[1645/11/184]*[print] [email] [cite] [preceding] [following]
The estates of parliament, taking into their consideration the ninth act of his majesty's second parliament in the year 1641 anent non-covenanting patrons and other non-covenanters mentioned therein, think it very reasonable that the same be extended in manner following, and therefore declare that presbyteries shall not only have right perpetually to plant and provide all and sundry kirks of the patronages belonging to any person that has not subscribed the National Covenant but also all kirks of the patronages belonging to any person that has not subscribed the league and covenant of the three kingdoms or that is or shall be excommunicated, and that from the time of the public enjoining the covenant by the kirk and of pronouncing the sentence of excommunication until they subscribe the said covenants and be relaxed from excommunication respectively. And it is also declared and ordained that all kirks of the patronages belonging to any person that is or shall be forfeited for whatsoever cause be provided and planted hereafter by presbyteries within whose bounds they lie, and that the right of planting thereof shall belong to presbyteries by full and pepetual right in time coming, declaring also hereby that the planting and providing of all and sundry kirks above-mentioned shall always be according to the propositions of ordination of ministers agreed upon by the assemblies of both churches and ratified by the parliament of this kingdom. And further the estates extend the act of parliament above-mentioned against the refusers of the league and covenant of the three kingdoms and excommunicated persons in the whole tenor and effect thereof, ordaining the same to be as effectual in all points against them as against the refusers of the National Covenant expressed therein.