[First Parliament of King James VI.]

CHRIST'S TRIUMPHANT
ENTRY INTO SCOTLAND;
Or,
The Subjugation of the
People, Laws, Liberties, & Crown
of Scotland to

HIS SUPREME MAJESTY
JESUS CHRIST,

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords;
Being,
The Complete Text of all of the
Acts of the First Parliament
During the Reign of

James VI of Scotland.

He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth:
and the isles shall wait for his law
.—Isa. 42.4.
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles
be glad thereof
.—Psalm 97.1.

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Table of Contents

  1. ¶ Anent the dimissioun of the Crowne in fauouris of our Souerane Lord, and his Maiesteis Coronatioun. Ca. i.
(1)
  1. ¶ Anent the demission of the Crown in favours of our Sovereign Lord, and his Majesty’s Coronation. Ca. i.
  1. Anent the constitution of James Erle of Murray in Regent, to our Soveraine Lord, his Realme and Liegis.
(2)
  1. Anent the constitution of James Earl of Murray in Regent, to our Sovereign Lord, his Realm and Lieges.
  1. Anent the abolishing of the Pape, and his usurped authoritie.
(3)
  1. Anent the abolishing of the Pope, and his usurped authority.
  1. Anent the annulling of the Actes of Parliament, made against God his word, and maintenance of Idolatrie in ony times bypast.
(4)
  1. Anent the annulling of the Acts of Parliament, made against God’s word, and maintenance of Idolatry in any times bypast.
  1. Anent the Messe abolished, and punishing of all that hearis or sayis the samine.
(5)
  1. Anent the Mass abolished, and punishing of all that hear or says the same.
  1. Anent the trew and haly Kirk, and of them that ar declared not to be of the samin.
(6)
  1. Anent the true and holy Kirk, and of them that are declared not to be of the same.
  1. Admissioun of Ministers: of laick Patronages.
(7)
  1. Admission of Ministers: of lay Patronages.
  1. Anent the Kingis aith, to be given at his Coronation.
(8)
  1. Anent the Kings oath, to be given at his Coronation.
  1. Na person may be Judge Procurator, Notar, nor member of Court, quha professis not the Religion.
(9)
  1. No person may be Judge Procurator, Notar, nor member of Court, who professes not the Religion.
  1. Anent the thridis of benefices, granted in the Moneth of December, the zeir of God 1561. zeires, for susteining of the Ministers and uther affaires of the Prince.
(10)
  1. Anent the thirds of benefices, granted in the Month of December, the year of God 1561 years, for sustaining of the Ministers and other affairs of the Prince.
  1. The teacheris of zouth suld be tryed be the visitoris of the Kirk.
(11)
  1. The teachers of youth should be tried by the visitors of the Kirk.
  1. ¶ Anent the iurisdictioun of the Kirk. Ca. xii.
(12)
  1. ¶ Anent the jurisdiction of the Kirk. Ca. xii.
  1. Anent the disposition of Provestries, Prebendaries, & Chaplaneries, to bursaris to be found in Colleges.
(13)
  1. Anent the disposition of Provostries, Prebendaries, & Chaplainries, to bursars to be found in Colleges.
  1. Anent the filthie vice of Fornication, and punishment of the samin.
(14)
  1. Anent the filthy vice of Fornication, and punishment of the same.
  1. Anent them that committis Incest.
(15)
  1. Anent them that commit Incest.
  1. Anent lawful mariage of the awin blude, in degries not forbidden be God his word.
(16)
  1. Anent lawful marriage of the own blood, in degrees not forbidden by God his word.
  1. Anent slaying of Hart, Hynde, and utheris beastes and foulis with Culverings.
(17)
  1. Anent slaying of Hart, Hind, and other beasts and fowls with Culverings [Firelocks, Muskets].
  1. ¶ Anent the act of Parliament, maid of befoir, of the declaratioun of our Souerane Lordis Motheris perfyte age. Ca. xviii.
(18)
  1. ¶ Anent the act of Parliament, made of before, of the declaration of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s perfect age. Ca. xviii.
  1. ¶ Anent the retentioun of our Souerane Lordis Motheris person. Ca. xix.
(19)
  1. ¶ Anent the retention of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s person. Ca. xix.
  1. ¶ The declaratioun of Parliament maid to the Laird of Lochleuin, anent the keiping of the Kingis Mother, in the hous and Fortalice of Lochleuin. Ca. xx.
(20)
  1. ¶ The declaration of Parliament made to the Laird of Lochleven, anent the keeping of the King’s Mother, in the house and Fortalice of Lochleven. Ca. xx.
  1. Quhat money suld be cunziet: Layed-money suld not be cunziet without consent of the Estaitis. Money suld not be melted.
(21)
  1. What money should be coined: Alloyed-money should not be coined without consent of the Estates. Money should not be melted.
  1. The Lordis of Session ar Judges to all Infeftmentes and giftes graunted, or confirmed in Parliament.
(22)
  1. The Lords of Session are Judges to all Infeftments and gifts granted, or confirmed in Parliament.
  1. Anent schutting, and bearing of Culveringes and Dagges.
(23)
  1. Anent shooting, and bearing of Culverings [firelocks, muskets] and Daggs [pistols].
  1. False Cunzie suld be clypped.
(24)
  1. False Coin should be clipped.
  1. ¶ Ane commissioun to certaine Lordis of the Estatis, to considder sic articklis as is committit to thame, and to report the samin againe in the nixt Parliament. Ca. xxv.
(25)
  1. ¶ A commission to certain Lords of the Estates, to consider such articles as is committed to them, and to report the same again in the next Parliament. Ca. xxv.
  1. Approbation of giftis of benefices and pensionis, sen the Moneth of August 1560. zeirs, granted and given, be our Soveraine Lordis Mother.
(26)
  1. Approbation of gifts of benefices and pensions, since the Month of August 1560 years, granted and given, by our Sovereign Lord’s Mother.
  1. Anent thieft, and receipt of thieft, takin of prisoneris be thievis, or bandis for ransomis, and punishment of the samin.
(27)
  1. Anent theft, and receipt of theft, taken of prisoners be thieves, or bonds for ransoms, and punishment of the same.
  1. That na horse be caried furth of the Realme, as common Merchandice.
(28)
  1. That no horse be carried forth of the Realm, as common Merchandise.
  1. ¶ Anent the residence, and sitting of the Lordis of Sessioun, for administratioun of Justice. Ca. xxix.
(29)
  1. ¶ Anent the residence, and sitting of the Lords of Session, for administration of Justice. Ca. xxix.
  1. The denunciation of the Rebellion suld preceid the gift of escheit.
(30)
  1. The denunciation of the Rebellion should precede the gift [grant] of escheat.
  1. Anent priviledges granted to Kirk-men.
(31)
  1. Anent privileges granted to Kirk-men.
  1. The ratification of the priviledge of the Barronnes.
(32)
  1. The ratification of the privilege of the Barons.
  1. Anent the priviledges granted to Burrowes.
(33)
  1. Anent the privileges granted to Burrows.
  1. Saisings within Burghs, suld be given be ane Baillie, and the Clerke.
(34)
  1. Saisines within Burghs, should be given by a Baillie, and the Clerk.
  1. ¶ Anent the demolischeing of the Castell of Dunbar, and Forth of Inchekeith. Ca. xxxv.
(35)
  1. ¶ Anent the demolishing of the Castle of Dunbar, and Fort of Inchkeith. Ca. xxxv.
  1. Anent the declaratioun of the Commisseris, how they sall proceid in beneficial materis.
(36)
  1. Anent the declaration of the Commissars, how they shall proceed in beneficial matters.
  1. Malt-men suld not have ane Deakon.
(37)
  1. Malt-men should not have a Deacon [Officer, President].
  1. Anent black fish, cutting of greene-wood, and slauchter of Smoltes.
(38)
  1. Anent black fish, cutting of green-wood, and slaughter of Smolts [young Salmon].
  1. Anent abrogating of all acts contrarie to the Religioun.
(39)
  1. Anent abrogating of all acts contrary to the Religion.
  1. Anent the prenting of the Acts, maid in this present Parliament, and of the Act maid in our Soveraines Gudschirs time, anent the raysing of fire & burning.
(40)
  1. Anent the printing of the Acts, made in this present Parliament, and of the Act made in our Sovereign’s Gudschirs [Grandfather’s] time, anent the raising of fire & burning.
  1. Anent the raysing of fire, and burning.
(41)
  1. Anent the raising of fire, and burning.

THE ACTIS OF PARLIAMENT

THE ACTS OF PARLIAMENT

of the maist hie, maist excellent, and michtie Prince, and our Souerane Lord James the sext, be the grace of God, King of Scottis, begun and haldin at Edinburgh, the xv. day of Decemb. The zeir of God ane thousand, fyue hundretth lxvii. zeir. Be our said Souerane Lordis derrest cousing & Uncle James Erle of Murray, Lord Abirnethie &c. Regét to our Souerane Lord, his Realme and Leigis. Togidder with the Prelatis, Erlis, Barronis, Commissioneris of Burrowis, specialie comperand in the said Parliament, as the thre estatis of this Realme. The saidis actis being oppinlie red, coucludit and votit in the said Parliament, to remane as perpetuall lawis to the Subiectis of this Realme in all tymes cuming.

of the most high, most excellent, and mighty Prince, and our Sovereign Lord James the sixth, by the grace of God, King of Scots, begun and holden at Edinburgh, the 15th day of December, The year of God one thousand, five hundred 67 years, By our said Sovereign Lord’s dearest cousin & Uncle James Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy &c. Regent to our Sovereign Lord, his Realm and Lieges. Together with the Prelates, Earls, Barons, Commissioners of Burrows, specially compearing in the said Parliament, as the three estates of this Realm. The saids acts being openly read, concluded and voted in the said Parliament, to remain as perpetual laws to the Subjects of this Realm in all times coming.

PARLIAMENTVM EXCEL-

PARLIAMENTVM EXCEL-

LENTISSIMI PRINCIPIS IACOBI DEI GRATIA Scotorú Regis eius nominis Sexti, tentú & inchoatú apud Edinburgh in Præ torio eiusdem die. xv. mensis Decémbris anno Do. Millesimo Quingentesimo Sexagesimo Septimo, per Magnificum & excellentem Dominum Iacobum Comitem Morauiæ Do. Abernethie & dicti. S. D. N. Regis Regni ac legiorum Regentem præsentibus tribus Regni statibus.

LENTISSIMI PRINCIPIS IACOBI DEI GRATIA Scotorú Regis eius nominis Sexti, tentú & inchoatú apud Edinburgh in Præ torio eiusdem die. xv. mensis Decémbris anno Do. Millesimo Quingentesimo Sexagesimo Septimo, per Magnificum & excellentem Dominum Iacobum Comitem Morauiæ Do. Abernethie & dicti. S. D. N. Regis Regni ac legiorum Regentem præsentibus tribus Regni statibus.

THE FIRST
PARLIAMENT
OF
KING JAMES the SEXT,
Halden at Edinburgh the XV. day of December, 1567. Be JAMES Earle of MURRAY, &c. Regent to this Realme and Liegis.
THE FIRST
PARLIAMENT
OF
KING JAMES the SIXTH,
Held at Edinburgh the 15th day of December, 1567, By JAMES Earl of MURRAY, &c. Regent to this Realm and Lieges.

1. ¶ Anent the dimissioun of the Crowne in fauouris of our Souerane Lord, and his Maiesteis Coronatioun. Ca. i.

(1)

1. ¶ Anent the demission of the Crown in favours of our Sovereign Lord, and his Majesty’s Coronation. Ca. i.

ITEM It is fundin and declarit be the thre Estatis & haill body of this present Parliament, that the dimissioun and ouer geuing of the Crowne, and Regiment of this Realme maid be the Quenis grace, our Souerane Lordis derrest Mother be vertew of hir letters of commissioun and procuratioun subscriuit with hir hand, and vnder hir preuie Seill, of the dait the .xxiiij. day of Julij last bypast, was, and is, and salbe in all tymes cuming haldin, repute, and estemit lauchfull, and perfyte, according to the samin commissioun producit, auysit, and admittit be the saidis thre Estatis. And als that the Coronatioun, and inauguratioun of our said Soverane Lord, Sone to his said derrest mother, and natiue Prince of this Realme, maid and solemnizat conforme to the said commissioun, At Striviling, the xxix. day of the said Moneth of Julij be the Erlis, Lordis, Prelatis, Commissaris of Burrowis, Barronis, and vtheris faithfull and trew subiectis, assemblit and conuenit for that effect, was dewlie, rychtlie, and ordourlie done, and execute, and als lauchfull and vailzeabill in the self in all respectis, and his Maiestie als rychteouslie inuestit, and possessit in this kingdome as his said mother, his guidschir, grandschir, or ony vther his maist nobill progenitouris natiue Princes of this Realme wer, and hes bene of before, or as gif hir grace (the tyme of the said coronatioun) had bene departit out of this mortall lyfe, or had comperit personallie in presence of the haill thre Estatis of this Realme, assemblit in Parliament and maid the said dimissioú, notwithstanding ony maner of tytill, actioun, or enteres, or ony vther thing that presentlie may or can heirefter be obiectit in the contrare. And als ratifyis, appreuis, and confirmis the said dimissioun, coronatioun, and inauguratioun of our said Souerane Lord, and all thingis done, or that heirefter sall happin to be done in his hienes name and authoritie. Of the quhilkis letters of dimissioun, and constitutioun of procuratioun the tennouris followis.

ITEM It is found and declared by the three Estates & whole body of this present Parliament, that the demission and over-giving of the Crown, and Regiment of this Realm made by the Queen’s grace, our Sovereign Lord’s dearest Mother, by virtue of her letters of commission and procuration subscribed with her hand, and under her privy Seal, of the date the 24th day of July last bypast, was, and is, and shall be in all times coming holden, repute, and esteemed lawful, and perfect, according to the same commission produced, advised, and admitted by the saids three Estates. And also that the Coronation, and inauguration of our said Sovereign Lord, Son to his said dearest mother, and native Prince of this Realm, made and solemnized conform to the said commission, At Stirling, the 29th day of the said Month of July by the Earls, Lords, Prelates, Commissars of Burrows, Barons, and others faithful and true subjects, assembled and convened for that effect, was duly, rightly, and orderly done, and execute, and as lawful and vailzeable [availing, valid] in the self in all respects, and his Majesty as righteously invested, and possessed in this kingdom as his said mother, his gudschir [grandfather], grandschir [great-grandfather], or any other his most noble progenitors native Princes of this Realm were, and has been of before, or as if her grace (the time of the said coronation) had been departed out of this mortal life, or had compeared personally in presence of the whole three Estates of this Realm, assembled in Parliament and made the said demission, notwithstanding any manner of title, action, or interest, or any other thing that presently may or can hereafter be objected in the contrary. And also ratifies, approves, and confirms the said demission, coronation, and inauguration of our said Sovereign Lord, and all things done, or that hereafter shall happen to be done in his highness’ name and authority. Of the which letters of demission, and constitution of procuration the tenours follows.

MARIE Be the grace of God Quene of Scottis, To all and sindrie our Jugeis, and Ministeris of Law, liegis, and subiectis {folio ii. verso} quhome it effeiris, to quhais knawlege thir our letters sall cú greting, Forsamekle as be lang irksum, and tedious travell takin be us in the gouernament of this our Realme, and liegis thairof, we ar sa vexit and weryit that our body, spirite, and sencis ar altogidder becum unhabill langer to trauell in that rowme. And thairfore we haue dimittit, and renuncit the office of gouernement of this our Realme, & liegis thairof in fauouris of our onlie maist deir Sone, natiue Prince of this our Realme. And because of his tender zouth, and inhabilitie to vse the said gouernement in his awin persoun, during his minoritie, we haue constitute our derrest brother James Erle of Murray, Lord Abirnethie. &c. Regent to our said Sone, Realme and liegis foirsaidis. And in respect that our said derrest brother is actuallie furth of our Realme, and can not instantlie be present to accept the said office of Regentrie vpon him, and vse and exerce the samin, during our saidis derrest sonis minoritie: We quhill his returning within our Realme, or in cais of his deceis haue maid, constitute, namit, appointit, and ordanit, and be thir our letteris makis, constitutis, namis, appointis, and ordanis our traist cousingis and counsalouris, James Duke of Chattellerault, Erle of Arrane, Lord Hammiltoun, Matho Erle of Leuinar, Lord Dernley. &c. Archibald Erle of Argyle, Lord Campbell and Lorne. &c. Johne Erle of Athole, James Erle of Mortoun, Alexander Erle of Glencarne, and Johne Erle of Mar, Regentis to our said derrest sone Realme and liegis. And in cais our said brother James, Erle of Murray, cum within our Realme, and refusis to accept the said office of Regentrie vpon his singulare persoú, We mak, constitute, name, appoint, and ordeine our traist counsingis, and counsallouris foirsaidis, and our said brother, Regentis of our said deir Sone, Realme and liegis. Gevand, grantand, and committand to thame or ony fyue of thame, coniunctlie, full powar for our said Sone, and in his name to ressaue resignatiounis of landis, mak dispositiounis of wairdis, nonentressis, releuis, mariageis, benefices, eshetis, officis, and vtheris casualiteis, & priuilegeis quhatsumeuer cócerning the said office, Signatouris thairupon to mak, subscriue, and cause be past throuch the Seillis. And to vse, and exerce the said office of Regentrie in all thingis, priuilegeis, & commoditeis, siclyke as frelie, and with als greit libertie, as ony Regent, or Gouernour to vs, or our predecessouris vsit the samin in ony tymes bygane. Promittand to hald firme, and stabill, in the word and faith of ane Prince, to quhatsumeuer thingis our saidis traist cousingis dois in the premissis. Chargeing heirfore zow all and sindrie our Jugeis, and Ministeris of Law, liegis, & subiectis foirsaidis, to answer, and obey to our saidis traist cousingis, Regentis foirsaidis, in all and sindrie thingis concerning the said office of Regentrie, during our said derrest Sonis minoritie, and ay and quhil he be of the age of seuintene zeiris compleit. As ze and ilk ane of zow will declair zow luifing subiectis {folio iii. recto} to our said maist deir Sone, zour natiue Prince, and under all paine, charge, and offence that ze and ilk ane of zow may commit, and inrin aganis his Maiestie in that pairt. Subscriuit with our hand, & geuin under our preuie Seill, at Lochleuin the .xxiiij. day of Julij, and of our Regne the twenty fyue zeir.

MARY, By the grace of God Queen of Scots, To all and sundry our Judges, and Ministers of Law, lieges, and subjects {folio ii. verso} whom it effeirs [concerns], to whose knowledge these our letters shall come, greeting, Forsomuch as by long irksome, and tedious travail taken by us in the government of this our Realm, and lieges thereof, we are so vexed and wearied that our body, spirit, and senses are altogether become unable longer to travail in that room, And therefore we have demitted, and renounced the office of government of this our Realm, & lieges thereof in favours of our only most dear Son, native Prince of this our Realm. And because of his tender youth, and inability to use the said government in his own person, during his minority, we have constitute our dearest brother James Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, &c. Regent to our said Son, Realm, and lieges foresaids. And in respect that our said dearest brother is actually forth of our Realm, and can not instantly be present to accept the said office of Regentry upon him, and use and exercise the same, during our said dearest son’s minority: We, while [until] his returning within our Realm, or in case of his decease, have made, constitute, named, appointed, and ordained, and by these our letters makes, constitutes, names, appoints, and ordains our traist [trustworthy] cousins and counsellours, James Duke of Chattellerault, Earl of Arran, Lord Hamilton, Matho Earl of Levinar, Lord Darnley. &c. Archibald Earl of Argyle, Lord Campbell and Lorne. &c. John Earl of Athole, James Earl of Mortoun, Alexander Earl of Glencairn, and John Earl of Mar, Regents to our said dearest son, Realm, and lieges. And in case our said brother James, Earl of Murray, come within our Realm, and refuses to accept the said office of Regentry upon his singular person, We make, constitute, name, appoint, and ordain our traist [trustworthy] cousins, and counsellours foresaids, and our said brother, Regents of our said dear Son, Realm, and lieges; Giving, granting, and committing to them or any five of them, conjunctly, full power for our said Son, and in his name to receive resignations of lands, make dispositions of wards, non-entries, reliefs, marriages, benefices, escheats, offices, and others casualities [incidental items of revenue], & privileges whatsomever concerning the said office, Signators [signed authorizations] thereupon to make, subscribe, and cause be past through the Seals. And to use, and exercise the said office of Regentry in all things, privileges, & commodities, suchlike as freely, and with as great liberty, as any Regent, or Governour to us, or our predecessours used the same in any times bygone; Promising to hold firm, and stable, in the word and faith of a Prince, to whatsomever things our saids traist [trustworthy] cousins do in the premises. Charging herefore [for this reason] you all and sundry our Judges, and Ministers of Law, lieges, & subjects foresaids, to answer, and obey to our saids traist [trustworthy] cousins, Regents foresaids, in all and sundry things concerning the said office of Regentry, during our said dearest Son’s minority, and aye and while [ever and until] he be of the age of seventeen years complete. As ye and each one of you will declare you loving subjects {folio iii. recto} to our said most dear Son, your native Prince, and under all pain, charge, and offence that ye and each one of you may commit, and inrin [incur] against his Majesty in that part. Subscribed with our hand, & given under our privy Seal, at Lochleven the 24th day of July, and of our Reign the twenty-fifth year.

MARIE Be the grace of God Quene of Scottis, To all and sindrie our Jugeis, and Ministeris of Law, liegis, and subiectis quhome it effeiris, to quhais knawlege thir our letteris sall cum, greting, Forsamekle, as sen our arriuall, and returning within our Realme, we willing the commoun commoditie, welth, profeit, and quyetnes thairof, liegis, and subiectis of the samin, haue employit our body, spirite, haill sencis, and forcis to gouerne the same, in sic sort that our royall, and honorabill estate mycht stand, and continew with vs, and our posteritie, and our luifing, and kynde liegis mycht enioy the quietnes of trew subiectis. In trauelling quhairin, not onlie is our body, spirite, and sencis sa vexit, brokin, and vnquyetit that langer we ar not of habilitie be ony meane to indure sa greit and intollerabill panis, and trauellis quhairwith we ar altogidder veryit, bot als greit commotiounis and troublis, be sindrie occasiounis in the meintyme hes ensewit thairin to our greit greif. And seing it hes bene the plesour of the eternall God, of his kyndlie lufe, mercie, and gudnes to grant vnto vs, of our awin persoun, ane Sone, quha in cais be the hand of God we be veseit, will, and of rycht, and of equitie man, and aucht to succeid to vs and to the gouernement of our Realme. And knawing that all creaturis ar subiect to that immutabill decreit of the eternall, anis to rander and gif vp this lyfe temporall, (The hour and tyme quhairof is maist vncertane) and in cais be deceis we be takin fra this lyfe, during the tyme of his minoritie, it may be dowtit greitlie that resistance, and troubill may be maid to our said Sone, now natiue Prince of this our Realme, in his tender zeiris (being swa destitute of vs) to succeid to that rowme and kingdome quhilk maist iustlie of all Lawis appertenis to him. Quhilk inconuenient be Godis help, and gude prouidence, we mene to preuent, in sic maner, that it sall not ly in the power of ony vnnaturall subiectis to resist Godis ordinance in that behalf. And vnderstanding that na thing eirdlie is mair ioyous, and happy to vs, nor to se our said derrest Sone, in our awin lyfetime peciablie placit in that rowme, and honorabill estate quhairto he iustlie aucht & man succeid to. We of the motherlie affectioú we beir toward our said onlie Sone, haue renuncit, & dimittit, and be thir our letteris, frelie, of our awin mo true will renuncis, and dimittis the gouernement, gyding & gouerning of this our Realme of Scotland, liegis, and subiectis thairof, & all intromissioun & dispositioun of ony casualiteis, propertie, benefices, offices, & all thingis apperttening, or heirtofoir is knawin, or heirefter sall happin to appertene thairto, in fauouris of our said derrest Sone. To {folio iii. verso} that effect, that he may be plantit, placit, and possessit thairin, vse and exerce all thingis belangand thairto, as natiue King, and Prince of the samin, and siclyke as we or ony our predecessouris, Kings of Scottis, hes done in ony tymes bypast. Attoure, that this our dimissioun may tak the mair solempne effect, & that nane pretend ignorance thairof, we haue geuin, grantit, and committit, and be thir our letters geuis grantis, and committis our commissioun full, frie, and plane power, generall, and speciall command, to our traist cousingis, Patrik Lord Lindesay of the Byris, and Williame Lord Ruthuen, and to ilk ane of thame coniunctly and seuerally, to compeir before sa mony of the Nobilitie, Clergie, Burgessis, and vther pepill of our Realme, as sall happin to be assemblitt to that effect in our Burgh of Striuiling, or ony vther place, or placis quhair it salbe thocht maist conuenient, at ony day or dayis, and thair publictlie in thair presence, for vs, in our name, and vpon our behalf dimit, and renunce the gouernement, gyding, and reuling of this our Realme, liegis, and subiectis thairof, all intromissioun with the propertie, casualitie, or vtheris thingis appertening to vs thairby, and all rycht, and tytle that we had, hes, or may haue be ony maner of way thairto, in fauouris of our said Sone, to that effect, that he may be inaugurat, placit, and rowmit thairin, and the Crowne royall deliuerit to him, and be obeyit in all thingis concerning the samin, as we, or our predecessouris hes bene in tymes bypast. And in lykewise be thir presentis geuis, grantis, and committis our full frie, and plane power, to our rycht traist cousingis, James Erle of Mortoun, Lord of Dalkeith. Johne Erle of Athole. &c. Johne Erle of Mar. &c. Alexander Erle of Glencarne, Williame Erle of Menteith, Johne Maister of Grahame, Alexander Lord Hume, Adam Bischop of Orknay, and Prouestis of Dundie, Montrois, or ony of thame, to ressaue the said renúciatioun, and dimissioun in fauouris of our said Sone, and thairefter the ressauing thairof, to plant, place, and inaugurat him in the Kingdome, and with all ceremonies requysit to put the Crowne royall vpon his heid, in signe and takin of the establesing of him thairin, and in his name to mak, and gif to the saidis Nobilitie, Clergy, Burgessis, and vtheris our liegis, his Princely & Kingly aith detfully, and lauchfully as effeiris. And to ressaue thair aithis, for dew & lauchfull homage to be maid be thame to him, in all tymes cuming, as becumis subiectis to thair natiue King and Prince. And generally all & sindrie other thingis to do, exerce, and vse that for sure performance & accomplishment heirof may, or can be done, firme and stable haldand, and for to hald all and quhatsumeuer thingis in our name, in the premissis leidis to be done, in the word and faithfull promis of ane Prince. And ordanis thir our letters (gif neid beis) to be publist at all places neidfull. Subscriuit with our hand, & geuin vnder our preuie Seil, At Lochleuin the .xxiiij. day of Julii. And of our Regne the .xxv. zeir. 1567.

MARY, By the grace of God Queen of Scots, To all and sundry our Judges, and Ministers of Law, lieges, and subjects whom it effeiris [concerns], to whose knowledge these our letters shall come, greeting: Forsomuch, as since our arrival, and returning within our Realm, we, willing the common commodity, wealth, profit, and quietness thereof, lieges, and subjects of the same, have employed our body, spirit, whole senses, and forces to govern the same, in such sort that our royal, and honorable estate might stand, and continue with us, and our posterity, and our loving, and kind lieges might enjoy the quietness of true subjects; In travailing wherein, not only is our body, spirit, and senses so vexed, broken, and unquieted that longer we are not of ability by any mean to endure so great and intolerable pains, and travails wherewith we are altogether wearied, but also great commotions and troubles, by sundry occasions in the meantime has ensued therein to our great grief. And seeing it has been the pleasure of the eternal God, of his kindly love, mercy, and goodness, to grant unto us, of our own person, a Son, who in case by the hand of God we be visited, will, and of right, and of equity must, and ought to succeed to us and to the government of our Realm; And knowing that all creatures are subject to that immutable decree of the eternal, once to render and give up this life temporal, (The hour and time whereof is most uncertain) and in case by decease we be taken from this life, during the time of his minority, it may be doubted greatly that resistance, and trouble may be made to our said Son, now native Prince of this our Realm, in his tender years (being so destitute of us) to succeed to that room and kingdom which most justly of all Laws appertains to him. Which inconvenient by God’s help, and good providence, we mean to prevent, in such manner, that it shall not lie in the power of any unnatural subjects to resist God’s ordinance in that behalf. And understanding that nothing earthly is more joyous, and happy to us, nor [than] to see our said dearest Son, in our own lifetime peaceably placed in that room, and honorable estate whereto he justly ought & must succeed to. We of the motherly affection we bear toward our said only Son, have renounced, & demitted, and by these our letters, freely, of our own motive [Ed. 1575.] will renounces, and demits the government, guiding & governing of this our Realm of Scotland, lieges, and subjects thereof, & all intromission & disposition of any casualities, property, benefices, offices, & all things appertaining, or heretofore is known, or hereafter shall happen to appertain thereto, in favours of our said dearest Son. To {folio iii. verso} that effect, that he may be planted, placed, and possessed therein, use and exercise all things belonging thereto, as native King, and Prince of the same, and suchlike as we or any our predecessours, Kings of Scots, has done in any times bypast. Attoure [Moreover], that this our demission may take the more solemn effect, & that none pretend ignorance thereof, we have given, granted, and committed, and by these our letters gives grants, and commits our commission full, free, and plain power, general, and special command, to our traist [trustworthy] cousins, Patrick Lord Lindsey of the Byres, and William Lord Ruthven, and to each one of them conjunctly and severally, to compear before so many of the Nobility, Clergy, Burgesses, and other people of our Realm, as shall happen to be assembled to that effect in our Burgh of Stirling, or any other place, or places where it shall be thought most convenient, at any day or days, and there publicly in their presence, for us, in our name, and upon our behalf demit, and renounce the government, guiding, and ruling of this our Realm, lieges, and subjects thereof, all intromission with the property, casualty, or others things appertaining to us thereby, and all right, and title that we had, has, or may have by any manner of way thereto, in favours of our said Son, to that effect, that he may be inaugurate, placed, and roomed therein, and the Crown royal delivered to him, and be obeyed in all things concerning the same, as we, or our predecessours has been in times bypast. And in likewise by these presents gives, grants, and commits our full free, and plain power, to our right traist [trustworthy] cousins, James Earl of Morton, Lord of Dalkeith. John Earl of Athole. &c. John Earl of Mar. &c. Alexander Earl of Glencairn, William Earl of Menteith, John Master of Graham, Alexander Lord Hume, Adam Bishop of Orkney, and Provosts of Dundie, Montrose, or any of them, to receive the said renunciation, and demission in favours of our said Son, and thereafter the receiving thereof, to plant, place, and inaugurate him in the Kingdom, and with all ceremonies requisite to put the Crown royal upon his head, in sign and token of the establishing of him therein, and in his name to make, and give to the saids Nobility, Clergy, Burgesses, and others our lieges, his Princely & Kingly oath dutifully, and lawfully as effeiris [as is suitable, or fitting]. And to receive their oaths, for due & lawful homage to be made by them to him, in all times coming, as becomes subjects to their native King and Prince. And generally all & sundry other things to do, exercise, and use that for sure performance & accomplishment hereof may, or can be done, firm and stable holding, and for to hold all and whatsomever things in our name, in the premises leidis [conducts] to be done, in the word and faithful promise of a Prince. And ordains these our letters (if need be) to be published at all places needful. Subscribed with our hand, & given under our privy Seal, At Lochleven the 24th day of July. And of our Reign the 25th year. 1567.

1. Anent the constitution of James Erle of Murray in Regent, to our Soveraine Lord, his Realme and Liegis.

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1. Anent the constitution of James Earl of Murray in Regent, to our Sovereign Lord, his Realm and Lieges.

ITEM, It is foundin declared, and decerned be our Soveraine Lord, with advise of the three Estaitis, and haill bodie of this present Parliament, that the nominatioun, constitutioun, and ordination of our said Soveraine Lords dearest Cousing, JAMES Erle of Murray, Lord Abernethie, in Regent to his Hienes, his Realme and Liegis thereof, during the time of his Majesties minoritie, and lesse age, specified and expressed in the Queenes Majesties Letters, under her subscriptioun and privie seale, of the date the 24. day of Julij last by-past, togidder alswa with the consent and approbation of the Erles, Lordes, Prelates, Commissioners of Burrowes, Barronnes, and utheris faithful subjects, convened and assembled to that effect. And the acceptation of the said office of Regentrie, be the saide JAMES Erle of Murray, upon the 22. day of August last by-past, was, is, and in all times cumming sall be halden, repute, and esteemed lawful, sufficient, and perfite. And all and whatsumever things, quhilks he hes done be vertew of his said office of Regentrie, sen his acceptation thereof, or quhilks he sall do hereafter, in our said Soveraine Lords name and authoritie, during the time of his hienesse Minoritie, specified in the said commissioun and procuratioun {334} produced, advised and considered, be the said three Estaites, to be as dewlie lawfullie, sufficiently, & righteously done, and to have als great avail, strength force & effect, in all respects and conditions, as ony things done be quhat-sumever Regents, Governours or Protectours of this Realme, in the minorities & lesse aiges of ony uthers native Princes of the same. And ratifies apprevis and confirmis, the same nominatioun and acceptatioun, for now & in time cumming.

ITEM, It is found, declared, and decerned by our Sovereign Lord, with advice of the three Estates, and whole body of this present Parliament, that the nomination, constitution, and ordination of our said Sovereign Lord’s dearest Cousin, JAMES Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, in Regent to his Highness, his Realm and Lieges thereof, during the time of his Majesty’s minority, and less-age, specified and expressed in the Queen’s Majesty’s Letters, under her subscription and privy seal, of the date the 24th day of July last by-past, together also with the consent and approbation of the Earls, Lords, Prelates, Commissioners of Burrows, Barons, and others faithful subjects, convened and assembled to that effect. And the acceptation of the said office of Regentry, by the said JAMES Earl of Murray, upon the 22nd day of August last by-past, was, is, and in all times coming shall be held, reputed, and esteemed lawful, sufficient, and perfect. And all and whatsomever things, which he has done be virtue of his said office of Regentry, since his acceptation thereof, or which he shall do hereafter, in our said Sovereign Lord’s name and authority, during the time of his highness’ Minority, specified in the said commission and procuration {334} produced, advised and considered, by the said three Estates, to be as duly, lawfully, sufficiently, & righteously done, and to have as great avail, strength, force, & effect, in all respects and conditions, as any things done be whatsomever Regents, Governours or Protectours of this Realm, in the minorities & less-ages of any other native Princes of the same. And ratifies, approves, and confirms, the same nomination and acceptation, for now & in time coming.

MARIE Be the Grace of God Queene of Scots, to all and sindrie our Judges, & ministers of our Lawes, lieges & subjects, quhom it effeiris, to quhais knawledge thir our letters sall cum, greeting: Forsameikle, as after lang greate and intollerable paines, and labours taken bee us, sen our arrival within our Realme, for Government thereof, and keeping of the Liegis of the samin in quietnes, we have not onely beene vexed in our spirite, body, and senses thereby, bot als at length are altogidder sa wearyed thereof, that our habilitie, and strength of body, is not abil langer to indure the samin.

MARY, By the Grace of God Queen of Scots, to all and sundry our Judges, & ministers of our Laws, lieges & subjects, whom it concerns, to whose knowledge these our letters shall come, greeting: Forsomuch, as after long, great, and intolerable pains, and labours taken by us, since our arrival within our Realm, for Government thereof, and keeping of the Lieges of the same in quietness, we have not only been vexed in our spirit, body, and senses thereby, but also at length are altogether so wearied thereof, that our ability, and strength of body, is not able longer to endure the same,

THEREFOIR, and because na thing earthlie can be mair comfortabill and happy to us in this Earth, nor in our life time to see our deare Sonne, the native Prince of this our Realme, placed in the Kingdome thereof, and the Crowne Royal set on his head, we of our awin free-will, and special motive, have dimitted and renounced the Government, guyding and governing of this our Realme of SCOTLAND, lieges and subjects thereof, in favours of our said Sonne, to that effect that in all times hereafter, he may peaceablie and quietlie enjoy the samin, without trouble, and bee obeyed as native King and Prince of the samin, be the Lieges thereof. And understanding, that be reason of his tender zouth, he is not of habilitie in his awin persoun, to administrate in his Kingly roome and governement, as equitie requyres, quhill that hereafter he come to the zeires of discretioun. And als knawing the proximitie of blude standand betwixt us, our saide Sonne, and our dearest brother JAMES Erle of Murray, Lord Abernethie, &c. And havand experience of the natural affectioun and tenderlie love, he hes in all tymes borne, and presentlie beares towardes us, honour and estaite of our saide Sonne. Of quhais love and favoure towardes him, wee can not bot assure our selfe. To quhome na greater honour, joye, nor felicitie in earth can come, nor to see our saide Sonne inaugurate in his Kingdome, feared, reverenced and obeyed be his lieges thereof. In respect quhairof, and of the certaintie, and notorietie of the honestie, habilitie, qualificatioun and sufficiencie {335} of our saide dearest Brother, to have the cure and regiment of our said Sonne, Realme and lieges foresaids, during our saide Sonnes Minoritie: Wee have made, named, appointed, constitute, and ordained, and be thir our Letters, names, appointes, makes, constitutes and ordainis our said dearest brother JAMES Earle of Murray, Regent to our saide dearest Sonne, Realme, and lieges foresaids, during his Minoritie and les age, and ay and quhill he be of the age of seventene zeirs compleit. And that our said brother be called during the said space, Regent to our said Sonne, his Realme and Liegis. Swa that our said Sonne, after the compleeting of the zeiris foresaidis, in his awin persoun, may tak upon him the said government, and use and exerce all & sindrie priviledges, honouris and utheris immunities, that appertainis to the office of a King, alsweil in governing his Realme and people, according to the Lawis, as in repressing the violence of sik as wald invaid, or injustlie resist him or them, or his Authoritie royal. With power to our said dearest brother JAMES Erle of Murray, in Name, Authoritie and behalfe, of our said maist deare Sonne, to receive resignatiounis of quhat-sumever Lands halden of him, or zit of Offices, Castellis, Towres, Fortalices, Mylnes, Fischings, Woods, Benefices, or pertinentis quhat-sumever: the samin againe in our said Sonnes Name, to gif and deliver signatouris thereupon, and upon the gifts of Wairdes, non-entressis, and relevis of Landis, and Marriages of Airis falland, or that sall happen to fall in our said Sonnes hands as superiour thereof. And als upon presentatioun of Lands, Benefices, Escheitis of guddis movabil and unmovabil, debtis and takkis, respittis, remissiounis, supersedereis, and upon the dispositioun of Offices vacand, or quhen they sall happen to vaik, to subscrive, and cause be past the seillis. The said office of Regentrie, to use and exerce in all thingis, priviledges, and commodities, sik-like als freely, and with als great libertie, as ony Regent or Governour to us, or our Predecessouris used in ony times by-gane, and sik-like as gif every head, priviledge and Artickle, concerning the said Office, were at length expressed and amplified in thir our Letteris. PROMISAND to hald firme and stabil, in the word and faith of ane Prince, quhat-sumever things our said dearest brother in the premissis happinnis to doe. Chargeing heirfore zou all and sindrie, our Judges and Ministers of Law, Liegis and subjectis foirsaidis, to answer and obey to our said dearest brother, in all and sindrie things, concerning the said office of Regentrie, as ze and ilk ane of zou, will declair zou loving subjectis, to our said maist deare Sonne, and under all paine, charge and offence, {336} that ze and ilk ane of zou may commit and inrinne, against his Majestie in that part. Subscrived with our hand, and given under our privie seill, at Lochlevin the 24. day of Julij, And of our Reigne, the twentie five zeir.

THEREFORE, and because no thing earthly can be more comfortable and happy to us in this Earth, than in our lifetime to see our dear Son, the native Prince of this our Realm, placed in the Kingdom thereof, and the Crown Royal set on his head, we of our own free-will, and special motive, have demitted and renounced the Government, guiding and governing of this our Realm of SCOTLAND, lieges and subjects thereof, in favours of our said Son, to that effect that in all times hereafter, he may peaceably and quietly enjoy the same, without trouble, and be obeyed as native King and Prince of the same, by the Lieges thereof. And understanding, that by reason of his tender youth, he is not of ability in his own person, to administrate in his Kingly room and government, as equity requires, until that hereafter he come to the years of discretion. And also knowing the proximity of blood standing betwixt us, our said Son, and our dearest brother JAMES Earl of Murray, Lord Abernethy, &c. And having experience of the natural affection and tender love, he has in all times borne, and presently bears towards us, honour and estate of our said Son. Of whose love and favour towards him, we cannot but assure ourself. To whom no greater honour, joy, nor felicity in earth can come, than to see our said Son inaugurate in his Kingdom, feared, reverenced and obeyed by his lieges thereof. In respect whereof, and of the certainty, and notoriety of the honesty, ability, qualification and sufficiency {335} of our said dearest Brother, to have the care and regiment of our said Son, Realm and lieges foresaids, during our said Son’s Minority: We have made, named, appointed, constitute, and ordained, and by these our Letters, names, appoints, makes, constitutes, and ordains our said dearest brother JAMES Earle of Murray, Regent to our said dearest Son, Realm, and lieges foresaids, during his Minority and less-age, and aye and until he be of the age of seventeen years complete. And that our said brother be called during the said space, Regent to our said Son, his Realm and Lieges. So that our said Son, after the completing of the years foresaids, in his own person, may take upon him the said government, and use and exercise all & sundry privileges, honours and other immunities, that appertain to the office of a King, aswell in governing his Realm and people, according to the Laws, as in repressing the violence of such as would invade, or unjustly resist him or them, or his Authority royal. With power to our said dearest brother JAMES Earl of Murray, in Name, Authority and behalf, of our said most dear Son, to receive resignations of whatsomever Lands held of him, or yet of Offices, Castles, Towers, Fortalices, Mills, Fisheries, Woods, Benefices, or appurtenances whatsomever: the same again in our said Son’s Name, to give and deliver signatures thereupon, and upon the gifts of Wards, nonentrances, and reliefs of Landis, and Marriages of heirs falling, or that shall happen to fall in our said Son’s hands as superiour thereof. And also upon presentation of Lands, Benefices, Escheats of goods moveable and un-moveable, debts and tacks, respites, remissions, supersedeas, and upon the disposition of Offices vaiking [vacant], or when they shall happen to vaik, to subscribe, and cause be past the seals. The said office of Regentry, to use and exerce [exercise] in all things, privileges, and commodities, suchlike as freely, and with as great liberty, as any Regent or Governour to us, or our Predecessours used in any times bygone, and suchlike as if every head, privilege and Article, concerning the said Office, were at length expressed and amplified in these our Letters. PROMISING to hold firm and stable, in the word and faith of a Prince, whatsomever things our said dearest brother in the premises happens to do. Charging herefore you all and sundry, our Judges and Ministers of Law, Lieges and subjects foresaids, to answer and obey to our said dearest brother, in all and sundry things, concerning the said office of Regentry, as ye and each one of you, will declare you loving subjects, to our said most dear Son, and under all pain, charge and offence, {336} that ye and each one of you may commit and inrin [incur], against his Majesty in that part. Subscribed with our hand, and given under our privy seal, at Lochlevin the 24th day of July, And of our Reign, the twenty-fifth year.

2. Anent the abolishing of the Pape, and his usurped authoritie.

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2. Anent the abolishing of the Pope, and his usurped authority.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and three Estaitis of this present Parliament, ratifyis and apprevis the Act under written, maid in the Parliament haldin at Edinburgh the 24. day of August, the zeir of God 1560. zeiris. And of new in this present Parliament, statutis and ordainis the said Act to be as ane perpetual Law, to all our Soveraine Lordis Lieges, in all times cumming. Of the quhilk the tenour followis. ITEM the three Estaitis understanding that the jurisdictioun and authoritie of the Bischop of Rome, called the Pape, used within this Realme in times bypast, hes not onely bene contumelious to the eternal God, but also very hurtful and prejudicial to our Soveraines authoritie, and common weill of this Realme. THEIRFOIR it is statute and ordained, that the Bischop of Rome, called the Pape, have na jurisdictioun nor authoritie within this Realme, in ony time cumming. And that nane of our said Soveraines subjects, in ony times heirafter, sute or desire title or richt of the said Bischop of Rome, or his sect, to ony thing within this Realme, under the paines of Barratrie, that is to say, proscription, banishment, and never to bruke honour, office, nor dignitie within this Realme. And the contraveners heirof to be called before the justice or his deputes, or before the Lords of the Session, and punisched therefoir, conforme to the Lawes of this Realme. And the furnischers of them, with finance of money, and purchassers of their title of right, or maintainers, or defenders of them, sall incurre the samin paines. And that na Bischop nor uther Prelat of this Realme, use ony jurisdiction in time cumming, be the said Bischop of Romes authoritie, under the paine foirsaid. And therefoir of newe decernis and ordainis, the contraveners of the samin, in ony time hereafter, to be punished according to the paines in the foresaid Act above rehearsed.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, ratifies and approves the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament held at Edinburgh the 24th day of August, the year of God 1560 years. And of new in this present Parliament, statutes and ordains the said Act to be as a perpetual Law, to all our Sovereign Lord’s Lieges, in all times coming. Of the which the tenour follows: ITEM the three Estates understanding that the jurisdiction and authority of the Bishop of Rome, called the Pope, used within this Realm in times bypast, has not only been contumelious to the eternal God, but also very hurtful and prejudicial to our Sovereign’s authority, and common weal of this Realm. THEREFORE it is statute and ordained, that the Bishop of Rome, called the Pope, have no jurisdiction nor authority within this Realm, in any time coming. And that none of our said Sovereign’s subjects, in any times hereafter, sue or desire title or right of the said Bishop of Rome, or his sect, to anything within this Realm, under the pains of Barratry, that is to say, proscription, banishment, and never to bruke [hold] honour, office, nor dignity within this Realm. And the contraveners hereof to be called before the justice or his deputies, or before the Lords of the Session, and punished therefore, conform to the Laws of this Realm. And the furnishers of them, with finance of money, and purchasers of their title of right, or maintainers, or defenders of them, shall incur the same pains. And that no Bishop nor other Prelate of this Realm, use any jurisdiction in time coming, by the said Bishop of Rome’s authority, under the pain foresaid. And therefore of new decerns and ordains, the contraveners of the same, in any time hereafter, to be punished according to the pains in the foresaid Act above rehearsed.

3. Anent the annulling of the Actes of Parliament, made against God his word, and maintenance of Idolatrie in ony times bypast.

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3. Anent the annulling of the Acts of Parliament, made against God’s word, and maintenance of Idolatry in any times bypast.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and three Estaitis of this present Parliament, ratifyis & apprevis the Acte underwritten, made in the Parliament {337} haldin at Edinburgh the 24. day of August, the zeir of God, ane thousand five hundredth threescore zeiris, And of new in this present Parliament statutis and ordainis the said Act, to be as a perpetual Law to all our Soveraine Lordis liegis in all times cumming. Of the quhilk the tenour followis. THE quhilk day, For-sameikle as there hes beene divers and sindrie Acts of Parliament, made in King JAMES the First, Secund, Thrid, Fourt and Fift times, Kinges of SCOTLAND for the time, and als in our Soveraine Ladies tyme, not aggreing with Gods haly word, and be them divers persones tuke occasion to maintaine Idolatrie and superstition within the Kirk of GOD, and repressing of sik persones, as were professours of the said word, quhairthrow divers innocents did suffer. And for eschewing of sik inconvenientes in time cumming, the three Estaites of Parliament, hes annulled, and declared all sik Acts made in times bypast, not agreing with God his word, and now contrary to the Confessioun of Faith, according to the said word, published in this Parliament, to be of nane availe, force nor effect. And decernis the said Acts, and every ane of them, to have na effect nor strength in time to cum, bot the samin to be abolished and extinguished for ever, in sa far as any of the foirsaidis Acts are repugnant, and contrarie to the Confessioun of Faith, and word of GOD foirsaid, ratyfied and approved be the Estaites in this present Parliament. And therefore decernis and ordainis, the contraveners of the samin Act, in ony time hereafter, to be punisched, according to the Lawes. Of the quhilk Confession of the Faith, the tenour followes.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, ratifies & approves the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament {337} holden at Edinburgh the 24th day of August, the year of God, one thousand five hundred and sixty years, And of new in this present Parliament statutes and ordains the said Act, to be as a perpetual Law to all our Sovereign Lord’s lieges in all times coming. Of the which the tenour follows: THE which day, Forsomuch as there has been divers and sundry Acts of Parliament, made in King JAMES the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth times, Kings of SCOTLAND for the time, and as in our Sovereign Lady’s time, not agreeing with God’s holy word, and by them divers persons took occasion to maintain Idolatry and superstition within the Kirk of GOD, and repressing of such persons, as were professors of the said word, where-through divers innocents did suffer. And for eschewing of such inconveniences in time coming, the three Estates of Parliament, has annulled, and declared all such Acts made in times bypast, not agreeing with God’s word, and now contrary to the Confession of Faith, according to the said word, published in this Parliament, to be of none avail, force, nor effect. And decerns the said Acts, and every one of them, to have no effect nor strength in time to come, but the same to be abolished and extinguished for ever, insofar as any of the foresaids Acts are repugnant, and contrary to the Confession of Faith, and word of GOD foresaid, ratified and approved by the Estates in this present Parliament. And therefore decerns and ordains, the contraveners of the same Act, in any time hereafter, to be punished, according to the Laws. Of the which Confession of the Faith, the tenour follows.



The CONFESSION of the FAITH and DOCTRINE, beleeved and Professed be the Protestantes of SCOTLAND, exhibited to the Estatis of the same in Parliament, and be their publick votis authorized, as a doctrine grounded upon the infallible word of God.[1]

The CONFESSION of the FAITH and DOCTRINE, believed and Professed by the Protestants of SCOTLAND, exhibited to the Estates of the same in Parliament, and by their publick votes authorized, as a doctrine grounded upon the infallible word of God.[2]

1. Of God.

1. Of God.

Deut. 6.4.
1 Cor, 8.6.
Esai. 44.5,6.
1 Tim. 1.17.
1 Kin. 8.17.
2 Chr. 8.18.
Psal. 139.7,8.
Gen. 17.1.
1 Tim. 6.15,16.
Exod. 3.14,15.
Mat. 28.19.
1 Joh. 5.7.
Gen. 1.1.
Heb. 11.3.
Act. 17.28.
Prov. 16.4.

WE confesse and acknawledge ane onely GOD, to whom onelie we must cleave, whome onelie we must serve, whom onelie we must worship, and in whom onlie we must put our trust, Who is Eternal, {338} Infinit, Unmeasurable, Incomprehensible, Omnipotent, Invisible, ane in substance, and yet distinct in three personnis, the Father, the Sonne, and the Holie Ghost, Be whom we confesse and believe all thinges in heaven and earth, alswel Visible as Invisible, to have bene created, to be reteined in their being, and to be ruled and guyded be his inscrutable Providence, to sik end, as his Eternal Wisdome, Goodnes, and Justice hes appoynted them, to the manifestation of his awin glorie.

WE confess and acknowledge one only GOD, to whom only we must cleave, whom only we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom only we must put our trust, Who is Eternal, {338} Infinite, Unmeasurable, Incomprehensible, Omnipotent, Invisible, one in substance, and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, as well Visible as Invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by his inscrutable Providence, to such end, as his Eternal Wisdom, Goodness, and Justice has appointed them, to the manifestation of his own glory.

Deut. 6.4.
1 Cor, 8.6.
Isa. 44.5,6.
1 Tim. 1.17.
1 Kings 8.17.
2 Chr. 8.18.
Psalm 139.7,8.
Gen. 17.1.
1 Tim. 6.15,16.
Exod. 3.14,15.
Matt. 28.19.
1 John 5.7.
Gen. 1.1.
Heb. 11.3.
Acts 17.28.
Prov. 16.4.

2. Of the Creatioun of man.

2. Of the Creation of man.

Gen. 1.26,27,28, &c.
Colos. 3.10.
Eph. 4.24.
Gen. 3.6.
Gen. 2.17.

WE confesse and acknawledge, this our GOD to have created man, to wit, our first father Adam, to his awin Image and similitude, to whome he gave wisedome, Lordship, Justice, Free-will, and cleir knowledge of himselfe, sa that in the haill nature of man, there culd be noted no imperfectioun. Fra quhilk honour and perfectioun, man and woman did bothe fall: the woman being deceived be the Serpent, and man obeying the voyce of the woman, both conspyring against the Soveraine Majestie of GOD, who in expressed words had before threatned death, gif they presumed to eat of the forbidden tree.

WE confess and acknowledge, this our GOD to have created man, to wit, our first father Adam, [according] to his own Image and similitude, to whom he gave wisdom, Lordship, Justice, Free-will, and clear knowledge of himself, so that in the whole nature of man, there could be noted no imperfection. From which honour and perfection, man and woman did both fall: the woman being deceived by the Serpent, and man obeying the voice of the woman, both conspiring against the Sovereign Majesty of GOD, who in expressed words had before threatened death, if they presumed to eat of the forbidden tree.

Gen. 1.26,27,28, &c.
Colos. 3.10.
Eph. 4.24.
Gen. 3.6.
Gen. 2.17.

3. Of Original sinne.

3. Of Original sin.

Psal. 51.7.
Rom. 5.10.
Rom. 7.5.
2 Tim. 2.26.
Eph. 2.1,2,3.
Rom. 5.14,21.
Rom. 6.23.
John. 3.5.
Rom. 5.1.
Phil. 1.29.

BE Quhilk transgressioun, commounlie called Original sinne, wes the Image of God utterlie defaced in man, and he and his posteritie of nature become Enimies to GOD, slaves to Sathan, and servandis unto sin. In sameikle that death everlasting hes had, and sall have power and dominioun, over all that have not been, ar not, or sall not be regenerated from above, quhilk regeneratioun is wrocht be the power of the holie Ghost, working in the hartes of the elect of God, ane assured faith in the promise of God, reveiled to us in his word, be quhilk Faith we apprehend Christ Jesus, with the graces and benefites promised in him. {339}

BY Which transgression, commonly called Original sin, was the Image of God utterly defaced in man, and he and his posterity of nature become Enemies to GOD, slaves to Satan, and servants unto sin. Insomuch that death everlasting has had, and shall have power and dominion, over all that have not been, are not, or shall not be regenerated from above, which regeneration is wrought by the power of the holy Ghost, working in the hearts of the elect of God, an assured faith in the promise of God, revealed to us in his word, by which Faith we apprehend Christ Jesus, with the graces and benefits promised in him. {339}

Psalm 51.7.
Rom. 5.10.
Rom. 7.5.
2 Tim. 2.26.
Eph. 2.1,2,3.
Rom. 5.14,21.
Rom. 6.23.
John 3.5.
Rom. 5.1.
Phil. 1.29.

4. Of the Revelatioun of the promise.

4. Of the Revelation of the promise.

Gen. 3.9.
Gen. 3.15.
Gen. 12.3.
Gen. 15.5,6
2 Sam. 7.14.
Esai. 7.14.
Esai. 9.6.
Hag. 2.6.
Joh. 8.56.

FOR This we constantlie beleeve, that God, after the feirful and horrible defection of man fra his obedience, did seek Adam againe, call upon him, rebuke his sin, convict him of the same, and in the end made unto him ane most joyful promise, to wit, that the seed of the woman suld break down the Serpents head, that is, he suld destroy the works of the devil. Quhilk promise, as it was repeated, and made mair cleare from time to time: so was it imbraced with joy, and maist constantlie received of all the faithful, from Adam to Noe, from Noe to Abraham, from Abraham to David, and so foorth to the incarnatioun of Christ Jesus, all (we meane the faithful Fathers under the Law) did see the joyful daie of Christ Jesus, and did rejoyce.

FOR This we constantly believe, that God, after the fearful and horrible defection of man from his obedience, did seek Adam again, call upon him, rebuke his sin, convict him of the same, and in the end made unto him a most joyful promise, to wit, that the seed of the woman should break down the Serpent’s head, that is, he should destroy the works of the devil. Which promise, as it was repeated, and made more clear from time to time: so was it embraced with joy, and most constantly received of all the faithful, from Adam to Noah, from Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to David, and so forth to the incarnation of Christ Jesus, all (we mean the faithful Fathers under the Law) did see the joyful day of Christ Jesus, and did rejoice.

Gen. 3.9.
Gen. 3.15.
Gen. 12.3.
Gen. 15.5,6
2 Sam. 7.14.
Isa. 7.14.
Isa. 9.6.
Hag. 2.6.
John 8.56.

5. The continuance, increase, and preservatioun of the Kirk.

5. The continuance, increase, and preservation of the Kirk.

Ezech. 6.6,8,9, &c.
Gen. 12.1.
Gen. 13.1.
Exod. 1.1.
Exod. 1.20.
Josh. 1.3. & 23.4.
1 Sam. 10.1.
1 Sam. 16.13.
2 Sam. 7.12.
2 Kin. 17.13.
2 Kin. 17.15,16, &c.
2 King. 24.3,4, &c.
Deut. 28.36,48.
2 Kin. 25.1, &c.
Dan. 9.2.
Ezr. 1. &c.
Hag. 1.14.
Zach. 3.1.

WE Maist constantly beleeve, that God preserved, instructed, multiplied, honoured, decored, and from death called to life, his Kirk in all ages fra Adam, till the cumming of Christ Jesus in the flesh. For Abraham he called from his Fathers cuntry, him he instructed, his seede he multiplied, the same he marveilouslie preserved, and mair marveilouslie delivered, from the bondage and tyrannie of Pharaoh, to them he gave his Lawes, constitutions & ceremonies, them he possessed in the Land of Canaan, to them after Judges and after Saul, he gave David to be King, to whome hee made promise, that of the fruite of his loynes suld ane sit for ever upon his Regal seat. To this same people from time to time he sent Prophets, to reduce them to the right way of their God: from the quhilk oftentimes they declined, be Idolatry. and albeit that for their stubborne contempt of Justice, he was compelled to give them into the hands of their enimies, as befoir was threatned be the mouth of Moses, in sa meikle that the haly Cittie was destroyed, the Temple burnt with fire, and the haill Land left desolate the {340} space of lxx. zears: Zit of mercy did he reduce them againe to Jerusalem, where the Cittie and Temple were reedified, and they against all temptations and assaults of Sathan did abide, till the Messias came, according to the promise.

WE Most constantly believe, that God preserved, instructed, multiplied, honoured, decored [adorned], and from death called to life, his Kirk in all ages from Adam, till the coming of Christ Jesus in the flesh. For Abraham he called from his Father’s country, him he instructed, his seed he multiplied, the same he marvelously preserved, and more marvelously delivered, from the bondage and tyranny of Pharaoh, to them he gave his Laws, constitutions & ceremonies, them he possessed in the Land of Canaan, to them after Judges and after Saul, he gave David to be King, to whom he made promise, that of the fruit of his loins should one sit for ever upon his Regal seat. To this same people from time to time he sent Prophets, to reduce them to the right way of their God: from the which oftentimes they declined, by Idolatry. And albeit that for their stubborn contempt of Justice, he was compelled to give them into the hands of their enemies, as before was threatened by the mouth of Moses, insomuch that the holy City was destroyed, the Temple burnt with fire, and the whole Land left desolate the {340} space of 70 years: Yet of mercy did he reduce them again to Jerusalem, where the City and Temple were re-edified [rebuilt], and they against all temptations and assaults of Satan did abide, till the Messiah came, according to the promise.

Ezek. 6.6,8,9, &c.
Gen. 12.1.
Gen. 13.1.
Exod. 1.1.
Exod. 1.20.
Josh. 1.3. & 23.4.
1 Sam. 10.1.
1 Sam. 16.13.
2 Sam. 7.12.
2 Kings 17.13.
2 Kings 17.15,16, &c.
2 Kings 24.3,4, &c.
Deut. 28.36,48.
2 Kings 25.1, &c.
Dan. 9.2.
Ezra 1. &c.
Hag. 1.14.
Zech. 3.1.

6. Of the incarnation of Christ Jesus.

6. Of the incarnation of Christ Jesus.

Gal. 4.4.
Luk. 1.31.
Mat. 1.18.
Mat. 2.1.
Rom. 1.3.
Mat. 1.23.
Joh. 1.45.
1 Tim. 2.5.

QUHEN The fulnes of time came, God sent his Sonne, his eternal Wisdome, the substance of his awin glory in this warld, quha tuke the nature of man-head of the substance of woman, to wit, of a Virgine, and that be operatioun of the holie Ghost: And so was borne the just seede of David, the Angel of the great Counsel of God, the very Messias promised, whome we confesse and acknawledge Emmanuel, very God and very man, two perfit natures united, and joyned in one persoun. Be quhilk our Confessioun we condemne the damnable and pestilent heresies of Arrius, Marcion, Eutyches, Nestorius, and sik uthers, as either did denie the eternite of his God-head, or the veritie of his humaine nature, or confounded them, or zit devided them.

WHEN The fullness of time came, God sent his Son, his eternal Wisdom, the substance of his own glory into this world, who took the nature of man-head of the substance of woman, to wit, of a Virgin, and that by operation of the holy Ghost: And so was born the just seed of David, the Angel of the great Counsel of God, the very Messiah promised, whom we confess and acknowledge Emmanuel, very God and very man, two perfect natures united, and joined in one person. By which our Confession we condemn the damnable and pestilent heresies of Arrius, Marcion, Eutyches, Nestorius, and such others, as either did deny the eternity of his God-head, or the verity of his human nature, or confounded them, or yet divided them.

Gal. 4.4.
Luke 1.31.
Matt. 1.18.
Matt. 2.1.
Rom. 1.3.
Matt. 1.23.
John 1.45.
1 Tim. 2.5.

7. Why it behooved the Mediator to be very God and very Man.

7. Why it behooved the Mediator to be very God and very Man.

Ephes. 1.3,4,5,6.

WE acknawledge and confesse, that this maist wonderous conjunction betwixt the God-head and the man-head in Christ Jesus, did proceed from the eternal and immutable decree of God, from quhilk all our Salvation springs and depends.

WE acknowledge and confess, that this most wondrous conjunction betwixt the God-head and the man-head in Christ Jesus, did proceed from the eternal and immutable decree of God, from which all our Salvation springs and depends.

Ephes. 1.3,4,5,6.

8. Electioun.

8. Election.

Ephes. 1.11
Mat. 25.34.
Ephes. 1.21,22.
Heb. 2.7.8.
Psal. 22.11.
Heb. 13.20.
1 Pet. 2.24. & 5.4.
Psal. 130.3.
Psal. 143.3.
1 Tim. 2.5.
Joh. 1.12.
Joh. 20.17.
Rom. 5.17,18,19.
Rom. 8.15.
Gal. 4.5,6.
Act. 17.26.
Heb. 2.11,12.
1 Pet. 3.18,
Esai. 53.8.
Act. 2.24.
1 Joh. 1.2.
Act. 20.28.
1 Tim. 3.16.
John. 3.16.

FOR that same Eternal God and Father, who of meere grace elected us in Christ Jesus his Sonne, befoir the foundation of the warld was laide, appointed him to be our head, our Brother, our Pastor, and great Bishop of our sauls. Bot because that the enimitie betwixt the Justice of God and our sins was sik, that na flesh be it selfe culd, or might have attained unto God: It behooved that the Sonne of God suld descend unto us, and take himself a bodie of our bodie, flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bones, and so {341} become the Mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as beleeve in him to be the Sonnes of God, as himselfe dois witnesse I passe up to my Father, and unto zour Father, to my God, and unto zour God. Be quhilk maist holie fraternitie, quhatsaever wee have tynt in Adam, is restored unto us againe. And for this cause, ar we not affrayed to call God our Father, not sa-meikle because he hes created us (quhilk we have common with the Reprobate) as for that, that he hes given to us his onely Sonne, to be our Brother, and given unto us grace, to acknawledge and imbrace him for our onlie Mediatour, as before is said. It behooved farther the Messias and Redemer to be very God, and very man, because he was to underlie the punishment due for our transgressions, and to present himselfe in the presence of his Fathers Judgement, as in our person, to suffer for our transgression and inobedience, be death to overcome him that was author of death. Bot because the onely God-head culd not suffer death, neither zit culd the onlie man-head overcome the samin, he joyned both togither in one persone, that the imbecillitie of the ane, suld suffer and be subject to death, (quhilk we had deserved) And the infinit and invincible power of the uther, to wit, of the God-head; suld triumph and purchesse to us life, libertie & perpetual victory: And so we confess, & maist undoubtedly beleeve.

FOR that same Eternal God and Father, who of mere grace elected us in Christ Jesus his Son, before the foundation of the world was laid, appointed him to be our head, our Brother, our Pastor, and great Bishop of our souls. But because that the enmity betwixt the Justice of God and our sins was such, that no flesh by itself could, or might have attained unto God: It behooved that the Son of God should descend unto us, and take himself a body of our body, flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bones, and so {341} become the Mediator betwixt God and man, giving power to so many as believe in him to be the Sons of God, as himself does witness: I pass up to my Father, and unto your Father, to my God, and unto your God. By which most holy fraternity, whatsoever we have tynt [lost] in Adam, is restored unto us again. And for this cause, are we not afraid to call God our Father, not so much because he has created us (which we have common with the Reprobate) as for that, that he has given to us his only Son, to be our Brother, and given unto us grace, to acknowledge and embrace him for our only Mediatour, as before is said. It behooved farther the Messiah and Redeemer to be very God, and very man, because he was to underlie the punishment due for our transgressions, and to present himself in the presence of his Father’s Judgment, as in our person, to suffer for our transgression and disobedience, by death to overcome him that was author of death. But because the only God-head could not suffer death, neither yet could the only man-head overcome the same, he joined both together in one person, that the imbecility of the one, should suffer and be subject to death, (which we had deserved) And the infinite and invincible power of the other, to wit, of the God-head, should triumph and purchase to us life, liberty & perpetual victory: And so we confess, & most undoubtedly believe.

Ephes. 1.11
Matt. 25.34.
Ephes. 1.21,22.
Heb. 2.7.8.
Psalm 22.11.
Heb. 13.20.
1 Pet. 2.24. & 5.4.
Psalm 130.3.
Psalm 143.3.
1 Tim. 2.5.
John 1.12.
John 20.17.
Rom. 5.17,18,19.
Rom. 8.15.
Gal. 4.5,6.
Acts 17.26.
Heb. 2.11,12.
1 Pet. 3.18,
Isa. 53.8.
Acts 2.24.
1 John 1.2.
Acts 20.28.
1 Tim. 3.16.
John 3.16.

9. Christs death, Passion and Burial.

9. Christ’s Death, Passion, and Burial.

Heb. 10.1, &c. 12.
Esai. 53.5.
Heb. 12.3.
Joh. 1.29.
Mat. 26.11.
Deut. 21.23.
Mar. 15.1,2.
Gal. 3.13.
Luk. 23.1,2.
Mat. 26.38.
2 Cor. 5.
Heb. 9.12.
Heb. 10.5.

THAT Our Lord Jesus offered himselfe a voluntary Sacrifice unto his Father for us, that he suffered contradiction of sinners, that he was wounded and plagued for our transgressiouns, that hee being the cleane innocent Lamb of GOD, was damned in the presence of ane earthlie Judge, That we suld be absolued befoir the tribunal seat of our God. That he suffered not onlie the cruel death of the Crosse (quhilk was accursed be the sentence of God) bot also that he suffered for a season the wrath of his Father, quhilk sinners had deserved. Bot zit we avow that he remained the only well beloved & blessed Sonne of his Father, even in the middest {342} of his anguish and torment, quhilk hee suffered in bodie and saule, to make the full satisfaction for the sinnes of the people. After the quhilk we confesse and avow, that there remaines na uther Sacrifice for sinne, quhilk gif ony affirme, we nathing doubt to avow, that they ar blasphemous against Christs death, and the everlasting purgation and satisfaction, purchased to us be the same.

[We acknowledge & confess] THAT Our Lord Jesus offered himself a voluntary Sacrifice unto his Father for us, that he suffered contradiction of sinners, that he was wounded and plagued for our transgressions, that he being the clean innocent Lamb of GOD, was damned in the presence of an earthly Judge, That we should be absolved before the tribunal seat of our God. That he suffered not only the cruel death of the Cross (which was accursed by the sentence of God) but also that he suffered for a season the wrath of his Father, which sinners had deserved. But yet we avow that he remained the only well-beloved & blessed Son of his Father, even in the midst {342} of his anguish and torment, which he suffered in body and soul, to make the full satisfaction for the sins of the people. After the which we confess and avow, that there remains no other Sacrifice for sin, which if any affirm, we nothing doubt to avow, that they are blasphemous against Christ’s death, and the everlasting purgation and satisfaction, purchased to us by the same.

Heb. 10.1, &c. 12.
Isa. 53.5.
Heb. 12.3.
John 1.29.
Matt. 26.11.
Deut. 21.23.
Mark 15.1,2.
Gal. 3.13.
Luke 23.1,2.
Matt 26.38.
2 Cor. 5.
Heb. 9.12.
Heb. 10.5.

10. Resurrectioun.

10. Resurrection.

Act. 2.23.
Act. 3.26.
Rom. 6.5,9.
Act. 2.24.
Rom. 4.25.
Heb. 2.14,15.
Mat. 28.4.
Mat. 27.52,53.
Mat. 28.5.
Joh. 20.27. & 21.7.
Luk. 24.41,42,43.
Joh. 21.12,13.

WE undoubtedlie believe, that in sameikle as it was impossible, that the dolours of death sulde reteine in bondage the Author of life, that our LORD JESUS crucified, dead and buryed, quha descended into Hell, did ryse againe for our Justification, and destroying of him quha wes the Author of death, brocht life againe to us, that wer subject to death, and to the bondage of the same. We knaw that his Resurrection, wes confirmed be the testimonie of his verie Enemies, be the Resurrection of the dead, quhais Sepultures did oppen, and they did rise, and appeared to mony, within the Cittie of Jerusalem. It was also confirmed be the testimonie of his Angels, and be the senses and Judgments of his Apostles, and of uthers, quha had conversation, and did eate and drink with him, after his Resurrection.

WE undoubtedly believe, that insomuch as it was impossible, that the dolours of death should retain in bondage the Author of life, that our LORD JESUS crucified, dead, and buried, who descended into Hell, did rise again for our Justification, and destroying of him who was the Author of death, brought life again to us, that were subject to death, and to the bondage of the same. We know that his Resurrection, was confirmed by the testimony of his very Enemies, by the Resurrection of the dead, whose Sepulchers did open, and they did rise, and appeared to many, within the City of Jerusalem. It was also confirmed by the testimony of his Angels, and by the senses and Judgments of his Apostles, and of others, who had conversation, and did eat and drink with him, after his Resurrection.

Acts 2.23.
Acts 3.26.
Rom. 6.5,9.
Acts 2.24.
Rom. 4.25.
Heb. 2.14,15.
Matt. 28.4.
Matt. 27.52,53.
Matt. 28.5.
John 20.27. & 21.7.
Luke 24.41,42,43.
John 21.12,13.

11. Ascension.

11. Ascension.

Luk. 24.51
Act. 1.9.
Mat. 28.6.
Mar. 16.9.
Luk. 24.6.
Joh. 20.9.
Mat. 28.18.
1 Joh. 2.1.
1 Tim. 2.5.
Psal. 110.1.
Mat. 22.44.
Mar. 12.36.
Luke. 20.42,43.
Act. 1.1.
Act. 3.19.
2 Thes. 1.4,5,6,7,8.
Mat. 25.34.
Rev. 21.27.
Esa. 66.24.
Mat. 25.41.
Mar. 9.44,46,48.
Mat. 22.13.
2 Pet. 3.11.
2 Cor. 5.11.
Luk. 21.28.
Joh. 15.1, &c.
Esai. 7.14.
Eph. 1.22.
Col. 1.18.
Heb. 9.11,15.
Heb. 10.21.
1 Joh. 2.1.
1 Tim. 2.5.

WE nathing doubt, bot the self same bodie, quhilk was borne of the Virgine, was crucified, dead, and buried, and quhilk did rise againe did ascend into the heavens, for the accomplishment of all thinges: quhere in our names, and for our comfort, he hes received all power in heaven and earth, quhere he sittes at the richt hand of the Father inaugurate in his Kingdome, Advocate and onelie Mediator for us. Quhilk Glory, honour, and prerogative, he alone amonges the Brethren sall possess, till that all his Enemies be made his futestule, as that we undoubtedlie beleeve, they sall be in the final Judgement: To the Execution whereof we certainelie beleve, that the same our Lord JESUS {343} sall visiblie returne, as that hee was sene to ascend. And then wee firmely believe, that the time of refreshing and restitution of all things sall cum, in sa-meikle that thir, that fra the beginning have suffered violence, injurie, and wrang, for richteousnes sake, sall inherit that blessed immortalitie promised fra the beginning. Bot contrariwise the stubburne, in-obedient, cruel oppressours: filthie personis, Idolaters, and all such sortes of unfaithful, sall be cast in the dungeoun of utter darkenesse, where the worme sall not die, neither zit their fyre sall bee extinguished. The remembrance of quhilk day, and of the Judgement to be executed in the same, is not onelie to us ane brydle, whereby our carnal lustes are refrained, bot alswa sik inestimable comfort, that nether may the threatning of worldly Princes, nether zit the feare of temporal death and present danger, move us to renounce and forsake that blessed societie, quhilk we the members have with our head and onelie Mediator CHRIST JESUS, whom we confesse and avow to be the Messias promised, the onlie head of his Kirk, our just Lawgiver, our onlie hie Priest, Advocate, and Mediator. In quhilk honoures and offices, gif man or Angel presume to intrude themself, we utterlie detest and abhorre them, as blasphemous to our Soveraine and supreme Governour CHRIST JESUS.

WE nothing doubt, but the self-same body, which was born of the Virgin, was crucified, dead, and buried, and which did rise again did ascend into the heavens, for the accomplishment of all things: where in our names, and for our comfort, he has received all power in heaven and earth, where he sits at the right hand of the Father inaugurate in his Kingdom, Advocate and only Mediator for us. Which Glory, honour, and prerogative, he alone amongst the Brethren shall possess, till that all his Enemies be made his footstool, as that we undoubtedly believe, they shall be in the final Judgment: To the Execution whereof we certainly believe, that the same our Lord JESUS {343} shall visibly return, as that he was seen to ascend. And then we firmly believe, that the time of refreshing and restitution of all things shall come, insomuch that these, that from the beginning have suffered violence, injury, and wrong, for righteousness sake, shall inherit that blessed immortality promised from the beginning. But contrariwise the stubborn, disobedient, cruel oppressors: filthy persons, Idolaters, and all such sorts of unfaithful [unbelievers], shall be cast into the dungeon of utter darkness, where the worm shall not die, neither yet their fire shall be extinguished. The remembrance of which day, and of the Judgment to be executed in the same, is not only to us a bridle, whereby our carnal lusts are refrained, but also such inestimable comfort, that neither may the threatening of worldly Princes, nether yet the fear of temporal death and present danger, move us to renounce and forsake that blessed society, which we the members have with our head and only Mediator CHRIST JESUS, whom we confess and avow to be the Messiah promised, the only head of his Kirk, our just Lawgiver, our only high Priest, Advocate, and Mediator. In which honours and offices, if man or Angel presume to intrude himself, we utterly detest and abhor them, as blasphemous to our Sovereign and supreme Governour CHRIST JESUS.

Luke 24.51
Acts 1.9.
Matt. 28.6.
Mark 16.9.
Luke 24.6.
John 20.9.
Matt. 28.18.
1 John 2.1.
1 Tim. 2.5.
Psalm 110.1.
Matt. 22.44.
Mark 12.36.
Luke 20.42,43.
Acts 1.1.
Acts 3.19.
2 Thes. 1.4,5,6,7,8.
Matt. 25.34.
Rev. 21.27.
Isa. 66.24.
Matt. 25.41.
Mark 9.44,46,48.
Matt. 22.13.
2 Pet. 3.11.
2 Cor. 5.11.
Luke 21.28.
John 15.1, &c.
Isa. 7.14.
Eph. 1.22.
Col. 1.18.
Heb. 9.11,15.
Heb. 10.21.
1 John 2.1.
1 Tim. 2.5.

12. Faith in the holy Ghost.

12. Faith in the Holy Ghost.

Mat. 16.17.
Joh. 14.26.
Joh. 15.26.
Joh. 14.11.
Act. 5.4.
Joh. 16.13.
Col. 2.13.
Eph. 2.1.
Joh. 9.39.
Revel. 3.17
Mat. 17.17.
Mar. 9.19.
Luk. 9.41.
Joh. 6.63.
Mica. 7.8.
1 King. 8.38.
Psal. 100.3.
Rom. 5.10.
John. 3.5.
Titus. 3.5.
Rom. 5.8.
Phil. 3.9.
Phil. 1.6.
2 Cor. 3.5.
Eph. 1.6.

THIS Our Faith and the assurance of the same, proceeds not fra flesh and blude, that is to say, fra na natural powers within us, bot is the inspiration of the holy Ghost: whome we confesse GOD equal with the Father, and with his Sonne, quha sanctifyis us, and brings us in all veritie be his awin operation, without whome we sulde remaine for ever enimies to GOD, and ignorant of his Sonne Christ Jesus. For of nature we are so dead, so blind, and so perverse, that nether can we feill when we ar pricked, see the licht when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is reveiled, unles the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that quhilkis dead, remove the darknesse from our myndes, {344} and bowe our stubburne hearts to the obedience of his blessed will. And so as we confesse, that God the Father created us, when we were not: as his Sonne our LORD JESUS redeemed us, when wee were enimies to him: so also do we confesse that the holy Ghost doth sanctifie and regenerat us, without all respect of ony merite proceeding from us: be it before, or be it after our Regeneration. To speak this ane thing zit in mair plaine words: As we willingly spoyle ourselves of all honour, and gloir of our awin creation, and redemption: so do we also of our Regeneration & Sanctification: for of ourselves we ar not sufficient to think one gude thocht, bot he quha hes begun the wark in us, is onlie he that continewis us in the same, to the praise and glorie of his undeserved grace.

THIS Our Faith and the assurance of the same, proceeds not from flesh and blood, that is to say, from no natural powers within us, but is the inspiration of the Holy Ghost: whom we confess GOD equal with the Father, and with his Son, who sanctifies us, and brings us into all verity [truth] by his own operation, without whom we should [would] remain forever enemies to GOD, and ignorant of his Son Christ Jesus. For of nature we are so dead, so blind, and so perverse, that neither can we feel when we are pricked, see the light when it shines, nor assent to the will of God when it is revealed, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus quicken that which is dead, remove the darkness from our minds, {344} and bow our stubborn hearts to the obedience of his blessed will. And so as we confess, that God the Father created us, when we were not: as his Son our LORD JESUS redeemed us, when we were enemies to him: so also do we confess that the holy Ghost doth sanctify and regenerate us, without all respect of any merit proceeding from us: be it before, or be it after our Regeneration. To speak this one thing yet in more plain words: As we willingly spoil ourselves of all honour, and glory of our own creation, and redemption: so do we also of our Regeneration & Sanctification: for of ourselves we are not sufficient to think one good thought, but he who has begun the work in us, is only he that continues us in the same, to the praise and glory of his undeserved grace.

Matt. 16.17.
John 14.26.
John 15.26.
John 14.11.
Acts 5.4.
John 16.13.
Col. 2.13.
Eph. 2.1.
John 9.39.
Revel. 3.17
Matt. 17.17.
Mark 9.19.
Luke 9.41.
John 6.63.
Micah 7.8.
1 Kings 8.38.
Psalm 100.3.
Rom. 5.10.
John 3.5.
Titus 3.5.
Rom. 5.8.
Phil. 3.9.
Phil. 1.6.
2 Cor. 3.5.
Eph. 1.6.

14. The cause of gude warkes.

14. The cause of good works.

Eph. 2.10.
Phil. 2.13.
Joh. 15.5.
Rom. 8.9.
Rom. 7.15,16,17, &c.
Gal. 5.17.
Rom. 8.16.
Rom. 7.24.
Rom. 8.22.
Rom. 6.12.
Eph. 4.17,18,19.
2 Tim. 2.26.
Joh. 15.5.

SA That the cause of gude warks, we confesse to be not our free will, bot the Spirit of the LORD JESUS, who dwelling in our hearts be trewe faith, bringis furth sik warkes, as God hes prepared for us to walke in. For this wee maist boldelie affirme, that blasphemy it is to say, that Christ abydes in the heartes of sik, as in whome there is no Spirit of sanctification. And therefore we feir not to affirme, that murtherers, oppressers, cruel persecuters adulterers, huremongers, filthy persouns, Idolaters, drunkards, thieves, and all workers of iniquity, have nether trew faith, nether ony portion of the Spirit of the LORD JESUS: so long as obstinatlie they continew in their wickednes. For how soone that ever the Spirit of the Lord Jesus (quhilk Gods elect children receive be trew faith) taks possession in the heart of ony man, so soone dois he regenerate & renew the same man. So that he beginnis to hait that quhilk before he loved, & begins to love that quhilk befoir he hated, & fra thine cummis that continual battel, quhilk is betwixt the flesh and the Spirit in Gods Children: till the flesh & natural man, according to the awin corruption, lustes for things pleisand & delectable unto the self, and grudges in adversity, is lyfted up in prosperity, and at every {345} moment is prone & reddie to offend the Majestie of God. Bot the Spirit of God, quhilk gives witnessing to our Spirit, that we are the Sonnes of God, makis us to resist filthie pleasures, and to groane in Gods presence, for deliverance fra this bondage of corruption: And finally to triumph over sin, that it reigne not in our mortal bodyis. This battel hes not the carnal men, being destitute of Gods Spirit, bot dois follow and obey sinne with greedines, and without repentance, even as the Devil, and their corrupt lustes do prick them. Bot the Sonnes of God, as before wes said, dois fecht against sinne, dois sob and murne, when they perceive themselves tempted in iniquitie: & gif they fall, they rise againe with earnest and unfained repentance, and thir thingis they do not be their awin power, bot the power of the Lord JESUS, without whom they were able to do nothing.

SO That the cause of good works, we confess to be not our free will, but the Spirit of the LORD JESUS, who dwelling in our hearts by true faith, brings forth such works, as God has prepared for us to walk in. For this we most boldly affirm, that blasphemy it is to say, that Christ abides in the hearts of such, as in whom there is no Spirit of sanctification. And therefore we fear not to affirm, that murderers, oppressors, cruel persecutors, adulterers, whoremongers, filthy persons, Idolaters, drunkards, thieves, and all workers of iniquity, have neither true faith, neither any portion of the Spirit of the LORD JESUS: so long as obstinately they continue in their wickedness. For how soon that ever the Spirit of the Lord Jesus (which God’s elect children receive by true faith) takes possession in the heart of any man, so soon does he regenerate & renew the same man. So that he begins to hate that which before he loved, & begins to love that which before he hated, & from thence comes that continual battle, which is betwixt the flesh and the Spirit in God’s Children: till the flesh & natural man, according to their own corruption, lusts for things pleasing & delectable unto itself, and grudges in adversity, is lifted up in prosperity, and at every {345} moment is prone & ready to offend the Majesty of God. But the Spirit of God, which gives witnessing to our Spirit, that we are the Sons of God, makes us to resist filthy pleasures, and to groan in God’s presence, for deliverance from this bondage of corruption: And finally to triumph over sin, that it reign not in our mortal bodies. This battle has not the carnal men, being destitute of God’s Spirit, but do follow and obey sin with greediness, and without repentance, even as the Devil, and their corrupt lusts do prick them. But the Sons of God, as before was said, do fight against sin, do sob and mourn, when they perceive themselves tempted into iniquity: & if they fall, they rise again with earnest and unfeigned repentance, and these things they do not by their own power, but the power of the Lord JESUS, without whom they were able to do nothing.

Eph. 2.10.
Phil. 2.13.
John 15.5.
Rom. 8.9.
Rom. 7.15,16,17, &c.
Gal. 5.17.
Rom. 8.16.
Rom. 7.24.
Rom. 8.22.
Rom. 6.12.
Eph. 4.17,18,19.
2 Tim. 2.26.
John 15.5.

15. What warkes ar reputed gude befoir God.

15. What works are reputed good before God.

Exod. 20.3, &c.
Deut. 4.7, &c.
Luk. 2.75.
Mica. 6.11.
Eph. 6.1,7.
Ezech. 22.1, &c.
1 Cor. 6.19,20.
1 Thes. 4.4,5,6.
Jerem. 22.3,9, &c.
Esai. 50.1, &c.
Thes. 14.6.
Rom. 13.2.
Ezech.22.13, &c.
1 Joh. 3.4.
Rom. 14.23.
Heb. 11.6.
1 Sam. 15.22.
1 Cor. 10.31.
1 Joh. 3.4.
Esai. 29.13.
Mat. 15.9.
Mar. 7.7.

WE Confesse and acknawledge, that God hes given to man his holy Law, in quhilk not only ar forbidden all sik warkes as displeis and offend his Godly Majestie, bot alswa ar commanded all sik as pleis him, and as he hes promised to rewaird. And thir warks be of twa sortes. The ane are done to the honour of God, the uther to the profite of our Nichtbouris: and both have the reveiled will of God for their assurance. To have ane God, to worschip and honour him, to call upon him in all our troubles, reverence his holy name, to heare his word, to beleive the same, to communicate with his holy Sacraments, are the warkes of the first Tabill. To honour Father, Mother, Princes, and Rulers, and superiour powers: to love them, to support them, zea to obey their charges (not repugning to the commandement of God) to save the lives of Innocents, to represse tyrannie, to defend the oppressed, to keepe our bodies cleane and halie, to live in sobernes and temperance, to deal justlie with all men both in word and deed: and finally, to represse all appetite of our Nichtbouris hurt, are the gude warkes of the secund Tabill quhilk are maist pleising and acceptabil unto {346} God, as the warkes that are commanded be himselfe. The contrary quhairof, is sinne maist odious, quhilk alwayes displeisis him, and provokes him to anger: As not to call upon him alone, when we have need, nor to hear his word with reverence, to contemne and despise it, to have or worschip Idols, to maintene and defend Idolatrie, lichtlie to esteeme the reverend name of God, to prophane, abuse, or contemne the Sacraments of Christ Jesus, to disobey or resist ony that God hes placed in Authoritie (quhill they passe not over the boundes of their office) to murther, or to consent thereto, to beare hatred, or to let Innocent blude bee sched, gif wee may withstand it. And finally, the transgression of ony uther commandement in the first or secund Tabil: we confesse and affirme to be sinne, by the quhilk Gods anger and displesure is kindled against the proud unthankful warld. So that gude warkes we affirm to be thir onlie, that are done in faith, and at Gods commandement, quha in his Lawe hes expressed what the thingis be that pleis him. And evil warkis we affirme not only thir that expressedly ar done against Gods commaundement: bot thir alswa that in matteris of Religioun, and worschipping of God, hes na uther assurance bot the inventioun and opinioun of man: quhilk God fra the beginning hes ever rejected, as be the Prophet Esay, and be our Maister CHRIST JESUS we ar taught in thir words, In vaine do they worschip me, teaching for doctrines the precepts of men.

WE Confess and acknowledge, that God has given to man his holy Law, in which not only are forbidden all such works as displease and offend his Godly Majesty, but also are commanded all such as please him, and as he has promised to reward. And these works be of two sorts. The one are done to the honour of God, the other to the profit of our Neighbours: and both have the revealed will of God for their assurance. To have one God, to worship and honour him, to call upon him in all our troubles, reverence his holy name, to hear his word, to believe the same, to communicate with his holy Sacraments, are the works of the first Table [of the Law]. To honour Father, Mother, Princes, and Rulers, and superior powers: to love them, to support them, yea to obey their charges (not repugning to the commandment of God) to save the lives of Innocents, to repress tyranny, to defend the oppressed, to keep our bodies clean and holy, to live in soberness and temperance, to deal justly with all men both in word and deed: and finally, to repress all appetite of our Neighbour’s hurt, are the good works of the second Table [of the Law] which are most pleasing and acceptable unto {346} God, as the works that are commanded by himself. The contrary whereof, is sin most odious, which always displeases him, and provokes him to anger: As not to call upon him alone, when we have need, nor to hear his word with reverence, to contemn and despise it, to have or worship Idols, to maintain and defend Idolatry, lightly to esteem the reverend name of God, to profane, abuse, or contemn the Sacraments of Christ Jesus, to disobey or resist any that God has placed in Authority (while they pass not over the bounds of their office) to murder, or to consent thereto, to bear hatred, or to let Innocent blood be shed, if we may withstand it. And finally, the transgression of any other commandment in the first or second Table: we confess and affirm to be sin, by the which God’s anger and displeasure is kindled against the proud unthankful world. So that good works we affirm to be these only, that are done in faith, and at God’s commandment, who in his Law has expressed what the things be that please him. And evil works we affirm not only these that expressly are done against God’s commandment: but these also that in matters of Religion, and worshipping of God, have no other assurance but the invention and opinion of man: which God from the beginning has ever rejected, as by the Prophet Isaiah, and by our Master CHRIST JESUS we are taught in these words, In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the precepts of men.

Exod. 20.3, &c.
Deut. 4.7, &c.
Luke 2.75.
Micah 6.11.
Eph. 6.1,7.
Ezek. 22.1, &c.
1 Cor. 6.19,20.
1 Thes. 4.4,5,6.
Jeremiah 22.3,9, &c.
Isa. 50.1, &c.
1 Thes. 4.6.
Rom. 13.2.
Ezek. 22.13, &c.
1 John 3.4.
Rom. 14.23.
Heb. 11.6.
1 Sam. 15.22.
1 Cor. 10.31.
1 John 3.4.
Isa. 29.13.
Matt. 15.9.
Mark 7.7.

16. The perfectioun of the Law, and the imperfectioun of man.

16. The perfection of the Law, and the imperfection of man.

Lev. 18.5.
Gal. 3.12.
1 Tim. 1.18.
Rom. 7.12.
Psal. 19.7,8,9, &c.
Deut. 5.29.
Rom. 10.3.
1 Kin. 8.46.
2 Chro. 6.36.
Eccl. 7.22.
Pro. 20.9.
1 Joh. 1.8.
Rom. 10.4.
Gal. 3.13.
Deut. 27.26.
Phil. 2.15.
Esai. 64.6.
Luk. 17.10.

THE Law of God we confesse and acknawledge maist just, maist equal, maist halie, and maist perfite, commaunding thir thingis, quhilk being wrocht in perfectioun, were abill to give life, and abill to bring man to Eternal felicitie. Bot our nature is sa corrupt, sa weake, and sa unperfite, that we ar never abil to fulfill the warkes of the Law in perfectioun. Zea, gif we say we have na sinne, evin after we ar regenerated, we deceive ourselves, and the veritie of God is not in us. And therefore, it behoovis us to apprehend Christ Jesus with his Justice and satisfaction, {347} quha is the end and accomplishment of the Law, be quhome we ar set at this liberty, that the curse and malediction of God fall not upon us, albeit we fulfill not the same in all poyntes. For God the Father beholding us, in the body of his Sonne Christ Jesus, acceptis our imperfite obedience, as it were perfite, and covers our warks, quhilk ar defyled with mony spots, with the Justice of his Sonne. We do not meane that that we ar so set at liberty, that wee awe na obedience to the Law (for that before wee have plainly confessed) bot this we affirme, that na man in earth (Christ Jesus onlie except) hes given, gives, or sall give in worke, that obedience to the Law, quhilk the Law requiris. Bot when we have done all things, we must fall downe and unfeinedly confesse, that we are unprofitable servands. And therefore, quhosoever boastis themselves of the merits of their awin works, or put their trust in the works of Superergation, boast themselves in that, quhilk is nocht, and put their trust in damnable Idolatry.

THE Law of God we confess and acknowledge most just, most equal, most holy, and most perfect, commanding these things, which being wrought in perfection, were able to give life, and able to bring man to Eternal felicity. But our nature is so corrupt, so weak, and so imperfect, that we are never able to fulfill the works of the Law in perfection. Yea, if we say we have no sin, even after we are regenerated, we deceive ourselves, and the verity [truth] of God is not in us. And therefore, it behooves us to apprehend Christ Jesus with his Justice [Righteousness] and satisfaction, {347} who is the end and accomplishment of the Law, by whom we are set at this liberty, that the curse and malediction of God fall not upon us, albeit we fulfill not the same in all pointes. For God the Father beholding us, in the body of his Son Christ Jesus, accepts our imperfect obedience, as it were perfect, and covers our works, which are defiled with many spots, with the Justice [Righteousness] of his Son. We do not mean that that we are so set at liberty, that we owe no obedience to the Law (for that before we have plainly confessed) but this we affirm, that no man in earth (Christ Jesus only excepted) has given, gives, or shall give in work, that obedience to the Law, which the Law requires. But when we have done all things, we must fall down and unfeignedly confess, that we are unprofitable servants. And therefore, whosoever boasts themselves of the merits of their own works, or puts their trust in the works of Supererogation, boast themselves in that, which is nought, and put their trust in damnable Idolatry.

Lev. 18.5.
Gal. 3.12.
1 Tim. 1.18.
Rom. 7.12.
Psalm 19.7,8,9, &c.
Deut. 5.29.
Rom. 10.3.
1 Kings 8.46.
2 Chron. 6.36.
Eccl. 7.22.
Prov. 20.9.
1 John 1.8.
Rom. 10.4.
Gal. 3.13.
Deut. 27.26.
Phil. 2.15.
Isa. 64.6.
Luke. 17.10.

17. Of the Kirk.

17. Of the Kirk.

Mat. 28.20.
Eph. 1.4.
Col. 1.18.
Eph. 5.23,24,25,29.
Apoc. 7.9.
Eph. 2.19.
Eph. 4.5.
Joh. 5.24.
Joh. 17.6.
1 Tim. 2.19.
Joh. 13.14.
Eph. 1.10.
Col. 1.10.
Heb. 12.4.

AS We believe in ane God, Father, Sonne, and halie Ghaist: sa do we maist constantly believe, that from the beginning there hes bene, and nowis, and to the end of the warld sall be, ane Kirk, that is to say, ane company and multitude of men chosen of God, who richtly worship and imbrace him, be trew faith in Christ Jesus, quha is the only head of the same Kirk, quhilk alswa is the bodie and spouse of Christ Jesus, quhilk Kirk is Catholike, that is, universal, because it conteinis the Elect of all ages, of all Realmes, Nations, and Tounges, be they of the Jewes, or be they of the Gentiles, quha have communion and societie with God the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus, throw the sanctificatioun of his haly Spirit, and therefore is it called the Communion, not of prophane persounes, bot of Sancts, quha as citizenis of the heavenly Jerusalem, have ye fruitioun of the maist inestimable benefites, to wit, of ane God ane LORD JESUS, ane Faith, and ane Baptisme: out of the quhilk Kirk, there is {348} nouther lyfe, nor Eternal felicitie. And therefore we utterly abhorre the blasphemie of them that affirme, that men quhilk live according to equitie and Justice, sall be saved, quhat Religioun that ever they have professed. For as without CHRIST JESUS, there is nouther life nor Salvation: so sall there nane be participant thereof, bot sik as the Father hes given unto his Sonne CHRIST JESUS, and they that in time cum unto him, avowe his doctrine and beleeve into him, (we comprehend the Children with the faithful parentes) this Kirk is Invisible, knawen onelie to God, quha alane knawis whom he hes chosen, and comprehends alsweil (as said is) the Elect that be departed, commonlie called the Kirk Triumphant, and they that zit live and fecht against sinne and Sathan, as sall live hereafter.

AS We believe in one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: so do we most constantly believe, that from the beginning there has been, and now is, and to the end of the world shall be, one Kirk, that is to say, one company and multitude of men chosen of God, who rightly worship and embrace him, by true faith in Christ Jesus, who is the only head of the same Kirk, which also is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus, which Kirk is Catholick, that is, universal, because it contains the Elect of all ages, of all Realms, Nations, and Tongues, be they of the Jews, or be they of the Gentiles, who have communion and society with God the Father, and with his Son Christ Jesus, through the sanctification of his Holy Spirit, and therefore is it called the Communion, not of profane persons, but of Saints, who as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, have the fruition of the most inestimable benefits, to wit, of one God, one LORD JESUS, one Faith, and one Baptism: out of the which Kirk, there is {348} neither life, nor Eternal felicity. And therefore we utterly abhor the blasphemy of them that affirm, that men which live according to equity and Justice, shall be saved, what Religion soever they have professed. For as without CHRIST JESUS, there is neither life nor Salvation: so shall there none be participant thereof, but such as the Father has given unto his Son CHRIST JESUS, and they that in time come unto him, avow his doctrine and believe in him, (we comprehend the Children with the faithful parents.) This Kirk is Invisible, known only to God, who alone knows whom he has chosen, and comprehends aswell (as said is) the Elect that be departed, commonly called the Kirk Triumphant, and they that yet live and fight against sin and Satan, as shall live hereafter.

Matt. 28.20.
Eph. 1.4.
Col. 1.18.
Eph. 5.23,24,25,29.
Rev. 7.9.
Eph. 2.19.
Eph. 4.5.
John 5.24.
John 17.6.
1 Tim. 2.19.
John 13.14.
Eph. 1.10.
Col. 1.10.
Heb. 12.4.

18. The immortalitie of the Saules.

18. The immortality of the Souls.

Apo. 14.13.
Esai. 25.8.
Apoc. 7.16,17.
Apoc. 21.4.
Apoc. 16.10,11.
Esai. 66.24.
Mar. 9.44,46,48.
Luk 23.43.
Luk. 16.24,25.
Apoc. 6.9,10.

THE Elect departed are in peace and rest fra their labours: not that they sleep, and come to a certaine Oblivion, as some Phantastickes do affirme: bot that they are delivered fra all feare and torment, and all temptatioun, to quhilk we and all God his Elect are subject in this life, and therefore do beare the name of the Kirk Militant: As contrariwise, the reprobate, and unfaithful departed have anguish, torment, and paine, that cannot be expressed. Sa that neither are the ane nor the uther in sik sleepe, that they feele not their torment, as the Parable of Christ Jesus in the 16. of Luke, his words to the thiefe and thir wordes of the saules crying under the Altar: O Lord, thou that art righteous and just, How long sall thou not revenge our blude upon thir that dwellis in the Earth, dois declair.

THE Elect departed are in peace and rest from their labours: not that they sleep, and come to a certain Oblivion, as some Fantasticks do affirm: but that they are delivered from all fear and torment, and all temptation, to which we and all God’s Elect are subject in this life, and therefore do bear the name of the Kirk Militant: As contrariwise, the reprobate, and unfaithful departed have anguish, torment, and pain, that cannot be expressed. So that neither are the one nor the other in such sleep, that they feel not their torment, as the Parable of Christ Jesus in the 16th [chapter] of Luke, his words to the thief and these words of the souls crying under the Altar: O Lord, thou that art righteous and just, How long shalt thou not revenge our blood upon these that dwell in the Earth, do declare.

Rev. 14.13.
Isa. 25.8.
Rev. 7.16,17.
Rev. 21.4.
Rev. 16.10,11.
Isa. 66.24.
Mark 9.44,46,48.
Luke 23.43.
Luke 16.24,25.
Rev. 6.9,10.

19. Of the notes, be the quhilk the trewe Kirk is decerned, fra the false, and quha sall be Judge of the doctrine.

19. Of the notes, by the which the true Kirk is discerned, from the false, and who shall be Judge of the doctrine.

Gen. 4.8.
Gen. 21.9.
Gen. 27.41.
Mat. 23.34.
Joh. 15.18,19.
Joh. 11.35.
Joh. 15.20,24.
Act. 4.1, &c.
Act. 5.17. &c.
Gen. 4.1.
Psa. 48.1,2.
Mat. 5.35.
Joh. 12.42.
Eph. 2.20.
Act. 2.42.
Joh. 10.27.
Joh. 18.37.
1 Cor. 1.13.
1 Cor. 11.20,23.
Mat. 28.19,20.
Marc. 16.15.
Rom. 4.11.
Mat. 18.15,16,17.
1 Cor. 5.5.
Mat. 18.20. 1 Cor. 1.1.
2 Cor. 1.1.
Gal. 1.2.
Eph. 1.1.
Act. 16.9,10. & 18.1, &c.
1 Cor. 1. &c.
Act. 20.17, &c.
Joh. 20.31.
2 Tim. 3.16,17.
2 Pet. 1.20,21. Joh. 5.29. Eph. 4.4.

BECAUSE That Sathan from the beginning, hes laboured to deck his pestilent Synagoge with the title of the Kirk of GOD, and hes inflamed the heartes of cruel murtherers, to persecute, trouble and molest, the trewe Kirk {349} and members thereof, as Cain did Abel, Ismael Isaac, Esau Jacob, and the haill Priesthead of the Jewes Christ Jesus himselfe, and his Apostles after him. It is ane thing maist requisite, that the true Kirk be decerned fra the filthie Synagogues, be cleare and perfite notes, least we being deceived, receive and imbrace to our awin condemnatioun, the ane for the uther. The notes, signes, and assured takens, whereby the immaculate Spouse of Christ Jesus is knawen fra the horrible harlot, the Kirk Malignant: We affirme are neither Antiquitie, Title usurped, Lineal descence, place appoynted, nor Multitude of men approving ane error: for Cain in age and title was preferred to Abel and Seth: Ierusalem had prerogative above all places of the Earth, where also were the Priests lineally descended fra Aaron, And greater number followed the Scribes, Pharisies, and Priestes, then unfainedly beleeved and approved Christ Jesus and his doctrine: and zit as we suppose, no man of sound Judgement, will grant that ony of the forenamed, were the Kirk of God. The notes therefore of the trew Kirk of God, we beleeve, confesse and avow to be, first the trew preaching of the word of God, into the quhilk God hes revealed himselfe unto us, as the writings of the Prophets and Apostles dois declair. Secondly, the right administration of the Sacraments of Christ Jesus, quhilk mon be annexed unto the word and promise of God, to seale and confirme the same in our hearts. Last, Ecclesiastical discipline uprightlie ministred, as God his word prescribes, whereby vice is repressed, and vertew nurished. Wheresoever then thir former notes are seene, and of ony time continue (be the number never so fewe about two or three) there without all doubt is the trew Kirk of Christ: who according unto his promise, is in the midst of them. Not that universal, of quhilk we have before spoken, bot particular, sik as was in Corinthus, Galatia, Ephesus, and uther places, in quhilk the Ministrie was planted be Paul, and were of himselfe named the Kirks of God: and sik Kirks, we the inhabitantis of the Realme of SCOTLAND, professoris of Christ Jesus, professis our selfis to {350} have in our Citties, Townes, and places reformed, for the doctrine taucht in our Kirkis, conteined in the writen worde of God, to wit, in the buiks of the auld, and new Testamentis, in those buikis we meane, quhilk of the ancient have beene reputed canonical. In the quhilk we affirme, that all thingis necessary to be beleeved, for the salvation of man-kinde, is sufficiently expressed. The interpretation quhairof, wee confesse, neither appertaines to private, nor publick persone, neither zit to ony Kirk, for ony preheminence, or prerogative personallie or locallie, quhilk ane hes above ane uther, bot apperteines to the Spirite of God, be the quhilk also the Scripture was written. When controversie then happinis, for the right understanding of ony place or sentence of Scripture, or for the reformation of ony abuse within the Kirk of God, we ought not sa-meikle to luke what men before us have said or done, as unto that quhilk the halie Ghaist uniformelie speakes, within the body of the Scriptures, and unto that quhilk Christ Jesus himselfe did, and commanded to be done. For this is ane thing universallie granted, that the Spirite of God, quhilk is the Spirite of Unitie, is in nathing contrarious unto himselfe. Gif then the interpretation, determination, or sentence of ony Doctor, Kirk, or Councel, repugne to the plaine worde of God, written in ony uther place of the Scripture, it is ane thing maist certaine, that there is not the true understanding and meaning of the haily Ghaist, although that Councels, Realmes, and Nations have approved and received the same. For we dare not receive nor admit ony interpretation, quhilk repugnes to ony principal poynt of our faith, or to ony uther plaine text of Scripture, or zit unto the rule of charitie.

BECAUSE That Satan from the beginning, has laboured to deck his pestilent Synagogue with the title of the Kirk of GOD, and has inflamed the hearts of cruel murderers, to persecute, trouble, and molest, the true Kirk {349} and members thereof, as Cain did Abel, Ishmael Isaac, Esau Jacob, and the whole Priesthood of the Jews Christ Jesus himself, and his Apostles after him. It is a thing most requisite, that the true Kirk be discerned from the filthy Synagogues, by clear and perfect notes, lest we being deceived, receive and embrace to our own condemnation, the one for the other. The notes, signs, and assured tokens, whereby the immaculate Spouse of Christ Jesus is known from the horrible harlot, the Kirk Malignant: We affirm are neither Antiquity, Title usurped, Lineal descent, place appointed, nor Multitude of men approving an error: for Cain in age and title was preferred to Abel and Seth: Jerusalem had prerogative above all places of the Earth, where also were the Priests lineally descended from Aaron, And greater number followed the Scribes, Pharisees, and Priests, then unfeignedly believed and approved Christ Jesus and his doctrine: and yet as we suppose, no man of sound Judgment, will grant that any of the forenamed, were the Kirk of God. The notes therefore of the true Kirk of God, we believe, confess and avow to be: First, the true preaching of the word of God, in the which God has revealed himself unto us, as the writings of the Prophets and Apostles do declare. Secondly, the right administration of the Sacraments of Christ Jesus, which must be annexed unto the word and promise of God, to seal and confirm the same in our hearts. Last, Ecclesiastical discipline uprightly ministered, as God’s word prescribes, whereby vice is repressed, and virtue nourished. Wheresoever then these former notes are seen, and of any time continue (be the number never so few about two or three) there without all doubt is the true Kirk of Christ: who according unto his promise, is in the midst of them. Not that universal, of which we have before spoken, but particular, such as was in Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, and other places, in which the Ministry was planted by Paul, and were of himself named the Kirks of God: and such Kirks, we the inhabitants of the Realm of SCOTLAND, professors of Christ Jesus, profess ourselves to {350} have in our Cities, Towns, and places reformed, for the doctrine taught in our Kirks, contained in the written word of God, to wit, in the books of the Old, and New Testaments, in those books we mean, which of the ancient have been reputed canonical. In the which we affirm, that all things necessary to be believed, for the salvation of mankind, is sufficiently expressed. The interpretation whereof, we confess, neither appertains to private, nor publick person, neither yet to any Kirk, for any preeminence, or prerogative personally or locally, which one has above another, but appertains to the Spirit of God, by the which also the Scripture was written. When controversy then happens, for the right understanding of any place or sentence of Scripture, or for the reformation of any abuse within the Kirk of God, we ought not so much to look what men before us have said or done, as unto that which the Holy Ghost uniformly speaks, within the body of the Scriptures, and unto that which Christ Jesus himself did, and commanded to be done. For this is a thing universally granted, that the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of Unity, is in nothing contrary unto himself. If then the interpretation, determination, or sentence of any Doctor, Kirk, or Council, repugn to the plain word of God, written in any other place of the Scripture, it is a thing most certain, that there is not the true understanding and meaning of the Holy Ghost, although that Councils, Realms, and Nations have approved and received the same. For we dare not receive nor admit any interpretation, which repugns to any principal point of our faith, or to any other plain text of Scripture, or yet unto the rule of charity.

Gen. 4.8.
Gen. 21.9.
Gen. 27.41.
Matt. 23.34.
John 15.18,19.
John 11.35.
John 15.20,24.
Acts 4.1, &c.
Acts 5.17. &c.
Gen. 4.1.
Psalm 48.1,2.
Matt. 5.35.
John 12.42.
Eph. 2.20.
Acts 2.42.
John 10.27.
John 18.37.
1 Cor. 1.13.
1 Cor. 11.20,23.
Matt. 28.19,20.
Mark. 16.15.
Rom. 4.11.
Matt. 18.15,16,17.
1 Cor. 5.5.
Matt. 18.20. 1 Cor. 1.1.
2 Cor. 1.1.
Gal. 1.2.
Eph. 1.1.
Acts 16.9,10. & 18.1, &c.
1 Cor. 1. &c.
Acts 20.17, &c.
John 20.31.
2 Tim. 3.16,17.
2 Pet. 1.20,21. John 5.29. Eph. 4.4.

20. The authoritie of the Scriptures.

20. The authority of the Scriptures.

1 Tim. 3.16,17.
Joh. 10.27.

AS We beleeve and confesse the Scriptures of God sufficient to instruct, and make the man of God perfite: so do we affirme, and avow the authoritie of the same, to be of God, and nether to depend on men, nor Angels. Wee affirme therefore, that sik as allege the Scripture, to {351} have na uther authoritie, bot that quhilk it hes received from the Kirk, to be blasphemous against God, and injurious to the trew Kirk, quhilk alwayes heares and obeyis the voyce of her awin spouse and Pastor, bot takes not upon her to be Maistres over the samin.

AS We believe and confess the Scriptures of God sufficient to instruct, and make the man of God perfect: so do we affirm, and avow the authority of the same, to be of God, and neither to depend on men, nor Angels. We affirm therefore, that such as allege the Scripture, to {351} have no other authority, but that which it has received from the Kirk, to be blasphemous against God, and injurious to the true Kirk, which always hears and obeys the voice of her own spouse and Pastor, but takes not upon her to be Mistress over the same.

1 Tim. 3.16,17.
John 10.27.

21. Of general Councels, of their Power, Authoritie and cause of their Convention.

21. Of general Councils, of their Power, Authority, and cause of their Convention.

Gal. 2.11,12,13,14.
1 Tim. 4.1,2,3.
Col. 2.18,19,20, 21,22,23.
Act. 15.1. &c.
1 Tim. 3.15.
Heb. 3.2.
1 Cor. 14.40.

AS We do not rashlie damne that quhilk godly men assembled togither in general Councel lawfully gathered, have proponed unto us, so without just examination, dare we not receive quhatsoever is obtruded unto us by men under the name of general Councels: for plaine it is, as they wer men, so have some of them manifestlie erred, and that in matters of great weight and importance. So farre then, as the Councel provis the determination and commandement that it gives, bee the plaine worde of God: so soone do we reverence and imbrace the same. Bot gif men under the name of a Councel, pretend to forge unto us, new Artickles of our faith, or to make constitutionis repugning to the word of God: then utterlie we must refuse the same, as the doctrine of Devils, quhilk drawis our saules from the voyce of our onlie God, to follow the doctrines and constitutiones of men. The cause then quhy that general Councellis convened, was nether to make ony perpetual Law, quhilk God before had not maid, nether zit to forge new Artickles of our beleife, nor to give the word of God authoritie, meikle les to make that to be his word, or zit the trew interpretation of the same, quhilk was not before, be his haly will, expressed in his word: bot the cause of Councellis (we meane of sik as merite the name of Councellis) wes partlie for confutation of heresies, and for giving publick confession of their faith, to the posterite following, quhilk baith they did by the authoritie of Gods written word, and not by ony opinion or prerogative, that they culd not erre, be reason of their general assemblie: And this we judge to have beene the chiefe cause of general Councellis. The uther was for gude policie and ordour, {352} to be constitute and observed in the Kirk, quhilk (as in the house of God) it becummis all things to be done decently and in ordour. Not that we think, that any policie, and an ordour in Ceremonies, can be appoynted for all ages, times and places, for as ceremonies, sik as men have devised, ar bot temporal: so may and aucht they to be changed, when they rather foster superstition, then that they edifie the Kirk, using the same.

AS We do not rashly damn that which godly men assembled together in general Councils lawfully gathered, have proponed unto us, so without just examination, dare we not receive whatsoever is obtruded unto us by men under the name of general Councils: for plain it is, as they were men, so have some of them manifestly erred, and that in matters of great weight and importance. So far then, as the Council proves the determination and commandment that it gives, by the plain word of God: so soon do we reverence and embrace the same. But if men under the name of a Council, pretend to forge unto us, new Articles of our faith, or to make constitutions repugning to the word of God: then utterly we must refuse the same, as the doctrine of Devils, which draws our souls from the voice of our only God, to follow the doctrines and constitutions of men. The cause then why that general Councils convened, was neither to make any perpetual Law, which God before had not made, neither yet to forge new Articles of our belief, nor to give the word of God authority, much less to make that to be his word, or yet the true interpretation of the same, which was not before, by his holy will, expressed in his word: but the cause of Councils (we mean of such as merit the name of Councils) was partly for confutation of heresies, and for giving publick confession of their faith, to the posterity following, which both they did by the authority of God’s written word, and not by any opinion or prerogative, that they could not err, by reason of their general assembly: And this we judge to have been the chief cause of general Councils. The other was for good policy and order, {352} to be constitute and observed in the Kirk, which (as in the house of God) it becomes all things to be done decently and in order. Not that we think, that any policy, and one order in Ceremonies, can be appointed for all ages, times, and places, for as ceremonies, such as men have devised, are but temporal: so may and ought they to be changed, when they rather foster superstition, than that they edify the Kirk, using the same.

Gal. 2.11,12,13,14.
1 Tim. 4.1,2,3.
Col. 2.18,19,20, 21,22,23.
Acts 15.1. &c.
1 Tim. 3.15.
Heb. 3.2.
1 Cor. 14.40.

22. Of the Sacramentes.

22. Of the Sacraments.

Gen. 17.10.
Exod. 12.3, &c.
Gen. 17.4.
Num. 9.13.
Mat. 28.19.
Mar. 16.17.
Mat. 26.26.
Mar. 14.22.
Luk. 22.19.
1 Cor. 11.24.
1 Cor. 10.16. Rom. 6.3,4,5.
Gal. 3.27. Mar. 16.19.
Luk. 24.51.
Act. 1.11.
Act. 3.21.
1 Cor. 10. Eph. 5.30.
Mat. 27.50.
Mar. 15.37.
Luk. 23.46.
Joh. 19.30.
Joh. 6.51,53, 54,55,56,57,58. 1 Cor. 11.28,29.

AS The Fatheris under the Law, besides the veritie of the Sacrifices, had twa chiefe Sacramentes, to wit, Circumcision & the Passe-over, the despisers and contemners whereof, were not reputed of Gods people: sa do we acknawledge and confesse, that we now in the time of the Evangel, have twa chiefe Sacramentes onelie, instituted be the Lord Jesus, & commanded to be used of all they, that will be reputed members of his body: To wit, Baptisme, and the Supper or Table of the Lord Jesus, called the Communion of his body & blude. And thir Sacramentes alsweil of auld, as of new Testament, now instituted of God, not onelie to make ane visible difference, betwixt his people, and they that wes without his league: bot also to exerce the faith of his Children, and be participation of the same Sacramentes, to seill in their herts the assurance of his promise, & of that most blessed conjunction, union and societie, quhilk the elect have with their head Christ Jesus. And this wee utterlie damne the vanitie of they, that affirme Sacramentes to be nathing else bot naked & baire signes. No, wee assuredlie beleeve, that be Baptisme, we ar ingrafted in Christ Jesus, to be made partakers of his Justice, be quhilk our sinnes ar covered and remitted. And alswa, that in the Supper richtlie used, CHRIST JESUS is so joyned with us, that hee becummis very nurishment and fude of our saules. Not that we imagine anie transubstantiation of Bread into Christes body, and of Wine into his natural blude, as the Papistes have perniciouslie taucht, and damnablie beleeved: bot this unioun and conjunction, quhilk we have with the body & {353} blude of Christ Jesus in the richt use of the Sacraments, wrocht be operatioun of the haly Ghaist, who by trew faith caryis us above all things that are visible, carnal, and earthly, & makes us to feede upon the body and blude of Christ Jesus, quhilk wes anes broken and shed for us, quhilk now is in heaven, and appearis in the presence of his Father for us: And zit notwithstanding the far distance of place, quhilkis betwixt his body, now glorified in Heaven, and us now mortal in this earth. zit we man assuredlie beleeve, that the bread quhilk wee break, is the communion of Christes bodie, and the cupe quhilk we blesse, is the communion of his blude. So that we confesse, and undoubtedlie believe, that the faithful in the richt use of the Lords Table, do so eat the bodie and drinke the blude of the Lord Jesus, that he remaines in them, and they in him. Zea, they are so maid flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bones, that as the eternal God-head hes given to the flesh of Christ Jesus (quhilk of the awin conditioun and nature wes mortal and corruptible) life and immortalitie: so dois Christ Jesus his flesh and blude eattin and drunkin be us, give unto us the same prerogatives. Quhilk albeit we confesse, ar nether given unto us at that time onelie, nether zit be the proper power and vertue of the Sacrament onelie: zit we affirme that the faithful, in the richt use of the Lords Table, hes conjunctioun with Christ Jesus: as the natural man cannot apprehend: zea, and farther wee affirme, that albeit the faithful oppressed be negligence, and namelie infirmitie, dois not profite sameikle, as they wald, in the verie instant action of the Supper: zit sall it after bring frute furth, as livelie seid sawin in gude ground. For the haly Spirit, quhilk can never be divided fra the richt institutioun of the Lord Jesus, will not frustrat the faithful of the fruit of that mystical action, bot all thir we say cummis of trew faith, quhilk apprehendis Christ Jesus; who only makis this Sacrament effectual unto us. And therefore whosoever sclanders us, as that we affirme or belevis Sacraments to be naked and bair Signes, do injurie unto us, and speaks against the manifest truth. Bot this liberallie and franklie wee confesse, {354} that we make ane distinctioun betwixt Christ Jesus in his eternal substance, and betwixt the Elements of the Sacramental Signes. So that wee will nether worship the Signes, in place of that quhilk is signified be them, nether zit doe we despise & interpret them, as unprofitable and vaine, bot do use them with all reverence, examining our selves diligentlie, before that so we do. Because we are assured be the mouth of the Apostle, that sik as eat of that bread, and drink of that cupe unworthelie, are guiltie of the bodie and blude of Christ Jesus.

AS The Fathers under the Law, besides the verity of the Sacrifices, had two chief Sacraments, to wit, Circumcision & the Passover, the despisers and contemners whereof, were not reputed of Gods people: so do we acknowledge and confess, that we now in the time of the Evangel, have two chief Sacraments only, instituted by the Lord Jesus, & commanded to be used of all they, that will be reputed members of his body: To wit, Baptism, and the Supper or Table of the Lord Jesus, called the Communion of his body & blood. And these Sacraments as well of old, as of new Testament, now instituted of God, not only to make a visible difference, betwixt his people, and they that was without his league [covenant]: but also to exerce [exercise] the faith of his Children, and by participation of the same Sacraments, to seal in their hearts the assurance of his promise, & of that most blessed conjunction, union, and society, which the elect have with their head Christ Jesus. And thus we utterly damn the vanity of they, that affirm Sacraments to be nothing else but naked & bare signs. No, we assuredly believe, that by Baptism, we are ingrafted into Christ Jesus, to be made partakers of his Justice [Righteousness], by which our sins are covered and remitted. And also, that in the Supper rightly used, CHRIST JESUS is so joined with us, that he becomes very nourishment and food of our souls. Not that we imagine any transubstantiation of Bread into Christ’s body, and of Wine into his natural blood, as the Papists have perniciously taught, and damnably believed: but this union and conjunction, which we have with the body & {353} blood of Christ Jesus in the right use of the Sacraments, wrought by operation of the holy Ghost, who by true faith carries us above all things that are visible, carnal, and earthly, & makes us to feed upon the body and blood of Christ Jesus, which was once broken and shed for us, which now is in heaven, and appears in the presence of his Father for us: And yet notwithstanding the far distance of place, which is betwixt his body, now glorified in Heaven, and us now mortal in this earth, yet we most assuredly believe, that the bread which we break, is the communion of Christ’s body, and the cup which we bless, is the communion of his blood. So that we confess, and undoubtedly believe, that the faithful in the right use of the Lord’s Table, do so eat the body and drink the blood of the Lord Jesus, that he remains in them, and they in him. Yea, they are so made flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bones, that as the eternal God-head has given to the flesh of Christ Jesus (which of its own condition and nature was mortal and corruptible) life and immortality: so does Christ Jesus his flesh and blood eaten and drunken by us, give unto us the same prerogatives. Which albeit we confess, are neither given unto us at that time only, neither yet by the proper power and virtue of the Sacrament only: yet we affirm that the faithful, in the right use of the Lord’s Table, has conjunction with Christ Jesus: as the natural man cannot apprehend: yea, and farther we affirm, that albeit the faithful oppressed by negligence, and namely infirmity, do not profit so much, as they would, in the very instant action of the Supper: yet shall it after bring fruit forth, as lively seed sown in good ground. For the Holy Spirit, which can never be divided from the right institution of the Lord Jesus, will not frustrate the faithful of the fruit of that mystical action, but all these we say come of true faith, which apprehends Christ Jesus; who only makes this Sacrament effectual unto us. And therefore whosoever slanders us, as that we affirm or believe Sacraments to be naked and bare Signs, do injury unto us, and speaks against the manifest truth. But this liberally and frankly we confess, {354} that we make a distinction betwixt Christ Jesus in his eternal substance, and betwixt the Elements of the Sacramental Signs. So that we will neither worship the Signs, in place of that which is signified by them, neither yet do we despise & interpret them, as unprofitable and vain, but do use them with all reverence, examining ourselves diligently, before that so we do. Because we are assured by the mouth of the Apostle, that such as eat of that bread, and drink of that cup unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of Christ Jesus.

Gen. 17.10.
Exod. 12.3, &c.
Gen. 17.4.
Num. 9.13.
Matt. 28.19.
Mark 16.17.
Matt. 26.26.
Mark 14.22.
Luke 22.19.
1 Cor. 11.24.
1 Cor. 10.16. Rom. 6.3,4,5.
Gal. 3.27. Mark 16.19.
Luke 24.51.
Acts 1.11.
Acts 3.21.
1 Cor. 10. Eph. 5.30.
Matt. 27.50.
Mark 15.37.
Luke 23.46.
John 19.30.
John 6.51,53, 54,55,56,57,58. 1 Cor. 11.28,29.

23. Of the richt administration of the Sacraments.

23. Of the right administration of the Sacraments.

Mat. 26.26, &c.
Mar. 14.22, &c.
Luk. 22.19, &c.
1 Cor. 11.24. 1 Cor. 11.25,26. Heb. 9.27,28.

THAT Sacraments be richtlie ministrat, we Judge twa things requisite: The ane, that they be ministrat be lauchful Ministers, whom we affirme to be only they, that ar appoynted to the preaching of the word, into quhais mouthes God hes put sum Sermon of exhortation, they being men lauchfullie chosen thereto be sum Kirk. The uther, that they be ministrat in sik elements, and in sik sort, as God hes appoynted, else we affirme that they cease to be the richt Sacraments of Christ Jesus. And therefore it is, that we fly the doctrine of the Papistical Kirk, in participation of their Sacraments: first, because their Ministers are na Ministers of Christ Jesus, zea (quhilk is mair horrible) they suffer wemen, whome the haly Ghaist will not suffer to teache in the Congregatioun, to Baptize: and secundly, because they have so adulterated both the one Sacrament and the uther, with their awin inventions, that no part of Christs action abydes in the original puritie. For Oyle, Salt Spittil, and sik lyke in Baptisme, ar bot mennis inventiouns. Adoration, Veneration bearing throw streitis and townes, and keiping of bread in boxes or buistes, ar prophanatioun of Christs Sacraments, and na use of the same. For Christ Jesus saide, Take, eat &c. do ze this in rememberance of me. Be quhilk word and charge, he sanctified bread and wine, to the Sacrament of his halie bodie and blude, to the end, that the ane suld be eaten, and that all suld drinke of the uther, and not that thay suld be {355} keiped to be worshipped and honoured, as God as the Papistes have done heirtofore. Who also committed Sacrilege, steilling from the people the ane parte of the Sacrament, to wit, the blessed cupe. Moreover, that the Sacraments be richtly used, it is required, that the end and cause, why the Sacramentis were institute, bee understand and observed, alsweil of the Minister, as of the receiveris. For gif the opinion be changed in the receiver, the richt use ceassis, quhilk is maist evident, be the rejection of the Sacrifice, as also gif the teacher planely teache fals doctrine, quhilk were odious and abhominable before God (albeit they were his awin ordinance) because that wicked men use them to an uther end, then God hes ordained. The same affirme we of the Sacraments in the Papistical Kirk: in quhilk we affirme the haill action of the Lord Jesus to be adulterated, alsweil in the external forme, as in the end and opinion. Quhat Christ Jesus did, and commanded to be done, is evident, be the Evangelistes, and be Saint Paul, quhat the Preist dois at his Altar, we neid not to rehearse. The end and cause of Christs institution, and why the selfe same suld be used, is expressed in thir words. Doe ze this in rememberance of me, als oft as ze sall eat of this bread, and drinke of this Cupe, ze sall shaw furth, that is, extol, preach, magnifie, and praise the Lords death, til he cum. Bot to quhat end, and in what opinioun the Priestes say their Messe, let the worde of the same, their awin Doctouris and wrytings witnes. To wit, that they, as Mediatores betuixt Christ, and his Kirk, do offer unto God the Father, a Sacrifice propitiatorie, for the sinnes of the quick and the dead. Quhilk doctrine, as blasphemous to Christ Jesus, and making derogation to the sufficiencie of his only Sacrifice, once offered for purgatioun of all they that sall be sanctified, we utterly abhorre, detest and renounce.

THAT Sacraments be rightly ministered, we Judge two things requisite: The one, that they be ministered by lawful Ministers, whom we affirm to be only they, that are appointed to the preaching of the word, into whose mouths God has put some Sermon of exhortation, they being men lawfully chosen thereto by some Kirk. The other, that they be ministered in such elements, and in such sort, as God has appointed, else we affirm that they cease to be the right Sacraments of Christ Jesus. And therefore it is, that we fly the doctrine [flee the society—Ed. 1568.] of the Papistical Kirk, in participation of their Sacraments: first, because their Ministers are no Ministers of Christ Jesus, yea (which is more horrible) they suffer women, whom the Holy Ghost will not suffer to teach in the Congregation, to Baptize: and secondly, because they have so adulterated both the one Sacrament and the other, with their own inventions, that no part of Christ’s action abides in the original purity. For Oil, Salt, Spittle, and such like in Baptism, are but men’s inventions. Adoration, Veneration bearing through streets and towns, and keeping of bread in boxes or buistes [chests], are profanation of Christ’s Sacraments, and no use of the same. For Christ Jesus said, Take, eat &c. do ye this in remembrance of me. By which word and charge, he sanctified bread and wine, to the Sacrament of his holy body and blood, to the end, that the one should be eaten, and that all should drink of the other, and not that they should be {355} kept to be worshipped and honoured, as God, as the Papists have done heretofore. Who also committed Sacrilege, stealing from the people the one part of the Sacrament, to wit, the blessed cup. Moreover, that the Sacraments be rightly used, it is required, that the end and cause, why the Sacraments were institute, be understand and observed, as well of the Minister, as of the receivers. For if the opinion be changed in the receiver, the right use ceases, which is most evident, by the rejection of the Sacrifice [Sacrifices—Ed. 1568.], as also if the teacher plainly teach false doctrine, which were odious and abominable before God (albeit they were his own ordinance) because that wicked men use them to another end, than God has ordained. The same affirm we of the Sacraments in the Papistical Kirk: in which we affirm the whole action of the Lord Jesus to be adulterated, as well in the external form, as in the end and opinion. What Christ Jesus did, and commanded to be done, is evident, by the Evangelists, and by Saint Paul; What the Priest doth at his Altar, we need not to rehearse. The end and cause of Christ’s institution, and why the selfsame should be used, is expressed in these words. Do ye this in remembrance of me, as oft as ye shall eat of this bread, and drink of this Cup, ye shall show forth, that is, extol, preach, magnify, and praise the Lord’s death, till he come. But to what end, and in what opinion the Priests say their Mass, let the word of the same, their own Doctors and writings witness. To wit, that they, as Mediators betwixt Christ, and his Kirk, do offer unto God the Father, a Sacrifice propitiatory, for the sins of the quick and the dead. Which doctrine, as blasphemous to Christ Jesus, and making derogation to the sufficiency of his only Sacrifice, once offered for purgation of all they that shall be sanctified, we utterly abhor, detest and renounce.

Matt. 26.26, &c.
Mark 14.22, &c.
Luke 22.19, &c.
1 Cor. 11.24. 1 Cor. 11.25,26. Heb. 9.27,28.

24. To whome Sacraments appertaine.

24. To whom Sacraments appertain.

Col. 2.11,12.
Rom. 4.11.
Gen. 17.10.
Mat. 28.19. 1 Cor. 11.28,29.

WE Confesse and acknawledge, that Baptisme apperteinis asweil to the infants of the faithful, as unto them that be of age and discretion, {356} and so we damne the error of the Anabaptists, who denies baptisme to apperteine to Children, before that they have faith and understanding, bot the Supper of the Lord, we confesse to appertaine to sik onely, as be of the houshald of Faith, and can trie and examine themselves, alsweil in their faith, as in their dewtie towards their Nichtbouris. Sik as eate and drink at that haly Table without faith, or being at dissension and division with their brethren, do eat unworthelie: And therefore it is that in our Kirk, our Ministers take publick and particular examination, of the knawledge and conversation of sik, as are to be admitted to the Table of the Lord Jesus.

WE Confess and acknowledge, that Baptism appertains as well to the infants of the faithful, as unto them that be of age and discretion, {356} and so we damn the error of the Anabaptists, who deny baptism to appertain to Children, before that they have faith and understanding. But the Supper of the Lord, we confess to appertain to such only, as be of the household of Faith, and can try and examine themselves, as well in their faith, as in their duty towards their Neighbours. Such as eat and drink at that holy Table without faith, or being at dissension and division with their brethren, do eat unworthily: And therefore it is that in our Kirk, our Ministers take publick and particular examination, of the knowledge and conversation of such, as are to be admitted to the Table of the Lord Jesus.

Col. 2.11,12.
Rom. 4.11.
Gen. 17.10.
Matt. 28.19. 1 Cor. 11.28,29.

25. Of the Civil Magistrate.

25. Of the Civil Magistrate.

Rom. 13.1.
Titus 3.1.
1 Pet. 2.13. Rom. 13.2. Rom. 13.7.
1 Pet. 2.17.
Psal. 82.1. 1 Chron. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. chap.
2 Chron. 17.7.
2 Chron. 29. 30. & 31. chapters.
2 Chron. 34. & 35. chap.

WE confesse and acknawledge Empyres, Kingdomes, Dominiouns, and Citties, to be distincted and ordained be God: the powers & authoritie in the same, be it of Emperours in their Empyres, of Kings in their Realmes, Dukes and Princes in their Dominions, and of uthers Magistrates in the Citties, to be Gods haly ordinance, ordained for manifestatioun of his awin glory, and for the singular profite and commoditie of mankind: So that whosoever goeth about to take away, or to confound the the haill state of Civile policies, now long established: we affirme the same men, not onely to be enimies to mankinde, but also wickedly to fecht against God his expressed will. Wee farther confesse and acknawledge, that sik persouns, as are placed in authoritie, ar to be loved, honoured, feared, and halden in most reverent estimatioun: because that they are the Lieutennents of God, in whose Sessiouns, God himself dois sit, and Judge: zea, even the Judges and Princes themselves, to whom be God is given the sword, to the praise and defense of gude men, and to revenge and punish all open malefactors. Mairover to Kings, Princes, Rulers and Magistrates, wee affirme that chieflie and most principallie the conservation and purgation of the Religioun appertaines, so that not onlie they are appointed for Civil policie, bot also for maintenance of the trew Religioun, and {357} for suppressing of Idolatrie and Superstitioun whatsoever. As in David, Josaphat, Ezechias, Josias, and uthers highlie commended for their zeale in that caice, may be espyed. And therefore wee confesse and avow, that sik as resist the supreme power, doing that thing quhilk appertains to his charge, do resist God his ordinance: And therefore cannot be guiltles. And farther we affirme, that whosoever denies unto them ayde, their Counsel and comfort, quhiles the Princes and Rulers vigilantly travel in execution of their office, that the same men deny their help, support and Counsel to God, quha be the presence of his Lieu-tennent, dois crave it of them.

WE confess and acknowledge Empires, Kingdoms, Dominions, and Cities, to be distincted and ordained by God: the powers & authority in the same, be it of Emperours in their Empires, of Kings in their Realms, Dukes and Princes in their Dominions, and of others Magistrates in the Cities, to be God’s holy ordinance, ordained for manifestation of his own glory, and for the singular profit and commodity of mankind: So that whosoever goeth about to take away, or to confound the the whole state of Civil policies, now long established: we affirm the same men, not only to be enemies to mankind, but also wickedly to fight against God’s expressed will. We farther confess and acknowledge, that such persons, as are placed in authority, are to be loved, honoured, feared, and holden in most reverent estimation: because that they are the Lieutenants of God, in whose Sessions, God himself does sit, and Judge: yea, even the Judges and Princes themselves, to whom by God is given the sword, to the praise and defense of good men, and to revenge and punish all open malefactors. Moreover to Kings, Princes, Rulers and Magistrates, we affirm that chiefly and most principally the conservation and purgation of the Religion appertains, so that not only they are appointed for Civil policy, but also for maintenance of the true Religion, and {357} for suppressing of Idolatry and Superstition whatsoever. As in David, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Josiah, and others highly commended for their zeal in that case, may be espied. And therefore we confess and avow, that such as resist the supreme power, doing that thing which appertains to his charge, do resist God’s ordinance: And therefore cannot be guiltless. And farther we affirm, that whosoever denies unto them aid, their Counsel and comfort, whiles the Princes and Rulers vigilantly travail in execution of their office, that the same men deny their help, support and Counsel to God, who by the presence of his Lieutenant, doth crave it of them.

Rom. 13.1.
Titus 3.1.
1 Pet. 2.13. Rom. 13.2. Rom. 13.7.
1 Pet. 2.17.
Psalm 82.1. 1 Chron. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. chap.
2 Chron. 17.7.
2 Chron. 29. 30. & 31. chapters.
2 Chron. 34. & 35. chap.

26. The guiftes freelie given to the Kirk.

26. The gifts freely given to the Kirk.

Mat. 13.24,25,26, &c. Mat. 13.20,21.
Rom. 10.9,13. Rom. 7. &
2 Cor. 5.21.
Joh. 5.28,29.
Apo. 20.23.
Job 19.25,26,27.
Mat. 25.31.
Apoc. 14.10. Rom. 2.6,7,8,9,10.
Phil. 3.21.
1 Cor. 15.24,28.

ALBEIT That the word of God trewly preached, and the Sacraments richtlie ministred, and Discipline executed, according to the word of God, be the certaine and infallible Signes of the trew Kirk, we meane not that everie particular persoun joyned with sik company, be ane Elect member of CHRIST JESUS: For we acknawledge and confesse, that Dornel, Cockel, and Caffe, may be sawen, grow, and in great aboundance lie in the midst of the Wheit, that is, the Reprobate may be joyned in the societie of the Elect, and may externally use with them the benefites of the word and Sacraments. Bot sik being bot temporal professoures in mouth, bot not in heart, do fall backe and continew not to the end, And therefore have they na fruite of Christs death, Resurrection, nor Ascension: bot sik as with heart unfainedly beleeve, and with mouth bauldely confesse the Lord Jesus, as before we have said, sall most assuredly receive thir guiftes, First in this life remission of sinnes, and that be only faith in Christs blude. In sameikle, that albeit sinne remaine and continuallie abyde, in thir our mortal bodies, zit it is not imputed unto us, bot is remitted, and covered with Christs Justice. Secundly, in the general Judgement, there sall be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh. For the Sea sall give her dead; the Earth they that therein be inclosed, {358} zea the Eternal our God sall stretche out his hand on the dust, and the deade sall arise uncorruptible, and that in the substance of the selfe same flesh that every man now beiris, to receive, according to their warkes, glory, or punishment. For sik as now delyte in vanity, cruelty, filthynes, superstition, or Idolatry, sall be adjudged to the fire unquencheable. In quhilk they sall be tormented for ever, alsweil in their awin bodyes, as in their saules, quhilk now they give to serve the Devil in all abhomination. Bot sik as continew in weil doing to the end, bauldely professing the Lord Jesus: we constantly beleeve, that they sall receive glorie, honour, and immortality, to reigne for ever in life everlasting, with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified body all his Elect, sall be made lyke, when he sall appeir againe in Judgement, and sall rander up the Kingdome to God his Father, who then sall bee, and ever sall remaine all in all things God blessed for ever. To whome with the Sonne, and with the haly Ghaist, be all honour and glorie, now and ever. So be it.

ALBEIT That the word of God truly preached, and the Sacraments rightly ministered, and Discipline executed, according to the word of God, be the certain and infallible Signs of the true Kirk, we mean not that every particular person joined with such company, be an Elect member of CHRIST JESUS: For we acknowledge and confess, that Darnel, Cockle, and Chaff, may be sown, grow, and in great abundance lie in the midst of the Wheat, that is, the Reprobate may be joined in the society of the Elect, and may externally use with them the benefits of the word and Sacraments. But such being but temporal professors in mouth, but not in heart, do fall back and continue not to the end, And therefore have they no fruit of Christ’s death, Resurrection, nor Ascension: but such as with heart unfeignedly believe, and with mouth boldly confess the Lord Jesus, as before we have said, shall most assuredly receive these gifts: First, in this life remission of sins, and that by only faith in Christ’s blood. Insomuch, that albeit sin remain and continually abide, in these our mortal bodies, yet it is not imputed unto us, but is remitted, and covered with Christ’s Justice. Secondly, in the general Judgment, there shall be given to every man and woman resurrection of the flesh. For the Sea shall give her dead; the Earth they that therein be enclosed, {358} yea the Eternal our God shall stretch out his hand on the dust, and the dead shall arise uncorruptible, and that in the substance of the selfsame flesh that every man now bears, to receive, according to their works, glory, or punishment. For such as now delight in vanity, cruelty, filthiness, superstition, or Idolatry, shall be adjudged to the fire unquenchable. In which they shall be tormented for ever, aswell in their own bodies, as in their souls, which now they give to serve the Devil in all abomination. But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly professing the Lord Jesus: we constantly believe, that they shall receive glory, honour, and immortality, to reign forever in life everlasting, with Christ Jesus, to whose glorified body all his Elect, shall be made like, when he shall appear again in Judgment, and shall render up the Kingdom to God his Father, who then shall be, and ever shall remain all in all things God blessed for ever. To whom with the Son, and with the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, now and ever. So be it.

Matt. 13.24,25,26, &c. Matt. 13.20,21.
Rom. 10.9,13. Rom. 7. &
2 Cor. 5.21.
John 5.28,29.
Rev. 20.23.
Job 19.25,26,27.
Matt. 25.31.
Rev. 14.10. Rom. 2.6,7,8,9,10.
Phil. 3.21.
1 Cor. 15.24,28.

Num. 9.35.
Psal. 68.1.
Act. 4.29.

Num. 9.35.
Psalm 68.1.
Acts 4.29.

5. Anent the Messe abolished, and punishing of all that hearis or sayis the samine.

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5. Anent the Mass abolished, and punishing of all that hear or says the same.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and the three Estaits of this present Parliament ratifyis and apprevis the Act under written, maid in the Parliament halden at Edinburgh, the 23. day of August, the zeir 1560. zeires. And of new in this present Parliament statuts and ordainis, the said Act to be as an perpetual Law, to all our Soveraine Lords Lieges in all times to cum; Of {359} the quhilk, the tenour followes. The quhilk day, for-sameikle as almichty God be his maist trew and blessed word, hes declared the reverence, and honour quhilk suld be given unto him. And be his Sonne JESUS CHRIST hes declared the trew use of the Sacraments, willing the same to be used, according to his will and word. Be quhilk it is notour, and perfitelie knawen, that the Sacramentes of Baptisme, and of the Bodie and bloud of JESUS CHRIST, hes bene in all times by-past corrupted, be the Papistical Kirk, and be their usurped Ministers. And presentlie, notwithstanding the reformatioun alreadie made, according to Gods word: Zit there is sum of the said Papist Kirk, that stubburnely perseveris in their wicked Idolatrie, sayand Messe, and Baptizand, conforme to the Papis Kirk, prophanand therethrow the Sacraments foirsaides, in quiet and secreete places, therethrow nouther regardand God, nor his word. THEREFOIRE, it is statute and ordained in this present Parliament, that na maner of persoun, or personnis, in onie time cumming, administrat ony of the Sacraments foirsaids, secreetly, or ony uther maner of way, but they that are admitted, and havand power to that effect. And that na maner of persoun nor persounis, say Messe, nor zit hear Messe, nor be present theirat, under the paine of confiscatioun of all their gudis movabil, and unmovabil, and punishing of their bodyes at the discretioun of the Magistrat, within quhais Jurisdictioun sik personnis happinnis to be apprehended, for the first fault. Banishment of the Realme, for the second fault: And Justifying to the death, for the thrid fault. And ordainis all Schireffes, Stewards, Baillies, and their deputes, Provestes, and Baillies of Burrowes, and uthers Judges quhatsumever, within this Realme, to take diligent sute and inquisitioun, within their bounds, quhair ony sik usurped Ministerie is used, Messe saying, or they that beis present at the doing thereof, ratifyand, and approovand the samin, take & apprehend them, to the effect, that the paines above written may be execute upon them. And therefore of new decernis & ordaines the contraveneris of the samin, in ony tyme heirafter, to be punished according to the paines of the aforesaid Acte above rehearsed.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament ratifies and approves the Act underwritten, made in the Parliament holden at Edinburgh, the 23rd day of August, the year 1560 years; And of new in this present Parliament statutes and ordains, the said Act to be as a perpetual Law, to all our Sovereign Lord’s Lieges in all times to come; Of {359} the which, the tenour follows: The which day, forsomuch as almighty God by his most true and blessed word, has declared the reverence, and honour which should be given unto him, And by his Son JESUS CHRIST has declared the true use of the Sacraments, willing the same to be used, according to his will and word; By which it is notour, and perfectly known, that the Sacraments of Baptism, and of the Body and blood of JESUS CHRIST, have been in all times by-past corrupted, by the Papistical Kirk, and by their usurped Ministers; And presently, notwithstanding the reformation already made, according to God’s word: Yet there is some of the said Papist Kirk, that stubbornly perseveres in their wicked Idolatry, saying Mass, and Baptizing, conform to the Pope’s Kirk, profaning there-through the Sacraments foresaid, in quiet and secret places, there-through neither regarding God, nor his word. THEREFORE, it is statute and ordained in this present Parliament, that no manner of person, or persons, in any time coming, administer any of the Sacraments foresaid, secretly, or any other manner of way, but they that are admitted, and having power to that effect. And that no manner of person nor persons, say Mass, nor yet hear Mass, nor be present thereat, under the pain of confiscation of all their goods moveable, and unmovable, and punishing of their bodies at the discretion of the Magistrate, within whose Jurisdiction such persons happen to be apprehended, for the first fault. Banishment of [from] the Realm, for the second fault: And Justifying to the death, for the third fault. And ordains all Sheriffs, Stewards, Baillies, and their deputes, Provosts, and Baillies of Burrows, and others Judges whatsomever, within this Realm, to take diligent suit and inquisition, within their bounds, where any such usurped Ministry is used, Mass-saying, or they that are present at the doing thereof, ratifying, and approving the same, take & apprehend them, to the effect, that the pains above written may be execute upon them. And therefore of new decerns & ordains the contraveners of the same, in any time hereafter, to be punished according to the pains of the aforesaid Act above rehearsed.

6. Anent the trew and haly Kirk, and of them that ar declared not to be of the samin.

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6. Anent the true and holy Kirk, and of them that are declared not to be of the same.

ITEM, Forsameikle as the Ministers of the blessed Evangel of JESUS CHRIST whom God of his mercie hes now raised up amangst us, or heirafter sall rayse, agreeing with them that now livis, in doctrine and administratioun of the Sacraments, & the peopil of this Realme, that professis {360} CHRIST, as he now is offered in his Evangel, & do communicat with the haly Sacraments (as in the reformed Kirkes of this Realme they are publicklie administrat) according to the Confessioun of the Faith: Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of my Lord Regent, & three Estaitis of this present parliament, hes declared, and declaris the foresaid persones, to be the onely true and halie Kirk of JESUS CHRIST, within this Realme. And decernis and declaris, that all and sindrie, quha outher gainsayis the word of the Evangel, received and approved, as the heades of the Confessioun of Faith professed in Parliament of before, in the zeir of God 1560. zeires, as also specified in the Actes of this Parliament mair particularlie dois expresse, and now ratifyed and approoved in this present Parliament, or that refusis the participatioun of the halie Sacramentes, as they are now Ministrat, To be na members of the said Kirke, within this Realme now presently professed, sa long as they keep themselves sa divided fra the Society of Christs Bodie.

ITEM, Forsomuch as the Ministers of the blessed Evangel of JESUS CHRIST whom God of his mercy has now raised up amongst us, or hereafter shall raise, agreeing with them that now live, in doctrine and administration of the Sacraments, & the people of this Realm, that professes {360} CHRIST, as he now is offered in his Evangel, & do communicate with the holy Sacraments (as in the reformed Kirks of this Realm they are publickly administered) according to the Confession of the Faith: Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, & three Estates of this present parliament, has declared, and declares the foresaid persons, to be the only true and holy Kirk of JESUS CHRIST, within this Realm. And decerns and declares, that all and sundry, who either gainsays the word of the Evangel, received and approved, as the heads of the Confession of Faith professed in Parliament of before, in the year of God 1560 years, as also specified in the Acts of this Parliament more particularly do express, and now ratified and approved in this present Parliament, or that refuses the participation of the holy Sacraments, as they are now Administered, To be no members of the said Kirk, within this Realm now presently professed, so long as they keep themselves so divided from the Society of Christ’s Body.

7. Admissioun of Ministers: of laick Patronages.

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7. Admission of Ministers: of lay Patronages.

ITEM, It is statute, and ordained be our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his dearest Regent, and three Estaitis of this present Parliament, that the examination and admission of Ministers, within this Realme, be only in the power of the Kirk, now openlie, and publickly professed within the samin. The presentation of laick Patronages alwaies reserved to the Just and auncient Patrones. And that the Patroun present ane qualified persoun, within sex Monethes (after it may cum to his knawledge, of the decease of him, quha bruiked the Benefice of before) to the Superintendent of thay partis, quhair the Benefice lyes, or uthers havand commission of the Kirk to that effect; utherwaies the Kirk to have power to dispone the samin to ane qualifyed person for that time.

ITEM, It is statute, and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, that the examination and admission of Ministers, within this Realm, be only in the power of the Kirk, now openly, and publickly professed within the same. The presentation of lay Patronages always reserved to the Just and ancient Patrons. And that the Patron present a qualified person, within six Months (after it may come to his knowledge, of the decease of him, who bruiked [enjoyed] the Benefice of before) to the Superintendent of those parts where the Benefice lies, or others having commission of the Kirk to that effect; otherwise the Kirk to have power to dispone [dispose] the same to a qualified person for that time.

PROVIDING that in caice the Patron present ane person qualified to his understanding, and failzeing of ane, ane uther within the said sex Moneths, and the said Superintendent or Commissioner of the Kirk, refusis to receive and admit the person presented be the Patron, as said is: It sall be lesum to the Patron to appeale to the Superintendent, and Ministers of that Province quhair the Benefice lyis, and desire the person presented to be admitted, quhilk gif they refuse, to appeale to the general Assemblie of this haill Realme, be quhome the cause beand decyded, sall take end, as thay decerne and declair. {361}

PROVIDING that in case the Patron present a person qualified to his understanding, and failing of one, another within the said six Months, and the said Superintendent or Commissioner of the Kirk, refuses to receive and admit the person presented by the Patron, as said is: It shall be lesum [lawful] to the Patron to appeal to the Superintendent, and Ministers of that Province where the Benefice lies, and desire the person presented to be admitted, which if they refuse, to appeal to the general Assembly of this whole Realm, by whom the cause being decided, shall take end, as they decern and declare.{361}

8. Anent the Kingis aith, to be given at his Coronation.

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8. Anent the Kings oath, to be given at his Coronation.

ITEM, Because that the increase of vertew, and suppressing of Idolatrie craves, that the Prince and the people be of ane perfite Religioun, quhilk of Gods mercie is now presently professed within this Realme: THEIRFORE it is statute, and ordained be our Soveraine Lord, my Lord Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, that all Kinges and Princes, or Magistrates whatsoever, halding their place, quhilkis hereafter in ony time sall happen to reigne, & beare rule over this Realme, at the time of their Coronatioun, and receipt of their Princely authority, make their faithful promise be aith, in presence of the Eternal God, That induring the haill course of their lives, they sall serve the samin Eternal God, to the uttermost of their power, according as he hes required in his maist haly word, reveiled & contained in the new and auld Testaments. And according to the samin worde sall mainteine the trew Religion of Christ Jesus, the preaching of his halie word, and dew and richt ministration of the Sacraments now received, and preached within this Realme: And sall abolish and gainstand all fals Religioun contrare to the samin: And sall rule the peopil committed to their charge, according to the will and commaund of God, reveiled in his foresaide word, and according to the lovabil Lawes, and constitutions received in this Realme, na wise repugnant to the said word of the Eternal God. And sall procure to the uttermaist of their power, to the Kirk of God, and haill Christian peopil, trew and perfite peace in all time cumming. The richtis and rentis, with all just priviledges of the Crowne of SCOTLAND, to preserve and keip inviolated, nouther sall they transfer nor alienate the samin. They sall forbid and represse in all Estaites, and degries, reife, oppression, and all kinde of wrang. In all judgementes, they sall command, and procure that Justice and equitie be keiped to all creatures, without exception, as the Lord and Father of all mercyis, be merciful to them. And out of their landes and Empyre, they sall be careful to rute out all heretikes, and enimies to the trew worship of God, that sall be convict be the trew Kirk of God, of the foirsaidis crymes. And that they sall faithfullie affirme the things above written, be their solemne aith.

ITEM, Because that the increase of virtue, and suppressing of Idolatry craves, that the Prince and the people be of one perfect Religion, which of God’s mercy is now presently professed within this Realm: THEREFORE it is statute, and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that all Kings and Princes, or Magistrates whatsoever, holding their place, which hereafter in any time shall happen to reign, & bear rule over this Realm, at the time of their Coronation, and receipt of their Princely authority, make their faithful promise by oath, in presence of the Eternal God, That enduring the whole course of their lives, they shall serve the same Eternal God, to the uttermost of their power, according as he has required in his most holy word, revealed & contained in the new and old Testaments. And according to the same word shall maintain the true Religion of Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy word, and due and right administration of the Sacraments now received, and preached within this Realm: And shall abolish and gainstand all false Religion contrary to the same: And shall rule the people committed to their charge, according to the will and command of God, revealed in his foresaid word, and according to the loveable Laws, and constitutions received in this Realm, no wise repugnant to the said word of the Eternal God. And shall procure to the uttermost of their power, to the Kirk of God, and whole Christian people, true and perfect peace in all time coming. The rights and rents, with all just privileges of the Crown of SCOTLAND, to preserve and keep inviolate, neither shall they transfer nor alienate the same. They shall forbid and repress in all Estates, and degrees, reif [theft], oppression, and all kind of wrong. In all judgments they shall command and procure that Justice and equity be kept to all creatures, without exception, as the Lord and Father of all mercies, be merciful to them. And out of their lands and Empire, they shall be careful to root out all hereticks, and enemies to the true worship of God, that shall be convicted by the true Kirk of God, of the foresaids crimes. And that they shall faithfully affirm the things above written, by their solemn oath.

9. Na person may be Judge Procurator, Notar, nor member of Court, quha professis not the Religion.

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9. No person may be Judge Procurator, Notar, nor member of Court, who professes not the Religion.

ITEM, The Kingis Grace with advise of my Lord {362} Regent, & the three Estaites of this present Parliament, statutes and ordainis, that no maner of person nor persons, be received in ony time heirafter, to bear publike office removabil of Judgement, within this Realme, bot sik as professis the puritie of Religion and doctrine, now presentlie established. And that nane be permitted to procure, nor admitted Notar, or created a member of Court, in any time cumming, without he in likewise professe the Evangel, and Religion foirsaid. Providing alwayes, that this Act be on na wise extended, to ony maner of person or persones, havand their offices heritablie or in life-rent, bot that they may use the samin, conforme to their infeftments, and dispositions granted to them thereof.

ITEM, The King’s Grace with advice of my Lord {362} Regent, & the three Estates of this present Parliament, statutes and ordains, that no manner of person nor persons, be received in any time hereafter, to bear publick office removable of Judgment, within this Realm, but such as professes the purity of Religion and doctrine, now presently established. And that none be permitted to procure, nor admitted Notar [notary, attorney], or created a member of Court, in any time coming, without he in likewise profess the Evangel, and Religion foresaid. Providing always, that this Act be on no wise extended, to any manner of person or persons, having their offices heritably or in life-rent, but that they may use the same, conform to their infeftments [sasines, instruments of possession], and dispositions granted to them thereof.

10. Anent the thridis of benefices, granted in the Moneth of December, the zeir of God 1561. zeires, for susteining of the Ministers and uther affaires of the Prince.

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10. Anent the thirds of benefices, granted in the Month of December, the year of God 1561 years, for sustaining of the Ministers and other affairs of the Prince.

ITEM, Because the Ministers hes bene lang defrauded of their stipendis, swa that they ar becummin in great povertie & necessity. And notwithstanding hes continued in their vocation, without payment of their stipendis, be an great space. Quhairthrow they ar and sall be constrained to leive their vocation without remeid be provided. THEREFORE our Soveraine Lord, with advise of my Lord Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes statute and ordained, that the haill thrids of the haill Benefices of this Realme, sall now instantlie, and in all times to cum, first bee payed to the Ministers of the Evangel of Jesus Christ, and their successours. And ordaines the Lords of the Session to grant, and give letteris, chargeing all and sundrie intromettours, or that beis adebted in payment of the samin, to answere and to obey the saidis Ministers and their Collectours, to be nominate be the saidis Ministers, with advise of my Lord Regent, in forme as effeiris, Notwithstanding anie discharge given be our Soveraine Lordis Mother, to quhatsumever person or persons, of the said thride, or ony pairt thereof, ay and quhill the Kirk come to the full possessioun of their proper Patrimonie, quhilk is the teindes. PROVIDING alwayes, that the Collectors of the saidis Ministers, make zeirlie compt in the Checker of their intromission. Swa, that the Ministers may be first answered of their stipendis, apperteyning to everie ane of them. And the rest and superplus to be applied to our Soveraigne Lords use. {363}

ITEM, Because the Ministers have been long defrauded of their stipends, so that they are becoming in great poverty & necessity; And notwithstanding have continued in their vocation, without payment of their stipends, by a great space. Where-through they are and shall be constrained to leave their vocation without remedy be provided; THEREFORE our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has statute and ordained, that the whole thirds of the whole Benefices of this Realm, shall now instantly, and in all times to come, first be paid to the Ministers of the Evangel of Jesus Christ, and their successours. And ordains the Lords of the Session to grant, and give letters, charging all and sundry intrometters, or that are adebted [indebted] in payment of the same, to answer and to obey the said Ministers and their Collectors, to be nominate by the said Ministers, with advice of my Lord Regent, in form as effeiris [accords], Notwithstanding any discharge given by our Sovereign Lord’s Mother, to whatsomever person or persons, of the said third, or any part thereof, aye and while [ever and until] the Kirk come to the full possession of their proper Patrimony, which is the teinds [tithes]. PROVIDING always, that the Collectors of the said Ministers, make yearly account in the Checker of their intromission. So, that the Ministers may be first answered of their stipends, appertaining to every one of them; And the rest and superplus to be applied to our Sovereign Lord’s use. {363}

11. The teacheris of zouth suld be tryed be the visitoris of the Kirk.

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11. The teachers of youth should be tried by the visitors of the Kirk.

ITEM, Forsameikle, as be all Lawes and constitutionis, it is provided, that the zouth be brocht up and instructed in the feare of God, and gude maneris: and gif it be utherwise, it is tinsel baith of their bodies and saules, gif Gods word be not ruted in them. QUHEIRFOIRE, our Soveraigne Lorde, with advise of my Lorde Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes statute and ordained, that all Schulis to Burgh and land, and all Universiteis and Colleges be reformed: And that nane be permitted nor admitted, to have charge and cure theirof in time cumming, nor to instruct the zouth privatlie or openlie: bot sik as sall be tryed be the Superintendentes or visitouris of the Kirk.

ITEM, Forsomuch, as by all Laws and constitutions, it is provided, that the youth be brought up and instructed in the fear of God, and good manners: and if it be otherwise, it is tinsel [loss] both of their bodies and souls, if God’s word be not rooted in them. WHEREFORE, our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has statute and ordained, that all Schools to Burgh and land [in town and country], and all Universities and Colleges be reformed: And that none be permitted nor admitted, to have charge and care thereof in time coming, nor to instruct the youth privately or openly: but such as shall be tried by the Superintendents or visitors of the Kirk.

12. ¶ Anent the iurisdictioun of the Kirk. Ca. xii.

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12. ¶ Anent the jurisdiction of the Kirk. Ca. xii.

ITEM Anent the artickle proponit, & geuin in be the Kirk to my Lord Regent, aud thre Estatis of this present Parliament, anent the iurisdictioun iustlie appertening to the trew Kirk, and immaculat spous of Jesus Christ: to be declarit and expressit as the artickle at mair length is consavit. ¶ The Kingis grace, with auise of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this present Parliament, hes declarit, and grantit iurisdictioun to the said Kirk: quhilk consistis and standis in preicheing of the trew word of Jesus Christ, correctioú of maneris, and administratioun of haly Sacramentis. And declairis that thair is na vther face of Kirk, nor vther face of Religioun, than is presentlie be the fauour of God establischeit within this Realme. And that thair be na vther iurisdictioun ecclesiasticall acknawlegeit within this Realme, vther than that quhilk is, and salbe within the same Kirk, or that quhilk flowis thairfra cócerning the premissis. And forther, our Souerane Lord, with auise of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis foirsaidis, hes geuin, and geuis power and commissioun to Schir James Balfour of Pettingdreich Knycht, Priour of Pettinweme, Mark Commédatour of Newbottill, Johne Priour of Coldinghame, Lord preuie Seill, Maister James Mackgill, of Rankelour nether, Clerk of Register, Williame Maitland zounger of Lethingtoun, Secretar to our Souerane Lord, Schir Johne Bellenden, of Auchinoull Knycht, Justice Clerk, Johne Erskin of Dune, Maister Johne Spottiswod, Superintendent of Lowthiane, Johne Knox, Maister Johne Craig, and Maister Dauid Lindesay Ministeris of the word of God. To seirche furth mair speciallie, & to considder quhat vther speciall pointis, {folio xiii. recto} or clausis, sould appertene to the iurisdictioun, priuilege, and authoritie of the said Kirk. And to declair thair myndis thairanentis, to my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this Realme, at the nixt Parliamét. Swa, that thay may tak ordour thairintill, and authoreis the samin be act of Parliament, as salbe fund aggreabill to the word of God.

ITEM Anent the article proponed, & given in by the Kirk to my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, anent the jurisdiction justly appertaining to the true Kirk, and immaculate spouse of Jesus Christ: to be declared and expressed as the article at more length is conceived. ¶ The King’s grace, with advice of my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, has declared, and granted jurisdiction to the said Kirk: which consists and stands in preaching of the true word of Jesus Christ, correction of manners, and administration of holy Sacraments. And declares that there is no other face of Kirk, nor other face of Religion, than is presently by the favour of God established within this Realm. And that there be no other jurisdiction ecclesiastical acknowledged within this Realm, other than that which is, and shall be within the same Kirk, or that which flows therefrom concerning the premises. And further, our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, and three Estates foresaids, has given, and gives power and commission to Sir James Balfour of Pettingdreich Knight, Prior of Pettinweme, Mark Commendatour of Newbottill, John Prior of Coldinghame, Lord privy Seal, Master James Mackgill, of Rankelour nether, Clerk of Register, William Maitland younger of Lethingtoun, Secretary to our Sovereign Lord, Sir John Bellenden, of Auchinoull Knight, Justice Clerk, John Erskin of Dune, Master John Spottiswood, Superintendent of Lowthian, John Knox, Master John Craig, and Master David Lindsey Ministers of the word of God. To search forth more specially, & to consider what other special points, {folio xiii. recto} or clauses, should appertain to the jurisdiction, privilege, and authority of the said Kirk. And to declare their minds thereanents, to my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this Realm, at the next Parliament. So, that they may take order therein, and authorize the same by act of Parliament, as shall be found agreeable to the word of God.

12. Anent the disposition of Provestries, Prebendaries, & Chaplaneries, to bursaris to be found in Colleges.

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12. Anent the disposition of Provostries, Prebendaries, & Chaplainries, to bursars to be found in Colleges.

ITEM, For-sa-meikle as the zouth is not onelie seene to preserve the commoun weill, bot alswa of them mon rise sik, as after this mon serve in the Kirk of God, within this Realme, and to the commoun weill of the samin. And because the povertie of many is in sik sort, that they may not hald their Children at letteris, quhairby the maist part of the zouth of this Realme wantis the guiftis and graces of learning, requisite to that charge. For remeid heirof: OUR SOVERAINE LORD, with advise and consent of my Lord Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes statute and ordained, that all Patronis havand Provestries, or Prebendaries of Colleges, Alterages or Chaplaneries, at their giftis and disposition, may in all times cumming, at their pleasure present the samin to Bursaris, quhom they pleise to name, to studie vertew and letteris, within ane College of ony of the Universities of this Realme, there to remaine for sik space, as the Patron foirsaid pleasis to hald him at vertew and learning, within the foirsaid College, and as sall be aggried upon be the Patronis of the saidis Provestries, or Prebendaries, with the Principal and Maisters of the College of the Universities. And after the Patron removeth that Bursar furth of the said College, to present ane uther. And swa furth fra ane to ane uther, to the effect foirsaid, at the Patronis pleasure: notwithstanding ony fundatioun, or confirmatioun past, be quhatsumever authoritie in ony times bygaine. Anent the quhilk our Soveraine Lord, my Lord {364} Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, dispensis: Swa that the saidis Patronis may dispone their Provestries, and Prebendaries, to sik Bursaris, as they sall think expedient, als oft as neid beis. Quhilk sall be na hurt, nor prejudice to their Patronage, notwithstanding their fundationes, and Confirmationes quhat-sumever, or ony provision conteined thereintil. And therefore our SOVERAINE LORD, my Lord Regent, and the three Estaites foresaides, heartelie requests all Patrones of Colleges, Prebendaries, and Provestries, to graunt and dispone their Provestries and Prebendaries to the Bursaris foresaidis, in maner above specified. Swa that lerters may be authorized, and the zouth sufficientlie brought up in vertew and learning, to the glory of God, and comfort of the common weill of this Realme.

ITEM, Forsomuch as the youth is not only seen to preserve the common weal, but also of them must rise such, as after this must serve in the Kirk of God, within this Realm, and to the common weal of the same; And because the poverty of many is in such sort, that they may not hold their Children at letters, whereby the most part of the youth of this Realm wants the gifts and graces of learning, requisite to that charge; For remedy hereof: OUR SOVEREIGN LORD, with advice and consent of my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has statute and ordained, that all Patrons having Provostries, or Prebendaries of Colleges, Alterages or Chaplainries, at their gifts and disposition, may in all times coming, at their pleasure present the same to Bursars, whom they please to name, to study virtue and letters, within a College of any of the Universities of this Realm, there to remain for such space, as the Patron foresaid pleases to hold him at virtue and learning, within the foresaid College, and as shall be agreed upon by the Patrons of the said Provostries, or Prebendaries, with the Principal and Masters [Ministers—Ed. 1568.] of the College of the Universities. And after the Patron removeth that Bursar forth of the said College, to present another. And so forth from one to another, to the effect foresaid, at the Patron’s pleasure: notwithstanding any foundation, or confirmation past, be whatsomever authority in any times bygone. Anent the which our Sovereign Lord, my Lord {364} Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, dispenses: So that the said Patrons may dispone [dispose] their Provostries, and Prebendaries, to such Bursars, as they shall think expedient, as oft as need is. Which shall be no hurt, nor prejudice to their Patronage, notwithstanding their foundations, and Confirmations whatsomever, or any provision contained therein. And therefore our SOVEREIGN LORD, my Lord Regent, and the three Estates foresaids, heartily requests all Patrons of Colleges, Prebendaries, and Provostries, to grant and dispone [dispose] their Provostries and Prebendaries to the Bursars foresaids, in manner above specified. So that letters may be authorized, and the youth sufficiently brought up in virtue and learning, to the glory of God, and comfort of the common weal of this Realm.

13. Anent the filthie vice of Fornication, and punishment of the samin.

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13. Anent the filthy vice of Fornication, and punishment of the same.

ITEM, It is statute, and ordained be our Soveraine Lord, with advise and consent of his dearest Regent, & three Estaites of this present Parliament, that gif ony person or personis within this Realme, to Burgh or to land, sall commit the filthie vice of Fornication and beis convict thereof, that the committeris thereof, sall be punished in maner following. That is to say, for the first fault, alsweil the man, as the woman, sall pay the summe of fourtie pundis: Or then baith he, and she, sall be imprisoned for the space of aucht dayes, their fude to be breade and small drinke. And thereafter presented to the mercat place of the Towne or Parochin bair-headed, & there stand fastened, that they may not remoove, for the space of twa houres: as fra ten houres to twelve houres at noone. For the second fault being convict, they sall pay the summe of ane hundreth markes, or then the foirnamed dayis of their imprisonement sall be doubled, their fude to be bread and water allanerlie. And in the end, to be presented to the said mercat place, and baith the headis of the man & the woman to be schaven. And for the thrid fault, being convict thereof, sall pay ane hundreth pundis, Or else their above imprisonment to be tripled, their fude to be breade and water allanerlie. And in the end, to be tane to the deipest and foullest pule, or water of the Towne, or Parochin, there to be thrise dowked, and theirafter banished the said Towne, or Parochin for ever. And fra thine furth, how oft that ever they be convict, of the foresaide vice of Fornication, that sa oft the said thrid penaltie be execute upon them. And that the Provest and Baillies of ilk Burgh, the Justice general, and his deputes, or sik {365} uthers persones, as sall please our said Soveraine Lord to give commission unto, be Judges to the persones suspect, & delated of Fornication: and being convict, they sall lift and uptake the above written pecunial paines, of the persones responsal, & rather willing to pay the samin, nor to be demained in their persones. And that the saidis corporal paines of imprisonment, banishing, and uthers above specified, be execute upon all sik persones, as outher refusis to pay the pecunial paines, or that ar not responsal to pay the samin. And that the samin pecunial paines, quhilkis sall happen to be received, be surelie keiped in ane close box, and be converted ad pios usus, in they partis, quhair the cryme is committed, as it sall please our said Soveraine Lord, and his dearest Regent to commande. And the receivers of the said paynes, to be ready to give accompt thereof, quhen ever they sall be requyred thereunto.

ITEM, It is statute, and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of his dearest Regent, & three Estates of this present Parliament, that if any person or persons within this Realm, to Burgh or to land [in town or in country], shall commit the filthy vice of Fornication and is convict thereof, that the committers thereof, shall be punished in manner following: That is to say, for the first fault, as well the man, as the woman, shall pay the sum of forty pounds: Or then both he, and she, shall be imprisoned for the space of eight days, their food to be bread and small drink. And thereafter presented to the marketplace of the Town or Parish bare-headed, & there stand fastened, that they may not remove, for the space of two hours: as from ten hours to twelve hours at noon. For the second fault being convict, they shall pay the sum of an hundred marks, or then the forenamed days of their imprisonment shall be doubled, their food to be bread and water only. And in the end, to be presented to the said marketplace, and both the heads of the man & the woman to be shaven. And for the third fault, being convict thereof, shall pay one hundred pounds, Or else their above imprisonment to be tripled, their food to be bread and water only. And in the end, to be taken to the deepest and foulest pool, or water of the Town, or Parish, there to be thrice dunked, and thereafter banished [from] the said Town, or Parish forever. And from thenceforth, how oft that ever they be convicted, of the foresaid vice of Fornication, that so oft the said third penalty be execute upon them. And that the Provost and Baillies of each Burgh, the Justice general, and his deputes, or such {365} other persons, as shall please our said Sovereign Lord to give commission unto, be Judges to the persons suspected, & delated of Fornication: and being convicted, they shall lift and uptake the above written pecunial pains, of the persons responsal [solvent], & rather willing to pay the same, nor [than] to be demained [dealt with] in their persons. And that the said corporal pains of imprisonment, banishing, and others above specified, be execute upon all such persons, as either refuse to pay the pecunial pains, or that are not responsal [solvent] to pay the same. And that the same pecunial pains, which shall happen to be received, be surely kept in a close box, and be converted ad pios usus, in those parts, where the crime is committed, as it shall please our said Sovereign Lord, and his dearest Regent to command. And the receivers of the said pains, to be ready to give account thereof, whenever they shall be required thereunto.

14. Anent them that committis Incest.

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14. Anent them that commit Incest.

ITEM, Forsameikle as the abhominable, vile, and filthie lust of Incest, is sa abhominable in the presence of God, and that the samin Eternal God, be his expresse word, hes condemned the samin, and zit nevertheless the said vice is sa used within this Realme, and the word of God is in sik sort contemned be the users thereof, that God be his just judgements hes occasioun to plague the Realme, where the said vice is committed, without God of his mercie be mair gracious, and remeid be provided, that the said vice cease in time cumming. THEREFOIR our Soveraine Lord, with advise and consent of my Lord Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, statutes and ordaines, that quhat-sumever person or persones, that committes the said abhominable cryme of Incest, That is to say, quhat-sumever person or persones they be, that abuses their bodie with sik persones in degrie, as God in his word hes expresslie forbidden, in ony tyme cumming, as is contained in the xviij. Chapter of Leviticus, sall be punished to the death.

ITEM, Forsomuch as the abominable, vile, and filthy lust of Incest, is so abominable in the presence of God, and that the same Eternal God, by his express word, has condemned the same, and yet nevertheless the said vice is so used within this Realm, and the word of God is in such sort contemned by the users thereof, that God by his just judgments has occasion to plague the Realm, where the said vice is committed, without God of his mercy be more gracious, and remedy be provided, that the said vice cease in time coming; THEREFORE our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, statutes and ordains, that whatsomever person or persons, that commits the said abominable crime of Incest, That is to say, whatsomever person or persons they be, that abuses their body with such persons in degree, as God in his word has expressly forbidden, in any time coming, as is contained in the 18th Chapter of Leviticus, shall be punished to the death.

15. Anent lawful mariage of the awin blude, in degries not forbidden be God his word.

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15. Anent lawful marriage of the own blood, in degrees not forbidden by God his word.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise & consent of my Lord Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes statute, and ordained, that the halie band of marriage, made be all Estaites and sorts of men and women, to be als lawful and als frie, as the Lawe of God hes permitted {366} the samin, to be done, without exception of person or persones. And hes declared, and declares, that secunds in degrees of consanguinitie, and affinitie, and all degries outwith the samin, contained in the word of the Eternal God, and that are not repugnant to the said word, might, and may lawfully marry at all times sen the viij. day of March, the zeir of God ane thousand five hundreth fiftie aucht zeiris, notwithstanding ony Law, statute, or constitution maid in the contrare. And ratifyis and apprevis all the said mariages done sen the said day. And the bairnis gottin, or to be gottin in sik Mariage, to be as lauchful, asweil toward their successioun to landis, heritages, or ony uther liberties, as ony bairnis gottin in Mariage, and to be repute and esteemed, in all time to cume, lauchfullie gottin, in lauchful Mariage, notwithstanding any Lawes, statutes, constitutions, or Actis, maid, or to be maid in the contrare.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice & consent of my Lord Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has statute, and ordained, that the holy band of marriage, made by all Estates and sorts of men and women, to be as lawful and as free, as the Law of God has permitted {366} the same, to be done, without exception of person or persons. And has declared, and declares, that seconds in degrees of consanguinity, and affinity, and all degrees outwith [beyond] the same, contained in the word of the Eternal God, and that are not repugnant to the said word, might, and may lawfully marry at all times since the 8th day of March, the year of God one thousand five hundred fifty-eight years, notwithstanding any Law, statute, or constitution made in the contrary. And ratifies and approves all the said marriages done since the said day. And the bairns gotten, or to be gotten in such Marriage, to be as lawful, as well toward their succession to lands, heritages, or any other liberties, as any bairns gotten in Marriage, and to be reputed and esteemed, in all time to come, lawfully gotten, in lawful Marriage, notwithstanding any Laws, statutes, constitutions, or Acts, made, or to be made in the contrary.

16. Anent slaying of Hart, Hynde, and utheris beastes and foulis with Culverings.

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16. Anent slaying of Hart, Hind, and other beasts and fowls with Culverings [Firelocks, Muskets].

ITEM, For-sa-meikle as there hes bene divers Acts and statutes made of before, that na maner of person, nor personis suld schut with Culveringis, Crosbow, or handbow ony time, at Da, Ra, Hart, Hynde, Hair, Cunning, Dow, Herron or foule of river, under special pains, conteined in the saidis acts and statutes. And notwithstanding the samin, and that na execution hes followed of before, upon the persones contraveneris of the saidis Actes, they ar sa lichtlie esteemed, that the saidis Beastes and Foules, are at all times slaine down, & destroyed be sik persones, that nouther hes regaird to the commoun weill, nor policie of the countrie.

ITEM, Forsomuch as there has been divers Acts and statutes made of before, that no manner of person, nor persons should shoot with Culverings [Firelocks, Muskets], Crossbow, or hand-bow any time, at Doe, Roe, Hart, Hind, Hare, Cunning [Rabbit], Dow [Dove], Herron or fowl of river, under special pains, contained in the saids acts and statutes. And notwithstanding the same, and that no execution has followed of before, upon the persons contraveners of the saids Acts, they are so lightly esteemed, that the saids Beasts and Fowls, are at all times slain down, & destroyed by such persons, that neither has regard to the common weal, nor policy of the country.

Theirfoir it is statute and ordained, be our Soveraigne Lord, with advise of his Regent, and the three Estaitis of this Realme, that quhatsumever person or personis, of quhat Estaite, degree or conditioun that ever they be of, schuttis in ony times cumming, with Culvering, Crosbow, or Handbow, at Da, Ra, Hart, Hynde, Hair, Cunning, Dow, Herron, or foule of river, within this Realme, sall foirfault and tyne their haill moveabil gudis, that ane halfe thereof to our Soveraine Lordis use, and the uther halfe to be applyed to the Judge, and apprehender of him that committis the crime, to bee divided equallie betuixt them. And to that effect, ordainis all Schireffes, Stewardes, Baillies of Regalitie, and all uther ordinar Judges, with sik uthers, as sall please our Soveraine Lord, & his Regent to give power & commission, to call the contraveneris of this present Act, {367} at particular diettis. And gif they be convict of the crime, to escheit all their moveabil gudis, to be applyed in maner foirsaid. And gif the committer of the cryme be ane vagabound not havand gudis, that the Judge, quhom befoir he is conuit, keip and hald him in prison, for the space of fourtie dayis. And that for the first fault. And the nixt fault, to cut of his richt hand.

Therefore it is statute and ordained, by our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his Regent, and the three Estates of this Realm, that whatsomever person or persons, of what Estate, degree or condition that ever they be of, shoots in any times coming, with Culvering, Crossbow, or Hand-bow, at Doe, Roe, Hart, Hind, Hare, Cunning [Rabbit], Dow [Dove], Herron, or fowl of river, within this Realm, shall forfeit and tyne [lose] their whole moveable goods, that one half thereof to our Sovereign Lord’s use, and the other half to be applied to the Judge, and apprehender of him that commits the crime, to be divided equally betwixt them. And to that effect, ordains all Sheriffs, Stewards, Baillies of Regality, and all other ordinary Judges, with such others, as shall please our Sovereign Lord, & his Regent to give power & commission, to call the contraveners of this present Act, {367} at particular diets. And if they be convict of the crime, to escheat all their moveable goods, to be applied in manner foresaid. And if the committer of the crime be a vagabond not having goods, that the Judge, whom before he is convicted, keep and hold him in prison, for the space of forty days, And that for the first fault. And the next fault, to cut off his right hand.

18. ¶ Anent the act of Parliament, maid of befoir, of the declaratioun of our Souerane Lordis Motheris perfyte age. Ca. xviii.

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18. ¶ Anent the act of Parliament, made of before, of the declaration of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s perfect age. Ca. xviii.

ITEM Anent the act maid in Parliament, haldin at Edinburgh, the .xv. day of December, the zeir of God ane thousand fyue hundreth, thre scoir foure zeiris. Quhairin it was declairit be act, and authorisit be our Souerane Lordis derrest Mother, in the foirsaid Parliament, declairand, and findand hir grace, and hir predecessouris, and posteritie, Princes of this Realme, to haue bene, and to be at lauchfull and perfyte age, of .xxj. zeiris compleit. Nottheles the said act being prentit, the Prentar thairof hes negligentlie left furth the forme of act of Parliament. ¶ Thairfoir our Souerane Lord, with aduyse of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this present Parliament, hes fundin the fault in the Prentar of the said act, and thairfoir ordanis the samin to be of new prentit, conforme to the principall act in the Register, of the said Parliament, haldin the day, and zeir abone written. Of the quhilk the tennour followis.

ITEM Anent the act made in Parliament, holden at Edinburgh, the 15th day of December, the year of God one thousand five hundred, threescore four years: Wherein it was declared by act, and authorized by our Sovereign Lord’s dearest Mother, in the foresaid Parliament, declaring, and finding her grace, and her predecessours, and posterity, Princes of this Realm, to have been, and to be at lawful and perfect age, of 21 years complete. Nonetheless the said act being printed, the Printer thereof has negligently left forth the form of act of Parliament. ¶ Therefore our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, has found the fault in the Printer of the said act, and therefore ordains the same to be of new printed, conform to the principal act in the Register, of the said Parliament, holden the day, and year above written. Of the which the tenour follows.

¶ Anent the artickle proponit to the Quenis Maiestie, and thre Estatis of Parliament, makand mentioun of ane act of Parliament, maid be King James the Secund, of gude memorie, of the dait, the .xx. day of Marche, the zeir of God ane thousand foure hundreth threttie seuin zeiris. And of ane vther act maid be King James the feird, in his reuocatioun, makand mentioun of .xxj. zeiris of age, of the dait, the .xv. day of Februar, the zeir of God ane thousand foure hundreth, threttie {folio xv. recto} nyne zeiris. Lyke as the saidis actis respectiue, at mair lenth proportis. ¶ Desyring thairfoir our Souerane Lady, and thre Estatis of this present Parliament, to declair the saidis actis and vtheris actis following, anent the lauchfull and perfyte age of the Prince, gif it be at .xxj. zeiris compleit. Quha hes declairit, and declairis, that the Quenis Maiesteis predecessouris, Kingis of this Realme, war be the saidis actis, of lauchfull and perfyte age, at .xxi. zeiris compleit, lyke as hir hienes being of .xxj. zeiris of age compleit, is of perfyte and lauchfull age. Swa that hir hienes, hir predecessouris, and successouris efter the said age, of .xxj. zeiris compleit, mycht haue done, and may do all thingis, that thairefter ane Prince of lauchfull, and perfyte age, mycht haue done, or may do of the Law.

¶ Anent the article proponed to the Queen’s Majesty, and three Estates of Parliament, making mention of an act of Parliament, made by King James the Second, of good memory, of the date, the 20th day of March, the year of God one thousand four hundred thirty-seven years. And of another act made by King James the fourth, in his revocation, making mention of 21 years of age, of the date, the 15th day of February, the year of God one thousand four hundred, thirty-nine {folio xv. recto} years. Likeas the saids acts respective, at more length purports. ¶ Desiring therefore our Sovereign Lady, and three Estates of this present Parliament, to declare the saids acts and others acts following, anent the lawful and perfect age of the Prince, if it be at 21 years complete. Who has declared, and declares, that the Queen’s Majesty’s predecessours, Kings of this Realm, were by the saids acts, of lawful and perfect age, at 21 years complete, like as her highness being of 21 years of age complete, is of perfect and lawful age. So that her highness, her predecessours, and successours after the said age, of 21 years complete, might have done, and may do all things, that thereafter a Prince of lawful, and perfect age, might have done, or may do of the Law.

19. ¶ Anent the retentioun of our Souerane Lordis Motheris person. Ca. xix.

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19. ¶ Anent the retention of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s person. Ca. xix.

ITEM Anent the artickle proponit be the Erlis, Lordis, and vther Nobill men, quha tuik armis at Carbarrie hill, vpon the .xv. day of Junij last bypast. And anent thair conueningis of befoir, and of the cause of the apprehensioun of the Quene, Mother to our Souerane Lord. And quhidder the saidis Nobill mé, and vtheris quhilkis tuik armis of befoir hir said apprehensioun, and quhilkis ioynit with thame, and assistit thame at that tyme, or ony wayis sensyne, hes done the dewtie of Nobill men, gude, and trew subiectis of this Realme, and na wayis offendit, nor transgressit the Lawis in that effect, or ony thing depending thairupon, outher preceding, or following the samin. ¶ Our Souerane Lord, with auise of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis, and haill body of this present Parliament, hes fundin, declairit, and concludit, and be this present act findis, declairis, and concludis, that the cause and occasioun of the conueutiounis, and messageis of the saidis Erlis, Lordis, Nobill men, Barronis, and vtheris faithfull and trew subiectis, and consequentlie, thair taking of armis, and cuming to the feildis with oppin and displayit banneris, and the cause and occasioun of the taking of the said Quenis person, vpon the said .xv. day of Junij last bypast, and halding, and detening of the samin within the housis and Fortalice of Lochleuin, continuallie, sensyne presentlie, and in all tyme cuming. And generallie all vther thingis inuentit, spokin, writtin, or done be thame, or ony of thame to that effect, sen the tent day of Februar last bypast, vpon the quhilk day, vmquhile Henry King, than the said Quenis lauchfull husband, and our Souerane Lord the Kingis derrest Father, was tressonablie, schamefullie, and horriblie murthourit, vnto the day and dait, of this present act, and in all tymes to cum, tuicheing the said Quene, and detening of hir person. That the cause and {folio xv. verso} all thingis dependand thairon, or that ony wayis may pertene thairto, the intromissioun, or disponing vpon hir propirtie, casualiteis, or quhatsumeuer thing pertening, or that ony wayis mycht pertene to hir, Wes in the said Quenis awin default, in sa far as be diuers hir preuie letteris writtin halelie with hir awin hand, and send be hir to James, sumtyme Erle of Bothwell, cheif executour of the said horribill murthour, asweill befoir the committing thairof, as thairefter. And be hir ungodlie, and dishonourabill proceding to ane pretédit mariage with him, suddandlie, and vnprouisitlie thairefter, it is maist certaine, that scho was preuie, airt, and pairt, of the actuall deuise, and deid of the foirnamit murthour, of the King hir lauchful husband, and Father to our Souerane Lord, committit be the said James, sumtyme Erle of Bothwell, his complices, and pertakeris. And thairfoir iustlie deseruis quhatsumever hes bene done to hir in ony tyme bygane, or that salbe vsit towardis hir, for the said cause in tyme cuming, quhilk salbe vsit be aduise of the Nobilitie, in respect, that our said Souerane Lordis Mother, with the said James, sumtyme Erle of Bothwell, zeid about be indirect and colourit menis, to colour, and hald bak the knawlege of the treuth of the committaris of the said cryme. Zit all men in thair hartis war fullelie perswadit, of the authouris and deuysaris of that mischeuous, and vnworthie fact, awaiting quhill God sould moue the hartis of sum to enter in the querrell, for reuengeing of the samin. And in the menetyme, ane greit pairt of the Nobilitie, vpon iust feir to be handlit, and demanit in semblabill maner, as the King had bene of befoir. Persauing alswa the Quene sa thrall; and swa blindlie affectionat to the priuate appetyte of that tyrane, and that baith he, and scho had conspyrit togidder sic horribill crueltie, being thairwith all garnissit with ane cumpanie of vngodlie, and vitious personis, reddy to accomplische all thair vnlauchfull commandementis, of quhome he had ane sufficient number, continuallie awaiting vpon him, for the samin effect, all Nobill and vertuous men abhorring thair tyrannie, and cumpanie, bot cheiflie suspecting, that thay, quha had sa tressonablie put downe, and distroyit the Father, sould mak the innocent Prince, his onlie Sone, and the principall, and almaist onlie confort, send be God to this afflictit natioun, to taist of the samin coup (as the mony inuentit purposis to pas quhair he was, and alswa quhair the Nobill men war in) be thair oppin confusioun gaif sufficient warning and declaratioun, quhairthrow the saids Erlis, Lordis, Barronis, and vtheris faithfull, and trew subiectis taking armis, or vtherwyse quhatsumeuer ioyning, and assisting in the said actioun, and in the saidis conuentiounis, displaying baneris, and cuming to the feildis, taking and retening of the Quenis person, asweill in tymes bypast, as heirefter, and all vtheris that hes thairefter, or sall {folio xvi. recto} in ony tyme cuming adioyne to thame, and all thingis done be thame, or ony of thame, tuicheing that cause, and all vther thingis depending thairon, or that ony wayis may appertene thairto, the intromissioun, or disponing vpon hir propirtie, or casualiteis, or quhatsumeuer vther thingis pertening, or ony wayis mycht appertene to hir, was in default of hir self, and the said James, sumtyme Erle of Bothwell, and be the horribill, and cruell murther of our said Souerane Lordis vmquhile derrest Father, conspyrit, deuysit, committit, conseilit, and colourit be thame, and not condignelie puneist according to the Lawis. And that the saidis Erlis, Lordis, Barronis, and vtheris trew, and faithfull subiectis, conuening at ony conuentioun bygaine, and now presentlie, efter the said murthour, for furthering of the tryell thairof, and als thay, and all vtheris that war on the feildis, tuik armis, apprehendit, held, keipit, or detenit, or presentlie haldis, keipis, or detenis hir person, or sall thairefter, or that hes ionit, or assistit, or sall in ony tyme heirefter ioyne to thame in that querrell, tuicheing the premissis, ar, war, and salbe innocent, fre, and acquyte of the samin, and of all actioun, and cause criminall, and ciuill, that may be intentit, or persewit aganis thame, or ony of thame thairfoir, in ony tyme cuming. And that ane pairt of the thre Estatis foirsaidis, Prelatis, Bishopis, greit Barronis, and Burgessis, gaif thair Seillis thairupon, to be vsit as salbe thocht maist expedient be thame, for the honour of the Realme, and securitie of the nobill men, and vtheris hauand enteres in the said cause. And decernis, this declaratioun to be na wayis preiudiciall to the Issue of our Souerane Lordis Mother, lauchfullie cumin of hir body, to succeid to the Crowne of this Realme, nor thair airis.

ITEM Anent the article proponed by the Earls, Lords, and other Noblemen, who took arms at Carberry hill, upon the 15th day of June last bypast. And anent their convenings of before, and of the cause of the apprehension of the Queen, Mother to our Sovereign Lord. And whether the saids Noblemen, and others which took arms of before her said apprehension, and which joined with them, and assisted them at that time, or any ways since then, has done the duty of Noblemen, good, and true subjects of this Realm, and no ways offended, nor transgressed the Laws in that effect, or any thing depending thereupon, either preceding, or following the same. ¶ Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, and three Estates, and whole body of this present Parliament, has found, declared, and concluded, and by this present act finds, declares, and concludes, that the cause and occasion of the conventions, and messages of the saids Earls, Lords, Noblemen, Barons, and others faithful and true subjects, and consequently, their taking of arms, and coming to the fields with open and displayed banners, and the cause and occasion of the taking of the said Queen’s person, upon the said 15th day of June last bypast, and holding, and detaining of the same within the houses and Fortalice of Lochleven, continually, since then, presently, and in all time coming; And generally all other things invented [devised], spoken, written, or done be them, or any of them to that effect, since the tenth day of February last bypast, upon the which day, umwhile [late, deceased] Henry King, then the said Queen’s lawful husband, and our Sovereign Lord the King’s dearest Father, was treasonably, shamefully, and horribly murdered, unto the day and date, of this present act, and in all times to come, touching the said Queen, and detaining of her person: That the cause and {folio xv. verso} all things depending thereon, or that anyways may pertain thereto, the intromission, or disponing upon [disposing, ordering] her property, casualties, or whatsomever thing pertaining, or that any ways might pertain to her, Was in the said Queen’s own default [fault], insofar as by divers her privy letters written wholly with her own hand, and sent by her to James, sometime Earl of Bothwell, chief executor of the said horrible murder, aswell before the committing thereof, as thereafter. And by her ungodly, and dishonourable proceeding to a pretended marriage with him, suddenly, and unprovisitly [unexpectedly] thereafter, it is most certain, that she was privy, art and part, of the actual device and deed of the forenamed murder, of the King her lawful husband, and Father to our Sovereign Lord, committed by the said James, sometime Earl of Bothwell, his accomplices, and partakers. And therefore justly deserves whatsomever has been done to her in any time bygone, or that shall be used towards her, for the said cause in time coming, which shall be used by advice of the Nobility, in respect, that our said Sovereign Lord’s Mother, with the said James, sometime Earl of Bothwell, went about by indirect and coloured means, to colour, and hold back the knowledge of the truth of the committers of the said crime. Yet all men in their hearts were fully persuaded, of the authors and devisers of that mischievous, and unworthy fact [act, deed], awaiting while [until] God should move the hearts of some to enter in the quarrel, for revenging of the same. And in the meantime, a great part of the Nobility, upon just fear to be handled, and demanit [treated] in semblable [similar] manner, as the King had been of before; Perceiving also the Queen so thrall; and so blindly affectionate to the private appetite of that tyrant, and that both he, and she had conspired together such horrible cruelty, being therewithal garnissed [furnished] with a company of ungodly, and vicious persons, ready to accomplish all their unlawful commandments, of whom he had a sufficient number, continually awaiting upon him, for the same effect, all Noble and virtuous men abhorring their tyranny, and company, but chiefly suspecting, that they, who had so treasonably put down, and destroyed the Father, should make the innocent Prince, his only Son, and the principal, and almost only confort [comfort, consolation], sent by God to this afflicted nation, to taste of the same cup (as the many invented purposes to pass where he was, and also where the Noblemen were in) by their open confusion gave sufficient warning and declaration, where-through the saids Earls, Lords, Barons, and others faithful, and true subjects taking arms, or otherwise whatsomever joining, and assisting in the said action, and in the saids conventions, displaying banners, and coming to the fields, taking and retaining of the Queen’s person, aswell in times bypast, as hereafter, and all others that has thereafter, or shall {folio xvi. recto} in any time coming adjoin to them, and all things done by them, or any of them, touching that cause, and all other things depending thereon, or that any ways may appertain thereto, the intromission, or disponing upon [disposing, ordering of] her property, or casualties, or whatsomever other things pertaining, or any ways might appertain to her, was in default [the fault] of herself, and the said James, sometime Earl of Bothwell, and by the horrible, and cruel murder of our said Sovereign Lord’s umwhile [late, deceased] dearest Father, conspired, devised, committed, concealed, and coloured by them, and not condignly punished according to the Laws. And that the saids Earls, Lords, Barons, and others true, and faithful subjects, convening at any convention bygone, and now presently, after the said murder, for furthering of the trial thereof, and as they, and all others that were on the fields, took arms, apprehended, held, kept, or detained, or presently holds, keeps, or detains her person, or shall thereafter, or that has jonit [joined, united], or assisted, or shall in any time hereafter join to them in that quarrel, touching the premises, are, were, and shall be innocent, free, and acquit of the same, and of all action, and cause criminal, and civil, that may be intended, or pursued against them, or any of them therefore, in any time coming. And that a part of the three Estates foresaids, Prelates, Bishops, great Barons, and Burgesses, give their Seals thereupon, to be used as shall be thought most expedient by them, for the honour of the Realm, and security of the noblemen, and others having interest in the said cause. And decerns this declaration to be no ways prejudicial to the Issue of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother, lawfully coming of her body, to succeed to the Crown of this Realm, nor their heirs.

20. ¶ The declaratioun of Parliament maid to the Laird of Lochleuin, anent the keiping of the Kingis Mother, in the hous and Fortalice of Lochleuin. Ca. xx.

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20. ¶ The declaration of Parliament made to the Laird of Lochleven, anent the keeping of the King’s Mother, in the house and Fortalice of Lochleven. Ca. xx.

Anent the supplicatioun geuin in be Williame Dowglas of Lochleuin, beirand that the Erlis of Mortoun, Atholl, Mar, Glencarne, the Lordis Ruthuen, Holme, Lindesay, Sempill, and diueris vtheris honorabill Barronis, and gentilmen of this Realme, vpon the .xvj. day of Junij, last bypast, be thair letteris subscriuit with thair handis, gaif command to the said Williame Dowglas, vpon his dew obedience, and as he tenderis the commoun weill of this Realme, his natiue cuntrie, to ressaue our Souerane Lordis Mother in keping, within his fortalice, & place of Lochleuin, as being ane rowme maist conuenient thairto, and keip hir surelie thairintill, ay & quhill farther tryall be taine, anent the cruell murthour, and tressonabill slauchter of vmquhile Henry King, spous to the Quene, than our Souerane, and the said Williame sufficientlie exonerit, {folio xvi. verso} and dischargeit of hir said keping, as the letteris, and charge direct be the saidis Erlis, Lordis, and nobill men, schawin in presence of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this Realme beiris. And thairfoir desyring our Souerane Lord, my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this presét Parliamét, to gif declaratour to the said Williame Dowglas of Lochleuin, that he hes done his detfull diligence, in ressauing, and keping of our said Souerane Lordis derrest Mother. And thairthrow that he, and his airis may be fre of all actioun, and cryme that may be imputit to thame thairthrow, and of ony vther thing done to hir, sen hir cuming to the said place, and fortalice, in respect of hir awin declaratioun schawin, and producit in presence of my said Lord Regent, and haill Estatis of this present Parliament, lyke as the said supplicatioun, wrytingis, and chargeis direct thairanent schawin, and producit as said is beiris. ¶ Our Souerane Lord, with auise of the said Lord Regent, and thre Estatis, and haill body of this present Parliament, declairis the saidis letteris, & chargeis, direct to the said Williame Dowglas of Lochleuin in maner abone written, to be dewlie, & ressonablie direct, and procedit vpon ane iust, trew, and sinceir ground, and thairfoir be censement of this present Parliament, authorisis, and declairis the samin to haue bene dewlie, weill, ordourlie, and iustly direct vpon gude causis, and consideratiounis, lyke as alswa our Souerane Lord, with auise of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of Parliament foirsaid, authorisis, and declaris the wrytingis, & declaratioun maid be our said Souerane Lordis derrest mother, vpon the .xxviij. day of Julij last bypast, declairand that scho on na wyse was treitit, nor cópellit be the said Williame Dowglas of Lochleuin, nor na vtheris of his causing, to do ony thing contrare hir plesour, sen hir cuming to the said place of Lochleuin. And thairfoir ordanis the saidis letteris, chargeis, and vtheris wryttingis abone writtin, to be insert and registrat in the buikis of Parliament, to remaine thairintill perpetuallie, for declaratioun of the said Williame Dowglas trew, and iust obedience in the said mater. And declairis, he hes done his detfull dewtie in obtempering, obeying, and fulfilling of the command, and charge abone writtin, and decernis him, his airis, successouris, and posteritie to be harmles and skaithles thairanent, for now and euer. And dischargeis all actioú and cause criminall, and ciuile, that may be intentit, or persewit aganis thame, or him for the samin, for now and euer be this present act.

Anent the supplication given in by William Douglas of Lochleven, bearing that the Earls of Morton, Atholl, Mar, Glencairn, the Lords Ruthven, Holme, Lindsey, Sempill, and divers others honorable Barons, and gentlemen of this Realm, upon the 16th day of June, last bypast, by their letters subscribed with their hands, gave command to the said William Douglas, upon his due obedience, and as he tenders the common weal of this Realm, his native country, to receive our Sovereign Lord’s Mother in keeping, within his fortalice, & place of Lochleven, as being a room most convenient thereto, and keep her surely therein, aye & while [ever and until] further trial be taken, anent the cruel murder, and treasonable slaughter of umwhile [late, deceased] Henry King, spouse to the Queen, then our Sovereign, and the said William sufficiently exonered, {folio xvi. verso} and discharged of her said keeping, as the letters, and charge direct by the saids Earls, Lords, and noblemen, shown in presence of my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this Realm bears. And therefore desiring our Sovereign Lord, my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, to give declaratour [judicial declaration] to the said William Douglas of Lochleven, that he has done his detful [proper, due] diligence, in receiving, and keeping of our said Sovereign Lord’s dearest Mother. And there-through that he, and his heirs may be free of all action, and crime that may be imputed to them there-through, and of any other thing done to her, since her coming to the said place, and fortalice, in respect of her own declaration shown, and produced in presence of my said Lord Regent, and whole Estates of this present Parliament, likeas the said supplication, writings, and charges direct thereanent shown, and produced as said is bears. ¶ Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of the said Lord Regent, and three Estates, and whole body of this present Parliament, declares the saids letters & charges, direct to the said William Douglas of Lochleven in manner above written, to be duly, & reasonably direct, and proceeded upon a just, true, and sincere ground, and therefore by censment [judgment] of this present Parliament, authorizes, and declares the same to have been duly, well, orderly, and justly direct upon good causes, and considerations, likeas also our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, and three Estates of Parliament foresaid, authorizes, and declares the writings, & declaration made by our said Sovereign Lord’s dearest mother, upon the 28th day of July last bypast, declaring that she on no wise was treated, nor compelled by the said William Douglas of Lochleven, nor no others of his causing, to do anything contrary her pleasure, since her coming to the said place of Lochleven. And therefore ordains the saids letters, charges, and others writings above written, to be insert and registrate in the books of Parliament, to remain therein perpetually, for declaration of the said William Douglas’ true and just obedience in the said matter. And declares, he has done his detful [proper, due] duty in obtempering [complying with], obeying, and fulfilling of the command, and charge above written, and decerns him, his heirs, successours, and posterity to be harmless and skaithles [free of penalty or liability] thereanent, for now and ever. And discharges all action and cause criminal, and civil, that may be intended, or pursued against them, or him for the same, for now and ever by this present act.

17. Quhat money suld be cunziet: Layed-money suld not be cunziet without consent of the Estaitis. Money suld not be melted.

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17. What money should be coined: Alloyed-money should not be coined without consent of the Estates. Money should not be melted.

ITEM, For-sa-meikle as the ordouring of the Cuinzehous, and the forgeing of money within this Realme, is ane mater of great importance, to the haill lieges thereof, as may appeare bee divers Actis, maide in our Soveraignis Lordis predecessouris Parliamentes of befoir. And seeing the greate necessity now required, for having of gude and sufficient cuinzie within the Realme, seeing the gude Silver, as Testones, and uther auld silver, is utterlie melted and destroyed, swa that the unce of silver, is at dowbil price, that it wount to be at, within thir late dayis, quhairthrow the Realme is utterlie impoverished be evil Cuinzie. Therefore it is declared, in this present Parliament, that our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his Regent, may cause prent and cuinzie Golde and Silver of sik fynesse, as uthers Countreis dois, to passe within this Realme to the lieges of the samin. And that na prent nor cuinzie of onie layed money, be maid or cuinziet, in ony time cumming, but advise of the three Estaites of Parliament. And sik-like OUR SOVERAINE LORD with advise of his Regent, and the three Estaites foirsaidis, ordainis, that na maner of Gold, nor Silver, alreadie cuinziet within this Realme, bee melted, nor broken downe, in the Cuinzie-house, or otherwise in anie time heirafter, under the paine of confiscation of the halfe of the guddes of the awner, and melter for the first fault. And gif the melter be not responsal, to punish his person at the discretion of the Justice. And the secund fault, confiscation of their haill gudis.

ITEM, Forsomuch as the ordering of the Coining-house, and the forging of money within this Realm, is a matter of great importance, to the whole lieges thereof, as may appear by divers Acts, made in our Sovereign Lord’s predecessor’s Parliaments of before; And seeing the great necessity now required, for having of good and sufficient coinage within the Realm, seeing the good Silver, as Testans, and other old silver, is utterly melted and destroyed, so that the ounce of silver, is at double price, that it wont [used] to be at, within these late days, where-through the Realm is utterly impoverished by evil Coinage. Therefore it is declared, in this present Parliament, that our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his Regent, may cause print and coin Gold and Silver of such fineness, as other Countries do, to pass within this Realm to the lieges of the same. And that no print nor coinage of any alloyed-money, be made or coined, in any time coming, but advise of the three Estates of Parliament. And suchlike OUR SOVEREIGN LORD with advice of his Regent, and the three Estates foresaids, ordains, that no manner of Gold, nor Silver, already coined within this Realm, be melted, nor broken down, in the Coining-house, or otherwise in any time hereafter, under the pain of confiscation of the half of the goods of the owner, and melter for the first fault. And if the melter be not responsal [solvent], to punish his person at the discretion of the Justice. And the second fault, confiscation of their whole goods.

18. The Lordis of Session ar Judges to all Infeftmentes and giftes graunted, or confirmed in Parliament.

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18. The Lords of Session are Judges to all Infeftments and gifts granted, or confirmed in Parliament.

ITEM, anent the petition proponed be the Senatoures of the College of Justice, beirand that there is divers persones, that hes persewed Actiones before them, for reduction of infeftmentes, quhilkis ar confirmed be our Soveraine Lordis Predecessoures, quhilkis ar granted and {368} confirmed in Parliament. And against the samin it is alledged, that the saide Senatoures are na wise Judges competent, to the reduction of ony sik infeftment.

ITEM, anent the petition proponed by the Senators of the College of Justice, bearing that there is divers persons, that has pursued Actions before them, for reduction of infeftments, which are confirmed by our Sovereign Lord’s Predecessours, which are granted and {368} confirmed in Parliament. And against the same it is alledged, that the said Senators are no wise Judges competent, to the reduction of any such infeftment.

Quhairfoir the saidis Senatoures hes referred the declaration, whither they be Judges competent, to ony sik reduction or not, to our Soveraine Lord and the three Estaites of Parliament. And therefore desiring the sensement, and declaration of this our present Parliament, quhat they sall do thereanent: OUR SOVERAINE LORD, with advise of his Regent, & the three Estaites of this present Parliament, declairis the saids Senatouris of the College of Justice, to be Judges competent, to the reduction of all sik Infeftmentes, as said is, notwithstanding quhatsumever confirmation, or grant of Parliament past thereupon.

Wherefore the saids Senators has referred the declaration, whether they be Judges competent, to any such reduction or not, to our Sovereign Lord and the three Estates of Parliament. And therefore desiring the sensement, and declaration of this our present Parliament, what they shall do thereanent: OUR SOVEREIGN LORD, with advice of his Regent, & the three Estates of this present Parliament, declares the saids Senators of the College of Justice, to be Judges competent, to the reduction of all such Infeftments, as said is, notwithstanding whatsomever confirmation, or grant of Parliament passed thereupon.

18. Anent schutting, and bearing of Culveringes and Dagges.

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18. Anent shooting, and bearing of Culverings [firelocks, muskets] and Daggs [pistols].

ITEM, Forsameikle as be the use of Culveringes, Dagges, Pistolettes, and sik uther ingines of fire-warke, ar not onlie of the lovabil constitutions of this Realme, in slaying of wilde beastes, and foules forbidden, but als divers our Soveraine Lords lieges, ar schamefullie and cruellie murthered, slayne, and hurt, quhilkes utherwise wer abill, to make defence sufficientlie for themselves, at all times of persute, as hes bene laitlie seene within this Burgh of Edinburgh. And for eschewing and remeid thereof in time cumming: It is statute and ordained be OUR SOVERAINE LORD, with advise and consent of his Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, that na maner of person, nor persones, of whatsumever estate, degree, or condition they be of, schutt with Culveringes, Dagges, Pistolettes, or any uther Gunnes, or ingines of fyre-warke, in any part of this Realme, nouther to Burgh nor to land (except sik, as for pastime will schut within their Inner-clois, and zaird adjacent thereto, and Marinerres, and sik as hauntes the Seas, being actuallie upon the samin, for defense of their bodies and guddes) under the paine of cutting of their right hand. And siklike, that na maner of person, nor persones, of quhatsumever estate, condition or degree they be of, beare, weare, or use onie Culveringes, Dagges, Pistolettes, or anie uther sik ingine of fire-wark, upon their persones, or in their cumpanie with them privatlie or openlie, outwith housis, without licence of our Soveraine Lorde, and his Regent had, and obteined thereupon, under the paine foresaid. PROVIDING alwayes, that the Capitanis, and men of weir, serving our Soveraigne Lord, and his Regent foresaide, actuallie in his highnesse wages, {369} nor zit the Liegis of this Realme, asweil in Regalitie, as Royaltie at weapon-schawings. Nor the Provestes, Baillies, and inhabitantis of the Burgh of Edinburgh, or utheris Burrowes of this Realme, charged be our Soveraine Lordis authoritie, to assemblies, weapon-schawingis, and conuentionis, for furth setting of his highnes service and affaires, in the time thereof: nor zit nane of our Soveraine Lords liegis in their cumming, remayning, or departing to and fra ony hostes, weiris, armies, raidis, weapon-shawingis or assemblies, being speciallie and expresselie commanded & charged, to that effect be his hienesse letters, and authoritie, Wardanes meittand at dayes of trews. And siklike they that ar followand thieves, in defence of steilling of Leill mennis gudis, and in rescours thereof, sall not be comprehended under this present Act.

ITEM, Forsomuch as by the use of Culverings, Daggs, Pistolettes, and such other engines of fire-work, are not only of the lovable constitutions of this Realm, in slaying of wild beasts, and fowls forbidden, but also divers our Sovereign Lord’s lieges, are shamefully and cruelly murdered, slain, and hurt, which otherwise were able, to make defence sufficiently for themselves, at all times of pursuit, as has been lately seen within this Burgh of Edinburgh. And for eschewing and remedy thereof in time coming: It is statute and ordained by OUR SOVEREIGN LORD, with advice and consent of his Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that no manner of person, nor persons, of whatsomever estate, degree, or condition they be of, shoot with Culverings, Daggs, Pistolettes, or any other Guns, or engines of fire-work, in any part of this Realm, neither to Burgh [town] nor to land [country] (except such, as for pastime will shoot within their Inner-court [enclosure], and yard adjacent thereto, and Mariners, and such as haunt [frequent] the Seas, being actually upon the same, for defense of their bodies and goods) under the pain of cutting off their right hand. And suchlike, that no manner of person, nor persons, of whatsomever estate, condition, or degree they be of, bear, wear, or use any Culverings, Daggs, Pistolettes, or any other such engine of fire-work, upon their persons, or in their company with them privately or openly, outwith [outside of] houses, without license of our Sovereign Lord, and his Regent had, and obtained thereupon, under the pain foresaid. PROVIDING always, that the Captains, and men of war, serving our Sovereign Lord, and his Regent foresaid, actually in his highness’s wages, {369} nor yet the Lieges of this Realm, as well in Regality, as Royalty at weapon-showings; Nor the Provosts, Baillies, and inhabitants of the Burgh of Edinburgh, or other Burrows of this Realm, charged by our Sovereign Lord’s authority, to assemblies, weapon-showings, and conventions, for forth-setting of his highness’s service and affaires, in the time thereof: nor yet none of our Sovereign Lord’s lieges in their coming, remaining, or departing to and from any hosts, wars, armies, raids, weapon-showings, or assemblies, being specially and expressly commanded & charged, to that effect by his highness’s letters, and authority, Wardens meeting at days of truce; And suchlike they that are following thieves, in defence of stealing of Leill [honest] men’s goods, and in rescours [rescue] thereof, shall not be comprehended under this present Act.

19. False Cunzie suld be clypped.

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19. False Coin should be clipped.

ITEM, Forsameikle for the abolishing of great quantitie of false cunzie, quhairwith the common weill of this Realme is greatlie troubled, to the heavie damnage, and skaith of the haill lieges thereof: THEREFOIRE, It is devised, statute, and ordained, be our Soveraigne Lorde, with advise of his Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, that certaine men of Judgement, having understanding of cunzie, be chosen and elected, within everie Burgh of this Realme. Quha being sworne thereto, all summes of money sall bee delivered in their presence, & quhair ever they apprehend, or finde any false money, to clip the samin. And the deliverer to tyne the said false money, and the clipper to have ane penny of ilk pound, for his labouris of the receiver of the money, quhilk sall be received. And to that effect, ordaines the Provest and Baillies, & all uthers officiaris of Burrowes, to make sufficient clipping houses, in sik places of their Burgh, as sall be sufficient for the premisses. And the personis, quhom to they commit that charge, that they be abil to answer for their office in that behalfe.

ITEM, Forsomuch for the abolishing of great quantity of false coin, wherewith the common weal of this Realm is greatly troubled, to the heavy damage, and skaith [hurt, harm] of the whole lieges thereof: THEREFORE, It is devised, statute, and ordained, by our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that certain men of Judgment, having understanding of cunzie [coin, money], be chosen and elected, within every Burgh of this Realme, Who being sworn thereto, all sums of money shall be delivered in their presence, & wherever they apprehend, or find any false money, to clip the same. And the deliverer to tyne [lose] the said false money, and the clipper to have a penny of each pound, for his labours, of the receiver of the money, which shall be received. And to that effect, ordains the Provost and Baillies, & all others officers of Burrows, to make sufficient clipping houses, in such places of their Burgh, as shall be sufficient for the premises. And the persons, to whom they commit that charge, that they be able to answer for their office in that behalf.

25. ¶ Ane commissioun to certaine Lordis of the Estatis, to considder sic articklis as is committit to thame, and to report the samin againe in the nixt Parliament. Ca. xxv.

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25. ¶ A commission to certain Lords of the Estates, to consider such articles as is committed to them, and to report the same again in the next Parliament. Ca. xxv.

ITEM Forsamekle as thair is diuers and sindrie articklis presentit and geuin in be diuers liegis, and subiectis of this Realme, to our Souerane Lord, my Lord Regent, Lordis of articklis, and Estatis of this Realme. And speciallie ane artickle of James Lord of sanct Johnis, anent the confirmatioun of his priuilegeis. Ane artickle concerning the act of adulterie. Ane artickle of the leirnit men of this Realme, desyring letteris to flureis. Ane artickle tuicheing eiectioun, and spulzeis. Ane artickle anent reductioun of decreitis, for the causis contenit in the first libell. Ane artickle concerning warrādis in redemptioun of landis. Ane artickle for punischement of thame, that wilfullie passis to the horne, & lyis thairat. Ane artickle for thame that passis to the horne for liquidat sowmes. Ane artickle for thame that passis to the horne, & enteris in the girth. Ane artickle for thame that putts thair sonnis or freindis in thair landis, or makis assignatiounis of thair gudis in defraude of the executioun of decreitis. Ane artickle for superiouris that geuis priuate sesingis, efter the deceis of thair wassallis, in defraude of the air of the said wassallis. Ane artickle anent derth of victuall, & bestiallis. Ane artickle for ganging of fische furth of the Realme. Ane artickle for chesing of Cómissaris in euerie schire, to keip ordour amangis craftis men. Ane artickle for slauchter. Ane artickle for assythment of partie. Ane artickle for theuis taine reifand. Ane artickle for slauchter of veilis, and lambis, and for passing furth of the cuntrie, and inbringing of wyne, irne, tar, lint, and lit. And als concerning the merchandis, that raisis the price of geir that it was first sauld for efter the hame bringing. Ane artickle for confirmatioú of the giftis of annuallis, and Chaplanereis to Burrowis. Ane artickle of the Burgh of Cowper, anent the downe taking of thair customes, as in the articklis geuin in thairupon at mair lenth is contenit. ¶ Our Souerane Lord, with auise of my Lord Regent, & thre Estatis of this present Parliament, hes geuin, and geuis power, and cómissioun to the Lordis of the articklis vnderwrittin, that is to say, Alexander Bischop of Galloway. Adam Bischop of Orknay. Robert Cómendatour of Dunfermling. Mark Cómendatour of Newbottill. Johne Cómendatour of Balmerinoch. And Schir James Balfour Priour of Pettinweme, for the spiritual estate. George Erle of Huntlie. Archebald Erle of Argyle. Johne Erle of Atholl. {folio xviii. verso} Johne Erle of Mar. Alexander Erle of Glencarne. And Patrik Lord Lindesay of the Byris for the Barronis. Schir Symon Prestoú of that ilk Knicht, Prouest of Edinburgh. Maister James Halyburtoú tutour of Petcur, Prouest of Dundie. Williame Lord Ruthuen, Prouest of Perth. Johne Erskin of Dune, Prouest of Montrois. Thomas Menzeis of Potfoddellis, Prouest of Abirdene. And Patrik Lermonth of Dersie Knicht, Prouest of Sanctandrois, for the cómissaris of Burrowis. Or ony four of euerie ane of the Estatis abone writtin, with our Souerane Lordis officiaris vnderwrittin, that is to say, the Chancellar, the Thesaurer, the Cóptrollar, the Lord preuie seill, the Clerk of Register, the Justice Clerk, & the Aduocat, with sic vtheris Senatouris of the College of Justice, as thay pleis name, to concur with thame. Quhilkis personis sall vesie, & considder the saidis articklis, and tak ordour quhat thay think best to be done thairintil, for the cómoun weil of this Realme, & liegis thairof. And as thay think best to be done, to declair the samin to our Souerane Lord, my Lord Regent, & thre Estatis of this Realme in the nixt Parliament, to the effect that thay may mak sic Lawis, and constitutiounis thairupon, as accordis with equitie, and Justice, and ressoun.

ITEM Forsomuch as there is divers and sundry articles presented and given in by divers lieges, and subjects of this Realm, to our Sovereign Lord, my Lord Regent, Lords of articles, and Estates of this Realm; And specially an article of James Lord of saint Johns, anent the confirmation of his privileges; An article concerning the act of adultery; An article of the learned men of this Realm, desiring letters to flourish; An article touching ejection [legal expulsion], and spulyies [spoils, plunders]; An article anent reduction of decrees, for the causes contained in the first libel; An article concerning warrants in redemption of lands; An article for punishment of them that wilfully passes to the horn, & lies thereat; An article for them that passes to the horn for liquidat sums; An article for them that passes to the horn, & enters into the girth [refuge]; An article for them that puts their sons or friends in their lands, or makes assignations of their goods in defraud of the execution of decrees; An article for superiours that gives private saisines, after the decease of their vassals, in defraud of the heir of the said vassals; An article anent dearth of victual, & beasts [cattle]; An article for ganging [carrying] of fish forth of the Realm; An article for choosing of Commissars in every shire, to keep order amongst craftsmen; An article for slaughter; An article for assythment [compensation] of party; An article for thieves taken robbing; An article for slaughter of veals, and lambs, and for passing forth of the country, and inbringing of wine, iron, tar, lint [flax, linen], and lit [colour, dye], And also concerning the merchants, that raises the price of gear that it was first sold for after the home-bringing; An article for confirmation of the gifts of annuals, and Chaplainries to Burrows; An article of the Burgh of Cowper, anent the down-taking of their customs, as in the articles given in thereupon at more length is contained. ¶ Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of my Lord Regent, & three Estates of this present Parliament, has given, and gives power, and commission to the Lords of the articles underwritten, that is to say, Alexander Bishop of Galloway, Adam Bishop of Orkney, Robert Commendatour of Dunfermling, Mark Commendatour of Newbottill, John Commendatour of Balmerinoch, And Sir James Balfour Prior of Pettinweme, for the spiritual estate; George Earl of Huntley, Archibald Earl of Argyle, John Earl of Atholl, {folio xviii. verso} John Earl of Mar, Alexander Earl of Glencairn. And Patrick Lord Lindsey of the Byres for the Barons; Sir Simon Prestoun of that ilk Knight, Provost of Edinburgh. Master James Halyburtoun tutor of Petcur, Provost of Dundie. William Lord Ruthven, Provost of Perth. John Erskin of Dune, Provost of Montrose. Thomas Menzies of Pitfodels, Provost of Aberdeen. And Patrick Learmonth of Dairsie Knight, Provost of Saint Andrews, for the commissars of Burrows: Or any four of every one of the Estates above written, with our Sovereign Lord’s officers underwritten, that is to say, the Chancellor, the Treasurer, the Comptroller, the Lord privy seal, the Clerk of Register, the Justice Clerk, & the Advocate, with such others Senators of the College of Justice, as they please name, to concur with them. Which persons shall vesy [inspect], & consider the saids articles, and take order what they think best to be done therein, for the common weal of this Realm, & lieges thereof. And as they think best to be done, to declare the same to our Sovereign Lord, my Lord Regent, & three Estates of this Realm in the next Parliament, to the effect that they may make such Laws, and constitutions thereupon, as accords with equity, and Justice, and reason.

20. Approbation of giftis of benefices and pensionis, sen the Moneth of August 1560. zeirs, granted and given, be our Soveraine Lordis Mother.

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20. Approbation of gifts of benefices and pensions, since the Month of August 1560 years, granted and given, by our Sovereign Lord’s Mother.

ITEM. It is found, declared, statute, and ordained, be our Soveraine Lord, his Regentes grace, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, that all giftes and provisionis of benefices elective, pensionis, or uthers quhatsumever, given and disponed under the privie seill, be the Queens grace, our Soveraigne Lordis Mother, in her Reigne, sen {370} the Parliament halden, in the zeir of God 1560. zeiris, unto the Coronation of our saide Soveraine Lord, were, ar, and in all time cumming sall be, to the possessouris, be vertew thereof lauchful, full, and perfite tytles and richtis, and als vailzeabil in all respects, quhair ever they be produced, as gif the saidis provisionis, and giftis had past upon supplicationis, direct to the Court of Rome, and Bullis past thereupon, in maist ample forme.

ITEM. It is found, declared, statute, and ordained, by our Sovereign Lord, his Regent’s grace, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that all gifts and provisions of benefices elective, pensions, or others whatsomever, given and disponed [disposed] under the privy seal, by the Queen’s grace, our Sovereign Lord’s Mother, in her Reign, since {370} the Parliament holden, in the year of God 1560 years, unto the Coronation of our said Sovereign Lord, were, are, and in all time coming shall be, to the possessors, by virtue thereof lawful, full, and perfect titles and rights, and as vailzeable [availing, valid] in all respects, wherever they be produced, as if the saids provisions, and gifts had past upon supplications, direct to the Court of Rome, and Bulls past thereupon, in most ample form.

Providing, that this present Act be not prejudicial to the Act of secreit Councel, granted in favouris of the Ministers, anent the giving to them of all benefices, within zeirlie rent of three hundreth markis, sen the dait of the said Act, nor zit be prejudicial to laick Patronages.

Providing, that this present Act be not prejudicial to the Act of secret Council, granted in favours of the Ministers, anent the giving to them of all benefices, within yearly rent of three hundred marks, since the date of the said Act, nor yet be prejudicial to laick [lay] Patronages.

21. Anent thieft, and receipt of thieft, takin of prisoneris be thievis, or bandis for ransomis, and punishment of the samin.

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21. Anent theft, and receipt of theft, taken of prisoners be thieves, or bonds for ransoms, and punishment of the same.

ITEM, Anent the Artickle proponed be the Barronnes, Free-halderis, and Inhabitantes of the Schirefdomes of Selkirk, Roxburgh, Lanark, Peblis, Dumfreis, Edinburgh, and utheris inhabitantis of the remanent Schires of this Realme: beirand, that it is not unknawin of the continual thieft, reif, and oppression, committed and done, within the boundis of the saidis Schirefdomes, be thieves, traitouris, and utheris ungodlie persones, havand nouther feare of GOD nor man, and speciallie in thir troublis be receipteris, fortifieris, and mainteneris of the saidis evil given personis, amangis the inhabitantis and indwelleris of the saidis Schirefdomes respectivè, within divers partis of the samin, quhlik is the chiefe cause, and fortification of the said thieft. And siklike, that the thieves, and broken men, inhabitants of the saidis Schirefdomes, and utheris boundis of the marches of this Realme, foirnentis the partis of England, not onlie committis daylie thiftis, reiffis, heirschippes murtheris, and fyre raysings, upon the peaceable subjects of the countrie: bot als takis sindrie of them, deteinis them in captivity as prisoners, ransoumis them, or lettis them to borrowis for their entrie againe. And in like maner, divers subjects of the Inland, takis and sittis under their assurance, payand them black-maill, and permittand them to reif, herrie, and oppresse their Nichtbouris, with their knawledge, and in their sicht, without resistance or contradiction. For eschewing and stopping of the quhilkis inconvenientis foirsaid:

ITEM, Anent the Article proponed [proposed] by the Barons, Free-holders, and Inhabitants of the Sherifdoms of Selkirk, Roxburgh, Lanark, Peblis, Dumfreis, Edinburgh, and others inhabitants of the remnant Shires of this Realm: bearing, that it is not unknown of the continual theft, reif, and oppression, committed and done, within the bounds of the saids Sherifdoms, by thieves, traitours, and others ungodly persons, having neither fear of GOD nor man, and specially in these troubles by resetters, fortifiers, and maintainers of the saids evil given persons, amongst the inhabitants and indwellers of the saids Sherifdoms respectivè, within divers parts of the same, which is the chief cause, and fortification of the said theft. And suchlike, that the thieves, and broken men, inhabitants of the saids Sherifdoms, and others bounds of the marches of this Realm, forenent [bordering] the parts of England, not only commits daily thefts, reiffs, herschippes [plunders, ravages], murders, and fire raisings, upon the peaceable subjects of the country: but also takes sundry of them, detains them in captivity as prisoners, ransoms them, or lets [hinders] them to borrowis [pledge] for their entry again. And in like manner, divers subjects of the Inland, takes and sits under their assurance, paying them black-mail, and permitting them to reif, herrie [plunder], and oppress their Neighbours, with their knowledge, and in their sight, without resistance or contradiction. For eschewing and stopping of the which inconveniences foresaid:

IT is statute and ordained, be our Soveraine Lord, his dearest Regent, and three Estaites of this present Parliament, that quhatsumever person, or persones, receiptis, fortifyis, {371} mainteinis, or givis meate, harbourie, or assistance to any thievis in their thifteous stealling, and deedes, outher in their cumming thereto, or passing therefra, at any time cumming, or intercommonis, or trystis with them to that effect, any maner of way, without licence of the keeper of the countrie, quhair the thief remaines, had thereto, to the effect it may be knawin, for quhat purpose they intercommoned with the saidis thieves within xlviij. houris after, or before the committing of the said cryme, that the receipter, fortifier, maintener, assister, meat-giver, and intercommoner with sik persones, sall be called therefore at particular diettis criminally as airt and pairt of their thifteous deidis, or utherwayis civilie at the instance of the partie offended upon 15. dayis warning allanerlie, without diet or tabill. And als that the Schireffis of all Schires, Stewartes, Baillies or Regalitie, and their deputes, and all uther Judges ordinar, at every head Court, put the saidis maters to the inquisition of ane assyse of the countrie, at the desire and complainte of the partie, and as beis foundin, to report the samin to the Justice, Justice Clerk and their deputes, within 15. dayis nixt after the matter be tryed. Swa that this present Act and statute, may be put to execution upon them, as the saidis Schireffes, Stewartes, Baillies of Regalitie, and Judges ordinar foirsaidis, will answer to our Soveraine Lord, and his dearest Regent, upon the execution of their office: And alswa for eschewing of the said great, continual, and odious crimes and offenses, and pacifying of the lieges in all partis oppressed within this Realme, and for the commoun weill thereof,

IT is statute and ordained, by our Sovereign Lord, his dearest Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, that whatsomever person, or persons, resets, fortifies, {371} maintains, or gives meat, harbour, or assistance to any thieves in their thievish stealing, and deeds, either in their coming thereto, or passing therefrom, at any time coming, or intercommons, or trysts [meets by appointment] with them to that effect, any manner of way, without license of the keeper of the country, where the thief remains, had thereto, to the effect it may be known, for what purpose they intercommoned with the saids thieves within 48 hours after, or before the committing of the said crime, that the resetter, fortifier, maintainer, assister, meat-giver, and intercommoner with such persons, shall be called therefore at particular diets criminally as art and part of their thievish deeds, or otherways civilly at the instance of the party offended upon 15 days warning allanerly [only], without diet or tabill [record]. And also that the Sheriffs of all Shires, Stewards, Baillies or Regality, and their deputes, and all other Judges ordinar, at every head Court, put the saids matters to the inquisition of an assize of the country, at the desire and complaint of the party, and as is found, to report the same to the Justice, Justice Clerk and their deputes, within 15 days next after the matter be tried. So that this present Act and statute, may be put to execution upon them, as the saids Sheriffs, Stewards, Baillies of Regality, and Judges ordinar foresaids, will answer to our Sovereign Lord, and his dearest Regent, upon the execution of their office: And also for eschewing of the said great, continual, and odious crimes and offenses, and pacifying of the lieges in all parts oppressed within this Realm, and for the common weal thereof,

Thievis may not take leilmen, or ransom them.

It is statute and ordained, that na theif, take ony Scottisman, at onie time heireafter, under the paine of treason and lese majestie. And that nane of our Soveraine Lordes trew and faithful liegis quhilks have bene takin be the saids thieves and broken men, sall be halden to enter to them, notwithstanding ony band given to their entrie, discharging them & their soverteis simpliciter in that behalfe.

Thieves may not take leilmen [honest-men], or ransom them.

It is statute and ordained, that no thief, take any Scotsman, at any time hereeafter, under the pain of treason and lese majesty. And that none of our Sovereign Lord’s true and faithful lieges which have been taken by the saids thieves and broken men, shall be holden to enter [appear] to them, notwithstanding any band given to their entry, discharging them & their soverteis [sureties] simpliciter [simply] in that behalf.

And gif ony of the saidis thievis callis or charges the principal men takin be them, or their soverty for their entres, for paymente of the paines conteined in the bands, or ony parte thereof, be ransom or band, not payed to the saids thieves, outher bygane or in time cumming, they sall (be the doing of the same) incurre and underlie the paines of treasoun, and lese-majestie foirsaide.

And if any of the saids thieves calls or charges the principal men taken by them, or their soverty [surety] for their entres [appearing], for payment of the pains contained in the bands, or any part thereof, by ransom or band, not paid to the saids thieves, either bygone or in time coming, they shall (by the doing of the same) incur and underlie the pains of treason, and lese-majesty foresaid.

Leil-men suld present thievis to the Justice.

And als that our said Soveraine Lordis faithful, & obedient subjectis, quhilkis heirefter sall happin {372} to take and apprehende ony of the saidis thievis, in their passing to committe thieft, or in the actual doing thereof, or in their returning there fra, on na wise let them to libertie and freedome, bot presente them before the Justice, & his deputis in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, within fifteene dayis after their apprehension, gif their takeris (havand power) Justifye them not to the death themselfis. And als that nane take assurance, or sitte under assurance of the saidis thievis, or pay them blak maill or give them meate, drinke, receipt, maintenance: or supply them in their thifteous deidis in time cumming, under the paine of death, and confiscation of all their gudis movabil.

Leil-men [honest-men] should present thieves to the Justice.

And as that our said Sovereign Lord’s faithful, & obedient subjects, which hereafter shall happen {372} to take and apprehend any of the saids thieves, in their passing to commit theft, or in the actual doing thereof, or in their returning therefrom, on no wise let them to liberty and freedom, but present them before the Justice, & his deputies in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, within fifteen days after their apprehension, if their takers (having power) Justify them not to the death [execute] themselves. And as that none take assurance, or sit under assurance of the saids thieves, or pay them blackmail or give them meat, drink, receipt, maintenance: or supply them in their thievish deeds in time coming, under the pain of death, and confiscation of all their goods movable.

Thieves suld be followed with ane crie.

And in like maner, quhen ony thieves repairis in steilling or reifing, within the Incountrie, that all our Soveraine Lordis liegis, dwelland in the bounds, quhair they resort, rise, crye, raise the fray, & follow them, alsweil in their cumming as outpassing, on horse and fute, for redding and recovering of the gudis stollin and reft, and apprehending of their persones to be brocht to Justice, & concurre with the awners of the guddis, and uthers followers to that effect, under the paine to be halden partakers of the said thift. And quhasoever beis suspected, or delated to doe in the contrare, that the Justice Clerke grant letters, at the instance of any partie, for calling of them to underly the Law therefore, at ane particular dyet, complenand upon the premisses, or ony poynt thereof. Or accuse them, for the samin at general Justice airis, executand the paines conteined in this present Act, against the contraveneris thereof, but favour or delay. And gif it sall happen ony open notorious thief, to resort, or cum to ony maner of personis house, it sall be lawful to the awner of the saide house, to take and apprehend that thief, without reproch or dishonours, and bring him to the Justice, to be punished conforme to the Lawis.

Thieves should be followed with a cry.

And in like manner, when any thieves repairs in stealing or reifing, within the Incountry, that all our Sovereign Lord’s lieges, dwelling in the bounds, where they resort, rise, cry, raise the fray, & follow them, aswell in their coming as outpassing, on horse and foot, for redding [regaining] and recovering of the goods stolen and reft, and apprehending of their persons to be brought to Justice, & concur with the owners of the goods, and others followers to that effect, under the pain to be holden partakers of the said theft. And whosoever is suspected, or delated to do in the contrary, that the Justice Clerk grant letters, at the instance of any party, for calling of them to underly the Law therefore, at a particular diet, complaining upon the premises, or any point thereof. Or accuse them, for the same at general Justice airs, executing the pains contained in this present Act, against the contraveners thereof, but favour or delay. And if it shall happen any open notorious thief, to resort, or come to any manner of person’s house, it shall be lawful to the owner of the said house, to take and apprehend that thief, without reproach or dishonours, and bring him to the Justice, to be punished conform to the Laws.

22. That na horse be caried furth of the Realme, as common Merchandice.

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22. That no horse be carried forth of the Realm, as common Merchandise.

ITEM, For-sa-meikle as albeit there was divers Actes and ordinances maid of before, inhibeting the carying of ony Horse foorth of this Realme, zit thir twa zeiris last bypast, divers persones, partlie under pretence of priviledges and licences: and partlie without ony leife, hes transported Horse foorth of this countrie, to Bourdeaux, and utheris partes bezond sea, and maid an common trade & mercat thereof, to the great skaith of the common weill, {373} and raysing of dearth of Horse, gif remeid be not provided.

ITEM, Forsomuch as albeit there was divers Acts and ordinances made of before, inhibiting the carrying of any Horse forth of this Realm, yet these two years last bypast, divers persons, partly under pretence of privileges and licenses: and partly without any leif [permission, liberty], has transported Horse forth of this country, to Bourdeaux, and others parts beyond sea, and made an common trade & market thereof, to the great skaith [harm] of the common weal, {373} and raising of dearth of Horse, if remedy be not provided.

THEIRFOIR, It is statute and ordained, by the Kings grace with advise of his dearest Regent, and the three Estaites of Parliament, that nane of the liegis of this Realme, take upon hand, privatlie or openlie, to carry or transport foorth of the samin by Sea, ony maner of Horse in time cumming. And in likewise, that na skipperis and maisteris of Schippis, indwelleris of this Realme, or strangers, receive within their Schippes ony Horse, to bee transported to uther Countreis, under the paine of confiscation of the Horse, Schippes and remanent gudis movabil, of the transporteris, and punishing of their persones, at the Kingis Majesties will, and his said Regentis.

THEREFORE, It is statute and ordained, by the King’s grace with advice of his dearest Regent, and the three Estates of Parliament, that none of the lieges of this Realm, take upon hand, privately or openly, to carry or transport forth of the same by Sea, any manner of Horse in time coming. And in likewise, that no skippers and masters of Ships, indwellers of this Realm, or strangers, receive within their Ships any Horse, to be transported to other Countries, under the pain of confiscation of the Horse, Ships and remanent [remaining] goods moveable, of the transporters, and punishing of their persons, at the King’s Majesty’s will, and his said Regent’s.

29. ¶ Anent the residence, and sitting of the Lordis of Sessioun, for administratioun of Justice. Ca. xxix.

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29. ¶ Anent the residence, and sitting of the Lords of Session, for administration of Justice. Ca. xxix.

ITEM Forsamekle as the Lordis of counsell, and sessioun hes bene in vse in tymes bygaine, to ryse the last day of Julij, and not to sit downe for administratioun of Justice, quhill the xij. day of Nouember thairefter, and to have vacance at Zule, Fastingis euin, Pasche, & Witsonday. And trueth it is, that the moneth of Julij, is the moneth of all the zeir, maist dangerous, and men abillest to contract seiknes thairintill, speciallie thay being in Burrowis townis not weill airit. And als that is the tyme of skantest victuallis, and greitest derth within the Realme. And als is the tyme that geutil men, and vtheris hes maist ado concerning thair awin effairis. ¶ Thairfoire it is statute, and ordanit be our Souerane Lord, with auise and consent of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this present Parliament, that the Lordis of counsell and sessioun in all tymes cuming, sall ryse vpon the .x. day of Julij, and haue vacance vnto the .xx. day of October exclusiue. Upon the quhilk .xx. day of October, thay sall sit downe, and sit daylie, except vpon the Sonday, quhill the .xx. day of December inclusiue. And than ryse, and haue vacance, quhill the .vij. day of Januar exclusiue. Upon the quhilk .vij. day of Januar, thay sall sit downe, & sit daylie, except the Sonday, but ony vacance at Fastingis euin, quhil Palmesonday euin inclusiue. And than to ryse, and haue vacance, quhill the nixt monunday efter law Sonday exclusiue. Upon the quhilk monunday thay sall sit downe, and sit daylie except on the Sóday, without ony vacance at Witsonday, quhill the said .x. day of Julij. And swa the saidis Lordis of counsel and sessioun to proceid and minister Justice to all our Souerane Lordis liegis daylie, in tyme cuming in maner befoir specifyit.

ITEM Forsomuch as the Lords of counsel, and session has been in use [practice] in times bygone, to rise the last day of July, and not to sit down for administration of Justice, while [until] the 12th day of November thereafter, and to have vacation at Yule, Fastings eve, Pasch, & Whitsunday; And truth it is, that the month of July, is the month of all the year, most dangerous, and men ablest to contract sickness therein, specially they being in Burrows towns not well aired; And also that is the time of scantest victuals, and greatest dearth within the Realm; And also is the time that gentlemen, and others have most ado concerning their own affairs; ¶ Therefore it is statute, and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, that the Lords of counsel and session in all times coming, shall rise upon the 10th day of July, and have vacation unto the 20th day of October exclusive. Upon the which 20th day of October, they shall sit down, and sit daily, except upon the Sonday, while [until] the 20th day of December inclusive; And then rise, and have vacation, while [until] the 7th day of January exclusive. Upon the which 7th day of January, they shall sit down, & sit daily, except the Sonday, without any vacation at Fastings eve while [until] Palm Sunday eve inclusive. And then to rise, and have vacation, while [until] the next monday after Low Sunday exclusive. Upon the which monday they shall sit down, and sit daily except on the Sonday, without any vacation at Whitsunday, while [until] the said 10th day of July. And so the saids Lords of counsel and session to proceed and minister Justice to all our Sovereign Lord’s lieges daily, in time coming in manner before specified.

23. The denunciation of the Rebellion suld preceid the gift of escheit.

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23. The denunciation of the Rebellion should precede the gift [grant] of escheat.

ITEM, our Soveraigne Lorde, with advise and consent of his dearest Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes statute and ordained, that in all times cumming, na gift of escheit passe, with this clause following, (Or quhen it sall happen the offendar to bee denunced rebel, and put to the horne) bot that the horning be execute befoir the gift of the escheit bee disponed, utherwise the gift of escheit to be of nane effect.

ITEM, our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of his dearest Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has statute and ordained, that in all times coming, no gift of escheat pass, with this clause following, (Or when it shall happen the offender to be denounced rebel, and put to the horn) but that the horning be execute before the gift of the escheat be disponed [disposed], otherwise the gift of escheat to be of none effect.

24. Anent priviledges granted to Kirk-men.

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24. Anent privileges granted to Kirk-men.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise and consent of his Regent and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes ratified, and ratifies, all civil priviledges, granted and given be our Soveraigne Lordis Predecessouris to the spiritual estate of this Realme, in all poynts, after the forme and tenour thereof.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of his Regent and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has ratified, and ratifies, all civil privileges, granted and given by our Sovereign Lord’s Predecessours to the spiritual estate of this Realm, in all points, after the form and tenour thereof.

25. The ratification of the priviledge of the Barronnes.

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25. The ratification of the privilege of the Barons.

ITEM, Our Soveraine Lord, with advise and consent of his dearest Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes ratified and appreved, all priviledges, and liberties, granted and given to the Nobilitie and Barronnes of this Realme, and actes of Parliament, made in their favouris, and ordainis the same to be put to execution in all poyntes, after the forme and tenour thereof.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of his dearest Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has ratified and approved, all privileges, and liberties, granted and given to the Nobility and Barons of this Realm, and acts of Parliament, made in their favours, and ordains the same to be put to execution in all points, after the form and tenour thereof.

26. Anent the priviledges granted to Burrowes.

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26. Anent the privileges granted to Burrows.

ITEM, Our Soveraigne Lord, with advise of his {374} Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes ratified and appreved, and be thir presentes ratifies and appreves, all Actes and constitutiones of Parliament, maid bee quhatsumever our Soveraine Lordis predecessoures of befoir, in favouris of the Burrowes and Burgesses of all this Realme, inhabitantes of the samin, with all priviledges, freedomes, immunities and liberties, granted and given to them, and everie ane of them, in ony times by-past. And decernis and declaris, the samin to have full strength, force, and effect, in all times heirafter, swa that the samin may be put to full and dew execution in all poyntes, and to stand as ane perpetual Law to them and their successouris.

ITEM, Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his {374} Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, has ratified and approved, and by these presents ratifies and approves, all Acts and constitutions of Parliament, made by whatsomever our Sovereign Lord’s predecessours of before, in favours of the Burrows and Burgesses of all this Realm, inhabitants of the same, with all privileges, freedoms, immunities and liberties, granted and given to them, and every one of them, in any times by-past. And decerns and declares, the same to have full strength, force, and effect, in all times hereafter, so that the same may be put to full and due execution in all pointes, and to stand as a perpetual Law to them and their successours.

27. Saisings within Burghs, suld be given be ane Baillie, and the Clerke.

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27. Saisines within Burghs, should be given by a Baillie, and the Clerk.

ITEM, Forsameikle as the great hurt, done of befoir within Burgh, be giving of saisingis privatlie, without anie Baillie, and ane common Clerke of Burgh, quhairthrow our Soveraine Lordis liegis, may bee defrauded greatlie: THEIRFORE it is statute, and ordained be our Soveraine Lord, with advise and consent of his Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, that na saising be given within Burgh of ony maner of land, or tenement within the samin, in ony time cumming, bot be ane of the Baillies of the Burgh, and common Clerke theirof. And gif ony saising beis utherwaies given heirafter to be null, and of nane avail force nor effect.

ITEM, Forsomuch as the great hurt, done of before within Burgh, by giving of saisines privately, without any Baillie, and a common Clerk of Burgh, where-through our Sovereign Lord’s lieges, may be defrauded greatly: THEREFORE it is statute, and ordained by our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of his Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that no saisine be given within Burgh of any manner of land, or tenement within the same, in any time coming, but by one of the Baillies of the Burgh, and common Clerk thereof. And if any saisine is otherways given hereafter to be null, and of none avail, force, nor effect.

35. ¶ Anent the demolischeing of the Castell of Dunbar, and Forth of Inchekeith. Ca. xxxv.

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35. ¶ Anent the demolishing of the Castle of Dunbar, and Fort of Inchkeith. Ca. xxxv.

ITEM Forsamekle as thair hes bene of befoir diuers, large, and sumpteous expensis, maid be our Souerane Lordis predecessouris, & him self, in keiping, fortifying, & reparatioun of the Castell of Dunbar, and Forth of Inchekeith, quhilkis ar baith unprofitabill to the Realme, and not abill to defend [fra] the enemeis thairof, in cais the samin war assaultit. And now seing that the said Castell, and Forth, ar baith becumin sa ruinous, that the samin sall allutterlie decay, except thair be sic expensis maid thairupon, as is vnhabill to be performit without greit inconueniencis. And alswa hauand consideratioun of an act of Parliament maid in vmquhile our Souerane Lordis grandschiris tyme, King James the feird, of maist worthie memorie, ordinand the said Castell of Dunbar to be demolischit and cassin downe, as in the act maid thairupon at mair length is contenit, quhilk act as zit is not abrogat. ¶ Thairfoir our Souerane Lord, with auise and consent of my Lord Regent, and thre Estatis of this present Parliament, hes ordanit, and ordanis that the Castell of Dunbar, and Forth of Inchekeith be demolischit, and cassin downe vtterlie to the ground, and distroyit in sic wyse, that na foundment thairof be occasioun to big thairupon in tyme cuming.

ITEM Forsomuch as there has been of before divers, large, and sumptuous expenses, made by our Sovereign Lord’s predecessours, & himself, in keeping, fortifying, & reparation of the Castle of Dunbar, and Fort of Inchkeith, which are both unprofitable to the Realm, and not able to defend [from] the enemies thereof, in case the same were assaulted; And now seeing that the said Castle, and Fort, are both becoming so ruinous, that the same shall allutterly [entirely] decay, except there be such expenses made thereupon, as is unable to be performed without great inconveniences; And also having consideration of an act of Parliament made in umwhile [sometime, late] our Sovereign Lord’s grandschir’s [great-grandfather’s] tyme, King James the fourth, of most worthy memory, ordaining the said Castle of Dunbar to be demolished and cast down, as in the act made thereupon at more length is contained, which act as yet is not abrogated; ¶ Therefore our Sovereign Lord, with advice and consent of my Lord Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, has ordained, and ordains that the Castle of Dunbar, and Fort of Inchkeith be demolished, and cast down utterly to the ground, and destroyed in such wise, that no foundation thereof be occasion to big [build] thereupon in time coming.

28. Anent the declaratioun of the Commisseris, how they sall proceid in beneficial materis.

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28. Anent the declaration of the Commissars, how they shall proceed in beneficial matters.

ITEM, Anent the Artickle proponed be the Commisseris of EDINBURGH, beirand that there is divers and sundrie beneficial Actiones depending before them, upon the richt and propertie of the Benefices. Quhairein the ane part hes their provisioun of the gift of the Queene, and the uther of the ordinar, partlie bee dimissioun in his handes, partlie be collation, as vacand. And sum given be the ordinar, with the Queenes confirmation thereupon, and that sen the reformation of the Religion. And therefore desiring the determination to be given to them, quhilk of the gifts sall have place in time by-gane, sen the saide reformation, as alswa in time cumming. Our Soveraine Lorde with advise of his Regent, and three Estaites of this present Parliament, hes decerned & declared, and decernis and declaris, that the saidis Commisseris, sall at all times proceede, and minister justice in the saidis causis, be vertew of all giftis {375} and dispositions, granted and given be our Soveraine Lords dearest Mother, sen the Moneth of August, the zeir of God, ane thousand five hundreth threescoir zeiris, and na utherwise. And sik-like, conforme to the giftes, to be granted be our Soveraine Lord, or his Regent hereafter. And ordainis all giftis, and dispositions, given be her, sen the said time, to have place, and to proceide according thereto, but prejudice to the benefices of the laick [law] patronages, quhilkis ar not comprehended in this Act.

ITEM, Anent the Article proponed by the Commissars of EDINBURGH, bearing that there is divers and sundry beneficial Actions depending before them, upon the right and property of the Benefices. Wherein the one part has their provision of the gift of the Queen, and the other of the ordinar, partly by demission in his hands, partly by collation, as vaiking [vacant]. And some given by the ordinar, with the Queen’s confirmation thereupon, and that since the reformation of the Religion. And therefore desiring the determination to be given to them, which of the gifts shall have place in time bygone, since the said reformation, as also in time coming. Our Sovereign Lord with advice of his Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, has decerned & declared, and decerns and declares, that the saids Commissars, shall at all times proceed, and minister justice in the saids causes, by virtue of all gifts {375} and dispositions, granted and given by our Sovereign Lord’s dearest Mother, since the Month of August, the year of God, one thousand five hundred threescore years, and no otherwise. And suchlike, conform to the gifts, to be granted by our Sovereign Lord, or his Regent hereafter. And ordains all gifts, and dispositions, given by her, since the said time, to have place, and to proceed according thereto, but prejudice to the benefices of the laick [law] patronages, which are not comprehended in this Act.

29. Malt-men suld not have ane Deakon.

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29. Malt-men should not have a Deacon [Officer, President].

ITEM, It is statute and ordained, be our Soveraine Lorde, his Regent, and three Estaites of this present Parliament, for the common weill of this Realm, that there be na Deakon of Craft of Malt-men, outher to Burgh or to land, or ony uther part within this Realme. And gif ony writing, gift, or priviledge be given ony time befoir: Our Soveraine Lorde, with advise of his Regent, and three Estaites foirsaidis, decernis and declaris the samin to have bene fra the beginning, and to be in all time cumming null, and of nane avail, force nor effect. Sa that it sall never be lesum to ony of the Malt-men of this Realme, to have Deakons, bot to be repute na craft.

ITEM, It is statute and ordained, by our Sovereign Lord, his Regent, and three Estates of this present Parliament, for the common weal of this Realm, that there be no Deacon of Craft of Malt-men, either to Burgh or to land [in town or country], or any other part within this Realm. And if any writing, gift, or privilege be given any time before: Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his Regent, and three Estates foresaids, decerns and declares the same to have been from the beginning, and to be in all time coming null, and of none avail, force, nor effect. So that it shall never be lesum [lawful] to any of the Malt-men of this Realm, to have Deacons, but to be repute no craft.

30. Anent black fish, cutting of greene-wood, and slauchter of Smoltes.

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30. Anent black fish, cutting of green-wood, and slaughter of Smolts [young Salmon].

ITEM, It is statute and ordained, be our Soveraine Lord, be advise of his Regent, and the three Estaites of this present Parliament, that the Acts of Parliament, made be our Soveraine Lordis Predecessours of befoir, anent the slauchter of black fishe, Smoltes, and cutting of greene-wood, be put in execution in all poyntes. And that, the paynes be execute upon them with all extremitie, & with this addition: That all Judges ordinar, alsweil in Regalitie as Royaltie, & sik utheris, as sall please our Soveraine Lord, and his Regent to give power, and commission to that effect, to take up dittay of the persons contravenaris of the saids Actis, and hauld twa Courts ilk zeir, that is to say, ane Court at Pasche, and ane uther at Martine-messe, for punishment to be maid, in maner foirsaid. (Providing alwaies, that this present Act be na wise extended to the slaying of reid fische in the water of Tweede) and quha beis convict of the said crime, sall pay the paines conteined in the said Act. And als sall finde caution, to pay an hundreth pundis, als oft as he contravenis the saidis Acts, to be applyed to our Soveraine Lordis use. {376}

ITEM, It is statute and ordained, by our Sovereign Lord, by advice of his Regent, and the three Estates of this present Parliament, that the Acts of Parliament, made by our Sovereign Lord’s Predecessors of before, anent the slaughter of black fish, Smolts [young Salmon], and cutting of green-wood, be put in execution in all points; And that, the pains be execute upon them with all extremity, & with this addition: That all Judges ordinar, aswell in Regality as Royalty, & such others, as shall please our Sovereign Lord, and his Regent to give power, and commission to that effect, to take up dittay [indictment] of the persons contraveners of the saids Acts, and hold two Courts each year, that is to say, one Court at Pasch, and an other at Martine-mass, for punishment to be made, in manner foresaid. (Providing always, that this present Act be no wise extended to the slaying of red-fish [male salmon] in the water of Tweed) and who is convicted of the said crime, shall pay the pains contained in the said Act. And also shall find caution, to pay an hundred pounds, as oft as he contravenes the saids Acts, to be applied to our Sovereign Lord’s use. {376}

31. Anent abrogating of all acts contrarie to the Religioun.

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31. Anent abrogating of all acts contrary to the Religion.

[¶ Anent the cassing, annulling, and abrogating of all Lawis, actis, and constitutiounis, Canone, Ciuile, and Municipall, with vther constitutiounis, contrare to the Religioun now professit within this Realme. Ca. xxxix.]

[¶ Anent the cassing [making void], annulling, and abrogating of all Laws, acts, and constitutions, Canon, Civil, and Municipal, with other constitutions, contrary to the Religion now professed within this Realm. Ca. xxxix.]

IN the Parliament halden at Edinburgh, the 19. day of April, the zeir of God 1567. zeiris. The quhilk day, the Queens Majestie having considered the Estate of hir Majesties Realm, that it stude at, the time of hir arrival furth of France, & zit presently standis at Foirseing alswa the common weil of hir countrie greatumlie to be increased, & established be the keiping of the common peace & quietnes, amangs all her subjects: & like as hir hienes sen hir foirsaid arrival, hes attempted nathing contrare the Estate of religion, quhilk her M. fand publiklie & universallie standing, at hir arrival foirsaid, quhair by hir M. is maist worthy to be served, honored, & obeyed. Richt sa hir hienes intends to continew in the samin gudnes & governement, in all times cumming, quhairby all her gude subjects, professouris of the religion foirsaid, sall have occasion to praise God, for her gude, happy & gratious governement. And to crave of God fra the bottom of their hearts, that he wald of his infinit gudnes, prosper & blis hir M. & hir posterity, with lang life & gude & happy governement, to rule & reigne over them. And to the effect alswa, that all hir hienes gude subjects, professouris of the religion foirsaid, may assure themselves to be in full suretie therof, & of their landis, lives, benefices, dignities, jurisdictions, priviledges, guddis, fame, & honouris in time cumming, And with the better will jeoparde & hazard their lives & guddes in her hienes service, against all enemies to hir M. & to the common weill of this realm at all times neidful as their predecessours hes maist frankly done heirtofoir. And that without fear of any paine, punishment, tinsel of landis, benefices, and gudis, for professing exercing & using of the said religion, in times by-gane, and to be impute unto them, or their aires, notwithstanding any lawes, actis & constitutionis, canon, civil or municipal, or uther quhat-sumever ordinance heirtofoir institute in the contrare. And for their great surety foirsaid, our Sov. with the advise of the haill three Estaites of this Parliament, hes thocht neidful, & convenient to dispense, casse, abrogat, & annul, like as her M. presently dispensis, cassis, abrogatis, & annullis, all & quhat-sumever lawis, acts & constitutionis canon, civil, or municipal with all other constitutions & practicks penal, introduced contrair to the foirsaid religion & professors of the samin: and ordainis them, & their posterity, in all times to cum, to be free, & exeemed from all paine corporal, infamie, reproch, depriving fra benefices, dignities, or offices, or uther crime or paine quhat-sumever, that may be incurred, or imputed to them, be vertew of the saidis acts, lawes, ordinances, canon, {377} civil, or Municipal, & practicque, for contravening of the samin: renunceand the samin, & strength therof, in favoris of our saidis subjects, to the effect foirsaid. And sik-like, the Queenis M. of her authoritie royal, granted to hir be God, with the advise of the three Estaites foirsaidis, takis to hir selfe, & her posteritie, all her gude subjects, their benefices, lands, offices, gudis, & honouris, to be under sure saifgard, maintenance, protection, & defence perpetually, against quhat-sumever forreine authority, power, jurisdiction, & persute be it Ecclesiastical or temporal. Eximand hir foirsaidis subjects, fra all comperance, summoning or obedience, pretended heirafter against them, for the causes foirsaidis. Be quhat-sumever forreine person, or uther pretendand jurisdiction, or authoritie throw them: Willing hir subjects to dwell in perpetual security, & quietnes within this Realme, be making of their maist humble and faithful obedience to hir hienes & hir posterity, in all times cumming heirafter allanerly. Like as alswa her Majestie (God willing) in times convenient, sall take further ordour, in all uther poynts, concerning the Estate of Religion, as may best serve for the glorie of God, commoun weill of this Realme, & continuing of common peace and quietnesse universallie amangis all her subjects. Commanding them, and everie ane of them, in all times heirafter, to keip mutual, perfite, and maist heartie kindnesse, love, friendship, & Nichtbourhead, ilke ane to uthers, under all hiest paine and charge, that heirafter may follow, for breaking of this present Act of Parliament, and her Majesties maist lawful commandement.

IN the Parliament holden at Edinburgh, the 19th day of April, the year of God 1567 years; The which day, the Queen’s Majesty having considered the Estate of her Majesty’s Realm, that it stood at, the time of her arrival forth of France, & yet presently stands at; Foreseeing also the common weal of her country greatly to be increased, & established by the keeping of the common peace & quietness, amongst all her subjects: & like as her highness since her foresaid arrival, has attempted nothing contrary the Estate of religion, which her M. found publickly & universally standing, at her arrival foresaid, whereby her M. is most worthy to be served, honored, & obeyed; Right so her highness intends to continue in the same goodness & government, in all times coming, whereby all her good subjects, professors of the religion foresaid, shall have occasion to praise God, for her good, happy, & gracious government. And to crave of God from the bottom of their hearts, that he would of his infinite goodness, prosper & bless her M. & her posterity, with long life & good & happy government, to rule & reign over them; And to the effect also, that all her highness’ good subjects, professors of the religion foresaid, may assure themselves to be in full surety thereof, & of their lands, lives, benefices, dignities, jurisdictions, privileges, goods, fame, & honours in time coming; And with the better will jeopard & hazard their lives & goods in her highness’ service, against all enemies to her M. & to the common weal of this realm at all times needful as their predecessours has most frankly done heretofore; And that without fear of any pain, punishment, tinsel [loss] of lands, benefices, and goods, for professing exercising & using of the said religion, in times bygone, and [to come,—Ed. 1568.] to be impute unto them, or their heirs, notwithstanding any laws, acts & constitutions, canon, civil, or municipal, or other whatsomever ordinance heretofore institute in the contrary; And for their great surety foresaid, our Sov. with the advice of the whole three Estates of this Parliament, has thought needful, & convenient to dispense, cass [make void], abrogate, & annul, like as her M. presently dispenses, casses, abrogates, & annuls, all & whatsomever laws, acts & constitutions canon, civil, or municipal with all other constitutions & practicks [recorded acts] penal, introduced contrary to the foresaid religion & professors of the same: and ordains them, & their posterity, in all times to come, to be free, & exeemed [exempted or set free] from all pain corporal, infamy, reproach, depriving from benefices, dignities, or offices, or other crime or pain whatsomever, that may be incurred, or imputed to them, by virtue of the saids acts, laws, ordinances, canon, {377} civil, or Municipal, & practik [recorded cases], for contravening of the same: renouncing the same, & strength thereof, in favors of our saids subjects, to the effect foresaid. And suchlike, the Queen’s M. of her authority royal, granted to her by God, with the advice of the three Estates foresaids, takes to her self, & her posterity, all her good subjects, their benefices, lands, offices, goods, & honours, to be under sure safeguard, maintenance, protection, & defence perpetually, against whatsomever foreign authority, power, jurisdiction, & persuit [legal pursuit, suit] be it Ecclesiastical or temporal. Exeeming [Exempting] her foresaids subjects, from all compearance, summoning, or obedience, pretended hereafter against them, for the causes foresaids, By whatsomever foreign person, or other pretending jurisdiction, or authority through them: Willing her subjects to dwell in perpetual security, & quietness within this Realm, by making of their most humble and faithful obedience to her highness & her posterity, in all times coming hereafter allanerly [only]. Like as also her Majesty (God willing) in times convenient, shall take further order, in all other points, concerning the Estate of Religion, as may best serve for the glory of God, common weal of this Realm, & continuing of common peace and quietness universally amongst all her subjects. Commanding them, and every one of them, in all times hereafter, to keep mutual, perfect, and most hearty kindness, love, friendship, & Neighbourhood, each one to others, under all highest pain and charge, that hereafter may follow, for breaking of this present Act of Parliament, and her Majesties most lawful commandment.

32. Anent the prenting of the Acts, maid in this present Parliament, and of the Act maid in our Soveraines Gudschirs time, anent the raysing of fire & burning.

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32. Anent the printing of the Acts, made in this present Parliament, and of the Act made in our Sovereign’s Gudschirs [Grandfather’s] time, anent the raising of fire & burning.

ITEM, The xxix. day of December, the zeir of God, 1567. zeires, quhilk was the last day of this Parliament, the samin being continued, to the xj. day of Julij nixt-to-cum: Our Soveraine Lord, with advise of his Regent, and the three Estaites of Parliament, hes ordained, and ordainis, all and sindrie the foirsaidis Acts of Parliament, to be authenticklie imprented: As alswa, ordainis the Act of Parliament, maid in our Soveraine Lordis umquhile dearest Gudschirs Parliament, halden at Edinburgh, the 22. day of Januar, the zeir of God 1528. zeiris, made anent burning of houses, and utheris specified therein, to be alswa imprented. Swa that nane of our Soveraine Loreis liegis, may pretend ignorance of the samin.

ITEM, The 29th day of December, the year of God, 1567 years, which was the last day of this Parliament, the same being continued, to the 11th day of July next-to-come: Our Sovereign Lord, with advice of his Regent, and the three Estates of Parliament, has ordained, and ordains, all and sundry the foresaids Acts of Parliament, to be authentically imprinted: As also, ordains the Act of Parliament, made in our Sovereign Lord’s umquhile [late, deceased] dearest Gudschirs [Grandfather’s] Parliament, holden at Edinburgh, the 22nd day of January, the year of God 1528 years, made anent burning of houses, and others specified therein, to be also imprinted; So that none of our Sovereign Lord’s lieges, may pretend ignorance of the same. {378}

33. Anent the raysing of fire, and burning.

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33. Anent the raising of fire, and burning.

ITEM, In the Parliament halden at Edinburgh, the xij. day of November, the zeir of God 1526. zeires. The quhilk day, anent the Artickle of slauchteris, murtheris, burning: IT IS statute and ordained, that the Acts maid thereupon of before, and the auld Lawes be keiped, with this addition, that quha cummis and burnis folkis in their houses, and cornes, and wilful fyre-raysing, be treason, and lese-majestie, because sik deides ar exorbitant, and mair against the common weill, then uther crymes. And particular Justice airis, or general Justice airis, be set thereto, as sall pleis the Kings Majestie, his Councel, and the Justice for the time, with their consent. Providing, that it sall be lesum, to ony man to persew, and follow common thieves, and rebellis to take them. And gif they enter in houses, that it sall be lawful to invade, break or destroy the saidis housis, be fyre or utherwise, to the intent and effect of taking, or slaying of the saidis thieves, or rebelles, for the quhilk there sall follow upon the doeris, na paine, accusation, cryme, bot to be free theirof at all times.

ITEM, In the Parliament holden at Edinburgh, the 12th day of November, the year of God 1526 [1528] years; The which day, anent the Article of slaughters, murders, burning: IT IS statute and ordained, that the Acts made thereupon of before, and the old Laws be kept, with this addition, that who comes and burns folks in their houses, and corns, and willful fire-raising, be treason, and lese-majesty, because such deeds are exorbitant, and more against the common weal, than other crimes. And particular Justice airs, or general Justice airs, be set thereto, as shall please the King’s Majesty, his Council, and the Justice for the time, with their consent. Providing, that it shall be lesum [lawful], to any man to pursue, and follow common thieves, and rebels, to take them. And if they enter into houses, that it shall be lawful to invade, break, or destroy the saids houses, by fire or otherwise, to the intent and effect of taking, or slaying of the saids thieves, or rebels, for the which there shall follow upon the doers, no pain, accusation, crime, [nor offence—Ed. 1568.] but to be free thereof at all times.


1. None of the printed editions of the Acts of Parliament from the First Parliament of King James VI include the introductory epistle from the Estates of Scotland originally printed with the 1560 Scots Confession. Here follows the text thereof according to the John Scott edition of 1561, which, of the three editions printed that year, most accurately represents the text as it stands in the records of Parliament:

2. None of the printed editions of the Acts of Parliament from the First Parliament of King James VI include the introductory epistle from the Estates of Scotland originally printed with the 1560 Scots Confession. Here follows the text thereof according to the John Scott edition of 1561, which, of the three editions printed that year, most accurately represents the text as it stands in the records of Parliament:

THE
Confessioun of fa-
ITH PROFESSIT, AND BELEVIT, BE
the Protestantes vvithin the Realme of Scotland, Pub-
lisched be thaim in Parliament. And be the Estatis
thairof. Ratifeit and appreuit, as hailsú, & sound
Doctryne groundit vpon the infallible treuth
of
GODDIS vvorde

THE
Confession of fa-
ITH PROFESSED, AND BELIEVED, BY
the Protestants within the Realm of Scotland, Pub-
lished by them in Parliament. And by the Estates
thereof. Ratified and approved, as wholesome, & sound
Doctrine grounded upon the infallible truth
of
GOD’S word

Math. 24.

Math. 24.

And this glaid tydingis of the Kingdome,
salbe preached through the heale warld
for ane wytnes unto all nationis:
And than sall the end cum.

And these glad tidings of the Kingdom,
shall be preached through the whole world
for a witness unto all nations:
And then shall the end come.

¶ the Estatis of Scot lande, with the Inhabitantis of the same, profes sing CHIST IESVS, his holye Euangell. To thair naturall countremen, and to al vther Realmes and Nationes, professing the same LORD IESVS, with thaim. Wyshe grace mercy and peace from GOD the Father of our LORD Jesus Christe, with the Spirite of rychteous Jugement. For Salutatioun. &c.

¶ the Estates of Scot land, with the Inhabitants of the same, profes sing CHRIST JESUS, his holy Evangel. To their natural countrymen, and to all other Realms and Nations, professing the same LORD JESUS, with them, wish grace, mercy, and peace from GOD the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, with the Spirit of righteous Judgment. For Salutation. &c.

LONG HAVE We thrustede deir Brethrene to haue notified vnto the warld the soume of that Doctryne quhilk we profes and for the quhilk, we haue susteaned, Infamye, and dangeare. But sick hes bene, the rage of Sathá aganis ws, and aganis Christ IESVS his eternall veritie, laitlie borne amangis ws: That to this day na tyme hes bene grantit vnto vs to cleir our consciencis, as maiste glaidlie we walde haue done. For how we haue bene tossed a heale zeir paste, the maist part of Europe (as we suppose) dois vnderstand. Bot seing that of the infinite gudnes of our GOD (quha neuer suffereth his afflicted vterlye to be confoundit) abufe expectation we haif obtenit sú rest, & libertie. We culd not bot set furth this breif & plane cófession of sicke doctryne as is proponed vnto vs, and as {} we beleue and professe partlie for satisfactioun of oure brethrein, quhais hartis we doute not, haue bene, and zit ar wóndit, be the despitfull rayling of sicke, as zit haue nocht learned to speike weill: & partlie for stopping of the mouthis of impudét blasphemaris, quha badlye dampne that, quhilk thay haif nother hard, nor zit vnderstád. Quhilk [Not] that we iudge that the cankerid malice of sick is able to be curit be this our simple confession. No, we knawe that the sweit Sauoure of the Euangell, is and salbe deth to the Sonnis of pardition. Bot we haue cheif respect to oure weake and infirme brethrens, to quhome we walds communicat the bodum of oure hartis, leste that thay be troublit or caryed away be diuersitie of rumouris, quhilk Sathá sparsith cótrare vs, to the defasing of this our maist godlie niterpryse. Protesting that geue ony man wyll note in this our confessioun ony Artycle, or sentence, repugning to goddis hylye worde, that it wald pleis him, of his gentilnes, & for Christiane cheriteis saike, to admonische ws of the same in wrytt. And we of oure honouris & fidelitie, do promeis vnto him satisfaction fra ye mouth of GOD (that is fra his halye scripturs) or ellis reformatioun of that quhlik he sall proue to be amys. For GOD we take to recorde in our cóscience that fra our hartes we abhorre all Sectis of heresie, & al techearis of erronious doctryne, & that with al humilitie, we embrace the puritie of Christis Euangell. Quhilk is the onelie fude of our {} Saulis: And thairfore sa precious vnto vs, that we ar determyned to suffer the extremitie of wardly daingear, rather than that we wyll suffer oure selfes to be defraudit of the same. For heirof we ar maist certainelye perswadit, that quhasoeuer denyis Christe Jesus, or is eschamit of him, in presens of Men, salbe denyit before the Father, and before his halye Angelis. And thairfore be the assistance of the mychtye Spirite off thee same oure LORD Jesus, we firmelye purppose to abyde to the end, in the confessioun of this our faith, as be Artycles followis.

LONG HAVE We thirsted dear Brethren to have notified unto the world the sum of that Doctrine which we profess and for the which, we have sustained, Infamy, and danger. But such has been the rage of Satan against us, and against Christ JESUS’s eternal verity, lately born amongst us: That to this day no time has been granted unto us to clear our consciences, as most gladly we would have done. For how we have been tossed a whole year past, the most part of Europe (as we suppose) does understand. But seeing that of the infinite goodness of our GOD (who never suffereth his afflicted utterly to be confounded) above expectation we have obtained some rest, & liberty. We could not but set forth this brief & plain confession of such doctrine as is proponed unto us, and as {} we believe and profess, partly for satisfaction of our brethren, whose hearts we doubt not, have been, and yet are wounded, by the despiteful railing of such, as yet have not learned to speak well: & partly for stopping of the mouths of impudent blasphemers, who boldly damn that, which they have neither heard, nor yet understand. Not that we judge that the cankered malice of such is able to be cured by this our simple confession. No, we know that the sweet Savour of the Evangel, is and shall be death to the Sons of perdition. But we have chief respect to our weak and infirm brethren, to whom we would communicate the bottom of our hearts, lest that they be troubled or carried away by diversity of rumours, which Satan spreadeth against us, to the defacing of this our most godly enterprise. Protesting that if any man will note in this our confession any Article, or sentence, repugning to God’s holy word, that it would please him, of his gentleness, & for Christian charity’s sake, to admonish us of the same in writ. And we of our honours & fidelity, do promise unto him satisfaction from the mouth of GOD (that is from his holy scriptures) or else reformation of that which he shall prove to be amiss. For GOD we take to record in our conscience that from our hearts we abhor all Sects of heresy, & all teachers of erroneous doctrine, & that with all humility, we embrace the purity of Christ’s Evangel; Which is the only food of our {} Souls: And therefore so precious unto us, that we are determined to suffer the extremity of worldly danger, rather than that we will suffer our selves to be defrauded of the same. For hereof we are most certainly persuaded, that whosoever denies Christ Jesus, or is ashamed of him, in presence of Men, shall be denied before the Father, and before his holy Angels. And therefore by the assistance of the mighty Spirit of the same our LORD Jesus, we firmly purpose to abide to the end, in the confession of this our faith, as by Articles follows:

3. Below is the Colophon as it appears in the John Scott edition of 1561.

4. Below is the Colophon as it appears in the John Scott edition of 1561.