[237] Repudiated; withdrawn.
[238] "Men of no note."
[239] "Servants of God, however."
[240] Placed in authority.
[241] Strange; unfriendly.
[242] The Confession of Faith professed and believed by the Protestants within the Realm of Scotland, published by them in Parliament, and by the Estates thereof ratified and approved, as wholesome and sound Doctrine, grounded upon the infallible Truth of God's Word. (Original Title.)
[243] Words in square brackets are not in MSS. but are found in old printed copies of the Confession.—Ed.
[244] Chests.
[245] In a Preface, the compilers addressed themselves to the Great Council of Scotland, "now admitted to the Regiment, by the Providence of God," acknowledging instructions, received on 29th April 1560, to commit to writing their Judgments touching the Reformation of Religion. The book is offered "for common order and uniformity to be known in this Realm, concerning Doctrine, Administration of Sacraments [Election of Ministers, Provision for their Sustentation], Ecclesiastical Discipline, and Policy of the Kirk." The Lords are desired neither to admit anything which God's plain Word shall not approve, nor yet to reject such ordinances as equity, justice, and God's Word do specify. Cf. pp. 217, 243 supra.
[246] The Lords think that none should be admitted to preach unless they are qualified therefor, but rather that they should be retained as readers; and such as are preachers already, not found qualified for that office by the Superintendent, should be placed as readers. (Additio.) [Here and at sundry other points in the Book there are incorporated passages marked "Additio," importing emendations made by the Lords upon the original document submitted by the Compilers. In the present edition these emendations are, in most instances, transferred to footnotes.—Ed.]