r, rents, revenues, places, privileges, means, moities, and all
in his Highness' service, and maintenance of his royal crown, and
moreover, have so deeply conceived a strong and full persuasion of his
Majesty's princely virtues, and much renowned propension to piety and
equity, that they will urge their consciences by all good and lawful
means, to assent unto every thing which he enjoins as right and
convenient, and when the just aversation of conscience upon evident
reasons is invincible, will notwithstanding be more willing to all other
duties of subjection, and more averse from the least show of contempt.

CHAPTER II.

AGAINST THOSE OF OUR OPPOSITES WHO PLEAD FOR THE CEREMONIES AS THINGS
EXPEDIENT.

_Sect._ 1. As for those who allege some conveniency in the ceremonies,
they say more than can abide the proof of reason, which the induction of
some particulars shall demonstrate. Dr Mortoune(283) allegeth for the
surplice, that the difference of outward garments cannot but be held
convenient for the distinguishing of ministers from laics in the discharge
of their function. _Ans._ This conveniency is as well seen to without the
surplice. If a man having a black gown upon him be seen exercising the
function of a minister, it is very strange if any man think it not
sufficiently distinguished from laics. The Act of Perth, anent
confirmation and bishoping of children, would make it appear, that this
ceremony is most profitable to cause young children in their tender years
drink in the knowledge of God and his religion. _Ans._ 1. If this rite be
so profitable for the instruction of children, then why do prelates
appropriate it to themselves, who use to be employed in higher affairs,
that permit them not to have leisure for exact catechising of children?
Or, 2. Though they might attend the discharging of this duty; why should
it be made their peculiar? Is not the parish minister able to catechise
them? Or, 3. If it must depend upon prelates, and wait upon their leisure;
what hath imposition of hands ado with catechising? 4. How comes it, that
children who are not bishopped are as well catechised as they who are
bishopped.

_Sect._ 2. Tilen(284) setteth out the expediency of holidays, for
imprinting in the minds of people the sense and knowledge of the benefits
of redemption. _Ans._ 1. There is no mean so good for this purpose as
catechising and preaching, out of season and in season. 2.