CHAPTER I. Of the CHVRCH of SCOTLAND .

THE Religion of CHRIST teacheth vs , to honour ▪ Secular Princes , as the Vicegerent of GOD vpon earth : And therefore , as our duetie to the King 's most excellent Majestie obliedgeth , It is decreed , and ordayned , That all Arch-Bishops , Bishops , and all other Ecclesiasticall persons ; all Readers of Divinitie Lectures , all Masters , Principalls , Primars , Regents , Fellowes , and all who-so-ever haue Charge of Schools , Colledges , and Universities , shall faythfullie keepe and obserue , and ( as much as in them lyeth ) cause to be observed , and kept of others , all singular Lawes and Statutes made for the restoring to the CROWNE of this Kingdome , the auncient Iurisdiction over the Estate Ecclesiasticall , and abolishing all Forraygne Power , repugnant to the same . And farther-more , shall purelie , and sincerelie , to the vttermost of their wit and Learning , teach , make open , and declare in their Doctrine , Exhortations , Lectures , Instructions , & Conferences , at all fit tyms & occasions , That all vsurped & forraygne power ( for-as-much as the same hath no establishment , nor ground by the Law of GOD ) is , for most just causes , taken away ; and abolished ; and that therfore , no manner of obedience or subjection within His Majesties Realms and Dominions , is due vnto any such forraygne power : But that the King's power within His Realms of SCOTLAND , ENGLAND , IRELAND , and all other His Dominions & Countreys , is the highest power vnder GOD ; to whom all men , as well inhabitants , as borne within the same , doe by GOD'S Law owe most loyaltie and obedience ; afore & aboue al powers , and Potentates on earth .

2. Whosoever shal herafter affirm , That the King's M tie hath not the same Authoritie in Causes Ecclesiasticall , that the godlie kings had amongst the Iewes , and Christian Emperours , in the Primitiue Church ; or impeach ▪ in anie part , his Royall Supremacie in Causes Ecclesiasticall ; let him bee excommunicated , and not restored , but onlie by the Arch-bishop of the Province , after his Repentance , and publicke Revocation of these his wicked Errours .

3. Whosoever shal hereafter affirme , That the Doctrine of the Church of Scotland ; the forme of worship contained in the booke of Common Prayer , & administration of the Sacraments ; The Rites & Ceremonies of the Church ; The government of the Church vnder His M tie by Archbishops , Bishops , and others which beare office in the same ; The forme of making and consecrating Archbishops , Bishops , Presbyters , & Deacons , as they are now established vnder His M ties Authoritie , doe contayne in them anie thing repugnant to the Scriptures , or are corrupt , superstitious , or vnlawful in the service & worship of GOD ; let him be excommunicated , & not restored , but by the Bishop of the place , or Archb. of the Province , after his Repentance , and publicke Revocation of such his wicked Errours .

CHAP. II. Of Presbyters and Deacons , their nomination , ordination , function and charge .

FOrasmuch as the weyght of the Ministeriall Calling , doeth require such a measure of sufficiencie , as humane weaknesse can attayne vnto , and is often discredited by the ignorance , insufficiencie , and scandalous conversation of manie who vndertake the same ; it is ordayned , That no person hereafter shall be admitted to that holie Function , who hath not bene bred in some Universitie or Colledge , & hath taken some degree there ; and who shall verifie the same by the Subscriptions & Seals of the Universitie , or Colledge , where hee receaved the degrees of Learning .

2. Neyther shall hee bee admitted to tryall , vnlesse hee bring a Certificat , eyther from the Colledge where hee was bred , or ( if hee haue discontinued there ) from the Presbyters or Ministers of that part of the Countrey , where he hath for the most part resided since his leaving of the Universitie ; That hee hath beene exercised in some honest calling , or studie ; and that hee is a man blamelesse in his lyfe , and conversation . Which Certificat shall be given vnder the hands and oathes of two or three Presbyters at least .

3. No person shall bee heereafter receaved into holie Orders , without due examination of his literature , by the Arch-bishop or Bishop of the Diocesse , or by their Chaplaynes , appoynted to that worke , who shall examine everie severall partie , as they find cause .

4. The age and prudencie of him that is to bee receaved , must lykewyse bee considered , as , That hee bee at least fiue and twentie yeares compleat , who is ordayned Presbyter ; and when hee is ordayned Deacon , one and twentie years compleat , at least ; and bee of a modest and setled carriage : so that his lightnesse , or indiscrete simplicitie , bring not his Calling , or Giftes , in contempt .

5. No Bishop shall hereafter admit anie person into holie Orders , who is not of his owne Diocesse , except hee bring Letters dimissorie from the Bishop of the Diocesse where hee lived , and a Certificat of his honest conversation .

6. Nor shall anie man bee admitted vnto holie Orders , vnlesse hee haue a particular place , and charge , where hee may vse and exerce his Function . And if anie Arch-bishop or Bishop doc otherwyse , hee shall keepe and mayntayne the person so admitted in all thinges necessarie , till hee bee provyded to some Ecclesiasticall Living . And if hee offend in this a second tyme , hee shall bee suspended from his Office .

7. That the greater reverence may bee carried to that holie Calling , all Ordinations shall bee made by imposition of handes , and with solemne prayers , openlie in the Church , after the morning Service ended , and before the Communion , in the forme and verie wordes praescrybed in the Booke of Ordination , and in presence of two or three Presbyters of the Diocesse , who shall laye on handes together with the Arch-bishop , or Bishop .

8. All Ordinations shall bee made at foure tymes in the yeare ; to wit , the first weekes of March , Iune , September , and December .

9. Everie Ecclesiasticall person , at his admission , shall take the oath of Supremacie , according to the forme praescrybed in Parliament .

10. No person shall hereafter bee receaved into holie Orders , nor suffered to preach , catechise , reade Divinitie , minister the Sacramentes , or execute anie other Ecclesiasticall Function , vnlesse hee first subscrybe , to bee obedient to the Canons of the Church . And if anie Bishop shall ordayne , admit , or licence anie person otherwyse , Hee shall bee suspended from giving of Orders and Licences to preach , for twelue monethes . And if anie Presbyter or Deacon , after hee hath subscrybed , to liue obedient and conforme , shall revolt , hee shall bee suspended . And , in case hee doe not repent , conforme , and submit himselfe , within the space of three monethes , hee shall bee deposed from the Ministerie .

11. To avoyde the detestable sinne of Simonie , the Arch-bishop or Bishop , at his instituting into , or collating of anie Benefice , or Ecclesiasticall Living , shall minister to the intrant the Oath praescrybed in the Booke of Ordination agaynst Simonie . And if the Bishop minister not the Oath , Hee shall bee thought guiltie of Simonie himselfe , and punished accordinglie .

CHAP. III. Of Residence and Preaching .

THE manie inconveniences which result vpon the Non-residence of Ministers , require that some provision bee made there-anent : It is therefore ordayned , That everie Minister reside at the Church where hee serveth , or nigh therevnto . And if hee bee found absent , without licence of his Ordinarie , sixe Sundayes in the whole yeare , or doe not vse and exercyse his Office , being present , ( the case of infirmitie being excepted ) let him bee admonished . And if after two admonitions hee amend not , let him bee depryved of his Benefice .

2. No Stranger shall bee admitted to preach in anie Church , vnlesse hee bee licenced by the Bishop of the Diocesse .

3. Everie Presbyter shall eyther by himselfe , or by another person lawfullie called , reade , or cause DIVINE SERVICE to be done , according to the forme of the Book of COMMON PRAYER , before all Sermons .

4. Albeit the whole tyme of our lyfe bee but short , to bee bestowed in the service of God ; yet seeing HEE tempereth that worke to our weaknesse , It is ordayned , That Preachers in their Sermons and Prayers , eschew tediousnesse ; and by a succinct doing , leaue in the people an appetite for farther instruction , and a newe desire to devotion .

5. No person of the Laicie , whatsoever gifts hee hath of Learning , Knowledge , or Holinesse , shall praesume to exercyse the Office of a Presbyter or Deacon , eyther in part , or whole , vnlesse hee haue receaved Ordination , and bee licenced by his Ordinarie ; vnder the payne of Excommunication .

6. It is the duetie of Presbyters , not onelie to stirre vp the affections of people by exhortation ; but lykewyse to informe their judgement , by solide instruction , that they may bee acquaynted with the groundes of their Profession : THEREFORE It is ordayned , That there bee catechizing everie Sunday in the afternoone , except the Bishop dispence with it , as hee findeth cause . And because in the countrey people can not convenientlie meete but in the forenoone , the Presbyter shall everie other yeare expound the Catechisme to his people , vnder the payne of suspending him that shall bee found negligent herein .

7. If anie Preacher shall in the Pulpit particularlie , or of purpose , impugne , or confute the doctrine delivered by anie other Preacher in the same Church , or in anie Church nigh adjoyning , before hee hath acquaynted the Bishop of the Diocesse therewith , and receaved order from Him , what to doe in that case , because vpon publicke dissenting and contradicting , there may growe much offence , and disquietnesse , to the people ; The same beeing notified to the Bishop Hee shall not suffer the Preacher anie more to serue in that place which hee hath once abused except hee faythfullie promise , to forbeare all such matter of contention in the Church , vntill order bee taken therein by the Bishop ; who with all convenient speede shall so proceede , as publicke satisfaction may bee given to the Congregation where the offence was committed : Provyded , that if eyther of the parties offending doe appeale , hee shall not bee suffered to preach Lite pendente : Neyther shall anie Preacher vse bitter invectiues agaynst his fellow-Presbyter or Preacher ; or goe about indirectlie to worke his disgrace with the people ▪ vnder the paine of being censured , as a prophaner of the Word .

8. No Presbyter or Preacher shall presume in Sermons , to speake agaynst His MAIESTIES Lawes , Statutes , Acts , or Ordinances : But if hee conceaue anie scruple or doubt , let him goe to his Ordinarie , and receaue instruction .

9. No man's name shall bee expressed in Pulpit , to his reproach , except the fault bee notorious ; which notoriorie is defined , if the person bee fugitiue , convict by an Assise , excommunicate , or contumacious after citation . Nor yet shall anie man bee descrybed by anie other circumstances , than publicke vyces , alwayes damnable .

10. It is manifest , that the superstition of former ages , is turned vnto great prophanenesse ; and , that people , for the most part , are growne colde in doing anie good ; esteeming , that good workes are not necessarie : Therefore shall all Presbyters , as their Text giveth occasion , vrge the necessitie of good works to their hearers .

11. When anie person is dangerouslie sicke , the Presbyter ( having knowledge thereof ) shall resort vnto him , or her , ( if the disease bee not knowne , or probablie suspected to bee infectious ) to instruct and comfort them in their disease , according to the Booke of Common Prayer ; and farther too , as hee shall thinke most needfull , and convenient . And when anie is passing out of this lyfe , a Bell shall bee tolled ; that the people hearing , may earnestlie pray for the dying person , as a fellow-member of CHRIST'S Bodie : and the Presbyter shall not then neglect to doe his last duetie .

12. That everie Presbyter may bee the better enabled to performe his duetie , and bee furnished throughlie with knowledge , hee shall bee carefull to get himselfe good Books ; especiallie , and aboue the rest , the Bookes of holie Scriptures , and the Wrytinges of the Ancient Fathers , and Doctors of the Church : and hee shall studie diligentlie ; not taking delight in wandering through the Countrey , nor medling in matters not pertinent to his Calling . Or , if anie doe otherwyse , and after admonition amende not , hee shall bee suspended from the Ministerie . And if hee continue in that evill course , hee shall bee deposed .

13. All Presbyters and Preachers shall moue the people to joyne with them in prayer , vsing some fewe and convenient wordes ; and shall alwayes conclude with the LORD'S PRAYER .

CHAP. IV. Of the conversation of Presbyters .

NO Ecclesiasticall person shall at anie tyme , other than for their honest necessities , resort to anie Tavernes , or Ale-houses : Neyther shall they giue themselues to anie servile labour ; to drinking , and ryot ; spending their tyme ydlie , by day , or by night , playing at Dyce , Cardes , or Tables , or anie vnlawfull Game : but at all tymes convenient , heare or reade somewhat of the holie Scriptures ; or then exercyse themselues in some other studie , or employmentes ; alwayes doing the thinges which appertayne to Honestie , and endevouring to profite the Church of GOD : having alwayes in mynde , that they ought to excell all others in puritie of lyfe , and bee ensamples to the people , to liue well , and Christianlie ; vnder payne of the Censures of the Church , to bee severallie inflicted , according to the qualitie of their offence .

2. The ancient Canons of the Church , did strictlie inhibite anie man to bee admitted to the Office of a BISHOP , Presbyter , or Deacon , that had not brought their Families to bee Christian . Whereby all Ecclesiasticall persons are taught , to looke vnto their Families ; and governe them in such sort , that they may bee ( as it were ) little Churches , in regard of the daylie Exercyses of Religion , which are kept in them . Neyther shall they conforme themselues to the vanitie and superfluitie of the tyme ; but in gravitie and frugalitie , keepe that comlinesse , which their Calling and Place doeth requyre : taking good heede that their Wyues bee modest , and sober , their Children trayned vp in pietie and vertue , and their servauntes of a good and honest conversation .

3. To restrayne the vaging humour of some Church-men , so often censured in auncient Councels ; It is ordayned , That no Presbyter shall leaue his Charge , to goe to Court , or other places foorth of the Countrey , without the licence of his Ordinarie , and that the businesse bee knowne to bee vrgent , and necessarie . Wherein if they shall transgresse , the Bishop of the Diocesse , after tryall , shall inflict such censure , as his fault shall bee found to merite .

4. If anie Ecclesiasticall person shall goe out of his Diocesse , to sute Plantation in another , or accept of anie place , hee shall bee recalled by his Ordinarie , and returned to his Charge . And if hee disobey , bee deposed .

5. It is observed , that sundrie Presbyters resort oftner , and stay longer in EDINBVRGH , than their Charge can well permit ; For which cause it is ordayned , That speciall notice bee taken of such , and their names sent to their Ordinarie , that due censure may bee inflicted .

6. Because manie in holie Orders , vndoe themselues by Suretiship , It is ordayned , That no Presbyter shall heerefter become Suretie , or Cautioner , for anie person whatsoever , in civill Bondes and Contractes , vnder the payne of suspension , ever till he be relieved from his cautionrie .

7. All Ecclesiasticall persons shall bee carefull to avoyde the companie wherein filthie songes , and vncleane gestures , are vsed ; lest they incurre the suspicion of prophanenesse ; vnder the payne of such censures , as the Ordinarie shall inflict .

8. Nor shall they giue themselues to the studie of vnlawfull Artes , and Sciences ; nor consult with those who are infamous for Magicke Sorcerie , or Divination ; vnder the payne of deprivation for the first , and degradation for the second offence .

9. If anie person shall enter into holie Orders , and afterwardes leaving the Exercyses of his Function , shall betake himselfe to ydlenesse , or anie common trade of lyfe , hee shall be counted an Apostate , depryved of his Benefice , if hee haue anie ; and if hee haue none , shall bee vncapable of anie , for ever .

10. No Presbyter or Deacon , shall haunt the companie of Heretickes , Schismatickes , and Excommunicate persons ; vnder the payne of suspension : vnlesse the Church hath appoynted them to conferre with such persons , for reducing them vnto the right way .

CHAP. V. Of Translation .

FOR restrayning the levitie and inconstancie of some , who vpon everie light occasion seeke to bee translated , It is ordayned , That no translation bee granted to anie Ecclesiasticall person , vnlesse the same bee allowed by the Ordinarie . And if he hath delapidated the Rents , by setting a Leasse of the Tithes for a small Duetie , or by anie other Translation , to the praejudice of the Church , in that case , hee shall not haue libertie of Translation vnto a better Benefice ; but bee compelled to vnderlye the povertie himselfe hath caused .

CHAP. VI. Of the Sacramentes .

FOrasmuch as none haue ordinarie power , to administer the Sacraments , but such as are in holie Orders ; It is ordayned , That no Lay person , who hath not receaved Imposition of handes , presume to take vpon him the ministration of the same ; vnder the payne of Excommunication .

2. No Presbyter shall refuse , or delay , to Christen anie Chyld presented by the Parentes , or anie one of them , assisted by two or three witnesses ; although the same bee no ordinarie houre of Sermon . And , though all the people bee admonished , to obserue THE LORD'S DAY , for celebration of the Sacrament of Baptisme , so farre as they may , and to bring their Infantes , for that effect , vnto the Church ; yet consideration must bee had of the Childrens infirmitie ; and in that case the Presbyter shall not refuse to goe where the Infant remayneth , and baptise the same .

3. Seeing the SACRAMENT of the LORD'S SUPPER is instituted for confirmation of our Fayth , and encrease of Grace , and to bee a Testimonie of our holie Profession ; It is ordayned , That the same shall bee administrated foure tymes everie yeare ; whereof the Feast of PASH shall alwayes bee one : Provyded , That everie man or woman doe communicate with their owne Presbyter , once a yeare , at least .

4. And , for the better preparation of the people , the Presbyter shall bee diligent in examining of them ; especiallie those of the younger sort ; to see , that they holde the foundation of CHRISTIAN RELIGION , and bee not guiltie of anie grievous sinne vnrepented of . For which cause , hee shall enquyre carefullie vnto their manners ; lest anie that are scandalous , or notoriouslie wicked , bee admitted therevnto . And because strangers , not beeing of his Parochin , can not bee so well knowne to him , hee shall not receaue anie person of another Congregation , without a Certificate from the Presbyter thereof ; bearing , That hee doeth communicate with him , and the rest of the Congregation , at other ordinarie tymes .

5. In the Ministration hee shall haue care , that the Elementes bee circumspectlie handled ; and what is reserved thereof , bee distributed to the poorer sort , which receaue that day ; to bee eaten and drunken of them before they goe out of the Church .

6. Superstition and Prophanenesse are both of them , Extremities to bee avoyded : As therefore the adoration of the Bread is condemned ; so the vnreverend communicating , and not discerning of those holie Mysteriee , must bee eschewed . THEREFORE it is ordayned ▪ That the holie Sacrament of the Lord's Supper bee receaved with the bowing of the knee ; to testifie the devotion and thankfulnesse of the Receavers , for that most excellent Gift .

CHAP. VII . Of Marriage .

NO Presbyter , or Deacon , vpon payne of Suspension , shall celebrate Marriage betwixt anie persons , whose Bannes are not proclaymed three severall LORD'S DAYES in the Parochins where they remayne . Nor shall hee celebrate the same in anie private place , but publicklie in the Church , and that betwixt eyght and twelue houres in the fore-noone , without Licence of the Arch-bishop of the Province , or the Ordinarie .

2. Neyther shall it bee lawfull to joyne persons in marriage , beeing vnder the age of twentie one yeares , without the consent of Parentes , if they bee living , or their Governoures , if their Parentes bee dead .

3. No persons shall marrie within the degrees prohibited by the Lawe of GOD. And all Marriages so contracted , and made , shall bee judged incestuous , and vnlawfull ; and consequentlie dissolved as voyde from the beginning ; and the parties so married , separated by lawe . And for the better information of all sortes , touching the degrees prohibited , it is expedient that a TABLE bee affixed publicklie in everie Parish Church .

4. Because some necessarie causes occurre , wherein Licence can not bee refused to marrie without asking of Bannes ; It is ordayned , That no such Licence bee graunted , but to persons of good sort and qualitie , and vpon good suretie , and caution taken , that there is no impediment , and the persons not vnder the censure of the Church . Neyther shall the Licence bee granted by anie , but the Arch-Bishop of the Province , or Bishop of the Diocesse .

5. For-as-much as Causes Matrimoniall haue beene alwayes reputed amongst the weyghtiest , and therefore requyre great Caution , when they come to bee debated ; IT IS straytlie enjoyned , That in all actions of Divorce , and Nullities , good circumspection bee vsed , and the trueth sifted out , so farre as is possible , by deposition of witnesses , and other lawfull proofes ; and , that credite bee not given to the sole confession of parties , howbeit taken vpon oath .

6. In all Sentences of Separation , à Thoro & Mensa , there shall bee a Caution inserted , that the persons so separated , shall liue continentlie , and chastlie , and not contract marriage with anie person , during each others lyfe . And for the better observing thereof , the Sentence shall not bee pronounced , vntill the parties requyring the same haue given good and sufficient Caution , That they shall not transgresse the sayd Prohibition , vnder payne of deposing the Iudge who shall bee found to doe otherwyse .

CHAP. VIII . Of SYNODES .

FOR the better tryall of all disorders which may fall out amongst the Clergie , and the retayning of Unitie in Doctrine and Discipline ; It is ordayned , That in everie Diocesse , Assemblies shall bee kept twyse a yeare , in such places , and at such tymes , as the Bishop shall appoynt . And if anie Presbyter absent himselfe , without a lawfull excuse signified at the tyme , hee shall bee suspended to the next Synode .

2. Because all Conventicles , and secret meetinges of Church-men , haue ever beene justlie accounted hurtfull to the peace of the Church wherein they liue ; It is ordayned , That no such Meetinges bee kept by Presbyters , or anie other persons whatsoever , for consulting vpon matters Ecclesiasticall : And , That all matters of that kynde bee onlie handled in the lawfull Synodes helde by the Bishops , and established by authoritie . And if anie shall presume to keepe anie such Conventicles , or secret meetinges , for the expounding of Scripture , administring of Sacramentes , or consulting vpon causes Ecclesiasticall , the Ecclesiasticall person shall for the first fault , bee suspended ; for the second , excommunicated ; and , for the third , deprived . And a Lay-person so offending , shall , for the first fault , bee admonished ; for the next , excommunicated ; and then proceeded agaynst , by the Lawes of the Kingdome .

3. NATIONALL SYNODES , called by His Majesties Authoritie , for matters concerning the state of the Church in generall , shall bind all persons , as well absent , as present , to the obedience of the Decrees thereof in matters Ecclesiasticall . And if anie shall affirme or mayntayne , that a NATIONALL SYNOD so assembled , ought not to bee obeyed , hee shall bee excommunicated , till hee publicklie repent , and revoke his errour .

4. Who-so-ever shall heere-after affirme , that it is lawfull for anie Presbyter , or Lay-man , joyntlie , or severallie , to make Rules , Orders , or Constitutions , in causes Ecclesiasticall ; or to adde or detract from anie Rubrickes , Articles , or other thinges nowe established , without the King's Authoritie , or His Successoures , shall bee excommunicated , ipso facto ; and not restored , till hee repent , and revoke such his bolde and schismaticall attemptes . But for-as-much as no reformation in Doctrine or Discipline , can bee made perfect at once in anie Church ; THEREFORE it shall and may be lawfull , for the Church of SCOTLAND , at anie tyme , to make Remonstrance to His Majestie , or His Successoures , what they conceaue fit to bee taken in farther consideration , in , and concerning the Premisses . And if the King shall therevpon declare his lyking , and approbation , then both Clergie and Lay shall yeeld their obedience , without incurring the Censure afore-sayde , or anie other . But it shall not bee lawfull for the Bishops themselues , in a NATIONALL SYNOD , or otherwyse , to alter anie Rubricke , Article , Canon Doctrinall , or Disciplinarie , what-so-ever ; vnder the payne aboue mentioned , and HIS MAJESTIE'S farther displeasure .

CHAP. IX . Of Meetinges , to Divine Service .

THE publicke Meetinges on the LORD'S DAY , and other tymes appoynted by the Church , beeing a speciall externall Meane to entertayne the COMMUNION OF SAYNCTS ; It is ordayned , That the same shall bee carefullie observed by all persons , of what condition soever . And that they shall vse all due reverence in tyme of DIVINE SERVICE , and of everie part thereof : For it is the Apostle's Rule , That all thinges bee done decentlie , and according to order : answerable to which Decencie and Order wee giue these directions following .

2. No man shall cover his head in the Church or Chappell , in tyme of DIVINE SERVICE , except hee haue some infirmitie : In which case hee may weare a Night-cap , or Coyfe .

3. All persons present shall reverentlie kneele vpon their knees , when the CONFESSION , and other Prayers are read ; and shall stand vp at the saying of the CREED .

4. None , eyther Man , Woman , or Chylde , of what calling so-ever , shall bee otherwyse busied in the Church , than in quyet attendance , to heare , marke ▪ and vnderstand , what is read , preached , or ministred . Neyther shall they disturbe the SERVICE , or SERMON , by walking , or talking , or anie other-wyse : nor depart out of the Church , during the tyme of DIVINE SERVICE , and SERMON , nor before the BLESSING pronounced .

5. Neyther shall anie ydle persons bee suffered to abyde , eyther in the Church , or Church-portch , or in the Church-yarde , during the tyme of DIVINE SERVICE , or SERMON : but shall bee caused , eyther to come in , or to depart .

6. For the manifesting of our Unitie in FAYTH , It is ordayned , That one forme of the worship of GOD in the Blessed TRINITIE , bee vsed in all Churches of the Kingdome : And that in all Meetinges for Divine Worship before SERMON , the whole PRAYERS according to the LITVRGIE , bee deliberatelie and distinctlie read .

7. Neyther shall anie Presbyter , or Reader , bee permitted , to conceaue Prayers Ex tempore , or vse anie other forme in the publicke LITVRGIE , or SERVICE , than is prescrybed ; vnder the payne of Deprivation from his Benefice , or Cure .

CHAP. X. Of Schoole-Masters .

NO man shall teach eyther in publick Schoole , or private House , but such as shall bee allowed by the Arch-bishop of the Province , or Bishop of the Diocesse , vnder their Hand and Seale ; and who shall bee found meete , as well for his dexteritie in teaching , as for his learning , and sober and honest conversation , to haue care of Children , and bringing vp of the Youth . But especiallie it is to bee regarded , That they bee of good Religion , and obedient to the Orders of the CHVRCH .

2. All Schoole-Masters shall teach in Scotish or Latine , ( as Children are able to learne ) the CATECHISME : And when anie SERMON is , they shall bring their Schollers to the Church ; and there see they behaue themselues quyetlie , and soberlie : and , at tymes convenient , examine them what they haue learned .

3. None shall bee permitted to teach in anie Colledge or Schoole , eyther as PRIMAR , REGENT , or FELLOW , except hee take first the Oath of Alleadgeance , and Supremacie . And having taken the Charge vpon them , they shall acquaynt their Schollers , and trayne them vp , according to their capacitie , in the Groundes contayned in the Booke entituled , DEUS ET REX .

CHAP. XI . Of Curates , and Readers .

EVerie Bishop within his Diocesse , shall take tryall of the qualitie of the Curates and Readers , and permit none to reade , or conceaue publicke Prayers in the Church , vnlesse hee bee in holie Orders , and lawfullie authorised by the Bishop .

CHAP. XII . OF PRINTERS .

FOR restrayning the Libertie of PRINTING , which is greatlie abused , in setting foorth Bookes , Ballads , Satyricall Lybels , and other Pamphlets , repugnant to the Trueth , or not agreeing with Honestie , and good Manners ; IT IS ORDAYNED , That nothing heere-after bee imprinted , except the same bee seene , and allowed , by the Visiters appoynted to that purpose .

CHAP. XIII . Of Christninges , Weddinges , and Burialls , to bee registrated .

IN everie Paroch-Church within the Kingdome , a Parchment Booke shall bee provided , at the Charge of the Parochin ; where-in shall bee written the daye and yeare of everie Christning , Wedding , and Buriall : which shall bee kept , and layde vp in a sure Coffer , to bee provided also by the Parochin , and not taken foorth by the Presbyter , or anie other , except when the Christninges , Weddinges , and Burialls are to bee recorded . And to the effect those bee not neglected , the Presbyter shall everie Lord's Day , after Prayers , or Sermon , take foorth the sayde Booke , and wryte there-in the names of all persons Christned , with the names and Syrnames of their Parentes ; The names also of all persons married , and buried in that Parioch in the weeke preceeding ; with the day and yeare of everie such Christning , Wedding , and Buriall . And everie yeare once , within one moneth after the first day of Ianuarie , transmit vnto the Bishop of the Diocesse , a true Copie of the names of all persons Christned , married , and buried , the yeare before within his Parochin ; with the dayes and moneths of every such Christning , Marriage , & Burial , subscribed with his hand : to the end the same may bee preserved in the Bishops Register . Wherein if hee shall bee found negligent , hee shall bee called , and censured , for the contempt of this necessarie Constitution .

CHAP. XIV . Of publicke Fastes .

NOne in holie Orders shall without the Licence and direction of his Ordinarie , appovnt or keepe anie solemne Fastes , or bee present thereat of purpose ; vnder the payne of Suspension , or other punishment , which the Bishop shall thinke fit to inflict .

2. Neyther shall it bee lawfull to keepe , or indict , anie FAST vpon SUNDAYES ; but onlie vpon Weeke-dayes ; and such as shall bee appoynted by HIS MAJESTIE .

CHAP. XV. Of decencie in Apparell , enjoyned to persons Ecclesiasticall .

THE CHVRCH of CHRIST being ever desirous that Her Clergie should bee had in outward reverence , and regard , for the worthinesse of their Calling , did thinke it fit , to haue them knowne to the people , by a prescribed and decent forme of Apparell : whose judgement wee following , doe ordayne , That all Arch-Bishops , Bishops , Deanes , Masters of Colledges , Doctors in Divinitie , Presbyters , Deacons , Masters of Artes , and Bachelours of what Facultie soever , shall vse Apparell beseeming their Degrees , and abstayne from all light and new-fangled Garmentes ; eyther in colour , or fashion , no wayes beseeming the gravitie of their persons and Places .

CHAP. XVI . Of things pertayning to the Church .

IN everie Church , there shall bee provided , at the charge of the Parochin , a Bible , of the largest volume , with the Booke of Common Prayer , and Psalmes newlie authorised . The BIBLE shall bee of the Translation of King IAMES . And if anie Parochin bee vnprovided thereof , the same shall bee amended within two monethes , at most , after the publication of this Constitution .

2. For ministring the Sacrament of BAPTISME , a Font shall bee prepared , and placed some-what neare the entire of the Church , as ancientlie it vsed to bee ; with a Gloath of fine Linnen , which shall lykewyse bee kept to that vse allanerlie .

3. In lyke manner , a comelie and decent Table , for celebrating the holie COMMVNION , shall bee placed at the vpper ende of the Chancell , or Church ; which in tyme of Divine Service shall bee covered with a Carpet of decent Stuffe ; and at the tyme of Ministration , with a whyte linnen cloath .

4. Basons , Cuppes , or Chalices , of some pure Mettall , shall also bee provided , to bee set vpon the Communion Table ; and reserved to that onelie vse .

5. A Pulpit lyke-wyse , decent and comelie , must bee provided , and placed in a convenient part of the Church , for Preaching the Word of GOD. And if anie question aryse , for placing the same , it shall bee determined by the Bishop of the Diocesse .

6. A Chest for Almes shall also bee provided , strong and sure ; with a hole in the vpper part there-of ; having three Keyes : one of which shall bee kept by the Presbyter , and the other two put into the custodie of two Church-Wardens . The Chest shall bee set and fastened in the most convenient place ; to the intent the Parochiners may put in their Almes ; where-vnto the Presbyter shall exhort the people at all occasions ; but especiallie at the making of their Willes and Testamentes . This Almes the Keepers of the Keyes shall eyther yearlie , quarterlie , or oftener , as neede requyreth , take out of the Chest , and distribute , in the presence of sixe chiefe Men of the Parish , to the most poore within the same .

7. All these thinges aforesayde beeing furnished , and provided , at the Charge of the Parochin , shall bee carefullie preserved by the Minister , and Church-wardens . The Church-man serving at the Church , is to see that it bee repared sufficientlie : The Windowes well glassed , the Roofe well covered , and the Floore paved , and kept even and playne ; and all thinges ordered there-in in such sort , as best beseemeth THE HOVSE OF GOD.

8. The lyke care shall bee taken , that the Church-yardes be well fenced , and mayntayned ; and that neyther Church , nor Church-yard , bee prophaned with Playes , Feastes , Banquets , Temporall Courtes , Markets , Musters , or the lyke .

9 That all thinges aboue-sayde appertayning to CHVRCHES , may bee kept in good order , and frame , the Arch-Deacon shall visite everie yeare once , videlicet , about Michaelmas ; and the Bishop everie three yeares once . The Arch-Bishop also may METROPOLITICALLIE visite all the DIOCESSES within his Province ; so that it bee but once in his lyfe-tyme ; and that at such tymes , as the Ordinaries shall thinke most convenient , for the good of the CHVRCH : And shall eyther of themselues rectifie such abuses as they finde , or call for ayde from the HIGH COMMISSION , if anie Man or Fault seeme too strong for them .

CHAP. XVII . Of Tithes and Landes , dedicated to CHVRCHES .

FOr-as-much as the Goods of the Church , of what-so-ever sort , are not committed to the disposing of persons Ecclesiasticall , but onelie to their dispensing ; IT shall bee lawfull to anie Arch-Bishop , Bishop , Parson , Vicar , or anie Church-man , to set , alienate , or put away from the Church , and present vse there-of , his Benefice , Church-Rent , or anie part of the same , to anie person , or persons ; whether Wyfe or Chyld , Friend or Stranger , mediatelie or immediatelie . And who shall bee proved to doe the contrarie , shall eyther bee compelled to restore the same , or bee deposed from his Office , Benefice , and Living .

2. It is agaynst all reason , that Ecclesiasticall Livinges , should goe after the manner of Earthlie Inheritances ; or that the Incumbentes should exhaust the same , by setting Leasses , which are not to runne out for a long tyme after their death ; to the hurt and prejudice of their Successoures : THEREFORE IT IS ordayned , That no Church-man shall set anie part of his Living and Rent , longer than his owne lyfe-tyme ; vnder the payne of Deprivation , and Degradation .

3. And because it falleth out often , that Church-men , at the expyring of Leasses , and other Rightes , made before their tyme , doe renew the same , for a little and rediculous augmentation of the yearlie Duetie ; IT IS ordayned , That no Church-man , from hence-foorth , shall set anie Leasse , or make anie Right of his Benefice and Living , but for a reasonable Duetie , answereable in proportion to that which is set . And if hee take anie Grassume , or Entrie therefore , to the hurt and prejudice of the Church , the same shall bee employed to the profite of the Church , and Successour ; as hee will answere it before his Ordinarie .

4. No Bishop , or Presbyter , shall appropriate to his private vse , anie part of the Landes and Goods pertayning to the Church , or doted to pious and holie Uses . And if they doe in the contrarie , their Heyres , and Executors , shall bee holden to restore the same . And for eschewing such Questions , and freeing of the deceassed Church-man from Scandall , IT IS thought expedient , That the Thinges belonging to the Church , bee knowne , and discerned from the thinges appertayning in propertie to the Bishop and Presbyter : Lest after their death , thinges Ecclesiasticall , bee converted to private vses ; or thinges belonging to themselues in propertie , bee taken for things Ecclesiasticall .

5. Thinges dedicated to Holie and Religious Uses , and such other thinges as are offered willinglie , or by Latter-Will left to anie pious Use , shall bee carefullie looked vnto by the Bishop and Presbyter , that they bee not lost , nor converted to anie other vse . And if anie man shall fraudfullie detayne thinges offered , or left by Latter-Will to the Poore , or anie pious Use , hee shall bee suspended from all benefites of the Church , as a Murderer of the Poore , and irreligious crosser of the good intentions of People .

6. If anie Presbyter shall with-holde , detayne , or destroy , or deliver into the handes of Competitors , anie Wryting , or Instrument what-so-ever , where-by the Donation of Ecclesiasticall Goods , or their Right , or Possession , may bee instructed , or in the pursuit of acquyring them , shall privatelie transact with the partie , without the knowledge and consent of the ORDINARIE , to the hurt and prejudice of the CHVRCH , in anie sort , hee shall refound the losses , which came by his deede , and bee deposed from his Function .

7. For the greater encowragement of people , to the workes of Pietie , and Charitie , If anie Bishop , or Church-man , shall depart this lyfe , leaving no Children , nor Successour of himselfe , hee shall leaue his Goods , or a great part of them , to the CHVRCH , and holie Uses . Or if hee haue Children , for whom hee must provide ; yet according to his abilitie , hee shall leaue some Testimonie of his loue to the CHVRCH , and advancement of RELIGION .

8. If anie out of a devout mynde , haue dedicated anie part of his Substance to the CHVRCH , & eyther he or his Children fall thereafter into povertie , they shall bee supported by the CHVRCH , vnto the which they haue beene beneficiall , according to the Meanes receaved from them .

9. Where-as some haue taken too great libertie , in altering the Latter-will of those who haue mortified anie thing to the vse of Churches , Colledges , Schooles , or Hospitalls , which breedeth no small offence , and is a great stay to manie well-affected people , from founding or making anie such Dotations ; IT IS ORDAYNED , That heere-after there shall be no alteration made of the Benefactors Will : but that the same shall stand firme , and bee preserved to the vse for which it was first appoynted .

10. Everie Arch-Bishop , and Bishop , shall in their severall Diocesses , procure a true Note of all the Gleabes , Landes , Meadowes , Orchards , Houses , Implementes , and portion of Tithes , belonging to anie CHVRCH ; and take care , that the same may bee preserved in their Registers , for a perpetuall memorie .