13. As for the number of Kirks, how many shall be in every Presbytrie? Referris to them that hes the Commissione to establische Presbyteries.
14. The forme of proces in weightie matters to be in wreit, at the discretioune of particular Presbytries, e re nata; in uther things verball.
15. For any that will not receave office of Elderschip, and travell not in the word, we may exhorte, but not compell.
Sessio 14.
Ordayns a general ffast, to be keepit universallie, in all kirks of this realme, with doctrine and instructione of the people, to begin the first Sonday of Junij next to come, and to continow to the next Sonday hereafter, inclusive, useing in the meane tyme, exercise of doctrine, according to the accustomit order; and the King’s Majestie to be certified be the Commissioners sent to him, and desyrit to hald hand thereto be proclamations to be sent out to that effect.
Causes.—Universall conspiracies of the Papists, in all countries against Christianes for executione of the bloody Counsell of Trent. 2. The oppression and thraldome of the Kirk of God. 3. Wasting of the rents thereof without remedie. 4. Falling from the former zeal. 5. Flocking home of Jesuits and Papists. 6. Manifest bloodshed, incest, adulteries, with such horrible crymes defylling the land unpunisched. 7. The danger qwherin the King’s Majestie stands throw evill companie resorting about him, be qwham it is feared he may be corrupted in manners and religione, and universall oppressione and contempt of the poor.
Ordaynis every Presbytrie within their awn bounds to try the ministers of the same, and if any offences beis found, to punische the same, according to the qualitie and estate of their crymes, betwixt and the next Generall Assembly of the Kirk.
Anent persones desyrand to enter in the functione of the ministrie: the Kirk ordaynes the particular Presbytries to try and examine them; and such as they find qualified, to provide them to kirks.
The nixt Assembly appoyntit at Edinburgh, the 24th of October nixt, except some necessar occasione interveine, be the advertisement of the Elderschip of Edinburgh, and the King’s Ministers, qwhereby they may be brought together sooner.