[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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TrueCovenanter.com Editor’s Introduction:

Dear Reader,

No doubt some will take offence at such a title as that which has been given to the following document, and it is likely that there are better titles than any that the present editor could conceive; yet, when the following laws and ordinances are read and considered, one cannot but notice how it truly seemed that, however differently the matter stands at the present day, there was once a time when the king and kingdom of Scotland were by the mighty power of the Gospel brought into submission to the Most High, and to the obedience of his laws. We do not pretend that there was either a perfection in the performance, or even that there was a perfection attained in the promises of rulers or the laws which were commanded, yet this will not stand as a reason to disregard these glorious beginnings as if they were not Christ’s Triumphant Entry into Scotland. Yea, though he had much battle to do still, (especially with lordly bishops,) yet these laws make plain that Christ was once (by his Word and Spirit) entered into and present in Scotland, reigning as King of Nations, in a manner which will make the above title warrantable, if the matter is fairly weighed. What else can one think, when he finds laws outlawing idolatry, and establishing a National Confession of the Reformed Faith, with Scripture References for every article in the margin, and further, laws ordaining Biblical qualifications for public offices, and laws appealing to the Scriptures by book and chapter, all within the published Acts of Parliament? Yet, such apologies as these may be necessary, as the laws below still contain a few vestiges of Romish superstition, such as references to Prelates, Bishops, Pasch, and Yule. (Likewise, the reader may be aware that the purging of Patronages from the order of the Church was not ordained by civil law until 1649, the last year of the Second Reformation.) Those who care to investigate the matter, may likewise take the time to read in the Histories of John Knox and of David Calderwood, what promises were made to the Church by the civil authorities before the following laws were enacted in the First Parliament of James VI. There were some things desired by the Church, and promised by the Earls, Lords, Barons, and others, which were not at that time fulfilled. Be that as it may, that which is here to be found, is an extraordinary display of God’s power, put forth at the time of the Reformation, in order to bring both Church and State in Scotland to an increasing conformity to his Holy Word.

Many modern readers may indeed take offence also at these laws themselves. Even to many professing Christians at the present day, the sentence of death for saying and hearing the Papist Mass will seem to be an over-zealous display of "Protestant Bigotry." But let such hold their tongues. God has commanded in his word that Idolaters, and especially those who entice others to Idolatry, ought to be put to death. (Deut. 17.2-5; 13.1-11.) Is this Bigotry? Has not God authority to dispatch with the life of criminals at his pleasure, and to command rulers of nations to do so as his lieutenants? If rightly examined, the principles maintained by many modern professing Christians will prove a far worse kind of bigotry. If God commands that Idolaters, Blasphemers, Witches, Sodomites, and Adulterers should be put to death, and professing Christians condemn Him merely because the laws of men (such as the infidel constitution & laws of the United States for example,) grant to such parties a so-called right to practice their villainy, is it not evident that the National Pride of such "Christians" and their "Loyalty to their country," their so-called Patriotism, have so carried them away as to make them Patriotic Bigots for National Licentiousness, and Rebels against the God they profess to serve? Such folk ought to consider that rulers of nations are under strict injunctions from God, to execute his law, and they stand in danger to suffer his wrath both if they are over-rigorous and also if they are over-indulgent. If Papist kings are guilty for drawing out the sword against the Lord’s children to persecute them, yet modern rulers are guilty because they will not draw out the sword against the Lord’s enemies to do justice upon them. That one word to King Ahab in Israel ought to make men more wary of condemning Protestant Scotland, as it will be fulfilled upon all these modern rulers who indulge the vilest of criminals: Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.—1 Kings 20.42.

For our part, we love these laws. We are not bigots. We do not count the old laws of Scotland to be perfect or to be a part of divine revelation. But we do count them a most precious piece of history whereby God was greatly honoured and his Kingdom advanced in this world; and we are not ashamed to take pleasure in the stones of Zion, and favour the dust thereof, (Psalm 102.14,) though it be all that remains at the present day. For a long time Covenanters were condemned for vindicating their cause by appealing to Acts of Parliament, but in time these Laws became so lost in the pages of old books inaccessible to most readers, that both friends and foes thereof became equally unacquainted therewith. It is the purpose of this present publication to, in part, remedy the situation, and arm Covenanters once more with one of the weapons of their warfare, while they do battle with the enemies of King Jesus.

The present editor was brought to such purposes by two primary occasions. First, for some years now I have regarded the National Covenant of Scotland as a legitimate Christian Covenant, binding the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, as well as their posterity, corporately and individually. After reading this Covenant a number of times, the many references to various Acts of Parliament in the latter section thereof, cannot but make the reader particularly curious about their contents. This, coupled with an intention to make available the Auchensaugh Renovation of the Covenants, formed a strongly motivating force to inquire into the matter, and assist others in doing the same. Secondly, in browsing through the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, as it was re-written after the beginning of her defections, I found some footnotes disowning and criticizing some of the Acts of the Generally Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and also some of the Acts of Parliament in Scotland. As I have said, Covenanters are no Bigots, and we do not pretend that either the Acts of General Assemblies, or the Acts of Parliaments, are given by an infallible authority. Yet, when I found that the so-called Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland would so impose upon the readers of their testimony, as to condemn the very same Acts of Parliament as are embodied within the National Covenant of Scotland, which the said Church professes to uphold, some holy anger was stirred, and I was again motivated to the same purpose, to let the world know what the Reformation in Scotland really was, and to bring to light that which might be helpful to the Church of Jesus Christ.

No doubt, there are some who will regard such labours as a great disservice to the Church of Jesus Christ, or to the Presbyterian Church in particular. I care not a wit for it. How can they say such things without declaring that their hearts are full of the venom of anti-reformation malignancy? Was it a shame to Presbyterian Scotland, or was it not the glory thereof, that Popery was banished from the realm? that the true religion was declared and established in several articles of faith all within the books of Parliament? that laws were enacted making reference to Holy Scripture as a higher Law? that the True God and True Religion were honoured exclusively, while the idols of the nations and false religion were disowned, condemned, and sentenced to civil pains? that all persons to be brought to places of public authority were required to adhere to the true religion and exhibit due religious qualifications according to the Word of God? We see what filth comes of nations which have no religious test for office; which give no preference to the True Religion and even dare to require as a qualification for office that men promise never to endeavour the establishment of any Religion; which legislate a license to all citizens to commit idolatry and vend heresy at their pleasure, as a natural "right"; which make it no crime to desecrate the Lord’s holy day, nor to blaspheme his holy name. Let those be proud of such nations who will, and of modern societies, I have one thing to say: When compared to Scotland at the time of either her First Reformation, or her Second Reformation, all these modern "enlightened civilizations," including today’s Apostate Scotland, England, & Ireland, Lecherous Canada, and Infidel America, are nothing but the very DREGS OF PRIMITIVE BARBARITY. Let them blame me for name-calling if they will, and boast all they like of their superior "Charity" (though it be diluted to nothingness with their hatred of HIS MAJESTY CHRIST JESUS,) yet, God is Judge (Psalm 50.6,) and the Cause of our Covenanted Reformation will be vindicated from on high soon enough.

Readers, it is my prayer that these pages which follow, may be a blessing to the children of God, and a help and encouragement to you, to put forth your hands to the various callings to which God has appointed each of you, that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in this world may be built up more and more, and the good order thereof established once again. Let not your hearts faint when you consider the defections of the present day. They do indeed call for sorrow unto repentance, but not for despair. He who is with us is still greater than all they that are against us.

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.—Psalm 37.6.


Textual Information:

Some explanation is in order as to the origin of the text presented, and the layout in which it is presented:

First of all, it should be noted that there are three editions of the text being presented simultaneously to the reader’s view, unless user-activated filters are applied.

The 1682 edition of the Acts of Parliament is the main source for this project. The entire text of the first Parliament of James VI has been re-typeset according to the original spellings, except for corrections to obvious errors. This edition contains all of the Acts commonly referred to when references are made to the first Parliament of James VI. It does not however include a number of Acts that were judged to be of temporary significance. Therefore,

The 1568 edition of the Acts of Parliament has been used to re-typeset those particular Acts which are excluded from the 1682 edition, (again, according to the original spellings.) Because of the difficulty in discerning certain portions thereof, the 1575 edition was also consulted, and a few places where it slightly differs have been noted.

A new 2005 edition has been presented containing a modern rendering of all of the Acts compiled from the two sources above. The present editor is responsible for this, and anticipates that faults will be found, and will be most thankful for any corrections that are communicated by other readers. In general, the exact wording of the original has been maintained except for standard replacements of English terms for Scotch, such as much for meikle,—so for swa,—such for sik,—etc. Other than that, spelling and punctuation have been updated, and bracketed synonyms have been inserted for a number of more difficult words. The Dictionary of the Scots Language (DSL) will prove very helpful to all readers, especially those who choose to read the original editions. It may be found online at: http://www.dsl.ac.uk/dsl/

These editions, thus collected, are then set in parallel columns, with the original printed editions on the left-hand side, and the modern 2005 edition on the right-hand side. The reader may use the menu options to filter which editions or which portions of the collection are included for viewing.

The purpose of all this is to provide authentic copies of editions published by the king’s printers, and also make the same editions more easily readable to modern readers.

One final word of warning: There is a serious problem with the numeration of the Acts of Parliament from this time period, as the user will detect from what is found below. As indicated above, later editions left out a number of Acts, by which re-numeration was occasioned within these editions. Likewise, un-noticed mistakes sometimes occasioned a repeat of an Act number in these same editions, with all following Acts shifted in their numeration. In order to compensate for this problem in the text that follows, the number of the Act according the original printed edition will be found in the center separator column when viewing multiple editions in parallel. In general, when searching for particular Acts of Parliament, it is best to search for the Act by Title, (which, sadly, was also a thing subject to change in later editions,) in order to be certain that one has indeed found the desired Act.


Technical Information:

The Collection of the Acts of Parliament presented here-below is extracted from a database of Parliamentary Acts and Ecclesiastical Confession Statements and formatted as HTML via a collection of server-side scripts. In order to accommodate the present purpose of displaying multiple editions in parallel, it was found useful to implement a number of HTML and CSS features developed in more recent years. As a result, users viewing the Collection using certain web-browsers may find that doing so yields less-than-desirable results. Efforts have been made to maintain a general backward-compatibility, including accommodations for text-based browsers such as Lynx, which should at least make the entire document viewable to most browsers. Those however, who desire to have the document presented as it is intended, should download and install the most recent version of Mozilla Firefox. Please note that although Mozilla Firefox was found most useful for the present project, TrueCovenanter.com does not ‘endorse’ any particular web-browser, make any promises concerning any particular web-browser, or take responsibility for the effects of viewing any web-pages, local or remote, using any particular web-browser.


Table of Contents

  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 Earl of Murray in Regent, to our Sovereign Lord, his Realm and Lieges.
  1. Anent the abolishing of the Pope, and his usurped authority.
  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 Mass abolished, and punishing of all that hear or says the same.
  1. Anent the true and holy Kirk, and of them that are declared not to be of the same.
  1. Admission of Ministers: of lay Patronages.
  1. Anent the Kings oath, to be given at his Coronation.
  1. No person may be Judge Procurator, Notar, nor member of Court, who professes not the Religion.
  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 teachers of youth should be tried by the visitors of the Kirk.
  1. ¶ Anent the jurisdiction of the Kirk. Ca. xii.
  1. Anent the disposition of Provostries, Prebendaries, & Chaplainries, to bursars to be found in Colleges.
  1. Anent the filthy vice of Fornication, and punishment of the same.
  1. Anent them that commit Incest.
  1. Anent lawful marriage of the own blood, in degrees not forbidden by God his word.
  1. Anent slaying of Hart, Hind, and other beasts and fowls with Culverings [Firelocks, Muskets].
  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 retention of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s person. Ca. xix.
  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. What money should be coined: Alloyed-money should not be coined without consent of the Estates. Money should not be melted.
  1. The Lords of Session are Judges to all Infeftments and gifts granted, or confirmed in Parliament.
  1. Anent shooting, and bearing of Culverings [firelocks, muskets] and Daggs [pistols].
  1. False Coin should be clipped.
  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 gifts of benefices and pensions, since the Month of August 1560 years, granted and given, by our Sovereign Lord’s Mother.
  1. Anent theft, and receipt of theft, taken of prisoners be thieves, or bonds for ransoms, and punishment of the same.
  1. That no horse be carried forth of the Realm, as common Merchandise.
  1. ¶ Anent the residence, and sitting of the Lords of Session, for administration of Justice. Ca. xxix.
  1. The denunciation of the Rebellion should precede the gift [grant] of escheat.
  1. Anent privileges granted to Kirk-men.
  1. The ratification of the privilege of the Barons.
  1. Anent the privileges granted to Burrows.
  1. Saisines within Burghs, should be given by a Baillie, and the Clerk.
  1. ¶ Anent the demolishing of the Castle of Dunbar, and Fort of Inchkeith. Ca. xxxv.
  1. Anent the declaration of the Commissars, how they shall proceed in beneficial matters.
  1. Malt-men should not have a Deacon [Officer, President].
  1. Anent black fish, cutting of green-wood, and slaughter of Smolts [young Salmon].
  1. Anent abrogating of all acts contrary to the Religion.
  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 raising of fire, and burning.

THE ACTS OF PARLIAMENT

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-

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

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.

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.

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 Earl of Murray in Regent, to our Sovereign Lord, his Realm and Lieges.

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.

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,

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 Pope, and his usurped authority.

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

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, 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.[1]

1. Of God.

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.

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.

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 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.

3. Of Original sin.

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.

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}

4. Of the Revelation of the promise.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

6. Of the incarnation of Christ Jesus.

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.

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.

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

Ephes. 1.3,4,5,6.

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.

8. Election.

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.

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.

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

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.

[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.

10. 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.

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.

11. Ascension.

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.

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.

12. Faith in the Holy Ghost.

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.

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.

14. The cause of good works.

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.

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.

15. What works are reputed good before God.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

17. Of the Kirk.

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.

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.

18. The immortality of the Souls.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

20. The authority of the Scriptures.

1 Tim. 3.16,17.
John 10.27.

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.

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.
Acts 15.1. &c.
1 Tim. 3.15.
Heb. 3.2.
1 Cor. 14.40.

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.

22. Of the Sacraments.

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.

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.

23. Of the right administration of the Sacraments.

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.

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.

24. To whom Sacraments appertain.

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

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.

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.
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.

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.

26. The gifts freely given to the Kirk.

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.

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.

Num. 9.35.
Psalm 68.1.
Acts 4.29.

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

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

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. Admission of Ministers: of lay Patronages.

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 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 Kings oath, to be given at his Coronation.

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

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 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 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 teachers of youth should be tried by the visitors 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 jurisdiction of the Kirk. Ca. xii.

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 Provostries, Prebendaries, & Chaplainries, to bursars to be found in Colleges.

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 filthy vice of Fornication, and punishment of the same.

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 commit Incest.

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

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, Hind, and other beasts and fowls with Culverings [Firelocks, Muskets].

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.

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, made of before, of the declaration of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s perfect age. Ca. xviii.

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 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 retention of our Sovereign Lord’s Mother’s person. Ca. xix.

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

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

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.

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

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 Coin should be clipped.

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

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, 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,

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

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.

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 Lords of Session, for administration of Justice. Ca. xxix.

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 should precede the gift [grant] of escheat.

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 privileges granted to Kirk-men.

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 privilege of the Barons.

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 privileges granted to Burrows.

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

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

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

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 should not have a Deacon [Officer, President].

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 green-wood, and slaughter of Smolts [young Salmon].

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 contrary to the Religion.

[¶ 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 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 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 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 raising of fire, and burning.

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:

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.

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 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 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:

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