The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland

The Form and Order of the Election of the Superintendent, and all other Ministers at Edinburgh, March the 9. 1560. John Knox being then Preacher. First, was made a Sermon, in the which these Heads were handled: First, The necessity of Ministers and Superintendents, or Overseers. The second, the crimes and vices that might unable them of the Ministry. Thirdly, the virtues required in them. Fourthly and lastly, Whether such as by public consent of the Church were called to such Office, might refuse the same. The Sermon finished, it was declared by the same Minister, maker thereof, That the Lords of the Secret Council had given Charge and Power to the Churches of Lowthian, to to choose Master John Spottiswood Superintendent or Overseer; And that sufficient warning was made by public Edict to the Churches of Edinburgh, Linliethquow, Stirling, Tranent, Hadington, and Dumbar, as also to the Earls, Lords, Barons, Gentlemen, and others, that have, or that might claim to have Vote in Election, to be present that day, and that same hour. And therefore enquiry was made, Who were present, and who were absent. After was called the said John, who answering the Minister, demanded, If he knew any crime or offence to the said Master John, that might unable him to be called to that Office? and that he demanded thrice. Secondly, question was moved to the whole multitude, If there was any other whom they put in Election with the said Master John: The people were asked, If they would have the said Master John Superintendent or Overseer? If they would honour and obey him as Christs Minister, and comfort and assist him in every thing pertaining to his Charge? They answered: We will and do promise unto him such obedience, as becometh Sheep to give unto their Pastor, so long as he remaineth faithful in his Office. The answers of the people, and their consent received, the questions were propounded to him that was to be elected. Question. Seeing that ye hear the thirst and desire of this people; Do ye not think your self bound in conscience before God to support them, that so earnestly call for your comfort, and for the fruit of your labours? Answer. If any thing were in me able to satisfy their desire, I acknowledge my self bound to obey God calling by them. ⟨p. 285⟩Question.

The Forme and Order of the Election of the Superintendent, and all other Ministers at Edinburgh, March the 9. 1560. John Knox being then Preacher. FIrst, was made a Sermon, in the which these Heads were handled: First, The necessity of Ministers and Superintendents, or Overseers. The second, the crimes and vices that might unable them of the Ministry. Thirdly, the vertues required in them. Fourthly and lastly, Whether such as by publike consent of the Church were called to such Office, might refuse the same. The Sermon finished, it was declared by the same Minister, maker thereof, That the Lords of the Secret Councell had given Charge and Power to the Churches of Lowthian, to to chuse Master Iohn Spottiswood Superintendent or Overseer; And that sufficient warning was made by publike Edict to the Churches of Edinburgh, Linliethquow, Sterlin, Tranent, Hadington, and Dumbar, as also to the Earles, Lords, Barons, Gentlemen, and others, that have, or that might claim to have Vote in Election, to be present that day, and that same hour. And therefore enquiry was made, Who were present, and who were absent. After was called the said Iohn, who answering the Minister, demanded, If he knew any crime or offence to the said Master Iohn, that might unable him to be called to that Office? and that he demanded thrise. Secondly, question was moved to the whole multitude, If there was any other whom they put in Election with the said Master Iohn: The people were asked, If they would have the said Master Iohn Superintendent or Overseer? If they would honour and obey him as Christs Minister, and comfort and assist him in every thing pertaining to his Charge? They answered: We will and do promise unto him such obedience, as becometh Sheep to give unto their Pastor, so long as he remaineth faithfull in his Office. Tne answers of the people, and their consent received, the questions were propounded to him that was to be elected. Question. Seeing that ye hear the thirst and desire of this people; Do ye not thinke your selfe bound in conscience before God to support them, that so earnestly call for your comfort, and for the fruit of your labours? Answer. If any thing were in me able to satisfie their desire, I acknowledge my selfe bound to obey God calling by them.