Charles I of England

“ I ORDAIN an preacher of the divine word at Aberdeen, (whom the six trades shall choose of the number of their own pastors,) with the deacon convener, patron; who shall associate to themselves six deacons, of good fame, prudence, and piety, (one of every trade) whom they shall bind with a solemn oath, one by one, that they nominate these whom they judge worthy to be presented and admitted ”

“ Power to our King and his successors, as also to the said town of Aberdeen, magistrates and inhabitants thereof, the offerings of divine prayers; reserving to us, during all the time of our lifetime, the power of the patronage and direction in all things, as shall seem most expedient to be done. ”

“ And if any of them wander without, or be troublesome within to any of their consorts, or commit any other fault, or be found disobedient, or any breaker of sanctions of these mortifications, he shall be punished in his person, or removed from the hospital, or otherwise withdrawn, by the director, who in that case shall take the advice and consent of the said minister and deacon convener, who have, and by thir presents shall have power, one poor man dying, or removing from the said hospital, or otherwise withdrawn, to choose and put in another, as aforesaid. ”