Edict
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(n.) A public command or ordinance by the sovereign power; the proclamation of a law made by an absolute authority, as if by the very act of announcement; a decree; as, the edicts of the Roman emperors; the edicts of the French monarch.
Holman Bible Dictionary [2]
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
the technical name of a paper read in Presbyterian churches in Scotland, "as a species of guard on the purity of the Christian ministry. It is a public invitation to all who can say anything against the minister elect to come forward for the purpose. The form of the document authorized by the United Presbyterian Church is as follows: 'Whereas the presbytery of —— of the United Presbyterian Church have received a call from this congregation, addressed to A.B., preacher (or minister) of the Gospel, to be their minister, and the said call has been sustained as a regular Gospel call, and been accepted of by the said A.B., and he has, undergone trials for ordination; and whereas the said presbytery having judged the said A.B. qualified for the ministry of the Gospel and the pastoral charge of this congregation, have resolved to proceed to his ordination on the —— day of —— , unless something occur which may reasonably impede it, notice is hereby given to all concerned that if they, or any of them, have anything to object why the said A. B. should not be ordained pastor of this congregation, they may repair to the presbytery, which is to meet at —— on the said —— day of with certification, that if no valid objection be then made, the presbytery will proceed without farther delay. By order of the presbytery."'
