o passe that many scandals fall
out in the persons of ministers: it would be ordained in time
comming, that more diligent inquisition and triall be used of all
such persons as shall enter into the ministrie._
"_As specially these points. That the intrant shall be posed upon
his conscience, before the great God, (and that in most grave
manner) what moveth him to accept the office and charge of the
ministrie upon him._
"_That it be inquired, if any by solistation, or moyen, directly
or indirectly, prease to enter in the said office: And, if it bee
found, that the solister be repelled; and that the Presbyterie
repell all such of their number from voting in the election or
admission as shall bee found moyeners for the soliciter, and posed
upon their conscience to declare the truth to that effect._
"_Thirdly, because by presentations, many forcibly are thrust into
the ministery, and upon Congregations, that utter thereafter that
they were not called by God: It would bee provided that none seeke
presentations to Benefices without advice of the Presbyterie
within the bounds whereof the benefice is, and if any doe in the
contrarie, they to be repelled as_ rei ambitus.
"_That the triall of persons to be admitted to the ministrie
hereafter, consist not only in their learning and abilitie to
preach, but also in conscience, and feeling, and spiritual
wisedome, and namely in the knowledge of the bounds of their
calling in doctrine, __ discipline, and wisedome, to behave
himselfe accordingly with the diverse ranks of persons within his
flock, as namely with Atheists, rebellious, weak consciences, and
such other, wherein the pastoral charge is most suited, and that
he be meet to stop the mouthes of the adversaries; and such as are
not qualified in these points to be delayed to further tryal; and
while they be found qualified. And because men may be found meet
for some places who are not meet for other, it would be
considered, that the principall places of the Realme be provided
by men of most worthie gifts, wisedome and experience, and that
none take the charge of greater number of people nor they are able
to discharge: And the Assembly to take order herewith, and the act
of the provinciall of Louthain, made at_ Linlithgow, _to be
urged._
"_That such as shall bee found not g
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