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.