Records of the Kirk of Scotland / containing the Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies from 1638 downwards, as authenticated by the clerks of assembly.

by Church of Scotland. General Assembly

1638.—September 9.
63.—Instructions as to the Bishops.[88]

Charles R.

You shall shew My Lord of St Andrews, that We intend by being content with his demission of the Chancellours Place no injury to him, and most willing We are, that in the manner of doing it he may receive no prejudice in his reputation, though we cannot admit at this time of his nominating a Successor; and to make it more plain, that We are far from having any thought to affront him, by thinking of his demission, We will in no ways that you urge him to do it; yet you are to intimate that in Our opinion a fair demission will prove more to the advancement of Our Service, and be better for him, than if he should retain the Place.

If you find him willing to demit, you shall then try what consideration he doth expect from Us, and if the same be not altogether unreasonable, you shall promise it in Our Name.

If a demission, then it is presently to be done.

If he resolve to hold that Place, then you must presently command his repair to Scotland, all excuses set apart.

You shall communicate to him and the rest of his Brethren, that far of Our Intentions, that it is probable you may indict a General Assembly.

That We are content absolutely to discharge the Books of Service, and Canons, and the High Commission.

You shall shew that the Five Articles of Perth We are pleased be esteemed as indifferent, and that though We maintain Episcopacy, yet We will be content that their Power be limited according to the Laws.

And it is Our further Pleasure, that if an Assembly be indicted, he and the rest of his Brethren be there, to defend themselves and their Cause: and for that end, that he and they repair to Newcastle, Morpeth, or Berwick, there to attend your further advertisement, that so immediately they may repair to Scotland, not only to answer for themselves at the said Assembly, but likewise to consult with you, what will be fittest to be done, for the advancement of Our Service that evil may be kept off, so much as in you and them lieth, both from Kirk and Commonwealth.