cretary of State for Scotland, 1689-1691_, p.
436. (Edinburgh: Bannatyne Club, 1843.)

_22 May, 1690_
_WILLIAM R._

HIS MAJESTIES REMARQUES upon the Act for settling Church Government in
Scotland, Which, together with some reasons designed for the clearing of
it, and answering those objections that might be made against it, was
sent to him by My Lord Commissioner.

1st, Whereas it is said that the Church of Scotland was reformed from
Poperie, _by Presbyters without Prelacy_, his Majesty thinks, that tho
this matter of fact may be true, which he doth not contradict, yet it
being denied by some who discourse much of a power that Superintendents
had in the beginning of the Reformation, which was like to that which
Bishops afterwards had, it were better it were otherwise expressed.

2d, Whereas it is said that their Majesties do ratify the Presbyterial
Church Government _to be the only Government of Christ's Church in this
kingdom_; his Majesty desires it may be expressed thus,--to be the
government of the Church in this Kingdom established by law.

3d, Whereas it is said that the government is to be exercised by sound
Presbyterians, and such as for hereafter shall be owned by Presbyterian
Church Judicatories, _as such_; his Majesty thinks that the rule is too
general, depending as to its application upon the opinions of particular
men; and therefore he desires that what is said to be the meaning of the
rule in the reasons sent to him, may be expressed in the Act, viz., That
such as shall subscribe to the Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and
are willing to submit to the government of the Church, as established by
law, being sober in their lives, sound in their doctrine, and qualified
with gifts for the ministry, shall be admitted to the government, and
his Majesty doth judge that the following Declaration might be a good
Test:--

I, A---- B---- do sincerely declare, and promise, that I will own
and submit to the present government of the Church, as it is now by
Law established in this Kingdom, and that I will heartily concur
with and under it, for the suppressing of sin and wickedness, the
promoting of piety, and the purging of the Church of all erroneous
and scandalous Ministers; and I do also assent and consent to the
Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, now
confirmed by Act of Parliament, as the