6. That order may be taken for Manses and Gleibs to ministers makand
residence at Abbay Kirks, as also such as hes or shall have manses
and gleibs, may have their necessars thereto,--such as fewall and
pastorage, with feall and deviot, such as was wont to be of old.
7. That all gifts of benefices having the cure of sawles annexit
to them, disponit be his Heines _pleno jure_, and not qualified
persones presentit to them with ordinar tryall and collatione
following thereupone, may be declared, according to the king’s lawes
alreadie made, null; and that his Heines will giue new presentationes
thereupon to qualified persones, and the nullitie of the former gift
to be discussit alsweill be way of exceptione as actione.
8. That all presentationes or gifts of benefices of cure less nor
prelacies, disponit alsweill be his Majestie as a lawit patrone
wtherwayes then to qualified ministers, or in any extrordinary forme
not allowable to the commone law of the municipall lawes of this
realme, and forme observit in the Reformit Kirk of the same, since
his Majestie’s coronatione, may be annullit, and new presentations
grantit to qualified ministers--admitting the nullitie to be
discussed, alsweill be the way of exceptione as actione.
9. That all collations grantit be men that had no commissione nor
ecclesiastical functione in the Kirk, nor of that place and countrie
the tyme of the giving of the collatione, to be declarit null, and
the fruits sequestred, at the least qwhill the persones claimand
right be such collatione, be of new examined, tryed, and admittit, if
he be found worthie be them qwho shall be appoynted to that effect,
and authorized be this present Assemblie.
10. That the benefices of cure under prelacies, qwhereunto ministers
are admittit, may be frie from payment of the first fruits and fyft
penny, and may haue their signators of presentatione expede be the
Privy Seall, in his Majestie’s owne subscriptione only, and the
Secretars, without any payment or cautione found to the Thesaurer;
and such poor men as hes alreadie payit or found cautione, for
payment quhereof my Lord Thesaurer hes not already chairgit him in
his compts, to haue the same refundit to them, or dischargit.
11. Seing the default of non-depryving the unworthie, culpable, and
non-resident ministers proceeds of this, that sundrie of the bischops
hes been negligent in syndrie places; in some wther parts there is
no bischops or commissioners, and so the acts are not execute: the
Books of Modification, full of such persones as haue never schawne
themselves as ministers; That, therefore, ane commissione be gine to
ane or ma qualified persons, ministers, to sit in Edinburgh, and call
the non-residents and wthers delatit to be worthy of depryvatione,
or depryvit, qwhere there may be consultatione of learnit men had,
and the proces may be led without boast or fear.
12. It is heavilie complainit be many poor men, ministers and
readers, having personages and viccarages assignit to them for
their stipends, that they are exorbitantly and ungodlie used in
taxationes, their benefice being lang syne decayed through the want
of corps-presents, wpmost cloathes, peace fies, offerands, and such
lyke things, wswallie payit in tyme of papistrie, qwhilks was the
principall rents of many personages and viccarages; and that they
must pay the extreamitie of the old taxatione according to the rate
as rentalls war then, at least without any reliefe, qwhair the
most part of the prelates exemit from preaching or service in the
Kirk, gets the haile relief of the poor feuars and vassalls, and
that therefore there may be found more equitable order of taxatione
appoyntit for the tyme to come.
13. That it will please his Grace to cause consider what prelacies
hes vaiked since the act of Parliament made in October 1581, and that
speciall assignatione be made for sustaining the ministers of the
Kirk belanging to them, of the readiest fruits of the same Kirks,
wtherwayes the provisione according to the act to be declairit null.
14. That the Bischops, Commissioners of Argyll, and of the Isles,
may be subject to attend upon the Assemblies Generall, and to keep
their exercises and Synodall Assemblies, as in wther parts of this
realme, whilks is ane furtherance to the King’s Majestie’s obedience,
wtherwayes they appear as exeimit out of his dominione.
15. That his Majestie now yet give directione to some persones of
experience and good will, to searche, enquire, and try the trew
estate of the rentalls of all prelacies and wther benefices, at
this present, and in qwhaise default, and be qwhat occasione they
are so hurt and dismemberit, that thereafter the best remedies that
is possible may be considerit and provydit, for helping of them
hereafter, both for the weill of the King and the Kirk.
16. That his Majesty will cause the Lords of Sessione declare,
whither his Grace or the Earle of Orknay hes right to the patronages
of the benefices of Orknay and Zetland, to the effect that titles of
benefices conferrit to poor men, ministers, be not ay in danger of
annulling, upon incertaintie of the right of the patronage.
17. That no persons or stipends be put in the Book of Modificatione,
but such as the Commissioners of the Kirk shall affirme and testifie
upon their truth to be qualified persones, and actually making
residence at their Kirks.
18. That viccarage-pensioners and stawars, as they vaike, after
decease or deprivatione of the present possessors may accresce, to be
imployit to principall benefice, and to be assignit to the minister
in his living and stipend.
19. That all readers provydit of before to viccarages or stipends,
may brook the same qwhill their deceise or deprivatione; and nane to
be admittit to the title of any benefice of cure or stipend in the
Book of Modificatione in tyme coming, but qualified ministers.
20. That the haill rents of the benefices of cure under prelacies
disponit to ministers since his Heines’ coronatione, be assignit
haillie and allowit to them in their stipends.
21. That the judgement of all causes of deprivation concernyng
ministers for benefices in the second instance, shall come be way of
appellatione to the Generall Assemblie, and there take finall end,
and not before the Lords of Sessione, be way of reductione.
Sessio 17.
The qwhilk day Mr Andrew Hunter made protestation publickly in the
Assemblie as follows, viz. That in respect that the Provinciall
Assemblie of the Kirk of God, gatherit together in his name, and
halden at St Androis the 12th day of Apryle 1586, for manifest
crymes, open contumacie, hes justly and formallie, according to the
word of God and sincere custome of the Kirk of God, excommunicat Mr
Patrick Adamsone; and that in this Assemblie they take upon them to
absolve the said Mr Patrick from the said sentence, the proces not
being tryit nor heard in publick--the persone excommunicat declairing
no signes of trew repentance, neither craveing the same absolvitor
be himself nor his procurators before the very tyme qwherein they
absolve him: He therefore for his part, and in name of all uther
trew brethrene and Christians quho will be participat hereof, taks
God to record of the dealling of that provinciall and this Generall
Assemblie--protestit also before the Almightie, his holy Angells,
and Saints here convenit, that he hes no assureance of God’s word
nor of conscience, to effect, allow, or approve this his absolvitor;
and, therefore, unto the tyme he persuade his conversione to be trew
and effectuall, he cannot but hald him a man justly delyverit to
Satane, notwithstanding the said absolutione: And this protestatione,
subscryvit with his hand, he desyrit to be registrat _ad perpetuam
memoriam_, and therewithall gave in the speciall reasons moveing him
thereunto premittit to the said protestation; as the originall at
lenth bears.
Mr Andrew Melvill and Thomas Buchanane adheirit to the protestatione
made before.
Mr Patrick Adamsone subscryvit the conditions proponit be the
Assembly before at Halyrudehouse, the 20th of May 1586, with his
declaratione thereupon; for the quhilk cause the Assemblie absolvit
him, and for the quhilks causes as they are contained in the said
propositione at lenth, they declare as is above conteinit.
All ministers are exhortit and admonisched to judge charitably of
uthers, albeit there be diversitie in their opinions and votes,
remitting every man to God and his conscience; and that nane
publickly nor in pulpit quarrell or impugne the determinatione of the
Generall Assembly concernyng the appellatione from the sentence of
the Synod of Fyfe.
Sessio 18.
The brethren direct to the King’s Majestie with certaine articles,
craving present resolutione, reportit his Majestie’s answer--that
in the haill heids fand little difficultie except quhilk is notit
with his Majestie’s hand. His Grace agried that thare be Generall
Assemblies every year, once, and ofter _pro re nata_.[23]
Matteris to be intreatit in the Presbytries.
The power of Presbytries is to give diligent labours in the bounds
committit to their chairge, that the Kirk be keepit in good order; to
inquire diligently of naughty and ungodly persones, and travell to
bring them in the way againe, be admonitione and threating of God’s
judgements, or be correctione. 2. It appertaynes to them to take
heed that the word of God be purely preachit within their bounds,
the sacraments rightly ministrate, the discipline intertained, and
the ecclesiasticall goods uncorruptly distribute. 3. It belongeth to
them to cause the ordinances made be the Assemblies, provinciall
and Generall, to be keepit and put in execution. 4. To make
constitutiones whilk concerns το πρεπον in the Kirk, or decent order
for the particular kirks qwhere they governe; provyding they alter no
rules made by the provinciall or Generall Assemblies, and that they
make the provincialls forsaids privy to the rewles that they shall
make, and to abolische constitutiones tending to the hurt of the
same. 5. It hes power to excommunicate the obstinate.
His Majestie agried unto this fifth article in this manner: It
hes pouer to excommunicate the obstinate, formall proces being
led, and dew intervalls of tymes. Faults to be censured in the
Presbytrie--Heresie, Papistrie, Apostacie, Idolatrie, Witchcraft,
Consulters with Witches, Contempt of the Word, Not Resorting to the
Word, Continuance in Blasphemie against God and his Trewth, Perjurie,
Incest, Adulterie, Fornication, Drunkenness. Thir things for the
present, and further qwhill order be taken in the conferrence.
Anent particular kirks: If they be lawfullie rewlit be ministers
and sessione, they haue power and jurisdictione of their owne
congregatione, in matters ecclesiasticall to take order therewith,
and things that they cannot decyde to bring them to the Presbytrie.
Farther, it was schawne to the said Assemblie be the brether direct
to his Majestie, that his Grace declareit, That for tryall of any
sclander in the lyfe, conversatione, and doctrine of Bischopes
or Commissioners, the said Assemblie sould appoynt ane number of
brethren in every province, haveing power from the said Assemblie
to try them and take probatione, lead process therein betwixt and
the next Assemblie, if occasion sall fall out; remitting the finall
sentence and determination to the said Generall Assemblie.
The Generall Assemblie of the Kirk giues full power and commission
to certaine breither of every province to summond before them
respective, at such day and place as they shall think expedient,
the Bischopes and Commissioners, if they find occasione of sclander
to aryse be them in lyfe, doctrine, or conversatione, at any
tyme betwixt and the nixt Generall Assembly; and to try and take
probatione thereof, lead and deduce proces against them, to the
sentence exclusive; remitting finall judgement therin to the said
Generall Assemblie.
Anent Moderators of Presbytries: Qwhill farther order be taine, it
is agreit that where the Bischops and Commissioners makes their
residence, that in these Presbitries they shall be Moderators, except
in Fyfe, qwhairr, be his Majestie’s advyce, Mr Robert Wilkie is
continowit Moderator of the Presbytrie of St Androis until the nixt
Generall Assemblie.
At the suite of the Assemblie, his Majestie’s Commissioners hes
agreit that the priuiledge qwhilk the Kirk had in the sessione of two
dayes in the week for calling their actiones shall be restorit, and
John Lyndsay and Mr John Grahame to be ordinary waiters on.
Sicklyke agried, with advyce of the saids Commissioners, that James
Mowat be Solicitor for the Kirk, if Mr George Mackisone and he be
agreed.
Commissioners war appoyntit to present unto his Majestie and Counsell
the humble petitiones, complaints, articles, and heids delyverit to
them, and humblie to crave his Majestie’s answer therunto--treat,
conferre, and reasone thairupone, and upon such heads and articles as
shall be on his Majestie’s behalfe, or be his Commissioners proponit
to them; and qwhat herein bies proceidit, to reporte to the next
Generall Assemblie of the Kirk.
Anent the excommunicatione of Mr James Melvill, minister of
Kylrynnie, and certaine breither of Fyfe, be Patrick Hamiltone and
Samuell Cunninghame: The Assemblie ordayns the Presbytrie of St
Androis to take tryall in that matter, and put order to the same,
according to the qualitie of the offence.
THE ESTATE and order of the Presbytries, with the bounds
of the Commissioners, presentit be me Lord Clark of Register,
and sett downe in his Lordship’s travells, at the request of
the Kirk.
_Zetland._
Tingwell.
Qwhytness.
Vesdaill.
Qwhalsa.
Skerres.
Nesting.
Lunasting.
Brassay.
Burray.
Sandsting.
Esthting.
Sandness.
Papa.
Fula.
Vansa.
Olaberrie.
St Colme’s Kirk.
Cross Kirk.
Delting.
Olnafyrth.
Stalisla.
Fetlarre.
Hamnavoe.
Rafuiren.
Nestinzell.
Unst.
Sandwick.
Cunnigsburgh.
Cros Kirk.
Faire Yle.
Bulzesta.
Dunrossness.
_Orknay._
Kirkwall.
St Olawis Kirk.
Birsa.
Harray.
St Androis Kirk in Deirness.
Holme.
Orfare.
Stane House.
Firth.
Euie.
Randell.
Inhallow.
Stromness.
Sandwick.
Russay.
Eglissay.
Weir.
Valliss.
Flottay.
Farray.
Hoy.
Grimsay.
St Nicolas Kirk.
Marie Kirk.
Peter Kirk, in Stronsay.
Ethay.
Farray.
Ladie-Croce Kirk.
Papa.
Vestra.
Ladie Kirk.
Croce Kirk.
St Colmes Kirk in Sanda.
Schapinsay.
Ladie Kirk in Burnwick.
Peeter Kirk.
Strownay.
Burray.
All in South Ronnalsay.
_Cathness._
Weik.
Bonar.
Vaiting.
Cannisbie.
Dunnet.
Halkirk.
Skenqwhair.
Olrick.
Lathroonie.
Thurse.
Ray.
Ardurnes.
Farre.
Southerland.
Assent.
Dornoch.
Creich.
Lerg.
Roggers.
Kylmalchie.
Clyne.
Loch.
Kyldonan.
_Ross._
Kyncardine.
Taine.
Eddertaine.
Nigherbert.
Talmurecester.
Logie Eister.
Rosken.
Newmakyll.
Alvess.
Kylterie.
Linlair.
Dingwall.
Chanrie.
Ava.
Kilmuirwester.
Arthurfeir.
Foddertie.
Killernane.
Suddie.
Kinnettes.
Urquhart.
Logie Wester.
Urray.
Cullickden.
Kilmorack.
Kirk Chryst.
Kirk Michael.
Contane.
Cromartie.
Lochbroome.
Lochalsie.
Lochcarrone.
Gerloch.
Apple Croce.
Kyntaill.
Innerness.
Bowochie.
Fairway.
Croy.
Moy.
Pettre.
Brachtie.
Bravaine.
Dallarasch.
Lundichie.
Dawie.
Durriss.
Dacuss.
Bolleskine.
Vardlaw.
Conveth.
Comer.
Abertarff.
Kynnies.
Laggane.
Skyrre.
Alloway.
Rothiemurcus.
Kyncardine.
_Morray._
Forres.
Edinclachie.
Altar.
Raffort.
Ardclache.
Dollester.
Alves.
Lan Bryde.
Dyke.
Moy.
Aldearne.
Nairne.
Kirkmichaell.
Enneralloch.
Knock Ardoche.
Urquhart.
Glenmoristowne.
Ennerawine.
Douthill.
Abernethie.
Abdie.
Cromadell.
Elgine.
St Androwis Kirk.
Spynay.
Kingedward.
Eslie.
Duffus.
Owgstoune.
Dupplie.
Ruthven.
Aberloure.
Skirdurskin.
Pittenther.
Birney.
Rothes.
Urquhart.
Billie.
Kynnore.
Dumbennen.
Botter.
Elchiss.
Glasse.
Gorlay.
Drimgalgie.
Keith.
Rothiemay.
Forge.
Drumblaitt.
Murthlache.
Dumnieth.
Cabroche.
Esse.
Rynde.
Achindore.
_Bamfe._
Rathwen.
Foresken.
Durduche.
Kincallartie.
Fordice.
Cullene.
Deskfuird.
Orgowthill.
Bamffe.
Innerbundyne.
Alnethie.
Forgline.
Ennerkeithnie.
Aberchirdore.
Gemry.
Kingedward.
Turreffe.
Auchterless.
Deir.
Fetterangus.
Lundlay.
Methlick.
Tarwess.
Pettringay.
Crichmund.
Rathine.
Lunmay.
Cruden.
Slaines.
Furvey.
Allane.
Tyrie.
Aberdowre.
Fillorth.
_Aberdeene._
Logie-Buchane.
Foveran.
Balhelvie.
Auld Aberdeene.
Monycabock.
New Aberdeene.
Nige.
Banchorie.
Marieculter.
Peterculter.
Dilmaick.
Duriss.
Dyce.
Fintray.
Kintoir.
Kinellane.
Skeine.
Kinnairnie.
Ennerowrie.
Momagie.
Rothlie.
Fyvie.
Tarves.
Logie Durnoche.
Premna.
Leslie.
Dawid.
Urie.
Raine.
Kynnathmont.
Chrystis Kirk.
Clait.
Inche-Colsalmond.
Fetterneir.
Kyncardoneil.
Glentannar.
Lesmore.
Cluny.
Afuird.
Keige.
Lochinhill.
Monymusk.
Eght.
Auchindore.
Tarnatie.
Strawchin.
Birss.
Boynd.
Tulliche.
Glennig.
Abergardin.
Crathy.
Kindrocht.
Tond.
Cushnie.
Colchodistore.
Logie-Mar.
Cowter.
Migwie.
Tarlane.
Kildrummie.
Glenbutchit.
Ennernauchtie.
Kirkthock.
Forbes.
Keir.
Tillienessell.
_Meirnes and Angus._
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.