Response aux cinq premieres et principales demandes de F. Jean Hay, moine jesuite, aux ministres escossois

their vocation truly ordinary and legitimate.

As for us, who have succeeded the predecessors, and who succeed them according to what it pleases God to do among the peoples and Churches that it has pleased God to withdraw from your claws, we say and maintain that all that is required by the word of God for a truly legitimate and regulated election is observed therein, at least in the places where the residue of your disorder does not prevent full reformation. This begins with a proper examination of the doctrine, the morals, and the capacity of those who are elected, then follows with the advice of the company of other Pastors of the places, the approval of our Christian Magistrates, and finally the consent of the people, well-advised and informed, whether one is electing Pastors, Doctors, Elders, or Deacons. If that does not satisfy you, we cannot help it. But it is enough for us to follow the purity and simplicity ordered in the word of God without stopping at infinite ceremonies: some are tolerable, provided they are not vain, yet they are not necessary; others are superstitious, and others are ridiculous and very justly abolished.

Now let us come to your vocation