The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

During the time of this Triumph the Queen was most liberal in all things that were demanded of her; amongst other things, she subscribed a writing for the maintenance of the Ministers in a reasonable proportion, which was to be taken up of the Thirds of Benefices: which writing being purchased by the Bishop of Galloway, was presented at the general Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh, the five and twentieth day of December, 1566. where were convened the Superintendents and other Ministers▪ in reasonable number, but very few Commissioners. The first matter that was there proposed, was concerning the said Writing lately obtained; and the most part of the Ministers being demanded their opinions in the matter, after advice, and passing a little aside, they answered very gravely, That it was their duty to preach to the people the Word of God truly and and sincerely, and to crave of the Auditors the things that were necessary for their sustentation, as of duty the Pastor might justly crave of their Flock; and further it became them not to have any care. Nevertheless the Assembly taking in consideration, that the said Gifts granted by the Queens Majesty, was not to be refused; they ordained, That certain faithful men of every Shire should meet, and do their utmost diligence for gathering and receiving the said Corn and money, and likewise appointed the Superintendent of Lowthian, and Master John Row to wait upon the Bishop of Galloway, and concur and assist him for further expedition ⟨p. 439⟩in the Court, that the said Gift mi•t be dispatched through the Seals.

During the time of this Triumph the Queen was most liberall in all things that were demanded of her; amongst other things, she subscribed a writing for the maintenance of the Ministers in a reasonable proportion, which was to be taken up of the Thirds of Benefices: which writing being purchased by the Bishop of Galloway, was presented at the generall Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh, the five and twentieth day of December, 1566. where were conveened the Superintendents and other Ministers▪ in reasonable number, but very few Commssioners. The first matter that was there proposed, was concerning the said Writing lately obtained; and the most part of the Ministers being demanded their opinions in the matter, after advice, and passing a little aside, they answered very gravely, That it was their duty to preach to the people the Word of God truly and and sincerely, and to crave of the Auditors the things that were necessary for their sustentation, as of duty the Pastour might justly crave of their Flock; and further it became them not to have any care. Neverthelesse the Assembly taking in consideration, that the said Gifts granted by the Queens Majestie, was not to be refused; they ordained, That certaine faithfull men of every Shire should meet, and do their utmost diligence for gathering and receiving the said Corne and money, and likewise appointed the Superintendent of Lowthian, and Master Iohn Row to waite upon the Bishop of Galloway, and concurre and assist him for further expedition