13. The first kynd and sort of assembleis, although thay be within particular congregatiounis, zet thay exerce the power, auctoritie, and jurisdictioun of the Kirk with mutuall consent, and thairfoir beiris sumtyme the name of the Kirk.
14. Quhen we speik of eldaris of the particular congregationis, we mene not that euery particular paroche kirk cane, or may haue thair awin particular eldarschip, speciall to landwart, bot we think thrie or four, ma or fewar, particular kirkis, may haue ane commoun eldarschip to thame all, to judge the ecclesiasticall causes.
15. Albeit it is meit that sum of the eldaris be chosine out of euerie particular congregatioun, to concur with the rest of thair brethrene in the commoun assemblie, and to tak up the delationis of offencis within thair awin kirkis, and bring thame to the Assemblie.
16. This we gadder of the practise of the primitiue kirk, wheras eldaris or colleges of senioris wer constitute in citeis and famous places.
17. The power of thir particular elderschippis, is to uis diligent laubour in the boundis committed to thair charge, that the kirkis be kepit in guid ordour, to inquire diligentlie of nauchtie and unrewlie personis, and travell to bring thame in the way againe, ayther be admonitioun or threatning of Goddis judgements, or be correctioun.*[49]
18. It perteins to the eldarschip, to tak heid, that the word of God be purelie preichit within thair boundis, the sacraments rightlie ministrat, the discipline menteind, and the ecclesiasticall guidis uncorruplie distribute.*[49]
19. It belangis to this kynd of assembleis, to caus the ordinancis maid be the assembleis, provinciallis, nationallis and generallis, to be keipit, and put in executioun.*[49]
20. To mak constitutionis quhilk concerne το πρεπον in the kirk, for the decent ordour of thais particular kirkis qwher thay gouerne, (prouyding thay alter na reulis made by the generall and provinciall assembleis, and that thay mak the provinciall assembleis foirsene of the reulis that thay sall mak,) and to abolische thame tending to the hurt of the same.*[49]
21. It hes power to excommunicat the obstinat.*[49]
22. The power of electioun of thame qwha bearis ecclesiasticall chargis, pertenis to this kynd of assemblie, within thair awin boundis, being weill erectit, and constitut of mony pastouris and eldaris of sufficient habilitie.