The General Assembly affirm, that, within the Presbyterian system, while, by Licence, a man is formally authorised to preach wherever in the providence of God his lot may be cast, and becomes eligible for a Call to undertake the full functions of the Ministry, by Ordination he is solemnly set apart to the office of the Holy Ministry and authorised to discharge all the duties thereof; and by induction is appointed to a particular sphere of labour.
Accordingly, the General Assembly recognise that it is within the competence of a Presbytery that sustains a Call to a probationer, if it so desires, to accept his Certificate of Licence as affording satisfaction with regard to academic requirements, knowledge of Scripture and grasp of Confessional doctrine; and to make trials for ordination largely catechetical, with special attention to Pastoral Theology, especially in cases where the Presbytery that sustains a call is also the Presbytery that has recently licensed the probationer. Further the General Assembly enact that no Edict appointing ordination be authorised before such trials be sustained.