that we shall continue in the Doctrine and Discipline
of this Kirk, and defend the same according to our vocation and power all
the dayes of our life_.

But so it is that Episcopall government is abhorred and detested, and the
government by Ministers and Elders, in Assemblies generall and
provinciall, and Presbyteries was sworn to, and subscribed in subscribing
that Confession, and ought to be holden by us, if we adhere to the meaning
of the Kirk, when that Confession was framed, sworn to, and subscribed;
unto which we are obliged by the nationall oath and subscription of this
Kirk, as is evident by the acts of generall Assemblies, agreed upon both
before, at, and after the swearing and subscribing of the said Confession,
in the years above-mentioned, and the book of policie agreed upon in the
Assembly which was holden at _Edinburgh_ the twentie foure of _April_, and
twentie foure of _October_, _Anno_ 1578. Insert in the register of the
Kirk, by ordinance of the Assembly holden at _Glasgow_ 1581 and to be
subscribed by all Ministers, that then did bear, or thereafter were to
bear office in this Kirk, by ordinance of the Assembly holden the fourth
of _August_ at _Edinburgh_ 1590. And at _Edinburgh_ the second of _July_
1591. but specially in the 2. 3. 4. 6. 7. and 11, chapters of the said
book.

The Bishops being tollerat from the year 1572, till the Assembly holden in
_August_ 1575. And all this time the Assembly being wearied with
complaints made against them, did enter in search of the office it selfe,
and did agree in this that the name of a Bishop is common to every one of
them that hath a particular flock, over which he hath a particular charge,
as well to preach the word, as to minister the Sacraments.

At the next Assembly which was holden in _April_ 1576. Such Bishops were
censured as had not taken them to a particular flock. In the generall
Assembly conveened in _April_ the year of God 1578. Sess. 4. Intimation
was made as followeth.

_For so much as the heads of the policie being concluded and agreed upon
in the last Assembly, by the most part of the brethren: certain of the
brethren had some difficultie in the head_ de diaconatu, _whereupon
farther reasoning was reserved to this Assembly: It is therefore required,
if any of the brethren have any reasonable doubt or argument to propone,
that he be ready the morow, and then shall be heard and resolved_. In the
6. Sess. _April_ 26. According to the ordinance