer be reportit to the former complaint.

The matter of Mrs John Cowper and James Gibsone, be the votts of the Kirk, was committit fully to the Moderator and Assessors to conferr, consult, advyse, and, if they may, conclude and put finall end thereto.

Sessio 6.

His Majestie’s Commissioners being present, thocht meit, because Mr Patrick Adamson’s matter is civil, qwherin the King’s Majestie hes interes, that his Grace sould be forwarnit, qwhilk the Kirk promised to doe.

Anent the doubt proponit, if it be sclander to a Christiane to absent himselfe from the sermones, ministratione of the sacraments, or uther godlie exercises used be such as lyis at the King’s Majestie’s horne, and are suspendit from all functione of the ministrie? The Kirk answers, that there is no sclander in this cause, but be the contrare, it is sclanderous to a Christiane to resort to the exercises forsaid of such ane one as they know to be at the horne, and suspendit from all functione of the ministrie.

Sessio 7.

Anent the supplicatione gine in for Gilbert Lambe and certaine in company with him presently keepit in prisone in Citde in Spaine for the testimonie of the truth: The Assembly ordaynes the brethren of the ministrie universallie to recommend in their prayers the said Gilbert in particular and his companie in generall to God, and to crave their delyverance, if it be his pleasure, or ane finall perseverance and constancie to the end in the trew profession of the Evangell.

Sessio 8.

The breither of the West having admittit the Bischop of Glasgow to the temporalitie, the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdictione being devolved be him in the Kirk’s hand, and having receivit his obligatione thair, in caice the Generall Assembly sould not allow of such admissione, the same sould be undone; The haill matter being weyghit be the full number of the breither, they universallie concludit the said forme of admissione to be unlawfull, and ordaynit the brethren admitters, to urge him performe the heids of the said obligatione, anent the undoing and annulling of the said admissione.

Sessio 9.

No ministers of colledges or schooles shall receave in their colledges or schooles, any student or schollar, being of maturitie of age, quho refuses to subscryve the trew Religione presently establisched and professt, be the mercy of God, within this realme, or refuseing to participat the sacraments, under the paine of the censures of the Kirk; and farther, before any student be promovit to any degree in the universitie, that they shall, _toties quoties_, as they shall be promovit, subscryve _de novo_, utherwayes their promotiones to be stayit, under the paine forsaid; and that the presbytries be diligent to sie the executione of this act, as they will answer to God.

The Kirk within this realme hes advysit and found good, that the Presbitries, together with the Commissioners in all the pairts of the countrie, and every ane of them for their awne pairts, prescryve to every young man that is minister within such ane Presbytrie, ane pairt of Scripture, together with ane pairt of the commone places and contravertit heads of Religione, to be diligently read, considerit, and learnit be him, within such ane space of tyme as the Presbytrie thinks good to appoynt him; and that his diligence may the better appear unto the fruit thereof, at certaine tymes of the year, euery Presbytrie being convenit, take ane count of the young man of his trauells, be requyring of him in the pairt of scripture prescryvit to him--first, the soume and deductione thereof in maner: 2. The solid sence and meaning of these places qwhilk are most difficult to be understood: 3. A collatione of the sentences qwhilk by reading he may be able to gather out of that part of scripture; the qwhilk arguments may either serve to confirme the truth, or else to refute hereticall opiniones. As for the pairt of commone places and heads of religion prescryvit unto him, let him be ready to answer to questionyng and reasoning to the head thereupone, and so to be exercit in this kynde, not for a tyme only, but from tyme to tyme, qwhill he come to certaine maturitie and solidness in the scripture of God.

Sessio 11.

Anent the supplicatione made in name of the towne of Haddingtone, lamenting the away-taking of their presbytrie againes the order of the last platt made be the Generall Kirk: The Assemblie examining the causes of the removeing thereof be the contrare, and finding the occasione thereof to haue beene for lacke of obedience and want of discipline, hes, at the earnest sute and craveing of Mrs Nicoll Hay and John Ker, Commissioners for the said towne, restorit the said Presbytrie, with condition and promise, that if there be not better order and discipline keepit be them in time comeing nor hes been heretofore, that the samen shall be removit, &c. The Kirk resolves that particular sessions of kirks and congregationes are, and should be subject to their presbytries, as hes been accordit of before be the act of the Assemblie.

Sessio 12.

William Chillane, reider at Auchtertoole, depryvit from his office and functione in the Kirk, in tyme comeing, for marrying William Kirkaldie, alias Ker, Laird of Grange, with Mistres Elizabeth Lyone, _intra privatos parietes_, without proclamation of bands; and, notwithstanding that Elspeth Leirmonth, daughter lawfull to Sir Patrick Leirmonth of Darcie, Knight, made lawful impediment in the Kirk of Glames.

Sessio 13.

Mr Robert Pont was recommended by the King’s Majestie to the bischopric of Caithness: The said Mr Robert, for cleiring himself of sclander, declareit, that for some loss and hurt done to him, in his trauell after diverse suits, gine in be him to the checker, this presentatione, without procurement of him, was put in his hand; and if the living might be brookit with safe conscience, and without sclander, desyreit their judgement, being desyreit to be minister at Dornoch, and to take visitatione; bot be command of the Kirk and for his office and charge, brook the living only? The Kirk referrs the answer to be gine to the King heiranent, to be advysit upon be Nicoll Dalgleische, Peter Blackburne, and David Fargysone, with the said Mr Robert.

Sessio 15.

Ane letter being direct be John Duncansone, bearing the King’s command to the Bischope, for delyverance of the books, at leist four of them, and that Mr George Young was stayit qwhill the saids books should be delyverit: The Kirk immediatly directit Mrs James Nicolsone and Alexander Rawsone to my Lord Secretar, to the effect the samen might be presentit; and, after their directione, and reiterat direction of their breither, Mr Andrew Melvill and David Lyndsay, Maister George Young presentit to the sicht of the Kirk ffyve volumnes of their Acts, whereof a great pairt being mankit; and, after the sicht thereof, being redelyverit to the said Mr George: The haill brethren ordaynit ane heavie regrate to be made to his Majestie, in article, lamenting the away-taking and mutilating of the saids books, and to crave that the samen may be restorit; and also, that the saids books may be delyverit in the Kirk’s hands, to remain with them as their awne Register; namely, in respect of the answer returnit from my Lord Secretar, that his Majestie’s will was, that the Kirk sould have inspectione thereof as they have had adoe presentlie, and giue them up again.

Ane letter approvit be the Assemblie, and direct to his Majestie, anent Mr Robert Pont’s matter: tennor thereof:--

Sir,--Let it pleise your Heines; We have receavit your letter willing us to elect Mr Robert Pont to the Bishoprick of Caithness, vaickand be decease of umquhile Robert Earle of Marche, your Heines’ uncle. We praise God that your Majestie hes ane good opinione and estimatione of such a persone as we judge the said Mr Robert to be, qwham we acknawledge indeed alreadie to be a Bischope according to the doctrine of St Paull, and qualified to use the functione of ane pastor and minister at the kirk of Dornoche, or any uther Kirk within your realme, qwhan he is lawfully callit, and worthy to have ane competent living appoyntit to him therefore; as also to use the office of a Commissioner or Visitor in the boundes of Caithnes, if he be burdenit therewith. But as to that corrupt estate or office of them who hes been termit Bischops heretofore, we find it not agreeable to the word of God, and it hes been damnit in diverse uthers our Assemblies; naither is the said Mr Robert willing to attempt the samen in that manner: the qwhilk thocht good to signifie unto your Majestie, for answer unto your Heines’ letter of nominatione, and have ordaynit our breither to be appoyntit Commissioners to awaite upon the nixt Parliament, to conferr with your Heines and Counsell, if neid beis, heirupone. This, after offering our humble obedience, we earnestlie wische the Spirit of the Lord to assist your Heines in all godlie affaires. From our Generall Assemblie, the 28th of Junii 1587.

In respect of diverse conclusions of before, with the daily practise and examples sinsyne, the questione being reasonit _de novo_, If suspensione of ane minister from the functione of the ministrie for a tyme, for just causes, be repugnant to the word of God, or no?

It is found that the samen agries with the word of God and his scriptures, and therefore the acts made thereanent before, to stand in full strength, and not to be callit back againe in any wayes.

Sessio 16.

It is concludit that all pastors, of qwhatsomever sort they be, shall be subject to the censures and tryell of their breither, alsweill of the Presbytries as Synodall and Generall Assemblies, concernyng their lyfe, conversatione and doctrine; and such as refuises the tryell and censure, that the saids Presbytries, Synodall and Generall Assemblies, proceed against them.

John Erskine of Dune, Mrs Robert Pont, Andrew Melvill, David Lyndsay, Thomas Buchanane, Andrew Hay, Robert Bruce, John Robertsone, Alexander Lawsone, Robert Grahame, Patrick Gallaway, David Fargysone, Nicoll Dalgleische, John Porterfield, James Andersone, John Duncansone, Adam Johnstone, Walter Balcanquall, Andrew Clayhills, and John Brand, or any thirtiene of them, were ordaynit Commissioners to the Parliament.

Mr Andrew Melvill was ordayned to penne a favourable letter to the ministrie in Danskine, congratulating their embraceing of the trewth in the matter of the sacrament.

THE KING’S MAJESTIE’S FIVE ARTICLES.

1. If any controversie be, concernyng the Bischope of St Androis, that it be reasonit in his Majestie’s presence.

2. That the Bischope of Aberdeene be not intrestis[24] his jurisdictione and living, but the same to be exercit be himselfe, because the alleadgit sclander, qwhereby he was damnifyit of before, is sufficiently tryit and removit.

3. Concerning James Gibsone and Mr John Cowpar, that they acknowledge and confesse their publick offences and sclanders against his Majestie, and satisfy therefore as he shall think good, or utherwayes be depryvit from all functione in the Kirk.

4. Concernyng Mr Robert Montgomrie, that he be receavit, without farther ceremonie, to the fellowschip and favour of the Kirk.

5. Concerning the Laird of Fyntrie excommunicat, qwhilk was somewhat extraordinary, to be null.

INSTRUCTIONS to the Commissioners appoyntit to wait on
the Parliament.

1. As concernyng the King’s Majestie’s Articles: In the first two, let the judgement of the Kirk be followed and notified to his Majestie. As to the third, they shall travell by all good meanes possible to prease his Majestie in this matter, and bring it in oblivione; and failzieing thereof, in case they shall finde any good assured hope that the Kirk’s Articles shall be weill looked upone, and grantit to passe in Parliament, they shall prease to bring the matter in such ane mids as may best agrie with the honor of the ministrie, satisfying the offence of the godly and conscience of the brether themselues, against wham his Majestie hes taken offence, as may be that in speciall qwhilk his Hienes’ Commissioners send in wreit to ane of the saids brether, utherwayes, if they be urgit to the Articles as it stands, they shall leave the matter haill, and frie to be tryit be the Generall Assembly. As to the 4th, they shall dispence with Mr Robert Montgomerie in some ceremonies used in repentance, in case they find his Majestie willing to remitt somewhat of the rigour of His Majestie’s satisfactione cravit of the two brethren, be qwham he finds his Majestie offendit. As to the 5th, concernyng the Laird of Fyntrie, they shall schaw his Majestie that the Kirk hes appoyntit certaine of their brethren to sie qwhat effect the dealling of them that was appoyntit in the last Assemblie hes taken with him, and to travell farther be all good meanes with him to bring him to repentance to the bosome of the Kirk, qwhairby that sentence may be in very deed annullit: they shall admitt nothing hurtfull or prejudiciall to the discipline of the Kirk, as it is concludit according to the word of God in the Generall Assembly preceding the 84 year of God, but precisely seek the samen to be ratifyit and allowit, if possible may be; and finally, in all let God be feared, and a good conscience keepit, in procureing the weill of the Kirk, and taking away all impediments contrare thereto.

The next Assembly at Edinburgh, the first Tuesday of July.

[FIFTY-SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY.]

Att Edinburgh, in the New Kirk, the 6th of February 1587 (1588.)

Exhortatione made be Mr Andrew Melvill. Leitts, Mrs Thomas Buchanane, Peter Blackburne, Patrick Galloway, Robert Bruce, and Nicoll Dalgleische: The said Mr Robert was chosen Moderator, _hac vice_.

The haill Kirk hes desyrit the King’s Majestie’s Commissioners, the Mr of Lyndsay, my Lord Ochiltrie, the Laird of Lochlevine, and the Constable of Dundie, the Tutor of Pitcurre, the Lairds of Kylluchie, Capringtoune, Qwhyttinghame, Mr John Lyndsay, Senator of the Colledge of Justice, John Johnstoune, Commissioner of Edinburgh, Alexander Scrymgeour, Commissioner of Dundie, William Menzies, Robert Pont, David Lyndsay, Andrew Melvill, Thomas Buchanane, Peter Blackburne, and William Chrystisone, to concurr with the Moderator in advyseing of speciall matters to be concludit.

Forsuameikle as this Assembly being extraordinary convenit for the great dangers appearing to the Evangell within this countrie, qwhilks, in a part, war declared be the Moderator: It was proponit in deliberatione qwhat sould be the readdiest way to quensche the present fyre of Papiscie kindlit throughout all the countrie; and because the propositione was of great weight, the Assemblie requyrit the Barrones and Gentlemen for their part, the Commissioners of Burrows on the 2d part, and the Ministrie on the third part, to conveene themselves apairt, advyse and propone their advyce to the Moderator and his Assessors the morne, such mids as they find offerit to them; and, for farderance thereof, ordayns Mrs Peter Blackburne and Hew Fullertone to give informatione of the evidents thereof in thair countries; injoyning farther to the haill breither and Commissioners of the countries to give in their declarationes of Papistrie and Jesuites in wreite the morne to the Assemblie.

Sessio 3.

The advyce of the Noblemen and Barrones was presentit to the Assemblie, read, and be commone consent thought meit; allwayes first, it seemed good that Archbald Earle of Angus, my Lords Marschell, Marre, Ochiltrie, and Sinclare, the Lairds of Coldounknows, Lochlevin, the Tutor of Pitcurrie, the Constable of Dundie, Alexander Scrymgeour, John Adamsone, Mrs David Lyndsay, Patrick Galloway, David Fargysone, Robert Pont, and Peter Blackburne, to conferre with his Majestie upon the same head as they shall be advertised from the Chancellour.

The AVYCE of the Noblemen, Barrones, and Gentlemen anent
the purging of the land of Idolatrie and sedicious intysers.

1. That the Lawes of the countrie be without delay execute against all Jesuites, Seminarie Priests, Idolaters, and maintainers thereof, and for that effect every man, alseweel of the gentlemen as of the ministrie, here assemblit, shall, as they will answer to God, and as they tender his glory and the weill of his Kirk, giue up presently in catalogue, to the Moderator and Clark, the names of such as they know and esteem to be Jesuites, Seminarie Priests, traffiquers against religione, receivers, intertayners or mayntainers of such persones: the qwhilks names shall be gine to Sir Robert Melvill, Thesaurer, quha hes promised within 48 houres thereafter to dispatche summonds upon them all. 2. Seeing the danger cravit be the saids persones is imminent, and the formall executione of the Lawes will requyre a longe proces of tyme, his Majestie and Counsell earnestly to soliscit and urged to provyde incontinent some extraordinary remedie for the extraordinary danger, and execute the Lawes without delay upon the chiefest of the Jesuites and thair maintainers, doing as if treasone war intendit against his owne persone and crowne. 3. If the Assemblie shall think expedient, the saids Noblemen, Barrones, and Gentlemen presently assemblit, shall gang togither to his Majestie, and regrait the cause of the Kirk and commonweill to his Heines, and the dangers wherein the libertie of this realme, their lyfes and consciences stands into, be the craft of Jesuites and traffiquers, qwho hes seducit and steirit up enemies, both intestine and forraigne, to bereave them of the same, and offer themselves, their lyfes, lands, and friends, to be imployit at his Majestie’s pleasure, for preventing their most dangerous attempts and bloody devyses.

Sessio 5.

All ministers within their awne bounds war exhortit to travell earnestly with their parochiners, and informe them of the necessitie of the exiled brethren in France for the religione, that they may be supportit: Ordaynes Mrs Robert Rollock, Andrew Melvill, Thomas Buchanane, and Peter Scharpe, to visite the reply made be Mr Peter Blackburne to Mr James Gordowne.

Sessio 6.

The Lords direct to the King’s Majestie reportit they had conferrit concernyng Papists, planting of kirks, discipline, and the poore, and receavit good answers, as, namely, that there was mair mister of executione against Papists nor advyseing, and that his Heines was glad of the solemnitie of their Assemblie, and before the discovering thereof desyrit they sould resorte to him, qwhere they should hear farther of his good will: yet because there was many particulars qwhilk under generalls, his Grace had appoyntit sax of his Counsell to conferr with so many as the Kirk on the other syde sould appoynt the morne. The Assembly nominat for the part of the Kirk, the Lairds of Wedderburne, Culluchie, Capringtoune, Ormistoune, Whittingham, John Johnstoune, Alexander Scrymgeour, William Menzies, Oliver Peebles, Mrs Robert Pont, Andrew Melvill, David Lyndsay, Peter Blackburne.

Sessio 8.

The Assemblie direct the minister of Dysart to charge Mr Patrick Adamsone to compeir personallie before them, and to crave his awne petitione anent the supplicatione of Mr Robert Montgomrie. The Kirk having taken consideratione of the proces laid against him, and circumstances of that matter, ffinds he may be admittit Pastor over a flock qwhere he hes not been sclanderous, provyding that he be found qualified in lyfe and doctrine.

Sessio 9.

The Chancellor being present, desyred the breither to wey if James Gibsone had not offendit the King’s Majestie,--not only that he had uttered in his sermone thir words following againes the King’s Majestie, viz. That he weined that James Stewart and Lady Isobell and William Stewart had been the persecutors of the Kirk; but now he finds be experience that the King himselfe has been the persecutor; as Jeroboam, for erecting of idolatrie and permitting thereof, was the last of his posterity, so he feares if he continued, he sould conclude his race.--But also, that he, acknowledging to the brethrene of the Conferrence that he had offended his Grace, he promised to make satisfactione, and had fealed and broken promise; for after calling of the said James, quho compeared not, my Lord Chancellour desyred the Moderatour to put to the vote of the Assembly if the words aboue specified were offensive: Quho, in respect that non offerit any reasone against the samen, proponit the same termes to them, quho for the maist pairt votit affirmative, the samen words to be offensive.

Sessio 10.

Anent the forme of Repentance prescryvit for adulterers, homicides, and uther crymes, qwhereof the satisfactione, of before, be acts of the Kirk, was made before the Synodall Assemblie: Sieing in many pairtes of the countrie the penitents at such tymes of the year when Synodall Assemblies are halden are in lawfull traffecking out of the countrie; It is found expedient in tymes comeing, qwhere Presbytries are weill orderit and establisched be judgement of the Synodall Assemblie, the saids penitents shall performe universallie throw the realme, their satisfactione before the Presbytries, in such forme as they were accustomit before the Synodalls, utherwayes, where the Presbytries are not yet constitute be the judgement of their Synodall Assemblie, the accustomit order to be keepit.

Sessio 11.

Forsuameikle as, James Gibsone being present, was summoned be the voyce of the Moderator to be present afternoone, to hear the matter concerning him reasonit, and as it was testified be diverse of the brether, qwha satt near him, and heard, he promised to compeir; and yet being oft tymes callit and compeirit not, the Assemblie finds him contumax for not compeiring, nor sending any reasonable excuse of his absence.

Sessio 13.

The Assembly present, adviseing with James Gibsone’s matter, for the most part votit and adjudgit the said James to be suspendit from his office and functione of the ministrie, during the will of the Kirk.

Sessio 15.

The humble SUTE of the Kirk, presentlie conveint at the
Generall Assemblie, to the King’s Majestie:--

SIR,--Your Majestie remembers the cause of conveining this Assemblie at your Heines’ command, qwhilk consists principallie in two poynts--ane for suppressing of Jesuits quho are enterit in this realme, and practises with their complices to subvert the sinceritie of religione, presentlie professed within the samen: ane uther to provyde such meins, that in tyme comeing, such dangerous interpryses may be avoydit and eschewit.

As to the first, we humbly craue--1. That some of the principall Jesuites and uthers shall instantly be taken order with, to give example to the rest, viz. Mrs James Gordoune and Williame Crichtoune, quha are instantly in this toune, that they may be incontinent callit before your Heines and your Councill, and there to be declareit to them how thair lyves are in your Majestie’s hands, for contravening your Majestie’s lawes, and yet of your Grace’s clemency, does spare; chargeing them in the meane tyme within the towne of Edinburgh unto the tyme of the passing away of the first schippes that shall depart, qwherin they shall be enterit and send away; and that it be denuncit, that in caice they returne at any tyme hereafter, in this realme, without your Heines’ licence, the law shall be execute against them to death, without any further proces:--Next, that the Lairds of Fintrie, Glenberve, younger, and uthers excommunicat Papists, shall be gine up in bill, callit before your Heines and Councill, and such things layde to their charge, as they are culpable off, according to the laws and acts of Parliament, that the penaltie thereof may be execute against them, and such as are apostats from the trew religione, qwhilk ance they embracit, be callit in lyke manner and punischit. 3. That summonds be presently direct against all receiptars of Jesuites, Seminarie Priests, and traffiquers against trew religione, and lykewise to summond witnesses, be qwhais depositiones they may be convict of the crymes forsaid; and in speciall, that such as are of the estate, and are culpable of apostasie or papistrie, shall on no wayes be sufferit until the tyme they haue satisfied alsweill the Kirk as his Majestie and estate: And, generallie, that all Noblemen whatsomever, without execptione, knawne maintainers of Papists, or enterprysing any thing contrair the trew religione, shall either be put presently in ward, or exylit the countrie.

Anent the planting of kirks, this is our advyce unto your Majestie, that Commissioners be direct from your Majestie and this Generall Assembly to the north and south parts of the countrie, to visite and plant ministers where need requyres, suppressing of papistrie; having commissione and power alwayes of your Majestie and the Kirk to call before them, all that are suspect of perverting trew religione, or revolting therefrae, and to doe all wther things necessar for reformatione of those partes: And because the said wark cannot pass fordward, unlesse there be provisione made alsewell for Commissioners of the Kirk as ministers to be planted in necessare places, that certaine be deput from the Counsell and certaine of the ministrie, to conveen with all good expeditione, and sicht the rowmes of the thrids, that it may be considerit qwhat may be spared to that effect; and where the said thrids has been abused in tymes past, to sie how the samyne may be reformit, and that the act made for dischargeing of pensiones out of the thrids and superplus, and proclamatione past thereon, may take full force. Lykewayes, giving power to the saids Commissioners to reforme colledges and schooles; and where the rent thereof is abused, to put convenient remedie thereto, and where it may not serve, to sie how it may be helpit, and that sufficient men be placeit in the rowmes of idle-bellies, and to depose them from the office of the ministrie, and from their benefices, all such as shall be found vnworthie or sclanderous in lyfe or doctrine, alseweill bischopes as wthers: That it wald please your Majestie to take some solide order that the lawes made for punischment of vyce, and Commissions appoynted thereanent, may take some good effect: And last, that order may be taken with the poore that wanders up and doune the countrie without law or religione.

GRIEVES of the Kirk given in to his Majestie.

1. It is an exceeding great griefe to sie Jesuites, Seminarie Priests, &c. to be sufferit to pollute this land with idolatrie, to sie practisers and traffiquers against the trew religione and the libertie of this realme to be receipt and maintained, and receipters and maintainers of both the ane and the wther so to abound every where, and not only to be tolerat _impune_, but also to have speciall credite, favour, and farderance, at Court, in sessione, in all their affaires, and the trew word of God contemptuouslie despysit be the multitude, his holy sacraments horribly profaned be privat, corrupt, and unlawful persones--the discipline nothing sett by, the persones of the ministers and office-bearers shamefully abused, themselves beggerit, and their families hungerit, and yet neither the lawes againes idolatry and vyce, nor the lawes for the libertye of the Kirk dewly execute, as may be seen in the particulars following: About Dumfries, Mr John Durie, Jesuite, seducing and preaching under the name of Mr William Lang, qwho, with his complices, had masse within Dumfries, before Pasche and Zoole last was: The Lord Herreis, the Laird of Kilqwhamlay, the Goodman of Drumrischie, Mr Thomas Maxwell, Commissioner, John M‘Gie, Commissar Clark, John Bruce, merchand, John Rege, Notar, Paull Thomsone, my Lady Herreis, elder and younger, my Lady Mortoune, the Lady Tweddall, Papists, apostates, maintainers and profest favourers of Jesuites. Captain Horslinger does no lesse hurt in Drumfries nor the Jesuites; no resorting to the hearing of the word, nor discipline, superstitious dayes keepit be plaine command, and controlling of the deacones of the crafts--all superstitious rytes at Zoole and Pasche--no kirks plantit sufficientlie.

_In the North._

Mrs James Gordoune, Edmond Hay, Alexander MacWhirrie, John Scott, Alexander Meldrum, Arthure Pantone, Jesuites, makes residence chieflie in Moray and Strabogy, but seduces every where in Buchane, Garrioch, Aberdeene, Marre. They repaire commonly with Airth, Laird of Leslies, elder, Androw Harvie and his mother, Andrew Leslie of the Peill, excommunicat for Papistrie, the Chancellor of Auld Aberdeene, and to young Glenbervie, excommunicat, where they have their house mass at their pleasure, and their publick mass erectit in the Laird of Leslie’s chapell, with twa idols above the altar, and there hes married two common adulterous harlots, Andrew Proctor and Janet Wilsone, qwha wald never give obedience to the Kirk. _Item_, Mr Peter Blackburne is compellit to desist from visitatione, bee diverse charges of the King’s letters, purchast be the Bischop of Aberdein.

_In Ross._

Mr John Leslie restorit to the bishopric of Ross, in the last Parliament, Mr Alexander Leslie, persone in Kinkin in Ross, newly providit, an excommunicat Papist, in the Presbytrie of Aberdeene, Sir Donald Simsone, profaner of baptisme, and abwser of marriage.

_In Caithness._

The Earl of Sutherland, with his Ladie and friendes, Papists, vehemently suspect lately to have had masse, and contemners of the word and sacraments.

_In Mearns and Angus._

William Dowglass, sonne to the Laird of Glenbervie, hes caused unbeset at syndrie tymes, Mrs George Gladstanes and Andrew Myllne, with armit men at their house, and lying in wait for them about their houses, and were not the relief of God and good men, had taken their lyves. In the west part of Angus, Patrick Lord Gray under proces of excommunication, Mr Thomas Gray excommunicat, Sir John Fyfe, Priest in Langforgund, David Grahame of Fyntrie excommunicat, James Grahame his brother a Papist, Thomas Abercrombie of Middel Gowrdie, haveing subscryvit, communicats not, but continues ane commone reasoner against the religione--a defender of Papistrie--a receiver of Jesuites. Patrick Lyndsay, brother to the Laird of Wame, ane reasoner against the truth in every place. Mr Clark, servant to the Lord Hoome, Mr George Hetley, minister at Abernyty, cruelly invadit be Thomas Boyd, and in redding of them ane man slaine. Fyft, No resorting to the Kirk in many places: their kirks ruinous and destitute of pastors and provisione in many places. There is superstitious keeping of Zoole, Pasche, &c. The Lords of Session keeps not their ordinar dayes, Wednesday and Fryday, for calling of the ministers’ actions. Mr Thomas Dowglas, minister of Logie, was cruelly invadit be John Forret, brother to the Laird of Forret. The Abbacie of Dumfermling gine to the Earle of Huntly, qwherunto he and the Papists with him resorts. The Bischop of St Androis continows in giving of collatione of benefices to unworthie persones, viz. Mr William Thomsone, persone of Flisk, Mr Androw Allane, viccar of Lewchars. The said Bischop withhalds from Mr David Spence ane haill year’s stipend; and notwithstanding he hes beene at the horne, can get no payment nor order of him.

_In Lawthiane._

Syndrie Papists, priests, confessing themselves to have said masse and preachit papistrie in this land, being apprehendit be the Magistrats of Edinburgh and putt in ward, are sett at libertie without any punischment or satisfaction of the Kirk, viz. Mrs Alexander M‘Whirrie, James Settoune, John Scott, and uthers.

_In Merss and Teviotdale._

My Lord Hoome, the Laird of Edmestoune, with uthers principall men in the countrie, corrupt in religione, and the said Lord latting his awne kirk ly waist, and mayntaining Mr Androw Clark, enemy to the Gospell and ministers thereof: the haill people readie to revolt because they sie the Prince careless thereof, as they say. Sir John Bennet excommunicat for papistrie. The Lady Farnyhirst, the Lady Mynto, quho horribly usurpit the ministratione of the Supper of the Lord upon Pasche day with bread and water. The Lady Rydder.

_In Striveling._

Walter Buchanane, sonne to the Goodman of Auchinprior, and a Flymis woman his wyfe, indurat Papists, and hes causit a priest lately to baptize their bairne. Helen Hay, maistress of Livingstoune, ane malicious Papist. The Sabbath there is every where abused and profained: the kirks evill plantit; scarcely three hes ministers. Superstitious ceremonies, pilgrimages and Christ’s wells, ffasting, bainfyres, girdls, carrells, and such lyke.

Mr John Cowpar having resolvit that he is willing to accept the charge of the congregatione of Glasgow, the Assemblie ordaynes him to be admittit be the Presbytrie thereof.

Anent the disputs had betwixt Mr James Gordoune and Peter Blackburne, committit to the review of Mr Androw Melvill and certain breither: The said Mr Androw reportit, That on the pairt of the said Mr James and the enemies, they find great diligence and sophistrie--alwayes praised be God for the knowledge gine to their brother, in qwhais answer they had found solid judgement and great light, to the praise of God and the overthrow of the enemies.

Sessio 15.

All Ministers within their paroches with all diligence shall travell with the Noblemen, Barrones, and Gentlemen, to subscryve the Confession of Fayth, and to report their diligence to the nixt Assembly.

Sessio 16.

Mr Patrick Adamsone, Bischop, is convict of transgressing the Act of Conferrence, and is declareit to have incurrit deprivation fra his office of commissionarie, and Mr Thomas Buchanan placit in his rowme quhill the nixt Assembly.

Ane generall fast is appoyntit universallie to be keepit the first twa Sondayes of July: The causes qwhereof, 1. The universall conspiracies of the enemies of the trewth: 2. The flocking hame of Jesuits and Papists: 3. The defection of the multitude from the truith: 4. The conspiracies intendit be great men against the same, intertayners of the Jesuites and Papists: 5, The coldness of all: 6. The wrack of the patrimonie of the Kirk: 7. The abundance of bloodscheds, adulteries, incests, and all kynde of iniquitie, with many uthers quhairof the particular kirks hes their experience.

[FIFTY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY.]

The Generall Assemblie of the Kirk conveint at Edinburgh, in the
New Kirk thereof, and begune the 6 of August 1588, quhere was
assemblit the Commissioners and Brethrene.

Exhortatione made be Mr Robert Bruce. Leitts, Mrs Robert Pont, Thomas Buchanane, Nicoll Dalgleische, and James Robertsone: Be pluralitie of vots the said Mr Thomas was chosen Moderator _hac vice_.

The Kirk nominated Mrs Robert Bruce, Robert Pont, David Lyndsay, John Robertsone, John Keith, Peter Blackburne, James Balfoure, Robert Hepburne, John Durie, James Robertsone, James Nicolsone, Andrew Melvill, David Fargysone, James Andersone, Andrew Young, Andrew Milne, Andrew Hay, John Porterfield, George Gordoune, John Clappertoune, Andrew Clayhills, the Maister of Lyndsay, the Laird of Lochlevine, the Lairds of Elphingstoune and Kerss, and John Johnstoune, Assessors.

Sessio 2.

It is thought expedient that, in the frequencie of this Assemblie, the most necessar things be first handlit, concernyng the present danger imminent to the Kirk within this realme, and to the common weall thereof, be the arryvall of Spainʒards and Barbars; as also the danger and decay of religione be the raritie and povertie of ministers of the Evangell: The Kirk hes thocht for their pairt ane dewtie in this behalfe, that ane fast be proclaimit the morne be the ordinary teacher in the Kirk of Edinburgh, to be continowit in the said toune the whole week.

Sessio 3.

Forsuameikle as, universallie throughout this realme, there is neither religione nor discipline with the poor, but the maist part liues in filthie adulterie, incest, fornicatione, bairnes unbaptized, and themselves never resorts to Kirks, nor participats the sacraments: Therefore it is thought expedient that all ministers, in their paroche kirks, shall make intimatione, and denunce to all poor that aither be parochiners or resorte to them, having women and bairnes, that if they report not sufficient testimoniall of their marriages, and baptizing of their bairnes, so many as hes wyfes and bairnes; and sicklyke, where they have participat the holy communione, that they will be refuisit of their almes at the hands of all good and charitable persones: exhorting also their parochiners that they rather extend their liberality to such as be of the household of ffayth, and having discreit judgement in giving any such persones of their almes, that gives not evidence to them as said is.

Anent the citatione direct to the Moderator of the Generall Assembly against Mr Patrick Adamsone, callit Bischop of St Androis, makeing mentione, that forsuameikle as be ane act of the Presbytrie of Edinburgh it was ordaynit concernyng the marriage of George Earle of Huntlie, that his bands sould be proclaimit upon his agrieing to subscryve to certaine articles of religione profest in this realme, qwhilk he did subscryve; and under hope that he sould subscryve the rest before his marriage, ane inhibition was made according to the tenor of the said act, to diverse of the ministers, and speciallie to the said Mr Patrick, that nane of them sould take in hand to celebrate the said marriage, unto the tyme the said Lord Huntlie agrie to subscryve the Confessione of the Fayth, containt in the acts of Parliament; with certificatione to them and every one of them, if they failzied herein, they sould be callit for disobedience to the voyce of the Kirk and Generall Assemblie, and punischit therefore, as accords: Notwithstanding of the said inhibitione, the forsaid Mr Patrick proceidit to the solemnizatione of the said marriage, and celebrate the same upon the 21 day of July instant; disobeying thereby the foresaid inhibitione and admonitione; as the said citatione beares: Qwhilk being callit, and the said Mr Patrick compearing be Mr Thomas Wilsone, his procurator, qwho producit ane testimoniall of his sickness, subscrivit be the doctor, Mr Robert Nicoll, and twa of his bailzies, requyring that the breither wald not disquyit him in his sickness, they fand the said testimoniall not to be sufficient.

Sessio 5.

The Kirk being informit that there is a ane schip arryvit lately in this Firth from Dunkirk, suspect to be ane spie, out of the qwhilk ane man, as appears of some mark, is landit; they, with the Counsell present, desyrit the provest and bailzies to man the schip, take the men and keep them qwhill his Majestie come over; yet it is reportit they refuise, in respect it will be ane hinderance to their traffique: The breither thinks it meit that Mrs Robert Bruce, Andrew Hay, and Andrew Melvill, pass to the Chancellour to let him understand of the said answer, and offer unto his Lordship their concurrence to request the towne.

Forsuameikle as in no countrie qwhere any religione is allowit, it is permittit that the deid be buried in the kirks, and that albeit inhibitione hes been diverse tymes made for avoyding of that abwse, yet the acts and constitutiones of the Kirk are dayly broken: Therefore the Kirk inhibits that any persones in tyme coming be buried in the kirks, and that no minister give consent thereto, but directly oppone thereto; certifying such persones as shall be the authors and inbringers of the dead unto the saids kirks, they shall be suspendit from the benefites of the Kirk, qwhill they make publick repentance therefore; and the minister that giues his consent, or discharges not his conscience in opponyng thairto, shall be suspendit from his functione in the ministrie: And to the effect this act may haue the better executione, supplicatione shall be made to his Majestie that ane ordinance may pass be his Heines and Counsell discharging the said buriall within kirks, and such lyke erecting of tombes, and laying of troches in kirkyards, under such paines as his Heines and Counsell pleise to devyse.

Forsuameikle as sen the last act of Annexatione, his Majestie hes transferrit the right of the patronages of diverse benefices, from his Heines to temporall men, as Earles, Lords, Barrones, and wthers, and hes annexit the same to their lands; of qwhom some hes gotten confirmatione in Parliament, wthers hes obtainit the same sen the Parliament, and the third sort hes gotten gift of the naked patronage alanerlie, to the evident hurt of the haill Kirk: Qwherefore it is thocht good, that his Majestie be intreatit be earnest sute, that the saids dispositiones authorized, as said is, be Parliament, may be brought back in the next Parliament, and such wthers as hes been grantit sen the said Parliament, in lyke manner may be annullit: and in the meintyme, that it may please his Majestie to close his hands from disponing the said right of patronage, and transferring of the same from his Majestie, qwhilk remayneth as yet undisponit; and that his Majestie will provyde that the Commissioners and Presbytries to qwhom the collatione of the saids benefices pertayns be not processit or hornit for not giving admissione thereupone: Inhibiting in the meantyme all Commissioners and Presbytries, that they on no wayes giue collatione or admissione to any persones presentit be said new patrones, as is above specified, unto the next Generall Assemblie.

Anent the supplicatione given in be James Gibsone, desyring that he may be hard to purge himself of the contumacie for non-compearance in the last Assemblie, and to repone him in his awne functione: the Kirk thought it expedient that he should declare the cause of his non-compearance before the breither of the conferrence; quha reportit that he declareit his conscience, the cause of his absence was never rebellion, stubbornes, nor evill will, but only in respect of the good affection he had to the will of the Generall Kirk, being informed that if he had compeired, and had not bein punischit, the matters of the Kirk wald be casten off: Qwhilk reasone being considerit be the breither, they thought the same sufficient to purge him of contumacie.

Sessio 6.

Compeirit Mr Alexander Forbes, minister and persone of Fattercarden, and in presence of the haill Assemblie, ratified ane promise qwhilk before he made in presbytrie, that he sould sett no tacks nor factorie of the teynds of the said kirk, without the speciall advyce of the Generall Kirk; declareing also in their presence that he hes sett nane yett; and farther promising before them, that he shall not sett in tyme comeing, nor make any right thereof to any persone, without the consent of the Generall Assemblie.

Sessio 11.

Mrs Robert Bruce, David Lyndsay, and John Craige, war direct to his Majestie to understand be qwhat meines the religione shall be maintainit within this realme, and continowit to the posteritie.

Sessio 13.

Forsuameikle as in default of Visiting of the North pairts, qwhere chief and greatest necessitie is, hes great inconvenience followit, albeit no wayes in default of the breither appoyntit to that charge, but for laick of provisione and expenses, the assignatione of their charges being made to be payit be the Bischop of St Androis, qwha contemptuouslie disobeys good ordour, and lyes at the horne: It is not the lesse found expedient that the breither to qwhom commissione was given before, shall yet undertake the burden of the commissione, their charges and expenses being assignit to them out of some readie payment, and that to this effect the Commissioners of the North, viz. Mrs John Keith, Gilbert Garden, and Alexander Rawsone, shall travell with the Lords of the Checker, and delait the necessitie of their Visitatione, and crave the samen assignatione to be alterit, and the commissioners’ payment mair commodiouslie payit.