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&_o advance_v the_o life_n honour_n safety_n dignity_n sovereign_a authority_n and_o prerogative_n royal_a of_o his_o sovereign_a majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o highness_n crown_n with_o their_o life_n land_n and_o good_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n constant_o and_o faithful_o to_o withstand_v all_o and_o whatsoever_o person_n power_n and_o estate_n who_o shall_v presume_v press_v or_o intend_v any_o wise_a to_o impugn_v prejudge_v hurt_n or_o impair_v the_o same_o and_o never_o to_o come_v in_o the_o contrary_a thereof_o direct_o or_o indirect_o in_o any_o time_n come_v as_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n jacob._n 6._o parl._n 18._o cap._n 1._o car._n parl._n cap._n 1_o do_v proport_n and_o moreover_o be_v oblige_v at_o their_o admission_n to_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o testify_v and_o declare_v on_o their_o conscience_n that_o the_o king_n be_v the_o lawful_a supreme_a governor_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o temporal_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n belong_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o yet_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o say_a band_n act_n and_o promise_n whereby_o the_o say_v person_n be_v so_o strict_o bind_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o premise_n his_o majesty_n have_v ordain_v by_o act_n of_o council_n at_o holy-rood-house_n septem_n 24._o 1638._o and_o proclamation_n follow_v thereupon_o that_o all_o his_o majesty_n have_v of_o whatsoever_o estate_n degree_n or_o quality_n ecclesiastical_a or_o temporal_a shall_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v the_o say_a confession_n together_o with_o a_o general_a band_n for_o defend_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n against_o all_o enemy_n within_o this_o realm_n or_o without_o have_v not_o only_o refuse_v to_o subscribe_v the_o say_a band_n and_o confession_n but_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o other_o speech_n dissuade_v deter_v impede_v and_o hinder_v other_o of_o the_o have_v to_o subscribe_v the_o same_o and_o public_o protest_v against_o the_o subscription_n thereof_o and_o thereupon_o can_v conveen_v nor_o concur_v lawful_o to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v deprive_v and_o denude_v of_o all_o place_n and_o function_n in_o the_o same_o a_o general_a assembly_n be_v condescend_v to_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a clemency_n and_o pious_a disposition_n as_o a_o royal_a favour_n to_o those_o that_o so_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o and_o acquiesce_v to_o his_o gracious_a pleasure_n and_o carry_v themselves_o peaceable_o as_o loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subject_n which_o the_o commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o assembly_n suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o the_o last_o protestation_n make_v at_o edinburgh_n sept._n 1638._o do_v not_o so_o account_v 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of_o this_o assembly_n and_o liberty_n to_o be_v member_n thereof_o and_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n may_v just_o fear_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o in_o this_o convention_n for_o that_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o parl._n 15._o cap._n 31._o prelacy_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o parl._n james_n 6._o par._n 8._o cap._n 130._o all_o person_n be_v discharge_v to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o whereas_o the_o king_n by_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o for_o that_o effect_n as_o constant_o they_o have_v be_v in_o use_n in_o all_o assembly_n where_o they_o be_v present_a as_o appear_v by_o many_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n ordain_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o assist_v at_o the_o same_o as_o in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n decemb._n 15._o 1566._o at_o edinburgh_n 6._o march_n 1572._o at_o edinburgh_n may_v 10._o 1586._o and_o by_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o assembly_n march_v 6._o 1573._o to_o the_o regent_n earnest_o desire_v his_o own_o or_o his_o commissioner_n presence_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o council_n and_o the_o bishop_n at_o the_o assembly_n they_o notwithstanding_o by_o the_o say_a protestation_n septemb_n 22_o declare_v archbishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o have_v no_o warrant_n for_o their_o office_n in_o this_o kirk_n to_o be_v authorize_v with_o no_o lawful_a commission_n and_o to_o have_v no_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o this_o assembly_n and_o withal_o do_v arrogate_v to_o their_o meeting_n a_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o determine_v of_o all_o question_n and_o doubt_n that_o can_v arise_v contrary_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o assembly_n whether_o in_o constitution_n and_o member_n or_o in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v or_o in_o manner_n and_o order_n of_o
traduce_v do_v redound_v to_o the_o reproach_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o they_o be_v preacher_n 6._o last_o to_o omit_v many_o other_o informality_n against_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o we_o charge_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o they_o must_v answer_v before_o his_o great_a and_o fearful_a tribunal_n if_o they_o suspect_v and_o know_v not_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o who_o they_o thus_o accuse_v to_o be_v free_a of_o these_o crime_n wherewith_o they_o charge_v they_o at_o least_o of_o many_o of_o they_o as_o appear_v evident_o by_o the_o 11._o article_n of_o the_o say_a instruction_n have_v therein_o libel_v the_o general_a and_o have_v yet_o to_o seek_v the_o specification_n thereof_o from_o the_o malice_n of_o their_o neighbour_n if_o so_o be_v they_o can_v furnish_v it_o by_o which_o informal_a and_o malicious_a proceed_n it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o our_o say_a party_n do_v seek_v our_o disgrace_n and_o overthrow_v most_o malicious_o and_o illegal_o and_o therefore_o we_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o barbarous_a and_o violent_a persecution_n that_o all_o circumstance_n be_v consider_v have_v few_o or_o none_o to_o parallel_v it_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o decline_v the_o say_v pretend_a commissioner_n as_o our_o party_n moreover_o can_v these_o man_n expect_v but_o in_o a_o lawful_a assemble_v they_o be_v to_o be_v call_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o enorm_a transgression_n foresay_v and_o will_v any_o man_n think_v that_o they_o can_v be_v judge_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon-law_n against_o the_o pope_n that_o if_o the_o pope_n be_v at_o variance_n with_o any_o man_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_n himself_o but_o to_o choose_v arbitrator_n and_o this_o may_v militate_v against_o they_o except_o they_o be_v more_o unruly_a than_o pope_n ludovicus_n bavarus_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o germany_n with_o he_o do_v plead_v this_o nullity_n against_o the_o sentence_n and_o proceed_n of_o pope_n john_n 22._o and_o of_o his_o council_n and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o cullen_n 1546._o do_v plead_v the_o nullity_n of_o paul_n 3._o his_o bull_n of_o excommunication_n because_o he_o protest_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o a_o lawful_a council_n shall_v be_v open_v he_o will_v implead_v the_o pope_n as_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o thing_n censurable_a by_o the_o council_n but_o the_o late_a protestation_n do_v show_v the_o author_n thereof_o to_o be_v no_o less_o injurious_a to_o our_o place_n and_o authority_n than_o they_o be_v overween_v of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o no_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n have_v place_n nor_o voice_n deliberative_a or_o decisive_a in_o general_a assembly_n except_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o elect_v by_o their_o presbyterial_a meeting_n consist_v of_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o without_o warrant_n or_o example_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n this_o also_o do_v infer_v the_o nullity_n of_o a_o assembly_n if_o the_o moderator_n and_o precedent_n for_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n shall_v be_v neither_o the_o primate_n archbishop_n nor_o bishop_n but_o he_o who_o by_o plurality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o layman_n voice_n shall_v be_v elect_v which_o happy_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n or_o a_o lay-person_n as_o sometime_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o whereas_o canonical_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n the_o primate_n shall_v preside_v according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a can._n 6._o of_o antioch_n can._n 9_o and_o of_o the_o imperial_a law_n novel_a constitut_o 123._o cap._n 10._o and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o law_n for_o what_o place_n in_o assembly_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v in_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o same_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n in_o scotland_n and_o yet_o still_o do_v retain_v except_o by_o some_o municipal_a law_n it_o have_v be_v restrain_v which_o can_v be_v show_v for_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o authority_n by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1592._o be_v restore_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1606._o and_o 1609._o and_o all_o act_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o jurisdiction_n abrogate_a neither_o do_v that_o act_n 1592._o establish_v general_a assembly_n debar_v bishop_n from_o preside_v therein_o nor_o the_o abrogation_n of_o their_o commission_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n imply_v and_o infer_v the_o abrogation_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o parliament_n but_o from_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a oversight_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o their_o charge_n whereto_o belong_v the_o presidentship_n in_o all_o assembly_n for_o matter_n spiritual_a always_o with_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n which_o be_v so_o intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v bishop_n that_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o they_o be_v bishop_n they_o be_v precedent_n of_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o chancellor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v place_n in_o council_n and_o session_n not_o by_o any_o act_n or_o statute_n but_o hoc_fw-la ipso_fw-la that_o he_o be_v chancellor_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v their_o right_n in_o synod_n and_o other_o inferior_a meeting_n but_o by_o no_o law_n restrain_v nor_o debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o national_n assembly_n and_o the_o law_n allow_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o synod_n do_v present_v a_o list_n in_o absence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o who_o of_o right_a this_o place_n do_v belong_v as_o say_v be_v out_o of_o which_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v for_o be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n order_n and_o decency_n that_o out_o of_o moderator_n of_o synod_n a_o moderator_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v be_v choose_v then_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n subject_a to_o they_o as_o concern_v that_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n 1580._o whereby_o bishop_n be_v declare_v to_o have_v no_o warrant_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o corruption_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v regard_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o assembly_n may_v be_v neglect_v no_o less_o then_o that_o at_o glasgow_n 1610._o but_o it_o be_v ordinary_a that_o prior_n act_v of_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n give_v place_n to_o the_o posterior_n for_o posteriora_fw-la derogant_fw-la prioribus_fw-la and_o there_o pass_v not_o full_a six_o year_n when_o a_o general_a assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n find_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o special_a charge_n and_o function_n annex_v to_o it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o admit_v a_o bishop_n to_o a_o benefice_n present_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n with_o power_n to_o admit_v visit_n and_o deprive_v minister_n and_o to_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n where_o they_o be_v resident_a and_o subject_n only_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o for_o that_o act_n at_o mont_n rise_v let_v they_o answer_v to_o it_o that_o have_v their_o call_n by_o that_o commission_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o clergy_n who_o be_v of_o the_o chapter_n of_o our_o cathedral_n and_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n by_o his_o majesty_n consent_n and_o approbation_n according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o ancient_a custom_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o church_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o do_v homage_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n for_o our_o temporality_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o solo_fw-la deo_fw-la minorem_fw-la next_o unto_o god_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a in_o his_o own_o dominion_n supreme_a governor_n but_o now_o we_o may_v take_v up_o cyprian_n his_o complaint_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 14._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la periculum_fw-la metuere_fw-la debemus_fw-la de_fw-la offensâ_fw-la domini_fw-la quando_fw-la aliqui_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la nec_fw-la evangelii_n nec_fw-la loci_fw-la svi_fw-la memores_fw-la sed_fw-la neque_fw-la futurum_fw-la dei_fw-la judicium_fw-la neque_fw-la praepositum_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la quod_fw-la nunquam_fw-la omnino_fw-la sub_fw-la antecessoribus_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la contumelia_fw-la &_o contemptâ_fw-la praepositi_fw-la totum_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la atque_fw-la utinam_fw-la non_fw-la prostratâ_fw-la fratrum_fw-la nostrorum_fw-la salute_v sibi_fw-la omne_fw-la vendicarent_fw-la contumelias_fw-la episcopatûs_fw-la nostri_fw-la dissimulare_fw-la &_o far_o possem_fw-la sicut_fw-la
dissimulavi_fw-la semper_fw-la &_o pertuli_fw-la sed_fw-la dissimulandi_fw-la nunc_fw-la locus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quando_fw-la decipiatur_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la nostra_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la vestrûm_fw-la qui_fw-la dùm_fw-la sine_fw-la ratione_fw-la restituendae_fw-la salutis_fw-la plausibiles_fw-la esse_fw-la cupiunt_fw-la magis_fw-la lapsis_fw-la obsunt_fw-la last_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a by_o the_o premise_n how_o absurd_a it_o be_v and_o contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n and_o more_o absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o mix_a meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o laic_n conveen_v without_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n how_o and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n can._n 9_o and_o council_n milevit_fw-la can._n 22._o and_o council_n carthag_n 2._o can._n 10._o nor_o do_v we_o decline_v the_o lawful_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatorie_a in_o the_o kingdom_n especial_o of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n can_v be_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n only_o we_o declare_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v against_o order_n decency_n and_o scripture_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o presbyter_n or_o by_o laic_n without_o authority_n and_o commission_n from_o sovereign_a authority_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o many_o more_o and_o for_o discharge_v of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o his_o church_n and_o to_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n lest_o by_o our_o silence_n we_o betray_v the_o church_n right_a his_o majesty_n authority_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v force_v to_o protest_v that_o this_o assembly_n be_v repute_v and_o hold_v null_n in_o law_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o that_o no_o churchman_n be_v hold_v to_o appear_v before_o assist_v or_o approve_v it_o and_o therefore_o that_o no_o letter_n petition_z subscription_n interlocutor_n certification_n admonition_n or_o other_o act_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o the_o say_a assembly_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o be_v any_o wise_a prejudicial_a to_o the_o religion_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n establish_v or_o to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o jurisdiction_n liberty_n privilege_n rent_n benefice_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o council_n and_o parliament_n in_o favour_n thereof_o or_o to_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o in_o our_o person_n or_o estate_n authority_n jurisdiction_n dignity_n rent_n benefice_n reputation_n and_o good_a name_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o such_o act_n and_o deed_n above_o mention_v and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v repute_v and_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a and_o null_a in_o themselves_o with_o all_o that_o have_v follow_v or_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a assembly_n do_v intend_v as_o we_o be_v inform_v to_o call_v in_o question_n discuss_v and_o condemn_v thing_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o warrantable_a but_o also_o define_v and_o determine_v by_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o in_o practice_n according_o to_o the_o disgrace_n and_o prejudice_n of_o reform_a religion_n authority_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n weaken_v his_o majesty_n authority_n disgrace_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v and_o brand_a of_o reform_a church_n with_o the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n we_o protest_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n may_v not_o redound_v to_o the_o disgrace_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o reform_a religion_n nor_o be_v repute_v a_o deed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o protest_v that_o we_o embrace_v and_o hold_v that_o the_o religion_n present_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n thereof_o receive_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n the_o year_n 1567._o be_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o do_v detest_v all_o contrary_a error_n we_o protest_v that_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o oppose_v and_o impugn_a for_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n either_o in_o the_o government_n or_o governor_n but_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o craft_n of_o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o success_n of_o that_o government_n in_o this_o church_n these_o many_o year_n bypass_a most_o evident_a in_o plant_v of_o church_n with_o able_a and_o learned_a minister_n recover_v of_o the_o church_n rend_v help_v of_o the_o minister_n stipend_n prevent_v of_o these_o jar_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n which_o in_o former_a time_n dangerous_o infest_a the_o same_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o peace_n and_o obedience_n and_o suppress_v of_o popery_n which_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o number_n of_o their_o professor_n or_o boldness_n of_o their_o profession_n be_v never_o at_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n in_o this_o kingdom_n as_o before_o these_o stir_n we_o protest_v that_o see_v these_o who_o for_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n do_v mislike_v the_o service_n book_n canon_n and_o high_a commission_n which_o be_v apprehend_v or_o give_v forth_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o church_n have_v now_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o forget_v and_o forgive_v all_o offence_n bypass_a in_o these_o stir_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n may_v live_v in_o peace_n and_o christian_a love_n as_o become_v faithful_a subject_n and_o good_a christian_n lay_v aside_o all_o hatred_n envy_n and_o bitterness_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v bear_v the_o blame_n and_o be_v think_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o trouble_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o man_n under_o his_o majesty_n obedience_n and_o who_o have_v commit_v nothing_o against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n that_o may_v give_v any_o man_n just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o wish_v hurt_v to_o any_o man_n in_o his_o person_n or_o estate_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o injury_n we_o have_v suffer_v that_o for_o quench_v this_o present_a combustion_n and_o settle_v peace_n in_o this_o church_n and_o country_n we_o can_v be_v content_a after_o clear_v of_o our_o innocence_n of_o all_o thing_n wherewith_o we_o can_v be_v charge_v not_o only_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o bishopric_n at_o his_o majesty_n foot_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o at_o his_o royal_a pleasure_n but_o also_o if_o so_o be_v it_o please_v god_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n and_o become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o this_o atonement_n we_o protest_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o who_o one_o day_n we_o must_v give_v account_n that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n out_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o not_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o any_o guiltiness_n whereof_o any_o of_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o either_o of_o wickedness_n in_o our_o life_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o our_o calling_n be_v content_a every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o our_o own_o particular_a as_o we_o have_v never_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v otherwise_o to_o undergo_v the_o lawful_a and_o most_o exact_a trial_n of_o any_o competent_a judicatorie_a within_o this_o kingdom_n or_o of_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o we_o most_o humble_o entreat_v his_o grace_n to_o intercede_v with_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o he_o may_v appoint_v a_o free_a and_o lawful_a general_n assembly_n such_o as_o god_n word_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v prescribe_v and_o allow_v with_o all_o convenient_a speed_n to_o the_o effect_n the_o present_a distraction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v settle_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o whatsoever_o degree_n either_o in_o life_n and_o manner_n or_o doctrine_n or_o exercise_v of_o his_o call_n and_o jurisdiction_n he_o may_v be_v hear_v to_o answer_v all_o accusation_n and_o abide_v all_o trial_n
unless_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v lawful_a authority_n from_o his_o majesty_n to_o administer_v it_o unto_o they_o be_v confident_a that_o none_o either_o will_n or_o can_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o may_v not_o consist_v with_o episcopal_a government_n have_v his_o majesty_n sense_n and_o so_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n full_o explayn_v to_o they_o hamiltoun_n that_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o force_n by_o act_n of_o parliament_n &_o no_o way_n abolish_v nor_o suppress_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o nor_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n of_o religion_n within_o the_o realm_n of_o scotland_n do_v evident_o appear_v by_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n after_o mention_v first_o by_o the_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2._o whereby_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n the_o pope_n authority_n be_v abolish_v it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o say_a act_n that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o three_o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o all_o act_n not_o agree_v with_o god_n word_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n approve_v by_o the_o estate_n in_o that_o parliament_n to_o have_v no_o effect_n nor_o strength_n in_o time_n to_o come_v whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reformer_n intention_n to_o suppress_v episcopacy_n but_o that_o bishop_n shall_v not_o use_v any_o jurisdiction_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n his_o authority_n &_o see_v they_o do_v allow_v episcopacy_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o do_v not_o esteem_v the_o same_o contrary_n to_o god_n word_n and_o confession_n aforesaid_a as_o appear_v more_o clear_o by_o the_o six_o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n which_o be_v ratify_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o cap._n 68_o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o bless_a evangell_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v now_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o or_o hereafter_o shall_v raise_v agree_v with_o they_o that_o now_o live_v in_o doctrine_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o profess_v christ_n as_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v in_o his_o evangel_n and_o do_v communicate_v with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n of_o this_o realm_n they_o be_v public_o administrate_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o holy_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n within_o this_o realm_n without_o any_o exception_n by_o reason_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n declare_v only_o such_o as_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n according_a to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a confession_n or_o refuse_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v now_o ministrate_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o say_a church_n so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n whereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o say_v reformer_n mind_n to_o exclude_v any_o from_o that_o society_n by_o reason_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n innovate_v or_o change_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n they_o find_v in_o the_o say_a church_n before_o the_o reformation_n this_o be_v likewaies_o evident_a by_o the_o oath_n to_o be_v minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n by_o the_o eigth_n act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o swear_v to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n &_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o without_o swear_v to_o any_o innovation_n of_o policy_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n second_o it_o do_v evident_o appear_v by_o these_o subsequent_a act_n of_o parliament_n that_o by_o the_o muncipall_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o have_v jurisdiction_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o same_o first_o by_o the_o 24._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o all_o civil_a privilege_n grant_v by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n predecessor_n to_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v ratify_v in_o all_o point_n after_o the_o form_n &_o tenor_n thereof_o and_o by_o the_o 35._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1571._o whereby_o all_o and_o whatsoever_o act_n and_o statute_n make_v of_o before_o by_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o predecessor_n anent_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 46._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1572._o whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v the_o authority_n and_o be_v ordain_v to_o conveen_n and_o deprive_v all_o inferior_a person_n be_v minister_n who_o shall_v not_o subscribe_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v their_o oath_n for_o acknowledge_v and_o recognosce_v of_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o bring_v a_o testimonial_a in_o write_v thereupon_o within_o a_o month_n after_o their_o admission_n by_o the_o 48._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n have_v authority_n at_o their_o visitation_n to_o design_n minister_n gleibe_n by_o the_o 54._o act_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v at_o their_o visitation_n person_n in_o every_o parochin_n for_o make_v and_o set_v of_o the_o taxation_n for_o uphold_v and_o repair_v of_o kirk_n and_o kirk-yard_n and_o to_o convene_v try_v and_o censure_v all_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v apply_v to_o their_o own_o use_n the_o stone_n timber_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o pertain_v to_o kirk_n demolish_v by_o the_o 55._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1573._o whereby_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v authorize_v to_o admonish_v person_n marry_v in_o case_n of_o desertion_n to_o adhere_v and_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n to_o direct_v charge_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o parochin_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n by_o the_o 63._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1578._o whereby_o bishop_n and_o where_o no_o bishop_n be_v provide_v the_o commissioner_n of_o diocese_n have_v authority_n to_o try_v the_o rent_n of_o hospital_n and_o call_v for_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o by_o the_o 69._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1579._o whereby_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v to_o stand_v in_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n correction_n of_o manner_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o yet_o no_o other_o authority_n nor_o office-bearer_n allow_v and_o appoint_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n nor_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o former_a act_n but_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n intend_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o authority_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o act_n follow_v first_o by_o the_o 71._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o person_n return_v from_o their_o travel_n be_v ordain_v within_o the_o space_n of_o twenty_o day_n after_o their_o return_n to_o pass_v to_o the_o bishop_n superintendent_n commissioner_n of_o the_o kirk_n where_o they_o arrive_v and_o reside_v and_o there_o offer_v to_o make_v and_o give_v a_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o then_o within_o forty_o day_n to_o remove_v themselves_o forth_o of_o the_o realm_n by_o the_o 99_o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1581._o whereby_o the_o foresaid_n act_n be_v ratify_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o 130._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n 1584._o whereby_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o none_o of_o his_o majesty_n have_v and_o subject_n presume_v or_o take_v upon_o hand_n to_o impugn_v the_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereby_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n supreme_a court_n of_o parliament_n past_o all_o memory_n of_o man_n have_v be_v continue_v or_o to_o seek_v or_o procure_v the_o innovation_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o three_o estate_n or_o any_o of_o they_o in_o time_n come_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n by_o the_o 131._o act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n whereby_o all_o judgement_n &_o jurisdiction_n as_o well_o in_o spiritual_a as_o temporal_a cause_n in_o practice_n &_o custom_n during_o these_o twenty_o four_o year_n bypass_a not_o approve_v
proceed_v which_o how_o it_o do_v stand_v with_o his_o majesty_n supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o that_o judgement_n whereunto_o it_o belong_v and_o do_v call_v god_n and_o man_n to_o witness_v if_o these_o be_v fit_a member_n of_o a_o assembly_n intend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n giving_z and_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o person_n aforesaid_a direct_v commissioner_n in_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o this_o meeting_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o say_v presbytery_n have_v the_o authority_n to_o direct_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n yet_o have_v they_o now_o lose_v and_o fall_v from_o all_o such_o right_a if_o any_o they_o have_v in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v depose_v the_o moderatour_n who_o be_v lawful_o appoint_v to_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o synod_n and_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o place_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1610._o and_o act_n of_o parl._n 1612._o ordain_v bishop_n to_o be_v moderatour_n at_o these_o meeting_n and_o in_o their_o absence_n the_o minister_n who_o the_o bishop_n shall_v appoint_v at_o the_o synod_n so_o these_o meeting_n have_v disclaim_v the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n depose_v their_o lawful_a moderatour_n and_o choose_v other_o without_o authority_n can_v be_v esteem_v lawful_a convocation_n that_o can_v have_v lawful_a power_n of_o send_v out_o commissioner_n with_o authority_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o church_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o commission_n flow_v from_o such_o meeting_n further_o appear_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v associate_v to_o themselves_o a_o laic_a roll_a elder_a as_o they_o call_v he_o out_o of_o every_o session_n and_o parish_n who_o be_v ordinary_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o a_o man_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o bound_n do_v over-rule_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n both_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o number_n be_v more_o than_o the_o minister_n whereof_o some_o be_v ordinary_o absent_a and_o five_o or_o six_o or_o so_o many_o of_o they_o put_v in_o list_n and_o remove_v there_o remain_v but_o a_o few_o minister_n to_o voice_n to_o the_o election_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o clergy_n be_v choose_v by_o lay-man_n contrary_a to_o all_o order_n decency_n and_o custom_n observe_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n no_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v the_o presbytery_n former_o never_a associate_a to_o themselves_o lay-elder_n in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n but_o only_o for_o their_o assistance_n in_o discipline_n and_o correction_n of_o manner_n call_v for_o they_o at_o such_o occasion_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o godly_a concurrence_n declare_v otherwise_o their_o meeting_n not_o necessary_a and_o provide_v express_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v equal_a but_o few_o in_o number_n then_o the_o pastor_n as_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o saint_n andrews_n april_n 24._o 1582._o where_o master_n andrew_n melvill_n be_v moderator_n do_v appear_v like_a as_o these_o forty_o year_n by_o go_v and_o upward_o long_o before_o the_o re-establish_a of_o bishop_n these_o lay-elder_n have_v not_o be_v call_v at_o all_o to_o presbytery_n and_o by_o the_o act_n at_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o presbytery_n have_v authority_n to_o send_v these_o lay_n commissioner_n it_o do_v no_o way_n appear_v that_o those_o lay-elder_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o choose_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a act_n of_o the_o assembly_n authorise_v presbytery_n to_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n nor_o have_v lay_v elder_n sit_v ordinary_o in_o presbytery_n upon_o any_o occasion_n these_o forty_o year_n and_o upward_o nor_o ever_o have_v any_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n for_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o consequent_o those_o choose_v by_o they_o to_o this_o assembly_n have_v no_o lawful_a power_n nor_o authority_n beside_o the_o person_n ecclesiastical_a pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n have_v so_o behave_v themselves_o that_o just_o they_o may_v be_v think_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o commission_n to_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n 1._o for_o that_o by_o their_o seditious_a and_o rail_a sermon_n and_o pamphlet_n they_o have_v wound_v the_o king_n honour_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o animate_v his_o liedge_n to_o rebellion_n aver_v that_o all_o authority_n sovereign_a be_v original_o in_o the_o collective_a body_n derive_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o prince_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n it_o be_v suppletiuè_fw-la in_o the_o collective_a body_n as_o be_v communicate_v from_o the_o commontie_z to_o the_o king_n cumulatiuè_n not_o privatiuè_a but_o also_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n to_o return_v to_o the_o collective_a body_n so_o that_o rex_fw-la excidit_fw-la jure_fw-la svo_fw-la and_o that_o they_o may_v refuse_v obedience_n 2._o next_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v either_o be_v schismatical_o refractorie_a and_o opposite_a to_o good_a order_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n or_o such_o as_o have_v promise_v subscribe_v and_o swear_v obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n have_v never_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o oath_n or_o such_o as_o have_v swear_v and_o according_o practise_v yet_o contrary_a to_o their_o promise_n and_o practice_n have_v resile_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o authority_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n for_o their_o disobedience_n to_o order_n or_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n or_o convene_v at_o least_o deserve_v to_o be_v convene_v before_o the_o ordinary_n or_o a_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n for_o divers_a transgression_n deserve_v deprivation_n as_o first_o for_o utter_v in_o their_o sermon_n rash_a and_o irreverent_a speech_n in_o pulpit_n against_o his_o majesty_n council_n and_o their_o proceed_n punishable_a by_o deprivation_n by_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n may_v 22._o 1590._o next_o for_o reprove_v his_o majesty_n law_n statute_n and_o ordinance_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n at_o perth_n maii_n 1._o 1596._o three_o for_o express_v of_o man_n name_n in_o pulpit_n or_o describe_v they_o vive_o to_o their_o reproach_n where_o there_o be_v no_o notorious_a fault_n against_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n four_o for_o use_v application_n in_o their_o sermon_n not_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o present_a auditory_a contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n five_o for_o keep_v convention_n not_o allow_v by_o his_o majesty_n without_o his_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n contrary_a to_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n six_o for_o receive_v of_o people_n of_o other_o minister_n flock_n to_o the_o communion_n contrary_a to_o order_v act_n of_o assembly_n and_o counsel_n seven_o for_o intrude_a themselves_o into_o other_o man_n pulpit_n without_o call_v or_o authority_n eight_o for_o usurp_a the_o authority_n to_o convent_n their_o brethren_n and_o proceed_v against_o they_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n and_o deprivation_n nine_o for_o press_v the_o people_n to_o subscribe_v a_o covenant_n not_o allow_v by_o authority_n and_o oppose_v and_o withstand_v the_o subscribe_v of_o a_o covenant_n offer_v by_o his_o majesty_n and_o allow_v by_o the_o council_n beside_o many_o personal_a fault_n and_o enormity_n whereof_o many_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a which_o in_o charity_n we_o forbear_v to_o express_v but_o hereby_o it_o do_v appear_v how_o unfit_a these_o person_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o free_a and_o lawful_a assembly_n nor_o do_v it_o stand_v with_o reason_n scripture_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o layman_n shall_v be_v authorize_v to_o have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o a_o general_a assembly_n in_o that_o act_n of_o dundie_n 1597._o whereby_o these_o elder_n pretend_v to_o have_v this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o warrant_n express_v for_o they_o to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v their_o presence_n and_o assistance_n we_o approve_v be_v allow_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o prince_n the_o king_n majesty_n presence_n in_o person_n or_o by_o his_o delegate_n we_o hold_v most_o necessary_a to_o see_v all_o thing_n orderly_a and_o peaceable_o do_v and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o chief_a hand_n in_o all_o deliberation_n and_o determination_n nor_o do_v we_o refuse_v that_o any_o intelligent_a or_o moderate_a man_n may_v make_v remonstrance_n of_o his_o opinion_n with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o that_o way_n that_o become_v he_o
afterward_o by_o his_o authority_n renew_v then_o they_o need_v not_o to_o have_v sit_v one_o hour_n long_o for_o find_v of_o that_o for_o any_o man_n that_o can_v read_v may_v find_v the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o both_o to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o without_o the_o least_o alteration_n but_o if_o by_o their_o covenant_n they_o do_v understand_v their_o explication_n addition_n and_o gloss_n which_o destroy_v and_o corrupt_v the_o very_a text_n of_o the_o first_o covenant_n then_o certain_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v rise_v yet_o nor_o can_v have_v rise_v until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o will_v never_o find_v that_o these_o corrupt_a gloss_n &_o apocryphal_a addition_n of_o their_o own_o can_v consist_v with_o our_o royal_a father_n his_o confession_n and_o covenant_n upon_o which_o they_o pretend_v they_o ground_n their_o own_o beside_o as_o shall_v present_o appear_v they_o have_v discharge_v all_o man_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n and_o covenant_n 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and_o ruler_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o
episcopacy_n be_v still_o condemn_v notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n make_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la as_o for_o the_o king_n oath_n the_o same_o contain_v no_o mention_n of_o bishop_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_a oath_n the_o king_n be_v oblige_v thereby_o to_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n and_o see_v it_o be_v clear_v by_o the_o precede_a relation_n that_o bishop_n be_v never_o allow_v but_o oppugn_v by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n that_o oath_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o exclude_v episcopacy_n which_o be_v also_o more_o perspicuous_a in_o the_o short_a confession_n 1580._o and_o 1581._o when_o the_o kirk_n set_v down_o her_o constant_a policy_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v abjure_v as_o contrary_v thereto_o and_o crave_v a_o oath_n from_o his_o majesty_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o which_o now_o also_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v as_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o exclusive_a of_o episcopacy_n as_o repugnant_a thereto_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n thereafter_o particular_o cite_v be_v these_o mention_v in_o order_n the_o 24._o act_n 1567._o ratify_v all_o civil_a privilege_n former_o grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o the_o 35._o act_n 1571._o ratify_v all_o act_n make_v anent_o the_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o true_a kirk_n the_o same_o can_v be_v extend_v to_o the_o establish_n of_o episcopacy_n because_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o these_o act_n but_o by_o the_o contrary_n be_v abolish_v by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n before_o mention_v so_o that_o the_o privilege_n therein_o mention_v be_v grant_v to_o such_o kirk-man_n as_o then_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o kirk_n must_v be_v interpret_v by_o she_o own_o judgement_n who_o think_v ever_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n a_o heavy_a bondage_n and_o yet_o those_o privilege_n can_v infer_v no_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n but_o only_o civil_a privilege_n some_o immunity_n and_o extemption_n grant_v for_o the_o good_n and_o person_n of_o kirk-man_n as_o be_v clear_a 1._o act_n james_n 1_o par._n 1._o and_o 26_o act_n par._n 2._o james_n 1._o and_o 4._o act_n par._n 3._o james_n 2._o with_o many_o other_o it_o be_v here_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o careful_a evolver_n of_o these_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v omit_v to_o cite_v the_o 7._o act_n 1._o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n 6._o bear_v the_o examination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n to_o be_v only_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o kirk_n then_o open_o and_o public_o profess_v and_o presentation_n to_o be_v make_v to_o superintendent_o or_o other_o have_v commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n and_o appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o superintendent_o and_o minister_n of_o the_o province_n and_o appeal_v from_o these_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o all_o which_o gradation_n no_o mention_v of_o bishop_n but_o they_o in_o effect_n exclude_v by_o that_o contrare_fw-la distinction_n of_o the_o kirk_n then_o open_o profess_v because_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o foresay_a second_o act_n 1567._o and_o superintendent_o be_v then_o permit_v like_o temporary_a evangelist_n for_o the_o present_a necessity_n declare_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n ad_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la constituendam_fw-la but_o be_v abrogate_v from_o 1575._o that_o the_o constant_a policy_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la constituta_fw-la begin_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1572._o and_o 1573._o it_o be_v know_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o time_n 1573._o that_o the_o regent_n then_o labour_v hard_a to_o bring_v in_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n who_o be_v not_o dead_a but_o stand_v the_o facto_fw-la provide_v to_o the_o power_n of_o these_o titular_o of_o benefice_n to_o fortify_v his_o own_o design_n and_o counterbalance_n the_o authority_n of_o minister_n press_v the_o purity_n of_o reformation_n and_o so_o can_v be_v honourable_o allege_v for_o the_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o authority_n but_o by_o warrant_n of_o some_o minister_n of_o his_o own_o party_n convene_v at_o leeth_n and_o be_v only_o do_v for_o a_o interim_n and_o protest_v against_o by_o the_o next_o assembly_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o by_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n the_o archbishop_n bishop_n superintendent_o or_o commissioner_n of_o diocese_n or_o province_n be_v join_v together_o which_o be_v wrongous_o omit_v in_o the_o quotation_n to_o show_v that_o no_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n quatale_n have_v any_o power_n but_o only_o be_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la stand_v provide_v in_o the_o title_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o kirk_n which_o sometime_o they_o obtain_v and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n be_v name_v such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o be_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o in_o the_o same_o superintendent_o possessor_n and_o titular_o of_o prelacy_n as_o well_o as_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v call_v and_o convene_v for_o that_o effect_n before_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n and_o yet_o none_o can_v say_v that_o the_o office_n of_o abbot_n pryor_n etc._n etc._n be_v then_o retain_v howbeit_o the_o benefice_n be_v not_o extinct_a and_o few_o ill_a grant_n that_o when_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n office_n be_v in_o vigour_n they_o think_v themselves_o subject_a to_o the_o general_a assembly_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o say_a act_n which_o be_v also_o fraudful_o omit_v in_o the_o quotation_n 1579_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1578._o and_o 1579._o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o kirk_n in_o this_o mean_a time_n from_o the_o year_n 1575._o be_v busy_v in_o abrogate_a episcopacy_n and_o establish_v the_o constant_a policy_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o print_a act_n of_o assembly_n before_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o unprint_v act_n of_o parliament_n the_o kirk_n by_o her_o commissioner_n daily_o reason_v and_o agree_v with_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n upon_o these_o head_n of_o policy_n whereupon_o the_o parliament_n by_o the_o say_v 69._o act_n 1579._o declare_v there_o be_v none_o other_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o this_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therefrom_o which_o extinguish_v episcopacy_n because_o it_o do_v not_o flow_v from_o this_o reform_a kirk_n neither_o can_v produce_v its_o chartor_n from_o she_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v abolish_v by_o the_o foresay_a act_n 1567._o it_o be_v condemn_v also_o in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v at_o dundie_n 1580._o and_o their_o whole_a estate_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a condemn_v in_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n 1581._o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n at_o edinburgh_n 1581._o so_o that_o by_o this_o act_n of_o parliam_fw-la 1579._o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o abolish_v that_o unless_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n no_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o sen_fw-mi can_v conduce_v for_o their_o establishment_n see_v this_o act_n with_o the_o other_o act_n for_o their_o abolition_n stand_v yet_o unrepealed_a and_o far_o for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1578._o if_o the_o same_o contribute_v any_o thing_n for_o episcopacy_n it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o bishop_n be_v there_o mention_v or_o for_o the_o power_n thereby_o confer_v upon_o they_o but_o both_o these_o be_v weak_a ground_n the_o first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n there_o name_v but_o such_o as_o stand_v provide_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la on_o life_n which_o be_v a_o designation_n of_o the_o benefice_n which_o be_v not_o then_o extinct_a and_o not_o of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v extinct_a the_o power_n confer_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o say_a act_n can_v give_v no_o strength_n to_o the_o argument_n because_o there_o be_v no_o jurisdiction_n grant_v thereby_o to_o they_o but_o only_a power_n to_o visit_v hospital_n which_o the_o parliam_fw-la may_v have_v grant_v to_o any_o person_n but_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o these_o idle_a titular_o of_o benefice_n who_o may_v best_o attend_v the_o same_o or_o employ_v mean_n for_o their_o reparation_n and_o this_o charge_n be_v likewise_o communicate_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o all_o chancellor_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o as_o to_o the_o 71._o act_n 1579._o we_o repeat_v the_o former_a answer_n that_o superintendent_o and_o commissioner_n be_v there_o join_v with_o the_o bishop_n to_o
after_o our_o advice_n by_o our_o letter_n and_o instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n at_o home_n and_o after_o many_o humble_a advertisement_n and_o remonstrance_n make_v from_o they_o to_o we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o alteration_n which_o they_o do_v conceive_v will_v remove_v divers_a difficulty_n which_o otherwise_o they_o fear_v this_o book_n will_v encounter_v with_o we_o be_v content_v that_o the_o service_n book_n shall_v come_v out_o as_o now_o it_o be_v print_v be_v full_o like_v by_o they_o and_o sign_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o peruse_v approve_v and_o publish_v by_o our_o royal_a command_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o perusal_n and_o approbation_n whereof_o we_o take_v special_a care_n that_o the_o small_a alteration_n of_o it_o in_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o english_a service_n book_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v will_v best_o comply_v with_o the_o mind_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n for_o we_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v take_v some_o offence_n if_o we_o shall_v have_v tender_v they_o the_o english_a service_n book_n totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la and_o that_o some_o factious_a spirit_n will_v have_v endeavour_v to_o have_v misconstrue_v it_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o dependence_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o this_o of_o england_n which_o we_o have_v put_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o law_n and_o liberty_n we_o hold_v it_o fit_a that_o a_o new_a book_n shall_v be_v compose_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n in_o substance_n not_o differ_v from_o this_o of_o england_n that_o so_o the_o roman_a party_n may_v not_o upbraid_v we_o with_o any_o weighty_a or_o material_a difference_n in_o our_o liturgy_n and_o yet_o in_o some_o few_o insensible_a alteration_n differ_v from_o it_o that_o it_o may_v true_o and_o just_o be_v repute_v a_o book_n of_o that_o church_n own_o compose_v and_o establish_v by_o our_o royal_a authority_n as_o king_n of_o scotland_n and_o thus_o conceive_v we_o have_v discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o religious_a king_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o a_o gracious_a prince_n in_o accommodate_v this_o book_n so_o that_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o have_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o any_o intend_a dependency_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o this_o we_o send_v home_o the_o book_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o privy_a council_n after_o their_o receipt_n &_o consideration_n of_o it_o we_o by_o their_o advice_n and_o they_o by_o our_o authority_n command_v by_o public_a proclamation_n that_o the_o say_a book_n shall_v be_v public_o read_v and_o receive_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v begin_v to_o be_v practise_v upon_o easter_n next_o 1637._o disobedience_n to_o this_o our_o proclamation_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v because_o this_o service-book_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n unto_o they_o for_o it_o not_o differ_v from_o the_o english_a service-book_n in_o any_o material_a point_n and_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o english_a liturgy_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v displease_v to_o they_o do_v likewise_o conceive_v that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v as_o little_o dislike_v by_o they_o now_o the_o reason_n induce_v we_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o their_o not_o mislike_v the_o english_a liturgy_n be_v these_o first_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o all_o sort_n daily_o resort_v to_o our_o court_n and_o the_o city_n of_o london_n do_v much_o frequent_a our_o chapel_n many_o other_o church_n in_o or_o about_o the_o city_n and_o many_o church_n during_o their_o stay_n here_o at_o the_o several_a place_n of_o our_o residence_n and_o many_o other_o church_n within_o this_o kingdom_n upon_o their_o way_n both_o hither_o and_o homeward_o in_o all_o which_o church_n they_o do_v behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n with_o that_o reverence_n as_o other_o of_o our_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n do_v without_o any_o dislike_n of_o it_o or_o quarrel_v against_o it_o now_o these_o who_o resort_v hither_o be_v for_o quantity_n and_o number_n very_o considerable_a and_o for_o quality_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o very_o best_a give_v we_o more_o than_o a_o probable_a assurance_n that_o at_o home_n they_o will_v never_o account_v that_o absolute_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a as_o many_o of_o they_o have_v since_o profess_v unto_o which_o they_o have_v here_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n by_o their_o practice_n yield_v obedience_n for_o neither_o municipal_a law_n nor_o variation_n of_o time_n or_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o circumstance_n can_v allow_v we_o to_o practice_v that_o which_o we_o hold_v in_o itself_o to_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a antichristian_a and_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o in_o our_o own_o chapel_n at_o haly-rud-house_n ever_o since_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1617._o the_o english_a liturgy_n have_v be_v read_v and_o according_a to_o it_o divine_a service_n sing_v and_o say_v as_o it_o be_v here_o say_v and_o sing_v in_o our_o chapel_n in_o england_n not_o only_o without_o dislike_n but_o with_o frequent_a assembly_n of_o our_o council_n nobility_n bishop_n &_o other_o clergy_n of_o all_o sort_n judge_n gentry_n burgess_n woman_n of_o all_o rank_n the_o bishop_n or_o some_o of_o they_o never_o give_v order_n which_o they_o do_v frequent_o but_o they_o use_v the_o english_a service-book_n &_o in_o some_o cathedral_n church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n as_o also_o in_o the_o new_a college_n of_o the_o university_n of_o s._n andrew_n for_o some_o year_n of_o late_a it_o be_v public_o read_v without_o any_o distaste_n much_o less_o disturbance_n for_o divers_a year_n it_o be_v use_v in_o many_o family_n and_o at_o our_o last_o be_v in_o that_o kingdom_n it_o be_v read_v public_o in_o all_o church_n to_o which_o we_o resort_v in_o which_o great_a number_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v present_a all_o which_o give_v we_o good_a reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o command_a of_o this_o book_n by_o our_o authority_n can_v not_o in_o any_o true_a sense_n be_v call_v or_o account_v a_o innovation_n all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o very_o many_o of_o those_o of_o all_o rank_n who_o now_o inveigh_v most_o bitter_o against_o it_o have_v be_v so_o accustom_v to_o it_o and_o acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o that_o without_o any_o dislike_n of_o it_o or_o complaint_n against_o it_o three_o we_o confess_v that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o service-book_n be_v in_o substance_n all_o one_o with_o this_o of_o england_n can_v not_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o to_o contain_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n popery_n or_o superstition_n as_o since_o they_o have_v pretend_v be_v this_o we_o do_v foresee_v that_o all_o objection_n bend_v that_o way_n must_v needs_o strike_v at_o the_o english_a service-book_n aswell_o as_o at_o that_o and_o indeed_o all_o of_o they_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v or_o publish_v against_o that_o book_n do_v so_o but_o we_o do_v then_o and_o do_v still_o take_v it_o as_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o can_v charge_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o these_o thing_n object_v upon_o the_o english_a service-book_n for_o since_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o the_o composer_n &_o framer_n of_o the_o english_a service-book_n be_v those_o very_a famous_a bishop_n &_o other_o who_o in_o queen_n mary_n her_o day_n deliver_v up_o their_o live_a body_n to_o the_o fire_n or_o escape_v the_o fire_n endure_v banishment_n &_o only_o because_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o popery_n and_o superstition_n how_o these_o man_n now_o who_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n they_o hold_v to_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n of_o the_o church_n for_o resist_v even_o to_o blood_n idolatry_n popery_n and_o superstition_n can_v with_o any_o conscience_n or_o honesty_n be_v charge_v by_o these_o man_n with_o compile_v of_o a_o book_n stuff_v full_a with_o idolatry_n popery_n and_o superstition_n it_o require_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n to_o apprehend_v and_o beside_o it_o will_v be_v make_v good_a that_o more_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o learned_a clergy_n of_o england_n both_o for_o number_n and_o weight_n have_v oppose_v superstition_n and_o popery_n then_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n beside_o who_o all_o of_o they_o have_v live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o english_a liturgy_n and_o defend_v the_o same_o which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v suppose_v it_o to_o contain_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n these_o now_o be_v the_o ground_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o service-book_n authorize_v by_o we_o for_o
their_o protestation_n against_o our_o proclamation_n as_o if_o both_o have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o if_o this_o now_o be_v not_o a_o high_a act_n of_o rebellion_n then_o either_o the_o first_o tumult_n raise_v in_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o so_o much_o declame_v or_o the_o second_o insurrection_n at_o edinburgh_n which_o they_o so_o much_o disclaim_v we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v the_o copy_n both_o of_o our_o proclamation_n and_o their_o protestation_n we_o have_v here_o insert_v that_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o may_v see_v that_o we_o wrong_v not_o the_o truth_n charles_n by_o the_o grace_n god_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n to_o our_o lovit_n etc._n etc._n our_o sheriff_n in_o that_o part_n conjunct_o and_o several_o special_o constitute_v greeting_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o out_o of_o our_o princely_a care_n of_o maintenance_n of_o the_o 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deliver_v the_o same_o by_o you_o due_o execute_v and_o endorse_v again_o to_o the_o bearer_n give_v under_o our_o signet_n at_o sterling_a the_o nineteen_o day_n of_o february_n and_o of_o our_o reign_n the_o thirteen_o year_n 1638._o per_fw-la actum_fw-la secreti_fw-la concilii_fw-la here_o follow_v their_o protestation_n for_o god_n and_o the_o king_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n minister_n burrowes_n appoint_v to_o attend_v his_o majesty_n answer_n to_o our_o humble_a petition_n and_o complaint_n and_o to_o prefer_v new_a grievance_n and_o to_o do_v what_o else_o may_v lawful_o conduce_v to_o our_o humble_a desire_n that_o whereupon_o the_o 23._o of_o september_n last_o we_o present_v a_o supplication_n to_o your_o lordship_n and_o another_o upon_o the_o 18._o of_o october_n last_o and_o also_o a_o new_a bill_n relative_a to_o the_o former_a upon_o the_o 19_o of_o december_n last_o and_o do_v therein_o humble_o remonstrate_v our_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o also_o against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o the_o contriver_n maintainer_n and_o urger_n thereof_o and_o against_o their_o sit_v as_o our_o judge_n until_o the_o cause_n be_v decide_v earnest_o supplicate_v withal_o to_o be_v free_v and_o deliver_v from_o these_o and_o all_o other_o innovation_n of_o that_o kind_n introduce_v against_o the_o laudable_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o that_o of_o the_o high_a commission_n and_o other_o evil_n particular_o mention_v and_o general_o contain_v in_o our_o foresay_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n and_o that_o this_o our_o party_n delinquent_a against_o our_o religion_n and_o law_n may_v be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o these_o press_a grievance_n may_v be_v take_v order_n with_o and_o redress_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o by_o our_o say_a supplication_n and_o complaint_n more_o large_o do_v appear_v with_o the_o which_o on_o the_o 19_o of_o 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unto_o your_o
state_n excuse_v our_o uncessant_a and_o importune_a call_n for_o these_o present_a remedy_n do_v insinuate_v the_o continuance_n and_o execution_n of_o any_o pretend_a law_n for_o these_o innovation_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n government_n and_o civil_a place_n of_o churchman_n which_o by_o our_o covenant_n we_o have_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o forbear_v and_o the_o re-establishment_n of_o these_o evil_n in_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n which_o he_o will_v call_v in_o his_o best_a convenience_n to_o wit_n for_o that_o and_o this_o other_o end_n of_o satisfy_v his_o subject_n judgement_n anent_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n do_v condemn_v all_o our_o former_a proceed_n even_o our_o supplicate_a complain_v protest_v subscribe_v of_o our_o covenant_n together_o and_o our_o continual_a meeting_n as_o great_a disorder_n increase_v of_o disorder_n deserve_v just_o a_o powerful_a rather_o than_o a_o persuasive_a way_n a_o run_v headlong_o 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religion_n and_o salvation_n the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n or_o derogatory_n to_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n and_o proceed_n or_o unanswerable_a to_o the_o solemn_a oath_n of_o our_o nation_n covenant_n with_o god_n to_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o protest_v primo_n that_o we_o do_v and_o will_v constant_o adhere_v according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o power_n to_o the_o say_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n use_v of_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o any_o innovation_n introduce_v therein_o either_o of_o old_a or_o of_o late_a secundo_fw-la we_o potest_fw-la that_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o grievance_n supplication_n and_o protestation_n give_v in_o at_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o to_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n and_o other_o lawful_a proceed_n against_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o against_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n as_o main_a innovation_n of_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o full_a of_o popish_a superstition_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o king_n declaration_n and_o against_o the_o high_a commission_n as_o a_o judicatory_a establish_a contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o destructive_a of_o other_o lawful_a judicatories_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o manner_n of_o introduction_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n can_v be_v any_o way_n rectify_v but_o absolute_o discharge_v tertio_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o we_o adhere_v with_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o oath_n and_o subscription_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n the_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o god_n this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o the_o clause_n particular_o therein_o express_v and_o general_o contain_v and_o to_o our_o last_o article_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_fw-mi and_o kingdom_n draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o to_o all_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v and_o manner_n of_o remedy_n therein_o desire_v quarto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o this_o proclamation_n or_o act_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o act_n or_o proclamation_n or_o declaration_n or_o ratification_n thereof_o by_o subscription_n or_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o any_o other_o manner_n of_o way_n whatsoever_o or_o any_o precondemnation_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o carriage_n before_o the_o same_o be_v lawful_o hear_v and_o try_v in_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n the_o only_a proper_a judge_n to_o national_a cause_n and_o proceed_n or_o any_o certification_n or_o threaten_v therein_o denounce_v shall_v no_o way_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n nor_o to_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n article_n lawful_a meeting_n proceed_n pursuit_n mutual_a defence_n nor_o to_o our_o person_n and_o estate_n and_o shall_v no_o way_n be_v disgraceful_a either_o in_o reality_n or_o opinion_n at_o home_o or_o abroad_o to_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o any_o act_n or_o letter_n or_o subscription_n of_o the_o council_n carry_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o declaration_n and_o condemnation_n of_o our_o proceed_n indicta_fw-la causa_fw-la be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_n &_o esteem_v unjust_a illegal_a &_o null_a as_o here_o before_o god_n and_o man_n we_o offer_v to_o clear_v &_o to_o verify_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o carriage_n and_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o act_n against_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o first_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n &_o parliament_n of_o the_o estate_n unto_o who_o with_o all_o solemnity_n requisite_a we_o do_v public_o appeal_v quinto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o see_v our_o former_a supplication_n last_o article_n &_o our_o last_o desire_n and_o petition_n to_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n which_o petition_v for_o the_o present_a indiction_n of_o a_o free_a general_a assembly_n &_o parliament_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n &_o of_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o like_a case_n to_o hear_v the_o desire_n ease_v the_o grievance_n &_o settle_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n be_v thus_o delay_v &_o in_o effect_n refuse_v to_o wit_n once_o for_o all_o till_o his_o majesty_n conveniency_n for_o the_o end_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n that_o we_o continue_v by_o their_o present_n to_o supplicate_v his_o majesty_n again_o and_o again_o for_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o same_o and_o whatsoever_o trouble_n or_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o in_o this_o land_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o want_v of_o these_o ordinary_a remedy_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n &_o evil_n contrary_a to_o our_o supplication_n article_n &_o confession_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o who_o most_o humble_o beg_v these_o lawful_a remedy_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v &_o shall_v be_v lawful_a unto_o we_o to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o king_n authority_n in_o defence_n thereof_o &_o every_o one_o of_o we_o one_o another_o in_o that_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o religion_n and_o the_o king_n foresay_a authority_n according_a to_o our_o power_n vocation_n and_o covenant_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n body_n life_n mean_n &_o whole_a strength_n against_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o &_o against_o all_o external_a or_o internal_a invasion_n menace_v in_o this_o proclamation_n like_a as_o that_o in_o the_o great_a exigencie_n of_o the_o church_n necessitate_v the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinary_a and_o lawful_a remedy_n for_o settle_v the_o commotion_n thereof_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v leasome_a unto_o we_o to_o appoint_v hold_v and_o use_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n our_o lawful_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n agreeble_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o worthy_a reformer_n in_o the_o like_a case_n sexto_fw-la we_o protest_v that_o our_o former_a supplication_n complaint_n protestation_n confession_n meeting_n proceed_n and_o mutual_a defence_n of_o every_o one_o another_o in_o this_o cause_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o necessary_a and_o orderly_o mean_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n &_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n to_o be_v commend_v as_o real_a duty_n of_o faithful_a christian_n loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v style_v nor_o account_v great_a disorder_n misdemeanour_n blind_a disobedience_n under_o pretext_n of_o religion_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o ruin_n etc._n etc._n so_o they_o proceed_v only_o from_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n our_o king_n native_a
he_o by_o we_o they_o he_o be_v enforce_v to_o call_v the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n divers_a other_o of_o our_o nobility_n and_o some_o of_o the_o lord_n covenanter_n themselves_o to_o give_v testimony_n of_o his_o frequent_a asseveration_n in_o their_o hear_n that_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v no_o way_n satisfy_v with_o that_o explication_n so_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v receive_v any_o satisfaction_n by_o it_o only_o that_o he_o will_v present_v it_o to_o we_o at_o their_o entreaty_n and_o beside_o the_o attestation_n of_o so_o many_o witness_n he_o be_v necessitate_v both_o for_o clear_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o and_o prevent_v the_o further_a increase_n of_o covenanter_n upon_o that_o false_a and_o groundless_a surmise_n to_o print_v a_o manifest_a and_o declaration_n of_o his_o own_o clearness_n and_o their_o calumny_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o print_v a_o weak_a answer_n to_o that_o manifest_a in_o which_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o never_o hear_v he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o declaration_n but_o that_o by_o some_o probable_a reason_n which_o be_v there_o express_v and_o indeed_o be_v most_o improbable_a one_o they_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o although_o that_o both_o to_o their_o new_a proselyte_n and_o in_o the_o minister_n print_v answer_n they_o have_v positive_o aver_v that_o after_o he_o have_v receive_v that_o explication_n he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o their_o covenant_n which_o deal_v of_o they_o give_v occasion_n for_o many_o to_o think_v that_o this_o false_a aspersion_n be_v put_v upon_o he_o by_o those_o who_o ever_o labour_v to_o strangle_v all_o hope_n of_o reconciliation_n only_o to_o raise_v in_o we_o a_o distrustful_a jealousy_n of_o his_o service_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v call_v back_o and_o the_o people_n make_v believe_v that_o no_o relieve_n of_o their_o grievance_n be_v intend_v by_o us._n about_o the_o same_o time_n a_o great_a stir_n be_v raise_v in_o that_o kingdom_n upon_o a_o very_a slender_a ground_n which_o be_v this_o there_o have_v be_v print_v at_o antwerp_n in_o several_a piece_n the_o picture_n of_o the_o several_a story_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o the_o manner_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o print_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n some_o papist_n and_o it_o may_v be_v other_o have_v cause_v these_o several_a piece_n to_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o bibles_n at_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o those_o story_n to_o which_o they_o do_v relate_v they_o find_v such_o a_o bible_n print_v at_o edinburgh_n which_o be_v print_v as_o all_o bible_n be_v by_o our_o privilege_n upon_o a_o sudden_a there_o be_v make_v most_o tragical_a complaint_n that_o picture_n and_o image_n be_v bring_v into_o their_o bibles_n by_o our_o authority_n aggravate_v by_o the_o head_n of_o that_o faction_n especial_o the_o minister_n with_o the_o imminent_a danger_n of_o the_o present_a introduction_n of_o popery_n superstition_n &_o idolatry_n still_o to_o make_v the_o people_n averse_a from_o all_o hope_n of_o satisfaction_n so_o that_o some_o do_v conceive_v that_o these_o picture_n may_v be_v bind_v in_o that_o bible_n by_o some_o of_o themselves_o mere_o to_o irritate_fw-la the_o people_n and_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o distance_n from_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n but_o so_o far_o with_o this_o particular_a we_o can_v charge_v they_o now_o notwithstanding_o these_o new_a and_o daily_o emergent_a combustion_n and_o their_o perpetual_a work_n of_o the_o people_n both_o in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o at_o their_o other_o meeting_n to_o new_a insolence_n and_o great_a height_n of_o rage_n and_o fury_n our_o commissioner_n resolve_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v to_o pass_v they_o over_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o treaty_n with_o they_o for_o the_o preparative_n overture_n of_o a_o general_n assembly_n because_o he_o do_v see_v that_o all_o these_o impediment_n and_o block_n be_v lay_v purposely_o in_o his_o way_n that_o either_o he_o may_v stumble_v at_o they_o or_o be_v so_o scare_v as_o to_o go_v back_o for_o it_o be_v plain_o perceive_v that_o whensoever_o he_o make_v any_o proposition_n of_o peace_n likely_a to_o take_v or_o please_v they_o present_o cast_v about_o how_o to_o dash_v it_o with_o some_o new_a violence_n and_o accident_n which_o shall_v make_v it_o impossible_a as_o do_v most_o evident_o appear_v in_o this_o particular_a our_o commissioner_n send_v some_o of_o our_o council_n to_o confer_v with_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n concern_v some_o necessary_a proposition_n fit_a to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o before_o the_o indict_v of_o the_o assembly_n both_o concern_v the_o member_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o concern_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o it_o two_o consultation_n usual_o previous_a to_o that_o meeting_n for_o the_o omission_n whereof_o in_o one_o assembly_n of_o late_a time_n they_o have_v so_o grievous_o complain_v that_o in_o a_o petition_n exhibit_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o their_o side_n it_o be_v allege_v for_o a_o nullity_n of_o that_o assembly_n this_o message_n be_v receive_v with_o so_o much_o choler_n and_o contempt_n that_o they_o present_o blaze_v it_o abroad_o among_o their_o follower_n for_o a_o proposition_n tend_v utter_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n that_o the_o harken_v to_o any_o such_o overture_n be_v a_o absolute_a prelimitation_n of_o that_o assembly_n which_o they_o intend_v shall_v be_v free_a and_o general_a that_o neither_o of_o the_o member_n of_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v handle_v in_o it_o they_o will_v speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n until_o they_o come_v upon_o the_o place_n and_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n that_o then_o and_o there_o the_o assembly_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n both_o of_o the_o competency_n of_o the_o member_n elect_v of_o the_o regularitie_n of_o their_o election_n and_o of_o all_o matter_n treat_v of_o there_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o their_o cognisance_n and_o jurisdiction_n or_o not_o and_o likewise_o give_v out_o that_o they_o do_v not_o much_o care_n whether_o our_o commissioner_n will_v indict_v a_o assembly_n or_o not_o they_o will_v indeed_o like_v it_o better_o if_o it_o be_v indict_v by_o our_o authority_n but_o if_o we_o request_v by_o they_o so_o to_o do_v shall_v refuse_v it_o they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v do_v it_o of_o themselves_o then_o do_v their_o pulpit_n again_o begin_v to_o ring_v with_o this_o monstrous_a proposition_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o church_n by_o the_o prelimitation_n of_o their_o assembly_n as_o if_o this_o conference_n propound_v by_o our_o commissioner_n concern_v the_o orderly_a proceed_n in_o that_o meeting_n have_v be_v such_o a_o blow_n to_o their_o church_n as_o they_o can_v not_o fear_v a_o great_a from_o rome_n itself_o and_o to_o make_v our_o commissioner_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o have_v a_o little_a before_o cause_v the_o presbytery_n of_o peebles_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o election_n for_o their_o commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v a_o place_n not_o above_o twenty_o mile_n distant_a from_o edinburgh_n so_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a it_o must_v speedy_o come_v to_o his_o knowledge_n to_o this_o election_n all_o the_o gentleman_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o presbytery_n resort_v intrude_v themselves_o by_o violence_n and_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o minister_n will_v give_v their_o voice_n to_o the_o choose_v both_o of_o the_o minister_n and_o one_o layman_n to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o that_o presbytery_n at_o the_o next_o assembly_n whensoever_o and_o wheresoever_o it_o shall_v be_v keep_v when_o as_o yet_o no_o assembly_n be_v indict_v our_o commissioner_n weigh_v well_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o principal_a covenanter_n nobleman_n gentleman_n and_o minister_n as_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v with_o they_o several_o and_o upon_o several_a occasion_n have_v protest_v unto_o he_o that_o their_o meaning_n never_o be_v quite_o to_o abolish_v episcopal_a government_n but_o only_o to_o have_v it_o limit_v and_o restrict_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v accountable_a to_o and_o censurable_a by_o the_o general_n assembly_n if_o they_o shall_v transgress_v these_o limit_n add_v that_o they_o have_v far_o rather_o live_v under_o that_o government_n then_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o presbyery_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v their_o father_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o and_o have_v give_v they_o charge_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a protestation_n they_o have_v likewise_o make_v to_o divers_a of_o our_o council_n
and_o other_o and_o second_o consider_v that_o he_o now_o find_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o speak_v more_o spare_o and_o reserve_o in_o that_o point_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o treat_v of_o it_o before_o the_o assembly_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v give_v out_o that_o they_o have_v resolve_v upon_o a_o way_n to_o throw_v off_o that_o grievous_a burden_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o weight_n whereof_o their_o father_n be_v so_o much_o grieve_v viz._n by_o join_v so_o many_o laic_a elder_n to_o every_o presbytery_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v minister_n in_o it_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o laity_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v the_o presbytery_n under_o without_o the_o help_n of_o bishop_n our_o commissioner_n be_v now_o once_o again_o at_o a_o stand_n not_o know_v how_o to_o proceed_v as_o not_o be_v sufficient_o warrant_v by_o our_o instruction_n to_o indict_v a_o general_n assembly_n or_o parliament_n unless_o he_o shall_v first_o be_v satisfy_v by_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o form_n of_o assembly_n what_o course_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v both_o for_o the_o member_n of_o that_o assembly_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o for_o a_o previous_a consultation_n of_o the_o principal_a thing_n to_o be_v treat_v there_o all_o which_o consultation_n the_o covenanter_n do_v utter_o reject_v he_o therefore_o resolve_v once_o again_o to_o make_v a_o journey_n to_o we_o and_o acquaint_v we_o with_o these_o new_a occurrence_n since_o he_o find_v they_o daily_o increase_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n &_o so_o change_v as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v any_o judgement_n either_o of_o their_o resolution_n or_o desire_n or_o of_o what_o will_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o our_o commissioner_n tell_v they_o plain_o that_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o we_o to_o indict_v a_o assembly_n unless_o some_o particular_n be_v agree_v upon_o both_o concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o present_a settle_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o right_v and_o restore_v to_o their_o place_n such_o minister_n as_o have_v be_v displace_v without_o order_n of_o law_n who_o may_v again_o be_v displace_v if_o at_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o demand_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o chief_a lord_n covenanter_n in_o these_o ten_o article_n which_o will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o all_o minister_n depose_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o first_o of_o february_n last_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a shall_v be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o place_n till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v legal_o convict_v that_o all_o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n depose_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n by_o the_o presbytery_n without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v restore_v and_o all_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a presbytery_n without_o warrant_n foresay_a to_o desist_v from_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o moderator_n that_o all_o minister_n admit_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o foresay_a day_n without_o warrant_n from_o the_o ordinary_a shall_v desist_v from_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v so_o present_v and_o admit_v that_o all_o parishioner_n shall_v frequent_v their_o own_o church_n and_o hear_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o that_o the_o elder_n assist_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o session_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o former_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v that_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o rent_n and_o stipend_n due_o and_o thankful_o pay_v they_o that_o all_o minister_n be_v appoint_v present_o to_o repair_v to_o their_o own_o church_n that_o none_o of_o they_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n or_o to_o the_o place_n where_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v hold_v but_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v choose_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n that_o according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n 1606._o moderator_n of_o presbytery_n be_v find_v necessary_a member_n of_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o of_o the_o say_a moderator_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commissioner_n from_o that_o presbytery_n where_o he_o be_v moderator_n that_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n who_o shall_v attend_v the_o assembly_n may_v be_v secure_v in_o their_o person_n from_o all_o trouble_n and_o molestation_n that_o the_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n only_o and_o that_o no_o lay-person_n whatsoever_o meddle_v in_o the_o choice_n nor_o no_o minister_n without_o his_o own_o presbytery_n that_o all_o convocation_n and_o meeting_n be_v dissolve_v and_o that_o every_o man_n repair_v to_o his_o own_o house_n and_o that_o the_o country_n not_o only_o be_v make_v peaceable_a but_o also_o that_o all_o such_o act_n be_v forbear_v as_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v otherways_o and_o since_o his_o majesty_n be_v still_o displease_v with_o the_o covenant_n wisdom_n and_o our_o dutiful_a obedience_n to_o our_o sovereign_n require_v that_o some_o such_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v whereby_o his_o majesty_n may_v receive_v satisfaction_n therein_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o press_v threaten_a or_o persuade_v of_o man_n to_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n nor_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v thereof_o any_o more_o in_o pulpit_n to_o these_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a manner_n they_o will_v no_o way_n condescend_v but_o return_v to_o our_o commissioner_n these_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a answer_n answer_n to_o the_o particular_n propound_v by_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n have_v serious_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o precious_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o dear_a unto_o we_o as_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o church_n after_o long_a toleration_n do_v threaten_v no_o less_o than_o her_o utter_a ruin_n and_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n at_o last_o and_o that_o a_o free_a general_n assembly_n be_v the_o ordinary_a remedy_n appoint_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o bless_v by_o divine_a providence_n in_o other_o church_n and_o after_o a_o special_a manner_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n we_o have_v often_o and_o earnest_o supplicate_v for_o the_o same_o and_o have_v labour_v to_o remove_v what_o be_v object_v or_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v any_o hindrance_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o desire_n like_v as_o we_o have_v now_o for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n resolve_v to_o return_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o particular_n propound_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o before_o any_o assembly_n be_v indict_v the_o particular_n propound_v be_v either_o concern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a ecclesiastical_a or_o church_n matter_n be_v the_o first_o concern_v minister_n depose_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o presbytery_n since_o the_o first_o of_o february_n last_o without_o warrant_n of_o the_o ordinary_a that_o they_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o own_o place_n the_o second_o concern_v moderator_n of_o presbytery_n depose_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n to_o be_v restore_v and_o all_o moderator_n appoint_v by_o the_o say_a presbytery_n without_o warrant_n aforesaid_a to_o desist_v from_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o moderator_n the_o three_o concern_v minister_n admit_v since_o the_o foresay_a day_n that_o they_o desist_v from_o exercise_v the_o function_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v admit_v these_o three_o particular_n do_v concern_v the_o power_n duty_n and_o particular_a fact_n or_o fault_n of_o presbytery_n wherein_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v or_o determine_v whether_o they_o have_v proceed_v lawful_o or_o not_o far_o less_o can_v we_o urge_v or_o command_v they_o to_o recall_v what_o they_o have_v determine_v or_o do_v in_o the_o suspending_a depose_v or_o admit_v of_o minister_n or_o moderator_n they_o be_v proper_o subject_a to_o the_o superior_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o this_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o after_o trial_n justify_v their_o proceed_n from_o the_o good_a warrant_n of_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o act_n and_o praclice_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o sustain_v their_o own_o deserve_a censure_n and_o since_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v many_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n for_o their_o usurpation_n over_o presbytery_n in_o the_o like_a particular_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v such_o complaint_n of_o the_o do_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o prelate_n we_o trust_v that_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n will_v not_o esteem_v
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letter_n to_o i_o will_v take_v the_o same_o to_o heart_n and_o then_o certain_o you_o will_v not_o be_v so_o easy_o move_v with_o such_o light_n and_o sleight_n report_v nor_o will_v your_o lordsh_fw-mi think_v that_o either_o you_o or_o i_o can_v be_v wound_v by_o the_o order_n and_o command_v of_o so_o pious_a merciful_a and_o so_o clement_a a_o prince_n as_o be_v our_o dread_a sovereign_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v of_o all_o man_n live_v prove_v the_o worst_a if_o we_o be_v not_o thankful_a to_o god_n and_o he_o for_o it_o this_o my_o letter_n your_o lordsh_fw-mi will_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v write_v to_o i_o and_o esteem_v of_o i_o as_o hammilt_n 24._o sept._n 1638._o for_o the_o earl_n of_o rothees_n your_o lordship_n humble_a servant_n hammiltoun_n with_o his_o answer_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v satisfy_v that_o to_o answer_v this_o affront_n as_o they_o do_v interpret_v 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fast_a in_o the_o great_a church_n of_o edinburgh_n on_o the_o day_n appoint_v by_o we_o and_o give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o magistrate_n who_o return_v he_o thanks_o and_o assurance_n of_o welcome_a but_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o discharge_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o that_o church_n from_o preach_v there_o that_o day_n only_o because_o they_o be_v non-covenanters_a and_o have_v appoint_v their_o place_n to_o be_v supply_v with_o the_o two_o only_o covenant_v minister_n of_o their_o town_n he_o send_v for_o the_o magistrate_n again_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o can_v not_o come_v to_o their_o church_n and_o countenance_n so_o great_a a_o disorder_n as_o the_o displace_n of_o the_o two_o preacher_n of_o that_o church_n only_o because_o they_o be_v faithful_a subject_n to_o we_o nor_o dare_v hear_v these_o two_o preacher_n design_v by_o they_o who_o in_o their_o pulpit_n do_v ordinary_o inveigh_v against_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n unless_o therefore_o he_o may_v either_o nominate_v the_o preacher_n or_o hear_v the_o ordinary_a preacher_n of_o that_o church_n he_o must_v not_o come_v thither_o the_o magistrate_n do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v with_o their_o minister_n the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v content_v with_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v but_o the_o other_o be_v so_o obstinate_a as_o he_o will_v no_o way_n hearken_v to_o it_o and_o he_o be_v so_o powerful_a with_o the_o people_n the_o magistrate_n dare_v not_o offend_v and_o so_o our_o commissioner_n with_o our_o council_n and_o judge_n be_v necessitate_v to_o keep_v our_o fast_a at_o another_o church_n hard_o by_o our_o palace_n now_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o observe_v how_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v afraid_a that_o any_o show_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v yield_v unto_o we_o by_o our_o
our_o commissioner_n they_o expect_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o desire_n for_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v as_o well_o as_o any_o judge_n or_o advocate_n in_o the_o kingdom_n that_o no_o commissioner_n either_o can_v award_v or_o ever_o have_v award_v any_o such_o process_n as_o they_o require_v and_o therefore_o they_o move_v our_o commissioner_n once_o again_o that_o he_o will_v require_v our_o judge_n or_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n to_o grant_v out_o such_o process_n with_o which_o request_n when_o our_o commissioner_n make_v our_o judge_n acquaint_v they_o return_v he_o that_o answer_n which_o the_o covenanter_n know_v very_o well_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o make_v viz._n that_o they_o can_v grant_v out_o no_o process_n for_o the_o compeerance_n of_o any_o person_n before_o they_o but_o those_o who_o be_v implead_v and_o who_o cause_n be_v triable_a before_o they_o the_o truth_n be_v our_o commissioner_n find_v by_o inquiry_n and_o the_o covenanter_n know_v it_o 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nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o covenanter_n which_o be_v not_o commissionary_n to_o the_o assembly_n against_o the_o pretend_a archbishop_n and_o bishop_n within_o this_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n with_o a_o act_n of_o reference_n of_o the_o bill_n from_o the_o presbytery_n to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n as_o it_o be_v full_o read_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n before_o noon_n in_o all_o the_o church_n within_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n according_a to_o the_o act._n nobleman_n unto_o your_o wisdom_n humble_o show_v and_o complain_v we_o john_n earl_n of_o sutherland_n john_n earl_n of_o athol_n william_n earl_n of_o dalhousie_n mungo_n viscount_n of_o stormouth_n hugh_n lord_n montgomerie_n david_n lord_n elcho_n george_n lord_n forester_n arthur_n lord_n forbesse_n john_n master_n of_o berridale_a robert_n lord_n boyd_n david_n lord_n balcarras_n john_n lord_n melvill_n baron_n and_o gentleman_n 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at_o cowper_n master_n george_n hammiltoun_n at_o nuburne_n master_n walter_n grog_n at_o balmerino_n master_n john_n machgil_n parson_n of_o fliske_n master_n andrew_n blackhat_o at_o aberlady_n burgess_n and_o commons_o george_n bruce_n of_o carnock_n george_n potterfield_n a_o burgess_n of_o glasgow_n john_n smith_n john_n mill_n laurence_n henryson_n richard_n maxwell_n burgess_n of_o edinburgh_n we_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o name_n and_o behalf_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o within_o this_o realm_n of_o scotland_n subscriber_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_n assembly_n but_o who_o will_v assist_v and_o insist_v in_o this_o complaint_n with_o we_o as_o faithful_a christian_n as_o loyal_a subject_n and_o sensible_a member_n of_o this_o church_n and_o commonweal_n have_v interest_n to_o pursue_v this_o popular_a action_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o a_o 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pretend_v bishop_n of_o dumblane_n master_n james_n fairley_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o argyle_n master_n john_n spotswood_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o saint_n andrew_n have_v their_o residence_n or_o dwell_a place_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n master_n patrick_n lyndsey_n pretend_v archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n master_n alexander_n lyndsey_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o dunkell_n master_n adam_n bannatine_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o aberdene_n master_n john_n gutherie_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o murray_n master_n john_n maxwel_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o rosse_n master_n george_n greme_a pretend_v bishop_n of_o orkney_n master_n john_n abernethie_o pretend_a bishop_n of_o caithnesse_n master_n neil_n campbel_n pretend_v bishop_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o censure_v for_o their_o unlimited_a and_o unwarrant_v power_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o caution_n agree_v upon_o in_o the_o general_n assembly_n hold_v at_o mountrose_n anno_fw-la 1600._o for_o bound_v of_o the_o minister_n vote_n in_o parliament_n and_o conclude_v to_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o
of_o benefice_n visitation_n and_o other_o point_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n without_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o the_o church_n in_o exercise_v power_n to_o suspend_v deprive_v command_n and_o inhibit_v excommunication_n at_o their_o pleasure_n to_o fine_a confine_v imprison_v banish_v minister_n and_o other_o professor_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n appoint_v their_o moderator_n over_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n prorogate_a their_o diet_n stay_v their_o proceed_n against_o papist_n sorcerer_n adulterer_n and_o other_o gross_a offender_n by_o exact_v of_o contribution_n to_o such_o commissioner_n as_o he_o please_v to_o send_v to_o court_n for_o his_o own_o and_o his_o colleague_n affair_n by_o deprive_v and_o ordain_v of_o minister_n not_o only_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n but_o by_o ordain_v of_o scandalous_a and_o unqualified_a minister_n and_o deprive_v of_o learned_a and_o religious_a pastor_n by_o ordain_v minister_n after_o a_o form_n not_o allow_v of_o in_o this_o church_n by_o silence_v minister_n for_o not_o read_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n by_o interdict_v after_o a_o popish_a manner_n the_o exercise_n of_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n in_o their_o church_n by_o release_n of_o excommunicate_v papist_n by_o contradict_v and_o cross_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o their_o pleasure_n by_o their_o pretend_a negative_a vote_n direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o caution_n by_o enact_v decree_n of_o synod_n without_o demand_v their_o vote_n by_o change_v and_o falsify_v their_o act_n when_o most_o vote_n have_v carry_v the_o contrary_a by_o many_o way_n have_v they_o fail_v in_o this_o caution_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o your_o wisdom_n that_o we_o shall_v condescend_v upon_o the_o same_o when_o we_o be_v require_v whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o caution_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o in_o presbytery_n and_o in_o provincial_n and_o general_a assembly_n he_o shall_v behave_v himself_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n yet_o the_o foresay_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v not_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n at_o these_o meeting_n he_o disdain_v to_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n or_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o censure_n he_o sit_v and_o over-ruleth_a in_o provincial_n assembly_n rather_o as_o a_o lord_n then_o a_o moderator_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o the_o general_a assembly_n have_v by_o threaten_v and_o silence_v prejudge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o lawful_a commissioner_n when_o they_o propound_v reason_v or_o conclude_v matter_n conduce_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n he_o force_v they_o to_o conclude_v thing_n contrary_a that_o whereas_o it_o be_v conclude_v at_o mount_n rose_n that_o none_o of_o they_o who_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n shall_v come_v commissioner_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n or_o have_v vote_n in_o it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v unless_o they_o have_v authority_n or_o commission_n from_o their_o own_o presbytery_n for_o that_o purpose_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v though_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n by_o commission_n from_o any_o presbytery_n have_v usurp_v to_o give_v vote_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n whereas_o in_o the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n registrate_v in_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o in_o all_o assembly_n a_o moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a brethren_n assemble_v together_o and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o practise_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n till_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n begin_v to_o break_v the_o caution_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v usurp_v the_o place_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o last_o pretend_a assembly_n and_o rather_o domineer_v than_o moderate_v to_o bring_v in_o novation_n yea_o further_o have_v direct_v mandate_n from_o themselves_o as_o from_o the_o representative_a church_n of_o scotland_n which_o name_n and_o power_n be_v only_o competent_a to_o general_a assembly_n he_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o innovation_n in_o the_o royal_a chapel_n in_o the_o abbey_n church_n and_o his_o pretend_a cathedral_n he_o have_v labour_v not_o only_o to_o hinder_v the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n by_o obtain_v letter_n and_o charge_n from_o authority_n to_o that_o purpose_n but_o also_o have_v labour_v what_o in_o he_o lay_v to_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n the_o privilege_n of_o hold_v general_a assembly_n yearly_a belong_v to_o she_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_n of_o this_o church_n and_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o another_o caution_n that_o crimen_fw-la ambitus_fw-la shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o deprivation_n of_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v vote_n in_o parliament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o be_v foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o say_a crime_n in_o seek_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o promise_v and_o give_v good_a deed_n for_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v provide_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n feb._n an._n 1569._o and_o december_n 1565._o &_o 1567._o that_o marriage_n shall_v not_o be_v solemnize_v without_o ask_v of_o bane_n three_o several_a sabbath_n day_n before_o yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v licence_n to_o sundry_a minister_n to_o solemnize_v marriage_n without_o ask_v three_o several_a sabbath_n before_o upon_o which_o have_v follow_v divers_a inconvenience_n a_o man_n have_v be_v marry_v to_o a_o woman_n her_o husband_n be_v alive_a and_o they_o not_o divorce_v some_o have_v be_v marry_v to_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v commit_v adultery_n before_o and_o some_o have_v be_v marry_v without_o the_o consent_n or_o knowledge_n of_o their_o parent_n whereas_o by_o the_o book_n of_o fast_v authorize_v by_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o prefix_v before_o the_o psalm_n no_o set_n or_o yearly_a fast_n be_v allow_v but_o disallow_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o exercise_n a_o fast_a yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v appoint_v yearly_a fast_n and_o trouble_v some_o godly_a professor_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o same_o whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o book_n of_o common_a order_n before_o the_o psalm_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o have_v no_o meddle_v with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o by_o the_o first_o confession_n of_o faith_n ratify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n chapter_n 23._o minister_n call_v unto_o particular_a flock_n have_v only_a power_n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v a_o power_n to_o certain_a divine_n who_o they_o make_v deacon_n man_n not_o admit_v to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o preach_v deacon_n and_o they_o refuse_v to_o admit_v diverse_a man_n to_o the_o call_n of_o the_o ministry_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o order_n whereas_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v ordination_n to_o the_o ministry_n without_o a_o present_a admission_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v separate_v the_o act_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o act_n of_o admission_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o ordination_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n shall_v be_v public_a in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v give_v ordination_n to_o some_o man_n in_o other_o place_n not_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n &_o violent_o have_v thrust_v upon_o they_o scandalous_a minister_n whereas_o minister_n who_o teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v censure_v by_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n and_o
his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v teach_v erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n themselves_o and_o by_o their_o pretend_a power_n have_v prefer_v to_o the_o ministry_n man_n who_o have_v teach_v erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n quote_v in_o our_o covenant_n and_o they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o who_o teach_v arminianism_n and_o popery_n as_o conditional_a election_n free_a will_n resistibilitie_n of_o effectual_a grace_n the_o universality_n of_o christ_n death_n the_o merit_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o hell_n a_o final_a apostasy_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o local_a descent_n of_o christ_n into_o hell_n that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n clauso_fw-la virgin_n utero_fw-la auricular_a confession_n and_o papal_a absolution_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o antichrist_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o true_a church_n that_o reconciliation_n with_o rome_n be_v a_o thing_n easy_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n err_v not_o in_o fundamental_o and_o that_o she_o differ_v not_o in_o fundamental_o from_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o call_v in_o question_n the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o they_o affirm_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o justify_v faith_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n they_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o local_a and_o circumscriptive_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o change_v the_o sacrament_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o table_n into_o a_o altar_n the_o minister_n into_o priest_n there_o be_v other_o damnable_a and_o heretical_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o maintain_v of_o which_o we_o shall_v give_v particular_a information_n in_o our_o particular_a accusation_n of_o each_o one_o of_o they_o respectiuè_fw-fr with_o the_o proof_n thereof_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v require_v whereas_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n no_o oath_n or_o subscription_n shall_v be_v require_v from_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v without_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o church_n or_o parliament_n do_v exact_a diverse_a oath_n and_o subscription_n from_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n commend_v the_o prelate_n to_o god_n merciful_a protection_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v by_o their_o consent_n as_o they_o affirm_v shall_v be_v establish_v as_o to_o the_o service_n book_n and_o to_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o heaviness_n of_o this_o grievance_n make_v the_o most_o part_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n to_o complain_v in_o these_o article_n that_o worthy_a man_n which_o have_v testimony_n of_o their_o learning_n from_o university_n and_o be_v try_v by_o presbytery_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o their_o gift_n and_o life_n be_v much_o desire_v by_o the_o people_n yet_o these_o man_n be_v keep_v out_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v unto_o such_o unlawful_a oath_n which_o have_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o they_o be_v article_n and_o oath_n conceive_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o ready_a to_o swear_v be_v for_o by-respect_n thrust_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o school_n in_o divinity_n which_o breed_v continual_a complaint_n and_o move_v the_o people_n to_o run_v from_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o minister_n set_v over_o they_o against_o their_o heart_n which_o make_v they_o not_o to_o render_v unto_o they_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a from_o the_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n whereas_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o edinburgh_n in_o march_n ann_n 1578._o it_o be_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o civil_a and_o criminal_a justice_n shall_v be_v confound_v that_o one_o person_n can_v supply_v both_o the_o charge_n but_o that_o a_o minister_n shall_v not_o be_v both_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o senator_n in_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n hold_v in_o october_n an._n 1578._o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o forgo_v that_o they_o shall_v usurp_v a_o criminal_a jurisdiction_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o claim_v unto_o themselves_o the_o title_n of_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v only_o be_v call_v by_o their_o own_o name_n or_o brethren_n yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o foresay_a colleague_n respectiuè_v have_v assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o title_n and_o honour_n of_o lord_n they_o do_v sit_v as_o senator_n in_o the_o college_n of_o justice_n as_o councillor_n in_o the_o privy_a council_n as_o auditor_n in_o the_o exchequer_n and_o have_v enjoy_v prime_a office_n of_o state_n the_o pretend_a bishop_n have_v usurp_v the_o place_n and_o precedency_n before_o all_o temporal_a lord_n the_o pretend_a archbishop_n before_o all_o the_o noble_a earl_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o pretend_a primate_n before_o the_o prime_a officer_n of_o state_n in_o the_o land_n whereas_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n namely_o anno_fw-la 1576._o 1577._o and_o 1578._o no_o man_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n unless_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n and_o congregation_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o particular_a flock_n it_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o bishop_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v to_o forgo_v yet_o the_o say_a master_n david_n lindsey_n with_o his_o colleague_n respectiuè_a foresay_a be_v minister_n and_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o particular_a flock_n whereas_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v within_o this_o realm_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n and_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n hold_v at_o dundee_n anno_fw-la 1580._o whereof_o these_o be_v the_o word_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v and_o common_o take_v within_o this_o realm_n have_v no_o sure_a warrant_n from_o authority_n nor_o good_a ground_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n with_o one_o voice_n after_o liberty_n give_v to_o all_o man_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o say_a matter_n no_o man_n oppose_v himself_o to_o maintain_v the_o say_a pretend_a office_n do_v find_v and_o declare_v the_o say_v pretend_a office_n use_v and_o term_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a unlawful_a in_o itself_o as_o have_v neither_o ground_n nor_o warrant_n within_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o do_v ordain_v that_o all_o such_o person_n which_o do_v or_o shall_v hereafter_o enjoy_v the_o say_a office_n shall_v be_v charge_v simple_o to_o dismiss_v quit_v and_o leave_v the_o same_o as_o a_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o call_v by_o god_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v leave_v off_o all_o preach_n ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o other_o office_n of_o pastor_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o receive_v admission_n de_fw-fr novo_fw-la from_o the_o general_a assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v use_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o contradict_v this_o act_n in_o the_o least_o point_n after_o due_a admonition_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v execute_v against_o they_o and_o for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o the_o say_a act_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o every_o province_n in_o which_o usurp_a bishop_n be_v 18._o august_n next_o to_o come_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v cite_v and_o summon_v by_o the_o visitor_n of_o the_o say_a country_n to_o compeer_n before_o their_o synodall_n assembly_n as_o namely_o the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrew_n to_o compeer_n at_o saint_n andrew_n the_o bishop_n of_o aberdene_n in_o
assembly_n which_o they_o either_o have_v or_o have_v fraudulent_o put_v away_o and_o if_o any_o pastor_n within_o this_o presbytery_n refuse_v to_o publish_v this_o cytation_n we_o require_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o church_n to_o do_v it_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o require_v all_o party_n who_o have_v interest_n either_o in_o pursue_v or_o specify_v or_o prove_v this_o complaint_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n for_o that_o purpose_n upon_o which_o the_o complainer_n take_v instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o notary_n according_a to_o this_o complaint_n and_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o presbytery_n reference_n of_o it_o i_o a._n r._n warn_v and_o admonish_v the_o abovenamed_a offender_n to_o compeer_n before_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n 21._o november_n for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o complaint_n and_o for_o the_o certification_n express_v in_o it_o now_o though_o the_o very_a read_n of_o this_o libel_n can_v 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libel_n the_o prelate_n be_v charge_v with_o give_v voice_n in_o parliament_n and_o practise_v the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n and_o divers_a other_o particular_n which_o then_o be_v and_o be_v now_o still_o in_o force_n by_o act_n both_o of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o these_o act_n be_v undue_o obtain_v which_o be_v the_o covenanter_n only_a plea_n sure_o to_o say_v so_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n than_o the_o other_o for_o what_o judge_n can_v ever_o give_v sentence_n in_o any_o cause_n if_o the_o asseveration_n of_o the_o party_n aggrieve_v by_o the_o sentence_n that_o the_o law_n be_v unjust_o make_v may_v pass_v for_o a_o good_a plea_n four_o who_o ever_o hear_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o yield_a obedience_n to_o act_n command_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o and_o our_o council_n especial_o in_o thing_n not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o establish_a law_n of_o that_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v all_o 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throughout_o the_o realm_n and_o do_v not_o we_o and_o our_o council_n by_o equal_a authority_n command_v these_o pretend_a innovation_n be_v not_o then_o the_o prelate_n practice_n of_o they_o as_o well_o warrant_v as_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o band_n annex_v which_o be_v never_o bring_v in_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o assembly_n but_o mere_o by_o our_o royal_a father_n prerogative_n and_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o council_n five_o who_o do_v ever_o hear_v that_o man_n profess_v piety_n and_o religion_n dare_v adventure_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o chair_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o command_v the_o bishop_n to_o be_v indict_v and_o accuse_v of_o such_o horrible_a crime_n as_o whore_v excessive_a drink_n excessive_a game_n swear_v profane_a talk_n profanation_n 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that_o it_o be_v most_o unconscionable_a the_o other_o thing_n mention_v before_o and_o charge_v upon_o they_o in_o this_o libel_n be_v not_o crime_n at_o all_o be_v warrant_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n assembly_n and_o council_n these_o last_o rehearse_v be_v crime_n indeed_o odious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o which_o as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a the_o bishop_n deserve_v death_n and_o exquisite_a torment_n so_o if_o they_o who_o have_v accuse_v they_o of_o these_o crime_n shall_v fail_v in_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a they_o deserve_v to_o be_v infamous_a throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o the_o most_o malicious_a and_o malignant_a traducer_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o must_v look_v for_o the_o unavoidable_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o whole_a family_n for_o this_o so_o horrible_a a_o crime_n commit_v wilful_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o 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of_o attestation_n call_v god_n to_o witness_v to_o it_o it_o have_v like_a to_o have_v grow_v to_o a_o hot_a contestation_n but_o that_o that_o night_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v the_o next_o day_n upon_o their_o first_o sit_v down_o they_o urge_v present_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n but_o our_o commissioner_n desire_v first_o our_o letter_n to_o the_o assembly_n to_o be_v read_v which_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v thus_o although_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o action_n have_v be_v mistake_v by_o many_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n as_o if_o we_o have_v intend_v innovation_n in_o religion_n or_o law_n yet_o consider_v nothing_o to_o be_v more_o incumbent_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a king_n than_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n forget_v what_o be_v past_a we_o have_v serious_o take_v to_o our_o princely_a consideration_n such_o particular_n as_o may_v settle_v and_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o our_o ancient_a kingdom_n and_o also_o to_o satisfy_v all_o our_o good_a people_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o intention_n herein_o have_v indict_v a_o free_a general_n assembly_n to_o be_v keep_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n we_o have_v likewise_o appoint_v our_o commissioner_n to_o attend_v the_o same_o from_o who_o you_o be_v to_o expect_v our_o pleasure_n in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o we_o require_v you_o to_o give_v that_o true_a and_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n as_o if_o we_o be_v personal_o present_v ourselves_o and_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o our_o consent_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v in_o our_o name_n promise_n we_o have_v sign_v these_o and_o will_v the_o same_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o white-hall_n the_o 29._o of_o october_n 1638._o then_o they_o call_v again_o for_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n at_o which_o time_n one_o doctor_n hamilton_n present_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o declinator_n and_o protestation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n against_o the_o assembly_n contain_v the_o nullity_n of_o it_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v and_o a_o public_a act_n enter_v for_o the_o production_n of_o it_o upon_o this_o there_o arise_v a_o very_a great_a heat_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o allege_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v until_o a_o moderator_n be_v choose_v and_o they_o do_v direct_o refuse_v to_o read_v the_o say_a declinator_n upon_o which_o both_o our_o commissioner_n enter_v a_o protestation_n in_o our_o clerk_n of_o register_n hand_n against_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o and_o take_v instrument_n thereupon_o and_o so_o likewise_o do_v doctor_n hamilton_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n at_o last_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o moderator_n to_o which_o before_o our_o commissioner_n give_v way_n he_o enter_v as_o before_o 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moderator_n shall_v be_v choose_v but_o they_o reject_v it_o again_o add_v then_o that_o the_o assembly_n must_v be_v full_o constitute_v of_o all_o it_o member_n and_o be_v once_o a_o assembly_n before_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v present_v to_o it_o to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o our_o commissioner_n that_o he_o require_v it_o only_o to_o be_v read_v not_o to_o be_v discuss_v until_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o allow_v of_o their_o several_a commission_n because_o this_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n why_o either_o all_o or_o at_o least_o some_o elect_a shall_v not_o be_v admit_v commissioner_n in_o the_o assembly_n because_o of_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o election_n express_v in_o the_o declinator_n which_o reason_n contain_v the_o say_a nullity_n may_v persuade_v as_o they_o hope_v with_o they_o for_o the_o reject_v their_o commission_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v after_o their_o approve_v and_o allow_v of_o they_o and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o commission_n admit_v they_o for_o constitute_v member_n of_o the_o assembly_n the_o reason_n why_o our_o commissioner_n do_v so_o earnest_o urge_v the_o read_n of_o that_o declinator_n be_v because_o he_o do_v foresee_v the_o fallacy_n which_o they_o mean_v to_o use_v viz._n the_o declinator_n can_v be_v read_v before_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v and_o they_o fear_v that_o the_o declinator_n contain_v reason_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o by_o such_o member_n as_o be_v elect_v and_o that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o admit_v it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o allege_v any_o reason_n for_o than_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o answer_v that_o all_o election_n be_v discuss_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n receive_v and_o therefore_o nothing_o then_o to_o be_v hear_v against_o either_o which_o indeed_o afterward_o be_v their_o very_a answer_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v here_o to_o our_o commissioner_n but_o enter_v a_o protestation_n as_o former_o and_o solemn_o call_v themselves_o to_o witness_v whether_o with_o any_o show_n of_o justice_n the_o read_n of_o the_o bishop_n protestation_n can_v be_v deny_v before_o the_o election_n be_v admit_v the_o principal_a aim_n of_o it_o be_v to_o show_v reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o be_v admit_v wonder_v with_o what_o colour_n or_o face_n they_o above_o all_o man_n can_v do_v it_o who_o have_v read_v and_o publish_v so_o many_o protestation_n both_o against_o our_o proclamation_n and_o act_n of_o our_o council_n and_o so_o how_o they_o can_v deny_v to_o our_o commissioner_n a_o thing_n require_v in_o our_o name_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v practise_v without_o any_o warranty_n or_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o not_o the_o least_o resolution_n take_v at_o edinburgh_n must_v suffer_v any_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o read_n of_o the_o declinator_n they_o first_o put_v by_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o son_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o father_n sickness_n have_v a_o lawful_a deputation_n from_o he_o and_o who_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o afterward_o wrought_v to_o a_o demission_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o new_a clerk_n who_o without_o one_o contrary_a voice_n they_o do_v choose_v viz._n one_o master_n archibald_n johnston_n a_o advocate_n the_o clerk_n of_o their_o table_n at_o edinburgh_n against_o who_o election_n our_o commissioner_n likewise_o protest_v as_o former_o at_o his_o admission_n he_o make_v a_o short_a speech_n declare_v against_o his_o conscience_n his_o unwillingness_n to_o accept_v that_o charge_n but_o yet_o affirm_v that_o at_o this_o time_n he_o will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o contribute_v his_o part_n towards_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o that_o now_o have_v be_v in_o any_o danger_n the_o four_o day_n they_o begin_v the_o read_n of_o the_o several_a commission_n our_o commissioner_n as_o former_o enter_v a_o protestation_n to_o take_v exception_n against_o their_o election_n in_o his_o own_o due_a time_n only_o he_o be_v content_a they_o shall_v go_v on_o that_o he_o may_v see_v their_o justice_n in_o allow_v or_o disallow_v the_o election_n of_o which_o he_o know_v many_o to_o be_v very_o untoward_a and_o make_v with_o violence_n now_o the_o reader_n be_v careful_o to_o observe_v their_o partiality_n in_o admit_v or_o reject_v election_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o non-covenant_a choose_a of_o which_o number_n there_o be_v not_o above_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o moderate_a covenanter_n not_o design_v by_o they_o at_o edinburgh_n and_o choose_v according_a to_o their_o secret_a instruction_n with_o which_o the_o reader_n shall_v afterward_o be_v make_v acquaint_v they_o they_o either_o quite_o reject_v or_o suspend_v from_o voice_n until_o some_o exception_n make_v against_o their_o election_n shall_v be_v discuss_v
in_o a_o national_n assembly_n due_a reverence_n be_v keep_v and_o confusion_n avoid_v but_o that_o any_o layman_n except_o he_o be_v delegate_v by_o sovereign_a authority_n shall_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o definitive_a and_o decisive_a voice_n we_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v intrusion_n upon_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o without_o warrant_n may_v we_o not_o therefore_o entreat_v my_o lord_n commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o four_o general_a council_n at_o chalcedon_n mitte_fw-la for_o as_o superfluos_fw-la nor_o will_v a_o pious_a prince_n be_v offend_v with_o it_o but_o with_o theodosius_n the_o young_a will_v say_v illegitimum_fw-la est_fw-la eum_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o ordine_fw-la sanctissimorum_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la ecclesiasticus_fw-la immisceri_fw-la tractatibus_fw-la and_o pulcheria_n the_o empress_n command_v strategus_n ut_fw-la clerici_fw-la monachi_fw-la &_o laici_fw-la virepellerentur_fw-la exceptis_fw-la paucis_fw-la illis_fw-la quos_fw-la episcopi_fw-la secum_fw-la duxerunt_fw-la upon_o this_o respect_n be_v martinus_n in_o that_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n move_v to_o say_v non_fw-la esse_fw-la suum_fw-la sed_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la tantum_fw-la subscribere_fw-la if_o these_o pretend_a commissioner_n both_o lay_v and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v lawful_o authorize_v as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o and_o for_o none_o other_o cause_n declinable_a yet_o the_o law_n do_v admit_v that_o just_o a_o judge_n may_v be_v decline_v who_o be_v probable_o suspect_v and_o of_o all_o probability_n this_o be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a when_o the_o judge_n before_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n do_v give_v sentence_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v to_o judge_v this_o make_v our_o reformer_n protestation_n against_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n valide_fw-la and_o their_o not_o compear_v justifiable_a because_o pope_n leo_n 10._o have_v precondemn_v luther_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o bull_n date_v 8._o junii_fw-la 1520._o renew_v by_o paul_n 3._o date_v in_o aug._n 1535._o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o athanasius_n will_v not_o give_v his_o appearance_n at_o some_o counsel_n nor_o hosius_n of_o corduba_n nor_o maximus_n patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n but_o so_o it_o be_v the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n direct_v to_o this_o meeting_n have_v precondemn_v episcopal_a government_n and_o condemn_v at_o least_o suspend_v obedience_n to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o parliament_n concern_v the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n have_v approven_v their_o covenant_n as_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v embrace_v of_o all_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o not_o only_o have_v give_v judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o hand_n but_o by_o most_o solemn_a oath_n have_v bind_v themselves_o to_o defend_v and_o stand_v to_o the_o same_o as_o do_v appear_v by_o their_o covenant_n petition_n protestation_n pamphlet_n libel_n and_o sermon_n and_o therefore_o by_o no_o law_n nor_o equity_n can_v these_o pretend_a commissioner_n be_v admit_v to_o determine_v in_o this_o meeting_n concern_v these_o person_n and_o point_n which_o before_o hand_n they_o have_v so_o unjust_o condemn_v further_o with_o no_o law_n nor_o reason_n can_v it_o subsist_v that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n and_o we_o appeal_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o honest_a man_n if_o all_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pretend_a commissioner_n have_v not_o declare_v themselves_o party_n to_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n for_o in_o that_o they_o have_v decline_v the_o bishop_n to_o be_v their_o judge_n as_o be_v their_o party_n as_o their_o declinator_n petition_n declaration_n and_o protestation_n do_v bear_v have_v they_o not_o simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la &_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v party_n against_o bishop_n who_o they_o have_v not_o only_o decline_v but_o persecute_v by_o their_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n vent_v by_o word_n and_o writ_n in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a by_o invade_v their_o person_n oppose_v and_o oppress_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o a_o unlawful_a combination_n for_o the_o subscribe_v and_o swear_v whereof_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n indict_v and_o keep_v fast_n not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o church_n but_o where_o worthy_a man_n refuse_v to_o be_v accessory_a to_o these_o disorderly_a and_o impious_a course_n they_o have_v by_o aid_n of_o the_o unruly_a multitude_n enter_v their_o church_n usurp_v upon_o their_o charge_n read_v and_o cause_v to_o be_v read_v that_o unlawful_a covenant_n by_o threaten_v and_o menace_v compel_v some_o otherwise_o unwilling_a out_o of_o just_a fear_n to_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o it_o by_o processing_n suspend_v and_o remove_v obedient_a and_o worthy_a minister_n from_o their_o place_n by_o the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o their_o table_n and_o presbytery_n and_o whereas_o by_o all_o law_n and_o justice_n person_n find_v themselves_o wrong_v in_o judgement_n have_v never_o be_v deny_v the_o remedy_n of_o declinatorie_n and_o appellation_n nevertheless_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o presbytery_n have_v proceed_v against_o sundry_a worthy_a minister_n who_o have_v decline_v and_o appeal_v from_o their_o judgement_n without_o respect_n to_o this_o defence_n by_o these_o mean_n crafty_o intend_v to_o disable_v they_o to_o be_v commissioner_n for_o the_o church_n direct_o or_o indirect_o cause_v their_o stipend_n to_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o they_o by_o which_o mean_v not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o subscribe_v minister_n have_v be_v gain_v to_o their_o covenant_n but_o it_o be_v without_o example_n uncharitable_a and_o illegal_a that_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o summons_n the_o like_a whereof_o be_v never_o use_v nor_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n against_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n in_o the_o kingdom_n they_o have_v devise_v forge_v vent_v and_o publish_v a_o most_o infamous_a and_o scurrile_a libel_n full_a of_o impudent_a lie_n and_o malicious_a calumny_n against_o the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n and_o have_v first_o give_v out_o from_o their_o table_n the_o order_n prescribe_v in_o these_o subsequent_a article_n which_o we_o have_v insert_v that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v witness_n of_o the_o illegalitie_n and_o maliciousness_n of_o their_o proceed_n i._o to_o desire_v the_o presbytery_n of_o every_o bishop_n especial_o where_o he_o keep_v his_o residence_n as_o also_o the_o presbytery_n where_o his_o cathedral_n seat_n be_v to_o have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o this_o bill_n and_o complaint_n against_o the_o prelate_n and_o particular_o against_o the_o bishop_n of_o their_o diocese_n ii_o that_o some_o nobleman_n if_o any_o be_v within_o the_o presbytery_n some_o gentleman_n and_o baron_n some_o minister_n and_o some_o commons_o who_o be_v not_o choose_v commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o in_o name_n of_o all_o other_o covenanter_n or_o complainer_n either_o within_o the_o presbytery_n or_o diocese_n or_o whole_a kingdom_n who_o be_v not_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n will_v adhere_v and_o assist_v in_o this_o complaint_n that_o they_o present_v this_o bill_n to_o the_o presbytery_n iii_o that_o they_o who_o be_v complainer_n have_v a_o particular_a care_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o blank_n leave_v in_o the_o bill_n in_o the_o subsumption_n of_o the_o particular_a fault_n commit_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n against_o these_o general_a rule_n canon_n and_o act_n or_o if_o these_o blank_n will_v not_o contain_v the_o same_o that_o the_o complainer_n draw_v up_o in_o a_o particular_a claim_n all_o the_o particular_a fault_n and_o transgression_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o diocese_n against_o these_o rule_n canon_n and_o act_n or_o any_o other_o law_n of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n and_o present_v the_o same_o to_o the_o presbytery_n with_o this_o general_a complaint_n and_o if_o they_o can_v get_v the_o particular_n present_o ready_a notwithstanding_o they_o present_v without_o any_o delay_n because_o of_o the_o scarcenesse_n of_o the_o time_n this_o complaint_n as_o it_o stand_v with_o the_o blank_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n may_v gather_v any_o other_o particular_n against_o the_o assembly_n to_o which_o this_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v four_o that_o the_o presbytery_n find_v the_o complaint_n important_a and_o the_o general_a assembly_n so_o approach_v refer_v the_o same_o to_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o a_o act_n of_o this_o reference_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o presbytery_n v._o that_o upon_o this_o reference_n of_o the_o complaint_n to_o the_o assembly_n the_o presbytery_n admonish_v the_o complainer_n apud_fw-la acta_fw-la to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o say_a assembly_n for_o assist_v and_o verify_v of_o the_o say_a complaint_n vi_o that_o the_o presbytery_n ordain_v all_o their_o pastor_n out_o of_o pulpit_n on_o a_o sabbath_n day_n before_o noon_n to_o cause_v read_v public_o this_o whole_a
supplication_n be_v not_o admit_v which_o we_o hope_v and_o earnest_o pray_v may_v be_v gracious_o accept_v then_o this_o our_o protestation_n may_v be_v of_o force_n against_o such_o law_n and_o proceed_n that_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o thus_o hope_v for_o your_o charitable_a construction_n of_o this_o our_o necessary_a duty_n in_o so_o eminent_a a_o danger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o humble_o entreat_v these_o present_n may_v be_v put_v upon_o record_n we_o rest_v and_o when_o the_o protestation_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n which_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a one_o begin_v to_o be_v read_v the_o principal_a of_o the_o college_n there_o desire_v the_o forbearance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o time_n to_o which_o the_o moderator_n glad_o yield_v but_o our_o commissioner_n who_o have_v deliver_v it_o in_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n press_v the_o read_n of_o it_o out_o which_o the_o moderator_n refuse_v allege_v that_o any_o man_n may_v withdraw_v his_o own_o protestation_n much_o more_o desire_v the_o forbearance_n of_o read_v of_o it_o to_o which_o our_o commissioner_n reply_v that_o the_o protestation_n be_v subscribe_v not_o only_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o principal_a but_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o presbytery_n of_o who_o many_o be_v covenanter_n that_o in_o all_o their_o name_n it_o be_v present_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v re-called_n by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n pray_v he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v read_v out_o to_o the_o end_n but_o all_o in_o vain_a for_o no_o justice_n can_v be_v have_v from_o they_o especial_o in_o a_o point_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v their_o reputation_n for_o they_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a blur_v to_o their_o business_n if_o a_o protestation_n make_v by_o that_o presbytery_n in_o which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o therefore_o they_o will_v neither_o read_v it_o nor_o do_v they_o deliver_v it_o back_o again_o against_o all_o rule_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o equity_n after_o this_o contest_v the_o assembly_n for_o that_o night_n be_v dismiss_v our_o commissioner_n wonder_v that_o the_o principal_a of_o the_o college_n shall_v in_o public_a desire_n the_o forbearance_n of_o publish_v the_o protestation_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o glasgow_n in_o the_o assembly_n use_v mean_n to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o find_v by_o the_o averment_n of_o person_n of_o good_a credit_n upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n that_o the_o night_n before_o late_a at_o ten_o of_o the_o clock_n the_o lord_n lowdan_n and_o the_o moderator_n with_o divers_a other_o covenanting-minister_n have_v be_v with_o the_o principal_a and_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o presbyterial_a protestation_n will_v make_v a_o great_a division_n among_o they_o that_o unless_o he_o do_v withdraw_v it_o he_o must_v never_o look_v to_o live_v quiet_o in_o glasgow_n nor_o any_o where_o in_o scotland_n that_o the_o principal_a tell_v they_o it_o be_v present_v to_o our_o commissioner_n from_o who_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o recover_v it_o that_o then_o by_o the_o same_o threaten_n they_o adjure_v he_o to_o desire_v the_o forbearance_n of_o read_v of_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v tender_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o after_o they_o be_v part_v from_o he_o his_o wife_n all_o in_o tear_n beg_v the_o like_a of_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o lord_n lindsey_n have_v be_v with_o she_o and_o swear_v to_o she_o that_o both_o he_o and_o he_o must_v be_v utter_o ruin_v if_o she_o can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o for_o recalling_a that_o protestation_n this_o and_o many_o other_o passage_n heretofore_o mention_v banish_v quite_o out_o of_o our_o commissioner_n mind_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o our_o well_o affect_a counsellor_n there_o present_a all_o hope_n not_o only_o of_o just_a and_o fair_a but_o even_o of_o formal_a proceed_n in_o that_o assembly_n where_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o show_n and_o countenance_n of_o justice_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v nor_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o power_n and_o obstinate_a wilfulness_n of_o the_o covenanter_n and_o the_o unanswerable_a nullity_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o regard_n both_o of_o the_o member_n elect_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n be_v thorough_o consider_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o bishop_n declinator_n present_v to_o our_o commissioner_n be_v serious_o weigh_v by_o which_o they_o do_v not_o decline_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_a assembly_n lawful_o constitute_v but_o only_o of_o this_o assembly_n which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v far_o rather_o a_o laical_a convention_n then_o ecclesiastical_a all_o the_o member_n whereof_o have_v bar_v themselves_o from_o be_v judge_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n of_o combination_n for_o the_o root_n out_o of_o that_o kingdom_n both_o the_o bishop_n person_n and_o calling_n to_o who_o sentence_n we_o or_o our_o commissioner_n can_v not_o deliver_v they_o over_o without_o betray_v all_o course_n of_o justice_n and_o deny_v to_o our_o bishop_n that_o protection_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o to_o any_o of_o our_o subject_n viz._n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o law_n of_o that_o our_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o beside_o our_o commissioner_n have_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a intelligence_n of_o the_o covenanter_n unmoveable_a resolution_n that_o although_o the_o assembly_n shall_v be_v continue_v and_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o desire_v even_o to_o their_o own_o wish_n shall_v be_v grant_v and_o effect_v yet_o that_o the_o quietness_n and_o peace_n of_o that_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o more_o settle_a or_o establish_v but_o that_o they_o be_v determine_v to_o choose_v at_o this_o assembly_n certain_a committee_n who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n shall_v keep_v up_o their_o table_n and_o be_v choose_v and_o continue_v from_o one_o assembly_n to_o another_o and_o so_o hold_v on_o the_o same_o rebellious_a course_n which_o they_o have_v hold_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o their_o table_n to_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o our_o royal_a authority_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n and_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n under_o we_o and_o our_o commissioner_n well_o weigh_v our_o instruction_n according_a to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o carry_v himself_o in_o this_o assembly_n if_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o these_o mischief_n and_o course_n of_o injustice_n can_v not_o be_v stop_v resolve_v the_o next_o day_n according_a to_o our_o special_a commandment_n in_o our_o name_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n to_o dissolve_v that_o assembly_n who_o aim_n be_v only_o to_o rob_v we_o of_o our_o sovereign_a power_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o commissioner_n according_a to_o which_o resolution_n our_o commissioner_n the_o next_o day_n be_v wednesday_n the_o 28._o of_o november_n go_v betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o church_n and_o our_o council_n have_v warning_n over_o night_n meet_v he_o in_o the_o chapterhouse_n where_o they_o sit_v in_o consultation_n before_o they_o go_v to_o the_o assembly_n he_o do_v then_o impart_v to_o they_o the_o resolution_n he_o have_v to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n and_o do_v ask_v their_o advice_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o after_o hear_v each_o of_o their_o advice_n several_o he_o be_v confirm_v in_o his_o resolution_n the_o reason_n why_o our_o commissioner_n hold_v the_o council_n in_o that_o place_n be_v because_o some_o of_o our_o council_n who_o be_v present_a shall_v have_v no_o time_n to_o communicate_v his_o resolution_n to_o the_o covenanter_n nor_o to_o consult_v with_o they_o about_o the_o hinder_v it_o the_o assembly_n be_v full_o set_v before_o the_o council_n come_v out_o so_o that_o what_o have_v pass_v there_o can_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o the_o first_o thing_n propound_v there_o by_o the_o moderator_n that_o day_n be_v this_o a_o day_n or_o two_o before_o there_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o assembly_n three_o or_o four_o great_a volume_n by_o their_o new_a clerk_n which_o he_o allege_v be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n from_o the_o very_a first_o reformation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o careful_a industry_n have_v be_v recover_v else_o they_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o ever_o to_o the_o invaluable_a loss_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o discipline_n establish_v among_o they_o for_o they_o have_v be_v throw_v by_o for_o many_o year_n until_o he_o by_o some_o strange_a accident_n have_v light_a upon_o they_o after_o which_o speech_n of_o the_o clerk_n the_o moderator_n have_v desire_v they_o to_o choose_v a_o committee_n to_o peruse_v these_o book_n and_o to_o report_v to_o the_o assembly_n whether_o
disorder_n absolute_o forget_v and_o forgive_v and_o for_o the_o more_o full_a and_o clear_a extirpate_v all_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o fear_n of_o innovation_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v command_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o band_n for_o maintenance_n thereof_o and_o of_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o subscribe_v by_o our_o dear_a father_n and_o his_o household_n in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o to_o be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v again_o by_o our_o subject_n here_o like_a as_o for_o settle_v of_o a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o this_o kingdom_n we_o cause_v indict_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n to_o be_v hold_v at_o glasgow_n the_o 21._o of_o this_o instant_n and_o thereafter_o a_o parliament_n in_o may_n 1639._o by_o which_o element_n deal_v we_o look_v assure_o to_o have_v reduce_v our_o subject_n to_o their_o former_a quiet_a behaviour_n and_o dutiful_a carriage_n whereto_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n both_o national_a and_o municipal_a to_o we_o their_o native_a and_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o albeit_o the_o wish_a effect_n do_v not_o follow_v but_o by_o the_o contrary_a by_o our_o so_o gracious_a procedure_n they_o be_v rather_o embolden_v not_o only_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o stubborn_a and_o unlawful_a way_n but_o also_o daily_o add_v to_o their_o former_a procedure_n act_n of_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o open_a oppose_v of_o our_o just_a and_o religious_a pleasure_n and_o command_v express_v in_o our_o last_o proclamation_n anent_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o service_n book_n book_n of_o canon_n high_a commission_n etc._n etc._n protest_v against_o the_o same_o and_o strive_v by_o many_o indirect_a mean_n to_o withdraw_v the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a people_n not_o only_o from_o a_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o gracious_a deal_n with_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o due_a obedience_n to_o those_o our_o just_a &_o religious_a command_n notwithstanding_o we_o have_v be_v former_o so_o oft_o petition_v by_o themselves_o for_o the_o same_o by_o their_o daily_a and_o hourly_o guard_v and_o watch_v about_o our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n suffer_v nothing_o to_o be_v import_v therein_o but_o at_o their_o discretion_n and_o open_o stop_v and_o impede_v any_o importation_n of_o ammunition_n or_o other_o necessary_n whatsoever_o to_o any_o other_o of_o our_o house_n within_o that_o kingdom_n deny_v to_o we_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o act_n without_o precedent_n or_o example_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n by_o make_v of_o convocation_n and_o council_n table_n of_o nobility_n gentry_n burrowes_n and_o minister_n within_o the_o city_n of_o edinburgh_n where_o not_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n they_o without_o warrant_n of_o authority_n convene_v assemble_v and_o treat_v upon_o matter_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a send_v their_o injunction_n and_o direction_n throughout_o the_o country_n to_o their_o subordinate_a table_n and_o other_o under-minister_n appoint_v by_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n and_o under_o colour_n and_o pretext_n of_o religion_n exerce_v a_o unwarrant_v and_o unbounded_a liberty_n require_v obedience_n to_o their_o illegal_a and_o unlawful_a procedure_n and_o direction_n to_o the_o great_a and_o see_v prejudice_n of_o authority_n and_o lawful_a monarchical_a government_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n and_o some_o long_o since_o banish_v for_o open_a and_o avow_v teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o of_o they_o suspend_v and_o some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o a_o long_a time_n since_o denounce_v rebel_n and_o put_v to_o the_o horn_n who_o by_o all_o law_n and_o unviolable_a custom_n and_o practic_a of_o this_o kingdom_n be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v incapable_a either_o to_o pursue_v or_o defend_v before_o any_o judicatorie_a far_o less_o to_o be_v judge_n themselves_o some_o of_o they_o confine_v and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o by_o this_o and_o other_o their_o underhand_o work_v and_o private_a information_n and_o persuasion_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o partiality_n herein_o &_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o also_o it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o peremptory_a and_o illegal_a procedure_v of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o the_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o choose_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o paroch_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o ruling-eld_a be_v direct_v more_o therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n from_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a private_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o do_n it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o no_o calm_a nor_o peaceable_a procedure_n or_o course_n can_v have_v be_v expect_v from_o this_o assembly_n for_o settle_v of_o the_o present_a disorder_n and_o distraction_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v herein_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o blindfold_v our_o own_o judgement_n and_o overlook_v the_o say_n disorder_n and_o patient_o to_o attend_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o our_o commissioner_n his_o presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o such_o other_o well_o dispose_v subject_n who_o be_v to_o be_v there_o and_o by_o their_o own_o see_v the_o real_a performance_n of_o all_o that_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o last_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o their_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o perceive_v that_o their_o seditious_a disposition_n still_o increase_v by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_a assembly_n with_o great_a band_n and_o troop_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n and_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n custom_n observe_v in_o all_o assembly_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o last_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o of_o this_o instant_n as_o also_o by_o their_o peremptory_a refuse_v of_o our_o assessor_n authorize_v by_o we_o although_o few_o in_o number_n then_o our_o dear_a father_n be_v in_o use_n to_o have_v at_o divers_a assembly_n the_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o this_o assembly_n as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v in_o other_o assembly_n and_o by_o their_o partial_a unjust_a and_o unchristian_a refuse_v and_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o the_o assembly_n ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n without_o they_o neither_o yet_o to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o say_n commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v object_n against_o the_o same_o though_o earnest_o require_v by_o our_o commissioner_n in_o our_o name_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n under_o his_o hand_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n and_o declaration_n the_o same_o bear_n likewise_o our_o pleasure_n of_o the_o registration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n for_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n and_o yet_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v therewith_o lest_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o meeting_n together_o may_v produce_v other_o the_o like_o dangerous_a act_n derogatory_n to_o royal_a authority_n we_o have_v think_v good_a for_o preven_v thereof_o and_o for_o the_o whole_a cause_n and_o reason_n abovementioned_a and_o divers_a other_o import_v the_o true_a monarchical_a government_n of_o this_o estate_n to_o dissolve_v and_o break_v up_o the_o say_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v and_o we_o
this_o assembly_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o treason_n and_o after_o seven_o day_n sit_v declare_v all_o act_n make_v or_o hereafter_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o strength_n and_o that_o for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v either_o express_v in_o his_o majesty_n former_a proclamation_n and_o so_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o former_a protestation_n or_o set_v down_o in_o the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n present_v in_o name_n of_o the_o prelate_n which_o be_v full_o clear_v in_o our_o answer_n make_v thereto_o or_o else_o be_v long_o since_o propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n in_o his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_v send_v unto_o we_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o so_o be_v satisfy_v by_o our_o answer_n which_o his_o grace_n acknowledge_v by_o promise_v after_o the_o recept_n thereof_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a general_a assembly_n with_o power_n to_o determine_v upon_o all_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n manner_n and_o matter_n thereof_o all_o which_o for_o avoid_v tediousness_n we_o here_o repeat_v or_o otherwise_o the_o say_a cause_n allege_v by_o the_o commissioner_n be_v propon_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o assembly_n such_o as_o first_o that_o the_o assembly_n refuse_v to_o read_v the_o declinatour_n and_o protestation_n exhibit_v by_o the_o prelate_n which_o nevertheless_o be_v public_o read_v and_o consider_v by_o the_o assembly_n immediate_o after_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o member_n before_o the_o which_o there_o be_v no_o assembly_n establish_v to_o who_o the_o same_o can_v have_v be_v read_v next_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v permit_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n which_o be_v know_v to_o his_o grace_n before_o the_o indiction_n and_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n in_o violable_o observe_v before_o the_o late_a time_n of_o corruption_n that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o to_o who_o by_o the_o indiction_n and_o promise_n of_o a_o free_a assembly_n the_o determination_n of_o that_o question_n anent_o the_o member_n constituent_a property_n belong_v and_o last_o that_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o six_o assessor_n who_o do_v sit_v with_o his_o grace_n be_v not_o ask_v and_o number_v which_o we_o can_v not_o conceive_v to_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n since_o after_o 39_o national_n assembly_n of_o this_o reform_a church_n where_o neither_o the_o king_n majesty_n nor_o any_o in_o his_o name_n be_v present_a at_o the_o humble_a and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o the_o assembly_n his_o majesty_n gracious_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n either_o in_o his_o own_o royal_a person_n or_o by_o a_o commissioner_n not_o for_o vote_v or_o multiply_v of_o voice_n but_o as_o prince_n and_o emperor_n of_o old_a in_o a_o princely_a manner_n to_o countenance_v that_o meeting_n and_o to_o preside_v in_o it_o for_o external_a order_n and_o if_o we_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o his_o majesty_n personal_a presence_n his_o majesty_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o king_n james_n of_o bless_a memory_n will_v have_v only_o give_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o vote_v of_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o have_v call_v other_o who_o have_v not_o be_v clothe_v with_o commission_n from_o the_o church_n to_o carry_v thing_n by_o plurality_n of_o voice_n therefore_o in_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o king_n and_o his_o honour_n the_o church_n and_o her_o liberty_n this_o kingdom_n and_o her_o peace_n this_o assembly_n and_o her_o freedom_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o safety_n to_o our_o posterity_n person_n and_o estate_n we_o profess_v with_o sorrowful_a and_o heavy_a but_o loyal_a heart_n that_o we_o can_v dissolve_v this_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n follow_v 1._o for_o the_o reason_n already_o print_v anent_o the_o necessity_n of_o conveen_v a_o general_n assembly_n which_o be_v now_o more_o strong_a in_o this_o case_n see_v the_o assembly_n be_v already_o indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n do_v convene_v and_o be_v full_o constitute_v in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o audience_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o have_v real_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n and_o exhibition_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n which_o according_o be_v do_v 2._o for_o the_o reason_n contain_v in_o the_o former_a protestation_n make_v in_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o whereunto_o we_o do_v now_o judicial_o adhere_v as_o also_o unto_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n &_o covenant_n subscribe_v &_o swear_v by_o the_o body_n of_o this_o kingdom_n 3._o because_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o application_n and_o explication_n subjoin_v necessary_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n subscribe_v by_o we_o so_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o commissioner_n and_o privy_a council_n have_v urge_v many_o of_o this_o kingdom_n to_o subscribe_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v in_o a_o 1580._o and_o 1590._o and_o so_o to_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v then_o profess_v but_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o policy_n than_o registrate_n in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n &_o subscribe_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o prejudicial_a to_o these_o privilege_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n to_o dissolve_v or_o break_v up_o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n or_o to_o stop_v and_o stay_v their_o proceed_n in_o constitution_n of_o act_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n or_o execution_n of_o discipline_n against_o offender_n and_o so_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o religion_n and_o church-government_n shall_v depend_v absolute_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o prince_n 4._o because_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o pretence_n either_o by_o act_n of_o assembly_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o precede_a practice_n whereby_o the_o king_n majesty_n may_v lawful_o dissolve_v the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n far_o less_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n who_o by_o his_o commission_n have_v power_n to_o indict_v and_o keep_v it_o secundùm_fw-la legem_fw-la &_o praxim_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a his_o majesty_n prerogative_n royal_a be_v declare_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n to_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o spiritual_a office-bearer_n and_o meeting_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o ratify_v in_o parliament_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o last_o parliament_n hold_v by_o his_o majesty_n himself_o which_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n his_o majesty_n will_v never_o diminish_v or_o infringe_v be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o integrity_n by_o solemn_a oath_n give_v at_o his_o royal_a coronation_n in_o this_o kingdom_n 5._o the_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n have_v still_o enjoy_v this_o freedom_n of_o uninterrupted_a sit_v without_o or_o notwithstanding_o any_o contramand_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o all_o the_o record_n thereof_o and_o in_o special_a by_o the_o general_a assembly_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1582._o which_o be_v charge_v with_o letter_n of_o horning_n by_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o commissioner_n and_o council_n to_o stay_v their_o process_n against_o master_n robert_n montgomerie_n pretend_a bishop_n of_o glasgow_n or_o otherwise_o to_o dissolve_v and_o rise_v do_v notwithstanding_o show_v their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n by_o continue_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o without_o any_o stay_n go_v on_o in_o that_o process_n against_o the_o say_a master_n robert_n to_o the_o final_a end_n thereof_o and_o thereafter_o by_o letter_n to_o his_o majesty_n do_v show_v clear_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n have_v be_v uninform_v and_o upon_o misinformation_n prejudge_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o this_o church_n and_o do_v enact_v and_o ordain_v that_o none_o shall_v procure_v any_o such_o warrant_n or_o charge_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 6._o because_o now_o to_o dissolve_v after_o so_o many_o supplication_n and_o complaint_n after_o so_o many_o reiterared_a promise_n after_o our_o long_a attendance_n and_o expectation_n after_o so_o many_o reference_n of_o process_n from_o presbytery_n after_o the_o public_a indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o the_o solemn_a fast_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o after_o frequent_a convention_n formal_a
constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n in_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o seven_o day_n sit_v be_v by_o this_o act_n to_o offend_v god_n contemn_v the_o subject_n petition_n deceive_v many_o of_o their_o conceive_a hope_n of_o redress_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n multiply_v the_o combustion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o make_v every_o man_n despair_n hereafter_o ever_o to_o see_v religion_n establish_v innovation_n remove_v the_o subject_n complaint_n respect_v or_o the_o offender_n punish_v with_o consent_n of_o authority_n and_o so_o by_o cast_v the_o church_n loose_a and_o desolate_a will_v abandon_v both_o to_o ruin_v 7._o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o assembly_n for_o preven_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v ensue_v upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o two_o covenant_n whereas_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o first_o subscribe_v in_o 1580_o and_o 1590._o be_v a_o national_n covenant_n and_o oath_n to_o god_n which_o be_v late_o renew_v by_o we_o with_o that_o necessary_a explanation_n which_o the_o corruption_n introduce_v since_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o enforce_v which_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o act_n of_o council_n in_o september_n last_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o subscription_n and_o therefore_o for_o remove_v that_o shame_n and_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v follow_v upon_o the_o show_n of_o two_o different_a covenant_n &_o confession_n of_o faith_n in_o one_o nation_n the_o assembly_n can_v dissolve_v before_o it_o try_v find_v and_o determine_v that_o both_o these_o covenant_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o covenant_n the_o latter_a renew_v by_o we_o agree_v to_o the_o true_a genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o as_o it_o be_v subscribe_v in_o anno_fw-la 1580._o for_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n we_o the_o member_n of_o this_o assembly_n in_o our_o own_o name_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n who_o we_o represent_v and_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burgess_n and_o commons_o before_o mention_v do_v solemn_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o protest_v 1._o that_o our_o thought_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o incumbent_n to_o we_o as_o good_a christian_n towards_o god_n and_o loyal_a subject_n towards_o our_o sacred_a sovereign_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o protestation_n general_a or_o particular_a proponed_a or_o to_o be_v propon_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n or_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n may_v be_v present_o discuss_v before_o this_o general_a assembly_n be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatorie_a of_o this_o kingdom_n presumption_n and_o that_o his_o grace_n depart_v not_o till_o the_o same_o be_v do_v 3_o that_o the_o lord_n commissioner_n depart_v not_o till_o this_o assembly_n do_v full_o settle_v the_o solid_a peace_n of_o this_o church_n cognosce_v and_o examine_v the_o corruption_n introduce_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o for_o attain_v hereof_o and_o remove_v all_o just_a exception_n which_o may_v be_v take_v at_o our_o proceed_n we_o attest_v god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n false_a that_o our_o intention_n and_o whole_a proceed_n in_o this_o present_a assembly_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o church_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n our_o national_a oath_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n shall_v grant_v we_o and_o that_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n without_o any_o preoccupation_n or_o passion_n 4._o that_o if_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n depart_v and_o leave_v this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o this_o present_a disorder_n and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n that_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o keep_v this_o present_a assembly_n indict_v by_o his_o majesty_n till_o we_o have_v try_v judge_v censure_v all_o the_o by-gone_a evil_n and_o the_o introductor_n and_o provide_v a_o solid_a course_n for_o continue_v god_n truth_n in_o this_o land_n with_o purity_n and_o liberty_n according_a to_o his_o word_n our_o oath_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n and_o that_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o adhere_v hereunto_o shall_v sit_v still_o and_o continue_v in_o this_o assembly_n till_o after_o the_o final_a settle_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o matter_n it_o be_v dissolve_v by_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o 5._o that_o this_o assembly_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o obey_v as_o a_o most_o lawful_a full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o that_o all_o act_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v in_o the_o self_n and_o shall_v be_v repute_v obey_v and_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o member_n of_o this_o church_n as_o the_o action_n sentence_n constitution_n censure_n and_o proceed_n of_o a_o full_a and_o free_a general_a assembly_n of_o this_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o to_o have_v all_o ready_a execution_n under_o the_o ecclesiastical_a pain_n contain_v or_o to_o be_v contain_v therein_o and_o conform_v thereto_o in_o all_o point_n 6._o that_o whatsoever_o inconvenience_n fall_v out_o by_o impede_v molest_a or_o stay_v the_o free_a meeting_n sit_v reason_v or_o conclude_v of_o this_o present_a assembly_n in_o matter_n belong_v to_o their_o judicatorie_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n law_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o the_o observe_n and_o obey_v the_o act_n ordinance_n and_o conclusion_n thereof_o or_o execution_n to_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o who_o most_o ardent_o desire_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n to_o this_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o adherent_n who_o have_v protest_v and_o decline_v this_o present_a assembly_n in_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n not_o dare_v to_o abide_v any_o legal_a trial_n and_o by_o their_o misinformation_n have_v move_v the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n to_o depart_v and_o discharge_v this_o assembly_n be_v esteem_v repute_n and_o hold_v the_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o overthrower_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o shall_v follow_v hereupon_o and_o condign_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o realm_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o again_o and_o again_o do_v by_o these_o present_v cite_v and_o summon_v they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o compeer_n before_o this_o present_a general_a assembly_n to_o answer_v to_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o give_v in_o their_o reason_n defence_n and_o answer_n against_o the_o complaint_n give_v in_o or_o to_o be_v give_v in_o against_o they_o and_o to_o hear_v probation_n lead_v and_o sentence_n pronounce_v against_o they_o and_o conform_v to_o our_o former_a cytation_n and_o according_a to_o justice_n with_o certification_n as_o effeir_n like_a as_o by_o these_o present_v we_o summon_v and_o cyte_v all_o those_o of_o his_o majesty_n council_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v procure_v consent_v subscribe_v or_o ratify_v this_o present_a proclamation_n to_o be_v responsable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o parliament_n for_o their_o counsel_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n so_o high_o import_v his_o majesty_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n conform_v to_o the_o 12._o act._n king_n james_n 4._o parliament_n 2._o and_o protest_v for_o remedy_n of_o law_n against_o they_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 7._o and_o last_o we_o protest_v that_o as_o we_o adhere_v to_o the_o former_a protestation_n all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n burghe_n and_o commons_o so_o see_v we_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o commissioner_n his_o grace_n sudden_a depart_n far_o contrary_a to_o his_o majesty_n indiction_n and_o our_o expectation_n we_o may_v extend_v this_o our_o protestation_n and_o add_v more_o reason_n thereunto_o in_o great_a length_n and_o number_n whereby_o we_o may_v full_o clear_v before_o god_n and_o man_n the_o equity_n of_o our_o intention_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o proceed_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a premise_n the_o foresay_a person_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n aforesaid_a ask_v instrument_n this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o high_a church_n of_o glasgow_n in_o public_a
our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v so_o much_o be_v all_o of_o equal_a untruth_n with_o the_o former_a for_o neither_o have_v they_o satisfy_v the_o bishop_n reason_n propound_v in_o their_o declinator_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o commissioner_n his_o eleven_o article_n or_o demand_n and_o that_o our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o untruth_n as_o they_o themselves_o do_v know_v there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o it_o they_o affirm_v within_o a_o few_o line_n after_o that_o our_o commissioner_n do_v know_v before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o election_n of_o commissioner_n from_o presbytery_n he_o do_v know_v it_o indeed_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o and_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v know_v it_o which_o be_v immediate_o before_o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n he_o do_v sharp_o expostulate_v it_o with_o they_o and_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o will_v induce_v a_o nullity_n upon_o the_o election_n make_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o we_o will_v never_o allow_v any_o for_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n who_o be_v so_o choose_v that_o he_o have_v notice_n of_o this_o their_o intention_n by_o the_o complaint_n of_o many_o covenant_a minister_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o election_n but_o that_o he_o do_v know_v of_o any_o such_o election_n with_o approbation_n of_o they_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o he_o and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o these_o election_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v already_o a_o sufficient_a challenge_n to_o make_v that_o good_a which_o undoubted_o they_o can_v and_o where_o they_o add_v that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o assembly_n doubt_v thereof_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o many_o more_o minister_n of_o the_o assembly_n do_v grieve_v at_o it_o but_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o remedy_v it_o the_o whole_a three_o section_n be_v so_o derogatory_n to_o our_o royal_a authority_n and_o indeed_o do_v so_o unworthy_o debase_v the_o authority_n of_o monarch_n as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v answer_v any_o way_n but_o by_o justice_n for_o it_o give_v no_o more_o power_n to_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v present_a and_o sit_v at_o the_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n than_o thomas_n patterson_n a_o tailor_n of_o edinburgh_n have_v who_o sit_v commissioner_n there_o after_o they_o subjoine_v some_o reason_n for_o their_o protestation_n in_o the_o first_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o assembly_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o and_o sure_o never_o will_n then_o they_o affirm_v that_o our_o commissioner_n acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o assembly_n by_o assist_v therein_o seven_o day_n but_o they_o conceal_v that_o he_o solemn_o protest_v and_o enter_v his_o particular_a protestation_n against_o every_o thing_n they_o say_v or_o do_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o who_o protest_v against_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o than_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o all_o our_o proclamation_n and_o our_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o discharge_v of_o this_o assembly_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o protestation_n make_v against_o these_o and_o for_o our_o commissioner_n his_o exhibition_n of_o our_o royal_a declaration_n to_o be_v register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o this_o assembly_n let_v the_o reader_n remember_v the_o protestation_n before_o mention_v which_o our_o commissioner_n make_v when_o he_o do_v so_o and_o that_o scruple_n be_v quick_o remove_v their_o second_o and_o three_o reason_n be_v of_o their_o own_o fancy_n they_o have_v late_o swear_v so_o and_o to_o that_o sense_n they_o have_v explicate_v their_o covenant_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v so_o but_o they_o do_v wrong_v in_o both_o and_o therefore_o none_o must_v follow_v they_o in_o either_o for_o every_o oath_n unlawful_o take_v be_v unlawful_o keep_v their_o four_o reason_n have_v not_o one_o true_a word_n in_o it_o for_o there_o be_v law_n for_o our_o authority_n to_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n there_o be_v a_o express_a act_n of_o parliament_n which_o give_v we_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o indict_v of_o a_o assembly_n viz._n the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o 21._o parliament_n of_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o sure_a ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la whosoever_o have_v the_o power_n of_o indict_v have_v the_o power_n of_o dissolve_v they_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o precede_a practice_n for_o it_o we_o wonder_v they_o can_v or_o dare_v affirm_v it_o do_v not_o our_o royal_a father_n discharge_v that_o assembly_n at_o aberdene_n and_o when_o some_o few_o turbulent_a minister_n do_v notwithstanding_o hold_v it_o be_v they_o not_o convent_v before_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n for_o it_o who_o undoubted_o have_v punish_v they_o most_o severe_o if_o by_o their_o decline_v of_o the_o counsel_n authority_n and_o appeal_n to_o a_o general_n assembly_n they_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o act_n of_o treason_n and_o so_o by_o our_o council_n be_v turn_v over_o to_o the_o judge_n in_o criminal_a cause_n before_o who_o by_o a_o jury_n or_o assize_n they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o treason_n for_o that_o act_n of_o decline_v our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o counsel_n authority_n all_o which_o we_o touch_v a_o little_a before_o and_o that_o by_o claim_v our_o power_n to_o indict_v or_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v infringe_v the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v any_o act_n not_o consistent_a with_o the_o oath_n which_o we_o take_v at_o our_o coronation_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o be_v suggest_v in_o this_o four_o reason_n be_v most_o false_o and_o most_o seditious_o affirm_v only_o for_o draw_v away_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n from_o we_o and_o our_o government_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n for_o our_o sole_a power_n of_o indict_v assembly_n here_o follow_v a_o ratification_n of_o the_o act_n and_o conclusion_n set_v down_o and_o agree_v upon_o in_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n keep_v in_o glasgow_n in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1610._o together_o with_o a_o explanation_n make_v by_o the_o estate_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o same_o chap._n i._n the_o act_n be_v long_o and_o have_v many_o branch_n we_o only_o recite_v two_o first_o it_o confirm_v that_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o indiction_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n to_o appertain_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o royal_a crown_n and_o in_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o the_o act_n our_o royal_a father_n and_o the_o three_o estate_n do_v annul_v and_o rescind_v the_o 114._o act_n of_o the_o parliament_n hold_v in_o anno_fw-la 1592._o which_o do_v give_v some_o power_n to_o the_o general_a assembly_n in_o some_o case_n of_o themselves_o to_o indict_v a_o new_a assembly_n their_o five_o reason_n contain_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o assembly_n that_o will_v not_o stay_v a_o process_n which_o they_o have_v intend_v against_o archbishop_n montgomerie_n the_o archbishop_n of_o glasgow_n nor_o yet_o dissolve_v itself_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v charge_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o his_o council_n with_o letter_n of_o horning_n and_o rebellion_n to_o do_v one_o of_o the_o two_o a_o excellent_a argument_n because_o one_o assembly_n do_v wicked_o and_o that_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v we_o must_v do_v so_o likewise_o as_o if_o many_o year_n hence_o a_o assembly_n be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o our_o successor_n to_o dissolve_v shall_v not_o obey_v but_o allege_v for_o their_o defence_n that_o this_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n will_v not_o dissolve_v itself_o notwithstanding_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v charge_v by_o we_o to_o do_v so_o under_o pain_n of_o treason_n as_o if_o one_o unjust_a act_n can_v justify_v another_o but_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o those_o who_o do_v but_o offer_v to_o hold_v a_o assembly_n at_o aberdene_n after_o it_o be_v discharge_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n be_v first_o convent_v before_o his_o council_n and_o afterward_o severe_o punish_v for_o it_o in_o their_o six_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o seven_o reason_n they_o allege_v that_o they_o can_v rise_v until_o they_o have_v find_v our_o covenant_n and_o they_o to_o be_v all_o one_o if_o by_o their_o covenant_n they_o mean_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o covenant_n annex_v which_o be_v first_o enjoin_v by_o our_o royal_a father_n and_o twice_o
disconsolate_v subject_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o though_o unjust_o brand_v with_o many_o calumny_n yet_o never_o have_v nor_o ever_o shall_v swerve_v from_o our_o loyalty_n due_a to_o the_o lord_n anoint_a but_o will_v ready_o embrace_v any_o occasion_n to_o employ_v our_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o his_o majesty_n service_n and_o honour_n who_o we_o hearty_o pray_v god_n may_v long_o and_o happy_o ring_v over_o we_o parliament_n all_o there_o be_v annex_v to_o this_o declaration_n a_o quotation_n of_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o abolish_v in_o the_o year_n 1580._o whereunto_o albeit_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o answer_n see_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o her_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v seek_v from_o herself_o and_o the_o register_n of_o her_o assembly_n and_o not_o from_o the_o parliament_n yet_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v special_o answer_v in_o the_o order_n that_o they_o be_v allege_v after_o these_o two_o general_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o reader_n his_o consideration_n 1._o after_o the_o reformation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o kirk_n be_v still_o wrestle_v against_o all_o corruption_n and_o especial_o against_o episcopacy_n but_o though_o they_o clear_o and_o frequent_o condemn_v the_o same_o yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o reformation_n withstand_v they_o long_o so_o that_o her_o own_o policy_n can_v not_o be_v obtain_v ratify_v express_o &_o specifice_v in_o parliament_n till_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1592._o which_o abrogate_v all_o those_o proceed_v act_n allege_v in_o the_o contrare_fw-la 2._o that_o act_n of_o parliament_n can_v no_o more_o make_v ecclesiastical_a office_n nor_o give_v ecclesiastical_a privilege_n nor_o the_o act_n of_o assembly_n can_v establish_v civil_a office_n of_o estate_n or_o grant_v to_o they_o civil_a privilege_n each_o judicatorie_a be_v proper_o confine_v within_o their_o own_o sphere_n but_o before_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v particular_o mark_v and_o cite_v 1567._o there_o be_v two_o reason_n prefix_v the_o one_o take_v from_o some_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o cap._n 2.3.6_o and_o cap._n 68_o par._n 1579._o the_o other_o from_o the_o oath_n minister_v to_o the_o king_n at_o his_o coronation_n for_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o bear_v that_o no_o bishop_n nor_o other_o prelate_n in_o this_o realm_n use_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o time_n come_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n authority_n it_o be_v evident_a hereby_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v altogether_o condemn_v as_o all_o other_o prelacy_n be_v for_o before_o that_o time_n they_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o therefore_o be_v discharge_v to_o execute_v that_o they_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o act_n to_o execute_v any_o at_o all_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o act_n be_v manifest_a because_o the_o kirk_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a order_n and_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n at_o that_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v no_o other_o ordinary_a office_n bearer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o ecclesia_fw-la constituta_fw-la but_o the_o pastor_n doctor_n elder_a and_o deacon_n and_o in_o her_o assembly_n at_o that_o same_o time_n be_v still_o censure_v these_o who_o be_v call_v or_o design_v bishop_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o benefice_n as_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o act_n print_v before_o the_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o act_n of_o council_n 1560._o make_v in_o the_o same_o year_n by_o these_o same_o person_n ratify_v the_o first_o book_n of_o discipline_n they_o provide_v only_o that_o bishop_n abbot_n pryor_n etc._n etc._n be_v protestant_n brook_v their_o revenue_n during_o their_o lifetime_n they_o sustain_v minister_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n 2._o in_o the_o year_n 1566._o which_o precede_v that_o parliament_n the_o kirk_n of_o this_o kingdom_n approve_v the_o confession_n of_o helvetia_n wherein_o the_o parity_n of_o minister_n be_v prefer_v as_o god_n ordinance_n warrand_v by_o his_o word_n to_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o humane_a consuetude_n 3._o because_o at_o that_o time_n the_o queen_n have_v restore_v the_o archbishop_n of_o s._n andrews_n therefore_o the_o kirk_n supplicate_v the_o nobility_n of_o the_o kingdom_n against_o that_o restitution_n which_o they_o condemn_v as_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n once_o wound_v within_o this_o land_n wherein_o they_o express_o ground_n themselves_o upon_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n be_v before_o make_v in_o the_o year_n 1560._o as_o a_o certain_a abrogation_n of_o the_o archbishop_n authority_n 4._o in_o the_o 2._o book_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 11._o the_o kirk_n use_v the_o same_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o a_o abrogation_n of_o the_o papistical_a kirk_n and_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n and_o thereby_o of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n and_o power_n 5._o the_o kirk_n thereafter_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n declare_v their_o uniformity_n of_o this_o meaning_n by_o urge_v the_o act_n of_o parliament_n 1567._o print_v among_o the_o black_a act_n and_o renew_v in_o the_o parliament_n hold_v 1579._o which_o immediate_o follow_v the_o act_n here_o cite_v declare_v that_o no_o other_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n shall_v be_v use_v within_o this_o realm_n but_o that_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o reform_a kirk_n and_o flow_v therefrom_o and_o they_o urge_v that_o none_o under_o the_o abuse_a title_n in_o papistry_n of_o prelate_n etc._n etc._n attempt_n to_o claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n have_v no_o commission_n of_o the_o reform_v kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n whereby_o our_o kirk_n declare_v all_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n to_o be_v papistical_a which_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n his_o hirarchie_n in_o the_o short_a confession_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n can_v flow_v from_o none_o other_o but_o from_o the_o pope_n see_v it_o flow_v not_o from_o the_o kirk_n but_o be_v abolish_v and_o condemn_v by_o they_o as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o register_n of_o the_o assembly_n 6._o the_o act_n do_v abolish_v all_o papistical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o all_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n because_o episcopal_a policy_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v papistical_a as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o and_o special_o by_o doctor_n poklingtun_n chaplain_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o deduce_v a_o continual_a lineal_a succession_n from_o peter_n through_o the_o whole_a pope_n unto_o the_o present_a arch_a bishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o by_o the_o quotter_n himself_o who_o allege_v albeit_o false_o that_o this_o kirk_n retain_v the_o papistical_a policy_n and_o government_n 6._o where_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reason_n that_o our_o kirk_n do_v not_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o policy_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o kirk_n before_o the_o reformation_n the_o same_o be_v control_v by_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n first_o book_n of_o discipline_n and_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n 1567._o and_o for_o the_o 6._o act_n 1567._o and_o the_o 68_o act_n 1579._o the_o same_o do_v not_o only_o not_o mention_v bishop_n but_o declare_v the_o true_a kirk_n to_o consist_v only_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o live_v and_o these_o who_o thereafter_o shall_v rise_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o people_n as_o the_o member_n thereof_o which_o direct_o exclude_v bishop_n against_o who_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o kirk_n continual_o sound_v especial_o at_o that_o time_n for_o in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o kirk_n by_o weekly_a meeting_n of_o minister_n elder_n and_o reform_a town_n from_o the_o year_n 1560._o to_o the_o year_n 1576._o except_o the_o interim_n of_o the_o pretend_a convention_n at_o leeth_n 1572._o and_o from_o the_o year_n 1575._o to_o the_o year_n 1581._o the_o assembly_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v employ_v in_o abolish_n the_o corruption_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o in_o establish_v the_o settle_a policy_n which_o be_v agree_v upon_o 1578._o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o which_o act_n of_o assembly_n and_o book_n of_o discipline_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n anent_o that_o discipline_n as_o ground_v and_o well_o warrand_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o against_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n as_o a_o unlawful_a humane_a invention_n so_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n 1579._o the_o bishop_n disagree_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o evangel_n then_o live_v in_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o use_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v declare_v by_o the_o say_a act_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o the_o same_o act_n cite_v for_o they_o do_v sufficient_o evince_v that_o
see_v prejudice_n of_o authority_n and_o lawful_a monarchical_a government_n and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v evident_o manifest_a by_o the_o illegal_a and_o unformall_a course_n take_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o some_o of_o they_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o this_o church_n some_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n some_o long_a since_o banish_v for_o open_a and_o avow_v teach_v against_o monarchy_n other_o of_o they_o suspend_v and_o some_o admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n contrary_a to_o the_o form_n prescribe_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n other_o of_o they_o rebel_n and_o at_o the_o horn_n some_o of_o they_o confine_v and_o all_o of_o they_o by_o oath_n and_o subscription_n bind_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o by_o this_o and_o other_o their_o underhand_o work_v and_o private_a information_n and_o persuasion_n have_v give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n of_o their_o partiality_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o unfit_a judge_n of_o what_o concern_v episcopacy_n and_o all_o be_v albeit_o it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_v by_o the_o peremptory_a and_o illegal_a procedure_v of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o at_o their_o own_o hand_n by_o order_n of_o law_n and_o without_o due_a form_n of_o process_n thrust_v out_o moderatour_n lawful_o establish_v and_o place_v other_o who_o they_o find_v most_o inclinable_a to_o their_o turbulent_a humour_n associate_n to_o themselves_o for_o choose_v of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o the_o assembly_n a_o laick-eld_a out_o of_o each_o parish_n who_o be_v in_o most_o place_n equal_a if_o not_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o ministry_n make_v choice_n both_o of_o the_o minister_n who_o shall_v be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o presbytery_n as_o also_o of_o a_o laick-eld_a which_o in_o time_n will_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o import_v a_o heavy_a burden_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n and_o churchman_n be_v more_o direct_v therein_o by_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o foresay_a pretend_a table_n then_o by_o their_o own_o judgement_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a instruction_n send_v from_o they_o far_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o country_n and_o lowable_a custom_n of_o this_o church_n some_o whereof_o be_v produce_v and_o exhibit_v by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o public_o read_v one_o whereof_o direct_v to_o the_o nobleman_n and_o baron_n of_o each_o presbytery_n do_v among_o many_o other_o odd_a passage_n require_v diligence_n lest_o say_v they_o by_o our_o own_o silliness_n and_o treachery_n we_o lose_v so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n of_o our_o liberty_n both_o christian_n and_o civil_a a_o strange_a phrase_n to_o proceed_v from_o dutiful_a or_o loyal_a heart_a subject_n the_o other_o to_o the_o moderatour_n of_o the_o several_a presbytery_n under_o the_o title_n of_o private_a instruction_n august_n 27._o first_o contain_v that_o these_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v discover_v to_o none_o but_o to_o brethren_n well_o affect_v to_o the_o cause_n second_o order_n must_v be_v take_v that_o none_o be_v choose_v rule_v elder_n but_o covenanter_n and_o those_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o business_n three_o that_o where_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o well_o affect_v the_o roll_a elder_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n and_o speak_v to_o particular_o for_o that_o effect_n four_a that_o they_o be_v careful_a that_o no_o chappelman_n chapterman_n or_o minister_n justice_n of_o peace_n be_v choose_v although_o covenanter_n except_o they_o have_v public_o renounce_v or_o declare_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o their_o place_n five_o that_o the_o roll_a elder_n come_v from_o every_o church_n in_o equal_a number_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o if_o the_o minister_n oppose_v to_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n notwithstanding_o of_o any_o opposition_n sixthly_a that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o shire_n cause_n conveen_v before_o he_o the_o roll_a elder_a of_o every_o kirk_n choose_v before_o the_o day_n of_o the_o election_n and_o enjoin_v they_o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o give_v vote_n to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v name_v already_o at_o the_o meeting_n at_o edinburgh_n seventhly_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o nobleman_n in_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v choose_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o there_o be_v choose_v a_o baron_n or_o one_o of_o the_o best_a quality_n and_o he_o only_o a_o covenanter_n eighthly_a that_o the_o able_a man_n in_o every_o presbytery_n be_v provide_v to_o dispute_v de_fw-fr potestate_fw-la supremi_fw-la magistratus_fw-la in_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la in_o convocandis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a what_o prelimitation_n indirect_a and_o partial_a course_n and_o dangerous_a proposition_n have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preparation_n and_o election_n to_o this_o pretend_a assembly_n by_o which_o unlawful_a do_n although_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o have_v discharge_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o say_a assembly_n yet_o we_o be_v please_v patient_o to_o attend_v the_o same_o still_o hope_v that_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o assistance_n of_o some_o well_o affect_a subject_n who_o be_v to_o be_v there_o and_o by_o their_o own_o see_v the_o real_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o proclamation_n they_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o return_v to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o subject_n but_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o their_o turbulent_a disposition_n do_v increase_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o repair_n to_o the_o say_v pretend_a assembly_n with_o great_a troop_n and_o band_n of_o man_n all_o boddin_fw-mi in_o fear_n of_o war_n with_o gun_n &_o pistolet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n of_o our_o proclamation_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o 16._o day_n of_o novemb_n last_o and_o also_o by_o the_o peremptory_a refuse_v to_o the_o assessor_n authorize_v by_o we_o although_o few_o in_o number_n then_o our_o dear_a father_n be_v in_o use_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o vote_v in_o this_o assembly_n as_o former_o they_o have_v do_v in_o all_o other_o open_o aver_v that_o we_o nor_o our_o commissioner_n have_v no_o further_a power_n there_o then_o the_o mean_a commissioner_n of_o their_o number_n &_o by_o their_o partial_a and_o unjust_a refuse_v &_o not_o suffer_v to_o be_v read_v the_o reason_n &_o argument_n give_v in_o by_o the_o bishop_n &_o their_o adherent_n to_o our_o commissioner_n why_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o try_v and_o admit_v of_o the_o commissioner_n before_o they_o be_v hear_v though_o in_o our_o name_n they_o be_v earnest_o require_v thereto_o by_o our_o commissioner_n and_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o commissioner_n by_o warrant_n from_o we_o give_v in_o under_o his_o hand_n a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o late_a proclamation_n bear_v likeways_o our_o pleasure_n of_o the_o registration_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o book_n of_o assembly_n for_o all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n to_o all_o our_o good_a subject_n as_o do_v clear_o appear_v by_o the_o declaration_n itself_o whereof_o the_o tenor_n follow_v the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o many_o of_o his_o good_a subject_n have_v apprehend_v that_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n the_o inbr_n of_o superstition_n have_v be_v intend_v have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o service_n book_n and_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o either_o of_o they_o and_o annul_v and_o rescind_v all_o act_n of_o council_n proclamation_n and_o other_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v make_v or_o publish_v for_o establish_v they_o or_o either_o of_o they_o and_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o be_v null_a and_o to_o have_v no_o force_n nor_o effect_n in_o time_n come_v the_o king_n majesty_n as_o he_o conceive_v for_o the_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o subject_n establish_v the_o high_a commission_n that_o thereby_o justice_n may_v be_v administrate_n and_o the_o fault_n and_o error_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v make_v liable_a thereto_o take_v order_n with_o and_o punish_v with_o the_o more_o conveniency_n and_o less_o trouble_n to_o the_o people_n but_o find_v his_o gracious_a intention_n therein_o to_o be_v mistake_v have_v be_v please_v to_o discharge_v like_v as_o by_o these_o he_o do_v discharge_v the_o same_o and_o all_o act_n and_o deed_n whatsoever_o make_v for_o establish_v thereof_o and_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o urge_n of_o the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n assembly_n have_v
all_o former_a protestation_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o commons_o respectiuè_v for_o the_o time_n so_o we_o may_v have_v his_o majesty_n royal_a approbation_n to_o this_o present_a assembly_n whole_a act_n and_o constitution_n thereof_o and_o all_o our_o proceed_n and_o behaviour_n in_o this_o business_n which_o we_o assure_o expect_v from_o his_o majesty_n imbred_a piety_n justice_n and_o bounty_n notwithstanding_o the_o sinistrous_a untrue_a information_n whisper_v in_o his_o royal_a year_n in_o the_o contrary_n upon_o all_o which_o premise_n and_o protestation_n aforesaid_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o former_a make_v by_o we_o at_o glasgow_n the_o 29._o of_o november_n last_o but_o so_o far_o differ_v as_o be_v necessary_a for_o answer_v to_o the_o new_a addition_n contain_v in_o this_o proclamation_n and_o clear_v we_o of_o the_o aspersion_n wherewith_o we_o be_v change_v therein_o which_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v have_v protest_v for_o this_o liberty_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o surprisal_n one_o certain_a number_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o rank_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o name_n foresay_a ask_v instrument_n this_o be_v do_v in_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n upon_o the_o mercate_z cross_n of_o edinburgh_n the_o 18._o day_n of_o december_n finis_fw-la revise_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n by_o i_o master_n archibald_n jhonston_n clerk_n thereto_o at_o edinburgh_n 8._o jan._n 1639._o not_o long_o after_o this_o our_o proclamation_n and_o their_o protestation_n our_o commissioner_n see_v all_o thing_n tend_v to_o a_o present_a rupture_n begin_v his_o journey_n according_a to_o the_o leave_n which_o we_o have_v grant_v he_o for_o his_o return_n after_o which_o time_n and_o ever_o since_o they_o have_v throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n by_o threaten_n make_v the_o act_n of_o their_o unlawful_a assembly_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o many_o place_n have_v persuade_v the_o reception_n of_o they_o by_o force_n and_o arm_n have_v levy_v soldier_n and_o impose_v tax_n upon_o our_o subject_n for_o payment_n of_o they_o have_v require_v of_o our_o judge_n or_o lord_n of_o the_o session_n to_o approve_v their_o act_n though_o none_o of_o they_o consent_v to_o it_o have_v threaten_v and_o menace_v they_o for_o refuse_v of_o it_o have_v raise_v divers_a fortification_n in_o our_o kingdom_n have_v block_v up_o our_o castle_n and_o fort_n and_o now_o at_o last_o forcible_o take_v our_o castle_n of_o edinburgh_n have_v at_o home_o get_v their_o preacher_n most_o seditious_o and_o rebellious_o to_o teach_v our_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o carry_a arm_n against_o we_o under_o pain_n of_o perjury_n and_o damnation_n have_v scatter_v abroad_o especial_o here_o in_o england_n divers_z infamous_a libel_n justify_v their_o own_o wicked_a and_o rebellious_a course_n incite_v our_o people_n here_o to_o attempt_v the_o like_a rebellion_n and_o to_o deface_v our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n when_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o wicked_a covenant_n first_o frame_v and_o devise_v it_o and_o persuade_v other_o who_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o their_o piety_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o we_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o do_v ever_o make_v the_o seduce_a people_n acquaint_v with_o their_o intention_n of_o abolish_n episcopal_a government_n &_o introduce_v of_o lay-elder_n which_o be_v the_o only_a two_o thing_n they_o make_v the_o seduce_a people_n believe_v they_o now_o stand_v upon_o and_o we_o do_v wonder_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n find_v in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v hold_v it_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o our_o subject_n to_o take_v arm_n against_o we_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n because_o we_o will_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o abolish_v some_o thing_n which_o stand_v full_o establish_v by_o our_o law_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n of_o that_o kingdom_n and_o to_o introduce_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v interdict_v and_o prohibit_v by_o the_o same_o but_o much_o more_o have_v we_o reason_n to_o think_v our_o subject_n do_v they_o no_o whit_n believe_v that_o though_o we_o shall_v relieve_v all_o their_o grievance_n just_a or_o pretend_a as_o now_o we_o have_v do_v they_o shall_v yet_o be_v force_v to_o act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o carry_v of_o arm_n against_o we_o as_o now_o they_o be_v but_o such_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o head_n of_o all_o rebellion_n to_o engage_v their_o follower_n by_o degree_n to_o conceal_v from_o they_o their_o main_a and_o wicked_a end_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o discover_v will_v be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a until_o they_o have_v go_v on_o so_o far_o in_o follow_v their_o leader_n as_o afterward_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v by_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n leave_v and_o so_o nothing_o but_o danger_n if_o they_o shall_v offer_v to_o retreat_v the_o very_a same_o course_n have_v be_v hold_v in_o this_o rebellion_n for_o seduce_v of_o our_o subject_n of_o that_o kingdom_n the_o specious_a pretence_n use_v by_o the_o contriver_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o people_n be_v religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o be_v a_o rebellion_n ground_v upon_o the_o discontent_n of_o some_o few_o and_o the_o very_a mean_n whereby_o they_o have_v foment_v their_o factious_a way_n and_o keep_v up_o in_o our_o people_n a_o belief_n that_o they_o intend_v only_a religion_n as_o they_o pretend_v have_v be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o have_v be_v usual_o practise_v by_o other_o discontent_a mutineer_n but_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o principal_a mean_n use_v to_o foment_n this_o rebellion_n by_o the_o head_n of_o it_o have_v be_v these_o three_o first_o the_o seditious_a prayer_n and_o sermon_n of_o some_o preacher_n suborn_v by_o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n who_o make_v the_o people_n still_o believe_v that_o all_o they_o say_v be_v gospel_n and_o they_o cry_v up_o in_o their_o pulpit_n that_o covenant_n and_o most_o bitter_o exclaim_v against_o all_o opposer_n of_o it_o with_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o reproachful_a term_n they_o can_v devise_v wrought_v the_o people_n to_o a_o incredible_a good_a opinion_n of_o all_o that_o favour_v the_o covenant_n and_o a_o bad_a one_o of_o all_o those_o who_o oppose_v it_o so_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o their_o pulpit_n as_o can_v be_v relate_v without_o both_o shame_n and_o horror_n one_o of_o they_o upon_o our_o commissioner_n come_v home_o pray_v god_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o crafty_a composition_n another_o refuse_v to_o pray_v in_o the_o church_n for_o sir_n william_n nesbett_n late_a provost_n of_o edinburgh_n when_o he_o be_v lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n only_o because_o he_o have_v not_o subscribe_v the_o covenant_n another_o pray_v god_n to_o scatter_v they_o all_o in_o israel_n and_o to_o divide_v they_o in_o jacob_n who_o have_v counsel_v we_o to_o require_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o our_o authority_n many_o minister_n will_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o communion_n those_o who_o have_v not_o subscribe_v their_o covenant_n but_o in_o their_o exhortation_n before_o it_o bar_v they_o in_o express_a term_n with_o adulterer_n slanderer_n and_o blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n other_o will_v not_o suffer_v child_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o covenant_n though_o they_o be_v their_o own_o parish_n church_n but_o carry_v they_o sometime_o many_o mile_n to_o be_v baptize_v by_o covenanting-minister_n one_o preach_v that_o all_o the_o non-subscribers_a of_o the_o covenant_n be_v atheist_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o council_n and_o all_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n be_v such_o for_o none_o of_o they_o have_v subscribe_v it_o another_o preach_v that_o as_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n never_o be_v divert_v from_o his_o people_n until_o the_o seven_o son_n of_o saul_n be_v hang_v up_o before_o the_o lord_n in_o gibeon_n so_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n will_v never_o depart_v from_o that_o kingdom_n till_o the_o twice_o seven_o prelate_n which_o make_v up_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v hang_v up_o before_o the_o lord_n there_o which_o be_v extreme_a foul_a and_o barbarous_a another_o preach_v that_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v against_o they_o all_o another_o deliver_v these_o word_n in_o his_o sermon_n let_v we_o never_o give_v over_o till_o we_o have_v the_o king_n in_o our_o power_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v see_v how_o good_a subject_n we_o be_v another_o in_o his_o sermon_n deliver_v this_o that_o the_o bloody_a and_o
our_o commissioner_n sit_v in_o assembly_n shall_v deny_v our_o voice_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o to_o we_o appear_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o repugnant_a to_o our_o law_n yet_o if_o that_o shall_v be_v conclude_v by_o most_o voice_n of_o the_o assembly_n that_o then_o we_o be_v bind_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o see_v all_o these_o conclusion_n make_v in_o despite_n of_o we_o obey_v by_o all_o our_o subject_n and_o by_o our_o authority_n to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o these_o act_n and_o if_o our_o councillor_n or_o judge_n shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v the_o like_a than_o they_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o so_o be_v deprive_v not_o only_o of_o their_o place_n but_o of_o their_o estate_n a_o position_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v they_o will_v never_o gain_v the_o consent_n of_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n put_v in_o authority_n under_o they_o a_o fourteen_o position_n be_v this_o a_o assembly_n may_v abrogate_v act_n of_o parliament_n and_o discharge_v our_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o they_o if_o they_o any_o way_n reflect_v upon_o business_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o wonder_v that_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o burrowes_n can_v endure_v for_o as_o it_o do_v derogate_v principal_o from_o our_o authority_n so_o do_v it_o proportionable_o from_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o parliament_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v at_o how_o any_o man_n that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o government_n can_v endure_v it_o for_o it_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n but_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v call_v the_o high_a court_n of_o the_o kingdom_n if_o a_o general_a assembly_n may_v rescind_v the_o act_n of_o it_o and_o that_o power_n which_o may_v repeal_v one_o act_n of_o it_o may_v repeal_v more_o nay_o all_o act_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v that_o power_n and_o say_v it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n a_o fifteen_o position_n be_v this_o the_o protestation_n of_o subject_n against_o law_n establish_v whether_o it_o be_v make_v coram_fw-la judice_fw-la or_o non_fw-la judice_fw-la before_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o people_n themselves_o who_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v judge_v do_v void_a all_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n and_o discharge_v all_o the_o protester_n from_o any_o obligation_n to_o live_v under_o they_o before_o ever_o these_o protestation_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v discuss_v before_o the_o competent_a judge_n of_o they_o nay_o although_o they_o be_v repel_v by_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o they_o be_v make_v all_o which_o since_o these_o trouble_n begin_v in_o that_o kingdom_n have_v be_v usual_o practise_v by_o the_o covenanter_n who_o have_v sometime_o make_v protestation_n against_o our_o law_n before_o our_o council_n sometime_o before_o our_o commissioner_n sometime_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o our_o session_n who_o repel_v they_o all_o than_o they_o make_v they_o before_o the_o people_n their_o own_o associate_n in_o the_o public_a market-place_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v hold_v these_o protestation_n sufficient_o admit_v and_o themselves_o discharge_v from_o obedience_n to_o all_o these_o law_n against_o which_o they_o protest_v allege_v perhaps_o that_o they_o be_v unjust_o and_o undue_o enact_v which_o course_n if_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o any_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o protestation_n before_o they_o be_v discuss_v may_v discharge_v subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o law_n what_o subject_n will_v yield_v obedience_n to_o any_o law_n by_o which_o he_o find_v himself_o press_v or_o inconvenience_v when_o the_o remedy_n of_o a_o protestation_n whether_o admit_v or_o not_o admit_v be_v so_o ready_a at_o hand_n a_o sixteen_o and_o last_o position_n be_v this_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o for_o it_o 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representative_a assembly_n may_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o we_o against_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o we_o and_o our_o council_n and_o our_o judge_n declaration_n of_o it_o to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o kingdom_n choose_v some_o few_o nobleman_n gentleman_n minister_n and_o burgess_n who_o under_o the_o name_n of_o committee_n or_o commissioner_n from_o the_o general_a assembly_n to_o be_v choose_v from_o assembly_n to_o assembly_n shall_v sit_v and_o determine_v of_o thing_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o state_n as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o king_n council_n nor_o judge_n in_o the_o land_n they_o complain_v of_o a_o high_a commission_n erect_v by_o we_o and_o our_o authority_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o high_a commission_n than_o that_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o impartial_a judgement_n they_o answer_v for_o themselves_o only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v it_o as_o be_v put_v in_o authority_n by_o the_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v 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for_o they_o to_o do_v that_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o more_o tolerable_a if_o they_o do_v as_o they_o say_v but_o they_o do_v make_v good_a what_o they_o say_v by_o tell_v the_o world_n what_o they_o mean_v by_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a and_o their_o meaning_n they_o do_v express_v in_o the_o very_a term_n of_o the_o jesuit_n for_o by_o ecclesiastical_a they_o mean_v as_o their_o practice_n show_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la nay_o more_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la whatsoever_o may_v be_v think_v conducible_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o any_o spiritual_a good_a and_o yet_o more_o vast_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o which_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesiastical_a we_o will_v know_v what_o they_o have_v leave_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o cognisance_n just_o nothing_o for_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o may_v set_v the_o price_n on_o victual_n they_o may_v censure_v the_o action_n of_o all_o man_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o because_o saint_n paul_n bid_v we_o whether_o we_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v do_v it_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o true_o from_o this_o false_a and_o jesuitical_a interpretation_n of_o this_o word_n ecclesiastical_a have_v issue_v most_o of_o all_o their_o act_n of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n they_o have_v provide_v arm_n for_o our_o subject_n they_o first_o block_v up_o all_o our_o fort_n &_o castle_n and_o since_o have_v take_v they_o stop_v our_o officer_n from_o carry_v victual_n or_o ammunition_n into_o they_o they_o have_v raise_v fort_n tax_v our_o subject_n levy_a soldier_n against_o we_o not_o only_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o castle_n but_o so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v defeat_v our_o title_n to_o they_o by_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o our_o castle_n but_o the_o kingdom_n they_o have_v encroach_v upon_o the_o undoubted_a bound_n and_o mark_n of_o our_o 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and_o rebellious_o use_v our_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n when_o they_o be_v ask_v why_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n and_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o do_v they_o to_o the_o first_o they_o answer_v only_o that_o they_o do_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o religion_n may_v be_v preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n maintain_v and_o his_o glory_n increase_v who_o will_v think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v man_n find_v in_o the_o world_n who_o call_v themselves_o after_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o invocate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o dare_v profane_a and_o abuse_v the_o name_n of_o religion_n god_n and_o his_o glory_n and_o to_o entitle_v those_o glorious_a name_n to_o such_o lewd_a action_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o second_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v express_o against_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n act_n of_o council_n and_o act_n of_o general_a assembly_n they_o answer_v that_o these_o act_n of_o assembly_n be_v undue_o obtain_v and_o that_o now_o they_o have_v rescind_v they_o for_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o act_n of_o council_n they_o express_v great_a wonder_n and_o admiration_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v question_v their_o authority_n over_o they_o for_o that_o question_n they_o use_v to_o answer_v with_o another_o of_o their_o own_o viz._n whether_o any_o man_n do_v hold_v christ_n or_o we_o to_o be_v supreme_a and_o be_v answer_v that_o christ_n be_v supreme_a than_o they_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v his_o council_n must_v likewise_o be_v supreme_a that_o the_o parliament_n be_v but_o the_o council_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o our_o privy_a counsellor_n and_o judge_n be_v but_o the_o council_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o king_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o independent_a counsellor_n of_o and_o judge_n under_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o all_o king_n and_o kingdom_n and_o that_o therefore_o in_o all_o cause_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v his_o church_n they_o be_v supreme_a and_o independent_a above_o we_o our_o parliament_n our_o council_n our_o judge_n and_o that_o if_o our_o counsellor_n or_o judge_n do_v not_o obey_v their_o commandment_n they_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o say_v it_o they_o may_v proceed_v against_o we_o with_o the_o same_o sentence_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a king_n as_o much_o as_o our_o counsellor_n and_o judge_n do_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o judge_n these_o furious_a frenzy_n have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o anabaptist_n madness_n reign_v in_o germany_n in_o charles_n the_o five_o his_o time_n which_o be_v most_o strong_o and_o vehement_o oppose_v by_o the_o protestant_a prince_n who_o adhere_v to_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o if_o luther_n and_o melancthon_n who_o god_n use_v as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o reform_v the_o abuse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o in_o their_o sermon_n lecture_n in_o the_o university_n and_o public_a write_n which_o they_o publish_v stout_a champion_n against_o they_o and_o thereby_o have_v draw_v all_o protestant_n to_o detest_v and_o persecute_v they_o undoubted_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v about_o the_o same_o time_n when_o these_o anabaptist_n rage_v most_o in_o their_o madness_n have_v labour_v and_o suffer_v extreme_o under_o the_o scandal_n of_o their_o frenzy_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v attend_v and_o look_v after_o the_o issue_n of_o that_o reformation_n and_o yet_o these_o same_o foolery_n and_o frenzy_n be_v daily_o act_v by_o these_o who_o call_v themselves_o commissioner_n of_o the_o table_n and_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n of_o their_o pamphlet_n and_o protestation_n with_o the_o title_n of_o irrefragable_a undeniable_a convince_a unquestionable_a sunshine_n truth_n and_o twenty_o more_o such_o false_a impudent_a epithet_n as_o one_o will_v wonder_v from_o whence_o they_o fetch_v the_o face_n that_o can_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o say_v so_o when_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o shall_v read_v they_o upon_o the_o very_a first_o view_n or_o read_n must_v discern_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o step_n or_o shadow_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o we_o confess_v we_o be_v amaze_v at_o and_o aggrieve_v with_o their_o horrible_a impudence_n express_v in_o their_o last_o petition_n send_v unto_o we_o in_o which_o they_o do_v invocate_v the_o name_n of_o god_n call_v he_o not_o only_o as_o a_o witness_n but_o as_o a_o approver_n of_o their_o action_n at_o their_o pretend_a assurance_n of_o our_o justification_n of_o they_o all_o when_o they_o undoubted_o know_v that_o we_o do_v abhor_v and_o detest_v they_o all_o as_o rebellious_a and_o treasonable_a at_o their_o shameless_a asseveration_n of_o their_o confidence_n that_o their_o neighbour_n church_n will_v approve_v all_o their_o proceed_n that_o they_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v offend_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o lenity_n when_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o deposition_n and_o excommunication_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o their_o opposer_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a of_o that_o power_n which_o ever_o any_o church_n do_v yet_o challenge_v to_o itself_o and_o many_o more_o such_o audacious_a untruth_n which_o after_o we_o once_o hear_v read_v we_o resolve_v never_o to_o answer_v and_o now_o do_v answer_v it_o only_o thus_o that_o in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o one_o true_a word_n to_o say_v nothing_o
none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o yet_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n whether_o our_o refuse_v of_o the_o intrusion_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o the_o extrusion_n of_o episcopal_a government_n can_v be_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n a_o sufficient_a warrant_n or_o ground_n for_o his_o take_a arm_n against_o his_o lawful_a king_n and_o sovereign_a for_o now_o their_o very_a leader_n acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v give_v they_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o rest_n make_v these_o two_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o their_o arm_n and_o we_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o most_o of_o our_o subject_n covenanter_n if_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n at_o the_o first_o they_o do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o take_v arm_n against_o we_o for_o these_o two_o point_n of_o lay-elder_n and_o episcopal_a government_n if_o they_o shall_v receive_v satisfaction_n from_o we_o in_o their_o other_o grievance_n and_o fear_v innovation_n as_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v we_o be_v confident_a that_o no_o such_o matter_n be_v then_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o thought_n we_o then_o have_v full_o remove_v those_o pretend_a fear_n which_o occasion_v their_o covenant_n we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o our_o seduce_a subject_n will_v return_v to_o their_o former_a obedience_n but_o for_o their_o seducer_n we_o know_v that_o some_o of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a first_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n this_o grand_a imposture_n and_o calumny_n with_o the_o other_o three_o be_v remove_v we_o will_v now_o declare_v full_o and_o free_o to_o all_o our_o subject_n of_o our_o three_o kingdom_n and_o to_o all_o foreigner_n beside_o the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n which_o do_v enforce_v we_o at_o this_o time_n to_o use_v force_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o the_o insolence_n of_o such_o of_o our_o subject_n in_o that_o kingdom_n as_o shall_v stand_v out_o against_o we_o 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who_o do_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o religion_n now_o establish_v among_o they_o that_o so_o we_o be_v not_o force_v to_o draw_v our_o sword_n of_o justice_n against_o any_o of_o they_o which_o in_o case_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n how_o unwilling_o we_o shall_v do_v we_o call_v the_o king_n of_o king_n to_o witness_v but_o if_o nothing_o else_o will_v serve_v it_o must_v be_v and_o their_o blood_n will_v rest_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n finis_fw-la imprint_v by_o robert_z young_z his_o majesty_n printer_n for_o scotland_n anno_fw-la 1639._o the_o high_a &_o mighty_a monarch_n charles_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n &_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n faith_n observe_v that_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n consider_v this_o this_o and_o yet_o these_o bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o england_n be_v the_o very_a same_o man_n who_o compile_v the_o english_a service_n book_n which_o the_o covenanter_n have_v print_v and_o preach_v to_o be_v stuff_v full_a of_o idolatry_n superstition_n and_o popery_n popery_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o council_n never_o promise_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v remove_v from_o the_o table_n but_o only_o that_o they_o will_v make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o their_o petition_n petition_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o a_o offence_n to_o god_n to_o thrust_v man_n out_o of_o their_o place_n before_o they_o be_v try_v try_v and_o yet_o afterward_o in_o their_o last_o instruction_n they_o enjoin_v the_o several_a commissioner_n to_o bring_v assessor_n with_o they_o who_o be_v to_o have_v no_o voice_n in_o the_o assembly_n assembly_n the_o contrary_n be_v most_o true_a true_a our_o commissioner_n never_o hear_v any_o argument_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o can_v convince_v a_o child_n child_n our_o commissioner_n never_o accept_v of_o it_o nor_o conceive_v it_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o any_o any_o it_o do_v most_o evident_o tend_v to_o the_o 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many_o year_n since_o for_o teach_v his_o scholar_n in_o his_o lecture_n upon_o aristotle_n that_o monarchical_a government_n be_v unlawful_a now_o for_o this_o man_n to_o be_v make_v by_o they_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o prime_a university_n of_o that_o our_o kingdom_n whether_o we_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o endure_v it_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z there_o be_v no_o divine_a commandment_n in_o scripture_n nor_o example_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o subscribe_v any_o confession_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n if_o he_o be_v a_o christian._n four_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o declaration_n declaration_n the_o lord_n of_o council_n do_v take_v and_o be_v to_o take_v this_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o in_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o we_o who_o command_v it_o and_o therefore_o any_o act_n of_o council_n for_o their_o explanation_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o it_o be_v unjust_o affirm_v that_o 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