IX - Of the Patrimonie of the Kirk, and distribution thereof

BY the Patrimonie of the Kirk, we meane whatsoever thing hath been at any time before, or shall be in times comming given, or by consent or universall custome of countries professing the Christian Religion applyed to the publique use and utilitie of the Kirk.

So that under the Patrimonie we comprehend all things given, or to be given to the Kirk and service of God, as lands, biggings, possessions, annuel rents, and all such like, wherewith the Kirk is doted, either by donations, foundations, mortifications, or any other lawfull titles of Kings, Princes, or any persons inferiour to them, together with the continuall oblations of the faithfull.

We comprehend also all such things, as by lawes or custome, or use of countries have been applyed to the use and utility of the Kirk; of the which sort are Teinds, Manses, Gleibs, and such like, which by common and municipall lawes and universall custome are possessed by the Kirk.

To take any of this patrimonie by unlawfull meanes, and convert it to the particular and profane use of any person, we hold it a detestable sacriledge before God.

The goods Ecclesiasticall ought to be collected, and distributed by the Deacons, as the word of God appoints, that they who beare office in the Kirk be provided for without care or solicitude.

In the Apostolicall Kirk, the Deacons were appointed to collect and distribute what summe soever was collected of the faithfull, to distribute unto the necessitie of the Saints, so that none lacked amongst the faithfull.

These collections were not onely of that which was collected in manner of almes, as some suppose, but of other goods, moveable, and unmoveable, of lands and possessions, the price where of was brought to the feet of the Apostles.

This office continued in the Deacons hands, who intrometted with the whole goods of the Kirk, ay and while the estate therof was corrupted by Antichrist, as the ancient Canons beare witness.

The same Canons make mention of a fourefold distribution of the patrimonie of the kirk, whereof one part was applyed to the Pastor or Bishop for his sustentation and hospitality; another to the Elders and Deacons, & all the Clergie; the third to the poore, sick persons and strangers; the fourth to the upholding other affaires of the kirk, specially extraordinary.

We adde hereunto the schooles and schoolemasters also, which ought and may be well susteined of the same goods, and are comprehended under the Cleargie. To whom we joyn also Clerks of Assemblies, as well particular as generall, syndicks or procutors of the kirk affaires, takers up of Psalmes, and such like other ordinary Officers of the Kirk, so farre as they are necessary.