ABSTRACT
A wide range of issues was discussed and the agreement reached included the retention of the episcopate and the reinstatement of presbyteries, thus overturning the spirit of one of the 'Black Acts' of 1584. Presbyteries were to be established in 'convenient places' by the General Assembly with the king's advice. Bishops were to be nominated by the crown but admitted by, and answerable to, the General Assembly. They had to have a congregation, like other ministers, but they retained rights of visitation, presentation and collation, although only with the consent of the relevant presbytery and synod. They were also to do nothing without the advice of a 'senat or presbyterie of the most learned and godly ministers' of their dioceses appointed by the General Assembly.4 Although this idea was not entertained by a recent writer on the episcopate, this 'senat' could be seen as an attempt to create a reformed chapter.5
