III. In the next roome, we finde, that it is a transporting of [pg 133] Ministers for publike good, that Colledges, (having the profession of Divinitie) be wel provided of professors.
Wherin the Colledge of Divinitie in S. Andrews is first to be served without taking any Professors or Ministers out of Edinburg, Glasgow, or Aberdene, and then the rest of the Colledges, would be provided for, as their necessity shal require: yet (in respect of the present scarcity) it were good for the Universities to send abroad for able and approved men, to be Professors of Divinitie, that our Ministers may be kept in their pastoriall charge as much as may be.
Towns also wherein Colledges are, are very considerable in the matter of transportation.
IV. Also Congregations, where Noblemen have chief residence are to be regarded, whether planted or unplanted, and a care is to be had, that none be admitted Ministers where Popish Noblemen reside, but such as are able men (especially for controversies) by sight of the Presbyterie: and moreover it is necessary, that such Minesters as dwell where Popish Noblemen are, and are not able for controversies, that they be transported.
V. They who desire the transportation of a Minister should be obliged to give reasons for their desire: Neither should any Presbyterie or Assembly, passe a sentence for transportation of any Minister, till they give reasons for the expediencie of the same, both to him and his Congregation, &c. to the Presbyterie whereof he is a member. If they acquiesce to the reasons given, it is so much the better: if they doe not acquiesce, yet the Presbyterie, or Assembly, (by giving such reasons before the passing of their sentence) shal make it manifest, that what they doe is not pro arbritratu, vel imperio onely, but upon grounds of reason.
VI. Because there is such scarcity of Ministers having the Iris tongue, necessity requires, that when they be found in the Low-lands, they be transported to the High-lands: providing their condition be not made worse, but rather better by their transportation.
VII. In the point of voluntary transportation, no Minister shal transact and agree with any Parish, to be transsported thereto, without a full hearing of him, and his Parish, before [pg 134] the Presbyterie to which he belongs in his present charge, or superiour Kirk judicatories, if need shall be.
VIII. The planting of vacant Kirks, is not to be tyed to any (either Ministers, or Expectants) within a Presbyterie: but a free election is to be; according to the order of our Kirk, and Lawes of our Kingdome.
IX. The chief Burghs of the Kingdome are to be desired to traine up young men of excellent spirits for the ministery, according to their power, as was recommended to Edinburgh: Which course will in time (God willing) prevent many transplantations.